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TOURS Let those in the know showcase their city
FOOD
Fine dining and homegrown hidden gems
SHOPS
Browse the souks and the shiny mega malls
ACTIVITIES
From the sand to the snow – get out and explore
NIGHTLIFE
Cool clubs and ways to ring in the New Year
DECEMBER 2018
YOUR GUIDE TO DUBAI’S MUST-HAVE VISITOR EXPERIENCES
Festive Celebrations at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Elevate your festivities to new heights at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, your ultimate dining destination. Make this festive season extra special for you and your loved ones with impeccable dishes, fun entertainment and memorable experiences. FESTIVE MARKET AND EXCITING MENUS MERRY FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AFTERNOON TEA IN A LIFE-SIZE GINGERBREAD HOUSE AWARD-WINNING TURKEY TAKEAWAY EPIC NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTIES Indulge in award-winning cuisine this Festive Season, one dish at a time. For more information, call +971 4 414 3000 or visit jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
JW Marriott® Marquis® Hotel Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE | T + 971 4 414 3000 I jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com jwmarriottmarquisdubai I jwdubaimarquis I jwmarriottmarquisdubai I #jwmmfestive
WELCOME NOTE
WELCOME TO DUBAI Editorial Editorial Director John Thatcher
W
e know it can feel a little overwhelming when you first set foot in Dubai. How exactly do you explore this ultra-modern metropolis? Where do you start? We love Dubai and we want to ensure that you feel the same, which is why we decided to create this handy-sized, helpful guide to ease you on your way.
Managing Editor Faye Bartle
Rather than present you with a long list of recommendations that would take you the duration of your holiday to read, our Dubai-based team of in-the-know writers has cherry-picked the city’s best bits, leaving you free to simply enjoy it. From the best restaurants with views to write home about to the boutiques brimming with homegrown designs, the coolest clubs and topnotch family entertainment – it's all inside these pages. We’ll also tell you which of the many organised tours are the best to take to see the city’s ample attractions. All you need to do is enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.
Content Writer Habiba Azab Art Art Director Kerri Bennett Senior Designer Hiral Kapadia Commercial Managing Director Victoria Thatcher General Manager David Wade
John Thatcher Editorial Director DXB City Expert Photo by Spencer Imbrock
Commercial Director Rawan Chehab Senior Advertising Manager Mia Cachero
Cover image: Festive celebrations at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Production Production Manager Muthu Kumar
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CONTENTS
THE CONTENTS Al Seef
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The experts are on hand to help you discover the best bits of Dubai and beyond
Underwater, on the water, on the sand and in the snow: the ways to explore Dubai
SO THIS IS DUBAI
THE TOURS
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Before you embark on the holiday of a lifetime, take this quick history lesson
ON ARRIVAL
THE FOOD
All you need to know when you From fine dining to homegrown touch down in Dubai, with top cafés and the very best places tips on getting around to indulge in brunch
THE ACTIVITIES
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THE NIGHTLIFE
From hip hangouts to superclubs, we've rounded up the liveliest evening venues
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The skinny on the top tourist districts, including the most happening 'hoods
Trawl the mega malls and haggle in the traditional souks – it's time to hit the shops
Dubai is a dream destination for photography fans – we showcase one stunning shot
GET YOUR BEARINGS
THE SHOPS
IN THE FRAME
Produced for dnata by HOT Media Publishing FZ LLC. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. All prices mentioned are correct at the time of press but may change. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors contained in DXB City Expert.
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Book now at lapitadubaihotel.com Tel +971 4 810 9999 Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 334221, Dubai, UAE LapitaHotel | LapitaHotel | LapitaHotelDubai *Terms and conditions apply
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
SO THIS IS DUBAI
Get the skinny on the city with a quick history lesson. Armed with knowledge, head out to discover all the emirate has to offer for the holiday of a lifetime Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai
SCRATCH BENEATH THE SURFACE A city of visual superlatives, it’s difficult to imagine Dubai without the gravitydefying presence of Burj Khalifa, the roar of supercars along its highways and wealth of plush malls, luxury hotels and record-breaking attractions. Back in 1833, the nomadic Bani Yas tribe – led by the Maktoum family – migrated from the country’s desert interior to what was just a small coastal fishing, pearling and trading settlement. Nothing much changed for the next 100 years until Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum became ruler and ordered that Dubai Creek be dredged to accommodate larger trading vessels, thus setting in motion the transformation of Dubai into a modern mega city. The discovery of ‘black gold’ in 1966
was the real game-changer with newly found oil wealth the catalyst for the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. In an historic first, the ruling tribes of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain and Fujairah came together on 2 December 1971, followed by Ras Al Khaimah one year later, to form the country. Under the leadership of the UAE’s first president, the late Sheikh Zayed (ruler of Abu Dhabi), and with the can-do attitude of Sheikh Rashid and support of the rulers of the other five emirates, the rest, as they say, is history. The modern-day metropolis you’ve seen on TV is every bit as exciting as you can imagine. For a rich experience, we recommend that you get out onto the city streets, meet some of the more than 200 nationalities who are proud
to call Dubai home, and discover just what makes this one of the best destinations in the world to visit. The climate The temperature in December reaches a peak of 26°C (78.8°F) – still balmy for some, although you'll see residents reaching for their woolies. The currency The UAE Dirham is what you’ll use. Notes come in 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5, and their value is pegged at Dhs3.67 = USD1. The weekend The UAE weekend falls on Friday/ Saturday. Friday is the holy day so bear in mind that some attractions may be closed until the early evening.
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ON ARRIVAL
You’ve arrived and you want to get to your hotel ASAP. Read our quick tips to get you out of the airport and into holiday mode, pronto Use Marhaha meet and greet service for a smooth arrival
WHIZZ THROUGH WITH MARHABA Take a load off by booking a Marhaba service (+971 4 389 8989, marhabaservices.com) that will help you make a speedy arrival and departure. When you touch down, the friendly staff will be waiting with a buggy transfer to passport control, where you'll be fast-tracked through the queue before a porter collects your luggage from the carousel. When the time comes to leave, you'll enjoy a chauffeur pick-up from anywhere in Dubai, a quick journey through departures and access to the Marhaba lounge, where you can unwind and help yourself to the complimentary food and drink.
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LEAVING THE AIRPORT There are plenty of public taxis available at the airport, although you may need to queue. Women can get a step ahead by hopping into one of the pink-roofed taxis reserved especially for female travellers and families, and driven by ladies. Your fare will include a set airport pick-up fee of Dhs25. Dubai International Airport is also connected to Dubai Metro at Terminals 1 and 3, with trains running every 10 minutes from 5am (or 10am on Fri) to midnight Sat to Wed and until 1am on Thur and Fri. If you’ve got extra baggage, best take a taxi, as metro travellers are restricted to one regular suitcase and one piece of hand luggage only.
All the major car hire companies have desks located after arrivals. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and in possession of a valid driving licence from their home country. Remember, we drive on the right-hand side here.
GET CONNECTED At the airport, you can pick up a Tourist SIM for local use – just head to the Du shop in the arrivals hall at Terminals 1 or 3. Simply pay the activation fee of Dhs65 and enjoy the Tourist Plan for data, calls and texts at a fraction of the roaming charges. Whenever you need to, you can easily top it up with a prepaid card sold at most major convenience stores, supermarkets and Du outlets (du.ae) across the city.
JOYOUS FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS. The most awaited time of the year is finally here! With three exciting venues, we have something for every occasion.
Afternoon and Evening Brunches on Fridays Exciting Festive Dinner Packages for groups of all sizes New Year’s Eve Celebrations with unobstructed views of the fireworks
Gather your family and friends and head to your favorite neighborhood hotel.
DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES
KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD STREET, DUBAI MARINA T. 971.4.319.4000 | MARRIOTTHARBOURDUBAIDINING.COM DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES |
MARRIOTTHARBOUR
GET YOUR BEARINGS
If it's your first time in the city, you're probably not au fait with the hip and happening 'hoods. Here's the low-down on the top tourist districts to explore
Camels on the beach at JBR (photo by Fredrik Ohlander)
DOWNTOWN DUBAI Go big or go home is the name of the game here, with the area boasting an impressive collection of iconic attractions, including: one of the world's largest shopping malls, The Dubai Mall; the tallest tower on the planet, Burj Khalifa; the all-singing-all-dancing The Dubai Fountain; and the architecturallystunning Dubai Opera. Trawl the mall's multitude of shops, pick up some mementoes at the Arabianstyle Souk Al Bahar and pose for selfies along the Waterfront Promenade before enjoying dinner and drinks overlooking Burj Lake. Burj Khalifa (photo by Zoltan Tasi)
DUBAI MARINA AND JBR Those with a taste for luxury will feel right at home in this vibrant district, which is one of the city's most popular (and glamorous) residential neighbourhoods. Built around a man-made marina and flanked by a virtual forest of residential towers, Dubai Marina boasts two beachfront promenades – The Walk and The Beach at JBR. These are lined with hotels, eateries and super trendy shops. It’s largely pedestrian friendly but is bisected by Dubai Tram, which handily stops outside the popular Dubai Marina Mall, home to 140 retail outlets spread across four levels.
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FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jumeirah Beach Hotel (photo by Marc Deriaz)
Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
JUMEIRAH The low-rise villa neighbourhood that spawned the Jumeirah Jane epithet (think 'ladies who lunch'), Jumeirah's domestic suburbia reputation has been given a makeover in recent years with the development of hip new retail, dining and entertainment enclaves such as La Mer, BoxPark, City Walk and food truck friendly Jumeirah Corniche. Topped at one end by Jumeirah Mosque and tailed by Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Madinat Jumeirah at the other, it’s a cross-cultural hotspot. Wild Wadi Water Park is a firm favourite among residents and tourists alike, offering 30 hair-raising rides and slides for all the family.
PALM JUMEIRAH Another of Dubai’s iconic man-made projects – best viewed from above to fully appreciate its creatively engineered design – Palm Jumeirah blends posh apartments and villas with luxury hotels and malls all the way from its trunk to the tips of its feathered fronds. Ride the Palm Monorail to Atlantis The Palm, Dubai and enjoy the thrills and spills of Aquaventure Waterpark. Be sure to check out the bevy of five-star hotels and their various eateries along the 11km-long crescent, from One&Only The Palm Resort to Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort.
SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD The pulsing arterial vein cutting through the city, this 8km-long stretch of busy highway runs parallel to the coastline. Numerous hotels are situated along its length, and there are plenty of attractions worth making a diversion for. We recommend feeling the grass beneath your feet at Zabeel Park, and checking out Dubai Water Canal, which is illuminated by night. A slice of SZR (photo by Daniel Zacatenco)
Bur Dubai Souk
BUR DUBAI AND DEIRA On either side of Dubai Creek you can discover the heritage heartland of the city. Feed your appetite for culture on the Bur Dubai side at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is home to preserved wind tower houses, Dubai Museum and Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House (one of the oldest buildings in the city). Take a Dhs1 ferry ride across the water to Deira to explore the traditional souks and sample the street food.
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CITY MAP
City Sightseeing Dubai
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SO THIS IS DUBAI
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DEC
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DECEMBER IN DUBAI
See polo by the beach, groove on the grass and ring in the New Year in style
POLO ON THE SAND
Beach Polo Cup Dubai
Dubai has earned a place on the world map as a leading polo destination, drawing on its rich equestrian heritage and ample facilities, including its gorgeous stretches of sand, to shine a light on this high-brow sport. Sand polo was first launched here in 2004 and you can see what all the fuss is about at the Beach Polo Cup Dubai, which is taking place on 13 and 14 December at Dubai Harbour. A highlight on the emirate's social and sporting calendar, this year there's also a festive market to shop alongside. Entrance to the Shams Zone is free, or you can get tickets to the VIP Majlis Zone from Dhs625. beachpolocup.com
THE COUNTDOWN TO 2019 IS ON! Broadcast into homes around the globe, Dubai's New Year's Eve celebrations are among the most impressive in the world. The emirate certainly knows how to throw a party, with vibrant fireworks illuminating the night's sky from Palm Jumeirah all the way to Downtown Dubai, where the ultimate show of LED lights, lasers and even more fireworks unfolds around Burj Khalifa. mydubainewyear.com
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GROOVE ON THE GRASS Activate your glow sticks for the region’s biggest electronic music and art festival, Groove On The Grass, which is back for a second season on 7 December, with an awesome line-up of artists. David August is headlining with a live audiovisual performance while acro-yoga, hula hoop dancing, food trucks and live art popups add to the vibe. 5pm to 3am at Emirates Golf Club, from Dhs215.
CHRISTMAS GARDEN BRUNCH AT AL FORSAN Tuesday, 25th December 2018
Take time away from the daily grind and head to the crisp desert air of Al Forsan, where the festive spirit is already in the air. The occasion is festive and the menu crammed with favourites – including turkey with all the trimmings. (QWHUWDLQPHQW RSWLRQV JDORUH NHHS HYHU\RQH VPLOLQJ DQG WKH OLWWOH RQHV VNLSSLQJ DURXQG ° ZLWK NLWH ¿\LQJ IDFH painting on the lawn, pony and camel rides, magician, juggler and mini-zoo some of what’s on offer. $ WKUHH SLHFH EDQG EHOWV RXW WKH KLWV D UDI¿H GUDZ ZLWK ELJ SUL]HV WR EH ZRQ DQG \RX FDQ ORRN forward to the fun-loving big man himself. That’s right - the Jolly Old Man shows up with festive cheer and gifts, leaving his sled parked amidst the dunes.
PRICE FROM AED 595 BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT Dubai,United Arab Emirates T:+971 4 809 6194, bas.reservations@meydanhotels.com babalshams.com /babalshamshotel
/babalshamshotel
/babalshamshotel
UNCOVER EVEN MORE FUN AND THRILLS! Add more rides with more time spent in the water, subtract waiting in line and multiply it all by the perfect location. Now that’s what we call the ultimate formula for fun! Hurry and come out to Wild Wadi for a day of unbeatable fun with family and friends. *Terms and conditions apply. Buy your ticket online today on wildwadi.com or call us on +971 4 348 4444
THE TOURS
The Tours
Bags unpacked, suncream slathered on – it’s time to get out and see what this city is all about. Take a cue from our friends at Arabian Adventures and City Sightseeing who are on hand to help you discover the best bits with their selection of top tours… 15
MODERN DUBAI CITY TOUR
See the best of Dubai’s iconic landmarks on one, awe-inspiring journey +
THESE PAGES:
Tour combo from Dhs380
Take to the water and see new Dubai
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Explore the landmarks of the city on a half-day tour. From Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall – see all of the iconic sights. ● Drive to Dubai Marina and enjoy a 20-min boat ride ● See Palm Jumeirah and pass by Atlantis The Palm, Dubai on a scenic drive ● Stop for a photo of the Dubai skyline ● Make a photo-stop outside Burj Al Arab Jumeirah en route to Dubai Frame ● Take in scenic views of
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Dubai from the walkway 150m-high at Dubai Frame ● Continue to The Dubai Mall with its many leisure, shopping and dining options ● The tour ends at The Dubai Mall ● After the tour, you can choose to visit At the Top, Burj Khalifa (tickets available); or choose to combine this tour with the Traditional Dubai City Tour in the afternoon
THE FACTS
(including At the Top).
Departures: Daily (morning) for English and German tours. For other languages, the days of operation varies. Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Half-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Moderate. Good to know: The tour ends at The Dubai Mall. Modest dress is advised.
How much: From Dhs240 for adults and Dhs185 for children (excluding At the Top) and Dhs370 for adults and Dhs315 for children
To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
ASK THE CITY EXPERT Nabil Almallah Tour Guide, Arabian Adventures Guests really enjoy seeing the amazing architecture and modern sights of Dubai while learning more about the city on this half-day tour.
THE TOURS
TRADITIONAL DUBAI CITY TOUR A ‘must-do’ for any visitor to the emirate
Be dazzled at the Gold Souk
ASK THE CITY EXPERT MUHAMMAD YOUNUS Tour guide, Arabian Adventures My favourite parts of the tour are stopping by the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. The mixture of nationalities you meet at these marketplaces offers a truly authentic experience for all.
