What's On Abu Dhabi | January 2012

Issue 405

January 2012

PLurTSA!dvice,

Sort out your finances

e The expd ideAs FOr Tips An TTer YOU A Be in 2012

Improve your diet

The best workouts in Abu Dhabi Holidays that will change you forever

The trends you need now

Change your career path

prizes wOrTh Dhs25,0 00 insid e!

Discover what you really want from life De-clutter your closet

ALSO INSIDE: Tiger Woods, scissor sisTers, hoW To spoT a psychopaTh, LearN To oFF-road, The BesT NeW gadgeTs For 2012, peTe ToNg, aNd diviNg WiTh sharks

UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

CONTENTS

January 2012

You: v2.0 12

NOW, WE’RE NOT SAYING THAT YOUR CURRENT SET-UP IS BAD, IT’S JUST THAT, WELL, EVERYONE COULD USE A LITTLE SELFIMPROVEMENT. OR MAYBE EVEN A LOT. BE IT FEELING FITTER, EARNING A FEW MORE DIRHAMS AND EATING SENSIBLY, OR JUST THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND AND CHANGING EVERYTHING – MAKE 2012 THE YEAR FOR YOU. AND TO MAKE IT EVEN EASIER, WE’RE GIVING AWAY EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS YOUR BEST YEAR YET How to win!

Improve your diet

Get in shape

On the following pages you’ll find ideas and advice to transform your life. Even better, we’re giving away the goodies and experts you need, from personal training to a new wardrobe, everything will go to one very lucky reader. For your chance to win the lot, e-mail winwithmotivate.ae with ‘life’ in the subject line, plus your contact details and your argument for why you deserve to win a whole new you, in 50 words or less

Find out Manage Sort out Shake up Life what you your money your style your career changing really want holidays from life

FEATURES 12 You: v2.0

We have put together everything you need to build a richer, fitter, healthier you in 2012. Plus the chance to win every element required for a whole new you

20 Abu Dhabi Golf Championships

The rise and fall of former world number one golfer Tiger Woods, before he continues his comeback in the capital this month

24 Scissor Sisters

The oddest band in pop on dressing up, dealing with bullies, and life on the tour bus ahead of this month’s performance

24

20 JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 3

CONTENTS

THE ROUND-UP 8 Salaam

Happy New Year! Starting 2012 with a bang

26 Film

Mr and Mrs Daniel Craig star in psychological horror Dream House, Jason Segel plays with The Muppets and Woody Harrelson portrays a dirty cop in Rampart. Plus Our Idiot Brother, Don 2: The Chase Continues, New Year’s Eve and War Horse

29 Eating out

Two new Abu Dhabi restaurants, an introduction to Italian wine, cook a classic spaghetti vongole and Gary Rhodes makes a risotto

39 Arts

45 Shopping

All the gadgets you need for a high tech 2012, plus enough news to sate the most serious shopper

51 Mind & body

maker Wriggly Scott, plus the most informed guide to clubbing in the UAE and all the news from the music scene

73 Travel

The highlights of Northern Cyprus, Film-maker, writer and author of The culinary tales from the Gourmet Psychopath Test Jon Ronson tells us how to Traveller, plus travel advice, deals and spot a psychopath, plus well-being news apps in Travel Extra

57 Sport & outdoor

Our fearless staffer pats Jaws on the head, we go off-road to learn how to drive in the desert, and Mike Tyson comes to town

63 Music & nightlife

Our artist of the month this month is DJ, promoter, producer, and music-

81 The hot list

Restaurants, bars, brunches and spas so hot they’ll burn your fingers

98 Backchat

Our lady on the radio is resolute about resolutions

39

UAE designer Khalid Shafa on his new show, the Sharq Orchestra’s new year concert, The Art Insider looks at the year ahead and five exhibitions you simply must see

29

73

45

57

4 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

Editor's note EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer GROUP EDITOR & MANAGING PARTNER lan Fairservice GROUP SENIOR EDITOR Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae

SENIOR EDITOR Mark Evans marke@motivate.ae DEPUTY EDITOR Helen Spearman helen@motivate.ae FEATURES & FOOD EDITOR Gareth Rees gareth@motivate.ae FEATURES EDITOR, ABU DHABI Adam Workman adam@motivate.ae FEATURES WRITER Matt Priest matthew@motivate.ae CHIEF SUB EDITOR Iain Smith iains@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Freddie Colinares freddie@motivate.ae SENIOR DESIGNER Olga Petroff olga@motivate.ae EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kamini Ghose kamini@motivate.ae PICTURE RESEARCHER – GULFPICS Wayne Fernandez wayne@motivate.ae CONTRIBUTORS Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Stef Burgon, Annah Cuthbert, Vikram Gawde, Catherine Jarvie, Tom Jordan, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Simon Smedley, Paul Sterry SENIOR PRODUCTION MANAGER Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae PRODUCTION MANAGER Sudhakar Chandran sudhakar@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Murali Krishnan muralik@motivate.ae GENERAL MANAGER – GROUP SALES Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae ADVERTISEMENT MANAGERS Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae Violeta Botorogeanu | violeta@motivate.ae GENERAL MANAGER, ABU DHABI Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES EXECUTIVE, ABU DHABI Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)

Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae

Wow, did you see that? That was 2011. Look at it go!

