FACT Abu Dhabi September 2017

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 03 AED10

Please, don’t leave me :-(

UNPLUGGED

HOTEL GOALS

Social media addicts - are you in need of a digital detox?

The best Abu Dhabi insta accounts to follow for staycay envy fact magazine

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Lasagne Festival From 14th – 23rd September

This September, the award-wining Tuscan style restaurant in the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi welcomes a festival dedicated to a variety of different homemade lasagna’s. From freshly made pasta to mouth-watering melted cheese, the comfort food will be available to taste with different flavours and unlimited servings for a truly Italian festival of indulgence.

Daily from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm Unlimited lasagna package, AED 120* per person

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Villa Toscana The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Nation Towers, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, UAE 02 694 4553 | restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com | villatoscana-abudhabi.com *Prices are subject to a 10% service fee, a 6% tourism fee and a 4% municipality fee

CONTENTS PAGE 08 FACT FINDS: Careem kids is making travel for little ones super safe.

PAGE 25 UNPLUGGED: How difficult can it be to take a digital detox?

PAGE 30 SOCIAL MEDIA 101: The most popular platforms to get your fix.

PAGE 38 #KEEPITREAL: We talk to local influencer Azza Al Mughairy.

PAGE 43 HOTEL GOALS: Fact rounds up the best hospitality insta accounts.

PAGE 73 FASHION FOCUS: Ted Baker’s AW’17 collection is major envy.

PAGE 91 CHEF’S TABLE: We take a seat at Butcher & Still for superior steak.

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• THE EDITOR

STATUS: POWER OFF “ “Do more things that make you forget to look at your phone.”

H

ave you ever thought about what it would be like to live off the grid? No phone, no tablet, no hashtags and, probably, no hassle. You’d have less FOMO every day and more of the simple things to enjoy in life - sounds blissful, right? So then WHY is it so difficult for people to press pause and take a time out from all the likes and shares and just live in the moment? After all, YOLO (that’s the first and last time you’ll see me use that acronym).

We turn to our digital personas for various reasons; escapism, validation, boredom and often just for the sake of not feeling left out. When a platform can give you all of these things, and more, why would you want to switch off?

As hard as that might be for many to do, we all need a temporary closure for spiritual maintenance and so, in this month’s issue we give you some food for thought on the ultimate tech dilemma that every millennial has faced disconnecting from social media. Turn to p25 and join the conversation in Unplugged - have you had a digital detox before? Or, is it something you could never dream of doing? Do you want to sign out but crave the addiction of your insta feed? We delve deep into this saturated virtual world to try and find the answers to why being offline is now the new luxury.

When all’s said and done, the online community serves millions of people, daily. For those who want to stay on top of their game, check out Social Media 101 starting p30 for the top ten platforms to get your digital fix. We’ve also got a special Q&A with Abu Dhabi-based influencer Azza Al Mughairy who talks about her online experiences with keyboard warriors and coming out at the other end as a stronger, more confident social media user (p38).

September has way too many awesome things waiting for you to explore in Abu Dhabi and beyond. As always, you can enjoy a lowdown of the best and latest in the local food scene alongside fashion, cultural events, travel, home and entertainment.

For those of you who still haven’t gotten over THAT Game of Thrones finale, fear not. We’re here to help take your mind off it with a jam-packed issue shall we begin?☺

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

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FACT Magazine Abu Dhabi Edition • SEPTEMBER 2017 VOLUME 04, ISSUE 03

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GREG HUGHES EDITOR-IN-CHIEF SHABANA ADAM (shabana@fact-magazine.com) ASSISTANT EDITOR AANCHAL DUGGAL LOCAL EDITOR ANGELA BEITZ CREATIVE DIRECTOR PAULA LEAL GRAPHIC DESIGNER JYOTI RAWAT CONTRIBUTORS GARETH WOODS JAYNE GREEN PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION AJIT KUMAR NEIL MAHMOOD SALES MANAGER EDWARD SMITH SALES COORDINATOR RENIE SIMPLINA ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES ANGELA BEITZ (angela@ohlala-magazine.com) PRINTED BY UNITED PRINTING PRESS

All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication.

However, FACT M.E. Publishing cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions.

FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Office 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef.

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• CONNECT

twitter

instagram

@FACTMagazineME 6,536 followers

@factmagazine

5,490 followers Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACT team.

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 03 AED10

Your one-stop culture fix for life in the Gulf | First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining, and all the coolest events in the region | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrity-world movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Abu Dhabi in local supermarkets or read online at issuu.com.

Please, don’t leave me :-(

UNPLUGGED

HOTEL GOALS

Social media addicts - are you in need of a digital detox?

The best Abu Dhabi insta accounts to follow for staycay envy

facebook

tweets Noor Rana @NOORRANA2592 Cold. Hot. Cold then hot again, then cold. Then hot and then back to being cold again. The many shades of Monday blues. #NooRants #workdiaries

FACT Abu Dhabi 24,215 likes Keep up with all things Abu Dhabi as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, events and everything we’re getting up to. Send us a message – we love hearing from our readers!

Sara A. @SARAAWHO I caught the bouquet last night at my friend’s wedding & my mom is still celebrating.

OUR FAVE FEATURE AUGUST 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 02 AED10

Mahmood Zeyad @MAHMOODZEYAD If my two friends that like doing early breakfast can come back to Bahrain already, that’d be nice.

DO NOT DISTURB

ABU DHABI’S BEST ROOMS AND SUITES FOR SUMMER SURVIVAL

Sarah @ZEYTWZA3TAR My little sister yelled “JESUS” and my nephew said “you’re Muslim” so she yelled “SAYEDNA 3ISSA”

Mohamed AlSahlawi @M_SAHLAWI I had Tikka and kebab with mozzarella and mushrooms, what a time to be alive.

issuu.com FACT Abu Dhabi 56,771 reads of the August issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu. com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and more in Abu Dhabi.

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

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“MY SUN SETS TO RISE AGAIN AT CHO G AO MARINA WALK”

LADIES NIGHT WITH DJ CRISTIANA

EVERY TUESDAY | 20:00 - 23:30 3 FREE SELECTED COCKTAILS & 50% ON HOUSE BEVERAGES AFTER 23:30

FOR BOOKING & INFORMATION, CHO G AO MARINA W ALK - INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI PLEASE CALL 02 666 6888 OR 800 423 463 OR VISIT ICAD. AE fact magazine

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• CHECK IT OUT

FACT FINDS

Careem Kids CAREEM, THE UAE BASED RIDE-HAILING APP, BRINGS ITS UNIQUE KIDS SERVICE TO ABU DHABI, OFFICIALLY AVAIL ABLE FOR USE NOW!

Launched in Dubai in 2014, Careem Kids is a dedicated car type for passengers travelling with young children. Each car in the Kids fleet comes with a universal car seat that can carry a child of up to 30 kilos in weight. Each Captain on this service is hand-picked and trained on how to safely install and alter the size of the seat.

Ahead of the launch, Careem worked closely with partners Maxi Cosi to carefully select child seats that provide optimal safety and comfort for children on board. Distributors of the world’s most renowned child car seat brands, Maxi Cosi provided training and guidance to the Careem Captains on how to best install, adjust sizing and maintain the seats.

In response to the new regulations earlier this month, Careem issued statements to their customers and Captains advising them that no child under the age of four years would be able to travel without a seat in the future. Clarifying the new regulations, parents were advised that Careem Kids can cater for one child under four years and that any additional 8

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seats needed should be provided by the passenger. The Captains were asked to enforce the new regulations with immediate effect.

Commenting on the launch, Bassel Al Nahlaoui General Manager Careem, UAE, said: “We fully support all new regulations and initiatives that will help keep our little ones safer on the roads. Careem Kids has been a very well received service in Dubai for the past three years and it’s great to be able to offer it to our Abu Dhabi customers.

“Our partners at Maxi Cosi have provided invaluable insights and training on best practices for installing and altering child seats and it’s great to have such a trusted company on board with us. We look forward to increasing the fleet as we test the appetite for the new service in the capital,” he added. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.CAREEM.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

NEW DISHES FROM CHEF AREEWAN’S KITCHEN! Taking inspiration from her Thai roots, Chef Areewan is delighted to introduce new dishes in award winning Cho Gao Restaurant & Lounge, from 1st September!

CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI A. Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE T. +971 2 616 6124 E. dining.cpauh@ihg.com Cho Gao Asian Experience chogaoabudhabi

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• LISTEN UP

HAUTE COUTURE MEETS LUXURY HOSPITALITY Taking place at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, hotel guests will witness an exclusive fashion show extravaganza by Ashi Studio on September 18.

Presenting its newest Fall/Winter collection, The Girl On The Moon, fashion designer Mohammed Ashi will take guests on a journey of 1001 fairy tales through meticulously handcrafted pieces. Expect to witness understated sophistication and Arabian elegance under a starlit desert sky.

Ashi Studio’s new collection,The Girl On The Moon, embraces the tormenting battle of longing to break free. Lunar shaped floor-length sleeves, embroidered to resemble the moon’s craters. A sensual touch of lace and a rugged taffeta especially crafted for the wanderlust souls who crave a cosmic affair.

Rays of ethereal lights emitted by the collection’s pearly tones and a feast of intricate embroidery techniques leave her lovers in awe.

To attend this exclusive event, guests can book the Ashi Fashion Show package, starting from AED2,270+++, which includes: one night’s accommodation at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort

by Anantara on September 18; lunch at Ghadeer; welcome reception at Al Liwan; attendance to the Ashi fashion show; barbecue dinner at Al Falaj, inclusive of selected beverages; buffet breakfast on September 19; make up workshop on September 19; and individual fitting with Mohammed Ashi.

Born in Saudi Arabia in 1980, Mohammed Ashi solidified his talent for fashion in the prestigious ESMOD fashion school, France. His work caught the attention of the acclaimed Italian Vogue Editor, the late Franca Sozzani, who remained Ashi’s idol from that moment onwards, throughout his professional career. The designer continuously attracts his followers with his understated colour palette, sculptor’s sense of silhouette and painter’s eye for decorative effect. Ashi embraces embroidery to tell fairy tales with a modern twist. He conjures up the Golden days through ruffles, feathers, delicate fabrics, and fringing.

Now, it’s your turn to get up close and personal with the fashion legend and his newest designs! ✤

GO: CALL(0)2 895 8700 OR VISIT WWW.QASRALSARAB. ANANTARA.COM TO SECURE A SEAT AT THE FASHION SHOW AND FOR MORE INFORMATION. 10

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• LISTEN UP

A WELLNESS WIN

#MYSTREGISSONYMOMENT Attention all photography buffs, amateur snappers and anyone who fancies themselves the chance to win a photo shoot in the sky – literally! In partnership with Sony Middle East and Africa (MEA), The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is calling all luminaries in the art of capturing the moment. The captivating location announced its unique photography competition offering enthusiasts the chance to win access to Abu Dhabi’s most exclusive sunset photoshoot setting, the highest active helipad in the Middle East, using state-of-the-art Sony technology, as well as a three-night luxurious stay at The St. Regis Mauritius Resort. The competition celebrates innovative talent and a commitment to supporting creativity amongst the local and wider UAE community.

Aspiring photographers and social media fanatics of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels are invited to partake in the competition which runs until September 18. To enter, images that feature The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel, captured either inside, outside or from the hotel, on a mobile device, should simply be posted via Instagram, and tagged with #MyStRegisSonyMoment #LiveExquisite. Participants also need to be following and can mention @StRegisAbuDhabi, @SonyMEA and @StRegisMauritius Instagram profiles for consideration.

All entries will be judged and a shortlist of five top finalists will be announced on September 20. The finalists will be invited to shoot the world’s highest suspended hotel suite, the Abu Dhabi Suite using the award-winning Sony 7 α R II (model ILCE7RM2) camera. The Abu Dhabi Suite shoot final five photos will be posted via Instagram where voting will commence, the winner will be announced on September 26. Good luck all! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.STREGISABUDHABI.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 12

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Namm Spa at the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has been crowned with the prestigious World Luxury Spa Award 2017 as the Best Luxury Boutique Spa in the Middle East.

Winners at the awards were selected from more than 1,000 entrants through public voting that saw more than 100,000 votes cast.

Mr. Desmond Hatton, General Manager at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, said: “We are honoured to receive this esteemed recognition for our Namm Spa as this clearly reflects our service excellence at the facility.

“We are delighted to exceed our guest expectations at all times in delivering exceptional spa treatments and this award is a testament of the same. Please join me in congratulating our spa team,” he added.

Embracing a Thai wellness philosophy of four spa elements – Natural, Aroma, Massage and Marine – Namm, pronounced “Narm” is a Thai word that signifies ‘water’ – the most essential element of life associated with healing. This unique concept of healing through water has inspired the creation of the Thai spa, which features eight spacious private treatment rooms. Each specialised treatment at Namm Spa is designed to pamper senses and redefine the inner balance and outer beauty. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 698 8888 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

The biggest in Abu Dhabi!

Yas Island’s 5th Annual Oktoberfest Friday kids activities until 6pm

at du Forum

Friday Brunch Packages

Thursday, 28 Sept 2017 | 7pm - 2am Friday, 29 Sept 2017 | 12:30pm - 2am

Celebrate the Bavarian way and soak up the atmosphere at the biggest and most authentic Oktoberfest Festival in Abu Dhabi!

