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DECember 2012 | issue 100

M A G A Z I N E V I S I T O R F I V E - S T A R l u x u r y T H E

dubai edition DECember 2012 | issue 100

T H E

l u x u r y

F I V E - S T A R

V I S I T O R

M A G A Z I N E

Licensed by international Media Production Zone

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DUBAI - Baume & Mercier Boutique: Dubai Mall, 04 339 8880. Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons: Mall of the Emirates, 04 341 1211 Burjuman Mall, 04 355 1717 - Atlantis Hotel, 04 422 0233 - Mirdif City Centre, 04 284 3100 - Festival City, 04 232 9222 Wafi Mall, 04 324 6060 - Deira City Centre, 04 2953225 - Sunset Mall, 04 3807555. ABU DHABI - Al Manara International Jewellery: Hamdan Street, 02 626 2629 - Abu Dhabi Mall, 02 6457575- Marina Mall, 02 681 1171. AL AIN - Al Manara International Jewellery: Al Ain Mall, 03 766 8600.

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DECEMBER 2012 / Issue 100 / Dubai Edition

Pu bl isher Rob N ichol a s

edi tor i a l Grou p Edi tor fay e row e Edi tor c at he r in e l a ngl e y Con t r ibu t ing edi tor ol i v i a cu t hbe rt fa shion Edi tor naomi ch a dde rton produc t ion Edi tor de br a fr e e m a n-t hor pe

WELCOME TO concierge

st u dio Se n ior A rt Dir ec tor An dr e a T e m pesta Sen ior Design er Ton y Sa n t i ago Photogr a pher A dh a m Sn e e h Produc t ion Coor dinator Nav e e d A ziz

a dv ert isi ng a dv ert ising dir ec tor dav id wa de A dv ert ising M a nager Pr a sh a n d Me non Hot el r el at ionship m a nager Mi a C ache ro Sa l es M a nager s PAOLO A NGHILE R I Sa nge eta Bu ta n i m a dih a zou bir i Speci a l proj ec ts K ir at Sa bh a rwa l

CIRCULATION & M AR K ETING c a rol mil a n Chr ist in e H a m a da

In t er nat iona l sa l es Blei SpA, Italy Via Carlo Cazzaniga, 19 – 20132 Milano  Tel +39 02 722 511 / Email: info@bleispa.it S’REGIE, France 46, Rue Sainte Anne 75002 Paris Tel +33 1 56 88 20 80 / Email: STOMA@sregie.com

Concierge magazine is published monthly and copies a r e dist r i bu t e d f r e e of c h a rge i n f i v e -sta r a n d se l ec t fou r-sta r hot e ls. A lt hough e v e ry e f fort is m a de to e nsu r e t h e acc u r ac y of i n for m at ion con ta i n e d i n Concie rge m aga zi n e , t h e pu bl ish e r c a nn o t b e h e l d r e s p o n s i b l e f o r a n y e rro r s o r inaccur acies. Articles contained within Concierge m aga z i n e a r e u n de r cop y r igh t to t h e pu bl ish e r a nd ca nnot be r eproduced or tr a nsmit ted in a n y form, without first obtaining written permission.

Anniversaries are occasions to celebrate, but also to reflect. They provide the perfect opportunity to take stock of the last year and the ones before it. Successes, challenges and lessons learned. December 2012 sees the arrival of two important anniversaries. First and foremost the birth of this great nation, the United Arab Emirates, which was established 41 years ago in 1971 and has been home to the publishers of this magazine for the last 26 amazing years. The month also sees the arrival of the 100th edition of Concierge Dubai that started life in September 2004 and has run monthly ever since, spawning sister publications Concierge Abu Dhabi, Concierge Russian, Concierge Arabic and Concierge Chinese respectively. The sections of this magazine represent the four common denominators that every visitor arrives to enjoy. To SHOP, which has become Dubai’s most popular pastime; to DISCOVER all the cultural attractions the destination has to offer; to EXPERIENCE all there is to see and do; and to TASTE the many options for dining in this multi-cultural melting pot. In this edition we provide a timeline that opens each section, taking you from 2004 and the launch of Concierge Dubai up to the present day, with all the important milestones in between. This is just a few grains of sand in the hour glass of Dubai’s history, but also reminds us of the pace of development and the trail blazed by the UAE. See pages 29, 67, 77 and 99. As the Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, said recently, “The process of development never stops and has no limits.” After reflection it is time to look forwards and here at Concierge we do so with excitement and anticipation of the opportunities that lie ahead. Enjoy your stay in Dubai and SHOP, DISCOVER, EXPERIENCE and TASTE with Concierge… Rob Nicholas Publisher

Nicholas Publishing International FZ LLC P.O. Box 500573, Executive Heights (Damac Building), Dubai, UAE Tel: 04 4243600 Fax: 04 4327505 Email: concierge@npimedia.com Web: www.conciergedubai.com

In focus Photography: Susanne Spiel Credits: dress Givenchy; ring Cartier

Concierge’s circulation is independently audited by BPA Worldwide www.bpaww.com

Concierge magazine is also available in Russian, Arabic and Mandarin languages. Please request a copy from the concierge desk in the hotel lobby.

Жу рна л «Конс ьерж» та к же и з дае т с я на русском, арабском и китайском языках. Вы можете попросить экземп ляр ж у рна ла у консьерж-службы в вестибюле гостиницы.

‫ أطلب نسخه‬.‫مجلة كونسيرج متوفرة باللغة العربية كذلك‬ .‫من مكتب االستقبال في بهو الفندق‬ <<Concierge>> 杂志也以俄语﹑中文﹑阿拉伯语出版，请联系您所下榻的酒店前台索取。

WELCOME_DXB DEC12.indd 15

Some of the world’s most renowned actors are set to jet into town this month as the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) gets underway on December 9. Inspired by this exciting event, acclaimed photographer Susanne Speil orchestrated our latest high-end shoot in a vintage movie theatre. A theme of old-world cinema glamour is blended with contemporary statement style straight from the catwalk. Turn to page 36.

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contents DECEMBER 2012 / Issue 100

20/ESSENTIALS

The emirate’s top attractions, news and events

27/SNAPSHOT

The city skyline is an awe-inspiring sight

29/SHOP 30/THE FINER THINGS

High-end gifts for high-end travellers

36/LEADING LADY Red carpet glamour abounds with these show-stopping ensembles

46/SCENTS OF OCCASION

Concierge conjures up the perfect perfumes for you

54/A FAMILY AFFAIR Sascha Moeri chats to Concierge about the historic legacy of Carl F. Bucherer

60/PRECIOUS TIME Shine like a star with one of these elegant gem-set watches

67/DISCOVER 68/CELEBRATION OF A NATION The UAE marks its 41st anniversary

75/HOME, SWEET HOME

Explore Dubai’s history at the Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum House

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contents DECEMBER 2012 / Issue 100

77/EXPERIENCE 78/perfect pearls

Charting the advancements in cultured South Sea pearls, by Australian brand Paspaley

86/CAPITAL ATTRACTIONS

Head to Abu Dhabi for the day and see what the UAE capital has to offer

92/de-stress YOURSELF If Christmas carousing has left you washed out and weary, head to one of Dubai’s five-star spas to recharge

99/TASTE 100/FESTIVE FLAVOUR

It’s party time, so look out for seasonal soirées and yuletide menus during this magical month

106/MIDDLE EAST ON A PLATE Arabic cuisine in the UAE is an intriguing blend of culinary influences

110/SPARKLING COMPANY Quench your thirst with an elegant flute of Champagne at one of Dubai’s cork-popping hot spots

Q 117/THE GUIDE

Comprehensive listings to plan the perfect stay

144/MY DUBAI

Celebrity chef Ariana Bundy gives us the lowdown on how to have a tasteful trip to the emirate

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MONTBLANC TIMEWALKER CHRONOVOYAGER UTC

A second time zone synchronised with Universal Time Coordinated (UTC) makes this self-winding chronograph the perfect companion for all frequent travellers. Its robust 43-mm-diameter stainless steel case with satin-finished bezel and push-pieces unites elegant design and the traditional art of watchmaking. This chronograph features a second time zone with day/night indication displayed by 24 hours on the flange, a date display, a central second-hand as well as two additional counters for up to 30 elapsed minutes and maximally 12 elapsed hours. The TimeWalker ChronoVoyager UTC is crafted in the Montblanc Manufacture in Le Locle, Switzerland.

DISCOV ER THE U NIQUE WOR LDW IDE PHOTO PROJECT WORLDSECOND.MONTBL ANC.COM

Brought to you in association with

essentials DECEMBER

EXPERIENCE

Dubai International Film Festival Have your autograph book at the ready because from December 9 to 16 Dubai will play host to the Dubai International Film Festival â€“ the leading film festival in the Middle East, Asia and Africa. In previous years celebrities such as Tom Cruise (pictured) and Sharon Stone have jetted to the city for a slice of the action, which takes place at Madinat Jumeirah. For more information visit dubaifilmfest.com

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SHOP

EVENTS IN BRIEF

Montblanc Star Classique Automatic

W o r l d pa r a c h u t i n g championships m o n d i a l 2 012

Style-savvy cavaliers looking for their wristwatches to uphold the standards of discreet elegance, will be delighted to welcome the Montblanc Star Classique Automatic. The Star Classique timepiece is available in five variations of 18-karat red and yellow gold, as well as in a gold and steel variant with bezel and crown also made of 18-karat red gold. Location: Montblanc at The Dubai Mall. Contact: 04 4340300

Until December 9 Prepare for nail-biting action as the world’s elite parachuting champions meet in Dubai for this exciting event. With over 800 parachutists from 55 countries taking part, this promises to be an epic occasion. For details visit wpcuae.ae

UA E N at i o n a l D ay December 2 This day signifies the United Arab Emirates’ formal independence from the UK and the eventual unification of the seven emirates. Celebrations will take place across the UAE.

Omega Dubai ladies masters

EXPERIENCE At the Top

Enjoy unparalleled views of Dubai from At the Top, the observation deck in Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Located on the level 124 and easily accessible thanks to the super-swift elevators which climb at a rate of 10 metres per second, you can expect exhilarating sights of the city and photo opportunities aplenty. Location: Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai. Time: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight. Price: Dated and timed tickets AED100 adults, AED75 children aged four to 12. Immediate entry AED400. Contact: 800 AT THE TOP (800 28843867) or visit burjkhalifa.ae/observationdeck

December 2 The Emirates Golf Club on Sheikh Zayed Road is the setting for this hotly anticipated golfing tournament for world-famous female golfers. For more information visit dubailadiesmasters.com

J o h n s o n A r a b i a d u b a i c r ee k s t r i d e r s h a l f m a r at h o n December 7 If the hotel gym isn’t enough of a challenge in the morning, book in for the Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon. This 21-kilometre run starts and finishes at its traditional home of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and is a popular event on the Dubai sporting calendar. For details visit dubaicreekstriders.org

uim class 1 world p o we r b o at c h a m p i o n s h i p December 13 to 15 Speed boat fans are in for a treat this month because the UIM Class 1 Powerboat Championship will take place at Dubai International Marine Club. Expect high-octane thrills. For details call 04 3995777.

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O D Y S S E Y B Y P A S P A L E Y from November 2012 M A L L O F T H E E M I R AT E S + 9 7 1 4 3 4 1 0 7 5 5 DUBAI MALL +971 4 3398745 AT L A N T I S H O T E L + 9 7 1 4 4 2 2 0 3 0 4 ABU DHABI MALL +971 2 6441475 PA S PA L E Y. C O M

DAMAS CUSTOMER SERVICE +971 4 4270336

DISCOVER

Ask the concierge

Bastakiya

Ankur Bagga, he ad concierge at Atl antis The Palm, Dubai, shares his tips for a fun-filled stay in the cit y

If you’re keen to experience a more traditional side of the city, the Bastakiya quarter is a cultural melting pot and your chance to see the emirate as it was in days gone by. Rich with galleries, souks and views of the Dubai Creek, this bustling area is the city’s oldest district. Location: Bastakiya, Bur Dubai.

EXPERIENCE Ski Dubai

If you’re looking for a festive experience like no other you can’t beat Ski Dubai. After all, where else are you going to find real snow in Dubai? Our very own Lapland in the desert, this slope caters for all ages and abilities, with green, blue, red and black runs, as well as a variety of jumps and ramps. If that sounds too challenging, head to the impressive Snow Park (the world’s largest) at the foot of this mountainstyle resort for family friendly activities. To add to the fun Ski Dubai recently welcomed a colony of gentoo and king penguins and nature-loving visitors can make their own ‘Peng-Friends’ through a unique one-on-one encounter. Contact: skidxb.com

TASTE

New Year’s Eve If your stay in Dubai takes in December 31 you have the opportunity to celebrate the New Year in style. A variety of the emirate’s restaurant host lavish get-together and guests can take their pick from exclusive soirées to big-scale all-you-can-eat parties. Al Mansour Dhow at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek will be cruising into 2013. In addition to live music and a sumptuous international buffet, guests can look forward to stunning views of Dubai Creek as they sail along the city waters as the clock strikes midnight. Turn to page 134 for a list of hotels, many of which host New Year’s Eve parties.

For an amazing view of the city you can’t beat the Royal Bridge Suite at our property. Another alternative is Neos at The Address Downtown, which is an upmarket cocktail bar that gives way to stunning views of Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain. A lot of visitors come to Dubai to shop and if I’m asked to recommend a mall, I always suggest BurJuman, because it has a great range of designer stores as well as a relaxed shopping environment. I would also recommend assistance from one of our own personal shoppers, who are able to help with information about the stores. Dubai is a city that comes alive at night and there is an assortment of fun nightspots to try. Here at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai we have N’Dulge Nightclub, which has an amazing line-up of DJs who play at creative nights and events. Another uniquely entertaining night out is Cirque Du Soir at Fairmont Dubai. Open every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.30pm to 3am guests will be wowed by the live performances from stilt walkers, fire dancers, magicians, acrobats and sword swallowers. Skydiving is a daring sport for adventure lovers and we can also organise a private skydive for guests who want to make it really special. The private skydive is coupled with a high-speed boat ride from our jetty to Dubai Marina. For those who prefer a daring encounter of an underwater kind, I would recommend The Ultimate Dive at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, which allows guests to experience two scuba dives in The Ambassador Lagoon at night and feed the wildlife before sampling some tasty Arabic mezze.

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taste

LOOKING AHEAD

Bars with a view

D u b a i s h o p p i n g f e s t i va l

There are a variety of bars in Dubai which offer spectacular views of the city. From the stunning vistas of Palm Jumeirah to the chaotic charm of Sheikh Zayed Road, you are never far from a spectacular skyline. Calabar at The Address Downtown Dubai is a chic pool-side bar with eyecatching views of Downtown Dubai. Saturday to Thursday from 6 to 8pm and Fridays from 4 to 8pm, the bar offers 50 percent off beverages. For bookings call 04 4368888.

January 3 to February 3 Shopaholics and fashionistas will be in their element at this annual month-long shopping extravaganza. Taking place at retail outlets throughout Dubai, you can expect discounts and daily raffles. For details visit dubaishoppingfestival.com

D u b a i l at i n f e s t i va l January 24 to 27 This fantastic four-day event unites the Latin dance community under one roof at Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel. Professional dancers, students, instructors, DJs, musicians and anyone with even the slightest appreciation for Latin culture and music will enjoy this colourful occasion. For more information simply visit dubailatinfest.com

SHOP

BurJuman Dubai is abundant with shopping malls and retail revelers should direct their attention to BurJuman, which has a large selection of designer brands including Louis Vuitton (pictured), Cartier and Christian Lacroix. It is also home to the world-famous department store, Saks Fifth Avenue. Turn to page 118 for a list of malls. Contact: 04 3520222.

S ta n d a r d C h a r t e r e d d u b a i m a r at h o n 2 012 January 25 This yearly running race begins at Downtown Dubai and stretches over 42 kilometres. US$250,000 (AED918,000) in prize money is awarded to the fastest male and female runners and a new world record lands a runner US$1 million dollars (AED3.67 million). If you think you’ve got what it takes log on to dubaimarathon.org

EXPERIENCE A desert adventure

big boys toys

January 31 to February 2 Big Boys Toys is the Middle East’s premier luxury Lifestyle exhibtion. Taking place at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai this event showcases the most unique exhibits, with a focus on innovative products. 2013 will bring together the latest technologies and the biggest brands along with high-impact entertainment features, all packed into three days of non-stop action. For more information visit bigboystoysuae.com

A trip out of the city into the Arabian Desert is an awe-inspiring adventure. The unspoilt dunes can be reached within an hour, with tour operators providing pick-up from Dubai’s hotels. Those looking for excitement can enjoy the thrill of driving by leading the convoy deep into the heart of the desert. Alternatively, a trip to a traditional desert camp provides a more sedate experience. Turn to page 124 for a list of reputable tour operators.

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Snapshot Expanding Horizons No matter where you are in Dubai, one glimpse of the city skyline and you’ll spot at least a dozen architectural wonders that have made their way into the record books. Whether it’s Burj Khalifa which, among its many accolades, takes the coveted prize as the world’s tallest tower, or the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, which recently secured its record as the world’s tallest hotel, you can’t go far without encountering history in the making. Since 1978 when the Dubai World Trade Centre was completed at a height of 149 metres, Dubai has embarked on an amazing adventure of groundbreaking architectural excellence. Almost like a mirage in the desert, the skyline has developed directly from the dunes, producing some of the most awe-inspiring structures in the world and allowing the skyline to map the city’s historic rise.

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www.smalto.com Al Qasr

Atlantis

Zabeel Saray

+971 4 4486092

+971 4 4503622

+971 4 4357556

SHOP Retail achievements Saks Fifth Avenue opens in Dubai Shoppers rejoice as fashion favourite Saks Fifth Avenue opens at BurJuman in Bur Dubai.

2004 2005

2006

Mall of the Emirates opens

Dubai Fashion Week launches

Mall of the Emirates swings open its doors and at the same time the region’s first indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai, launches. This retail bastion contains approximately 2,400,000 square feet of shops.

A variety of local and international designers head to the catwalks to showcase their designs at the latest fashion show on the global circuit – Dubai Fashion Week.

2007 2008

Dubai is sold on gold The ‘City of Gold’ lives up to its reputation as Dubai is named as having the world’s highest per capita consumption of gold, with an average of 36 grammes per person.

The Dubai Mall debuts

2009

The world’s biggest shopping mall, The Dubai Mall, is open for business. There are currently over 1,200 stores operating in this shopping centre.

The Dubai Shopping Festival breaks records AED9.8 billion is spent during the 32 days of the festival.

Symphony is unveiled Renowned designers and celebrities including Erin Featherston, Rupert Sanderson and Whitney Port (pictured) jet into the emirate for the opening of fashion store Symphony.

2010 Christian Louboutin comes to town

Paspaley showcases the Paspaley Pearl at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Paspaley makes headlines for bringing the famous Paspaley Pearl to Dubai. Measuring a whopping 20.4 millimetres in diameter, this priceless jewel of the sea is perfectly shaped with a strong pink orient.

Famed footwear designer Christian Louboutin celebrates the 20 th anniversary of his design empire.

2011

2012

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THE FINER THINGS With the festive season upon us, Concierge scours the UAE in search of the most exclusive gifts money can buy

The UAEâ€™s reputation as a hub for luxury is renowned. From the palatial hotels with their gourmet restaurants and opulent spas to the enormous shopping centres that burst with designer boutiques, this small country offers visitors big opportunities for indulgence. When it comes to sourcing the perfect gift, visitors here are spoilt for choice. Many companies in the UAE have perfected the art of bespoke service with everything from personalised perfume bottles to tailormade experiences on offer. Alternatively, visitors seeking gifts can enjoy limitless prospects for sheer extravagance in the malls, which are laden with boutiques and designer stores. For a glimpse of some of the most lavish products on the market Concierge has completed a luxury gift list that allows discerning shoppers to find the ideal purchase for that special someone.

GI FT S / s hop

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SHO P/ GIFTS

The Golden Phoenix cupcake At first sight, the elaborate sculptures that make up the Golden Phoenix cupcakes look more like expensive ornaments than baked goods. Covered in 23-karat gold and priced at AED3,700, it seems almost a shame to eat them. Almost, but not quite. Shafeena Yusuff Ali, the amateur chef responsible for creating the culinary work of art, is adamant that they taste as good as they look and has hand-picked the best ingredients, sourced from around the world for the purpose. The founder of cupcake café chain, Bloomsbury’s, she spent weeks perfecting the recipe after announcing that she intended to create the world’s most expensive cupcake, finally settling on a blend of Doves organic flour from the UK, Rachel’s organic butter from the UK, Premium Amadei cocoa from Italy, Gold Ugandan high-quality vanilla beans and 23-karat edible gold sheet. This indulgent treat takes decadence to new bounds.

2 3

1 Leviev (previous page) 2 Roberto Coin, Mauresque Collection UAE jewellery set 3 Leviev, D Internally Flawless Pear-Shaped Diamond earrings 4 Bloomsbury’s Golden Phoenix cupcake

Where: Bloomsbury’s at The Dubai Mall Contact: ilovebloomsburys.com

Leviev Diamond earrings Perfect clarity, beautiful cut and weighing in at an impressive 33.29 and 31.05 carats, the dazzling, pear-shaped Leviev diamonds make a stunning statement gift. These are not just any stones. Leviev has used only D-grade diamonds, the clearest possible grade, to create these one-off earrings, which cost AED119,815,637. Where: Available at the Levant boutique, Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah / Contact: 04 4243892

The Roberto Coin UAE parure This stunning jewellery parure, which is part of the Mauresque collection by Roberto Coin, was created especially for the Gulf region. The matching set costs AED337,638 and consists of a 3.21-carat diamond collar, a six-carat diamond bracelet, earrings studded with 22 diamonds and a 1.03-carat diamond ring. Available from select Damas outlets across the UAE and the Roberto Coin boutique in Wafi Mall, Dubai. 4

Contact: 04 3279880

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SHO P/ GIFTS

5 Guerlain, Abeille Rêve de Lune 6 Micallef, custom perfume bottle 7 Shiffa, gold body oil 8 Montblanc, Ruby set 9 Signature suite at Armani Hotel Dubai

Personalised Perfume by Micallef Niche perfume manufacturer Micallef offers shoppers the opportunity to give the product a personal touch by having a name or message inscribed on the bottle for around AED1,000. Browse the various collections, which include The Specials, originally created for Middle Eastern royal families with bottles wrought from crystal and 24-karat gold, before selecting a design and scent. The newest fragrance, Ylang in Gold, which was recently launched in the Middle East, comes in a beautiful bottle, hand-decorated with Swarovski crystals. The brand, which is only available in select outlets around the world, including Paris Gallery in the UAE, will also create bespoke perfumes for individual clients. A minimum order of 120 bottles is required in addition to a payment of around AED23,500 for the development of the exclusive fragrance and packaging. Contact: Paris Gallery at parisgallery.com

Gold body oil by Shiffa The use of gold to nourish, restore and heal dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian cultures used to ingest the precious metal in the belief that it would yield mental, bodily and spiritual purification. Today, homegrown cosmetics brand, Shiffa has revived the ancient practice with a line of gold-infused products that make for perfect stocking fillers or table presents. Founded by Dr

M O R E E X T R AVA G A N T GIFT IDEAS Guerlain’s Abeille Rêve de Lune: Only available in the Middle East, this heavenly scent, packaged in the limited-edition crystal bee bottle is the last word in luxury perfume. Available from select Paris Gallery outlets in Dubai, priced at AED97,187. Visit: parisgallery.com

7 6

Montblanc Ruby Set: Laden with rubies and diamonds this one-of-akind set, including fountain pen, timepiece and cufflinks makes for truly elaborate gift. Available only from the Montblanc boutique at The Dubai Mall. Price available on request. Contact: 04 4340300. UAE Gold bullion coin: Great as a souvenir or gift, these solid gold coins are designed to celebrate the achievements of the UAE, with images of the country’s leaders on one side and landmarks on the other. Prices depends on the daily gold rate. More information, including a list of local distributors is available at uaegoldbullioncoin.ae

A chauffered Maserati will take you to the hotel where you beging with a glass of Dom Pérignon before taking to the skies in a private helicopter tour over the city

Lamees Hamdan, Shiffa (which means ‘healing’ in Arabic) sources precious ingredients from around the world for its luxurious products, including the indulgent Shiffa Gold Body Oil, a blend of pure essential oils and Argan oil, infused with real gold pieces to purify and cleanse. Priced at AED989. Contact: 04 2656165

An exclusive experience with Armani Once-in-a-lifetime experiences make a thoughtful gift and the Exquisitely Festive, Exceptionally Armani tailored package could hardly be more carefully considered. Every luxurious detail has been carefully planned by Armani Dubai to create the perfect

package for a night of indulgence. A chauffeured Maserati will take you to the hotel where you begin with a glass of Dom Pérignon before taking to the skies in a private helicopter tour over the city. After this, it’s off to dinner at Armani/Ristorante where a sumptuous feast awaits. Tuck in to terrine of foie gras and saviour slow-cooked lobster followed by caviar-dressed seabass and a delectable crème brûlée adorned with 24-karat edible gold, then retire to the hotel’s spacious signature suite. Wake to breakfast in bed followed by a couples’ treatment at Armani/Spa and leave with a bespoke Armani/ Fiori fragrance bouquet. Prices start from AED60,000. Contact: 04 8883999

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leading lady Red carpet glamour abounds with these show-stopping ensembles

Q P h o t o g r a p h y: S u s a n n e S p i e l —— s u s a n n e sp i e l . c o m ——

Fa sh ion / s hop

Michael wears: tuxedo Dsquared2; shirt Burberry; bow tie Giorgio Armani Adriana wears: Dress Jenny Packham; earrings Cartier; clutch stylist's own

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Adriana wears: Dress Emilio Pucci; bracelet Cartier; clutch Diane von Furstenberg Michael wears: Tuxedo jacket Salvatore Ferragamo; tuxedo trousers Burberry; shirt Marc Jacobs; tie Giorgio Armani; watch Cartier

Adriana wears: Dress Erdem; necklace Cartier —— Michael wears: Tuxedo Marc Jacobs; bow tie Hugo Boss; cufflinks Cartier

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Opposite page: Dress Alexander McQueen; earrings Cartier —— Dress Givenchy; ring Cartier

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Dress Lanvin; ring Cartier

Dress Armani Collezioni; necklace Cartier

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Jacket and pochette/pocket square both Etro; shirt Ermenegildo Zegna; trousers Giorgio Armani; bow tie Hugo Boss; cufflinks Cartier

Stylist: Tanja Zeljak / tanjazeljak.com â€” Hair and makeup: Thomas Orsolis / monikaleuthner.com Models: Adriana at Exit Models and Michael V. at Wienermodels

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Scents of occasion Nothing reveals more about a woman than the fragrance she wears. Concierge conjures up the perfect perfumes for you

PE RFUME / s hop

With over 200 fragrances launched worldwide every year, selecting the right scent can often feel a bit like searching for a needle in a haystack. From classics like Chanel No5 and Poison by Dior, to celebrity versions (everyone from Lady Gaga to Liz Taylor has released one) to the more niche launches like Ylang in Gold by M. Micallef, itâ€™s a minefield trying to identify your perfect aroma. Fortunately Concierge can guide you in the right direction as weâ€™ve tracked down top perfumers from across the globe and over the next few pages you can read their tips to identifying your forever fragrance.

