FACT Dubai November 2019

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C O N T E N T S

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FACT FINDS ARTS SPOTLIGHT ARTS & CULTURE STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT CITY RIDES CULINARY SPOTLIGHT FOODIE CORNER SPA & WELLNESS

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• THE EDITOR

Artistic Endeavours

“

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf

R

emember, remember the 5th of November… how many of you celebrate the infamous “Bonfire Night” or “Guy Fawkes Night” as tradition from the place you call home? Though it’s not a big part of the culture here, November brings with it more creative and cultural institutions that the Dubai community thrives on every year. First on the list is Dubai Design Week, taking place at d3 and packed with over 200 events highlighting the design identity of the UAE and the wider region. Turn to p35 and take a look at what’s coming up at the revered festival that pioneers and celebrates design on a whole new level.

If you picked up this issue of FACT for the very fitting cover, it’s the Arts Spotlight on p28 that you need to read. Just one more talented young lady harnessing her love of digital art through vibrant portraits that channel the pop art movement to its core. You can even contact Sara on Instagram – the main platform used for sharing her artwork – and request a drawing in a style that suits your character, for as little as AED50 – a side hustle that truly pays off for the artist and the audience.

So, every year when the FACT Dining Awards come around, it's nothing but fun times, especially as Dubai has some of the world's best restaurants on its doorstep. Turn to p86 and check out all the nominees for the 3rd annual event – which will be held this month – where we celebrate the best and favourites in the city. Your vote counts so head on over to www.fact-magazine.com for more information and to make sure you've supported your favourite venues.

For lovers of all things cool, gear up in your best urban outfits for the annual festival that is Sole DXB. Each year, Sole DXB builds on the bedrock of subcultural narratives. They seek out stories that are current, but also under-represented. This year is no different: Sole DXB celebrates the sights and sounds of Jamaica with huge artists dropping by for performances and the trendiest, most relevant brands bringing their A-game to our shores. We’ve got the lowdown on p26.

Food, fashion, tech, motoring and the most prominent dining and society news is all jam-packed into an issue that is bursting with creative pride. As we head into the festive season and I press play on Jingle Bell Rock, it’s hard to believe that 2020 is just around the corner. In true UAE spirit, let’s make the most of the month ahead and keep living our best lives. See you in 30.☺

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

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FACT Magazine Dubai Edition • NOVEMBER 2019 VOLUME 03, ISSUE 01

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES PUBLISHERS EDWARD SMITH RAMI KHALIL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS SYED MUHAMMED RAIHAN JYOTI RAWAT CONTRIBUTORS DAVID TAPLEY HAYLEY ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TAPLEY COVER IMAGE SARA RAJAB 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

F R I DAY

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“

Pop art looks out into the world. It doesn't look like a painting of something, it looks like the thing itself.

- Roy Lichtenstein

ISSUU.COM FACT Dubai 69,121 reads of the October issue online If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Dubai.

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FACT FINDS

Turkish Baba Time FAMED FOR ITS EXQUISITE CULINARY OFFERING, TREND-SETTING DINING DESTINATIONS AND AWARDWINNING HOME-GROWN CONCEPTS, THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI HAS LAUNCHED BABA, A TURKISH STEAKHOUSE SET TO BE ANOTHER GAME-CHANGER IN THE CITY.

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ABA is an unpretentious offering that has genuine traditional hospitality at its soul and will be taking up home in the heart of The Westin Mina Seyahi, in the space previously home to Hunters Room & Grill.

Rich, savoury and exceptionally priced – the finest delicacies grace the menu at BABA, designed to take diners on an epicurean experience to the very heart of Turkey. Guests can expect a satisfying selection of salads and appetisers, superb mezze, mouth-watering kebabs, hearty mains and sharing platters, perfect for large gatherings.

Appetisers including the Wagyu Beef Tartare and Beet Octopus are the perfect way to start the meal, followed by a sizeable selection of hot and cold meze options boasting everything from the famed Baba-Ganoush and the flavoursome Beans’N Marrow to the Crispy Veal Liver.

Meat lovers can opt for the Spiced or Pistachio Kebab or the ultimate Australian Wagyu 6-7 marble steak, 250 days grain fed.

For the ultimate experience, the iconic Black Onyx 3-4 marble, 270 days grain fed is a must, boasting a pronounced complexity of flavour.

Seafood dishes include Seabass Steak, Grilled Tiger Prawns, Grilled Lobster, Pan-fried Turbot and Sole, all boasting fresh 8

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and flavoursome flavours that will transport diners to Turkey’s turquoise shores, adding uber freshness to the BABA offering.

Just in time for the long-awaiting al fresco dining season, BABA reveals an incredible new outdoor terrace, complete with the famed mangal BBQ, an integral part of Turkish food culture.

Boasting a charcoal base and copper head the mangal BBQ is designed to give meat the best flavours imaginable.

In a nod to a more relaxed and laid-back offering – BABA wants the public to know #ThisIsNotFineDining. Guests can choose from the finest grape or a healthy cocktail list packed full of Turkic influences and sit back and share unforgettable memories with loved ones and friends.

With three new sensational restaurant concepts launching at once, BABA is yet another nod towards The Westin Mina Seyahi’s plan to stay ahead in Dubai’s ever-evolving food scene.

Stylish and sophisticated, BABA boasts bags of atmosphere, some of the finest food in the city and is open daily from 6pm to 11pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 6pm to 12am every Friday and Saturday. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 399 4141 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

All our prices are in AED, inclusive of 5% VAT and subject to 7% Municipality fees

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TOMAHAWK TUESDAY World Cut Steakhouse, the award-winning signature restaurant at Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts, has launched a new and improved Tomahawk Tuesday promotion certain to please even the most discerning of meat-lovers.

THE EXCELLENT VALUE Tomahawk Tuesday deal is available for the great price of AED685 for two people including appetisers, a 1.4kg Tomahawk steak, side dishes, a bottle of vintage and a delectable dessert to share. The wow-factor steak, aptly named after its resemblance to a Tomahawk axe is the ideal sharing steak for a romantic meal, special occasion or just a Tuesday night at World Cut Steakhouse. At 1.4kgs, the steak can easily feed two hungry meat-lovers. The entire rib bone is left and french-trimmed serving dual purpose of making stunning presentation and releasing rich flavour during the cooking process not found in other cuts of steak.

The juicy steak is served to the table on a thick wooden board, and sliced at the table by the server. Diners can choose from a selection of traditional side dishes to accompany their steak which will rotate each week. Sleek, sophisticated and luxuriously upholstered, with plush leather seating and rich mahogany tables, World Cut Steakhouse serves the best steaks imported 10

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from Australia, Japan and the USA as well as a huge choice of side dishes.

Celebrated for its unparalleled levels of service, the finedining restaurant provides guests with a modern steakhouse experience. Carefully curated by Diego Solis, the restaurant’s executive chef, World Cut Steakhouse’s menu has been given the seal of approval by many restaurant critics across the country having won the coveted ‘Best Steakhouse in Dubai’ award multiple times by multiple award bodies. World Cut Steakhouse is a luxurious dining experience and is open seven days a week from 6.30pm to midnight, located on Level One of Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 435 5577 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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ON.DXB FESTIVAL Tickets are now on sale for ON.DXB - the new film, game, video and music festival taking place from November 21 to 23 at Dubai Studio City.

WITH A NUMBER OF industry names now confirmed for ON.DXB, visitors can expect some major festival goals during the three-day event.

Tom Beattie, the producer responsible for transforming comedy character Mr Bean into an animated series, will talk working with Rowan Atkinson, animation and bringing Mr Bean’s unique comedy to new audiences. Actor and producer Rami Jaber will lift the lid on his progress from YouTube to Hollywood, ahead of a co-starring role alongside former James Bond star Pierce Brosnan, in The Misfits, later this year.

Reine Abbas, named one of the most powerful women in gaming and co-founder and COO of Wixel Studios, will also deliver a keynote speech aimed at empowering talent in the gaming industry and beyond, while the role of women in the ongoing transformation of the media landscape will be discussed by Sarah Al Jarman, General Manager of Dubai TV & Dubai One TV. Tickets are on sale at www.ondxbfest.com with a three-day Industry Pass - which includes access to the Industry Arena and dozens of live talks and discussions across three stages from 12

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international experts, regional leaders, brands and organisations – priced at AED950 for professionals and AED500 for students.

A one-day VIP Industry Pass is priced at AED1,500.

Industry passes also enable holders to access the Festival Square, which includes access to a full schedule of events including the showcase of content from the ‘ON.DXB Call for Content’, engaging brand activations, workshops, film screenings, as well as live performances from international stars on the Main Stage.

For those who only want to access the Festival Square, oneday passes are also available, and priced at AED100 per day on November 21 and 22, and AED150 on November 23. Three-day passes to Festival Square are priced at AED275. ✤

GO: TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON WWW. PLATINUMLIST.NET. VISIT WWW.ONDXBFEST.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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AVANT-GARDE AMERICANO The very stylish American bar and restaurant, Americano has opened at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah. The land of the free, brave, and the tipsy found home in the bustling souk with the coolest new waterside location.

THE TRENDY HANGOUT WILL serve the best of American cuisine and funky beverages and adds a naughty twist alongside a surreptitious feel to the Dubai social scene, always with a guaranteed convivial atmosphere.

Aside from the cool and picturesque setting, customers can enjoy lunch, dinner and late drinks every day (Sunday through Thursday) from 12pm all the way until 3am. If you’re craving a dish from the lunch menu, you can order the dish you’ve been thinking of at any time of the day; 10pm breakfast snack – why not? Yet another reason to be hyped for the opening of Americano.

The aesthetically appealing spot is best saved for those days when you’ll probably drink as much as you’ll eat. The menu offers something for everyone such as mouth-watering grills, burgers and steaks for the meat lovers— the food is at the heart of the venue with a touch of New York deli treats. If that isn’t your vibe, Americano also serves vegetarian friendly and gluten-free plate options.

Those who want to sip the night away should note that Americano is serious when it comes to its cocktails and art of mixology. This comes with cool, but not-too-cool bartenders, 14

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who are genuinely happy to welcome you anytime, seven days a week, for food, drinks and continual mischief.

Expect to feel relaxed as soon as you enter the suave and friendly ambience. Also, be sure to look out for quirky antiques and little trinkets of the past century that add character and life in every corner. The mix of brass and leather prohibition style seating and cushy modern materials alongside references to the legends, folklore, myths, of bygone America, gives the space a modish vibe.

Guests can look forward to daily Happy Hours, Ladies Night and live jazz music all of which is set to put you in a good mood and lets the night lead the way with vibrant conversations. The alluring setting that can hold up to 79 seats indoors and will eventually seat 28 outdoors on the deck, is set to open this month – managed by family-owned restaurant conglomerate Food Fund International. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.AMERICANO-DUBAI.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Our Chefs exhibit plenty of appetite for their art form.

From AED 159 Fresh, flavorsome and hearty cuisine.

Signature Nights Wednesday, Imagine Italy Thursday, Simply Seafood Friday, Butchers BBQ

Celsius R E S TA U R A N T

BOOKINGS

+971 4 3 08 04 3 0

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NOTORIOUS NAMMOS From the glamorous shores of Psarou beach to the majestic Arabian sea, the ultimate Nammos experience is coming to the heart of Dubai and is set to open in November 2019 at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Jumeirah Beach.

INTRODUCING A WORLD TO an endless summer as the season concludes in Mykonos, now it can continue in the UAE – bringing to Dubai their unprecedented cuisine, devoted staff and eclectic holiday ambiance. The Nammos experience has become synonymous with brightening up any day, and is globally renowned for hosting the best day to night parties, including spectacular concerts, that illuminate the nights with the glamour of the stars to include some of the world’s biggest celebrities and A-list guests.

Notorious for barefoot luxury, Nammos is a haven of opulence and hedonism with a long-standing relationship with acclaimed fashion brands and haute-couture labels including Dior, Gucci, Burberry, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton.

Sailing in the strong Aegean breeze, the concept brings the carefree soul and luxurious aesthetic of Mykonos to Dubai. The new venue comprises of a Mediterranean restaurant, a beach bar, the Nammos Beachfront and an extravagant one-of-a-kind bubbly room.

The Nammos Restaurant in Dubai is set to become a hotspot for experience seekers from all around the globe. With a Greek inspired menu, Nammos savours the succulent flavours of Mykonos against a background of the sun and sea. Tastebuds will be spoilt for choice by the rich flavours across an array of seafood dishes using only the freshest produce from Greece, imported every morning to be served by noon. In pursuit of absolute perfection on the table, only the finest and freshest 16

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ingredients are sourced by the restaurant.

The gastronomic experience is brought to life through their innovative and revolutionary elements that play on curation of the menu- from the simplest to the most delicate and sophisticated culinary creations. Whether it’s the generous offerings of seafood dishes, fresh pasta, mouth-watering risottos, traditional appetizers, finest sushi and sashimi, or cuts of premium meat, there is something to suit every refined palate.

Lined with the iconic blue and white umbrellas, the Nammos Beachfront boasts promises of ultimate indulgence and presents the absolute luxury beach experience. The Nammos Beach bar, where parties seem to emerge from the waves, recreates the ambiance of life aboard a luxurious yacht. The endless bar mimics an extended fashion runway fueled by the sea breeze and serves the best selection of drinks in the world including all classics, signature blends or bubbly cocktails made by Nammos’s experienced mixologists.

A symphony of blue and white, Nammos will captivate you with the magical setting, impeccable service and the epicurean flavours. You no longer have to wait for summer to get a dose of Nammos…it’s now only a drive away. ✤

GO: CALL (0)52 912 5870 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Abu Dhabi’s Finest Urban Resort The St. Regis Abu Dhabi soars to new heights of splendor and service beyond expectation. Located at the vibrant heart of Abu Dhabi, you will be transferred through a luxurious underpass to a 200 metre stretch of pristine beach, overlooking the turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf and the newly renovated Nation Riviera Pool. Enjoy the exquisite service of a truly unique experience at the Nation Riviera Beach Club and the finest address in the city.

Š2019 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. All names, marks and 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. @stregishotels

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SPARK BY CARAMEL Spark by Caramel restaurant and lounge has undergone a renovative look providing a new and elegant ‘spark’, with cutting-edge culinary and entertainment experiences for guests.

SPARK BY CARAMEL IS an upbeat restaurant and lounge serving quality food and a bar experience, ideal for private and corporate events. The diner can comfortably accommodate over 400 guests in its indoor and outdoor space, with exquisitely designed areas including a modern cocktail bar, serving special fresh fruity and exotic drinks. Spark by Caramel is a trendy destination, which has a millennial appeal as well an executive feel. It provides vibrant dining and entertainment spaces, suitable for all tastes.

Jubran Rahal, Founder and Managing Partner of SPARK, says: “Spark by Caramel is expected to play a major role in enforcing DIFC’s image as one of most sought after entertainment destination in the region.

“SPARK will have exciting hospitality packages that give our clients value for their money,” he adds. “The local hospitality space is increasingly becoming competitive with customers constantly demanding a better experience. This is what drives us, going the extra mile to ensure our customers feel appreciated.”

The restaurant also features a revamped menu. Its a la carte and 18

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business lunch menus are the flagship offerings that have been designed specifically for daytime guests and business clients.For those special dinner/night occasions, guests can choose from a wide selection of beverages and Shisha, served till 3am every night.

Apart from the exemplary menu and world-class event facilities, and of course top-notch customer service, Spark by Caramel also has an outstanding weekly music and entertainment agenda.

The line-up includes Spark Nights on Thursdays, with a DJ performs with live female musician. Friday nights, SPARK’s Oriental nights, will present a live band from Beirut, Lebanon. The restaurant is in the process of introducing other exciting themed evening activities. ✤

GO: FOLLOW @SPARKBYCARAMEL ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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TANUKI MENU TURN UP A host of new dishes have been added to an already expansive menu offering at Tanuki Dubai.

