FACT Abu Dhabi March 2018

MARCH 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 09 AED10

~ Where The Magic Happens ~ CREATIVE CALLING LOCAL TALENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

#FOLLOWME

INSPIRING CONTENT CREATORS ON THE ‘GRAM

MAKING MOVEMENTS UAE STARTUPS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2018

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WELCOME TO THE CROSSROADS

Discover Abu Dhabi’s newest trendy urban hotspot.

Meet, share and unwind as you enjoy great food and beverages.

Al Nafoura Lounge, your new outdoor living room.

Only at Beach Rotana...

For bookings log on to rotanatimes.com, call 02 6979011 or email fb.beach@rotana.com 2

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CONTENTS

24 29 40

FACT DINING AWARDS

CREATIVE CALLING

CREATIVE STARTUPS

48 55 60 ARTS EXHIBITION

HOTEL HOTSPOT

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

77 87 91 FASHION FOCUS

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

FOODIE CORNER

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• THE EDITOR

The Time is Now!

“

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.

- Neale Donald Walsch

W

hen I first moved to the Gulf, a friend gifted me with a phone case that had the exact quote above boldly written on the back. So, every time I picked up my phone, it was a reminder that leaving my comfort zone of small-town life in the northwest of England was a move that catapulted me towards more chances for learning, growing, and experiencing things I had only dreamed of. THIS, is the exact reason why I love the UAE. It’s the country of opportunity.

With so many cool, creative initiatives to get both local and expat communities involved, the Emirates is a nurturing place for young startups, talented individuals and everything from artistic skills to traditional business models and even more out-of-the-box activities.

This is where many people can leave their comfort zones and turn ideas into tangible projects and lifestyles. At FACT, we love nothing more than to celebrate this buzz of brilliant minds and boundary-breaking people who constantly prove that hard work and a supportive environment can lead to incredible things.

Turn to p29 and let us take you on a Creative Calling; meet Kharsha, the first-ever Japanese-Emirati drumming band who despite not even having a place to practice, are shaking up the cultural music scene with their intense passion for playing the drums. Next, Emirati mumpreneur Aisha Alkhaja shares her journey into the e-commerce world and how personal experiences can turn into ideas and eventually an up-andrunning business. We also tell you about some of our favourite UAE content creators to follow on instagram (p38) and the latest startups and small businesses to hit the Emirates that are worth taking note of (p40).

With arts setting the capital ablaze with creativity, we shine a spotlight on some of Abu Dhabi’s latest exhibitions for visitors to marvel this month. iAM Here & Now teams up with a number of artistic talents in the community to bring you a beautiful exhibition at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (p44); whilst NYUAD’s art gallery plays host to Permanent Temporariness, a mid-career retrospective of the renowned, award-winning artist duo Sandi Hilal and Alessandro Petti (p48).

2018 could very well be your year of creative change! In the words of my favourite Mean Girls’ quote: “The limit does not exist.”☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com

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FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition • MARCH 2018 VOLUME 04, ISSUE 09

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANGELA BEITZ ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TAPLEY PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES DIRECTOR EDWARD SMITH OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR ANAND SIDARTH 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

Catch up with your girlfriends on Mondays for Ladies Night at Skylite and toast to everything that’s classy and fabulous. Fuel up on, reds, whites, bubbles and selected cocktails whilst our DJ sets the tone.

4 complimentary drinks for ladies and beverage promotions for gents.

EVERY MONDAY, FROM 7:00PM TO 11:00PM For more information please call +971 2 656 0600

viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/abudhabi REMEMBER TO LIVE™ /yasviceroy

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• CONNECT

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twitter

@factmagazine

FACT Magazine M.E

26.2k followers

@FACTMagazineME

Combining all four editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi and the region, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from monthly food shoots, the best local events and all things fun from the FACT team around the Gulf.

MARCH 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 09 AED10

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!

~ Where The Magic Happens ~ CREATIVE CALLING LOCAL TALENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

#FOLLOWME

INSPIRING CONTENT CREATORS ON THE ‘GRAM

MAKING MOVEMENTS UAE STARTUPS TO LOOK OUT FOR IN 2018

facebook Tamara Clarke @TAMARACLARKE So nursery just called and told me that my son had his breakfast snack but he’s also requesting to eat his lunch now. It’s 9:19am.

Enas Sis-tani @ENAS_SISTANI My new pastime activity is going on the snapchat map and watching random snaps of my fav cities and attractions.

Current addiction: La Rambla and the Louvre!

Mahamad @DROODKIN It finally happened; i auditioned for stand-up comedy and used my tweets as material.

Mahmood Zeyad @MAHMOODZEYAD A man just walked into this caribou and tried to order a grape mint sheesha. I really needed to see this today.

Mohammed @M_EGGZ “Forgot to attach file reminder” appreciation tweet.

FACT Abu Dhabi 23,990 likes Keep up with all things Abu Dhabi as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, events and everything we’re getting up to. Send us a message – we love hearing from our readers!

OUR FAVE FEATURE FEBRUARY 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 08 AED10

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DONUT WORRY, I LIKE YOU A LATTE! DINNER DATES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY. ARTS SPOTLIGHT ON VAN GOGH ALIVE. MOUNTAIN ROMANCE IN OMAN.

issuu.com FACT Abu Dhabi 71,986 reads of the February 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.

• CREATIVE CALLING- P31 •

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTMAGAZINEME 6

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Ladies Spa Day for Two AED 1045

Celebrate the month of womanhood at Remède Spa with it’s top to toe treatment designed especially for you and your favorite lady. Whether it’s your mother, daughter or your best friend this treatment session designed for two is the perfect way to spend quality time together. The day includes a 50min Full body bespoke massage and a 30mins Express facial each with use of the Spa facilities including Jacuzzi Sauna and Steam, as well as a delicious healthy buffet lunch in The Terrace on the Corniche Restaurant.

Top to Toe Treatment for two includes: · 50min Full Body Bespoke Massage · Comp 30min Express Facial · Lunch at The Terrace (12:00 – 3:00 pm) · Use of Jacuzzi Sauna and Steam room Offer valid until 30th March 2018

©2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, Nation Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi t. +971 02 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com

For reservations, please email remede.abudhabi@stregis.com or call 02 694 4100 | remedespaabudhabi.com

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Creative Culture THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM – ABU DHABI (DCT ABU DHABI) HAS LAUNCHED A FAR-REACHING DIGITAL INITIATIVE TO ACT AS A ‘ONE-STOP’ REFERENCE POINT FOR ALL INFORMATION RELATING TO CULTURE IN THE CAPITAL.

IF YOU WANT INTERESTING INFORMATION about Abu Dhabi on-the-go, there’s a new initiative, aptly named Abu Dhabi Culture that could help answer all of your curious questions. Launched as part of UAE Innovation Month, ‘Abu Dhabi Culture’ allows users to gain instant access to info on all aspects of cultural life and heritage in the emirate.

There’s a website, a mobile app and supporting social media presence, to educate culture-seeking locals, expats and tourists on one level, and at the same time becoming a reference point for researchers and academics in search of more detailed material.

The initiative brings together every aspect and feature of Abu Dhabi culture and makes full use of the latest technologies and functionality, with features such as personalised content, 360 visuals, interactive floor plans, podcasts from culture experts as well as featuring a centralised profiling database across all culture locations and events.

“Released as part of Abu Dhabi’s contribution to UAE Innovation Month, this product has been designed to maximise accessibility to Abu Dhabi’s highly rich cultural 8

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landscape, both historical and contemporary,” said HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of DCT. “The Abu Dhabi Culture digital experience will be a truly connected hub, immersing users and inspiring them to experience our culture for themselves.

“We have made sure all digital touchpoints are as userfriendly as possible, and our aim is to make this a trusted source of information for anyone seeking cultural information about the emirate – basically we want this to be considered a cultural oracle,” he continued.

“For example, the mobile app will provide a ‘360 degree experience’, a comprehensive interactive map, a personalised interface, user-generated stories as well as features which will allow travellers to plan their trip. Geolocating technology and podcasts will also be incorporated into the application.”

‘Abu Dhabi Culture’ App was launched at a special event on February 27 and is available in three languages; Arabic, English and French. It will feature on iOS and Android and can be accessed online at abudhabiculture.ae. ✤

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• LISTEN UP

GO LOCA OR GO HOME Homegrown Loca introduces fresh, lighter Mexican flavours with the addition of a new health-inspired menu alternative…

LOCA ABU DHABI HAs launched a new healthy menu, catering to the city’s fiesta loving audience! The new menu promotes wellness and high energy levels for health conscious diners. Loca’s renowned Chef Juan Flores has designed the menu, inspired by the richness and diversity of Latin American flavourful, garden-fresh ingredients. Nutritious dishes featured include the Rocca and Napalitos salads.

A highlight, the Papaya Aguacate Ensalada, presents a colourful salad mix of the South Mexican originating exotic papaya fruit, cottage cheese and freshly prepared, avocado dressing from the Loca kitchen. Health and vitality focused ingredients throughout the new menu boast benefits such as, high fibre, protein richness, and abundant vitamins, minerals and antioxidant properties, supporting optimum wellness and energy levels.

Nutrient-dense, oxtail bone broth is showcased in The Caldo De Buey dish, containing key minerals that support the immune system and healthy skin re- generation, encompassing healing compounds such as collagen, glutamine, glycine and proline. Further dishes that are set to become legendary include the Sopa De Tomate and Burrito Salad, with tastes that take guests on a culinary journey all the way to vibrant Mexico.

The light new menu is available, alongside the classic a la carte Loca menu, across all UAE venues, with dishes starting from AED59. ✤

GO: VISIT LOCA ABU DHABI AT THE GALLERIA ON AL MARYAH ISLAND. CALL (0)2 582 3639 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 10

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Discover refined Arabic cuisine at Kamoon restaurant with stunning view and live Arabic tunes from Tuesday to Friday.

Our renowned chefs will take you to another world tempting your palate with their freshly prepared delicacies.

Invite your mom for a culinary bliss at Kamoon restaurant, as we celebrate Mother's Day between 21 - 23 March, 2018.

Surprise her with an unforgettable set menu dinner, a welcome drink and surprise cake, for only AED 225* per person.

For reservations, please call +971 (0)2 657 0111 or e-mail kamoon.khalidiya@rotana.com. *Price is inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fees, 4% municipality fees and 5% VAT. Offer is valid for "one mother" per table. Booking in advance is required.

Other terms and conditions apply.

P.O. Box 4010 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)2 657 0000, F: +971 (0)2 657 0077, khalidiya.rayhaan@rotana.com

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• LISTEN UP

EAT. PLAY. LAUGH. OUTSIDE BRUNCH Taking the brunch scene to all-new heights is the 18+ weekend feast that has every food lover, social butterfly and lover of good music in town looking forward to Fridays. Taking place on the 25th floor of the 5-star Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi, this could very well be one of the best new brunches in the city.

LET US SET THE SCENE; step out of the lift onto the Grill@25th and let friendly hosts greet you as the sound of R&B tunes drift through the air. Beautiful liquid concoctions wait to be picked up for your brunch experience to begin. You’ll pass a neatly presented salad area with multiple colourful and healthy mixes as well as a fresh oyster bar and seafood ice display on your way into the main seating area, and you’ll surely have made a mental note of what you’ll be piling up on the plate.

The first thing you’ll notice is the indoor/outdoor setting and thoughtfully-created live cooking stations and food carts surrounding the glistening pool. We’re talking a sangria stop, cheese fountain with pretzels, grills corner, Indian chaat counter, hot mains, carvery, and dessert for days!

What makes this brunch standout is not only it’s the creative displays and signs dotted around, but the clear philosophy of quality over quantity. Whereas most Friday afternoon spreads are packed with over the top, copious amounts of food, the Eat, Play, Laugh Outside Brunch offers variety for seafood lovers, meat eaters and discerning vegetarian foodies without going overboard.

The salads are fresh and tasty, the mains are hot and delicious (the butter chicken, grilled lobster and roast beef are some of 12

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the carnivorous highlights), and the desserts are rainbow heaven.

Not only that, the choice of beverages, both soft and premium are super yummy – the strawberry-infused mocktail was droolworthy, whilst vino and other house drinks are just as satisfying.

Aside from the food, it’s the added extras and thoughtful touches that make this brunch SO fun. There’s a Game Zone with life-sized jenga and other popular games as well as a beer pong set up, table football and other much-loved activities for the grownups! The DJ and music at this brunch is a complete nostalgic throwback to the days of 90’s R&B and Hip Hop – so anyone looking to REALLY unwind and enjoy their Friday afternoon with friends will absolutely adore the lively atmosphere, breathtaking views and good food on the 25th floor of the Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi. ✤

GO: EVERY FRIDAYS FROM 12.30PM TO 4PM. EAT PACKAGE: AED330 (SOFT DRINKS); PLAY PACKAGE: AED456 (HOUSE BEVERAGES); LAUGH PACKAGE: AED540 (POSH BUBBLY). CALL (0)2 304 7777 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

YAS MOVIES IN THE PARK Abu Dhabi film fans listen up! A new interactive cinema experience for the whole family is coming to Yas Island for two weekends this month…

WANT TO MAKE THE MOST of what’s left of the winter weather?

Let Yas Island help with that! Bring your family and friends together for an outdoor interactive movie experience as Yas Island hosts the first YAS Movies in the Park for two weekends at Gateway Park South from March 15 to 17 and 22 to 24.

Free for all to attend, the magic of the movies will come to life as the park fills with ‘live’ action from dancers and actors from the West End, themed activities for kids and adults, standup comedy, food trucks and bands performing hits from the movies. Each Friday the park will go ‘Back to the 80s’ as it’s transformed into a Grease phenomenon for the screening of the iconic movie Grease. So, whether you’ve always wanted to be one of the Pink Ladies or be part of the T-Birds, Grease will be the word on everyone’s lips during the debut of ‘YAS Movies in the Park.’

On Thursday evenings, it’s ‘Family Movie Night’ with Disney classics and Hollywood blockbusters. Not only will you be able to enjoy films in the perfect outdoor location at YAS, but there will also be themed activities for kids and adults for each of the movies, and many food and drink options for a drive-thru style film experience.

On Friday’s it’s ‘Back to the 80s’ with the musical movie Grease where West End dancers will bring ‘live’ action to the park as they perform songs alongside the movie including hits like ‘Summer Nights’, ‘Greased Lightnin’ and ‘You’re the one that I want.’ You’ll be able to get into the 80’s spirit with Beauty School drop-in makeovers, a T Bird Barbers for men to get the perfect 80’s quiff and high school dance classes for everyone to join in. With Thunder Road car experiences, a Grease Lighting challenge and Rydell Rangers sports to take part in, this is the ultimate 80’s night out in Abu Dhabi.

On March 17, it will be ‘Bollywood Night’ when ‘Dil Wale 14

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Dulhania Le Jayenge’ will be shown and famous Bollywood star Arbaaz Khan will be making a special guest appearance on stage. Yas Movies in the Park will conclude on March 24 with a ‘Viewer’s Choice Night’ with the movies voted for by the public.

