What's On | Abu Dhabi | May 2012

Issue 409

May 2012

EXPLORE THE TRIED AND TESTED We find Abu Dhabi's quickest curry delivery p36

BY LAND, SEA AND AIR THE CAPITAL'S BEST INDIE EATS

Our pick of the city's finest and best-loved independent restaurants and cafés p31

CULTURE ON THE CHEAP

Enjoy ten fun days out for less than Dhs3, from heritage to handicrafts p41

WIN! WIN! WIN! A luxury spa treatment for two, teeth whitening worth Dhs2,000 and an overnight stay at a five-star hotel!

UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

circle artwork_outline copy.pdf

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

1

5/6/12

9:48 AM

ConTEnTs Fancy learning to pilot a plane? Want to climb a mountain? How about a spot of polo? Well, now is the time. We’ve travelled the length and breadth of the UAE to bring you 24 activities to enjoy on air, land and sea before the summer hits

31 Independent eats

We scour the streets of Abu Dhabi, chat to some of the city’s most popular proprietors and bring you our pick of the city’s best independent restaurants

2012

18

FEATURES 18 Explore the seven emirates

may

36 The takeaway test: curry

Time to pull out our trusty stopwatch again to see how quickly Abu Dhabi’s takeaways can deliver us a curry

41 Less than Dhs3

Feeling the pinch? Impatient for payday? Do not fear, we have ten activities that you can enjoy for not a penny more than Dhs10, from museums to mosques

45 Madonna

Where to go pre and post the material girl’s concert next month. Come on, vogue...

36

45

31

41 may 2012 WHAT’S ON 3

ConTEnTs

THE ROUND-UP 14 salaam

Abu Dhabi life in three pages, for the impatient reader

46 Film

Up this month are We Need To Talk About Kevin, The Avengers, The FiveYear Engagement, The Three Stooges, Dark Shadows, Ishaqzaade and Jannat 2

49 Eating out

You will barely have time to digest this month’s foodie feast with eight new restaurants to visit, plus salmon with celeb chef columnist Gary Rhodes, the ins and outs of South African wine, cook a classic paella and a digestif of food news

87 Mind & body

Under pressure? Try out one of our surefire cures for stress and catch up on all the latest spa and beauty news

95 Music & nightlife

We have a word with Fatboy Slim ahead of his Sandance set, plus the hottest happenings in club land and our pick of the newest bars to try this month

107 Travel

Discover Tokyo and Oman, the Gourmet Traveller on burying goats in the sand, our hotel of the month, travels with Lord Jeffrey Archer and the latest travel news and deals

117 Win!

Survey the city from the top of the world with tickets to the Burj Khalifa’s At The Top observation deck, enjoy an overnight stay at one of Dubai’s most popular hotels or tidy up your toothy pegs with a teeth-whitening session

121 Hot List

What’s sizzling on the city’s brunch, spa, restaurant and bar scenes this month?

138 Backchat… with Adrian Hayes The UAE’s adventurer par excellence on conquering the emirates

49

63 Arts

Iranian artist Shirin Aliabadi makes eyes (literally) ahead of her show at DIFC’s The Farjam Collection, the low-down on Christie’s Sacha Jafri charity auction, interiors with La Galerie Nationale director Guillaume Cuiry, The Art Insider spills the beans on the UAE art scene, plus five exhibitions you simply must see

71 shopping

Fashion courses to try this month, the wonderful world of mail order, plus all the latest store openings and shopping news

79 sport & outdoor

Fearless (read: daft) staffer Matt braves the waters of the Arabian Gulf in search of pearls, six courses where you can enjoy a few rounds of night golf, plus our round-up of all the sports news

63 79

107 4 WHAT’S ON may 2012

For Arabian nights For the magic of Morocco. For the authenticity of old Marrakesh.

For a landmark Dubai dining experience, year after year. Tagine. For you.

Open for dinner from 7.30pm Tuesday to Sunday.

For reservations please telephone +971 4 399 99 99. oneandonlyroyalmirage.com

Dubai’s most romantic beach resort

Editor's note 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 FOOD EDITOR Gareth Rees gareth@motivate.ae FEATURES EDITOR, ABU DHABI Adam Workman adam@motivate.ae FEATURES WRITER Matt Priest matthew@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Freddie Colinares freddie@motivate.ae SENIOR DESIGNERS Sheila Carino-Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae Olga Petroff olga@motivate.ae PICTURE RESEARCHER – GULFPICS Wayne Fernandez wayne@motivate.ae CONTRIBUTORS Rob Adair, Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Stef Burgon, Tom Cullen, Vikram Gawde, Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Sophia Serin, Thomas Shambler, Simon Smedley, Alysha Stirling 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 PUBLISHER Gareth Lloyd-Jones | garethl@motivate.ae HEAD OF SALES Mark Pickup | markp@motivate.ae SENIOR ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae ADVERTISEMENT MANAGER Violeta Botorogeanu | violeta@motivate.ae GENERAL MANAGER, ABU DHABI Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE, ABU DHABI Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae

Cover illustration: Ioana Şopov

Annual Subscription UAE Dhs120 • GCC Dhs332 • International US$90 (including Airmail charges)

Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, Email: motivate@motivate.ae Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE,Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, Email: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

So the Editor is away, which means this month we’ll have no mention of his hometown of Sunderland and, instead, we’ll be exploring somewhere altogether more civilised; the wilds of the UAE. I’ve just spent a small fortune on tyres (a smug garage owner is rolling around on a bed of hundred dirham notes and thanking his lucky stars that I don’t know how to haggle) so I’ll be damned if I’m going to keep my car confined to the commute. No, this month the Pajero and I will be hitting the open road, windows down and system up. Hopefully with some pals in tow – there’s nowt sadder than a solo road trip, even if it means you can eat all the Haribo.

In our Seven Emirates feature (page 18) we are opening your eyes to the activities on our doorstep and beyond, from discovering up and coming artists in Sharjah to surfing in Al Ain (pretty radical, right?), flying in RAK and snorkelling with turtles off the shores of Fujairah. And we don’t want to put the pressure on, but the coming weekends could be your last chance to go out there for a piece of the action before you become a pale, flabby, brunch-fed, fresh air-shy Abu Dhabi dweller for the summer.

If you haven’t already jumped in your car, then this mammoth May mag also features a guide to the capital’s best independent eateries, ten places to go for less than Dhs3 (no, your sofa isn’t one of them, lazy bones), essential information on which Indian takeout place will have your curry delivered in a hurry, a raft of new restaurants, the experts telling us how to beat stress, fashion courses to try, more music than you can shake a glowstick at, and the usual What’s On madness to keep you busy, well-fed and happy this month.

Enjoy the issue.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 13

We're officially part of the Twitterati.

Follow us @WhatsOnabuDhabi for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself

Salaam!

What's going down in May

What’s hot sKY neWs araBia Sky News will launch its new sister channel, Sky News Arabia, in the Middle East on May 6. The channel will be a 24-hour Arabic language news service promising impartial news reporting across the Arab world. mOre the merrier Telecommunications companies du and Etisalat could see some stiff competition on the horizon as the UAE considers plans to allow new telecoms companies to enter the market in 2015. supersOnic From the UAE to the US in an hour? It could be possible according to the people behind Virgin Galactic who are eyeing up the UAE as a potential spaceport of the future.

What’s not tOO much Water The UAE consumes water far above the standard international level, according to Ministry consultants. On average, 370 litres of water are consumed daily per person, with the international standard only 200 litres. nOt QuaLiFieD The Health Authority Abu Dhabi has had to start clamping down on pharmacies across the capital as reports show that many of them are hiring sales people rather than qualified pharmacists. The Authority has issued warnings to 15 pharmacies across the emirate. rise in taXi price Taxi fares in the capital are set to be hiked up this month. The starting fare has been increased by 50 fils to Dhs3.50 in daytime (6am to 10pm), while the night fare will start at Dhs4.

14 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Guess list

Rumours and shakers on our grapevine

J-LO Newly divorced and back on tour, the whispers have started that Jenny from the block is on her way here. Our man in the know assures us that a UAE concert will happen sooner rather than later.

50%

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

enriQue igLesias Things look pretty perfect for Enrique. Superstar missus, bags of cash in the bank and a few cheeky number one singles to boot. What could possibly be missing? Well apparently a stop in the UAE if we’re deciphering the rumour mill correctly.

15%

35%

Jamie OLiver With talk of a new restaurant on the cards, expect the cheeky Essex chef to make a long-awaited return to the UAE later this year.

Apparently, he’ll be bringing his three friends: bish, bash and bosh.

acting cLasses The editor isn’t buying our excuses anymore, so we’ll be popping along to the Resuscitation Theatre’s acting classes.

Every Mon and Wed in May, 7pm to 8.30pm, Dhs500 for five weeks. Tel: (050) 8371563. resuscitationtheatre.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE

giRL AbOut tOWN

Clare Andow, interiors store manager

ILLUSTRATION BY: PAUL STERRY

LOcaL taLent I have recently spent some time with the Abu Dhabi Art Squad who are creating some amazing pieces of art – definitely worth checking out. abudhabiartsquad.com

eating Out I love going to Sho Cho. It's a stylish place to catch up with my friends and family and feast on some amazing Japanese food.

Sho Cho, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, daily noon to midnight.

Tel: (02) 5581117.

DJ Natalie Brogan is our eyes and ears on the ground in Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning bar scene. Follow her on twitter: @DjNatalieBrogan

this month: REFLEXions inspiratiOn I love the buzz of the city, but it is important to have quiet time to reflect as well. I like to go walking on the beach on the Corniche.

On a shOe string There are some really great pieces in The One. What sets them apart is that you can chat with a home stylist who can offer advice on decorating your home that fits within your budget.

The One, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 10pm, Fri 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6816500. theone.com

FLamencO

French FiLms

Latin lovers should be on the look out, as award-winning flamenco dancer Ele Ele, will be hot-footing it to Emirates Palace this month.

May 18 and 19, Emirates Palace Auditorium, 8pm, Dhs295 to Dhs495. Tel: (050) 6171226.

The French know how to do cinema, and this month you can catch a selection of films that were shown at the short film festival in Clermont-Ferrand right here in the capital.

May 28 to 30, Alliance Francaise, Khalidiya, free. Tel: (02) 6666232. clermont-filmfest.com

What does it look like?

Reflexions is a classic hotel bar: simple and colourful. There’s plenty of seating and areas for large groups, with an eclectic taste in furniture. Its main feature is a hypnotic colour-changing wall.

Who goes there?

Business types, hotel guests, diners from nearby restaurants and curious drinkers, at the moment.

Dress code?

Smart casual, with lots of people coming straight from work.

Any bar nibbles?

A continuously refilled selection of rice snacks and nuts, plus, once the menu has been decided, light snacks.

Drink recommendations?

I sampled a mojito, which had far too much ice, although the strawberry daiquiri was one of the best I've ever tried.

When should you go?

It’s in a prime location next to Al Wahda Mall, which makes it great for post-shopping drinks. They will have a ladies’ night soon and possibly live entertainment, too.

How’s the service?

We had to wait too long for drinks, but as they didn’t have a menu when I visited I was asked to choose a drink and they would prepare it, which was a nice touch.

What’s the taxi situation?

It's in a city centre hotel next to a mall, so you won't have any problem finding a taxi.

VERDICT Reflexions has the potential to be a nice lounge bar. The service was a little slow for my fast-paced life but I’ll put that down to being new. I look forward to going back once it’s fully up and running with a drinks menu to brows.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 6pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

Find us at

www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 15

SALAAM

IN THE NEWS Dubai Creek

SAFER ROADS

Al Bidya Mosque

the decrease in deaths on the capital’s roads since last year, according to the Abu Dhabi Police

With six large screens plastered around the bar and drinks deals available, this should prove to be a popular spot for both die hard and idle fans alike.

Mafraq Hotel, Mafraq.

Tel: (02) 6596666. mafraq-hotel.com

Umm an-Nar island

The UAE has no less than six locations that are currently being considered as contenders to be listed as world heritage sites

Sir Bu Nair Island

Ed-Dur

CHAMPIONS

LEAGUE FINAL

The biggest game in club football is upon us this month. Here’s our pick of where to watch the Champions League Final at 10.45pm on May 19

CENTRAL GARDEN

THE RETREAT

Always guaranteed to generate a great atmosphere, viewing space near the huge projection screen in the central garden will be prime real estate. There is an entrance fee, but it includes two drinks.

Le Méridien Abu Dhabi, Tourist Club Area, Dhs75. Tel: (02) 6446666. lemeridienabudhabi.com

With the bar running a buy one get one free drink deal for a limited time after every goal, you’d better hope that it is a high scoring affair. 5-4 anyone?

The Retreat, The Westin, Khalifa City.

Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort.com

NEW REAL

The Emirate of Sharjah

HERITAGE

34% HUNTER’S B&R

WORLD

AUD EXPRESS

MADRID HOTEL 450

number of hotel rooms

16 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Abu Dhabi Metro Plans for Abu Dhabi's metro network have been further delayed, with the first phase now not due to open until 2020. Only 18km of the originally stated 70km track is expected to be running by then.

LONGEST FLAG IN THE COUNTRY AN EMIRATI WOMAN HAS KNITTED THE BIGGEST FLAG IN THE UAE

5M THE LENGTH OF THE FLAG

20KG HOW

MUCH IT WEIGHS

7 MONTHS TO MAKE

The planned Real Madrid Resort Island in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to include a marina, yacht club, museum, shopping mall, football academy and five-star hotel. It is set to open in January 2015

10,000

number of seats in the stadium

US$1BILLION the total cost of the development

40

the size of the artificial island built in hectares

ABU DHABI AL WAHDA MALL DUBAI DEIR A CIT Y CENTRE

THE DUBAI MALL

MARINA MALL

KUWAIT 360 MALL

explore the

Seven emirateS‌

by land, sea and air

the humidity’s rising, the barometer is getting low‌ before you retreat inside for a summer of brunches and box sets, pack up your car, round up some pals and conquer the seven emirates, to enjoy everything they have to offer. from flying to fishing, waterparks to windsurfing, now is the time to take action

explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air to midnight, Fri 9am to midnight, Sat 9am to 11pm, Dhs100 for all-day admission, Dhs50 for 7pm until closing, lockers Dhs25, towels Dhs20. Tel: (03) 7818422. wadiadventure.ae

air

abu Dhabi The largest emirate by quite some distance, it follows that Abu Dhabi’s desert expanses contain abundant adventurous activities. From the bustling capital city to the greenery of Al Ain and the western region’s barren but beautiful confines, we have it all covered...

land Back when horsepower wasn’t a term attached to gas-guzzling supercars, traversing UAE terrain was a simpler pleasure on four legs rather than four wheels. There are few more captivating settings in which to saddle up than Sir Bani Yas Island, around 250km west of Abu Dhabi city. The Desert Islands Resort & Spa has just opened a state-of-the-art stables facility, boasting space for 30 horses from Arabia and around the globe.

Housing numerous paddocks, 20 WHAT’S ON may 2012

Strictly speaking you’ll never leave the ground with Abu Dhabi’s newest airborne attraction: a Boeing 747 flight simulator with life-size cockpit at Al Forsan International Sports Resort.

The first of its kind in the entire country, the simulator gives wouldbe pilots a choice of 200 destination riding rings and a covered riding highly popular Wadi Adventure airports to learn/practise landing, area, the centre caters for beginners waterpark. Whitewater rafting take-offs and in-flight skills. From to equestrian experts. The best (Dhs100 for 90 mins) and kayaking a budget 15-minute take-off/ experiences are undoubtedly (Dhs100 for an all-day pass) are landing session to a mammoth full exploring the island’s extensive specialities on a world-beating four-hour flight simulation, ten wildlife park by horseback or 1km-plus course. The lack of cutting-edge computers control trotting along the idyllic beach natural tides matters little in the the whole experience. Perfect for on the two-hour Royal Bay ride. surf pool (Dhs100 for 55 mins), vertigo sufferers and scaredy-cats, Cash flashers take note: charter which can generate towering waves then, although if you’re feeling seaplane flights to Sir Bani Yas are over three metres tall every 90 more adventurous Al Forsan has all available from Jebel Ali Marina. seconds. Lessons are available, too, kinds of land and water activities, Desert Islands Resort & Spa, Sir priced per hour (kayaking group from wake-boarding to karting.

Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7am Dhs100, private Dhs500, surfing But if you’d rather hit the heights to 5pm, Dhs200 to Dhs350. group Dhs125 to Dhs150, private for real, adrenaline rushes are all Tel: (02) 8015400. desertislands.

Dhs500 to Dhs600). For anybody part of the fun of paragliding. anantara.com who wants to take things at a more Be quick to catch the tail end of sedate pace, there are swimming the prime season, which runs pools for adults and toddlers. from October to May, with Micro Aquaphobes aren’t excluded either, Aviation Club, who will train you thanks to a climbing wall (Dhs40 from scratch, including the basics for 20 mins), high ropes course and of opening and closing the canopy zip line (Dhs50 for an all-day pass), through to take-off and landing. A and 14-foot giant swing (Dhs25). course of ten to 12 sessions covers The actual ocean might be a good Wadi Adventure, Jebel Hafeet, ground handling, followed by small 100km from Al Ain, but that won’t Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sun, Tue and hill training and, finally, soaring diminish your enjoyment of its Wed noon to 11pm, Thur noon through the sky. All equipment is provided.

Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sun, Mon, Wed and Sat 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 8pm, Thur 10am to 2pm and 3pm to 5pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm, Dhs120 to Dhs1,400. Tel: (02) 5568555. mutahida.com Micro Aviation Club, Abu Dhabi/Dubai border, times by appointment, Dhs3,500 (includes one-year membership) plus Dhs250 Emirates Aviation Association annual fee. Tel: (055) 2120155. microaviation.org

sea

ajman Directions

From Abu Dhabi: Make your way to Dubai on the E11 road. Keep driving on the E11 through Dubai and Sharjah, following signs to Ajman

At 260sqkm, Ajman is the smallest of the seven emirates – even its name translates to ‘small city’ in Arabic – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do in this quaint seaside town. The pristine beach, stretching the length of the emirate, is the focus of most of the family-friendly outdoor activities, but there is lots more going on besides

City tour If you’ve never been but are determined to tick Ajman off your list, perhaps the easiest way to do it is by booking a city tour trip. Deep Sea Adventure tours – don’t be fooled by the name – run a four-hour tour of all the best sights in both Ajman and Sharjah, including stop-offs giving you time to wander around and explore the areas.

It is also quite handy if you live in Dubai, as they will pick you up and drop you back at your house – so you can nap on the way back home.

Deep Sea Adventure, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs250.

Tel: (04) 2972511. deepseaadventure.net

land 25º 24´ 48.47˝ N 55º 26´ 44.17˝ E

Due to Ajman’s diminutive stature, it doesn’t boast the vast expanses of rolling desert dunes found in the larger emirates. Nor does it have a jagged mountain range running down its backbone.

But what Ajman does best is showcase the simple laidback lifestyle that is all too often forgotten in the other emirates.

The Ajman Museum, based in a traditional old Emirati fort, is the city’s must-visit attraction.

Built in the late 18th century and used as a palace by the ruling sheikh, nowadays the expertly maintained and renovated fort is a fully functioning museum with historical exhibitions showcasing the traditional Bedouin way of life in this coastal town. Some of the museum’s displays, it must be said, are fairly unusual, highlighting

the weird and wonderful religious and medical rituals practised in the old days, and there is a rather haphazard collection of handcuffs and police uniforms. Visitors can also experience how the fort’s traditional wind towers work, and even have a poke around a charming reconstruction of an oldfashioned souk.

Ajman Museum, Al Bustan, Ajman, Sun to Thur 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm, Fri 4pm to 7pm, Dhs4. Tel: (06) 7423824

sea 25º 25´ 25.5˝ N 55º 26´ 33.45˝ E

Watersports is where Ajman really excels. The 500-m stretch of private beach at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman is relatively undisturbed, making it the prime location for water-based antics. The onsite watersports centre offers a range of activities,

including jet ski rentals (Dhs150 for 20 minutes), but it’s important to note, however, that the jet skis are only available for people aged 16 and above.

If you are planning a trip with younger children do not despair, as the tots can also get their adrenaline fix by clinging on to the back of a banana boat (Dhs100 for 15 minutes) as it races over the water, or, if you fancy a less energetic activity, you can rent sea kayaks (Dhs100 per hour) and explore the coastline.

Dolphin WaterSports Centre, Kempinski Hotel Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, jet skiing Dhs150 to Dhs450, banana boating Dhs100, sea kayaks Dhs100. Tel: (06) 7425450. dolphinwatersports.i8.com

air 25º 25´ 25.5˝ N 55º 26´ 33.45˝ E

The regular onshore breeze in Ajman makes it one of the best areas for windsurfing in the UAE. The watersports centre at the Kempinski Hotel Ajman not only rents the equipment, but also offers beginners’ lessons teaching everything you will need to know in order to jump up on a board and manipulate the wind. If you already fancy yourself as a gnarly wave rider, there is ample space to try out some tricks and gain some serious speed. As always when it comes to windsurfing, you know you’re good if you can return to shore with a dry swimsuit.

Kempinski Hotel Ajman, Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi Street, Dhs100 per lesson. Tel: (06) 7145555. kempinski.com/ajman may 2012 WHAT’S ON 21

explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air and brilliant – just remember to hold on tight.

Watercooled, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, 9am to 5pm, Dhs170 for 20 mins. Tel: (04) 8876771. watercooleddubai.com

Dubai Directions

From Abu Dhabi: Hop on the E11 and keep on going until you see the skyscrapers

air Sea planeS

With all its landmarks, Dubai has some pretty spectacular views.

None more so than the eyeful you get while flying over the emirate in a nine-seater seaplane. With unrivalled vistas of The Palm, the creek, Sheikh Zayed Road and The World, it really is the best way to see the city. You can set off for a 40-minute flight with Seawings from either Jebel Ali or the Dubai Creek, depending on your preference and their availability.

Seawings, daily 9am to 5pm, Dhs1,325. Tel: (800) 73294647. seawings.ae

Dubai offers activities by the bucketload, but the city really comes into its own if you want to try your hand at something a little bit unusual…

land FenCing

Wannabe swashbucklers and master swordsmen alike can duel at the MK Fencing Academy. The courses, run by the brother and sister duo of Mihail and Maria, cater for everyone from keen enthusiasts (with all the gear) to first-time fencers, teaching across the three disciplines of épée, foil and sabre.

MK Fencing Academy, Raffles International School, Jumeirah, Dubai, beginners épée Wed 6.30pm to 7.30pm, advanced épée and foil Wed 7.30pm to 9pm, Dhs60. Tel: (050) 7944190. dubaifencingclub.com

polo

There aren’t many places in the world where you can conquer the sport of kings. If you’d like to learn a pukka chukka (or even find out when one is) then the Dubai Polo Academy offers introduction sessions (Dhs800 for 90 minutes), private lessons (Dhs770 for 40 minutes), group 22 WHAT’S ON may 2012

classes (Dhs550 for 40 minutes) and a three-day intensive course (Dhs5,000) that covers practical and theoretical training and culminates in you playing a game. Social climbers with strong thighs, this is for you.

The Dubai Polo Academy, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai, from Dhs550. Tel: (05) 8879847. poloclubdubai.com

sea Swimming witH SHarkS or dolpHinS

Hot air ballooning

atlantisthepalm.com. The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs625 for certified divers, Dhs825 for uncertified divers including an introduction course with Al Boom. Tel: (04) 3422993. Metro: Dubai Mall. thedubaiaquarium.com

ZapCat

Imagine hurtling across the water at speeds of up to 80km per hour, cornering quicker than a Formula Bobbing around in the water with One car with 3gs of force pulling at humans is just so boring, don’t you as you hold onto nothing but a you find? Much better, we feel, rope. If that sounds like your kind to explore the underwater world of thing, with some of nature’s finest. then call Take your pick from dolphins the new at Atlantis and sharks in the Wateraquarium at The Dubai Mall, and cooled note that they’re wisely not in the centre and same place – we wouldn’t want book yourto witness a potential Flipper vs self a ride Jaws bloodbath… on their Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, from Zapcat. It is Dhs790. Tel: (04) 4261030. fast, intense

Your airborne adventure starts in darkness, with the sun rising over the dunes and revealing the huge balloon that you’ll be travelling in. May is the last month before Balloon Adventures ceases flights over the summer, so this is your last chance to see Dubai from the lofty heights of these gentle giants.

Transportation from selected meeting points in the city, a flight certificate and cold drinks are all included, as is entertaining chat from the charming pilots as you fly over desert, oases and wildlife. A truly memorable experience.

Balloon Adventures, Dhs995, Dhs850 for children aged five to 12.

Tel: (04) 2854949. ballooning.ae

brought for you to snack on between dives; trust us, you’ll get a serious case of food envy, and for Dhs35 it is well worth it.

Al Boom Diving Centre, Le Méridien Al Aqah, Fujairah, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs250 for snorkelling (two trips), Dhs350 for diving (two trips). Tel: (09) 2044925. alboomdiving.com

air 25º 30´ 31.66˝ N 56º 21´ 50.38˝ E

land 25º 23´ 45.83˝ N 56º 16´ 10.60˝ E

Fujairah Directions

From Abu Dhabi: Head towards Dubai on the E11, taking the turn on to the Dubai Bypass Road (E611), keep going until you take the Al Dhaid Road (E88) turning towards Masafi. At Musafi turn right onto the E89 heading to Fujairah

Fujairah should be considered the exciting new upstart of the emirates. With a brilliant stretch of coastline, it has started ramping up its outdoor activities – and the adrenaline-loving crowds are taking notice

Declared a Protected Area by the Emirates Wildlife Society and the WWF, Wadi Wurayah is a natural national treasure. The 169-km2 area in Fujairah’s Hajar Mountains is home to some 1,350 species of plant and animal, and is a must-see for any off-road enthusiast or nature admirer. The area is dotted with streams and pools. People are allowed to visit, but because it is a protected area it is crucial that they treat the place with respect, do not leave any rubbish and do not take any of the flora or fauna.

If you’re coming from Fujairah town, head north up the E99 coastal road turning right just after the village of Zubara and near the Al Bidiyah Thursday market. It is important to note that due to the nature of the Wadi the route is heavily dependent on the weather conditions, as the valleys are susceptible to flash floods, so make sure you research the conditions before setting off.

sea 25º 30´ 23.70˝ N 56º 21´ 48.02˝ E

Mother Nature deals some destinations a good hand – and Fujairah is one of them. Blessed with excellent diving conditions, the Eastern emirate is the UAE’s prime spot for snorkelling with sea turtles. Just up the coast from Fujairah town lies the blossoming tourist town of Al Aqah and, more importantly, the location of the Al Boom Diving Centre. There they run three daily trips – leaving at 9am, noon and 3pm – to various dive stops along the coast. Regardless of whether you are a qualified diver or fancy a snorkel, you are pretty much guaranteed to see some incredible fish and, thanks to an extensive environmental drive by places such as Le Méridien Al Aqah, there is a strong chance of seeing the previously endangered sea turtles swimming around the reefs at places such as Sharm Rock. A note to the wise: it is best to take up the dive centre’s offer to have packed sandwiches

If being hoisted 200m up in the air attached to only a parachute and a speedboat doesn’t appeal to your adventurous side then it is best to turn the page now. Parasailing is the most adrenaline-fuelled experience offered by the aptly named Adventure Sports, based at the Fujairah Rotana in Al Aqah. For Dhs250 you get ten minutes of flying time at any point between sunset and sunrise, as long as the water conditions are good. If you don’t think that sounds like a long time, you’ll be surprised.

To make things easier, the boat does on-board take-off and landing, so it is safer and more controlled. Perhaps the best part of the parasailing is that if you’re not keen to do it by yourself, they offer tandem flights with up to four people, dependent on your combined weight, however.

Adventure Sports, Fujairah Rotana, Al Aqah, daily 8am to 6pm, Dhs250. Tel: (050) 7827736. adventuresports.ae

may 2012 WHAT’S ON 23

explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air sailing (Dhs100 for 60 minutes), wind karting (Dhs100 for 60 minutes), aquagliding (Dhs60 for 60 minutes), windsurfing (Dhs60 for 60 minutes), kayaking (Dhs60 for 30 minutes) and fishing trips (Dhs420 for four hours). It’s safe to say that if you’re looking for watersports in RAK, Al Hamra Fort is the place to go.