The menu will also contain calories for those looking to try healthier options…

THE DELICIOUS NEW ADDITIONS include Duo Sashimi that combines fresh salmon and tuna with ponzu truffle dressing alongside a sweet pineapple salsa and Tsurai Ebi Tempura that’s served in a dynamite sauce (with just the right amount of chilli).

This popular Pan Asian dining destination invites guests to explore a new area of Asian cuisine, whilst promising to put a twist on traditional dishes. With so much to try, the sharing concept menu is best enjoyed with friends, but can also be appreciated alone.

Sensei is a bright new addition to the maki selection that’s also included in the ‘Monday Maki Madness’ weekly offer. Also, on the new menu is the new BBQ Katsu Bun with succulent chicken in a Japanese BBQ sauce, alongside the new Beef Bun packed full of bulgogi marinated beef, Korean sauce and purple coleslaw.

Main courses have also been updated to include Chicken Katsu Curry and if guests have room for dessert, they will be treated to a new selection of Mochi and Ice-creams, as well as the new Mango and Peach Cheesecake.

Located in Dubai Mall on the Lower Ground Floor, Tanuki Dubai provides a gateway to a unique Asian culinary experience. The restaurant is home to a sprawling terrace that boasts spectacular views of both the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains, providing diners with front row seats to the show.

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Tanuki Dubai is now open for lunch, dinner, and late-night from 11am to 1am every day. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 580 8228 OR VISIT WWW.TANUKIDUBAI.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Friday 8th

DJ ASH

DUO VIOLINS

DJ MARCO LOCO

DJ KATRIN VIKING

Amp it up with Buddha-Bar Beach Abu Dhabi – your ultimate pit stop this season.

Mark your calendar as we line up top international DJ’s and dynamic music extravaganza by Duo Violins for a fantastic November.

Thursday 14th

Thursday 28th

Friday 29th

Saturday 30th

10:00 PM Onwards For Reservation Please Call: +971 (2) 498 8888

restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com

@buddhabarbeachabudhabi

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi fact magazine

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GULF FOR GOOD Gulf for Good has unveiled details of the highly anticipated annual charity Gala Ball, in partnership with Larchfield Children’s Home.

THE BLACK-TIE EVENT is aimed at raising much needed funds for two hard-working charities, Gulf for Good and Larchfield Children’s Home, who are dedicated to changing the lives of children around the world. The ball will be held at the stunning Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah on November 22, and promises to be a spectacular evening for an excellent cause.

In the hopes of becoming one of the best Galas yet and raising more money than last year’s event, this year’s charity fundraiser will be launching a host of brand new initiatives such as the Charity Giving Tree initiative, which allows attendees to “grant a wish” for the children who are a part of a long-standing charity project at Gulf for Good. Also part of the event is a welcome reception, a delicious themed three-course dinner and live entertainment, as well as an auction and raffle hosted by Dubai’s favourite TV and radio host, Tom Urquhart, who has been supporting Gulf for Good for over five years.

Anne Edmondson, Chairwoman of Gulf for Good, said: “I’m really excited about all the new and innovative elements we are introducing to the programme this year. I’m looking forward to throwing down the gauntlet again and having guests participate in our exciting challenges for 2020. There will be all sorts of surprises on the night, so please join us as we gather together to raise funds for these deserving children.”

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Gulf for Good work tirelessly with the local community and corporates, encouraging people to step outside their comfort zone and get involved in fundraising for vulnerable and disadvantaged children around the world. In 2020, our international charity projects will focus on improving access to basic education for all children in Thailand, Nepal, Uganda, Peru and Lebanon.

Larchfield Children’s Home is a Gulf for Good-sponsored project in Tanzania; an orphanage and school being built for children who have been abandoned by their parents, either due to disease or death. Larchfield Co-Founder and Gulf for Good Board Member, James Berry, said: “It’s heartening to see my life-long dream of building a children’s home come to fruition, giving children a chance to have a safe and happy childhood. We still have a long way to go, but the Gala Ball is a step in the right direction and allows like-minded people to support us, while enjoying a fun evening..” ✤

GO: DOORS OPEN AT 7PM FOR A PROMPT 8PM START. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE ONLINE AT WWW. VIRGINMEHASTORE.ME/AE. PRICING IS AED650 PER PERSON OR TABLES OF 10 FOR AED6,000.

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WATERFRONT DWELLING The Waterfront Market is a key component of the Deira Enrichment Project, which aims to rejuvenate the city’s original hub, defining Dubai’s trading and commerce legacy. Offering an extensive range of goods under one roof, here are seven reasons to visit The Waterfront Market…

The freshest food, with the finest variety and best prices The market offers some of the most competitive pricing and you can also barter with the vendors, giving you the opportunity to secure a real bargain! Additionally, confirmed to be the largest Fish & Seafood Market in the region, the Waterfront Market is home to more than 500 fresh, dried and live fish retailers who showcase over 350 species of fresh fish from the region and around the world. The fruit and vegetables market consists of 150 vendors selling fresh local, regional and imported produce whilst the meat market showcases a variety of meat types and cuts in 75 shops and stalls including a choice of lamb, beef, chicken, goat, camel and eggs.

Stunning outdoor space The jewel of the Waterfront Market - the promenade - stretches the length of the property along the gleaming Deira Corniche waterway. On the promenade, you can savour a variety of dishes from different cuisines or buy your favorite seafood from the market and have it cooked by one of the restaurants either on an open-flame BBQ or grilled.

Authentic Experiences During the winter months, The Waterfront Market offers an open-air abra service that travels during the weekend from 3pm to 10pm from Al Ghubaiba marine station to Waterfront Market marine station - free of charge for all to enjoy.

Family Fun For All! From climb and slide, a safe and soft area for kids to play, and horseback riding along the promenade to vending machine games, electronic animal rides and the petting zoo, there is so much to keep little ones entertained.

A legendary legacy The Waterfront Market builds on from the amazing heritage and iconic status of the old Deira Fish Market, preserving the essence of Dubai’s fish trade and freshness of local markets in a modern state-of-the-art facility located on the new Deira Corniche.

Deira Fish Market has been serving fresh catch and produce to consumers since 1958.

Community occasions Offering a space where the public can come together to shop, eat and socialise, Waterfront Market hosts an array of events throughout the year aimed at bringing the community together under one roof. From The Biggest Catch, an event celebrating the fishermen who contribute to making Waterfront Market what it is today, to the annual winter mural competition, aiming to inspire the community and working with budding artists throughout the region. ✤

Clean and convenient The Waterfront Market offers a hygienic enclosed facility for cutting and cleaning, where seafood is prepared according to your needs.

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

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SOLE DXB 2019: TOUR JAMAICA Back for its 8th edition, Sole DXB will celebrate the sights and sounds of Jamaica, bringing a stellar line-up of music’s finest to Dubai.

E

ach year, Sole DXB builds on the bedrock of subcultural narratives, seeking out stories that are current, but also under-represented. This year is no different: Sole DXB celebrates the sights and sounds of Jamaica. The Jamaican sound system is the most influential force in contemporary popular music today, so Sole DXB went to Jamaica to find out how an island nation of 2.8 million has continued to punch far above its weight for over 60 years. The Jamaican diaspora has influenced what we listen to and how we create. And that’s why Sole DXB is celebrating all that the island has given to us.

Sole DXB’s 2019 stage line-up is looking turnt. The premiere cultural and lifestyle festival welcomes a mix of legendary international and regional talent, offering attendees a chance to experience some of the biggest names from across the globe, spanning 40 years of hip hop, soul, reggae, and R&B, in one venue. Friday, December 6, PUMA will present Burna Boy for his headline show in Dubai. New York legends WuTang Clan will headline Saturday, December 7, celebrating the 25th anniversary of groundbreaking album ‘36 Chambers’. On 26

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stage on the same day, yasiin bey and Talib Kweli are Black Star, for the 20th anniversary celebration of their monumental collaboration.

Jamaican sensation Koffee will be on main stage for her first performance in the region, along with fellow Jamaican, Grammy-nominated artist, Protoje, who joins the lineup courtesy of British casual wear brand, Fred Perry. PUMA will dive further into an exploration of the Islands’ talent by bringing Lila Ike and Sevana. Maryland rapper and PUMA global brand ambassador, YBN Cordae, will also perform in the PUMA space on Friday with tracks from his freshly released and highly acclaimed debut studio album The Lost Boy. With the UK scene, always an essential element of the annual festival, adidas Originals will bring London’s ‘Godfather of Grime’ Wiley to the Main Stage on Friday, while Ocean Wisdom will join Sole DXB for his debut Middle East performance.

Other explosive additions to this years’ lineup will Washington, D.C.-area rapper Rico Nasty will perform Saturday, weaving hip-hop with her self-described "sugar trap" aesthetic. And last year’s headliner Nas, will have a spiritual presence at the

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festival over the whole weekend, with Friday seeing his faultless apprentice Dave East take to the main stage, while Saturday will see his drummer and co-collaborator on Summer single Jarreau of Rap, Xharlie Black bring some jazz-inspired Hip Hop to the festival. The main stage on Saturday will also welcome home Montreal-based Iraqi Hip Hop artist, Narcy and on Friday, The Foreign Beggars will lend a taste of London Hip Hop and Dubstep to proceedings, as well as Dubai-based artist, TAC, who will make his Sole DXB debut. ✤

Event: Sole DXB Dates: 5th, 6th, 7th December 2019 Times: 5th doors open at 6pm until 10pm; 6th & 7th doors open at 12pm until 10pm Ticket prices: General release weekend pass AED375 and day pass AED245 GO: Tickets available through Virgin Megastore Tickets https://tickets. virginmegastore.me/ae, Dubai Calendar App, and www.soledxb.com/tickets.

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT

MAKE IT POP The digital art movement has seen quite the evolution in the past decade and with the rise of social media, more talented individuals have a platform to share their work with the world. Bahrain-based Sara Rajab, who goes by the handle @popcorn.nose.art on Instagram, is one such artist utilising modern-day technology to hone and share her skills. Here, she talks to FACT’s Shabana Adam about her artistic style and growing a grassroots following…

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n second grade, Sara Rajab drew a policeman for a homework project and her mother’s proud reaction sparked an artistic journey that has turned from a cool hobby into a bona fide side hustle. Creating digital art under the pseudonym @popcorn.nose.art (Sara’s best friend has always compared her nose to a perfect popcorn shape, hence the Instagram handle), the 24-year-old stumbled upon turning her drawings into life-like animations after she graduated. “I started to draw in my free time,” Sara recalls.

“Then one of my friends told me to try digital art. After that day, I was amazed to learn how I could turn a simple sketch into a fascinating form of digital art just with one touch, anywhere and anytime I felt like it.”

Digital Art encompasses a wide-range of work. In Sara’s case, her images are digitally-created reproductions of artworks that already exist in another form – she sketches in a book and translates these drawings onto the Stylus app.

Sometimes, she draws directly onto the app, in pursuit of trying new things.

You only need to take one look at Sara’s Instagram page to see the impact her artwork has made. Portraits of real people and pop culture characters appear in vibrant digital form, praised through hundreds of likes and comments.

Everything from the lines to the vivid colours is in keeping with the Pop Art movement which utilises the imagery and techniques of consumerism and popular culture. Pop art was originally developed in the late 1950s as a reaction against Abstract Expressionism and flourished in the sixties and early seventies. Pop Art favoured figural imagery and 28

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the reproduction of everyday objects, such as Campbell Soup cans, comic strips and advertisements. The movement eliminated distinctions between "good" and "bad" taste and between fine art and commercial art techniques. Sara takes requests from friends and followers as well as drawing some of her favourite celebrity icons such as Frank Ocean, Donald Glover, Jaden Smith and, more recent drawings depicting the late Hollywood actor Luke Perry as well as her take on the blockbuster hit, Joker.

Sara is gripped by the artistic process. She loves to learn new techniques and change up her style when the drawing permits.

“I make different art for everyone,” she explains. “Some people request cartoony, and some want super-hero style, it depends on each individual.” For the moment, Sara’s tools are simple; she uses her iPhone 7 and various apps including Stylus and, more recently, Procreate Pocket to create digital art. She hopes to upgrade this to an iPad and iPen soon.

Unlike a traditional canvas and watercolour paintings, digital pieces carry their own flair and finesse. However, the practice of producing the art remains the same. For Sara, pondering on a finished artwork is part of her routine. “I know I’m almost done with my piece when I add the small details that make my art come to life, like dots or stars, or freckles” she tells us. “Sometimes, after I finish a piece, I leave it to sit for an hour or more, just to look back at it and make sure it is exactly how I want it to be.”

There is no rush when it comes to digital art. Much like its conventional counterparts, Sara’s work is, simply, an outcome of modern-day creativity and passion. “The vision of the final piece keeps me consistent till the end,” Sara says. “What inspires my work is the people I share my art with. They give me really good feedback and it makes me want to do more.”

Helping to dispel the idea that digital art is something of a casual pastime, and not to be taken seriously, Sara’s work is the perfect example of moving with the times.

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT “I have studied a little bit about what each colour can make you feel,” Sara shares. “So, I like to post art with these specific colors to grab people’s attention. Other times, I just pick a colour according to how I feel or what I think will look better with the main art piece.”

Sara is forever grateful to the online world and the wider community in Bahrain for the love and support she has received so far – a testament to the country and its people for their encouragement and acceptance of all creative practices. “Most artists that I know in Bahrain are really supportive with my art and I can ask them anything in terms of getting advice,” she smiles. “The only challenge really is me challenging myself to improve.”

With almost 4k followers on Instagram, Sara’s talent is proof that artistic boundaries are nonexistent in today’s social media landscape.

Being able to share her art with such a wide audience online has been a blessing in disguise for Sara.

“Social media has really helped me grow as an artist,” she says. “All the comments have been positive and I also get random messages from people telling me they like my work. Also, a lot of people share my art on their stories which has really helped me to grow my followers and also helped me to make some money from my skills,” she adds.

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Two of the artists that Sara looks to for inspiration can be found on Instagram: @Bluesssatan and @By_nick – both with different styles. In fact, Sara’s advice for standing out in a market that is so saturated with talent is to find your own style. “Keep practicing and think about what your art would be according to your personality or if it was the other way around would you consider buying art from yourself,” Sara advices. “Also, don’t be afraid to try new things. Your art doesn’t have to look like other people’s art, draw what you want, and that’s what will make you a unique artist.”

Sara’s artworks are also very family friendly, so people of all ages can visit her account on Instagram and request what they would like. Her future plans include designing stickers and t-shirts with her artwork, showing a penchant for entrepreneurial chase with what could well and truly be a fully-fledged merch line. And that is something we can definitely get behind! ✤ 32

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GO: Follow Sara on Instagram: @popcorn.nose.art for all the latest information. Her artwork starts from AED50 and purchases can be made via DM.

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• SOCIETY

OBLONG ART GALLERY OPENS ITS FIRST EXHIBITION TITLED THE NASCENCE

The first gallery located on Bluewaters Island Oblong Contemporary Gallery unveiled its first exhibit, The Nascence, in midOctober. The exhibition is a display of 25 sculptures, which showcase work, for the first time, from the world’s foremost sculptors including Igor Mitoraj, Stefano Bombardieri, Pablo Atchugarry, Robert Indiana, Gustavo Velez, Helidon XhiXha and Jimenez Deredia, to name but a few. Special guests, VIP invitees and art enthusiasts attended the exclusive opening.

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DUBAI DESIGN WEEK 2019 T H E F I F T H E D I T I O N O F T H E L A R G E S T C R E AT I V E F E S T I V A L I N T H E M I D D L E E A S T W I L L B E C E L E B R AT E D W I T H A V A R I E D P R O G R A M M E O F O V E R 2 0 0 E V E N T S, H I G H L I G H T I N G T H E D E S I G N I D E N T I T Y O F T H E U A E A N D W I D E R R E G I O N.