Grab your park blankets, get yourself some popcorn and enjoy a cool night under the stars and in front of the big screen. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.YASMOVIES.AE TO REGISTER FOR YOUR FREE PASS AND FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

HELLO, OMAKASE ABU DHABI’S FINE-DINING newcomer, 99 Sushi Bar, located in The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, has launched Omakase, literally translated as ‘Chef’s Choice’. The latest addition to the menu offers guests a lavish spread speciallycurated to create the perfect option for a business lunch or social occasion. Sunday through Thursday, 99 Sushi Bar fans can indulge in an epicurean nine-course offering all through the afternoon for just AED199 per person. For starters, guests can experience the light Capu Miso Soup topped with generous amounts of truffle and tofu foam. A nod to ‘Yatai’ traditions, delight in the crispy Tiger Prawn Tempura complimented impeccably with a vibrant spicy creamy sauce. Highlights from the Mains call for a Fresh selection of Turbot Flambe Nigiri deliciously topped with coriander oil and momiji oroshi. Complete the final course with Mochi Ice Cream and Coffee or Tea. Yummy! ✤

WORK FROM HOME FLASH ENTERTAINMENT, HAVE ONCE again struck the right chord for music fans as Fifth Harmony make their way to du Forum on March 16. The global sensations will light up the night with pop hits and dance tricks from their wildly well-known tracks.

Since their debut album in 2015, Reflection, which broke No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and has since been certified Gold, Fifth Harmony have stayed firmly in the limelight by wowing crowds and winning hearts with hit after hit of incredible music. Their sophomore album 7/27 brought record-breaking success, including the album’s 5x platinum certified single, ‘Work From Home’. After months of build-up and anticipation, the multi-platinum selling group’s third album, Fifth Harmony, blasted to the top of the charts with its August release, and claimed the #1 pop album in the US as well as taking home the #1 spot on iTunes in over 50 countries.

With instant fan acclaim and critic praise, the four-strong group now set their sights on Abu Dhabi. With chart toppers like ‘Work From Home’, ‘Worth It’, ‘BO$$’, ‘Sledgehammer’ and ‘Down’, the album’s gold-certified lead single ft. Gucci Mane, Ally, Normani, Lauren and Dinah will have du Forum crowds harmonising well into the night. ✤

GO: TICKETS START FROM AED250. VISIT WWW. TICKETMASTER.AE AND VIRGIN MEGASTORES ACROSS THE UAE TO BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY. 16

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

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• LISTEN UP

BRUNCHIN’ AT PARK ROTANA When in search of a weekend feast that caters to every palate, the Park Rotana Abu Dhabi has something to please diverse diners of all ages…

Friday Family Brunch Fiesta at Ginger PRICES: AED219 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF SOFT BEVERAGES AND JUICES. AED249 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF SELECTED HOUSE BEVERAGES. AED319 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF PREMIUM SELECTED BEVERAGES AND BUBBLY. Ginger restaurant has blended all the right ingredients to tick all the boxes when it comes to your Friday Brunch experience.

Treat your loved ones to a fantastic spread and enjoy an extensive buffet of cuisines from all over the world, complete with live cooking stations that feature BBQ, shawarma and pizza, and a stunning dessert selection. Kids are taken well care of with their own play area and a selection of yummy treats.

With the beautiful weather, why not sit outside overlooking the garden for a true al fresco experience? To make it even more fun, this family brunch includes access to the pool – YES! Every Friday from 12.30pm to 4pm.

Traditional Roast Brunch at Cooper’s PRICES: AED165 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF SOFT BEVERAGES AND JUICES. AED235 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF SELECTED HOUSE BEVERAGES. AED255 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF PREMIUM SELECTED BEVERAGES AND SPARKLING VINO. Your favorite Carvery Brunch at Cooper’s just got an upgrade!

In addition to the famous carvery section featuring roast, sausages, turkey, fish and all their accompanying trimmings, irresistible tarts, pies and cakes for dessert, enjoy a new variety of additions on the menu as well as live cooking and BBQ stations outside. Take advantage of the great weather and indulge in brunch at Cooper’s garden. Cooper’s’ resident band plays from 3pm onwards! Every Friday from 12noon to 4pm.

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Cooper’s Saturday Brunch PRICES: AED155 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF SOFT BEVERAGES AND JUICES. AED190 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF SELECTED HOUSE BEVERAGES. AED220 NET PER PERSON, INCLUDING FREE FLOW OF PREMIUM SELECTED BEVERAGES AND SPARKLING VINO. Enjoy the great weather and go for a weekend BBQ with friends every Saturday at Cooper’s! This weekend brunch destination offers a wide variety of food items fresh off the grill, a great selection of salads, starters, main courses and desserts, complemented with various beverage packages. Choose to dine inside or out, this is one ‘chill’ brunch you will surely love. The experience becomes livelier with Cooper’s’ resident band playing from 2pm onwards.

Every Saturday from 12noon to 3pm.

GO: AT ALL BRUNCHES KIDS AGED SIX TO 12-YEARSOLD GET 50% OFF; FIVE-YEAR-OLDS AND BELOW DINE COMPLIMENTARY. CALL (0)2 657 3322 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

2 for1

on PIZZA delivery Every MONDAY | 1pm -11pm Send Whatsapp order to

052 862 14 74 Call us at

600 560 602

Margarita | Leopold’s Symphony Of Seafood Mushroom & Truffle | Spicy Chicken Tikka | Capricciosa Chicken Diavola | Barbecue Chicken | Double Pepperoni

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EASTER CELEBRATIONS Our pick of the best bunny happenings in the city…

Emirates Palace WHAT: EASTER PICNIC WHERE:WEST WING GARDEN WHEN: MARCH 31, 2PM TO 5PM, EASTER EGG HUNT AT 3PM PRICE: AED465 NET PER PERSON FOR THE EASTER PICNIC INCLUDING BBQ MENU. EACH PICNIC BASKET INCLUDES HALF BOTTLE OF BUBBLY. CHILDREN UNDER SIX-YEARSOLD DINE COMPLIMENTARY, CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 12 PAY AED230 NET. The Easter fun carries on throughout the weekend when Emirates Palace throws the biggest Easter picnic in town. The menu includes chargrilled meats and vegetables and a dessert hut, which serves up steaming waffles and crepes while an ice cream wagon visits all the picnickers to keep them cool and smiling. Last but not least, there is an Easter egg hunt and a lineup of special kids’ entertainment, games and sports to keep your kids happy while you lounge on the lush green lawns.

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

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort WHAT: BUNNYVILLE WHERE: RESORT & BEACH AREA WHEN: MARCH 31, 4PM TO 8PM PRICE: AED130 PER CHILD AND AED95 PER ADULT Children are invited to decorate colourful eggs, enjoy arts and crafts as well as an exciting egg hunt. A petting zoo will showcase a range of spring animals and a life-size Easter bunny will be roaming the grounds!

WHAT: EASTER BRUNCH WHERE: FLAVOURS WHEN: APRIL 1, 12.30PM TO 3.30PM PRICE: STARTING FROM AED216 Get together for a scrumptious brunch featuring International Easter favourites. Young guests will be having fun at the play area with movies and face painting. Easter bunny will make his appearance and live music will keep everyone entertained.

GO: CALL (0)2 677 3333 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 20

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The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal WHAT: EASTER AFTERNOON TEA WHERE: ALBA WHEN: MARCH 15 TO APRIL 1, 2PM TO 5PM PRICE: AED160 PER PERSON Join in for a delectable Easter afternoon tea service featuring savoury hors d’oeuvres, scones and chocolate treats inspired by the delicate floral aromas and accompanied by a guided tasting of your preferred tea blend.

WHAT: EASTER EGG COOKIE DECORATION WHERE: Dolce - Gelato WHEN: MARCH 15 TO APRIL 1, 4PM TO 5PM PRICE: AED115 PER PERSON Executive Pastry Chef Laurent Allereau will be sharing the secrets of creating an Easter egg chocolate cookie with children aged four to 12 at Dolce. How yummy?

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

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers WHAT: FAMILY EASTER BBQ & EGGHUNT WHERE: NAHAAM WHEN: MARCH 31, 5PM TO 8PM PRICE: AED210 NET You Easter celebrations needn’t be boring this year – head to Nahaam and let the team take care of all your culinary needs.

An Easter Egg Hunt that the whole family can join in with plus a delightful BBQ are on the agenda – you’ll have plenty of fun and lots of delicious food – what more can you ask for?

GO: CALL (0)2 811 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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MOTHER’S DAY HAPPENINGS Just some of the great places to spoil your mum this month!

Latest Recipe – Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Indulge in a wide spread of international favourites and celebrate Mother’s Day with dinner in a homely atmosphere. All mothers get to enjoy 50% off the dinner buffet as well as receive some sweet delights. Available on March 21 from 7pm to 11pm.

AED149 net with soft drinks; add AED90 net for unlimited house beverages. All mothers and kids aged six to 12 get 50% off dinner buffet; kids under six-years-old eat free.

Eden Spa – Le Meridien Abu Dhabi A mother’s love is unconditional and forever! Show your love and gift your mum with an ultra-relaxing treatment using the aromatic scent of lavender flowers, providing a gentle warmth whilst soothing the senses. The special 90-minute treatment; Mother’s Radiance Face & Body is available daily in March and April (excl. public holidays) from 10am to 10pm. Priced at AED379.

GO: CALL (0)2 644 6666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Roberto’s Abu Dhabi Roberto’s Abu Dhabi invites families for a special UAE Mother’s Day dining experience. For all the love and sacrifices that mothers make for their families, Roberto’s Abu Dhabi has created the perfect treat to show her just how much you care.

Indulge her with a three-course set menu, featuring the best of Italian fine-dining, paired with stylish surroundings and incredible views of the Capital’s waterways. Roberto’s’ relaxing atmosphere will provide the perfect family-friendly escape to take a break from it all and enjoy quality time with your loved ones while experiencing an unforgettable meal.

To celebrate the occasion, Roberto’s Abu Dhabi’s chefs have created a menu using their own mother’s favourite dishes and secret recipes. Families are invited to join in for lunch or dinner.

A complimentary children’s menu is provided for guests under six-years-old.

Available on March 21. Three-course menu with an option of two starters, two mains and two desserts. Lunch – AED180 and Dinner – AED350.

Celebrate the month of womanhood at Remède Spa with its top to toe treatment designed especially for you and your favourite lady. Whether it’s your mother, daughter or your best friend, this treatment session designed for two is the perfect way to spend quality time together.

Priced at AED1045, this day is a unique opportunity to relax, rejuvenate and make precious memories with a 50-minute full body bespoke massage and a 30-minute express facial. Guests can make use of the spa facilities including Jacuzzi, sauna and steam, with mesmerising views of the Arabian Gulf and the whole city. After the treatment, a healthy and delicious buffet lunch in The Terrace on the Corniche Restaurant awaits. Offer is valid from Sunday to Thursday until March 30.

GO: CALL (0)2 627 9009 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

GO: CALL (0)2 694 4100 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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Remède Spa – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

2 0 1 8 RETURNING FOR ITS 4TH EDITION, THE MUCH-LOVED ANNUAL FACT DINING AWARDS ABU DHABI IS BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF FOODIE CELEBRATIONS. HERE’S THE SHORTLIST OF NOMINEES – DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ONLINE AT WWW.FACT-MAGAZINE.COM - DID YOUR FAVOURITES MAKE IT?

International

Mediterranean

•CHOICES – Yas Island Rotana •TRADER VIC’S – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •CUISCENE – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr •MARKET KITCHEN – Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •INGREDIENTS – Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara •URBAN KITCHEN – Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi •CRUST – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

•GIORNOTTE - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •SAFINA - Saadiyat Beach Club •THE BEACH HOUSE - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas •KUZBARA - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •OLÉA – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort •18 DEGREES - Hyatt Capital Gate •TODD ENGLISH’S OLIVES - Venetian Village •EAT GREEK - The Galleria

Italian

French

•ROBERTO’S ABU DHABI – The Galleria •SPACCANAPOLI – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •BICE – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •PAPPAGALLO – Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •CIRCO – InterContinental Abu Dhabi •VILLA TOSCANA – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •PREGO’S – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •CAFE MILANO – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •SACCI – The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •FRANKIE’S – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

•BENTLEY KITCHEN – The Galleria •LE BEAUJOLAIS - Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel •BORD EAU - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •BAROCCO - Royal Rose Hotel •BRASSERIE FLO - Venetian Village •LA PETITE MAISON - The Galleria

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Arabic •HUBBLY BUBBLY - Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •ORNINA ORIENTAL RESTAURANT Al Bandar, Al raha Beach •KAHRAMAN - Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

•BAROUK - Crowne Plaza Yas Island •MEZLAI - Emirates Palace •KAMOON - Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan

By Rotana •ATAYEB - Yas Viceroy •AL-FANAR - Venetian Village

Lebanese •BYBLOS SUR MER - Intercontinental Abu Dhabi •LI BEIRUT - Jumeirah At Etihad Towers •MIJANA - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •ROZANAH - Yas Marina •AL MAYASS - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort •SAMBUSEK - Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Seafood •TURQUOIZ BEACH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE – The St Regis Saadiyat Island •SAYAD - Emirates Palace •FINZ - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •FISHMARKET - InterContinental Abu Dhabi •P&C BY SERGI AROLA - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •CATCH - Abu Dhabi Corniche •FLOOKA - Eastern Mangroves Promenade

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Chinese •SHANG PALACE - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •HAKKASAN - Emirates Palace •SHANGHAI SURPRISE - Al Diar Capital Hotel •P.F. CHANG’S - Various Locations •DAI PAI DONG - Rosewood Abu Dhabi

South East Asian •CHO GAO - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •NOODLE BOX - Yas Viceroy •SONTAYA - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort •LI JIANG - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •CHO GAO MARINA WALK InterContinental Abu Dhabi •ROUGE - Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi

Thai •BENJARONG - Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi •PACHAYLEN - Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara •TALAY - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •LEMONGRASS - The Galleria •ROYAL ORCHID RESTAURANT Salam Street •DESERT LOTUS THAI BISTRO & SUSHI - One To One Hotel

Japanese •BENIHANA - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •TORI NO SU - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •KOI - The Collection, Saadiyat Island •ZUMA - Al Maryah Island •SHO CHO - Souq Qaryat Al Beri •INAKAYA - Venetian Village •SUSHI 99 - The Galleria •CAFE SUSHI - Fairmont Bab al Bahr •SUSHISAN - Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

Indian •USHNA - Souq Qaryat-Al Beri

•TAMBA - The Hub, World Trade Centre Mall •INDIGO - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •PEPPERMILL - Eastern Mangroves Promenade •ANGAR - Yas Viceroy •PUNJAB GRILL - Venetian Village •SIGNATURE BY SANJEEV KAPOOR Nation Galleria •RANGOLI - Yas Island Rotana

Latin American •CHAMAS - InterContinental Abu Dhabi •NOCHE - Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi •AMERIGOS - Park Inn By Radisson, Yas Island •EL SOMBRERO - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort •BU! - The Hub, World Trade Centre Mall •ASIA DE CUBA - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •TORO TORO - Etihad Towers •LOCA - The Galleria •COYA - The Galleria

North American •49ER’S THE GOLD RUSH - Al Diar Dana Hotel •CARAMEL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - The Collection, Saadiyat Island •STARS ‘N’ BARS - Yas Island •REDSTAR BISTRO - Various Locations •TGI FRIDAYS - Various Locations •TEXAS ROADHOUSE - Yas Mall •DENNY’S - Tourist Club Area

Steakhouse •THE FORGE - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •THE FOUNDRY - Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