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Back to basics To understand the world of aroma, it’s important to go back to the beginning. Since the start of recorded history humans have attempted to mask or enhance their scent by using perfume, which emulates nature’s aromas. Cultivated by extracting natural oils from plants through pressing and steaming, scented oils can be dated back as far as the ancient Egyptians, who used them for cleansing rituals. In fact, one of the earliest fragrance formulae was discovered in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Over the centuries fragrance recipes have been kept as well-guarded secrets, traditionally only passed down by the creator to the next generation of perfumer or ‘nose’. Having clearly stood the test of time, the secret art of perfumery has developed into a thriving industry, which currently makes a staggering US$25 billion (AED91 billion) a year. It’s an enduring story of success as many of the ancient ingredients still feature heavily in the contemporary combinations we know today. For example, one of the oldest perfume elements, sandalwood, has been in use for thousands of years. Likewise, cardamom, cinnamon and jasmine, which were all used in ancient Egyptian perfumes, are commonly featured in today’s bottled fragrances.

Of course, while many of the key components have endured, the primitive potions of yesteryear bear little resemblance to the rows upon rows of shiny bottles that line the shelves of high-end beauty counters. Today, the majority of fragrances are mass produced and fit into three distinct categories – parfum, eau de parfum and eau de toilette and can be easily identified by these labels. The rules of each category are simple, with parfum generally commanding the steepest price tag. “The reason for this is that parfum is the most concentrated form of fragrance and lasts the longest on the skin,” explains Sophie Lambert, chief operating officer for diptyque. Eau de parfum wins a close second for staying power because, with anywhere from eight to 15 percent of the essential fragrance, it is only slightly less enduring. With about five to eight percent of the perfume essence, eau de toilette is the lightest scent designed for shorter wear on the skin. “Eau de toilettes have a discreet smell, because they contain powerful top notes which disappear within two hours of application,” explains Lambert. “Parfum and eau de parfums have fewer top notes, but a greater volume of concentrated essential oils, which means they last longer when sprayed on the skin.”

One of the oldest perfume elements, sandalwood, has been in use for thousands of years. Likewise, cardamom, cinnamon and jasmine, which were all used in ancient Egyptian perfumes, are commonly featured in today’s bottled fragrances 1 Martine Micallef, chief designer at M.Micallef 2 Volutes by diptyque

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Taking notes Understanding notes is key to identifying your perfect perfume and knowing the basic rules will stand you in good stead when it comes to choosing a fragrance. “The top note is what you smell immediately on your first spray,” explains Lambert. The middle note, otherwise known as the heart note, is often a floral bouquet at the core of the fragrance, where it begins to bloom on the skin. “For several minutes and up to an hour after applying the perfume you’ll be able to smell the middle note before the fragrance mellows,” she says. After this, comes the base note, which is the deepest smell and blends with the middle note to provide the main scent of the perfume. “These notes are the ones that linger for the longest.” There is a variety of fragrance families to choose from and each one brings a different set of notes. Floral, fruity fragrances are the softest and often include iris, rose, plum and pear. Zesty perfumes create a refreshing tang with notes such as lime, lemon, mint and basil, while spicy scents, which are the most sensual, are renowned for being heady and rich, with deep flavours like musk, cinnamon, cloves and ginger. The woody family typically relies on notes of birch, sandalwood, amber and tobacco to create a deep earthy aroma. “Searching

3 Ylang in Gold by M. Micallef 4 Bullion by Byredo Parfums

TA L K S C E N T S Always spray on pulse points such as your wrists or behind your ears. The warmth of your blood on these points helps the scent evaporate and develop to its full potential.

Try before you by. Perfumes will smell different on you than in the bottle. 3

Buying time

Shop with clean, fresh skin. If you’re already wearing a perfume the combinations will alter the true aroma. Don’t overdo it. Spraying too much and too many options will give you a headache. It’s a common mistake to rub your wrists together once you’ve sprayed. This damages the molecules and changes the notes, altering the smell. Be patient. Allow the fragrance to develop for up to an hour before you make a decision on it.

“A lot of people think it’s important to be able to smell a fragrance hours after applying it to their skin,” says Chami. “However, if you spray on a scent and can smell it strongly hours later, this usually means that your skin is rejecting it, not absorbing it and, therefore, there are high risks that it actually doesn’t suit you.”

for a fragrance in a department store can be overwhelming as there is so much choice,” says Ben Goram, creative director and founder of Byredo Parfums. “By learning about the different families it will help to focus your likes and dislikes.” But how do you know which notes suit you best? According to Gabriel Chami, founder and general manager of ScentStory FZE, the perfect scent for your skin is the one that others can smell, but you can’t.

Before embarking on a scent shopping spree there are a few rules to bear in mind. For a start, Chami recommends avoiding perfume shopping if you’re feeling hot or anxious as there is a higher likelihood your skin will reject the fragrance. Another rule is to go it alone. “Fragrances are made up of molecules which create a chemical reaction when applied to our skin,” explains Chami. As a result a perfume will have a unique smell when it is sprayed on your skin. If you’re buying a perfume for yourself, make sure you try it on yourself, rather than sniffing it on a friend’s wrist. Likewise, the experts recommend that

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IMAGES COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES

you limit yourself to only trying five perfumes during one shopping session because becoming saturated with scents throughout the day will hinder your ability to sniff out the perfect aroma. Similarly, it’s also important to pay close attention to the seasons. “Knowing the time of year you’re planning to wear a fragrance is vital because people tend to choose lighter fragrances in the summer and more full-bodied aromas for the winter,” says Chami. Geoffrey Nejman, nose at M. Micallef, agrees. “Right now it’s winter and festive notes of iris, rose, sandalwood, amber and moss identify the season. Autumn is abundant with spicy, fruity notes mixed with vanilla. For the summer, citrus notes are very popular, while spring is all about fresh white flowers.” Ultimately though, Nejman believes there should be a certain amount of spontaneity when it comes to selecting a fragrance. “Mood is incredibly important which is why it’s vital to ask yourself a few questions. Do you want to be seductive? Do you want to impose your presence through a scent? Do you want to be different? Do you simply want to feel good in this perfume?” Once you have your answers, your forever fragrance will find its way to you.

Mood is incredibly important which is why it’s vital to ask yourself a few questions. Do you want to be seductive? Do you want to impose your presence through a scent? Do you want to be different?

9 Eau Sans Pareil by Penhaligon’s 10 Noix de Tuberuese by Miller Harris 11 Chanel No5 12 Poppy Flower by Coach

SEASONAL SCENTS PERFECT FOR… SPRING

Poppy Flower by Coach Vibrant but lighthearted, the floral notes are just right for spring

11 9

PERFECT FOR… SUMMER

Eau Sans Pareil by Penhaligon’s Originally created in 1988, Eau Sans Pareil is a powdery scent which unites diverse aromas such as mandarin, bergamot, vanilla and blossom PERFECT FOR… AUTUMN

8 12

Noix de Tuberuese by Miller Harris Filled with autumnal flair, the top notes of wild green clover are marvelously complemented by the base notes of tonka bean and orris PERFECT FOR… WINTER

Chanel No5 With base notes of vetiver and sandalwood, this iconic fullbodied aroma is warm and wintry Available at Paris Gallery Visit parisgallery.com for details

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a Family affair From an obscure historic brand to a global name, Carl F. Bucherer has come a long way. CEO, Sascha Moeri talks about the companyâ€™s lasting legacy

Q In the world of horology there are few brands that command as much respect as Carl F. Bucherer. Successfully operating since 1888, this family owned manufacturer was originally founded in Lucerne, Switzerland by entrepreneur Carl Friedrich Bucherer. In the 124 years since its inception the brand has remained true to its philosophies of family, heritage and tradition so much so that up until 2001 these timepieces were only available at Bucherer stores in Switzerland. While relatively new on the international scene, in the eleven years since Carl F. Bucherer expanded around the world the brand has dazzled the industry with its intricate design and understated elegance. One of the men behind the ascent is watch industry veteran Sascha Moeri. Following successful stints in top positions across management, marketing, product development and sales, Moeri joined the company as CEO in 2010 and has helped to raise the profile of the brand and consequently increased its popularity, appeal and sales. Concierge took the time to meet with the dynamic industry frontrunner to discuss business, brand identity and what makes this historic watch company tick.

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Fresh talent At 39, Sascha Moeri is one of the youngest CEO’s in the watch industry. Clearly age hasn’t hindered the Swiss-born gent’s progress because last month he celebrated his second anniversary as global CEO of Carl F. Bucherer. “When Bucherer first contacted me I wasn’t looking to move jobs,” recalls Moeri during our interview at the Carl F. Bucherer boutique at The Dubai Mall. “It would have had to be something very special for me to relocate.” That ‘something very special’ was a meeting with Jorg Bucherer, (grandson of Carl Freidrich), who initiated worldwide distribution of the brand in 2001. “It was the personality and values held by Mr. Bucherer that convinced me to take the job,” explains Moeri. “He’s humble, yet successful and it was his generation that brought the brand into the international arena. I wanted to work for someone who I looked up to and I found that in him.” It’s been a meeting of minds because in the two years Moeri has headed the brand it has gone from strength to strength. With boutiques in Beijing, Macau, Taipei, Bangkok and Tokyo to name a few, the Far East is all but cornered and with plans to further expand in the USA, a strong international presence is well within grasp. Likewise, production has also seen a rise. “We’re a limited-production brand because we want to keep a certain level of brand quality,”

1 Patravi TravelGraph (previous page) 2 & 3 Patravi Evotech Big Date 4 CFB A 1000 movement 5 Manero Chronograph

explains Moeri. “But the goal is to increase our annual production. In 2009 we did 9,000 pieces. Last year it was 16,000 and hopefully next year we’ll reach 20,000.” However, while growth is inevitable, Moeri is quick to point out that the brand’s ethos has not changed. “In order to develop Carl F. Bucherer on an international level, it is essential to have a selective distribution. Good trading partners are critical. It’s to the company’s credit that after more than a decade of expanding we have not changed a single distributor.” This, Moeri says, reaffirms the brand’s identity of family, loyalty and long-term respect. 4

Enduring movement Of course, in the world of horology, where the brands are as wide-ranging as the movements they produce, what is it that sets Carl F. Bucherer apart from the rest? It is something that Moeri believes is the pièce de résistance of the company. “We are 100 percent family owned,” he says proudly. “Not many brands can claim that. For us, it’s not about results for the next three months – it’s a long-term view. That has given the company the ability to invest and become a leader in the technical aspects of watch making.” That’s no exaggeration because in 2007 a new chapter in Carl F. Bucherer’s watchmaking history came to pass when the brand began working on its own movements. This was a momentous achievement because one of the unwritten rules of the Swiss watchmaking industry is that only brands that make at least one movement entirely on their own may use the prestigious name, ‘Manufacture’. The development came about when Carl F. Bucherer acquired Techniques Horlogères Appliquées SA, a renowned producer of watchmaking complications. After being fully integrated into the Bucherer family, this facility began work

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RORY MCILROY TIGER WOODS WITH MORE GIANTS ON THE WAY

FEATURING:

LIWA DESERT

sho p/ Wa tches

on research, development and production. The following year Carl F. Bucherer’s first movement, the CFB A1000, was born. Expertly designed with the first reliably functioning peripherally mounted and bidirectional winding oscillating weight, this movement quickly became renowned for combining the aesthetic appeal of a hand-wound movement with the convenience of automatic winding. The technical side of the industry is a world Moeri is all too familiar with. Born and raised in Bienne, a town at the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry, he confesses his destiny was set from a very young age. “If you grow up in Bienne, there is a strong chance you’ll end up working in the watch industry. I was extremely

passionate about the business when I was younger and that continues to this day.” But while Moeri is fascinated by the trade he admits he has no talent when it comes to horology. “This was not my gift. I can’t even put furniture together, let alone a complex timepiece,” he laughs. “Instead, my skill is that I know how it must look. I think about colour, size, shape and even work with the designers to develop ideas.” As part of his involvement with the design process Moeri carries each prototype in his trouser pocket for two weeks prior to its finalisation. “It’s a great way to see if the watch has any unseen sharp edges or points that might prod and hurt the skin. The fact that our timepieces are comfortable is a distinguishing feature.”

Stunning selection

Carl F. Bucherer’s zeal for stunning watches and its unending drive for perfection are reflected in the four lines of the core collections. The Patravi, perhaps the most famous collection, delivers classics such as the Patravi Calendar, which is integrated with the famous CFB A1000 Manufacture caliber. Other popular models in the line include the TravelTec, which Moeri cites as his favourite piece. Jokingly referring to it as a ‘time machine’, the watch aficionado explains the core of its appeal lies in specially developed CFB 1901.1 calibre which not only satisfies the highest requirements in terms of precision,

6 Patravi TravelGraph 7 Sascha wears the Patravi TravelTec 8 Patravi GMT movement

“I can’t even put furniture together, let alone a complex timepiece. Instead, my skill is that I know how it must look. I think about colour, size, shape and even work with the designers”

but also displays three different time zones simultaneously. “I need to know the time in Switzerland, LA and Hong Kong so this piece is perfect for me.” A world away from the flashy brilliance of Patrivi is the Manero collection, which is made up of modern classics, such as the Manero Chrono Perpetual, a moon phase chronograph, crafted from domed sapphire crystal. Ladies are also catered for because the Alacria line features a unique curved case forming the ideal basis for the creation of special editions that embody the high standards of jewellery. And those looking for something slightly more discreet can direct their attentions to the Adamavi collection which is synonymous with timeless elegance and reliability. Ultimately, whichever timepiece you are looking for there is something to suit your tastes. “The beauty of Carl F. Bucherer is that it’s for the buyer who doesn’t follow trends,” says Moeri. “It’s not about what’s in fashion, it’s about how the watch makes you feel when it’s on your wrist.”

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Chopard Imperiale

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Precious time Donâ€™t waste a moment with a less than stunning timepiece. Instead, shine like a star with one of these elegant gem-set watches

Q While the primary function of a watch is to tell the time, many of us take pleasure in wristwatches for more than their ability to keep us punctual. Taking design steps beyond functionality, a variety of high-end watch brands have created pieces that are not only complicated in terms of inner workings, but intricately designed aesthetically. Works of art on their own, these mechanical marvels are made from an assortment of rare materials including diamonds, rubies, sapphires, gold and platinum and are crafted by some of the most talented artisans in the industry. Over the next few pages Concierge has showcased a selection of the most sensational bejewelled timekeepers currently available.

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Breguet Reine De Naples As you’d expected from the oldest watchmaker in the world, the Reine De Naples anniversary special from Breguet is a sight to behold. The Mediterranean style of the timepiece is accentuated by precious stones. The silvered gold dial and its flange are paved with 233 brilliant cut diamonds and 303 blue sapphires with different nuances, offering a subtle colour gradation.

Chopard Imperiale A true classic from Chopard, the Imperiale watch collection recently welcomed a new member to the family and its classic style is a celebration of elegance. The steel chronograph is a nod to the imperial age, with Roman numerals and a delicately carved mother-of-pearl dial. A crown, curved like a lotus flower and set with amethyst cabochon is fitted to a case middle to give the model a luminous glow.

The steel chronograph is a nod to the imperial age, with Roman numerals, a stylish frame and a delicately carved mother-of-pearl dial

1&5 Chopard Imperiale (previous page) 2 Breguet Reine De Naples 3 Damas Varotti 4 Van Cleef & Arpels Charms Mini

3 4

Van Cleef & Arpels Charms Mini

Damas Varotti

Ingenuity and expertise are the key elements of every Van Cleef & Arpels’ creation and the Charms Mini is no exception. Available in white or pink gold, this ultra-stylish watch makes every moment special with its iconic diamond-set Alhambra motif – a symbol of true love, good health, fortune and luck. Detailed on the dial itself and playfully attached to the side of the case via a ring, the charm, which is set with diamonds, turns freely around the dial. For those who like to accessorise, interchangeable straps are available in black satin and bright alligator leather.

If you’re keen to make a striking style statement with your timepiece, look no further than Damas’ stunning in-house Varotti collection. Delicately crafted in 18-karat white or yellow gold, these elegant timepieces are typical of Damas – a brand that is synonymous with luxury, style and elegance. The diamond-embellished case and bezel on this graceful watch is a dazzling example of opulence and symbolises the design and quality that the UAE jewellery house has become famous for. In addition, the slimline style, which is incredibly en vogue, adds extra elegance.

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Boucheron Crazy Jungle Seahorse The artisans at Boucheron have taken inspiration from the depths of the ocean with their latest creation, the Crazy Jungle Seahorse. The grandiose timepiece features a gemencrusted seahorse design which appears to almost glide across the mother-of-pearl dial. Framing the seascape of the rose gold watch is a bezel covered in 48 brilliant-cut white diamonds. Boucheron’s own heritage is apparent along the side of watch, where the house’s iconic Pointes de Diamante motif subtly identifies the timepiece as Boucheron.

Blancpain Complete Calendar This elegant timepiece is Blancpain’s offering for 2012 and boasts a sophisticated calendar moonphase indicator and a delicate motherof-pearl dial set with diamonds. With just the right amount of sparkle this watch is bound to impress.

6 Boucheron Crazy Jungle Seahorse 7 Blancpain Complete Calendar 8 Omega Constellation Brushed Chronometer 9 Baume & Mercier Hampton 10047

WHERE TO BUY BLANCPAIN, BREGUET, CHOPARD, OMEGA

Available from Rivoli 800 RIVOLI (748654)

Omega Constellation Brushed Chronometer A halo of diamonds frost the bezel of this smart watch, presenting a pretty contrast to the rose gold case and bracelet, as well as the intricate mother-of-pearl dial. The perfect level of glamour for any occasion, it is the absolute accessory for the stylish woman. A sapphire crystal caseback also reveals the fascinating inner workings of the self-winding movement.

Baume & Mercier Hampton 10047

Inspired by the chic seaside living of the Hamptons, this rectangular watch features a satin-finished case set with diamonds and a glossy white alligator bracelet. Waterproof down to approximately 50 metres, the deluxe timepiece perfectly captures the Hamptons’ spirit of beauty and charm.

Available from Rivoli Located in: all major shopping malls as well as Burj Al Arab, One&Only Royal Mirage, Dusit Thani Dubai, Grosvenor House Dubai, The Address Downtown Dubai, the Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Gold & Diamond Park, The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residences, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyah Beach Resort & Marina and Media Rotana. BAUME & MERCIER, VAN CLEEF & ARPELS

Available from Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons 04 3323777

Located in: all major shopping malls as well as Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Grosvenor House Dubai, Le Mèridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and Jumeirah Emirates Towers DAMAS

Available from Damas stores 04 4459000

Located in: all major shopping malls BOUCHERON

Available from all major shopping malls

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Al Qasr +971 4 4243892

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Atlantis +971 4 4226717

Burj Al Arab +971 4 3483181

Jumeirah Beach +971 4 3488102

Mina Aâ€™ Salam +971 4 3686262

Zabeel Saray +971 4 4357558

24/10/2012 19:26

DISCOVER Historic occasions Revered Gulf ruler Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passes away Fondly known as the ‘founding fat her’ Shei k h Zayed was t he president of the UAE from its birth in 1971. His passing prompted countrywide mourning.

Christie’s opens in Dubai

2004 2005

2006

Art Dubai launches Art buffs are wowed by Art Dubai, the largest annual art fair in the Middle East.

2007 Dubai World Trade Centre visitor footfall shows 40 percent increase Breaking records of previous years, more than 500,000 visitors attend events and exhibitions at Dubai World Trade Centre, during the first half of the year.

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi v isitors are in awe of this beautifully majestic monument, erected in honour of the late president Sheikh Zayed.

2008 2009

Manarat Al Saadiyat opens Manaret Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island’s exhibitions centre, creates buzz in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Since its opening this extraordinary centre has played host to a wide range of temporary exhibits, including Paleolithic tools and Egyptian mummies.

History is made in the art market when Christie’s opens in Dubai. With the first auction taking place the following year, this fine art auction house has since gone on to sell over US$200 million worth of art.

2010

The Emirates Airline Festival of Literature takes off Budd ing w r iters at tend the launch of the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum is pictured at the 2012 event.

Sharjah unveils the Sharjah Musical Fountain Cultural hot spot Sharjah welcomes a new attraction in the form of the Sharjah Musical Fountain. With water bursts that shoot 100 metres into the air, this landmark attraction is located between Jamal Abdul Nasser Street and Khalid Lagoon Corniche.

Al Farooq Omar bin Khattab Mosque opens its doors Al Farooq Omar bin Khattab Mosque in Umm Suqeim opens to the public. It is one of only three mosques in the emirate offering tours to non Muslims.

2011 2012

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Celebration of a nation As the UAE gears up to celebrate its 41st birthday on December 2, Concierge looks at the incredible achievements of this young country

Q If you want to learn about the history of the UAE youâ€™ll need to dig a lot deeper than 41 years, because the earliest known habitation in this area stretches as far back as 5500 BCE. However, it was a historic day on December 2, 1971, when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan (Abu Dhabiâ€™s ruler from 1966 to 2004) and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (the ruler of Dubai from 1958 to 1990) formed a union between their two emirates and the neighbouring sheikhdoms of Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah and Ajman (Ras Al Khaimah joined in 1972). Prior to the agreement, the seven emirates had lived in relative harmony, united for many years through a treaty with Great Britain, which earned them the name of the Trucial States. Under the agreement, which was signed in 1892, the sheikhs agreed not to enter into any relationships with foreign governments or to dispose of any of their territories, except to Great Britain. In return, the UK offered protection to the Trucial States in the event of attacks by land or sea. It was a successful partnership, but in 1968 the UK announced that it would be ending its protectorate over the Trucial States, which left the area open to attack. In order to maintain security, Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid reached out to their neighbours and in 1971 they signed the agreement, which signified the creation of the UAE.

