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Celebrate Ramadan With Us
Join us during the Holy Month of Ramadan for a memorable experience with your family and friends. Immerse yourself in the spirit of this special occasion in the opulent Ramadan Tent for your Iftar or Suhoor, whilst unwinding in the alluring comfort of a luxuriously appointed room. For bookings please call +971 4 372 2555 or visit ritzcarlton.com/difc
Š2019 Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. factThe magazine 2
FACT FINDS
RAMADAN 101
STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT
HOTEL HOTSPOT
CITY RIDES
FASHION FOCUS
CULINARY SPOTLIGHT
HOSPITALITY Q&A
SPA & WELLNESS
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• THE EDITOR
All The Small Things
“
The heart that gives, gathers." - Marianne Moore
FACT Magazine Dubai Edition • MAY 2019 VOLUME 02, ISSUE 08
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES PUBLISHER EDWARD SMITH RAMI KHALIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com)
W
hat’s your favourite thing about Ramadan in the Gulf? Is it the opportunity for intimate dinner gatherings to eat all the cheese sambusek you could dream of, or maybe it’s the calmness that falls over the city where a slower pace of life sets in, and how about those shorter working hours (admit it, it’s a bonus) and more time to do the things you love? Personally, Ramadan in this region has become one of my favourite times of the year. For those who find themselves soul searching or in need of a break from the superficial pressures of society, this time of year really allows people to put things into perspective. Whether you’re fasting or not, this is a great chance to get back to basics with everything from your nutrition to giving in the community and also reflecting on what’s important around you. For me, the simplicity of this time and observing fast is a true test of willpower and one that I thoroughly enjoy. But, do you know what else I enjoy? Eating. And with that in mind, it’s amazing to see the huge variety of Iftar and Suhour experiences on offer for Ramadan 2019. Turn to p25 and let us help you to start making those all-important plans with family, friends and colleagues – there’s everything from sprawling buffets to private settings, set menus and so much more. The choice is yours. Staying on the culinary path, FACT discovered unique dining joints in the city for this issue. Taking you to Sunken Garden in our Culinary Spotlight, where DIFC slips away and a blissful ambience sets in (p77) and the underrated cuisine of central Asia, straight from Uzbekistan and the region, we head to Osh for a foodie awakening (p81). We also hosted our second annual FACT Spa & Wellness Awards Dubai at the stunning Steigenberger Business Bay. With the who's who of Dubai's wellness scene turning out for an evening of fabulous food and drinks, complimentary treatments and, of course, the well-deserved awards. Turn to p91 for all the results! As always, your monthly dose of fashion, beauty, tech, travel and more is packed in our pages. And whilst I can’t believe I made it to the end of this note without mentioning the three most famous words in the world right now – here goes: GAME.OF.THRONES. I’m Ramadan ready but definitely not ready for season 8 to end. HELP. Until the next one… make good choices!☺
Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com Insta: @shabs_a 4
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ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL LOCAL EDITOR ANGELA BEITZ SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT CONTRIBUTORS DAVID TAPLEY MARISELA PAESANO 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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Combining all four editions of FACT in Dubai and the region, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from monthly food shoots, the best local events and all things fun from the FACT team around the Gulf.
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Your one-stop culture fix for life in Dubai | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Dubai in local supermarkets now!
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Give love in secret by praying for one another.
ISSUU.COM FACT Dubai 72,427 reads of the April 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.
OUR FAVE FEATURE • RAMADAN REVELRY P25 •
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Phoenix Social Club PHOENIX SOCIAL CLUB AIMS TO BRING A BREATH FRESH AIR TO THE CITY’S SOCIAL SCENE WITH A VENUE THAT IS WARM, WELCOMING AND FUN.
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hoenix 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-cum-club will be located on the first floor at the H Hotel, 1 Sheikh Zayed Road.
TASTE ART With an eclectic mix of the old and the new, Phoenix Social Club introduces a menu that is internationally influenced and touches on a number of cuisine types brought harmoniously together through presentation and cooking techniques. Starters come served on sharing plates, mezze or tapas style, and the portion size is up guests. A selection of diverse “Small Plates” sits alongside a “Crudo Menu” offering fresh raw seafood - Italian and Japanese inspired. Charred skewers, fresh salads and Tandoor baked flatbreads finish off the first, second and third courses. Aged cuts of meat, fresh fish and seafood – all grilled to perfection - make up a part of the main course menu, with a variety of side dishes and sauces available. Delicious sharing desserts and sweet treats complete the dinner menu. The curated interior design of the dining room and adjacent 8
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lounge areas is inspired by warm tones of aged leather, cool black marble, stunning chandeliers and gold nuances with custom artwork adorning the walls.
DRINK PASSION Aged in barrels and in clay pots, infused with herbs, spices and fruits served in bespoke glassware and crystal from a bygone era and a bar serving up decanters filled with one off small batch concoctions - drinks are a star attraction at Phoenix Social Club. Manhattans and Martinis sitting happily and comfortably next to the new age signatures cocktails. The grape selection focuses on indigenous varietals from Italy, France, Spain and Portugal with limited vintages poured through Coravin.
FEEL MUSIC Music should move you, music should transport you, music should make you feel loved. The music and entertainment program at Phoenix Social Club brings together high-energy jazz, funk and soul - all remixed and played within the deep house, acid jazz, bossa nova and Afro-Cuban beats genres. The DJ line up for weekly Signature Nights include some of the most prominent artists, musicians and producers in the city of Dubai – playing the type of music they love listening to in their own time. International acts and DJs will feature quarterly for special editions, and invitation and reservations only parties. ✤
EMBRACE THE
elegance traditions OF
ENDURING
Savour the essence of Ramadan at Address Boulevard. For Suhour and Iftar, a sumptuous food display awaits at The Restaurant at Lorem ipsum Address Boulevard. Enjoy a 15% Early Bird Discount on group bookings in the Boulevard Ballroom, where larger gatherings are hosted with elegance. To relax and renew, retreat to The Spa at Address Boulevard for a rejuvenating Ramadan Detox.
DISCOVER TIMELESS TRADITIONS ON
MYDUBAIRAMADAN.COM
OR CALL +971 4 888 3444 FOR BOOKINGS.
It’s time to #CelebrateU, join our loyalty programme at UByEmaar.com fact magazine
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MEXICAN SOUL Puerto 99 introduces the origins of Mexican culture, rich heritage and Hispanic influences in a sophisticated culinary journey through the distinct regions of Mexico. STEEPED IN TRADITION THE inimitable dining destination on Bluewaters Island showcases bold dishes by drawing from the rich seas and lands of Mexico and masterfully combing strong and subtle flavours. The vibrant and contemporary restaurant promises a unique and buzzing atmosphere around multiple dining areas. The space showcases the passion and attention to detail in the selection of each element, with intricately placed details, breathing personality into the ambience. Authentic cultural components run throughout from the lighting to the tableware, with each element handmade by Mexican artisans from every corner of Mexico and brought to Dubai. The shore-facing venue will be open from day to night, with uninterrupted views of the stunning Dubai Marina skyline and calm waters of the Persian Gulf, allowing guests to enjoy both a relaxed and lively experience. Puerto 99 introduces a meticulously crafted menu balancing artisanal recipes and the traditional methods of cooking with a variety of fresh Mexican seafood and meat. Sourced from 19 hand-picked states of Mexico from Baja California to Yucatán, passionate flavours and a careful selection of ingredients are combined to delight the senses. With dynamic entertainment, including the resident DJ, harmoniously intertwined with the vivid interiors and gastronomy, Puerto 99 introduces the true taste and soul of Mexico. ✤ 10
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GO: CALL (0)4 557 6627 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
Spend your weekends brunching with friends or family at Dino’s Bistro Italiano. Enjoy a wide selection of finely crafted Italian delicacies in a relaxed and cozy atmosphere, every Friday and Saturday from 12 to 4 PM. And while you indulge in authentic Italian dishes, the kids are kept busy with fun activities. Packages starting from AED 165* net per person. Children between 6-12 are entitled to 50% off, while kids up to 5 years dine for free. *Terms and conditions apply.
Only at Pearl Rotana... For more information or to make reservations, call +971 (2) 307 5591 or email at fb.pearl@rotana.com
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SYRIAN FOOD CELEBRATION Sah El Nom brings authentic Damascene-Syrian flavours to the UAE with the launch of its second venue in Dubai, at Bluewaters Island. SITUATED IN THE CITY’S newest ‘it’ location, the new branch of Sah El Nom offers guests an unrivalled dining experience, highlighted by traditional delicacies and a quintessential atmosphere, complete with stunning views of Ain Dubai. Having opened doors to the public in early March 2019, the concept is inspired by the 1975 Syrian TV show, Sah Al-Nawm that references back to Syrian social traditions. Encouraging guests to spend quality time with friends, family and loved ones, Dubai’s newest dining destination offers an extensive menu of traditional Syrian dishes, along with a variety of hot and cold beverages and shisha options. Authentic homemade recipes that have been passed on for generations are given a unique and contemporary twist to offer an array of delectable appetisers, mains and desserts that are sure to satisfy all your food cravings. Begin your meal with a Levante Lentil Soup or flavourful Fattoush Salad, prepared with the freshest of ingredients. The mezze menu includes an assortment of traditional hot and cold options such as Baba Ghannouj, Yalanji and Batata Harra. Boasting a selection of signature mains, treat yourself to everything from hearty Ouzi to mouth-watering Ghapama, wholesome Seuberg Spinach or choose from a variety of 12
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grills and kebabs including Zaatar Lamb Chops, Kebab Khashkash, Grilled Shrimps and Shish Taouk. Complete your meal on a sweet note with an indulgent dessert menu that showcases a selection of decadent delights – think Dates Cardamom Cake, Baklawa, Caramelised Figs, Kunafa and more. To fully fulfill your Arabic dining experience, a wide selection of Shisha flavours are available to enjoy, along with traditional fruit teas and coffees. Set in a warm and inviting atmosphere, Sah El Nom Bluewaters Dubai makes for the perfect dining venue for families, offering a special kid’s meal that comprises of a mini-portion of a main course, paired with a side and salad, along with a dessert and fresh juice. A comfortable and welcoming ambience is given a luxurious touch with elegant chandeliers and vintage-inspired furniture, handpicked to ensure that guests are transported to a quaint Syrian home, from the moment they walk in. ✤
GO: CALL (0)4 587 7096 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
REDISCOVER THE MEANING OF RAMADAN WITH US BHAR will be hosting a buffet style Iftar daily from sunset until 9pm, to allow families and friends to come together to celebrate the meaningful traditions of the Holy Month. This daily Iftar, starting from AED195 per person, will offer traditional Middle Eastern cuisine all interpreted with Chef Mohanad’s modern twist. RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI Marasi Drive Business Bay Dubai PO Box 191984 United Arab Emirates. t: +971.4.512.5554
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JAPANESE TRADITION MEETS STREET ONI Lounge & Restaurant, a lively and enticing social dining concept delivering authentic Japanese cuisine has opened its doors in Shangri-La Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road. LOCATED ON THE 2ND FLOOR of the hotel, ONI is a culinary concept showcasing Japanese street flavours and dishes served in traditional ‘Izakaya’ sharing style plates. Using fresh ingredients sourced from Japan’s north Island of Hokkaido, ONI’s menu features much-loved favourites such as robata, sushi, gyoza and ramen cooked at live cooking stations for multi-sensory dining experience. Menu highlights include wagyu beef tataki, avocado on crispy rice, tuna pizza, seafood okonomiyaki, and semi-dried Japanese rockfish ‘kichiji shioyaki’ to name a few. ONI recalls the glamour and intrigue of Japanese culinary culture, combining street Japanese flavours using traditional techniques, world-class mixology and dramatic design. With luxurious décor drawing inspiration from the ancient Japanese tradition of ‘golden repair’ or ‘Kintsugi’, ONI exudes an ambience that is sultry, bold yet high-energy. The latest addition to the Dubai social circuit it is the hotspot for movers and shakers and cultural catalysts. With a sake bar, DJ booth, private lounge and shared seating for over 75 guests, ONI is a place that is alive 14
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and buzzing with palpable energy. Expect an atmosphere that is enticing and intriguing guaranteed to have you coming back for more. “We are extremely excited to launch ONI here in Dubai and open our doors to the public,” says Head Chef, Emil Helmy. “ONI is more than just a restaurant but a social dining experience focusing on theatrics and providing guests with a full 360 multisensory experience from the moment they walk in the door. With live cooking stations, a sake bar and a DJ booth with a rotating residency we are confident that ONI will be unlike anything else on the market and will soon become the go-to place for the whos-who of Dubai,” he adds Open every day from 6pm to 3am. ✤
GO: CALL (0)4 405 2333 FOR RESERVATIONS AND 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.
Š2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi 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 15 @stregishotels
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HAVANA OOH NA-NA The prohibition era comes to Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai in the form of a brand new Cuban joint dubbed Havana Social Club. LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR of Dubai’s newest hotel opening, the vibrant bar, Havana Social Club, takes guests back to a glamorous time of jazz-filled nights and the smoky cabaret clubs of Havana. Delivering an eclectic mix of authentic Cuban bites, expertly mixed cocktails inspired by recipes from the 1920s, live music sessions and a curated Cuban cigar collection – Havana Social Club is ready to be the city’s coolest hangout. Perfectly placed as a retreat from the fast-approaching summer heat, Havana Social Club’s vibrant interior evokes the vibes of its namesake country. Canary yellow walls and teal blue shutters blend stylishly with black and white checkered flooring, creating the perfect Instagram backdrop and ideal spot to catch up with friends over Cuban bites and exotic cocktails. Tucked away in the back – with its colourful scuffed walls, polished wooden floors and prints of characters from Havana’s past – the music room where a roster of live musicians transform the venue at night into a true Cuban salón de baile. Located off the brightly tiled central bar area, Havana Social Club’s Cuban Humidor-equipped cigar lounge takes a more sophisticated turn. Chesterfield-style brown leather sofas, wood paneling and exposed brickwork add a masculine design edge. Here, guests can lounge, relax and savour an enviable selection of 30 Cuban cigars, while sipping on a wide variety of new and vintage Caribbean rum. Those that like to perch at the bar – elegant cocktail in hand will love Havana Social Club’s chic bar area. Centered round a 16
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dramatic bamboo light installation, the circular bar is the ideal place to pull up a moss green leather pew and settle down to watch expert mixologists at work. The menu is designed to take guests on a journey through 1920s prohibition Havana. Alongside the drinks’ menu, a light menu of authentic Cuban bites will help fuel a night of dancing. There’s also a selection of ‘Manos’ including Atias De Pollo (boneless chicken wings marinated in Cuban coffee with smoked BBQ sauce) and Oven Baked Vaca Samosa (beef picadillo, raisins, olives, cumin spice, sambal mojo, avocado aioli); and ‘Dulce’ such as Cinnamon Sugar Churros with a decadent chili-spiced 70% valrhona chocolate dip. Transporting guests from Bluewaters to Cuba every Wednesday with live music and spontaneous dancing, ‘Noche Del Ron’ is the chance to enjoy unlimited rum cocktails and two bar bites for just AED175 per person from 7pm to 9pm. On Thursday nights, Havana Social Club hosts ‘Alama Latina’ – a ladies night offering three hours of complimentary wine and cocktails from 8pm to 11pm. Combining live music, professional singers and dancers and unlimited cocktails, these weekly fiestas are the perfect preweekend excuse to party Havana style. ✤
GO: VISIT WWW.CAESARS.COM/DUBAI/RESTAURANTS/ HAVANASOCIALCLUB FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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ARTSY SHACKS Shake Shack has brought together the best of food and art in Dubai by transforming five Shacks into creative zones where diners can enjoy burgers and vibrant art created by local artists based in the UAE. SHAKE SHACK WORKED WITH CURATOr, artist and visual art director of ArtPaintingLAB, Samira Saliba to identify talented artists who would like to showcase their work to diners. The collaboration with local artists aims to support the art community by encouraging them to display their pop culture-inspired art pieces and engage with the community in a fun and informal setting. Each of these artists bring their unique style and personality to the five Shacks. Diners can now enjoy their favorite burger surrounded by contemporary art across Shacks located in The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, JBR, Souk Al Bahar and Dubai International Airport. These Shacks come to life in vivid creations by artists Dina Sami, Khalid Mezaina, Maria Iqbal, Max Laurence, Melvin San Miguel and Reem Al Mazrouei. Emirati artists Reem Al Mazrouei and Khalid Mezaina have captured the experience of enjoying good food, with subtle hidden Shake Shack® references in backgrounds, cups and accessories at the Shake Shack in Souk Al Bahar. Meanwhile, English artist Max Laurence has transformed the Shack at Mall of the Emirates into an action-packed playground that will appeal to millennials.Max Laurence has also teamed up with Palestinian artist Dina Sami’s to add a burst of color to The 18
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Dubai Mall Shack. The artwork is a recreation of Downtown Dubai with a fun and surreal comic featuring a giant crab burger, a sporty flamingo and lots of selfies. Afghani artist Maria Iqbal captures the neighborhood beach scene and vibe at the JBR Shack, while showcasing the holiday lifestyle that is part of living near the beach. Filipino artist Melvin San Miguel has doodled a fun aviation-themed comic at the Dubai International Airport Shack, transforming it into foodie’s heaven with surreal, surprising and entertaining illustrations. This collaboration with local artists stems from Shake Shack’s mission to ‘Stand for Something Good’. Shake Shack believes that giving back is essential to connecting to every community that it has a presence in. It also runs a company-wide community programme called ‘Shack Gives Back’ that recognises employees for volunteering and supports local artists. ✤
GO: FOLLOW @SHAKESHACKMEON INSTAGRAM FOR ALL THE LATEST INFORMATION.