Early Bird (limited availability) - AED 99 net + 1 complimentary drink General Admission - AED 125 net + 1 complimentary drink Friday Brunch - starting from AED 150 Kids (Friday) - FREE (under 12 years), AED 65 net (12 - 21 years)

Book now at www.ticketmaster.ae or call 02 656 3000 An Event By

OďŹƒcial Destination Partner

Audio Partner

Soft Drink Partner

Beverage Partner

Production Partner

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• LISTEN UP

OMASAKE FRIDAY BRUNCH

FOODIE NEWBIES! Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi has launched an array of new and yummy dishes at the award-winning restaurants, Cho Gao and Spaccanapoli, available from September 1.

Cho Gao will see nine new dishes added to its already robust menu, with delish options including Asian Beef Salad, Char Kway Teow with Beef - wok fried noodles with vegetables and Khao Naa Ped – succulent roasted duck, marinated with five spices. Head Chef, Areewan Larpnikorpkul takes inspiration from her Thai roots, and incorporates fragrant Asian spices and succulent fresh ingredients into her cooking.

Chef Luca, the mastermind of Spaccanapoli’s kitchen goes back to basics with 26 new dishes, all rooted in tradition, and served with true Italian soul. Guests can enjoy a culinary adventure of the entire Italy through these dishes. There’s Tuna Carpaccio from Sicily, Tagliata from Tuscany, Vitello Tonnato from Piedmont, seafood ravioli from Liguria, and Moscardini in quazzetto from Naples.

Spaccanapoli will also feature typical Italian dishes changing on a weekly basis such as Fettucine in mussels and oyster sauce, and beef stuffed tortellini, handmade with mushroom porcini and cream sauce, from Luca’s hometown of Modena.

Beautiful dishes prepared using colour, character, texture and flavour with original products imported directly from Italy – yes, please! ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 616 6166 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 14

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SushiSan, the casual Japanese restaurant at the Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi, has re-launched its Friday brunch with a new and exciting formula: Omakase!

In Japanese, Omakase stands for “I leave it up to you”. For diners, this means that the selection of dishes is left in the hands of SushiSan’s highly experienced chef who will delight their senses through a three-course set brunch and a delicious array of signature pass-arounds. All guests need to do is relax, enjoy the atmosphere and allow the team to take them on a culinary journey through Japan.

The menu of the Omakase Friday Brunch changes and evolves from week to week. What you can expect is a range of mouth-watering appetisers, a main dish featuring an assortment of sushi, sashimi and gunkan, followed by a refreshing desert – y.u.m.m.y. In addition to this, a selection of the signature dishes such as the new sushi pizza and the famous dynamite shrimps will pass by your table, fulfilling your Omakase experience. Prices start from AED179+++ for the soft drinks package, served every Friday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. ✤

GO: CALL 800 78 744 726 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION.

12:30PM - 4:00PM FROM THE VILLAGE | LE MERIDIEN ABU DHABI, TOURIST CLUB AREA,TEL: 02 644 6666, Email: 01899.fnb@lemeridien.com fact magazine 15

• LISTEN UP

NEW PHOTOGRAPHY HUB Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) has launched a new initiative that will contribute to enhancing the art scene and fostering talent within the emirate’s photography community.

This new initiative, in line with TCA Abu Dhabi’s overall mission, is designed to support an inspiring community of photographers, through a vibrant annual programme including exhibitions, workshops, master classes, competitions and projects, as well as the establishment of a dedicated space for the art of photography.

The new hub for photographers will be based at Manarat Al Saadiyat, in Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District, where it will offer the essential platform for professionals and artists to improve their skills, expose them to new techniques and the latest approaches in photography, and assist them in maintaining a steady and professional growth of their talent. Through this specialised facility and the services it will present, artists will be faced with an exceptional opportunity to expand their creative methods, sustain their sources of inspiration, and further deepen their knowledge and unique characteristics in photography.

HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “As we strive to catalyse creativity in Abu Dhabi and the UAE, nurturing an artistic environment has been our core focus, and through this initiative we strive to introduce the new generation to the art of photography.

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“The series of programmes developed, together with the establishment of a dedicated space, will promote photography as a form of art, cultivate the capabilities and skills in our talented photographers, and ultimately will enable the emergence of a group of aspiring young professionals,” he continued. “Aimed at encouraging the arts in the emirate, this initiative signifies our overarching commitment to enhancing the art scene in Abu Dhabi, and ensuring the development of a balanced cultural environment that will allow promising local talent to progressively and naturally flourish.”

Set to open later this year, the photography space at Manarat Al Saadiyat will house world-class facilities, such as an Alternative Processes Darkroom, a library, and production equipment that will qualify for holding workshops and master classes conducted by professional photographers. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.TCAABUDHABI.AE FOR MORE INFORMATION.

CHINO LATINO

Brunch

3 HOURS OF UNLIMITED SELECTED BEVERAGES 3 HOURS OF UNLIMITED FOOD MOJITO AND CEVICHE MASTER CLASSES COCKTAIL PACKAGE AED 333 CLEANSER PACKAGE AED 250

*JOIN US FOR EL CUBANITO AFTER BRUNCH HOURS RESERVATIONSABUDHABI@ASIADECUBA.COM | +971 2 699 3333 fact magazine

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• LISTEN UP

PAMPER PERFECT ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal brings a new range of hammam treatments for guests to indulge in. The three different rituals use products originally from Morocco with natural ingredients such as Argan oil.

Three relaxing new treatments are designed to give you a beautiful hammam experience:

Traditional Hammam Ritual 60 MINS | AED580++ The experience begins with a nurturing full body treatment combining a traditional hammam exfoliation using the Moroccan eucalyptus scented black soap followed by a deep purifying back exfoliation. The next step is a refreshing hair cleanse with stretching ritual bath. The ritual completes with the rich Argan oil that will be gently applied into your skin.

Signature Hammam Ritual 90 MINS | AED740++ This total body experience caresses your skin, revitalises your body and calms your mind. The ritual begins with a vigorous cleanse using a traditional kessa glove and Moroccan eucalyptus scented black soap. Further deeply purifying and hydrating your body & face with Exfoliating Body Balm and Exfoliating Facial Cream, your personal therapist soothes away the stress with a refreshing hair cleanse and a stretching ritual bath. Your renewed skin is then nourished with a body balm and facial cream that are rich in Argan oil and finishes with a relaxing scalp massage.

Indulgence Hammam Ritual 120 MINS | AED1100++ This luxurious head to toe cleansing ceremony welcomes you with a foot ritual to awaken the senses. After the traditional hammam exfoliation with a kessa glove and a foot scrub with your personal pumice stone, a full body scrub and a face exfoliation and mask will be performed to further draw out the impurities and rejuvenates the skin. Completes this unique ritual with a refreshing hair cleanse and a gentle drainage techniques body massage with a body balm that incorporating the exotic and powerful property of the Argan oil.

ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal offers the perfect retreat during the summer months with private temperaturecontrolled plunge pools to cool down prior to or after the treatment and multiple relaxation areas ideal for lounging. ✤

GO: CALL (0)2 818 8051 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 18

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2 for1

on PIZZA delivery

+ 2 FREE soft drinks* Every day | 1pm -11pm Margarita | Leopold’s Symphony Of Seafood Mushroom & Truffle | Spicy Chicken Tikka Capricciosa | Chicken Diavola Barbecue Chicken | Double Pepperoni

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Have a proper sharing meal and add any dish at 49 AED for each*: Bresaola Caprese, Fish & Chips Pasta Mac ‘N’ Cheese, 2 Flourless Chocolate Cakes For deliveries in

Call 600 560 602

02 444 4085 02 584 7532

*Valid only on delivery & take away. The additional meal at 49 AED can be ordered only with the pizza purchase.

You can choose 2 complimentary soft drinks of your choice: Cola, Sprite, Fanta Extra 5 AED will apply on delivery orders. fact magazine Other T&C apply.

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• LISTEN UP

ABU DHABI IS ALL ABOUT THE HEALTHY FOOD New Deliveroo data finds that Abu Dhabi residents order from healthy restaurants more than any other Deliveroo city around the globe.

Here at FACT we’re partial to a quick food fix to accommodate our busy schedules, but more often than not we gravitate towards the dreaded ‘C’ word, that’s right - carbs! Now, Deliveroo, the region’s fastest growing premier food delivery service has found that Abu Dhabi is the healthiest city across its global markets and we’re welcoming this healthy camaraderie. Their latest research reveals that Abu Dhabi residents are most likely to order nourishing, wholesome food as opposed to reaching for that kebab. Among Deliveroo’s health-conscious Abu Dhabi customers, 20 per cent of orders are high in protein and a further 20 per cent are gluten-free while vegetarian is the next top option in the UAE capital.

Just to get your hunger pang in full swing, some of the region’s favourite dishes include: Quinoa Tabbouleh from Kababji Grill, Tom Yum Goong Soup from Lemongrass Thai Restaurant, Braised Chicken Claypot from Dai Pai Don, Roasted Chicken and Avocado Sandwich courtesy of Jones the Grocer and Urban Bites’ Make Your Own Salad amongst other nutritious choices.

This is no mean feat to top the list as Deliveroo currently operates in over 140 cities across 12 countries, including Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the UAE and the UK. Anis Harb, General Manager of Deliveroo GCC, said: “At Deliveroo, we have witnessed a clear and growing trend for healthy, gluten-free and vegetarian options among our customers, and we will continue to ensure that this demand is met with a range of exciting options that prove healthy food needn’t be without options.”

Deliveroo allows you to order high-quality takeaway online and have it conveniently delivered straight to your home or office in just 32 minutes or less. The company arrived in Dubai in 2015 and has since grown steadily to meet the increasing consumer demand for its award-winning service.

Is it lunchtime yet? ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.DELIVEROO.AE TO PLACE YOUR NEXT ORDER NOW. 20

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LISTEN UP •

ABU DHABI #1 SAFEST CITY IN THE WORLD! After hearing the news, FACT just had to shout it from the rooftops, or rather write it down, but, you know what we mean. We are proud as punch of Abu Dhabi as its just been named the safest city in the world by Numbeo, a website that curates and collates data to develop the world’s largest user-contributed database about cities and countries worldwide.

Now, we aren’t one for figures usually, but, with the lowest crime index of just 13.54 in the past six months, and the highest safety index of 86.46, we can’t help but be interested, especially as Abu Dhabi was well ahead of second place city, Basel, Switzerland in the scores for overall safety. Also, Abu Dhabi scored 94% for general feeling of safety in the city on account of respondents stating that Abu Dhabi has very low crime levels. The index, which ranked 334 countries globally, is an estimation of overall level of crime in a given city or a country – now that’s impressive!

HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi has a solid reputation for safety with a virtually

crime-free society. It is a priority when choosing a city to visit or live in and provides peace of mind knowing that you can feel safe anywhere you go in Abu Dhabi. The result of this index supports Abu Dhabi’s position as the leading city in the world to live, work and do business in, and highlights an aspect of life in Abu Dhabi that is a matter of great pride to all residents.”

As of late Abu Dhabi has been receiving quite the number of compliments as it was only last month that it was named the second-best city in the world to live, work and do business in, overtaking both London and Paris in the most recent Ipsos City Index. #TeamAbuDhabi ✤

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• LISTEN UP

WELCOME, TORO TORO With its signature bulls ready at the door, guests will soon be greeted with warm hospitality as they step into the newest culinary hotspot in the capital – renowned Latin restaurant concept Toro Toro by award-winning chef, Richard Sandoval. Here’s a sneak peek…

Conveniently located at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, with stunning views of the waterfront and private marina, Toro Toro is the latest addition to celebrity chef Richard Sandoval’s unrivalled repertoire of successful restaurants, in a bid to offer an unmatched dining experience in the capital.

In partnership with Perfetti Hospitality, the venue is bringing its fiery flair straight to Abu Dhabi’s diners. Pan Latin flavours have been artfully spun to create the most delectable hot

and cold sharing plates including aperas and ceviches.

Traditional churrasco is served a la carte alongside a wide selection of savoury side dishes to complement these grills.

Chef Richard Sandoval, said: “We are extremely excited to bring Toro Toro’s unique and successful concept to a new audience in the capital. We feel the restaurant will fill a niche in the hospitality scene in Abu Dhabi and look forward to replicating the success we have seen across the Middle East for all our restaurant concepts.”

Just like the part of the world that provides the inspiration for Toro Toro, the restaurant’s vast beverage menu is equally colourful and brought to life by a skilled team of bartenders and mixologists.

The main dining room on the ground floor feels inviting and intimate while the first floor leads to a magnificent terrace right on the waterfront where guests can enjoy the spectacular sea view while dancing the night away to the exotic rhythms of the resident DJ. Fusing traditional and contemporary tastes, the warm Latininspired tones of orange and red are enhanced by one-ofa-kind décor elements including handmade mosaic frames from Peru displaying dramatic contemporary art alongside Mexican handmade carpets.

Toro Toro is a globally renowned brand with restaurants in Dubai, Miami, and Washington DC. The Abu Dhabi addition exudes the brand’s legendary Latin American spirit but with a daring look and feel that is unique to this city’s venue.

You had us at ceviche! ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.DELIVEROO.AE TO PLACE YOUR NEXT ORDER NOW. 22

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LISTEN UP •

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• SOCIETY

#HOME #CENTRE #CELEBRATES #EMIRATI #W O M E N’S #D AY Home Centre celebrated Emirati Women’s Day in a novel fashion this year by collaborating with popular Emirati blogger Mthayel Al Ali to highlight the different shades of home decor styling and create unique and aesthetically appealing looks. The ‘Morning in the Life of Mthayel’ workshop was filled with home décor inspiration and styling tips and tricks. Held at the Home Centre store in City Centre Mirdiff, the celebratory workshop gave attendees a glimpse of Mthayel’s morning routine. She highlighted the importance of organising personal space to ensure that it remains functional and accommodates all essentials. Through this event, Home Centre highlighted the everyday efforts made by women as they use their inspiration to shape beautiful and welcoming homes.

