Issue 402
October 2011
PLUS! TRIED AND TESTED ROAD TRIPS, JANET JACKSON AND UAE FOOTBALL ALSO INSIDE: NEW HOTELS IN THE CAPITAL & METALLICA ROCK YAS ISLAND
UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000
WIN! BERRY A BLACK K AND PLAYBOOOODIE A VIP G BAG
Contents 18 Film festival As the Abu Dhabi Film Festival turns five, we interview the stars and bring you our pick of the best movies from more than 200 being screened
GETTY IMAGES
Features
or merely a few hours at the weekend, grab your car keys and get ready for our tried and tested road trips
42 Janet Jackson The youngest of the Jackson clan talks about her brother 27 Michael and life on the road, The new face of Abu Dhabi ahead of her Yas Island show Everywhere you look another this month swish destination seems to pop up. We cast our eyes 45 over what is coming in the Metallica very near future One of metal’s biggest bands touches down in the UAE for 30 the first time Football fever The most hotly anticipated 47 football season in UAE history Yasalam kicks off of this month. Meet Tropfest Arabia, film screenthe contenders ings and art shows are all happening in the warm up 33 to next month’s Formula One Road trips Grand Prix Whether you have a week off
p42
p33 OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 3
The round up 12 Salaam October in a nutshell
p75
16 Win, win, win It’s competitions galore this month with hotel stays, dinners, brunch for six and VIP tables all up for grabs. For more see pages 106 and 119
109 Travel Exploring the new marina development in Hamburg, deals, advice and rugby great Colin Charvis gives us his travel tips
48 Film Colin Farrell and Dr Who’s David Tennant face off in the vampire-flick remake, Fright Night, plus the twisted superhero story Super, and yet another Hollywood rolereversal misadventure in The Change-Up
121 Hot list The top ten of everything 138 Backchat Features Editor Adam tells us that the conditions are right for the UAE Pro-League to prove its worth
51 Eating out Our verdict on new restaurant Toro Toro, Friday lunch at Reflets, the latest additions to the brunch scene and we welcome What’s On’s new columnist, chef Gary Rhodes 67 Arts There’s workshops, classes, courses, exhibitions and more this month on the cultural scene 75 Shopping Kit out your bachelor pad, check out the latest releases and what every lady needs on her feet 83 Mind & body The secret to a good night’s sleep, a look at the five best hair treatments, and how to take care of your skin 91 Sport & outdoor We tackle kickboxing and preview this month’s international swimming and cricket events
4 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
97 Music Artist of the month Mary I, plus all the latest from clubland
p51
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This month we've been... Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer Group Editor & Managing Partner lan Fairservice Group Senior Editor Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae Senior Editor Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae Deputy Editor Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae Features & Food Editor Gareth Rees | gareth@motivate.ae Features Editor, Abu Dhabi Adam Workman | adam@motivate.ae Staff Writer Matt Priest | matthew@motivate.ae Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae Senior Designer Sheila Cariño-Deocareza | sheila@motivate.ae Editorial Assistants/Picture Researchers Mabel Alphonso | mabel@motivate.ae Jing Flores | londresa@motivate.ae Picture Researcher – Gulfpics Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae Contributors Nick Alvis, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Nathalie Brogan, Julien Coron, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Tim McDonagh, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Sophia Serin, Paul Sterry Senior Production Manager Sunil Kumar | sunil@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae Production Supervisor Murali Krishnan | muralik@motivate.ae General Manager – Group Sales Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae Advertisement Manager Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae General Manager, Abu Dhabi Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae Senior Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae Senior Sales Executive, Abu Dhabi Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)
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Chatting to Gary Rhodes about his new recipe column, p54
Discovering the region’s best road trips, p33
Braving kickboxing lessons, p94
Editor's note Roy Keane, ex-Manchester United ace and sometime Sunderland AFC manager, has a saying: "Fail to prepare. Prepare to fail." For me, planning is a concept as foreign as going for a walk in Abu Dhabi or applying for your Emirates ID card (you haven’t, and you’re unlikely to do it any time soon). Don’t get me wrong, at work I’m fine (*disgruntled noises from Team What’s On*), but socially, I’m totally inept. This, I feel, should have been taken into account when, along with a group of friends, I planned my first ever road trip some time back. Or didn’t plan it, as the case may be. The idea was simple enough – drive to Oman, Muscat specifically, hang out for a couple of days, check out a few bars, maybe some restaurants, and generally do what tourists do. Easy. Unfortunately, a lack of planning meant we couldn’t actually find Oman – I mean, it’s Oman, it’s an entire country, you’d think it would be easy enough, right? Apparently not – and the couple of hours trip to the border took the best part of a day. Then, when we actually arrived at the border, someone (me) hadn’t brought insurance documents for the car (insurance? For crossing borders? Who knew?), meaning we had to lie our way across. Literally, we lied our way over the border with a series of unconvincing tall tales that were either more convincing than we thought, or just wore down the poor man on the border crossing until he relented and let us through. Finally, after yet further travel direction mishaps – and yet more hours – we arrived in Muscat. And everything was closed. It was Ramadan, and unlike here in Abu Dhabi, everything shuts down for the Holy Month. Which we would have known, had we actually planned the trip. If you’re going on a road trip, plan it out, first. A great way to start is by reading our guide to the best road trips (p33). In it you’ll find out how to make the most of an adventure, whether it’s just for the day or even longer. Perfect planning. Roy would be proud. Enjoy the issue.
Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 11
We’re officially part of the Twitterati. Follow us @WhatsOnAbuDhabi for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself.
Salaam! Welcome to our world
What’s hot TOP IN UAE Abu Dhabi has beaten out Dubai as the top place to live in the UAE, according to a recent liveability study by the Economist.
Guess list Here's what we've heard, but keep it 'hush hush'
BEAT THE BULLIES
15%
The first local anti-bullying online campaign has been launched to help school children tackle the issue in schools. thebullying.ae
35%
CRACKING CAVIAR The Royal Caviar Company’s hopes of producing UAE caviar by next year is on track, as its first batch of sturgeon eggs have successfully hatched.
What’s not EXPENSIVE PETROL A global survey has shown that the UAE is the only GCC country not to make the list of the cheapest places to buy petrol.
LADY GAGA Sales of meat-based dresses in the Emirates could go up by one, if our showbiz insider is to believed, thanks to a planned visit by Lady Gaga. Our connected chum insists the singer will be over ‘by the end of the year’.
60%
BOUJIS Bad news for ugly people – the chances of you being refused entry to a club look set to increase, with news reaching us that swish London celebrity hangout Boujis will be opening up a Abu Dhabi branch in 2012.
DURAN DURAN Effortlessly easing the squares of his Rubik’s Cube to complete three sides (yellow, white and blue – a new personal best), the What’s On man-in-theknow circa 1980 looked us dead in the eye and whispered two words: “Duran Duran”, before cycling home on a Raleigh Burner bike to watch an episode of Miami Vice.
ID CARD DEADLINE OK, this is definitely your final warning. The Emirates Identity Authority has confirmed that Abu Dhabibased expats have until April 2012 to register for an Emirates ID or incur a daily fine. We think they mean it this time.
TOO MUCH WATER The environment ministry has warned that the demand for water in the UAE is likely to double by 2030. The UAE already consumes above the global average of 200 litres per person per day. 12 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...
DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL Those crazy dragon boat racers are in action at the Shangri-La. What’s that? There’s an after-party at Trader’s hotel afterwards? Oh, well, if you insist. Oct 28 and 29, Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Ashraf Ghori, film-maker and CEO of Xpanse CGI Eating out Equipment
I’ve seen worldrenowned independent filmmakers use the most humble of entry-level equipment. At Salam, in Abu Dhabi Mall, they have an excellent range of Nikon and Canon DSLRs, which can do an amazing job capturing video. The staff are also really helpful and actually know what they are talking about – which is always a bonus. Salam Store, Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6456999. salams.com
I love Lebanese food. You have to try Lebanese Flower in Khalidiyah – the food’s really good there. Great shawarmas. Lebanese Flower Restaurant, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6658700
DJ Natalie Brogan is our eyes on the ground in Abu Dhabi's burgeoning bar scene THIS MONTH:
Movies and workshops
There are some really cool independent film screenings at TwoFour54 in the Media Zone. It’s definitely worth checking out. Not to mention video workshops with other film-makers. TwoFour54, Salam Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4012454. twofour54.com
DVD rental If you can't make it to the cinema to catch every film being released, a good place to rent DVDs is from Blue Diamond Video. They get all the latest English, Arabic and Hindi movies on DVD and they'll even deliver to your house. Madinat Zayed, near gold market, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 1.30pm and 5pm to midnight, Dhs100 membership fee. Tel: (02) 6348804. bluediamondvideo.com
EATING FOR CHARITY As a rule, we don’t need much of an excuse to go brunching, so when the proceeds are going to two different charities, we're definitely not going to say no. Oct 21, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs300. Tel: (02) 6166121. ichotelsgroup.com
GIRL ABOUT TOWN
HULAWEEN Celebrate the scariest night of the year with an unusual hula-dancing theme. Doesn’t sound scary? You haven’t seen us dance. Oct 31, Trader Vic’s, Beach Rotana, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6979114. rotana.com/beachrotana
What does it look like? SEA LOUNGE It overlooks a private beach, and the décor is mainly white – everything looks very clean. Who goes there? People deciding whether to sign up for membership or checking out the view. Any bar nibbles? Nuts with drinks, with more snacks in the pipeline. There's a huge menu if you want a full meal. The desserts are amazing. Drink recommendations? The sweet mango cocktail is my favourite. Cocktails were designed by the Monte Carlo Beach Club team in Monaco and are reasonably priced. When should you go? You must check out a sunset, and I hear they are starting a ladies night soon. Audio Tonic and MustHaveSoul take over on Thursdays and Fridays, and So.Be is every Saturday night. Dress code? Smart casual, then dress up for club nights. How's the service? Lots of staff that make you feel very welcome. What's the taxi situation? Best to pre-book if you don't want to wait, although the reception staff are happy to help. Remember, MCBC is only a few weeks old, so taxi drivers aren't really aware of where it is. NATALIE'S VERDICT: A really classy alfresco bar, with tunes, beverages and views to match. Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae
Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 13
SALAAM
In the news
OKTOBERFEST To be honest, we are not entirely sure what the Bavarian celebration of Oktoberfest actually is – or why sometimes it falls in September – but we do wholeheartedly agree with celebrating it in style. So if you’re in the mood for good food, drink and plenty of it, then plot your path through these deals… BRAUHAUS
When it comes to Bavarian cuisine, the Beach Rotana’s German restaurant, Brauhaus, is a good place to start. Enjoy an array of traditional favourites, listen to the musical stylings of Austria’s Tschirgant Trio and play games such as ‘Nagelschlagen’. No, we have no idea what it is either. Oct 19 to 28, Brauhaus Restaurant, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, free entry. Tel: (02) 6979011. rotana.com
HILTON ABU DHABI
Can it ever really be Oktoberfest without a seven-piece Oompah band? Good thing you’ll never have to find out, as that is exactly what you’ll get at Hilton, with Hans and his Bavaria Gaudi Sextett playing all night long – after you’ve had your fill of sausages and pretzels, of course. Oct 13 and 14, Hiltonia Beach Gardens, Hilton Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight, Dhs125. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.co.uk/abudhabi
LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI
The people at Le Méridien are so committed to the goodtime Bavarian vibe that they are erecting a tent, flying in a band from Bavaria, having two German chefs cook up a storm and stacking the bar with traditional brews. Kudos! Or whatever the German equivalent to kudos is. Oct 26, 27, 28, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi. 7pm to late, Dhs125 for adults, Dhs60 for children. Tel: (02) 644 6666. lemeridienabudhabi.com
The UAE is awash with statistics this month. Here are some of the best…
6
per cent of Middle East Internet users shop online, with most citing a lack of trust as the reason for not hitting the virtual mall
3.9
the percentage increase of Abu Dhabi hotel occupancy for Ramadan 2011. The rest of the region was down 7.2%
40
percent of locally-produced fruit and vegetables the Abu Dhabi Farmer’s Services Centre (ADFSC) aims to see in Abu Dhabi markets by 2015
STILLS BAR
Dust off your lederhosen and head down to Stills Bar to take advantage of a very festive weekend. Not only will there be German band, Barfuss, providing some festive tunes, but there will be as much sauerkraut and bratwurst as you can stomach – there are no half measures here. Oct 26, 27 and 28, Stills Bar, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, 6pm to late, Dhs130. Tel: (02) 6210000. ichotelsgroup.com
Salam Street Abu Dhabi’s busiest street opens another 2km of road
5 billion – dirhams spent on the renovation project 4 – years since construction began 740 – new parking spaces available 14 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Go figure
Robot waiter We knew this day would come. The computer boffins at Abu Dhabi-based PAL Technology have begun promoting an all-purpose robot to businesses in the UAE. The robot, named Reem, debuted at ADNEC recently as a guide for visitors and is being touted as able to do several jobs, including showing you to your hotel room and helping with your luggage at airports.
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WIN! WIN! WIN! A duo of decadent delights for your competitive pleasures
WIN! IMPERIUM BRUNCH FOR SIX AT JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY One of Dubai’s most impressive new hotels has launched a new Friday brunch and, to celebrate, we’re giving you the opportunity to win a table for six. Set in stunning French restaurant Imperium, you and your guests can enjoy a sumptuous seasonal selection including cold cuts, roasts, artisan cheeses, brasserie-style dishes, fresh seafood and, of course, divine desserts, all with Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne and live jazz. Afterwards head next door to Voda Bar for buy one get one free drinks until 9pm. For your chance to win this dazzling prize, simply tell us… Where is the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel? a) The Tree b) The Palm c) The Branch
WIN! A NIGHT’S STAY FOR TWO AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA Treat yourself and a loved one to a weekend in a swanky hotel, with this fantastic prize. We have a night’s stay in a deluxe room at The Address Dubai Marina up for grabs, including buffet breakfast in Mazina and access to the gorgeous elevated infinity pool. Home to a fab spa, four restaurants and lounges and a 24-hour gym, the hotel also has direct access to Marina Mall so you can satisfy your food, fitness and fashion cravings. For your chance to win a weekend away for two, you’ll have to get this question right… Which mall is the hotel attached to? a) Deira City Centre b) Marina Mall To enter c) Mall Of The Emirates either of these fantastic
competitions, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with the name of the prize in the subject line and the correct answer to the relevant question
16 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Celebrating its fifth year, the capital’s big screen movie bonanza is back, bigger and better than ever Taking over the city to screen more than 200 feature and short films, Abu Dhabi Film Festival sees film-makers from 43 different countries compete for hundreds of thousands of dirhams in prizes. Bringing a touch of Hollywood to the Emirates, the list of celebrities who will be walking ADFF’s red carpet remains a closely guarded secret. But our insiders tell us to expect appearances from The Road star Viggo Mortensen, who is promoting David Cronenberg’s latest film, A Dangerous Method, and Todd Solondz, the acclaimed director behind films including Happiness and Storytelling, ahead of his latest offering, Dark Horse. Read on for interviews with the stars, our guide to the must-see films of the festival and extensive listings of the movies showing, plus the chance to win some fantastic prizes
18 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
The Irish/German actor, famed for Hunger and Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, takes on the role of psychiatrist Carl Jung in A Dangerous Method A Dangerous Method’s director, David Cronenberg, has made some pretty extreme films. Is the man responsible for Videodrome, Dead Ringers and The Fly also pretty extreme? I’m sorry to disappoint you, but he’s completely the opposite. I’ve met a lot of good people over the course of my career but I can’t think of anyone I’ve worked with who’s quite as courteous and polite as David. Of course, you can’t help but be a little surprised that this soft-spoken Canadian gentleman has been responsible for some of the most visceral movies ever made. But I think that’s a great part of David’s appeal – while his films may be shocking, his real interest is in engaging the mind. Talking of the mind, what’s it like being asked to play a person as famous as Carl Jung? It brings certain stresses. A lot of people have a fixed idea of what Jung was like. Likewise with Viggo Mortensen being cast as Sigmund Freud – we all think we know Freud, but we’re largely familiar with that person through their work and ideas. Neither of us had to worry about measuring up to someone who the world is hugely familiar with thanks to film and television. So while the role made lots of demands, I could enjoy the fact that I was inhabiting a character rather than having to impersonate a major historical figure.
This is the third film David Cronenberg’s made with Viggo Mortensen. Is theirs a very close relationship? Absolutely. They have that thing that comes when you work regularly with someone where you’re able to communicate in shorthand. It’s hard not to be a little jealous of their closeness – they get on fabulously well. But they’re incredibly inclusive people, too. I’d always
“I COULD ENJOY THE FACT THAT I WAS INHABITING A CHARACTER RATHER THAN HAVING TO IMPERSONATE A MAJOR HISTORICAL FIGURE”
thought of Viggo as quite an intense, cerebral person, and he is, but he’s also wonderfully collaborative. And by the same token while A Dangerous Method is an intense and cerebral film, making it was a joy rather than a burden. Presumably Keira Knightley’s presence made the situation even less burdensome... But of course! There aren’t many places in the world that wouldn’t be improved by having Keira Knightley on hand. Oct 19, Abu Dhabi Theatre, Dhs25, 3.30pm
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 19
for eccentricity... Oh, he’s very much his own man. But then I think that if I’d lived a similar life to him, I’d be a trifle eccentric myself. James Ellroy has lived as tough a life as anyone I know. To lose your mother when young is terrible enough Rampart was co-written by acclaimed crime in itself, but for your author James Ellroy. Was that one of the mother to be murdered things that drew you to the project? and for the perpetrator never Sure, sure – you don’t have to be the biggest to be captured, that can’t help but make your fan of crime film and fiction to want to work worldview unique. If he’s an eccentric, then, from a script by James Ellroy. And if, like me, I think James Ellroy’s earned the right to be you’ve loved the man’s work for as long as you just that. And, of course, we’re the ones who can remember, an opportunity like this isn’t benefit from that eccentricity. No one else something you weigh up – you seize it the writes dialogue like James Ellroy. Those speech moment the script arrives in your mailbox. patterns, that slang, it all comes from him and Ellroy has something of a reputation his life experiences.
Since we’re talking about unique characters, your Rampart co-star Woody Harrelson’s also pretty idiosyncratic. Woody’s awesome – he’s one of the most original people I’ve ever met. And he’s so impossibly good to everyone. I’ve been in movies long enough to know that there are no end of jerks in this business, but a guy like Woody Harrelson restores your faith in people, in film-making, in pretty much everything. Having worked as both an actor and director, is it hard to stop thinking as a filmmaker when you’re on an acting assignment? No, not really. I suppose there’s part of me that’s always wondering what I’d be doing if I was behind the camera. But as for letting the director know what I think, as an actor I only speak when I’m spoken to. I mean, we all hate a backseat driver, right? Oct 21, Marina Mall, Vox 6, 6.15pm, Dhs25
With credits including The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus, the English model-turned-actress graces hotly tipped vampire movie The Moth Diaries
those who’d like to have a crack at acting? Work with amazing people like Terry Gilliam and Mary Harron. I was so fortunate to have the opportunity to work with Terry on The Imaginarium Of Doctor Parnassus. Words like ‘genius’ and ‘visionary’ are used quite a lot in the film industry, but both those terms apply to him. You also couldn’t hope to work with a more affable and open person. As a Monty Python fan I assumed Terry would be very funny but what I didn’t know was that he’s the most amazing listener – he loves to hear other people’s ideas and he’s equally happy to act upon them. And with Mary, it felt like everyday was a school day – I learned so much about the art of making movies. Oct 16, Abu Dhabi Theatre, 9.30pm, Dhs25
The distinctive American icon, most recently star of HBO’s Boardwalk Empire, returns to the big screen alongside Woody Harrelson in cop thriller, Rampart
Does the world really need another vampire movie? I think the world needs a film like The Moth Diaries, yes. This is a movie quite unlike anything else audiences will have seen, especially those who are relatively new to vampire cinema. When we were in rehearsal, the director, Mary Harron, was very keen that we understood that ours was a movie in the tradition of pictures like Roman Polanski’s Rosemary’s Baby and George A Romero’s Martin. The Moth Diaries is a bona fide horror movie, albeit one that addresses
20 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
everyday subjects such as anorexia. It’s not another Twilight movie, that’s for certain. Those are great movies – I really enjoy watching them – but I’d say that, at heart, they’re romantic dramas. With The Moth Diaries, the emphasis is very different. Would you say it’s more of a film for adults? That’s hard to answer as I’m sure lots of adults enjoy the Twilight films – I certainly do! But I like the fact The Moth Diaries isn’t frightened of its own intelligence. The Rachel Klein novel that the film is based on is a profoundly intelligent work and I think the film remains very true to that. You’ve been making movies for the better part of five years now. What advice would you give to
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A DANGEROUS METHOD
Viggo Mortensen, Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, Vincent Cassel, David Cronenberg (director) After previously working together on the critically acclaimed A History Of Violence (2005) and Eastern Promises (2007), Cronenberg again directs Mortensen in a lead role. This time, it’s a dramatised biopic of the turbulent love triangle that threatens to destroy relations between psychiatrist Carl Jung (Fassbender), his mentor Sigmund Freud (Mortensen), and female psychoanalyst Sabina Spielrein (Knightley). Oscar-winning writer Christopher Hampton (Dangerous Liaisons)) adapted the script from his own stage play, based on a 1993 non-fiction book by John Kerr.
THE MOTH DIARIES
Sarah Bolger, Lily Cole, Sarah Gadon, Scott Speedman, Mary Harron (director) A first foray into gothic horror for Harron, whose previous directing credits include I Shot Andy Warhol (1996), American Psycho (2000) and The Notorious Bettie Page (2005). Set in an all-girl boarding school, this oddly Hammer-esque adaptation of Rachel Klein’s novel is essentially a vampire movie with the real neck-chewing action all but left to the imagination. What remains is a brooding, quietly unsettling little chiller that slowly sinks its teeth in without ever going straight for the jugular.
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
Tilda Swinton, John C Reilly, Ezra Miller, Lynne Ramsay (director) Lionel Shriver’s 2003 novel of the same name caused a sensation on its release, depicting a troubled household in the lead-up to and aftermath of a fictional US school massacre, largely from the viewpoint of the perpetrator’s longsuffering mother. Ramsey’s film version stays faithful to the book, with Tilda Swinton performing to her usual scene-stealing standards as the mother, and a lavishly offbeat score supplied by Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood.
TROLL HUNTER
Otto Jespersen, Hans Morten Hansen, Tomas Alf Larsen, Johanna Mørck, André Øvredal (director) This intriguingly-titled ‘found footage’ mockumentary focuses on a group of young moviemakers attempting to produce a film about Hans (well-known Norwegian comic Jespersen), a local woodsman who many believe to be an illegal bear poacher. Of course, what they actually encounter in the beautiful snowy forest turns out to be rather bigger and more destructive than your runof-the-mill bear: some impressive CGI sequences add to a surprise breakout hit, which owes a clear atmospheric and stylistic debt to the 1990s mouldbreaking American horror film The Blair Witch Project.
WIN! A VIP GOODIE BAG
To celebrate this year’s Abu Dhabi Film Festival, we have a fabulous gift bag to give away. This isn’t just any gift bag, though: it’s jammed full of desirable brands that will be offering gifts at the festival’s VIP Lounge, which will welcome celebrities through its doors at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr this month. One lucky reader will receive prizes from:
t BlackBerry (Playbook) t Hair/manicure/pedicure and shave from The Grooming Company t The latest fragrance from Kilian t Moroccan oil hair and body care from Arganica t Candy from the Abu Dhabi store Candelite t Make Up Forever cosmetics – the make-up company of the film Avatar t A Swatch watch t Bi Arabi – a Kafiya scarf by local designer Nadine Kanso t Havaianas flip-flops t A Vilebrequin swimsuit t The bag used to package the products (designed
by three different designers who are all showcasing their products in the lounge: Nadine Kanso, SugarVintage and Palestyle). For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@ motivate.ae with ‘Abu Dhabi Film Festival goodie bag’ in the subject line and the answer to the following question: What type of food is a blackberry? a) Pulse b) Fruit c) Meat
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 23
ALBERT NOBBS
CONTAGION
WARRIOR
Glenn Close, Mia Wasikowska, Aaron Johnson, Janet McTeer, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Rodrigo Garcia (director)
Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Steven Soderbergh (director)
Tom Hardy, Joel Edgerton, Jennifer Morrison, Frank Grillo, Nick Nolte, Gavin O’Connor (director)
Garcia, the Colombian director arguably best known for his stylishly moody TV work to date (Six Feet Under, Carnivàle), takes on this feature-length adaptation of a short story by Irish novelist George Moore. The everwatchable Close plays an Englishwoman – the illegitimate child of a scullery maid – who goes undercover as a male butler in order to get ahead in the chauvinistic society of 19th century Ireland. Among the supporting cast, Wasikowska will be best known to Tim Burton fans as the heroine of his 2010 take on Alice In Wonderland.
THE AGES OF LOVE Carlo Verdone, Robert De Niro, Monica Bellucci, Riccardo Scamarcio, Giovanni Veronesi (director)
Veronesi pulls in a couple of big names for this third instalment in his romantic comedy trilogy, better known in its native Italy as the Manuale D’Amore series. Like previous entries, it’s an episodic piece set in and around Rome and Tuscany, charting the shifting fortunes of various couples whose stories intertwine at points in the narrative. Here, bit-part characters from the first and second movies move to the fore in a gentle but well-realised slice of observation-based comic drama, peaking with the section led by De Niro and Bellucci.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 13 FAIRMONT 7pm Opening gala Monsieur Lazhar FRIDAY OCTOBER 14 FAIRMONT 7.30pm Palace Walk ABU DHABI THEATRE 6.30pm Chicken With Plums 9.45pm * TOP PICK *
The Ides Of March MARINA MALL VOX 1
3.30pm Death For Sale 6.30pm Charulata 9.15 Absolutely Tame As A Horse MARINA MALL VOX 2 4pm A Thousand Times Stronger 7pm Emirates Film Competition MARINA MALL VOX 3 6pm The City Dark 9pm Between Heaven & Earth
24 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
A stellar ensemble cast fill out this fast-paced thriller unfolding against the backdrop of a deadly global pandemic. Soderbergh plays it poker-straight, aiming to focus as much on the likely public reaction to such a threat as on the origins and attempted containment of the virus itself: notions of crowd psychology and mass hysteria are pushed to the fore in a smart, slick disaster movie that often feels too realistic for comfort.