It’s hard to believe it’s 2012 already (although that big party at the end of December did kind of give it away a wee bit); time definitely does fly here in the Emirates.

The new year, inevitably, brings with it a time for reflection – what am I doing with my life, where did that gut come from, how come my bank account is empty yet my wardrobe’s full of T-shirts – and now is the time to sort it out. You could wait till, say, next October, but you’ll be right up against it, time wise, plus your bank manager will install a sign that says ‘stop asking for credit or I’ll punch you in the face’. No, the time is now, Abu Dhabi – let’s do it. As always, we’re here to lead the way – this issue of What’s On will not only help you sort out your finances, but we’ll also show you how to get in shape and de-clutter your closet. And what’s more, one lucky reader will win the lot – from adventure holidays to organic food – making that transition from rubbish 2011 you to the all singing, dancing and training like a ninja 2012 you much easier. How do you like them apples (and new clothes, personal trainer and life coach)?

More you say? 2012 you is a pushy little so-and-so, eh? OK, how about the inside scoop on the Scissor Sisters show, the lowdown on this month’s big golf championships, or how to spot your very own psycho (courtesy of investigative journalist and author Jon Ronson). Throw in another jampacked eating out section, music, clubs, travel and our top ten of everything, and that should get 2012 off to a flyer.

Enjoy the issue, and happy New Year.

Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE,Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 7

We're officially part of the Twitterati.

Follow us @whatsonabudhabi for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself

Salaam!

Welcome to 2012

what’s hot you'Ve got mail Hold on to your hats, we might soon be able to have our mail delivered to our homes – that’s if Emirates Post’s new scheme has anything to do with it. Villa residents can have a personal mailbox installed, while flat-dwellers will be given their own PO Box. slip ‘n’ slide If you needed another reason to visit Yas Island, then the proposed Adventure World Abu Dhabi water park is surely it. The Dhs3.3billion project will include 25 attractions and is slated to open in 2014. enViRonmental atlas The Environment Agency has published a 200-page book telling the story of the emirate's natural history.

booksarabia.com

what’s not illegal tV Anti-piracy experts have flagged up concerns over the growing number of people illegally watching pay TV. While cable network OSN pulls in around 3 million subscribers, they estimate a staggering 22 million people across the region are watching for free, the cheeky blighters. endangeRed king The collared kingfisher, unique to the UAE and Oman, is teetering on extinction as continual development has destroyed much of its mangrove habitat. unhappy campeRs As many as 25 per cent of bluecollar workers in the UAE suffer from some form of depression, according to a new report by UAE University.

8 WHAT’S ON january 2012

Guess list

kanye west Taylor Swift haters rejoice – Kanye’s on his way. One UAE-based promoter is ‘very close’ to securing a deal with the rapper, who’s prone to the odd onstage rant or two, usually in support of his own work. If the deal comes off, expect him within the next couple of months or so.

Who is planning a new year visit to the uaE?

30% 40%

30%

Red hot chili peppeRs Big news. Such big news, that we had meet at midnight, in a car park, with a shadowy figure wearing a Mac who would only whisper several words, four of which were ‘Red’, ‘Hot’, ‘Chili’, and ‘Peppers’. We can’t print the others, but it serves us right for meeting strange men in car parks at midnight. Our other, less shadowy sources tell us that the gig will happen after summer on a beach near(ish) to you.

thIS moNth we're GoING to...

mylo Scottish DJ Mylo is busy stuffing his favourite records into a suitcase for an upcoming visit to the Emirates next month.

The electronic funster – Myles MacInnes to his postman – is set to support ‘a well-known rock band’, according to our sources.

watch cRicket The world’s number one side, England, takes on Pakistan in the second five-day Test match.

Jan 25 to 29, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 6pm. Tel: (02) 5588331

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Chad Glass, aka Dj ChadPhunk

RepaiR youR decks The Virgin Megastore actually has a pretty decent ‘DJ corner’. For general wear and tear of my decks, or if they ever break, I normally go and see them – they’re surprisingly good for that sort of stuff.

