FACT Dubai June 2019 by Fact ME

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Indulge in a Luxurious Summer Getaway This summer, escape to Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai and enjoy up 20% off our Best Available Rate when you book our Summer Moments offer.

For more information or to make a reservation, please call +971 4 777 2222 or visit mandarinoriental.com/Dubai 2

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CON TEN TS

FACT FINDS

WILD WORLD

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

MALDIVIAN MEMORIES

CITY RIDES

FASHION FOCUS

NEW IN TOWN

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

FACT SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS

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• THE EDITOR

A Thousand Miles

“

If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine, it's lethal” - Paulo Coelho

ittle secret? (or not-so secret if you ask my friends), but June happens to be my favourite month of the year. Maybe I’m a little bias as it’s also the official reign of Gemini season and my birthday, but, more importantly, it’s the month when travel plans really start coming together for many of us. Some of you may be super organised and have already booked your summer getaways, whilst others will be looking for destination deals and narrowing down on dates. For me, it’s a combination of both that makes travelling so exciting. A few pre-planned journeys with a dash of spontaneous trips – that’s my level of wanderlust. With places like Kyrgyzstan, Malta, and Zanzibar on my bucket list this year, the road to the airport is always an exhilarating one. It’s only right that we bring you some much-needed inspiration to encourage your next holiday pick. With travel trends incorporating the weird and the wonderful, FACT has chosen some truly unique destinations for you to visit. Turn to p29 and embark on a Wild World, where we bring you Dark Tourism, Lesser-Known Europe, Curated Experiences and Solo Travel ideas. There’s, literally, something for every person – novice voyager to avid boarding pass collector! Of course, let’s not forget that being able to travel is also a privilege. We rarely stop to appreciate how easy it is for most of us to book the next flight, hop on a plane and stay in a beautiful hotel. So, for those of you who may want to keep things close to home or anyone who wants a quick break but doesn’t really want the hassle of flying somewhere, you’re still spoilt for choice right here in Dubai. Our staycation choices starting p34 are just a small insight into some of the city’s top hotels that offer everything from beach vibes to good food and luxury surroundings at their best. The expedition continues with our special travel feature starting p61 for Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara; a postcard-perfect place that makes for the ideal choice of accommodation when visiting Salalah this Khareef season. With direct flights from Dubai to Salalah from mid-June to mid-September, head over to FlyDubai and book your regional break asap! Our monthly Staycation Spotlight takes us to the shores of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai for the weekend from heaven (p49) and a glorious escape to what can only be described as a real-life paradise in our Globetrotter to The Residence Maldives (p54). Of course, we keep things local too with our monthly highlights of the best dining deals, cultural events and fun happenings around Dubai. Mark your calendars as there’s a lot to celebrate! We bid farewell to one of the most ground-breaking TV series of all time, Game of Thrones, and like many of you, I feel it was a rather mediocre end. But, much like my love for this show, my travel addiction lives on through frequent Skyscanner searches and random Booking.com moments. Near or far, I hope you find and experience the adventure of your dreams this summer…☺

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

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FACT Magazine Dubai Edition • JUNE 2019 VOLUME 02, ISSUE 09

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES PUBLISHERS EDWARD SMITH RAMI KHALIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL LOCAL EDITOR ANGELA BEITZ SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT CONTRIBUTORS DAVID TAPLEY PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TAPLEY PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION NEIL MAHMOOD AJIT KUMAR SALES COORDINATOR KIA MARIE PLACIDO ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES EDWARD SMITH (edward@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/F

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Not all those who wander are lost" - J. R. R. Tolkien.

ISSUU.COM FACT Dubai 74,338 reads of the May issue online 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 Dubai.

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Dubai's Favorite

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FACT FINDS

Keep it Fresh FISH DUBAI HAS ANNOUNCED THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW GLASS COVER, MEANING GUESTS WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO DINE INSIDE THE STUNNING RESTAURANT, OR DINE AL FRESCO ON THE IDYLLIC TERRACE FROM THIS WEEKEND ONWARDS.

urrounded by strings of twinkling lights, cobbled pathways, Instagrammable tee-pees, Santoriniwhite picnic tables and unrestricted views of the Arabian Gulf, it’s no wonder Fish Dubai remains one of the region’s most sought-after dining destinations year after year. Since a memorable opening in 2016, the stunning Aegeaninspired restaurant set on the water’s edge of Le Meridien Mina Seyahi has welcomed hundreds of nationalities through its blue shutter doors and witnessed its fair share of romantic beachfront proposals. Originally an open-air dining concept, Fish Dubai was previously only operational across the cooler months, however, the team behind the award-winning venue is excited to announce that the restaurant will welcome guests all year round with the new installation, which is now complete. The installation of removable glass windows means Fish Dubai can cater to all seasons, with space for up to 100 guests. Without impacting the venue’s stunning Santorini vibes, this addition promises to keep out the summer heat, yet still offer up the stunning views that it is famous for. Styled like a modern seaside tavern, a truly rustic and whitewashed haven with subtle nods towards the ‘family home’, Fish Dubai is the perfect spot for indulging in great food and creating memories to last a lifetime. The talented chefs at Fish Dubai have worked hard to create a

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menu that sources the freshest ingredients, whilst also boasting a sharing style concept, making it perfect for dining in a group setting amongst friends and family, or for a more intimate affair. With a tempting array of fresh salads, traditional cold and hot plates, flavoursome casseroles and fresh fish, cooked to perfection, guests will certainly be spoiled for choice. Menu highlights include the Kokorec: finely chopped seabass and seabream casserole cooked with green pepper, red pepper, spring onion, parsley and rice; the traditional GreekMousaka, and the Incik, a tender, slow-cooked lamb shank with root vegetables and potatoes, served alongside dark Ottoman rice. For the sweet tooth, be sure to save room for the homemade walnut Baklava, served traditionally with vanilla ice cream, or the Ekmek Katayif, oven-baked bread pudding served with Turkish fresh cream and hazelnut. All of these are naturally complemented by an impressive wine list, which showcases the very best Aegean vineyards. Fish Dubai truly offers a dining experience like no other, and the best news is, it’s now open ALL YEAR LONG! Open from 12pm to 11pm on weekdays, and from 12pm to 11.30pm on weekends. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 511 7139 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Saying goodbye to friends? Get ‘tiki’ with us. HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH

Farewells don’t necessarily mean goodbyes, it’s about celebrating the next chapter of life! Party package comprises of 2 Mai Tai or house beverage with pass-around food at AED 99 (weekdays) and AED 149 (weekends). Open (Sun - Wed) from 5:00pm to 3:00am | (Thurs - Sat) from 4:00pm to 3:00am

+971 4 318 2319

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ANDAZ ADVENTURE Occupying prime real estate on the world-famous man-made island, Andaz Dubai The Palm is slated to open in the last quarter of 2019, becoming the first Andaz branded hotel in Dubai and the second Andaz hotel in the UAE, joining Andaz Capital Gate Abu Dhabi. HYATT HOTELS CORPORATION HAS announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with wasl Asset Management Group, one of the largest real estate development and management companies in Dubai, for the development of an Andaz branded hotel on the Palm Jumeirah. Created for the inquisitive-minded traveller, the hotel will offer an inspired local experience and stimulate guests’ senses through the city’s rich culture, heritage and attractions. The property will provide exclusive beachfront admission and easy access to several of Dubai’s key landmarks including the Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Marina Mall, Jumeirah Beach and Dubai Marina. HE Hesham Abdulla Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “Andaz Dubai The Palm will provide a standout hospitality experience for guests amidst a location famous for luxury and exclusivity. Due for completion ahead of the EXPO 2020, this new venture with Hyatt will further enriches our portfolio and fosters the provision of exemplary hospitality experiences to Dubai’s growing tourism market,” he added. “Hyatt is committed to thoughtfully introducing brands to new places and providing meaningful experiences for each and every guest,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Hyatt’s Dubai-based regional vice president of development, Middle East and North 10

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Africa. “We’re excited to introduce the Andaz brand to Dubai and believe that the globally renowned Palm Jumeirah provides the ideal setting to realize this vision. The vibrant luxury property will attract travellers looking to fully immerse themselves in Dubai and engage them through unique programming.” The hotel will feature twin 15-story towers inclusive of 217 guestrooms and 116 serviced apartments, each capturing a bespoke design influenced by the colors of Arabia. To add to the area’s thriving culinary scene, the hotel will offer four vibrant restaurants as well as a fitness center, spa and meeting facilities. A second property is also under development at urban beachside destination La Mer. Previously announced as Andaz La Mer Dubai, Hyatt Centric La Mer Dubai will mark the first property under the Hyatt Centric brand in the UAE. A fullservice lifestyle brand positioned in prime destinations, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed as a launch-pad for exploration and discovery, a perfect fit for socially connected guests who want to live in the now. Hyatt Centric La Mer Dubai is set to open in 2020. ✤

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

Eid Al-Fitr Staycation Celebrate Eid al-Fitr with a family staycation to create lasting memories. Live exquisite in one of our Superior Rooms or for the ultimate level of luxury upgrade to a Signature Suite. Located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi with a 200 metre stretch of pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Nation Riviera Beach Club at the finest address in the city.

Superior Room from AED 650* includes: Complimentary upgrade to Sea View Room (subject to availability), AED 200 restaurant dining credit, breakfast and 4:00 pm late checkout. Signature Suites from AED 1200* includes: AED 400 restaurant dining credit, breakfast and 4:00 pm late checkout. Book one room and save 50% on the second room. Perfect for families, connecting rooms available (subject to availability) For reservations visit stregisabudhabi.com *Prices are in UAE Dirham and are exclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes.

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

Stay exquisite at more than 40 St. Regis hotels and resorts worldwide. fact magazine 11 @stregishotels

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FROM ATHENS TO AVLI Avli by tashas, the latest addition to DIFC’s dynamic dining scene, has launched its new menu and it’s one to treat your taste buds! EMBRACING THE TASTES AND textures of summer, these authentic recipes are perfectly crafted to enjoy with friends and family over lunch or dinner. Avli by tashas promises to whisk guests away to the shores of the Athenian Riviera, complete with simple, fresh ingredients evoking the true taste of summertime in Athens. Suiting the season, the latest additions are light yet full of flavour, creating a modern spin on traditional specialties. The epicurean journey can commence with the new signature starter, Burrata served with piperies florinis, dehydrated olives, freshly picked cherry tomatoes and topped with olive oil, delivering a plate filled with Greek sophistication and comfort in every bite. A feast for the eyes, as well as for the taste buds, the Roasted Pepper Carpaccio, with freshly roasted capsicums, topped with soft goat cheese mousse, hazelnuts, mustard, honey and garnished with fresh herbs is the perfect mezede to share. For seafood lovers, the light and zesty, Tuna Carpaccio promises a deliciously tender yellow fin tuna with a side of a delicate homemade ponzu, soy, truffle, black garlic and herbed yoghurt, which is finally topped with fresh coriander and fennel seeds. A hit from the mains, 12

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the Catch of the Day A La Polita which features a dill & butter emulsion, peas and broad beans, carrots, lemon, buttered leeks and artichoke, a divine taste of the Mediterranean Sea. Avli by tashas is the second Dubai-based licensed concept from restaurateur Natasha Sideris, the Founder and Managing Executive of tashas. This latest addition to the DIFC’s dining scene has been inspired by Natasha’s Greek heritage and passion for combining tastes, beautiful environments and impeccable service tailored to be unique reflections of specific locations and culinary traditions. With Avli, Natasha and her team have created a sophisticated yet laid-back space. It is reminiscent of modern Athenian culture and the open-air courtyards of the Mediterranean - where every meal is an occasion, each moment a celebration and friends become family. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.AVLIBYTASHAS.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

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DUBAI SUMMER SURPRISES Dubai is the place to be this summer as Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the city’s annual summer festival, returns from June 21 to August 3. BRINGING RESIDENTS AND TOURISTS an exciting six-week line-up of sales, promotions and events, DSS is set to be even bigger than previous years. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the 22nd edition of DSS will offer an array of summer deals across the city’s shopping outlets, attractions, hotel staycations and family entertainment. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “There is always great anticipation and excitement among the city’s residents and visitors for Dubai Summer Surprises, so we are very pleased to reveal this edition’s dates. As one of the most popular events of the Retail Calendar, the annual summer festival attracts visitors from all over the world, offering six-week of sales, chances to win and world-class entertainment,” he continued. “We look forward to the incredible events and activations that our retail partners have in store for this year’s festival and once again welcome and encourage everyone to experience all that Dubai has to offer during the summer months.” For those who enjoyed an incredible DSS last year, there will be a variety of returning favourites such as Modhesh World, Deal of the Day (an exclusive deal every day on one brand, in one location for one day only), live concerts and many more. 14

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The festival will also offer new elements set to excite residents and tourists alike, including huge chances to win life-changing prizes throughout the summer period. ✤

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

Live Exquisite The best way to recharge is to unplug at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi with two exclusive packages ensuring an escape from the daily grind!

Staycation Package* Complimentary daily breakfast. 20% off on the Best Available Room Rates. 50% off on the second room for families & upgrade to the next room category upon availability. 1 hour complimentary rental of water sports. 60-minutes spa treatment at Iridium Spa. Access to Sandcastle Kids Club and selected group classes at Athletic Club.

Exquisite Escape* Complimentary daily breakfast. Complimentary access to Louvre Abu Dhabi. AED 150 restaurant dining credit. 1 hour complimentary rental of water sports. 60-minutes spa treatment at Iridium Spa. Access to Sandcastle Kids Club and selected group classes at Athletic Club.

*Terms & Conditions apply Rates are subject to 10% Service charge, 2% Municipality fees, 3.5% Tourism fees, 5% VAT on base amount plus service charge and Tourism Dirham fee of AED 10 per room per night. Offer is valid until October 2nd, 2019 & subject to availability during Eid holidays.

For more information, t. +971 2 498 8888 e. reservations.saadiyat@stregis.com www.stregissaadiyatisland.com fact magazine

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SUMMER MEETS FOOD! Burger & Lobster, the DIFC hotspot, is stirring up the summer with a brand new menu! Consistently bringing the hottest flavours to DIFC’s discerning locale, diners can expect to taste some familiar favourites, lined up alongside some delicious new showstoppers!

