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DUBAI 2015 / 2016
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World Traveller | WE
2015 / 2016
DUBAI
the
welcome to
CONTENTS
DUBAI
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Dubai, the glittering jewel of the UAE, is truly the centre of the world right now. The city is enjoying a period of incredible prosperity, and the best chefs, designers, artists and hotels are all getting in on the act and vying for the attention of the millions of tourists and locals that are lucky enough to spend time here. From ancient desert rituals to the latest gadgets on sale, Dubai is a historic city with a glowing future.
EVENTS CALENDER There’s always something happening in the emirate. Here are this year’s highlights.
9 THE CITY All you need to know about flying to Dubai and getting around once you’re there.
11 HOTELS Not sure where to stay? We’ve got the pick of the city’s best hotels.
ABOUT THIS GUIDE To make sure that you’re up to speed with this ever-changing city, the We Love Dubai writers all have years of experience and can guide you through the most exciting place on earth.
25 SHOPPING World-class shopping abounds in this town, so get set for some retail therapy.
31 RESTAURANTS From Michelin-starred chefs to authentic eats, Dubai’s got something for every palate.
44 CULTURE Beyond the glitz, you’ll discover a burgeoning art scene and rich cultural heritage.
47 ACTIVITIES From trampoline dodgeball to backstreet foodie tours, it’s time to have fun.
MANAGING DIRECTOR
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
DEPUTY EDITOR
DESIGNER
Victoria Thatcher
David Wade
Lara Brunt
Emi Dixon
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
EDITOR
SENIOR DESIGNER
PRODUCTION MANAGER
John Thatcher
Richard Jenkins
Andy Knappett
Chalitha Fernando
To contact any of the team, email firstname@hotmediapublishing. com
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EVENTS CALENDER
FEBRUARY
6-28 DUBAI FOOD FESTIVAL A culinary celebration of the Emirate’s emergence as a gastronomic destination.
14 RACING AT MEYDAN Equine enthusiasts book your place for the final day of the Meydan racing series.
15-28 DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS The highest-profile players in the world come together to compete for this title.
2015
EVENTS
There’s always something happening in Dubai. Here are some of this year’s highlights...
25-27 EMIRATES AIRLINE DUBAI JAZZ FESTIVAL John Legend and Sting are just some of the big name stars performing this year.
MARCH
6-13 GULF PHOTO PLUS A visual feast with over 50 workshops and talks by world-class snappers.
16-20 DESIGN DAYS DUBAI Collectible works from leading international galleries are up for grabs.
18-21 ART DUBAI 2015 Quite simply, the leading contemporary art fair in the Middle East.
28 DUBAI WORLD CUP The world’s richest horse race brings together fillies, fashion and fireworks in spectacular style.
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SEPTEMBER
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ONE DIRECTION – ON THE ROAD AGAIN The world’s biggest boy band hit Dubai, playing the Sevens Stadium.
EID AL ADHA The second Islamic celebration in the year sees nightly fireworks, family entertainment and concerts.
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OCTOBER
MIDDLE EAST FILM AND COMIC CON This huge pop-culture fest has plenty for film and sci-fi buffs.
OKTOBERFEST A whole host of venues mark the annual German festival with delicious food and spirited entertainment. Prost!
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NOVEMBER
JULIUS BAER BEACH POLO CUP The sport of kings hits the sand, with top polo players strutting their stuff.
10-12 FASHION FORWARD It’s the fifth season of the essential and definitive Dubai fashion show.
MAY
1-2 AL GAFFAL DHOW RACE A spectacle on the sea, as hundreds of dhows compete in this thrilling race.
JUNE
18 RAMADAN The holy month is expected to begin. Visitors can get involved by joining a pre-dawn suhoor or evening iftar (when Muslims break their fast) at one of the city’s many hotels.
JULY
18 EID AL FITR As the holy month of Ramadan finishes, get set to enjoy great celebrations in Dubai.
10-14 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL MOTOR SHOW Hundreds of the world’s most soughtafter supercars go on display.
DECEMBER
2 UAE NATIONAL DAY The day that the UAE celebrates its birth, with huge fireworks and celebrations around the Emirates.
4 RUGBY SEVENS This sporting extravaganza is always a party highlight of the year.
World Traveller
LO V E S ED SHEERAN LIVE IN DUBAI The superstar songwriter performs for the first time in the UAE at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre on March 5. Expect songs from both his No.1 albums, including Lego House and Sing.
9 DUBAI INTERNATIONAL JEWELLERY WEEK The world’s biggest jewellers bring their most exquisite works to the city. DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL DIFF celebrates film from all cultures, and showcases amateur shorts as well as full theatrical releases.
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World Traveller | WE
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DUBAI
the
CITY
All you need to know
Getting
THERE Passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport (DXB) reached 70.4 million people in 2014, and with that much practise, the airport has got welcoming passengers down to a tee. The airport serves over 260 destinations across six continents, on more than 140 scheduled airlines. It even has its own purpose-built A380 Concourse, as well as recently expanded and refurbished Terminals 1 and 2. In short, your jaw-dropping Dubai experience begins as soon as your plane touches the tarmac. If you’d prefer to fly into a smaller hub, Dubai World Centre – Al Maktoum International Airport, is located in Jebel Ali. To book a flight to Dubai, contact dnata (+971 4 316 6666), or visit dnatatravel.com.
Getting
AROUND Since 2009, Dubai has enjoyed use of a modern and efficient metro system that links the airport at the northern edge of the city to Jebel Ali, far in the south – taking in the Downtown area, Mall of the Emirates, Media City and Dubai Marina, as well as many other useful stops. Simply buy a “nol” card from a Metro or petrol station for 20 dirhams (which will include 15 dirhams of travel credit) and ride away. In November 2014, a bright and breezy tram system opened to great fanfare, linking Dubai Marina to Jumeirah Beach Residence and the glorious new Beach Walk. You can operate the tram with your nol card, too. By far the most popular method of transport, however, is the RTA taxi service. There are hundreds of the mustardyellow taxis around, which are allowed to stop anywhere as long as they are unoccupied (the roof light will be lit up yellow or green if the driver is free, and red if the driver already has passengers. If you want to drive yourself, numerous car hire options will greet you at the airport.
Dubai
record
IN NUMBERS
BREAKERS
5 In January 2015, the 828m high Burj Khalifa celebrated its 5th birthday
5.8 million The amount of tourists Dubai hotels entertained in the first six months of 2014 – the highest ever.
22,500 Square metres of indoor ski area at Ski Dubai
46, 265 If you took all the gold leaf out of the Burj Al Arab, you could cover this many copies of the Mona Lisa.