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DIS C O VER /N A TIO N A L DA Y

Rich history

The combined union brought together thousands of years of history and heritage and, even at the time of the formation, the UAE was regarded as a rich country. Traditionally the economy was rooted in pearl diving. Fishing and trading also supported the financial system, while further inland, money was made though date farming and camel herding. However, the First World War had a severe impact on the pearl industry and that, combined with the economic depression of the 1930s and the Japanese invention of the cultured pearl, resulted in a few very difficult decades for the region. Fortunately, in the early 1960s things began to look up when the first oil company teams arrived on these shores and carried out preliminary surveys. The first cargo of crude oil was exported from Abu Dhabi in 1962 and Dubai followed in 1969. Two years later the UAE was formed and revenues were ploughed back into the country. 3

Billions of dollars have been spent on improving the infrastructure and the last decade in particular has given rise to various high-flying projects, not least the 2010 unveiling of the world’s tallest tower

1 National Day celebrations 2010 (previous page) 2&4 National Day celebrations 2011 3 UAE President and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan

Big steps

Fast forward to today and it’s clear that the rewards have been reaped. Billions of dollars have been spent on improving the infrastructure and the last decade in particular has given rise to various high-flying projects. In Dubai, landmark achievements include the 2010 unveiling of the world’s tallest tower – Burj Khalifa (measuring 828 metres) and the development of the Dubai Marina, the largest manmade marina in the world. Another accomplishment has been the Dubai Metro, a fully automated network which opened its doors to the public in September 2009. With a total of 47 stations which operate on two lines (red and green) the Dubai Metro has offered an alternative form of transport for Dubai dwellers.

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for the new emperors

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revolutionary by tradition

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DIS C O VER /N A TIO N A L DA Y

Other economy-boosting projects include the Dubai International Financial Exchange, Dubai Media City and Dubai Internet City and have provided a wealth of opportunity for Emiratis and expatriates alike. The UAE is also home to two of the fastest-growing airlines in the world – Emirates, the flag carrier of Dubai and Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE. Between them the airlines cover the globe and operate, on average, around 3,500 flights a week.

5 The UAE flag flies high 6 A young girl celebrates National Day 7 A historic shot of Dubai Creek 8 Dubai Marina, modern day

Let’s celebrate With all this in mind it’s not surprising that for the last month UAE communities have been abuzz with a variety of events including poetry nights, art exhibitions and traditional band performances. The highlight will be the National Day Downtown Dubai Parade, which will be held on December 2 at Emaar Boulevard and will feature floats, inflatable balloons, performers, horses, camels and live music. The main aim of this spectacular event has been to encourage residents and guests of the UAE to celebrate the nation’s achievements, rich heritage and multicultural society.

A time for change In 1971 the community of Dubai revolved around the Dubai Creek, where fisherman, traders and pearl divers eeked out a living on the water. These days the emirate has many central areas including Dubai Marina (pictured), a popular spot for residents and visitors alike, and Palm Jumeirah, a 12-mile artificial archipelago proudly dubbed the ‘eighth wonder of the world’.

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B O R N

B Y

PA S S I O N

AMADEO ® FLEURIER Ø R E V E R S E D H A N D - F I T T I N G 7 - DAY TO U R B I L L O N

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SWITZERLAND

FOUNDING MEMBER OF THE QUALITY FLEURIER CERTIFICATION AND PARTNER OF THE FONDATION DE LA HAUTE HORLOGERIE

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Home, sweet home

Explore Dubai’s history at the Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum House

Home to the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, Dubai is a city that produces some of the most impressive modern architecture in the world. But amid the ever-changing skyline, which is populated by iconic masterpieces such as the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis The Palm, Dubai it’s easy to forget that only 41 years ago Dubai was just a small fishing port. To step back in time and see this remarkable metropolis before the monumental modernisation, take a trip to Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum House. The former residence of the ruler of Dubai from 1921 to 1958, the two-storeyed abode was continuously occupied until his death in 1958. It was then fully restored in 1986 and is now a museum and one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks. Seemingly unaffected by modern-day inflation, entry to the relatively modest residence, which is located along the Dubai Creek, is just AED2. For that you can spend as long as you want exploring the four wings and if you’re lucky you’ll also get a quick tour and some historical insight from the friendly and knowledgeable staff, many of whom have witnessed Dubai’s transformation first hand. Divided into four sections, each with wind towers (barjeels), it’s easy to see why Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum chose this retreat as his dwelling place. A born leader, he helped to pull Dubai out of an economic depression during the 1920s (due to its great reliance on pearling), and encouraged progressive trade policy across the emirate. Taking a seat in the serene Summer Majlis, with its basket roofing and pleasant views of Dubai Creek, you can imagine how the then ruler would have whiled away many hot summer months, contemplating the development of the busy metropolis we know today.

1&2 Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum House

To learn about Dubai’s past, head to the downstairs gallery, which contains artefacts and historical photographs showcasing the city. Providing a glimpse into the traditional culture and lifestyle of ‘old’ Dubai, it’s only while casting your eye over the images and relics that you fully appreciate how far this magnificent city has come in four decades. Su r pr isingly, t he Shei k h Saeed bin Maktoum Al Maktoum House isn’t abuzz with culture vultures. It seems as though very few tourists venture through its sturdy wooden doors, which is a shame because it is a great attraction with many interesting features. That said, its quietness adds to the tranquil charm of the place, making it one of Dubai’s true hidden treasures. For more information call 04 3937139.

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EXPERIENCE Active achievements Tiger Woods tees off from the top of the Burj Al Arab He’s a man used to highpressure situations, so it surprises no one when the sports star tries his luck from the world’s tallest hotel, Burj Al Arab.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s horse Electrocutionist wins one for the home team Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s prize thoroughbred takes first place at the Dubai World Cup at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse. The prize purse is $6million.

The Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon is announced as the world’s richest longdistance running event With US$250,000 (AED918,000) up for grabs, the Standard Chartered Duba i Ma rat hon qu ick ly becomes an event of interest. Ethiopian long-distance running athlete, Haile Gebrselassie, takes first place.

The world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, opens Burj Khalifa, which stands at an impressive 828 metres, opens with a dramatic ceremony at Downtown Dubai. Thousands turn out for the exciting event..

Ski Dubai opens The first indoor ski slope in the region opens its doors. Catering to all ages and abilities with green, blue, red and black runs, as well a variety of jumps and ramps, this winter wonderland also has a Snow Park for little ones.

2004 2005

2006

2007

Roger Federer takes home the trophy at the Dubai Duty Free Men’s Championship Tennis star Roger Federer wows audiences at the Aviation Club Tennis Centre.

2008

Cirque du Soleil somersaults into town

2009

2010

Performing Alegría, 55 artists, acrobats, musicians, singers and clowns from 17 countries join together for this powerful repertoire of energetic excellence.

Penguins arrive in Dubai This year Ski Dubai introduced a colony of gentoo and king penguins at the snow escape. Visitors to the emirate can enjoy a unique oneon-one encounter with the playful animals.

2011 Prince sings live in the capital Musical legend Prince wows fans at a public concert in Abu Dhabi, in honour of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

2012

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In pursuit of the perfect pearl Paspaley’s annual week long pearl harvest in Kuri Bay, Australia, is the moment when years of hard work come to fruition. Concierge was invited to experience this unique occasion and gain a deeper insight into the world of South Sea pearls

Q W O R D S B Y F AY E R O W E

“Hold out your hand,” instructs Geraldine Atkins, Manager of Paspaley’s flagship Darwin showroom, as she places a flute of Champagne on the glass counter beside me. Highly regarded as an expert on finding the perfect pearls for prospective clients, I obediently offer my palm as Geraldine casually places a large, lustrous pearl in my possession. It only takes a moment for me to realise that I am holding the famed Paspaley Pearl - the single, most valuable cultured pearl ever presented by the company. Perfectly round at 20.4mm in diameter and pink in colour, the flawless gem is priceless. Part of Paspaley’s private collection, it usually resides in the museum adjoining the Darwin boutique. However, just for a few moments, it is mine. The rare gem was discovered during the pearl harvest of 2003. In a happy twist of fate, the company’s Executive Director James Paspaley, whose grandfather Nicholas started the business in the 1930s, was present when it was extracted from the Pinctada Maxima oyster where it grew. It was a fitting reward for the man who was born into the trade. “Some of my earliest memories are of being on the ships at the pearl farms with my family,” says James. “There is always buzz during the pearl harvests as we are waiting to see whether the hard work has paid off – it’s like Christmas. Unlike the old navel days where oysters were caught in the wild and opened immediately, our harvest happens after two years of care and attention so I feel a sense of nervous excitement when we receive that first bag of pearls and start working through them.” Experiencing the harvest is undoubtedly a memory that will last a lifetime, and it is also something money cannot buy. An adventure reserved solely for Paspaley’s VIPs, guests are received to the Kuri Bay farm, located on the rugged coastline of the Kimberley, Western Australia, on an invite only basis. This is partly due to the fact that the methods used to procure the pearls are a closely guarded secret and also because the nearby Paspaley lodgings are completely exclusive – a flick through the guest book revealed US ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich as a recent visitor.

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Guests that do receive their calling card are in for a treat. The journey to the pearling site is pure adventure, involving a mallard seaplane flight from Darwin International Airport to the pearling site in Kuri Bay. Approaching the bespoke pearling ships by speedboat, guests can witness first hand the swatches of Pinctada Maxima oysters being pulled from the sea by a small army of workers - mostly comprised of gap year students - which are then teased open by experienced Japanese technicians who extract the pearls via a small incision. The technique has been developed and perfected over many years and has been credited with having significant impact on modern day pearl farming. “All the successful South Sea pearl companies in Australia exist because of emulating my grandfather’s ways,” says James.

The gems are briefly inspected before a nucleus is inserted back into the oyster to encourage future growth and the animals are then returned to the sea. Paspaley farms around 90 percent of South Sea Pearls, but keep only the crème de la crème for themselves. Each pearl takes two years to produce and Pinctada Maxima oysters – which are roughly the size of dinner plates – can live for up to three cycles. They are well looked after – each oyster is visited every three weeks and given a thorough health check, which involves keeping the shell clean from debris. Helping the animals stay in optimum condition encourages good pearl growth and when exceptional pearls are found they are considered some of the rarest jewels in the world. While history wasn’t made during Concierge’s visit, numerous stunning

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1 Odyssey campaign shot taken at Kuri Bay (previous page) 2 Executive Director James Paspaley 3 Paspaley Keshi Collar 4 Paspaley Odyssey Pendant 5 Earrings from the Odyssey collection 6 Paspaley’s Stephen Francis with the Paspaley Pearl 7 Photograph of the Paspaley showroom in Sydney taken in 1905

pearls were teased from the shells in all shapes and hues, from creamy baroque (irregularly-shaped) gems to champagne-tinged triangular specimens, plus many more. The buckets of luminous pearls seem never-ending, although not every gem is created equal.

Grading a pearl

There are five key criteria that determine the class of pearl: luster, complexion, shape, size and colour. While large, lustrous, perfectly round pearls are generally the most desirable, what a pearl is worth to the individual can be subjective. “The pearl really does find you,” says Stephen Francis, Paspaley’s Regional Manager Retail – UAE. “While a classic strand of creamy oval pearls may suit one woman, a silver baroque pendant may flatter the next. Finding the perfect match depends on everything from the wearer’s personality to her skin tone.” Guests are given plenty of time to mull over their choice at the Paslaley family’s nearby lodgings. The

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www.meccanicheveloci.com

motored by Italian passion

QUATTRO VALVOLE 44 CHRONOGRAPH ONLY ONE COLLECTION

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8 One of Paspaley’s bespoke pearling vessels 9 A Japanese technician inspects the harvest 10 Workers sorting the opened Pinctada Maxima oysters

rugged yet luxurious hideaway, developed in partnership with Wild Bush Luxury, boasts a multitude of activities, from bush walking to sea fishing and excursions to discover indigenous art. The resort has a resident crocodile, which rules out swimming, although there is a large pool for those who fancy a refreshing dip. There is an extremely talented Irish chef on site, producing world-class cuisine no mean feat considering the nearest town to Kuri Bay lies 220 kilometres away. Guests can enjoy delicious pearl meat canapés and fine Australian wines, including those from the Paspaley family’s own vintage. Completely remote and brimming with natural beauty, it can only be described as the experience of a lifetime. The stunning setting provided the ideal location for the photoshoot for the brand’s latest collection, Odyssey. Featuring yellow gold and diamonds, the range was inspired by a meeting between the

B O U T I Q U E L O C AT O R Dubai

Mall of The Emirates 04 3410755

Ground Floor, Royal Towers, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai 04 4220304

The Dubai Mall Ground Floor 04 3398745

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mall Ground Floor, Centre Court 02 6441475

To find out more, visit paspaley.com.

“My grandfather is highly regarded in the pearling industry for the advancements he made in growing and harvesting – what I did was make the business commercially viable” – James Paspaley brand’s head of the design Christine Salter (granddaughter of Nicholas Paspaley) and master jeweller Jürgen Kammler. The duo were sitting in Christine’s garden as sunlight shone between the lemon trees and the idea for a new look was formed. The company’s forward-thinking approach to design has been instrumental in helping to fulfill a strategy to broaden its distribution. “My grandfather is highly regarded in the pearling industry for the advancements he made in growing and harvesting – what I did was make the business commercially viable,” says James. “Our in-house team designs the jewellery around the pearls – the gems are always the heroes. However, there is a lack of awareness about South Sea Pearls and their origins so we are trying to educate people in a sophisticated way about why they are so valuable.” Forming organically in the wild, South Sea pearls are one of nature’s most prized possessions – the exceptional luster of a healthy specimen is inimitable.

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Although gems of similar colour and shape are usually collected over time and matched as earrings or used to create a perfectly shaped strand, for instance, each gem is unique in its own right. Extravagant pieces worth millions of dollars can take many years to collect and are often made to order. More affordable pairs of creamy button earrings can be found much more easily but the great thing about Paspaley is the breadth of choice.

A selective approach Despite the challenges around raising awareness, Paspaley has found a fitting home in the UAE, where it has three boutiques in Dubai with another due to open in the Mall of the Emirates in early 2013. The company also has one shop in Abu Dhabi – that’s on top of its four boutiques in Australia and one in Hong Kong. “Our retail expansion into the UAE was largely based on a personal relationship that existed between my father, Nick Paspaley AC, and Tamjeed, Tawhid and 11 The jetty leading to the Kuri Bay resort 12 Flying over the Horizontal Waterfalls in the Kimberly, in a mallard seaplane 13 Photographs from the Paspaley family archives

Gems of similar colour and shape are usually collected over time and matched as earrings or used to create a perfectly shaped strand, although each gem is unique in its own right Tawfiq Abdullah, who were very good customers of ours at that time,” says James. “The Abdullah’s visited us in Australia and learned about our business and insisted that we should come to the UAE and do something together. They explained to us that the UAE has a long and rich cultural history in pearls and that together we should be able to bring the worlds finest pearls and pearl jewellery back to the UAE.”

In Dubai, local customers tend to purchase items as a set: earrings, a necklace and a ring, for instance. Visitors from the GCC generally appreciate the more extravagant designs, such as those featuring decorative diamond-set clasps, while Chinese shoppers looks for more classic, delicate items that can be passed down the generations. Russians, on the other hand, prefer statement-making pieces featuring contemporary design, perhaps using Champagne-hued gems, for instance. Paspaley caters for all these tastes and more. “I have always been tremendously proud to have the opportunity to contribute to the Paspaley story,” says James. “The pearling business is an incredibly interesting environment to me. It involves so many different aspects from the farming or hatchery process to the marketing and wholesale sales component and the retail jewellery side to the business - there is always something to be done, improved, tweaked, designed or solved. There are few businesses I have seen that offer such a diverse array of challenges as ours does, and when it all comes together as planned, it feels rather wonderful.”

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Buon natale

Have the entire festive season reinterpreted this year with fashionable Armani elegance where dining offers a spectacular runway of culinary Festive and New Yearâ€™s creations, including the superb signature Italian of Armani/Ristorante, the exquisite Indian of Armani/Amal and the Japanese joy of Armani/Hashi. Join us for a fabulous festive season with Armani flare.

Armani Hotel Dubai +971 4 888 3888 or email dubai@armanihotels.com armanihotels.com

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Capital attractions Making a flying visit but want to capture the essence of the city? Concierge has your itinerary ready and waiting

Q While visitors to Dubai will no doubt be wowed by the emirate’s many attractions, adventurous travellers may decide to venture out of the vicinity and explore the surrounding cities. If this is on your agenda, we highly recommend a trip to Abu Dhabi, which is an hour’s drive from Dubai – traffic permitting. The UAE capital has something for every interest, whether you enjoy modern culture, shopping, leisure activities or history, but knowing where to start can sometimes be tricky, particularly if you only have a day. With this in mind we’ve put together comprehensive schedule for Abu Dhabi day-trippers. Whether you choose to follow it to the detail or cherry pick activities, we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

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NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION

FESTIVE SEASON AT SOFITEL DUBAI JUMEIRAH BEACH Treat yourself and your loved ones to a festive Christmas FESTIVE SEASON AT SOFITEL DUBAI JUMEIRAH BEACH and New Year’s Eve while enjoying entertainment Treat yourself and yourlive loved ones to a festive Christmas and New Year’s Eve while enjoying live entertainment Rococo Restaurant

From: AED 750 - 6 course set menu including soft drinks Rococo Restaurant 100% Process Black

From: AED 750 - 6 course set menu including soft drinks THE HUB BAR AED 500 – Deluxe finger bite buffet with selected beverages THE HUB BAR AED 500 – Deluxe finger bite buffet with selected beverages INFINI POOL LOUNGE AED 750 - Deluxe finger bite platter with selected beverages INFINI POOL LOUNGE AED 750 - Deluxe finger bite platter with selected beverages Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach – The Walk Information & Reservations. +971 (0)4 448 4870 Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach – The Walk Information & Reservations. +971 (0)4 448 4870

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8am – Souk Qaryat Al Beri Begin your tour Between the Bridges. Sounding rather poetic, this high-class suburb is located between Maqtaa and Mussaffah bridges, perched on the mainland at the gateway to the island city. A perfect place to begin your journey, Souk Qaryat Al Beri is themed on a traditional Arabian market. The shops here are more boutique than bargain, the restaurants more steak than shawarma, but the architecture and atmosphere manage to propel the visitor to a different time and place. Early morning is a good time to focus the mind here over coffee and reflect on the changes that have occurred in the last 41 years.

10am – Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque tour A short taxi ride from Souk Qaryat Al Beri is the most impressive and revered landmark in the city, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. One of the largest mosques in the world, this magnificent structure has 80 domes, more than 1,000 columns and is an essential Abu Dhabi experience. Unlike most mosques, this place of worship is open to non-Muslims and tours are available daily. Sheikh Zayed wanted to promote understanding between cultures and these tours offer an insight into Islam as well as a fascinating view of an architectural wonder.

1 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (previous page) 2 Souk Qaryat Al Beri 3 Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 4 Avenue at Etihad Towers 5 Heritage Village

11.30am – Avenue at Etihad Towers From the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, catch a taxi along the length of Abu Dhabi Island to the Corniche. Here you will find Avenue at Etihad Towers. This designer destination is abundant with high-end brand stores and boutiques including Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Versace. As good a place as any in the city to appreciate the cosmopolitan mix of its residents and visitors, indulge in some passive people watching over a light lunch at one of the mall’s fashioned-themed restaurants, such as Fauchon Le Café.

1.30pm – Heritage Village

Step out of the air-conditioned comfort straight into the past at Heritage Village. See what life was like for the Bedouin in a reconstruction of a desert camp. Learn about the ingenious falaj irrigation system and watch craftsmen at work on metal, pottery and cloth. After browsing the museum exhibits, buy handmade souvenirs and potent spices from the souk. Savour this heritage atmosphere, sandwiched between the global consumerism of Marina Mall and the regal luxury of the next stop on your itinerary.

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3.30pm – Emirates Palace

A gilded tribute to service standards and royal lifestyle, Emirates Palace is far more than a luxury five-star hotel. Just a short distance from Heritage Village, the contrast could not be more pronounced. To experience the iconic hotel’s modern standards of excellence coupled with famous Arabian hospitality that make Abu Dhabi unique, dining here is a must. High tea may be an English creation, but here it is executed with aplomb and a twist. Choose either the traditional afternoon tea with sandwiches and scones or the Emirates Palace alternative that infuses the ritual with Arabic influences, such as date and zataar scones with pistachio clotted cream. The residence of choice for visiting dignitaries, celebrities and royalty, you too will be made to feel like a VIP.

Head to Yas Island by taxi to see one of the many stunning new developments shaping Abu Dhabi. Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which took place last month, Yas is a luxury playground 6 Emirates Palace 7 Yas Island 8 Corniche

5.30pm – Yas Island Past, present and future are all covered in your day of discovery. Head to Yas Island by taxi to see one of the many stunning new developments shaping Abu Dhabi. Home to the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix which took place last month, Yas is a luxury playground with top-end hotels, a world-class golf course, an adrenaline-charged theme park and some of the best bars and restaurants in the city. Marvel at the marina’s super yachts and take a ride on the world’s fastest roller coaster at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. The Yas Viceroy hotel has a fun, futuristic design that forms a natural final destination for your distilled day in the city.

7pm – Corniche The Corniche, a coastal promenade, comes alive in the evenings with families taking a stroll or joggers fulfilling their post-work regime. As the heat of the day subsides, the buildings along the waterside walk reflect the colours of the sun as it begins to dip then swiftly drop into the sea. Abu Dhabi’s skyline is constantly being refreshed, with many landmark buildings along the Corniche nearing completion. Experiencing the city on foot also provides a full sensory immersion that you simply do not get by taxi. Apart from the sights, expect to smell the distinctive aroma of shisha and feel the warm breeze against your face. There is much more to see and do in the capital and the wider emirate, but that will have to wait for your next visit.

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DE-STRESS yourself If the festive season has you burning the candle at both ends, revive yourself with these rejuvenating treatments

While the UAE is a Muslim country, it has a diverse multicultural community (around 80 percent of Dubaiâ€™s population is from abroad) which means it is privy to a variety of religious festivals throughout the year. During the month of December the city comes alive with Christmas celebrations and visitors from across the globe have the opportunity to indulge in an assortment of Yuletide-themed activities including festive markets, tree lightings and Christmas-themed parties. The only drawback of course is that copious amounts of carousing can leave you feeling washed out and weary. Fortunately throughout the emirate and in almost every five-star hotel you will find luxury spas that offer a variety of treatments promising to refresh, restore and renew. Whether youâ€™re looking to invigorate dull skin with a high-tech facial or energise tired muscles with a reviving massage, read on for our top selection of post-party pick-me-ups.

EXPE R IENCE/SPA S

Jasmine Spa

Aromatic Festive Delights Throughout the month of December visitors to the Jasmine Spa at the Grand Millennium Dubai can book in for the Aromatic Festive Delights treatment which is two and a half hours of pure pampering pleasure. Designed to reinvigorate tired skin, this treatment comprises three phases and guests can choose between a chocolate fondue exfoliation and a Moroccan hammam, before being treated to a facial, followed by an aromatherapy massage. The facial, which is suited to all skin types, uses luxurious Maria Galland products and includes extraction, mask and steam. The aromatherapy massage is perfect for skin that lacks elasticity. Orange, lemongrass and rose oil, which are known for their firming effects, are massaged into the skin during the intense 60-minute massage. You’ll then be wrapped in a blanket, which allows your pores to absorb the oil, leaving your skin feeling soft, supple and exceedingly taut. Where: Grand Millennium / When: Daily 9am to 10pm How much: AED550 / Contact: 04 4299999

Raffles Spa

K-Lift Facial A big night out can leave you feeling as though you’ve aged 10 years, but the good news is that even after partying hard, you can look as fresh as a daisy because the K-Lift Facial uses unique technology to prevent and reverse the physical signs of tired skin. This hightech rejuvenation treatment uses three forms of energy – light, electron and magnetic – and is designed to treat dehydration, premature ageing and sun damage by stimulating your own

skin into working harder to treat signs of ageing. Beginning with a gentle face massage, the therapist then uses the K-Lift machine to boost blood circulation and increase the skin’s elasticity. The 120-minute treatment ‘reprogammes’ the skin to start working harder to produce its natural collagen and in doing so achieves longer-lasting effects with minimum maintenance. Where: Raffles Dubai / When: Daily 6am to 11pm How much: AED1,099 / Contact: 04 3248888

Ahasees Spa

Clean Slate Facial One of the city’s lesser-known spa spots is the Ahasees Spa at Grand Hyatt Dubai. With a variety of treatments on offer guests are spoilt for choice, but if waking up after a late night on the town has left you feeling like a shadow of your former self, we recommend you book in for the Clean Slate Facial. The 60-minute deepcleansing treatment is designed to restore, revitalise and reinvigorate skin, while also purifying blocked pores. Using luxe June Jacobs products the therapists achieve maximum results through a combination of extraction, cleansing and massage. As well as a lesson in relaxation, the facial helps to restore balance, transforming skin from dry and dull to bright and beautiful. Where: Grand Hyatt Dubai / When: Daily 9am to 8.45pm How much: AED450 / Contact: 04 3171234

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Spa InterContinental

Holistic Back, Face and Scalp Treatment This indulgent spa at Dubai Festival City is a haven of relaxation, comprising 10 treatment rooms, two couples’ rooms and a private VIP suite. If late nights have left you feeling washed out, book in for the Holistic Back, Face and Scalp Treatment which is designed to clear skin and relax tired muscles. This 125-minute signature ESPA experience uses a combination of techniques including aromatherpy, thalassotherapy and phytotherapy and the pampering session begins with a back massage, which targets problems such as muscle knots. This is followed by a gentle facial, designed to remove all impurities from the skin. Next up a deep-tissue massage and a rich face mask delivers instant radience. A relaxing scalp massage completes this tranquil treatment. Where: InterContinental Dubai Festival City When: Daily 9am to 9.30pm How much: AED595 / Contact: 04 7011111

With a steady flow of ginger tea and views over one of the most scenic developments in Dubai, you’ll never want to leave this peaceful urban retreat

Spa at The Address Downtown Dubai

Detox Facial

This is the perfect place for dissolving stress and revitalising the mind and body. Enjoy a post-party pampering session in the form of the 80-minute Detox Facial. Beginning with a gentle cleansing treatment, designed to remove all impurities from the skin, you’ll then be given a deeptissue massage before a face mask is applied. Rich in antioxidants and containing key ingredients such as amino acids and vitamins A, C and E, the mask helps to reactivate healthy cell function and increases your cell renewal rate, delivering instant firmness and long-term radiance to your skin. After your treatment, head to the idyllic relaxation room which overlooks The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa. With a steady flow of ginger tea and views over one of the most scenic developments in Dubai, you’ll never want to leave this peaceful urban retreat.

