DXB City Expert - March'18

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tours Let those in the know showcase their city

food

From fine dining and quirky cafés to fab brunches

shops

Activities

barter in the souks Join the glitz and and load up on glamour of the designer labels Dubai World cup

Nightlife

never miss a beat at these lively venues

march 2018

YOUR GUIDE tO DUbaI’s mUst-havE vIsItOR ExpERIEncEs

THE DAYCATION BRUNCH AT LAPITA HOTEL Aloha!

Relish in the magic and charm of Polynesia with an extensive buffet selection, fun activities and live entertainment.

Fridays, 1pm - 5pm AED 245 with soft beverages AED 345 with house beverages AED 110 for children (4-12 years old)

Make it a Daycation with full-day pool access to the two outdoor pools and lazy river along with access to the Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club from 1pm – 5pm!

Reservations: lapita.restaurantreservations@autographhotels.com experiencelapita.com +971 4 810 9421 Exactly like nothing else

Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels Dubai Parks and Resorts, Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 334221, Dubai, UAE lapitadubaihotel.com | LapitaHotel | LapitaHotel | LapitaHotelDubai

WELCOME NOTE

WELCOME TO DUBAI

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.

Editorial Editorial Director John Thatcher Managing Editor Faye Bartle

Designer Jamie Pudsey

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 all the city’s ample attractions. All you need to do is enjoy the holiday of a lifetime.

Commercial Managing Director Victoria Thatcher

John Thatcher Editorial Director DXB City Expert

Assistant Editor Habiba Azab Art Art Director Kerri Bennett

Group Commercial Director David Wade

Embark on a camel ride across the dunes with Arabian Adventures

Commercial Director Rawan Chehab Senior Advertising Manager Mia Cachero

Cover image: Dubai Racing Club Images: Getty Images

Production Production Manager Muthu Kumar

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Girls’ Day at Saray Spa. Renew for the journey ahead.

Experience the ultimate in girly indulgence and retreat to the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai for 5-star pampering. Begin your afternoon with a 30-minute Facial or Back Massage followed by a complimentary reflexology session. Afterwards, savour a medley of sweet and savory treats with Afternoon Tea amongst the chic interiors of La Farine.

Daily, AED 300 per person

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T +971 4 414 6754 | mhrs.dxbjw.spa@marriott.com | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai |

@JWDubaiMarquis |

jwmarriottmarquisdubai

*Terms & Conditions: Offer is subject to availability. Advanced booking required. Booking is valid for a group of maximum 6 people.

CONTENTS

The CONTeNTS Burj Khailfa and Downtown Dubai

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15

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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 set off for the holiday of a lifetime, here's a 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 eateries and deliciously bellytips on getting around busting brunches

The acTiviTieS

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The niGhTlife

From hip hangouts to live music venues, we've rounded up the liveliest evening venues

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The skinny on the top tourist districts to discover, including the most happening 'hoods

Trawl the mega malls and barter 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 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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A TIMELESS ARABIAN

EXPERIENCE AT AL HADHEERAH Enjoy an evening of authentic desert dining experience at Al Hadheerah featuring a new line-up of extensive live entertainment and 14 live cooking stations.

Spectacular ďŹ reworks display available every Thursday & Friday AED 425* per person including soft beverages and live entertainment Children between 5 to 12 years get 50% discount.

Children below 4 years old dine free of charge.

alhadheerah.com

For more information please contact: bas.restaurants@meydanhotels.com or call +971 4 809 6194 alhadheerah.com /alhadheerah

/alhadheerah

/alhadheerah

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 Dubai's stratospheric skyscrapers can appear to pierce the clouds

SCRATCH BENEATH THE SURFACE A city of visual superlatives, it’s difficult to imagine Dubai without the gravity defying 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 During the winter it’s warm and pleasant with temperatures hovering around 25°C (77°F) and lots of sunshine – be sure to slather on the suncream.

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 Marhaba meet and greet service

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 departing every 10 minutes from 5am (or 10am on Friday) to midnight Saturday to Wednesday and until 1am on Thursday and Friday.

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.

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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 right-hand side here.

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.

WHIZZ THROUGH WITH MARHABA

GET CONNECTED

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.

You can pick up a visitor sim card for local use at the airport for just Dhs35.

This connects you to the Visitor Mobile Line (VML) service for calls and texts at a fraction of roaming charges. Simply head to the Du shop in the arrivals hall at Terminals 1 and 3. Top it up easily with prepaid cards sold at all major convenience stores, supermarkets and Du outlets (du.ae) across the city.

+961

Brunch

‫ غداء مبكر‬961

E IDDL E M N IN ER MOD RN CUIS E T EAS

‫م‬ ‫طبخ‬ ‫أوس شرق‬ ‫طي ع‬ ‫صري‬

@BHARDXB AED 350 PER PERSON INCLUDING COCKTAILS AND HOUSE BEVERAGES

Every Friday 7.30pm to 11pm t: +971.4.512.5511 | Bhar-Dubai.com

RENAISSANCE DOWNTOWN HOTEL, DUBAI

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

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 the world’s largest retail and entertainment destination, the tallest tower, a dancing fountain and spectacular opera house. You can easily spend an entire day trawling The Dubai Mall's 1,200 shops, posing for selfies along the Waterfront Promenade and enjoying dinner and drinks overlooking The Dubai Fountain. The Arabic-style shopping mall Souk Al Bahar has 22 eclectic venues to discover alone.

Tick Burj Khalifa off your must-see list

Explore the glamorous Dubai Marina

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 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 Catch the sunset from the beach

by Burj Al Arab Jumeirah

Marvel at the engineering feat that is Palm Jumeirah

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 Le Mer, BoxPark, City Walk and food truck friendly Jumeirah Corniche. Topped at one end by Jumeirah Mosque and tailed by Burj Al Arab and the Madinat Jumeirah complex 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.

Discover the historic charm of 'old Dubai'

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD The pulsing arterial vein cutting through the city, this 8km-long stretch of highway runs parallel to the coastline and is always busy.

Numerous hotels are situated along its length, including JW Marriott Marquis Dubai – the world's tallest hotel. Gawp at the engineering marvel that is Dubai Water Canal or take a stroll and feel the grass beneath your toes at the popular Zabeel Park.

A snapshot of the emirate's busy thoroughfare

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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Brought to you by City Sightseeing, a dnata associate company; and Costa Coffee, an Emirates Leisure Retail brand

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SO THIS IS DUBAI

City Map

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MAr

01

March in Dubai

Get up off that sun lounger, there’s a world of activities and events to check out this month

a DaY aT ThE racES

Dubai World Cup, courtesy of Dubai Racing Club

Join the crowds of racing enthusiasts who come to cheer on the runners and riders, as well as the stylish ladies striving to out-do each other with their designer hats, at the Dubai World Cup on Saturday 31 March. The world’s richest day of racing, and a highlight of Dubai's social calendar, the event marks the climax of the season and boasts a total prize pot of US$30 million.

It's a star-studded affair, from the celebrity spectators to the very best thoroughbreds on the track. The day ends with a celebratory music concert featuring a big name artist, and a dazzling firework display. Taking place at Meydan Racecourse. Ticket prices vary, see dubaiworldcup.com

Artistic flAir Brush up on your art knowledge at Art Dubai, which is taking place from 21-24 March at Madinat Jumeirah. Featuring a record 104 galleries from 47 countries, the 2018 edition – its largest and most globally diverse to date – sees the launch of Residents, a four- to eight-week residency programme for international artists to create a body of work that merges their individual practice with the UAE surroundings. artdubai.ae

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A GOOD READ Bookworms will be pleased to learn that the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature is taking place from 1-10 March at InterContinental Dubai - Festival City. Now in its 10th edition, top authors taking part include Jane Hawking, Cheryl Strayed (author of the acclaimed memoir Wild) and David Walliams. There'll be talks, workshops and even a non-musical performance at Dubai Opera. emirateslitfest.com

All you need is a full day of fun with thrilling rides combined with delicious dining experience of our gourmet meals, join us at Wild Wadi Waterpark™ in a perfect location between Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Buy your ticket online today on wildwadi.com or call us on +971 4 348 4444

worldtravellermagazine.com Your passport to the Middle East's first fully bookable travel inspiration website

Extend your journey with World Traveller magazine by heading online to read more inspirational and exclusive travel content and take advantage of upto-the-minute hotel and holiday features

Dream Read Click Book

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

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TradiTional dubai CiTy Tour A ‘must-do’ for any visitor to the emirate

Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek

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 Discover the old, traditional neighbourhoods of Dubai and explore the city's rich heritage and trading culture, on top of browsing many vibrant souks.

Souk and Gold Souk ● Take the transfer back to your hotel

The FacTs how much: Dhs184 including VAT. english departures:

● Head to Jumeirah Mosque for a photo opportunity ● Continue to Zabeel Palace for another photo stop and onto the traditional side of Dubai ● Pass by Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is known for its wind towers, and on towards Dubai Creek ● Visit Dubai Museum ● Take a traditional abra (water taxi) ride, crossing over Dubai Creek ● Follow our entertaining guide through the Spice

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Daily (afternoon).

Languages: English and German (daily); French and Italian (Sun, Weds, Fri); Portuguese, Spanish and Mandarin (Sat, Mon, Weds); Japanese (mornings on Sun-Sat and Fri afternoons); Russian (Mon and Thurs). availability: Year-round.

Duration: Half- or full-day.

Transport: Coach. activity: Moderate.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

Sniff out the Spice Souk

THE TOURS

WalkinG Food Tour oF dubai Discover the culinary highlights of the historic quarter

ask The CiTy experT aLex hevorhian Tour guide, Arabian Adventures Over 200 nationalities live in Dubai, adding to the variety of flavours on the food scene. The best way to delve in is by dining at all the hidden gems and all-time favourite eateries that feature in this tour.

Uncover the emirate's hidden dining gems

Admire the street art

Stop for a fruit cocktail

Departs from Dubai, sharjah and ajman Step away from the glitz and glamour and sample a variety of local street food flavours at the vibrant canteens frequented by the residents of Dubai. Uncover hidden gems of the city as you stroll along the historic 2nd December Street. Learn more about the culture and heritage of the Middle East from your entertaining and informative guide.

● Stroll through one of the older neighbourhoods and stop for a traditional Arabic fruit cocktail ● Meander further through the streets passing traditional and curio stores and learn some interesting facts from your guide ● Away from the five-star restaurants, experience this vibrant neighbourhood and sample dates, samosas and Arabic sweets, and pass by a fresh fish trading shop

● Learn more about the local culture by visiting a traditional abaya store and an oud (perfume) shop ● Stop for a meal at a classic street food canteenstyle restaurant considered a hidden gem in the city

The FacTs

Dubai Food Festival, taking place from 22 February to 10 March, sees a roster of dining events and offers popping up around the city, making it the ideal time to take this tour. dubaifoodfestival.com

upon request).

availability: Winter only (1 October to 30 April).

Duration: Around 3.5 hours.

Transport: Coach. activity: Moderate.

Dress code: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

Good to know: Make sure you arrive hungry.

how much: Dhs278 including VAT.

Departures: Mon, Weds.

Languages: English (other languages may be available

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

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deserT dune buGGies Ideal for thrill-seekers looking for their next big adventure

Embark on a high-octane adventure amid the dunes Photography: @theskybeyond

Departs from all emirates Try a truly exhilarating adventure driving across the dunes in the latest, fully automatic, four-seater, offroad dune buggies. ● Follow your guide along the natural trail of the dunes ● Driving and safety instructions, as well as safety gear, are provided ● All dune buggies are fully automatic with seatbelts, roll cages and off-road suspension

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● Enjoy exciting photo opportunities ● Book an Exclusive Buggy for up to four friends and take turns to drive or ride as a passenger ● Book a Driver Experience and you will have the chance to drive for at least 20 minutes out of the twohour experience, as you take turns with up to three other guests in your shared buggy ● Book a Passenger

Experience and ride along with our safari guide in the lead buggy

The FacTs how much: Dhs730 for drivers and Dhs315 for passengers. An exclusive buggy for up to four guests is priced at Dhs1,575 (all prices including VAT).

