FACT Abu Dhabi April 2016

APRIL 2016 VOL 2. ISSUE 11 AED 10

APRIL IN ABU DHABI GET YOUR ARTS & CULTURE FIX

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Every Friday, enjoy our brunch by the pool surrounded by lush gardens and swaying palm trees.

From the tempting variety of international and local appetizers, multiple BBQ stations featuring enticing classics, a seafood bar with a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish freshly shucked in front of you, traditional tandoori and shawarma stations, to a vast selection of sweets and other delights. Treat yourself to a unique combination of flavours as you sit back, relax, enjoy the music and soak up the sun with family and friends.

12.30pm to 4.00pm AED 290* incl. soft drinks AED 350* incl. hops and grapes AED 480* incl. bubbles *Rates are subject to 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee.

For more information or reservations, please call +971 (0) 2 690 7999 or email restaurants@emiratespalace.ae emiratespalace.ae 2

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Contents 37. Q&A Alfredo Rodriguez He’s been hailed as one of the most prominent jazz pianists of the 21st century and now, Cuban music maestro Alfredo Rodriguez, is on his way to the UAE.

41. FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2016 The ceremony takes place this month, where we’ll announce the winners of the second annual FACT Dining Awards. Here’s another chance to check out the nominees.

19. Abu Dhabi Festival 2016 For the 13th year, the popular Abu Dhabi Festival returns to the UAE capital with a line-up that is sure to keep any fan of the performing arts, or those looking for a good arts and culture fix, entertained and excited. We have the full event schedule and info on all the talented people coming to our shores to put on some incredible performances.

Choose your favourite shows and get those tickets booked now!

49. Portrait of a Nation See UAE culture and heritage through the eyes of some of the leading contemporary Emirati artists as they depict their homeland through beautiful works of art.

56. Reflections: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi-based photographer Julian John has a talent for capturing the city’s most renowned landmark through different angles and effects. We learn more...

73. Fashion Focus Zara’s Spring Summer ‘16 collection is bringing a touch of whimsical with ethereal street pieces for men and women.

Check out the full collection here for wardrobe envy.

85. Chef’s Table FACT dines at 18 Degrees in Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi. Read all about our Mediteranean foodie experience, prepared by the Executive Sous Chef Michele Muller. fact magazine

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THE EDITOR

Festival Fun

I

“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.” – Jonathan Swift

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@fact-magazine.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick (tony@fact-magazine.com) Creative Director Paula Leal

f there’s one thing that makes Abu

turn to p40 and check out the nominees of the

Graphic Designer Jyoti Rawat

out, it’s the amazing arts and culture

had an astonishing amount of support from you

Photography Rashed Bin Daina Sunder Pratap Singh

Dhabi, and the UAE in general, stand initiatives and programmes that are

implemented and shared through

exhibitions, workshops and numerous

events. In this issue, we celebrate the ever-popular

Abu Dhabi Festival, in its 13th year, as the 2016

edition brings music, theatre, film, literature, and all kinds of awesome performing arts to the

capital. Turn to p19 and see what’s happening throughout April – mark your favourite shows in

your diary and, where necessary, get those tickets booked asap!

For a more up close and personal look at two of

the most prolific artists coming to Abu Dhabi for

the festival, check out our exclusive interviews with superstar pianist Lang Lang (p33) and

Cuban jazz maestro Alfredo Rodriguez (p37). The two magnificent talents share what audiences

FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi 2016. We’ve

all so far, and we can’t wait to reveal the winners at a fabulous ceremony this month, taking place

at Byblos Sur Mer, InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

Online voting will run until April 11, so if you

haven’t already, go to www.fact-magazine.com and cast your vote asap!

I love that events like the Abu Dhabi Festival

bring different artists, cultures, and expressive

art forms to the UAE, for all to enjoy. After all, you never stop learning and sharing through

creativity. Tweet us @FACTAbuDhabi and let us

know which shows you’ll be going to. We’ll see you there...☺

Shabana Adam, Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com

in the UAE can expect from their upcoming performances.

We also zoom in on the stunning Portrait of

a Nation exhibition, which sees a number of

Emirati artists come together and depict their homeland and heritage through some beautiful

COVER IMAGE Zeinab Al Hashemi Coast

artworks (p49), including Zeinab Al Hashemi

Collision, 2016 From the ‘Urban

that wasn’t enough of an art fix, check out our

scanography; satellite shot and

who’s work has made our cover this month! If interview with Abu Dhabi-based photographer Julian John, from Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, who’s

made it his mission to capture the city’s iconic

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in the most striking ways possible. Read all about his impressive work on p56.

When you’ve had your share of creative inspiration, 4

FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition April 2016 Volume 2, Issue 11

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Phantasmagoria’ series Digital digital editing 160 x 240 cm An Abu Dhabi Festival 2016 Commission.

Production & Distribution Neil Mahmood Ajit Kumar Contributors Sofia Graniello Cover Image Zeinab Al Hashemi Regional Sales Director Chelsea Copenhaver Sales Coordinator Renie Simplina Advertising Enquiries Email: chelsea@nansgroup.com Printed By United Printing Press

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. FZ-LLC cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

ADMAF Art Collection.

FACT M.E. FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O. Box 769328, Abu Dhabi, UAE

© ADMAF

License Number: D.L. 361/14/A

Courtesy of the artist. Part of the

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SOCIAL MEDIA

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Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACT team.

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Your one-stop culture fix for life in Abu Dhabi|First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city|We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too|Get your copy of FACT Abu Dhabi in local supermarkets now!

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Reflections p56

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CHECK IT OUT

Flavours of the Palace DISCOVER MORE OF ABU DHABI WITh FACT FINdS. EVERY MONTh WE’LL bRING YOu a NEW hOTSPOT, OuR FaVOuRITE haPPENING, EaTERY, aCTIVITY OR INTERESTING FINd FROM aROuNd ThE CITY.

Foodies, listen up! If you consider yourself a social butterfly who loves to eat their way through five-star food, surrounded by new people and a stunning setting – this is the event for you. On April 13, Emirates Palace will be transformed into a gourmet wonderland. A gastronomic exposition representative of the culinary philosophy of Emirates Palace, a place that is a melting pot of different foods. Now, you can meet the masterminds who work behind-thescenes to bring you the most divine treats.

An alfresco gourmet feast for your senses, journey through multiple artisan displays where you can redeem vouchers to sample teasers and experience the chefs’ unique 8

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Date: April 13 Location: West Wing Gazebo, Emirates Palace Time: 7pm to 11pm Price: AED150 per person (inclusive of food and beverage vouchers of equal worth) *Extra vouchers may be purchased at the event.

GO: Call (0)2 690 7999 for reservations and more information.

twists on signature dishes from the palace’s award-winning restaurants. Watch live demonstrations and discover new techniques as you savour gourmet creations curated with the finest ingredients, sourced for their quality and provenance.

Share in sublime experiences and the culinary culture of Emirates Palace, an icon of authentic Emirati hospitality, in a warm and ambient atmosphere perfect for mingling, sharing and discovery. A wonderful occasion for an epicurean affair with your fellow gourmands, Emirates Palace’s second edition of Flavours of the Palace is not to be missed. ✤

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Pearls of Abu Dhabi See some of the iconic buildings and places in the UAE capital through the renowned talent of Swiss illustrator and artist, Reynald Aubert. Under the patronage of the Embassy of Switzerland in the UAE, Swiss Art Gate UAE together with Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi present Pearls of Abu Dhabi - an artist in residence programme and exhibition that showcases more than 20 drawings that have been influenced by the artist’s travel experiences during his artist in residence programme in Abu Dhabi. The result is a series of sketches representing the most celebrated and recognised architectural designs, including many that have been inspired by Abu Dhabi and its storied history and culture.

In early March, Reynald Aubert had been seen at various locations in Abu Dhabi, sitting somewhere close to an iconic building and simply capturing the architecture with ink pen on A3 paper. He has travelled the world and is very enthusiastic about the Abu Dhabi project, where he spends two weeks sketching iconic buildings. Now, you can go and marvel his incredible artistic flair at this beautiful exhibition. ✤ GO: Pearls of Abu Dhabi is on display at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi until April 11. Call (0)2 674 2020 for more information.

A Tenor Sensation He has been dubbed the world’s greatest classical tenor, and he’s bringing the Cinema World Tour to Abu Dhabi; that’s right music fans, the legendary Andrea Bocelli will wow the crowds with his angelic voice at du Arena, Yas Island on April 22.

The global tour supports his latest album Cinema which released worldwide in October last year.

Bocelli’s latest release is his 15th studio album, which entered the Official UK Album Chart at number three- a record for a classical music artist.

He’s sang at some of the most famous landmarks in the world like the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Madison Square Garden in New York, the MGM Grand Las Vegas, and even for the Pope in Philadelphia, last year.

As part of his world tour fans can 10

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expect a true spectacle, including songs from the latest album which celebrates the greatest movie songs of all time and reunites musical legends including David Foster, Humberto Gatica and Tony Renis, who worked together on the trailblazing success of Bocelli’s Amore.

Bocelli will be taking to the du Arena stage, which will be transformed into a fully seated open-air concert hall creating a more intimate experience for the audience. It’s set to be a show to remember! ✤

GO: Visit Maki at Bahrain World Trade Centre and try the Oliver Maki today!

Call 1752 2733 for reservations and more information.

Family onboard for brunch

Nothing brings the family together like a good time especially when kids go free! Our Family BBQ Brunch is served every Saturday at Stills from 12:30-16:00.

Kids under 12 years old get free entry including access to the pool, kids club as well as activities such as bouncy castle and face painting.

Entry: AED 140 with soft drinks, AED 240 with house beverages.

To make your booking, call 02 656 3053 or email restaurants.cpyas@ihg.com www.facebook.com/StillsBar

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*Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge and 6% tourism fee. Terms & conditions apply.

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Listen up

A Treat for the Ladies To all the women out there who crave a mid-week break in luxury surroundings, we’ve got just the deal to get you excited.

Every Monday and Tuesday, the pool and beach club at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers a day pass for the ladies priced at a really cool AED75++. The package includes access to the temperature-controlled swimming pool and the sandy beach as well as complimentary use of leisure facilities.

Children aged four to 12-years-old are welcome to join the Ritz Kids club where, for the hourly fee of AED50++, they can

take part in the daily-changing supervised activities centered on wildlife, arts and crafts and sport. Perfect for catching up with friends or some relaxing quality time with the little ones. ✤ GO: The Ladies Pool and Beach Package is available at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, every Monday and Tuesday. Call (0)2 818 8888 or email rc.auhrz.leads@ ritzcarlton.com for more information.

Foodie Fun: Noodle Festival Far East food lovers, April is the month to go wild and delve into a taste bud explosion of exotic flavours and textures at Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi.

This month, head down to the five-star venues for the Noodle Festival and experience a choice of colourful and delicious noodle based starters, main courses and desserts from Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, Vietnamese and Thai cuisines. The a la carte menu is available from April 1 to 30, daily, from 6pm onwards. Talk about foodie feasts, we’ll see you there! ✤ GO: The Noodle Festival is available at Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi.

Call (0)2 657 3333 or visit www.rotanatimes.com/parkrotana for reservations and more information.

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Songkran Splash at Dusit Thani For the third year in a row, the festive spirit of Songkran will once again be taken to a whole new level at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi this month.

The hotel presents you with an opportunity to experience the euphoria and excitement associated with Songkran Festival that marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. Save the date and indulge in the Songkran celebrations chock-full with a series of special activities, dining and entertainment.

Songkran Splash Pool Party On April 15, don’t miss the celebrations atop the world’s third highest hotel atrium by the poolside. From 3pm onwards, Breeze, the rooftop pool, will be dishing out mouthwatering Thai street food delights (three-course) ranging from grilled meat, chicken satay, spring rolls, noodles, wokfried specialities and sea food delicacies, to globally famous Thai Massaman curry and Som Tom salad (Green papaya salad).