95 How many kilometres away you can be and still see the Burj Khalifa.
Dubai has its fair share of world records. Here are some of the most impressive...
The record for the longest gold chain was set just weeks ago – it’s an impressive five kilometres in length, connected by over four million tiny segments that took 100 craftsmen 45 days to make. The city loves gold – Kanz Jewels in Deira produced the world’s largest gold ring, which weighs 63 kilograms and is worth almost Dhs10 million. In November 2014, the car parade at the Meydan racetrack was the venue for the assembling of the most types of car in one parade, as 58 varieties from Lada to Lamborghini completed two laps of the track. The 72-story JW Marriott Marquis holds the record as the world’s tallest hotel, at 355 metres. 9
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H OT EL S we love
The Monaco of the Middle East has some of the world’s most luxurious hotels. Here’s where to check-in… 1.
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HOTELS
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rom luxury beachfront resorts and innercity sanctuaries to landmark buildings and record-breaking towers, Dubai has a truly dizzying array of accommodation options. The emirate has welcomed a raft of new hotels recently, including some top international brands making their Dubai debut. One of the most impressive is Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, which boasts large terraces off every room, ten restaurants and lounges (including Peruvian hotspot, Coya) and a spa menu packed with exclusive ingredients such as pearl extract and caviar. Manzil Downtown Dubai on Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard is another newcomer, and features Arabesque-inspired decor and open-plan bathrooms. Sofitel Downtown Dubai has also made an impression, thanks to its unparalleled views of the Burj Khalifa and air-conditioned walkway that connects the hotel to The Dubai Mall. When it comes to Dubai icons, they don’t get much bigger than Atlantis, The
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“Dubai has welcomed a raft of new hotels, including some top international brands making their debut”
(including the impressive underwater seafood spot, Ossiano) and the aweinspiring ShuiQi Spa. Raffles Dubai, with its pyramid structure, is another Palm. Boasting well over much-loved landmark. That 1,500 rooms and suites, the distinctive façade gives way resort has enough attractions to some of the most spacious to keep you there, and only rooms and suites in the city, there, for the duration of your each with a private balcony, holiday. Highlights include while the ultra-exclusive Aquaventure waterpark; Lost Dubai Floor takes up the Chambers Aquarium, which is entire 14th floor. It has six home 65,000 marine animals; palatial rooms and comes with Dolphin Bay, where you get your own butler, chef and the chance to swim with chauffeur to boot. dolphins; world-class dining JW Marriott Marquis Hotel 12
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JW MARRIOT Tยฎ MARQUIS DUBAI
A new level of luxury. Comprising two iconic towers, the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai stands elevated above Dubaiโ s Business Bay on Sheikh Zayed Road, in the heart of one of the most desirable locations in the city, ย ฦกย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วค 1,608 LUXURIOUS GUEST ROOMS อ อ วง วก วง วง วง ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย ย ย ฬปย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ฮฎอกอ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ วค
ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วก ย ย อ อ อ อ อ อ วก ย ย ย ย วก ศ ฮฎอกอ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ วก ฮฎอกอ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ อ ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย ศ ย ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย ย ย ย ย ย วคย ย ย
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HOTELS 1. JW Marriott Marquis. 2. Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. 3. Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. 4. Atlantis, The Palm. 5. Sheraton Mall of the Emirates. 6. Fairmont The Palm. 7. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. 8. Raffles Dubai. 9. Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai.
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Dubai, meanwhile, claims the title of Dubai’s tallest hotel (and also the world’s tallest). Containing over 1,600 rooms within two identical towers in the Business Bay district, it houses some of the best restaurants and bars in the city (Vault on levels 71 and 72 is a popular spot for cocktails), along with spectacular suites. Located in the 828-metre Burj Khalifa is the Armani Hotel Dubai, one of only two Armani hotels in the world. Affording unbeatable views of Dubai Fountain, its seriously stylish environs, designed by Georgio Armani himself, are all you’d expect from Italian 14
“The Meydan sits beside a track that hosts the Dubai World Cup horse race, which turns 20 this year” design royalty. Rooms and suites boast all manner of Armani-themed goodies, too, from fluffy branded robes to spectacular-smelling lotions housed inside marble-decked bathrooms. The world-famous tower also provides a unique backdrop to many of the impeccably dressed rooms at The Address Downtown Dubai and The Address Dubai Mall, sister hotels laden with luxuries. At
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the former you’ll find a fivetier infinity pool, ever popular sky lounge Neos and a superb spa, while the latter grants shoppers direct access to The Dubai Mall and its mindboggling array of stores. The shortest of strolls from here is the funky Vida Downtown Dubai. Modernity rules at this boutique-style abode, with technological quirks in each of the rooms and a couple of standout restaurants.
Yet another great option in this part of town is Ramada Downtown Dubai. Adjacent to the Burj, overlooking the Fountain and a short walk from Souk Al Bahar’s restaurants, there are suites ranging from junior to four bedrooms, along with a temperature-controlled outdoor pool and a squash court. DAMAC Maison – Dubai Mall Street, meanwhile, has
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Resort’s Main Entrance
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xperience the newly refurbished beachfront resort, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, and discover a private playground in the heart of the vibrant Dubai Marina District. With all the opulently decorated 294 rooms and suites boasting garden or sea views, this intimately splendid resort, which is situated on 350 meter of pristine white sand on the Arabian Gulf, is the perfect place for romantic honeymoon celebrations and chic family getaways. Enjoy the cool green lawns and views out over the fronds of Palm Jumeirah, with an early morning or evening stroll or bask in the sun’s rays from the comfort of a sun lounger on the gleaming white sandy beach, for a vacation experience that takes luxury to a new level. Alternatively, you can relax with a soothing spa treatment or an exceptional dining experience in one of the resort’s award-winning restaurants. For young guests, the superb Ritz Kidz, which is situated in close proximity to the sun-shaded children’s pool and play areas, allows parents the opportunity to relax. For more information, call +971 4 3994000 or visit ritzcarlton.com/Dubai
Ritz Kids Camel Ride
Emirates Suite Terrace
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HOTELS
World Traveller
LO V E S The pick of The Palm is Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, an ultra-relaxing spot that’s guaranteed – with a little help from the Thai-inspired Anantara spa – to recharge any holidaymaker’s batteries. The hotel also offers beautiful one or two bed apartments for longer stays or guests with families – we guarantee you won’t want to return home.
