Issue 87 en

Issue 87 |December 11-25, 2014

Danat Al Ain Scores

"Touchdown" Christmas traditions around the world NOW OPEN!

Win a FREE stay at Ayla Bawadi see page 9

An African Adventure

NMC opens new medical center in Al Ain The road to Caramel

BRIGHTON COLLEGE AL AIN

Brighton College Open Evening

Wednesday 21st January 2015

6.00-8.00pm in the College Theatre Scholarships are now available for 3-5 year olds with well-developed language skills at a 25% fee remission, making Brighton College the most affordable A-banded British school in Al Ain Email admissions@brightoncollegealain.ae

Telephone 03 7133 999

EXCELLENCE BY TRADITION BRIGHTON, UK 1845

ABU DHABI, UAE 2011

AL AIN, UAE 2013

New Year’s Festivities Get set for the most extravagant celebration of the year.

New Year’s Eve Zest | 6:30pm to 3:00am, AED 350* per person, AED 150* per child under 12 years of age Trader Vic’s | 7:30pm to 3:00am, AED 455* per person, AED 200* per child under 12 years of age Zakher Ballroom | 7:30pm to 3:30am, AED 445* per person New Year’s Day Zest | 12:30 to 4:30pm, AED 159** per person, AED 205** per person, AED 89** per child under 12 years of age Moodz | 7:00pm to 3:00am, AED 100* For table reservation or more information, please call ext 1062 or email fb.alain@rotana.com *All prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee. **All prices are subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

Al Ain Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road, P. O. Box 1210, Al Ain, UAE, T: +971 (0)3 754 5111, F: +971 (0)3 754 5444, alain.hotel@rotana.com

AL AIN: Bawadi Mall DUBAI: Arabian Center | The Dubai Mall | Dubai Festival City Mall | IBN Battuta Mall | Mall of the Emirates Al Ghurair Centre | Town Centre | Mirdif City Centre ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Mall | Al Ruwais Mall | Al Wahda Mall | Bawabath Al Sharq Mall Dalma Mall | Mushriff Mall | FUJAIRAH: Fujairah City Centre SHARJAH: Mega Mall | Sahara Centre

Contents 10 INBOX

This page is all about you! Send us your poems, pictures or letters and see them published here. Ask us your questions and pick up some handy environmental tips.

12 NEWS 14 TECH TALK

8 essential apps for UAE life

16 CITY HIGHLIGHT

NMC Healthcare opens new Medical Centre in Al Ain

18 URBAN WOMAN Shine like a star

22 STUFF FOR MEN

“On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me…”

24 CITY REVIEW

Now Open! the Ayla Bawadi

26 FAMILY

Christmas with the family

28 COVER STORY

The Danat Al Ain Scores “Touchdown”

28 36

RECIPE Chilean sea bass: Caramel style!

37

ENTERTAINMENT Hollywood & Bollywood gossip

38

MY WORLD An African Adventure

40

DIARY What are your plans for next week?

Take a look at our diary for the latest events happening around town

41

TIME OUT

42

SOURCEKIDS / BRIGHTEENS

30 HEALTHY & LIFESTYLE SLEEP APNOEA

32 CHRISTMAS FEATURE

Christmas: How do you celebrate yours?

34 SPECIAL FEATURE

The Road to Caramel

34

18

22

38

T

Director's Note!

MANAGING DIRECTOR Farid Nouisser EDITOR IN CHIEF Mahra Saeed Al Muhairi ENGLISH EDITOR Brenda Chandler ARABIC EDITOR / SENIOR TRANSLATOR Diana Joudieh SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PHOTOGRAPHER Sikkandar Sharpudeen DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Joe Mathew ADVERTISING advertising@thesourceuae.com CONTRIBUTORS Dr. Nadia Hussain, Rhiannon Downie, Fiona Duerden TO CONTACT US +971 3 7668111 faridn@thesourceuae.com www.thesourceuae.com FOLLOW US ON

facebook.com/ thesourceuae

he festive season is once again upon us and for those of you celebrating Christmas; it is no doubt a time of hustle and bustle as you prepare for that special time of giving in the company of family and friends. For the many less fortunate souls, it represents a time of stress despair and even loneliness. While reveling in my personal bounty of blessings each year at this particular time, I am often overwhelmed with a feeling of deep despair as I watch the evening news or venture into the neighbourhoods of misery that are never very far away for my comfortable existence.

‘Tis the season for peace, harmony and good will towards all men, but ideology in the absence of action is like a teardrop in the rain – invisible!

The planet earth has indeed become a very small place and thanks to modern technology, we can no longer feign ignorance and hide in our individual comfort zones. We face: overpopulation, dwindling natural resources, and an environmental crisis that threatens our air, water, and trees, along with the vast number of beautiful life forms that are the very foundation of existence on this small planet we share. And this is just the tip of the iceberg!

We no longer have the luxury of retreating to our secure circles and must work on the creation of ‘one human family’ with a universal responsibility to meet the challenges of our times. As much as I love my family and friends, I can no longer deny that we are all one family sharing this planet with an equal right to pursue happiness and as such, must find a solution for harmonious coexistence.

So now you are all, no doubt, waiting for me to give you that simple solution to the problem at hand and believe me, if I had it, I wouldn’t be sitting at this lap top dreaming! Forgive me; it is not a dream, rather an essential reality we must all work towards and the best I can offer is this cache of weapons that will prove effective in the fight for unification: Love, compassion, charity, tolerance, empathy, selflessness, peace, harmony…

I think you get the picture! To everyone in Al Ain and beyond, I send my best wishes for a joyous Festive Season, filled with all of my previously mentioned weapons of choice. Please use them for the betterment of mankind now, and forevermore.

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Managing Director

WIN! WIN!! WIN!!!

The Ayla Bawadi Now Open

The highly anticipated opening of the Ayla Bawadi Hotel has arrived, and to celebrate this new addition to the Ayla Family, we are inviting a lucky Source reader to enjoy a luxurious stay at Al Ain's latest, greatest hotel.

No part of this publication or content, thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without the permission of The Source Magazine, published by Smart Design Publishing, in writing. The Source Magazine and Smart Design Publishing accept no responsibility, however caused, for errors or omissions contained in this publication. Any articles and/or images included in this publication and/or views and opinions expressed therein do not necessarily reflect the views of The Source Magazine and Smart Design Publishing, and any of its affiliates, but remain solely those of the author(s). Such publications have been included for general reference and the purpose of fair review.

Copyright © 2014 by The Source and Smart Design Publishing, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

Simply tell us the names of the cafe & restaurant located in the hotel for your chance to win an unforgettable evening pampered by the Ayla hospitality team!

Hint: The answer can be found on our City Review page!

Only one entry per person! The competition is restricted to Al Ain residents only!

Terms and conditions apply.

Please share your name location and contact number. Email your answers to competition@thesourceuae.com with the subject line Ayla Bawadi.

inbox

Camilla's words of widsom

Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.

The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.

THOMAS ALVA EDISON

ADOPT

ASK THE TEACHER Our son is in the fourth grade and recently missed the due date for a science project by one day. I am a firm believer in certain repercussions in the event of failing to observe deadlines; however, I was shocked to discover that his tardiness was to result in the loss of 50% of the overall achievable mark.

Is this degree of punishment justified or too harsh for a fourth grader?

Dear reader,

LUCKY Lucky is a wonderful 7/8 month old boy.

He is looking for his forever home. He is just so wonderful and kind that we cant express in words alone. He would love a home with another dog or two and he also loves children of all ages. Any family would be lucky to adopt Lucky. He has a lovely nature. He is medium sized. Lucky is such a great dog and will make a lovely family pet. He loves a walk and a cuddle on the couch; needs a villa though. He's just a playful boy that loves to give and receive lots of love and attention. He so deserves to be in his dream home with a forever family. Vaccinated, microchipped, and neutered.

For adoption queries email animal. action@hotmail.com.

I can well appreciate your reaction regarding this incident. Your question raises issues related to both the application of sanctions and the level of accountability for different ages of children. Sanctions should reflect the severity of the mistake and therefore be incremental within a whole school policy and consistently applied.

Our philosophy at Brighton is that any sanction should lead to a positive outcome, so that children effectively learn from their mistakes. Children are most likely to learn well, if they believe the sanction is fair, proportionate and accompanied by positive incentives to succeed.

I think this sanction is overly severe and doubt very much that it will intrinsically motivate children to learn the causes and effects of their actions or ‘inspire’ them to improve in the future.

You mention your son being of primary

TIPS TO GO GREEN

RECYCLE - Set up recycling areas in your home, such as a bin to collect recycling, or a corner of your basement or garage to place items until you’re ready to recycle.