Departs from all emirates Learn more about Dubai's rich history and tradition on a grand tour of the old city. See merchant traders at Dubai Creek, get an insight into times gone by at Dubai Museum and browse the famous souks. ● Drive along Jumeirah Beach Road to the iconic Jumeirah Mosque and stop for photos ● Continue on to Zabeel Palace for another photostop and onward to the traditional side of Dubai ● Stroll through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is known for its windtower architecture ● Visit Dubai Museum ● Take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride across
Dubai Creek ● Follow our entertaining guide through the Spice Souk and Gold Souk
Cross Dubai Creek on an abra
For history buffs
THE FACTS How much: Dhs185. Departures: Daily (morning) for English and German tours. For other languages, the days of operation varies. Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin, and Japanese. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Half-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Moderate. Good to know: When departing from Abu Dhabi, this is a full-day tour on Sun and Thur, including
an afternoon stop at The Dubai Mall. The itinerary may vary. Hotel transfers are included.
To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
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ABU DHABI CITY TOUR
See the UAE’s vibrant capital and its landmark buildings See the stunning Emirates Palace
ASK THE CITY EXPERT Natalia Bashkirova Tour Guide, Arabian Adventures It's always a pleasure to guide my guests around the UAE capital. The highlight of the tour is undoubtedly Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – a masterpiece of modern Islamic architecture with a spectacularly decorated interior.
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Abu Dhabi Explore the panoramic sights and grand landmarks of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on a full-day tour. English departures: Mon, Tue, Wed and Sat for English and German tours. For other languages, the days of operation varies. ● Arriving in Abu Dhabi, tour the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque ● Pass the tree-lined residential area of Al Bateen and the royal palaces ● Visit Heritage Village, which showcases traditional times ● Stop at Marina Mall for lunch at one of the cafés (not
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included in the tour price, as there are many options available) ● Drive along the Abu Dhabi Corniche ● Pass Louvre Abu Dhabi for a photo-stop ● Leaving Abu Dhabi behind, return to Dubai in the late afternoon
THE FACTS How much: Dhs290. Departures: Mon, Tue, Wed and Sat.
Pass by Louvre Abu Dhabi
Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Russian, and Japanese. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Full-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Easy. Good to know: Departing
from Abu Dhabi, this is a half-day tour (excluding time spent at Louvre Abu Dhabi and Marina Mall, and lunch stops on Mon, Wed and Sat). Hotel transfers are included. There is a dress code for
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Louvre Abu Dhabi (please see szgmc.gov.ae). To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
THE TOURS
SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE AND ABU DHABI ATTRACTIONS Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the exciting attractions on Yas Island
Tour the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Departs from Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman See Abu Dhabi Corniche on a scenic drive and visit top attractions in the UAE capital on a fun-filled tour. ● Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a tour of this majestic landmark ● Drive through the city passing by picturesque sights such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche ● Leave the city behind for an afternoon of family-fun ● Choose from an exciting selection of options for things to see and do in the afternoon. You can: visit theme parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi or Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi; explore the many shopping, dining and leisure attractions at Yas Mall; or visit Louvre Abu Dhabi. (Tickets to these attractions are priced separately to the tour) ● The tour guide will advise
drop-off and pick-up times at each stop ● After a thrilling afternoon, depart for Dubai
THE FACTS How much: Dhs290. English Departures: Sun and Thur.
Languages: English, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian, and Mandarin. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Full-day. Transport: Coach. Activity: Easy. Good to know: Please be punctual for the pick-up times at each stop. Hotel transfers are included. Plus, please note there is a dress code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (please see szgmc.gov.ae). To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
Fun for thrillseekers at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi
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PREMIUM SAFARI
For smaller groups seeking an extraordinary adventure, this tour ticks all the boxes Departs from all emirates Enjoy a smaller group safari on our premium experience. ● Depart from your hotel in a modern and spacious fourwheel drive vehicle ● Learn interesting facts from your safari guide en route ● Enter the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) and pause to watch a falcon display (weather permitting) ● Enjoy a thrilling dune drive and watch the sun set from a pristine desert location with a glass of bubbly or sparkling date juice and camel milk chocolate (juices are available for children) ● Arrive at our Bedouinstyle camp to a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and dates ● Entertainment for the evening includes a camel ride, mini sandboarding and henna hand painting. Watch a belly dancing performance (entertainment may vary during religious holidays) ● Move to the seating area and enjoy an Arabic style, three-course buffet ● Those aged 21 years and over can enjoy unlimited select beverages (except on the eve of religious holidays) ● Take part in stargazing before returning to your hotel
THE FACTS Starting from: Dhs790. Departures: Daily. Availability: Winter
Pause to watch a falcon display
Activity: Easy. Good to know: You have the option to upgrade to a private four-wheel drive vehicle, if preferred. Vegetarian and children's meals can be requested at the time of booking. The tour accepts a maximum of four guests per vehicle and a maximum of 40 guests per night. Hotel transfers are included. Food and softdrinks are included. Select beverages are available. A portion of your fee supports local conservation.
(1 October to 30 April).
Duration: Late afternoon to early evening. Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing).
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To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
Enjoy a cup of Arabic coffee
THE TOURS
SUNDOWNER SAFARI
Embark on a magical safari experience to remember Ride the ships of the desert
Must-do safari ASK THE CITY EXPERT FAISAL KHAN Safari guide, Arabian Adventures This must-do safari is suitable for everyone. At the campsite, there are lots of activities to try, such as sandboarding, camel rides and even a spot of stargazing. Guests always say how the memories will last a lifetime.
Departs from all emirates This iconic Dubai desert experience is one that simply cannot be missed. Watch the sun go down while on a dune drive in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Arrive at our traditional Bedouin-style camp, where an entertaining schedule of activities and a delicious evening meal awaits. ● Leave your hotel and the city behind; head into the desert with our entertaining safari guide in a four-wheel drive vehicle ● Enter DDCR and watch a falcon display (weather permitting) ● Enjoy the fun of a dune drive and, at sunset, stop for panoramic photos of the golden landscape ● Arrive at our Bedouin-
style camp to a traditional welcome of Arabic coffee and delicious dates ● Souvenirs and photos are available to buy ● Move to the seating area and enjoy an Arabic style, three-course buffet ● Take part in stargazing before returning to your hotel
THE FACTS
Good to know: We offer the option to upgrade to a private four-wheel drive vehicle. Plus, you can choose to skip the dune drive if you prefer. Permanent toilets are available at the campsite. Be sure to book your group on either the Sunset Safari or Sundowner Safari – the itinerary varies. Vegetarian and children's meals can be
requested at the time of booking. Hotel transfers are included. Food and soft drinks are included. Select beverages are available. A portion of your fee supports local conservation efforts. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
How much: From Dhs290. Sunset Safari: Dhs290 for adults (excluding the falconry viewing and select beverages). Sundowner Safari: Dhs395 for adults (all-inclusive). Departures: Daily. Availability: Year-round. Duration: Late afternoon to early evening. Transport: Four-wheel-drive (sharing). Activity: Easy.
Raise a toast in the dunes
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NATURE SAFARI
One for wildlife fans – this tour provides an up-close view of native animals Be on the look out for Arabian oryx
Informative and fun
Departs from all emirates The desert presents a unique opportunity to learn about and explore a natural habitat and a fragile ecosystem. ● Drive through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) where you may spot Arabian wildlife such as the Arabian oryx and gazelle ● Learn about sustainability and conservation efforts ● Hear interesting facts about flora and fauna from our safari guide ● Assist in capturing data for DDCR ● Pass the tranquil lakes that are located inside the conservation reserve and
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be on the lookout for various bird species
THE FACTS Starting from: Dhs230. Departures: Daily (morning). Availability: Year-round. Duration: Half-day. Transport: Four-wheel-drive (sharing). Activity: Moderate. Good to know: Hotel transfers are included. Softdrinks are included in the tour. A portion of your fee supports local conservation efforts. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
Gazelle roam the conservation reserve
THE TOURS
WINTER MORNING CAMEL TREK Slow down the pace and see the desert the old-fashioned way
Departs from all emirates Enjoy the desert in the best possible light on a morning camel trek through the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR). Take to the trail on a ‘ship of the desert’ – the dromedary camel – to see the desert flora and fauna. ● Embark on a trail-style, guided camel ride over the dunes during the morning ● Spot Arabian wildlife such as the Arabian oryx
● Learn about the remarkable dromedary camel and desert wildlife ● Stop for a picnic breakfast on the shores of the lake, with a glass of bubbles or juice ● Take advantage of the great photo opportunities
THE FACTS Starting from: Dhs315. Starting from: Daily (morning).
Availability: Winter only (1 October to 30 April). Duration: Half-day. Transport: Four-wheeldrive (sharing) and camel. Activity: Moderate. Good to know: There is a maximum of two guests allowed per camel. Bear in mind that if you are travelling solo you will not need to share. Children will ride on the same camel as their parent or guardian. This tour is not
recommended for children aged below four years. Comfortable clothes, a hat and sports shoes are the recommended attire. Hotel transfers are included. Soft drinks and food are included. A portion of your fee supports local conservation efforts. To book, please call Arabian Adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com
Ride the ships of the desert
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CITY SIGHTSEEING TOUR
Discover Dubai at your own pace on the ultimate city bus tour Photo opportunities abound
HIGHLIGHTS
● Five sightseeing routes ● Audio commentary in 13 languages ● Complimentary tickets to other attractions (see below)
The ‘hop on, hop off’ concept is simple: a ticket is valid for one day or more, with over 41 bus stops across five sightseeing routes. You decide when to ride, where to get off, and what to visit. Tickets have lots of added extras and there is audio commentary in 13 languages. Operating daily from 9am to 10pm (varies on selected routes).
THE FACTS Days of operation: Daily, from 9am to 5.30pm.
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What’s included: The 1 Day Pass includes: a cultural dhow cruise and pearl experience at Al Seef, entry to Dubai Museum, a seat on the Night Tour, a free cup of coffee at Costa Coffee when you purchase one, entry to Global Village and water while you're on-board the bus. The 3 Days Pass includes all the above inclusions, plus: entry to Dubai Aquarium Underwater Zoo and a back of the house tour, a onehour Palm Jumeirah cruise and 20% discount at Sun&
Mediterranean Lounge. The 7 Days Pass includes all the above experiences, plus: a trip on the Flying Cup at The Beach at JBR, plus a onehour canal tour. Good to know: Before your 1 Day Pass has expired, you can upgrade to a 3 or 7 Day Pass. Languages: English, Arabic, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Hindi, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Turkish and Farsi. How much: The 1 Day Pass is priced at Dhs260 per adult
and Dhs160 per child; 3 Day Pass is Dhs350 per adult and Dhs250 per child; 7 Day Pass is Dhs450 per adult and Dhs350 per child. (Children's tickets are for those aged 6-11. All prices inclusive of VAT.) To book, please visit citysightseeing-dubai.com or call 800CSDUBAI (800 273 8224)/+971 4 316 7506
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THE TOURS
NIGHT TOUR
See the city come alive with light that illuminates the night's sky Pass by Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
HIGHLIGHTS
● Discover two sightseeing routes showcasing Dubai by night ● See all the major sights including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Festival City and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai ● Audio commentary in 13 languages
See Dubai transform by night into a sparkling city of lights while discovering its cultural heart. The 'Sunset Red' route lets you explore the historic Dubai Creek, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Festival City, Shindagha and Deira districts where the traditional souks are located. Meanwhile, the 'Midnight Blue' route showcases the striking skyline, including the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.
hop-off access to all City Sightseeing buses on two routes for three hours. Good to know: This tour is free when purchasing a 1 Day, 3 Day or 7 Day City Sightseeing Dubai Pass; both routes are included in the ticket price and there is enough time to do both. Languages: English, Arabic, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Hindi, Russian, Mandarin, Japanese, Turkish and Farsi. How much: Dhs180 per adult and Dhs120 per child (6-11 years). Inclusive of VAT.
THE FACTS
To book, please visit citysightseeing-dubai.com or call 800CSDUBAI (800 273 8224)/+971 4 316 7506
Days of operation: Daily from 6.15pm to 10pm. What’s included: Hop-on,
Take your seat on the open-top bus
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DXB CITY EXPERT X THE MEAT CO.
HOT PLATES This South-African steakhouse has the perfect recipe for a memorable meal
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Championing its South African heritage, The Meat Co. has earned its place on the city’s social scene as a sophisticated spot for everything from brunch to sundowners and an indulgent evening meal. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in the UAE in 2019, it is known for delicious dishes served against the backdrop of some of the country’s most iconic landmarks. Here are three reasons why we rate it… Delicious dishes A new menu has recently been unveiled and, as you may expect, the juicy meat selection takes centre stage, with top choices including the Mayura Station Signature Full Blood Wagyu and the impressive 1kg Prime Tomahawk. Sink your teeth into soft succulent cuts that burst with flavour and pair it with a glass of red or white. Seafood lovers won't miss out, with dishes such as freshly shucked oysters, tuna tartare to lobster Thermidor competing for attention. Views to write home about Whichever venue you choose to visit,
there’s a view to match it. Step onto the Souk Al Bahar venue's floating deck and marvel at the brilliant views of The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. Alternatively, enjoy the sunset views while lounging on the outdoor terrace at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah restaurant while gazing across the glistening waterways to Burj Al Arab. If you’re heading to the UAE capital while you’re here, the Souk Qaryat Al Beri venue is perfectly placed for you to view the stunning architecture of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. New Year’s celebrations Ring in 2019 in sumptuous surroundings – The Meat Co. knows how to throw a party. Count down the seconds to midnight and celebrate the beginning of a new chapter with loved ones amid a friendly crowd. Each venue has an exciting New Year’s Eve package that teams delicious food with entertainment so you can end the year in style. (Booking is required). To find out more, call +971 4 420 0737 or visit themeatco.com
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Toro Toro
The Food
Dubai’s cultural diversity is reflected in its culinary mosaic of fantastic restaurants, from the best Indian food this side of the subcontinent to sleek Japanese eateries and authentic Arabic mezze. It’s little wonder that world-renowned chefs are falling over themselves to open venues in the city 28
THE FOOD
WHAT’S NEW IN TOWN? With an Insta-worthy terrace – aided by having Burj Khalifa as a neighbour – The Galliard (+971 52 489 9982, addresshotels. com) at the Address Downtown is a great spot to soak up the wonderful weather while working your way through the highlights of a menu that leans towards Turkish but bends to include dishes from further afield. Cue the likes of sea bass in a salt crust and various types of crispy pizza (the one topped with barbecued short rib is a winner). Also occupying a space of note – this one aside the sea – is Ammos (+971 52 777 9473, premiumdubai.rixos.com) at Rixos Premium Dubai in JBR. While the waves roll in you can feast on excellent Greek dishes and the menu-stealing chef's special – a brilliant lobster spaghetti – in what is a traditionally hued (blue and white) venue, inside and out. A few of the city's former favourites have also re-opened, following a fresh lick of paint, a menu uplift and, in the case of Cantonese favourite Hakkasan (+971 4 426 2626, hakkasan.com), a completely new address. You'll now find it at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Over in Grosvenor House at Dubai Marina, pan-Latin restaurant Toro Toro (+971 4 317 6000, torotoro-dubai.com) is back from a month-long sabbatical to showcase a new look and menu, as is DIFC's Italian fine-dining hotspot Roberto's (+971 4 386 0066, robertos.ae), where the culinary direction is steered by two-star Michelin chef Enrico Bartolini. If you're looking for a memorable dining experience to top off your perfect holiday, snag one of only six seats at The Grill Counter, the name of the intimate chef's table at the brilliant Bleu Blanc (see 'Fabulous French', page 42). For a bargain Dhs350 per head, you'll watch your three-course dinner prepared in an open-flame grill by executive chef Alex Szkaradkiewicz or, on occasion, celebrity chef David Myers.
