FACT Abu Dhabi February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 08 AED10

DONUT WORRY, I LIKE YOU A LATTE! DINNER DATES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY. ARTS SPOTLIGHT ON VAN GOGH ALIVE. MOUNTAIN ROMANCE IN OMAN. fact magazine

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For replacing my old socks, For keeping your promises, For travelling hundreds of miles, just to see me, For always calling, when I need to talk, For waiting for me in the cold, For carrying our baby, For just being you ...

Give Someone You Love a St. Regis Abu Dhabi Gift Experience this Valentines.

Purchase a luxury gift experience from Spa Treatments, Overnight Stays, Beach Club Memberships, an Exquisite Dinner, Helipad Experience and anything your loved one desires. Because they deserve it.

For more informations and bookings please call +971 2 694 4444 The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates t. +971 2 694 4444 stregisabudhabi.com 2

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Š2018 Marriott International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their logos are the trademarks of Marriott International, Inc., or its affiliates.

C O N T E N T S

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WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?

ARTS SPOTLIGHT

51

WEEKEND ESCAPE

71 FASHION FOCUS

83

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

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• THE EDITOR

Be Hap-pea!

Avo-cuddle!

I Loaf You!

“

Words cannot espresso how much you mean to me.

S

o, I have to admit something. I’m in love with puns. Travel, politics, films, life - everything - give me a good pun and we can be best friends. When February rolls around, I’m reminded of my love of food puns, especially because Valentine’s month is jam-packed with nothing but lavish dinner dates and leisurely afternoon teas with a few spa deals thrown in the mix. Don’t get me wrong, I’m into love just as much as the next person, but there’s one thing I’m into more - food. So, V-Day is a time for the best feasts with family, friends and anyone who wants to go out and grab some good food. On that note, you’ll find everything from private beachfront dining to special-crafted menus in our pick of the best Valentine’s deals from Abu Dhabi’s top hotels and restaurants (starting p21).

Back for its 4th edition, we announce the first round of nominees for the annual FACT Dining Awards Abu Dhabi. Hundreds of venues have made the cut and you can check out if your favourites are on the list from p34 onwards. The online voting form is live now and you have six weeks to cast your vote and make it count! Go to www.fact-magazine.com for all the details, and keep an eye on our social media channels for exclusive foodie competitions in the lead up to the April ceremony.

Thinking of whisking your loved one away to a regional retreat - turn to p53 and read all about our weekend in the mountains of Oman at one of the Gulf’s most breathtaking resorts - Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. Or, those of you planning to keep things local, our Staycation Spotlight at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal should be plenty of inspo for a resort life Valentine’s celebration (p59).

With arts, fashion, beauty, tech and interiors making up some of the exciting features in our February issue - you needn’t look elsewhere for the next 28 days!

Here’s to the craziness of a short month - don’t forget to have a little pun along the way (sorry not sorry).☺

Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@fact-magazine.com 4

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FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition • FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 04, ISSUE 08

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) PUBLISHING DIRECTOR ANGELA BEITZ ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER JYOTI RAWAT PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID TAPLEY PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES DIRECTOR EDWARD SMITH SALES COORDINATOR RENIE SIMPLINA ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES angela@ohlala-magazine.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.

FACT M.E. FZ-LLC, Office 907E, TwoFour54, Park Rotana Complex, P.O. Box 769328, Abu Dhabi, UAE License Number: D.L. 361/17/A

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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!

FEBRUARY 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 08 AED10

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DONUT WORRY, I LIKE YOU A LATTE!

Combining all four editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi and the region, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from monthly food shoots, the best local events and all things fun from the FACT team around the Gulf.

DINNER DATES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY. ARTS SPOTLIGHT ON VAN GOGH ALIVE. MOUNTAIN ROMANCE IN OMAN.

facebook Shouq @ITSSHOUQ Dream friend: an interior designer who is going to make my room Pinterest worh on a budget.

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Najma Ghuloom @NAJMAGHULOOM Here’s to all the tweets I can’t tweet, retweet or like because of conditioned self-censorship

FACT Abu Dhabi 24,093 likes Keep up with all things Abu Dhabi as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, events and everything we’re getting up to. Send us a message – we love hearing from our readers!

OUR FAVE FEATURE JANUARY 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 07 AED10

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Mahmood Zeyad @MAHMOODZEYAD Nothing reminds me of my crippling indecisiveness like food courts do.

issuu.com FACT Abu Dhabi 64,221 reads of the January issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Abu Dhabi.

• VALENTINE’S HAPPENINGS- P21 •

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND MAYBE YOU’LL BE HERE NEXT MONTH! @FACTMAGAZINEME 6

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WELCOME TO THE CROSSROADS

Discover Abu Dhabi’s newest trendy urban hotspot.

Meet, share and unwind as you enjoy great food and beverages.

Al Nafoura Lounge, your new outdoor living room.

Only at Beach Rotana...

For bookings log on to rotanatimes.com, call 02 6979011 or email fb.beach@rotana.com fact magazine

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Chinese New Year: Hakkasan HAKKASAN ABU DHABI, KNOWN FOR ITS MODERN INTERPRETATION OF AUTHENTIC CANTONESE CUISINE, WILL USHER IN THE CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH DELICIOUS FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS COMMEMORATING 2018 AS THE YEAR OF THE DOG.

UPHOLDING THE BRAND’S PROUD Chinese heritage, Hakkasan will welcome the new lunar year with a limited edition signature menu created by Hakkasan chefs from London, USA, the Middle East and Asia. Until March 4, diners can indulge in the exclusive menu which uses ingredients that are thought to bestow happiness, longevity, luck and prosperity. Starting with Szechuan wind dried oyster with lotus root with crispy rice in man tou, the oyster traditionally symbolising fortune and good luck. Other small eat dishes include braised beef and caramelized walnut with asparagus and mint.

Main dishes include Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with kumquat glaze, as eating fish at Chinese New Year is said to bring increased prosperity, and Wok-fry Native Lobster with edamame and caviar, lamb in seaweed soy with celery and enoki mushroom. To complete the main course dishes, Abalone fried rice in bean curd wrap with mushroom which contains fai cai (fat choy), an ingredient which in Chinese means to ‘get rich and grow wealth’.

To finish, guests will fall in love with the Golden Fortune dessert with ginger caramel, roasted macadamia nuts and lemongrass.

A special cocktail has been created to mark the festival: the 8

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Happy Daisy comprises Tanqueray No.10 gin, Chartreuse Yellow, lemon, spiced mandarin jam, egg white and soda water. For those wishing to indulge in a mocktail, Hakkasan offers a series of fruit blends such as Xingyun, a mix of mandarin and lemon juice, spice mandarin jam, passion fruit and soda water.

As part of the festivities, Hakkasan will continue their annual Chinese New Year wishing tradition by inviting guests to write their wishes on red ribbons that will be hung around the dining areas. This custom is said to have begun hundreds of years ago in Lam Tsuen, Hong Kong. During Chinese New Year, villagers would travel for miles to visit the sacred Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees (two ancient banyan trees) and hang notes on the branches using red ribbon. These notes contained wishes for the year ahead and it was believed that the wishes that were successfully hung on the trees would come true. ✤

GO: PRICED AT AED598 PER PERSON. CALL (0)2 690 7739 OR EMAIL HAKKASAN@EMIRATESPALACE.AE FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

SAMBA NIGHT

EVERY WEDNESDAY Starting from AED249* Get into the Brazilian rhythm & taste live music, samba dancers & much more.

For reservations, please call InterContinental Abu Dhabi on 800 423 463 or visit www.dining-intercontinental-ad.ae

fact magazine *Price is subject to 10% service charge,6% tourism fee, 4% municipality fee and 5% VAT

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• LISTEN UP

NO DIGGITY, NO DOUBT! We could hardly contain our excitement when it was announced that R&B legends Blackstreet and Dru Hill will be heading to Abu Dhabi this month for the second edition of the Sunset Music Festival.

If you’re still a 90’s kid at heart, jammin’ to the sounds of hip-hop nostalgia, this is THE event for you!

GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING GROUP Blackstreet and R&B legends Dru Hill are set to have the capital singing along at the second Sunset Music Festival which returns to Zayed Sports City on February 16. Offering up non-stop music from four artists, across six hours, this year’s festival is a massive celebration of R&B and hip-hop performances that we’re way too excited to see!

Multi-platinum performance group Blackstreet will headline the festival, injecting some hip-hop nostalgia into the evening with their #1 hit ‘No Diggity’ and top singles ‘Don’t Leave Me’ and ‘Before I Let You Go’. The band was awarded a Grammy in 1998 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Dru Hill is also certain to conjure up memories with their smooth sounds. The Baltimore-based quartet is slated to have the crowd on their feet with ballads such as ‘In My Bed’, ‘These Are the Times’, and ‘Never Make a Promise’ during

GO: TICKETS FOR SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL ARE PRICED AT AED195.

VISIT WWW.SUNSETMUSICFESTIVAL. AE OR FOLLOW ZAYED SPORTS CITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR MORE INFORMATION. 10

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their 45-minute set. Also likely to be heard is ‘Thong Song’, a notorious hit from frontman Sisqo’s time as a solo artist.

Helping to support the local music scene, the festival will also showcase original music by top local performers. Amongst Dubai’s most loved home-grown artists, the talented and incredibly popular Moh Flow (@mohflowmusic) will get the audience warmed-up with his rap/R&B set alongside The Recipe (@therecipedxb), one of the UAE’s most recognisable hip-hop groups, who will play their fast-flowing raps and catchy beats ahead of the main acts.

Characterised by its casual atmosphere, complete with blankets on the grass and popular food trucks, the relaxed ambiance of Sunset Music Festival encourages the crowd to sing and dance along to their favourite songs from sunset and into the evening. Held al-fresco as the sun drops behind the national stadium, it will provide yet another unforgettable experience for music lovers into the night. ✤

WHAT: SUNSET MUSIC FESTIVAL WHEN: FEBRUARY 16 WHERE: ZAYED SPORTS CITY, AIRPORT ROAD, BEHIND CARREFOUR, ABU DHABI TIME: 5PM TO 11PM

The Park Hyatt Ž trademark and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. Š 2017 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

IT'S TIME TO ENCHANT YOUR WEEKEND MORNINGS.

ISLAND LIFE'S PLEASURES at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas. Enjoy perfect moments with uninterrupted views of the pristine Saadiyat shores and gently lapping waves, where you are instantly spellbound by an idyllic rise and shine day. Hearty or healthy, indulge in a masterfully designed wholesome weekend breakfast menu collection at Beach House.

For reservations, visit abudhabi.park.hyatt.com.

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• LISTEN UP

LOUNGE LOVE Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi has an exciting new addition to its award-winning restaurants: Al Nafoura Lounge, an outdoor venue with a dining area and casual seating, recently opened to kick-start the celebrations for the hotel’s 25-year anniversary.

LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL outdoor area of the hotel that is well-known to lovers of the Oktoberfest and Swiss Christmas Market, the relaxed but elegant Al Nafoura Lounge is designed as a place for residents and visitors alike to gather with family and friends. The concept is influenced by regional tunes showcasing Levant-inspired street food alongside international creations, all intended for sharing.

The menu, which includes a separate breakfast menu, is based on sharing platters and offers an immense variety from Arabic favourites to sushi, accompanied by refreshing and innovative beverages, mocktails and long drinks, along with delicious desserts, Turkish coffee or Moroccan tea. The culinary trip takes guests across several continents, and you can start with traditional fattoush and hummous, and then continue with prawn tempura, followed by lamb kofta or a classic cheeseburger, ending with a seriously delish chocolate lava cake or iced watermelon with lychees. It’s safe to say that your appetite will be left satisfied!

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The decor of the lounge is one of our favourite aspects of the new venue with comfy sofas, armchairs and carpets in shades of grey and beige colours perfectly matching the Arabic touches that blend in with the modern furniture. The venue has a cool courtyard vibe and is located around a large, beautiful fountain, which is the focus for the lounge since Al Nafoura means fountain in Arabic. The concept of the lounge is designed as a pop-up outdoor living room which will still allow the hotel to host large annual events that the Beach Rotana is well-known for. The lounge is perfect for a pre or post dinner drink if you’re dining at one of the many restaurants. There’s board games too, so no boredom here. We highly recommend checking it out asap! ✤

GO: VISIT AL NAFOURA LOUNGE AT BEACH ROTANA ABU DHABI, TOURIST CLUB AREA. CALL (02) 697 9000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

TRADITIONAL CANTONESE FEAST THIS MONTH MARKS THE official Chinese New Year and Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s award-winning Chinese restaurant, Dai Pai Dong welcomes the year of the Dog, the eleventh in the Chinese Zodiac, with traditional Cantonese fare. Served daily for dinner, from Sunday to Thursday, Chef Dong invites you to experience Cantonese flavours and other popular dishes. Start the celebration with a Dai Pai Dong assortment featuring Lotus Nut the traditional Yee Sheng Salad also known as the prosperity Toss and continue the journey with the season’s favourite Shrimp “Har Gow”, Cantonese Roast Duck, Traditional Roasted Short Ribs and the star of the night Braised ‘E Fu’ with lobster. Finish off the celebration and indulge in traditional Chinese New Year Cake shaped like a Koi and representing abundance.

On the weekend, Dai Pai Dong showcases its popular Yum Cha Brunch where the Dim Sum trolley will weave its way through the tables and offer guests the most delectable steamed and fried buns! ✤

GO: ALL PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF VAT AND FEES. CALL (0)2 813 5552 OR EMAIL ABUDHABI.DINING@ ROSEWOODHOTELS.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 14

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CHINESE NEW YEAR DINNER FEAST | DAI PAI DONG February 15 to 28 | 6 to 11pm Chinese New Year Set Menu | AED228 per guest Prosperity Cocktail | AED55 per cocktail CHINESE NEW YEAR YUM CHA BRUNCH | DAI PAI DONG Weekends during February 15 to March 15 | 12noon to 4pm Brunch Selection & Jasmine Tea | AED188 per guest Brunch Selection, Lemongrass Ice Tea, Fu Xi & Lai Cha | AED238 per guest Brunch Selection, Jasmine Tea, Beer, Grapes & Sparkling | AED288 per guest GLORIENT | GLO Friday, February 16 from 8pm till late Tables | AED2,500 including one bottle of house spirit

Thinking about a special treat for your loved one?

Rebalance your well-being with a Balinese or Aroma Therapy couple massage, romantic surprises and a padlock for our love bridge for only AED 499* per couple. Add a set menu dinner at Kamoon restaurant and get the whole treat for AED 599* per couple.

Embark on a romantic culinary bliss at Kamoon, with moonlight, set menu and live music for only AED 299* per person. Enjoy a special private dinner beside our beach or pool for AED 999* per couple. Get a 20% early-bird discount for payments until 5th of February, 2018.

For bookings or more information, please call 02 657 0000. *Prices are inclusive of 10% service charge, 6% tourism fees, 4% municipality feeand 5% VAT. Offers are valid for bookings from February 14 - 16, 2018 and reservation in advance is required. The dining early-bird offer is valid for paymentsuntil February 5, 2018. Other terms & conditions may apply.