HOT OFF THE BLOCK, the B&L Burger Bombs, tantalisingly crispy, fried parcels of juicy burger meat, topped with melted cheddar and served with the signature homemade burger sauce. Light on the bite, but big on flavour the Lobster Pomegranate Salad tosses up a delicious serving of crispy salad, tender lobster meat and pomegranate with creamy butter milk dressing. Bite into the champion Cali Burger, plating B&L’s 8oz burger with avocado, crispy bacon, rich Swiss cheese and a spread of aromatic ranch dressing. Take a ride on the south side, The Dirty South burger, boasts the signature 8oz beef patty with bacon, American cheese, smoked BBQ sauce and topped with crispy onion rings! Take a quick trip to France with The Frenchie, B&L’s signature burger levelled with sautéed button mushroom, roasted garlic aioli, Dijon mustard and the essential raclette cheese. If the lobster roll is where the heart is set, guests can now indulge in a world of flavour with The Truffle; Fresh lobster meat tossed in indulgent truffle mayo, infused with homemade mustards and fresh lemon juice served with potato fries and salad. Last but not least, the sweet finishers are sure to delight, dig in to the warm and decadent Dulche Fondant, served with homemade vanilla ice cream. ✤ 16

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GO: SHAKE UP THIS SUMMER WITH BURGER & LOBSTER’S NEW SUPER HERO DISHES, AVAILABLE TO DEVOUR FROM JUNE 1. FOLLOW @BURGERANDLOBSTERDUBAI FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Asian Restaurant & Lounge

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CHOOSE YOUR ADDRESS Need a little me-time this summer, we’ve got you covered with some great spa deals… ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA Summer Tea Sensation Price – AED550 Duration – 75 minutes Unwind and rejuvenate with the purifying and healing benefits of tea at The Spa in Address Dubai Marina. Perfectly combined with our expert methods to give you three amazing treatments: Regenerating Back Massage, Tea Exfoliation and Green Tea Facial to prepare your skin for the summer breeze. Spa Bea-Tea treat Price – AED415 Duration – 50 minutes Spa ritual that revels the tea benefits that includes regenerating back massage to allow your body to completely unwind. This unique treatment combines a series of deep muscular techniques for total relaxation followed by green tea facial to refresh the skin. You are led through a series of gentle phases; cleansing, destress facemask and facial massage. Each treatment enhances one of these teas and combines it with a well-balanced spring water to keep its ultimate purity. GO: Call (0)4 436 7424 for reservations and more information.

ADDRESS DUBAI MALL Pure Harmony at The Spa Price: AED315 Duration: 60 minutes Relax and rejuvenate with a 60-minute Pure Harmony massage at award-winning retreat, The Spa at Address Dubai Mall. Let the healing touch of the experienced therapists soothe mind, body and soul amidst reassuring serenity and inspiring vistas of the Burj 18

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Khalifa. This Holistic Renewal treatment will thoroughly revive, relieve and refresh you. When signature rituals, exceptional expertise and inspired treatments blend seamlessly, the result is nothing short of a splendid, unforgettable experience Available until June 6, from 10am to 10pm. GO: Call (0)4 438 8025 for reservations and more information.

ADDRESS BOULEVARD Price: AED550 Duration: 90-minute session including 60-minute body balm massage with 30-minute detoxing body scrub. Enter a world of elevated relaxation and hospitable serenity at The Spa at Address Boulevard. Experience sheer tranquility with an exfoliating treatment that leaves the skin divinely soft. This refreshing treatment also features a nourishing body balm massage. Complement the experience with an instant booster feature for only AED150. Each treatment at this luxury spa has been thoughtfully and meticulously crafted by therapy specialists with the elements of the body and mind considered. From the outdoor relaxation pool to the Fitness Centre and the hammam to the private spa suites and salons, The Spa at Address Boulevard is veritably unmatched in its unique combination of offerings. It is the perfect weekday escape and an exquisite weekend retreat. Until June 30, from 9am to 10pm. ✤ GO: Call (0)4 561 8126 for reservations and more information.

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CASA DE TAPAS BRUNCH Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club’s Spanish-themed restaurant Casa de Tapas is re-launching its lively Friday brunch. The fiesta will feature Flamenco dancers, a DJ spinning tunes and live music by Spanish Duo, for everyone to enjoy. UPON ARRIVAL, DINERS WILL experience the warmest of hospitality, as they are seated at the expansive venue and indulge in an interactive tapas menu, designed by the talented Chef and his team. The dishes will be served to the tables, and entail multiple plates showcasing starters and mains, filled with Spanish classics, given a contemporary twist. To accompany free flowing grapes, hops and Sangria will be on offer. Throughout the day, guests will be spoiled with a range of entertainment including the legendary ‘Grand Paella’. The super-size signature dish serves up to 100 diners and is prepared with the freshest seafood and catch of the day, topped with flavourful ingredients to give it some extra Spanish zest. Traditional Flamenco dancers will bring everyone together and visitors will have a chance to get their moves on to the heelclicking rhythms. Everyone can sing along, as Spanish Duo will play live renditions of popular covers during the day. Post brunch, guests can keep the party going and enjoy signature cocktail’s while watching the un-interrupted views of sunset across the city skyline. Guests can enjoy the new brunch offering on Friday 12.30pm to 4pm. Prices start from AED210 for food with soft drinks, AED260 with house beverages and signature cocktails, AED315 inclusive of bubbly. ✤ 20

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GO: CALL (0)4 416 1800 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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PHOENIX SOCIAL CLUB Launching this month, Phoenix Social Club is a post-prohibition lounge and bar exuding modernised nostalgia. NOTHING QUITE SAYS “this is the bar you WANT to be at” than a nod to the prohibition era. A place where old and new collide and feature ‘fine sharing’ dining and drinking and upbeat vibes. Phoenix Social Club could very well be is your new local, and your best secret.

EAT ART The food is produce-centric with an eclectic array of flavors and multi-cultural cooking techniques served as art, ‘fine-sharing’ style designed for guests to explore new horizons with a loose tie and without prohibitive price tags. The plans include an experimental day every week after summer, showcasing upcoming dishes in a degustation style as well as collaboration menus with international chefs.

a bar stocked up to recreate a myriad of classic cocktails and their variations. Rotating monthly, experimental cocktails are created in conjunction with the culinary team – the teams are serious about innovation and creativity.

FEEL MUSIC Music at Phoenix Social Club will be live for three days a week during Summer and extended into Fall. Soulful tunes of Modern Jazz, heavy on brass instruments and backed by subtle beats that increase throughout the evening to give way to Nu Jazz and Jazz-House. The team is working on partnerships with music academies around the world to bring new talent to the venue every month to keep the sound fresh and accompany the monthly supper club parties. Phoenix Social Club is inspired by the supper clubs, or social clubs as they were known back then, of 1930s and 1940s Los Angeles, Miami and New York, that brought together dining, drinking and dancing – the three key ingredients to having a good time! This immersive cocktail bar and lounge club will be located on the first floor at the H Hotel, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road. ✤

DRINK PASSION The bar program at Phoenix Social Club is serious and continuously evolving, starting with nine signature cocktails and 22

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GO: Visit www.hhoteldubai.com for more information.

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LOCAL HOSTS Airbnb has announced that its global accommodation and experiences platform will be available in Arabic to enable its growing community across the Middle East and North Africa region to access an even more seamless travel experience.

THE LOCALISED WEB PLATFORM and iOS and Android apps are part of Airbnb’s ongoing commitment to the region and will further the company’s mission to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere. All of the popular features of the Airbnb platform will be accessible in Arabic: listing pages with thousands of homes bookable for great stays, experiences around the world and lots of content on how to travel or host with Airbnb. Airbnb has a strong and growing presence in Dubai and beyond: hosts and guests across the Middle East and North Africa region have been using the platform since it was founded 10 years ago to book accommodation globally or list their homes to welcome travellers. Airbnb has also released new data to show that across the Middle East and North Africa region more than 70,000 listings are now available to book on the Airbnb platform. As of January 1, 2019, in the UAE, 10,000 listings were available on the Airbnb platform and hosts in the UAE welcomed more than 145,000 guests from around the world - showing more than 63 per cent year-on-year growth. Hadi Moussa, Regional Manager Middle East & Africa, at Airbnb said: “The Middle East and North Africa region is extremely important to us, so we are delighted to launch Airbnb in Arabic today. “People from across the region have been using Airbnb since it was 26

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founded ten years ago to book magical travel experiences. We want to create a true sense of belonging for them by ensuring they can do so in their native language going forward,” he continued. We want to inspire more Arabic speaking travelers to explore their favourite destinations through authentic, local stays and experiences on the Airbnb platform.” In 2017, Airbnb also launched the Experiences platform in Dubai. Experiences on Airbnb are tours and activities, led by passionate locals, which enable travelers to the Emirates to enjoy the famed Arab hospitality first hand. Across the Middle East and North Africa region, there are currently more than 750 Experiences on Airbnb active in Jordan, Morocco, UAE, Egypt - with more than 120 Experiences in the UAE. As part of its commitment to the region, Airbnb signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai Tourism (DTCM) in 2016 and with Ras al Khaimah in 2018 to encourage responsible hosting within the emirates as well as promote tourism diversification. Last year Airbnb partnered with DCT Abu Dhabi to promote Emirati Experiences that allow guests from around the world to live like a local. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The continued success of Dubai as one of the world’s leading tourism destinations relies heavily on a collaborative and cohesive framework between the government and private sectors, helping democratise the local travel industry in line with evolving traveller needs. “As such, our ongoing partnership with Airbnb helps Dubai maintain its global competitiveness in a highly digitised marketplace by showcasing the city’s multi-dimensional accommodation portfolio in a safe, secure and transparent manner,” he added. “The latest updates to the platform help us to deliver additional convenience and ease of accessibility to digitally connected consumers, driving demand-led innovation, and advancing the city’s appeal to diverse audience segments around the globe.” ✤

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WILD WORLD

It’s that time of year again when many of us start to plan and book our summer getaways and 2019 sure has some great places for you to explore. Here at FACT, we love the weird as much as the wonderful, so taking into account some of the year’s biggest travel trends and types of holidays gaining momentum, we’ve put together some ideas and destination choices to inspire your next trip, whether it’s close to home or far away… fact magazine

• WANDERLUST 101

DARK TOURISM It takes one historical event or Netflix Original Series to trigger a traveller’s curiosity. And though dark tourism isn’t something new, it’s definitely on the rise as many jetsetters cash in on more meaningful places to visit. Here are just three to inspire your next trip…

CHERNOBYL Your interests don’t have to be morbid for this one but visiting the abandoned site of Chernobyl is like entering a haunting past and immersing yourself in history. Over a long weekend, explore the ghost town of Pripyat with its eerie and unsettling deserted playground, the Red Forest, and the New Safe Confinement structure around Reactor 4, which exploded back in 1986. You can even meet the few self-settlers still alive today who live inside the Exclusion Zone. To top that off, most pre-booked tours or packages will include a stay in Kiev, and a visit to the Chernobyl Museum for more in-depth stories about the disaster. The site has been reclaimed by nature and is a fascinating trip for an insight into what happens when dangerous environments are created by an accident. Fly to: Kiev with Ukraine International Airlines direct from Dubai.

DMZ BORDER If you desire to get a sneak peek into one of the most closed countries (North Korea) in the world, a visit to the DMZ is a must. Seoul, South Korea is the closet major city to the DMZ which can only be visited on an organised tour with a mandatory military escort. Be sure to pick a tour with good points of interest including; the Joint Security Area, which is where you have the chance to physically stand in North Korea itself and shop original North Korean items from the gift shop; then there’s the Mt Odu Observatory from where you can safely view day-to-day life in North Korea through free, ultra-zoomed binoculars; as well as the Infiltration Tunnels built in the 1980’s; and, lastly, Freedom Bridge which connects the two sides and could be used if ever they were to be at peace. At most, the DMZ is a place where you’ll gain more of an insight into a humanitarian crisis that the world does not know enough about. Fly to: Seoul, South Korea with Emirates direct from Dubai. 30

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RWANDA The small landlocked country of Rwanda is where the most recent and most brutal large-scale genocides took place in 1994. When it comes to Dark Tourism, the country’s many memorial sites are indeed one to shock and awe visitors. The Gisozi Genocide Memorial Centre is the best known and most visited individual site for tourists to see, located near the centre of the capital Kigali, which also offers a few more sites of its own that are worth exploring. However, it is in Murambi where the reality of these atrocious tragedies come to life. A “display of the dead” shows possibly the darkest, starkest, grimmest, and most shocking side of humanity in that at Murambi whole bodies are on display, half-decomposed, half- mummified by lime, which turned the bodies white. The experience is gutwrenching and not for the faint-hearted. But, more importantly, it also serves to prevent genocide denial and acts as a memorial to the hundreds of thousands who were slaughtered. Fly to: Kigali with RwandAir direct from Dubai.

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LESSER-KNOWN EUROPE We’ve become more and more demanding about finding the next hidden gem and avoiding crowded tourist hotspots. Luckily, Europe has plenty to see that isn’t yet on every traveller’s radar. Check out these worthwhile destinations… the seaside, countryside walks in Mount Dajti National Park, an opulent opera house and a treasured 18th-century mosque, Albania has diverse appeal for those looking to infiltrate the soul of a city. Fly to: Tirana with Turkish Airlines from Dubai via Istanbul.

BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA Perhaps one of the most underrated cities in Eastern Europe, but also one of the most beautiful. Any city with an Old Town gets our attention, and Bratislava’s is really something to brag about. Quaint cafes line its many streets, and this is also one of the best places to experience the warm hospitality of the local people. Of course, there are many famous points of interest like the UFO bridge and the eponymous castle on the hill, the Blue Church or a day trip to Devin, just outside the city – you could easily spend a week or so here. For efficiency and cost-saving, get yourself the Bratislava City Card, which at around €20 for a three days will get you access to all public transportation, lots of free museums, discounts at restaurants and shops, and so much more. Bratislava is also relatively cheap in comparison to its European counterparts with decent AirBnB stays near the castle starting from roughly €20 a night – bonus! With a low budget requirement and so much to see and do – Slovakia’s enchanting capital will charm you in a more humbling manner. Fly to: Bratislava with FlyDubai direct from Dubai.

MINSK, BELARUS We can hear some of you saying “huh, where?” – but, pay attention! Belarus is a landlocked European gem with elaborate palaces and cheap accommodation. Bordering Russia to the east and Poland to the west, the country is a great link between Asia and Europe, though one of the least visited. Yes, it’s a lot of concrete dotted with some green, but the history of this country runs deep. Some of the places to get up close and personal to Belarus’ past in Minsk include the Belarusian Great Patriotic War Museum, Independence Square – one of Europe’s largest and where you’ll find The Supreme Soviet of Belarus, the Church of St. Simon and St. Helen and Minsk City Hall – and Victory Sqaure, where military parades take place and also where newly married couples pose for their wedding photos.For a day trip, you can head over to Mir Castle or Nesvizh Palace. This UNESCO heritage sites are perfect to dive deeper into Belarus’ history and culture. Fly to: Minsk with Aeroflot from Dubai via Moscow.

TIRANA, ALBANIA While still often chaotic, Tirana is an incredibly interesting and pleasant city to visit. Decades of Stalinist rule left Tirana grey and grim, lacking in both infrastructure and services, but after the collapse of communism in 1992, things have changed dramatically. Being Albania’s cultural, entertainment and political centre, Tirana has a unique, beguiling buzz that sees the locals be very welcoming and friendly towards foreign visitors – having been isolated from the rest of the world for the latter half of the 20th century, many are curious about the inflow of travelers. There are museums, monuments, and plenty of parks, but there are also rainbow painted housing estates that add brightness to a once monochrome cityscape. Day trips to fact magazine

• WANDERLUST 101

CURATED EXPERIENCES Putting comfort and happiness over materialistic opportunities, more of us value experiences in our chosen destinations than doing the same things we do every day at home. Ditching nights in the club for early morning hikes and fancy restaurant dinners for locally-owned street food, here’s where to get your soul fix…

WORK ON WELLNESS

CULTURE VULTURE

With hotels and resorts the world over implementing more and more wellbeing and fitness into their hospitality offerings, now’s the best time to curate your ideal wellness programme and jet off for mind, body and soul rejuvenation. Whether that’s a laid-back three-day detox at the gorgeous Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara where all your vegan, nutritious meals are prepared alongside light exercise and spa treatments, or a FUEL Weekend at one of the region’s top W Hotels where everything from Barry’s Bootcamp to boxing, spinning and more take place. Faraway retreats in places like Spain, Azerbaijan and Thailand can all cater to every need: from the very extreme 800-caloriea-day itineraries to the more mindful and zen journeys for mental and emotional health, 2019 is the time of wellness travel and if you haven’t already, it’s your turn to get in on it!