Enjoy an exclusive culinary journey offering a lavish spread of traditional Arabic favorites along with delicious international fare. Steigenberger theme Iftar menu is good for every day of the week at Bayside Restaurant & Terrace for AED 175*.
SUNDAY – INTERNATIONAL BUFFET
WEDNESDAY – TANDOOR BY THE BAY
Offering diverse cuisines including fresh salads, cheese, pasta and desserts
A journey through the Indian Spice Route
MONDAY – ITALY BY THE BAY Featuring live pasta stations, antipasti and our metre long ‘Pizzametro’
TUESDAY – ASIA BY THE BAY A delicious Asian buffet filled with Thai, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian specialties
THURSDAY – GUACALICIOUS BY THE BAY A variety of flavourful, authentic Mexican delicacies
FRIDAY – ARABIAN NIGHTS BY THE BAY A lavish spread of traditional Arabic
SATURDAY – CHEF CARVERY A succulent array of roasted meats accompanied by enticing starters and desserts
Host your private group Iftar (minimum 25 people) at our Berlin Ballroom or a more intimate gathering at Frankfurt Meeting Room featuring an outdoor terrace overlooking the iconic Burj Khalifa from only AED 110.
*Bayside iftar rates are per person and valid for groups up to 24 people. Children policy: Under 4 years eat for free, 5 -12 years dine for AED 100. Rates are inclusive of 7% municipality fee, 10% service charge and 5% VAT.
STEIGENBERGER HOTEL BUSINESS BAY P.O. Box 413311 • Al Abraj Street/Marasi Drive • Dubai |+971 4 369 0000 | dubai.steigenberger.com
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INDUSTRY ABANDONED Jalal Jamal Bin Thaneya is an industrial fine arts photographer known for large format compositions that probe the tension between society and abandoned industrial landscapes of the United Arab Emirates. A BRAND NEW SOLO EXHIBITION by Jalal Jamal Bin Thaneya has opened at Tashkeel Nad Al Sheba. This is the first ever solo exhibition by Jalal binthaneya and the first public outcome of the 2018/19 Tashkeel Critical Practice Programme (CPP). During his time on CPP, Jalal was mentored by the artist and photographer Jassim Al Awadhi, and the artist, curator and educator Flounder Lee. This exhibition features a new body of work exploring the unavoidable byproduct of modernity. Jalal has sought to go beyond barriers and bring to the forefront of our gaze the end-of-lifecycle monolithic scrapyards, industrial refineries and metal works typically hidden from public view. Through extensive research, Jalal has used 4 x 5 large format and digital medium format cameras to achieve incredibly detailed images that convey ritual practices inherent in the inner workings of industry. The process of gaining access and developing trust with the guardians of these locations was integral to Jalal’s journey. The resulting works are a powerful balance and blend of landscape and industrial architecture, composed and structured, yet captured often in moments of chance encounter. The body of work focuses on Jala’s journey through various industrial areas and estates, bringing together the practice and rituals of capturing the inner workings of these places. As an artist, he believes that an image should be true to how it is captured, in the most detailed way, whenever possible, 20
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without making alterations to the subject matter. All of the images produced in this body of work are hidden away from the general public and this adds to the process of researching, finding relevant subjects, setting up and capturing the idea that he wishes to express. The ideas expressed in this body of work would simply not work with smaller formats even though they are often cheaper and easier to maneuver within congested industrial spaces, they do not render his vision of the subject matter as precisely as larger format cameras and sensors do. Another challenge posed to this sort of photographic form is the bureaucracy when attempting to enter facilities, the obscurity of some scrap yards and plants who do not wish to allow for images to be made of their spaces. A majority of the time spent working on this series was spent gaining access to these places before the images started to take shape. The world has become even more paranoid and this has added to the difficulty in creating images related to infrastructure and industry. The series is intended to introduce the viewer to an idea where Jalal aspires to continue this project, taking it deeper and beyond our perception of reality. ✤
GO: VISIT WWW.TASHKEEL.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.
Celebrate an Authentic Ramadan Embrace the true spirit of Ramadan, with a full range of Iftar options. From traditional settings to sumptuous dishes, an authentic Ramadan experience awaits you and your family at SwissĂ´tel Al Ghurair. Liwan Restaurant Iftar buffet for AED 169 per person, including Ramadan juices, while enjoying Live Oriental music. Shayan Restaurant Iranian themed Iftar buffet, including Ramadan juices for AED 199 per person.
For inquiries and bookings, please call 04 293 3000 or email FoodandBeverage.AlGhurair@swissotel.com
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HISTORY UNFOLDED Culture fans and museum-goers will be thrilled to learn that At the Top, Burj Khalifa – the global icon by Emaar – now offers tourists and residents the convenience of purchasing tickets for Al Shindagha Museum where visitors can experience the vibrant history of Dubai. AL SHINDAGHA MUSEUM, AN entity of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, is developed collaboratively between Dubai Municipality, Dubai Culture, and Dubai Tourism. It opens doors for visitors to a fascinating insight into the rich past of the UAE through two houses: Dubai Creek: Birth of a City and The Perfume House. Dubai Creek: Birth of a City is where visitors can discover how trade with the outside world began and guided Dubai’s extraordinary development. Visitors set sail across the centuries to a time when Dubai’s modern society was beginning to take shape on the shimmering blue waters of its famous ‘khor’ – the traditional creek or waterway. Story of the Creek offers a stateof-the-art multimedia experience, including an informative and inspiring film that allows visitors to immerse themselves in personal stories that bring the neighbourhood to life. A unique sensory experience, it tells the universal tale of the power of the human spirit and how Dubai’s inhabitants managed to build 22
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a successful city rooted in its heritage and taking wisdom from the past. The Perfume House is home to a multi-sensory perfume experience that showcases traditional handmade perfumemaking techniques to highlight local heritage and includes a visual timeline on the art of perfumery from across the region. Tickets for Al Shindagha Museum + Etihad Museum are priced at AED35 per person. Visitors can also book a complete package inclusive of a visit to At the Top and both fascinating museums. Tickets for At the Top + Al Shindagha Museum + Etihad Museum are priced at AED171 per adult or AED130 per child. ✤
GO: VISIT WWW.BURJKHALIFA.AE OR AT THE TOP, BURJ KHALIFA TICKET COUNTERS IN THE DUBAI MALL FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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• SOCIETY
#MIDDLE #EAST #FILM #& #COMIC #CON #2019 Middle East Film & Comic Con (MEFCC) 2019, the definitive pop culture event in the Middle East, drew to a close as organisers announced another hugely successful weekend that saw increases on previous editions in attendance and growth in exhibiting companies from across the region and the world. The three-day convention attracted thousands of film, comic, TV, pop culture and gaming fans, who flocked to Dubai World Trade Centre for an extraordinary weekend packed with fascinating activities. The halls were packed as brands, fans, content creators and celebrities celebrated this must-attend event on the Dubai’s calendar. Workshops and panels brought together some of the finest talents from creative industries to share their knowledge. MEFCC 2019 gave Middle Eastern fans the chance to celebrate a shared love of pop culture, meet international celebrities and artists, learn from industry professionals, express their own talent and enjoy a feast of activities from gaming to music, art, technology and much more.
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RAMADAN REVELRY T HE H OLY MONTH I S UP ON US A ND D UB A I’S D I N I N G S C E N E IS G O I N G A L L O U T TO M A KE S U R E T HAT YO U HAVE TH E BES T OF H OSP I TA L I T Y A ND F OOD TO E N J OY T HE T R A D I T IO N A L S P I R I T O F T HIS S P EC I A L T I M E. FACT H IG H LIG HTS SOM E OF TH E CI T Y’S TOP I FTA R A N D S U HO U R O FFE R I N G S TO M A KE A N OT E O F…
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ADDRESS BOULEVARD
ELEGANT IFTAR AT THE RESTAURANT AT ADDRESS BOULEVARD Immerse in the traditions of Ramadan with a delectable Iftar buffet featuring live cooking stations that serve a myriad of local and global favourites, all complemented by flavoursome hubbly bubbly on the terrace. Daily, from sunset to 9pm. AED220 per person; complimentary for children aged five and under; 50% off for children aged between six and 11-years-old. For larger gatherings, the spirit of togetherness takes centre stage around a vast communal table in the Boulevard Ballroom for both Iftar and Suhour.
SUHOUR UNDER THE STARS AT THE RESTAURANT AT ADDRESS BOULEVARD Bask in the spirit of the Holy Month with a sumptuous al fresco Suhour. From the chef’s selection of appetisers to the live cooking stations and mouth-watering side dishes, The Restaurant is the perfect venue to enjoy Suhour with friends, family and all those who are close to you. Enjoy hubbly bubbly on the terrace with glittering views of Burj Khalifa. Daily from 9pm onwards. AED220 per person; complimentary for children aged five and under; 50% off for children aged between six and 11-years-old. GO: CALL (0)4 888 3444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 26
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LA VILLE HOTEL & SUITES CITY WALK
IFTAR AT CHIVAL La Ville Hotel & Suites’ homegrown social eatery Chival introduces a quintessentially Arabic menu with a focus on family-style sharing. In the true spirit of Ramadan, the menu concept is a great opportunity for families and friends to come together and create memorable moments while the food is brought to the table. Arabic Chef Kinan Ibrahim found inspiration in traditional homemade dishes from his childhood in Syria and has curated a sumptuous culinary journey of Middle Eastern cuisine. Chival offers guests an alternative Iftar menu served directly to the table for family-style sharing experience. Starting with a selection of traditional cold mezzeh, a variety of soups and hot mezzeh, including sumptuous Spinach Fatayer and woodfired Manakish. Main dishes include a flavourful Chicken Biryani, Lamb Shish Barak and Iranian Mixed Grill. Ending off the experience with flavoursome Arabic sweets and a delicious chocolate fountain pouring unique ruby and milk chocolate. AED239 per person including a selection of juices; children aged between six an 12 dine at 50% off. Extend the evening for Suhoor in the courtyard; with the option of hubbly-bubbly priced at AED60. GO: CALL (0)4 403 3111 FOR RESERVATIONS AND 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 valid from April 23rd to 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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• RAMADAN 101
JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI
SOFITEL THE PALM DUBAI
Ramadan is a time of tranquility and reflection, a time to slow down and connect with friends and family. Celebrate this ausp icious occasion with a wealth of options, including sumptuous Iftars at award-winning restaurants and stunning Ramadan venues. Children aged six or below dine complimentary (maximum of two kids with two full paying adults). Additional children aged six or below and children aged between seven and 12 will receive a 50% discount.
AL FANOUS LOUNGE AT DUBAI BALLROOM Indulge in a memorable Iftar experience with family and friends in Al Fanous, the opulent Ramadan lounge at the iconic Dubai Ballroom. From sunset to 8.30pm for AED199 per person.
INTERNATIONAL CUISINE AT THE AWARDWINNING KITCHEN6 RESTAURANT For an international Iftar, step into the award-winning Kitchen6 restaurant, where six interactive cooking stations come to life creating an extraordinary selection of world cuisines. From sunset to 8.30pm for AED215 per person.
INDIAN IFTAR AT MASALA LIBRARY BY JIGGS KALRA For Iftar with a difference, join in at the newly-opened Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra which will host a unique Indian set-menu. From sunset to 8.30pm. Non-vegetarian menu: AED230 per person, including Ramadan juices. Vegetarian menu: AED 195 per person, including Ramadan juices. CORPORATE IFTARS Host your company Iftar in the privacy of one of our exclusive Ramadan venues, available for groups of 50 people and above. GO: CALL (0)4 414 2000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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IFTAR AT MANAVA During the Holy Month of Ramadan, revel in the spirit of compassion and generosity, and gather with your family and friends around an exceptional Iftar table at Manava restaurant. Break your fast with an array of authentic local and regional Arabic specialties, a wide selection of international savoury dishes, and scrumptious desserts featured on live stations and prepared exclusively throughout the month of Ramadan. Daily from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, priced at AED195 per person. Sofitel The Palm also has the following Iftar packages on offer: book an exclusive Iftar experience for a minimum of 80 guests starting from AED160 per person; book a minimum of 80 guests and win a complimentary dinner for two at Manava Restaurant; and book a minimum of 200 guests and win a complimentary one-night stay for two, inclusive of breakfast. GO: CALL (0)4 455 5656 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
RAMADAN 101 •
THE RITZ-CARLTON DUBAI
IFTAR AND SUHOUR AT AMASEENA MAJLIS The 17-year legacy of the authentic Arabic restaurant, Amaseena, is expressed beautifully at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai with the enchanting Amaseena Majlis. Experience sumptuous flavours while Arabesque aesthetics set the mood for generosity and sharing, all through the Holy Month of Ramadan. Blending traditional Arabic essences with contemporary refinement, Amaseena Majlis transforms the elegant Lou Lou’A Ballroom into an exquisite setting that will be serving both Iftar and Suhour during this special time of year. The meticulously designed interior takes inspiration from the seafaring heritage of the region, along with the resort’s location on the Arabian Gulf. An intimate ambience with beautifully hung lanterns and luxury seating sets the stage for Chef Rami’s culinary art. From mandicooked lamb, traditional favourites and delicacies flavoured with hand-roasted spices, to tagine cooked in authentic clay cookware, guests will be spoilt for choice with a lavish spread across nine food stations highlighting the best of Middle Eastern cuisine with dishes from Morocco, Lebanon and Persia as well as international delicacies including Peruvian and Italian. Garnished with a medley of live music during Suhour, soothing mood-lighting and memories only familiar flavors can revive, it’s an experience guests will want to return to.