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eld in partnership with Dubai Design District (d3) and supported by Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA) and Audi Middle East, the fifth edition of Dubai Design Week will spotlight the design identity of the UAE through diverse representations of local and international creative efforts.

With its hub in d3, Dubai Design Week has been a key player in cementing the city as a destination for design professionals and enthusiasts. Presenting a focus on regional designers in its ambitious and extensive programme of events this year, Dubai Design Week 2019 will continue to encompass a range of disciplines including architecture, product design, interiors and multimedia and will offer more opportunities than ever for visitors to directly engage with regional talent, creating a dialogue that affirms Dubai’s status as the region’s creative capital.

DOWNTOWN DESIGN At the heart of Dubai Design Week is Downtown Design (November 12 to 15), the leading fair for high-quality and original design in the Middle East. After its successful launch last year, Downtown Editions, the fair’s dedicated section for limited edition and bespoke design will continue to present the next generation of regional talent.

Exhibiting designers will include Kuwaiti Meshary AlNassar, who will show a collection of sculptural marble lights inspired by his family home, UAE- based Tashkeel, who will unveil the 2019 cohort of Tanween designers and Sharjahbased Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council who will present pieces of traditional and modern crafts from across the UAE. Aljoud Lootah will also present a numbered, limited-edition collection of objects inspired by the Emirati wooden dowry chest, the Mandoos, while the region’s equestrian culture will be represented in a collection by Emirati designer Hajar Abdallah, who makes her designer debut.

MADAR AND INSIGHT/ONSITE BY GHASSAN SALAMEH Sitting in Downtown Editions, design entrepreneur Ghassan Salameh will curate two exhibitions which focus on regional design. “MADAR”, an initiative supported by d3, will be an educational exhibition that will shed light on the current emerging movements and initiatives in the design market of the region today. The curated exhibition will feature works by regional designers and design experts based in the Middle-East, offering insights on the different components and stakeholders that constitute the ecosystem behind the design industry as well as highlight the various stages of a starting a design business. Salameh will also curate a product-focused exhibition titled “INSIGHT/ONSITE”, which will showcase the latest productions and innovations of emergent and independent local and regional designers, in a standardized equal space format. Here, new designers will be able to get real-time feedback on the viability of their concepts.

ABWAB Translated as ‘doors’ in Arabic, Abwab is an architectural installation that offers a platform for design talent from across the Middle East. In its fifth edition the designers selected from India, the Eastern Provinces of Saudi Arabia, and Lebanon will be challenged to recreate the local classrooms of their cultures through the “ways of learning” theme.

“Qissa Ghar” meaning ‘Home of Stories’ by Mumbai-based Busride Design Studio, will retell creation myths from cultures across India: seven contemporary artists have been invited to interpret these fantastic stories onto Khadi - hand spun natural fiber cloth originating from India.

“WAL(L)TZ” by Lebanese-Polish sisters Tessa Sakhi and Tara Sakhi, of multidisciplinary Beirut based architecture and design studio T SAKHI Architects, will respond to this year’s theme with an interactive wall portraying the socio- political barriers in society through a psychological and physiological journey for its visitors.

The Eastern Provinces of Saudi Arabia, supported by Ithra, is represented in a fact magazine

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research-led project that works to safeguard the craft native to the land; palm frond weaving. Shahad Alazzaz founder of Azaz Architects collaborates with local craftspeople to develop innovative textiles and experiment with their application, each textile being an interpretation of a process and story, interlocked as a symbolic representation of community.

UMBRA BY FINSA AND TINKAH Spanish wood solutions manufacturer Finsa have commissioned Dubai-based multidisciplinary design studio Tinkah to create a gateway to Dubai Design District (d3). “UMBRA” will be inspired by the Mashrabiya patterns of the Middle East with Emiratispecific perforations. Mashrabiya, an element of traditional Middle Eastern architecture, was historically used as a window or spatial partition with its geometric perforations enabling occupants to observe activity without themselves being visible, and simultaneously prevent the sun from overheating homes, limiting the light allowed in while still inviting a breeze. The reimagined partitions of UMBRA using Finsa materials will be produced to allow visitors interact with the structure and objects, the sun will paint shadow patterns across the surfaces within it.

BARJEEL BY MAS ARCHITECTURE MAS Architecture Studio will be producing a six-metre tall installation titled “Barjeel”, inspired by the traditional wind towers of the UAE, composed from layers of reclaimed cardboard and strip lighting in an exercise to build from reused materials.

Historically, the wind towers were a common architectural element of small houses and villas in the region, performing 38

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as non-electrical air-conditioners. Their function was to catch and direct cooler breeze into the house below it, circulating the hotter air to the top of the structure. Barjeel will harness passive ventilation to create the same effect, resulting in a place of rest for visitors.

GREEN NEXUS BY MAS PAINTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH UAE MODERN With the aim of bringing visitors together to exchange knowledge on nature-based solutions for the next generation to thrive, MAS Paints in partnership with UAE Modern will present a site-specific installation to Dubai Design District (d3). A landscaped podium will tell the stories of best practices in water security, water pollution, food security and health. This will be shaded by trees, acting as a connector between living things, blending technology and natural elements.

AUDI INNOVATION HUB BY ABDALLA ALMULLA The 2019 Audi Innovation Hub will be designed by Emirati designer and architect Abdulla AlMulla, founder of ‘MULA’ design studio. Almulla’s methodology is driven by creative energy, and taking inspiration from technological advances. The pavilion will consist of a sweeping steel structure, combined with gradient mesh which creates shade, inspired by the technology of Audi’s “e-tron”, as well as Almulla’s use of patterns and geometry in setting design guidelines.

AUGMENTED GARDEN BY SUPERFUTUREDESIGN* Dubai-based architectural studio Superfuturedesign* will explore the perceived nervous system of flora through sound and light in their AUGMENTED GARDEN installation. Superfuturedesign* will look into the ways in which plants undergo a significant exchange of information as a result of outside stimulus by electrical impulses and signals. By giving plants a voice, Superfuturedesign* will encourage visitors to engage in a new dialogue, interacting with nature in an unexpected way.

a multimedia pop-up exhibition titled “Kabul Old City – A Visual Journey” in collaboration with ICONEM, using virtual reality technology to digitise endangered cultural heritage sites in 3D. ART JAMEEL SHOP With hand-picked products especially for Dubai Design Week, the Art Jameel Shop will be situated in Building 4, next to Global Grad Show, and will be the home for items related to contemporary art, design, architecture, and culture – from the UAE to the world.

Products from established and award-winning brands will sit alongside items commissioned especially for Design Week from regional designers and up-and-coming artisans.

SHARJAH ARCHITECTURE TRIENNIAL Coinciding with Dubai Design Week 2019, the inaugural edition of Sharjah Architecture Triennial will be staged from November 9, reinforcing November as the annual meeting point for design in the region. The Sharjah Architecture Triennial aims to serve as a platform for architecture and urbanism in the region, while advancing the contemporary practice and preservation of the region’s rich modern heritage. ✤

“KABUL OLD CITY – A VISUAL JOURNEY”, BY TURQUOISE MOUNTAIN An independent organisation working to protect community at risk primarily in Afghanistan and with a focus on historic buildings and heritage crafts, Turquoise Mountain, will present

GO: Follow @dubaidesignweek on instagram or visit www.dubaidesignweek.ae for more information.

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Under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

Tolerance in Multiculturalism: Achieving the Social, Economic and Humane Benefits of a Tolerant World

ToSmile ToLove ToPractise Tolerance

13-14 NOVEMBER 2019 Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events Centre

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#ToleranceForAll fact magazine

‫التسامح_للجميع‬#

OBLONG ART

A N E W A R T G A L L E R Y P R O M O T I N G M O D E R N A N D C O N T E M P O R A R Y I N T E R N AT I O N A L A R T, W I T H A F O C U S O N S C U L P T U R E , H A S O P E N E D O N B L U E W AT E R S I S L A N D . fact magazine

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he first gallery located on the island destination, Oblong Contemporary Gallery unveiled its first exhibit, The Nascence, in mid-October. The exhibition is a display of 25 sculptures, which showcase work, for the first time, from the world’s foremost sculptors including Igor Mitoraj, Stefano Bombardieri, Pablo Atchugarry, Robert Indiana, Gustavo Velez, Helidon XhiXha and Jimenez Deredia, to name but a few.

The Gallery’s founders - Mara Firetti, Emanuela Venturini and Paola Marucci – believe that Oblong Contemporary Gallery will create a platform for cross cultural exchange in the UAE, a country now emerging as an international hub for promoting art and culture.

“OBLONG Contemporary Gallery will showcase some of the most prolific and prominent artists’ works from Pietrasanta, the Tuscan town famous for its marble and bronze workshops and where artists have gathered across centuries since the time of Michaelangelo,” Mara Firetti explains. “We aim to be a cultural platform of exchange and will be hosting a strong programme of workshops, educational initiatives and a crosscultural art exchange programme between Dubai and Pietrasanta.”

Oblong Contemporary Gallery is located at R29 Bluewaters Boulevard. The two-month exhibition, The Nascence runs until December 14. Open to the public from Sunday to Saturday, 12pm to 10pm. ✤

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

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN The Irishman

Highlights

WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

A mob hitman and World War II veteran, Frank Sheeran trains and develops his skills during the course of his service in Italy. Now an old man, he looks back at his past and reflects on the important events in his life as a hitman, including his role in the disappearance of his long-time friend Jimmy Hoffa and connections with the Bufalino crime family.

DIRECTOR: Martin Scorsese CAST: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

A thrilling mob epic featuring an excellent plotline, Martin Scorsese’s latest offering puts him right back in the cinematic game. An enthralling and dark humoured biography of World War II combat veteran Frank Sheeran, The Irishman takes us behind the scenes into the life of a hitman. An unparalleled illustration of Scorsese’s legendary and distinctive filmmaking, the breathtaking recollection of the Philadelphia hitman’s glory days will reel you in as you embark on a journey back in time. Based on the 2004 memoir ‘I Heard You Paint Houses’ by Charles Brandt, the film follows Frank “The Irishman” Sheeran, as he looks back at his violent past and reflects on his crime-ridden ways. Reflecting on his various alleged jobs as a hitman, the role he played in the disappearance of labour leader Jimmy Hoffa, as well as his involvement with the Bufalino crime family, Sheeran’s contemplation will have you feeling all the emotions. From humanising the hitman to narrating an engrossing story of crime and political history, The Irishman will have you on the edge of your seat.

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Harriet

“

Following her escape from slavery in 1849, heroic abolitionist Harriet Tubman helps free hundreds of slaves from the South. What follows is a gruelling escape from slavery through dangerous missions to liberate slaves through the Underground Railroad.

From humanising the hitman to narrating an engrossing story of crime and political history, The Irishman will have you on the edge of your seat.

– The Irishman

DIRECTOR: Kasi Lemmons CAST: Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr.

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

An inspiring narrative about slavery, liberation and heroism, Harriet tells the extraordinary story of Harriet Tubman’s escape to freedom.

Unlike other historical epics, what makes the film stand out is its spirituality and imagination.

Beautifully capturing the tensions between blacks who were born free and those who were born in chains, the film unearths the tragic issue like never before. Haunted by the memory of watching her sisters taken away and sold, Harriet is unable to enjoy her freedom alone and decides to go back South and free her family. Becoming a hero to hundreds of other slaves, Harriet leads the way to freedom as one of the most famous conductors on the Underground Railroad.

Offering a gorgeous aesthetic, heartwarming speeches and an unassailable hero, Harriet is definitely one to watch out for.

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

FICTION

The Topeka School

By Ben Lerner

R&B/SOUL

Love and Compromise

By Mahalia

Coming at us with a gorgeous blend of intoxicating vocals and relatable lyrics, Mahalia’s latest offering is enough to cement her position as more than an upand-coming star in the mainstream music world. Technically her second album, Love and Compromise is being pushed as her debut record – and we are here for it. Having created her own unique brand of soulful R&B, the singer has been slaying us with her mermerising sound and she’s just getting started. Bringing her signature R&B sound to the fore, Square 1 humorously talks about going back into a relationship that didn’t work out the first time. Beautifully fusing gospel-backing vocals with neo-soul piano riffs, the addictive tune is enough to drive your heartbreak away. Driven by heartbreak, the British songstress’ inspiring soundtrack is the gift we never knew we needed.

What You Did featuring Ella Mai brings the two artists together to create an excellent masterpiece. A remarkable demonstration of their impressive voices, the singers tackle a cheating ex over ‘90’s instrumentals without overpowering each other. With incredibly honest lyrics and dazzling yet casual vibes shining through, Love and Compromise is an absolute winner. The breezy R&B and soulinfused album is officially our fall soundtrack!

DANCE/ ELECTRONIC

Magdalene

By FKA Twigs

Blessing us with another hit soundtrack, FKA Twigs’ Magdalene reintroduces the singer into the musical realm like never before. Making her comeback after a four-year hiatus, the album is borne out of a time of solitude in the singer’s life. A song about going back home, Home With You is a track straight from the singer’s heart. The third single from her latest album, the alternating beat-heavy track features breathtaking piano balladry as she breaks free and embraces change.

A melodious catalogue of all the lovers the singer has ever had, and all the lovers she’ll ever have, the album is delicate while also being beautifully defiant and strong. Cellophane a raw and vulnerable declaration of her deepest emotions is unlike anything we have ever heard from the artist. Toning down on her usual twitchy technical production to reveal her hyponotising voice, the song is brimming with complicated feelings and true emotions. Needless to say, FKA Twigs’ dramatic comeback has been a total triumph.

A senior at Topeka High School, Adam Gordon is a renowned debater and orator, expected to win a national championship before he heads to college, all while trying to pass off as a “real man” and the cool kid at school.

His mother, Jane, is a famous feminist author, and his father, Jonathan, is a renowned expert at getting “lost boys” to open up. As Jane and Jonathan struggle with the challenge of raising a good son surrounded by a culture of toxic masculinity, the story beautifully shifts perspective and time periods to produce a truly enthralling narrative.

NON-FICTION

Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language

By Gretchen McCulloch Talking about the evolution of language and diving deep into the world of the internet, this book will change the way you look at the World Wide Web. The book tries to understand how the Internet is making our language change rapidly and in more interesting ways than ever before. From apps and platforms to comments and replies, new slang and unfiltered words are spreading at a dizzying speed. McCulloch explores the forces that shape our language and influence the way we communicate with each other.

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• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

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Palatial

HOSPITALITY IF WE’RE TALKING ABOUT FIRST IMPRESSIONS, PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE LOBBY AT HABTOOR PALACE DUBAI, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS; A LAVISH STAIRCASE AND GOLDMARBLE INTERIORS IS ENOUGH TO DRAW A GENUINE “WOW”. FACT INDULGED IN A STAYCATION AT THIS GRAND HOTEL, A PLACE THAT IS TRULY FIT FOR ROYALTY.

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s far as 5-star hotels go, Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts is most definitely amongst one of the world’s most opulent. The property’s regal interiors and extravagant exterior makes it stand out in what has become a crowded market.

Resembling a majestic French country manor house or a faraway imperial palace, Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts is a sight for sore eyes once the sky turns to night. Majestically lit up, it extends the legacy of luxury UAE hospitality to visitors near and far. Located on the arterial Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel’s interiors are nothing short of what you’d expect to find in a palace; accentuated by bespoke elements such as the grand staircase and carefully selected artworks dotted around the hotel. And what a GRAND staircase it is. The second we walk into the lobby, it’s phone’s out because this is one for the ‘gram. We could happily lounge about in this lobby all day long, drinking tea and coffee, and casually doing some work on the laptop. Alas, the suite awaits us. We’re greeted with a warm smile and the check-in staff make a great first impression – serving us Arabic coffee and a cold towel to refresh. The efficiency and attention to detail continues throughout as we head up to our Diplomatic Suite.