hotel apartments that allow you to create a real homefrom-home, while enjoying the convenience afforded by fivestar amenities – kids’ club, concierge, spa and, best of all, an in-house chef who’ll come to your apartment and cook to order while you relax on your balcony admiring the views. Staying in the city, the Shangri-La Dubai remains a choice pick. Renowned for its world-class service, the hotel houses some truly
“Shangri-La Dubai houses some truly great restaurants, including New York newcomer, Junoon” great restaurants, including Don Alfonso 1890 and New York newcomer, Junoon. Treat yourself to a signature treatment in the spa and stay in a Presidential Suite – two
floors, two bedrooms and two views, one of the city and the other of the sea. Just down the road from here is the Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai. Spread over 65 floors, the rooms are spacious and welcoming, with views of the city, Zabeel Palace and Jumeirah Beach from the 26th to 61st floors (and the views from newly refurbed infinity pool are pretty special too). Continue along Dubai’s main thoroughfare and you’ll find Conrad Dubai, which has a stellar line up of restaurants and lounges including Cave, the go-to place for grape connoisseurs (with over 1,500 international varieties available), and rooms crammed full of technology. Nearby is the Sheraton Grand Hotel, within walking distance of the World Trade Centre and a short metro
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Thai inspired luxury in the heart of Dubai
Experience heartfelt hospitality at our idyllic five star resort on the iconic Palm Jumeirah crescent. Designed with beachside relaxation and luxurious indulgence in mind, the beautifully appointed rooms, villas and apartments offer true Asian flair, overlooking the tranquil lagoons or the Arabian Gulf. Enjoy the finest ingredients as you embark on culinary journeys through mouthwatering flavours in our four restaurants.
Embark on a journey rich with discovery at
anantara.com
Call +971 4 567 8888 or email resdubaipalm@anantara.com for enquiries and reservations United Arab Emirates 6 Cambodia 6 China 6 Indonesia 6 Maldives 6 Mozambique 6 Qatar 6 Thailand 6 Vietnam
Experience the all new Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights. Opening 1 March 2015 Just minutes away from the airport, business and entertainment districts; connect, relax and recharge while we take care of all the details which matter most. For reservations, call +971 4 553 1234 or visit dubaicreek.regency.hyatt.com Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.
Š 2015 Hyatt Corp. HYATT name, design, and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.
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hop or taxi ride from DIFC, Downtown and the gold and spice souks. Alongside the fabulous rooms and suites, you’ll also find one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. A truly distinctive hotel is The Meydan. It’s a sports enthusiast’s dream, as it not only sits beside a track that hosts one of the richest horse races on the planet, the Dubai World Cup which turns 20 this year, it’s also home to Meydan Golf ’s stunning pay-and-play golf course, one of the city’s finest nine-hole venues. Bab al Shams is the Meydan’s sister hotel and offers something entirely different from its sibling. Where the Meydan is actionpacked and a hub of city living, Bab al Shams is a low-rise oasis set back into the desert, amid rolling sand dunes. It’s a prime place to relax, and the ancient massage treatments are wonderful for tense joints. For sand, sea and extravagance, look no further than Dubai’s famous Palm
Jumeirah. Packing a real clout in the decadence stakes, the design of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray takes inspiration from the royal residences of the Ottoman era, with grandiose gold pillars, red and turquoise jewel chandeliers and handpainted frescos. Rooms, meanwhile, come with seriously huge baths and silkdraped beds. Set on the Palm’s same western crescent, you’ll find the formidable façade of the Kempinksi Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah, whose lavish lobby is very much a sign of the luxuries that await you. Choose between a suite, penthouse or villa and you’ll be immersed in plush Italian décor in duck egg blue or glittering gold. Each comes with either a sizeable balcony or terrace (complete with Corinthian-style pillars), making it a breeze to drink in views of the sun-kissed Arabian Sea. At Fairmont The Palm, Dubai water babes will be
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2015 / 2016 10. Atlantis, The Palm. 11. Bab Al Shams. 12. Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. 13. Sofitel Downtown Dubai. 14 & 15. Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. 16. Sofitel Downtown Dubai. 17 & 18. Fairmont The Palm.
HOTELS
thrilled to find a private beach, beach club, four sparkling swimming pools and, to cap it all, comfy cabanas where a butler is on hand to fulfil your every whim – so lifting a finger is very much optional. The Willow Stream Spa is another firm favourite (many of the treatment rooms look out to the ocean), while the Mashrabiya Lounge serves up one of the finest afternoon teas in town. If you’d rather look out to the Palm Jumeirah than stay on it, you’ll be wanting a beach hotel. One of the city’s perennial seaside favourites is The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, a Mediterranean-style beachfront resort with lush grounds in a prime spot on the city’s cosmopolitan JBR Walk. Spoil yourself in a suite or at the fabulous spa. Also by the beach, Le Royal Méridien houses an
excellent kids’ club and some of the city’s most popular restaurants, including Geales Dubai. The Roman-themed spa, meanwhile, boasts five hammams, plus pools, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzis. Near Dubai’s other mega mall, the Mall of the Emirates, you’ll find Sheraton Mall of the Emirates. Recently renovated and with direct access to the shopping centre, Chanel, Prada and Harvey Nichols are within walking distance of your luxuriously
“The Ritz-Carlton is a Mediterranean-style beachfront resort” appointed bedroom (many of which have excellent city views). Top tip for those with a sweet tooth: don’t miss the great value Chocaholic Brunch. An excellent family option is Novotel Al Barsha, which
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RAFFLES DUBAI
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overlooks the Sheikh Zayed Road, the main artery running through Dubai. Close to Metro stations and offering easy access to a number of beaches, malls and golf courses, it allows families with two kids aged 16 and under to stay for free in their parents’ room. Also able to house families in style – choose to do so in either a two or four bedroom suite – is Grand Millennium Dubai. Within walking distance to the metro, you’ll be shopping at the Mall of the Emirates or Ibn Battuta Mall or teeing off at Emirates or Montgomerie Golf Clubs in no time at all. Not far from here, and for those who prefer selfcatering, there’s Fraser Suites Dubai. These well-furnished apartments encompass one, two or three bedroomws
(there’s also a top-floor penthouse), and whichever you choose you can make the most of venue’s hotel-worthy facilities. Down in Deira - in what’s now labelled ‘Old Dubai’ along the corniche and close to the traditional souks, is the Hyatt Regency Dubai. Each and every one of the hotel’s 421 rooms and suites come with a view, plus there’s an ice rink, nine-hole pitchand-putt golf course, outdoor pool, tennis courts and Al Dawaar, Dubai’s only revolving restaurant. Along the city’s winding waterway, Dubai Creek, you’ll also find the brilliant InterContinental Dubai Festival City, home to what is among the city’s best restaurants, Reflets Par Pierre Gagnaire, and some spectacular suites, too.