THE IDES OF MARCH George Clooney (actor/director), Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Evan Rachel Wood, Philip Seymour Hoffman
Clooney also shares credit for the screenplay in his fourth film as director – in this case, a knotty political drama that takes its name from the infamous date on which Julius Caesar was assassinated in 44 BC. What starts off as a fly-on-thewall insight into campaign politics around the Ohio primaries steadily darkens into thriller territory, as a secret buried in the private life of Governor Morris (Clooney) threatens to derail the speeding locomotive of his campaign to reach the White House.
MARINA MALL VOX 4 3.15pm Emirates Film Competition 6.45pm Rough Hands 9.30pm Alms For A Blind Horse MARINA MALL VOX 5 4pm Cave Of Forgotten Dreams MARINA MALL VOX 6 6pm Monsieur Lazhar 8.45pm Sacrifice MARINA MALL VOX 8
6.15pm Tahrir 2011: The Good, The Bad & The Politician 9pm Fightville SATURDAY OCTOBER 15 FAIRMONT 7.30pm Rough Hands ABU DHABI THEATRE 5.45pm The Source 9.30pm * TOP PICK *
The Double MARINA MALL VOX 1
Hardy (Inception, Bronson) and Edgerton (look out for him in the forthcoming prequel to The Thing) are the pugilist brothers forced to face off against one another in this mixed martial arts drama with – rarely, for the genre – plenty of heart and brains. Although suitably impressive as a piece of knuckle-crunching choreography, it’s a also a surprisingly emotional ride that really puts audience loyalties to the test: you’ll be unsure which brother you’re backing in the final showdown, and equally unsure of how, if at all, the tension between them might be resolved.
THE DOUBLE Richard Gere, Topher Grace, Odette Annable, Martin Sheen, Stana Katic, Michael Brandt (director)
Seasoned CIA operative Paul Shepherdson (Gere) is thrown in with FBI newcomer Ben Geary (Grace) to solve the mystery around the murder of a US senator. The case bears all the hallmarks of Shepherdson’s long-term nemesis, the expert Russian assassin Cassius – an old enemy who, until he starts to investigate these latest bloody events, our CIA man had long presumed dead. The ever-thickening plot with a couple of big twists establishes a decent pace, but avoid the spoiler-heavy trailer if you want to be kept guessing until the end.
3.15pm I Wish 6.30pm Lucky 9pm * TOP PICK *
We Need To Talk About Kevin MARINA MALL VOX 2 2.45pm Emirates Short Film Competition 6pm Emirates Short Film Competition 9.15pm Flowers Of Evil MARINA MALL VOX 3 3.45pm Swedish Shorts For Kids
6.30pm If A Tree Falls 9pm The Beginning & The End MARINA MALL VOX 4 4.30pm El Gusto 7pm Stories Only Exist When Remembered 9.30pm Almost In Love MARINA MALL VOX 5 4pm Travels Through Time, Color & Space MARINA MALL VOX 6
6pm Stockholm East 9.15pm Poliss
FAIRMONT 7.30pm
MARINA MALL VOX 8 2.30pm Chicken With Plums 6.45pm In My Mother’s Arms
ABU DHABI THEATRE 6.30pm Asma’a 9.30pm
SUNDAY OCTOBER 16 FAIRMONT 7.30pm Lucky ABU DHABI THEATRE 3.15pm Alms For A Blind Horse 6.15 * TOP PICK *
Ages Of Love 9.30pm * TOP PICK *
The Moth Diaries MARINA MALL VOX 1 4.15pm A Thousand Times Stronger 9pm Skeem MARINA MALL VOX 2 12.45pm Emirates Film Competition – Student Short Narrative 3.45pm Fightville 6.15pm Emirates Film Competition –Short Narrative 2 9.30pm Oh The Days! MARINA MALL VOX 3 3.15pm Sacrifice 6.30pm Project Nim 9.45pm Fool’s Alley MARINA MALL VOX 4 1.15pm Death For Sale 4.15pm Absolutely Tame As A Horse 6.45pm The End 9.15pm She Monkeys MARINA MALL VOX 6 6.30pm Dark Horse 9.15pm * TOP PICK *
Warrior MARINA MALL VOX 8 1.15pm Stories Only Exist When Remembered 3.45pm The Source 6.45pm The Tiniest Place 9.30pm Last Chapter – Goodbye Nicaragua MONDAY OCTOBER 17
* TOP PICK *
The Double
* TOP PICK *
A Dangerous Method MARINA MALL VOX 1 3.45pm El Gusto 6.30pm Stockholm East MARINA MALL VOX 2 1pm Tahrir 2011: The Good, The Bad & The Politician 3.30pm Flowers Of Evil 6.15pm Emirates Film Competition – Short Documentary 2 9.30pm Bobby Fischer Against The World MARINA MALL VOX 3 1.30pm If A Tree Falls 4pm The City Dark 6.45pm The Last Mountain 9.15pm The Hunger MARINA MALL VOX 4 1pm Emirates Film Competition – Student Short Documentary 4.15pm Almost In Love 6.30pm Girl Model 9pm The Black Power Mixtape (1967-1975) MARINA MALL VOX 6 7pm On The Edge MARINA MALL VOX 8 2pm In My Mother’s Arms 4.15pm The End 8.30pm Best Intentions TUESDAY OCTOBER 18 FAIRMONT 7.30pm Between Heaven & Earth ABU DHABI THEATRE 3.15pm Dark Horse 6.30pm * TOP PICK *
Contagion 9.30pm 18 Days MARINA MALL VOX 1
12.45pm The Tiniest Place 3.30pm I Wish 6.45pm The Reasons Of The Heart 9.45pm * TOP PICK *
Troll Hunter MARINA MALL VOX 2 3.30pm Asma’a 6.15pm Shorts Competition 1 9.15pm Shorts Competition 2 MARINA MALL VOX 3 12.30pm Project Nim 3pm Emirates Film Competition – Short Narrative 1 6.30pm Buck 9pm Palace Walk MARINA MALL VOX 4 1.45pm Skeem 4.30pm Last Chapter – Goodbye Nicaragua 7.15pm God Save My Shoes* 9.15pm Girl Model* * These screenings are for women only MARINA MALL VOX 5 9.30pm Free Men MARINA MALL VOX 6 6.45pm Cave Of Forgotten Dreams 9pm The Temple MARINA MALL VOX 8 3.15pm She Monkeys 7.30pm Position Among The Stars WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 19 FAIRMONT 7.30pm The Temple ABU DHABI THEATRE 3.30pm * TOP PICK *
A Dangerous Method 6.15pm The Wholly Family 6.35pm Habemus Papam 9.30pm Sea Shadow MARINA MALL VOX 1 2.15pm The Black Power Mixtape (1967-1975) 6.15pm Always Brando 8.45pm Beijing Besieged By Waste
SUBJECT TO CHANGES, PLEASE CHECK ABUDHABIFILMFESTIVAL.COM
MARINA MALL VOX 2 1.45pm Bobby Fischer Against The World 3.45pm On The Edge 6.30pm Shorts Competition 3 9.30pm Shorts Competition 4 MARINA MALL VOX 3 3.30pm The Last Mountain 6pm El Madina 9pm The Thief & The Dogs MARINA MALL VOX 4 Emirates Film Competition – Short Narrative 2 6.15pm Taste The Waste 9.30pm Wild Strawberries MARINA MALL VOX 5 9pm Rampart MARINA MALL VOX 6 6.45pm Seated By The Fire 9.15pm * TOP PICK *
Albert Nobbs MARINA MALL VOX 8 1.15pm Poliss 4.15pm Best Intentions 7pm Diaries THURSDAY OCTOBER 20 FAIRMONT 7.30pm The Wholly Family 7.50pm Habemus Papam ABU DHABI THEATRE 2.45pm 18 Days 6.15pm Elena 9.45pm Trishna MARINA MALL VOX 1 1.30pm The Reasons Of The Heart 4.30pm Diaries 7.30pm George Harrison: Living In The Material World MARINA MALL VOX 2 3.45pm Shorts Competition 1 MARINA MALL VOX 3 1.30pm Shorts Competition 2 4pm Always Brando 6.15pm Eco Pirate: The Story Of Paul Watson 9pm
The Beginning & The End MARINA MALL VOX 4 2pm God Save My Shoes 6.45pm This Narrow Place 9.30pm Marathon Boy MARINA MALL VOX 5 9pm A Separation MARINA MALL VOX 6 10pm Sea Shadow MARINA MALL VOX 8 4pm * TOP PICK *
Troll Hunter 6.45pm Position Among The Stars 9.30pm Wilaya FRIDAY OCTOBER 21 ABU DHABI THEATRE 4pm A Separation MARINA MALL VOX 1 1.30pm Marathon Boy 4.15pm George Harrison: Living In The Material World 8.45pm * TOP PICK *
We Need To Talk About Kevin MARINA MALL VOX 2 4pm Free Men MARINA MALL VOX 3 3.45pm Shorts Competition 4 6.30pm Smiles Of A Summer Night 9pm Midaq Alley MARINA MALL VOX 4 1.15pm Shorts Competition 3
4.15pm This Narrow Place 6.45pm Buck MARINA MALL VOX 5 7pm Pina MARINA MALL VOX 6 6.15pm Rampart 9pm The Yellow Sea MARINA MALL VOX 8 1.45pm Beijing Besieged By Waste 4.30pm Taste The Waste 7pm Eco Pirate: The Story Of Paul Watson SATURDAY OCTOBER 22 ABU DHABI THEATRE 2.45pm Competition Winner 5.45pm Competition Winner MARINA MALL VOX 2 1.30pm Seated By The Fire 4.30pm The Yellow Sea MARINA MALL VOX 3 1.15pm Fool’s Alley 4pm Magic Lantern MARINA MALL VOX 4 3.45pm Fanny & Alexander MARINA MALL VOX 8 2pm Wilaya 4.30pm Elena
HOW TO BUY TICKETS
13, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Marina Mall, noon ttoOct10pm,3 tosingle ticket Dhs25, students Dhs15, festival pass Dhs350, elite pass Dhs2,500, ten vouchers Dhs200. Tel (050) 1063182. abudhabifilmfestival.ae October 13 to 21, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Theatre, noon to 30 minutes after the final film screening. Tel (050) 1063182. abudhabifilmfestival.ae
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WIN! TICKETS TO ADFF
We have two great prizes from Abu Dhabi Film Festival to give away: 1. A pair of tickets to the exclusive opening ceremony and after-party at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr on Thursday October 13 2. A pair of tickets to the exclusive awards ceremony and after-party at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr on Friday October 21 For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@ motivate.ae with ‘Abu Dhabi Film Festival tickets’ in the subject line and the answer to the following question: Hollywood is also known as… a) Tinseltown b) Baubletown c) Christmastreetown
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 25
THE NEW FACE OF ABU DHABI As the development of our capital continues apace, Abu Dhabi is about to welcome the most notable string of hotel and resort openings since Yas Island sprang to the fore, bringing a host of top restaurants, spas and more. We look at the six destinations reshaping Abu Dhabi in the next month…
MONTE CARLO BEACH CLUB WHAT? From its grandiose fountains and towering front doors, Monte Carlo Beach Club is a far cry from the tacked-onto-ahotel beach clubs relatively widespread in the Monte Carlo Emirates. Instead, Beach Club it mirrors the Riviera sophistication of its sister club in Monaco. The first luxury destination to open on Saadiyat Island boasts exclusive membership levels and private cabanas for those with cash to splash. Six private beachfront bungalows are on the way early next year, too. WHERE? Saadiyat Island WHEN? Open now BARS/RESTAURANTS: Lebanese-leaning all-day restaurant Le Deck, the membersonly Library Lounge, the pool deck views of Bubbles, and Sea Lounge, a gorgeous open-air bar that is already playing host to regular DJ nights a few steps from the beach boardwalk. LEISURE: Spa, The Workout Room gym and studio, and outdoor pool. WHAT’S NEARBY? Near neighbours opening soon include the Park Hyatt and St Regis. Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae
Etihad Towers
ETIHAD TOWERS WHAT? A powerhouse on the Dubai landscape, the mark of quality that is Jumeirah launches into Abu Dhabi in some style at Etihad Towers, an iconic addition to the city’s skyline. All 382 rooms and suites enjoy sea views, including the Royal Etihad Suite on level 60, a monstrous residence featuring four bedrooms, butler service and a grand piano. The wide range of quality restaurants looks set to rival anywhere in the capital. WHERE? West Corniche WHEN? November 1 BARS/RESTAURANTS: An impressive 12
restaurants, bars and lounges: Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, pan-Asian signature outlet Quest, the Lebanese chic of Li Beirut, all-day dining at Rosewater, Japanese restaurant Tori No Su. Despite the everyday moniker, Ray’s Bar on the 62nd floor promises lavish delights as well. LEISURE: Talise Spa, health club, 130m private beach. WHAT’S NEARBY? A stone’s throw from The Corniche’s westerly extremes, Emirates Palace, the InterContinental and Marina Mall are all in close proximity. Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi. etihadtowers.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 27
PARK HYATT ABU DHABI
Park Hyatt, Abu Dhabi
WHAT? The first Hyatt in the capital, the views here are positively paradise, overlooking sprawling kilometres of Saadiyat Beach and its golf course. The 306 rooms, suites and villas are full of nice design touches, and every room comes replete with a balcony. The four private villas, however, are the height of the Park Hyatt’s five-star luxury. WHERE? Saadiyat Island WHEN? November 1 BARS/RESTAURANTS: Five restaurant and bar options, spanning indoor and alfresco seating: the Park Bar & Grill, The Café all-day dining, The Beach House’s Mediterranean dishes and Saadiyat Beach views, and loft-style lounge The Library. LEISURE: Four swimming pools, including a 25m outdoor pool, fitness room, St Regis Saadiyat stretching studio and a tennis Island Resort court. The three-level Atarmia Spa boasts an exclusive ladies’ section. WHAT’S NEARBY? St Regis Saadiyat, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Monte Carlo Beach Club. Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6738301. abudhabi.park.hyatt. com
ST REGIS SAADIYAT ISLAND RESORT WHAT? The luxury hotel brand’s first property in the Middle East is ambitious to say the least, with 380 rooms and 259 residential apartments, including five luxury penthouses. The Mediterranean design of the hotel was specially tailored to avoid minimum disruption to Saadiyat’s native hawksbill turtles. At the other end of the scale, a 24-hour personal butler service is available. The St Regis also hosts Abu Dhabi Art in November. WHERE? Saadiyat Island WHEN? November 1 BARS/RESTAURANTS: New Yorkstyle steakhouse 55&5th, The Grill, Mediterranean all day dining restaurant Olea, Southeast Asia-influenced Sontaya, Manhattan Lounge, beach-based Turquoiz and lobby lounge The Drawing Room. LEISURE: Spa with 13 treatment rooms, tennis and squash courts, four swimming pools. WHAT’S NEARBY? Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Monte Carlo Beach Club. St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4036577. stregissaadiyatisland.com 28 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
COMING SOON Abu Dhabi’s rise doesn’t halt with our hot half dozen. Here’s what else is looming on the horizon... In addition to its Saadiyat Island hotel, a second St Regis resort is due to follow on the Corniche in early 2012, featuring a new restaurant from celebrity chef Gary Rhodes In the next six months, Sofitel, Ritz–Carlton and luxury brand Anantara’s first city hotel in Abu Dhabi, the Eastern Mangroves, are due to throw open their respective doors Two new business hotels are imminent: the Hyatt Capital Gate and the Cristal Salam The next phase of Saadiyat’s development includes two more hotels: a new ShangriLa and the Mandarin Oriental
Rocco Forte Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa
ROCCO FORTE
WHAT? It would take an act of almost wilful ignorance to have avoided the distinctive form of the Rocco Forte – the hotel group’s first Middle Eastern foray – since it began WHAT? Overlooking Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s construction on Airport Road. The wavenational championship course, the Westin is shaped glass exterior may be destined for a perfect retreat for fairway-favouring types. Marmite status in terms of its looks, yet the From the golf itself to a range of five-star interior is beyond dispute, featuring 281 facilities, there is a strong thematic focus on spacious rooms, special bridal preparation the sport. It’s possible to lord it like you’ve just rooms, and royal and presidential suites. won The Open, too, in the central presidential WHERE? Airport Road suite. WHEN? November WHERE? Sas Al Nakhl BARS/RESTAURANTS: A Chinese-Japanese WHEN? Early November restaurant, a poolside South American bar, BARS/RESTAURANTS: African/Arabian/ a grill from British chef Mark Hix, an Italian European influences at The Lounge, Fairways (all with names to be confirmed) and the all-day dining, The Retreat ‘spike lounge’ (a spectacular glass-walled Sky Bar. sports lounge where you can keep your golf LEISURE: At 2,000sqm, Rocco Forte’s spa will, shoes on), Lemon & Lime bar and Moroccan it’s claimed, represent the largest in the city. speciality restaurant Agadir. There is also a gym, yoga/pilates studio and LEISURE: Westin Heavenly Spa, with special salon. treatments for golfers. WHAT’S NEARBY? Sheikh Zayed Mosque, WHAT’S NEARBY? Abu Dhabi Golf Course. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Sas Al Nakhl, Rocco Forte, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6169999. starwoodhotels.com 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi.com
WESTIN ABU DHABI GOLF RESORT & SPA
Football fever After a crazy summer of wild rumours, world-class players jetting in and new managers taking the helm – including Diego Maradona – the most hotly anticipated football season in UAE history starts on October 15. Here’s the lowdown on the Pro-League teams, their star players and a guide on who to support…
AL AHLI Formed: 1970 League titles: Five Last season: Eighth Manager: Ivan Hasek Kit: Red/White Stadium: Al-Rashid Stadium, Al Nahda Street, Dubai Capacity: 18,000 Player to watch: Luis Jimenez Summer signing: Grafite alahliclub.ae
PHOTOGRAPHY: PLC
AL WAHDA Formed: 1984 League titles: Four Last season: Fifth Manager: Josef Hickersberger Kit: Burgundy/White Stadium: Al-Nahyan Stadium, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Fernando Baiano Summer signing: Masa’ed Neda alwahdaclub.ae
30 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
AL AIN
Most successful club
Formed: 1968 League titles: Nine Last season: Tenth Manager: Cosmin Olaroiu Kit: White/Purple Stadium: Sheikh Tahnoun Stadium, Mohammed Bin Khalifa St, Al Ain Capacity: 15,000 Player to watch: Mirel Radoi Summer signing: Asamoah Gyan alainfc.ae
AL WASL Formed: 1974 League titles: Seven Last season: Sixth Manager: Diego Maradona Kit: Yellow/Black Stadium: Zabeel Stadium, Dubai Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Khalid Darwish Summer signing: Edson Puch alwaslsc.ae
Diego Maradona
AJMAN Formed: 1974 League titles: None Last season: Division Two winners (promoted) Manager: Abdul Qader Kit: Orange Stadium: Ajman Stadium, Ajman Capacity: 10,000 Player to watch: Ibrahima Toure Summer signing: Karim Kerkar ajmanclub.ae
BANIYAS Formed: 1982 League titles: None Last season: Runners-up Manager: Jorvan Vieira Kit: White/Blue Stadium: Baniyas Stadium, Baniyas Capacity: 6,000 Player to watch: Andre Senghor Summer signing: David Trezeguet baniyasclub.ae
AL JAZIRA
Defending Champions
Formed: 1974 League titles: One Last season: Champions Manager: Franky Vercauteren Kit: White/Red Stadium: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Capacity: 42,056 Player to watch: Matias Delgado Summer signing: Lucas Neil jc.ae
DUBAI CLUB Formed: 1995 League titles: None Last season: Ninth Manager: Umberto Romano Kit: Gold/Blue Stadium: Police Officers Club Stadium, Dubai Capacity: 6,500 Player to watch: Aboubacar M’Baye Summer signing: Faouzi Aaish dubaiclub.ae
AL NASR
SHARJAH
Formed: 1945 League titles: Three Last season: Third Manager: Walter Zenga Kit: Blue/White Stadium: Al-Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Carlos Tenorio Summer signing: Mark Bresciano alnasrclub.com
Formed: 1966 League titles: Five Last season: Seventh Manager: Valeriu Tita Kit: White/Red Stadium: Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah Capacity: 18,000 Player to watch: Anderson de Carvalho Summer signing: Eder Luciano sharjahclub.ae
AL SHABAB EMIRATES CLUB Formed: 1969 League titles: None Last season: Division Two runners-up (promoted) Manager: Ghazi Ghrairi Kit: Red/White Stadium: Emirates Club Stadium, Ras Al Khaimah Capacity: 6,000 Player to watch: Nabil Daoudi Summer signing: Alhassane Keita emiratesclub.ae
Formed: 1958 League titles: Three Last season: Fourth Manager: Paulo Bonamigo Kit: Green Stadium: Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Al Waheda, Dubai Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Carlos Villanueva Summer signing: Azizbek Haydarov alshababdubai.com
WHO TO SUPPORT
TICKETS
STAR PLAYERS
Al Ain – With nine league titles, the mighty Al Ain are the most successful team in UAE history. Having added Ghanaian World Cup hero Asamoah Gyan to the team, you wouldn’t bet against them.
Deciphering how to get tickets for some events can break a man’s will. However, thankfully the Pro-League Committee has removed all the stress from this process allowing you to get tickets directly from stadiums – best of all, tickets start from as little as Dhs20.
David Trezegeut (Baniyas) – As well as being a former world and European champion, the French striker scored 171 goals for Italian giants Juventus.
Al Jazira – Last year’s runaway league and cup winners were a class apart, this year the pressure has been upped and they’ll have to be at their best if they want to repeat their success. Al Wahda – The newly crowned Etisalat Super Cup winners will be hoping to make winning silverware a habit this season. Baniyas – League runners up last year, they have bagged themselves the signing of the summer, luring Juventus legend David Trezeguet to Baniyas.
ROUND ONE Emirates v Dubai Al Shabab v Al Wahda Al Jazira v Al Ahli Ajman v Baniyas Al Ain v Al Nasr Al Wasl v Sharjah (Home team in bold)
Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 16 Oct 16
Grafite (Al Ahli) – Named the Germany league’s player of the season in 08/09 after scoring 28 goals in 25 matches to help Wolfsburg win the league. Edson Puch (Al Wasl) – The tricky Chilean midfielder was hand picked by Maradona to add attacking flair to the side. Lucas Neill (Al Jazira) – As Australia’s national team captain, Neill brings further steel to the defence of last year’s runaway double winners.
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 31
YOU ARE WELCOME!
You are different. That’s why we have created a modern urban lifestyle experience at the heart of Abu Dhabi. Introducing Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. STAY DIFFERENT™ at Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts. For reser vations, please contact your travel professional or visit jumeirah.com DUBAI / FRANKFURT / LONDON / MALDIVES / NEW YORK / SHANGHAI OPENING SOON: ABU DHABI / AZERBAIJAN / KUWAIT / MALLORCA
HIT THE ROAD
If you need a change of scenery and have anything from an afternoon to a week on your hands, fill the tank, put on some tunes and start exploring, with our tried and tested road trip routes
AFTERNOON EXCURSIONS Looking for something to fill several hours on a lazy afternoon?