LUXURY LIVING From sleek modern guest rooms to expansive residential-style suites, Habtoor Palace Dubai effortlessly blends sophistication with premium comfort and convenience. It’s home to 52 opulent suites including the bespoke Bentley Suite and Sir Winston Churchill Suite - the only one of its kind in the Middle East. We step off the elevator onto a cosy corridor that is wide enough for three suitcases to be rolled side by side – wide corridors are hard to find in many Dubai hotels (it’s the little things!). Upon entering the Diplomatic Suite, we need a minute to process – it’s stunning. fact magazine

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Decked out in the most sumptuous furnishings, the bed looks as soft as a cloud whilst the bathroom is the stuff of pinterest dreams and the expansive dining/lounge is beautiful, spacious and proof that open plan suites do really work.

The details are effortless. A mini bar and beverage-making facilities are one of the best we’ve found in a 5-star hotel, whilst the dual vanity bathroom has a large shower with a marble seat, a deep-soaking, traditional white bathtub and lots of room for two people to comfortably make use of the space, is absolute perfection. We loved the luxury Acqua Di Parma amenities, the separate areas to keep your makeup and toiletries and the overall design, which felt airy and unobtrusive.

The suite carries a classic charm, the kind you would easily find in a characteristic Knightsbridge London apartment or a dwelling on New York’s Upper East Side. There’s a soothing colour palette of delightfully merged pastel tones. The walls are covered in elegant paper, whilst everything from the chaise longue to the work desk, the chic blackout curtains and the soft carpet too are all choices that only a high-end interior designer could make. To put it simply, whatever you vision when someone utters “tasteful” or “classy” – that’s what you’ll find in this accommodation. A huge King Bed is so neatly done that we almost don’t want to even touch it. But when sleep calls, we slip in between the plush sheets and have a well-rested night.

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And, that’s not even the best part. All the rooms and suites at Habtoor Palace Dubai come with complimentary Wi-Fi as well as Butler Service – bonus! Born out of a need to fulfil every guest’s desire, the butler service is extended to all guests and this is something truly special. Every butler that attended to us – whether it was to bring our morning cappuccino at 10am on the dot or a hot chocolate night cap, the service was incredibly professional, personable and a true privilege for guests at the hotel.

FOOD FINESSE When it comes to food at Habtoor Palace Dubai, you’ll be spoilt for choice with numerous restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from.

Tempt your palate with haute cuisine, unwind at one of the exclusive lounges, and spend time with friends at the courtyard café or sample gourmet beverages by the pool. The food and beverage options here embrace simple aromas and the buzz of the fashionable society of Dubai.

We decide to check out the one and only World Cut Steakhouse for dinner. Set within an elegant space of natural dark wood, glamorous light fixtures, and leather upholstered furniture, World Cut Steakhouse presents American steakhouse favourites with a modern flair. The venue is simply elegant and inviting with a very talented and soulful piano player and singer lifting the laid-bad spirit and entertaining guests with his bluesy sounds. There is a moodlit, jazz bar vibe straight out of New York. The venue is the kind of sophisticated that you’d expect in a top-notch 5-star hotel that prides itself on refinement.

Offering a collection of steakhouse classics, there’s premium meats, a variety of seafood and a comprehensive beverage list of robust vino and handcrafted cocktails - every fine-dining lover’s dream. We would highly recommend the Green Pea Soup as a winter warmer, followed by the grilled prawns Caesar salad and tasty black truffle fritters – SO good. fact magazine

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Exclusively at World Cut, we opt for the juicy Queensland ACCo Beef MB4 – 240g Tenderloin cooked medium well. The meat retains all of its flavour and goes flawlessly with a side of sautéed broccolini, potato gratin and grilled asparagus. We loved all the touches like choosing your own steak knife from a selection as wide as from Japan, and the bona fide mustard trolley from which you can select your mustard of choice – we went for dijon, naturally. End your meal with the mouthwatering salted caramel popcorn dessert, a true embodiment of fun meets refinement. The whole experience is an intimate and exclusive one; every table around us received the same level of attention and high-standard of service. This is the sort of place that you want to keep as your hidden gem but also share the secret with anyone who wants good food!

WELLNESS WONDER Although the location of the hotel isn’t by a beach, you’ll instantly feel a very calming and serene vibe running throughout the property. The outdoor pool is flanked by lush greenery, making it feel like you’re on the rooftop of a stately building on a summer’s day! Refresh and unwind here while enjoying the personalised service of the pool butlers.

Complimentary offerings are available throughout the day, including fruit sticks, smoothie tastings, sunscreen spritzing, cold towels and more. A 24-hour fitness centre and the impressive Silk Spa are also at hand for those who want to keep up their workout and relaxation game! Discover a spectrum of experiences from the moment you enter the transcendental world of Silk Spa, where moments of tranquillity await. Nestle within the opulent serenity of the hammam rooms, which promise magical exfoliating and detoxifying treatments. Indulge in transformative treatments featuring separate male and female areas with fully appointed wet areas, along with six distinctive treatment rooms and relaxation lounges, return with your senses in a state of bliss, your body truly energised, your skin as smooth as silk, and a longing to book your next treatment.

Therapists are professional and welcoming, and we were in our element whilst experiencing one of the most rejuvenating facials and a massage that was so good it put us into a deep slumber and eased muscle tension all at the same time. Silk Spa has a luxury boudoir feeling that every lady who needs some time with her girls to chill and get pampered, will appreciate.

Part of the Al Habtoor City complex, the hotel sits alongside two other hotels, three high-rise residential towers, and the very cool La Perle

by Dragone that are all collectively located on the banks of the breathtaking Dubai Water Canal. If you’re staying in the cooler months, take advantage of the walking weather and check out the neighbourhood!

We have only four words to sum up our stay: we will be back! ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 435 5555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 50

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DUBAIMOTORSHOW

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CITY RIDES •

COMPACT LUXURY:

RANGE ROVER EVOQUE HSE The new Range Rover Evoque HSE offers an unprecedented level of refinement in a vehicle that is so instantly recognisable. FACT takes it out on the UAE roads for a test drive…

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hen the Range Rover Evoque HSE pulls up, it’s going to turn heads. To put it simply, the compact SUV sets new standards of refinement, capability and sustainability, created from an all-new vehicle architecture. Outstanding proportions deliver a dramatic silhouette and stance, truly conveying Range Rover Evoque’s distinctive appearance. Precise details in the front and rear graphics, with slimmer signature LED headlights, add to a sleek and contemporary appearance.

Combining unrivalled Range Rover heritage with cutting-edge technology – designed, engineered and manufactured in Britain – this vehicle meets the needs of today’s drivers. A few tech firsts include ‘see through bonnet’ technology and a rear-view mirror that turns into an HD screen displaying a camera feed of what’s behind the vehicle.

For those who prefer their SUV in a more manageable size, the Range Rover Evoque HSE ticks all the boxes. Design plays a huge part in the Range Rover Evoque HSE’s appeal. Fewer lines, cleaner surfaces and a high level of precision all heighten the modernity and sophistication of the Range Rover Evoque’s design. Flush deployable door handles, optional 21" wheels1 and Matrix LED headlights2 with front and rear Animated Directional Indicators give it undoubted presence. If you decide to go for the First Edition model, the car features exclusive touches including 20" 5 splitspoke ‘Style 5079’ wheels, illuminated treadplates and a Gradated Linear Dark Aluminium trim finisher with First Edition script. The

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exterior is available in Nolita Grey, Seoul Pearl Silver or Yulong White.

Windsor leather, Kvadrat premium wool blends and Eucalyptus fibre textiles are just some of the options to furnish your Range Rover Evoque. In fact, the interior pays homage to the original while firmly looking forward; simple, elegant lines and sophisticated surface work in harmony with contemporary materials to ensure a tailored and compelling environment. Seats are also available with electric movement, memory, heating, cooling and massage, which makes longer trips between the different Emirates a joy – for both the driver and passengers.

If ever there was a car that came with its tech A-game, this is it.

Part of the range of innovative technologies is the optional Matrix LED headlights with signature Daytime Running Lights (DRL)2 featuring an adaptive beam. This maximises the number of high beam sections for ultimate visibility while casting a shadow over oncoming traffic, helping to prevent dazzling. Both you and the drivers around you will be thankful for this!

Inside, the optional dual high-definition 10" Touchscreens provides increased flexibility and efficiency. For example, you can easily view navigation on the upper screen while still interacting with additional features, such as climate or media, via the lower screen.

It’s pretty simple but complete genius at the same time.

And if that’s not enough, with high resolution and pin-sharp graphics, the optional high-definition, Interactive Driver Display presents driving information, entertainment and active safety data, including navigation, phone and media, clearly and without distraction. Infotainment is also a great asset to the Range Rover Evoque HSE; delivering a wealth of information and

CITY RIDES •

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• CITY RIDES

entertainment, the vehicle is equipped with a brilliant InControl infotainment system, Touch Pro, as standard. It seamlessly links both you and your vehicle to the wider world, whether that’s being able to make and receive calls safely or, as the most important thing for us, syncing your playlist and podcasts with the car for ample listening pleasure. Meridian Audio’s sound systems and advanced digital signal processing algorithms ensure that the rhythm, punch and timing of any piece of music are heard precisely how the artist intended. We can vouch for this as every moment of a Mariah Carey ballad as well as a Drake hit played out spot on.

The car features two USB ports and a 12V power socket inside the cubby box. Rear passengers can access a 12V power socket or two optional USB charging ports to keep their devices charged and comfortably view tablets with the Click and Go system.TV screens on headrests were a part of our test drive vehicle – another personalisation for those who want it.

Using a combination of the key fob and your smartphone, Range Rover Evoque recognises you and can remember a number of settings. With the learning function, Smart Settings can also learn and automate your preferences, based on your habits and routines.

For example, shifting the driver’s seat to the exact position you feel comfortable in when you turn the engine on.

Enhancing the well-being of both the driver and passengers, the optional Cabin Air Ionisation with Nanoe technology improves 56

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the air quality within the vehicle cabin by removing allergens, viruses, airborne bacteria and associated odours. This is a huge benefit for anyone who suffers from dust allergies or likes to have lunch on the go. To always ensure optimal comfort, no matter the temperature outside, heated and cooled front seats are available as an option – enabling both the driver and passenger to set their preferred temperature independently.

From negotiating city traffic to providing additional safety features, there's a wealth of innovative technologies available, either as standard, optional or as part of a pack – like the HSE. Every feature has been designed and engineered to heighten your enjoyment of the Range Rover Evoque.

One of our absolute favourite features is the innovative ClearSight interior rear view mirror5 and ClearSight Ground View, which are both firsts for Land Rover. They provide a clear line of sight for normally obstructed views, delivering greater levels of confidence when driving off-road or in challenging urban situations – perfect for the UAE. The Range Rover Evoque HSE makes light work of extreme driving conditions The vehicle’s on and off-road handling, combined with all-weather capability, guarantees it delivers a confident and assured drive, no matter what the conditions. Best-in-class departure angle and wading depth, Terrain Response 2, optional ClearSight Ground View and the Sports Command Driving position enhance those capabilities. The vehicle’s All Wheel Drive (AWD) system, along with the improved Active Driveline feature, help to improve traction and off road capability too.

The SportShift Selector4 is simple and intuitive to use. Off-road, it enables quick and efficient forward and reverse engagement which allows you to better negotiate tricky terrains, such as sand and mud – incredibly helpful for where we are.

And if you find yourself facing a body of water or tackling an unexpected area of the city on one of its few rainy days, ultrasonic sensors, located in the door mirrors, detect and alert you should the water approach Range Rover Evoque HSE’s class-leading wading depth of up to 600mm. Optional Wade Sensing9 can also help you to safely tackle water crossings and could prove invaluable for navigating flooded roads.

For those thinking of taking long weekend road trips, the Range Rover Evoque HSE can tow up to 2,000kg. An optional detachable tow bar or electrically deployable tow bar can also be fitted. Who said you can’t take the jet skis with you? Indeed, space is abundant in this car. Range Rover Evoque HSE’s increased stowage can easily adapt to suit your needs. The front door bins now have a combined capacity of 9.6 litres - more than enough space to keep your essentials, water and light snacks easily to hand.

Safety is at the forefront of the Range Rover Evoque HSE. A comprehensive system of driver, passenger and pedestrian airbags provides excellent protection for all the vehicle’s occupants whilst Dynamic Stability Control reduces engine torque and applies braking to the appropriate wheels to correct the vehicle‘s direction of travel by counteracting understeer or oversteer. Range Rover Evoque uses the latest safety technologies, including Electronic Brake-force Distribution, which automatically varies the braking force to each axle in order to minimise stopping distance, while still maintaining stability and the vehicle’s ability to steer.

Emergency Brake Assist understands when the brakes are applied quickly but without the necessary force to maximise stopping performance. It boosts brake pressure to ensure you stop in time.

Hazard warning lights activate automatically during emergency braking.

High-speed Emergency Braking11 detects when a potential frontal collision with another vehicle may occur and displays an alert warning the driver to brake. If the driver does not react, Range Rover Evoque deploys the brakes to reduce the severity of the possible impact.

Sustainability is all at the core of this vehicle. Range Rover Evoque’s development process has included a full life cycle assessment and has been designed to be 85 percent recyclable/re-usable and 95 percent recoverable at the end of the vehicle’s life. Recycled materials have been used in the car’s making wherever possible. MHEV is a Mild Hybrid system that harvests and stores energy normally lost during vehicle deceleration and intelligently redeploys it to assist the engine to maximise efficiency. It incorporates an enhanced Stop/Start system that enables the engine to shutdown while the vehicle decelerates.

Performance wise, precise dynamics and a supple ride are delivered through optional Adaptive Dynamics8 by monitoring wheel position and body movements. The electronically controlled dampers optimise the suspension settings and provide the optimum balance between comfort, refinement and agility at all times.

Torque Vectoring by Braking4 delivers controlled, responsive cornering by reducing near-limit understeer through controlled braking of the inside wheels. With Active Rear Locking Differential, you receive the additional benefit of more traction on corners and more grip off-road.

The new Range Rover Evoque’s dramatic, confident and sophisticated design is in complete harmony with the simplicity of its intuitive technologies and supreme levels of functionality. The perfect balance between effortless comfort, on-road refinement and off-road capabilities make Range Rover Evoque a joy to drive.

Choose the HSE pack for even more of an exhilarating drive, whatever the road conditions and your driving purpose may be. ✤ GO: VISIT WWW.LANDROVER-UAE.COM/EN TO BOOK A 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 NOVEMBER…

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Science Journal

Yummly

Make science fun and easy to learn!

Google’s Science Journal app turns your smartphone into a portable research device by taking advantage of your phone’s sensors to record and monitor things like motion, sound levels and light levels. The app offers a number of activities and experiments designed by the Exploratorium that are specially curated to show kids the basics of the scientific method and teach them the basic principles of physics.

Indulge in recipes designed for your individual needs! The app takes into account your dietary restrictions and personal tastes to help you discover recipes that are right up your alley.

The app shows you a selection of recipes to “Yumm” (“like”). Once you’ve chosen five (and entered any dietary restrictions), Yummly uses this data to constantly refine a list of recipes to feature every time you open the app.

Save your favourite recipes, create instant shopping lists and even get items delivered through Instacart.

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PLUGGED IN •

CAN YOU HEAR US? Ushering in a whole new era of sound technology, Sony’s new WF-1000XM3 earphones are here to elevate your listening experience.

