“Augie Fabela writes not as a distant commentator, but as a firsthand participant—one who chose to stay and stand in solidarity with the UAE. His unique perspective, as an eyewitness to a defining moment, captures our nation’s strength, vision, and tenacity.”
HIS EXCELLENCY SHEIKH NAHAYAN MABARAK AL NAHYAN
MINISTER
OF TOLERANCE AND COEXISTENCE, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
After
REGULARS
09 TEAM’S POV
One half of the year down, one half to go. What’s on the team’s must-do list?
66 STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT
Waterfront views with service to match.
WhatsOn.ae
Our website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas. It’s your online destination for stuff to do in the UAE. Get clicking.
32 GOOD BURGER
Sometimes your hunger needs just one thing and one thing only: a decent burger.
33 TANSŌ
If you blink you could miss this newly opened Japanese.
34 ISABEL MAYFAIR
This stylish London favourite has just landed in Abu Dhabi.
35 SUTĒKI
A menu built entirely around wagyu, but does Sutēki nail the approach?
37 STRAWFIRE BY ROSS SHONHAN
Fire and flavour come together for an unforgettable meal.
46 EVENT GUIDE
Consider your month’s activities sorted with our guide.
48 THE ULTIMATE FIFA WORLD CUP VIEWING GUIDE
It’s the event that stops the world, so if you’re looking to round up your crew and need a location to descend upon en masse, we have all the options for you.
54 SUMMER WELLNESS
Yes, the weather is getting hotter but your routines don’t have to melt away.
60 BEST ECO HOTELS
When your trip does more good than simply refresh you.
What’s On Digital
Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store.
Cover: Sheila Deocareza
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne
GROUP CONTENT DIRECTOR Thomas Woodgate thomas.woodgate@motivate.ae
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SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE Ali Mohammad ali.mohammad@motivate.ae
PRODUCTION
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WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi
CREATIVE STUDIO
CONTENT PRODUCTION MANAGER Surajit Dutta
CREATIVE CONTENT ARTIST Mark Mathew
CONTENT PRODUCER/STUDIO MANAGER John Melencion
Annual Subscription UAE Dhs180 • GCC and International US$130 (inclusive of postal charges)
Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel +971 4 427 3000 Dubai Media City: SD 2-94, 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae Saudi Arabia: Regus Offices No. 455 - 456, 4th Floor, Hamad Tower, King Fahad Road, Al Olaya, Riyadh, KSA, Tel: +966 11 834 3595 / +966 11 834 3596, Email: motivate@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae
| WHATSON.AE
47 YEARS OF BOREDOMBUSTING
Fourty-seven years. It’s really rather remarkable. I still remember sending that first issue to press as a 22-year-old, with the kind of optimism that only someone who has never actually run a magazine could muster. That was 1979. We had a dream and very little else. Today, seeing issue 579 go to press a couple of days short of my 70th birthday, I can afford the time to pause, to take stock of how far this country – and this magazine –have come.
What’s On was never supposed to be a legacy. It was supposed to solve a problem. Dubai and Sharjah, where our adventure began, were buzzing with life, but had almost no media to speak of. No platform for the restaurants, the hotels, the performers quietly building something extraordinary in the desert. So, we built one – and it has been our privilege to keep building it ever since, along with a proudly diverse multi-media platform across the entire region.
I have always said that none of this would have been possible without the support and generosity of the UAE’s leadership. The Emirates gave people like me something genuinely rare: the freedom to try, to be bold, and to belong. That feeling has only grown in time.
From having interviewed the greatest boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali, in 1992, to watching 10,000 people fill a concert venue with Liam Gallaher for the What’s On Party in the Park in 2017, the memories are extraordinary. But what I’m proudest of isn’t any single moment, it’s that we’re still here, still relevant, and still, I hope, genuinely useful to anyone trying to make the most of life in this remarkable place.
To our readers and colleagues who have been part of this journeythank you. You are the reason What’s On exists. You always have been. Here’s to another 47 years of never being bored.
IAN FAIRSERVICE Managing Partner & Group Editor Motivate Media Group
Meeting boxing legend Muhammad Ali for an exclusive interview in November 1982. Top right: What’s On, the region’s first English language magazine, is launched in 1979.
ABU DHABI,
EFFORTLESSLY EXPERIENCED
A UAE residents offer at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island
There’s a particular pleasure in discovering your own city anew – and at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi has a way of revealing itself at exactly the right pace. Set on Al Maryah Island amid the capital’s most vibrant dining and lifestyle scene, the hotel is offering UAE residents an invitation to experience it all a little more slowly, and more luxuriously with the great “Abu Dhabi, Effortlessly Experienced” offer, available until 30 June 2026.
Connected seamlessly to The Galleria, the hotel puts world-class shopping, dining, and cultural landmarks within easy reach, while maintaining the quiet sense of retreat that Four Seasons does best. The offer itself is generous by design: a one-category room upgrade, complimentary daily breakfast for two, early check-in from 10:00 am, and late check-out until 4:00 pm. The hours between? Yours entirely. Spend them beside the rooftop pool with skyline views stretching in every direction, or surrender the afternoon to The Pearl Spa & Wellness – the capital’s first and only Forbes Five Star spa – where guests booking a one-hour treatment will receive a complimentary 30-minute extension.
Come evening, the hotel’s dining collection offers its own kind of exploration.
Cafe Milano brings Italian warmth to the waterfront, while Butcher & Still channels the considered glamour of a 1920s Chicago steakhouse. Saikindō blends vinyl culture and hi-fi atmosphere with robata craft in a space that feels unlike anywhere else in the city. Each is distinct; all are worth lingering in.
This is Abu Dhabi as it should be experienced – unhurried, considered, and unmistakably Four Seasons.
To book, call +971 (2) 333 2333 fourseasons.com/abudhabi
WHAT’S ON POV… THIS MONTH
As we approach the halfway point of the year, we asked the team what’s their absolute still-must-do for 2026?
Win a padel tournament
“I’ve only just started playing padel, but I’ve quickly caught the bug. So, my newly introduced 2026 goal is to get to the top... at least of the beginners league.”
Alice Holtham-Pargin Contributing Editor
Get on the bike
“I’m told that 5am on a bicycle at this time of year is the way to go, so given I live near the beach I’m going to make it my mission to see a different side of Dubai as part of my morning routine. Look, it won’t be daily, but surely I can make it a weekly thing?”
Thomas Woodgate Group Content Director
A proper
Go camping
“Going camping in the Al Qudra desert in the scenic Lahbab Desert. Not glamping, but proper camping – complete with a bonfire, toasting marshmallows, braving the elements and sleeping bags in a tent. Something to plan for when winter returns.”
Aarti Saundalkar Arts and Culture Features Editor
Run a marathon
“I haven’t hit the real slopes since I was little and I miss it SO much. Until then, Ski Dubai has been my go-to for a snowy fix… but it’s definitely time to swap the indoor slopes for the real deal again soon.”
Sammi Barnard Contributing Reporter
“At the start of the year, I set myself a challenge: run the Abu Dhabi Marathon. It is still firmly on my 2026 must-do list, and the training is well underway. But somewhere between the running shoes and early morning walks, I added two more experiences to my 2026 bucket list: swimming with dolphins at Atlantis and going horse riding along an Abu Dhabi beach at sunset.”
Leonie Wagner Features Editor, Abu Dhabi
Atattoo“I promised myself I’d get a tattoo in my 40th year. Still hyping myself up for it…”
Laura Coughlin
Contributing Editor
Inner peace
“I need to prioritise my health and wellbeing, such as getting more sleep, movement, nutrition and mental well-being before life gets too busy.”
Sheila Deocareza Art Director
“So far, 2026 has felt like a bit of an assault course in and of itself, but I’m still committed to doing another Hyrox event. It is 90% of my personality after all. I just need my knee joints and geopolitical tensions to remain un-inflamed.”
Miles Buckeridge Contributing Editor
ROASTS
RESTAURANTS
POOL DAYS DISHES
THINGS PEOPLE IN THE KNOW ARE CURRENTLY OBSESSING ABOUT
WORDS: LANA DU, MILES BUCKERIDGE, THOMAS WOODGATE
The hot list, the hit list, the A-list, the it list, the this-is-that list, an unapologetically cool collection of everything that’s justifiably hyped and on-trend and in the UAE right now
Bucket lists are out; it’s time to grab the electric tail of the zeitgeist tiger. This list is a hype check on fleeting fancy. A gatekeeping-defying ‘hot things to do this very minute’ list featuring the most violently viral and on-trend UAE experiences, venues, menus and products that really ought to be on your radar right now. And to celebrate our almost half-century of publishing razor’s edge cultural and social phenomena – we’ve got 47 of them. And you can trust us to know What’s On, and what’s in. It’s literally our job.
That hard-to-book table
With tourism numbers in a rare lull, and the big summer occupancy slow down in effect, there is no better time to secure the table that’s usually booked out months in advance. And of all the food experiences in UAE, the incredible omakase tasting menu at Moonrise is still our hottest pick. An interstellar interpretation of the Dubai food iconosphere, told with warmth and sauce-spun, palate-bewildering alchemy. From Dhs500. @moonrise.xyz
That floating breathwork class
Floating breathwork seems to be THE spirit wellness journey of the moment. Because of this, you’ll find no shortage of places to lay on an inflatable mattress and breathe like you’re trying to cool down a mouth of incandescent soup. Top of the flops though, both in ambience and in actual height (210 metres above the sea) is the evening Aura Skypool x Breasy immersive breathwork session (Dhs300). It’s zen, just with world-class views.
@auraskypool.dubai
That wine bar
Wine bars undergoing a soft reboot might not have been on your 2026 bingo card, but we’re willing to bet you didn’t have the mullet and moustache combo on last year’s either. Such are the mysterious ways of the unyielding wheel of fashion. VNTG at the JW Marriott Marquis gives an excellent account of the ‘why’ behind this trend – unpretentiously sophisticated, vin-et-fromageforward, and offering ‘wine flights’ from just Dhs120. It makes for grape date nights. @vntg.dubai
VNTG
Aura Skypool
Moonrise
That restaurant reservation
Manao is like a Masonic code word between UAE foodies.
Mentioning it grants an instant level of credibility. And rightfully so. The Thai-inspired restaurant speaks exclusively in tasting menu, constructed from the formidable culinary pairing of Chefs Abhiraj Khatwani and Mohamad Orfali. This is that IYKYK reservation.
From Dhs350. @manao_dubai
That other hype dish
Found in Alserkal Avenue and serving ‘modern fire cuisine’ (which applies both to the traditional and Gen Z reading of ‘fire’), Window is already framed as one of the most exciting openings in 2026. As their tagline suggests, a lot of their dishes emerge like flavour-laden phoenixes out of the flame pit. That includes their smoked bolognese lasagne (Dhs95), which is treated (cut and served) like a pasta flatbread. The Italians are a traditionally tough crowd when it comes to innovation on a classic, but even they might have to concede Chef Gonzalo Platero has captured fire in a bottle here.
@window.dxb
That hype dish
That bar
Soul Kitchen. It’s not new, but it is still the coolest bar experience in the city. Bar none. It’s just in the venue’s DNA, a sleek double helix of authentically soulful ambience, and great music. It remains one of the city’s most trusted scenes for one to see and be seen, and if you’ve come hungry, the kitchen half of the nomenclature provides in magnificent fashion.
@soulkitchendxb
This was always going to be Carbone’s spicy rigatoni, because of course it was. No dish has enjoyed quite the same discussion airtime in the city over the last year (with the possible exception of February, where it was Greek yoghurt and Lotus biscuits for some still-unknown reason). We’ve tried it, and we get it. Dhs160. carbonnedubai.com
Window
Soul Kitchen
Carbone
Manao
08
That fine dining burger
There is some hot competition for ‘that’ Dubai fancy burger. Honourable mentions have to go to Woodfire, 3fils, Window, and Moonrise. But nothing we’ve seen, tasted, or borishly smashed into our face beats the OB Cheeseburger (Dhs99) at Three Bros. And it’s not even the best thing on the menu. Al Wasl. threebros.ae
09
That beach day
Beach days aren’t a massively big thing in the Dubai summer, but when they’re as cool as Bâoli, it’s incredibly difficult to say no. Come for the weekday pool lounging (ladies free, gents Dhs500 fully redeemable), stay for the Michelin Guide-recognised food, then stay a little longer and watch the magical transition that happens after dark. @baoli.dubai
10
That hand roll
Once an endangered species in the UAE, the population of sushi hand rolls or ‘temaki’ has reached a point where they’re now flourishing in the wild. And you’d really struggle to find one that’s a sub-tier to excellence in Dubai, but our current crush is the Negitoro (Dhs55) at Yubi (25 Jump Street). Simple, elegant, aggresively moreish. Creamy tuna, green onion and silky, sticky sushi rice – they’ll ask if you want caviar, and you will want the caviar.