P.O. Box 4010 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. T: +971 (0)2 657 0000, F: +971 (0)2 657 0077, khalidiya.rayhaan@rotana.com

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• LISTEN UP

VALENTINE’S AT INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI Love With a Lebanese Twist Enjoy an intimate Valentine’s Day celebration over a delectable set menu, as live entertainment come together to make it an extraordinary evening of romance. Taking place at Byblos Sur Mer on February 15 from 8pm to 2am, priced at AED599 per couple.

Celebrate the Romance Enjoy the flavours of Brazil with the Churrascaria offerings, as Latino Band, Samba dancers and indigenous musicians make your Valentine’s Day truly special. February 14 from 7pm to midnight. AED399 per couple with soft beverages and AED499 per couple with unlimited house beverages.

A Night to Remember

NEW RULES STAR ON STAGE UK ARTIST DUA LIPA will set New Rules at her first solo appearance in the UAE when the songstress performs all her top hits at du Forum on February 24. The most Spotifystreamed female artist for 2017 in the UK, will perform hits from her Gold-selling first album for UAE fans in the capital, at a thrilling concert presented by du LIVE! and brought to you by FLASH Entertainment.

With five million record sales worldwide from her debut studio album, Dua Lipa is dubbed the next star to hail from the UK, as the only female British national to achieve a No.1 in the country since Adele did in 2015. This year saw Dua Lipa’s incredible single ‘New Rules’ hold the #1 spot for two weeks, spend seven weeks and counting in the top five, and become gold certified and breaking 270,000,000 views with the official music video.

Dua’s name translated means ‘love’ and she is guaranteed to bring just that to the du Forum, Yas Island. ✤

GO: TICKETS FOR THE EVENT ARE ON SALE NOW AT WWW.TICKETMASTER.AE AND VIRGIN MEGASTORES ACROSS THE UAE, WITH GENERAL ADMISSION STARTING FROM AED265.

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Impress your other half with a journey to Asia. Indulge in an authentic Pan-Asian dinner with a five-course set menu at Cho Gao Marina Walk. Starting at AED399 per couple.

Served from 7pm to 11.30pm on February 14.

Intimate Dinner Dine under the stars as you share a seafood platter with your significant other on Belgian Cafe’s beautiful terrace. And let’s not forget the special themed dessert too! AED180 per couple, available on February 14 from 4pm to 11.30pm.

It’s Amore with Opera Night Immerse yourself in the most romantic opera evening with an intimate Italian three-course set menu at Circo, priced for AED399 per couple with two glasses of house vino. On February 14 from 7pm to 11.30pm. ✤

GO: PRICES ARE EXCLUSIVE OF FEES AND TAXES. CALL (0)2 666 6888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• LISTEN UP

CHINESE NEW YEAR AT CHO GAO

AFYÄ : NEW MENU ALERT AFYÄ, HAS LAUNCHED AN all-new menu featuring more than 40 new dishes. Executive Sous Chef Shammi De Costa at Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi has created a wide range of signature dishes catering to the diverse palates of guests that dine at the hugely popular beachside restaurant.

The variety of cuisines is evident throughout the menu starting from the choice of appetisers like the traditional Arabic lentil soup and the Cobb salad featuring blue cheese, cheddar, smoked bacon and marinated grilled chicken.

To encourage guests to opt for sharing platters, Chef Shammi has introduced a number of starters that are suitable for two like the Rainbow Nachos, which includes chilli con carne and cheddar cheese sauce with guacamole, tomato salsa and sour cream. An excellent choice for groups is the Traders Fried Combo, which includes buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, fried calamari and spicy potato wedges.

Diners will be excited to see a whole section on the menu dedicated to sandwiches and burgers from around the world.

Those who like Italian cuisine are sure to be pleased as the chefs at Afyä assist guests to customise their own dishes. The new menu offers the flexibility to choose your own pasta and sauce, and also features eight types of stone-baked pizzas including the Traders signature pizza topped with beef bolognese, buffalo mozzarella, rocket leaves, cherry tomatoes and truffle oil. ✤

GO: VISIT AFYÄ AT TRADERS HOTEL, QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI. CALL (02) 509 8555 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 18

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WHAT BETTER WAY TO mark the Year of the Dog and celebrate Chinese New Year than with a spread of all the most exotic foods? Head to Cho Gao at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi and this is exactly what you’ll find; a four-course menu, boasting some of the most deliciously-unusual concoctions alongside guest favourites. This year’s menu includes a Jelly Fish Salad (crunchy jelly fish, potato, carrot, white ear mushroom, wakame with Szechuan dressing), followed by a Sweet Corn Crab Soup (sweet corn soup, crab meat, egg white dropped), moving onto a main of Steamed Sea Bass (Sea bass fillet, mushroom, Chinese cabbage with ginger chilli sauce) and finishing with an Assorted Chinese Dessert in Longan Syrup (Lotus root, black jelly, Chinese red date, ginkgo boiled in longan syrup). Now if that doesn’t sound like an authentic start to this auspicious time, we don’t know what is! ✤

GO: FOUR-COURSE MENU IS PRICED AT AED140 NET PER PERSON. CALL (0)2 616 6166 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

Get ready to raise the ‘steaks’ with our range of premium quality meats at The St. Regis Dubai’s award-winning steakhouse.

Savor an unsurpassed selection of Tomahawk cut expertly prepared by our creative chefs to suit your palate.

AED 850 for two persons including a bottle of vintage, two appetizers, two sides and a dessert to share Every Tuesday, 6:30 pm to midnight

J&G Steakhouse, The St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor City, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai +971 4 435 5577, jgsteakhouse.dubai@stregis.com jgsteakhousedubai.com

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• SOCIETY

# A B U # D H A B I # W E L C O M E S #2018 At the stroke of midnight, fireworks set ablaze Abu Dhabi’s skyline, ringing in the New Year with tens of thousands of gathered onlookers across the capital. Accompanied by incredible pyrotechnic effects, the fifteen-minute fireworks display at the New Year’s Eve Countdown Village mesmerised the crowd as they joined in the festivities at the specially designed outdoor venue on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. The capital brought in the New Year with a fireworks show in a number of locations, including the New Year’s Eve Countdown Village, Corniche, Yas island, and Al Maryah Island. Crowds began to turn up at the Abu Dhabi Corniche as early as 4pm to partake in the familyfocused festivities, and to enjoy performances by Arab Superstars Hussain Al Jassmi and Tamer Hosny, with the King of Comedy, Ali Al Sayed, joining the celebrations too.

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WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE? February 14 – hate it or love it, Abu Dhabi is celebrating the occasion with real gusto! Check out our top V-Day picks for the ultimate romantic dinner dates.

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• VALENTINE’S TREATS

COME DINE WITH ME Valentine’s Day is just around the corner! Thankfully there are plenty of options available for fine romantic dining in Abu Dhabi. Treat your loved one to a memorable experience at one of these wonderful locations.

99 Sushi Bar

Valentine’s at BBQ Al Qasr Beach Spoil that someone special in a unique way this Valentine’s Day with a romantic meal on the Emirates Palace’s magnificent stretch of sandy beach. Enjoy an intimate sunset rendezvous by the sea, complete with picnic basket for two, two glasses of bubbly and live entertainment. It doesn’t get any more romantic than this! Only on February 14 from 4.30pm until sunset. The evening will cost AED650+++ per couple.

Special Valentine’s Day Menu If you want to go all out to impress your partner this year, why not take them for a lavish nine-course meal at 99 Sushi Bar? Perfect for the gourmand couple, this traditional Japanese feast will ensure both you and your partner are fully satisfied.

With culinary delights including Capu Miso Soup, Tiger Prawn Tempura and Alaskan King-Crab Gunkan, you will feel thoroughly spoilt. Available on February 14 from 8pm to midnight. Priced at AED999 per couple.

CALL (0)2 672 3333 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

Love is in the Air at BBQ Al Qasr BBQ Al Qasr is offering a second fantastic option for you and your loved one to enjoy this Valentine’s Day. Make it an extraordinary evening to remember with a specially curated dinner menu designed to heighten the romantic mood. On February 14 from 7pm onwards. AED730+++ per person for a three-course dinner including a glass of bubbly. AED945+++ per person for a fivecourse dinner, including a glass of bubbly.

CALL (0)2 690 9000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

Emirates Palace

Emirates Palace

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

Get Cosy at Spaccanapoli Who knows romance, or food for that matter, better than the Italians?

Take advantage of their passionate offerings this Valentine’s Day at the award-winning Spaccanapoli restaurant. A lavish menu has been specially created for the occasion, complete with sumptuous mains, tantalising desserts and all the tasty beverages you and your partner can handle. Now that’s amore! Only on February 14. AED260 net with soft drinks and AED310 net with vino pairing.

CALL (0)2 616 6261 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO. 22

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Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

Feel the Love at Cho Gao Why not celebrate Valentine’s Day, Chinese Style this year? Tuck into a romantic four-course meal complete with two glasses of bubbly per couple. Enjoy the ambient atmosphere whilst the friendly servers cater to your every need, ensuring you and your partner want for nothing. The evening will cost AED300 net per couple. Available February 14 from 7pm to 11pm.

Call (0)2 616 6149 for reservations and more info.

99 Sushi Bar

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Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

• VALENTINE’S TREATS

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Valentine’s Day International Buffet Rosewater is a modern buffet restaurant complete with a terrace from which one can soak up the sea views. This Valentine’s Day, partake in their first class international buffet that includes special Valentine’s beverages and a free red rose for all the ladies in attendance. This offer is only available on February 14 from 7pm to 11pm. AED270 per person for food only. AED315 per person for food and selected beverages.

AED450 per person for food and a glass of bubbly.

Treat Her Nice at BiCE This Italian Restaurant is known for its great menu, cosy atmosphere and attentive service. This Valentine’s Day, they are offering a special three-course set dinner menu, complete with a glass of pink bubbly for all those wanting to get out and celebrate the day of love in style. The offer is only available on February 14 and will cost AED350 per person.

A Little Love from the Lebanese Li Beirut is an exquisite restaurant that takes fine Lebanese dining to a whole new level. With chic yet warm décor and knowledgeable, attentive staff, you are sure to have a wonderful Valentine’s Day experience. A special threecourse set dinner menu is on offer, complimented by a glass of pink bubbly. Available on February 14. The price has been set at AED350 per person.

CALL (0)2 811 5666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

Hilton Abu Dhabi Bocca

Roberto’s Abu Dhabi Hilton Abu Dhabi A Valentine’s to Remember at Bocca This award-winning Italian restaurant at Hilton Abu Dhabi, is one of the few places in the capital that serves authentic Italian cuisine as prepared by grandmothers in Italy’s kitchens. For Valentine’s Day, Chef De Cuisine Leonardo Passone has prepared a special three-course set menu which includes Spanish risotto, pan-fried monk fish, grilled lamb with ravioli and Porcini. Crunchy chocolate mousse topped with raspberries and hazelnut ice cream will satisfy both your sweet tooth and your sweetheart. Only on February 14, priced at AED220+++ per person.

Spoil Your Loved One at Roberto’s Roberto’s presents a celebration of love with a five-course set menu option available for dinner on Valentine’s Day, featuring delicious, classic Italian dishes. Served from 7pm to 11pm, couples can bask in the elegant interiors of the restaurant as their exquisite food comes to the table.

AED800 per couple for five-course dinner menu. AED1,000 per couple for five-course dinner menu and bubbly. AED250 per person for the grape pairing option.

CALL (0)2 627 9009 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

A Romantic Escapade at the Beach Celebrate this Valentine’s with your special someone in style.

Soak in the glorious sunset whilst enjoying the view of the Gulf Coast. Indulge in the ‘Ultimate Romantic Escapade’ with free flowing bubbly, service from a personal butler, flowers & a box of chocolates and a five-course meal prepared by experienced chefs. Only on February 14. The evening is priced at AED300 per couple. Contact the venue for times.

CALL: (0)2 692 4247 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO. 24

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Roberto’s Abu Dhabi

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• VALENTINE’S TREATS

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Oysters and Rose Night This Valentine’s Day, savour a spectacular selection of fresh seafood cooked to order with Arabian flair. Fresh scallops, lobster, crab, prawns, mussels and an exquisite array of fresh sushi are on offer. Fresh Oysters opened and served at your table are complimented with a rose, providing the ultimate romantic treat. Only on February 14 at The Terrace on the Corniche, from 7pm to 11pm. AED260 for dinner with soft beverages. AED550 for dinner and a bottle of bubbles per couple.

Valentine’s Dinner at Villa Toscana Join in at the ever-romantic Villa Toscana for a truly Italian Valentines. With seductive service and delightful divine food, Villa Toscana is sure to please everyone from foodies to first dates and even the seasoned couples! AED530 for dinner with soft beverages and AED720 for dinner with vino, hops and selected cocktails. Served on February 14 from 7pm to 11pm.

CALL (0)2 694 4553 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi

Valentine’s Sunset Supper This one is not for the faint-of-heart. 10 lucky couples will be able to experience a very unique Helipad Sunset Supper, 255 meters in the air. With the sounds of live saxophone, free flowing bubbly, canapés and the view from the highest active helipad in Middle East, this is the perfect way to create a truly unforgettable valentines. Only on February 14. AED1,300 per couple including canapés and soft drinks. AED1,700 per couple including canapés and bubbly. Reservations must be made in advance. Contact the venue for times.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

From Café Milano with Love Stunning waterfront views, fine Italian dining and the unique sophisticated style of Cafe Milano combine to create the perfect environment for you to say “Ti amo” (I love you).

An elegant five-course menu awaits all who attend. An assortment of delectable appetisers are followed by a choice of two mains, a roasted rack of lamb and a delicately cooked sole filet. Dark chocolate millefoglie with strawberry macarons and ginger gelato finish off the experience.

AED400 per person.

Valentine’s at Butcher & Still A vibrant and satisfying three-course meal awaits at this 1920’s inspired, authentic Chicago steakhouse. After a foie gras amuse, Chef Marshall Roth invites you to select a starter from Oscietra caviar, grilled Boston Bay scallops with butternut squash, or Beef Tartare with capers. Enticing main course options include Beef Wellington and a line caught Sea Bass with cockles and a roasted pepper jus. A dessert to share of red velvet cake, chocolate fondue and strawberries will follow. AED485 per person.

CALL (0)2 333 2222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO. 26

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Le Royal Meridien

• VALENTINE’S TREATS

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi Valentine’s at Benjarong Indulge in something a little different with your partner this year.

Saint Valentine’s Day is the perfect day to embark on an exciting Thai culinary legacy. Diners can indulge in a tastefully crafted, fivecourse set menu, coupled with two complimentary glasses of bubbly and a red rose for ladies. Only on the 14th of February from 7:00pm onwards. The evening will cost AED 250+++ per person.

A Sizzling Valentine’s The Capital Grill is the perfect location for meat lovers to celebrate this Valentine’s Day. Enjoy a sumptuous five-course dinner in an elegant setting. Diners are treated to a complimentary glass of bubbly and ladies will receive a special red rose. On February 14 from 7pm onwards. The price is set at AED250+++ per person.

CALL (0)2 698 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

An Irish Anti-Valentine’s Join the Anti-Valentine’s Day protest at PJ O’ Reilly’s. This annual celebration of being single will be lead once again by the feisty rock band, Sweet Chilli Jam, along with The Rockaconics and DJ Tintin. With prizes on offer for best dressed and game winners, the evening is sure to be hugely entertaining. On February 16 from 1pm to 4pm.