A

rmed with the same incredible noise-reduction technology as its predecessors, the earphones are smaller, more efficient and offer the most amazing sound quality. Clad in a sleek and convenient design, the earphones come with an array of features and controls that will give you the most out of your music. For starters, the WF-1000XM3 promise continuous, uninterrupted use thanks to its outstanding 8-hour battery life. If you’re in a time crunch, its quick charge feature gives you 90 minutes of playback in just 10 minutes.

The glossy touchpad on the exterior of each bud allows you to play and pause music, use voice assistant, as well as change songs. Equipped with a QN1e noise-canceling chip and two microphones on each earbud to help block out noise from the outside world, it easily drowns out keyboard clicks, public transit noise, and loud conversations. Offering excellent noise cancelling for call clarity, the earbuds can be used separately for calls and music. Apart from just aiding pairing, the Sony Connect App offers a number of great features, including the flexibility to adjust equalisation, regulate your desired level

of noise-cancelling and accessing the button for Google Assistant. But what truly makes the WF-1000XM3 stand out is its remarkable sound quality. The earbuds come with a DSEE HX engine that is designed to upscale lo-fidelity sound for better sound quality along with the noise cancelling. The combination makes for a superior quality sound performance that is similar to larger over-ear headphones. Apart from the amazing sound quality, the earbuds also offer the option to customise the sound to suit your liking. Adjust it through the EQ settings in the app so you can alter the sound according to the genre you’re listening to. Offering a premium look and feel along with exceptional noise-cancelling technology, the only downside to these amazing earphones is that they are not water resistance, hence making them not suitable for working out. If you’re willing to look past that, the WF-1000XM3 is a definite bang for your buck! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.SONY-MEA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

WAKE UP CALL FESTIVAL AT W DUBAI THE PALM WAKE UP CALL – W Hotel’s groundbreaking music festival series – took place at W Dubai – The Palm in October. Taking the festival experience off the field and into the hotel, the event saw over 3,000 attendees enjoying great music and good vibes. With headline acts, Disclosure, Rita Ora and Rüfüs Du Sol, taking center stage as well as new/next talent performing in much more intimate settings such as the hotel’s incredible WET (pool) deck, WAKE UP CALL upped its FOMO factor with a series of experiences to enjoy across the whole weekend. Festival goers were able to enjoy great music, an amazing atmosphere and an array of activities including fashion pop-ups with Charlotte Tilbury, FUEL workouts set to the weekend’s soundtrack, the famous Palm Sugar Brunch, art pop-ups, food and beverage trucks and more.

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FASHION FOCUS •

AMERICAN VINTAGE

AW’19

THIS AUTUMN / WINTER 2019, AMERICAN VINTAGE IS TAKING US TO THE CHILLY STREETS OF LONDON – HACKNEY. fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS London on a whim, spontaneous, urban. Endlessly layered or worn over bare skin, the pieces let you express and shine your personality. The American Vintage AW’19 collection is clothing, capable of crossing eras and travelling through time while looking fresh as ever.

Season after season, American Vintage continues to be the brand that holds authentic simplicity and timeless silhouettes as a requirement. Combining high quality materials with an urban lifestyle to create timeless basics the brand is internationally recognised for.

A collection created perfectly for layering that fits all environments and personalities; from day to night styling; from hot weather to slight temperature drops. A versatility of a timeless white T-shirt styled with trendy boyfriend jeans and layered with a colourful cardigan, to night look pairings with a silky sheer skirt thrown with some mohair white knits. Whether you are styling a dinner outfit or hanging at home with friends, no matter the occasion or mood,

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FASHION FOCUS •

AW’19 collection is designed to complement your personal style.

A connection to the urban city through fabrics and colours plays an important role and is central to the AW’19 collection. The pieces are made from the softest and most comfortable natural fabrics of cotton, cashmere, silk, mohair and Italian woolen threads, all which are ideal for all seasons and luxurious on the skin. Exclusive vibrant colours of peach, hyacinth, bush green, stormy grey, clementine or the blue of raw denim, as well as subtle prints – allow expression of individuality.

Urban, natural, unisex and always timeless - these are the basics you’ll be sure want to live in. For truly personal clothing to keep forever, see what you can create with the AW’19 collection, available in-stores and online now. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.AMERICANVINTAGE-STORES.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM THE AMERICAN VINTAGE AW’19 COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN MERICAN VINTAGE STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 64

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Sushi Saturday This is a call for sushi lovers to step into a new dining adventure with Teatro’s Sushi Saturday. Indulge in a lavish spread of the finest sushi handcrafted by master chefs, along with other traditional Japanese dishes and desserts, set in the theatrical ambience of Teatro.

AED 189* with a glass of grape from 6-11 pm. *Price is in UAE Dirham and inclusive of all applicable service charges, local fees and taxes.

Teatro. Where Eastern cooking meets Western cuisine

Only at Park Rotana For bookings please visit rotanatimes.com, call +971 2 657 3333 or email fb.park@rotana.com fact magazine

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• BEAUTY BOX

Beauty Checklist

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WINTER CALLS AND SO DOES YOUR MAKEUP AND SKINCARE ROUTINE…

LUSH

AURORA BOREALIS BODY SCRUB Spruce up your morning with the gorgeous Aurora Borealis Body Scrub! A colourful creation to lift your mood and polish your skin to perfection, the sugar and fine sea salt gently buff the rough stuff, while potato starch leaves you feeling silky.

Uplifting Sicilian lemon oil and invigorating spearmint oil combine with pineapple powder for an enzymatic burst of skinbrightening freshness.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY

AIRBRUSH FLAWLESS FOUNDATION

Unlock the secret to flawless, poreless-looking complexion with Charlotte Tilbury’s new Airbrush Flawless Foundation. A combination of magic makeup and skincare science, the flawless skin solution is enriched with Magic Replexium Serum, Magic Moss Celltec , Aircool and C.T. Defence that will have you looking and feeling amazing. Your skin will thank you!

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TOOTHPASTE Be You has six cheerful toothpaste flavours that are complete with the pairing of distinctive names.

There’s grapefruit and bergamot, peach and apricot, watermelon, juniper and persimmon, blackberry and licorice, and, apple and aloe. The expert formula cares for gums, helps sensitive teeth, and gives you long-lasting fresh breath. Packed with vitamin B and vegan-friendly ingredients, there’s no better choice for oral care.

BENEFIT

BROW STYLER Get brows for days with Benefit’s amazing new Brow Styler! This multitasking 2-in-1 waxpencil and powder is all you need to get three different brow looks in minutes. Fill in the brows with the powder alone for a soft and full look, or just use the wax for a clean and shaped look, or combine them both for bold and defined brows. The options are endless!

PESTLE & MORTAR

ARGAN LIQUID GOLD

BALANCE SPRITZ

MULTI-TONE BB CREAM

Begin a beautiful skin journey! Get skin that is thoroughly nourished and glowing from within with this fine misting facial spritz. Formulated with deep sea Irish magnesium, amino acids and herbal extracts, it helps refresh, calm and clarify the skin. The Spritz delivers hydration, improves skin health, balances sebum production and reduces skin pollution.

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BE YOU

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5 6

Skip your foundation and achieve the prettiest skin ever.

Formulated with pure, natural and organic Argan oil, it helps keep the skin nourished, giving it a plumper and more youthful look. The 24-carat gold not only gives the product a luxurious touch, but has also been proven to protect skin against premature signs of aging.

GROOMING BOX •

Grooming Checklist NOVEMBER MEANS EXTRA GAME FOR YOUR DAILY REGIME…

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HAWKINS & BRIMBLE

2 3

OIL CONTROL MOISTURISER

Blending classic style and simple, natural ingredients, this moisturiser will have you looking and feeling your best. This quick-absorbing hydrator feeds skin with fortifying omegas 3 and 6 and Vitamin E to help boost your skin’s defence against dullness and roughness and restoring pH balance. Ginseng helps brighten skin, while caffeine powder revives dull and tired skin. with moisture.

THE ART OF SHAVING BERGAMOT NEROLI AFTER-SHAVE BALMN Inspired by the warmth and energy of Mediterranean beaches, the new Bergamot Neroli After-shave Balm is all you need for the best shave of your life! Formulated with the blended aroma of uplifting and refreshing citrus notes, rounded with the sweet floral and fragrant bitter orange tree blossom, the balm replenishes moisture to soothe dry skin after shaving.

RITUALS COSMETICS OUDH EAU DE PARFUM POUR HOMME A complex and intoxicating fragrance, Rituals Cosmetics’ Oudh Eau de Parfum Pour Homme is the perfect fall fragrance. Inviting a sense of luxury and well being, the Oudh Eau de Parfum Pour Homme conjures up the vibrant and majestic skyline of modern cities.

Indulge your senses with the powerful, zesty scent of bergamot, infused in a leather accord with top notes of tobacco leaves.

R+CO CROWN SCALP SCRUB

4

Scrub away excess oil and flaking with R+Co’s Crown Scalp Scrub. Enriched with kaolin clay, Ecuadorian Ivory Palm Seed Powder and salicylic acid, the scrub helps soak impurities and dissolve dead skin, while argan oil nourishes hair. Revitalise your scalp as the scrub helps repair damage, soften and nourish hair, improve manageability and protects from environmental aggressors.

ORIBE SUPERSHINE MOISTURISING CREAM

5

Your holy grail for dry hair and frizzing! An elegant twist to leave in conditioner, this cream provides natural moisturisers and oils that can revive any hair type and leave you with a brilliant shine while maintaining frizz. The unique formulation helps add shine and control, while nourishing and strengthening the hair.

AMERICAN CREW HAIR RECOVERY+THICKENING SHAMPOO Say goodbye to dull, thinning hair with American Crew’s Hair Recovery+Thickening Shampoo!

Enriched with copper, provitamin B5 and peppermint oil, the shampoo helps add body and fullness while gently cleansing and conditioning, as vitamins and minerals help prolong hair life while also helping hair to retain water.

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• FOODIE FIX

NOVEMBER DINING DEALS Our favourite picks of the best offers to get your foodie fix…

RAFFLES DUBAI Terrazzo Thursday As we look forward to the beautiful weather, Solo sets the weekend mood on with Terrazzo Thursday, a creative evening brunch experience in the charming settings of its outdoor terrace overlooking the Raffles Garden. Guests will lose their senses to Italian culinary delights with a selection of antipasti, hot canapés and desserts in a perfect lounge set up. Available every Thursday night at Solo’s Terrace from 8pm to 11pm, the light evening brunch is priced at AED180 per person including soft drinks, AED280 per person including selected beverages and AED320 including premium beverages.

GO: Call (0)4 324 8888 for reservations and more information.

KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF THE EMIRATES Eat.Play.Brunch Eat, play and brunch the way through every Friday with the new family-friendly feast at Olea. Families can while away the day with not only a brunch, but also a leisurely breakfast, LEGO and American Girl play areas and a visit to the Magic Planet, for the ultimate fun-filled Friday that’s completely taken care of.

From 1pm to 5pm, guests can brunch to their hearts’ content at Olea. Sample an extravaganza of specialities with tastes, aromas and sights from all around the world. The fantastic international feast includes a wide range of live food stations including fresh 68

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salad, Gazpacho and Salmorejo counters, cooked to order pasta and risotto, spit roast lamb, Paella and a live BBQ serving grilled meats, fish and vegetables. All the while, guests can enjoy fresh juices, hand-crafted beverages and bubbles.

The soft package price is AED245 per person and includes full breakfast and lunch buffets, inclusive of soft beverages, and access to Magic Planet with two free games. The house package is AED345 per person and includes full breakfast and lunch buffets, inclusive of house beverages, and access to Magic Planet with two free games. Kids aged five to 12 will receive a 50% discount and children under five eat for free.

GO: Call (0)4 341 0000 for reservations and more information.

FOODIE FIX •

DUBAI CREEK YACHT CLUB Waterside Friday Brunch For postcard-perfect brunching and sun-soaked golden hue vistas head to the deck at Boardwalk for a different Friday vibe.

Located at the Dubai Creek Yacht Club, Boardwalk will transport you to the Mediterranean shores of Greece, France, North Africa and Italy with its overwater three-hour chill out with your nearest and dearest, with prices starting from just AED295 for adults. The brunch, which takes place every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, begins with hot and cold starters brought table side of fresh classics including Heirloom Tomato Tart, Octopus Salad, Barrel Aged Feta Cheese and Crispy Fried Calamari, all washed down with Bellini’s and crisp rosé before the main event.

The Fisherman’s Market BBQ, Lamb Kebab and Chermoula Prawns add that uber freshness to the special menu, while the deck’s Sweet Dream sharing dessert and crisp cocktail stations top off your mid-afternoon feast. Let the eclectic guitarist sounds be the backdrop of your brunch with the glittering skyline lighting up ready for the after party at famed Cielo Sky Lounge. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. AED295 for food and soft beverages; AED395 with house beverages; AED455 with bubbles; and AED145 for children aged six to 12-years-old.

GO: Call (0)4 295 6000 for reservations and more information.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL JUMEIRA, DUBAI Afternoon Caviar Tea While away the afternoon in exquisite style with Afternoon Caviar Tea, at Beluga, located in Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai.

With an indulgent selection of savoury delights, scones, caviar delicacies and sweet treats, Beluga promises to amaze and

impress from the moment you arrive until your last sip of tea.

Set in the opulent surroundings of Dubai’s first caviar- dedicated restaurant, the Afternoon Caviar Tea features a delectable canvas of Smoked Salmon Blinis, Sturgeon Shrimps and Beetroot Praline with Kaluga caviar, Smoked Eel Sandwich, Scones with Royal Baerii Caviar and tempting tea choices. The restaurant also serves a fine array of desserts including Spiced Caramel and Chocolate Tart, Blueberry Muffins and delicate Macarons. Served every day from 2pm to 6pm, Beluga is the destination for a truly elegant afternoon tea experience.

GO: Call (0)4 340 8882 for reservations and more information.

BQ – FRENCH KITCHEN & BAR En Blanc Brunch French Kitchen & Bar at Habtoor Palace Dubai, LXR Hotels & Resorts has introduced an exciting and sophisticated addition to the city’s fine-dining and gastronomy scene, the ‘En Blanc’ brunch.

The brand-new brunch concept runs from 12noon to 4pm every Friday, with diners enjoying four full hours of the best French food and fine, free-flowing drinks, mixed beverages and pink grape.

Inspired by the famous ‘Diner en Blanc’, where guests arrive in outfits of white, diners at the brunch are encouraged to also wear white. BQ – French Kitchen & Bar’s new brunch is set to impress food lovers with its delicious dishes, exceptional levels of service and superb value for money.

The sharing-style brunch evokes the classic atmosphere and exceptional tastes of authentic Parisian brasseries found on the city’s most famous streets, such Avenue des Champs-Élysées, with diners enjoying three courses of expertly prepared and superbly cooked signature French dishes.

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• FOODIE FIX Priced at AED350, diners can enjoy a great selection of appetisers, followed by traditional mains all brought to the table with a grand finale of desserts presented on a charming sweets trolley. The package includes unlimited pink grape beverage, French mixed beverages, mocktails and soft drinks.

GO: Call (0)4 435 5577 for reservations and more information.

SOFITEL DOWNTOWN Indish Enjoy a delectable range of fusion grub at the newly launched Indish kitchen and bar restaurant located in Sofitel Downtown, with a relaxing evening of delicious food and a stunning view.

The dining experience is full of unique flavours, textures and combinations with an immersive dining experience. The concept uses cutting edge cooking techniques, including molecular gastronomy and creative culinary art. Located on the 31st Floor of Sofitel, experience the perfect sunset spot with the best view of the town and a great vibe. Indish provides an unforgettable experience with mixology, scientific pairing of dishes, a fusion theme and much more. With specifically designed cocktails curated with a modern taste, the endless options will leave you wanting for more.

GO: Call (0)56 789 0089 for reservations and more information.

