What's On - April 2020

Issue 505

UAE DHS15

YOUR COMMUNITY NEEDS YOU. HOW WE CAN ALL DO OUR BIT

PLUS: FANTASTIC ONLINE WORKOUTS, VIRTUAL MUSEUM TOURS AND MORE

CONTENTS FEATURES

DO YOUR BIT EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR CITY P29 15 LOVE THE UAE Feeling cooped up? Here’s everything you can look forward to in our great outdoors

21 STAYCATIONS

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Plan the perfect getaways within easy reach of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, for when the time is right

34 WHAT’S ON TELLY Our pick of the best TV series streaming now Page 34

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CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 10 Yalla!

Brilliant indie restaurants to order from

11 Win! Dhs500 food delivery vouchers

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Cover: Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

39 CONSUME 40 DUBAI Mod Greek via Mykonos at Nammos; hip Korean fried chicken at Kimpo; plus Bread & Cake’s pretty new breakfasts

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48 ABU DHABI Pan-Asian flavours at Aja; authentic Japanese at Matsu; and eco-minded dining at 90 Centigrade

55 CULTURE

58 BOOKS

Six unmissable art events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

The What’s On team shares the latest must-read titles from our bookshelves

60 MUSIC Meet the woman starring as Whitney Houston in the upcoming Dubai Opera show

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Page 56

56 AGENDA

63 WORKSHOP Create your own signature scent at Oo La Lab perfumery

WhatsOn.ae Our stunning website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas. It’s your online destination for stuff to do in the UAE. Get clicking.

65 ACTIVE

What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store.

66 FITNESS Gyms, fitness centres and yoga studios share virtual workouts for you to try at home

68 TRAVEL Take a tour of the world’s greatest museums and galleries from the comfort of your couch

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

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04.20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice

HEAD OF CONTENT – WHAT’S ON Laura Coughlin laura.coughlin@motivate.ae DIGITAL EDITOR - WHAT’S ON Sarah Gamboni sarah.gamboni@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Elise Kerr elise.kerr@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Miles Buckeridge miles.buckeridge@motivate.ae JUNIOR ONLINE REPORTER Lauren Fletcher lauren.fletcher@motivate.ae JUNIOR ONLINE REPORTER Aarti Saundalkar aarti@motivate.ae SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR Surajit Dutta surajit@motivate.ae VIDEOGRAPHER Steve Eraña steve.erana@motivate.ae VIDEOGRAPHER Melquiades Abrera melquiades.abrera@motivate.ae WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi firoz@motivate.ae

SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Olga Petroff olga.petroff@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Clarkwin Cruz clarkwin@motivate.ae JUNIOR DESIGNER Remy Thokchom thokchom.remy@motivate.ae

PHOTOGRAPHER Mustufa Abidi CONTRIBUTORS

Jessica Cullen, Anna Seaman, Ann Marie McQueen, Devinder Bains GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran binu@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto venita@motivate.ae CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER David Burke davidb@motivate.ae GROUP SALES MANAGER Varsha Bhatia varsha@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Taran Singh taran.singh@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Neil Kalidas neil.kalidas@motivate.ae DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux sabir.khodabux@motivate.ae

Annual Subscription UAE Dhs180 • GCC and International US$130 (inclusive of postal charges) Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel +971 4 427 3000; Fax +971 4 428 2270 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, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

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EDITOR’S LETTER

HERE WE ARE ON ISSUE 505… … and in circumstances unprecedented in our more than 40-year publishing history.

Even during two Gulf wars and 2009’s fallout from the global recession, our lives were less impacted than they are now. And to think that a few short months ago in November we were celebrating – with over 1,000 of our closest friends – the 500th issue of What’s On and our 40th Anniversary. All without a clue of what was in store for us. Interesting times indeed.

As our cover says: ‘Support Your City’. And that really means support each other too.

We highlight how we can all do our bit to help the community. That support can come in all shapes and sizes but can be as simple as a caring call to friends or associates, especially the elderly, to check they’re okay.

Further recommendations are shared on page 26. Highlights are, of course, to avoid panic buying and hoarding; practise social distancing; and, if vulnerable, self isolation.

We urge you to support local restaurants, most of whom also face great challenges and are offering special menus for home delivery. And keep an eye on water usage while washing your hands regularly as advised.

People are already pulling together in all sorts of ways we’d never have imagined. In Italy, one of the worst hit areas, residents are entertaining each other with “community concerts” performed from their balconies while in isolation. Many actors and musicians are taking to the internet to stage readings and entertainment for fans. Anthony Hopkins and Judy Dench to name just two. There’s a plethora of online distractions available.

We highlight virtual museum tours and online workouts, while also encouraging readers to get out – safely – and take advantage of the truly great outdoors. Luckily, we are not short of space in the UAE. Literally on our doorsteps are beautiful deserts that are ideal for responsible social distancing and give us the opportunity to enjoy some fresh air, weather permitting of course.

We resisted the urge to re-name this issue What’s Off but it’s as important as ever that we stay calm, maintain that sense of humour and carry on!

Keep safe everyone.

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai

Ian Fairservice MANAGING PARTNER AND GROUP EDITOR AND CHIEF

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youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

BRILLIANT INDIE RESTAURANTS TO ORDER DELIVERY FROM THIS APRIL

REIF JAPANESE KUSHIYAKI Reif Japanese Kushiyaki, the popular unconventional street food eatery within Dar Wasl Mall, has launched a takeaway service. a Tel: (04) 2555142. @reifkushiyaki

21GRAMS

What’s On Dubai‘s Indie Restaurant of the Year, 21grams has a delivery service that stretches across the city, allowing customers to enjoy their favourite dishes without leaving the house. Place your order by calling or sending a WhatsApp. Tel: (050) 841 5021. @21grams.dubai 10_What’sOn

ROBERTO’S

ABU DHABI

Fine-dining Italian at home. Choose from three set menu options, allowing you to build and customise around the restaurant’s signature dishes. Available daily from noon to 11pm, with delivery straight to your door. a Tel: (056) 7407426

ABU DHABI

BB SOCIAL DINING

99 SUSHI BAR & RESTAURANT Choose your favourite Japanese dishes from the menu. Give them a call, and collect your order at the entrance of the Four Seasons Hotel, The Galleria – Al Maryah Island. a Tel: (02) 6723333.@99sushibar_ad

MAIZ TACOS Popular food-truck-turnedrestaurant Maiz Tacos serves a brilliant DIY Taqueria box so you can enjoy delicious tacos at home. a Tel: (04) 514 4712. @maiztacos

THE MAINE OYSTER BAR AND GRILL & THE MAINE STREET EATERY The What’s On Award-winning restaurant has launched home delivery for both The Maine Street Eatery and The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill outlets. Visit Deliveroo or access their social channels for more. q @themainedxb

DELIVERDXB For a full list of local Dubai restaurants available for takeaway or delivery, check out supportlocalrestaurants.com, set up by mystery restaurant reviewer, FoodSheikh and online ordering platform ChatFood.

BB’s in DIFC has two options for those peckish folk who are looking to enjoy tasty Asian dishes at home. The social diner offers meals delivered to your door via Deliveroo, or you’re welcome to order in advance and collect your meal for takeaway. a Tel: (04) 4074444. thisisbb.com

PROJECT CHAIWALA Home-grown tea concept Project Chaiwala offers delivery via apps Deliveroo and Zomato so that customers who can’t make it to the Dubai Media City or Alserkal Avenue venues can still enjoy the tea at home. q @projectchaiwala What’sOn_11

FOOD DELIVERY PRIZES!

WIN!

NIDO RESTAURANT FOOD DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Who doesn’t like tapas on the best of days? Now you can enjoy Spanish cuisine at home thanks to Nido. The new Spanish restaurant is offering one lucky winner the chance to spend Dhs500 on a special food delivery order this month. Think laid back European vibes in your living room via sharing tapas platters, tasty skewers, delicious mains, authentic desserts, and more all in the comfort of your own home. T&Cs apply.

For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win

WIN!

FRENCH-INSPIRED DINNER AT HOME FROM MOE’S ON THE 5TH We know you are staying indoors these days – we are too. Here’s the chance to treat you and your family to a delicious home delivery courtesy of French-fared gastro pub Moe’s on the 5th.

Choose from escargots, grilled tiger prawns, roasted duck leg, cheese and charcuterie, and mille-feuille with a whopping Dhs500 to spend. T&Cs apply.

For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 12_What’sOn

What’s coming?

App of the month

Dates for your UAE diary

Marks & Spencer Food Get access to the British brand’s popular food items including ready-to-cook meals, pantry essentials, frozen items and more.

Minimum spend is Dhs150, and delivery is currently free.

q marksandspencerme.com

APR 23

Ramadan The Islamic calendar’s most important month begins The holy month has always been a special time of year. It’s a time when Muslims around the world abstain from eating, drinking or smoking between sunrise and sunset, but it’s also a time for prayer, religious devotion and reflection. This year will no doubt be even more unique during these challenging times, but it is during these times where embracing the spirit of Ramadan, no matter what religion you practice, is even more important. Help your community by supporting local businesses, donate to charity organisations, call your family, and lend a hand (even if only virtually) to those in need.