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DIGITAL DETOX: HOW DIFFICULT CAN IT BE? Does the thought of not posting a daily insta story give you anxiety? Or do you dread the little red notification every time you log onto Facebook?

Shabana Adam digs into the depths of social media to find out when an online cleanse is long overdue and why switching off is not as easy as it seems.

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here comes a point in my daily routine – usually in the late afternoon – when I’ve exhausted all my creative and competent will for the day.

I need a time out. My sluggish mind and body, the onset of writer’s block and the half-hour-long meme sprees make this very clear. Not to mention the many cups of tea.

So, it got me thinking – what are the signs for when we need a break from the digital world? Whether we like it or not, we are creatures of social media. The Arab Social Media Report 2017 found that 90 per cent of the online population in most Middle East countries use social networking sites, daily.

This might be for personal use to stay in touch with family and friends or for business purposes to build a brand’s following, either way it’s clear that we’ve been well and truly infected with the social media bug. And there’s no rush for a cure anytime soon.

But what happens when all the noise gets a bit too much? For me, being in the magazine industry where a huge part of the job responsibility is your brand’s social media, switching off seems almost deviant.

Yet, I’m convinced that many of us have had the urge to sign out and forget about hashtags and stories for a little while. I know I have. And though I love letting the rebel in me out to play, switching off is easier said than done.

Dilemma number one: as much as I’ve wanted to take a hiatus every now and again, there’s just something SO addictive about scrolling through your feed and taking in all the new content from your friends

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and followers. Yes, I want to see who’s had a baby, who’s on holiday in the Maldives, and who’s had a healthier lunch than mine. I probably (definitely) don’t care, but I want to see it nonetheless. So, the question is, what makes it so HARD to step AWAY from our digital platforms?

Lena Dobschall, an Abu Dhabi-based Lifestyle Blogger, who goes by the name mondayonfleek, believes that social media can create short elusions from the real world, which users find easier to handle.

“You see all these nice pictures of palm trees or videos of baby cats, and everything is always AH-MAZING,” she says.

“THE DIGITAL WORLD SEEMS TO BE SO MUCH EASIER SOMETIMES, AND EVEN THOUGH IT’S OBVIOUSLY PRETENTIOUS, WE STILL TEND TO LIKE AND BELIEVE WHAT WE SEE THERE.” - LENA DOBSCHALL

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The Middle East especially, has seen a staggering growth in social media activity.

We Are Social’s newest report, Digital in 2017 Global Overview, revealed that social media use overall saw an impressive leap of 47 per cent in the past 12 months, with mobile social media up 44 per cent.

To put things into perspective, that’s 93 MILLION active social media users in this region alone. Imagine the amount of new conversation topics, funny memes and viral videos you could be witnessing on the hour? Now, if that doesn’t give you major FOMO (fear of missing out) then I don’t know what will.

“People want to be constantly in the know,” says Hassan Saraya, a Gulf-based Public Relations Executive at Four Seasons Hotels.

“You want to be part of the “it” conversation and so your real life experiences start to get replaced with virtual ones.”

Lena adds: “Our generation is constantly worried about missing out on something, so spending time online seems to be the best way to keep up to date with everything from pop culture to news.

“And because things change so fast, you get new updates every time you log on which means you want to basically stay online all the time in order to keep up!” she says.

This infinite cycle of wanting to know about everyone and everything the second that it happens, could be the core reason why the majority of social media users find it difficult to disconnect from their online personas.

“PEOPLE WANT TO BE CONSTANTLY IN THE KNOW... YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE “IT” CONVERSATION AND SO YOUR REAL LIFE EXPERIENCES START TO GET REPLACED BY VIRTUAL ONES.” - HASSAN SARAYA

From behind a screen you can consume all the gossip you want, comment on posts and pictures with opinions you don’t have to justify and, essentially, be whoever you want to be for your followers. The real pros, I’m sure, will have also played detective a fair few times. I mean, if you haven’t casually ‘stalked’ a crush’s feed all the way back to 2010 or gone through your childhood friend’s brother’s wife’s holiday album, or spent an hour saving links to recipes you’ll never make, are you even doing social media right?

And so, we come to dilemma number two: as much as I’d love to sign out from my devices for days at a time, browsing the discover page on Instagram or checking out the latest trending topic on Twitter, and even taking a hundred different pictures using new Snapchat filters, is all part of my daily escapism – these are the places where I can choose and control which parts of my life I want people to see. Which leads to the next big question, is your digital IDENTITY the REAL you? fact magazine

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“PEOPLE CANNOT REALLY DISTINGUISH BETWEEN YOUR MEDIA PERSONALITY, A.K.A YOUR JOB, AND YOUR REAL PERSONALITY. THEY WILL JUDGE YOU ONLY BY WHAT YOU PUT OUT THERE.” - LENA DOBSCHALL

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ena suggests that this aspect of social media, the fluidity of online identity and the attachment of stereotypes, is also one of the negatives of having the status of ‘influencer’. Why? “People cannot really distinguish between your media personality, aka your job, and your real personality,” she explains. “They will judge you only by what you put out there. For example, the role of a make-up blogger may be stereotyped by some as being superficial or unintelligent, but it can be a very lucrative job, where you have to be smart, extremely organised and consistent,” Lena adds. “But on YouTube, all you might see them doing is dabbing their concealer on, which is the only side of them that you’ll know.”

For Hassan, much like myself, and any other profession that requires keeping a

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constant eye on your follower engagement and competitor’s online moves, social media is a whole different arena of endless possibilities.

“It’s crazy, because less than a decade ago, social media was just a trend,” Hassan recalls. “Now it’s a critical component of any business marketing programme as well as for personal connections too.

“You create your own persona in a saturated world. Anyone can be anyone on social media, so why would you want to switch off from that?” he says.

Here comes dilemma number three: the honest truth is that if I want to excel in my job, social media has to be my best friend – at all times of the day (and night).

Even if for a few hours, detaching from the digital world means that I could miss out on the next big story or insta opp, both personally and professionally. Final question: do we just continue to let the NOISE of social media take over for the sake of workplace COMMITMENTS or is that just an excuse to stay online?

“YOU CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONA IN A SATURATED WORLD. ANYONE CAN BE ANYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA, SO WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SWITCH OFF FROM THAT?” - HASSAN SARAYA

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“The truth is that as the working environment evolves in the GCC, more and more employees are relying on technology and social media in particular to keep connected,” Hassan explains. “As a result, we are in a constant always-on mode. I even see this in my own social media because my posts on both work platforms and my personal accounts have a similar style, albeit within brand guidelines for work.”

IT’S A BLURRED LINE; WORK LIFE AND REAL LIFE, WHERE THE ROLE OF SO CIAL MEDIA MEANS THAT YOU ARE THE BRAND AND THE BRAND IS YOU.

It’s a blurred line; work life and real life, where the role of social media means that you are the BRAND and the brand is YOU. This might be a positive thing for those who want to stay ahead in their career game and dedicate every waking moment to their followers, but it can also be a negative for those who wish to turn off their notifications and can’t always do so, because they’re either too afraid of missing out on something important or, simply, their digital platforms have become such a sacrilegious part of both work and home life.

On the other end of the spectrum, it’s important to recognise that social media can also be a positive and beneficial tool.

It’s an excellent place to voice opinions for causes that need attention and to reach a big audience, fast. It’s also packed full of free skills, advice and information on every topic you could think of – holistic wellbeing, DIY hacks, fashion updates, education empowerment, political movements and so much more – as well

as giving you a closer, raw insight into the lives of celebrities, athletes, CEOs and other world movers and shakers for inspiration or for pure pastime. There’s networking sites like LinkedIn which is possibly the greatest tool for making career connections, browsing, applying and in many cases, landing your next job.

The digital world might just be the biggest catch 22 for millions of people, and we haven’t even touched on topics such as profile privacy and how exactly being online affects people’s psychology.

For some, social media sells happiness and gives the level of validation they crave.

For others who want to avoid face-to-face interaction, social media allows them to express their feelings without dealing with the consequences.

My truth is, I can live WITH it more than I can live without it. Ultimately, only YOU will know if and when you need a digital detox. I think my time to press pause on all things social media is slowly creeping up. But first, let me take a selfie. ✤

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SOCIAL MEDIA 101 AANCHAL DUGGAL GIVES YOU THE LOWDOWN ON THE MOST POPULAR PLATFORMS IN THE DIGITAL WORLD…

Facebook

Instagram

FOUNDER(S): Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes

FOUNDER(S): Kevin Systrom, Mike Krieger

NUMBER OF USERS: 2 billion monthly active users WHY IT’S POPULAR: If you’re anything like us, passively scrolling through your Facebook feed has manifested into a bedtime ritual you just can’t seem to shake off! Offering a fascinating milieu of friends, family, colleagues and a whole lotta memes, Facebook has successfully cemented its position at the top of the social media ladder. From insanely cute puppy videos and keeping in touch with long lost friends to getting the deets on the latest gossip in your circle and around the world- Facebook is on top of it all! With the influx of newer and cooler social media, it will be interesting to see how Facebook matches up.

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NUMBER OF USERS: 400 million daily active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: If you’re a sucker for drool-worthy food art and FOMO inducing vacay snaps- Instagram should be right up your alley! Coming at us with a host of fitness goals, food envy, beauty hacks, travel inspo and more, Instagram presents to us an ideal image of life and society; it’s escapism at its finest. Apart from setting some unrealistic yet entertaining standards, your favourite celebs and media influencers are just a DM away. A reservoir of selfies, hashtags and filters, the photo sharing app has managed to create the perfect illusion of the world. Love it or hate it- we just can’t get enough of the ‘gram!

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Snapchat

Twitter

FOUNDER(S): Evan Spiegel, Bobby Murphy, Reggie Brown

FOUNDER(S): Jack Dorsey, Noah Glass, Biz Stone, Evan Williams

NUMBER OF USERS: 173 million daily active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: Changing the face of the digital world, literally one filter at a time, Snapchat has introduced us to a side of social media we never knew we needed! Making communication incredibly raw and customised, Snapchat lets you control your content to a much greater extent than other platforms. But what make this app so distinguished and one of a kind are its unique and playful filters. Be it the basic dog filter or everybody’s favourite flower crown filter, documenting your life has never been this creative. Revolutionising the way we use our phones to connect within our social circles, as well as the daily world Snapchat story and news articles, Snapchat is a gift that keeps on giving and we can’t wait for every new filter that’s coming.

NUMBER OF USERS: 100 million daily active users WHY IT’S POPULAR: A haunt for intellectuals, politicians and celebrities alike, Twitter attracts unfiltered criticism, adulation as well as other miscellaneous witticisms and commentary from all walks of life. Providing us with the wider pulse of the world, the data and current events that we glean from the app in realtime are actually game-changing. A form of citizen journalism, it helps keep track of the events from normal people on the ground, all within the platform’s 140-character limit! Letting individual opinions into the global cyber-canvass, Twitter is the easiest way to join the conversation and form a sense of community. It’s also your best bet at finding different opinions and real-time info.

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LinkedIn

FOUNDER(S): David Karp

FOUNDER(S): Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, Jean-Luc Vaillant

NUMBER OF USERS: 550+ million active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: Giving a whole new meaning to “your vibe attracts your tribe”, Tumblr makes finding your kind of people super easy and fun! The hotbed for youth activity, what makes this microblogging site so popular is its selectivity and security through obscurity. Ideal for people who are not into lengthy blogs, it lets you post short texts, multimedia, quotes and lots more about anything and everything. Featuring everything from fact to fiction, it allows you to connect with and follow people who are obsessed with the same things as you and form communities based on these interests. The best place to vent, connect and get inspired!

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NUMBER OF USERS: 500 million members WHY IT’S POPULAR: In our ferociously competitive society, establishing a professional identity can be exhausting and any help is always a welcomed sight. Thankfully for us, LinkedIn makes stepping into the professional realm more precise and fuss-free! While it may not be the most happening social media platform around, it is definitely the most important when it comes to building a professional network. A go-to service for professionals of all ages, it links employers posting jobs with job seekers posting their CVs. Offering a whole world of opportunities, LinkedIn is definitely one of the best recruitment tools around.

SOCIAL MEDIA •

Reddit

YouTube

FOUNDER(S): Steve Huffman, Alexis Ohanian

FOUNDER(S): Steve Chen, Chad Hurley, Jawed Karim

NUMBER OF USERS: 250 million users

WHY IT’S POPULAR: A clever play on the words “I read it”, Reddit is an assorted collection of subreddits representing every subject imaginable. From news, science and music to fitness and unsolved mysteries, Reddit has a thread for your every mood and intellect! The availability of an open and diverse user community has made it a safe place for users to raise attention and foster discussions on a wide range of subjects.

Feeding on people’s desire to be constantly inthe-know, it helps users achieve certain goals of viewership or simply attain answers to interesting questions. This is definitely the kind of social media platform to air out your Area 51 theory or talk about the next diet fad - basically, spending hours upon hours browsing, reading and posting!

NUMBER OF USERS: Over 1 billion users WHY IT’S POPULAR: Beauty tutorials, daily vlogging and music videos from around the world- that’s YouTube for you!