A l s o t ry… The Ritz-Carlton Spa, DIFC The Ritz-Carlton Spa, DIFC is the first spa in the Middle East to introduce Aroma Radiance Lift System by Aromatherapy Associates. Blending hi-tech with holistic, guests can look forward to natural radiance and a youthful glow. Contact: 04 3722777

Where: The Address Downtown Dubai When: Daily 9am to 10pm How much: AED635 / Contact: 04 4368888

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SAVOUR THE FLAVOUR OF OUR INCREDIBLE MEAT AND SEAFOOD DISHES, AMAZING VIEWS AND ALL YOU CAN EAT AND DRINK OFFERS AT MEAT ME EVERYDAY SUNDAY AND SEA ME EVERY WEDNESDAY AT ICHO TEPPAN.

AED 175 WITH SOFT DRINKS AED 265 WITH WINE AND BEER AED 275 WITH WINE, BEER AND SAKE

Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai | Sheikh Zayed Rd. Dubai, UAE | +971 4 308 0550 RRIC.Royaldubai@Radissonblu.com | radisson.com/royal-dubai

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TASTE Culinar y creations

Dinner in the desert gets the five-star treatment

Fairmont Dubai launches Spectrum on One

Luxury resort Bab Al Shams Resort & Spa opens and with it, a new concept of luxury desert dining is born. To this day, the resort is a popular destination for visitors keen to enjoy an authentic desert experience.

The famous Champagne brunch is something of an institution in the emirate and the original Friday feast began at Spectrum on One at Fairmont Dubai. Featuring eight kitchens that serve more than 200 dishes, food lovers are impressed from day one.

Jumeirah announces the first ever Festival of Taste

2004 2005 2006

This world-class culinary event gets underway with some of the most renowned chefs in the world taking part. Chefs include James Martin and Yannick Alléno (pictured).

2007

Asado at The Palace Downtown Dubai opens Dubai’s ever-expanding restaurant scene gets another boost in 2007 when South American fine dining eatery, Asado, launches.

2008 The world’s largest candy store opens

2009

Taste of Dubai launches The brightest culinary stars, including Gary Rhodes and Gordon Ramsay unite for the first year of Taste of Dubai, an al fresco food festival in Dubai Media City.

At.mosphere, the world’s highest restaurant opens

The opening of the world’s largest candy store , Candylicious, is sweet news. Spanning over 950 square metres, the outlet has pillars embedded with candy and a Candylicious aeroplane taking off above visitor’s heads.

Fogueira spices up the Dubai restaurant scene

With a spot on level 122 of Burj Khalifa, this stylish restaurant offers a full à la carte menu for dinner and a feast for the eyes with its panoramic views.

Until quite recently upmarket Brazilian food has been in short supply across the emirate. Fortunately, the drought is now over because Fogueira, an ultra-modern restaurant located at the Ramada Plaza Jumierah Beach opened its doors last month.

2010

The Ivy brings celebrity flavour to Dubai Foodies rejoice when The Ivy Dubai opens at Jumeirah Emirates Towers. With all the culinary dynamism of the London-based branch (which remains a popular venue for A-listers), this hip restaurant offers a fresh take on gourmet British fare.

2011 2012

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Festive flavour It’s party time, so look out for seasonal soirées and yuletide menus during this magical month

Q Seamlessly uniting an array of world cultures, the Dubai culinary scene is as varied as it is plentiful. From Eid to Diwali, Easter to Ramadan, depending on the time of year you visit you can expect the city’s restaurants to serve up a selection of festive-themed dishes. During the month of December many of Dubai eateries tailor their menus in order to reflect Christmas, which traditionally begins on December 1, with the first day of Advent, and ends on January 6 with the taking down of Christmas trees. Yuletide menus and Christmas Day brunches are particularly popular, as are Christmas markets and tree lighting ceremonies. Those with children are also catered for because ‘Santa’ puts in an appearance at the majority of restaurants. While it would be impossible to list every one of Dubai’s Christmas culinary offerings (simply put, there are too many) we’ve rounded up a few of the best festive-themed dining experiences on offer this month.

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The Talk Restaurant

fe s t i v e d i n i n g/ t a s t e

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The sparkling Friday brunch by celebrity Chef Richard Sandoval serving family style food to share with a selection of pan Latin favourites and Toro Toroâ€™s signature mouth watering churrasco grill. Inclusive of selected beverages. Call 04 317 6000 or visit royaldiningcollection.com

fe s t i v e d i n i n g/ t a s t e

Raffles Ballroom If you’re looking for a thoroughly festive spot for Christmas Day, head to Raffles Dubai where diners can enjoy the Raffles Roast/Christmas Edition 2012 in the hotel’s stunning ballroom. The chefs at this iconic property will be whipping up a variety of seasonal dishes including roast turkey, hot-smoked salmon and Christmas pudding. Decorated with an idyllic ‘winter wonderland’ theme, guests can warm themselves with delicious mulled wine as they take in all the cooking stations. Children will also be in awe because the ballroom has its own dedicated entertainment area where Santa will be putting in an appearance. Where: Raffles Dubai Contact: 04 3248888 How much: Raffles Roast/Christmas Edition 2012 is priced at AED375 with soft drinks and AED495 with house beverages

Decorated with an idyllic ‘winter wonderland’ theme, guests can warm themselves with delicious mulled wine as they take in all the cooking stations

Ewaan To mark the holiday season Ewaan, the Oriental all-day dining restaurant at The Palace Downtown, is hosting a festive brunch on December 25. Combining traditional offerings of roast turkey and mulled wine, with an extensive selection of seafood, this is one of the more varied holiday dining experiences. Better still, the fun isn’t only reserved for Christmas Day because earlier in the month on December 15 little ones can look forward to the Elves Tea Party and an exciting tree lighting ceremony in the hotel’s impressive ballroom. In addition to a variety of exciting games, Santa will also be popping in to reward the (well behaved) children with a gift or two. Skip forward to New Year’s and you can welcome in 2013 with a lavish seafood and continental cuisine dinner buffet, with the resident DJ setting a festive ambience. Where: The Palace Downtown Dubai Contact: 04 4287888 / How much: Festive brunch is priced at AED500 with soft drinks and AED600 with house beverages

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t a st e /fes tive din ing

Celsius

A l s o t ry…

While the sun’s beating down outside, indoors at Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai an enchanting blend of winter magic is brewing. On December 24, visitors to this stylish Sheikh Zayed Road haunt can book in for a Christmas Eve dinner at Celsius. The festive buffet, which runs from 7 to 11.30pm, is prepared with live-cooking stations and will include all the customary favourites as well as a few extras, such as lobster and oysters. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more Christmassy, on December 25, the same restaurant will also host a traditional Christmas Day lunch. Little ones are also in for a treat because Santa will be on hand with his elves.

table9 by nick and scott

Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner at table9 by nick and scott with an amazing 10-course menu. Dishes include foie gras with quince and mulled berries, lobster and shrimp cocktail, a choice of three mouthwatering mains, Christmas pudding, mince pies and handmade candies. Contact: 04 2271111

Where: Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Contact: 04 3080000 How much: Christmas Eve dinner is priced at AED195 per person inclusive of selected beverages, AED250 inclusive of Prosecco sparkling wine; Christmas Day brunch is priced at AED180 per person inclusive of selected beverages and AED250 inclusive of Prosecco sparkling wine

The Talk Restaurant & Lounge For a taste of tradition book a table at The Talk Restaurant & Lounge at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach on Christmas Day and enjoy the Nordic-themed Christmas evening buffet. The menu is festive with a Swedish twist, so expect sumptuous seafood and grilled meats, along with succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings. Children under 12 dine for free and can visit the Kids’ Corner, where Santa will be in residence for the evening. While this Christmas Day feast is one to keep in the diary, yuletide activities are running throughout the month. From

December 5 to 31 Falls Lobby Lounge is transformed into a magical market where guests can splash out on tasty treats such as stollen, Christmas cookies and gingerbread houses, as well as seasonal decorations and yuletide charms. To really embrace the Christmas spirit, get there on December 6 for the lighting of the tree, which is followed by a few festive favourites from the in-house choir. Where: Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach Contact: 04 4498888 How much: The Christmas Day brunch is priced at AED222 with soft drinks or AED333 with selected alcoholic beverages

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Middle East on a plate From mezze to mohallabia, dining out Arab-style in the UAE is an intriguing blend of culinary influences and ingredients from around the region

Q Words by Claire Malcolm

There’s more to Arabic food in the UAE than the ubiquitous bowl of hummous, with culinary influences from across the Middle East gracing the plate for a mouthwatering introduction to the region. And although Emirati cuisine is present on an increasing number of restaurant menus, your local dining experience is more likely to be a fusion of flavours from the Levant to Iran. The Gulf’s strategic location on the ancient trading route between East Africa and India brought with it fragrant influences in the form of aromatic spices such as cardamom, saffron, chilli, cloves and cumin, to transform the most basic foodstuffs into memorable meals. While GCC families subsisted on a monotonous diet of dates, wheat, barley, basmati rice, yoghurt and the occasional morsel of meat or fish just 50 years ago, today’s table is replete with fresh green salads, hot and cold mezze nibbles, all manner of grilled delights and tooth-achingly sweet desserts.

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No jacket required

Dining Arab-style is a friendly affair and food is a time to relax with family and friends. The Middle East is known for its warm hospitality and while meals are traditionally large family occasions, the same ambience spills over into the UAE’s diverse selection of Arabic restaurants, from streetside cafés to fivestar signature venues. It’s all about sharing, with steaming platters of food competing for elbow room and a steady stream of fresh-from-the-oven dishes. Hanna Dib, chef de cuisine at Na3Na3 (prounounced Nah Nah) at The Address Dubai Mall, defines the appeal of the sharing concept. “Sharing a meal with others is a time-honoured tradition in the Arab world and an expression of hospitality.” For Mohamed Albalkhi, sous chef at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray’s Al Nafoorah restaurant, this style of service is a reflection of homegrown customs. “A guest is always welcome in your house and the owner will share the food from his own plate, so that’s why a lot of dishes are served family-style as it fosters closeness, hospitality and the joy of sharing. For Arab people, dining is an experience and not merely a necessity to survive,” he says.

1&2 Na3Na3

It’s all about sharing, with steaming platters of food competing for elbow room and a steady stream of fresh-from-the-oven dishes

A l s o t ry

Regional flavour

Al Basha Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa 04 3995000 Prepare for a variety of authentic Arabic dishes, served overlooking the stunning Dubai Marina.

Many visitors to the region are familiar with menu staples such as hummous and falafel, but the nuances of individual ingredients that define the culinary offering of a specific Middle Eastern country are harder to identify. The ingredients used in the preparation of many classic Arabic dishes are relatively simple, but as Na3Na3’s Dib explains, the secret to creating something special is all about having the right combination of flavours. “For cold mezze dishes the most common ingredients are olive oil, lemon juice, sumac, nuts and tahini sauce, whereas for hot mezze we use fresh Arabic spices including cumin, coriander, cinnamon and paprika cooked with ghee,” he says.

Al Iwan Burj Al Arab 04 3017600 The decor is bold, gold and gloriously grand, but nothing prepares you for the tantalising menu. Al Khaima Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa 04 3995555 If you're looking for something special, this is the place to book a table.

Café Arabesque Park Hyatt Dubai 04 6021234 The menu is inspired by the flavours of the Levant, with a heavy emphasis on kebab.

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Chinese Whispers Hukama at The Address Downtown Dubai is celebrating its third prestigious dining award in two years. Pass it on.

Come and find out for yourself what the critics and public are getting so excited about. T +971 4 888 3444 dine@theaddress.com www.theaddress.com

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Sparkling company Quench your thirst with an elegant flute of Champagne at one of Dubai’s cork-popping hot spots

Q Nothing feels more like a luxurious treat than a flute of fine Champagne and nowhere is it more popular than in Dubai – home of the famous Champagne brunch. A city renowned for its lavish nightlife, the menus are comprehensive, comprising every type of beverage from grappa to sake. But nothing beats bubbly for decadence and consequently the emirate is bursting with high-end Champagne bars where well-heeled revelers meet for evening drinks. From brand new hotspots to timehonoured haunts, over the next few pages we’ve selected a few of the places that you need to clink a glass at during your stay.

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Cin Cin This popular venue, with intricate floor designs and contemporary furnishings has become a favourite destination for the urban set. The Champagne selection also happens to be one of the best in the city with Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot and, more unusually, Dom Pérignon all served by the glass. Connoisseurs with cash to splash might like to try a bottle of Laurent Perrier Rosé NV or the 1998 Dom Pérignon Rosé Vintage. Perhaps the finest Champagne on the menu, however, is the 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Vintage. Although a bottle will set you back AED7,500 (US$2,000), anyone with a passion for the bubbly stuff will appreciate the silky, creamy texture and nutty core with clear passion fruit and honeysuckle nuances. Cin Cin also offers an impressive wine selection showcasing over 250 international labels and 30 wines by the glass.

Location: Fairmont Dubai Open: Nightly 6pm to 2am / Contact: 04 3118316

A highlight of this bar is the Champagne list. Featuring high-end brands such as Laurent Perrier, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon and Moët & Chandon, the offering is varied and includes some excellent vintages

Oeno The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina is best known for its popular pizzeria Bussola, but while this tranquil eatery definitely wins plaudits as one of the city’s best al fresco dining spots, the resort has other drawcards and one of them is Oeno. A highlight of this bar is the Champagne list. Featuring high-end brands such as Laurent Perrier, Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon and Moët & Chandon, the offering is varied and includes some excellent rosé vintages such as the Joseph Perrier Cuvée Royal Brut Rosé and the Duval Leroy Rosé Saignee Brut. Wine connoisseurs are also in luck as to one side of the bar is a glass

walled anteroom dedicated to wine tasting, where expert sommeliers are on hand to talk through the extensive wine selection. Another quality is the interior design. Wooden f loors and a palette of greens, browns and creams create an atmosphere that is cosy yet chic. Meanwhile, the bar is long and furnished in retro ’70s elegance while a dramatic floor-to-ceiling wine rack fills a wall near the entrance. A baby grand piano nestled under the stairwell provides a live-entertainment option for revelers. Location: The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina / Open: 6pm to 1.30am Sat to Wed and to 2.30am on Thu and Fri / Contact: 04 3994141

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The Rooftop If you’re looking for a touch of Arabia, head to The Rooftop at the One&Only Royal Mirage. This charming majlis-style bar, which overlooks the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah is the resort’s idyllic outdoor evening venue. The mood is chilled as guests relax around the central dome surrounded by flickering candlelight. With fine wine, beer, whisky and Cognac, there is something for everyone, but those with a taste for bubbles should check out the impressive Champagne selection, which includes brands such as Veuve Clicquot, Moët & Chandon, Laurent Perrier and Louis Roederer. The Dom Pérignon Rosé, by the bottle, is of particular note. For a smaller serving, try the Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin Brut or Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial. For Champagne with a twist there is always the Rooftop Champagne Cocktail with brandy and a dash of bitters. Location: One&Only Royal Mirage Open: Nightly 5pm until 1am Contact: 04 3999999

Bar 44 Bubbles always float to the top, so it’s not surprising that one of Dubai’s best-known Champagne bars is located on the 44th floor of Grosvenor House Dubai. Blessed with spectacular views across the Marina and Arabian Gulf, Bar 44 is a must-visit for anyone with a head for heights and a taste for tipples. The extensive selection of Champagnes is among the best in town with a plethora of choices available by the glass, bottle, magnum, jeroboam and the granddaddy of them all, the nebuchadnezzar, equivalent to 20 regular bottles. Popular with the after-dinner crowd who are undoubtedly attracted by the live sets of jazz and blues, this is the ideal place to bag a sleek leather armchair and feast on fizz. Location: Grosvenor House Dubai Open: Nightly 6pm to 2am (3am on Thu) Contact: 04 3998888

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As you would expect in a bar of this calibre, there is an extensive list of Champagnes by the bottle too, ranging from the decadently sublime to the downright outrageous

Skyview Bar Suspended 200 metres above sea level on the 27th floor, this famous bar in the iconic Burj Al Arab offers stunning views and drinks to die for. Why not try a glass of Brut NV or Rosé 2005 from Louis Roederer, one of the world’s leading Champagnes? The Rosé, with its pale apricot and rose colour, is crisp and refreshing with subtle aromas of bread, honey and strawberries. As you would expect in a bar of this calibre, there is an extensive list of Champagnes by the bottle too, ranging from the decadently sublime to the downright outrageous – what you spend is up to you. The 1996 Krug Blanc du Blancs Clos Du Mesnil, for example, a renowned vintage, comes in at AED17,000 (US$4,600) a pop. The 1993 Cuvée Dom Pérignon Oenotheque is also available at this high-end bar, which is ideal for pre- and post-dinner drinks. Location: Burj Al Arab Open: Nightly 7pm to 2am / Contact: 04 3017600

A l s o t ry… The Observatory

Located on the 52 nd floor of the Dubai Marriot Harbour Hotel & Suites, this chic cocktail bar serves a variety of premium Champagnes by the bottle and glass. Contact: 04 3194000 Neos

A speedy elevator lift to the 61st floor of The Address Downtown Dubai brings you to Neos, one of the city’s most stylish bars. Sample everything from Moët & Chandon to Louis Roederer. Contact: 04 4368888

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Ring in the Festive Season at Radisson Blu Deira Creek. Indulge in Chefâ€™s over 250 end-of-year specialties from the far reaches of the globe, including Europe, the Middle East, the Americas to China, Korea, and Japan with over 10 restaurants and lounges. Celebrate with a bubbly toast at the stroke of midnight and dance the night away with live bands featuring classical jazz, blues, Persian, pop and rock, with a full program of fun festivities to usher in 2013 in style!

For more information and bookings please call Information Center on

04-205 7333

*Dinner buffet starts from 8:00 pm until late.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Bani Yas Road, 476 Dubai, United Arab Emirates info.deiracreek.dubai@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-dubaideiracreek

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the guide

shop / discover / experience / taste

malls / souks / markets / art galleries city tours / culture / museums adventure / family activities / sports hotel outlets and promotions / city dining

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SHOP From haute couture to traditional souvenirs, Dubai is a shoppers' dream with luxury malls, atmospheric souks and cool markets

MALLS

THE WALK AT JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE

04 3900091

Though not a mall, this picturesque 1.7km-long beachside shopping promenade, is home to nearly 200 retailers including Boots, Boutique One, Zadig et Voltaire and Aiyanna of London. The views are also stunning.

Dubai DUBAI MARINA MALL

04 4361000

Spread over four levels, the mall is home to 160 stores dedicated to fashion, jewellery and home furnishings with waterfront dining and a children’s area.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to

10pm, Thu and 10am to midnight Metro: Dubai Marina Map reference: A1

IBN BATTUTA MALL

04 3621900

Inspired by the Arab traveller Ibn Battuta, the mall is home to designer shops, Woolworths and a multi-screen cinema complex.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to 1am Metro: Dubai Marina Map reference: A1

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10.30pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2 MERCATO

04 3444161

An elegant mall featuring 50 premium boutiques and fine-dining restaurants spread over two floors.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to 11pm. Metro: Burj Dubai Map reference: D1

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm. Fri noon to 10pm

04 5154000

04 3198999

Metro: Emirates Towers Map reference: D1 BURJUMAN

MALL OF THE EMIRATES

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 11am. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Map reference: E1

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Mall of the Emirates Map reference: B2

A mix of brands caters to the needs of the entire family with stores such as Bhs, Camaeiu, Dorothy Perkins and Pumpkin Patch.

BOULEVARD AT JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

04 3520222

Find the world’s largest indoor ski slope nestled among 350 shops, children’s entertainment areas and a cinema.

04 3359999

A Renaissance-styled mall on Jumeirah Beach Road featuring a wide variety of brands such as Pandora, Armani Junior, Gant and Virgin Megastore. There is also a seven-screen cinema and a children's play area. Throughout the year Mercato also hosts various entertainment acts in the central area.

Downtown Dubai

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Ibn Battuta Map reference: A1 04 4099000

LAMCY PLAZA

This mall is one for label lovers with Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, Dior, Versace, Kenzo, Ralph Lauren, Furla and more.

GATE VILLAGE, DIFC

OASIS CENTRE

This four-storey mall spans 134,000 sq m and houses 77 stores, including Carrefour Express and Fun City.

PALM STRIP

04 3461462

Get some beach action before browsing the shops at Palm Strip – a two-storey open mall with designer shops and restaurants.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm. Fri 6 to 10pm Metro: World Trade Centre Map reference: D1

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Metro: Financial Centre Map reference: D1

800 DUBAI MALL (382246255)

BUYING TIME Dubai is peppered with world-renowned shopping malls and those in the market for a bit of retail therapy should direct their attention to Mall of the Emirates, which offers a large selection of designer brands including Louis Vuitton, Cartier and Chloe (pictured). The mall is also home to Ski Dubai, the region’s first indoor ski slope. For details visit malloftheemirates.com

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thurs to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Al Quoz or Business Bay Map reference: C2

04 3622222

Located in the heart of Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Village is home to a range of high-end stores.

1. Sand Art 2. Mall of the Emirates 3. Royal Fashion Men's Tailors 4&5. The Dubai Mall 6. Dubai Marina Mall 7. Madinat Jumeirah

THE DUBAI MALL

The world’s largest shopping mall covering 550,000 sq m. In addition to over 1,000 shops, this mall is home to the world’s largest indoor gold souk, an Olympic-sized ice rink and aquarium.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Burj Dubai Map reference: D2 THE VILLAGE

04 3494444

A selection of boutiques such as s*uce and Candella, a high-end bridal store, a footwear and accessories shop and many top brands.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm. Fri 5 to 10pm Metro: Financial Centre Map reference: D1 TIMES SQUARE

04 3418020

A one-stop shop for everything from lifestyle and home to fashion

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Quoz Map reference: C2

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t he gui d e / s hop

WAFI

04 3244555

This Egyptian-themed shopping haven has over 200 designer stores with 1,000 fashion brands including Miss Sixty, Chanel and Escada.

Shoppers’ survival guide

MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

800 6422

The newest addition to Dubai’s shopping scene, this largely residential mall is home to 350 brands including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear.

Timings: Sun to Wed

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2

10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: No Metro nearby Map reference: E3 SAHARA CENTRE

06 5316611

Dubai Festival City/Deira

Located in Sharjah, the mall is best for lifestyle shopping with sporting goods, toys, cosmetics, jewellery and home furnishings from leading retailers.

Timings: Sun to Tue 10am to 10pm. Wed to Sat 10am to 11pm Metro: Al Rashidiya

AL GHURAIR CITY

04 2225222

With 200 retail outlets, Dubai’s first mall offers a great range of value fabrics, alongside high-street favourites.

Souks

Timings: Sat to Wed10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Union Square Map reference: E1 ARABIAN CENTRE

04 2845555

Home to more than 200 fashion, perfume, homefurnishing and electronic brands with shopping zones catering for men, women and children.

ARTS & CRAFT SOUK

04 3418020

Timings: Sun to Wed

Located in Times Square shopping mall, this small market sells handcrafted jewellery, accessories and contemporary UAE art.