CALL (0)2 695 0515 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO. Love is in the Air Take romance to a higher level at the revolving restaurant, Stratos.

Enjoy the 360 degree views of the city whilst relishing in a threecourse sharing menu that includes Josper roasted fine cuts of beef.

DJ Lola Nova will provide the musical entertainment to this very romantic setup. This offer is available on February 14 and 15 from 7pm to 11pm. AED325 net.

CALL (0)2 695 0490 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO. 28

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Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

Sharing is Caring Great meals and occasions are always better when shared. That is why Market Kitchen has crafted a special sharing menu for Valentine’s Day. Everyone receives a signature bubbly beverage on arrival and all that is required of guests is for them to sit back and relax whilst they are pampered like royalty. A red rose will be given to each lady. Only on February 14 from 7pm onwards. AED320 net per person.

CALL 800 101 101 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi

Valentine’s Day Dinner If you want to really impress you date this Valentines, you should definitely visit Sontaya. Named Abu Dhabi’s most romantic restaurant, Sontaya will serve up a tantalizing four-course set menu for February 14th. This stunning venue boasts one of the city’s most seductive settings, with floating pavilions that overlook the turquoise Arabian Gulf. The evening begins at 7:00pm and is priced at AED 350 per person, food only.

CALL (0)2 498 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Because You’re Special Celebrate this special day in one of the hotel’s awardwinning restaurants. Special menus for a special evening are lovingly created for you and your loved one. In Finz, the super elegant seafood eatery, pay AED395 net per person for a breathtaking Valentine’s set menu inclusive of a glass of rose upon arrival. The a la carte menu is also available. If you want to go all out, book a Private Cabana on the Beach for AED1,200net per couple with a bottle of vino and nonalcoholic beverages while enjoying the sweet romantic melodies of the Violinist and a bouquet of roses for your loved one. At Trader Vic’s, for a cool AED300net per person, tuck into a love-inspired food and drinks menu created by Chef Jimmy. A four-course menu features succulent lobster duck and steaks plus so much more. There’s a selection of cocktails and vino for you to choose from too. This offer can be upgraded with pre ordered bubbly and at an extra cost you can also get a luxury car pick up and drop off services.

CALL (0)2 697 9011 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

Centro Capital Centre by Rotana A Valentine’s Getaway Whisk your loved one away this Valentine’s Day to Centro Capital Centre for a memorable escape. Check-in and take some time out to relax in the chic and comfy rooms. Book your Romantic Package between February 9 and 17 and enjoy romantic amenities in your room, a bottle of grapes or sparkling juice, a breakfast buffet at c.taste restaurant, 25% off a massage at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness Club and a complimentary room upgrade. Rates start from AED360+++ for two. Terms and conditions apply.

CALL (0)2 409 6666 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO.

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Valentine’s at the Patio The cosy patio at The Westin Abu Dhabi is your place to be for Valentine’s if you want a truly intimate setting away from the city bustle. From a three-course set menu dinner at Sacci, to dancing the night away in the garden, having a private dinner in one of the cabanas or spending a romantic night in one of the Garden view rooms, you can celebrate with The Westin on the most romantic day of the year. Available on February 14. Dinner at Saccis is priced at AED280 per person with soft drinks or AED380 net per person paired with vino. ✤ GO: CALL (0)2 616 9999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFO. fact magazine

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• VALENTINE’S TREATS

SHARE THE LOVE If there’s one place in the city that embodies the perfect balance of intimate and elegance, it’s the beautiful Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. Here’s what the hotel is offering guests who want to celebrate with their loved one in February…

This Valentine’s Day, Rosewood Abu Dhabi brings you, not one but two new concepts to celebrate the day of love in exclusive style. Enjoy a secluded evening at the Solarium or turn up the heat at Glo. Keep it private at the secluded Solarium, where Rosewood Abu Dhabi will prepare a fairy-tale evening for the most romantic couples. Relish on a three-course set menu with premium bubbly under the stars with a live saxophonist playing into the night. This experience will only be available for 10 couples.

If you’re in for a dare, Glo is bringing Sexy Back and making you WET in between the Toes. Turn up the heat with Abu Dhabi’s most lavish evening where you can unwind in a private cabana and don’t forget your swim wear as the pool will be open for night swims until 10pm. After your dip, get cosy in a plush bathrobe whilst enjoying sparkling drinks and yummy bites.

For the families, Rosewood Abu Dhabi will take care of the children whilst mum and dad enjoy a laid back terrace barbeque overlooking the Abu Dhabi waterfront.

Keeping it Private | Solarium WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY | 8PM ONWARDS 3 Course Set Menu | AED400 per couple 3 Course Set Menu inclusive of free flow Veuve Cliquot | AED650 per couple

WET in Between the Toes | GLO WEDNESDAY 14TH FEBRUARY| 8PM UNTIL LATE AED500 minimum spend per couple Inclusive of Private Cabana & Night Swim

Share The Love at Rosewood Abu Dhabi A VALENTINE’S EVENING | AQUA Wednesday 14th February | 6.30pm to 10.30pm BBQ Buffet with Desert to Share | AED185 per guest BBQ Buffet with Desert to Share inclusive of Free Flow Prosecco | AED250 per guest Rose Buds Children’s Club will be available to welcome your children whilst you enjoy dinner so leave the kids to us and focus on your other half. ✤ 30

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GO: PRICES ARE INCLUSIVE OF 5% VAT AND SUBJECT TO 10% SERVICE CHARGE, 6% TOURISM FEE AND 4% MUNICIPALITY FEE. CALL (0)2 813 5552 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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• V-DAY TREATS

Valentine’s Gifts FOR HER

River Island

Lipstick Queen

Namshi - Fujifulm

Nina Ricci

Debenhams

Akillis

Aldo

Coach

Philipp Plein

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Pandora

Charles & Keith

V-DAY TREATS •

Valentine’s Gifts FOR HIM

Adidas Original

Gucci Wallet

Philipp Plein

River Island

Ted Baker

Billionaire

Berluti

Debenhams

Mens at Dune

Salvatore Ferragamo

B&O Play

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

2 0 1 8 RETURNING FOR ITS 4TH EDITION, THE MUCH-LOVED ANNUAL FACT DINING AWARDS ABU DHABI IS BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF FOODIE CELEBRATIONS. HERE’S ROUND ONE OF NOMINEES – DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ONLINE AT WWW.FACT-MAGAZINE.COM - DID YOUR FAVOURITES MAKE IT?

International

Mediterranean

•CHOICES – Yas Island Rotana •TRADER VIC’S – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •CUISCENE – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr •MARKET KITCHEN – Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •INGREDIENTS – Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara •URBAN KITCHEN – Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi •CRUST – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

•GIORNOTTE - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •SAFINA - Saadiyat Beach Club •THE BEACH HOUSE - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas •KUZBARA - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •OLÉA – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort •18 DEGREES - Hyatt Capital Gate •TODD ENGLISH’S OLIVES Venetian Village •EAT GREEK - The Galleria

Italian •ROBERTO’S ABU DHABI – The Galleria •SPACCANAPOLI – Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •BICE – Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •PAPPAGALLO – Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •CIRCO – InterContinental Abu Dhabi •VILLA TOSCANA – The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •PREGO’S – Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •CAFE MILANO – Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •SACCI – The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •FRANKIE’S – Fairmont Bab Al Bahr 34

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French •BENTLEY KITCHEN – The Galleria •LE BEAUJOLAIS - Mercure Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel •BORD EAU - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •BAROCCO - Royal Rose Hotel •BRASSERIE FLO - Venetian Village •LA PETITE MAISON - The Galleria

Arabic •HUBBLY BUBBLY - Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •KAHRAMAN - Southern Sun Abu Dhabi •BAROUK - Crowne Plaza Yas Island

•MEZLAI - Emirates Palace •KAMOON - Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan By Rotana •ATAYEB - Yas Viceroy •AL-FANAR - Venetian Village

Lebanese •BYBLOS SUR MER - Intercontinental Abu Dhabi •LI BEIRUT - Jumeirah At Etihad Towers •MIJANA - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •ROZANAH - Yas Marina •AL MAYASS - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort •SAMBUSEK - Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Seafood •TURQUOIZ BEACH RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE – The St Regis Saadiyat Island •SAYAD - Emirates Palace •FINZ - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •FISHMARKET - InterContinental Abu Dhabi •P&C BY SERGI AROLA - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •CATCH - Abu Dhabi Corniche •FLOOKA - Eastern Mangroves Promenade

FACT DINING AWARDS •

Chinese •SHANG PALACE - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •HAKKASAN - Emirates Palace •SHANGHAI SURPRISE - Al Diar Capital Hotel •P.F. CHANG’S - Various Locations •DAI PAI DONG - Rosewood Abu Dhabi

South East Asian •CHO GAO - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •NOODLE BOX - Yas Viceroy •SONTAYA - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort •LI JIANG - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •CHO GAO MARINA WALK InterContinental Abu Dhabi •ROUGE - Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi

Thai •BENJARONG - Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi •PACHAYLEN - Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara •TALAY - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •LEMONGRASS - The Galleria •ROYAL ORCHID RESTAURANT - Salam Street •DESERT LOTUS THAI BISTRO & SUSHI - One To One Hotel

Japanese •BENIHANA - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •TORI NO SU - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •KOI - The Collection, Saadiyat Island •ZUMA - Al Maryah Island •SHO CHO - Souq Qaryat Al Beri •INAKAYA - Venetian Village •SUSHI 99 - The Galleria •CAFE SUSHI - Fairmont Bab al Bahr •SUSHISAN - Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

Indian •USHNA - Souq Qaryat-Al Beri

•TAMBA - The Hub, World Trade Centre Mall •INDIGO - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •PEPPERMILL - Eastern Mangroves Promenade •ANGAR - Yas Viceroy •PUNJAB GRILL - Venetian Village •SIGNATURE BY SANJEEV KAPOOR Nation Galleria •RANGOLI - Yas Island Rotana

Latin American •CHAMAS - InterContinental Abu Dhabi •NOCHE - Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi •AMERIGOS - Park Inn By Radisson, Yas Island •EL SOMBRERO - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort •BU! - The Hub, World Trade Centre Mall •ASIA DE CUBA - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •TORO TORO - Etihad Towers •LOCA - The Galleria •COYA - The Galleria

North American •49ER’S THE GOLD RUSH - Al Diar Dana Hotel •CARAMEL RESTAURANT & LOUNGE The Collection, Saadiyat Island •STARS ‘N’ BARS - Yas Island •REDSTAR BISTRO - Various Locations •TGI FRIDAYS - Various Locations •TEXAS ROADHOUSE - Yas Mall •DENNY’S - Tourist Club Area

Steakhouse •THE FORGE - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal

•THE FOUNDRY - Southern Sun Abu Dhabi •BUTCHER & STILL - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi •55&5TH, THE GRILL - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island •RODEO GRILL - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •MARCO PIERRE WHITE - Fairmont Bab Al Bahr •THE MEAT CO. - Souk Qaryat Al Beri •JW STEAKHOUSE - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •THE GRILL - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi •NUSR-ET - The Galleria •THE CAPITAL GRILL - Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

Fusion •MARKET KITCHEN - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •BU! - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •TEATRO - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi •TAMBA - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •KOI RESTAURANT & LOUNGE - The Collection, Saadiyat Island •SMOKING DOLL - Various Locations •NOLU’S DOWNTOWN - The Galleria •SWITCH - Al Bateen

All-Day Dining •THE TERRACE ON THE CORNICHE The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •AQUA - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •SILK ROUTE CAFE - Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •SOFRA-BLD - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi •ROSEWATER - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •LATEST RECIPE - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •BISTRO - Courtyard By Marriott, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi •AL BATHNA - The Armed Forces Offices Club •C. TASTE - Centro Capital Centre •KHAYAL - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi •GINGER - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi fact magazine

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• FACT DINING AWARDS

Al Fresco Dining •BBQ AL QASR - Emirates Palace •BEACH HOUSE - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi •AFYA - Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al-Beri •ASIA DE CUBA - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •LI JIANG - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •CIPRIANI - Yas Marina •CABANA9 - Saadiyat Beach Club •FINZ - Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •ACROPOLIS - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •PUESTA DEL SOL - Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

Casual Dining •BENTLEY KITCHEN - The Galleria •TASHAS - Al Bateen •CAFE BATEEL - Various Locations •NANDO’S - World Trade Centre Mall •PETEK RESTAURANT & SWEETS - Al Markaziyah •CARLUCCIO’S - Various Locations •TAQADO MEXICAN KITCHEN - The Galleria •CAFE 302 - Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana •LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON – Various Locations

Business Lunch •ASIA DE CUBA - The St. Regis Hotel, Nation Riviera •BOA STEAKHOUSE - Eastern Mangroves Promenade •CATCH - Abu Dhabi Corniche •FLOOKA - Eastern Mangroves Promenade •SHANG PALACE - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri •TODD ENGLISH’S OLIVES - Venetian Village •VILLA TOSCANA - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •ZUMA - The Galleria

Value For Money •TARBOUCHE - World Trade Centre Souq •BONNA ANNEE - Tourist Club Area •PIZZA DI ROCCO - Various Locations •BARBACOA - Khalifa City A •HWY 55 - Muroor 36

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•LE BOULANGER - Al Khaleej Park •DE THALI - Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre •MORA LEVANTINE - Al Zahiyah

Bar •STILLS - Crowne Plaza Yas Island •IRIS - Yas Island •RAY’S BAR - Jumeriah at Eithad Towers •JAZZ BAR & DINING - Hilton Abu Dhabi •BARFLY BY BUDDHA BAR - Venetian Village •JAZZ & FIZZ BAR - Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche •VINCENT’S - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •HIDDEN BAR - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •THE RETREAT - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •APPALOOSA - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi •Y BAR - Yas Island Rotana

Lounge •STRATOS - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •ZSA ZSA - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •SKYLITE ROOFTOP LOUNGE - Yas Viceroy •UP & BELOW - Courtyard By Marriott World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi •BLU SKY LOUNGE & GRILL - Southern Sun Abu Dhabi •VELOCITY - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •THIRSTY 1ST BAR & LOUNGE Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •DE LA COSTA - Saadiyat Beach Club

Pool Bar •BALCON LOUNGE & TERRACE Southern Sun Hotel Abu Dhabi •NAHAAM - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •SHAMS POOL BAR - Radisson Blu Yas Island •SHADES POOL BAR - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •THE POOL DECK - Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa By Anantara •BREEZE - Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi •ECLIPSE, TERRACE LOUNGE - Four

FACT DINING AWARDS •

Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •GLO - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •GRILLS@CHILL’O - Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche •SPLASH POOLSIDE BAR - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi

Pub

•CAPTAIN’S ARMS - Le Meridien Abu Dhabi •COOPER’S BAR & RESTAURANT - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi •HEROES - Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi •MCGETTIGANS - Al Raha Beach Hotel •THE SPORTSMAN’S ARMS - Zayed Sports City •BELGIAN CAFE - InterContinental Abu Dhabi •PJ O’REILLY’S IRISH PUB - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •THE TAVERN ENGLISH PUB Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort •PORTER - Grand Millenium Al Wahda