Tips to keep you happy, healthy and productive

Working from home…

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WAKE UP AT YOUR NORMAL TIME Try to follow your everyday routine. It’ll be easier to focus and complete your work

STAY ACTIVE AND EAT WELL Add short exercises into your day and stock your cupboards with healthy snacks

DITCH THE PAJAMAS Any freelancer will tell you that living in you Pjs is a slippery slope to underperforming

PLAN VIRTUAL BREAKS WITH WORKMATES Keep the conversation flowing by checking in via group chats

WORKSPACE VS RELAXATION SPACE Try to find a neutral space at home where you can work without the allure of a nap What’sOn_13

WE LOVE THE UAE

Feeling cooped up? Here’s a few outdoor adventures to plan for soon

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OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Despite much of the country at a standstill, the Emirates is still one of the greatest places on the planet. We’ve picked our favourite UAE activities that you can enjoy again very soon...

CYCLE 01 AROUND AL QUDRA LAKES Just a 30-minute drive from Dubai, Al Qudra Lakes has become a firm favourite among the UAE cycling set. Keep your eyes peeled for wild oryx and camels as you ride the 85km Al Qudra Cycle Course through the sand dunes. If you don’t have your own wheels, you can hire a bike from the Trek Bicycle Store at Seih Al Salam, near the Al Qudra Course (daily 6am to 10pm; reserve 72 hours in advance). a Al Qudra Cycle Course, Al Qudra Rd. Tel: (04) 832 7377. trekbikes.ae

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KAYAKING AT HATTA DAM

A 15-minute drive from Hatta Wadi Hub brings you to Hatta Dam, a postcard-perfect reservoir framed by mountain ranges. Hire watersports equipment from Hatta Kayak, including kayaks (Dhs60 per person or Dhs150 for a double kayak), pedal boats (Dhs120), yellow boats (Dhs150), donut boats (Dhs300), and water bikes (Dhs60 per person). a Hatta Kayaks, Hatta Dam, Hatta. Daily, 7am to 9pm. Tel: (056 616 2111. hattakayak.com

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03 VISIT HATTA WADI HUB

Hatta has fast become one of the biggest adventure hubs in the UAE, so make the 90-minute drive from Dubai for a day of open-air thrills. Make your first port of call the Hatta Wadi Hub, where the all-new Drop-in waterslide, archery, axe throwing, mountain carting and zorbing await. a Hatta Wadi Hub, located off the Dubai-Hatta road, 8.30am to 6pm. Tel: (800)637227. visithatta.com

RIDE A 05 MOUNTAIN BIKE IN HATTA Fancy a pedal instead? The Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre offers 50km of trails catering for everyone from beginners to professional riders.

No wheels? No worries: you can hire bikes at the Wadi Hub from Dhs65 for two hours. a Hatta Wadi Hub, located off the Dubai-Hatta road, 8.30am to 6pm. Tel: (800)637227. visithatta.com

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HIKE AROUND HATTA

Strap on a pair of sturdy shoes for four all-new hiking trails through the Hajar Mountains, via wadis and rocky outcrops. Be sure to pack water, snacks and a fully-charged phone for the 32km of trails, rated easy, moderate, difficult and extreme. a Hatta Wadi Hub, located off the Dubai-Hatta road. Two-hour guided hiking tour, Dhs60 per person. Tel: 050 435 1397.

SCALE NEW 06 HEIGHTS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH At the Jais Adventure Peak, test your mettle on the Jais Sky Maze (Dhs75), navigating rope swings and suspended bridges 10 metres above ground.

Or take the Jais Sky Tour (Dhs200), a thrilling course of seven zip-lines ranging in length from 337m to 1km.

Need to catch your breath?

Kick back on the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, offering views of the Hajar Mountains and Arabian Gulf beyond. a Jais Adventure Peak. Tel: (07) 204 6250. visitjebeljais.com What’sOn_17

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

THROUGH THE ABU 07 KAYAK DHABI MANGROVES

For a bit of fresh air in the capital, visit the all-new Jubail Mangrove Park, where you can wander along the Qurum boardwalk, spy local birds and animals, and explore the waterways on a kayak. A one-hour tour costs Dhs150 (adults) and Dhs100 (children). a Jubail Mangrove Park, Al Jubail Island (next to Saadiyat Island), Abu Dhabi, 8am to 6.30pm daily, closed for the summer season, free entry.

Tel: (05) 63032423. park.jubailisland.ae

TAKE A RECORD08 BREAKING RIDE AT JEBEL JAIS The UAE’s highest peak is also home to the world’s longest zipline, the Jebel Jais Flight (Dhs300). Reach speeds of 120km/h to 150km/h as you fly down the 2.83km zipline, a whopping 1,680 metres above sea level. a Jebel Jais Flight, daily 9am to 5pm. toroverdeuae.com 18_What’sOn 18_What’s On

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SNORKEL AROUND SNOOPY ISLAND Pack your snorkel and swimming kit for a day spent paddling around Fujairah’s Snoopy Island, so named because of its resemblance to the cartoon dog. Set out from Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort for a snorkel around the island. You can hire snorkels and kayaks from the hotel. a Sandy Beach Hotel. sandybeachhotel.ae

THE WAVES 11 HIT IN DUBAI Surfing may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Dubai, but when the swell’s up, those in the know make a beeline for Sunset Beach. Rent a surf board or standup paddle board from the Surf House (from Dhs80 an hour) for a paddle in the shadow of Burj Al Arab. a Surf House Dubai, Villa 110, Al Soon St, Umm Suqeim 2, daily 7am to 7pm. Tel: 050 5043020. surfingdubai.com

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EXPLORE WADI SHOWKA The rugged expanse of Wadi Showka is ripe for outdoor adventures. Join a mountain bike, climbing or canyoning tour of Wadi Showka with Adventurati Tours, as you explore the rocky ranges and waterbeds of this picturesque area. a Adventurati Outdoor. Tel: 050 280 3663. adventurati-outdoor.com

JEBEL 12 HIKE HAFEET

The rugged backdrop to Al Ain, Jebel Hafeet is Abu Dhabi’s highest peak, at 1,240 metres. Not for novices, Jebel Hafeet is geared towards experienced hikers who can handle the steep routes and punishing terrain. Beat the heat with an early morning or evening hike, and be sure to bring your sturdiest boots, hiking poles, and refreshments.

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S TAY C AT I O N S

SWEET DREAMS

Longing for a break from it all? Us too. Here’s a few new staycation options to add to your UAE bucket list for when the time is right...

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S TAY C AT I O N S

ADVERTISEMENT

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I N T E R C O N T I N E N TA L FUJAIRAH RESORT AL AQAH BEACH, FUJAIRAH

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n a country with so many five-star properties, it can be hard to stand out. With its uber-modern feel, the InterContinental Fujairah Resort is a masterclass in ‘something different’ – doing it without losing any of the luxury or Arabian culture. It swaps stuffy grandeur for cool and contemporary, banishing sharp lines and harsh decor for comforting fresh hues that complement the pearly blue of the Indian Ocean and rugged terrain of the Hajjar Mountains.

This resort, with four temperature-controlled pools and one of the most stunning private beaches in the UAE, is perfectly thought out. The modern feel continues into the rooms and suites, each with balconies that frame views of the azure waters.

Regular bathrooms have been replaced with rain showers and standard tech has been dismissed for Bose sound systems.

Dining options include DRiFT for the seafood lovers, NAMA for delectable buffet options throughout the day, and Horizon for light snacks and exotic beverages. Want even more bliss? Guests booking Club InterContinental rooms enjoy complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, as well as access to a private pool and cabanas. Plus, when you stay during April or May, you’ll receive 100 per cent of your room rate back to spend on food and drinks. ihg.com

INFO THE ROOMS: 190 rooms and suites THE FACILITIES: Three restaurants, watersports, two pools,

gym, kids’ club THE USP: Pristine beach with a hint of Arabian culture THE PRICE: From Dhs500++ (including 100 per cent back

on food and drinks) in April and May THE ROUTE: 1hr 30mins from Dubai; 3hr from Abu Dhabi VENTURING OUT: Snorkel at Snoopy Island nearby

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ADDRESS SKY VIEW DOWNTOWN DUBAI

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his luxury five-star property has only been in operation since the end of 2019, but has already been visited by celebrities and Dubai royals. The rooftop infinity pool provides an undeniable sell thanks to its uninterrupted Burj Khalifa view. Address Sky View is constructed with two towers, hotel and residence, which join at the top and extend out into a ship-like design.

The rooms are ultra-modern, with iPad control for pretty much any electronic function. The spacious premier room offers a separate dressing area, ideal for getting ready to experience the thriving surrounding area. Dubai Opera is within walking distance, as are the many restaurants available on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.

Another outdoor pool sits on the ground floor, overlooked by the Address’ signature all-day dining concept, The Restaurant.

Alternative dining options for now only includes Cé La Vi, where you can expect to find this city’s chicest movers and shakers sampling wagyu while taking in that rooftop view.

Book before April 22 and UAE residents can enjoy a 50 per cent discount, including breakfast and a Dhs200 gift card for the hotels’ restaurants, shopping at Emaar Malls, or a room stay. addresshotels.com

INFO THE ROOMS: 720 rooms and apartments THE FACILITIES: 70-metre long rooftop infinity pool, two

restaurants, spa and gym THE USP: Panoramic Dubai views from the rooftop terrace THE PRICE: Normally Dhs1,389 but Dhs695 with

residents’ offer THE ROUTE: A stone’s throw from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard

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G R A N D H YAT T ABU DHABI HOTEL & RESIDENCES E M I R AT E S P E A R L WEST CORNICHE, ABU DHABI

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he stunning 50-metre infinity pool with its stylish curved aesthetics and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf is reason enough to immediately check into this magnificent property.

The hotel is rich in wellness offerings and, as well as luxury spa and health food options, it boasts one of the top gyms in the capital – a 24-hour fitness centre, complete with a rig set-up on the outdoor terrace and an array of fitness classes to keep you feeling guilt-free about dining at one of the top-class eateries.