The Galliard
Bleu Blanc
Roberto's
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THE FOOD
FOODIE DISTRICT
Molecule
IN THE KNOW
Healthy heroes COMPTOIR 102 Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 4 385 4555, comptoir102.com The menu makes use of the best ingredients from local organic farms to serve up tasty and nutritious dishes that appeal to health food devotees.
WILD & THE MOON Alserkal Avenue, +971 4 385 5120, wildandthemoon.com Here, the vegan chef has developed a wholesome menu of plant-based recipes to which nothing has been added.
OMNIA GOURMET Jumeirah Fish Harbour, +971 4 343 7181 Somewhat of a hidden gem, chef Silvena Rowe serves up a menu rife with healthy options, from vegan through to paleo.
INCREDIBLE INDIAN Few restaurants have mastered modern Indian cuisine quite like the multi-awardwinning Rang Mahal (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com), which graces the second floor of JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The varied menu, which fuses tradition with contemporary flair, sings with a cacophony of flavour and creativity. We heartily recommend you indulge in one of the great value tasting menus – every bite is a delight. If there’s a sure thing in the restaurant industry it’s that an Indian restaurant operated by Taj Hotels is going to be good, if not very good. Falling very much into the latter category, Bombay Brasserie (+971 4 438 3100, tajhotels.com) sees chef de cuisine Ajay Negi conjure up flavours as vibrant as the restaurant’s interiors. Bag the right table and you’ll also take in the sight of The Dubai Fountain. It has hosted A-listers including Sir Paul McCartney at its flagship Mumbai venue. Now, gastronauts can embark on a spice-laden journey through northern India at Khyber at DUKES
DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT The stunning Dubai Design District (d3) is home to some of the city’s most cutting edge design and creative firms, as well as The Design Quarter, where visitors will find homegrown restaurant concepts, innovative boutiques and unique art installations. Concept store meets casual restaurant, The Lighthouse (+971 4 422 6024, thelighthouse.ae), is headed up by one of Dubai’s best chefs, Izu Ani. The licensed venue has a superb mezze menu – order the marinated salmon with cranberries and baked feta with oregano. Also licensed here is the quirky (in a good way) Molecule (+971 4 245 4700, molecule.restaurant), which offers a ‘bistronomy’ (‘bistro’ meets ‘gastronomy’) concept for better-than-bistro-standard food, including a rich risotto with truffle. Chez Charles Restaurant (+971 512 2444, chezcharlesrestaurant.ae), a modern brasserie, does staples like fish and chips, and carbonara very well. Khyber
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Dubai (+971 4 455 1111, dukesdubai. com). Snag a table on the terrace for great views of Dubai Marina. In a wonderful, colonial style setting, Little Miss India (+971 4 457 3457, fairmont.com) at Fairmont The Palm excels in housemade spice mixtures and marinades – used to brilliant effect in both the food and inspired cocktails, which put an Indian spin on classic recipes.
CHINESE CRACKERS Occupying a great spot by the water in Madinat Jumeirah, Zheng He's (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com) has been around long enough (over a decade) to fully master its signature dishes, the highlights of which are golden king prawns flavoured with Chinese mustard and topped with spicy mayo, and the duck, which is carved at your table and readied for you to roll in plum sauce-smothered pancakes. Another purveyor of high-quality Chinese classics is Shiba (+971 4 381 3111, meydanhotels.com), at The Meydan Hotel, where the interactive open kitchen adds a sprinkling of theatre. For special occasions, request the Tatami-style private dining room. Zheng He's
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A TRUE TASTE OF THE EMIRATES Considering all the many colourful cuisines Dubai has to offer, it may come as a surprise to learn that good Emirati food is not so easy to come by. However, slowly but surely, more and more authentic Emirati restaurants are cropping up across town. An enduring favourite is Al Fanar (+971 4 232 9966, alfanarrestaurant. com), located along Canal Walk in Dubai Festival City Mall. You can dine outside on floor cushions in the traditional majlis or at a table in the central courtyard area, which looks like a traditional Emirati home. The dishes on offer include chicken machboos (spiced chicken mixed with rice), grilled shaari fish and jesheed (baby shark cooked with onions and punchy spices). You’ll find camel on the menu at Aseelah (+971 4 205 7333, radissonblu. com) in the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, alongside other dishes made using local ingredients, such as a tender Arabian lobster. For an insight into the country's heritage, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (+971 4 353
IN THE KNOW
Big name chefs JASON ATHERTON Marina Social, InterContinental Dubai Marina. +971 4 446 6777, ihg.com Atherton’s Social concept has won an army of fans in London, and its Dubai offshoot is a great destination for dishes big on detail. DAVID MYERS Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. +971 4 512 5522, marriott. com Myers oversees two restaurants at this hip hotel: Basta!, a go-to for Italian staples, and the French farmhouse style Bleu Blanc. HEINZ BECK Social, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. +971 4 818 2222, waldorfastoria3.hilton.com A master of modern gastronomy, Beck’s artistry is best conveyed through sublime dishes like saltbaked sea bass with cauliflower, truffle sauce and orange perfume.
Party hard this New Year’s Eve! Dress to impress at this epic all-inclusive pool deck party with unrivalled views of the city and fireworks! Dance the night away to DJ Adam J and DJ Andrii Burmas. AED 500 per person, including a welcome drink, free-flowing house beverages and signature canapés from 7pm to 11pm. Book a New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants and enjoy a special beverage package at Aqua for AED 250 per person from 11pm to 3am. For inquiries, please call +971 4 414 3000 | Tickets are available at platinumlist.net *Must be 21 years and above to enter JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, Dubai, UAE | T +971 4 414 3000 jwmmrr@marriott.com | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai JWDubaiMarquis jwmarriottmarquisdubai
Masti
folly by Nick & Scott
Bateaux Dubai
MADE IN THE UAE Although Dubai has more than its fair share of excellent restaurants, a huge helping of them are franchised from elsewhere in the world. However, if you want to head to somewhere you’ll only find in Dubai there are some great options to choose from. With cracking views of the sea, folly by Nick & Scott (+971 4 430 8535, folly.ae), by two longtime Dubaibased chefs with a rich pedigree – including a combined eight years at Gordon Ramsay Holdings – offers up a thoughtful menu of modern European sharing dishes. The cooking is precise, the flavours impactful, and what they can do with a mere
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Trèsind
mushroom and plain old radish needs to be tasted to be believed. If you want to see more of the city as you dine, hop aboard Bateaux Dubai (+ 971 4 336 6768, jaresortshotels. com). This popular floating restaurant will take you on a cruise along Dubai Creek so you can soak up the sights while tucking into a four-course meal. The boat is moored on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, at Al Seef. Trèsind (+971 4 308 0440, nassimaroyalhotel.com) offers a bold expression of modern Indian cooking and presentation, in which elements of molecular gastronomy are done to perfection. Plus, the mixologists here have developed a
drinks menu that's second to none in the city. You’ll also want to visit the wonderful beachside development that’s La Mer while in Dubai. After time spent exploring it, make Masti (800 62784, mastidubai. com) your final destination. Head upstairs to enjoy a couple of brilliantly inventive drinks – the mango chutney infused mahar mojito, for one – then go downstairs to enjoy food that’s termed an expression of ‘new India’. For something very different, Kishmish (+971 4 349 6665, kishmish.ae) in Dar Wasl Mall in Jumeirah, brings Afghan street food to Dubai for the first time via chef owners who have been family friends for generations.
New Year's Eve
Celebrations Bring your friends and ring in 2019 high above the city! Enjoy festive spreads and unobstructed views of the fireworks!
DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Dubai Marina, PO Box 66662, Dubai, UAE T. 971.4.319.4000 | marriottharbourdubaidining.com | eatatharbour@marriott.com Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites |
observatorydubai
6666, cultures.ae) offers interactive ‘cultural meals’ – so named because guests are encouraged to ask questions on anything that relates to the Emirati culture – prepared by local chefs in order to preserve the traditions and customs of the Bedouin people. They offer a cultural breakfast on Mondays and Wednesdays, lunch on Sundays and Tuesdays, brunch every Saturday and dinner every Tuesday. Advance booking is required.
ARABIC YOU’LL ADORE For an authentic desert dining experience under the stars, journey to Al Hadheerah at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa (+971 4 809 6194, alhadheerah.com). Take your pick from 14 live cooking stations offering traditional Middle Eastern dishes prepared using age-old recipes. Live entertainment
IN THE KNOW
Dinner with a view… …OF BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH Shimmers, Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 4323232, jumeirah.com A menu of home-style Greek favourites is ably supported by a casual, toes-in-the-sand atmosphere.
...OF BURJ KHALIFA AND THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN Katana, Address Downtown, +971 4 277 8808, katana-dubai.com Katana specialises in the robatayaki style of Japanese cuisine. It’s fabulous enough to match the view.
…OF DUBAI MARINA 101 Dining Lounge and Bar One&Only The Palm Dubai, +971 440 1010, thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com Drink in picture-perfect views while enjoying contemporary European fare from a menu rubber-stamped by super-chef Yannick Alléno.
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Rüya
adds to the ambience. Open daily from 7.30pm to 11.30pm – try to plan your visit on a Thursday or Friday evening to catch the amazing firework display. A hit among Dubai’s sizeable Lebanese community, Al Falamanki (alfalamanki. com) is an outpost of one of Beirut’s most famous restaurants. Like the original, this sprawling Jumeirah Beach Road branch features indoor and outdoor areas, homely décor and a soft soundtrack of old-school Arabic music. On the menu are hot and cold mezze, salads, grills and manakeesh, along with a selection of shisha. The done thing here is to order a load of dishes to share and settle in for a game of backgammon. Olea (+971 4 341 0000, kempinski.com) at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates prides itself on authentic cuisine, thanks to its 14-strong team of chefs drawn from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Palestine. The relaxed space features a lovely outdoor terrace and menu highlights include the lamb kofta, served on a 1.5m-long skewer.
TURKISH DELIGHTS In Souk Al Bahar, the outdoor terrace at Günaydin (+971 4 554 0700, gunaydindubai.com) is a top spot for views of Burj Khalifa and, at night, The Dubai Fountain. The Turkish ‘meatery’ serves meat in all its forms: traditional döner, succulent kebabs, juicy meatballs, and lovingly cooked steaks. Over at Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai favourite Colin Clague can be found working his magic at high design Anatolian eatery Rüya (+971 4 399 9123, ruyadubai.com). Infused with caramelised and charcoal flavours, cağ kebabı (marinated lamb kebab) is the pick of the menu.
TIME FOR THAI Showcasing unique regional dishes alongside street food favourites and authentic yet inventive classics, Tong Thai (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com) at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, is regularly voted the best Thai restaurant in the city.
feeling like a VIP that’s Kilban’s marhaba effect The difference is the staff. So caring. I’m just an ordinary traveller but marhaba makes me feel like a VIP. With people like this, there is only one way you can go—up, up and up! Kilban
Breeze through all the airport formalities with our meet & greet services in Dubai and Bahrain. Whether you’re arriving, departing or transferring, marhaba meet & greet makes your time at the airport something to look forward to. You can also relax in style, no matter what your airline or class of travel, at our lounges in Dubai and Bahrain. Find your marhaba effect at marhabaservices.com
meet & greet | family packages | marhaba lounge | citystop | transfer service
THE FOOD
FOODIE DISTRICT
THE BEACH AT JBR A brilliant pedestrianised area mere metres from the sand and sea, The Beach at JBR is the perfect place to head for a good-value feed for your family. Your best bet is to simply stroll the length of it, stopping to peruse the menus at places that catch your eye – there are myriad cuisines to choose from. The brainchild of Michelinstarred chef Thomas Keller, Bouchon Bakery at The Beach at JBR (+971 4 419 0772) is perfect for a morning pick-me-up. Indulge in sticky sweet pastries and a cup of custom-blended TK by Equator coffee. Signature curries like creamy panang If the ocean air puts you kung with tiger prawns and gai phad kain the mood for seafood, prao with chilli and hot basil pack plenty crack open a crab at Aprons of depth and flavour, while classics like & Hammers (+971 4 456 tom yum have been honed to perfection. 7888, apronsandhammers. You’ll arrive at Madinat Jumeirah’s com). Or, for good licensed Pai Thai (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah. options down this way, head com) via abra, floating across a winding to DoubleTree by Hilton. It waterway – romantic, for sure. Equally houses both The Maine (+971 satisfying is the food, particularly dishes 4 457 6719, themaine.ae) – like goong gra tiem prik thai: crispy tiger part American brasserie and prawns teamed with garlic, coriander part European bistro – serving and a piquant green pepper sauce. great seafood, and the always buzzing Ramusake SUBLIME SUSHI AND SASHIMI (+971 4 5595 300, ramusake. Beyond the elsewhere-mentioned ae), for modern Japanese. Zuma, Dubai is home to a fair few Ramusake
standout Japanese restaurants, including outposts of Novikov and Nobu. Better still, TOMO (+971 4 357 7888, tomo.ae) at Raffles Dubai, is helmed by chef-owner Chitoshi Takahashi who has devised a vast menu of authentic Japanese delicacies, best navigated with the help of your waiter. There’s more of a fun vibe over at Izakaya at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com, +971 4 414 3000). For a start, the socalled Wasabi Girl (she has wasabi
Pai Thai
IN THE KNOW
Sublime steaks PRIME68 JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com The premium beef here is sourced from choice suppliers across the globe and tastes superb, matched by the views from the 68th floor.
STK Rixos Premium Dubai, +971 4 520 0000, togrp.com One of two Dubai outposts of the world- famous steak restaurant offers a winning mix of STK classics and dishes created only for Dubai.
JW’S STEAKHOUSE JW Marriott Dubai, +971 4 607 7977, marriottdiningatjw.ae Something of a Dubai institution, chef Mohammad Iqbal has been in the kitchen for over 20 years and knows each of his (many) regulars’ preferences by heart.
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coloured hair) makes the headblowing Japanese mustard at your table. Yet the food is of serious quality; plump, fabulously fresh sashimi and inventive sushi creations are always on the mark. Take a seat at the sushi counter, or position yourself in full view of the live teppanyaki counter at Morimoto Dubai at Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai (+971 4 512 5577, morimotodubai.com), which showcases Masaharu Morimoto's trademark culinary style, with seasonal seafood flown in from markets around the world, including Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji and Fukuoka fish markets. Bridgewater Tavern
PAN-ASIAN FLAVOURS
BEST OF BRITISH
When you crave Asian food in any one of its guises, nowhere does it better than the award-toting Mekong (+971 4 567 8304, dubai-palm.anantara.com) at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Its lengthy menu includes myriad Thai, Chinese and Vietnamese highlights (the duck curry is a big hitter), which you enjoy on rickshaw-style seating. Taking her culinary direction from the many varied street foods of Korea, Thailand, China, Vietnam and Japan, Miss Tess (+971 4 438 3121, misstessdubai. com) brings an element of fun dining to Taj Dubai, where the eclecticism of the menu is matched by that of the interiors.
On Palm Jumeirah, housed in the beautiful Dukes Dubai, is the Great British Restaurant, otherwise known as GBR (+971 4 455 1101, dukesdubai.com). This is the place to come for expertly cooked (better than your mum makes) roast dinners with all the trimmings, fish and chips with crispy batter and feather-light fish, and comforting cottage pie fashioned from slow cooked beef. Bookend your mains with a fabulous coronation chicken and a sweet treat such as the quintessentially English sticky toffee pudding. At The Croft (+971 4 319 4000, marriott.com), modern British cuisine with a twist is the culinary mantra (try the tongue and cheek pie, it's a surprisingly delicious revelation). With a focus on sourcing homegrown produce and working with local suppliers where possible, the menu is packed with the expected and the intriguing, with dishes such foie gras-stuffed chicken and Chef Sentil's mum's curry among the highlights. The Scene (+971 422 2328, thescenedubai.com) by TV chef and serial author Simon Rimmer is the frontrunner at Pier 7, a hugely popular seven-floor, seven-restaurant tower set on a (licensed) pier in Dubai Marina. British-style comfort food is the gist of it – think succulent, deep-filled pies, veal Scotch eggs, battered fish and chunky chips – while veggies and vegans have their own thoughtfully designed collection of dishes including curries, pies and burger options.