10am to 10.30pm. Thu and Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Al Rashidiya Map reference: F3

Timings: Noon to 7pm every second Friday of the month Metro: First Gulf Bank Map reference: C2

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

04 2954486

Great for bargains, this popular mall features well-known brands such as Debenhams, Benetton, Shoemart and Next.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Metro: Deira City Centre Map reference: E2 DRAGONMART

04 4285665

Built in the shape of a dragon, this 1.2km mall is one of the largest trading hubs for Chinese products outside China.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu 10am to 11pm. Fri 2pm to 11pm Metro: Al Rashidiya Map reference: E3 DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

04 2325444

Covering 204,000 sq m, this retail resort is home to 550 shops including Marks & Spencer. There is also a Community Arts Market.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to 1am Metro: Emirates Map reference: E2 DUBAI OUTLET MALL

04 4234666

A bargain hunter’s dream, covering 93,000 sq m of discount shopping 20 minutes out of town on the Dubai – Al Ain highway.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: No Metro nearby Map reference: D3 7

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Some of Dubai’s malls are very big. To save time, pick up a map at the entrance so you can find the stores you want to visit quickly. In most malls similar outlets are grouped together. For a quiet and leisurely shopping experience, visit Dubai’s malls throughout the week to avoid the weekend crowds. When shopping in the traditional souks, be prepared to haggle. Vendors expect it. Before buying gold or visiting the Gold Souk, find out the current market price of gold from your hotel concierge to ensure that you do not pay over the odds. Some malls specialise in particular kinds of shopping, for example, home furnishings, luxury labels or high-street brands. Decide what you want from your shopping trip and pick the right mall for you.

Gold Souk Comprising more than 300 retailers, this traditional souk is one of Dubai’s oldest trading areas and one of its biggest attractions.

Timings: Daily 7am to noon

and 4 to 10pm. Fri 4 to 10pm Metro: Union Square

Map reference: E1

Sold on

Gold

Dubai has long been associated with gold. The largest gold trading centre in the Middle East, the story began over a century ago when the emirate opened a modest marketplace by Dubai Creek. Following these humble beginnings, the souk grew to become one of the largest in the world. Today the souk has been modernised and while the haphazard shacks and oil lamps of yesteryear have been replaced by shiny shop faces and neon lights, this historic spot is still a tantalising introduction to the Arabian world.

Spice Souk Brimming with sacks full of colourful and aromatic spices, the spice souk is a feast for the senses.

Timings: Daily 7am to noon and 5 to 7pm. Fri 5 to 7pm Metro: Union Square Map reference: E1 Textile Souk Haggle hard and pick up yards of fabric including silk, satin, linen and polyester. Cotton is harder to find.

Timings: Daily 7am to noon and 5 to 7pm. Fri 5 to 7pm Metro: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Map reference: E1

Markets

KHAN MURJAN

04 3244555

Modelled on an ancient 14th century souk Khan Murjan has more than 150 stalls offering traditional arts and crafts.

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Metro: Al Jafiliya Map reference: E2 SOUK AL BAHAR

04 3627011

Browse more than 100 boutiques before admiring views of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Fountain.

COMMUNITY ARTS MARKET

800 33232

Open every first Friday of the month, this market held in Dubai Festival City, brings together artists and craftsmen. This is the place to shop for works of art.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 10pm. Fri 2pm to 10pm Metro: Burj Dubai Map reference: D2

Timings: Fri 10am to 8pm Map reference: E2

SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH

050 4250543

04 3668888

Featuring 75 boutique shops and craft stalls set in a bazaar environment overlooking the scenic waterways of the adjacent hotel complex.

Timings: Daily 10am to 11pm Metro: Mall of the Emirates Map reference: B1

COvent garden market dubai

Artisans from across the emirate congregate at this market, located in The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence, to sell their wares

label stable Alexander McQueen FA Armani BV, FA Balenciaga BV, MOE Boutique 1 MOE, TW Brioni FA, MOE Bugatti BJ, MOE, Wafi Bulgari BV, MOE, TDM Burberry BJ, FA, MOE, Wafi Calvin Klein BJ, FA, Wafi Calvin Klein Underwear DCC, DFC, MOE Carolina Herrera FA, MOE Cartier BJ, BV, MOE, TDM Cerruti 1881 Wafi Chanel BJ, FA, Wafi Christian Lacroix BJ Christian Louboutin FA, MOE Chloe BV, FA Dior BJ, FA, MOE Dunhill DFC, TDM DKNY BJ, MOE Dolce & Gabbana BJ, FA, MOE Elie Saab FA, TDM Emporio Armani BV, MOE Ermenegildo Zegna BV, FA, MOE Escada BJ, FA, MOE, Wafi Etoile La Boutique MOE, Wafi Façonnable MOE Fendi BJ, FA, MOE Giorgio Armani BV, MOE Givenchy FA Gucci BV, FA, MOE Hermès BJ, FA Hugo Boss BJ, FA, MOE Issey Miyake GV John Galliano MOE, Wafi Jimmy Choo BV, FA Kenzo BJ, FA Lanvin BV, FA Louis Vuitton BJ, FA, MOE Missoni FA, MOE Oscar de la Renta FA Pal Zileri BJ, FA, MCC, MOE, Wafi Ralph Lauren BJ, FA, MOE Roberto Cavalli FA, MOE, Wafi Rocco Barocco DMM, TDM, Wafi Salvatore Ferragamo BJ, FA, MOE Saks Fifth Avenue BJ Stella McCartney FA Tom Ford FA Valentino FA, BJ Versace BJ, FA, MOE, Wafi Vivienne Westwood GV Yves Saint Laurent BV, MOE BJ BurJuman (04 3520222) BV Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers (04 3198999) DCC Deira City Centre, (04 2954486) DFC Dubai Festival City, (04 2325444) DMM Dubai Marina Mall, (04 4361000) FA Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall (04 3627500) GV Gate Village, DIFC (04 3600501) MCC Mirdif City Centre, (800 6422) MOE Mall of the Emirates (04 3414747) TDM The Dubai Mall (04 3627500) TW The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (04 3900091) Wafi Wafi Shopping Centre (04 3244555)

Timings: Wed and Thu 5pm to midnight. Fri and Sat 10am to 9pm Map reference: A1

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discover Dubai is one of the world’s most modern and dynamic destinations, with a fascinating heritage very much alive and waiting to be discovered

art galleries

GALLERY 76

pro art gallery

Showcases paintings, sculptures and photography from local emerging and international artists.

One of Dubai’s newest art galleries, Pro Art sells some of the most carefully curated contemporary art in the global market.

04 3444398

Timings: Sat to Wed 9am to 6pm; Thu 9am to 4pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 9pm; Fri 2pm to 9pm Map reference: D1

GALLERY etemad

the Art source

04 3468649 1X1 Art Gallery

04 3411287

Exhibits striking artwork that features in museums and international collections.

Located in Al Quoz, this established gallery showcases international mixed media and is a big favourite with Dubai's budding art scene.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 6pm; Sat noon to 5pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

Timings: Sat to Thu 10.30am to 8.30pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

GALLERY Isabelle Van Den Eynde

ART SAWA

04 3408660

A showcase of regional contemporary art with a library and video lounge for artists and art enthusiasts to interact. Art Sawa recently opened a second gallery space in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Timings: Sat to Thu 11am

to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 ARTSPACE

04 3230820

A contemporary gallery displaying the works of international and local talent in the Dubai International Financial Centre.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am

to 8pm. Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: D1 AYYAM GALLERY

04 4392395

04 3235052

Local and international artists exhibit at this well-known gallery in the Al Serkal district

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Map reference: C2

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

A non-commercial contemporary art space where visitors can view and discuss local and international artists. The Pavillion includes two galleries, a restaurant and a shisha lounge.

lawrie shabibi

04 3469906

CARBON 12

04 3406016

With regular exhibitions this gallery features art by newly discovered artists and internationally recognised names.

Timings: Sat to Thu 11.30am

to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

CUADRO MUSEUM & FINE ART GALLERY

Closed Fri

the pavilion downtown dubai

04 4477025

Founded by the former head of sales of Christie’s Middle East and the former MD of Art Dubai, the gallery showcases works by regional artists.

to midnight

Timings: Sun to Thu

04 3411367

04 3536233

Timings: Daily 10am to 11pm Map reference: A1

the mojo gallery

04 3477388

GREEN ART GALLERY

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 8pm. Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: C2

This modern gallery on The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence has different exhibitions every month and showcases a variety of artworks by local artists.

Timings: Sat to Wed 8am to 6pm. Thu 8am to 2pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D2

The oldest gallery in Dubai, the Green Art Gallery showcases contemporary art with a focus on regional work.

10am to 6pm, Sat 11am to 5pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

BOUTIQUE 1 ART GALLERY

Located in The Dubai Mall, this small art gallery and framing shop displays thoughtprovoking works by a range of Middle Eastern artists.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm; Closed Fri Map reference: C2 04 3469305

MAJLIS GALLERY

This charming gallery with an idyllic courtyard features art by local and international artists.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am

to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: E1

THE THIRD LINE

Exhibitions by artists from the Middle East, with a schedule of events both in the gallery warehouse and outside locations.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri

Map reference: C2 TOTAL ARTS

04 3475050

Founded in 2003, this Arabic gallery is located off Mankhool Road in Bur Dubai.

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 5pm. Closed Fri Map reference: E1

04 3470209

meem gallery

One of Dubai’s leading galleries specialising in Arab and Iranian art.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 7pm. Closed Fri and Sat. Map reference: B2

traffic

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 7pm. Closed Fri Map reference: C2 XVA GALLERY

04 3585117

04 3230909

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 8pm; Sat noon to 6pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

With operations all over the world, the gallery showcases the work of great masters as well as new talent.

Art buffs with love this ultramodern gallery, where modern art is on show in a 2,500 sq ft gallery in Gate Village in DIFC. Current exhibitions include work by Yazid Oulab and Sami Al Karim

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm. Sat 12 to 11pm. Closed Fri Map reference: D1

Timings: Sun to Thu 11am to 7pm. Closed Fri and Sat Map reference: E1

An area of 4,000 sq m dedicated to international contemporary art in the heart of Gate Village, DIFC.

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Specialising in contemporary art, Traffic houses two galleries.

04 4250400

OPERA GALLERY

Map reference: D2

marsam mattar

04 3477883

Timings: Daily 10am

Spanning two floors and 10,000 sq m, Total Art specialises in artists and art influenced by the culture of the Middle East.

04 3988331

1. Falcon Aviation 2. Dhow restaurant 3. The Dubai Fountain 4. Spice souk 5. Bastakiya wind tower 6. Dubai Creek

04 2856972

Mojo focuses on contemporary exhibitions of original paintings, conceptual photography, digital media prints, illustrations, video art, installation pieces and sculptures.

Representing some of the Arab world’s leading and emerging artists, Ayyam promotes contemporary Middle Eastern art.

04 4257888

04 3450900

21/11/2012 19:22

dis c o ver/the guide

City tours

CREEK CRUISES

04 3939860

Choose four-star cuisine with lively entertainment, or a more tranquil option with five-star catering by the Taj Palace Hotel.

Camel facts

culture

Timings: 7.30pm to 10pm Guide price: From AED175 CREEKSIDE LEISURE

Air ALPHA TOURS

04 2949888

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Dubai’s most impressive landmarks in a helicopter. City shuttle services from your hotel are available.

Timings: Flights depart

from 10am to 4pm Guide price: City tour AED1,199 per person (25 minutes), private hour-long tours AED3,060 per person FALCON AVIATION SERVICES

02 4448866

This Abu Dhabi-based company also operates flights over Dubai’s key landmarks.

Timings: Flights depart from 9am to 5pm daily (except Tue) Guide price: Prices start from AED800 (20 minutes), AED3,350 for up to six people SEAWINGS

04 8070708

04 3368406

Hire a dhow with dinner and transfers, plus butler service and enjoy unlimited beverages.

Timings: Daily boarding 8.30pm Guide price: AED200 dinner cruise

Enjoy an evening cruise on a traditional dhow. Private charters are available.

Timings: Daily 8 to 10pm and 10.30pm to 12.30am. Boarding at 8pm Guide price: AED160 Map reference: E2 AL MANSOUR DHOW

04 2057033

This five-star dhow from the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, offers international cuisine, alcoholic beverages and live entertainment.

Timings: Daily boarding at 8pm. Cruise from 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide Price: AED185 ART MARINE

04 3388955

Cruise around The World islands, Palm Jumeirah, the Burj Al Arab and Dubai Creek with Art Marine chartered yachts.

Timings: From 7am into the night Guide price: From AED750 per hour

MADINAT THEATRE, SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH

Cruise from 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide price: AED175 for an evening dhow cruise

04 3666546

This 442-seat luxury venue hosts popular productions from drama to dance and comedy to film.

WONDERBUS

04 3595656

This amphibious bus departs from BurJuman before sailing up Dubai Creek for an hour-long cruise.

Map reference: B1 SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING

Guide price: AED145 adults; AED95 children (3-11 years); AED450 family (two adults and two children)

04 3536666

Traditional Arabian dhows take guests on cruises each evening, with a banquet of food included in the price.

Map reference: B2

Timings: Daily boarding at 8pm.

Timings: Flights depart from 9am to 5pm every hour Guide price: From AED1,325 per person (40 minutes)

04 3243000

Located at Mall of the Emirates, this centre brings together a wide variety of performing and visual arts including drama, dance, opera, comedy and children’s shows.

04 3511117

Land

AL BOOM TOURIST VILLAGE

04 3414777

DANAT DUBAI CRUISES

Fly from Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa in the south west or Dubai Creek in the north east and explore the city from up high.

Water

DUBAI COMMUNITY THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE (DUCTAC)

JUMEIRAH MOSQUE TOUR Visitors should cover arms and legs and women must wear headscarves when visiting the mosque.

Timings: Sat, Sun, Tue and Thu for one hour from 10am Guide price: AED10 Map reference: D1 al farooq omar bin al khattab mosque

04 3944448

Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque in Umm Suqeim is one of only a few mosques in the city open to non-Muslims. Tours run three times a week. Timings: Sat to Thu 10.30am. Closed Fri Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: C1 THE BIG BUS COMPANY

04 3407709

If your stay in the emirate is short, you might not have time to take in the sights under your own steam. For an organised tour, why not hop aboard a doubledecker bus for fantastic city views from the open-air top deck?

Timings: Tours depart every 20 minutes from any of the 20 stops Guide price: Day tour – AED220 adults, AED100 children, AED540 family. Night tour – AED125 adults, AED75 children, AED375 family (two adults and two children)

04 3536666

Enjoy an Emirati breakfast or lunch and chat freely with local volunteers about the life and culture in the UAE.

Contrary to popular belief, a camel does not store water in its hump. It is in fact a mound of fatty tissue from which the animal draws energy when food is scarce. A camel can last five to seven days with little or no food and water and can lose a quarter of its body weight without impairing its physical abilities. Although camels can withstand severe dehydration, a large animal can drink as much as 100 litres (21 gallons) in 10 minutes. Such an amount would kill another mammal, but the camel’s unique metabolism enables it to store the water in its bloodstream. Camel’s milk is much more nutritious than cow’s milk. It is lower in fat and lactose and higher in potassium, iron and vitamin C. Drunk fresh, the warm frothy liquid is heavy and sweet. The Bedouin name for the one-hump dromedary or Arabian camel is ‘Ata Allah’ which translates to ‘God’s gift’.

Timings: Sun to Thu 9am to 5pm, Sat 9am to 1pm Guide price: Breakfast AED60, lunch AED70. Reservations essential Map reference: E1

Museums

A slice of life If you’re interested in learning more about the Emirati way of life, head to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) and sit in on a cultural breakfast or lunch. Visitors can chat freely with locals on any topic they wish, be it modernisation, traditional dress or women’s rights. Enjoy a selection of traditional Emirati dishes laid out on the floor, including khobbs khameer (bread), lugamat (sweet sticky doughnuts served with date syrup) and balaleet (omelettes and chickpeas). Location: Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, close to Dubai Museum. Entry: Cultural breakfasts are held every Monday and Wednesday at 10am and cost AED60 per person. Lunches are held every Sunday and Tuesday at 1pm and cost AED70. Reservations are required for both. Contact: 04 3536666

DUBAI MUSEUM

04 3531862

Dubai’s most comprehensive museum features a rich collection of aerial photographs of 'old' Dubai, an assortment of multimedia exhibits and a wide variety of artefacts. This museum, located inside the impressive Al Fahidi Fort, provides visitors with an in-depth history of the emirate.

Timings: Sat to Thu 8.30am to 8.30pm, Fri 2.30 to 8.30pm Guide price: AED3 adults, AED1 children (under 5 years free) Map reference: E1 AL AHMADIYA SCHOOL & HERITAGE HOUSE

04 2260286

Learn about the education system of yesteryear at Al Ahmadiya School & Heritage House. Located in Deira in the north east, visit Dubai’s first school and traditional house, which is home to fascinating life-size dioramas.

Timings: Sat to Thu 8am to 7.30pm, Friday 2.30 to 7.30pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1 DUBAI MUNICIPALITY MUSEUM

04 2253312

Located next to the spice souk, the museum contains rare manuscripts of royal and administrative decrees and photographs and provide a glimpse of times gone by. This is definitely one for culture vultures and history buffs to try out.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 5pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1

HERITAGE & DIVING VILLAGE

04 3937151

This museum, where Emiratis prepare local food and perform dances to Arabic music, provides a glimpse of a bygone era, when pearl trading and fishing were the emirate's main source of revenue.

Timings: Sat to Thu 8am to 10pm, Fri 4 to 10pm Guide price: Free of charge Map reference: E1 MAJLIS AL GHORFAT UM-AL-SHEIF

04 3946343

A peaceful majlis with antique interior ornaments in Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s former summer residence.

Timings: Daily 8.30am to 1.30pm and 3.30 to 8.30pm. Fri 3.30 to 8.30pm Guide price: AED1 adults, children under six years free Map reference: C1

THE HOUSE OF SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM

04 3937139

Wander around this restored house and see fascinating paraphernalia including old photographs and currency of Dubai.

Timings: Sat to Thu 7.30am to 9pm. Closed Fri Guide price: AED2 adults, AED1 children (under eight years free) Map reference: E1

Know the law Only non-Muslims are allowed to consume alcohol and this must be in licensed restaurants, pubs, clubs or private venues. Do not consume alcohol if driving. Dancing is only allowed in the privacy of your hotel room or at licensed clubs. Avoid addressing women in public or taking their photograph without their permission. Offensive language, spitting and aggressive hand gestures must be avoided. Married couples may hold hands in public, but kissing and hugging is not allowed.

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21/11/2012 19:23

experience With a vast desert, spectacular coastline and world-class sports facilities, Dubai is full of fun-packed tours and activities

Attractions

FIRST YACHT

04 3754148/050 6550313

Range of options from speedboat rides to refined electric boat cruises.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: From AED200 OASIS PALM TOURISM

Cruising Individual hotels and tour operators can also organise pleasure cruises on request AL WASL CRUISING & FISHING

04 2959477

Charter an exclusive yacht and sail past modern icons including Atlantis The Palm, Dubai and The World islands.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED2,400 per boat ART MARINE

04 3388955

Set sail from Jumeirah Beach Hotel and cruise around The World islands, Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Creek.

Timings: From 7am Guide price: From

AED750 per hour

BATEAUX DUBAI

04 3994994

Sail along the Creek on Bateaux Dubai and enjoy a welcome beverage, canapés and a four-course gourmet dinner.

Timings: Daily boarding

at 7.45pm, departing at 8.30pm. Returns 11pm Guide price: AED350 CLUB MINA

04 3993333

As well as fishing trips, Club Mina offers all kinds of exciting or relaxing cruising options.

Timings: From 6am to 6pm Guide price: From AED3,500 DANAT DUBAI CRUISES

04 2629993/050 7548466 Take a two-hour cruise along Dubai Creek on a traditional dhow.

Timings: From 8.30 to 10.30pm Guide price: AED150

per person

SUMMERTIME MARINE

Timings: 8 to 10.30pm Guide price: AED175

hours for up to seven people THE YELLOW BOATS

800 8044

Adrenaline-pumping tours around Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and the Burj Al Arab hotel in bright yellow inflatable crafts.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Adults from

AED80. Children from AED60 ULTIMATE CHARTER

04 3254975/050 1002477

Enjoy a dinner dhow cruise along Dubai Marina. Inclusive of buffet, drinks and live entertainment.

Timings: Call to arrange Guide price: From AED275 per adult and AED90 per child

Take out a 60-foot catamaran as near or as far as you like (within reason)

Timings: From 2:30pm Guide price: Adults

AED250, children AED210

Journey to a Bedouin campsite, ride a camel, smoke shisha together with a range of other desert-based activities. NET TOURS DUBAI

04 2666655

Half-day and full-day desert safaris are available as well as overnight camping.

OFF ROAD ADVENTURES

050 6289667

Offers excursions including dinner at a Bedouin camp, overnight camping and trips to Liwa.

04 2828238

Expect innovative desert trips, tours between Dubai and Muscat and adventurous expeditions. ROYAL ARABIAN TOURS

04 2999339

Drive over the dunes before heading to a traditional campsite. TRAVCO

04 3366643

Hop aboard the Arabian dhow for a one-hour day cruise or a two-hour dinner cruise.

Flying

Timings: Dinner cruise

at 8.30pm. Call for details on daytime cruises Guide price: AED195 per person. Call for details on daytime cruises

Desert tours Call individual tour operators for times and prices

04 3034888

ARABIAN DESERT TOURS

04 2682880

From a Hummer safari taking in an authentic Bedouin camp, to a trek through the Hajar Mountains. DESERT RANGERS TOURS & ADVENTURE SPORTS

04 3572233

A range of exciting desertbased activities are available such as camel trekking, desert driving and rock climbing.

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ORIENT TOURS

Desert tours include an offroad adventure, a dune dinner and an overnight safari.

04 3572200

1. View from the Burj Khalifa observation deck 2. Belly dancing, Arabian Adventures 3. Arabian Adventures 4. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall

04 2629993/050 7548466

VENUS FLOATING RESTAURANT

Dine among the dunes, explore the wadis, go desert driving, sand boarding or camel riding.

050 5517406

04 3357676

Timings: From 7am Guide price: AED2,400 per 24

Take a four-hour catamaran cruise along Dubai’s coastline and enjoy a barbecue lunch as well as snorkelling.

EL MUNDO

LAMA DESERT TOURS & CRUISES

Enjoy sand boarding, camel riding and shisha (hubbly bubbly) as well as belly dancing and a barbecue dinner.

ARABIAN ADVENTURES

Timings: Every Saturday 8pm to midnight Guide price: AED275

Overnight desert camping, quad biking and a Liwa expedition are all available.

OASIS PALM TOURISM

See world-famous offshore projects on yachts ranging from 36-foot to 180-foot.

DREAMDAYS

800 2080

04 2340812

04 2573084

04 3511117

A range of experiences are available including sailing on a traditional dhow and private charters.

EXTREME ADVENTURE DUBAI

ALPHA TOURS

04 2949888

Discover Dubai from the sky and marvel at a long list of world-renowned landmarks.

Timings: From 10am to 4.30pm Guide price: From AED1,199

per person for 25 minutes. Private hour-long tours are priced at AED4,840 per person

EMIRATES FLYING SCHOOL

04 2995155

Learn how to fly or top up your hours at the only approved flying school in Dubai.

Timings: From 9am to 5pm Guide price: AED1,000 for first-time flyers trial flight, plus AED100 for airport pass FALCON AVIATION SERVICES

02 4448866

This Abu Dhabi-based company also operates flights over Dubai’s key landmarks.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

21/11/2012 13:23

10-11-12 JANUARY 2013

8th edition

Race Starts: 14:00 Friday, 11 January Entry: FREE to Grandstand & Paddock Location: Dubai Autodrome Grand Prix Circuit: 5.39km

T HE GUI D E / e xpe r ie nce

FUJAIRAH AVIATION ACADEMY

09 2224747

Take pleasure flights over the neighbouring emirate of Fujairah or enjoy a flying lesson from the fully equipped aviation centre.

Timings: From 8am Guide Price: Fun flying

lessons AED960

Paintballing

(see Sports) DUBAI AUTODROME LASER TAG

04 4361400/04 4361422

Hunt down your adversaries in a mock medieval castle with artificial fog, moody lighting and a pumping soundtrack.

Enjoy a spectacular bird’s-eye view of the new developments around the city including the Burj Khalifa.

Timings: Thu to Sat 9.30am to 11.30pm, weekdays by appointment Guide price: From AED160 with go-karting

Timings: From 9am to 4pm Guide price: AED1,375 per

PURSUIT GAMES AT WONDERLAND

SEAWINGS

04 8832999

person for 40 minutes

04 3244755/050 6514583

Take a 15-minute tour over Dubai.

Go head to head with paintballing opponents in the heart of Dubai city at the Wonderland entertainment complex.

Timings: From 10am Guide price: From AED999

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED80 for two

ULTIMATE CHARTER

04 3464194

BALLOON ADVENTURES EMIRATES

hours, includes 100 paintballs, masks, coveralls and paintball gun. Call for bookings

Take to the skies in a majestic hot air balloon and marvel at the changing colours of the desert landscape at sunrise.