Choose from Verso for award-wining Italian, Sahha for everything from curries to mezze, or Pearl Lounge, one of the capital’s top afternoon tea offerings. The rooms and suites have a homey feel with that five-star luxe vibe, a theme that is found throughout the hotel.

There’s an adult-friendly feel, although families are very welcome – there’s a fun kids’ pool at the property, and the hotel is renowned for its excellent event venues and meeting spaces, in case it’s a business trip you’re thinking of booking. hyatt.com

INFO THE ROOMS: 428 rooms and suites, all with private balconies THE FACILITIES:

Lum’a spa, infinity pool, 24-hour fitness centre, world-class restaurants THE USP: Couples and friends looking for a relaxed break with top-tier dining

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and a bit of wellness thrown in THE PRICE: From Dhs705 per night THE ROUTE: Abu Dhabi corniche; 1hr 40 minutes from Downtown Dubai VENTURING OUT:

The UAE Presidential Palace is a few minutes’ drive away

THE ABU DHABI EDTION AL BATEEN MARINA, ABU DHABI

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f you want a staycation that will leave all your coolest mates green with envy, then look no further. A masterclass in design, luxury and culture awaits at The Abu Dhabi Edition, whether you check into one of the charming Deluxe rooms or opt for the Marina or Royal Penthouse that sit on the ‘prow’ of the hotel, protruding over the waters and providing panoramic views of the Marina. The decor, like all of The Editions’ global counterparts, is understated chic complemented by well-thought out modern artworks that capture the essence of the UAE’s history and links to nature, as well as pieces from further afield. With the Edition Spa, two outdoor pools, two 24-hour fitness centres and the Market at EDITION eatery serving healthy food options, well-being is totally covered at the hotel. When it comes to dining options, no expense has been spared. With renowned chef Tom Aitkens at the helm of three of the restaurants, as well as Market, guests can choose from the Oak Room, which offers traditional British favourites with a twist, or the Alba Terrace for Mediterranean-inspired dishes, drinks and atmosphere. For something a little more lively, guests are welcome to check out Annex, one of the country’s most celebrated nightlife venues. editionhotels.com/abu-dhabi

INFO THE ROOMS: 198

guest rooms THE FACILITIES:

Three signature restaurants, lobby bar, pool bar, two swimming pools, two fitness centres THE USP: This one is for the cool kids who love all things art, culture and design THE PRICE: From Dhs786 THE ROUTE: Al Bateen Marina; 1hr 30 mins from Downtown Dubai VENTURING OUT:

Louvre Abu Dhabi is 20 minutes away

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Your community needs you now more than ever. Here’s how you can support your city What’sOn_29

SUPPORT YOUR CITY

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he coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic is bringing out the best and worst in people – but it’s really not hard to be your best self. Whether it’s supporting Abu Dhabi or Dubai’s venues or making sure you don’t buy into the panic, there’s never been a more important time to be a good citizen. Here’s how we can all do our bit to support our cities.

01 Buy only what you need The single most important thing you can do is to not buy into the hype surrounding panic-buying. Whether it’s toilet paper, rice, pasta or paracetamol, buy only what you need – and remember that there are many people in the UAE who can’t afford to buy in bulk, so ensure the supermarket shelves remain stocked with essentials for those who shop on a daily or weekly basis.

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02 Order in from local restaurants A lot of UAE restaurant and cafe owners are finding it tough right now, but you don’t have to dine out to show your support. Pick up your phone and order delivery from your favourite restaurant to help keep them afloat. See page 10 for just some of the local homegrown restaurants offering local delivery.

03 ‘Donate’ that theatre ticket If you’ve booked a ticket to an upcoming performance, theatre show or comedy night that’s been cancelled or postponed due to coronavirus, consider donating your ticket to the establishment rather than asking for a refund. For some venues, this could be the difference between bouncing back once coronavirus runs its course, or having to close permanently.

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SUPPORT YOUR CITY

04 Practice social distancing You may have read that people who are young and fit are generally coping well if they do contract coronavirus, so you may think there’s no need to shut yourself off from the world. But do consider the elderly and those with suppressed immunity who stand to lose the most – by staying inside as much as possible, you may just prevent someone at-risk from contracting this often-invisible virus. Read books (for our suggestions check out page 58), catch up on the latest TV series (for your suggestions, see page 34), break a sweat thanks to UAE gyms (page 66), play a board game (page 62 on where to buy them) or explore the world from the comfort of your own home (head to page 68 for virtual museum tours).

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05 Keep an eye on your water usage We all know that washing our hands for 20 seconds is the best way to combat the spread of Covid-19, but we also know that every drop of water is precious in the Emirates. So, once you’ve wet your hands, turn off the tap while you lather up, then simply turn it on again to rinse.

06 Tip your delivery driver When that order does arrive, be sure to give your delivery driver a decent tip. These guys are exposing themselves to greater risk at the moment, so give whatever you can to show your appreciation.

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SCREEN TIME

The best film and TV shows to watch right now… according to you

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n a time when we all need to come together (virtually), we reached out to the What’s On community to ask: What are your best film and TV show recommendations? The response was a

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mixed bag, with 95 different suggestions, and a few repeated favourites.

So, here are 10 of the most popular suggestions of the best film and TV shows to watch right now.

SCREEN TIME

01 MONEY HEIST Money Heist, or La Casa De Papel, became a huge hit on Netflix in 2019, but originally aired on TV in 2017. The series follows a group of people, each with a cityfocused code name, who attempt to rob a bank in Spain. The Spanish series is still available on Netflix and if you don’t speak the language, there is an English audio dub available, however we recommend opting for the subtitled version to enjoy the full experience.

02 LOVE IS BLIND One of the most popular responses was for hit Netflix show, Love is Blind. A somewhat apt concept, all contestants are required to communicate with the opposite sex though isolated pods, never seeing what their partner looks like. Only after they become engaged, do they get to finally meet and see each other for the first time. From there, the show takes a look at how they get along in the real world, in the lead up to their wedding day.

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SCREEN TIME

05 NARCOS

03 100 HUMANS

Recommendations from What’s On readers poured in for both Narcos and Narcos: Mexico. The latter was intended to be the fourth season of the popular show, but developed as a companion series, set in Mexico rather than Colombia. The crime drama series are both based on the real stories of the illegal drug trade.

A new series has been released which aims to make scientific sense of the differences between humanity. The Netflix series follows 100 people from varying backgrounds and through different experiments aims to define the aspects of being human. The series is light-hearted and comical, yet educational.

04 ONE STRANGE ROCK The documentary series from National Geographic is narrated by Will Smith and is shot from the perspective of eight astronauts. Through some fantastic filming and CG shots, it documents our fragile and beautiful planet that we all call home.

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06 MARRIAGE STORY An incisive and compassionate portrait of a marriage breaking up and a family staying together. From Academy Awardnominated filmmaker Noah Baumbach and starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda and Ray Liotta.

07 FRIENDS Despite first airing over 25 years ago, Friends is still as relevant and relatable today as it was then. If by some miracle you’re yet to catch an episode, the 10 seasons follow a group of six twenty-somethings living in New York City. In this loveable sitcom, the friends battle through highs and lows, but in the end they always have each other.

08 CONTAGION Contagion was released in 2011, yet has found a renewed popularity due to current events. The movie features an all-star cast including Matt Damon, Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. The plot follows the development of a virus which spreads across the world by fomites. Medical teams scramble to find a vaccine in order to save the lives of millions.

09 THE STRANGER The Stranger is a British thriller series which has been praised for its clever storyline, and will keep you guessing throughout. A mysterious figure appears in a small town and begins to stir the pot by revealing information about the community. As the story unfolds, more and more secrets come to light before a big twist at the end.

10 THE BLACKLIST Crime thriller series, The Blacklist, follows high-profile criminal Raymond “Red” Reddington. The former Navy officer seeks immunity from prosecution by offering the FBI a list of the country’s most dangerous criminals. Each episode sees Red work with the FBI to track down one of the wanted criminals.

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THE HOME OF STORYTELLING IN THE MIDDLE EAST

“MY BEST FRIEND IS A PERSON WHO WILL GIVE ME A BOOK I HAVE NOT READ” ABRAHAM LINCOLN

EAT + DRINK + SHOP The following pages are here to whet your appetite. Read on, bookmark these pages, and we hope you’ll visit them soon.

RATING FOOD A+ to CVIBE Family Friendly Party Casual Romantic Fancy PRICE (FOR TWO) Up to Dhs249 Dhs250 to Dhs749 Dhs750+

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Picture perfect

Brunch & Cake will pop on your Instagram feed KIMPO p41 NASSAU p44 MATSU p50

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

NAMMOS DUBAI

A glamourous Mykonos hotspot lands in the Emirates n the original Nammos in Mykonos, celebrities from all over the world – including Mariah Carey, Valentino, Queen Latifah, Hugh Jackman and Leo DiCaprio – regularly swan in, eat lunch and party day-to-night by the beach. With this kind of clientele swinging through the doors, it made sense to bring the brand to Dubai, a ‘twin seaside town’ if ever there was one.

Tucked next to the main entrance of the Four Seasons Resort Dubai, Nammos has its own private beach, terrace and restaurant. Breeze past the rather frosty reception served by the trio of pursedlipped hosts (why upscale restaurants insist on hiring them remains a mystery) and head inside. There, swathes of white linen invite you to sink into a whitewashed timber chair and hunker down for

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the day. The sunshine streams through the tall windows, large green plants provide a burst of colour and smartly dressed – and far friendlier – waiters dash around the restaurant with intent.