JAMEELA means pretty so if you want to tell any one she is pretty you say hya jameela jameela also comes as a female name her name is jameela esmoha jameela

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The Source

CONSERVE WATER - Encourage family members to turn off the faucet as they brush their teeth. Install water-efficient showerheads. If you have a yard, avoid watering outside between noon and 6:00 p.m. Make an effort to take shorter showers.

school age and this is significant. How often have we all, as ‘grown ups’, missed a deadline and that is after having had a lifetime’s education at school, university and work. Your son is still young and in the process of learning study skills and the ability to organise himself, his belongings and his time; what he needs most is support, guidance and ample time to learn how to prioritise when attempting to meet deadlines.

An effective teacher would appreciate your child’s age and capabilities, offer support in achieving realistic and attainable targets and give a measured, and indeed compassionate response to the problems your child faces.

Sarah The

Source’s

very own “Ask the Teacher” columnist, Sarah Wood, comes to us from Al Ain’s prestigious Brighton College, armed with a passion for bringing out the very best in the children she teaches. Sarah will be on hand in every issue of The Source to offer her professional advice on early childhood education best practices. Send your questions to asktheteacher@thesourceuae.com and see them answered here!

CONSIDER GROWING FOOD - Grow vegetables, herbs, and fruits. You can grow food (from seed or seedlings) in pots in your home or out in your yard.

TURN OFF LIGHTS AND ELECTRONICS - Encourage family members to turn off lights in rooms when no one is in the room. Have family members turn off computers, mp3 players, cell phones, televisions, and other electronic devices when they’re not in use.

CLEAN the lint filter in your gas or electric clothes dryer, to realize big savings.

inbox

Wacky World

Coincidence What causes a leafe to fall from the branch: a natural act, intended to be, or the effect of an unwanted coincidence?

To the detriment of a time past and now inexorably not to return, a photo immortalizes forever a path of life, a felt experience, and then evokes memories reviving the same sensation experienced live in the past.

Lumia 730 used in attempt to create 'world's largest selfie' in Bangladesh

Microsoft took the biggest selfie recently using a Windows Phone device. An unknown number of Microsoft employees along with people from Bangladesh managed to take what is considered the largest selfie in the world snapped with the Lumia 730.

The number of participants reached over 1,000. That's quite a lot, and no doubt Microsoft is going to use this in several advertisements to sell the Lumia 730 to the world.

Microsoft is now awaiting confirmation from The Guinness Book of World Records to see if it will grant this prestigious title. We view this as a smart way of promoting the selfie

and also the functionality of the Lumia 730.

"Unfortunately, the picture perfect crowd can't lay official claim to taking part in selfie history just yet as we're still waiting for confirmation from The Guinness Book of World Records. But we're very confident that soon this photo will be crowned the biggest ever," Microsoft said.

On Microsoft's Bangladesh Facebook page, over 40,000 people have liked the image as of this writing. It shows that Microsoft is doing something right with this marketing ploy, and it might just help the company sell enough Lumia 730 devices to warrant another in the family by next year.

Dear Reader, Thank you for your question. While most people will have a minor, localized immune response to an insect bite such as from a black ant, there is a particular type of ant called the Samsum ant, found in the UAE that can be dangerous. This is an aggressively invasive species of ant, which is also known as the African stinging ant, and its bite could be fatal to certain people.

When stung, a person who is allergic to the formic acid secreted by the ant, will experience swelling of the tissue around

The same coincidence for which the leaf abandons forever the branch or the result of an ordinary twist of fate?

Doubts and questions that we all try to give an answer to, when the mechanisms are so well-oiled that missed noises prevent us from listening to what life tries in everyway to whisper.

And we remain there watching the wind caressing the leaf as it falls... slow, in dance, towards its pre determined fate" By: Luciano Scelza

ASK THE DR.

Dear Dr. Gabe Recently my wife was bitten by a small black ant. That very night she developed flu-like symptoms accompanied by a severe itchy rash. It was so bad that I was forced to take her to the hospital for treatment. Is there anything the public should about these particular ants or was this just an isolated allergic reaction?

Reader

What prompted the photographer's hand to adjust the lense to shoot, at the right time the portrait of that moment?

the breathing system that will continue to enlarge if not treated. A person who is stung by the Samsum ant should immediately be given anti-allergy pills (antihistamine) and taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Always be careful when dealing with the creepy crawlers in the great outdoors to insure that your activities remain safe and enjoyable.

AND THE

WINNERIS MOHAMED BARAKAT

won the delicious 43rd National Day Cake from

Dr. Gabe The doctor is always on call at The Source and asking the right questions can lead to better health. Dr. Gabriel comes to us from Oasis Hospital, where he practices family medicine. Simply send your questions to askthedoctor@thesourceuae.com and see them answered and published in the magazine.

Winner kindly contact The Source office to collect your prizes.

CONGRATULATIONS! The Source

11

news Al Ain Mall 43rd National Day Celebration

Al Ain Mall, Al Ain’s premier entertainment and shopping destination celebrated UAE’s 43rd National day in a very special way .Events in the mall commenced on Tuesday the 2nd of Dec and ended on 5th of Dec. Evenings with a variety of entertainment programs were arranged, offering exceptional times to visitors of all ages during this glorious occasion.

The celebrations began on Tuesday at 4:00 PM, which included a number of activities such as, traditional bands (Ayala, Harbiya & yula show) and lots of activities for families and kids. The major highlight of the evening was “The Twins musical Concert”. The finale of the National Day celebrations with Al Ain Mall concluded with the roaring engines of super cars revving and attracting car enthusiast from all over UAE. Al Ain mall organized the first of its kind “Al Ain Mall Modified Car Show”. The Cinema parking lots had to be blocked to ensure smooth flow of traffic around the mall. More than 200 super cars registered for the competition. Winning Categories

included Best Modified Saloon, Sports, SUV and Classic cars respectively. Winners were treated luxuriously with business class tickets to anywhere in the world, Al Ain Mall Shopping vouchers, gifts bags and much more. The modified car show created a super car carnival scenario for the people of Al Ain. Participants were eager to come back next year and Al Ain Mall has promised to make the 2nd edition of this initiative much grander than before.

Mr. Morhaf Kishi Al Ain Mall General Manager quoted as saying It was a great pleasure celebrating the 43rd UAE National Day, the 4 day celebrations were outstanding and full of activities that suited all members of the families, and we achieved a record this year by attracting over 300,000 visitors from all emirates.

Certainly, the big shows and activities and the newly added outlets and hi-end brands with the choicest dine-in restaurants in Al Ain Mall Extension were the center of attraction this year”.

Hili Rayhaan

by Rotana light’s up the christmas tree

Hili Rayhaan by Rotana, lit up the Christmas tree, spreading joy and Christmas spirit.

Everyone’s attention was focused on Santa Claus as he arrived with his bag full of goodies. Santa’s appearance was followed by gift giving to all the boys and girls who attended.

“The Christmas Tree Lighting is a tradition that Hili Rayhaan by Rotana will continue for 12

The Source

the people of Al Ain city every year. Nothing matches the joy on these children’s faces when they witness the magical appearance of Santa with his gifts”, said Stephan Kohn, General Manager.

He continued, “We are always eager to run these events because it gets us closer to our guests, especially during this special time of the year”.

Success of Ayla’s Chefs at the SIAL culinary competition Organized by the Abu Dhabi chapter of the Emirates Culinary Guild and endorsed by the World Association of Chefs’ Societies, SIAL Middle East culinary competition was held from November 24 to 26, 2014, at ADNEC, the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The event consisted of a series of competitions in various categories for professional chefs, pastry chefs, cooks and bakers. Categories ranged from the creation and preparation of a five-course gourmet meal to ice, vegetable, chocolate carvings, open show piece and much more.

Ayla Hotel's six qualified chefs achieved one silver medal, two bronze medals, and three merits at the SIAL culinary competition. The competition was tough, but our participants worked day in and day out. Our staff spent their time supporting them and taking those pictures.

Mr. Mohamed Soussan, General Manager said: “I am excited and honored to see my kitchen team achieving such great results; it gives me an immense happiness.

I am certainly proud of their hard work and creativity. I would like to thank and congratulate the winners once again for representing the Ayla Hotels and Resorts on this platform.”

The results were as follows: Vineesh Ambadth - New Arabian Cuisine Silver Medal | Binu Sasi - Cake Decoration Practical - Bronze Medal | Thusanji Nirmal - New Arabian Cuisine - Bronze Medal | Buddika Sampath B. - Couse Gourmet Dinner Menu - Merit Awarded | Charidu Taraka Samarasingha - Course Gourmet Dinner Menu - Merit Awarded | Pererra Don Janith - Course Gourmet Dinner Menu - Merit Awarded

tech talk

8 essential apps for UAE life Abu Dhabi Taxi Get a taxi in less than 10 mins.