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SH O PPIN G we love
Every brand under the sun is available in Dubai, where shopping is one of the most popular pastimes. It’s time for some retail therapy...
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The Upside of Everything Upgrade to a higher level of comfort defined by exceptional views at Sheraton Dubai Mall of the Emirates Hotel. For more information and reservations, please call +971 4 377 2005 email – 03889.sales@sheraton.com Reserve online for the best available rates: sheratondubaimalloftheemirates.com SheratonDubaiMalloftheEmirates
@sheratonmoe
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©2015 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit sheraton.com
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ou can try and leave Dubai without doing a bit of shopping – but you probably won’t make it. The city’s malls are the envy of the world, and often contain some of the most exciting tourist attractions along with peerless retail facilities. Nobody should leave Dubai without a piece of what has made the region famous – luxurious, glorious, glamorous gold. The two top spots are the Dubai Gold Souk and Dubai Gold & Diamond Park, where you can be sure you’re dealing with reputable merchants. It’s said that the Souk holds 10 tonnes of gold at any given time, and the Diamond Park is a celebrity haunt – find a store with a celeb’s photo on the wall and know that you’re operating with the
“Nobody should leave Dubai without a piece of what has made the region famous – luxurious, glorious, glamorous gold” same dealers as the A-list. If you’re willing to haggle on prices, you can walk out with some incredible deals, and the experts at Cara Jewellers in the Gold & Diamond Park can even design creations bespoke for you. The Dubai Mall is widely recognised as the biggest in the world. Even if you aren’t someone that loves to shop, it’s a sight worth seeing – over 1,200 stores, cafés and boutiques, including the gargantuan Level Shoe District, should be enough for even the most dedicated shopper. There’s plenty of other great stuff to explore there too – check out the Activities section to find out more.
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The Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road is one not to miss –supercars line the entranceway to the elite valet parking, but it’s also served by the Dubai Metro. Inside, you’ll be greeted by the opulent Harvey Nichols, one of the UK’s most luxurious department stores, and the Fashion Dome, home to 80 designer brands. Fashionforward gentlemen will be pleased to learn that Christian Louboutin has also recently opened his first standalone men’s boutique at the mall, too. Further in amongst the 520 storefronts are more high street names like Zara, Topshop and French Connection, and a surprisingly
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SHOPPING
World Traveller
LO V E S Revered in its homeland, where it’s been providing elite shopping to the French for over a hundred year, Galeries Lafayette, inside The Dubai Mall, brings Gallic cool to Downtown Dubai. Fanciful French brands fill Lafayette’s storefronts, and the strong Parisian vibes resonate throughout. It’s also home to a beautiful organic café, which provides incredible dishes made with healthy raw ingredients.
“Jumeirah Beach Road is one of the coolest places to pick out high-end fashion”
1. Mercato Mall. 2. The Dubai Mall. 3. Mall of the Emirates. 4. Mercato Mall. 5. Bloomingdale’s Dubai. 6. Mall of the Emirates.
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high number of stores for kids and plenty of sporting goods stores, too – including one of the best places for winter sports gear, connected to Ski Dubai. For those looking for a touch of New York glamour in Downtown Dubai, the region’s first Bloomingdale’s at The Dubai Mall is also the first Bloomies to appear outside of the US. With glamorous clothing, jewellery and even homeware sections, the legendary department store is right at home in the UAE. Jumeirah Beach Road is
one of the coolest places to pick out high-end fashion. This renovated street has loads of cool shopping destinations like the West L.A. Boutique inside the Sunset Mall. Stop for a Starbucks to recharge and head back out into the sunshine and cruise along the strip past boutique cafés and restaurants. Along the same road you’ll also find Mercato Mall, which has a terrific Jack Wills outlet and loads of cute cafés, and further down is the Palm Strip Mall. Follow the Al Sufouh road southward as far
as Jumeirah Beach Residence and you’ll find City Walk, a new outdoor shopping concept that ties together high-end stores with restaurants, cafés and a new Reel Cinema. Dubai’s biggest shopping secret is known as The cARTel, a fashion showroom in the Al Quoz area. Packed with exclusive pieces from local and international designers, The cARTel specialises in one-off, standout pieces. Combining art with fashion, it’s where the young and edgy fill their wardrobes. A well-hidden secret is
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situated just outside the city on Al Ain Road – the Dubai Outlet Mall. Here you’ll uncover hundreds of designer fashion brands and previous seasons pieces at slashed prices. A fab find for bargain hunters, with some serious savings to be made on top-end brands like Mulberry and Armani. The sprawling, dragonshaped metropolis that is DragonMart is impossible to miss. Due to a recent extension, there’s now plenty to be found for a casual shopper, as well as wholesale
goods including toys, clothing, footwear and Chinese dining galore. With 2,500 parking spaces, be sure to make note of where you’ve left your car. If you aren’t familiar with the famous Arabian explorer Ibn Battuta, you will be by the time you’re finished at the Ibn Battuta Mall. Each ‘court’ in the mall bearing his name is inspired by his travels to a different land. So you’ll wander around China, Persia, India, Egypt and a host of others, all under one roof. But the shopping is very much up to date: high-street labels
like Topshop, H&M and River Island are all found in this kooky emporium. Dubai’s malls are places where you could comfortably spend all day, and as such they have no shortage of restaurants to sample. Perhaps the best place of all is the Festival Centre at Dubai Festival City. A relatively small number of shops (400, mid-size by Dubai standards) are augmented handsomely by the over 50 restaurants that line Canal Walk. It’s also worth visiting The Marina Mall for more high-street
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stores and classy cafés including Carluccio’s, Yo! Sushi, and Little More. For a final touch of highend luxury, BurJuman packs in the highest concentration of couture stores in the city. Chanel, Valentino and Jimmy Choo, among others, all have boutiques here. Dominating them all, however, is Saks Fifth Avenue. The two-level titan is heaven-sent for fashion worshippers keen on the latest looks from the catwalk, with Prada, The Row and Burberry keeping shoppers in their finery. 29
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RESTAURANTS we love
From Michelin-starred chefs and award-winning favourites to exciting new concepts and authentic eateries, Dubai’s dining scene offers a plate for every palate
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ith around 200 different nationalities calling Dubai home, the city’s dining scene is one of the world’s most diverse. From Parisian to Peruvian, Italian to Indian, you can pretty much eat your way around the world during your stay. To kick things off, let’s look at some of the new offerings from the world’s most celebrated chefs. Three Michelin-starred chef Heinz Beck has won a legion of new fans with his marvellous Mediterranean menu at Social by Heinz Beck at the Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah. Wolfgang Puck’s first Middle East outpost, CUT by Wolfgang Puck at The Address Downtown, is
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“Qbara has set a new benchmark for creative Arabic dining and won awards for its spectacular design” vying for the hotly contested title of the best steak house in Dubai, while Greg Malouf has impressed with his contemporary take on Middle Eastern fare at Clé Dubai in DIFC. Qbara at Wafi Mall has also set a new benchmark for creative Arabic dining (don’t miss the soft shell crab) and the homegrown concept has won awards for its spectacular interior design, too. Another stylish new arrival is Geales at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa. Established in 1939 in London’s Notting Hill, it serves up fabulously fresh seafood in posh gastro-pub surroundings. Also winging its way from London is Peruvian hotspot Coya at the new Four Seasons Resort Dubai 32
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at Jumeirah Beach and Mint Leaf of London in DIFC. The former has a huge range of homemade pisco infusions, contemporary Peruvian cuisine and seriously cool décor, while the latter stands out for its modern take on authentic Indian flavours and floor-to-ceiling windows offering fabulous views. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach, meanwhile, has debuted two excellent new restaurants that will seriously tempt your tastebuds: China Grill, a New Yorkborn concept known for its eclectic Asian-inspired world cuisine, and El Sur, which has chef Juan Carlos González Hernández, a protégé of Ferran Adrià, in the kitchen.