Departures: Daily. availability: Year-round.

Duration: Two hours in the dune buggies.

Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing) and Can-Am Maverick X3 desert dune buggies. activity: Moderate.

Good to know: Drivers must bring a valid driver’s license.

Passengers must be at least six years old. Refundable deposit required.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

THE TOURS

naTure saFari

Join this tour and a portion of your fee will go towards supporting local conservation Get an up-close view of wildlife

Departs from all emirates The desert presents a unique opportunity to learn about and explore the natural habitat and fragile ecosystem. Take a leisurely sightseeing drive across Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve with the chance to see Arabian wildlife and learn more about sustainability and conservation efforts. ● Drive through Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve where you may spot Arabian wildlife, such as Arabian oryx and gazelle ● Assist in capturing data for the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve ● Get a coveted behind-

the-scenes look at a conservation reserve ● Pass by local lakes for a fantastic photo opportunity ● Photograph the wildlife and learn interesting facts from your expert guide

The FacTs how much: Dhs231 including VAT.

Departures: Daily (morning). availability: Year-round.

Duration: Half-day.

Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing).

activity: Moderate.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

Photo opportunities abound

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Modern dubai CiTy Tour

See the best of Dubai’s iconic landmarks in one, awe-inspiring journey Departs from all emirates Explore the iconic landmarks that make up the city’s futuristic skyline. From Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina to Downtown Dubai and The Dubai Mall – this tour takes in all the highlights. ● See Palm Jumeirah on a scenic drive ● Continue to popular residential area Dubai Marina and enjoy a picturesque 20-minute boat ride ● Take a walk through retail and entertainment haven The Dubai Mall passing by Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, which features a 10-million-litre tank (one of the largest in the world) containing more than 33,000 aquatic animals including the largest collection of sand tiger sharks on the planet – it's also home to King Croc ● Visit the observation decks at At The Top, Burj Khalifa for a bird's eye view of the city (purchasing an entry ticket is an optional extra) ● Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in The Dubai Mall with its many dining and entertainment options

The FacTs how much: Starting from Dhs184 for children and Dhs236 for adults (excluding At The Top) and Dhs315 for children and Dhs368 for adults (including At The Top).

Prices inclusive of VAT. Departures: Daily (morning).

Languages: English and German (daily); French and Italian (Sun, Weds, Fri); Spanish and Portuguese (Mon, Weds, Sat); Russian (Mon and Thurs); Mandarin (Mon, Weds, Sat); Japanese (Mon and Thurs). availability: Year-round.

Duration: Half-day.

Transport: Coach (sharing). activity: Moderate.

Good to Know: Ends at The Dubai Mall.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

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ask The CiTy experT nabil almallah

Set sail across Dubai Marina

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.

Snap the perfect shot of Burj Khalifa

THE TOURS

abu dhabi CiTy Tour

See the UAE’s vibrant capital and its landmark buildings

ask The CiTy experT natalia Bashkirova

Soak up the city skyline

Departs from Dubai, sharjah, ajman and abu Dhabi Explore the sights and landmarks of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, on a full-day tour from Dubai. ● Stop for refreshments on Yas Island, with views of Yas Marina Circuit, home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ● Visit the traditional fruit, vegetable and date market ● Pass by the dhow and fish market area and see traders at work ● Stop at Marina Mall and opt to have lunch at one of the cafés. (Lunch is not included in the tour price due to the variety of options available) ● Drive along Abu Dhabi Corniche ● Pass by Emirates Palace, the Al Bateen area and the royal palaces

● Take a tour of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. ● Return to Dubai and back to your hotel.

Tour Guide, Arabian Adventures It is 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.

The FacTs how much: Dhs289 including VAT.

english departures: Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat.

Languages: English and German (Mon, Tues, Weds and Sat); French and Italian (Tues and Sat); Russian (Weds and Sat); Japanese only (Sun and Weds). availability: Year-round.

Duration: Full-day.

Transport: Coach. activity: Easy.

Dress code: There is a strictly modest dress code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

Get a taste for the royal life at Emirates Palace

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abu dhabi aTTraCTions

Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the exciting attractions on Yas Island Departs from Dubai, sharjah, ajman and abu Dhabi Visit the top attractions in Abu Dhabi on a fun-filled tour of the capital. ● The tour starts with pick-up at your hotel before heading to Abu Dhabi along Sheikh Zayed Road ● Stop at the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a tour. One the world’s largest mosques, it features 82 domes, over 1,000 columns, 24-karat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet ● After the tour, leave the city and drive onto Yas Island ● Choose to spend an exciting afternoon at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, visit the many shopping, dining and leisure attractions at Yas Mall ● After a thrilling afternoon, depart for Dubai and back to your hotel

The FacTs how much: Including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi: adult Dhs520, child Dhs394.

Visiting Yas Mall: adult Dhs289, child Dhs184. Prices are VAT inclusive. english departures: Sun, Thurs.

Languages: English and German (Sun and Thurs); French and Italian (Thurs); Portuguese and Spanish (Sun, Tues and Thurs); Russian (Sun and Thurs); Mandarin (Sun, Tues, Thurs). availability: Year-round.

Duration: Full-day.

Transport: Coach. activity: Easy.

Dress code: There's a strictly modest dress code for Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Good to know: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the largest indoor theme parks in the world with rides and experiences for the whole family. The biggest mall in Abu Dhabi, Yas Mall comprises 25 million square feet of shops and entertainment.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

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Test your F1 credentials at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

See Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

THE TOURS

sundoWner dune dinner saFari Embark on a magical safari experience to remember

Ride the ships of the desert

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 sand-boarding, camel rides and even a spot of star-gazing.

Guests always say how the memories will last a lifetime.

Departs from all emirates The mysterious desert is the ideal venue for a memorable evening. Watch the sun go down as you drive to our traditional Bedouin style camp where a delicious dinner awaits. ● Leave your hotel and the city behind, driving into the desert in Land Cruisers with our entertaining safari guide ● Enjoy the thrill of a dune drive across Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve ● Stop for falcon viewing (weather permitting) ● At sunset, stop for photos atop a dune ● Arrive at our Bedouin-style camp where desert activities and a bonfire await ● Experience a taster of desert activities including a

camel ride, sand-boarding and henna hand painting or discover shisha ● Move to the seating area and sample an Arabic style, three-course buffet ● Those aged 21 years and over can enjoy unlimited beverages (except on the eve of religious holidays) ● Watch a belly dancing performance (entertainment may vary during Ramadan and religious holidays) ● Souvenirs and photos are available to buy

Transport: Four-wheel drive (sharing). activity: Easy.

Good to know: There’s the option to upgrade to a private four-wheel drive vehicle, or to skip the dune

drive altogether. Toilets are available at the campsite.

To book this tour, call arabian adventures on +971 4 303 4992 or visit arabian-adventures.com

The FacTs how much: Adult Dhs395, child Dhs320. Inclusive of VAT.

Departures: Daily. availability: Year-round.

Duration: Late afternoon to early evening.

Adorn yourself with henna hand art

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CiTy oF liGhTs niGhT Tour See the city come alive with light and illuminate the night's sky

hiGhliGhTs

● Discover two sightseeing routes showcasing Dubai by night ● See all the major sights, including Burj Khalifa and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai ● Audio commentary in 13 languages

See the city after dark

See Dubai transform after dark into a sparkling city of lights while discovering its cultural heart. The 'Sunset Red' route invites you to explore the historic Dubai Creek, along with the Bastakyia, Shindagha and Deira districts where the traditional souks are located.

Meanwhile, the 'Midnight Blue' route showcases the striking skyline, including the glittering Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai.

The FacTs Days of operation: Daily from 6-10pm.

What’s included: Hop-on, hop-off access to all City

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Sightseeing buses on two routes for three hours.

Good to know: 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.

(Children: aged 6-11). Prices are inclusive of VAT. To book please visit citysightseeing-dubai.com, or call 800csDuBai (800 273 8224)/+971 4 316 7506

Pass by iconic attractions

THE TOURS

CiTy siGhTseeinG Tour The ultimate city bus tour, with lots of added extras

See the city from the open top of a double-decker bus

hiGhliGhTs

● Four sightseeing routes ● Audio commentary in 13 languages ● Complimentary tickets to other attractions (see below) Discover Dubai at your own pace. The 'hop on, hop off' concept is simple: a ticket is valid for one day or more, and there are more than 40 bus stops spread over four routes of the city. You decide when to ride, where to get off, and what to visit. The tickets come with lots of added extras and commentary is available in 13 languages.

Operating from 9am to 10pm, 365 days a year.

The FacTs Days of operation: Daily,

from 9am to 5.30pm.

What’s included: The 1 Day Pass includes: a dhow cruise at Dubai Creek, entry to Dubai Museum, a seat on the City of Lights Night Tour, a free cup of coffee at Costa Coffee when you purchase one, entry to Global Village (seasonal route) and a place on the Dubai Walking Tour. The 3 Day Pass includes: all the above inclusions, plus entry to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, a one-hour Palm Jumeirah Cruise, and

a 20% discount at Sun& Mediterranean Lounge.

The 7 Day Pass includes all the above experiences, plus unlimited 'hop on, hop off' for a week.

Good to know: Before your 1 Day Pass has expired, you can upgrade to 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: aged 6-11). Prices are inclusive of VAT. To book please visit citysightseeing-dubai.com, or call 800csDuBai (800 273 8224)/+971 4 316 7506

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CitySightseeingDubai @cssdubai #cssdubai

25

Molecule

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 26

THE FOOD

WHAT’S NEW IN TOWN? Seemingly not content to open just the one new restaurant, celebrity chef David Myers has gone and opened three at once, all housed inside the Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. Take your pick from Basta! (+971 4 512 5522, basta-dubai.com) for Italian staples like Florentine steak and Neapolitan pizza; Bleu Blanc (+971 4 512 5533, bleublancdubai.com) a French farmhouse-inspired restaurant with a line-up of rustic dishes to match; or for lighter bar bites – and a crafty cocktail – pop into Poppy (+971 4 512 5544, poppy-dubai.com).

Also home to more than its fair helping of new restaurants is beachfront favourite La Mer. At Slab (+971 4 298 8899) you can soak up the sun from its sea facing terrace while enjoying lunchtime treats like organic salads, tartines and a great tasting butternut squash and orange soup.

If you’re a 'meat or nothing' kind of diner, two new openings sure to cure your carnivorous cravings include Brazilian steakhouse Fogo de Chão (+971 4 343 8867, fogome.com) at Central Park Towers, DIFC, where each cut is carved tableside by Braziliantrained gaucho chefs; and, also in DIFC, at Al Fattan Currency House, The Beefbar (+971 4 352 2223, dubai. beefbar.com). It’s the sixth Beefbar to open globally, and it’s so named because you get to choose from an array of prime meats – Ranger Valley Australian black angus ‘black onyx’ and certified Japanese kobe among them.

For something very different, the opening of Kishmish (+971 4 349 6665, kishmish.ae), which you’ll find in Dar Al Wasl mall, Jumeirah, means Afghan street food is available to denizens of Dubai for the first time. Chef owners Iman, Fatima and Homaira have been family friends for generations, and this restaurant is the realisation of their dream to share the complex aromas and tastes of Afghan food with their adopted city.

Slab

Basta!