•BUTCHER & STILL - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi •55&5TH, THE GRILL - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island •RODEO GRILL - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •MARCO PIERRE WHITE - Fairmont Bab Al Bahr •THE MEAT CO. - Souk Qaryat Al Beri •JW STEAKHOUSE - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •THE GRILL - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi •NUSR-ET - The Galleria •THE CAPITAL GRILL - Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

Fusion •MARKET KITCHEN - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •BU! - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •TEATRO - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi •TAMBA - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •KOI RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - The Collection, Saadiyat Island •SMOKING DOLL - Various Locations •NOLU’S DOWNTOWN - The Galleria •SWITCH - Al Bateen

All-Day Dining •THE TERRACE ON THE CORNICHE - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •AQUA - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •SILK ROUTE CAFE - Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •SOFRA-BLD - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •ROSEWATER - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •LATEST RECIPE - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •BISTRO - Courtyard By Marriott, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi •AL BATHNA - The Armed Forces Offices Club •C. TASTE - Centro Capital Centre •KHAYAL - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi •GINGER - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi fact magazine

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

Al Fresco Dining •BBQ AL QASR - Emirates Palace •BEACH HOUSE - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi •AFYA - Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al-Beri •ASIA DE CUBA - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •LI JIANG - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •CIPRIANI - Yas Marina •CABANA9 - Saadiyat Beach Club •FINZ - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •ACROPOLIS - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •PUESTA DEL SOL - Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Casual Dining •BENTLEY KITCHEN - The Galleria •TASHAS - Al Bateen •CAFE BATEEL - Various Locations •NANDO’S - World Trade Centre Mall •PETEK RESTAURANT & SWEETS - Al Markaziyah •CARLUCCIO’S - Various Locations •TAQADO MEXICAN KITCHEN - The Galleria •CAFE 302 - Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana •LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON – Various Locations

Business Lunch •ASIA DE CUBA - The St. Regis Hotel, Nation Riviera •BOA STEAKHOUSE - Eastern Mangroves Promenade •CATCH - Abu Dhabi Corniche •FLOOKA - Eastern Mangroves Promenade •SHANG PALACE - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri •TODD ENGLISH’S OLIVES - Venetian Village •VILLA TOSCANA - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •ZUMA - The Galleria

Value For Money •TARBOUCHE - World Trade Centre Souq •BONNA ANNEE - Tourist Club Area •PIZZA DI ROCCO - Various Locations •BARBACOA - Khalifa City A 26

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•HWY 55 - Muroor •LE BOULANGER - Al Khaleej Park •DE THALI - Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre •MORA LEVANTINE - Al Zahiyah

Bar •STILLS - Crowne Plaza Yas Island •IRIS - Yas Island •RAY’S BAR - Jumeriah at Eithad Towers •JAZZ BAR & DINING - Hilton Abu Dhabi •BARFLY BY BUDDHA BAR - Venetian Village •JAZZ & FIZZ BAR - Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche •VINCENT’S - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •HIDDEN BAR - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •THE RETREAT - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •APPALOOSA - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi •Y BAR - Yas Island Rotana

Lounge •STRATOS - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •ZSA ZSA - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •SKYLITE ROOFTOP LOUNGE - Yas Viceroy •UP & BELOW - Courtyard By Marriott World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi •BLU SKY LOUNGE & GRILL - Southern Sun Abu Dhabi •VELOCITY - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •THIRSTY 1ST BAR & LOUNGE Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •DE LA COSTA - Saadiyat Beach Club •PACIFICO TIKI - Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach

Pool Bar •BALCON LOUNGE & TERRACE Southern Sun Hotel Abu Dhabi •NAHAAM - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •SHAMS POOL BAR - Radisson Blu Yas Island •SHADES POOL BAR - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •THE POOL DECK - Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara •BREEZE - Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi •ECLIPSE, TERRACE LOUNGE - Four

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Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •GLO - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •GRILLS@CHILL’O - Sofitel Abu DhabiCorniche •SPLASH POOLSIDE BAR - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi

Pub •CAPTAIN’S ARMS - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •COOPER’S BAR & RESTAURANT - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi •HEROES - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •MCGETTIGANS - Al Raha Beach Hotel •THE SPORTSMAN’S ARMS - Zayed Sports City •BELGIAN CAFE - InterContinental Abu Dhabi •PJ O’REILLY’S IRISH PUB - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •THE TAVERN ENGLISH PUB Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort •PORTER - Grand Millenium Al Wahda

Café •CENTRAL GROUNDS - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •JONES THE GROCER - Various Locations •WHEAT - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON - The Galleria •FIFTH STREET CAFE - Courtyard By Marriott, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi •NO57 BOUTIQUE CAFE - Al Marasy •PASCAL TEPPER FRENCH BAKERY Muroor Road •CAFE DIEGO - Nation Galleria Mall •NOLU’S DOWNTOWN - The Galleria •CAFE 302 - Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana

Tea Room •LE CAFE - Emirates Palace •TEA LOUNGE - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •ALBA - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •THE LIBRARY - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas •LOBBY LOUNGE - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •OBSERVATION DECK 300 - Jumeirah

at Etihad Towers •AL MEYLAS - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •THE LOUNGE - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •THE LOBBY LOUNGE - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi

Coffee House •CAFFÉ NERO – Various Locations •JOUD CAFE - Al Bateen •STARBUCK’S – Various Locations •COSTA COFFEE – Various Locations •TIM HORTONS - Various Locations •THE COFFEE CLUB - Various Locations

In-Mall •CARLUCCIO’S - Various Locations •SHAKESPEARE & CO. - Yas Mall •CAFE BATEEL - Various Locations •PAUL CAFÉ - Various Locations •KOSEBASI - Al Wahda Mall •BIRYANI POT - The Galleria •GIRAFFE - Yas Mall

Friday Brunch •SKY BRUNCH - 18 Degrees, Hyatt Capital Gate •FRIDAY MARINA BRUNCH InterContinental Abu Dhabi •RAISING THE STEAKS BRUNCH Southern Sun Abu Dhabi •THE ST. REGIS FRIDAY BRUNCH The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •FRIDAY BRUNCH AT OLEA - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort •BUBBALICIOUS - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •FRIDAY BEST BRUNCH - Four Season Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •SUSHI SAN OMAKASE BRUNCH Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •COOPER’S BAR & RESTAURANT Park Rotana Abu Dhabi •DEVINE TABLE BRUNCH, MARKET KITCHEN - Le Royal Meridien •EAT.PLAY.LAUGH BRUNCH Kuzbara - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

Family-Friendly Brunch •GIORNOTTE - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •BEST OF THE BEACH BRUNCH Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •FRIDAY BRUNCH - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel And Resort •SOFRA BLD - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri •MUNCH THE FRIDAY BRUNCH Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas •FRIDAY FAIRMONT BRUNCH Fairmont Bab Al Bahr •THE AQUA BRUNCH - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •STILLS PICNIC BRUNCH - Crowne Plaza Yas Island

Independent Weekend Brunch •CATCH FRIDAY BRUNCH - Catch Abu Dhabi •FIESTA DEL SOL BRUNCH - BU! The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •WEEKEND BRUNCH - Carluccio’s Various Locations •FRIDAY BRUNCH - Jazz@PizzaExpress - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •SAFINA - Saadiyat Beach Club •FRIDAY BRUNCH , ZUMA - Al Maryah Island •FRIDAY BRUNCH, COYA - Al Maryah Island •LAZY LUNCH, TAMBA - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall

Newcomer •99 SUSHI BAR - The Galleria •NOLU’S DOWNTOWN - The Galleria •PARMIGIANA - Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche •EAT GREEK - The Galleria •COYA ABU DHABI - The Galleria •LA PETITE MAISON - The Galleria •LOCA - The Galleria •TORO TORO - Etihad Towers •CHO GAO MARINA WALK InterContinental Abu Dhabi •FILINI GARDEN - Yas Island fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

#VIP #OPENING #OF #FROM #BARCELONA #TO #ABU #DHABI Abu Dhabi Festival 2018 (ADF18) launched its diverse Visual Arts Programme with the inauguration of a landmark exhibition in the presence of H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance, H.E. Huda AlkhamisKanoo, Founder, Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Founder and Artistic Director of Abu Dhabi Festival, and H.E. Antonio Alvarez Barthe, Ambassador of Spain to the United Arab Emirates alongside Ainhoa Grandes, President of MACBA Foundation. From Barcelona to Abu Dhabi – Works from the Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) in dialogue with the Emirates, features pioneering works and artforms by 70 artists, from the 20th and 21st centuries – presented in the Arab world for the very first time – exploring the universal themes of our common human existence.

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CREATIVE CALLING There’s been a surge in local talent, small businesses, innovative start ups and UAE-based people going for gold when it comes to entertainment, e-commerce, entrepreneurial efforts and generally following their dreams! We cast a spotlight on some of the country’s biggest, newest and most creative standouts…

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• LOCAL TALENT

KHARSHA: EPIC DRUMMING Not so long ago, the FACT team stumbled upon some incredibly cool individuals, dressed in what can only be described as a cross between the Japanese hakama and the Emirati kandora, at a local event. With some good ol’ social media snooping, we found the band that has got everyone’s heart beating to sound of their drums – Kharsha. Here, Shabana Adam talks to the creative ensemble about what it’s like to bring their drumming skills to UAE audiences…

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all them the emblem of creativity, the face of multiculturalism or even the musical ambassadors of the UAE, one thing is guaranteed; there’s no way you can walk past Kharsha Drums without being utterly mesmerised. When the group is performing, expect them to wow every member of the audience with their unbound energy and intricate instrument skills. It’s no surprise to us that the name Kharsha translates to “excitement” or “epic” – because THAT is the feeling you’ll get when this talented crop whip out their drumsticks and play like it’s the last thing they’ll do.

Founded by young Yotaro Matsutani, a Japanese student in the capital, Kharsha Drums’ story is one of when the stars align and fate works its magic. At an event held in JODCO (Japan Oil Development Co.) Abu Dhabi’s guesthouse, a random meeting between Yotaro and Taryam Al Katheeri, the founder of the Japanese Club in the Petroleum Institute, sparked a friendship that would eventually lead to forming one of the UAE’s most-talkedabout and first-of-its-kind groups.

A year later, Yotaro applied for Zayed University in Abu Dhabi as an international student to continue studying in the UAE and that’s when he decided to form a drumming team with Emirati people he had befriended. “We had our first performance offer from the Japanese School in Abu Dhabi,” Yotaro recalls. “We performed on their sports day in January 2017 with four members, and after that we decided to become Kharsha.”

Fast forward one year and Kharsha is now made up of three male and three female members; Yotaro Matsutani (founder and leader of Kharsha), Taryam Al Katheeri (co-founder of Kharsha), Tayammum Al Katheeri, Misa Hayashi, Amna Al Darmaki (manager of the cultural section of Kharsha), and Hessa Al Shamsi. And as far as creative, niche hobbies go, drumming, especially the Kharsha way, is definitely an innovative craft in the UAE.

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“For us, we count ourselves as musical cultural ambassadors,” Yotaro says. “We believe in promoting positive cultural exchange between the UAE and Japan. We try to show people how two different cultures can unite together and produce something so beautiful and so positive,” he adds. “Additionally, we want everyone to get our positive vibes and energy and excitement that we are trying to convey during the performances. What we want the audience to feel is that these guys are KHARSHA ‘EPIC’.”

Some of the team’s favourite and monumental performances include playing at the World Government Summit 2017, Inakaya Restaurant’s Sakura Festival 2017, National Day Celebrations at Manarat Al Saadiyat 2017, and Wokyo’s Hokkaido Ramen Festival 2017. It’s a testament to their unique talent and passion for playing the drums that Kharsha has accomplished so much, on great stages at huge events, in such a short space of time. So how do they keep motivated to continue alongside everyday life and studies?

“Each member in Kharsha has her/his own way and source of motivation, but we are all connected with the enormous support we are getting from our fans here,” Yotaro says. “Nothing keeps us going and trying to improve every time other than our loyal fans who have been supporting us since the beginning. Our inspiration is to make a change in the country and the region by challenging ourselves and doing something out of the norm.”

Talking of challenges, it’s hard to believe that the group doesn’t actually have a dedicated space in which to practice and perfect their techniques. “The hardest aspect in our team is that we mostly practice in the street in the morning, since we don’t have a studio to practice at, and parks are mostly empty in the morning so no one will be annoyed by our drumming,” Yotaro explains. “The members don’t mind the harsh practice conditions, since all of us love what we do, and prefer practicing outdoors in the harsh environment which is similar to our performance environment,” he

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continues. “As for the hard and long practice hours, we as non-musicians understand the importance of that, and the only way we overcome the pain and sorrow from the practice is by remembering the continuous support of our fans and families, and how rewarding that would be after them seeing us improve in our performances.”

Most of the members in Kharsha have no experience or musical background, but they all share a love for music and expressing strong messages through their drums. So, their advice to young people would be: “As long as you are passionate about what you are doing, purse what you love even if you are facing opposition from your parents or friends. There will be a day when they recognise you, for sure.”

You’ll be seeing more of the group this year as March 2018 marks the beginning of a collaboration with Manarat Al Saadiyat to host drumming sessions for adults and kids. Aside from that, Kharsha Drums has simple goals: “We hope that we can survive our second year by maintaining our current quality of shows and increasing the number of drummers in the team,” Yotaro says. “We hope that by the end of this year we will be able to have our own studio or at least access to a studio where we can practice indoors every now and then.”

For a newly-born group bringing such crazycool, fun and fascinating entertainment and expression to the UAE, these selfproclaimed musical ambassadors are the kind of role models that every young person can look up to. With every beat of the drum, Kharsha represents cultural diversity, appreciation and hope - all the things that we already love about the UAE. ✤

“OUR GOAL IS ALWAYS TO LET PEOPLE ENJOY OUR SHOWS AS MUCH AS WE DO AND TO SPREAD HAPPINESS AND POSITIVE ENERGY NOT ONLY IN ABU DHABI WHERE WE ARE BASED, BUT ALL OVER THE UAE.”

Q: Describe your Kharsha Drums experience and what drumming means to you?

Amna: As an individual that is trying to spread the concept of cultural exchange between the UAE and Japan, I have always wanted to learn more about Japanese culture such as calligraphy or flower arrangement. I didn’t have the chance to learn Japanese calligraphy nor flower arrangement from a professional, but instead all of a sudden I found myself holding two sticks in front of the drum. The moment I had my first performance I got connected to the team, drums and the crowd and that was the beginning of my bittersweet journey with drums.

Hessa: I am connected to music since I play the piano, and once I was invited to join Kharsha, I was so excited to try something new and unique in the region, especially for a lady to play on. As a public speaker, I feel alive while being on the stage and performing in front of a crowd. The feeling that I get when I try my best then hear clapping as a reward from the crowd, it makes me the happiest.

Misa: I decided to study in UAEU in Al Ain for one year as an exchange student, and even though I am Japanese I didn’t have a chance to learn how to play the drums in Japan. Once I heard that I have a chance to learn Wadaiko in the UAE from Yotaro who belongs to a professional group in Japan, I decided to join the team immediately. For me I wanted to express my Japanese culture and art to the people in the UAE. When I perform and see that everyone is enjoying our show, I cannot stop smiling.