IN THE KNOW
Comfort food BRIDGEWATER TAVERN
Bushman’s Restaurant & Bar
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai +971 4 414 0000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com The go-to place to enjoy high quality, filling fare. The fire-cracker calamari and parmesan truffle fries are willing bedfellows with an ice cold brew.
BUSHMAN’S RESTAURANT & BAR Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort +971 4 567 8304, dubai-palm.anantara.com Prime slabs of succulent Aussie meat are the norm here. However, to enjoy it you’ll be faced with the near-impossible task of forgoing the classic beef and mushroom pie. The Lion by Nick & Scott
THE LION BY NICK & SCOTT The H Dubai, +971 4 359 2366, hhoteldubai.com Two of the city's top chefs (also of the elsewhere mentioned folly, see 'Made in the UAE, p34) add a touch of class to pub grub staples like the burger, which comes in sourdough topped with veal pancetta.
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CARIBBEAN QUEENS Different to almost anywhere else in Dubai, Miss Lily’s (+971 4 354 4074, misslilys.com) brings a true taste of the Caribbean to these shores in the form of authentic Jamaican dishes. Hailing from New York, this is the first international Miss Lily’s outpost, and it’s something of a gem. Vibrant, fun and characterful, the self-styled ‘beach shack-meets-Jamaican diner’ boasts a number of must-try dishes including jerk
THE FOOD
FOODIE DISTRICT
Carnival by Tresind
corn grilled with toasted coconut, hot pepper lobster and a brilliant king crab with Scotch bonnet sauce. Ting Irie (+971 4 557 5601, tingirie. com) at Downtown Boulevard offers up Jamaican staples in a fun atmosphere courtesy of executive chef Craig Wong (of Jamaican-Chinese heritage), whose CV boasts stints at the multi-Michelinstarred Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck.
BAVARIAN BITES Licensed from Munich's Hofbräuhaus, you’ll find Dubai’s outpost inside the JW Marriott Hotel Dubai in Deira (+971 4 607 7588, marriott.com), where it has built up a loyal crowd over 20 years. They come here for the first rate atmosphere and German staples – the outsized sausage platter will slay any killer appetite. For a healthy take on German cuisine, Brothaus Bakery-Bistro (+971 4 369 0000, steigenberger.com) at Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay has a tasty menu featuring hearty mains, five different types of sausages and sweet treats like sachertorte.
IN THE KNOW
Perfect pizza EATALY The Dubai Mall, 800 328 259, eataly.ae Eataly’s simple margherita is so good, the tomato sauce so rich and flavoursome, you may well forgo fancy toppings for ever.
BASTA! BY DAVID MYERS Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai, +971 4 512 5522, basta-dubai.com The celebrity chef adds a sprinkle of stardust to the simple pizza here, serving up such soon-to-be classics as ricotta, farm egg and black truffle crisp from the woodfire oven.
DIFC Within Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is Gate Village, where amid the high-end galleries and auction houses are some of Dubai’s best restaurants. At Zuma (+971 4 425 5560, zumarestaurant.com) the ever outstanding Japanese food is best ordered to share. As it is at the always buzzing La Petite Maison (+971 4 439 0505, lpmlondon.co.uk/ dubai), which uses produce from local UAE farms in a number of its fabulous creations, all of which have their roots in FrenchMediterranean cooking. For something more casual BOCA (+971 4 323 1833, boca.ae) is a busy bar/restaurant concept that does Mediterranean dishes to share (the likes of patatas bravas and grilled tiger prawns), preferably with a bottle drawn from its wellstocked cellar. Creative Indian fare is on the menu at the playful Carnival by Tresind (+971 4 421 8665, carnivalbytresind. com). Expect vibrant, modern interiors and dishes such as pink pani puri and the wonderful beetroot gol gappa.
BUSSOLA The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, +971 4 511 7373, bussoladubai.com An old favourite that serves classic crusts from its al fresco upper deck location beside the sea.
Zuma
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GOOD GREEK While Dubai is not exactly overflowing with Greek restaurants, it does boast some truly excellent ones. In-the-know locals will point you towards Elia (+971 4 359 8888, dubaimajestic.com), a cosy restaurant with a lovely glass terrace surrounded by greenery in the somewhat incongruous setting of the Majestic Hotel in bustling Bur Dubai. In the kitchen is Cretan head chef Poppy Kourkoutaki, while charming restaurant manager (and fellow Crete local) Margianna Mavridou heads up the front-of-house team. The menu is divided into Greek classics – the cheese saganaki and chicken souvlaki are standouts – and more contemporary interpretations such as slow-cooked veal cheeks with eggplant purée. Don’t leave without trying the freshly baked carob bread.
From the same team, Mythos Kouzina & Grill (+971 4 399 8166, mythoskouzina.com) feels like a little slice of Santorini hidden away in JLT’s Armada Bay Hotel. Kitted out like a traditional seaside taverna with whitewashed walls, rustic furniture and light blue banquettes, the simple menu is a mix of traditional dishes such as keftedakia (meatballs) and grilled calamari, together with home-style favourites like moussaka and gigandes (butter beans).
FABULOUS FRENCH For decades Le Cirque was New York’s go-to spot for A-list celebrities and real estate tycoons (including a certain Mr Trump). Now at The Ritz-Carlton DIFC, Le Cirque (+971 4 372 2444, ritzcarlton) is proving equally popular. The menu, which comes with a hint of Italian
THIS MONTH'S
Top table
FOODIE DISTRICT
CLUB VISTA MARE Fancy soaking up spectacular views of the cityscape when sitting down to dinner? Club Vista Mare, a Dhs120 million beachfront promenade of restaurants, bars and cafés on Palm Jumeirah, allows you to do just that. Among the dining venues, each with an al fresco terrace, is Breeze Beach Grill (+971 4 568 3000), a beach grill concept that has a raw bar and deli counter. There’s also Aji (+971 4 552 0244, aji.ae) – it's pronounced ‘ah-hee’, in case you're wondering – which specialises in Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) cuisine. Take your pick from the menu to share among your dinner companions. The wagyu ribeye from the grill is especially tasty. To try food that might be new to your taste buds, head to Gursha (+971 4 554 2665, gursha-dubai.com). It's an Ethiopian restaurant, where the food – the likes of spicy lentil stews and curries thick with caramalised onions and spices – is served to share and eaten with your hands, once you've scooped some up with injera, a thin bread. Aji
SHIMMERS Catching a first glimpse of Burj al Arab Jumeirah still sends a thrill through any first-time visitor to Dubai, but if you want that feeling to be more than fleeting we heartily recommened dinner (or lunch, we're not picky) at Shimmers. Set on the wonderful beach at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam in Madinat Jumeirah, Shimmers (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com) serves up a truly jaw-dropping view of the emblematic Burj and a menu of beautifully prepared Greek dishes, courtesy of Greek chef Yiannis Katsikas. What's more, you can enjoy this perfect pairing with your toes submerged in the soft sand.
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THE FOOD
That’s a good deal An indulgent afternoon tea with a hint of festive cheer is yours to enjoy in the five-star splendour of La Farine Café & Bakery at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The medley of sweet and savoury treats includes traditional stollen and crisp gingerbread. As though a gift from Santa himself, you'll pay a mere Dhs250 per couple. Available daily from 4–31 December, 3pm to 6pm. +971 4 414 0000
inspiration, contains just the right number of dishes to suggest that each has been honed to perfection – the subsequent taste test confirms it. A superb lobster risotto easily ranks among Dubai's 'musttry' dishes, while soft-as-butter Dover sole and a chocolate soufflé so light it could float from your table are among the notable highlights. Regardless of the quality of the food they serve, it’s often difficult for Dubai’s many hotel-run restaurants to shake off that hotel restaurant vibe. So it’s to places like Bistrot Bagatelle (+971 4 354 5035, bagatelledubai.com) we locals go for a hefty side of atmosphere to enjoy with our food at weekends. Let your waiter guide you through the menu highlights, such as a to-die-for black truffle pizza and spicy lobster linguine. You’ll find it inside the Fairmont Dubai, It's French farmhouse fare in a French farmhouse-style setting at the otherwise refined Bleu Blanc by David Myers
(+971 4 512 5533, marriott.com). From a wonderful wood-fired grill centrepiece comes the likes of black angus butcher's cuts, charred king prawns and the incredibly good king crab leg – sweet and tender flesh balanced with salty capers. You'll find this slice of Provence at the Renaissance Downtown Hotel.
FRESH FROM THE OCEAN If you’re keen to dine with the of sand between your toes, book a table at Fish Beach Taverna (+971 4 511 7139, fish-dubai.com). With a rustic Mediterranean feel, this restaurant is on the water’s edge at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and is amazingly atmospheric at night. At Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Geales (+971 4 316 5550, leroyalmeridien-dubai.com), a spin off from the London location, showcases a great range of fresh catches on ice backed up by a menu of comfort food
Ask a Top Chef Muhannad AlBkeirat
Chef De Cuisine, Aloft City Centre Deira
When I'm missing home, I would pass by Al Hadheerah Restaurant at Bab Al Shams Desert Resort and Spa (alhadheerah.com) for the best Middle Eastern and local experience one could have.
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Galvin Dubai
FOODIE DISTRICT
CITY WALK A vibrant mix of cafés, restaurants and unique boutiques, City Walk is at its best at night, when twinkling lights and neon illuminate the streets and purposely graffitied walls – by some of the world’s best known street artists – below. Along with DIFC and d3, it’s also an area that has a few licensed venues independent of hotels, in The Square. 44
Galvin Dubai (+971 4 590 5444, galvindubai.com) is the first venture outside the UK for Michelin-starred brothers Chris and Jeff Galvin. They describe their menu as the “best of British, with a Mediterranean Basin flair” and it’s excellent. Lima Dubai (800 5462 5462, limadubai.com) is a Peruvian hotspot from Virgilio Martinez, the chef behind Central in Lima, Peru, the fifth
best restaurant on the planet according to the coveted World’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Headed by his Central protégé, Diego Sanchez, the top dishes here include an incredibly good octopus and corn brûlée. Also of note is Toro + Ko (+971 4 590 5433, torodubai.com), a Barcelona-inspired tapas restaurant and bar by awardwinning chefs Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette.
FOODIE DISTRICT
Levee
IN THE KNOW
The best burgers SALT Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim find-salt.com Once a mere food truck, now a sort of beach house, Salt's 'original' is served as two 100% wagyu beef sliders, which simply extends the pleasure of eating it.
BURGER FUEL The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence, +971 4 445 8220, burgerfuel.com The concept is 100% New Zealand grass-fed beef, 150g of which is chargrilled to perfection and placed within a wholemeal bun.
MOYLO’S Jumeirah Beach Road, +971 4 388 3140, moylosburgers.com A home-grown, hole-in-the-wall joint on Jumeirah Beach Road, where 100% wagyu beef is used in all its homemade burgers.
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staples such as fish and chips and fish pie, as well as a rather good seafood tagliatelle, that comes laced with plump prawns and chunky cod.
ITALIAN LIKE MAMA MAKES IT JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is home to arguably Dubai’s best Italian – Positano (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com). The restaurant does the full range of Italian staples exceptionally well, so you don't have to look beyond the likes of the pumpkin tortelli in a rich, velvety butter and sage sauce. A Dubai birthed concept from Italian expats, Matto (+971 4 444 1335, mattodubai.com) at The Oberoi, Business Bay, indulges its diners in authentic recipes that have been handed down through generations of home cooks. That means pasta dishes to die for – we recommend the ragù e carciofi (homemade ricotta cheese gnocchi, lamb ragù, and crispy artichokes). Likewise, you’d expect the Italian restaurant at Palazzo Versace Dubai to be somewhat of a showstopper, and thanks to chef de cuisine Andrea Gaia,
LA MER This trendy beachfront destination in Jumeirah has a contemporary mixture of restaurants and cafés, shops and attractions set against a scenic backdrop of sand, sea and sun. There are new eateries cropping up all the time but our favourites include Masti - Cocktails & Cuisine (800 62784, mastidubai.com), which has a bold new India vibe, with flavourful sharing plates by award-winning chef Hari Nayak. For authentic French Mediterranean cuisine, head to all-day dining concept LEVEE (+971 4 380 2000, leveecafeandlounge. ae) to try the La Mer risotto, which features scallops, tiger prawns, baby squid and bouillabaisse. The venue has a New York loft style vibe, but you can move to the terrace for beachy views. SMK – that's Smoked Meat Kitchen to you and I – (+971 50 703 2915, smk-uae.com) serves meat smoked over English oak, and topped off with homemade rubs, created by smoke master Luke Tully. Try the signature brisket bun, which comes with pickled red chilli, adding a fruity quality. SMK
THE FOOD that’s exactly what Vanitas (+971 4 556 8820, palazzoversace.ae) is. Gaia’s CV lists many a Michelin-starred restaurant, experience he brings to bear on the menu here.
SUPERB SPANISH With an open kitchen, funky murals and baskets hanging from its high ceilings, Salero Tapas & Bodega (+971 4 341 0000, kempinski.com) at Kempinski Mall of the Emirates looks more hipster eatery than traditional tapas joint. However, the Spanish staff, led by head chef Oscar Leon, ensure the no-nonsense, garlicsmothered tapas are entirely authentic. There’s a great selection of tapas to order, such as Galician-style octopus, along with three types of paella.
LOVELY LATIN AMERICAN There is currently fierce competition in Dubai for the tag of the city’s best Latin American restaurant, and in the thick of it is Waka (+971 4 444 1455, waka.ae) at The
Oberoi, Dubai. Here, Chef Roberto Segura dishes up authentic Latin American flavours combined with Japanese seasonings and using French techniques. It has some of the best ceviche in the city, but make sure you start with a bowl of Wakamole to share. Their welcome twist is the use of smoked avocado. While you’ll be right to love Coya (+971 4 316 9600, coyarestaurant.com) at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai on Jumeirah Beach (in particular, its Arroz Nikkei – a mix of Chilean sea bass, rice, lime and chilli – is fabulous), we also have a thing for the more casual Garden (+971 56 224 0956, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com) at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. The chef is Peruvian, the staff are great, the vibe relaxed and the food very good value. If you're more a fan of a taco, head down Mexico way at Muchahas Mexican Cantina (+971 4 327 5878, muchachasdubai.com) an off-the-radar but hipster hotspot within Holiday Inn Express, Safa.
Ask a Top Chef
Kanchana Sudath Sous Chef, Carine
Out of the many restaurants that are available in Dubai, my favourite place to visit is The Lighthouse in Dubai Design District (thelighthouse.ae). It offers simple, tasty, quality food using fresh ingredients along with a professional and friendly service.
Family-friendly eats Eating at your hotel can work out expensive, especially if you have a whole family to feed. But fear not: Dubai's restaurants are very family friendly, with myriad options for good value, great quality fare. WITH LITTLE ONES A gastro pub in a residential community The Lakes, Reform Social & Grill (+971 4 454 2638, reformsocialgrill.ae) offers up a kids' menu full of choice (from baby bowls through to three types of pasta) and lots of outdoor space in which to play. Parents of unicorn-obsessed kids can sate their appetites at Unicorn Vibes (+971 50 555 0352, unicornvibes.com) in Wasl Vita mall which, colourful cupcakes aside, offers dishes like pink pasta and pink acai bowls. You get the idea. For creative types, Café Ceramique (+971 4 344 7331,
Reform Social & Grill
cafeceramique.ae) at Town Centre Mall invites kids to paint their own ceramics, while good quality staples like mac and cheese and pizza are served alongside. WITH BIGGER ONES From NYC comes Black Tap, at Jumeirah Al Naseem (+971 4 422 9904, jumeirah.com) and Rixos Premium JBR
(+971 4 399 9076, premiumdubai.rixos. com), famed for its all-American beef burgers and monster milkshakes piled high with sweet toppings. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, Claw BBQ (+971 4 432 2300, clawbbq.com) in Souk Al Bahar is lots of fun. Arrive early in the evening to enjoy the view of The Dubai Fountain on your way out.
