March / April / May 2017
The Living Desert Head beyond the skyscrapers to where nature thrives
Wet & Wild
Thrills, spills and slides abound at Dubai’s wondrous waterparks
Mo Limits
See all the city’s sights while running in the footsteps of Olympic champion Mo Farah
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D ub a i Contents
Contents Mar / Apr / May 2017
Regulars 8 #MyDubai
22 6 Of The Best
13 The Edit
25 The Insider
20 Dubai Stories
28 Perspectives
Become part of the story by sharing your holiday memories with #MyDubai
All you need to know to ensure a memorable trip from the moment you touch down
Past and present collide aboard the traditional Arabian dhow at the Al Gaffal Dhow Race
Enjoy the city’s finest views from one of our favourite rooftop lounges
Local supercar aficionado Alex Hirschi on where to get your motoring fix
Experience the flavour and colour of Ramadan with a look at its most beautiful traditions
T. +971 4 364 2876 W. hotmediapublishing.com Managing Director Victoria Thatcher eDitorial Director John Thatcher groUP coMMercial Director David Wade coMMercial Director Rawan Chehab art Director Kerri Bennett Managing eDitor Emma Laurence contribUtors Hayley Skirka, Chris Ujma sales Manager Lisa Price ProDUction Manager Muthu Kumar Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from HOT Media Publishing is strictly prohibited. HOT Media Publishing does not accept liability for omissions or errors in DUBAI
6 Of The Best (page 22)
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D ub a i Contents
Features 34 Gold Rush
Follow Mo Farah’s lightning lead and explore the emirate on foot
40 Bespoke Adventure
If cycling’s more your thing, we’ve got you covered – from city to sand, Dubai is a cyclist’s paradise
44 Bollywood’s Finest
Theatre, adventure, even the stars themselves… there’s plenty in town to keep Bollywood lovers entertained
50 Make A Splash
We road-test Dubai’s best waterparks – don your swimwear and come on in
56 Straight From The Art
Behind the scenes at Art Dubai, the region’s foremost art fair
60 Off The Wall
Join us on a tour of the city’s thriving public art scene
66 Where The Wild Things Are
From Arabian oryxes to rescued turtles, you don’t have to go far to get back to nature
72 A Look Ahead
What’s in store at IMG Worlds of Legends
Produced for DTCM by HOT Media Publishing Director of content Carmen Michael carmen.michael@dubaitourism.ae branD & event Marketing oPerations vP Moza Al Youha myouha@dubaitourism.ae chief eDitor Kerry Baggott kbaggott@dubaitourism.ae overseas offices African Continent dtcm_africa@dubaitourism.ae Australia and New Zealand dtcm_aus@dubaitourism.ae China (Beijing) dtcm_beijing@dubaitourism.ae China (Chengdu) dtcm_chengdu@dubaitourism.ae China (Guangzhou) dtcm_guangzhou@dubaitourism.ae China (Shanghai) dtcm_shanghai@dubaitourism.ae Germany, Switzerland and Austria dtcm_ge@dubaitourism.ae Hong Kong dtcm_hk@dubaitourism.ae India dtcm_in@dubaitourism.ae Japan dtcm_ ja@dubaitourism.ae Nordic Countries dtcm_sca@dubaitourism.ae Russia, CIS and Baltic States dtcm_cis@dubaitourism.ae UK and Ireland dtcm_uk@dubaitourism.ae
Bollywood’s Finest (page 44)
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Cover image: Mo Farah in Downtown Dubai
D ub a i #MyDubai
picture this
#MyDubai
Spellbinding experiences, shared stories and hidden destination gems all come together to make Dubai a place like no other… Want to contribute to the narrative? Add #Mydubai to your next Instagram snap of this spectacular emirate, and your artistic effort might just make it onto these pages
Feel on top oF the world
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When standing 829.8m tall, you’re certain to garner attention. In this city it’s impossible not to turn your gaze towards the record-breaking Burj Khalifa – the world’s tallest man-made tower, which dominates the Downtown skyline. There are two options. One is to crane your neck and stare up at the needle-like structure in awe – we recommend going at night, to see the awesome patterns projected onto the side of the building. The other, even more memorable choice is to take an elevator up (for a price) to the At The Top viewing decks on floors 124 and 125, or the Sky Level, way up on the 148th floor. Picture by @chrissified
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take a leap oF Faith
This professional wingsuit formation above Sheikh Zayed Road was just one of the many visual delights from the UAE National Day celebrations in 2016‌ and if this has inspired you to give it a go yourself, there are plenty of opportunites in Dubai to kiss the sky. Skydive Dubai is perhaps the best known for getting you out of a plane and into the dropzone, with everything from tandem dives for beginners to expert-level adventures. ◆ Picture by @juanmayerphoto visitdubai.com 11
The
edit What’s new, what’s hot, what’s not to be missed: your definitive guide to Dubai’s wonderful winter season
Here and now
sign the unification agreement. Photos, films, documents, personal artefacts and interactive pavilions provide an interesting insight into the history of the country, before and after unification – and the library is stocked with over 3,000 titles for further discovery. The museum is open daily from 10am to 8pm; tickets cost Dhs25, or Dhs10 for six- to 24-year-olds, while under-fives go free. Find out more at etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.ae ▲
Unlock history at the Etihad Museum Soak up some culture with a visit to the recently opened Etihad Museum on Jumeirah Beach Road. Located close to the circular Union House, and telling the story of the formation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971, the striking structure resembles a giant manuscript with seven tapering columns representing the pens that were used to
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talk of the town Our pick of Dubai’s latest attractions wHere to
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note it: Dubai Festival City Mall wHat’s it all about? One of Dubai’s landmark malls, packed with great shopping and fantastic dining, including Hard Rock Café, now has another reason to visit – a dazzling daily light show. wHat to expect: Marvel at the magical story projected across the water at Festival Bay onto a surface five times bigger than the world’s largest IMAX screen. Light, fire and water are choreographed to the sound of music up to 10 times each day – check the website for full timings. festivalcentre.com
wHere to
take the kids
note it: Aventura, Mushrif Park wHat’s it all about? Set in a 35,000sqm forest within the huge Mushrif Park, this adventure playground has everything from zip lines to wall climbing. wHat to expect: With five levels of challenges to choose from, there’s something for everyone. For true thrill-seekers, the toughest challenge is filled with 9m-high zip lines and includes a 160m-long zip line through the heart of the park. It’s the ideal day out for Tarzan wannabes. aventuradubai.com
wHere to
get inspired
note it: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature wHat’s it all about? At the InterContinental Dubai Festival City from 3 to 11 March, this is the Middle East’s largest celebration of the written and spoken word, now observing its ninth year. wHat to expect: Workshops, book sales, children’s storytelling, competitions and more… This 10-day festival is always a hit and, this year, brings together more than 160 literary names, including worldwide bestselling author Jeffrey Archer and UK cookery queen Nadiya Hussain. emirateslitfest.com
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note it: Dubai World Cup wHat’s it all about? Taking place on 25 March, this is the world’s richest horse race, with a purse of USD10 million scooped by the winner. It’s the finale of the Dubai World Cup Carnival and the pinnacle of flat horse racing. wHat to expect: An extravaganza of racing, fashion and full-on entertainment. Ladies, be sure to have your heels at the ready and don your fanciest hat for a day that sees the world’s highest-profile owners, trainers, horses and jockeys descend on the city. dubairacingclub.com
Aventura
Dubai Festival City light show
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Dubai World Cup
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wHere to
see the sights
abra tour from the Sheikh Zayed Road station. wHat to expect: Cruise the length of the canal on an abra, or hop and off the ferries that call at five stations dotted along the way, exploring as you go. Keep an eye out for the mechanical waterfall, where the canal meets the Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge. Beautifully illuminated, it’s stunning to watch the water cascade from the bridge. dubai-ferry.com ▲
note it: Dubai Water Canal abra tour wHat’s it all about? Having completely overhauled one of the city’s busiest areas, the impressive Dubai Water Canal is a 3.2km-long waterway that flows into the Arabian Gulf from the Creek in Old Dubai, via Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah. Water ferries allow you to explore the canal at your leisure, or you can embark on a traditional
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book it list Make sure you don’t miss any of Dubai’s upcoming shows with our look at what’s on the horizon Mary Poppins
the main act
Mary Poppins Multi-award-winning and much-loved family musical Mary Poppins comes to Dubai Opera from 1 to 18 May in what’s sure to be a supercalifragalistic hit. Telling the story of a magical nanny who flies into Cherry Tree Lane with her trusty umbrella to transform the lives of Jane and Michael Banks, it also features Bert the friendly chimney sweep. Producer Cameron Mackintosh revealed he’s “delighted to be bringing [the show] to Dubai for the very first time”. With a timeless score and dazzling choreography, it’ll be a treat for all the family. dubaiopera.com
Justin Bieber
Grease
La Bohème For up-to-the-minute, comprehensive listings, download the new Dubai Calendar app at dubaicalendar.ae
supporting
acts
Beyond The Barricade
Grease
Justin bieber
A classic opera tale with all the ingredients for a stirring performance, La Bohème encapsulates love, Paris, romance, dreams and sorrow in what promises to be an epic run at Dubai Opera from 9 to 11 March. Following the story of a penniless poet and poor seamstress, the show, which premiered in 1896, makes you question whether love can conquer all in the most beautiful way. Set to a Giacomo Puccini score, it’s an emotional and stirring tale. dubaiopera.com