The menu is presented with pride, along with a breadbasket and olive oil. The friendly sommelier offers expert tips from a stellar list – anyone for a 2011 Chateau La Mission at Dhs24,450 a bottle?

True to the Greek provenance, the menu exudes a lightness of touch that takes you to the Mediterranean. The burrata (Dhs149) with four kinds of tomatoes, avo, grilled asparagus and olive oil is a classic, creamy start. From the raw range, the line-caught fish of the day carpaccio (Dhs129) with sea urchin, seaweed and finger lime is beautifully tangy, while the unique aubergine mille-feuille (Dhs86) is a towering masterpiece layered with feta cream cheese.

The spaghetti with shrimp, scallop and basil pesto (Dhs149) is firm to the bite with a delicate hint of garlic and pine nuts. Main courses are perfectly fresh and

suitably dramatic, served on enormous platters (for the fresh fish) or wooden boards (for the meat), with highlights being the world-renowned Kobe beef (starting at Dhs486/100g) and the fish of the day (up to Dhs620/kg), both of which are filleted or carved tableside.

No surprises on the sweet menu with profiterole, pavlova and ice cream.

The chocolate mousse may be a little light and fluffy for pedants, but by this stage you’ve been well serenaded by live singers, and generally swept up in the glory of it all that you’ll either be dancing or slumped heavily in your chair.

Come with a frisky credit card and give those celebrities a run for their money. a Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, daily 12.30pm to 12.30am. Tel: (058) 1210000. nammos.gr RATING Food ����������������������������������������������������������������A Atmosphere ������������������������������������������������ Price ���������������������������������������������������

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EAT // REVIEW

KIMPO

Will Korean fried chicken be enough to tempt residents to the busy end of Sheikh Zayed Road? f you ask us, there’s a time and a place for fried chicken; the time is ‘always’, and the place is now Sheikh Zayed Road.

Kimpo, a new Korean street food-inspired restaurant has opened at Conrad Dubai, in the street-level location once occupied by Little Black Door. Inside the restobar, it’s neon-heavy. There’s a huge fluorescent Kimpo sign on the ceiling, intermixed with colourful graffiti and TV screens playing K-pop on repeat. It’s loud and quirky but actually a lot of fun, too.

The half-page food menu is dominated

by Korean fried chicken and diners need to first choose a flavour (spicy barbecue or signature barbecue) and then pick from wings (Dhs32 for six pieces, or just Dhs36 for 12) or drumsticks (Dhs34 for three

pieces). Korean king of the crisp at Kimpo is Chef Lee, who breads the chicken in a special way, making the skin of the chicken mixed with the batter incredibly crunchy and flavourful. In addition to the customordered poultry, there’s a range of Asian specialities, each with a twist, including Korean bulgogi sloppy Joe (Dhs52) with kimchi and homemade barbecue sauce; an East-meets-West take on tacos (Dhs58)

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served with slow-cooked minced meat and Korean pickled onions; and Kimpo pizza (Dhs68) with salmon, kimchi mayonnaise, and yuzu jelly.

The food across the board is inventive rather than gimmicky. Sure, Asian-style pizza isn’t a new concept but the Kimpo version was sublime with a crispy base, paper-thin layer of fresh salmon, served with sesame seeds and seaweed. The comforting Korean kimchi fried rice (Dhs40) is a good vegan option (and great value, too), served in a large bowl with several hunks of lightly breaded tofu, but the star(s) of the show are deservedly the fried chicken. Salty, battered, and wondrously juicy – we must have ploughed through two portions of the boneless option before even looking up.

Would we return? Let’s just say that for fried chicken, Kimpo is high up on the pecking order. a Conrad Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Tue to Sun 5pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 444 7444. @kimpodxb RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������A-

Chef Lee

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C O N S U M E

EAT // THE OPUS

What’s inside the Opus?

From a stunning design-led hotel to glorious new restaurants, here’s what you’ll find inside the magnificent Opus designed by the late Zaha Hadid…

The Maine Land Brasserie

OPENING SOON

This third installment of one of Dubai’s favourite restaurant brands is The Maine Land Brasserie, which occupies the ground floor of The Opus with a capacity for around 100 guests. Similar to the brand’s existing restaurants, inside you’ll find a glorious focal-point bar, an exhibition kitchen complete with a charcoal grill (a first for The Maine), and interiors awash with rich materials, floor to ceiling windows, dark textures and luxurious tiles. The modern American cuisine will include many of your Maine favourites, as well as plenty of exciting new offerings. q themaineoysterbar.com/themaine-land-brasserie-businessbay

ME Dubai The much-anticipated ME Dubai hotel, a branch of the world-renowned Melia hotels, finally opened its doors in Business Bay last month.

The 93-room property inside The Opus is an asymmetric architectural marvel designed by the late Zaha Hadid. All of the furniture within the hotel was also either personally selected or designed by the architect in her last project before she passed. The entire hotel, from the lobby to the spa and the rooms has a hyper-modern, futuristic design in Hadid’s signature curvaceous style. q mebymelia.com

Central

Roka

A cosmopolitan tapas bar, with heavy Spanish influence, Central serves as the all-day dining restaurant for ME Dubai guests. Guests will be treated to an exciting selection of Spanish dishes, including plenty of fresh meat and fish. q melia.com

Roka Dubai is the sister restaurant to Zuma. Located on the first floor of ME Dubai in The Opus it’s the first international export for the venue, with four already open in London. The cuisine is similar to its overseas siblings, but on a more laidback and affordable scale. The restaurant itself is spacious, with natural influences and an outdoor terrace with Burj Khalifa views. Pull up a chair at the robata kitchen for a front-row seat to the action in the kitchen. q rokarestaurant.com/restaurant/roka-dubai

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MORE TO COME… Once complete, there’ll be a total of 15 dining and entertainment outlets within The Opus.

Watch this space.

The Maine Man Meet Joey Ghazal, the man behind one of Dubai’s favourite restaurant brands The Maine Oyster Bar & Grill, The Maine Street Eatery and now The Maine Land Brasserie – have you been surprised by the brand’s success?

Yeah you know, we’re delighted of course. We’re proud to be one of the very few homegrown brands that has grown to multiple units. We have thought very carefully about the areas we would open in to create an even spread around town, thinking about how we can give each location its own twist.

You’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. What inspired you to launch The Maine in Dubai in the first place?

My father moved here in 1975. I grew up here. I went to Dubai College. I went to primary school here. My family has been part of the Dubai fabric since before there was really anything going on. When I returned to Dubai in 2013, I spent a lot of time looking around and seeing what was missing.

I was excited by pockets of homegrown concepts emerging but I realised that there wasn’t anything going on in terms of licensed casual dining. The market was primarily driven by developers, you know, big money guys who import big brands from abroad. I felt like

the city was missing a brasserie company – somewhere where no matter which location you go to, you know what you’re going to get: a value-based experience that’s authentic, activated with great events, with great quality food and friendly service.

How have you made each location differ?

The Streetery has more of a neighbourhood feel with a kids’ play area. The Maine Oyster Bar has a coastal, more nautical feel, and the Land Brasserie is focused on inland Maine – a bit warmer but slightly moodier. I think people will be surprised by how we’ve continued the narrative of the brand.

Tell us more about the new restaurant.

Well, people have been asking for a Maine Downtown for a very long time. We thought about the DIFC, and Sheikh

Zayed Road, but honestly the Opus is so iconic. There’s a natural beauty to the space, the triple-height ceiling, and the cathedral-esque windows are so unique that I knew it was where we needed to be. We are still maintaining the casual brasserie feel, but there are a few special elements including a large charcoal grill that’s part of our exhibition kitchen.

When you say brasserie, what do you mean?

For us, a brasserie crosses all generational lines. It doesn’t matter what the occasion is, whether it’s a business meeting or a date, a family gathering or party, we welcome them all.

We love it when people come to celebrate their birthdays.

We are one of the few venues where we really love groups.

Many restaurants don’t have the facilities or logistics to handle that.

What’s on the menu?

We have a larger focus on game and meat. We’ve introduced dry-aged beef that we don’t do in the other outlets. You’ll find different varieties of steaks and chops and we want guests to customise them to the way they want.

What would you suggest ordering?

We have an amazing Irish Angus sirloin. I love it cut about an inch and a half, marinated in Montreal steak spice (that only we import) and when it’s cooked on charcoal it makes all the difference. You’ll see.

Any plans to expand internationally?

Yes! We are opening a Maine in London, which we hope will open at the end of the year. We’re very excited about that, too. We really believe that our brand has legs. It’s the restaurant that’s at the forefront of people’s minds when they don’t necessarily know what they want. People say “Let’s just go to The Maine, they’ll take care of us.” That’s a great feeling. q themaine.ae

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C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

NASSAU

Has celebrity chef Silvena Rowe hit a hole in one at Jumeirah Golf Estates? ilvena Rowe may be best known for her virtuous, guilt-free fare at Omnia Gourmet, but her latest Dubai opening shows she’s not adverse to the pleasures of the flesh.

The clubhouse at Jumeirah Golf Estates is the polished setting for Nassau, a Medleaning restaurant that has luxurious comfort at its core. The dining room acts as an extension of the living rooms of the golf estate’s well-heeled inhabitants, with toffee-coloured leather couches, graceful archways, and lush greenery at every turn.

Rowe’s menu is equally cossetting.

Perhaps it’s a case of playing to her market, but the millionaire’s burger (Dhs125) with a self-described slab of foie gras is about as far from guilt-free dining as you could possibly get.