Al Hamra Fort Hotel And Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah. Tel: (07) 2446666. alhamrafort.com

air 25º 40´ 47.57˝ N 55º 46´ 23.99˝ E

raS al Khaimah Directions

From Abu Dhabi: Make your way to Dubai and follow Emirates Road until you reach Ras Al Khaimah

The northernmost emirate of Ras Al Khaimah is growing fast, with its newly appointed ruler Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi continuing to focus on the rapidly expanding tourism sector, but RAK still provides a quiet escape from city life in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with a glut of outdoor activities on offer It won’t be operational until October, but when it is, Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club will offer everything from sailing lessons to fishing trips.

Al Hamra Marina & Yacht Club, Al Hamra Village, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs2,000 for individual membership, Dhs2,500 for families. Tel: (07) 2434540. alhamramarina.com

land 25º 38´ 00.31˝ N 55º 51´ 56.09˝ E

We here at What’s On suffer from a bit of vertigo (OK, a lot of vertigo); nevertheless, we like to test ourselves regularly on the various climbing walls in the UAE. But indoor climbing is child’s play compared with the real deal, and the mountain ranges surrounding Ras Al Khaimah provide the ideal setting to test yourself in the great outdoors. Banyan Tree Al Wadi can arrange lessons with qualified instructors in climbing

Who hasn’t dreamed of piloting a plane? Sports cars are a thrill, motorbikes are cool, but gliding 1,000ft above terra firma in a tiny light aircraft is the ultimate freedom. And it’s probably a lot safer than a jaunt down Sheikh Zayed Road in your rented Yaris, too. The small Jazirah Aviation Club offers power parachute and paramotor experiences, but it’s the Aeroprakt A-22 light aircraft that will interest any wannabe Biggles amongst you.

The 450-kg, two-seater planes are ideal for beginners, and the club offers 15-minute, 30-minute and 60-minute short flights over the city and coastline – during which brave would-be pilots can take the controls – as well as full lesson packages allowing wannabe 25º 41´ 21.82˝ N top guns to train for their pilot’s 55º 46´ 32.68˝ E licence. To earn your licence, Many of the hotels in Ras Al you’re looking at approximately Khaimah offer watersports Dhs17,000 for 20 hours’ theory activities, but the Al Hamra Fort and 25 hours’ flying before you can Hotel And Beach Resort, with its fly alone. Make sure you ask for impressive private beach, provides Captain Amith Pillai – RAK born the broadest range, including and bred, he is also a real pro, an banana boating (Dhs50 for ten excellent guide and teacher and a minutes), doughnut rides (Dhs60 safe pair of hands. Believe us, once for ten minutes), fly fishing (Dhs80 you’ve tried it, you will want to go for ten minutes), jet skiing (Dhs160 the distance and earn your wings. for 15 minutes), water skiing Chocks away.

(Dhs180 for 30 minutes), wakeJazirah Aviation Club, Exit 110, boarding (Dhs180 for 30 minutes), Emirates Road, Ras Al Khaimah, knee boarding (Dhs150 for 30 Dhs150 for 15 minutes, Dhs275 for minutes), sailing lessons (Dhs150 30 minutes, Dhs550 for 60 minutes. for 60 minutes), catamaran Tel: (07) 2446416. jac-uae.net and abseiling, catering both to beginners and more advanced climbers. All safety equipment and tuition based on your experience will be provided. There is no better way to make the most of the last remaining month of cool weather, or to explore the mountainous terrain of the UAE. Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs300 for four hours, Dhs450 for eight hours. Tel: (07) 2067777. banyantree.com

sea

may 2012 WHAT’S ON 25

explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air

Sharjah muSt viSit The city’s art scene is getting everyone excited, with Sharjah’s museums presenting world-class cultural events and attractions. This month you can see rare Islamic design treasures from London’s V&A in the Owen Jones exhibit at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, and a retrospective of Sudanese artist Ibrahim El Salahi, organised by New York’s Museum For African Art at Sharjah Art Museum. Other highlights include a video installation by Basma Alsharif called “Farther Than The Eye Can See”, showing at Bait Al Shamsi in the Arts Area until May 18, plus the ongoing displays at the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, the only institution in the Arab world dedicated to the art form. sharjahmuseums.ae

26 WHAT’S ON may 2012

Directions

From Abu Dhabi: Dead easy. Just hop on the E11, which turns in Sheikh Zayed Road, taking Garhoud Bridge then keep on going. Sharjah is signposted

Often seen as Dubai’s drier, dustier little brother, Sharjah’s appeal lies in its scrappy can-do attitude, on-the-cheap activities and emerging art scene

land 25º 21´ 15.08˝ N 55º 29´ 16.92˝ E

Sharjah’s main hub of activity lies outside the city at the Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club. Here, as the website proudly proclaims, you can shoot ‘real guns with real bullets’ (costing from Dhs100 for

25 rounds on a .22 to Dhs250 for 25 shots on a 9-mm Luger Sport II), with lessons available. If The Hunger Games inspired you to take up archery, try half an hour of unlimited arrows (Dhs100) or give paintball a shot in the feature-filled indoor and outdoor parks from Dhs80.

Non-sporty types will also find plenty to fill their day in this emirate, with Arabia’s Wildlife Centre situated in the Sharjah Desert Park 28km from the city.

It displays over 100 species of animal that appear naturally on the Arabian Peninsula, with native leopards, venomous vipers and domesticated critters waiting to be photographed.

Children can also feed and pet some furry friends (not the snakes…), with pony and camel rides at the weekend.

Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, Emirates Road, Sharjah, Sat to Thur noon to 10pm, Fri 10am to 10pm. Tel: (06) 5487777. golfandshootingshj.com. Arabia’s Wildlife Centre, Sharjah Desert Park, Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah, Sun to Thur 9am to 5.30pm, Fri 2pm to 5.30pm, Sat 11am to 5.30pm, closed Tues, Dhs15, Dhs5 for children aged 12 to 16, free for under 12s. Tel: (06) 5311999. sharjahtourism.ae

sea 25º 17´ 10.02˝ N 55º 22´ 11.78˝ E

If you’re looking for the fish to bite, prepare for an early start in Sharjah. Leaving at 5am from the Grand Hotel,

Dophin WaterSports’ fishing trip offers a mighty 18 spots to make sure you don’t go home empty handed, with a GPS system finding the fishies. The boat can carry up to six people, your adventure lasts four hours, and soft drinks and snacks are included – they can even help gut your spoils so you’re ready for a breakfast barbecue.

Meanwhile, over at the Radisson Blu, a beach packed with watersports awaits.

Visitors pay Dhs150 for access at weekends (Dhs75 for under12s), with reasonable rates for activities. Try a pedalo at Dhs50 for 30 minutes, banana boating for Dhs35 per person or windsurfing for Dhs180 an hour.

Sharjah Grand Hotel, Sultan Al Awal Road Al Khan Beach, Sharjah, Dhs1,500 for six people. Tel: (06) 7425450. dolphinwatersports.i8.com.

Radisson Blu Resort, Corniche Road, Sharjah. Tel: (06) 5657777. radissonblu.com

air 25º 19´ 19.48˝ N 55º 22´ 29.31˝ E

One of the most noteworthy landmarks of the Sharjah skyline, The Eye of the Emirates is a 60metre-high observatory wheel with 42 air-conditioned gondolas that can each hold up to eight people. The wheel boasts views of the city and beyond to Dubai; on a clear day you can see up to 30 miles away, so it offers a unique vantage point and photo opportunities. Right on the water in the cultural hub of Al Qasba, the wheel was built in 2005, and welcomed over 100,000 visitors last year. A trip is particularly recommended in the evenings, when the city lights and nearby fountains come to life.

Eye Of The Emirates, Al Qasba, Sharjah, Sat to Wed 10am to midnight, Thur and Fri 10am to 1am, Dhs30, Dhs15 for children.

Tel: (06) 5560777. alqasba.ae

explore the Seven emirateS… by land, sea and air

umm al Quwain Directions

From Abu Dhabi: Take the E11 to Dubai then avoid Sharjah traffic take Emirates Road (E311), which goes through Ajman.

Umm Al Quwain is signposted

One of the smallest and more sparsely populated emirates, UAQ is a 45-minute blast along Emirates Road from Dubai.

Once there, it’s a little like going back in time, but there are enclaves of good-value, family-friendly activities, with a few hidden gems.

And we’re not talking about that roundabout with the giant fake fish on it

and, of course, slides. Granted, it’s not as modern as waterparks like Wild Wadi, but it has a certain charm (and who can deny the pleasure of a few drinks in dappled shade?). If you want to make a weekend of it, chalets and tents are available for overnight stays, with campers scoring an extra hour of private park time, barbecues – complete with meat – and camping equipment are provided, plus two full days of waterpark access. Note that Fridays are strictly for families.

Dreamland Aqua Park, Umm Al Quwain, Sun to Thur 10am to 6pm, Fri and Sat 10am to 7pm, Dhs135, Dhs85 for children, from Dhs373 for camping. Tel: (06) 7681888. dreamlanduae.com

land 25º 35´ 30.83˝ N 55º 39´ 39.52˝ E

Dreamland Aqua Park is the main attraction in Umm Al Quwain, and the UAE’s largest waterpark, covering a vast area. It is packed with rides, both with and without the need to get wet, and prices are considerably lower than you’ll find in Dubai. It boasts green lawns, loungers aplenty, a swim-up bar, wave pool, tennis courts, beach volleyball, a petting zoo, game zone 28 WHAT’S ON may 2012

sea 25º 33´ 69.40˝ N 55º 33´ 88.10˝ E

Wake-boarders in search of a good value boat trip should head straight to Umm Al Quwain Marine Club.

It costs just Dhs250 per boat for an hour (boats can hold up to eight people) with all equipment for wake-boarding or water skiing provided and a driver/instructor on hand. Kayaks are also available to rent at Dhs35 for a single or Dhs60 per double for an hour (more than enough time to paddle to the nearby mangroves), while donut and banana boats can fling you around to your heart’s content for half an hour at Dhs150. If you’d rather lounge on the grass or by the pool, it costs Dhs50 for day access, or Dhs25 for children, with a café

muSt viSit Umm Al Quwain is the last place you’d expect to find a top-notch deli, but make sure you don’t fill your car at Barracuda, because the shop next door is packed with treats. Finer Things has sourced foods from 18 countries, and the shelves groan with jams, chutneys, spices, tea, fresh French cheeses and cordials, plus high-end chocolates and cooking oils. A must for any foodie.

Finer Things, Next to Barracuda Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain, 8am to 7pm. Tel: (06) 7681175

and play park on site. Camping spots can be rented at Dhs100, or Dhs50 for children, with barbecues provided for an extra Dhs75, with charcoal thrown in too, plus use of the showers, toilets and an indoor space with cable TV. Ideal for people wanting to master watersports in a weekend.

Umm Al Quwain Marin Club, Umm Al Quwain, daily 24-hours, Dhs50, Dhs25 for children. Tel: (06) 7666644. uaqmarineclub.com

air 25º 34´ 46.51˝ N 55º 39´ 12.44˝ E

While this giant disused aircraft isn’t going anywhere fast, the plane that resides by the road close to Barracuda offers a topnotch photo op. Emblazoned with the faded contact details for the nearby Palma Beach Hotel, legend has it that the jet was once used by the Russian Air Force before being sold multiple times, eventually for scrap to the resort.

Brave souls have climbed aboard to see the stripped-back interior (there are tyres stacked up by an open door), but we in no way recommend risking it – the ascent reeks of broken ankles.

12 NDEPENDENT EATS

While global brands and luxury hotels dominate the Emirates’ culinary scene, there is an alternative. What’s On goes in search of the dozen finest independent restaurants and cafés that Abu Dhabi has to offer…

ARLEQUIN Abu Dhabi has changed immeasurably since Lebanese pastries and savouries experts Arlequin came to the capital city in 1977. But what hasn’t altered is its specialities: Arabic sweets, French pastries and Lebanese dishes. They’re all lovingly baked onsite, and for sweettoothed types in Al Ain, there is also an Arlequin branch in the Garden City.

Arlequin has, they tell us, proved especially popular with female customers, and the constantly updated cakes selection is closer to an edible art gallery than mere food.

Behind Sheraton Khalidiyah, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6666855. arlequin.ae

GRAND CENTRAL If you’re among the sizeable section of the population who reckons Ronald McDonald deserves a slap to his clownish face for 21st century expectations of fast food, salvation is at hand. This Chicagoan railway station-themed champion puts fun into the humble art of the burger, from its model train-embellished interior to the menu (shout out to the sweet potato fries), right down to the railway signal light graphic design on its takeaway bags. In fact, merely writing this has made us so peckish that we’re downing tools for five minutes to order some delivery right… now.

Behind Muroor Street and 15th Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 11.30am to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6426499. grandcentral.ae maY 2012 WHAT’S ON 31

JONES THE GROCER We couldn’t wax lyrical about independent eating in Abu Dhabi without paying homage to this big gun. Regular What’s On readers will know the drill: Jones The Grocer’s gourmet café and boutique-ish store combine to create a world-beater.

With several capital city branches, it’s swiftly becoming an institution. And anybody – vegetarians aside, we guess – who can tuck into the wagyu burger without excitedly extolling its virtues to all and sundry might want to check whether their tastebuds remain attached.

Pearl Plaza Tower, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 8am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6395883. jonesthegrocer.com Also Al Mamoura, Al Raha Gardens and Sowwah Square (express outlet)

OLIVIA’S If you’re searching for incongruous locations for a meal, look no further than this ADNEC fine dining gem. Once inside you may forget where you are. Squirrelled away in the depths of the exhibition centre, the Italian restaurant hasn’t forgotten its own geographical reality, however, injecting Emirati cuisine into the menu. Most notable is the camel pizza – yes, really – which turns meat from the humped desert dwellers into a Bolognese-style topping reminiscent of a gamier ground beef.

Predominantly populated during exhibitions, Olivia’s is worth off-piste investigation.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 8am to 5pm. Tel: (800) 23632. adnec.ae

CAFÉ ARABIA Set over three expansive floors of a lovingly decorated villa, Café Arabia is a cut above the average independent spot. With several terraces for alfresco meals or coffee, the interiors are just as impressive, walls full of work from talented local artists with crafts available for purchase on the ground floor.

Regular events – art exhibitions, poetry, arts and bazaars – ramp up a genuine community vibe and the clientele is accordingly a culture-crossing selection, from Emiratis to expat housewives and discerning lunchbreakers. The food is simple but delicious, giving a healthy hat tip to classic Middle Eastern dishes. You won’t find the air clouded with shisha, either, making Café Arabia a popular haunt for non-smokers, too.

32 WHAT’S ON maY 2012

PLANET CAFÉ Hugely popular with the local shisha smoking crowd, Planet is slightly unsung when it comes to menu options that don’t involve inhaling. Burgers, pizzas, pastas and the extensive range of Arabic-leaning mains are all presented with panache at reasonable prices, with a friendly atmosphere ensuring a loyal clientele. You might elicit a quizzical eyebrow from the staff if you only pop in for food of an evening, however on one recent visit, our sweet waitress excitedly exclaimed we were the only table who hadn’t ordered a pipe.

Off Hamdan Street, near junction of Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 1.30am. Tel: (02) 6767962

AIDA MANSOUR, PROPRIETRESS What inspired Café Arabia?

My personal passion for the café scene: the daily ritual of a coffee, good, healthy dish, a book and good company. My plunge came after reading Anyone Can Do It by Sahar Hashemi, founder of The Coffee Republic in London. Later while studying in Vienna I came across a café bearing my name, Aida. It was like a sign.

What made you decide to convert a villa?

I’ve been in the UAE since 1990 and watched how our city was becoming increasingly a mall culture, and the same franchises popping everywhere with no personality. I longed for the street cafés in Europe, Turkey, Syria and Egypt, where cafés are everywhere, not in malls. I decorated Café Arabia with very limited financial resources. I had to use my personal furniture, and all my cutlery and crockery.

Does the emphasis on local arts and crafts reflect your own interests?

I am passionate about art in all its forms, from literature to paintings, jewellery design, fashion, decor and food. Art is in everything around us.

What else do you hope to achieve with thecafé?

I have one goal for Café Arabia: to play a major role in promoting tolerance and better understanding between east and west,while savoring great traditional family food and sharing the beauty of art and culture which binds us.

15th Street, between Karama and Airport Road, opposite Al Mushrif Children’s Park, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6439699. facebook.com/cafearabia

NOLU’S CAFÉ ROSINA BELLINA There’s no denying the almost mafiosa motto of Corniche-front casual Italian restaurant Rosina Bellina – ‘she cooks, you eat’ – is in keeping with the country of culinary origin. The food is similarly faithful: we can recommend the lobster ravioli. Now is the perfect time to sample the spacious outdoor dining area before summer peaks, although there is a smaller indoor space once the mercury rises. The eponymous old lady could soon welcome a sister to Abu Dhabi too, with plans afoot for a second branch.

Al Shahil Beach Gate 3, intersection of Khaleej Al Arabi Street and Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6390587. rosinabellina. webs.com

THE ONE This Khalidiyah stalwart’s reputation precedes it, having picked up enough accolades – including multiple What’s On Awards – to cram a trophy cabinet.

Unusually situated above The One’s furniture showroom, its hearty mains ensure that any comparisons to multinational flatpacks and snacks giant Ikea are blown clean out the water. Parking is usually a breeze as well, in one of the few Khalidiyah areas yet to be painted black and blue by Mawaqif.

Sheikh Zayed The First Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 8am to 9pm, Fri 10am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6816500. theone.com

Opened last October, Nolu’s is named after chef/ co-founder Marjon Ajami’s two children, Noah and Lujayn (“I guess if I have a third child I only have the letter ‘s’ to play with,” she jokes). East meets west on the menu, which combines the best of Afghani and American cuisine in a relaxed, airy café-restaurant split into two sides. It’s a top location for breakfast, lunch or dinner, and we’d particularly recommend delving into the Afghani options during the latter two mealtimes: the filled bolani pastries and mantoo dumplings are particularly tasty. Add in free wifi and you’ll definitely get the impression that Nolu’s wants you to linger for hours rather than wolf down your food before being chivvied out the door.

MARJON AJAMI

CHEF/CO-FOUNDER How did the idea for Nolu’s originate?

I moved to Abu Dhabi from California seven years ago. I would sit with friends, and we always had the same complaints: there was no restaurant to grab a simple meal, or a laidback café to visit. My parents have owned restaurants since the early 1970s, so I know nothing except food. I put all of my cravings together with the need that I saw, and created the concept. Before you know it, I was signing a lease.

What’s the concept?

I wanted a café that was healthy but also unique.

There’s nothing like going to breakfast with the family on a weekend morning, so that’s how the American breakfast menu was created. My background is Afghan, and there are no good Afghani restaurants in Abu Dhabi, so I thought some of the cuisine would be a great introduction. Trying to replicate what I know in this region has been a very difficult task. But with patience and perseverance I hope I can attain my goal and expand.

Why did you choose Al Bandar?

I truly don’t think there’s a location as lovely as Al Bandar in all of Abu Dhabi. It’s the only place you can come as a family and not be interrupted by cars. Your children can run around and you know they are safe. The architecture is beautiful and the ambience is peaceful.

Al Bandar, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 8am to 10pm, Thur and Fri 8am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 5579500. noluscafe.com maY 2012 WHAT’S ON 33

SAUDI CUISINE VIP Considering it’s one of only two countries bordering the UAE, it’s surprising that Abu Dhabi isn’t overflowing with Saudi Arabian food spots. This new restaurant is doing its best to redress the balance, though, with decor far grander than most competitors in Khalidiyah’s mazy backstreets. And you’ll be greeted at the door by a fellow in full Saudi dress. The menu is similarly educational – bukhari, mandi, zurbian, kabsa, madfoon, and mathlootha – majoring on rice-orientated chicken or lamb dishes at prices that encourage repeat visits.

Behind Corniche Towers, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 1am. Tel: (02) 6655355

API CAE Pronounced ‘apee-kai’, this new Italian deli-restaurant in Khalidiyah is already proving a real revelation, despite only opening last month. The modus operandi is proudly European, displaying its culinary wares in a deli-style arrangement, with mix-and-match dishes then served at your table. With antipasto, an impressive range of breads, imaginative mains (including a top pizza selection), a truly tempting pastries counter and drinks made to order, the choice is wide and the menu is updated daily. Everything is prepared from scratch, including the bread and pastries, offsetting the dining area’s clean surrounds with a homely touch. The restaurant takes its name from a collection of Roman cooking manuscripts said to contain the origins of Italian food and the authenticity extends to Italian-born chef Mario Storti. Takeaway and delivery are also on offer.

MARIO STORTI,

EXECUTIVE SOUS CHEF Is there anywhere else in Abu Dhabi serving Italian food like this?

No, I don’t think so, and you can’t really compare us to any hotel buffets, because of the quality of ingredients and authenticity of our recipes and dishes. Not to mention the European staff and atmosphere, which is unique for Abu Dhabi.

How vital is the fact that you’re an Italian-born chef?

I think it’s very important. Authentic Italian dishes vary from region to region and from one house to another. That’s very hard to teach to anyone that is not from there.

What are the challenges of cooking Italian food in the Middle East?

Ingredients and different opinions on the texture and taste of dishes.

For example, Europeans like pasta al dente while Arabic people prefer it overcooked. This causes a dilemma about how we should prepare it. But there are a lot of Italians in Abu Dhabi and they appreciate good authentic breads, pastry and food.

Block A, Khalidiyah Tower, behind National Bank Of Abu Dhabi/Veneto, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Fri to Wed 8am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6668909. apicae.com 34 WHAT’S ON maY 2012

THE SOCIAL HUB Short of opening its own publication, The Social Hub could scarcely be more central to Abu Dhabi’s TwoFour54, situated at the foot of the media base’s dark green building.

It’s tailored for all times of your working day – with healthy breakfasts, nicely portioned mains, and plenty of coffee choices – as well as representing a relaxing weekend retreat when the nearby offices are largely empty. With displays in collaboration with the Vindemia Gallery, The Social Hub also possesses an artistic bent quite apt for its surrounds.

TwoFour54, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, daily 7.30am to 9.30pm.

Tel: (02) 4471117. facebook.com/thesocialhub

With such a huge expat population from the subcontinent in Abu Dhabi, it follows that the capital is packed with Indian and Pakistani restaurants and takeaways. : DISCLAIMER st,

a fair te to ensure a chicken d re e we ord la (or s a tikka m a alent iv u q e t s re nea m nd rice fro available) a t, except each outle imum where min plied p a rs e rd o

36 WHAT’S ON may 2012

But WhIch DelIvers the quIckest AnD the Best curry?

upper Abu Dhabi TOURIST CLUB AREA, CORNICHE, KHALIDIYAH ArAB uDuPI Delivery time: 25mins

What’s On verdict:

Our suspicions were raised over a curry that clocks in cheaper than an accompanying portion of rice (chicken, fried, in this case, at Dhs16). Of three substantial hunks of chicken, one came replete with bone and the rest were more gristle than meat. The sauce was nothing special, either. At least a small pot of frankly delicious sweet and sour sauce, plus what we’re fairly sure was chili water, were welcome extras at least.

Mina Road, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6503399

GOlDen crOWn Delivery time: 23mins

What’s On verdict:

Arriving faster than whippet chasing a string of sausages, if this takeaway test was based on poppadums alone, we would have a clear winner. Less pleasingly, the Golden Crown turned in a spicy little number let down by an overbearing burnt charcoal flavour and low quality chicken for Dhs25. A decent helping of vegetable pilau rice (Dhs21) gave only comparative compensation.

Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6718488

keBABs n kurrIes Delivery time: 47mins

What’s On verdict:

Age-old wisdom about good things coming to those who wait certainly applies to Kebabs N Kurries, to the point where we can even excuse that horrific moniker. Though it took a clear ten minutes longer than its geographical rivals, the curry won the taste-buds battle by a comparable margin, a perfect amount of fire within

tasty onion-tanging sauce. You get what you pay for, though, and at Dhs42 it also topped the price charts in this area (plus Dhs15 for basmati rice).

Souk at Central Market, near Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11.15pm.

Tel: (02) 6282522

MOtI MAhAl DeluX Delivery time: 29mins

What’s On verdict:

In the unlikely event that anybody ever decided to compile a dictionary of the capital’s curries, Moti Mahal’s cuisine would fit the exact definition of ‘mean average’: mid-price, middelivery time, mid-taste. At Dhs30, plus Dhs7 for plain steamed rice, bankruptcy nor basement budget eating ensued. Plus points: it was piping hot and accompanied by mint sauce and (extremely sour) pickle.

Near Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11.15pm. Tel: (02) 6742121

nIhAl Delivery time: 36mins

What’s On verdict:

Thumbs up for the complimentary poppadums and commendable quality of bite-sized chicken morsels, not at all bad value for Dhs24. There was a strange, unidentifiable undercurrent to the sauce’s taste, however, which put us off slightly. Our choice of biryani rice (Dhs12) just about saved the day, thankfully, making Nihal a steady, if unremarkable, option that didn’t break the bank.

Next to Sands Hotel, Electra Street, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6318088

Mid-Island AL WADAH, KARAMA, MUSHRIF cettInAD

FOODlAnDs

Delivery time: 29mins

Delivery time: 26mins

What’s On verdict:

What’s On verdict:

Things didn’t start especially promisingly here, with minor curry leakage in our delivery bag.

Throwing it immediately bin-wards would have, it turns out, proved the wisest course of action all round: the last time this much oil was found in the Emirates, it made the nation’s fortune. The aftertaste wasn’t pleasant, either.

Sure, it’s cheap (Dhs14, plus Dhs8 for steamed rice and nominal 50 fils ‘parcel’ charge) but after a mere mouthful, we were not cheerful.

Electra Street, daily 7.30am to 3pm and 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6777699

Arriving as hot as the moment it left the pan, Foodlands’ offering gets the thumbs up for a subtle yet noticeably spicy kick.

Where many rivals throw in a side of mixed salad vegetables, Foodlands included a pot of sliced red onions. A fair return for Dhs35 (and Dhs12 for steamed rice), although a notional mark was dropped for the Dhs5 delivery charge.

Near HSBC, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 3.30pm and 6.30pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6330099 may 2012 WHAT’S ON 37

the takeaway test InDIA PAlAce Delivery time: 32mins

What’s On verdict:

India Palace may be a chain, but it retains a certain charm, representing something of a seal of curry quality in the Emirates. And in this area, nothing can quite match its masala

(Dhs33), replete with agreeably sturdy sauce.

Free poppadums can’t hurt the cause and neither can a side of steaming hot biryani rice (Dhs20), even if wasn’t the most pennypinching option on the block. India Palace doesn’t do much more than execute the basics expertly, but that’s sufficient to trump the competition.

Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6448777

kWAlIty

pilau rice). Even a generously large pot of yoghurt couldn’t stop Kwality ending up as – sorry – kwite average.

Salam Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 12.30pm to 3.15pm and 7pm to 11.15pm. Tel: (02) 6727337

ruchI Delivery time: 19mins

What’s On verdict:

It’s easy to spot when a takeaway curry is too greasy: a separate layer on top of your dish is a dead giveaway. So it was with Ruchi, though that’s nothing on its Maybe curry fatigue was to blame – hyper-oily tiny poppadums, which virtually Kwality’s fairly lengthy delivery time ensured slipped through our fingers. The masala it was the final to hit our plate – but this (Dhs18, pilau rice Dhs11) regained some effort failed to inspire our tastebuds. The ground with unreconstructed chunks of veg tame sauce was the culinary equivalent of giving something to get your teeth into. background noise, despite sizeable hunks of Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to shish-style chicken (Dhs30, plus Dhs14 for midnight. Tel: (02) 6795679 Delivery time: 47mins

What’s On verdict:

lower Abu Dhabi MUROOR, BETWEEN THE BRIDGES, KHALIFA CITY and some (admittedly scrumptious) butter AIrlInes Delivery time: 46mins

What’s On verdict:

Very much the budget airline of Abu Dhabi curry craft, Airlines was a little lacking in both spiciness and flavour in its slightly tough chicken. At Dhs24 for curry and rice, it’s clearly a skinflint option, so don’t expect a lasting impression for your thriftiness. Unlike budget carriers, at least, you don’t shell out surcharges for extras: mint yoghurt was included gratis.

