FACT Abu Dhabi August 2018 by Fact ME

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Where food means family.

Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl 02 510 1205 | www.verso.ae @ThePodiumAbuDhabi

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14 31 55 LISTEN UP

ARTS EXHIBITION

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

CONTENTS

69 87 94 FASHION FOCUS

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

SPA & WELLNESS

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• THE EDITOR

Creativity Celebrated

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The most seductive thing about art is the personality of the artist himself. - Paul Cezanne

ith all that’s going on in the world, isn’t it lovely to have a place amidst all the noise to call home? Right in the centre of the globe, the Gulf has become a sanctuary for many expats and travellers with the UAE being known for its warm hospitality and, most of all, its celebration and support of the arts community. This month’s beautiful cover image comes courtesy of DCT Abu Dhabi and belongs to the super talented Sadie Sulaiman. It’s just one of the few wonderful works that is part of a wider community arts exhibition in Al Qattara Arts Centre, currently on display throughout summer. Why is it so important to give local and UAE-based artists a platform to share their work? In my opinion, the freedom of creativity and expression through art is one of the most healing and cathartic experiences - whether you’re the artist or the viewer - there is something about colours, textures, and concepts that make people think deeply, have conversations with strangers and create opportunities for cool collaborations and new friendships. And who doesn’t want more of this positivity around them? I sure do. Turn to p31 and marvel some of the great pieces on show before you plan a visit and check them out in person. For many, the summer is a time to escape to more satisfying climates, so this month’s Globetrotter comes straight from Madrid (p48) whilst those who want to keep things local should consider the simply serene St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort for a staycation that is total goals (p55). We also highlight what could potentially be the Eid Getaway from heaven - a stay at The Residence Zanzibar (p60) - the choice is all yours. Dining goes full-on 5-star this month with our food features highlighting the brand new Italian, Verso (p83), a steak favourite, The Forge (p87) and authentic eats at Mezlai (p91). You’ll also find a host of new activities, summer camp fun, dining deals, and experiences to tick off the list before the back-to-school rush begins. Who says that August has to be the month of the summer slump? Not here. As long as you’ve got your copy of FACT, there’s something new to do every day!☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com Insta: @shabs_a 4

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FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition • AUGUST 2018 VOLUME 05, ISSUE 02 CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANGELA BEITZ ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT COVER IMAGE COURTESY OF DCT ABU DHABI SADIE SULAIMAN CONTRIBUTORS DAVID TAPLEY AMAL SALAMEH PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TAPLEY PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES DIRECTOR EDWARD SMITH SALES COORDINATOR KIA MARIE PLACIDO ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES angela@ohlala-magazine.com PRINTED BY UNITED PRINTING PRESS

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. FZ-LLC cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O. Box 769328, Abu Dhabi, UAE License Number: D.L. 361/17/A

Brunch In The Clouds 5th Anniversary Celebration Special This summer, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is celebrating an exceptional five-year presence in the capital. Celebrate the Occasion with us and Live Exquisite, elevate your brunch experience to new heights. Discover an exclusive monthly affair for up to 50 guests in the world’s highest suspended suite, 220 meters high in the sky. Explore two floors of the Abu Dhabi Suite, with breathtaking panoramic views while discovering exquisite culinary delights in each room. You are invited to experience the elegance of the city’s most talked about suite, featuring three opulent bedrooms, a private cinema and bar as well as the chance to indulge in shoulder massages and manicures in the private spa.

17th August 2018, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. fact magazine @stregishotels

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Your one-stop culture fix for life in Abu Dhabi | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Abu Dhabi in local supermarkets now!

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The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life of our souls. - Pablo Picasso

ISSUU.COM FACT Abu Dhabi 73,267 reads of the July issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Abu Dhabi.

OUR FAVE FEATURE • ARTS EXHIBITION P31 •

#FACTMAGAZINE #FACTMIDDLEEAST #FOODARTSCULTURETRAVEL #THEONLYWAYISFACT 6

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FACT FINDS

Only at the Palace HAKKASAN ABU DHABI HAS INTRODUCED A BRAND NEW SELECTION OF ONE-OFF DISHES AND COCKTAILS TO THEIR POPULAR ONLY AT MENU.

THE RECENTLY LAUNCHED Only At menu offers unique new additions at Hakkasan Abu Dhabi including Atlantic scallop, Wagyu beef salad, Dover sole fish and Orange crème cheese. Cocktails include the Clove 88, Nashi Fizz and Royal Zong Lu. Inspired by ingredients and flavours inherent to these regions, the Only At dishes and cocktails showcase local influences and expertise to create a unique collection. All ten Hakkasan restaurants will feature a selection of small eats, main dishes, desserts and cocktails that will form the innovative Only At collection. These menus change twice a year and have a strong emphasis on seasonality, highlighting the originality of each Hakkasan restaurant around the world. Established in 2001 in London, Hakkasan now has 10 restaurants around the world located in the United States, Europe, Middle East, India and Asia. Hakkasan offers guests a world-class culinary experience helmed by Michelinstarred chefs: Executive Head Chef Tong Chee Hwee and International Executive Chef Ho Chee Boon. The menu is a modern interpretation of authentic Cantonese cuisine, using the finest ingredients and expert techniques to create timeless yet innovative signature dishes. ✤ 8

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GO: VISIT HAKKASAN ABU DHABI AT EMIRATES PALACE. CALL (0)2 690 7739 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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SUMMER CAMP FUN BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI The Beach Club in the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi is currently hosting a fun-filled summer kid’s camp until August 30. Children can enjoy an array of exciting games and activities that will keep them active and engaged during the hot days! Running from Sunday to Thursday, kids aged between five and 12-years-old can take part in arts and crafts, swimming pool games, talent shows, boot camp, junior chef and much more. Starting from AED800, including lunch and a t-shirt, the camp is open from 8am to 3pm for Beach Club members as well as non-members, however children can also be dropped off earlier or picked up later while still under supervision. The Beach Club has also partnered with Al Mahara Diving Centre, which is located in the hotel, where kids aged between six and 15-years-old can enjoy a Marine Summer Camp from Sunday to Wednesday with water sports, beach games, workshops and more. Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 to 18-year-olds can partake in scuba-diving lessons from 8am to 1pm. With so many choices of cool activities, this is one summer camp that will provide long-lasting memories and hours of enjoyment for your little ones! ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 697 9302 OR EMAIL: BODYLINES.BEACH@ ROTANA.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

HILTON ABU DHABI The moment that children in Abu Dhabi have been waiting for all year has arrived. This year, the summer camp at Hilton Abu Dhabi returns with a whole new range of fun activities for kids. The Summer Kids Camp runs daily until August 31 from 9am until 3pm. Priced at AED190 for daily bookings and AED850 for weekly bookings, the summer camp welcomes children aged four to 12-years-old to the extensive Hiltonia shore for a full day of spirited activities including treasure hunts and aqua gym sessions. The kids can enjoy a game of beach tennis, volleyball and football or compete in a variety of races and obstacle courses in addition to child-friendly water sports. The team at Hilton Abu Dhabi will also organise day trips to popular destinations like the Heritage Village. For those who prefer indoor activities, there is also a selection of exciting arts and crafts sessions. Snacks and lunch will be provided daily. Members of Hiltonia Beach Club can get a discount of 15% on the summer camp rates. Ideal for kids who want to stay active throughout summer! ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 692 4324 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 10

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SUPERHEROES KIDS’ CAMP Presenting an engaging schedule of activities, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort will keep your children entertained during the long summer holiday.

THE POPULAR CITY centre hotel is running its annual summer camp until August 30 on weekdays. The hotel’s experienced team has created an attractive programme offering Abu Dhabi children a fun-filled, enriching experience. Kids can escape modern technology and develop interests in a variety of sport and outdoor activities. Leaving TV, video games and iPads behind, children can enjoy beach activities, swimming pool games, water sports, squash and tennis lessons, football, Zumba, fitness, different arts and crafts and even an island trip. In a picturesque resort setting with a child-friendly atmosphere, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort is a spectacular choice for young ones. Operated by the professional team, children can take part in new adventures. A delicious lunch is included daily. Parents will be gifted with a complimentary pool and beach pass every day when their child attends the camp. The camp will run from 9am until 2pm and is suitable for kids between the ages of four and 14. The hotel offers various packages; to those who are ready to commit for one whole month and to those who just want to book it daily or weekly. Daily rate is AED180; five days cost is AED850, whilst the monthly rate is AED3000 per child. Discount applies to families who are members of the hotel’s Health Club. Moreover, siblings discount can be availed as follows: 15% off the second and 20% off the third child. ✤ 12

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GO: CALL (0)2 697 0272 OR EMAIL SHERATON.RESORT@ SHERATON.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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ZOO LIFE Emirates Park Zoo & Resort promises more exciting activities for kids this summer as they unveil their summer camp activities. THE CAMP PROGRAMME offers a mixture of various activities and adventures through education, fun and unique experiences that will stimulate and encourage the child’s mind and body towards developing a healthier lifestyle. With more free time during school break, a summer camp programme is the perfect way for kids to spend their holiday. This event helps children unplug from technology and explore all that the camp has to offer, bringing in personal growth, creating new bonds and friendships, enhancing leadership skills, and most importantly, creating new memories. The activities will feature several zoo adventures, including animal encounters and interactions, educational programs, drumming, drawing, painting, martial arts, badminton, table tennis, dancing, video games, programming, electronics, and robotics. The camp itinerary will also highlight life survival skills, first aid training, safety and security, nutrition, and the seven values by H.H Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, former Ruler of UAE, in honor of his legacy. Naima Mahmoudi, Marketing Manager of Emirates Park Zoo, said: “Enrolling your child in summer camp is a great opportunity to keep their minds and bodies active even during their holidays. This programme will also educate the children about the wildlife nature, their responsibilities and allowing them to develop essential social skills with the other fellow campers. “We have been working really hard on planning out each and every activity for the camp to ensure the best experience for the children, and we are positive they will have a great time” she added. 14

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Priced at only AE 199 daily and AED800 weekly, the summer camp programme will run until August 31 from Sunday to Thursday, 8am to 2pm. You can sign the kids (aged four to 14) up through the zoo’s website, at the entrance of the zoo, or by simply dropping an email. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 501 0000 OR VISIT WWW.EMIRATESPARK.AE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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HERITAGE EXPERIENCE Pearl Diving was, and still remains, a monumental part of the UAE’s history and heritage, being the most successful trade of its time. Now, there’s a place in town that lets you relive the past in the future… YAS MARINA IS running, for the very first time, a unique and adventures experience in the Arabian waters – Serdal Pearl Diving Expedition. This new addition to the extensive activity portfolio at Yas Marina will enhance participant’s knowledge and understanding of the UAE’s rich pearling heritage. Learn about how the divers went out to sea in search of the most glittering pearls and returned with the treasures to trade. The Serdal Pearl Diving instructors will act as stewards and torchbearers of classic Emirati traditions, transmitting cultural legacy to the next generation through educational storytelling and Arabic songs. To complete the enlightening day, all participants will be gifted with an authentic Arabian pearl – what more can you ask for in a keepsakes? ✤

What: Pearl diving, storytelling and songs including light refreshment Group size: 10 to 30 pax Price: AED500 per adult; AED250 per children aged 8 to 12– years-old. Free for children under the age of 8.