Kishmish

27

In The Know

The best burgers brunswIck sporTs club sheraton dubai mall of the emirates, +971 56 404 0685, brunswicksc.com There’s no secret ingredient here, just high quality Aussie meat, which makes for one of the best burgers in town.

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.

IncredIble IndIan Few chefs have mastered Indian cuisine quite like Michelin-starred Atul Kochhar, whose award-winning Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife. com) graces the second floor of the world’s tallest five-star hotel, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Here the varied menu sings with a cacophony of flavour and creativity, and we heartily recommend you indulge in one of the always 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. The dum ki suneharl (slowcooked lamb shank and saffron) and beautifully flavoured paneer are

noteworthy highlights to be savoured.

Bag the right table and you’ll also take in the sight of The Dubai Fountain.

Gastronauts can embark on a spice-laden journey through the cuisines of northern India at Khyber (+971 4 455 1111, dukesdubai.com).

This is the first outpost of the Mumbai favourite, which has enticed the likes of Sir Paul McCartney and Richard Gere to dine there. The culinary offering here is headed up by Chef Faizan Ali, who oversees a team of six North Indian chefs in the kitchen.

Together, they conjure up expertly spiced signature dishes, such as tandoori raan. Be sure to bag a table on the terrace for 180-degree views of Burj Al Arab and the Dubai Marina skyline.

chInese crackers No self-respecting cosmopolitan city can call itself a self-respecting cosmopolitan city unless it has a Hakkasan (+971 4 384 8484, hakkasan. com). Happily, Dubai does (at Jumeirah Emirates Towers), and the high-end chain doesn’t disappoint with its chic, contemporary Chinese décor, expertly made dim sum and oh-so fashionable bar.

Shang Palace (+971 4 405 2703, shangri-la.com) at the Shangri-La Dubai is an old favourite that never fluctuates from serving up outstanding Cantonese cuisine: case in point, the signature cod fish with grapes and well-balanced orange sauce.

Another purveyor of high quality Chinese classics is Shiba (+971 4 381 3111, meydanhotels.com) located at The Meydan Hotel, where the interactive element of dining adds a sprinkling of theatre.

a True TasTe of The emIraTes

Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar

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Considering all the many colourful cuisines Dubai has to offer, it might come as a surprise to learn that good Emirati food is not so easy to come by.

However, slowly but surely more and

JW Marriott Marquis

Restaurant Week 25th March – 31st March Get ready to experience flavors from over 10 different gastronomies with the launch of JW Marriott Marquis Dubai Restaurant Week! From fine dining to casual dining set-menus there is something for every taste!

AED 130 – Pubs and Bars

Cafe Artois, Bridgewater Tavern, Aqua, La Farine

AED 160 – Casual Dining Izakaya, Positano, Garden

AED 190 – Fine Dining

Prime68, Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar, Tong Thai

JW Marriott Marquis Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay T +971 4 414 3000 | jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com JW Marriott Marquis Dubai I

JWDubaiMarquis I

JWMarriottMarquisDubai

Aseelah

In The Know

Perfect pizza 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/hotel-dubaideiracreek) in the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek, alongside other dishes made using local ingredients, such as a tender Arabian lobster. For something different, The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (+971 4 353 6666, cultures.ae) offers interactive ‘cultural meals’ – so named because guests are encouraged to

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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 evermore.

tastE of Italy

by HEInz bEck the Galleria Mall, +971 4 343 8292, tasteofitalybyheinzbeck.com Heinz Beck helms the threeMichelin-starred La Pergola in Rome. This, his casual café brand, serves up pizza with the most incredibly light bases.

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.

Foodie districts

DIfc Within Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is Gate Village, where amid the high-end galleries and auction houses are some of Dubai’s – and the world’s – best restaurants. Ranked in Restaurant Magazine’s 2016 list of the world’s best restaurants were the everpopular Zuma (+971 4 425 5560, zumarestaurant.com), where the outstanding Japanese food is best ordered to share, and La Petite Maison (+971 4 439 0505, lpmlondon.co.uk/ dubai). It uses produce from local UAE farms in a number of its fabulous creations, all of which have their roots in French-Mediterranean cooking. Dishes like the burrata and the salt-baked sea bass are legendary among Dubai gourmands Elsewhere, Peyote (+971 4 521 6300, peyoterestaurant. com) brings modern Mexican dishes to Dubai, courtesy of the man behind Maximo Bistrot, voted one of Latin America's top 50 restaurants.

Artful dishes, such as tacos de tempura de gambas (tiger prawn tempura, chipotle mayonnaise and lime) are simply delicious.

Peyote

Inviting all the Queen Bees This March, get ready to experience a night of absolute royal fun at Observatory Bar & Grill. Enjoy Queen-privileges from tiaras to free flowing sparkling bubbly all-night.

Get into the role with your Queen squad and catch up with the girls, overlooking Palm Jumeirah and Marina or dance the night away with DJ Alona’s trendy mixes.

Indulge in the ‘Only for a Queen’ menu featuring crafted cocktails and delicious bites.

EVERY MONDAY, FROM 8PM – MIDNIGHT

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 #queenssocial

DXB City EXpErt X FooD FunD The Meat Co.

A CuT ABovE

Whether you’re craving steak, burger or ribs – we round up the best places for a meaty meal you can sink your teeth into Best for riBs tribes A love for African food, music, art and design created this fun, themed restaurant, which is much-loved for its comprehensive menu of carnivorous dishes. Taste different cuisines that have thrived across the continent since the tribal era, from the Spice Islands of the east to the Arabic flavours of the North. In Africa, food is traditionally prepared and served to family and friends with great pride – an attitude that has inspired the dining

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experience at Tribes. Whether you're sharing the Hakuna Matata Platter of nibbles, indulging in the fully-loaded burger, or tucking into Bunny Chow (a Durban special of a hollowed-out square loaf of freshly-baked bread filled with curry), you're sure to be filled with spirit.

Must-try: The grilled boneless beef rib meat served with baked vegetables and baked sweet potato.

Where? The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates. tribesrestaurant.com

Best for steak the Meat Co. Steak connoisseurs in search of a succulent cut of meat that’s been selected especially for its superior taste and tenderness need look no further than this popular steakhouse. Launched in 2000 in Johannesburg by restaurateur Costa Tomazos, The Meat Co. has since expanded around the world, with two locations in Dubai that are ideally located for tourists. The Souk Madinat Jumeriah outlet has a great outdoor terrace with views of Burj Al Arab while

Tribes

The Meat Co., Souk Al Bahar

the Souk al Bahar restaurant has vistas of The Dubai Fountain, and is within walking distance of The Dubai Mall.

Prepare for a touch of drama to be served alongside your meal, as The Meat Co. celebrates its South African heritage with a décor that’s rich in colour and texture. When it comes to choosing your super-aged meat, you really can’t go wrong, but the Japanese miyazaki wagyu and natural grass-fed Argentinian pampa humeda bred beef are among the top choices. Just be sure to save some space for the traditional South African malva pudding, which contains apricot jam and has a spongy, caramelised texture.

Must-try: South African 100-day grain-fed beef fillet with mushroom and truffle butter, complemented by two small lobster tails.

Where? Souk Al Bahar and Souk Madinat Jumeirah. themeatco.com

Best for Brilliant Burgers the grilll shack

The Grilll Shack

Homegrown eateries always exude a certain charm and the American-style The Grilll Shack at The Dubai Mall is a fantastic example of a local concept that has garnered a loyal following.

This casual yet industrial style venue stands out within the food court for its open-style kitchen, which invites diners to feast their eyes on all the cooking drama. The predominantly meaty menu features wet-aged steaks, melt-in-the-mouth ribs and towering burgers made with 100 percent pure Angus beef, as well as an enticing selection of starters, burritos, salads and seafood. Wash it all down with a Candy Crush milkshake topped with cotton candy and lollipops.

Must-try: Chef’s Specialty Rib Meat Burger grilled to perfection and served in a sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, caramelised onion and cocktail sauce.

Where? Second floor food court, The Dubai Mall. thegrilllshack.com

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THE FOOD 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 culture. They offer cultural breakfast on Mondays and Wednesdays, cultural lunch on Sundays and Tuesdays, cultural brunch every Saturday and a cultural 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 Marina Social

traditional Middle Eastern dishes prepared using age-old recipes. Live entertainment adds to the ambience.

Daily from 7.30pm to 11.30pm – go on Thursday and Friday evenings to see the fireworks.

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

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.

YannICk alléno staY, one&only the Palm, +971 4 440 1010, thepalm. oneandonlyresorts.com The restaurant’s interior drips with opulence, which is matched by the elaborate, indulgent dishes on offer. 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.

35

tIMe For thaI

Izakaya

Tong Thai (+971 4 414 3000, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com) at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, showcases unique regional dishes alongside streetfood favourites and authentic yet inventive classics. Regularly voted the best Thai restaurant in the city, signature curries like creamy panang kung with tiger prawns and gai phad ka-prao with chilli and hot basil pack plenty of depth and flavour, while classics like tom yum and pad see-eiw have been honed to perfection.

You’ll arrive at Madinat Jumeirah’s Pai Thai (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah. com) via one of the resort’s abras, floating across a winding waterway – romantic, for sure. Equally satisfying is the food, particularly dishes like goong gratiemprik thai, for which crispy tiger prawns are teamed with garlic, coriander and a piquant green pepper sauce.

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, al Quoz, 800 9453, 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.

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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.

suBlIMe sushI anD sashIMI Beyond the elsewhere-mentioned Zuma, Dubai is home to a fair few 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 menu that’s vast and packed with fantastic authentic Japanese delicacies, best navigated with the help of your waiter.

There’s more of a fun vibe over at Izakaya, which is located within JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (jwmarriottmarquisdubailife, +971 4 414 3000) – for a start, the so-called Wasabi Girl (she has wasabi coloured hair) makes the head-blowing 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.

Pan-asIan Flavours When you crave Asian food in any one of its guises, nowhere does it better than the award-toting Mekong (+971 4

THE FOOD Carnival by Tresind

Folly by Nick & Scott

Born in tHe UAe Though Dubai does have more than its fair portion of excellent restaurants, a huge helping of them are franchised from elsewhere in the world. This includes its two most notable restaurants, Zuma and Le Petite Maison, both of which have ranked in what’s considered the most authoritative list of the world’s top 100 restaurants. However, if you want to head to somewhere you’ll only find in Dubai there are some outstanding options to choose from.

With cracking views over Madinat Jumeriah and the sea, Folly by Nick & Scott (+971 4 430 8535, folly.ae), two longtime Dubai-based chefs with a

Play

Bateaux Dubai

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 mushroom and plain old radish needs to be tasted to be believed.

Adored by local gastronomes, Carnival by Tresind (+971 4 4218 665, carnivalbytresind.com) is wildly popular. Expect vibrant interiors and a toy merry-go-round in the centre of each table, alongside intriguing Indian dishes such as pink pani puri and the wonderful beetroot gol gappa.

Playfully (naturally) described as Mediterrasian – a fusion of

Mediterranean and Asian flavours – the twists on classic dishes at Play (+971 4 225 6000, h-hotel.com) are a real delight. Be sure to order the duck gyoza and Takumi Wagyu ribs, both of which are divine. The always-buzzing lounge bar means the atmosphere is as playful as the menu.

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.

37

Foodie diStrictS

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.

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.

Best oF BrItIsh The brainchild of MichelinOn Palm Jumeirah, housed in the starred chef Thomas Keller, beautiful Dukes Dubai, is the Great Bouchon Bakery at The British Restaurant, otherwise known as Beach at JBR (+971 4 419 GBR (+971 4 455 1101, dukesdubai.com).