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, this video sharing site must be your go-to app for all things entertainment. With over 300 hours of video uploaded to the site every minute (seriously!), it’s beyond debate that YouTube’s influence has totally changed the world. Independent creators have turned this video giant into a money-making machine by amassing huge followings and raking in a lot of moolah! YouTube’s face-to-face engagement concept has led to a whole different ball game that continues to dramatically grow and evolve. If you’ve got the subscribers then you’re doing it right!

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Pinterest

Google+

FOUNDER(S): Paul Sciarra, Evan Sharp, Ben Silbermann

FOUNDER(S): Larry Page, Sergey Brin

NUMBER OF USERS: 150 million active monthly users

NUMBER OF USERS: 111 million active users

WHY IT’S POPULAR:

WHY IT’S POPULAR:

Inspiring users to “go out and do that thing” since 2010, Pinterest‘s visual orientation has made it everybody’s favourite catalog of ideas. With your lifestyle at its core, Pinterest lets you draw inspiration from a host of pretty pictures as you ‘pin’ your way to visual nirvana! Sharing your likes and interests lets you connect with likeminded people and create a visual bookmark of everything from recipes and style inspiration to home hacks and crafts. The option of creating multiple pinboards is ideal for people who crave a little organisation!

Another social media platform where you can while away the hours, this time with a bundle of creative inspiration.

An integrated social networking platform focused on bringing all of Google together, Google+ is a more niche channel in this sea of booming media platforms. While Google+ lets you post photos and status updates to the stream and interest based communities, what makes it stand out is its ability to post unobstructed high resolution images. It also lets you implement high-quality photo editing features, which is a treat for amateur photographers and lifestyle bloggers. Staying connected is made super easy with Hangout, its video calling service that lets you talk to 10 people at once. Google+ might not be in the spotlight, but it is definitely worth your attention! ✤

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• ACRONYMS

FYI, SOCIAL MEDIA IS #BAE Not hi n g s ays s o c i a l m ed i a - s av v y like a good acrony m. Abbreviat ion s go ha nd- in - h a n d w i th th e d i g i t al world wh ere t y pin g ou t a wh ole s enten ce i s j ust too u n cool . In s tea d , c a pt i on s an d h as ht ags are packed wit h eas ier (l a z i e r) ways of s ay i n g w h at yo u mean . Here are s ome of t h e f requ ent ly u s ed tex t cu lprit s …

AMA – Ask Me Anything BAE – Before Anyone Else BFF – Best Friend Forever BFN – Bye For Now BRB – Be Right Back BTW – By The Way CYL – See You Later DM – Direct Message FF – Follow Friday FOMO – Fear Of Missing Out FTW – For The Win FYI – For Your Information FWIW – For What It’s Worth FYA – For Your Amusement GTG – Got To Go GR8 – Great HBD – Happy Birthday ICYMI – In Case You Missed It IDC – I Don’t Care 36

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IDK – I Don’t Know ILY – I Love You IMO – In My Opinion IRL – In Real Life JELL – Jealous JK – Just Kidding KMT – Kiss My Teeth LOL – Laughing Out Loud LMAO – Laughing My A** Off LMK – Let Me Know MYOB – Mind Your Own Business NBD – No Big Deal NBC – Nobody Cares NVM – Never Mind NSFW – Not Safe For Work OBV – Obviously OG – Original Gangster OMG – Oh My God

OMW – On My Way OOTD – Outfit Of The Day PDA – Public Display of Affection PPL – People QOTD – Quote Of The Day ROTFL – Rolling On The Floor Laughing SMH – Shaking My Head SRLSY – Seriously TBH – To Be Honest TBT – Throwback Thursday TMI – Too Much Information TYT – Take Your Time TTYL – Talk To You Later TYVM – Thank You Very Much WTH – What The Hell YOLO – You Only Live Once YGTR – You Got That Right

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DISCONNECT 5 WAYS TO SWITCH OFF

ARE YOU CONSTANTLY SCROLLING ON YOUR SMARTPHONE? YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA FEED COULD BE SPIKING YOUR STRESS LEVELS AND TAKING A TOLL ON YOUR WELLBEING. HERE ARE JUST A FEW WAYS FOR YOU TO UNPLUG AND LIVE IN THE MOMENT.

1. FOCUS: MINDFULNESS It might sound straightforward, but training your brain to stop multitasking and focus on one thing at a time can do your health wonders. This technique promotes breathing exercises found in yoga which encourages individuals to step back from their busy thoughts and emotions in order to view things from a disconnected perspective. The best (and probably ironic) thing is that you can now download mindfulness guides from online sources such as www.bemindfulonline.com.

2. CONNECT: FACE-TO-FACE Actually get up, get ready and go to see your family and friends. Yes, it sounds so simple, but more and more people have become accustomed to “checking-in” with their loved ones over a Facebook message or Insta DM. If you find yourself regularly cutting out REAL human-to-human interaction, it’s time to take a social media vacation and start making plans to meet up with the people in your life.

3. DO NOTHING: BREAK TIME Possibly the easiest decision you can make is to take a time out. Actively breaking away from posting on social media for a few days can create new breathing space whilst knowing that your account is still visible and searchable even when you’re not posting.

Take this a step further and deactivate your account as a temporary solution to pressing pause on your daily screen time.

4. SILENCE: HIDE IT When meeting up with friends, turn off notification or better yet, put your phone on silent, and leave it in your bag. No bag?

Turn your phone over so you can’t see the screen. We’ve all got that one friend who keeps their phone attached to them like a glove – we might even be that friend – but this is seriously rude. Fight the urge to check emails and messages, and to insta your food (that might be a little harder), you’re guaranteed more good convo and laughs this way.

5. CLEANSE: HOLIDAY Yes, posting on social media when you’re off on your travels is an absolute must – why would you not want to show off the beach you’re lounging on when your besties are all doing the nine-to-five grind?

The solution: plan a holiday that actually allows for down-time and detaching from your devices – for example, health retreats, wildlife trips, volunteering days, spa vacays and more – you can take all the pics you want and post them when you’re back. The key is to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. ✤ fact magazine

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• INFLUENCER Q&A

#KEEPITREAL WE’VE HAD AN ATTEMPT AT TACKLING THE ISSUE OF BALANCING OFFSCREEN LIFE WITH ONLINE PERSONA, AND THERE’S ONE LADY WHO IS INSPIRING THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE AROUND THE REGION TO BE THEMSELVES BOTH ON THEIR INSTA FEED AND OUT IN THE REAL WORLD. FACT MEETS ABU DHABI-BASED SOCIAL

Hi Azza! Give us a brief snapshot of your personal journey with social media?

I started in the media world 10 years ago, on the radio. I was an MC for a lot of local and international events, and three years ago when I joined the TV world, I decided to open a social media account but wasn’t very active and didn’t believe in it a lot to be honest. It all started two years ago when I left TV and launched my own online radio and started speaking about issues and topics that got huge attention from people. Having these conversations noticed pushed me to start being more active on Instagram and Snapchat with videos. So, I would say that my social media journey began almost a year and a half ago.

MEDIA INFLUENCER AZZA AL MUGHAIRY TO TALK POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES OF HAVING A DIGITAL PRESENCE, HOW TO DEAL WITH KEYBOARD WARRIORS AND HER TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING SAFE ONLINE…

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In what ways has the introduction and use of social media impacted your life – both positively and negatively?

Social media did change me a lot; it’s made me realise things about myself, helped me to reach people and to grow and learn in the process. And yes, it has negatives too, which have somehow helped me to be stronger so I can’t really complain, as it really can make or break you – and it did make me.

The positives for me is that I had a message that I wanted to spread and reach people with, and social media has helped me to do that. It has opened a lot of doors for me and so my work is more

recognised in the UAE – be that exposure through events or a good response from people. I wanted my radio discussions and my topic videos to get people talking more openly about different life issues, to talk to me and ask me things. Thankfully, I have the most AMAZING followers who look up to me and that is just incredible.

Getting random hugs from people I don’t know and all the love is amazing. And when I get a mother or a lady stop me to say that one of my videos or snaps made them feel stronger, like they had someone to lean on – this makes me SO happy.☺ The negatives played their role too. In the beginning when I was new to social media, I wasn’t really aware of the bad side of it – BULLYING. Then I was being called names and waking up to negative messages and hate – it was shocking for me. As strong as you are, it’s hard to keep it together all the time because these things will affect you. But with time, it honestly got better and less or I think I grew thicker skin, at least.

I opened the door for people to speak to me since I started talking about topics that aren’t so widely discussed in the public sphere, so I started getting people trusting me, who would come to my office or randomly stop me in the mall and have a chat. I absolutely love it, but the fact is that sometimes I’ll hear a lot of negative stories about problems in the community and all I can do is listen because help is

INFLUENCER Q&A •

beyond my control – and this really got me down at one point that I fell into a state of depression. I really had to tell myself, “Azza, they just need an ear or need you to talk about it with them” but ultimately, it’s not your problem. So, I had to learn not to take everything personally which was hard but I’m getting used to it.

Have you ever been the subject of online bullying or harassment and how have you dealt with this?

Yes, I got my fair share of that for a full year and, to be honest, I didn’t know how to deal with it. I went through a phase where I didn’t like my face and my body and was really feeling down and not confident, it just made me feel down and one day I just woke up and said “no, this is enough” – which was followed by this amazing video about how I felt. I then started doing talks at schools and at events and I was shocked by how many people get that kind of abuse on a daily basis.

So I made a call to actually support this cause and try to make a change by talking about it and spreading awareness. I can’t really express how grateful I am for the support from the media and other

“

“I am here for anyone going through online nastiness – it did affect me for sure but I decided to take a stand and speak about it.”

organisations who just helped me to spread the word. This made me stronger and it was now my responsibility to actually make sure that I don’t let bullying affect me, and make sure I help others and remind them to love themselves. I am here for anyone going through online nastiness – it did affect me for sure but I decided to take a stand and speak about it. I found great love and response so, why would I care about the haters?

What is your opinion on social media stereotypes and the pressure that is created to be a certain way through platforms such as instagram?

Ahh one of my main topics always is people judging and stereotyping and I always promote to people to start with them self first. We all have a tendency to judge; even I learned to work on this side of myself by showing, through my radio and social media, how you can be different being khaleeji and break barriers, and I made it with respecting and not judging anyone. That’s what made people trust me and talk to me, and I’m very thankful for that as I really worked on me, first and that’s made me stronger. fact magazine

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Describe your relationship with digital platforms – how do you keep it REAL? (Smiles) #KeepitrealwithAzza. Well it’s very hard but I will make it simple; when you post without thinking what other people will think or say, and you just post what you want and what you feel with no script, not to get followers and likes, but just as YOU, and I mean the real you without any acting and boundaries - that’s when you reach another level of realness. I made mistakes in my social media experience that may cost me a lot with me being real and sometimes TOO real. I’ve lost a lot but am so happy and I don’t regret it as I may have closed doors for being so real but opened so many other doors for me that accept the real Azza who is doing what she loves.

Share with us your top five tips on keeping safe and being yourself online, regardless of people’s expectations…

- BE real, don’t try to be on social media for likes and followers as when you think that way people can see it, trust me.

- Post content to do with any field you want it to be in.

- Have a good schedule of your posting with what to post and when.

- Be consistent with what you always post – don’t just do everything and confuse followers, and also don’t just disappear make sure you always give to your followers for them to stay.

- Have your touch or mark that you’re known for and most importantly, HAVE FUN. ✤

AZZA AL MUGHAIRY IS AN EMIRATI-OMANI SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY BASED IN ABU DHABI, UAE. FOLLOW @AZZAALMUGHAIRY ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION. 40

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• SOCIETY

#GUGGENHEIM #ABU #DHABI #COLLECTION #COMES #TO #A #CLOSE After a successful five-month presentation, the second major exhibition of works from the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi collection, The Creative Act: Performance, Process, Presence, came to a close. Featuring works by more than 25 artists from different nationalities and generations, the exhibition explored a transcultural perspective on defining aspects of contemporary art by highlighting interconnections among global artists working in various corners of the world since the 1960s. The educational and public programme accompanying The Creative Act also drew to a close. Inspired by the artworks, themes and the curatorial concept of the exhibition, more than 45 events were held over five months to engage parents, children, teens and young adults with the content.

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#HOTELGOALS

They use social media to showcase their rooms, restaurants and dining deals, to run competitions and to give you all the holiday inspo you need – that’s right, Abu Dhabi’s hotels really bring their A-game on instagram! FACT rounds up some of our favourite accounts to follow for your very own staycay muse!

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• HOTEL GOALS

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Emirates Palace

Four Seasons Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island

@emiratespalace

@fsabudhabi

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas

@shangrilaabudhabi

@parkhyattabudhabi

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HOTEL GOALS •

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

@jumeirahetihadtowers

@stregisabudhabi

Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, Yas Island

@beach_rotana

@cpyas

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• HOTEL GOALS

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Bab Al Qasr

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

@babalqasrhotel

@westinabudhabi

Rosewood Abu Dhabi

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

@rwabudhabi

@fairmontbabalbahr

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Marriott Hotel Al Forsan

Hyatt Capital Gate

@marriottalforsan

@hyattcapitalgate

InterContinental Abu Dhabi

Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi

@intercontiad

@marriottdowntownad

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Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara

Courtyard by Marriott Abu Dhabi

@ananataraeasternmangroves

@courtyard_auh

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

@lemeridienabudhabi

@crowneplazaabudhabi

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HOTEL GOALS •

Park Rotana Abu Dhabi

Sheraton Abu Dhabi

@parkrotana

@sheratonabudhabi

Centro Capital Centre

Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana

@centrocapcentre

@khalidiyapalace

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• WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT •

Luxurious Heights JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI FLYING THE HOSPITALITY FLAG HIGH AND PROUD, THE 5-STAR JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI TAKES STAYCATION ENVY TO COMPLETELY NEW HEIGHTS – LITERALLY. MADE UP OF TWO STUNNING TOWERS IN DUBAI’S BUSINESS BAY AREA, FACT TOOK A MUCH-NEEDED MOMENT TO RELAX AND UNWIND ONLY TO BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED AT EVERY TURN.