CALL (0)54 445 5515 OR EMAIL EMEG.RESPONSES@ GMAIL.COM TO BOOK AN EXPEDITION OR FOR MORE INFORMATION. 16

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JUMEIRAH BLISS Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort will open its doors on November 11, bringing a breath of fresh air and understated luxury to the shores of Abu Dhabi. SURROUNDED BY NATURAL beauty, this contemporary beachfront resort occupies a stunning location on Saadiyat Island, overlooking 400 metres of protected sand dunes lapped by turquoise waters. Just 10 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport, Saadiyat Island is undergoing a remarkable transformation into a world-class leisure, cultural and residential destination, eventually housing the world’s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets. These will include Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the Zayed National Museum and the Louvre Abu Dhabi, which opened last year to international acclaim. Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort’s prime location on the island results in an experience where world class art and culture seamlessly cohabit with mangroves, dolphins and turtles - the original ‘guests’ of Saadiyat Island. In keeping with its location, the 293 room hotel values sustainable tourism and will be free of plastic straws and single-use plastics bottles. General Manager, Linda Griffin, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort said: “This resort is a place like no other, located footsteps from one of the most beautiful protected beaches in the Arabian Gulf. Every aspect of the resort’s design and intended guest experience has been influenced by the beauty of this location,” she continued. “Guests can embrace sunrise yoga, find a secluded spot to watch the sunset, or relax in one of three infinity swimming pools that merge into the sand dunes and, during the turtle nesting season, there will be a 18

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special opportunity to see the Hawksbill ‎turtles on the 9km sweeping beachfront. This will be island life at its best.” The property’s 293 rooms include eight villas with private pools, 64 suites and six panoramic suites offering floor-toceiling glass walls which can open-up to take advantage of the sea breeze. Guests can enjoy expansive sea views or extended patios and outdoor space from the rooms which overlook the pristine, unspoilt beach and tranquil waters. Throughout the resort the stylish contemporary architecture is decorated with marine themed touches that bring the outside world to life. The spa is centred around a grand Moroccan Hamman, which will enrich the body and mind with a cleansing ritual that has been celebrated for centuries. 14 treatment rooms, hydrotherapy pools, a steam room, a salt room and a traditional Arabic Rasul room also feature, and a VIP couple’s spa suite has a private entrance. Four spa villas allow guests to be pampered in their own villa. An impressive eight food and beverage outlets will also call the hotel home as well as fabulous meeting rooms and mesmerising grounds – we can’t wait to explore. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 501 0000 OR VISIT WWW.EMIRATESPARK.AE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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MASTERPIECE REVEALED Salvator Mundi, a masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, will be unveiled to the public at Louvre Abu Dhabi on September 18. ACQUIRED BY THE Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) in 2017, Salvator Mundi is one of fewer than 20 known surviving paintings by the Italian Renaissance master, one of history’s greatest and most renowned artists, and is his final work to enter into a cultural institution’s collection. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, said: “The Salvator Mundi highlights the inclusive nature of Louvre Abu Dhabi’s narrative and Abu Dhabi’s mission to promote a message of acceptance, and openness. It is an opportunity for Abu Dhabi’s residents and visitors from around the world to engage with a rare and iconic work of great cultural significance at Louvre Abu Dhabi. “Lost and hidden for so long in private hands, Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece is now our gift to the world. It belongs to all of us, who will have the chance to stand before it, and bear witness to the mastery of one of the most significant artists in living history,” he continued. “His innovative breaks from the artistic standards of his day have guided generations of artists since. He is among the most influential artists in history, having left a significant legacy not only in the realm of art but in science as well, each discipline informing his mastery of the other,” he added. “Today, no name better seems to symbolise the Renaissance age than Leonardo da Vinci. His Salvator Mundi represents an important chapter in the history of art, and offers a fullyrounded view of his artistic output. It will play a significant role in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s curatorial narrative, representing 20

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a critical moment of historical change that illuminates social evolution at that time”. As the ultimate symbol of the Renaissance, da Vinci’s seemingly infinite curiosity was equalled only by his power of invention. His genius lay in his ability to connect science and anatomy, geology, math, engineering, architecture, theatre, optics, and dozens of other disciplines. In Salvator Mundi, da Vinci’s knowledge of optics is evident in the representation of the orb. It is rendered with beautiful scientific precision, even including the jagged bubbles visible on the bottom right that have the irregular shape of the tiny gaps in crystal that are known as inclusions. Dating from around 1500, Salvator Mundi is an oil on panel painting, executed onto a walnut panel, depicting a halflength figure of Christ as Saviour of the World, facing the viewer, and dressed in flowing robes of lapis and crimson. The figure holds a crystal orb in his left hand as he raises his right hand in benediction. After its unveiling at the Louvre Abu Dhabi in September, the Salvator Mundi is scheduled to be loaned to Musée du Louvre in Paris, where it will form part of the Leonardo da Vinci exhibition which will run from October 24, 2019 to February 24, 2020. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.LOUVREABUDHABI.AE/ FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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RACE WEEK BERTHING Yas Marina has unveiled berthing rates and packages for the 10th anniversary of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. YACHT OWNERS ARE welcomed to celebrate the milestone anniversary, viewing the race in style on the glistening waters of Yas Marina. Early berthing registrations are recommended and highly encouraged to avoid missing out on this ultimate, thrilling weekend. From November 22 to 25, the UAE’s event of ten years welcomes sports fans and glamorous crowds from around the world. Those looking to be part of the action can now register to secure front row seats on the water, in close proximity to the track. Yas Marina’s world-class venue boasts 227 berths and can accommodate yachts from 8m to 150m, with rates starting from AED13,808 for non-track view and AED32,727 for track views. The venue has played host to some of the biggest and most luxurious super yachts in the world as well as the biggest racing stars and celebrities. Berthing packages include a wide range of attractive benefits including, Yas Marina guest passes, which provide access to stunning trackside pontoons and post-race concerts. The celebratory ten year event is gearing up to be an unforgettable spectacle, with initial acts announced, Grammy Awardswinning, multi-platinum-selling The Weekend, and renowned, iconic rock band, Guns and Roses. Mega pop star, British singer and songwriter Sam Smith will hit the stage on November 25, performing some of his greatest hits for the first time in the UAE. Newly appointed, Billy Canellas, General Manager at Yas Marina, said: “This year’s special 10th anniversary of the 22

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, is gearing up to be better than ever, promising an unrivalled exhilarating sporting event followed by glamorous after-parties at our award-winning venues. “Following the increasing annual berthing demand shown in recent years, we highly recommend early expression of interest for F1 devotees and yacht owners to avoid disappointment. Interest can be registered through our convenient online portal, as berth spots, including those with coveted track-views, are secured on a first come, first served basis,” he added. Yas Marina becomes the epicenter of Abu Dhabi’s social scene during F1, offering an unparalleled experience. The promenade is home to a range of licensed restaurants and lounges, and welcomes an electrifying atmosphere with race weekend live entertainment, pop-up venues and dazzling after parties. Catering to all tastes with cuisine ranging from savory Mediterranean to classic American, and simple Italian food made to perfection, guests are spoilt for choice and may even catch a glimpse of their favourite celebrities in the crowd. Race weekend berth packages are available from November 18 to 25, captains and crew can take advantage of the turnkey solutions that Yas Marina provides over the race weekend, allowing yacht owners to soak up the ambience and enjoy the race. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.YASMARINA.AE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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FOODIE FINDS Just some of our favourite August dining picks…

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI Eid Al Adha Brunch: Let the team at Café Palmier whisk you away on a magical ride of wonderful food, endless bubbles and mystical theatre on this special occasion of Eid Al Adha. The four-day brunch is available August 21 to 24 for AED240 with soft beverages, AED375 with house grape and hops, and AED500 with bubbly. Priced at AED120 for kids aged six to 12-years-old. Served from 1pm to 4pm. GO: CALL (0)2 674 2020 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

KHALIDIYA PALACE RAYHAAN BY ROTANA Eid Al Adha: Celebrate Eid Al Adha and spend some quality time with your family and friends on this special occasion. At Horizon Restaurant, indulge in a fabulous feast filled with all sorts of international and traditional food and sweets on August 24. Try the lavish brunch buffet inclusive of selected beverages from 12.30pm to 4pm for only AED185 net per person. The little ones will have their own corner with special sweets and treats, a playhouse and a bouncy castle. Kids aged five and below dine for free. Kids aged six to 12 get a 50% discount. Yum! GO: CALL (0)2 657 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI A Taste of Pan Asian Cuisine: Cho Gao, (meaning ‘rice market’ in Vietnamese), pairs creative Pan Asian cuisine with culinary expertise to deliver legendary signature dishes in a chic and stylish waterfront setting, overlooking the marina. Every Wednesday, indulge in unlimited sushi with a flask of sake or two glasses of cava, red vino or white vino, all for a cool AED125++++. From 7pm to 11.30pm. Throughout August, tuck into the Korean Table Top promotion and get your chopsticks ready! Korean á la carte delights are available to savour for those looking to expand their palate and try something new. AED125++++. From 6pm to 11pm. GO: CALL 800 423 463 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 24

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SOUTHERN SUN ABU DHABI Filaments Afternoon Tea: More tea? Yes please. Enjoy traditional Afternoon Tea for two at Filaments, priced at an exclusive AED99 for two – a limited time offer that you don’t want to miss. Served daily between 3pm and 6pm, treat yourself to a relaxing afternoon, sampling some of the best international delicacies, accompanied by world-renowned teas. What better excuse to bring a friend along? ✤ GO: CALL (0)2 818 4888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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HELLO, L’ETO The Galleria on Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi has added the contemporary all-day dining café and restaurant, L’ETO, to its already impressive portfolio of F&B brands within The Dining Collection. STAYING TRUE TO its’ roots, the quirky main entrance of L’ETO at The Galleria features library shelves of traditional British novels which continues as a theme throughout the interior design. Upon entering, diners will be impressed by the white marble interior, charming Swarovski crystal green chandeliers and antiques, as well as the soothing green foliage, and relaxing sofas ideal to lounge in over a coffee. For those wishing to savour the spectacular views of the Abu Dhabi skyline, there is an inviting outdoor area which will be perfect for al fresco dining in the cooler winter months. L’ETO marks the continued expansion of The Dining Collection, which is at the heart of The Galleria, Abu Dhabi’s premium dining destination. The restaurant will be joining family and casual cafes such as Eat Greek Kouzina, Gossip Café & Desserts, Nolu’s, Godiva Chocolatier, Café Bateel and Leopold’s of London. The fine dining restaurants include Zuma, COYA Abu Dhabi, Nusr-Et, La Petite Maison and 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant creating a truly unique collective of culinary concepts. L’ETO Abu Dhabi is led by Head Chef, Carmen Landsberg, who is an energetic and forward-thinking chef, with a wealth of experience in creating delicious and stylishly presented homemade food. Carmen comments, “We are thrilled that the doors to our Abu Dhabi flagship are open, and that we are now serving our delicious offerings within the Capital’s most sought after dining destination. A restaurant opening is always fun and exciting, it involves a lot of hard work and is filled with 26

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challenges. Building the team, teaching new skills, and finally seeing everyone working and serving together, is an amazing experience to be a part of – it is a feeling that can only be experienced, not described.” Born in the bustling streets of Soho, London, L’ETO Abu Dhabi is a unique destination for cakes, pastries, breads, mouthwatering meals, healthy salads and hearty breakfasts. The eatery prides itself on welcoming diners from across the globe, with friendly customer service, fresh, homemade cuisine, spectacular displays of food, and a flavoursome children’s menu. Hungry? L’ETO can fix it! ✤

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EID AT THE GALLERIA The capital’s luxury shopping and dining destination has an exciting schedule of activities during the Eid Al Adha holiday… THE GALLERIA ON Al Maryah Island is welcoming residents and visitors to celebrate Eid Al Adha with an array of familyfriendly activities for all to enjoy. The luxury shopping and dining hub will be transformed into the destination of choice to enjoy cultural activities during one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar. Commencing on August 20 to 24, The Galleria welcomes the local community and visitors to the city, from 3pm until 9pm each day. During the five-day event, visitors can relax in the Arabian tent, located in front of the newly opened L’ETO café, and sample the traditional coffee and dates on offer. Next to the hospitality tent, guests will receive personalised Arabic calligraphy samples, as well as bespoke sand bottle art. To add extra excitement to the first three days of Eid Al Adha, ayyalah performances will captivate visitors in the Great Room on Level 1 and will officially open the much-anticipated celebrations. Guaranteed to keep children entertained, there is a busy schedule of fun arts and crafts located on Level 2, in front of Magnolia Bakery. To continue the creative theme, guests can also experience complimentary henna applications located on Level 1, in front of Almaz by Momo. There really is something cool for every one! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.THEGALLERIA.AE OR FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA @THEGALLERIAUAE, #THEGALLERIAUAE FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• HOSPITALITY FOCUS

THE DREAM

TEAM

INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI, ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST ICONIC HOSPITALITY DESTINATIONS, HAS WELCOMED A NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM OF SIX DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS, EACH TAKING ON THE HELM OF THE HOTEL’S CULINARY BRANDS.