Abu Dhabi Taxi is a user friendly application that offers convenience to book a taxi in Abu Dhabi & Al Ain region of UAE from your current location, determined by the phone GPS. Book a taxi for current time from current location using Locate Me option. Bookmark your favourite addresses. And also an SMS notification to the registered local number.

You can cancel the booking by calling the call centre or from your app using cancel option.

Abu Dhabi City Guide

Packed with insider tips and in-theknow advice, this free Abu Dhabi city guide will help you avoid all the tourist traps so you can experience the city like a local.

GuidePal’s intelligent and inspiring mobile city guides are created by a unique collaboration between city locals and leading travel journalist who handpick only the best their city has to offer.

Our travel guide provides an authentic experience all via the latest app technology, and will give you insider information on the best attractions, sights, shops, restaurants, nightlife (bars and clubs) and museums.

It’s all about travelling like a local with GuidePal. Features: • Offline map of Abu Dhabi • 100% offline – no roaming charges • Augmented reality • Sharing functions • Travel itinerary • Available for Android, iPhone, Blackberry and WP7 (Windows phone)

Used cars in UAE UAE Government “A friendlier Apps way to buy and sell used cars!”

Used Cars in UAE lets you BUY and SELL used Cars.

Post pictures of cars you want to sell in less than 30 seconds and Buyers all around the UAE contact you INSTANTLY via chat. Shop for used cars for sale by make, model, year and mileage. Read user reviews on a used car for sale before buying.

1. Built-in chat messenger that lets you have a real time conversation with a buyer or a seller while you negotiate and discuss business. Who needs emails and unwanted phone calls?

2. Geo-localization accurately pinpoints where a Seller and an Item is located on the map, as well as their distance from your current location.

Used cars in UAE is simple, elegant and very EASY to USE.

Abu Dhabi Events

This mobile application is Abu Dhabi's official calendar and onestop resource to discover the best of the emirate’s happenings.

An eventful destination, Abu Dhabi's actionpacked calendar includes international motorsport events, a golf championship, music, gourmet, heritage and cultural festivals, watersports and aerobatic shows, high profile business conferences and vibrant trade fairs.

Search by month or topic to quickly find events that suit you. You can opt to get alerts based on your interests and you can share your personalised calendar with friends to make sure they don't miss out on the action.

UAE Government Apps gives the official list of all the mobile applications offered by the government entities in United Arab Emirates (UAE). With the UAE government apps, you can access and use the government services at any time and from wherever you are. By providing a faster, modern, safe, and reliable way of accessing the UAE government (Smartgov) services, the apps are aimed to boost customer happiness and enhance user experience.

Key Features:

Contains all Official Government Apps

UAE

Full Arabic Support with Rightto-left, inline with UAE mother language Location Services, The app will locate your location, and sort the apps according to the emirate you are located in.

- Search, You can search in Arabic, and use of meta data for search.

UAE - MOI

UAE Ministry of Interior -

UAE – MOI provides services for smart phones to be used by individuals and companies as well. The application provides services that are offered by four main sectors: 1. Traffic and Licensing: 2. Civil Defense 3. Police Headquarters 4. Naturalization and Residency In addition to the smart phones services, the application provides service centers locations and provides you with the nearest service center location as well. It also provides news and information about the Ministry of Interior of United Arab Emirates.

UAE MOFA

Ministry of Foreign Affairs UAE This application is provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE - MoFA) for the following purposes: * Allows users to get in contact with UAE-MoFA and its embassies and consulates overseas . * Provides users with information about visas and attestation requirements and fees. * Offers contact information about UAE embassies addresses, phone numbers, and location maps. * Provides contact information about accredited foreign embassies and consulates in UAE * Allows UAE citizens to register in Tawajidi service, update their information and get assistance from UAE em bassies oversees. * Presents notifications service to users about important news and other urgent situations.

Labour Law of UAE Check out and search the entire Labour Law of UAE. U.A.E. Labour Law (Federal Law 8 of 1980 governs organization of labour relations.

Read the entire Labour Law of UAE. Search at will. All sections of the Act are available in the app.

Whether you are a layperson, law student, chartered accountant, a corporate lawyer or a taxpayer, this is an invaluable reference since it contains full text of the Act. You can search using any keyword and the app will show you the relevant sections.

To see all sections of the Act (index) do not enter any search term and hit the search key. This provides you with complete list of chapters like a TABLE OF CONTENTS. The list of contents chapter-wise comes up by default when you start the application.

Thinking fitness clubs? Thinking Adults?

THINK AGAIN!

OPENING SOON!

A unique first of its kind sports club in the UAE! Our Focus on Health, Smarts and Fitness is where it should be - at the beginning!

By providing a Fun, Active and Healthy environment for kids, we build a strong, physical and mental foundation that will stay with them for a lifetime.

We offer a wide range of fitness and brain development activities that include: Gymnastics | Safe swimming | Slimming program | Baby gym Kids nutrition | Smart gaming | Ballet and Yoga | Holiday program Summer camp | Martial arts |Takewando | Badminton

and much more...

Our Children are the Future let’s make it a Healthy and smart one!

For more information please contact: Mobile: 050 896 8126 for English | 055 336 6462 for Arabic email: info@leaderskids.ae | leaderskidss@gmail.com :LeadersKids AL Ain | : LeadersKIdsAlAin

city highlight

NMC

Healthcare opens new Medical Centre in Al Ain

• Offers a comprehensive range of primary healthcare services for the entire family • Backed by a team of expert doctors providing multispecialty care • Easy access from Al Ain Town Centre and Falaz Hazza

N

MC Healthcare, the UAE’s largest private healthcare provider, has opened a new medical centre in Al Wadi Trading Centre building in Al Ain. The new facility will provide top-quality medical services to the patients in Al Ain and surrounding districts, following world-class clinical and patient safety standards.

The medical centre is located in the Al Wadi Trading Centre building, next to Daman office, Al Ain, which is close to the industrial and residential areas of the city. The medical centre aims to provide comprehensive healthcare services assuring complete comfort and care to all categories of Al Ain residents. The centre will primarily focus on those living within a convenient distance of the new facility, particularly Al Ain Town Centre, Falaz Hazza, Zakher and Jahili region.

Dr B.R. Shetty, founder and CEO of NMC Healthcare, said, “This new medical centre adds to our growing portfolio of facilities in Al Ain, and demonstrates our commitment to provide quality healthcare to residents across the city. Our strategy is to expand NMC Healthcare’s offerings throughout the UAE to meet the increasing demand for quality healthcare by a fast-growing population.”

The new medical centre in Al Ain will be staffed by highly experienced medical professionals providing multi-specialty

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care, and also includes a pharmacy to meet the needs of the growing residential and industrial communities in Al Ain. NMC Medical Centre will offer specialty services in cardiology, dermatology, general medicine, general surgery, obstetrics & gynaecology, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, paediatrics, internal medicine, radiology and urology. The facility is located near

NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain to provide inpatient services if needed.

The medical centre will be the third NMC facility to open in 2014 after NMC Hospital in Dubai Investments Park and Brightpoint Royal Women’s Hospital in Abu Dhabi. With this new addition, NMC will continue to offer best-in-class medical care to a wider section of the UAE population.

urban woman

Shine like a star

O

nce the first door of those advent calendars opens, the fashion focus shifts to party-perfect little dresses and killer heels.

"Evening wear has only one purpose - it just needs to look sensational", says Annabelle Van Tongeren, author of Dress Like a Star.

"For statement dressing, whether it's an office party or black tie ball, the point is to make a statement - or be overlooked."

So put your dancing shoes on, it's time to frock 'n' roll.

BRONZE GODDESS If you're into vintage glamour, a gold dress is a 24-carat investment. Bronze is the richest colour going on the party-wear circuit and its opulent metallic properties will look fabulous against warmer complexions.

Go overboard with sequin sparkle, understated with matte burnished gold, or pepper your look with subtle bronze embellishments. Keep the metallic element to the slimmest part of the body - the light reflection is an instant attention grabber.

DARK SEDUCTRESS Create intrigue with lashings of opulent black magic. No need to feel shamed by splashing out on an LBD - with its flattering qualities, a black dress boasts party re-wear potential for years to come.

Beware: a statement colour or print may instantly become labelled as 'that dress' and not leave your wardrobe more than a few times. Add interest with subtle embellishments in festive gold or silver, or re-work a plain black dress with metallic or coloured accessories to diversify your look.