Café •CENTRAL GROUNDS - Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi •JONES THE GROCER - Various Locations •WHEAT - Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi •LEOPOLD’S OF LONDON - The Galleria •FIFTH STREET CAFE - Courtyard By Marriott, World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi •NO57 BOUTIQUE CAFE - Al Marasy •PASCAL TEPPER FRENCH BAKERY Muroor Road •CAFE DIEGO - Nation Galleria Mall •NOLU’S DOWNTOWN - The Galleria •CAFE 302 - Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana

Tea Room

•LE CAFE - Emirates Palace •TEA LOUNGE - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •ALBA - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •THE LIBRARY - Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas •LOBBY LOUNGE - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

•OBSERVATION DECK 300 - Jumeirah at Etihad Towers •AL MEYLAS - Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •THE LOUNGE - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •THE LOBBY LOUNGE - Marriott Hotel Al Forsan Abu Dhabi

Coffee House •CAFFÉ NERO – Various Locations •JOUD CAFE - Al Bateen •STARBUCK’S – Various Locations •COSTA COFFEE – Various Locations •TIM HORTONS - Various Locations •THE COFFEE CLUB - Various Locations

In-Mall •CARLUCCIO’S - Various Locations •SHAKESPEARE & CO. - Yas Mall •CAFE BATEEL - Various Locations •PAUL CAFÉ - Various Locations •KOSEBASI - Al Wahda Mall •BIRYANI POT - The Galleria •GIRAFFE - Yas Mall

Friday Brunch •SKY BRUNCH - 18 Degrees, Hyatt Capital Gate •FRIDAY MARINA BRUNCH InterContinental Abu Dhabi •RAISING THE STEAKS BRUNCH Southern Sun Abu Dhabi •THE ST. REGIS FRIDAY BRUNCH - The St. Regis Abu Dhabi •FRIDAY BRUNCH AT OLEA - The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort •BUBBALICIOUS - The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa •FRIDAY BEST BRUNCH - Four Season Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island •SUSHI SAN OMAKASE BRUNCH Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi •COOPER’S BAR & RESTAURANT - Park Rotana Abu Dhabi •DEVINE TABLE BRUNCH, MARKET KITCHEN - Le Royal Meridien •EAT.PLAY.LAUGH BRUNCH - Kuzbara Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi

Family-Friendly Brunch •GIORNOTTE - The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal •BEST OF THE BEACH BRUNCH Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi •FRIDAY BRUNCH - Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel And Resort •SOFRA BLD - Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri •MUNCH THE FRIDAY BRUNCH Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas •FRIDAY FAIRMONT BRUNCH Fairmont Bab Al Bahr •THE AQUA BRUNCH - Rosewood Abu Dhabi •STILLS PICNIC BRUNCH - Crowne Plaza Yas Island

Independent Weekend Brunch •CATCH FRIDAY BRUNCH - Catch Abu Dhabi •FIESTA DEL SOL BRUNCH - BU! The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •WEEKEND BRUNCH - Carluccio’s Various Locations •FRIDAY BRUNCH - Jazz@PizzaExpress - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall •SAFINA - Saadiyat Beach Club •FRIDAY BRUNCH , ZUMA - Al Maryah Island •FRIDAY BRUNCH, COYA - Al Maryah Island •LAZY LUNCH, TAMBA - The Hub World Trade Centre Mall

Newcomer •99 SUSHI BAR - The Galleria •NOLU’S DOWNTOWN - The Galleria •PARMIGIANA - Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche •EAT GREEK - The Galleria •COYA ABU DHABI - The Galleria •LA PETITE MAISON - The Galleria •LOCA - The Galleria •TORO TORO - Etihad Towers •CHO GAO MARINA WALK InterContinental Abu Dhabi •FILINI GARDEN - Yas Island fact magazine

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Nicola Benedetti

• CULTURAL EVENTS

CALLING ALL CULTURE VULTURES

Merchants of Bollywood

Abu Dhabi Festival 2018 (ADF18) will play host to more than 100 events, 26 productions, 16 commissions and one co-production across 30 venues. Organised by ADMAF and returning for its 15th edition, ADF18 will see an illustrious mix of artists, genres and nationalities take part this year, as it celebrates India as the Country of Honour and joins the nation in marking 2018 as the Year of Zayed. Here are some of the great happenings to mark in your calendar…

Orchestra dell’Accademia

Nicola Benedetti with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment February 19 A pre-Festival concert with one of the most sought-after violinists of her generation, and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment – the British ensemble famed for their approach to 18th and 19th century music, redefining classical music as they confirm that not all orchestras are the same. They will perform Beethoven’s Symphony No.4, directed by OAE’s concertmaster, before Benedetti performs Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61 while she also directs the orchestra.

The Merchants of Bollywood March 8 & 9 A theatrical spectacular that celebrates the world’s most prolific film industry through dance; the story of the last dynasty of choreographers, the huge cast, vibrant costumes, choreography by leading talent Vaibhavi Merchant, and score by award-winning duo Salim and Sulaiman Merchant have thrilled more than two million people worldwide, featuring Arif Zakaria, Carol Furtado, Denzil Smith and Sushant Pujari.

Orchestra dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia – Rome March 11 & 12 Two evenings with one of the oldest musical institutions in the world, founded in 1585 and one. Conducted by Sir Antonio Pappano, Music Director of the Royal Opera House, London, 38

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Ihab Darwish

CULTURAL EVENTS •

the orchestra will be joined by the bright, ascending star pianist Beatrice Rana and one of the greatest violinists of her generation – Kyung Wha Chung.

Waves of My Life by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish with Beethoven Academy Orchestra, conducted by Stoyan Stoyanov March 14 Bringing together classical and contemporary influences, Emirati composer Ihab Darwish makes soaring music whose bold cinematic vibrancy arrests audiences. After years of preparation the world premiere of Waves of My Life takes place in his home country, performed by the Beethoven Academy Orchestra and guest musicians. As well as this special live performance, Ihab Darwish’s debut album will be available to listen to as part of the Composers’ Platform.

Opera in Concert: Deborah Voigt and Bechara Moufarrej March 14 Marking her Arab World Debut, Deborah Voigt, revered as one of the world’s great sopranos and one of the most respected and versatile music personalities, will be joined by Bechara Moufarrej, the beloved tenor from Lebanon, for a unique collaborative operatic recital at the Emirates Palace Auditorium.

Singing the Legends: A Night of Jazz with Omar Kamal March 17 Marking his UAE Debut, the Palestinian singer and composer garnering global recognition sings and swings classics from Sinatra’s jazz to Arab idols like Fairouz and Mohamed Abdul Wahab in a night of effortless cool at Emirates Palace Auditorium.

March 19 An interpretation of Sufi poet Rumi’s ‘Human Being’ is brought vividly to life through the expressive art form of classical Indian dance. In the spirit of its source, We the Living envisages humans as transcultural beings that have transcended social systems, religions and even their weighty physical forms.

Bechara Moufarrej

Deborah Voigt Omar Kamal

We the Living: Classical Indian Dance by Tanusree Shankar Dance Academy

Pink Martini Live in Abu Dhabi March 21 Known affectionately as ‘the little orchestra,’ Pink Martini are global musical adventure. For the first time, they bring their multilingual repertoire from the world’s most glamourous stages to the UAE. fact magazine

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Tanusree Shankar Dance Company

• CULTURAL EVENTS

Pianographique: Works for two pianos

by Philip Glass, Steve Reich and Maurice Ravel with live visualisation

Pink Martini

March 24 This Arab World Debut is an immersive multimedia spectacular that re-envisions contemporary and classic pieces for piano, bringing them alive through the radical and revelatory approach of Ars Electronica. Dennis Russell Davies and Maki Namekawa will perform innovative works with live visualisations by Cori Olan.

The Sarod Master: USTAD Amjad Ali Khan

Pianographique

March 25 One of the most distinguished masters in the world of Indian classical music, Amjad Ali Khan is revered as the sarod master.

The sarod is fundamental to the Indian music tradition, shaping the character through its deep, weighty and introspective sound. Having travelled widely and performed internationally, international audiences from Pakistan, China and New Zealand to London, Italy, and Japan have revelled in this master’s expressive and entrancing performances.

The Festival Recital Series The Bach Project

Amjad Ali Khan

March 28 Returning for a fourth consecutive year with an epic evening of the complete Bach concertos for two, three and four pianos in partnership with Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel and The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. The Bach Project is an Arab World Debut with two young prodigies forming part of the unique performance of six celebrated works, alongside the Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, led by pianist Frank Braley, pianist and QEMC’s master-in-residence Louis Lortie.

Don Quixote – Compañía Nacional de Danza March 29 & 30 Marking their Arab World Debut, the famed ballet tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes’ romantic knight Don Quixote, brought to life in this vibrant interpretation by Spain’s leading company, choreographed and directed by Jose Carlos Martinez. ✤ 40

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The Festival Recital Series

CULTURAL EVENTS •

YOUTH PLATFORMS Marking the culmination of ADMAF’s yearround commitment to arts education and community enrichment, ADF18 will return with a series of Youth Platforms, empowering Emirati talent in the arts and culture field through the ADF Visual Arts Education Programme; Islamic Arts Workshops; Young Filmmakers’ Circle; Riwaq Al Fikr; Riwaq Al Adab wal Kitab; Riwaq Al Khatt Al Arabi; The Gulf Capital - Abu Dhabi Festival Visual Arts Award; the Gulf Capital – ADMAF Creativity Award; The Christo & Jeanne-Claude Award; the Cultural Excellence Fellowship.

The Festival’s Community Programmes will include a calendar of events, exhibitions, performances and workshops to provide engaging, innovative and inspiring platforms for people of all ages to enjoy. Highlights during 2018 include the return of Festival in the Park with two nights of performances and workshops from an eclectic line-up of innovative musicians including Gilles Chuyen, The Raghu Dixet Project, Nesma Abdul Aziz and Zahed Sultan; Music in Hospitals; Festival in Focus; and Ministry of Science – Arabic, and film screenings from India amongst many others.

Compañía Nacional de Danza

FROM BARCELONA TO ABU DHABI Works from Barcelona Museum of Contemporary Art (MACBA) in dialogue with the Emirati Art; for the first time in the Arab world, Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA) presents one of the most significant European collections in dialogue with 15 Emirati artists. A collaborative curatorial effort between Ferran Barenblit (MACBA director) and Nasser Abdullah (Chairman, Emirates Fine Arts Society) the exhibition includes more than 60 artists and 80 years of contemporary art. Held at Manarat al Saadiyat ‘From Barcelona to Abu Dhabi: Works from the MACBA Art Collection in dialogue with the Emirates’ is a landmark collaboration that will be enriched by tours, talks, workshops and a major publication, running until March 17.

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Dubai International Boat Show 27 Feb - 3 Mar 2018 Dubai Canal, Jumeirah

Explore Your Own Ocean Adventures For exhibiting & sponsorship opportunities call us on +971 4 308 6275/6204 or email dubai.boatshow@dwtc.com

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SUPPORTING MARITIME AUTHORITY

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VA N G O G H A L I V E THE EXPERIENCE There is no artist in history that has left a mark in the art world quite like the brilliant Vincent Van Gogh. Now, a real treat for the imagination and a feast for the eyes comes to Abu Dhabi in a special exhibition dedicted to the works of this renowned talent.

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT

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ARTS SPOTLIGHT •

A

lmost 130 years after his death, Vincent Willem van Gogh is widely known as one of the world’s great artists.

While his paintings now hang in almost every major museum and gallery across the globe and sell at auction for millions of dollars, Van Gogh’s life was marked by periods of grinding poverty, crippling mental health problems and a yearning to be recognized by his peers.

Van Gogh, who took his own life in 1890 aged only 37-yearsold, is remembered today as the quintessential tortured genius. During his career he produced 2,100 artworks and of his 860 oil paintings – including now world-famous still life pieces, portraits and landscapes - the majority were made over the last two years of his life.

His most famous and familiar paintings include a series of self-portraits, which feature unique brushstrokes and great attention to detail. Van Gogh painted himself in varying stages of his life, with the portraits often revealing his poor health and fragile state of mind.

The artist’s ‘Sunflowers’ series was catapulted into the public’s attention in 1987 when it sold at auction for almost US$40 million at Christie’s London.

One of his most famous landscapes, ‘The Starry Night’, has been on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York since 1941. Featuring swirling brush strokes of stars over an idyllic village scene, the painting is widely regarded as one of Van Gogh’s finest works and a masterpiece of western art.

THE EXHIBITION Van Gogh Alive combines a specially chosen score of classical music with some of the artist’s most famous paintings as well as other inspirational images all displayed on the walls, floor and ceiling of the exhibition space using 40 high-definition projectors. Held under the patronage of the Minister of Culture & Knowledge Development, the experience is being brought to the UAE by 6IX Degrees Entertainment. The experience will take place at the Abu Dhabi National Theatre until February 26 before moving on to Dubai where it will be on show at Dubai Design District from March 11 to April 23. Tickets are available to buy for the Abu Dhabi exhibition on Platinum List, Virgin Megastore or at The National Theatre.

“

Van Gogh Alive combines a specially chosen score of classical music with some of the artist’s most famous paintings as well as other inspirational images all displayed on the walls, floor and ceiling... fact magazine

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT

NEED TO KNOW: 1 0 T H I N G S A B O U T VA N G O G H He had a brother with the same name – Vincent had an older brother who died at birth, his name was also Vincent Van Gogh.

His most famous artwork was created while in an asylum – He painted one of his most famous paintings, ‘Starry Night’ while in an asylum in Saint-Remy-de-Provence, France.

He only sold one painting while he was alive – Although he painted more than 900 paintings in his lifetime, he only sold one painting in that time, The Red Vineyard. Van Gogh became famous only after his death.

It’s still unclear whether his death was suicide – Van Gogh died in 1890 under mysterious circumstances. One theory is that he committed suicide by shooting himself in the chest, but a recent theory also suggests that there is a possibility he was murdered.

He was too poor to pay his models – When Van Gogh first began painting he used peasants to model as he was too poor to hire real models.

He suffered from multiple illnesses – The main condition Van Gogh suffered from was thought to be temporal epilepsy, a chronic neurological condition characterised by recurrent and unprovoked seizures. During one of his seizures, he attempted to attack his friend Paul Gauguin with an open razor which resulted in Vincent cutting off a piece of his own ear – but not the whole ear as is often rumored.

The colours we see in his paintings are not as he intended – Although Van Gogh is famous for the rich colours in his work, the colours we see are actually not what he intended – particularly the yellow tones. Van Gogh used an unstable pigment called ‘chrome yellow’ that was prone to fading or browning over time, so you can only imagine the luminosity his paintings once held.

His sister-in-law made him famous – After both his brothers died, his sister-in-law Johanna inherited hundreds of paintings and made it her mission to promote Van Gogh’s work, loaning pieces to various exhibitions.

He wrote over 800 letters in his life – Mainly to his brother, Theo, who financially supported Van Gogh for most of his life. His letters were later published by his sister-in-law, Joanna, in an effort to have his life story heard.

He aspired to be a pastor – Although Van Gogh went on to be one of the world’s most famous artists (albeit without him knowing), his earliest career aspiration was to be a pastor in the Dutch Reformed Church, following in his father’s footsteps. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.PLATINUMLIST.NET FOR TICKETS. 46

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ARTS SPOTLIGHT •

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Black Panther

Highlights

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

“

After the death of his father, the King of Wakanda, T’Challa must return home to take the throne. When two enemies conspire to bring down the kingdom of Wakanda, T’Challa must team up, as the Blank Panther, with CIA agent Everett K. Ross and members of Wakanda’s Special Forces to prevent a world war.