AL AIN WILDLIFE PARK & ZOO BEST FOR: FAMILIES
What’s on offer? The UAE’s best zoo by a long chalk boasts lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and zebra, among other animals. Oh my. Don’t miss the nightly bird show at 7pm, featuring birds of prey including owls, falcons and vultures, or the giraffe feeding, petting zoo, camel rides (Dhs10), and on Wednesday evenings, the bouncy castle (Dhs5) and 8pm cartoon screenings. Essential kit: Camera, sunscreen, and comfy shoes. Directions: Follow the Al Ain Road (E22) straight to Al Ain. The zoo is sign-posted and located on Khalifa Zayed Al Awwal Street. Travel time: Approximately 90 minutes (160km). Al Ain Wildlife Park & Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 10pm, Dhs5 to Dhs15. Tel: (800) 2977. awpr.ae
HILI ARCHAEOLGICAL GARDENS BEST FOR: CULTURE VULTURES
What’s on offer? The remains of a 4,000year-old Bronze Age settlement uncovered in the mid-1990s, including the Hili Tomb. Not bad, eh? It’s also a lovely garden. To see the treasures unearthed at the sight, visit Al Ain Museum. Essential kit: Camera and sunscreen. Directions: Follow the Al Ain Road (E22) to Al Ain. The gardens are about 10km outside of town and are signposted. Travel time: Approximately 70 minutes (125km). Al Ain Museum, near the Eastern Fort on the outskirts of Al Ain Oasis opposite Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 8am to 7.30pm, Fri 3pm to 7.30pm, Dhs3. Tel: (03) 7641595. adach.ae
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 33
Antonio Banderas, Actor, “Black Gold” Photograph by Brigitte Lacombe © 2011
DAY TRIPS
Four days out to remember in the UAE
CRAB HUNTING
QASR AL SARAB
BEST FOR: ACTIVE TYPES
BEST FOR: LUXURY FANS
What’s on offer? Light refreshments enjoyed while looking out over the Arabian Gulf as the sun slowly sets. Once you reach the mangroves, it is a bit of a struggle to get to grips with the spearing technique, but an hour of energetic crab hunting by torchlight quickly passes, providing you with enough crab to feed the kitchen staff for a week. Back on shore, dinner (crab) is served in the hotel restaurant. If you want to spend a day by the pool beforehand, it’s Dhs50 entrance, and if the hunt makes you weary and you want to take a room for the night, a double will cost Dhs550. Essential kit: Swimmers, old trainers, a change of clothes Directions: Take exit 90 off Emirates Road (E11) and continue straight until you see signs for the Flamingo Beach Resort. Travel time: Approximately two hours (190km). Flamingo Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain, from sunset, Dhs190. Tel: (06) 7650000. flamingoresort.ae
What’s on offer? If you’re going to visit the Empty Quarter proper, you should put aside more than a day, but Qasr Al Sarab’s spa is worth the 90-minute journey for a day of indulgence. Book in for the 165-minute Dawn Renewal treatment (scrub, jet lag massage and refreshments for Dhs1,160) or enjoy the full hammam experience (Dhs685). Essential kit: Swimmers, a change of clothes, water and a camera for the journey. Directions: Take the Mussafah road, following signs to Tarif/Ghweifat. After Mussafa take the E11 exit towards Tarif/Ghweifat. Follow the road for 15km before reaching an interchange at highway E65 and taking exit 306. Pass the Liwa Car Museum as you hit Route E90 on the road to Hameem. Follow the road for 150km to Hameem. Take the second U-turn before making a right and travelling the 12km to the hotel. The car museum makes an amusing stop-off, if you have time. Travel time: Around 120 minutes (200km) Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab.anantara.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 35
WEEKENDS AWAY Break out of your dinner-brunch-bar-sleep routine – load up the car and spend a few days out of the city
SHUWAYHAH What’s on offer? A rugged rocky landscape great for off-roading, camping and relaxing. Essential kit: Passport, 4x4 with Oman car insurance, Omani rials, tent, sleeping bag, camping chair, swimmers, plenty of bottled water, off-roading map, barbecue (optional). Why should you go? For intrepid 4x4equipped explorers, this route nicely navigates two extremes: challenging boulder-littered off-roading tracks, followed by the reward of peace, tranquillity, seclusion and freshwater pools once you reach the wadi. Directions: The straightforward drag down the Abu Dhabi to Al Ain road (E22) comes first. Head to the border control on the other side of Al Ain and then through Al Buraimi (the Omani side of Al Ain) toward Mahdah. Drive through Mahdah and on for around 40km, then bear right for just over 5km to Shuwayhah village, where you turn left and cut through the rocky off-road track to the wadi bed. There are numerous flat camping spots before you reach the small pools at the end of the wadi. Travel time: Approximately 210 minutes (380km). The trip: There aren’t many more stunning landscape indications of crossing a national border than when you venture into Oman from the UAE. Leaving behind the Garden City’s desert surrounds, you’re almost immediately traversing altogether starker territory, spectacular mountains jutting jaggedly into the sky. There are still sandy enclaves, however; midway between Al Ain and your destination there’s the option to swerve off for some moderately straightforward dune bashing. Don’t forget to lower your tyre pressures first and re-inflate once back on the highway. This is more or less a trek into the easily reachable wilderness, despite the relative ease of spending 80 per cent of the journey distance on tarmac roads. So forget any notions of cushy hotel stays; tents are definitely required for an overnight stay. The mountain climate ensures bearable evening temperatures, although you may wake up sweaty under canvas once the sun rises on anything approaching a hot day. Take care when pitching tents to find ground slightly higher than the wadi riverbeds. Flash floods aren’t uncommon, 36 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
and the consequences could be a touch more serious than a soggy sleeping bag – many unwitting campers have been swept to their deaths in the past. Once you complete the craggy route, you’ll emerge into the comparatively flat wadi, the shallow walls secluded by vegetation, there are plentiful places to pitch safely. The trail is currently fairly unknown, at least once you head a little further up the wadi. And with lots of space to camp, splendid isolation is easily obtainable. We recommend a midnight swim in the pools five or so minutes up the wadi, although take a torch as it really is pitch black out there. And don’t go alone – the pools can be deceptively deep in places. With enough supplies, you can comfortably stay and kick back for several days, although such is the proximity to Abu Dhabi, an overnight stop means you can be back home to civilisation before lunchtime.
Four’s company
A welcoming community of off-roading experts and enthusiasts, Abu Dhabi 4x4 Club is a second family for those who enjoy leaving the tarmac or want to get started off the beaten track. It runs regular excursions, from beginner level to challenging trips, while its well-populated web forums offer a wealth of information and braincombining advice on everything from driving techniques to insurance. And while there are next to zero options in Abu Dhabi for 4x4 vehicle rental, AD4x4 members have been known to offer their vehicles for hire. ad4x4.com or search‘Abu Dhabi 4x4’ on Facebook
KHASAB What’s on offer? Dolphins. Loads of them. And a very pretty underwater world. Essential kit: Passport (Khasab is in the Omani enclave of Musandam), Oman car insurance, Omani rials, underwater camera, swimmers, sunscreen, binoculars. Why should you go? Known throughout the UAE as the ‘Norway of Arabia’, Khasab’s scenery is nothing short of stunning, with fjords, islands for snorkelling, and quaint fishing villages. Best of all, you don’t need a 4x4 to get there. Directions: Dead easy. Take the E11 through Dubai until it ends in Shams. At the roundabout take the first exit, which takes you to the coast then on to the Oman border. Flash your passports (they might want to search your car for contraband) then follow the main road to Khasab. Travel time: Approximately three hours (340km). The trip: Set off at dawn to make the most of the day. Base yourself out of the Golden Tulip, a basic but clean and friendly hotel right on the water, where you can go on excursions, enjoy a run of the mill buffet dinner and take a dip in the pool. We went on a full day dhow trip (9am to 4pm) for Dhs200 per person, which introduced us to hundreds of dolphins that swam alongside the boat, jumping, twisting and vying for our attention. From there, cruise through the fjords to Telegraph Island, named after a time when the British used the tiny patch of land as a cable station in the mid-1800s. If snorkelling is your thing get kitted up (equipment is provided) and circle the island, taking in the fish, coral and maybe the odd sea turtle if you’re lucky (we weren’t). Lunch is included and caught by the dhow’s crew while you swim, turning Nemo into nibbles. Not much can beat fresh fish grilled on a barbecue after an hour in the water. You’ll then slowly glide back to the hotel, exploring inlets and fjords on the way, allowing you to see fishing villages that can only be accessed by water, where people still live today untouched by technology. Then it’s back to reality for a quick swim in the pool and dinner before an early night. The next morning try a mountain safari (Dhs300 per person for a full day) that can be booked through the hotel, taking in the
dramatic, rocky scenery, driving through dry wadi beds and enjoying the cooler temperatures, stopping for a picnic lunch. This isn’t as stomach churning as desert driving, with fewer drops and less speed, so it’s more family friendly. Make sure you ask your driver to stop at regular intervals for photos; these views are worth capturing. Once back, it’s time to pack up the car and drive home. Customs queue permitting (it rarely takes longer than ten minutes) you’ll be back in Abu Dhabi by sunset. Golden Tulip, Khasab, Musandam, Oman, from Dhs700 for a double room per night. Tel: (00968) 26730777. goldentulipkhasab.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 37
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THE LONG WEEKEND An extra couple of days off will transport you to another country, take you back hundreds of years and introduce you to another way of life
GPS COORDINATES: N 23 09 31 7/ E 57 16 12 7
JEBEL SHAMS, AL HAMRA AND NIZWA What’s on offer? Souks, views, history and an eco luxe retreat. Essential kit: Passport, 4x4 with Oman car insurance, Omani rials, camera, hiking shoes, sunscreen, picnic lunches for the journey. Why should you go? It’s an epic drive, but worth it for a four-day weekend. Your end destination, The View, is a new glam campsite, home to a restaurant and permanent tents with their own terraces. This is roughing it in style. With food, bedding and facilities provided, there’s no need to worry about giant cooler boxes, digging your own toilet or buying sleeping bags. It’s also the ideal spot to use as a base for exploring the nearby villages, forts, markets and attractions. Directions: Take the main highway to Al Ain (E22), which is called Al Buraymi once on the Oman side of the border. Customs shouldn’t take longer than half an hour. Proceed from Al Buraymi towards Ibri in the direction of Bahla and on to Al Hamra. Once in Al Hamra turn right at the National Bank of Oman roundabout towards Hail Al Shas. The road becomes a dirt track that requires a 4x4. The Leave home after lunch, arriving at The View View is signposted. by sunset. Unpack in your en-suite tent, tuck Travel time: Approximately four hours into a buffet dinner then watch the stars from beside the campfire.
THE TRIP Day one
Day two
Eat breakfast overlooking the mountains then head into Al Hamra village, a 15-minute drive away. It’s a bit like stepping back in time, with mud houses and a museum where locals show you what life was like here in days gone by. From there, it’s a drive to Al Hoota Caves for lunch at its restaurant. You’ll see an underwater lake among the stalagmites and stalactites. Then it’s time to take in the oasis at Birkat Al Mouz in at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar, picture perfect for photo taking. When you’re done, head back to The Views for a snooze.
Day three
Today take in Nizwa, which is around 45 minutes from the resort, where you can visit the cattle market on Fridays, or a souk selling Omani silver, pottery and souvenirs throughout the week. The town’s fort is one of the finest attractions in the area, dating back to the 17th century. After lunch in Nizwa drive up to Jabal Shams to witness some of the best views in the country, and enjoy a short hike, if you’re feeling up to it. The Views can suggest routes to suit your fitness level.
Day four
Depending on time, either head for home or squeeze in a quick visit to Bait Al Safa, a 400year-old house and heritage museum 8km away. Then line up the podcasts and prepare for the pleasant drive home. The View, near Al Hamra, Oman, from Dhs650 per room for two people including breakfast and dinner. Tel: (00968) 24400873. theviewoman.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 39
A WEEK IN THE WILDERNESS What’s that? You’ve got the week off? Time to get away on a serious road trip adventure Essential kit: Passport, Oman car insurance, Omani rials, camping gear, plenty of water, GPS device, camera, fishing rods (optional). Also make sure your 4x4 has been properly serviced before setting out
Day one
It’s best to set off in the morning, as the 320km first leg drive down the E66 to Nizwa involves crossing the Omani border at Jebel Hafeet, which could take a while. The dual carriageways make it all pretty quick going until you reach the Omani town of Ibri, where your last 130km sees the roads begin to wind as you enter rural Oman. Arriving in Nizwa, you can do a lot worse than checking into the Golden Tulip Hotel. A dip in the pool and a buffet dinner is just what you need after day one. It’s advised to make the most of the bed and shower, as it’ll be the last of this type You’ve had your fun yesterday; therefore today of luxury until you get to Salalah. is all about driving. Salalah is still 480km Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa, Oman. Tel: (+968) away and there’s not a dual carriageway in 25431616. goldentulipnizwa.com sight – pack up camp and set off early to reach Ash Shuwaymiyah. There are few roads Before speeding off into the Omani around this part of the country, so directions wilderness, it’s well worth waking up early aren’t too difficult. The scenery changes and spending a few hours sightseeing in dramatically as the main road ascends up to and around Nizwa – it is the former Omani the Dhofar Mountains, but the real joy comes capital, after all. Known for its vast date as you take the road descending down the plantations, Nizwa also boats a souk, which spectacular limestone cliffs to the town of Ash is a great place to mingle with the locals – Shuwaymiyah – known for its basket-making, especially on a Friday. For a few more Kodak and a place to refuel on food and water. If you moments, it’s worth taking a short 20-minute continue down the beach, towards the bottom drive to see the impressive Jabrin Fort. Try of the cliffs, this stunning location is as good a not to dawdle too much, as you need to arrive place you’ll find to make camp. at Ras Al Duqm (365km away) before dark in order to set up camp. The long pilgrimage to Salalah is nearly over, so feel free to set off at your leisure. Head back up With the worry of yesterday’s long journey the cliff face, take the turn towards Thumrayt out the way, the Ras Al Duqm beach is a and then follow the signs to Salalah. From there perfect place to stay an extra day to recharge it is all down hill – literally – as you descend – and after seeing the location in daylight you into perhaps one of the Middle East’s most won’t take much convincing. The sea is calm, photogenic regions: the plush green valley that the beaches are deserted and the limestone is Salalah. Let’s face it, by now you deserve a soft cliffs are spectacular. And Duqm is also bed and a warm shower, so make sure you head known for an otherworldly ‘garden’ of giant straight to either the Hilton Salalah Resort or boulders scattered across nearby sandy plains the Crowne Plaza Resort – you won’t regret it. – for happy snappers, perspective is key here. Hilton Salalah Resort, Salalah, Oman. Tel: (+968) 23211234. hilton.com Crowne Plaza Resort, Salalah, Oman. Tel: (+968) 23235333, ichotelsgroup.com
Day four
Day two
Day five
Day three
40 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Day six
There is plenty to do around Salalah to reward yourself for completing the 1,500km drive. Top of that list are the natural blowholes situated along the cliffs to the west of the town, where there are plenty of spots to stop for picnics as you wind through the coastal road. Both hotels can advise on daytrips and nearby attractions, as well as providing swimming pools and restaurants if you want to stay closer to civilisation.
Day seven
There is no messing around today. The drive back to Abu Dhabi is a gruelling 1,200km. It is possible in one day, but is likely to take up to 12 hours. Before taking it on, make sure you are well rested and, if possible, alternate drivers to avoid over-tiredness. The safest option is to break it into two days, stopping again at Nizwa’s Golden Tulip hotel.
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“I put the show together – and every song I perform, I’ve written” 42 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Janet Jackson
The youngest sibling of the Jackson clan, Janet Jackson is the multi-award-winning voice behind such hits as Nasty, Rhythm Nation and That’s The Way Love Goes, racking up sales of more than 100 million along the way. She hits Yas Island this month as part of her Number Ones: Up Close And Personal tour
What can we expect from your Abu Dhabi show? There are no special effects, nothing like that, no pyrotechnics. It’s just myself, the band and the dancers – that’s it. Do you still enjoy touring? I do – I love what I do. I don’t think I would be able to do it for as long as I have if I didn’t. I enjoy performing and to see those faces, to make that connection, to see it all the way to the back of the theatre and to be able to say hello to them and to see them waving back at me and smiling – that’s a rush for me. What do you enjoy the most about performing? I have to tell you, I really do love it all. I put the show together – and every song I perform, I’ve written. It’s a part of my life. It’s so connected to me, so close, because it is me. So, I enjoy every moment of it. And we have a lot of fun on stage – I’ve always been very fortunate to be very close to the dancers. After I finish today, I’m going to hang out with them and we’re going to go to some museums. That’s life on the road to me. That closeness and that connection that we have, it shows on stage when we’re together.
Will we hear Rhythm Nation? No, we don’t do it in the show. Really? I’m joking! [Laughs] No, of course we do. It’s too important to me not to because of the message – it’s about illiteracy and bigotry and no colour lines – and all that still resonates with me so deeply. Do you like to see footage of your older hits? When I do see them, yeah, it’s fun to watch. I mean, I don’t sit there and YouTube anything, but before the show I’ll dedicate a little something to each city. It’s fun to watch and reminisce. It’s nice; it’s nice to see. Do you have a favourite song from your back catalogue? There’s not one in particular that means the most to me. They all come from me – my heart and my soul – so they’re all important to me, and they all hold a special place in my soul and my life. Are you working on any new music? I’m thinking about it. I’m just going to take my time though, go back into the studio and just fool around, see where I am and just take my time with it, no rush. What direction I’ll take, I don’t know. I have to be there at that very moment to see what I’m feeling at the moment. Who are you listening to right now? You know who? Bruno Mars. I enjoy him a great deal. And Adele – I think she’s incredibly talented. I like Lady Gaga – I like the Gaga that sits behind the piano and it’s just her and the piano, her voice and the piano – I think she’s very talented and I wish I could hear more of that from her. Adele is huge right now… Yes, she’s very talented. The first time I learned about her was a little time back, with her first project, and I thought ‘wow’ – you
could feel the soul in her voice and it’s real, it’s not something that’s been learned, she really feels it. Her voice is different, it’s recognisable, and I love that. You released a book earlier in the year, True You, which gave quite a candid account of your life. What was the thinking behind that? It was important to me because I feel part of the reason why God put me here is to help people, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do and try to do through my music. And I took it a step further when I realised how people were interested in my weight loss – and gain – and what brought it on and how I dealt with it… And instead of just writing about that, I wanted to take it to the very beginning, which stems from my childhood and has to do with self-esteem issues. I wanted it to appeal not just to adults, but to kids as well. Children, they’re in my heart, so if I can help in any way, so they don’t take that same route, the same path I did, then hopefully life will be a little easier for them. I’m not complaining, because I’ve been very, very blessed and fortunate, but you look back and there are things you wish you could have done, that you would have done or could have done differently. So are you in a good place right now? I am, I really am, I’m very happy. It took a minute to get here but I got here. You perform Scream in this set, the song you sang with Michael – how does that feel? It’s therapeutic. The energy of the song is so fierce. It makes me smile inside when I hear him, when I hear his voice. Oct 13, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs265 to Dhs665. Tel: (800) 35274. thinkflash.ae OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 43
GO BEFORE THEY'RE GONE The last remaining tickets to the 2011 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX are going fast.
Tickets: 800 YAS (927) www.yasmarinacircuit.ae Selected Etihad Airways Shops and Virgin Megastores
Enter sandmen Five of the best
At the pinnacle of metal for the past three decades, Californian rock legends Metallica jet in for a long-overdue debut show in the Emirates this month
Metallica’s finest five albums RIDE THE LIGHTNING (1984) A classic thrash record blitzing through eight tracks that irreversibly changed mid-1980s metal, adding an instrumental inspired by horror writer HP Lovecraft for good measure.
Aside from having the temerity to include their chosen genre in their band name, few acts have represented heavy metal as well as Metallica, selling more than 100 million records since they formed 30 years ago. The quartet – frontman James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo – are currently poised to release Lulu, an intriguing collaborative album with The Velvet Underground’s grumpy leader, Lou Reed. But before then, they divert their World Magnetic Tour to Abu Dhabi for a much-anticipated gig. Time to break out the earplugs.
MASTER OF PUPPETS (1986) On the last album before bassist Cliff Burton’s untimely death, brutal thrash numbers like Battery rubbed shoulders with more refined moments that developed an orchestral bent. METALLICA (1991) The quintessential Metallica record, aka The Black Album, turned the band from cult successes into one of planet’s biggest bands, thanks to singles such as Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters.
The ups and downs of Metallica 1981 Formed in Los Angeles, California 1983 Release debut album Kill ‘Em All 1986 Bassist Cliff Burton is killed in a tour bus accident 1991 Self-titled fifth album is released, going on to sell more than 22 million copies
1992 An onstage pyrotechnics accident leaves James Hetfield with serious burns 2000 The band take on Napster in court after their music is shared on the download website
2004 Documentary Some Kind Of Monster released, depicting Metallica’s personal struggles 2008 Return to form with comeback album Death Magnetic
LOAD (1996) Though this record split fans (not least as the band cut their hair short and donned eyeliner), the slowed-down bluesy lilt showcased a more mature, eclectic Metallica. DEATH MAGNETIC (2008) After 2003’s frankly embarrassingly under-par St Anger, the chips were down. Metallica responded with a snarling beast nodding back to their speedy thrash metal heyday. Oct 25,Yas Island Show Weekends, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs295 to Dhs595. Tel: (800) 35274. metallica.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 45
Yasalam Though the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix grid doesn’t line up until the middle of November, its huge associated festival, Yasalam, is already revving up to get underway. Offering an extensive programme of music, film, art, sport and more over the coming month, read on for our pick of the best events taking place before race weekend…
CINEMA BY THE SEA TROPFEST ARABIA
BEST OF THE REST
Like movies? Dig cars? Then grab the popcorn for four nights of free automotivethemed screenings on Al Sahil Beach
OCTOBER 28 TO 30
MONDAY OCTOBER 31
7.30PM TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Michael Bay’s big budget morphing alien robot sequel. 10.15PM BACK TO THE FUTURE Iconic time travelling adventure, starring Michael J Fox.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1
7.30PM THE BLUES BROTHERS John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd combine in this classic musical comedy. 10PM THE CANNONBALL RUN Burt Reynolds and an all-star cast recreate the real life 1970s outlaw race.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2
7.30PM CARS 2 The return of endearing animated racing car hero Lightning McQueen. 9PM TAXI A French taxi driver is forced to help police pursuing German bank robbers.
Taking its bow in the region, the first ever Tropfest Arabia screens films from its finalists at Al Sahil Beach on November 4. Showcasing the talents of Arab film-makers, Tropfest was originally founded in Australia and is now the largest short film festival in the world. Welcoming entries from Middle Eastern and North African nationals, every single short film at Tropfest is created especially for the competition. Prizes for winners include Dhs100,000, while UAE film-maker Nayla Al Khaja is among the panel of judges.
Opening Parade and Multicultural Weekend Celebrating the 19 countries currently hosting Formula 1 races around the globe at Al Sahil Beach/ The Corniche.
OCTOBER 28 TO NOVEMBER 13
F1 FANZONE Two weeks of free driving-based fun and activities, art and race screenings.
tropfestarabia.com
CUT & PASTE
A live design battle showcasing emerging artists in front of a live audience, Cut & Paste is an audio-visual feast that allows rival designers to flex their skills in real time. In the Middle East for the first time at Yasalam, the fast and furious battle format demands the competitors perform rapidly during 15 to 20-minute rounds. Their design brilliance is projected onto big screens for the audience to watch, accompanied by a DJ and an MC host. After a series of qualifying rounds throughout October in Abu Dhabi, eight finalists will face off at The Corniche on November 5 .
NOVEMBER 5
RED BULLS SPORTS Sport with a twist from the Red Bull Kiteforce competitors and radio controlled car-engineering competition, Red Bull Racing Can. redbullkiteforce.com redbullracingcan.com
cutandpaste.com
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3
7.30PM TRON: LEGACY A father and son risk their lives in a futuristic cyber universe. 10PM SENNA Award-winning documentary tracing the life of F1 legend Ayrton Senna.
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 47
FILM
Fright Night
Arthur 3: The War Of The Two Worlds
Fright Night
Arthur 3: The War Main Street Of The Two Worlds
WHO?
Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Imogen Poots, Craig Gillespie (director)
Selena Gomez, Freddie Highmore, Stacy Ferguson, Mia Farrow, Luc Besson (director)
Orlando Bloom, Colin Firth, Ellen Burstyn, Amber Tamblyn, John Doyle (director)
TAGLINE
‘You can’t run from evil when it lives next door.’
‘The final...’
‘An offer too good to be true… it just might be.’
ONCE UPON A TIME...
A Las Vegas teen suspected his neighbour was a bloodsucker responsible for a trail of suburban slayings. When nobody believed him, he sought ‘expert’ help...
Our diminutive Mimoy hero faced a final showdown with evil nemesis Maltazard – who was by then a seven-foot giant standing between Arthur and a magic enlarging potion.
Abandoned by its tobacco industry, the small city of Durham, North Carolina was decaying. A rich Texan looking to store toxic waste offered a cash injection… but at what cost?
IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...
See a diverting if somewhat pointless remake of the 1985 schlock classic, sneakily redressed as a comedic riff on the US housing crisis.
See off Besson’s clunky trilogy, based on his own adventure novels for children, in the animation-meets-live action style he’s stuck with throughout.
Relax, let a competently acted but blandly downbeat mood piece wash over you, then cheer up and forget about it by bedtime.
WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...
Smartly acerbic, conventionmocking B-movies like An American Werewolf In London and The Lost Boys, although it’s far less memorable than either.
Previous installments Arthur And The Invisibles or Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. Failing that, you’ll spot similarities to betterknown fare like The Ant Bully.
Martin Scorsese’s far superior Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) included laughs – while Main Street never does. Burstyn’s key role in both films somehow resonates.
TOP TRIVIA
Gillespie makes his first foray into wry horror after the delightfully skewed 2007 tragicomedy Lars And The Real Girl. Good timing – he’s also slated for Pride And Prejudice And Zombies.
The cast has always been oddly music-sourced – David Bowie voiced Maltazard in the first film, while Lou Reed has played the baddie since, with Iggy Pop on hand as his son Darkos.
This was Pulitzer-decorated screenwriter Horton Foote’s (19162009) last work. Alas, it won’t quite be remembered alongside his stellar adaptations of To Kill A Mockingbird and Tender Mercies.
WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW
Less effective than the original, despite lashings of 3D gore.
Passable but charmless affair that proves animation isn’t Besson’s forte.
Affecting yet frustrating drama that avoids tackling an intriguing premise.
RATE OR SLATE?
★★★✩✩
★★✩✩✩
★★★✩✩
48 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
FILM | NEW RELEASES
The Change-Up
Dark Country 3D
The Change-Up Straw Dogs
Dark Country 3D
Super
Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, David Dobkin (director)
James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgård, Rod Lurie (director)
Thomas Jane (actor/writer/ director), Lauren German, Ron Perlman, Con Schell
Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, James Gunn (director)
‘Who says men can’t change?’
‘Everyone has a breaking point.’
‘One wrong turn... Into the dark.’
‘Shut up, crime!’
Ex-buddies Mitch and Dave grew apart as adults – one became a harassed lawyer and father, the other an immature bum. After a heavy night out, they both awoke to a major identity crisis.
Screenwriter David Sumner and his wife relocate to Mississippi, where Sumner hires his wife’s exboyfriend (Skarsgård) to fix their house, leading to strange goings on with an odd cast of locals.