@yubidubai
11
That jewellery item
In a country where the streets are almost literally paved with gold, jewellery can begin to lose its sheen. That’s where brands like Silver Soul slip in. This jewellery-making studio in Ivy’s Secret Garden, Al Quoz allows denizens of the magpieeyed glitterati party to craft bespoke pieces. The ring-making sessions (Dhs430) are currently the craft activity to rule them all, allowing you to walk away with your own precious work of Hobbit art. Sorry, hobby art. @silversoul.ae
12
That
late night spot
Take a step through the red door at CLAP, and you take a bullet train straight into the beating heart of Tokyo’s underground bar scene. Ongaku – extracted from the Japanese word for ‘music’ – is a high-energy haunt, with a terrace space that offers views over the buzzing metropolis below. If you’ve come hungry, you can make your way through the omakase menu, or select from an excellent collection of a la carte bites. DIFC. claprestaurant.com
13
That hotel stay
Welcome to Jum rock. Or Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab to give it the full official, and legally designated nomenclature. It’s just over a year old now, but the hype train surrounding it has not slowed to allow passengers off. Why? Jumeirah brand luxury as standard, audacious restaurant portfolio, decadent leisure facilities, opulent rooms – it’s just a crystaline wave of sublime hospitality awe. @jumeirahmarsaalarab
14
That casual burger
Dubai’s burger scene is so obscenely packed with talent that this has to be a two-parter. And the street eat bun fight is a contest fought just as fiercely. The ultimate natty patty, though, emerges with a clear margin. Eleven Green’s Hokkaido milk bun and bacon jam Bull Burger (Dhs61) is a scene-stealer, backed by a kitchen that positively rattles with award-winning meatwiches, reimagined classics and off-menu specials.
@elevengreen.uae
Three Bros.
Bâoli
Yubi
Garden on 8
15
That happy hour
We have to admit some bias here, but in our defence, this is the happy hour that delivers us the most smiles. Garden on 8 is our local, around 80 metres below our offices in Media One. Alfresco terrace, bar snacks that soothe the deadline blues, and Dhs35 proseccos every day between 4pm and 8pm. It’s our happy place. @gardenon8dxb
Pier 7
17
That concept store
Concept stores can absolutely be a thing that’s on-trend and if you disagree, you need a better concept of what concept stores can be. Concepts, perhaps, like the boutique at Comptoir 102 in Jumeirah 1, which operates a restaurant alongside a full cave of covetous wonders. Named after the French term for ‘take my money’ [ed: correction, it translates to ‘counter’], Comptoir has such a dazzling array of high fashion, wellness, nutrition, jewellery, and beauty artefacts you might forget you had a dinner reservation. comptoir102.com
18 16
That ladies’ night
Once upon a time, in a Dubai Marina tower not so far away, the Pier 7 ladies’ nights reigned supreme in the city’s social calendar. These were iconic thirsty Thursdays, quenched by four floors of venues offering free drinks for females. And they might have disappeared for a while, but 2026 has put on its stilettos once more for a legendary revival – with Asia Asia, Cargo, Mama Zonia and Elaia offering three complimentary beverages each between 7pm and 11pm every Thursday. @pier7dubai
That padel club
There must be an almost 1-to-1 ratio of padel clubs to people wanting to play padel in Dubai now, but not all of them are created equally. La Cantine Beach is, of course, better known for its pools, incredible food, and beach club with possibly the best sea view in Dubai, but it does have extracurricular sporting chops too. They have pickleball options and six padel courts that you can rent from Dhs200 for an hour. That’s a net-net win. @lacantinebeachdubai
La Cantine Beach
19
That pizza
Naughty pizza. We know some of you are going to want to fight us on this. We can almost literally hear you screaming Pitfire, Falcone, Blu, ZaZa – and you have good reason. But if you’re doing that, and haven’t tried these roguish little dough discuses at this Business Bay pizzeria, you might want to familiarise yourself with the game here first. They offer some wild specials, but purists will likely not want to wander too far beyond the margherita (Dhs69) or diavola (Dhs99).
@naughtypizza.dxb
20
That kid’s day out
The clue is in the name, House of Hype at Dubai Mall is that day out for kids. It’s an incredibly difficult experience to explain in the cold, visually bleak medium of the written word, but that’s where we are. Sitting somewhere between a museum of synaptic overload and an adventure park designed by tempestuously caffeinated squirrels, it features eye-bewildering interactive exhibits, themed performances, gamified scavenger hunts and gloriously off-kilter objets d’art. From Dhs110. @househype
21
That shawarma
No good stories start with a salad, but few end without a shawarma. Singling out any one shawarma joint for GOAT status is a labour destined for conflict and misery, but we have to pick one, and for us it’s Al Safadi (Dhs15). It’s a classic coupé, stuffed with premium meat, fries and pickles and dripping in slik touch tahini. An outstanding example of the regional favourite.
@alsafadirestaurants
22
That sandwich
These might not be the UAE’s best sandwiches, that’s a conversation for another day, but the ones that seem to have the most tongues wagging appropriately right now, are the absolute monsters available at Fat Sandwich. This new and cloud kitchen/pop-up-foodtruck based brand deals in doorstep behemoths, our pick is the roast beast: deliciously pink beef, provolone and chopped salad. Sized for functional fatness.
@fat.sandwich
Naughty pizza
House of Hype
Fat Sandwich
That noodle spot
Fun fact, if we had space for a hype milk tea spot, Khao Soi would also be our pick for that. Their refreshingly bijou menu delights in some of the lesser-known, authentically Thai delicacies, including the main event – Khao Soi noodles (Dhs36). These are egg-based flavour laces, robed in curry soup, propped against a chicken leg and served with pickled mustard leaf. It’s a big sawasdee khrap from the land of smiles. @khaosoidubai
That boutique fitness class
In the red corner, weighing in from Dhs949 per month, is the local prize fighter – Boxica. This boutique fitness concept has locations in Dubai Studio City and Palm Jumeirah’s Golden Mile, offering a blend of boxing technique, strength and HIIT workouts. With neon-striped studios, expert trainers and a real focus on inclusivity, Boxica is proving to be a heavyweight on the Dubai fitness scene. @boxica
That roast
Britain isn’t one of the first names on the team sheet when it comes to searching for culinary excellence. And whilst that reputation is gradually changing for the better, there is one dish on the national menu that has always enjoyed culty status. And plucky Bluewaters, Michelin Guideselected gastro brasserie, The Spaniel is emerging as the roast that does the most in Dubai right now. Their traditional Sunday roast comes in lamb shank, beef, chicken and celeriac varieties with obligatory gravy and dripping potatoes and most of your five-a-day. From Dhs160. thespanieldxb.com
That comedy club
The algebra for a fantastic night out is pretty simple. It’s E = pc2 . Where E is entertainment, and pc2 is pizza times the mass of comedy squared. And that’s exactly what’s on offer at the new(ish) Pepperoni Comedy Club at 25 Jump Street. Just expert curated nights of spicy slices and even spicier stand up. Try topping that bill. @pepperoni_comedyclub
Boxica
Pepperoni Comedy Club
The Spaniel
That oyster bar
The Maine is a name synonymous with great nights out in Dubai. It’s just Maine character energy through and through, with indulgent culinary tours through quality cuisine from both land and sea. Their latest venture, The Maine Beach House, can be found at Palm Jumeirah’s Club Vista Mare, and provides additional coastal charm to the brand’s consistent, effortlessly chic allure. Happily, Maine’s famous the ‘10 bucks a shuck’ oyster happy hour (5pm to 9pm daily) has also made the move seawards. @themainedxb
That coffee
The choice for the UAE’s most of-the-moment coffee blend is as subjectively splintered as its pizza scene, so don’t come for us if this isn’t your pick. And honestly, if you were considering it, maybe switch to decaf for a bit. We’ve opted for Julith, not only because their patented, percolated, invigorating elixirs are the proverbial cat’s pyjamas (available in mugs and home brew packets), there’s also just a really transparent care for the craft demonstrated by their Al Quoz-based baristas. @julith.coffee 28
That steak frites
This Gallic bistro staple is done well here, with many venues mastering both sides of the delicate steak and frites fulcrum. So, perhaps ironically, what the true test of virality seems to come down to is, the sauce. Relais’ is great, Rowley’s too, Swiss Butter is an underappreciated gem, but the winner... has to be CQ Brasserie. The sauce is an enduring masterpiece that rises above fad and whim, and provides the perfect medium for facilitating great date nights. JLT and Barsha Heights. @cqbrasserie
30
That tapas spot
The scintillating new Spanish restaurant arrives in DIFC, via London’s Soho. And whilst Barrafina is a UK-born brand, it bleeds authentic Andalucian olive oil. The menu offers traditional tapas, allowing you to stack small plates across your table, with highlights including carabineros, anchovy tostada, Wagyu cecina and lamb chuletillas. All of which make it muy caliente right now. @barrafinadubai
CQ Brasserie
The Maine
31
That brunch
Dubai’s residents may no longer fetishise the Staurday brunch they once did, but we’d argue that’s a good thing. What’s left is an evolved offering, a more sophisticated affair, out with big bougie buffets, in with more intimate table-served dishes. And the best of the best right now, without question, hesitation or doubt is The Guild (Saturday, midday to 4pm, from Dhs449). The food, the vibes, the venue – apologies to go all ‘unverified food blogger’ on you but it’s insane guys, straight 10/10 from us.
@theguilddubai
32
That adult play day
Indoor entertainment centres aren’t just for kids in summer. Adults need air-conditioned group activities, too. If you’re a golfer, head straight to Five Iron, want on-track Mario Kart vibes? It has to be Al Quoz’s Chaos Karts. But as all round, still trending, climatised adult outings go, nobody beats Brass Monkey (Bluewaters, and City Walk). There’s bowling, nostalgic arcades, axe-throwing (thankfully separated), a fully stocked bar and some pretty decent party snacks.
@brassmonkeysocial
33
That fast fashion destination
If you thought that this was just an excuse to mention Primark again, you’d be right. And we find no shame in it. This accessibly priced street-trend institution is essentially Shein IRL, and it now has three huge stores in UAE malls. Find your fast fashion fix at Dubai Mall, City Centre Mirdiff, and Mall of the Emirates.
@primark.me
34
That aperitivo hour Tables we’ll keep coming back to, promotions or no promotions, are the ones at C2’s Rare. Appropriately named, this brasserie stands in exclusive company when it comes to intelligently selected modern flavour combinations and quality produce. But the ambience becomes yet richer as day passes the baton to dusk. Their Golden Hour offer (4pm to 7pm daily) pitches glasses of Champagne from Dhs70, prestige wines from Dhs42, cocktails from Dhs45, draft beer from Dhs39 and oysters at Dhs11 each.
@theraredxb
Brass Monkey Rare
The Guild
35
That daycation
If you’ve got a free day and want to treat yourself to a proper reset, Nikki Beach has it all. For Dhs499 on weekdays or Dhs599 at the weekend, you get a 60-minute spa treatment (aromatherapy, muscle melt or relaxation), full pool and beach access, a quick ice bath, and a two-course lunch at Café Nikki. A full-on switch-off, perfect for when you feel like going on a mini holiday right in the heart of the city that actually feels like you’ve gone somewhere.
@nikkibeachresortdubai
36
That cocktail
New and rising between the bougie berths of Dubai Harbour, Sutēki might currently be going viral for its insistently Wagyu-based menu, but their cocktails are drawing some seriously seductive side eyes. Queen amongst them is the Lemon Matcha cocktail.
@sutekidubai
37
That eggs Benedict
If you’ve ever done the famous breakfast buffet that is Gastronomy at Atlantis the Royal, you’ll know the amount of food options, however there’s always a queue around the eggs Benedict station. It will set you back Dhs265 for the soft package and Dhs450 for a champagne package, but it’s worth it.
@atlantistheroyal
38
That date spot
One of the newest spots in Dubai’s Greek food scene, Iliana nails the wow factor – from its authentic Greek dishes to the views to the intimate, romantic vibe. Perfect for a daytime or evening date, the menu highlights all the classics: tender lamb chops, moussaka, chicken souvlaki, feta me meli, and perfectly fresh catch of the day. The views? Iconic. Full ocean vistas glisten with the best sunset view, making it perfect for a relaxed lunch with the sea breeze or a romantic dinner as the city lights twinkle. Inside, the space feels chic, with warm lighting, natural textures, and elegant Mediterranean touches that make every table feel special.
@ilianadubai
39
That fashion accessory
The it people know this already, but something we’re seeing everywhere is bag charms. Now we’re not talking the Labubu trend that needs to stay in the past, we’re talking pretty charms that add a gorgeous design to the bag. We’ve seen crystal fruits, personalised options and fluffy sea-creatures to name a few.