Taryam: As a kid I was always interested in drums, especially the western drums, but my parents didn’t allow me to get one because it’s so noisy. Then all of the sudden I was asked to try drumming by Yotaro, but on the Japanese drum, I didn’t even think twice about saying yes. Even though my family wasn’t really supporting the idea since I am a mechanical engineering masters student and it wouldn’t be easy to balance my studies and my new interest. But then, once they saw my first performance and how serious and passionate I was about drumming they became my biggest support. For me, I feel that I can be myself when I am drumming since I have established a special connection with the drum. Once I feel connected with my teammates and the crowd I feel a sense of fulfillment that cannot be described.

Tayammum: One summer during my university year I was free, and I decided to try something new and challenging for the summer only since I love both music and Japan. Once I performed in front of the crowd for the first time I decided to experience that feeling over and over again by continuing to drum with Kharsha.

Yotaro: Drumming is an essential part of my life as an introverted person. I don’t have the ability to express my feelings properly, but during the performance is the only time where I can be out of character to express myself. The moment I step on the stage there is this feeling that I have reached inner peace when my mind, spirit and soul are connected (that is when I get into the zone). When I enter my zone, I feel like I am diving in the deep ocean and flying in the sky at the same time.

GO: FOLLOW @KHARSHA_DRUMS ON INSTAGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST INFO ON PERFORMANCES AND MORE FROM THE BAND.

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• LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR

TINY

Humans, BIG Personalities!

Who said that baby clothes shouldn’t be fun?

So far from basic and edging on all things chic and cool, Little Wren is an e-commerce feat when it comes to modern day shopping for your little one. Shabana Adam caught up with Emirati mumpreneur Aisha Alkhaja who understands that even babies need to make a statement with their style…

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ome of the best creative and entrepreneurial ventures start from someone’s very own experience with a product. Whether it’s a lack of service, difficulty in access to goods or family needs that aren’t met with 100 per cent quality. Sometimes, the idea for a business can stem from something as simple as wanting to make another person’s experience more convenient and fulfilling. This is exactly what sparked the creation of Little Wren.

The brainchild of Emirati mumpreneur, Aisha Alkhaja who cofounded the site with her husband, John Campleman, Little Wren is a luxury e-commerce company that curates high quality brands for the modern family. What does that mean for consumers? Well, it’s easy; parents-to-be or anyone looking for quirky, unique baby items can log onto the site and browse at leisure – in just a few clicks, you can be the proud owner of cool, on-trend, not-on-thehigh-street products by edgy, independent brands. It’s fun, fast and super efficient. On top of that, you’ll receive your goods in just a few days of ordering, with free delivery in the UAE, and there’s also the guarantee that your little one will be the OG of baby and toddler fashion at the park or on the playground!

The idea for Little Wren was ignited during Aisha’s pregnancy. “I wanted some cool items for my little one and so went in search for something a little different,” she recalls. “I came across a few unique brands, most of which were created by mamas. I ordered a few things and once Lawrence arrived I tested them out. Some of them didn’t last after the first wash. Either the colour faded or the material just didn’t look the same,” Aisha adds. “The ones that did last though made me think, I wondered how many more parents

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would be interested in these brands that are tried and tested? I then decided to create an online store to house these amazing brands so that parents didn’t have to go in search of them.”

Aisha started the process when baby Lawrence was four-monthsold and launched on his first birthday. Little Wren is able to standout in the e-commerce world by providing a modern family shopping experience. “What sets us apart is that all the products are tried and tested, and we can honestly vouch for the brands that we stock,” Aisha says. “For us, it is important to know the brand and what experience our customers will have with the item they choose from that brand. “ On the website, you’ll find independent names such as; Max and the Star, Hippy Chick, Done by Deer, Milli Ecodesign, Tiny Turtle, We Might be Tiny and many more. You can build an entire funky wardrobe for your little munchkin in just a few clicks. Plus, all of the brands stocked on Little Wren each have their own unique story – so you’re not only buying into quality, but also the life and grind of many other individuals.

Aisha explains: “Most of the brands on littlewren.com are small independent brands. Some are designed and made by their founders, usually a mama like myself,” she adds. “Others are designed by the

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mama and made elsewhere and there are brands like Blurberry Boo that is a mum and dad team just like John and I.” And is there a checklist that brands must meet before being considered? “The criteria to make the cut is to pass the test of childhood messiness,” Aisha tells us. “The brands we stock are all high quality items that will last for not only your child, but other children should you want to pass them down. After quality, the next criteria that is a must is style. We chose these items based on the fact that they are modern and cool,” she says. “We wanted to offer parents the option to dress their children in items that wouldn’t necessarily be found in the usual shops in malls. Additionally, we have tried to choose items that are unisex also. We didn’t want to box the two genders into pink or blue and wanted to give parents more options.”

Now, let’s talk business. Aisha and John are that rare inspirational couple who are great role models for highlighting the way a good work-life balance means that you CAN have it all. But, Aisha admits that being a full-time mum and an entrepreneur does come with its challenges. “It is definitely possible, but it is hard,” she says. “I believe that you can be whatever you want to be. If you want a career as well as a family, go for it. You don’t have to be just one or the other.

“Being a parent is the hardest job from my experience so far, but it is being a parent that pushed me to start my own company,” Aisha explains. “I wanted to create something for Lawrence as well as for myself. Hopefully one day he will be proud of what I have achieved no matter how big or small.”

The most challenging aspect for Aisha and John has been timing.

They started Little Wren as first-time parents to a four-month-old baby, which Aisha says does come with a lot of guilt. However, they managed to split their time and get things done, making sure that Lawrence was never without one of them.

“Working with your partner is challenging at times,” Aisha smiles.

“We are very different as people and I guess that is essentially what makes it work. I am creative and a bit of a dreamer where as John is more realistic and methodical,” she says.

“It is a good balance to have in a marriage as well as a business partnership. He reigns me in when I am floating away in dream land, both in business and life!”

For this new kid on the block, having a dedicated duo with a clear vision, brand integrity and client convenience is definitely a USP that we can’t fault. What more can expecting parents and families ask for from a reliable online shopping experience? ✤ fact magazine

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LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR •

Q: What has been the most fun and rewarding aspects of creating Little Wren?

A: The most fun and inspiring part of the job is finding the brands and trying out their products. I have never been so excited to take clothes out of the wash just to see if they survived! The brands we stock inspire us as parents and as business owners and that is what is so great about them. You can look at brands like Selfie Clothing and see endless possibilities from something so simple.

Q: For all the mums out there who have great ideas and need some words of encouragement to take their first step into the entrepreneurial world – what three top tips would you give?

A: YOU CAN DO IT! Believe in yourself.

You are strong and capable of anything.

Be realistic in managing your workload and your family. It is important to split things so that work doesn’t take over and your family life suffers. Balance is key. Some days you won’t be able to balance things and one will take over and that is ok too.

DO NOT listen to negative people.

If there is anyone trying to guilt you because you are a mum and they think you shouldn’t be working, ignore them.

You know what is best for yourself and your family. We CAN have it all!

Q: In 2018, what are you hoping to achieve with Little Wren?

A: I hope the business continues to grow and that people like what we have to offer. I can’t wait to discover new brands in 2018 and hopefully create our own line of children’s clothing. Watch this space!

GO: VISIT WWW.LITTLEWREN.COM TO BROWSE AND BUY PRODUCTS FOR A FUNKY WARDROBE, TODAY.

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#FOLLOWME The UAE has no shortage of cool insta creatives; we’re talking comedy sketches, inspirational messages, travel adventures, food fiends, fitness fans and so much more. Here, FACT rounds up eight of our favourite influencers worth following on the ‘gram…

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2.

3.

4.

WHO: Khalid Al Ameri INSTA: @khalidalameri FOLLOWERS: 178,000

WHO: Abdullaziz Baz INSTA: @bin_baz FOLLOWERS: 4.6 million

WHO: Amal Salameh Dayak INSTA: @amalshine FOLLOWERS: 30.4k

WHO: Max Stanton INSTA: @maxofarabia FOLLOWERS: 574,000

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: You might have seen a few of his viral videos; for insight into the life of an every day Emirati family – Khalid is a husband and father-of-two with a great balance of humorous, inspirational content. He helps to break stereotypes, promote positive initiatives and in general shows the good morals and realities of living in his beloved home country with his loving wife and kids.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: Want to see the results of GREAT comedy sketches? Then you need to follow this guy! Tackling all the cultural whims, city frustrations and everything in between about life in the UAE, Bin Baz shows a light-hearted side of living in the Gulf tinged with good vibes, whether he’s at home or travelling the world!

Get ready for massive lol moments.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: A style icon in her own right, don’t let Amal’s cool, calm and pretty demeanor - and love of unicorns - fool you. She can start and hold a conversation, engage others with her well-informed opinions and unapologetically stay true to herself in the superficial social media craze. You’ll get thought-provoking convo, or just a reminder to be grateful for the simple things in life!

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: Not only does he speak various Arabic dialects from the region, this American/British influencer has become well-known for his signature “Hello!” at the beginning of videos and he’s also a humanitarian at heart, often highlighting the charity campaigns he gets involved with, locally. Much loved in the community, Max is all about first experiences and fun, inspiring videos!

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INSTA CREATIVES •

5.

6.

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WHO: Salama Mohamed INSTA: @salamamohamed FOLLOWERS: 90.7k

WHO: Omar Al Busaidy INSTA: @omaralbusaidy FOLLOWERS: 18,300

WHO: Mohanad Alwadiya INSTA: @mohanadalwadiya FOLLOWERS: 521,000

WHO: Amal INSTA: @leap.of.hope FOLLOWERS: 12.6k

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: The yin to the yang of Khalid Al Ameri, this is the boss woman/motherof-two/boundary breaker/ dream follower and founder of Pearl By S Jewellery, a beacon that every woman can aspire to be! Salama is not only hilarious, witty and down-to-earth but her work ethic, and fun, inspirational posts and vlogs, are a great depiction of the work hard, play hard life in the UAE.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: You might have seen the who’s who of instagram posting about his book “Just Read It” – but this popular authorcum-entrepreneur has so much going on that we can hardly keep up. He’s a big presence in the Abu Dhabi tourism and culture scene and an excellent role model for showing that you CAN handle a corporate job AND entrepreneurial dreams.

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: He’s been dubbed the Godfather of Real Estate and it’s somewhat true! In his book “Lanlording – from renting to financial freedom” – Mohanad is helping the UAE community and beyond to make simple, innovative property investments with management tips, finance advice and all things inspirational to achieve your homeowner goals!

WHY YOU SHOULD HIT FOLLOW: Not your regular girl next door, and that’s why we love her! Meet the very cool, super athletic and super dedicated Emirati all-ladies parkour coach.

Whether she’s training, talking about the pros and cons of being an athlete or just casually hanging out with other fitness buffs – Amal is the epitome of reaping the rewards of really hard work. ✤

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• CREATIVE STARTUPS

Making Movements The UAE has seen an influx of amazing small business ventures and innovative start ups that continue to impress. FACT’s Aanchal Duggal rounds up some of our favourites to check out in 2018…

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THE MODE

ALMA RETREAT

Get all the glam without the splurge with The Mode-Dubai’s answer to all your wardrobe woes! Offering designer dresses for rent at a fraction of the retail price, The Mode lets you get all dolled up without shelling out all that extra dough. With a vast portfolio of popular designer brands including Zimmerman, Self Portrait and Alice McCall, the company’s revolutionary concept is a total game changer. The perfect addition to the city’s vibrant fashion scene, The Mode is changing how women approach everyday attire, one wardrobe at a time!

For more information visit www.themode.ae.

The perfect retreat for sheer wellness, Alma is the ideal getaway for those seeking detox, creativeness and a chance to switch off. Back with longer stays, a new healthy menu, extra facilities and an enhanced set of creative fitness and mindfulness programmes, the new season schedule is designed to nourish the mind, body and heart. Encouraging the ‘nature gym’ concept, the rejuvenating four-day retreat is created with individual needs in mind to inspire a healthier and happier you!

For more information visit www.iamalma.com.

RENTSHER MIDDLE EAST

THE CUSTOM SHOP NEW YORK TAILOR TRUCK

Revolutionising your renting habits, RentSher Middle East is your one-stop-shop renting service for everything that you could ever need!

Offering over 1000 products across multiple verticals, it provides a seamless renting approach for both short and long term purposes. The region’s first online rental place for furniture, inflatables, medical equipment, travel essentials, electronics and so much more, RentSher lets you enjoy flexible renting options at the most competitive prices.

For more information visit www.rentsher.ae.

Elevate your style to a whole other level of sophistication. Bringing made-to-measure suits and shirts closer to fashion enthusiasts across the city, the on-the-go tailoring service gives a whole new meaning to looking your absolute best.

Equipped with the brand’s avant-garde 3D body scan technology for the perfect fit, the truck offers a dedicated space for measurements and fittings, assistance of specialists and a wide range of highend suit fabrics and accessories to choose from.

For more information visit www.customshopny. com/tailor-truck-main.

RentSher Middle East

The Mode

CREATIVE STARTUPS •

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• CREATIVE STARTUPS

AQUA POD Taking your traditional drive-thru dining to a blissful and innovative new level, Aqua Pod is all set to provide visitors with a first-of-its-kind experience while at sea! Introducing the world’s first sustainable floating drive-thru, Aqua Pod lets sea-goers pull up to enjoy food and beverages as they would from a conventional food truck. Set to float in Dubai’s lagoons, the Aqua Pod boasts a revolutionary architectural design that is designed to exist without any environmental harm-win!

For more information visit www.aa-ds.com.

Aqua Pod

Tailor Truck

We Shop That

Navigating the world of online shopping just got a whole lot easier thanks to the newest personal service in town!

Allowing customers to shop for independent products directly from the US, it offers a single transaction solution to purchase anything including items unavailable through traditional shipping and delivery platforms.

From technology and computing to fashion and beauty products, We Shop That brings unique items from stores and boutiques right on your doorstep. ✤ For more information www.weshopthat.com.

Alma Retreat

WE SHOP THAT

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• ARTS EXHIBITION

IAM HERE & NOW Currently on display at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Gallery, iAM Here & Now features artworks by six Abu Dhabi-based visual artists and one Australian landscape photographer – presenting a creative mix to thrill every art lover...

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AM Here & Now is the debut exhibition for Abu Dhabi’s newest Art Management and Events firm, International Artisits Management (iAM). On display are beautiful works by Mariam Abdulla, Rashed Al Mansoori, Jeramie Christian, Peter Corbett, Emily Gordon, Unni Kriens and Anthony Horth.

Though their artwork is on the surface quite different, an uncanny ability to capture their subject matter, both abstract and figurative, in the moment with a certain joie de vivre is what unites the artists’ work. iAM Here & Now aims to capture the zeitgeist of the growing art scene in Abu Dhabi by spotlighting innovative rotating artists who are either of the capital or interested in joining the art community.

Longtime Abu Dhabi-based artist and iAM founder Emily Gordon, says: “I have spent three decades nurturing a grassroots art scene in Abu Dhabi, and I pleased to find myself still here with an emerging art scene to boot.

“Following up on the success of my No White Walls, iAM’s new exhibition will showcase the many talented local artists prospering right here in the capital along with numerous international artists who have great interest in getting exposure in our increasingly competitive art scene right now. There has never been a better time to be an artist in the capital,” Emily adds. ✤

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INTERNATIONAL ART MANAGEMENT (IAM) International Art Management is a fullservice fine arts agency for professional artists wanting to advance their careers in an increasingly global and competitive art world. The firm represents an eclectic roster of exceptional local and international artists ranging from painters and photographers to performance artists and sculptors.