0772) is perfect for a morning This is the place to come for expertly pick-me-up. Indulge in sticky cooked (better than your mum makes) sweet pastries and a cup roast dinners with all the trimmings, of custom-blended TK by fish and chips with crispy batter and Equator coffee. feather-light fish, and comforting If the ocean air puts you cottage pie fashioned from slow in the mood for seafood, cooked beef. Bookend your mains with crack open a crab at Aprons a fabulous coronation chicken and a & Hammers (+971 4 456 sweet treat, such as the quintessentially 7888, apronsandhammers.

English cherry Bakewell tart, or sticky com). Or, for good licensed toffee pudding. options down this way, head At The Croft (+971 4 319 4794, to DoubleTree by Hilton. It houses both The MAINE (+971 4 457 6719, themaine.ae) – part American brasserie and part European bistro – serving great seafood, and the always buzzing Ramusake (+971 4 5595 300, ramusake. ae), for modern Japanese.

The MAINE

Miss Tess

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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, +971 4 520 0000, premiumrixosdubai.rixos.com The Dubai outpost of the world famous steak restaurant offers a winning mix of STK classics and dishes created for Dubai only.

JW’s steakhouse JW Marriott hotel 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.

THE FOOD thecroftdubai.com), top British chef Darren Velvick – a protégé of Gordon Ramsay – hoists the flag for modern British cooking by plating up succulent meats, heritage vegetables and crowdpleasing puddings, with an emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Mains might include organic poached salmon with fennel and saffron hollandaise, or leek and cheddar croquettes with mashed potato and mustard sauce.

The Scene (+971 422 2328, thescenedubai.com) by TV chef and serial author Simon Rimmer is the frontrunner at Pier 7, a sevenfloor, seven-restautrant tower set on a (licensed) pier in Dubai Marina. Britishstyle comfort food is the gist of it – think succulent, deep-filled pies, ale-battered fish and chunky chips – but if you want something less filling, the grilled halloumi, pear and salted-hazelnut salad is delicious.

Miss Lily’s

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 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), who has a CV boasting stints at multiMichelin-starred restaurants Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée and Heston Blumenthal’s Fat Duck.

BavarIan BItes Licensed from the original Hofbräuhaus in Munich, you’ll find Dubai’s outpost inside JW Marriott Marquis Dubai (+971

4 607 7588, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife. 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 appetite you care to bring to the table. Also ranking among Dubai’s oldest restaurants is Der Keller (+971 4 432 3232, jumeirah.com), at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, where amid the exposed brick walls and solid oak tables you’ll enjoy honed-to-perfection dishes like marinated braised beef and potato dumplings.

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

Ask a top chef Bobby Griffing

head Chef, Catch Dubai

At the moment I’m noodle crazy. There is new place in D3 called YUi (selectshopframe. com), which I am liking at the moment. I’ve been playing around with noodles, so on my days off I'm looking for good places that serve them.

39

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 Bridgewater Tavern

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)

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 both 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.

leFt Bank

Left Bank

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souk Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 368 6171, emiratesleisureretail.com You’ll love the water’s-edge setting and lively atmosphere at Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s perennial favourite. And you’ll be equally enamored with its black Angus wagyu burgers.

Foodie districts 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, innovate boutiques and unique art installations.

Concept store meets casual restaurant, The Lighthouse (+971 422 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 – if you’re one for sharing. Also licensed here is the quirky (in a good way) Molecule (+971 245 4700, molecule.restaurant), which offers a ‘bistronomy’ (‘bistro’ meets ‘gastronomy’) concept for better-than-bistro-standard food, including a rich risotto with truffle, and Chez Charles Restaurant (+971 512 2444, chezcharlesrestaurant.ae), a modern brasserie which does staples like fish and chips, and carbonara very well.

Molecule

THE FOOD is proving equally popular. The menu, which comes with a hint of Italian inspiraton, 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 up, it’s often difficult for Dubai’s many hotel-run restaurants to shake off that hotel restaurant vibe.

So it’s to places like this we locals go for a hefty side of atmosphere to enjoy with our food at weekends. Let your waiter guide you to the menu highlights at Bistrot Bagatelle (+971 4 354 5035, bagatelledubai.com), which include sharing dishes such as a to-die-for black

truffle pizza and spicy lobster linguini.

You’ll find it inside the Fairmont Dubai, on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Fresh FroM the oCean Catch (+971 4 357 1755, catch.ae) remains one of the hottest tables in town, with an atmosphere to match. Hailing from NYC, another good reason that this contemporary American seafood restaurant finds favour is, of course, its delicious food. You can have your fish prepared in a number of ways, but you don’t need to look beyond the simple grilled version. If you only have time to eat out once or twice while you’re here, make Catch a must-dine.

Michelin-starred Brit Nathan Outlaw is chef patron at Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara (+971 4 301 7600, jumeirah.com) the famed-for-its-aquarium seafood restaurant at Burj Al Arab. The menu

ThIs monTh's

top table

Foodie diStrictS

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) – in case you're wondering, it's pronounced ‘ah-hee’ – which specialises in Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) cuisine. Come here on a Monday night from 8pm and ladies can enjoy three complimentary drinks and 30% off their food. It's packed and good fun to boot. To try food that might be new to your tastebuds, 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

MastI You’ll want to visit the new and wonderful beachside development that’s La Mer while in Dubai; do so just before sundown and make Masti (800 62784, mastidubai.com) your final destination. Head upstairs to enjoy a couple of brilliantly inventive cocktails – the mango chutney infused mahar mojito, for one – while you watch the sun slip away, then go downstairs to enjoy food that’s termed an expression of ‘new India’, best eaten shared so get a taste of menu highlights. Standouts include the tuna bhel tartare, and the burrata and truffle pizza, rounded off with a delicious chocolate delice.

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Toro + Ko

Foodie diStrictS

CItY Walk A vibrant mix of cafes, 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.

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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.

THE FOOD Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, and has tables set directly on the sand.

It's simple, unfussy and amazingly atmospheric at night.

Positano

ItalIan lIke MaMa Makes It

In The Know

dinner with a view… …oF BurJ al araB shimmers, Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 4323232, jumeirah.com A menu of home-style Mediterranean favourites is ably supported by a causal, toes-in-thesand atmosphere.

...oF BurJ khalIFa anD the DuBaI FountaIn

takes inspiration from Outlaw’s eateries in Cornwall and London, with signature dishes such as lobster risotto, crispy oysters and caviar, and the very British sticky toffee pudding (Outlaw got the recipe from his young daughter) all particular highlights.

Meanwhile, if you’re keen to dine with the feel of sand between your toes, book a table at Fish Beach Taverna (+971 4 511 7139, fish-dubai.com).

Specialising in fresh-that-day seafood, and with a rustic Mediterranean feel, this restaurant can be found on the water’s edge at Le Méridien Mina

One of the world’s tallest hotels, 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.

Down by the beach is the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, in which you’ll find the brilliant BiCE Ristorante (+971 4 399 1111, 3.hilton.com). For many a year this has ranked high among the best Italian restaurants in Dubai, with sublime examples of regional specialities cooked to impressively exacting standards.

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, 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. If you’re looking for

katana, the address Downtown roundabout, +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.

Garden

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that’s a good deal

Reform Social & Grill

If you're in town for Mother's Day, get in her good books by taking her to the lakeside reform Social & Grill. On March 10 (the eve of the big day in the UK, in case you need reminding) it will welcome families to a fun day of market stalls, bouncy castles and face painting, with roast dinners on offer for Dhs130. +971 4454 2638, reformsocialgrill.ae

direction, the creamed black truffle risotto packs in outstanding flavour.

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, garlic-smothered tapas are entirely authentic. There’s a great selection of hot and cold 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.

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ae) at The Oberoi, Dubai. Here, Chef Roberto Segura dishes up authentic Latin American flavours combined with Japanese seasonings and using French techniques. Highlights of the menu are many – including some of the best ceviches 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) in the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at 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 compared to its competitors.

Ask a top chef eric Jung head Chef, asia asia

Coya (+971 4 316 9600, coyarestaurant.com) does the best Peruvian food in town. Its ceviches and tiraditos are super fresh and tasteful.

I recommend you order an assorted ceviches platter, which has a good portion size, with beautiful presentation.

THE FOOD Izakaya

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 and offer myriad options for good-value, great-quality fare.

WITH LITTLE ONES Ideal for tiny tots is bookstore-slashcafé BookMunch (+971 4 388 4006, bookmunchcafe.com) in Al Wasl Square. It serves up tasty treats like blueberry pancakes and stocks plenty of children’s books and an area in which to read them, ensuring kids get food for thought as well as their bellies.

Helmed by Tom Aikens, who remains the youngest UK chef to have scooped two Michelin stars, the concept at Pots, Pans and Boards (+971 4 456 1959, potspansandboards.ae) is based on Tom's own memories of home cooking and his family kitchen, cue a divine apple crumble, Shepherd's pie, and toddler's play area.

Somewhere very different, and always enjoyed by toddlers, is Café Ceramique (+971 4 344 7331, cafeceramique.ae) within Town Centre Mall. Here, kids get to paint their own ceramics as well as enjoy good quality staples like mac and cheese or pizza.

WITH BIGGER ONES From NYC comes Black Tap (+971 4 422 9904, jumeirah), at Jumeirah Al Naseem, famed for its monster milkshakes. The Dubai outpost offers14 different kinds of burger and those famous milkshakes, piled high with toppings like chocolate brownies and cotton candy.

You'll find friendly waiters and a huge dollop of fun at Claw BBQ (+971 4 432 2300, clawbbq.com) in Souq Al Bahar, a place for those who don't mind getting their hands dirty. Alongide stuffed claws are burgers and more traditional American treats. Come here early evening to enjoy Dubai Fountain views on your way out.

Pots, Pans & Boards

BookMunch

Claw BBQ

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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-youcan-eat, all-you-can-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...

Dedicated foodies What? 7Elephants Dubai’s Brunch Why? Taste dishes inspired by leading culinary capitals at this stock market styled venue in DIFC. We recommend you start with the picnic style basket of warm, creamy Camembert, before moving onto the sizzling tender beef cutlets. Each course is brought to your table, so you can relax on the outdoor terrace and admire the view of Burj Khalifa.

When? Fridays, noon to 4pm.

Where? 7Elephants Dubai. +971 4 354 4354.

Cost? From Dhs195 to Dhs495 per person (depending on the drinks package). Dhs125 for ages 15 and under. Those under eight go free.

Best for...

A festive day out What? ‘Egg-streme’ Easter brunch at Fairmont The Palm Why? In Dubai for the Easter holidays? Bag a seat at this one-off festive brunch that combines the hotel's foodie highlights with bags of entertainment. Sample dishes from Flow Kitchen, Little Miss India, Frevo and Seagrill Restaurant and Lounge and dine to the sounds of a live saxophonist, guitarist and violinist.

Kids will gravitate towards the animals at the petting zoo, such as bunnies and baby goats. There will also be face painting, a magician and, of course, an Easter egg hunt with delicious prizes while more fun for tots to teens awaits at Fairmont Falcon Kids' Club.

When? Friday 30 March, 12.30-3.30pm.

Where? Fairmont The Palm. +971 4 457 3388.

Cost? From Dhs295 to Dhs495 per person depending on the drinks package. Dhs180 for children aged six to 12, or free for those under six years old.

THE FOOD

Best for... fine dining fans

Best for... the party crowd

Best for... family fun

What? Comme ça Friday Brunch Why? If you get a buzz out of checking out the latest dining hostpots in the city, Bleu Blanc by celebrity chef David Myers should be at the top of your list.

The southern French farmhouseinspired venue is currently the talk of the town and booking a seat at its Friday brunch is a great introduction. The food is served to your table, including a selection of Myers’ signature dishes, such as oxtail tartine and polenta croquettes – there's even a mean macaroni and cheese on the menu. Mixologist Sam Ross is on hand to shake or stir you up a signature drink. Speaking of which, post brunch, ask a staff member to discreetly point you towards the 'secret' bar (it's hidden behind an unmarked door).