That pilates class
The Reformer Strengthen and Sculpt at Balans Studio At Balans Studio, a womenonly wellness space in Dubai Marina, the Reformer Pilates class focuses on controlled movement, full-body conditioning, and building lean muscle while improving posture and stability. Classes are small, just seven people per session, which means your instructor can give hands-on guidance to make sure you’re doing everything right – something we love. After your workout, you can round off your session with the studio’s recovery tools, from ice baths to a Finnish sauna, all for Dhs155 a class, leaving you feeling energised and completely refreshed.
@balansstudios
That beauty trend
Lash lifts are really having their moment and have quietly become one of the most popular low-maintenance beauty treatments around, especially for anyone who wants the look of longer, fuller lashes without extensions or daily mascara. The treatment works by lifting and curling your natural lashes from the root, giving them that wideeyed effect that somehow makes you look more awake, polished and put together with almost zero effort. A great option is at The Skin Edit Dubai who does a Korean lash lift which takes care of the condition too.
@theskineditdubai_
That wellness treatment
This is less of a standard spa treatment and more of a full sensory circuit. The 60-minute Rainforest Experience at Banyan Tree Spa, priced at Dhs370 per person, gives you a whole private wellness room to yourself, complete with a dry sauna, a wet steam sauna, a jacuzzi, and lounge chairs. You move through hot and cold showers to stimulate circulation, relax in the saunas to reduce stress, take a dip in the jacuzzi to ease tension, and finish with a 120-minute massage to round off your perfect self-care day.
@banyantreedxb
That head spa
Head spas are having a major moment right now, and honestly, it makes sense. Part scalp treatment, part massage, part self-care ritual, they’re designed to deeply cleanse the scalp while helping you completely switch off for an hour or two. Think soothing water halos, essential oils, scalp exfoliation and those almost dangerously relaxing head massages that make you forget what day it is. La Beauté in JLT has a great option for those on a budget, they start from Dhs99.
@labeautedubai
Balans Studio At Balans Studio
La Beauté
Banyan Tree Spa
That pool day
Chill out on the shores of this sporty and chic Bluewaters beach club, where you can relax on the sandy beach or work on your tan by the adultsonly or family-friendly pool, the midweek fee of Dhs250 is fully redeemable on food and drink and weekend is Dhs300 (Dhs400 for first row) with 50% redeemable. Plus, ladies enjoy complimentary sunbeds from Monday to Friday when purchasing F&B, while hospitality staff get free loungers plus 20% off food and drink, just bring along a valid ID. @lacantinebeachdubai
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That staycation deal
The Summer Staycation industrial complex produces a lot of noise, and usually the deals are deals in the same way that a 40% off sign in a shop selling Dhs800 candles is a deal. The Stay & Dine offer at FIVE LUXE JBR is, genuinely, different. Rooms from Dhs399 per person, with your entire room rate fully redeemable against dining, drinks and spa across the property. That means Playa Pacha’s all-day Ibiza pool party, gourmet Japanese at Ronin, French-Italian flirtations at Tête-à-Tête, and cocktails at Paradiso – named one of the World’s 50 Best Bars – all fold into your room bill. The hotel itself is pure JBR maximalism: beach access, Ain Dubai views, suites with private pools. It’s a staycation structured less like a break, and more like a very convincing reason to never go home. From Dhs399 per person. @fiveluxejbr
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That taco
Not all tacos are created equal. Case very much in point: El Primo in Jumeirah. Chef Jonathan Colín – from Toluca via a formative decade at Zuma – has built something genuinely rare on Al Wasl Road: a taquería with soul. The tortillas (flour or corn, your call) are a vehicle for combinations that feel both deeply traditional and distinctly considered – slowcooked Black Angus brisket Suadero, achiote-marinated Pastor finished with pineapple, or a Rib Eye with toreado chilli that has no business being this good. Order a Horchata agua fresca, lean into the Campechano, and try not to become a regular. You won’t succeed. In short: just go. @taqueria_elprimo_dubai
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That golf day
Most golf courses offer a round. Saadiyat Beach Golf Club offers a round with dolphins. Designed by Gary Player – a man responsible for over 400 courses and several major championships – this remains the region’s only ocean course, winding through saltwater lakes and beach dunes with the Arabian Gulf as a very distracting backdrop. It challenges low handicappers and doesn’t humiliate beginners, which is a harder balance to strike than it sounds. After your round, the Hawksbill restaurant deserves more than a quick postgame drink. Watch the gazelles graze from the terrace while you debrief on that approach shot that nearly made it. It’s a long drive from Dubai, but then again, so is a bad course. @saadiyatbeachgolfclub
La Cantine Beach Dubai
FIVE LUXE JBR
DThe malls making summer bearable in the capital
WORDS: LEONIE WAGNER
uring summer, the malls are not just for shopping. They are coffee catch-up spots, kids’ play zones, date-night destinations, cinema hideaways and fully air-conditioned survival plans. Some feel polished and glamorous, others feel nostalgic and familiar, but each one has its own personality. Here are the Abu Dhabi malls worth heading to when the temperatures start becoming deeply offensive and you can easily spend six hours of your day without even noticing.
Reem Mall
Reem Mall still has that shiny-new-mall feeling and it has quickly become one of the city’s strongest family hangouts. It is massive, easy to navigate and packed with indoor entertainment, which matters when summer turns stepping outside into a personal challenge. Snow Abu Dhabi remains the headline attraction, but there are also cinemas, cafés and enough space for children to burn energy while adults recover with iced coffee.
Location: Al Reem Island
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 800 707070
WHAT WE’D GO FOR: Cube Challenge
If your family likes a little competition with their air-conditioning, Cube Challenges at Reem Mall is worth adding to the summer plans. The interactive attraction features 32 challenge rooms that test everything from speed and balance to memory and
teamwork, with physical, skill-based and puzzle-style games designed for groups of two to six players.
Location: Level 2, Reem Mall
Time: Sunday to Thursday, 10:30am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 10:30am to midnight
Cost: From Dhs90 per person
Contact: 056 688 7457
Marina Mall
Marina Mall still carries a certain nostalgia for longtime Abu Dhabi residents, but lately it has been finding new energy again. Cinemacity has become one of the mall’s standout additions, bringing a more premium movie experience to the Corniche side of town. The location alone keeps it relevant too, especially when you want sea views, shopping and dinner all within walking distance.
Yas Mall
Yas Mall still feels like the capital’s ultimate everything-under-oneroof mall. It is huge, bright, packed with entertainment and directly connected to Ferrari World, which means families can easily lose an entire day here without anyone getting bored. The dining scene keeps getting stronger, too, with spots like The Brunch Room, Beverley Café, Soraya and Yas Food Hall making it feel less like a mall food stop and more like an actual social destination.
Location: Yas Island
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 414 2000
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
The new The Little Things store is a must for collectors, kids and anyone who still gets weirdly excited by blind boxes, anime figures and tiny things with big personalities.
Location: Corniche Road
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 681 8300
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
Cinemacity Starlight
The new cinema concept blends film, live performances, music and dining into one stylish space, with luxury seating, a dedicated coffee bar and lounge areas designed to feel more like a members’ club than a traditional cinema. It is easily one of Abu Dhabi’s coolest new entertainment openings and perfect for escaping the heat.
Location: First Floor, Marina Mall
Time: Daily, movie screenings from morning until late
Cost: Ticket prices vary by film and experience type Contact: 600 599905
Shams Boutik
Shams Boutik feels more neighbourhood hangout than mega mall and sometimes that is exactly what you want. It is compact, easy and filled with cafés where people actually sit and stay awhile instead of speed-walking between stores. If your ideal mall day involves coffee, groceries, errands and avoiding giant parking lots, this is your place.
Location: Al Reem Island
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 694 8300
If you want your mall steps to feel more intentional, join the yas Mall running and walking club. The mall’s free indoor walking club takes place every Tuesday and Thursday from 8am to 10am before the crowds arrive.
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
James is reason enough to visit Shams Boutik alone. The café-bistro at James has built a loyal following for its excellent coffee, French-inspired breakfast dishes and calm atmosphere that makes it equally good for long breakfasts, meetings or a solo-date. Whether you’re into buttery croissants, French omelettes or truffle pasta, you’re in for a treat. They add the excellent desserts and some of the best people-watching on Reem Island, and it’s easy to understand why James Café is a What’s On favourite.
Location: Ground Floor, Shams Boutik Mall
Time: Daily, 7am to 11pm
Contact: 02 886 9949
Cinemacity
Al Jimi Mall
Al Ain’s Al Jimi Mall has become more stylish over the past few years while still keeping its relaxed community feel. It is one of those malls where people genuinely linger instead of rushing in and out. Food-wise, it has quietly become stronger too, especially with casual favourites pulling in loyal crowds.
Location: Al Jimi, Al Ain
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 03 705 9680
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
Parkers and Saddle House are the food stops to know. Saddle House is listed at Al Jimi Mall and opens daily, making it a strong option for a proper meal after shopping.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
The Galleria feels polished in that very Abu Dhabi way where luxury brands sit comfortably next to family restaurants and coffee spots. It is where you go when you want a slower mall day that somehow turns into dinner, dessert and accidentally buying something expensive. The recent openings have given it fresh energy, too, especially Isabel Mayfair bringing London-style glamour to Al Maryah Island, while L’ETO remains one of the city’s prettiest café stops.
Location: Al Maryah Island
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 616 6999
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
The Galleria’s Get Active programme includes complimentary fitness sessions, from Zumba to walking and running.
Let’s Walk
Location: Central Kitchens, Level 3
Time: Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:30am
Let’s Stretch: Yoga for adults
Abu Dhabi Mall
Abu Dhabi Mall has that old-school Abu Dhabi comfort to it. It may not be the flashiest mall in town, but it is reliable, central and surprisingly easy to spend hours in without dealing with massive crowds. Connected directly to Beach Rotana, it also works well for a long lazy lunch followed by shopping and coffee.
Location: Tourist Club Area
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 645 4858
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
Prison Island
If your family enjoys a little chaos, teamwork and competitive yelling, Prison Island is worth adding to the summer plans. The interactive attraction features more than 24 challenge rooms filled with puzzles, obstacle courses and physical games that test speed, balance, logic and teamwork, with players racing against the clock to score points and “beat the bars”.
Location: Level 3, Abu Dhabi Mall
Time: Monday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to midnight
Cost: From Dhs99 for children and Dhs129 for adults
Contact: 050 119 2404
Location: South Link Bridge, Level 2
Time: Every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 8:30am to 9:30am
Let’s Dance: Zumba for adults
Location: North Link Bridge, Level 2
Time: Every Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 10am
Let’s Dance: Family Zumba
Location: South Link Bridge, Level 2
Time: Every Saturday from 9am to 10am
Zumba Kids
Location: North Link Bridge, Level 2
Time: Every Sunday from 9am to 10am
Let’s Run
Location: North Link Bridge, Level 2
Time: Every Saturday from 7:30am to 8:30am
Starts with a warm-up near Mattel and Five Guys. Closest parking is P2-C.
Isabel Mayfair
World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
WTC Mall feels calmer than most Abu Dhabi malls, which honestly becomes part of the appeal during busy weekends. The big draw here is Velocity, the indoor slide that cuts through multiple floors and gives children an immediate sugar-rush level of excitement before they even reach the food court. It also sits right next to the souk, which gives the whole place a nice mix of modern mall and old Abu Dhabi energy.
Location: Hamdan Street
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 508 2400
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
Velocity slide at WTC Mall
Shopping trips at WTC Mall come with an unexpected adrenaline rush thanks to Velocity, the Middle East’s tallest and longest stainlesssteel slide inside a mall. The attraction features two giant spiral slides measuring 68 metres and 54 metres long, sending riders twisting from the upper floors to the ground level at speeds of up to three metres per second.
Location: World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
Time: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to midnight
Cost: Dhs15 for one slide, Dhs25 for two slides
Contact: 02 508 2400
Snow Abu Dhabi
When Abu Dhabi summer starts feeling personally offensive, Snow Abu Dhabi is the place to cool down properly.
The indoor snow park keeps temperatures at minus 2°C and features more than 20 rides and attractions including the Polar Express Train, Crystal Carousel, zorbing, sledding and snow-filled play zones.
Location: Level 2, Reem Mall
Time: Sunday to Thursday, 10am to 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 10am to midnight
Cost: From Dhs215 per person
Contact: 600 511115
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
It’s not trying to be trendy and that is exactly why people still love it. It remains one of the city’s best places for affordable shopping, tailoring, abayas and gold jewellery. There is something comforting about wandering through its corridors knowing you will probably leave with three things you did not plan to buy.
Location: Muroor Road
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 414 6300
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
The Gold Centre is the headline. Even if you are only window-shopping, it is worth a wander. Bring time, patience and someone who knows how to bargain. This spot is also great for abaya shopping, tailoring, spice shops, traditional stores, and bargain shopping.