PALAZZO VERSACE Saturday Brunch by The Pool Cancel all your weekend plans as La Piscina by Palazzo 70

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Versace reveals a brand-new lavish Saturday Brunch featuring a magnificent Mediterranean-inspired spread, world class cocktails, free flowing beverages, lively music and of course, a dip in its sizeable pool lounge to cool off. This vibrant poolside escapade will be hosted every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm and promises to deliver a distinctive dining experience by the pool with a symphony of Mediterranean aromas and flavours.

From the vivid tropical-inspired décor to the stunning range of delicacies, this Saturday brunch is set to become the number one spot for brunch-lovers, as well as for guests looking for an unconventional, yet iconic party destination for the weekend.

Located at Versace hotel, one of Dubai’s hottest social scenes, La Piscina’s Saturday brunch is the only way to unwind from a long stressful work week.

This weekend brunch has been crafted as a cityscape Saturday brunch in an empire of sumptuous taste and contemporary fashion. Guests can look forward to a vast array of nibbles prepared at live cooking stations, including perfectly seared Wagyu sliders, a selection of fresh mezze in mini cones, slow cooked lamb shank with creamy eggplant or steamed black mussels and roasted garlic baguette. After tucking into these delicious dishes, make your way around the dessert stations which features refreshing fruit skewers, Palazzo Versace Dubai’s signature tiramisu or the ever-popular crispy golden churros.

Enjoy La Piscina’s Saturday Brunch for just AED250 (includes open buffet and free flowing beverages).

GO: Call (0)4 556 8888 for reservations and more information.

FOODIE FIX •

a twist, that include both indulgent and healthy options. Diners looking to indulge can feast on the UAE Burger that combines a juicy beef patty with halloumi cheese, mint and a spicy bbq sauce or the organic Chicken Kiev that’s filled with warm garlic butter on top of a creamy broccoli puree. Healthy diners will appreciate the lighter options such as Wild Buckwheat Risotto with a light truffle sauce or the Chicken Salad with orange, honey and yoghurt dressing. Chic black and gold furniture greet guests, who can dine whilst they enjoy panoramic Instagram-friendly views of JBR and the iconic Dubai Marina. Also available is an expansive selection of shisha flavours that can be enjoyed alone (or with friends if the double pipe option is ordered). Weekly offers include a lively Ladies’ Night every Wednesday from 5pm to 11pm that invites ladies to enjoy three complimentary beverages and Happy Hour where selected beverages are available for AED20 between 5pm to 9pm on selected days of the week.

GO: Call (0)4 399 9404 for reservations and more information.

JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI

HILTON DUBAI AL HABTOOR CITY The Market A new series of weekly theme night dinners have been announced at The Market, Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, taking place on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 10pm. Starting the week right on a Sunday the theme night will be Italian cuisine with a huge selection of home-made pasta, risotto and other freshly cooked dishes such as osso bucco Milanese and truffle espuma for only AED195 per person including soft drinks. Monday is Indian cuisine where the Chef’s grandmother’s recipes will be served including curries, aloo tikki, galouti kebab and dhals as well as a modern take on kulfi, kulfi nitro ice cream for only AED195 per person with soft drinks. On Tuesdays it’s Asian night with everyone’s Asian favourite dishes such as sushi, sashimi, dynamite shrimp, wasabi prawns, satays, dum sums, noodles and Indonesian Martabak for only AED195.

Thursdays are all about seafood for AED255 per person with five types of oysters on offer, lobster crabs, prawns, a selection of salmon, seafood jambalaya served to the table and a signature catch of the day dish. The theme night dinners are a family affair with a new promotion where kids aged up to 12 years old can eat for free.

GO: Call (0)4 435 5577 for reservations and more information.

La Farine Café & Bakery Head over to JW Marriott Marquis Dubai for the popular Weekend Baker’s Breakfast. Featuring a Viennoiserie Basket and Charcuterie Platter to begin, the Baker's Breakfast offers La Farine’s signature dishes such as Eggs Benedict, savoury Crêpes and the scrumptious Croque Madame, accompanied by fresh fruit, tea and coffee. The Baker’s Breakfast menu has been upgraded with healthy options such as Avocado and Green Gram Sprouts Salad, Coconut and Barley Pudding, and organic eggs.

AED195 per couple. Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to 1pm.

GO: Call (0)4 414 3000 for reservations and more information.

DELTA HOTELS BY MARRIOTT, JUMEIRAH BEACH Fiesta Latina at Sama Lounge Sama Lounge, JBR's stylish rooftop bar has introduced yet another reason to get outdoors and get social! With the weather finally cooling down, the 35th-floor bar has introduced Sama’s Fiesta Latina every Thursday and Friday evening. Gather your amigos, grab a cocktail and enjoy an evening of good vibes as DJ Jack belt out your favourite Latino tunes. With sky-high picturesque views of Jumeirah Beach and Ain Dubai from its terrace, 2-for-1 cocktails from 6pm to 8pm, unbeatable sunsets and no minimum spend – there’s no excuse not to grab your friends and get social at Sama Lounge! ✤ GO: Call (0)4 439 8888 for reservations and more information.

KECH UP Weekly Offers Ketch Up is a trendy recently opened restaurant located in the heart of Bluewater’s Island, that has both indoor and outdoor seating including a terrace and cosy bar area.

On the menu are a variety of international classics served with fact magazine

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BRUNCH THAT GOES BEYOND The Friday Feast at Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai is a spread that every palate can savour…

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even action stations and a private dining room provide a rich assortment of dining experiences.

Grilled, glazed or roasted, it is all about fresh, live cooking from the heart and a healthy and modern approach to preparation and presentation. The open kitchen features a flavourful explosion of authentic tastes from the West, Middle East, India, China and South East Asia, all personalised for the guests. Feast also offers an abundance of sweet endings, as well as an international selection of hot and cold beverages, to celebrate the rituals and flavours from around the world.

Experience a memorable, personalised brunch with international culinary delights from seven live cooking stations and exclusive signature dishes. The live band will keep you dancing and singing along all afternoon, whilst the Mixology Lab will bring out your creative side as you’re shown how to make your favourite drinks just the way you like it.

of Malaysia and Northern Indian villages to the chicest of continental cities by sampling the prime rib, beef wellington, 12 spiced cured salmon, beef rending braised with coconut curry, sushi and sashimi, pomegranate and tamarind chicken and topped off with a chocolate table.

Five Reasons to Visit the Friday Feast Brunch:

4) Little Explorer's Corner Feast's youngest guests get to be spoilt for choice with a vast selection of specially crafted dishes using only the highest quality ingredients for smaller tummies. Memorable moments will be created with colouring activities, lego blocks and games.

1) Signature Dishes Signature dishes inspired by different regions are showcased across the live cooking stations. Be taken away to the streets 72

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2) Live Band Whilst you enjoy the very best of what the chefs have to offer, the resident band keeps you entertained with classic renditions making the fun, family friendly vibe even livelier for all. Warm up your vocals as you might be tempted for a sing along.

3) Mixology Lab Get creative at Friday Feast's interactive Mixology Lab where the expert bartenders will show you how to make the perfect martinis and mojitos. The best bit is you make them just the way you want!

LISTEN UP •

5) Sweet Ending Make sure you save room for dessert as Feast offers an abundance of sweet endings. The dessert section will enchant you with homemade ice cream, mouthwatering pastries and the biggest highlight of all, the chocolate table filled with pralines, brownies, shooters, mud cake, cookies, chocolate mousse, different flavoured chocolate slabs and so much more. ✤

GO: Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm. AED325 - Brunch including soft drinks; AED 425 - Brunch including house beverages; and AED575 - Brunch including sparkling. Call (0)50 941 5576 or visit www. feastrestaurantdubai.com for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

WALL STREET CHIC Enhanced from a straight-up steakhouse and into the Waldorf Astoria DIFC’s signature restaurant, Bull and Bear is decked out with walk-in grape cellars, an abundance of dark wood, billowing curtains and plenty of leather. FACT’s David Tapley enters the sophisticated interiors where tones of blue and gold come together for great effect. fact magazine

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

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ubai International Financial Centre seems like an ideal fit for a brand like Waldorf Astoria who have just opened their second Dubai property in the Burj Daman complex. Less bombastic, the subdued nature of the property in the heart of the financial district exudes a sense of classy sophistication from the moment you pull up at the valet. We’re greeted and ushered though monochromatic corridors before arriving at the golden gilded elevators which take us upwards towards the reception and restaurant floor.

By the time we arrive at Bull and Bear, the hostess is awaiting our impending arrival and has already learnt our names – that’s service for you. In keeping with the theme, Dubai’s latest five-star opening, Bull and Bear, is conceptualised around the notion of 1950’s New York and is based on the now-closed restaurant of the same name which was once the centrepiece of the Waldorf Astoria New York. The restaurant has a timeless feel and we appreciate the small bar area which would make for a pleasing spot for a pre-dinner drink. It’s lunchtime so we swiftly move through to the dining room passed an audacious hand-forged sculpture of the two namesake mammals, etched in gold latticework and poised mid-charge. This feeling of Wall Street chic continues into a dining room which wraps around the central show kitchen and offers views of both the Zabeel area and towering Burj Khalifa.

A day-to-night venue, Bull and Bear is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner but this is predominately a steakhouse and while the menu offers very little in the way of surprises, what it does offer, it does very well. The expected steakhouse favourites are present and correct – burrata, seared Scottish scallops and the Waldorf salad.

We’re intrigued by the Alligator Pear, a dish of pickled avocado but we’re swayed by our affable waitress into ordering the signatures instead. It’s an excellent call on her part with the John Stone Dry Aged Beef Tartare (AED95) offering a peppery beef rich in both marbling and flavour. The Prawn Cocktail (AED120) is also rather good and looks to bring the 1980’s dinner party staple into the modern era. Plated at the table, the locally-caught tiger prawns are served hot, having been subtly infused with Asian spices. The theatrics bring a nice interplay between diner and chef that heightens our experience.

When it comes to main courses there are several appealing options from the josper charcoal oven that includes a Westholme Wagyu striploin and various cuts of Black Onyx beef. Our preferred hanger steak is unavailable on the day we dine, but we are quickly appeased with the tenderloin (AED195 for 180g) 76

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which is remarkably tender and is a pleasure to eat unhindered without the needs for peppers, mustards and the like. Served alongside thick-cut steak fries that are coated in paprika and accompanied by a fiery mayonnaise, we are in carnivorous heaven by the time we’ve worked our way through the course.

Vegan bowls, beetroot risotto and some seafood options are also prominent fixtures on the main course selection, with the halibut cooked on the bone (AED210) providing quite the impression for the sheer size of the fish.

Drizzled with lemon butter, the flaky fish is cooked well and continues Bull and Bear’s penchant for over-sized portions.

While the savoury courses follow the expected steakhouse tropes, desserts at Bull and Bear veer away from the expected New York cheesecake, focusing instead on more abstract choices. A smoked tiramisu with Kahlua jelly and a black forest cherry, sit alongside a chocolate sphere playfully referred to as ring the bell (AED55). As the name suggests, ringing the bell marks the end of a day’s trading on Wall Street but here in Dubai we’re signalling the end of the meal with a hazelnut chocolate fondant, dulce pearls, toasted marshmallows and Bailey’s ice cream encased in chocolate and melted via a hot chocolate sauce that is poured over, seductively. While the chocolate sphere has been done to death on the Dubai dining scene, the result is rather pleasing.

A lighter choice would be the Big Apple (AED55) another ode to New York

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

which takes a literal apple and serves it four ways. There’s crumble, green apple sorbet, green apple foam and caramelised rosemary apple. Served cold on a bed of ice, the various textures are the appeal of a dessert inspired by the original Bull and Bear.

Service throughout is an absolute delight with the Bull and Bear team engaging with customers on a personal level, rarely seen in new openings. Our waitress works as our guide, helping us to navigate the menu while ensuring we get the best out of the experience. With no sign of up-selling or over-ordering, the diner’s needs are put front and centre here. Blending good food with strong service and appealing decor (plus the expected DIFC pricing), Dubai finally has its very own Wolf of Wall Street. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 515 9888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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NEW IN TOWN •

EXOTIC FLAVOURS In aromatic surroundings, you’ll find the brand new Zoya by Maui at the 5-star Sofitel Dubai The Palm. FACT’s Hayley Alexander takes a seat for a bespoke culinary journey through India. fact magazine

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t’s no secret that Dubai’s dining scene is bursting with Indian restaurants. From the contemporary cooking methods to the traditional recipes, celebrity chefs’ ventures and even fusion concepts, you name it and Dubai has got it. So, it takes a very unique and standout place to really make a mark. Enter Zoya by Maui at Sofitel Dubai The Palm and be prepared to rewind your expectations for this is a restaurant that does things differently – and we’re very much onboard.

As we walk up to the entrance of Zoya by Maui, we’re greeted by the sounds of live entertainment and costumed waiters. We’re excited to be a part of this food journey. Starting in the North of the Himalayas and winding all the way down through the tropics of Goa and finishing deep in Kerala, on the edge of the Arabian Sea – we’re ready to sample it all.

Located in the heart of Sofitel Dubai The Palm, the venue boasts generous indoor and outdoor seating.

We decide to sit outside overlooking the shoreline.

We’re in awe of the view; sat under the stars as the spices of India drift through the evening breeze.

Tandoori masala tea, poppadum and a mix of chutneys is served as a staple upon arrival – a beautiful added touch that doesn’t go unnoticed by us or the guests around us too.

As expected, we’re spoilt for choice with what to order.

You’ll find an array of options that cater to a variety of dietary requirements – making Zoya by Maui a place for every palate.

We finally decide on traditional dishes with a modern twist; for our appetisers we opt for Samosa Chaat, a fried savoury pastry filled with tempered potatoes, mint sauce, yogurt and tamarind topping. It’s as good as what you’ll find on the streets of Mumbai. Packed with flavour and plenty of crunch!

The Amritsari Macchi is enveloped in a caraway seeds flavoured batter, fried perch and served with mint sauce. Seafood lovers will adore this fried fish snack which is hugely popular across the Indian state of Punjab.

We then move on to our mains where a tandoori dish comes calling - as it goes without saying. The Lamb Chops Burrah came highly recommended to us by the waiter. Overnight marinated lamb chops in Indian spices, roasted and charred to perfection. They’re sizzling and luscious, and we don’t hold back with digging in – exquisite.

Being big seafood fans ourselves, we had to order the Goan Prawn Curry. Spicy Goan region style prawn curry cooked in coconut milk, and garcinia indica friut.

It’s simple and authentic with the most delicious spicy, sour aroma and taste. With some naan bread or white rice, it’s enough to satisfy all your Indian food cravings.

Complimenting the cultivating dishes, as you’d expect from a traditional Indian restaurant, is a selected array 80

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NEW IN TOWN •

of perfectly priced mocktails and bespoke cocktails - we try the highly recommended Mango Lassi Highball - it was everything we wanted it to be and more. A selection of Indian vino and hops are also available for the very decent price of AED40.

Other traditional dishes include delights such as Kerala Fried Chicken as well as vegetarian and vegan options such as Achari Aloo and Panner Khurchanwala. An extensive fish menu is also available offering coastal favourites such as Meen Moilee.

Service at Zoya by Maui is efficient, warm and informative as the staff are confident in explaining the ingredients in every dish and the level of spice! These are just a few attributes that will keep the crowds rolling in.