The entertainment will be exciting too. A live DJ, traditional Thai music and dance performances, pool access and water games will keep you engaged and fully entertained.

Even try your luck at the Raffle Draw organised just for the occasion and stand a chance to win numerous prizes.

Furthermore, participate in the Songkran Water Blessing ceremony during this afternoon of fun. Splash blessed water on your friends and loved ones as a sign of bringing good fortune for the year ahead.

The Songkran Splash Pool Party is priced at AED185 per person including soft beverages and AED285 per person inclusive of unlimited Thai cocktails and select beverages.

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Songkran Set Menu at Benjarong Thai Head Chef, Yongyos Chimthep, at Benjarong, will take you on a culinary journey of The Land of Smiles. Discover authentic Thai favourites tastefully crafted

by Chef Yongyos, as he brings his passion for Thai cooking straight to your plate. Dig into in a four-course set menu at Benjarong, featuring grilled beef in tamarind sauce, sweet and sour Thai soup, grilled prawn in red curry sauce and Thai tea flavoured Tiramisu. The Songkran four-course special menu is priced at AED150 net per person excluding beverages. ✤ GO: Call (0)2 698 8137 for reservations and more information.

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in abu dhabi

Say goodbye to boredom and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! Here are just some of the things FACT recommends for you to check out this month.

0508 11 13 15

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

Every Tuesday evening, enjoy a classic movie under the stars at Yas Marina. Re-visit award-winning, iconic golden oldies plus the biggest hits in the last 30 years from around the world. Access to film screening is free and the movie starts at 7.30pm. Visit www.

Relish delectable flavours at this weekly brunch with a special buffet and kids zone of activities for the little ones. Think great food and a great atmosphere. From 12.30pm to 3.30pm, priced at AED145++ incl. soft drinks; AED185++ incl. selected house beverages.

Discover culinary diversity with business lunch at Brasserie Angélique or Ray’s Grill.

Choose the venue, order a starter and a main from the set menu and watch your lunch be served in 45 minutes! AED150++ per person including water, tea or coffee. Great for breaking the ice!

This event unites local, regional and international real estate professionals, giving visitors the chance to meet governmental authorities, developers, consultants, architects, designers, investors and other like-minded professionals.

Soul legend Tom Jones will be taking to stage to perform his greatest hits like It’s Not Unusual, She’s a Lady, Delilah, Mama Told Me and many more as the music maestro entertains thousands of fans with his unique vocal power and charming persona. Visit

CLASSIC MOVIE Night at Yas Marina

yasmarina.ae for more info.

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FAMILY FRIENDLY Friday Brunch at Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

Call (0)2 657 4888 for more info.

BUSINESS LUNCH at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

CITYSCAPE ABU DHABI at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre

Visit www.cityscapeabudhabi.

Call (0)2 811 5666 for more info. com for more info.

TOM JONES LIVE at du Forum Yas Island

www.thinkflash.ae for more info.

HAPPENINGS

17 19 22 24 29 SUNDAY

TUESDAY

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

FRIDAY

Glide along the Yas Island channel and check out iconic sights like Yas Viceroy, Yas Marina Circuit and Ferrari World from the comfort of your completely silent electric eco-donut which seats up to six people. The self-steered boats are a great way to explore! Call

Hosted by Resident DJ Lola Nova, ladies can enjoy free drinks from 8pm to 11pm whilst soaking up the 360° city views as Abu Dhabi’s only rotating lounge takes you on a steady whirl above the bright lights of the capital.

Great for a catch-up with close friends!

Three excellent venues, Benihana, Brauhaus and Essence host a collective international brunch, co-starring different world cuisines for diners to tuck into. Perfect for the whole family, brunch is served from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Prices start from AED270++ with different options!

Join a night of Emirati Theatre! This light comedy play is about a newly married couple encountering a guntoting psychopath who insists on shooting one of them. Do they love themselves more than each other? Go find out. Free entry, starts 7.30pm. Call (0)2 497 5306

A Traditional Handicrafts Market takes place, showcasing Abu Dhabi’s heritage.

The 18-shop souq sells women’s and men’s traditional clothing, housewares, spices, and camping and falconry equipment. Open 8am to 1pm and 4pm to 10pm. Go to www.

ECO-DONUT BOAT Ride at Yas Marina, Yas Island

56 440 5380 for more info.

STRATOS KISS AND Tell at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi

Call 800 101 101 for more info.

FRIDAY BRUNCH at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Call (0)2 697 9011 for more info.

THE BULLET AT Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel

for more info.

SOUQ AL QATTARA Traditional Market in Al Ain

visitabudhabi.ae for more info. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Venetian #Village #Abu #Dhabi #Festival

Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi’s newest dining destination has hosted the first village-wide festival to celebrate the official opening of all restaurants under its umbrella. The opening ceremony of the Venetian Village Festival was hosted by HE Mr. Liborio Stellino, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE and Hareb Al Muhairy, Board Member of Abu Dhabi National Hotels. The Venetian Village welcomed Abu Dhabi’s community to enjoy gourmet food samples provided by the esteemed restaurants’ pop-up stalls, alongside a vast array of entertainment for all ages.

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Arts, music, theatre and more awaits all the culture vultures in the UAE as the 13th edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Festival (ADF) takes place across the Emirates this month. FACT has the line up right here‌

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festival fever

With a star studded headline programme featuring the likes of world-renowned pianist Lang Lang, and celebrated French soprano, Natalie Dessay, alongside a community and education programme that boasts a wealth of free, familyfriendly events, the 2016 edition of the annual Abu Dhabi Festival returns with a bang for all to enjoy.

MUS IC EVENTS Natalie Dessay and Laurent Naouri in Recital WHEN: April 10 @ 8pm WHERE: Emirates Palace Auditorium PRICE: Diamond (AED350); Pearl (AED250); Balcony (AED125) Celebrating France as this year’s Country of Honour, ADF is delighted to welcome French soprano Natalie Dessay, one of the most celebrated and distinguished singers of her generation, and renowned French baritone Laurent Naouri in an intimate recital of exquisite, quintessentially French songs. These mélodies, songs with piano, are truly a great French tradition and this programme features music by some of the greatest French composers of all time, including Gabriel Fauré, Henri Duparc, Francis Poulenc, Léo Delibes and CharlesMarie Widor. Expect inspiring music that is emotionally expressive and uniquely charming.

Accomplished pianist Maciej Pikulski will accompany Natalie Dessay and Laurent Naouri.

Lang Lang in Recital WHEN: April 14 @ 8pm WHERE: Emirates Palace Auditorium PRICE: Limited Tickets available from the ADF Emirates Palace Box Office the night of the performance.

Lang Lang is a spectacular showman admired for both his electrifying virtuosity and his sensitive interpretations. The worldwide superstar pianist 20

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showcases his exhilarating technique with a programme displaying all sides of his astonishing music personality. The concert features Tchaikovsky’s Seasons, Bach’s Italian Concerto and Chopin’s Four Scherzos. Tchaikovsky’s everpopular Seasons, with its contrasts of tempo, mood and texture, is inventive, charming and

immediately attractive. Bach’s Italian Concerto is zesty and sparkling, full of lively melody, demonstrating the expressive possibilities of the keyboard. Chopin’s Four Scherzos call for virtuosic brilliancy, originality and exuberance as well as charm and grace. Expect dazzling keyboard fireworks.

STEAK IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL AT MARCO PIERRE WHITE STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL

Every Wednesday evening, indulge in an endless selection of steaks, sauces and sides with free owing beverages at Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill.

Got a big appetite? Take on The Tomahawk Challenge to ďŹ nish one kg of steak plus sides and a beverage in 30 minutes to dine complimentary!

AED 195++ inclusive of soft beverages.

AED 250++ inclusive of grapes and hops.

For more information, please call +971 2 654 3238, email us at dining.bab@fairmont.com or visit fairmont.com/babalbahr

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festival fever

Orchestre de Paris

The Little Prince

Carlos Acosta and Friends

WHEN: April 15 and 17 @ 8pm WHERE: Emirates Palace Auditorium PRICE: Diamond (AED350); Pearl (AED250); Balcony (AED125)

WHEN: April 21 and 22 @ 8pm WHERE: Emirates Palace Auditorium PRICE: Diamond (AED350); Pearl (AED250); Balcony (AED125)

WHEN: April 25 and 26 @ 8pm WHERE: Emirates Palace Auditorium PRICE: Diamond (AED350); Pearl (AED250); Balcony (AED125)

The Orchestre de Paris is one of the finest symphony orchestras in the world, under the baton of its acclaimed Music Director Paavo Järvi. The Orchestre de Paris will present two sublime concerts. The first features work by three giants of French classical music, Berlioz’s Overture Le Corsaire, Lalo’s Cello Concerto, and Saint-Saëns’ Symphony No 3 (Organ Symphony). The second features pieces by two of the most scintillating composers of all time, Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto and Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2.

The orchestra will be joined by three soloists of international renown, Xavier Phillips (cello), Thierry Escaich (organ) and Sergey Khachatryan (violin).

The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is the captivating tale of a lost pilot who has crashed in the middle of the desert, where he encounters a young prince from a distant asteroid who tells the pirate a story of life among the stars. Now, this spectacular story is brought to life in Nick Lloyd Webber and James D Reid’s immersive concert version of their new musical. It’s set to enthrall and move audiences of all ages as it travels through time and space, introducing a wonderful array of magical characters.

Expect a lyrical celebration of the imagination and the artist within us all. Perfect for the whole family to watch and enjoy!

Carlos Acosta is one of the most famous and recognisable ballet stars in the world with an unparalleled career stretching for more than two decades. From humble beginnings in Cuba to performing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Carlos has played many of ballet’s most iconic roles including Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake, The Prince in The Nutcracker, and has worked with numerous leading international ballet companies.

On his inaugural performance in Abu Dhabi, Carlos Acosta will dance excerpts from his favourite ballet repertoire, including Swan Lake and La Sylphide, alongside an outstanding company of dancers.

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festival fever

Joey Alexander Trio WHEN: April 27 @ 8pm WHERE: New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Centre PRICE: Free Admission Since Joey Alexander first encountered the piano at the age of six, his musical intuition has flourished alongside a love of jazz. His talent has taken the world by storm, stunning audiences from New York City to Copenhagen and everywhere in between.

Last year, at the age of 12, Joey released his debut album My Favourite Things to great acclaim. Join Joey for a soulful and joyful musical adventure and witness the magic of this budding young leader, performer and composer as he presents an evening of beloved jazz standards and original compositions.

Alfredo Rogriguez Trio WHEN: April 28 @ 8pm WHERE: New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Centre PRICE: Free Admission Grammy-nominated artist, Alfredo Rodríguez reflects the talents of legendary jazz pianists Keith Jarrett and Thelonious Monk. Schooled in the classical conservatories of Havana, Rodríguez’s artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Cuban and jazz roots.

Discovered at the 2006 Montreux Jazz Festival by Quincy Jones, Rodríguez has distinguished himself as the definition of jazz and improvisation without boundaries.

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festival fever

Claude have been creating monumental works for over half a century. Established as a launch pad for young visual artists in the UAE, experience the 2016 award-winning piece Silk Road by students of the American University of Sharjah.

Liminality by Daniel Kariko WHEN: April 7 to 27 WHERE: Rewak Gallery, University of Sharjah, College of Fine Art & Design PRICE: Free Admission Through photography, Daniel Josip Kariko investigates the ideas of disappearing and changing landscapes, geopolitical and environmental themes. During the exhibition, University of Sharjah students will launch their own visual investigations of the boundaries between the UAE’s urban and rural landscapes. Catch Daniel’s lecture during the exhibition opening on April 6 at 12noon. One for all the fine art fans out there!