Las Vegas newlyweds Dick and Gina drove off into the desert night on a honeymoon. Unsurprisingly, three soon became a crowd after they picked up an injured pedestrian.
A downtrodden cook lost his beautiful wife to a flashy drug dealer. Unable to let her go, he designed a crime-fighting alterego – Crimson Bolt – to take his beef to the streets.
See both Bateman and Reynolds playing against their usual type by wallowing in a movie so staggeringly crass that they occasionally look almost apologetic.
Watch a remake of a classic, oncebanned 1970s movie. The original was directed by Sam Peckinpah, starred Dustin Hoffman and was set in rural England. It will take a fine film to beat it.
Witness a fairly plucky – if not entirely successful – attempt by a young film-maker to wring creepy low-budget thrills from a somewhat unoriginal tale.
Argue over its merits at length – this alarmingly brutal, sourly comic oddity is by no means everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly attempts a new twist on the genre.
It’s yet another body-swap comedy – amazingly, that well has yet to run dry for Hollywood – so Big, Freaky Friday, The Switch, Vice Versa...
Remakes of classic films, or perhaps hit vampire TV show True Blood in which Skarsgård also plays a menacing character in a small southern town.
Either of the two X-Files feature films – although his directorial debut is a far more naïve, Jane does partly succeed in generating a similar sense of eerie discomfort.
Kick-Ass, which approached a very similar premise from a far safer angle. You‘ll also get a whiff of Will Smith’s deeply flawed protagonist in 2008 superhero satire Hancock.
As if to prove the above point, this is the second film in two years (see also 2009’s 17 Again) in which Mann has played the wife of a man who ‘wakes up’ in a different body.
Dustin Hoffman apparently gave director Rod Lurie his blessing to make the film. But the real question is: would the famously irascible Sam Peckinpah have approved?
Jane always planned for this to be shown in 3D format, but initial screenings didn’t bother to do so. Now showing as he’d intended, it’s a rare example of 3D offering a genuine improvement.
Kick-Ass beat Super to release by a year, prompting accusations of plagiarism. Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar always defended Gunn though, noting that the two projects developed almost simultaneously.
After a couple of crude laughs? You’ll get little more.
Straw Dogs didn’t need to be remade. We just hope it does justice to the original.
Ambition far outstrips ability, but some fun moments crop up.
Insanely violent genre spoof made hugely memorable by its incongruity.
★★✩✩✩
PREVIEW
★★★✩✩
★★★★✩ OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 49
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EATING OUT We like to think of this section as something more than a dining guide, or a forum for performing hatchet jobs on mediocre restaurants. If a restaurant is worth visiting, you will find it on these pages. But as well as bringing you our verdict on the newest kids on the block, in each review – and throughout the section – we try and highlight topics we feel need to be focused upon. Whether that’s the lofty issue of sustainability or the worrying percentage of hotels and restaurateurs who feel the UAE needs yet another steakhouse (it doesn’t), we endeavour to spark debate, to create a mood of excitement around restaurants and food in the UAE. That is why, this month, we bring you the first recipe column from British chef and household name Gary Rhodes (p54). Gary’s eponymous Mezzanine and Twenty10 restaurants are two of Dubai’s most popular, and with the launch of Rhodes In Residence at Grosvenor House’s new Tower Two and the imminent arrival of his first Abu Dhabi restaurant at the St Regis, he is going to be spending a lot more time in the UAE. Discussing ideas for the column with Gary, his passion for food, his ability to bring it to life in words and his unfettered enthusiasm for the project left us convinced the column is going to be an unqualified success. On top of drafting Gary into Team What’s On, we’ve introduced a new ‘cook a classic’ feature (p63) to eliminate some of the fear we all feel when attempting to cook a timeless dish. For the first of these, one of Dubai’s most talented young chefs, Verre’s Nick Alvis, breaks down the simple steps to preparing steak tartare. And as if that weren’t enough excitement for one month, we’ve also launched The Connoisseur – a new, instructive column that we hope will demystify the wonderful, but daunting, world of wine (p57). Reflet par Pierre Gagnaire’s expert sommelier, Julien Coron, who assisted us with the first column, was just as excited as we were to explore new territory. You can also enjoy our verdict on Richard Sandoval’s Toro Toro (p58), Reflet’s new Friday brunch alternative (p53), a round-up of new menus (p60) and new brunches (p64). Plus, as always, our monthly Twitter recipe, and all the new openings and food news. You lucky beggars, you.
MONTE CARLO BEACH CLUB
Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 51
EATING OUT
Toro Toro Richard Sandoval’s new Latin American restaurant is onto a winning formula, but is the food any good? It’s no secret that many of the UAE’s restaurants are empty. And, as hotels don’t need to make piles of cash from serving people food, most are happy to keep ambling forward, propelled by a slow drip, drip, drip of all too often uninspired customers. There are exceptions. Zuma and La Petite Maison are two restaurants that seemed to land in the desert with full reservations books and loyal customers. Why? Well, they are international brands, which helps. But that’s not it. Their kitchens consistently turn out a range of high quality small plates, encouraging sharing and thus conversation. And, in Zuma’s case, a reliable restaurant is paired with a lounge/cocktail bar to keep the minglers mixing. And so to Toro Toro, celeb chef Richard Sandoval’s Latin American restaurant at Grosvenor House’s new Tower Two, which couldn’t be more different to his homely Mexican at Le Royal Méridien. It’s altogether bigger, brasher and more exciting. It follows the winning formula. Spread over two vast floors, the restaurant is downstairs while a bar/lounge replete with DJ and Latin cocktail bar resides upstairs. With a design featuring wrought iron prison bars, and slender hostesses to escort diners to their tables, it has the exclusive feel of a private member’s club. We’re talking sultry, a little bit naughty, and guaranteed to be a hit with the same trendy crowd that frequents Zuma. The venue wows, and the menu of sharing plates, inspired by Brazilian, Peruvian, Argentinean and Colombian cuisine, is simple
tender braised beef short rib sandwiched between two crisp slices of flatbread along with gooey manchego sheep’s milk cheese, and a small pot of chicken chipotle sauce, which smacked us around the chops with such an intense chicken flavour that we needed the delayed hit of the chipotle spice to refocus. Unfortunately, we’ve had better churassco. It wasn’t bad, and it certainly didn’t spoil the evening, but at Dhs420 for a 560g serving for two, a plate of slightly overcooked steak, lamb chops more medium than the requested medium rare and slightly burnt in places, a sweet lamb sausage and no sauces on the side was disappointing. Though two large pieces of chicken marinated in a forceful achiote sauce did hit the spot. A citrus panna cotta dessert had a nice wobble and enough zing to round things off nicely. And the most impressive thing about Toro Toro? When we went, it was doing more business than most restaurants enjoy after a year in the game. It had only been open a week. and appealing. There’s ‘From the sea’, ‘From the land’, ‘From the garden’ (side dishes) and what is billed as the show-stopping highlight – the churrasco. From the sea, ceviche nikkei was a shrewd blend of ahi (yellow fin) tuna, soy sauce, sweet potato, pickled ginger, cucumber and quinoa, and the combination of fresh and piquant flavours complemented each other like brown shoes do a blue suit. The crust encasing the salt cod croquettes broke between the teeth with a crunch, giving way to smooth subtly flavoured fish.
The star performer, though, was the causa limena, a vibrant purple potato cake firm and moist at once, almost spongy, which wore a hat of swordfish so deeply smoky it woke the mouth up with a start before the soft creaminess of the fish spread across the palate like a silk sheet. The land was just as generous, offering up a sweet pancake, a strip of politely salty halloumi, a fruity smack of tomato jam and a final hit of rich duck to bring it all home at the end. A dreadfully clever mix of flavours. Just as delicious were a plate of
Need to know Location: Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai Tel: (04) 3176000 Web: grosvenorhousedubai.com Open: Sat to Wed 7pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 3am Cuisine type: Latin American Must eat: causa limena Bill for two: Dhs1,000
In tweet form... Dubai’s trendiest restaurants had better watch their backs, and their reservations books – there’s a new boy in town, and he’s not messing about. Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 53
THE CHEF
ROAST CHICKEN BREAST WITH ALMOND CREAM NOODLES (SERVES FOUR)
As he prepares to expand his UAE operations, we introduce our new, and highly esteemed, monthly recipe columnist – chef, restaurateur, cookery writer and TV personality, Gary Rhodes
“I’M GOING TO SHOW YOU HOW TO COOK DISHES THAT WILL WOW BUT WILL BE VERY SIMPLE TO MAKE”
time of year. I will ensure that all the ingredients are available here in the UAE. For my first column, I've gone for an autumn flavour. I have chosen an almond cream sauce served with chicken and pasta. When When you have a dinner party I set about writing a new at home, or even just cook for cookery book, this is the kind a loved one, how often do you of dish I like to add. Roasting try far too hard, put yourself those almond flakes really under pressure and not quite introduces a nutty edge, so carry off what you initially the flavour becomes quite imagined you would? For my distinctive. You are creating new What’s On column, I’m an infusion, so when you’ve going to show you how to toasted off the almonds you cook dishes that will wow but cook them into the very light will be very simple to make. cream sauce. You don’t want You will be able to share this to be over-creamy on the great flavours with very little palate; you want the almonds pressure. I’m going to make to be number one. When the recipes seasonal. But you they are blitzed within the could make the dishes any sauce, the lovely natural oil 54 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
will be released, becoming the essence of the sauce, with that added roasted flavour from the toasting. The great thing is that this sauce is versatile. With a chicken dish it’s sensational, with a pasta dish it works so well because it’s just the right consistency, not too stodgy. Quite often a creamy sauce with pasta can be the worst thing to eat, but I ensure the consistency is loose so that flavour stays as lively from the first bite to the last. If you make it in advance, it keeps for a couple of days. If you don’t add the cream, you could make the stock base, freeze it and then bring it out when you want it, finish creaming it, leave it to infuse and push it through a sieve. Nothing could be simpler.
INGREDIENTS Four chicken breasts (skin on), sea salt, pepper, olive oil, knob of butter, 400g tagliatelle, 50g flaked almonds, two shallots (finely chopped), one glass white wine, 300ml chicken stock, 200ml double cream METHOD For the sauce: Scatter almonds onto a baking tray and toast in the oven until golden brown. Boil together the shallots and white wine, reducing until just three quarters of the liquid remains. Add the chicken stock, stir in the double cream and toasted flaked almonds (keeping a few to sprinkle on top), and simmer sauce for five to ten minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and cool for ten minutes before liquidising in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve. For the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a roasting tray with a splash or two of olive oil. Place the breasts, skin-side down, in the tray and fry on the stovetop for five to seven minutes until golden brown. Turn the breasts and add the knob of butter. Once melted, baste the chicken with the butter and roast in the oven for a further eight to ten minutes until firm to the touch. While the chicken is roasting cook the pasta in boiling salted water until tender but with a slight bite. Drain and return to pan. Once cooked, baste the chicken with any juices left in the tray. TO SERVE Stir the sauce into the pasta and serve with the chicken, sprinkling a few almond flakes over the top.
A taste of things to come This month’s dinner options
THE HUDDLE Does Dubai need another sports bar and grill? Well, with the football season in full swing, the Rugby World Cup down to the serious games and the F1 calendar bubbling to a climax, the one word answer is yes. CityMax Al Barsha, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098000. citymaxhotels.com TEXAS ROADHOUSE Everything is bigger in Texas – so the adage goes. So if you find your tummy constantly growling with hunger, the giant hand-cut steaks at the Texas Roadhouse should shut it up. Texas Roadhouse, The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (800) 382246255. texasroadhouse.com
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GAUCHO The award-winning London-based Argentinean steakhouse is the latest big name restaurant to open its doors at DIFC. We’re not really digging the cowhide interior, but it does tell us one thing – vegetarians keep out. Gaucho, DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. gauchorestaurants.co.uk SHAKESPEARE AND CO. It may not be as popular as its playwright namesake, but Shakespeare’s tenth branch sees the café chain making a bid for a whole new audience in Al Ain Mall. Al Ain Mall, Kuwaitat Area, Al Ain. Tel: (03) 7660333. alainmall.net LE DECK For those who want a taste of the exclusive Monte Carlo Beach Club, without shelling out on club membership (which will set you back a cool Dhs35,000 to Dhs40,000), the new resort’s flagship restaurant, Le Deck, is open for all-day dinning to members and non-members. Sporting a dark, richly coloured interior and an open kitchen, the restaurant will specialise in seafooddominated Mediterranean cuisine from the Levant and French and Italian Rivieras, As well as breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Deck will also put on Friday and Saturday brunches. We like the look of the terrace overlooking MCBC’s pool and landscaped gardens. Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 55
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EATING OUT
The connoisseur Reflets' head sommelier, Julien Coron, explains the basics in the first of our new monthly wine columns
RULES FOR BEGINNERS t You can drink red after white, but you can’t
drink white after red t Don’t spend too much money at the beginning, just explore, and find out what kind of wine and what flavours you like t New World (South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA) wines are a good place to start, because you always have the name of the grape on the bottle. With Old World (European) wines, you need to know what grapes grow in what region – this requires research
DEALING WITH SOMMELIERS t Never be afraid of the sommelier, and ask plenty of questions t If you taste a wine and you don’t like it, return it – always
MATCHING VERSUS PAIRING
Wine matching is just as the name suggests. For example, if you serve a sour dish, you pair a sour wine with it. Fish and white wine, meat and red wine – that’s simple wine matching. There is no room for error. There won’t be any mistakes. Wine pairing involves thinking about finding a wine to complement a flavour e.g. pairing a strong Roquefort cheese with a sweet Sauterne. Or serving a rich, pan-fried foie gras with a Merlot – something velvety, a bit rich, with tannicity (the level of tannin or bitterness). It will go against the richness of the foie gras and create a pleasant result.
ESSENTIAL KIT
Purchase a carafe and, if you only buy one type of glass, make it a large one with straight sides – the Bordeaux glass is a great all-rounder
DECANTING YOUR WINE
Decanting a bad wine will make it better; decanting a good wine will also improve it. It’s win-win. It makes a sharp edge smoother and mellows the acidity. You can carafe white or red, but there are a few rules. Carafe Chardonnay, and it will smooth out the flavour, bring out the complexity. But don’t carafe more aromatic wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis. If it’s a 1982 Bordeaux, decant it.
Tasting How to taste your wine
STEP ONE
Tilt the glass and look at the wine against a white background to see its colour, and to check it’s not cloudy. Quickly smell it to see that it’s not corked or oxidised.
STEP TWO
Once you have had your first nose, swirl the wine in the glass to allow more oxygen into it and expand the flavour. Put your nose in, close your eyes and think back to the past – it’s all about memories. The scent should be more pronounced.
STEP THREE
Taste the wine, trying to incorporate air into your mouth, like washing your mouth out when brushing your teeth.
Wine guide Wines you should have in your cellar Sauvignon Blanc – An aromatic white with a scent of asparagus and gooseberry; serve with fish (avoid creamy sauces), salad, or as an aperitif Chardonnay – Dry, buttery and a prime candidate for the carafe; drink with white meat or fish in a creamy sauce Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied and peppery; drink with red meat Malbec – A pungent red, which goes well with duck Merlot – This velvety red with hints of plum is an ideal accompaniment to red meat Pinot Noir – Low in tannins, this light red has a cherry character, and works well with fish and any meat Shiraz/Syrah – A rich, spicy, musky red to sip with red meat dishes Riesling – This sweet German wine is not for beginners, but it goes well with spicy foods Gewurztraminer – Found in cool climates in France, Northern Italy, Australia and New Zealand, this aromatic white with hints of exotic fruit goes well with spicy foods Rose – Ideal for a lazy sunny day; goes well with salads. Avoid anything too tinted or fruity Champagne – Try and lay your hands on Louis Roederer or Jacquesson Cava – Julien’s favourite sparkling wine Sauternes – From Bordeaux, the king of sweet wines
NEXT MONTH: SOUTH AMERICAN WINES OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 57
EATING OUT
On the menu Light bites for news hungry food lovers
Reflets Culinary Friday Lunch
WORKING LUNCH When it comes to lunch, most of us can just about muster a quick pop to the shops for a sandwich. However, The Ivy's new business lunch menu could tempt us to actually take our allocated lunch break seriously. Crispy duck salad and chicken Milanaise for only Dhs150? Better start scheduling those meetings around lunchtime. The Ivy, Emirates Towers, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3198767. theivy.ae CHEESED TO MEET YOU We at What’s On always, without fail, save a little space for some cheese and wine. It’s in the foodie warrior’s code. So don’t be surprised if you see our faces at the Cavalli Club’s new cheese and wine night every Tuesday. Reservations required. Tues, Cavalli Club, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3329260. cavalliclubdubai.com LA DOLCE VITA The Milan-inspired Armani/Peck deli has introduced a new Power Lunch menu for something a bit classier than a cheese and pickle sarnie for lunch. Two courses will set you back Dhs130, or you can splash out Dhs160 for the threecourse menu. Armani/Peck, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs130 to Dhs160. Tel: (04) 8883444. armanihotels.com THINKING BIG If you’re trying to impress, then it’s hard to find a better place for a working lunch than the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere. The Grill’s new High Lunch gives you the choice of two or three courses for Dhs200 or Dhs300 respectively. Steep, in more ways than one. At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, Dhs200 to Dhs300. Tel: (04) 8883444. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com 58 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Not surprisingly, Friday afternoon is a little different at Michelin grand master Pierre Gagnaire’s Reflets From noon until four o’clock on a Friday is a time set aside for a pursuit that has become a UAE institution. Brunch. Other countries do brunch, it wasn’t born in the desert, but we do it differently here. In Europe, it is for late risers, a means of recovering from a late night. Elsewhere it is just a combination of two words, and two meals. But here it is the main event. A giant feast, a paean to gluttony, several hours of pure, unadulterated indulgence. Dubai even has its own section on Wikipedia’s entry for brunch. But with ubiquity and popularity comes confusion,
tedium and a decline in quality. How often have you signed up to a brunch only to find upon arrival that the buffet is stacked with mediocre staples, the drink list is limited and substandard and you’ve finished eating an hour into proceedings? Too often, that’s the answer. The solution is Reflets’ new culinary Friday lunch. It might share a time slot with every other Friday brunch, but it is an altogether superior affair. Not only does the price tag allow less committed food lovers than we the chance to experience the inventiveness of the Reflets kitchen and the knowledge of sommelier Julien Coron, which you can absorb in our new wine column (p57), but the quality of the food and drink is far greater than nine out of ten UAE brunches. There have been dishes that haven’t quite worked, but the food at Reflets
has never disappointed us. Not once have we stepped into the private lift feeling anything but happy. The Friday lunch menu is four courses, plus a few bits and bobs. We enjoyed four small amuse bouche – the best, and most inventive, of which was a broccoli sorbet with camel milk foam. This was followed by a lovely piece of poached cod with a lobster salad, then a garlicky lamb roast, carved tableside and served with fricassee potatoes, onions, pickles and a rich jus deliciously spiked with Roquefort, a cheese course and, finally, one of Pierre Gagnaire’s famous multi-faceted desserts. All of this washed down with a selection of fine wines. Brunch, be damned. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, noon to 2pm, Dhs250, Dhs390 with wine pairings. Tel: (04) 7011127. ichotelsgroup.com
NEW MENUS With summer on its way out, now is the time for restaurants to revamp their menus NAME: PEPPERCRAB CUISINE: SINGAPOREAN MENU: Beyond the silly indoor forest at Grand REOPENING Hyatt Dubai lies Peppercrab – a popular Singaporean restaurant that has recently undergone a ‘soft’ refurb and menu relaunch. Despite a loyal clientele, it had become a bit drab, and while the décor update hasn’t transformed it into one of the most memorable locales in town, it’s still a welcoming environment. On a Wednesday night, without promotion, the reopened restaurant was fuller than most in Dubai. Why? Well, it probably wasn’t prawn crackers, though they came with some excellent dipping sauces. Nor the lovely, crunchy shrimp wanton, assorted satay skewers, heavy fried mantou buns or strangely sweet salt and pepper calamari. No, though the appetisers did their job, as did a side of kang kong belacan (better known as morning glory) and a dessert of jasmine tea crème brulee, it is the eponymous peppercrab that brought the punters back through the door. Bib in place, and a selection of pokers, pullers and crunchers laid out before you, the Namibian golden crab (sweeter than the mud crab, which is also an option) arrives – all hard shell and once-menacing claws. It’s a challenge. Food as sport. Fun on a plate. Stir-fried with pepper and chilli, providing a balance to the sweet, sweet flesh, which extracted, messily, one small mouthful at a time, it's divine. Crab is so much better than the overrated and ubiquitous 60 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
PRICE: Five courses Dhs195, six courses Dhs215, seven courses Dhs235. Rococo, Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4484848. sofitel.com
Peppercrab lobster so often found on UAE menus. And we will certainly be returning to take up the challenge once more – next time with a big group of friends. PRICE: An expensive Dhs1,640 for two (Dhs70 per 100g of crab, Dhs700 for 1kg). Peppercrab, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.grand.hyatt.com NAME: ROCOCO CUISINE: ITALIAN MENU: Italians tend to be very proud of their cuisine and, as a rule, don’t like things to be tampered with. Therefore, Rococo’s Italian chef Vladimiro Gadioli’s attempt to combine hearty Italian ingredients with refined Gallic elegance is a brave one. The newly introduced five, six or seven-course degustation
menus are the perfect way to test how well this concept holds up. Forget the over-ordered bruschetta and the rich pasta dishes swimming in pools of sauce. Instead you can expect inventive bite-sized delights, such as vodka lobster carpaccio and goat's cheese gnocchi in saffron broth. It is real Italian food – just not as you know it. Other dishes, such as the squid ink tagliatelle and the panseared scallops with polenta croutons, are clever little demonstrations of cooking with classic Italian ingredients that are all too often overlooked in restaurants. While almost everything on the degustation menu is available in a larger portion on the menu proper, why would you bother when you can have seven dishes for a commendably equitable price?
NAME: BATEAUX DUBAI CUISINE: INTERNATIONAL MENU: Already the best of Dubai’s floating restaurant options, the moodily lit, romantic Bateaux has attempted to breathe new life into its menu with a couple of new additions. The poached salmon with ratatouille and the pepper crusted veal, while not revolutionary, bold, or even terribly good, are better than the competition’s predominantly buffet based stomach fillers. And it’s not really about the food, is it? Even if it really should be. Lovely setting, mind. PRICE: Three courses Dhs330 per person, Dhs450 with house beverages. Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek, Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai. Tel: (04) 3994994. bateauxdubai.com Rococo
Bateaux Dubai
FOUR MORE TO TRY…
Traiteur TRAITEUR Hot List regular Traiteur can be relied upon to serve up the best French fare in town. Chef Franck Detrait’s new dishes include comte stuffed scallops, herb-crusted frogs’ legs and Brie de Meaux ice cream. Nobody does it like the French, do they? Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com ANGAR If you believe that variety is the spice of life, you will gobble up the new tasting menus at Angar. Choose from four set courses of either vegetarian or ‘non-vegetarian’ Indian dishes. The watermelon desi shooter provides a recommended early livener, grilled salmon with dill cucumber is the pick of the seafood platter, and the crispy chilli garlic cauliflower with broccoli khichidi on the vegetarian menu’s platter will tempt even the most committed carnivore. The brownie samosa, meanwhile, finishes both selections sweetly. Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Wed to Mon, lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner 7pm to 11pm, Dhs160. Tel: (02) 6560000. theyashotel.com
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BOCCACCIO It's all change at the InterCon's unpretentious Italian after renovations to extend its open kitchen, with a new menu and new sous chef Federica Picconi. Start with air dried beef, before the healthy tagliolini with clams, mussels and white wine. Don't leave without trying the warm chocolate cake; its ingredients include chili pepper and cocoa mousse for a subtle kick. InterContinental, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, lunch Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 3am, dinner daily 6pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com A.O.C FRENCH BRASSERIE Put the words French and brasserie together, and you immediately have our attention. A.O.C doesn’t stray far from the classics with its menu revamp, promising onion soup, moules marinieres and tarte tatin. But there’s nothing better than a well-made classic. Rococo, Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4484848. sofitel.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 61
EATING OUT
Cook a classic: Steak tartare Verre by Gordon Ramsay head chef Nick Alvis explains how to make a classic steak tartare in the first of our cook a classic series INGREDIENTS:
PART ONE 250g good quality beef fillet finely chopped/minced (use the less fatty cuts, such as tenderloin) 25g finely chopped shallot rinsed under cold water 25g finely chopped cornichon (gherkin) 15g finely chopped baby capers rinsed under cold water 10g chopped truffle (optional) 10g chopped parsley 10g chopped chive Table salt to taste PART TWO Table salt 10g Dijon mustard Two egg yolks Truffle oil (to taste) Tabasco (to taste) Worcestershire sauce (to taste)
METHOD:
PART ONE When preparing your ingredients, it’s vital that everything is finely chopped. You want your tartare to be well balanced without having a big crunch of cornichon, for example, or a chewy chunk of beef. Also ensure that your capers and shallot are rinsed, otherwise their individual flavours are too strong. Mix the ingredients together and season with a little salt, tasting to ensure a nicely seasoned mix which is not too salty. PART TWO Put the yolks into a round bottomed mixing bowl, whisk in the mustard and a tiny pinch of salt (this will enable the salt to dissolve, so you don’t have grains in your finished tartare) and start to add a few drops of Tabasco, truffle oil and Worcestershire sauce to create a nice emulsion. Be careful not to be heavy handed with the last three ingredients – you can always add a little more. Finally add the emulsion slowly to the beef mixture and gently fold together until you have a moist but not wet mixture. Check the seasoning and serve with toasted rye bread or chunky chips.