Behind Abu Dhabi Plaza Residence, Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, daily 8am to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6335214

DAlchInI Delivery time: 31mins

What’s On verdict:

The curse of the minimum order hits at Dalchini. Instead of a class-topping Dhs22 for masala and basmati rice, we were forced to shell out for two portions 38 WHAT’S ON may 2012

naans to hit the Dhs50 threshold. This was a real shame, because Dalchini would have otherwise taken the crown as the city’s finest value for money, its creamy masala sauce far tastier than much pricier equivalents across Abu Dhabi. The complimentary poppadums were top notch too.

Mushrif Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 9.30am to 11.30pm, Fri and Sat 10.30am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 4917977

InDIA PAlAce Delivery time: 42mins

What’s On verdict:

A smoky but minimally spicy masala, India Palace’s Mushrif Mall incarnation served up the honest curry of this particular bunch.

Well presented, the extras included in our bag raised the VFM at Dhs48 including rice, with salad, poppadums, mango chutney, napkins and even, handily, a menu for next time you want to order. The latter was an obvious touch, one would think, but surprisingly unique throughout our entire test.

Mushrif Mall, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 4472420

MAhArAJA PAlAce Delivery time: 41mins

What’s On verdict:

The fresh tomato and ginger tones of Maharaja Palace’s masala (Dhs32, plus Dhs18 for basmati rice) eschewed tradition a touch, with a less-than-overbearing spice level. Nicely presented, this was an able all-rounder. Kudos for the mint yoghurt, as well, even if its luminous green shade was more reminiscent of a highlighter pen than foodstuff.

Ramee Royal Hotel Apartments, Muroor Road, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6429959. themaharajapalace.com

ZArI ZArDOZI Delivery time: 43mins

What’s On verdict:

Strong spices gave a bold flavour here, with an undercurrent of smokiness. At Dhs63 for curry and rice, Zari Zardozi resides at the high end of the lower island. The little touches to your meal made the outlay worthwhile, thankfully; take the coneshaped poppadums, which were by far the poshest of all the deliveries we’ve tried across the capital.

Al Raha Mall, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 5565188. zarizardozi.com

C E L E B R AT E

F RI at brunch with Bubbly, Fine Food and a bit of fun Friday, Friday, Friday. The day we love. The day we can’t wait to arrive.

But there’s only one a week so let’s celebrate it at the Sumptuous Friday Brunch.

AED 395. Gorgeous flavours, exquisite tastes and a bit of clowning around.

Reservations: 04 4445613 ibnbattutagate.hotel @IbnBattutaGate

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel Operated by Movenpick Hotels & Resorts

H I G H

C U L T U R E

L O W

C O S T 10 for dhs3 or less

Whoever came up with the idea that the best things in life are free needs to take inflation into consideration, but if your purse strings are tighter than a photo finish there is still plenty to do in the capital. Here’s our guide to exploring Abu Dhabi’s cultural scene for Dhs3 or less.

Loose change at the ready…

dhs1

Free

dhs3

01

ABU DHABI HERITAGE VILLAGE

FREE Offering a genuine glimpse into Abu Dhabi’s past, this Emirates Heritage Club-run attraction is a reconstruction of a traditional oasis village.

Featuring a goat hair tent and falaj irrigation system, everything on display is meticulously authentic, from the campfire to the coffee pots. There are demonstrations of how pottery, weaving, spinning and metalwork were once crafted and, if you’re lucky, you might be offered a chance to try them out yourself. Bring some cash for the small shop, too, which sells spices and handmade soap.

Near Marina Mall, Corniche Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 9am to 5pm, Fri 3.30pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (02) 6814455. torath.ae 42 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

02

03

04

05

DHS3 Despite expats regularly decrying the UAE’s supposed lack of history, the country’s oldest museum proves them rather ignorant, delving back almost 8,000 years in search of archaeological and ethnographical exhibits. The former section collects a wealth of pieces from the ‘pre-oil’ era, including clothes, musical instruments and books – including ancient Qurans – and even gifts received by Sheikh Zayed.

The archaeological finds go back further still: weapons, jewellery and pottery thousands of years old. The adjacent Eastern Fort is worth a visit, too.

East side of Al Ain Oasis, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 8am to 7.30pm, Fri 3pm to 7.30pm, Dhs3. Tel: (03) 7641595. adach.ae

FREE In the UAE it’s hardly unusual to come across somebody or thing vying to become the planet’s biggest or most expensive.

But while most are macho monuments to money, Al Ain Paradise’s Guinness Book Of Records claim to fame is that it houses the planet’s largest number of flower baskets. Which is definitely fitting for Al Ain’s leafy nickname, The Garden City. The garden beat its own hanging baskets world record last year to set a new best of 2,968, which must have taken almost as long to count as they did to plant.

Slightly bizarrely, you can also spot a 12-metre replica of the Eiffel Tower.

15th Street, Sweifi District, Zakher Area, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 2pm to 9pm, Fri to Sat 9am to 9pm, free. Tel: (03) 7820788. alainparadise.com

DHS1 Though comparatively small next to the capital city, Al Ain is host to a disproportionate wealth of culturally and historically significant sites. And perhaps none more so than Al Jahili Fort, the birthplace of UAE founder Sheikh Zayed.

Built in 1891 to defend Al Ain’s palm groves, with picturesque landscaped gardens, visitors can also view a permanent exhibition of work by famed desert adventurer Sir Wilfred Thesiger.

The carefully restored building itself is a great example of traditional Arabic architecture, with many features – such as the guttering systems – replicated in modern buildings.

Near the Central Public Gardens, Al Ain, Sat to Thur 9am to 5pm, Fri 3pm to 5pm, Dhs1. Tel: (800) 555. adach.ae

FREE Within Al Ain’s redeveloped Al Qattara Fort, this arts centre and gallery injects state-of-the-art facilities into traditional bricks and mortar. The ‘dry’ studio regularly hosts music and arts classes, while the ‘wet’ studio is equipped for drawing, painting, pottery, digital photography, calligraphy and more. There are also hundreds of contemporary exhibits.

The centre’s multifaceted aim is to provide a venue for studying, practicing and developing arts and culture in the UAE, with a café and library also onsite.

Near Co-Op Society/ Swedish Medical Centre, Al Ain, Sat to Thur 9am to 8pm, free. Tel: (03) 7118225. adach.ae

AL AIN NATIONAL MUSEUM

AL AIN PARADISE

AL JAHILI FORT

AL QATTARA ARTS CENTRE

Free

Free

Free 06

MANARAT AL SAADIYAT

FREE Culture vultures may feel miffed that the mooted museums and galleries quarter of Saadiyat Island hasn’t come to pass yet. While you wait for the Louvre, Guggenheim et al, however, the Manarat Al Saadiyat is the next best thing. Hosting regular exhibitions and events, including prestigious collections such as last year’s Splendours Of Mesopotamia, the Manarat’s current attraction is Treasures Of The World’s Cultures.

Running until July 17, it’s in collaboration with the British Museum, and features pieces loaned from Al Ain Museum and Sharjah Archeology Museum.

Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 8pm, free. Tel: (02) 6575800. saadiyat.ae

07

08

MIRAJ ISLAMIC ART SHEIKH ZAYED CENTRE GRAND MOSQUE FREE LIBRARY Expanding its viewfinder way beyond the Middle East, the Miraj Islamic Art Centre specialises in unique art from around the Muslim world, as far afield as India, Russia, Egypt and Iran. Museumtype displays include bejewelled carpets, silks, jewellery, marble, vases and miniature paintings.

Staff are on hand to explain the exhibits’ intricacies and the techniques used to make them. The rooftop café is worth a peek as well for its fine views of Emirates Palace and the Gulf.

Villa 14B & 15B, Marina Office Park Area, behind Marina Mall, daily 9.30am to 7pm, free. Tel: (050) 2503950. mirajislamicartcentre.com

FREE Everybody in the capital city knows about Abu Dhabi’s stunning landmark mosque.

Rather fewer are aware of the mosque’s expansive library though, nestled on the northern minaret’s third floor. Rare Arabic calligraphy and European copies of the Quran printed between the 16th and 19th centuries are among a 50,000-strong collection that spans all manner of Arabic and Islamic manuscripts and imprints. As when visiting the mosque itself, dress conservatively and respect the code of conduct, which is on the website.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Between The Bridges, Sun to Wed 8am to 8pm, Thur 8am to 4pm, free. Tel: (02) 4416444. szgmc.ae

09

10

WOMEN’S ZAYED CENTRE FREE HANDICRAFT CENTRE Such was Sheikh FREE There are several sections to this showcase of local ladies’ arts and crafts, which doubles as the General Women’s Union’s Abu Dhabi headquarters.

A small museum shows off local work, with a shop, and a series of rounded buildings near the museum display oil paintings by female artists, handmade souvenirs, incense, local dress and weaving.

Remove your shoes before entering each hut and be sure to ask permission before taking any photos.

Women’s Association Complex, near Immigration Office and Royal Stables, Karama Street, Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 7am to 3pm, free. Tel: (02) 4476645. wu.gov.ae

Zayed’s integral role in shaping the United Arab Emirates as we know it, it’s understandable that much of the country’s culture nods to its late leader. The Zayed Centre is an intriguing look at the Father Of The Nation’s life. The museum is set within an Emirati heritage village, with camels, a photo gallery of Sheikh Zayed and visiting international dignitaries, plus personal memorabilia including his hunting rifles. The central attraction is his cherished collection of vehicles, alongside gifts such as stuffed lions and tigers. Guided tours in English and Arabic are available, but require booking at least one week in advance.

Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur 8am to 3pm, free.

Tel: (02) 6659555. torath.ae MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 43

FAMOUS FIVE

We run down the Queen Of Pop’s biggest records.

And, err, her new one…

MATERIAL GIRL IN A MATERIAL WORLD

1984

1986

1990

Quite possibly the biggest artist to hit Yas Island, well, ever, Madonna is about to take over Abu Dhabi for a double-header of sold-out shows NO TICKET? NO PROBLEM

Are you among fans not lucky enough to have scored Madonna tickets, which were snapped up within hours of going on sale? Not to worry: here are the best Madge-tastic other events on Yas Island…

TRIPLE TROUBLE

Allure by Cipriani is going Madonna mad, with three consecutive nights of club-filling fun. Get into the groove the night before the first concert with Vogue, a fashion and music extravaganza with Madonnainspired models, dancers and performers, plus her modern classics embellishing DJ sets. Then reconvene the next evening post-show for Material World, with an all-star DJ line-up. After the second concert, come back again for dancers inspired by Madonna’s performances circa 1985 at Express Yourself.

Jun 2 to 4, Allure by Cipriani, Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 11.30pm to late, free. Tel: (02) 6575400. nightcluballure.com

HAPPY DAYS

One of What’s On’s favourite Abu Dhabi watering holes, Y Bar, has lined up happy hours for both nights of Madonna’s run, in addition to a ladies’ night on the Monday from 8pm to midnight.

Jun 3 and 4, Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 9pm, free.

Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com

1998

MEATY TREATS

Head over to Stills Bar on either evening Madonna is in town for a special barbecue. It’s not a bad shout even for fortunate ticketholders that want to avoid queuing for pricey concert nosh.

Jun 3 and 4, Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 6560701. crowneplaza.com

2012

LIKE A VIRGIN Kickstarting the girl born Madonna Louise Ciccone’s career, this sophomore album shaped her often-controversial image.

TRUE BLUE Recorded during her marriage to Sean Penn, True Blue sold 25 million copies, despite containing relatively few timeless hits.

THE IMMACULATE COLLECTION For fans of classicera Madonna, this first greatest hits compilation is all you need, from Material Girl to early 1990s hits like Vogue.

RAY OF LIGHT A new dance-pop direction fuelled by two huge hit singles: Frozen, taking influence from Middle Eastern music, and the title track.

MDNA Testing the moral majority with that dubious title, MDNA’s clublandleaning producers include Benny Benassi, who opens her Abu Dhabi shows.

Jun 3 and 4, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs495 to Dhs1,095, VIP Dhs2,295, sold out.

Tel: (800) 35274. madonna.com

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 45

film

The Avengers

New releAses

We Need To Talk About Kevin

Jannat 2

We need To Talk about kevin

Jannat 2

The avengers

Who?

Tilda Swinton, John C Reilly, Ezra Miller, Ashley Gerasimovich, Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Lynne Ramsay (director)

Emraan Hashmi, Randeep Hooda, Imran Zahid, Esha Gupta, Kunal Deshmukh (director), Pritam Chakraborty (soundtrack)

Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner, Samuel L. Jackson, Joss Whedon (director)

Tagline

“Mummy’s little monster.”

None

“Some assembly required.”

once upon a Time...

A mother looked back at her traumatic experiences of raising a child who went on to be jailed for an atrocious crime, searching for clues as to how and why a difficult childhood ended in horror.

A smooth-talking gun-runner was co-opted onto an undercover police team hell-bent on bringing down a smuggling racket supplying arms to the city’s seedy underbelly.

When global security was threatened, Nick Fury (Jackson) – director of peacekeeping agency S.H.I.E.L.D. – assembled a crack team of Marvel Super Heroes to kick serious baddie butt.

ideal if you’re in The mood To...

Be equally intrigued and depressed – this fascinating but profoundly disturbing tale, told largely in a series of troubling flashbacks, flatly refuses to offer any easy answers.

Indulge in a typically highoctane Bollywood action sequel stuffed to the gills with have-a-go heroes, unrepentant villains and swoonsome romantic clinches.

See Iron Man (Downey Jr), Captain America (Evans), Hulk (Ruffalo), Thor (Hemsworth), Black Widow (Johansson) and Hawkeye (Renner) team up, basically. And you do, don’t you?

WaTch This if you like...

Tilda Swinton, whose convincingly frayed performance as Kevin’s mother carries the film and won widespread acclaim as arguably her career best to date.

The first Jannat movie, a hit back in 2008 – although the director has stressed in interviews that this instalment is more the continuation of a franchise than a direct follow-on.

Pretty much any superhero movie ever made, although an affinity with either of the two Iron Man flicks to date would stand you in particularly good stead.

Top Trivia

Lionel Shriver’s critically acclaimed 2003 novel, on which this is based, has already been adapted once – it was serialised as ten 15-minute episodes broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

As if to prove the director’s point about this not exactly being a sequel per se, working titles included both Informer and Blood Money.

Most of the Marvel characters are being played by the actors that portrayed them in previous movies, but Ruffalo is a new Hulk – Edward Norton declined to reprise his 2008 role here.

WhaT’s on Ten Word or less revieW

Grippingly disquieting in its artful blend of drama and horror.

Another satisfying crimebuster from the Bhatt brothers’ production team.

A safe bet for a bit of popcornmunching distraction.

raTe or slaTe?

★★★★✩

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

46 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Ishaqzaade Dark Shadows

The Five-Year Engagement

The Three Stooges

The five-year engagement

ishaqzaade

The Three stooges

dark shadows

Jason Segel, Emily Blunt, Alison Brie, Rhys Ifans, Chris Pratt, Nicholas Stoller (director), Judd Apatow (producer)

Arjun Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, Anil Rastogi, Pravin Chandra, Habib Faisal (director), Amit Trivedi (soundtrack)

Chris Diamantopoulos, Sean Hayes, Will Sasso, Larry David, Jennifer Hudson, Farrelly brothers (directors)

Johnny Depp, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Eva Green, Danny Elfman (music), Tim Burton (director)

“A comedy about the journey between popping the question and tying the knot.”

None

“Just say Mo.”

“Every family has its demons.”

Violet Barnes (Blunt) and Tom Solomon (Segel) were destined to marry – but circumstances kept delaying their nuptials to the point where the engagement risked complete derailment.

Unpredictable Parma (Kapoor) and ferocious Zoya (Chopra) were the central figures whose passions were ignited by hatred over a simmering small town clan feud.

Three brothers left at an orphanage grew up as the titular bumbling trio who – later employed as the home’s inept maintenance men – decided to try to save it from financial ruin.

Barnabas Collins emigrated from England to America in 1752, and became head of a wealthy estate – until he broke a witch’s heart, was cursed as a vampire and buried, reawakening in 1972.

Settle back with a witty if relatively slow-paced relationship movie making a solid effort to appeal equally to both genders.

Pick a side, but be prepared to switch allegiances – this study of human emotion and its influence at times of conflict looks likely to challenge your initial impressions.

Guffaw along to a few pratfalls – comedy rarely requires less brainwork than this, but can a modern feature achieve the innocent charm of the muchloved 1930s and 1940s shorts?

Indulge in yet more idiosyncratic Burtonisms fronted by the everengaging Depp – although you might be in a minority if the coupling hasn’t begun to feel a little safe these days.

Bridesmaids, The Hangover… anything involving problematic wedding build-ups. (A Very Long Engagement might seem a more literal comparison, but that’s set in WWI France.)

A considerable percentage of the vast output from well-known production house Yash Raj Films, who built the male lead role here around newcomer Kapoor.

Familiarity with the knockabout work of the classic Stooges line-up (Larry, Curly and Mo) would help, but Laurel & Hardy fans might also get a kick (in the pants) here.

Edward Scissorhands, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie And The Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd, Alice In Wonderland…as we said, this is starting to feel like familiar territory for Burton and Depp.

Segel and Blunt have been onscreen love interests once before – in 2010’s Gulliver’s Travels – so we might reasonably expect some natural chemistry.

Acclaimed young Gujurati composer Amit Trivedi put together the music for Ishaqzaade, having shot to fame after winning a National Film Award for his work on 2009’s Dev.D.

A vast number of famous names floated around the key roles prior to the cast being confirmed, including Johnny Depp, Jim Carrey, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Giamatti and Sean Penn.

If Depp is looking a little more undead than usual here, it’s hardly surprising – he apparently went down to 140lbs for the role by living on fruit and green tea.

Some decent gags lighten this thoughtful romcom’s mature underlying message.

A passionate, heated journey through emotional tumult and rural politics.

More apt for Farrelly brothers fans than Three Stooges aficionados.

Stylised comedy-horror mugging from team Burton.

Surprised? Us neither.

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

PREVIEW

★★✩✩✩ MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 47

WHAT’S ON

EATING OUT Reviews, recipes, columnists and the latest food news

KEY @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING No local fish, or only overfished local species e.g. Hammour At least one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or more overfished local species More than one sustainable local fish dish, but also one or more overfished local species At least one sustainable local fish dish, no overfished local species Several sustainable local fish dishes, no overfished local species

Toshi

Fully signed up members of the Choosewisely.ae campaign serving only local, sustainable fish species

p51 RIVINGTON GRILL · p55 THE CONNOISSEUR · p58 THE CHEF · p60 ON THE MENU MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 49

EATING OUT

FOOD EDITOR'S LETTER I don’t know, you wait all year for a barrage of new restaurants to open, as they trickle through one or two each month, and, just as the summer approaches, and the fear starts to set in that you will have to wait until at least October for a new place to eat – bam. Eight come along in one month. That’s right, in this month’s Eating Out we bring you our verdict on eight new restaurants. And they are all box fresh, mind you. Not just new menus, new chefs or a few new ergonomic chairs. Brand spanking, just this minute opened their doors-restaurants. It’s the kind of month a food editor lives for, and sometimes, if he’s not careful what he orders, perishes because of. On top of all that, we have just officially launched The Black Hat Guide – the UAE’s only rated restaurant guide. It features more than 1,000 restaurants and is available at all good bookstores. But you already knew that, because you have been poring over, or maybe even pawing at, the copy you received free with your March issue of What’s On. So, heading into the sweltering months, you are well set to enjoy a UAE food scene that is buoyant, bold and bulging with restaurants baying for your dirhams. You can try DIFC’s Italian seafood specialist Roberto’s (p54), the second branch of Rivington Grill at Souk Madinat (p51), M’s Seafood Bistro and The Address Dubai Marina’s Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (p56), as well as – oh no, it doesn’t stop there – The Farm, Donatello Restaurant & Lounge, A La Turca and Abu Dhabi’s Toshi (p57). If you’re still hungry after that (of course you are), you can cook a classic paella (p52), pucker your lips for a South African pinotage (p55), cook Gary Rhodes’ salmon (p58) and devour a dessert of food news (p60).

To the elastic waistband. Cheers.

Gareth Rees Food Editor

If you have any comments or opinions on Eating Out or the UAE food scene, please e-mail gareth@ motivate.ae

Rivington Grill Will the second incarnation of the London favourite at Souk Madinat be as successful as the Souk Al Bahar original?

J

NEED TO KNOW

Location: Souk Madinat, ust as it is in its native though, the food, cooked by a Al Sufouh Road, Dubai land, there are now team presided over by Simon Tel: (04) 3666464 two Rivington Grills Conboy – who has worked Web: rivingtongrill.ae in Dubai. In London, at both the Rivington Grill at Open: daily noon to the restaurants are located in Souk Al Bahar and The Ivy – midnight, bar daily 7pm trendy Shoreditch and less is exactly as you would expect. to midnight trendy Greenwich. In Dubai, Simple, British bistro classics Cuisine type: British they reside in two bogus created without pretension, Must eat: potted duck souks – tourist magnets, Souk using fresh British produce.

Bill for two: Dhs595 for Al Bahar and Souk Madinat, There was a perfectly two (without alcohol) where the new Riv sits amidst enjoyable Devonshire dressed the souk’s labyrinthine crab, and a standout potted alleyways rampant with duck served with plenty of IN TWEET FORM dawdling vacationers. toast and a sharp piccalilli for Fans of the original And, just as the locations starters. Next up was a lamb Rivington Grill will not are to all intents and leg from the specials board that be disappointed with the purposes identical, so too offered everything a true Brit second outlet at Souk are the restaurants. The only could ask for from a Sunday – Madinat. difference is that the newer or in this case Saturday – roast, Follow us at outpost has an impressive and a truly first-rate chicken @WhatsOnDubai and upstairs bar and is making and leek pie, for mains. For @WhatsOnAbuDhabi an effort to appeal to dessert there was a cold, dry theatregoers – just like the brownie that would have been London version of its sister restaurant, The a lot better had it been heated up, and a superb Ivy. Madinat Theatre ain’t the West End, but apple and rhubarb crumble served with custard we applaud the creative thinking. (never forget the custard).

One issue is that the large terrace feels, Rivington Grill is yet to seriously disappoint. well, very much like the Madinat. The mock So why change a winning formula, eh?

Arabic façade of the building grates with the Riv’s pared @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With no back, minimalist charm. local fish on the menu, Rivington Grill scores nothing at all Those minor quibbles aside MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

Cook a classic Paella

Bravo chef Sergio Meneses Bustamante knocks up his version of a classic paella

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

INGREDIENTS

* 180g shrimp * 180g calamari * 80g mussels (meat only) * 100g toro rice * 30ml olive oil * 60g garlic and onion * 50g cubed tomato * 60g mixed vegetables * 8g saffron * 400ml fish stock * 5g sweet paprika * 5g turmeric * 30ml white wine * Salt and pepper * Mussels, mixed pepper strips, parsley and olive oil

52 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

METHOD Colour the rice with olive oil in the paella pan until it is brown, ensuring that it stays al dente.

This gives a better shade to your paella. Add the tomatoes to the rice and stir well, then and the garlic, onion and vegetables, plus saffron, paprika, tumeric, salt and pepper. Cook for one minute. Deglaze with white wine, and reduce by half. Add the seafood, starting with the shrimps, then the calamari and, finally, the mussels. Add the stock, bring to the boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the rice is cooked. Add more liquid, if necessary. Remove from heat and cover with baking paper.

Place the paella pan in the oven for 15 minutes at 1800C. Remove and cover with foil. Rest for eight minutes. Decorate with mussels, mixed pepper strips, parsley and a generous drizzle of olive oil.

Bravo Tapas Bar & Restaurant, Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

EATING OUT

Roberto’s Is Dubai restaurateur Roberto Rella’s eponymous Italian seafood restaurant bellissimo or orribile?

seaweed pesto and accompanied by the nutty crunch of quinoa.

The flavours and the textures were unbelievably good. As was a cool, fresh tuna tartare, a beef tartare with sweet pear and the spice of horseradish, and the slices of red shrimp curled around dabs of ratatouille with crème fraiche and blood oranges. As good, if not better, than any sashimi you will find in the UAE. Bold but true.

A large bowl of salty-vinegary fried calamari was everything you could wish it to be, though a heavy appetiser, while an asparagus soup with shreds of chorizo and a IN TWEET FORM delicately poached egg was just so If you haven’t already – if not mind blowing. It is soup, booked a table at nyone who has been in Dubai for Add to that the preafter all.

Roberto’s, do it now. more than ten minutes and loves mium location – DIFC A veal chop bashed with a Right now. Why are you Italian cuisine – what fool doesn’t? is the place to open a mallet, breaded and fried, and still reading?

– will know, or at least know of, restaurant in 2012, and served with mozzarella balls, Follow us at Roberto Rella. Formerly restaurant manager will continue to be so, cherry toms and a rocket salad @WhatsOnDubai and at Hilton’s Italian institution and What’s On we’re sure – the sleek but was big enough to defeat the @WhatsOnAbuDhabi Award winner, Bice, Roberto is everything an inviting décor, and the butchest of carnivores, but is Italian restaurateur should be – passionate, fact that Roberto’s has certainly worth a pop. As is a knowledgeable and 100 per cent Italian. He is been the subject of foodie chatter for nigh on rich dish comprised of silky sirloin tagliata just the kind of man the Dubai dining scene six months, and half the battle is won. (sliced) on a bed of meaty oyster mushrooms needs and is very lucky to have. Even if his The other half is, of course, the food. To flavoured with garlic rosemary oil. new DIFC restaurant wasn’t bustling with compete with the aforementioned culinary If you aren’t defeated after that little lot, diners – and there were a fair few people in big beasts, LPM and Zuma, as well as Gaucho the mango and passion fruit cheesecake was when we visited – Roberto, flitting from table and, across the road at Emirates Towers, delightful, and how could you possibly go to table, gesticulating wildly, would make it Hakkasan, The Ivy and Alfie’s, chef Andrea wrong with white truffle ice cream sat atop seem so. The atmosphere at Roberto's, as it is Mugavero’s menu needed to be something what can only be described as a booze-soaked at his two neighbour-competitors La Petite special. Fortunately, just reading it is enough slice of Christmas cake? Well, we’re sure the Maison and Zuma, is just right. to make one dribble. kitchen would probably describe it differently, We suggest starting with a few but that’s what it was, as far as we could tell. plates from the crudi (raw) section, The long and the short of it? Go there. @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: including several delicate slivers of Roberto’s is Dubai’s new culinary hot spot. You With no local fish on the menu, Roberto’s scores zero cuttlefish adorned with a drizzle of heard it here first.

NEED TO KNOW

Location: DIFC, Gate Village 1 Tel: (04) 3860066 Metro: Financial Centre Web: robertos.ae Open: daily noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11.30pm, bar daily noon to 2am Cuisine type: Italian/ seafood Must eat: sepia (cuttlefish) Bill for two: Dhs590 (without alcohol)

A

54 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

The connoisseur

Raffles Dubai’s sommelier Sydney Rathnayake says that you will rarely find a disappointing bottle of wine from South Africa South Africa is, obviously, on the southern tip of Africa, between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, so there is a moderate, maritime climate with cool breezes coming in off the ocean. That creates the perfect conditions in which to produce complex wine with a distinct character.

The Wine Of Origin system (WO) is in place throughout South Africa, guaranteeing that each particular wine has been made entirely of grapes from a certain region; there are 60 appellations within that system. Because of the WO system, South African wines are produced by single vineyards, which are not allowed to be more than five hectares in size. This is a very similar system to the one in France, so if you’re going to open a bottle of South African wine, there is no need to worry about the quality. They are also reasonably priced, many of them are experimental, and you will always get something different.

Sixty per cent of our wine menu at Raffles is made up of New World wines, and many of those are from South Africa, because they

are easily understood by the commercial palate – that is, by people looking for nice wines that go well with their food.

Some of the main production regions are Cape Town, Constantia, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Franschhoek Valley and the Breede River Valley, and you can find pretty much any grape in South Africa – from cabernet and merlot to chardonnay and sauvignon blanc.