This one is relatively simple. You pick a destination based on its ability to offer you the most intense and meaningful holiday experience. By this we mean a complete culture shock, changing your everyday surroundings from Gulf comforts to a completely different way of life. Destinations such as India or China come to mind, where you’re guaranteed a wholly traditional outlook into the way the native people live. If you want to start off somewhere that’s not too unfamiliar but still gives you a chance to delve deep into a new society, head to one of Morocco’s most enthralling cities: Fez. An imperial city, within its sturdy walls you’ll find the place where old Morocco still exists – in the elaborate architecture, the historic medina and the masses that have made Fez their home. Watch the daily procession of mourners entering the tomb of Fez’s founder Moulay Idriss II; it’s easy to understand why Fez is called the spiritual heart of Morocco.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL Whether you’re looking for cultural immersion or simply to catch a glimpse of local life away from the tourist trail, there are a host of ways you can dig beneath the surface and learn about your host country through first hand experience. One of the most popular and simplest ways of doing this now is through one of the many volunteer programmes out there – pick one, sign up, and start paying your dues whilst plunging straight into the deep end of local life. We’d highly recommend checking out Love Volunteers (www.lovevolunteers.org) for affordable and life-changing experiences ranging from conservation in the Galapagos Islands to community development in Rwanda and teaching in the West Bank. Moreover, living like a local could also mean signing up to learn a new language whilst abroad, taking a pilgrimage around prominent sites, or opting for a farm stay in rural villages – it’s your itinerary, and there’s so much choose from. 32

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SOLO TRAVEL A hot topic in the travel industry, travelling alone has a lot of appeal. You get to step out of your own comfort zone, throw itineraries and plans out the window, do things at your own pace and enjoy some real me-time. Thankfully, there are plenty of destinations and types of holidays made to cater for just this… TAKE A HIKE If adventure is your thing, then get ready for Kyrgyzstan. It’s vast and stunning landscape is drawing more and more trekkers to tackle high elevation peaks and alpine lakes in the heart of the Tian Shan “Heavenly” mountains. Kyrgyzstan reigns as a peaceful haven in the midst of Asia. Besides a few large cities, Kyrgyzstan is just wild expanses of nature speckled with small villages and random nomadic yurt camps tending to herds of horses, sheep, and yaks. The saying “back to basics” comes to mind as a trek in Kyrgyzstan might just be the reminder you need about living a less is more lifestyle. Untouched by glitzy buildings, this is where nature takes centre stage. Hike around the 10,000ft-high Lake Song Kul or the country’s gorgeous snowcapped mountains, raging waterfalls, and immense glaciers Of Sokuluk and Ala-Archa Gorges, and how about the walking tour of Arslanbob, a small town in the province of Jalal-Abad with a naturally growing walnut forest. The surroundings are yours to explore!

picturesque bays. Along the way, explore the ancient temples of Angkor and cruise between floating fishing villages on Lake Tonle Sap – the choice is all YOURS.

EAT YOUR WAY AROUND There’s no better way to really take in travel than through the food of a nation. And if your palate permits, a self-prescribed foodie holiday might just be what the doctor ordered. We’re talking from the northern Italian Dolomites where Casunziei (ravioli stuffed with pumpkin or spinach) is a staple, through to Bologna’s famous Tortellino, Florence’s Ribollita (classic Florentine cabbage-andbean soup with old Tuscan bread), all the way through Rome where Carbonara reigns supreme, down to the renowned Neopolitan Pizza and finishing in Palermo’s pretty markets where street food like arancini (rice balls stuffed with meat sauce and cheese) and panelle (chick pea fritters) all make an appearance. If the task of eating your way through an entire country is too daunting, fear not, we’d highly recommend some of the world’s most thriving cities like Tokyo, New York, Mumbai or London, too.

ANCIENT DISCOVERY One of the most peaceful and intuitive solo trips to take in Asia has to be through Southern Indochina. We’re talking Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Not only is Asia one big bustle of cultures and lifestyle, it will also throw you out of your comfort zone whilst providing the opportunity to experience some of the most mindful communities, cultural sites and insanely-good food. Wherever you can, get around using local transport, especially as South East Asia has some of the craziest variety to offer – from tuk tuks to mopeds. Check out the vibrant Thai capital of Bangkok with its many night markets, cross over to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and take a sunset bike ride around the serene landscapes, then continue to Vietnam with its many one-of-a-kind cities and fact magazine

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BEACH VIBES Why book a flight when you can get all the fun in the sun right here in Dubai? SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM RESORT & SPA Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa promises a luxury beach location like no other. With a picturesque pool and beach area, whether you’re topping up the tan or in need of some Vitamin D for the soul, this is the place to get it. Opposite Dubai Marina, a Polynesian resort beckons with 360 deluxe rooms and 182 serviced apartments, from Classic Rooms to expansive Beach Villas with private pools and butler service – this resort has you covered from A to Z. Spend fun-filled days playing tennis or doing water sports off the private beach or relax with a massage at the award-winning SoSPA. Sofitel brings a 5* French touch to Dubai hospitality for all the family to enjoy this summer. GO: CALL (0)4 455 6677 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

FAIRMONT THE PALM DUBAI

DOUBLETREE BY HILTON HOTEL JUMEIRAH BEACH Boasting a fantastic location on 'The Walk,' a vibrant waterfront promenade in Dubai, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai Jumeirah Beach hotel features 110 spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, some with fully equipped kitchens and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf Sea and The Palm Jumeirah, an iconic man-made island. Each suite at this Dubai hotel offers a balcony, air conditioning, a 47-inch TV and WiFi. Relax on the white sands of the hotel's private beach, swim in the outdoor pool, work out in the complimentary 24-hour fitness centre or treat yourself in the Wellness Centre with treatment rooms, a sauna and steam. Dine in one of the two restaurants offering cuisine from around the globe, or enjoy a snack in the pool bar. Enjoy modern facilities, expansive suites and a warm welcome when you stay at this Dubai hotel. You’ll be greeted with a DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie when you arrive! GO: CALL (0)4 453 3333 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 34

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Fairmont The Palm is an idyllic five-star resort situated on Dubai’s most sought-after island community, Palm Jumeirah. A luxury beachfront resort with unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf and glittering Dubai Marina skyline, this is truly a unique leisure and business destination. Make the most of the sunny days and get your daily dose of sea and sand; swim, chill and relax at one of Palm Jumeirah’s most stylish beachfront locations set against the impressive backdrop of the city landscape. From water skiing, wake boarding and kayaking, to paddle boarding and sailing, swap the sedentary life for a water-based experience with an exciting selection of sporting activities to try from our 800 meters of private white sand beach or join the innovative exercise routine called Aquaspin. An outdoor fitness solution that harnesses the inartistic buoyancy of the water, the routine provides a zero impact state for the joints, improving health and well-being. GO: CALL (0)4 457 3388 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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DOWNTOWN DREAMIN’ Want to be in the heart of it all; close enough to touch but far enough to have your own little escape? These Downtown hotels would make a great choice... ADDRESS BOULEVARD

RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI Situated just down the boulevard from the iconic Burj Khalifa, the hotel’s apt location in Downtown Dubai boasts a head-turning view of the city skyline and easy access to the bustling business and luxury shopping districts that Dubai is known for. Add to the mix two in-house celebrity chef restaurants, the dreamy Six Senses Spa and a slew of evening events celebrating local talent, and you’ll find it hard to leave. We love their spin on a concierge, known as Renaissance Hotels Navigators who are basically local experts who have been hand-picked to help you find what the guidebooks can't tell you. The rooms come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, making for a very comfy stay, alongside a beautiful outdoor pool to catch those rays of sunshine. GO: CALL (0)4 512 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

It’s often difficult to blend city vibes with a resort feeling, all whilst maintaining brand identity and prestigious services, and this hotel marries all of these hospitality elements, seamlessly. The beautiful Address Boulevard is one of those secrets that you want to boast about but also keep quiet because you agree that it should be admired by others, but on the other hand you want it to be your very own sanctuary. And all of this in Downtown Dubai – we’re impressed. The lobby alone is worthy of its own instagram account. Adorned with elegant furnishings and fresh flowers, it’s like walking into a HUGE living room where you can hang out with your nearest and dearest in the most tasteful surroundings. Rooms and suites are incredibly spacious and elegantly designed whilst the hotel’s direct internal connection to Dubai Mall is one of its many strengths. For staycationers with a sense of style, this instagrammable hotel and its plush décor is all you need this summer. GO: CALL (0)4 561 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY DUBAI For a taste of renowned German hospitality, this is the hotel for you! Located at the heart of the Business Bay district with very close proximity to the iconic Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall and the bustling Dubai Downtown area, guests can choose to either coupe up in their unique room or suite, spread across 19 floors and offering stunning views of the Dubai Canal, surrounding skyline and the Burj Khalifa, or hop in as taxi and go visit the site in person. The hotel is home to six dining venues including Brothaus Bakery – Bistro a ‘must-try’ destination for breakfast lovers; The Backyard, a cool street-art inspired garden terrace; Swim & Tonic pool bar and lounge; Bayside Restaurant & Terrace, serving freshly prepared international dishes, Das Café lobby coffee lounge and the hidden gem Secret Terrace. GO: CALL (0)4 369 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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CITY CALLIN’ Some of the best spots dotted around Dubai have to be its towering hotels and you can’t beat classic city living when looking for a plush staycation spot. JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI There is so much to do at this towering hotel that unless you’re in the city for purely visiting tourist hotspots, there’s absolutely no reason why you need to leave until it’s check out time. It’s amazing how the property manages to create a desired level of cosiness yet maintain a contemporary ambiance. This feeling runs right into the breathtaking rooms and suites; think snug meets fresh, meets minimalism with a dash of artistic flair. The iconic hotel is well-known for its food and beverage offerings, with everything from Italian to Japanese, Indian and even an award-winning Steakhouse to try. Saray Spa is a haven of tranquillity in the heart of a buzzing city, with treatments galore. It’ll be hard to pack up and leave a place that will very quickly feel like home. For the sheer amount of things to do and experience and for the top-notch hospitality, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai should be right at the top of your next staycation list. GO: CALL (0)4 414 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

HILTON DUBAI AL HABTOOR CITY Soaring 44 floors above the city, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City offers an upscale oasis on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal, near Downtown Dubai and World Trade Centre. The hotel is directly connected to La Perle by Dragone water theater and its location off Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai Metro station, puts you just minutes from things to do. Enjoy a host of indulgent amenities including an expansive spa with views of Burj Khalifa, not one, but four rooftop pools, Kids’ Club and more. Beautifully designed guest rooms and suites feature floor-to-ceiling windows and seating areas with sofas. A free-standing bath tub, separate shower and dual sink vanity highlight the spacious bathroom. Plus, Elixir Spa and award-winning on-site dining is sure to keep you occupied throughout your stay. GO: CALL (0)4 437 3333 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 36

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SHERATON GRAND HOTEL, DUBAI If you’ve ever thought of spending the weekend on Sheikh Zayed Road, or at least, somewhere along this main district, you’ll know that it’s like playing cat and mouse with hundreds of people who all have one goal in mind: I need to reach my destination, FAST. Rest assured, the business and continuous hustle of the outside, all instantly melts away once you’re through the doors of the 5-star Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai. Its sleek interiors, friendly staff and quick service all help to calm any of your work-week woes, and you’ll feel an immediate sense of serenity as the lift whisks you up to your chosen room or suite. Aside from its attractive pool area and well-equipped health club, a staycation wouldn’t be complete without some me-time. Head to Soul Wellness & Spa which takes its guests through a journey of mind, body and soul, offering luxurious bespoke treatments. Food is impressive here too – this hotel really has the total package! GO: CALL (0)4 503 4444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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LUXURY LIVIN’ Everything is completely lavish and all the things you’d imagine of a 5-star hotel in Dubai. Sometimes, a little luxury is all it takes… MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA, DUBAI In a place where excess is de rigueur, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai breezes in with a chic Californian-style ease to take its place at the prestigious Jumeirah Beach, the ideal location for exploring the sights and sounds of the glamorous Dubai – or completely disconnecting and enjoying the resort and its facilities. Overlooking both the pristine waters of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s glittering skyline, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai is a stunning destination with an enviable beach setting. With its inviting interiors and unmatched levels of service, the resort brings a new wave of luxury to our shores. This recently-opened property is a breath of fresh air for Dubai’s staycation crowd and is every inch the “insta-worthy” shot from its beach to the spa, the incredible rooms and the plentiful dining options. GO: CALL (0)4 777 2222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

THE RITZ-CARLTON DIFC As you pull into the hotel’s impressive black marble entrance courtyard, you’ll find a cluster of al fresco tables are filled with the buzz of locals and visitors enjoying coffee and freshly-baked treats at casual ground floor café Cake. In the gleaming lobby, you’ll be checked in smoothly and efficiently before making your way up to the room or suite of your choosing. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre embodies modern luxury and you’ll notice this throughout your stay. Discover a world of superlatives within this Art Deco-inspired hotel, from the biggest ballroom on Sheikh Zayed Road, to an impressive fine art collection. Dubai’s legendary attractions are just moments away, but you may be tempted to stay in and enjoy the acclaimed cuisine, spa treatments and beautiful facilities. Expect the best in service from start to finish – this place is what luxury is all about. GO: CALL (0)4 372 2222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

RAFFLES DUBAI A part of Dubai, a place apart, Raffles Dubai is an oasis of calm and charm with an incredible sense of space, service and unforgettable style. Like Dubaï, Raffles is a legend in which you are invited to play a central role. From signature room types to iconic, lavish suites, Raffles takes luxury to a whole new level. Its grand lobby is just one of the awe-inspiring spaces that will blow you away, whilst award-winning dining and one of the most sophisticated afternoon teas we’ve ever seen, will make sure that your lapping up the luxury services the entire time. The pool area is a calming oasis whilst the Raffles Spa features exclusive rejuvenating treatments, inspired by Asian, Middle Eastern and European traditions. They’ve really got it all covered! GO: CALL (0)4 324 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

• BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

WELLNESS

WONDER

CLEAN BEAUTY IS ON THE RISE IN 2019 WITH MORE AND MORE HOSPITALITY PROPERTIES AND WELLBEING VENUES OPTING FOR BRANDS THAT ARE, SIMPLY, GOOD FOR YOU! ONE OF DUBAI’S PIONEERING WELLNESS DISTRIBUTORS WHO ALSO SPONSORED THE SECOND ANNUAL FACT SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS DUBAI IS LEADING THE WAY. FACT SAT DOWN WITH PEARL TREE UAE’S CEO AND BEAUTY WELLNESS AMBASSADOR, SORAYA JOUZY TO LEARN MORE…