DIRECTOR: Ryan Coogler CAST: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Ensuring world domination with a star cast and a gripping plot, Ryan Coogler’s latest offering aims to give the audiences exactly what they want. The plot picks up sometime after the events of Captain America: Civil War and the death of the reigning King of Wakanda. As T’Challa returns home to the isolated, technologicallyadvanced African nation of Wakanda, he soon realises that his accession to the throne is not going to be easy.

As an old enemy reappears on the radar, T’Challa’s mettle as King and the Blank Panther is challenged when he is forced into a conflict that threatens the fate of his nation as well as the entire world. Featuring a Marvel villain unlike any other along with a candid plotline, Black Panther is the perfect addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Backed with Kendrick Lamar’s rap genius, the film promises tons of thrilling action as well as some CRAZY GOOD CGI moments. What else can you ask for?

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Backed with Kendrick Lamar’s rap genius, the film promises tons of thrilling action as well as some CRAZY GOOD CGI moments.”

Peter Rabbit WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Peter Rabbit, a super mischievous and rebellious little creature tries to sneak into a farmer’s vegetable garden. Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor reaches new heights as they both try to win the affections of a kind-hearted animal lover who lives next door.

– Black Panther

DIRECTOR: Will Gluck CAST: James Corden, Rose Byrne, Domhnall Gleeson

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

After captivating generations of readers with his amusing antics and playful ways, Peter Rabbit now takes on the starring role of his own bold and cheeky contemporary comedy. Based on classic Beatrix Potter tales, the film combines impressive CGI and live action to tell the tale of a mischievous young bunny and his many animal friends.

Bringing adorable heroics to life, the film introduces a whole new generation to Peter’s legacy. Giving a fresh new platform to the beloved British character, the film presents the kids’ classic in a much more up-to-date light. The stunning animation as well as James Corden and Margot Robbie’s playful spirit and wild charm are definitely worth a trip to the cinema!

ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

Text Me When You Get Home

By Kayleen Schaefer

POP/SOUL

Voicenotes

By Charlie Puth

If you’re anything like us, Charlie Puth’s exquisite vocals and swoon-worthy good looks have had your hearts since FOREVER! Continuing on a more mature path with his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Puth successfully manages to expand as an artist with his latest offering. Stepping up his sound as well as songwriting game, the singer is all set to unleash his musical prowess like never before! Starting with a simple guitar rhythm and some stunning vocals, Attention is all about Puth’s transition from his previous innocent music to a more grown-up sound.

Keeping things bold and fresh, the New Jersey native’s new sound is definitely a step forward for the artist. Funky, soulful and airy, How Long exhibits the singer’s vocals at their most authentic. Further adapting his directional change, this ridiculously catchy bop is giving us life right now! Following a lackluster reception of his debut album, Voicenotes has come as a happy surprise for fans and critics alike. Well done, Mr Puth!

R&B/LATIN

Camila

By Camila Cabello Armed with a creative vision and mesmerising vocals, Cabello’s debut as a solo artist has been nothing short of spectacular. Featuring Latin-influenced songs and powerful ballads, Cabello’s self-titled debut album has managed to shake things up on the musical scene.

Experimenting with a mix of sounds and lyrical concepts, Cabello’s relentless vulnerability is evident all throughout the album. Paying homage to her Cuban heritage, Havana is a seductive mid-tempo track with a Latin flare, that we’re constantly belting out in the office! Apart from this sensuous slice of Latin pop, Cabello also throws some R&B into the mix. Featuring booming drums and echoing effects, ‘Never Be the Same’ incorporates themes of painis-pleasure type of love. A vibrant blend of sounds and styles, Cabello’s debut solo effort has us completely sold. Tell us if you too can’t get enough!

A stunning analysis and celebration of female friendships! Capturing the evolution of female friendship in pop culture and modern society, Schaefer manages to effectively highlight the uplifting nature of the relationship.

Relaying her own journey of modern female friendship, she talks about being a competitive teenager to awakening to the power of the female bond, putting a completely new perspective on friendships.

FICTION

The Woman in the Window

By A.J. Finn It’s been ten long months since Anna Fox last left her NYC home.

She is instantly intrigued as the Russels, a picture-perfect family of three, move in. When a frenzied scream rips across the silence one evening, Anna witnesses something no one was supposed to see. Her world begins to crumble as shocking truths are laid bare. A diabolically gripping read!

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• SOCIETY

# M Y # H E R I TA G E # M Y # R E S P O N S I B I L I T Y # S E R I E S # AT # A L # A I N # PA L A C E # M U S E U M As part of Al Ain’s calendar of cultural activities and events organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for 2017/18, the My Heritage, My Responsibility series returned to Al Ain Palace Museum on 11 and 12 January 2018 with the attendance of Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Featuring an array of events and activities, crowds congregated at Al Ain Palace Museum to enjoy a variety of popular shows and workshops. The series focused on the variety of traditional performances typical to the different regions of the UAE, from the desert, to the mountains, sea and oases. The programme celebrates the rich cultural history and heritage of the UAE and highlights the diversity in the customs and traditions of the different areas of the country, influenced by the landscapes and prevalent industries.

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Mountain ROMANCE

LOCATED 2,000 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL, ANANTARA AL JABAL AL AKHDAR IS A RARE FIND. BUILT BEAUTIFULLY INTO THE ROCKY CONTOURS OF A GREAT CANYON, IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THE LUXURIOUS FIVE-STAR RESORT SITS RIGHT HERE IN THE GULF, ATOP OMAN’S FABLED GREEN MOUNTAIN. THIS IS WHERE LOCAL LIFE, CULTURAL WONDER AND ADVENTUROUS EXPERIENCES ALL MEET IN PERFECT HARMONY TO FORM A TRULY UNIQUE RETREAT AS SHABANA ADAM DISCOVERS…

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f you told me that I’d be waking up at 7am for morning yoga overlooking breathtaking canyon views, eating some of the freshest Italian food, and zip lining after climbing 200 metres across the cliff’s edge, I would never have believed that all of this would be possible right here in the Gulf, let alone 2000 metres above sea level. Enter Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar, a tranquil, elegant resort where lush local surroundings blend seamlessly with elegant accommodation and world-class facilities. You can literally coup up in your own private villa with a temperaturecontrolled pool or wake up to the most magnificent views in one of the resort’s huge cliffside rooms – the choice is yours. After a comfortable two-hour transfer from Muscat airport in one of Anantara’s very own 4x4 drives (only 4x4 vehicles are allowed up the mountain) which was decked out with soft drinks, snacks, cushions and even WiFi – handy for posting the mesmerising window views on social media, right in the moment – we arrive at the resort to a warm welcome, literally, as a hot towel and tea are presented to us at check-in. Staff are efficient and friendly and we’re whisked off by buggy to our home for the next few days – an out-of-this-world One Bedroom Garden Pool Villa.

VILLA LIFE Now, this is no ordinary villa. Anantara has gone above and beyond with the 178-square meter space. You’ll get a stunning private garden that offers a natural sanctuary for romance, a great-sized heated plunge pool with sun loungers to top up the tan and a lavish outdoor dining area where an afternoon cuppa will be just the fix you need to relax. Inside, you’ll get nothing short of pure indulgence; a majlis-style living room with an oversized cushy couch and chairs facing a large interactive LED TV, media hub and Bluetooth sound system – this is where you can perch with a good book or board games which are provided in the room. The mini-bar is another standout of this sprawling villa – it’s one of the biggest and most variety-filled that we’ve ever seen. Aside from the usual Nespresso coffee machine and tea-making facilities, we’re talking full glassware selection, some of the yummiest snacks including oreo cookies, and even a good choice of soft beverages plus alcoholic options too – I mean, do you even need to leave your room? We’re not done yet though as more pleasant surprises await. The bedroom is decked out with a MASSIVE king size bed – yes, it’s possible to roll over many times (we tried!) – another TV on top of an ornate wooden cabinet (which we would love to have in our own home) – and lots of space to walk around without feeling like you’re in anyone else’s way.

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WEEKEND ESCAPES •

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• WEEKEND ESCAPES

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WEEKEND ESCAPES •

One of our absolute favourite parts of this villa has to be the walk-in dressing room which has ample storage to easily fit four large suitcases and many bags – your only worry has to be about getting it through the airport! The luxury bathroom with rain shower and separate bathtub is as impressive as the outdoors. Bringing in elements of its natural surroundings, the tub is one of the largest we’ve ever bathed in and the lovely Elemis amenities made taking a hot shower or soak after a day of activities and exploring, something we totally cherished! Most of all, it seems that Anantara has thought of your every need because you also get your very own Villa Host to help organise special dinners, intimate evenings and more – staying in this accommodation was effortless and the attention to detail in interiors and services is what makes this villa the ideal sanctuary for couples, friends and families alike.

THE HEIGHT OF DINING You wouldn’t be incorrect to think that being so high up and away from constant suppliers means that the food could be limited here – in fact, we were expecting food to take a back seat to the location.

We were SO wrong. Some of the best cuisines we’ve tasted outside of other Gulf countries was at Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. In the allday-dining restaurant, Al Maisan, breakfast is a feast of fresh fruits, fluffy pastries, winter warmers like porridge, pancakes and other hot options, plus local Arabic fare and even made-to-order eggs and super healthy juices. We would highly recommend the energising ABC juice or a creamy soy latte for a morning boost. The croissants and pain au chocolat were like biting into a cloud, whilst the fresh coconuts and full fry up were true treats to start the day fuelled up. For lunch, head to Bella Vista where you can tuck into the tastiest gnocchi, home-style pizza, seafood mixed grill and lip-licking risotto. With so much natural light flooding the venue which is located at the resort’s famous Diana’s Point, don’t forget to have a fully-charged phone or camera to capture all those drool-worthy shots for instagram.

Al Maisan also serves up excellent buffet-style dinners with everything from Continental, South-East Asian, Indian and Arabic specialties.

We enjoyed the paneer curry, the super crisp salads, made-to-order pastas and the incredible sticky toffee pudding dessert to name but a few of the taste-bud-satisfying dishes. If you prefer to snack, Al Baha, translating as ‘Crossroads’ in Arabic, is an amazing spot to unwind and appreciate resort life. The eatery does an impressive duck hoisin wrap and flourless chocolate cake with a range of hot and cold beverages (make sure you try the famed rose tea) – and in the evenings you can gather around the picture-perfect open fireplace in the courtyard for stargazing with your choice of liquid concoction in hand.

ADVENTURE HEAVEN If there’s one reason why you should make Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar your next weekend escape, it’s not just the mind-blowing scenery or even the serenity of peace and quiet (though you’ll have plenty of time for that too), it’s the unimaginably, adrenalin-fuelled resort activities. Now, you don’t need to be a fitness fiend to get involved – all you need is appropriate clothes, a will to explore and, of course, a good guide. To start off lightly, we would highly recommend the Three Village Walk after breakfast where you’ll pass the rich foliage of Jabal Al Akhdar whilst weaving in and out of charming streets, past

the historical irrigation system and traditional houses of the most friendly and welcoming Omani people.

Our Mountain Guru guide was Thilina who brought the treasured local stories of days gone by to life. From March end to mid-May, the cliffs around Ash Sharayjah village are adorned in Damask roses in full bloom, used to produce Omani rose water. As you traipse past abandoned houses and come across the most quaint, character-filled doors, fronting the few homes that are still occupied, the contrast between old rural lifestyle and the new world will leave you yearning for a more simple way of living (sans smartphone and social media – but, alas, if you don’t put it on Snapchat, did it even happen?).

The areas mild climate is ideal for explorers, whilst the mountainous terrain provides diverse climbing, hiking and biking journeys. Probably the most thrilling of them all is the Ultimate Jabal Activity Wall. We were NOT ready for this, but LOVED every second. You’ll snake nearly 200 metres across the cliff edge across one of the highest climbing routes in the Middle East, on the way to Oman’s first mountain zip line. Safety is number one for this activity. The Via Ferrata steel cable allows intrepid climbers to use their hands and strategically placed metal steps to traverse the vertical rock face, before navigating jagged rock formations, ladders and vertical stairs. We have to give a HUGE shout out to the man of the moment, our cool, calm and collected guide Thilina. Hailing from Sri Lanka, Thilina is an absolute pro. His chilled-out yet motivational approach as well as patience and guidance throughout the climb, is the main reason why we were able to complete the exhilarating hour-long climb and two zip lines with confidence.

Views of the mountain and vast canyon are simply magic when doing this activity and flying through the air at the end is the icing on the cake for thrill-seekers and novices alike.

AND RELAX...

When you’ve had your fix of outdoor fun for the day, or worked out at the gym, let your muscles soothe at the incredible Anantara Spa with its five luxurious spa treatment rooms, including two couple’s suites, a hair and nail beauty salon at The Jasmine Lounge and separate male and female thermal suites. Lay down for an hour-long signature massage where you can choose an oil to suit your mood and a professional therapist will tailor a massage for your exact needs – from pressure to technique and areas of concern – our therapist knew exactly where the tight knots were and worked so flawlessly that we fell into a deep slumber within minutes of lying face-down on the comfy treatment bed. Arabian cleansing rituals will help restore your flow and after some hot ginger tea, you’ll be left feeling refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes next. If you want some downtime by the pool, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar certainly has one that will impress. A striking infinity pool with a belvedere offers an illustrious setting, especially at sunset!

With every hospitality, wellness and culture box ticked, there’s no better place to fall in love with nature, the mountains and the outdoors than Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar. ✤

GO: FLY DIRECT FROM DUBAI TO MUSCAT. CALL +968 2521 8000 OR VISIT WWW.JABAL-AKHDAR.ANANTARA.COM FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

# A B U # D H A B I # H S B C # C H A M P I O N S H I P #2017 The world’s best golfers battled it out at the 2018 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA, where the reigning European No. 1 Tommy Fleetwood handled the desert winds that blew over Abu Dhabi Golf Club to earn the $500,000 first place cheque. Fleetwood returned a closing 65 for a 22-under 266 to beat Ross Fisher by two shots, and Rory McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick by four. During the tournament the HSBC Future Falcons programme made its return to the Championship Village to promote the game of golf with the next generation of the UAE youth. And, the renowned ‘Wear Red’ day made its return too, with spectators sporting almost every shade of red on the third day of competition to enjoy free entry for sports activities, delicious cuisine and exciting competitions at the Championship Village, along with watching some of the world’s best players battle it out for the coveted Falcon Trophy.

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RESORT

G O A L S I F Y O U ’ R E T H I N K I N G O F G E T T I N G AWAY T H I S VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY, O R I F Y O U ’ R E I N N E E D O F A B R E A K T H AT ’ S N O T T O O FA R F R O M H O M E B U T O F F E R S ALL THE COMFORTS AND LUXURIES OF GOING ON H O L I D AY, W E ’ V E G O T J U S T T H E P L A C E F O R Y O U. E N T E R T H E S P R AW L I N G R I T Z- C A R LT O N A B U D H A B I , G R A N D C A N A L , A 5-S TA R R E S O R T T H AT F I T S T H E BILL WHEN IT COMES TO SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND S TAY C AT I O N S P O T S I N T H E U A E …

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• STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT

THE RITZ-CARLTON CLUB LEVEL Boasting a panoramic view of Al Maqta creek from its glass walls, the Club Level Lounge offers an intimately private setting for guests of The RitzCarlton Club Level. The Lounge offers: • Continuous complimentary culinary offerings including breakfast, midday snacks, afternoon tea and light treats, evening hors d’oeuvres, and cordials and desserts.