But if you’re looking for a red, start with a pinotage.

It’s an experimental, hybrid grape variety, a cross between cinsault and pinot noir, which was introduced to South Africa in 1925 and has since become the country’s best known.

It’s full-bodied and rich, and it has a lot of red berry character. With white, try a chenin blanc. It’s a French grape variety from the Loire Valley that grows very well in South Africa. The South African varieties are very well balanced – perfect for enjoying with food.

You can find good pinotage and chenin blanc anywhere in South Africa. In fact, you can find excellent wines from all over the country.

1/2 AD

NEXT MONTH: GERMAN WINE MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 55

EATING OUT

Ruth’s Chris Steak House Is the long-awaited second outlet of the American steakhouse a boot sole-tough flop or a seared hunk of meaty perfection?

S

potting that we had ordered a 24oz T-bone steak that was easily bigger than a toddler’s head, the maître d’ at Ruth’s Chris promised to dance around the restaurant if we managed to devour the beast. That’s the kind of place the new RC is.

The trio of barmen at the long cocktail bar in the lounge area performed magic tricks for us as we sipped our pre-prandial martinis, and the smiling hostess handed us a rose as we made

our way out the door with a doggy bag containing half a cheesecake. The place has a definite, and very welcome, sense of fun. Which is enough alone to recommend it.

The Ruth’s Chris steak itself pops up in pretty much every conversation about UAE steakhouses – these are many and often – thanks to RC’s trusted technique of quickly cooking USDA prime cuts under an eye-bleedingly hot grill (we know, we’ve cooked on it before) and hurrying it out to the table, sizzling and spitting angrily, before the generous sphere of butter placed atop it has fully melted. It’s food theatre at its best, and it’s what American steakhouses are all about.

We knew what to expect, and our exquisitely huge, flavourful

@WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: With no local fish on the menu, Ruth’s Chris doesn’t trouble the scorers

and tonguesearingly hot T-bone and far smaller but beautifully tender petite filet did not disappoint. There is no doubt that Ruth’s Chris does a cracking hunk of seared beef.

But, hailing from New Orleans, it also does a deliciously thick Louisiana seafood gumbo – alluringly dark orangey-brown in colour and with a heady fish taste – and a dish of six sautéed shrimp in a powerful garlic, butter and white wine soup. So the kitchen scores highly in the appetiser department, too.

Sides of sautéed spinach and a dangerously gooey potato gratin slathered in bright orange cheese were just the ticket. We also enjoyed a couple of glasses of Chianti recommended by the Italian sommelier.

Just the dessert to go, then.

We won’t say too much, because we don’t need to. We had the cheesecake. One serving is enough for four. A dense, almost chewy biscuit base, and a sweet but not too sweet creamy topping adorned with a couple of blueberries.

NEED TO KNOW

Location: The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Tel: (04) 4549538 Metro: JLT Web: ruthschris.ae Open: Sun to Thur noon to 2.30pm, 6pm to 11.30pm, Fri and Sat 6pm to midnight, bar daily 6pm to midnight Cuisine type: Steakhouse and grill Must eat: Cheesecake Bill for two: Dhs800

IN TWEET FORM

If you want to have fun while enjoying a lovely slab of prime beef, Ruth’s Chris Steak House offers big servings of both.

Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi There’s one serving left in our fridge, and it would take a big, brave man to wrestle it away from us. That’s all you need to know.

The only thing missing from our visit to Ruth’s Chris? The maître d’ still owes us that dance.

And we will be back to collect.

M’s Seafood Bistro

Is Café Chic’s replacement catch of the day or a tiny tiddler? soft chunks of crab encased in light, crunchy, moreishly salty tempura batter that arrived from chef Yvan Rocher’s kitchen were anything but. Served with a scattering of rocket leaves and a pot of chilli mayo, it was a delightful surprise. Alongside the salad, we ordered ceviche – a dish that is so often a disaster – and were again rewarded with a gem. Peppery baby octopus, with just the right amount of chew, marinated in lime juice, coriander, red onions, ginger and vinegar. If a ceviche makes you suck in your cheeks, there’s

something wrong – this one was balanced to perfection. e Méridien Dubai’s former We also tried a deliciously rich signature restaurant Café Chic seafood chowder, before tucking was a decent enough European, in to a beautifully seasoned but the kitchen could be a little and soft skate wing fillet on a overzealous – overdoing and bed of ratatouille – the tang of overthinking some dishes. tomato balancing the salt of the M’s Seafood Bistro, the simple fish – and a lobster impressively restaurant with a straightforward flambéed tableside by Monsieur name and a no nonsense menu Rocher himself. that has replaced it, could never be For dessert, the “traditional” accused of the same offense. As the cheesecake didn’t let the rest of name suggests, it serves seafood. the meal down. Crumbly base And very fine seafood, at that. and thick cheesy topping – a far Crabstick salad would usually cry from the sweeter American be a pretty dull order, but the cakes so prevalent in Dubai.

Café Chic is no @WhatsOnFish scale SUSTAINABILITY RATING: M’s Seafood Bistro more. Long live M’s serves the sustainable local sea bream, and no other local fish, meaning it scores three Seafood Bistro.

L

56 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Location: Le Méridien Dubai, Airport Road, Dubai Tel: (04) 2170000 Metro: Dubai Airport Web: lemeridien-dubai. com Open: Sat to Thur 12.30pm to 11pm, Fri 7.30pm to 11pm Cuisine type: Seafood Must eat: Deep-fried crabstick salad Bill for two: Dhs522 for two (without alcohol)

IN TWEET FORM

Café Chic’s replacement at Le Méridien Dubai is a riproaring success, serving some seriously impressive seafood dishes.

Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

EATING OUT

TRIED AND TESTED

NEW OPENINGS OUR VERDICT ON FOUR OF THE UAE’S RECENTLY OPENED RESTAURANTS

DONATELLO RESTAURANT & LOUNGE A rare five-star Italian away from a five-star hotel, Donatello is a pricy but undeniably luxe restaurant (think dove grey velvet, dramatic lighting and acres of agate) serving an elaborate array of high-end dishes. With a menu combining regional specialities, be sure to order the soft and lightly flavoured baby octopus with diced potato, oxtail (Dhs84) and smoked ricotta ravioli with rosemary jus (Dhs80), then, to finish off, the layered chocolate cake (Dhs50). Italian wines are, of course, on hand, with tastings in the decadent bar on Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 10pm.

World Trade Centre, Dubai, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 3863577.

Metro: World Trade Centre. gleehospitality.com

(Clockwise, from top left) Donatello Restaurant & Lounge • Toshi • The Farm • A La Turca

A LA TURCA

TOSHI

THE FARM

Considering the Rixos Hotel Group’s Turkish roots, we were expecting the signature Turkish restaurant at the new resort on The Palm to be the hotel’s pride and joy. Instead it is an all-daydining buffet restaurant for Dhs300 a head. You can’t win ‘em all, eh? But we went along anyway. And it wasn’t bad. Some decent soups and cold seafood, delicious, greasy kebab skewers and a small but OK selection of desserts. Not all Turkish, and not all of a high standard. And you know how we feel about buffets.

But the staff was welcoming and two musicians serenaded diners on the large patio. So, if you’re in the market for a buffet, you could do a lot worse. If you’re looking for a Turkish restaurant, perhaps start the search elsewhere.

Rixos The Palm Dubai, The Palm, East Crescent, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4575555. rixos.com

The newly reopened Toshi is experiencing a few teething problems. The Alaskan king crab maki rolls (Dhs40) and salmon sashimi (Dhs30) made for a tasty and light starter, but our milkfed veal teppanyaki (Dhs185) main was not such a success.

The request for our meat to be cooked medium fell on deaf ears and we were instead presented with a chewy, most certainly well done, lump of protein. For dessert, there was one choice – tropical fruit. We passed. Full marks to Toshi for supporting the Choose Wisely campaign for the use of sustainable local fish, however, even if they did mistakenly inform us that the fish of the day was the criminally overfished hammour.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

You’ll feel you deserve a treat after making the trek out to the Al Barari estate, but The Farm is a more than adequate reward.

From the terrace seating amidst idyllic, lush green surroundings, complete with waterfall, to an interior that is as sleek as the iPad menus, aesthetically, it is stunning. The Farm serves and sells its own organic products, so it’s best to focus on vegetable dishes such as the flavour-packed tomato tatin (Dhs28), but the lemon and rosemary corn-fed chicken (Dhs80) – ethically treated, naturally – is also pleasing to both body and soul.

Although it is currently in the process of applying for its alcohol licence, The Farm is at its best on a weekend morning.

Al Barari, Emirates Road, Dubai, daily, 7am to 11pm, Dhs250 for two. Tel: (04) 3925660. thefarmdubai.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 57

Eating Out

PAN-FRIED SALMON WITH PEAS, BROAD BEANS AND ASPARAGUS SERVES FOUR

"I would always try and talk anybody out of making vegetable stock at home"

The chef

boil, add barely a splash of cream, throw in your peas, blitz them and you have the richest sweet pea green sauce that you can imagine.

Absolutely divine. It’s almost like making an instant pea soup.

Drizzle that on top of the dish, adding all of those lovely green vegetables and the shellfish. Maybe use some form of pasta, even if it is just simple spaghetti.

When it comes to stock, I would always try and talk anybody out of n the UK, May is one of the most exciting making vegetable stock at home. Vegetables months before the summer season, when can really change flavour. If you’re buying the broad beans and fresh peas are coming cheapest vegetables you can, you’re not going in. And these lovely ingredients will be to have any strength of flavour in them, so available here in the UAE, whether fresh or you’re better off buying a pre-made vegetable frozen. stock – providing you add a little extra water, But if anything is unavailable, as usual because it can be powerful. You can always there are plenty of options. Nice little button throw in half an onion or a little bit of leek mushrooms work or some of the superbly, for example, mushroom trimmings and it can easily to give it an extra bit become a vegetarian of taste. dish if you replace On the other hand, the chicken stock if you want to make with vegetable stock. a really good chicken You can add leeks, stock, the best way to asparagus and little do it is to think ahead florets of broccoli, or a and buy in a simple, mixture of fresh herbs. honey-roast bird, put I find that shellfish it into a large pot, works well as a add one small onion, replacement for the one roughly chopped salmon. Especially lobster, scallops or prawns – carrot, a leek, and maybe even throw in a clove prawns in particular go very well. The prawns of garlic. Throw in a couple of peppercorns, themselves should be cooked gently in oil and then cover it in water. Simmer for 90 and butter, without tossing or stirring them. minutes and you will have the most sensational You’re just allowing them to warm, rather than chicken stock. Then you’ve got the chicken tighten in any way or become too firm. there ready for the next day. You can either Make a sauce. If you can’t find fresh, take make bang bang chicken, chicken curry, a soup half a cup of frozen peas, allow them to defrost, or sandwiches. There are endless things you then take your vegetable stock, bring it to the can do with that chicken.

As summer approaches, our celebrity chef columnist Gary Rhodes whips up a lovely piece of fish with sun kissed greens

i

INGREDIENTS

Two large shallots, peeled and sliced into rings; one bay leaf; squeeze of lemon; 300ml chicken stock; 100g peas (fresh and shelled) or half a cup of frozen peas; 100g shelled broad beans; eight to 12 asparagus spears, cut into five to six centimetre sticks; two tbsp olive oil; four 175g salmon fillets, pinboned; salt and pepper; 50g butter, plus a knob of butter for the fish; one heaped tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley.

METHOD

Gently soften the shallots in a knob of butter, not allowing them to colour. Add the bay leaf and chicken stock and simmer gently.

Meanwhile, blanch the peas for four to five minutes (if using frozen, follow the packet cooking time) in a saucepan of boiling salted water or until tender, removing with a slotted spoon into iced water. Cook the broad beans and asparagus together for two to three minutes, lifting them from the water when ready and adding them to the iced peas. Once cold, drain off the water and skin the broad beans to reveal their rich, green colour. Heat the olive oil in a frying pan, season the salmon with salt and pepper and place skin-side down in the pan.

Cook over a medium heat until the skin has become golden and crispy and the fish cooked half to two-thirds of the way through. Add the knob of butter and turn the fish, removing the pan from the stove and basting the fillets with the butter. While frying the fish, add the peas, beans and asparagus to the stock, stir in the butter and remove the bay leaf. Add a generous squeeze of lemon juice and the parsley and divide among four bowls, topping with the panfried salmon.

NEXT MONTH: LEMON VICTORIA SPONGE WITH ENGLISH STRAWBERRY JAM AND VANILLA WHIPPED CREAM 58 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

EATING OUT

ON ThE MENU

new openings, camel burgers and the latest menu tweaks – it’s all go on the uAe food scene this month

NEW RESTaURaNT OpENINGS

NEW OpENING

Just when you thought you’d dined at every restaurant in town, more open their doors. There’s no stopping the UAE dining scene. Kicking things off is the long-awaited launch of Polynesian-themed bar Mahiki’s menu. British chef Marcus Chat, formerly of Rhodes Mezzanine, has created a menu embracing the laidback sharing style.

Meanwhile, The Palace Café has opened its doors on the popular Emaar Boulevard, providing a charming spot to nibble on some Arabic favourites. Sultry restaurant-lounge Caramel opens its second UAE outlet at the St Regis on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Al Mersat is the latest addition to the Radisson Royal’s F&B portfolio – serving grilled meats and seafood.

While, finally, Kebab Bistro, just off Al Wasl Road, offers simple Arabic and Indian food, as well as a handy delivery and catering service. Tuck in.

TWITTER RECIPE

chopstick lessons

CAMEL BURGER, ANYONE? Here at What’s On we enjoy the occasional camel burger, so the news that Emirates Palace is taking heed of what has become a bit of a trend and serving up camel burgers is welcome, indeed. Camel meat, zataar brioche and chickpea fritters should make for an interesting spin on the modern Emirati classic.

Le Café, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6907999. emiratespalace.ae

BLUE MARLIN

Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters

OYSTER, GRAPEFRUIT & BASIL GRANITA Blend pink grapefruit/basil/ sugar/black pepper. Strain, freeze, grate over oyster & enjoy

Head chef, Maxime Le Van, Embassy Dubai, Grosvenor House Tower Two Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 7.30pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3176000. Grosvenorhousedubai.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnabuDhabi

60 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

TRIED aND TESTED

Setting up a swanky beach club and restaurant halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was always going to be a pretty ambitious project, but, using a similar blueprint to its remote Ibiza-based namesake, Blue Marlin UAE has

nevertheless set up shop on the remote Ghantoot Al Jazira Island – the idea behind it being simple: exclusivity. The menu is uncomplicated, consisting of six starters, mains and desserts, with all the dishes displaying a touch of Mediterranean flair. From the more

inventive beef tartare with anchovies and roasted white asparagus (Dhs95) to the simpler heirloom vegetable salad (Dhs60), the starters are pricey, but well put together. Although there are two meaty options, fish is the order of the day here. Despite none of it being locally sourced (tut tut), the miso-glazed halibut with bok choi (Dhs190) is delicious, infused with strong but not overpowering Asian flavours. Everything about Blue Marlin reeks of trendy people with plenty to spend, but the restaurant is commendable. Whether it’s a big enough draw to persuade people to undertake the journey is yet to be seen.

Blue Marlin UAE, Golden Tulip Hotel, Ghantoot, 1pm to 11pm.

Tel: (056) 1133400. bluemarlinibiza.com

Royal China Dubai injects a bit of fun into the regular family brunch this month.

While the grown ups are gorging on a collection of dim sum and other Chinese fare at the DIFC restaurant, Royal China’s chefs will teach the nippers how to properly handle a pair of chopsticks.

Royal China Dubai, Precinct Building 4, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3545543. Metro: Financial Centre. royalchinadubai.com

Tip-top takeaway We like nothing more than being out and about, but sometimes the situation calls for one to confine oneself to the house and enjoy a meal in one's pyjamas. Fortunately, Abu Dhabi's Ushna, one of our favourite Indians, introduces a delivery service this month. So now we, and you, dear reader, can enjoy the tandoori salmon and jhinga kalimirch (prawns) in the comfort of our own home.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Between the Bridges, daily 12.30pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5581769

RestAuRAnt Week

Voi

For one week this month (May 23 to 29) 39 Jumeirah restaurants will be running threecourse set menus from just Dhs130. The Restaurant Week concept is adapted from similar events in New York, Shanghai and Hong Kong, and allows you to eat at various restaurants at the Souk Madinat, Emirates Towers, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Etihad Towers and other Jumeirah properties. Our advice is to arrive early, as tables are sure to fill up fast.

May 23 to 29, Jumeirah Restaurant Week, Souk Madinat, Emirates Towers and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, and Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. jumeirah.com Armani/Ristorante

NEW MENUS It's always nice to see that the UAE's restaurants are dedicated to keeping things fresh and exciting, and in the spirit of revitalisation a number of K Grill UAE chefs have rolled out new menus this month. Under the new guidance of chef Emmanuel Pauliat, cosy French restaurant Oscar's is going back to its roots with a more

provincial menu, including classics such as tian de légume aux herbes and tarte au citron. The Armani Hotel Dubai's flagship Italian, Armani/Ristorante, has revamped its degustation menu (Dhs1,100 with wine pairings) expanding its range beyond Tuscan fare to include specialties from around the entire peninsula. And from one restaurant moving away from Tuscan classics to another featuring them as their monthly specialty, Souk Al Bahar's BiCE Mare focuses on the central Italian region as its monthly-changing culinary coastal tour continues. Carnivores will be flocking to the ever-popular K Grill at the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, and its menu of prime cuts and succulent seafood. Abu Dhabi is also getting in on the act with the Park Rotana's Teatro putting an Asian spin on proceedings with seared king scallops, baby bok choi and enokitake mushrooms.

Not to be outdone, the charming Italian restaurant at the Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Filini, will be adding dishes incorporating Italian spring vegetables. Tuck in, ladies and gents.

1/3 aD

TIME TO ShOp lOcal We take a certain pride in seeing a homegrown company, committed to selling wholesome, local produce, doing well. So we are particularly excited that RIPE – the company behind one of the UAE's most popular farmers' markets – is set to open a farm shop in Dubai in mid-May. A street over from Jones The Grocer, a RIPE business partner, the store will sell vegetables produced on UAE farms, with plans to sell locally reared meat in the future. Right up our street.

Al Manara, Umm Suqeim, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3807602. ripeme.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 61

WHAT’S ON

ARTS

artists, galleries, news, events and more

p64 WRITTEN ON THE BODy · p66 THE aRT INsIDER · p68 fIvE TO sEE may 2012 WHAT’S ON 63

ARTS

Shirin Aliabadi

Written On the BOdy

Pop-cultural Iranian artist Shirin Aliabadi on the eve of her new Dubai show Close-up depictions of women’s eyes have become one of your trademarks – what’s the on-going appeal of that for you?

On the surface, eyes are the most beautiful part of the body and the most emotional in their expression and all that they take in. I have come to realise that sadness, happiness, hunger, passion, kindness and fear, and all those other sensations, are but a few emotions that can be noticed simply in the eyes. So the contour of the eyes and eyebrows for me is like a blank canvas, and that has become a starting point for my drawings, which then go on to relay a story, incident, event or message.

How does your experience as an Iranian woman and artist inform what you do?

The project Girls In Cars came about when I was stuck in traffic 64 WHAT’S ON may 2012

on a weekend night in a pretty posh part of Tehran. We were surrounded by beautiful girls made up to go to a party or just cruising in their cars, and I thought then that this image of women chained by tradition and the hijab is not even close to reality here. They all had music on and were chatting to each other between the cars and making eyes and conversation with boys in other vehicles.

Although respectful of the laws, they were having fun. I chose to relay this side in my art, as

Girls in Car, 2005

opposed to what is depicted via the Western media and in the works of some artists that are still conveying the notion of Middle Eastern women heavily draped, confined, dark and submissive under the chador. Ironically, yet proudly, 60 per cent of students in Iran are females.

With this strong focus on women in your art, do you view your work as feminist or a social commentary?

I see myself as an artist in this period of time. I am not trying to convey anything, merely to show what I see, what I experience, and what happens around me. I want to express that there is a youth culture in Tehran, thriving with ideas, bustling with energy and loudly playing with identity and traditions.

You play with the balance between Middle Eastern and Western notions of female beauty. Tell us about that…

There are endless traditional codes or ideals of beauty in every country that measure and make up a society, people or person.

Take teeth for example: Japanese women were known to blacken their teeth as a sign of beauty, the people of Tajikistan prefer theirs to be gold, and in the United States, diamonds are all the rage. Also, in the past few decades we’ve witnessed Western women show their bellybuttons, a habit evidently adopted from the Indian tradition. So I feel very fortunate to be living in an era in which sociocultural arenas – those that were once closed to each other – have now become fantastic global swap meets.

Does that transfer back into Iran?

In the Middle East, we have kept and cherished our traditions.

I am very aware of that. I also know that this generation are not the same as their grandmothers’, but while they’re trying hard to be different, they somehow maintain the ability not to get lost. Their intelligence makes them play with traditions but they always go back to it as an idea or a concept from which everything starts to bloom and how they make it their own.

Until Jun, The Farjam Collection, DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3230303. Metro: Financial Centre. farjamcollection.org

ARTS

Child Of Our Time

H

e counts the likes of Kevin Spacey and David Beckham among his collectors and collaborators, and was the youngest artist to ever be awarded a tenyear international retrospective, but for Anglo-Indian artist Sacha Jafri some of the most important work he does is that done for charity.

Untouched Beginnings: The Child Within Us and Expressions Of The Soul is the result of Jafri’s four-year tour of refugee camps and orphanages around the world, meeting and working with special needs children and those orphaned by war. Covering 42 countries in all five

continents, it was an ambitious project that culminated in an epic final artwork – as anyone who saw Untouched Beginnings during its recent installation at DIFC can attest. Nine canvases convey ‘the story of our childhood’, reflecting our collective journey from infancy to adulthood, and are intended to reignite the child within.

Commissioned by Majid Al Futtaim, the project is to be auctioned by Christie’s this month, with all profits (estimated to be up to Dhs4 million) to go to Dubai’s Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs.

May 9, Christie’s, DIFC, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4255647. Metro: Financial Centre. christies.com

five minutes with...

Guillaume Cuiry

director of interiors gallery La Galerie Nationale Why have you decided to open a gallery dedicated to furniture and design?

When I first came to the UAE in 2005 to promote 20th century art designs and designers, I found that the market wasn’t yet mature enough to sustain a presence for original vintage furniture. Seven years later, I find the market to be much more sophisticated and refined – we are so proud to be the first gallery of this kind in the UAE and importantly in Dubai. We launched at Design Days Dubai in March and the reaction from the public was so positive and enthusiastic; it was an incredible reception for the team and myself.

Is furniture art?

I believe that the art market will need a long time to discover that furniture can be integrated within the art family, but we have to consider the work of these designers as original creations. Twentieth century designers dared to create unique shapes, tailor-made without any business consideration or agenda.

That is the criteria that I consider makes these works ‘art’. This is the only type of art that you can use in your home; you can interact with it in a way you can’t with traditional art.

Who are your top three designers?

Jean Royère, the leader of the ‘French elegance’ style is my favourite designer – I love the creativity, the simplicity and high quality of his work. Carlo Mollino, for the touch of Italian class – he was for me the link between the old and new generations. Finally, Maurice Calka, who dared to include modern materials in his design.

If you could own one piece, what would it be?

It’s one of my dreams to get the 1969 original Boomerang PDG desk by Maurice Calka in my office, or also the huge Liane light from Jean Royère, and many others. Like all other connoisseurs and collectors, for me the perfect piece is always the one you haven’t yet got.

Sum up La Galerie Nationale in a single sentence…

The quintessential destination for authentic 20th century designs.

Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3804652. Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. galerie-nationale.com may 2012 WHAT’S ON 65

ARTS

CHARLES POCOCK

THE ART INSIDER

T

he opening of Treasures Of The World’s Cultures at Abu Dhabi’s Manarat Al Saadiyat is a continuation of the programme that was initiated with Splendours Of Mesopotamia in 2011 and is part of the lead-up to the opening of Zayed National Museum in Abu Dhabi. It is also an opportunity to educate yourselves and, perhaps more importantly, your children.

The exhibition, put together by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority and the British Museum, is open until mid July and tells the story of two million years of human civilisation through 250 of the world’s most magnificent treasures taken from a collection at the British Museum.

These riches include pharonic objects such as the canoptic jars of Neskhons; Achaemenid items 66 WHAT’S ON may 2012

from Iran; Ancient Greek and Roman artefacts; Benin bronzes from the 16th century; works by Michelangelo, Dürer, Rembrandt, Rubens and Toulouse-Lautrec from Europe; incredible pieces from Asia and the Americas, such as Gandhāran Buddhist reliefs from Pakistan, Taino figures from the Caribbean and Ming Dynasty jade plaques; and, finally, contemporary and modern work by Bridget Riley and Pablo Picasso.

The exhibition also presents objects from the Al Ain National Museum and the Sharjah Archaeology Museum, bringing key pieces from the region to a wider audience.

Viewing these wonders from such an array of different cultures and religions from across the world will allow visitors to develop a better understanding of the past. This

is a key part of the educational outreach programme of the Abu Dhabi government. Giving the audience, be they old or young, this opportunity, encouraging cultural awareness and opening the minds of all to cultures foreign to their own, is a gift we should embrace and an initiative we should celebrate.

What we are seeing in Abu Dhabi with exhibitions like this, as well ongoing developments like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and The Zayed National Museum, are cultural projects of an

international standard that are second to none and show the way forward for the 21st century.

But the real treasure is the educational benefit, especially to our children. You would be a fool to miss this exhibition.

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

NEWS FLASH

The Art Bank

We’re always delighted to discover new ways to view and buy art, so news of the recently launched Art Bank had us happy – and the fact that it is dedicated to supporting up-and- coming artists was just the cherry on top.

If you’re looking for affordable art for your home,

this may well be the place for you.

They’re promising ‘no clichés, just art’, which is about as good a place as any to start. artbankdubai.com

Get Creative

The new term at DIAC kicked off two weeks ago, but don’t let that put you off – it’s early days, so there’s still time for you to sign

up and get creative.

With courses in everything from etching to painting and fashion design, there’s bound to be something that appeals. And if you can commit to a full term, the centre also hosts one-off events and weekend workshops.

DIAC, Villa 27, Street 75b, Jumeirah, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3444398. artdubai.com

Bringing the Joy of Music to Millions Around the Globe

C7 Finish: Polished Ebony Lenght: 227cm (7’6”) Center Pedal: Sostenuto Keys: Ivorite (White) Lid prop cup: Brass P i an os | D igita l Pia nos | Guitar s | Dr um s | Wind I nstrum ents A u d i o/H ome Thea tr e Pr oduc ts | Pr ofessional Audio Pr oduc ts.

Exclusive Distributor in UAE MALL OF THE EMIRATES THE DUBAI MALL

DUBAI • Dubai Festival City, Level 1, Near Marks & Spencer, Tel: 04 2329900 • Ibn Batutta Mall, China Court, Tel: 04 3669385 • Deira, Salahuddin Street Tel: 04 2668181 • Wafi Mall, Level 1, Tel: 04 3242322 • Deira, Fish Roundabout Tel: 04 2229370 • Deira, Sabkha Road, Tel: 04 2260988 ABU DHABI • Hamdan Street, Tel: 02 6724703 / 6779230 • Dalma Mall, GF082, Tel: 02 5508821 For more information Call 04 2693359, E-mail: info@thomsun.ae

ARTS

Five to see...

1) Referencing History

Green Art Gallery continues its good work in bringing international contemporary art to these shores with this new show. Featuring the work of five Eastern European artists, including Mircea Cantor (recent winner of the prestigious Marcel Duchamp prize), the show draws upon their shared interest in history, both collective and personal.

Intriguing stuff.

May 9 to Jul 15, Green Art Gallery, Unit 28, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free.

Tel: (04) 3469305.

Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. gagallery.com

2) Treasures Of The World’s Cultures

Staged in collaboration with the British Museum, this blockbuster show is the second (after last year’s Splendours of Mesopotamia) in the build-up to the opening of Abu Dhabi’s Zayed National Museum. Over 250 items are featured, from the dawn of human existence in Africa to more local finds on loan from Sharjah Museum.