Get a group together, sit outside and enjoy authentic Indian food guaranteed to create a lasting impression. Another fabulous gastronomic voyage that Sofitel Dubai The Palm has managed to get completely right. ✤ GO: ZOYA BY MAUI IS OPEN FOR DINNER FROM 7PM, DAILY. CALL (0)4 455 6677 OR VISIT WWW. SOFITEL-DUBAI-THEPALM.COM/RESTAURANTS/ ZOYA-BY-MAUI/ FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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For the culture-savvy in Dubai

NOVEMBER 2019 EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 82

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FOODIE CORNER •

PARU PERSUASION Situated on the rooftop of the Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai, Paru is both swanky and contemporary, as if unsure whether it wants to be a trendy lounge or distinct nightclub concept. FACT’s David Tapley takes a seat at acclaimed chef Akira Back’s second culinary opening… fact magazine

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sleek bar runs the entire length of the restaurant’s left side while groups of tables are clustered beside the floor-to-ceiling windows that provide remarkable views of the Ain Dubai (the world’s largest Ferris wheel) and the beachfront at JBR. Paru’s detailing may be modern but being Akira Back there is a distinct twist. A sculpture of pearls (Paru means pearl in Japanese) hangs precariously from the ceiling as if suspended partway through a daring acrobatic routine. Above this lies a ceiling constructed of intricate origami. As striking as it is beautiful, the delicate paperwork is backlit in various colours depending on the mood of the restaurant, taking on a modish red hue on the evening we dine.

Two large terraces utilise the venue’s enticing rooftop location and make for suitable sundowner options, it’s just a shame the restaurant is so quiet during our Thursday evening visit. Paru’s team of friendly staff emanate both a genuine warmth and an impressive knowledge surrounding the menu and reassure us that the venue gets busier during the later hours.

Paru’s menu offers little in the way of surprises and those familiar with the Japanese-Korean fusion of Akira Back’s cuisine will recognise many of the expected tropes and delight at the inclusion of salmon carpaccio, beeflicious and lobster tacos.

These signature dishes are all present and correct and for a menu that revolves around sushi and Japanese specialities, we’re understandably drawn to the Omakase.

The idea of Omakase is to let the chef select the food, allowing them complete creative control over the meal in the hope of creating a memorable dining experience for the customer. Based upon previous experiences this can result in a mixed bag, which can often be played too safe or in some cases far too audacious.

Paru’s Omakase selection sits somewhere in between.

Beginning with edamame (both salted and spiced) we’re further eased into our culinary journey with a seaweed salad of wakame, Chuka seaweed, soy plum and ginger aonori vinaigrette.

The salad is somewhat of a damp squib both texturally and metaphorically and unfortunately doesn’t set the bar as the first

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thanks to a light and creamy lemon mousse hidden within the confines of the white chocolate shell. The dessert plays well with perceptions and makes for a fun finale.

With an eclectic mixology selection, energetic staff who are eager to please and a wonderful vantage point overlooking Dubai’s latest man-made island, Paru manages to tick many boxes. Comparisons are inevitably going to be drawn between Akira Back’s two Dubai restaurants but there is enough to differentiate the two concepts and Paru fits nicely into the dining repertoire at Caesars Resort Bluewaters Dubai. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 556 6666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

course of an Omakase should. Next to arrive is the Wagyu tataki with its fragrant mixed mushrooms. A fantastic dish that soaks the thin slices of seared beef in alluring truffle soy that provides a wonderful flavour profile.

Truffle reigns supreme throughout this particular Omakase selection and while the trio of plump truffle scallops underplay the expected umami, the plate comes across a touch bland despite the baby eggplant, Enoki mushroom and the far-toosubtle truffle soy.

Rock Shrimp Tempura has become a staple of Japanese restaurants in the UAE and here the dish of lightly battered shrimp is overhauled thanks to the inclusion of mango and almonds. The mango is a little too subdued although a hint of sweetness does prevail, working in conjunction with the small pieces of almond to provide a pleasing textural element to proceedings.

The sushi course is where Paru hits its stride. Providing momentum to the Omaksase that snowballs through to the final course!

Impeccably presented within an iced bowl adorned with foliage, it’s as if we are navigating the Sea of Trees at the base of Mount Fuji. Paru’s selection of thinly sliced sashimi and bountiful nigiri (salmon, yellowtail and sea bass) will impress sushi aficionados thanks to impeccable knife work and high quality produce.

A duo of main courses represent our preferred dishes of the night and while the miso black cod is perhaps not the most adventurous choice, the Saikyo cod, ume oroshi and basil miso are executed to a very high standard. Allowing the sweet miso to permeate into the flaky white fish with such powerful precision that it’s easy to see why the dish has become synonymous with Japanese dining in the UAE and features so prominently on menus in the region.

Similarly, the black pepper Wagyu ribeye served medium rare alongside mushrooms, onion and an interesting black pepper teriyaki represents a dish you should prioritise at Paru, thanks to the tender teriyaki glaze that is sweet and appealing without overpowering.

Desserts take the form of a visually inspiring platter of green tea, vanilla and coconut mochi, alongside a selection of tropical fruits and lemon. The lemon, however, is not the expected citrus fruit, fact magazine

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FACT DINING AWARDS •

NOMINEES FOR 2019!

VOTING IS NOW OPEN FOR THE 3RD ANNUAL FACT DINING AWARDS DUBAI 2019.

HAS YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT BEEN NOMINATED?

HOW IT WORKS: l 39 categories with over 200 nominees. l There are two winners in each category – a BEST and FAVOURITE. l BEST is decided by an anonymous panel of judges made up of industry experts, reputed bloggers and the editorial team. l FAVOURITE is decided through online public voting which is

open for three months. l A gala award ceremony will take place on November 11, 2018, in Dubai. We'll be revealing the venue soon, so stay tuned. l 80 awards will be given out on the night, covering hundreds of venues. l Around 500 guests will be invited to a complimentary, sociable evening of five-star food and drinks. l FACT Dining Awards is part of a wider initiative by FACT M.E. with annual ceremonies in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain too.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE NOMINEES – VOTE NOW ON WWW.FACT-MAGAZINE.COM. fact magazine

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European

• Salero Tapas & Bodega - Kempinski Mall of the Emirates • At.mosphere Restaurant & Lounge Burj Khalifa • MINA Brasserie - Four Seasons Hotel DIFC • El Sur - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Folly by Nick & Scott - Souk Madinat Jumeirah • BOCA - DIFC • St Tropez - Mall of the Emirates • Marina Social - InterContinental Dubai Marina • Flamingo Room by tashas - Jumeirah Al Naseem • Carine - Emirates Golf Club • Queens Grill - QE2 • Toro + Ko - City Walk

Greek

• Gaia - DIFC • Shimmers - Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah • Mythos Kouzina & Grill - Jumeirah Lake Towers • Opa - Fairmont Dubai • Taverna Greek Kitchen - Souk Madinat Jumeirah • Elia Greek Restaurant - Majestic City Retreat Hotel • Ammos Greek Restaurant - Azure Beach Dubai

Mediterranean

• DRIFT Beach Dubai - One&Only Royal Mirage • Chival - La Ville Hotel & Suites • The Restaurant - Address Boulevard 88

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• Nineteen - Address Montgomerie • L'Olivo Ristorante - Rixos The Palm Dubai • Atelier M - Pier7 • Armani/Mediterraneo - Armani Hotel • Seagrill Bistro - Fairmont The Palm • Brasserie du Park - The Promenade, Park Hyatt Dubai • The Lighthouse - D3 • Palm Avenue - Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah • Scape Restaurant & Bar - Burj Al Arab

The Palm • La Cantine du Faubourg - Jumeirah Emirates towers • La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie - Vida Downtown Dubai • Bleu Blanc by David Myers Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai • Le Cirque - The Ritz-Carlton DIFC • Chez Charles - D3 • Couqley French Bistro and Bar - JLT • Pierre's Bistro and Bar InterContinental Dubai Festival City

British

Thai Fine Dining

• Rhodes W1 - Grosvenor House Dubai • The Scene - Pier 1 • Great British Restaurant - Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel • Reform Social & Grill - The Lakes • D&A restaurant & Bar - Jumeirah Beach Hotel • Geales - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa • Pots, Pans & Boards - JBR • The Croft - Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites

North American & Caribbean

• The Hide - Jumeirah Al Qasr • Weslodge Saloon - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Ting Irie - Souk al MANZIL • Nola Eatery & Social house - Armada Blue Bay Hotel • Ribs & Brews - Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City • Stars ’N’ Bars - La Mer • Perry & Blackwelder's - Souk madinat Jumeirah • Soul Restaurant & Bar - Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach • Claw BBQ - Souk al Bahar • Black Tap - Various Locations • Miss Lily’s - Sheraton Grand Hotel, Dubai

French

• La Petite Maison - DIFC • Bistrot Bagatelle - Fairmont Dubai • BQ French Kitchen & Bar - Habtoor Palace Dubai • Bistro des arts - Dubai Marina • Stay by Yannick Alleno - One&Only

• Tong Thai - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Thiptara - The Palace Downtown • The Thai Kitchen - Park Hyatt Dubai • Pai Thai - Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah • Spice Emporium - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Mekong - Anantara The Palm Dubai • Sukhothai - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

Middle Eastern & North African

• Khaymat Al Bahar - Jumeirah Al Qasr • BHAR - Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai • Shabestan - Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek • Samad Al Iraqi - Jumeirah Beach Road • Boulevard Kitchen - Manzil Downtown Dubai • Mayrig - Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard • Tagine - One&Only Royal Mirage

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• Al Maeda - Double Tree By Hilton hotel Dubai - Jumeirah Beach • Enigma - Palazzo Versace Dubai • Al Hadheerah desert restaurant - Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa • Zouzou Restaurant - La Mer • The Courtyard - Manzil Downtown

Lebanese

• Mazaher - Dubai World Trade centre • Zahr El-Laymoun - Souk Al Bahar • Abd El wahab - Pier 7 • Em Sherif - Downtown Dubai • Ayam Elezz - The Mall • Al Hallab Restaurant & Sweets Dubai Mall • Makan, La Mer - La Mer • Ayamna - Atlantis The Palm • Amaseena - The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR • Al Nafoorah - Jumeirah Emirates Towers • Awtar - Grand Hyatt Dubai

Latin American

• Toro Toro - Grosvenor House Dubai • Lima Dubai - City Walk • Gaucho - DIFC • Coya - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach • Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort • La Carnita - InterContinental Dubai Marina • Waka - The Oberoi Dubai • Inka - Sofitel Downtown Dubai • Hotel Cartagena - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Frevo - Fairmont The Palm

Indian

• Ananta - The Oberoi, Dubai • Junoon - Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai • Bombay Brasserie - Taj Dubai • Little Miss India - Fairmont The Palm • Mint Leaf of London - DIFC • Mahec - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Armani Amal - Armani Hotel Dubai • Tresind - Nassima Royal Hotel • Indego by Vineet - Grosvenor House Dubai • Nina - One&Only Royal Mirage • Moombai & Co - The H Dubai • Khyber - Dukes The Palm, A Royal Hideaway Hotel • Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra - JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

Pan Asian

• 3 Fils - Jumeirah Fishing Harbour • Miss Wáng - Majestic City Retreat Hotel • Asia Asia - Pier7 • Buddha Bar - Grosvenor House Dubai • Hoi An - Shangri-La Dubai • Wox - Grand Hyatt Dubai • Blue Jade - The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, JBR • Lao - The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah • Zengo - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa • Mekong - Anantara The Palm Dubai • Namu - V Hotel Dubai • BB Social Dining - DIFC • White Orchid - JA The Resort, Dubai

Chinese

• Hakkasan - Atlantis The Palm • Hong Loong - Sofitel The Palm, Dubai • Shang Palace - Shangri-La Hotel Dubai • Zheng He's - Mina A'Salam, Madinat Jumeirah • Long Yin - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference centre • Yuan - Atlantis The Palm • Maiden Shanghai - Five Palm Jumeirah • Lang Kwai Fong - Oud Metha • Royal China - DIFC • Long Teng - Business Bay • Zheng He’s - Jumeirah Mina A’Salam • Shanghai Chic - Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel • Din Tai Fung - Mall of the Emirates

Mexican

• La Tablita - Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights • Tortuga - Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, Madinat Jumeirah • Maya Mexican Kitchen + Lounge - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa • Muchachas’ - Holiday Inn Express Safa Park - Jumeirah • Loca - Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeira • Luchador - Aloft Palm Jumeirah • Zoco - The Atrium, Al Habtoor City, Business Bay, Dubai • Cantina 1810 - Grand Excelsior Hotel Dubai fact magazine

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Japanese

• Katana - Address Downtown • Nobu Dubai - Atlantis The Palm, Dubai • Kiku - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference centre • Armani/Hashi - Armani Hotel Dubai • Izakaya - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Zuma - DIFC • TOMO - Raffles Dubai • Katsuya by Starck - Al Naseem Hotel • Miyako - Hyatt Regency Dubai • Morimoto Dubai - Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai • Hōseki - Bvlgari Resort Dubai • Akiba Dori - d3 • Netsu - Mandarin Oriental Jumeira

Italian - Casual Dining

• Bussola - The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Brunello - The Kempinski The Palm Jumeirah • Certo - Radisson Blu Dubai Media City • Sicilia - Mövenpick Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Dubai • Matto italian restaurant - The Oberoi Dubai • Casa Mia - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Via Veneto - Manzil Downtown • Vanitas - Palazzo Versace • BASTA! by David Myers Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai • Andiamo! - Grand Hyatt Dubai • Positano - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Prego's - Media Rotana Dubai • Luigia’ - Rixos Premium Dubai • Gusto Italian Restaurant - Al Bandar Rotana, Creek

Italian - Fine Dining

• Scallini - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach • Roberto's - DIFC • BiCE ristorante - Hilton Dubai Jumeirah • Social By heinz Beck - The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah • Cipriani - DIFC • Il Borro Tuscan Bistro - Jumeirah Al Naseem • Il Ristorante - Niko Romito, Bvlgari 90

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Resort Dubai • Quattro Passi - FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai • Solo - Raffles Dubai

Tea Room

• Peacock Alley - The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah • Gourmandises - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • The Lobby lounge - The Ritz-Carlton Dubai , JBR • Choix Patisserie and Restaurant par Pierre Gagnaire - InterContinental Dubai Festival City • Aspen - Kempinski Mall of the Emirates • La Farine Café and Bakery - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Shai Salon - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach • Mashrabiya Lounge - Fairmont the Palm • Raffles Salon - Raffles Dubai • Sidra - Habtoor Palace • Al Fayrooz Lounge - Jumeirah Al Qasr

Café

• Counter Culture Café - Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites • Dunes Café - Shangri-La Hotel Dubai • Craft Café - D3 • Tom&Serg - Al Quoz • Paul Café - Various Locations • Revo Café - Various Locations • Brothaus - Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay • Baker & Spice - Souk Al Bahar • Jolie Floral Boutique - City Walk • The Surf Café - Jumeirah Beach Road • Cake - The Ritz-Carlton DIFC • The Brass - City Walk

All Day Dining

• Feast - Sheraton Grand Hotel • Ewaan - The palace Downtown • Eat & Meat - The H Dubai • Flow kitchen - Fairmont The Palm • Sloane's - Grosvenor House Dubai • Kitchen6 - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • Horizon - Amwaj Rotana • Chival - La Ville Hotel & Suites • Brasserie 2.0 - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa • Epicure - Melia Desert Palm Hotel

FACT DINING AWARDS •

Casual Dining

• Grapeskin - La Ville Hotel & Suites • Turquoise - Rixos Premium Dubai • Leopold's of London - Various Locations • The Tap House - Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah • 21 Grams Urban Balkan Bistro - Park Regis Boutique Jumeirah Hotel • Kulture House Dubai - Jumeirah • O'Learys Dubai - TIME Topaz Hotel Apartments • Buca Di Beppo - Dubai Festival City

International

• Yalumba - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • The Observatory - Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites • Play Restaurant & Lounge - The H Dubai • Cara - The Ritz-Carlton DIFC • Noire - Fairmont Dubai Hotel • Feast - Sheraton Grand Hotel • The Beach House - Anantara The Palm Dubai • Gastro Kitchen - DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach • Monty's - Address Montgomerie • Porterhouse Steaks & Grills - Sofitel The Palm, Dubai