Guests can also choose to dine in one of the five bespoke private Majlis. This majestic private dining area can seat groups of six to 10 and is perfect for families, friends and intimate corporate gatherings. Celebrate the timeless allure of Arabian heritage and create moments that matter through the special month. Iftar is fromsunset to 8.30pm; Suhour is 10pm to 2am for adults only. Iftar - AED205 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices and water. Groups of 10 or more can avail an exclusive rate starting from AED195 per person. Children aged five and below dine complimentary, while children aged six to 12 dine at 50%. Suhour – a la carte menu with Arabic duo performing during every night. GO: CALL (0)4 318 6150 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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• RAMADAN 101
FAIRMONT THE PALM MIRACLES OF MARRAKECH AT WILLOW STREAM SPA In this serene time of tranquillity and reflection, Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont The Palm offers a haven for relaxation and an opportunity to escape the heat this summer with a range of exclusive treatments by Moroccan spa brand Maison D’Asa. Maison d’Asa is an organic hammam experience that tells the story of a journey at the heart of the Orient with its hospitable culture and its traditional beauty recipes. In particular, one to highlight for the Ramadan period is the 75-minute Miracles of Marrakech treatment which is the ultimate head to toe pamper to re-awaken and cleanse the body. Commencing with a warming steam and detoxing fresh drink of mint and citrus water, this deeply cleansing experience is accompanied by a double exfoliation to promote circulation using the traditional woven Kessa mitt and black soap with lavender. Next, a sweet exfoliation with honey and deep pore cleaning with a minted rhassoul body mask ensures ultimate regeneration. After this, a divine facial cream application combined with a mint foot bath and luxuriating hair treatment with green tea ensures over all refinement. This captivating experience culminates in a rose body mist, argon oil facial elixir, precious argan hair treatment and sensual sandalwood body treatment. What more could you need? Available May 1 onwards for AED515 per person. GO: CALL (0)4 457 3457 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
FAIRUZ RAMADAN AND SUHOUR TENT Whether you are looking for an intimate space or something of a grander affair to celebrate this blessed time of the year, the Fairuz Ramadan Tent at Fairmont The Palm is perfect to experience the true style of Middle Eastern food, entertainment and hospitality. Back for its third year running, Fairuz (meaning precious stone) is designed to surround you in the true spirit of Ramadan and will come alive during Iftar with a delectable buffet and traditional entertainment. Set within the extravagant Ballroom and seating over 350 guests, expect an instaworthy experience with beautiful contemporary Arabian style, showcasing hues of white, blue, and purple with hints of turquoise. A new addition this year is a fully air conditioned cosy Suhour Tent, offering shisha’s and Middle Eastern mezze delights until the early hours. Originally designed as an Arabian courtyard, the space will be transformed into a cosy and chic evening or early morning space to enjoy tea and delicious dishes with groups of friends and family. Fairuz Ramadan Tent is open for Iftar from sunset to 9pm for AED215 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices. Children aged five and under dine complimentary and children aged six to 12 dine at a 50% discount. Suhour Tent will offer A la Carte Mezze Menu from 9pm to 2am. A choice of Shisha flavours is also available from AED90. 30
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RAMADAN 101 •
RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI
ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT
IFTAR AT BHAR BHAR, the contemporary Middle Eastern style brasserie will be hosting a buffet style Iftar daily, from sunset to 9pm, to allow families and friends to come together to celebrate the meaningful traditions of the Holy Month. This daily Iftar, starting from AED195 per person, will offer traditional Middle Eastern cuisine all interpreted with Chef Mohanad’s modern twist. Guests are invited to break their fast with traditional Iftar dishes such as Dates, Fatoush, Tabouleh, Hummus and Lentil Soup, before indulging in the main course inclusive of Chargrilled Tiger Prawns, Grilled Marinated Poussin, Seven Spices Crispy Salmon and Wild Mushroom and Frekkah Risotto to name a few stand-out items from the menu. For those craving something sweet, BHAR’s Iftar menu offers temping treats such as Om Ali, French Pastries, Kanafeh and a Selection of Fresh Fruits, completing this perfectly delicious Iftar spread at BHAR this Ramadan.
SUHOUR AT BHAR Continue the celebration of the Holy Month with loved ones at BHAR from 9pm to 1am by savouring Suhour alongside picturesque views of the Dubai Water Canal. BHAR’s A La Carte Suhoor menu features a variety of Middle Eastern favourites starting with Hot and Cold Mezze such as Saffron Chicken and Fried Calamari to Fattoush Salad and Baba Ganoush. Indulge in BHAR’s Suhour favourites such as Vegetable Biryani, Mixed Grill, Chicken Moghrabieh and Vegetable Salona that are bound to satisfy all guests to this impressive Suhour spread. Round off the enjoyable evening with a variety of sweet delicacies from Lokma with Apricot and Chocolate Fudge Cake to Labneh Cheesecake and Chocolate Baklava Smash to ensure all sweet cravings are satisfied at Suhour. GO: CALL (0)4 512 5511 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
IFTAR AT CRESCENDO This Ramadan, Crescendo at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort invites you to celebrate in style! Discover a host of delicious feasting options to satisfy your every craving in a vibrant setting as you enjoy the live Kanoun entertainment. Take your pick from an array of options including classic Arabic dishes, traditional oriental mixed grill, a dim sum station, Beijing duck and noodles as well as Kunafa cheese and Umm Ali. Iftar is priced at AED199 per adult inclusive of water, Ramadan juices and Arabic coffee and AED100 for kids aged six to 11. GO: CALL (0)4 567 8304 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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• RAMADAN 101
THE RITZ-CARLTON DIFC
CELEBRATE WITH US RAMADAN PACKAGE Join in during the Holy Month of Ramadan for a memorable experience with your family and friends. Delve into the spirit of this special occasion in the opulent Ramadan Tent for your Iftar or Suhour, whilst unwinding in the alluring comfort of a luxuriously appointed room. Package Includes: overnight accommodation in a luxuriously appointed room, and Iftar or Suhour. Starting from AED550++ per night. GO: CALL (0)4 372 2222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
RAFFLES DUBAI
selection of fresh Arabic sweets such as Kunafa with cheese, Kellaj, Katayef with nuts, Sahlab including a choice of coffee or tea for just AED95 per person. The Arabian Sweet Temptations are available daily throughout the month of Ramadan at Raffles Salon from 8pm to midnight. GO: CALL (0)4 324 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
THE H DUBAI
IFTAR AT AZUR Make it a Ramadan to remember with a traditional Arabic feast at Azur. Indulge in a sumptuous array of Iftar favourites including hot and cold mezze, fresh salads, lamb ouzi and Arabic mixed grills. For dessert, sample an array of oriental sweet delicacies including Umm Ali, Kunafa and sticky date pudding. Iftar is served daily from sunset to 10.30pm at AED205 per person inclusive of Ramadan juices, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Children under the age of six dine for free (one per two paying adults) and AED95 for kids aged six to 12.
SUHOUR AT RAFFLES SALON During the Holy Month of Ramadan, Raffles Salon offers Arabian Sweet Tempations during Suhour hours. Indulge in an unlimited 32
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EAT AND MEAT Celebrate this time of reflection and giving with Eat and Meat at The H Dubai! This Holy Month of Ramadan, guests are invited to create memorable experiences as they indulge in an Unlimited Iftar offer. For the entire month of Ramadan, guests can avail the one-of-a-kind offer at the price of AED1999 inclusive of Ramadan beverages. The incredible offer allows you to savour the Iftar buffet every day for 30 days, while you save AED3500! Guests can also opt for a delicious daily Iftar buffet that includes an assortment of traditional Arabian delicacies for AED185 per person. Iftar will be served every day from sunset to 9pm. GO: CALL (0)56 656 7311 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
RAMADAN 101 •
PALACE DOWNTOWN
IFTAR AT ASADO Celebrate Iftar like never before with decadent South American flavours and generous hospitality at Asado. Envisioned as an homage to Argentina, Asado is set to delight guests with a curated and unlimited menu of truly delicious dishes featuring wholesome ingredients prepared expertly. Iftar will be served from sunset to 9pm for AED225 per person including unlimited food and soft drinks. 25% off when dining/booking during the first week of Ramadan. GO: CALL (0)4 888 3444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
MOVENPICK HOTEL JUMEIRAH LAKE TOWERS
EWAAN RAMADAN TENT Gather your friends and family and celebrate the true spirit of Ramadan at Ewaan Ramadan Tent in Palace Downtown. Revel in the stunning interiors of the much-anticipated Ewaan Ramadan Tent as you generous Middle Eastern and international buffet while harmonious Oud music fill the air with a sense of enchantment. Iftar will be served for AED255 per person inclusive of buffet, Ramadan juices and water from sunset to 9pm. 25% off when dining/booking during the first week of Ramadan.
SUHOUR AT FAI Make your Suhour a whole lot tastier with Fai! Herald a new day with an Asian-inspired Suhour as you enjoy the glittering views of the water and the Burj Khalifa and tuck into some mouthwatering delicacies. Allow the ambience of Fai to transport you to a realm of sophistication and serenity. Suhour will be served from 10pm to 2am (weekdays) and 10pm to 3am (weekends) a la carte including special Ramadan menu with hubbly bubbly and beverages. 25% off when dining/booking during the first week of Ramadan.
IFTAR AT NOSH RESTAURANT Embrace the true spirit of Ramadan and treat yourself to an indulgent buffet at Nosh Restaurant. Blending style and tradition, the restaurant offers its diners a relaxed and warm setting as they feast on a delightful fare of Arabic and international delicacies. Take your pick from live cooking stations, Arabic mixed grills and shawarma, Kunafa, Umm Ali, Baklava, refreshing Ramadan juices and so much more! Iftar is served daily from sunset until 10.30pm at AED135 per person. 50% off for kids aged six to 12, while kids aged six and under dine for free. GO: CALL (0)4 438 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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• RAMADAN 101
SWISSOTEL AL GHURAIR DUBAI
HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH
LIWAN RESTAURANT Indulge in an all-you-can-eat Iftar option at Liwan Restaurant. Featuring a blend of Arabic, Mediterranean, Indian and international buffet selection, patrons feast on a selection of hot and cold mezzes, salads, a wide range of succulent meat cooked to perfection as well as all-time favourites such as Umm Ali and Mohalabia. Iftar will be served daily from sunset to 9pm for AED169 per person including Ramadan juices and water. Kids aged six to 12 dine at half price and kids aged five and below dine for free. SHAYAN RESTAURANT Crafted by the resident culinary expert, Chef Sharif, Shayan Restaurant offers guests an authentic Persian Iftar buffet of sumptuous Iranian specialties. Enjoy a gastronomic treat including a selection of appetisers, freshly grilled succulent kebabs, an abundance of beverages and Iftar favourite juices. Iftar will be served daily from sunset to 9 pm at AED199 per person including Ramadan juices and water. Kids aged six to 12 dine at half price and kids aged five and below dine for free. Shisha will be served 9pm onwards after Ifatr at Liwan Terrace.
LIWAN RESTAURANT In the spirit of togetherness, gather your friends and family and head over to Liwan Restaurant for a fulfilling Suhour experience. Treat your senses to peace and tranquility as you enjoy Suhour in the heart of Old Dubai and tuck into irresistible oriental cuisine, egg station and freshly prepared breads. Suhour will be served daily from 2am to 4am at AED69 per person. Kids aged six to 12 dine at half price and kids aged five and below dine for free. GO: CALL (0)4 293 3000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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IFTAR AT OCEANA RESTAURANT Reconnect this Ramadan and unwind with friends and family at Oceana Restaurant. Enjoy a wide buffet selection including hot and cold Arabic and international dishes, live cooking stations as well as decadent desserts. Iftar is served daily from sunset to 10pm for AED250 per person including soft beverages. 50% off for kids aged six to 12 and children aged five and under dine for free.
IFTAR AT BICE RESTAURANT Invite your loved ones to join for a feast and immerse yourself in the spirit of Ramadan at BiCE Restaurant. Indulge Ramadan with an Italian twist as you relish Italian inspired Iftar buffet featuring mouthwatering delicacies as well as live Arabic entertainment available on weekends. Iftar is served daily from sunset to 11pm at AED250 per person including soft beverages. 50% off for kids aged six to 12 and children aged five and under dine for free. GO: CALL (0)4 318 2520 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
RAMADAN 101 •
DUKES THE PALM, A ROYAL HIDEAWAY HOTEL
THE ATRIUM Enjoy a scrumptious Iftar feast as you give to a good cause with The Atrium at Grand Millennium Dubai. The hotel will be partnering with Al Jalila Foundation to support its “Basma” campaign that aims to provide life-saving treatments and transform the lives of children in the UAE. A portion of the spending of every Iftar guest will be allocated to support this campaign. Take your pick from over 60 mouthwatering options as well as live cooking stations that will be serving a wide variety of freshly prepared flavours. Iftar will be served for AED199 per person and AED89 for kids aged five to 10, while kids aged five and under dine for free. GO: CALL (0)4 423 4170 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
IFTAR AT THE GREAT BRITISH RESTAURANT For the entire month of Ramadan, enjoy an Iftar to remember at The Great British Restaurant. Enjoy an abundant selection of delicious traditional Middle Eastern cuisines accompanied by international favourites and live cooking stations prepared specially by the Chefs for the Holy Month. Families can enjoy the smooth sounds of the live Oud musician as they end the evening with aromatic teas and Arabic coffees. Iftar will be served from sunset to 9pm for AED185 per person and AED95 per child.
IFTAR AT KHYBER
HYATT REGENCY DUBAI
Treat your senses to an opulent Iftar feast at Khyber! Where the Mughal era meets modern views, diners will be treated to a one-of-a-kind experience full of mouth-watering Indian delicacies. The talented chefs have prepared a selection of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes including samosa chaat and juicy keema seekh kababs, hearty mains and luscious desserts. Iftar is served from sunset until 9pm for AED185 per person and AED95 per child. GO: CALL (0)4 455 1111 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
GRAND MILLENNIUM DUBAI AL DAWAAR Experience an Iftar experience like no other at Dubai’s only revolving restaurant! Al Dawaar at the Hyatt Regency Dubai will offer a lavish Iftar spread including traditional Ramadan favourites as well as freshly prepared dishes from the live kitchen. Enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views of the city skyline as you tuck into delicious salads, hot soups, Arabic mezze, biryani, kebabs, whole baked Hammour, rich desserts and so much more. Iftar is served daily from sunset to 11.30pm at AED190 per person including traditional Ramadan drinks and AED95 for kids aged five to 10. GO: CALL (0)4 209 6887 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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• RAMADAN 101
CAESARS BLUEWATERS DUBAI
PALAZZO VERSACE DUBAI
ENIGMA
HELL’S KITCHEN DUBAI Take a different approach to Ramadan this year with a lavish selection of local flavours at Hell’s Kitchen Dubai. Treat yourself to world-class cooking with an Emirati twist including an eclectic menu of sharing mezzes and a la carte mains featuring signature dishes and Middle Eastern favourites. For dessert, don’t forget to try out Hell’s Kitchen’s decadent peanut butter fudge cheesecake! Iftar will be served every day from sunset to 8.30pm for AED350 per person.
This Ramadan, head over to Enigma at the Palazzo Versace Dubai for a true Persian feast. Break your fast with the welcome display Sabzi Khordan, which includes a mesmerising variety of fresh herbs with walnuts and dates, delicious homemade Persian cheese, roasted Persian bread and more. Guests will then be able to choose from cold and warm starters followed by a soup, one main course and dessert. Iftar is served for AED230 per person.
GIARDINO Enjoy this auspicious time with an exquisite Iftar experience at Giardino. The jungle-themed international restaurant will offer a buffet with an array of luxurious enhanced Middle Eastern dishes. Families and friends will be able to feast on international cuisines while in a relaxed and comfortable fashion-inspired venue. Iftar is served for AED230 per person.
BANQUET With four different Iftar packages to choose from, Palazzo Versace Dubai offers their Gala Ballroom for the ultimate celebration. The set menus include bakery baskets, a range of Arabic cold and hot mezze, salads, soup as well as exquisite main courses followed by desserts. The lavishly decorated ballroom will be available for 80 or more corporate bookings. Prices range from AED195 to AED250. GO: CALL (0)4 556 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
BACCHANAL Delivering a delectable buffet with a dedicated children’s corner, Bacchanal will be serving both Iftar and Suhour throughout the month of Ramadan. Indulge in a wealth of decadent classics such as lamb ouzi and bespoke mezzes including velvety hummus, sambousek, fatayar and tangy tabbouleh with Arabic bread. Round off the perfect evening with an alfresco Suhour along with an extensive shisha menu in the intimate Ramadan conservatory. Iftar will be served every day from sunset to 8.30pm for AED250 per person. Suhour will be served from 9.30pm to 1am for AED200 per person. GO: CALL (0)4 556 6466 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 36
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RAMADAN 101 •
BURJ AL ARAB AL IWAN Break your fast in style at the world’s tallest building as you savour delectable Arabic cuisine at Al Iwan. Enjoy the stunning views as you revel in the vibrant live music and the tastiest traditional fare. A delectable Arabic buffet rich in traditional flavour awaits you at AED350 per person.