4. 1. El Sur. 2. CUT by Wolfgang Puck. 3. Clé Dubai. 4. CUT by Wolfgang Puck. 5. At.mosphere.
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Of course, Dubai’s bestloved restaurants continue to impress. Zuma, known for its contemporary Japanese izakaya-style sharing plates, and La Petite Maison, which serves exceptional French Mediterranean cuisine,
both made it onto last year’s influential San Pellegrino ‘World’s Best Restaurants’ list for the third year running (at numbers 77 and 81 respectively). You’ll find them in DIFC, the city’s fine dining epicentre, alongside perennial
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PLATES From award-winning Asian to fabulous themed feasts, the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai serves the city’s most exciting cuisine
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f you’re looking for a memorable dining experience, look no further than the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. Authentic flavours, opulent surroundings and Shangri-La’s renowned service combine to tantalise tastebuds and leave a lasting impression, whether it’s brunch, lunch or dinner. The hotel’s signature restaurant is Shang Palace, named Best Chinese Restaurant in Dubai at the What’s On Awards 2013. Renowned for serving fine 34
Cantonese cuisine in a grand setting, the experienced chefs have crafted an exceptional new menu that showcases the flavours of the region. From live seafood and succulent clay pots to classic barbecued dishes and stir-fried favourites, the art of Chinese dining has well and truly reached new heights at Shang Palace. Not to be outdone, the chefs at Hoi An have also been busy creating exciting new dishes. Named Dubai’s Best Pan-Asian Restaurant at
the What’s On Awards 2014, the restaurant serves vibrant Vietnamese cuisine with a Gallic twist. Be sure to sample the chef ’s recommendations, such as Chä Cua (spicy blue crab cake and deep-fried soft shell crab with spicy mayonnaise) and Vit Xào Lá Húng (sautéed duck breast with capsicum, sweet basil and pepper sauce). Dunes Café, meanwhile, dishes up fresh sushi and seafood, mezze and grilled meats, and salads and woodfired pizza. It also hosts
popular theme nights, from 7pm to 11pm. Every Tuesday, meat lovers can enjoy premium steaks, gourmet burgers and lamb chops at The Butcher’s Block. Seafood fans, meanwhile, can indulge in the freshest fruits of the sea with two decadent dining experiences: Crab-tastic on Wednesdays and Lobsterlicious, Dubai’s first lobster feast, on Thursdays. To find out more, visit shangri-la.com/dubai
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ld-school Italian charm meets New World flair at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai, with two of the city’s most popular dining concepts under one roof. Since its debut last year, Don Alfonso 1890 has wowed diners with its impeccable Italian dishes, while The Act Dubai’s unique blend of theatre and inventive Peruvian cuisine has set the benchmark for sophisticated entertainment since 2013. Overseen by the resident head chef who first trained under Don Alfonso himself, Italy’s world-renowned twoMichelin starred restaurant serves authentic, yet modern Mediterranean cuisine. With organic ingredients grown on Alfonso’s farm on the Amalfi Coast and fresh pasta made from durum wheat semolina, the dishes capture the flavours, colours and aromas of the Sorrentine Peninsula. The open-kitchen lets you watch the chefs in action as they prepare signature dishes such as mozzarella soufflé with cherry tomato sauce, crispy basil and oregano; Mediterranean-style grilled sea bass; and traditional Neapolitan sfogliatella. For reservations, call 04 355 1591 or email reservation@ donalfonso.ae. Upstairs on the 42nd floor, The Act Dubai is the highest theatre in the world, with amazing views of the city skyline – provided you can tear your gaze away from
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ACTS World-class Italian or high-flying Peruvian? Sample the best of both at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai what’s happening right in front of you, of course. After scooping the inaugural BBC Good Food ME Best Experiential Dining Award in 2013, the region’s first dinner show concept continues to impress, with fantastic acts and a fine-dining tasting menu that takes guests on a culinary
journey through Peru. Signature dishes from head chef Roberto Segura Gonzales include zesty ceviches, arroz con pato, camarones con maracuya and braised oxtail empanadas, while the singers, dancers and acrobats keep the crowd entertained with a thrilling themed show. There’s
a new theme every seven weeks, with Rocker Girlz launching this month. The Act Dubai is open Sunday to Thursday from 8:30pm, with the dinner show taking place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Call 04 355 1116 or email reservations@ theactdubai.com 35
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alongside Junoon’s signature plates. With an innovative take on pure and traditional Indian recipes, the menu centres on five of India’s most celebrated cooking techniques: tandoor Junoon, Manhattan’s Michelin-starred – clay oven; tawa – cast Indian restaurant, arrives at the iron cooking; sigri – open Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai fire pit; handi – curry; and patthar – stone cooking. Dishes and tasting menus ubai is not short of Indian cuisine. showcase centuries of Indian restaurants, Now, restaurateur Rajesh culinary expertise, while also but few come with Bhardwaj and renowned chef reflecting Junoon’s modern the credentials of Junoon, the Vikas Khanna have launched interpretation. Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai’s their second location. Working Middle Eastern influences newest dining concept. Since closely with an expert team are apparent in dishes such as opening in New York City of chefs, including executive mutton rose biryani (mutton in 2010, Junoon, meaning chef Steven Hubbell, they kofta with saffron, mint and “passion” in Hindi, has have crafted locally inspired rose), sweetlip fish tadka earned a Michelin star for dishes exclusively for Dubai, (spiced fish served with four consecutive years and using regional ingredients such grapefruit, crispy dulse and redefined contemporary as goat, seafood and dates, sea urchin), and chocolate
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date (milk chocolate parfait, date cake, hibiscus puree, chilli glass and braised dates). Junoon’s experts are on-hand to recommend beverages that complement the exquisite cuisine, with over 250 grape varieties available. Creative cocktails and mocktails are also a highlight, including the refreshing Jaswal concoction with cucumber, lime and lychee juices mixed with spicy ginger beer. Dubai’s discerning diners will be just as impressed by the décor, designed by New York-based architect and designer Tarik Currimbhoy, which features dramatic purples and reds with gold accents. To make a reservation, call 044 052 716 or email infodubai@ junoonrestaurants.com