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

04 2854949

Timings: Before sunrise Guide price: AED995 per adult. AED850 for children between 5 and 12

Karting (see Sports)

Shooting

06 5487777

Enjoy fast-paced action with state-of-the-art semiautomatic paintball guns and the latest antifog visor masks. Timings: 10am to 11pm Guide price: AED85 for two hours on weekdays (AED90 Thu to Sat), includes 100 paintballs, unlimited gas propellant and coveralls

Skydiving iFLYDUBAI

04 2316292

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping from a plane at this indoor centre in Dubai Festival City.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm. Thu and Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: Adults AED195. Children AED145 SKYDIVE DUBAI

050 1533222

Based in Dubai Marina behind the Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa, this centre offers tandem skydiving for thrillseeking tourists.

Swimming with sharks DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

Little Explorers

The Mane Attraction

04 4485200

Swimming with dolphins (see Marine adventures)

Timings: Sat to Wed 10am to 8pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED130 for one adult and one child

Timing: Call to arrange time Guide price: AED825 for

800 LEISURE (5347873)

MAGIC PLANET

A fun and interactive family-focused amusement centre in Deira City Centre and Mall of the Emirates.

non-certified divers (includes short diving course), AED625 for certified divers

Timings: Daily 10am to midnight Guide price: Rides vary in price. Buy a AED50 credit voucher and get an extra AED10 free, AED100 – AED40 free, AED200 – AED80 free

Family activities

PEEKABOO! CREATIVE PLAY

04 4297949

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm. Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: Adults AED100, children (4 to 12 years) AED75. Children aged three or under go free. Immediate entry AED400 DUBAI LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW

04 3244555

A brilliant light and sound show featuring Egyptianthemed graphics and a storyline depicting The Return of the Pharaohs.

Timings: Daily 9.30pm at Wafi Guide price: Free of charge FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

02 4968001/ ferrariworldabudhabi.com

Desert safari Sand boarding, quad biking, camel riding, belly dancing – the list of activities available in the desert is endless. Choose from an adrenalinefuelled adventure or a more sedate cultural journey of discovery. Water parks No matter what your age, the UAE’s water parks will leave you squealing with delight. Our favourites are Aquaventure at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai and Wild Wadi at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. KidZania This interactive children’s ‘city’ allows children to fly aeroplanes, drive buses and work in restaurants playing adult roles in a world created just for them (pictured). Ski Dubai Escape the heat and head to Ski Dubai, the longest indoor ski slope in the world. This popular attraction offers skiing, snow boarding, tobogganing, tubing and even zorbing. There’s also an area to build snowmen.

Timings: Mall of the Emirates, 10am to 9pm. Ibn Battuta Mall, 10am to 9pm. The Village Mall, 9am to 8pm Guide price: From AED30 per hour

BURJ KHALIFA OBSERVATION DECK (AT THE TOP) Admire unparalleled views of Dubai in this spectacular tour through the tallest building in the world.

Whether you have mischievous infants or impatient teenagers, Dubai offers something for all the family...

Peekaboo! Creative Play offers fun activities for 0 to seven-yearolds such as cookery classes, face painting and board games.

Amusements & attractions 800 28843867

Family fun

Features games, tasks and facilities to test children's limits, help them discover hidden talents and develop skills.

Swim among 33,000 aquatic animals including sharks, giant groupers and stingrays in The Dubai Mall’s 10-million-litre tank.

Timings: From 2pm to

dusk Sun to Thu. From 11am to dusk Fri and Sat. Guide price: Adults AED1,750. Cash only

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Ride rollercoasters, race in an F1 simulator and feel the force of being propelled 62m into the air.

Timings: Tue to Sun 11am to 8pm. Closed Mon Guide price: AED225 for visitors over 1.5m tall, AED165 for visitors below 1.5m. Premium tickets available KIDZANIA

04 4485222

A 'mini city' in which kids can role play over 80 adult professions including pilots, doctors and firefighters.

Timings: Sun to Wed 9am to

9pm,Thu 9am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 10am to11pm Guide price: AED 95 for children aged two to three, AED140 for four to 16-year-olds.

SEGA REPUBLIC

Do a stable tour Get up close and personal with award-winning prize thoroughbreds at Meydan Racecourse. The tour includes a trackside breakfast at Farriers at The Meydan followed by a snoop around the stables. Expect to see the horses work out on treadmills and in swimming pools Go desert hacking If tearing over the dunes in a turbo-charged 4x4 puts you on edge, a more sedate way to experience the dert is on horse back at the Emirates Equestrian Centre. Take a moonlit ride On the 29th of November Mushrif Equestrian & Polo Club is holding a moonlit ride in the desert. Saddle as the sun goes down for an extraordinary experience. Learn to play polo Experience the sport of kings, queens and maharajas at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club beside Arabian Ranches. Group and private lessons are available and for those who don't wish to stick and ball, pack a picnic.

04 4488484

Explore five zones and 150 amusement games at the first Sega Republic indoor theme park in the region.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm, Thu to Sat 10am to 1am Guide price: Entry is free of charge but AED10 credit is required on each entrant’s play card. Power Pass AED140, Platinum Pass AED220 THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN

800 382246255

From the foot of the world's tallest building, watch the world’s tallest dancing fountain shoot jets of water 150 metres into the air in time to music.

Timings: Sat to Thu 1 to 1.30pm, 6pm and every 30 minutes thereafter until 11pm. Friday 1pm, 2pm, 6pm and every 30 minutes thereafter until 11pm Guide price: Free of charge WONDERLAND

04 3243222

Creekside family entertainment village is a great day out for the entire family.

Timings: Daily Splashland 10am to 6pm, theme park 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED105 adults, AED95 children

Arts & crafts CAFÉ CERAMIQUE

04 3447331/04 3410144

Create your own piece of pottery art at Café Ceramic.

Timings: Daily 9am to 10pm to midnight Guide price: ceramic prices vary from AED45 to AED200

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JAM JAR

04 3417303

DUBAI AQUARIUM & UNDERWATER ZOO

Timings: Sat to Thu 10am to 8pm, Fri 2 to 8pm. Closed Sun Guide price: Prices start at AED85 per canvas

Marvel at the diverse collection of marine life or swim with the sharks at The Dubai Mall. There are also glass-bottom boat rides for the less brave and a behind-the-scenes tour.

Head to Jam Jar for a threehour painting session.

Birdwatching NATIONAL FALCON CENTRE

04 3380201

Learn all about the national bird of prey at the falconry centre just outside Meydan Racetrack.

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am to 1pm and 4 to 10pm Guide price: Free of charge Snow penguins at ski Dubai Visitors have a rare opportunity to interact with these remarkable birds in a oneof-a-kind encounter.

Timings: Sun to Thu 1 to 9pm, Fri and Sat noon to 9pm Guide price: AED175 for adults; AED150 children 5. Dubai Dolphinarium 6. Snow penguins, Ski Dubai 7. Al Badia Golf Club 8. Wild Wadi

Timings: Sat to Thu 9am

to 8.30pm, Fri 3 to pm Guide price: AED15 adults, AED10 children 2 to 15 years and AED40 for a family ticket ENCOUNTER ZONE

04 3247747

Wafi’s adventure playground for kids. Look out for 'Lunarland', 'Galatica' and the skate park.

Timings: Sat to Wed

10am to 10pm, Thu and Fri 10am to midnight Guide price: AED45 for five hours, AED35 for two hour. AED35 for Lunarland (under eight years) two-hour pass

04 4260000

AQUA PLAY

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Aimed at children from the age of two to eight, Dubai's latest waterpark is both fun and educational.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to

10pm, Thu 10am to midnight, Friday 9am to midnight and Sat 9am to 11pm Guide price: From AED5 AQUAVENTURE

04 4260000

Ride the rapid and shoot down the fastest free-fall slide in the Middle East into a shark-filled lagoon. Located at the Atlantis, The Palm.

(see Sports)

DREAMLAND AQUA PARK

06 7681888

04 4261030

For the ultimate aquatic experience that you'll never forget, meet Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins under the supervision of marine mammal specialists at Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. This is one of Dubai's most famous attractions.

Timings: Open 10am to sunset. Guide price: Individual

rate AED790 with access to Aquaventure and private beach

Golf

Discover a maze of underwater halls and tunnels, with 65,000 marine animals swimming at the Ambassador Lagoon at Atlantis, The Palm.

Ice skating

DOLPHIN BAY

Timings: Daily from 10am to 6pm Guide price: AED220 adults; AED175 children under 1.1m, children under two go free

THE LOST CHAMBERS

Timings: Daily from 10am to sunset Guide price: AED225 for adults, AED180 for children under 1.2 metres

Marine adventures

With its central location next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel, along with fun-packed rides, this water park is always a hit with adults and children of all ages.

Timings: Shows Mon to Thu 11am and 6pm. Fri and Sat 11am, 3pm and 6pm. Closed Sun Guide price: From AED100 adults; AED50 children

Waterparks

Perfect for families and only an hour’s drive from Dubai, this large fun-filled park has a number of entertaining rides.

Timings: Sun to Thu 10am

to 6pm. Fri, Sat and public holidays the park is open for families only from 10am to 8pm (no all-male groups) Guide price: AED135 adults; AED85 children ICELAND WATER PARK

800 WOWRAK (969725)

A sprawling ice-themed water park in the middle of the desert.

Timings: Sun to Wed and Fri 10am to 6pm. Thu and Sat 10am to 7pm Guide price: Above 1.2m AED150. Below 1.2m AED100

Splashland is a fun family water park near the Dubai Creek featuring slides, twisters, a lazy river, water cannons and children’s activity pool.

04 3484444

Learn more about dolphins, seals and other marine life at this fully air-conditioned dolphinarium.

CHILDREN’S CITY

04 3241222/04 3243222

WILD WADI

04 3369773

Timings: Daily 10am to 10pm Guide price: AED100 for

SPLASHLAND

Timings: Daily from 10am to 6pm Guide price: AED105 adults; AED95 children

DUBAI DOLPHINARIUM

Edutainment An interactive science and cultural centre.

Cool it

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight Guide price: Adult tunnel entry AED25, child AED20; tunnel and zoo AED50

adults, AED70 for children aged three to eight

04 3340808

04 4485200

AL BADIA GOLF CLUB DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

Dubai Ice Rink Whether you’re practicing pirouettes or learning a basic glide, the Olympic-sized ice rink at The Dubai Mall provides a chilledout way to pass a hot summer afternoon. Tots, tweens and teens are all welcome at this fun filled ice park. Location: The Dubai Mall Contact: 04 448511 Ski Dubai The first indoor ski slope in the region caters for all ages and abilities, with green, blue, red and black runs, as well as a variety of jumps and raps. If that sounds too hardcore, head to the Snow Park, or get up close and personal with gentoo and king penguins, in the resort’s unique penguin enclosure. Location: Mall of the Emirates Contact: 04 4094000 Chillout For the ultimate icy experience book a table at Chillout, a bar entirely carved from ice. All the necessary clothing is provided, including thermal coats, gloves and shoes and then you’re free to enjoy dinner and mocktails in this effortlessly cool haunt. Location: Times Square Contact: 800 CHILLOUT (24455688)

04 6010111

(7,303 yards, par-72) This championship course was designed by Robert Trent Jones II.

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED595 for 18 holes. Fri and Sat AED875 for 18 holes ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

04 3663000

(6,531 yards, par-72) This is a popular course with both visitors and locals, designed by Ian Baker-Finch.

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED555, Fri and Sat AED660 for 18 holes DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB

04 2956000

(6,800 yards, par-71) The superbly manicured fairways feature date and palm trees, lakes and the Creek on at least four holes.

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED695 and Fri to Sat AED595 for 18 holes EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

04 3802222

Majlis Course:

(7,211 yards, par-72)

Faldo Course:

(6,916 yards, par-73)

The Par Three:

1,239 yards, par-27) Emirates Golf Club is home to the annual Dubai Desert Classic tournament, but also offers everything from fine dining to bar bites available alongside top-notch pool and gym facilities, tennis courts and a spa.

Green fees: Majlis Course

daily AED995 for 18 holes. Faldo Course Sun to Thu AED595 and Fri to Sat AED595 for 18 holes

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Dubai’s premium bespoke tailoring house royalfashion.biz

• Pyramid Building Near Burjuman Center (04-396 8282) • Jumeirah Beach Hotel Mezzanine Level (04-348 6878) Souk Madinat Jumeirah Opp. Theatre Box Office (04-368 6192) • The Dubai Mall Arabian Court – LG – 16 (04-339 8484) • Jumeirah Road Opp. Pizza Hut (04-394 4844) • Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) “C” Goldcrest Executive Near Al Mas Tower & Bonnington Hotel (04-443 8766) •

| F R E E T R A N S P O R T AVA I L A B L E F O R V I S I T O R S |

expe r ience/THE GUIDE

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

04 8145555

(3,299 yards, par-36, nine holes)

WAFI PHARAOH'S CLUB

This pretty nine-hole course features wooden gazebos, views of the Arabian Gulf and peacocks which roam the fairways.

For an exciting and challenging rock-face experience perfect for fit and energetic types, why not head to the only state-of-the-art textured indoor climbing wall in the UAE?

Green fees: Sun to Thu AED160

Timings: Sat to Thu 6.30am to 10pm, Fri 9am to 9pm Guide price: AED60 for one hour with an instructor

Jumeirah Golf Estates

04 3065061

Earth Course:

(6,473 yards, par-72) Fire Course: (6,507 yards, par-72) One of Dubai’s most prestigious golfing destinations, host of last year’s Dubai World Championship.

Green fees: Sun to Thu

AED495 and Fri and Sat AED795 for 18 holes 9. Dubai Desert Classic 10. Scuba diving 11. Rock climbing 12. Wake boarding

04 3240000

for 9 holes and AED240 for 18 holes. Fri and Sat AED195 for 9 holes and AED320 for 18 holes. Twilight rate is AED125 from approximately 5.10pm

04 3752222

Climbing

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

04 3905600

(7,396 yards, par-72) One of the most luxurious golf clubs in Dubai, the Colin Montgomerie-designed course features lakes, landscaped gardens and 81 large bunkers.

Green fees: Daily AED825 for 18 holes THE ELS CLUB

04 4251010

(7,538 yards, par-72, 18 holes) Set on undulating slopes of native desert vegetation, this links-style course offers a challenging round.

Green fees: Daily AED795 for 18 holes

Sports

THE WALL

It's a challenge, but at more than 15 metres high (that's nearly 50 feet), this is the UAE's highest climbing wall.

Timings: Sat to Thu 2

to 10pm. Closed Fri Guide price: AED90 per hour without an instructor. AED75 with an instructor

Diving PADI and BSAC approved instruction is available at all levels. Hotels will organise dives on request. Freediving courses are also available.

Guide price: Two-day PADI course for supervised dives up to 12 metres, AED1,850. Pleasure dives from AED400

Fishing Individual hotels without marinas can also arrange fishing trips on request AL WASL CRUISING & FISHING

04 2950516

Experience the thrill of deep-sea fishing in the Arabian Gulf.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED875 ART MARINE

04 4068825

Charter a vessel for six people or more and take to the Arabian Gulf’s turquoise waters.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED750 per hour onwards 10

Archery HATTA FORT HOTEL

04 8523211

Think you’re Robin Hood? Put your archery skills to the test while taking in the scenic views of the Hajar Mountains.

Timings:8am to 6pm Guide price: Sun to Thu

AED50 for 30 minutes and Fri AED50 for 30 minutes JEBEL ALI SHOOTING CLUB

04 8836555

The 5,000-square-metre soft sand archery range can safely accommodate up to 12 people in a group at the same time.

Timings:10am to 9pm Guide price: AED100 for 30 minutes with unlimited shots

DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB

04 2054646

Up to six people can enjoy a day of fishing.

Timings: 8am to 6pm Guide price:AED2,000 for four hours. Longer trips are available as required first yacht

04 3754148/050 6550313 Up to seven people can enjoy a day of fishing.

Timings: 6am onwards Guide price:AED3,400

for four hours.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA – CLUB JOUMANA

04 8145555

Take a group fishing trip and make the catch of the day. Timings: Mon and Wed 3 to 6.30pm Guide price: AED1,750 for four hours on the boat.

no boundaries

050 2514988

Book in for seafishing in southern Oman and stay the night in a lodge.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED4,400 a day for up to four people. AED440 to stay in a lodge

SUMMERTIME MARINE

04 2573084

Up to seven people can be accommodated on private fishing trips.

Timings: From 6am to 10am and midday to 4pm Guide price: AED2,500 per hour ULTIMATE CHARTER

050 1002477

Catch your own lunch on a deep-sea fishing trip.

Timings: From 7am Guide price: From AED1,800 for four hours. No fish, no pay guarantee

SPECTATOR SPORTS Don't fancy working up a sweat? Relax at one of these high-profile spectator events Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon January This yearly running race begins and ends at Downtown Dubai, right next to Burj Khalifa. Head to Jumeirah Beach Road to cheer on the pavement pounders as they make their way around the city. Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships January/February Some of the most talented players on the planet battle it out at The Aviation Club's centre court. Book your seats because tickets get snapped up fast. Omega Dubai Desert Classic February Golf stars unite on the fairways of the Emirates Golf Club and compete for the much-coveted cup. Watch them as they go toe to toe. Dubai World Cup March The cream of the racing world meet at Meydan Racecourse to watch prize thoroughbreds as they thrash it out on the racetrack. This is the world's richest horse race.

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expe r ience/THE GUIDE

Horseracing The season is November to March. For more information, visit www.dubairacingclub.com

Horseriding DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB, ARABIAN RANCHES

04 3618111

From show jumping and dressage to desert hacking and stable tours, the club offers a wide range of equestrian experiences.

Timings: Desert hack 6 to 8am or 5 to 7pm Guide price: AED300

04 8327171

This out-of-town equestrian centre offers riding lessons and desert hacks as well as the chance to meet and learn about camels.

Enjoy the natural desert surrounding in a resort setting, or take lessons under the guidance of qualified riding instructors.

Timings: Tue to Sun 7am

to noon and 4 to 7pm Guide price: AED150 for a 30-minute lesson, AED200 for a one-hour outdoor ride (experienced riders only)

Timings: See website

for availability Guide price: AED600 FORMULA ONE

02 6599393 or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

AL NASR LEISURELAND

Experience the thrill of Formula One, screeching around Yas Marina Circuit at top speed as a passenger in an F1 two-seater.

04 3371234

Cool off and burn a few calories skating around the Olympic-sized ice rink or try your hand at 10-pin bowling.

Timings: See website

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED35 for two

DUBAI ICE RINK

04 8836000

Hit 250kmh in five seconds in a drag car driven by world champion Rod 'Hot Rod' Fuller at the Yas Drag Racing Centre.

Ice skating

A British Horse Societyapproved riding and training centre for all abilities. Learn show jumping, dressage and eventing.

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPA

800 YAS (927) or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

riding from AED200

hours of ice skating. Includes park entrance and skate hire

Timings: Lessons from 7 to 11am 4 to 7pm Guide price: AED145 for adult group lesson. AED250 for private lesson

DRAG RACING

Timings: 9am to 12noon Guide price: Desert

EMIRATES EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

050 5537986/ 050 5587656

Motorsports

THE DESERT RANCH

for availability Guide price: AED1,200 3000 Yas Experience

This Olympic-sized ice skating rink is situated at The Dubai Mall and is perfect for skaters of all skill levels.

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm; Thu to Sat, 10am to 11.45pm. Guide price: AED50 for two hours

Karting DUBAI AUTODROME

04 3678744

Swing into action During the month of February top golfers from around the world meet up for the Omega Dubai Desert Classic. This renowned golfing event takes place at Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, which is located in Deira and is famed for its beautiful views of the Dubai Creek. Don’t miss your opportunity to watch the best of the best. Famous faces to have played this annual professional tournament include Lee Westwood, Greg Norman and Ernie Els.

The Formula One-standard track on the outskirts of Dubai boasts an outdoor and an air-conditioned kartdrome with hi-tech machines.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Call for details

30 minutes

Mini golf 04 8523221

04 3402408

Enjoy a guided canoeing tour through Khor Kalba nature reserve while spotting birds and other sea life along the way.

Timings: Call for details Guide price: AED30 for mini golf and fun course. Hotel entry fee redeemable against hotel facilities

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The fortress-style architecture opens to an indoor and outdoor shooting academy and floodlit clay-shooting ranges.

Timings: Winter – Wed to Mon 1 to 10pm; summer – Wed to Mon 3pm to midnight Guide price: Outdoor AED220 for 25 shots; indoor AED140

06 5487777

One of the UAE’s biggest shooting clubs.

Skiing SKI DUBAI

800 LEISURE (5347873)

Chill out at the indoor snow park and ski slope, in Mall of the Emirates.

Watersports

DESERT RANGERS

Fun, cross country golf course and driving range with scenic views of the Hajar Mountains.

04 8836555

Timings: Call for details Guide price: Free of charge. Call for season information

Sailing

HATTA FORT HOTEL

JEBEL ALI SHOOTING CLUB

02 5629050

Located on the Dubai to Abu Dhabi highway, watch polo while enjoying a meal in the clubhouse. Nonmembers are welcome.

Timings: Daily 3 to 10pm Guide price: AED100 for

Guide price: AED6,400

Timings: Sun to Wed 10am to 11pm; Thu 10am to midnight; Fr 9am to midnight; Sat 9am to 11pm Guide price: AED120 for entry to Snow Park for adults, AED110 for children; AED180 for adults and AED150 for children for two hours on the ski slope

GHANTOOT POLO CLUB

The centre at Jebel Ali provides karting for everyone over the age of eight on its one-kilometre track just outside Dubai.

Enjoy the ultimate holiday experience when you set sail on a luxury yacht ranging in size from 50 to 188ft.

Timings: 12 noon to 10pm Guide price: AED185 for .22, AED190 for 9mm and AED235 for .38. Sessions last for 40 minutes

The facility includes two polo fields, a riding school and equestrian centre.

050 5592131

04 2573084

Guide price: AED300 per person for a day’s trip. See Listings for tour operators

04 3618111

EMIRATES KART CENTRE

Guide price: Call for details SUMMERTIME MARINE

SHARJAH GOLF & SHOOTING CLUB

DUBAI POLO & EQUESTRIAN CLUB

Timings: Call for details Guide price: From AED110

Take your pick from five boats that can be chartered for a day on the water or go one step further and learn to sail one yourself.

Tour operators offer biking trips through the Hajar Mountains, with gear provided. Trips include pickup and lunch on request.

Polo

14. Ski Dubai 15. Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club 16. Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club

050 5517280

Shooting

Mountainbiking

Timings: Sun and Tue 10am to 9.30pm; Mon, Wed and Sat 10am to 9.30pm Guide price: Sun to Wed AED35; Thu to Sat AED40 including skate hire

Guide price: AED220 DUSAIL

Drive open-wheel, singleseat race cars, two-seat open sports cars and topof-the-range race-spec sports cars or take a hot lap with a professional driver.

04 2096000

This ice skating rink at the Hyatt Regency Dubai offers professional coaching and fun for the whole family.

Learn how to sail or improve your sailing skills with twoday courses or day training in the beautiful waters of the Arabian Gulf.

for four hours

Timings: See website for availability Guide price: Private tuition starts at AED1,500 for private tuition

GALLERIA ICE RINK

04 3941669

YAS Racing School

02 6599393 or www.yasmarinacircuit.ae

04 4485111

DUBAI OFFSHORE SAILING CLUB

Guide price: AED300 per person including transport

Hotels can organise watersports on request. Some have their own facilities. See Taste section for hotel telephone numbers

Guide price:

Banana rides AED150 for 20 minutes Parasailing AED250 per ride Waterskiing AED150 for 20 minutes Wakeboarding AED150 for 20 minutes Windsurfing AED170 per hour

21/11/2012 20:01

Taste Superb restaurants, chic cocktail bars and hip nightclubs make Dubai a stylish and sophisticated city for fine food and drink

Hotel outlets & promotions

Arabian Ranches Hotel & Golf Club

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa

Dubai

Desert

04 3663000

An elegant, out-of-town venue with fine food served at the signature Ranches Restaurant. Ranches Restaurant – International Birdies – Sports lounge

Armani Hotel Dubai Al Bustan Rotana

04 2820000 Garhoud

Head to Choices every Tuesday for Indian night. Prices start at AED189 per person. Benihana – Japanese Blue Elephant– Thai Choices – International Mawal – Lebanese Rodeo Grill – Steakhouse

Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa

04 8329900 Desert

Al Diwaan is a popular gourmet restaurant serving international cuisine.

04 8883888

Downtown Dubai Indulge in a special seasonal tasting experience at Armani/ Ristornate. A festive-inspired degustation menu is available from December 20 to 26 and includes a six-course bill of fare paired with personal wine recommendations from the restaurant's sommelier.