When? Fridays, 12.30-3.30pm.

Where? Bleu Blanc by David Myers, Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Dubai. +971 4 512 5533.

Cost? From Dhs299 to Dhs599 depending on the drinks package.

What? Book A Barrel Brunch Why? This new tapas bar in Barsha Heights puts a laid-back spin on the brunch concept, with DJ Deyn spinning an Ibiza-meets-Coachella vibe. Offering unlimited tapas (try the provolone cheese), hops and pitchers of red for a tidy price, it lures festival fans looking to kick back by the swimming pool, and mark the occasion with a glitter 'tattoo'.

When? Saturdays from 2-6pm.

Where? L!QD Tapas Bar, Tryp by Wyndham. +971 4 247 6644.

Cost? Dhs199 per person.

What? The Lapita Hotel Family Daycation Brunch Why? Fun seekers can make a whole day of it at this lively brunch, which offers Polynesian-inspired food, and all-day access to the swimming pool and kids' club. Fill your tummy at the international buffet – be sure to try Poisson Cru, Tahiti’s national dish made with tuna marinated in lime juice, diced vegetables and fresh coconut milk – before hitting the sunloungers and letting the little ones run wild at the Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club, where they can take part in activities such as mini-Olympics, or chill out and watch a movie.

When? Fridays, 1-5pm.

Where? Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels. +971 4 810 9999.

Cost? From Dhs245 to Dhs345 depending on the drinks package.

Dhs110 for children up to 12 years old (including pool day passes and access to Luna & Nova Kids and Teens Club).

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BEYOUboutique

The Shops

There’s no shortage of retail therapy in Dubai, from traditional souks to edgy concept stores and hip weekend markets. The main malls are open until late. The Dubai Mall, for instance, is open from 10am-11pm Sunday to Wednesday and from 10am to midnight Thursday to Saturday – enjoy!

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THE SHOPS

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 best bartering skills to the test (it’s the done thing) at the glittering Dubai Gold Souk at 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. 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, from 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, back 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 Jumeriah (+971 4 366 8888, jumeirah.com), which has been designed in the style of an authentic Arabian marketplace, and explore the labyrinth lanes lined with stands, 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 selling everything from carpets to handicrafts, jewellery, art and perfume.

Spice Souk

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Souk Al Bahar

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KeePSAKeS TO TReASURe Shop wisely and you can find a meaningful memento of your trip.

Located on Al Wasl Road, o’de rose (+971 4 348 7990, o-derose.com) is a treasure trove, with hand-embroidered camel design cushions, Huda Al Nuaimi’s blingtastic handmade earrings and hand of Fatma keepsake trays.

Camel milk chocolatier Al Nassma (al-nassma.com, The Dubai Mall and Souk Madinat Jumeirah) and luxury date purveyor, Bateel (bateel.com, all major malls), offer a double edible whammy with a respective selection of engraved and Arabesque designed wooden gift boxes filled with delicious cacao dromedaries and plump dates.

Art fans will enjoy browsing Gallery One (g-1.com), a homegrown gallery shop concept showcasing art on everything from postcards

to beautifully printed notebooks.

If you're in the market for a more substantial purchase, you can pick up a limited edition print signed by the artist. There are 10 stores in Dubai.

MeGA MALLS Supersizing the retail scene since the early noughties, the city’s mega malls entice shopaholics to put on their comfiest sneakers and pound the marbled walkways. With over 1,200 stores (and counting), The Dubai Mall (800 38 224 6255, thedubaimall.com) is the grande dame of the city’s shopping scene and the mother of global retail experiences. Click your heels together like Dorothy and transport yourself to Level Shoes, before swinging by Fashion Avenue to browse its 80 high-end stores.

Load up on labels at anchor brands Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette

Dubai, which has a dedicated glamour area showcasing dresses by designers including Alberta Ferretti, Carolina Herrera, and Jason Wu – simply let the personal shoppers tend to your needs. Family-friendly entertainment can be found at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized ice rink and 22-screen cineplex. Plus, there are more than 150 cafés and eateries at which to refuel along the way.

Another power player, Mall of the Emirates (+971 4 409 9000, malloftheemirates.com) has a handsfree shopping service so you can drop off your bulging bags at designated points and have them delivered directly 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.

Robinsons

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THE SHOPS Dubai Festival City

TOP BUY

SUnSET viEwS See the world through a lilac hue thanks to these limited edition GLASSING sunglasses inspired by the colour of the Burj Khalifa at sunset. New to the WEAREDubai capsule collection, there are three styles to pick from.

Dhs1,299. Available from the GLASSING boutiques at City Walk and The Beach, JBR. me.glassing.it

Once you're all shopped out you can hit the slopes at Ski Dubai, or enjoy a five-star snack menu by Gary Rhodes, from the comfort of your reclining seat at the 24-screen Vox Cineplex.

Dubai Creek has its own mega mall experience at Dubai Festival City (+971 4 800 332, festivalcentre. 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 its 400 stores for a cheeky al fresco coffee, 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. A more compact alternative to the city's largest retail emporiums, it is peppered with trendy high street brands and a chilled 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 or hitting the lanes of the busy bowling alley.

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

LOCAL dESignER Selma Benomar Born and raised in Morocco, Selma Benomar is well-known among the emirate's style set for her eponymous luxury kaftan brand.

Her focus is on creating pieces that depict the authentic Moroccan style, combined with modern elements. Visit her atelier in Al Barsha. selmabenomar.com

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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 hugely successful local brand Sauce), cater to a wellheeled local and international clientele.

HOMeGROwN HeROeS

Bambah

TOP BUY

FOREvER in BLOOM Mother's Day falls on 21 March in the UAE. If you're travelling with your mum in tow you can treat her to flowers that'll serve as a lasting memory of your holiday thanks to Forever Rose Bella. These perfect blooms last up to three years without water or sunlight. From Dhs750. thebellarose.com

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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 hand-selected retailers including French fashion brand Escales and Boho Beachwear.

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 Badgley Mischka, 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 Armani Jeans, GANT and Charles & Keith are among the high-street stores popular for a fashion fix.

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 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.

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.

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, bare shoulders, oversized bows and colourful floral prints. The brainchild of UAE-based designer Maha Abdul Rasheed, it's easy to see why stars such Emma Roberts are fans.

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 and model Karolina Kurkova, among others. Make

THE SHOPS

Comptoir 102

a beeline for her latest collection, which is available at Symphony in The Dubai Mall (+971 4 310 6904, bysymphony.com).

Dubai based Lebanese designer Dima Ayad (themodist.com) is yet another local success story and is one of just a handful of people creating looks to suit all body shapes.

Latifa Al Gurg, founder of Twisted Roots (+972 4 321 6165, twistedroots. ae) works out of the arty Al Quoz neighbourhood and her collection of practical yet elegant pieces are a nod to her Emirati-Danish heritage.

COOL CONCePT STOReS 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.

Popular creative hub Dubai Design District (d3), which is dedicated to startups, naturally has its finger on the pulse with the 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 as edgy is O concept store (+971 4 345 5557, oconceptstore. ae) in Jumeirah, which combines fashion and art and attracts young and passionate designers, artists and collectors from all over the world.

Funky clutches, colourful homeware and novelty gift store The Zoo Concept (+971 4 349 5585) at BoxPark is great for last minute suitcase stuffers while Comptoir 102 (+971 4 385 4555, comptoir102.com), nestled in old Jumeira, has a laid-back vibe with an organic café, garden and terrace area boasting an eclectic mix of fashion, homewares and furniture from around the globe.

BARGAIN HUNTeRS While the discount store phenomenon hasn’t quite made it to Dubai, there are

LOCAL COnCEPT BeYOUBOUTIqUe Recently opened in Dar Al Wasl Mall in Jumeirah, BEYOUboutique (founded

by Sheikha Maytha Hasher Al Maktoum and Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum) houses more than 100 new and emerging brands such as AWS, Nigwah, Homa Q, and Maysson. beyoudubai.com

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LOCAL dESignER RAMI AL ALI The Syrian designer created his eponymous label in the UAE in 2000 and his creations have since graced the pages of fashion magazines and red carpets the world over. His Pret-a-Porter collection is available at three locations in Dubai. ramialali.com

The Outlet Village

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still oodles of bargains to be had if you’re up for a retail adventure. A 30-minute taxi ride out of town, 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 also to be had if you look hard enough.

If you’re more a fan of Paris Fashion Week than Primark, The Outlet Village (+971 4 317 3999, theoutletvillage. ae) in Jebel Ali is a siren call. Three department stores and more than 125 top brands including DKNY, Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo and Armani can be found inside its Tuscan inspired interior. Stylish piazza cafés add to the Italian vibe and a regular shuttle bus service from Jumeirah, Al Barsha and Dubai Marina will transport you there in relative comfort.

If you have a soft spot for French fashion, check out the So Chic (sochic. ae) boutique at Blanc d'Ivoire Dubai

on Al Wasl Road. Raid the rails bursting with pre-loved designer clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories, carefully sourced from the best wardrobes of Dubai – you may even bag yourself something from Chanel or Fendi.

If sustainable living extends to your fashion credentials, then you'll want to check out pre-loved fashion concept RETOLD (ShopRETOLD.com) on Umm Suqeim Road, which is brimming with pre-loved steals from the likes of Diane von Furstenberg and Jimmy Choo.

AN OPeN-AIR ReTAIL AffAIR During the cooler months, a whole new world of al fresco shopping opportunities come to the fore. Put on your comfiest shoes and get out and explore the rising number of outdoor retail destinations that add character to the city's shopping scene, from the plush European-style boulevards to the artisan markets selling mementoes you can't find anywhere else. The Beach

THE SHOPS at JBR (+971 80 063 7227, thebeach.ae) blends boho chic market action with holiday accessories-oriented stores from the likes of Hamac and Sauceon-Sea, bordered by a picturesque esplanade packed with eateries.

A little farther inland at the junction of Al Wasl and Al Safa, City Walk (+971 4 317 3999, citywalk.ae) is a style hotspot with a profusion of funky designer-centric boutiques such as Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, M Missoni, Paule Ka and Whistles among others, as well as the upmarket Parisian department store Le BHV Marais.

This stretch of real estate is also home to BoxPark (+971 4 317 3999, boxpark.ae), an urban retail destination made up of repurposed shipping containers showcasing contemporary hipster fashion from the likes of Urbanist alongside one-ofa-kind labels like handcrafted evening gown and kaftan artisans Atelier des Artistes.

BeST Of BeSPOKe 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.

Boutique bespoke tailors are also on hand for special occasion glam. Scissors Tailoring Studio (+971 50 961 7959) at Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah specialises in custom clothing and alterations for women. The master tailoring team at Threads & Tailors (+971 4 347 7719, threadsandtailors. com) in Al Barsha have dressed tennis legend Roger Federer, and create bespoke and made-to-measure suits and shirts at reasonable prices.

TOP BUY

By MOOnLighT Order some edgy accessories from contemporary fashion label LaLaQueen. The brainchild of Lebanese designer Sally Sarieddine, the brand is a hit among dedicated fashion fans in Dubai and beyond – even Amal Clooney has been spotted with the Dr. Bag. We rate the Red Moon bag (pictured), which is the ideal companion for exploring the city by night.