There will be talks and workshops, too.

Until Jul 17, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6575800. artsabudhabi.ae

3) It’s No Longer About Me

This solo showing

by Mohannad Orabi continues the Syrian artist’s trademark portrait style, but here his hyperstylised, child-like figures have, according to the artist, been forced to ‘open their eyes’ to the world around them in the wake of the Arab Spring. The references may still be oblique, but the haunting melancholy that pervades this show reveals much of the artist’s state of play.

Until Jun 16, Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Building 3, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4392395.

Metro: Financial Centre. ayyamgallery.com

4) Farther Than The Eye Can See

Basma Alsharif ’s video installation plays with ideas of the impact (or otherwise) of geo-politics on individuals – not just those of our experience, but those carried with us from past generations. It’s a bold exploration but one that’s treated with a deft touch here, inviting the viewer to reflect on his or her own experience too.

Until 18 May, Bait Al Shamsi, Arts Area, Heart of Sharjah, Sharjah.

Tel: (06) 5685050. sharjahart.org

5) Versus

Surreal worlds and fractured moments of chaos feature at Carbon 12’s newest show.

Featuring the work of US-based photographer Jamie Baldridge and Austrian painter Bernhard Buhmann, there is pleasing symmetry in the push and pull of ideas on show here, despite the obvious differences in medium and approach.

May 7 to Jun 15, Carbon 12, Warehouse D37, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free.

Tel: (04) 3406016.

Metro: Noor Islamic Bank. carbon12dubai.com 4

1

5 3

2

68 WHAT’S ON may 2012

WHAT’S ON

SHOPPING Designers, shops, trends, hot spots and more

p74 HOW TO...GET INTO THE FaSHION INDUSTRy · p77 SHOp Talk May 2012 WHAT’S ON 71

SHOPPING

T-Post

Not Another Bill

HOT MAIL Panty By Post

T-POST

Is it fashion? Is it media? Well, it’s both.

Swedish company T-Post produces limited edition T-shirts for its members every six weeks, with an article on a hot topic (or crazy theory) printed on the inside and a specially commissioned illustration by one of their favourite artists on the front. What started as a discussion between friends about forgotten news stories has grown into a company that sends these quirky pieces to more than 50 countries worldwide.

Subscribers can even apply to model the shirts. Think of it as an online community with a very cool uniform.

Dhs100 per T-shirt. tpostmag.com

STACK

By reading What’s On we have already established that you have excellent taste when it comes to reading material, so you’ll no doubt appreciate the good work by the creative folk over at Stack. Dedicated to introducing you to up and coming magazines with limited print runs or specialist output, when you sign up to Stack you’ll be sent an independent magazine each month,

If the most exciting thing you’ve had in the post recently was a cheaper than usual credit card bill, then be prepared for the latest in mail order trends.

From tees to tunes, we find the best companies to send you treats to your door (or desk)

all beautifully made and offering a fresh perspective on the world.

Dhs690 per year. stackmagazines.com

NOT ANOTHER BILL

This hipster-friendly site sources unique gifts from international artists, designers and brands to deliver a nice surprise to you each month. Past presents have included limited edition prints, wooden necklaces from Italy, novelty oven gloves, vintage toy cars and wooden toothbrushes, promoting emerging artisans and delivering some offbeat charm.

Dhs1,400 per year. notanotherbill.com

PANTY BY POST

There’s no dressing this up (or down), Panty

By Post sends you new undies every month.

Started by Francophile Natalie Grunberg, the site allows you to choose a style and size to be delivered, with three lines to choose from and pretty or plain packaging if required.

Stack

Ladies listen up, this could be a good way of encouraging your man to ditch those ratty boxers. Chaps, if you’re ordering these as a gift for your lady, make sure you get her size right or your thoughtful idea may backfire somewhat.

Dhs1,100 per year. pantybypost.com

WEEKLY INDIE

These days music is delivered digitally, and Weekly Indie will send you ten tracks by unsigned bands, you guessed it, every week. Aiming to give exposure to aspiring musicians, the site sifts through thousands of tracks to curate a cool soundtrack that is sent to your email address for download, complete with band biogs in case you want to hear more from any of the featured young upstarts.

Dhs40 per month. weeklyindie.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 73

SHOPPING

HOW TO…

GET INTO THE FASHION INDUSTRY If you’ve ever dreamt of creating clothes and dominating the catwalks then this month sees fashpack experts arrive in the UAE to show you show it’s done

A

long with becoming a musician, actor or artist, the decision to crack the highly competitive fashion world is one that separates the dreamers from the doers.

The hours are long, the money is too tight to mention and fads move faster than supermodels running from a buffet, so if you’re committed to making it you’ll need to be determined.

Until recently, the UAE wasn’t on the global fashion map, but an army of up-and-coming designers, home-grown boutiques and style bloggers have started something of a creative movement here, and the next wave of fashionistas look set to truly put us in the spotlight.

One of the world’s most prestigious design institutes, London College Of Fashion, has also noticed that we’ve got a good

thing going on, and this month brings a series of short courses to encourage and establish the local style scene. Taking place at the Pullman Hotel, the programmes cover everything from fashion history to luxury brand management. Forget any Project Runway fantasies; these sessions are less about messing around with swathes of fabric and more about hard-nosed business insights from seasoned industry experts. Tutors include designer Richard Sorger, celeb make-up artist Lucy Wearing and Toby Meadows, author of How To Set Up & Run A Fashion Label.

Just remember us when you’re dressing the A list – we’d like some new What’s On T-shirts, please.

May 17 to 31, The Pullman, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, from Dhs870. Tel: (055) 1156674. fashion.arts.ac.uk/shortcourses/ middle-east

OUR PICK OF THE PROGRAMMES

With 16 LCF courses running throughout May, we pick the top five to get your fashion career off to a winning start 1 Essential Guide To The Fashion Industry If you’re not sure if this is the career for you then a one-day session should give you a taste of what the job could have in store.

May 19. Dhs870

2 Fashion Design 1 Guest tutor Richard Sorger takes you through the basics and beyond, sharing his personal experiences and some insider info.

May 17 to 20.

Dhs4,900

74 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

3 Business Start-up Consultancy It’s not all red carpets and glamour, unfortunately.

Fashion is a business like any other, so there are some basic moneymaking principles to learn.

May 27. Dhs2,600

4 Fashion PR So you have the brand (or the client) but how can you get the name out there? This two-day course will impart the communication know-how.

May 17 to 18.

Dhs3,335

5 Principles Of Fashion Styling If you’ve dreamt of being the next Rachel Zoe then this four-day seminar will teach you how to put looks together for runway, street style and editorial.

May 22 to 26.

Dhs5,480

Meet the tutor

Designer Richard Sorger was named as a rising star by Vogue back in 2009, and since them has had his pieces worn by countless celebs.

He comes to the UAE this month to share his expertise and knowledge, but here’s the inside scoop before the classroom doors open What was the best bit of advice you received about designing?

While I was at university, I was working through the night towards a deadline. I could no longer be objective about my work, so one of my oldest friends, Richard Gray, the fashion illustrator, held a cigarette packet close to my face and asked me what it was.

Obviously it was too close to my eyes to see, and he said that’s like your work right now – you’re too close to it to see it for what it is, meaning that I should just trust myself, finish the work and worry about it later.

What essential kit should an aspiring designer have?

I always carry a notebook and pencil, but a camera phone is essential in case I see something inspiring. I also recently started to use magic markers, and I’m in love with them.

What should attendees expect?

I’m firm but fair. The course is a mix of lectures and practical- based exercises, so it will be educational and fun. I want the people taking the course to learn the basics of fashion design from the beginning to the end of the design process (although obviously without making any clothes), so they can leave the course with an understanding of how designers design.

SHOPPING

Any wise words for any wannabe designers?

Work hard and don’t be in a rush to succeed. Gain experience and allow your style to develop (this will take time!). Network hard and don’t give up. For every person who doesn’t like your work there will be someone who loves it. richardsorger.com

Meet the designer

Rana Jamshed turned her back on a career in private equity to set up her own label, Polka Dot Cat. Based in Dubai, she has won awards, dressed Miss England and continues to keep the city’s fashionistas on trend with her stunning collections What's it like being a fashion designer in the UAE? Dubai is just the perfect base to have to design and promote a fashion brand; the support for local designers is growing and I am very optimistic for the region as a whole.

How did you get started?

I just began sketching and making some pieces for myself and friends to test, read loads of ‘how to start your fashion label’ books on Amazon and took courses with the likes of Toby Meadows.

Any advice for people in the UAE who want to get into fashion?

Exhibit internationally (Paris, London, Milan or New York) to learn more about the fashion world and meet buyers to gather feedback and data, at least once a year.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Diane von Furstenberg loving my Simplicity Sequence dresses when I had dinner with her. I had to pinch myself to believe it was not a dream. polkadotcat.com

Where to go to sew and sew

Inspired to become the next Stella McCartney, Marc Jacobs or, if you really want to commit to the lifestyle, Karl Lagerfeld? We’ve found the best on-going courses to take you from fingers and thumbs to red carpets and catwalks

01

WHAT? Machine Sewing – Easy WHERE? Craftland WHAT WILL I LEARN? Taking place over two sessions of two and a half hours, this short course is suitable for beginners and provides the perfect introduction to your sewing machine. You’ll be taught how to make a simple wrap and pencil skirt under the tutelage of Kay Bruce and Stephanie Deaves. Materials are provided but you’ll need your own machine.

WHEN? 29 May and 5 June, 12.30pm to 3pm.

HOW MUCH? Dhs180.

Craftland, Town Centre, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3429224. mycraftland.com

02

WHAT? Sewing And Construction WHERE? DUCTAC WHAT WILL I LEARN? Taking your skills to the next level, this nine-week course offers the opportunity to develop various sewing techniques with tutor Tsufa Bijelic, and is suitable for all levels of experience.

Material fee is Dhs150.

WHEN? Every Wednesday starting from mid July, 9.15am to 12.15pm.

HOW MUCH? Dhs1,300 plus Dhs150 for materials.

DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3414777. ductac.org

03

WHAT? Fashion Design And Pattern Making WHERE? Esmod Dubai WHAT WILL I LEARN? If you’re really serious about making a career in the industry then a full-time course (35 hours a week) will teach you the basic techniques of fashion design.

Entry conditions apply along with significant creative abilities.

WHEN? Sunday to Thursday, 9.30am to 4.30pm, starting September 16. Closing date for registration is 15 July.

HOW MUCH? Dhs60,000.

Esmod Dubai, Dubai International Academic City, Block 4, Al Ruwayah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4291228. esmod-dubai.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 75

SHOP TALK

The hottest news, products, trends and openings with Deputy Editor Helen Spearman

DATE FOR THE DIARY

Charity flea market

The Sheraton is hosting a charity flea market this month, with all proceeds from table fees going to an orphanage in Tanzania. If you’d like to clear out your home of unwanted items hiring a table to sell from costs Dhs250 (call to reserve a s pot) and entry is free if you’re going along to shop for bargains. This is retail therapy at its charitable best.

May 12, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Hotel, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 9am.

Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

Made to measure

Many fashionable folk like the idea of a tailor-made suit but can’t face the Bur Dubai traffic, so Collars & Cuffs, the latest store to open its doors at Sunset Mall, has come to the rescue. Most bespoke suits will take a few weeks, but there is a three-day express service available upon request in case you have a last-minute special occasion or big meeting, and you can track your order via SMS, BBM or through the website. We love some technology with our tailoring.

Collar & Cuffs, Sunset Mall, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3808283. collarsandcuffs.ae

SHOPPING

THIS MONTH WE ARE…

Injecting some colour Pretty Homeware megastore 2XL (it’s that big) has opened its largest branch yet in Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Packed with glamorous pieces, our pick of the shelves is this vibrant turquoise lamp (Dhs289), which will brighten up any space, whether it’s switched on or not.

2XL Furniture & Home Décor, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 295. 2xlme.com

BEATLEMANIA

Fans of the fab four should head to Harvey Nichols this month where recently discovered photographs taken in 1963 and 1964, before the band hit the big time, are going on display. There will also be original waxworks from Madame Tussauds, a pop-up shop selling memorabilia and limited edition merchandise, as well as the images taken by Paul Berriff, who went on to become a BAFTA award-winning director.

From May 3, Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4098888. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. harveynichols.com

please…

Kate Spade New York has just landed in The Dubai Mall, so it would be rude not to buy this gorgeous hinged bangle (Dhs675) to celebrate. With a modern chevron graphic and engraved with the words ‘off the beaten path’, it is part of the jewellery line from the famed handbag designer.

Kate Spade New York, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs675. Tel: (04) 3253518.

Metro: Dubai Mall. katespade.com

Basket case

Whether heading to the polo or the beach, this gloriously old-fashioned picnic basket (Dhs555) will make sure you make a style statement with your sandwiches. Containing two wine glasses, ceramic plates, cutlery, corkscrew and salt and pepper pots, this beauty is truly on our wish list.

Harvest Home, Jumeirah Centre, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs555. Tel: (04) 43420225. harvesthomegroup.com

Must-buy of the month

WEBSITE OF THE MONTH

ananasa.com

If you’re a struggling artisan or creative type who wants to start your own business but don’t have the cash for your own online store then Ananasa is the answer. This store acts as a platform for regional artists, jewellers, designers and more, allowing them to set up a virtual shop, take orders and ship their products all over the world in a bid to promote the Middle East’s reputation for original pieces.

Highlights include UAE label Daring Dopa for T-shirts from Dhs80 and Jordanian jewellery maker Mariam Ajaj, whose bracelets add a touch of Arabian style for Dhs275. ananasa.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 77

WHAT’S ON

SPORT & OUTDOOR Alive and kicking

p80 diving for peArls · p82 night golf · p84 sports shorts MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 79

SPORT & OUTDOOR

DIVING FOR PEARLS

‘Danger’ Matt

Once the most important industry in the UAE, pearl fishing is the subject of a new day-trip that hopes to teach people the intricacies of traditional pearl diving.

Does it work? Our man Matt plunges into the country’s history

the easy route and went on the organised shuttle bus leaving from the Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

BRIEFING Unexpectedly, I arrive at a completely modern beachside cabin at the base of the Palm, the kind that you would see on the shores of Lake Como (equipped with indoor fireplace – swanky).

There, I am met by the president of EMEG, Ali Saqar Al Suweidi, or Major Ali as he prefers. Major Ali is a third-generation pearldiver whose family, like many hese days, outdoor pursuits pearls you find), most importantly, Instead, I would be taking part others, had to abandon their all seem to be about financial reward. Sign me up. way of life in the 1940s when the in a new day-trip set up by the grandeur. Everything is international pearl market became Emirates Marine Environmental the region’s quickest, or GETTING STARTED saturated by Japanese divers who Group (EMEG) allowing locals, tallest, or longest. That’s why it was First off, it was important to clear residents and visitors a chance had developed pearl-farming refreshing to see that this month’s up that I (thankfully) would not techniques. “It was a difficult time to experience this proud Emirati task has much more of a cultural be reliving the gruelling ways for many families back then, but tradition. twist: learning the traditional of divers of old – sharing an old Although you can arrange to get now it is great to see people who methods of pearl diving used by dhow with 40 people for three are interested in learning about there by yourself, trying to get all the Bedouin people. On paper, months, surviving on a fish-only the way to the base of the Jebel Ali our culture and seeing how we it has everything: bags of skill, diet and only three coconut used to live,” he says.

Palm via various security checks oodles of tradition and (after scoops of water per day doesn’t After a short briefing, Ali and unsigned roads could prove to hearing that you get to keep any rank too highly on my to-do list. be another mission in itself. I took shows me his impressive personal

T

80 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Major Ali

“With no idea where to start, I scramble around desperately looking for oysters” collection of pearls – worth a fair bob or two – and I change into a customary white robe, which was used as rudimentary protection by all divers in order to protect them from jellyfish, and board the traditional dhow.

DIVING FOR TREASURE Once we drop anchor, Ali jumps into the waters, explaining how divers would search for the perfect spot for diving, and then demonstrates the techniques used.

He goes under and, like an old pro, resurfaces a couple of minutes later, grinning, with a couple of oysters in his hands. Easy.

I’m up. I jump in and follow what I’ve been taught, wrapping my foot around a weighted rope, breathing deeply and once ready, I let go of one end of the rope and hold on as the weight hauls me down to the bottom of sea.

Luckily, we’re only diving at five metres. I reach the floor in seconds, and it takes a few more to acclimatise to the surroundings.

With no real idea where to start looking, I scramble around kicking and turning, desperately seeking the oysters. Ali had assured me that there were “so many of them down there”. I resurface empty handed.

Determined, I try again.

The key is learning not to waste any precious air when underwater. So this time, as I already know what to expect, my movements are calculated and less frantic.

Just when I thought hope was gone and I’m running out of air, I see one. And another. And another. And another. I burst up to the surface hauling an impressive six oysters in my hands, to the cheers of the people aboard the boat.

Now, it’s time to open the shells and discover the priceless pearls inside. I’ve already spent the proceeds from my first haul (one private island, please). Alas, nothing. Not a single crumbsized bead. It turns out that this pearl-diving malarkey is harder than you think. However, all my disappointment is forgotten on the way back to shore as we sit down to enjoy a lunch of fish and rice, hearing Ali’s stories of the family industry in times gone by, which prove to be the real pearls of the afternoon.

1/2 AD

VERDICT I’m not sure what I enjoyed more, the stories about the arduous life of the pearl divers or the thrill of the diving, which for me means that it was an excellent day out.

Pavilion Dive Centre, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, Tue to Sat, 9am to 3pm, Dhs700. Tel: (04) 4068828. jumeirah.com

The booty

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 81

SPORT & OUTDOOR

seven of the best:

night golfing the MontGoMerie

BEST FOR: part-time golfers

While the full 18-hole course at the Monty doesn’t do golfing after dark, the driving range and the par three courses are both floodlit. Open until 10pm, with no handicap restrictions, and at just Dhs135 for two – including a round on the par three course and unlimited range balls – it’s an attractive option for the more casual golfer to enjoy a post-work round. Equipment hire starts at Dhs30 for three clubs.

Emirates Hills, Dubai, daily 6pm to 10pm, Dhs135 for two. Tel: (04) 3905600. themontgomerie.com

eMirateS Golf Club

BEST FOR:

One of two 18-holers at the seasoned golfers Emirates Golf Club, the fully floodlit Faldo course is the place to be after sunset.

Designed by the legendary British golfer Nick Faldo, it is the only full 18-hole night golf course in the UAE, and as such caters to the more serious golfer (rather than bunkerbound duffers like us), staying open until 9.30pm. If you don’t fancy the full slog, you can also opt to play nine holes.

82 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

With the temperature continuing to rise, a once leisurely stroll on the golf course will soon become a sweaty mess. The answer?

Night golf. Here’s our round-up of the best Emirates Hills 2, Dubai, daily 7pm to 9.30pm, Dhs425 for 18 holes, Dhs255 for nine holes.

Tel: (04) 3801234. dubaigolf.com

Sharjah Golf & ShootinG Club

BEST FOR: late night golfers

If you don’t mind a bit of traffic, the trusty floodlit nine-hole Sharjah Golf Club course is roomy enough for those with a wayward drive looking to put in some serious practice. The latest tee-off time is set at 7pm, but the lights stay on until 11pm, meaning you can enjoy a casual round. There are only nine holes, but the club encourages you to go around again should you not have satisfied your golfing fix. On

weekends at 5.45pm the club runs ‘shotgun golf ’ sessions, which see nine groups playing at the same time, with everyone starting on a different hole. Rental of a full set of Top-Flite clubs is Dhs100 for nine holes, or you can borrow Calloways for Dhs75 for nine holes.

Emirates Road, Sharjah, Sun to Thur 4pm to 11pm, Dhs220, Fri and Sat 4pm to 11pm, Dhs190. Tel: (06) 5487777. golfandshootingshj.com

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

SPORT & OUTDOOR

arabian ranCheS Golf Club

BEST FOR: frugal golfers

Emirates Road may not run through the same lush green landscape you would enjoy in some other golfobsessed countries, but you wouldn’t believe that if you were standing on the first tee at Arabian Ranches. The club’s nine-hole night golf package is just Dhs115 for two, making it the cheapest round of night golf for a pair in the country. If you don’t feel up to the walk, then the floodlit driving range allows you to hit balls long into the night – well, until 9pm at least – and you can hire three clubs for a measly Dhs22.

Arabian Ranches, Emirates Road, Dubai, daily until 9pm, Dhs85, Dhs115 for two. Tel: (04) 3663000. arabianranchesgolfdubai.com

abu Dhabi Golf Club

BEST FOR: Depending on your tee-off versatile time, it’s possible to play a golfers mixed round of both sunset golf and night golf on this mammoth 27-hole course. With holes 19 to 27 under lights, you can choose to play those nine holes once the sun has set, or if you reach that point a bit earlier, catch the last of the sunshine and play holes ten to 18, before completing their round under the glare of the floodlights. Nine holes will set you back a slightly pricey Dhs225, but for a course that boasts Tiger Woods as one of its fans, we think it’s worth it.

Emirates Golf Club

with a last tee-off time of 8.50pm, and the lights on until 10pm. Best of all, a round is a bargain Dhs80 (without club hire).

Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai, daily 7.45pm to 10pm, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 3801234. dubaigolf.com

the traCk

Opening this month, The Track Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs395 for is part of Meydan’s drive to 18 holes, Dhs225 for nine holes. Tel: (02) 5588990. become much more than just adgolfclub.com a place to watch the horses. The impressive nine-hole course is fully flood lit, and offers Dubai Creek Golf a nomembership pay-as-you-play scheme BEST FOR: Club allowing literally anyone to turn up, play business Set on the banks of the Dubai until as late as midnight and then head next golfers Creek, this is one of the most door to the newly opened Qube sports bar to picturesque courses in Dubai. unwind.

Fully floodlit, the nine-hole, par three course Meydan, Al Meydan Road, Dubai, until midnight, welcomes both experienced golfers and newbies, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 3671080. meydangolf.com

how to... play out of the rough

The trick to hitting from the rough is predicting how much grass to allow between your club and the ball when you hit it. If you catch only a little grass, it’ll go miles. If you catch a lot of grass, you'll lose swing speed and distance. Think about this before selecting your club.

BEST FOR: nonmembers

Open your stance and the face of the club when you set yourself. You’ll want to hit the ball in the middle of your stance, and grip the club tightly – this will keep the clubface from closing as it enters the grass.

Because if you play like us, you’ll need to know

Make a three-quarter backswing, keeping more weight on your front foot. Your goal is to catch the ball as cleanly as you can. Try a steeper, more V-shaped swing for deeper lies. But don't be greedy when your ball is really buried. The best thing to do is pitch back to the fairway, and play for the green with your next shot.

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 83

Sport & outdoor

The RounD-up

It’s a busy month for UAE sports fans

Taming The dragon

For those who missed it, last month’s Dragon Boat Festival saw teams of twenty-strong racing against each other in a knockout competition. We’re proud to note that a team comprised of Motivate staff claimed a very respectable third place. Well done team!

new F1 powerboats

Petrol heads rejoice; a new breed of powerboat racing is soon to be launched in the UAE. The P1 SuperStock series have announced that they have set the wheels (rudders?) in motion to bring the high-octane racing to the UAE by November, adding to the already established series in the UK and US. Powerboat racing has long been one of the most popular sports in the country and the UAE boasts several past world champions across different disciplines. p1superstock.com

84 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Best golf courses The capital’s Yas links golf club has been named as one of the world’s best golf courses, outside of the Usa, by the Us version of our sister magazine Golf Digest.

The club, which only opened in 2010, was named as one of the top 25 golf clubs, which is no mean feat considering the huge number of courses around the world, including many courses in popular places such as scotland and australia.

Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 8107777. yaslinks.com

Etisalat Cup Final

1/4 AD

News flash

The UAE football league season comes to a climax on May 19 as Al Ahli and Al Shabab face off in the final of the Etisalat Cup. The all-Dubai final will see Al Shabab come in as favourites after soundly beating the defending champions, Al Jazira, in the semi-final 4-0. Their opponents, the muchfancied Al Ahli, have never won the Etisalat Cup before, but earned their place after beating Diego Maradona’s Al Wasl 1-0 in their semi-final.

May 19, Al Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai, 7.45pm. proleague.ae

Arabian Ranches’ new cycle route

Dubai is about to get a whole lot more cycle-friendly, as the transport authority has revealed plans to install close to 900km of cycle track in the emirate by 2020.

The first to benefit from the new programme will be residents of the arabian Ranches, where 25km of track is currently being built to link the residential area to the Bab al shams desert resort – already a popular cycling route.

WHAT’S ON

MIND & BODY The inside scoop on health and well-being in the UAE

p89 STRESS IN THE CITY · p92 GLUTEN FREE IN THE UAE · p93 MIND & BODY NEWS MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 87

The new dining experience A Mediterranean seafood restaurant in a unique setting with awe-inspiring views.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.

Call 02 509 8777. email pearls&caviar@shangri-la.com

www.pearlsandcaviar.com

A combination of work worries, financial pressures, being far from home and social woes mean many UAE residents are affected by stress, with the number of sufferers rising faster than our collective blood pressure. So what can we do to stay sane and healthy? We speak to the experts and find the best ways to keep calm and carry on

01 The STreSS TeST

While most of us will know if we’re a bit stressed out (the pulling out of hair, disturbed sleep patterns, and problematic skin usually give it away), plenty of people are going through life thinking it’s normal to have anxiety, headaches and mood swings. If you’d like to establish exactly what strains you’re under, head to Breath & Health, where a 90-minute session with their high-tech Indigo machine measures biofeedback, reactions

and responses via five sensors. It’s pain-free and provides an accurate reading of which body parts and organs are suffering, and even indicates intolerances, vitamin or mineral deficiencies and mental health issues.

Breath & Health, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, Dhs550 for 90 minutes. Tel: (04) 3488030. breathandhealth.net

02 Tai Chi Chuan

Everyone thinks they know all about the Chinese martial art tai

chi chuan, but, although sixth dan black belt master John Duval of the Golden Eagle Martial Arts describe it as, “meditation and medication in motion”, tai chi chuan is not just for elderly people in parks. Focused on body kinetics, or balancing your ying and yang energy through controlled movement and breathing, it has numerous health benefits, ranging from increasing flexibility and muscle strength to lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. It is also a highlevel martial art and the intensity of a session, can range from

simply raising and lowering your arms while breathing in and out through your nose to produce pure calm to performing complex movements perfected over years.

It can be extremely physically challenging (we know, we’ve tried it). So, anyone out there pumping iron in the gym and shunning tai chi, be warned – master John Duval could take you out with one finger.

Dubai Herbal And Treatment Centre, Oud Metha Road, Dubai, Mon and Wed 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs300 for private session, Dhs350 for five classes. Tel: (04) 3351200. dubaihtc.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 89

Mind & Body

03 aCupunCTure

One of the most ancient techniques for stress relief, acupuncture works by unblocking energy flow around the body, often helping with neck pain and tension headaches at the same time.

It also releases pain-killing chemicals called endorphins, improves blood circulation and relaxes muscles. We visited Dr Wang Xiaolin who placed tiny needles on our hands, head, arms, neck and feet where they stayed for half an hour before he treated us to a vigorous head and shoulder massage. There was no pain, just a strange sensation of energy waves up and down our limbs, and we left feeling lighter and brighter.

Dr Wang Xiaolin, Mercato Family Clinic. Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs300 for an hour. Tel: (04) 3448844. acupuncturedubai.com

04 aromaTherapy

Putting a few drops of essential oil on a washcloth then placing it at your feet as you shower is a quick (cheap) way to de-stress with scent. Look for sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, jasmine, peppermint and neroli oils, available from Organic Foods & Café from Dhs15.

Organic Foods & Café, The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4340577.

Metro: Dubai Mall. organicfoodsandcafe. com

04

90 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

06

05 DieT

05

Dr Chandy George, an Ayurvedic doctor at Balance Wellbeing, says “Consuming easily digestible food at night, can really help ensure uninterrupted sleep, which in itself can relieve individuals of a huge amount of stress. At the same time, satisfying all the six tastes in your diet is crucial to lowering stress levels.