Hi Soraya! For those people who may not be familiar with Pearl Tree UAE, tell us a little bit more about what the company offers? Pearl Tree is a leading wellness distributor supplying the region with results driven and award-winning beauty brands such as Anne Semonin, Neom Organics, Knesko, Maroc Maroc, Sodashi, Miriam Quevedo, 111skin and Sahara Tea. We have carefully curated a selection of complimentary clean beauty brands that I am personally passionate about and feel that consumers will be too! It also so happens that all brand creators are women led and pioneers and leaders in their scope which is truly inspiring. We are based in Dubai and supply to entire GCC region through our network of luxury spas and the best retail hubs. You curate all the best natural beauty, wellness and lifestyle brands under one umbrella, can you tell us about the sort of elements you look for in a brand before deciding to take it under the Pearl Tree portfolio? The history and story behind the brand is so important in our selection process, we ask questions about what drove the founders of the brand to create it. We also consider our brand partnerships almost like a marriage and the core philosophies should align with ours to ensure a happy collaboration. Personally, I always test the brand myself for at least two months to ensure I see the benefits and we always work with our partners to get market feedback. We also like to see how a brand has done internationally, whether it be through awards or with a dedicated following of fans. Self-care has become such an important part of the 2019 lifestyle. Tell us your three tips for our readers when it comes to looking after yourself both inside and outside? I have a very active social life and because we are very lucky that spas and clinics are a convenience here in the UAE, I regularly book in for holistic natural treatments as a key to unwinding ahead of big events or weekend activities. I always come out feeling pampered and radiant. The way you feel inside shows on the outside and just taking those couple of hours to unwind with no phone and being able to switch off does wonders for your mind, body and soul and I feel rested and refreshed. Seeing close friends and family and making time for social bonding 38

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is great therapy so I try to make this a priority in my schedule. I get energy from people, constantly laughing and smiling – I try not to take things too seriously. Remember that small steps big difference! I draw inspiration and advice from the brands we work with. As Nicola Elliott, founder of Neom Organics, says “I am very light sleeper and sleep is essential for daily function, beauty and mental health. Getting into a better routine, I now have a proper ritual made easy helping me prepare for bed. I invested in bed lamps, using candles, switched the phone and laptop to a big fat boring book that I don’t understand and mist my pillow with lavender essential oils and off I go zzz”. You work closely with luxury hotels, airlines and high end retailers. Describe to us what Pearl Tree has to offer to its clients that no other distributor can? I come from a solid background in hospitality and the Pearl Tree team between us have years of expertise in this field. This really helps a lot as we understand what our hotel partners look for in their guest offering. This is why our business is run as a multi-channel distribution company, passionately creative and concept-driven to the core.

We work with beautiful brands that are also leaders in innovation and also results driven, I don’t choose brands for our portfolio which are ‘flavour of the month’ but instead those who are long sighted in their approach, ethical and stand for something. Partnership spirit and account management are key in our operations and we are more than just a supplier, we care passionately about our clients. We are lucky enough to be invited to their internal trade shows, activations at corporate offices, design and training aspect and they come to us with their challenges. We have a full time PR company that supports our clients and we drive clients to our partner locations acting as an extension of their team. What is the story behind Pearl Tree – how did it come into being? I have always been passionate about natural skincare, being originally Lebanese, taking care of one-self is innate in our culture. I also worked for a Swiss niche skincare line for several years with the vision of bringing the concept to the region’s luxury spas. Pearl Tree launched and our first project was for the pre-opening of the Pearl Spa at the Four Seasons Jumeirah. At this I came to realise that the region had a big gap in the availability of clean beauty products, let alone an understanding of the concept. This is when Pearl Tree was born – an ‘’aha’’ moment came along where I felt there was a need to educate the region through bringing in these brands and building awareness by creating content. My brother Sarry and MD of Pearl Tree, when having to decide on the company name said why not call it ‘Pearl’ as it was our first project and a name which depicts beauty, uniqueness and is from fact magazine

• BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

our region. The ‘Tree’ represents all things clean beauty, nature and organic growth. In your role specifically, what are the most challenging and the most rewarding aspects? I find it really rewarding to see the growth of the clean beauty movement and more brands coming into this region – but it is still baby steps and feel that it is important to be consistent in this growth. Sometimes it is challenging with the ongoing education - whether it be end customers or owners and top management – of the importance of wellness and lifestyle as a 360 degree approach and not as a separate ideas. In modern times when social media has taken over our every ritual and minute of the day, it’s important to de-stress. Can you share with us a little bit about the brands you represent and how they might help to ease stress… Where do I start? #wellbeingonthego Number one: breath, breath and remember to breath! Hand balm on the go from Neom gives you a quick boost of happiness when inhaled and I can’t live without my destress candles and pillow mist mentioned also from Neom. The Rose face mist from Sodashi is incredible, I take it with me everywhere and it refreshes me during a long day and calms me down. Face masks from Knesko Skin that force me to lie down for a minimum of 30 minutes and so thick and heavy with the smell of rose oil which is such a treat, I also use my jade face roller – soooo relaxing! I love to enjoy a cup of tea with colleagues and clients to unwind and refocus. The Sahara tea – Nirvana is perfect. Aside from providing products to the client, what other services does Pearl Tree have to offer? Overarching all the services we provide is the fact that we really care about improved wellbeing and re-connecting to nature - this passion is infused into everything we do. In business, we strive to forge strategic partnerships taking long-term perspectives and investment to build relationships. Regionally, we cover more than ten countries and provide 40

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consistent and reliable supply and training capabilities aware of local customs, opportunities and challenges which is hugely valuable. Personally, we are very active in the social scene regularly attending industry events and seminars always working closely with marketing, events and media groups to ensure the best possible strategic partnerships for our brands. What are some of your personal and professional goals with Pearl Tree UAE for 2019? We are working hard to find the best talent from across the board to build our fabulous team. At the same time we are also growing and diversifying our portfolio of brands with some exciting new partners in the pipeline. Expansion is also a key driver for us in 2019 and beyond as we grow our offering in the GCC – especially Saudi Arabia – and also the British Indian Ocean. Describe in one sentence why consumers and clients should come to Pearl Tree UAE for their natural product services? We care about clean beauty and are uniquely passionate in keeping ourselves knowledgeable while sharing our know-how with our valued partners and customers. ✤

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

G R A N D H YAT T D U B A I — Surrounded by contemporary works of art, alongside a rustic exterior, diners can experience classic Italian dishes with a modern-day twist. The restaurant features indoor seating overlooking colorful mosaics and an action-packed kitchen, as well as a cozy outdoor terrace which sits under a floral pergola. To learn more call +971 4 317 2222

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ALL THE WAY UP! HE’S ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S TOP DJS AND FORMER RADIO PERSONALITIES, OPENING FOR SAM SMITH AT LAST YEAR'S F1 CONCERTS. HE ALSO DABBLES IN PRESENTING AND EVENT HOSTING, THE LIST OF TALENTS ARE SKY HIGH. FACT CAUGHT UP WITH THE ONE AND ONLY SAIF AND SOUND TO 42

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TALK MUSIC, THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND WHAT HE’S UP TO NEXT…

ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS •

Let’s take it back… do you remember your first experience of listening to music and how it made you feel? Well, I can’t remember the EXACT moment, but music made its way to me at a young age and it really changed my life. The feeling I get when I listen to music is indescribable, it sends me places one can only dream of! What inspired you to take to the decks and become a DJ? Aside from my unconditional love for music, it’s my desire to spread love, good vibes and to make people happy. Music is very powerful, it brings people together regardless of their colour, nationality, race, income etc. It unites everyone under one roof to celebrate life. DJ’ing is all about skill and practice, how many years have you dedicated to perfecting this talent – and what have been some of the most challenging aspects? Well I’ve been DJ’ing for around 10 years. I started playing music in my bedroom when I was 15 and funnily enough, I would take 30-minute breaks in between my homework to practice just for the fun of it. I had no idea this would become my actual job! Practice is key! Music is constantly evolving and therefore you should always keep up with the newest trends. Regarding challenges, it’s definitely the fact that I grew up in a traditional household, none of my family members are into the kind of music I listen to, so there was no one to refer back to when I heard an old school song and asked them if it was a hit or not. fact magazine

• ENTERTAINMENT FOCUS What kind of music are you personally into – what’s on your playlist at the moment? I listen to GOOD music! I go through certain moods where I’d be listening to some Jill Scott and next thing you know, my playlist switches to a new reggaetón song. However, at the moment I’ve been listening to a lot of Afrobeats, especially what’s coming out of Nigeria. But my favourite artist right now is Koffee, she’s coming out of Jamaica and she’s dope. Being a DJ can often mean late nights and irregular hours – how do you cope with the lifestyle? To be honest my lifestyle is all over the place. I promised myself to slow things down a little but I’m not good at that. However, I just quit my daytime job at the radio to focus more on other things and get my life back together in a way. As well as DJ’ing, you’ve also become well-known for hosting on the radio and emceeing at events. Was the entertainment industry always something you wanted to get into – and why? I started off as a DJ but I’m constantly on the lookout for new challenges and side hustles as I like to call them. They mainly have to do with music and entertainment. These type of things remind me of my high school teachers, they used to tell me I should pursue a career in TV/Radio because of my loud voice, haha! But at the end of the day there’s nothing more I enjoy than entertaining and putting a smile on people’s faces. Working in this industry, in one of the world’s most buzzing and competitive markets can be quite demanding. How do you keep a good work/life balance? Well my job is quite fun, I get to meet new people every day, play music and giveaway prizes on the radio! It’s become a part of both my professional and personal life, but I like to dedicate at least one day a week to spend time with family and have a normal life away from music and social media.

What’s your DJ’ing style – do you interact with the crowd and take a lot of requests or do you like to play it by ear and already know what you’ll spin before you start? I’m quite familiar with the crowd in the UAE and I’ve built a fan base that attend my events specifically and that like the type of music I play. But I don’t mind taking requests and mingling with the crowd while I’m DJ’ing, as long as long as they are just giving me a request and not narrating out their life to me! Going back to radio, what kept you excited about being on air in the UAE – what sort of impact do you feel radio can make in a listener’s daily life? Being on the radio is a totally different experience to DJ’ing, people get to see or rather hear a different side to me. I can be playful, of course but I also get serious when I speak on certain controversial topics. What has been your most memorable moment as a DJ or radio host to date? Being able to express my love and passion for music on some of the biggest stages in the UAE and playing alongside artists I look up to are the most memorable moments when I look back. I’m just a kid, born in the UAE, trying my best to raise the flag high and represent the scene to the fullest! Do you have any advice or tips for young, budding entertainers? Like the song goes “Nothing can stop me I’m all the way UP!” Work hard, set yourself goals, stay focused, listen to your heart and most importantly, ENJOY your job! Share with us some of your goals for the near future… I don’t like sharing my goals with anyone but here is what I can tell you. Now that I’m no longer on the radio, I’m going to focus more on my solo brand and work towards my long-term plans. I have a few things in the pipeline, keep an eye out on my socials and you will definitely be hearing some good news soon! ✤

GO: FOLLOW @SAIFANDSOUND ON INSTAGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST. 44

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PARKING

• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN X-Men: Dark Phoenix WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

A decade after the events of X-Men: Apocalypse, the X-Men national heroes are all set to embark on increasingly risky missions. As a solar flare hits them during a life-threatening rescue mission in space, Jean Grey is hit by a cosmic force that makes her lose control of her abilities and transforms her into the iconic Dark Phoenix.

DIRECTOR: Simon Kinberg CAST: Sophie Turner, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Your next sci-fi and action fix, X-Men: Dark Phoenix sees the X-Men face their most intimidating and powerful foe, Jean Grey. The 12th installment in the X-Men film series, this chronicle embraces Chris Claremont and John Byrne’s iconic “Dark Phoenix Saga” on the screen for the second time. During a risky rescue mission in space, Jean is nearly killed when she is hit by a mysterious cosmic force that transforms her into one of the most powerful mutants of all. Wrestling with this entity inside her and her own personal demons, Jean unleashes her powers in ways she can neither comprehend nor contain. It is now up to the X-Men to save her soul as well as protect the planet from aliens who wish to weaponise this force and rule the galaxy. Featuring a star-studded cast as well as phenomenal action and fantasy sequences that are enough to have you jump out of your seats, the film joins a season of superhero successes and we’re sure is destined to be one of the biggest blockbusters this summer. It is a YES from us!

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Highlights

“

Featuring a star-studded cast as well as phenomenal action and fantasy sequences that are enough to have you jump out of your seats, the film joins a season of superhero successes...” – X-Men: Dark Phoenix

The Last Black Man in San Francisco WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Jimmie Fails, a black San Francisco native, dreams of reclaiming the Victorian home his grandfather built in the heart of San Francisco. Accompanied on his quest by his best friend, Jimmie struggles to retain a connection to a city that seems to have left them behind.

DIRECTOR: Joe Talbot CAST: Jimmie Fails, Jonathan Majors

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Breathtaking performances, stunning visuals and a precious storyline, Joe Talbot’s ambitious directorial debut is everything you can ask from a great movie. Inspired by a true story, the film is a heartwarming and vibrant ode to the rapidly changing city of San Fran. The Last Black Man in San Francisco features a fresh and original story of two outcasts in a city where they grew up but which has changed dramatically. Jimmie insists that his grandfather built the Victorian mansion and that his dream is to fix it up and live in it again. With the help of his friend, Montgomery, Jimmie takes over the big old house and regains his family’s past. Beautifully presenting the idea of gentrification, the film is lovingly crafted and dwells on the question of whether you can go home again once you’ve lost it. Sophisticated storytelling and soul-stirring themes of love, roots and community make this a sure winner.

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

FICTION

Trust Exercise By Susan Choi

REGGAE INDIE ROCK

Wah Gwaan?! By Shaggy

Father of the Bride

By Vampire Weekend

Treating us to major California vibes, Vampire Weekend are back with their fourth studio album, Father of the Bride. Their first album after an extended hiatus, the latest release exhibits a practiced ease that has never been witnessed by fans before. Finding the American band at its most politically conscious, the album talks about everything from love and politics to climate change and a growing sense of place in the world. Filled with a kind of vibrant energy, Harmony Hall sounds like a warm and simple reintroduction. Drawing inspiration from a number of ‘90s pop singles, the cheery piano and sweet guitar notes make you want to surrender to the happy-go-lucky groove. Pushing the boundaries of Vampire Weekend’s sound, their newest offering sees them entering uncharted territory. Flirting with the fine line between corny and cool, Sunflower returns to the band’s quintessential playfulness. Offering a swirl of tag-teaming guitar and bass runs, the track is certainly one of the most weirdly chilling on the album. A collection of extraordinarily well-written and beautifully crafted songs, we are digging this new era of Vampire Weekend!

Embodying Shaggy’s Jamaican roots, contagious joy and introspective side, Wah Gwaan?! is the reggae and dancehall mainstay’s first solo album in six years. Featuring a slew of collaborations including Alexander Stewart, Nicky Jam and Jason Derulo, the latest soundtrack is Shaggy’s most personal album to date. Featuring a soothing production and powerful vocals, Use Me introduces Shaggy back with a bang. His strikingly commanding voice proves why he remains one of the most important figures in this genre of music. You, featuring steelpan drums and a heavy chorus is Shaggy’s attempt at a dancefloor anthem. The Reggaeton inspired grooves and deep fluctuations make this single an absolute bop! A display of his rich sound influenced by all styles of music, Shaggy continues his winning streak with a number of energyinfused offerings. Representing a robust musical journey, Wah Gwaan?! captures Shaggy’s musical genius like never before. Reggae fans will find familiarity with some hints of contemporary progression – we’re onboard.