TWITTER RECIPE Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters GREEN PEA AND MINT VELOUTE Boil water/thaw peas/strain. Sear onion w/butter. Add garlic/thyme/chicken stock. Cook 4 min. Add cream, mint/spinach, blend, sieve, season. Alexandre Pernetta, chef de cuisine, Bord Eau Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 63
EATING OUT
THE NEW BRUNCH BUNCH With the brunch season back in full swing this month, it's time to check out what’s new on the scene
JazzSumptuous brunch
WHAT? The folks at the Ibn Battuta Gate are taking your Friday brunch up a notch, with live cooking stations from two of the hotel’s restaurants, amazing music and entertainment for children. It’s not often you’re serenaded by a singer who has performed with John Lee Hooker while tucking into your wasabi prawns, before nipping next door to see what former Welsh rugby international Colin Charvis has to say about the World Cup matches, but that was our day out when we visited. We barely had time to dash back to sample the Willy Wonka-esque delights of the dessert room. Children are catered for too, with a petting zoo (featuring puppies, bunnies, snakes, a parrot and more) and a bouncy castle, plus their own buffet, all supervised so parents can relax with a glass of Laurent Perrier and a plate of cheese. WHERE? Al Bahou, Ibn Battuta Gate WHY? A vast spread, good price options, petting zoo, jazz supremo Ptah performing and rugby action with live commentary. HOW MUCH? Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with sparkling wine and house beverages, Dhs495 with Laurent Perrier, Dhs95 for children
rare melding of quality and quantity, with added views of tumbling snow-seekers on Ski Dubai’s slopes. WHERE? Kempinski Hotel WHY? Not unsurprisingly, it’s ideal for families, or anyone looking to take things easy for a change. HOW MUCH? Dhs195, children Dhs50, family of four (two adults, two children) Dhs395. Fri and Sat, Kempinski Hotel, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, 11.30am to 5pm. Tel: (04) 4095999. kempinski.com
aged seven to 12 and free for under sixes. Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, The Gardens, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 4445613. moevenpick-hotels.com
Sezzam Family Brunch
WHAT? A booze-free affair, the new brunch at Sezzam prides itself on being a familyfriendly extravaganza, with the emphasis on good food. The dozen live cooking stations up the brunch game, notably the barbecue meat counter, eclectic pasta section, plus entire candy and ice cream selections. A
THREE MORE TO TRY… IMPERIUM It might be an Ottoman restaurant, but Imperium’s new Friday brunch promises French brasserie cuisine, cold cuts, roasts, artisan cheeses and seafood. There will be the regulation ‘live jazz’ to keep the beat, and afterwards you can make your way to the Voda Bar After Brunch Party for buy one get one free drinks from 4pm to 9pm. Imperium, Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Crescent Road West, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs275 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs550 with champagne. Tel: (04) 4530444. jumeirah.com 64 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
BLUE RAIN We like Blue Rain. The Thai food is as good as any in town and, even better, the staff are passionate about it. So we’ll certainly be visiting the new Friday brunch with its five-course menu. It’s always nice to see an a la carte brunch. Quality and originality are often the first casualties of a buffet. Blue Rain, Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs300 without alcohol, Dhs400 with house beverages, Dhs490 with champagne. Tel: (04) 3722323. ritzcarlton.com
ARMANI/PECK We’ve eaten some lovely food at Armani’s Italian deli, so the new buffet brunch is on our must visit list for October, no question about it. There’s the added bonus of a flexible time frame, offering you the chance to enjoy three hours at any time between noon and 6.30pm. Armani/Peck, Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 6.30pm (three hours maximum per table), Dhs240 for soft drinks, Dhs340 house beverages, Dhs550 champagne. Tel: (04) 8883888. dubai. armanihotels.com
MODERN. CONTEMPORARY. ABU DHABI ART. 16 - 19 November 2011 Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, UAE abudhabiartfair.ae
Organised by:
Principal sponsor:
Associate sponsor:
ARTS Class acts Station to station The Art Insider Five to see
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND GALLERY ONE, THE PAVILION DOWNTOWN DUBAI
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ARTS
Class acts
Whether you’re a complete beginner, keen amateur or thinking about going pro, the UAE’s increasingly immersive, hands-on cultural scene invites you to get involved with a dazzling array of workshops, classes and courses. Which one will you choose? MAJLIS GALLERY
The first season of painting and drawing workshops at this Bur Dubai stalwart earlier this year proved such a success that there are already plans afoot to repeat the entire experience again but not, unfortunately, until January next year. The good news is that over October and November Majlis will be hosting a series of painting workshops, led by Kevin Dean. Among his many other achievements, the celebrated UK artist and illustrator worked with Fontini Mosaici of Milan to create the stunning floral design adorning the 68 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
courtyard of the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, so it’s safe to say that his Painting Plants workshops will be masterclasses in the genre. Spaces are limited, so book yours now. themajlisgallery.com
TASHKEEL
Offering on-site studio facilities (for members only) in everything from photography to textile printing and CAD as well as a rolling series of creative workshops and courses (for members and non-members alike), this Ned Al Sheba gem will be celebrating its fourth birthday in January, making it a veritable veteran of the UAE’s creative scene. Pretty much a one-stop shop and highly recommended. tashkeel.org
ABU DHABI POTTERY
If you’ve ever felt the urge to get in touch with your inner Demi Moore or Patrick Swayze circa 1990s Hollywood weepie, Ghost, now’s your chance. Homa Vafaie-Farley established her city centre studio in 1994 and, alongside sales and exhibitions of her own work, offers weekly pottery classes for adults and children. abudhabipottery.com
THE JAM JAR
This month, Dubai’s original drop-in arts centre – you can come here to paint and use the studio’s facilities, by the day or even by the hour – continues its commitment to help evolve the local arts community as Discovering Al Quoz, part of tasmena’s MENAlab 2011 project, kicks off. There’s plenty planned to do, but we recommend the Discovery Walks, taking place from October 8 to 28, which aim to reveal the hidden side of Dubai’s most happening arts district-cumindustrial zone. thejamjardubai.com
ARTS
Station to station A recent collaboration between photographers Sinisa Vlajkovic and Mohamed Somji documents the UAE’s few remaining privately owned diesel stations
THE PAVILION
The newest – and one of the most ambitious – of Dubai’s recent run of multi-discipline, multi-functional art spaces, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai takes the notion of a creative hub to a whole new level. With its commitment to promoting the city’s art community to the public, the emphasis may be rather more on the craft than crafts (if you know what we mean), but its open-door policy and revolving programme of creative workshops alongside exhibitions, screenings, lectures and more, ensures there’s always something here to sink your cultural teeth into. pavilion.ae
DUCTAC
Judging by the popularity of recent outings such as West Side Story and The Sound of Music (back by popular demand to a venue near you soon), Dubai’s love affair with the performing arts continues apace. You don’t have to wait until the next big-name show rolls into town, however, to get involved. Ductac runs a series of dance, theatre and musical workshops and courses throughout the year. Step up and take your bow. Its current artist in residence programme, meanwhile [see News Flash, below left], will see a series of one-off artists’ workshops hosted in the Gallery of Light this month. ductac.org
Seeing the light
Auction fever
Emirati painter and sculptor Khawla Darwish, and Egyptian designer and painter Mona Fares pick up the baton this month to become the second pair of artists in residence at Ductac’s Gallery of Light. With visitors actively encouraged to interact with the artist, this is a great opportunity to discover a little bit about what makes the artistic temperament tick. All four resident artists’ work will be shown in the gallery throughout November. ductac.org
The first in a new series of public sales from Ayyam Auctions takes place this month with Art and Antiquities of the Islamic World. Featuring over 50 lots from the 18th and 19th centuries, it promises to be a collector’s paradise. With no paddle to call our own, we’ll be at the public viewings leading up to the event. If you’ve got the dirhams to take part, turn up and get bidding. Viewings Oct 12 to 16, auction Oct 17, Ayyam Art Centre, Dubai, 7pm. ayyamgallery.com
Why the focus on diesel stations? As documentary photographers, we became interested in the individually owned diesel stations for two main reasons: their aesthetic values and unconventional beauty, and their role as micro centres of local community life, where everybody knows everybody and there’s always time for tea and conversation. The UAE’s rapid change and growth is seen by many to be a good thing, yet you don’t seem to agree. Why? Every progressive society has to keep moving forward while at the same time preserving its past, its heritage and its cultural foundations. Our aim was to bring to a wider audience an aspect of life in the UAE that is fast disappearing in the face of mass consumerism, materialism and overall alienation. The exhibition talks about the loss of a ‘local, hospitable and modest culture’ that is now rare in the modern UAE… Emiratis constitute less than 15 per cent of the population, while the expat majority is always in transit – people come, stay a few years, and leave. People live and work in high-rise towers, go to work alone in their cars, and so the feeling of belonging to a wider community is no longer there. Local is replaced by mass, hospitality by arrogance and modesty by greed. That may be the case in most parts of the world today, but we believe that more should be done to encourage and foster a sense of togetherness and community. If you could keep anything in the UAE, what would it be? At the top of our wish list would be the re-emergence of open public spaces similar to town squares, a place where people from various communities, income groups, and nationalities can come together. Nasr Square in Deira served that function well for many years and it's sad to see that it’s currently being torn up – we hope it’s to make way for a new public space. Until Oct 20, Gallery One, The Pavilion, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4477025. pavilion.ae OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 69
THE ART INSIDER
Five minutes with... Pia Copper, curator of Ye Hai, India Darling!, now on show at XVA Gallery
Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock knows the UAE art scene like the back of a Picasso. Do you have an art question for Charles? E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae It seems the art market in the region is seeing its own ‘Arab Spring’, evidenced by what is happening with the auction houses. With October being seen as the start of the season for modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art, what happens now is a good indicator of things to come for the year ahead. Sotheby’s has its sale in London on October 4 and Christie’s in Dubai on October 25. The planned Bonham’s Middle Eastern September sale in Dubai was cancelled during the summer and was rescheduled for January 2012 – this has also been cancelled. At the time of going to press, we understood from senior executives at Bonham’s that they were looking at closing the current office in Dubai. Christie’s has cancelled its jewellery sale, replacing it with an affordable art sale of Middle Eastern work. This is recognised 70 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
as a smart move by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, a spokesperson for which is quoted in a recent interview in The National newspaper as saying, “buyers often found auction houses intimidating and were put off by the exorbitant estimates.” While others argue it is clearly a move to separate the expensive from the less expensive work, and by proxy distinguishing between good and lower quality work. There are other concerns for seasoned collectors. One is the limited availability of great works being offered, with far too much new work now coming from galleries and artists direct to auction. Hala Khayat of Christie’s stated in a recent interview in Canvas, “I don’t think we’re going to get a big collection like the Farsi collection in future sales.” The second worry is the recent departure of all the recognised senior specialists from the leading auction houses. Charlie Moore resigned from Bonham’s in the spring of this year to set up Charles Moore Fine Arts, Dalya Islam resigned from Sotheby’s in December 2010 and William Lawrie took gardening leave from Christie’s following the scandal of The Lost Collection, and then set up Lawrie Shabibi in March of this year. The auction houses play a major role in the market, however, they need to take a hard look at what they do and how they do it. Change is afoot.
Why have you chosen to celebrate India and why now? As far as I know, Ye Hai, India Darling! is one of the first Gulf shows of contemporary Indian art. In the past ten years, artists in India have been making headlines with their avant-garde ideas and talent. The idea was to bring some of this cultural effervescence to Dubai and the UAE. Creatively, India is – and always has been – immensely varied. I wanted to bring some of this vibrancy to the Middle East. Can you tell us a little about your artist selection – why this group in particular? The selection reflects the many preoccupations of India today: religion, society, the environment, and politics. The artists hail from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bhubaneswar… I think that the visitor will feel as though this exhibition is like a garden, full of marvellous flowers, colours and scents that will bring back memories or allow them to visit a little bit of India in Arabia. What’s in it for the viewer? I find myself deeply moved by many of these works, including Maruti Shelke’s wonderful oil portraits of women and men living their daily lives in India, sitting under a mango tree, listening to music or playing with a cat. Others, such as Pradeep Mishra’s Baby make us reflect on the preciousness of life, the idea of reincarnation. Sum up the show in three words Colourful, imaginative, philosophical. Until Oct 30, XVA , DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3585117. xvagallery.com
Get ready to enter the record books. Travel on a journey through the history of the U.A.E to above the clouds and beyond your highest expectations. With timed ticketing for your convenience, visit At the Top, Burj Khalifa to see Dubai as it has never been seen before. For more information please call us on 800 AT THE TOP, or visit www.atthetop.ae to purchase your tickets today.
ARTS
Five to see
ÅTHE STATE: SOCIAL/ANTISOCIAL? ÅTAKE MY TIME
Inspired by Picasso and Klimt, expect to see vivid colours and materials like gold leaf, crystal and glass at Slovenian artist Miro Persolja's three-day exhibition. He is bringing 100 works to the Burj Al Arab and will no doubt amass further fans to add to his list of followers, which includes Silvio Berlusconi and Pope John Paul ll. Burj Al Arab, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 10am to 10pm, free. Tel: (055) 3375269. jumeirah.com/burjalarab
ÉHIGH TENSION
If ever you needed proof that a picture can convey a thousand words, this retrospective of Dutch photographic artist Erwin Olaf’s career is it. Beautifully lit stills and tableaux tell of stories and lives far beyond the confines of the frame. Until Nov 10, Carbon 12, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 4644392. carbon12dubai.com
ÑEMIRATI
EXPRESSIONS
Featuring photographs by Emirati artists that were developed through a series of workshops led by photographer Stephen Shore earlier this year. Essentially an exploration of what it means to be Emirati – and the universality of ‘being’, full stop – this is another artistic feather in the cap for Saadiyat Island. From Oct 19, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 4061400. artsabudhabi.ae 72 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
An ambitious start to the autumn exhibition season, this collaboration between The Third Line and Traffic draws on the not inconsiderable body of artists represented by each gallery, along with private works from the Farook Collection. Curated by Rami Farook, works from artists including Banksy, Tracey Emin, Huda Lufti, James Clar and Youssef Nabil will be on display across both galleries in an attempt to question and investigate the state of society, both local and global. Until October 20,The Third Line, behind Spinney’s Warehouse, Al Quoz 3, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3411367. thethirdline.com. Traffic, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3470209. viatraffic.org
ÇBRAVE NEW WONDERLAND
Fantasy and reality come together in this playful show by Jennifer Simon, her fourth solo exhibition in Dubai. Familiar local scenes form the backdrop to her work, but it’s the element of surprise – in flashes of colour or the inclusion of unlikely, slightly surreal objects – that lifts this beyond mere illustration. Oct 15 to Nov 10, Majlis Gallery, Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3535550. themajlisgallery.com
SONIC CHAIR
SHOPPING
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Shop talk Shoe people Bachelor pad Playlist
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 75
Shop talk
The hottest news from the region’s stores with Deputy Editor Helen Spearman
Wardrobe woes
I loved the blouses on the AW/11 runways but I can’t afford the designer prices. Any suggestions to master the trend on the cheap? Salma Abu Dhabi Sophia Serin, Editor of Emirates Woman: H&M has a stellar selection of blouses that can be dressed up with a set of pearls, boyfriend blazer, belt or ballet pumps. Word of warning: don’t go overboard with too many pleats, pussycat bows and puff sleeves – they’ll leave you looking dowdy rather than whimsy.
FACEBOOK DOES FASHION
Technology has gone timeless with the launch of online boutique Wayed Vintage. Through its Facebook page you can browse accessories sourced from all over the world, including 1980s Swarovski earrings for Dhs350 and rare Chanel pieces. facebook.com/WayedVintage
Taking place from October 20, Dubai Fashion Week will be previewing the Spring/Summer 2012 collections from Middle Eastern and international designers including Jelin George, Mumbai Se and Zori Couture. The gloriously glam week attracts the region’s fashionistas with a host of parties. For your chance to win two invites to watch catwalk shows for a whole day, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘DFW’ in the subject line and the answer to this question: Which of the following is not a coveted label? A) Celine B) Chanel C) C&A
A TASTE OF THE BIG APPLE
Pop-up stores haven’t quite caught on in the UAE yet, but NYC favourite Bloomingdale’s is leading the way with a six week shopping festival celebrating the city that never sleeps. With temporary stores dedicated to popular neighbourhoods, a Yankee outlet, specially designed merchandise from more than 90 designers (check out the men’s tees), street carts serving hot dogs and pretzels, plus a special appearance by none other than Eva Longoria, we bet the New York New York festivities will have you parting with your bottom dollar. Until Nov 12, Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333. bloomingdales.com
THIS MONTH WE’RE BUYING… NEW SUNGLASSES Another month, another excuse to buy another pair of sunnies to add to your collection. We'll bet you can't resist these limited edition shades, handmade from natural bamboo and tea wood (Dhs750) from super chic French brand Waiting For The Sun. You won’t want to sit on these/ leave them in Barasti/be seen without them. Beach Hut, The Walk, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4243191. leisuremarine-me.com
HOW TO... SHINE YOUR SHOES 1
Clean dust and dirt off your shoes with a damp rag
WIN! TICKETS TO DUBAI FASHION WEEK
2
Cover with shoe polish, rubbing in circular motions and into the seams
Trend alert
We’re coming over all ladylike this autumn, taking our cues from Lady Gaga in this Salvatore Ferragamo ensemble, albeit a more toned down take on the trend (those specs would give us a headache). If you want to emulate the queen of quirkiness then hot foot it down to vintage boutique Bambah to swipe this hound’s-tooth frock (Dhs630). Bambah, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (050) 6741754. bambah.com
Keep your footwear as good as new with this handy guide to shining your shoes
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After 15 minutes, brush vigorously with a horsehair brush to remove
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Buff your shoes with a cotton cloth or old T-shirt until they gleam
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SHOPPING
Shoe peo Sick of seeing the ubiquitous red sole everywhere? Here’s our pick of the up-and-comers, red carpet favourites and soon to be super-brands
Charlotte Olympia
Who? After graduating from London’s Cordwainers shoe school, Charlotte Olympia Dellal set up her eponymous label. Her work is sold globally, with designers including Alice Temperley featuring the line in their runway shows. She’s also quite the It-girl herself. What’s her style? Classic shapes, stacked platforms and vibrant colours, with each shoe handcrafted in Italy and adorned with a gold spider web on the sole. Any celeb fans? Lots. Blake Lively, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted in Dellal’s designs. How much? Pretty steep, with platform pumps setting you back about Dhs3,500. Where from? Symphony, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3308050. charlotteolympia.com
Ruthie Davis
Who? Following jobs with Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger and Ugg, Ruthie Davis started her own footwear line, which is the polar opposite of those cosy sheepskin boots. What’s her style? Patent, spiked and very, very high. These shoes look like they could do damage, both to your floorboards and your bank balance. Any celeb fans? The taste-makers in LA. Think Rihanna, Whitney Port, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga. How much? Depending on the style, you’ll be forking out at least Dhs1,700. Where from? Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333. ruthiedavis.com
Camilla Skovgaard
Who? At age 20, Denmark-born Camilla spent seven years in Dubai working in women’s couture. After leaving she studied shoe design, creating her own line that was bought by Saks Fifth Evenue while she was still a student. A raft of awards followed and her shoes are now available in 33 countries worldwide. What’s her style? Architectural, with plays on constraint and cutouts, plus the giant soles that have become her signature. Any celeb fans? Fashion-forward starlets like Kristen Stewart, Vanessa Hudgens and Rachel Bilson. How much? From around Dhs1,700 for sandals to Dhs3,000 for ankle boots. Where from? Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098888. camillaskovgaard.com 78 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
ple Brian Atwood
Who? Put simply, he’s the new Louboutin. Atwood’s background in art and architecture put him in good stead at New York’s F.I.T fashion institute, where he honed his style. After graduating he worked as a model then clawed his way up at Versace, eventually becoming the head designer of accessories before starting his own label. What’s his style? Decadent, modern and sexy, with a mix of essential designs (neutral peep-toe pumps) and the attention grabbing (multicoloured python platforms). Any celeb fans? Everyone A-list has worn Atwood, with Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey glamming up her basic black gown with some of his pink suede shoes at this year’s Emmy Awards to much acclaim. How much? From Dhs2,200 for a basic pair of patents to an eye-watering Dhs7,000 for thigh-high studded boots. Where from? Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098888. brianatwood.com
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Anna Baiguera
Who? Taking over from French Sole as fashionistas’ first choice for flats, Italian designer Baiguera’s family has been in the shoe-making business for decades, with the footwear enthusiast starting her own label in 2010. What’s her style? Prim, but beautifully coloured ballet slippers, either pared down in leather for day-to-day wear, or in bejewelled satin or velvet for evening. Any celeb fans? Oprah has been singing Baiguera’s praises no end. How much? From Dhs485 for a pair of basic ballerinas to Dhs1,075 for animal print designs. Where from? Boutique 1, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3951200. annabaiguera.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 79
SHOPPING
Bachelor Pad
Bring your man cave bang up to date with our pick of the must-have gadgets. And a nice sofa to watch the footie on, too
Nerf Havok Fire Automatic Blaster You’re all grown up, so you can be trusted with this fully automatic foam dart firing weapon. Possibly. Dhs550. play.com
Sonic Chair It’s a speaker that you sit in. Talk about surround sound... You can’t get any closer to the music than this, it comes with a touch screen and it’s a good looking bit of furniture, too. Price on application. sonicchair.de
Samsung UE40C700 It’s a 3D TV. Think of the movie nights, kudos and viewing pleasures. Special DVDs and programmes are slowly coming onto the market, but in our book it’s all about being the first person with the latest bit of kit. Samsung, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. from Dhs10,000. Tel: (04) 3399607. samsung.com
BoConcept Melo Sofa A sofa, a flat bed, a sofa bed, L-shape couch or chaise, this adaptable lounger can accomodate guests without looking shabby. The shade of grey is also handy for hiding smudges. Not that we’re calling you scruffy... BoConcept, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Dhs4,999. Tel: (04) 3414144. boconcept.ae
Chill Pill Ice Tray An essential for evening entertaining and sundowners on the balcony, this Chill Pill ice tray is a good talking point and the jumbo cubes don’t melt quickly. A good quality in a cube of ice. Harvest Home, Jumeirah Centre, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs42. Tel: (04) 3420225. harvesthomegroup.com 80 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Dyson Air Multiplier AM01 This isn’t a fan. It ‘fires’ air at you, but still isn’t a fan. Apparently. Regardless, Sir James Dyson is a bit of a genius so we’ll forgive the confusion; it looks cool, keeps you cool and there are no blades to chop your fingers off. Jumbo Electronics, various locations, Dhs1,199. jumbocorp.com
Playlist
EXPERIENCE OURÂ NEW
A triple threat for your eyes, ears and entertainment
FRIDAYÂ BRUNCH
DVD SENNA
(Universal Pictures)
AED
Despite often being hailed as the greatest racing driver of all time, the story of Ayrton Senna is ultimately one of tragedy. This documentary explores the extraordinary story of the Brazilian’s career and his struggle through the ranks of Formula One to become a global superstar. Don’t be put off by the idea that this is just another ‘sports film’ – while it is heavy on archive footage, it skilfully manages to avoid being bogged down in racing folklore, instead telling a story of inspiration, rivalry and, ultimately, tragedy. Virgin Megastores, Dhs85
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ALBUM PIERRE RAVAN KARAVAN (Clubstar)
Shaven-headed spiritual house guru Pierre Ravan revives his semi-regular series of KaRavan mix compilations with these two discs of slinky beats. The 24 tracks certainly reflect the scale of the Dubai-based globetrotter’s almost tantric-level marathon DJ sets. And though most represent a deep house education, Ravan slides in several widely known club players (Sander Kleinenberg, Robert Owens) beside undiscovered gems and his own productions. Virgin Megastores, Dhs110
@ WEST SIDE RESTAURANT Fridays 12 noon – 4 pm
GAME PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2012
(Konami on Xbox360/PS3)
The annual release of the popular PES series is often the highlight of a gamer’s year. However, as always it brings with it the same incessant arguments about how it weighs up against EA rival Fifa12. One thing is clear, aside from some noticeable graphic updates, this latest offering is in no way a radical departure from last year’s model – but it does confirm that realism has well and truly replaced the arcade element to the game. The gameplay has become grittier and player movements have been toned-down, both of which add to the game’s realism. Geekay Games, Dhs269
*Subject to 10% service charges and 6% tourism fees
For rates and group offers, please contact: Oryx Hotel Abu Dhabi, Zayed the First Street, Khalidiya Phone: 02 681 0001, reservations@oryxhotel.ae, www.oryxhotel.ae
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 81
BALANCE WELL BEING 360
MIND & BODY
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Body talk Five of the best... The science of sleep Visia facial assessment OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 83
Body talk News, reviews, giveaways and more from the world of well-being
Beauty dilemma I’m going travelling for a few weeks and showers will be limited. How can I keep my dark hair looking good (and not greasy!) for the holiday photos? Jess, JLT, Dubai
the new breed of sprays is suitable for brunettes, revitalising and adding shine between washes. We love Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo Dark (Dhs45 from Spinneys, Le Marche Dry shampoo is your saviour. and Geant). It’s a suitcase and Previously akin to talcum powder, desk drawer essential.