Virgin Megastore, Abu Dhabi Mall. Tel: (02) 6447882. virginmegastore.me

eating out I do like to eat my way around the wide choice of restaurants here in Abu Dhabi, but if I am looking for a quick bite to eat then it has to be one of the Jones The Grocers.

Jones The Grocer, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4438762. jonesthegrocer.com

catching the game I love to watch football on the weekends – I’ve supported Tottenham Hotspur since my childhood. If I’m free, I try catch as many games as I can at Re-fuel at the Aloft hotel – it’s great for the big games.

Re-fuel, Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre. Tel: (02) 6545000. aloftabudhabi.com unwinding When I get the chance, Special's, on the Corniche, is a great spot to enjoy a shisha, coffee and chat with friends outdoors in the warm weather. You just can’t get that back home.

Special Café, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6817990

VolVo ocean Race Concerts aside, we’ll be there to watch the sailing as the teams compete in both a pro-am and in-port races. Ahoy there!

Jan 12 and 13, Volvo Ocean Race, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, free. volvooceanraceabudhabi.com

night out I DJ most nights, but when I do have a night off I like to go and listen to Stew Magoo at Relax@12.

You’ll do well to beat the views, music and atmosphere there.

Relax@12, Aloft Hotel, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Tel: (02) 6545000. relaxat12.com

Beach classic Pit your golfing skills against the Ocean Race sailors in this four-person team golf event.

Jan 5, Volvo Ocean Race Saadiyat Beach Classic, Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Abu Dhabi, Dhs725.

Tel: (02) 5578000. sbgolfclub.ae

girl AbOut tOWN

DJ Natalie Brogan is our eyes and ears on the ground in abu Dhabi’s burgeoning bar scene

this month: BlUE BAr What does it look like?

If you thought the wave-shaped glass outside of the Rocco Forte was impressive, wait until you get inside. Enter through a panoramic lift, up to the sixth floor and Blue looks as though it’s suspended in mid-air.

There are fantastic views of Abu Dhabi from every window of its 11-storey glass atrium. The full-length marbled bar is an impressive piece and needless to say, the colour scheme is blue.

Who goes there?

Sophisticated cocktail sippers and anybody looking for a chilled hangout slightly away from the city centre.

Dress code?

Smart casual.

Any bar nibbles?

Assorted nuts accompany drinks. The hotel has three restaurants, so they don’t offer food at Blue just yet, but you can order from the room service menu.

Drink recommendations?

As a cocktail enthusiast, I tried plenty – the choice is huge – and they were all delicious.

Prices ranged from Dhs35 to Dhs120 for a champagne cocktail. My favourite was the red berrynilla. Yum. When should you go?

The 6pm opening means it’s a great place to start your night, and with closing at 3am this is a great place to wind down with a nightcap after a big night out. They will have a DJ soon, too.

How’s the service?

Welcoming and comfortable. Fast service, the bar staff were informative and every detail went into drinks.

What’s the taxi situation?

The hotel is close to the main road, which means waiting no longer than a few minutes.

VERDICT If you’re after a stylish venue with great views and a wonderfully eclectic cocktail list then Blue has it all.

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi.com

Find us at

www.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi january 2012 WHAT’S ON 9

Salaam

IN the NewS A wIlD DeCADe

as the emirates wildlife society turns ten years old, we highlight some of their best conservation work over the past decade

7 the number of marathons completed by uae resident Rosa areosa the number of days it took her

Wadi Wurayah

In just five years, over 55 new species have been identified at Wadi Wurayah. The EWS has worked tirelessly to protect the 500 different species that live there from issues including hunting, littering and building.

Blue Flag beaches

The Blue Flag signifies the leading standard for beaches around the world. The EWS oversaw the first Blue Flags being awarded in the UAE, including the Corniche in Abu Dhabi, which meets environmental standards in 32 different criteria. ewswwf.ae

Choose Wisely

The EWS-WWF compiled an over-fished list, and created the Choose Wisely campaign to encourage people to think before ordering fish in restaurants or buy in supermarkets across the UAE. choosewisely.ae

the number of emirates she ran a marathon in

Stop It AND tIDy up

The capital is looking to crack down on littering, by introducing a series of fines in order to preserve people’s health and the aesthetic appearance of the city. Stop littering or pick up one of these hefty fines…

AuStrAlIA DAy Our antipodean brothers and sisters will be celebrating Australia Day on Jan 26. So gather together your mates, fire up the barbie and celebrate in true Aussie style.

Strewth!