BRIGHT BEAUTY Stand out from the festive party crowd in look-at-me bold colours. Limelight stealers should ditch the land of bland and opt for block rainbow brights to cause a stir on the dance floor.

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By: Lisa Haynes

Take inspiration from Father Christmas, tomato red is the catwalk colour to be seen in this season, or try jewel brights such as indigo, emerald or cobalt blue. Colour exhibitionists should try this season's musthave maxi length for a top-to-toe shot of shocking colour.

ICE MAIDEN Shimmer your way through the party season with not-so-subtle sparkle. Embellishments like sequins, beading and disco paillettes offer instant bling - ideal for effortless one piece dressing without the need to give extra thought to your accessories or make-up.

Whether in the form of a shimmering mini or Grecian maxi, icy shades are fresh and modern, and look their most illuminating on cool skin tones. Keep jewellery and extra sparkle to a minimum - your dress will deliver all the festive glitz you need.

DRESS DECISIONS Unfortunately, Santa Claus can't work pre-Christmas miracles and conjure the perfect frock into your wardrobe overnight. Hunting out the most flattering frock is all about playing on your body's killer feature and disguising your demons.

"Special fabric treatments, beading, embellishment and texture can be used effectively to carve out a new body," explains Annabelle Van Tongeren. "Bodice, sleeves and neckline definition are crucial to creating the most flattering frocks."

Here is a guide to fashioning your perfect frock: • Shiny fabrics increase the body area. Use them purposefully.

•

Matte fabrics are more slimming.

•

Velvets don't translate photographically in paler shades but can look luscious in jewel colours or black.

•

Busy laces need thoughtful placement so they enhance your features, without adding bulk.

•

Clingy jerseys can look trashy so think through the design lines and your underwear.

•

Embellishments can act in a similar way to prints - look at what the pattern is doing to the design lines before you try it on.

FESTIVE PACKAGE This December, head to Tips & Toes for the ultimate festive pamper package... enjoy a full set of luscious semi-permanent lashes, eyebrow threading and a long-lasting TITO Gel Wear mani/pedi, all for just Dhs640 (originally Dhs755).

Call 04 399 0550 or visit www.tipsandtoes.com

stuff for men

“On the First Day of Christmas, My True Love Gave to Me…” Ladies, if you are wondering how to score major points with that special man in your life, have a look at this unique Christmas tradition created

by Trina Holden.

Chances are this week you’re in the thick of making a list and checking it twice and I’m sure you don’t think you need one more thing to think about. But even while encouraging simplicity this Christmas, I’m throwing out a unique challenge.

I suggest you add one more thing to your list.

YOUR HUSBAND. Yes, I know you have him on your list already, and maybe you’ve already found just the right gift to bless him on Christmas Day. But what about today? What about the busy weeks counting down to Christmas, when your time and energy are stretched to fulfill all that this season requires of you as a wife and mother and homemaker?

Is there a way you can keep this most important relationship – this man God has given you, in the forefront of your thoughts, maintaining your friendship even in this hectic season?

There is a way you can add a little holiday spice to your marriage. It’s so simple, it’s almost corny. But I’ve been keeping this little tradition with my husband for 6 years and

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every year he says it’s his favorite part of the whole season.

We call it “Twelve Days” but it has nothing to do with Partridges and Pear Trees. The idea is that I give him a little gift on each of the twelve days leading up to Christmas.

The gifts are not big, often just a favorite cookie or candy, but the value of the gift lies in that I’ve thought of him. When he finds 3 envelopes on the ‘Third Day of Christmas’ or a half a dozen of his favorite cookies on Day Six, his eyes light up like a kid at Christmas, and I fall in love with the tradition (and him!) all over again.

If you’d like to start this tradition in your house, it’s not too late! I usually call Dec. 13th our ‘first day’, so you still have time to gather some things from around the house or on your next trip to town. Here’s a list of items to get you started…

DAY 1: Any single object – this is where I usually spend a little money and give him something I’d otherwise have tucked under the tree. A hat, tool, piece of masculine jewelry, etc.

DAY 2: Think pairs! Socks, gloves, matching

mugs for him and her, sunglasses, pants, long underwear, tickets to a concert or a game.

DAYS 3, 4, 5, AND 6: What comes in packs? Golf balls, socks, briefs, favorite candy, guitar picks, favorite beverage, refills for his razor.

DAYS 7, 8, 9, 10, 11: Higher numbers get a little trickier – just think ‘small’ and you can do it! Cookies, packaged and delivered to work. A CD with 11 songs. Post-it-note love notes hidden through the house.

DAY 12: Think ‘by the dozen’ or ’12 months in a year’. A magazine subscription, coupons for a monthly date night or a dozen chicken wings for lunch.

Once you’ve collected your little gifts, wrap the items up and stash them away where he won’t find them. I jot down which gift I’m giving him on which day in my day planner so I don’t forget. I also like to plan when and how to present each gift — under his pillow, on his vehicle seat, in his work boots — so I have everything thought out in advance, and I can pull off our little tradition with ease despite the rush of those final days leading up to Christmas.

city review

Now Open The Ayla Bawadi

W

e’ve been driving past the new Ayla Bawadi for quite some time, watching the construction in progress, and as fans of the civic Ayla location, highly anticipating the opening of their second gem in the city of Al Ain. Last week I was shopping at Bawadi Mall with my wife and two boys and remember glancing up at the all too familiar sign on the hotel that read opening soon. When we exited the mall after shopping, a delightful surprise awaited as we packed our shopping treasures into the car; that same sign on the hotel face magically transformed itself and now boldly displayed a message we have all been waiting for – NOW OPEN! That’s right Al Ain, our favourite local, home-town born hotel, now has another property for us to enjoy in the same Ayla spirit we have grown to love over the last few years.

The very next day, I received a call from our friends at Ayla, inviting us to visit the new location and discover its charm firsthand.

The Ayla Bawadi features 90 luxuriously appointed rooms and suites guaranteed to satisfy the tastes of business travelers and tourists alike. The guest floors are bright and spacious with unique beacon-like room number illuminations, guiding you to your cozy destination. The gleaming lobby provides an ideal and comfortable meeting 24

The Source

place that leads to Sedra Restaurant and Tamra Café, where the award winning Ayla culinary team is always prepared to serve up an exquisite meal, no matter what the occasion.

Whether it be a conference, birthday or wedding celebration, the 345 square meter events venues, complimented by Ayla’s signature service expertise, are sure to turn your special moments into unforgettable memories. Soon to join the line-up of state of the art facilities are the roof top pool and Pulse Health Club, where fitness and pampering are always on the menu.

There is so much more in terms of services that I could discuss but better still, I encourage you visit, and to make it even easier to experience the traditional Arabic Ayla hospitality, they are giving away a FREE night stay to one of our lucky readers.

Check out our competition page for all the details and before you know it, ‘shop and stay’ at the spectacular new Ayla Bawadi – GOOD LUCK!

Celebrate The Festive Season With Ayla There is no better place to celebrate Christmas than at Ayla Hotel.

If you are looking to treat your family and friends to a sumptuous feast, let us tempt you with our Christmas offers. From our baked Christmas takeaway goodies, takeaway turkey to a memorable Christmas Eve dinner and a mouthwatering Christmas Day brunch. We've got something planned for everyone.

Find out more by calling +971 3 76 10 111 or check out our Facebook Page Facebook.com/AylaHotel

family

Christmas with the family

Some of you may be travelling home for the Festive Season and if that is the case, you may find some useful tips in this article. As for the people staying in the UAE over the holidays and feeling that longing for distant family and friends, this may remind you of those all too familiar awkward moments we have no doubt experienced in the past, and serve as a reminder to remain content in our new home, skyping the ‘outlaws’ over Christmas.

For many families, Christmas is seen as the one time of year when everybody, from your granny to your great uncle Jim, comes together to eat, drink and be merry.

But when you’ve got so many different characters together in one place, it’s almost inevitable that a row or two will emerge.

Last Christmas, a study found that 30% of British families say that it takes less than 12 hours for an argument to occur between relatives on Christmas day. For 22% of people, these arguments are likely to happen first thing on Christmas morning.

Just the thought of these arguments causes lots of couples to feel anxious about visiting each other’s family during the festive holidays.

Read on for some tips on surviving Christmas with the family: DEALING WITH THE PARENTS Your parents will no doubt be used to calling the shots on

Christmas day and, after so many years of organising family get-togethers, they’re probably set in their ways.

by communicating and working together, stronger ties can be built between families.

Dealing with the kids

If your parents are hosting, the thought of having an extra mouth to feed can often be enough to get them flustered. Factor in any dietary requirements your partner may have and years of Christmas tradition can suddenly go out the window.