he InterContinental Abu Dhabi dining offerings are renowned in the city; with six award-winning restaurants open for business. For 38 years, the iconic landmark has showcased a wide range of fine international cuisine, with lively and interactive experiences. Various accolades include, three distinguished FACT Dining Awards for Favourite Italian Restaurant 2018 (Circo), Best Lebanese Restaurant 2018 for Byblos Sur Mer and Nest Newcomer 2018 for the Pan-Asian addition Cho Gao Marina Walk – supporting a proven reputation of excellence that surpasses expectations. InterContinental Abu Dhabi proudly presents its new and energetic professionals as its management team. Six young, dedicated personalities will embody the culinary concepts and support the everevolving high expectations of guests. Circo – Lorenzo Monaco Originating from Rome and having built a passionate career in Italy, Lorenzo will be the emblem of traditional Italian lifestyle, synonymous with the Circo experience. Circo offers cuisine centred around Tuscany yet celebrating Italy, served with flare in a lively setting. Lorenzo is supported by Chef Andrea Pastore from Puglia in South Italy to offer a truly authentic dining experience, only at Circo. Chamas Churrascaria – Marcus Felipe Main Veiguinha A global citizen hailing from Portugal, Marcus welcomes guests with an impressive array of languages. His energy, charm and effervescent personality shine through the whole team to bring you a wonderful experience of both food and service in the colourful carnival style that is Brazil. Chef Wanderson from Brazil brings the real Churrascaria experience to life at Chamas, using his special meat marination that gives the delicious and authentic taste. Belgian Café – Peter Van Den Berg Peter joins the city’s leading hangout amongst locals, expats, and tourists. His experience originally in South Africa and then around the world combined with his interest in brewing hops make him the perfect person to advise you on your beer selection! His attentive care through the entire team will bring to life your time in The Belgian Café. Cho Gao Marina Walk – Tomy Irawan Tomy presents an adventurous Pan-Asian journey, infused with 28

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HOSPITALITY FOCUS •

authentic Indonesian flavour from his home country of Indonesia. He brings a unique blend of energy and Chi balance to the restaurant allowing you to really enjoy the incredible cocktails and creative cuisine and yet leave with a zen like inner calm. Allow Tomy to bring you into his unique world at Cho Gao Marina Walk while Chef Luthfi presents the most scrumptious dishes from across Asia. Fishmarket – Ahmed Ibrahim The one and only Ahmed heads up the illustrious Fishmarket our legendary seafood market style restaurant. An unsurpassed depth of experience of over 18 years of remarkable hospitality will almost certainly assure a memorable meal with wonderful views across the beach and Gulf of Arabia. Byblos Sur Mer – Elias El Ghazal Lebanese Elias showcases true Arabian hospitality. A prominent personality in the Abu Dhabi dining scene, Elias has achieved number one Trip Advisor status for Byblos Sur Mer in 2015, 2016 and consistently maintained a top 5 position over the last 3 years for the best Lebanese restaurant in town. The many awards and accolades speak for themselves and position Byblos Sur Mer as the benchmark as lead by Elias and supported by our acclaimed Chef Raed guaranteeing a very special and authentic dining experience. Neil Houghton General Manager for InterContinental Abu Dhabi, said: “I am absolutely delighted to work alongside these restaurateurs and count myself very fortunate to have such experienced and professional leaders for all the restaurants at InterContinental Abu Dhabi. “I am confident whatever your mood, that one of these award winning restaurants combined with the talents of the kitchen teams’ and the guidance from each of the managers will leave you having tasted wonderful food and received attentive care from the entire team,” he added. “New menus are being launched in the coming months and the team want to share their passion for food and the “joie de vivre”, the joy of life with you soon!” ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 666 6888 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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Sara Amer

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY ARTS Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Al Qattara Arts Centre is hosting a summer exhibition showcasing works by students of the centre as well as UAE-based community artists, on display until September 25.

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• ARTS EXHIBITION

xploring a wide range of mediums and artistic expressions, the exhibition displays the creative abilities of all aspiring and emerging artists based in the UAE and the region. Showcasing the wealth of national artistic talent, the summer exhibition will also highlight the nuances of each different artist as they capture their perceptions of community, society and the world. The exhibition features 28 works by 23 artists, including well-known Abu Dhabi-based artist Sadie Sulaiman (whose work is our cover image this month), Indian artist Sheena M. M, Filipino visual and conceptual artist Charlie Villagracia, Dubai-based visual artist Noumier Tawilah, and famous Emirati caricaturist and cartoonist Khaled Al Jaberi, who is known for his social and political cartoons in local Arabic newspapers and his children’s book Youmeyat Moshagheb. Malaysian artist Sadie Sulaiman is a self-taught artist who discovered her passion and talent for painting after she moved from her home country to Abu Dhabi in 2007. Her experiments with acrylic, oil, pencil and mixed media have produced a large collection of original paintings, where she gains her inspiration and ideas from critical observations of her natural surroundings, her travels across the globe, everyday life, dreams and Quranic verses. Originally from the Indian state of Kerala, a city known for its affiliation with art and culture, Sheena M. M currently resides and works in the UAE with her work revolving around depicting tranquility in nature, as well as love and affection in human relationships. She finds her inspiration from her surroundings, and excels in presenting different facets of life in a surrealist approach using oil colours on canvas and sculpture.

N Sukanya Kumar 32

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Percy Pilane

Inayat Al A’alou

ARTS EXHIBITION â&#x20AC;¢

Charlie Villagracia fact magazine

â&#x20AC;¢ ARTS EXHIBITION

Charlie Villagracia

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Samira Ahmed

ARTS EXHIBITION â&#x20AC;˘

Sara Amer

Khaled Mustafa Altabbaa

Arezou Alaghband

Currently working as a Senior Mural Artist in a commercial art painting company, as well as an artist in a certified art gallery in the UAE, Charlie Villagracia uses different media in his works, like pen and ink, oil and, acrylic. He considers himself an expressionist artist who draws inspiration from his surroundings, his own vivid imagination and talent. Al Qattara Arts Centre opened to the public in 2011 to give the community a platform where everyone could engage in arts and culture in Al Ain. For the past seven years, the centre has been an integral addition to the arts and culture scene in Al Ain, exhibiting the wide range of artistic national and locally-based talent through its ongoing year-long public programme offering exhibitions, activities and arts workshops. â&#x153;¤

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â&#x20AC;¢ ARTS EXHIBITION

Sadie Sulaiman

Almariam

Aysha Hasan Al Hashemi 36

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Abir Tbbara

Areej Ali

Abir Tbbara Mariam Al Bin Ali

ARTS EXHIBITION â&#x20AC;¢

Sheena .M.M

Mariam Al Bin Ali

Suzana Arsic Eikmeier

GO: THE EXHIBITION WILL RUN UNTIL SEPTEMBER 25 AT QATTARA ARTS CENTRE IN AL AIN. THE CENTRE IS OPEN DAILY FROM 8AM TO 8PM AND CLOSED ON FRIDAYS. ENTRANCE IS FREE FOR ALL. VISIT WWW.TCAABUDHABI. AE/EN FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Cathy Deniset

Phyliss Brien Hammerstrom fact magazine

• ARTS - SUMMER GUIDE

ART ATTACK TAKE RESPITE FROM THE SUMMER HEAT AND GET YOUR CREATIVE FIX AT ONE OF THE MANY INSPIRING EXHIBITIONS TAKING PLACE AT ALSERKAL AVENUE. FACT ROUNDS UP SOME OF OUR FAVOURITES…

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• ARTS - SUMMER GUIDE

UTOPIAN REALITY

EXHIBITION: Summer Collective You + Topia ARTIST COLLECTIVE: Samia Halaby, Ginane Makki Bacho, Nadim Karam, Sadik Alfraji, Safwan Dahoul, Rula Halawani, Shurooq Amin, Thaier Helal, Farzad Kohan, Abdul-Karim Majdal al-Beik, Sama Alshaibi, Afshin Pirhashemi, Mouteea Murad, Ousama Diab, Tammam Azzam, and Athier. VENUE: Ayyam Gallery DATE: Until September 20

ver five hundred years ago, Sir Thomas More wrote ‘Utopia’; a novel proposing an ideal form of human organisation. The word ‘utopia’ translates as ‘no place’, existing only as an unreachable state of perfection. Yet ‘no place’ is exactly how this generation feels about the idea of belonging. Instead, we live in a world where the majority of citizens have lost their hope in the existence of a system able to accommodate all of its inhabitants. you + topia touches on cultural, social, and geo-political problems of contemporary Middle- Eastern artists. These artists use art as a battleground to reflect on anxiety and optimism, while offering a place of resistance in a climate where we co-exist between war and terror. In order to maintain identity within the ever-changing landscape between real and ideal, the artists depict their true tones through images of collapsing worlds and places of tension. In the meanwhile, the desire and expectations of a true ‘utopia’ reside on the borderline; a place of obstruction. ✤

WWW.AYYAMGALLERY.COM 40

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ARTS - SUMMER GUIDE •

D I S LO C AT E D DESIRES

EXHIBITION: What Satisfaction Could You Possibly Have ARTIST: Monika Grabuschnigg VENUE: Carbon 12 Dubai DATE: Until September 2

ombining large-scale clay reliefs and drawings, Monika Grabuschnigg’s first solo exhibition, What satisfaction could you possibly have, explores the dislocated intimacies and disembodied desires of humans living in highly digitised societies. How we search for and connect with others, how we long for, flirt and fantasise together is changing dramatically. The apps and websites we turn to seem to offer direct portals to other lives – immediate and intimate interactions that can lead to in-the-flesh satisfactions. But there is no unmediated exchange: we are subject to, and encouraged to enact, self-censorship, self-exploitation. Our loves and loneliness mined for profit. Each of us put to work as blister-thumbed miner. Both the reliefs and drawings in the show reference the everpresent screens through which this happens. We see fractured and repaired bodies morphing into one another; cropped and cracked identities exaggerated and engorged by algorithmic bias; characterlimited emotions congealing into searching limbs, messy embraces and visceral gazes. Materially vulnerable, tonally fleshy, the inch-thick, flat-to-the-wall reliefs feel like substantial moments captured through a haze of distortion: the analog and digital worlds clashing head-on. The forms in the drawings are more of-this-worldly, but more deeply mired in dream-states. Created after (rather than as sketches for) the reliefs they feel like moments of surveillance: evidence gathered from tapping the data flows between the babbling ceramic.

The works are also intensely human – or human-ish. An ish that makes them all the more engaging. There is no easy, singular narrative on offer. Instead we are confronted with an insistent, information-rich polyphony: a polyamory of meaning. We see you, these works say, because you see us. We know you, because you know us. We surround you, because we are you. ✤

WWW.CARBON12DUBAI.COM fact magazine

• ARTS - SUMMER GUIDE

A GROWING SHOWCASE

EXHIBITION: Each Day An Artist ARTIST: Various VENUE: Lawrie Shabibi DATE: Until September 1

social media platforms in real time, coming full circle with an exhibition where all the works are now on display. “Each Day an Artist” gives Lawrie Shabibi a chance to present a new type of exhibition, one that is permitted to evolve freely for 30 days reflecting the pace of the month of Ramadan. ✤

WWW.LAWRIESHABIBI.COM

ach Day an Artist is an exhibition conceived for the holy month of Ramadan. We propose a new way of viewing art during a month when, for 30 days, daily life takes on a new rhythm. Ramadan, as well as being a month of fasting, is a period where we are encouraged to slow down, reflect and reconnect with family, friends and the greater community. It is also a month when the relationship to time becomes overriding: there are strict eating and fasting times, late evening prayers and reduced working hours. The exhibition opened on May 12 with the work of one artist, and every day a new artist was added. Over the run of the exhibition, a total of 30 artists are being showcased. The list of invited artists will reflect the gallery’s personal interests – the directors and other members of the gallery. The exhibition includes artists from the gallery’s roster as well as artists working with other galleries in Dubai. Many have never exhibited in the gallery or alongside the other artists being shown. The exhibition includes work by Kamrooz Aram, Mohammed Kazem, Philip Mueller, Farhad Ahrarnia and Nathaniel Rackowe. The exhibition sequence have emerged intuitively, an exchange between the various parties involved – artists and other galleries. The daily additions were documented on the gallery’s website and various 42