ART EVENTS Portrait of a Nation WHEN: April 11 to May 10 WHERE: Emirates Palace Gallery PRICE: Free Admission Portrait of a Nation brings together the UAE’s leading contemporary arts practitioners to reflect upon their homeland. Celebrating 20 years of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), the exhibition features 20 specially commissioned artworks alongside 30 loaned, acquired and gifted works.

The Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award 2016 WHEN: April 4 to 24 WHERE: NYU Abu Dhabi Campus, Saadiyat Island PRICE: Free Admission Presented by New York University Abu Dhabi Institute in partnership with ADMAF. Christo and Jeanne26

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Islamic Arts Exhibition WHEN: April 11 to 30 WHERE: Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization PRICE: Admission AED5 for adults (13+) and free for children.

Experience a breathtaking exhibition of Islamic art created by the people of Sharjah, guided by trainers from Sharjah Museums’ Education Department.

This is the result of another successful collaboration between ADMAF and The Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, which have been working together since 2009.

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festival fever

PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS Music in Hospitals WHEN: April 3, 4, 6 and 7 WHERE: Various Locations PRICE: Free Admission The nation’s young musicians will perform for visitors, patients and staff of hospitals across the UAE to enrich quality of life and wellbeing.

Featuring Mohamed Al Awadi, Eman Al Hashimi, and Mohamed Al Jahoory on piano; Sherine Tohamy on oud and Abdullah Salem on guitar.

April 3 at Tawam Hospital, Al Ain; April 4 at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi; April 6 at Imperial College London Diabetes Centre, Abu Dhabi; and April 7 at RAK Hospital, Ras Al Khaimah.

Documentary Theatre Project: Memories of Childhood WHEN: April 6 @ 8pm WHERE: Abu Dhabi Folklore Theatre PRICE: Free Admission This fascinating theatre production presents poignant, personal monologues and research based on childhood memories shared by mothers and grandmothers. Created by Dr Nezar Andary, Professor at Zayed University’s College of Sustainability Sciences & Humanities, and actress Yara Bou Nassar.

Yann’Sine in Concert WHEN: April 7 @ 8.30pm WHERE: Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi PRICE: Tickets AED90 for members, AED110 for non-member;s available from Alliance Francaise Just before the June release of his debut album, the 22-year-old finalist of Morocco’s hit TV show Studio 2M and semi-finalist of The Voice 2015 in France, is joined by four musicians for an evening of Arabic, English and French music.

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Richard Saxel in Recital WHEN: April 16 @ 7pm WHERE: The Auditorium, Cranleigh School, Saadiyat Island PRICE: Free Admission Join the award-winning Steinway Artist for an evening of Mozart, Debussy, Chopin, Bridge and Poulenc’s L’Histoire du Babar, Le Petit Elephant. Known as one of the most versatile concert pianists of his generation, his 2009 solo album On An Overgrown Path was described by Gramophone as “‘a haunting claim for intimacy”.

Accompanied by Hannah Wu, the Cranleigh Abu Dhabi piano prodigy.

“ONCE YOU UNDERSTAND AND APPRECIATE OTHER PEOPLE’S CULTURAL BACKGROUNDS, THEN YOU CAN ALSO CONNECT WITH THEM MORE.” - ANON

The Bullet WHEN: April 24 @ 7.30pm WHERE: Al Jaheli Theatre, Armed Forces Officers Club, Abu Dhabi PRICE: Free Admission Abu Dhabi Festival in collaboration with Eyal Zayed Theatre Company presents The Bullet, adapted by Mohamed Refaat from a story by Tawfiq Al Hakim.

This light comedy is about a newly married couple, presumably in love until they face a gun-toting psychopath who insists on shooting one of them.

Love disappears and the couple realises that they love themselves more than each other.

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FAMILYFRIENDLY EVENTS Ministry of Science Live!

Pocket Sized Science WHEN & WHERE: April 13 and 14 @ 9am and 11am – Baynounah Educational Complex Theatre, Madinat Zayed April 16 at 1am and 4pm, April 17 at 9am and 11.30am – Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi PRICE: Free Admission – booking essential on email at education@admaf.org Delve into a world bursting with the inventors, engineers and types of energy that shaped the modern world. This one-hour show and hands-on workshop will take you on a journey into science, engineering and invention, from the team behind Brainiac Live and other explosive science shows.

Based on the UK touring production, Ministry of Science Live. In partnership with Art for All.

The Wings of Life WHEN: April 18 to 21, and 25 WHERE: Various Locations PRICE: Free Admission Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services is back with a new production commissioned by ADMAF. This touching tale for children is about caring for the environment. The fantasy musical follows a young boy who discovers he has wings but doesn’t understand why. He soon learns that each feather represents an element of the natural world that he must look after. Check online for all the location info!

Festival in the Park: Where Creativity Blossoms WHEN: April 29 and 30 WHERE: Mushrif Central Park Ampitheatre PRICE: Free Admission – booking advised Enjoy two days of concerts and workshops for all in a celebration of creativity. SAMA Quartet, Mohammed Al Alwadi and Eman Al Hashimi are just some of the musicians that will provide a live soundtrack to the outdoor imagineering.

There’s also going to be a puppetry and visual arts workshop too. General admission to Mushrif Central Park is AED5 (children aged 3 or below go free). No smoking and no outside food is allowed, except for water bottles and food for small children.

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FILM AND LITERATURE EVENTS UAE Authors at the Festival WHEN: April 5 @ 7pm WHERE: TBC PRICE: Free Admission In collaboration with Dar Al Hudhud, Dar Nabati, and Dar Hamaleel, Abu Dhabi Festival’s new writing programme celebrates Arabic literature with the release of Origami Tea and Al Qafzouna by Badriya Al Shamsi; Penguins in Liwa by Asmaa Al Ketby; Dowan by Khawla Al Tayer; Rubaiyat Al Khayyam

by Mohammed Noureldine and Philosophical Insights in Governance and Equestrianism by Ali Abu Al Reesh.

Nearby Sky by Nujoom Al Ghanem WHEN: April 7 @ 7pm WHERE: VOX Cinemas, Nation Towers PRICE: Free Admission Having graced the film festivals of Dubai, Hong Kong and Edinburgh, don’t miss the first UAE public screening of the award-winning documentary about the life of Fatma Al Hameli, the first female Emirati camel owner to attend the country’s camel beauty contests and auctions. Just when Fatma begins to lose hope, an unexpected award comes her way. ‘Nearby Sky’ is an ADMAF Grant recipient.

GO: Visit the festival website at www.abudhabifestival. ae for more information on tickets, schedules, venues and performances.

Theeb WHEN: April 18 @ 6pm WHERE: New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus PRICE: Free Admission – booking essential on email at education@admaf.org Set in 1916, the Oscar-nominated film follows the exploits of a Bedouin boy who joins his older brother escorting a British officer across the desert in a remote part of the Ottoman Empire. The film is followed by a panel discussion on the making of Theeb with Naji Abu Nowar (Director), Bassel 30

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Ghandour (Writer) and Rupert Lloyd (Producer), moderated by Emirati director and producer Nujoom Al Ghanem. Members of the Festival’s Young Filmmakers’ Circle will also be there. ✤

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SOCIETY

#Mother #of #the #Nation #Festival

Thousands of visitors turned out on Abu Dhabi’s Corniche to experience the ten-day Mother of the Nation festival’s exciting array of activities and events. The festival offered five distinctly themed zones: Souq, Beach Dining, Arts, Conservation, and Active, in addition to the Festival’s centrepiece Pavilion. The event shed light on the vision and far-reaching contributions of H.H. Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, and Chairwoman of the Supreme Council of Motherhood and Childhood.

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He’s been called “the hottest artist on the classical music planet” and now audiences in the UAE will get the chance to see superstar pianist, Lang Lang, on stage at the Emirates Palace Auditorium this month. FACT caught up with the exhilarating classical music talent ahead of his performance for Abu Dhabi Festival 2016…

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ARTS & CULTURE

You try to connect Eastern and Western cultures through your music, how do you succeed in that?

Music is a global language. All people can listen to and understand certain parts of it. When you share it sincerely, it comes easier. Being genuine and warm hearted is the most important foundation.

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i Lang Lang! What made you so passionate about playing the piano and did you expect worldwide fame?

I grew up with classical music. My parents always turned on piano music at home since I was born. So the music was like my first language and I felt inspired often. After studying the piano, the pursuit of music also gave me long-term motivation. It was my dream to be a good pianist. Becoming famous was not a direct expectation, but it followed in a way.

You have played some very important, large-scale events including the 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing and the 2014 World Cup Final in Rio de Janeiro. What is it like to take part in these huge global events?

I was honored and happy to perform at these great events. It is an opportunity to communicate a global audience with classical music, and it is a way to share this inspiration and beauty with people over the world.

You work as an Ambassador of Peace for the United Nations with a special emphasis on Education. Tell us more about this‌ This work is important and special for me, as I would love to introduce music to young people through music education and performances. Young people are the future of the world; and this is meaningful work that contributes to education.

What is it like to teach students to play the piano?

It is inspiring to see students love and enjoy playing classical music. I hope through music, students have a better spiritual world, no matter whether they are going to be a professional musician.

Any rituals before going on stage?

Warm up slightly, or have a nap. Not eat too much.

You have received many prestigious awards, how do you think they shape your career?

They are meaningful to me, and encourage me to learn and work harder.

Do you play any other instruments?

I appreciate many other instruments. For myself, I only play the piano.

What pieces are you preparing for the Abu Dhabi Festival audience?

Tchaikovsky - The Seasons, Bach - Italian Concerto BWV 971, and Chopin - Four Scherzos. ✤ GO: Lang Lang will perform at Emirates Palace Auditorium on April 14, starting at 8pm. Visit www.abudhabifestival.ae for tickets and more information.

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#The #Station #at #The #Galleria #Al #Maryah #Island

The Galleria Mall launched its pop up concept that showcased home-grown talents and the region’s finest fashion, art, culinary and entertainment innovators. The unique concept was showcased along Al Maryah Island’s waterfront promenade, featuring designer booths, gourmet food trucks, and art exhibits, being a huge success with both the local and expat communities.

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Crossing Cultures Through

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He’s been hailed as one of the most prominent jazz pianists of the 21st century by music legend Quincy Jones, and now, Cuban music maestro Alfredo Rodriguez is on his way to the UAE to perform as part of Abu Dhabi Festival 2016. Here, FACT talks to the artist himself about what it’s like to have all your musical dreams come true…

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i Alfredo! Your journey into the music industry has been an inspiring one – what’s the biggest and best lesson you’ve learned along the way?

Quincy Jones has been a big part of my career and the first piece of advice he gave me was just to be myself and follow my own destiny in terms of music and every other aspect of life. We feel very connected in music so I’m just trying to learn from a person like him who has so much experience in life, music, and everything in general. It’s so important for young people to have mentors and guides to help make life better, so I just feel fortunate to be a part of Quincy Jones Productions and to be with Quincy; he is a person who I admire so much.

What is it about jazz music that grips you?

I got into jazz because of improv; it captured me from the beginning when I first got Keith Jarrett’s Koln Concert CD from my uncle. I didn’t know anything about improv before that because I only played classical. After I heard the CD it changed my life because it opened up my eyes to a whole new world of style - I started looking for music that was rooted in improv and found other artists such as Thelonious Monk. I was excited by the fact that you could sit at the piano and play anything that comes to your mind.

That’s what gripped me and still gets me about jazz and ever since then, I’ve been playing about my experiences.

What’s your earliest memory of playing the piano and do you remember the first song you played?