SAHN EDDAR The ideal setting for a spectacular Suhour, Sahn Eddar provides gorgeous views and delectable cuisine for the perfect Suhour feast. For the last meal before dawn, indulge in sumptuous Suhour delicacies and a selection of Arabic coffees and Moroccan teas as you enjoy the live Arabic band playing in the background. Suhour is served a la carte at AED190 minimum spend. GO: CALL (0)4 301 7600 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
PARK HYATT DUBAI
MADINAT JUMEIRAH AL MAJLIS Catering to everyone’s needs and cravings during Ramadan, the Majlis at Madinat Jumeirah is the perfect venue to celebrate Iftar and Suhour. Elegantly designed with Arabesque accents, every inch is a reminder of what makes this Holy Month magical. Iftar is served at AED220 per person including beverages. Suhour is served a la carte; subject to minimum spend starting AED160. GO: CALL (0)4 366 5875 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
CAFÉ ARABESQUE Throughout the Holy Month of Ramadan, guests are welcome to dine at Café Arabesque and enjoy a special Iftar and Suhour meal with their loved ones. Dig into a piquant Iftar feast including an array of cold and hot mezze, live stations, a dedicated soup are and a luscious selection of desserts. For Suhour, guests can enjoy a variety of sumptuous dishes on display including grilled seafood platter, tiger prawns, lamb and so much more on the a la carte menu. Iftar is served daily from sunset until 9pm at AED220 per person including soft drinks and water. Suhour is served from 10pm to 2am (weekdays) and 10pm to 3am (weekends) starting at AED25 for starters and AED75 for mains. GO: CALL (0)4 602 1234 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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• RAMADAN 101
MANZIL DOWNTOWN
IFTAR AT THE COURTYARD AND BOULEVARD KITCHEN In a history of trade routes that connects the East and West, Manzil Downtown takes you along The Silk route by land through an unforgettable Iftar. The Iftar featuring an inspiring spread of cuisines from across Europe, Asia and Africa will be on offer. Connect with different traditions and witness the influence of the routes on your Iftar table. Set in a contemporary Arabesque lounge and courtyard, enjoy an exquisite menu, parade along with live-cooking stops whilst the strings of the instrument plays to the sounds of your journey. From sunset to 10pm. AED195 per adult and AED175 per person for groups of 20 people and more; children (aged six to 11): 50% off dining; children (aged five and below): dine complimentary.
SUHOUR AT THE COURTYARD Enjoy the open sky and a delightful Suhour that will transport you to The Silk Route. During this spiritual gathering with family, friends and all who are dear to you, taste the chef’s special creations of petit meals inspired by the legendary Silk Road. From 10.30pm onwards. AED95 per adult; children (aged six to 11): 50% off dining; children (aged five and below): dine complimentary. GO: CALL (0)4 888 3444 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 38
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COYA DUBAI
Multiple award-winning destinations COYA Dubai, located at Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach, will present an exquisite new menu for the forthcoming Holy Month. Diners visiting for Iftar will be treated to quintessentially Peruvian creations with a twist, including Charentais melon soup garnished with white almonds and olive oil; Peruvian beans with black truffle and a herby tomato and aji rocoto soup. These can be paired with the wide selection of Latin American and international starters, including seabass croquettes; chicken tacos; beetroot causa – a dish of layered potato – grilled corn salad; and shitake and avocado maki rolls, reflecting Peru’s historic links with Japan. The menu also includes a choice of a main for a nutritious and balanced diet. Patrons can choose from succulent baby chicken; spicy short rib; salmon fillet; Chilean seabass; and dried potatoes with cauliflower with a side of green salad. Winding down from dinner, guests will be in for a treat with a delicious pistachio date cake or banana ice cream with puffed rice as dessert. COYA’s Iftar menu will be priced AED250 per person and will be served from sundown to 8.30pm. GO: CALL (0)4 316 9600 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
RAMADAN 101 •
OPA DUBAI
Welcome the spirit of Ramadan with OPA’s Mediterranean flavours and prepare to be serenaded with its special set menu of culinary discoveries inspired from the Greek islands. Perfect for sharing with gatherings of friends and family, OPA offers an impeccable ambiance for those looking for a different take on the usual Iftar buffet feasts. Step inside OPA’s beautiful Greek setting and break your fast with its hearty Ramadan menu that begins with a selection of soups and dates followed by an assortment of breads and dips, cold and hot starters and delectable mains and ends with delicious desserts. Soup lovers can savour a different soup every day alongside a healthy selection of dates to begin their OPA experience. The Ramadan menu includes freshly bread soft breads served with traditional Greek dips of Tzatiki, the signature OPA Hummus, Fava dip and the Spicy Feta Dip. The cold appetizers include the refreshing Greek salad and the all-time favourite Tuna Tartare, while the hot starters include the Grilled Halloumi, Spinach Pie, and Lamb Kebab. Choose from an array of Greek inspired main dishes to choose from including the newly added Lamb Gyros, or the juicy Australian Waygu Striploin with Oregano Jus served with crispy homemade potato chips. If you’re in the mood for a light and healthy meal, pick the Sea Bass Fillet served with Rice Pilaf or the Imam Bayildi made with aubergine in a rich tomato sauce and yogurt with a spicy twist. End your Iftar on a sweet note with desserts that include the Athenian Pie, Pistachio Cake, or the delectable and traditional Loukoumades. Priced at AED195 (excluding beverages), the Ramadan menu can be experienced from 7pm to 8.30pm at OPA, The Fairmont Dubai. GO: CALL (0)4 357 0557 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
LIMA DUBAI
LIMA Dubai, the Peruvian restaurant and bar concept from internationally acclaimed Chef Virgilio Martinez, presents a Peruvian inspired feast, offering an alternative way to break the fast this Ramadan. A carefully curated Iftar menu showcasing a selection of LIMA’s signature dishes will offer hearty, healthy and unique flavours, perfect to be savoured in LIMA’s calm yet lively ambience, the ideal location for family and friends to gather. The three-course feast priced at just AED199 welcomes guests with traditional dates and bread basket, served at the table, after which guest will be treated to seven delicious dishes designed to share. Highlights include Lamb Seco: Slow cooked lamb shoulder served with Peruvian pumpkin puree, and LIMA’s famous dessert Texture of Chocolate: A heady mix of dark chocolate mousse, white chocolate ice cream and crunch chocolate ‘soil’. Join LIMA Dubai to relax and be immersed in rich culture and diversity, while experiencing a true taste of Peru this Ramadan. From sunset to 8.30pm GO: CALL (0)56 500 4571 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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• RAMADAN 101
RAMADAN DO’S AND DON’TS A LITTLE FRIENDLY ADVICE FOR THE HOLY MONTH AHEAD…
DO
DON’T
DRESS APPROPRIATELY
SHOW AFFECTION IN PUBLIC
Both men and women should dress modestly. Avoid going to public places in shorts, mini skirts, sleeveless tops and anything that displays too much skin - cover shoulders and upper arms, keep the neckline decent and make sure dresses are down to the knee. Loose-fitted garms are best to avoid offence (but also for the heat!).
The Holy Month is a period of humility, respect and restraint; therefore it’s best to avoid demonstrating any kind of affection (kissing and hugging your partner) in public, because it will be considered offensive.
GET INTO THE CHARITABLE SPIRIT An important element of the Holy Month is to be generous and give back to those less fortunate. Whether it’s by donating food, clothes or money to individuals or organisations, there’s plenty of ways for you to get involved.
EXPERIENCE TRADITION & CULTURE Check out all the Iftars and Sohours around town and soak up the spiritual culture and traditions of this beautiful month. The fabulous atmosphere of Ramadan tents and buffets is not to be missed, or even have a go at holding your own majlis.
GREET & ACCEPT INVITATIONS Wish your fellow colleagues, friends and Muslim community, who are celebrating the Holy Month with “Ramadan Kareem” and do go along to break fast when you’re invited – it shows a willingness to be a part of something important to them. Don’t go empty handed – flowers, Arabic desserts, dates or oud is a great gift for your host.
BE PATIENT & CONSIDERATE Going without food and water for 12 hours (or more) straight is a physically and mentally challenging task. Many people’s sleeping habits are also affected – so try to be sympathetic and understanding of those who are observing fast. 40
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EAT, DRINK, SMOKE OR CHEW GUM IN PUBLIC Between sunrise and sunset, refrain from eating, drinking and smoking in malls, hotels, and outside in the open. Although fasting is only compulsory for Muslims, foreigners and non-Muslims should respect this rule, at least in public, as a sign of respect. Remember you could be penalised if caught!
PLAY LOUD MUSIC Ramadan is a time for prayer, peace and spiritual reflection so make sure you’re not disrupting neighbours and/or other cars on the road, and people on the street by blasting loud music at home or in the car. As log as it’s not audible to others, it should be fine – but respect the peace.
DRIVE AT SUNSET If you need to be out on the roads close to sunset then take extra caution. As the fast comes to a close, the roads fill with people heading to Iftar celebrations. They haven’t eaten, or had a drink for 12 or more hours and may get a little hasty behind the wheel. To be safe, wait an hour or so until after Iftar. ✤
RAMADAN 101 •
RAMADAN: TOP HEALTH TIPS FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WILL BE FASTING IN RAMADAN AND ANY ONE WHO WISHES TO JOIN IN AND EXPERIENCE THE HOLY MONTH, IT’S IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN HEALTHY, NUTRITIOUS EATING HABITS ALONGSIDE FITNESS TO KEEP THE FATIGUE AWAY AND YOUR ENERGY LEVELS HIGH. longer lasting energy, but including them in your diet can also slow digestion of other foods, keeping you fuller for longer.”
WORK OUT AFTER IFTAR To avoid dehydration, it’s best to postpone working out until after fasting hours. Allow at least two to three hours after eating to begin your exercise routine, to give your body enough time to digest properly. Maintain hydration throughout your workout and don’t forget to drink plenty of water afterwards to replenish mineral losses due to sweating.
GET INTO A ROUTINE NEVER SKIP SOHOUR
STAY HYDRATED
Just as breakfast is the most important meal of the day, Suhour (the meal eaten before dawn) is equally important during Ramadan. The pre-dawn meal helps your body stay hydrated and fuelled up on energy and nutrients until your next meal at Iftar. Kcal’s Nutrition Director, Lauren Jacobson, says: “Your Suhour meal should contain complex carbs including whole grains and a protein source which are slower digesting and can help keep energy levels maintained for longer.”
Probably the most important and simplest tip – yet one that many people forget to keep up in Ramadan. Drink at least eight to 12 cups of water between sunset and sunrise and add vitamin fluids for hydration from the period of Iftar to the time of Suhour. Foods rich in water like leafy greens, watermelon and other vegetables also help to keep you hydrated.
AVOID SUGAR AND PROCESSED FOODS Avoid heavily processed, fast-burning foods that contain refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour, as well as fatty foods like Ramadan desserts. They are high in fat and low in nutrients, they’ll raise your blood sugar levels quickly which is always followed by slow energy levels. You’ll feel hungrier and more tired throughout the day.
One of the best ways to make fasting an enjoyable, cleansing and spiritual experience is to be disciplined in your routine – prep fruit and veg for smoothies and salads beforehand, get your required hours of sleep and recognise how much your body can handle when it comes to food and exercise. Most importantly – STICK WITH IT. ✤
AVOID CAFFEINE AND DEEP FRYING A big no go for Ramadan is caffeine which stimulates faster water loss, leading to dehydration. It is best to avoid caffeinated drinks such as strong tea, coffee and some fizzy drinks, or consume them in moderation. Try to avoid fried foods or those prepared with large quantities of oil – they make you bloated and thirsty. If frying cannot be avoided, one tip would be to reduce the quantity of oil used or opt for an air fryer. Kcal’s Nutrition Director, Lauren Jacobson, says: “Fried foods are wasted calories so opt for healthy fats in your Ramadan meals. These not only provide fact magazine
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• SOCIETY
#LA #CANTINE #DU #FAUBOURG #4TH #ANNIVERSARY
La Cantine du Faubourg’s annual birthday celebration, synonymous with offering their guests a truly unique and unforgettable experience year-on-year, continued to amp up and amaze, with an anniversary night that paid tribute to some of the most legendary British artists in rock music. Going from strength-tostrength each year and widely recognized as THE party of the season, La Cantinedu Faubourg continues to show Dubai how to truly celebrate in style, and for a night that no one would ever forget.
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A SLICE OF PARADISE ANGELA BEITZ DISCOVERS THE TRANQUIL ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT AWAY FROM THE STRESS OF THE CITY…
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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •
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f you've been dreaming of a tropical getaway but just don't seem to have the time to get away then we have the answer for you, right on the doorstep of Dubai. Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, is the perfect place to get away from it all - yes even in Dubai. This stunning resort which finds itself well into the iconic Palm, towards the end of the eastern crescent will have you feeling super relaxed from the moment you arrive and feels like it's own secret hideaway. Like all Anantara hotels, the property feels serene and calming and the grand lobby sets the tone for the hotel’s public areas, with its delicate finishings and distinctly Thai touches. Check-in is met with a welcome drink and all formalities are taken care and we are looking forward to two nights of bliss. Set amidst lush tropical landscaping and carefully designed to maximise privacy, 293 luxurious rooms and villas are characterised by Asian inspired luxury, tasteful furnishings and spectacular views of the lagoons or The Palm. The resort is large and truly feels like you are on vacation on a tropical island. The impressive choice of private villas includes Beach Pool Villas each with a personal infinity pool. Over Water Villas are poised over the Arabian Gulf with glass viewing panels, and are completely unique to the Middle East. Families and friends travelling together will find that the Two Bedroom Anantara Beach Pool Villa provides the epitome of luxury, privacy, space and style. We stay in a Premier Lagoon View Room again follows the same decor as
the rest of the hotel with thoughtful finishes and touches of dark timber offset with cream accents. The room is surrounded by immaculately landscaped gardens and large lagoon pools that make you want to dive right in. Spread over an area of 47 square metres, these rooms are accentuated by splendid furnishings dressed in the finest linens with large windows providing views over the surrounding lagoons and a large balcony to while away your time on. After a day on the beach or by the pool, retreat to your room for a refreshing rain shower, or a peaceful soak in the bathtub, before slipping into a dreamy night’s sleep in a plush king size or twin bed. The rooms are truly are haven away from everything and you will definitely leave your stay feeling refreshed. The resort also has a private 400-metre beach, as well as the three lagoons and shoreline infinity pool which look out across the Palm to stunning views should you want to spend your time relaxing beach or poolside. If food is your thing then you will be spoilt for your choice while staying here. Crescendo, the all-day dining restaurant, serves a variety of international cuisine. The breakfast offering is huge and includes everything from traditional English breakfasts to pastries, noodles, sushi, a whole gluten free station, freshly made health juices and omelettes anyway you like. The Beach House is a must try with an array of Mediterranean dishes to choose from in an elegant but laid back setting with everything from salads, pizzas, pastas and loads more on offer this is such a great venue to get you into vacation mode. The very popular Bushman’s Australian Restaurant & Bar, has amazing fact magazine
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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •
steaks and grills and you can even sample Australian delicacies such as kangaroo sirloin. Thejewel in the cornof restaruatns though is Mekong, their Asian themed specialty restaurant, Mekong, which combines dishes mainly from Thailand with influences from China and Vietnam. The decor is stunning and you will truly experience authentic dining. This resort is beyond relaxing and it's hard to imagine how something so leafy and green exists on the Palm with stunning gardens and beautiful water features. You will have no reason to leave the hotel as everything is right there for you to experience a true luxury, holiday vibe. ✤
GO: CALL (0)4 567 8888 OR VISIT WWW.DUBAI-PALM. ANANTARA.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION
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PICTURE PERFECT: ATMOSPHERE KANIFUSHI
IT’S HARD TO RESIST THE CHARMS OF AN AWARD-WINNING, ALL-INCLUSIVE MALDIVIAN RESORT, WITH ITS RUSTIC-CHIC STYLE BEACH VILLAS, ITS SERENE AMBIENCE AND IMPECCABLE SERVICE. THE ISLAND IS LUSH WITH TROPICAL VEGETATION, SPREADING IDYLLICALLY ALONG A HYPNOTIC 2KM-LONG TURQUOISE LAGOON. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A TOTAL HASSLE-FREE, FIVESTAR EXPERIENCE, KANIFUSHI ISLAND IS PRETTY MUCH YOUR PROVERBIAL PARADISE ISLE, AS FACT’S MARISELA PAESANO DISCOVERS… fact magazine
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HOTEL HOTSPOT •
LOCATION
The Maldives is situated in the Indian Ocean some 400 miles southwest of the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, making it a relatively short flight of less than five hours from Doha. Qatar Airways has two daily non-stop flights from Doha to Male; a redeye departing shortly after midnight and a daylight flight departing early morning. We were greeted by Atmosphere Kanifushi Island staff at Male airport and taken for light refreshments at the property’s arrival lounge, while waiting for our seaplane ride. The coral atolls of the Maldives are scattered across the Indian Ocean, just north of the equator. Kanifushi Island is just a 30-minute scenic flight from Malé International Airport via Sea Plane with Trans Maldivian Airlines (a return transfer is US$490, including taxes). On arrival to the Island, we had a very warm welcome filled with music and lots of smiles by Atmosphere Kanifushi’s staff members.