In the heart of the magical Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Madinat Theatre provides an intimate setting for this blockbuster of a concert. Beyond The Barricade brings together the West End’s finest talent to perform a whistlestop tour of the world’s greatest musical hits. Think Phantom Of The Opera meets The Lion King meets Carousel, with a spectular finale from Les Misérables. Running from 14 to 18 March, it’s a must for any musical lover. madinatjumeirah.etixdubai.com
Mary and Bert aren’t the only musical stars making their way to Dubai; Danny, Sandy and the rest of the Grease crew will be raising the roof at Dubai World Trade Centre from 7 to 13 April. Fresh from the UK, this version of the hit show promises all the fun and flair of the iconic film starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John. Grab your leather jacket or pink bomber and get in the mood for all your favourite numbers, from Summer Nights to (of course) Greased Lightnin’. platinumlist.net
There will no doubt be crowds galore at the Autism Rocks Arena on 6 May as pop sensation Justin Bieber rolls into town. The concert’s promoters, 117Live, say Justin will appear with a whole new attitude, a fantastic show and plenty of on-stage additions. Get your tickets now to ensure you don’t miss the Biebs performing all his best-known hits. Sing along to Never Say Never, dance to What Do You Mean and make sure you’re not Sorry that you missed it. 117live.com
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La Bohème
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wHat’s cooking Eat your way around this culinary melting pot of a city at the newest, hippest restaurants and cafés news bites
The freshest foodie openings you need to know about Nick & Scott, two longtime Dubai-based chefs with rich pedigree (a combined eight years at Gordon Ramsay Holdings), are now delivering their informal take on fine dining at Folly in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Diners can be part of the show by booking one of eight seats at the Kitchen Bar, which doubles as the kitchen’s pass. Meanwhile, on Sheikh Zayed Road, next to the newly opened Metropolitan Hotel, Tub of Butter is a home-grown casual eatery that offers a Med-inspired menu, gourmet coffee and counters stuffed with delicious cakes and pastries. Popular Mumbai molecular-gastronomy specialist SpiceKlub has also opened its doors in the Mankhool area of Dubai. Expect delicious vegetarian eats from this well-known Indian establishment. From the people who own Weslodge comes Morah, an exciting blend of eastern and coastal Mediterranean flavours at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel. On a mission to ‘recast the archetypal Italian dining experience’, Matto offers up innovative recipes from coastal Italy. You’ll find it at The Oberoi in Business Bay. And finally, another new addition to the already pulsing Italian food scene is Ricetta at Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai. Think home-cooked fine dining and delicious classics from Bel Paese.
Matto
casual eats
It’s not all fine dining and fancy surrounds – Dubai has its fair share of bistros, perfect for a quick bite Inn ThE PARK This cute little eatery in Al Khazzan Park is solar run, covered in local coral and has a fantastic library from which you can borrow a book while you’re tucking into your eggs benedict. @innthepark
BAREBURgER New York organic burger chain Bareburger has pitched up at Dubai Festival City, bringing with it beef, lamb, chicken and even wild camel burgers in a funky, casual setting. @bareburger
BAllS For Italian street food served out of a restored vintage 1956 Airstream trailer, head to Balls. You can feast on authentic rice balls from the same developers of popular Dubai pizzeria 800Pizza. @ballsyoucaneat
dine in style
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Qasr Al Sultan For dinner with a difference, you’ll feast like a sultan in the desert grounds of Qasr Al Sultan – an experiential new dining destination located near Dubai Parks and Resorts. Enter through a walled fortress surrounded by towering palms, and see the rich history of Arabia brought to life through a grand food bazaar, live cooking stations, an authentic souk and even traditional cultural performances. Part of Meraas’ Dubai Gourmet platform, this is the first of a whole host of innovative and enriching dining experiences set to unfold across the emirate. qasralsultan.ae
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wHere to stay Get acquainted with the city’s most exciting new check-ins Viceroy palm Jumeirah dubai The newest opening on Palm Jumeirah, this dare-to-bedifferent luxury hotel is a fusion of glass structures, grand spaces and impressive vistas. Taking the Viceroy Hotel Group’s trademark modern sensibility and provocative sense of style, guests can expect a serious sense of cool with a side of sophistication. Boasting 447 rooms and suites, each is designed to be a haven of calm in contrast to the pulsing energy of Dubai – and The Spa at Viceroy Palm Jumeirah Dubai is the perfect retreat in which to really unwind on holiday. Due to open on 31 March, book your room now to be one of the first to visit this gem. viceroyhotelsandresorts.com
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more on our radar…
la Ville Hotel & suites city walk dubai Beautifully boutique, this brand-new resort at City Walk is all about elegance. Distinctively low-rise in contrast to the emirate’s plethora of skyscraper hotels, La Ville has a relaxed vibe that’s reflected in the spacious guest rooms. Indeed, the entire hotel feels like a place where, amid the excitement of the city, you can simply stop and breathe. When it comes to dining, Chival has healthy options, Graze is a gastro grill, and, up on the roof, LookUp has crafted drinks paired with great views of Dubai’s skyline. livelaville.com
rove city centre
the address boulevard dubai
Offering something that little bit different from the rest of the local hotel scene, and with a great location about 10 minutes from Dubai International airport, this quirky new property is chic, family-friendly and totally affordable. Featuring a 24-hour workspace, sundeck and pool, as well as free Wi-Fi throughout, it’s perfect for busy, on-thego travellers. Tuck into delicious eats all day long from The Daily and, so that you can get out there and spend every last moment enjoying the city, every guest is granted a late check-out. rovehotels.com/hotel/rove-city-centre
Old world charm and understated elegance is what underpins this new, home-from-home hotel set on Downtown Dubai’s wide Boulevard. Its walls are adorned with fine art and modern sculptures, making it a veritable art gallery. Among its 196 rooms, families can avail the two and three-bedroom suites; while other facilities include three swimming pools, a spa, and The Restaurant – with its design inspired by the home of a well-travelled European family in the 1920s and its menu boasting an array of classic dishes. ◆ theaddress.com visitdubai.com 19
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d ub a i Dubai Stories
dubai stories
The dhow Tradition Ahead of the al Gaffal dhow race in May, we take a timely look at this seafaring cultural icon
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imply take a stroll along the bustling Dubai Creek and you’ll see countless vessels lining its shores, piled high with goods ready to be shipped off around the world. Bobbing up and down among them are many graceful wooden boats: traditional dhows, known as some of the world’s most lithe sailing crafts. In years gone by, dhows just like these sailed in and out of the emirate carrying silks, spices, teas and gold. Today the cargo may be a little different – they’re used to transport everything from rice to electronics – but the boats themselves remain essential to Dubai’s trading landscape. Still a distinct part of the country’s maritime fleet, Emirati dhows have been noted throughout history for their sleek lines, billowing sails and the prowess of their sailors. And the art of dhow building has long been an important cultural tradition, whose centuries-old processes are passed down from generation to generation. Crafted by hand using simple tools – a hammer, saw, chisel, plane and caulking iron – the skills required to master these techniques take incredible honing over many years. The materials used to make the dhows are sourced from all over; the
teak is from India and the rope from Zanzibar, while the sail canvas is obtained more locally, from Bahrain or Kuwait. Their appearance may be timeless, but the maritime trade has responded to new technologies, so many modern-day dhows actually incorporate diesel engines and discard sails or are crafted from fibreglass. Keeping the element of tradition very much alive is the sport of dhow racing, which relies on oldfashioned sailing skills rather than contemporary techniques. A dhow can sail at 20km per hour – up to twice as fast as other sailing boats – and crowds flock to see them in action at the annual Al Gaffal Dhow Race, which has run for almost three decades. It’s one of the best ways to see these 60ft voyagers in action, as the beautifully polished hulls of around 100 dhows speed across the water, starting from Dubai International Marine Club and taking in some of the most impressive stretches of the Dubai coastline. ◆ This year the Al Gaffal Dhow Race will take place on either 13 or 20 May (depending on weather conditions), from 5.30am to around midday. Watch from anywhere onshore, or get closer to the action aboard one of the ferries specially chartered for the event. For more information, see dimc.ae
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6 Of The BesT
Rooftop Venues
Make the most of Dubai’s glorious weather and dramatic skyline by stepping out at one of these fine vantage points
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What: TOMO Views Where: TOMO, Raffles Dubai There are a number of outstanding Japanese restaurants in town, and TOMO is right up there. The only thing on a par with the food here is the sweeping vista of Dubai’s spectacular cityscape that greets you on entry to the lounge. tomo.ae