Deerfields Mall
Deerfields keeps growing into a proper family entertainment hub rather than just a neighbourhood mall. The recent addition of the Pinpoint Fitness obstacle course centre has added something genuinely different, especially for energetic children who need somewhere to climb, jump and burn off steam indoors. It is also one of the easier malls to navigate, which parents will appreciate after approximately 17 laps looking for one missing child’s shoe.
Location: 99 Al Rubban St, Al Bahyah
Time: Daily, 10am to 10pm
Contact: 02 501 0826
WHAT WE’D GO FOR:
Pinpoint Fitness brings its parkour and obstacle training classes to the capital with coach-led sessions focused on balance, climbing, jumping drills and movement challenges designed for children and teens. The classes are structured around skill-building and confidence rather than pure chaos, with programmes also designed to support children with neurodiverse needs and those on the autism spectrum.
Location: Level 2, Deerfields Mall
Time: Daily classes available for ages 2.5 to 15 years
Cost: Packages and assessments available directly through Pinpoint Fitness
Contact: 050 746 7646
Velocity
Pinpoint Fitness
THINGS WE RATE ABOUT THE UAE SUMMER
UAE summers > winter almost everywhere else...
WORDS: MILES BUCKERIDGE
Alarge part of the way you experience life, along with the meaning and enjoyment you extract from it, comes down to perspective. You can actively choose the lens through which you encounter events and emotions, you can always make a conscious decision to opt for love, light, positivity or tacos. You might feel that this is all a little too deep and unnecessarily preachy for what is supposed to be a lighthearted look at the reasons why this time of year really isn’t so bad. But that’s a choice, and we defend your right to make it. And so, with our rose-tinted sunnies firmly on, we’re going to wax whimsical about what we love most about Dubai summers.
The quick-dry effect
Four words, one hyphen: temperature-controlled outdoor pools. Whether you’re chilling in the shallows with a good book, casually propped against the swim-up bar of some bougie resort, or gently drifting along the weaving rapids of a waterpark’s lazy river – there are few summer leisure pleasures quite as exquisite as those found in the cool of the pool. The added bonus of peak dip season, of course, is the speed at which you dry off after exiting the pool, especially on low humidity days, the atmospheric conditions behave in much the same way as one of those Dyson AirBlade hand dryers.
The green miles
With morning school runs stemmed to a trickle, a significant chunk of the country’s workforce on summer holidays, and fewer than usual mass-attended events, the UAE’s road network can be cheerily quiet over the summer months. Even the infamous DIFC restaurant rush hour is given a stopwatch reprieve, and you genuinely can get pretty much anywhere in the city within that oft-quoted journey time of 30 minutes. Google Maps is light on those triggering red lines, vehicle pollution rates are cut, and parking becomes significantly less of a combat sport.
Summer staycay deals
You know when you hit the supermarkets just before they close, and you walk around picking up all those wild discounts? 12kg of sweetcorn for Dhs20? Don’t mind if I do. Well, it appears to be the same pricing model that the UAE hotels base their summer deals on. You can pick up some scandalously good rates on international class, five-star, leisure palaces and all within an easily commutable distance.
Shopping run
They say only mad dogs and shoeless men run in the midday sun. Which is why Dubai’s jogging community take their PB-chasing indoors for the summer months. Last year’s hugely popular inaugural Mallathon took place across multiple retail hubs in the city, allowing everyone, of all ages, abilities, split times and Whoop recovery scores to run inside before the shops of the mall opened. Courses are set up to allow easy distance tracking, and weekly timed competitions. Casual runners can choose their own distance goals, from a journey of a few steps to an undercover ultra. The great news is that it will return for a thrilling, second billing in 2026 now bigger, longer and (unless you miss a few corners) relatively uncut. Precise details of the participating malls are still under wraps for the moment, but we do know it’s expected to be a multiple month affair between June and September.
Board meetings
Morning water sports without the ice bath if you capsize. The UAE’s summer sea temperatures aren’t the ideal salve for midday’s solar scorch, but they’re the perfect crash mat for early birds catching currents on stand-up paddle boards. These sunrise SUP sessions are a popular pursuit during this time of year, burning calories, exploring waterways and allowing you and your trusty paddle to farm zen straight from the briny blue below.
Beach please
We haven’t done an audit of the number of beach clubs in Dubai, but it certainly feels like no exaggeration to say if you ranked UAE population composition by ethnic group, beach clubs could make it into the top 10. Despite the density of this diaspora, the UAE’s near-perennial sunshine and sheer volume of sun-seeking sojourners, ensures lounger occupancy rates remain high for most of the year. But as the mercury rises, the shoreline sun traps that remain open are compelled to lure in prospective punters with more persuasive packages. Prices are slashed, redeemables are made yet more (often fully) redeemable, and freebies are frisbee’d into waiting tote bags.
Inbox relief
As with highways, so with the Information Super Highway. That’s what they used to call the internet, right? And just so we’re clear, we’re not talking about the whole internet – although, those scary summer engagement figures... Amirite marketing managers? We’re speaking specifically about the blissful drop in the number of emails landing in our inbox in the hope of finding us well, enquiring about our meeting availability, or attached to hyperbolic press releases.
Prized Surprises
The annual retail and entertainment festival where the city goes full Oprah Winfrey – you get a sale, you get a discount, you get some prizes, everybody gets a car (not legally binding, please see terms and conditions for full giveaway details). This year, Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) will begin putting smiles on faces on July 2, and the big finalé is due to take place on August 30. Dubai-wide sales have seen outlets offering up to 90 per cent off every conceivable item from fresh sneakers to stereo speakers; there have been shop-and-win promotions where cards charged with Dhs10,000 worth of spending have been given away every day; the return of Modhesh World and the bingeable bargains of Restaurant Week; kids go free promotions; and concerts from international recording artists (@Davido). DSS really has been our favourite summer fling.
Mosquito nett
The joy of AC Wait. Hear us out. That moment you hit the AC’s invisible breeze after being out in the big scorch, is the most rapturous sort of joy. The flood of dopamine, the prickle of glistening sweat, the choir of saintly voices soaring in your frontal lobe. Light can only exist with the express blessing of dark.
If you’re one of those people reading this and thinking “but there aren’t any mosquitos in the UAE” how does it feel to be the universe’s favourite? Because there are mosquitos, there quite demonstrably are and that will likely be confirmed by the poor soul standing next to you with a plague-aesthetic carpet of itchy bumps on their arms and ankles. But the summer temperatures seem to force them into aestivation (the summer version of hibernation, the more you know...) or maybe they fly north for the season to go and bug their European neighbours. And it’s not just mozzies that buzz off, the same can be said for the country’s other flying (still admittedly less numerous than most other warm-climate regions) mini-beasts. All hail the no-fly zone.
| SHOP
GOOD BURGER
Sometimes, a great burger is exactly enough
WORDS: THOMAS WOODGATE
Not every meal needs a cheese wheel moment. Don’t get us wrong, table-side pasta-in-acheese-wheel is one of the ultimate dining experiences in our book, but sometimes – and, if we’re being honest, sometimes it’s more often than not – the occasion is simpler than that: a hunger that wants meeting squarely and honestly by something built properly from good ingredients and left to speak for itself. Good Burger, Dubai’s homegrown cult favourite, has understood this from the beginning. What started as husbandand-wife founders Haider Al Assam and Luma Makhlouf cooking out of their home kitchen – recipes tested on friends and family, word spread quietly, a following built before a single restaurant existed – has now arrived at its first permanent home at Damac Mall.
The food
The room is clean and unfussy: whites and bold blues, diner simplicity done with enough visual wit to feel considered rather than cheap. You sit down, you order, you wait not very long. The formula is deliberately uncomplicated.
Good Burger picked up What’s On’s Best Burger title back in 2024, which creates a reasonable amount of expectation walking in. Let’s just say it holds up. Oh, does it hold up. The patties here are thicker than the smash-style burgers currently dominating Dubai’s burger conversation – a deliberate choice – freshly ground daily in-house and built for a juicier, more substantial bite. The Bistro Burger, our order on the day, pairs a Black Angus patty with peppercorn sauce, kewpie mayo, American cheese and shoestring fries. It is deeply satisfying in the way that only a properly constructed burger can be – each element present for a reason, nothing extraneous. And it’s worth hailing the peppercorn sauce (the standout reason for the menu choice) for the oh-so-subtle pepperiness that cut through every bite. Delicious.
The blooming onion provides a touch of theatre as it arrives: a whole onion,
floured, fried and dusted in a cajun rub, served with ranch for dipping. It’s a diner classic executed without apology. The Habanero Honey Chicken – fried chicken brined in buttermilk, hit with a homemade habanero honey sauce, finished with wasabi slaw and honey mustard on a potato bun – is the wildcard that earns its place. The heat and sweetness trade punches without either winning outright. And of course, salted fries thrown in on the side for good measure. Obviously.
The service
Efficient, relaxed, and clearly comfortable in what the place is trying to be. Nobody oversells it. Every menu choice is greeted with a wry smile and a “good choice” for commentary. That’s the right instinct.
Six years of cooking from home, a cult following, and a Best Burger title before the restaurant even existed. Turns out the bricks and mortar was worth the wait. Go.
Location: Damac Mall, Damac Hills Times: Monday to Thursday, 12pm to 10pm; Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm Contact: @goodburgerdxb
TANSŌ
Japanese technique meets Gulf produce
WORDS: MEL VRANKOVIC
Blink and you’d almost miss TANSŌ.
Tucked into a discreet villa in Jumeirah 1, the entrance is restrained enough to feel intentional – and the dining room earns a second look: bold colour, raw materials, Japanese art and a sashimi counter. Spread across two levels, the space has range – counter seating downstairs in the traditional Japanese style, a mix of smaller and larger tables upstairs, and a private dining room for those who want it.
Casual in feel, elevated in the details. In a city where Japanese restaurants have never been more plentiful, TANSŌ has found a way to do something genuinely different.
The food
The seasonal Daichi menu is where to start. Six dishes – root, soil, coast, gulf, local, palm – built on GCC provenance and shaped by Japanese technique. Omani lobster, wild hamour and a dessert built around booza ashta: two culinary worlds arriving somewhere entirely new, and making it look effortless.
contrast in texture is quiet but precise, the kind of detail that rewards attention. The salmon temaki, finished tableside, is a neat piece of theatre without the fuss – aburi-grilled salmon wrapped in smoked nori, served open and eaten in two delicious bites.
grape with lychee foam – is cool, lightly floral and genuinely refreshing.
The service
Friendly and impressively composed for opening week when we visited. A team still finding its rhythm, but in the best possible way.
What’s on the bill
On the main menu, the wagyu French toast is the dish to order – deeply savoury, rich and considerably more interesting than the name suggests. The fish and chips, TANSŌ’s take on it, pairs delicate seabass sashimi with potato pavé; the
The drinks
Fully non-alcoholic, and the list earns its place. Built around in-house produced ingredients, a matcha menu and imported Japanese soft drinks, it’s a thoughtful operation. The Kumo – clarified kyoho
Fish and Chips (Dhs58), Wagyu French Toast (Dhs92), Akami Carpaccio (Dhs82), Carbon Udon (Dhs68), Salmon Ikura Temaki (Dhs36), Chocolate & Feuilletine (Dhs58).
WHAT’S ON VERDICT
GCC ingredients, Japanese technique, a non-alcoholic list that pulls its weight. Order from the Daichi menu and let the wagyu French toast settle the argument.
Location: Villa V32, 168 Jumeira St, Jumeirah 1, Dubai Times: Tuesday to Sunday, 12pm to 11pm (until 12am on Friday and Saturday) Contact: 04 257 2835 | @tanso.dubai
ISABEL MAYFAIR
The Galleria’s most glamorous new restaurant WORDS: LEONIE WAGNER
There is a moment when you walk into Isabel Mayfair Abu Dhabi and realise this is not just another pretty restaurant at The Galleria. It feels like you’re stepping inside a beautifully expensive art piece. The London import has officially landed in Abu Dhabi and already feels right at home among Al Maryah Island’s big-name dining spots.
The vibe
Dark woods, polished brass, marble tables and low lighting set the tone immediately. It is polished and dramatic in all the right ways. The room changes as the evening unfolds. Early dinner service feels intimate and relaxed. Later on, the music gets louder, cocktails start flowing faster and suddenly every table feels like the centre of the action. Even the bathrooms deserve a mention. There is art on the walls, thoughtful little design touches and the kind of attention to detail most places forget about entirely.
The food & drinks
The menu pulls inspiration from across the Mediterranean, with dishes designed for sharing. The croquetas arrive crisp and golden with a soft centre filled with spicy beef spianata, leeks, lemon and pickles. The tuna tartare keeps things fresh and bright with finger lime, guacamole and bonito layered through every bite.