BARGAIN BEAUTY
New spa Zen Asia promises to transform you from frumpy to foxy with the help of some experts, a giant box of cosmetics and just Dhs399. Ideal for a special night out, the Diva Ready package (normally Dhs560) includes make-up using M.A.C products, a haircut, blow-dry and styling, plus a nail polish change with Essie colours. You’ll pick up some tips, too. Zen Asia, W Cluster, JBC 5, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4572374
NEW OPENING OF THE MONTH Balance is a vast, Asian-inspired space that dominates the top floor of the Oasis Centre. You’ll find themed rooms for hydrotherapy, Ayurvedic treatments, Hammams, yoga and more, and it’s a surprisingly luxurious spa for a mall, with a huge treatment menu, exercise classes and healthy café next door. We especially liked the Crystal Healing Facial (Dhs350 for 90 minutes), which uses rose quartz and organic products. And the cookies they serve afterwards are tasty, too. Balance Well Being 360, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3847010. balance-wellnesscentre.com
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Three ways to show your support and raise some money for a worthy cause
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Lingerie store K-Lynn has launched a campaign to promote awareness, giving away vouchers for free mammogram screenings at Dubai London Clinic. Go to the Mall Of The Emirates branch to take the pledge and you’ll have your photo taken for a window display. Spread the word. K-Lynn, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3410708
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This month, Aromatherapy Associates is donating proceeds from its Renew Rose Hydrating Mask (Dhs270) to Breast Cancer Awareness. It’s perfect for dry, sensitive skin and is a fantastic after-sun cooler straight from the fridge. Amara Spa at Park Hyatt Dubai and Amrita Spa at Raffles
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The annual Safe & Sound Pink Walkathon from BurJuman mall is taking place on Friday October 28, so mark the date in your diary, gather up some friends and start raising some funds. www.safeandsound.ae
Super hands It’s all hands on deck (or back) with the new massage at ESPA. Two specially trained therapists use warm volcanic stones and synchronised motions to double your relaxation, with extra stretching to remove tension. Many hands make light work, after all. Four Hand Synchronised Massage, Dhs725 for 90 minutes, ESPA at the Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560862
THIS MONTH WE’RE TREATING YOU TO… SILKOR’S DIAMOND MICRO-DERMABRASION FACIAL Just when we thought the UAE had done it all with the gold ATM machines, a diamond facial comes along. Available at Silkor in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this exfoliating treatment uses a wand studded with real diamonds to stimulate blood circulation and activate collagen for a healthy glow. It also whitens the skin, evening up patchy areas while minimising pores, wrinkles and dark spots, making it perfect for sun worshippers. For your chance
to win this treatment (worth Dhs600), e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘diamond’ in the subject line and the answer to this question… In the song, what are diamonds? a) Forever b) Temporary c) For never
WIN!
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MIND & BODY
Five of the best… hair treats to try Is your crowning glory far from glorious? From new colours to deep conditioning, daring cuts to innovative ingredients, we’ve rounded up the best salons guaranteed to rescue your tresses
WHAT? The Killer Cut WHERE? Toni & Guy Have you had the same haircut since you were 15 years old? Daring to chop your locks? With high stakes, this is the time to go to the tried and tested professionals. Big name cutters Toni & Guy earned its impressive rep over the years with sharp snipping and fashion-forward styling. We went for a drastic change, and watched as four inches of hair fell to the floor. Scary? Oh yes. Worth it? You bet. Guided by style director Alexis we were expertly guided towards a cut that would suit our face shape and overall look, so there was no guesswork and only a mild heart murmur when we looked in the mirror. Toni & Guy, DIFC, Dubai, from Dhs270. Tel: (04) 3303345. toniandguy.com
WHAT? The Conditioning Therapy WHERE? Pastels WHAT? The Quick Colour Change Air conditioning, chlorine, pollution WHERE? Thai Privilege Spa and humidity do not make for happy hair. If your hair needs an immediate Many of us suffer from a dry mop (well, injection of colour and shine – and you don’t parched, to be honest) and off-the-shelf want to subject it to harsh chemicals – then products often aren’t effective in making try the new range of naturally derived semius look like we’ve just stepped out a salon. permanent colours from Italian brand Davines. Unfortunately. So, if you want glossy locks Using ingredients like saffron, ginger, Indian it’s time to bring in the big guns. Pastel’s Kera walnut and rose oil, the Finest Pigments range Hammam treatment takes a mere 15 minutes lasts up to ten washes but the conditioning to transform you from Worzel Gumidge effects will last a lot longer, with the dark to Gisele Bundchen (well, kind of), using colours leaving a lovely gloss for weeks. nourishing ingredients that continue working Thai Privilege Spa, Villa 1074, Al Wasl Road, even after you leave the salon. Dubai, from Dhs240. Tel: (04) 3489679. Pastels, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, from thaiprivilegespadubai.com Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3947393. pastels-salon.com 86 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
WHAT? The Blow Dry WHERE? JetSet More than just a blast of the hairdryer, sleek salon JetSet has teamed up with neighbour N.Bar to offer you a mini makeover; book a mani-pedi (Dhs140) and you’ll pay just Dhs85 for a blow-dry. The hairdo itself left our locks shiny and bouncy, with a fashionable 1970s flick, and took a super speedy 35 minutes. Even better, a quick spritz with hairspray the next morning and it was as good as new. JetSet, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3300886. jetsetdubai.com WHAT? The Super Colour WHERE? Sisters Beauty Lounge The days of salons stinking of ammonia may be numbered, with spas opting for more brands that use natural products. Inoa by L’Oréal is a new hybrid that combines colour with comfort for the scalp and hair. By ditching the ammonia (and accompanying scorching smell), it covers grey but you might need a couple of treatments for the colour to penetrate deep enough for it to really last. We were wowed by the massive range of shades and how soft our hair felt. Thumbs up. Sisters Beauty Lounge, from Dhs500, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3398500. Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 222250. sistersbeautylounge.com
Thai Privilege Spa
MIND & BODY
THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP Sleep is something most of us take for granted. But if you can’t drop off or maintain a good night’s doze, there can be many reasons why. A polysomnography sleep study can determine the causes and help to plan remedies
HOW? Sophisticated technology has been developed to analyse every aspect of your sleep. At the American Center For Psychiatry & Neurology, sleep experts hook you up to around Dhs100,000 of equipment. A raft of electrodes and sensors are WHY? Most people need between connected to your head, face, six to ten hours of sleep per ears, shoulders, throat, stomach, night. It’s vital for health and hand and legs, plugged into a well-being: a lack of shut-eye can small box strapped to your chest, cause everything from fatigue in turn connected to a logging and problems at work to, medical device that records the results. evidence suggests, increased risk These variously monitor depth of cancer, hypertension and lower of sleep (Rapid Eye Movement life expectancy. Too much sleep and ‘non-REM’), brainwaves, can be harmful too, however, and heart rate, breathing, snoring, can also lead to health problems. body position and oxygenation,
as well as muscle, eye and leg movement. Looking a little like an escaped intensive care patient, you then spend the night in your own bed to avoid disruption to your everyday sleep, before returning to the centre the next morning. RESULTS? The combined data is presented as various graphs and statistics and explained by a doctor in detail on a second
visit to the centre. This shows up symptoms of conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea (when breathing temporarily stops during sleep) and hypopnea (abnormally shallow breathing). The consultation also includes reflex, eye, mouth and joint checks, as well as a brief health questionnaire. If this rules out ‘organic’ sleep disruptions, there are several further courses of action, from filling out a sleep diary over a period of two weeks to medication and even, in more extreme circumstances, a psychiatric examination. American Center For Psychiatry & Neurology, behind Khalidiyah Mall, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm, Dhs4,000 to Dhs5,000 (some health insurance schemes will cover this cost). Tel: (02) 6664866. americancenteruae.com
TEN TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP 1 A light snack can aid with sleep but big meals should be avoided as they take more digesting, so your body can’t relax 2 Avoid alcohol within four hours of bed – it has sleep inducing properties, but the quality of slumber you’ll have will be poor 3 Try to sleep when you get drowsy at night – that last episode of True Blood can wait 4 Exercise close to bedtime will keep you awake. If it’s unavoidable, try stretching or yoga to calm your body down 5 Don’t use your bed for watching TV, lounging or playing on your Xbox – it’s for sleeping
6 A regular bedtime and morning alarm will help regulate your body 7 Minimise noise, light and extreme temperatures in the bedroom. Yes, it’s finally time to buy some curtains 8 If you sleep longer at weekends to ‘catch up’, that is actually the real amount of sleep your body needs every night. Take note 9 If you can’t sleep, get up and read quietly in another room, only returning when you’re sleepy 10 If you need to nap during the day limit it to no more than an hour and make sure it’s no later than 3pm
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MIND & BODY
Visia Facial Assessment Will a new analysis system finally encourage you to get serious about the future of your skin?
Think about your skincare routine – is it a quick splash with soap and water? A lengthy session in front of the mirror using pricey products? A guilty sweep with a cleansing wipe before bed? More important than your regimen is why you choose certain products and what skin complaints you’re trying to address. You may think your skin is oily, but a closer inspection may reveal deeper dehydration. You might be considering botox for those fine lines, but sun damage could be the real problem. Technology, as ever, might be the answer, with a machine by Visia at SenAsia’s Express Urban Spa claiming to take the guesswork out of your product shopping and spa time. It promises to profile your face to identify problem areas and underlying issues, then creates a customised prescription to correct and prevent. With a face covered in makeup (have to hide those eye bags…) we went along to put it to the test. The Visia machine looks more like something you’d find in an optician’s than a spa; sleek and modern (and in true sci-fi style it’s hooked up to a laptop, with an extra screen for the client), you place your face in a white sphere, while a camera takes a photo from three angles. Within seconds, the results are in. Gulp. You’ll be talked through the findings with an experienced therapist who, in our case, will stop you panicking about the ‘Brown spots – 96 per cent’ phrase emblazoned on the screen. As it turns out, the higher the percentage the less you have to worry. The assessment looks at eight key skin problems; spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, brown 88 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
spots, red areas and porphyrins (bacteria). You receive a result for each, which is compared to other women in your age group so you can see how you fare against your peers. We walked in worried about open pores and left vowing to use sunscreen after peeking at the UV damage on the lower layers of skin. It wasn’t pretty. Turns out there are a world of potential problems lurking beneath our foundation. The machine even predicts the future, showing you an image of your face in seven year’s time and the complaints you might suffer from if action isn’t taken. Suitably terrified, it was time to address some of those problems. Moving to the therapy rooms, SensAsia has treatments and products on hand to reverse the damage and protect you against predicted perils. To sort out the dehydration, texture and pore problems identified by Visia, we were whisked away for the Super Boost Facial from Dr Dennis Gross, a NYC dermatologist with an impressively effective line of treatments and products.
Want a namby-pamby aromatherapy face massage? Dr Dennis isn’t the man for you. Administered by therapist Wi, the facial boosts your skin with vitamin C and a shedload of tingly active ingredients to minimise pores, plump out fine lines and hydrate at a deep level. It’s not a relaxing hour (apart from some lovely massaging while a mask is doing its thing), but if you’re looking for results it’s a fantastic choice. You leave armed with a print out of your Visia report (stick it on your bathroom mirror to bully you into slapping on the sunscreen), a skin survival guide to keep you on the straight and narrow, an invite for a free mini facial in the next week and, of course, a cup of the famed ginger tea to go. And overwhelming urges to avoid looking like that photo of yourself in seven years. SensAsia Express Urban Spa, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight, Visia Facial Analysis Dhs100 and Super Booster Facial Dhs600. Tel: (04) 3549228. sensasiaspas.com
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SPORT & OUTDOOR
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Sport talk
News, events and your questions answered from the world of sport
Swimming World Cup The best swimmers on the planet are set to make waves at the first leg of the Swimming World Cup. And they’ll be donning their Speedos right here in the UAE. The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex will be hosting 34 races over two days with a cash incentive of US$10,000 (Dhs36,730) for anyone who breaks a world record. Oct 7 to 8, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, Dubai Bypass Road, Dubai, 8am to 6pm, Dhs20. fina.org
WE LOVE IT There are a lot of people in the UAE who don’t just like cricket – they love it. And that includes us. Which is why fans all across the Emirates will be thanking their lucky stars as Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in a three-test series. With Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah each hosting a five-day game, it is sure to be one of the highlights of the UAE sporting calendar. Oct 18 to 22, Zayed International Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, prices to be confirmed. Tel: (02) 5588331. adcricketclub.ae Oct 26 to 30, Sports City, Emirates Road, near Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, Platinum Dhs115 for five days, Premium Dhs80 for five days, regular free. Tel: (04) 4251111. dubaisportscity.ae Nov 3 to 7, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, prices to be confirmed. Tel: (06) 5433154
CYCLE FOR GOOD Fancy a challenge? Well, Gulf for Good is organising a cycle event that will take in all seven Emirates – all in the name of charity. Your legwork and sore behind will help raise money for the Al Manar Charity School in Ajman. Saddle up and start training now. From Nov 28. gulf4good.org
MR FITNESS In his seven years as a personal trainer, James Houghton has helped everyone from West End actresses to the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team lose the pounds and keep in shape
I recently read that drinking fruit juice – even if it’s fresh – isn’t as good as eating fresh fruit. Is this true? Sidney, Satwa The thing with shop bought juice is that the skin or peel is removed when it’s made – and that’s where the fibre is usually found. The benefit of maintaining the fibre from the peel is that it slows the impact and effect of the fruit sugar (fructose) on your blood. This then reduces the amount of insulin 92 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
that is released from the pancreas and helps to maintain a more even and manageable level of blood sugar. The other issue with fructose is that it is not metabolised in the same way as glucose. Because of its unique metabolism, fructose is preferentially converted into triglycerides, or fat, which is then very likely to be stored in the fat cells. Humans evolved eating about 16g to 20g of fructose a day, but nowadays, this quantity has increased to over 85g to 100g, which could explain the higher rates of increased weight and obesity. So, to answer the question – fresh fruit is better. Do you have a fitness question for James? E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
Group Power Normally, the biggest obstacles to working out are the amount of time it takes and the motivation needed, that’s where the new CXWORX classes come in. These intense 30-minute sessions use the ideas of personalised training but in a group environment. CXWORX, The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs50 per session, Dhs425 per month, Dhs1,050 for three months. Tel: (04) 2833071
AQUA NATAL
Just because you’re expecting, doesn’t mean you can’t keep in shape. Aqua natal classes at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club offer gentle exercises in water combined with breathing and relaxation techniques. Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10am and 6pm to 7pm, first session free, Dhs100 per session. Tel: (02) 5588990. aquanatal.info
SPORT & OUTDOOR
Three to try A trio of new exercise classes to get you sweating SCULPT PUNCH Try this if you want… to burn fat fast Vent your aggression in a fun way with this new kickboxing class. Suitable for all fitness levels (but best suited to those who favour blood sports over ballet), trainer Wolfgang Tresize will whip you into shape with punching, kicking and blocking with bursts of cardio. And if a man called Wolfgang can’t sort you out we don’t know who can. Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Mon,
Wed, 6.30pm, Dhs60 members, Dhs80 non-members. Tel: (02) 6970272. sheratonabudhabihotel.com X-TEND BARRE Try this if you want… long, COMING lean limbs SOON A calorie-busting combo of cardio and strength training, X-Tend Barre is a full body work-out set to music that uses stretches from the world of dancing and an array of props like resistance balls, bands and weights. It aims to create a dancer’s physique, toning the whole body in under an hour, but is gentle enough for those getting back into exercise following pregnancy or injury. Classes start from the end of October. Real Pilates, Palm Strip, Beach Road, Dubai, Dh65. Tel: (04) 3453228. real-pilates.com
CAPOEIRA Try this if you want… rhythm and agility We know it looks a bit silly to outsiders, but the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira is worth the temporary embarrassment. An intense session burns calories, helps prevent injuries, improves concentration, helps with musicality and boosts circulation. Aside from the physical benefits, it’s a highly social sport, with ‘players’ connecting through the rhythm of the movements. Instructor Espoleta has taught all over the world and is just back from six months in Brazil. Women only, children’s and adult classes are available throughout the week. Contender MMA Gym, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, Dhs80 per hour or Dhs500 for a month of unlimited sessions. Tel: (04) 3469990. contendermma.com
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SPORT & OUTDOOR
Kickboxing Being a mildmannered pacifist, the idea of throwing – or rather kicking – our staff writer, Matt, out of his comfort zone seemed too good an opportunity to pass up.This month, Matt tackles… kickboxing “I’m a lover, not a fighter!” is the cliché I clung to as I was ushered off to my latest monthly torture. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m as hard as the next guy [as long as the next guy is Milhouse from
The Simpsons – Ed], but I’m yet to come across a dangerous situation that I couldn’t talk myself out of. Well, aside from this monthly mission, that is. Maybe I can be both a lover and a fighter, I assured myself as I headed off to the dauntingly titled KO Gym. LEARNING CURVE While having my wrists wrapped it was hard not to notice the array of championship belts adorning the walls at KO – one of which will, no doubt, one day, in an alternate future, proudly boast my name. My daydreams were quickly shattered as Zack, the owner of the gym, rang the bell. Fight time. My recent exploits
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have involved highly technical sports, so it was a refreshing change of pace to be able to delve straight into the action. However, ten minutes in, and well and truly knackered, Zack explained that the warm-up was nearly done and I almost cried. Oh, boy. CONDITIONING All fighting sports have a heavy focus on fitness. If you’re not fit, you can loose your focus, and sometimes your teeth. That said, it is important to note that the sessions at KO are open to allcomers, from complete novices to lean, mean Fight Club fanatics. The daily sessions involve a lot of aerobic work around the gym, and more star-jumps than there are stars in the sky. If you thought you were fit, you were wrong. PAD WORK Following the gruelling warm up, it was time to pad up. Dividing us into pairs, the trainers ran through the drills for the session:
94 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
jabs, straights, sidekicks, ducks, blocks etc. We then took turns alternatively holding the pads and doing the drills. Despite catching a few stiff kicks from my nononsense partner, and the slight confusion working out which was my leading leg, my confidence grew the more accustomed I became to the combinations. It was tough, but oddly fun. VERDICT The kickboxing sessions at KO are hard work, but ultimately they are a fun and rewarding introduction to the sport. So, while people might not cower in fear at the sight of me walking down the road, perhaps my colleagues will now think twice before sending me away to war again. Then again, probably not. KO Gym, behind Al Maya supermarket, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 6.30pm to 8pm, Dhs60 per session, Dhs1,000 per month. Tel: (050) 2861673
MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE
REPUBLIQUE
p99 Nightlife news p101 Artist of the month p102 Club diary
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 97
for events that dont sell tickis via platinumlist
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Nightlife news The gigs, live shows, giveaways and insider info to keep your social life buzzing
WIN! MINISTRY OF SOUND HEADPHONES
You’re not still wearing earbuds are you? Between Beats by Dre, Sennheisers and Skullcandy, monster headphones are what all the cool kids are rocking. To get you back on track, we have two pairs of Ministry Of Sound headphones, available exclusively from Virgin Megastore, to give away. They are iPod and MP3 compatible and come with a 1.5metre cable, making them ideal for DJing or just mooching about looking good. For your chance to win, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘headphones’ in the subject line and the answer to this question: In which part of London is the original Ministry Of Sound club? a) Giraffe & Cottage b) Warthog & Bungalow c) Elephant & Castle
SWEET LIKE IKANDY With the temperatures tailing off to the mid-30s, which feels positively refreshing after the summer, we’re looking forward to ikandy, the Shangri-La’s glam bar, reopening at the end of the month. It’s totally tropical, with poolside seating, tunes from DJ Jason Kabuki, shisha, drink promotions and a new ladies’ night. And the swimming pool will be lit up in bright pink once the sun sets. Magic. Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 3488888
NEWS FLASH: FRESHLY LACED BECOMES DEEP CRATES Our weekly fix of funk is back with a new name. Casa Latina’s Freshly Laced, one of Dubai’s least pretentious nights out, is now known as Deep Crates, but fear not – the underground feel, street sounds, drink deals and DJs we know and love are still on the scene. Thursdays, Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3996699
Hellish Halloween On the one night of the year reserved for ghouls and creepies, you’d be hard pushed to find a place more appropriate than Metal Asylum’s Hellish Halloween. Headlined by Nervecell, the UAE’s biggest metal band (they are appearing on the same stage as Metallica this month), with support from Egyptian metalcore group Destiny In Chains, this night should certainly chill the bones. And there are prizes for the best costume. Oct 28, Metal Asylum, Cheers Bar, The Lodge, Oud Metha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 3379470. metalityuae.com
EVENT OF THE MONTH… MONSTER HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY Fancy dress is something we take seriously in the UAE – between the Rugby Sevens, school disco nights and parties with the most obscure themes you can imagine (we’ve been to Dolce & Karama, lashes and taches and superhero soirees) we have quite the accessory collection. The highlight of our costume calendar is Halloween, andthere'sno better bash than Nasimi’s, hosted by local legend DJ Tim Cheddar. With a massive Dhs25,000 awarded to the best dressing up efforts, an expected 5,000 witches, goblins and ghosts dancing to everything from Cheddar's cheese and house from Smokingroove to R&B in the specially created dungeon, and a horror show at midnight, this will be a monster party. Fri Oct 28, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 5pm to late, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies free before 8pm. Tel: (055) 2004321
Mamma Mia, it’s Björn Again No doubt spurred on by Mamma Mia, the money-making saccharine stage show turned movie (oh Meryl, what were you thinking? You’re better than that) Björn Again are arriving on our desert shores. Bringing with them ABBA’s enormous backcatalogue, dangerously spangly costumes and support by quality coverband The Maplejacks, the quartet’s 90-minute show will be followed by an after-party at the Aloft Hotel, with Radio Two playing hits from the 1970s and 1980s. Friday night and the lights are low… Fri Oct 7, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs75. tickets.virginmegastore.me
STEP ON @ CATWALK Dubai’s indie music scene has been bubbling away nicely over the past few years. From Twisted Melons at IBO (ask yer dad), to current upstarts Loaded at the Ibis hotel in Barsha, there’s always been a small but loyal following for those who love a good Stone Roses tune. One name that’s been around for longer than they care to admit is Step On, AKA ‘Rude’ Larry McGuinness and What’s On’s very own Ed, Mark ‘ME’ Evans. Setting up base at the Golden Tulip’s Catwalk club once a month, they’ll be playing their usual blend of indie fun, new and old, and promise ‘a good time for all of your entry fee back’. It’s free to get in. Fri Oct 21, Catwalk, Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm till 3am, free. facebook.com/StepOnDubai OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 99
ƵďĂŝ͛Ɛ ŶĞǁĞƐƚ ĐĞŶƚƌĂů ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĐŝƚLJ ďĂƌ ǀĞŶƵĞ ǁŝƚŚ ůŝǀĞ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ŶŝŐŚƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͘ KīĞƌŝŶŐ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ outdoor atmosphere with dedicated lounge, dining, shisha and barbecue areas. DĞĞƚ ƵƉ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶũŽLJ ŽƵƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůƚLJ ŚŽƵƐĞ ŇĂǀŽƌĞĚ ƐŚŝƐŚĂ͛Ɛ͘ Śŝůů ŽƵƚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƌƌLJ ƌĂďŝĂŶ ŶŝŐŚƚ ƐŬLJ whilst soaking in the electronic atmosphere of our live band. džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŇĂǀŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŵĞůůƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůŝǀĞ Y ŚŽƵƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ƐĞůĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƐĂůĂĚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŝĚĞ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐƐ͘ ŶũŽLJ the vibrance of our chef’s, cooking your order right before your eyes and exactly to your liking! dƌLJ ŽƵƌ ĐĂĨĠ ďƌĞĂŬĨĂƐƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ &ƌŝĚĂLJ Θ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ϳ Ăŵ ƵŶƟů ϭϮ ŶŽŽŶ͘ /ŵĂŐŝŶĞ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĞŶũŽLJŝŶŐ Ă ĨƌĞƐŚ ĐŽīĞĞ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƌĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƉĞƌ ŝŶ ĂŶ Ăů ĨƌĞƐĐŽ ƐĞƫŶŐ͘͘͘͘ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚƐ ĐŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚ ƐƚĂƌƚ ĂŶLJ ďĞƩĞƌ Žī ƚŚĂŶ ƚŚĂƚ͊
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METROPOLITAN HOTEL, DUBAI &Žƌ ƌĞƐĞƌǀĂƟŽŶƐ Θ ĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ͕ ƉůĞĂƐĞ ĐĂůů Ϭϰ ϯϰϯ ϬϬϬϬ Žƌ ĞŵĂŝů ĨŶď͘ŵĞƚĚƵďĂŝΛŚĂďƚŽŽƌŚŽƚĞůƐ͘ĐŽŵ www.habtoorhotels.com facebook.com/ SkyGarden.DXB
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MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE
ST I T R A F THE O TH MON
MARY I In pop music, you don’t have to start young, but it certainly helps. For Abu Dhabi-based singer Mary I – real name, Maryam Igram – stardom was in her veins almost from birth. “I started entertaining crowds when I was four,” she recalls. “The more people that were watching, the more I enjoyed it. I would sing at talent shows, auditions, weddings, school plays, rallies, choirs, theatre, musicals, you name it.” Born in Milwaukee, USA and brought up in Canada, Mary has carried such ambitiously multitalented skills into adulthood when she moved to the Emirates. In addition to music, she has experience as a presenter,
journalist, model, actor and public speaker. Her Lebanese heritage is audible, though, in the Arabic overtures of her modern R&Bbrushed pop. Her time in the UAE has proved influential, partially inspiring new single Time Of Your Life, which is out now. “I’ve had the time of my life in the UAE. So many great events, clubs and experiences,’ she enthuses. “Going dancing, letting go, having fun, laughing, seeing so many great things and being entertained.” Influenced by Michael Jackson, Aaliyah and Mariah Carey, she is aiming at similar levels of success. So you won’t catch Mary demeaning herself on the likes of American
Idol or Arabs Got Talent. “I don’t believe in getting discovered that way,” she explains. “I make my own music, write my own songs.” Having enjoyed airplay on Radio 1, Virgin Radio and MTV Arabia, as well as plotting an album release before year’s end, Mary took the plunge recently and quit her job to become a full-time musician. “Sometimes you need to take a risk and do what you love. It doesn’t matter how much you’re making. I’m doing what I want to do. It’s such an amazing feeling.” mary-i-official.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 101