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ARTS - SUMMER GUIDE •

E V E R Y D AY CHAOS

EXHIBITION: Inner and Outer Space ARTIST: Kenny Scharf VENUE: Leila Heller Gallery DATE: Until August 31

he first solo exhibition in the UAE by Kenny Scharf (b. 1958), muralist, painter, sculptor, and installation artist, best known for his fantastical, large-scale paintings of anthropomorphic animals and imagined creatures. The exhibition features a selection of large-scale works on canvas as well as relief sculptures comprised of oil painted televisions and small assemblages of found objects. His new body of work is a reaction to what he perceives as our ‘increasingly out-of-control situation’, depicted by the melting faces in his paintings. Scharf’s work continues to reflect his inexhaustible optimism and his sense of fun but has always been engaged with profound issues beneath the facade. Ecology, the environment, and capitalist excess have long been central themes. More recently, his paintings reflect his environmental concerns over the petroleum industry. Large-scale, bright, colorful paintings, murals, drawings, sculptures,

prints and installations define Kenny Scharf’s oeuvre, often depicting animated cartoons or imagined creatures. With a child-like appeal, his work is often described as playful, optimistic, bubbly and full of joy. Beneath the colorful and idyllic surface of his paintings and collages, Scharf references the darker issues of the modern world. He categorises his art as ‘pop surrealism’, drawing inspiration from the realm of the unconscious, explaining that his own unconscious is full of pop imagery. He cites surrealism and abstract expressionism as his major influences. The use of cartoon faces allows Scharf to express emotion with abstract power. Since his childhood, Scharf has been fascinated by outer space. Space travel and the portrayal of infinite space have long been central themes. In his life and in his work, he tries to eliminate boundaries and borders. He is increasingly preoccupied with the inner space of painting, his exploration of which creates a dynamic tension with his passion for outer space. With his characteristic exuberance and moral voice, Scharf reformulates his unique combination of Pollock and Pop to create a vibrant new body of work. ✤

WWW.LEILAHELLERGALLERY.COM fact magazine

• ARTS CORNER

ALL ABOUT

ITALY

DREAMING OF VACATIONING IN ROME, OR SAVOURING THE BEST GELATO IN VENICE? HOW ABOUT GAZING OVER THE TERRACOTTA ROOFTOPS OF FLORENCE? ALL OF THESE ARE FAMED ITALIAN DESTINATIONS THAT YOU CAN SIMPLY GOOGLE AND GAZE AT. BUT HOW ABOUT AN INSIGHT INTO A LESSER-KNOWN ITALIAN TOWN; ITS NATURE, ITS WILDLIFE AND ITS MAGICAL LANDSCAPES? IF THE ANSWER’S YES – WE’VE GOT JUST THE EXHIBITION FOR YOU TO CHECK OUT THIS SUMMER…

wiss Art Gate UAE together with Emirates Palace present “All About Italy” by German photographer PLATUX, Andreas Denstorf, and Italian mixed media artist, Daniela Carletti, an exhibition with exclusive photographs and printed works being displayed at Mezzaluna restaurant in the beautiful 5-star hotel. Denstorf is a master of photography who not only takes pictures, but also transforms each image into a pop-art style with flashy colours and inventive compositions. Denstorf works with multiple levels reflections, separations and overlaps - and he creates an exciting mood with each of his art works. The viewer can see variously transformed segments in many bright colors. Denstorf titles his work PLATUX, derived from the philosopher Plato and Lux, which means light. He uses a blend of materials, colors, dimensions and forms to create something visual for the viewer. Denstorf’s artwork is similar to pop-art but he tries to go one step further by separating the picture into more colourful segments. Daniela Carletti’s nature paintings have a magical quality. Her paintings are imbued with a magical innocence, a naive love of the past, with nature and place, her pictures a series of delicate impressions of animals and insects, birds and flowers, grasses and leaves, each a mystical exposition of the cycle of life around her hometown of Ferrara in Northern Italy. The educational and artistic journey of Daniela Carletti has not yet concluded, in fact the Ferrara artist is more determined than ever to continue the unending research for harmony that “nowadays no longer interests modern mankind”, quoting her own statement; the harmony indeed, like a butterfly or a falling leaf, is sought to be trapped by Daniela in her hands in order to return it in her works. ✤

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ARTS CORNER •

GO: “ALL ABOUT ITALY” RUNS UNTIL DECEMBER 2019 AT MEZZALUNA RESTAURANT, EMIRATES PALACE. NO ENTRANCE FEE. ALL ARTWORKS ARE FOR SALE. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 12.30PM TO 7PM DAILY. VISIT WWW.SWISSARTGATEUAE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN A Prayer Before Dawn WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

When Billy Moore is sent to two of Thailand’s most notorious prisons, he is immediately thrown into a terrifying world of drugs and gang violence. With fighting tournaments being his only ticket to freedom, he embarks on a non-stop, action packed journey from one savage fight to next in order to finally regain the life he lost.

DIRECTOR: Jean-Stephane Sauvaire CAST: Joe Cole, Nicolas Shake, Somluck Kamsing

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

A grueling insight into one of the world’s most harrowing prisons, Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire’s Thai prison memoir is going to leave you with a lot of feelings. Based on a true story about English boxer Billy Moore, the movie fuses the world of boxing with the unforgiving world of violence and drugs. While keeping the sordid details of Moore’s past including his heroin addiction and 15 years spent in different prisons to a bare minimum, the film focuses on his life inside the nightmarish lock up. When a young English boxer is incarcerated in two notorious Thai prisons, he realises that taking part in Muay Thai boxing tournaments might be his only way out. Stopping at nothing, he moves from competition to competition to do whatever it takes to preserve his life and win back his independence. Shot in an actual Thai prison with a cast of primarily real inmates, A Prayer Before Dawn offers a raw and realistic look into Moore’s journey through a haunting hell on earth.

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Highlights

“

The Spy Who Dumped Me WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Shot in an actual Thai prison with a cast of primarily real inmates, A Prayer Before Dawn offers a raw and realistic look into Moore’s journey through a haunting hell on earth.

Best friends Morgan and Audrey unintentionally get entangled in an international conspiracy when one of the women discovers that the boyfriend who dumped her was actually a spy. What follows is a whole lot of action throughout Europe as they try to save the world.

– A Prayer Before Dawn

DIRECTOR: Susanna Fogel CAST: Mila Kunis, Kate McKinnon

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Featuring everything from actionpacked fun to hilarious dialogues, The Spy Who Dumped Me is the laidback comedy we need this summer! The film follows two 30-year-old best friends living in Los Angeles who are thrust unwittingly into an international conspiracy. When Audrey’s ex boyfriend shows up at their apartment with a team of deadly assassins on his trail, it’s up to the two bffs to hatch a plan to save the world as they run from assassins and a suspiciousbut-charming British agent. Hilarity ensues when the duo realise that international espionage is not their cup of tea. Go and watch it for all the LOL moments, star-studded cast and a fell-good vibes!

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

Period: Twelve Voices Tell the Bloody Truth

ELECTRO-POP

POP

Palo Santo

Sweetener

By Years & Years

Taking you back to the good old 90s, Years & Years’ newest album has got us all kinds of excited! The follow-up to their hugely successful debut album, Communion, the band is back to woo us with their musical genius. Creating a whole new world featuring elements of sci-fi, identity and spiritualism, the trio aims to give us something that we have never seen before. Featuring a confessional narrative, Sanctify takes us on a journey of romantic chaos. Inspired by Alexander’s relationship with a straight man, the song fuses a lot of 00’s pop music influences including old school RnB. Showcasing the complex themes of sin and salvation, the band’s latest offering is their most commercially efficient yet. An empowered breakup anthem, If You’re Over Me is a song about trying to stay friends with an ex. An incredibly light and bubbly track, it features Olly Alexander’s clear and commanding vocals along with bright, exuberant production work. Definitely one of our favourite tracks on the album! Years & Years dives into deeper topics while still staying light and fresh. With the release of their highly-anticipated sophomore album, the British electro-pop collective continue to shine on!

By Ariana Grande

If you can’t stop listening to Ariana Grande’s No Tears Left to Cry or God is a Woman, you’re certainly not alone. While we knew Ari could never go wrong when it comes to delivering hits, we were so not ready for THIS! Her most emotional work to date, Sweetener introduces us to a much more vulnerable and raw side of the singer. Packed with bops that also carry powerful hidden messages, the album is all about bringing light to a situation or to someone’s life. An instant earworm, No Tears Left to Cry is a celebration of dancing against the odds. Summoning positive vibes, the uplifting lead single features slick beats along with Ariana’s stunning vocals. The only pick-me-up we need this summer! Moving away from this epic track, God is a Woman talks about female empowerment and what women mean to this world. Featuring a layered vocal performance, the sultry track has quickly taken over the world’s soundwaves. Mesmerising and unapologetic, Ariana Grande’s newest offering is bound to please fans and critics alike.

By Kate Farrell Bringing the often hushed topic of menstruation to the forefront, this is the kind of book that everybody needs to be talking about right now. Featuring a collection of essays that raise a variety of voices on a topic long 12 authors brings their own relatable stories about homeless periods, nonexistent periods, political periods and more. Go grab a copy right now!

FICTION

Mary B: An Untold Story of Pride and Prejudice By Katherine J. Chen Giving a refreshing spin to a cult classic. While there’s no dearth of retellings of the much-loved novel, Mary B turns the tables and narrates the story from Mary Bennet’s perspective. The book dives deep into Mary’s plain appearance and bookish demeanor and reveals an inner life that was hitherto undiscovered. We are transported beyond the centre of the ballroom and into the lives of the wallflowers. A delightful read and an intriguing homage to the beloved classic!

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• GLOBETROTTER

THE MAGIC OF

MADRID

THE CAPITAL CITY AND FAMED CENTRE OF SPAIN, MADRID HAS BECOME A MUST-VISIT DESTINATION ON MANY BUCKET LISTS. A LONG WEEKEND IN THE LIVELY CITY IS ONLY MADE MORE INCREDIBLE BY THE ACCOMMODATION YOU CHOOSE TO CALL HOME DURING YOUR VISIT. FACT CHECKED INTO THE AVANT-GARDE GRAN MELIÁ FENIX HOTEL MADRID FOR A STAY THAT BLEW HIM AWAY…

fter staying in what amounts to at least over a hundred hotels worldwide, it takes a lot to make us say “wow” and to be genuinely impressed by a property. Enter the Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel in Madrid and all your expectations will go through the roof. How can a place so elegant yet modern exist right in the middle of such city bustle? It’s charming. There’s a quiet serenity that sets in when you walk into the vibrant marble-clad lobby. Plush sofas and chairs allow you to sink in and catch your breath after a day of sightseeing or shopping and friendly staff are there to assist you with check-in, smoothly and swiftly.

PREMIUM LIVING

Walking into our Premium Room is like walking into the stately quarters of a noble. Decorated in rich earthy tones of brown and beige, everything from the work desk to the armchair, the bedside wardrobe and even the headboard, are all intricate choices fit for VIP status. The colour palette of the decor and the furniture, and the stylish Anglo Saxon theme, creates a warm yet distinctive atmosphere. The queen size bed is beautiful, made to embody an exquisite English style that, together with the soundproofing, creates a distinctive and relaxing room. And we fall straight onto it, not waiting a second longer to catch a quick nap before freshening up in the lavish bathroom, ready to walk the streets of Madrid. The room is an absolute joy to be in. Services include express laundry, butler service, 24-hour in-room dining, shoe-shine, a pillow menu (excellent for anyone with allergies or specific pain that may require a special type of pillow) and the choice of Spanish or international daily newspapers on request. There is a big focus on personalised customer service here and we appreciate the small amenities that are added to the room for us every day. Turn on the 49-inch LED TV and enjoy one of its many channels or watch a movie from the DVD menu (on request). Post on social media by connecting to the fast Wi-Fi, but also leave time for a well-deserved pampering session in a bath that is delicately scented with the luxurious set of Clarins - Paris bathroom amenities. You’ll find that the room is equipped with everything you would require from a 5-star, distinguished property that belongs to the exclusive Leading Hotels of the World club. Hi-Fi with radio and CD player, individually controlled air conditioning and heating, thermal towel heater, hairdryer and make-up mirror, bathrobe and slippers, iron and ironing board (on request), electronic safe large enough for a laptop, and the most select and complete minibar that we have ever had the pleasure of enjoying in a hotel. Wins all around! 48

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GLOBETROTTER â&#x20AC;¢

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â&#x20AC;¢ GLOBETROTTER

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GLOBETROTTER •

DINING HEIGHTS

If you’re a bit of a food and drinks connoisseur, you are well and truly in your element at Gran Meliá Fenix Hotel Madrid. The restaurant Burgundy and the DRY Martini Bar by Javier de las Muelas offer two unique and innovative experiences that won’t be forgotten quickly. The first is fine-dining perfection; a distinctive restaurant offering modern cuisine using the freshest and best possible products. Behind all the work in the kitchen is Chef David Marcano, and in the bodega they have the “En Copa de Balón” sommelier team. These are just two things that give the restaurant its unique personality and offer visitors a complete dining experience. Delicious flavours and aromas, matching food and vino flawlessly, and making our evening dinner one of the most delightful gastronomic and oenological experiences in the city – that’s what Burgundy did for us. We highly recommend trying the ceviche of wild corvina with sweet potato and corn field and the tiger prawn salad in tempura accompanied by Japanese mayonnaise for starters, whilst the fried tuna loin grilled with demi-glace seasonal vegetables and the braised sirloin with salt flakes and chiantarella are both meticulously cooked and presented mains that satisfied every taste bud. For desert, the mouthwatering homemade cheese flan with seasonal fruit alongside the moreish torrija de pan brioche are the impeccable ending to our very satiating meal. Considered the “epicenter” of the cocktail scene in Madrid, the famous DRY Martini Bar by Javier de las Muelas has rapidly become the best way to start or end an evening in the city. It’s got a fantastic atmosphere and a sophisticated spirit that truly represents the emblem of the Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel.Of course, the drinks are pretty good too! If you’re looking for something a little more casual and with w view, try Aduana Restaurant. Located on the seventh floor of the hotel, it provides diners with spectacular views of Madrid. You’ll take a seat right above the heart of the Milla de Oro (Golden Mile) in the district of Salamanca, and you’ll be nibbling on modern Mediterranean and fusion cuisine. How gorgeous does that sound?