This can be a big shock to your parents’ systems – and their bank accounts. While you might be used to them paying for everything, it’s a good idea to offer to contribute. Why not get the turkey this year?

Or simply split the cost of the food evenly between the adults.

Remember, while you may be looking forward to spending time with your parents, your partner may be feeling stressed out about it. Likewise, you might find the thought of spending Christmas with the inlaws nerve wracking.

Prepare yourselves for what’s coming, and talk to each other about what a typical Christmas with the family is like; the way your mum and you partner’s mum do things will probably be different.

Take a moment to call or send each other’s parents an email to see if they need help with the big day. Both your parents and the in laws will appreciate the gesture and

For the majority of kids, Christmas is about one thing, and one thing only: presents.

However, the anticipation that builds up to the ceremonial unwrapping on Christmas morning can lead to tears and tantrums.

Try and spread gift-giving across the day.

After the presents have been opened and they’ve had a chance to play with everything, kids can get bored, irritable and start causing mischief. By withholding gifts and handing them out throughout the day, you can keep the excitement going and, hopefully, ensure good behaviour.

When the kids do misbehave, it’s unfair for you or your partner to be left to do the disciplining alone. Neither of you want to look like Scrooge. Show a united front and discuss with one another how you plan on dealing with bad behaviour in advance so that no irrational decisions are made. The last thing you want to do is have your kids grounded on Christmas day.

cover story

The Danat Al Ain Scores

“Touchdown”

By Farid Nouisser

cover story

Dylan Keyboards rock, soft rock, alternative and yes, even a sprinkle of good ole country.

I met up with the band the next day for lunch to discover a little more about them and most important of all, take some necessary photos to share with our readers – after all pictures speak far louder than words and I couldn’t possibly validate the radiant smiles of both Tracy and Candice, armed only with a written description.

Craig Bassist

A

few nights ago I was invited to the Horse and Jockey at the Danat Al Ain, to listen to their new band, Touchdown.

Tired and preoccupied with the hectic schedule of print week, I made my way down to the pub to hear what all the fuss was about. It has been my experience in the past, while viewing bands at different venues in Al Ain, to be exposed to blistering ear pounding decibels and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to support any such punishment that evening.

And then the band arrived, a delightful group of individuals that immediately made me very happy about my decision to step out. As they busied themselves with a quick sound check, I finished off a delicious meal of fajitas and prepared to settle in for some melodious entertainment. It was still early in the evening and the seasoned pros eased in, the quieter than usual room, with a selection of jazz-blues numbers that immediately demanded my toe tapping attention – they were awesome! There was nothing loud or harsh about them and in

Tracy Vocalist fact, I cannot recall the sound system in that room ever sounding sweeter! The players were in complete sync with one another, allowing the syrupy, polished voices of the two beautiful front girls to ring out sweet and clear. You couldn’t help but be infected by the musical chemistry and the radiant smiles, indicative of a band enjoying what they came here to accomplish.

Touchdown is a five piece band hailing from Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. Although this version of the band has only been together for eight months, they have all worked on various projects in the past, including live performances and studio session work. Tracy and Candice provide stunning vocals, flooding the stage with a graceful presence illustrating the epitome of femininity. Dylan, the papa of the band, strokes the ivory with a passion and finesse that compliments every musical moment, while the super tight rhythm section, featuring Julian on drums and Craig on bass, cements the foundation of their sound.

Unfortunately, I was unable to stay the entire evening and completely satiate my senses with their remarkable sound, but you can rest assured that I will be back with friends in tow to enjoy more of their wide range of musical flavours that include: jazz, R&B,

They’ve been in the Garden City for three weeks and love the weather combined with the peaceful pace and friendly disposition of the people they have encountered. I could tell you more about their likes, dislikes and hobbies but instead, encourage you to head over to The Horse and Jockey every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night from eight until late, to get up close and personal and ‘Touchdown’ with the best band in town!

Touchdown will be at The Danat, Al Ain until February 15th 2015, so don’t miss out on the vibes!

Please note that the drummer, Julian was unavailable for the photo shoot.

Candice Vocalist

health & lifestyle

SLEEP APNOEA

I

f you feel sleepy during the day, are a loud snorer and you (or your partner) observe periods of breathing cessation during sleep, then you might have sleep apnoea. Sufferers of this disorder also have morning headaches and attention problems. Many people don't think of snoring as a sign of something potentially serious, and not everyone who has sleep apnoea snores.

The obstructive type of sleep apnoea is more common and occurs when the muscles in the back of your throat relax. These muscles support the soft palate, the tonsils, the side walls of the throat and the tongue. When the muscles relax, your airway narrows or closes as you inhale and you cannot get enough air. This can lower the oxygen level in the blood and alert your brain.

Your brain wakes you up and thus reopens your airway. The awakening is so brief that you most likely won’t remember it. You

may make a snorting, choking or gasping sound. This pattern can repeat itself five to 30 times or more each hour, all night long.

These disruptions affect your rest and make you sleepy in the daytime.

INCREASED RISK •

Excess weight. Fat deposits around your upper airway may obstruct your breathing. However, not everyone who has sleep apnoea is overweight. Thin people can also develop this disorder.

•

Neck circumference or narrowed airway. People with a thicker neck or a naturally narrow throat often have narrow airways. Tonsils or adenoids can become big enough to block the airway.

•

Age and gender. Men, overweight or menopausal women and adults over 60 years of age are all at a higher risk.

•

Family history. If you have family members with sleep apnoea, you may be at increased risk.

•

Smoking. Smokers are three times more likely to have sleep apnoea due

Dr. Nadia Hussain

MBBS, MSc Str.M.Bio (UK), PhD (c)

Dr. Nadia is a physician pursuing her PhD in Physiology from UAE University. She is the Chief Editor for Capsule (UAEU), author of Fragments of my Time (Minwa Press) and an award winning poet.

to inflammation and fluid retention in the upper airway. The risk decreases after quitting smoking.

•

Nasal congestion. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose — whether it's from an anatomical problem or allergies — you're more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnoea.

•

Sleep apnoea is considered a serious medical condition. Complications that can occur include high blood pressure, heart problems, being tired in the day time (especially when driving), liver problems and even complications associated with certain medications and surgery. It affects relationships as well since the partner may also become sleep deprived from the sounds of snoring. People with sleep apnoea may also complain of memory problems, morning headaches, mood swings or feelings of depression.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES •

Avoid driving while drowsy. increases the risk of accidents.

This

•

Lose excess weight. Even a slight loss in excess weight may help relieve constriction of your throat and for some, this is the cure.

•

Exercise. Getting 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week can help.

•

Sleep on your side instead of your back.

Sleeping on your back can cause your tongue and soft palate to rest against the back of your throat and block your airway.

•

Keep your nasal passages open at night. Use a saline nasal spray to help keep your nasal passages open. Talk to your doctor about using any nasal decongestants because these medications are generally recommended only for short-term use.

•

Stop smoking, if you're a smoker.

Smoking increase the risk and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you experience loud snoring, especially snoring accompanied by periods of silence.

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JOYFUL CHRISTMAS BRUNCH Enjoy a mouthwatering Christmas brunch at the Arabesque restaurant featuring international buffet with yuletide delicacies for AED 145* per person.

Kids below 6 years old eat for free and kids 6-12 years old at AED 69* per child.

Kids’ activities include face painting, magician and gift giving by Santa Claus.

Call +971 3 7046000 for more information. *Prices are subjecft to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels PO Box 16031, Al Ain, UAE | T. +971 3 704 6000 | F. +971 3 704 6009 | E. info.alain@danathotels.com | www.danathotels.com

christmas feature

Christmas: How do you celebrate yours?

O

By Fiona Duerden

ver 160 countries celebrate Christmas as a national holiday and while we have all come to expect the Christmas tree, traditional carols and gift exchange, there are a number of rather more unusual traditions that you may want to consider adding to your Christmas festivities this year.

DO YOU DESERVE IT? In Germany, Dec 6th is St. Nikolaus Tag (St Nicholas Day). On the eve of that day, children leave a shoe or boot outside their door. The next morning sweets and small toys appear in the shoes of children who have been good, while for those who haven’t, there is nothing but a golden birch, symbolising a spanking, lying next to their shoes. All Saint Nik’s decision, of course; nothing to do with the parents at all…

SINGLE LADIES? Take a tip from our sisters in the Czech Republic. Stand with your back to the house door on Christmas Eve and throw your Aldo’s latest over your shoulder. If the shoe lands heel to door, you’re staying put. However, if the front of the shoe points towards the door, it means you’ll be moving out of your house and should start making wedding preparations asap.