Dhs1,678 (US$457). lalaqueen.com

PIT STOP

where to refuel at The dubai Mall wAGAMAMA, THe DUBAI MALL

RAISING CANe’S, THe DUBAI MALL

OPeRATION: fALAfeL, THe DUBAI MALL

For an explosion of Asian flavours, Wagamama has you covered and its new location in The Dubai Mall, just a short walk from The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, is ideal for beating hunger pangs while on-the-move. Open daily from 11am to midnight. +971 4 320 3237, wagamama.ae

People are flocking to the latest outpost of this Louisiana-based chain, which is known for its speedily-served, fresh chicken tenderloin. Forget the diet for a day and indulge in the 24-hour marinated hand-battered chicken tenderloins with crinkle-cut fries and creamy coleslaw. Check it out on Instagram @raisingcanesme

Marking its 10th location worldwide, Operation: Falafel at The Dubai Mall brings a much-loved Levant street-food experience to the emirate's busy shoppers. We recommend the herbed and spiced Chicken Shawerma. Open daily from 10am to 1am. +971 4 329 2936, operationfalafel.com

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Skydive Dubai

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 56

The AcTiviTies

BEACHES AND POOL ACTION If you’ve flown in from cold and rainy climes, soaking up the sun will be at the top of your agenda. The emirate's newest stretch of beach, La Mer (meraas.ae) in Jumeira 1, features more than 130 shops, cafés and restaurants surrounded by 2.5 kilometres of sandy beach. Check out the kids' playground by the seashore, bounce around at the Hawa Hawa air-filled trampoline zone or grab a bite at one of the licensed eateries.

If you like your beach time with a side of action, head to Kite Beach (kitebeach.ae) at the Umm Suqeim end of Jumeirah Beach Road. A firm favourite among the kite-surfing fraternity (lessons available if you dare) its community vibe is centered around a clutch of on-trend cafés and familyfriendly facilities, like XDubai Skatepark and a 14km-long jogging track.

For a dash of glamour, The Beach at JBR (+971 800 637 227, thebeach.ae) is sure to appeal, with its meandering walkway bisecting a profusion of cafés, restaurants and shops and a stunning stretch of sand. Rent an umbrella, listen to the waves lapping at the shore and check out the view of the under construction Ain Dubai Ferris wheel.

Nearby, Azure Beach at Rixos Premium Dubai (+ 971 52 777 9472, azure-beach.com) has a Mediterranean vibe, with comfy poolside cabanas and giant inflatables to mess around on.

More fun can be had at Barasti pool and beach at Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (+971 4 318 1313, barastibeach.com), which has a dedicated watersports centre offering everything from windsurfing to sailing.

On Palm Jumeirah, RIVA Beach Club (+971 4 430 9466, riva-beach.com) is popular among the social set. Hire a day bed, go for a stroll along the stretch of private white sand and take a dip in the temperature-controlled swimming pool.

La Mer

Azure Beach

Barasti

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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’d 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, which offers panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Brave souls can move onto the outdoor deck on Level 125 for more prime vistas. Spring for a premium ticket for At The Top SKY and you'll enjoy VIP access to the very highest observation deck on Level 148, a private tour guide and exclusive lounge access.

Early risers can join one of the new sunrise sessions that begin at 5.30am every Friday and Saturday throughout the winter, offering access to the observations decks on Levels 124 and 125, as well as a light breakfast at The Café.

ALL THE FUN OF THE DUbAi FOUNTAiN Back on solid ground and coming in at second place on the tourist wish list is The Dubai Fountain. With thousands of robotic jets hidden beneath the 30-acre Burj Khalifa lake, it’s the tallest performing fountain in the world. Set to a rotating musical repertoire featuring the recorded likes of Andrea Bocelli and Lionel Ritchie, as well as Arab and African artists, the visual artistry will give you goose bumps. Its powerful

ASK A LOCAL Angel Oracion, Spa Director, Luban Spa Dubai is a haven for world-class spas. For an authentic Arabian pampering experience, be sure to try a treatment featuring frankincense, which is known to help soothe the mind and boost the skin's radiance.

View of The Dubai Fountain from Palace Downtown

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jets shoot water 500 feet into the air – the equivalent of a 50-storey building.

Shows take place daily at 1pm and 1.30pm (1.30pm and 2pm on Fridays) and every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm. Plump for a prime viewing spot from a lakeside restaurant table, or catch it for free from the Waterfront Promenade. Those who want to get closer to the action can step onto 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 to 11pm daily. Dhs20 per person (for ages four and over). Tickets are available at the fountain promenade, Burj Park and At the Top, Burj Khalifa ticket counters.

For fountain fun on a slightly smaller scale, the IMAGINE light, water and pyrotechnics spectacular at Dubai Festival City is sure to impress. Giant aqua screens, surround sound, lasers and the largest water screen projection in the world combine with 30 fountains to create a breathtaking display. The show takes place hourly every evening from 8pm to 10pm (11pm at weekends).

Step Back in time 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 houses Dubai Museum. Today, its collection of beautifully preserved traditional wind tower homes are museums, art galleries and cultural spaces connected by a maze of winding alleyways and quiet courtyards.

Etihad Museum (etihadmuseum. dubaiculture.ae) tells the story of the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971. Located next to Union House in Jumeirah, the striking structure resembles a manuscript with seven tapering columns representing the

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pens used to sign the unification agreement. Photographs, films, documents, personal artefacts and interactive pavilions provide a fascinating insight into the history of the UAE, before and after unification.

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 the Al Quoz industrial district, comprises around 15 galleries including The Third Line (+971 4 341 1367, thethirdline.com) and Gulf Photo Plus (+971 4 380 8545, gulfphotoplus.com).

BE PAMPERED

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, or the Dubai Street Museum project on 2nd December Street in Satwa, which draws on themes from the UAE’s history and heritage for an eye-catching stroll.

For a high-brow evening out, get tickets to Dubai Opera (+971 4 440 8888, dubaiopera.com), which offers an impressive line-up of local and Saray Spa

Saray Spa To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March and Mother’s Day on 21 March, this luxurious spa at JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is offering a 30-minute facial or back massage and a 15-minute foot reflexology session followed by afternoon tea at La Farine Café & Bakery for Dhs300 per person. +971 4 414 6754, jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com

anantara Spa This pampering haven at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort has a Ladies Wednesday Bliss offer, which starts with a traditional Turkish hammam followed by a back, neck and shoulder massage. Afterwards, you can access all the wet facilities.

Dhs399 per person. +971 4 567 8140, dubai-palm.anantara.com

the Spa at addreSS Boulevard Try the Ayurvedic Spices Journey to Hammam, which includes a revitalising black soap scrub, rhassoul wrap, and an oriental full body massage. Linger a little longer by relaxing with a warming cup of berry tea. Dhs622 per person for 120 minutes. +971 4 561 8126, addresshotels.com

Anantara Spa

The Spa at Address Boulevard

top pick

The Yard Located in the up-andcoming Al Khawaneej area, The Yard is already popular among foodies looking for a slap up meal from the food trucks at Last Exit D89.

However, a 350,000-squarefoot extension has brought a new wave of attractions to this hip setting, including 62

a rustic courtyard, organic farmer’s market, bakery, and a selection of restaurants and shops. There's also a lake with shaded walking trails and family-friendly landscaped picnic areas. Be sure to stop by some of the more novel features, such as the 18-metre-tall windmill, wishing well and decorative vintage

pick-up trucks (they make for great photos). Little ones can pet the farm animals while romantics can make their mark by attaching a padlock to the railings of Promise Bridge. And there's plenty more to come – The Yard will eventually grow into a 2.8m-square-foot destination. meraas.ae

The AcTiviTies

ASk A LocAL Bassam Alkassar, CEO and Founder of FMS Tech A trip to The Dubai Mall is a must. It has an indoor ice-skating rink, a souk, immersive entertainment, and a jaw-dropping dinosaur skeleton at its centre. End the day by sitting down to dinner with a view of The Dubai Fountain.

international operatic, ballet and musical productions. The building itself is an architectural wonder with a dhowshaped design by Janus Rostock a stylish tribute to Dubai’s maritime history.

For more top tier entertainment, the emirate's first in-residence show, La Perle

by Dragone (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures. com) is sure to impress. It takes place in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art aqua theatre at Al Habtoor City, and is awash with awe-inspiring aquatic and aerial feats, creative imagery and cutting-edge technology. La Perle takes place twice a night, five days a week.

SWING INTO ACTION Most of the world’s golfing greats have teed off onto 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 'Major of the Middle East', the European Tour Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the Omega Dubai Ladies Classic, it has two 18-hole par-72 championship courses 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.

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 course is home to the annual DP World Tour Championship, the Arabian Ranches Golf Club

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grand finale of the European Tour’s 47-tournament Race to Dubai.

The city's newest course, Trump International Golf Club, Dubai is the first in the Middle East to bear the Trump brand name. The par 71 course was designed by Gil Hanse, and also features the largest clubhouse in Dubai, a 9-hole, par 3 academy course and double sided driving range.

Arabian Ranches Golf Club (+971 4 366 4700, arabianranchesgolfdubai. com) offers an 18-hole, par 72 signature desert-style grass course designed by Ian Baker-Finch in association with Nicklaus Design.

You can unwind after a round at the Spanish Colonial Clubhouse.

THEME PARK FUN Thrill-seekers, screamers and scaredy cats can test their limits at Dubai Parks and Resorts (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.

Motiongate Dubai

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com) in Jebel Ali thanks to its 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. Once you've dried off, you can explore the six themed lands at the adjacent Legoland Dubai, home to 40 rides, shows and attractions, and 15,000 scale Lego models.

Fans of the Hindi film scene can get their Shakrukh 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. Cricket fans will love Lagaan, a motion simulator ride based on the cricket-themed film of the same name.

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.

Linking the parks together is Riverland Dubai, a free-to-enter retail and dining zone set on a (manmade) river. Divided into The French Village, Boardwalk, India Gate and The Peninsula, there are more than 50 shops and eateries to choose from.

For air-conditioned theme park kicks, head to 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 Hulk 3D ride with 18 IMAX projectors and a seriously bone-chilling Haunted Hotel (for those aged 15 and over).

Adrenaline fiends will feel their heart rate rocket on The Velociraptor roller coaster, which hits speeds of up to 100kph in just 2.5 seconds.

Gentler fun can be had at the Ben 10 5D cinema experience and at live stage shows featuring characters from LazyTown. There are 25 retail outlets plugging original merchandise.

If you're eager for more, Dubai’s original theme park experience, Global Village (+971 6 362 4114, globalvillage.ae), in Dubailand, squeezes what feels like the whole wide world into a six-month multicultural festival – no passport required. Day trip your way around the globe and take a Honey, I Shrunk The Kids sized tour of the Taj Mahal, Rome’s Coliseum, Statue of Liberty and Great Pyramid of Giza; watch a death-defying stunt show, interact with street performers, catch a music concert and enjoy all the fun of the fair. Home to 30 pavilions representing more than 75 countries, hit the shops for unique art, traditional crafts, homeware and foodie treats. Entry is Dhs15, or free for children under three years. Family tickets are available.

thriLLs anD spiLLs Belly flops and swan dives are par for the course at Dubai’s gold standard water parks, with fun for water babies of all ages. Located in front of the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Wild Wadi Water Park (advance booking via +971 4 303 4992, arabianadventures.com) was first on the scene and 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, it’s wet and wild all the way.

On the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, Aquaventure Waterpark (advance booking via +971 4 303 4888, arabian-

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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.

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 Lego-inspired water slides, raft rides and pools or construct your own Lego raft. (Conducting annual maintenance until approximately 11 March).

X-Line Dubai Marina

In The Know

Fly through the air X-Line Dubai Marina +971 4 457 3212, xdubai.com/xline Daredevils with a need for speed will be all over this new attraction.

The world’s longest urban zipline, XLine Dubai Marina will zoom you over land and water at speeds of up to 80 km/h, taking you from a dizzying 170-metres--high back down to ground level. You can fly solo or with a friend but you must be aged 12 to 65, taller than 130cm, weigh in at 50-100kg and be in good medical health. Open daily from 9am to 5pm.