EXCLUSIVE EXPRESSION

Ok, now if you want to be treated like actual royalty then RedLevel are two very important words at the Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel. Experience the maximum expression of exclusivity with RedLevel. An experience that offers the most distinguished services and facilities in luxurious guest rooms and suites and also in all the private spaces reserved for RedLevel guests only. RedLevel is a fabulous exclusive and preferential service which guarantees superior levels of privacy and luxury for guests in a most select and refined ambience. Who said that you can’t live like a King or Queen for your holiday? RedLevel brings an even higher rank of distinction to the elegant Gran Meliá brand, creating a luxury boutique hotel within the hotel itself. RedLevel is a feature of Gran Meliá hotels that provides the most discerning guests with exclusive attention, a superior range of services, and elegant spaces reserved for RedLevel guests only. In short, the aim is to provide guests with maximum comfort and to make them the centre of attention with a superior range of highly personalised services. THIS is the kind of attention you want on a city break! Just some of the incredible RedLevel benefits include: Buffet and a la carte breakfast in a private breakfast room (from 7.30am to 11am); exclusive access to the RedLevel Lounge with Open Bar in the afternoon where you can enjoy a glass of Moët Chandon, top-brand drinks, snacks and tapas. There is also a lounge area with TV, music, library and board games; personalised check-in and check-out in the RedLevel reception; private reception and concierge service; complimentary wifi in the rooms and other RedLevel areas; preferential reservations at the DRY Martini Bar by Javier de las Muelas; Wii and PlayStation 3 video game consoles; personal butler service; in-room extras such as preparation of hydromassage bath and luggage, welcome gift, ironing of one item of clothing per stay, extensive aroma menu, and so much more. Is it worth going RedLevel? The answer is ABSOLUTELY. fact magazine

LOCATION WONDER

When you’re on a short city break, location matters above all things. You want to be able to take n as much of your new surroundings and all the important sites without having to go too far. The Gran Meliá Fénix Hotel ticks another box with its privileged location in the famous Plaza de Colón, setting an all-new benchmark for luxury hospitality in Madrid. You can discover some of the the city’s top cultural attractions through its most famous museums: The Prado, Reina Sofía, Thyssen Bornemisza and the National Archaeological Museum, and you’re right next to Serrano Street, Madrid’s most exclusive shopping district. You’re not far from many of the city’s top tourist hotspots as well as small nooks and plazas that can be easily explored on a leisurely walk. When you’re done with everything outside the hotel walls, head to the Thai Room Wellness where thermal circuit,

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GLOBETROTTER •

massages, and health and beauty treatments in the most relaxing ambience await you to melt the stress away. Since the hotel opened in 1953, it has been the preferred choice for a first visit to the city for prestigious guests such as The Beatles, Cary Grant and Rita Hayworth, among many other personalities, and if it’s good enough for those big names, it’s surely exceptional for us! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.MELIA.COM OR CALL +34 912 76 47 47 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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LOVE

AT FIRST FLIGHT

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YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

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YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

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PARADISE

FOUND

SEARCHING FOR TIMELESS BEACHFRONT LUXURY IN ABU DHABI? LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT FOR A 5-STAR STAY. ANGELA BEITZ VISITS FOR A SUMMER STAYCAYâ&#x20AC;¦

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â&#x20AC;¢ STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

aadiyat Island is arguably the jewel in the crown of our fair city and it’s amazing how a quick drive out of the centre leads to this stunning island which feels like you’re a world away from the busy streets of inner city life. The island has also become the cultural heart of Abu Dhabi with The Louvre now open and plans for more museums including the Guggenheim. But there is one main attraction on the island that’s always been there and keeps people coming back for more, of course, we’re talking about the pristine white sand beach sitting right in front of The. St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. The hotel is what you would expect from a St Regis - elegant, eternal and super luxurious. It has an impressive resort feel that continues to wow you even when you’ve visited time and time again. The hotel has 377 tastefully designed rooms and suites, overlooking either the beautiful beach or the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. We’re staying in a superior sea view room on the top floor and it’s super spacious and classy. There is a small separate hallway, huge white marble bathroom with completely separate his and her sink areas, a giant rain shower and freestanding bath with a sea view. The hotel also has its own branded bath and shower products and the big fluffy robes will have you feeling comfy in no time. It also has a large balcony overlooking Saadiyat Beach perfect for taking in those gorgeous sunsets. The hotel also boasts a beautiful spa, named Iridium. We’re are booked in for one of the signature treatments - The Asian Spell Massage. As soon as you step into the venue you will feel tranquil and relaxed. The sound of water falling puts us in a zen mood almost instantly. We’re ushered to the changing rooms and would be happy to just spend the afternoon here with a sauna, steam room and whirlpool at our disposal. The changing rooms are truly lovely with art deco style and large black chandeliers that are totally Instagrammable. fact magazine

• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

Be sure to bring your bathers so that you can enjoy these facilities as they are super lush and will get you in the right frame of mind for your spa treatment. The whirlpool is a must. We’re shown to the treatment room where we start with a foot ritual and then lay down on the massage table. The 90-minute massage aims to unlock deep-seated tension and knots. It’s essentially a deep tissue massage but uses gentle rocking techniques to loosen muscles. It’s designed to help the body eliminate toxins, tone the skin and revitalise the mind. The massage is relaxing in parts and then intense to really help detoxify the body. We would highly recommend this treatment for when you need time out to pamper yourself. After all this soothing you’ll only want to chill out further in the Relaxation Room with dates, dried apricots, fresh labneh and some magazines. There are many restaurants in the hotel including Olea, 55&5th The Grill, Sontaya, The Drawing Room, and Manhattan Lounge, and the newl- opened Buddha-Bar Beach, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to culinary options. The resort also has five swimming pools, including a 25-metre indoor lap pool within the St. Regis Athletic Club alongside the Sandcastle Club with indoor and outdoor activities for children and direct access to its own private beach. In a few words: we never wanted to leave, and you won’t too! ✤

GO: CALL THE ST. REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT ON (0)2 498 8888 OR VISIT WWW. STREGISSAADIYATISLAND.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT â&#x20AC;¢

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• EID GETAWAY

HAKUNA MATATA

ZANZIBAR

FOR THOSE DREAMING OF A TRIP TO A TROPICAL ISLAND COMBINING CULTURE WITH BEACHFRONT RELAXATION, WE’VE FOUND YOUR IDYLLIC DESTINATION, THE UNSPOILED SHORES OF ZANZIBAR. WITH YEAR-ROUND WARM TEMPERATURES AND A DIRECT FLIGHT FROM DUBAI, ZANZIBAR IS THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR A LONG-WEEKEND OR EID GETAWAY. FACT’S EDWARD SMITH HEADED OFF TO EXPLORE…

lso known as The Spice Island, the Tanzanian archipelago of Zanzibar sits beautifully in the Indian Ocean. It offers crystal-clear waters and blissful sunsets alongside awe-inspiring sites and adventure thrills. Our journey began at an out-of-this-world resort – The Residence Zanzibar… WHERE THE MAGIC BEGAN

Bathroom in the villa

Romantic Dinner on the Beach

Hidden amongst the swaying palm trees and close to the traditional fishing village of Kizimkazi, an area famous for its dolphin safaris, the spectacular Residence Zanzibar is set on the picturesque South West coast of the island. The 66 stand-alone villas range from the one-bedroom Garden Pool Villa to the two-bedroom Presidential Ocean Front Villa and each includes state-of-the-art entertainment systems, luxury amenities and guaranteed privacy.

The Residence inside the garden pool villa

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The Residence Zanzibar

The Residence Zanzibar infinity pool

Butler on Bike

Pool by Night

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• EID GETAWAY

Villa Pool Terrace

The Dining Room

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Private pier at the Residence Zanzibar

Set in a lush tropical garden, our villa featured a large living room leading out to a private pool and cosy deck area. The room houses a very comfortable emperor bed and the bathroom has a gorgeous French bathtub and a beautiful back deck with an outdoor shower too. Honestly, this place is the perfect setting to spread out and cool off. At night you can pull the curtains and leave your window open to hear the sound of the waves and the soft chirp of tree frogs that ubiquitously appear after dark. With nature all around, you can close your eyes and feel like you’re starring in your very own castaway movie – albeit, with all the comforts of a luxury resort! It’s difficult to pin point the element we loved the most about this incredible resort. Maybe it was the stunning infinity pool which at its far end had a glass wall creating the infinity edge illusion, allowing beachcombers to peek into the underwater action. Or maybe it was the resort’s private pier which was the ideal spot to witness the daily sunset, or perhaps the private dinner on the beach with live entertainment? In reality, it was all of these things and countless more. The Residence is also a place that ensured we never went hungry, with two world-class restaurants to get our food fix. Breakfast each day was a feast but our gastronomic highlight was its international restaurant, The Dining Room, where we celebrated our last night and had a delicious grilled lobster ith a twist of local spice, absolutely delicious!

EID GETAWAY •

Door in Stone Town

Stone Town Old Balcony

CULTURAL HERITAGE As part of our top five things to see, Stone Town is a must-visit area where you can easily spend a day through bustling market and street food vendors. Here, the best way to get around is with a private guide where you will also visit the House of Wonders, the Slave Market, the Sultan’s Palace Museum and the Old Arab Fort. Although it is a crying shame not more has been done to preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has still a charm that you’ll find in very few places on earth. Stone Town is a capital city with the character of Havana, and over centuries different cultures have influenced Zanzibar to become what it is today. Phoenicians, Persians, Indians, Portuguese, Omani Arabs and the British to name but a few have settled here at one time or another and added to the already vibrant local culture, creating a unique blend of Arabic, European, and African architecture and traditions. One of the best ways to observe this unique kaleidoscope of cultural heritage is from one of the rooftop terrace restaurants with unreal views of the city whilst eating authentic local food. Our highlight was the Emerson on Hurumzi which had a great atmosphere and from where it’s possible to see a Hindu temple, churches and mosques standing side by side and declaring their fraternity at prayer time!

Church in Stone Town

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â&#x20AC;¢ EID GETAWAY

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Baobab tree on Kwale island

EID GETAWAY •

Safari Blue tours

Baobab tree on Kwale island

THE ADVENTURE We would also recommend the Safari Blue tour which can be organized through the helpful team at The Residence Zanzibar. It is a great day out on a traditional dhow boat on the Zanzibar coast which offers countless made-for-Instagram beaches, snorkelling and swimming adventures at the Kwale coral reef with an overwhelming abundance of corals and colourful fish. The tour also includes a fantastic seafood buffet comprising grilled calamari, grilled fish, slipper lobster and chicken. Our adventure highlight was the walk onto an island’s tropical forest where you can find an impressive giant 500-year-old baobab tree that 70 years ago was bowled down by a storm. You can even climb up it and get a great view from the top! It really was breathtaking. BUCKET LIST DESTINATION Visiting Zanzibar feeds your soul as you manage to break the routine of our modern, tech-driven lifestyles. You will reconnect with the nature, culture, people and history. You will meet locals, who carry a hard life but remain friendly, and you will have the most real interactions and experiences that will soon make you realise that we don’t actually need “things” and possessions to be happy. You will find in Zanzibar the thing that is often missing in busy Gulf life – the genuine. ✤

GO: CALL THE RESIDENCE ZANZIBAR ON +255 24 555 5000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. FOLLOW @THERESIDENCEZANZIBAR ON INSTAGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST INFO. fact magazine

• PLUGGED IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR AUGUST…

BigOven

Flightradar24

Break out of your cooking rut with BigOven! Get inspired and organised in the kitchen and on the go with this simple cooking app. With over 350,000 recipes to choose from, the app lets you add snapshots of your own recipes, offers seasonal collections as well as lets you make a grocery list based on the recipes you’d like to create. Just type in three ingredients you have in your fridge and BigOven shows you what you can create with them. We’re never getting takeout again!