Jan 26, 1788

the landing of the first settlers in Botany Bay, New South Wales

16,000

the approximate numbers of Australians in the UAE, according to the Australian Embassy

5

the number of Aussie Rules Football teams that make up the AFL Middle East League

2,361kg

the weight of the world’s largest Lamington (a traditional Australian sponge cake with chocolate and coconut), set in Toowoomba, Queensland

5

stars on the Australian flag, signifying the Southern Cross 10 WHAT’S ON january 2012

dhs100

1,500 kIlometreS

The distance explorer Adrian Hayes trekked from Salalah to Abu Dhabi retracing the footsteps of Wilfred Thesiger

Snow patrol

Soft-rockers Snow Patrol are set to make their UAE debut this year, flying into town to play at the hugely popular Sandance event on March 9. Playing alongside Calvin Harris and Erick Morrillo at Nasimi beach-based event, the appearance by the Northern–Irish five-piece – arguably one of the giants of stadium anthemic rock – is looking already like the gig of the year. Which leads to the question – how will the Sandance crew top that for their next event?

Mar 9, Sandance, Nasimi beach, Atlantis, the Palm, Dubai, Dhs250, 2pm to 2am. sandance. ae

for spitting in public areas

dhs200

for not properly disposing of cigarette butts

dhs500

for throwing chewing gum on the floor

dhs500

for all other general littering

You:

Now, Now,we’re we’reNot NotsayiNg sayiNgthat thatyo you it’s it’sjust justthat, that,well, well,everyoNe everyoNe improvemeNt. improvemeNt.or ormaybe maybeeveN eveNaa earNiNg earNiNgaafew fewmore moredirhams dirhams throwiNg throwiNgcautioN cautioNto tothe thewiNd wiNd make make2012 2012the theyear yearfor foryou. you.aaN eveN eveNeasier, easier,we’re we’regiviNg giviNgaway away you youNeed Needto tomake makethis thisyour yourbb

Improve your diet

Get in shape

Find out Manage Sort out Shake up Life what you your money your style your career changing really want holidays from life

: v2.0

our urcurreNt curreNtset-up set-upisisbad, bad, could coulduse useaalittle littleselfselflot. lot.be beititfeeliNg feeliNgfitter, fitter, aNd aNdeatiNg eatiNgseNsibly, seNsibly,or orjust just d aNd aNdchaNgiNg chaNgiNgeverythiNg everythiNg– – aNd Ndto tomake makeitit everythiNg everythiNg best estyear yearyet yet How to win!

On the following pages you’ll find ideas and advice to transform your life. Even better, we’re giving away the goodies and experts you need, from personal training to a new wardrobe; everything will go to one very lucky reader. For your chance to win the lot, e-mail winwithmotivate.ae with ‘life’ in the subject line, plus your contact details and your argument for why you deserve to win a whole new you, in 50 words or less

Improve your diet win!

We have a month’s supply of Ripe farmers’ market produce to be won – that’s a box full of fresh, seasonal produce every week

You are what you eat, and in 2012 you should aim to eat fresh local produce. The cooler months are fantastic for UAE farmers’ crops of fruit and veg. And the weekly Ripe farmers’ market sells boxes of fresh produce every Friday, with small (Dhs80) and large (Dhs130) containers full of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and

more. You’ll also find stalls offering gluten-free baked goods and chocolate, plus arts and crafts, such as jewellery. But if you can’t make it there, you can order online or pick up your fruit and veg from a neighbourhood collection point.

Ripe, Desert Garden Centre, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Fri 9.30am to 1pm. ripeme.com

Ripe’s Recipe Honey nut ricotta with strawberries * 200g ricotta * 2tbsp clear honey, to taste * Handful of toasted almonds * 400g strawberries, halved Tip the ricotta onto a large serving plate and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle the almonds over and then scatter the strawberries around the plate.

Get in shape

Healthy body, healthy mind. In true new year style, January is the time to don your box-fresh trainers and get active

THe inTensive appRoacH: cobRa Muay THai

THe peRsonal ToucH: TRaining aT THe sHeRaTon

With boxing and UFC both riding Let’s face it – training is a bit of a high in the popularity stakes, there’s mission. As much as we all start never been a better time to get into out with great intentions, actually a spot of one-on-one combat. Abu sticking with the plan, session after Dhabi’s Muay Thai and boxing gym session, takes willpower and selfisn’t for the faint hearted. But if discipline. Enter Australian expert you’re serious about getting fighting Wolfgang Trezise – fitness trainer fit, then workouts don’t come much and bodybuilder. As well as running more hardcore. Previous experience punishing sculpt fit and sculpt kick isn’t necessary: CBT’s chief instructor classes at the Sheraton, he is also Mat Dryden welcomes all skill levels, available for one-on-one hour-long and private sessions are available. sessions to help with weight loss The weekly one-hour combat fitness or gain, toning, strength training sessions are where you can step up or bodybuilding. It’s a successful to another level of cardiovascular approach, as he’s a likeable taskmaster, prowess, though. Mat promises that and after just one session you’ll ‘at least one’ participant ejects the be feeling the benefits – the next day, contents of their stomach each week, muscles you never even knew existed which is a graphic illustration of why will be aching. this is not for namby-pambies.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Zayed Sports City Football Stadium, Abu Dhabi, Dhs240. Tel: (02) 6970272.

Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, sheraton.com Abu Dhabi, gym Sun to Thur 6am to 10am and 4pm to 9pm, ladies only Thur and Sat 5.30pm, beginners Sun to Wed 6.30pm to 7.30pm, fitness Thur 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs50 per AN INTRODUCTION TO session, ten sessions Dhs400, month COBRA MUAY THAI pass Dhs650, three month pass If there’s a tougher workout in Abu Dhabi than Dhs1,500. Tel: (055) 6160996. cobra Muay Thai’s combat fitness programme then we’ve not seen it. Want to find out for yourself? cobramuaythai.com

win!

14 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

The gym has kindly donated a voucher for five free sessions for our lucky winner. You can split these sessions between the group Muay Thai lessons and combat fitness, over a period of up to two weeks.

THe inTensive appRoacH: oRiginal FiTness co

If you want to work on all-inclusive fitness, a bootcamp is for you. The Original Fitness Co is famed in Abu Dhabi for its signature Boot Camp Fitness course at The Corniche.

All ages and fitness levels can take part in the militaristic challenge, which is specially designed for fat loss and cardiovascular fitness, as well as mental strength. The combo of cardio, flexibility, resistance and agility exercises tests every part of your body and fitness, using situps, push-ups and squats, plus ‘fun’ group challenges. You might also make some new friends, if you have the breath to speak between drills.

Consisting of three one-hour sessions each week for a month, the Original Fitness Co promises that you will ‘hate to love it’. Although the maxim works the other way round too, we’d wager – from the comfort of our armchair. Even better, during January you can grab a whopping 50 per cent off the regular prices.

The Corniche, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun, Tues and Thur 6am and 7.30pm, Dhs100, eight sessions Dhs600, 12 sessions Dhs900. Tel: (02) 4069404. originalfitnessco.com

win!

Need some direction? We have a 90-minute life coaching session with shana Kad up for grabs

find out what you really want from life Think that new car is going to make your world complete? Won’t be content until you’ve lost those pesky 5kg and had your teeth whitened? Can’t work out why you always date someone who’s bad for you? It’s all too easy to go through life with the blinkers on, blind to what you truly want and need – making yourself happy on a superficial level, without really addressing what’s going on in that complicated, clever brain of yours. And in such a fast-paced city as Abu Dhabi, it can be especially beneficial to take stock and listen to that inner, nagging voice that tells you that you’re not really very happy at all.

While friends and family can offer invaluable insights, they may not have the time or inclination to help you figure out what you want from life, and how to make it happen, which is where the professionals come in. Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) has long been used in business to help sales people speak to customers in a way that makes them put their hand in their pocket, but on a personal level, the simple language used by NLP practitioners can be incredibly useful for tapping into your subconscious. But why?

Well, your subconscious has been working hard since you were born, filing away events and every tiny detail to form your belief system and help you make sense of the world, creating your own perspective. All well and good, but what if your beliefs aren’t doing you any good at all? What if you associate exercise with pain, relationships with inevitable heartache and assume you’re never going to earn some serious dirhams? Then you need to adjust your belief systems and retrain your brain to interpret your life in a positive way – it’s actually easier than you’d think.

Shana Kad, of Life Effective Coaching, worked for IBM in Dubai before training as an NLP master. Her life coaching sessions aim to delete unprocessed emotions that are holding you back and help you focus on what you want to get out of life by creating goals. In the short term, many of her clients experience clarity of thought and self-confidence, with the beliefs that had held them back (that annoying voice telling you you’re not good enough for that promotion, for example) adjusted. While a short 90-minute session of NLP can be useful to achieve a sense of purpose, some people prefer to undergo a more lengthy process called Personal Breakthrough, which involves four three-hour sessions designed to address your specific issues. Rather than developing a needy, dependent relationship with their NLP practitioner, by the end of the course clients should feel as though they can succeed without any more coaching – the idea is to help you realise you have all the tools you need to achieve whatever you want from life.

Empowering stuff.

Life Effective Coaching, Dhs500 for 90 minutes, Dhs10,000 for Personal Breakthrough. Tel: (050) 6744793. lifeeffectivecoaching.ae

Manage your money Chances are, a cash injection would make 2012 a happy year, but short of a distant, wealthy relative popping their clogs and leaving you millions, you’ll have to make it happen yourself.