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hen your taxi driver says: “oh, it’s a very, very popular hotel, many people say nice things about it” on the ride to your destination, there’s a sense of relief and excitement in one. This is exactly how we felt on our way to the towering JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai. Not only will we reside in the chilled-out Business Bay neighbourhood on Sheikh Zayed Road, there’s SO much at the property that unless you’re in the city for pure tourist hotspots, there’s absolutely no reason

why you need to leave the hotel until it’s check out time. The UAE is already renowned for its warm hospitality and this is no exception here.

We step into a busy lobby area where check-in desks are crowded. However, looking around, the staff are super efficient with allowing guests to make use of the Marriott Rewards priority check-in desk too. This simple gesture is allthe-more reason for us to sign up to the loyalty programme, not to mention the lovely welcome drinks and cold towel presented on arrival.

Everyone from the bellboy to the concierge team and front desk staff is eager to help and

make sure your every comfort is met to a high standard. We immediately get the same stressfree vibe that many of us experience on a lazy day off at home – heaven.

SUITE DREAMING

We’re directed towards Tower B and shoot up to the 63rd floor. It’s so quiet, you could hear a pin drop. We begin to appreciate the architecture and beautifully modern, sleek design of the hotel when we exit the lift. It’s amazing how there’s a desired level of cosiness balanced with a contemporary ambiance – more boxes ticked. fact magazine

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“Head to the breathtaking pool area where it’s sun loungers galore and a pool that we just LOVED dipping in and out of.

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WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT •

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• WEEKEND SPOTLIGHT

“

“If there’s one thing you need to do here, it’s taking the longest soak in the deep, oversized tub – we would have happily slept in it!

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This feeling runs right into the breathtaking Executive Suite that we’ll call home for a weekend. And as far as suites go, this is one special set-up. WHERE do we begin? Think snug meets fresh, meets minimalism with a dash of artistic flair. The living area is bigger than most actual rooms in high-rise apartments; it’s decked out with a lovely siting area and a HUGE round dining table which is completely ideal for ordering room service (which we absolutely did!). The extensive mini-bar area is one of the longest counter tops we’ve ever seen in any suite; it’s kitted out with plenty of bottled water, complimentary tea, coffee and nespresso making facilities and a mini-bar with all your usual drinks and snacks.

The clever use of a privacy wall to separate the living and bedroom areas is great, especially as the flat screen TV slots in nicely on the living room side with a fully-equipped entertainment hub including DVD player and a crystal-clear sound system. There’s an iPod dock whilst the TV features premium film channels and both international satellite and cable programming – see, no need to leave!

Walking into the gorgeous bedroom with floor-toceiling windows, boasting picture-perfect views of the Burj Khalifa, the king-size bed is UNREAL and we go on to make the most of its comfort by taking power naps, siestas and having lie-ins throughout the stay. The walk-in closet is an absolute treat – we wish there was one just like it waiting at home!

That’s not even the best bit. Two words: BATHROOM GOALS. You have never seen a more perfect bathtub, double vanity, spacious shower and views for miles than in this bathroom. It’s bigger than most bedrooms we’ve stayed in and carries an airy atmosphere with neutral décor. If there’s one thing you need to do here, it’s taking the longest soak in the deep, oversized tub – we would have happily slept in it!

It’s the practical, space and light-filled layout that we loved most about this suite – everything from the number of plug sockets to discreet yet visible amenity boxes was all very well thought out. Bravo for attention to detail.

Adding onto that is the luxury of Executive Lounge access where you’re served breakfast, midday snacks, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, cocktails, non-alcoholic drinks and late night snacks - all complimentary. Winner!

PRIME DINING

The iconic hotel is well-known for its food and beverage offerings. During our stay we try out

the sophisticated, award-winning restaurant Prime68. A chic, mood-lit steakhouse with a menu that every meat maven will fall in love with – and there’s lots of great choices for non meateaters too. Firstly, it’s located on the 68th floor so prepare for the most mesmerising panoramic views. Next, you won’t be overwhelmed by the menu as the staff are greatly knowledgeable on the different cuts of meat and what sides and sauces would go well together. Prime68’s premium suppliers have been carefully selected for their artisan produce, cultivated with passion and consideration for the environment, featuring the finest heritage breed beef from farms around the globe.

We go for the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Organic Baby Beets and Artisan Feta Salad, and the Wagyu Meat Balls for starters. The latter blows our taste buds away – covered in lip-licking Parmesan cream, it’s a must.

For mains, it had to be the 250g Jack’s Creek Wagyu Tenderloin - grain fed for a minimum of 120 days and highly coveted because it produces a higher fat content with better marbling. We also opt for the Josper Grilled Line Caught Filet of Sea Bass, whilst our sides consist of Mac and Cheese, Sweet Potato Fries and Grilled Asparagus (there’s no such thing as too many sides!). Let us take a moment to reminisce the steak, which is cooked on-point to our preference of medium. It’s tender and tasty, and we take our time devouring this bad boy – HIGHLY recommended. As far as steakhouse experiences go, Prime68 is a fine contender for a spot in our top three in the UAE! Aside from Prime68, the hotel also offers an expansive international restaurant called Kitchen6, the French eatery La Farine, Rang Mahal by Atul Kochhar for Indian food lovers, Tong Thai serving up exquisite Thai cuisine, Positano for an Italian culinary fix and the Garden with South American delicacie as well as Izakaya Japaznese restaurant. There’s a number of great bars and lounges for a more casual atmosphere too.

GIRL’S DAY OUT

If you’re staying at the hotel with a bestie, your mum, sister or any special lady who loves a bit of pampering followed by a delicious afternoon tea – this spa plus foodie deal is what you need to book during your stay. Choose a 30-minute treatment from the options – we went for the back, neck and shoulder massage – which is followed by a 15-minute foot massage. Arrive early at the peaceful Saray Spa and make use of the awesome facilities: sauna, steam room, ice fountain, Jacuzzi hot tub and relaxation area. What we loved about the spa is that everything from the dim-lit décor to the serene music and sensual scents make you forget that you’re in the heart of a bustling city – isn’t that what spa days are about – total escapism?

This is followed by the most filling high tea at La Farine Café & Bakery, a gorgeous venue on the ground floor where you’ll be served unlimited hot beverages of your choice alongside a menu of delectable sandwiches and sweet delights – all prepared with the utmost creativity and flavours. Take your phone because this food journey is totally insta-worthy.

Oh, and let’s not forget that when your tummies are full and you’re ready for a relaxing afternoon. Head to the breathtaking pool area where it’s sun loungers galore and a pool that we just LOVED dipping in and out of.

It was hard to pack up and leave a place that very quickly felt like home and where we’d gotten used to seeing the same faces and exchanging greetings in the corridors.

For the sheer amount of things to do and experience within its perfectly decorated walls and for the beyond amazing hospitality, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai should be right at the TOP of your next staycation choices.

You won’t regret it! ✤

CALL (0)4 414 0000 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT

INVENTING DOWNTOWN IF YOU’RE AN ART ENTHUSIAST LOOKING TO DELVE INTO THE NEWEST EXHIBITIONS IN TOWN, NYU ABU DHABI ART GALLERY IS PLAYING HOST TO AN INCREDIBLE BODY OF WORK STRAIGHT OUT OF NEW YORK CITY.

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• ARTS SPOTLIGHT

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ARTS SPOTLIGHT •

Inventing Downtown: Artist-Run Galleries in New York City, 1952–1965 Opening to the public on October 4, this exhibition is bringing to Abu Dhabi a major collection of historical artworks organised by the Grey Art Gallery, New York University’s fine art museum in New York City.

The work on display examines the New York art scene between the peak of Abstract Expressionism in the early 1950s and the rise of Pop Art and Minimalism in the early 1960s.

During this time, artists helped expand the definition of what constituted downtown Manhattan. Establishing cooperative and artist-run galleries that triggered new aesthetic directions, they also extended eastward the parameters of what was considered “downtown,” toward the tenements and industrial buildings of Lower Manhattan. These spaces would help shape the artworks they created and exhibited.

Inventing Downtown is the first major museum exhibition to survey these vital years from the vantage point of fourteen key artist-run galleries. Featuring over 200 paintings, sculptures, installations, drawings, photographs, and films, the show reveals a scene that was much more diverse than has previously been acknowledged, and will include works by over 50 artists who pursued abstraction and figuration alongside those who ventured into installation and performance art. The artists range from the well-known (Yayoi Kusama, Alex Katz, Mark di Suvero, Claes Oldenburg, and Yoko Ono) to the lesser-known (Ed Clark, Emilio Cruz, Lois Dodd, Rosalyn Drexler, Sally Hazelet Drummond, Jean Follett, Lester Johnson, Boris Lurie, and Aldo Tambellini).

Maya Allison, Founding Director and Chief Curator of the NYUAD Art Gallery, said: “Our coming year’s exhibitions reinforce our focus these inaugural years, on the themes that shape our understanding of where we are: culture, environment, and history, as they relate specifically to the UAE and Saadiyat Island.”

For Inventing Downtown, Maya said: “This further develops the idea of artistic community that drives our current show, But We Cannot See Them. Where But We Cannot See Them examines a homegrown UAE avant-garde community of artists, Inventing Downtown explores a similar impulse by artists to band together to enable artistic innovation and community, but in the very different circumstances of the New York art scene of the 1950s and 60s. It continues our reflections on the vision for the UAE, and Saadiyat, as a center of cultural and knowledge production,” she added.

Open from October 4 to January 13 at the NYUAD Art Gallery, Inventing Downtown is curated by Melissa Rachleff, a clinical associate professor in the Department of Art and Art Professions at NYU’s Steinhardt School. ✤

“

Inventing Downtown explores a similar impulse by artists to band together to enable artistic innovation and community...

GO: VISIT WWW.NYUADARTGALLERY.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION.

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• ENTERTAINMENT

BIG SCREEN Alpha WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Following a failed expedition 20,000 years ago in Europe, during the Upper Paleolithic period, a young caveman is forced to struggle against the elements on his journey home. As he learns to survive and navigate his way through the unforgiving wilderness, he forms an unlikely alliance with a lone wolf. The film follows the pair as they try to find their way home against all odds.

DIRECTOR: Albert Hughes CAST: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Leonor Varela, Jens Hulten

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

While the intriguing relationship between humankind and our canine counterparts has been the subject of our fascination since the beginning of time, it never ceases to amaze us. Albert Hughes’ newest offering, Alpha, touches upon this intriguing bond in a unique theatrical offering. When a hunting expedition goes awry, a young man is left to fend for himself in the harsh wilderness after being presumed dead. As he tries to find his way back to his tribe, he grows closer to a wolf abandoned by his pack and together they embark on a journey of epic proportions! The prehistoric adventure lays more emphasis on the action sequences, immense primal world and the silent moments featuring this symbiotic partnership. This wide-ranging survival story showcases the harmony between man and beast in a sense of monumental importance never witnessed before.

Highlights

“

The prehistoric adventure lays more emphasis on the action sequences, immense primal world and the silent moments featuring this symbiotic partnership.

Victoria and Abdul WHAT’S IT ABOUT:

Constricted in the confines of her royal duties, Queen Victoria strikes a loyal and devoted friendship with her Indian attendant, Abdul Karim. As the servant opens the Queen’s eyes to a world hitherto unseen, history’s most unlikely friendship is born.

– Alpha

DIRECTOR: Stephen Frears CAST: Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard

WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING?

Shedding light on British history’s most scandalous and admirable friendship, Stephen Frears’ latest biographical drama is a tale of impending dilemma and unshakable loyalty. As the British Empire celebrates Queen Victoria’s 50-year reign, Abdul Karim, a young clerk from India is also in attendance and forges a friendship that ruffles a lot of feathers. Based on Shrabani Basu’s novel of the same name, the period piece focuses on the monarch’s later life and the unique predicament that stems from her long-held position. The effortless balance between humour, wit and drama really reels you in and gives you a closer look into the royal way of life.

Go and watch it for the brilliant retelling of an unconventional union!

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ENTERTAINMENT •

FULLY BOOKED

ON THE RECORD

NON-FICTION

So Much I Want to Tell You: Letters to My Little Sister

By Anna Akana

ALT/INDIE-POP

FREEDOM CHILD

By The Script

The Script is back with a brand new album that will hit you right in the feels! Almost three years after their last release, Freedom Child sees the band showcasing a selection of timely, urgent and future-facing anthems.

Rain, a stunning juxtaposition of music and message is very different from anything they have ever released and is definitely our summer song of the year. The infectious tune features bursts of piano-tinged pop along with the band’s trademark irresistible chorus - you’ll certainly be belting it out at the top of your lungs! The Irish trio has called their newest record a progression of sorts and a reaction to the ever-changing musical climate. The album takes us on a journey of both real-life events and real-time sonic adventurism with their honest lyrics and modern sounds. With freedom being the underlying theme, the band has definitely tried to break out of their mold and push their indie-pop-rock sound to a new level with lighter, refreshing music.

