FACT Abu Dhabi October 2014

Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever

Have a Haunted Halloween fact magazine

October 2014. VOL 1 ISSUE 5. AED 10

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LISTEN UP

The Beatles had to dodge Jelly Babies thrown at them on stage because fans heard that George Harrison liked the sweets.

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FACT FINDS

ABU DHABI FILM FESTIVAL

Arabic food has a heavy Mediterranean influence; olives, dry fruits, cheese and other milk products are a big part of dishes.

The first animated film to be nominated for an Oscar for best picture was Disney’s Beauty and the Beast in 1991.

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HALLOWEEN

24 HOURS IN BAHRAIN

Jack-o’-lanterns is a Celtic custom intended to welcome home the spirits of deceased ancestors and ward evil spirits.

Studies show that money spent on travel makes you happier than money spent on material goods.

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ARTS

Researchers have found that learning art correlates strongly with higher achievement in subjects like maths and reading.

Prior to painting, every model is drowned in a 52-ton primer bath.

This rich anti-corrosion coating seeps into every nook an cranny.

New Collection

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MERCEDES-BENZ

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ICONIC CARS OF THE BIG SCREEN

Fast & Furious actors, Michelle Rodriguez and Jordana Brewster did not have driver’s licenses before the first film.

ATARMIA SPA

Drinking water before and after a spa treatment, reduces soreness and helps to flush the body of toxins released from the muscles.

THE SELFRIDGE TWIST

The four major fashion capitals of the world are New York, London, Milan, and Paris.

Each city holds fashion shows twice, in February and September.

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THE EDITOR

Cinematic Horizons “Film is incredibly democratic and accessible, it’s probably the best option if you actually want to change the world, not just re-decorate it.” - Banksy

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FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition October 2014 Volume 1, Issue 5

Have a Haunted Halloween

Roll Camera for Film Festival Fever OctOber 2014. VOL 1 ISSUe 5. AeD 10 front_filmfestival.indd 1

9/29/14 4:25 PM

Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick (tony@factlive.com) Editorial Assistant Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com)

films from 61 countries,

nine feature film world premieres, 48 short film

premieres, and 53 entries for this year’s Emirates Film Competition (37 of which are directed by women), now, if that’s not showcasing diversity and transcending cultural boundaries – I don’t know what is!

Holding prestigious events for people from

all corners of the world to attend is a great way to catapult Abu Dhabi and the UAE onto the

a look at opening and closing night films and a

little more on what’s to come (information that

Senior Graphic Designer Raquel Henriques

put together a fun filmmaking 101 guide for all

Design Rashed Bin Daina

was available before we went to press). We’ve even you movie enthusiasts who want to get behind

the camera! There’s so much more happening than what we selected to cover, so don’t forget to check out www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae for ALL the event info.

October brings with it a slew of fabulous

and all the best spooky shindigs around town.

Advertising Enquiries Email: chelsea@nansgroup.com

(ADFF 2014). It’s a 10-day event that will take

from awesome costumes, our favourite scary films,

and budding filmmakers the chance to experience some fantastic screenings, take part in Q&A

sessions with directors and producers, and attend workshops to pick up a few tricks of the trade.

If you want to find out more on some of

the upcoming highlights, turn to p23 as we take

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

Regional Key Account Manager Chelsea Copenhaver

p35 onwards has the lowdown on everything

parties and events. Our Halloween feature from

over the city later this month, giving cinema fans

Production & Distribution Manager Neil Mahmood

Photography Nick Langmead Sunder Pratap Singh

world stage. This is exactly why we’re SO excited

about the 8th edition of Abu Dhabi Film Festival

Creative Director Paula Leal

We pick some great Think Pink and Oktoberfest

happenings in both the events calendar (p18) and

Printed By Awal Press

in our foodie selection on p88-89.

Tying in with the film festival, our resident

petrol head brings you FACT’s 10 favourite cars from the big screen on p62, packed with iconic machines – do you agree with his choices? As

usual we’re satisfying your thirst for arts, dining, fashion, health, tech, and travel too, so there’s absolutely something for every single one of

our readers! Right, off I go to plan my ADFF itinerary… enjoy October to the max!

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. 361/14/A

Twitter: @FACTAbuDhabi Instagram: @factmagazine 4.

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SOCIAL MEDIA

mash up

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

Tweets Yasmin AlBalushi @Yas_AlBalushi Nothing is more annoying than watching a movie with kids who keep on questioning. #CanYouStop?

Ameena @AmeenaBucheeri “Oh no you have that look on your face that you want to have an emotional conversation that I don’t feel like having”

An Artistic Celebration of Arab Culture September 2014. VOL 1 ISSUe 4. AeD 10

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FACT Abu Dhabi @FACTAbuDhabi

Your one-stop culture fix for life in Abu Dhabi | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining & the coolest events in the city | Instagram: @factmagazine

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Mai Al Sarraf @MaiAlSarraf Funny how all these years everyone thought Hello Kitty was a cat...

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downloads of our interactive app!

Find Rashed?

He’s hidden somewhere in this issue, also available to download.

Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could WIN a dinner for two at Benjarong Restaurant in Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi. Look close and hard because Rashed will be perched on one of the editorial pages waiting to be discovered! Email editorial@factlive.com with the page number you think he’s on, your name and contact details! Good Luck!

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WIN

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COMPETITIONS

Send your answer(s) along with your name and number, with ‘FACT AD Comp’ in the subject line, to editorial@factlive.com

COMP CORNER FACT has some fabulous giveaways this month and here’s how you can enter for a chance to win…

WIN! A Business Lunch For Two at Silk & Spice Thai Restaurant, Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche This month our hotel hotspot is the stunning Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche and one of the dining experiences that we would highly recommend trying is Silk & Spice Thai Restaurant. Discover all the flavours of Bangkok enjoyed in a traditional Thai sitting and service, around sunken tables, with views over the Corniche. For your chance to win a business lunch for two at Silk & Spice, turn to p91 and find the answer to the question below:

NAME TWO OF THE DISHES THAT STOOD OUT FOR US WHEN WE VISITED SILK & SPICE…

WIN! A C+C Antioxidant Body Wrap at Atarmia Spa, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas After having an incredible relaxing spa treatment at Atarmia Spa, we just had to give one of our lucky readers the chance to experience the tranquillity of the spa for themselves. Up for grabs is a C+C Antioxidant Body Wrap, great for a body boost and recharge for life in the city. To enter all you have to do is ‘like’ Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ParkHyattAbuDhabi), then turn to p94 and find the answer to the question below:

TELL US THE FOUR PILLARS OF ATARMIA SPA…

WIN! Aéropostale Gift From The Latest Collection Worth AED375 America’s coolest fashion store Aéropostale, targeting young women and men has just stocked up on its latest collection across all local stores! The new line is fabulous as the company continues to provide customers with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, trendy merchandise at great value. It’s no wonder Aéropostale has become a favorite shopping destination for today’s youth. From tops and jeans, to super bright shorts, floral skirts and colourful dresses and hoodies, there’s something for every fashionista. Check out the brand’s Facebook page for all the latest info (www.facebook.com/AeropostaleArabia) and instagram (@AeropostaleArabia) too. Now, you can win a selection of Aéropostale goodies (pictured) by answering the question below:

HOW MANY AEROPOSTALE STORES ARE THERE IN ABU DHABI AND WHERE IS EACH LOCATED?

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listen up

GO: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast takes place from October 30 to November 8 at du Forum, Yas Island. Shows are on at various times; visit www.ticketmaster.ae for more information and to buy tickets.

Musical Mayhem If Disney stories are right up your street then mark this one in your diary!

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is coming to du Forum, Yas Island later this month. The story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress, is famous the world-over and based on the 1991 Academy-Award winning animated feature film of the same name.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast premiered on Broadway in 1994, where it was nominated for nine prestigious Tony Awards and ran for 13 years. It still ranks as one of the longestrunning and highest-grossing Broadway shows of all time and now you have the chance to go and see the show right here in Abu Dhabi. If you’re a fan of musicals, Broadway, or you just need a little fairytale escapism for a few hours, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will surely please!

The Beatles Buzz If you’re still spinning the old Beatles’ classics like Hey Jude, Hello Goodbye, Let it Be, and Can’t Buy Me Love amongst so many other timeless tunes

by Liverpool’s finest, then this event will be just what you need! The internationally acclaimed Beatles tribute act – Get Back The Story Of The Beatles – is confirmed for a one-off special performance at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Fans in Abu Dhabi will be transported from the shores of Saadiyat Island to the streets of 1960s Liverpool in their debut performance at the

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GO: Get Back The Story Of The Beatles will perform on October 9 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Visit platinumlist.ae to buy your tickets or call +971 2499 8107 for more information.

club. Playing on a specially constructed outdoor stage, the show is expected to see fans dance, sing and rock their way late into the night. With tickets starting from AED80 per person, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club will welcome people of all ages for their biggest ever live music event. This one’s definitely not to miss!

Strategically located in the West Bay area, Mövenpick Tower & Suites Doha’s 347 comfortable and large rooms are the perfect choice for the discerning traveller.

Whether you’re staying for just a few days, or are spending some more time with us, welcome to your home away from home.

West Bay connection and Swiss perfection.

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listen UP LISTEN up

Heritage Celebrated Abu Dhabi Classics Returns Following a three-year break, the popular international cultural concert season – Abu Dhabi Classics – is back for 2014/15. Reintroduced by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA), from October 2014 to May 2015, some of the world’s most prominent music talent and orchestras will perform in the UAE capital, on Saadiyat Island, and at historic sites in Al Ain. This season is dedicated to the theme of The Traveller, which will be explored through a wide range of musical performances, that will highlight the finest classical music from East and West.

The festivities kick-start on October 14 at Manarat Al Saadiyat with 32-year-old French prodigy Lydie Soloman who will perform a set dedicated to Chopin’s travels. On October 28, Abu Dhabi Theatre will host world-renowned classical violinist Gidon Kremer and the Kremerata Baltica chamber orchestra, which he founded. Music enthusiasts, make sure to keep your schedule free because some excellent concerts are on the way!

GO: Up to 12 concerts are planned for the 2014/15 season of Abu Dhabi Classics, featuring artists from over 20 countries.

Visit www.abudhabievents.ae for more information.

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If there’s one thing you should do this month it’s visiting the inaugural Abu Dhabi National Traditional Handicrafts Festival in the emirate’s heritage heartland of Al Ain. Organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA), this exciting festival is the first of its kind, in line with the Authority’s aim to preserve, celebrate and promote the mystifying and intriguing heritage of the UAE. Taking place at the historic Souq Al Qattara, a fantastic public programme with a variety of activities will be on offer, including a souk for crafts, showcasing heritage material, and traditional products. Check out the many heritage-themed competitions for visitors of all ages, such as the Al Yola dance contest for children, a craftsmanship competition, preparation of traditional dishes and the time-honoured making of Arabic coffee. There will also be performances of Al Harbiyah, Al Ayyalah, Rebaba music and Al Shillah. The festival aims to shed light on the importance of traditional craftsmanship in Emirati heritage and support craftsmen’s efforts to preserve, revive, and transfer their skills to future generations. “Craftsmanship reflected the very essence of social values at the time and the deep bond between local people and their surrounding environment. Despite the scarcity of natural resources, people were able to invent tools to help them withstand harsh living conditions and these crafts added an aesthetic touch to the details of their daily lives,” says Dr. Nasser Ali Al Hamairi, Director of TCA Abu Dhabi’s Intangible Heritage Department.

GO: Visit the first National Traditional Handicrafts Festival at Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain, taking place October 23 to 29.

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CHECK IT OUT

Fact Finds Kahraman at Southern Sun

Discover more of Abu Dhabi with FACT Finds.

Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity or interesting find from around the city.

Last month we had the pleasure of visiting the Southern Sun Hotel and trying its fabulous steakhouse – The Foundry.

For October we went back to check out its other dining option – Kahraman – this one offering a whole new dinner experience, with a menu designed to attract both locals and expats alike.

It’s safe to say that expectations were high, and we were most intrigued by the concept at this Arabic restaurant with a sushi twist (yes, you heard right). Upon arrival we walked into a large, spacious and airy 14.

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venue. It had many seating options from tall throne-like chairs at standard-sized tables, to cushy sofa-seating for smaller groups, and even HUGE rectangular tables, perfect for a big party of friends or a family.

Now, whether you’re a fan of Arabic cuisine, or just like to treat your taste buds to Middle Eastern flavours once in a while, Kahraman’s menu will surely impress.

Available under Cold Inspirations and Salads we started off with Hummus, with pickled spicy pimento tartar, and orange zest; Tastings of eggplant mutable; with stuffed vine leaves, crab cake, and herb

GO: Dine at Kahraman in Southern Sun Hotel Abu Dhabi. Dinner is served from 7.30pm to midnight and the dress code is smart casual.

Call +971 2818 4888 for more information or to make a reservation.

chermoula; Crudites, with truffle labneh; and Fresh rocca, with duck confit, halawa sauce, and pine nut. The absolute standout here was *drum roll* the hummus! We’re told that Kahraman’s chefs carefully peel the skin off each chickpea used to make this much-loved Arabic starter. And, without exaggerating, this was by far the smoothest hummus we’d ever tasted!

Another winning dish was the truffle labneh, though we were fairly skeptical at first, as truffle is an acquired taste.

Our doubts were soon put to rest as we tucked into a massive platter of super fresh vegetables (they were served on a bed of ice!), dipping each piece of asparagus and cucumber stick in the labneh, and eating away to our heart’s content.

We were slowly beginning to understand that Kahraman’s menu was full of welcomed surprises, and each item and portion size was thoughtfully created to make dishes easy to share; it was like sitting around the table at home and eating with your family.

The Hot Inspirations followed suit.

Out came Chicken mussakhan, with organic salad and tahina sauce; Arabic spice-rubbed friend calamari with green lime mayonnaise; Meat kibbeh with seared duck liver and apricot chutney; and Lobster kibbeh with guacamole. Closely followed by Saffron marinated Canadian lobster; Arabic spice marinated tiger prawns; and a sharing platter of Arabian

grills including lamb chops, kofta kebab, shish tawook and lamb tikka.