The founders believe that communication between the artist, the agency and the gallery representative is imperative to success. The firm has a deep commitment to offering creative solutions in an everchanging arts landscape. They believe in the power of the arts to change lives and enhance the quality of life in every community.

“

iAM Here & Now aims to capture the zeitgeist of the growing art scene in Abu Dhabi by spotlighting innovative rotating artists who are either of the capital or interested in joining the art community.

GO: IAM HERE & NOW EXHIBITION WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR GALLERY, UNTIL MARCH 31. CALL (0)2 654 3333 OR VISIT WWW.INTLARTMGMT.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Unni Kriens

Jeramie Christian

Rashed Al Mansoori

Rashed Al Mansoori

Peter Corbett

Emily Gordon

Maryam Abdulla

ARTS EXHIBITION •

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LENS MEETS LANDSCAPE Anthony Horth, one of Australia’s most notable photographers, has extended his exhibition of his landscape series Mother Earth Kimberley Australia at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr until April 7. Here’s what you can see…

M

other Earth Kimberley Australia is a photographic series that pays homage to one of the most isolated regions on earth and the Argyle Diamond Mine, home to virtually the world’s entire supply of rare pink diamonds.

The Mother Earth Kimberley Australia Exhibition celebrates the diamond ties that bind Australia and the United Arab Emirates while also honouring the traditional owners of the land of the Miriuwung, Gija, Malgnin and Wularr people.

Anthony was exclusively invited to Rio Tinto’s Argyle Diamond Mine to capture the beauty of the remote outback. Over the course of three years and three journeys Anthony has created a stirring portfolio of limited edition classic Australian landscapes inspired by the Barramundi Dreaming story of the local indigenous people.

“Some may think of deserts as barren landscapes, but the truth is that these places are full of life,” Anthony explains. “The white eucalyptus trees set against the red earth burnt landscapes, to me, represent the quintessential Australian geography. It will be introduced as a collection of landscapes from the home of the first 46

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people of Australia who told the Ngarranggarni Mirriwoong and Gija Barramundi Dreaming Stories which have been passed down through centuries of aboriginal song lines,” he continues.

“The curvature of the earth and the shapes she creates are not dissimilar to the beauty of female form. Hence why I named the exhibition Mother Earth Kimberley Australia. It is a chapter from Mother Earth.”

The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr’s striking exterior made of sheer blue glass is a fascinating contrast to the wondrous wilderness depicted in Anthony Horth’s Mother Earth Kimberley Australia series, forming a perfect pairing of man-made and natural beauty.

The exhibition features six of the 21 limited edition photographs in the series which are also available to purchase from the gallery shop on the Anthony Horth website. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.ANTHONYHORTH.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

ARTS EXHIBITION •

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ART ATTACK AT NYUAD NYU ABU DHABI ART GALLERY’S SPRING 2018 EXHIBITION, PERMANENT TEMPORARINESS, IS A MID-CAREER RETROSPECTIVE OF THE RENOWNED, AWARD-WINNING ARTIST DUO SANDI HILAL AND ALESSANDRO PETTI.

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• ARTS EXHIBITION

P

etti and Hilal’s body of work explores how our experience is shaped by our understanding of “permanence” or “impermanence” in our environment.

Their installations bridge architecture and art, examine the social, economic and political consequence of exile and displacement, and delve into public and private impermanent spaces. Visitors can witness large-scale installations and other works of different mediums displayed both inside the Art Gallery and outdoors around the NYU Abu Dhabi campus.

Two of the artworks featured are completely new, conceived for this show.

“Living Room” is a performance piece, which lays bare the uncertainties that arise when navigating the customs of another culture. “Refugee Heritage” is an installation of a series of lightbox-mounted photographs taken by an official UNESCO photographer at the world’s oldest refugee camp, Dheisheh camp in Bethlehem. “Refugee Heritage” explores the dichotomy of a place that was meant to be temporary, eventually demolished and forgotten, but instead has remained for decades and has become the only home that generations of some families have ever known.

Previously shown works include “The Concrete Tent”, which also deals with this paradox of permanent temporariness. Solidifying the shape of a mobile tent into a concrete house, the resultant structure is a hybrid representation of this temporariness and permanence, softness and hardness, movement and stillness.

Salwa Mikdadi, Co-Curator and NYUAD Associate Professor of Art History, said: “In Permanent Temporariness, Hilal and Petti present conceptual speculations that examine the state of impermanence and ‘refugee-ness’ beyond victimhood and beyond charitable gestures, offering the audience new ways of engaging with this critical and timely topic. I am delighted to be working with them again having presented their artwork at the Venice Biennial almost a decade ago.”

Sandi Hilal and Alessandro Petti are co-directors of DAAR, an architectural studio and artistic residency programme that combine conceptual speculations and architectural interventions; they’re also the founders of Campus in Camps, an experimental educational initiative in Palestinian refugee camps. Their practice moves between art, architecture and pedagogy., often operating outside the typical art exhibition venue format.

This is the first survey of their work in a museum/gallery context.

The duo’s projects have been exhibited at multiple biennials, include Venice, Istanbul, São Paulo, and Marrakesh, and at several museums around the world including the Centre Pompidou and Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. Their artistic practice has received multiple awards and grants, including the most recent Keith Haring Fellow in Art and Activism Award from the Center for Curatorial Studies and the Human Rights Project at Bard, the Loeb Fellowship Harvard University, the Prince Claus Prize for Architecture, Foundation for Art Initiatives grant, and shortlisted for the Visible Award, the Curry Stone Design Prize, the New School’s Vera List Center Prize for Art and Politics, the Anni and Heinrich Sussmann Artist Award, and the Chrnikov Prize.

There is also be a full public programme of events and talks for all ages, taking place throughout the exhibition. ✤

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“

In Permanent Temporariness, Hilal and Petti present conceptual speculations that examine the state of impermanence and ‘refugeeness’ beyond victimhood and beyond charitable gestures, offering the audience new ways of engaging with this critical and timely topic.

GO: PERMANENT TEMPORARINESS IS ON DISPLAY NOW. VISIT WWW. NYUAD-ARTGALLERY.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Red Sparrow

Highlights

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

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After suffering an injury that threatens to end her promising career, Prima Ballerina Dominika Egorova faces a bleak and uncertain future. With her career as she knew it on the rocks, she turns to a Russian secret intelligence service that teaches exceptional young people like her to use their bodies and minds as weapons.

DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence CAST: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Chronicling a tale of passion, sacrifice and power, Francis Lawrence’s newest offering is everything you could ever want from a psychological thriller. After garnering incessant comparisons to Marvel’s Black Widow, Red Sparrow has finally proved to audiences why it deserves to hold its own. The plot revolves around notable Prima Ballerina Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) and her journey to the dark side. Determined to protect her mother at all costs, Dominika is forced to turn to the Sparrow School to help her mother receive a life saving treatment. As she pushes her body and mind to their limits, she emerges as the most dangerous Sparrow the programme has ever produced. Offering a very unique and non-gadgety take on suspense thrillers, the film’s plot suggests a very different kind of spy film. Backed with Jennifer Lawrence’s killer acting and some super intense action sequences, the film will have you hooked till the very end.

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Offering a very unique and nongadgety take on suspense thrillers, the film’s plot suggests a very different kind of spy film.”

Tomb Raider WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Intent on solving the mystery of her father’s disappearance, Lara Croft makes a dangerous journey to his last known destination. Armed with only her sharp mind, blind faith and stubborn spirit, she must push herself beyond her limits to unravel the truth once and for all.

– Red Sparrow

DIRECTOR: Roar Uthaug CAST: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

A revamped rendition of the original Tomb Raider movie, Roar Uthaug’s bow and arrow-wielding protagonist is well and truly the woman we know from the 2013 video game.

Succeeding Angelina Jolie in bringing the video game character to life, Alicia Vikander’s portrayal of the same is every bit as promising and intriguing.

Following her father’s disappearance when she was barely a teen, Lara Croft staunchly rejects the idea that he is truly gone. Now a young woman of 21, the fiercely independent and resolute Croft is intent on locating her eccentric adventurer dad and embarks on a journey into the unknown. Go and watch it for some eyegasm worthy visuals and gripping storyline!

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

Single State of Mind

By Andi Dorfman

INDIE/ ELECTRONIC

GOSPEL/ HIP-HOP

Always Ascending

Bible of Love

By Franz Ferdinand

Reminding us of the dance-floor post-rock of their 2004 debut LP, Always Ascending retains their signature musical excellence while still sounding brand new. Their first album without guitarist Nick McCarthy marks the start of a whole new era for the band. With the addition of new member Julian Corrie, the Scottish indie rock band aim to inject a hint of electronics into the mix. A departure from their more guitardriven roots, the lead single is an ambitious and experimental turn for Franz. A sonic representation of the whole record, it is the bop you never knew you needed! Dubbing themselves as the “Futuristic naturalistic” genre, the band refuses to be put into a box. A synth and sax-heavy track, Feel The Love Go is as promising as their catchy lead single. Merging electronics with back-tobasics indie, the band is truly hitting some new territory with this punchy new record, sure to keep both devoted fans and critics very happy!

An enticing exploration of love and life, Andi Dorfman is here to give company to everybody flying solo!

Dorfman talks about a single girl living life on her own terms in New York City. From finding her first apartment in the city to watching her ex-fiancé get engaged, the former Bachelorette chronicles all the adventures she has had and how they’ve helped her grow. Juicy and entertaining - a must read!

By Snoop Dogg Spoiler alert: this record is going to make you FEEL your feelings! Taking his fans to church with his exquisite vocals and moving lyrics, Snoop’s new album seems to be taking him in a whole new direction. Turning to a more religious dimension, Bible of Love is a radical shift from his classic Snoop Dogg sound. Featuring collaborations from various Gospel artists including Tye Tribbet, the Clark Sisters, Faith Evans and Rance Allen, the album is all about putting love out into the world. Words Are Few featuring B Slade is an inspirational track with transparent lyrics. Blessing Me Again featuring Rance Allen is a beautiful amalgamation of heartwarming lyrics and mesmerising music - gospel rap at its finest! After seeing his fair share of reinvention, Snoop’s love-laden record is exactly what the world needs right now.

FICTION

An American Marriage

By Tayari Jones With the future stretching boundlessly before them, newlyweds Celestial and Roy are still very much in the rosyhued young lovers phase in their first year of marriage. As Roy is arrested and sentenced to 12 years in prison for a crime Celestial knows he didn’t commit, she is left to cope with life all alone. A heart-wrenching read!

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• SOCIETY

#HAKKASAN #ABU #DHABI #TERRACE #L AUNCH #PART Y In a lavish evening filled with delicious food and thirst-quenching drinks, Hakkasan Abu Dhabi launched its revamped terrace. The who’s who of Abu Dhabi’s social and hospitality scene along with the top media and influencers in the city all turned out for a beautiful celebration at the stunning venue. Canapes and free flowing drinks made their way around the crowd as great music helped to set the ambience at the capital’s newest al fresco setting.

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THE ETERNAL CITY FOR MANY SAVVY TRAVELLERS, THE HOTEL DE RUSSIE IS THE NUMBER ONE PLACE TO STAY IN ROME. ANGELA BEITZ EXPLORES THIS ICONIC PROPERTY AND IT’S MAJESTIC LOCATION…

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HOTEL HOTSPOT •

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ince its opening, Hotel de Russie has been Rome’s number one hotel for the who’s who including everyone from celebrities, politicians and those who want to rub shoulders with the aforementioned. The hotel is achingly chic and very private.

Once you step off the Piazza del Popolo and tony Via del Babuino and into this gorgeous hotel, you’ll instantly understand why it has famous clientele. It’s a refuge from the hectic rush of Rome and is surrounded by stunning nature that you never thought possible for such an inner-city hotel.

The landmarked 19th-century palazzo is discreetly tucked away in front of a secret garden that provides a lush, green oasis amid the city making it the perfect spot for an al fresco breakfast or an aperitivo.

The hotel has everything you can think of including outstanding amenities that range from a wellness spa, to bespoke cultural itineraries, and even a children’s

programme. Suites are spacious, stylish and classic, with the best suites facing the inner garden. Known as one of the most luxurious spots in Rome is the hotel’s Stravinskij bar, where sommeliers and bartenders always please with the perfect drink or espresso and it’s no surprise that George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and Pink Floyd have been seen here.

Sophistication and style is what to expect in the rooms at Hotel de Russie and you’ll have every creature comfort available to you. For interior lovers, the décor in this hotel is absolutely beautiful with each room having its one colour scheme and own sense of style. Expect to see a palette of pastels, rich grays and dark woods along with pops of orange and quirky accessories and loads of cool coffee table books. Flower prints, plush furniture, bold colours, stripes, marble and mosaic tiles accent each of the de Russie’s 98 rooms and 24 suites. You can also book an interior room, which comes with a terrace overlooking the

luxury hotel’s garden. As if they almost knew what we were thinking, a signature drink arrived to our door at aperativo time each day. Such a nice touch.

If you really want to go all out, guests can choose between two beautifully redesigned suites, both by Olga Polizzi, director of design for Rocco Forte Hotels - The Picasso Suite and The Popolo Suite. The Picasso Suite is dedicated to the artist, who stayed there for three months in 1917. It epitomises the hotel’s style with tasteful, modern furnishings and pops of colour.

In the living room, prints and pillows featuring Picasso’s designs complement the beige sofa and armchairs. Guests can enjoy an intimate dinner in the dining room, which has a wet bar, an elegant marble table, and built-in shelves filled with books and decorative objects. The 860-square-foot suite has one bedroom, a bath decorated in Italian marble and mosaics, a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and a 270-square-foot private terrace overlooking the hotel’s garden.

The Popolo Suite so named because its terrace has excellent views of Piazza del Popolo is even larger thanks to a recent expansion. The 1,080-square-foot suite comprises a living room, a dining area, a master bedroom, a walk-in wardrobe, a marble-and-mosaic bath with a double shower and separate tub, a powder room for visitors, and a 480-square-foot private terrace. The design draws inspiration from Rome’s rich history and Mediterranean colour swatch, seamlessly blending antiques and modern furnishings done up in luxurious Italian velvets and fact magazine

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silks in greens and burnt amber. Reupholstered vintage chairs, a custom-made rug by Polizzi, contemporary photography of Roman monuments, and marble reliefs combine to form the suite’s inspired design.

The Roman hotel’s tranquil spa has an amazing variety of treatments including massages, body scrubs, facials, manicures, pedicures and hair removal. The spa also features a well-equipped gym, marine hydro-pool, sauna, Turkish steam bath and Jacuzzi. They also use the Rocco Forte brand of products which are organic and soothing.

The hotel is located in Rome’s very posh Tridente neighborhood and has everything you need right on your doorstep. The city’s shopping mecca featuring boutiques from haute cuisine favorites like Valentino, Hermès, Azzedine Alaïa, Céline, Gucci and Prada and it’s in perfect walking distance (about 10 minutes) to Rome’s main squares and monuments such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Campo de’ Fiori. There simply isn’t a better place to stay in the inner-city and it’s not hard to see why this iconic hotel is known for its impeccable style and great service. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.ROCCOFORTEHOTELS. COM/HOTELS-AND-RESORTS/HOTEL-DERUSSIE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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A Sea of Choices SATISFY YOUR SEAFOOD CRAVING AT FLAVOURS RESTUARANT Our team prepares over 500 oysters, 100 kg lobsters, 80 kg shrimps, 40 kg mussels and 30 kg clams every week – all for you to enjoy.