• Complimentary coffee and cookies 24 hours a day.

• Complimentary wireless Internet access • Personal computers for guest use • Complimentary pressing for two pieces per room, per day

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STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT •

e’ve had many encounters with the stunning Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal and, every time, its five-star hospitality, serene setting and overall holiday vibes did not disappoint. The third time around, we were looking for something special, something that makes this property a worthwhile stop for couples, friends and families too. Facilities and fun things to do in-resort to keep guests entertained were at the forefront of our stay.

Much like the UAE capital itself, which is a blend of a laid-back and welcoming, traditional culture with lively happenings, and modern amenities, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is a clear representation of luxury hospitality at its finest.

Located just across the road from the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the hotel is somewhat of a dream destination that could easily resemble an opulent resort found on the canal shores of Venice – with all the charm and elegance of the Arabian Gulf, of course. Sound good? Keep reading…

SUITE ENVY

Stay as a Club Level guest and revel in all the personalised service, attention to detail and extra benefits offered as part of this accommodation type. Firstly, the Club Level has both room and suite options that would suit all types of travellers including couples, groups of friends, families with children and even solo visitors. Private check-in at the Club Lounge is how you’ll start your stay. Staff will greet you with a friendly smile and share information about all the Club Level amenities and extras that you can enjoy, as well as addressing any other queries you might have.

We stayed in a beautiful Executive Suite with a balcony that overlooked truly amazing views of the beach and Grand Canal, and the lush gardens and pool area - the ideal place to relax with your morning cup of tea or coffee. The suite itself is incredibly spacious, possibly one of the largest we’ve ever stayed at in the capital. With a floorplan that could rival any luxury apartment, you’ll get a lovely large living room decked out with cushy furnishings including a cosy seating area facing a 42” LCD TV showing a mix of local and international channels, a fully-stocked mini refreshment bar with tea and coffee-making facilities, snacks and drinks, a desk area to separate work time from chill time, and big sliding doors out onto balcony number one.

In the bedroom, you’ll find a HUGE comfy king size bed (that made for some of the best night’s sleep we’ve had in a long time) with a lovely armchair that feels like a warm hug when you sit in it, and, once more, sliding doors out onto balcony number two which in the winter time benefits from a gentle breeze. A full marble bathroom with a large tub, separate rain-shower, his and her wash basins and luxury Asprey amenities is definitely a focal point of the room.

There was no better feeling than having a nice long soak after a day of beachfront relaxing or tourist-hopping, and getting cosy into the plush, terry bathrobes and slippers - aaah, it’s the finer things in life! fact magazine

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ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal is pulling out all the stops to ensure that you and your loved one can enjoy a Valentine’s Day to remember.

Dinner a Deux THE FORGE: Book a table at The Forge and start your night off with 30 grams of genuine Sturia caviar served with traditional blini and sour cream accompaniments, followed by a middle course of tuna with smoky raspberry-habanero sauce, pickled onions, hibiscus flower and red cabbage purée. Following a refreshing orange raspberry granita, savor a main course of bone-in striploin and lobster with purple mashed potato and asparagus and sauce Béarnaise. To round off the evening, enjoy Cupid Delicatessen – a decadent red choux pastry case filled with caramelised mango puree and caramel mascarpone cream, along with petits fours of berry tartlets and Valentine macaroons.

LI JIANG: Head to Li Jiang to enjoy an appetiser of pan-seared scallops, crab, avocado, wasabi mayonnaise and homemade chili tomato, followed by an indulgent starter of foie gras dumpling with creamy shimeji mushroom, Thai basil and bok choy. For your main course, choose between wok-fried lobster, wagyu beef in black pepper sauce or seafood fried rice. And for dessert it’s Tiny Pavlova, with petits fours of berry tartlets and Valentine macaroons. A choice made in heaven for any South East Asian food lovers!

MIJANA: Savour hearty Arabian favourites at Mijana with a romantic twist, topped off with a special Valentine’s dessert. Enjoy a tempting selection of appetisers, including hummus with cranberry, and labneh with truffle oil, before sharing delectable lobster and shrimp kibbeh, almond and hazelnut falafel, and shrimp kanufa, followed by a traditional Arabic mixed grill.

Then, for dessert, “Kubid Delicatessen” – a red choux pastry case filled with apricot purée and caramel mascarpone cream, with a pistachio crust. How delish does that sound?

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Having access to the Club Lounge is definitely a bonus. Here, you can enjoy complimentary food and beverage for breakfast, afternoon tea, and light snacks and drinks in the evening.

We especially loved the breakfast with its huge variety of hot and cold food – the porridge, the pastries and the fresh fruits were yummy! The added value of having a place that offers you free foodie treats and drinks throughout the day is an absolute delight! So, whether you decide to spend all your days at the hotel, or if you’re venturing out to explore the city, a Club Level room or suite will be the perfect place to take respite after any activity or adventure!

DINING GOALS

You have literally got every kind of cuisine to satisfy all those cravings! For a taste of five-star dining, head to The Forge Steakhouse and opt for the deliciously creamy Burrata Salad, followed by your choice of main with mouthwatering sides and a glass of vino or one of the thirst-quenching mocktails. The venue is elegant yet inviting and the staff is incredibly attentive. This one’s for those who want a more refined dining experience with quality ingredients but without the pretentiousness of the usual upmarket restaurants. Our absolute favourite, however, is the South East Asian eatery Li Jiang. The menu is packed with the most flavourful dishes such as the appetising Prawn Dim Sum, the most tender Black Pepper Beef, and the standout – their succulent Crispy Half Duck, paired with a delicious sauce and shredded tableside – just incredible. Do spend an evening on the Li Jiang terrace which boasts some of the most stunning night views of the Grand Mosque. If you happen to take your staycation here before the weekend, check out the innovative No Mobile Dinner Challenge. Taking place every Wednesday evening at The Forge, Li Jiang and Mijana, the hotel’s newest cool dining concept is bringing conversation and good company back to the dinner table. Lock away your mobile phone for the duration of your meal, and earn 15 per cent savings on your bill. They’ll provide your table with a lockable box in which to store your phones (it’s transparent, so you’ll still be able to see calls or messages as they come in – though we decided to cover the glass box with a napkin).

All you have to do is resist the temptation to open the box until the end of the meal. Easy? We’ll see!

FABULOUS FACILITIES

The one thing that we really enjoyed during this stay at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, is the luxury of not having to leave the resort to enjoy our home-away-from-home

holiday. One of the reasons why the hotel makes for a good anniversary, romantic getaway and even a weekend staycation spot, is that it offers something for everyone! For little ones, the pool and children’s water play area will be a haven of fun, plus the Ritz Kids Club which offers safe, friendly and super fun recreational activities, will provide mum and dad with some ‘me time’ to chill out on the beach and take a dip in the canal waters. Couples, friends and solo guests will relish in the outdoor facilities, as well as the beachfront, Bedouin-inspired ESPA with a hammam, sauna, steam room, plunge pool, and treatments that embody the very meaning of relaxation. We’d highly recommend the 60-minute Personalised Facial. Our therapist Ava runs through this exquisite treatment. It can be customised and adjusted to your skin’s needs. It includes a triple cleanse (second cleanse consists of steaming and exfoliation). After the first cleanse, the therapist will perform skin analysis using a SkinVISION lamp to define your skin type and skin needs in order to choose ideal products to either hydrate, energise, purify and nourish your skin. After the triple cleanse, the therapist will perform a facial massage with a suitable massage oil followed by a personalised mask and scalp massage. The treatment ends with a soothing skin serum and moisturiser.

Our main concern was slight skin dehydration, so the therapist used products to help with hydration and nourish the skin. To say that our faces were glowing post-treatment is an understatement, the results were SO good that it was the first time a no make-up selfie was tekn for the ‘gram!

In true staycation style, we spent three whole days at the hotel, experiencing everything that it has to offer. For a quick romantic getaway or quality family-time, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, will impress on every level. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.RITZCARLTON.COM OR CALL (0)2 818 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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#EMIRATI #HERITAGE #CELEBRATED #AT #QASR #AL #MUWAIJI Qasr Al Muwaiji, the birthplace of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, played host to a series of cultural experiences in celebration of Emirati heritage and the contemporary landscape of Al Ain. The monthly Royal Bisht workshops and renowned Poetry Evenings returned on Thursday 18th January, as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi’s annual Al Ain Cultural Programme 2017/18. Providing fascinating insight into the bisht, the traditional Arabian long cloak worn by men as formal wear over their thobe, the Royal Bisht workshop explored the exquisite bishts specially hand-tailored for Emirati rulers and adorned with various patterns of gold or silver thread.

Participants also had the opportunity to try their hand at sewing while taking in the beauty of some of the AlNahyan family’s stunning bishts currently on display at Qasr Al Muwaiji.

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CITY RIDES •

BEAST MODE ON:

2018 NISSAN PATHFINDER

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CITY RIDES •

Go big or go home. That should really be the 2018 Nissan Pathfinders’ motto. The astounding SUV is larger than life but as fresh as ever with major redesigns inside and out, pleasing every loyal Nissan car enthusiast and gaining the attention of new motoring fans too.

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here some SUVs fail to stay family-friendly and off-roadready as well as at home on the highway, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder finds itself sitting comfortably above its competitors with a true edge.

Reborn for the 2018 model year, this vehicle will have you gasp at first sight – in the most pleasantly surprising way.

For those who may be a little unfamiliar with driving the big tanks of steel, a.k.a four-wheel-drives, that reign supreme on the UAE roads, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder will draw either one of two reactions; a) you’ll recognise that it’s HUGE, but still manages to keep a refined physique, and that you can’t wait to get behind the wheel, or, b) you’ll recognise that it’s HUGE and feel completely intimidated to get in the driver’s seat – you wouldn’t be wrong with either opinion.

SUVs can be daunting, especially if you’re new to this car type, but one thing that you’ll quickly learn is that driving a WELL-BUILT four-wheel drive is one of life’s many on-road pleasures, and the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder takes you one step closer to realising this.

We’re talking refreshed features both externally and internally.

Its adventure capability is one of the standout elements with plenty of competence in off-road environments, something that proved incredibly useful on a spontaneous drive out to the desert one evening. We often forget how many different types of terrain and driving conditions we’re presented with here in the UAE, but our little trip out to the sandy plains was a good reminder. As in previous years, this Pathfinder features selectable 2WD, Auto or 4WD Lock modes for its available intuitive ALL-MODE 4x4-i system.

The system lets the driver choose fulltime 2WD for

maximum fuel economy (good for every day commutes and local driving), Auto mode to automatically monitor conditions and adjust the balance of power between front and rear wheels for best traction (made for leisurely highway trips), or 4WD Lock mode when fulltime 4WD is desired (perfect for off-road action).

In addition, standard Hill Start Assist helps prevent loss of control when starting and driving away on a steep incline (both 4WD and 2WD models), while standard Hill Descent Control (4WD only) helps by adjusting speed and brake pressure when travelling slowly down steep, rough terrain grades. Basically, think of any driving condition and this car has got your back.

Aesthetically pleasing, the exterior has a stronger sense of adventure, character and presence and is a result of fine-tuning of aero efficiency. The updated appearance incorporates the latest Nissan signature design elements introduced on the award-winning Maxima sport sedan and Murano crossover – including the new “V-Motion” grille and boomerang-shaped headlights with LED daytime running lights. New LED headlights are standard on the Pathfinder SL grade.

Other exterior enhancements include a new, more aggressive hood, front bumper and fog lights. The outside rear-view mirrors now include standard integrated turn signals. In the rear, changes include new taillights and a stronger bumper design. So, if what you’re looking for is a robust but bold vehicle that can stand its ground on even the windiest stormy days, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder delivers on that front.

In addition, aerodynamic optimisation efforts include a new grille design, which enhances cooling performance and negates the need for an active grille shutter, and a new front chin spoiler design that has been moved forward and directs air downward – without compromising the approach angle for off-road driving. fact magazine

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These changes help optimise airflow around and below the exterior, with the coefficient of drag reduced to 0.326 (from the previous 0.34). Air flow around the vehicle decisively influences driving performance, so having these new benefits means decreased vehicle weight and better performance. Win! Another significant addition for 2018 is the available Motion-Activated liftgate. A simple wave of the foot under the centre of the liftgate activates the power opening function. It is standard on SV and SL grade.

HOW CONVENIENT for those days when you’ve got your hands full with grocery bags or luggage? Amazing!

Other exterior details include recessed front windshield wipers, roof rails and chrome door handles. An available Dual Panorama Moonroof is standard from SV grade.

It includes a sliding opening front panel and fixed rear glass panel, which extends over the 2nd and 3rd rows.

Be warned; make sure you check that you’ve closed this properly after use because we almost headed into the automatic carwash with it slightly open!

Under the hood, the revised 3.5-litre V6 engine has almost 7 per cent more horsepower and almost 4 per cent more torque thanks to its new engine. These include new combustion chamber design, pistons, 66

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intake manifold, electromagnetic Valve Timing Control and a new Direct Injection Gasoline system. So, when you need to put your foot down on those long highway drives (albeit, within the speed limits) be rest assured that the visibly heavy weight of the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder does not deter the car’s performance.

Inside, you’ll find SPACE. And lots of it. The 2018 Nissan Pathfinder focuses on convenience and connectivity.

For example, the cup holders have been reshaped to accommodate mug handles and an illuminated front storage bin. It might not sound like a big feat but it’s sure handy for those of us who like to take a hot mug of tea or coffee with them whilst running errands or driving on busy mornings to work.

There are now two USB ports inside the console versus the previous single port, so you know what that means.

You can charge two phones on the go – YES! The biggest change, however, is the adoption of newgeneration information technology. The standard Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display (ADAD), located in the centre of the instrument display between the tachometer and speedometer, features additional infotainment and driver assistance displays (versus the previous Pathfinder design). Voice recognition has been enhanced with a new HD microphone – and we can attest to it working perfectly.

As in previous years, the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder’s 3-row/7-passenger interior combines comfortable seating with the cargo capacity that families need every day. It offers the benefits of a mid-size crossover with the comfort of a larger SUV, including a flat floor for enhanced interior packaging flexibility and ample space (yay for the trips to IKEA).

An available remote engine start function allows the climate control system to warm up or cool down the interior prior to driving. They’ve thought of both your summer and winter needs.

The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), available with individual tire pressure display, comes with standard Easy-Fill Tire Alert that provides both visual and audible signals to help owners conveniently maintain correct tire pressures without the use of a gauge. More convenience bonus points!

It’s going to be pretty hard for our next SUV test drive to top the 2018 Nissan Pathfinder. With all the design, performance, safety, comfort, and user-friendly boxes ticked, it’s a vehicle where attention-to-detail has been a genuine focus. But, most of all, Nissan has succeeded in creating an SUV that belongs on the UAE roads for big families, adventure-seekers and petrol-heads alike.