Steakhouse

• The Rib Room - Jumeirah Emirates Towers • Prime Steakhouse - Meydan • The Meat Co - Souk Madinat Jumeirah • Manhattan Grill Steakhouse - Grand Hyatt Dubai • The Grand Grill - The Habtoor Grand resort autograph colection • Seafire - Atlantis The Palm • Prime68 - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • STK JBR - Rixos Premium Dubai • World Cut Steakhouse - Habtoor Palace • Nusr-Et - Four Seasons Dubai Resort at Jumeirah Beach • Graze Gastro Grill & Bar - La Ville Hotel & Suites • Beef Bistro - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

Al Fresco Dining

• Fish Beach Taverna - Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Plaj - Jumeirah Zabeel Saray • Eauzone - One&Only Royal Mirage • The Beach House - Anantara, The Palm Dubai Resort

Seafood

• Aegean - Rixos The Palm Dubai • Peppercrab - Grand Hyatt Dubai • Moana - Sofitel The Palm, Dubai • BiCE Mare - Souk Al Bahar • The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill DoubleTree By Hiton Dubai Jumeirah Beach • Pierchic - Jumeirah Al Qasr • Crab Market - Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC • Ossiano - Atlantis The Palm • Fish Market - Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek • Sea Fu - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach • Café Belge - The Ritz-Carlton DIFC • Seafood Market - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Fish Beach Taverna - Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Alici - Bluewaters Island • The Fish House Dubai InterContinental Dubai Festival City

• Ají - Club Vista Mare • The Tap House - Cub Vista Mare

Family Friendly

• Kitchen6 - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • The Lime Tree Café & Kitchen Various Locations • Jones The Grocer - Various locations • Carluccio's - Various Locations • West 14th - Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel • Bystro Café - Sheikh Zayed road Manara • Maison Mathis - Arabian Ranches • Reform Social & Grill - The Lakes • Al Maeda - DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach • The Market - Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City • RIVA Ristorante - RIVA Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah

Breakfast

• Palm Grill - The Ritz-Carlton Dubai , JBR • Zouzou Restaurant - La Mer • NOÉPE - The Promenade, Park Hyatt Dubai • Folly by Nick & Scott - Souk Madinat Jumeirah • Méridien Village Terrace - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference • Urban Bar & Kitchen - Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers • RIVA Ristorante - RIVA Beach Club, Palm Jumeirah • Shimmers - Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah

• Baker & Spice - Souk Al Bahar • McGettigan’s - JBR • Pots, Pans & Boards - The Beach • Parker’s - La Mer • eggspectation - The Beach • Revo Cafe - Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort • Jones the Grocer - Emirates Golf Club • Fibber Magee’s - Sheikh Zayed Road • Chival - La Ville Hotel & Suites

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

• Luna Sky Bar - Four Seasons Hotel DIFC • Shades - Address Dubai Marina • Atelier M - Pier 7 • Seven Sisters - JW Marriott Marquis Dubai • LookUP Rooftop Bar - La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk • The Penthouse - Five Palm Jumeirah

Lounge

Pub

• Bridgewater Tavern - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai • The Lion by Nick & Scott - The H Dubai • Double Decker - Roda al Murooj • The Irish Village - Gahroud • The Dubliner's - Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • The Eloquent Elephant - Taj Dubai • JB’s Gastropub - Amwaj Rotana, JBR • McGettigan's - JBR • Rose & Crown - The Atrium, Al Habtoor City • Ship’s Wheel - Jebel Ali Village • Kickers Sports Bar - Dubai Sports City

Bar

• Iris Dubai - The Oberoi Dubai • Trader Vic’s - Hilton Dubai Jumeirah • Cargo - Pier7 • Hendricks Bar - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach • Warehouse - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Nezesaussi Grill Dubai - Address Dubai Marina • The Backyard - Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay • Copper Dog - Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Dubai Jumeirah Beach • Grapeskin - La Ville Hotel & Suites City Walk • Urban Bar & Kitchen - UBK Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers • Lock, Stock & Barrel - JBR • Barbary Deli + Cocktail Club - TRYP

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• Nola Eatery & Social House - Armada Blue Bay Hotel

Outdoor Bar

• Flair No. 5 - The Ritz-Carlton DIFC • Jetty Lounge - One&Only Royal Mirage • Breeze Beach Grill - Club Vista Mare • Barasti - Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Key West - Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai • Wavebreaker - Hilton Dubai Jumeirah • Urban Bar & Kitchen - Movenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Tower • 101 Dining Lounge & Bar One&Only The Palm

Rooftop Bar

• Eve Penthouse & Lounge - Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights • Pure Sky Lounge - Hilton Dubai The Walk • Treehouse - Taj Dubai • 40 Kong - The H Dubai

• V Lounge - V Hotel Dubai • Sho Cho - Dubai Marine Beach Resort • Q's Bar and lounge - Palazzo Versace • Siddharta Lounge By Buddha Bar Grosvenor House Dubai • Karma Café - Souk Al Bahar • Taikun Restaurant & Lounge - Vida Downtown • Indie - DIFC • Mercury Lounge - Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah Beach

Family Brunch

• Liwan Restaurant - Swissotel, Al Ghurair • Pirates and Mermaids Brunch, Mazina - Address Dubai Marina • Crescendo - Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort • The Lido - QE2 • Bubbalicious - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Beachcombers - Jumeirah Beach hotel • The City Brunch - Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City • Bice Restorante - Hilton Dubai Jumeirah • The Cartoon Brunch - Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers • Saturday Family Blunch at Yalumba - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

Party Brunch

• Brunch Out Loud, Lucky Voice Grand Millennium Dubai, Barsha Heights • Dim Sum Disco at Maiden Shanghai FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai.

• Wok & Roll, Mr Miyagi’s - Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City • Wanderlust Brunch - JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

FACT DINING AWARDS •

• Supernatural pool & beach brunch Zero gravity • Brunchology, Yalumba - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Hidden Brunch, Tesoro - Taj Dubai, Business Bay • The big fat brunch, Lock, Stock & Barrel - JBR • Dare to Brunch - STK JBR • The Hive Brunch at the WarehouseLe Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre

Saturday Brunch

• La Familia brunch, Playa Nomade Rixos The Palm • Chill & Grill, Palm Grill - The RitzCarlton Dubai (Jumeirah Beach Residence) • The Big Easy Bar and Grill - The Els Club • Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE - Golden Tulip al Jazira Hotels and Resort • Lazy Grazing Feast, Graze Gastro Grill & Bar - La Ville Hotel & Suites • Geales - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa • Le Reveil - La Cantine du Faubourg • Fiesta and Siesta Brunch, El Sur - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Saturdaze, 3in1 - Vida Downtown Dubai • Latitude - Jumeirah Beach Hotel • La Tavolata, Bussola - The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina • Sundowner Brunch at Bliss Lounge Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort

Friday Brunch

• Nobu - Atlantis The Palm • Al Qasr Brunch - Madinat Jumeirah • Traiteur - Park Hyatt Dubai • Play restaurant & lounge - The H Dubai • Café Belge - The Ritz-Carlton DIFC • Yalumba - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • London Social Brunch, Caravan - The Ritz-Carlton Dubai (Jumeirah Beach Residence) • Le Grand Brunch - Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach • Coya - Four Seasons Resort Dubai at

Newcomer - Casual Dining

Jumeirah Beach • Marina Social - InterContinental Dubai Marina • Feast - Sheraton Grand Hotel • Brasserie 2.0 - Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa • Morimoto Dubai - Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai • The Urban Brunch, UBK - Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers • Fork & Cork brunch at Crescendo Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort

Business Lunch

• Roberto’s - DIFC • Choix Patisserie and Restaurant par Pierre Gagnaire - InterContinental Dubai Festival City • The Restaurant - Address Boulevard • BB Social Dining - DIFC • BiCE Ristorante, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort • Ramusake, DoubleTree by Hilton • Le Cirque - The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC • Brothaus - Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay

• Havana Social Club - Caesars Palace Dubai • Nara Pan Asian - JLT • Taverna Greek Kitchen - Souk Madinat Jumeirah • Seafood Kitchen - The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah • Asian District - The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah • Puerto 99 - Bluewaters Island • The London Project - Bluewaters Island • Villamoré - Emerald Palace Kempinski • Stoke House - Trump International Golf Club • Mama Zonia - Pier 7 • Han Shi Fu - Aloft Deira City Centre • Fitzroy - The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah • STK Dubai Downtown - Address Hotel • Kulture House Dubai - Jumeirah • Bebemos - Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre • Torno Subito Dubai - W Dubai, The Palm • all’onda - Emerald Palace Kempinski

Newcomer - Fine Dining • Rue Royale - The Pointe - Palm Jumeirah • The Bay - Mandarin Oriental Jumeira • Zhen Wei Dim Sum - Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai • Tasca by José Avillez - Mandarin Oriental Jumeira • Hell's Kitchen - Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai • miX by Alain Ducasse - Emerald Palace Kempinski • OPA - Fairmont Dubai • Zeta - Address Downtown • The Loft - Dubai Opera • The Galliard - Address Downtown • Akira Back - W Dubai, The Palm • Marea - DIFC

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• SPA & WELLNESS

THAT HAIR THO WHEN YOU’RE ROCKING A NAME AS COOL AS THAT HAIR THO (THT), NEED WE SAY MORE? THE JLT-BASED, FULLY-ETHICAL SALON IS PIONEERING MODERN-DAY PAMPERING IN A CITY WHERE URBAN VIBES MEET CONSCIOUS LIVING. FACT’S SHABANA ADAM STEPS IN FOR SOME R&R…

W

ant to tempt me into your salon? Here’s a tip: press play on a strong list of UK grime and I’m there.

In fact, THT might be the only space of its kind that doesn’t shy away from keeping things real and ready when it comes to the music, the décor and the treatments offered. Everything from hair, nails, lashes, brows, facials, make-up and massage is on the menu here.

Founded by Kate Darling, a lady with true entrepreneurial spirit, THT is booming with Kate’s almost decade-long experience of setting innovative trends in the beauty industry. Kate is a fierce advocate for using sustainable, vegan products and by launching THT, she has created a unique space for women to express themselves freely. Now, that is something we can definitely get behind.

On arrival, the THT staff have prepped a little welcome message for me on the mirror. It reads “Welcome Shabana. Love Lots, THT” with a few colourful hearts around the text. It’s the simplest gesture of hospitality and makes me wonder why no other salon has ever thought to do this before. Way to go for making a memorable first impression.

THT has a vibe; it’s minimal yet welcoming and there’s a genuine air of creativity and fun. There’s nothing boring about this place. Every area, from the nail bar to the mani/pedi sofas, hair styling chairs and even the cosy rooms in the back for

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more intimate treatments, all add to the bold setting. There are iconic pop art images all around as well as a forest wall with a handy ring light. So, whether you’re getting a wild new hair colour or daring nails, a whimsical photo shoot with the THT troll dolls at the photo wall is a must (who doesn’t want their own polaroid snap?).

The team is made up of lively and personable therapists who don’t take life too seriously.

However, they are very serious about their craft. Eden is one of the expert staff members to specialises in hair – specifically afro hair and styling. She begins by washing my hair, a process which includes the most soothing scalp massage. She gives the hair a natural blow dry and then we move to the mani/pedi sofa and whilst Gigi and MJ get to work on my talons, Eden starts on my request for two Dutch braids. She is truly a master of her skills; diving my hair into the most perfect middle parting and starting at the forehead, working fact magazine

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• SPA & WELLNESS all the way down to the ends of my tresses.

To note – my hair is fine and breaks easy so I appreciated Eden’s tips on how to manage an oily scalp and add more volume – one of which was to use conditioner only on the ends of your hair.

As the braids continue – I’m very, very relaxed. My nails are shaped and cleaned immaculately. Part of the pedicure is the removal of dead skin from the soles alongside a nourishing foot scrub. This is trailed by a wonderful massage of the feet and legs – amazing. The manicure follows suit with good shaping and cleaning plus a lovely hand massage to release tension I didn’t even know I had.

Back to the Dutch braids. Eden does an excellent job and, as requested, she begins to open the braids up to add a little volume to the hairstyle. She also tweaks the little baby hairs for a more refined and trendy finish. The braids last flawlessly for three days and I make a note of coming back to Eden whenever I need extra care and attention with my hair.

Even with a service as basic as threading, the THT team showcase good skills.

The THT team truly care about its clients and also the planet. They are driven to be Dubai’s foremost sustainable and cruelty free salon.

For years the beauty industry has been harsh on the environmental world and THT are doing their part to change this by sourcing the best ethical, sustainable and cruelty free products and brands so you can walk out of the salon door feeling good on the inside and out.

Their expert staff offer specialised, tailor made and exclusive treatments for hair, nails, brows, lashes and more; Using a range of vegan, sustainable and gluten-free products, being eco-friendly is at the forefront of all that THT stands for. Brands like Lola Lee nailcare with its beauty industry reputation for being “10 Free” – considered the purest of all gel polishes – can be found at THT for guiltless me-time.

THT are a team of disruptors. They’re all about letting go and bringing out the best in each client. Chances are that you’ll leave feeling one hundred per cent “Boasty”. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.THTWORLD.ME, FOLLOW @THATHAIRTHO.THT ON INSTAGRAM OR CALL (0)4 589 6679 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 96

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SPA & WELLNESS •

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• LISTEN UP

SANCTUARY GOALS The Waldorf Astoria Spa at Waldorf Astoria Dubai International Financial Centre is taking wellness and luxury to new heights, creating an exclusive oasis to escape the pace of modern living.

LOCATED ON THE 18TH floor of the hotel, the escape begins from the moment guests arrive, with every detail designed to foster an air of tranquillity and quiet indulgence. Spread across 265sqm, The Spa features four distinctive themed suites, each offering a private and personalised wellbeing experience complete with bathroom and relaxation facilities, allowing guests to select the best treatment options for their wellbeing needs.

The Grooming Suite provides a private and complete space for skincare, manicure, pedicure and waxing experiences, whilst the Hammam Suite offers a combined wet room experience with a focus on traditional Hammam treatments supported by a steam facility, or therapeutic Vichy Water body experiences. The Floatation Suite features a weightless experience which deceives the body into feeling as though it has had a long, deep sleep, enhanced by salt inhalation to improve breathing, lung efficiency and detoxification. In addition, the Sway bed provides a unique pendulum motion to induce sleep and deep relaxation – perfect for deep relaxation in minimal time. The Double Suite focuses on joint experiences through heated sand crystal treatment couches and hydro bath experience encouraging time to relax.

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An extensive menu of treatments is available to suit every wellbeing wish, using a range of carefully selected brands including Aenea Skincare, AMRA Body Rituals and Neom. In addition to the core treatments, a range of alternative therapies is also available, designed to nurture wellbeing combined with the unique features of the spa suites. Choices include Tibetan singing and healing bowls, guided meditation and personalised yoga sessions, that can also be combined with regular treatments and services.

The 110sqm fitness centre, created exclusively for hotel guests, comes equipped with the latest Technogym machines including the Skill Mill Treadmills and Skill Row, which are coupled with circuit-style training options and the Wellness Cloud offering six ready-made training programmes to benefit the gym without supervision. Open from 9am to 9pm daily. ✤

GO: CALL (0)4 515 9818 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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Indian cuisine redefined

A True Masala Library Experience From Mumbai to New Delhi, Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra, a pioneering contemporary Indian restaurant, has made its debut at the world’s tallest 5-star hotel.

Join us for a unique Masala Library Experience!

Open daily from 6pm until 11.30pm

JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T +971.4.414.3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com | masalalibrarydxb 100 fact magazine