Taking control of your finances might seem like a scary, grown-up task, so we’ve made it simple with financial expert dan plant’s top five tips

1

sTaRT saving FoR youR pension as eaRly as possible A good rule of thumb for a comfortable retirement is to pay in a percentage of your salary equal to half of your age; if you are 25, pay in 12.5 per cent of your income.

while cigarettes are relatively cheap in the UAE, quitting smoking will save you cash in the short term and can help save on health insurance in the future.

3

do youR ReseaRcH

Plan everything in advance – food shopping, how much you will spend on a night out – and don’t take any more than this with you.

5

scaRe youRselF

Enjoy a morning espresso? Can’t live Never pay more for without a weekly something than you manicure? Visit absolutely have to. demotivator.co.uk, You can often get enter the cost of exactly the same your little luxuries, service or products and how often you by paying less – so buy them, and the why wouldn’t you, annual cost will be just for the sake of a calculated. When TaKe sMall bit of research? you see that you MeasuRes spend two weeks eveRy day a year working to Little changes can afford a daily coffee, add up. Write a it will shock you into shopping list and action. That amount plan, don’t go to the could mean an extra plan, plan supermarket when annual holiday, a you’re hungry, when Leave your credit chunk of cash in your cards at home. you drive try to savings account – or accelerate and brake If you can’t trust an espresso machine. smoothly – this can yourself, only take Dan Plant is web editor cut fuel costs by up cash out with you so of moneysavingexpert. you can’t overspend. com to 20 per cent. And

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JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 15

win!

Sort out your style

Once you’ve binned the less desirable pieces that were cluttering up your closet, it’s time to hit the shops. Bloomingdale’s Eda Kuloglu, general manager of merchandising, tells us what ladies should be buying in 2012, while menswear buyer Fedaa Ghanem creates a shopping list for the chaps

w

shake up your career Changing your job is one of the most dramatic ways to change your life, but in an economic climate where the classified pages aren’t exactly bursting at the seams, you need to get creative.

In Abu Dhabi, if you don’t network, you won’t work.

Press palms or perish. Here’s our pick of the places to meet your future boss, a key contact or a potential mentor or business partner

inTeRnaTional business woMen’s gRoup abu dHabi The International Business Women’s Group Abu Dhabi comes together for regular 16 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

For him…

invesT in a waRdRobe FoR 2012

For her…

Is your wardrobe full of clothes, but you never seem to have anything to wear? Have you wasted thousands of dirhams on items you’ve never taken off the hanger? Before you hit the shopping festival sales, it’s crucial to rid yourself of the offending items. Don’t torch the lot, though, as an expert eye can help you transform dull pieces into something you’d want to be seen in, or tell you the tough truth about your favourite dress that looks awful in photos.

Stylist Kelly Lundberg offers a ‘wardrobe weeding’ service where she will teach you how to mix and match existing items, bin the irredeemable and advise you on what should be on the shopping list. There’s no excuse for that rah-rah skirt though, we’re telling you that now.

Divine Personal Styling, Dhs450 per hour. Tel: (050) 3962296. divine.ae 1950s GLAM Look for pencil skirts and dresses cut to flatter hourglass figures.

Try Lanvin, Donna Karan and Matthew Williamson.

NEoN Last year’s colour blocking trend goes neon in 2012.

Pieces from McQ, DVF and 3.1 Philip Lim and footwear from Casadei, MMJ and Tory Burch will inject some energy into your look.

RELAxED TAILoRING Deconstructed pieces from Corneliani, Trame, Tween and Theory will update your working wardrobe.

win!

We’re offering one winner a three-hour de-cluttering session

FLoRAL PRINTS A real musthave for SS/12, floral fabrics from Alice & olivia, Nicholas Kirkwood, Elie Tahari & MM Couture and Blue Girl will add some whimsy to your wardrobe.

VINTAGE DENIM We’ve seen a recent rise in vintage denim and retro influences, with many designers inspired by chambray and denim-like fabrics.

Try Burkman Brothers, Rag & Bone, Vince and Gitman Brothers.

luncheons to nurture businesswomen in the UAE, enable them to meet likeminded professionals and discuss opportunities in the region. They meet on the first Tuesday of every month between September and June, covering topics from training to luxury goods, with experts sharing their experiences. To join the group, you must be a proprietor, senior manager or director residing in Abu Dhabi.

International Business Women’s Group Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, Dhs300 for membership. Tel: (050) 3276020. ibwgabudhabi.org

One lucky reader will win Dhs2,000 to spend in bloomingdale’s and Dhs500 for b.shine, Bloomingdale’s salon and spa that offers services from cuts, blow dries, colouring and styling for women, to shaving, massages and mani-pedi treatments for men Need Kelly’s help?