Then there are the larger plates that bring a little theatre to the table. The lobster rigatoni arrives coated in a rich lobster bisque, while the chicken suprême somehow makes roast chicken feel worthy of a glamorous Mayfair dining room. If you are going big, the wagyu T-bone is the table moment. Large, indulgent and made for sharing.
Cocktails deserve their own moment, too.
Beautifully presented, balanced properly and finished with tiny details that match the restaurant’s polished personality.
Then comes dessert, and honestly, skipping it here would
be a mistake. The dessert everyone should order is the XXL pistachio madeleine. It arrives warm and with pistachio diplomat cream on the side – the buttery goodness is worth the 30-minute wait, trust us.
The
service
Service walks the line between attentive and relaxed. Staff know the menu well, make thoughtful recommendations and somehow manage to make the whole experience feel seamless without hovering awkwardly over the table.
What’s on the bill
Dinner for two with starters, mains, cocktails and dessert will comfortably set you back around Dhs900 to Dhs1500 depending on how indulgent you feel. The wagyu T-bone alone is Dhs990.
WHAT’S ON VERDICT
Abu Dhabi has no shortage of beautiful restaurants, but Isabel Mayfair feels different. Every corner feels considered. Thankfully, the food keeps up with the setting.
Location: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Time: Lunch daily from 12pm, dinner from 5:30pm, late-night bar service until 2am during the week and 3am on weekends Contact: 02 562 0045
SUTĒKI
The wagyu room Dubai didn’t know it was waiting for WORDS: THOMAS WOODGATE
Dubai Harbour has accumulated venues the way the city accumulates ambition – quickly, confidently, and with an eye on what comes next. Sutēki, which arrived at Harbour House in early May, doesn’t shout for attention alongside its neighbours. It doesn’t need to.
A wagyu room with an art-house sensibility, it occupies its own frequency entirely – low-lit, warm-walled in deep reds and oranges, hung with art that earns its wall space.
The harbour sits beyond the windows, serene and quietly cinematic. The brief, per the people behind it, was somewhere between a gallery, a supper club and a wagyu obsessive’s natural habitat. Walking in, that reads clearly.
The menu is built entirely around wagyu – one ingredient, explored from every angle. Raw, tataki’d, grilled, pressed into gyoza, tucked into a steak sando. It’s an intriguing approach.
The food
Start with the Tataki. Lightly charred wagyu sirloin dressed with sweet yuzu kosho soy and crispy oyster mushroom – it is the kind of dish that makes the menu’s single-ingredient focus feel like an advantage rather than a limitation. Then the Hand Grab: wagyu sirloin with chilli soy and kizami wasabi, served in two bites and gone before you’ve fully processed
it. The Truffle Croquette follows, soy-cured wagyu inside a perfectly bronzed shell, the truffle present but not overbearing. Each small plate arrives with the precision of something that has been worked on, but presented without ceremony.
The Tomato Salad offers a moment of quiet – thinly sliced tomatoes with onion soy relish, yuzu kosho oil and crispy wild rice, doing more than a tomato salad has any right to. The Wagyu Bavette, ordered medium as per the chef’s reecommendation, arrives properly rested and properly kissed by heat, served with the house accompaniments – pear and daikon pickles, kizami wasabi, tahoon mayo – each one there for a reason. The Steak Sando – oh, the Steak Sando, what an absolute standout of a dish – wagyu tenderloin in toasted milk bread with honey mustard mayo and caramelised onion, is the dish that will bring people back. It is extremely good. The Suteki Fries sees mashed potatoes piped into long cylinders that are then battered and fried to crisp perfection, and finished off with a truffle mayo and aged parmesan for a decadent accompaniment, while the asparagus is dressed with an onion soy relish to round things out without fuss.
After such indulgence, do not skip dessert. We ordered the Kataifi Apple Tartin and Crispy Banana Gyoza – the
latter of which is a fried dumpling with vanilla ice-cream and caramel sauce and, yes, is as good as it sounds.
The drinks
A curated list of Japanese whiskies, sake and a considered wine selection maintains the measured approach of the menu.
The service
Assured and unhurried, with a team that understands the menu intimately. The pacing of the evening is handled well.
One ingredient, every angle, not a single wasted dish. The steak sando alone is worth the reservation –everything else is the reason you’ll make another one.
Location: First Floor, Bay Marina, Dubai Harbour
Times: Wednesday to Sunday, 6pm to 12am (bar until 3am)
Contact: @sutekidubai
STRAWFIRE BY ROSS SHONHAN
Fire, flavour and one unforgettable dinner
WORDS: LEONIE WAGNER
There is something wildly dramatic about walking into Strawfire for the first time. Maybe it is the glow from the open kitchen. Or maybe the fact that this restaurant sits inside Emirates Palace. Strawfire, created by chef Ross Shonhan, revolves around fire cooking, specifically the Japanese warayaki technique where ingredients are cooked over straw-fired flames. It sounds theatrical and honestly, it is. Flames burst from the kitchen throughout the evening while chefs move with almost intimidating calm behind the grills.
The vibe
with the bar team. You pick your spirit, flavour direction and mood, and they create something around it. Dangerous for indecisive people, excellent for everybody else. There is also something about being inside Emirates Palace that automatically makes dinner feel slightly more glamorous than usual. Even walking through the hotel lobby beforehand feels like part of the night out.
something simple, interactive and seriously addictive. Quite honestly, they might be the best handrolls in Abu Dhabi. Dessert arrives with a bit of flair too because this restaurant clearly understands the importance of a dramatic ending.
The service
The service is polished without becoming robotic. Staff know the menu properly and make solid recommendations. Plates arrive at a comfortable pace and nobody rushes the table, which feels rare these days.
The space is stunning without feeling stiff. Dark interiors, soft lighting, marble tables, low music and that constant flicker from the kitchen give the restaurant a moody energy that works brilliantly for date night or long dinners with friends. One of the best parts of the experience happens before the food even arrives. Instead of simply ordering cocktails off a
The food & drinks
The menu is built for sharing, although you will probably regret sharing some of it. Start with the prawn toast. Yes, prawn toast sounds simple, but this version arrives crisp, rich and topped with dancing bonito flakes. It is one of those dishes that silences the table for a few seconds. The tuna tartare monaka is another standout, balancing creamy wasabi mayo with delicate crunch. The yellowtail tiradito arrives bright and sharp with rocoto dressing and pickled kumquat cutting through the richness beautifully. Then come the dishes touched by fire. Wagyu striploin arrives smoky and deeply savoury, with just enough char to remind you what Strawfire does best. The miso-glazed Chilean sea bass is buttery and delicate, while the handrolls deserve their own round of applause - made fresh at your table, the crisp nori wraps around perfectly seasoned rice and generous fillings for
What’s on the bill
Around Dhs500 for two without drinks, depending on how ambitious you get with the cocktails and wagyu.
WHAT’S ON VERDICT
Some restaurants rely on the setting to do all the work. Others focus only on the food. Strawfire by Ross Shonhan manages to pull off both. The space is beautiful, the live-fire kitchen gives the entire restaurant energy, and the food actually lives up to the drama around it.
Location: Strawfire by Ross Shonhan, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi
Time: Tuesday to Saturday, 6pm to 11:30pm
Contact: (02) 690 7999
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO EATING WELL IN
RAS AL KHAIMAH
Got 72 hours in RAK and need to make every meal and snack count? Wonder no more
WORDS: LAURA COUGHLIN
To many, Ras Al Khaimah means a long weekend – desert, beach, mountains, resort pool, repeat. But a growing number of people are deciding to stay. As the emirate quietly builds a permanent population of residents who live
here, work here, and eat here, the dining scene is following suit.
In search of where the locals and long-timers really go, we spent three days exploring Ras Al Khaimah city, ate constantly, and came back with this list…
CAFES
Risers House
Before even stepping inside, the car park tells you a lot: a cluster of blacked-out SUVs idling outside a chic bungalow beside the golf course. This is Risers House, and it is the café conversation in RAK right now. Step inside and it’s buzzing: vinyl records line the coffee counter, light floods in, and there’s a pastry selection that could hold its own in any European capital. The clientele is almost entirely Emirati, which is stellar endorsement. If you can, nab a seat outside overlooking the golf club lake, with a proper flat white in hand. It’s a quietly perfect way to spend a RAK morning.
@risershouse
Al Hish Farm
About 25 minutes from the city, Al Hish Farm earns its detour. It’s a tranquil, unhurried kind of place – horse carriage rides, a scattering of old vehicles for children to clamber over, a playground, and plenty of wide open space. At the centre of it all sits a gorgeous little A-frame café serving karak, coffee and juices, and one of the better chocolate brownies in the emirate. The service is warm and genuinely meant. A lovely place to exhale.
@alhishfarm
North Café
Cyclist Café
You won’t find Cyclist on instinct alone, as it’s tucked down a steep hill, invisible from the road (of course, to make it that much harder to locate), but the cluster of Deliveroo riders parked outside gives the game away. This is a working neighbourhood café: bright, unpretentious, strong coffee, acai bowls and poke bowls for the health-conscious, and a small bike shop in the corner that quietly suggests repairs are available if you ask the right person.
@cyclecafe.ae
There are cafés with nice views, and then there is North Café, positioned next to a working stables so that guests eat their eggs and drink their single-origin pour-over to the sight of Shetland ponies doing absolutely nothing stressful whatsoever. The coffee is serious, the food simple, and visitors are welcome to wander the stables after, where thoroughbred Arabian horses rest in their stalls with the particular quiet dignity of animals who know how prized they are. An easy favourite.
@northcafe.uae
Risers House
Cyclist Café
Risers House
North Café
Al Hish Farm
HIGH-END RESTAURANTS
Farmhouse by Syrco
Reach it by golf buggy from the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi, past freeroaming gazelles and oryx, and you’ll already be in the right frame of mind. Farmhouse by Syrco is executed with precision by head chef Florian Van Dillen (known, affectionately, as Chef Flip), who draws on local influences, seasonal produce, and sustainable sourcing to turn out dishes that lean fine dining in technique but carry a vivid, garden-fresh lightness in the eating. The interiors could do with a bit of modernising (though we’re told this is in the works), but the ambitions and skill of the kitchen are worth the trip.
@farmhousebysyrco
Bar du Port Beach
Zuma
The newest arrival on the RAK dining scene and already its most ambitious. Chef Hadi Saroufim’s Bar du Port Beach sits on its own stretch of beach beside the InterContinental – a sprawling, beautiful thing of swaying lampshades, a vast oval bar, and an open kitchen built around a state-of-the-art pizza oven. The fish display alone is worth a detour. The Mediterranean plates coming out of that kitchen are seriously good, and the whole operation – beach cabanas, pool, weekly events included – carries itself with confidence. The fact that it sits entirely outside a hotel only adds to the appeal.
@bdpbeachrak
Ula
Technically within the Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, Ula has the rare quality of feeling like it’s independent from the hotel. The aesthetic does a lot of heavy lifting – neutral tones, rattan, pampas grass, swings at the bar, bohemian umbrellas – and lands somewhere between Mykonos and Tulum without feeling derivative of either. The Mediterranean menu, which leans pleasingly Greek, is broad: sharing dips, gyros, fresh pasta, and tapas bits. Come for the cocktails and the cabanas – stay considerably longer than planned.
@ulabeachrak
The pop-up that doesn’t feel like one. Zuma’s outpost at the Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert –open until April 2027, extended by popular demand – occupies a two-level space with a rooftop terrace looking out over rolling dunes. The menu is faithful to the brand’s greatest hits: sushi, robata, sharp cocktails. What elevates it here is the setting, firepits and desert silence do considerable work alongside the food. A complete experience, as billed, though the dunes probably deserve some of the credit.
@ritzcarltonalwadidesert
Lexington Grill
Some restaurants earn their longevity through reinvention. Lexington Grill earns it through consistency. The New York steakhouse format – serious cuts, confident seafood – has been executed here with enough conviction to remain a reliable favourite in a landscape that keeps changing around it. Not the most surprising meal in RAK, but quite possibly one of the most satisfying.
@lexingtongrillandbar
Farmhouse by Syrco
Bar du Port Beach
Ula
Zuma
TIP-OFFS (FROM
LONG-TIME RESIDENTS)
Qasr Al Afghan
Another tip, this time from Chef Flip of Farmhouse by Syrco, and another reminder that the people cooking the best fine dining in a city usually know exactly where to eat on their night off.
Qasr Al Afghan sits just off the main motorway, easy to miss and entirely worth finding. Inside, the restaurant unfolds as a maze of small carpeted rooms divided by thick stone walls, low and intimate, where diners sit cross-legged on the floor around plastic sheets laid with enormous shared platters. Grills, kebabs, succulent lamb chops eaten with the hands – it’s communal and fun.