The AcTiviTies Watercooled Dubai

For something on a smaller scale, head to JBR where you can find AquaFun (aquafun.ae) the city's largest outdoor inflatable water park that challenges you to run, jump and slide your way over 74 obstacles, without falling off. Suitable for those aged six and over. Open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Tiny tots can be guided to the nearby Splash Pad (splashpaddubai.com), which has a giant tipper bucket, water squirters, climbing frames and more. Open from 9am to 8pm.

EXpEriEnCE snOW anD iCE Where else but Dubai can you lay on 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 4888, arabian-adventures. com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks

at major malls) at Mall of the Emirates boasts the world’s first indoor black run, a gaggle 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. Book a lesson or watch the free penguin parade between 2pm and 8pm daily.

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 has 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. Grown-ups

looking to get their groove on will love the late night Disco Sessions.

FUn On thE WatEr Watersports fans are spoilt for choice in Dubai. Get out on the water and enjoy the best views of the skyline on a jet-ski tour. Jet Ski Sightseeing Tours (advance booking via +971 4 303 4888, 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 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.

Younger family members can dip their toes into the maritime lifestyle with a sailing lesson or short course

by Watercooled Dubai (+971 4 887

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GEt On traCK

6771, watercooleddubai.com), based at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai - Jumeirah Beach, while seasoned sailors can hire a Hobie catamaran or RS500 performance dinghy. From Dhs200 per hour.

a 40-minute ‘dock to dock’ seaplane excursion above Dubai Creek, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa and more.

Alternatively, take a helicopter ride (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com) for a bird's eye view of the iconic landmarks and make the most of the incredible photo opportunities along the way. Private charter flights available upon request.

If you’d rather not put your life in someone else’s hands entirely, iFly Dubai (+971 4 231 6292, theplaymania.com) lets you defy gravity in its indoor wind tunnel.

Supercars are a common sight in Dubai – even the police force has a Bugatti Veyron and a Lamborghini Aventador, among other cars, GEt a FaLCOn’s EYE ViEW in its fleet – and motoring A sure-fire way to make the folks fans will be pleased to learn back home green with envy is to tick that you can do more than skydiving off the bucket list. At Skydive snap a selfie next to these Dubai (skydivedubai.ae) you can gleaming vehicles. At Dubai leap out of an aeroplane, tethered Autodrome (+971 4 367 8700, to a professional, for a tandem jump dubaiautodrome.com) you experience over Palm Jumeirah. It’s can slip behind the wheel also the best vantage point from which MEEt thE MarinE LiFE of a single-seater F3 race to view the scale of the fronded island – Dunk your head beneath the blue car, McLaren, Audi TT or R8 unless you’ve got your eyes closed.

Arabian Gulf waters to discover more supercar. Track experiences For a more traditional aerial of Dubai’s coolest attractions. Home combine classroom and experience, Seawings (advance to over 65,000 marine animals, The behind the wheel training bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabianLost Chambers Aquarium (advance from a professional racing adventures.com) offers scenic flights, bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabiandriver, before you’re let loose including the Dubai Creek Silver tour, adventures.com or City Sightseeing to do a few laps on your own.

The complex is also home iFly Dubai to Dubai Kartdrome, which has a 500-metre indoor track suitable for kids aged seven and above, which is able to handle up to 10 karters at any one time. The1.2-kilometrelong outdoor circuit is designed for more confident drivers who can test their mettle on its 17 corners, tunnel and bridge. All the karts are equipped with timers making sure the competition is fierce.

Dubai Kartdrome

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The AcTiviTies

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Dubai kiosks at major malls) at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai will 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.

Besides its retail pull, The Dubai Mall is home to Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo (advance booking +971 4 303 4888, arabian-adventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls), one of the largest suspended aquariums on the planet. Marvel at more than 140 species of sea life, including more than 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 750kg King Croc.

Conservation is the buzzword at the turtle lagoon at Jumeirah Al Naseem (+971 4 366 8888, jumeirah.com), home to the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, which is run in collaboration with Emirates Wildlife Society. Protecting and rehabilitating sick sea turtles since 2004, more than 560 of these graceful creatures have been released back into Dubai waters. Entry to the Wednesday morning feeding sessions are free and feeding priority is given to children.

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) is the region’s biggest flower park with more than 45 million flowers forming a rainbow of colour in the middle of the desert. Not your traditional garden, the flowers 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.

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 kamikaze insects flit and flutter around you and be sure to check out the museum.

For a fun way to get active you can swing through the trees Tarzan style

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Hub Zero

at Aventura Nature Adventure Park (aventuraparks.com), in Mushrif Park’s ghaf tree forest. No walk in the park, it features a series of elevated obstacles of varying levels of difficulty. From the low-lying Rangers circuit to the highaltitude 160-metre-long zip-line, there’s something for adventurers of all abilities.

Open green spaces dot the city and Zabeel Park (+971 4 398 6888) is a local community favourite. Set around a picturesque lake, amenities include boat rides (from Dhs40 for two people), picnic areas, park tour train rides and edutainment options such as the Space Maze and Alternative Energy Zone. Rent a bicycle and explore while burning off some of those extra holiday calories.

If you stay there until the sun sets you can head over to Dubai Garden Glow (+971 52 478 5605, dubaigardenglow. com), which is home to three magical attractions: a glow-in-dark garden comprising 10 million energy

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saving bulbs and yards of recycled luminous fabric; a dinosaur park displaying more than 100 animatronic Dinosaurs; and an ice sculpture park created with 5.000 tons of ice.

FaMiLY-FriEnDLY FUn The kids will be bouncing off the walls at the region’s largest indoor trampoline park, Flip Out Dubai (600 567 568, flipout.ae) Al Quoz, which boasts more than 200 interconnecting trampolines and 10 trampoline-based attractions, including the Double Decker Kids’ Arena for little ones.

Just around the corner is another well-sprung facility, Bounce (+971 4 321 1400, bounce.ae), which also has wall running, foam pits, dodgeball, and the X-Park Adventure Challenge Course with its zip line, bouldering wall and sea of pipes for nimble feet to navigate.

Get them thinking about their career choices early at the popular

In The Know

Animal magic DUbai saFari al Warqaa 5, dubaisafari.ae Home to more than 2,500 animals representing more than 250 species, Dubai Safari is an educational and affordable day out. From meeting the giant Komodo dragon in the Asian Village to catching a rare underwater glimpse of pygmy hippos in the African Village, it has been designed especially to deepen your understanding of a wide variety of animals through a series of fun, interactive activities and encounters. The eco-friendly wildlife park, spread over 119 hectares, has been built on a former landfill site. From Dhs20-85 (those aged under 3 or over 60 go free).

Open daily from 9am to 9pm.

The AcTiviTies edutainment centre KidZania (advance bookings via +971 4 303 4992, arabianadventures.com or City Sightseeing Dubai kiosks at major malls), which is located 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.

Gamers flock to Hub Zero (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabianadventures.com) at City Walk where you can take out the Resident Evil bad guys on a trackless 3D interactive zombie hunt, don vision-enhancing goggles for a game of Battlefield, or take your seat in the 4D cinema experience for Asura’s Wrath, complete with leg ticklers, vibrating seats and water and wind effects.

Also at City Walk, the grass is literally greener at The Green Planet (advance bookings +971 4 303 4992, arabian-adventures.com). Flooded with natural light, the five-level 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 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.

A relative newcomer is OliOli in Al Quoz (+971 4 432 3232, olioli.ae) – a novel venue that curates content from the best children’s museums, science centres and art studios from North America, Asia and Europe. Kids can

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 weighing 1,000 kilos made from brightly-coloured crocheted and knotted nylon.

Experience what it's like to be at the centre of an elephant herd or in the deepest ocean depths at Orbi 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 guests into the heart of the natural world via a visceral, multi-sensory experience that's sure to wow.

The Green Planet

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Lucky Voice Dubai

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 a taxi reference for each of our featured venues to help you find your way 72

The NighTlife

oh whaT a NighT With International Women's Day (8 March) and UAE Mother's Day (21 March) on the horizon, we though it apt to highlight a selection of the most popular ladies' nights in town – and Dubai is dame crazy when it comes to free beverages for womankind. A success since day one, Sparkle in the Sand at The Beach House, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort (+971 4 567 8302) promises a stunning Tuesday night setting and two hours of unlimited bubbles for Dhs75 from 8pm. The first 50 guests through the door receive a silk pouch containing a gem, one of which will be the real deal. Guests have until 10pm to visit Dhamani in the hotel lobby to find out if their stone is genuine.

You can channel your inner diva at The Latin Experience Ladies' Night at Scarlet Cardinal (taxi: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, +971 56 222 9914) every Monday night. Women receive unlimited house drinks from 8pm to 3am and you dance to the sounds of the live Latin band.

Those who want to hop between venues should head to The Square at City Walk, which hosts the Ultimate Ladies Night every Wednesday, with three venues – Toro + Ko, LIMA Dubai and Galvin Dubai – offering fab promotions, with entertainment, guest DJs, and unlimited sparkling drinks.

If you fancy being spoilt, the Pink Elephant night at 7Elephants Dubai (taxi: Emirates Financial Towers, DIFC, +971 4 354 4354) has you covered, offering five complimentary tipples from the signature drinks menu.

Pull up a seat at the longest bar in Dubai or head outdoors to admire the view of Burj Khalifa with your girl squad. Mondays from 6pm to 11pm.

New on the scene, No Buts, Just Fine Cuts at STK JBR (taxI: Rixos Premium Dubai, +971 4 323 0061) offers women 25% off food and three drinks on the house every Tuesday from 6pm to 1am.

Scarlet Cardinal

7Elephants Dubai

STK JBR

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ONE FOR THE BOYS It's not just the ladies in luck in Dubai.

Invest in a bit of male bonding over the male equivalent of a gossipy girls’ night out at some of Dubai’s best venues. Tuesday’s are reserved for ‘bromance’ at Grapeskin at City Walk (taxi: La Ville Hotel & Suites, +971 54 309 5948) with a dedicated Gents Night for bites and banter. Enjoy two glasses of grape or hops from 8-11pm (with Dhs25 drinks thereafter) plus a meaty charcuterie platter.

The top floor of all-American gastropub Cook Hall is the setting every Saturday for the Man Cave experience (taxi: The Westin Dubai, Al Habtoor City, +971 4 435 5577). Pull your own craft brew, score with FIFA on the Playstation 4, shoot a game or pool and feast on comfort food and bottomless beverages for Dhs299 from three-anda-half hours from the time you arrive.

FOR SIPPING SUNDOWNERS As the sun dips below the horizon it's time to enjoy that 'perfect storm' combination of a cracking sunset and chilled drink of choice. You can soak up spectacular views of Madinat Jumeirah as you watch the sun disappear into the sea at folly

by Nick & Scott (taxi: Souk Madinat Jumeirah, +971 4 430 8535). The venue boasts two outdoor terrace bars that are increasingly popular among the city’s social set. There is a dedicated sundowners menu Sunday to Thursday from 5-7pm, featuring a tempting selection of drinks.

A perennial favourite, 360° (taxi: Jumeirah Beach Hotel, +971 4 406 8741) offers panoramic city views from its Arabian Gulf perch out on a private jetty, with Burj Al Arab on one side and twinkling lights of the Jumeirah coastline on the other. With a stunning deck and indoor nightclub, arrive at sunset and party on until the wee hours. Open from Sunday to Saturday from 5pm to 3am.

If you fancy lazing by the swimming pool, Kalsa (taxi: Jumeirah Al Naseem,

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+971 4 432 3232) provides a scenic setting – simply order drinks to your cabana and unwind in your bechwear.

Open daily from 9am to 8pm.