COUNTRY/ POP

NOW

YouTuber Anna Akana shares an inspirational collection of life lessons dedicated to her sister who tragically died from suicide.

Akana continues to share words of wisdom she wasn’t able to pass on, using insight she’s gained through her challenges and successes. A beautifully worded, witty, heartfelt and thought-provoking read.

By Shania Twain Get ready to kick it back to the good old times with Shania Twain’s muchawaited LP - Now! It’s been1 5 long years since the country-pop songstress released an album and she’s finally gearing up to get back into the musical scene. Calling her newest album a growth in independence, the diva plans on wowing fans with a record that’s more diverse and soulful than her previous sound. Life’s About to Get Good, a bouncy, energetic number is all about moving from troubled times to happier days. Acknowledging the good and bad of life, the track features a delightful arrangement of mandolin, fiddle and hand claps and is a Shania Twain song through and through. Offering a fun mix of painful and melancholy ballads and triumphant and upbeat songs, the album gets up close and personal and we’re totally feeling this new vibe!

FICTION

GOODBYE, VITAMIN

By Rachel Khong When her fiancé decides to leave her for another woman, Ruth hesitatingly accepts her mother’s invitation to move back home.

Seeing her father in the throes of dementia makes her reflect on her entire life. She decides to move in for a year to help out and what follows is a family’s journey through difficult and good times.

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AUGUST 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 02 AED10

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DO NOT DISTURB

ABU DHABI’S BEST ROOMS AND SUITES FOR SUMMER SURVIVAL

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE www.fact-magazine.com 62

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ISLAND RIDES •

THE REAL DEAL:

ALL-NEW PEUGEOT SUV 3008

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• ISLAND RIDES

Peugeot has defined itself as a top contender in the C-SUV segment with offerings such as the new 3008.

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ike so many automobile brands these days, Peugeot has entered the C-SUV segment of the market and who can blame them? The demand for this type of motorcar is massive and why wouldn’t any manufacturer want a slice of such a lucrative pie? However, just because a brand decides to enter the fray, doesn’t mean they will be victorious in their efforts.

We at fact magazine know the only way to distinguish between the wannabees and the real deals is to get up close and personal with the car itself. On this occasion, we got to take the new Peugeot 3008 through its paces.

We were immediately impressed by the exterior design of the 3008. Its rugged yet flowing appearance looks great from every angle, showing off top-quality execution. The front end has a long almost clam shaped bonnet complete with a wide chrome-trimmed grille, showing off a dynamic design which screams both class

ISLAND RIDES •

and strength. We loved the way the bonnet cuts into the narrow halogen headlamps in the shape of a lion’s tooth. At the sides, a high waistline and heightened ground clearance add to its sporty silhouette. The back end finishes off the exterior perfectly with a fresh looking design. Beneath the inclined rear window, a gloss black band perfectly incorporates the opalescent LED tail lights. She is simply striking.

As we slipped into the well-positioned seating, we instantly felt at home. The latest generation Peugeot i-Cockpit seems to wrap around you in a protective manner, putting all of its offerings at your immediate disposal. The sweeping dashboard sits beautifully in place, allowing easy access to its functions. Comprising of soft touch plastics, the quality of this frontal area is of a premium standard. The steering wheel is a compact design with two flats to make it easier to grip and to open up visibility and legroom. A large panoramic sunroof sits

invitingly above all occupants, promising a breath of fresh air from above.

There is a large 8” tablet styled touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard, equipped with capacitive technology for greater reactivity and practicality. Six elegant piano-key toggle switches provide direct access to the vehicle’s main control functions. These include radio, dual zone climate control, navigation, vehicle parameters, and telephone & mobile applications. The heads-up instrument unit has a 12.3” screen with impressive graphics. There are five different display modes to choose from controlled by a knob behind the steering wheel, which allow the driver to configure the instrument unit. A special feature is a switch next to the toggle switches, which calls on the i-Cockpit Amplify option. This offers an arousal to the senses through various means, including multipoint seat massages and a fragrance diffuser.

“

“THE LATEST GENERATION PEUGEOT I-COCKPIT SEEMS TO WRAP AROUND YOU IN A PROTECTIVE MANNER, PUTTING ALL OF ITS OFFERINGS AT YOUR IMMEDIATE DISPOSAL.” fact magazine

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• CITY RIDES

The door openings are huge, allowing easy access to the back seats. There is decent leg and head room on offer for the rear passengers.

A completely flat floor allows for three to fit comfortably. There are many storage spaces to be found throughout the vehicle, we counted sixteen in various shapes and sizes. The boot has hands free opening and a large holding capacity. The loading bay is completely flat allowing for hassle free access. The rear seats can be lowered from within the boot by special levers and there are various tethering points as well as netting on offer.

The truth of the tale however is in the driving performance. The new Peugeot 3008 has superb road-holding abilities, precise steering and the feeling of safety and agility it provides, allow one to always feel in complete control. A balance between comfort and performance has been perfectly executed. Its weight reduction ensures improved fuel consumption, passive safety and capable performance. It has genuine off-road capability due to its Advanced Grip Control, which provides additional features including optimised traction control with five grip levels. Additional safety features include Active Safety Brake & Distance Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Speed Limit Recognition with Stop Function and Active Blind-Spot Monitoring. All of these great features aside, she is one fun SUV to drive!

The verdict, Peugeot have gotten it right with the new 3008 SUV. This is a good-looking, well-balanced, high-performance vehicle with great safety features. We would definitely recommend a test drive at the very least. ✤ 66

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For the culture-savvy in Abu Dhabi

SEPTEMBER 2017 VOL 4. ISSUE 03 AED10

Please, don’t leave me :-(

UNPLUGGED

HOTEL GOALS

Social media addicts - are you in need of a digital detox?

The best Abu Dhabi insta accounts to follow for staycay envy

SEPTEMBER EDITION AVAILABLE NOW ON issuu.com/factmagazine fact magazine

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• MOTORING NEWS

NEW JAGUAR F-TYPE Jaguar is broadening the appeal of the new F-TYPE with the introduction of the state-of-the-art fourcylinder Ingenium petrol engine. The award-winning F-TYPE family now spans from the entry-level four-cylinder model to Jaguar’s 200mph allweather supercar – the F-TYPE SVR.

T

he pairing of Jaguar’s all-aluminium two-seat sports car with the advanced 300PS 2.0-litre turbocharged powerplant delivers Jaguar sports car DNA with enhanced agility and improved efficiency and affordability. This is a true F-TYPE, with its own unique character.

The new model retains the performance expected from the F-TYPE, and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in only 5.7 seconds and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h. The turbocharged engine’s high maximum torque of 400Nm, generated from just 1,500rpm, together with the eight-speed Quickshift transmission, delivers exceptional response throughout the rev range.

Not only is the 300PS Ingenium engine the most powerful four-cylinder unit ever offered in a production Jaguar, it also generates the highest specific power output of any engine in the F-TYPE range: 150PS per litre. It also makes this the most efficient F-TYPE in the range, with a 16 per cent improvement in fuel economy over the 340PS V6, together with CO2 emissions of just 163g/km on the European combined cycle.

A host of advanced technologies enables the Ingenium engine to deliver this blend of high performance and low fuel consumption. Neatly integrated into the cylinder head is a state-of-the-art electrohydraulic valvetrain featuring 68

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patented control algorithms developed in-house. This technology enables fully variable control of intake.

The introduction of the four-cylinder does not mean that drivers lose out on aural feedback or reward: these have always been an essential part of the F-TYPE’s appeal, and have not been compromised. A meticulously-tuned active exhaust is standard on entry-level F-TYPE models, while the R-Dynamic variants feature a switchable active exhaust for an even more involving driving experience.

The new F-TYPE range also offers a wider range of advanced driver assistance systems underpinned by the integration of a highly sophisticated forward-facing stereo camera.

These systems help to improve safety and reduce driver workload, and include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Adaptive Speed Limiter and Driver Condition Monitor. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.JAGUAR-ME.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.

MOTORING NEWS •

EMC LEADS THE WAY Emirates Motor Company (EMC) has revealed that it has become the number one distributor of the AMG series of Mercedes Benz vehicles in the Middle East & Levant region.

T

he dynamic high performance range has become hugely popular in the UAE, and Abu Dhabi based EMC is now the leading distributor of AMG in the region, reflected in a sales rise of 31 per cent in 2016 compared to 2015.

EMC has now developed exclusive AMG performance centres in three of its showrooms, specifically designed to attract the petrol-head customers in the emirate who have helped the firm towards a significant rise in sales.

In addition to featuring Mercedes-Benz sportiest and most powerful models, the hitech performance centre displays also feature specification technology devices that allow customers to experience what their ideal car will sound like, which is proving to be a popular feature as it helps get the buyers’ adrenalin pumping.

Senior leaders from the Daimler Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Germany, including Markus Gernsheimer, AMG Global Marketing Manager, visited the EMC showrooms to endorse and commission the class leading centres of the exclusive AMG. Christopher Edwards, General Manager for EMC Passenger Cars, said: “Having the AMG range in our showrooms has always been a huge draw for the car-loving public in Abu Dhabi and we’re sure they will appreciate the experience centres we have now installed.

“Thanks to the expertise provided by our partners from Germany and a lot of hard work in-house

these displays look absolutely fantastic and we look forward to the Abu Dhabi community visiting us to experience it for themselves,” he added.

EMC is the authorised Mercedes-Benz distributor in Abu Dhabi and the flagship company of ALFAHIM. The AMG performance centres are now installed in its Airport Road and Marina Mall showrooms as well as in the Al Ain showroom at its sister dealership, Eastern Motors.

Besides the technological revamp in showrooms, EMC has also taken the extra miles with the After Sales Division by allocating a separate AMG Service Reception & Workshop. The decorated area has dedicated services advisors and AMG experts for customer reassurance and peace of mind. ✤

GO: VISIT WWW.EMC.MERCEDES-BENZ.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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• PLUGGED-IN

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

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News Republic

Gather Journal

Be it juicy celebrity gossip or current affairs and politics, News Republic is your one stop destination for the latest and hottest global stories! With the very best news from all the world’s top sources, News Republic provides you with all the stories YOU WANT TO READ, in one place. Personalised and super easy to use, it gives you a customised newsfeed based on trends and preferences. With the latest news from the most recognised media outlets in the world and in-depth analysis on top stories, you’ll always be in the know!

Take your dinner game to an insane new level with the exquisite Gather Journal recipe app! An essential extension of the James Beard magazine, the app uses seasonal ingredients to transform your food into gastronomical works of art.

Featuring everything from delectable main courses to killer cocktails, it lets you explore recipes by course, topic or issue and provides useful mealtime inspiration. With stunning photography and an easy-to-navigate formula, finedining is just a click away!

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PLUGGED-IN •

PICTURE-ON-WALL Technology ceases to amaze us; things are ge tting smal l e r and thinne r, and less intrusive as time go es by. Keeping up with the l ess-is-more trend is LG’s brand new Signature Ol ed TV W that promises to change how you watch your favourite fi lms and TV shows!

With “Netflix and Chill” becoming an indispensible part of our lives, we’re always looking for better and efficient ways to enhance our viewing experience. Adding to the already booming television market, LG has introduced their Signature W-Series Wallpaper TV. LG’s newest addition makes your TV shows and films look SUPER REAL, while seamlessly blending into your living room.

Its cutting edge design has a futuristic feel to it while being so impossibly thin that you can actually bend it without breaking it!

Apart from being one of the thinnest TVs to ever grace our homes, it’s also incredibly aesthetically-pleasing. The TV’s “picture-onwall” design amplifies your entertainment experience and makes you feel like you’re looking out of the window than watching a TV screen. Emphasising the window effect is the inbuilt Gallery Mode that lets you play either photos of famous artworks, family pictures or any other looped videos – this is wall art at its finest!

Measuring just 2.57 millimeters thick and weighing only 7.7 kg, the television is available in 65 inch and 77 inch versions and can be fitted directly on the wall with magnetic brackets. The super

sleek design is achieved by eliminating any internal speakers and enabling volume out of the TV from the included soundbar.

Boasting an out-of-the-box Dolby Atmos configuration, the soundbar is actually pretty impressive and supports 4 HDMI ports, 3 USB connections and an optical audio port. But what really blew us away was the OLED technology that produces colours that look far more explosive and dynamic along with increased colour range and volume. Supporting both HDR10 and Dolby Vision, the performance is immaculate on both, with Dolby Vision content looking a bit sharper. LG has also claimed to improve peak brightness by 20-25% and the stunning, newly punchy HDR highlights are truly a delight to the eyes.

When it comes to OLED W7, LG has stayed strong with the efficiently versatile and easy-to-operate webOS3.5- making content searching super flexible. As far as your favourite shows are concerned, LG offers a number of options to keep you busy for days. From Netflix, Amazon and YouTube to Vudu, Hulu and Google Play Movies- the OLED W7 has got you covered! If you’re an Android or Windows user, you can always switch to the Screen Cast function to mirror your mobile device for more options.

Offering highly advanced features along with some of the best colour, clarity and contrast in any screen available, there’s no doubt in our minds that it is certainly a bona fide product.