CLUB DIARY This month's clubbing highlights
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6 Justin Berkmann @ Ministry Of Sound
WEEKLY
Eclectic Circle @ MustHaveSoul MHS’s imaginative Saturday sounds continue, rooting out Motown to Balearica. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. musthavesoul. com Braun Battle Of The Year Middle East @ Star Atrium Breakdance competition, featuring the turntable skills of DJ Lobito. The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 3pm, free. Tel: (800) 382246255. braunbotyme.com
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WEEKLY
Just Sundays @ Cavalli Club Sleek commercial tracks from DJ Enzo Mirak. Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 11.30pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3329260. cavalliclubdubai.com
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Audio Tonic @ Sea Lounge Audio Tonic’s in-house selectors continue their MCBC residency. Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. audiotonic.net Moonlight Dance Pool Party @ Ryders Lounge DJ Kirk Manion soundtracks a night of poolbased partying. Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, 19th and 24th Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 3am, Dhs100 including one drink, free before 10pm. Tel: (050) 2641834. adcitygolf.ae
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DJ Hell @ Movida and Ill Communications Sharam @ N’dulge The influential Deep Dish DJ kicks off the new season at N’dulge, formerly known as Sanctuary. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4260561. sharam.com WEEKLY
Deep Crates @ Casa Latina The successor to Freshly Laced loads up on funk, hip hop and more, with DJ Lobito. Ibis Al Barsha, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699. facebook. com/groups/deepcrates
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Big Bucks @ Barasti Win a share of Dhs150,000 while getting down at the beach club party. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3993333. lemeridien-minaseyahi.com DJ Hell @ Movida and Ill Communications The German clubbing trailblazer brings his Eat My House, Baby tour to the Emirates. Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. djhell.com
The founder of Londonbased clubbing institution Ministry Of Sound, Justin Berkmann, celebrates his baby’s 20th birthday with a special set in Dubai, his first ever in the city Did you have a long-term plan when you started Ministry Of Sound? No. [Laughs] I went in without really understanding where it was going to go. It was born from an absolute obsession of wanting desperately to play [legendary New York club] the Paradise Garage. When the club shut that couldn’t be fulfilled, so I thought I best make my own club. Very quickly it became an obsession. I had no idea what it would turn into. Has your original ethos – to focus on sound systems over lights and design – contributed to Ministry’s longevity? The sound system was always the key. That’s what many of the more important and successful clubs in New York were about. Ministry is one hell of a big sound system in a
The Revenge @ Audio Tonic Audio Tonic’s sixth season opens with rising Glaswegian nu-disco cult name The Revenge, Burnski and residents. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. therevenge. co.uk
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Sunset Sessions @ Audio Tonic
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14 WEEKLY
MustHaveSoul @ Sea Lounge The MHS residents select the hottest soulful gems. Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com
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The Revenge @ Audio Tonic
perfectly acoustically designed box. People spend millions designing beautiful interiors for nightclubs, but fundamentally it’s all about being in a black box with a great sound system and a few flashing lights, and losing yourself in the music. Too many people forget that. It’s actually not that complicated. Can you still remember the first night? Not really, is the honest answer. I do remember that half the sound system didn’t work. Everybody was running around going ‘That sound system is unbelievable’. I was like, ‘OK, but you want to check it out next week when it’s actually working properly’. What are you planning for your Dubai set? Good question. I’ve only ever flown through Dubai. I’ve never actually stopped off, so it’s a bit of an unknown for me. I’ve seen some videos of pool parties and I’m looking forward to the weather, since I haven't had a summer holiday this year. I’m really pleased to come over and play. Looking back on two decades of Ministry, would you do anything differently in retrospect? Nobody’s ever asked me that. Probably nothing I’d want to admit to in print. [Laugh] I was a man obsessed. Often today things are decided too much by committee and you end up with compromises. I knew exactly what it needed to be like and I wouldn’t be diverted from my plan by anyone. XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before midnight. Tel: (04) 4084444. ministryofsound.com
CLUB DIARY
6/7 Soul Purpose @ MustHaveSoul
20
Charles Webster @ MustHaveSoul
A man of many alter egos, British producer/DJ Martin Ikin assumes his housebased Soul Purpose guise for consecutive nights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Have you visited both cities before? I’ve played in Abu Dhabi, at Left Bank, but never Dubai. In Abu Dhabi they're really getting into their house, but maybe not quite as upfront as in London, so you have to ease them into the newer bits while dropping stuff they already know. I’m very much looking forward to visiting Dubai, too. The Monte Carlo Beach Club, which hosts your Abu Dhabi date, is a posh spot. Do you prefer swanky or down 'n' dirty venues? No preference as long as the sound system is banging and the crowd are right up for it. That’s what creates a great vibe and night. Having traversed various genres and aliases over your career, are you always looking for outlets for productions that don't fit into house music? I have been involved in quite a few different genres. I started producing back in 1990 on the hardcore/rave scene and that morphed into the
jungle/drum ‘n’ bass scene. I play piano in my jazz-funk band, The Soul Purpose Allstars, so I’m a bit of an all-round music lover. But I've always loved house and that’s where my focus lies for the foreseeable future. The This Is House Music EP is your latest Soul Purpose record. What does house music mean to you? It’s probably different for everybody depending on what era you first got into house. For me, it’s all about the groove. It doesn't matter what subgenre – vocal or not, simple or clever – it has to have a solid groove that makes you want to nod your head. Or even pull funny faces. Oct 6, 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405 Oct 7, Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. soulpurposerecords.com
Sandance @ Nasimi Beach The beach-based fest returns, presenting The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, pop rapper Example, Chicane, David Morales, Joris Voorn, Sasha (pictured) and more. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com Sunset Sessions @ Audio Tonic Resident DJs Vas Lloyd, Raxon, JC and Soulfisher pick the grooves. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net
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Charles Webster @ MustHaveSoul MHS welcome back the deep housespinning Miso Records man. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. charleswebster.net
Loaded @ Casa Latina The See You Next Friday crew cue up more top-notch indie and alternative floor-fillers. Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. facebook.com/seeyounextfriday Step On @ Catwalk Indie anthems from DJs Rude Larry and ME. Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. www.facebook.com/stepondubai
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Malik Alary @ Yacht Club Eclectic house and beyond from the Parisbased spinner (also Oct 28). Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. myspace.com/ djmalikalary
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Sandance @ Nasimi Beach
6
Sharam @ N’dulge
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 103
CLUB DIARY
28
21 Alex Niggemann @ Audio Tonic
Ian Pooley @ Audio Tonic
As Audio Tonic’s new season builds up steam, Berlinbased house champion and Soulfooled label co-founder Alex Niggemann returns to Dubai
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Ian Pooley @ Audio Tonic Audio Tonic celebrates five years in operation with Daft Punk-remixing German house draw, Ian Pooley. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. ianpooley.com Monster Halloween Costume Party @ Nasimi Beach Start Halloween early with DJs Tim Cheddar, David Craig and Smokingroove, plus a monster Dhs25,000 in costume prizes. Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies free before 8pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. atlantisthepalm.com
Liquid Rain Pool Party @ Aloft Get set for Aloft’s biggest pool party yet. Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 3am, Dhs100 including two drinks, ladies free. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com
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Zombie Fever @ Zinc Fancy dress Halloween celebration, with a free cocktail for the first 100 zombies, plus costume prizes. Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, free before midnight, ladies free. Tel: (04) 3311111. cpdxb.com
Prior to your Dubai date, you’re touring Central and South America. Do you have a big following over there? Yeah. More than I was expecting when I first got there. The feedback was huge. I’m pretty happy that people like my music over there that much. How does the UAE compare? It’s definitely different to other countries, which I don’t mean in a bad way. You can compare people’s party attitudes to their different cultural backgrounds. In every country people celebrate in a different way. My first party in Dubai was good, with a lot of friendly people from all over world. I’m looking forward to being back.
You grew up playing classical piano. Is that skill useful in your production work? Oh yeah. My classical education helped me understand and play harmonies and chords. I just got an electrical piano. It has everything a usual piano has, but I can use it to play almost every instrument through my computer. You released a Loopmasters CD recently, a collection of samples that other artists can reuse. Have you heard any tracks created using your samples? There have been a few tracks sent to me. It’s weird, but it makes me proud to hear people making music with my sounds. Is your debut album coming soon? I’m working on it. There’s still a lot to do. Hopefully it will be out early 2012, but I’ll take my time. I don’t have a deadline. 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. myspace. com/alexniggemann
7 Dust @ Trilogy From the ashes of the sadly departed hip hop/funk institution Freshly Laced comes new night, Dust. DJ Solo explains all… What’s Dust all about, then? It’s a new night I've started with Megadon Betamax, a boogie producer originally from Australia now living in Dubai. It will be a monthly event, which means that we can focus on a separate genre each month: a hip hop special, a boogie special, a bass music special and so on. What happened to Freshly Laced? We’d been running the night for close to a year and a half, and although it was going well, we wanted to move on to
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do different things. I see it in a very positive light, as people now know that it's possible to run a successful 'underground' night in Dubai. Although Freshly Laced was quite eclectic, we intend Dust to be even more diverse. And Trilogy allows us to bring larger artists. How was the first night last month? It went better than we could have ever imagined. The feedback was 100 per cent positive from the crowd. Somebody said to me ‘Thank you for making Dubai better’, which really meant a lot. Are you planning a different guest every month? We do intend on having different DJs and music each time. This month, Megadon Betamax will headline and I'll support. After that we may bring international artists. We’ll always try to surprise people.
Are there any DJ Solo records imminent? I have just released a track called Twilight Empires, which you can download for free from anothermusic.bandcamp.com, and I also have a new EP out as [alter ego] Wriggly Scott, called Names, ready for
release at the beginning of 2012. Until then I intend to release one track for free every month. Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. facebook.com/dustpeeps
WIN! WIN! WIN! A couple of quality nights out to keep you clubbing
WIN! A VIP TABLE AT THE MINISTRY OF SOUND’S 20TH BIRTHDAY AT XL BEACH CLUB
To enter either of these fantastic competitions, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with the name of the prize in the subject line and the correct answer to the relevant question
Like good tunes? Like a glam night out? Want a night out with seven of your mates for free? Just as we thought. To celebrate the 20th birthday of superbrand Ministry Of Sound on October 6, we’ve teamed up with one of our favourite hotspots, XL Beach Club, to offer you a VIP table for eight at the party. On the night you’ll enjoy a bottle and mixers, plus music from MOS creator Justin Berkmann and Gareth Cook of Rulin’ fame, all in XL’s uber-cool poolside setting. For your chance to win a night on the town, simply tell us… How old will Ministry Of Sound be on October 6? a) 2 b) 20 c) 200
WIN! A VIP TABLE FOR TEN AT REPUBLIQUE We love Downtown Dubai’s newest nightspot for many reasons – the giant glitterball, the pretensionfree tunes and gorgeous décor – and we’re offering you and nine friends a night out there too. Situated next to The Address Downtown Dubai, Republique is a two-storey music haven, playing the tunes you grew up listening to, with the hits of the 1980s and 1990s (but without the silly hair) on Thursdays and Fabulous Fridays when Dubai’s beautiful, fun loving folks come out to play. We have a VIP table up for grabs on a night of your choice, so if you’d like to treat yourself and nine other movers and shakers to a good time, you’ll have to get this question right… What is Republique’s motto? a) Music makes us equal b) Music makes us dance like lunatics c) Music makes us shake it like a Polaroid picture
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TRAVEL
p111 The new Hamburg p116 Travel talk OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 109
TRAVEL
Harbour view: The sun sets on Hamburg's harbour
The new
Hamburg HafenCity, the exciting new development on the banks of Hamburg’s River Elbe, is set to revitalise what is already one of Germany’s most enthralling cities
Something’s taking shape on the banks of the River Elbe. Something big. Hamburg’s vital artery has long pulsed with life, but a vibrant new development is springing up at the harbour. A city within a city. Full of cuttingedge sustainable architecture, innovative urban spaces, restaurants, bars, boutique shops and offices, not to mention the odd world-class cultural beacon or two. People are already living, working and hanging out in HafenCity, although it’s only half OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 111
TRAVEL built. When it’s finished, it will boast museums, theatres, green parks, sports facilities and a stunning opera house to rival that big one in Sydney. Everything, in fact, to keep even the most boredom-prone and pernickety city hopper enthralled for days on end. Except none of it is being built for tourists. Wait. Come back. Just because Europe’s biggest urban regeneration project won’t double up as Europe’s biggest tourist trap doesn’t mean that people from outside aren’t more than welcome. The aim is to make HafenCity resemble an organic district of a working city, where tourists and locals interact to contribute to its buzzing urban vibe. Besides, how could they possibly keep tourists away from Elbphilharmonie, the sensational new concert hall and opera house that towers above the Elbe, dominating not just HafenCity but the entire Hamburg skyline? Built onto the distinctive redbrick frame of the existing 1960s-built ‘Kaispeicher A’ warehouse, Elbphilharmonie is already beginning to shimmer with an undulating facade of glass panels, thrusting skywards like a huge glistening iceberg. It’s been called a ‘cultural lighthouse’ for Hamburg, and it is attracting sightseers from near and far. Free open-air concerts present jazz, folk and classical music, while tours of the site offer an opportunity to watch a new aspect of this famous old city evolve. It’s a chance for people to see for themselves how ultra-modern projects like Elbphilharmonie are being fused with the traditional industrial landscape of Hamburg. Across the 157-hectare site, new developments are seamlessly blending in with the old. The idea is to retain the unique feel of this traditional port city, and celebrate its vivid maritime heritage. The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has thrived as a commercial port for centuries. One of the early members of the Hanseatic League trading alliance, it grew rich through its position on the River Elbe. Today the city is a powerful media centre and business hub, and home to over 1,500 millionaires – more than in any other German city. It has changed with the times and managed to come out on top. But its links with the ocean are never far away. Hamburg’s seafaring past and present converge at the old harbour. Tankers, freight ships, commuter ferries, pleasure boats and huge luxury cruise liners sail up and down the great river. The unpolished docklands atmosphere is strong, from the huge Blohm + Voss shipyards, to the legendary Fischmarkt. You can buy much more than fish here, but you’ll have to get up early to catch the market in its full glory. From 5am every Sunday morning, the place rocks with live music, sloshed pilsner, mounds of currywurst and 112 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Ship shape: Hamburg has been a commercial port for centuries That's entertainment: Hamburg's new Elbphilharmonie concert hall and opera house
Night lights: Hamburg's Reeperbahn is a night owl's dream
Vital artery: The River Elbe
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TRAVEL
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WHERE TO STAY
City view: A bird's eye view of Hamburg featuring the city hall
“WHEN HAFENCITY IS FINISHED, IT WILL BOAST MUSEUMS, THEATRES, GREEN PARKS, SPORTS FACILITIES AND A STUNNING OPERA HOUSE” the colourful cries of the market traders. The Fischmarkt oozes authenticity and character. It offers a glimpse of a time when Hamburg was a haven for sailors from every continent. And where there are sailors, there are bars. Just a few blocks inland is perhaps Hamburg’s most infamous street – The Reeperbahn. Once a rough strip of boisterous drinking dens and dodgy show-bars, it is now a notso-rough strip of boisterous drinking dens and dodgy show-bars. The Beatles cut their teeth here. It remains one of Europe’s largest red light districts, but these days the many theatres and restaurants along the strip attract all kinds of inquisitive tourists. Like the old harbour and Fischmarket, the Reeperbahn is as real as it gets. So it’s little wonder that HafenCity is being developed with the same attention to authenticity. It’s not a theme park. But it is actively encouraging visitors of all ages. “HafenCity is an important magnet for tourism in Hamburg and attracts people from all over the world,” says the head of communications for the development, Susanne Bühler. “Visitors merge into the exciting everyday life of HafenCity – mixing with residents and office workers
– and get to feel HafenCity’s maritime and urban atmosphere right up close.” One HafenCity development that’s staying true to the essence of Hamburg is the newly opened 25 Hours Hotel. The boutique property could be described as either eccentric or downright bonkers, but there’s method in its madness. It aims to capture Hamburg’s maritime spirit through 25 tales collected from sailors clubs in the city. The tales are told in a log book in each room, as well as through the hotel’s striking fixtures and fittings, from dangling ropes and portholes, to fussball tables and an old shipping container. Places like 25 Hours add vital splashes of colour to the project as it takes shape. Whether HafenCity can achieve its aims and become a naturally bustling urban neighbourhood with its own distinct personality remains to be seen. Some of the city’s residents see it as rather soulless and contrived, while others welcome the regeneration of a decaying industrial landscape. Either way, great care is being taken in retaining the original character of the area and winning over the naysayers. And if that doesn’t grab you, there’s always the rest of Hamburg’s many appealing attributes to explore.
25 Hours Hotel Soak up the retro 60s and 70s feel of one of Hamburg’s newest and quirkiest hotels. 25 Hours is right in the thick of the HafenCity action, and as befits its dockside location, it’s full of nautical flourishes. From its exposed concrete walls and leather sofas, to the flowery wallpaper and mock animal skin rugs, it’s as cosy as a sailor’s cabin. And don’t forget to chill out at the rooftop sauna. Uberseeallee 5, HafenCity. Tel: +49 402577770. 25hours-hotels.com Mövenpick Hotel Outside of HafenCity, but close enough to everything else Hamburg has to offer, this firstclass hotel occupies one of the city’s famous historical landmarks. In 2007, the hotel was completed within the walls of a 17-storey water tower, which has been standing proudly above Sternschanzen Park since 1910. You can expect comfortable rooms, a tip-top breakfast and some stunning views of the city. Sternschanze Park, Hamburg. Tel: +49 403344110. moevenpick-hotels.com
WHAT TO SEE
The International Maritime Museum The largest private maritime collection in the world will keep you entertained with a Second World War U-boat, a beheaded pirate’s skull, a Lego model of the Queen Mary 2 and the impressive medal haul of Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz. Kaispeicher B, Koreastrasse, HafenCity. Tel: +49 4030092300. internationals-maritimes-museum.de Prototyp If you’re into rare classic sports and racing cars (Porsches in particular) the collection in this converted factory will blow your socks off. Shanghaiallee, HafenCity. Tel: +49 40 39996968. prototyp-hamburg.de
WHERE TO EAT
Austernbar This oyster bar in an old red-brick warehouse is an ideal rest spot after visiting the Maritime Museum. Kaispeicher B, Koreastrasse, HafenCity. Tel: +49 4030087888. hamburg.austernbar.de Carls at the Elbphilharmonie A bassoon’s blast from the Elbphilharmonie, Carls offers great French and German food, whether it’s in the casual pub-style bistro or the brasserie, which has great views of the harbour. Kaiserkai, HafenCity. Tel: +49 40300322400. carls-brasserie.de OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 115
Travel talk
Advice, deals and other tasty travel tidbits
Travels with… Colin Charvis Former Wales rugby captain and British Lions player Colin Charvis is a temporary Dubai resident, a self-confessed Francophile and has a unexpected talent too… What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had? I went to France to play a bit of rugby and ended up staying a year. I was being paid to be in the South of France, travelling and enjoying fantastic food. It was the best gig in the world. What’s been your biggest travel disaster? There was a charity trip to climb Kilimanjaro with a team of 50, including 15 ex-captains for Wales, but only the luggage for 12 of us
This month’s travel tips DIWALI DEALS Emirates is in a festive mood this month, offering plenty of flight deals to India to celebrate the festival of light, Diwali. These deals are likely to be snapped up quickly, but with 185 weekly flights to India, your odds are still quite good. Please note that whether it is Chennai or Mumbai, the reduced flights must be taken before Oct 20. emirates.com THAI STYLE You can try to avoid it, but Thailand is still one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia. And with a plethora tempting deals from Dnata, it’s not hard to 116 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
turned up. And there was a TV crew with us. I spent a day and a half thinking, “I’ve spent 12 months raising money and training and I’m playing cards in a hotel lobby”. It all worked out in the end, though. If you can advise people to visit one destination, what would it be? Again, the South of France. It’s so diverse. Each little village and town has a different culture. The people don’t just exist; they really live their lives and enjoy themselves. It’s all family orientated with two-hour lunches. What do you never travel without? Two packs of cards. Without sounding like too much of a geek, I started learning magic. I’ve got a couple of David Blaine ‘pick a card’ tricks where your card appears on the wall, picked up from books, DVDs, online and other magicians. It’s great for banter. Until Oct 23 Colin is commentating on Rugby World Cup matches in Al Bahou, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai.Tel: (04) 4440000. moevenpick-hotels.com
see why. Choose from three nights bed and breakfast stay in Chiang Mai for Dhs445, or a four night five-star stay at a beach resort in Samui for Dhs1,095, you’re spoilt for choice. Until Nov 20, Dnata Holidays, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3166666. dnataholidays.com TRAVEL APP OF THE MONTH Kayak A top-class travel search engine. This app will sift through the depths of the Internet and pull out the best flight deals, rental car search, hotel bookings and flight tracking. Oh and it’s free, too. Available for: Android, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry Price: Free store.apple.com/ae
ASK AWAY Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector Conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas I have just bought an iPad. What travel apps can you recommend? Mandy, Mirdif The technology that allows us to access information on the move is improving at incredible speed. So what does that mean to the traveller? Well, a lot actually – mobile apps are perfect for the first-time tourist, the jaded traveller or even the stay-at-home expat. Wandering around a foreign city with a guidebook in hand is not the best look; wandering around with a smartphone, interactive maps and audio translations is a good idea, if only to stop you from being marked out as a gormless tourist. Here are some of my favourites. Wikitude Augmented reality might just change your life, and here is one of the reasons why. Point your camera phone at any location in the world and its corresponding Wikipedia entry will show up. Simple, but very effective. Free. wikitude.com FlightBoard Obvious but brilliant, FlightBoard lets you use any airport’s arrivals and departures screen as your phone’s home screen with push notifications on any flights or routes you choose. Even better, you can publish delays on your Facebook page or Twitter stream. $3.99. itunes.apple.com Foodspotting Another blindingly obvious application, but all the better for its simplicity. Users can recommend dishes at restaurants and nominate them with a photo. The app also shows nearby restaurants, selects best dishes and allows photo sharing. Free. foodspotting.com Wndr Kabul An interactive city guide to Kabul? Oh yes. This app features social media and blog feeds, videos, podcasts, reviews, and best of all, an interactive map layer to show to your driver. It also has some decent weekend trip suggestions, such as Bamiyan and the Panjshir. Oh, and did I mention it’s my app? Yes, I created it, but don’t let that spoil your fun! Free. wndrkabul.com
WIN! WIN! WIN! A trio of tremendous treats. Are you feeling lucky?
WIN! A WEEKEND STAY WITH BRUNCH FOR TWO AT THE IBN BATTUTA GATE HOTEL We love a new brunch here at What’s On – it’s what gets us out of bed on a Friday morning. There’s nothing like corks popping, food cooking and good times to get us excited and we’re sharing the fun with you. The JazzSumptuous brunch at the Ibn Battuta Gate hotel is a celebration of cuisines, with everything from mini peking duck pancakes to tiny lemon meringue tarts on offer, plus entire rooms dedicated to cheese and desserts, all in a stunning space. It’s a happy, happy place. If you and a friend would like to try these delicious delights – and enjoy a night’s stay for two in a deluxe room – then you’re in luck. For your chance to win, simply tell us… Which genre of live music provides the soundtrack at the JazzSumptuous brunch? a) Hip hop b) Gregorian chanting c) Jazz
To enter any of these fantastic competitions, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with the name of the prize in the subject line and the correct answer to the relevant question
WIN! DINNER AT TALA Gooey mozzarella, buttery garlic bread, long strands of saucedrenched spaghetti... Hungry yet? Thought so. Luckily we’ve teamed up with Italian restaurant Tala at Novotel Deira City Centre to give away vouchers worth Dhs333 to three lucky winners so you can enjoy pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts on us. For your chance to win some quality carbohydrates, tell us… Which of the following is not a type of pasta? a) Fusilli b) Penne c) Margarita
WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT HANDI If the hottest night out you’ve had for a while was when your car A/C broke, then this is the competition for you. We’ve teamed up with Handi restaurant at the Taj Palace hotel to offer you and three friends an authentic Indian meal, featuring dishes from the Northern Frontier, including slow-cooked dum pakht, biryanis and kebabs. For your chance to win a table for four, simply tell us… Which of the following is not a popular variety of biriyani? a) Chicken b) Marshmallow c) Vegetable
118 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
Oktoberfest at Stills
with live music from
Barfuss
Celebrate this world famous event at Stills bar and terrace, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island. Enjoy a variety of your favourite draught beverages, mouth watering German specialities prepared by our German chef and live music from the renowned German band,
BARFUSS
Wednesday, Thursday & Friday October 26th, 27th & 28th 2011 6.00pm until late AED 130* per person (inclusive of buffet dinner)
*Subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee
For bookings & information, please contact Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Restaurant Reservations on 02 656 3053 or Email: restaurants@cpyas.com
*COMING SOON IN KHALIDIYA
MALL
THE HOTLIST Key New entry Non-mover Up
TRAITEUR
Down
p123 p127 p131 p135
Brunches Bars Restaurants Spas
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 121
Savour the taste of India INDIAN NIGHT EACH TUESDAY
Experience the irresistible sensations of authentic Indian cuisine every Tuesday at the Flavours restaurant. This is a deďŹ nite must try for only AED 185 net per person including house white and red. For further information and reservations call 02 677 3333
THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES
OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH
Pearls & Caviar
1
CuiScene
2
Hakkasan
3
Pearls & Caviar
4 Ushna
5
Yacht Club
ATMOSPHERE
FOOD
The Fairmont oozes class and this is no exception. One look at the champagne tells you who brunches here.