Actually, I had always wanted to be a professional drummer but then my parents enrolled me in the Havana School

of Classical Music where they tested us on musicality and the foundations of theory before we could pick an instrument. It came down to choosing between piano and violin so I chose piano - thinking I was going to change back to the drums - but I didn’t. The first memory I have of playing the piano was at the school with my very first music teacher. I most likely was playing Johann Sebastian Bach because he is one of the composers that we studied early on at the conservatory and he remains one of my favourite composers to this day.

What are you most excited about to perform in the UAE? I’ve never been to the UAE so I’m happy to meet a new culture and be able to share my culture with the audience as well. I love learning and gaining new experiences from around the world, so I’m looking forward to the performance and being greeted with a new type of musical appreciation.

“

We may all be different, but when we search deep within, we all come from the same place. We have more in common than we realise, and music plays such an important role in bringing that out.

What can audiences expect from your performance in Abu Dhabi?

Well, drummer Michael Olivera, bassist Reinier Elizarde and I are going to be playing music from my new album, Tocororo, which was just released. We will just be ourselves and bring music from Cuba that I grew up listening to. We love performing in the moment so it’ll be a mix of what we’ve done in the past and what is going to be completely spontaneous for this new experience.

Your music has connected and crossed over with different cultures - what is the message that you’re trying to convey through your talent?

We may all be different, but when we search deep within, we all come from the same place. We have more in common than we realise, and music plays such an important role in bringing that out. Unity is what we need to focus on and I just like to combine my roots with everyone else’s roots. Since coming to the U.S. I strongly believe in transculturation and I reflect that into my music because I play what I live.

What’s your advice for young budding pianists?

My advice is that you have to be sure that what you’re doing is a necessity for you and you love it so much and you aren’t doing it for anyone or anything else. If you do it because it’s like drinking water for you, then you know it’s for you. If that’s the case, go out and fight for it; that’s not just for music either, it applies to everything in life. It’s going to be difficult to succeed at what you are doing if you don’t love it. ✤ GO: Alfredo Rodriguez will perform at New York University Abu Dhabi Arts Centre on April 28, starting at 8pm. Visit www. abudhabifestival.ae for more information. fact magazine

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We’re celebrating all the foodie goodness in the UAE capital with the second annual FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi. Here’s the shortlist of nominees…

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NOMINEES

INTERNATIONAL Trader Vic’s, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi CuiScene, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Market Kitchen, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi Urban Kitchen, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Fairways, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Corniche All Day Dining, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

ITALIAN Frankie’s, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Amalfi, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi Spaccanapoli, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Villa Toscana, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche Pappagallo, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Circo, InterContinental Abu Dhabi Bocca, The Hilton Abu Dhabi Mondo Pizzeria, Abu Dhabi Country Club

MEDITERRANEAN Giornotte, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Safina, Saadiyat Beach Club The Beach House, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Oléa, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort 18 Degrees, Hyatt Capital Gate Sardinia, Abu Dhabi Country Club

FRENCH Bentley Bistro & Bar, The Galleria Brasserie Angelique, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Le Beaujolais, Mercure Centre Hotel Bord Eau, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri Brasserie Flo, Venetian Village

ARABIC Kahraman, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Li Beirut, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi 42

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NOMINEES

Byblos Sur Mer, InterContinental Abu Dhabi Marrakesh, Millennium Corniche Hotel Abu Dhabi Sambusek, Rosewood Abu Dhabi Mijana, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Barouk, Crowne Plaza Yas Island

SEAFOOD Sayad, Emirates Palace Finz, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Fishmarket, InterContinental Abu Dhabi P&C by Sergi Arola, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri Catch, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche Turquoiz, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Flooka, Eastern Mangroves Promenade

CHINESE Shang Palace, Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri Hakkasan, Emirates Palace Shanghai Surprise, Al Diar Capital Hotel Dai Pai Dong, Rosewood Abu Dhabi China Restaurant, Mercure Centre Hotel

SOUTH EAST ASIAN Li Jiang, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Cho Gao, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Noodle Box, Yas Viceroy of Teatro, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi Sontaya, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Royal Orchid, Hilton Abu Dhabi

JAPANESE Benihana, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Tori No Su, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Koi, Saadiyat Island

Sho Cho, Souq Qaryat Al Beri Zuma, Al Maryah Island Inakaya, Venetian Village

INDIAN Ushna, Souq Qaryat-Al Beri Angar, Yas Viceroy Avasa Indian Kitchen, The Collection Peppermill, Eastern Mangroves Promenade Punjab Grill, Venetian Village Indigo, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

THAI Benjarong, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Pachaylen, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Talay, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Silk & Spice, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Lemongrass, Various Locations

LATIN AMERICAN Chamas, InterContinental Abu Dhabi Noche, Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi Amerigos, Park Inn By Radisson, Abu Dhabi, Yas Island El Sombrero, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Asia De Cuba, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Corniche Taqado, The Galleria

STEAKHOUSE The Forge, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal The Foundry, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi 55&5th, The Grill, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Rodeo Grill, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi The Park Bar & Grill, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Marco Pierre White, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr The Capital Grill, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi fact magazine

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ALL DAY DINING

POOL BAR

Al Wahda All Day Dining, Grand Millennium Al Wahda Pepper All Day Dining, Novotel Al Bustan Ginger, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi La Terrazza, Hilton Abu Dhabi Silk Route, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Rosewater, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

Nahaam, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Shams Pool Bar, Radisson Blu Yas Island The Pool Deck, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara Breeze, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Shades Pool Bar, The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa Waves Pool Bar, Novotel Al Bustan

AL FRESCO DINING

PUB

BBQ Al Qasr, Emirates Palace Acropolis, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana Vasco’s, Hilton Abu Dhabi BOA Steakhouse, Eastern Mangroves Promenade Cipriani, Yas Marina

Captain’s Arms, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi Cooper’s Bar, Park Rotana Abu Dhabi Heroes, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Porters, Grand Millennium Al Wahda McGettigans, Al Raha Beach Hotel PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Meridien Belgian Café, InterContinental Abu Dhabi

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NOMINEES

BAR/LOUNGE Stills, Crowne Plaza Yas Island Iris, Yas Island Ray’s Bar, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Stratos, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi Jazz Bar & Dining, Hilton Abu Dhabi Stars ‘N’ Bars, Yas Island

CAFE Jones The Grocer, Various Locations Café Palmier, Le Royal Meridien Magnolia Bakery, The Galleria The Café, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Fifth Street Café, Courtyard By Marriott World Trade Centre Parkafe, Park Rotana Filaments, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi

COFFEE HOUSE Tim Horton’s, Various Locations Costa Coffee, Various Locations Mugg & Bean, Various Locations Gloria Jean’s, Various Locations The Coffee Club, Various Locations

TEA ROOM The Chocolate Gallery, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Tea Lounge, The St. RegiS Abu Dhabi Corniche Alba, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Le Café, Emirates Palace The Library, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Observation Deck 300, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

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NOMINEES

IN-MALL La Brioche, Various Locations Biryani Pot, The Galleria Carluccio’s, Various Locations Shakespeare & Co., Yas Mall Abu Dhabi P.F. Chang’s, Yas Mall Abu Dhabi Paul Café, Various Locations Kosebasi, Al Wahda Mall Leopold’s of London, Nation Towers

FAMILY VENUE No 57 Café, Marasy Al Bathna, Armed Forces Officers Club Barocco, The Royal Rose Hotel Kamoon, Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan

By Rotana

FRIDAY BRUNCH Bubbalicious Friday Brunch, The Westin Abu Dhabi golf Resort & Spa Friday Marina Brunch, InterContinental Abu Dhabi Friday Fairmont Brunch, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Market Kitchen, Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi Friday Brunch at Grills @ Chill’O, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche Steak & Jazz Brunch, Southern Sun Abu Dhabi Chill & Grill Brunch, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Oléa, The St. regis saadiyat island resort

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FRIDAY BRUNCH Giornotte, Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal Munch the Friday Brunch, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas Sevilla, Al Raha Beach Hotel 46

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Silk Route, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Friday Brunch, Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Jing Asia, Crowne Plaza Yas Island Friday Brunch, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel and Resort Sofra Bld, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

NEWCOMER Barfly by Buddha Bar, Venetian Village Byblos Sur Mer, InterContinental Abu Dhabi Dai Pai Dong, Rosewood Abu Dhabi Pearls by Michael Caines, Jumeriah at Etihad Towers Todd English’s Olives, Venetian Village The Sportman’s Arms, Zayed Sports City Vote for your favourite online at www.fact-magazine.com.

NOMINEES

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SOCIETY

#SS16 #Fashion #Collection #Launch

Media, bloggers and fashion influencers all enjoyed a great day of the latest styles with the launch of SS16 collections from the Landmark Group’s brands, including: New Look, Koton, Reiss, Lipsy and Yours London. The brands showcased their offerings for their new collections which were bright, bold and chic. All the new SS16 collections for each brand are available across all of their UAE stores.

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Bringing together the UAE’s leading contemporary artists to reflect on their homeland, this exhibition celebrates 20 years of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) with beautiful works on display. FACT gives you a closer insight on what awaits at Portrait of a Nation‌

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LOCAL arts

Portrait of a Nation features 20 specially commissioned artworks alongside 30 loaned, acquired and gifted works by Emirati artists.

Divided into seven thematic areas in the exhibition, the work of the 50 artists explores topics of Nation & Unity, Geography & Nature, Architecture & Urbanism, Portraiture & Identity, Religion & Spirituality, Language & Calligraphy, and Tradition & Heritage. The pieces on display, which are all part of the ADMAF Art Collection, range from large-scale indoor and outdoor sculptures to paintings, drawings, photographs, collages, videos and installations. Portrait of a Nation captures the ever-changing face of the visual arts in a contemporary UAE. Here are just some of the works going on display...

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1. Sarah Al Agroobi The Desert Rose, 2016 Resin with sand from the seven Emirates.

2. Mohammed Al Astad Untitled, 2016 Painting and iron rust on canvas.

3. Ammar Al Attar Reverse Moments, 2016 Archival photographs, memorabilia and objects.

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4. Khalid Al Banna Wedding, 2016 Fabric collage 5. Amna Al Dabbagh Untitled, 2016 Acrylic mirror and printed lettering.

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6. Eman Al Hashemi Around, 2016 Traditional printmaking (intaglio, monoprint and relief print) on steel structure.

7. Zeinab Al Hashemi Coast Collision, 2016 From the ‘Urban Phantasmagoria’ series.

8. Saeed Al Madani Arabian Oryx, 2016 Pigment ink and screen printing on fabric.

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LOCAL arts 13. Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim The Qubba Project, 2015 C-print photographs and film.

14. Aisha Juma Inner Pilgrimage, 2016 MDF wood cladding, foam, fibre and interior light.

15. Layla Juma Leaf, 2016 Stainless steel.

16. Lateefa Bint Maktoum Family, 2016 Digital collage on archival paper.

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9. Fatema Al Mazrouie A Man Who Built a Nation, 2016 Collage, carpet on canvas.

10. Azza Al Qubaisi Dhad (‫ ) ض‬2016 Galvanised steel with colour coating.

11. Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi Untitled, 2015 Illustration, collage and paint on clay.

12. Hind Demaithan Sadu-Pixel, 2016 Three-piece video object: video, three LCD TV screens and Sadu textile.

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17. Khalid Mezaina Cafeterias of the UAE, 2016 Pencil and drawing pen on cartridge paper, digitally coloured.

18. Salama Nasib Her Patterns, 2016 Linocut prints on laser cut cotton.

19. Khalil Abdul Wahid Artist Tools (Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi), 2016 Mixed media; collected objects and photographs.

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GO: Portrait of a Nation takes place at Emirates Palace Gallery and is open to the public from April 11 to May 10.

Admission is free.

Opening Times are: Sunday to Thursday from 12noon to 8pm; Friday and Saturday from 10am to 10pm.