Every Wednesday 7:00 – 11:00 PM

From

AED 229 PER PERSON

*Prices are in AED inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT (applicable on base price and 10% service charge)

Brunch Must Go On AFTERPARTY AT THE TAVERN. There is no better fun on Fridays than going for a brunch!

Relish on fresh seafood, Arabian delicacies, traditional Mexican, Italian and Spanish dishes, explore various live cooking stations and a wide array of desserts.

From

Every Friday 12:30 PM–3:30 PM

AED 216 PER PERSON

Book for 10 guests or more & get 20% discount After-party at The Tavern: 4:00-8:00 PM *Prices are in AED inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT (applicable on base price and 10% service charge) fact magazine

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• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

SURF’S UP… IN LUXURY A N GE L A B E I T Z CH ECK S I N TO T HE LU S H PA R K H YAT T A B U D HA B I HOT E L & VIL L A S F O R A G LO R IO U S B E AC H E S C A P E ON SA A D IYAT IS L A N D.

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

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hen it comes to a weekend at the beach, we’re so spoilt for choice here in the capital. If you’re looking for a real escape though, you can’t beat the Park Hyatt. The first thing that strikes us about this property is the stunning view from the lobby overlooking the large pool lined with perfect palm trees and the beautiful beach. It’s a picturesque scene and we feel instantly relaxed. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas is a 5-star luxury beach resort nestled along the pristine beach of Saadiyat Island. The resort lies on a vast stretch of environmentally-protected white-sand beach adjacent to the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

After a swift check in with the friendly staff, we’re shown to our sea view room which looks over the property to the beach. The room boasts a large terrace which is the perfect spot to sit and relax with a book. The contemporary rooms and suites at the hotel feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, as well as Nespresso machines and a minibar. We love the open plan marble bathroom with its spacious design and a huge tub and rain shower. The rooms are chic and stylish without being over the top and have a lovely feel to them.

Once we’ve checked out our abode, we head to dinner at The Park Bar & Grill. The menu has recently undergone some changes with more approachable food that is still quality

without the air of over indulgent fine dining.

This restaurant exudes refinement with high ceilings and an open plan kitchen. Clean and understated tones are seen throughout the restaurant and we appreciate the extreme low lighting. The staff are super professional and helpful and talk us through the menu which consists mainly of steak and seafood options.

We start with the pea soup and a burrata salad.

The burrata salad is lush, served on a bed of kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes and rocket drizzled with a balsamic glaze. The soup is also a hit with loads of flavour topped off with pesto oil. For the main event we can’t go past the Australian Wagyu and the lamp chops.

Our steak is perfectly cooked, with a nice rare centre and we opt for the pepper sauce on the side which is delicious. We order a side of steam mushrooms to go with it and duck fat french fries. The lamb chops are equally as good, and we order a side of grilled asparagus to accompany. After this satisfying dinner we head back to the 5-star comforts of our room for a good night’s sleep.

The next day there is simply nothing better we can think of doing than heading to the beach.

The beach and pool at this property are simply outstanding and you can easily spend the whole day on your comfortable sun lounger. The views are beautiful and the water at Saadiyat is crystal clear which makes for a perfect day of swimming and relaxing. The lovely attendants are on hand to refresh you with cold bottles of water and at the pool you can order from their dining menu. Once lunchtime rolls around the sun gets the better of us so we decide to retreat to Beach House for lunch. We love this restaurant for its menu of hot and cold tapas from the classic tuna nicoise salad and hearty meatballs, Spanish omelette to the much-loved garlic prawns and watermelon and feta salad.

Whether you’re a charcuterie lover or a cheese aficionado, a meat eater or a vegetarian, there is a dish for everyone to enjoy over lunch or dinner. There is certainly something on the menu for everyone. Overlooking the Saadiyat waters, the venue’s relaxed and tranquil setting makes for the ideal island retreat.

There are so many reasons to love this hotel and one of them is their spa, Atarmia. Spread over two floors, the spa features nine spacious treatment rooms, including one VIP couple’s treatment room as well as indoor and outdoor relaxation zones with privacy and separate areas for ladies and men. fact magazine

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The wellness centre offers an outdoor 25-metre lap pool, an array of hydrotherapy facilities, a manicure and pedicure salon, a fitness room with the latest equipment, a sauna, steam room and whirlpool.

We head to the spa and are welcomed with a refreshing green tea and homemade health cookies while we wait for our therapist. The Customised Full Body Treatment we’re trying focuses on detoxing. They also offer this same treatment with Anti-Ageing or Uplifting. We’re shown to our treatment room which is spacious and follows the same chic minimalist theme of the overall hotel.

We change into a lovely robe and slippers and our therapist scrubs and cleanses our feet. The treatment uses products from HydroPeptide that are aimed to help you with immediate solutions to rid your body of toxins, heavy metals and any other nasties. It’s also excellent for water retention and cellulite. We lay on the soft massage table which is heated to draw out all the toxins later on. A grainy scrub is rubbed all over our body and included peppermint to really get our blood flowing and to boost circulation. Once this is applied we take a quick shower to reveal soft, silky smooth skin. We then lay back down on the bed which is now covered in plastic and a body treatment is applied once again using peppermint and it really tingles and almost has a cool, menthol scent. We are then wrapped in the plastic sheeting and then folded into heated wrap which will make the products get to work and make us sweat everything out. We then shower using a HydroPeptide Invigorating Body Wash that uses caffeine to stimulate our skin even further.We then lay back on the massage table and are given a soothing massage with an uplifting lotion that will soothe our skin and penetrate deep into the skins later to continue the detox process. We leave feeling fresh, light and our skin is glowing. This is perfect for a good detox and to really get your circulation going but it’s also great for dry skin that really needs some hydration.

Our stay was pure paradise and we left feeling like we’d had a vacation even though we were still in Abu Dhabi. The property has so much to offer and the service is excellent, but it’s best if you want pure relaxation, lovely rooms and excellent food.

You can’t go wrong. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 407 1138 OR VISIT WWW. ABUDHABIPARKHYATT.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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CITY

CENTREPIECE N E I G H B O U R I N G T H E FA S H I O N A B L E S H O P P I N G D E S T I N AT I O N I S T H E W E S T I N CIT Y CENTRE BAHRAIN, SHOWCASING ITSELF AS THE ISL AND’S MOST P R E S T I G I O U S A D D R E S S , W I T H A N A R R AY O F O P U L E N T T R E AT S A R O U N D E V E R Y CORNER, ALLOWING FOR A MESMERISING WEEKEND ESCAPE. FA C T ’ S J AY N E G R E E N E X P L O R E S …

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WEEKEND ESCAPE •

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he interior of The Westin City Centre Bahrain is sumptuous and modern with lavish crushed velvet fabrics adorning cushions and an array of carefully crafted furniture.

Throughout the hotel different levels and styles of illumination create an air of extravagance in the entertaining spaces and tranquillity and intimacy in the lounge areas. The décor is a clever blend of polished woods, tiles, panelling and ornate chandeliers. The cutting edge contemporary design is executed perfectly to create a sense of luxuriant escapism.

This sense of splendour struck me immediately as my car was whisked away by valet, as I entered and was offered a

refreshingly fruity trio of welcome drinks which resembled a heavenly elixir to kick start my detox experience. The hotel takes a holistic, bespoke approach towards guest wellbeing which was evident as I checked in painlessly and sashayed to my executive room. The platter of treats presented to me reflected the attention to detail and personal knowledge of every guest.

This ensures that no two stays are alike but are customised to indulge the cravings, style and eccentricities of guests from arrival to departure.

The highlight of any visit to The Westin is the Heavenly Bed which has a reputation that proceeds it. Aside from this the ambient lighting, crisp tiled edges in the heavenly bathroom and thoughtfully selected accessories

from the signature White Tea range are designed to create a sense of mindfulness and Bodhi whilst ensuring that all necessary links with the outside world are at hand should you require them. The team at The Westin make a conscious effort to create a home away from home.

Despite my reluctance to leave such a haven I was keen to sample High Tea on offer at Mezzanine Lounge. The setting is a spectacle itself with floor to ceiling windows giving expansive views from the velveteen, wing backed armchairs. Hourglass tables supported the delicate array of pastries and sandwiches. All of the menus at The Westin are impregnated with super foods which create vitality and wellbeing through their philosophy of food synergy – fact magazine

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“

“This ensures that no two stays are alike but are customised to indulge the cravings, style and eccentricities of guests from arrival to departure.�

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WEEKEND ESCAPE •

pairing certain foods to increase their health giving benefits.

Should you wish for a more intimate setting for your group or perhaps a family gathering then private pods can be created with the addition of lavish drapes within this same space.

The hotel services and ethos also extend to business clientele through the state of the art meeting and function rooms.

Whether it be a board meeting or large catered event the team are able to offer the same bespoke service as they would in any other area of the hotel and can guarantee ‘clutter free’ meetings with state-of-the-art audio visual support.

Following a meander by the outdoor pool, taking in the sun deck, comfy sofas and pristine white towels on offer to all guests I eagerly made my way to the Heavenly Spa for a facial and Heavenly Spa Signature Massage. Once inside the soothing aromas and soft lighting immediately had a calming effect as I changed into a warm fluffy robe and arranged myself on a lounger in the relaxation zone. My treatment began here with a cleansing detox water. My facial involving cleansing and exfoliating treatments preceded my signature massage. The masseuse expertly sought out every knotted fibre and stress point with no direction from myself. Her techniques had the effect of a car journey on a small baby, lulling me into a meditative sleep. My overall two-hour experience passed by sickeningly quickly.

The excitement at the prospect of dining in the renowned Furn Bistro that evening was the only reason I was able to tear myself away from the spa. It is refreshing to have a flagship restaurant within such an auspicious venue serving high end Khaleeji cuisine as opposed to favouring the flavours of other nations. The bakery churns out expertly crafted Sambusek and Manakish whilst also paying homage to pastry staples such as croissants and strudel. Wishing to stretch my culinary boundaries I decided to try the salmon recommended by my knowledgeable and welcoming host. The platter was returned to kitchen almost as clean as it had been before service – not a single morsel left. I have since struggled to think of a fish dish which has impressed me as much throughout my various dining experiences. Praise indeed.

I am sure there is no need to comment upon how well I slept however to coin a phrase, it was ‘Heavenly’!

As technology speeds up the pace of life and each of us has unique stresses and strains dictated by individual circumstances, we all search for a means of escaping and space to ‘re-boot’. The ‘heavenly’ sanctuary created within The Westin City Centre Bahrain alleviates any negativity and elevates every mood. Whether you are seeking a business hub, a sumptuous family lodging or a luxurious space in which to mix and mingle with friends The Westin will cater to your every need and you will leave walking a little taller, smiling a little wider, skin glowing a little brighter and ready to take on the world once again. ✤

GO: CALL +973 17 171 000 TO BOOK YOUR WEEKEND ESCAPE AT THE WESTIN BAHRAIN CITY CENTRE fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

# E M I R AT E S # A I R L I N E # D U B A I # J A Z Z # F E S T I VA L The 16th edition of the Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival ended with a resounding success as Ricky Martin strutted across the stage with his signature energetic moves. Music fans coming from various parts of the world went crazy as he performed hits like ‘Living La Vida Loca,’ ‘She Bangs,’ and ‘Maria.’ He also premiered his brand-new single ‘Fiebre’ featuring Wisin & Yandel giving the audience an exclusive rendition of his next big single while also broadcasting this live across the world. The festival is the most recognised music event in the UAE and the region receiving more than 20 awards and nominations since its launch in 2003. The 2018 edition was a great success, showcasing exceptional opening acts such as Renegade Brass Band, and China Moses, as well as global superstars Duran Duran and John Legend.

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CITY RIDES •

THE AVANT-GARDE REVOLUTION:

RANGE ROVER VELAR

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• CITY RIDES

It’s not often that you can put the words powerful, technologically advanced and innovation all in the same sentence with elegant simplicity, sophistication and refinement. On top of all that, it’s rare that you’ll attach all of these adjectives to an SUV. Think again.

FACT takes the unbelievably compelling Range Rover Velar out onto the UAE roads and little did we know that this legendary motoring brand may have just introduced the world to a whole new meaning of luxury driving…

O

n the rare occasion when we’re asked the question: “what would be your dream car?” we’re inclined to answer with the usual Ferrari this or Lamborghini that, because “dream” cars are sleek and powerful, and all the things that make head turns whether you’re pulling up at the office or cruising down Sheikh Zayed Road, right?

Well, who’d have thought it that last month, we added one more to our list of desired on-road machines and it now sits firmly in the top three; say hello to the Range Rover Velar.

Velar, the fourth member of the Range Rover family, is an instantly recognisable descendant of the original luxury SUV – a landmark industrial design that’s become all too popular on the UAE roads, and for good reason. However, Velar’s form, stance and proportions leave an overwhelming impression of the unfamiliar, of the new. The start of another revolution.

The perfect blend of the original Range Rover character, conceived to play a powerful new role in the evolving Range Rover narrative, sitting between the Range Rover Evoque and the Range Rover Sport.

Its stop-you-in-your-tracks looks are born from a process driven by ‘reductionism’, a discipline faithful to the original Range Rover but enabled by the very latest thinking in design, precision engineering and technology.

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And we can attest to this. For the five days that we called the Range Rover Velar our own, it was a true head-turner. You know that a car is the talking point when the hotel valet decides to give it prime parking spot or as we were constantly told “VIP” parking – and this vehicle was not only a crowd-pleaser with its super slick, glamorous, chrome exterior, but it also has all the modern technology and elegant features that you’d expect from a car with the emotionally charged DNA and unquestionable pedigree of the Range Rover tag.

Velar is an SUV that exudes a sense of craft and quality. With fast and flush glass, delicate and beautifully slim illumination and features – inside and out – rendered invisible until required, Velar is the first vehicle to take luxury and technology into unexplored territory – literally. Velar, with its dramatically different approach to motoring, builds on that idea, expanding – once again – our understanding of the notion of a luxury SUV. There is a purity in the Velar’s design that we’ve failed to find in many other SUVs in its segment. Outside, we fell in love with the super-slim Matrix LaserLED headlights and flush deployable door handles.

A light, stiff, aluminium-intensive body structure enhances performance, agility and efficiency. In a place like the UAE, this not only sets the car apart in the competitive SUV field, it also appeals to a variety of drivers; whether it’s mums doing a school run, a businessperson taking regular trips between the emirates, or even a young professional who wants to take their casual driving up a notch from leisurely to all-out luxury.

Now, let’s talk about some of the standout features that really make the Velar a worthy contender on the UAE roads.

CITY RIDES •

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• CITY RIDES

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CITY RIDES •

A sophisticated all-wheel drive system, four-corner air suspension, class-leading ground clearance of 251mm (213mm with coil springs), wading depth of 650mm (600mm with coil springs) and Land Rover’s unmatched suite of traction technologies including Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control – brings Range Rover’s world-class all-terrain capability to the forefront. Think long drives in the dry heat or the pouring rain down south to the capital, or how about a road trip into RAK’s Jebel Jais for rockier landscape – the Velar is prepared and well-equipped for it ALL to ensure maximum driver engagement.