If you’re someone who’s seeking to treat their senses to an outof-this-world audio-visual experience, then your search ends right here! ✤ fact magazine

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For the Modern Middle-Eastern woman THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

OVER 65 LOOKS TO

OHLALA’S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

MAKE YOU FEEL PHENOMENAL

starring VICTORIA’S SECRET THE NEW LOVE IN HER LIFE

+

WINTER GLAMOUR THE MUST-BUY COCKTAIL DRESS

GAME CHANGING THE SHOES & BAGS YOU NEED NOW

BEST DRESSED

FASHION LIST 2014

THE ART OF

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OHLALA! DECEMBER 2013

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Available in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain & Qatar THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

MEDIEVAL

MEETS

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Hot for Winter

WITH SHOE DESIGNER LUCY CHOI

A FABULOUS GUIDE TO THE NEW SEASON’S TRENDS EXCLUSIVE

GLORIA ESTEFAN

CARPET READY

A SOIRÉE WITH THE STARS

SETS THE STANDARDS

JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 110

DINE IN

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AT BAHRAIN’S BEST

A TALE OF EXTREMES

Haute Couture

DECEMBER 2013 OHLALA!

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Colour Me Crazy

CATWALK TRENDS

Basking in Royal Allure

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THE MIDDLE EAST’S QUEEN OF SPADES

GET RED

KATY PERRY WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

MODERNITY

BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20

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ONE GIANT LEAP BLAST OF F FOR A NE W FASHION F RONTIE R WITH TE D BAKE R’ S AW’1 7 COLLECTION.

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• FASHION FOCUS

T

ed Baker and NOSA (No Ordinary Space Agency) have embarked on a special voyage to bring you a new lifestyle on Sateen. This far-flung, universally welldressed planet offers an elegant way of living. As well as being light years ahead style-wise, Ted’s luxury space community has all the mod cons, not least a personal droid to simulate the day’s optimum outfit. So, come on up to Sateen – a world apart.

Advance your style into the next dimension with clean silhouettes, crisp shapes and a celestial use of fabrics.

Inspired by galactic glamour of the highest order, Ted’s AW’17 womenswear has been designed to take your wardrobe on a luxury trip into hyperspace.

Ted has summoned an interstellar cast of textures from across the Galaxy this season, from high shine satins and rich metallic jacquards to heavy compact crepes and soft, fluid knits. Buttery leather jackets and updated versions of Ted’s signature pieces add an intrepid sense of drama, while graphic colour blocking, intricate embroidery and asymmetric cuts will catapult you into high-style orbit.

Accessories for the season have gone into supernova, with Ted beaming in rich fabrics like velvets and metallic inspirations from the main collection and combining them effortlessly with classic cues like rose gold detailing, oversize bows and embellished accents.

Key pieces for the season clearly reflect the phenomenal theme: caged silver heeled boots, statement jewellery, and two new handbag shapes: a deconstructed suede lock bag and a moon-shaped metallic clutch for outfits that radiate first-class elegance from head to toe. ✤

GO: SHOP TED BAKER’S AW’17 COLLECTION IN STORES NOW. 74

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FASHION FOCUS •

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• FASHION FOCUS

SHOP THE BRAND HERE’S OUR WISHLIST FROM TED BAKER’S AW'17 COLLECTION FOR HER

THIS COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE IN TED BAKER STORES ACROSS THE GCC. 76

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• BRAND FOCUS

ERDEM X H&M FU LL O F NA RRATIVE S ME MORIE S AND S TO RIES , ERDEM X H&M IS A DE E PLY P E RS O NA L CO LLEC TION THAT LOOKS BACK TO T HE DES IG NER’S YO UTH, AND TO THE CO DE S THAT HAV E DEFINED HIS WORK OVE R THE PA S T DECADE .

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BRAND FOCUS •

WOMEN The inspiration for Erdem is the romantic dresses he saw in English films, his father’s coat that his mother draped over her shoulders, or the cool style of 90s TV and music videos. To create ERDEM x H&M, he imagined the dream English countryside getaway, mixing gowns with tailoring, functionality with drama, as different generations and backgrounds interpret the wardrobe with each individual’s own style. With exquisite statement pieces, a burst of floral prints, the precision of tailored lines and covetable essentials as well as vivid accessories to go with every outfit.

MEN In a world exclusive, Erdem has created his first ever menswear collection for ERDEM x H&M, inspired by childhood memories, his design signatures, and Erdem’s own personal style. Sharp tailoring has echoes of his father’s suits and coats, fleeces were a functional necessity of cold Canadian winters, while expressive florals show Erdem’s love of the English countryside. It’s a complete wardrobe that’s totally unique to H&M, with Erdem’s sharp and poetic take on menswear staples – herringbone suits, tweed coats and the perfect hoodie. ✤

GO: EACH PIECE IS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR H&M, AND WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AROUND 220 STORES WORLDWIDE, AS WELL AS ON HM.COM, FROM NOVEMBER 2.

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• BEAUTY BOX

LIPSTICK QUEEN:

FAMOUS LAST WORDS

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s much as we all love our ontrend matte lips, they have certainly gained a reputation of fading ungracefully and drying out the perfect pout.

Thanks to Lipstick Queen’s Famous Last Words collection, all your lipstick woes are a thing of the past! Made up of six vibrant shades, the collection offers a smooth and hydrating formula that is going to last on your lips all day long. The incredibly light formula is enriched with Vitamin E and natural oils that provide rich pigmentation in a single swipe. From vibrant coral and rich ruby reds to vampy and bright pinks- there’s a shade for your every need. Pucker up!

GROOMING BOX •

AESOP

PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT SKINCARE KIT

S

ix highly effective products to provide a complete facial care regimen. Aesop’s Parsley Seed skin care is the result of extensive research and development into the most effective way to deliver anti-oxidants, vitamins, and other actives to the skin. Each product contains Parsley Seed extract, and offers significant restorative properties. Includes the gentle, non-abrasive Facial Cleansing Oil; the lavender and blue chamomileinfused Facial Toner; a hydrating Serum to moisturise and protect the skin; an intensive, richly nourishing Eye Cream; as well as a clay-based Cleansing Masque; and a high-potency hydrating and protecting Facial Treatment. You needn’t look elsewhere for all your skin wants!

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• BEAUTY CHECKLIST

BeautyEssentials AS THE HUMIDITY SETTLES, NEW SKINCARE AND MAKE UP IS NEEDED TO FRESHEN UP YOUR EVERY DAY LOOK!

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Organic Pharmacy PURIFYING SEAWEED CLAY MASK

With summer upon us, it’s time to bring out the big guns when it comes to skincare. Organic Pharmacy’s Purifying Seaweed Clay Mask with antioxidants and Vitamin C has us totally obsessed this summer! The refreshingly clay mask is designed to draw out impurities from the skin while banishing black heads.

With seaweed as an active ingredient, it helps calm redness and gives the skin an energizing boost.

3

Aesop PARSLEY SEED FACIAL CLEANSING OIL

Your nighttime routine just got a lot simpler with Aesop’s Parsley Seed Facial Cleasing Oil! An irresistible blend of Avocado, Sweet Almond, Rice Bran and Macadamia oil melts away your makeup while leaving skin feeling refreshed and supple. Its gentle, antioxidant rich formula removes dirt, makeup and grime without aggravating your skin. Removing makeup has never been this easy!

Sephora HIGH COVERAGE CONCEALER

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Been burning the midnight oil? Beat those annoying dark circles and fake a good night’s sleep with Sephora’s High Coverage Concealer! Packed with nourishing and revitalising avocado and evening primrose oils, it completely conceals dark circles and blurs imperfections. Its weightless texture and ultra-natural finish feel like a second skin and provides 10 hour long coverage.

Well-rested skin in seconds!

Guerlain LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE BLACK PERFECTO

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Embrace the sexy rocker chick in you with Guerlain’s La Petite Robe Noire Black Perfecto! The seductive new notes with a striking character give this Eau de Parfum a beautiful freedom of tone. Top notes of Bulgarian Rose Water are followed by delicate notes of a Rose Essence along with the more sensual and powerful notes of a precious Grasse Rose Absolute. We just can’t get enough!

Smashbox PRIMED TO PERFECTION SET Get airbrushed poreless perfection with Smashbox’s Primed to Perfection Set! Achieve the perfect canvas for makeup application with this trio of bestselling LA photo studio-developed primers.

Including the Photo Finish Foundation primer, Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer and the Photo Finish Primer Water, it blurs pores, smoothes flaws and boosts radiance for a flawless finish.

4

Rodial SMOKEY EYE BRUSH While getting the perfect smokey eye can be tricky, Rodial’s high performance Smokey Eye Brush makes the process a whole lot easier!

The efficiently soft and dense brush is ideal for placement of intense eye shadows and pigments. The short bristles allow precise and easy blending of makeup into the eye sockets while creating more definition and a stunning smokey eye look.

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GROOMING CHECKLIST •

Grooming Essentials THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT TAKING EXTRA CARE FROM HEAD-TO-TOE WITH PRODUCTS DESIGNED TO INSPIRE YOUR REGIME!

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Aesop PARSLEY SEED ANTI-OXIDANT FACIAL TREATMENT

Give your skin the royal treatment with Aesop’s Parsley Seed AntiOxidant Facial Treatment! A highpotency hydrating and protecting treatment blend, it gives your skin the power to fight aging and degrading skin cells. Packed with 9 anti-oxidising actives like Parsley Seed, Blackcurrant Seed, Rosehip oil and Carrot Seed oil, it leaves skin feeling supple and lends it a much-needed oomph!

3

Paul SPECIAL TEA TREE SHAMPOO

Like so many people out there, we swear by the healing properties of Tea Tree oil when it comes to skin and hair. Paul Mitchell’s Special Tea Tree Shampoo is enriched with special ingredients and Tea Tree oil that rid hair of impurities and leave it feeling lustrous and full of vitality. The invigorating peppermint soothes the scalp while lavender leaves hair smelling oh so good!

Lab Series MULTI-ACTION FACE WASH

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Naturally healthy looking skin is certainly the best accessory you can wear and Lab Series’ MultiAction Face Wash makes sure you never go out of style! Formulated with gentle exfoliating beads, it helps wash away dirt and grime for a brighter, healthier-looking appearance. Ideal for normal to dry skin, it helps smooth dry and patchy skin while preparing the skin and beard for shaving.

Dolce & Gabbana LIGHT BLUE INTENSE POUR HOMME

2

Dive into the magnetic blend of freshness and sensuality with Dolce & Gabbana’s Light Blue Intense Pour Homme! With top notes of refreshing mandarin and frozen grapefruit along with aromatic ginger provide the fragrance a cool and elegant twist.

While vibrant amber woods wrapped in musks extend the radiance and staying power of this masculine blend.

The only scent you need this summer!

Estee Lauder ENLIGHTEN DARK SPOT CORRECTOR NIGHT SERUM

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While the road to perfect skin can be long and grueling, Estee Lauder makes it a tad bit easier with the Enlighten Dark Spot Corrector Night Serum.

Taking skin tone correction to a whole new level, the intensive serum helps reduce the look of uneven skin tone with its comprehensive correcting technology. It effectively removes dark spots and redness to reveal a fresh and hydrated complexion.

Perricone MD CHLORO PLASMA PURIFYING MASK If you’re looking for some hardcore skin loving- Perricone MD’s Chloro Plasma Purifying Mask is the skin treatment you need! From one of the world’s leading dermatologists, this revitalising treatment mask addresses everything from loss of radiance and dull and fatigued skin to enlarged pores and fine lines. Microcapsules infused with phytonutrients release chlorophyll and blue algae for an envy-inducing, blemish-free complexion!

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• INTERIOR ENVY

Zara Home VASE GOALS Every home is made beautiful with fresh blooms, statement décor and unique interiors – one way to help create the mood you want in the house is with the perfect vase.

Zara Home has a stunning collection and we picked our favourites to inspire your next home overhaul.

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Cath Kidston IKEA

Debenhams

M&Co Next

Marks and Spencer

Laura Ashley

Debenhams

Marks and Spencer

HOME STYLE •

Flower Power Never underestimate the décor vibes and breezy inspiration that florals can bring to any home!

Here are some of our favourite picks… fact magazine

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For the Modern Middle-Eastern woman THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

OVER 65 LOOKS TO

OHLALA’S WOMEN OF THE YEAR

MAKE YOU FEEL PHENOMENAL

starring VICTORIA’S SECRET THE NEW LOVE IN HER LIFE

+

WINTER GLAMOUR THE MUST-BUY COCKTAIL DRESS

GAME CHANGING THE SHOES & BAGS YOU NEED NOW

BEST DRESSED

FASHION LIST 2014

THE ART OF

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MEGAWATT FASHION DECEMBER 2013 OHLALA!

www.ohlala-magazine.com

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM JANUARY 2015 | ISSUE 122 BAHRAIN BD2. KSA SR20

WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

MAY 2014 | ISSUE 35

QATAR QR20

Available in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain & Qatar THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE

MEDIEVAL

MEETS

ROCK ‘N’ ROLL

Hot for Winter

WITH SHOE DESIGNER LUCY CHOI

A FABULOUS GUIDE TO THE NEW SEASON’S TRENDS EXCLUSIVE

GLORIA ESTEFAN

CARPET READY

A SOIRÉE WITH THE STARS

SETS THE STANDARDS

JANUARY 2014 | ISSUE 110

DINE IN

STYLE

AT BAHRAIN’S BEST

A TALE OF EXTREMES

Haute Couture

DECEMBER 2013 OHLALA!

fact magazine

Colour Me Crazy

CATWALK TRENDS

Basking in Royal Allure

86

THE MIDDLE EAST’S QUEEN OF SPADES

GET RED

KATY PERRY WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM

MODERNITY

BAHRAIN BD2 | KSA SR20

1

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WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM MARCH 2015 | ISSUE 124 BAHRAIN BD2. KSA SR20

Follow us Facebook: Ohlala! Magazine

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CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

OLÉ!