Also taking in Frankie's Italian Restaurant & Grill, there are an impressive 200-plus dishes to whet your appetite.
A What's On fave; expect style and good times at this Emirates Palace highlight.
LOCATION
Flavours
BEST FOR
PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
Amongst the capital's most sophisticated hotels, with plenty of bars and restaurants to elongate your afternoon.
Starting the weekend in grand fashion in a lovely setting.
Fill your glasses with champers (Dhs449 for unlimited Moët and Chandon), Dhs299 with wine and beer, or Dhs249 with soft drinks.
Splendid food, indulgent drinks and a setting to match.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com
Pick either Friday or Saturday for a choice of Michelin star quality set or a la carte menu.
Emirates Palace. Need we say more?
Sampling one of our favourite restaurants on a relative budget.
Dhs325 including half a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne or Dhs199 with tea.
Bite-sized tastes of our Hot List-topping restaurant.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Friday and Saturday noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com
Redefining brunch, this Friday 'brunner' features relaxing tunes from a resident P&C DJ.
Hot grills, live sushi station and a mojito bar.
The hotel paradise that is Shangri-La, which revels in wonderful views of the Grand Mosque.
A post-Thursday recovery without the need to get out of bed too early.
Dhs349, including house beverages, sparkling wine and champagne.
A pearl in Abu Dhabi's oyster of brunch options.
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com
Swish, airy and modern, this is Indian dining brought bang up to date.
Biryanis, kebabs, plus plentiful selections for meat-shunning brunchers.
It's barely necessary to leave the Souk: it's a one-stop destination whether you're shopping, dining or even clubbing.
Enjoying some of the best spicy cuisine the capital has to offer.
At Dhs475, it's one of Abu Dhabi's priciest brunches. Freeflowing Lanson champagne makes that outlay worthwhile.
Is there a better Indian on Abu Dhabi's main island? We think not?
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (02) 5581769. soukqaryatatalberi. com
Relaxed, with a a great bar to boot.
No low-rank international buffets here. Just loads of quality Asianinspired a la carte dishes.
With the lovely terrace coming back into play, it's easy to lose hours here.
Late risers in need of an overdue Friday recovery session, or the preface to a proper Yacht Club night out.
Dhs200 with unlimited champagne. Charge your glasses.
Unlimited champers should have you setting sail for the Yacht Club.
InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup. com
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 123 MARCH 2010
HOT ON EELSna THEnce,H Beach Rota
BRUNCHES
11 Esse irates Palace 12 Mezlai, Em Yas Hotel s, in rig 13 O ien rie, Le Mérid 14 La Brasse Rotana rk Pa r, ge in 15 G
Chamas
PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...
6
Sofra Bld
7
Flavours
8
Al Fanar
9
Chamas
10
The Village Club
11 ESSENCE
Ushna
INFOLOCATION
BEST FOR
Beach Rotana You don’t get much for you money in 2011, but brunch at a five-star hotel for this price is definitely up there with the better deals going. Pick from a range of Oriental, German, Arabic and Indian dishes, then head to one of the Beach Rotana’s top bars afterwards. Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs259 including unlimited sparking wine, wine or beer, Dhs199 without alcohol. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
An easy-going weekend choice, with separate brunches on consecutive days each weekend.
International buffet on Friday; Global Brunch, with the best of Chinese and Vietnamese, on Saturdays.
The spacious allday restaurant has expansive shoreline views, plus more than enough other entertainment across the Shangri-La.
Families through to party people. This brunch doesn't discriminate.
Dhs260 with wine and beer on Fridays, Dhs240 with a glass of bubbly or Dhs190 with wine and beer on Saturdays.
Something for everybody at one of What's On's favourite hotels.
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com
With a live band and freeflowing bubbly, things perhaps unsurprisingly kick up a gear as the night goes on.
A massive international buffet from roasts to Chinese.
A brunch to immerse yourself in. Want dessert? Venture towards Cloud Nine Cigar Bar next door.
Dessert and cocktail fans, with top ranges of both sweet treats.
Dhs225, including unlimited bubbly.
Value for money, variety and fun for all the family.
Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com
Kick back early on, as this brunch begins relaxed, although proceedings can turn livelier.
Enough seafood selections to sink a trawler.
Get in a (sedate) spin at this revolving restaurant.
Taking in stunning 360degree views of the city.
Dhs220 with unlimited red or white wine.
Remember where you're sitting, this isn't regular terra firma.
Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien. com
Up tempo, thanks to the South American sounds of the Madeira Latino Band.
The infamous Chamas speciality – meat, and lots of it – is tempered by a truly extensive salad bar.
The InterCon is chock with some of our favourite bars and restaurants, and afternoon beach access is thrown in as part of the price.
Carnivores with appetites as big as their plates.
Dhs295 including free-flowing caipirinhas.
For meaty treats, look no further than Chamas.
InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup. com
A relaxed brunch mirrored by its edge-ofthe-city-centre locale.
A spread that effortlessly encompasses meats, pasta, vegetarian dishes, fresh falafel and curries.
The nearby grassy expanses give this brunch a definite village vibe.
Enjoying a brunch sans alcohol – you'll be glad you did come Saturday morning.
A commendably affordable Dhs140.
Remove the usual excesses with a hearty family brunch.
One To One Hotel - The Village, Al Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 5pm. Tel: (02) 4952000. onetoonehotels. com
124 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 124 AUGUST 2011
THE HOT LIST
THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES
BARS
Left Bank
ATMOSPHERE
1
LOCATION
Relax@12
BEST FOR
PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
A chilled out alfresco bar with a discerning clientele.
Overlooking Monte Carlo Beach Club's infinity pool and mere yards from a boardwalk straight down to the sandy shores of Saadiyat Island.
Watching the sun go down and lounging until the early hours with a cocktail. Or, on weekend nights, catching the best in house music.
It's possible to limit the wallet damage if you choose wisely, although cash flashers won't need to look too hard for eyewatering drinks menu options.
The lap of luxury Monaco style, without leaving the Emirates.
Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thu to Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae
Bustling yet not uncomfortably busy, with a constant flow of interesting revellers.
The Souk has the lot, including great views across the water.
Starting or finishing the night in the company of an unpretentious crowd.
If you're on a budget, cocktails aren't the greatest idea, but Left Bank is generally very affordable.
Get back out on one of the capital's best terraces, now that temperatures are dipping.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 7pm to 1pm, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 5581680. emiratesleisureretail.com
3
This desirable brickwalled hangout, away from the hectic city centre, is nicely understated.
Yas Island's main plaza of hotels hold a plethora of bars and restaurants.
Finding life away from the city centre, without breaking the bank.
Excellent value for money for these quietly sophisticated surrounds.
Y is Yas Island’s best bar none.
Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com
4
Transporting the Northern European bar vibe halfway across the world, with much success.
Chamas and the Yacht Club are just two reasons to make a night of it at the InterCon.
Top grub and beverages with your mates. Unlimited mussels for Dhs120 on Tuesdays is a steal.
Good things come at a price, so don’t turn up at Belgian Café with chump change only.
Try the sublime Belgian waffles, a tiny slice of Brussels exported with expertise.
InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com
5
Brauhaus foregoes German beer hall vibes for something altogether more intimate.
Though the bar has plentiful charm itself, with Prego's, Rodeo Grill and Trader Vic's, you won't need to leave Beach Rotana.
It's Oktoberfest this month. Say no more. Live music and games add to the fun.
Some of the speciality beers will leave your wallet lighter, but there are good drinks deals to be had, too.
Tankards at the ready: this is German pub craft at its most authentic.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com
Sea Lounge
2
Left Bank
Y Bar
Belgian Café
Brauhaus
OCTOBER OCTOBER 2011 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’S ON ON 127 127
BARS
HOT ON THE HE’s,EHLiltSom
ay 11 Hemingw a Crowne Plaz Bahr s, oe er H 12 Al irmont Bab Fa n, eo el éridien 13 Cham s Arms, Le M éridien n’ ai pt Ca 14 lM lly’s, Le Roya 15 PJ O’Rei
Étoiles
ATMOSPHERE
6
Relax@12
7 Stills
8
Yacht Club
9
Stars 'N' Bars
10 Cooper's
LOCATION
15 PJ O’REILLY’S
Stills
BEST FOR
Le Royal Méridien If you’re in search of fun without any frills, then Irish pub PJ O’Reilly’s is most certainly the place to find it. The bar is home to plenty of entertainment during October, including the PJ’s In The Pool parties every Saturday, its Heaven And Hell Halloween bash on Oct 28 and regular screenings of matches from the Rugby World Cup. Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 2am. Tel: (02) 6742020. starwoodhotels.com
PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
Chilled and classy, but without any of the look-at-me attitudes on show at certain other bar-slash-clubs in the city.
Atop Aloft, among the city's hippest hotels. Head for the rooftop terrace now that outdoor nights out no longer equal melting.
Chilling on the terrace and checking out top name DJs at the weekends.
Cheaper than you might imagine from Relax's inviting interior.
House beats and demure socialising are what makes Relax a top night out.
Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com
Spacious bar and plush furniture equals a swish vibe. When the DJs lift the tempo later, things can get a little rowdier.
It’s only a few steps from all the restaurants and bars a reveller could ever need around Yas Island.
Grabbing a bite to eat on your night out: the snack menu is chock with bar food tempters.
Very reasonable, all things considered.
Whether lounging early evening, or kicking the pace up later, Stills excels.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 1am. Tel: (02) 6210000. ichotelsgroup.com
The Yacht Club takes things easy early evening, cranking the pace up later at night.
With regular DJs, you can dance off a belly-swelling meal at any of the InterCon's restaurants.
The fairer members of the species, on Wednesday ladies' nights, gobbling unlimited sushi on Tuesdays, or all the dim sum you can eat every Sunday.
A touch above average, so don't get too carried away – unless it's ladies' night, of course.
A reliable favourite on the capital's nightlife landscape.
InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed noon to 1am, Thurs noon to 3am, Fri 2pm to 3am, Sat 5pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com
Upmarket sports bar with Formula 1 themes and motor sport memorabilia aplenty. After renovations, it's now boasting extra big screens and a VIP cocktail lounge.
A short drag from the Marina Circuit, a stroll to Cipriani, and only a twominute cab ride from the hospitality hub of Yas Island.
Catching the big match or race on television in comfort.
The drink prices are are more than palatable.
Near the front of the grid, though it could stay open a touch later come the weekend.
Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 11.30am to midnight, Thurs to Sat 11.30am to 1am. Tel: (02) 5650101. starsnbars.ae
A British bar vibe with a media twist, thanks to its proximity to TwoFour54.
Visit one of the Park Rotana's plentiful restaurants while you're there. It's not five-star for nothing.
Taking advantage of generous happy hours and regular internationallythemed nights.
Not quite a steal, but then you wouldn't want somewhere that was suspiciously cheap.
Western expats can temporarily banish homesickness for their fondly missed local.
Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, noon to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com
128 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS
THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE
MPW Steakhouse & Grill
1
Hakkasan
2
MPW Steakhouse & Grill
3
Bord Eau
4
Pearls & Caviar
5
Cipriani
Hakkasan
ATMOSPHERE
INTERIOR
FOOD
LOCATION
PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
Diners of exquisite taste from all walks of life relax in Hakkasan's cleverlydesigned dining areas.
Thoughtful layout of Oriental wooden paneldivided alcoves; mazy and luxurious.
This is modern Asian cooking at its peak, which is why Hakkasan currently holds three What's On Awards.
A Michelinstarred restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel.
Pricey, but not eye-wateringly so. You won't be dining here every day, though, unless you own a wing of Emirates Palace.
Spellbinding décor and the most alluring dim sum that’s ever passed our lips; we adore Hakkasan.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com
Marco Pierre White has combined European homeliness with forwardthinking modernity.
Full of unique character, including features – such as a small wall fire – that work against all odds in Abu Dhabi.
What’s On’s favourite steakhouse, and for good reason. Brilliance with beef.
The Fairmont is custom-made for an underone-roof experience post-MPW.
The four-course beef tasting menu (Dhs489 with wine, until December) is worth every fil.
MPW deserves a foodie knighthood for steak served with undeniable British finesse.
Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com
Refined, classy, elegant. What else would you expect from the city's best French restaurant?
Stately traditional Gallic sophistication, from the paintings to the tables.
A recentlyupdated menu of the finest French classics available in Abu Dhabi, lent imaginative contemporary twists.
Wherever you go in ShangriLa – from restaurants to rooms – the attention to detail is stunning.
High end. Four figures isn't difficult. Worth the financial pain, though, as is a wonderful wine list.
If you find a finer French menu than Bord Eau boasts, you're probably in Paris.
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com
A romantic retreat, swathed in low-level lighting, perfect for keeping refined company.
Expect black and white themes, as per P&C's name, representing the eponymous foodstuffs.
Exquisite caviar and freshly hooked seafood head up an imaginative menu.
There are countless delights to explore throughout Shangri-La and the nearby souk.
Those without weighty wallets can flip past the caviar. Other than that, you get what you pay for.
Two-toned delicacies with contemporary class throughout.
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com
Possibly the Abu Dhabi restaurant to be seen at, while checking out fellow well-todo diners.
Clean, modern lines and effortlessly sophisticated.
The very peak of Italian fine dining.
The most iconic sights of Marina Circuit and Yas Hotel are literally just out the window.
With wine for two, you shouldn't be surprised to crash through the four-figure barrier.
A lovely lunch option that transforms into a highly desirable dinner destination come evening.
Cipriani Abu Dhabi, Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to midnight. Tel: (02) 6575400. cipriani.com
OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 131
RESTAURANTS
HOT ON EELS THE H r, Yas Hotel
11 Anga on 12 Toki, Hilt Bab Al Bahr , Fairmont 13 Frankie’s , Grand Millennium llo 14 Porto Be Wahda Al ach Rotana 15 Finz, Be
Ushna
PRICE ON ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR SAYS...
6 Étoiles
7 Ushna
8
Chamas
9 Filini
10
Mombasa Grille
Filini
INFO FOOD
LOCATION
11 ANGAR Yas Hotel Taking traditional Indian cuisine and twisting it into the 21st century, minus unimaginative curry options, Angar is Yas Island’s spiciest little number. Its brand new taster menus are a delight and, at Dhs160 per person, an exceedingly good value way to sample a smorgasbord of taste. Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Wed to Mon, lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560000. theyashotel.com PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
There's a nightclub in the next room, yet you would scarcely guess from the refined mood in the restaurant.
Slightly less decadent than Emirates Palace as a whole, the splendid lighting and dimmed tones keep it as cosy as possible.
Expertly arranged fine dining. Don't pig out on the mains though, as the soufflé is delicious.
A restaurant and bar/ nightclub all in one, this is an entire evening out through a solitary door.
Reflective of the quality on offer. This is Emirates Palace, after all.
Dine, dance and drink in luxury, all without leaving the premises.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. etoilesuae.com
A contemporary update on the traditional Indian dining experience.
Clean lines and soothingly subtle colours.
North Indian cuisine customised to your spice preference. The butter chicken is an obvious choice but a real highlight.
The Souk, Shangri-La and nearby Fairmont will keep you comfortably occupied for hours.
Dhs400 to Dhs500 for two, which is a steal for such top notch dining.
Our favourite Indian in Abu Dhabi.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5581769. cplmg.com
Meat skewerwielding waiters line up to slice off succulent cuts, all soundtracked by Latino music.
Multiple dining levels, a sizeable salad bar and a separate bar ensure plenty to keep the eyes occupied.
Finest in beef, chicken and lamb. Mondays, 6pm to 8pm, sip unlimited Brazilian wine with churrascaria, for Dhs255.
The nearby Belgian Café is perfect for a few post-meat brews to wash it all down.
Dhs225 for as much meat as you can handle. Skip lunch beforehand.
The Favourite Americas Restaurant at the What’s On Awards is still a character-filled top draw.
InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com
A popular spot for Yas Island diners, you won't find an airier Italian in the capital.
Clean lines and a spacious layout make this an unpretentious choice.
Notable attention to seafood across an imaginative menu of Italian classics brought up to date.
Yas Island has sufficient entertainment options that the next stop on a night out is rarely far away.
Dhs400 for two without alcohol isn't too much of a challenge. The extensive wine list is definitely worth a look, though.
Classic Italian dishes with a deal of 21st century flair.
Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 6pm to 11pm, Fri and Sat noon to 3.30pm and 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com
Bustling, although you should still be able to find a table at this expansive restaurant.
Eclectic and a little eccentric, with African masks, spears and animal skins lining the walls.
A huge array of fine dishes from around the world, from Indian curries to African grilled meats.
Pop into Left Bank, one of our favourite bars in the capital, after your meal – it’s a hop, skip and a jump away.
A meal for two should come in around Dhs700.
A restaurant that manages to master a variety of international cuisines.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5581868. mobasagrille.ae
132 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 132
WEEKEND GETAWAYS. DESERT EXPERIENCE Explore the mysteries of the majestic Rub Al Khali Desert and experience the true Arabian oasis of hospitality at the secluded desert hideaway resort, Tilal Liwa Hotel. Weekend packages starting from Dhs. 599*. Romantic package at Dhs. 799*. Free upgrade for What’s On readers. Safaris, sandboarding and other desert activities can be arranged.
*Rates are subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee. Double occupancy. Payment is by credit card or cash only. Offer valid for UAE / GCC residents only, from 1st October - 10th December 2011.
Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels PO Box 112723, Abu Dhabi, UAE | T. +971 2 894 6111 | F. +971 2 894 6112 | reservations.tilal@danathotels.com | www.danathotels.com
INTRODUCING THE
NOMINEES VOTE NOW AND WIN. VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE EMIRATES WOMAN, WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE AND YOU CAN WIN A LIALI NECKLACE WORTH DHS 5,000.
TO VOTE VISIT WWW.EMIRATESWOMANAWARDS.COM
THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE
THE HOT LIST SPAS
Chi, The Spa
THERAPISTS
1
MENU
MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 135 THE SPA
Anantara Spa
PRICE
WHAT’S ON SAYS...
INFO
Predominantly male, reflecting The Lounge's gents-only service. Their professionalism is unrivalled, though permeated by real friendliness.
Everything a modern gent needs, from an invigorating Moroccan bath to haircuts/styling, shaves, bronzing and more.
The villa layout means minimum traipsing between treatment rooms. And, sidestepping usual Abu Dhabi problems, parking is an entirely painless process.
When the service is this good, price is only really a secondary concern, so don't expect to cheap out here.
An essential grooming stopoff for any man who wants to feel and look his best.
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 11am to 10pm, Tel: (02) 6677377. thelounge.ae
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The ultimate spa experience from the predominantly Thai staff.
A revamped range includes the liferestoring Signature Massage, plus grandly titled options like the Marma Abhyanga Massage.
With a dedicated entrance to the west of the main Palace, Anantara is one of the city's most opulent and sprawling spas.
Between Dhs700 and Dhs1,650 will be winging its way from your purse or wallet.
The most luxurious pamper that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com
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Sweet and cheerful, you’ll relax from the second you stroll through the door.
From Filipino hilot massages to caviar facials, Chi's line in thoughtful quality demands repeat visits to navigate the full menu.
Far removed from the outside world, Chi is as peaceful as a temple in the Himalayas.
You’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for, just don't head here with pocket change.
Chi has one of the greatest Jacuzzis in Abu Dhabi.
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com
Among the most friendly and skilled as in Abu Dhabi.
Standard treatments are complemented by the likes of exfoliating sand baths and waterbased Vichy spas.
Escaping from the city, the relaxing sight of the dunes of the Liwa Desert make the journey into the wilderness extra worthwhile.
Costly, but it's hard to put a price on such expertise in such a glorious location.
The jewel in this desert retreat's crown.
Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab. anantara.com
Personable. Ask for ‘firm’, however, and there’s no messing around.
Candle wax massages to detox specialities. Try one of Zen's October specials, including the Rose Hydrating Body Treatment.
Soft lighting and relaxing fragrance from the steps down to Zen onwards. The wide range of facilities include tranquility suites for couples.
This is a five-star hotel, yet you won't find yourself ridiculously out of pocket for the vast majority of treatments.
A subterranean sanctuary to steal you away from the city.
Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana. com
The Lounge
Anantara Spa
Chi, The Spa
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Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab
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Zen Spa
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SPAS
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Eden Spa
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THE SPA
Al Raha Beach Hotel Escaping the city centre immediately puts you at ease, a sensation accentuated by the robust massages offered at Body & Soul, even if there is a touch of trauma traversing the swimming pool to reach the spa itself. Try the hot stone treatment for best results. Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5080555. danathotels.com PRICE
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This ladies-only spa's staff will analyse your skin before selecting a tailor-made treatment.
The Clarins Facial is our recommendation. Varied full body treatements, plus waxing, hairstyling, Hypoxi and personal training are also available.
You'll need to navigate through the cosmeticsfilled displays of Paris Gallery, but the treatment rooms are pure relaxation.
A little above midrange. Some longer treatments clock in nearer four figures, though, if you have cash to flash.
Ladies in search of serenity will find it here in every sense.
Paris Gallery, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 3pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6678880. parisgallery. com
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Attentive, eager to please and happy to recommend post-treatment products.
A menu you could get lost in. Try the green coffee body wrap and scrub for Zayna's ultimate detoxing pampering.
Individual changing in each treatment room ensures ultimate privacy and gets our thumbs up.
Above average, reflecting the standard of Zayna overall.
The relaxation room is right up there with Abu Dhabi's finest.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels. com
Very pleasant, polite and exceedingly professional.
Luxurious and expansive. The hammams are something of a speciality.
Running water features trickle throughout the spa, immediately relaxing almost every sinew of your being.
Value for money is all relative: ESPA is expensive, admittedly, but it's also worth the outlay.
A spa adjacent to a Formula One circuit is about as glamorous as they come.
Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560862. theyashotel.com
Friendly beyond the call of duty and brilliant at teasing away tension.
Imaginative and spanning a plethora of treatments.
The dimmed changing room lights set the scene for a spa that thinks about your relaxation at every juncture.
Somewhere around the upper end of mid-range.
The Spa is sufficient reason alone to visit the Radisson Blu.
Radisson Blu, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com
You may even make a new friend before the treatment is over. That's how chatty Eden's staff are.
All the necessary options you would expect, plus notable facilities such as hammams.
Eden is a scaleddown paradise, if you disregard the leisure centreesque changing areas, anyway.
Around mid-range for the most part.
Wind down in the aquamedic pool afterwards to complete a soothing visit.
Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6446666. starwoodhotels.com
Serenity Spa
Zayna Spa
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The Spa
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Eden Spa
136 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 136
BACKCHAT WITH ADAM
An intriguing close season for the UAE Pro-League has upped interest levels in the Emirates’ premier football division. But is it an exciting new dawn or a magnet for cash-hungry mercenaries, asks What’s On features editor, Adam… Judging by the backlash afforded to headlinemaking new Al Ain signing Asamoah Gyan, there is more than a certain level of ignorance toward the UAE Pro-League from football fans outside the Emirates. For those who didn’t catch one of the year’s most sensational transfers, Ghana international Gyan swapped the world’s greatest league in favour of a loan deal at Al Ain, to the chagrin of his English Premier League club, Sunderland. The UK media went to town, declaring
Gyan could only hold financial motives, while suggesting Al Ain played in front of pitiful crowds, conveniently overlooking that the club are former Asian Champions League winners. For reasons we’re yet to hear explained, almost every publication erroneously hyphenated the name of Abu Dhabi’s second city, repeatedly mislabelling it a suburb of Dubai. Granted, footballers and money go together like Wayne Rooney and stupidity, and nobody is suggesting that Gyan isn’t picking up weekly pay cheques most of us couldn’t hope to match in a year. Yet looking at the wider picture, summer 2011 has proved a genuine watershed for the Pro-League. As an avid Premier League follower – a Tottenham fan, if you must know; abuse to the usual What’s On address – it has been intriguing to view the Pro-League’s dramatic incomings from inside the Emirates. While plenty of talisman players have gravitated toward the league over the years – World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro, for example – the erstwhile world-class players and managers have rarely been in their prime. It’s not only
Gyan who has altered that trend. Dubai’s high profile arrival, new Al Wasl boss Diego Maradona, was a World Cup manager with his native Argentina only last summer. (Personally, I still can’t forgive the Hand Of God architect for providing both my first footballing memory and experience of injustice, aged six, but that’s another matter.) Abu Dhabi’s reigning Pro-League champs, Al Jazira, point another signpost towards domestic UAE football’s rise as a world force. New manager Franky Vercauteren could be masterminding Belgian league winners Genk in the European Champions League group stages, but chose the Emirates instead, joined by Australian international Lucas Neill. Of course, the Pro-League needs to do much more than merely throwing money at a handful of marquee signings. But after a few false starts, it appears that its pulling power is set to grow and grow. That can only be good for everybody involved. I, for one, am looking forward to watching history in the making. Adam Workman is What’s On Abu Dhabi’s features editor
NEXT MONTH: ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX SPECIAL, PLUS BRITNEY SPEARS, INCUBUS AND PAUL MCCARTNEY PLAY YASALAM, ABU DHABI ART AND THE MONTE CARLO BEACH CLUB 138 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011
For those with taste
Find a catwalk of gorgeous cocktails to fit your aura perfectly in the heart of Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall. Sashay into the Ember Lounge, where you can cool off whenever you’re feeling haute. In fact, Ember Lounge will look so good on you, the room will fill with cheers. Doubly so between 6:30pm and 9pm, when parched fashionistas get a second beverage free whenever one is purchased. Open every day except Sunday, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. For reservations call +971 4 888 3444 or email dine@theaddress.com
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