A healthy diet, including comfort food like warm oatmeal, can actually boost levels of serotonin, a calming brain chemical, to aid in fighting stress. A nutritious diet, with the likes of oranges, spinach, avocado, pistachio and black tea are recommended to counteract the impact of stress, by boosting the immune system and lowering blood pressure.”

Balance Wellbeing Club, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, consultation with Dr Chandy George Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3747010. Metro: Business Bay. balance-wellbeing.centre.com

06 yoga

It’s not exactly news that yoga helps with stress, but a new breed of techniques could add some excitement to your regular mat class. From the soon to be

launched SUP Yoga (that’s postures on stand up paddleboards) at Watercooled at Jebel Ali hotel to AcroYoga, which combines acrobatics and yoga, these lighthearted sessions aren’t as serious as traditional disciplines, with more emphasis on cardio to get the heart pumping.

AcroYoga is particularly playful, blending stretching and strengthening poses with the dynamic power of acrobatics in a 90-minute weekly class in Safa Park. The session is free, but donations to charity are welcome.

AcroYoga, Safa Park, Dubai, Fri 10am, free. Tel: (050) 7359683

07 meDiTaTion

Dr Herbert Benson, founder of the Mind-Body Medical Institute, which is affiliated with Harvard University and several Boston hospitals, reports that meditation induces a host of biochemical and physical changes in the body collectively referred to as the "relaxation response". The relaxation response includes changes in metabolism, heart rate, respiration, blood pressure and brain chemistry. The word ‘meditate’ stems from the Latin root meditatum, meaning to ponder. Meditation is generally

an inwardly oriented, personal practice, which individuals do by themselves, but classes are available. There are many misconceptions about meditation and the most common one is that only monks meditate regularly.

Shivani Adalja of The Alignment Institute learnt the science of meditation in the Himalayan foothills for three years. Combined with NLP and hypnosis, she has developed her own unique technique of meditation where a complete novice can experience instant calm in minutes by following her instructions. She has designed a library of 600 meditations that can help with everything from busting stress to dealing with depression, and here shares instructions for quickly finding calm: Lie down or sit in a comfortable position Breathe in for a count of eight and breathe out for a count of 16 a few times until your body is completely relaxed Visualise beautiful violet light circling above your head and slowly entering your body from the top of your head Feel the light spreading from your face to the rest of your body gradually and relaxing your body instantly Visualise yourself soaking in this violet light for about ten minutes and continue to breathe in deeply.

Shivani Adalja, The Alignment Institute, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 6811728. shivaniadalja.com

MIND & BODY

GOING GLUTEN-FREE IN THE UAE

03

T

hink that turkey salad on wholegrain bread is the healthy option? For many, those pesky grains can be the main cause of weight gain, IBS and a whole host of digestive problems, so cutting out gluten for a few weeks is a worthy experiment. It’s not, however, very easy, as gluten lurks in bread, pasta, cake and biscuits, but also in unexpected places like supplements and soups. So where can you shop and dine if you’re taking gluten out of your diet?

01 Kambaa Art Lounge 02 Candelite 03 Carluccio’s

02

01

bakery creates breads and sweet treats, selling at the Baker & Spice market on Fridays and Ripe farmers’ market on Saturdays.

The website is also a useful resource for information on ingredients and cooking tips. sweetconnectiondubai.com

Carluccio’s

The big man offers a special menu, including long-standing favourite Penne Giardiniera (Dhs58), which is served with courgette, chilli, parmesan and garlic and made with gluten-free brown rice pasta.

Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3997844. Metro: Dubai Marina. carluccios.com

Kitsch Cupcakes

Think going gluten-free means missing out on the good stuff?

Wrong. Those crafty kids at Kitsch have created a cupcake using gluten-free flour (Dhs14), flavoured with almonds and topped with caramel icing.

The Souk at Central Market, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6398100. Villa 611, Jumeirah 92 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3956963. kitschconcept.com

Organic Foods & Café

The UAE’s go-to store for all things healthy, this nutritionpacked shop offers glutenfree pasta, biscuits, cereals, flour, gravy, custard powder, wafers, chocolate, cakes, crackers, pizza and more, and the Dubai Mall branch bakes gluten-free bread (Dhs20) on the premises every Tuesday.

The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4340577.

Metro: Dubai Mall. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5571406. organicfoodsandcafe.com

Sweet Connection

This 100-per-cent gluten-free

Glutenfreesupermarket.ae

Recently launched in the UAE, this website is packed with products to make your glutenfree diet as easy and tasty as possible, with pizzas, pastas, breads, cereals and biscuits available to buy online.

Orders are delivered to your door within two days, with a fixed shipping rate of Dhs30 to Dubai and Dhs45 for Abu Dhabi, so it pays to stock up. There are loads of recipes on the site too, should you need inspiration. glutenfree-supermarket.ae

Bateel Café

With branches all over the UAE, Bateel Café is a popular spot for a coffee and asnack (dates, of course, feature heavily on the

menu). Gluten-free gnocchi is available, served with a choice of sauces.

Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3684696. Metro: Dubai Marina. bateel.com

Candelite

This huge candy store is full of products that are strictly offlimits, but you'll also find a range by a company called Goody Good Stuff, which has produced a range of gluten, dairy, gelatine and fat-free sweets in eight varieties, priced from Dhs10. And they taste good too.

Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3631602. Metro: Ibn Battuta. candelitesweets.com

Kambaa Art Lounge

While a tower of decadent carbohydrates might looks like the enemy, this lovely café serves up a gluten-free afternoon tea so you can indulge in raisin scones, banana and lemon lollipops and an indulgent chocolate whipped ganache, plus a selection of teas and coffees.

The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 3pm to 6pm, Dhs95. Tel: (04) 4367777. Metro: Dubai Marina. theaddress.com

BODY AND SOUL

NEW OPENING

Rayana Spa

Spa fans in Abu Dhabi should be racing to try the Hyatt Capital Gate’s new pampering palace, which promises to be an ‘oasis in the sky’. Influenced by the natural elements of Arabia, the spa even has desert gardens in the treatment rooms. The products

by June Jacobs are luxury collection free from parabens, preservatives and synthetic dyes, and are fragrance-free whenever possible, making therapies particularly suitable for sensitive skins.

Hyatt Capital Gate, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 5961234. abudhabi. capitalgate.hyatt.com NEWS FLASH

Dr Maurizo Viel at ShuiQi Spa

If you like the idea of a plastic surgery consultation but don't want to go it alone (and would rather go to a five-star spa than a clinic) then head to ShuiQi Spa at Atlantis to try the new Rejuvenation Parties.

From this month Dr Maurizo Viel will be hosting groups of up to five friends, who will enjoy a head, shoulder, foot and ankle massage while nibbling on chocolates and strawberries before the surgeon administers Botox on eyes, forehead or both and offers advice.

ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, from Dhs1,500.

Tel: (04) 4261020. atlantisthepalm.com

must buy

MIND & BODY

The latest products, spas, news and reviews from the world of well being to keep you looking good and feeling great

Human 1847 deal + Kind

The only thing better than a company that produces quality, effective beauty products is one that has good ethics too. If you like skincare with a conscience then you’ll love Human + Kind, an Irish brand that has created a small but beautifully formed line of four multi-functional products that use all-natural ingredients and come in charming packaging. We love the restorative AllIn-One Family Remedy Cream (Dhs120), which is great for healing, and the fact-acting All-In-One Multi-Tasking Anti-Ageing Cream (Dhs160) that works as an eye cream, moisturiser and night cream to plump and smooth the skin.

Boots, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3399383.

Metro: Dubai Mall. humanandkind.com Also: Al Wadha Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4437167

SPA

Any discerning gentleman of good breeding loves being a member at a club, and 1847 spa on The Walk is offering a three-month executive membership for Dhs2,200.

OK, that sounds like a lot, but for your money you will be able to enjoy three haircuts, three shaves, six manicure and pedicures, four massages and two facials. It would make a cracking birthday

gift from a caring lady to her kempt (or not, as the case may be) man, and having enjoyed a manicure and pedicure, massage and shave recently, we can thoroughly recommend a visit to the intimate 1847 to all our gentlemen readers. Just what the doctor ordered after a stressful day at the office.

Jumeirah Beach Residence, Rimal, The Walk, Dubai Marina.

Tel: (04) 3861364.

Metro: Dubai Marina. thegroomingco.com

BELLE FEMME AT HOME

Whether you’re stuck for time or can’t face the traffic, Belle Femme’s new at-home services will have you party-ready from the comfort of your living room. This JBR spa has selected some of its most popular treatments and, for no extra cost, will come to your place to style, massage, wax, file and pamper you. Best enjoyed with a friend and some junk TV, this can either be the dream girls’ night in or the precursor to a seriously glam night out, with a classic manipedi for Dhs130 and blow dries from Dhs80. bellefemme.com

WIN! A CUSTOMISED TREATMENT AT ARMANI/SPA Are you in need of some TLC, designer style? We have teamed up with one of Dubai’s chicest spots, Armani/ Spa, to offer one lucky reader an 80-minute treatment, including a one-on-one consultation to establish which of the spa’s many therapies is best suited to you, from effective facials to relaxing massages. The winner will also enjoy time in the five-star relaxation lounge, a footbath ritual and access to Armani Terme, a hydrotherapy experience with sauna, steam bath, ice fountain, laconium and sequential showers. For your chance to win this glamorous pampering session, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘Armani’ in the subject line, your contact details and the answer to this question.

What is the name of the famous designer behind Armani/Spa? a) Gordon b) Giorgio c) Graham MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 93

WHAT’S ON

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE The gigs, the nights and all the latest news and reviews

p97 fATboY SliM TAlkS SAndAnce · p99 club diArY · p104 club neWS MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 95

Wokilicious Brunch!

Join us every Friday for an

explosion of Asian flavors at Wok In Restaurant.

With an incredible selection of

sushi, sashimi, dim sum, oodles of noodles, curries and traditional wok dishes!

All you can eat and drink* only AED 175!

- Chow Down Mรถvenpick Hotel Deira - 800 DEIRA (33472) wokin.deira@moevenpick.com

Fridays 12.30noon - 4pm *Selected beverages

Nightlife

YOU’VE COME A LONG WAY, BABY

Sandance might be winding down for the summer with its season-closing all-dayer, but there’s no let-up in the monster line-ups. Brighton beatsmith and all-round musical maestro Fatboy Slim is the latest huge headliner to hit the beach.

What’s On gave the man otherwise known as Norman Cook a call…

The last time you were in the UAE was in November for the Yasalam festivities. How was that for you?

It was great. It’s a fantastic beach party. I think people in Abu Dhabi were slightly bemused; in Dubai there’s more of a scene. It was a very interesting audience down there. They were a bit shellshocked. We made a lot of new friends

Music & Nightlife We did talk about doing it before, but it was never the right time, so maybe now is.

So you’ve never played the track live before?

No. He’s threatened to a couple of times. I was playing Hyde Park [in London] and he just phoned me up in the afternoon and said “I’ll come and do the tune.” I was like “Ahhh, it’s quite a lot of people there to do something unrehearsed.”

The beach is almost your natural habitat, considering your history running the Big Beat Boutique on Brighton beach. Is there something extra special about beach sets?

Yeah, I think – apart from in Abu Dhabi – there’s a wild abandon you get on beaches.

Dance music works a certain way in nightclubs. At a festival, people get even more excited-there’s something in Abu Dhabi, but there are a lot of old friends about being out in the open air. If you add sea in Dubai that I want to revisit too. and sand – or pebbles – to the equation, it seems What have you been up to since then? to lift everyone even more. They tend to lose I went to Dubai for New Year on holiday with their inhibitions even more than at a festival. my family, and I’ve played in Brazil, Australia, Are there any Fatboy Slim tracks you get Peru, Miami, Mexico, Washington DC, and tired of playing? on a rave cruise round the Bahamas. I’ve been Certain classics I have to nod to, but I just fairly busy. mash them up and distort them. Most of the Dizzee Rascal, who collaborated on Fatboy tunes I wouldn’t play in their original the single Toe Jam under your Brighton form, but it’s nice to drop the vocals of Right Port Authority guise, is also at Sandance. Here Right Now, or top and tail the set with Any chance of performing that track Praise You. I don’t mind. It’s good because together live? you get that big cheer, but I don’t have to sit Knowing Dizzee, it might be quite hard to through the whole record. keep him off the stage. We’ll see what happens. fatboyslim.net

SANDANCE

This month’s Sandance sees three British big-hitters line up alongside Fatboy Slim, plus local talents Smokingroove, David Craig, Romain Pelletti, matthew Charles and Dion mavath. Here’s our idiots’ guide to the international contingent…

DIZZEE RASCAL

WHO? Council estate kid turned chart-topping rapper who’s grown from grimy east London roots into an awardwinning megastar.

HITS: Dance Wiv Me, Bonkers, Holiday and Dirtee Disco were all UK number one singles and really rather massive party starters.

MISSES: Don’t expect to hear Off 2 Work, a 2004 non-album sin-

gle flop that, to date, is Dizzee’s only effort to miss the Top 40.

MORCHEEBA

WHO? London trio that released some of the most chilled tunes of the late 1990s/early

2000s, with elements of trip-hop coursing through blissed out soundscapes.

HITS: Most successful album Big Calm shot Morcheeba to prominence in 1998, and two top-ten LPs followed.

MISSES: Original vocalist Skye Edwards was sacked in 2003, coinciding with a gradual decline in success, but rejoined in 2010.

TRAVIS

WHO? Oftenmorose Scottish indie-rockers that dominated the airwaves at the turn of the millennium, elevating the band, led by Fran Healy, to multi-millionselling householdname status.

HITS: Why Does It Always Rain On Me? and Sing are, appropriately, singa-long, lighter-in-air

anthems on a similar stadium-filling level to Coldplay’s.

MISSES: The last few Travis albums have failed to set the world alight in the same way as multi-platinum smashes The Man Who and The Invisible Band.

May 4, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs295, Dhs250 adv, Dhs450 VIP. Tel: (055) 2004321. sandance.ae may 2012 WHAT’S ON 97

The city from above...

Discover Abu Dhabi lively city and beautiful shores from up high, while enjoying a gourmet meal of international specialties.

Open daily for Lunch and Dinner

Friday Bubbly Brunch 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

AED 220 per person Price is subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

LE ROYAL MERIDIEN ABU DHABI T+971 2 6742020 Call Toll Free: 800 101101 leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com

Club diary

Music & Nightlife

MAY

WEEKLY BEIRUT NIGHTLIFE @ CINNABAR DJ Sam on the decks, plus live performances from Lebanese singer Rosario.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 2.30am, free.

Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com WEEKLY CIRQUE DU SOIR @ FAIRMONT HOTEL Acrobatic party extraordinaire every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3324900. Metro: World Trade Centre. cirquedusoirdubai.com WEEKLY FLY TUESDAYS @ N’DULGE Mass Ramli, Shero and Rone Jaxx on rotation.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4360891. atlantisthepalm.com

3 MAY

tHuRsday

WEEKLY URBAN MA$HUP @ ZINC Old and new school urban flavours from DJ Andy Swift and Rone Jaxx.

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. Metro: Financial Centre. ichotelsgroup.com

WEEKLY 80S NIGHT @ ZENITH Jump in the aural time machine with Chicago spinner DJ Blendz.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton. com

Al Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. facebook.com/ groups/deepcrates

WEEKLY

STRANDED @ ROYAL ISLAND BEACH CLUB

4 MAY

It’s been quite a wait since The World was announced, but the first island in the globe-recreating development is finally open.

New night Stranded has the (boat) keys to Lebanon Island.

Promoter Simon Reid explains all…

Stranded, eh? Sounds a bit Desert Island Discs?

Stranded is all about escaping everyday city life in Dubai and truly getting away from it all, quite literally stranding yourself on your very own desert island. Royal Island Beach Club, our venue, is the first to open on The World islands so we’re pioneering in that respect. I honestly don’t think you’ll find anything quite like it anywhere.

What’s it like out there?

It’s taken a long time to complete the island, down to the logistics of building out at sea, but we’re very happy with what we have to play with for Stranded. It’s as good as any beach club you’d get on the mainland and very affordable. This is about quality not quantity. This party is for everyone and we want it to be nonpretentious.

What DJs can we expect?

Our resident DJs consist of various Dubai stalwarts including Da Sendri, Tom Chubb, Safet, Matthew Charles, Tristan Bain and Dan Chadwick. We aim to bring some very big names to the island in the future.

Royal Island Beach Club, Lebanon Island, The World, Dubai, noon to late, boat crossings every hour from Palm Jumeirah Marina Dhs200 return, entry via guestlist only. Tel: (050) 6879959. e-mail: stranded@ themusthavegroup.com. royalislandbeachclub.ae WHAT’S ON

PICK WEEKLY APERITIVO @ MEDIA ONE Ease into the weekend with four hours of chilled post-office beats.

Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. Metro: Internet City. mediaonehotel.com

WEEKLY CLUB ANTHEMS @ ZINC Greg Stainer, Andy Swift and Mr Hush select commercial house, R&B and the eponymous club anthems.

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. Metro: Financial Centre. ichotelsgroup.com

WHAT’S ON

PICK CULOE DE SONG @ MUSTHAVESOUL South African talent from the same Soulistic Music stable as Black Coffee.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6826617. myspace.com/ culoedsong

WEEKLY DEEP CRATES @ CASA LATINA DJ Lobito and Frezidante lay down the dirtiest funk, soul, classic hip hop and more (special album launch and art exhibition for Deep Crates Cartel’s Desmo on May 17).

Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road,

WEEKLY JAMROCK @ SUBLIME LOUNGE Caribbean and urban hits from revolving DJ cast including Shero, Sir Taz, Dany Neville, Brooklyn and Emtee Pockets.

Ibis Hotel, World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, couples free before midnight, free for ladies until 1am.

Tel: (050) 4360891. Metro: World Trade Centre. ibishotel.com WEEKLY RESIDENTS @ AUDIO TONIC Soulfisher, JC, Mr Mr, Raxon and Vas Floyd handle the tunes, with the season closing party on May 24.

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6037275. audiotonic.net WEEKLY ULTRA FRIDAYS @ 88 ULTRA LOUNGE Deep and soulful beats from resident spinner DJ Phil.

Traders Hotel, Deira City Centre, Dubai, 6pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2657288. Metro: Deira City Centre. shangri-la.com WEEKLY URBAN EDUCATION @ PEARLS BAR The hottest hip hop, R&B and urban sounds from Rone Jaxx.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

4 MAY

FRIday

1

tuesday

This month’s clubbing highlights

WHAT’S ON PICK

ACOS COOLKAS/SEVA K @ AUDIO TONIC A Russian double header of artists with releases on the Audio Tonic label.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 99

Music & Nightlife

6

suNday

9

WedNesday

5

satuRday

ALAN FITZPATRICK @ WEEKLY ILL COMMUNICATIONS RETROFLECT In-demand techno @ PEARLS BAR DJ Vanilla producer/DJ, affiliated with Post-brunch MAY MAY the Drumcode label. sounds moving WEEKLY WEEKLY Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, into the night from BACK TO MINE @ SKYLITE THE CREW LOUNGE 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 DJ Afroboogie, spinning deep Chilled comedown sounds to @ PEARLS BAR before midnight, free for ladies house and retro classics aplenty. round the weekend off with Ladies and Etihad crew night, until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, with DJs Cliff Townley and alanfitzpatrickmusic.com Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, DJ Matty.

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Soulninja.

4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 6pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6560000. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, WEEKLY 509855. decadent.ae viceroyhotelsandresorts.com Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, BEATS AND BASS @ CHI 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) R&B/hip hop from DJ Badir and SANDANCE WEEKLY 5098888. decadent.ae Flowmaster J, while DJ DLB digs @ NASIMI BEACH INDUSTRY NIGHT @ ZINC out club classics.

Fatboy Slim, Dizzee Rascal, Greg Stanier and David Newsum Chi @ The Lodge, Oud Metha Morcheeba and Travis head up dole out R&B, dubstep, ragga Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Sandance’s season closing party and more.

Dhs100, ladies, couples and (see p97 for our full preview).

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed mixed groups free. Tel: (050) Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm MAY Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free.

957714. chinightclubdubai.com to 2am, Dhs295, Dhs250adv, Tel: (04) 3311111. Metro: Financial DJ ROXY JUNE VIP Dhs450. Tel: (055) 2004321. @ YACHT CLUB Centre. ichotelsgroup.com DJ VANILLA @ MINISTRY sandance.ae Globetrotting Thai lady DJ stops OF SOUND off for a two-night stand in Abu WEEKLY All-day pool party, featuring WEEKLY Dhabi (also May 10).

RESIDENTS @ DJ Vanilla, Shane Kehoe, Joelle UNDERGROUND InterContinental Abu Dhabi, MUSTHAVESOUL PRESENTS Atkins, Marty Metcalf and more.

PROCEDURES @ ZINC Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm ECLECTIC CIRCLE Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, DJ Brooklyn spins R&B and to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888.

MHS’s mixologists get busy with Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, hip hop (also every Sun with facebook.com/djroxyjune far out sounds (season finale on 1pm to late, Dhs100 (including rotating residents). one beverage), free for ladies Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, May 19).

WHAT’S ON PICK WHITE PARTY 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, until 3pm. Tel: (02) 6742020.

Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) @ SAX & OCEANS Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com 3311111. Metro: Financial Centre.

Kid Chris, Aleksey and DJ 1076405. musthavesoul.com ichotelsgroup.com WEEKLY FRIDAY LIME @ GOLD Urban and Caribbean hits.

Monarch Hotel, Sheikh Zayed The Liverpudlian disco re-edit king debuts house traditions Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, in Dubai at Dust, alongside residents Ian in Liverpool. I free. Tel: (050 4360891. Metro: Yeti, Wriggly Scott, James Locksmith, and would say the Financial Centre. goldubai.com Megadon Betamax, who is launching his scene in the city new record, Falling. We spoke to Mr Boogie, is, in general, LIQUID RAIN PARTY aka Stu Robinson... not for me. @ ALOFT Can you briefly explain the art of the disco When you’re Pool party japes with DJ Natalie edit/re-edit? touring the Brogan.

In this context it’s making a disco track longer globe, are The ADNEC, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, MAY or different. A film producer re-edits too, taking Beatles still most people’s musical Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 3am, Dhs100 sections of film and placing them in a different point of reference for the city? (including two beverages). Tel: way to which they were shot.

Taxi drivers know Liverpool for The Beatles and (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com Is it an exercise in improving records from the football club, but most of the people in the past or bringing more obscure tunes to a the cities I go to in other countries know more WEEKLY wider audience? about electronic dance music than I ever could.

RESIDENTS @ In theory it should be because you want to make These people are obsessed, in a good way, if MUSTHAVESOUL a track more relevant to a dance floor, but in that’s possible.

Open-air house gems from a reality now much of the kudos gained is from What do you know about Dubai? revolving cast of Dan Chadwick, finding it in the first place. Making it work better I’ve never been, although my cousin lives there, Tristan Bain, Melohman, Tom for a modern dance floor should be the most and a few other friends, so I hope to hook up Chubb and Simon Reid. important part. with a few people. I think it’s going to be hot, and Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Liverpool has a significant clubbing history.

I might see some very nice cars.

Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu What’s the scene like currently?

The Music Room, Majestic Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dhabi, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) It changes all the time. The bigger stuff is future Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs60. Tel: (050) 2484054.

6563500. musthavesoul.com dubstep-based at the moment, but there are cosmicboogie.co.uk

COSMIC BOOGIE @ DUST

18

100 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Raffles Roast - Diamond Edition Join us to celebrate the

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Friday 1 June, 12:30 to 16:00 Raffles Ballroom

Win exciting prizes: A round trip to London inclusive of a two night stay for a lucky couple at The Savoy, a diamond ring courtesy of Dubai Diamonds, a gift voucher valued at AED 500 from Wafi, table for ten at People by Crystal with a bottle of bubbly, Raffles Spa experiences and culinary treats from Raffles Dubai while you celebrate “Street Party” style.

AED 475 per person inclusive of house beverages Children from the age of 6-11 years dine at AED 150 2 Children per couple below 6 eat for free

For reservations please call +971 4 324 8888

Music & Nightlife WHAT’S ON

MAY

FRIday

18

WHAT’S ON PICK

ANTHONY COLLINS French house/techno DJ and man behind the Scissor & Thread label.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, free for ladies until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277 DJ LouLou

17 MAY

DJ RABIH @ YACHT CLUB The Yacht Club resident DJ, plus saxophonist and dancers (also May 18).

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

RESIDENTS @ AUDIO TONIC Cutting edge house sounds from Mr Mr, Raxon and Julian Jinx.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net

24 MAY

tHuRsday

wheels of steel.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net tHuRsday

10

tHuRsday

11

PICK SEASON FINALE @ MUSTHAVESOUL Residents Tristan Bain, Simon Reid and Dan Chadwick wrap up another successful MHS season.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (056) 6826617. musthavesoul.com

FRIday

Roland turn Abu Dhabi white to recreate the celebrated Amsterdam-born party.

Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa MAY Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 3.30am, FULL MOON THIRD Dhs100, ladies free. Tel: (02) ANNIVERSARY PARTY 6741094. coreygibbons.com @ NASIMI BEACH If last year’s celebration is anything to go by, expect several thousand revellers and surprises WHAT’S ON at this commemorative bash.

PICK MAY Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm CONAN LIQUID @ DOOMPH! to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies First of a new night free before 8pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. encompassing disco, jazz, soul, infusion.ae funk, boogie and contemporary beats, with residents Matty IMMACULATE TOUCH @ Wainwright and Brendon P. AL MAYA ISLAND & RESORT Skylite, Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Natalie Brogan, Chadphunk, Stew Dhabi, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (02) Magoo and Pro-Moe spin the 6560000. viceroyhotelsandresorts. pool party soundtrack. com Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, Dhs100, free for ladies DARKO DE JAN @ RELAX@12 until 2pm. Tel: (055) 6506337.

Soaring house and dancefloorimmaculatetouchabudhabi.com filling rhythms from the DubaiWHAT’S ON PICK based DJ. JADE @ ILL Aloft, Abu Dhabi National COMMUNICATIONS Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, Beirut DJ, radio presenter and 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) club owner comes to town.

6545138. darkodejan.com Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 MO’FUNK @ INFUSION before midnight, free for ladies Ibiza-rocking Aussie, tour DJ for until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277.

The Cuban Brothers, drops in en facebook.com/ihatejade route to the Balearics.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, LOCAL SHOWCASE Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. Tel: @ AUDIO TONIC (04) 4068999. facebook.com/ Mike Daniel, Yunome and mofunkthedj Thomas Mina commandeer the

INFUSION @ 360º Charl Chaka and Smokingroove play the pre-summer finale.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4068999. infusion.ae

LOADED FIRST BIRTHDAY @ CASA LATINA In just a year in the business, Loaded’s mix of indie and alternative dance floor fillers has made its mark on Dubai nightlife, attracting revellers by the hundreds. As they prepare to celebrate Andy Buchan unpacks the musical presents...

Happy birthday. How was your first year?

Incredible. If anything we were too busy when we opened, but we’ve hit a nice groove now where the dance floor gets busy at 10.30pm and stays busy until the end, but there’s still room to get your indie shuffle on.

Year two is hopefully about bringing live music back into our nights.

This night is going to cover an hour of every decade from the 1960s onwards. Why? We’re an open-minded night and wanted that to come across on the birthday. Running through the decades makes it a lot more structured than trying to mix Chuck Berry into The Prodigy, something we tried to do and, naturally, failed. We play 75 per cent indie. The rest is funk, 102 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

25

hip hop, 1980s, drum ‘n’ bass, northern soul... anything as long as it’s big and fun, basically.

Will there be cake?

Yes, there will definitely be cake.

MAY Yum. The movie Team America will be screening throughout. Does anybody dressed as a marionette get special treatment?

Absolutely. We’re also likely to be screening Thundercats, Danger Mouse and cult cartoon Monkey Dust, so any Lion-O action will be well rewarded.

Did you discover any tunes that cleared the dance floor quicker than a fire drill over the past 12 months?

We have played dubstep and that really, really didn’t go down well. But apart from that, pretty much anything else seems to go down a treat.

Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. Metro: Mall Of The Emirates. facebook. com/loadedjustgoodmusic

Music & Nightlife

SEASON CLOSING PARTY @ AUDIO TONIC A whopping ten DJs in ten hours handle Audio Tonic’s final blowout of the season.