Who can step up to challenge this? ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.NISSAN-ME.COM TO ARRANGE A TEST DRIVE AND FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CITY RIDES •

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• PLUGGED-IN

APP-LICIOUS LET’S SEE WHAT’S ON THE SMARTPHONE AGENDA FOR FEBRUARY…

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Vegetarious

Jauntlet

Share and explore vegetarian and vegan dining experiences with Vegetarious.

Be it at home or while travelling, use Vegetarious as a guide to discover vegetarian-friendly and incredibly yummy restaurants nearby. The app also lets you see great vegetarian dishes others have enjoyed and keep a list of your favourite places. You can also post check-ins with photos of your meals on your social media.

Contributing to the vegetarian and vegan community has never been so easy!

Planning a trip anytime soon? Make it a whole lot more fun by documenting it with Jauntlet! The travel blog and journal app lets you tell stories of where you’ve been and share plans of where you’ll be with free travel blogs. Give your friends the firsthand experience by chronicling your travel adventures by collecting and mapping your social media posts. You can also explore popular travel destinations and follow other travelers on their journeys. Bon Voyage!

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PLUGGED-IN •

BLACKBERRY COMEBACK Long before the iPhone frenzy began, the trusty classic Blackberry handsets were all the rage, and rightly so.

There was something oh-so-satisfying about punching away at a physical keyboard. While the QWERTY keyboard has been long retired by most smartphone designers, Blackberry has decided to bring it back, and better than ever! FACT explores…

Building upon the successful global launch of the award-winning BlackBerry KEYone and the introduction of BlackBerry Motion, TLC Communication is all set to bless us with an all-new colour variant and dual sim version of BlackBerry KEYone. Continuing to expand the overall BlackBerry smartphone user experience, the company aims to make the KEYone a distinctly different and powerful smartphone.

Ideal for corporate users and frequent travellers alike, the Bronze Edition comes packed with an array of security, productivity as well as reliability features.

Reimagining the modern smartphone, the KEYone offers you a Smart Keyboard, unmatched battery life as well as unique convenience and privacy features for the most secure Android smartphone experience.

A notch above the rest when it comes to durability, the smartphone’s iconic new design and display is built to last. Featuring Corning Gorilla Glass 4, it promises greater impact and scratch resistance.

Taking communication to a whole another level, the KEYone boasts a Smart Keyboard that goes beyond typing. Featuring flick typing and up to 52 customisable shortcuts, it responds to touch gestures that mimic the heritage of the BlackBerry trackpad. If you’re constantly on the run, a heavy-duty battery can be a true lifesaver. Armed with a 3505mAh battery, the smartphone offers all day use and then some. Its Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.0 technology enables up to 50 percentage charge in roughly 36 minutes!

For times when you only have a few minutes to grab a fast charge, Blackberry’s Boost can turbo charge your battery to get you the most charge with the limited time you have. Apart from some crazy good battery life, the BlackBerry KEYone also promises enhanced security features, giving you control and visibility over the privacy of your device. Thanks to the built-in DTEK privacy monitoring app, you have advanced protection from the very start. Another major advantage of this limited edition smartphone is its super impressive camera quality. If you’re someone who loves to make magic with their smartphone camera, the KEYone’s 12MP rear camera with an industry leading camera sensor should be right up your alley.

The wide aperture lens with large 1.55um pixels and dual-tone flash ensures your photos will have superior colour and clarity. Click away!

While there’s no dearth of amazing smartphones in the market, BlackBerry KEYone’s stunning Bronze Edition definitely holds its own. From its crystal clear camera quality to its superior convenience and functionality, the KEYone is sure to excite loyal BlackBerry users as well as first-timers alike. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.BLACKBERYMOBILE.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• SOCIETY

# A L # TAY E R # M O T O R S # M A R K S # PA R T N E R S H I P # W I T H # G A M I L AT I # E N D U R A N C E # C U P # F O R # M A R E S Al Tayer Motors, the UAE’s official Land Rover importer-dealer, began its association with the Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares in 2012 and the December 2017 staging marks the company’s seventh sponsorship of the event. The Gamilati Endurance Cup for Mares, being held as part of the HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Endurance Festival, seeks to recognise and honour the best rider and mare combination in endurance racing. The sport requires the rider and horse to work in perfect harmony as a combination. They must manage pace to complete long distances in the shortest riding time while passing stringent veterinary examinations to ensure that the horse is in a good physical condition.

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TOMMY HILFIGER SS18 REINVENTING AMERICAN CLASSICS, THIS IS THE COLLECTION YOU NEED TO MAKE A STYLISH YET CASUAL FASHION STATEMENT FOR SPRING. fact magazine

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• FASHION FOCUS

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FASHION FOCUS •

The Spring 2018 TOMMY HILFIGER Womens’s and Men’s wear collections celebrate speed and immediacy with a touch of vintage nostalgia. The collection gives a nod to Formula One racing pit crews with heritage work wear and a strong focus on denim. The look takes inspiration from the iconic shapes, bold colours and streamlined graphics of speed racers for a collection that reinvents the traditional all-American classics.

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SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM TOMMY HILFIGER’S SS’18 COLLECTION FOR HER

FOR HIM

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN TOMMY HILFIGER STORES ACROSS THE GULF. 74

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A SINGLE ISLAND, AN OCEAN OF EXPERIENCES. From sublime beaches to exotic wildlife. Escape to one of the three Anantara resorts on the island paradise of Sir Bani Yas and turn your dream vacation into reality.

Email crome@anantara.com or call +971 2 895 8700

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com CAMBODIA • CHINA • INDONESIA • MALDIVES • MOZAMBIQUE • OMAN • PORTUGAL • QATAR • SRI LANKA • THAILAND • UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • VIETNAM • ZAMBIA

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• STYLE

Spotlight On Pink We’re talking every shade of this vibrant hue; pastel, bubblegum, rose, blush, berry, peach, punch, magenta and hot pink – this is one diverse shade that’s made a huge comeback in many SS18 high street collections.

Mix and match different hues or go colour block from head-to-toe – the choice is yours! Here, we pick some of our favourite pink pieces to get into your wardrobes asap…

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01. Debenhams 02. Dorothy Perkins 03. Dune 04. F&F 05. H&M 06. M&Co 07. Marks and Spencer 08. Miss Selfridge 09. New Look 10. Oasis 11. River Island 12. Topshop

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STYLE •

Winter Sun Vibes Let’s face it – February is an unpredictable time for weather in the Gulf where it might be sunny all the time but the temperature requires you to wear a thick sweater or coat. With that in mind, keep your winter wardrobe stocked with all the latest high street fashion that caters to your style and the cool winter sun. Here are some of our best wardrobe picks to do this justice…

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01. Bershka 02. Debenhams 03. F&F 04. H&M 05. Levi’s 06. M&Co 07. Matalan 08. Mens at Dune 09. Next 10. River Island 11. Topman 12. Zara Man

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• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

Beauty Fix ALL THE LATEST PRODUCTS YOU NEED TO STEP UP YOUR SKINCARE AND MAKEUP GAME.

Guerlain

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MATTEMOISELLE PLUSH MATTE LIPSTICK

Enhanced with the revitalising new Gold Orchid Technology, the fresh and soothing global age-defying treatment brightens, smoothens and instantly redefines the contours of eyes and lips. With every application, fine lines, puffiness and dark circles are reduced and the eye area looks five years younger!

Making the matte lipstick of your dreams a reality, this is what every makeup junkie needs! With over 14 high-octane pigment shades to choose from, it provides mega rich colour minus the weight. Whether you’re looking for the perfect red, everyday nude or moody blue, Mattemoiselle Plush Matte makes it easier than ever to rock the entire rainbow!

Sephora CLEANSING AND EXFOLIATING CREAM Bring a whole new level of fun to your everyday skincare regime with this travel-friendly, delicious smelling skincare decked out in gorgeous colours. These cleansers are packed with skin-loving nutrients.

Hard working, fast and fuss-free, they remove face, lip and eye makeup in a single swipe. Take your pick from green tea, charcoal, coconut water and more!

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Missha Cosmetics TIME REVOLUTION VITALITY OIL

Enriched with six plant oils including rosehip, pomegranate and orange peel, it provides a moisturising and vitalising effect while leaving skin feeling refreshed. Ideal for dehydrated skin, the fast absorbing and nonsticky formula provides a healthy glow while sealing in moisture. Use it as the first step of your skincare routine for added benefits!

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Fenty Beauty

ORCHIDEE IMPERIALE EYE AND LIP CONTOUR CREAM

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Nars LIQUID BLUSH Get the most natural flush with Nars’ new highly pigmented Liquid Blush! Infused with monoi and tamanu oils, the silky and weightless formula blends effortlessly for a natural-looking, second-skin finish. Just one pump is enough to deliver the perfect amount of long-lasting colour for sheer to high impact looks. Add a healthy glow to your skin all year long!

BECCA APRES SKI GLOW FACE PALETTE Giving you the perfect rosy, fresh-fromthe-slopes glow, the Apres Ski Glow Face Palette includes a new Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Highlighter in Icicle and a new Mineral Blush in Winter Berry. Paired with four bestselling iconic shades, this face palette is all you need this winter.

From natural and fresh to bronzed goddess- the possibilities are endless!

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GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Fix FOREVER HELPING YOU TO STEP UP YOUR REGIMEN, THESE ARE SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE GROOMING PICKS FOR FEBRUARY…

Issey Miyake

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L’EAU D’ISSEY POUR HOMME OR ENCENS

Gold-infused water meets molten rock, L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Or Encens presents a new vision of a classic of masculine perfumery. Infused with one of the noblest ingredients of perfumery, incense, it is an innovative blend of force and freshness, inspired by the power of water.

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The Real Shaving Co. SENSITIVE SHAVE GEL

Enriched with Aloe Vera to soothe and moisturise, this gel gives you the closest, smoothest shave possible! It provides an invisible barrier for ultimate razor glide and precision shaving. Suitable for even the most sensitive of skin, it foams quickly with very little effort, while Cocoa Seed Butter protects against skin irritation.

Perricone MD SUPER CLEAN FACE WASH

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Powered by naturally-driven Phytocannabinoids, it delivers potent antioxidant benefits to help stressed, oil-prone skin feel soothed, healthy and refreshed. Designed specifically to address men’s key skincare needs, it gives you the best skin of your life without irritation or overdrying. The yummy woodsy green fragrance is a bonus!

Elemis PRO-COLLAGEN MARINE CREAM FOR MEN Powered with unique Mediterranean algae, Padina Pavonica, Ginkgo Biloba and soothing AbyssineTM, it instantly hydrates, smoothes and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Specially formulated for men, it is clinically proven to improve skin moisturisation, suppleness and elasticity. Ideal for post-shave comfort!

Lab Series FUTURE RESCUE REPAIR SERUM A high-performance, concentrated, daily anti-aging treatment, this global serum creates a barrier to help skin defend against pollution and combat visible aging. Acting as skin’s first line of protection, it works around the clock to help promote skin’s natural repair process and collagen production.

Chanel ALLURE HOMME SPORT Teaming freshness with sensuality, indulge your senses as the sparkling freshness of Italian mandarin, heightened by a crystal-clear accord, blends into the clean, intense notes of cedar. The irresistible fragrance features sensual Venezuelan Tonka bean combined with the enveloping notes of white musks to produce a deep and intense trail.

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• INTERIOR ENVY

ZARA HOME VASE UP This time of year is all about fresh blooms adorning the kitchen table or neatly placed on the windowsill. What better way to bring character into the home than with a range of beautiful vases to deck out your favourite flower hotspots in the house. Check out our top picks from Zara Home‌

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HOME STYLE •

House of Fraser

M&Co

Debenhams

dotcomgiftshop

Next

Debenhams

Cath Kidston

Box Love Gone are the days of stuffing things into drawers as we welcome more cute, quaint, pretty, quirky and not to mention, space-defying boxes. It can be where you put your folded socks, or your most precious jewellery, and even just for dĂŠcor purposes or food storage, but boxes are the way forward to neat spaces within the home. fact magazine

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

A Taste of Asia Cho Gao has now been open at InterContinental Abu Dhabi’s Marina Walk for a few months now and we’ve heard nothing but great things. With a real flair for flavours, Angela Beitz went to savour its offerings…

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• CULINARY SPOTLIGHT

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t’s no surprise that Asian fare is one of the capital’s most popular cuisines – after all, the multicultural communities, the availability of ingredients and some of the most skilled chefs are all present in Abu Dhabi. From casual to high-end options, the choices make for a competitive market, so when a new venue comes along and enters the game, you’d better believe that it needs to bring something new, original and amazing to the table.

The InterContinental Abu Dhabi is known for its excellent dining venues including Circo and Byblos Sur Mer, and we couldn’t think of a better home for the South East Asian eatery – Cho Gao Marina Walk. This is the second Cho Gao venue for Abu Dhabi with the other much-loved restaurant at the Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Street. They do say that you can’t get enough of a good thing – and that is exactly what the new Cho Gao Marina Walk offers – a beautiful dim-lit venue with sleek, moody décor. There’s lots of timber, paper lanterns, bird cages and intimate lighting – plus it’s a lot bigger than its counterpart. There’s a terrace overlooking the marina and inside you’ll even find a sushi bar, lounge area and plenty of high tables for large group gatherings, or secluded corners for more private dining experiences.

The bar is a real focal point with mixologists creating interesting cocktails and mocktails to the sound of upbeat, chilled music. The dishes are based on Indonesian, Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine, bringing the same luscious tastes to your palate.

All our favourites are on the menu and then some!

Order the Wasabi Prawns and feel the fresh, clean kick from the wasabi linger a little on your taste buds – SO good. Pad Thai and sushi rolls are a great sharing option, as are the newly-introduced Bao Tacos. Go for the hot Beef Tariyaki or the cold Tuna Ceviche (or both!) and be in awe of the generous 84

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

ingredients with every bite. Stand out dishes include the Thai Roasted Duck Red Curry with pineapple, grape and Thai basil - it’s hugely reminiscent of a red curry we tried on holiday in Thailand – and what’s a yummy dish without evoking foodie memories? The absolute mind-blowing choice, however, is the Chinese Black Pepper Beef with bell peppers and spring onions – we tagged it as the most tender beef in town and we stand by that statement. Served with a side of steamed rice and you’ve got a winner for all the meat lovers out there.

The Pomelo Salad with chicken, prawns, chilli jam, lime and peanuts is beautifully light and fulfilling, whilst the chicken and beef skewers are also a hit with the succulent meat coated in a lip-licking, sweet-spicy peanut sauce.

If curry is your thing then there are plenty of options such as yellow curry with fish or green curry with chicken. Both are super fragrant with creamy sauces and a nice hint of chilli, served with rice.

Dessert has some unusual choices like the Black Coconut Rice Pudding and the Green Tea Cheesecake – both selections that food connoisseurs can explore, whilst those who want to play it safe can indulge in the tasty Bitter Chocolate Cake and moreish Coconut Fried Bananas.