What: Uptown Bar Where: Jumeirah Beach Hotel The interiors of this high-rise lounge won’t show up on your Instagram feed, but its terrace most certainly will. Head here pre- or post-dinner for a gulp of sea air and stretching beach views. jumeirah.com What: Rooftop Pool Where: The Meydan Hotel This picturesque pool allows swimmers to drink in the views of Dubai’s Meydan Racecourse and its mile-long grandstand. It’s home to the Dubai World Cup on 25 March, where the world’s finest horses sprint to bag racing’s richest purse. meydanhotels.com
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What: Rooftop Terrace Where: One&Only Royal Mirage Plush cushions and drapes, twinkling candles and lanterns: the feel of this long-term favourite is very Arabian Nights. Sip on a mocktail here under a canopy of stars, looking out to Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. oneandonlyresorts.com What: Bahri Bar Where: Jumeirah Mina A’Salam Sure to impress any visitor to Dubai is this lounge with its iconic views. Abras floating by on the waters of the Madinat resort are postcard worthy, but the jawdropper is the Burj Al Arab. jumeirah.com
What: Treehouse Where: Taj Dubai There are few better places in the city to snap a selfie with the world’s tallest tower than this brilliant urban-hideaway hot spot that surveys all of Downtown Dubai, with Burj Khalifa at its heart. Come for the outlook, stay for the vibe. ◆ treehousedubai.com
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D ub a i Insider
the insiDer
Alex Hirschi Welcome to our insider’s guide, where a local gives us their top tips on getting the best out of the city. This time, supercar aficionada, radio DJ and socialmedia honeybee Alex Hirschi shares how to make a definitive motoring statement in Dubai
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ou can catch Alex Hirschi every day on Dubai Eye 103.8 from 4pm to 7pm – alongside her Drive Live radio co-host Tim Elliott. But if you’re looking to put a face to the voice, check out her social-media presence. Alex’s Instagram page (@supercarblondie) is where she documents her affinity for luxury cars. In fact, few people are more passionate about fast motors in a city that counts McLaren, Aston Martin and Bugatti among its police-car fleet, and was chosen as a pit stop for Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond’s Amazon Prime motoring show The Grand Tour, which aired in February. What makes Dubai the perfect place for supercar enthusiasts to visit? Where else in the world would you pull up beside a Lamborghini at the lights and think, ‘Meh, seen it before’? It’s testament to the fact that this place is home to so many supercars. When you pull up to a five-star hotel in a supercar it goes directly to the garage, because there’s already a Rolls-Royce, two Lamborghinis, two Ferraris and a McLaren parked out front. Dubai is a city where people aren’t afraid to show off, so on any given day you can see at least three or four supercars driving around. The good weather also means more owners are willing to bring their hypercars out more regularly for drives. This city is incredible for car spotting.
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What’s the most unusual or eye-catching car you’ve seen prowling Dubai’s roads? I had the chance to get up close to a Lamborghini Veneno – there are only nine in the world, so it’s incredibly rare. The other that stands out is the 1962 visitdubai.com 25
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Alex with an Audi R8
Ferrari 250 GTO (priced at a cool Dhs202 million), which I got to sit in. Lookswise it was a treat to see a McLaren 650s in blue chrome, which would look so outrageous anywhere else in the world, but was completely at ease and almost dreamlike on Dubai’s streets. What’s the most memorable driving experience you’ve had so far? Getting behind the wheel of a Tesla P90D with Ludicrous mode. It’s capable of a scream-inducing launch speed: 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, which is weird to experience without the roar of an engine accompanying the momentum. Later I was driving down Sheikh Zayed Road in rush-hour traffic, with no feet on the pedals and no hands on the wheel. The car is self driving; I only needed to touch the steering wheel now and again to assure it I was still awake. I think there needs to be some work on the design and looks of this car, but otherwise I was super impressed. Of all the cars you’ve had the chance to drive, which is your favourite? After driving some exceptional cars, I decided to eventually take the plunge and buy a BMW i8 (with an AC Schnitzer 26 visitdubai.com
kit). It’s a car that isn’t often seen in Dubai, which adds to the charm, and I never thought I would own a hybrid car, but the way the electric engine works in conjunction with a petrol engine makes the car more powerful than you expect – the electric engine produces immediate torque and the gear changes are almost unnoticeable due to the two engines working together. I can’t resist the roar of a good V8/V10, though, so I would also choose the Lamborghini Hurácan. The way the engine gurgles as you shift down makes me smile every single time; it’s nicest in silk silver chrome – I know, a bit outrageous, but this is Dubai… Which local roads would you recommend people head for should they have a supercar for the day? I like to go straight onto Al Qudra Road, which leads to an oft-unused road in the middle of the desert. The drive to Hatta, about 100km east of the city, is beautiful, too, with the road winding up through the Hajar mountains. ◆
Alex is a regional Drive Tribe leader for The Grand Tour’s social-media platform, where the world’s car lovers can share their pictures and videos. Connect with her at drivetribe.com
PeDal to the metal
Attempt to tame awesome horsepower for yourself at the Dubai Autodrome, in a vehicle from its stable of driving thoroughbreds. Among the elite track demons is a V10-powered Audi R8, a McLaren Sprint with its hellish 625HP and a mighty Lotus Evora 400, or you can strap in for a lap in the Caterham 7 360R, driven by an expert instructor. The Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA)-sanctioned venue, located in Motor City, has a 5.39km course with plenty of testing twists and turns – so ample opportunity to test the car’s limits (and your own). Visit dubaiautodrome.com/ experiences to find out more
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D ub a i Perspectives
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peRspectives
Celebration Of The Soul With the holy month of Ramadan starting at the end of May, we capture the flavour and rich traditions that enlighten the hearts and souls of Dubai during this colourful time
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Ramadan is a time of reflection, spiritual improvement and devotion. It’s a time to slow down, take stock and be more mindful – something most of us need to do more of. It’s also a month when family and friends devote time to their relationships, coming together to indulge in sumptuous spreads at the nightly iftar – the meal that breaks the daily fast. Beyond the beautifully decorated Ramadan tents that appear across Dubai are streets lit up with decorations, a Ramadan market that comes alive after dark with lavish local wares and, at the end of the month during Eid, a huge city-wide celebration.
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Food plays an important role during Ramadan, as every day after sunset, locals join together to mark iftar (the breaking of the fast). All over town, dedicated iftar tents filled with a celebratory, convivial atmosphere serve up mouthwatering feasts for all to enjoy. Traditionally, you start with dates – juicy and nutritious, they’re an Arabian staple and the ideal way to break the day’s fast. Dates are also among the sweet treats commonly gifted between friends and neighbours throughout the month as a token of friendship. 30 visitdubai.com
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There’s no better time to admire the stunning architecture of Dubai’s mosques than during Ramadan. Take a few moments to appreciate the beautiful domes and white minarets, the intricate frescoes and decorative windows. Then, at the end of the holy month, see the sky lit up with a flurry of dramatic fireworks in celebration of Eid al-Fitr. On the ground, expect parades and performances across the city, along with some spectacular shopping promotions and events at the many malls around town. ◆ The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (cultures.ae) hosts tours of the Jumeirah Mosque (pictured, opposite), Saturday to Thursday at 10am, priced at Dhs20 per person including water, dates, Arabic coffee, tea and traditional pastries. Children under 12 go free visitdubai.com 33
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Gold Don’t forget to pack your trainers – Dubai is awash with golden running opportunities. Just ask Olympian Mo Farah
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D ub a i Outdoor Adventure
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miles away you can escape it all and find yourself surrounded by an ocean of sand dunes. The Farahs did just that, taking an adrenaline-fuelled ride through the desert in a dune buggy. “Wow, that was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” enthused Mo after his turn behind the wheel. “You can’t get that anywhere else. When I first came here, I fell in love with the place straight away and I was like, ‘Wow, I didn’t know Dubai could offer this.’ You can do what you like, how you like it: you can go swimming, camel riding in the desert, dune buggying or deepsea diving – there are so many choices.” Of course, running is always on the agenda for Mo: a key factor in his choice of hotel. The new Jumeirah Al Naseem (opened in December) is set on a 2km swathe of sandy beach that links the entire Madinat Jumeirah resort – complete with a meandering beachside path that’s perfect for a sunset run, taking in the iconic Burj Al Arab and the glittering Arabian Sea. “I did 10 miles on the beach here just going up and down, and people looked like they hadn’t seen anyone running like that before,” said Mo, laughing.