Visit www.admaf.org/en for more informtion.

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ARTS INTERVIEW

-reflections-

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arts INTERVIEW

It’s one of the most iconic buildings in the city, embodying the culture and identity of Abu Dhabi, with its stunning, intricate architecture, and now, one man has set out to show off the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in all its beautiful glory. FACT’s Shabana Adam caught up with Julian John, from Cranleigh Abu Dhabi, to talk all about his talents for photography and his fascination with the Grand Mosque…

If you visited the community pop-up event, The Station at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, chances are that you were left mesmerised when you came across the exhibition, Reflections by Julian John.

His outstanding images of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque were featured in a showcase for all to marvel. Julian has spent four years photographing the architecture and intricacy of the Grand Mosque, in different light, medium, shadows and angles. In particular, his work draws on the reflections in both water and marble, to give a unique quality, and has received high acclaim in both the UAE and abroad. So, what we want to know is, what is it about this magnificent landmark that attracts him?

“For me, the building is a modern wonder of the world,” Julian says. “Every detail is perfect, from the mosaics to the domes and minarets and the carpets. I have served my apprenticeship

Photography gives me an artistic outlet, it gives me diversity and creative freedom to work in many different ways.

Photography combines passions and interests, from dance and sport to travel and architecture; there are no limits.

- Julian John photographing the Grand Mosque and when I look back on my earlier photos, I remember how challenging it was.

“I was delighted to have Reflections exhibited in one of the Capital’s iconic

landmarks, The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. The waterfront shopping and dining destination is the ideal backdrop for the Abu Dhabi community to be able to see this collection,” he adds.

Julian’s photographs are beautiful, captivating, detailed and dramatic. He’s managed to capture the Grand Mosque in so many different ways that appreciating just how magical and picture perfect this building is, can be a never-ending feat. We can only imagine the amount of preparation, both technical and environmental, that went into making these images possible.

“There are so many variables that come into play such as weather conditions, time of day, and accessibility,” Julian explains.

“The photo opportunities are immense, it can be overwhelming for a photographer.

I tend to be very focused and disciplined. I will have a shot in mind before shooting,” he continues. fact magazine

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“The skies are usually more interesting in the cooler months with sunset and the blue hour. Timing and light are everything. I shoot at sunset because that is when I can bring out the colours that are not necessarily visible to the eye. I look for shadows and reflections, often including people in my shots to give a human element and a sense of scale,” Julian adds.

Julia started off photographing the Grand Mosque with a very basic camera and has regularly upgraded his equipment, now working with a Nikon D800, a full frame camera. This allows him to capture beautiful images in low light and offers excellent detailed printing and framing images. His favorite lenses are the 70-200mm 2.8 and the 24-70mm 2.8, and when possible he uses a tripod, which enables him to get longer exposures and more details – something that is evident in these stunning images.

And so comes the big question – has he captured the perfect photograph of the Grand Mosque? Julian says: “The answer is a definite no and if I did, I would have to find something else to shoot - you can’t improve on perfection! I find it difficult to choose a favourite as I am ultra critical of my work, but currently the image I love most is one that is flooded with spectacular warm light. One of my ambitions is to win the annual Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Photography Competition and I’m busy putting together the entry.”

When it comes to photography style, Julian says that he wants his photographs to “stand out from the crowd” and for people to recognise his style and have an emotional connection to an image. “The thought of my images on people’s walls is one of the most thrilling aspects of being a photographer,” he says. “To think that someone is enjoying one of my pictures every day is amazing.”

Julian bought his first camera, a Nikon DSLR, in 2010, when he moved to Abu Dhabi and whilst planning a trip to Sri Lanka. “From the first moment I clicked the button, a passion was born and it soon became an obsession,” he recalls. “Abu Dhabi offers many opportunities for a photographer with exciting activities always happening around the capital.”

For young and budding photographers, Julian advises to “find your focus and shoot what you love”. He also highlights the importance of investing time, energy, and dedication to the practice. “As with everything else in life, the more you put into something the more you get out of it,” Julian says. “I run a regular workshop for beginners and intermediate photographers and typically structure them in four sessions.” Learning from the man himself might just be the smart move here – photographers, go and get inspired! ✤ GO: Visit www.julianjohnphotography.com for more information on Julian’s workshops and photography.

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REVIEWS

Big Screen

The Jungle Book What’s it about: Based on Rudyard Kipling’s book of short stories and inspired by Disney’s animated classic, The Jungle Book is the story of Mowgli, the “mancub” raised by wolves and befriended by Baloo the bear.

Director: Jon Favreau cast: Scarlett Johansson, Idris Elba, Bill Murray Why it’s worth watching?

With an all-star voice cast, including Scarlett Johansson (Kaa), Idris Elba (Shere Khan), Bill Murray (Baloo), Ben Kingsley (Bagheera), and Christopher Walken (King Louie), Disney’s The Jungle Book is given a new lease of life with breathtaking live-action CG. This story sees Mowgli, played by newcomer Neel Sethi, embark on a captivating journey of self-discovery, guided by panther-turned-stern mentor Bagheera, and the free-spirited bear, Baloo. Along the way, Mowgli encounters jungle creatures who don’t exactly have his best interests at heart, as the fearsome tiger Shere Khan, who bears the scars of Man, is out to eliminate what he sees as a threat. What we love from the trailer footage released so far, is that director Jon Favreau (Iron Man, Chef, Elf) has gone all out to make this an epic adventure that stays true to the pages of Rudyard Kipling’s books, and carries on the legacy of the 1967 animated classic, with true cinematic boldness. This is a more sophisticated take on The Jungle Book, one that adults and children alike will appreciate and adore.

Highlights “This is a more sophisticated takes on The Jungle Book, one that adults and children alike will appreciate and adore.”

The Boss What’s it about: A titan of industry loses here empire and is sent to prison for insider trading.

After her release, not everyone she screwed over is so quick to forgive and forget, so she sets out to rebrand herself as America’s latest sweetheart.

– The Jungle Book

“When this lady is given the opportunity to spew comically aggressive, colourfully worded aggression, you can expect there’s going to be tons of laughs.”

– The Boss

Director: Ben Falcone cast: Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Bell, Peter Dinklage, Kristen Schaal Why it’s worth watching?

Melissa McCarthy can seemingly do no wrong. When this lady is given the opportunity to spew comically aggressive, colourfully worded aggression, you can expect there’s going to be tons of laughs.

The funny woman is teaming up, once more, with frequent collaborator and real-life husband, Ben Falcone - a pairing that has made comedy gold in the past, including their last film together, Tammy.

Oh, and did we mention how incredible Melissa McCarthy is looking in this new film? Maybe playing the epitome of every terrible, shady, ruthless corporate boss that sank the economy, is a role that unusually suits her to the core - well, the wardrobe, at least!

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REVIEWs

on the record

Fully Booked

CRIME AND MYSTERY

Real Tigers

By Mick Herron

HIP-HOP/RAP

The Unruly Mess I’ve Made

By Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

This latest offering from the Seattle rapperduo strikes a tone that is almost apologetic following on from their rise to superstardom, even down to the album’s title. It’s almost like they’re scared of being too successful and losing touch with their roots. It’s chock-full of moral messages and references to white privilege, with songs like Light Tunnels sounding like a traumatic experience, until you realise it’s about him winning at the Grammys.

This is a shame though, because if they’d just gone ahead and had as much fun as they had in The Heist, this album would probably be more enjoyable. The highlight is undoubtedly Downtown, a track that echoes the catchiness of Thrift Shop, only with a real old-school hiphop flavour a la Grandmaster Flash, and is just downright fun (just check out the music video – ever seen a giant chrome eagle chariot being towed by a team of Royal Enfield motorcycles?

No, we didn’t think so…). A worthy successor to The Heist, but a tad more serious.

POP

This is What the Truth Feels Like

This is the third novel in a series covering the sad, desperate spies of Slough House, a place where failed MI5 operatives are put out to pasture, pushing papers until they resign or drink themselves to death.

The perfect bunch to become embroiled in high-level espionage then! A seemingly ill-disguised exercise to test their security for leaks suddenly exposes dangerous ulterior motives, and the motley crew, led by the flatulent, foul-mouthed bullying chief Jackson Lamb, must come through it intact. With deliciously scabrous dialogue and a dry, droll observational prose, this is spy satire at its best!

By Gwen Stefani Undeniably the queen of the noughties, this is Stefani’s first solo album since The Sweet Escape, exactly a decade ago now, as she has spent time since as a mother, a TV personality, and once again a member of No Doubt. But after such a long break, how does her latest offering fare against the success of her former solo efforts? Well, Gwen Stefani fans will be relieved to find that it is a return to the bubbly pop of her former solo outings, with bouncy tracks like Make Me Like You providing the

historical romance

The Queen’s Choice

crowd-pleasers, and more emotional tracks like

By Anne O’Brien

Used to Love You and Misery, obviously inspired

There are a few historical British monarchs that tend to steal all the limelight in historical portrayals – Henry VIII, Richard I, Charles I, etc. – so it’s refreshing to see a lesser-known King, in this case, Henry IV, be the subject of a story. It is, however, told from the point of view of Queen Joanna of Navarre, who first married John IV of Brittany, and then left him for Henry later on. It’s a tumultuous love story told against the backdrop of Henry IV’s shaky and unstable reign, and has all the politics, suspicion and intrigue that you’d expect.

by her own personal trials, adding some substance to the album. Perhaps the strongest track on the whole album is Truth, with honest lyrics sung over a catchy guitar riff that anchors the track list in a way that shows she can still bring the ‘realz’.

At the end of the day, This is What the Truth Feels Like is light-hearted pop, and as long as you don’t take it too seriously, it’s an enjoyable romp that is clearly stamped with Stefani’s colourful personality.

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SOCIETY

#ISNR #Abu #Dhabi #2016

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Lt. General HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, inaugurated the activities of the International Exhibition for National Security and Resilience at ADNEC, last month. HH Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his hope that ISNR Abu Dhabi 2016 will achieve the set goals to promote cooperation and coordination between the governments of the world in the fields of security, safety, and police work, to fulfill their goals in crime fighting.

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The VW Passat fact magazine

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CITY RIDES

FACT takes a drive in Volkswagen’s family-friendly and eminently comfortable sedan…

When you think ‘Volkswagen’, there are a number of concepts that spring to mind. Inevitably, the Golf GTI and Golf R are first among them.

Logically, the Scirocco follows on from those, closely related as they are.

Then, perhaps, the Beetle, followed by the Touareg, and then its more compact sibling, the Tiguan, as SUVs are always a big seller in the Gulf.

You would also think very good German quality that borders on ‘premium’, but as a result you also think ‘slightly pricey’.

At what point, then, would you think of the Passat? Would you think of it more if I told you that you can get a mid-sized sedan with that great German quality and build for as little as AED87,000? And that for this price it would also come with remote central locking, front centre armrest, cruise control, an infotainment system with CD, SD-card reader, AUX-in and USB, 66

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Bluetooth connectivity for phones and devices, and front and rear parking sensors?

When you take all this into account the Passat starts to look like a seriously good deal. If you take the base-spec model, don’t fret that you’re sacrificing performance, because all of the trim levels, from the S right up to the R-Line, boast the same engine, drivetrain and

chassis, which would be VW ’s 170hp 2.5l inline-five-cylinder engine, mated to the six-speed tiptronic gearbox, which boasts a 0-100km/h time of 9.2 seconds. While this performance isn’t going to light up any tarmac, the power delivery is smooth and constant, and the gear changes quick and seamless, and you’ll never complain about the fuel consumption!

More importantly, all the trim levels also boast exactly the same safety package, which includes fullysurrounding curtain airbags front and rear, electronic stability control, antislip regulation, electronic diff-lock, engine brake-assist and intelligent crash response system, as well as the usual ABS and EBD. This makes it one of the safest family sedans you can buy for this money on the market today.