Inside, it’s the debut of the state-of-the-art Touch Pro Duo infotainment system, featuring two highdefinition 10-inch touchscreens for unrivalled functionality and intuitive operation. The Velar had, possibly, the easiest in-car entertainment navigation and user-friendly display that we’ve come across in any SUV of the same calibre.

Authentic materials of the finest quality and contemporary finishes underline Velar’s luxury status.

The cockpit’s distinctive horizontal architecture is celebrated with a new embossed Cut Diamond signature design, which flows from the instrument panel through to the door casings to emphasise the width of the spacious cabin.

The new design is subtly echoed throughout the interior: the Windsor Leather and Premium Textile seats feature a perforated interpretation, and the Cut Diamond motif forms an integral part of the stainless steel speaker frets’ structure on the Meridian 17- and 23-speaker audio systems.

The Suedecloth fibres are created from recycled plastic bottles and crafted into a textured non-woven material that’s soft to the touch. An advanced coating system ensures the Premium Textile interior passes Land Rover’s most rigorous tests for durability, and be easily cleaned. There’s nothing basic about the calm sanctuary of the Velar once you’ve closed the door – and only your playlist will pierce the relaxed feeling once you’re sat comfortably inside the car.

Aren’t we lucky enough these days that a car can actually warn you of things that could quickly lead to accidents? The Velar is no different. Combined with a comprehensive restraints system that includes six airbags, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems including Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist and an Adaptive Speed Limiter, the Velar integrates the latest safety technology for the driver and their passengers but also for other road users and everyday walkers. In particular, we found these safety features helpful with detecting cars lingering in our blind spot and helping us to be aware of spontaneous lane-changers, speeders, and any unwanted surprises on the roads.

The 2,874mm wheelbase and intelligently-designed interior delivers an impressive 673-litre luggage compartment and exceptional space for all occupants – so you needn’t worry about getting all your friends’ suitcases comfortably packed in. In fact, space was something that there was an abundance of if the Velar – great for those drivers who like to carry everything but the kitchen sink on their drives!

The Range Rover Velar is a story. Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the Velar represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story. Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach and meticulous attention in every detail, which evolves Range Rover DNA and previews the next generation of the motoring giant’s vehicles.

But, more importantly, the Velar is also the success story of the individual behind the wheel. This beautifully-balanced, powerfully-proportioned car is an elegant nod to the loyal Range Rover fan, the career-driven professional who worked hard to land a promotion, the family that creates balance between work and play, and the CEO who wants to make a real statement. In fact, the Range Rover Velar is the kind of revolutionary SUV that can be anyone’s story. All you need to do now is to book a test drive and start the chapter into writing your own. ✤

GO: STARTING FROM: AED338,205. VISIT WWW. LANDROVER-ME.COM OR CALL (0)4 309 8901 FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• PLUGGED-IN

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

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Any.do

Slickdeals

If you’re looking to get more productive, listen up! Make your smartphone your personal productivity aid with the ohso efficient Any.do app. A planning and organising app, it keeps your schedule on track with to-do lists, reminders, notes and the ability to share lists with and assign tasks to others. The app also lets you sync between phone, desktop, web and tablet to make sure you never miss a thing. That’s not all! The voice-entry feature lets you add items to your task lists without even speaking. Here’s to a more productive you!

Are you all about that saving money life?

The largest deal-sharing community on the web, it collects the best deals available from a wide variety of sources and brings them together in a single place. Covering everything from electronics and clothing to groceries and local deals, the app brings the best possible prices right at your fingertips. Slickdeals lets you search and view by product type or if you want a more hands-off approach you can custom deal alerts for specific products and categories. Happy shopping!

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PLUGGED-IN •

LAPTOP UNDERDOG With a market that’s ever expanding and improving, finding a laptop that’s best for you can truly be a task.

So, if you’re someone who’s difficult to please but also simple in your asks, Dell’s XPS 13 may just be exactly what you’re looking for! FACT explores…

W

hen it comes to technology, our trusty laptops are a universally coveted gadget. Be it bingewatching on Netflix or trying to make that looming deadline, these prized possessions surely seem to get the job done. Enter the Dell

XPS 13.

Light, powerful, aesthetically appealing and reasonably affordable, the XPS 13 is quite possibly the best laptop in the market right now.

Refined further than ever before, the Dell XPS 13’s latest series of changes have made it a showstopper for the third year in a row.

Boasting a design that feels premium yet not over the top, the laptop blends a metallic exterior with a carbon-fiber interior. Making it the ‘world’s smallest 13-inch laptop’, the next-generation InfinityEdge display is a total game changer. That being said, the stunning new 4k Ultra HD display and new colour option called Rose Gold on Alpine White have definitely impressed us the most. Featuring a 0.65% antireflective coating, the display aims to counteract the downfalls of all touchscreens and screen glare. While the carbon fiber and aluminum chassis ensures better endurability than most systems of its size. Apart from being a serious looker, the device is also equipped with one of the

best Windows touchpads. Impressive fluidity as well as smooth and accurate multi-touch gestures- it makes for a solid typing experience!

As for processor performance, eclipsing most of its competitors featuring 7th-generation chips, the 8th-generation processor is a strong competitor and a worthy successor that truly makes its presence known. A major improvement to its predecessor, the XPS 13 9370’s Thunderbolt 3 ports support four-lane PCI connections so you can use the laptop with an eGPU for serious gaming. That said, despite being armed with gaming-ready integrated graphics, they aren’t nearly as good as others in the market. The newest XPS 13 model also marks the turning point on their webcam placement. The 720p webcam comes equipped with four microphones and produces visuals as sharp as the latest MacBook Pro, while the new IR lens work well for speedy logins using Windows Hello. If an efficient battery life is one of major requirements, look no further! Among the largest batteries in any 13-inch laptop, the XPS 13 claims an impressive 22hour run. Pleasant visuals, stunning design, solid battery and stronger heat dissipation, there’s plenty going on in Dell’s newest release. As for us, the XPS 13 remains one of the best laptops in the tech world.

Let us know what you think! ✤ fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

# M C M # C E L E B R A T E S # V I VA # L I F E ! # A T # C A T C H # D U B A I The new school luxury brand, MCM showcased its SS18 Collection, VIVA LIFE! – a celebration of energy and endless discovery through a range of new styles, both vibrant and forward thinking in design. Renowned celebrity favourite restaurant, Catch Dubai played host to the exciting event where guests were able to view the latest collection of travel goods and accessories. MCM is inspired by music and art, which was perfectly paired with Catch Dubai’s rustic design and modern artwork by famous artists, Hijack and his father, Mr. Brainwash. The venue’s resident DJ Crown Price played popular old-school hip-hop and R&B as the crowd enjoyed delicious canapés and cocktails until late in the evening.

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H&M

STUDIO SS18

THE STUDIO COLLECTION IS ALL ABOUT EVOKING THE URBAN GRACE AND INTRINSIC MINIMALISM OF JAPAN, THE COLLECTION FOR BOTH WOMEN AND MEN FUSE CLEAN SILHOUETTES WITH A RELAXED VIBE, ADDING A TOUCH OF WORKWEAR ALONG THE WAY. IT’S BRAND-NEW BOHEMIAN, CRISP SIMPLICITY FUSED WITH LAIDBACK CHIC AND POISE. fact magazine

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HER The womenswear in particular focuses on head-to-toe print and bright colours in the form of flowing full-length dresses, easy tunics worn over trousers, utilitarian tailoring and statement knits. It’s a brand-new bohemian – crisp minimalism fused with laidback chic and poise. An authentic, creative soul luxuriating in cosmopolitan cities as well as lush surroundings.

Pernilla Wohlfahrt, H&M’s Head of Design and Creative Director, says: “This collection celebrates the vivacity of women. From the primary colours to the easy-going movement of the fabrics and silhouettes to the strong prints, there’s definitely an affinity for urban settings with a hint of glam. And yet, there’s also a longing for nature, an unpretentious way of life. We can have both, of course – that’s the beauty of modern life.” ✤

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HIM The menswear purposefully elevates classic pieces such as the tailored jacket, shirting, a waistcoat and the crewneck jumper by playing around with colour and luxe fabrications.

New silhouettes are introduced through subtle asymmetric cuts, paper-bag waist trousers, patch pockets and structured, oversized shapes. The result is familiar yet a little unconventional.

Andreas Löwenstam, H&M’s Head of Design, Menswear, says: “The dualities in this collection are key to the modern man – traditional tailoring and classic workwear, city power dressing and calm casualwear, soft and technical fabrics, luxe and street. And it’s about making a quiet statement through strong and confident clothes.” ✤

GO: SHOP THE H&M STUDIO SS18 COLLECTION IN YOUR NEAREST STORE NOW. fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM THE H&M STUDIO SS18 COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN H&M STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 80

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x EVERY THURSDAY FROM 9PM COMPLIMENTARY PROSECCO AND 50% OFF FOOD FOR THE LADIES NO TIME LIMIT BEVERAGE PACKAGE FOR THE GUYS AED 350

RESERVATIONSABUDHABI@ASIADECUBA.COM | +971 2 699 3333 fact magazine

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• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

Beauty Buzz YOUR MONTHLY FIX OF THE LATEST PRODUCTS FOR WOMEN…

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Guerlain LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE LIP COLOUR’INK Bid adieu to endless touchups with Guerlain’s first fearless liquid lipstick! Shaking things up on the liquid lipstick scene, you’ll get buildable intensity with an 8-hour long hold. Packed with a floral fruity fragrance, the ultra-fine, notransfer texture formula remains comfortable all day long. Take your pick from over fifteen different vibrant shades!

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La Prairie PLATINUM RARE CELLULAR NIGHT ELIXIR Making naturally beautiful skin a reality! The most powerful rejuvenating potion yet to emerge from the La Prairie laboratories, it provides nutrition, respiration, detoxification and immunity for flawlessly glowing skin.

The delicate floral scent is the perfect accompaniment for a good night’s sleep!

Paco Rabanne OLYMPEA AQUA Experience freshness at its peak with Paco Rabanne’s brand new aqua-inspired fragrance! Olympea Aqua opens with the freshness of Calabrian bergamot, aquatic accords and petitgrain that lead to the heart of ginger flower along with a cashmere wood base. A divine union of exalted floral freshness and a skin-loving salty-vanilla accord, it is the only fragrance you need this spring!

Starskin 7 SECOND OVERNIGHT MASK Say hello to the newest sleep mask in town! Up your nighttime skincare routine with Starskin’s new luxurious non-water based all-in-one mask that only takes seconds to apply.

Soaked in a lightweight and velvety non-water based serum of White Water Lily and Queen of The Night extracts, it is bound to be your new favourite skin care obsession!

Missha Cosmetics MY DESSERT LIP BALM Pucker up! Enriched with Argania Spisona Kernel Oil and fruit extracts, the tinted lip balm gives you the luscious lips of your dreams while still keeping them hydrated. The fruit shape in the middle provides colour to the lips while the outer part is a balm that hydrates, softens and provides a glossy finish to the lips. Available in Apple, Cherry and Green Grape!

Sephora OUTRAGEOUS MASCARA

6

Make falsies a thing of the past with Sephora’s new amazingly Outrageous Mascara! Featuring a formula enriched with keratin and hyaluronic acid, the mascara offers outrageous volume, superb length and a breakthrough brush featuring iconic bristles that are bound to change your life. The thick, ultra black formula delivers pumped-up, glamorous lashes while providing complete hydration.

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GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Game YOUR MONTHLY FIX OF THE TOP GROOMING PRODUCTS FOR MEN…

1

Bean Body MAN SCRUB

Enriched with skin-loving ingredients, the scrub not just works miracles on your complexion but is also oh so good for the environment.

Packed with Coconut Oil, Almond Oil and Caffeine, it helps stimulate blood flow and reduce the appearance of cellulite, eczema and stretch marks as well as removing dead skin and acne.

Aesop DEODORANT ROLL-ON Feel fresh all day long! Enriched with high quality botanical ingredients and an invigorating aroma, it helps reduce and mask body odour while refreshing the body and senses. Made with a carefully considered blend of essential oils including Vetiver Root, Coriander Seed and Patchouli, the aluminum and alcohol-free alternative is ideal for sensitive skin.

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Zirh RESTORE UNDER EYE CREAM

Been burning the midnight oil lately? Zirh’s Restore Under Eye Cream has got you covered!

Packed with Cucumber Fruit Extract and Caffeine, it helps work wonders to help strengthen the delicate skin around your eyes.

Great for keeping the area moisturised and calm down puffiness, its antiinflammatory properties reduces redness as well dark circles and helps wake up dull and tired skin.

Paco Rabanne INVICTUS AQUA Inspired by the intoxicating freshness of aqua, dive into the abyss with an energetic combination of Grapefruit, Yuzu and Pink Pepper along with marine notes wrapped in the heart of herbal violet leaf accord. An iodised crashing wave and a surge of vibrant amber wood, the daring olfactory smash-up is definitely our new favourite!

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Baxter of California PASTE POMADE Get hold that lasts all day long! Delivering long-lasting hold that is easily reworked, the lightweight formula is infused with nourishing ingredients including Carnauba Wax, botanical humectants, Kaolin Clay and Beeswax. It nourishes hair while adding thickness, texture and definition with desired hold or finish. Hair feels good and looks even better!

4

Triumph and Disaster GAMEFACE MOSITURISER A tool to protect your skin against the elements, Triumph and Disaster’s Gameface Moisturiser is the all-weather skincare you need.

A unique formulation of Jojoba Extract, Horopito Oil, Ponga Fern and Vitamin E, it is specifically engineered to be light on the skin and easily absorbed. The nutrient rich formulation rejuvenates and protects while leaving skin feeling toned, supple and fresh.

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POTTERY Barn Spring 2018 Pottery Barn has unveiled its Spring 2018 collection which features an assortment of shiny metals, colourful prints and patterns for the season.

The collection draws inspiration from the colours of spring as seen with the Victoria Botanical Pillows with fern and butterfly prints. The Mariella Duvet with its floral bedding is even more inviting, made from silkysoft Tencel, a breathable and sustainable natural fiber.

Customers can redecorate their bedrooms with the new coastal style Sausalito Bed. The bed’s headboard is woven of rattan for an airy, open feel, and the Seadrift finish on the wood adds a sun-drenched look.

Adding brightness to your home, the Pottery Barn spring collection includes Audrey Lamps, the hand carved Caleb Lantern and the spring collection brings back the Classic Rim Dinnerware, crafted of highquality porcelain in a bright white finish. Gatherings couldn’t get better with the Townsend Leather Collection of Sofas with plump cushions and cosy armrests.

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THE TROPICS

Zara Home

Debenhams

Next

Cath Kidston M&Co

Marks and Spencer

Things are getting green, fresh, bright and colourful for spring as interiors inspire a tropical touch for the home. Think leaf-adorned accessories, plants and even breezy, cactus-style mugs, vases and more. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s a statement piece!

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DIVERSE. AFFORDABLE. ORIGINAL.

18 - 21 APR 2018 Dubai World Trade Centre

Live it. Love it. Buy it.

Bringing affordable art to the Middle East

World Art Dubai is a unique fusion of world-class art, entertainment and education for art lovers, corporate buyers and private collectors in Dubai and across the Middle East. Showcasing a diverse collection of contemporary paintings, photography, sculptures, mixed media and digital art, all priced between $100 - $20,000.