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Best of the
BRUNCH In the bigger-is-better city of Dubai, the word ‘brunch’ takes on a very different meaning to elsewhere in the world. Here, brunch is not a laid-back midmorning weekend meal to be enjoyed with a friend in a nice café; it is an all-you-can-eat, all-youcan-drink lunchtime feast that involves cuisines from every corner of the globe. A Dubai brunch isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience – and something everyone needs to try at least once during their holiday
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BEST FOR... A fun feast What? Girders Garden Brunch Why? Friday brunches just got even more delicious with this 'sharing is caring' brunch, which serves freshly cooked dishes designed to split, such as crispy calamari, lamb rack and homemade gelato. This chic venue recently underwent a revamp, giving you all the benefits of an al fresco ambience, with the comfort of an air-conditioned indoor setting. Plus, it's fun 'pimp your drinks' concept means you can get creative with your beverages by adding your choice of fruit and herbs as resident DJ Pele spins the decks. When? Fridays from 12.30pm to 4.30pm. Where? JA Ocean View Hotel Dubai. +971 4 814 5599. How much? Dhs249 per adult.
BEST FOR... Diners of all ages What? Meydan Friday Family Brunch Why? This popular brunch is back for another season, and it's bigger and better than ever before. Larger venue? Tick. More food choices? You bet. Super fun entertainment? Of course! Grab a plate and tour the massive buffet offering everything from barbecued meat and seafood to vegetarian specialities and Arabic pastry masterpieces. Face painting, arts and crafts, balloon twisting and, if you feel like settling in for the long-haul, family friendly movies are on hand to keep the little ones in check. All you need to do is sit back and relax to the sounds of the live band. When? Fridays from 12.30pm to 4pm (except Friday 21 December). Where? The Meydan Hotel. +971 4 381 3111. How much? From Dhs290 to Dhs400 per person, depending on the drinks package. Those up to four years old go free and it's half price for ages five to 12 (Dhs120 per child, inclusive of VAT).
THE FOOD
BEST FOR... An Arabian setting
BEST FOR... The travel hungry
What? The Garden Brunch Why? Journey into the desert to experience this iconic brunch that makes the most of the wonderful winter weather. Your eyes will boggle at the extensive buffet laid out in the garden and inside Al Forsan restaurant, offering a wide range of mouth-watering signature dishes from the Middle East, Asia, India, and Europe. There are dedicated areas for chocolate, candy and pastry, as well as a satisfyingly stinky cheese corner. Kids are sure to be entertained with fun activities and attractions including a mini zoo, magician, face painting, and bouncy castle, with pony and camel rides from 1.30pm. When? Fridays from 1pm to 4pm (except Friday 21 December). Where? Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. +971 4 809 6194. How much? From Dhs365 to Dhs545 per person, depending on the drinks package. Those up to four years old go free and it's half price for ages five to 12.
What? Wanderlust Brunch Why? Embark on a culinary journey around the world at this popular Friday brunch which takes place inside the tallest five-star hotel on the planet. Featuring more than 10 live stations, book a table on the outdoor terrace for great views of Business Bay and let this sumptuous spread satisfy your inner foodie. When? Fridays from 1pm-4pm. Where? JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. +971 4 414 3000. How much? Dhs425 per person, including food and house drinks.
BEST FOR... Social butterflies What? Just Brunch Why? Make like Blair Waldorf and join the social set for a refined Friday brunch at this lively eatery in City Walk. Dine on healthy yet hearty breakfast classics, such as eggs benedict and smoked salmon avocado croissant, and take your pick from an array of waffles, cereals, fresh fruits and baked goods. Plus, there's a makeit-yourself granola parfait counter. If, after all that, you've space for some more, you can move onto light lunch dishes such as the crispy crusted salmon. Soak up the winter weather on the Chival Terrace with a drink in hand, or stay closer to the food stations by taking a seat in indoors – the venue is bathed in natural light. When? Friday from noon to 4pm. Where? Chival Global Social at La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK. +971 4 309 5948. How much? From Dhs199 to Dhs399 per person, depending on the drinks package.
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RETOLD
The Shops
There’s no shortage of retail therapy in Dubai, from mega malls to edgy concept stores and traditional souks. The main malls are open until late. The Dubai Mall, for instance, is open from 10am to midnight, every day of the week – enjoy! 50
THE SHOPS Maison Assouline
MEGA MALLS Supersizing the retail scene since the early noughties, the city’s huge shopping malls invite you to slip on your comfiest sneakers and pound the marbled walkways. With more than 1,300 stores (and counting), The Dubai Mall (800 38 224 6255, thedubaimall. com) is the grande dame of the city’s shopping scene, having recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and offering fashion and entertainment in epic proportions. Luxury shopping district, Fashion Avenue, is a high-end repository of style with more than 150 fabulous shopping and dining experiences to delight. Browse the plush displays and shop for collectible books at the newly-opened Maison Assouline, which is nestled amid the likes of Dior, Chanel, and Fendi, before pausing to ponder your style inspiration at one of the eateries dotted around. For haute beauty buys, Perfumery & Co is the place to go for fine
fragrances. Plump for a personalised consultation for expert advice on fragrances, skincare and make-up to suit your personality and lifestyle. After restocking your dressing table, click your heels together à la Dorothy and transport yourself to Level Shoes for designer heels, before loading up on even more luxury labels at anchor brands Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette Dubai, which has a dedicated glamour area showcasing the wares of coveted designers such as Carolina Herrera and Jason Wu. Another power player, Mall of the Emirates (+971 4 409 9000, malloftheemirates.com) has a handsfree shopping service, where you can drop off your bulging bags at designated points and have them delivered to your hotel. It'll free you up to continue exploring its four floors, anchored by ‘absolutely fabulous’ department store Harvey Nichols – Dubai and the high-end Fashion Dome. Once you're all shopped out, you can
The Dubai Mall
Perfumery & Co
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Mall of the Emirates
hit the slopes at Ski Dubai, or enjoy a five-star snack menu at Vox Cineplex' THEATRE by Rhodes. Dubai Creek has its very own mega mall experience at Dubai Festival City (800 332, dubaifestivalcitymall. com) where mid-range brands rub shoulders with the Singapore-born department store Robinsons. Here, you’ll find homeware goodies from the UK’s John Lewis and a collection of exclusive fashion labels. Located on the waterfront with a dedicated promenade, take time out from browsing this mall’s 400 stores for a dhow boat ride or to watch the nightly fire, light and water show. At the other end of the city, fronting a vibrant waterfront residential area, Dubai Marina Mall (+971 4 348 4848, dubaimarinamall.com) is a no brainer if you’re looking to shop at a more leisurely pace. It's compact compared to the city's larger retail havens, yet is peppered with a trendy selection of high-street brands and a chilled
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collection of restaurants, many with outdoor terrace seating ideal for a lingering lunch overlooking the water. The only themed mega mall in the city, Ibn Battuta Mall (+971 4 362 1900, ibnbattutamall.com) pays architectural homage to the travels of the legendary Arab explorer of the same name with a succession of interlinked spaces reflecting global culture, from China to India. Wander through the dedicated exhibition before letting loose in the 400-plus stores, hitting the lanes of the busy bowling alley or catching a movie.
MINI MALLS Not enough time (or patience) to trawl the jumbo malls? Dubai’s growing community of suburban mini malls will hit the spot. Kick-start your mall crawl opposite Burj Al Arab on Jumeirah Beach Road at the aptly named The Mall (+971 4 348 4848, themall.co.ae), which is home to a coterie of 55 handselected retailers, including French fashion brand Escales, luxury leather
MUST-SHOP
MAJE SILVER BULLET COLLECTION If you're celebrating the new year in Dubai, there's no better excuse to treat yourself to a new party outfit. Cool glamour meets futuristic opulence in Maje’s new Silver Bullet collection. Rock some sequins and shine your way into 2019 with these capsule pieces that can take you from day to night in style. maje.com
THE SHOPS brand Native and Suit Express, where you can get a made-to-measure suit whipped up in just five days. Further along the road, a stone’s throw from Jumeirah Corniche, is Sunset Mall (+971 4 330 7333, sunsetmall.ae). Be sure to pay a visit to Rivaage, which plays host to international designers such as Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood. With more than 140 stores to explore, the Italian Renaissance themed Mercato Mall (+971 4 344 4161, mercatoshoppingmall.com) is another top stop-off. Label lovers should check out pre-owned designerwear store Bagatelle, while there's also plenty of popular high-street stores for a fast fix. Hugging a corner spot on the adjacent Al Wasl Road is the boutique Galleria Mall (+971 4 344 4434, galleriamall.ae) at which hip stores, such as trendy Californian beachwear label Beach Bunny and Saucettte (the kidswear offshoot of successful local brand Sauce), cater to a well-heeled clientele. It's also home to an open-air VOX Cinema in the cooler months.
AN OPEN-AIR RETAIL AFFAIR A growing number of al fresco shopping spots add outdoor character to the retail scene, from plush European-style boulevards to artisan markets selling handicrafts you can't find anywhere else. At La Mer (800 637 227, lamerdubai.ae), stylish boutiques – think Via Rodeo, Trina Turk and Beach Bunny – rub shoulders with cool cafés along a strip of golden sand just off Jumeirah Beach Road. Over at Dubai Creek, Al Seef (800 637227, alseef.ae) delivers a cultural vibe with its setting inspired by a traditional Arabian neighbourhood. Here, you can pick up everything from high-end fashion to Emirati handicrafts. For a more modern feel, City Walk (+971 4 317 3999, citywalk.ae) has a profusion of funky designer-centric boutiques such as Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, and Whistles, among others, as well as upmarket Parisian department store Le BHV Marais. Nearby on Al Wasl Road, BoxPark (+971 4 317 3999, boxpark.ae) draws a
LOCAL DESIGNER Ayah Tabari Growing up in different corners of the world, Ayah Tabari draws on her rich travel experiences to bring a burst of colour and individuality to the fashion table with her label Mochi, which showcases the art of embroidery. Her gorgeous designs team heritage and tradition with a fun twist. Plus, each piece is handcrafted by local artisans. allthingsmochi.com
City Walk
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(+971 4 317 3999, theoutletvillage. ae) in Jebel Ali is your best bet. Three department stores and more than 125 top brands including Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, Juicy Couture and Superdry can be found inside its Tuscan inspired interior. Stylish piazza cafés add to the Italian vibe. If you have a soft spot for French fashion, check out the So Chic (sochic. ae) boutique at Home and Soul on Al Wasl Road. Raid the rails bursting with pre-loved designer clothes and accessories sourced from the best wardrobes of Dubai. Similarly, RETOLD (shopretold.com) on Umm Suqeim Road is brimming with pre-loved steals from Dubai’s labelloving residents.
COOL CONCEPT STORES
The Outlet Village
STYLE SETTER Nathalie Trad With a vision to create sculptural, wearable works of art, this Parsonstrained designer, who was born in Beirut and raised in Dubai, is inspired by the diversity of nature. Mentored by Proenza Schouler before launching her own label in 2013, her well-crafted statement pieces are sure to turn heads. nathalietrad.com
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hip crowd to its shipping containers, housing contemporary fashion from the likes of Urbanist and OnePiece. At the Dubai Marina end of town, The Beach at JBR (+971 80 063 7227, thebeach.ae) blends boho chic market action with holiday-accessoriesoriented stores, including Sauce On-Sea, bordered by an esplanade packed with family-friendly eateries and attractions.
BARGAIN HUNTERS While the discount store phenomenon hasn’t quite made it to Dubai, there are still bargains to be had. A 30-minute taxi ride out of town, the Dubai Outlet Mall (+971 4 423 4666, dubaioutletmall. com) is a repository for previous season style. Bag an affordable new wardrobe from high-street names like Aldo, Esprit, Monsoon and Mango, with the odd designer find. If you’re more a fan of Paris Fashion Week than Primark, The Outlet Village
It’s hardly surprising that, with around 200 nationalities residing in Dubai, international design influences are making their mark on the city with a growing cadre of cool concept stores. If shopping on the water floats your boat, head to Al Seef where the first ever floating boutique in the region, BEYOUland (beyoulandubai.com), is docked. You'll discover 17 abra themed boats hosting the creations of local and international brands and artists. There are also two bricks and mortar BEYOUboutique stores at Dar Al Wasl Mall in Jumeirah (+971 4 333 0373) and at Jumeirah Plaza (+971 4 344 9970, beyoudubai.com). Founded by Sheikha Maytha Hasher Al Maktoum and Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum, these house more than 100 new and emerging brands such as AWS, Nigwah, Homa Q, and Maysson. Popular creative hub Dubai Design District (d3), which is dedicated to startups, naturally has its finger on the pulse with d3 Collective (+971 4 554 3540, dubaidesigndistrict.com), a premier platform for established and emerging names, such as Osheq, DRESSADDICT by Artem & Victor and Taupe. Equally edgy is O Concept Store (+971 4 345 5557, oconceptstore.ae) in
THE SHOPS
HOMEGROWN LABEL
LEMON MINT
Heading to the beach? Of course you are! For a stylish cover-up, be sure to check out Lemon Mint, an elegant ready-to-wear brand that is known for its wraps. The brainchild of residents Charlotte and Ludivine, The Wrap is a one-size-fits-all concept that can be styled three different ways. Available in 16 colours. lemonmint.biz
Jumeirah, which combines fashion and art and attracts young and passionate designers, artists and collectors from all over the world. The recently-opened The Edit in Al Wasl (+971 4 332 0324, theeditdubai. com) stocks choice ready-to-wear from cult clothing brands, including Paper London, Acler and AQ/AQ, plus statement jewellery, accessories and beauty products. There's also a fab coffee bar downstairs and pop-ups, and art exhibitions upstairs. Following 15 years in Jeddah, multibrand concept store Lilis has opened its doors at City Walk (+971 55 95 67 026, lilisboutiques.com), offering a curated selection of pieces from acclaimed designers from around the world, with a focus on bohemian luxe through a modest lens. With a flagship store at City Walk II, Bambah (+971 55 224 1538, bambah. com) is the place to go for statement pieces guaranteed to inject some fun into your wardrobe – think generous
ruffles, oversized bows and colourful floral prints. The brainchild of UAE-based designer Maha Abdul Rasheed, it's easy to see why stars such as Emma Roberts are fans.
HOMEGROWN HEROES The region’s young design guns are taking the fashion world by storm and many homegrown Emirati and Middle Eastern brands are thriving. Haute couture luminary Rami Al Ali rules the regional high-end fashion roost from his Al Wasl Road villa (+971 4 394 5607, ramialali.com). A Paris Fashion Week regular who is known for his ultra-feminine gowns, you can book a personal consultation at his atelier or check out his ready-to-wear line at Harvey Nichols – Dubai. Another respected designer, Furne One launched his avant garde label Amato Couture in the UAE in 2002 and has an A-list following, including Heidi Klum, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez, among others. You can shop the stand-
Lilis Boutique
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alone Amato Luxe boutique located at Dubai Design District (+971 4 443 2449, amatoluxe.com) – think floral-inspired bomber jackets, billowing dresses and ethereal sweeping lace jackets in a pastel palette. The local branch of French fashion institute, Esmod Dubai, is responsible for a wave of fresh graduate talent and you'll be pleased to learn that it has its own dedicated retail outlet, Pôlette Concept Store (+971 50 879 6518), at City Walk. It's the only retail start-up platform in the world to launch university students’ fashion brands, and to stock pieces from celebrated alumni, such as Canella Hostal, so shopping there is a little like picking up the wearable version of a future Picasso. More homegrown talent is in favour with the A-list, with bold designs by Dubai-based Madiyah Al Sharqi receiving the nod of approval by actress Sofia Vergara, among others. Make a beeline for her latest collection, which
is available at Symphony in The Dubai Mall (+971 4 310 6904, bysymphony.com). Nathalie Trad (+971 50 483 4202, nathalietrad.com) is another one to watch. Born in Beirut and raised in Dubai, this innovative designer, who was mentored by Proenza Schouler, creates innovating, sculptural, wearable works of art. You can find her pieces at Bloomingdale's at The Dubai Mall.