In an American suburb in the early 1980s, a group of students struggle and strive as they ambitiously pursue music, Shakespeare and acting at a highly competitive performing arts high school. When within this striving “Brotherhood of the Arts,” two freshmen, David and Sarah, fall headlong into love, their passion does not go unnoticed by anyone, especially not by their charismatic acting teacher, Mr. Kingsley. Following a narrative that will make you question everything that you just read, the novel is as captivating and heartwarming as it is surprising.

NON-FICTION

How To Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy By Jenny Odell When was the last time you truly unplugged from the constant demands of everyday life and gave into the absolute joy of doing nothing? This book shows us a new way to connect with our environment and see our world and ourselves in a whole new light. Redefining what we think of as productivity, How To Do Nothing is Odell’s instruction guide to adopting an alternative way of moving through life.

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• SOCIETY

#MARRIOTT #INTERNATIONAL #CELEBRATES #10TH #ANNUAL #IFTAR #FOR #CABS As part of its ongoing commitment to the Holy Month of Ramadan, Marriott International celebrated the tenth annual ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative at participating Marriott International hotels in the Middle East and Africa, including over 50 properties in the UAE. During the hour of Iftar on Tuesday, May 14th , 2019, cab drivers who drove through the main entrance of any of the participating hotels received complimentary Iftar packs to break their fast. Catering teams at each hotel prepared Iftar packs, which included a diverse selection of food and beverage items. Associates from across various departments within the hotels, including Catering, Administration and Guest Services joined forces to bring the ‘Iftar for Cabs’ initiative to life.

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RESORT VIBES A P ICTUR E S QU E S E T T I N G; LU S H GA R D E N S, S A N DY B E AC H, WO R LD-C L A S S A M E N I T I E S AND A WARM F R I E N D LY WE LCO M E, TH E R IT Z-C A R LTO N D U B A I I S LUXU R Y PAC KE D I N TO A WATER FR O N T D E S T IN AT IO N. WI T H 294 R O O M S A N D S U I T E S, I T’S A S LI C E O F PA R A DI S E AWAY F R O M T HE N O IS E OF T H E C I T Y. FAC T C H EC KS I N…

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â&#x20AC;¢ STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

here’s something magical about being in the heart of a busy Dubai district like JBR, surrounded by tourist bustle and plenty of great shops and restaurants, whilst sinking into a comfy chair on your balcony to take in the uninterrupted sea views – away from any noise and distractions. If you’re wondering where it’s possible to do this, listen up. The sprawling Ritz-Carlton Dubai hugs the shores of its own private beach, just steps away from the famous Walk at JBR, but a world away from the high-rise rush of the city. We couldn’t think of a better place to get our staycation on than this beautiful luxury resort, inspired by the low-rise buildings of the Mediterranean. With its sea-facing guest rooms and suites, a dedicated Club Lounge, a wealth of culinary experiences, leisure facilities, Ritz Kids Club and a spa, one thing is for sure – there’s no need to leave this place right until it’s time for you to check out.

DELUXE LIVING

If space, views and amenities are at the top of your list, this is the resort that ticks all the boxes. The King Deluxe Room is comfortable and huge – one of the best accommodation types that we’ve stayed in, in Dubai. The word plush comes to mind; everything is lavish in the most serene way. The lovely sitting area is the perfect place to kick back and out your feet up for everything from reading a book to having an afternoon nap, or even lounging for some screen time. Talking of screens, there’s fact magazine

• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

an LCD 47-inch HDTV, desk with integrated media and entertainment connectivity console for laptops and iPods, DVD library for the inroom player and our favourite mod-con, a portable control pad for the lighting and other services in the room. One of the best parts of this room is the spacious walk-in wardrobe – there’s no limit on luggage for small families or even couples who are guilty of over packing for the weekend! The bathroom is an epitome of luxury with marble finishings; double vanities, a shaving/make-up mirror and hair dryer; plush terry bathrobes and slippers; separate oversized rain showers and a separate toilet with bidet, all make up a beautiful resort bathroom. Let’s talk about sleep. The Ritz-Carlton signature linens and featherbeds are a dream. After a day spent on the beach or exploring the grounds and facilities, tucking into this bed was just what the doctor ordered. We had some of the best night’s sleep here. Top top that off all rooms are oriented towards the sea and feature private terrace or patio complete with coffee table for two. Our sea view was just flawless. The balcony overlooked the lush green grounds and winding pool. Think postcard perfect, right here on the shores of Dubai.

DISCOVER DINING

If there’s one thing that The Ritz-Carlton Dubai knows how to do well, it’s food. Nine restaurants, bars and lounges offer a journey through global flavours, exploring culinary traditions and cultures from the Middle East and beyond. There’s distinct experiences including beachside dining, al fresco terraces, a lively Friday brunch, Afternoon Tea and themed dinners. We had the pleasure of dining at a real gem: Blue Jade. Serving up pan-Asian cuisine, it was great to see this cosy, welcoming restaurant packed with other gastronomes who were enjoying plates of exotic flavours and good company. Here, Chef Ta 52

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GO: VISIT WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM/EN OR CALL (0)4 399 4000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

Van deftly composes dishes that honour the flavours of his native Vietnam as well as those of Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China. As our journey through the East begins, we read more on the menu and learn that the stone, Blue Jade, also known as the ultimate “Dream Stone”, is a talisman of peace and serenity. It calms and restores, like a veil of slow moving clouds covering the moon. It is widely used to temper emotional upheaval and to restore equilibrium. A nice back story to get us into the food groove! Highlights for us included the Spicy Tuna Maki which was fresh and tasty, the Papaya Salad with a hint of spice was a tantalising combination of soft shell crab, tomato, and tamarind fish dressing, and the Mixed Dim Sum – chicken siu mai, prawn har gow and vegetable dumplings. All of which were packed with the most generous fillings. For our mains, Lemongrass Chicken and Black Pepper Beef made the cut. The first was exquisite dipped in chilli fish sauce whilst the latter was coated in the most lip-licking Singaporean black pepper sauce – exactly what we wanted. A side of Vietnamese fried rice and we were happy campers! Dessert was a huge surprise – in the most pleasant way. Asian desserts are usually hit or miss – these were definitely a big YES. The Roasted Banana with passion fruit sauce and coconut ice cream is our recommendation – just the right amalgamation of flavours to end the meal. Service is top notch, the presentation is insta-worthy, and the entire evening is above our expectations. There’s international cuisine, Italian, Middle-Eastern, Mediterranean and everything in between; food is something to be enjoyed and relished at The Ritz-Carlton Dubai.

LUXURY FACILITIES

At a resort of this magnitude, we’d expect nothing but a labyrinth of a wellness area, and The Ritz-Carlton Spa definitely doesn’t disappoint.

The treatments are healing, relaxing, cleansing and energising with a careful blend of Eastern traditions and European techniques. Offering the luxury of pampering and the ability to hold time at a standstill, the hotel spa features 12 treatments rooms (three private rooms each have their own terrace), ladies’ and gentlemen’s relaxation lounges, eucalyptus-infused steam-rooms, an outdoor lap pool, hot and cold plunge pools and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The hotel’s fitness centre is one of the best we’ve worked out in at any 5-star hotel. This season, book any treatment of 60 minutes or more and get complimentary access to our resort pools and private beach. With plenty of equipment, great staff and space to work on your physical wellbeing, the gym’s full range of amenities was just what we needed to perk up. Plus, there are not one but six swimming pools to dip in afterwards! For some true pampering, the 60-minute Nourished Glow will have you balanced from head to toe!Reveal your smoothest, softest skin ever with this body exfoliation, finishing with a deeply nourishing oil application and personalised back massage. Our therapist is professional yet personable, checking about pressure and comfort throughout the treatment whilst being firm with the scrub and massage – we feel unbelievably relaxed as we leave. The ideal skin and body combo therapy! Location is key when deciding where to book your next staycation, and we can’t think of anywhere better than the heart of JBR. Just a short drive from the new Bluewaters Dubai and many other attractions, so if you fancy a trip out and about, you have a whole host of options. If you’re staying with little ones, The Ritz Kids programme educates and engages young guests with creative activities to expose them to Dubai’s environment and culture. There are many reasons why The Ritz-Carlton Dubai is as revered as it is; reliable, classy, inviting and a true resort feeling is what this place is all about. ✤ fact magazine

• WEEKEND ESCAPE

MALDIVIAN MEMORIES

IN REALITY, NOTHING QUITE PREPARES YOU FOR FLYING INTO THE MALDIVES AND WITNESSING HUNDREDS OF ISLANDS SPREAD OUT ACROSS THE INDIAN OCEAN, AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE. CLUSTERED IN RINGED-SHAPES, THE LANDSCAPE IS UNDENIABLY BEAUTIFUL, AS IF THE REEFS ARE PROTECTING A NATURAL SECRET AND ONE THAT IMMEDIATELY SEARS ITSELF INTO YOUR MEMORIES. FACT’S DAVID TAPLEY EXPERIENCED THIS VERY THING AS HE HEADED TO THE RESIDENCE MALDIVES, SITUATED ON THE REMOTE ISLAND OF FALHUMAAFUSHI…

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GLOBETROTTER •

he Maldives represents a dream destination for many due to its pristine white beaches, turquoise lagoons and natural coral reefs teaming with marine life. An elusive destination often associated with honeymooners and a jet-setting crowd, The Maldives is a collection of 1,200 islands spread across 26 atolls and represents a destination that offers relaxation and luxury just four hours away from the UAE. Malé is the densely populated capital of Asia’s tiniest country (in terms of both population and land area) and acts as a transit point to one of the 132 resorts. Ours is the idyllic The Residence Maldives, on the remote island of Falhumaafushi, deep in the heart of the Indian Ocean approximately 45 miles north of the equator. Our journey to isolation involves a domestic flight to the island of Kooddoo, followed by a short speed-boat transfer. It’s all worth it as we glimpse the palm fringed shoreline and the quaint wooden buildings constructed with traditional Maldivian thatch. It’s immediately evident that we have arrived in paradise and at just 1km in length the island of Falhumaafushi (which means special flower island) offers a lot for travellers in a relatively compact space surrounded by crystal clear waters.

VILLA LIFE

The resort comprises 98 over-water and beach villas, dependent on your preference. Neither option will disappoint although the beach is perhaps better suited for those with young children. Postcards and Instagram posts of the Maldives have inundated us with images of bungalows hovering over crystal clear waters and bountiful coral reefs, so we were more than a little excited by the notion of residing in a one-bedroom over-water villa. Accessible via a wooden boardwalk jutting out into ocean, those situated on the north of island are positioned to garner the best sunrise views, while those on the south benefit from striking sunsets. Clocking in at a generous 156m2, our one-bedroom villa is an absolute dream and impresses thanks to an ability to blend the contemporary with the traditional. Decorated in neutral colours, the design predominantly features natural products such as wood and marble. Providing the villa with a feeling of being at one with the island that truly represents the ethos of a brand that mixes cultures and styles to provide each of its properties with a strong sense of place. The subtle interiors have been impeccably designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates and effortlessly combine traditional Maldivian features such as hand woven rugs with modern technology and minimalistic decor. There is no need for embellishment when the villa provides stunning views of the lagoon through glass doors bathing the space in natural light. Simply furnished with teak and rattan chairs, the living room segues into an extremely comfortable bedroom with a king-sized bed that is positioned to ensure guests awake to a view of the ocean. The bedroom also features ample closet space (there are two) and an LED television. Bathrooms are beautifully appointed with a large freestanding tub, double sinks and both indoor and outdoor showers. A bonus for those looking to embrace the ‘back to nature’ experience associated with life on a remote island. fact magazine

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GLOBETROTTER â&#x20AC;˘

The outdoor deck is remarkable! Situated just above the tide line, the deck feels more like being on a boat and features a small plunge pool, sun loungers and a metal ladder leading directly into the inviting ocean. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are provided, allowing guests to explore the lagoon and its tidal sandbanks directly from the comfort of the villa. Not a fan of the ocean? Not to worry! For sharks, stingrays, turtles and shoals of rainbow coloured fish are easily spotted from the deck, making this outside area a focal part of the villa experience and the ideal place for sundowners while watching one of the stunning sunsets that the Maldives are renowned for. Due to the location there is very little light pollution meaning as nightfall the sky fills with thousands of stars that gives the resort an almost ethereal feel by night.

RESORT FEELS

Bicycles are the preferred method of transport at The Residence Maldives. Although a complimentary buggy service is freely available, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d recommend taking the time to explore Falhumaafushi by navigating the sandy paths that traverse the island to find secluded beaches. The islands interior is made up of dense vegetarian forming a jungle-like environment. Here guests will find the health club, home to a large and well-equipped fitness centre, saunas and steam rooms. The gymnasium is appealing, clad in wood that provides the feeling of bringing the outside in. Glass walls give the impression of undertaking a workout within the depths of a tropical jungle which offers additional motivation.

SPA SENSATION

On the east side of the island lies the The Spa by Clarins, an exclusive to The Residence Maldives and the first and only Spa by Clarins in The Maldives. Taking inspiration from the over-water villas, six spa pavilions are positioned above the lagoon and can be utilised for massages and facials (these services can be offered invilla). The spa also features a salon and an open deck for meditation and complimentary sunrise yoga sessions.

KEEPING BUSY

Before visiting weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d always assumed the Maldives to be a honeymooners destination but The Residence Maldives is extremely family friendly. The on-site kids club situated in a patch of verdant jungle close to reception boasts a modern playroom, private beach and a number of exciting activities. These include mocktail master classes, scavenger hunts, seed art and kids snorkelling, all presided over by the charismatic Alma who acts like a fairy godmother to the children in her care. Take to the water in the resorts beachfront infinity pool or visit the water sports centre for sailing, kayaking and windsurfing, all of which represent fun ways to see the ocean. Hop on a traditional Maldivian Dhonis boat fact magazine

• GLOBETROTTER

and take to the seas for exploration above and below the waves. With the hotel located on one of the deepest atolls in The Maldives, Falhumaafushi is a fantastic place for scuba diving and excursions. Our pick would be the sunset dolphin cruise where visitors can sip on bubbly will watching the playful mammals frolic in the surf.