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Marriott Marquis Dubai has also brought Indian flair and flavour to the emirate in mouth-watering fashion. In the same hotel you’ll find Prime 68 Steakhouse, a restaurant offering plump cuts of meat with a view to match. On the subject of steaks, Dubai has this concept nailed. Ruth’s Chris Steak House at The Address Dubai Marina continues to win awards for the delectable cuts. Dine here and expect to eat like a king – side dishes come
“A number of celebrity and Michelin-starred chefs continue to cook up a storm in the emirate”
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favourites such as Roberto’s, a characterful Italian restaurant, and steakhouse Gaucho, known for its sizeable steaks and glitzy clientele. Inside Jumeirah Emirates Towers you’ll find The Ivy – equally as British and delicious as the London outlet; Alfie’s by Dunhill, serving Britclassics to a business-minded crowd; and Hakkasan, an 38
expert in contemporary Chinese cuisine. At the nearby H Hotel, Okku serves up unique Japanese delicacies made for sharing, created by an expert team of chefs who have cooked for the likes of Madonna, Bill Clinton and Anna Wintour. At Vida Downtown Hotel, you’ll find Australia’s awardwinning restaurant TOKO,
supersized, meats cut like butter, and the desserts are like works of art. Topping that, The Rib Room at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray offers a prime selection of meat, including 9. Australian 1824 grain fed beef and Master Kobe Wagyu 6. Casa de Tapas. pure breed cuts, all grilled to 7. Reflet par Pierre perfection. Service is topGagnaire. notch and there’s an outdoor 8. RIVA Ristorante. terrace, too. 9. Bateaux Dubai. Seafire at Atlantis, The 10. RIVA Ristorante. Palm is another winner, 11. Geales. with meat dishes sitting alongside a variety of seafood and vegetarian options. In the same hotel you’ll find Nobu, which serves acclaimed Japanese cuisine 11. to a sophisticated crowd, and which serves modern izakaya- Ronda Locatelli, an authentic style fare in swanky surrounds, Italian eatery by celebrity and Parisian-style boulangerie chef Giorgio Locatelli. and bistro La Serre, which A number of celebrity offers a Med-inspired menu to and Michelin-starred chefs a loyal crowd. continue to cook up a storm Over in Business Bay, in the emirate. At One&Only Ananta at The Oberoi is The Palm, Stay by Yannick fast becoming known for its Alléno dishes up truly outstanding Indian cuisine, exceptional French cooking while Rang Mahal by Atul from the three MichelinKochhar at the nearby JW starred chef (and France’s
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newly crowned Chef of the Year 2015). The Hotel Meliá Dubai in Bur Dubai, meanwhile, houses Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor. Indian specialty dishes have been given a thoroughly modern twist at this beautifully decorated restaurant. Over in Festival City you’ll find Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. It’s slightly-outof-town location means you can dine without distraction and take your pick from an ever-changing menu. Michelin stars twinkle, too, in Dubai Marina’s Grosvenor House. First up is British celebrity chef Gary Rhodes with Rhodes W1, a new take on wholesome British cuisine in bright and inviting surrounds. In the same building you’ll find Richard Sandoval’s Toro Toro, a swanky pan Latin restaurant-cum-bar which has been a huge hit in the emirate, and Indego by Vineet, founded by India’s first Michelin-Star chef Vineet Bhatia. The restaurant offers a refreshing, not to mention rare take on Indian cuisine, served in a templelike setting. A hop and skip from here, in Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, where both Rhodes and Sandoval have left a culinary mark in the form of Rhodes Twenty10, the chef ’s glamorous grill, and Maya Modern Mexican Kitchen + Lounge. Expect super succulent steaks and Euroinspired sharing plates at the former, and edgy tapas-style dishes at the latter. There’s plenty of dining options for the active holidaymaker or resident, too. Take Dubai’s golf courses, for example. Dubai Creek 40
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& Yacht Club is home to a handful of stylish spots, including Casa de Tapas. On the menu are authentic, yet creative Spanish dishes from Andalucía to Galicia, and the best paella this side of Valencia. Upstairs is the ultra-chic rooftop lounge bar, Cielo Sky Lounge, an open-air terrace with live music from local and international DJs and marvellous views of the city skyline. Also in the area is the Park Hyatt Dubai’s awardwinning signature French restaurant, Traiteur. If you only do one Friday brunch,
make sure it’s here. Over at Emirates Golf Club, meanwhile, there’s Le Classique, another top-notch French spot. Warm up your taste buds with the oysters, duck terrain or lobster’s tail, three dishes expertly cooked and presented. Then, for the main event, your options cover both the land and sea: slow cooked lamb, côte de bœuf and pan-fried sea bass. Time to say au revoir to the diet. Looking to combine fine food with an authentic Arabian experience? Head to Madinat Jumeirah: a
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beachside resort mirrored on ancient Arabia. Aside from its stunning décor – think wind towers, winding waterways and floating abras – Madinat Jumeirah is home to two five-star hotels and over 40 restaurants. And of those 40, standout restaurants include Pierchic at Al Qasr Hotel. The renowned seafood restaurant has long attracted tourists and residents alike, with its unique setting (take a table on the balcony and gaze back at the Burj Al Arab), impeccable service and the finest imported seafood available in the emirate. Perched over water, a golf buggy will drop you here from the main hotel. In the other hotel, Mina A’Salam, you’ll find Tortuga, a Mexican restaurant headed
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buds with the oysters, duck terrain or lobster’s tail, three dishes expertly cooked and presente d” by award-winning chef Carlos Hannon – think burritos, fajitas, and grilled meats and fish. For more casual Mexican bites, make tracks to Taqado Mexican Kitchen in DIFC or the Mall of the Emirates and enjoy burritos, fajitas and tacos with melt-in-the-mouth marinated chicken or steak or smoky slow-cooked beef. Similar in design is Souk Al Bahar, an Arabic-inspired shopping mall and dining destination located a stone’s throw from The Dubai Mall. With over 20 restaurants and cafés to choose from, pick one with views of the iconic The Dubai Fountain; as the water sprays to the music, you can tuck into your meal of choice. Some favourites with Dubaians include Rivington 41
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18. 12. Bateaux Dubai. 13. Geales. 14. El Sur. 15. Claw BBQ. 16. CUT by Wolfgang Puck. 17. The bar at El Sur. 18. China Grill. 19. Ultra Brasserie.