CoBALT BLUE The shade of the season, it’s fresh with white for the day and sultry with black for the night. Check out Gryphon, Nancy Gonzalez, Issa and Marni for stunning hues.

ETHNIC PRINTS Heavy prints on light fabrics are a fantastic contrast and perfect for spring. Marc Jacobs and Shades of Grey are the ones to watch.

THe new TeMpoRaRy woRKing visa Afraid of leaving your job because you’ll be left without a visa? Well, fear no more, the new Mission Visa (sounds mighty impressive, doesn’t it?) allows expats to work in the UAE for up to 90 days, and can be very useful to workers on probation. It costs Dhs100 to apply for the Mission Visa and Dhs500 for approval, plus a refundable Dhs3,000 deposit.

Dhs3,600 (Dhs3,000 of it refundable), and you’re all set to start earning some dirhams. mol.gov.ae

LoNG CHAIN BAGS The accessory du jour; ditch the clutch and join the chain gang. McQ, CC Skye, Cashimi and Coccinelle are all doing bags with bags of style.

NEUTRALS Beiges and pastels from shirts to shoes look modern and clean (as long as you don’t spill anything down yourself). Shop at Corneliani for clothing and Rag & Bone or Clae for footwear.

CoLoURED PYTHoN Pricey but worth it, Alexandre Birman and Giuseppe Zanotti are the go-to labels for spring’s most luxurious texture.

CooL BLUES Get the blues this season. From a suit to your wallet, this is the colour to make sure you’re ahead of the fashpack.

gap yeaRs Think you’re too old for a) a gap year and b) a change of career? Think again. Since the global financial crisis of 2008 shook the economy and the job market up a bit, many professionals are looking at internships to carve out a new job path, be it at home or abroad. Websites like enternships.com and yini.org.uk can help you find placements either volunteering or in paid projects, in everything from social media to legal, from Atlanta to Zurich.

Life-changing holidays

Step away from the day-to-day grind to learn a sport, lose some weight and change the way you see your life

win!

We have a spot on a trip to discover borderland sri lanka in April for one lucky winner

THe Muay THai boxing caMp

Go back to basics, while getting the body you’ve always wanted, with this month-long training academy in Phuket, Thailand. It won’t be easy, but who said becoming a Muay Thai boxer would be? With three training sessions each day, stunning beaches nearby, yoga available and healthy food on the menu, it’s the perfect antidote to hectic city life.

Dhs2,384 for accommodation (shared bungalow with air-con) and training. rawaimuaythai.com

THe ulTiMaTe deTox bReaK THe advenTuRe bReaK in sRi lanKa Five days of river rafting, swimming, mountain biking, running and using the lush Sri Lankan countryside as your personal playground should blow the desert dust away. Run by Element Fitness, you’ll stay at a picturesque riverfront camp in Kithulgala, try local cooking and meet fellow adventurers. These outdoorsy breaks will inspire you to take on a new challenge and leave you full of energy.

Apr 6 to 11, Element Fitness. discoverborderlands.com

THe Running ResoRT in Kenya

While this ‘holiday’ claims it can cater for complete beginners up to elite athletes, this probably isn’t the place to go if you get a bit out of breath on the stairs. Set up by an English couple, at the Rift Valley camp you’ll train with Kenyan runners, visit local schools that have produced world-class athletes, have personal coaching in ‘doing it the Kenyan way’, enjoy practical seminars from guest speakers and pound the tracks at high altitude. Then return to the UAE faster than a speeding bullet.

Mar 20 to Apr 3, Train Kenya, Dhs5,155 includes all meals, activities and transfers from Nairobi. traininkenya.com

THe cowboy booT caMp Ever seen a fat cowboy? They’re as rare as water in the Texan desert, which is why this fat farm an hour from San Antonio has been so successful. Ranch recruits can stay for a month, often losing ten per cent of their body weight, enjoying hiking, water aerobics, pushing hay bales around and, of course, riding.

The camp’s slogan is ‘giddy up off your butt’. Those cowboys certainly do have a good turn of phrase.

Ranch Cortez, Dhs20,200 (includes accommodation, meals, fitness programme and cooking classes). ranchocortez.com

18 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

A week of raw food, colonics, yoga, meditation and more veggie juice than you can shake a celery stick at might be just the thing to kick-start a healthy lifestyle for 2012.

Famous for its resorts, The Spa chain offers up a choice of destinations in Thailand; the flagship property in Chiang Mai offers an organic farm, raw food classes, swimming pools, tennis court, outdoor exercise classes, library and spa.