CULINARY ESCAPADE

The Residence Maldives offering a choice of five restaurants that encourages the idea of relaxation the resort so freely promotes. A beach bar partly submerged in the communal swimming pool accommodates swim up cocktails and light bites, while the Library tucked away above the reception is a charming find with a fullystocked bar complemented by games of billiards or mini golf. The Dining Room is more than an all-day-dining experience, serving a varied buffet of international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The menu changes daily and features a number of local Maldivian dishes that are complemented by tranquil lagoon views. It should be noted that chefs here are more than happy to accommodate dietary requirements or whip up special dishes for children without a moments hesitation. As night falls and groups of fruit bats flock to the island to hunt, it’s also dinner time for the guests. Regular seafood barbecue nights are held at the atmospheric Sunset Grill. Dine with your feet in the sand on lobster, shrimp, calamari and fresh catch of the day. All grilled to perfection. The fine dining surrounds of The Falhumaa are accompanied by a school of sharks that seem to have taken up residence in the shallow waters beneath the restaurant. Located at the end of a 230m long boardwalk the architecture has been designed to look like the flower of its namesake when viewed from an aerial perspective. With French cuisine in a fine dining setting, The Falhumaa requires a reservation and should be visited if only for the small bar area that could be coined as one of the island's best hidden secrets.

invaluable at arranging restaurant réservations, excursions and a romantic private dining experience on a stretch of private beach under torchlight. After five days on a remote island in one of the world’s most in demand luxury destinations, the sense of seclusion and sanctuary is hard to shake. With the daily sight of stingrays, reef sharks and turtles bringing us well and truly back to nature. It’s no wonder the brilliant white shores and bright blue waters draw travellers from all over the world to these far flung islands. For those in search of a luxury escape, look no further than The Residence Maldives at Falhumaafushi and its soon-to-open sister property, The Residence Maldives at Dhigurah. ✤

SERVICE EXCELLED

The Residence Maldives lives up to its reputation for acute attention to detail, an intuitive and personalised service style and the ability to create unforgettable moments. Exemplified by the private butler allocated to take care of guests every need. We had the pleasure of Francis, always arriving promptly and with a smile, he was 58

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GO: VISIT WWW.CENIZARO.COM/THERESIDENCE/MALDIVES-FM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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www.greatwallevents.com Tel: +9714 256 6208 Fax: +9714 256 7280 Email: info@greatwallevents.com Warehouse No. 2, Building No. 22, FAB Properties, Dubai Investment Park 01, Dubai ,UAE. P.O. Box 251158, Dubai, UAE

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â&#x20AC;¢ TRAVEL ADVERTORIAL

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SEASONS CHANGE

For those of you eager to explore Oman’s Southern Dhofar region this summer, you’ll be thrilled to learn that the Khareef season from mid-June to mid-September in Salalah is one of the most breathtaking in The Middle East. So, deciding where to stay during your visit is imperative to making the most of your holiday; enter Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara, a 5-star luxury resort with every comfort and convenience you could ask for. KHAREEF SEASON “Khareef,” a colloquial term meaning ‘autumn’ in Arabic, is when the rainy season comes to Salalah from June to September – bringing with it a beautiful blanket of green across the region.The fascinating weather pattern is not to be missed, and one of the best places from which to appreciate the beautiful scenery and intrepid activities is Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. An award-winning resort with five-star services that include the only private pool villas in Salalah, it’s the perfect choice as a base when visiting during the Khareef season. Not only is it one of the most luxurious hotels to stay at, but in comparison to the hot and humid summer days in Qatar, a visit to Salalah is the perfect antidote with its pleasant climate and varied landscape of emerald green coastal plains and mountains. Led by the resort’s Salalah Guru, nature enthusiasts can venture into the verdant mountains and watch the region come to life with cascading waterfalls creating clear freshwater pools along with lush foliage and colourful wild flowers. Various wildlife, even camels, usually spotted near the sea can be found lazing in Salalah’s mountains – making the most of the cooler temperature.

TRAVEL ADVERTORIAL • many soothing services, its remarkable décor and, of course, its rooms and villas. The resort has villas with or without pools, but our favourite would have to be the resort’s OneBedroom Garden View Pool Villa. Here are just some of the great options, made to be enjoyed by couples, families, groups of friends and solo travellers all in search of an unforgettable Khareef adventure mixed with a little relaxation.

ONE BEDROOM VILLAS No matter your preference of luxury, Anantara villas truly have it all. One can enjoy various views: the beach, lagoon, or a charming garden, which allows for complete privacy. Your spacious villa boasts unique comforts unrivalled amongst resorts in Oman. Lounge in tranquility, with your personal Villa Host on hand to take care of everything for you, including dining reservations and local excursions. Your villa interior features a large bedroom and separate majlis lounge. The grand bathroom features a huge shower bathroom a huge shower and soaker tub. You can even access your outdoor private pool from the bathroom. Your villa exterior is without a doubt a secluded haven of indulgence and you cannot help but enjoy the refreshing climate that this season has to bring. Slip into your plunge pool and unwind, completely unseen, or drift into sleep on a poolside cabana. After a day out exploring all that the Khareef season has to offer, retreat to your villa for an al fresco meal on your private pool terrace. Then head indoors for a movie and a bubble bath drawn by your Villa Host. This stunning villa perfect for a family of four - will make your Khareef holiday an unforgettable experience. ✤

LOCAL MEETS LUXURY There are many reasons why Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara should be your choice of accommodation. The property draws on its local elements and surroundings, weaving Omani culture and Thai hospitality into its fact magazine

• TRAVEL ADVERTORIAL simple thing that this resort does exceptionally well. Indigenous ingredients, harvested from tropical plantations and the Arabian Sea allow visitors to explore exotic local specialities. And sample delights from East to West. Take a seat at one of these fabulous venues...

SAKALAN

TWO BEDROOM GARDEN VIEW POOL VILLA A generous retreat at this lush Salalah resort that blends the best of both worlds – quality time together and quiet spaces to cherish alone. Rise to a morning swim in your pool. Bask in your surroundings in the privacy of your courtyard. Gather for drinks served by your Villa Host in your lounge, then retire to en-suite havens. Accommodating up to four adults and two children, privacy is key as you get to pamper yourself with a private courtyard, private pool, two cabanas, sundeck and loungers, separate indoor lounge and two bedrooms, each with a luxurious bathroom.

THREE BEDROOM ROYAL BEACH VILLA The royal villa boasts a prime position overlooking the Arabian Sea and lagoon. Step straight from your terrace on to a private white sand beach. Soak up the view of the mesmorising monsoon waves crashing ashore from your spacious terrace complete with 40sqm private pool. Share elegant meals together, taking full advantage of your beach villa’s indoor and outdoor dining areas, mini-kitchen and Villa Host service. Think ultimate sanctuary vibes and then times it by 100, as this 630sqm space comfortably accommodates six adults and three children.

THE SPA Enter a world of indulgence at Anantara Spa, with Oman’s ancient beauty rituals, traditional Thai massage and the 5,000-yearold techniques of Ayurveda on offer. Discover hammam rituals that detoxify and soothe in the only luxury hammam in the region. Explore the healing properties of frankincense and pomegranate amongst other signature treatments that specialise in indegiounous ingredients, including coconut and banana. Talk about being at one with nature... it’s never smelled so yummy!

DINING DEFINED Another great reason to make Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara your home during a trip to Salalah is down to one simple thing: food. A 62

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Translating as ‘The Land of Frankincense’, Sakalan’s open kitchens and culinary stations dish up cuisines from near and far – served in the stylish dining room, or on the outside terrace beside the infinity pool. Breakfast is a brimming buffet of international favourites, healthy and exotic treats, live stations and bakery temptations. A la carte lunch dishes inspire a world of choice – from authentic Arabic dishes, to fiery Indian specials and contemporary western classics. New surprises excite at themed buffet dinners, as the resort’s chefs get creative with unique gourmet journeys.

MEKONG The countries that border the Mekong River are renowned for their distinctive cuisines. Enjoy a voyage of discovery through Thailand, China and Vietnam – savouring age-old recipes and regional surprises. This is one of Anantara’s signature dining concepts that has grown popular at sister properties around the region too. We would highly recommend trying the Tom Yum Soup and tucking into the Mekong Sharing Platter!

AL MINA Al Mina captures the vibrant Mediterranean in a relaxed ambience. Lunch on Italian, Greek and Spanish classics – each crafted from the finest seasonal ingredients and seafood catches. Choose your preferred spot – dining at a shoreline table, or lounging poolside. Evenings here feel fresh and sophisticated. Pair barbecue delights with a fine grape vintage. Unwind with shisha on a terrace under a blanket of stars. There’s also the famous Anantara tailored private service: Dining by Design, alongside cooking classes to tantalise your taste buds and teach you a few tips and tricks in the kitchen! Not to forget the resort’s Khareef Gourmet Picnics that they offer to guests who are spending the day looking at the many sites Oman has to offer. This comes with a choice of salads, sandwiches, mains and desserts. along with rental chairs, shades and carpets chairs, shades and carpets... and that is only the beginning. There truly is nothing Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara hasn’t thought of to amplify the experience of drinking in the spectacular scenery of Oman. ✤ GO: FLY DUBAI OPERATES DAILY DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM DUBAI TO SALALAH. VISIT WWW.FLYDUBAI. COM FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE INFORMATION.

LET IT RAIN KHAREEF SPECIAL Escape the summer heat for a luxurious Khareef at Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara with 25% savings on private pool villas and spa treatments. Dine on lavish buffet breakfasts and daily buffet or a la carte dinner at one of the restaurants of your choice during your stay. Lounge in your spacious private pool villa. Experience pure relaxation in our Anantara Spa complete with luxury hammam. Marvel at the magnificent scenery of lush, green mountains and cascading waterfalls in Salalah – the ultimate summer destination. Package includes: 25% savings on villa accommodation Daily buffet breakfast for two persons Daily buffet or à la carte for dinner for two persons at the restaurant of your choice 25% savings on spa treatments Valid for stays between July 26 until September 7, 2019 GO: CALL +968 2322 8222 OR VISIT WWW. ANANTARA.COM/EN/AL-BALEEDSALALAH/ FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• SOCIETY

#AMERICAN #RAG #CIE #HOSTS #RAMADAN #IFTAR American Rag Cie hosted an intimate Iftar in Dubai to celebrate the Holy Month of Ramadan. Held in the vibrant lounge area of Miss Lily’s, Sheraton Grand, guests enjoyed an array of traditional Iftar dishes with a mash up of tantalizing Caribbean delicacies and flavours, as they listened to a soft mix of Dancehall, Reggaeton and Soca music. The colourful décor and earthy accents of Miss Lily’s lounge perfectly complemented the essence of the Californiaborn concept stores new-wave innovation and lifestyle experience, as the brand hosted its first traditional Iftar in the Middle East. Guests in attendance included: Ahmed El Sayed; Asma Al Aloosi; Ay the Producer; Basil Hadi; Moh Flow; and Sonya Truszkowski.

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CITY RIDES â&#x20AC;¢

UNRIVALLED PRESENCE:

JAGUAR F-PACE S

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• CITY RIDES

Forget all you know about SUVs and then turn to face the Jaguar F-Pace S with a clear mind. This is the car that encapsulates the Jaguar heritage down to a tee. With sultry, elegant design and breathtaking performance, it’s an SUV made for those who, simply, love to drive. FACT settles into the hot seat to test how Jaguar’s newest offering holds up…

f you don’t know much about car specs and tech, we’ve got your back. After all, driving is first and foremost about comfort, easy usability and, of course, great safety. For some, engine size, customised wheels and grilles, and on-road performance is at the forefront, whilst others look at driving through a practical lens: get from A to B safely, drive smoothly on the highway while sitting in utter comfort, and do this all in an aesthetically appealing vehicle. Jaguar hears you. And they’ve answered with the allencompassing Jaguar F-Pace S. Jaguar is a car manufacturer that has grown its reputation as one of the world’s best for luxury sedans, and now the car giant is departing towards more unpretentious sophistication in design and relentless innovation in specs. They still care about what’s under the hood and the car’s performance, but they also give ample care towards driver comfort and features that aim to make this the best drive of your life – no exaggeration. Let us tell you how and why. First off, it’s imperative to mention that the Jaguar F-Pace remains as one of the most important vehicles for the manufacturer. It’s helped to bring in a younger demographic as well as more gender-diverse drivers too. In part because this SUV line-up really offers something for everyone. The Jaguar F-Pace S is no exception. Built on the same platform (Lightweight Aluminum Architecture) as the entry-level XE sedan and the more upscale XF sedan, the 2019 F-Pace is offered in six distinct trim levels, however, we were testing the upmarket F-Pace S, which for most buyers will satisfy the need for performance, luxury and utility in one. Setting you up for impressive performance, the F-Pace S gives you the choice of either a 3.0 litre V6 300PS Twin Turbocharged Diesel or a 3.0 litre V6 380PS Supercharged Petrol engine, and will take you from 0-100 km/h in approximately 5.5 seconds. Sitting on 20-inch, five-spoke alloy wheels and sporting red brake calipers, the S looks every inch the sporty ride that it is. The S-branding on the outside sets this model apart from the other trim levels and the Adaptive Dynamics system allows the driver to modify the response of the vehicle to conditions and driving style. In fact, the AWD system in the F-Pace is made more effective still by Jaguar’s Adaptive Surface Response (AdSR) technology. AdSR (which requires the fitment of Adaptive Dynamics) adapts the maps of the throttle, transmission and DSC system according to the type of surface. When fitted, AdSR replaces Rain, Ice, Snow mode in the JaguarDrive Control system, AdSR operates throughout the

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vehicle’s entire speed range and enables even finer optimisation of the vehicle’s systems to make the most of the available traction, helping the driver to make smooth progress even in the most challenging conditions. There’s a mode for low-friction surfaces such as snow and ice, and one for medium-friction surfaces such as wet tarmac or gravel – which would come in very handy on those unexpected rainy days in the UAE, and there’s the third mode for high-drag conditions such as deep gravel to further exploit the vehicle’s inherent capability. So, whereas on a slippery surface, for example, a very progressive throttle map will be selected, you’ll find a much more aggressive map is used for deep gravel because the engine has to build up torque very quickly to help the vehicle to maintain momentum. Another key benefit of AdSR is that the system automatically switches modes to suit the conditions, leaving the driver free to concentrate on driving. The transition takes place quickly – around four seconds – and seamlessly. Again, driver comfort comes to mind – the makers of this F-Pace model have accounted for a variety of driving conditions that you could face, and have allowed for the car to adjust to your own driving needs. Having driven the car in the busy pedestrian streets of downtown Abu Dhabi to the stretching E11 up to Dubai and in many residential development areas, we can safely say that it delivers a more comfortable ride at slower speeds and better handling at cruising speeds than most of the midsize luxury crossovers in its segment. And though the F-Pace S weighs in at a hefty 1,861 kg (4,102 lb), but with a body made up of 80 per cent aluminum, it is a manageable weight that allows the vehicle to corner and handle well. Some of the standout features and specs of the Jaguar F-Pace S come in the realm of safety. Advanced vision sensors will enable highly automated and autonomous driving functions in the near future. Such a sensor is already fitted to this vehicle, and this forward-facing stereo camera is at the heart of the advanced driver assistance systems. Providing a highly accurate real-time view of the road and objects ahead, the stereo camera underpins the Emergency Braking system, which features a pedestrian detection function. If the system’s controller determines that a