Al Iwan – Arabic Al Mahara – European Al Muntaha – International Bab al Yam – International Juna Lounge – Cocktail bar Junsui – Far Eastern Majlis Al Bahar – Mediterranean Sahn Eddar – Afternoon tea Skyview Bar – Cocktail bar

04 2387777

Book in for the Festive Grand Buffet on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. This buffet will take place on the mezzanine floor of the hotel, incorporating the hotel's four restaurants. Prices start at AED220 per person (not inclusive of alcohol).

Conservatory – International The Courtyard Restaurant – Arabic Nezesaussi – Sports bar

Al Murooj Rotana – Dubai

04 3211111

Downtown Dubai Head to Pergolas every Tuesday for seafood night. Indulge in mouthwatering delicacies for only AED270. Alegra – Nightclub Double Decker – English Mawal – Arabic Pergolas – International Zaika Restaurant – Indian

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah

04 3668888

Umm Suqeim For a delicious selection of Thai food book a table at Pai Thai. Al Fayrooz Lounge – Afternoon tea Al Hambra – Spanish Arboretum – International Khaymat Al Bahar – Arabic Koubba Bar – Cocktail bar MJ'S – Steakhouse Pai Thai – Thai Pierchic – Seafood

Amwaj Rotana

04 4282000

Jumeirah Beach Residence Brandish your chopsticks at the Benihana all-you-can-eat dinner from AED209 every Saturday and Monday from 6 to 11.30pm. Benihana – Japanese Horizon – International Rosso – Italian

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Hanabi – Japanese Lamesa – Filipino Seaworld – Seafood Yuraku – Japanese

Atlantis The Palm, Dubai

04 4260000

The Palm Jumeirah Make Christmas Day truly magical and book a table at Nobu. This famous restaurant will be hosting the Nobu High Brunch from noon to 3pm. Prices start at AED360 (including soft drinks). Asia Republic – Asian Barazura – Cocktail bar Kaleidoscope – International Levantine – Arabic Nasimi – International N'Dulge – Nightclub Nobu – Japanese Ossiano – Seafood Plato's – Afternoon tea Ronda Locatelli – Italian Rostang – French Saffron – Asian Seafire – Steakhouse The Burger Joint – American diner

Auris Plaza Hotel Al Barsha

04 4554800 Al Barsha

This inner city hotel is home to Didon Restaurant, a traditional Arabic eatery, well-known for its Levantine-inspired dishes and fantastic service. Didon Restaurant – Arabic

1. Benihana, Al Bustan Rotana 2. table9 by nick and scott, Hilton Dubai Creek 3. Pai Thai Al Qasr 4. Pierchic, Al Qasr Madinat Jumeirah

Burj Al Arab

Asiana hotel

Al Manzil Hotel

Dubai's favourite sports bar, Nezesaussi Grill, is now hosting 'Nezesaussi Brekky for lunch' any day of the week from midday to 4pm for only AED65.

Al Forsan – International Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant – Arabic Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge – Cocktail bar Al Shurouq – Rooftop terrace Masala – Indian Pizzeria Le Dune – Italian Ya Hala – Arabic tea bar

04 3017777

Deira

Downtown Dubai

This charming desert retreat offers good food, most notably at Al Hadheerah Desert Restaurant. Visitors should also try the delicious pizza at renowned Italian restaurant Pizzeria Le Dune and the signature cocktails at Al Sarab Rooftop Lounge.

Armani/Amal – Indian Armani/Hashi – Japanese Armani/Mediterraneo – Mediterranean Armani/Peck – Italian Armani/Privé – Lounge/nightclub Armani/Ristorante – Italian fine dining

Al Diwaan – International

04 4285888

04 8096100

Jumeirah

Head to Skyview Bar for superb afternoon tea and spectacular views over Dubai. Prices start at AED425 per person, inclusive of a glass of bubbly.

Courtyard by Marriott, Dubai Green Community

04 8852222

Green Community A relaxing out-of-town property with an excellent buffet at Pine Grill. Aquamarine – Pool bar Cucina Italian Kitchen – Italian Pine Grill – International Rendezvous – International The Bar – Casual bar

Crowne Plaza Dubai

04 3311111

Sheikh Zayed Road Ladies visiting Trader Vic's on Monday and Tuesday nights can look forward to a fun night as they receive a 50 percent discount on selected cocktails. Al Dana – International Al Fresco – Italian Al Tannour – Arabic Harvester’s Pub – English Oscar’s Vine Society – Wine bar Sakura – Japanese Trader Vic's – Polynesian Wagamama – Far Eastern Western Steakhouse – Steakhouse Zinc – Nightclub

Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira

04 2625555 Deira

Bring your family for a fun day out at Spice Island. Every Friday from 12 to 4pm enjoy an unlimited buffet and entertainment for kids. Prices start at AED179 per person (excluding alcohol). Aquarium Lounge – Afternoon tea Harry's Place – American Spice Island – Internationa

21/11/2012 19:40

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City

Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa

Dubai Festival City

Al Aqah Beach

04 7012222

09 2449888

Book in for some afternoon fun at the Belgian Beer Café where brunch is served every Friday from 1 to 4pm. Prices start at AED249 for all you can eat.

For those who like to explore, this out-of-town option is popular as a weekend getaway with Dubai residents. Fujairah is a neighbouring emirate on the east coast.

Belgian Beer Café – European Mazar – Afternoon tea Zaytoun – International

Al Falaj – Lobby lounge Mozaique – International Waves – International

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa

Grand Hyatt Dubai

04 3461111 Jumeirah

This dining complex is located in the heart of Jumeirah. Hip lounges and stylish restaurants attract a late-night crowd, with Boudoir, Loca and Sho-Cho regularly hosting theme nights. Al Khayma – Arabic Al Qasr – Lebanese Boudoir – French/nightclub Capanna Nuova – Italian El Malecon – Cuban Flooka – Mediterranean Loca Restaurant & Bar – Tex-Mex Lounge Bar – Afternoon tea Serai – Arabic nightclub Sho-Cho – Japanese Taverna – International Thai Bistro – Thai

Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites

04 3194000

Dubai Marina Enjoy stunning views at The Observatory’s happy hour, which runs from 5 to 10pm, Saturday to Tuesday, and 5 to 8pm, Wednesday to Friday, or head to AZ.U.R for a tasty selection of Mediterranean dishes. Guests can also enjoy delicious Mediterranean food at AZ.U.R. Az.u.r – Mediterranean Counter Culture – International The Observatory – International

Dusit Thani Dubai

04 3433333

Sheikh Zayed Road This distinctive property close to The Dubai Mall is home to Benjarong, one of the best Thai restaurants in the city. Benjarong – Thai Dusit Delicatessen – Deli gourmet My Bar – Bar Pax – Italian The Californian – International

Fairmont Dubai

04 3325555

Sheikh Zayed Road Indulge in unlimited sushi and sake every Wednesday at Spectrum on One from 7 to 9pm. Alternatively if your stay in Dubai takes in a weekend, book in for a famous Friday brunch. From 12 to 3pm prices start at AED295 per person. Bridges – Bar Cascades – International Cin Cin – Wine bar Nine – Arabic lounge Spectrum on One – International The Cigar Bar – Cigar lounge The Exchange Grill – Steakhouse The Sushi Café – Japanese

Fairmont the palm, dubai

04 4573388

Palm Jumeirah One of Dubai's latest luxury hotels, Fairmont The Palm, Dubai is home to a variety of high-end restaurants. Flow Kitchen – International Mashrabiya Lounge – Lounge The Cigar Room – Lounge

04 3171234 Oud Metha

Peppercrab is the only Singaporean-inspired restaurant in the city. Alternatively, head to Manhattan Grill for genuine American-style steaks that promise to tickle the taste buds. Andiamo! – Italian Awtar – Lebanese Cooz – Jazz bar iZ – Indian Manhattan Grill – American Panini – Italian deli and café Peppercrab – Singaporean Sushi – Japanese The Market Café – International Wox – Vietnamese

Grand Millennium Dubai

04 4299999 Al Barsha

Prepare for a pasta marathon because every Monday it's Italian night at Dante. Doors open at 7pm. Prices start at AED175 per person (inclusive of one alcoholic drink). Atrium – International Belgian Beer Café – European Crystal Bar – Bar Dante – Italian Toshi – Asian

Grosvenor House, Dubai

04 3998888

Dubai Marina Celebrity chefs including Vineet Bhatia, Gary Rhodes and Richard Sandoval operate restaurants in this award-winning five-star hotel. Bar 44 – Champagne bar Buddha Bar – Far Eastern Embassy Dubai – European Indego by Vineet – Indian Leaves – Afternoon tea Ottomans – Turkish Rhodes Mezzanine – British Rhodes in Residence– Afternoon tea Siddharta Lounge – Asian Sloane's – International The Bar – Bar The Gallery – Bar Toro Toro – South American

Habtoor Grand beach Resort & Spa

04 3995000

Dubai Marina This popular property occupies one of Dubai's most enchanting beachside locations. Al Basha – Arabic Al Dhiyafa – International Al Majlis – Afternoon tea Fish Bazaar – Seafood Thai Restaurant Luciano’s – Italian Polo Bar – Cocktail bar Summer Place Chinese Restaurant Lounge & Bar – Chinese Salamar – Garden lounge The Grand Grill – Steakhouse The White Lounge – Lounge The Underground Pub – English

Hatta Fort Hotel

04 8099333 Hatta

Sip on choice tipples in the outdoor pool, while watching your favourite films, at the Movies Under The Stars night every Thursday and Friday.

Hilton Dubai Creek

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel

Deira

Ibn Battuta Mall

04 2271111

Book a table at table9 by nick and scott on either December 7, 14 or 21 and enjoy a comprehensive 10-course tasting menu. Prices start at AED400. Glasshouse – International Issimo Bar & Lounge – Sports bar table9 by nick and scott – European

Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

04 3991111

Dubai Marina On December 25 head to Oceana and savour a traditional Christmas buffet including mouthwatering carved meat, such as roast turkey and roast leg of lamb. Prices start at AED185 per person (including soft drinks) Axis Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea BiCE Skybar – Bar Cuban Bar – Cuban Oceana – International Pachanga – Latin America Studio One – Sports bar Wavebreaker – Beach bar

Holiday Inn Al Barsha

04 3234333

Sheikh Zayed Road For indulgent Mexican cuisine, visit The Gem Garden every Tuesday night for allyou-can-eat Mexican. Gharana – Indian The Gem Garden – International The Q – Sports bar The Royal Budha – Thai

hotel pullman dubai mall of the emirates

04 3772000

Sheikh Zayed Road Dine with loved ones this festive season every Friday at Sanabel. Experience the Christmas-themed buffet, featuring live-cooking stations. Prices start at AED190 per person (with soft drinks). Sanabel – International Soda Box – Mediterranean Vantage – Cocktail bar

hyatt regency dubai

04 2091234 Deira

Head to The Kitchen every Thursday from 12.30 to 3pm for flavourful pizza cuisine. For AED130 per person enjoy an extensive buffet and soft drinks. Alternatively, head up the 25th floor and enjoy an unlimited buffet and 360° views of the city at Al Dawaar, the emirate's only revolving restaurant. Lunch is priced at AED155 per person while dinner is priced at AED230. Al Dawaar – International Carpenter's Bar – Sports bar Focaccia – Italian Hibiki – Karaoke lounge Miyako – Japanese Shahrzad – Arabic The Bar – Cocktail bar The Kitchen – International The Premiere Nightclub– Nightclub Sanabel – International

Ibis World Trade Centre dubai

04 3324444 Zabeel

Cubo Pasta is a well-liked lunch spot for workers and delegates from the neighbouring World Trade Centre. Be sure to book ahead. Cubo Pasta – Italian

04 4440000

Like to croon? Then head to Al Bahou for the JazzSumptuous brunch every Friday from 12.30 to 4pm. Jazz singers will keep you entertained with their repertoir, while you tuck into a choice of dishes from five international restaurants. Prices start at AED295 with soft drinks, AED395 with selected beverages or AED495 with freeflowing Laurent Perrier bubbles. Chor Bazaar – Indian Diablo – Nightclub Mistral – Mediterranean Moroc – Lounge bar and terrace Shanghai Chic – Chinese Sicilia – Sicilian

InterContinental Dubai Festival City

04 7011111

Dubai Festival City Enjoy the Culinary Lunch at Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire. Every Friday from 12 to 2pm a four-course menu, which includes a variety of signature dishes, is served. Prices start at AED250, plus an extra AED140 for wine. For those who truly like to indulge head to Terra Firma Steakhouse and try 'The Tomahawk Challenge'. If, within 60 minutes, you can devour a 2kg Tomahawk rib-eye steak, together with 300g of chunky chips and 300g of bèarnaise sauce, you dine for free. If not, the price is AED690 per person. Anise – International Bistro Madeleine – French Eclipse – Champagne bar Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire – French Terra Firma Steakhouse – Steakhouse

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa

04 8145555 Jebel Ali

If you have an international palate and a taste for global cuisine, enjoy a culinary journey at the themed nights at Ibn Majed. Here you can experience dishes from all over the world. New themed buffets now include every speciality from Germany (including delicious rhubarb pudding), tasty Thai delicacies, as well as Indian and British dishes. Divaz – Seafood restaurant Mushref Bar – Cocktail bar Ibn Majed – International La Fontana – International La Traviata – Italian Tex Mex Steak House – American Sports Cafe – Sports bar White Orchid – Far Eastern

Jumeirah Beach Hotel

04 3480000 Jumeirah

For al fresco fun, you can't beat 360˚. Set at the end of a pier, the outdoor space boasts panoramic views of Dubai’s coastline and vivid sunsets over the Arabian Gulf. For indoor dining, enjoy a five-course Arabic menu at Al Khayal daily from 7pm to midnight. Prices start at AED340 per person. Alternatively, visit Beachcombers for traditional Far Eastern fare. 360° – Terrace bar Beachcombers – Far Eastern Carnevale – Italian Der Keller – German Dhow & Anchor – English Go West – American La Parrilla – Argentinean Latitude – International La Veranda – Italian Mahiki – Nightclub Uptown – Bar

Café Gazebo – International Jeema Restaurant – International

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21/11/2012 20:03

Jumeirah creekside hotel

04 2308555 DIFC

Located in Garhoud, this fivestar property is one of the city's newest hotel haunts. Biscotti – Italian Blue Flame – Steak Cu-ba – Cuban Nomad – Asian

Jumeirah Emirates Towers

04 3300000 DIFC

This hotel is home to The Ivy Dubai. Every Friday this worldfamous restaurant hosts an à la carte brunch. Offering three brunch menus, guests can choose between A Relaxed Affair, which is a three-course meal including soft drinks, A Tempting Tipple, which comes with the addition of unlimited house beverages and The Finest Fayre, which includes bubbly. Prices start at AED250 per person for the non alcoholic version, AED475 including selected alcoholic drinks and AED550 with bubbles.

5. Eauzone 6. The Ivy, Jumeirah Emirates Towers 7. Reflets, InterContinental Dubai Festival City 8. Zuma, Dubai International Financial Centre

Alfie's – English Al Nafoorah – Arabic Clique – Bar ET Sushi – Japanese Hakkasan – Chinese Harry Ghatto’s – Karaoke lounge The Ivy Dubai – International Mosaico – Mediterranean The Agency – Wine bar The Noodle House – Far Eastern The Rib Room – Steakhouse Tokyo@thetowers – Japanese Vu’s Bar – Champagne bar Vu's Restaurant – International

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray

04 4530000

The Palm Jumeirah Go Continental at the French Brasserie brunch at Imperium. Every Friday from 12.30 to 4pm enjoy French favourites and delicacies such as escargot and foie gras. Prices start at AED275 per person.

Al Nafoorah – Lebanese Amala – Indian C Club – Cigar lounge Imperium – French Lalezar – Turkish Plaj – Beachside international dining Sultan’s Lounge – Afternoon tea Voda bar – Vodka bar Voi – French Vietnamese

Jumeira Rotana Hotel

04 3455888 Satwa

From 6 to 8pm daily enjoy selected beverages for as little as AED22 at Brauhaus' happy hour. Diners can also look forward to a selection of traditional German dishes including bratwurst sausage. Boston Bar – American Brauhaus – German Five Dining – International

JW Marriott Hotel Dubai

04 2624444 Deira

Cheese connoisseurs will be pleased to hear that they can enjoy cheese fondue and raclette for AED99 every Tuesday night at Hofbräuhaus. Bamboo Lagoon – Far Eastern Champions – American Cucina – Italian Hofbräuhaus – German JW's Steakhouse – American The Market Place – International

kempinski hotel & Residences, palm jumeirah

04 4442000

Dubai Marina

Millennium plaza Hotel dubai

04 3877777

Sheikh Zayed Road

Located on the West Crescent of Palm Jumeirah, this luxurious property is home to a variety of high-end restaurants.

Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai is a strategically located business hotel in the heart of the city. Drop into La Plaza for a spot of Mediteranean fare.

Beachside Barbecue – Brasserie Brunello Restaurant – Italian K-West Bar – Wine bar

La Plaza – Mediteranean Metro! – International Infinity – Pool bar

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & marina

Mina A' Salam, Madinat Jumeirah

Dubai Marina

Umm Suqeim

04 3993333

This resort in Dubai Marina area is currently under renovation, but will open again in November Barasti – International

le royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa

04 3995555

Dubai Marina Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa is home to a selection of bars and restaurants. Ossigeno is well known for its impressive southern Italian menu.

04 3668888

The Wharf serves bigbone, sticky beef ribs with mashed potatoes and the restaurant’s signature sticky sauce for AED110 per person. The deal is available every Tuesday from 7pm. Al Muna – International Al Samar Lounge – Afternoon tea Bahri Bar – Bar Shimmers – Beachside dining The Wharf – British Zheng He's – Chinese

Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai

04 3366000

Al Khaima – Arabic Al Murjan – Afternoon tea Bar Below – Wine bar Brasserie – International Mi Vida – Mediterranean/Seafood Ossigeno – Italian Pizzeria – Italian Rhodes Twenty10 – Steakhouse Seabreeze – Sports bar

Bur Dubai

Media One Hotel

Chutney's – Indian Fakhreldine Lebanese Restaurant – Lebanese Pulse The Club – Nightclub Rooftop Terrace – Far Eastern Somerset’s – English The Fountain – International

04 4271000

Dubai Media City For AED120 enjoy a two-hour unlimited food and beverage package in The Z:ONE Bar & Lounge. This offer runs from 2pm until late, Saturday to Thursday. M-Dek – Terrace bar The Z:ONE Bar & Lounge – Bar The MED – Mediterranean

Media Rotana Dubai

04 4350000 Al Barsha

Go Japanese on Monday nights at Channels. An unlimited buffet of Japanese specialities is on offer. Prices start at AED145 per person (excluding alcohol). Channels – International Prego's – Italian Nelson’s Bar – Pub Rare – Nightclub The Terrace – Outdoor bar

Melia Dubai

04 3868111 Port Rashid

Famed chefs Marco Pierre White and Sanjeev Kapoor are at the helm of two of the three restaurants at this hotel. Azalya – International Signature by Sanjeev Kapoor – Indian Titanic by Marco Pierre White – European

Metropolitan Palace hotel

04 2270000 Deira

A quaint, old-school hotel located in Deira. Al Shindagah – International Al Diwan – Lebanese Malate Bar & Restaurant – Filipino Sketch – Mediterranean

Savour great Italian food every Tuesday at The Fountain from 7 to 10.30pm from AED85 per person. Alternatively, head to Chutney's for a delicious curry or Fakhreldine for an array of tantalising Arabic dishes.

Mövenpick Hotel Deira

04 4440111 Deira

Located in the heart of Dubai’s historic quarter, this five-star property offers three food and beverage outlets for discerning tastes. Head to Jigsaw for a wide selection of international dishes or Wok-In Bar for Asian-themed tipples. Jigsaw – International Spiritz – Bar Wok-In Restaurant– Pan Asian

Go local Dubai is abundant with Arabic restaurants but for authentic Emirati cuisine we recommend the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The centre offers a variety of programmes which can be experienced over a spread of traditional Emirati dishes. Local cuisine is uncomplicated and relies on meat, fish and rice, enhanced by the creative use of spices and other aromatic flavourings. Traditional dishes include ouzi, which is a whole roast lamb stuffed with fragrant rice, and balaleet – a fine egg pasta with onion.

LISTINGS_TASTE_DXB DEC12.indd 136

21/11/2012 14:50

Christmas & new year

Ce l e b r a t i o n s

At Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha

This festive season, celebrate with us and add a little touch of magic with our exciting offers. From a choice of Entertainment &

Sumptuous Settings to indulgent

dining options,

Christmas Eve

new year's Eve

Xmas delicacies

Th Royal Budha ThE

ThE Royal Budha

TuRkEy TakE-away

Set menu with a glass of sparkling drink

Thai buffet inclusive of house beverages with or without entrance to Xennya Terrace

Christmas Brunch ThE GEm GaRdEn Buffet with unlimited selected house beverages, kidâ€™s activities, Christmas choir performance and Santa's visits with gifts for the little ones

GhaRana Indian buffet inclusive of house beverages and Live Entertainment with or without entrance to Xennya Terrace

XEnnya TERRaCE DJ party inclusive of open finger food buffet, one regular beverage and sparkling drink for the ladies before midnight

Holiday Inn Dubai - Al Barsha

+971 4 323 4333, restaurants@hialbarsha.com www.hialbarshadubai.com Connect with us

Stuffed with apricots and served with a delicious gravy and cranberry sauce

FESTivE dEliGhTS To make your family celebration a success order our delectable Christmas specials featuring cookies, ginger houses and more...

Terms & conditions apply

the ultimate celebration awaits you.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

04 4498888

Jumeirah Beach Residence Enjoy a festive-themed lunch at The Talk Restaurant & Lounge. Freshly carved joints, live-grill stations and classic Brit desserts are all part of the fun.

global gourmet

The Talk Restaurant & Lounge – International West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge – Sports bar

04 3320000

Trade Centre Blue Bar offers an impressive range of Belgian beers. Blue Bar – Belgian bar Entre Nous – International

Oasis Beach Tower Jumeirah Beach Residence

One&Only Royal Mirage

04 3999999 Al Sufouh

One of Dubai's most elegant properties with sprawling lawns and sophisticated outlets, One&Only Royal Mirage houses restaurants such as Beach Bar & Grill and Celebrities. It is also home to Eau Zone, which is well known as one of the most romantic eateries in the emirate. Beach Bar & Grill – Seafood Celebrities – International Eau Zone – Far Eastern Kasbar – Nightclub Nina – International Olives – International The Jetty – Beach Bar The Roof Top Lounge – Bar The Rotisserie – International Tagine – Moroccan

One&Only The Palm, dubai

04 4401010

The Palm Jumeirah Head to Stay by Yannick Alléno for delicious French cuisine or Zest for flavours of Asia and the Middle East. 101 – Mediterranean Stay by Yannick Alléno – French Zest – Oriental and Middle Eastern

Park Hyatt Dubai

04 6021234 Garhoud

Feeling Christmassy? Book in the Christmas Eve Festive Feast at Traiteur. Priced at AED525 per person, guests are welcomed with a glass of Veuve Cliquot and freeflowing wine and beer. Delicious dishes include lobster, beef tenderloin and French veal sausages from the grill. Cafe Arabesque – Arabic The Lounge – Arabic The Terrace – Bar The Thai Kitchen – Thai Traiteur – French

LISTINGS_TASTE_DXB DEC12.indd 139

Deira

Jumeirah Beach Residence

Indulge in a grand Christmas Eve buffet at Boulvar. Priced at AED275 (with half a bottle of red or white wine) guests can look forward to traditional classics such as roast turkey, braised lamb shank and beef tenderloin.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown

04 3994444

Frankie’s – Italian Mai Tai – Cocktail bar Thyme Restaurant – Mediterranean Wagamama – Noodle house

Ramada plaza Jumeirah Beach

04 2227171

Boulvar – International Fish Market – Seafood Ku-Bu – Cocktail Bar La Moda – Italian Marbles – Lobby bar Minato – Japanese Palm Grill – Steakhouse Shabestan – Iranian Sumibiya – Asian The China Club – Chinese The Pub – English Up On The 10th – Jazz Bar Yum – Noodle bar

Novotel World Trade Centre

Enjoy brunch every Friday at Thyme restaurant. From 12.30 to 3pm, prices start at AED140 per person.