CAN’T BE BOTHERED TO COOK? In Japan KFC is so popular for Christmas dinner that you have to make a reservation in advance if you plan to dine in.

Easy enough to achieve that tradition here!

TIRED OF ALL THAT DUSTING? According to Ukrainian legend, there was once an old widow living in a cramped and tiny hut with all her children. A pine cone had taken root just outside their home, and the children had tended to the young tree carefully all year, excitedly making plans for decorating it that Christmas. However, the

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christmas feature

on Christmas Eve, the entire family beats the log with sticks while singing traditional songs, forcing the log to poop out its treats for the children to eat. Well really, how could you resist?

old woman had barely enough money to feed them, so, when Christmas Eve came, she went sorrowfully to bed, leaving the tree branches bare. During the night busy spiders spun webs around the branches and as the sun rose the next morning, its rays turned every web into silver and gold.

The family never went hungry again. Join the families of the Ukraine and decorate your tree with spider webs.

ROLLER SKATE YOUR WAY TO CHURCH In Caracas, Venezuela, the roads of the city are closed to cars at Christmas while everyone roller-skates to church for mass.

Imagine that at the Sanaiya Roundabout!

After the thanksgiving service, people open their homes and offer coffee, hot chocolate or sweets to passers-by. Meanwhile, if you struggle to get out of bed in time to get to morning mass, another Venezuelan

tradition is to light firecrackers or ring bells in the early hours to wake sleepers up in time to get ready for church.

Making it more meaningful: Give creatively Gift giving has been an integral part of Christmas right from that very special first time, when the Magi brought gifts to Jesus – gold representing kingship, frankincense for holiness and myrrh foretelling his suffering. More recently Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus, became famous in Europe for anonymous gift giving to people in need. Last month someone in a Facebook group I’m in asked about how to continue their USA-based ‘Christmas giving to the homeless’ tradition here in the UAE. What a wonderful tradition – teaching your children to make Christmas special by surprising someone less fortunate with an unexpected gift. And it’s super easy here.

Their school cleaner or security guard, your street sweeper or the toilet attendant in your favourite mall, could all use some love and attention. Too shy to go it alone? Most churches and a number of social groups in the UAE have already established seasonal gift giving – call one up and get involved!

SEND CHRISTMAS CARDS Or maybe not! The first Christmas card was made in 1843 by Sir Henry Cole – but only because he wanted to increase the use of the public post! Protest such trickster marketing by making and delivering your cards yourself.

CHRISTMAS LOG Best of all is the Catalonian tradition of caga tió (or "defecating log"). During advent, the family creates a cartoonish character out of a small, hollow log - often complete with a grinning face and hat, which sits on the dining room table during the weeks leading up to Christmas. It has to be fed every day with fruit, nuts and sweets, then

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special feature

The Road to

caramel

O

By Farid Nouisser

nce a year my princess, partner and BFF celebrates her birthday, and my job is to plan a perfect evening, filled with memories that will carry her through the trials and tribulations of the following year until that magical day is upon us once again.

Sounds simple enough, right? Well this year, I managed to botch things up so horrifically that the intended romantic dinner nearly included divorce as the main course, an appetizer of bitterness and a huge helping of sugar coated alimony for dessert!

It all began leaving Al Ain – I should add, 4 hours behind schedule – for a romantic hotel and dinner evening in Abu Dhabi.

The kids were sorted out at home with the babysitter and we hit the highway very much in love and in anticipation of a well deserved evening away from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday domestic living. It was dark when we arrived in Abu Dhabi and being directionally challenged, I naturally failed to follow a sketchy map that was supposed to lead us to the hotel – we were lost!

Our dinner reservations were for 7:00 pm and it was now 6:45 pm. Being a calm and

composed individual that handles stress well, I dealt with the situation admirably – NOT! Truthfully, as is usually the case in these situations, I lost it; much to the displeasure of my lovely wife, whose frustration with my navigation skills had now reached the eruption point. There we were, windows open on some deserted side street speaking at a rather elevated decibel level to one another. Ok, it was time for plan B. The GPS

special feature Restaurant, located at the magnificent St Regis Hotel, on Sadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

Suddenly everything changed, and we cruised from a hell bound voyage, into the arms of angels, as close to paradise as imaginable. Aaahhh Caramel, a place as sweet as its name! My wife knew she had arrived in paradise when the GM, Xenios, a most charming individual, asked her if she was old enough to be sipping on her delightful pineapple mojito. Suranga, the restaurant manager and Roldan our server, were as smooth as silk and knowing of our hardships leading up to dinner, went above and beyond to exceed any and every expectation possible. These guys should really be considering second careers as marriage counselors, given their ability to transform a near divorce situation into one of blissful delight!

Suranga

Kaarin

coordinates were marked on the bottom of the map and it seemed simple enough to just plug them into our trusty GPS, reach our destination and salvage a potentially disastrous evening. How was I to know that these were the coordinates leading to the Empty Quarter somewhere in Saudi Arabia!

I would love to carry on with this part of the story and as you can well imagine, things got progressively worse, but I believe you get the picture. Let’s fast forward to eventually finding the hotel; shall we?

It was 8:15 pm as two emotionally sucked

Roldan dry individuals scramble to the best of their ability to get dressed for that romantic dinner – probably at separate tables! What else could possibly go wrong? If there was to be some other mishap, then I prayed that for once this evening, it would be the birthday girls fault – wrong again! All dressed up in my immaculate suit, I realized that I had forgotten my black dress shoes and all I had were my high-top, funky, checkered punk runners – a nervous breakdown was oh so close but I knew that it would have to be a quiet one! You guessed it; one last stop at the closest mall for some intense shoe shopping before finally arriving at Caramel

And then there was the food; it was truly a dining adventure that we will not soon forget, boasting some of the finest tastes, presentation and service we have ever experienced during our stay in the UAE! Have a look at the recipe Caramel was kind enough to share with our readers for a glimpse of what we enjoyed and make sure you mark this fabulous establishment on your list of things to do very soon.

receipe

PAN SEARED CHILEAN SEA BASS SERVES 1 INGREDIENTS: • 225 gm Chilean Sea bass • 5 gm Tomato Tapenade • 50 gm cooked risotto • 5 gm rock shrimp • 5ml lobster broth • 1 gm crispy leeks METHOD:

In the heart of the luxurious St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, you will find Caramel Restaurant and Lounge. This dining and lounging retreat lives up to its sweet name, offering exquisite cuisine, immaculate presentation, over the top service and entertainment in a one-of-akind chic surrounding that will exceed every expectation possible. The Source had the pleasure of experiencing Caramel and our recommendation is to make this hot spot a priority on your holiday list of adventures or, for that matter, any time you feel like turning an evening of divine moments into everlasting memories!

1. Prepare Chilean sea bass fillets to 225 gm per portion.

2. Prepare tomato tapenade with fresh tomato, garlic, basil, slow cook till thick paste and season with salt and pepper.

3. To order pan sear the Chilean sea bass, seasoned with salt and pepper, finish the risotto with rock shrimp, sour cream, and lemon zest.

4. Set the risotto in the center with the lobster broth around it, topped the seared Sea bass, a quenelle of tomato tapenade, finished with crispy leeks.

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HOURS OF OPERATION Chef: Sunil Vaz

Sat – Wed: 12:00 pm – 2:00 am Thu: 12:00 pm – 3:00 am Fri: 6:00 pm – 2:00 am For more information and reservations please call 02.678.3344

entertainment

Marilyn Monroe Love Letter Sells For $78,125

Rs 1.5 crore is the worth of Aamir Khan’s PK transistor!

Aamir Khan grabbed headlines when the first poster of his much-awaited film PK was unveiled. The versatile actor went nude and hid his modesty with a transistor placed strategically.

A love letter to Marilyn Monroe from her second husband Joe DiMaggio has sold for $78,125 (£63,588) at an auction.

The baseball great wrote the note after the actress announced she was divorcing him.

It was among 300 items, dubbed 'Marilyn Monroe's Lost Archives', which were sold in Beverly Hills. DiMaggio's intimate letter, which starts with "Dear Baby", shows he first learned his wife was leaving him when he saw her make the announcement on television.

"Joe DiMaggio is in San Francisco and he's in a friend's house and he's watching TV, and Marilyn comes on... and she's announcing that she's getting divorced from (him)," said

Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien's Auctions.

"He is truly upset by the news and secondly, he's very upset to see Marilyn crying.

He deeply cared about her. He wasn't an accomplished writer but he wrote a wonderful heartfelt letter."

A handwritten letter from Monroe to her third and final husband, playwright Arthur Miller, sold for $43,750 (£35,609). The buyers of the items were not revealed.