Travelling soon? Make air travel less stressful with Flightradar24! Packed with flight-tracking features, Flightradar24 is ideal for travelers and airplane enthusiasts alike. The free version lets you watch aircraft in the skies in real time, check on estimated departure and arrival times as well as search by flight number, airport or airline. That’s not all! If you need a greater depth of data, the app also includes photos, historical flight data and also a 3D pilot view.

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HYBRID STYLE The game-changing Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 is the crossover of laptops that any tech fiend on-the-go needs in their life…

rom endless Netflix sessions to keeping up with work deadlines, our trusty laptops have become one of the most important gadgets in our lives. Whether you’re looking for a simple budget PC, a gaming machine or a productivity powerhouse, finding the perfect laptop for your needs can be tricky. Making your selection process a little bit easier, we decided to take the new Dell XPS 15 2-in-1 for a spin. Setting a new bar for hybrid laptops, Dell has completely reinvented the Dell XPS 15 into a sleek 2-in-1 laptop. Perfect for people who need power and portability, the laptop offers build quality, great attention to detail as well as flexibility for a truly highend experience. Decked up in a similar design as its predecessors, the laptop offers one of the most comfortable palm rests ever along with some really excellent build quality. While the Dell XPS 2-in-1 isn’t quite a lightweight, the 360-degree hinge allows you to use the XPS in an easel or movie-watching mode. But what impressed us the most is the device’s selection of ports and the brand-new keyboard maglev technology. The maglev keyboard is more rigid and requires a firmer press but it is still very enjoyable to type on. When it comes to performance, the new Intel-meets-

AMD processor is a force to be reckoned with. Achieving better CineBench and GeekBench scores than any of its rivals, the laptop possesses an impressive new sensor hub that helps liberally boost frequencies. The sensor hub works along with the software to help monitor the device’s cooling and power for an automatic performance boost. No more overheating! The screen on the laptop measures 15.6 inches with thin bezels and supports Dell’s included stylus. It offers gorgeous bright colours with tons of pop and contrast without a lot of image sharpening. While the included pen has 4,096 levels of pressure as well as good weighing and draws with precision. If a good battery life is what you’re after, the Dell XPS 2-in-1 may not be a good option. While Dell claims the laptop can last up to 15 hours, the XPS 2-in1 definitely runs on the shorter side of the available battery life. The ‘smallest and thinnest 2-in-1 device of its size’, the laptop manages to get most things right. One of the most innovatively engineered and powerful laptops in the market right now, the Dell XPS 2-in-1 definitely deserves your attention. We won’t be putting it down anytime soon! ✤ fact magazine

â&#x20AC;˘ SOCIETY

#B E YO N D #T H E #B E A C H #O C E A N #O P E N I N G #AT #ABU #DHABI #MALL Beyond The Beach Ocean is newly opened in the capital adding to their ever-growing portfolio. The Abu Dhabi Mall store will stock iconic beach brands in a one-stop destination for ladies looking for curated edits of fashion-forward sun-loving holiday, leisure, swimwear apparel and beach accessories. Developed for women who love to look good hanging at the beach or want to sport the latest in summer trends, Beyond the Beach Ocean offers a gorgeous boutique shopping experience with exclusive collections from brands such as Seafolly, Tommy Bahama, Havaianas, Zoggs, Sun & Sand accessories and Veilkini. Perfect for all your seaside and holiday essentials from bikinis, to kaftans, dresses and footwear and burqiniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Beyond The Beach Ocean Abu Dhabi Mall is located on Level 1, open Saturday-Wednesday (10AM to 10PM) and ThursdayFriday (10AM to 11PM).

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FASHION FOCUS â&#x20AC;¢

SUMMER WITH TOMMY HILFIGER

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• FASHION FOCUS

nspired by Tommy Hilfiger’s love of travel and adventure, the Summer Pre-Fall 2018 collection is introduced on the Vacation store, which celebrates the latest summer trends. The collection is an escape into the vast desert landscape, where natural earthy tones are mixed with playful graphics – talk about the perfect concept for where we are in the world! With bold colours and lightweight fabrics, the collections for both men and women incorporate block stripes, tiedye finishes and floral patterns as well as a nomadic twist to classic American cool essentials. ✤

GO: SHOP TOMMY HILFIGER’S SUMMER PREFALL 2018 COLLECTION IN STORES NOW.

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM TOMMY HILFIGER’S SUMMER PRE-FALL COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN TOMMY HILFIGER STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 72

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CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.fact-magazine.com fact magazine

• STYLE

Rainbow Vibes Everywhere you turn, there’s another vibrant pop of colour. Summer 2018 has well and truly embraced the idea of pairing the brightest, most clashing colours together, and making it work! In order to pull this look off flawlessly, the key is to mix up the hues from head to toe – sunnies, top, trousers, shoes – make it all standout in different candy-inspired shades.

01. M&Co 02. Topshop 03. Laura Ashley 04. Cath Kidston 05. Dune 06. Bershka 07. Oasis 08. Dorothy Perkins 09. H&M 10. Evans 11. New Look 12. River Island

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STYLE •

Beach Daze Hawaiian, tropical and easy breezy – gents, you’ve got it good this summer as the sun brings with it a great excuse to strut the most floral, tropics-esque prints on shirts, shorts, flip flops and every fashion piece in between. Don’t be shy, the more decorated the outfit, the more you’re likely to win with your summer wardrobe.

01. ASOS 02. Bershka 03. Debenhams 04. F&F 05. House of Fraser 06. M&Co 07. Marks and Spencer 08. Matalan 09. Mens at Dune 10. New Look 11. Next 12. River Island

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• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist THE WORST OF THE HOT AND HUMID DAYS ARE STILL YET TO COME, SO WE’VE PICKED SOME OF THE LATEST MAKEUP AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU LOOKING FRESH THIS SUMMER.

K7L LIPSILK MATTE

This summer, turn up your makeup game with K7L’s longwear Lipsilk Matte Crayon! For a pout that packs a punch, choose from a wide array of vibrant shades including ruby red and hot pink. Formulated to withstand even the hottest days of summer, the matte effect lip crayon combines the precision of a pencil with the smooth application of a lipstick.

Fenty Beauty

MOROCCAN SPICE EYESHADOW PALETTE Inspired by the pink and gold sands of the Sahara and the metallic-blues of Morocco, Fenty Beauty’s new Moroccan Spice Eyeshadow

Palette is all kinds of gorgeous! The rainbow of 16 richly pigmented shades, the palette combines everything you need to take you from hot, steamy days to sultry, smoky nights. The versatile range offers everything from matte, shimmer, satin, pearl and metallic to satisfy every craving.

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Sephora HONEY LIP SCRUB Get the smoothest pout ever with Sephora’s new Honey Lip Scrub! Formulated with gentle sugar exfoliants to smooth and soften lips, it gets rid of dead skin and dryness to give you luscious lips. The delicious addictive scent will meet all your lip concerns and boost every mood. Use it to prime your lips for lipstick and other lip products.

Glamglow GRAVITYMUD FIRMING TREATMENT Give your skin the pampering it deserves with Glamglow’s Gravitymud Firming Treatment. Formulated with mega-targeted ingredients, the innovative mask changes colour from white to shiny chrome. Once peeled off, the mud-based facemask leaves skin with a tighter and more lifted appearance.

Benefit HOOLA TRAVEL SIZE MATTE BRONZER Travelling soon? Benefit has got you covered! The award-winning Hoola Matte Bronzer is now available in a convenient travel size. Dust on Benefit’s iconic Hoola Matte Bronzer across the chin, cheeks and forehead for a healthy, natural-looking tan all year-round. Complete with a soft, natural-bristle cheek brush, it delivers pure matte colour without leaving behind any shine or shimmer.

Aesop PROTECTIVE FACIAL LOTION As the temperatures continue to rise, protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays with Aesop’s Protective Facial Lotion. Packed with skin-loving antioxidants, the lightweight hydrator provides exceptional broad-spectrum protection against the effects of UVA and UVB rays. In addition to effective protection, the SPF formulation helps deliver hydration and skin-softening nourishment.

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GROOMING BOX •

Grooming Checklist GENTS, THE SUMMER DAYS ARE NOT ONLY A CHORE FOR ALL THE LADIES OUT THERE, WE KNOW YOU’VE GOT TO KEEP YOUR GROOMING GAME ON POINT TOO. HERE’S OUR PICK OF MUST-HAVES FOR THE MONTH AHEAD.

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Dolce & Gabbana LIGHT BLUE POUR HOMME: ITALIAN ZEST

Inspired by the Italian scorza di limone, Dolce & Gabbana’s latest summer fragrance is all you need this season! Adding a fresh twist to its cult scent, Light Blue Pour Homme, the new scent celebrates the joyfulness of a sunny summer day in Capri. Brightened with lavish essences of best quality Italian citruses, the Italian Zest Limited Edition offers a rich and refreshing olfactive experience.

Kerastase BAIN DIVALENT SHAMPOO Dedicated to oily scalp and sensitised lengths, Kerastase’s Bain Divalent Shampoo is a total summer essential. Designed to perfectly regulate excess sebum production and to repair and nourish sensitised areas of the hair, it cleanses and purifies the scalp while regaining softness and shine. Leaves your hair feeling healthier, shinier and softer than ever!

Bumble and Bumble SURF SPRAY Give your hair a much-needed texture boost with Bumble and Bumble’s saltwater-based Surf Spray! Impeccable matte volume, texture and just-off-the-beach waves are just a spritz away with Surf Spray’s salt-infused formula. The replicated and improved effect of saltwater with salt mineral complex delivers hair-nourishing ingredients, including seaweed and coconut water for enhanced moisture.

Lab Series SOLID WATER ESSENCE

Beat the heat with Lab Series’ refreshing Solid Water Essence! An energising facial gel, the liquid “essence” provides an instant energy boost to soothe tired, dry skin. The advanced formula uses bamboo-infused water to instantly hydrate while a stimulating punch of Ginseng and invigorating Caffeine help skin fight fatigue and amp up hydration.

Jack Black OIL-FREE SUN GUARD VERY WATER RESISTANT SUNSCREEN SPF 45

Give your skin some extra care and protection this summer! A long-lasting and powerful formula with SPF 45, it instantly absorbs into the skin without leaving any greasy residue. Enriched with skinloving vitamins, the non-greasy and oil-free formula lasts up to 80 minutes even in the most intense conditions.

Sacoor Brothers GENTLEMAN EAU DE PARFUM Celebrating the everyday gentleman in the present day of age, Sacoor Brothers’ first ever fragrance is the sophisticated new scent you need in your life! An elegant yet seductive fragrance, it combines an array of captivating ingredients for a refined, lasting scent. Its dynamic composition as well as a sensual woody base blended with cinnamon and leather makes for a one of a kind Eau De Parfum.

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• INTERIOR TRENDS

Glass Rules It seems that many summer homes are adopting the use of glass pieces to add a touch of class, sophistication or fun to their interiors. Whether it be an elegant glass vase, a beautiful cosmo glass, chic glass candle holders or even fruity decorated glasses to sip something cool in this heat, Debenhams’ selection of homeware celebrates glass for the summer season and we’re in love! 78

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HOME STYLE •

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT Laura Ashley’s SS’18 Home Collection incorporates the use of one of summer’s most beautiful creatures – the colourful butterfly. Adorned on everything from glassware to cushions, placemats and vanity cases – if you love butterflies, this is the summer interior trend for you.