MEXICAN FOOD ON FLEEK

Continuing to bring us some of the best culinary happenings in the city, Emirates Palace will welcome Michelin Star Chef Carlos Gaytan to wow diners with spectacular Mexican food this month. fact magazine

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f there’s one thing that you should know about Mexican cuisine, it’s that every dish is packed with character and flavour. Far from just the regular tacos, burritos, and recognised street food, Mexican fare is creative, varied and much more nuanced than most people know.

It’s colourful, bold, and fun, a literal party in your mouth from the first bite to the last spoonful. So, what better place to get your foodie fix than Sayad restaurant at Emirates Palace, with dishes created

by Mexico’s very own first Michelin star chef? Sign us up, please! Ready to take diners on a flavourful tour of one of the world’s most misunderstood cuisines, Chef Carlos Gaytan will be on our shores to display all that is great and delicious in Mexican cooking.

Chef Carlos is an inspiring success working his way up through the ranks of the Chicago dining scene over the last two decades. He started from the dishwasher and pantry cook and went all the way up to Michelin starred restaurateur.

His restaurant Mexique presents the bold flavours of his native Mexico prepared with the finesse characteristic of his French training. “I love traditional Mexican cuisine, but there’s always room for improvement,” he says. In his improbable Mexican-French melding, Chef Carlos pairs a traditional herbcrusted rack of lamb with lamb-shoulder barbacoa tucked into a sope and enhances roasted duck breast and leg confit with a tamarind-chipotle glaze.

How incredibly bliss does that sound?

His food was considered spectacular enough to earn Mexique a Michelin star in 2013 - only the third Mexican restaurant in America so honoured. That same year, Chef Carlos was asked to join the cast of the famous TV programme Top Chef, and his star ascended nationally 88

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Chef Carlos is an inspiring success working his way up through the ranks of the Chicago dining scene over the last two decades.

CULINARY SPOTLIGHT •

and internationally as he made it to the semi-final phase. He then went on to participate in Master Chef South Africa in 2015.

As comfortable onscreen as he is in Mexique’s open kitchen, Chef Carlos is a consummate entertainer and provides dinner and a cooking show daily for diners lucky enough to secure a table in his restaurant.

The one-of-a-kind food special at Sayad restaurant will run from September 16 to 21, giving diners the chance to delve into Mexican cuisine through a five or seven-course meal and a la carte menus prepared by the chef himself, whose visit coincides with Mexican National Day on September 19. We’ll see you there! ✤

GO: AED480+++ FOR THE 5-COURSE MENU AND AED580+++ FOR THE 7-COURSE MENU. CALL (0)2 690 7999 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine

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CHEF’S TABLE •

High Steak Time You know, because meat is life and GOOD meat is something we are always happy to savour. FACT’s Angela Beitz met with the man behind Butcher & Still’s impressive menu at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island.

Here’s what Executive Chef Marshall Roth had to say about cooking philosophy, favourite foods and, of course, steak… fact magazine

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ooking for mind-blowing steak served with flare? Butcher & Still is your answer. The super sleek restaurant with its rustic, retro design inspired by a 1940s Chicago steakhouse is a real FACT favourite. Located off the lobby, the restaurant-bar has a capacity for over 250 guests, with both indoor and outdoor seating with a truly warm and intimate feel that other venues in the capital are lacking. The views of the city’s waterfront are amazing and we love all the memorabilia scattered throughout the venue.

The food is the real star here though with seafood and steak options taking centre stage on a menu offering mainly mouth-watering meats and delicious treats from the sea. . Their prime-cut steaks are flown in from specially selected farms in the United States, including high-quality USDA natural Black Angus from Creekstone Farms in Kansas. We got the low down from Butcher & Still’s charismatic Executive Chef, Marshall Roth, on exactly what makes this place shine.

What is your philosophy with regards to cooking?

Cooking is the ultimate expression of art. It is really rare (note the steak pun) to find a medium that involves the five senses. Chefs are not just craftsmen or artisans; they are expected to offer patrons food that stimulate and surprise, find new ways to manipulate ingredients, and offer an emotional experience.

What was the approach to creating the menu for Butcher & Still?

My approach to creating the menu was to go back to the history of Chicago in 1920’s and 30’s and reflect items and dishes that were trending and served in that era. Butcher & Still’s menu showcases prime cuts of high-quality American meats, featuring USDA natural Black Angus from Creekstone Farms in Kansas. There is a 1,800-degree-Fahrenheit oven for searing, a charcoal grill and a smoker. An antique bread

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CHEF’S TABLE •

oven is a showpiece, baking fresh, aromatic Parker House rolls. Traditional American desserts include cheesecake, pecan pie and lemon meringue tart.

Why do you think people love a good steak so much?

When a person thinks of meat, the picture that forms in his or her mind is a steak! Steak delivers flavour, tenderness and juiciness in a combination equalled by no other meat.

What’s the key to cooking the perfect steak?

It’s a journey from pasture to plate! It all starts with the cow, how and where it was raised, the climate where it was bred and how it was handled.

“

“At Butcher & Still, you leave the ordinary behind...”

What are your personal favourite dishes to cook at Butcher & Still?

The Tomahawk Chop and the 99 per cent Crab Cake.

What do you love about working at Butcher & Still?

At Butcher & Still, you leave the ordinary behind, you live an experience out of this world and you treat your senses to a tantalising combination of incomparable flavour, an innovative cocktail list and a unique ambiance.

What do you like to eat when you’re at home?

Difficult to believe but I rarely eat at my house! I love to eat other people’s home cooking and enjoy their company. ✤

GO: VISIT BUTCHER & STILL AT THE FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ABU DHABI AT AL MARYAH ISLAND. CALL (0)2 333 2222 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MOE INFORMATION.

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For the Modern Middle-Eastern Woman

THE ESSENCE OF STYLE Abu dHAbi

alice temperley and the

art of romantic chic

THE biG FASHiON EdiT our runway report + trendS + what to buy now www.ohlala-magazine.com September 2017 | iSSue 22 abu dhabi | aed 20

Ohlala Cover September Abu Dhabi.indd 1

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Spectacular Sri lanka: an intimate & StyliSh eScape 30/08/17 16:17

September Edition available now on issuu.com www.ohlala-magazine.com

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SPA & WELLNESS •

SAVING FACE Does your complexion need a post-holiday boost? We’ve found the perfect facial aimed to lift, contour and rejuvenate your skin. Angela Beitz tests it out at the beautiful ESPA, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi… fact magazine

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f your complexion is still suffering from long flights and too much of the good life over summer, a decent facial is a good way to get your skin back on track.

ESPA is located at Yas Viceroy overlooking the Yas Marina Formula 1 Circuit. The space is super modern and cool with an incredible LED canopy that emits colour and shade. The spa follows the contemporary fusion of elegance and momentum with sensuous curves, sleek lines and a blend of bronze glass, copper lattice screens, walnut wood and marble. It’s a seriously cool space and is quite different to other wellness havens we’ve tried. The spa comprises nine treatment rooms, The Viceroy Presidential Treatment Suite has its own personal Hammam, steam room and rain shower with colour therapy. A fusion of Western therapies and Eastern philosophies have resulted in a unique offering of treatments designed by ESPA. I’m welcomed with a delicious ginger tea that I enjoyed whilst completing a pre-treatment questionnaire in the reception lounge. The questionnaire will give your therapist some idea of your needs, expectations and any relevant medical conditions. I’ve chosen the Advanced Facial and outline my concerns and what I hope to achieve. I’m trying the age defying facial to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

I’m then escorted through the spa for a quick tour and can’t help but be impressed. Chic and elegant, everything is designed to create the perfect atmosphere for relaxation.

Dark wood and soft colours, dimmed, ambient lighting and even all the right sound effects, courtesy of a water feature, create the illusion of being tucked away in a serene place.

After changing into a robe and slippers, I’m shown to a beautiful treatment room to begin with a foot soak and choose our choice of oil which is used alongside a serum during this treatment. She does a scent test to see which ones I respond best to.

This advanced facial features a deep brush cleanse to purify and prep skin, before a concentrated enzyme peel naturally polishes away complexion-dulling cells, radically refining the skin’s texture. I’m shown my skin under a special light – it highlights that my skin is dehydrated with mild oiliness around the t-zone. The therapist then aims to help these concerns. To deeply hydrate, boost cell regeneration and firm facial contours, the skin is supercharged with a lifting and smoothing mask and Rose Quartz Crystal massage. A serum is then applied and an intense massage is performed to lift the skin. An eye serum is also applied as my eye area was especially dehydrated.

I leave with a refined and firmed complexion, defined facial contours and supple, soft skin that radiates a renewed glow.

Mission accomplished! ✤

GO: VISIT ESPA AT YAS VICEROY ABU DHABI. CALL (02) 656 0862 FOR RESERVATIONS AND MORE INFORMATION. 96

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CITY INSIDER

Emilly Kigondu

Jumeirah Local, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

Tell us three things that make Jumeriah at Etihad Towers special?

- Service: We are number one on Trip Advisor here in Abu Dhabi.

- The lobby: Bespoke Czech-made chandeliers with a total of 100,932 pieces of crystal trimmings.

-The Observation deck: 360 degree views from the 74th floor – it’s the capital’s highest vantage point.

Share with us your favourite cultural hotspots in Abu Dhabi and why...

ZAYED CENTRE - this museum, housed in an Emirati heritage village replete with camels, is an incredible homage to the man who shaped the nation. A photo gallery of Sheikh Zayed and many 98

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visiting regional and international royalty and dignitaries lines the walls of the museum, which is also full of personal memorabilia such as his favourite hunting rifles.

HERITAGE VILLAGE - Emirates Heritage Club, this reconstruction of a traditional oasis village provides an interesting glimpse into the emirate’s past.

Traditional aspects of the desert way of life, including a campfire with coffee pots, a goats’ hair tent, and a falaj irrigation system, are attractively displayed in the open museum.

QASR AL HOSN EXHIBITION - This permanent exhibition tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through the city’s oldest building. Fascinating oral

testimonies and historic photographs bring this important monument to life.

Contemporary Emirati voices reflect on Abu Dhabi’s history and transformation and Qasr al Hosn’s key role as a vibrant symbol of Emirati heritage, culture and tradition.

What are some of your professional goals with the hotel for the rest of 2017?

To further enhance the “guest experience” whilst they are staying with us in Abu Dhabi as well as to receive further training to enhance my skills in my new role as the “Jumeirah Local” and to further my knowledge on Abu Dhabi and the Emirates at large.

Abu Dhabi’s Annual Tradition returns

Only at the Beach Rotana...

For bookings call 02 6979011 or email fb.beach@rotana.com

Opening October 4th, until October 13th Live music daily from 18.00 Advanced reservations for group bookings strongly suggested, minimum charge of AED 100 per person Food-Musik-GemĂźtlichkeit

fact magazine

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✑✍❚❁❐❆✿❄❉■❇❂❁▼▲✿❁❂❃❄❅❆❇❈❉❊❋●❍■❏❐❑❒▲▼◆❖◗❘❙❚❀✑✒✓✔✕✖✗✘✙✐✍✝✻✽✼✛✌✎✏ ✡✢✣✤✥✦✧★✩✪✫✬✭✮✯✰✱✲✳✴✵✶✷✸✹✺❞✁✠✃✄☎✾✆☛✈✉✿☞❛❝❜✚✜✞✟ marriot_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" €$€£¥₩฿руб marriot_light_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_med_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_med_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriott_bold_italic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? åç´ƒ©˙ˆ˚¬µ˜øœ®ß†¨¥`¡™£¢§¶•ªº–“‘«…æ÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜،‰Íˇ¨„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_medium_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб marriot_condensed_bold_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆ∆˚¬µ˜øπœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" € $€£¥₩฿руб AbadiMTStd-Light_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

©2017 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

AbadiMTStd-LightItalic_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–± AbadiMTStd_abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz`1234567890-=[]\;’,./ ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ~!@#$%^&*()_+{}|:”<>? å∫ç∂´ƒ©˙ˆΔ˚¬µ˜øϖœ®ß†¨√∑≈¥Ω`¡™£¢∞§¶•ªº–≠“‘«…æ≤≥÷ ÅıÇÎ´Ï˝ÓˆÔÒ˜Ø∏Œ‰Íˇ¨◊„˛Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿ Á¸`⁄‹›fifl‡°·‚—±”’»ÚƯ˘¿|áéíóúâêîôûàèìòùäëïöüÿãñõÁÉÍÓÚÀÈÌÒÙÄËÏÖÜŸÑÃÕÂÊÎÔÛ ”“’‘ '" $‚Ǩ¬£¬•‚Ç©‡∏ø—Ä—É–±

Start the weekend in style with Giornotte's fabulous Friday brunch.

Giornotte’s Friday brunch at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal shines with over 30 masterfully presented live cooking stations and a dedicated dessert room in Dolce café. To keep the fun as fresh as the food, the brunch welcomes a troupe of dancers moving to a different beat each month. In September it's Latin Fusion, a heady mix of tropical rhythms, from salsa to cha-cha-cha to Cuban mambo. Starting at 295++ per person.

For reservations, please contact +971 2 818 8282 or email abudhabi.restaurants@ritzcarlton.com

100 fact magazine