Come evening, Mo and Tania enjoyed dinner at the hotel’s beachfront restaurant, Rockfish, where the freshest seafood is served up with gorgeous sea views. “It’s probably one of the best restaurants I’ve eaten at in terms of seafood. I’m not a fish fan but that made me change my mind,” said Mo. As a Muslim, Mo loved the ease of eating out in Dubai in general: “You can have whatever you want here as everything is halal and you don’t have to worry about anything. In other places, you have to look at the menu, but in Dubai you don’t have to think about it… it’s a big advantage.” So can we expect to see Mo taking part in the Dubai Marathon anytime soon? “I’ve not planned that yet, but maybe when I get to marathons one day, I’ll come!” he laughed. What about if Dubai ever hosts the Olympics itself? “It would be different. It’s good to have new cities bidding for it to show that anything is possible,” he said. “The Olympics is about connecting people, and the reason there are five different-coloured rings [on the Olympic flag] is to represent all the continents and bring them together. I’m pretty sure Dubai would do a great job.” ▲
e won gold at both the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, in both the 5,000 and 10,000 metres. He’s a legend in the world of running and adored in the UK, as evidenced by his knighthood in the recent New Year’s Honours. So when Mo – or should we say Sir Mohammed Farah, CBE – chose to come to Dubai for a few days away from the track, we jumped at the chance to catch up with him (figuratively, at least). The glorious weather was just one of the things that drew Mo to Dubai, making a refreshing change from the bitter cold back ‘home’. “It’s snowing in Portland, Oregon [where I train] at the moment, so I wish I could take the weather back with me,” he told us. For most of the year, Dubai is a veritable outdoor playground, enjoying balmy temperatures for months on end – and Mo and his wife Tania certainly made the most of it on their flying visit. Exploring the desert is an essential part of any Dubai experience; while the twisting towers, majestic mosques and piercing skyscrapers – including the world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa – combine to form an impressive city skyline, just a few
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FolloW mo’s leaD Stay on track while you’re on holiday and explore the city at the same time with a run along one of the many jogging tracks that meander through urban skyscrapers, golden coastline and leafy parks
Dubai Water Canal
Be among the first to pound the pavements that run beside the stunning Dubai Water Canal, which opened in November. Flowing through the city for 3.2km, from Business Bay to Jumeirah and alongside Safa Park until it meets the sea, both sides of the canal are flanked by walkways with two pedestrian bridges (and more set to open) allowing you to cross over. The joy of this run is the city views. Slow down for an obligatory selfie and admire the iconic Dubai skyline in all its architectural glory, along with the beautiful bridges arching and twisting around you – masterpieces in design. In time, this run will take you past a whole host of cafés and green parks, and will eventually join up with the track that stretches along Jumeirah Beach Road.
JumeiraH beaCH
Dubai’s original running route for beach lovers, this cushioned spongy track skirts the sand along Jumeirah Beach Road. The highlight is the stretch from Burj Al Arab up through Kite Beach, where beachgoers flock to enjoy water sports, chill out on the sand, browse the markets and refresh in the array of beachside cafés. The track originally stretched unbroken for 14km – although you may now find it interrupted in places to make way for the Dubai Water Canal. When the track does venture slightly inland, though, it offers the opportunity to check out a few hidden gems in the form of stunning villas, and the lively fish markets and fishing harbours of Umm Suqeim. Signage along the way tells you how many kilometres you’ve ‘eaten up’ – and when you’ve reached your target, you can always cool off with a post-run dip in the Arabian waters right beside you.
Dubai marina
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this man-made feat of a marina. It’s a comfortable 4.5km run with the water on one side and gleaming skyscrapers on the other – you’ll need to traverse the bridges to complete the loop but there are lots of cafés and restaurants dotted around if you want to stop for a breather.
tHe Parks
Sprinkled between Dubai’s towering superstructures are vast patches of greenery, all ideal for joggers. Choose from the urban Zabeel Park, set in the heart of the financial district and a stone’s throw from the royal palace, or venture further north to Creek Park, where you can run alongside the historic Dubai Creek. For a more challenging workout, head further afield to Mushrif Park, where, once you’ve tackled the hills, you can try out the new Aventura Nature Park (aventuraparks.com) and make like Tarzan in the trees.
tHe boarDWalk
Unless you’re prepared to get your feet wet, you won’t get closer to the Arabian Sea than on the Boardwalk, the wide, wooden-slatted walkway that runs along the crescent of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah – the island built in the shape of a palm tree that’s home to palatial villas, luxurious hotels and glittering seaside apartments. As waves crash against the rocks, feel the sea breeze against your skin on the 11km trail that takes you all the way around the Palm’s upper crescent, past the gargantuan, coralcoloured Atlantis, The Palm. Breathe in the sea air and drink in views of the renowned Palm Jumeirah resorts. And when it’s time for a breather of a more nutritious kind, take a pit stop at one of the many food trucks parked along the Boardwalk – choose from juices, wraps, and even fish and chips (after all that exercise, you deserve it). You can also do the Boardwalk on two wheels if you prefer – bikes can be hired by the hour from Byky stands (bykystations.com). ◆
Join the club
During his last holiday in Dubai, Mo Farah proved there’s no let-up for an Olympic world champion when he and his wife Tania unexpectedly dropped in on Nike Running Club’s weekly Tuesdayevening training session in Zabeel Park (facebook.com/ nikerunningmiddleeast). It’s just one of many clubs in town that offers residents and visitors alike the opportunity to run together. Desert Road Runners (desertroadrunners. club) is one of the most established clubs in the city, and meets six nights a week in various locations around town. Dubai Creek Striders (dubaicreekstriders.org) is the largest running group in Dubai, meeting Monday evenings and Friday mornings at the World Trade Centre, and Wednesday evenings at Al Barsha Pond Park. They’re also behind the Johnson Arabia Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon, which takes place each December. If your focus is on endurance running, try ABRaS Athletics Club (abrasac. org), which meets on Monday and Wednesday nights, but do expect to be tested – this club counts many of the country’s top distance runners among its members.
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Bespoke adventure If cycling is your exercise of choice then saddle up to explore the city at your own pace, traversing its purpose-built bike tracks
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ubai’s status as a cycling destination is on the rise, whatever your skill level. The annual Dubai Tour, last staged in February, sees a host of big names compete for the blue jersey, sprint king Mark Cavendish among them, while the popular Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge in December – dubbed ‘the only cycle challenge for all’ – provides two race lengths for adult riders (52km and 93km) and a separate Junior Cycle Challenge for the next generation of pedal pushers to cut their teeth on. Whether you want to stay in race shape while you’re in town, meet fellow cyclists or simply ride for fun with the family, you’ll need a safe area in which to do it. Here’s a trio of designated hot spots to test your two-wheeler…
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Located between Al Quoz Pond Park and the mighty Meydan racecourse, Nad Al Sheba is a converted camel track that offers stunning vistas of Downtown Dubai and the world’s tallest building. There’s a range of paths with clearly marked lines; choose from 4km, 6km and 8km distances. There’s a children’s course, too, replete with street signs, speed bumps and roundabouts for younger riders to build up their safety knowledge, confidence and biking ability. Nad Al Sheba has the added convenience of lockers, air-conditioned changing rooms and shower facilities, and its lighting means you can cycle on long after dusk falls. There is an eventual plan to join the track with Dubai Water Canal, via the Al Khail Road footbridge. Get down there now, and come back to see how it connects over the coming months! visitdubai.com 41
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al QuDra CyCle Course
For something completely different (where else do you get to cycle out into the desert, among the sand dunes, and see oryxes bounding along beside you?), Al Qudra should whet your appetite. An uninterrupted 85km loop, the course is mostly flat with a couple of gradient hills thrown in for good measure, and comes with the thrilling bonus of wildlife spotting as you advance through the dunes with the distant city skyline for a backdrop. There are regular groups of serious speedsters here – and you can be among them, should you have the preference and stamina level. Don’t be intimidated if you’re looking to take a more peaceful sojourn from the city, though: take a break at one of the rest points located along this well-signposted route, or pack a healthy picnic. The Stick (a 35km round-trip route) is even illuminated by streetlights – perfect for a night ride. There are two starting points: one just beyond Arabian Ranches and the other at Seih Al Salam. The latter is where you’ll find Trek Bike; rent a customisable cycle with all the necessary gear, get some expert advice, and avail of the showering facilities, small market and two cafés. Reserve your bike, with no deposit required, at trekbikes.ae
DuBai autoDrome
When it’s not hosting four-wheeled motoring fiends, this motorsport circuit out by Sports City puts on its popular Revolution Night, enabling fitness lovers to enjoy cycling (as well as jogging and rollerblading) on the 2.5km club circuit under floodlights. It’s also the training ground for the Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge, and the home of Safe Cycling Dubai – a friendly get-together held every Wednesday night (7-10pm), allowing riders to crisscross its hills and flats. Trained medical staff are on hand and there’s plenty of water available to replenish your thirst, while bikes can be rented from Revolution Cycles – but be sure to book ahead, and don’t forget the mandatory helmet. ◆ Find out more at dubaiautodrome.com and cyclesafedubai.com/rides 42 visitdubai.com
Pedal Power
We’ve mentioned Trek Bikes on the Al Qudra course and Revolution Cycles at the Autodrome; well, Wolfi’s Bike Shop (wbs.ae) is among the leaders in the rental field, too. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road between interchanges 2 and 3, they offer a choice of bike sizes and pedal types, which can be specified when booking online. Independent bike shop Probike (probike.ae) is in the bike fitting studio, accessories and storage game, but also provides rentals with aluminium or carbon frames
to suit all sizes and heights. There are two ‘accessible for all’ options in Dubai. The first, Giant Bike Tours (giantbiketours.com) provides guided cycling experiences like a Lively Souqs Tour, Great Dubai Water Canal Tour, Palm Monorail Tour and many other green ways to see the city. Alternatively, if you’re down at Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah or Downtown and fancy an impromptu ride, head to one of the freestanding Byky stations you’ll pass (bykystations.com/ dubai) – simply register, unlock and be on your way.