Another prime spot is Observatory – Bar & Grill (taxi: Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, +971 4 319 4000). Located on the 52nd floor of the property, it offers awesome views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Plus, there’s a daily Happy Hour from 4-7pm.

Lastly, Treehouse (taxi: Taj Dubai, +971 4 438 3100), offers awesome 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 played by resident DJ Taylor. Open daily from 7pm to 2am and on weekends from 7pm to 3am.

Lock, Stock & Barrel

SEaFRONT SETTINGS Feel the sand between your toes with a drink in hand at one of Dubai’s chic beachfront hangouts. With the JBR skyline as the 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 cocktails and chilled beach vibes. Open daily from 12.30pm to 2am.

So photogenic you’ll feel like you’re starring in a magazine shoot, The Jetty Lounge (taxi: One&Only Royal Mirage, +971 4 399 9999) rocks white linen style with beautifully landscaped surroundings, catering to an upmarket audience of international jet setters.

Open daily from 2pm to 2am.

The NighTlife 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. Blind Dragon (taxi: Al Habtoor City, 2. Imported from London, Lucky Voice

3. Head to Nippon Bottle Company

+971 4 437 0033), in entertainment hub The Atrium, on the banks of Dubai Water Canal, is the sister venue to the original A-list LA hangout. The opulent Asian-themed lounge has both public and private karaoke suites in which you can enjoy cocktails and light bites as you sing out the tunes. Open Tuesday to Saturday, from 5pm until 2am.

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.

(taxi: Dusit Thani Dubai, +971 4 343 3333) for #BeltItOutMondays – one of the newest karaoke nights on the scene that takes place every Monday from 8pm until midnight.

There's no cover charge or entry fee.

All you need to do is rock up and pluck up enough courage to sing your favourite karaoke songs. The friendly audience will cheer you on.

Further along the coast, Key West Bar & Grill at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa (taxi: Pearl Jumeira, +971 4 376 6000) opens early every evening for aperitivo hour, offering a boutique collection of drinks from the Caribbean and Latin America.

The light and airy venue has stunning beachside views – take a wander across the white sand beach and chill among the coconut palms. Open daily from 5pm to 1am.

Versace Dubai, +9714 556 8865), Quincy Jones’ first-ever bar and lounge, which welcomes an impressive roster of resident acts throughout the year.

Unwind and enjoy the beats in the living room styled space. Open from 7pm to 2am, Tuesday to Saturday.

Scarlet Cardinal (taxi: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, +971 50 423 1823) champions themed music performances, from jazz on Sundays and Latino on Mondays to pop star Thursdays and rock legend Fridays – aim to arrive late and stay even later. Open from 10pm to 3am.

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 Monday to Sunday.

Ramp up the fun factor by rocking out at Lock, Stock & Barrel, which has two outlets in the city (taxi: Grand Millennium Dubai, +971 4 514 9195 and taxi: Rixos Premium Dubai, +971 4 520 0049) each spanning two floors decorated in an industrial chic style and kitted out with pool tables and 'stool and booth' seating fronting the main act’s central stage. Solid pub grub rounds out a fab night with friends. Open from 4pm to 3am Monday to Friday (the Barsha Heights venue opens slightly earlier from 1pm to 3am on Fridays) and 2pm to 3am on Saturday and Sunday.

THE BEST LIVE MUSIC The city is awash with live musical talent from Aussie rockers and Filipina soul divas to Britpop artists. Raise your hands in the air (like you just don't care) to an amazing line-up of entertainers. For a dose of singer/songwriter talent, head to Q’s Bar and Lounge (taxi: Palazzo

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DUBaI INSTITUTIONS

Base

CaSUaL HaNGOUTS 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 craft hop selection to enjoy at the picnic tables. Open from 4pm Sunday to Thursday and from noon on Friday and Saturday.

A long copper bar, dark wood floors and exposed stonework shipped all the way from Scotland lend Copper Dog (taxi: Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Dubai – Jumeirah Beach, +971 4 559 5355) a cosy country atmosphere just like the original Scottish Highlands pub.

Choose from a broad menu of drams, craft hops and pub grub enjoyed to live music. It’s also a nice spot for a quick nightcap. Open from noon to 2am Sunday to Thursday and from 10am to 2am Friday and Saturday.

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 to keep you going all night long.

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You can dance your socks off at open-air mega venue Base (taxi: Dubai Design District, +971 55 313 4999).

This homegrown house and hip hop concept has space for 1,000 dedicated clubbers on the dancefloor with a state-of-the-art sound, lighting and pyrotechnics system. Look out for the monthly LYFE event (a sensory event inspired by earth, air, water and fire), launched by Jason Derulo in February.

Open during the winter season, White Dubai (taxi: Meydan Racecourse Grandstand Rooftop, +971 50 443 0933,) is the sister lounge and club to the Beirut original. Just like its Lebanese sibling, it’s high on the glam factor, with a good-looking crowd partying on the wrap-around rooftop terrace from Thursday to Saturday.

Also at Meydan is social hotspot Soho Garden (+971 56 822 2559), which has a pool area for daytime fun, and four bars to lean on. Open Wednesday to Sunday from 5pm to 3am.

Midway along Sheikh Zayed Road is the luxurious BOA Lounge & Club (taxi: W Dubai – Al Habtoor City, +971 56 501 2039), which dominates the 32nd floor of

Just like any city known for great nightlife, 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 sandbetween-your-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 muchloved 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 also a second outpost now open at Riverland Dubai.

Join the newbies, for whom a night spent at Rock Bottom Café (taxi: Ramee Rose Hotel, +971 55 200 9333) is like a rite of passage. Its Barsha Heights venue is especially popular, with nightly DJs spinning club music and a live band.

The Irish Village

The NighTlife 7Elephants Dubai

the hotel and affords awesome views of Dubai Water Canal and the Arabian Gulf. The lounge is open daily from 8pm to 3am while the 1,000-capacity club is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11pm.

For a wild time, head to Inner City Zoo nightclub in JBR (taxi: Rixos Premium Dubai, +971 58 867 5357).

Sophisticated but edgy, the place has a real buzz about it with resident DJs Emma Love and Henry X taking to the decks Monday to Friday, bringing a blend of house and RnB to the venue. For old school jams, the ‘Disco Made Me Do It' bash on Fridays is solid fun, with free drinks for ladies from 11pm to 1am. Open from Monday to Friday from 11pm to 3am.

FOR SOMETHING a BIT DIFFERENT 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 a stereo arcade (naturally) housing over 50,000 games with a slushy machine, hotdog stand and more. Fun aside, the hi-tech club plays '80s and '90s hits every weekend.

If you like your entertainment a little more outlandish, head to Cirque le Soir (taxi: Fairmont Dubai, +971 50 995 5400). The emirate's offshoot of the London A-list haunt is open Monday to Friday from 10.30pm to 3am, featuring performances from a beautifully bizarre cast of contortionists,

stilt-walkers and fire-eaters, alongside some of the city's best DJs. For a tipple with a real twist, push the bookcase in the lobby of the Dusit Thani hotel. It will open to reveal a hidden door on which you must knock to gain entry to the Nippon Bottle Company (taxi: Dusit Thani Dubai, +971 4 357 0779), a Japanese speakeasy offering an impressive list of Japanese drinks. Open daily from 4pm to 2am.

Also tucked away on the ground floor of a five-star hotel – in this case Conrad Dubai – is Little Black Door (+971 55 623 1620). You’ll have no problem spotting it as the ‘little black door’ is actually huge. All you need ot do is knock to enter and wait for it to swing open. Once inside, you’ll find

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FIVE OF THE BEST

roofTop Terraces Make the most of the breezy winter weather by heading outdoors for drinks with a view

2. For an Arabian style experience, visit The Rooftop & Sports Lounge atop the Arabian Court at One&Only Royal Mirage (+971 4 399 9999). Under a canopy of stars, sink into the majlis style cushioned seating around the central dome and sip cocktails until late. Open daily from 5pm to 1am, with live music on selected evenings.

1. If you fancy nursing a handpoured cocktail, head to the Polynesian-inspired LANI Rooftop Lounge (taxi: Lapita, Dubai Parks and Resorts, Autograph Collection Hotels, +971 4 810 9421), which has a fun yet chilled out vibe. Unwind to the downtempo beats while taking in the panoramic views of the theme parks.

3. For awesome Burj Khalifa views, look no further than Cabana (taxi: Address Dubai Mall, +971 4 888 3444). This fabulous al fresco lounge serves a selection of grilled skewers to nibble on and, after sunset, out come the exotic cocktails as the resident DJ pumps out the beats.

Open daily from 11am to 12.30am.

5. Pan-Asian restaurant Karma KafĂŠ 4. Situated on the 16th floor of the fashion-inspired FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai, The Penthouse (taxi: FIVE Palm Jumeirah, +971 4 455 9999), spotlights some of the best DJs and dance acts around at its al fresco club night every Thursday. The venue boasts one of the most Instagrammable views in Dubai. Open daily, call for timings.

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(taxi: Souk Al Bahar, +971 4 423 0909) has panoramic views of Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. Dubai Opera ticket holders get 20% off on their total bill, plus a gratis glass of sparkling (on the day of the show).

The NighTlife a classy, club-style lounge complete with crystal chandeliers hanging from leather-clad ceilings, opulent furnishings and distressed-brick walls.

The resident DJs play neo-soul and classic jazz. Open from 7:30pm to 3am from Monday to Sunday.

BEaCH CLUBS Slip a kaftan over your bathers, whack on some designer shades and you’ll fit right in among the party people at play at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa (taxi: Pearl Jumeira, +971 4 376 6162).

Just like its stylish global counterparts in Miami, Marbella and elsewhere, the beach club at the Dubai outpost hosts a revolving roster of resident and guest DJs from its luxurious island setting and is open daily from

11am to 9pm (entry is free, from Dhs150 for a single sun lounger).

Along the Palm Jumeirah crescent you’ll find El Chiringuito Dubai (taxi: Rixos The Palm Dubai, +971 4 277 9180).

Reserve a Bali-inspired sun bed, sit back and sip your drink while snapping a selfie or two at this cool Ibizan beach club import. Soak up the good vibes on the all-new beach terrace, situated right along the waters edge, and join the musical Nomad ceremonies after the sun sets. Open from 10am until 7pm Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

A beach club meets open-air party, Zero Gravity (taxi: Skydive Dubai, +971 4 399 0009) continues to attract big name acts like Paul Van Dyk and Mark Ronson and its relaxed vibe draws

a diverse crowd of fun seekers. Awaken the senses at Ritual, a festival that takes place every Friday, where you can soak up the sunshine at the pool and beach before hitting the dancefloor.

Open from 10am to 3am. Free for ladies, or Dhs100 for men after 9pm.

Out on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border, around 25 minutes from Mall of the Emirates, Blue Marlin Ibiza UAE (taxi: Golden Tulip Al Jazira Hotels & Resort, +971 51 133 3400) lures house music party diehards in their thousands eager to enjoy the Balearic beach vibes. Global party sensation All Day I Dream is bringing its signature surrealism to the venue on 3 February – expect lots of colour, music, lights and hypnotizing vibes. (Tickets cost from Dhs148 from 3pm to 11pm)

Nikki Beach Resort & Spa

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in the frame

From its record-breaking attractions to its rolling desert dunes, Dubai is a dream destination for photography fans, with something new to snap at almost every turn.

In each issue, we invite a keen photographer to share one of their favourite pictures

a soft landing

Is it a bird, is it a plane... or is it a massive flower arrangement? This botanical wonder, at Dubai Miracle Garden, is actually the world’s largest floral installation – a life-sized version of an Emirates A380, covered in more than 500,000 fresh flowers and living plants. It's captured here by award-winning drone photographer Bachir Moukarzel (@bachir_photo_phactory).

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