BESPOKE BUYS Few of us can afford a trip to Savile Row and Dubai’s community of nimblefingered tailors and seamstresses is a great alternative. Local fabric stores are in abundance and you can have a made-to-measure suit or dress whipped up in just a few days. The traditional go-to areas for sharp tailoring include Karama, where Dream Girls (+971 4 337 7287) is a long-standing favourite among ladies who lunch. Homegrown bespoke menswear brand, Benjamin Siggers (+971 4 518
TOP BUY
GET INTO THE SPIRIT UAE National Day celebrations will be in full swing on 2 December, offering a coveted chance to snap up a special memento, such as the Plaisir Cadeaux et Fleurs’ limited edition bespoke giftbox. The festive blooms last for a year without the need for any water. Dhs450. plaisircadeaux.com
CITY WALK EATERIES
Mid-spree meals Galeries Lafayette Le Gourmet Offering more than six international cuisines, let your taste buds tingle in anticipation before immersing yourself in a wide range of flavours sourced from all over the world. Cheese-lovers need look no further for those 'hard-to-find' selections thanks to the popular La Fromagerie concept. galerieslafayettedubai.com
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Al Mashowa
Butcha Steak House
Passed down from one Emirati generation to the next, Al Mashowa restaurant will take you back in time with its burst of authentic local flavour. For mains, you can’t go wrong with prawns and their famous grilled seafood platter is a must-try. We say finish your meal off with Lgeimat: doughy balls of delightfulness drenched in date syrup. @almashowa
Meat lovers are sure to be impressed by this beast of a grill house. All you need to do is select your type and cut of meat from the butcher’s gourmet selection, and it'll be cooked to your liking over a wood fire or chargrill. We're leaning towards the juicy Chef's Signature Whole Tenderloin that's prepared at your table. butchasteakhouse.ae
THE SHOPS 2669, benjaminsiggers.com), has mastered the art of perfecting the details that make a quality suit. Teaming traditional Italian style with personalised craftsmanship, these visiting tailors can come to you for a fitting. Alternatively, you can follow in the footsteps of tennis legend Roger Federer, who has had an outfit whipped up by the master tailoring team at Threads & Tailors (+971 4 347 7719, threadsandtailors.com) in Al Barsha, which specialises in made-to-measure suits and shirts at reasonable prices. New kid on the block, Black Amber Dubai (+971 4 4429315, black-amber. com), in Dubailand, promises top-notch tailoring for gentlemen, plus ready-towear clothing under one roof. Lastly, custom-shirt store Bombay Shirt Company, in Central Park Towers, DIFC (+971 4 240 0778, bombayshirts.com) lets you select every detail, from the fabric to the thread and the buttons, with precise measurements taken to ensure a perfect fit.
Bombay Shirt Company
SOUK SPECTACULAR The emirate is famous for its atmospheric souks, which are a treasure trove for everything from gold jewellery to aromatic spices. Put your bargaining skills to the test (it’s a sure thing) at the glittering Dubai Gold Souk on the Deira side of Dubai Creek. A hub for gold traders since the 1930s, its 300 or so shops are thronged by tourists seeking a gilded buy (Arabic name necklaces are a popular choice). It's easy to arrive by taxi, but if you really want to ‘go local’, hop aboard a motorised abra at Bur Dubai Abra Station and set sail for Deira Old Souk Abra Station (operating from 6am to midnight, Dhs1 per person per trip, see rta.ae). Close by, the blink and you’ll miss it Spice Souk is home to a fragrant clutch of market stalls fronted by hessian sacks overflowing with aromatic spices. Stock up on the best Iranian saffron, the Emirati spice mix bezar, as well as pungent dried local lemons to add a citrusy note to a stew or tagine. For a fragrant buy
of a different kind, head to the Perfume Souk, which is great for getting your hands on the traditional Arabian scent, oud, as well as potent essential oils. Dubai Textile Souk, on the opposite bank of Dubai Creek, is a fabric nirvana for shoppers with an eye on bespoke tailoring. The colourful souk has everything from swathes of sari silk to bolts of embroidered cotton. For a more polished experience, head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah (+971 4 366 8888, jumeirah.com), which has been designed in the style of an authentic Arabian marketplace, and explore the labyrinthine lanes lined with barrows and stalls selling souvenirs, jewellery, oud and other trinkets. Similarly, Souk Al Bahar (+971 4 362 7011/12, soukalbahar.ae) in Downtown Dubai has over 100 shops, many of which are situated on the waterfront promenade on the fringes of Burj Lake, offering everything from carpets to handicrafts, jewellery, art and perfume.
LABEL LOVE Natasha Variava Dressing Bollywood stars and Hollywood celebrities, Natasha Variava makes a statement with her minimalistic elegance. Have your A-list moment with a choice buy from the collection. With its renowned luxe fabrics and crisp tailoring, every piece is made to withstand the test of time. natashavlabel.com
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X Park Jr.
The Activities
Sleep is overrated. With all that Dubai has to offer, we say see and do as much as you can during your stay and save those zzz’s for the flight home 58
THE ACTIVITIES
At the Top, Burj Khalifa At the Top, Burj Khalifa
FEEL ON TOP OF THE WORLD No prizes for guessing what is Dubai’s number one visitor attraction. At 456 metres above sea level, the observation decks at the world’s tallest tower, At the Top, Burj Khalifa may not invite you all the way to the tip – that would be the radio mast at 828 metres – but they’re high enough to give you a head rush. Step inside the high-speed elevator and be transported in the blink of an eye to the entry point on Level 124, where you can zoom in on the world below through high-powered telescopes, before moving up another level for panoramic views of the everdeveloping city. At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY ticket holders can climb further towards the clouds to Level 148, home to the world’s highest observation deck with an outdoor terrace (it's 555 metres
high, in case you were wondering). At the Top opens for sunrise sessions from 5.30am. Advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls.
ALL THE FUN OF THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN Lights, camera, action… Now just add water. The world's tallest performing fountain, The Dubai Fountain is the definitive crowd-pleaser. It has thousands of robotic jets hidden beneath the 30-acre Burj Khalifa lake, which shoot water 500 feet into the air – the equivalent of a 50-storey building – while colour projectors work their magic. The mesmerising performances are set to a rotating musical repertoire featuring the recorded likes of Andrea Bocelli and Lionel Richie, as well as Arabic and world music. Whether you’re seeing it for the first or the 50th
At the Top, Burj Khalifa
The Dubai Fountain, with Address Downtown in the background
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Alserkal Avenue
time, it’s sure to give you goosebumps. Shows take place daily from 1pm1.30pm (1.30pm-2pm on Fri.) and every 30 minutes from 6pm to midnight. Plump for a prime viewing spot from a lakeside restaurant table or catch it for free from the Waterfront Promenade. Those after a premium view can step onto the floating The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk for a stroll past all the action – you’ll be just nine metres away from the jets at its closest point. Open from 5pm-11pm daily. Alternatively, you can set sail on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride for the ultimate view from an abra. Operating daily from 5.45pm-11.30pm (the last boat departs half an hour prior to closing). Visit burjkhalifa.ae. For fountain fun on a smaller scale, the IMAGINE light, water and pyrotechnics spectacular at Dubai
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Festival City is sure to delight. Giant aqua screens, surround sound, lasers and the largest water screen projection in the world combine with 30 fountains to create a breathtaking display. Showing daily from 7.30pm-11pm.
DELVE INTO HISTORY Peel back the shiny sweetie wrapper that defines modern-day Dubai and discover the city’s rich cultural heritage. Step back in time with a visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (+971 4 353 9090, dubaiculture.gov.ae) on the bank of Dubai Creek. In the early 1900s the area was populated by affluent merchants and traders and bordered by Al Fahidi Fort, which now houses Dubai Museum. Its collection of beautifully preserved traditional wind tower homes have evolved into
museums, art galleries and cultural spaces connected by a maze of winding alleyways and quiet courtyards. Over in Jumeirah, Etihad Museum (etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.ae) offers a review of contemporary history by telling the story of the 1971 formation of the United Arab Emirates through a compelling curation of photographs, films, documents, artefacts and interactive displays. Located next to Union House, the striking structure resembles a manuscript, with seven tapering columns representing the pens used to sign the unification agreement. Open daily from 8am-10pm. Dhs25 for adults, Dhs10 for students and free for children under five. At Dubai Frame (dubaiframe.ae) in Zabeel Park, you’ll be guided through a multimedia exhibition charting the
THE ACTIVITIES
ASK A LOCAL Sapna Arora, project coordinator From a foodie perspective, what I most enjoy about Dubai is the ability to have a fine dining experience, but then also pay just Dhs5 for a delicious shawarma in the old part of town. It is the only city in which you can mix tradition and progress with such authenticity.
city’s rapid transformation from fishing village to modern metropolis, before scaling the 150-metre-high observation deck, and then exiting via a swirl tunnel depicting the future of the city. Open daily from 9am-9pm. Dhs50 for adults and Dhs20 for children (aged 3-12). Under threes go free. Dubai also has a thriving art scene that runs the full gamut of styles and influences. Hip art hub Alserkal Avenue (+971 50 556 9797, alserkalavenue.ae), in Al Quoz, comprises more than 60 art, design and creative spaces, including galleries The Third Line (+971 4 341 1367, thethirdline.com) and Grey Noise (+971 4 379 0764, greynoise.org) Street art initiatives are also adding new creative impetus to the city’s public spaces. Check out the Dubai Walls project (dubaiwalls.com) at City Walk where the work of 16 renowned artists including Ron English, Nick Walker and
Blek Le Rat take pride of place. Similarly, the Dubai Street Museum project on 2nd December Street in Satwa draws on themes from the UAE’s history and heritage for an eye-catching stroll.
BE A CULTURE VULTURE For a high-brow evening out, it doesn’t get much more glamorous than tickets to Dubai Opera (+971 4 440 8888, dubaiopera.com), which offers an impressive line-up of local and international operatic, ballet and musical productions. The building itself is an architectural wonder, with its dhowshaped design by Janus Rostock a stylish tribute to Dubai’s maritime history. Another must-see is the emirate’s first in-residence show, La Perle by Dragone (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com). Staged inside a purpose-built, state-of-the-art aqua theatre in Al Habtoor City, the
Dubai Opera
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An immersive installation by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota
TOP PICK
Jameel Arts Centre A game-changer for Dubai’s contemporary art scene, Jameel Arts Centre is home to curated commissions, projects, and solo and group exhibitions drawn from both the Art Jameel Collection and collaborations with regional and international artists. Located at the tip 62
of Al Jaddaf Waterfront, the venue champions educational initiatives, with cultural events and an open-access research library dedicated to artists and cultural movements of the Arab world. Head to the rooftop terrace to view the installation by Kuwait-based artists Alia Farid and Aseel
AlYaqoub before strolling through the gardens that punctuate the building. Designed by landscape architect Anouk Vogel, who drew inspiration from local flora, each represents a distinct desert environment, with rare plants sourced from the UAE and around the world. jameelartscentre.org
THE ACTIVITIES
HIT THE TRACK
performance is awash with aerial feats and cutting-edge technology – it's the only place in Dubai where it rains indoors. Performances take place at 7pm and 9.30pm Tue to Fri, and at 4pm and 7pm on Sat.
Supercars are a common sight in Dubai – even the police force has a Bugatti Veyron and a Lamborghini Aventador, among other cars, SPLASH AROUND in its fleet – and motoring Belly flops and swan dives are par for fans will be pleased to learn the course at Dubai’s gold standard that you can do more than water parks, with fun for water babies snap a selfie next to these of all ages. The latest on the scene is gleaming vehicles. At Dubai Laguna Waterpark at La Mer (800 637 Autodrome (+971 4 806 2220, 227, lagunawaterpark.com), which dubaiautodrome.com) you has four different zones – Splash, Slide, can slip behind the wheel Surf and Relax – and all manner of of a Ferrari 458 Challenge, hair-raising rides to hurl yourself down. Formula DXB single seater or The central Water Slide Tower is at Audi R8 V10, among other the heart of the action, with a host of supercars. Track experiences cool attractions, including five rides, combine classroom and plus a family zone, lazy river, and pool behind-the-wheel training lounge with swim-up juice bar. The from a professional racing driver, before you’re let loose Wild Wadi Water Park to do a few laps on your own. The complex is also home to Dubai Kartdrome, which has an indoor and outdoor circuit suitable for those aged seven and above. The 1.2-kilometre-long outdoor circuit is designed for more confident drivers who can definitely test their mettle on its challenging 17 corners, tunnel and bridge and take on the fierce competition. Simply arrive and drive.
star attraction, however, is the WaveOz 180 Florider – the first of its kind in the region – where you can tackle the competition-level wave on a body board or stand-up board. Open daily from 10am-8pm. Tickets cost from Dhs125 on the door. Located in front of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Wild Wadi Water Park (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) was first on the scene, however, it remains a popular choice with over 30 rides and attractions. From kid-friendly slides and the relaxing lazy river to the truly terrifying Jumeirah Sceirah (which propels you to speeds of 80 km/h), it’s wet and wild all the way. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Over on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure Waterpark (advance booking via +971 4 303
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Legoland Water Park
4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai delivers 17 hectares of H2O action. Dare to make the dramatic descent that is the Leap of Faith, jump in a two-person inner tube and journey through the Tower of Neptune to a shark-filled lagoon, or relax in a private, poolside cabana. Open daily from 10am to sunset. In Jebel Ali, Legoland Water Park (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) at Dubai Parks and Resorts is designed especially for families with kids aged two to 12. Slide, splash and swim through 15 Legoinspired water slides, raft rides and pools. You can even construct your own Lego raft to help you on your way. Summer opening hours are 10am-6pm daily. For something on a smaller scale, head to JBR where you can find AquaFun (aquafun.ae) inflatable water park, which challenges you to run,
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jump and slide your way past 74 games without falling off. Open daily from 9am7pm. From Dhs150, or Dhs120 for kids.
BEACH AND POOL ACTION Want to feel the sand between your toes? If you’re not staying on the beach, or simply fancy a change of scenery, there are plenty of places to head to. The emirate's newest stretch of beach, La Mer (meraas.ae) in Jumeirah 1, features more than 130 shops, cafés and restaurants flanked by 2.5 kilometres of sandy coastline. Paddle by the shore before grabbing a bite at one of the numerous licensed eateries. Kite Beach (kitebeach.ae) at the Umm Suqeim end of Jumeirah Beach Road is a firm favourite among the kite-surfing fraternity (lessons available), with a community vibe centred around a clutch of on-trend cafés and family-friendly facilities, such as XDubai Skatepark and XPark Jr. adventure park.
IN THE KNOW
A flying visit Zip lining is all the rage in the UAE right now, with a number of new drop zones cropping up across the emirates. Brave souls can try it firsthand at XLine Dubai Marina, which will whizz you over land and water at speeds of up to 80km/h. From the take-off point at Amwaj Towers, 170 metres above the water, you'll descend over the marina down to ground level at Dubai Marina Mall. You can go solo (Dhs650), or rope in a friend for a double drop (Dhs1,200). Open daily from 9am5pm. Bear in mind that you must be aged from 12 to 65 years old, taller than 130cm, weigh between 50-100kg, and be in good medical health in order to take part. +971 4 457 3212, xdubai.com/xline
For a dash of glamour, The Beach at JBR (+971 4 317 3999, thebeach.ae) is sure to appeal, with its meandering walkway bisecting a profusion of cafés, restaurants and shops and a stunning stretch of sand with a premium view of the under-construction Ain Dubai Ferris wheel located on the upcoming Bluewaters Island development. More fun can be had at Barasti at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (+971 4 318 1313, barastibeach. com). A veteran of the chilled out beach club scene, it has its own watersports centre. Open from 10am Sun to Thur and from 9am on Fri and Sat. Entry is free.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
RIDE THE WAVES Watersports fans are spoilt for choice in the UAE. Get out on the deep blue and enjoy the best views of the skyline on a jet-ski tour. Jet Ski Sightseeing Tours (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com) invite you to follow your guide on a safe, set route across the warm Arabian waters on the latest Sea-Doo jet-skis either as a driver or a passenger – you can take turns with a friend (each jet-ski can accommodate two people). A Go-Pro camera can be rented and fitted to your jet-ski for an additional cost. Or, dip your toes into the maritime lifestyle at WaterCooled Dubai (+971 4 814 5555) at The Resort, Jebel Ali Beach, which offers everything from wakeboarding to kitesurfing, dinghy sailing and kayaking, led by a team of Royal Yachting Association accredited instructors. From Dhs75 per person for kayaking and SUP.