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The glamour of India’s Bollywood is all right here – the dance, colour, theatre, food, even the stars themselves. We spend the day with the ‘King of Bollywood’, Shah Rukh Khan, for whom Dubai is a second home
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e owns a palatial villa on Palm Jumeirah, he’s shot some of his biggest movies in the emirate, and it’s here that he mixes business with pleasure. Shah Rukh Khan (more familiarly known as SRK) is certainly no stranger to Dubai: “Whether I’m here on vacation with my family and friends or here to work, it’s a city I truly relate to on so many levels; it’s driven, passionate and spirited,” he says. “I like the fact that I have a house here. My kids love the beach; everybody has something to do. It’s my home away from home.” In a recent collaboration with us at Dubai Tourism, the megastar was filmed surprising and delighting unsuspecting visitors around the city with his presence. Little did a group of daredevil skydivers know they’d be joined on their jump by the star; or a party of friends out for dinner that they’d be served by SRK posing as a waiter; or a lone jogger that she’d run into her on-screen hero…
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Now you kHan…
…visit all the places we filmed with SRK in Dubai Spice SouQ
It’s here, nestled on the Deira side of the historic Dubai Creek, that SRK walked the labyrinth of narrow lanes, taking in the heady aroma spilling from a seemingly never-ending string of tiny spice shops, and bartering for dried lemons, nuts and all manner of spices. Open from 10am to 10pm every day, the Spice Souq is a cultural (and sensory) experience not to be missed. we teamed up with Shah Rukh Khan to surprise fans across the city
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SkyDive Dubai
SRK doesn’t shy away from adventure, but even he hesitated before hurling himself from a plane 13,000ft above Palm Jumeirah. One of the world’s top drop zones, Skydive Dubai saw the star join a group of fellow adrenaline junkies ticking off this oncein-a-lifetime experience. While you jump in tandem with a highly experienced instructor, a cameraman alongside you captures your every scream.
kite beacH
Once back on terra firma, we caught on camera SRK chilling out. Joining a group of lads playing volleyball on the magnificent Kite Beach, he certainly showed us he’s the all-round stuntman – diving for the ball in his determination to hit it over the net. This playground is the meeting place for all beach lovers, water-sports enthusiasts – and the occasional Bollywood superstar, of course.
tHe Dubai Mall
The world’s biggest shopping destination houses just about every major fashion label, from high-street to high-end, Armani to Zara. SRK surprised shoppers in the remarkable Level Shoes, a huge homage to footwear (the largest on the planet, naturally), where designer brands abound. The Dubai Mall also boasts the region’s first Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette and the label-loaded Fashion Avenue.
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As seen on screen The colourful world of Indian cinema makes its mark on the emirate at Dubai Parks and Resorts’ bollywood parks Dubai – where King Khan also makes his presence felt via a pair of immersive rides based on two of his blockbusters
avatar coming face to face with his arch-nemesis – with visitors getting a virtual vantage of the battle. RA.One Unleashed is a 4D spin-off of the hit sci-fi film, and recreates the futuristic scenes of RA.One, taking you on a sensory mission alongside its saviour. Don, The Chase, meanwhile, is coming soon and, once opened, will be the second of SRK’s immersive Bollywood Parks adventures. The narrative will involve his mafia-boss character of the same name guiding passengers through a thrilling high-speed 3D ride above Dubai’s glittering skyline. After all that action you’re certain to have worked up an appetite. The wafting of foodie aromas punctuates your route around the park, from a variety of eateries looking to entice you in with their tempting scents of traditional Indian fare. The final word simply must go to the park’s showpiece event – the Jaane-Jigar matinee musical, performed at the aforementioned Rajmahal Theatre. This two-hour spectacle is a classic tale of good versus evil; a visual extravaganza of dance, theatre and fantasy… We won’t spoil the plot, but of all the day’s delights, this experience is definitely the cherry (or saffron) on top.
Need to KNow
Head along Sheikh Zayed Road towards Abu Dhabi and you can’t miss the signage beckoning you to Dubai Parks and Resorts. The parks have seasonal opening hours – currently they’re open from noon to 9pm on weekdays, and 10pm on weekends. Expect to pay Dhs50 for uncovered parking or Dhs80 for covered, while one-day admission to Bollywood Parks Dubai is priced at Dhs285 per adult and Dhs245 per child (age three to 12). dubaiparksandresorts.com
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Evoking the soul of Mumbai architecture and the spirit of its action-packed movie scene, Bollywood Parks Dubai is a riot of colour, dance, music, and – you just won’t be able to help yourself – broad smiles. The bass-heavy Hindi melodies that float across the airwaves will do one of two things: they’ll either take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, or introduce you to a new realm of romance, happiness and hip swirling. Dance troupes burst up across the park to delight onlookers – stomping atop a train car in Mumbai Chowk; hip-swivelling on a stage at the end of Bollywood Boulevard; twirling in a rainbow of sarees on the steps of the resplendent Rajmahal Theatre in Royal Plaza. Should you resist the urge to move to the rhythm, your body will certainly be shaken by the rides. Discover some of the park’s many attractions – by being bashed as a cricket ball in Lagaan, The Thrill of Victory or shooting your way through Sholay: The Hunt for Gabbar Sing – then find your way to the Bollywood Film Studios portion of the park. Within is the Hall of Heroes, and there is perhaps no greater inductee than Shah Rukh Khan. He has two rides at the park: the first sees his robot superhero
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A TASTe of inDia
There’s a bounty of brilliant Indian restaurants in town. Here’s where to head for a memorable meal, whatever your budget
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Rang MaHal
He’s a familiar face on television, the author of several bestselling cookery books, and his restaurant, located in the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, is the perennial winner when awards for the city’s best Indian restaurant are dished out. Indeed, celebrity chef Atul Kochhar brings his colourful flair to Dubai’s Indian dining scene. As a treat, to get the full-on Kochhar experience opt for the Spice Quest Journey – a VIP experiential set menu featuring the best of his signature dishes. jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
boMbay bRaSSeRie
You’d have expected India’s grandest hotel company to come up trumps when its Dubai outpost, Taj Dubai, opened an Indian restaurant; Bombay Brasserie and the exceptional skill of its chef de cuisine Ajay Negi ensured it did just that. The restaurant’s vibrant décor hints at the fabulous flavours Negi combines in exquisite plates of food. The murg mahal, dum ki suneharl (slow-cooked lamb shank with saffron) and beautifully flavoured paneer are all noteworthy highlights. taj.tajhotels.com
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aSHa’S
She’s a renowned singer, revered in Bollywood, but now, still singing and acting in her eighties, Asha Bhosle is equally recognised for her home cooking, served up in her restaurants across the region and in the UK. It’s said that she often gets requests from Bollywood celebrities to conjure up her special biryani or kadai ghosht dishes. Serving up her traditional northwestern Indian cuisine at both Wafi Mall and Mall of the Emirates, diners at either venue are in for not only a gastronomic treat but also a chance to peruse some fabulous Bollywood memorabilia. We love the refreshing lassis and highly recommend the king prawns. ashasrestaurants.com