Though all were tasty, the dishes that made us say mmmh at every mouthful were the beautifully crunchy fried calamari; the juicy Canadian lobster; and the mouthwatering tiger prawns. Another great thing is that we didn’t once use salt and pepper throughout the meal – all the dishes were perfectly seasoned to taste!

In the midst of all this Arabic goodness, there’s a sushi counter and a menu that is just to-die-for. Our recommendations: Celebration Maki and the life-changing (literally), Surf n Turf Maki. Yes, believe us, wagyu beef and ebi tempura is a match made in food heaven!

For dessert it had to be the sticky date cookie and the coffee ice cream – both were scrumptious and a yummy ending to a dinner that was pleasantly surprising!

Advice: if you love spicy food, don’t expect to be wowed. We’re sure that if you requested spice in your food, the chefs will happily add it, but, this sort of beats the point. The point being that Kahraman does what it claims to offer very very well. That is, being an authentic Arabic restaurant, with Arabic flavours, and a creative culinary edge that appeals to both traditional tasters and contemporary foodies alike.

Really good Arabic fare, plus a homely touch, plus an original and innovative menu, equals a dinner well worth having at Kahraman! fact magazine

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SCOOP

Around the world ...Doing the UAE Proud

Bringing you the latest news of local and fellow Emiratis and their influence around the world... tell us your news, or share your finds with us on twitter @FACTAbuDhabi!

India With India producing the largest number of international hotel guests for Abu Dhabi over the past year, the Emirate’s tourism industry embarked on a five-city roadshow aimed at keeping Abu Dhabi as the preferred destination to visit for travellers from India. Etihad Airways, Yas Island, hotels and tour operators, joined the roadshow across Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai and New Delhi which has been organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

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UAE Buzz

Bahrain His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain welcomed General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and his delegation to Bahrain. The two sides reviewed and discussed the excellent bilateral relations between the two fraternal countries and there was a discussion about regional developments as well. A lunch feast was hosted by King Hamad in honour of General Shaikh Mohammed and his delegation.

Love it

Etihad Airways Staff Equality

We love that Etihad Airways employs hundreds of different nationalities.

For example, more than 300 Serbian nationals work for Etihad Airways, nearly 200 cabin crew, four pilots, 30 guest service agents and more than 70 others in corporate roles. Nine young Serbian graduates are currently participating in the graduate programme!

Hate It

Animal Cruelty!

Many UAE residents are buying pets without knowing how to take care of them. Dr Wernery, the Scientific Director at the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory in Dubai shares his concerns, saying animals are beyond help when brought to him. Many die from diseases and problems caused by poor diet and mistreatment. We plead with all pet owners to please learn more about appropriate animal healthcare.

Thailand ‘Anantara Arabian Nights’ team represented the United Arab Emirates in this year’s highly popular King’s Cup Elephant Polo Tournament, which was held in Bangkok. The team comprised of five members; Steve Thompson, Stuart Allan, Kristin Grube, Amer Braik and Wael Soueid. A total of 50 street elephants took part in this year’s tournament, during which they were well fed, provided with a native forest environment, and received essential vitamin supplements, full veterinary checks and care for the duration of the event.

Can’t Believe it

Abu Dhabi Hosts A World First

The First Round-the-World Solar Flight from Abu Dhabi! Sounds exciting, right? Co-founders and pilots of Solar Impulse 2, Bertrand Piccard and André Borschberg are planning to undertake this task in March 2015. Masdar will host the team two months prior, for testing and training. During the stay the team will visit schools and conduct educational workshops too.

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HAPPENINGS

Getting Out & About This Month in Abu Dhabi

Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can still find more throughout the mag!).

0408 10 13 15 SATURDAY

WEDNESDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

WEDNESDAY

SO MUCH SUSHI at Toshi, Grand Millennium Al Wahda

PINK PAMPERING at Anantara Spa, Eastern Mangroves

PINK KITTY BRUNCH at Silk Route, Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi

SENORITA’S NIGHT at Chamas Bar InterContinental Abu Dhabi

JAZZ AT ST. REGIS 3-day Event at The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

Those of you obsessed with the yummy bitesized rolls should head down to Toshi between 7pm and 11pm to curb your sushi cravings! Sumptuous flavours of unlimited sushi and sashimi are offered for AED119++ excluding beverages and AED179++ including selected vino and ale!

Indulge in the ProCollagen Quartz Lift Facial for restored radiance. Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve skin firmness. The great thing is that you can relax knowing that AED35 from each treatment at Anantara Spa in October, will be donated to Bosom Buddies, an Abu Dhabi-based cancer support group.

Savour a fabulous salad buffet, delicious main courses and mouthwatering desserts at a special Hello Kitty themed brunch. There’s a fab Kidz Zone with fun activities and prizes, and a kid’s buffet too.

A percentage from the brunch will be donated towards breast cancer awareness.

Ladies get down to Chamas for an evening of fun, laughs and, more importantly, classic cocktails. Lose yourself in the intoxicating Latino rhythms of resident band, Quattro as you chill and catch up with the girls from 8pm to 11pm.

Jazz aficionados listen up! The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will host threepacked days of jazz events including Family Jazz Day, supported by ADMAF and Journeys with Jazz Gala featuring 11 artists showcasing classic blues and jazz.

GO: Call +971 2495 3921 for more information.

GO: Call +971 2656 1146 for more information.

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GO: AED139++ (brunch only), AED179++ (incl. unlimited brew and bubbly), and kids under 6 dine for free. Call +971 2657 4858 for more information.

GO: Call +971 2666 6888 for more information.

GO: Call +971 2694 4553 for more information.

17 19 24 2730 FRIDAY

SUNDAY

FRIDAY

MONDAY

THURSDAY

DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri

PINK AFTERNOON TEA at Alba Lobby Lounge, Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal

CHILL & GRILL BRUNCH Nahaam, at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

AFRICA ART MONTH at Abu Dhabi Art Hub

DISNEY’S BEAUTY & The Beast at Du Forum

Starting today the 7th Dragon Boat Festival will take place at Plaza Bar, North Beach.

Go and witness this exhilarating water sport from the comforts of the private beach where a DJ spins tunes, and there’s a massage kiosk, volleyball and kayaking too!

Go and help support breast cancer awareness as Alba Lounge and the Spanish Community of Abu Dhabi host Pink Afternoon Tea. Participating ladies will be able to make donations as well as a Q&A session with a guest medical expert while enjoying pinkthemed delicacies and freshly brewed beverages.

Enjoy live BBQ stations, premium cuts, extensive fresh seafood, sushi and oyster counters, an artisanal cheese counter and irresistible desserts, with live music and entertainment. Brunch starts at AED285++ per person with indoor and al fresco seating.

Go and marvel the works of four African artists exhibiting inspirational works of art as part of the artist in residency programme at Abu Dhabi Art Hub. The four featured artists are from Nigeria, Kenya, Mauritius and Zimbabwe.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast is coming to du Forum, Yas Island from October 30 to November 8. Based on the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell. This is one for the kids and adults alike!

GO: Call +9712509 8630 for more information.

GO: Call +971 2811 5666 for more information.

GO: Call +971 2551 5005 for more information.

GO: Visit www.ticketmaster.ae to buy tickets for the show.

GO: From 5pm to 7pm at AED70. Call +971 2818 8282 for more information.

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REGIONAL HAPPENINGS

Diary Dates For those of you thinking of jetting off around the region this month, we’ve rounded up some of the best events for you to check out in our neighbouring nations…

BAHRAIN

LEBANON

muscat

Where Bahrain National Museum When Runs until November 1

Where Forum De Beyrouth, Beirut When October 8 to 11

Where InterContinental Muscat When October 19 to 21

Photography fans this one’s for you! India through the lens is an exhibition that portrays India through the eyes of four photographers; Jyotti Bhatt, T.S. Saytan, Maimouna Guerresi and Karen Knorr. The 20th century work of Jyotti Batt and TS Satyan communicates the life of the Indian populous post independence - from street scenes to portraits of prominent figures.

The 21st century work of Karen Knorr and Maimouna Guerresi delves deeper, by using staged events, manipulations and constructions to explore the religious, cultural and visual heritage of India.

It’s one of the best magic shows in the world, packed with thrilling stunts and tricks! Seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth enact mind-bending acts, many of which have never been seen before. Each Illusionist is a master in their field. With an assembled cast of 20 sidekicks, they will perform a powerful mix of their most outrageous and unbelievable acts. To top it off, you’ll be enjoying this jaw-dropping show in one of the region’s most exciting cities – Beirut! Book your tickets to Lebanon today for this awesome stage show.

Another great expo! The Italian Solo Exhibition is going to be held for four days. Industry leaders and professionals from the fashion, furniture, textile, art and craft, food and beverage. and home decoration sectors, will attend this event to share and exchange new and innovative ideas. There’s a great opportunity to familiarise with all kinds of fashion apparel, crystal and glassware, ceramic and marble, leather goods, footwear, textile, fabrics, sports goods and leisure wear, food products, and agricultural products, which will be showcased by worldwide exhibitors.

India Through The Lens

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The Illusionists

Italian Solo Exhibition

Luxury has a new residence Ramee Ramee Grand Grand Hotel Hotel & & Spa: Spa: Luxury has a new residence Located in the business district of Seef, opposite to Seef Mall and 4-minute drive from Bahrain City Centre, Located in the business district of Seef, opposite to Seef Mall and 4-minute drive from Bahrain City Centre, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa offers a 5 star experience whether travelling on business or simply on Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa offers a 5 star experience whether travelling on business or simply on a mini weekend spree. a mini weekend spree.

Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa provides all the facilities you may ask for under one roof with stylish rooms, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa provides all the facilities you may ask for under one roof with stylish rooms, various dining outlets and one of the best-late night venues for a perfect night out. various dining outlets and one of the best-late night venues for a perfect night out.

Seef Area | Kingdom of Bahrain | T: +973 17 111 999 Seef Area | Kingdom of Bahrain | T: +973 17 111 999 reservation@rameegrandbahrain.com reservation@rameegrandbahrain.com www.rameegrandbahrain.com www.rameegrandbahrain.com

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film festival

2014

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CULTURE

Roll Camera… Action!

Cinema fans get ready for the 8th Abu Dhabi Film Festival (ADFF), powered by twofour54. We take a look at some of the upcoming highlights of this much-anticipated 10-day event…

On OPENING Night

FROM A TO B Directed By Ali Mostafa

He’s famed for the award-winning film City Of Life (2009), and now, Emirati director Ali Mostafa is back with his second full-length feature film – From A to B – which will be screened on opening night of Abu Dhabi Film Festival. For the first time in the event’s history, it kicks off with a locally produced film by one of the UAE’s most noted directors, and Image Nation Abu Dhabi.

Ali Mostafa: The Man Behind The Camera He’s somewhat of a pioneer in the world of Arab filmmaking, growing up in the emirates and pursuing his goal of working in the film industry, by achieving a Masters degree in Filmmaking, from the London Film School. Ali now has his own production company called AFM Films that is renowned for its creative freedom and production of cutting-edge work. It was back in 2009 when Ali captured the hearts and minds of filmgoers with his and the UAE’s biggest achievement in film - City Of Life. The young director’s big-budget debut broke box office records, insanely!

He’s worked on a number of short films, documentaries and TV commercials, as well as winning a number of accolades during his relatively short professional career in film. His short film Under the Sun won ‘Best Emirates Film 2006’ at the Emirates Film Competition, Dubai International Film Festival named him ‘Best Emirati Filmmaker’, while Digital Studio magazine awarded him ‘2010 Young Filmmaker of the Year.’ Having helped to catapult Arab filmmakers onto the world stage, we’re confident that Ali Mostafa has nothing but surprises waiting for audiences everywhere!

From A to B: What’s it about?

Starring Madeline Zima, Christina Ulfsparre, Ahd, and Ali Suliman to name but a few of the talented cast members, From A to B follows three Western-educated Arab youths and childhood friends, who grew apart, and have now reunited for a road-trip from Abu Dhabi to Beirut, in memory of a best friend who they lost five

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years earlier. Their plan to cover the 2,500 kilometers in three days soon faces obstacles though, and if what happens on the route doesn’t make them crazy, it just might make them closer again! Talking about having From A to B open ADFF this year, Ali says: “It is a privilege to celebrate the World Premiere in our capital city and

I am proud to have the first Emirati film to ever open the festival. This is another testament to our growing industry as the festival has proven to be a great platform for launching Arab films to an international audience”.

From A to B is set to be a heartwrenching yet humorous on-the-road film, and we can’t wait to see it!

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CULTURE

On Closing Night

HOW TO FESTIVAL: 5 TIPS

DISNEY’S BIG HERO 6 Directed By Don Hall and Chris Williams

Where opening night kick starts this year’s ADFF with a heavy focus on the local and regional (and rightly so), closing night takes a 360 spin all the way to Hollywood. Disney’s animation film Big Hero 6 will mark the end of ADFF 2014.

Experience Get your programme, do your research, select which films you want to watch, then start exploring.

Interact Take the opportunity to share your thoughts, ask questions, and learn more from filmmakers during Q&A sessions after screenings.

Experiment ADFF has a full programme of events such as workshops and talks to complement the screenings – find out where they are and go along to pick up some tips and tricks of the film trade.

Vote Visitors are the jury at ADFF and have the chance to be heard with the Audience Choice Award. So, if you see something that made an impact on you, go ahead and vote for it!

For so many years now, Disney has been giving the world animated films that have gone on to become HUGE hits with global audiences, and it’s no different here in Abu Dhabi; both adults and children alike, appreciate the touching stories, colourful characters and a few hours of escapism that Disney animations provide. It’s only fitting that after 10 days of fantastic film screenings, workshops and

activities, that ADFF 2014 ends on a lighter, brighter note. This will be Big Hero 6’s debut in the Middle East, only a few days after its world premiere in Tokyo. Well, Walt Disney Animation Studios has given us massive hit in the form of Frozen this year, so we’ve got sky-high expectations for Big Hero 6!