BEACHFRONT VILLAS
Imagine rustic-chic Beach Villas with direct access to the silky white-sand blue lagoon and surrounded by coconut trees and lush tropical vegetation. The entire resort is built with natural materials, timbre, granite and stone, the resort style is the perfect fusion between traditional and modern architecture. We checked into the lavish Sunset Junior Suite with direct beach access and sunrise
views. There’s too much to take in, but we were especially blown away by the open-air bathroom which takes up the space of an entire garden, the huge whirlpool bathtub was stunning and tropical plants line the walls of this heavenly space. Our next favourite area is the private deck which leads right onto the beach. Sun loungers have got our names written all over them – we spent so much time here relaxing and topping up the tan. Inside, it’s very spacious, you have plenty of storage room, a comfortable king size bed as well as a beautiful sofa to lounge on. However, the standouts of this room were in the little details. These included an array of high-tech toys and gourmet treats. The mini bar is replenished twice a day and you have your own personal room butler that will make sure you get everything you need to make your experience even better.
SERVICE AND FACILITIES
The service is faultless. Guests have their own personal butler to look after them throughout their stay, and the rest of the staff will soon feel like old friends. Facilities include the Akiri Spa by Mandara, Dive and Sail centre, Kids Club, Club House and five amazing restaurants to dine in! Daily snorkelling trips, excursions and adventures are also available upon request.
FOOD AND DRINK
Just because you are in the Maldives, at a
5-star resort in one of the most secluded spots in the Indian Ocean, doesn’t mean that the gastronomy is slacking. It’s very much the opposite at Atmosphere Kanifushi, where the food game is so STRONG. World cuisine is represented through the resort’s five dinning outlets. Here goes:
THE SPICE
The main restaurant on the island serves a wide variety of international cuisine, buffet style and live cooking stations are available here. The spectacular beach-side breakfast buffet caters to all tastes with American, Asian Continental and local Maldivian speciailties including ‘Mas huni’ (tuna with onion, coconut and chilli), or ‘Faro Mas Riha’ (a spicy reef-fish curry).The breakfast is a delectable spread. Flaky pastries, tantalising egg dishes, cereal bars, fresh fruit, healthy juices and so much more. They also serve lunch and various themed evenings such us Indian Ocean Night; a Culinary Journey featuring virtuoso cooking displays from around the Indian Ocean. The Passage to India soirée is a fabulously exotic buffetbanquet of curries, tandoors and dosa, with steamy cooking stations. The restaurant has a beautiful terrace that overlooks the beach. From the extensive breakfast to lunch and dinner, The Spice is infinitely beachside indulgence at its best.
THE LIQUID
The main bar of the resort serves an array of exotic mocktails and cocktails. Strategically located next to the pool, it is probably one of the most favoured locations on the island to unwind and absorb the stress-free Maldivian environment. fact magazine
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THE SUNSET
One of our favourite spots on the island, the bar - restaurant has an infinity pool that offers a stunning view of the turquoise lagoon. You can enjoy a la carte lunch or dinner, the menu offers speciality fusion cuisine, showcasing Asian and Mediterranean dishes. The bar has a relaxed atmosphere where you can definitely feel you landed in paradise.
JUST VEG
Our absolute favourite food experience at Atmosphere Kanifushi had to be the venue that whipped up the most exotic flavours and unusual dishes. A masterpiece crafted vegetarian menu specifically for Jain Cuisine capable to convert the most committed carnivorous guests. A pure vegetarian restaurant, a FIRST in the Maldives, serving outstanding and delightful vegetarian cuisine from the Mediterranean, Middle East and Indian regions. Just Veg redefines vegetarian cuisine by experimenting with original flavour combinations, a truly vegetarian gem on the island.
TEPPANYAKI GRILL
At the resort’s Japanese restaurant, by the sea, chefs conjure up outstanding sushi, sashimi and Japanese fusion dishes. The show of Teppanyaki griddle cooking in the open kitchen is pure theatre. An authentic Teppanyaki experience, where you can enjoy a delectable dinner.
ACTIVITIES & RECREATION
The resort has a plethora of activities on both land and sea, for all ages – enough to keep even the fussiest of travellers entertained. Here are just some of the best excursions and pastime that we’d recommend:
SNORKELLING TRIPS
What lies beneath the surface? Go deeper into the mysteries and secrets of the Indian Ocean. Immerse yourself in the house reef and speedboat to spectacular sites. On our morning ride out to sea, our instructor and the boat’s captain go over safety procedures and reassure us that this is going to be one of the most amazing experiences of our lives. Little did we know how true this was until hopping over the edge of the boat and starting our soothing snorkel session. We spot intricate bouquet of coral and groups of colourful fish.
SUNSET CRUISE
Possibly one of the best excursions we embarked on at Atmosphere Kanifushi. Get ready for an unforgettable evening. The attentive staff had some canapes ready for the trip alongside the expertise to keep an eye out for the dolphins at sea. You will sail the blue water all the while watching the dramatic sunset and how the Maldives does day to night. It’s a spectacular view that you will surely want to capture on camera.
WATER SPORTS
Now, when we say that Atmosphere Kanifushi is a haven for on-water activities, we are not exaggerating. You name it and they have got it! The resort has an array of water sports: jet skiing, water skiing, wakeboarding, catamarans, windsurfing, paddle boards and much more. The choice is yours! ✤
GO: EMIRATES OPERATES DIRECT FLIGHTS TO MALE. VISIT WWW. ATMOSPHERE-KANIFUSHI.COM OR CALL +960 3339 992 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 52
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• GLOBETROTTER
LONDON
CALLING ANGELA BEITZ DISCOVERS TRUE GRAND LUXURY RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE BRITISH CAPITAL AT THE RENOWNED
A
CORINTHIA LONDON…
s Samuel Johnson once quoted: "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is to London all that life can afford.” Apart from the great city itself, London offers so much in the way of hotels that it's hard to make a choice that you know is going to be just right. There are just so many options to choose from and so many great areas to pick that it ,can be quite the dilemma in knowing where to stay. The Corinthia London in Whitehall Place is the perfect choice and captures both style and substance for its guests. Built in the late nineteenth century and situated at the end of Northumberland Avenue directly across the Thames and from the London Eye, this hotel is the perfect location to discover all of this vibrant city. Everything is well within reach with Oxford and Regent Streets just a short walk away and and even shorter walk to Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery. Whilst staying here, all the must-visit spots are literally on your doorstep yet inside the hotel you feel relaxed and a world away from all the hustle and bustle of the busy city. While the hotel is truly opulent, it also manages to mix elegance and character giving off the vibe of a stylish boutique hotel with both warmth and history. You won't be able to avoid the stunning Baccarat chandelier in the lobby lounge with its 1,001 crystals sparkling overhead in the Crystal Moon Lounge where traditional afternoon tea is served. This area is buzzing with both hotel guests and people here for meetings and high tea and it boasts a great atmosphere. This is a truly beautiful part of the hotel with a quaint florist off to one side of the entrance selling the exact floral arrangements that are dotted around the hotel. Staff are sophisticated and welcoming and nothing seems too much trouble; our check in and baggage was handled brilliantly and they were very helpful in giving us any directions or help necessary. The Corinthia’s 294 rooms, including 40 suites and seven two-storey penthouses, are decorated in gorgeous, contemporary hues with high ceilings and large windows and are simply some of the smartest looking hotel rooms we've seen. There is so much attention to detail put into the rooms and the décor; we especially love the small touches. The rooms are tastefully styled in warm tones mixed with bold hints and provide the perfect balance between the history of the hotel and the modern feel of today. Space is abundant in even the smallest room which is a novelty for a London hotel. The marble bathrooms are a real feature of the hotel and are spacious and luxurious with a built-in TV at the foot of the bath and high-end ESPA branded toiletries are replenished daily. There is also a huge rain shower, and heated floor and towel rack for the chillier months.
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This is the perfect place to rejuvenate and to take a long hot bath after walking around the city all day. The hotel has many great dining venues and there are four bars and two restaurants in total. The Northall celebrates the Great British kitchen showcasing the breadth of Britain’s culinary strengths. Breakfast is served here also and it is a real treat with excellent service. The menu focuses on seasonality, sustainability and traceability through close relationships with artisan producers. The breathtaking dining room is adorned with glittering mirrored panels and expansive picture windows, while two private dining areas offer ultimate seclusion for special celebrations and corporate events. The Northall Bar is the home of chic socialising in London. It's the ideal place to meet for a glass of bubbly or classic cocktail, and it offers a lunch and dinner menu for casual occasions. Bassoon Bar is also an excellent venue, designed by David Collins Studio, Bassoon is a London destination bar with attitude. Combining a relaxed and intimate ambience with a stimulating dash of theatre, Bassoon pays homage to the arts of the finest bartenders in the capital. The absolute must-try is the high tea at Crystal Moon Lounge; illuminated by the spectacular Baccarat chandelier and decorated with effortless flair, the Crystal Moon Lounge is the perfect venue for afternoon tea. Tantalising cakes and fancies are inspired by each season, served alongside a selection of teas and the finest bubbly. Eclectic seating teamed with bespoke Richard Brandon's fine china tea sets and Baccarat crystal glasses set the scene for what's bound to be a delightful afternoon. This is a really lovely experience and something you will remember as a decadent treat. ESPA Life at Corinthia London is one of the largest and most exclusive in central London and has been quoted to be one of the best in the city. Offering a holistic approach to wellbeing with an unrivalled choice of spa, alternative therapies, fact magazine
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GLOBETROTTER •
fitness, beauty treatments and a Daniel Galvin Hair Salon, the expert team of leading naturopaths, traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists, and herbalists, osteopaths, personal trainers and spa professionals, promote optimal health and wellbeing through personal lifestyle programmes. The spa is stunningly designed in cream and black marble with several modern fireplaces adding to the serene atmosphere. This grand historic property turned opulent hotel, is not to be missed. ✤
GO: VISIT THE CORINTHIA LONDON, WHITEHALL PLACE, LONDON. CALL +44 207 930 8181 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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• ENTERTAINMENT
BIG SCREEN Long Shot
Highlights
WHAT’S IT ABOUT:
WHAT’S IT ABOUT?
Fred Flarsky, a free-spirited journalist and Charlotte Field, one of the most influential women in the world, have nothing in common save for the fact that she was his babysitter and childhood crush. As Fred and Charlotte unexpectedly reconnect, he tries to charm her with his self-depreciating humour and the memories of her youth. Eventually sparks fly and lead to an exciting around-the-world romance.
DIRECTOR: Jonathan Levine CAST: Seth Rogen, Charlize Theron
WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?
The rom-com to end all rom-coms, Jonathan Levine’s politically inclined Long Shot is bound to be this year’s definite crowd-pleaser. So much more than just your run-of-the-mill romantic comedy, the film touches upon gender dynamics as well as alludes to the election of 2016. Starring Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron, their instant likability and immense star power definitely wins the film some well-deserved brownie points. After quitting his job, Fred Flarsky, an eclectic journalist runs into his old babysitter, who happens to be Secretary of State. With nothing in common except for their past, Fred and Charlotte get closer as she decides to give him a job punching up her speeches for her presidential run. He helps her loosen up and indulge in new experiences, while she teaches him how to care for something other than his own opinion. A wholesome narrative about two people helping each other and learning to love, Long Shot will warm your heart while leaving you in stitches with its witty humour. Escapism at its finest!
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Aladdin
“
A wholesome narrative about two people helping each other and learning to love, Long Shot will warm your heart while leaving you in stitches with its witty humour.
As young Aladdin stumbles upon a lamp that releases a wisecracking genie, life as he knew it totally changes and he embarks on a magical adventure. What follows is a thrilling stand off with a power-hungry Grand Vizier, who also has his eyes on the lamp that makes your deepest wishes come true.
– Long Shot DIRECTOR: RGuy Ritchie CAST: Will Smith, Mena Massoud, Naomi Scott
WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?
Giving us major nostalgia and a muchneeded dose of magic, Disney’s Aladdin will hit you right in the feels. An exciting and vibrant live-action adaption of Disney’s animated classic, Aladdin brings Guy Ritchie’s flair for fast-paced action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah. The film tells the age-old tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Aladdin, who is smitten with the Sultan’s daughter, tries to protect the lamp from evil Jaffar, who is plotting to overthrow the Sultan with the help of the magic lamp. Jasmine’s multidimensional depiction as well as the introduction of a new suitor for the princess, definitely give the film a cinematic edge over its previous renditions. But what makes it stand out from the rest of the Aladdin remakes is Will Smith’s unique portrayal as Genie – are you onboard?
ENTERTAINMENT •
FULLY BOOKED
ON THE RECORD
FICTION
The Porpoise
DANCE/ ELECTRONIC R&B/SOUL
Beauty Marks
By Ciara
Calling all Ciara fans! After taking some time off to focus on her personal life, the singer-songwriter is ready to introduce us to a whole new era. From seductive slow jams and hype dance tracks to delivering epic pop culture moments, Ciara always leaves us wanting for more. Thankfully, the Atlanta queen is back in full force! Dedicated to the love of her life, “Greatest Love” is completely adorable and sensuous at the same time. Offering a different energy yet staying loyal to her discography, the song sees Ciara going back to her slow-tempo roots. An absolute feast for the senses! Undertaking a new musical direction, Ciara aims to level up with her latest offering. Another absolute banger, “Dose”, is the vibrant motivational track you need in your life. A rhythmic, bassy backdrop and bright vocals will have you falling in love with Ciara all over again! Featuring artists like Kelly Rowland, Macklemore and Tekno, the album is on its way to becoming a surefire hit. Her most extensive and personal record ever, Beauty Marks introduces Ciara back into the music industry.
No Geography
By The Chemical Brothers Having stood the test of time with their enchanting sound, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons have been mesmerising us with their musical genius for 25 years now. Discovering new avenues and dimensions, the futuristic Manchester duo’s newest offering is another step in the right direction. “Gravity Drops”, a techno-laden contemplative single, is definitely one of their more downtempo numbers in a while. It’s infectious and catchy beat has us pressing repeat! The duo has been known for their savvy recruitment of various star vocalists over the years. Diverging a little from their usual formula, the album features only two relatively unknown vocalists. Retaining a playful bounce, the album is packed with their signature bass lines and hard-hitting beats. “Free Yourself” encourages listeners to get out of their box. The synth-fueled track creates a multidimensional odyssey of deep grooves and breathtaking vocals. Our new favourite dance track! Another hit soundtrack in the making, No Geography reminds fans and critics alike why The Chemical Brothers have managed to thrive and rise above their contemporaries.
By Mark Haddon After losing her entire family in a plane crash, a newborn baby is raised in wealthy isolation by her overprotective father. She knows nothing about the rumours of a beautiful young woman, hidden from the world. When a suitor comes to win her hand, he understands far more than he should. Forced to run for his life, he escapes aboard The Porpoise, an assassin on his tail. What follows is a wild adventure that shifts into different time periods, with strong fantastical elements.
NON-FICTION
TThe Source of Self Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations By Toni Morrison Toni Morrison’s signature elegant style and literary prowess offers a clever commentary on society, culture and art. The rich selection of essays is divided into three partsthe first is introduced by a powerful prayer for the dead of 9/11; the second by a searching meditation on Martin Luther King Jr., and the last by a heart-wrenching eulogy for James Baldwin. Talking about everything from contested social issues to human rights, the book is definitely food for thought.