The SPORT trim-level we drove adds somewhat to the price, going for around AED118,100. However, it also adds a sunroof, nice 18-inch alloys, leather front sports seats, keyless entry with push button start-stop system and easyopen boot lid (the one that opens with a

CITY RIDES

swipe of your foot underneath the car), and sat-nav. It also adds the excellent Fender premium audio system.

As with any Volkswagen, the excellent quality is apparent throughout the car.

The interior is stylish and everything feels solidly built. The ride is smooth and extremely quiet, and the car feels poised and agile on the road, thanks to all those safety systems.

A real bonus was the air conditioning, which is something European cars can sometimes be known to struggle with, but in the Passat it was easily powerful enough to keep your drinks cold in the middle of summer!

In the face of stiff competition from Asian manufacturers increasingly offering more features for less, Volkswagen has responded strongly with the Passat. For these prices, it’s an absolute bargain! ✤ fact magazine

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motoring news

Ferrari’s New Shooting Brake Ferrari unveiled the successor for it’s four-wheel-drive four-seater shooting brake, the Ferrari FF, as the Geneva Motor Show recently.

The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is a new four-seater model that integrates rear-wheel steering with four-wheel drive for the first time, hailing another major advance for the versatile sporty Grand Tourer concept.

As Ferrari’s latest interpretation of the four-seater, a configuration

Maserati Unveils Levante Also at the Geneva International Motor Show Maserati introduced the first SUV in its hundred-year history, the Levante, named after a warm Mediterranean wind. The spaciousness of the interior, enhanced by the panoramic electric sunroof, is combined with coupé-sleek external lines and the best aerodynamic efficiency in its category.

The Levante is fitted with a 3-litre V6 Twin-Turbo petrol engine with either 350hp or 430hp. Both engines are combined with the “Q4” intelligent all-wheel drive system which can transfer torque between the axles instantaneously when required - and an 8-speed automatic gearbox, with integrated Start&Stop System.

In terms of performance, the Levante S (430hp) covers 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, has a top speed of 264 km/h.

The Levante (350hp) accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds and achieves a top speed of 251 km/h.

For information on Maserati models, call 02 493 5000.

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that holds a very special place in Maranello tradition, the GTC4Lusso makes exhilarating Prancing Horse sports car performance and elegance available to four rather than just two occupants.

Thanks to a 6,262cc V12 that punches out a maximum of 680hp at 8,000 rpm and peak torque of 697Nm at 5,750 rpm, with 80% available at just 1,750 rpm, the GTC4Lusso delivers an astonishing top speed of 335 km/h and sprints from 0 to 100 km in 3.4 seconds.

For information on Ferrari models, call 02 493 5000.

Motoring news

Infiniti TwinTurbo Power The biggest news this month from the premium Japanese automaker is the introduction of their all-new twin-turbo ‘VR30’ 3.0l V6. Previously well-known for their muscular 3.7l and 5.0l naturally-aspirated V6s, the new turbo engines inevitably promise more power along with more efficiency.

According to Infiniti, the new engine is the lightest, most powerful, cleanest and most fuel-efficient V6 engine that brand has ever offered, and is available in two performance levels, with either 300hp or 400hp.

Hot off the announcement, two new models boasting the new engine were launched – the Infiniti Q50 premium sports sedan, and the Q60 sports coupe. The Infiniti Q50 is also available with a 2.0l turbocharged engine.

To find out more about Infiniti models, call 02 681 1118.

Toyota Launches All-New Fortuner The Toyota Fortuner has rapidly become an very significant model for Toyota in recent years, and this significance has been demonstrated by how much time, effort and thought has been dedicated to the secondgeneration model. The new Fortuner shows a drastically improved exterior design, and significantly increased levels of interior comfort and features.

New touches include a 7-inch tablet-inspired multimedia touchscreen display (depending on model option) that allows easy operation of on-screen features, a Smart Entry & Start system, an electronic 4WD

switch and second-row seats with one-touch operation for ease of folding.

The third row seats are equipped with a fixed hook attachment for simple and convenient stowage. There are now 15 storage areas in the new Fortuner.

The new Fortuner still comes with the same 2.7l V6 and 4.0l V6 engine options, only now they’re mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

For information on Toyota models, call 02 659 3666. fact magazine

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PLUGGED-IN

The Samsung Gear VR Powered by Oculus

Last month was a time of enlightenment, as we came across this incredibly cool device, which we didn’t even know was a thing, and discovered something else very interesting too…

Whilst browsing the electronics stores for a new Samsung Smartphone, we came across this gadget, and we were blown away. You may remember a while back we reviewed the Oculus Rift, and said that is was going to be the next big thing, bringing Virtual Reality to the masses?

Well, Oculus have taken things even further, teaming up with Samsung to bring you this: the Samsung Gear VR (powered by Oculus). It’s basically just a headset that your phone snaps into, and an app developed in collaboration between Samsung and Oculus plays a VR picture on the smartphone’s screen that can be viewed between the two eyeholes.

It’s not necessarily ground breaking – Google are doing it already with the Google Cardboard. However, the Gear VR is an exceptionally snazzy looking piece of kit, and the software we viewed on it was mind 70

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DID YOU KNOW? Many major electronics retailers will take in your old smartphone as a trade-in for a new one, giving you cash back to discount towards your new purchase. For example, a Samsung Galaxy S5 will knock off anything from 300 to 500 riyals from the price of your new phone, depending on make and model. The same goes for iPhones and some other major brands too.

It’s all in the spirit of sustainability, as the phones are sent back to the manufacturers for recycling.

blowing. Images flying out the dock of a huge spaceship in your fighter and having a dogfight amongst the stars, or walking about on the surface of Mars, complete with base and big rover. It’s really amazing stuff!

Downsides? Of course there are. As with anything new, the amount of compatible apps out there is limited, but will inevitably grow in time. Also, the headset is merely that, a headset, and there is no battery pack or power point. Add that to the fact that this extremely resource-heavy software will rinse your battery life, and you’re going to have to face the fact that gameplay will be frequently interspersed with charging sessions!

Having said all that, the price is pretty minimal for such fantastic technology, and it is a sure sign of great things to come. Playing a fully VR GTAVII app on an Oculus headset on your smartphone in the not too distant future, for example… ✤

plugged-in

App-licious Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...

#New #Fo od #Court #at #The #Mall #WTC #Abu #Dhabi

Travel with…

Gogobot A superb user-driven travel app that really brings you the best of a destination, Gogobot lists events, venues, restaurants, attractions and hotels for any location you select. Each listing is rated by users, with reviews to help you decide where to go and what to do. You can tailor content to your specific wants or tastes, and there are Tribes to join so that you can find like-minded people. A nice touch is the postcard filter feature, which helps you create postcards to send to friends and family from images you’ve taken on your travels.

The best part…

It’s free to download, and you have a choice between the international app, and city-specific versions such as the Gogobot Bangkok City Guide, or London City Guide, which leave out everything except for the information most relevant to your destination.

Get healthy with…

7-Minute Workout Challenge Arguably one of the most famous and successful fitness apps out there, the 7 Minute Workout Challenge lets you get the benefits of an hour’s worth of exercise in just seven minutes, using peer-reviewed scientific research to create a regimen of 12 high-intensity exercises with short breaks in-between. It can be done quickly in the mornings before you go to work, and it boosts your metabolism, resulting in greater weight-loss and health benefits. We’ve tried it, and its easyto-use and almost enjoyable! Almost… But if you don’t believe us, the majority of five-star reviews should convince you.

The best part…

After the initial purchase price of just over three bucks, there are NO additional charges – you get all the features and any new content for free. Plus, completing challenges unlocks new achievements and content, which really motivates you!

The Mall at World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi invites you to taste the world. Now open, the new food court is packed with 12 fast food joints and entertainment options. Grab a tasty bite with friends, refuel with artisanal coffee or try the latest food trends. At the forefront of retail entertainment, the food court will also host Tasleeh Entertainment, the popular adrenaline-fuelled warfare simulation game. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Sephora #SS16 #Launch

World-famous makeup brand Sephora held its SS16 launch event and invited guests to try the vibrant hues and get glammed up Sephora-style for the spring/summer seasons ahead. With expert products in makeup and skincare, and with a whole new set of brilliant brushes and tools, Sephora’s SS16 collection is something that every girl needs in her beauty bag.

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Zara Spring Summer ‘16 fact magazine

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fashion focus

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For Her

The main trend for Spring Summer 2016 is a modern femininity in black and white inspired by the glamour of the 1920s. Silhouettes are sculpted among fluid fabrics while lace accents enhance floaty dresses in floral patterns with flounces, exposed shoulders and contrasting frills adding a more contemporary edge.

Boudoir elegance also returns with pyjama sets and slip dresses in black, white and powder pink silks and satins, with lace playing a key role in edging all of the sides. Natural textures such as linen and rustic handmade styles create the season’s new dress code and a more versatile look with more relaxed cuts in wrinkled jackets, trousers and shirts.

And that’s not to forget the bold colours of the light silhouettes and those of the tie-dye patterns combining crochet details. As the spring season unfolds, sequins and metallic fabrics for both day and night create deconstructed silhouettes by means of effortless key pieces in tones of anthracite, gold and navy blue.

For Him

Inspiration has been drawn from vintage resort style, clearly evidenced in the faded striped garments for summer and seersucker fabrics, harking back to the dandy style and soft tailoring. Military touches appear in the form of camouflage, faded washes, asymmetrical details and patches, while safari style and Mandarin collar shirts or pleated trousers serve as utilitarian basics for every day.

Nautical references found in striped patterns and micro-patterns are softened to create a nostalgic nod to the 1920s and 40s. A constant thread running through the collection is sportswear, lending the seasonal styles a practical and modern element, offering a brand of versatility uniting the professional with the informal.

This also encompasses pieces such as raincoats, soft shell jackets, padded technical fabrics or jogging or semijogging bottoms, creating hybrids between tailoring and the sportswear look. ✤ GO: Shop Zara’s SS16 Collection at Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall.

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Fashion Focus

Shop the brand Here is our wishlist from ZARA’S SS16 collection for her

for him

This collection is AVAILABLE in the UAE AT ALL ZARA STORES, NOW.

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Get your daily dose of FACT online now

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MARCH 2016 VOL 2. ISSUE 10 AED 10

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FACT Dining Awards bring the love for Pink Caravan

Check out our new website www.fact-magazine.com fact magazine

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BRAND FOCUS

H&M: Fashion Meets Festival

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BRAND Focus

H&M teams up once again with the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, creating a co-branded collection for girls and guys under the claim #HMLovesCoachella

C

atching the on-the-road vibe and aesthetic, H&M delivers a street-savvy collection infused with playfulness, ease and a sense of belonging.

The H&M Loves Coachella collection features a line-up of iconic pieces and freewheeling playfulness. The overall look is about personal style, mixing, not matching, and conveying a message of ease and freedom.

For girls, the collection includes folksy blouses, beaded and fringed tops, allover print jumpsuits, denim cut-offs, and accessory essentials including floppy hats, sunglasses, and flat boots. Hemlines are short and embellishments provide a crafty tingle. For boys, it is all about printed T-shirts and mismatched shirts, bermudas, and denim shorts.

Ross Lydon, designer at H&M, says: “Last year, H&M was the first brand to team up with Coachella to develop a clothing collection. The success was so rapid and so widespread; we decided to partner again to create an even richer offering this season.