Connect ADFF will be running great competitons and giveaways throughout the festival, across its social media. Keep an eye on their Facebook and Twitter for a chance to win wonderful prizes.

GO: Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2014 will take place at various venues from October 23 to November 1.

Visit www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae for more information.

Big Hero 6: What’s it about?

With a stellar voiceover cast including Genesis Rodriguez, Scott Adsit, Jamie Chung, and Damon Wayans Jr to name but a few, we’re already impressed (just by the credits list) with Big Hero 6. The film is an actionpacked, comedy-adventure about the special bond that develops between Baymax, a plus-sized inflatable robot,

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and robotic prodigy Hiro Hamada, who join forces with a team of crime fighters to save San Fransokyo. This band of high-tech heroes, made up of the genius Hiro Hamada, adrenaline junkie Go Go Tamago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon, fanboy Fred, and of course Baymax the robot, carry the heart and humour

of any good Disney animation. Ali Al Jabri, Director of ADFF, says: “We are very happy to close the festival with a film that is not only a lot of fun, but brings to superhero movies the same heart-wrenching emotions that Frozen brought to princess stories. This choice shows the wide range of great films the festival brings year after year.”

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CULTURE

“Is The Cinema More Important Than Life?”

So famously quoted by legendary filmmaker François Truffaut, who brought tender love stories, exciting crime films and brilliant literary adaptations to cinema. At this year’s ADFF, and for the first time in the Arab world, François Truffaut’s work will be celebrated through screenings of a selection of restored films by the influential director. FACT takes a look at the seven chosen films that will be screened during ADFF… François Truffaut was known for his fluid camerawork and post-modern approach being one of the key figures of the French new wave cinema of the late 1950s. He is spoken of in the same regard as other movie legends such as Jean-Luc Godard and Louis Malle, being a leading film critic for Cahiers

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du Cinéma, mastermind of the auteur theory and heir to the humanistic cinematic tradition of Jean Renoir.

Still highly admired in the filmmaking community, François Truffaut died in 1984, leaving behind a legacy of fantastic motion pictures. Here’s more about his films being screened at ADFF…

The 400 Blows (1959)

The childhood story of troubled French schoolboy Antoine Doinel, who is ignored and misunderstood at home and at school. He begins a downward spiral of lies and petty crime. The intenselytouching story takes a turn when the youth is placed in a juvenile detention centre. After running away, he ends up facing an uncertain future in one of cinema’s most legendary closing shots.

Jules and Jim (1962)

Another of the director’s celebrated films, Jules and Jim is a bittersweet tale centered on a love triangle concerning two friends, who fall in love with the same impulsive woman, Catherine. Truffaut’s timeless meditation, now stunningly restored, on loving more than one person at the same time, features Jeanne Moreau in one of her iconic performances.

The Wild Child (1970)

It’s 1798, and we’re in a French forest, when some countrymen catch a wild child who cannot walk, speak, read or write. The child becomes the fascination of Doctor Itard who begins to educate the boy in the hopes to civilise him. A story of patience, hope and love, based on true events.

Day For Night (1973)

A film about the making of a film, not quite so literally though; this is the story of a committed film director struggling to complete his movie while coping with numerous problems, both personal and professional, among the cast and crew. Get prepared for romance, controversy and lots of drama!

Small Change (1976)

This comedy drama is set in the town of Thiers in the summer of 1976, and observes the daily skills, love, attention and struggles of its inhabitants. Parents, teachers, teens and toddlers, all play their part in a plot that is all about the characters’ everyday lives. If you love meaningful messages about life, this is the film for you.

The Man Who Loved Women (1977)

Straight to the heart of relationships, and illustrating the need to charm; this story begins with many women attending Bertrand Morane’s burial. They are all the ones that the 40-year-old engineer loved. Flashback: Bertrand’s life and love affairs, told by himself while writing an autobiographical novel.

The Last Metro (1980)

A war drama sparked with romance, we’re in 1942 occupied Paris where an an actress married to a Jewish theater owner must keep him hidden (in the basement) from the Nazis, while doing both of their jobs. This includes keeping the theatre alive with a new play. A heartwarming film about art, life and love.

Emirates Film Competition ADFF has selected 53 films for this year’s Emirates Film Competition (EFC), featuring 37 films directed by women, representing a huge variety of genres.

Launched in 2001, the EFC hosts annual workshops, as well as interviews between directors, students, and those interested in cinema and the film industry. The line up for the upcoming edition of EFC features a number of exciting films by Emirati filmmakers such as Nasser Al Tamimi’s “Female Scream,” Nasser Al-Yaqoubi’s “Haneen,” Hassan Kiyani’s “Marwan The Boxer,” and Ali Mostafa’s musical “Rise.” In addition, Sarah Al Agroobi’s “Super Lochal” is among the selected films. “Desire” by Hala Matar (Bahrain, starring Johnny Knoxville) has been selected for ADFF’s Short Film Competition along with “Koshk”, directed by Emirati Abdullah Al-Kaabi. Highly anticipated films from the GCC region include “Now Showing” directed by Abdullah Al Daihani (Kuwait), “Rainbow” directed by Mahmood Al-Shaikh (Bahrain), “623” directed by Shaikha AlNaimi (Qatar).

GO: Check out the list of nominees at www.abudhabifilmfestival.ae

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FACT FOCUS

filmmaking

101

In celebration of Abu Dhabi Film Festival, FACT’s Pallavi Ramesh has put together a go-to guide for all you future directors and filmmaking enthusiasts to keep at hand…

Filmmaking Essentials CHECKLIST:

Filmmaking Process

Filmmaking essentially has three main steps. Here’s what you should be ready for when it comes to each stage...

Some of the absolute nuts and bolts you need before starting production:

1.

Camcorder 2.

Digital SLR 3.

Full-size microphone

Pre-Production

Before you start filming you’ll need to: Do a Casting - Make a Storyboard - Find Shooting and Base Locations - Assemble a crew - Get a Set designer - Schedule Filming - Get a Costume designer

Production

When shooting starts, be prepared for all the below: Directing - Camera operation - Lighting - Sound Recording (dialogues, sound effects, music) - Acting Requirements

4.

Lapel microphone 5.

Tripod 6.

Five point LED Lighting kit 7.

Field recorder and monitor 8.

Jib crane

Post-Production

After shooting and before the film is released: Rough Cut Edit (voiceover and music) - Add motion graphics, (VFX AND animation) - Synchronising picture and sound - Creating an Online Edit - Final Edit (grade, mix, and master) - Film out and release prints

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9.

Portable data storage device 10.

A bounce board

FACT’S 10 Commandments of Camera Use

The biblical principles of creating quality videos and films…

1

Thou shall not fire hose Panning the camera from side to side or tilting up and down to record everything and anything is a big NO! It makes the viewer dizzy. (It’s literally like a fireman using a fire hose to put out a fire).

2

Thou shall have suitable headroom

Improper headroom is one of the most common mistakes, with too much or too little space given over the head. Placing a person’s eyes one-third of the way down in the frame will provide proper headroom (Thumb rule).

3

Thou shall stay close to the subject

The subject should dominate the frame, not the surrounding scene. The subject becomes small when the camera is far away and this places more of the scene in the frame than required, so stay close and fill the frame!

4

Thou shall not snap shoot

Don’t make your shots too short, the viewer will not recognise what is happening. Keep your shots long enough for coherence and precise editing.

5

Thou shall not head hunt

Don’t place the subject in the exact center of the frame, with equal sides, top, and bottom surrounding them; it looks as if they’re being held at gunpoint! Head hunting also creates poor composition.

6

Thou shall not backlight Your background should not be brighter than the subject; this will produce a shadow and create a dark-silhouette on your subject. AVOID bright backlight.

7

Thou shall not over zoom

Do not be a zoom monster! Don’t zoom in and out, without a reason. Zooming is required to develop a mood or feeling in some scenes, but otherwise taking shots and sequencing them together are better than losing control with the zoom.

8

Thou shall take the camera of thy shoulder

Shot varieties can make a video thrilling and creative, so move your camera; over the head, to low-angles or in the centre, depending on the scene. The key is to plan your shots in advance!

9

Thou shall not walk while shooting

Walking while recording should be avoided (unless you’re purposely making a free-hold film). If you really need to then make sure to hold the camera still, walk slowly, keep your hands and legs bent and don’t hold the camera against your body.

10

Thou shall have good audio

Stay as close to the subject as possible for the best sound and make sure to eliminate unwanted noise, when your camera is rolling. Monitor the sound with earphones, as audio carries the message; no audio, no message!

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FACT FOCUS

Need to Know: Camera Shots

R Long Shot With the lens at its widest focal length, the angle of view is large. Wide shots are generally used to show the location where the action takes place, for example, in a landscape view.

i Medium Shot The shot that utilises the most common framing in movies, showing less than a long shot, but more than a close-up. A medium shot usually shows characters from the waist up, and is popularly used in television interviews.

Filmictionary Frames per Second (FPS) The speed of the film; the number of frames or images that are projected or displayed per second.

Angle The perspective from which a camera depicts its subject.

Art Director The person responsible for the design, look, and feel of a film’s set, including the number and type of props, furniture, windows, floor and all other set materials.

Avant-garde An experimental or abstract film that is often the forerunner of a new artistic genre or art form. These films self-consciously emphasise technique over substance.

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Director of Photography (DOP) The head of the production unit.

The DOP often operates the camera as a cinematographer and shoots a scene as per the director’s instructions. Operating a camera requires composing the image, adjusting focus, exposure, use of filters and other technical aspects.

Executive Producer (EP) The person responsible for the overall production of a film from everything to do with finance, legal aspects, copyright and so on, ensuring the smooth flow of each stage of the filmmaking process (though not directly involved in technical things!).

Close-up Shot With magnified details, this shot contains focus on just one subject, like a characters face, and is generally used to capture emotions, expressions and reactions of actors, closely.

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Society

#CHOCOLATE #JEWELLERY #MAKING #CLASS Fairmont Bab Al Bahr welcomed guests for the evening at The Chocolate Gallery’s preview of the new chocolate jewellery making class. Attendees put their crafting and baking skills to test with the help of the pastry chefs, walking away with beautiful edible jewellery creations!

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Get ready to be spooked and scared this month, it’s Halloween! FACT has your ultimate guide to a hauntingly good time this October; from costume ideas, scary films, frighteningly good recipes, and all the best parties in the city, we’ve got all your thrilling needs covered…

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HALLOWEEN

COSTUME IDEAS From film favourites, superheroes, and all the ‘it’ TV characters, we’ve got plenty of quirky options for your 2014 Halloween costume, guaranteed to make you the show stopper of the party.

Despicable Me 2

Dress up as the grown-up version of these adorable animated creatures - the minions (with two eyes of course). Put on a long-sleeved yellow shirt under a blue sleeveless dress, add oversized goggles, a yellow hairband, black gloves and high socks with heels. Guys you can steal this look quite easily too! Now, run around the party, get on the dancefloor and look super cute whilst doing so, just like a minion!

Maleficent

Don the look of the famous Disney Villain - Maleficent - and get vamped up for your Halloween party. All you need to do is get yourself a black tube dress, put on a purple collared coat and a black horn hairband. Add dark, smoky eyes with purple eyeshadow, long lashes, and blood red lipstick, and boldcoloured nails, to complete this saucy look.

Zombie

An absolute classic Halloween look that’s back in the popular stakes as shows like True Blood and The Walking Dead gain momentum.

Put on a red paint-stained top (for the bloody effect), over a pair of ripped blue jeans, worn out trainers, and don’t forget to scruff up your hair (back-combing usually does the trick). Oh! And don’t forget to experiment and apply face paint to add cuts and bruises for the ultimate zombie result!

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Mickey aND Minnie Mouse

This one’s for all the couples out there! Get cute and creative this Halloween and dress up as Disney’s iconic duo, Mickey and Minnie Mouse! Simple costume; guys can wear a full-sleeved black shirt and red pants or suspenders (can be vice-versa) and girls wear a red skirt, black top and stockings. The outfit is incomplete without the black ear-shaped headgear, so make sure you get yours! (Ladies, don’t forget the red bow on your headband).

If you want the whole shebang, get the round nose prop too!

Black and White

Retro looks from the film noir era, with over-thetop hairstyles and loud make up, is a great way to make a statement at your Halloween party! This get-up means going overboard; big hair in a side bun or floating waves for the ladies, a slickedback do or cool hat for the gents, white face paint, bold red lipstick and monochrome clothes choices.

Some of our favourite stars include Marlene Dietrich, Jane Greer, and Robert Mitchum.

Orange is the new black

How fitting that one of TV’s most popular

FACT’S MUST-SEE FREAKY FLICKS

Halloween Happenings in Abu Dhabi InterContinental Abu Dhabi The Yacht Club You’re in for a wicked good time on October 31 at The Yacht Club! It’s sure to be one of the season’s best Halloween parties where the aim is to dress up as frighteningly spooky as possible for a chance to win the “best dressed” prize!

GO: Call +971 2 666 6888 for more information.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Level Lounge & FRIGHT NIGHT AT HEROES Cue the Jaws soundtrack and get ready for a sharky Halloween on October 31 from 8pm to 2am! Get your heartbeat racing with bloody cocktails. The best sharky costume will be rewarded with a one-day pool and gym pass for Crowne Fitness! Taking place on the same night is the exciting fright night at Heroes! The International Playboys entertain and DJ Luke spins the tunes into the early a.m! Prizes will be given for super scary costumes. shows pays homage to the staple colours of Halloween? Orange and black! Go for a prisonstyle orange jumpsuit with D.O.C written on the back (use a permanent marker!), with handcuffs to go with. You can also experiment with your make up – give yourself a black eye or a bruised lip, with messy hair, and finish the look with thick rubber slippers. Awesome!

WHERE TO BUY?