GO: SHOP NOW AT YOUR NEAREST LAURA ASHLEY STORE. fact magazine

AMAL SHINE With the award-winning and leading voice of fashion and lifestyle in the UAE capital, Amal Salameh WEEKEND DOUBLE TREATS AT VASCO’S We are in the thick of a gloriously hot summer in the capital, which calls for either escaping to an indoor brunch or hitting the pool on the weekends. Luckily, Vasco’s at the Hilton Abu Dhabi has a real treat for you with their weekend special offers, which include a three-course set menu lunch with access to the pool and beach so your entire Friday afternoon is sorted. Set amongst the blue waters of the bustling corniche, Vasco’s does not really need an introduction, as it is one of the long-standing dining venues in the capital, which has withstood time, remained a local favourite and is still bagging awards under its culinary belt for its ambience and food. For me, it personally holds fond memories as most my birthday bashes and my graduation celebration were here at Vasco’s – so going with my hubby for lunch was a happy walk down a decade-long memory lane. With its beachside views and no skyscrapers blocking in sight, you get the outdoors alfresco vibe while seated inside under the comfort of the aircon, this sets me automatically into tranquility while sipping on my passion fruit mocktail and flicking through their vast menu options. I opted to start with their signature (and zesty) Vasco’s Salad that has much to my liking chunks of avocados, followed by shrimps drizzled in piri piri sauce for starters. Our mains were another set of shrimps; one served in a curry-flavored pot and grilled jumbo shrimp skewers that came dangled to form an impressive presentation. The highlight, however, of our table was their fresh grilled lobster smothered with cheese and mushrooms, served with white rice and buttered vegetable. Side note: it’s important to mention that their food portions are very generously and ideal for sharing which was a plus for the hubby and I. We ordered different menu items yet experienced each dish together. Now that we had our fair share of delicious seafood, we went for the crème da la crème of their signature desserts; the infamous and never-disappointing oven baked chocolate soufflé served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Totally worth the standard 15-minute wait and definitely not one to be skipped. After all the indulgent food, I was so ready to retire in a sunbed for the rest of the day, which luckily is the freebie part of their weekend special. Ciao, I’m off to the pool.

Yours fashionably, Amal 80

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LIFESTYLE •

Beauty Box: If you’re on the lookout for a nourishing supercharge for the skin, the moisturising hair and body oils from Wonderful Oils of the World is a multi-purpose product that leaves your skin smooth and your hair feeling luscious and light. Made with 100% natural oils and suitable for all skin types. Ready, set, glow! WWW.BEYOUDUBAI.COM Travel Pick: Get to your destination in style with the Cabochon Travel Kit including simple products that are eyecatching yet functional. The travel kit contains slippers with leather soles and a reversible eye mask, which come in a silk pouch in vibrant colours for the woman who likes to make a fashionable statement en route to her next destination. WWW.CABOCHON.AE Fashion Fix: For the modern woman on the go, give your summer wardrobe a pop of colour with this orange halter number from Twinset. Pair with an oversized basket bag and flats for the day and transform it into an effortless evening look with a cinched in belt and a pair of heels. WWW.TWINSET.COM

3 TO TRY: INDOOR SUMMER GUIDE Art Central Discover your inner artist at Art Central. Located in Boutik Mall, Reem Island offering a wide variety of art workshops from brush calligraphy, photography, acrylic painting and much more. Classes are available for adults and kids too with carefully curated art instructors to guide and unleash your creativity. CALL (0)2 679 6795 FOR MORE INFO. Bodytree Studio If you’re looking for meditation and wellness during the long summer afternoons then Bodytree Studio is the go-to place for all things zen. A vast range of classes that include yoga, pilates, dance, barre and recently SpinTribe, a mix of stationary cycling and pilates - all under one roof. Ready to hit the mat? CALL (0)2 443 4448 FOR MORE INFO. Espoir Flower Boutique Reconnect with nature indoors and learn to design your own bespoke flower bouquet at the uber-luxe Espoir Flower Boutique located in the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. With experienced florists taking you through every step about depth, texture, colour, and technique, all materials are provided and you can take your finished creations home. Va-va-Bloom! ✤ CALL (0)2 449 4133 FOR MORE INFO.

GO: KEEP UP WITH AMAL ON INSTAGRAM: @AMALSHINE fact magazine

For the culture-savvy in Abu Dhabi

AUGUST EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 82

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NEW IN TOWN •

WONDERFUL VERSO Grand Hyatt’s arrival in Abu Dhabi marks a number of appealing food and beverage destinations, including Italian trattoria Verso. While the UAE capital has no shortage of Italian eateries, Verso is somehow different. FACT’s David Tapley gets his Italian food fix…

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• NEW IN TOWN

he opening of the Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residences Emirates Pearl has been a long time coming. The spiral shaped building in the West Corniche district has long captivated residents and tourists alike, and is now open for business. As a brand, Grand Hyatt is associated with “living life grandly” and the Abu Dhabi property is no different. Visitors are greeted by an expansive lobby dotted with carefully curated artworks, gurgling water features and bulbous light fittings. The property is well integrated into the heart of the city and the decor is firmly embedded with influences drawn from local Emirati culture. Check-in desks surrounded by curtains provide the impression of bedouin tents and a feature wall takes on the curvature of rolling sand dunes. Managing to create an exclusive identity and one that is at once homely, Verso is undeniably casual and boasts a bright colour scheme revolving around vibrant yellow (reminding us of Italian tipple Limoncello) and an interactivity that’s hard to find elsewhere. From the moment we enter, we’re engulfed by the aroma of the Italian kitchen. Hints of freshly baked bread, cheese and basil (from Verso’s very own herb garden) can all be identified as we meander our way past display cases stuffed full of Italian goodies, with tiramisu and gelato laid out for diners to obsess over. This feast for the eyes continues throughout the restaurant space with shelves stacked high with cookery books, olive oil bottles and ornaments. Wooden tables are laden with a selection of cheeses and the setting has been meticulously designed with even the smallest of details - the tiled floors, the ceramic drinking cups - and an expansive outside terrace overlooking a glorious cabana-flanked infinity pool. Service is snappy and personable with the team well-versed in a menu featuring classic Italian dishes of fritto misto (fried seafood), arancini (Sicilian rice balls) and linguine alle vongole (linguine with clams and white wine), all prepared with ingredients sourced directly from Italy. The simplicity of the dishes will likely be one of the (many) talking points surrounding Verso. Food is presented in a rustic and fuss-free manner. An intentional decision which allows individual ingredients to stand for themselves. A prime example would be the burrata, a dish commonly found on Italian menus throughout the city. Here at Verso the cheese is served at room temperature (as it should be) with the particularly creamy offering heightened, via marinated honey tomatoes and sweet taggiasca olives. The vitello tonato with its

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NEW IN TOWN •

combination of slow-cooked veal loin, grilled tuna and capers also impressed but was unfortunately overshadowed by the remarkable citrus cured salmon; a raw dish of organic salmon enhanced with a kick from a sweet mustard dressing that left us wanting to order a second portion. Verso’s menu offers 12 pasta options and nine pizzas, each cooked in the wood fired oven visible across the gleaming marble counter tops of the open show kitchen. It’s the sourdough which is key and even on the simplest of pizzas (the Margherita), the flavours of the crisp base leave the lasting impression over the toppings of tomato sauce mozzarella. We indulge in two pastas, of which the marginally al dente tagliatelle with braised lamb would be our pick, thanks to a winning combination of lamb and rosemary which results in a pronounced piquancy. The gnocchi sorrentina is another comforting dish, comprising of a rich tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella that immediately caused us to reminisce a long-ago trip to Italy’s Amalfi coast. With no formal dessert menu, it’s back to the display cabinets to select our deserts, from which the tiramisu (with or without alcohol) would be our choice. Glorious layers of mascarpone, espresso soaked lady fingers and a chocolate dusting is as close to traditional as you’re likely to get and really helps to solidify Verso’s strategy of homely Italian cooking executed well. With the majority of dishes priced beneath AED 00, Verso represents value for money and a sensible dining-out option. Need we say more? ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 510 1205 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• SOCIETY

#BASE #DUBAI #POP #UP #IN #MOSCOW BASE Dubai recently launched its pop up in Moscow for the World Cup 2018. Having hosted A-listers across the world, the venue welcomed Brazilian supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio. The Victoria Secret model arrived in the Russian capital for the FIFA World Cup ahead and watched Brazil’s national football squad play in the World Cup then making her way to party with some of the global footballers at the BASE pop up in Russia. Alessandra joined BASE founder and owner Evgeny Kuzin and Brazilian DJ and record producer ALOK on stage singing along to the very famous Brazilian track, Ai Se Eu Te Pego! Achkar Peres Petrillo is best known for his worldwide hit song “ Hear Me Now” and was one of the celebrities partying at BASE Moscow. The list of celebrities in attendance doesn’t stop there! DJ Snake was also spotted at the super club pop up while French Footballer Damien Le Tallec and Spanish singer Elias Chayo were at the venue on Friday night.

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

FORGING FOODIE MOMENTS

There’s something distinctly appealing about a restaurant that puts simplicity at the core. Whether that is in the unrestrained nature of its venue and atmosphere, or the emphasis on a concise menu, allowing for quality dishes with absolutely no filler. This is exactly how FACT’s David Tapley felt during a recent dining experience at The Forge, a steakhouse located in The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal. fact magazine

• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

assing through the sweeping lobby and down an impressive staircase, the elegance of The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal segues perfectly into the intimate confines of upmarket steakhouse The Forge. Passing over a cow hide rug (this is a steakhouse after all) we’re met with a restaurant space that’s both intimate and seductive, heightened by a sleek bar and large wine chillers with the bottles arranged in the formation of the letter ‘F.’ As if to say, this is The Forge, let it be known. A compact dining room makes for a welcome relief, with so many restaurants in the city opting for a ‘go big or go home approach’, The Forge feels more discreet, more confident and perhaps a little classier than the norm. The compact layout brings an advantage, allowing for a number of private dining rooms hidden amongst the wine racks. The dining experience is anchored around an open showkitchen which represents a hub of activity when we visit. Mexican Sous-Chef De Cuisine, Marcos García Rodríguez, and his team work tirelessly on a menu that is refreshingly succinct and while the surroundings are not necessarily what you’d expect from a steakhouse (it’s less masculine and far more elegant), neither is the menu. Without oysters or a beef tartare in sight, we thoroughly enjoy the tuna ceviche. Plating together layers of tuna, apple, fennel and mango which culminate in a tropical take on the traditional Peruvian dish. Coated in an orange and passion fruit dressing, this particular ceviche strikes a fine balance between the zest of the citrus fruit and the acidity of the tomatoes, while managing to maintain the delicate flavour of the tuna. A vibrant dish that’s colourful in both presentation and taste. The signature crab cake also impresses and is served piping hot. Lightly fried, the construction of the cake is predominantly made up of crab meat (a rarity considering many iterations of the dish are bulked out with too much potato). Here, the delicate flavour of the crab is front and centre, while the inclusion of lime mayo and a tomato relish adds a pleasing touch. A sun-kissed surprise, playing beautifully against the flavours of the sea. While the very name of the restaurant relates to the forging of metal objects within a furnace, this notion is displayed perfectly in the steak knife selection. Presented in a wooden box, diners are asked to select their ‘weapon of choice’ from a variety of blades which include handles made from oak, walnut and bone. There is no correct choice, but the idea adds a nice bit of interplay between diners and the food. With steaks from across the globe, the breeds selected for inclusion at The Forge hail from Australia, New Zealand, the USA, Canada and Ireland and the selection of cuts is particularly pleasing. We opt for the Australian Wagyu tenderloin (marbling rating 7+) and the Australian master Kobe (marbling rating 9+) with both steaks cooked to our requested medium rare and presented on sleek black slates inlaid into wooden chopping boards to keep with the butchery theme. Both steaks are beautifully tender and bursting with flavour to a point where the accompanying sauces are rendered entirely

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unnecessary. We would strongly recommend adding a little decadence to the meal via a lobster tail or slither of foie gras. If steak isn’t your thing, The Forge also offers a selection of dishes from ‘the farm’ (corn fed baby chicken, veal chop and lamb chops) and ‘the sea’ (Sea Bass, Scottish salmon, Omani lobster and jumbo tiger prawns). Never able to resist dessert, The Forge offers only four options with passion fruit again making an appearance in a twist on the traditional tiramisu. Despite the appeal of the dulce de leche cheesecake and coconut Napoleon, we opt for the simplistic chocolate brownie which arrives as a sharing portion that even two people will likely fail to conquer. Abu Dhabi has so many high-quality steakhouses vying for the attention of diners, but The Forge does things a little differently. Moving away from many steakhouse classics, in favour of superfoods (quinoa salad) and more obscure choices (veal belly) allows The Forge to stand out. With many of the dishes showing some of Chef Rodríguez’s Latin influence, there isn’t another steakhouse quite like this in town. Paired with a dining room that encourages guests to linger, The Forge is ideal for a date night or a special occasion dinner. ✤

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT â&#x20AC;¢

GO: CALL (0)2 818 8282 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• SOCIETY

#CHARLOTTE #TILBURY #STORE #OPENING #IN #THE #DUBAI #MALL Charlotte Tilbury’s Dubai Beauty Wonderland finally opened its doors at The Dubai Mall. The latest Beauty Wonderland, which blends cutting-edge digital innovation with luxurious interiors, boasts 1688 square feet of beauty magic and is just steps away from The Dubai Mall Aquarium. In honour of this momentous occasion, Charlotte Tilbury’s niece and makeup artist, Sofia Tilbury, hosted an exclusive preview for press, VIPs and influencers. Guests were able to fully immerse themselves in the latest Beauty Wonderland, trying out Charlotte’s first-of-its-kind Magic Mirror, which allowed them to explore in seconds which of Charlotte’s 10 iconic looks they wanted to discover, followed by Tilbury Transformations with Charlotte’s makeup artists in the private Beauty Boudoir.