Among them is JC, aka Jason Pinto, one of the driving forces behind brand new label one28...

What made you start one28?

It was born out of a necessity to give back to the electronic music scene. We think we have MAY something to say. But more than that we wanted to create a platform for budding regional talent and get them exposed to the larger international scene, and introduce new artists from our extended overseas family to Dubai.

Why does the world need another record label?

We’re going to be different (laughs). I do believe this region could use one. There’s only a handful out there doing what we do, so there’s a need to represent what comes out of this neck of the woods.

Digital or vinyl?

For the time being, and because we’re small, it’s going to be a digital label. However, most of us grew up buying and playing vinyl so without doubt we’ll be looking at tapping into the physical aspect further down the line.

What releases are coming up?

A track by local artists Nasrawi, Salar and Mehdi called Dub Doubt, with remixes from Mark Chambers and Andre Salmon.

It’s pure genius.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to late, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm. Tel: (055) 6506337. immaculatetouchabudhabi.com

MAY

DJ LOULOU @ PINK PAW CLOSING PARTY Australian-born spinner helms

the final Tamanya Terrace party before the summer.

Tamanya Terrace, Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 1am, free. Tel: (04) 3669111. Metro: Internet City. radissonblu.com

1 JUNE

Paul Van Dyk

FRIday

31

tHuRsday

25

WHAT’S ON PICK

PAUL VAN DYK @ PEPPERMINT The Berlin big hitter promotes his new album, Evolution, as Peppermint celebrates its eight birthday.

World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs150, VIP Dhs250. Tel: (040 3326343. Metro: World Trade Centre. paulvandyk.de

AD

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

NEWS

News, reviews, deals and discounts to keep your social life buzzing

THE GRAMERCY

NEW BARS TO TRY A trio of hotspots to get you out of the house this month

Ladies' night of the month

Warehouse Marina

If you’re a) a lady and b) working or living in or around DIFC then on Tuesdays you should get yourself over to The Gramercy to be looked after. From 7pm you’ll be treated to four free drinks and selected dishes for Dhs40, with a dinner for four to be won – and on your fourth visit you’ll receive a bottle of bubbly to be enjoyed with four friends.

Sounds four-some (sorry).

Level 2, DIFC, Dubai, daily 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4377511.

Metro: Financial Centre. thegramercybar.com

Vote for your favourite at The Fridge The cool kids at The Fridge have come over all X Factor, with a new website that allows the UAE’s music lovers to vote for their favourite acts that have performed at the art space over the last few years. The most popular of the 50 acts, who cover everything from dance to classical music, will be invited back for an upcoming concert series to celebrate ten seasons of great original material. This is musical democracy and we love it. concertseries.thefridgedubai.com

Abu Dhabi’s newest bar-club is open from lunchtime to 4am; that’s one heck of an alldayer, especially with a happy hour from noon to 9pm. Lucky, then, that the atmosphere changes throughout the day, turning from sports-friendly spot to superclub after hours. It also boasts a state of the art sound system, live music, a food menu starting from Dhs16, and drink deals including a ladies’ night offering unlimited selected drinks on Wednesdays for the fairer sex.

Marina Club, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, daily noon to 4am. Tel: (02) 6723321. warehousemarina.com Qube

OPEN MIC NIGHT

Aspiring crooners on the Abu Dhabi scene can take to the stage at alfresco bar B-Lounge this month.

The event has already attracted some established talents including barbershop choir Voices Of Harmony and instrumentalists Jazan and Ibrahim, but anyone can take part – you just need to register. Not of the singing persuasion? These performers will need an audience, and there will be more open mic nights on the first Saturday of every month if you decide to have a go.

May 5, B-Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Hotel, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheratonabudhabihotel.com

News flash Mansion

We had our dancing shoes re-heeled and polished for the opening of Mansion nightclub at the end of last month, but sadly the launch was postponed a few weeks. The organisers, however, promise it will be ready to welcome the partying public by the end of May. Melia Hotel, Port Rachid, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (050) 1440753. facebook.com/MansionNightClubDubai 104 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Cigar Lounge

Qube

One of the biggest and best sports bars has opened at one of Dubai’s most iconic sporting venues. Qube, located at Meydan, has everything you need for a night (or weekend) of big screen action, with massive flat screens, games tables for pool, foosball and shuffleboard, darts, and loads of hearty pub grub. Plus, of course, memorabilia from the likes of Shane Warne and Sergio Garcia.

Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Sun to Wed 4pm to 1am, Thur and Fri 4pm to 3am.

Tel: (04) 4233456. qubesportsbar.com

Cigar Lounge

Cigars may be on the menu at this spanking new bar in The Address Downtown, but it’s the cocktails that have really grabbed our attention.

Drinks like The Vesper (first mentioned in Ian Fleming’s Casino Royale novel back in 1953) and The Turf Club, which was devised in 1882, will have you reveling in old-fashioned elegance. Add in some caviar, cheese and a very chic space and we’re coming over all James Bond. So it’s lucky there’s a classic vodka martini available too.

The Address Downtown Dubai.

Downtown, Dubai, daily 6.30pm to 2.30pm. Tel: (04) 4368888.

Metro: Dubai Mall. theaddress.com

WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

Destinations, insider tips, deals and news

p108 THE TOKyO EXPRESS · p111 GLOBE TROTTER · p112 GOURmET TRaVELLER may 2012 WHAT’S ON 107

ThE ToKyo ExpREss If you let it, the fast-paced city of Tokyo will dump tackle you like a Dubai Dragons full back in the Sevens final. But play it smart, and the Japanese capital will be one of the greatest trips you’ll ever take.

For the adventurous, and only the adventurous, read on...

EAT AND DRINK Ninja

Food in Tokyo can be a pointand-hope affair. The innumerable noodle bars serve what locals would consider standard dishes, but the vast majority beat most UAE noodle bars on taste, and 108 WHAT’S ON may 2012

price, hands down. If you’re feeling flush, Ninja can be found in Akasaka (not to be mixed up with Asakusa, believe us, we speak from experience), where ‘ninja’ magicians (staff dressed in black catsuits) burst out of trap doors to deliver food with a trick. Go for the ten-dish set menu for some of the finest (if absurdly named) Japanese dishes that come thick and fast. Laughs are guaranteed, although your wallet may end up a little bruised.

2-14-3 Akasaka Tokyu Plaza 1F, Tokyo. Tel: (+81) 351573936. ninjaakasaka.com

sometaro

Mid-range pricing for high flavour food, this is ideal for cold or

TRAVEL rainy days, but should be visited whatever time of year you're in the city. At Sometaro you'll try okonomiyaki – savoury Japanese style pancakes with meat, seafood and vegetables that you cook yourself. The vine roofed house is impeccably traditional, while the handy 'how to' guide will assist even the most culinarily challenged, and the staff will help if asked. The restaurant also serves faultless traditional noodle dishes, but remember, the tatami floor will require you take your shoes off at the door, so be careful when you choose your socks in the morning.

1-7-12 Komagata, Taito-ku, Ginza.

Tel: (+81) 338424001

harajuku Market

Harajuku is, somewhat unsurprisingly, where every Saturday you’ll find the Harajuku girls dressed in stunning traditional outfits. It's worth a visit for that alone, but it’s also home to one of the finest food markets we’ve ever visited. An incredible array of weird and wonderful dishes are on offer, the difficulty is picking which to go for. Prices are incredibly reasonable and the noodle burgers are a real hit.

Here's a tip: don't be afraid to ask what they're cooking. The level of friendliness here is incredible. All the Japanese ask for is politeness and a smile. Even if you don't understand the answer, you'll feel closer to the city if you try.

Harajuku Station, JR Yamanote Line, two stations south of Shinjuku and one station north of Shibuya

Private booths mean that you can limit your embarrassment to close friends only. Hunt out KaraokeKan in Shibuya. A typical chain karaoke joint, this outlet is where Bill Murray serenaded Scarlett Johansson with Roxy Music’s More Than This in Lost In Translation.

Ask for the exact same booth, and they'll provide it if it's free.

ExLoRE shinjuku

Walking the streets of Tokyo is the finest activity the city offers.

It feels as if half of the metropolis’ 13 million people do just that every day, although they won’t be dragging their jaws along the ground like you will. Brave the subway (you will get the hang of it) to reach the city’s contrasting districts, then make with your feet. A great starting place is Shinjuku, which houses the busiest train station in the world - 3.7 million passengers use it each day – so avoid it at rush hour.

Outside you will find the neon madness that Tokyo is famous for.

Nearby Nishi-Shinjuku is home to Tokyo’s skyscraper community – a dizzying view from below, and breath-taking from above.

Visit one of the many hotel sky bars to grasp the city’s sprawling geography.

Tsukiji Fish Market

Need to slow your spending?

Tsukiji is home to the biggest fish market in the world. Ask first, and friendly fisherman won’t mind you snapping away as they saw heads from the bodies of some of the most sizable seafood the ocean has to offer.

Arrive early (7am at the latest) as things calm down around 9am. And calm isn't what this place is all about.

Karaoke

Mercifully, karaoke in Japan is a more intimate affair than at, say, Harry Ghattos in Emirates Towers.

shibuya

Speaking of Lost In Translation, Shibuya is a must, if only to witness that crossroads. A couples’ heaven and the go-to place for your defining Tokyo photograph.

Simply head for Shibuya train station and leave by the main exit.

Then allow the culture clash to fill your veins. The nightlife and bars in the district are also unmissable.

needed rest for all tourists – and you will need a rest. The peace and quiet, combined with brands you'll recognise, provides a safe haven, especially for those who are struggling with the Japanese culinary experience. Shop prices aren't far off those in the UAE, but there are no language issues, and every shop you can imagine is right here. And we mean every shop. Break up your spending spree with a trip to the observation deck with views across Tokyo from 250m above sea level.

sTAy Keio plaza

shoppING Akihabara

This is anime town – witness a sea of Tokyoites dressed as their favourite anime characters. It’s perfect for souvenir shopping, and has the world’s most advanced arcade machines. Top of the range electronics are sold at incredibly low prices (photography buffs should go with plenty of Yen), while clothes shopping here is an absolute must. Stunning manga emblazoned outfits will make it impossible for you not to add some Far East style to your wardrobe.

Ropponghi hills

Opened in 2003, Roppongi Hills is a city within a city, providing residential space, offices and recreational facilities all within one epic complex. It's a much-

GettinG there

· Emirates flies to Tokyo daily from Dhs6,620. emirates.com

The key when booking here is to insist on a mountain-facing room as high up as possible. The Keio's views of Mount Fuji are simply gobsmacking, and it sits above a major subway station meaning travelling around Tokyo is simple.

And the beds? Big. 2-2-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjukuku, Tokyo. Tel: (+81) 333440111. keioplaza.com

Capsule hotel Riverside

Fancy the legendary Japanese experience of capsule hotels?

It's worth one night at least, and your wallet will thank you for it, even if your mild claustrophobia condition won't. The impeccably clean Riverside sells an encapsulated night's sleep right by the river for about Dhs150. Unlike most capsule hotels, it accepts both men and women, with the 8th floor reserved for ladies only.

2-20-4 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo. Tel: (+81) 338445117

· Etihad flies to Tokyo daily from Dhs5,650. etihadairways.com may 2012 WHAT’S ON 109

GLoBE TRoTTER

Welcome to your one-page destination guide So, where are we going thiS month?

Just a hop, skip, 40-minute flight or four-hour drive to the Sultanate of Oman. why, exactly?

If you’re sick of city life then a trip to Oman is in order – it’s a sleepy place, offering five-star hotels, brilliant diving and a dose of culture, thanks to the new Royal Opera House. And because Oman is slightly cooler than the UAE due to the mountains, May is a good month to go before the summer hits. oK, you’ve Sold me. well, the promiSeS of diving and five-Star luxury Sold me. tell me more…

It couldn’t be easier to get there, Omanis are a friendly bunch and the scenery is stunning. Oman is basically a dream mini break, and when it comes to accommodation you can spend a little or as much as you like.

So where Should i be Staying?

For all-out glam, head to The Chedi, where you’ll find a dark-tiled infinity pool, outstanding restaurants (head to the one on the beach for unbelievably fresh seafood) and an award-winning spa. If you’re more of a back-to-basics type, the Oman Dive Center offers diving, snorkelling, kayaking and more, plus a small number of one-bedroom huts on the private beach, with outdoor showers. talK to me about the food…

Rice, mutton and fish dominate Omani cuisine, with cafés across Muscat serving mezze and platters. For a great-value feast head to Turkish House in Al Khuwair, where you’ll be served grills and pieces of fresh bread the size of your head, with huge local prawns the star attraction, or if you fancy some fine dining, the Al Bustan Palace’s Beach Pavilion is a stylish spot for seafood. where Should we go with our Spending money?

Forget the malls (they pale in comparison to the UAE’s) and instead head to the traditional souk on the corniche at Muttrah. Far less touristy than those in Dubai, the stalls sell Omani silver – look out for the shop boasting photos of Kate Moss trying on its wares – and jewellery, lanterns, spices, pashminas and antiques alongside day-to-day groceries. The souk is also a great place to pick up a spicy shawarma and fresh juice.

SoundS good. you mentioned the royal opera houSe? Indeed. Newly opened and downright enormous, this cultural hotspot has already played host to Andrea Bocelli and Placido Domingo, with an upcoming programme of opera, ballet and choral performances. any other tipS? Be aware that many hotels, including the Oman Dive Center, Shangri-La and Al Bustan Palace, are a 45-minute drive from the airport, so calculate this into your travel time. Taxis are more expensive than in the UAE, but the Omani drivers are often more than happy to act as tour guides too, so they offer good value for money.

neeD tO KnOW

FlyDubai flies to Muscat several times a day from Dhs500 return.

Flights take approx 40 minutes.

Dhs10 = OMR1 (Omani rial)

may 2012 WHAT’S ON 111

TRAVEL

GoURMET TRAVELLER Food and travel are abiding passions for the middle East Chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel, James Brennan.

This month he travels west to dig up a traditional cooking technique

f

or some people, the prospect of digging up meat from a pit in the ground doesn’t exactly stimulate the appetite. For them, that kind of thing is for scavengers and weirdos only, and best avoided. But they probably haven’t heard of zarb, an ancient Bedouin preparation of meat that can still be found in parts of the Middle East today.

Earth ovens have been used in the desert for hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years.

They were often used by Bedouin travellers who, far away from their settlements, had little equipment with which to cook. A pit would be dug in the ground near a campfire, and hot embers and stones would be tipped into it. A whole lamb would then go into the pit, sometimes wrapped in palm leaves, before being covered up with burlap cloth and then buried under the sand. After a night’s slow cooking, whatever goes into the zarb comes out gloriously smoky and tender. It’s the antithesis of microwave cooking.

There was a time when you could find lamb zarb being cooked under the beaches of Dubai.

These days you may still find it out in the desert or occasionally revived as a promotion in some five-star hotels.

But for a taste of real zarb, head west. In the sprawling moonscape of Jordan’s Wadi Rum, you can have lamb zarb cooked by Bedouin tribesmen. Eating slow-cooked lamb falling off the bone under the stars in the middle of the desert is surely as close as it gets to the romantic Bedouin ideal, albeit in a touristy set-up.

For a more authentic experience, Palestine is hard to beat. In a land where meat is often used sparingly, zarb is reserved for special

occasions and religious feasts. In few places is zarb enjoyed so fervently as in Nablus, where the Samaritan community cook it at Easter.

Many Nablusian homes with land will have a zarb oven, which is fired with burning olive tree branches and lined with bricks to hold the heat. Lamb, chicken, onions and potatoes will all go into the zarb, along with plenty of black pepper, ground coriander, cardamom and salt. The oven is closed with a heavy iron lid smothered with mud to seal in the heat and smoke.

When it comes to precious things you can dig up out of the ground, who needs diamonds, gold and oil, when you have luscious lamb cooked in a traditional zarb?

HOTEL OF THE MONTH

W Istanbul Spring has sprung, which means it’s time for a much-needed city break full of culture, strolling and drinks in the sun. Maybe the occasional kebab, too. Istanbul offers all of this and more, with the W providing the perfect base for stylish visitors to the historic city.

Situated in the fashionable area of Beşiktaş, the hotel is housed in an imposing stone building which 112 WHAT’S ON may 2012

belies the modern design that lies within. With purple aplenty, stylish restaurants and tiny touches like scented lifts (one smells of Thierry Mugler’s Angel perfume), it is frequented by fashionable tourists and residents alike.

For a taste of contemporary Turkish cuisine, head to Okka, where you’ll find plates of mezze, local wines and cool décor. Plus a

3D holographic belly dancer, of course.

Rooms, meanwhile, boast Bliss toiletries, private gardens, iPod docking stations and signature W

beds (sink into 350-thread-count linens, goose-down comforters and down-filled pillows), blending Ottoman motifs with 21st century chic. And the Extreme Wow Suite takes contemporary city living to a rock star level, offering a private lift, retractable roof, wet bar, circular bed, in-room Jacuzzi and a terrace with views over the Bosphorus. With all that purple and a rainforest shower, this is a pad fit for Prince.

Suleyman Seba Cad, Akaretler, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey, from Dhs660 per night. Tel: (90) 2123812121. wistanbul.com.tr

TRAVEL

EXTRA

Advice, deals and other tasty travel titbits

Travels WiTh…

Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector, Conor Purcell, answers your travel dilemmas

Jeffrey Archer

Best-selling author of 16 novels, Lord Jeffery Archer, the former Tory candidate for Mayor of London, temporary inmate of London’s Belmarsh Prison and life peer, has led what he describes as “a full life”, which has included plenty of foreign adventures What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had?

My wife, Mary, and I went to Tuscany with one of our closest friends, Simon, who is an art scholar. We hired a villa on top of a hill and did a city a day for ten days, taking in all the great paintings and sculptures of Italy.

We would only look at three or four pictures and three or four sculptures in each gallery because, as Simon kept pointing out, people often miss the great pictures. After walking through 20 rooms they’re so tired they don’t notice them. That was the greatest holiday I’ve ever had. I like to take active holidays. We’re not sit-on-the-beach people.

Any travel disasters?

We were on the Queen Elizabeth [ocean liner] quite recently, and I thought we had to be back on board by 5.30pm, whereas it was actually 5pm. So they set off without us. Luckily, they were

In your opinion, which is better for a relaxing break: the Maldives or Mauritius?

Deepesh, Al Barsha The Maldives is all about luxury – its endless atolls provide a level of escapism unlike going through the fjords, and we palaces, the Winter Palace and the anywhere else were able to get a car to where the Summer Palace, are stunning. And on earth. There pilot boat was and then back on the opera is good, but the ballet is are a number of resorts a board. Otherwise it would still be out of this world. speedboat ride out there floating without us. It What are your tips for from the airport; was a tremendous trip. surviving a long stopover? otherwise you If you could advise people to A good book gets you through. are looking at visit one destination, what My favourites are mostly dead: a seaplane to would it be?

John Steinbeck, Scott Fitzgerald, your resort.

We went up to St Petersburg H H Munro, R K Narayan, Guy It is expensive, so be prepared via Stockholm and Oslo on that de Maupassant. Of the modern to splash out – but it’s definitely Queen Elizabeth trip, it was one of authors I’m a great admirer of worth it. Mauritius is probably the best holidays I’ve ever been on. John Le Carré. better for those looking to be St Petersburg is such a great city.

What do you never travel active as well as chill out, with The State Hermitage is arguably without? plenty of hiking, adventure and one of the two or three greatest I have a Kindle that is with me water sports on offer. There is a bit art galleries on earth. Then the the whole time, so if something more local flavour in Mauritius, comes out and I have to have it, I can. I much prefer to have a book, its French and African heritage creating a lovely laidback vibe. but if I’m stuck on an airplane or If I had to choose, I would say I’m abroad and I can’t get a book, Maldives, both for ease of travel I only have to press a button and and the remarkable location.

Kindle gives it to you.

Jeffrey Archer's The Sins Of The Father is available from all good bookstores

CHECK IN

This month’s travel news THE NILE OR THE SEINE?

Paris and Cairo. There couldn’t be two more different cities. Nevertheless, they are both must-visits, and Emirates Holidays is offering 15 per cent off trips to both destinations as part of a new monthly initiative that offers discounts to Visa cardholders.

Until May 31. Tel: (04) 3439999. emiratesholidays.com 114 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

THE STAMP COLLECTOR

APP OF THE MONTH

Travelocity Recently launched for the iPad, Travelocity allows users to book hotels, cars or flights.

The app is also available for all Android and Windows 7 smartphones, and features maps, itineraries and photos of hotels. The iPadspecific app offers mobile-exclusive deals aimed squarely at those travellers looking to book quickly while on the move, making it ideal if you’re a ‘fly by the seat of your pants’ type. itunes.apple.com

WIN! WIN! WIN! It’s competition time. Are you feeling lucky?

WIN! An overnight stAY And brunch for two At the towers rotAnA One of Dubai’s favourite hotels, the Towers Rotana is home to some of the city’s best-loved restaurants, including international eatery Teatro and the ever-popular Flavours On Two. If you’d like to sample some five-star hospitality then read on, as we’re treating one What’s On reader to an overnight stay for two, plus brunch at Flavours On Two, and the winner will also enjoy access to the pool, Jacuzzi and fitness centre. For your chance to win a mini-break at the heart of the action simply e-mail withwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘TOWERS’ in the subject line, include your contact details and tell us the answer to this question…

Which road is the Towers Rotana situated on? a) Sheikh Zayed Road b) Al Wasl Road c) Beach Road

WIN! four pAsses for At the top, burj KhAlifA This prize will have you on top of the world, with four passes to the observation deck on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, the tallest building on the planet, up for grabs. For one lucky reader this is the perfect opportunity to tick a Dubai must-do off their bucket list, and take three friends along for the ride. The experience includes access to the multi-media exhibits, a high-speed journey in a super-speedy elevator and panoramic views of the city from the lofty heights of At The Top, Burj Khalifa.

For your chance to win, e-mail withwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘AT THE TOP’ in the subject line, include your contact details and tell us the answer to this question…

On which floor of Burj Khalifa is At The Top? a) 1 b) 114 c) 124 MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 117

WIN! WIN! WIN! A duo of delights to keep you looking good and feeling great this month

WIN! A TEETH WHITENING TREATMENT WORTH OVER DHS2,000 Do you dream of flashing a smile as bright as an A-lister’s? Dream no more. We have teamed up with Dr Joy Dental Clinic, a Dubai-based dental practice, to offer one reader in need the chance to hop into Dr Joy Anthony’s famed chair and try Zoom professional whitening. Featured in makeover shows including Extreme Makeover, this tooth whitening treatment takes less than an hour and is a highly effective way of lightening the colour of your gnashers without damaging or removing the enamel.

If you’d like to win some new pearly whites, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘TEETH’ in the subject line, include your contact details and tell us…

Which Irish singer would benefit from a session of teeth whitening? a) Bono b) Shane McGowan c) Andrea Corr

WIN! A PAMPERING TREATMENT FOR TWO AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA To celebrate the fact that spring has sprung The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina has introduced a luxurious two-hour treatment called Tea Of Spring Spa that offers guests the revitalising effects of tea including the regenerative quality of white tea, stimulating attributes of black tea, soothing properties of red tea, and antioxidant potentials of green tea. The treatment commences with a Nepalese tea exfoliation, followed by a Singapore massage, and concludes with a green tea facial. And as the generous souls, we have two of these gorgeous treatments, each worth Dhs765, to give away to two readers. Want to score one? For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@ motivate.ae with ‘THE SPA’ in the address line, include your contact details and tell us…

Which of the following is not a popular type of tea? a) English Breakfast b) American Pancake c) Earl Grey 118 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

H O F B R Ä U H A U S AT J W M A R R I O T T® H O T E L D U B A I

Celebrate Maifest with friends at Hofbräuhaus.

JW Marriott Hotel Dubai welcomes the traditional German celebration of springtime from May 3rd to 31st at the Bavarian favourite, Hofbräuhaus. The spirit of Maifest will be alive all month, with live entertainment provided by German duo ‘Fresh Alpin’.

ENJOY A BAVARIAN BUFFET FROM AED 230 EVERY THURSDAY & FRIDAY, 7PM TO 11PM A LA CARTE IS AVAILABLE FROM SATURDAY TO WEDNESDAY, 6PM TO 2AM

Book online at marriottdiningatjw.ae or call +971 4 607 7977 / 7009 / 7588.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit marriottdiningatjw.ae or call +971 4 607 7977 / 7009 / 7588. JW Marriott® Hotel Dubai, PO Box 16590, Hamarain Centre, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Dubai, UAE. jwmarriottdubai.com

THE HOT LIST The best of the best

KEY

Alfie's

New entry Non-mover Up Down

p123 RESTAURANTS · p127 BARS · p131 BRUNCHES · p135 SPAS MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 121

The hoT lisT

restAurAnts Hakkasan

Quest

Amador

1

2

3

hAkkAsAn

AmAdor

Quest

Atmosphere Hakkasan’s cleverly designed dining areas lend a wonderful sense of intimacy. It now boasts a terrace, too.

Atmosphere There’s a tangible air of excitement among foodies in the main room of Spanish–German molecular gastronomist Juan Amador’s place.

Atmosphere A cloud-grazing escape without the stuffy element of ‘classic’ fine dining.

Interior Thoughtful layout of oriental wooden paneldivided alcoves; mazy and luxurious.

Food Modern Asian cooking at its best. The latest menu pushes further towards the stratosphere.

Location A world-class restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel.

Price You won't dine here every day, unless you own a wing of Emirates Palace. But it's not insanely pricey, considering the quality.

Interior The design is selfassured but not ostentatious, the food does the talking.

Food From liquid nitrogen ‘gin tonic nitros’ to virtual sushi lollipops, there are eccentric touches at every menu page turn.

Location Check out the adjoining tapas bar for mid-week deals and complementary dishes.

Price With four courses to choose from, it’s not going to be difficult to smash Dhs1,000.

WhAt’s On sAys… We adore Hakkasan, which is why it’s the What’s On Awards Restaurant Of The Year.

WhAt’s On sAys… Welcome to Abu Dhabi, Juan; the wait has been worth it.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Fri 7pm to 11.30pm (tasting menu finishes at 10.30pm). Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com

Interior Once you’re out of the marble elevators, Quest’s chandeliers and bespoke fittings scream ‘exclusive’.

Food The only thing that matches Quest’s altitude is its horizon-expanding menu: Asian fusion of Michelin standard, with a large side helping of fun.

Location You can almost see the entire city from here, but it’s nearest to the glam Ray’s Bar downstairs.

Price Not quite as sky-high as the location if you pick carefully, but you get what you pay for here.

WhAt’s On sAys… Best Newcomer at the What’s On Awards.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, lunch Sun to Thur noon to 3.30pm, dinner daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

4

The elite of the eating out scene

mPW steAkhouse Bord eAu & Grill Atmosphere Marco Pierre White combines European homeliness with forward-thinking modernity.

Interior Full of unique character, including features such as a small wall fire.

Food A shining example of brilliance with beef, with notable imagination across the less meaty menu possibilities.

Location The Fairmont is custommade for an underone-roof experience post-MPW. Price It’s certainly possible to blow a wedge on the pricier steaks, although more affordable options abound too.

WhAt’s On sAys… MPW deserves a foodie knighthood for steak served with undeniable British finesse.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

5

Atmosphere Refined, classy, elegant.

What else would you expect from the city's best French restaurant?

Interior Stately traditional Gallic sophistication, from the paintings to the tables.

Food The finest French classics in town, with imaginative contemporary twists. Try a special Provence blindtasting menu this month.

Location Throughout ShangriLa – from restaurants to rooms – attention to detail is stunning.

Price High end. A four-figure bill isn’t hard. Worth the financial pain, though, as is the wonderful wine list.

WhAt’s On sAys… Bord Eau scooped What’s On Awards for Favourite European Restaurant and Chef Of The Year.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 123

Oro

Pearls & Caviar

55&5th,the Grill

6

PeArls & CAviAr

7

Atmosphere Contemporary big apple grill soundtracked by the lilting sounds of live jazz piano.

Atmosphere A romantic retreat, swathed in low-level lighting, perfect for refined company.

Interior The main dining room is suavely understated, while the upstairs banquet table/ wine cellar are fabulous.