If you want a choice of cool costumes in Abu Dhabi, head to Posters, located at both Dalma Mall and Al Wahda Mall. There’s a whole bunch of fancy dress, props and party bits and bobs, and we particularly LOVE the strobe lighting products, guaranteed to liven up any ‘glow in the dark’ Halloween party! For costumes, there’s everything from gruesome masks, eerie accessories and full-length spooky get-ups – perfect for kids and adults alike. If all else fails, there’s amazon.com – you can always count on the internet for costumes galore!

GO: Call +971 2 616 6132 for more information.

Get the family on the sofa or gather with a group of friends for an evening of ultimate scare fest. Make yourself a bowl of popcorn, turn off the lights, and get ready to scare yourself silly with these horrorfilms. WARNING: Company is highly recommended, do not watch these alone!

The Exorcist The Ring The Shining The Exorcism of Emily Rose The Changeling Friday the 13th A Nightmare on Elm Street The Conjuring The Blair Witch Project Saw (Marathon) Texas Chainsaw Massacre The Mist Poltergeist Insidious Woman in Black

Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi Freaky Friday Brunch Get ready for a spooktacular brunch at Silk Route restaurant. On October 31, dine Adam’s family style with chilling appetisers, frighteningly delicious main courses and hair-raising desserts.

Chucky will be at the Kidz Zone too.

The scariest dressed, will win shockingly awesome prizes so dress to impress!

GO: Call +971 2 657 4856 for more information.

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island Halloween Friday at Stills If you want to chill out and enjoy a trendy Halloween, then there’s no better place than Stills! On October 31 there’s unlimited spirits and cocktails for the ladies, from 8pm to midnight, and plenty of spooky drinks specials on taps for the gents too! Couples, this would be a fun choice.

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HALLOWEEN

CLASSIC HALLOwEEN RECIPES Jack-O-Lantern Oranges

Classic Candy Apples

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

- 8 small navel oranges - 1 small apple, chopped - 1/2 cup red seedless grapes, halved - Slivered almonds - Whole cloves

- 8 Granny Smith Apples, washed and dried completely, with stems removed.

- 8 Candy Apple Sticks (much sturdier than regular skewers).

- 2 cups sugar.

- 1 cup light corn syrup.

- 1 cup warm water.

- 1/8 teaspoon Cinnamon Oil. - Few drops of red food colouring.

- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree - 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shells (preferably a graham crust)

Method - Choose the side of each orange that will be the face. If necessary, cut a slice off the bottom of each orange so it will rest flat. Cut a small slice off the top and spoon out the pulp.

- Chop pulp and mix with the apple and grapes and set aside. Cut faces on orange skins and decorate with sliced almonds; for the teeth and cloves; for the eyes. Use the red seedless piece of grape for the nose.

- Spoon the fruit salad into the oranges and serve. Perfect dessert for a spooky evening!

Method - Insert sticks into the top of each apple. Line a large baking sheet with foil and spray heavily with non-stick spray. Set aside.

- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a saucepan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.

- Keep stirring until mixture reaches 300 degrees on a candy thermometer. If you’re unsure about the temperature of your candy, drop a bit in a glass of cold water. If it hardens immediately and easily breaks in half, it's ready. If it sinks to the bottom and is pliable, it needs to cook a bit longer.

- Remove from heat and immediately stir in the cinnamon oil and red food colouring. Carefully dip apples in the coating and place on lined baking sheet to harden.

Method - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit - Beat the eggs in a large bowl and stir in cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg and salt. Add the pumpkin puree and keep mixing until you get a smooth texture. Gradually stir in the condensed milk and mix until smooth.

- Pour the mixture into a pie shell and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. After that, reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes, until a knife inserted in the centre comes out clean.

- Keep it to cool and serve or cover it and refrigerate.

Your quick and yummy pumpkin pie is ready.

HALLOWEEN FUN FACTS 1. The word ‘witch’ comes from the Old English term ‘wicce’, which means ‘wise woman’. According to popular belief, witches held one of their two main meetings, or sabbats, on Halloween night.

2. Samhainophobia (say it fast, we dare you!) is the fear of Halloween.

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3. The first Jack-O-Lanterns were made from turnips.

4. It is believed that if you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved one watching over you.

5. Halloween is the second most successful commercial holiday after Christmas.

6. The world’s largest Jack-O-Lantern weighed 666.32

kg (1,469 lb) and was carved in October 2005 from the world’s largest pumpkin.

7. The next Halloween full moon will be Oct 31, 2020.

8. The origin of Halloween dates back to an ancient pagan festival, celebrated by Celtic people over 2,000 years ago, called Samhain.

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Society

#HOLIDAYINN #pizza #making #FACTORY The Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi invited little ones and their families to the launch of its Kids Only Pizza Factory at the Lemon Tree restaurant.

Children were able to get stuck in with their little chef’s hats using all the ingredients they love to personally create a delicious pizza!

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24 Hours in

Bahrain

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GLOBETROTTER

Merging Arab culture and tradition with a contemporary lifestyle, Bahrain is a small island with a mix of five-star luxury and street strolls to explore.

Pallavi Ramesh notes a 24-hour itinerary of fun and interesting things to do on your next visit to this GCC Kingdom…

THE ISLAND BUZZ 12: 00

After the thrilling experience, you need to treat yourself with some scrumptious culinary delights!

Serve your taste buds at Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. With a wide choice of cuisines; including international, Far-Eastern, seafood and Arabic, you can revel in a delectable meal!

7:00

Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast; treat yourself to some authentic Arabic delights at Leyan café and restaurant in Budaiya. Famous for its breakfast, this place serves wholesome food with delicious options like dahl, samboosas and eggs with tomatoes, all cooked in authentic style and served in the pan!

8:00

A perfect family retreat is Lost Paradise of Dilmun water park (famously known as LPOD!) Slide 42. fact magazine

2:00 and splash through water; adults can relive their childhood, and kids can have the time of their life at this amazing water park. Dance to the tunes of top DJ’s and live band performances, chill on the lazy river, or make your way through bubble bath tournaments, water zorbing and tons more!

11:00

Visiting Bahrain and not taking a spin on the F1 track is a crime!

Feel like an F1 racer and enjoy the track experience with four different exciting cars on a world-class circuit. Take your own car or bike onto the circuit’s affiliated drag strip, and enjoy the buzz.

A visit to the Grand Mosque in Bahrain is a must! It was built in the 1990s and the sanctity and serenity here is beyond words, with marvelous interiors and beautiful architecture. The huge arched structure also hosts the National Library where you can find some interesting reads.

GO: Fly to Bahrain on direct flights with Gulf Air. Visit www.gulfair.com for more information.

7:00

3:00

Revel in the beauty of the island at Block 338; a perfect place to grab a drink or two with friends and family, or even by yourself! With a great selection of food and drinks outlets, this creative hub is also a foodie delight and the perfect place to people watch whilst chilling out with a cold cocktail.

4:00

Manama is a locale rich in heritage and the absolute must-visit places here are Manama Souq and Gold City. Get your haggling hat on as the souq offers unique products such as traditional perfumes, jewellery, sweets, souvenirs, local handicrafts, antiques, local spices, teas and much more, all at affordable rates.

Afterwards, pop by to Gold city and treat yourself some more.

6:00

Tired shopping? How about a pretty and peaceful sunset at Arad Fort? Relax with grand sea views; a complete escape from the city bustle, overlooking various sea passages of Muharraq’s shallow shores. Arad fort is a typical example of Arab pattern architecture, built in the 15th century so don’t forget your camera for this will be a photo opp!

Go and check out the high street offerings and entertainment outlets at the ever-popular Bahrain City Centre. Whether it’s more shopping, watching a film, playing in the arcades, or simply having a stroll, this air-conditioned shopping haven is perfect to spend a leisurely evening out.

9:00

End your day at Amwaj Islands; a stunning retreat with restaurants spread across The Lagoon. Take a walk to view the beautiful area and grab dinner at one of the many great eateries followed by shisha, if that’s your sort of thing!

R Some b eautiful places for photo opp ortunities in Bahrain include the Grand Mosque, Bahrain Financial Harb ou r, Bahrain Fort, Arad Fort, Barbar Temple, Burial Mou nds, Tree of Life, Bab Al-Bahrain, Bahrain World Trade Centre & many more!

Getting Around

Bahrain is a small country with limited modes of public transport...

Buses There are few public buses which go to and from major areas on the island at nominal ticket fares.

Taxis Get a taxi in less than ten minutes! Dial 1666 1666 and book a cab (good but expensive to get around).

Rent a Car Best way to see the island is by renting your a car.

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#TASTE #OF #ABUDHABI #LAUNCH Popular local chefs cooked up a storm at the launch of the inaugral Taste of Abu Dhabi festival in Yas Viceroy’s trendy Rush Bar. Guests were given a taster of what’s to come at the tantilising food-filled event, to be held at Yas Island’s du Arena from November 6 to 8.

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Tried &tested

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01.

THE CLUB SUITE

A Perfect Piece of Paradise When visiting Bahrain, whether you’re a family, group of friends, a couple, and even solo travellers, you want to stay at a hassle-free hotel that goes all-out to cater to your every need.

The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa offers just that, and so much more.

FACT’s Shabana Adam experienced the club level facilities to find out what makes this property the perfect place for guests to stay…

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If splashing out on a private villa or an expansive suite is not an option, then the next best thing at the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa, for guests visiting on a long weekend or short break, is the large and spacious Club Suite. Room highlights include generous living and bedroom areas, a huge separate marble bathroom with soaking bathtub, rainforest shower and powder room (and all the best amenities like an endless supply of towels and luxury Asprey toiletries!), an LCD TV and stereo system with DVD and CD players (with DVDs available to borrow and watch at request), and floor to ceiling windows offering views over the bay and city. The occupancy here is three people and this particular room type is spread across floors three to seven.

For me, the practical design yet airy feel to the room made it very comfortable and enjoyable. You’ll easily sink into the plush feather bed for a peaceful night’s sleep; happily get up and make a tea or coffee using the in-room facilities (there’s even a Nespresso machine), and you can personalise your time using the iPod docking station, not to mention that there’s a great number of channels available and the high-speed internet throughout the hotel is pretty impressive!

Tried & Tested

02.

01 The Spa 02 Plums 03 Club Suite 04 Club Lounge

04.

03.

CLUB LEVEL SERVICE

There’s no denying that having a few added personal touches to your hotel stay is always a welcomed effort, and the Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa sure does its utmost best for Club level guests. Upon arrival I was escorted to a personalised check-in desk on the 7th floor; walking past guests waiting to check-in and whizzing up in the lift really does give your stay a special start! Aside from this, club level guests also receive priviledged access to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge; a beautiful space made up bar-style seating, dining tables, comfy sofas with a TV area, and, of course, a buffet station where a generous breakfast, light lunch, and evening dinner and drinks are served. Oh, and did I mention this is all complimentary for Club level guests? (Talk about perks!). What made experiencing the Club Lounge nicer was the super-friendly and helpful staff !

HOTEL HOTSPOT

If you’re after the sort of break that doesn’t involve leaving the hotel much, then look no further. The Ritz-Carlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa is a real piece of secluded paradise with a massive outdoor pool, indoor pool, a pristine private beach, a majestic hammam with plunge pools, steam room and sauna, and a sports club with fully-equipped gymnasiums (there’s a ladies only too), a squash court, tennis courts, and, for the little ones, the Ritz Kids Club offering numerous safe and exciting activities! When it comes to food, options are aplenty; we recommend trying Plums, an ultra-chic restaurant with classic food choices, renowned for its premium beef dishes and fresh, quality seafood. Try

the wagyu teriyaki or the baby hammour with black lemon, both are exquisite. Or, call on the new man in the kitchen, Chef Yann, to whip you up something creative.

It’s a foodie-experience you’ll remember for a long time!

GO: Call +973 1758 0000 to book your stay at The RitzCarlton Bahrain, Hotel & Spa. Visit www.ritzcarlton.com for more information or to make a reservation.

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Society

The stunning No White Walls Exhibition was opened to the public at a special reception evening, held at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, where the showcase of the six featured artists will run until the end of the year.

#No #White #Walls #Exhibition #Launch 48. fact magazine

No White Walls

Back for its second year, the artist-led No White Walls group has another visually stunning exhibition for the people of Abu Dhabi. Featuring six artists with a passion to help develop the city’s arts community, FACT learns more about what each individual is bringing to this culturally diverse exhibition at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr‌ fact magazine .49

the Art Scene Abu Dhabi has invested much time and money into its art scene, that, we know, because in a few years we’ll have The Louvre, the Guggenheim, and Sheikh Zayed Museum to take centre stage as part of the city’s cultural district. There are also a number of fantastic galleries in town and, of course, places like Manarat Al Saadiyat, all helping to slowly but surely, put Abu Dhabi on the artistic map. But, until these big guns make their mark, there are groups like No White Walls dedicating their time and effort to helping support and grow the arts sector here in Abu Dhabi. No White Walls is focused on developing exhibitions and visual arts projects around the Emirates, aiming to encourage direct contact with the artists and their audience, by providing a platform for engaging in the arts, and adding to the cultural diversity within the UAE. Meet The Artists Name: Kathryn Ryan She’s an award-wining artist who’s had numerous solo shows in her native Australia, where she’s represented by prestigious galleries in both Sydney and Melbourne. Her wintery landscape paintings focusing on South West Victoria have evolved to more geometric representations of the new landscape she observed in Dubai when she moved there two years ago. The new urban landscape of Dubai has inspired much of her photography, from the old Arabic heritage buildings to the re-interpreted Arabic style within the new parts of Dubai. Light is her inspiration here; she is moved by the brilliant sun soaked light of the daytime through to the stunning mood and mystery created by the use of lighting on the buildings and street features at night.

Name: Andrew Field Andrew is known for his highly individual and dramatic mixed media and oil paintings based on landscapes experienced mainly in the UK and living in the UAE. He’s been here six years and is an active supporter of promoting the arts through exhibitions, workshops and teaching. His interest lies with the physical geography of the landscape and in particular how, through weathering, areas are continually changing, due to erosion. The rhythms and motions and chaotic upsurges caused by the shift of people, climate and time are reflected, using expressive brush strokes, releasing the energy he feels when immersed within the landscape. Andrew is a Lancaster University alumnus where he was awarded a First Class Honours Degree in Fine Art and Geography in 2001.