SUBSCRIBE NOW TO WORLD ART DUBAI NEWSLETTER WWW.WORLDARTDUBAI.COM/NEWSLETTER

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#worldartdubai 86

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

Fabulous Finz Angela Beitz checked out Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi’’s Finz where she indulged in a sparkling spread of mouth-watering food.

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

E

veryone has a story about Beach Rotana. Maybe you stayed there when you first arrived in the capital. Maybe it’s your favourite go-to for a pizza at Pregos or a drink at Brauhaus.

Whatever your story, there’s a reason that this hotel remains popular and that’s because of one crucial element; consistency. The restaurants are always buzzing, service is great and the food is of a high quality – and on this particular visit we were set to dine at Finz.

The whitewashed décor against the soft waves of the surrounding sea is an absolute picture and the atmosphere is chic and elegant – perfectly nailing that indoor/outdoor vibe.

First, we take a seat at the bar, located in the heart of the restaurant, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the cerulean waters. After a lovely drink to start us off, we move out to a cosy table on the terrace. It’s not our first time at Finz, and every single time, we see something else on the menu that warrants future dinner plans. This is not your typical, pedestrian seafood outlet – you’ll get the best of both casual dinner feels with the quality cuisine of any good, 5-star food outlet.

Starting off with two elegant entrees, we tucked into Seared Scallops and the Yellowtail Tuna.

The scallops were divine and coated in a buttery flavour served with apple and celeriac, and finished with some delightfully crunchy brown butter crumbs. The seared Yellowtail Tuna was also a great choice, served super fresh with homemade mushroom soy sauce – SO GOOD. Another absolute standout from the Small Plates menu was the Chilled Lobster and Crab Cocktail, with a creamy grilled avocado curled around it and a topping of citrus. The presentation alone was sensational and with every bite the flavours got 88

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

more and more lively. To end our starters, a plate of Yellowtail Hamachi graced the table, swimming in orange juice and soy infused with chilli – we’ve got a real soft spot for ceviche, namely for its delicate texture and light ingredients. This ceviche was as tangy as you’d expect and the ultimate refresher dish before the mains.

After much lingering over the tasty options on the menu we go with the Halibut and the Grilled Tuna Steak. The Halibut comes with olives and cured air-dried beef which is a delicious combination.

The beef enhances the flavour of the fish. It also comes with roasted tomatoes, eggplants and herbs; so, a generous, hearty dish. Not being able to shy away from more tuna, as we simply can’t get enough of it, this Grilled Tuna Steak comes sliced and medium rare with sweet peas, soy beans with onion and citrus, and mushrooms. So beautifully cooked, the taste will linger on for a while after your last bite!

As you can probably tell, there wasn’t a dish that we didn’t like. It’s really not hard to see why Finz and the Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi continue to be so admired by diners. This is the place where you’ll consistently get good seafood in the capital – 100 per cent guaranteed. ✤

GO: VISIT FINZ AT BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI. CALL (0)2 697 9011 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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COMING SOON! APRIL 2018

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FOODIE CORNER •

CULINARY RESURGENCE Every now and again, even the most social spots with good food need a change. Bentley Kitchen’s fresh new look and revamped menu is the result of great ideas teamed with a vision to please both loyal and new guests. FACT’s Shabana Adam revisits an old favourite to see if it still lives up to the hype… fact magazine

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• FOODIE CORNER

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ere’s a little fun fact for you; Bentley Kitchen – formerly known as Bentley Bistro & Bar – was THE first dining venue that FACT magazine reviewed way back in 2014. They didn’t do things by half then, and they certainly aren’t doing it now.

Forever taking pedestrian ingredients to a whole new level of flamboyant, Bentley Kitchen’s food is still at the heart of its epicurean success, however, the venue and location have a lot to do with the restaurant’s popularity. Walk into the stylish interiors and you’ll find a chic, social space with cosy booth seating, large tables and even an inviting bar area – hello, after-work chills! There’s a beautiful al fresco veranda outdoors – the ideal place to soak in the winter sunshine and admire the waterfront setting.

We’re told that the brand new name, Bentley Kitchen, is more reflective of the restaurant’s sociable vibe, focus on great quality cuisine and contemporary venue. And in all honesty, it does feel a lot more laid-back and less intimidating.

Admittedly, like many of our friends, we found the old menu to be a tad overpriced – delicious, but not very pocket-friendly.

Hands up if you only came to Bentley for the burger? We’re guilty. The burger was the only REAL affordable daily grub that filled our tummies but didn’t break the bank, so it’s great to see that this is one area that was given attention.

The new menu is still packed with the same famous Bentley Burger, and so many classic favourites alongside new delicacies, but there’s a difference; you now get the same quality food at a more reasonable price – what’s not to love?

The innovative new dishes come courtesy of talented Group Executive Chef Praba Manickam and feature a perfectly prepared selection of international flavours. On first view, the menu looks cleaner and more focused, split into small sections including To Start, Salads, Burgers & Homemade Pies, The Main Event, Sliders, Bao Buns & Tacos, Butcher To Grill, and Sides & Sauces. The blackboard highlights the daily specials and there’s a separate dessert menu.

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We’d highly recommend to start off with the Wagyu Beef Cheek Croquette – pockets of slow braised wagyu cheek and mushroom with smoked sriracha mayo and compressed cucumber –it’s the perfect introduction to the creative approach the new menu offers. Equally satisfying is the Truffle Fried Mac-nCheese Arancini and Spanish Style Garlic Prawns - both crowd-pleasers at the table.

The Burrata Salad is deliciously creamy and comes on a bed of slow cooked puy lentils, heirloom baby tomatoes and a lush tomato and basil jam. Two mains tie for first place; the incredibly tender, fall-off-your-fork Wagyu Beef Cheek and every seafood lover’s dream, the Classic Lobster Thermidor.

Perhaps, the biggest surprise of all are the new sharing dishes that come in the form

of lip-licking Bao Buns (the crispy chicken is divine), the sliders (the fried halloumi is palate-awakening) and the tacos (spicy shrimps all day, every day). Presentation points are sky high too as every dish that comes out to the table is fought over to capture the perfect picture for the ‘gram.

For steak fans, we’d recommend the Rangers Valley 300 Days Black Onyx Rib Eye – cooked medium, it’s rich and juicy, and fills all of our carnivorous cravings.

If you’re passing by just for drinks, you won’t be disappointed. Led by expert mixologist Iva, the beverage team has put together a sensational new drinks menu.

Expect classic selections with a twist and vibrant cocktails inspired by global flavours and modern trends.

The revival of Bentley Kitchen is testament to the saying: “Change is good” – well done, team! ✤

FOODIE CORNER •

GO: VISIT BENTLEY KITCHEN AT THE GALLERIA, AL MARYAH ISLAND. CALL(0)2 626 2134 OR EMAIL RESERVATIONS@ BENTLEYBISTRO.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• SPA & WELLNESS

SOPHISTICATION & STYLE Angela Beitz indulges in the perfect treatment for some muchneeded rejuvenation at Talise Spa, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.

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f you’ve ever set foot into Etihad Towers then you’ll be familiar with their amazing venues and high quality service. On this particular occasion, I’m checking into the spa for a 30-minute Body Scrub, Talise Signature Massage and a 30-Minute Refresher Facial. Sounds like the full package to us!

Talise Spa is tucked away from the main part of hotel lobby and is a beautiful, quiet retreat. The décor is super modern with marble finishes, cool light features and vast hallways. I’m greeted in the relaxation room with cold water served with a special Rose Quartz Crystal mixing spoon meant to give positive feelings of love, and a refreshing hand towel, while the host talked me through what I wanted to get out of the treatments. I was SO quick to tell them which areas to concentrate.

I was then directed by the therapist who took me through to the treatment room and then ushered me into the large bathroom to slip into a robe and slippers. It all began with a calming foot ritual with warm water in a large copper bowl filled with milk, rose oil and large red rose petals. My feet were massaged and scrubbed and during this foot ritual, the therapist and I talked about what sort of pressure I’d like for the massage, and we also discussed my current concerns with complexion.

I lay down on the gorgeous treatment table that was super comfy and heated. The scrub is applied head to toe and a nice grainy mixture that sloughs away dead skin cells. After the scrub is applied, I take a quick shower to reveal super soft skin. It’s then time for The Talise Signature Massage is a combination of Lomilomi, Thai, Swedish and Balinese massage. As I have concerns with my upper back and neck, my therapist places a large heat pack on my upper back to soothe these muscles before she starts. My therapists touch was very strong (which we had asked for) and a great job was done getting my knots out while making sure I were not in too much pain. Two heat packs were placed on different sections of the body at the end of the massage which was a very nice touch and further relaxed us.

It was then time for the Refresher Facial, designed to rehydrate and balance the skin while giving it a perfect glow. The facial started with delicate stretching of my neck to improve circulation. There were also lots of massage movements to create deep relaxation and to tone the facial muscles. Once my face was double cleansed, exfoliated and steamed then a super-rich mineral mask was applied to intensely hydrate and revitalise my skin. My complexion was left deeply moisturised and glowing.

I’d highly recommend this spa for its fabulous treatments, lush surroundings and professional staff. It’s a super slick location with excellent facilities and is such a welcome escape from the daily grind. ✤

GO: THE TALISE SIGNATURE MASSAGE, AED450 FOR 60 MINUTES AND THE REJEVENATING FACIAL, AED450 FOR 60 MINUTES. : VISIT TALISE SPA AT JUMERIAH AT ETIHAD TOWERS. CALL (02) 811 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 94

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• SPA REVIEW

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SPA REVIEW •

Heavenly Wellness Journey You often forget how everyday stress can make you feel sluggish. At times, we accept this lifestyle and continue to let our bodies deal with the daily work grind, minus any time to unwind, rejuvenate and reenergise. The beautiful Heavenly Spa at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa is here to change that and Shabana Adam is going to tell you just how…

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t’s not often that a busy-body like me gets the chance to completely shut off for a little while and get taken care of – but it sure feels like just what the doctor ordered. Heavenly Spa is to be the self-prescribed remedy. I’m greeted with a cup of white tea and hot towel.

After filling in the treatment form, I head straight to the women’s changing area which houses a steam room and sauna as well as showers, lockers, and a comfortable changing area, with direct access to the treatment room area. The spa is a small and charming area made up of six treatment rooms. There is an earthy atmosphere of nature translating from outside to the inside, using impressive interiors like refined, natural materials of stone, water and wood, paired with sleek and smooth finishes of glass tiles and polished surfaces, creating a soft, warm and welcoming respite for a quiet and relaxing time at the spa.

Tip: arrive early so that you can make use of these beautiful offerings pre-treatment – after all, if you’re not using the facilities beforehand, are you even doing the whole spa thing right?

A soft robe is provided for maximum comfort and privacy – in fact, I’d go as far as saying that it’s the comfiest spa robe I’ve slipped into in Abu Dhabi. I’m here for the Heavenly Spa Signature Massage – a 60-minute treatment that’s designed to give people who are either constantly on the move or even

those hunched over a desk, that much needed boost to reinvigorate for their next life challenge (for me, that’s closing four regional magazines for press every 25 days *anxiety levels high*). More than anything, it’s the atmosphere of the serene spa that already transports me to a place of calm and peace – it almost feels too good to be true, but I quickly put my phone on silent and tuck it away in the locker.

Due to the busy time at the spa, I’m assigned a male therapist who is the epitome of professional from the get go. He begins with a heated compress which invites the back muscles to relax before I get to enjoy a Swedish massage that aims to tackle all the tight knots from head to heels. Soon enough, I fall into a short slumber whilst getting a warm oil head massage. Interestingly, the massage techniques during this treatment will leave you feeling physically rested yet mentally uplifted – just what I need before Sunday morning shows up!

What I loved about Heavenly Spa is that afterwards I was ushered to the relaxation lounge and told to take my time. Why is this important?

Well, you might be all too familiar with the feeling of being rushed to get ready and leave a spa once your treatment is complete – something akin to being on a conveyor belt – but the good news is, at Heavenly Spa, you can sit back for as long as you like, enjoying healthy snacks and a cup of ginger and honey tea. It really is a heavenly experience. ✤

GO: THE HEAVENLY SPA SIGNATURE MASSAGE IS AED440 FOR 60 MINUTES AND AED540 FOR 90 MINUTES. CALL (0)2 616 9770 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• DON’T MISS IT!

Middle East Film and Comic Con 2018!

The largest pop-culture festival in the Middle East is back - BIGGER, BOLDER and BETTER than ever! An exhilarating ride of regional, international and niche entertainment, Middle East Film and Comic Con (MEFCC) 2018 promises to be the best yet.

SET TO RUN FROM APRIL 5 TO 7 At the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the ultimate pop culture festival is packed with a star-studded guest lineup, great new features for fans as well as amazing contests. Starting off the festivities with a bang, fans get the chance to meet and interact with some of the biggest names in showbiz. From Doctor Who’s Karen Gillan and the original Green Ranger, Jason David Frank to Karl Urban from the Star Trek trilogy and true comic book royalty, Adam Kubert, the event is all set to be one for the ‘gram. Joining the show for the first time in the region, Netflix will be giving fans a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

Taking over 200sqft of space, the powerhouse streaming service is planning exciting activations to promote their latest series at the event. Another global phenomenon heading to MEFCC this April is the exclusive collectables brand, Funko. Making every regional and international collector’s dream come true, the event will also feature MEFCC Limited Edition Exclusive products!

For families and groups looking for a great day out, Hubzero Hangout by MEFCC’s family partner is the perfect spot to explore, play and get active with fun attractions and experiential zones.

Fans also get to enjoy the region’s first boutique Comic Con cinema with Roxy Cineclub. Where the on-screen magic and offscreen allure are synced to give you a show to remember, the Roxy 98

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Cineclub is created with special touches designed to wow and bring the film experience to life. Relax and watch a film during the day or take part in Q&A sessions with your favourite international celebs. Apart from some really fun events and amazing attractions, MEFCC will also be hosting an array of contests to inspire artistic innovation. Taleem, one of the largest education providers in the UAE will be joining forces with MEFCC to launch a fan art competition for 13 to 18 year olds. Giving passionate vloggers the opportunity of a lifetime, MEFCC will be recruiting a new brand ambassador that will be awarded a Superfan Pass. Think access to all the stars, all areas of the show and TONS of geeky gifts! Sharjah based Comic Book publisher, Kalimat and Emirati Production Company Eating Stars Studios will also be in attendance at the Artist Alley. MEFCC will also be hosting international artists, who will be creating during the show and selling original artwork to visitors. With weeks to go until the event, you can count on MEFCC to announce lots more celebrities as well as fun activities to look forward to. ✤

GO: TICKETS FOR MEFCC 2018 ARE NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE (WWW.MEFCC.COM) AND AT VIRGIN MEGASTORE OUTLETS ACROSS THE GCC.

Pamper yourself at our Bedouin-style spa with the Inner-Calm massage; a relaxing and soothing treatment for mind and body using aromatherapy and warm rose quartz crystals. For reservations, call +971 2 818 8051 ritzcarlton.com/abudhabi

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

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BLOSSOMING AFTERNOONS

Welcoming Japanese traditions and culture, Lobby Lounge celebrates the Cherry Blossom season with hand-crafted pastries and savouries.

1 – 29 March, 14.00 – 18.00 AED 220 Koto performance on 26 March, 17.00

T. +971 2 811 5666 | E. JADrestaurants@jumeirah.com

Price is inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and value added tax 100 fact magazine