MEET THE MARINE LIFE Dunk your head beneath the surface to discover more cool attractions. Home to over 65,000 marine animals, The Lost Chambers Aquarium (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai will
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enchant visitors of all ages. It has over 20 themed exhibits housing marine creatures from all over the world. Book a behind-the-scenes tour or be brave and dive with sharks. Open daily from 10am-10pm. Besides its retail pull, The Dubai Mall is home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (advance booking +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls), one of the largest suspended aquariums on the planet. Marvel at more than
70 different marine species including some 300 sharks and rays, or rent some scuba gear and sidle up alongside the inhabitants of the 10-million-litre tank (no diving experience required). Meanwhile, the zoo offers a sneak peek at the habits of other water-loving creatures, such as penguins and giant spider crabs; but the star of the show is the mean-looking 750kg King Croc. Open daily from 10am to midnight. Conservation is the buzzword at the turtle lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem
THE ACTIVITIES The Beach at JBR
(+971 4 366 8888, jumeirah.com), home to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, which is run in collaboration with Emirates Wildlife Society. The project has seen the release of hundreds of rescued sea turtles back into Dubai’s waters and it's here that they're nursed back to health. Open daily, with 20-minute feeding sessions taking place at 11am on Wednesdays.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS It’s blooming marvellous what Dubai can do with a few seeds and a watering can. Tucked away in Al Barsha South, Dubai Miracle Garden (+971 4 422 8902, dubaimiraclegarden.com) is the region’s biggest flower park with more than 50 million blooms forming a rainbow of colour. Not your traditional garden, the flowers and plants are also used to create unique floral sculptures with the pièce de résistance a gigantic A380 superjet, which has earned the garden a Guinness World Record for the world’s largest floral installation. This season, the garden has a Disney theme, with a huge sculpture of Mickey Mouse and friends.
Adjacent is Dubai Butterfly Garden (+971 4 422 8902, dubaibutterflygarden. com), which is home to thousands of species of butterfly housed in temperature-controlled domes. Stroll through their habitat as the insects flutter around you. Open daily from 9am-6pm. Dhs55 (free for those aged two and under). The Yard (theyarddubai.ae) in Al Khawaneej, is the place to go for some tasty bites from the food trucks at Last Exit D89 and to stroll along the shaded walking trails. Throw a coin in the wishing well, check out the street art and let the little ones pet the farm animals. Romantics can write a message on a padlock and fix it to the railings of Promise Bridge.
SWING INTO ACTION Most of the world’s golfing greats have teed off on Dubai’s flawless fairways and the emirate is recognised as a major golf destination. The first all-grass championship golf course in the Middle East when it opened in 1988, Emirates Golf Club (+971 4 380 1234, dubaigolf.
com) remains a firm favourite among Dubai old timers and club-toting visitors. Annual host of the European Tour’s Omega Dubai Desert Classic, it has two 18-hole par 72 championship courses, a challenging Par 3 Academy Course, and an iconic clubhouse inspired by the shape of a traditional Bedouin tent. The Majlis course has open horizons and stretches of sand, along with more traditional bunkers, while the 2005 Nick Faldo-redesigned course has a wadi (valley) running through it. The Faldo is also the only 18-hole course in the region to offer night golf. Green fees (rack rates) cost from Dhs550 for 9 holes on the Majlis course and from Dhs410 for 9 holes on the Faldo course (before 4pm). Rates for night golf start from Dhs295. (Peak rates applicable on Fri and Sat and UAE public holidays). Swanky residential community and golf club Jumeirah Golf Estates (+971 4 818 2000, jumeirahgolfestates.com) has a duo of Greg Norman-designed championship courses, Fire and Earth, inspired by the great parkland courses of Europe and North America. The Earth
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GET A FALCON’S EYE VIEW A sure way to make the folks back home green with envy is to tick skydiving off the bucket list. At Skydive Dubai (skydivedubai.ae) you can leap out of an aeroplane, tethered to a professional, for a tandem skydiving experience over Palm Jumeirah (Dhs2,199). It’s the best vantage point from which to see the scale of the fronded island – unless you’ve got your eyes closed. The jump window opens at 10am, with the first plane usually taking to the skies 60 minutes later (weather permitting). Alternatively, for an equally memorable jump over the emirate's golden dunes, head to the Desert Campus drop zone. Seawings (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com) offers scenic flights over iconic landmarks for a bird's-eye view of the city. Sign up for the Dubai Creek Silver tour, a 40-minute ‘dock to dock’ seaplane excursion over the historic Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and more. Timings depend on the tour you select. Or, take a helicopter ride (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) for a one-of-akind perspective of the city skyline and make the most of the incredible photo opportunities along the way. If you simply haven’t the stomach for flying through the air, iFly Dubai (+971
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4 231 6292, theplaymania.com) offers an exhilarating flying experience in its indoor wind tunnel. Open from noon to 10pm Sun to Wed, noon to 11pm on Thur, and 10am-11pm on Fri and Sat.
THEME PARK THRILLS Thrill-seekers, screamers and scaredycats can get their air-conditioned theme park kicks at IMG Worlds of Adventure (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls), the world’s largest indoor park, which has four zones: Cartoon Network, Marvel, Lost Valley-Dinosaur Adventure and IMG Boulevard. It’s an animation superhero love fest with more than 20 rides and attractions, including a first-of-its-kind
IN THE KNOW
We have lift-off XDubai Slingshot Thrill seekers can now get their fix of adrenaline-pumping fun at the new XDubai Slingshot – the region’s fastest human slingshot – which is sure to stretch you to your limits. Located at Kite Beach, the ride will propel you 120-metres over sand and water at speeds of up to 100 km/hr in just half a second. Operating on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, tickets are sold on-site on first-come first-serve basis so be sure to arrive in good time. Dhs280 per person.
Ski Dubai
Timings may be subject to change during public holidays.
course is home to the annual DP World Tour Championship, the grand finale of the European Tour’s 47-tournament Race to Dubai. Tee times run from 7am-1.50pm (18-holes), while 9 holes is only available from 2pm onwards. Green fees vary. The Peter Harradine designed The Track, Meydan Golf (+971 4 381 3733, meydangolf.com) places a huge emphasis on fun and welcomes golfers of all ages and abilities. Different tee box options on each hole offer varying lengths and degrees of difficulty, and with day and night tee off times available, the added bonus of the Dubai skyline as a backdrop adds to the experience. Visit the website or call the club for green fees and timings.
THE ACTIVITIES
XDubai Slingshot
Hulk 3D ride with 18 IMAX projectors and a seriously bone-chilling Haunted Hotel. Open from 11am-10pm Sun to Wed, and 11am-11pm Thur to Sat. Next up, Dubai Parks and Resorts (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) in Jebel Ali has an impressive roster of rides spread across three theme parks and a water park. Wet and wild fun of the tot-friendly variety is mandatory at Legoland Water Park (see Splash Around on page 63-64). Once you’ve dried off, explore the six themed lands at Legoland Dubai, home to 40 rides, shows and attractions, and 15,000 scale Lego models. Fans of the Hindi film scene can get their Shah Rukh Khan on at Bollywood Parks Dubai, with a host of rides and attractions inspired by nine all-singing and dancing Bollywood films, complete
with 30 colourful live shows a day. Or, sit down and strap yourself in for the ride of a lifetime at Motiongate Dubai, with rollercoasters, multimedia ‘dark rides’ and live shows based on blockbuster film characters including Ghostbusters, Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, The Hunger Games and The Smurfs, who even have their own village. Fear factor alert: not all rides are suitable for tender young minds – or adults of a nervous disposition – so check before you ride. Motiongate and Bollywood are open daily from 3pm to 11pm until the end of the month. Legoland is open from noon to 8pm Sat to Wed, and noon to 9pm Thur and Fri. For a burst of culture and diversity, head to Global Village (+971 4 362 4114, globalvillage.ae) in Dubailand for an evening of thrills, shopping and family-
friendly fun. Now in its 23rd season, the lively village takes you on a tour around the world thanks to its vibrant country pavilions, with myriad hair-raising rides, 'hold your breath' stunt shows and plays to enjoy. Plus, you can watch fireworks illuminate the night's sky every Thur and Fri. Open from Sat to Wed from 4pm to midnight and until 1am on Thur, Fri and public holidays.
EXPERIENCE SNOW AND ICE Where else but Dubai can you stroll along the beach in the morning and go skiing on real snow in the afternoon? A winter wonderland in the middle of the desert, Ski Dubai (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Mall of the Emirates boasts the world’s first indoor black run,
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a waddle of people-friendly penguins and is the de facto destination for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. Don’t fret if you haven’t packed your salopettes, as you can hire clothing and equipment on-site. Be sure to catch the penguin parades between 2pm and 8pm daily. Open from 10am-11pm Sun to Wed, 10am to midnight on Thur, 9am to midnight on Fri and 9am-11pm on Sat. An Olympic-sized rink, Dubai Ice Rink (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at The Dubai Mall is the perfect spot to cool off with public sessions for beginner and intermediate skaters. Catch a snowflake on your tongue at one of the regular snowfall sessions, with Penguin Pal skating aids available for little ones (minimum one metre tall) and Snowmen for wobbly adults or kids 12 years or above. Plus, you can have a cycling showdown with friends on the IceBykes – they're like tricycles that glide across the ice – which get rolled out for evening fun. Check for session timings.
FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN New to the family-centric collection of activities in and around the popular Kite Beach strip is XPark Jr. (+971 4 328 4175, xparkjr.com), which blends desert and forest influences to create a fun, natural playscape. Kids get to splash in streams, climb trees and hang out in treehouses, as well as explore meandering paths, cascading fountains and the on-site petting zoo. With a mud kitchen also part of the outdoor fun, don’t forget to pack a change of clothes. Dhs45 per child (for two hours, with one with accompanying entering for free). Open from 8am-6pm Sat to Wed and 8am8pm Thur and Fri. You can step into a tropical jungle at The Green Planet (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com). Located at City Walk, the fivelevel glass bio-dome recreates the ecosystem of a tropical forest, with over 3,000 plants and animals and the world’s largest indoor man-made
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tree. As you descend from the top of the dome via a winding path, you’ll encounter exotic animals along the way, such as toucans, macaws, porcupines and even a sloth. From Dhs89. Open daily 10am-7pm Sun to Wed and 10am-8pm Thur to Sat. The kids will be bouncing off the walls at the region’s biggest trampoline and entertainment park, Bounce (+971 4 321 1400, bounce.ae), which has more than 80 interconnected trampolines to jump around on, as well as a free running arena, and the awesome X-Park Adventure Challenge Course with a zip
BE PAMPERED SARAY SPA Unwind at this pampering haven at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, which is famous for its luxuriously soothing rituals that pay homage to the spa's Arabian heritage. Treatments incorporate locally-sourced, natural ingredients wherever possible. Book yourself in for a bespoke holistic therapy. +971 4 414 6754, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
TIMELESS SPA Slip into the tranquil ambience of this charming eco-retreat at Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai. Overlooking the golden dunes, soak up the power of pure organic essential oils and age-old wellness traditions that will lull you into a state of bliss and tranquillity. +971 4 809 8771, marriott.com
CHI, THE SPA Here, blissful rejuvenation comes in the form of natural healing methods inspired by Asian cultures. Stretch those weary muscles and enjoy the feeling of gentle rocking with the renowned Traditional Thai massage that promises to refresh. Located at Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. +971 4 405 2441, shangri-la.com
line, bouldering wall and sea of pipes for nimble feet to navigate. From Dhs75. Open from 10am-10pm Sun to Wed, 10am to midnight Thur, 9am to midnight Fri and 9am-9pm on Sat. Get them thinking about their career choices early at KidZania (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabianadventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls) at The Dubai Mall. There, little ones can try their hand at 80 different jobs, from Emirates A380 pilot (there’s even a simulator) to chef. Open from 10am-10pm on weekdays and 10am-11pm at weekends.
THE ACTIVITIES For a smart play experience, OliOli in Al Quoz (+971 4 432 3232, olioli.ae) curates content from the best children’s museums, science centres and art studios in North America, Asia and Europe. Kids take part in hands-on activities designed to nurture curiosity, imagination and exploration, with eight galleries spread over two floors. A standout feature is the region's first textile playground by artist Toshiko MacAdam – a large-scale structure made from brightly-coloured crocheted and knotted nylon. Entry for children costs from Dhs60 to Dhs120 for two hours (free for those aged up to 11 months). Dhs40 for accompanying adults. Open from 9am-7pm Sun to Wed and on Sat, and 9am-9pm Thur and Fri. Augmented reality and virtual reality theme park VR Park (vrparkdubai.com)
at The Dubai Mall will see you whizzing down the side of Burj Khalifa like a stunt double, skydiving like a pro and having close encounters with creepy crawlies in the desert. The two-storey venue is packed with games, rides and experiences to suit all ages. Entry is free, just purchase a pass to play. You can experience what it's like to be at the centre of an elephant herd or in the deepest ocean depths at Orbi Dubai at City Centre Mirdif (theplaymania.com). The first Orbi outside of Japan, it fuses nature content by BBC Earth with cutting-edge technology by SEGA to immerse you in the natural world via a multisensory experience. Dhs65 (ages 3-10), Dhs85 (10 years+), and free for under-threes. Open from 10am-10pm Sun to Wed and 10am to midnight Thur to Sat.
ASK A LOCAL Nandita Banerjee, artificial intelligence consultant What I love about this city is that it has never forgotten its expats. No matter what country or culture you come from, if you have an enterprising spirit and commit to Dubai, then you will never be left behind. Orbi Dubai
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Cavalli Club, Restaurant & Lounge
The Nightlife
Evenings out are packed full of fun, with Thursday and Friday nights usually the busiest. The legal age to drink alcohol in Dubai (and enter a nightclub) is 21, so if you're blessed with youthful looks, be sure to bring your ID. We’ve included taxi references to help you find your way 72
THE NIGHTLIFE The terrace, Maiden Shanghai
OH WHAT A NIGHT Ladies' nights are a 'thing' in the Emirates and Dubai is dame crazy when it comes to free beverages for womankind. Wind down with your girls to mesmerising sunset views at the newly opened terrace at Maiden Shanghai (taxi: FIVE Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 455 9989) every Wednesday from 8pm-11pm and enjoy three complimentary drinks while DJ Darryl Rees spins the decks. Bid goodbye to the midweek blues onboard the historic Queen Elizabeth 2 (taxi: Port Rashid, +971 4 526 8888), which is now retired permanently in Dubai. Every Tuesday evening at the Yacht Club, ladies can enjoy unlimited selected drinks and nibbles for just Dhs95 aboard this legendary ocean liner. From 9pm to midnight. Pool bar by day, chic lounge by night, Estrellas Rooftop Lounge (taxi:
The Canvas Hotel Dubai MGallery by Sofitel, +971 4 386 8111) has opened its doors just in time for the cooler season. Soak up the panoramic view of the city skyline with two complimentary drinks every Wednesday from 7pm-midnight and enjoy unlimited Indian street food for just Dhs49.