Ultra Brasserie is an all-day diner in Emaar Square, Downtown, serving gourmet dishes from 7am until 10pm. Its USP? All of the food is super-healthy, using organic and locally sourced produce as much as possible. The signature breakfast dish of smashed avocado, poached eggs, fresh ricotta and dukka lime salsa on a bloomer is the ideal way to start a day of sightseeing.
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Grill for its brilliant British grub and outdoor terrace; Karma Kafé for its elegant menu indicative of its sister property Buddha Bar in Dubai’s Grosvenor House hotel; and Abd el Wahab, a culinary institution for fans of Arabic cuisine. Another firm favourite in the souk is American barbecue and seafood restaurant Claw BBQ, which gets crowded and rowdy (in a good way) at the weekends. Round the corner from here is Sake No Hana, an upmarket establishment serving excellent Japanese cuisine – quite the contrast from Claw BBQ. Dining with a view is
something Dubai does very well. Pair that with the city’s fondness of superlatives and you get the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere. Perched on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, it serves up fine food as an accompaniment to the aweinspiring views. It should be noted that the Burj is also home to the Armani Hotel, which in turn houses yet another high-end Japanese restaurant in the shape of Armani/Hashi. For sweeping views of Dubai’s skyline head to over-water restaurant 101, found in One&Only, The
Palm. Accessed via car or boat from its sister property in Dubai Marina, One&Only Royal Mirage, this stylish Mediterranean restaurant offers a vast menu of pastas, paellas, charcoal meats, seafood and salads. For more relaxed Med-inspired dining, don’t miss RIVA Ristorante at the Riva Beach Club. Grab a table on the tree-lined terrace and feast on seafood platters piled high with the freshest crabs, oysters and langoustines, along with salads, fresh pasta, custom pizza and carpaccio. Sticking with waterside dining and Al Mahara in the Burj Al Arab offers a rather
unique dining experience: tables here are dotted around a floor-to-ceiling aquarium. So while you tuck into your freshly hooked sea bass, or Wagyu beef, depending on your conscience, you can admire the hundreds of fish swimming about in this magnificent tank. And of course, we mustn’t forget Dubai’s famous floating restaurant, Bateaux Dubai, a fine-dining dinner cruise that meanders along the Dubai Creek. Here, you can tuck into three delicious courses – chosen from a generous set menu – in glass enclosed elegance, accompanied by a live pianist. 43
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CU we LTlove URE Look beyond the glitz and you’ll discover Dubai has a burgeoning art scene and rich heritage. Get ready to explore…
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nce written off as artificial and devoid of culture, Dubai has been slowing building a reputation as an exciting centre for art in the Middle East. Scratch beneath the surface and you’ll be rewarded with a small yet spirited arts scene that has flourished in recent years, thanks to growing interest in Middle Eastern art from the West. Alserkal Avenue is a case in point. Established in 2007, the vibrant arts hub in the industrial area of Al Quoz now hums with over 20 creative organisations, from contemporary art and design, to architecture and fashion, and is set to double in size when the current expansion works are complete. Alongside established contemporary art galleries such as Ayyam Gallery and Grey Noise, Alserkal Avenue is also home to Gulf Photo Plus, which hosts international photographic exhibitions and workshops and sells prints. A handful of fantastic independent cafés have also sprung up in the neighbourhood, including Tom & Serg and Raw Coffee Company. Make Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) your next stop. The district has around a dozen galleries displaying everything from photography to fine art, including XVA Gallery, Opera Gallery and The Empty Quarter; the latter is the city’s only space devoted exclusively to fine art photography. The emirate is further boosting its cultural credentials with The Opera District, a new cultural hub under development in Downtown Dubai. The district will house Dubai Opera, the
country’s first opera house and a dedicated museum of modern art. Plans are also afoot for two ‘art hotels’, design studios and a number of galleries. Set to open in 2016, the design of the 2,000-seat venue is based on a dhow, the traditional sailing vessels of the Arabian Gulf. If live performance is more your thing, then head to First Group Theatre at Madinat Jumeirah, the go-to destination for everything from international ballet performances to plays. DUCTAC, in Mall of the Emirates, is Dubai’s other theatre of note, and stages local productions. Fans of stand-up should check out the Dubomedy website for details of performances by local
“The vibrant arts hub in Al Quoz is set to double in size when the current expansion works are complete” comedians and The Laughter Factory to chuckle along to international acts. While the modern city has only existed for a little over 40 years, you can get a sense of the city’s origins as a bustling seaport by taking a stroll along Dubai Creek and hopping on an old-fashioned abra (stations line the waterway). Then explore Dubai’s fascinating mix of Bedouin, Persian, Islamic and Emirati culture and traditions at the Dubai Museum. Housed in the 18th-century Al Fahidi Fort in Bur Dubai, the museum displays artefacts dating to 3,000BC, photographs of old Dubai and a multimedia presentation that charts its evolution. Also in the atmospheric 45
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LO V E S For a fun-packed day with family or friends, try Camel Polo. The quintessentially British sport gets a uniquely Arabian twist, using the ‘ships of the desert’ instead of horses. First, you’ll learn the basics of polo before putting your new-found skills to the test in a competitive match. For more details, visit gulfventures.com
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1. The planned Dubai Opera. 2. Ayyam Gallery. 3. Camel polo. 4. An installation at Art Dubai. 5.