HouSe of cuRRy
Its interior is designed like an Indian palace, which feels even quirkier when you look out and see that you’re dining by the waters of the Arabian Gulf at JBR’s The Beach Mall. The food 48 visitdubai.com
Bombay Brasserie (and below)
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is simple yet tasty and, appropriately, a good portion of its menu is dedicated to seafood. The crab masala curry is tangy and comes with lashings of creamy gravy to soak up with your rotis and naans. houseofcurry.me
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new SinD punjab
This hidden gem, cossetted close to the fish market in Al Karama, is as pleasant on the palate as it is on the purse. Specialising in Punjabi flavours, it gets rave reviews for its butter chicken – a healthy serving of which will set you back just Dhs24. It officially closes at 1am – perfect for midnight feasts – and opens again at seven in the morning serving pipinghot omelettes with paratha for a mere Dhs7. Don’t expect five-star surrounds, just five-star taste. +971 4 337 5535
biRyani pot
Its tagline is ‘Food for the Soul’ and this casual Indian restaurant on Jumeirah Beach Road is spot on. We dare anyone not to feel comforted when they dig their fork deep into the bready surface to reveal a heap of steaming, flavoursome rice and succulent meat or vegetables. We love the authentic clay pots they come served in, too. Those on a health kick will appreciate the lighter quinoa biryani, and the kathi rolls get a unanimous round of applause. ◆ biryanipot.ae
Rang Mahal (and left and above left)
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Make a
SplaSh With three amazing waterparks in Dubai to enjoy, you’re in for a wet and wild time. But which one is perfect for you? We check out your options‌
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aquaventure waterpark
Located: Atlantis, The Palm +971 4 426 0000, atlantisthepalm.com
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In a nutshell: A huge playground of brilliantly themed, record-breaking river rides and water slides. Best for little ones: Splashers, an area dedicated to tiny tykes replete with slides, climbing frames, water cannons and the squeal-inducing tipping buckets. Best for big ones: The Tower of Poseidon. From the gravity-defying to the heart-stopping, this adrenaline-fuelled area of the waterpark is not for the faint-hearted. The big thrill: The Leap of Faith, which sees you hurtle down a nine-storey mega-slide in the blink of an eye, puts your heart in your mouth, but topping it in the thrill-factor stakes is Poseidon’s Revenge. Here you’re encased in a vertical capsule until its floor gives way, sending you plummeting at a speed of 60km/h before flipping you upside down. There’s more: Beyond the thrills and spills of the slides and rides, Aquaventure’s ample attractions include the opportunity to hand-feed cownose rays; don a special helmet that allows you to breathe underwater for a Shark Safari surrounded by rays, multihued fish and, you guessed it, sharks (they don’t bite); or glide through the air 20m above the waterpark on the longest zip line in the Middle East. Opening hours: 10am-sunset daily. Need to know: Towels can be rented for Dhs30 per towel, with locker rental ranging from Dhs40 for a small locker to Dhs75 for a large one. Prices: General admission is free for in-house guests of Atlantis, The Palm. Otherwise, charges are based on height: 1.2m and above, Dhs320; below 1.2m, Dhs275; children aged two and under, free. Children unaccompanied by an adult must be at least 12 years old to enter.
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wild wadi waterpark
Located: Next to Burj Al Arab and Jumeirah Beach Hotel +971 4 348 4444, jumeirah.com
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In a nutshell: Dubai’s original water wonderland, spread across the shadow cast by the iconic Burj Al Arab, gets better with age, boasting 30 fabulous rides and attractions and something for all the family. Best for little ones: Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon packs in over 100 water activities made specifically for young kids, including multiple slides, water guns and a supersized bucket that dumps gallons of water on all below at two-minute intervals. Best for big ones: For family fun, Tantrum Alley sees a four-person tube navigate two large sections of downhill water slides and three tornadoes, which spin you back and forth at speed before thrusting you into the pool. High-speed fun can also be enjoyed on the Burj Surj, which ends with your five-person tube being flushed down a bowl. The big thrill: Wild Wadi’s original Jumeirah Sceirah slide was a heart-in-the-mouth drop that set pulses racing off the scale; the new Jumeirah Sceirah is longer, scarier, and an absolute must-do. There’s more: The brilliant Wipeout Flowrider is one of only four such rides in the world and shoots out seven tonnes of water per second to create a realistic wave effect that makes body-boarding and knee-boarding a blast. Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily. Need to know: Towels can be rented for Dhs40 per towel, with locker rental costing Dhs45, Dhs65 or Dhs85 for small, medium or large sizes. Prices: Entry is free for guests staying at any Jumeirah-operated hotel in Dubai and those aged two and under. Otherwise, charges are based on height: 1.1m and above, Dhs275; below 1.1m, Dhs230.
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leGOland® waterpark
Located: Dubai Parks and Resorts +971 4 820 0000, dubaiparksandresorts.com In a nustshell: Dubai’s newest waterpark is a firmly family-friendly attraction, catering perfectly to kids aged two to 12. Best for little ones: Toddlers get to soak up the fun in their own dedicated area, DUPLO Splash Safari, while the Joker Soaker is an interactive playground of slides, climbing frames and a 300-gallon bucket that sporadically spills its load. All will adore floating along the Build-A-Raft-River, plucking Lego bricks from the water and using them to build up your rubber ring into a customised raft. Best for big ones: Don’t be fooled by the park’s target age group – there’s plenty to excite older kids (and their parents) on the high-rise coloured slides, which deliver twists, turns and splashes at speed. The big thrill: For the whole family it has to be Red Rush. You share a raft (and the excitement) as you spin your way down a 312ft slide before coming to a splash. For competitive kids, it’s all about beating your buddy to the bottom of the Twin Chasers. There’s more: Lego lovers will rightly want to check out the adjacent LEGOLAND Dubai, its myriad building stations and over 40 Lego-themed rides, shows and attractions. Also catering to the two-to-12 age range, you can buy a pass that gives you access to both parks in the same day. Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily. Need to know: Towels can be rented for a fee of Dhs40 per towel, with locker rental costing Dhs45, Dhs55 or Dhs65 for small, medium or large sizes. Prices: Entry costs Dhs240 for age 12 and above; Dhs205 for ages three to 11 and over-60s; and free for children under three. A combined ticket to LEGOLAND Waterpark and LEGOLAND Dubai costs Dhs395 for age 12 and above; Dhs350 for ages three to 11 and over-60s; and free for children under three. ◆
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the Beach waterpark
located: The Beach, JBR +971 4 551 6180, arabianwaterparks.com It’s the largest inflatable waterpark in the world (measuring 77m by 35m) and provides the platform for up to 200 water babes to jump, splash and inevitably slip into the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. This puzzle of slides, obstacles, bridges, trampolines, rope swings and crazy climbing frames is found just a few metres out to sea from the soft sands of JBR beach. And what’s more, it doesn’t just provide hours of fun; it also serves as a great advertisement for the emirate itself, since from the air you’ll see that the pieces of the puzzle actually spell out the name of your favourite holiday destination. Opening hours: 8am-6pm daily. cost: Per hour, ages six-11, Dhs50; ages 12-20, Dhs60; age 21 and above, Dhs75. Day-long access, Dhs195.