@qasr_al_afghan_restaurant
Mannoor
Reputedly the oldest café in the UAE, it sits by the Creek in a state of magnificent, unironic time-warp: a few benches, majlis-style cushions, old men in kanduras locked in backgammon games that appear to have been running for decades. Outside, cars beep their horns to order karak tea –because why park when you can honk? – and nobody thinks this is unusual. It is a living document of a place. A reminder that RAK has a rich before, and it’s well worth sitting in it for a while.
@qahwat.mannoor
Fanar Bakery
The best tips always come from people who’ve been somewhere long enough to stop going to the obvious places. A long-time RAK resident pointed the way to Fanar – past garages and electronics stalls, down a dusty street just off the main city thoroughfare – and what a find it was. The kiosk is barely a kiosk: a deep pit oven, a young man taking orders, a couple of broken chairs outside for anyone who wants to eat bread while it’s hot. Watch the dough get stretched into an oblong, slapped against the sides of the vertical oven, and stuffed with cheese – an Afghani calzone of sorts, and at Dhs3.50, an entirely unreasonable amount of deliciousness for the money. Order it stuffed with Omani chips or honey if cheese isn’t your thing.
Tel: (0)50 3729664
Qasr Al Afghan
Mannoor
Fanar Bakery
STATEMENT BANGLES
Lightweight acetate in a set of three – different sizes, different colours, genuinely fun to wear. Stack all of them for the beach club or wear one alone if you’re feeling restrained. Either way, they cost less than most sunscreen and deliver considerably more personality.
Resin Bangles Set of 3, Revolve, Dhs324, revolve.com
CROCHET TOP
Hand-crafted in India by skilled artisans, so no two Eliza tops are quite the same – the print, dye and weave shift slightly between pieces, which is the point. Lightweight crochet cotton, multicoloured motifs, halterneck straps with tassel ends. It’s a summer top with real provenance, which makes it feel like a find rather than a purchase. Eliza Daisy Crochet Top, Alix of Bohemia, Dhs1,865, net-a-porter.com
READY FOR SUMMER
Inside the fashion, beauty and lifestyle picks made for the season ahead
WORDS: LANA DU
Summer in Dubai has a way of editing your life down to the essentials: the sandals that go on and don’t come o ; the bag that survives a beach club afternoon and still looks
UNISEX SUNGLASSES
The Ray-Ban Aviator has been around since 1937 and still outsells everything that tries to replace it. There’s a reason. The slim metal frame, the glass lenses, the shape that suits most faces – it’s a formula that works, and at this point it’s earned the word classic without quotation marks. Sometimes the obvious choice is the right one. Aviator Classic, Ray-Ban, Dhs760, ae.sunglasshut.com
good at dinner; the skincare that doesn’t give up the moment you step outside. This is the edit for all of it – the things worth buying, wearing and reaching for all season long.
HAIR CARE DUO
For the days when the humidity wins before you’ve even left the building. Kérastase’s Glaze Drops oil smooths frizz and adds shine without weighing hair down, while the hair perfume gives a quick refresh between plans –the kind of thing you keep in your bag and use more than you expect to. Gloss Absolu Le Parfum Hair Perfume & Glaze Drops Hair Oil Duo, Kérastase, Dhs345, kerastase.ae
SUNSCREEN
WRAP SKIRT
SUMMER BAG
Small, square, raffia, Jacquemus. If you’ve spent any time at a Dubai beach club this summer, you’ve already spotted one. The Spiaggia fits the essentials – phone, card, lip balm, sunscreen – closes with a knot, and has gold hardware that photographs well in natural light. Sometimes a bag just does everything right.
The Spiaggia Small Square Bag, Jacquemus, Dhs1,990, jacquemus.ae
BODY CARE SET
Four steps, one very good almond scent, and skin that actually survives the humidity. L’Occitane’s cult almond set runs from a shower oil that melts into a cleansing milk, through to a body oil, a firming concentrate and a hand cream for your bag. A complete body ritual that earns its counter space –and then some.
The silk sarong skirt you can actually wear – not just drape over your shoulders and forget about.
ALEMAIS cut this one with a proper adjustable tie and a fluid drape that works over a swimsuit at the beach or with a simple top for a casual lunch. Lightweight, packable and genuinely versatile. The rare holiday piece that earns its suitcase space.
In a city where SPF stops being optional around April and doesn’t become optional again until October, a sunscreen you actually want to wear matters. Supergoop!’s Mattescreen is mineral, oil-free, and sits under makeup without turning your face into an art project. Matte finish, subtle tint, broadspectrum protection. The one you’ll stop forgetting to apply.
Mattescreen Mattifying Mineral Sunscreen SPF, Supergoop!, Neutral Tint, Dhs155, sephora.ae
FLAT SANDALS
The kind of sandal you buy and then wear until someone asks where they’re from. A Emery’s Nolan flats are full-grain leather with a sculptural toe hold and ankle ties that feel considered rather than fussy. They work with a cover-up at the beach and they work with wide-leg trousers in the city. Two looks, one shoe, no stress.
Nolan Sandal Flats in Leather, A Emery, Dhs750, ounass.ae
CONSUME // SHOP
BEACH TOWEL
Bright yellow, sun motif, fringed edges and a slogan that makes the whole thing feel like it has a sense of humour. SUN of a BEACH’s cotton towel is soft, absorbent and sized properly – big enough to actually lie on. Not everything needs to be serious. Sometimes a good beach towel is just a good beach towel. Sun-Motif Fringed Beach Towel, SUN of a BEACH, Dhs179, farfetch.com
BODY JEWELLERY
One small addition that changes a whole look. Luv AJ’s Ibiza Sun belly chain is 14kt gold-plated, waterproof, tarnish-resistant and designed to sit perfectly over a bikini or low-rise trousers. The sun pendant is subtle enough to feel wearable rather than themed. Pool-to-dinner, no adjustment required.
The Ibiza Sun Belly Chain, Luv AJ, Dhs525, ounass.ae
MEN’S SNEAKERS
Golden Goose has built an entire brand on the idea that shoes look better once they’ve lived a little – and it works. This grey suede Super-Star pair has the worn-in finish the brand is known for, with rubber soles that go from weekend errands to a casual dinner without needing a rethink. Buy them, wear them, don’t overthink it. Super-Star Sneakers, Golden Goose, Dhs2,810, levelshoes.com
SUMMER DRESS
The right holiday dress is the one you wear the first night and then keep reaching for. Rat & Boa’s Vaela is lightweight with a natural drape that moves well – and looks intentional rather than thrown on. The kind of dress that reads effortless at a seaside dinner or on a rooftop, which, in Dubai terms, covers most of your social calendar from May onwards. Vaela Dress, Rat & Boa, Dhs1,050, bloomingdales.ae
AFTER-SUN
Because no matter how diligent you are with SPF, a full day at the beach or the pool takes it out of your skin. A good after-sun is the step most people skip and then regret. Keep one on the bathroom shelf for the evenings when your skin needs to recover quietly – and it will. This lightweight lotion nourishes, soothes, and hydrates sun-exposed skin while helping to prolong your tan. Enriched with aloe vera, organic grape water, and coconut oil, its nonsticky milk texture leaves skin soft, moisturised, and delicately scented. Vinosun Protect After-Sun Repairing Lotion, Caudalie, Dhs94, sephora.me
BIKINI SET
Not for the beach club wallflower. Pucci’s Orchidee-print set in fuchsia and black is a statement before you’ve said a word –chain-detail ties on the triangle top, thin side chains on the bottom, the kind of colour that looks even better against a tan. Wear it with confidence or stay in the sun until you have some. Orchidee-print triangle bikini top & Orchidee-print bikini bottom, Pucci, top Dhs1,025, bottom Dhs1,075, farfetch.com
YOUR JUNE, SORTED
It’s a big month – we’ve done the planning for you
WORDS: AARTI SAUNDALKAR & LEONIE WAGNER
Dubai’s gaming universe lands at the DWTC
Three days. Every genre. One enormous venue. Game Expo brings together the full spectrum – racing, action, esports, simulation, adventure – with cutting-edge hardware, new title launches and the chance to meet the regional and global names shaping the industry. Lose yourself in the anime-immersive Neo Tokyo District, take on rivals in the cosplay championship, or hit Velocity Garage’s racing simulators for the kind of speed that makes your palms sweat. Younger players have their own family zone; shoppers have The Narrows marketplace; and making its debut this year, a dedicated LEGO experience packed with creative challenges. Whatever your genre, this is your weekend.
When: June 5 to 7
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre dubaiesportsfestival.com
Riffs, strings and a whole lot of volume
Sympho Rock Hits reimagines AC/DC, Metallica, RHCP, Muse, Linkin Park, Deep Purple, Aerosmith, Radiohead, Roxette, The Prodigy and KISS through a full symphony orchestra –familiar anthems, completely transformed. Louder than you’d expect. More beautiful than you’d believe.
When: June 7
Where: Covent Garden, Mall of the Emirates
Tickets: From Dhs240 @newcoventgardentheatredxb
FITNESS & SPORT
Part race, part reckoning
Running segments interrupted by functional workout blocks – squats, carries, cardio –make the Apex Games less a race and more a full-body audit. Built around multiple running stages and exercise blocks, competitors face three functional workouts at every checkpoint, keeping the body moving between cardio and strength from start to finish. Compete solo, as a duo or in a team of three body will not thank you, but your ego will.
When: June 6
Where: Dubai World Trade Centre
EDITOR’S PICK GAMING
Tickets: From Dhs299 solo; Dhs499 duo; Dhs649 team (with Emirates ID) @apexgames.uae
MUSIC
Sixty years on, Pet
Sounds still sounds like this
Here is your permission to sing ‘Good Vibrations’ in a crowd of strangers and mean every word. The Beach Boys bring their most quietly radical record – Pet Sounds, 60 years old and still ahead of its time – to the Coca-Cola Arena alongside the California anthems that defined a generation. The band are also marking 250 years of the USA, making this as much a cultural moment as a concert. Expect ‘Surfin’ USA’, ‘California Girls’, ‘Fun Fun Fun’ and ‘Kokomo’ alongside the deeper Pet Sounds cuts. Pack your nostalgia.
When: June 11
Where: Coca-Cola Arena
Tickets: From Dhs199 @cocacolaarena
Every goal. Every gasp. Every penalty. Football fever hits the UAE and Bla Bla by McGettigan’s is your living room. Big screens, live entertainment, themed food and drink from breakfast kick-offs to late-night finales – and for England fans, this is the official home of the England Supporters Club. Tickets start from Dhs60 and are fully redeemable on food and drinks, which makes this one of the better value propositions of the summer. Abu Dhabi readers, your nearest is Reem Mall. For a full venue guide, turn to page 48
When: Throughout June
Where: JBR & Reem Mall, Abu Dhabi
Tickets: From Dhs60, fully redeemable on food and drinks @blablabymcgettigans
Burpees. In a ski resort. In June.
HYROX at Ski Dubai is objectively unhinged — and that’s precisely the appeal. Sub-zero temperatures, snow runs, wall balls, farmer’s carries and the inevitable air squat burn, all in a team format that makes you push harder than you would alone. Participants power through a series of workout stations in pairs, keeping each other honest every step of the way. Bring gloves.
When: June 28
Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
Tickets: Dhs157.50 @skidubai @dubaisc
FOOTBALL WORLD CUP
WORLD CUP FEVER HITS THE UAE
Football’s biggest showpiece returns as the FIFA World Cup takes over stadiums across North America, with matches played across the US, Canada and Mexico. Expanded to 48 teams, the tournament packs in a record number of fixtures – group stage drama, knockout tension, and the kind of last-minute goals that leave you needing a moment.
And while the action unfolds thousands of kilometres away, the UAE will be bringing every tackle, goal and winner closer to home. Whether you’re settling in for a big screen session in Dubai or hunting down the liveliest crowd in Abu Dhabi, here’s where to watch across the country.
WORDS: AARTI SAUNDALKAR & LEONIE WAGNER
The best spots to catch every goal, tackle, and winner
DUBAI
From Jumeirah Beach to Business Bay, Dubai’s sports bars and fan zones have World Cup season well covered. Whether you’re after craft beers and a gastropub crowd, an electric Irish pub atmosphere, or a fan zone with your name already on a barstool, there’s a venue for every kind of football fan.
FAN ZONE · DUBAI
Bla Bla by McGettigan’s
The official FIFA fan zone pick for Dubai, and the home of the England Supporters Club this tournament. McGettigan’s is bringing the full World Cup experience to JBR – big screens, live entertainment, and themed food and drink from breakfast kick-offs through to late-night finales. Tickets start from Dhs60 and are fully redeemable on food and drinks, making this one of the better-value ways to spend a match night in the city.