old quarter of Al Fahidi is the excellent Sheikh Mohammed Centre of Cultural Understanding, which offers walking tours, cultural meals
barred Q&A session on Islam). Mosque tours take place every Saturday to Thursday at 10am. No reservation is required, but visitors are asked to dress modestly. “The centre offers The photogenic district walking tours, cultural of Al Fahidi, originally the meals and tours of the seat of the government, Jumeirah Mosque” also plays host to regular art combined with a crash-course fairs including the renowned in local traditions (advance SIKKA Art Fair, and features booking is required), and tours a rich repertoire of galleries, of the impressive Jumeirah museums and Arabic cafes for Mosque (including a no-holds- the culturally-inclined. Don’t 46
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leave without visiting Dubai’s oldest art gallery, Majlis Gallery, which was established 25 years ago in a wind-tower house. Continue along the Creek to Al Shindagha, home to the Heritage and Diving Village. Created in 1997, the living museum showcases traditional Emirati life and celebrates the heritage of pearling. Also worth a visit is Sheikh Saeed Bin Maktoum Al-Maktoum’s house, the grandfather of
Dubai’s current ruler. Dating back to 1896, the courtyard house is now a small museum documenting pre-oil times, with an excellent collection of old photographs from the 1950s and 60s that show life on the Creek, in the souqs and at traditional gatherings. Next door, the small Camel Museum celebrates the otherwise-known ‘ship of the desert’ and the prestigious status it continues to hold in Arabian culture.
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From trampoline dodgeball to backstreet foodie tours, Dubai’s got something for everyone. Let’s go have some fun...
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homever decided that what Dubai was really missing was 22,500 square metres of indoor ski area was definitely right. Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates is one of the most incongruous sites in the region – who knew that you could find world-class snowboarding and skiing in one of the world’s biggest deserts? The ski-resort theme is prominent throughout the whole attraction, and there is even a group of real penguins, perfectly at home among the snow. A trend sweeping Dubai is for fitness on trampolines, and two of the coolest spots to try it out are Jumpboxx in Mirdif, and Bounce in Al Quoz. The latter is a Technicolor dreamworld of wall-to-wall trampolines, with a trampoline dodgeball area and even basketball hoops to let you slam-dunk like a pro. It’s not just for fitness, it’s lots of fun too for kids of all ages.
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“These expert epicureans will take you on a journey through Dubai’s old town” The trip to the Sega Republic is well worth making if your family contains youngsters or teens. A totally mind-blowing indoor themepark (with an indoor rollercoaster) and a buzzing arcade packed with the latest and most high-tech games will make great playground bragging material once the holiday is over. And if your little ones are still very little, KidZania is absolutely brilliant for engaging young minds as they try their hand at different fun careers from airline pilots to chefs. 48
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Downtown at the Burj Khalifa Lake, a spectacle awaits that makes Las Vegas’ Bellagio fountains look tame. The Dubai Fountain blasts mighty jets of water 500 feet in the air with displays set to music. The fountains perform every 30 minutes from 6pm, with later shows on weekends. For the best views, get a spot on the nearby bridge as early as you can. The Dubai Mall features the Dubai Ice Rink, an Olympicsized rink that offers public skating throughout the week, as well as group and private
lessons, and even a disco on ice. The mall is also home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, where visitors can marvel at 85 species of sea life, including over 400 sharks and rays. Let Gulf Ventures take you on a Desert Safari. Experience the ancient sights and sounds of the desert under the guidance of local experts. You’ll try shisha, ride camels, and have stunning photo opportunities on the sand dunes at sunset. For a taste of ‘Old Dubai’, there’s nothing better.
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And speaking of taste, if it’s a gastro-tour you’re looking for, then look up Frying Pan Adventures. For a reasonable fee, these expert epicureans will take you on a journey through Dubai’s old town, stopping off at myriad local eateries. Our tip: if you join one of these tours, skip breakfast and lose the belt – you won’t need either. A new and quirky experience that’s sure to tease your brain is Escape Quest, where teams of five people are locked in a room and must solve puzzles to escape. For smaller families 4.
or groups looking for a unique holiday experience, it’s a barrel of laughs and a chance to prove your detective skills. You’ll find it in the JLT area. Those who want to marvel at Dubai’s skyscrapers from above rather than below should embark on a Seawings Silver Air Tour, a 40-minute ‘dock to dock’ seaplane excursion above Palm Jumeirah and Burj Khalifa, also available through Gulf Ventures. Back on solid ground, City Sightseeing Dubai run daily bus tours of the city, and passengers are 49
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1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. 2. The Dubai Fountain. 3. Bounce. 4. A Seawings seaplane. 5. Pacha Ibiza, Dubai. 6. Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm. 7. Atlantis, The Palm.
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free to jump on and off the bus at designated stops around town. By day or by night, the view from the observation deck of At The Top, Burj Khalifa will take your breath away. The world’s tallest building has opened a new observation deck that now puts you 148 floors above Downtown Dubai, where you can enjoy the sights and even pick up a bit of shopping – a souvenir of your time on top of the world. Open daily from 8:30am to 1:30am, here’s a tip: your ticket allows you to linger as long as you like – so if you visit just before sunset, you’ll be able to enjoy the day and night 52
time views. For theatre and other spectacles, the place to be is Madinat Theatre at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. There are often astounding stage shows straight from London’s West End, as well as performances with a more local flavour. In May, there’s a family-friendly run of George’s Marvellous Medicine, which is a guaranteed smash. Right next to the iconic Burj Al Arab, it’s the perfect spot for dinner and a show. Get the adrenaline pumping again with a visit to Skydive Dubai, which offers tandem jumps over The Palm Jumeirah, landing back at
its Dubai Marina base under the guidance of world-class instructors. Or get a similar buzz much closer to land at iFly Dubai, found in Mirdif, where you’ll float in an incredible wind tunnel. It’s part of Playnation, a fantastic entertainment hub in Mirdif City Centre that’s also home to Little Explorers, an interactive center that provides little ones with hours of fun, a state-of-the-art obstacle course, interactive soccer experience and ten-pin bowling lanes. If water-based fun is more your style, then a visit to Aquaventure at Atlantis, The Palm is in order. The
“The world’s tallest building has a new observation deck that puts you 148 floors above Downtown” world-famous waterpark has 17-hectares of slides, rides and pools, along with a huge kids’ play area and a marine park where you can swim with dolphins, dive with sharks and feed rays. After dark, the city is well stocked with hot clubs, and late last year the super-brand Pacha Ibiza opened its first venue in Dubai. The Balearic-influenced party venue is found at the entrance to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. If you’re looking for a night to remember there’s nowhere finer in town. For a more laid-back affair, try Cielo Sky Lounge, found at Dubai Creek Yacht Club. It boasts stylish seating and great DJs.
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