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Strange Attractors by Julie Tremblay
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Straight From thE
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Ninety-three participating galleries and museum-quality works by contemporary and modern savants: Art Dubai is back for its 11th edition, and a slew of new highlights are primed to delight collectors, artists and art lovers alike
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ince the September 2016 passing of Hassan Sharif – the father of conceptual art in the region, social commentator and arguably the Emirates’ most famous artist – there has been an outpouring of emotion, and fascinating tales about his period of influence have emerged. Art fairs are not sombre occasions, of course, but a time of celebration and reflection; the half-year period has borne carefully considered tributes to the great man, many of which will be unfurled at Art Dubai. Says Myrna Ayad, the fair’s director, “We will be paying tribute to him through an exhibition at the Julius Baer lounge that contains works by his students, because he was a mentor to many. The curator of our commissioned performances will dedicate a sequence to Sharif, and Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde will present a work for him at her booth – amazingly Sharif produced the piece specifically for Art Dubai, and finished it before he died. So there are really three axes to the tribute – the Julius Baer show, the work at the booth, and then the performance. It’s certainly going to be quite poignant.” visitdubai.com 57
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The honouring of Sharif – while profound and representing a modicum of closure – will not dominate proceedings, simply because there are just so many threads to this event, what with its newfound global stature. The smorgasbord of exhibitions, performances, discussion and creative artistic outlets is testament to how this once-boutique fair has grown – from 40 galleries welcoming 8,000 visitors in 2007, to 90 galleries from 40 countries and 27,000 attendees in 2016. Held at Madinat Jumeirah from 16 to 19 March, three days is almost not enough to fully absorb the myriad wonders that will transpire at Art Dubai. To explain every precious corner of the fair, Ayad closes her eyes to transport herself to the venue for an eight-minute soliloquy recap, so as not to neglect any detail. Enthuses the director, “It can be quite overwhelming because there are so many things to do and see. We have two main halls, Contemporary and Modern. The former features 78 galleries while the latter has 15, and combined they hail from 44 countries, which is amazing. The Modern hall was established in 2014 and is the preeminent place to see art produced in the 20th century by masters from across Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. This hall is always a gem because it’s where you can walk through a visual anthology of regional art; if ever art could speak to tell local history, it is through these works. Contemporary is always a delight in its own right – alive, buzzing and energetic, it’s where you can tap into the pulse of the ‘now’.” The commissions are, for the first time, entirely performance. So as you walk through the halls you just may be interrupted by a performance, “which I think is amazing – to punctuate your art experience with other art,” says Ayad. The director, with her extensive background as a prominent arts writer, 58 visitdubai.com
helms her first fair with a team that includes Pablo del Val, Antonia Carver and Lela Csaky. “Art Dubai is familiar to me, given the fact that I covered it as a journalist back from its inception in 2007,” she says. “Over its decade it has grown above and beyond being an art fair and has a very healthy and robust non-profit arm, which is our way of giving back to the community and cultivating a greater appreciation for art practices locally and in the region – and we do this through our Artists in Residence projects.” Part of the 2017 edition’s clutch of projects will dot the city with art, so the fair will extend beyond its hub. “I’m keen on continuing to strengthen Art Dubai’s positioning as the most global and diverse of art fairs, but one that remains the preeminent platform to discover the very best of art from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia,” she muses. While the fair itself looks outwards, the eyes of the global art world are increasingly turning towards Art Dubai. “The world is paying more attention to art rooted in these regions, which is evident in acquisition teams of major museums obtaining art from this genre, but also through retrospectives and exhibitions of major artists like Ibrahim El-Salahi and Fahrelnissa Zeid at the Tate Modern.” As for her personal hopes for Art Dubai, Ayad is crystal clear. “I’d like people to leave having seen something new, having been touched, inspired and moved,” she says. “In a sense I’m still a journalist in my want to see everything, and in Art Dubai week we all suffer from a state of frenzied perpetual ‘fear of missing out’ – you want to absorb everything, and all that you see resonates with you for a long time.” ◆ Art Dubai is at Madinat Jumeirah from 15 to 18 March, with various art installations across the city. For the full schedule of events and to buy tickets for them, visit artdubai.ae
From top: My Garden by Dia Azzawai; Untitled by Yazid Oulab
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Above: Jenin Jenin by Dia Azzawi Right: Oriental Window by Dia Azzawai
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City Walk
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off the wall Between March’s Art Season and the new Street Museum Project, there’s never been a better time to immerse yourself in the largerthan-life world of open-air art in Dubai
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rt is quite literally everywhere in Dubai right now, as the world’s creative community descends on the city for a month-long festival of dedicated shows and events. Our highlights are on page 65, but away from Dubai Art Season, there’s plenty to be discovered just by getting outside – and looking up. Because in almost every corner of town, the streets are coming alive with giant murals spilling forth from the walls of malls, promenades and public buildings new and old. These supersized works of art have been popping up across the city more and more over the last few years, and it’s a trend that’s certain to continue, thanks to the Dubai Street Museum project. This public-art initiative will see Dubai transformed into an open-air art gallery over the next five years, with the aim of preserving the UAE’s rich heritage in the most public way possible. The first phase burst into life earlier this year in the shape of 16 colourful murals splashed over the walls of the historic 2nd December Street in Satwa – but that’s just the beginning. Arm yourself with our guide to the city’s most spectacular open-air canvases, and prepare to be inspired… visitdubai.com 61
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2nD December street
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city walk
Get your cultural fix with a side of shopping at the open-air urban oasis that is City Walk. It houses high-end boutiques, stylish cafés and excellent entertainment for all the family (indoor rainforest, anyone?), all woven together with an eclectic mix of art. Fifteen of the world’s best-loved street artists have stamped their signature on everything from the walls to the palm trees – the latter given a cosy makeover by yarnbomber Magda Sayeg. Amid the uber-cool designer names (think Rag and Bone, Maje and Sandro) are a kaleidoscope of works ranging from the playful to the poetic. Australian provocateur Rone covers off the latter (pictured, opening page), and there’s no shortage of the former. We love ROA’s super-rat, Brit-art icon Nick Walker’s spray-painting unicyclist and The London Police’s robot universe (pictured, above), but keep your eyes peeled, too, for Slinkachu’s miniature masterpieces (you’ll know them when you see them). From 1 to 7 March, you’ll also be able to interact with 25 3D pieces on show as part of the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Festival.
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It’s inevitable you’ll find yourself Downtown while in Dubai – it’s the home of the world’s tallest tower and largest mall, for starters. The pretty horseshoeshaped Boulevard loops around both icons, taking in the majestic Dubai Opera en route, and makes for a lovely stroll, day or night. Come evening, your path is lit by rows of twinkling palm trees, but get there before dark to enjoy an impressive collection of sculptures in all their sun-soaked glory. The works, dotted all along the way, embody Dubai’s strong multicultural community. There are camels and horses from Donald Greig and Vincent Da Silva respectively – both fond emblems of Arabia – but there’s also a Stonehenge-like rock formation from Spanish sculptor Xavier Corbero and an imposing wooden torch inspired by Jaeyho Lee’s native South Korea. Perhaps the most distinctive piece is Syrian artist Lutfi Romhein’s Together: a pair of tall, graceful Arab figures – a man, crafted from white marble, and a woman, in black granite – standing proud at the foot of Burj Khalifa. ▲
The city’s already rich landscape of public art has gained a powerful new addition. The first phase of the Dubai Street Museum project was unveiled in January, and it’s a bold, joyful tribute to the Emirates’ history and heritage. Take a walk down 2nd December Street in Satwa and you’ll be able to spot 16 striking murals, each inspired by an aspect of the country’s culture and traditions. The choice of canvas is no coincidence – named in honour of UAE National Day, 2nd December Street is also the home of Union House, where the UAE was officially established on 2 December 1971. Taking their lead from the area’s historic roots, 12 artists from around the world have filled the walls with painterly odes to all things Emirati – from henna rituals to national dress. Look out for Parisian street-art star Seth’s curious children, photorealist pioneer Case Maclaim’s qahwa (Arabic coffee) close-up and Germany-based 1010’s ‘hole in the wall’ (pictured, right), which symbolises the country in both shape and colour: yellow for sun and sand; blue for sea and sky.
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City Walk
2nd December Street
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18B Street
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Wander a little off the tourist trail and you’ll discover one of Dubai’s most treasured – and most vibrant – gems. Bustling Karama, best known for its fragrant curry houses and vivid fabric stalls, is an area of the city like no other. Now there’s another reason to visit, aside from fabulous eats, bargains and peoplewatching. Bubbling up from the streetlevel melting pot are 24 huge works by a range of artists including Dubai-based Fathima Mohiuddin. The exuberant murals depict everything from parrots to pearls via faraway galaxies – in perfect harmony with the colourful scenes below.
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Alserkal Avenue
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Another distinct pocket of Dubai life can be found in the city’s industrial quarter. Housed in the string of converted warehouses that make up Alserkal Avenue are some of the coolest art galleries around, all of which are free to enter. But the creative capital here isn’t confined to the gallery wall; the walkways between warehouses are punctuated by all kinds of fun diversions – from quirky light installations, murals and 3D structures to pop-up concerts and screenings. There’s also a healthy dose of café culture, should you need a pit stop.
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meet the street artist
Fathima Mohiuddin The creator of some of the city’s most eyecatching murals talks public art in Dubai
Fathima unveils a recent mural at JBR
What drew you to street art? When I lived in Toronto I was drawn to art projects that interacted with the community. I painted my first mural there 15 years ago. I love that street art makes art accessible and puts it in a context where it interacts with and impacts everyday people. I’m a big believer in the power of art and creativity to change lives and the world, and street art can do just that. It makes places of spaces and interrupts the mundane. I also love that you often encounter it rather than visit it, like a nice surprise. How has the public art scene in Dubai changed over the years? On some level there’s always been public art in the city but the actual discussion around street art has really taken off in the last five years. We’ve suddenly got some of the world’s biggest artists coming to town to paint walls, which is great. But it’s really important to make sure there is engagement with the local scene, to make sure we’re not just borrowing the impact and aesthetic and trend of street art but actually nurturing a real meaningful and appropriate culture that is home-grown.