No matter what you’re in the mood for, Cho Gao Marina Walk boasts an extensive menu with SO much to choose from, so you can visit again and again and still be wowed with different dishes every time! ✤

GO: VISIT CHO GAO MARINA WALK AT INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI. CALL (0)2 666 6888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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JANUARY 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 07 AED10

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ON THE MENU •

Déjà BU! Every time we visit BU! in The Hub, World Trade Centre Mall, it feels like we’re getting reacquainted with an old friend. The venue is the same super stylish space, the service is on-point and the atmosphere abuzz. So what made our latest trip to the venue different? FACT’s Shabana Adam discovers the brand new Chef’s Special Menu in a place that feels like home… fact magazine

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• ON THE MENU

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f you know me, or anyone on the FACT team for that matter, you’ll know that we’re HUGE fans of BU! Not only for its beyond cool interiors where industrial elegance meets old-world factory feels, but also for its unapologetically, cuttingedge Pan-Latin cuisine.

What I’ve always loved at BU! is its sharingstyle menu. Everything is made and served with enough for a group of friends to savour together – so all the “mmmhs” are heard in perfect sync. Our go-to dishes include the zesty Salmon Ceviche and the humble Patagonian beef-stuffed Empanada, but on our latest visit, it was the limited-time-only Chef’s Special Menu that had all the taste buds at the table blown away.

The team of culinary experts at BU! pay homage to Latin American cuisine, highlighting exotic tastes from Mexico and Peru in this menu. We begin with an exquisite platter of Pulpo Nigiri, Bacalao and Salmon Trufado Sashimi. Our first impressions are all about the presentation as a basket of ice and fresh cuts of fish take centre stage. The Nigiri is placed on slate boards and also appears simple and clean in presentation – ideal for an insta-worthy flat lay! The crispness of each ingredient and the delicate textures of the Salmon has our eyes lighting up, and even those who aren’t huge fans of raw food decide to give this a try.

The BU! tempura is a pleasant surprise too.

Unlike many places where tempura can be thick, moreish and heavy, here both the veggie and seafood tempura is kept crispy on the outside, coated in a light batter, and fresh on the inside.

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Next, giant-sized, beautifully-spicy Sambal Shrimp Quesadillas appear in perfectly round soft tacos. These are possibly the biggest shrimps that we’ve laid eyes on in any restaurant in Abu Dhabi – but to make this dish even more memorable – the shrimp is incredibly juicy whilst the fingerlicking sauce is the main star here. With just the right amount of tanginess and a tasty lingering punch, this is the one dish we hope the venue will add onto its main menu for the long run.

Piping hot meat skewers come out on top of a fiery grill – they’re tender and chunky, and super rich in flavour – you might not want to share these if you can help it!

Pollo Andino is another dish that has everyone in awe! The generous size chicken lies on a bed of quinoa – it’s coated in the most gorgeous savoury sauce – secrets of the chef that we don’t want to give away. All we’ll say is – order it, eat it, and crave it for days to come. SO. SO. DELISH. Moving onto dessert, things get really playful. We’re talking piñata style. Above a large board hangs a nest-like cocoon of small chocolate and fruit pieces – give it a vigorous tap and the goodies fall onto the board below where you can pick them up to enjoy with different flavours of ice cream – a great interactive way to get people up and talking, this is BU!’s signature dessert, the aptly-named Piñata.

BU! continues to be living proof that you CAN stay true to the real flavours, ingredients and various cuisines of a whole continent, whilst reinventing and innovating cooking methods and techniques to create dishes that are eye-catching, exciting and forever palate-pleasing for guests. ✤

ON THE MENU •

A VERY TRENDY VALENTINE’S

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The team of culinary experts at BU! pay homage to Latin American cuisine, highlighting exotic tastes from Mexico and Peru in this menu.

GO: BU! IS LOCATED ON THE 4TH FLOOR OF THE HUB, WORLD TRADE CENTER ABU DHABI. CALL (0)2 666 8066 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

FEBRUARY 14 | 7PM | AED550 PER COUPLE Rediscover the feeling of falling in love this Valentine’s day and celebrate an urban romance at BU!, which offers an ideal setting for an intimate and romantic dinner.

Embark on a journey of sweet memories with your loved one and splurge on a four-course menu for two. Start with a charming seafood sharing platter, which includes oysters, sashimi, nigiri and more, followed by hot plates of Soft Tacos and Anticuchos. Continue to delight your senses with a choice of main-course, featuring Pollo Andino, Pescado Al Grill or Cazuala Trufada. Complete the meal with seductive flavours of BU’s signature dessert, Pinata and take sweetness to a whole new level, as the mixologists make hearts beat faster with their creations, for the ultimate expression of love.

Coupled with thoughtful service, an elegant ambiance and romantic latin songs, BU! is the perfect spot for a wow-worthy Valentine’s day. Private booths are also available for a more intimate setting. The a la carte menu will still be on offer.

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FEBRUARY 2018 VOL 4. ISSUE 08 AED10

For the culture-savvy in Abu Dhabi

DONUT WORRY, I LIKE YOU A LATTE! DINNER DATES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY. ARTS SPOTLIGHT ON VAN GOGH ALIVE. MOUNTAIN ROMANCE IN OMAN.

FEBRUARY EDITION AVAILABLE NOW on issuu.com/factmagazine 90

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FOODIE CORNER •

Still Rocking Stills at the Crowne Plaza Yas Island, is one of the city’s most-adored social hotspots with its chilled environment and lovely views, now the food institution has introduced a brand new menu to keep things fresh and exciting. FACT’s Angela Beitz went to check it out… fact magazine

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e love a good pub meal and there’s no better place to go for it than Stills at Crowne Plaza on Yas Island. The indoors boasts the longest bar in Abu Dhabi and is decked out in lots of black with pendant lighting and large mirrors. Since the weather is perfect for it, we opt to sit outside on the lovely terrace to soak up the sun.

The terrace is large and buzzing and has a perfect relaxed feel which is exactly what you would expect from a pub. It’s a good thing that we’re no strangers to trying lots of food in one sitting (in fact, we’re the pros!) and it’s a complete feast when the food starts coming out to the table.

The new menu still has all the old favourites that you’d expect from good pub grub like burgers and steaks, but it’s been given a more sophisticated twist and the presentation has also been revamped. We shared a few of the delicious starters which included the Stills Flat Bread, Chilli Chicken Lettuce Cups, and Beef Carpaccio. We loved the Chilli Chicken Lettuce Cups with tender chicken coated in a sweet and spicy soya glaze, toasted peanuts, fried glass noodles and fresh cilantro, all served in a crisp Iceberg lettuce leaf. The US Prime Beef Carpaccio was also a stand out dish with roquette, dijon mustard and balsamic dressing, Parmesan flakes, croutons and roasted pine nuts along with the Stills Flatbread topped with caramelised red onions, cherry tomatoes, feta, goats cheese, pesto, roquette and a balsamic glaze.

Think explosion of subtle flavours – and all the things we like!

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For mains we opt for the Stills Beef Burger, Pan Seared Crispy Skin Mediterranean Sea Bass, Quinoa Sliders and The Wagyu Pie with puff crust.

The Stills Beef Burger is an excellent juicy (and safe) options - beautifully presented with lettuce, onions, tomato, mushrooms and cheddar cheese complementing the mouthwatering meat all neatly tucked in a homemade Parmesan bun. The Sea Bass is served with garlic spinach, cherry tomatoes, truffle buttered potato, shallots and white wine cream foam – a true seafood feat for a pub – we’d order this again, FAST! The Quinoa Sliders are perfect for vegetarians with three mini softs buns, crispy quinoa patties, pickled cabbage and sauteed mushrooms – they could turn any carnivore with one bite. The most-fought over dish was, however, the Wagyu Pie with puff

crust, this carefully-created dish is slow braised for 12 hours with its Wagyu brisket, rich Guinness gravy, onions and mushrooms and is served with onion mash, veal bacon and cabbage. Can you say D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S? It had so much flavour and we couldn’t stop eating it!

As any good food fiend would, we finish off with something sweet. The Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble is delicious with a perfect mix of tart rhubarb and white chocolate and chantilly cream and the Pina Colada Panna Cotta is beautifully served in a cocktail glass with pineapple compote, Madagascar vanilla cream and fresh raspberry.

There’s a flavour to suit even the most discerning of palates.

Whether you’re opting for a long lazy lunch or a hearty dinner with friends – the new menu at Stills will definitely impress. ✤

FOODIE CORNER •

GO: VISIT STILLS AT CROWNE PLAZA YAS ISLAND. CALL (0)2 656 3000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

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SPA & WELLNESS •

On Cloud Nine Angela Beitz tries a new treatment at Sense Spa, Rosewood Abu Dhabi that leaves her floating on air…

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his time of year in the UAE couldn’t be better as the weather is at its best and there’s even a slight chill in the air. The downside of this though is the effects on your skin such as flaking and severe dryness due to the climate conditions and those extra long hot showers. But fear not dear readers as Rosewood Abu Dhabi’s Sense Spa has just introduced a new treatment this month that works wonders for the body and soul and acts as the perfect refresher to lacklustre skin.

We love this spa as they’ve managed to create a space which is luxurious yet understated and is run by super professional staff. Tucked away in the hotel, the spa is serene with low lighting and super chic, modern interiors. I sip on the welcome drink and fill out a consultation form that will help my therapist to understand my skin’s needs. After changing into a robe and slippers, I enter a beautiful treatment room, ready for complete zen.

I talk through my concerns with the therapist and she explains the treatment to me along with the products she will use. This is a treatment called Time For A Dream and it lasts 90 minutes. It’s from Maison Caulieres which is a new brand the spa has brought on. It’s designed to warm the body, lift your mood and leave you feeling energetic. A lovely touch is the Maison Caulieres candle that is burnt throughout the treatment to give a feeling of true decadence.

I lay down and the treatment begins with a head-to-toe floral and honey sugar scrub that smells divine and has a warming effect. The scrub is used to promote circulation and cellular renewal to the body. It’s applied with a decent pressure to really get the blood flowing, and is put on in small sections then immediately cleaned off with a warm towel. My whole body is left feeling silky smooth and hydrated. This process takes about 30 minutes and then the massage portion of the treatment begins. A warm, dry-oil is used which softens the skin and is applied as an energetic massage, really waking me up and soothing any sore muscles, knots and tired limbs. My head and face is also massaged – something which is SO underrated but much welcomed. I leave feeling relaxed but alert with smooth, hydrated skin.

I then spend some time in the calming relaxation area sipping green tea and munching on walnuts to complete this experience which is undoubtedly perfect if your skin needs exfoliating and if you’re feeling worn out and sluggish. My skin stays very smooth for a good two days and it’s the perfect way to really treat yourself to escape the busy world for a few hours. ✤

GO: VISIT SENSE SPA AT ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI, AL MARYAH ISLAND. CALL (0)2 813 5537 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• HAIR & BEAUTY

All About The Method Abu Dhabi hair goals have reached new levels with the opening of Rossano Ferretti in the capital. Angela Beitz puts her tresses to the test…

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f you’re not yet familiar with this brand, Rossano Ferretti is a huge name in Italy and he has now built a strong reputation worldwide. Having transformed the tresses of Kate Middleton, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lawrence and more, the celebrity hairdresser who is famous for his ‘Method’ technique, has recently opened two salons in the UAE and they’ve already made a huge first impression.

Depending on the length of your hair, The Method could set you back between AED450 and AED650 in the Dubai branch (Villa 306, Jumeirah Beach Road) or the Abu Dhabi salon on Al Karamah Street. The interiors of both salons are beyond stunning with lots of black, white and sleek grey features. I was lucky enough to visit the Abu Dhabi branch for the famous Method Cut, and where the highest level of professionalism is visible.

The fully converted and reimagined villa houses the new hair spa which allows customers to enjoy the unique Rossano Ferretti experience from start to finish, with an extensive range of treatments from the signature cut, specialist colouring services to expertly executed manicures, pedicures, facials (from HydroPeptide - one of our favourites), massages, waxing and more. In regards to hair care products Rossano Ferretti has its own brand of products which just adds to his expertise in this field.

Although Rossano stopped hairdressing a long time ago, he has trained staff to replicate his technique, which is inspired by the way the hair naturally falls, and his employees can offer you a much more inexpensive deal. The technique created by Rossano and Lorenza Ferretti, allows the designer to enhance the individual beauty of every client, customising the haircut according to the hair type and the characteristics of the individual person, enhancing the natural beauty of each and every client to pass through Rossano Ferretti’s Hair Spa. Having it done is sort of like the hairdresser doing a dance - they pick up sections of hair and trim at angles so that the hair falls more naturally and suits your face shape. I leave with soft layers, and bouncy curls. This is the best haircut and blow-dry I’ve experienced in nearly seven years of being in the capital, which may sound like an exaggeration but you’ll only know what I mean when you’ve tried it for yourself! ✤

GO: VISIT ROSSANO FERRETTI SALON IN VILLA 306, AL KARAMAH STREET, ABU DHABI. CALL (0)54 402 7373 OR VISIT WWW.RFHAIRSPA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 96

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CITY INSIDER

Josh Shah

Assistant General Manager, BU! Trinity

Tell us three things that make BU! stand out from its competitors: Well BU! The name itself really stands out, it’s actually taken from the word ‘BUenisimo’ which means ‘Really Good’ (I bet you didn’t know that). Location is a hit!, right in the heart of the city, the outdoor rooftop give us that New York style feel with views of the Abu Dhabi skyline. We have now added the option for large private and semiprivate areas within the restaurant which I feel other restaurants lack.

Our food is very different and always bursts with those Latin American ingredients. We really try at BU! to create an unforgettable experience and something different for our guests to leave them with a lasting impression right from the welcome to the final thank you and never goodbye but see you again soon.

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What are your favourite social hotspots in Abu Dhabi and why?

Funny you ask as it’s very rare that I get to socialise working within hospitality.

For me I LOVE Zaya Nurai Island - it’s my perfect getaway with a group of friends whether it’s for just a few drinks at the Smoking Pineapple or a beach day because it really is like going on a mini vacation. I love to shop, so my go to is Yas Mall; it really gives you all the options on a social aspect - great food, brands and entertainment for all to share. My job plays a massive part of my social life and I find it great that I can meet so many people from all different backgrounds and still be at work.

For 2018, highlight some of your professional and personal goals…

2018!! How time flies when you’re having fun! I’ve been very privileged to be working in this country for three years now and to be very honest I couldn’t ask for any more professional goals. I have grown my career massively and I never thought I would get to where I am today in such a short period of time. Some people wait years and years to get to where I am now and I am truly grateful for those who have helped me along the way but that being said I am a very ambitious person who constantly strives to the next level; I’m very dedicated and passionate about my job and my future career.

I always say you have to fight for what you want. On a personal level my goal is to travel some more and see more of the UAE and beautiful surrounding countries.

All you can eat Sushi Every Friday & Saturday from 4 - 8pm

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Only sushi rolls at per person per person Sushi rolls + unlimited beverages at

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Vegetarian options available

02 665 11 18

02 677 88 49

PRICE IS PER PERSON, SHARING NOT ALLOWED. OFFER IS APPLICABLE FOR ITEMS ON THE ROLLS SELECTION FROM THE SPECIAL SUSHI MENU, EXCLUDING: GREEN DRAGON ROLL, MT.FUJI VOLCANO, CRUNCHY SALMON ROLL, OCEAN DEEP ROLL. NOT VALID FOR TAKE AWAY. NOT VALID IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS. OTHER T&C APPLY

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T: +971 2 811 5666 | E: JADrestaurants@jumeirah.com