CITY RIDES •

collision with a vehicle or a pedestrian is imminent, full braking is initiated automatically. The stereo camera also provides the intelligence for the Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system. By monitoring the vehicle’s position relative to lane markings either side, LKA can guide the driver back towards the centre by applying a small amount of countersteering through the electric power-assisted steering system. The torque applied to the steering wheel can be easily overridden by the driver. Forward Traffic Detection is designed to assist when forward visibility is restricted. Included when Surround Camera Systems is fitted, it uses a discreet forward-facing camera in the grille, the system detects items crossing the path of the vehicle and provides a visual warning on the central screen when a potential hazard is detected. Forward Vehicle Guidance is fitted as part of the optional 360º Surround Camera and helps drivers to place the vehicle when completing low speed manoeuvres. Working in conjunction with the front parking sensors the system provides a visual representation of the vehicle overlaid with wheel projections showing the alignment of the steering. Drivers can also see the parking distance reading on the central screen, taking the stress out of tight manoeuvres. Drifting out of lane can be caused by driver fatigue as well as inattentiveness, and this can be identified by periods of little or no steering activity followed by sudden or excessive inputs. Fitted as standard, the F-Pace’s Driver Condition Monitor system recognises these patterns, and, by also checking activation of brake and accelerator pedals, will display a multi-stage visual warning in the instrument panel to prompt the driver to take a break. With the amount of commuters on the road, driving between the all the different emirates as well as visitors to the country being driven around, the highways of the UAE can at times become a daunting place to drive. In contrast to that, tight, narrow streets around areas like Bur Dubai and Deira can also be challenging to navigate, so the fact that the F-Pace S has all the tools required to tackle every road situation with safety in mind, is definitely a

winning element for us. Inside, the F-Pace is roomy and comfortable. It’s a true fiveseater with a spacious, luxurious interior featuring the premium materials, craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail that gives every Jaguar its unique sense of occasion. The ‘Sports Command’ driving position provides an authoritative, confidence-inspiring view out but retains a sports car feel. Jaguar’s cosseting sports seats are shaped to provide exceptional comfort and support and are available with 10-way adjustment and four-way lumbar support, heating and cooling, and refinements such as, contrasting twin-needle stitching and embossed headrests. fact magazine

â&#x20AC;¢ CITY RIDES

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CITY RIDES •

The attention to detail continues with a frameless rear view mirror, illuminated metal treadplates with Jaguar script, bright metal pedals, premium carpet mats, suedecloth headlining, chrome seat switches on the 10-way adjustable seats and optional carbon fibre door finishes. The dramatic curve of the front door top rolls into the fascia and enhances the cockpit-like feel. The sweeping Instrument Cluster features two large, deeply hooded dials and a central TFT display, or an optional 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display offering a choice of four visual themes and a full-screen navigation display. The InControl infotainment Touchscreen measures 10-inches with the premium Touch Pro system and Configurable Ambient Interior Lighting with 10-colour options enhances the sense of luxury inside. Row-two accommodation is equally impressive. With generous rear legroom and a seat base that was designed to offer maximum comfort, your passengers will be seated in elevated comfort. The positioning of the seats, together with the height of the beltline, means that even small children enjoy a good view out the window and the optional four-zone climate control system, with B-pillar vents, enhances the passenger experience. Luxury and spaciousness are matched by the interior’s versatility. The door pockets can accommodate large bottles, while the storage spaces neatly scalloped into the sides of the centre console were designed around smartphones and feature non-slip rubber inserts at the bottom. The console also features twin cup holders, which can be hidden when not in use by the sliding gloss black cover on automatic models. The cubby box offers a 12V socket and up to two USB ports. The rear console provides up to two more 12V sockets or two additional USB ports, with cupholders integrated into the rear armrest on most models. From the amount of time that we spent in the car, and the ground we covered, what is very clear about the F-Pace S is its ability to tick ALL the boxes as the perfect road trip vehicle in the UAE. Whether you want to start the engine using a smartphone app, mirror your phone screen with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, have a navigation system that can tell your contacts when you’ll arrive for your meeting, connect up to eight devices using the Wi-Fi hotspot, or just stream your favourite playlists – the F-PACE delivers. We loved listening to our favourite podcasts, nice and clear on the Meridian sound system. For those who just want to enjoy their music, Touch Pro offers a choice of three digital audio systems, including a 17-speaker, 825W Surround Sound System which delivers ideal sound reproduction with benchmark low levels of distortion. The F-Pace S is the type of vehicle that inspires you to make playlists especially for your car journeys! There are many reasons to fall in love with the Jaguar F-Pace S: outside, it is every inch a Jaguar with styling that has been influenced by the F-Type sports car, it has a firm, planted stance and handsome bodylines that make it a head-turner in any crowd. It is first and foremost a performance SUV designed and engineered to offer the agility, responsiveness and refinement that all Jaguars are renowned for, together with outstanding dynamics and everyday versatility. In simple terms: it’s reliable

and ready for anything you might encounter on the UAE roads. The F-Pace S is yet another one to add to the Jaguar success story. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.JAGUAR-ME.COM TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE AND FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE 2019 JAGUAR F-PACE RANGE. fact magazine

• PLUGGED IN

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

Fooducate

Spotify

Watch what you eat and introduce some dietary discipline into your life with Fooducate. The super efficient app helps you shop and eat healthy by allowing you to quickly pull up nutritional information about food products from barcodes. Fooducate also helps make sense of nutritional labels by displaying a letter grade from A to D, along with a quick summary of nutrition information in plain language as well as suggesting healthy alternatives. Eat your way to a healthier and happier you!

If you haven’t already got it – all we can think is that you’ve been living under a rock! With summer just around the corner, spruce up your pool parties and barbeques by turning your phone into a digital DJ! Spotify is our go-to when it comes to streaming music, thanks to its familiar interface, Facebook integration and massive song library of more than 30 million tracks. The app’s Party DJ mode, pace-matching Running feature and personalised Discovery Weekly playlists will have you hitting play all summer long!

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PLUGGED IN •

MIRROR, MIRROR… Whether you create magic with your camera or just enjoy capturing memories wherever you go, we can all agree that nothing beats a beautifully taken photograph. FACT’s Aanchal Duggal puts Canon’s brand new EOS RP Mirrorless to the test…

n a time when everyone’s obsessed with watching the world through a lens, the importance of having a good camera is imperative. Adding to the ever-growing market of advanced cameras, Canon’s brand new EOS RP Mirrorless Camera has us super excited. We decided to take it for a spin! Offering an impressive array of advanced features, robust weather-resistant construction, and impressive performance to boot, the new EOS RP Mirrorless Camera is every photography enthusiast’s dream come true. Canon’s best mirrorless camera today, the new EOS RP is significantly less expensive than other full-frame mirrorless cameras, without compromising on all the good stuff. One method Canon used to keep the price down is that they’ve constructed the body with a combination of highquality plastics and tough, lightweight magnesium. The result is a rugged and rigid camera that is significantly lighter than the recently introduced 30.3MP Canon EOS RP Mirrrorless Camera. For a full-frame camera, the EOS RP is super light and unlike many other mirrorless cameras, it doesn’t come at the expense of handling. For the most part, the camera’s design is a success for anyone looking to upgrade from their DSLR.

Equipped with Dual Pixel AF, Canon’s excellent autofocus system, the EOS RP gives you phase detection across the whole sensor. The EOS RP takes its autofocus skills further by including Eye AF that works in continuous AF mode- ideal for portraits or event shooting. While the EOS RP’s battery life isn’t that great, it makes up for it by delivering excellent stills (JPEG or RAW) as well as video. Offering amazing image quality, Canon’s newest release uses the same sensor as the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. The camera’s out-of-the-camera JPEGs produce natural looking photos with great colours and plenty of detail. Should you buy the Canon EOS RP? If you own an older Canon DSLR and EF Lenses or just enjoy good quality pictures and the overall Canon experience, the EOS RP is the perfect upgrade. Merging traditional DSLRs strengths with many of the advantages of mirrorless, Canon’s latest offering is definitely one to watch out for! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.EN.CANON-ME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

â&#x20AC;˘ SOCIETY

#URBAN #DECAY #X #REDKEN #PARTY

Urban Decay and Redken organized an event with 400 guests in attendance, to revive the iconic pillars of Urban Decay â&#x20AC;&#x201C; All Nighter Setting Spray, Naked Palettes, Heavy Metal Glitter Liners and more. The event was to celebrate the launch of the unique demi-permanent hair coloration, Shades EQ on Redken in the UAE.

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FASHION FOCUS •

AMERICAN EAGLE SUMMER ‘19 American Eagle continues to celebrate freedom, inclusion and difference through its #AExME brand platform, with the debut of its summer campaign.

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hot against Miami’s sapphire sea, it evokes the easygoing, optimistic and carefree nature of the season, by bringing a group of real kids together, as they celebrate summer. The campaign highlights American Eagle’s commitment to self-expression by placing creative direction in the hands of its customer, allowing the cast, all discovered via social media, to style themselves in the summer collection. It is also free of retouching, continuing to highlight the company’s commitment to celebrating real people, with passion and purpose. Key items from the collection include the Mom, Bermuda and Denim Short for women, along with tropical print sets, hawaiian button down shirts and tube tops. For men, there are neon hoodies, acid wash tees and the All-Day Shorts; a versatile athleisure design for beach to street style. Denim shorts will be available in neutral washes, along with the classic colors, such as black and blue. AExME aims to enable people to speak authentically about what matters to them. It is a celebration of their style, their stories, their spaces and selves. ✤

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GO: SHOP AEO’S SUMMER ’19 COLLECTION AT YOUR NEAREST STORE OR ONLINE. fact magazine

• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM AMERICAN EAGLE’S SUMMER ‘19 COLLECTION... FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN AMERICAN EAGLE STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 76

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LOVE

AT FIRST FLIGHT

MAY 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 9 BD1 MAY 2017 VOL 3. ISSUE 11 AED10

MAY 2017 VOL 3. ISSUE 12 QR10

JUNE 2017 VOL 10. ISSUE 10 BD1

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

RAMADAN IN BAHRAIN!

RAMADAN IN DOHA!

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

RAMADAN IN ABU DHABI!

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• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist LADIES, KEEP YOUR REGIME IN CHECK FOR THE HOT DAYS AHEAD WITH OUR TOP PICKS FOR JUNE…

Rahua LEGENDARY AMAZONIAN OIL

2 3

Give your hair some muchneeded TLC! Enriched with a blend of light-as-air plant and flower oils, this quick-absorbing hair oil is the ultimate solution for any hair ailment to deliver a beautifully smooth, shiny, anti-frizz flawless finish. This plant-based and silicone-free oil penetrates deeply into the hair strand to heal and strengthen every strand.

Fenty Beauty

PRO KISS’R LIP-LOVING SCRUBSTICK

The only scrub that will treat you right and give you soft, kissable lips instantly. Packed with apricot seed scrubbers, the lightweight, non-greasy stick gently exfoliates while nourishing lips and lets you scrub with the ultimate love. Just swipe back and forth over lips, wipe it off, and get makeout-ready—or makeup-ready lips anytime, anywhere!

Laura Mercier

FLAWLESS LUMIÈRE RADIANCEPERFECTING FOUNDATION Delivering a perfectly luminous finish that looks flawless in any light, the weightless medium to full coverage formula looks and feels like a second skin. It improves skin’s natural luminosity over time for lasting radiance, hydrates, visibly smoothes, and softens skin as well as provides 15 hours of moisturisation.

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Palladio Beauty

SKIN DETOX CLARIFYING FACE PRIMER

Create the perfect base for makeup application! Packed full of detoxifying and clarifying ingredients, like Charcoal, the primer creates a clean canvas for long-wear and flawless glam looks. The Palladio Skin Detox Clarifying Primer not only creates a smooth base for makeup application, but also works to detox and protect skin and get you in a summer state of mind!

Givenchy

MYRRHE CARMIN

Step into summer smelling absolutely irresistible! The latest creation in L’Atelier de Givenchy’s exclusive fragrance collection, the brand new perfume features a unique, addictive signature that enhances the House’s olfactory wardrobe. Myrrhe Carmin reveals a captivating trail built around one of perfumery’s most iconic ingredients: myrrh.

Vichy LIFTACTIV HYALU MASK Get the best skin of your life! Formulated with record concentration of Hyaluronic Acid, Blue Agave extract, Licorice extract and Vichy Mineralizing Water, it helps recover from tiredness, reduce the appearance of fine lines & even out skin tone. To be applied weekly, it is quick skin treatment and results can be seen in as little as 5 minutes!

GROOMING BOX •

Grooming Checklist SUMMER VIBES MEANS MORE NEW PRODUCTS FOR YOUR UPKEEP…

CLAUS PORTO

MUSGO REAL SHAVING CREAM

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Get the closest shave ever! Enriched with lanolin and glycerin, it helps soften your beard and allows a smoother, long-lasting and enjoyable shave. This shaving cream leaves in the skin a fine layer of their Classic Scent, a resolutely masculine fragrance that blends the fresh notes of sandalwood and patchouli with the warmth of vanilla.

BYREDO SUNDAZED This summer, smell good and fresh all day long! The latest scent in Byredo’s coveted lineup, Sundazed is inspired by the first glimpses of sunlight following a long, cold winter. Expertly blended in France, this Eau de Parfum has a citrusy scent and is housed in a sleek glass bottle that’ll smarten up your dressing table and leave you feeling oh so good!

THE BEARD GEAR COMPANY ALL NATURAL BEARD OIL Specialising in beard care and maintenance, this is definitely one of our favourite beard oils on the market right now. Composed from a concoction of natural essences, the Beard oil creates the optimal skin conditions for your beard to grow out healthier and thicker. It reintroduces the needed moisture into your skin and hair without leaving your beard looking shiny or oily.

OLIVINA MEN AGE-DEFYING DAY AND NIGHT FACE RESCUE

Fight against the aging effects of sun, pollution, sweat, shaving, and more. The peptide-rich antioxidant and caffeine blend gets you visible results in as quick as a month. This focused maintenance means firmer, more resilient and healthier looking skin that is free from environmental damage.

BURT’S BEES NATURAL SKIN CARE FOR MEN BODY WASH

Nature’s most invigorating wake-up call for your skin, this is all you need to feel fresh and energised in the morning. Made from a natural cleansing complex containing Coconut Oil, it helps gently cleanse, while leaving behind an energizing, woodsy, and warm aroma. Soy Protein gives your skin the hydration it needs to protect against dryness.

SHISEIDO MEN TOTAL REVITALISER Banish signs of ageing 24 hours a day with Shiseido’s Men Total Revitaliser. The multi-functional Total Revitalizer cream optimises the skin’s own rejuvenating functions, eliminating dryness and dullness while providing the skin with daylong moisture protection. Recommended for all skin types, it will leave your skin feeling invigorated and refreshed!