Interior Expect black and white themes, representing the eponymous foodstuffs.

Food Grilled meat features highly, but innovation speckles the menu.

Location St Regis is chock with possibilities: try the Manhattan Lounge bar or its unspoilt beaches.

Price You’ll need to put your hand in your pocket, but the reward is a mighty memorable evening out.

WhAt’s On sAys… Nodding to the original St Regis in New York City, 55&5th is an astute mix of modernity and tradition.

The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, dinner daily 7pm to midnight (last reservation 11pm). Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

hot on the heels 11 BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace 12 Agadir, Westin Golf Resort & Spa 13 Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Bar, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr 14 The Park Bar & Grill, Park Hyatt 15 Ushna, The Souk

124 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Food Exquisite caviar and fresh seafood, plus traditional bouillabaisse on Sundays during May. Location Make a beeline for the intimate terrace. There are countless delights spread throughout Shangri-La, too.

Price Flip past the caviar and P&C more than warrants the outlay.

WhAt’s On sAys… Our Favourite Seafood restaurant at the What’s On Awards.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

8

li Beirut Atmosphere A dimly lit, couplesfriendly vibe.

9

Atmosphere A taste of South East Asia on Saadiyat Island, with personable waiting staff happy to explain the more adventurous options.

Interior Black/red design overtones dictate the eye-catching furniture and overall ambiance.

Interior Beirut circa 2012, with European influence: fattoush and tabouleh rub shoulders with foie gras kebbeh to zaatarcrusted rack of lamb.

Food Etihad Towers’ restaurants and bars are a full evening’s entertainment.

Price Some mains will bump your bill up, but Dhs600 for two, minus wine, is far from impossible.

WhAt’s On sAys… A leader in Abu Dhabi’s Lebanese cuisine.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, lunch daily noon to 3pm, dinner daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

12

sontAyA

Interior A welcoming, sociable space, filled with lowbacked seating.

Food Pushing the envelope – try the coconut cappuccino soup.

Location The St Regis is a vast complex, and the Park Hyatt and Monte Carlo Beach Club are close enough to see.

Price Nothing ridiculous, and portions are generous.

oro

10

Atmosphere Curved booths and sedate atmosphere make for a luxurious yet unimposing experience.

Interior Art deco touches smartly ensure it’s difficult to put a year on Oro’s impressive interior.

Food Oro’s menu draws from past and present: delve into the fish section for memorable rewards.

Location The hotel is a little out on a limb, so try tantalising bar Blue post-meal.

Price Decent value for such fine dining.

WhAt’s On sAys… This island paradise is a definite feather in the St Regis’ cap.

WhAt’s On sAys… Abu Dhabi hasn’t welcomed a high-end Italian this elegant in quite some time.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, lunch daily noon to 3pm, dinner daily 6.30pm to midnight (last reservation 11pm).

Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, lunch daily noon to 3pm, dinner daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi. com

AGAdir

Named after one of the North African country’s major cities, and importing staff, food and building materials, Agadir couldn’t be much

Westin Golf resort & sPA more Moroccan if it tried. There’s a distinct French influence this month, however, with a four-course Rhone Valleythemed degustation

menu available for Dhs250.

Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabi golfresort.com

Bahrain - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - UAE - Oman - Kuwait - Jordan - Lebanon www. maya-la-chocolaterie.com follow us www.twitter.com/maya_choco www.facebook.com/maya-la-chocolaterie

/

The hoT lisT

BArs

Y Bar

Ray’s Bar

rAy’s BAr

1

Atmosphere Ultra sophisticated; Jumeirah's famed knack for redefining life lived luxuriously is no different in Abu Dhabi.

Location On the 62nd floor of Etihad Towers. The views are, quite frankly, outstanding. Even the toilets are glamorous.

Best For Pre-party drinks, a romantic night out, or just generally lapping up the sky-high splendour.

Price Thankfully not quite matching the bar's altitude. Picking from the world-beating cocktail list will definitely prove money well spent.

WhAt’s On sAys… Whoever Ray is, he knows how to live it up; this is the best freshman bar in town.

Ray’s Bar, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

seA lounGe

2

Atmosphere A chilled out alfresco bar with a discerning clientele.

Location Overlooking Monte Carlo Beach Club's infinity pool and yards from a boardwalk down to Saadiyat’s sandy shores.

Best For Watching the sun go down and lounging until the early hours with a cocktail. Or, on weekend nights, catching the best in house music from top club nights.

Price 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.

WhAt’s On sAys… The lap of luxury Monaco style, without leaving the Emirates.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thur to Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae

The finest for beverages and bites

Pearls Bar

Blue BAr

3

Atmosphere A spacious, upmarket cocktail bar with a quiet air of class and a whole lot of glass, through which are panoramic views of the capital.

Location The architecture is beyond impressive: from the outside the bar appears to be floating inside the Rocco Forte’s eye-catching interior.

Best For Grabbing a pre or postmeal cocktail either side of dining at the hotel’s well-to-do restaurants.

Price There are certainly cheaper spots in the city, but nothing with an equal degree of wow factor in this part of town.

WhAt’s On sAys… Blue Bar certainly won’t leave you feeling glum.

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 6pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi. com

y BAr

4

PeArls BAr

5

Atmosphere This desirable brickwalled hangout, away from the hectic city centre, is nicely understated in the vein of a gentrified New York City bar.

Atmosphere Next time Dubai dwellers drone on that the capital has nowhere to rival the iconic open-air bar brilliance of 360°, Pearls should be among your responses. It’s idyllic.

Location Check out Blue Grill, in the same complex, while you’re there then head off to Yas Island's main plaza of hotels for a plethora of bars and restaurants.

Location Wonderful, frankly: upstairs from the awesome Pearls & Caviar restaurant, overlooking the water.

Best For Finding life away from the city centre without breaking the bank, or catching the big match on the plentiful screens minus sports bar rowdiness.

Price Excellent value for money for these quietly sophisticated surrounds.

Best For A romantic drink or, on weekends, cutting some shapes on the dancefloor with regular DJs from premium clubbing brands, preferably after a Hot List-recommended meal downstairs.

Price Reflective of the quality on offer.

WhAt’s On sAys… Y is Yas Island’s best, bar none.

WhAt’s On sAys… A wonderful setting – perfect for kicking back – go before summer hits.

Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 4pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 2am.

Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 127

The Retreat

the retreAt

Relax@12

Brauhaus

6

BelGiAn CAfé

7

Atmosphere A classy sports bar, with comfy sofas, a private booth and, of course, plenty of screens to grab an eyeful of the big game.

Atmosphere Transporting the Northern European bar vibe halfway across the world to the Middle East, with much success.

Location If you’re a sports buff, there aren’t many better locations: Abu Dhabi Golf Club is within sight and Yas Island isn’t far either.

Location Chamas and the Yacht Club are just two reasons to make a night of it at the InterCon; there are a good few others as well.

Best For Grabbing a gastropublevel meal or even a jug of sangria while catching the footy/rugby/cricket/ golf/sport of your choice.

Price Not bad at all, although it’s still possible to spend a few dibs on the cocktails.

WhAt’s On sAys… The Retreat is perfectly named.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thur noon to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort. com

hot on the heels 11 B-Lounge, Sheraton Abu Dhabi 12 Left Bank, Souk at Qaryat Al Beri 13 Stars ‘n’ Bars, Yas Yacht Club 14 Cooper’s, Park Rotana 15 Yacht Club, InterContinental Hotel

128 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Best For Top grub and beverages with your mates.

Unlimited mussels for Dhs120 on Tuesdays is a steal, and it’s Dhs175 for ribs and a brew on Saturdays.

Price Good things come at a similarly top price, so don’t turn up at Belgian Café without your wallet.

WhAt’s On sAys… A fine time to be had, and a decent selection of beverages.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

relAx@12

8

Atmosphere Chilled and classy, but without any of the lookat-me attitudes on show at certain other Abu Dhabi bar-slash-clubs we could mention.

Location Atop Aloft, perhaps the city's hippest contemporary hotel.

Head for the rooftop terrace – you won't be disappointed. There are lots of tables inside and out, too, although it’s worth booking ahead for the terrace.

Best For Chilling on the terrace and checking out topname DJs.

BrAuhAus

9

Atmosphere Brauhaus foregoes German beer hall vibes for something altogether more intimate, but maintains the Teutonic ale count nicely. Like Oktoberfest given a course in manners.

Location Although the bar has plentiful charm itself, terrace included, with Prego's, Rodeo Grill and Trader Vic's, you won't need to leave Beach Rotana.

Best For Music and games add to the fun. Say no more.

Price Cheaper than you might imagine from Relax's inviting interior.

Price Some of the speciality beers will leave your wallet lighter, but there are good drinks deals to be had.

WhAt’s On sAys… House beats and demure socialising are what makes Relax a top night out.

WhAt’s On sAys… Tankards at the ready: this is German pub craft at its most authentic.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, daily 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

11

B-lounGe

This still-fresh intimate outdoor space keeps things low-key, an alfresco evening destination bathed in soft lighting and the flickering of a central

reflexions

10

Atmosphere Updating the classic hotel bar vibe, Reflexions is already attracting a modest crowd.

Location An extremely convenient spot given its position next to the Grand Millennium’s dining options.

Best For Pre-dinner drinks or a nightcap, or even a swift half after shopping at the mall next door.

Price Although there was no menu available immediately after opening, don’t fret: Reflexions is reasonably priced.

WhAt’s On sAys… A perfectly nice lounge bar with the potential to build into a real staple in this slightly underrepresented microcosm of Abu Dhabi city centre.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

sherAton ABu dhABi

fire. Drinks are cheap and there’s a focus on sporadic events and music: head along on the first Saturday of each month for the open mic night.

Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 6pm to 11pm, Thur and Fri 6pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton. com

The hoT lisT

BrunChes Pearls & Caviar

Cuiscene

CuisCene

1

Atmosphere Quite simply, it’s buzzing.

Food Encompassing Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Grill and a Marco Pierre White roast counter CuiScene offers you 200 dishes to try.

hAkkAsAn

2

Atmosphere Hakkasan is high on the wow factor, especially the popular terrace.

Food Pick either Friday or Saturday for a choice of set or à la carte menus.

It’s the best dim sum in town.

Location Among the capital’s most sophisticated hotels, with plenty of bars and restaurants to elongate your afternoon.

Try the terrace, too.

Location Emirates Palace’s goldencased luxury lies outside the front door, although Hakkasan is worth losing yourself in.

Best For Investigating a varied selection representing several Abu Dhabi culinary kingpins.

Best For Dining at a genuine Abu Dhabi hotspot without totally pillaging your wallet en route.

Price Dhs449 to charge your glasses with unlimited Moët And Chandon, Dhs299 with wine and beer, or Dhs249 with soft drinks.

Price Dhs325 per person including bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne between two, or Dhs199 with 50-year-old Old Puer Ya Jian tea.

WhAt’s On sAys… Our What’s On Awards winner for Favourite Brunch.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

CiPriAni

Marina Brunch

3

Atmosphere Best experienced out on Cipriani’s elegant marina-gazing terrace, there’s a DJ and a la carte table service.

Food An excellent selection that actually remembers the two meals brunch represents.

PeArls & CAviAr

4

Atmosphere The InterCon’s new three-venue leviathan is more banquet than brunch, with the mood dictated by a DJ and the Chamas band.

Food Hot grills, fresh oysters, live sushi station and a mojito bar.

Food Extensive buffets across meat specialists Chamas, gourmet bar Belgian Café and Italian spot Boccaccio.

Location On the edge of the wonderful waterfront oasis of hotel class that is the Shangri-La, while the Souk is only a short wander away, too.

Best For A classy brunch without the need to leave your seat and queue at a buffet.

Best For A post-Thursday recovery without the need to get out of bed too early, sleepyheads.

WhAt’s On sAys… Bite-sized tastes of our Hot List-topping restaurant.

WhAt’s On sAys… You’ll be glad to be sitting down, else Cipriani’s brunch might knock you off your feet.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Fri and Sat noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to sunset. Tel: (02) 6575400. cipriani.com

5

mArinA BrunCh

Atmosphere Squishing together breakfast and dinner, this elegant Friday ‘brunner’ has little regard for lunch; P&C’s resident DJ adds life to it.

Location This brunch goes on until sunset, so hardy Friday revellers can toddle over to Stars 'n' Bars next door then on to Allure afterwards.

Price Dhs150 for the threecourse set menu including cocktail/ mocktail or fully a la carte without alcohol.

Our pick of the brunch bunch

Price Dhs349 including house beverages, sparkling wine and champagne, Dhs249 without champagne.

Location You’re rarely short of options at the InterCon, with its wealth of Hot List-worthy bars and restaurants.

Best For Just about anybody, such is the span of this monster brunch.

Price Dhs395 including bubbly, Dhs295 with house beverages.

WhAt’s On sAys… A pearl in Abu Dhabi’s oyster of brunch options.

WhAt’s On sAys… For scale, variety and entertainment, this brunch is among the capital’s most ambitious.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Fri 1pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 131

Fairways

fAirWAys

Sofra Bld

Ushna

6

ushnA

7

Atmosphere The Westin’s Bubbalicious Brunch is all about fun, with a magician and DJ.

Atmosphere An airy interior sets you up nicely for some of the finest Indian cuisine money can buy.

Food A real international spread, from impressive cheese board to enticing Far Eastern counter.

Food Biryanis, kebabs and all sorts of vegetarian treats.

Location Stay for a drink afterwards at classy sports bar The Retreat.

Best For Living the high life with smiles and a soundtrack.

Price Dhs490 with champers, Dhs270 with house beverages, or Dhs240 without alcohol.

WhAt’s On sAys… Shaking up Abu Dhabi’s brunch scene, this is one of its finest.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort. com

hot on the heels 11 Al Fanar, Le Royal Méridien 12 Filini, Radisson Blu 13 Essence, Beach Rotana 14 Mezlai, Emirates Palace 15 Selections, InterContinental Hotel

132 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

Location It’s barely necessary to leave the Souk, a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and even clubbing. ShangriLa and the Fairmont aren’t far, either.

Best For Living it up like a cashflasher visiting the subcontinent, with à la carte service.

Price Dhs225 including house beverages and two glasses of bubbly, Dhs145 with soft drinks.

WhAt’s On sAys… We’re yet to find a better Indian brunch.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (02) 5581769. soukqaryatalberi.com

8

9

the yACht CluB

sofrA Bld

Atmosphere Relaxed, with a great bar to boot.

Atmosphere Extremely easy going.

Food Buffets are shunned in favour of Asian-inspired à la carte.

Location Visit the terrace before temperatures peak, perfect for lounging the weekend away.

Best For Late risers in need of an overdue Friday recovery session, the preface to a proper Yacht Club night out, or simply sampling a long-standing city favourite.

Price Dhs185 with free flowing exotic drinks. At that price, it’s a bargain to charge your glasses.

WhAt’s On sAys… Unlimited drinks will have you setting sail for the Yacht Club.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, Fri 2pm to 6pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

11

Food International buffet on Friday or global brunch (Chinese and Vietnamese) on Saturdays.

Location Enjoy the expansive waterfront views.

Best For Families through to party people.

Price Dhs270 with house beverages and a glass of bubbly, or Dhs250 with selected beverages and a glass of bubbly on Fridays. Dhs190 with selected beverages, or Dhs149 without drinks on Saturdays.

WhAt’s On sAys… Among What’s On’s favourite hotels, pretty much all the ShangriLa’s outlets merit repeat visits.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

Al fAnAr

Attending this popular brunch will net you a Captain Birdseye-worthy ocean-sized haul of seafood specialities.

Al Fanar is truly a restaurant that is

flAvours

10

Atmosphere With a live band and free-flowing bubbly, expect the afternoon to get more energetic as it progresses.

Food A truly international spread, stretching all the way out to the Cloud Nine Cigar Bar next door.

Location The Sheraton sprawls sufficiently far that there’s no need to leave postbrunch: head to the pool or bars for best results.

Best For Eating your way around the world, particularly if you’re fond of cocktails or deserts, with sizeable selections of both.

Price Dhs225 with unlimited bubbly.

WhAt’s On sAys… If the thought of an international buffet doesn’t fill you with joy, let Flavours re-inspire you.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

le royAl méridien

going places, too – literally, in fact.

Enjoy 360-degree views of the capital city as the landscape gently revolves around you. Just remember

where you’re seated.

Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, Fri noon to 3pm, Dhs220 with unlimited bubbly.

Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

Flamenco at the Palace Leonor Leal is coming to Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi 18th May 2012 Jose Manuel Leon will accompany Leonor on guitar with the incredible voice of Rocio Marquez Tickets from AED 295 Available on www.timeouttickets.com

You’ll never want to leave emiratespalace.ae

african + eastern stores are all over town!

With 12 conveniently-located African + Eastern stores all across the city; you will always find one in your neighbourhood.

And where there’s African + Eastern, there’s always an extensive portfolio of labels across ales, grape, malt and more from all over the world. Visit your nearest neighbourhood store for all the brands you love.

For more information call us on 800

CHEERS (243377) or ask our staff in-store.

Al Wasl Road* • Arabian Ranches* • Bur Dubai* • Deira • Dubai Marina Mall* • Dubai Marina Walk* Green Community** • Jumeirah* • Karama • Le Méridien Dubai** • Mirdif • TECOM *Stores also open on Fridays from 2:00pm - 9:00pm **Stores open Saturday to Thursday from 2:00pm - 9:00pm

www.africaneastern.com

The hoT lisT

sPAs

Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab

The Lounge

1 the lounGe therapists Predominantly male, reflecting The Lounge’s gents-only service.

The professionalism is permeated by a real friendliness.

Menu Everything a modern gent needs, from an invigorating Moroccan bath to haircuts, shaves, pedicures, manicures and much more. the spa The villa layout means minimum traipsing between treatment rooms. And, surprisingly for Abu Dhabi, parking is an entirely painless process.

Price When the service is this good, price is only really a secondary concern. For such high-end service, it’s far from extortionate.

WhAt’s On sAys… An essential grooming stop-off for any man who wants to feel and look his best.

Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thur 11am to 10pm, Fri 5pm to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6677377. thelounge.ae

2

AnAntArA sPA, QAsr Al sArAB

therapists You won’t be feeling awkward whatever the treatment, thanks to the unassuming and pleasant Thai therapists.

Menu Standard treatments are complemented by the likes of exfoliating sand baths and water-based Vichy spas. the spa There aren’t many spas in the world where you can gaze out towards untouched rolling desert dunes as you’re driven in a buggy right up to the door. Relaxing from the first moment.

Price Costly, but it's hard to put a price on such expertise in such a glorious location.

WhAt’s On sAys… The jewel in this desert retreat's crown.

Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab.anantara.com

The daddies of the health and leisure scene

Rayana Spa

3

4

5

AnAntArA sPA

rAyAnA sPA

mizAn

therapists The predominantly Thai staff lead you up the stairs to a veritable spa wonderland.

therapists Smiley and eager to explain the treatments.

therapists A mixed male/female staff see to your every need.

Menu The rituals are definitely the menu highlights – lengthy experiences that continue for up to four hours. We recommend the two-and-a-half hour Rayana Rebuild.

Menu Hammams, Swedish, Thai, foot reflexology, Vichy shower and facials all feature.

Menu The range includes the life-restoring Signature Massage, plus grandly titled options like the Marma Abhyanga Massage. the spa With a dedicated entrance to the west of the main palace, Anantara is one of the city’s most opulent and sprawling spas. You can drive right up to the entrance, where there's a separate self-parking area, too.

Price Between Dhs700 and Dhs1,650 will be winging its way from your purse or wallet.

WhAt’s On sAys… The most luxurious pamper that Abu Dhabi has to offer.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com

the spa The treatment rooms are modelled on desert landscapes, with sandy tones and even faux shrubbery. It’s far from as tacky as that sounds, thankfully.

Price The shorter massages aren’t too expensive, and the long rituals are good value for money, albeit mostly into four figures.

WhAt’s On sAys… The 30-minute ‘express’ massage range is perfect for busy businessmen and women.

Hyatt Capital Gate, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 5961100. abudhabi. capitalgate.hyatt.com

the spa A long, featureless corridor more akin to a NASA facility leads the way to Mizan, although it immediately switches your mind away from stimuli and onto relaxation.

Price The prices here aren’t cheap – in fact perhaps slightly exceed those of comparable hotels’ spas – but aren’t unwarranted.

WhAt’s On sAys… A splendid feature on the capital’s burgeoning spa landscape.

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi. com

MAY 2012 WHAT’S ON 135

Chi, The Spa

heAvenly sPA

Atarmia Spa

Iridium Spa

6

therapists A knowledgeable team of therapists with a wide range of skills.

Menu There’s a comprehensive range of wraps, facials, hot stone massages and the like here, plus some more notable treatments and plenty of golforientated options. the spa Squirrelled away to the side of the Westin’s main entrance, Heavenly is sufficiently far from the hotel’s hub to give a feeling of isolation.

Price Very much par for the course (sorry), although there are a good few micro treatments that only cost a fistful of dirhams.

Chi,the sPA

7

therapists Sweet and cheerful, with a real interest in tailoring your treatment; you’ll relax from the second you stroll through the door.

Menu From Filipino hilot massages to caviar facials, Chi’s line in thoughtful quality demands repeat visits to navigate the full menu. It really is extensive. the spa Far removed from the outside world, Chi is as peaceful as a temple in the Himalayas. You’ll be in a trance for hours.

Price You’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for; just don’t head here with pocket change.

WhAt’s On sAys… Searching for something a bit different? Try the signature rain massage.

WhAt’s On sAys… Chi has one of the greatest Jacuzzis in Abu Dhabi.

Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6169999. westinabudhabigolfresort. com

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

hot on the heels 11 ESPA, Yas Viceroy 12 Zen Spa, Beach Rotana 13 Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, Hilton Abu Dhabi 14 Eden Spa, Le Méridien 15 Cristal Spa, Cristal Salam Hotel

136 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

iridium sPA

8

therapists Personable and willing to adapt treatments to suit.

Menu If you can’t find something suitable here, there’s every chance you haven’t read the menu properly: whether it’s facials or immersive journeys for two, there’s a really rather extensive selection. the spa With a separate private parking area and entrance to those of the main hotel, Iridium is an instantly secluded location.

Price From Dhs200 right up to indulgent full-day threespa-suite experiences which will set you back Dhs3,125 per person.

WhAt’s On sAys… The signature Iridium journey certainly perked us up.

St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4988888. stregissaadiyatisland.com

11

AtArmiA sPA

9

therapists Courteous, diligent and keen for your feedback.

Menu An impressive range of body, facial and salon treatments. Imaginative options include an unusual needle-free alternative to Botox treatment. the spa Set a short distance away from the Park Hyatt Hotel itself, Atarmia is a real oasis of calm.

Price It’s easy to blow the thick end of Dhs1,000 on the top-end treatments such as the Caviar Sublime or Diamond Ice Lifting, although there are cheaper options.

WhAt’s On sAys… The gym is right next door, making it easy to mix workout pain and massage pleasure.

Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4071170. abudhabi.park.hyatt.com

esPA

zAynA sPA

10

therapists Attentive, eager to please and happy to recommend posttreatment products.

Menu A menu you could get lost in. Try the green coffee body wrap and scrub for Zayna’s ultimate detoxing pampering. the spa Individual changing in each treatment room ensures ultimate privacy and gets our thumbs up.

The relaxation areas are top notch, as well, with tranquil loungers. Make a day of it.

Price Above average, reflecting the standard of Zayna overall.

WhAt’s On sAys… The relaxation room is right up there with Abu Dhabi’s finest.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. milleniumhotels. com

yAs viCeroy

Full of watery themes, not least when it comes to the hammams, ESPA is a paradise of calm. You don’t have to get wet through, though:

the facials are splendid. For those who just can’t relax for long, there is currently a special Ferrari World/ ESPA package, including stay, for

an adrenaline/ comedown combo.

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6560862. viceroyhotels andresorts.com

@Stranded_RIBC

facebook.com/strandedRIBC

Escape the city every Friday and join us for a pioneering party on Lebanon, the first island to open on the world.

Enjoy the best view of the Dubai Skyline throughout the day, chillout then party into the night with international guest DJs alongside a hand picked selection of residents.

www.royalislandbeachclub.ae

The Royal Island Beach Club, Lebanon Island, The World Islands, Dubai.

For info and bookings email: stranded@themusthavegroup.com or call: 050 687 9959 This event is brought to you by:

www.themusthavegroup.com

International guest DJs plus residents on rotation.

The Footsteps Of Thesiger documentary premieres at InterContinental Hotel, Abu Dhabi on May 7 and Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai on May 9. adrianhayes.com

Backchat

with ADRiAN hAYES

Intrepid adventurer Adrian Hayes relives his expedition across the Arabian desert, tracing the footsteps of 20th century explorer Sir Wilfred Thesiger, ahead of the premiere of a documentary following the 1,600km, 44-day trek

T

he expedition was incredible. It didn’t go as I’d planned – there were infinite challenges – but it was a fantastic experience. The three major issues were trying to keep comfortable on a camel for ten hours a day, getting enough water and food for them – the idea they can go for months without

food or water is bunkum – and lastly, the realities of modern day countries, with borders, police, armies, and political challenges.

But the idea of turning back never even crossed my mind. You’ve got to face challenges and overcome them.

We travelled in October, November and December, so

the first part was hot, and I don’t deal very well with heat. Hiking through wadis with camels was quite hard going in places. There were far fewer animals than when Thesiger did this in the 1940s. Then, there was more grassland, animals, farms and nomads. Most of that’s gone. I’ve got a greater respect now for what Thesiger and his colleagues did 65 years ago. It was a remarkable feat. And I learnt that, having lived in this part of the world for many years, we live in a bubble in cities, and not just expats, even the Arabs, the nationals do. There’s a whole culture alive and well out there.

It was pretty remarkable.

The hospitality was quite amazing. In villages we were treated with the hugest respect. Everybody wanted to welcome us and treat us like heroes.

TwoFour Productions, who made/produced the documentary, were very fly-on-the-wall. They didn’t interfere with us. They had a four-wheel drive or hiked with us and would come round the campfire in the evenings and have the same food as us, so it

Next moNth: Where to Watch euro 2012 in the capital, Dressing for your boDy shape anD Win a summer holiDay! 138 WHAT’S ON MAY 2012

wasn’t a case of them tucking into sirloin steak while we had dates and camel milk. The documentary pretty much shows what happened: many of the challenges, the terrain and incidents that occurred throughout.

I’ve always said the places where tourist books tell you to go are the places to avoid. I’m one to go where nobody else goes.

The place I was most impressed with is the desert south of the Al Ain–Abu Dhabi road. Go south from Al Ain, hugging the Oman border, and turn inwards. The sands aren’t as big as at Liwa but it’s a really untouched part of the desert. And it’s vast. It was a real surprise how empty it is down that way.

Everybody asks me what’s the hardest challenge I’ve done, how does this compare with the North Pole, or Everest, or South Pole, or crossing Greenland? They’re all different. You can’t really compare them. It’s a totally different challenge. I did something that had been a long-time dream. I’m proud that we did it and that we got a great film out of it. The trip wasn’t about breaking any records; it wasn’t for a cause. It was the footsteps of Thesiger, going where he went 65 years ago and finding out what is it like now. That was the whole purpose. And it was a marvellous experience.

family & bubbly brunch at focaccia Focaccia, the Italian restaurant at Hyatt Regency Dubai & Galleria offers you the best value for money with Friday Brunch. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet with live cooking stations and free-flow of premium French bubbly for a mere AED399 per person.

Children under 12 years eat for free (maximum two children per couple).

Time: 12:30pm to 4:00pm For reservations, please call +971 4 317 2222

dubai.regeny.hyatt.com facebook.com/hyattregencydubai Hyatt Regency Dubai reserves the right to alter or withdraw this promotion at any time without notice.

HYATT name, design and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. ™2012 Hyatt Hotels Corporation. All rights reserved.

www.omegawatches.com James Bond materials © Danjaq and United Artists. 007 and James Bond Trademarks, TM Danjaq

Limited Edition

OMEGA boutiques: BurJuman • Deira City Centre • Dubai Mall • Mall of the Emirates Mirdif City Centre • Sahara Centre • Wafi • Toll Free: 800-RIVOLI