We skip the heft of the burger, instead following the lead of Nassau’s switched-on maître d, who helpfully steers us towards some of Rowe’s lighter highlights.

First up is a dish of whipped labneh (Dhs65). Laced with black truffle and topped with a colourful jumble of roasted carrots, sweet potatoes and beets, it’s earthy, creamy and satisfying.

The second starter of sauteed king prawns with chilli, garlic and herbs (Dhs65) has a lilting Southeast Asian accent, with lemongrass and kaffir lime lingering in the background.

You’ll want to scoop up every last drop of the aromatic sauce, but you may wish to bypass the dry toast fingers it’s accompanied by in favour of the excellent bread basket served on arrival, loaded with five different loaves on our visit.

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It’s a homey touch that speaks to Rowe’s locally sourced, handcrafted ethos.

Mains continue to show her dexterity when it comes to crossing borders and cuisines, melding Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian flavours with aplomb.

A copper pot of Ottoman-style lamb shoulder (Dhs125) has been cooked for 48 hours until it falls apart with a gentle nudge of the knife. Poached organic salmon (Dhs155) is served in a frothy, vivid green Thai broth redolent with lemongrass, coriander and ginger.

The quality of the ingredients is clear, but portions aren’t huge, so if you’ve just walked in after 18 holes, you might want to order a couple of sides for your table.

While the savoury courses were exceptional, we were slightly less wowed by a salted caramel and chocolate ganache tart (Dhs49), which suffered from a toothick crust that was a tad underdone.

Instead, zero in on the Eton mess (Dhs39), a light, luscious combination of crunchy meringue, pillowy whipped cream, berry sauce and fresh berries.

Unless you’re a local, Nassau takes some seeking, but we wager you’ll be glad you made the journey to Rowe’s latest masterstroke. a The Club House, Jumeirah Golf Estates, daily, noon to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3601816. dubaigolf.com/nassau RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� A Atmosphere ������������������������������������������ Price ���������������������������������������������������������

BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BOOKMARK MONTH O F T TO H E

Brunch & Cake Dubai

Brekkie dishes that are as pretty as a picture, but do they taste as good as they look?

In an age when taking pictures of food has become the new norm, cafes are trying harder than ever to become the next viral food trend to hit the internet. One that’s sure to impress your followers is Brunch & Cake, a Barcelona export that’s opened in Dubai’s affluent Jumeira neighbourhood.

It’s said that visitors travel from far and wide to bag a coveted table at the original cafe in Spain, with queues out of the door every day. The Dubai outpost has apparently drummed up just as much interest and, when we booked, we were advised to come around 11am, to avoid the earlier queues.

The décor is stunning. Rattan chairs and marble-top tables are surrounded by wicker-woven cacti, golden reeds and large green potted plants, with other tribalinspired decorations illuminated by light flooding in from the huge floor-to-ceiling windows.

But we were really there to tuck into

some of the outrageously Instagrammable dishes that we’d seen dominating its feeds.

The avo toast (from Dhs58) is served on thick-cut olive sourdough, with grated tomato and olive oil and a feta avocado smash, and was just as pretty and delicious as we’d hoped. Other highlights on the menu include a breakfast calzone (Dhs68) with a caramelised mushroom sauce and scrambled eggs, and the Brunch & Cake eggs Benedict (Dhs65) – poached eggs served atop charcoal sweetcorn waffles.

The surprise hit was the truffle cream and mushroom pizza (Dhs68), which the staff insisted we try (despite it only being 11am). It was an excellent pizza indeed, with a puffed up and slightly charred crust and gooey centre – definitely one of the best pizzas we’ve tasted this year, and who doesn’t love pizza for breakfast? a Ground Floor, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, daily from 8am. Tel: (800) 4726362. @brunchandcakedubai What’sOn_45

C O N S U M E

EAT // SEAFOOD

AL FANAR SEAFOOD MARKET

Why this seafood restaurant should be on your bucket list ou many have heard of Al Fanar. There are several branches around the UAE, but its biggest and most picturesque branch has just opened up in Al Barsha Pond Park.

The themed space reflects how Dubai would have looked back in the ’60s when it was just a small town.

Its inspiration is drawn from Al Jazirah Al Hamra, a town in Ras Al Khaimah over two centuries old – a story that the

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NEW OPENING

restaurant has proudly displayed on one of its walls.

Houses back then were built using red clay, stucco, coral stones and clamshells – rather than concrete – and this is reflected in the design. Around the venue you’ll also find authentic antique novelties and goods which are also available to purchase.

While the interiors tell a fascinating story, the food is equally exciting. At the seafood market, guests pick from a variety of freshly caught fish ranging from prawns, lobsters, sea bass etc and you’ll be asked to pick from a range of cooking styles: grill, deep-fry, one-pot stew or sauteed with sauce of your choosing. We recommend trying the Indian and Emirati curry sauce.

While seafood options dominate the menu, you’ll also find chicken biryani, chicken tikka, and lamb kebab available, too.

Want some privacy? Al Fanar Seafood Market is also the only branch to offer private dining rooms where you’ll dine family-style at a low table while sitting on cushions.

And if you want to enjoy the fresh air and the views of Al Barsha Pond, you can choose to sit outdoors. a Al Fanar Seafood Market, Al Barsha Pond Park, Dubai, 12pm to 10pm Sun to Thur, 8am to 10pm Fri and Sat. Tel: (04) 353 3733, alfanarrestaurant.com/albarsha

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

AJA ASIAN & TEPPANYAKI RESTAURANT

Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island opens its restaurants to outside guests. First stop, Aja ja was formerly exclusive to guests of the super-luxe all-inclusive desert island resort, but as of February this year it’s been open to gourmands everywhere.

Journeying from resort to restaurant, there is a sharp key change in ambiance and design. The grand Ottoman-inspired opulence of the hotel abruptly gives way to modern Japanese, wood and tile finishes.

A subconscious cascade of cherry blossom falls.

For alfresco-friendly months there’s an exterior courtyard setting in addition to the expansive interior space. You can pull up a stall at teppanyaki tables in both areas, but you’ll need to book in advance.

We came to sample the a la carte menu, which after brief consultation reveals a blend of Asian (predominantly Japanese) and European cuisine.

Aja’s menu includes traditional Asian dishes such as sushi, maki, sashimi, ramen, Thai soups and salads in addition to European dishes that have been given an eastern enhancement.

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After finishing a bowl of pleasantlyseasoned edamame, our palates are primed for an umami party. We chose beef tartare (Dhs75) and a shrimp tower (Dhs70) to start our meal.

The tartare was served with celeriac puree and horseradish vinegarette — and although it ticked all the important boxes for salt, spice and acid flavours, there was a presence of citrus in the vinegarette that we found overpowered the neatly chopped sirloin rather than raised it.

The shrimp tower was generous and stacked with precision-cooked prawns that were firm, juicy and rimmed with just the right level of crisp.

For our main course, the attentive and polite wait staff brought us grilled tenderloin (Dhs135) and seabass (Dhs130).

Each dish had been given an Asian massage, the grilled tenderloin was dressed in hoisin sauce. The seabass clad in a rice vinegar and soya sauce.

We enjoyed the Chinese hoisin twist to the sirloin, but the dish suffered from a sub-

prime cut. There was cause for applause as well as disappointing flaws in the execution of the sea bass too. The overall plate was an enjoyable eat, but the fillet was thin, and ever so slightly overcooked.

The flavours of the principle ingredient should be what stands out, to be romanced by marinades and sides. With everything else in place, it’s a quick and simple issue to fix, and once you realise that it’s clear that there isn’t much standing between what we experienced at Aja and truly dazzling dining.

We would happily return again, to play tapas with their sushi and appetisers, and also give the fusion mains another try.

We’ve heard good things about their confit duck leg. a Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Tue to Sun 6.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 4922222. saadiyatisland.rixos.com RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� B Atmosphere ��������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

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AMAL CLOONEY LAWYER

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ZAHA HADID ARCHITECT

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C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

MATSU

Authentic Japanese food overlooking Yas Links t’s an unlikely location for a top-notch Japanese restaurant: the upper floor of the Yas Links clubhouse.

The Latin music that played across the peaceful patio, overlooking the popular post-game watering hole Hickory’s, makes the scene even more incongruous.

But head there all the same, because the food is authentic and delicious, the service attentive and atmosphere serene.

Named after a coniferous evergreen that is also grown ornamentally in Japan, our night on the patio of Matsu was marked by one delicious offering after the next.

Our meal started with a generous portion of salty edamame and was followed by an immediate winner: the tofu salad (Dhs64). Laced with goma, a tangy white sesame dressing, the greens were topped with cubes of agedashi tofu, which is lightly deep fried to create a pillowy,

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almost cream cheese-like consistency, and gobo chips made from Japanese burdock root. Our other starter was the salmon tataki with ponzu sauce (Dhs45). We loved how the delicately seared fish paired with the tart ponzu sauce.

We sampled a bit of maki sushi and liked the spicy tuna (Dhs35) and crispy ebi tempura (Dhs60) the best. Be prepared: these rolls are oversized, which might prompt the uninitiated to compare them to the clumsy versions we’ve attempted at home. Instead, you will be tucking into the kind of thick rolls that are popular in Osaka and across the west side of Japan.

For mains, our vote goes to the tender

tuna steak, which was topped with crispy renkon (lotus root) chips and served with buttery asparagus spears (Dhs108). We filled our bellies with the hearty steamed rice dish seafood kama meshi, which was mixed at our table and filled with an impressive amount of salmon, mussels and unagi, or freshwater eel (Dhs90).