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NEW IN TOWN •

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

The soaring JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai has already become a dining institution in its own right thanks to an array of food and beverage outlets. The hotel continues to up the ante as Dubai heads into the inevitably slow summer period and low season for tourism, surprising us with the opening of Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra. FACT’s David Tapley takes a bite… fact magazine

• NEW IN TOWN

asala Library by Jiggs Kalra occupies a large space on the hotel’s 4th floor which was previously home to another celebrity chef fronted Indian concept, Rang Mahal. On first appearance, little has changed. As we’re led down an alluring corridor lit in vibrant orange hues that brings to mind flames licking at a tandoor oven or the deep colour of powdered turmeric. Two images that help to emphasise the rich culinary history behind the restaurant known as Masala Library. We pass private dining areas laden with cushions and elaborate textiles, before arriving at a small bar area that provides a charming ambiance for a pre or post dinner beverage. The main dining room is dotted with well-spaced tables situated around large wooden colonnades rising skywards. We’re immediately transported back to the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai (in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu) which we visited a decade before and a place where elephants roam within temple interiors. This trigger of nostalgia helps us form an immediate connection to the restaurant. One that is further enhanced by a glass fronted kitchen where a team of chefs work tirelessly over hot stoves, while large murals of ladies in saris cover the walls. Our interested is piqued by Masala Library’s 12-course tasting menu (AED245) which has been drawing crowds to the restaurant since the day it opened in Dubai. The first international outpost of Masala Library follows hot on the heels of restaurants in both Mumbai and New Delhi where Chef Kalra has built a reputation as the “Czar of Indian cuisine.” Due to his ability to transform traditional recipes and 82

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dishes from the Indian provinces and reinterpret them in a contemporary way. This post-modern take on Indian cuisine plays well into the Dubai dining landscape where the likes of Tresind and Farzi Café have helped to create a resurgent interest in the complex food of India. Traditional flavours remain but the presentation throughout the culinary journey is to be applauded and admired. Beginning with a playful amuse bouche called ‘fake eggs’ where we are presented with two ceramic eggs sat within a makeshift birds nest. Inside is what appears to be the white and yolk but these are actually coconut water and spherified mango that when taken together, offer a sweet sensation that opens the palate ready for the spice sensation that is about to commence. Masala Library revolves around intricate presentation and precision of flavours to showcase exciting dishes such as

NEW IN TOWN •

the Jhal Moori Cookie. Reinventing a street food classic as a puffed-rice cookie topped with ghugni chaat. Expectations are subverted again with the deconstructed samosa which offers a slither of pastry, tangy tamarind chutney and a mix of spiced peas upon a shiny banana leaf. Yet it’s the simplicity of the balsamic paratha, referred to on the menu as ‘Farmers Staple 3.0’ that really cements our hearts with the cuisine. While service remains amiable throughout the meal, we do find the pacing a little fast. We would prefer each course to be served individually rather than having the table filled with five or six

dishes at a time. This would allow each dish to be examined and appreciated by diners. Especially considering the amount of effort that has gone into the creation of each individual plate. As we devour course after course of impressive plates it’s hard not to applaud the audacity of some of the dishes. From the Rajasthani mutton curry with its thick gravy and shell kachori, to the scallops moilee served upon a bed of fiery gunpowder mash or (our personal favourite) the Wagyu pathar kebab. Seared tableside on a hot stone before being plated on a replica bone. The bite-sized morsel is easily the most sought-after dish on the menu and it’s now we know why. Braised lamb chops slathered in a chutney glaze are gloriously tender, while the caviar Malai prawn uses a single prawn and pink peppercorns to reinvent the Bengali Malai curry. Even side dishes such as multan moth dahl and nizami haleem (a porridge-like dish made of lentils) are comforting and surprisingly moreish. Things don’t let up with dessert where the milk-based Makhan Malai is served with a charcoal kulfi or the jalebi which has been skillfully progressed from the sticky fried sweet we are accustomed to and into a caviar served within an open shell that defies imagination and brings the degustation to a close. Masala Library with its views over the Dubai Water Canal appears to have tapped into a niche given the surprising lack of tasting menus in Dubai. The one curated by the team here takes diners on a culinary journey through the highlights of the restaurant at a very reasonable price. It’s no wonder Masala Library is lauded in its homeland, and with many of the chefs and much of the menu brought to Dubai from the original venues, we can only expect to see the same success replicated here in in the UAE.✤

GO: CALL (0)4 414 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

For the culture-savvy in Dubai

JUNE 2019 EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 84

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

BACK TO BRUNCH

Less than two months after opening, Akira Back at W The Palm Dubai has launched a Friday brunch concept cleverly titled Back To Brunch. A relaxed and enchanting affair that makes an immediate mark on Dubai’s heavily saturated brunch scene, as FACT’s David Tapley finds out…

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

kira Back Dubai is the latest in the portfolio of Celebrity Chef Akira Back, and appears perfectly suited to the young and funky ethos of the W Hotel brand. Its interiors ooze a sultry charm with pockets of darkness accentuated by sleek metal work and subdued lighting. A small bar area sits off to the left, while a show kitchen and raw bar is abuzz with kinetic knife work from the chefs gathered within. Sinking into a comfortable booth clad in gold and cleverly resembling the stripes of a tiger, we can’t help but appreciate not only the intimacy of the venue (which has wisely been kept small) but the skyline views. From our elevated position, our field of vision covers many of Dubai’s touristic highlights, including the Ain Dubai, Burj Al Arab and towering Burj Khalifa. Menu knowledge is key and the staff appear to know the ingredients and cooking techniques inside out; they’re happy to offer recommendations and pre-empt guests’ needs without intervention from the diner. So what does brunch look like at Dubai’s latest celebrity-chef-fronted restaurant? Akira Back Dubai focuses on a fully plated table brunch of over 48 dishes! A menu of salads, sushi, robata grills and hot and cold appetisers is offered and dishes can be re-ordered in unlimited quantities, with the exception of main courses, from which you pick one. With many brunches around town providing a taster of what to expect in a bid to encourage diners back for a la carte service, Akira Back deviates from the norm by presenting much of the main menu as its brunch offering, including many of the chef’s signature dishes. World class ingredients make Akira Back’s Japanese cuisine imbued with Korean essence, an innovative addition to the Dubai dining scene. Each dish utilises seasonal produce and artisanal ingredients to present plates characterised by nuanced flavours and intricate presentation. The result is a wholly memorable dining experience. Back’s Salmon Tiradito, for example, presents thin slices of salmon sashimi atop chunks of grilled peach and finished with a marinade of yuzu and lemon. Creating an exciting dish of intense sweet and citrusy notes that mange to offset one another and harmonise the palate. With each dish skillfully prepared, it’s quite easy to be astounded by the ingenuity and sheer audacity of plates such as the Tuna Pizza. Offering a crisp base covered in thin slices of tuna that camouflage an umami aioli and white truffle oil concoction hidden beneath. It’s truly revelatory stuff and a textural delight, making it easy to see how this fusion of East and West has become Chef Back’s signature dish. Elsewhere, the Grilled Octopus is wonderfully tender and served with a trio of potato, salsa verde, and anticucho. Combine the mollusk with all three accompaniments and savour the experience of contrasting flavours that culminate into something altogether wonderful with each mouthful. Simple creations of Rock Shrimp and Leek Gyoza are elevated when subjected to the Akira Back treatment. As each section of the menu raises the bar even further, we’re 86

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entirely unprepared for the succulent Lamb Chops slathered in a smoked jalapeño marinade and the Scallop In Half Shell which embraces kimchi and kochujang butter to startling effect. Leaving a wonderful taste profile but a somewhat pungent aroma for adventurous diners. The six main courses include the Wagyu Don, Edamame Rissotto, Josper Grilled Salmon and Jidari Chicken. Yet we’re encouraged by our charming waiter to order the Black Cod which is deliciously sweet thanks to the miso marinade. The sizzling Filet Tobanyaki is another strong choice, serving an almost hot-pot like dish of Black Angus beef, mixed mushrooms and Unami sauce. Back To Brunch is undoubtedly ambitious in scope and the sheer abundance of choice should be commended and there’s a distinct feeling of value for money, despite the high end price tag. Dishes arrive promptly and the staff are extremely attentive in the face of a busy brunch service, taking the time to build rapport with guests is a rarity in Dubai and something that does not go unnoticed. While we would have preferred a more varied beverage selection (only two cocktails are currently included with this brunch) the standard of what is available is very high and it’s unfortunate that the room lacks a little atmosphere. With such dazzling decor and

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

a jaw-dropping terrace we would like to see things kicked-up a notch to compete with the party atmosphere on the WetDeck Below. Sure this is a more sophisticated gastronomic affair, but a DJ would certainly help to elevate this brunch further. We wind down with a selection of desserts and while we find the stodgy texture of the butter mochi is not for us, the intricately constructed Black and White Sesame Cake is certainly memorable. Constructed of distinct coloured layers, a sesame crust, a dusting of matcha and a salted agave ice cream, our final dish of the day helps to cement our feelings towards this brunch as one to watch. An exciting spot to bring out of town guests of groups of friends. From the decor, to the view and the food, you will no doubt leave impressed. ✤

GO: BACK TO BRUNCH AT AKIRA BACK TAKES PLACE EVERY FRIDAY FROM 12.30PM TO 4PM. PRICED AT AED445 WITH SOFT BEVERAGES; AED545 WITH HOUSE BEVERAGES AND SAKE; AED550 WITH A BOTTLE OF LAURENT PERRIER. KIDS AGED SIX TO 12 GET 50% OFF THE SOFT BEVERAGE PACKAGE, KIDS AGED BELOW SIX DINE FOR FREE. CALL (0)4 245 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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IN A BEAUTIFUL CEREMONY HELD AT THE BACKYARD IN THE 5-STAR STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY, THE SECOND ANNUAL FACT SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS WELCOMED THE TOP MOVERS AND SHAKERS OF DUBAI’S HOSPITALITY AND WELL-BEING INDUSTRY. WE CELEBRATED ALL THE NOMINEES AND GAVE OUT 44 AWARDS IN 22 CATEGORIES – A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO JOINED IN THE CELEBRATIONS. HERE ARE YOUR 2019 WINNERS… fact magazine

• RESULTS

WINNERS: FACT SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS 2019 HOTEL SPA

BEST: The Spa, Address Boulevard FAVOURITE: Saray Spa, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

RESORT SPA

BEST: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, The RitzCarlton Dubai JBR FAVOURITE: SoSPA, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

CITY SPA

BEST: The Spa, Address Downtown FAVOURITE: The Ritz-Carlton Spa, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre

DAY SPA

BEST: Soul Wellness & Spa, Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai FAVOURITE: Waldorf Astoria Spa, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

HAMMAM TREATMENT

BEST: Anantara Spa, Anantara The Palm Dubai FAVOURITE: Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

SIGNATURE SPA TREATMENT

BEST: Hydrafacial by Dr. Rita Rakus at Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont The Palm FAVOURITE: Signature Experience, Swissotel Spa & Sports, Swissôtel Al Ghurair

COUPLES TREATMENT

BEST: Raffles Spa, Raffles Dubai FAVOURITE: The Spa, Address Boulevard

BOUTIQUE SPA

BEST: Silk Spa, Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts FAVOURITE: The Spa, Palace Downtown Dubai 90

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INDEPENDENT SPA BEST: Heart & Soul Spa, Various Locations FAVOURITE: Tao Spa, Jumeirah

SPA BRAND

BEST: Armani/Spa, Armani Hotel Dubai FAVOURITE: Mandara Spa, The H Dubai

SPA DESIGN

BEST: The Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel FAVOURITE: The Spa, Palazzo Versace

SPA PRODUCTS

BEST: The Spa, Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay FAVOURITE: SoSPA, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa

RESULTS •

BEACH CLUB

FITNESS CENTRE

BEST: Cove Beach, Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Dubai FAVOURITE: Barasti Beach Bar, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

BEST: Talise Fitness, Jumeirah Emirates Towers FAVOURITE: Iconic Fitness, Dubai Marina

POOL

BEST: The Nail Spa, Various Locations FAVOURITE: Sisters Beauty Lounge, Various Locations

ROOFTOP POOL

BEST: The BlowOut Bar, Palm Jumeirah FAVOURITE: Marquee Hair Salon, Various locations

BEST: Shades, Address Dubai Marina FAVOURITE: Azure Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR

BEST: LookUp Rooftop Lounge, La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk FAVOURITE: Coco Lounge, Media One Hotel

BEAUTY SALON

HAIR SALON

MALE GROOMING

BEST: 1847 Executive Grooming For Men – Various Locations FAVOURITE: Jazz Lounge Spa, Various Locations

NEWCOMER

BEST: Cinq Mondes Spa, Emerald Palace Kempinski Dubai FAVOURITE: Away Spa, W Dubai The Palm ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.FACT-MAGAZINE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

POOL & BEACH DAY ACCESS BEST: Anantara The Palm Dubai FAVOURITE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai - Jumeirah Beach

HEALTH CLUB

BEST: Elixir Spa & Health Club, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City FAVOURITE: Flow Health Club and Wellness, Roda Al Bustan fact magazine

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• HOSPITALITY FOCUS

EVERY DEGREE OF COOL! THIS SUMMER, SHED ANY INHIBITIONS, THROW ON A BATHING SUIT AND DIVE RIGHT INTO THE EXCITING NEW SUMMER SERIES AT W DUBAI – THE PALM.

TEMPERATURE TRACKER W Dubai – The Palm is excited to introduce its Temperature Tracker to Dubai, offering daily discounts to guests based on the temperature outside. Visit the hotel anytime from June 9 to August 31 and look for out for the W branded thermometers at all the participating venues to determine the discount on the total bill. Guests must tag the outlet and the temperature on social media and present it to the staff to avail of the super cool discounts. The higher the temperature gets in Dubai, the cooler the discount is. Venues include AWAY Spa, Torno Subito, Akira Back, WET Deck, LIV, SoBe and W Lounge. Available daily, 10am to midnight. 30 - 34 degrees = 20% off 35 - 39 degrees = 25% off 40 - 44 degrees = 30% off 45 – 49 degrees = 35% off 50+ degrees = The bill is on them* STEAMY DAZE Steamy Daze is a fantastic trio of much needed post-workout treatments. You’ll be exfoliated, buffed with the perfect combo of mud and steam to cleanse your skin. Skin will then be tackled with a 30-minute vitamin-packed facial – perfect after an intense 30-minute bootcamp session. And since you will need extra TLC after that, hit pause with a 30-minute massage. Available 10am to 10pm daily – reservations required, AED525 per person. 98

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WATER-FUELED Escape the glaring hot sun in Dubai and hit the invigorating waves with Watercooled, Dubai’s premier water sports provider. Guests will have access to non-motorized water sports for two hours, including kayaks, sailing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboards. To re-fuel following the energising water sports, guests can enjoy two bites and two house beverages at WET Deck to complete this Water-Fueled offer. AED299 per person. Available daily, 7am to sunset. PM AT THE PALM W Dubai – The Palm is offering guests the chance to take a culinary journey throughout its outlets with PM at The Palm. Guests will begin their dine-around at Massimo Bottura’s popular Torno Subito, by enjoying a selection of Aperitivo, paired with two house beverages to whet their appetites. Guests will then get drawn into the vortex at Akira Back before indulging in a selection of sharing dishes complimented with two house beverages. To complete this culinary journey, guests will end their tour at SoBe where they’ll receive a delicious dessert accompanied by an espresso martini to celebrate a fantastic evening at W Dubai – The Palm. AED499 per person. Available Saturday to Wednesday, 7pm to 1am. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.WDUBAITHEPALM.COM OR CALL (0)4 245 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS OR MORE INFORMATION.

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#BRUNCH068

BRUNCH WITH A LICENSE TO GRILL

When the world is not enough, unleash your inner Bond and experience the high life at the 068 brunch. With a license to grill, this exciting brunch will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Live another day while sipping on signature beverages and taking in Dubai’s daring views from the world’s tallest 5-star hotel. Join us at Vault for an after-party featuring DJ Adam J from 4pm until 8pm. Every Friday, 1pm to 4pm, starting from AED 495 ‘For Your Eyes Only’ JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay T +971 4 414 3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai I JWDubaiMarquis I Prime68DXB 100 fact magazine