“We love Coachella because we enjoy its democratic spirit and the bonding experience it creates. To us, Coachella is about using fashion and music to express energy and that is what is reflected in this collection,” he adds. ✤ GO: The H&M Loves Coachella collection is now available to shop from H&M at Yas Mall Abu Dhabi, Al Wahda Mall, and Abu Dhabi Mall. fact magazine

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STYLE

90’s REVIVAL It was the decade of dungarees, different denims and sky-high platforms, and for those of you who grew up in the Spice Girls era, get ready for some 90’s nostalgia. Re-emerging this season are bomber jackets, bleached and royal blue denim, pinafores, dungarees and an all-round effortless look. Throw on bomber over a simple midi dress for a current feel, or don a crisp white tee under staple dungarees with classic trainers for an added active touch.

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01. Aldo 02. BERSHKA 03. Call it Spring 04. Debenhams 05. BHS 06. CHARLES & KEITH 07. topshop 08. origem 09. pull & bear 10. Miss Selfridge 80

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style

Tailored Downtime This season is all about blending the smart, sartorial and sporty, and the baggier you can go, the better. Pair a classic white tee or oversized sweater with tapered trousers or a flared fit, and finish the look off with trainers for that offbeat mix. Flannel work shirts, knee-length hoodies and t-shirts, and casual knits, all offer a thrifty, self-assured style. Also, take a detour from the typical blazer and opt for longer outerwear to keep things smart casual.

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01. Aldo 02. asos 03. Bershka 04. bhs 05. Call it Spring 06. F&F 07. Marks and Spencer 08. next 09. Pull & Bear 10. Topman fact magazine

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For the culture-savvy in Abu Dhabi

APRIL IN ABU DHABI GET YOUR ARTS & CULTURE FIX

march Edition available now on issuu.com/factmagazine 82

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BEAUTY MASHUP

L’ O ccitance

Néroli & Orchidée C o l l ect i o n Revel in the femininity and elegance of women with L’Occitance En Provence’s latest collection; inspired by modern women, making it ideal for upcoming celebrations. An epitome of elegance, the collection’s ritual begins with a bath milk, followed by a body oil, and finishes with a delicate touch of lip gloss. The perfect treat to unwind, relax and enjoy the many wonders of being a woman. fact magazine

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beauty BUZZ

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Beauty C hecklist

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We’ve got 99 holiday problems, but makeup ain’t one! FACT breaks down a new party-ready beauty checklist with fabulous products to try.

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Bourjois City Radiance Concealer Bourjois radiantly rises to the challenge for a fresh and luminous complexion in a polluted environment.

Kick-off spring on a party-note, go flawless and protected with the brand’s new City Radiance that blocks pollution and UV rays to protect your skin.

The ultimate formula; it’s light, hydrating, and gives a bare skin finish.

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Deborah Milano Gel Effect in Enamel Go bold, or go home!

The ultimate red hue and formula that offers a full and even colour with a dazzling glossy finish. The product provides perfect coverage and volumising gel-like surface without the use of UV light. Get a picture perfect manicure and high gloss result from the comfort of your home.

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NYX The Curve Liner in Jet Black Calling all cat-eye lovers!

With an innovative and ergonomic shape that applies liquid liner mistake-proof, its desing provides just the right hold to make the application an enjoyable ride. Excellent colour pay-off, quick dry, smudge proof, and no feathering – this should definitely be in your makeup bag.

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HI Impact Brows Eyebrow are they the “it” beauty trend but they also frame a woman’s face. This kit is a unique, all-in-one eye and brow palette that allows the user to personalise their perfect eyebrow colour at home. Great for dual use, it allows you to easily create various looks using only one product. Now, go get lockdown that brow game!

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Kiehl’s Cilantro and Orange Extract Pollutant Defending Masque This absolute hydrating formula protects the skin from environmental stressors to rejuvenate dulllooking skin. The natural masque replenishes and strengthens the skin with its Vitamin E and cilantro seed oil, and vital nutrients famed as antioxidants and nourishing ingredients.

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Too Faced Highlighting Powder Duo This sublime and unique shade of the popular Too Faced highlighter illuminates the complexion thanks to Photolite technology, which diffuses and refracts light.

Candlelight Glow leaves skin radiant in all lights.

The two powders can be blended for a customised shade, or used separately for targeted radiance.

grooming buzz

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SHISEDO Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate With time, your skin’s defensive system begins to break down; fear not, Shisedo has got your back!

Ultimune helps boost skin’s multi-defensive powers while helping to strengthen its resistance to day-to-day damage and visible signs of ageing. With continued use, skin is smoother and more resilient.

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C hecklist

Fellas, it’s time to get your grooming game on point for Spring. Here’s our pick of the latest men’s products to get you set for the season.

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AESOP Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Hydrator This exceptional moisturiser delivers a generous serving of botanicals, vitamins and essential oils that help fortify the skin against the elements and leave it feeling soft, smooth and supple. Key anti-oxidant ingredients include Parsley Seed extract, White Tea, and Willowherb – which also helps soothe the skin.

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DAVIDOFF Horizon Balancing the duality between earth and sky, Horizon starts off with airy top notes of energising Grapefruit, Rosemary and Ginger that give a vibrant dimension of discovery.

In contrast, the middle and base bring strong Vetiver and Patchouli softly wrapped in rich Cocoa Absolut to inject texture, warmth and sensuality.

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LOCCITANE Citrus Verbena Shower Gel This isn’t a new product, but more an old favourite that we would recommend for the Spring season.

The shower gel gently cleanses skin while leaving it pleasantly scented with the sparkling notes of citrus fruits and verbena. Contains an extract of organic verbena from Provence, lemon essential oil, and a grapefruit extract from Italy.

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ELEMIS Ice-Cool Foaming Shave Gel Make shaving a success with this popular product from Elemis. Scientifically formulated, this high performance foaming gel smoothly moulds the face for a clean, close shave.

Cooling Aloe Vera, Witch Hazel and English Oak help to protect skin and soothe razor burns, whilst helping to soften the facial hair.

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LABEL.MEN Scalp Tonic Using the brand’s innovative elements of botanical ingredients, this product is suitable for use on sensitive scalps; French oak provides antioxidant protection against premature hair ageing, whilst sugar beet plant aids hair growth. Vitamin C adds luminous shine and moisturising vitamin B5 replenishes strands. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Aloha #Abu #Dhabi #Carnival

Aloha Abu Dhabi, a five-day family extravanganza, took place at Al Muneera Beach Plaza in late March. Talented musicians, fashion pop-ups, and food stands serving a wide range of international cuisine brought the carnival spirit to life for visitors of all ages. Magicians, stilt walkers and street performances delighted children and delivered a festive atmosphere for families to enjoy. Those who have not yet had the chance to try water sports, were able to soar over the waves and enjoy an adrenaline rush on fly-boards and jet skis.

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18 Degrees of Excellence “I didn’t want to write an Arabic menu, I wanted to add my personal touch to it. So I tried to mix Arabic flavours and traditional products with some lighter and totally different ingredients.”

- Chef Michele Muller fact magazine

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CHEF’S TABLE

For our feature this month we were invited to dine at the table of Chef Michele Muller - Executive Sous Chef at the Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi. To our delight, she treated us to a truly international dining experience.

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pril’s chef ’s table took place in the Hyatt Capital Gate’s signature restaurant, 18 Degrees, on the – you guessed it – 18th floor of the ‘twisting’ tower that the Hyatt Capital Gate occupies. The restaurant is a truly unique venue, with stunning views of the surrounding city, all the way to Reem Island and the Corniche.

Michele has 19 years of experience across Europe and the Middle East, and prior to her current position, she was Chef de Cuisine at the Park Hyatt’s celebrated Beach House restaurant, on Saadiyat Island.

18 Degrees touts itself as serving the flavours of the Eastern Mediterranean, which can include anything from Greece to the Levant. While Michele kept this in mind when coming up with the menu for the restaurant, she also wanted to give it her own unique touch.

“When I created this menu I wanted to do something different, something people will find hard to compare to anything else,” she says. “I didn’t want to write an Arabic menu, I wanted to add my personal touch to it. So I tried to mix Arabic flavours and traditional products with some lighter and totally different ingredients. I do like to challenge people a little bit with my cooking but at the same time I don’t want to overwhelm them with anything too crazy!”

Michele’s philosophy on cooking is: “Less is more. My cuisine is very down to earth. Nothing is worse than when cooking becomes science. It should be fun and easy to duplicate at home,” Michele explains.

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CHEF’S TABLE

Menu Creamy Burrata Cheese Sautéed Chicken Liver Foie Gras Kibbeh Pomegranate Duck Leg Spaghetti Vongole Honey and Zataar Crusted Rack of Lamb

“My tip is to always do your grocery shopping every two to three days rather than once a week. Buy fresh items and don’t leave them lying around for too long. Make your dish colourful, healthy and tasty!”

These principles were very much applied to the dishes that were to come.

The experience began with Creamy Burrata Cheese, with sweet Datterino tomato, and basil. “This is our signature dish in the restaurant,” Michele tells us.

“The burrata comes from Italy; it is so creamy and the best way to eat it is with sun ripened tomatoes, basil and some good olive oil.”

The next dish was a particular favourite of ours and very much inspired by a classic Lebanese favourite – Sautéed Chicken Liver, with pomegranate molasses and pine nuts. “It is a very popular dish in the Middle East,” she says. “I personally like to cook it with some onions and sumac.

I love sumac, it’s such a special flavour.”

This was followed by a five-star twist on another Lebanese classic, Foie Gras Kibbeh with fig coulis. “Everyone knows kibbeh in this part of the world, but these ones are just more fancy with foie gras inside,” she explains.

Foie gras is most often served with a sweet flavour to offset the richness of the meat, and in this regard the fig complements the dish really well.

Then came the mains, and the first was a particular favourite of the night – the Pomegranate Duck Leg with roasted butternut squash and spinach. The rich flavour of the duck is deliciously enhanced by the pomegranate sauce, and it’s absolutely superb.

For the next dish we travelled further West to the balmy climes of Southern Italy, for the Spaghetti Vongole, zucchini and, again, the sweet Datterino tomato.

“What I like the most about this dish is when the spaghetti and clams get all twisted while cooking. It is rustic with a very delicate flavour,” Michele says.

And the grand finale was also a favourite of the night, being the Honey and Zataar Crusted Rack of Lamb, on a bed of quinoa and green olive tabbouleh.

The sweetness of the honey and the herby flavour of the zataar combine beautifully to flavour the tender lamb chops, which are cooked to pink perfection!

All of the dishes were truly excellent, and it was a real treat watching Michele and her dedicated team create each of them in the large open kitchen that is the centrepiece of the restaurant.

With stunning views and food, all the ingredients are right at 18 Degrees. It comes highly recommended by us! ✤ GO: Visit 18 Degrees at Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi. Call (0)2 596 1234 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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SOCIETY

#Rivoli #and #Hamilton #Host #Special #Evening #at #Marina #Mall

Motorsport enthusiasts and fans were delighted to rub shoulders with the ace Hamilton Pilot on the eve of the Red Bull Air Race 2016 in Abu Dhabi as Nicolas Ivanoff, Hamilton Brand Ambassador, made a special appearance at the Hamilton store in Marina Mall. After an interesting Q&A session, guests and fans were offered the opportunity to have their photograph taken with the champion pilot. Further to the fans expectations, the Frenchman emerged victorious, winning the 2016 Red Bull Air Race, Abu Dhabi.

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Foodie Brilliance at Belgian CafÊ We head down to the old favourite at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi to try out their revamped menu of superb European pub grub‌

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ON THE MENU

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ith a warm, inviting indoor venue, an expansive and relaxing outdoor terrace and an extensive menu of great pub grub and wide variety of beverages, the Belgian Café at InterContinental Abu Dhabi is an old but firm favourite amongst the city’s residents.

The menu itself had not been revised in quite awhile, that is, until recently, when under the careful eye of Executive Chef Danny Kattar a new menu was launched.

Many of the old favourite dishes remain, including the much-loved selection of mussels with various sauces, but there have been a host of new delights added to the selection that really enhance the offerings as a whole.