Where are your favourite places to see local street art in Dubai? I like the work along JBR because we had an opportunity to see it being painted and interact with the artists. It feels a bit more organically growing as a locale for street art and there’s great street life around it as well. I love some of the artists at City Walk, ROA being my all-time favourite, and some of the new pieces along 2nd December Street are great too.
Where do you look for inspiration? I love texture, be it street noise, old dirty walls or stickered phone booths. In that regard I love older parts of the city like Satwa, Karama and Deira, where I lived when I was younger. More than that, though, I love to drive out of the city and through small towns. A lot of new Dubai can be a little too clean for me.
What’s your main goal when producing a piece of public art? Partly escape, which I think is a big goal for a lot of artists. Not necessarily escape from a reality that is uncomfortable – I have a great life – but rather escape to a place where you’re free to imagine beyond the boundaries of the society you live in and its norms. And in turn
I hope that provokes the same desire or sensation in people who view the work. What are you most proud of? I think being an artist can sometimes come with a lot of angst: having confidence in your work; being brave enough to put it out there. Going from a piece of paper to a 12m wall was pretty daunting at first! So I’m proud that I’ve persevered and aimed higher and kept moving forward. What are you most looking forward to about this year’s Dubai Art Season? I just love the buzz. I love how many people get enthusiastic about art for the month and really make the effort to go out and see it and interact with it. It feels like a long party and a celebration of something I love best.
Dubai art season sikka art Fair 5-11 March A stalwart of the Dubai art scene, this annual fair in the heart of old Dubai showcases the UAE’s emerging artistic talent – from Arabic ‘calligraphiti’ to live music – against the authentic backdrop of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. dubaiculture.gov.ae
art week 13-18 March Surround yourself with all things arty during this city-wide celebration of art, design and culture. Bringing together the creative achievements and ambitions of the emirate through more than 350 events, there’s truly something for everyone. artweek.ae
Design Days Dubai 14-17 March This is the place to come for cutting-edge interior design from around the globe. Held in the city’s creative hub, Dubai Design District (d3), expect limited-edition furniture, design pieces and installations alongside a packed programme of workshops and talks. designdaysdubai.ae
art Dubai 15-18 March The region’s leading international art fair is also the liveliest. By day, tour a diverse selection of galleries; by night, join the after-party at Madinat Jumeirah. Stop by the Global Art Forum, too, for a top-class debate on the landscape of contemporary art. artdubai.ae
world art Dubai 12-15 April Pick up a souvenir with a twist at the ‘affordable art fair with a difference’. Featuring artworks to suit every budget, as well as a contemporary craft market, there’s no better way to ensure lasting memories of a holiday well spent. worldartdubai.com
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where
the wilD thinGs are Dubai is a bustling, ultramodern city that’s expanding at rapid speed. Yet beyond the skyscrapers, highways and crowds, nature thrives
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etting set to visit Dubai? Well, when you come around to exchanging your currency into dirhams, take a moment and look closely at the colourful notes before you stuff them inside your wallet. There, on the purple-tinged 50-dirham banknote, you’ll see an illustrated creature that Dubai is very proud of – the majestic Arabian oryx. Rewind the clock back to the early part of the 20th century and this was a creature that was in serious decline. Indeed, by 1960, Arabian oryxes had been declared extinct in the wild. It was only due to the efforts of conservationists – visitdubai.com 67
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See thousands of pinkish-white flamingos strutting their stuff
DiD you know? Famed for their bright white coats, Arabian oryx calves are actually born a sandy brown colour to protect them from predators 68 visitdubai.com
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DiD you know? The houbara bustard doesn’t need to drink water; instead, it soaks up liquid from any food it eats, allowing it to live quite happily in Dubai’s desert conditions
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among them the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE and the Ruler of Abu Dhabi until 2004 – that the species was reintroduced to the wilds of the world. Today, the Emirates is proud to play host to around 400 of these noble antelopes. But where in Dubai can you go to get up close and personal with such majestic creatures? Well, the Al Marmoom Conservation Reserve is not only home to countless oryxes, it also boasts graceful gazelles, exotic amphibians and a whole plethora of stunning bird life. Located about 30 minutes from the heart of Dubai, it’s well worth a visit if you want to see oryxes in a natural desert dwelling. With their distinctive white bodies – designed to reflect the heat of the desert sun – and long, straight horns, oryx sightings are quite spectacular and somewhat common in this protected realm. Several feeding stations have been erected around the area, and they’re your best bet for catching sight of the animals. At the same time, you may also spot agile Arabian sand and reem gazelles dashing around the reserve. The nearby Al Qudra Lakes play host to plenty more wildlife – predominantly of the feathered variety, with one of the most notable to look out for being the rare Asian houbara bustard. The aptly titled Swan, Flamingo and Duck lakes play host to their namesakes as well as several other migratory and resident birds. With a truly beautiful landscape, the whole area is a great place to discover all the natural wonders of the Arabian desert. A little closer to the city, in Dubai’s wetlands, you’ll find the bustling Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Translated as Cape of the Creek, it sits at the mouth of Dubai Creek and is the place to head if visitdubai.com 69
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CoMinG Soon keep an eye out for the opening of the Dubai Safari Park in Al warqa later this year. An awesome 119-hectare park featuring air-conditioned rocks and chilled pools, it promises to bring a whole array of wildlife to Dubai, with lions, bears and more besides
This place has already released 100 healthy turtles back into the ocean
you want to see thousands of pinkishwhite flamingos strutting their stuff in the water. Dubai’s only desert wetland occupies about 6km and is made up of a network of mudflats, lagoons, pools and mangroves. The most popular birds here are the greater flamingos – which, perhaps surprisingly, are indigenous to the UAE, and return year upon year. Amid the tangle of stilted legs you can also spot herons, egrets, storks and over 500 species of flora and fauna. For an encounter with creatures from the deep, Jumeirah’s Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project is a must. Located in the sumptuous Burj Al Arab and neighbouring Madinat Jumeirah complex, this place has been caring for injured and sick turtles for over 12 years and has already released more than 100 healthy turtles back into the ocean. The hawksbill turtle is native to the Middle East but is currently listed as critically endangered with only an estimated 8,000 nesting females left worldwide. At the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, sick or injured hawksbills found throughout the region are brought to the facility and carefully examined and treated, before being transferred to the state-of-the-art facilities at Jumeirah Al Naseem, one of the largest turtle rehabilitation sanctuaries in the world. Open to the public every day of the week, feedings take place on Wednesdays at 11am and are a great way to interact with rescued turtles before they’re released back into UAE territorial waters. There’s no need to book in advance; simply head to the hotel and follow signs to the Turtle Lagoon. ◆ visitdubai.com 71
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a look ahead
IMG Worlds Of Legends When it opens, it’ll be the biggest indoor theme park in the world – and a place where your childhood imagination can run wild
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heme parks always excite the kids but when you hear what’s to come at IMG Worlds of Legends, you’ll be 100% forgiven for allowing your own inner child to jump up and down. For readers of a certain vintage, the list of protagonists lined up to populate this magical universe should evoke a healthy dose of nostalgia: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Saban’s Power Rangers, Spongebob Squarepants, Thomas and Friends, Assassin’s Creed, Pokémon, Hot Wheels, Barbie… Expectations are rightfully high as IMG Worlds of Adventure has already delivered tons of Dubai-based fun, boasting four epic adventure zones in one undercover location: Cartoon Network, MARVEL, IMG Boulevard and the Lost Valley. It currently holds the title of the world’s largest indoor theme park, but IMG Worlds will be breaking its own record when the new park opens: Worlds of Legends will be 30% bigger than the existing park, with the two connected via a suitably legendary sky bridge. Nine individual zones, spread over 2 million sqft of space, will feature the
escapades of heroes and heroines from Nickelodeon, Ubisoft, Toei Animation, Saban Brands, Mattel, Cartoon Network, TV TOKYO and Pokémon. The securing of these eight global intellectual properties, by the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group – masterminds of the temperature-controlled park – was a coup in itself, and made this one of the biggest licensing deals of its kind. Experience-wise, expect futuristic interactive roller-coasters, state-ofthe-art rides, breathtaking waterbased attractions and spectacular live entertainment performances. You’ll have to hang fire on pressing the excitement button just yet, though, as the opening date for the latest phase of this mega-park is still to be confirmed. But that’s okay, it means you’ve got plenty of time to rewatch episodes of all your favourite cartoons, and chalk it up as research. ◆ You needn’t wait for IMG Worlds of Legends to open to get your fix of family fun. Plan your visit to IMG Worlds of Adventure at imgworlds.com
All good things come in small packages A stay at Media One is no exception. Book in for a short break and we’ll take care of the rest.
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