We are consistently impressed these days with the quality of Japanese desserts, and the matsu houji-cha creme brulee (Dhs63) was everything this dish aspires to be, topped by a crispy, carmelised shell, which we joyfully punctured to reveal smooth custard underneath. The matcha and milk roll cake (Dhs45) offered layers of cream and green tea-infused sponge that left a trademark lingering sweetness, just like our overall Matsu experience. a Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Wed

6.30pm to 10.30pm, Thur 6.30pm to 11pm, Fri 12.30pm to 11pm, Sat 12.30pm to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 5560096. matsu.ae RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� A Atmosphere ��������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

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EAT // REVIEW

90 CENTIGRADE A hot new opening in the Grand Millennium Al Wahda

0 Centigrade is a little gastro café that recently set-up shop in the lobby of the Grand Millennium Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi. We’re told it takes its name from the optimal brewing temp for the perfect espresso.

Having a precise metric to shoot for in the pursuit of excellence is useful. And the café seems to share that same clarity of aspiration.

The exterior’s monochrome tiling helps the café achieve a Parisian bistro feel, and although the cosy, more colourful interiors stand in almost jarring contrast, they feel equally as deliberate.

90 Centigrade identifies as an ecofriendly eatery. It prioritises the use of locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable materials. Those opting to

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purchase a reusable takeaway cup, for example, will find it fashioned from repurposed coconut husk.

The menu is compact (although we’re assured it will grow), offering a single page of breakfast items and another page for afternoon and evening meals.

But this is far from a negative — a cluttered menu, untethered by direction can often be a far greater kitchen sin.

We started with two salads: the butternut pumpkin and organic quinoa (Dhs 35), and blackened shrimp, asparagus and avocado bowl (Dhs35). Both were fresh and smartlydressed, but the delicate charring and aromatic marinade of the blackened shrimp was a glimpse of something special.

We also tried the grilled salmon (Dhs65) which was served with cheesy potato mash and lemon and passion fruit sauce. Adequately conceived and cooked, but the passion fruit element of

the reduction was not a right swipe for our particular palate.

The lobster tagliatelle alfredo (Dhs65) was a dish of huge flavours.

Roasted lobster tail, perfect al dente pasta, bottarga, pommery mustard and parmesan cheese. Every element is wellexecuted – and conspires to create a rich dish, possibly too rich if you’ve already enjoyed starters.

You can order hot and cold caffeinated signature pours, juices and blended fruit infusions. It’s a licensed venue too, so you can pair your bites with adult drinks.

With extremely comfortable seating, multiple power points, a strong menu and gourmet coffee just a dawdle away — it strikes us as a perfect spot to start working on that novel. a Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street Al Wahda Complex Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30am to 1am. Tel: (02) 4953968. millenniumhotels.com RATING Food ��������������������������������������������������������������B+ Atmosphere ��������������������������������������������������� Price ��������������������������������������������������������

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C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

49ERS

The capital’s steakhouse offers tasty deals at Le Meridien f ever there was an institution in Abu Dhabi, it’s 49ers The Gold Rush. The everyman’s steakhouse that turns into a raucous nightclub opened more than 25 years ago in the Tourist Club, packing people into the lift to get up to the top floor, where the midwest Americana Gold Rush vibe combined with stunning views of the capital.

Rising rents prompted the eatery to relocate to another Abu Dhabi mainstay, Le Meridien, and in January 49ers opened in an old ballroom space.

Walking inside the new 49ers is like a weird and wonderful trip back in time: visitors are greeted by a shiny statue of a gun-toting, mustachioed prospector. Shiny saddles are draped over railings, staff wear cowboy hats and old-timey fonts abound.

Although the new location lacks the views of the old, there is an authentic, friendly, cosy sort of feel. The square room is lined by comfortable booths and tables on two sides, a long bar on another, all facing the stage. In the centre, the tables are a mix of round casks and square high-tops with comfortable red leatherbacked chairs. Things start to get busy around 10pm, and there is live music every night.

We started with the sharing platter of three items for our appetiser (Dhs59).

Our potato skins were topped with a generous portion of cheddar and veal bacon, although we were less enthused about the addition of standard creamy white cheese. We couldn’t exactly place the sauce that topped the dynamite prawns – it had a gluey, cheesy consistency to it, and although the prawns bore a pleasant warmth, they weren’t crunchy enough.

The Tennessee chicken bites were a hit, however: crispy fried tender chicken

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bites tossed in a tangy teriyaki-tinged dark barbecue sauce.

The platter was served with marinara sauce, which didn’t seem to match any of the items, but our server promptly brought us a ramekin of sour cream for our skins when we asked.

49ers is nothing without its steaks, though. Although the minimum order per steak is 250g, each version is priced per 100 grams, which is a bit misleading and requires some math – something we usually try to avoid with dinner.

The 250g tenderloin (Dhs125) was a hit. The juicy, center cut was cooked to rare perfection, served with crunchy sweet potato fries and two pieces of corn on the cob that had a lovely sweet essence, but

like most of its ilk in the UAE, suffered from mushiness.

Dessert was a delicious warm apple pie (Dhs39), drizzled with a scrumptious caramel sauce and served with a scoop of ice cream, while the brownie madness (Dhs39) featured a warm, fudgy brownie topped with vanilla ice cream, drizzles of chocolate and more caramel sauce, topped with nuts.

At the new 49ers, you still get one of the most reasonably-priced steak dinners in town, with oodles of character. a 49ers The Gold Rush, Le Meridien, Abu Dhabi. Sun noon to midnight, Mon to Sat noon to 3am. Tel: (02) 6458000. 49ers.ae RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� B Atmosphere ��������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

C O N S U M E

Shop

FAQs

Home improvements The capital’s second Ikea store is set to open in July 2020…

A

new branch of the popular Swedish furniture store Ikea is currently being constructed at Abu Dhabi’s Al Wahda Mall.

Abu Dhabi already has one Ikea on Yas Island, but this second store is positioned in a more central location, making it accessible for many of the capital’s residents.

It will also take the total number of the famously labyrinthian stores in the UAE to five, following the launch of Jebel Ali’s Festival Plaza outlet at the end of 2019.

In the past, Ikea stores have usually set up home in the suburbs. It made practical

sense, given their vast size and the fact that there was usually expansive warehouse space on site. Inner-city real estate just wasn’t viable.

Fast-forward to 2020 and the new 23,000-square-foot Al Wahda Mall location is just the latest in the brand’s growing ‘city store concept’ portfolio.

Vinod Jayan, managing director of AlFuttaim IKEA said of the upcoming launch, “We are delighted to open a new Ikea store at Al Wahda Mall, given the mall’s strategic and central location, we will be in the city centre closer to where the many people live.”

Will I be able to purchase those tasty little Swedish meatballs there? Yes, yes you will. Reasonably priced meatballs, shawarma, hot dogs and cooked breakfasts will all be available at the cafeteria.

Will there be unpronounceable (for non-Scandanavians) product names? Yes indeed — the Ikea range, famed for Swedish practicality and nomenclature, will be available in store.

Will I go in to buy one potato peeler then leave with three trolly-loads of mood lighting and a new kitchen? Probably.

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ART // THEATRE // FILM // MUSIC

Just for laughs

Prepare for some side-splitting action at the DXB Comedy Fest

A

night of belly-laughs is in store for all comedy lovers at the DXB Comedy Fest. Leading the line-up is Eric Omondi. With over 2.5 million Instagram followers, the Kenyan is the president of Comedy Africa and is sharpening his wit for his Dubai appearance during the preceding dates of his regional tour. Also on the bill is Loyiso Gola, a leading talent in the stand-up field from his native South Africa. This hilarious performer has been building a steady fan base in the UK, courtesy of high-profile television slots and comedy festivals, which also earned him an Emmy nominee.

From the UAE, Abdulla (Abz) Ali, will be bringing his

uncensored and controversial comedy routines to the stage for the marathon comedy event and will be joined by Mishal, a Saudi act who built his career in the US. Rounding out the line-up is India’s Yash and three Nigerian comics – Policy, Pappy and Senator Comedian – who will bring jokes that cross social and physical borders and some witty anecdotes. Along with top comedy, guests can enjoy live entertainment by Don Coleone and DJ GB. April 17 a Dusit Thani Hotel, DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 5.30pm to 1am, from Dhs100. Tel: (04) 3433333. dubai. platinumlist.net What’sOn_55

THE AGENDA Our pick of the top art-related events this month

/EVENT/

Modern Masters The third edition of this ongoing series shines a light on the region’s greatest 20th century artists. Hailing from all over the Middle East, the narratives on show in this exhibition 56_What’sOn

Events and schedules are changing fast. Check individual company social channels for up-to-date info…

reveal social, political and cultural history.

Until May 30 a Meem Gallery, Umm Suqeim Road, Al Quoz, Dubai. Sat to Thur, 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3477883. meemartgallery.com

CULTURE /EXHIBITION/

Infinite Angles This show by Mohammed Kazem, one of the leading UAE artists, features paintings from construction sites entitled Sound of Light (2019-20) and an installation of a found bathroom door leading to a new series of Sound of Angles.

Until May 20 a Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Unit 17, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai.

Open by appointment only.

Tel: (04) 323 5052. ivde.net /EXHIBITION/

The Ocean Refuses No River These delicate pieces constructed upon a map of the UAE traces lines that appear like rivers.

The artist also uses her diaries and notebooks to create works open conversations about life’s journey.

Until April 28 a XVA Gallery, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, 312th Road, Al Fahidi St, Dubai.

Daily 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 353-5383 xvagallery.com /EXHIBITION/

Contemporary Heritage This is a solo show by Hazem Harb who questions notions of heritage for the largely displaced Palestinian population. His layered photographic collages are a metaphor for the layers of his own identity.