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• SOCIETY
#EQUINOX #SPRING #SEASON #PARTY #AT #COYA #DUBAI Multiple award-winning destination, COYA Dubai hosted their much-awaited annual Equinox parties with dazzling evenings of rhythm and dance to celebrate the arrival of spring. The March equinox marked a time of new beginnings and COYA Dubai celebrated the ancient tradition by taking guests on a historical journey through the Incan ruins and Amazonia. The UAE’s favourite Latin American venue pulled out all the stops for patrons with high-tech laser light shows, projected special effects, and glow-in-the-dark elements for a truly immersive dazzling night to remember! Guests were encouraged to don their most elaborate and festive outfits for an evening of authentic Peruvian beverages, and dinner and dancing with COYA’s resident DJs and surprise performers.
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CITY RIDES •
SOPHISTICATED DRIVING:
RANGE ROVER REFINED
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• CITY RIDES
Already considered by many as the ultimate luxury SUV brand, Land Rover continues to earn its reputation as the most distinct automaker in its segment by giving customers the ability to further personalise their Range Rover with the exterior Design Pack created by their Special Vehicle Operations. FACT takes the headturning vehicle out for a drive…
I
f we had to compare the Range Rover Vogue with SVO Design Pack to one of the world’s big five, it would have to be the lion. Ferocious power yet able to tame, majestic in appearance and commanding on the road – literally, like the king of the jungle. When we took a seat inside the car, it was obvious that this machine was made for a purpose – to serve the driving needs of the person behind the wheel. It came as little surprise, then, that even with this much prowess and status, Land Rover continues to find ways to give its customers more innovative reasons to trust and invest in the brand. Here, it comes by way of the exterior Design Pack, which was developed and created by the brand’s in-house personalisation arm, SVO. If we’re talking about driving nice cars that are as useful as they are sleek, especially in the UAE where aesthetic appeal measures closely to performance, then the Range Rover Vogue with SVO Design Pack comes very, very close to ticking all the right boxes. The great thing is that the new Design Pack is available to all standard wheelbase Range Rover models built after 2013, and true to form of upholding the finest in British luxury, SVO shunned away from making any overbearing additions to the mighty SUV. What does this mean for customisation? Well, the Design Pack urges you to focus on the subtle touches of the car which can be slickly adjusted with bits and pieces of new components. Basically, this is your chance to upgrade your Range Rover to a more polished and refined vehicle compared to that of SVO-free Range Rovers – and in comparison to what it already has. The pack also comes with an assortment of new gadgets and tech of the functional variety, the kind that would be of great use to owners of the SUV in the UAE. Before we tell you more about the SVO Design Pack, it’s imperative to point out that taking it apart piece by piece might
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not be as satisfying for drivers whose expectations were sky high. But, take a more conservative approach and you’ll find that you get exactly what it says on the tin. The SVO team are very straight up about what the Design Pack offers, the key being in functionality - its main purpose is, after all, in its name. Although the Range Rover Vogue is already a refined ride, the SVO Design Pack introduces a range of highly desirable and distinctive exterior enhancements to complement its peerless combination of outstanding British design and advanced engineering. It provides even greater scope for customers to personalise their vehicle and includes a number of distinct exterior changes, including unique front and rear bumpers – the latter incorporating integrated quad tailpipes – new side vents, side sills and a bespoke grille. Most of the exterior enhancements are cosmetic by nature. There’s the bespoke front grille, which is as subtle yet dominant as they come. Redesigned side vents to complement the radiator grille is available in the full range of trim finishes. The front bumper is also redesigned and reconfigured in such a way that it incorporates the horizontal lamps inside the intakes, which is also dressed up in the same mesh-like design as the front grille. The rear section also gets a bumper switch of its own, presumably to accommodate the new quad tailpipes that, incidentally, are also included in the Design Pack. Refreshed rear bumper with distinguished integrated bright exhaust finishers adds a more of the classy nuance that we’re looking for. If there’s one thing this car does well, much to our delight (and besides gliding so graciously with understated fierceness), it’s that it photographs a dream. A literal one because it’s exterior is so perfectly admirable, and the ambitious dream of any driver who is setting their standards high and thinking about investing in a Range Rover.
CITY RIDES •
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• CITY RIDES
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CITY RIDES •
One of the car’s main features that gives it the dynamic and stylish appeal that drivers so crave, is its Matrix LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights. They enable an Adaptive Driving Beam (ADB) and feature an Adaptive Front-lighting System, maximising visibility without dazzling oncoming vehicles. Bravo! Range Rover Vogue features 20" 12 Spoke 'Style 1065’ alloy wheels as standard and has a host of innovative safety and convenience technologies too. The rear camera is a God-send. It provides improved visibility when reversing. Static lines representing the vehicle’s outer perimeter and predicted path are superimposed on the rearward image, to make parking in tight spots easy – something that UAE drivers can appreciate. For driver comfort and convenience, the Keyless Entry allows you to access and lock/alarm the vehicle without taking the remote smart key out of a bag or pocket. Soft Door Close provides power latching on all doors for a controlled close. It’s all in the details after all. Unfortunately, SVO’s Design Pack doesn’t extend to the SUV’s interior, but again, that’s made quite clear to owners. The good news is that the Design Pack also comes with a range of new technological features that can be fitted into certain Range Rover models when the upgrade is purchased. With the pack, the Range Rover gets Advanced Tow Assist, Driver Condition Monitor, Advanced Blind Spot Assist, and an InControl Touch Pro infotainment system with a 10-inch dual-view display. Inside the Range Rover Vogue, you’ll find great definition, crystal clear highs and full, deep bass – delivered by the careful arrangement of 13 speakers including a dual channel subwoofer - all effortlessly controlled through Touch Pro Duo. This is the magic of the Meridian Sound System – and we love it. To top that off, Windsor leather seats offer 20-way heated front seats with power recline heated rear seats, together with driver and passenger memory and passenger seat away. In all honesty, there is not a single thing we would pinpoint for change or adaptation inside the car, so the SVO Design Pack does what it was made for – to enhance your Rover’s exterior. So, when do you go for the SVO Design Pack? When you want to enhance your Range Rover's appearance and add assertiveness for a touch of flair to your drive. Don’t forget, you can go to SVO and ask what else it can cook up. The good news is that SVO can be quite creative going about its business – the team can hook you up with posher interiors to give your Range Rover a well-tooled identity, or you can ask for roof adjustments, gizmo additions and more for a truly personalised vehicle. Since redefining the luxury SUV sector almost five decades ago, Range Rover has achieved more than one million sales and sits at the pinnacle of the Land Rover family. With extras and advances like the SVO Design Pack, we can really see why the SUV brand remains at the top of its game. ✤
GO: VISIT WWW.LANDROVER-UAE.COM/EN TO BOOK YOUR TEST DRIVE AND FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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• PLUGGED IN
APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR MAY…
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Google Trip
Asana Rebel
Be it a quick getaway or a relaxing vacation, Google Trip will make traveling easy and stress-free. The efficient travel app turns your smartphone into an all-inone travel assistant, consolidating travel itineraries and reservations from your emails into automatically sorted trips. Google automatically collects your flight details, hotel and car reservations, tour itineraries and other information available in your emails, while also providing recommendations, suggested day plans, and related local sights and attractions based on your tastes, interests and local travel tips. Road trip, anyone?
Stretch your stress away with Asana Rebel! With health, fitness and weight loss in mind, the app offers a mix of more than 100 different workout routines and matching video tutorials designed by yoga and fitness experts, with personalised lists to match your fitness goals as well as curated collections. It also lets users individualise their workouts by their training goals, duration, intensity, or collection, as well as choose from an array of workouts to find the one just right for them. Getting fit has never been easier!
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PLUGGED IN •
SNAP IT, PRINT IT Since we’re all about that instant camera life, we decided to take the new Canon Zoemini S for a spin! Building on the success of the original Canon Zoemini, which launched in 2018, the newest edition is the perfect pocket-sized companion for encouraging creativity with easy to print, peel-and-stick photos on the go.
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hile we’re all thankful for smartphones and their ability to capture anything, anywhere, we can all agree that nothing beats the joy of admiring a freshly printed photo. Bringing your pictures out of the digital realm, instant camera printers are heaven-sent for anyone wanting to bring their memories to life. Offering ease of use and high-quality prints, these portable printers are perfect for everything from keen photography to holiday snapshots. Consisting of an eight-megapixel camera, front-mounted mirror, ring-light and remote shutter capability, the Canon Zoemini S is easy to use and will ensure its users are ready to take the perfect selfie in an instant. Whether out shopping with friends, celebrating a birthday party or attending a music festival, Canon Zoemini S users can shoot and print mini photos in a matter of moments on 2x3-Inch (5x7.6cm) Zink™ sticky-backed photo paper. The unique ink-free Zink™ technology makes prints and refills a breeze, while delivering smudge-proof, tear-proof, water-resistant and stickybacked photos to print on the move. Apart from stunning print
technology, the Canon Zoemini S is also supported by the freeto-download Canon Mini Print App for iOS and Android. The app enables users to print their images directly from a smart device using Bluetooth, as well as edit from an array of creative filters and frames. Users can also remove the challenge of capturing group selfies, simply by using the Canon Mini Print App’s remote shutter and self-timer function for the perfect shot every time! In addition to Instagram and Facebook, the Canon Mini Print app enables users to connect with Google Photos and Dropbox, so they can print physical copies of treasured memories while out and about. The Canon Zoemini S fits easily into a pocket or bag and is available in matte black, pearl white and rose gold. Capturing and sharing everyday moments has never been easier or more fun with this compact and lightweight gadget. We definitely won’t stop playing with it anytime soon! Go give it a whirl and tell us if you agree. ✤
VISIT WWW.CANON-ME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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• SOCIETY
#NET-A-PORTER #MARKS #THE #LAUNCH #OF #ITS #2019 #RAMADAN #CAMPAIGN Alison Loehnis, President of NET-A-PORTER and MR PORTER, hosted a private panel discussion with Peter Dundas, for press and influencers in Dubai to mark the launch of NET-A-PORTER’s 17 exclusive capsule collections for Ramadan and Eid. The panel discussion explored the elegance of style at Ramadan, what makes the Middle East region one of the most discerning in the world when it comes to luxury and addressed how the Middle Eastern customer is driving standards in service at NET-A-PORTER. The event took place at the acht Club Members Lounge, Bvlgari Resorts, Dubai.
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FASHION FOCUS •
H&M CONSCIOUS
EXCLUSIVE SPRING 2019 The perfect mix of glamour and effortless style. Inspired by the wonders of planet Earth, the collection explores the healing power and beauty of nature, while also embracing technology and innovation in the development of more sustainable materials and processes for a more viable fashion future.
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he Conscious Exclusive collection is filled with stylish pieces to be worn for special occasions, but also for more relaxed everyday moments. Dramatic details such as ruffles, uneven hems, cut-outs, voluminous silhouettes, deep v-necklines and sparkling sequins are balanced by sporty details such as drawstrings, elasticated waistbands and cuffs. Bold prints inspired by plants and trees are major features and the colour palette is inspired by healing crystals with colours like lavender, aqua blue, petrol blue and coral pink along with black, gold and silver. The different prints and fabrics throughout the collection can also be beautifully mixed, such as the coral pink organic silk blouse with bell sleeves matched sand and black straight-leg Azurite trousers in recycled polyester. Ruffled maxi-skirts with tight-fitting knit tops, coordinating head-to-toe printed looks, suiting and shimmering sequinned dresses round out the looks. With its mix of shiny silver natural leather alternative Piñatex and colourful jacquards, the silver jacket is a statement-maker, pair with the matching jacquard skirt and cowboy boots for maximum effect. Amongst all the floaty, voluminous silhouettes stands the new fashion staple – the designed pool slide. They ground any look with a laidback vibe, but also inject a little fun with its oversized bow. The Conscious Exclusive collection always features new innovative materials and new materials for this season are; Piñatex, BLOOM Foom and Orange Fiber. Piñatex is natural leather alternative made from cellulose fibres extracted from pineapple leaves. BLOOM Foam is a plant-based flexible foam using algae biomass from freshwater sources at high risk of algal bloom. Orange Fiber is made from citrus juice by-products, repurposing them to create silk-like cellulose fabric. Other sustainable materials are recycled polyester, organic cotton, organic linen, organic silk, TENCEL, recycled plastic, recycled glass and recycled silver. ✤ GO: SHOP THE COLLECTION AT YOUR NEAREST H&M STORE OR ONLINE AT WWW.HM.COM.
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• FASHION FOCUS
SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM H&M CONSCIOUS EXCLUSIVE SPRING 2019 FOR HER
THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN H&M STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 72
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EMBRACE THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN IFTAR
SUHOOR
Embrace the true spirit of Ramadan and come together with family and friends at our daily Iftar, featuring a bespoke menu of traditional dishes. Ramadan evenings will be in a charming setting with an atmosphere filled with melodies of our live musician.
Let the magical time of Ramadan fill the air as you enjoy a Suhoor buffet 390ft high at Sky Lounge Thirty-One. An appetizing array dishes and live cooking stations will be on offer accompanied by specialty beverages, flavours and live entertainment.
AED 190 net per person and AED 95 net per person for children aged 6 to 12 years, aged 5 years and below dine with our compliments.
Suhoor buffet at AED 75 net per person (price does not include beverages and flavours) available from 8:30pm until 2:00am.
*Special rates for group of 10 and above. For reservations, please call: +97124953890 email: foodnbeverage.gmaw@millenniumhotels.com All prices shown are in UAE dirham and are inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes
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• BEAUTY BOX
Beauty Checklist
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THIS MONTH’S BEAUTY GAME IS SERIOUSLY STRONG…
L’Occitane ALMOND SHOWER SHAKE
Make showering anything but boring! A decadent, mouthwatering formula, the Shower Shake is like a milkshake for your shower that you blend yourself. Enriched with almond oil from Provence and almond milk, this bi-phase shower gel consists of two different textures that become a deliciously milky formula when mixed together. Tiny steel balls help the phases to mix and create a shaker sound effect.
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Filorga
OXYGEN-GLOW (EYES)
Banish dull and tired-looking eyes. This eye contour care, suitable for sensitive skin, smoothes and revives in the blink of an eye! A highlighter with a cream-gel texture, the high-tech formulation is enriched with decongestant tetrapeptide for enhanced anti-dark circle effectiveness. Eyes are left refreshed and eye contour is left feeling hydrated and detoxified.
Parfums De Marly CASSILI
Step into the warmer weather feeling refreshed and smelling absolutely irresistible! Appetising, elegant and sensual, the new scent is the epitome of luxury indulgence. A colossal pastel bouquet, the gourmet fragrance offers a delicious blend of velvety fruits and pastel flowers, with a sprinkle of vanilla and wood. The carefully selected ingredients create a vibrant fragrance and blend and blossom once in contact with the skin.
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Fenty Beauty KILLAWATT FREESTYLE HIGHLIGHTER DUO
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Get that lit from within glow. Afternoon Snack (soft bronzed champagne sheen) and Mo’Hunny (supercharged bronzed champagne shimmer) let you to light up where you want, when you want. These weightless, longwear cream-powder hybrid highlighters melt into the skin with almost zero effort and range from subtle dayglow to insanely supercharged- for all skin tones!
Kat Von D Beauty CAKE PENCIL EYELINER
Take your eye makeup to the next level! The new Cake Pencil Eyeliner is a 100% vegan cream-to-powder pencil eyeliner that combines unprecedented creaminess and intense pigments, with true long wear. Inspired by makeup artists’ favorite iconic cake liner, the new Kat Von D Beauty Cake Pencil gives you the same desired look in one easy-to-use pencil. The pencil eyeliner is available in three shadesthe beloved “Trooper Black,” “White Out,” and “Mad Max Brown.”
Christophe Robin CLEANSING PURIFYING SCRUB WITH SEA SALT A cult favourite DIY treatment for hair detox and post-colour treatments, Christophe Robin’s multi-awardwinning Purifying Scrub with Sea Salt is the holy grail of hair care. Ideal for all types of hair and scalp types from sensitive to oily, the sea salt acts a natural exfoliant to gently eliminate any product or impurities build-up and give the scalp a luxurious massage to boost circulation.
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GROOMING BOX •
Grooming Checklist IT’S TIME TO STEP UP THE REGIME AND MAKE APRIL COUNT…
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MIZENSIR PARFUMS
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POUDRE D’
An addictive blend of explosive floral tones and a decadent blend of paradisone and tiare flower to give a powdery, almost tactile feeling with the inclusion of rare musk and concrete iris, this fragrance is an olfactory fairytale. The underlying notes of sandalwood and vanilla are sure to calm you down and leave you smelling amazing all day long!