Where: Jumeirah Beach Residence
Tickets: From Dhs60, fully redeemable on food and drinks
Contact: @blablabymcgettigans
Bla Bla by McGettigan’s
SPORTS BARS · DUBAI
Bridgewater Tavern
A year-round sports bar with a genuine fan atmosphere, Bridgewater Tavern at JW Marriott Marquis is a dependable World Cup base. Expect big screens, pub classics, and drinks deals worth sticking around for.
Where: JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay
Contact: @bridgewatertavern
Buffalo Wings & Rings
If wings are non-negotiable on a match night – and frankly, they should be –Buffalo Wings & Rings delivers on both counts. The DIFC and JLT locations have multiple screens throughout, so you won’t miss a second of the action between plates.
Where: Level C, Liberty House, DIFC & Cluster U, JLT
Contact: @buffalodubai
Double Decker
One of Dubai’s most dependable live sport venues, Double Decker brings proper old-school pub energy to the World Cup. Big screens, hearty grub, a pool table for half-time and one of the longest happy hours in the city – eight hours, if you’re keeping score.
Where: Swïssôtel Al Murooj, Trade Center Second
Contact: @doubledeckerme
Garden on 8
The traditional pub garden at Media One gets fully decked out in flags and football fever come tournament season. All matches shown live, with craft beers, tasty bites and World Cup deals to keep you going from first kick-off to final whistle.
Where: Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City Contact: @gardenon8dxb
Goose Island Tap House
An award-winning sports bar with the kind of screens you can actually see from the back of the room. Goose Island at Five Jumeirah Village pairs hearty pub grub with an extensive drinks menu, pool tables and virtual golf – because sometimes you need something to do between matches. Where: Five Jumeirah Village, JVC Contact: @gooseislandjvc
The Irish Village
One of Dubai’s most iconic outdoor venues and a perennial favourite for major football tournaments. The garden-style setting, big screens and consistently lively crowd make it hard to leave – which is largely the point.
Where: The Irish Village, Al Garhoud
Contact: @theirishvillagedubai
K-West Sports Bar
For those who want the energy of a proper match night without the sticky floors, K-West at Kempinski Palm Jumeirah offers a more polished take on live sport. Big screens, crafted cocktails and a refined crowd that still gets very loud when it matters.
Where: Kempinski Hotel Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: @kwestdubai
Bridgewater Tavern
Garden on 8
Goose Island Tap House
Double Decker
Kickers
Set in Dubai Sports City and overlooking a proper football pitch, Kickers has its credentials well established. During the World Cup, all eyes will be on the big screens. Ice-cold drinks and a crowd that knows the game make this one worth the trip.
Where: Dubai Sports City, Al Hebiah Fourth
Contact: @kickersportsbars
Long’s Bar
A long-standing Dubai institution and one of the most reliable spots for live sport in the city. Wall-to-wall screens, a lively pub atmosphere and a crowd that always shows up for the big games – early kick-offs or late-night fixtures, Long’s has you covered.
Where: Tower’s Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road
Contact: @longsdubai
McCafferty’s JVC
The largest Irish bar in the world is always busy and during the World Cup, it goes up another gear entirely. Every match shown live, and if you’re still there after the final whistle, live music keeps the energy going.
Where: Circle Mall Rooftop, Jumeirah
Village Circle
Contact: @mccaffertysjvc
Offside
A crowd favourite at JA Ocean View Hotel, Offside screens all the live football alongside classic match-night bites –wings, pizzas, great drinks deals. It’s also pet-friendly, so your four-legged companion can join in, or at least keep you entertained with some welltimed zoomies.
Where: JA Ocean View Hotel, Jumeirah Beach Residence
Contact: @offsidedxb
Seven Sports Bar
A multi-award-winning venue on The Palm with wall-to-wall screens and a vibrant atmosphere that makes it an easy call on match days. Settle in, find your angle and let the football take over.
Where: NH Collection Dubai The Palm, Palm Jumeirah
Contact: @sevensportsbardubai
The Dubliner’s
A classic Irish pub in Garhoud with a loyal following built on years of live sport screenings and energetic match nights. Multiple screens, hearty pub fare and a sociable crowd that turns up reliably for the big games.
Where: Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Al Garhoud
Contact: @dublinersdubai
The Yard Sports Bar
A comfortable, unfussy spot at Topgolf Dubai with screens throughout and a social crowd that keeps the energy up on game days. Good food, good drinks, no fuss.
For something a little more relaxed, Spike Bar at Emirates Golf Club offers outdoor seating overlooking the course, screens showing all the action and a laid-back vibe that makes it easy to spend the whole evening here.
Where: Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2
Contact: @spike.dubai
Contact: @topgolfdubai
Trophy Room
Sleeker than your average sports bar, Trophy Room at Fairmont Dubai still delivers a proper match-day feel. Multiple screens, great food and drinks, and a setting that makes the whole experience feel a bit more considered.
The capital does World Cup season in its own style – waterfront venues, island sports bars and a handful of neighbourhood favourites that have been filling up for big matches for years. From Yas Island to the Corniche, here’s where to catch every game.
SPORTS BARS · ABU DHABI
Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri
Football with a waterfront backdrop. The screens are big, the setting is polished and there’s enough space to settle in properly for a long match night without feeling crowded.
Where: Khor Al Maqta Contact: 02 509 8888
Stars ‘N’ Bars Abu Dhabi
One of the city’s original sports bars and still one of the liveliest. Giant screens, loaded burgers, wings and a crowd that gets properly invested once the match starts. Yas Marina is the setting; atmosphere is the product.
Where: Yas Marina, Yas Island Contact: 02 565 0101
Tiki Taka Abu Dhabi
Football is the whole mood here. Screens cover nearly every angle and the atmosphere builds as the night goes on. Good for groups, good for big game nights.
Where: Novotel Abu Dhabi Gate Contact: 02 508 0555
Lock, Stock & Barrel Yas Bay
Big screens, loud music, buckets of drinks and packed match nights. LSB turns football into a full evening out, especially once the knockout rounds arrive.
Where: Yas Bay Waterfront Contact: 056 404 9988
McCafferty’s Yas Island
An Irish pub always works for football season, and McCafferty’s on Yas Island keeps things reliably casual – comfort food, plenty of screens and a crowd that stays until the final whistle.
Where: Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Contact: 02 208 6900
Bridges Bar
For a slightly more relaxed match night, Bridges Bar at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr gets it right. Indoor screens, outdoor seating and views over the water – football as the
soundtrack to a good evening.
Where: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr
Contact: 02 654 3333
Brauhaus
A Beach Rotana favourite that does hearty food, cold drinks and football nights very well. The oversized pretzels and sausages make a strong case for staying considerably longer than planned.
Where: Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi Contact: 02 697 9011
Offside Abu Dhabi
One of Abu Dhabi’s best dedicated sports bars. The screens are massive, the seating is comfortable and the menu covers all the game-night classics – burgers, loaded fries, the works.
Where: Jumeirah Saadiyat Island
Contact: 02 811 4342
Appaloosa Sports Bar
An American-style sports bar built for long game nights. Booths, oversized screens and generous portions that technically serve sharing, though in practice that rarely happens.
Where: Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
Contact: 02 201 4131
Belgian Café
Football and Belgian hops are a very good combination. The terrace stays busy during tournaments and the menu works whether you’re there for one match or settled in for three.
Where: InterContinental Abu Dhabi
Contact: 02 666 6888
Crafty Fox
A more laidback feel but sport still taken seriously. The golf course views, solid food and comfortable setup at Yas Links make it easy to spend the whole evening here without realising quite how long you’ve been watching.
Where: Yas Links Abu Dhabi
Contact: 02 404 3077
Hemingway’s Abu Dhabi
A longtime Abu Dhabi favourite for live sport, with the kind of pub-style interiors, comfort food and loyal regular crowd that makes it feel like a neighbourhood spot even when it’s packed.
Where: Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort Abu Dhabi Corniche Contact: 02 681 1900
Stock Burger Co. Abu Dhabi
Big burgers, giant screens and one of the louder football crowds in the city. If you like your match nights lively and your portions unreasonable, book here.
Where: Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Contact: 02 657 4888
Snooty Fox
A gastropub with a personality to match its name. The Snooty Fox at Dusit Thani does live sport without sacrificing the food or the fit-out – screens are well-placed, the menu runs to proper comfort classics, and the drinks list holds up. Happy hour runs daily until 8pm, which is useful when kick-offs are early. Thursday bingo and Friday quiz nights give it more going on than most sports bars.
Where: Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi
Contact: 02 698 8137
Crafty Fox
Belgian Café
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RESET THE
Ten ways to move, recover and eat well – without making summer harder than it needs to be
WORDS: LANA DU
As the temperatures rise, the long, sunny days can leave energy levels a little lower, and the temptation to stay indoors as motivation dips and somehow the answer always ends up being another iced coffee and a very long scroll. But there’s a version of summer where you come out the other side feeling sharper, lighter and quietly smug about it. Here’s where to start.
01
Glow and restore with a traditional hammam
The hammam at Talise Spa inside Madinat Jumeirah is one of the better ones in the city –unhurried, properly traditional, and sequenced the way it should be: steam room to open everything up, black soap cleanse, kessa scrub to take the summer off your skin, then a body mask, hair cleanse and hydrating oils to finish. You’ll leave looking like a different person. In a good way. Book ahead.
Where: Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim St
When: Daily 11am to 9pm
Cost: Dhs1000 for 60 minutes
Contact: @talisespa
02
Kickstart your summer nutrition
Meal planning sounds deeply unsexy until you’re three weeks in and your jeans fit differently. Colour My Plate’s Fit for Summer plan runs for 21 days and does the thinking for you – balanced, nutritious meals that are genuinely designed around the heat and what your body actually needs in it. Al Quoz location, which is very on-brand for anything wellness-adjacent and worth your time in this city.
Where: Warehouse TAQ #12, Al Quoz
When: Daily, 8am to 6pm
Cost: Dhs142 per day
Contact: colourmyplate.ae
03
Boost your circulation
The lymphatic drainage massage has had a bit of a cultural moment, and for good reason – it actually works. The Mandarin Oriental Downtown’s version layers drainage techniques with antioxidant oils into a 90-minute Brazilian sculpting treatment that addresses circulation, puffiness and that general feeling of heaviness that accumulates in summer. It’s indulgent, yes. It’s also genuinely effective, which earns it the price tag.
Breathwork 210 metres above Dubai, hovering over the Palm with the Gulf stretched out below you – it’s a lot, in the best way. Aura SkyPool’s Floating Immersive Breathwork sessions use noise-cancelling headphones and a guided soundscape to pull you fully out of whatever week you’ve had. Saturday mornings or Sunday evenings. Both make sense in different ways.
Where: Aura SkyPool, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeirah
When: Saturdays at 6.30am & Sundays at 8pm
Cost: Dhs300 per person
Contact: @auraskypool.dubai
Run into summer
The Pullman Run Series is back for its third edition, and yes, it’s along the Dubai Canal at 7am on a Sunday, which either sounds like a nightmare or exactly what you need. The Business Bay skyline does make for a decent backdrop if you need something to stare at while questioning your life choices. Good for stamina, good for your head, genuinely enjoyable once you’re past the first kilometre.
Where: Dubai Canal, Business Bay
When: Sunday, June 7 at 7am
Cost: Starting from Dhs52.50 per person
Contact: premieronline.com
Recharge with contrast therapy
Hot, cold, repeat – contrast therapy is one of those things that sounds punishing and feels revelatory. Rē’s Contrast Room at One Central pairs infrared sauna with cold plunges in a space that doesn’t feel clinical, which matters more than it sounds. They also do reformer Pilates, Vinyasa and sound healing if you want to build a full morning around it. The 45-minute session is enough to reset a bad week.
Where: Offices 5, One Central, Dubai
When: Daily 7am to 9pm
Cost: Dhs200 for a 45-minute session
Contact: @resocialwellnessclub
Recharge your body and mind for the day
VEO is the kind of place that makes you feel like you have your life together even if you absolutely don’t. Pick up a day pass at Hayya Lakes or Meadows Town Centre and work through whatever combination of gym, padel, pool and post-workout matcha you actually feel like – no fixed programme, no pressure. The matcha is good. That part matters. Where: VEO Hayya Lakes & VEO Meadows Town Center
08 09
When: Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm; Saturday & Sunday 7am to 9pm
Cost: Dhs200 per day
Contact: @veofitness.dubai
07
Power through the ice
Working out in Ski Dubai at 6am on a Sunday morning in late June is unique to say the least, which is exactly why it works. The HYROX-style session pairs running, ski and row erg stations with strength and bodyweight work – all in actual sub-zero snow. It’s hard, it’s cold, and you’ll be talking about it for weeks. Bring gloves.
Where: Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates
When: Sunday, June 28 at 6am
Cost: Dhs157.50 per person
Contact: premieronline.com
Celebrate International Yoga Day
SEVA is one of those places Dubai genuinely does well –a proper yoga studio that isn’t trying too hard, with a real range of classes from Kundalini to Ashtanga that cater to people who know what they’re doing and people who absolutely don’t. The garden is worth lingering in, and the plant-based café attached – the first of its kind in the Middle East – is good enough to visit even if you skipped the class entirely.