Until June 30 a Tabari Artspace, Bldg 3, DIFC. By appointment only. Tel: (04) 3230820. tabariartspace.com /NEW

TOUR/

Take a virtual tour of Dubai In light of the need for social distancing, we can now take virtual tours of several Dubai landmarks thanks to Dubai360.com. Key landmarks include Burj Khalifa and Atlantis, The Palm as well as cultural destinations such as Etihad Museum, Dubai Museum and the former home of Sheikh Rashid (the founder of Dubai) in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. a Dubai360.com

/EXHIBITION/

Sacred Spring This is a collection of Shona Sculptures by seven internationally celebrated Zimbabwean artist. They’ve used stone and in their expressive creations are said to extract the individual spirit of the stone to create joy.

Until May 21 a Showcase Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai.

Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm. showcaseuae.com What’sOn_57

CULTURE

It’s a classic BOOKS

01

02

04

Now’s the perfect time to settle in with one of the greats…

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ere’s our pick of five literary classics guaranteed to be a good read. Bonus: you can order them online from Magrudy’s and Kinokuniya in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, so you don’t even need to leave your couch.

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03

05

01 Pride and Prejudice Jane Austen

In many ways, this book defined the modern novel – it is considered one of the most sharply written books ever and the language is renowned for its wit and potency. The novel tells the story of the Bennet sisters: five young girls and the adventures that life takes them on as they discover that love is rarely straightforward and often surprising. The love between Mr Darcy and

Elizabeth Bennet has become a relationship archetype in English literature, and this theme of ‘hate until love is realised’ is replicated in many other stories, such as Bridget Jones. Definitely worth a read and there are many movie adaptations to accompany it.

02 The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald

Widely considered the greatest American novel ever written, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is an

absolute must-read.

Set in the roaring 1920s, it follows the characters Nick Caraway, Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby and the ostentatiously wild lives of the wealthy.

It is a devastating expose of the ‘Jazz Age’, brilliantly capturing the flaws and insincerity of the American Dream through its captivating storyline, while detailing the moral failure of a society obsessed with wealth and social standing.

03 The Kite Runner Khaled Hosseini

This coming-of-age story based in Afghanistan and America is loved for its story and its ability to truly make the reader think.

Afghani immigrant Amir is summoned from his California home to Pakistan

by Rahim Khan, an old, dying friend of his father.

As a boy in Afghanistan, Amir’s best friend Hassan was brutally assaulted by a local bully, and because he was too scared to save him he has been tormented by guilt ever since. Often described as like ‘watching a movie’, this book is a must read and those who saw the recent stage adaptation at Dubai Opera will love it.

04 1984

George Orwell In this novel, George Orwell projects his terrifying vision of a totalitarian future and a dysfunctional dystopian society where everyone’s every move is watched by the ominous Big Brother. It follows the life of Winston Smith, who is frustrated by the lack of freedom in his life and begins a subtle rebellion against the party. The truly

fascinating aspect of this novel is that the society described is entirely feasible with today’s technology.

Orwell’s novella is a warning for the human race and a classic in dystopian fiction.

05 Little Women Louisa May Alcott

Generations of readers young and old, male and female, have fallen in love with the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott’s most popular and enduring novel, Little Women. Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy March live with their mother in New England while their father is away serving as a chaplain in the civil war.

The sisters struggle to support themselves and keep their household running as the family recently lost its fortune.

As the girls grow older, each faces her own personal demons and moral challenges. The novel explores timeless themes and has long been considered one of the most powerful feminist novels. It even has a new film adaptation out

by Greta Gerwig to accompany it.

All books are available at magrudy.com and uae. kinokuniya.com.

What’s On reading list Here’s what we’re reading right now…

Laura says…

Everything I Know About Love Dolly Alderton A memoir from British journalist and podcaster Dolly Alderton of bad dates, heartaches, terrible landlords and MSN days. It’s like looking into my own past. Funny, heart-breaking and frighteningly relatable.

Sarah says...

Conversations With Friends Sally Rooney Remember how well you had everything together in your early 20s: career, study, relationships? Yeah, me neither. Nor does Frances, the 21-year-old protagonist in this stark look at love and life as we stumble and fumble our way into adulthood.

Miles says…

The Dry Jane Harper A murder mystery set in rural Australia brings Detective Falk back to his childhood home to face shadows from his past. Falk must tackle small town prejudice, rising temperatures and the worst drought in decades to clear the name of a friend.

Elise says…

This is going to hurt Adam May A witty and realistic look at what it’s really like on the front line of the British healthcare service. Adam’s diaries come to light as he comically talks through the highs and lows of becoming a doctor in the NHS. Expect to find a new-found respect for anyone in the medical profession.

ALSO TRY… ARABIAN SANDS Wilfred Thesiger Arabian Sands is Wilfred Thesiger’s record of his extraordinary journey through the parched Empty Quarter of Arabia. Educated at Oxford university, Thesiger was repulsed by the softness and rigidity of Western life – “the machines, the calling cards, the meticulously aligned streets” – and, in the spirit of T. E. Lawrence, set out to explore the deserts of Arabia. q booksarabia.com

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CULTURE

The greatest love of all Whitney Houston’s musical legacy is brought to life at Dubai Opera

MUSIC

G

et ready for the incredible vocals of Belinda Davids – a RiSA charttopping artist in her home country of South Africa – who has been featured on Fox TV’s Showtime at the Apollo and BBC1 TV’s Even Better Than the Real Thing.

With the accompaniment of a live band, backing vocalists and choreographed dancers, plus state-of-theart sound, lighting, vision and theatrical effects, The Greatest Love of All is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers.

We caught up with Belinda ahead of her performance at Dubai Opera this month…

Is it true that it was listening to Whitney’s songs that taught you how to sing?

I could sing since I was five, but I had never taken any lessons until I heard

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Whitney Houston perform a song with Teddy Pendergrass called Hold Me. That’s when I knew that I wanted to sing like her and I never stopped listening to her. Even today, while I perform her music so frequently, I still listen to her.

So you were a fan of the singer before you ‘played’ her?

I have loved her and have been a fan of her from the moment I can remember. I was a huge fan of her because she had such a unique and incredible talent, she was inspiring in the true sense of the word.

How did you feel when you were given this role?

At first I was very excited and then I was scared. I realised that I had to do everything in my power to portray this woman to the best of my ability, which was quite frightening because portraying Whitney Houston you have to be just as good. You can be nothing less.

What’s your favourite song to sing?

I think my favourite song to sing in the show would be I Have Nothing.

It’s really hard to choose a favourite song when all of her songs are so relatable, but that is a very powerful and dramatic song to sing on stage.

What is your greatest love of all?

A few things really: firstly my children, and then finding myself. Finding who I really am and loving myself for who I really am is The Greatest Love of All for me.

If you were able to meet Whitney today, what would you say to her?

Thank you for teaching me how to sing.

Thank you for teaching me how to deliver a song. Thank you for being the connection to my dream. Thank you for being such an incredible artist and allowing me to look up to you. * This event has now been postponed.

A new date will be announced soon.

Visit dubaiopera.com for updates.

emirateswoman.com

CULTURE

Games night (and day) Where to buy board games in the UAE

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ow is the time to be relaxing at home, whether you’re social distancing with close friends and family. Board games are a great way to enjoy a spot of digital-free fun, but how many of us actually have them sitting at home? We’ve rounded up a few small businesses where you can purchase board games to play at home.

PLAY

Back To Games Independent store Back To Games has temporarily suspended all of its gatherings, gaming, and demoing. However, the retail store, and its online shop is still open for you to purchase games to play at home. There are hundreds to choose from, so you can pick up a family classic, or discover something new. a Times Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur & Fri 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 323 1336. backtogames.com a Al Wahda Mall extension, 1st floor, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 562 3338. backtogames.com

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The Six

Unwind Unwind Speciality Boardgame Cafe, located on Hessa Street in Dubai, has introduced stringent cleaning measures in light of Covid-19. The cafe is still open for business, but if you prefer to play at home, you’re welcome to stop by and purchase games from them. a Unwind, Hessa Street, Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 336 6611. unwinddubai.com

If you’re in the Downtown Dubai area, check out The Six, a board game cafe on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard.

Although they have around 1,000 games available in the cafe, they also have a small selection available to purchase and take home. a The Six, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, Sat to Wed 9am to midnight, Thur & Fri 9am to 2am. Tel: (04) 334 2666. thesixcafe.com

CULTURE

WORKSHOP

Advice from the expert Founder and creative director, Dan Terry, shares his knowledge

TRIED & TESTED

Good scents Create your very own eau de parfum at Oo La Lab

W

hen we think of mixology, a barman and a drinks shaker usually spring to mind.

But Oo La Lab focuses on a different type of mixology – the art of fragrance design.

So, it’s a perfume making class?

Yes, exactly. The Chemistry of Oo workshop is a step-by-step guide to scent making.

Apart from mixing fragrances together, what will I learn?

It all starts with an introduction where you’ll learn how personality matches

scent, and how it can make or break a first impression. Then you’ll discover the 27 different notes to choose from, and the three layers that make up a fragrance.

Great… but when do I make my own perfume?

After you’ve got a grasp of the basics, you’ll have the opportunity to trial a few combinations based on your preferences.

Et voila! You should have your very own signature scent.

Do I get to keep it?

Absolutely! Give it a name and take away either a 20ml or 50ml bottle of your very own masterpiece.