PERRICONE M.D. HYPOALLERGENIC FIRMING EYE CREAM
Burning the midnight oil lately? Perricone M.D.’s Hypoallergenic Firming Eye Cream is just what you need! Deeply nourishing yet non-greasy, the cream absorbs instantly to provide essential hydration to the delicate skin around the eyes. Ideal for dry or delicate skin, this specially formulated, powerful yet gentle cream is designed to firm and smooth skin’s appearance without irritation or sensitivity.
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CERAVE
HYDRATING FACIAL CLEANSER Put your best face forward! Developed by dermatologists to cleanse and refresh the skin without over-stripping it or leaving it feeling tight and dry, the formula gently cleanses without disrupting skin’s natural barrier. The unique MVE Delivery Technology supplies the skin with a steady stream of nourishment throughout the day and night.
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JAXON LANE 100% HYDROGEL BRO MASK Designed specifically for men, Jaxon Lane’s 100% Hydrogel Bro Mask understands your busy lifestyle and gives you lasting results instantly. Made with advanced hydrogel technology, it is power packed with vitamins, collagen, and plant extracts proven to improve the appearance of skin. The mask targets problems common to men including blemishes, redness, sun damage, and leaves skin feeling ultra hydrated, smooth and glowing.
SACHAJUAN SCALP CONDITIONER Get the best hair of your life. Ideal for dry scalps and dry hair, it is enriched with climbazole and piroctone olamine that help remove dandruff and soothe irritated scalp. Rosemary oil, menthol, salicylic acid, ginger extract and oat oil soothes irritation and redness as well as maintains healthy moisture balance of hair and scalp.
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THE ART OF SHAVING SANDALWOOD SHAVING CREAM A close and comfortable shave has never been easier! Enriched with sandalwood and coconut acid, the shaving cream softens and lifts the beard for the perfect shave, all while protecting skin from irritation and razor burn. The super hydrating and nourishing formula generates a rich and foamy lather that helps protect the skin from irritation by improving razor glide.
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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •
SINK INTO BLISS
Nestled in the heart of Dubai’s financial district lies the The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. A five-star property that impresses in terms of both accommodation and food and beverage offerings. FACT’s David Tapley ventured to the hidden gem that is Sunken Garden, and here’s what he found… fact magazine
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he Art-Deco hotel located just off the busy Sheikh Zayed Road boasts a timeless glamour with a fountain laden entryway and almost regal stairways rising upwards from the lobby. The property impresses even on repeat visits and though we’re usually drawn to the fine dining Le Cirque or causal Café Belge, on our latest visit we encountered an entirely new concept. As is common in this particular business district, there are plenty of hidden gems to be discovered in the warren of tunnels and elevated walkways that make up the Gate Village and surrounding area and The Ritz-Carlton is no different. Don’t be deterred as you follow signs from the lobby towards the Sunken Garden as the venue appears to be one of the hotels best kept secrets. As the name suggests, the Sunken Garden is an outdoor dining space that feels almost like a hideaway, an oasis of calm in the heart of the city, if you will. Waterfalls cascade down sleek black marble surfaces converging with verdant green foliage which makes us feel as if we’ve become lost in a pre-historic rainforest were it not for the facade of the hotel looming over us. The charming garden of palm trees and ferns provides privacy between the small tables which are evenly spaced and presided over by gleaming white parasols and charming garden-stye furniture. It’s all very chic and judging by the clientele of in-house hotel guests and DIFC workers this is a popular spot, especially for an al fresco business lunch. We appreciate the concise nature of a menu which is seemingly designed for dining outside. An impressive selection of soups, salads and small plates are offered as appetisers and we’re immediately drawn to the raw dishes of salmon tartare and beef carpaccio. The carpaccio in particular impresses with its delicately sliced raw marinated beef, topped simply with parmesan and arugula. The home dressing really helps to bring the plate together though we do have to ask the attentive staff for more. Similarly, the tartare is a plate full of fresh flavours thanks to a combination of salmon, cucumber, avocado and dill which is beautifully seasoned and generously portioned. From the Plats Principaux we throughly enjoy the Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast which is completely undersold by the menu description. In reality the tender chicken breast is presented upon a bed of forestall mushrooms in a delightfully creamy sauce and served with potato croquettes in a bid to provide a textural element to the plate. The Café Belge Burger should not be missed and its pleasing to see crossover between the hotel outlets especially when it comes to showcasing signature dishes. The burger is piled high with a 160-gram beef patty, crispy sautéed mushrooms, aged Belgian cheese, gherkins and a wonderful green peppercorn dressing. We must confess that the size of the burger does make it somewhat difficult to eat due to the sheer amount of ingredients present but accompanied by the chunky Belgian fries we’re momentarily transported to carnivorous heaven. The Sunken Garden’s business lunch is priced at a very
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reasonable AED120 for three courses and we cannot resist dessert, despite knowing the impending food coma will likely make our return to the office a struggle. Yet we go for the vanilla creme brulee which is as perfect an iteration of the dish as you are likely to find in the city. A crisp layer of sugar offers an appealing crack when tapped with the spoon and gives way to a creamy vanilla brulee which has a beautiful consistency for a notoriously complicated dish. As we leave the shaded confines of the Sunken Garden with its stylish landscaping, calming water features and the sweet smell of shisha, we discover another of the hotel’s secret venues: Cake, located just off the lobby is a 24-hour spot serving up coffees, teas, pastries and (of course) cakes which are beautifully displayed throughput the venue. We’ve already earmarked the venue with its multi-tiered cakes in pretty colours and freshly baked goods as a future spot for business meetings and catchups and look forward to exploring another of the hotels lesserknown restaurants in the coming weeks. ✤
GO: CALL (0)4 372 2222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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FOODIE CORNER •
OH-MY OSH! Keen to give this new Dubai venue a try and attempt to educate our palates on the cuisine of Uzbekistan, a Central Asian country that marks a crossroads between East and West, yet still somewhat under the radar, FACT’s David Tapley takes a seat in the beautiful La Mer eatery that is OSH… fact magazine
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• FOODIE CORNER
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aking advantage of the beachfront development of La Mer North, Osh Dubai follows the cubic design of the other retail outlets in the district, offering both a restaurant and bar specialising in Uzbek delicacies with a specific focus on grills and manti (steamed
dumplings). Split between two levels separated by a rather grand golden spiral staircase, the ground floor features hand-woven rugs and an open show-kitchen where skewers of raw meat sit encased in glass waiting to be grilled. Upstairs would be our preference, with a more spacious dining room bursting with colours from the purple couches and Suzani cushions with their patterned designs. A golden light fitting stretches across the ceiling, illuminating the route to an external terrace overlooking the beach and Burj Khalifa. These interiors serve a distinct purpose of telling the story of Osh’s culinary origins which are likely to be alien to the layman diner. For Uzbekistan is an important country due to its location along the ancient silk road connecting the east to the west and creating a trade hub for the bazaar cities along the route. This would explain why the menu is made up of a number of distinct influences, with dishes ranging from traditional Uzbek staples such as grilled meat through to Middle Eastern mezze and Chinese elements. Unfortunately, it feels as though liberties have been taken in leveraging the menu for the Dubai market to offer ‘something for everyone’ via the inclusion of wasabi rocket shrimp, ceviche and other trending dishes. Despite the central Asian country of Uzbekistan being a confluence of culinary influences, a quick Google search informs us that these dishes do not appear on the London menu. Perhaps Dubai is not quite as committed to a niche cuisine as we thought. While we’d usually be against a pictorial menu, at Osh it helps us to navigate our way through some of the more obscure options via the assistance of appealing photographs. We begin with Chuchvara (AED29) a mutton-stuffed dumpling soup which is the national dish of Uzbekistan. Our first time trying the dish and we’re delighted by a broth that’s full of depth and punctuated by the bite sized dumplings which are undeniably moreish. We shamefully succumb to the aforementioned Wasabi Rocket Shrimp (AED52) upon the insistence of our helpful waiter and are pleased with the crisp-battered shrimp pieces, lightly brushed with a wasabi sauce. The resulting dish hints at spice without being overtly hot. Grilled Avocado with crab meat (AED98) arrives next. Half a charred avocado, sat upon a tomato sauce and piled high with crab meat. Now it wouldn’t be Dubai without a bit of table-side theatrics, so the avocado is cut and squashed at the table to dramatic effect and thus mixes all of the ingredients together. It’s a dish that works surprisingly well, with the cool avocado and delicate crab meat complemented by the sweet tomato and nut sauce that could easily be a condiment on its own. Usually a 35-minute wait for food would result in groans of impatience, but we’re warned when ordering the manti that it will take time as each piece is made-to-order. The wait is more than worth it and we would return to Osh for these large steamed dumplings alone! While our research had led us to glowing reviews
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of the pumpkin manti, we instead opted for the Hamour and Shrimp (AED42). Lightly seasoned and generously stuffed with seafood, it’s easy to see why the manti (which are heavily influenced by Chinese dim sum) have been causing such a stir in the UK. Main courses are hit and miss with the Shaslik Chicken (AED49) being our clear favourite. Generous chunks of juicy and tender grilled chicken are particularly well seasoned and come served upon a roti-style bread and topped with bejewelled pomegranate seeds. Meanwhile the Seared Octopus With Guacamole (AED95) offers a meaty tentacle from the mollusk which doesn’t show any signs of chewiness that so often plague the dish. When it comes to desserts there are a number of options and aside from the honey cake we are again venturing out of the Central Asian region for inspiration. Saying that, both the Apple Tart Tatin (AED45) and Snickers Jar (AED45) are worthy ways to end the meal. The tart tatin is particularly memorable for its utilisation of filo pastry as opposed to the expected shortcrust. With the demand for licensed premises in La Mer increasing, Osh joins the likes of Masti and Stars & Bars in offering ‘adult beverages’ to diners via a bar menu of eclectic cocktails. More interestingly though is the cuisine which offers something new for Dubai diners and something that should be commended. Stick to the traditional dishes and you’ll have a wonderful time, the rest you can find elsewhere. ✤
FOODIE CORNER •
GO: CALL (0)55 963 6756 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
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HOSPITALITY THAT NURTURES WHETHER YOU’RE A FREQUENT TRAVELLER OR A CASUAL STAYCATION-GOER, YOU’LL HAVE NOTICED THAT THE BUZZWORD OF THE MOMENT IS “WELLNESS” – OR MORE SPECIFICALLY, HOW TO GET A COMPLETELY RESTORATIVE EXPERIENCE FROM YOUR HOTEL STAY. FACT CAUGHT UP WITH EMLYN BROWN, VICE PRESIDENT OF WELL-BEING AT ACCOR HOTELS, FOR THE COMPANY’S LUXURY & PREMIUM BRANDS, TO TALK ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE, GROWTH AND SIMPLICITY OF WELLNESS IN HOSPITALITY… 84
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HOSPITALITY Q&A •
Hi Emlyn! Let’s jump right in… for those who may not be familiar with your position as Vice President of Well-Being, describe your day-to-day role and tell us some of your responsibilities with Accor as part of this job… Of course! I joined Accor six months ago – I’m the VP for Well-Being, based in Paris. We have teams here in Dubai and back in Paris, and what we do is we create, guide and direct the company’s well-being strategy for our global premium and luxury brands. That’s a bit of a mouthful isn’t it? [smiles]. Within our 12 luxury brands we want to work to create a wellness experience, not only about spa and fitness, but things that touch upon the broader guest journey. So, we define this into our five pillars of well-being that incorporates holistic design – how we can design spaces, rooms and spas to be optimised and effective for our guests. It’s about nutrition and how we can bring that aspect into our food and beverage restaurants and outlets. It’s about mindfulness, a new element; how do we create calming spaces and calming environments for our guests to simply switch off and have a moment to themselves. Of course, it’s also about the spa – very much a part of luxury hospitality and a real key driver fact magazine
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• HOSPITALITY Q&A
for us, and it’s definitely about fitness. I think the movement of fitness within hospitality is a key part of our delivery. Our role is to make sure that each of our brands has a strategy; that it’s very clear about what it wants to do and where it wants to get to, that it’s appropriate to our demographic and our consumer, and also our future vision. Then we look to turn up the volume and amplify the different pillars to create a defined experience within each brand. So, a Raffles emotional wellbeing experience will be different to that of a Pullman – and that’s really what we do. It is a lot of fun – I’m very happy! Why do you think wellness has become such a big part of hospitality, especially now in 2019, after we’ve been taking care of ourselves for years? Do you think we’re more stressed and that guests want more than just convenience of a place to stay and sleep during their travels? That’s a really good point – and we could talk all day about it, but I will try to narrow it down to a few key areas. Number one, my personal opinion, is that when we go holiday now, our requirements and needs are far different than they were 15 or 20 years ago. If I remember a holiday two decades ago, it was pretty much lying down, reading a great book, and having my drink with a little umbrella in it, and I was very, very happy. For seven days, no one could contact me or phone me and I had absolutely no contact with my work, so I went back home and, you know, the world didn’t collapse in my absence, right? Now when we’re on holiday, we have two things to achieve: one, we’re in constant contact with our work place, so the blurring of leisure and business is just part of what we do. Secondly, we have a need to recharge and re-energise ourselves to return back to a hyper86
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competitive work place. Now, the rotation is recharge, reboot and do all the things I can’t normally do in my life; catch up with sleep, and then go back renewed and refreshed. I want to jam in as much experiences as possible. And those experiences are personally for me and my focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. Therefore, wellness touches all of those bases; nutrition, physical contact through treatments and massages, it touches exercising and movement that you can’t normally do and so when you’re on holiday, the guests’ expectations are to have all those experiences that they can’t on a normal day back home, or in the local gym. Our challenge is to make sure that we’re not only meeting that, but we’re accelerating it. That’s why wellness is a perfect match for hospitality. Describe what the term “wellbeing” means to you, personally… It’s interesting because our approach to wellness and wellbeing is hyper-personalised and absolutely individual. For me, it’s about proactively moving away from your daily routine and towards healthier habits. Towards more emotional, spiritual and physical elements – a combination of what those things are, is what wellness is for me, and I’m constantly challenged to get there (laughs). Our lives are much more accelerated now so the discussion about what wellness actually is – it’s a personal choice and moving towards healthy habits. Our role at Accor is to help people along that journey by creating environments where they feel safe and comfortable and they can express themselves in the right way – and explore a little bit. Unfortunately, wellness and well-being looks complicated sometimes when actually the choices you need to make our relatively simple – you just need the support to do it.