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arts

Name: Julia Ibbini Born in the UK, Julia is the co-founder and curator of No White Walls. Her work explores themes of personal experience and thought processes. The JordanianBritish artist has spent most of her life in the UAE, exhibiting extensively across the country in both solo and group projects. She studies at Leeds College of Art and Design, and her collaborative efforts have led to showcases at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage, and more recently a successful solo exhibition at the Mojo Gallery in Dubai. Julia was commissioned to create a piece in celebration of the UAE’s 40th Anniversary, which was unveiled by HRH, The Duke of York.

Name: Emily Gordon Emily, also co-founder and curator of No White Walls, has personally developed a unique style of art, a form of multimedia, which has evolved through years of experimentation, which finally led to a satisfying technique. Her work consists of compelling modern and colourful sculptures with multiple layers of acrylic paint, interlaced with paraffin, resin, and gold and silver leaf.

Her pieces achieve a remarkable visual depth and this particular collection of paintings consists of Emily’s trademark Arabic doors and minimalist designs. She’s lived in the Middle East for 25 years and admits to having a fascination for the sensual shapes, colours and designs of Arabic, Moorish, and Byzantine architecture – a passion she communicates through her artwork. Her paintings adorn palaces, villas, corporate offices and hotels! fact magazine

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arts Name: Yiannis Roussakis Born and raised in Athens, Greece, for the past 12 years, Yiannis has been living and working everywhere from Mexico to Qatar, Scotland and India, to name but a few of the exciting places. He’s currently based in Abu Dhabi, as a resident artist for Etihad Modern Art Gallery. Through his work he tries to reveal the surreal nature of seemingly trivial objects, spaces and moments, reflecting the idea that our personal reality is a state of dreaming. He has also exhibited work in solo and collective shows in London, Athens, Glasgow and Abu Dhabi, and his art was commended at the 2012 Sony World Photo Awards as well as being included in the final show at Somerset House in London.

Name: Christine Allison Drawing and painting are Christine’s passion and life work. Her subject matter is drawn from nature, especially the world of falcons, eagles and hawks, which she finds a constant source of fascination. Their energy, attitude and beauty captivate and touch her soul. The British artist, who trained at St. Martin’s School of Art, London, The New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting and Sculpture, USA and Exeter University, Devon, sketches and photographs the real birds out on location, then back in her studio creates semi-realistic paintings capturing the sheer power, movement and glorious plumage of the birds. Her objective is to portray the pure energy and essence of the bird rather than slavishly reproduce every feather. The results are contemporary, often large-scale works that have an awesome power and presence of their own.

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UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS

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The 23rd Middle East International Jewellery & Watch Exhibition

Chopard Red Carpet Collection: rubellite and diamond necklace

18 - 22 November 2014

Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

Open daily to the public www.jewelleryarabia.com

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ORGANISERS

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Telephone: +973 17 55 00 33 info@jewelleryarabia.com

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‫ﴍاﻛﺔ ﰲ اﻟﺘﻌﻠﯿﻢ واﳌﺨﺘﺒـﺮ‬

‫راﻋﻲ ﻛﺒﺎر اﻟﺸﺨﺼﻴﺎت واﻟﺘﺴﺠﻴﻞ‬

‫اﻟﴩﻛﺔ اﻟﺮاﺋﺪة ﻟﻘﺒﻮل اﻟﺒﻄﺎﻗﺎت‬

‫ﻣﻨﻈﻤﻮ اﳌﻌﺮض‬

REVIEWS

Big Screen

Foxcatcher What’s it about: Based on the true story of Olympic gold-medalist wrestler Mark Schultz, this is an insight into the wrestler’s relationship with his eccentric multi-millionaire sponsor John du Pont and celebrated wrestling brother Dave Schultz, and the unlikely circumstances surrounding their desperation for greatness.

Director: Bennett Miller Cast: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo Why it’s worth watching?

In an ordinary world, having Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo and Steve Carell co-starring in a wrestling film would have been something akin to a boisterous college comedy packed with frat-humour and guest appearances from the likes of Seth Rogan, Jonah Hill and Dave Franco. This couldn’t be further from that. Enter Foxcatcher, an incredibly poignant and positively harrowing story about two men desperate for greatness that they’ll possibly never achieve. The Oscar buzz surrounding the Foxcatcher has gone from muffled whispers to damn near deafening in the last few weeks, thanks to hugely positive reviews from critics and audiences at film festivals in Toronto, Cannes and Telluride. What Bennett Miller (who gave us Moneyball) has created here is a psychological drama of doubt, depression and destruction.

And it’s not just this gut-wrenching story that’s winning fans – it’s the three astounding on-screen performances from the jaw-clenching Channing Tatum, the dead-eyed Steve Carell and the tough-faced Mark Ruffalo. The trailer gives us a serious case of the heebie-jeebies. It’s a definite Oscar player!

Highlights “Enter Foxcatcher, an incredibly poignant and positively harrowing story about two men desperate for greatness that they’ll possibly never achieve.”

“The Oscar buzz surrounding the Foxcatcher has gone from muffled whispers to damn near deafening in the last few weeks, thanks to hugely positive reviews from critics and audiences at film festivals…”

Dracula Untold What’s it about: It’s the origin story of the man who becomes Dracula (played by the uber-handsome Luke Evans) and we just can’t wait to see what some might call a ‘flawed hero’ – a man on a mission to save his family from his enemies.

He’s driven to darkness in a bid to keep his loved-ones safe, and soon a monster is born.

And, as we know all too well, every choice has its consequences and we’re about to find out what Dracula’s are…

“When it comes to cinematic experience, think the ferocity of Braveheart meets the epic world of Gladiator and the heroics of 300” Director: Gary Shore Cast: Luke Evans, Dominic Cooper, Samantha Barks, Sarah Gadon Why it’s worth watching?

Firstly, how awesome is it that Luke Evans is playing the lead? His string of starring roles and reliable performances in popcorn films like Clash of the Titans and Fast & Furious 6, make him a great choice for this vampire reboot. The chilling tagline Every Bloodline has a Beginning really embodies the story telling in Dracula Untold. When it comes to cinematic experience, think the ferocity of Braveheart meets the epic world of Gladiator and the heroics of 300.

Teamed with great dramatic music and an already existing legion of the vampiregenre fans, Dracula Untold has a lot to live up to, but shows huge potential for success.

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on the record

Fully Booked

CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE

Burying Water

By K.A. Tucker

SYNTHPOP/ INDIETRONICA/ NEW WAVE

Sucker

By Charli XCX

We LOVE young stars who, when it comes

to musicality, break all the rules! Meet Charli XCX, the English singer-songwriter who’s played an important part in some major hits.

Did you know that she penned and featured on Icona Pop’s I Love It and currently holds two chart-positions with a feature on Iggy Azalea’s inescapable hit Fancy, and her very own single Boom Clap (from The Fault in Our Stars?). Oh, and did we mention, the Hertfordshire-born beauty is finally dropping her sophomore studio album Sucker this month! It features pop gems like the aptly titled Break The Rules, a song with a snappy synth melody and well-crafted hooks to make you lock the bedroom door and dance around in your underwear! Watch out for the catchy beats on Need Your Love featuring Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij, and the punk-sounds of London Queen. Charli (real name Charlotte Emma Aitchison) has been described as having a moody yet catchy neon goth sound (whatever that means!). With heavyweight producers like StarGate pitching in for this 13-track album, we’re convinced, that combined with Charli’s rabble-rousing voice, it’s going to have bags of personality.

EXPERIMENTAL HIPHOP/ELECTRONIC

You’re Dead

By Flying Lotus

When an artist goes to such great lengths as to have an original illustration by Shintaro Kago for each track on their album, that’s when you know their creative process is a serious, and rather special, one. Meet Flying Lotus (aka Steven Ellison), one of the most innovative and exciting producers in hip-hop today, and believe it or not, You’re Dead is his fifth album, BUT what makes this one different is the big-league guest appearances; Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg, Herbie Hancock and Captain Murphy (aka Flying Lotus’ rapping alter ego). The 19-track record opens with a jazz workout that sets the pace for a rollercoaster ride through hip-hop at its most fluid and inventive form. Don’t forget the fixation with death in tracks like Cold Dead, Eyes Above, Descent into Madeness, and Your Potential/The Beyond to name but a few of the bold song titles. Still, in all its morbidity is going to surprise the loyal underground fans, and probably entertain new ones.

“With heavyweight producers like StarGate pitching in for this 13-track album, we’re convinced, that combined with Charli’s rabble-rousing voice, it’s going to have bags of personality…”

Imagine facing a life without any answers; who you are, where you’ve been, anything about your past, all wiped out because of a horrific attack on your life. This is what a young woman named Water faces. She survives her injuries only to find that a number of people want to help with her road to recovery and building a new life. When she’s drawn to a mysterious man next door, memories and feelings of the past begin to stir. K.A. Tucker delivers an original and uncomplicated plot with plenty of drama, mystery and romance to keep you reading!

HUMOUR/ENTERTAINMENT

Not That Kind Of Girl

By Lena Dunham

Fans of the hit show Girls, this would be the right time to be jumping up and down with glee. This book is full of hilarious, touching, and extremely candid personal essays from Lena Dunham. As she puts it; “No, I am not a sexpert, a psychologist, or a dietician. I am not a mother of three or the owner of a successful hosiery franchise. But I am a girl with a keen interest in having it all, and what follows are hopeful dispatches from the frontlines of that struggle.” And, THAT, girls and boys, is just a taster of what to expect.

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Coming soon To Abu dhAbi

A new quarterly publication from Nans Group, the company that brings you a portfolio of leading magazines from across the GCC. 56. fact magazine

2015

Mercedes-Benz

C 200 AMG Line

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Shoot location: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

CITY RIDES

A very pretty compact sedan from Mercedes-Benz dolled up in a saucy AMG body kit makes for stylish and luxurious motoring.

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The new C Class boasts levels of gadgetry unparalleled in its class, with new suspension technology and a raft of new safety features as standard. The new styling of the C Class combines streamlined elegance with muscular lines to create a presence that’s both beautiful and commanding.

There are three trim variants to choose from, but the AMG Line’s exterior is, in our opinion, the handsomest of the bunch, but then it would be to petrol heads. A special AMG front apron with a chrome accented splitter and the AMG diffuser-look rear apron really make the C Class look like it means business.

Mercedes interiors currently have a much more organic feel to them than those of BMW or Audi, who have both gone for a more modern, technological look to their interiors. The Mercedes is all flowing curves, natural surfaces and classic shapes to things

like the AC vents and switches.

Combined with ambient lighting that boasts a selection of three different colours – blue, white or amber – and you have a very cosy interior that feels like being wrapped in a warm cocoon.

The AMG trim variant features figure hugging sports seats upholstered in ARTICO leather and brushed stainless steel sports pedals to round off the sporting feel.

Having said all that, the interior does take some getting used to for those who aren’t familiar with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, as they seem to do everything differently from everyone else. For example, you’ll look for the gearshift for a while until you find it’s the right-hand side steering wheel stalk. This also means that the windscreen wipers, indicators and high-beam controls are all on the left hand stalk, which can be confusing at first.

And then there is the touch pad/ rotating knob combination user interface

control. It’s not the most intuitive we’ve ever seen, and can be quite fiddly until you’ve figured it out. We recommend you do this before you set off!

As for the driving experience, it is every bit as good as you’d expect from a Merc. The 2.0l inline-four cylinder engine puts out an impressive amount of power for its size, with an output of 184hp and 300Nm of torque. It doesn’t sound like a great deal, but a sprightly 0-100km/h time of 7.3 seconds and a smooth and constant power delivery through the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission makes the C 200 punch well above its weight in terms of engine size. You won’t be complaining about the pace at any point!

Ride comfort is, is you’d expect, absolutely sublime. There is almost zero road noise transmitted into the passenger cabin, and the ride is smooth and refined.

Despite this, the C Class AMG Line

also manages superb levels of agility and handling thanks to the lowered sports suspension and sports Direct-Steer system.

The ride stiffness and engine response can all be calibrated through the vehicle’s settings according to your mood, ranging from relaxed to mentalist!

But what always makes a Mercedes stand out is the technology, and the C Class is no exception. From the head-up display to the AIRMATIC suspension (an optional extra, but worth it), Adaptive Highbeam Assist (to avoid blinding other drivers), Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping/Blind Spot/Collision Prevention Assi… basically, a whole bunch of ‘Assists’ make the 2015 C Class the safest it has ever been by a long shot.

It’s all these incredible technologies that really set the C Class apart in a highly competitive segment. Take it for a drive and see for yourself!

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CITY RIDES

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The Beetle A more athletic profile and stance and a raft of standard performance features have totally changed the attitude of the Beetle we all knew.

It’s less hippy, more hip urban retro chic…

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Perhaps the two most telling aspects of where VW are going with the new Beetle are the 2.0l TSi turbo-charged engine complete with a turbo pressure gauge on the dashboard and the six-speed DSG gearbox which come as standard.

And then there is the more streamlined shape, the standard spoiler and the 19-inch low-profile alloys (standard on the SEL spec).

And finally, there’s the fact that they’ve done away with the flower vase on the dashboard, all of which point to VW moving the Beetle away from its hippy flower-power associations and more into a young, urban sport identity.

A very retro interior vibe comes courtesy of exterior body colour panels that hark back to the days when patches of the exterior body shell were visible inside the car. Having said that, you still get that high-quality modern VW feel courtesy of the leather-wrapped steering wheel with phone and stereo controls and the multi-function display with CD, Mp3 and USB connectivity, which puts sound out through Fender speakers (yes, the guitar company, they now make in-car audio apparently). Another nice touch is the cruise control which comes as standard on all models.

Strangely, even though the Beetle has become more athletic, the steering wheel is still quite large and round, harking back to Beetles of yore, which again creates a weird clash of modern and retro.

To drive, the new Beetle is a whole lot of fun.