Radisson Blu hotel, Dubai Deira Creek

04 4502000

table9 by nick and scott For mouthwatering European dishes book a table at this Deira restaurant. The bill of fare, which is updated every three months, is abundant with delicious offerings such as sea bass and quail. Location: Hilton Dubai Creek Contact: 04 2271111 Toro Toro Enjoy a feast of South American delights at celebrity chef Richard Sandoval's Toro Toro. Location: Grosvenor House Dubai Contact: 04 5018888 Eauzone Set on a lagoon-like pool this picturesque spot, with elegant evening lighting, has become a hot spot for diners seeking to dine on gourmet pan-Asian fare. Location: One&Only Royal Mirage Contact: 04 3999999 Armani/Amal One of Dubai's top Indian restaurants, the menu includes sumptuous staples such as murgh makhani and exquisite signatures like the vegetable Mumbai biryani. Location: Armani Hotel Dubai Contact: 04 8883888 Times of Arabia Enjoy traditional Arabic hospitality at this Middle Eastern-themed restaurant at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah Contact: 04 3686044

Downtown Dubai Located on the upper floors of a mixed-use building close to the thriving Business Bay district, this new property has excellent views of the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai. Infiniti Bar & Terrace – Bar Lemon Pepper – International

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

04 3669111

Dubai Media City Tamanya Terrace is the place to head on Saturday nights as it's '80's Night and guests can enjoy four cocktails, blended by an award-winning mixologist, for AED80. Doors open at 6pm and visitors can enjoy stunning panoramic views as they mingle.

04 4398888

This newly opened hotel, located in Jumeirah Beach Residence will be home to the city's first Brazilian restaurant, opening next month. Shores – International Fogueira –Brazilian

Rixos the palm dubai

04 4575555

Palm Jumeirah Rixos The Palm Dubai is home to Chef's Steak House Restaurant, which has become a firm favourite with protein lovers. A la Turca – International Chef's Steak House Restaurant – Steak House Roccha Mediterranean Restaurant – Italian

Rose Rayhaan by Rotana

04 3230111

Sheikh Zayed Road/DIFC The world’s tallest hotel features creative dishes from around the world at Petals. Café Rose – Afternoon tea Petals – International

Shangri-La Hotel Dubai

04 3438888

Sheikh Zayed Road Sample dishes from Indonesia, Thailand, China, Vietnam and India at Dunes Café. Running from 11.30am until 4pm every friday, brunch is priced at AED330 per person and includes a selection of Asian house beverages.

Certo – Italian Chef's House – International Icon Bar & Lounge – Sports Bar Tamanya Terrace – Cocktail Bar

Amwaj – Seafood Balcony Bar – Bar Dunes Café – International Hoi An – Vietnamese/French Ikandy – Cocktail bar Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Marrakech – Moroccan Shang Palace – Chinese

radisson royal hotel dubai

Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers

Sheikh Zayed Road

Deira

04 3080000

Christmas Eve dinner at Celsius is priced at AED195 per person, inclusive of selected beverages, and AED250 per person, inclusive of Prosecco. A festive buffet prepared in a livecooking station includes all the festive flavours such as turkey and oysters. Al Mersat Restaurant – Seafood Celsius – All-day dining Mo*Vida Nightclub – Nightclub Icho – Japanese Indothai – Asian

Raffles Dubai

04 3248888

04 2281111

This time-honoured spot has become a firm favourite with returning visitors who wish to experience a touch of 'old' Dubai. Head to Creekside, which is well known for its (yup, you've guessed it), Creekside views, for a tasty seafood buffet. A rich assortment of local fish prepared in a variety of ways is available for AED175 per person. Ashiana – Indian Chelsea Arms – English pub Creekside – Japanese Vivaldi – Italian

Festive Season at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

Whether you are planning a dinner on Christmas Eve or a brunch on New Year’s Day, our chefs have created a delightful spread throughout the holidays. Santa has confirmed that Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City is on his schedule and that a sack load of gifts will be delivered for the children. Fancy Christmas at home with your loved ones but let somebody else do the cooking? Ask for our Christmas take away menu to make your celebrations easier. For details and further information on all festive activities in our award winning restaurants please contact us on

04 366 9111 or email:

chefshouse.mediacity.dubai@radissonblu.com

Oud Metha

Head to Azur every Friday for a classic British roast. Comprising roasted meats, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing and gravy, the lunch is priced at AED200. Azur – International Crossroads – Cocktail Bar Fire & Ice – Steakhouse People By Crystal – Nightclub Raffles Salon – Afternoon Tea Tomo – Japanese

a city with taste

If you're returning in 2013 it may interest you to know that every March the city plays host to Taste of Dubai, a three-day food festival. Tickets are priced at AED60 per day for advance bookings and AED75 if you buy on the door. Children under 12 go free. For details visit tasteofdubai.com

21/11/2012 21:22

T A ST E/THE GUIDE

Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort & Towers

The Address Montgomerie Dubai

Dubai Marina

Emirates Hills

04 3995533

Visit Peacock for reliable Chinese cuisine . Al Hadiqa Restaurant & Tent – Lebanese Ciao Ristorante – Italian Moods Bar – Bar Palm Garden – International Peacock – Chinese

Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach

04 4484848

Dubai Marina Seafood lovers should book a table at AOC every Thursday from 7 to 10pm. The buffet is priced at AED195 and includes soft drinks and AED295 including bubbly. Cheese and wine enthusiasts should check out Plantation every Wednesday from 7 to 10pm for the cheese and wine buffet. AOC – French Plantation – Afternoon tea Rococo – Italian The Hub – Sports bar

Taj Palace Hotel

04 2232222 Deira

Handi is the place to go for fine Indian thali accompanied by live music. Handi – Indian Le Rendezvous – International Sakura – Japanese Topkapi – Arabic Verdi – Italian

The Address Downtown Dubai

04 4368888

Downtown Dubai Enjoy Friday brunch at Fazaris. Prices start at AED295 per person. Calabar – Latin lounge Fazaris – International Hukama – Chinese Neos – Cocktail bar Risala – Afternoon tea Zeta – Seafood

The Address Dubai Mall

04 4388888

Downtown Dubai Every Tuesday from 7 to 11pm diners can enjoy a five-course tasting menu at Ember Grill and Lounge for AED295 per person. Cabana – Lounge Ember Grill and Lounge – International Karat – Afternoon tea Na3Na3 – Arabic

The Address Dubai Marina

04 4238888

Dubai Marina Tuck into a delicious Christmas dinner at Mazina. On December 24 and 25 guests can feast on seasonal classics such as duck, goose and turkey. Prices start at AED250 per person. Blends – Lounge bar Kambaa – Lobby lounge Mazina – International Shades – Mediterranean

Towers Rotana Dubai

04 3438000

Sheikh Zayed Road

04 3905600

For British fare at its best head to Flavours on Two every Tuesday for Flavours from Britain. For AED179 expect classic Brit dishes with selected beverages.

Celebrate Christmas day at Nineteen. A festive feast will be served from noon until 3.30pm. Prices start at AED385. Bunkers – Pub Links – International Monty Cristo's – Cigar lounge Nineteen – International

Flavours on Two – International Teatro – International Long’s Bar – Bar Wraps – International

The h hotel, dubai

04 5018888

Sheikh Zayed Road

Traders Hotel Dubai

Visit Mizaan for Christmas brunch on December 21, 25 and 28 and enjoy a sumptious festive feast. Mizaan – International Okku – Japanese One on One – Cocktail bar Ruth's Chris Steak House – Steakhouse

The Meydan

04 3813333

04 2659888 Deira

The Junction combines Arabian spirit with international style. 9&10. At.mosphere Dubai 11. Rivington Grill, Souk Al Bahar 12. Hukama, The Address Downtown Dubai

Farriers offers a relaxed international dining experience.

Bas Pasta – Italian Equus Bar – Poolside dining Farriers – International Millennium Lounge – International Prime – Steak house Shiba – Asian

LISTINGS_TASTE_DXB DEC12.indd 140

Alegra

050 2464555

Al Murooj Rotana This stylish bar is located in the heart of the city. AQUARA

04 3627934

Dubai Marina Yacht Club

Chameleon Bar – Cocktail bar The Junction – International

Enjoy a spectacular view over Dubai Marina.

villa rotana

at.mosphere

Sheikh Zayed Road

Burj Khalifa

04 3216111

Meydan

Moka Café serves an excellent daily international buffet. Moka Café – All-day dining

04 8883828

Spectacular views await from the 122nd floor. BarZar

04 3666197

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

ARABIC TASTE

The Palace Downtown Dubai

04 4287888

Downtown Dubai Enjoy a festive afternoon tea at Al Bayt Lounge. Running from December 6 to 26, and priced at AED120 per person, you can indulge in festive cookies, mince pies and stollen. Al Bayt – Arabic Asado – Argentinean Ewaan – Arabic FAI – Asian bar Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Thiptara – Thai

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai

04 3994000

Dubai Marina

Hummous: Well known and loved even beyond the Middle East, this Arabic dip or spread is made from cooked, mashed chickpeas blended with ground sesame seeds, olive oil, lemon juice, salt and garlic. Moutabel: This is a delicious and spicy smoked aubergine dip that is popular in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine.

For afternoon tea, book a table at Lobby Lounge. Daily from 2 to 6pm, prices start at AED125 per person. Amaseena – Arabic Lobby Lounge – Afternoon tea Library Bar – Aperitifs/nightcaps Splendido – Italian

Fattoush: This Levantine salad is made from toasted or fried pieces of pita bread and mixed with lettuce, cucumber, onion and other vegetables.

the Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre

04 3722222 DIFC

Bring your appetite to Center Cut every Wednesday for Barbecue Night. Prices start at AED240 per person.

Sambusek: Small, triangular pastry pies filled with cheese, meat or spinach.

Blue Rain – Thai Can Can – French bistro Center Cut – Steakhouse No.5 Lounge & Bar – Bar

Ouzi: This popular baked lamb and spiced rice dish is a favourite during Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

04 3994141

Dubai Marina

Umm Ali: Similar to bread and butter pudding served in the west, this favourite Arabic dessert contains milk, pastry and nuts, and is a staple dish in many buffets.

Enjoy lunch at Bussola. Indulge in two courses of Italian food for only AED110 per person. The lunch runs from Sunday to Thursday. Blue Orange – International Bussola – Italian Hunters – Steakhouse Oeno – Wine bar Senyar – Bar Spice Emporium – Thai

140

City dining

Ideal for a lively night out, BarZar serves British food and beverages. carluccio's

04 4341320, 04 3997844, 0428943728

The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall and Mirdif City Centre Authentic Italian cuisine in a friendly environment . cavalli club

04 332960

Fairmont Dubai A chic nightspot that attracts a trendy late-night crowd. Centimetro

04 3666730

Souk Madinat Jumeirah Enjoy bruschetta sold in 10cm denominations. Chi’Zen

04 2329077, 04 3549288 Dubai Festival City and Mall of the Emirates

First-class Cantonese cuisine while you enjoy the amazing views over Festival Marina. Rivington Grill

04 4230903

Souk Al Bahar Steak, fish and fine wine are the order of the day. The Mango Tree

04 4267313

Souk Al Bahar Enjoy delicious Thai cuisine while overlooking Burj Khalifa. Ushna

04 3686506

Souk Madinat Jumeirah Chic décor, excellent cuisine and friendly service make this Indian restaurant a favourite. West 14th

04 4477601

The Palm Jumeirah Expect succulent steaks at this New York grill and bar.

22/11/2012 18:26

DUBAI TOURIST MAP

N W ATLANTIS THE PALM

HOTELS

42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83

JUMEIRAH BEACH

5 70

ROAD TO

HIGHWAY

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

INTERCHANGE 6

METRO RED LINE STATIONS 1 TO 3

JUMEIRAH ISLANDS

EMIRATES GOLF CLUB

10 22 45

EMIRATES HILLS

THE ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE DUBAI

40 17 11

SALIK

MALL OF THE EMIRATES

B1 E2 E2 E2 A1 B3 B3 A1 D2 B2 A1 B1

HIGHWAY

JUMEIRAH VILLAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

IRA TES

TO AIRPORT

AL KHAIL ROAD

JUMEIRAH VILLAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

INTERNATIONAL MEDIA AND PRODUCTION ZONE ROAD TO: • THE ELS CLUB

DUBAI SPORTS CITY

JUMEIRAH GOLF ESTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

ROAD TO:

10 • BAB AL SHAMS DESERT RESORT & SPA

• ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB

6 • DUBAI POLO AND EQUESTRIAN CLUB

N W

HI GH W AY

8 THE ELS CLUB

DUBAI JUMEIRAHAUTODROME ARABIAN RANCHES BEACH GOLF CLUB

SKYDIVE DUBAI

A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 A1 B1 B1 B2 B2 C1 D1 D1 D1 D1 D1 D1 E1 E1 E1 E1 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2

TIMES SQUARE CENTRE

E AT

COMMUNITY Jebel Ali DUBAI Jebel Ali Industrial INVESTMENT Energy IbnPARK Battuta Nakheel Harbour & Tower Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai Marina Nakheel Dubai Internet City Sharaf DG Mall of the Emirates First Gulf Bank Noor Islamic Bank Business Bay Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Financial Centre Emirates Towers World Trade Centre Al Jafiliya Al Karama Khalid Bin Al Waleed Union Al Rigga Deira City Centre GGICO Airport Terminal 1 Airport Terminal 3 Emirates Rashidiya

DUBAILA

DUBAI METRO GREEN LINE 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Creek Al Jadaf Dubai Health Care City Oud Metha Khalid Bin Al Waleed Saeedia Al Ghubaiba Al Ras Palm Deira Baniyas Square Union Square Salah Al Din Abu Baker Al Siddique Abu Hail Al Qayadah Stadium Al Nahda Dubai Airport Free Zone Al Qusias 1 Etisalat

E2 E2 E2 E2 E1 E1 E1 E1 E1 E1 E1 E1 E1 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2 E2

* Please call the RTA on 800 90 90 or visit wojhati.rta.ae for more information.

GOLD AND DIAMOND PARK

As Dubai's main artery, this is one of the busiest roads along with Al Khail and Emirates Road.

12 GREEN COMMUNITY

GREEN DUBAI METRO 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29

12 11

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

75 Aquaventure Aviation Club Al Nasr Leisureland and Stadium Al Wasl Stadium Dubai International Marine Club (DIMC) Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club Dubai Sports City Jebel Ali Sailing Club (JASC) Meydan Racecourse Ski Dubai Skydive Dubai Wild Wadi Waterpark

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

Al Ghurair City E1 Arabian Center F3 Beach Centre D1 Burjuman E1 B1/C1/D1/E1 Choithram Supermarket locations Deira City Centre E2 Dragonmart D3 Dubai Festival City E2 Dubai Marina Mall A1 Dubai Outlet Mall D3 Gold and Diamond Park B2 Ibn Battuta Mall A1 Jumeira Centre D1 Boulevard at Jumeirah Emirates Towers D1 Jumeira Plaza D1 Lamcy Plaza E2 Mall of the Emirates B2 Mazaya Centre D1 Mercato D1 Mirdif City Centre E3 Oasis Centre C1 Palm Strip D1 Spinneys Supermarket locations C1/D1/E1 The Dubai Mall D2 Times Square Centre C2 Town Centre D1 The Village D1 Wafi E2

AL WASL ROAD

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

UMM SUQEIM

74 44

IBN BATTUTA

JUMEIRAH LAKES 16 TOWERS

ROAD TO: • DUBAI INVESTMENT PARK

AL SUFOUH ROAD

23 DUBAI MARINA MALL

5 41 83 54

DUBAI MARINA

RESORT & SPA

THE PALM JUMEIRAH

79 42 24 8

33 JEBEL ALI GOLF

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

55 1

A1 A1

A1 A1 E1 D2 D2 A1 B2 D1 D2 D2 A1 D1 E1 D1

This cluster of Jumeirah properties dominates Dubai's coastline and offers a luxury travel experience. Shop at Souk Madinat, relax in the Assawan Spa or make waves at Wild Wadi

D1 A1 D1 B2

B1 A1 B2 E1 C2 E1 D1 E2 E1 A1 D1 B1 A1 E2 E1 D2 D2 E1 B1 D1 E2 B1 D1 D1 E1 E1

JUMEIRAH BEACH HOTEL BURJ AL ARAB MADINAT JUMEIRAH

A2 D1 E1 E2 D3 D1 A1 D1 D1 E2 B2 A1 A1 E1 A1 B2 E1 D1 A1 E2 E1 A1 B1 E2 D1

SHOPPING 1 2 3 4 5

INTERCHANGE 4

38 39 40 41

E2 D3 D2 D1 A1 D2 E1 A1 B2 B3 B1

INTERCHANGE 5

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37

Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa Al Manzil Hotel Al Murooj Rotana Hotel & Suites Amwaj Rotana Armani Hotel Dubai Asiana Hotel Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Auris Plaza Hotel, Al Barsha Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa Burj Al Arab Courtyard by Marriott, Dubai Green Community Crowne Plaza Dubai Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City Desert Palm Dubai Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites Dusit Thani Dubai Fairmont Dubai Grand Hyatt Dubai Grand Millennium Dubai Grosvenor House Dubai Habtoor Grand Beach Resort & Spa Hilton Dubai Creek Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Holiday Inn Al Barsha Hyatt Regency Dubai & Galleria Ibis World Trade Centre Hotel Dubai 3 Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel InterContinental Dubai Festival City JW Marriott Dubai Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa Jumeirah Beach Hotel Jumeriah Creekside Hotel Jumeirah Emirates Towers Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residence Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Jumeira Rotana Hotel Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa Madinat Jumeirah (Al Qasr, Mina A’Salam, Dar Al Masyaf) Media One Hotel Media Rotana Dubai Meliã Dubai Metropolitan Hotel Dubai Metropolitan Palace Hotel Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai Mövenpick Hotel Bur Dubai Mövenpick Hotel Deira Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach Novotel World Trade Centre Hotel One & Only Royal Mirage One & Only The Palm Park Hyatt Dubai Park Regis Kris Kin Qamardeen Hotel Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Downtown Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Media City Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai Raffles Dubai Rixos The Palm Dubai Rose Rayhaan by Rotana Shangri-La Hotel Dubai Sheraton Deira Hotel and Towers Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel & Towers Sheraton Jumeirah Beach Resort and Towers Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach Taj Palace Hotel The Address Downtown Dubai The Address Dubai Mall The Address Dubai Marina The Address Montgomerie Dubai The H Hotel The Meydan The Palace — The Old Town The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai The Ritz-Carlton DIFC Traders Hotel Dubai Towers Rotana Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina INTERCHANGE 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

69 26

THE WALK

TO A

JUMEIRAH BEACH RESIDENCE

DUBAI MARINA MALL

IRPO

DUBAI MARINA

GLOBAL VILLAGE

MARINA WALK

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

1000 ft 500 m

UNDER CONSTRUC

Ask the concierge desk for a copy of the Concierge Dubai foldout map with tips on what to see and do in the city

DUBAI T H E

L U X U R Y

F I V E - S T A R

V I S I T O R

M A G A Z I N E

JUMEIRAH BEACH CORNICHE

www.conciergedubai.com

HOUSE OF SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM

THE WORLD UNDER CONSTRUCTION

JUMEIRAH BEACH ROAD

5 SAFA PARK

SATWA

SALIK

73 24

78 72

DOWNTOWN DUBAI 58

INTERCHANGE 1

BURJ KHALIFA

INTERCHANGE 2

INTERCHANGE 3

Stretching along the new extension of Dubai Creek, this multi-billion dollar project is a city within a city and is destined to become the business capital of the region

THE DUBAI MALL

CREEK PARK

6 56

3 ETH

DUBAI HEALTHCARE 63 CITY

4 WAFI

13 81

METRO GREEN LINE STATIONS 15 TO 20

H 14 15

35 2

2 SALIK

INES

ROAD

BUS

AL GHURAIR CITY

DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT CLUB

21 14

EJ RD

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

28 DM

23 12

LAMCY PLAZA

CLOCK TOWER

HALE

AIRPORT

Officially the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa stands as the centrepiece of the 500acre Downtown Dubai area. The tower houses the superluxurious Armani Hotel Dubai

A 15-minute drive from Dubai airport, the centre is in an enviable location on Sheikh Zayed Road and holds over 60,000 square feet of flexible and versatile exhibition space

BURJ KHALIFA

SALIK

DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE

AL KARAMA

BOULEVARD AT JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS

DIFC

BUSINESS BAY

11 22

60 68

5 21

QA R

19 AL

53 37

36 65 14

DEIRA

MAKTOUM

TRADE

AL K

E RD CENTR

18 29

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

62 20 76

66 82 49 13

23 TO AIRPORT

WORLD TRADE CENTRE

AL RIQ

RD 5

BURJUMAN

SATWA RD

AL WASL ROAD

BUR DUBAI MANKHOOL

ABU HAIL ROAD

JUMEIRAH 5

8 DUBAI MUSEUM

BER

15 13

5 19 26

MINA RD

17 22

2ND DECEM

WOLLONGONG BEACH

TIMES QUARE ENTRE

HERITAGE VILLAGE

7 MERCATO

JUMEIRAH BEACH PARK

MM SUQEIM

S BA Y BR

GARHOUD

IDGE

AL BADIA GOLF CLUB

2 6 9

77 9

KHOR DUBAI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

MERCATO MALL ROAD TO:

16 • DESERT PALM DUBAI 7 • DRAGONMART

5 19 26

ROAD TO:

JUMEIRAH

INTERCHANGE 1

BURJ KHALIFA

ROAD TO

23 AL MAHA DESERT 18

SHEIKH ZAYED ROAD

RESORT & SPA

SILICON OASIS

DUBAI FOUNTAIN

MANKHOOL RD

THE DUBAI MALL

ES R

OAD

DIFC

BOULEVARD AT JUMEIRAH EMIRATES TOWERS DRAGONMART

BUR C

AL KARAM

53 37

MIRDIFF CITY CENTRE

MUSHRIF PARK

5 12

ZAABEEL

EMAAR BOULEVARD

MIRDIFF 5

ROAD TO DUBAI OUTLET MALL 10

AT EMIR

/OM

BUSINESS BAY

62 20

82 49 13

16 19

73 24

DUBAI OUTLET MALL

DOWNTOWN DUBAI

BUR DUBAI

E RD CENTR TRADE

TTA HA

SATWA

SATWA RD D

INTERCHANGE 2

2 mile 2 km

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

2 • ARABIAN CENTER

DUBAILAND

AL WASL SAFA PARK

20 ROAD TO:

15 13

17 29

DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

AL WASL ROAD

MINA RD

N W

AL AIN

AL BARARI UNDER CONSTRUCTION

ROAD TO:

20 • MIRDIF CITY CENTRE

DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY

13 22

10 • DUBAI OUTLET MALL 2 • Al MAHA DESERT RESORT & SPA

BEACH ROAD

ER ECEMB 2ND D

MEYDAN

THE PALM DEIRA UNDER CONSTRUCTION

LAMCY PLAZA

500 ft 200 m

28 6 D AR ETH

DUBAI HEALTHCA CITY

{

my dubai

}

Ariana Bundy, celebrity chef and author of Pomegranates & Roses: My Persian Family Recipes, gives the lowdown on planning a tasteful trip to the emirate

1 The Dubai Fountain 2 Souk Madinat Jumeirah

I’m originally from Iran, but spent my childhood between New York, London and Paris. My travels brought me to Dubai four years ago and I’ve never looked back. I enjoy the emirate all year round and while the summer is incredibly hot, it’s a peaceful time. That said, my favourite part of year is at the end of September when the climate is just right for outside activities. At weekends I’m likely to be found spending time with my family. I make a hearty brunch at home and then we head to the private beach at Madinat Jumeirah, which is located on Jumeirah Beach Road. Afterwards we take a turn around Souk Madinat Jumeirah, which is a charming old-style souk with open-fronted shops. Surrounded by waterways, we like to board an abra (water taxi) and travel down the canal before having a drink in one of the resort restaurants. Madinat Jumeirah has been constructed to resemble a traditional Arabic village and it reminds me of an ancient city in Iran called Yazd. I enjoy all the little features such as the wind towers and the street lamps. There are so many annual events in Dubai, but my favourite is the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series, which takes place from

February to March. I was brought up watching polo and I enjoy the relaxed ambience of the sport. People dress up, but it’s not over the top and it’s a great way to mingle with family and friends. I also take pleasure in the International Fine Food Festival. Dubai is a city that is known for its amazing restaurants. For something upmarket I recommend table9 by nick and scott, which is located at the Hilton Dubai Creek. Those with a penchant for fantastic French food will enjoy La Petite Maison at Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) while Zuma, also located at DIFC, is famed for its fantastic sushi and signature dishes such as black cod. Casual diners should try Social House at The Dubai Mall, where they serve delicious Vietnamese spring rolls. When I have friends to stay I take them for a stroll around the Bastakiya quarter, which is located in ‘old’ Dubai. Abundant with galleries, souks and with views of the Dubai Creek, this bustling area is the city’s oldest and most charming district. Afterwards it’s nice to watch The Dubai Fountain at Downtown Dubai. With 500-foot water bursts, stirring music and a dramatic lightshow, this is a must-see for all Dubai visitors.

Dubai is a city that is known for its amazing restaurants. For something upmarket I recommend table9 by nick and scott, which is located at the Hilton Dubai Creek

144

REGULARS_MY DUBAI_Ariana Bundy_DXB DEC12.indd 144

21/11/2012 19:44

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