Where: Villa 5 1/B, Street 27B, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah Beach Road
When: Daily 9am to 10pm
Cost: Starting from Dhs88 per class
Contact: @sevaexperience
10
Get your skin summer ready
If your skin has been looking a little tired and you’ve been pretending it hasn’t, Orskin’s Signature Deep Cleansing Facial is the intervention it needs. Double cleanse, steam, extractions, a massage, a mask – the works. The full-body LED light therapy at the end is the kind of thing that sounds slightly space-age but actually just makes your skin look noticeably better, which is all anyone wants.
Where: Villa 4, 285D Al Wasl Rd
When: Monday to Saturday 9am to 9pm; Sunday 10am to 7pm
Cost: Dhs1290 per treatment
Contact: @orskinaesthetics
The facilities
One&Only Royal Mirage Spa
Sometimes the best discoveries are the ones that have been there all along
WORDS: MEL VRANKOVIC
You descend a spiral staircase and somewhere between the top and the bottom, Dubai stops. The noise, the traffic, the Marina just metres away – gone. What greets you is warm, still and steeped in Moorish detail: arches, tilework, low light. This spa has been here long before most of the city’s skyline existed, and you can feel that the moment you arrive.
The treatments
The hammam is the reason to come. Zainab is Moroccan, and from the moment she walks you through what’s ahead, you know you’re in good hands. Hammams are everywhere in this city. This one actually means it. It begins with heat and steam working into places you didn’t realise were tight. Black soap – made from black olive and orange blossom – follows, then
the kessa mitt: slow, thorough, deeply satisfying. There’s something about a hammam done properly that’s physical and something else entirely, grounding, restorative, the kind of treatment that asks you to be completely present. You leave the room feeling lighter than you have in months.
At AMA Concept, Pietro vows he can rescue almost any mane. He mixes a bespoke herbal tonic for the scalp, part detox, part revival, we trust the process immediately. A protein treatment goes through the lengths, a bonding treatment seals the ends, and then you settle in while steam and LED light therapy do their quiet work for 20 minutes. The scent of the herbs, the warmth, the low hum of it all: you could easily drift off. You leave with a gloss that the humidity has been stealing for months.
The spa sits below ground level, a bodytemperature pool anchors the thermal space – warm enough to ease into, calm enough to lose time in. Steam room, treatment rooms, softly lit corridors; everything is contained and quiet. The arches and tilework shape how you move through it, which turns out to be slow, without meaning to.
The experience
What this spa does well is give you the space to actually feel it. Time between treatments is generous, the facilities are there to be used rather than rushed past, and nobody is moving you along. You find your own pace through the day – pool, steam room, treatment room, salon – and somewhere in the middle of it, without really noticing, you completely let go. Coming back up the staircase to the sound of traffic feels, for a moment, like a genuine surprise. You had completely forgotten it was there.
WHAT’S ON VERDICT
The Spa at One&Only Royal Mirage doesn’t need to announce itself. The hammam alone is worth the visit, the hair treatment is a rescue mission for summer-damaged hair, and the whole day moves at a pace the city rarely allows. Go alone, go as a couple… Either way, you’ll leave wondering why you waited so long.
Where: One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai
When: Open daily from 9am to 9pm
Ladies only: 10am to 2pm
Cost: 60 minute Traditional Hammam priced at Dhs710
Contact: (04) 315 2140; oneandonlyresorts.com
OUR GUIDE TO… CERTIFIED ECO-FRIENDLY HOTELS IN THE MIDDLE EAST
WORDS: YI-HWA HANNA
As travellers grow more conscious of their environmental impact, hotels can no longer afford to treat “green” practices as optional extras. In the quest to achieve greater sustainability across the industry, from construction and energy use to sourcing and waste management, every stage of a property’s operation is increasingly under scrutiny. Yet with the rise in eco-labels and pledges, accountability has become just as vital as ambition. That’s where certification comes in. A number of key frameworks used across the world are helping brands and customers to distinguish genuine progress and effort from performative promises
– from Green Key, which focuses on operational sustainability; and Green Globe, which measures continuous improvement; to LEED, which assesses the environmental performance of building design; EarthCheck, known for its scientific benchmarking; and in the UAE, Dubai Tourism’s very own award system, which aligns with the emirate’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
The selection of eco-friendly, sustainability-focused hotels in the Middle East continues to grow, redefining what responsible luxury can look like as they set new standards for the region’s hospitality sector. We take a look at some of the properties raising the bar.
Six Senses Zighy Bay
This eco-resort in Oman is certified by Control Union under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) standard. Its sustainability efforts follow two tracks, both inside and outside the resort. On-site, it tracks hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles avoided and tonnes of waste composted, channels 0.5% of revenue into a Sustainability Fund, and maintains an “Earth Lab” for guest engagement. It has also created a marine protected area on the Musandam peninsula.
Media One Hotel
This buzzy, community-led hotel in the heart of Dubai Media City holds Green Key Certification as well as the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp. It has Tesla charging stations in its parking lot to support electric vehicles, and it has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 20% and its waste by 8%. Recently, it achieved a 10% reduction in water and energy use, a 35% cut in overall waste, elimination of single-use plastics, and it has a food-waste partnership with The Waste Lab. It also partners with Neutral Fuels to locally convert its cooking oil into 100% biofuel.
Atlantis Dubai
Atlantis The Palm and its Aquaventure World have achieved EarthCheck Gold, while Atlantis The Royal holds EarthCheck Silver. The EarthCheck system requires an organisation to progress through tiered levels of Bronze, Silver, then Gold to reach each next stage, making Silver the maximum level Atlantis The Royal could achieve since its opening, as it works its way towards Gold in the near future. Both Atlantis Dubai properties are part of the Atlantis Atlas Project.
Banyan Tree Dubai
This property on Bluewaters Island holds Green Key certification, as well as Forbes Travel Guide’s Responsible Hospitality Verified status. From water purification with Nordaq, and use of CoffeeB’s fully-recyclable coffee pod balls, it hand-picks partners that can support its sustainability journey, and in 2023, it introduced innovative pencils to each guest room, embedded with tomato and basil seeds, that can be planted by guests later.
Hyde Dubai
Business Bay-based Hyde Dubai achieved Green Key Certification in November 2024, citing energy-efficient systems, waste-reduction programmes and a 100% cut in single-use plastic. It has incorporated Solar Thermal installations and waste reduction programmes that have significantly minimised its ecological footprint, and the hotel actively participated in the Global Climate Change Conference at Dubai Expo City, offering low carbon emission menus and plasticfree packaging through its 1.5 Menu.
Jumeirah Al Qasr
Like its sister properties, Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf and Jumeirah Al Naseem, this hotel supports local sourcing, along with the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project. These properties hold the highest tier of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp. Around 80% of Jumeirah Al Qasr’s food ingredients come from the region and it uses sustainable seafood in some of its restaurants. The hotel has implemented energy-efficiency measures, including LED lighting and smart kitchen ventilation controls, cutting annual emissions by approximately 182,770 lbs per year. In the UAE capital, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island Resort is another outstanding eco-friendly property that holds Blue Flag certification for its beach, which contains protected, conservation-led areas for local Hawksbill sea turtle habitats.
JW Marriott Hotel Marina
This hotel recently snagged Green Key certification for its eighth year, and in addition to in-house glass bottling, and a holistic approach to waste management that includes the recycling of plastic, cans, cartons, and used cooking oil, it also collaborates with the UAE Food Bank to donate surplus buffet food, reducing food waste while helping support those in need. The Dubai-based hotel is part of Marriott International, which had eight of its hotels recognised with Green Key certification the year before, including: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Aloft Dubai Airport, Aloft Al Mina, Element Dubai Airport, and Element Al Mina.
Sofitel The Obelisk
This landmark hotel achieved Green Key certification in 2023 as well as the Gold Tier of the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, with initiatives including a 37% energy-reduction target, a composting partnership with Reloop, linen donation through the Dubai Center for Special Needs, plus food donation through the UAE Food Bank.
Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah
Bringing Maldivian overwater villa life to Ras Al Khaimah, Anantara Mina Al Arab holds LEED Gold building certification, uses an on-site water bottling plant, phased out single-use plastics, and integrates grey-water recycling for its landscaped grounds. The resort was constructed to preserve the surrounding environment, including the delicate mangrove ecosystem that surrounds it.
SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences
This hotel has held Green Key certification since October 2024. In addition to its water-efficient fixtures and drought-resistant landscaping, its restaurants use as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible – a significant impact considering its prominent F&B offering. Its nose-to-tail restaurant, Carna, has a zero-waste philosophy, and through innovative approaches to its menus, plus carbon emission tracking through Fresh On Table, has made significant savings within its CO2 emissions and food mileage.
Grosvenor House, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Dubai
At this marquee property from Marriott’s Luxury Collection, sustainability is validated through Green Globe Certification issued in November 2024. It uses energyefficient LED lighting systems, has partnered with Winnow for food waste (for which it has achieved a 72% reduction), and showcases upcycled art along with a dedicated Green Corner that helps to educate and inform visitors.
JA The Resort
JA Resorts & Hotels has eliminated millions of single-use plastic bottles via an on-site water treatment and refill system across its Dubai properties. At its family-friendly Jebel Ali resort, which holds Green Globe certification, solar panels are used for heating, a reverse osmosis plant is used for desalination, and on-site bio-gardens provide fresh produce for its restaurants.
This article was first published in Business Traveller Middle East – the region’s leading travel magazine. businesstraveller. com/middle-east
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A quietly magnificent retreat on the Abu Dhabi waterfront
WORDS: THOMAS WOODGATE
Some hotels announce themselves loudly. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi does the opposite. Arriving at the property – nestled between the Arabian Gulf and a network of emeraldgreen canals on the southern edge of Abu Dhabi – the effect is of something serene and assured, a place that has nothing to prove. The Arabesque architecture, all arched colonnades, carved stonework and warm sandstone tones, sets a tone that the rest of the stay quietly honours.
THE HOTEL
The hotel sits within Qaryat Al Beri, a low-rise waterfront complex that manages to feel both central and removed from the city’s pace. The grounds are immaculate and host a variety of plants and trees – and they frame a stay that is as much about the outdoor spaces as the indoor ones. The outdoor infinity pool is a particular pleasure: calm, beautifully positioned, with a gazebo area alongside that catches the last of the afternoon light and makes a compelling case for staying put. Beyond it, the 1km private beach stretches along the waterfront – wide, unhurried, and rarely feeling anything other than peaceful. Chi, The Spa and a well-equipped health club round out the leisure offering for those who want to use a weekend here as a proper reset.
Horizon Club membership adds a particular layer of ease: evening cocktails from 5:30pm, personalised service and the small but meaningful pleasures of feeling properly looked after.
THE ROOM
The rooms carry the Arabesque character of the wider property without veering into pastiche. Waterfront views frame the balcony, and the interiors – arched details, warm tones, considered lighting – strike a balance between decoration and calm. This is a room you actually want to spend time in, which is not always as given as it should be at this price point. Sitting on the balcony as the light changes over the creek, with the city skyline in the distance and the sound of birds moving through the garden below, is one of those rare moments on a short trip where you genuinely stop thinking about everything else.
THE FOOD & DRINK
The standout of the stay, and the experience we would return for alone, is breakfast on the Abra. Each morning, traditional wooden boats – the same abras that have navigated these waters for generations – carry guests on a slow, hour-long journey through the complex’s canals, a picnic basket of freshly baked pastries, fine cheeses, cold cuts and sandwiches accompanying the ride while the
Abra master offers an unhurried account of the property’s history and heritage. It is one of those experiences that sounds charming in a brochure and turns out to be genuinely so in practice.
Beyond that, the dining across the property is serious without being solemn. Shang Palace brings precise, elegant Chinese cuisine to the waterfront; Sofra bld is a sprawling souq-style restaurant with Asian, Arabic and continental dishes that share space with easy generosity; Al Hanah Bar, perched at the edge of the water, is the natural end to any evening.
THE EXPERIENCE
What Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi does particularly well is the texture of a stay – the quality of small moments that intersperse with headline features. Afternoon tea in the lobby. The particular stillness of the pool at midmorning. The way the architecture catches the late afternoon light. It is a hotel that rewards slowing down, and in a city as relentlessly forwardmoving as Abu Dhabi, that is no small thing. An overnight is enough to feel it; a weekend would do the idea more justice.
THE DETAILS
Abra Breakfast and Abra Afternoon Tea is AED 699 for up to four persons. Staycation offers start from AED 700 per room per night onwards. Shangri-La Circle Members enjoy 25% savings across food and beverage this summer. Room rates available at shangri-la.com Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi.