The superb 210hp 2.0l turbo-charged four-pot is an absolute blast, propelling the Beetle along with a racy growl that’ll leave you smiling as you hit 100km/h in a decent 7.3 seconds.

And the handling, as you’d expect from a VW, is also fantastic, staying flat and poised during quick cornering with superb levels of grip. All this combined with the lightning fast changes from the DSG gearbox make for a truly compelling driving experience.

One area the Beetle is surprisingly let down in is interior cabin noise, and it isn’t the road noise that’s the problem. At highway speeds the wind noise from the sunroof becomes a real annoyance after a while, which is a design flaw you shouldn’t expect from a VW. Thankfully, we were able to drown it out with the excellent sound quality from the Fender audio system!

VW have totally repositioned the new 2015 Beetle, but we just can’t quite seem to pinpoint exactly which position they were going for! On one hand, you have the fun-loving retro hippy vibe of the Beetle styling, and on the other you have a sportier profile, the growling beast of an engine, DSG gearbox and lively handling.

While this blending of retro chic and modern sportiness has led to a mildly confused identity for the new Beetle, no one can deny that this is a truly fun car – a Beetle for the iPhone generation, no doubt about it!

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ICONIC CARS

Fact’s Top 10 Movie Motors of All Time!

In honour of the Abu Dhabi film festival, this month we’ve decided to bring you our pick of the ten most iconic on-screen automobiles. With the many great cars that have graced the silver screen over the years, picking ten was hard, and much debate and argument ensued, but here it is: our top 10, in order of model year…

1959

1967

1968

1969

1970

Cadillac Ambulance ‘Ecto 1’ - Ghostbusters Who can forget this colourful behemoth barrelling along the streets of New York to save it from assorted ghouls and ghosts? Funnily enough, this model of Cadillac was used as both an ambulance and a hearse, saving lives and ferrying the dead… and in this movie, fighting the undead!

Shelby Mustang GT500 ‘Eleanor’ – Gone in 60 Seconds Nicholas Cage’s unattainable treasure, a classic Shelby Mustang designed and customised

by Steve Sanford in this 2000 remake, was a vehicle of such beauty that it has since been replicated many times over.

BMC Mini Cooper S – The Italian Job Forget the 2003 movie – the best version will always be the 1969 British heist movie starring Michael Caine. If you haven’t seen it, educate yourselves! The Mini was already making waves thanks to numerous motorsports successes against much larger and more powerful cars, but this movie launched it into super stardom.

Dodge Charger ‘General Lee’ – The Dukes of Hazzard This unforgettable orange muscle car hauling the Dukes of Hazzard around was most often seen flying through the air, and countless replicas were destroyed in spectacular stunts, which is why it’s so famous!

Dodge Challenger – Vanishing Point A relatively non-descript white muscle car becomes burned into the psyche of 1970s America when Barry Newman’s anti-hero, Kowalski, takes on the law and goes out in spectacular fashion!

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1970

1973

1975

1981

1985

‘Shaguar’ E-Type – Austin Powers: The Spy Who S*****d Me The glorious Jaguar E-Type is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cars ever made, and this one, plastered with the Union Jack, must be the ultimate classic British sports car!

Ford XB Falcon ‘Interceptor’ – Mad Max 1 & 2 Mel Gibson’s troubled hero drives this awesome supercharged monster in the 1981 post-apocalyptic cult classic that is soon to be rebooted in 2015 with Mad Max: Fury Road, starring Tom Hardy. The car makes a brief cameo in the new movie, but is tragically destroyed early on in the film!

Ford Gran Torino – Starsky & Hutch The Ford Gran Torino was everyman’s muscle car during the 70s, thanks to its affordability, but this one with that iconic red paint job and white stripe from the 70s detective show is one that people will recognise even today, thanks to the 2004 movie adaptation starring Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson.

DeLorean DMC-12 Time Machine – Back to the Future The only Irish-designed and built sports car ever made had a very chequered history, and only about 9000 were built over three years before scandal brought the company down. Why choose one of the most ill fated sports cars in history for a time machine? Who knows, but iconic it now is.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante – James Bond: Goldfinger When most people think of Bond, they think of the classic Aston Martin DB5, but our favourite is this V8 Vantage Volante, thanks to its rugged muscle car good looks. The movie version featured missiles, rocket boosters and a set of skis.

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MOTORING NEWS

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Revealed The eagerly-anticipated replacement for the outgoing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG has finally been unveiled, and it is every bit as gorgeous as its predecessor. The second vehicle to be entirely developed under AMG’s own direction, the launch of the car was led by current German Formula One Mercedes-Benz Driver and Championship title contender Nico Rosberg.

Its front mid-engine concept with transaxle and the intelligent aluminium lightweight construction form the basis for a highly dynamic driving experience.

The basis for AMG’s hallmark driving performance is provided by the AMG 4.0-litre V8 Biturbo engine, which is also a new development and is built in two output specifications: as a GT with 462hp, and as a GT S with 510 hp.

New Website And, if you’d like to find out about the new AMG GT, or any other Mercedes-Benz vehicle, for that matter, you can do so on their brand spanking new Middle East portal, www.mercedesbenzme.com, which was also launched last month. Integrating a comprehensive overview of all Mercedes-Benz products with social media platforms such as Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, it has never been easier to keep up will all things Mercedes-Benz.

Land Rover Unveils Discovery Sport

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Land Rover has revealed their latest addition to the range, the new Discovery Sport. The first member of the new Discovery family, it features 5+2 seating in a compact footprint, whilst still offering class-leading capability in all conditions.

Coupled with supple long-travel suspension, the innovative rear axle ensures the Discovery Sport is comfortable on-road, while retaining the all-terrain capability for which Land Rover is world-renowned, with Terrain Response technology, and the ability to

wade to 600mm.

Land Rover revealed the new Discovery Sport at Spaceport America in New Mexico, USA, also launching the Land Rover Galactic Discovery competition, where four friends can win a trip to space with Virgin Galactic as part of an innovative digital competition at www. landrover.com/gotospace.

Discovery Sport will go on sale in early 2015 alongside the existing seven-seat Land Rover Discovery in over 170 markets worldwide.

BMW X3 Goes in Sale in ME The third generation of the BMW X3 is poised to continue the legacy of sporty dynamics, premium ambience and robust agility, coupled with low fuel consumption. With a new athletic design, excellent driving dynamics and spacious interior, the new BMW X3 is instantly recognisable as a member of the BMW X family that includes the X6, X5, X4 and X1 models. Design upgrades include a redesigned kidney grille, modified twin headlights and new front and rear bumper that make the car look more sporty, dynamic and powerful.

The third generation BMW X3 is available with two TwinPower Turbo engines: The BMW X3 xDrive28i four-cylinder engine with 245hp and the xDrive35i top-of-the-range engine with 306hp that goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds.

Bentley Flying Spur V8 Hits Gulf

If you read our last issue (September 2014), you might have seen our review of the superb Bentley Continental V8, which we absolutely loved, thanks to it’s supreme levels of luxury and the magnificent bellow of its twin-turbo V8.

If the fact that it was a two-door coupe put you off, then the good news is that the same performance and luxury is now available with four doors in the Bentley Flying Spur V8.

The new Flying Spur offers Middle East customers a unique blend of sculpted, sleek coachwork, exquisite craftsmanship and advanced on-board technology. This is coupled with Bentley’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which produces 500 bhp and 660 Nm, and powers the Flying Spur V8 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 295 km/h. fact magazine .65

PLUGGED-IN

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

ENTERTAINMENT Popcorn Horror (Android, iOS)

Enjoy a range of horror flicks by independent filmmakers. Popcorn horror promotes and shows the best of short films from across the world, creating fear and thrill in the audiences’ mind. The movies shown in the app deliver short frights on the go, made on a budget by genuine fans of the horror genre. Perfect for a chill-filled Halloween, pick a flick or two to get the party started - don’t spill your popcorn!

PERSONALISATION Breast Cancer Ribbon doo-dad (Android, iOS)

SOCIAL Vine (Android, iOS)

Spice-up your screen with a cool doo-dad in support of Think Pink! For the ones who are not aware of the doo-dad, it’s a tiny little icon which can be placed anywhere on your screen, without changing the background. With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, place the pink ribbon on your screen so that every time someone spots it, you can share and spread awareness.

Pick, Shoot and Share! That’s what Vine is all about; share your life in motion. With unlimited free uploads, you can create short, beautiful, looping videos in a fun way and share it on social media for your friends and family to see. Explore trending posts, featured hashtags and editor’s picks, also find and follow your friends. A cool app for short video shootings – perfect for those who want to take their selfie obsession to the next level!

Download our app for FREE!

Stay connected and get FACT magazine on your phone or tablet. Get the latest issue at your fingertips, and enter the world of FACT whenever and wherever you are!

Step 1 Download FACT to your device and flick through at leisure.

Step 2 Want to share what you like? Click the scissors in the top right corner.

Step 3 A number of social networks will drop down. Choose yours and hit post!

Please note: the fact app is available for IPHONE, iPad and ANDROID. It will soon be available on other platforms too.

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ALL BACKED UP!

The North Face – Surge II Charged Backpack

A charging station in your knapsack; how does that sound? Keep gadgets powered on the move with this multi-purpose, high-tech and stylish backpack. FACT tells you why you should get the North Face - Surge II Charged backpack TODAY!

Buy: Available in The North Face and Sun & Sand Sports stores across the UAE.

Feature Frenzy

With a large capacity of Joey T55 power supply, the 32-litre Surge II will supply full battery charge or several days of partial charges for your mobile phone, tablet, or other USB devices. The battery was specifically designed with water and crush-resistant lithium polymer, to perform resiliently during outdoor adventures. Smart technology allows it to know when to shut down in order to conserve the battery life.

Practical Design

The backpack is designed to suit the convenience of travellers; a lie-flat 17 inch laptop pocket with neoprene tablet sleeve, comfortable shoulder straps, a removable chest strap, and smart technology that allows the battery pack to shut down, or go into hibernation, to protect your device and conserve battery life, these are all considerate design mechanisms that make The North Face a standout backpack.

Storage Space

Adventure enthusiasts, you absolutely need this backpack! With loads of pockets, this is a spacious choice with two front vertical zips, a front and side zippered store, a front compartment, one stretch mesh water bottle pocket inside the bag, a tablet sleeve, two interior zippers and an interior net zip.

You’ll be playing hide and seek with your belongings but at least you know that everything will fit safely and comfortably! fact magazine .67

QATAR

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Celebrating inCredible Women

App

Free for iPhone, iPad and Android devices

SHARP, SMART & STRONG

Fashion

Spring Clean

in Full

YOUR BEAUTY THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

Bloom

the return of bold Colours

THE SEASON’S NEW GAME CHANGERS

ACID BRIGHTS, COOL METALLICS & MORE...

1

OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

www.ohlala-magazine.com

MARCH 2014 | ISSUE 33

QATAR QR20

www.ohlala-magazine.com

Coming to Abu Dhabi Fall/Winter 2014

Uniting women across the region

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FALL/WINTER 2014 www.facebook.com/pages/Ohlala-Magazine issuu.com/ohlalabahrain

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an iconic

cultural With a new fashion season ahead and with many regional designers making a mark on the international fashion scene, FACT takes a trip down memory lane to explore the traditional style of bedouins all the way up to modern-day attire.

trail

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FACT HERITAGE

Traditional Dress Bedouin Men

Bedouin women

The traditional basic dress for Bedouin men is a thobe, now commonly known as Kandura or Dishdash. Made of white cotton to the ankle, with long sleeves, and a collar that varies by region but usually included a button or tassel, or both.

Bedouin Outerwear Over the tob a striped kibr open down front with belt and/or shoulder straps is worn. For nonmanual workers a redan is worn, reinforcing their leisure status.

Beduoin men would frequently carry knives, rifles and ammunition.

Bisht Arabs usually wore a Bisht over their robe in order to add glamour to special occasions.

Bisht is a loose floor length or sometimes a little shorter coat, with embroidered edges. It signifies religious position, social status or wealth.

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The basic dress for Bedouin women was an over-sized Abaya. This loose-fitted cloak-dress came in different colours, with embroidery along the seams, the hem, and the neck. Brightly coloured and patterned dresses (fustan) were worn underneath.

Bedouin Headwear Headwear for most Bedouin men is a keffiyah, more commonly known as a Guthra, and held in place with an egal of camel wool. Some men wore the Amamah, a tightly wrapped turban that represented religious seniority.

Bedouin Jewellery Women wear a range of jewellery including, necklaces, rings, anklets and bracelets, often hollow and filled with stones.

Gafaaz Gafaaz is a literal translation of gloves. Women wear Gafaaz to ensure that their hand is completely covered. Gafaaz was predominant in olden days; very few conventional women still wear it.

Bedouin Burqa The Bedouin Burqa varies from place to place with Bedouin women. In the north the veils came in a range of masks, whilst in the Levant they are dark blue or black using a shambar, a tube that encloses the head and neck. In the Sinai desert the burqas are formed by rows of coins!

Contemporary Dress Modern Men

modern women

Arab men have blended traditional wear with modern trends, still staying true to the culture of their homelands. Now, high-end Thobes are available. They are exclusively tailormade, and contain delicate embellishments, normally at the bottom of the sleeves.

Guthra This is the headscarf worn by men to cover their head. Putting a trendy touch to it, they style it differently to suit the occasion.

Some wearers wrap the Guthra into a turban, while others wear it loosely draped around the back and shoulders. It’s usually made of white cotton and used differently in accordance with the wearer’s home country.

Arab women have gone contemporary with their traditional dress. In terms of the design, colour and style, they have taken it up a notch adding glam. With more fitted Abayas and hijab’s, they have welcomed more modern, western style with open arms.

Bisht Modern Arab men are not afraid of wearing better-fitted Thobes and many put on an embellished Bisht, which adds colour and style to their look.

The colour of the Bisht depends on the colour of the thobe and is generally chosen for contrast.