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FOODIE CORNER •

MAJESTIC MEZLAI

There’s nothing more authentic when it comes to dining in the UAE than a trip to Mezlai at the iconic Emirates Palace, as FACT’s David Tapley discovers…

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• FOODIE CORNER

ocated beneath the hotel’s impressive golden dome and flanked by corridors lined with palm trees lies Mezlai, the UAE’s first finedining Emirati restaurant. Greeted by a charming hostess dressed in an intricately embroidered abaya, we’re offered qahwa (Arabic coffee brewed with spices) and moreish luqaimat, a dumpling slathered in date syrup and topped with sesame seeds. A precursor for the renowned Emirati hospitality we’re about to receive. Walking into the restaurant, the high ceilings are immediately noticeable, while an open showkitchen complete with live cooking gives the impression of a souk (not to mention the camel statues). At times Mezlai feels more like a museum than a restaurant, with Emirati heritage items adorning the walls and standing proudly as focal pieces of the restaurant’s simple decor. The dining room boasts textiles galore and offers up a unique charm that’s also reflected in the cuisine. When it comes to Emirati food, many of us may be familiar with the likes of chebab (pancakes), balaleet (sweet vermicelli with eggs) and machboos (rice and meat), yet Emirati cuisine is far more diverse than you might expect. We would highly recommend you allow the Mezlai team to guide you on dish selection, thus enabling you to get a real feel for the cuisine. We begin with the cold mezze selection presented within individual white ramekins - hummus, pumpkin, beetroot and baba ganoush - all of which are top notch, though it’s the smoky moutabel we‘ll remember the most. When experiencing a new cuisine we find it imperative that the individual elements of each dish are allowed to shine and this was certainly the case with the salads. A cherry tomato and za’atar salad revolves around the fresh herb, and works perfectly in conjunction with the freshly-baked rgag bread. Mezlai’s mughrabia with scallops is quite literally the stuff of legend and works as a real showcase for what the restaurant is trying to achieve in terms of both flavour and presentation. A trio of pan-seared scallops perch precariously on top of a saffron and Parmesan mughrabia (cous cous), with the delicate shellfish heightened by the powerful taste from the saffron. The prawns Chef Ali style mark another high point via an intricate blend of garlic, mint, coriander, lemon and chilli. It’s some of the more obscure choices that are likely to leave a lasting impression for diners at this particular venue. The camel tongue may perturb some diners, but is a pleasant dish boasting quite the remarkable texture, more akin to a tender pulled chicken than the organ it actually is. Similarly, the

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FOODIE CORNER •

jasheed (shark) represents another unique choice and is one of the most popular Emirati dishes on the menu. Braised in tomato, onion and spices and served on a bed of rice, the fish is meatier than expected and the flavours particularly potent. Specialist dishes such as these allows visitors to the Emirates Palace to experience a cuisine which is usually cooked in a local home and not that easily accessible to the masses. With Emirati cuisine historically revolving around slow cooking on an open fire, it’s the simplicity of dishes such as the grilled sea bream with it’s tender flesh and sparing use of spices, or the chicken biryani that really prevail. For dessert, the camel chocolate mousse is a light choice that impresses due to its silky smooth consistency and accompanied by a cup of karak tea, makes for a satisfying finale to such a unique meal. To dine at Mezlai is one of Abu Dhabi’s most distinctive foodie experiences; one that represents the opportunity to enjoy the aromas of the region’s lesser-known cuisines. Mezlai offers a true reflection of Emirati hospitality and reaffirms the Emirates Palace as one of THE best places to dine like a royal in the capital. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 690 7999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• SPA & WELLNESS

RELAXATION MADE TO ORDER Looking for a massage suited to your particular needs? Angela Beitz books into Remède Spa at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi for a custom-made treatment.

all get a tad sore and achy every now and then and the summer heat certainly doesn’t do us much good, as we tend to become a little lazier. While there is nothing better than a fabulous massage and allowing yourself some well-earned me time, sometimes you really want to tap into major concerns (including anything from severe muscle pain, dry skin, detoxification or boosting circulation) and this is where the Customised Massage at Remède Spa comes in. I enter the spa located at the St. Regis Abu Dhabi and the space is light and super elegant. The spa is a real sanctuary for guests looking to unwind in one of the 11 treatment rooms, the wet area or the relaxation lounge. It has a very high-end feel that you would expect from a St. Regis. I am booked in for a Remède Customised Massage for one hour. I sip a chilled beverage in the serene reception area and am then shown to the lovely changing rooms. The décor of the spa follows the same theme of the rest of hotel with lots of beautiful white marble along with gold and art deco touches. I slip into a robe and slippers and am shown to the treatment room which is beautifully decorated and super spacious. There are three different oils to choose from for the massage and since my body is very tight and stiff and I really need to unwind I opt for the muscle relaxation oil but there is also an uplifting oil and soothing oil to choose from. Being a customised massage, this treatment allows for you to have your needs really focused on so you can tell the therapist beforehand where your body needs to most attention and what areas are troubling you. I ask for a deep tissue massage focusing on the neck, shoulders and back along with stretching of our limbs and a boost of circulation on our legs. My therapist is excellent and very strong and works wonders on the tired and knotted muscles using stretching techniques and strong strokes to thoroughly relax me. A great deal of attention is paid to the very sore upper back and neck where there is a lot of deep-seated tension. She stretches out (gently but effectively) - feels great after long days hunched over our laptop. By the end of the massage I feel totally relaxed and all the tension in my body has gone which is a huge relief. After I finish the treatment, I head into the stunning relaxation room to chill out on the comfortable lounges with a green tea, looking out over the Corniche. This treatment is highly recommend for anyone who has major concerns but also if you are looking for a blissful massage in a beautiful spa. ✤

GO: VISIT REMÈDE SPA, THE ST. REGIS ABU DHABI. CALL (02) 667 8770 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• SPA & WELLNESS

SUMMER PAMPERING Looking for a pick me up to make you feel fabulous this summer? Angela Beitz tries some of Sisters Beauty Lounge’s best treatments…

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SPA & WELLNESS •

With my lashes now in order, it’s time to sort out my complexion - Sisters has a range of different facial treatments using various brands but I’m trying one of the Thalgo Facial Treatments. Thalgo is a well-known skincare brand that is particularly good for the harsh environmental factors here and will help to keep your skin and pores looking fresh, clear and hydrated all summer long. My therapist cleanses the skin and assesses it to see which facial I need - I love this customised approach. She chooses the Thalgo Hyaluronic Facial which aims to boost your skin with Marine Hyaluronic Acid molecules for optimal absorption of active ingredients and immediate results. This is perfect for the woman who wants to fill her deepest wrinkles and stimulates the skin’s youthfulness. MY skin is then toned and exfoliated using firm but relaxing massage techniques. A soothing anti-wrinkle mask is then applied while I enjoy an arm, neck and back massage. My skin already feels so much better and then a serum, moisturiser, eye cream and SPF are applied to finish the treatment. My complexion is much smoother and plumper and my fine lines are less pronounced. It’s also brightened and evened out my skin tone. A beautiful facial all around! ✤

GO: SISTERS BEAUTY LOUNGE HAS BRANCHES IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS. VISIT WWW.SISTERSBEAUTYLOUNGE.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

o thanks to the insufferable heat combined with the humidity, keeping your skin and beauty regime in check over the summer months can be quite a task. An excellent way to prevent mascara running down your face is to try LVL lashes and that’s just what I did at Sisters Beauty Lounge. On this visit, I’m at the Al Bateen branch, a gorgeous three-level salon in a lovely standalone villa. LVL has become very popular over the last year and it’s the perfect treatment for ladies who love the idea of lifted and tinted lashes without the stress of extensions. Standing for Length, Volume & Lift, LVL is the latest treatment trend that will give your lashes some serious oomph, by lifting at the root to create the effect of a longer, thicker flutter. The treatment involves a ‘Lifting Balm’ that is gently applied followed by a tint and moisturising serum to lock in moisture and instantly nourish. Sisters ensure that you come in prior to any treatment for a patch test of the product so that there is no irritation or allergic reaction. Normally 99% of it is fine but they ensure you do the patch test and I admire this professional approach. The treatment is about an hour long and the great thing is you can sit back and relax while the technician gets to work. It sort of feels similar to the false eyelash process except that they are lifting your natural lashes and they tint them for a full effect. This treatment really opened my eyes up and I was super happy with the results. There is no maintenance and it’s a real fuss-free treatment that can last up to two months. fact magazine

CITY INSIDER

Hans Schiller Cluster General Manager, Hilton Abu Dhabi and Hilton Al Ain

Tell us three things that make dining at Hilton Abu Dhabi stand out from its competitors... The consistency in the quality of our product and service across 45 years is what sets us apart from our competition. Hilton Abu Dhabi has been an iconic part of Abu Dhabi’s history, providing world-class service and hospitality since May 1973. Over the years, we have operated excellent restaurants and bars at the hotel. Today, we have a variety of dining experiences catering to palates from around the world. Our guests can enjoy modern Italian food at Bocca, or go for Indian, Portuguese, Mediterranean and African flavours at Vasco’s. Hemingway’s offers the perfect pub ambience with a great selection of drinks and quick bites. It is the legacy of the hotel, the service from the heart and our constant drive to be innovative and yet hold on to the 98

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hospitality culture that helps our food and beverage venues remain popular and relevant today. Share with us some of your favourite cultural spots in Abu Dhabi and why... I am in awe of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It truly is a beautiful creation of architecture - so peaceful and an absolute marvel! I also like the Heritage Village. It is wonderful to experience a piece of Abu Dhabi’s history and see the craftsmanship of glass, metal, pottery and fabrics. I am also fascinated with the spectacular design and aesthetic of The Louvre Abu Dhabi. There are some interesting art collections there. What are some of your future professional goals with the hotel? My role as a General Manager means having to inspect the business aspect of the hotel such as revenue and having

the responsibility of ensuring quality control while delivering exceptional service that our guests expect from us. My key focus is the business goals, which help ensure that the business is profitable for our owners and other stakeholders. My goals are to create meaningful opportunities for our team members, to have an amiable environment for every employee of the hotel, and to ensure they have the right growth prospects, training and resources to grow. My third goal is to ensure that we at the Hilton Abu Dhabi live the core value of doing our bit to give back to the society through our various initiatives that support the environment and community such as Earth Hour, water saving campaigns, ban of plastic at the hotel and serving meals to fasting Muslims in labour camps during Ramadan.

Memories create a journey you can always return to.

Escape to a luxury beach resort experience with unrivaled views of the Grand Mosque this summer and enjoy up to 30% savings on rooms, dining and spa with the Wander More offer. For booking call 02 818 8181 or visit ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi

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2018 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

An exciting culinary adventure where you can enjoy an extensive selection of authentic sushi platters prepared by our head Chef Eko with a selection of house beverages. Boasting a selection of the finest and freshest seafood, “Sushi Soirée” is a chance to indulge the taste buds, catch up with your friends and groove to the tunes of our resident Dj Bambina and live entertainment.

Every Tuesday 8:00 pm — 11:00 pm AED 300 Terms and conditions apply*

All prices are in UAE Dirham and are inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes.

Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi For more information, contact +971 2 498 8888 @buddhabarbeachabudhabi | 100 fact magazine