HOSPITALITY Q&A •
Is it more challenging to market wellness and the idea of “me time” as a holiday must to potential guests or is wellness just the new “in” thing that everybody wants right now? That’s a really good question and I think there’s two types of wellness people; the primary and the secondary. Your primary wellness traveller is looking to go to a location or resort and do seven to 14 days of really holistic, intense programming – it’s still quite a small market, around 10 per cent of wellness travellers are in that bracket – and they would choose to go to leading destination spas around the world and do a very intensive programme. What’s interesting for Accor is that secondary wellness traveller – they want to combine a number of experiences and have access to and adopt wellness activities, so that could be a really strong yoga class or an excellent nutritional plan – but it’s combined with excursions, their own relaxation time on the beach, them going out and meeting people, and that’s where Accor really comes into play. So, can we create wellness experiences for that guest profile? Absolutely. If we do that in a way that is democratic and appeals to a much broader market rather than just more high net worth individuals, that’s definitely the way we want to be going. And we’re doing it already. We’re amplifying that and making it easy for people to understand and to book, for example, through our loyalty programme. Wellness plays a really strong part in doing that – it’s a great way for us to touch the heart, soul and spirit of our guests, making sure that from a wellbeing perspective, they’re more comfortable, happy and healthy. You’ve mentioned the importance of design when creating holistic spaces and how it’s vital to the way people feel. Tell us a little bit more about this idea and how it works across so many different Accor brands… Well-being and wellness, and how you feel emotionally, its link to architecture and design is clearly there. If we think about how we create spaces and how it’s always about creating emotional resonance or impact – physical, emotional, spiritual – on our guests. So, it’s absolutely a key part of what we do; start with the journey, understand the experience, understand the localisation
and look at an adjacency that really is aligned to a very clear conceptualisation. If you’re clear in your vision about what you want to create, then you’re clear in your design vision instantly. I think that’s an area where the industry could do better sometimes – if I’m being very frank. From a spa perspective, it’s all about the visual. Guests are making first impressions every few seconds as they look around your space. Within a spa, you’re looking at the overall journey; art, decoration, use of material and space, changes of environment and use of lighting all play a vital role in creating that emotional response. A spa journey is not only the treatment itself, it’s the pre-imposed journey that actually has the strongest resonance with our guests and so they should be able to decompress and unwind on their own. Therefore, for Accor, it’s more about placing our attention into those areas where guests linger and spend the most time, like the thermal area or by the pool and the changing rooms. Also, in your reception and retail spaces where you can create slightly private and bespoke areas to talk to the guests in a nice way. All those things come into play with design – they create an element of comfort, of tranquility, and appropriateness, all of which is vital to the guests’ journey. It’s like a Swiss watch approach to creating a spa environment – a fundamental part of our role in the company is supporting the technical and service design teams within Accor and working with leading architects globally on giving them that very specialised information and support. For someone who is embarking on their first wellness experience, what few elements would you suggest they look for in order to get effective results out of their trip? If I think about myself, when I’m looking for an experience, authenticity is absolutely key. So, if you want a Thai wellness programme, go to Thailand; if you want to do ayurvedic principles, go to Kerala in Indian, that’s where you’re really going to feel the authenticity of it. Secondly, open yourself up to new experiences, there’s going to be some pain, and some pleasure and some newness. So, if you go into your experience with a broad mind, you’d be very surprised where you’d get to and how you get there. For example, around ten years ago, meditation is something that I never thought I’d ever be into, and now I try to do it on a very regular basis. That’s only because I’ve opened my mind up to it and I’ve seen the benefits to it. Thirdly, decide whether you want to do it on your own or socially. In wellness that’s a key consideration because if you are about to embark on something that’s new for yourself, what do you want to get from it. Those three things will make a clear impact on helping you to make the right choices. Let’s talk about sleep – it’s such a simple part of our everyday routine – and Accor has chosen to focus on it with their new Raffles Sleep Rituals service. Tell us more about this innovative wellness approach? Great wellbeing is relatively simple – it’s about great sleep, it’s about fantastic nutrition, it’s about excellent treatment and massage delivery – and we don’t mind talking about those things. I know that within our industry, we talk a lot about the newness or fact magazine
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the new things that are happening – it’s about the fundamentals of the human experience which make a real difference and sleep is really at that core. We know we’re living in a sleep deprived world that’s challenged and disrupted by technology, and we know that the feeling you get after a great night’s sleep is vital. So within Raffles’ wellness, we have a great opportunity to animate and work with our butlers, which is a unique part of our history within that brand. Adding onto that, key design rituals using natural aromatherapy oils with our leading partner, and teaching our butlers how to deliver that and create an environment to propagate sleep and using nutrition and food to help aid sleep and melatonin, is a lovely combination. And within that bracket at Raffles, which is much more about intuitive and emotional hospitality, it aligns really well. It’s a perfect partnership and we’re really excited by it. How do you feel about travel trends – with social media and influencers having such a monopoly on what’s “in” – how much of this do you take into account when planning the wellness initiatives for Accor? Fifteen years ago, you’d talk about “going green” and being sustainable, and then all of a sudden everyone is talking about “going green” and being sustainable. I believe that a similar thing seems to be happening with wellness, everything’s now become wellness – and it’s harder to separate what is good for you and
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what isn’t good for you. We need to be very careful about that – from Accor’s and a personal perspective, we need to separate what are the mega trends, the big things impacting our guests’ lives, versus the here today gone tomorrow trends. So those mega trends are the things we’ve touched on already: amazing sleep, active and healthy nutrition, helping me move my body in a physical way that benefits me, creating mindful moments to help me move away from stress and towards tranquility, and ensuring that our design optimises a fantastic environment – and that’s enough. Those trends don’t go away – they’ve been around for thousands of years, if you think back to Roman bathing, to Hammam, Ayurveda, and Chinese Traditional Medicine, even through America with Kellog and organic food – there’s not much new here. What is new is our approach to it and our amplification of it through social media, and our accessibility to it. We’re about fundamentals and touching the heart and soul of our guest in the right way. We’re about consistency of delivery but at the same time we must be aware of where our market is going, it’s much longer term. Where’s wellness headed and how can we stay three to five years ahead of that. I firmly believe in the fundamentals of the human experience and if you do those things right, you’ll never be wrong. ✤
GO: VISIT WWW.ACCORHOTELS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
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For the culture-savvy in Dubai
MAY 2019 EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 90
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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
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WINNERS: FACT SPA & WELLNESS AWARDS DUBAI 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
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
COUPLES TREATMENT
BEST: The Spa, Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay FAVOURITE: SoSPA, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
BOUTIQUE SPA
BEST: Cove Beach, Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Dubai FAVOURITE: Barasti Beach Bar, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
BEST: Raffles Spa, Raffles Dubai FAVOURITE: The Spa, Address Boulevard
BEST: Silk Spa, Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts FAVOURITE: The Spa, Palace Downtown Dubai 92
INDEPENDENT SPA
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BEACH CLUB
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POOL
BEST: Shades, Address Dubai Marina FAVOURITE: Azure Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai JBR
ROOFTOP POOL
BEST: LookUp Rooftop Lounge, La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk FAVOURITE: Coco Lounge, Media One Hotel
POOL & BEACH DAY ACCESS
BEAUTY SALON
BEST: The Nail Spa, Various Locations FAVOURITE: Sisters Beauty Lounge, Various Locations
HAIR SALON
BEST: The BlowOut Bar, Palm Jumeirah FAVOURITE: Marquee Hair Salon, Various locations
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
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
FITNESS CENTRE
BEST: Talise Fitness, Jumeirah Emirates Towers FAVOURITE: Iconic Fitness, Dubai Marina fact magazine
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RELAXATION DONE RAFFLES’ STYLE Rejuvenating treatments are at the core of the lovely Raffles Spa. FACT visits the sprawling space at Raffles Dubai to try out a couple of their beautifully-designed summer treatments, available to book from May onwards, and all we found was pure relaxation!
T
hough it might not be the immediate choice of place for wellness, Raffles Dubai is made even more regal once you hit floor number four and enter the expansive Raffles Spa. The sound of a trickling water feature at the entrance will instantly soothe you. The spa is inspired by Asian, Middle Eastern and European traditions – all of which are evident in small touches around – far eastern murals, muted neutral tones, wood elements and other understated furnishings that add to the overall clean and welcoming atmosphere. Raffles Spa is made up of six comfortable spa suites inclusive of one couples spa suite and over 1200 square meters of spa and wellness facilities, including separate changing areas with jacuzzi, sauna and steam room for men and women. Expect full privacy and no overcrowding – it’s a serene place. We’re here to try two tailor-made treatments for the hot season ahead. First up is the 60-minute Arabian Nights offering. Before we begin with the invigorating therapy, the friendly staff bring us a warm towel and a welcome drink that is really refreshing. We’re then shown to a spacious changing room with lots of locker space, showers, restrooms and private changing areas, plus direct access to the ladies’ wet facilities. Opposite the changing area is the well-equipped Raffles Gym, and just around the corner is the hotel’s lush pool. We advise to arrive 30-45 minutes early for your treatment so that you can make full use of these great facilities. After slipping into a bear-hug that is the comfy robe and slippers, we’re taken to a dim-lit treatment room to start. We’ve highlighted for our upper back, shoulders and calves to receive special attention and the therapist is happy to oblige. Arabian Nights is designed for those looking to soothe muscles and replenish their skin with a supple feel and healthy glow. In this serene time of tranquility and reflection, Raffles Spa brings a haven for relaxation and an opportunity to escape the heat this summer and detoxify with an authentic Arabian experience. We’re ready, let’s go! The treatment starts with a detoxifying body exfoliation which includes a stimulating basil and mint body scrub to gently nourish the skin. The therapist is vigorous and professional, tackling all areas of the skin with meticulousness. After a quick rinse in the shower, we’re back on the comfy spa bed (it has the best face port of any massage bed that we’ve experienced) and the therapist lets us smell the the scent of a warm aromatic oil that includes Sandalwood, Frankincense and Rose – it’s going to be used for the massage that follows. This oil helps to tackle insomnia and anxiety, transporting guests back to the ancient times of Arabia. The heavenly massage has the perfect pressure and targets those all-too-stressful knots in the upper back. By the time we’ve turned onto our backs, we’re falling into a sweet slumber and both the mind and body feel totally rested – yet every sense is awakened by the alluring scent of the oil. A fabulous treatment that leaves us feeling less tense and more in a state of zen – plus, our skin is extra smooth – bonus! The second treatment we try is dubbed “Simply You” which is a 60-minute tailored full body massage to ease tension and loosen tight muscles. This treatment concentrates 94
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• SPA & WELLNESS on areas with tensed muscles offering you a de-stressing and relaxing experience. It’s important to mark on your consultation form which areas you’d like the therapist to concentrate on – we went for the shoulder and neck area along with the upper arms – these areas are given specific attention, however, the massage does include the full body. We opt for the lavender-based oil as it’s supposed to have real tension-easing benefits for tired and aching muscles but also helps to relax the mind. This massage is the ideal choice for those who regularly workout, are slouched over a computer all day, or anyone who needs to rebalance the body and recharge. What we love most about this massage is the precision with which the strokes focus exactly on the areas you want it to. The therapist will check if the pressure is ok and you’re welcome to ask for lighter or stronger pressure depending on your preference, at any time during the treatment. Again, we’re in a deep sleep fairly quickly and once the massage ends with a hot towel being used to wipe down the feet – we REALLY don’t want to get up and leave. It’s great that we’re not rushed out of the room, in fact, the therapist offers some tea – we choose chamomile – and tells us to head over to the relaxation area in our own time. Here, a hot tea pot with fresh dates awaits to be devoured. To say that we’re feeling complete peace with a new hit of energy is not an exaggeration. We leave Raffles Spa completely satisfied, and we’re sure you will too! ✤
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SPA & WELLNESS •
RAFFLES SPA – SUMMER TREATMENT MENU DEEP CLEANING FACIAL – 60 mins | AED350 A deep cleansing and purifying treatment customised to all skin types; this luxurious facial incorporates exfoliation, cleansing massage to promote circulation and a nourishing mask leaving the skin smooth, soft and firm. VITAMIN C LUMINESCENCE FACIAL – 90/60 mins | AED575/375 A real anti-aging treat. This specific treatment uses a powerful blend of skin illuminating botanicals and Acti5- Brightening Complex, along with a multiacid peel, a concentrated Vitamin C ampoule and a unique cooling mask with luminous rice; your skin appears lighter, brighter and more refined. ENRICH YOURSELF – 90 mins | AED599 Rejuvenate your skin with this deeply nourishing and pampering treatment. A full body scrub, which will exfoliate, soften and hydrate your skin followed by a deep moisturising massage. SIMPLY YOU – 90/60 mins | AED550/365 A tailored full body massage to ease tension and loosen tight muscles. This treatment will concentrate on areas with tensed muscles offering you a destressing and relaxing experience. ROMANTIC RETREAT – 90 mins | AED1100 Take time to get away with your special someone this summer and enjoy a -30minute Jacuzzi time followed by a pampering side by side massage in our private Couples Spa Suite. ARABIAN NIGHTS – 60 mins | AED399 In this serene time of tranquillity and reflection, Raffles Spa offers a haven for relaxation and an opportunity to escape the heat this summer and detoxify with an authentic Arabian experience. The treatment starts with a detoxifying body exfoliation which includes a stimulating basil and mint body scrub to gently nourish the skin. The scents of warm aromatic oils including Sandalwood, Frankincense and Rose will transport guests back to the ancient times of Arabia with a heavenly massage to relax the mind, body and soul yet awaken all senses. RAFFLES POOL DAY PASS There is nothing like pampering yourself with a relaxing day at Raffles swimming pool to beat the heat - soak up stunning panoramic views of the city skyline and luxuriate in the cool waters of the swim-up bar. All-day access to Raffles pool is priced at AED175 per person and includes AED100 that can be used for food and drinks. AED500 includes AED100 for food and drinks and a soothing 60-min massage. SPECIAL GYM MEMBERSHIP OFFER Start your fitness journey with summer offers: AE 600 for a one-month membership and AED3,000 for a six-month membership. Includes: 20% off on spa treatments, 20% off at all Raffles restaurants, limitless access to pool and spa facilities, complimentary valet parking and one complimentary personal trainer session. GO: CALL (0)4 314 9870 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.
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CITY INSIDER
Fathi Khogaly General Manager, Grand Hyatt Dubai Tell us three things that set the Grand Hyatt Dubai apart from its competitors There are many aspects that set us apart from our competitors, but if I had to choose three, I would begin by honoring our inclusion and diversity initiatives at Grand Hyatt Dubai. Regardless of ethnicity, gender, physical or mental disabilities, everyone at the hotel is treated as an equal. The second aspect that sets us apart from our competitors is the variety and exceptional quality of our cuisine. We offer 13 homegrown restaurants under one roof, featuring delicacies from Singapore, Japan, India, Italy, The Americas, and the Middle East to name but a few. Finally, what makes Grand Hyatt Dubai stand out is the fact that it is an iconic property which sits between 37 acres of lush greenery. There is nowhere else in the city where you can walk through the gardens of a hotel with ducks by your side as you witness indoor gardens, tranquil waterfalls, breathtaking dhows hanging from the ceiling, and ponds filled with beautiful koi fish. 98
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What are your favourite cultural hotspots in Dubai and why? My favourite cultural hotspot in Dubai is the desert. A famous writer, Antoine de Saint, once said, ‘one sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams.’ The desert is where this beautiful city began, and it is where the culture was derived from. I think it’s important to re-visit the humble beginnings of this country once in a while, to reflect on our own personal growth while admiring the wonders of nature. Share with us some of your professional goals for the rest of 2019. One of my main goals in 2019 is developing the people of Grand Hyatt Dubai. Guiding individuals to develop their career brings me great joy and satisfaction. My aim is to identify where their talents lie, and provide them with opportunities to reach their full potential. Moreover, I would like to contribute
greatly towards developing Hyatt’s inclusion and diversity initiative. We had an eye opening exercise in association with the ‘Women at Grand Hyatt’ campaign. For one day, all front line positions and executive committee roles were given to women. The results revealed that there was an imbalance of female representation within certain departments in the hotel. Therefore, my second goal is to improve in balancing the gender workforce ratio at Grand Hyatt Dubai, to ensure that each department has female team members. Last but not least, with today’s ever changing technological advancements, it is important that we keep up with change for both efficiency, and corporate social responsibility towards our environment. We’ve introduced a mobile application service to our employee residence, Sahari Village which has eliminated the need for paper request forms. This is only one example of many advancements I hope to achieve in 2019.
Ramadan Kareem
Experience Ramadan at its best with Fairmont The Palm The elegant and effervescent Fairuz Ramadan Tent is back for its third year. Enjoy an indulgent Iftar buffet with Ramadan inspired beverages for just
AED 215 per person. Suhour Ă la carte menu and extensive selection of shisha blends are available at our new glamorous, air-conditioned, tented Arabian courtyard. For reservations and more information, please call +971 4 457 3457 or email palm.dining@fairmont.com. For group bookings, please email palm.catering@fairmont.com
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A Reflection of True Ramadan Hospitality. Experience this auspicious occasion at the world’s tallest 5-star hotel with three delectable Iftar options from sunset until 8.30pm AL FANOUS LOUNGE AT DUBAI BALLROOM Iftar buffet, AED 199 per person AWARD-WINNING KITCHEN6 International Iftar buffet, AED 215 per person MASALA LIBRARY BY JIGGS KALRA Unique Indian Iftar set-menu, from AED 195 per person CORPORATE IFTARS Available upon request for exclusive hire and group inquiries of more than 50 people. For bookings below 50 guests, call +971.4.414.3000 or email jwmmrr@marriott.com For Corporate Iftars above 50 guests, call +971.4.414.2000 or email jwmarquis.dubai@marriott.com
Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T + 971 4 414 3000 I jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com jwmarriottmarquisdubai I jwdubaimarquis jwmarriottmarquisdubai I #ramadanwithmarriott
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