Estrellas Rooftop Lounge
ONE FOR THE BOYS Gents can bond over the male equivalent of a girls’ night out thanks to these dedicated evenings. Saturdays are reserved for guys at Vault (taxi: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 3000) with a complimentary drink upon arrival and special offers available throughout the evening (from 8pm-11pm). This buzzy bar is perched high up on the hotel’s 71st and 72nd floors, offering fantastic views of the glittering skyline. Mondays are reserved for men at The Tap House (taxi: Club Vista Mare, +971 4 514 3778) from 7pm to midnight when, for Dhs145, you can
The Tap House
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DUBAI INSTITUTIONS
Maison Rouge
take your pick from the gentlemen’s menu (we recommend the slow cooked orange glazed back ribs), accompanied by three house drinks. Alternatively, head to Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar (taxi: Reel Cinemas - Jebel Ali Recreational Club), where you can sink your teeth into a burger teamed with unlimited brews for Dhs99. Every Wednesday night from 7pm to 9pm.
PLACES THAT PACK A PUNCH High rollers can drive their supercars straight into the middle of Secret Room (taxi: FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, +971 58 869 8996) for a speedy way to make an entrance. Those who prefer to make a more discreet arrival can pass through the graffiti-adorned corridor, although access is only granted via unique finger print identification (you need to get registered in advance). Once you're inside, hip hop and RnB set the tone in this 18th-century
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styled venue. From 1pm-3am every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Asia's backstreet speakeasies beckon at The Unlucky Cat (taxi: Taj Dubai, +971 50 650 4988), a quirky bar complete with neon sign of a maneki-neko (a lucky, 'waving' cat). With something on every night, we suggest you go on Sun when you can swap a postcard or currency from a recent trip for a drink on the house. Open daily from 6pm until late. For dinner and a show in an intimate setting, Maison Rouge (taxi: Conrad Dubai, +971 4 352 8169) will bowl you over with cabaret, jazz and modern ballet, all in the space of a few hours. The live performances by a team of international artists are teamed with creative cuisine that tells the story of the relationship between gastronomy and art. The dishes are as dramatic as you'd expect – think drinks served in roses and smoking ice displays. Performances begin at
Dubai is home to a few spots that are famous for delivering an evening to talk about. Barasti (taxi: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, +971 4 399 333) has been ruling the roost for 20 years, pulling in thousands of revellers every weekend. It combines live music, daily sunbathing sessions, a sand-betweenyour-toes dance floor and more serving stations than you can shake an empty glass at. The Irish Village (+971 4 282 4750, theirishvillage.com) in Al Garhoud is another much-loved gem. The haunt of many a local (friendly) expat, the traditional interior opens out onto a large garden dotted with picnic tables. It has a great line-up of events that take place year-round. There's a second outpost at Riverland Dubai. For many residents, an evening out at Rock Bottom Café (taxi: Ramee Rose Hotel, +971 55 200 9333) is a rite of passage. Its Barsha Heights venue has a live band and nightly DJs spinning club music.
The Irish Village
THE NIGHTLIFE 9pm and go on well into the night. We’re not sure why it hasn’t been done before, but Stereo Arcade (taxi: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai – Jumeirah Beach, +971 52 618 2424) combines an arcade housing over 50,000 games with a slushy machine, hotdog stand and more. The stereo element sees the hi-tech club play '80s and '90s hits every weekend. Open daily from 6pm-3am. If a secret hideaway is more your style, you'll feel right at home at Little Black Door (+971 55 623 1620), which is tucked away on the ground floor of Conrad Dubai behind a rather obvious large black door. All you need to do is knock to enter and wait for it to swing open. Once inside, you’ll find a classy, club-style lounge complete with crystal chandeliers hanging from leatherclad ceilings, opulent furnishings and distressed-brick walls. The resident
DJs plays neo-soul and classic jazz. Open daily from 7.30pm-3am.
SEAFRONT SETTINGS Want to feel the sand between your toes? Shimmers (taxi: Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 432 3232) has a coveted location directly on the beach, with a view of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah. Relax in the rattan chairs and soak up the Greek island vibes – the lounge is open daily until 12.30am. With the JBR skyline as its backdrop and views of Palm Jumeirah, Bliss Lounge (taxi: Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort, +971 4 315 3886) is a chi-chi little locale frequented by the ‘in’ crowd seeking top DJ action, custom mocktails and chilled beach vibes. Open daily from 12.30pm-3am. So photogenic you’ll feel like you’re in a magazine shoot, the Jetty Lounge (taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage, +971 4
399 9999) rocks white linen style with beautifully landscaped surroundings. Open daily from 2pm-2am.
SCENIC FOR SUNDOWNERS As the sun dips below the horizon, unwind with a drink in hand at these venues with a view. For a spectacular vista of Madinat Jumeirah, head to Bahri Bar (taxi: Jumeirah Mina A'Salam, +971 4 432 3232), where you can reflect on the day while sipping drinks to a smooth jazz soundtrack. Open from 4pm-2am, Sat to Wed and 4pm-3am Thur and Fri. Farther along the waterway is folly by Nick & Scott (taxi: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 430 8535), which has two outdoor terraces with great views of the waterways. Perhaps the most Instagrammable drink is the Folly Pop, a raspberry ice-lolly dipped in bubbles, but the biodynamic red Bahri Bar=
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THREE CRACKING
KARAOKE VENUES Conquer your nerves and channel your inner music star by taking to the stage and impressing the crowd at these top karaoke venues…
1. Book in for dinner and an evening of fun at Maiden Shanghai restaurant (taxi: FIVE Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 455 9989). This stylish venue, inspired by 1930s Shanghai, has recently launched a multi-language karaoke room. Fully soundproofed, groups of up to 15 can sing along to their favourite songs. If your performance bombs, you can always walk it off on the outdoor terrace.
and white is equally good. The bar is open daily from noon until late. Another prime spot is Observatory Bar & Grill (taxi: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, +971 4 319 4000). Located on the 52nd floor, you can gaze down upon the twinkling lights of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. The bar is open daily from noon to 1am. Moving downtown, Treehouse (taxi: Taj Dubai, +971 4 438 3100) is known for its views of the city skyline towards Burj Khalifa. Make yourself comfortable as, after dark, this trendy open-air lounge comes to life with 'light deep' house music spun by resident DJ Taylor. Open from 7pm-2am on weekdays and 7pm-3am at weekends. Over in City Walk, LookUp (taxi: La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK, Dubai,
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2. Imported from London, Lucky Voice Dubai (taxi: Grand Millennium Hotel, +971 4 429 9999) is a top spot for testing your rap skills, singing soft-rock anthems or belting out cheesy pop tunes to your heart’s content. Eleven private pods allow groups of six to 18 people to warble away without (much) fear of embarrassment, while the 15,000-song playlist means you’re guaranteed to find the perfect tune for you.
3. Get karaoke’d away at this fun
Autograph Collection, +971 54 309 5948) is the place to go for beautiful sunset views beside a glistening infinity pool, with Happy Hour drinks from Dhs30. Daily from 6pm-8pm.
(taxi: Palazzo Versace Dubai, +971 4 556 8865), Quincy Jones’ first-ever bar, which welcomes an ever-changing schedule of acts featuring emerging stars. Open from 7pm-2am, Tue to Sat. With a global reputation for awesome live music, it's no surprise to find a Hard Rock Café in town (taxi: Dubai Festival City Mall, +971 4 232 8900). Check out wall-to-wall musical memorabilia, including a bolero jacket worn by the late Prince and Mick Fleetwood’s Tama drums, before rocking out to live and loud sounds. Open from noon to 2am Mon to Sun. Ramp up the fun factor at Lock, Stock & Barrel, which has two venues in the city (taxi: Grand Millennium Dubai, +971 4 514 9195 and taxi: Rixos Premium Dubai, +971 4 520 0049)
LIVE MUSIC LEGENDS The city is awash with live musical talent, from Aussie rockers and Filipina soul divas to Britpop artists ready to entertain you with their tunes. Indian gastropub and social spot Bar Baar (taxi: Majestic Hotel & Tower, +971 4 501 2631), meaning ‘again and again’ in Hindi, hosts regular live music sessions with an in-house band and visiting musicians. Open daily from noon to 3am. For a dose of singer/songwriter talent, head to Q’s Bar and Lounge
and vibrant Asian inspired venue, Mr Miyagi's Dubai (taxi: Media One, +971 4 420 7489), which offers karaoke five nights a week (Tuesdays to Saturdays). We rate the Hello Kitty Night on Tuesdays from 5pm, which offers three courses and three free drinks for women for Dhs99. Simply pick your song and sing it out to the supportive crowd.
THE NIGHTLIFE each spanning two floors and kitted out with pool tables and 'stool and booth' seating fronting the main act’s central stage. The JBR venue is open from 4pm-3am Mon to Fri and 2pm3am on Sat and Sun, while the Barsha Heights venue has slightly different opening hours on Fri, from 1pm-3am.
BEACH CLUBS Dubai's beach club game is on point. Unwind by the infinity pool and lap up the lush view of Palm Island Bay and the city skyline at DRIFT Beach Dubai (taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai, +971 4 315 2200). Take your pick from the drinks menu curated by award-winning mixologist Eric Ballard and indulge in classic Provençal cuisine at the restaurant. The pool and beach are open daily from
10.30am-8pm and you can reserve your sunlounger in advance. Along the Palm Jumeirah crescent, you’ll find Playa Nomade (taxi: Rixos The Palm Dubai, +971 54 449 6464). Not your typical party venue, this laid-back club, from the shores of Tulum, is a magnet for bohemian types thanks to its Friday Nomad parties. Open Wed to Sun from 10am to 7pm, Fri from 10am to midnight; and Sat from 10am to 8pm. A beach club meets open-air party, Zero Gravity (taxi: Skydive Dubai, +971 4 399 0009) attracts big name acts like Paul Van Dyk and Mark Ronson. On Thursdays, the Stoli Social Club Evening Brunch, from 8-11pm, transforms the venue into a fairground of fun where you can play video arcade games, ping pong, air hockey, and giant Jenga, among
other classics. Dhs310 per player, with all food and drinks included. RIVA (taxi: Shoreline, Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 430 9466) is set on 300 metres of pristine beach. As the sun goes down, the lights warm up at its popular Bar and Gazebo, situated next to the pool. Unwind with a drink in hand while listening to the Balearic beats of the resident DJs. Open daily from 7am to midnight.
JUMPING SUPERCLUBS Glow sticks at the ready. Dubai’s big, bigger, biggest mentality has made it to the dance floor with a slew of funky clubs and mega dance venues to keep you going all night long. Recently opened, Mantis (taxi: Emirates Financial Towers,) has a sleek location on the 'Wall Street of Dubai'.
DRIFT Beach Dubai
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Industrial Avenue
This home-grown, high-end nightclub is super luxe, with attentive table service and funky design features, such as the floor-to-ceiling mirrored corridor. Head to the immersive room, in the centre of the club, for shots of Kopi Lowak coffee fresh from Bali. Another relatively new kid on the block, Industrial Avenue (taxi: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, +971 52 293 5907), offers a laid-back alternative to clubbing with something different happening every night. Its flagship underground house and techno event KOVERT, every Wednesday, offers complimentary house drinks for ladies all night long. Open 11pm3am (main room) Wed to Fri. Soho Garden (taxi: Meydan Racecourse, +971 56 822 2559) captures the hipster vibe of London’s Soho, with a swimming pool area, four bars to lean on and resident
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DJs every day from 8pm until late. Open from 7pm-3am, Wed to Sat. For a slice of New York chic, head to supper club 1OAK DXB (taxi: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 52 881 8888). Born from the namesake 'One Of A Kind', its sister venues in New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles are a favourite celebrity haunt. Open from 11pm-3am on Sun, Tue, Thur and Fri.
CASUAL HANGOUTS If you're tickled by novelty mocktail cups, Trader Vic’s JBR (taxi: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah, +971 4 318 2530) has you covered. The tiki-themed venue, open 5pm-3am daily, is the place to go for inventive drinks, including JBR's bespoke Koana Puffer. Grab a seat on the outdoor terrace for views of the Arabian Gulf and try to time your visit during Happy Hour (5pm-8pm daily). With its large outdoor terrace, Café Artois by Bridgewater Tavern (taxi:
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 6755) is ideal for a chilled afternoon in the sun, with tasty barbecue food and a huge drinks selection to enjoy. Open from 4pm Sun to Thur and from noon on Fri and Sat. Fall in with the cool crowd at edgy Melbourne-inspired bistro, Brunswick Eatery, Bar and Terrace (taxi: Sheraton Mall of the Emirates, +971 56 404 0685) – its lively atmosphere will keep you on your toes. Open from 4pm to late Sun to Wed, and from noon until late, Thur to Sat. Garden on 8 (taxi: Media One Hotel, +971 4 427 1000) invites you to hang out on the lush green terrace where you can catch up on all the latest sporting action on the big screens. There's a daily Happy Hour from 4pm-8pm with wallet-friendly prices and offers like two-for-one on selected drinks. Open from noon to midnight Sun to Wed and from noon to 3am Thur to Sat.
THE NIGHTLIFE PARTY TIME
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Celebrate the biggest party of the year at these hip and happening venues
2. Party your way into 2019 at Aqua (taxi: JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, +971 4 414 3000) an all-inclusive pool deck party with fantastic views of the city and its famous fireworks. Get dressed up and dance the night away to DJ Adam J and DJ Andrii Burmas. Dhs500 per person, including a welcome drink, freeflowing house beverages and signature canapés from 7pm to 11pm. For ages 21+.
1. Bid farewell to 2018 and welcome the new year in style at Crescendo (taxi: Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, +971 4 567 8304). Feast on global delicacies from the live food stations, and sway to the tunes of a five-piece band. From 8pm-2am. Dhs1,995 per adult; Dhs998 per child.
4. Unwind under the stars amid the golden dunes at Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge (taxi: Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa, +971 4 809 6194). With an oud player, carnival show, close-up magician and an extensive à la carte menu of delicious Arabian cuisine, it's a special way to wave goodbye to the year. From 8pm-3am. Dhs375 for adults; half price for ages 5-12; complimentary for those aged up to 4.
3. Marvel at the fireworks at LookUp rooftop bar, which fronts the sparkling Burj Khalifa (taxi: La Ville Hotel & Suites CITY WALK, +971 4 403 3111). From 8pm-1am. Dhs650 per person, including canapés, house beverages and live entertainment.
5. Fall down the rabbit hole and welcome 2019 in Mad Hatter style at Palazzo Versace Dubai's Alice in Wonderland costume party (taxi: Culture Village, +971 4 556 8888). With its magical setting, poolside dancefloor and festive menu, don't be late. From Dhs550 to Dhs1,199, depending on the package.
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IN THE FRAME
Photo: Taken at Dubai Airshow
From its historic quarters to its larger than life entertainment, Dubai is a dream destination for photography fans, with something new to capture at every turn. In each issue, we spotlight a stand out photograph that offers a snapshot of the emirate
FLYING HIGH
Emiratis are famous for their hospitality and UAE National Day on 2 December, which this year marks the 47th anniversary of the union of the emirates, is a great opportunity to experience it first hand. The city is abuzz with celebrations, firework displays, street parades, concerts and decorations showcasing the colours of the flag. Photo by @thesnappingkiwi
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JA Jingle
ALL THE WAY Get ready to ho ho ho and spend a magical festive season with us Christmas Tree Lighting: 13th Dec | 6pm – 8pm Winter Wonderland: 13th Dec – 9th Jan 2019 | 4pm – 10pm Christmas Eve Dinner: 24th Dec | 7pm – 11pm Christmas Lunch: 25th Dec | 12.30pm – 3.30pm Sunset Pool Party: 28th Dec | 7pm – 11pm New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner: 31st Dec | 7pm till late New Year’s Resolution Brunch: 1st Jan | 11am – 3.30pm Eastern Christmas Dinner: 6th Jan | 6pm – 11pm
For bookings or more information please contact us on: +971 4 814 5604 | restaurant.reservation@jaresorts.com
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