Abaya The loose style black abayas have almost been replaced with modern-style ones. There is an enormous choice, which includes embellished, lacestyle, animal print, belted-sequin and jacket style abayas (to name a few).

These chic styles are made by highend designers who experiment to bring out uber-trendy products to please.

Hijab Breaking the stereotypical designs and drapes of an ethnic hijab, Arab women have established newer styles and replacements for hijab. The cool knots on the head with a scarf is trendy and adds a style statement to the look with western outfits as well.

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#01NE #yasisland #season #LAUNCH O1NE Yas Island kicked off its second season with a monumental opening party running across the first two weekends of September. The first revolved around R&B and Hip Hop with the inaugral theme night, ‘O1NE Night in New York’, completely immersing guests in the show-stopping capital that is the Big Apple.

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The Selfridge twist

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Fashion Focus

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Miss Selfridge Autumn/Winter 2014 Taking inspiration from vintage style to high-glamour fashion collections, Miss Selfridge is stepping into fall with retro-fused, floral, feminine prints and pastel colours. The brand’s new collection is a combination of beautiful shift dresses, playsuits, jumpsuits, crop tops, pencil skirts and fur coats to please every fashionistas seasonal style.

We are totally crushing on the Miss Selfridge Autumn/Winter 2014 collection, which has something unique in store for the new season. The cooler months are about to kick in and you should be all set with the brands new fashion offerings. The collection showcases a charismatic mix of textured knitwear, satin and sequins, proving that the arrival of autumn is anything but dull when it comes to the trend stakes. The brand also cites Victorian and Edwardian influences, with some dark, gothic-inspired pieces that make up a smaller ‘glam grunge’ range. This eclectic vibe embodies a mix of muted palette and rich jewel tones, which add a luxe edge to your outfit.

Crop tops and co-ords are here to stay; adorned in sequins or satin florals, they are ultimate for slick, put-together dressing. We see a lot of faux fur in the Mod style coats and the cute shift dresses with their classic-chic look for daywear. Midi lengths are making way and a big hello to culottes as they mark a new modern line; giving a grown up feel to the collection.

Dark, rich tones enhance high shine, lacquered and delicate lace fabrics. Eveningwear is glam and pretty with pastel embellished playsuits, flared dresses, disc skirts and sexy crop tops. Complete your look with rich fur jackets. Wear the black or sequin jumpsuit for an evening dinner with friends; there’s a look to charm your way through every social event. fact magazine .75

Fashion Focus

White cropped embellished shirt

Floral PU crop top

Gold way Gold sequin top

Black floral pencil skirt

Purple beaded cami

Miss Selfridge Fawn faux fur coat

60’s style metallic dress

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The Autumn-Winter collection is a mish-mash of retro, sequins and simple casuals with a mix of dark and light colours in cosier fabrics. Here is a sneak peek at the products on offer!

Nude beaded cami

Pink faux fur coat

Sequin embellished playsuit

A C C E S S O R I E S

C A M PA I G N

PA R F O I S .C O M

PA R F O I S

PA R F O I S _

UAE · The Dubai Mall · Deira City Centre · Mirdif City Centre · Marina Mall Abu Dhabi · Abu Dhabi Mall · Al Wahda Mall Al Hamra Mall · Manar Mall · Bawabat Al Sharq Mall · Bawadi Mall · Sahara Centre · KUWAIT · Al Kout Mall · Avenues Mall Awtad Mall · Gate Mall · OMAN · Muscat City Centre · Qurum City Centre · BAHRAIN · Bahrain City Centre fact magazine .77

STYLE

Women’s Accessories The arrival of autumn means only one thing; a whole new wardrobe filled with the latest trends. This season, accessories are taking a step forward and here’s what you ladies should have on your wishlist for the next round of shopping...

Wallis Parfois

River Island

Pull & bear

New look

H&M

Call it spring

Bershka

champ ng o L

Aldo

Dorothy perkins

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men’s Accessories A new season brings with it new styles to try and men’s accessories are at the fashion forefront this autumn with so much to choose from. Here’s what all you guys out there should pick up on your seasonal shopping spree...

Call it spring

Debenhams Aldo

TOpman

The body shop

Mens at dune French Connection

Bershka

New look

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Beauty

Touch of beauty It’s the month to support Think Pink and you can do your bit when it comes to beauty! We’ve got the latest pretty pink products to make you look and feel beautiful…

Nail Rehab

Sally Hansen knows you love colorful manicures, shiny gels, glittering polish, and on-trend Nail Art. Changing the nail look is harsh on nails and cuticles because of the dehydrating effects of polish remover. Sally Hansen has a solution in the form of Nail Rehab; it restores severely ravaged nails.

Celebrate with Muppets!

OPI announced eight new limited edition nail lacquers inspired by Disney’s Muppets Most Wanted. The shades go with the ‘Muppet gang’, which include soft pink, peach, pearlescent hues, frosty sapphire blue and mauve, the others are sparkle-packed lacquers. With pink as the theme, we chose I Love Applause shade; sheer and sweet pink.

Fruity Floral

L’Occitane adds the new, Neroli and Orchidee to the La Collection de Grasse.

With zesty notes of orange and mandarin, the fragrance reveals another facet of Neroli, through resolutely floral notes and the presence of white orchid. Faceted with fruity head notes, the fragrance evolves voluptuously into a base of musk and iris.

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Flawless Pedicure

Sephora’s new Express Nail Polish remover for feet will totally be a perfect treat for your toe-nails!

It’s simple, quick and practical; you simply have to dip toes in the foam to remove nail polish. It even works on the most stubborn shades and has become a cult favourite. You dream of it, and Sephora has created it!

The Lift Effect

Fine, comfortable and feather light, the texture of Clarins Shaping Facial Lift brings an immediate feeling of well-being.

Its unique fresh feel instantly enhances the “lift” effect. It perfectly tightens skin texture and leaves skin incredibly soft and silky-smooth. In less than two minutes it provides effective draining benefits to immediately lighten and reshape the face.

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CHEF francisco Sanabria

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CHEF’S TABLE

W Catalan at Rosewood Abu Dhabi takes fine dining to a whole new sophisticated level; a beautiful setting, classy interiors, and an artistic menu to please even the most discerning palates. FACT went to meet the restaurant’s new Chef De Cuisine to see what his experience and expertise is bringing to the table…

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hen it comes to fine-dining in Abu Dhabi, the stakes are pretty high. And though this foodie arena isn’t a packed one, there are still enough impressive venues offering a dining experience fit for VIPs. One such place stepping up to the culinary stage is Catalan in Rosewood Abu Dhabi. Its elegant décor, resembling a manor-style, cosy dining room, and innovative menu celebrating Catalan cuisine, are just two of the reasons why we chose it for this month’s chef ’s table.

The third reason was the new man in the kitchen: Chef De Cuisine Francisco Sanabria. He’s only been in Abu Dhabi around two months but is already making a lasting impression with the city’s most demanding diners. Chef Francisco puts a completely unique and contemporary spin on traditional Catalan food whilst preserving and showcasing its roots. “I’m showing my home, my heart and my heritage through the food,” he says. “When people come to the restaurant, they are not guests, they’re my friends, and I am cooking for them in my home.” The menu that Chef

GO: Catalan is open daily from 7pm to midnight for dinner.

Call +971 2813 5552 for more information or to make a reservation.

Francisco prepares for us evokes foodie memories for the team as well. Having visited many parts of Spain and having family members who cook such homely food, our passion for Catalan cuisine was very quickly ignited.

We start with Carabinero tartar, cherries, beetroot mayonnaise and macadamia nuts. Aside from the explosion of colours on the plate, this starter is delicately light and refreshing to taste. “In Catalan cuisine, even when I was a young boy, I would mix fruits and vegetables with seafood and meat, always combining sweet and salty,” Chef Francisco tells us.

Next up is the Abu Dhabi local caviar, spinach soft blini, ganxet beans sauce. It’s a simple yet palate-pleasing dish, exploring a number of lovely Catalan-inspired flavours.

We also had the pleasure of trying the Lobster vegetable fideua, porcini sauce and curry alio oli and, by far our favourite, the smoked and caramelised torrija, pink pepper ice cream, and coconut Cookie. The pink pepper ice cream was somewhat of a culinary revelation!

Chef Francisco’s career has involved working at the three-star Michelin Sant

Pau in Barcelona, working alongside one of the world’s only female chefs to have achieved the Michelin-Star honour, Carme Ruscalleda. He’s also helped open a successful branch of Sant Pau in Tokyo! So, why Abu Dhabi?

“Why not?,” says Chef Francisco. “It’s a big experience, it’s a wonderful place, and it’s a new challenge for me to be working in a Muslim country.” We ask what keeps him motivated and driven to come to work everyday, and we get a simple answer: “Because I love it. I work in my hobby and every day is a new challenge.”

Catalan is not only a place you go for a lovely, relaxing anniversary or birthday dinner, it’s where you go for authentic Catalan cuisine with a modern-day edge.

If a glimpse into Barcelona’s flavours and aromas is what you want then Chef Francisco and his team will give you that, and so much more!

“I look forward to offering guests an authentic glimpse of Barcelona’s flavours and aromas through some of my seasonally driven dishes.” fact magazine .85

Venue review

the grille at Abu Dhabi Golf Club The steakhouse has become a foodie institution in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi, amongst it’s neighbouring Emirates, has rightfully earned the title of being a meaty mecca. But, when there’s SO MUCH choice for where to go and get your steak-fix, how do you pick your dinner destination?

Let’s start off with the venue - a large elegant space with floor to ceiling windows and a casual yet intimate atmosphere. Tick. The menu - clear, concise and packed with quality ingredients, and a mix of delicious flavours. Huge tick. And for the service - fast, friendly and helpful staff. Another tick. Yes. You’ll find all of these things at The Grille in Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Like many diners in the city, it’s easy to become skeptical of restaurants housed in sports clubs – rest assured that The Grille certainly has its own unique and charming character that, in many ways, boasts its location at Abu Dhabi Golf Club. It has comfortable seating with cosy booths and stand-alone tables, teamed with a warm, social ambience, and views over the course’s 86. fact magazine

lush greenery (and we haven’t even got to the food yet!).

Let’s talk about the menu at The Grille; it’s simple, clear, and offers a great choice of steak, seafood, and sides. There’s none of the clubhouse grub that you might expect, no. This is all-out fine-dining, but, with a reasonable price tag for what you’re getting.

For starters we ordered the Dynamite Shrimps with sweet spicy sauce and shrimp crackers, and the Pan-fried Scallops with pea puree and balsamic glaze. First things first, the portion size of each was

GO: Visit The Grille at Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

Open Monday to Thursday 6pm to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 12noon to 3pm, and 6pm to 11pm. Closed on Sunday.

considerably generous which makes these appetisers good for sharing!

The dynamite shrimp was explosive to the taste (pun intended!); crispy with a liplicking zingy kick from the dipping sauce.

The scallops had been cooked as requested; rare, accompanied by the pea puree and balsamic glaze, it was a texture-winning combination.

Next up were the big players of protein; the 200g Tenderloin that comes with jumbo shrimp, celeriac mash, courgette, and truffle jus; and another 200g Tenderloin served with fondant potatoes, roasted garlic, asparagus, and your choice of sauce or butter (we opted for the garlic and parsley butter). A plate of hand-cut chips and onion rings made for the perfect sides to these amazingly-tasty mains!

The meat had been perfectly prepared to our preference – medium-rare, and medium-well, and as the food arrived we were told that all the meat at The Grille is cooked in a Josper Charcoal Grill (shipped in from Spain) that reaches temperatures of over 400c (wow, talk about turning up the heat in the kitchen!).

After a palate-pleasing main, we just had to try the sticky toffee pudding with cinnamon ice cream. One word – scrumptious! With a menu that reflects the true groundings of a steakhouse; good meat, fresh seafood, great cooking methods, and complementary sides, The Grille provides about as much pleasure as a carnivore could want with a little room for much-welcomed foodie surprises.

Call +971 2558 8990 or visit www.adgolfclub.com for more information or to make a reservation.

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CITY BITES

Tasty Pinktober Treats

Satisfying Pink Sweets

Drink & Dine Pink-Style

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi in association with Breast Cancer Arabia will be offering a month-long of exciting promotions to support the worldwide cause for a future, free of breast cancer. Enjoy the Pink Bubbly Brunch every Friday throughout October at The Garden or treat your tastebuds to pink-inspired sweets and cupcakes at Cappuccino’s Café. There are a number of ladies nights, like Cho Gal at Cho Gao on Saturdays and Sundays from 9pm to midnight where a free flowing cocktail selection is offered whilst the DJ spins some tunes; there’s the Girls Go Wild evenings on Tuesdays from 7pm to 11pm where ladies can have six (yes, that’s right, SIX!) house beverages for free; and Level Up ladies at Level Lounge Bar can be enjoyed on Mondays and Tuesdays around the pool. With SO much on offer you’ll be spoilt for choice!

A great number of pink activities will take place at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr this month, all geared towards raising awareness and early detection. Our favourite offering is at The Chocolate Gallery! There are chocolate truffle lollipops, chocolate lipsticks and cupcakes to get your teeth into, priced at AED15, with AED5 from each item sold, donated to Pink Caravan. In addition, ladies can put their crafting and baking skills to the test by creating edible jewellery in an exclusive chocolate jewellery making class and take home a small chocolate gift. The class is held at The Chocolate Gallery every Saturday in October from 4pm to 6pm and is priced at AED199 (15% from each booking will be donated to the Pink Caravan). So what are you waiting for? Go and have some fun and help a good cause all at the same time.

We’re loving the fabulous drink and dining offers for Pinktober at Crowne Plaza Yas Island this month. Check out Jing Asia for Friday Brunch where exquisite Pink desserts are designed by the chef for guests to tuck in throughout October (brunch is AED200 including soft drinks and AED295 with alcoholic beverages). At Views Bakery the chef will be making specialty Pink cupcakes, cakes, and macaroons for you to buy and show your support! If that’s not enough, there’s an extra special treat – all remaining Pink Treats in the Bakery case are 50% off from 8pm-11pm (what a yummy deal!). At Stills, strut your stuff down the grand pink carpet to enjoy ladies nights every Thursdays, where all you lovely girls can sip on complimentary pinks drinks! There’s no excuse for boredom when you have these deals to make the most of.