Monroe, who died of a drug overdose at age 36 in 1962, willed the collection of letters to her mentor, the legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg. Monroe's films include The Seven Year Itch, Some Like It Hot And Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

Not only Khan’s bold avatar shocked many, the nude poster also became the butt of jokes on the internet. And if the latest grapevine is true then we are pretty sure Aamir’s transistor will become the hottest topic of discussion everywhere.

Well, we hear an online auction site is willing to shell out Rs 1.5 crore for the transistor which the makers bought from Chor Bazaar for Rs 227 only. While talking to a leading tabloid, a spokesperson said, “We have been offered a lot of money for the transistor.”

However, Mr Perfectionist isn’t to keen on selling his transistor. A source said, “Aamir feels that something so integral and important to his character shouldn’t be given away.”

Bond Is Back

The 24th James Bond movie will be called Spectre and filming will begin next week, director Sam Mendes has announced.

The Oscar-winning director revealed the hotly-anticipated title at an event at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, where he also outlined details of the cast and film locations including naming Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci who will become Bond girls.

Oscar-winning Austrian actor Christoph Waltz will play a villain in the film while Andrew Scott, best known for his role as Moriarty in BBC1's Sherlock, will join the cast as one of 007's Whitehall bosses.

Bond will once again be driving an Aston Martin, this time a DB10. Movie fans saw a previous Aston, his vintage DB5, blown to pieces in Skyfall.

The Source

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my world

AN AFRICAN

ADVENTURE

Monkeys with tiny babies clinging to their fur. Zebras, elephants and wildebeest.

A trip to Africa is the ultimate honeymoon for adventurous newlyweds.

As told by the founding editor of BrideClubME.com

L

ast year, I married my soul mate. It was the most incredible day filled with all the positive emotions one can imagine. For our honeymoon, which we waited patiently for and didn’t take until earlier this year, we decided on Africa to feed our desire to experience the wild close up.

Friends suggested Tanzania or Zanzibar, and Planet Africa Safaris was recommended to me. We wanted to see the ‘big five’ (wildlife), enjoy some romantic touches,

By: Rhiannon Downie

good food and culture, and, towards the end, relax. The cost was not cheap, but after a few tweaks we managed to find a balance. It was our honeymoon, after all, and a holiday of a lifetime.

LUSH LANDSCAPE On our arrival in Tanzania, we were met by our smiling chauffeur, ‘God’s light’, who drove us to our first accommodation, the boutique Onsea House in Arusha. We were greeted with fresh passion fruit and banana juice; the air was crisp with a light drizzle; and the resident cat, Naila, was sleeping cozily at the entrance. But it was the lush, green landscape that really took our breath away.

That night, we dined at a restaurant called Machweo, overlooking the valley. The kitchen is built to allow guests to catch a glimpse of the chefs at work, and as we made our way to our table, we saw piles of fragrant herbs being washed and prepared.

We dined on sumptuous pumpkin and sunflower seed soup, white snapper and pineapple fritters with chocolate ice cream.

To end our first evening in Tanzania, we reclined in chairs overlooking the greenery and watched the clouds settling around the peak at the top of the distant mountains … and just took it all in.

BAOBAB TREES The following morning, we were picked up in a Planet Africa 4x4 Land Cruiser, and drove to Tarangire National Park, a unique park close to Lake Manyara. The first thing we noticed were the beautiful Baobab trees, which can grow up to 25 metres tall and live for several thousand years. The trees made for beautiful pictures set against the stunning African sky.

During our drive through the park, we saw plenty of elephants, and a wide variety of other unique wildlife as well as interesting bird life. In particular we met lots of naughty monkeys, who attempted to ambush our packed lunches. A lovely safari initiation, Tarangire was not as intense as what was to follow, but was exciting nevertheless.

After a night at the Maramboi Tented Camp – with wildebeest grazing nearby – we rose early to maximise our time at the Ngorongoro Crater, an imploded volcano and the world’s largest inactive, dry, complete volcanic crater. The drive along the crater rim through dense forest was breathtaking. With misty fog floating around, it was like something out of Gorillas in the Mist. I stood up and stuck my head out of the Land Cruiser roof, inhaling the fresh air.

We then started our descent to the crater

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floor, some 2,000 feet below. Described on TripAdvisor as like “Noah’s Ark parked in the Garden of Eden”, the vast crater brims with wildlife – rhinos, lions, hippos, elephants and flamingos. At one point, our jeep was literally surrounded by monkeys, some with tiny babies clinging to their fur.

We saw lots of zebra in particular, and I noticed some seemed to be resting their heads across each other’s backs. This, I was told, was because they were literally watching each other’s backs, looking out for potential danger. Everywhere the zebra went, the hilarious wildebeest seemed to follow; this, I learnt, is because zebra have great eyesight, while the wildebeest have an impressive sense of smell, so they complement one another.

answer our questions via our guide, you could sense that they were also proud and protective of their way of life.

I could write more about what we experienced at the crater, including having lunch close to a lake filled with hippos cooling off during the midday heat, while watching an eagle gliding back and forth above a beautiful Baobab tree. Or seeing a couple of lionesses dozing under the shade of a tree through our binoculars … or watching elephants in their natural habitat, without fear of poachers. But I will stop there … it was truly wonderful.

Next time: Adventures in the Serengeti.

Visit the UAE’s premier online information resource for brides at brideclubme.com

MAASAI TRIBE The piece de resistance was meeting the local Maasai tribe, known for their red garments, necklaces, unique hairstyles and diet consisting of milk, meat and cows’ blood. As soon as I stepped out of the jeep, the local ladies grabbed my hand and started singing to me. The tribesmen joined in, and I attempted to sing along with them (surreal!). We met the village elders, were shown the livestock enclosures where we learnt about prized cattle, and visited the local school.

The people of the Maasai tribe are considered rigid by some because they have managed to preserve their traditional ways despite the impact of western civilization.

This is what I admired greatly about them.

While they were welcoming and happy to

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diary MARK THESE EVENTS ON YOUR CALENDAR DANAT

GINGERBREAD HOUSE MAKING – 17TH DECEMBER: Create your own gingerbread house with icing and candy decorations and enjoy a day filled with food, beverages, carols and a cheerful visit from Santa Claus.

AED 65 net per gingerbread house. Tickets available in Tea Lounge on a first come first serve basis CHRISTMAS EVE DINNERS: Buffet at Arabesque for AED 145++ per person inclusive of a bottle of wine per couple.

Buffet at Horse & Jockey Pub inclusive of live roast turkey carving station and trimmings for AED 99++ per person.

Set menu at Luce for AED 149++ per person inclusive of a bottle of wine per couple. For more information, please call: 037046000

ROTANA:

Turkey Takeaway from Atrium: From Monday 24 November 2014 to 6 January 2015 and priced at just AED 90* per kg.

Available in different sizes to serve 4-6 persons or 8-10 persons.

Ginger Bread House at Atrium café: Kick off the season of giving at Atrium café between 10 December 2014 to 8 January 2015. Visit the Gingerbread House with

your little ones for a selection of all of your favourite Christmas goodies to get into the festive mood.

X-mas Eve Get into the spirit of the season with festive deals across our restaurants.

Keep the spirits high with pulsating action, including live performers, belly dancers, DJs and carolers, all there to entertain you.

Zest, all day dining restaurant, from 6:30 to 10:30pm, AED 195* per person, including international buffet and free flow of bubbly.

Fantastic live duo performance, Santa’s visit and Carolers will keep the crowd entertained.

Min Zaman, Lebanese restaurant, from 10:00pm to 2:00am AED 195* per person including deluxe Lebanese set menu with turkey. Live performances and belly dancer will be present too. For reservations and more information, please call +971 (0)3 754 5111, ext. 1062 or email to fb.alain@ rotana.com.

AYLA

Christmas Brunch: After delightful Christmas Eve, bring the family down to start off Christmas day with a beautiful delicious brunch buffet. Join us on the 25th of December at Ayla Restaurant, from 12 noon till 4pm for the buffet at only AED 119

AYLA BAWADI HOTEL Christmas Eve Dinner – Bring your family for the ultimate Christmas shopping experience followed by a succulent Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet. Dinner buffet is served in newly opened Sedra Restaurant, at AED 119* per person.

Christmas Day Brunch - Enjoy a fine selection of delicious treats and sweets, followed by a fulfilling shopping experience.

Christmas Day brunch is waiting for you and your family at Ayla Bawadi Hotel, at AED 109 * per person.

Turkey Takeaways: Ayla’s specialized chefs will help you prepare a delicious stuffed turkey, a little bit of roast potatoes, vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy by its side. Orders to be made 24h in advance.