Scent can affect your mood…

Our human sense of smell is processed in the same part of our brain as our centres for memory and emotion. Thus scent and emotion are deeply connected, with research showing that our sense of smell can elevate mood by over 70 per cent.

It’s linked to personality…

Scent is deeply personal.

Where we grow up, the foods, weather and culture we are part of, deeply affect our taste in, and our expression, of perfume.

You might be surprised to learn…

We still don’t know 100 per cent how it works!

There are two competing theories with neither telling the full story.

A good perfume is all about…

Selection and balance of the ingredients. A strong connection between design intent and creative outcome.

My top tip is…

Go with your gut and follow your nose! a Alserkal Avenue, Dhs320 for a 60-minute workshop and a 20ml bottle, or Dhs470 for 50ml. oola-lab.com

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SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL

PA G E 66

Online workouts Get fit at home

BRILLIANT MUSEUM VIRTUAL TOURS p68 02.2020_What’s On_65

A C T I V E

SPORT // ONLINE WORKOUTS

Let’s get physical (at home) Favourite gym closed? Don’t sweat it. Check out these at-home workouts from local gyms and yoga studios

UnderdogBOXN The team at UnderdogBOXN is keeping your pulse rate up with ‘at home’ workouts. The team launched their first session on Instagram in March, with a 30-minute HIIT workout. All you need is a towel, mat, a couple of baked bean cans to use as weights, and a whole lot of energy.

Follow: Instagram.com/underdogboxn

Barry’s Dubai Great news Red Room fans, the Barry’s instructors are also offering free 30-minute workouts at 9am every single day. Expect a mix of core, mat work and more all filmed live from its studio.

Follow: instagram.com/ barrysuae 66_What’s On

Warehouse Gym Following last month’s announcement that all gyms and fitness centres in Dubai had to close immediately, Warehouse Gym showed its support for the community by immediately freezing all memberships.

The Warehouse crew has also been busy working on virtual workouts for you to follow at home.

Follow: instagram.com/whgym

Events and schedules are changing fast. Check individual company social channels for up-to-date info…

Crank Dubai Jivamukti with Dina UAE yogi Dina Ghandour practices an energising, enlightening form of yoga called Jivamukti, which harnesses the power of movement and breath. While the physical studios she teaches at are temporarily closed, Dina is offering virtual yoga classes on Facebook Live and Instagram Stories. And let’s be honest, we could all do with a boost to our emotional, physical and spiritual well-being right now.

Follow: instagram.com/jivamuktiwithdina

The popular Alserkal Avenue spin and shape studio is releasing a series of athome shape and stretch classes on its Instagram feed. So far there are three workouts to try: a legs and core video (complete with set of instructions), an upper body and core workout, and a full body workout.

Follow: instagram.com/crank.dubai

1Beat

Define Dubai Define Dubai has just launched a new online portal, definebody.com/ondemand, offering online versions of its popular barre, bounce, yoga, prenatal and cardio dance workouts. It’s free to use for a limited time.

Follow: instagram.com/definedubai

Cool vertical climbing and spin studio 1Beat is renting out its equipment so you can bring its studio into your home. Rent a climber, bench, weights and resistance bands for Dhs2,000 (plus a refundable Dhs2,000 deposit) and receive daily playlist links and online IGTV classes run by the 1Beat instructors.

Follow: instagram.com/1beatdxb What’sOn_67

A C T I V E

Virtual tours Wander through some of the world’s most iconic museums without having to leave the comfort of your sofa

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Y

ou don’t need a plane ticket to visit some of the best museums in the world. Thanks to virtual technology, you can visit them in your own home.

LOUVRE MUSEUM IN PARIS The Louvre Museum in France is the world’s largest art museum and a historic monument in Paris. Art lover or not, this is one museum that should be on your list of places to visit. For the time being, however, it’s closed to the public, but if you head to the museum’s website, you’ll be able to take a virtual tour of it. Not only will you be able to visit the museum’s many exhibition rooms and galleries, you will also be able to view the beautiful facade of the Louvre, too. Heard of the stunning Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery)? The ceiling is famous for its high vaulted ceilings with painted decorations and you can see it up-close in the virtual reality tour. Like wow! q louvre.fr

Louvre Museum in Paris

GUGGENHEIM IN NEW YORK

Guggenheim in New York

This virtual tour of the New York icon focuses on the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase, where you can see works of art from the Impressionist, PostImpressionist, Modern and contemporary eras. While you may finish your virtual tour of the staircase fairly fast, you can head to the main homepage and scroll though other artworks at the museum. q artsandculture.google. com/partner/solomon-rguggenheim-museum What’sOn_69

A C T I V E

TRAVEL //

VIRTUAL TOURS

VAN GOGH MUSEUM IN AMSTERDAM While you won’t be able to catch Vincent van Gogh’s The Starry Night here (don’t worry, you will at the MoMA — the Museum of Modern Art, up next), you will be able to spot plenty of his other masterpieces. In fact, this museum houses his largest collection, including 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

Paintings include Branches with Almond Blossom, Sunflowers, The Bedroom, Wheat Field with Crows (believed to be the last painting he ever did) and much more. q artsandculture.google.com/ partner/van-gogh-museum

MUSEUM OF MODERN ART The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York houses one of the world’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art. It is dedicated to the conversation between the past and the present, the established and the experimental. Apart from Van Gogh’s The Starry Night, you will also be able to look at artworks by Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and many more modernist artists. q artsandculture.google.com/ partner/moma-the-museum-ofmodern-art

THE SMITHSONIAN If you love the Big Bang Theory and wholeheartedly agree with what Ross from TV sitcom Friends has to say, then you’ll love The Smithsonian.

The museum seeks to understand the natural world 70_What’s On

British Museum in London

and our place in it. This museum holds about 155.5 million objects, which include artworks, cultural artefacts and scientific specimens spread across three floors, but, not all of these are visible on the 360-degree tour. Items you can get a closer look at range from a Neanderthal reconstruction, to earth rocks that are about 3.96 billion years old to a 195-carat sapphire, and much more. q artsandculture.google.com/ partner/smithsonian-nationalmuseum-of-natural-history

BRITISH MUSEUM IN LONDON The British Museum in London is dedicated to human history, art and culture. The

Museum of Modern Art

The Smithsonian

The Getty Museum

collection here has been sourced through the era of the British Empire and is dedicated to human history, art and culture. Its permanent collection spans eight million works, making it the largest and most comprehensive collection in existence. On the website, you can navigate between The Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania from 2000AD to 2,000,000BC. You can even narrow down your experience and select from art and design, living and dying, power and identity, religion and belief and lastly, trade and conflict. Navigation can be tricky, so be patient with it as there’s lots to explore and learn. q britishmuseum.withgoogle. com

THE GETTY MUSEUM Set some time aside for this one, as the virtual exploration of the Getty Museum’s rooms seems endless, with one room leading to the next.

Nonetheless, don’t rush through it — there are more than 15,000 items to check out.

The collection spans European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European, Asian, and American photographs. When checking out the information provided on some of these masterpieces, scroll all the way down and enjoy additional videos that delve deeper into the artwork. q artsandculture.google.com/ partner/the-j-paul-gettymuseum What’sOn_71

WIN!

A MYSTERY BOX DINNER AT MASTERCHEF, THE TV EXPERIENCE WORTH DHS1,000 Fancy yourself a bit of an adventurous diner? One lucky winner and three guests will win a dinner with a twist at MasterChef, the TV Experience. You’ll be tasked with choosing up to five ingredients from 10 options

consisting of proteins, vegetables and condiments, before challenging Chef Vaamonde-Beggs and her team to bring the selections to life within a strict 45-minute time frame.

T&Cs apply.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 72_What’sOn

WIN!

A TWONIGHT STAY AT PEARL ROTANA WORTH DHS3,000 If you want something to look forward to this summer, enter now for a chance to win a relaxing two-night stay at the modern deluxe Pearl Rotana. The prize also includes breakfast for two people. T&Cs apply.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win What’sOn_73

WIN!

DINNER FOR FOUR AT LA CUCINA Experience la dolce vita at La Cucina, the authentic new Italian ristorante at Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah which showcases the best of Italy. Guests can indulge in a hearty feast of

traditional recipes straight from Mamma’s kitchen, including an irresistible range of cicchetti (Italian tapas), perfectly prepared pastas, plus meat and seafood dishes. T&Cs apply.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 74_What’sOn

A C H I C H I D E AWAY F RO M T H E E V E RY DAY, WHERE MODERN DUBAI MEETS TRADITIONAL A R A B I A N H O S P I TA L I T Y. I T I S , S I M P LY, D U B A I ’ S M O S T I N T I M AT E B E A C H F RO N T R E S O RT. 101 Dining Lounge & Marina, at One&Only The Palm.

Ambient beats, spectacular views, moments forever.

Open daily from 11.30am to 2am

oneandonlythepalm.com +971 4 440 1030

Distinct Flavors of Ramadan Embrace the spirit of Ramadan with a memorable Iftar experience at the world’s tallest 5-star hotel. Choose from a selection of exquisite venues serving a lavish iftar from sunset until 8.30pm.

International Iftar at Kitchen6 AED 215 per person Indian Iftar at Masala Library by Jiggs Kalra AED 195 per person, including Ramadan juices CORPORATE IFTARS

Venues are available for exclusive hire For bookings, call +971.4.414.3000 or email jwmmrr@marriott.com For Group bookings, call +971.4.414.2000 or email jwmarquis.dubai@marriott.com

Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, PO Box 121000, Dubai, UAE T + 971 4 414 3000 I jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com jwmarriottmarquisdubai I jwdubaimarquis I jwmarriottmarquisdubai I #ramadanwithmarriott