GO: Pinktober will run throughout October at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi. Call +971 2616 6251 for more information.

GO: Visit The Chocolate Gallery at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr.

Call +971 2654 3238 for more information.

GO: Pinktober offers run throughout October at Crowne Plaza Yas Island. Call +971 2656 3000 for more information.

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Fisherman’s Friday Eve

Mexican Foodie Mayhem

Fun Oktoberfest Offering

If really good seafood is what you’re after for your dinner out on the weekend, look no further than the newly introduced Fisherman’s Evening at Emirates Palace. Kicking off on October 3, you can savour the fishermen’s Friday catch in Sayad, the elegantly-stylish seafood brasserie at the stunning Palace. Choose from a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish, displayed on a bed of ice, and personally selected that very morning (at the local fish market!) by the venue’s team of talented chefs. You can then decide how you want your meal cooked – grilled, steamed, or fried, just make the request and let the chefs do the rest! To top that off, there’s a fabulous array of starters and desserts to try as well, yum!

If Mexican food is your calling then you’ll want to mark this one in the diary!

Experience Mexico, at the Mexican Food Festival, in the comfort of one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular buffet restaurants, Sofra bld at Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri. Feast your eyes on the distinct Mexican colours and traditional food displayed in opulence, with live cooking stations and dynamic entertainment to add some energetic Latin flavour to your dinner! When all you foodies are done enjoying the scrumptious, traditional Mexican fare, get up, have a dance, and revel in the true spirit of all things Mexican!

Transforming its centre garden into a true German party atmosphere, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi will host the 11th Bavarian celebrations of Oktoberfest later this month.

The live band, Alpenklang, will specially fly in from Bavaria to get the crowd going with their vibrant, traditional Oom Pah music and all-night entertainment. Also joining the party will be a chef from Germany, giving revellers the chance to indulge in an authentic Bavarian buffet with crunchy pretzels, sauerkraut, Bavarian dumplings, homemade sausages, delicious potato salad and so much more! Popular German beverages will be served alongside the yummy food.

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GO: Fisherman’s Evening is available every Friday in Sayad at Emirates Palace. Call +971 2690 7999 for more information.

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GO: The Mexican Food Festival will run from October 26 to 31 at AED195++ per person. Call +971 2509 8555 for more information.

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GO: Oktoberfest at Le Meridien Abu Dhabi takes place on October 29, 30 and 31. Entrance fee inclusive of the Bavarian buffet is AED112++ for adults, AED60++ for children, and free for kids aged 4-years-old and below.

Call +971 2644 6666 for more information.

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CORNICHE living

When you’re staying by the Corniche, there’s only one way to see the Arabian Gulf… from sky high. FACT stayed at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, a gigantic skyscraper with rooms overlooking the fabulous waters surrounding the city, to find out why it’s worth splashing out for pan-Arabic opulence with a French-inspired welcome…

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S HOTEL HOTSPOT

ILK AND SPICE

There are a great number of dining options at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, but one that stood out for us was Silk & Spice; a stunning venue that even offers the traditional, sunken, Thai-style seating with kneel-down service. It’s worth getting comfortable on one of these for a real authentic touch to your dinner experience. If you’re a firsttimer looking to explore Thai cuisine or if you want to dabble in a number of different dishes, opt for the chef ’s signature menu. A few of the standouts include Thai style dim sum with prawn and chicken; Thai green papaya salad with grilled prawn; Stir fried beef with bell pepper and hot basil leaves; and the delicious mango sago in coconut milk. Service is fast and friendly, the food delicious, and the atmosphere very relaxed. Don’t forget to try one of the fruity mocktails (or five!) you’ll easily spend a few hours here enjoying good Thai fare!

SO SPA

Everything under one mighty roof, rejuvenating your mind and body couldn’t get easier or more calming than this.

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What’s a trip to one of the city’s best 5-star hotels without a visit to the spa? And So Spa at Sofitel is a prime spot for some peace and renjuvenation. There are separate hammams and Jacuzzis for ladies and gents, and we’d highly recommend a signature spa treatment. What’s great is that after filling in your consultation form, your therapist will likely tailor the massage techniques and choose an essential oil to fulfill your requirements. I asked for more concentration on the upper back and felt that my therapist spent a considerable amount of time working out all the tense muscles and kinks in that area; it was easy to get relaxed and I soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep. Hotel guests have complimentary access to the sauna, steam room, and the fitness facilities at So Fit (there’s even a personal trainer at hand!). Everything under one mighty roof, rejuvenating your mind and body couldn’t get easier or more calming than this.

CHILL OUT

If you want to take the relaxation party outside, there’s a fabulous (and massive) outdoor pool on the 8th floor with sunbeds and refreshments waiting to be enjoyed. Remember, Sofitel puts an emphasis on French art de recevoir, offering luxurious amenities to its guests. You can truly experience this warm hospitality whilst topping up your tan and taking some time out by the pool. Not only is it a great way to get your vitamin D boost, there’s friendly staff at hand who are more than happy to bring you cold towels, drinks, and snacks on request. Note: there’s also a florist, beautician and hairdresser on-site if you wish to use these services, cool right?

You can truly experience this warm hospitality whilst topping up your tan and taking some time out by the pool.

SUPERIOR class

Let’s start by saying that rooms at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche are more than impressive. They’re classy and inviting, yet retain stylish contemporary touches.

The superior room provided incredible, far-reaching views of the water and the dhow harbour. The art deco elements in the room such as the trendy lamps, the chic furniture and the genius sliding partition between the spacious bathroom and the room, all added to the comfort of being there. There’s complimentary WiFi, a BOSE wave interactive TV with loads of channels, a great working space right by the window, and, more importantly, a cushionsoft luxurious bed that was more than a treat to take rest in after a day spent exploring the hotel and its surroundings.

GO: Visit www.sofitel.com or call +971 2813 7777 for more information or to make a reservation.

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Tranquility at Atarmia Spa We all know just how special a trip to Saadiyat Island can be; glorious beach, beautiful blue sea, and stunning nature.

Shabana Adam visited the Atarmia Spa at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas to relax and reconnect with the extraordinary surroundings…

Sometimes I forget how close we are to a natural beach and open waters, but this month’s spa visit to Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas was a wonderful reminder. It’s around a 20-minute drive from the inner city (of course, that depends on the traffic) but, luckily, there’s never a mad rush of cars going in the direction of Saadiyat Island – I have no idea why not – it’s simply picturesque.

I chose Atarmia Spa to review because one, it had the advantage of being part of a truly scenic hotel; two, I was intrigued by the spa’s offering of healing rituals derived from ancient Arabia’s therapies; and three, well, I was promised lunch at the Beach House afterwards, so this was already shaping up to be a great experience.

I was here for the Zaytoun Oriental Treatment – a two-hour experience designed to intensely nourish you from head-to-toe.

First off, let me start by saying how impressive the treatment area is; it’s a large space divided up into a bathroom with tub, shower, restroom, and changing area on one side of the sliding doors, and a spacious treatment room, on the other side. This whole space was mine. Yes! I was already feeling relaxed, comfortable and safe in the knowledge that I had my own private space.

The treatment begins with soaking and scrubbing the feet and lower legs in a large bowl of hot water. This, as my lovely therapist Kim explains, is to start the detoxifying process. This two-minute trick wakes up your whole body through the different sensory mechanisms in the feet.

We move onto the face and body exfoliation using a honey scrub (it smells divine) and instantly my skin begins to feel supple and smoother. Next comes the Zaytoun olive leaf and mint mask 94. fact magazine

SPA review

GO: The Zaytoun Oriental Treatment lasts 120 minutes and is priced at AED790. Call +971 2407 1170 or email atarmia.parkhyattabudhabi@ hyatt.com to make a reservation or for more information.

to hydrate the entire face, hair and body. Kim is meticulous in her strokes and techniques, gently covering my whole body and wrapping me in a cocoon of warmth.

I soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep, as you have to lie there for 30 minutes for the mask to work its magic. During this half hour, Kim carried out the facial and hair massage. The olive leaf and mint mask did wonders for my hair, leaving it silky smooth when I rinsed off just before the massage.

This treatment is part of the spa’s Opulence philosophy (there are four pillars; Opulence, Lustrous, Brilliance, Majestic) which groups the treatments that are “the most sophisticated and luxurious…. To promote intense and visible anti-ageing results”.

Now, I don’t know about anti-ageing (I’m only 25, I can’t seriously have enough wrinkles to put anti-ageing to the test…), but I do know that Kim was able to ease muscle tension in my back

and lower legs during the massage, as well as leaving me smelling richly fragrant by the end of the treatment!

Having your own private space, a professional and gentle therapist, and soothing, day-dreaming music, really makes two hours seem not enough (it whizzed by!). Needless to say, I was rejuvenated, revitalised, relaxed and all those stress-free adjectives beginning with an ‘r’ – mission accomplished!

Then, off I went to lunch at the Beach House… now that is a story for a different day. But, I will say, it was the perfect way to chill out after the spa and truly completed the magnificent experience. fact magazine .95

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Great New Ways to Keep Fit Fitness is the key to a healthy life! FACT brings you a roundup of some fun and thrilling workout choices. Choose the one that excites you the most and go for it!

Zumba This is definitely one of our favourite ways to keep energised and stay fit throughout the season. Zumba is great for all ages and offers stress relief as well as engaging a number of muscles when doing choreographed moves. The best thing is that, often, you don’t even realise just how many squats and lunges you’re actually doing during this fun class. It’s a social, upbeat fitness choice that also tightens and tones from head toe, and there are plenty of classes to choose from around the city… so, no excuses!

GO: Visit the Beach Club at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi for Zumba Classes.

Call +971 2697 9000 for more information.

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) SUP is the fastest growing water activity which is a good overall workout option. This intense workout regime uses almost every muscle in your body at some point in time. Cruising in an inner bay or blasting through waves, the unstable nature of water and the occasional challenge of gusting wind adds to the difficulty of balancing on a SUP board. This offers a complete body workout that activates the core. You work on conditioning your back, arms, legs and even your toes and feet while paddling. A good half hour on a paddle board will work out your quads and calves for sure. SUP is an excellent cardiovascular activity and a relaxing sport!

GO: Join Hydro Marine Sports on guided SUP tours in the Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi. Call +971 2656 1000 for more information.

Kangoo Jumping ‘Jump’ start your workout (literally) and burn more calories!

Kangoo Jumping, a combination of running, jumping and dance moves with some funky house music, is a fun and intense workout within a studio. This effective workout is recommended by doctors and physical therapists for safe rehabilitation of sports injuries. You can burn about 25 to 50% more calories than traditional exercises and stimulate your lymphatic system. On top of working your legs and gluts, the Kangoos are said to work your core muscles too - the ones that create those rock hard abs.

Strap on your Kangoo boots and get bouncing!

Boost your regime six days a week at Tips N Toes in Khalifa City for Kangoo Jumping. Call +971 2557 2255 for more information.

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Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga If yoga is your way of exercising and keeping fit, do it with a little twist. Stand-Up Paddleboard Yoga teaches you how to move on calm water using different paddling techniques and the importance of balance. A beautiful workout system that strengthens and lengthens all the major muscle groups, opening up the breath, calming the mind and moving into greater alignment with yourself and the natural beauty that surrounds you on the water.

Try fun and challenging SUP Yoga at Yas Marina at Yas Island. Call +971 2657 5460 for more information.

TRX - Total Body Resistance Exercise Produce a highly effective and versatile workout with equipment that involves two suspended bands and rigorous body weight movements. Targeting every muscle, these exercises work your upper and lower body, which in turn makes you slimmer and stronger, also less prone to injuries. Build strength, power, balance, co-ordination, core and joint stability, all while preventing injuries and increasing bone density. Boost your mood and increase your energy levels with this fitness activity, that’s hard to ignore!

Enjoy TRX sessions at Al Qudra World Gym. Visit www.alqudrasm.com for more information.

Kite Surfing The exciting and adventurous sport of kite surfing is a wind powered surface water sport using a kite and a board to move across the water. Kite surfing has a lot of health benefits as you use the whole body to surf. Your legs control the board and push against the power of the kite, whereas your upper body, especially your abs and arms, are used to hold onto the kite and keep your balance. Kite surfing is a fun water sport, which helps you shed a few kilos too!

Take kite surfing lessons at Kiresufing UAE. Call +971 5 0562 6383 for more information.

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Mohammed AlAoui Public Relation and Communication Manager at Emirates Palace

city insider

RECOMMEND a hidden gem or experience in the city...

Describe your ideal day off in Abu Dhabi…

Three things that make Abu Dhabi special…

One of the best hidden gems here is the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey, a once-in-alifetime experience which takes you on a traditional pearling dhow cruise along the quiet channel of the mangroves. It gives you greater understanding of the enchanting history of the Arabian Gulf ’s rich pearling traditions and industry. During this highly interactive experience you will be given oysters to open and search for the pearl, the best part is that everyone leaves with a pearl.

The best way to start my day in Abu Dhabi is to have breakfast at Nolu’s in Bandar, they serve a fresh healthy breakfast. Next a round of tennis with friends to keep me fit and up to speed, in the afternoon there is nothing better than a stroll along the Corniche with my family, enjoying the pristine waters and white sands of Abu Dhabi’s eight kilometres of waterfront.

Abu Dhabi is a destination of distinction where preservation of culture and heritage is prioritised. The Emirate has more than 400 kilometres of pristine coastline, over 200 natural islands, and vast tracts of serene desert - a very diverse landscape indeed! We are blessed to live close by the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

If you’re a golf fan then Abu Dhabi is the place to be. There’s so much to do and see here, we’re rather spoilt for choice.

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N AV I G AT I NG N E W WATE RS Sailing the Dhow, Abu Dhabi, UAE

A S E N S E O F P L AC E . RO S E WO O D A B U D H A B I . + 9100.

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