Christmas Eve: Decadent Christmas Eve buffet featuring slow roasted Turkey, Beef Wellington with béarnaise sauce, mushroom sauce and much more on 24th of December at Ayla Restaurant.

Buffet is offered at only AED 119.

WITH NEW EXPRESS ENTRY IMMIGRATION FROM JANUARY 2015

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taqaddum

The Source

FIRST FLOOR, SEDAR BUILDING, OUD AL TOUBA STREET, AL AIN

time out

Flick Picks!

3D The Hobbit - The Battle of the Five Armies LANGUAGE:English RUNNING TIME: 110 min GENRE: ADVENTURE STARRING: Benedict Cumberbatch, Lee Pace, Luke Evans SYNOPSIS: The Company of Thorin has reached Smaug's lair; but, can Bilbo and the Dwarves reclaim Erebor and the treasure? And, if so, can they hold on to it?

RELEASE DATE: 11-12-2014

book

worms

MESSI

By Balague, Guillem Lionel Messi's career has been a stellar ascent, and shows no signs as yet of slowing down. Born in Rosario in Argentina in 1987, he began playing football at a very young age, and it wasn't long before his skill and potential was noticed in Europe by Barcelona. He debuted in the 2004-5 season, breaking FC Barcelona's team record for youngest footballer to score a league goal, and being part of the outstanding team that won La Liga that year. His breakthrough season was 2006-7, when he became a first team regular, and in 2008-9 he scored 38 goals to play an integral part in the team's triple-winning success.

He surpassed this achievement in 2009-10 with 47 goals in all competitions, and again in 2010-11 with 53 goals.

SUDOKU

Brighteens ay!

ur d o y p u g in n Brighto

Edited by: Rachel Berting Hussain Mahdi

Sweet succulent dates fall effortlessly from fanned palm tree leaves, Towering buildings dominate the traditional settlements bellow, where this great country did begin.

Honourable, admirational people inspire us and demonstrate what we united can achieve.

Pride flows like melted gold, oozing and seeping out of the nation's hearts, Much like the oil below the surface, that we are most fortunate to have.

An almost overwhelming sense of welcome will greet you as soon as your journey starts, Falcons soar in the reigning skies above, whilst mothering camels feed their hungry calves.

The people, the animals, the sky, the sand.

Quick Quiz

Lacofn | Malp eret |Cmale |Esdtre Ntiude raba meritsea

1. Who is the current ruler of Abu Dhabi?

2. In which decade of the 20th century was oil discovered in the region?

By James Shipton

3. What is the tallest mountain in Al Ain? 4. How many floors does the Burj Khalifa have?

Mini-saga

5. Name both Emirates beginning with ‘A’.

By: Rachel Berting Answers: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan |1950s | Jebel Hafeet | 163 floors | Ajman

A labyrinth of paprika rich sand encases the habitants within.

Can you unscramble these National Day words?

Answer: Falcon | Palm tree | Camel Desert | United Arab Emirates

Poetry Corner

Anagrams Challenge

Looks like golden glitter on a hot summer’s day. Buildings glittering from the light of the sun. Camels with their long eyeshades are camouflaged in the sand.

Later, fireworks will light the night sky and people will celebrate the unity of the 7 Emirates. Today we celebrate 43 years.

Crossword – UAE Landmarks 1

By Yusra Jamil

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Can you write a mini-saga in exactly 50 words?

Choose your vocabulary carefully! Email your story to brighteens@thesourceuae.com to see your work in print.

3 4

So Happy 43rd Birthday to the UAE!!!

BY: Emily Mazwell-Hillard Would you like to create your own poem?

Submit it to The Brighteens!

Riddle me this!

1 - What sits at the centre of Dubai, watching over it like a mother over her children?

2 - What descends over a city, as it wakes up?

3 - What are one of the most common, and most majestic beauties of the UAE? 4 - What is the most valuable, irreplaceable, and relied upon thing in the UAE? By: Urham Habib The Burj Khalifa | Mist/Fog | Sports Cars | Water

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The Source

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ACROSS 3 This building resembles the sail of a boat 4 The largest mosque in the UAE 5 The largest mall in the Gulf DOWN 1 A water park starting with the letter ‘Y’ 2. The tallest building in the world By: Dara Hussein

SOURCE KIDS SourcelingS

Hi my name is Aashna Noorain studying in grade 7 at the prestigious Indian school Al-Ain. I like my second home school very much. I have been studying their for the last 8 years. I like to spend my hours more happily in the school than at home, because there I can read, play and have fun with my friends.

My hobby is reading. I read story books, magazines, newspapers and any kind of material that I find interesting. Books provide the reader with so much information and facts. They have certainly helped me in my daily life. This hobby got started when I was a little girl. I had always wanted my parents to read fairy tales and other stories to me.I visit the National Library whenever I go to Al Ain Mall.

My ambition is to become a doctor. I will be kind to the poor and the needy people. I love my family and friends and I like spending time with them.

Parents if you have a special youngster who you think would be great for our Sourceling of the Week, send a photo and a bio of no more than 100 words to sourcelings@thesourceuae.com.

Story time

CHARLOTTE'S WEB

BY E.B. WHITE, GARTH WILLIAMS An affectionate pig named Wilbur befriends a spider named Charlotte, who lives in the rafters above his pen. In this story of friendship, hardship, and the passing of time, White reminds readers to open their eyes to the wonder and miracle found in the simplest of things.

‫لمحة عن كتاب‬ ‫الصبي الذي محا الشمس‬ ّ

‫ رشبل قطّان‬:‫الكاتب‬ ‫ هاشيت أنطوان‬:‫النارش‬ ‫ َولِ َم ال تُ ِْط ُر الغُيو ُم‬،‫لِ َم ال ت َكو ُن ال ُبيوتُ َم ْب ِن َّي ًة ِم َن ال َحلْوى‬ ِ ‫َح ّب‬ ‫ات لَ ْوز؟‬ ِ‫الصب ُِّي ل‬ ٍ ‫ فَتَظْ َه ُر أَشْ يا ُء‬،‫ساعات َو ُه َو يَ ْر ُس ُم َو َ ْيحو‬ َّ ‫َجل َ​َس‬ ِ .‫ قَريبًا م َن الشَّ ْمس‬،ِ‫ ها ُه َو يَ ْعلو فَ ْو َق امل َنا ِزل‬.‫َوت َ ْختَفي أُخْرى‬ ‫باح َغدًا؟‬ َّ ‫ كَيْ َف َسيَطْلَ ُع‬...‫ َول ِك ْن‬.‫ فَ َمحاها‬،‫الشَّ ْمس؟ أَ ْز َع َج ُه نو ُرها‬ ُ ‫الص‬

WORD SEARCH CONSTRUCTION

‫ أعترب‬،‫ أدرس يف الصف السابع يف املدرسة الهندية يف العني‬،‫مرحبا اسمي أشنا نورين‬ ‫ فقد قضيت سنوايت الثامين املاضية أدرس فيها و‬،ً ‫مدرستي بيتي الثاين و أحبها جدا‬ ‫أحب قضاء الوقت يف املدرسة أكرث من البيت ألنني أستطيع فيها أن أقرأ و ألعب‬ ‫ فأنا أقرأ القصص واملجالت‬،‫ هوايتي هي القراءة‬.‫و استمتع بالوقت مع أصدقايئ‬ ‫ فالكتب توفر للقارئ الكثري من املعلومات‬،‫والصحف وأي يشء أجده مثريا ً لالهتامم‬ ‫ و قد بدأت هوايتي هذه‬،‫ و قد ساعدتني القراءة بالتأكيد يف حيايت اليومية‬،‫والحقائق‬ .‫ فكنت دامئاً أطلبت من والِداي أن يقرآ يل القصص و الحكايات‬،‫منذ صغري‬ .‫و أنا أواظب عىل زيارة املكتبة الوطنية كلام ذهبت إىل العني مول‬ ‫ و أنا أحب عائلتي وأصدقايئ‬،‫ و أساعد الفقراء واملحتاجني‬،‫طموحي أن أصبح طبيبة‬ .‫كثريا ً وأحب قضاء الوقت معهم‬ ‫ للعدد القادم إرسال صورة‬The Source ‫األهل الكرام الذين يرغبون برتشيح طفلهم لعمود طفل‬ sourcelings@thesourceuae.com ‫ كلمة فقط إىل الربيد االلكرتوين‬100 ‫وسرية ذاتية من‬

Did you know?

The average human brain contains around 78% water

BLUE PRINT | LADDER | BOOTS | BRICKS NAILS | BRICK | RULER | HAMMER | SHOVEL | HELMET | WORKER The Source

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