We kicked off with a Tonijntartaar (tuna tartar) in a unique presentation, as the tuna meat comes in a Kilner jar, with a crisp apple salad and toasted baguette on the side. It’s excellent, but also quite sizeable, so it might be a good choice for a sharing option.

Our other starter was the Andijviesalade met blauwschimmelkass, or Endive Salad, with pas de blue cheese, and apple, walnuts and carrot with turmeric remoulade, which was also excellent, with the strong hints of blue cheese adding perfectly to the crispiness of the apple and endives, giving the dish a nice texture and flavour from the walnuts.

For the mains, we went bold with a strong new entry to the selection, the Runder stoofpot, or Beef stew, which comes with the famous Belgian fries and a green salad. This delicious dish boasts tender chunks of meat in a rich gravy, and comes covered with a crispy layer of pastry. If you want to sample it, you’ll have to come in the evening, as the meat is slow-cooked throughout most of the day to make it super tender.

Another treat is next, as we opted for the ample Wagyu burger, with crème of mushroom, onion and Liege syrup, with fig onion brioche, and again, the classic Belgian fries. This whopping, flavoursome burger is a hefty meal in itself, so if you want to enjoy it to its fullest, perhaps go easy on the starters and breads!

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ON THE MENU

“T h e n e w m e nu br i ngs

a br e ath o f fr e sh a i r t o th i s p o pu l ar v e nu e , and wh i l e th e o l d c l ass i cs ar e st i l l th e r e , th e r e ar e n o w s o m e v e r y t e mpt i ng n e w d e l i ghts f o r th e r e gu l ars t o samp l e . ”

The new menu brings a breath of fresh air to this popular venue, and while the old classics are still there, there are now some very tempting new delights for the regulars to sample. It’s pub grub, but with a distinctly European flair, which is really what makes the Belgian Café stand out. ✤

GO: Visit Belgian Café at InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Call (0)2 666 6888 for reservations and more information. fact magazine

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FOODIE CORNER

fOODIE TALK: MEET MICHAEL CAINES We were recently invited down to Pearls by Michael Caines, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel, for a cooking demonstration and a chat with the celebrated chef.

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e all know celebrity chefs that have become household names, and we’ve come across many chefs who deserve to be. It is interesting, however to meet Michael Caines, a chef who is literally in the transitional phase, moving from well-respected in the culinary industry to taking on the entire world.

Michael Caines is known for heading up the famous Gidleigh Park restaurant, which currently holds two Michelin stars, and he has earned himself an MBE for his services to the hospitality industry in Britain. All this he has achieved despite a horrific car accident early in his career which severed his right arm. It was the same year he joined Gidleigh Park as Head Chef, in 1994.

He was back at work only a few weeks later, and not only managed to hold on to the restaurant’s existing Michelin star, but earned the establishment another one in 1999.

He hasn’t, however, become a global household name such as the likes of Gordon Ramsay or Marco Pierre White as yet, but that looks set to change very soon. This is because, as of 2016, Michael has ended his 21-year relationship with Gidleigh Park to pursue his own projects.

And the first of those projects, luckily for us here in Abu Dhabi, was Pearls.

The restaurant’s ethos is Expressions of Flavour, which is an extremely fitting one, as ‘expression’ implies a thought or idea communicated, and you can truly experience Michael’s personality and 94

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ideas through his food.

The attention to detail in both the preparation and presentation of each dish, and the way the individual flavours of the ingredients play off and complement each other, all attest to Michael’s passion and experience as a Michelin star chef.

This passion and experience is also very evident when you talk to him. When he talks food, even as he prepares it, he is enthusiastic and ebullient, animatedly hopping from one subject to the next.

His next project is Palé Hall, in Snowdonia, North Wales, a beautiful Grade II listed Country House which Michael is turning into a fine-dining destination luxury hotel. Alongside this, he is also working on a similar project at Lympstone Manor, a Grade II listed Georgian mansion which will become a 21-room hotel and 60-cover fine-dining restaurant.

Though he is also eyeing projects in New York and Dubai as well, according to Chef Michael, it’s all about measured progress. “Right now I just want to make sure I get a chance to consolidate a bit,” he says. “It’s the first time I’ve ventured outside of my old relationship with Gidleigh Park to set up my own projects, so I’m really in a transitional phase. It would be irresponsible to pump eight million pounds into a project, and then have it disappear two years later because I’m off trying to conquer the world!

You’ve got to keep the quality, otherwise the brand gets hurt, and in this case the brand is my name.”

Michael doesn’t necessarily crave

FOODIE CORNER Michelin stars – you can’t even be awarded them in the Middle East, as it’s not a region recognised by the organisation – but the experiences that he aspires to create are what will earn him the ratings.

“I don’t differentiate. When I create my own restaurant at Country House, I want it to be a thing of beauty, but that fits in with Country House. It’s a 17th Century Georgian building, and I want it to feel glamorous.”

However, that’s not to say the quality and passion isn’t there in Abu Dhabi. “If I took this team here, in Pearls, to my new place in the UK, I’d get two Michelin stars, no doubt. Their dedication is immense.”

Michael’s ambitions are to master casual fine dining, which is exactly what defines the “Expressions of Flavour” concept that he has perfected with Pearls. “Over the last ten years we’ve seen the shift from very starchy stuffy concepts into much lighter more casual dining, and that just reflects on the way people want to live their lives. Why would you want to dress up here when it’s so hot in the summer? Ok, ban the shorts, but other than that, we’re fine!”

If you haven’t been to Pearls by Michael Caines at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers yet, we strongly recommend that you make it your next experience! ✤ GO: Visit Pearls by Michael Caines at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. Call (0)2 811 5555 for reservations and more information.

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city bites

Ribs & Chateaux Night

The Titanic’s Final Feast

Raising the Steaks High

Following on from the huge success of their Burgers & Chateaux evenings in La Cava, at Rosewood Abu Dhabi which paired superb burger creations with delicious grape beverages, the venue is introducing a new variation of the concept, with Ribs & Chateaux, where the talented Chef Francisco Sanabria presents delicious Texan-inspired, juicy grilled ribs. Kick-start the week in style with your friends and colleagues in a vibrant yet refined atmosphere, where you can relax and feast on beef and lamb ribs paired to perfection with red and white beverages from La Cava’s exclusive cellar. The selection includes Texas BBQ Beef, Spicy BBQ Lamb, BBQ Veal and Smoked Chimi Churri Lamb Ribs.

The offer is available on Mondays from 6pm to 10pm for AED175 per person.

A taste of tragic history here – the illfated Titanic was the most luxurious cruise-ship of its time, with the opulent banquets to match. The famous last feast ever served to the Titanic’s firstclass passengers has become the stuff of legend, and now you can experience such grandeur for yourself. Bord Eau, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat al Beri, is serving up the same decadent ten-course banquet of Edwardian haute cuisine on April 14. Guests, who are encouraged to dress elegantly, will be entertained by jazz favourites from across the decades as Bord Eau’s grand dining room is transformed into the Titanic’s first-class banquet hall.

The ten-course meal is AED406++, with grape pairing for AED496++.

Choice Cut Steakhouse, at the Novotel Al Bustan Hotel, offers prime cuts of meat cooked just to your liking for excellent prices in its elegant city venue. We had firsthand experience of the quality when the Fact Abu Dhabi team was invited down for the Great Steak Off, where we prepared our own steaks under the watchful eye of the hotel’s expert chefs. And now the restaurant is raising its steak experience, with unlimited beautifully seasoned and perfectly-cooked steaks, accompanied by a variety of salads, every night, only for AED99 per person! You can order as many steaks as you like, and help yourself to the delicious selection from the salad buffet. You simply won’t find a better deal on quality steaks anywhere else.

GO: Call (0)2 509 8888 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call (0)2 501 6444 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call (0)2 813 5550 for reservations and more information.

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city bites

Spanish Feria de Abril

Dutch King’s Day at PJs

New Spring Menu

The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and Españolas en Abu Dhabi are hosting the annual Feria de Abril festival on the spectacular Giornotte terrace with a dance floor and DJ playing international hits and flamenco classics.

Dressed in their finery, guests will be treated to a varied buffet and live cooking stations showcasing the best of Spanish gastronomy. The event will be followed by an after party in Sorso Bar. The Feria de Abril festival at Giornotte is taking place on April 14, from 8pm to 12am, and will be priced at AED230++ for the buffet and soft drinks, AED340++ with house beverages, and AED75++ per child.

PJ O’Reilly’s at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi will transform its pool picnic brunch into the city’s biggest orange party ever on April 29, to celebrate Dutch King’s Day. Traditional Dutch activities including food stalls, Holland’s famous frosty beverages, traditional Dutch games, the “free market” for charity, and pool access will make up a fantastic day. Dance with the specially flown in party DJ, arriving straight from the original Amsterdam King’s Day, supported by a live band and resident DJs. The all-inclusive all-you-caneat brunch will entertain you from 1pm to 4pm and continue on a cash basis till late at night. The price is AED200 per person.

GO: Call (0)2 818 8282 for reservations and more information.

GO: Call 800 101 101 for reservations and more information.

Jazz@Pizza Express in the World Trade Centre Mall, Abu Dhabi is launching a new menu for Spring 2016. The menu introduces an array of new and interesting flavours, as well as exciting new dessert options. The new menu contains 15 new dishes including a beef short rib risotto, a classic vegetarian ‘Soho’ pizza, the punchy Pollo Forza pizza with fiery peppers and crispy romana base, and a light citrus chicken quinoa salad. In addition, there is a new range of dips to compliment PizzaExpress’ signature dough balls.

Desserts now include new creations such as a mango panna cotta topped with fresh mango pieces and a rich mango sauce, as well as the chocolate fondant with an oozing chocolate orange centre.

GO: Call (0)2 444 7752 for reservations and more information.

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Sam Loannadis

General Manager, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi

City Insider Tell us more about your role at the four seasons hotel Abu Dhabi…

What are your first impressions of Abu Dhabi so far?

What’s the best thing you’ve experienced in Abu Dhabi so far?

I am extremely proud to be the opening General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, in the capital. We have worked to ensure the hotel captures the essence of our special location, taking advantage of the stunning water views and local heritage. Our property will have 200 light-filled guest rooms including 38 suites, six specialty restaurants, two ballrooms and five private meeting rooms, all having indoor and outdoor seating, full service spa, separate male and female fitness facilities and 124 private residences. .

Abu Dhabi has a rich history and a very authentic feel, with a nice blend of new and old that can be seen and felt not only in the architecture but also in the hospitality and cuisine. I have been fortunate to travel a great deal and have come to appreciate the people in the communities and countries that make the destination truly special. Abu Dhabi embraces this with a warm and charming hospitality as well as an abundant energy surrounding the development of a rich and diverse economy.

So far I have been completely focused on building our business – it’s not often you have the opportunity to open a Four Seasons Hotel! I must say I do enjoy Al Maryah Island and The Galleria, which is a great shopping and leisure destination. Some of my best Abu Dhabi experiences have been visiting the local fish markets, souqs and older areas of the city to explore the shops that have perfumes, bakhour and honey. To get a feel of the Bedouin culture I also took a trip into the desert, and watched the sun set over the dunes, drank camel milk, ate local cuisine by a fire and slept under the stars!

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Enliven your senses with the art of dining

by The Ritz-Carlton Catering.

As elegantly dressed guests pull up the driveway in anticipation of a memorable night, they are greeted by a butler who ushers them onto a candlelit lawn where canapĂŠs and beverages are offered before an exquisite dinner is served at a spectacular dining hall - the magic set in motion by the new off-site catering division launched by The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

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For more information and reservations, please contact 9712-818-8888 or e-mail rc.auhrz.leads@ritzcarlton.com.