Dh1,419 for a week, including accommodation, meals and detoxifying cleanse programme. thesparesorts.net

THe RainFoResT TouR in bRunei

There aren’t many places on Earth that boast as much unspoilt beauty as Brunei. Get back to nature with a twoday rainforest tour, long-boating up the rapids through national parks, rafting lessons (either white-water or through a jungle river), hiking and camping.

Then return to the capital, Bandar Seri Begawan, for a night in the Sultan of Brunei’s own Empire Hotel, replete with a full-sized private indoor swimming pool and a royalty-level suite.

Empire Hotel, Dhs4,500. theempirehotel.com

win!

We have an amazing four-day trip for two people to brunei, staying at the empire Hotel and the ulu-ulu Resort, including a city tour, visit to Water Village and Proboscis Monkey Tour

Just imagine having everything you desire

WILL

TIGER PURR AGAIN IN

ABU DHABI? The Abu Dhabi Golf Championship welcomes the strongest field to date to the capital this month. Heading the glut of golfing giants is the most talked about man in the game, Tiger Woods, who makes his debut in Abu Dhabi.

Writing exclusively for What’s On, erstwhile Golf Punk magazine expert Gavin Newsham looks at whether Woods, who is rumoured to be picking up US$3m for his appearance, will have his claws out...

20 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

I

ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIPS

t was all going so well for Tiger Woods’ global superstar status – he had the respect and acclaim of the sporting world and a Swedish swimsuit model for a wife. Tiger was top of the tree and nobody, but nobody, could touch him. Then, in the dead of night on November 27, 2009, Woods drove away from his home in Windermere, Orlando, and promptly crashed his Cadillac Escalade straight into a fire hydrant. What happened next, though, was scarcely believable. As Woods lay in hospital, rumours began to circulate as to what had actually happened that night. Had there been a bustup at home? Where was he going at that time?

And had his wife, Elin, really set about him with a three-wood?

Soon, countless lurid tales surfaced, only interrupted by Woods’ humiliating public apology, broadcast live on news networks across the world. Spooked by the endless bad press, Woods’ sponsors beat a hasty retreat, divorce proceedings were instigated and, not surprisingly, his golf game – the very thing that made him a household name – deserted him.

Fast forward two winless years in the wilderness and the greatest player of his generation is now the world’s 51st best golfer.

With cuts missed, titles surrendered, and caddies sacked, it has proved to be a shocking and sometimes sad descent for Woods, played out in full view of the watching world. But there is some light at the end of this long, dark tunnel. At the Chevron World Challenge at Thousand Oaks, California, in the first

week of December, Woods is just a single stroke behind his compatriot, Zach Johnson, with just two holes to play. Suddenly, from nowhere, Woods rolls back the years and produces two remarkable birdies at his final holes, pipping Johnson to the title and putting an end to a losing streak that stretched back some 749 days and 26 official tournaments to his last victory at the Australian Masters on November 15, 2009.

Woods’ reaction when he holed that winning six-footer showed precisely what it meant to him. A loud, guttural roar, coupled with a huge, sweeping right cross, suggested this was more than just another trophy to

find space for back home. This was a turning point, a moment when all the hurt and humiliation of the past two years evaporated, when Woods finally rediscovered what it felt like to be a winner once more. It was, if you like, when Tiger became Tiger again.

It couldn’t have come at a better time for professional golf and, of course, for Abu Dhabi. Woods will tee up in the Abu Dhabi Championship alongside the game’s very best players, including world number one Luke Donald, Northern Ireland’s young superstar Rory McIlroy, and last year’s runaway winner, Germany’s Martin Kaymer. Having been a mainstay in the Dubai Desert Classic in

SWINGOMETER

We cast our eyes over the main contenders at this year’s event and even turn our hand to predicting where they will finish once the sunset falls on the final round...

TIGER WOODS

From: USA World ranking: 22 Career earnings: PGA Tour US$94.8m Major wins: 14 Famous for: Being possibly the greatest golfer ever. And his off-course behaviour Form: Endured a very difficult two years but it’s hard to overlook someone

with US$94.8m in career prize money. Back to somewhere near his best after a great end to the 2011 season Prediction: Expect him to go close and start the season as he means to go on

RORY MCILROY

From: Northern Ireland

World ranking: Two Career earnings: European Tour US$13.5m Major wins: One Famous for: Being the planet’s hottest young golfer. And dating world number one tennis player, Caroline Wozniacki Form: Won the US Open by eight shots in June followed by a recent win in Hong Kong. He will be looking to bolster his trophy cabinet in 2012

Prediction: In contention, especially if he takes the lead.

MARTIN KAYMER

From: Germany World ranking: Four Career earnings: European Tour €17.4m Major wins: One Famous for: Winning the USPGA in 2010 in fantastic style Form: His record at Abu JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 21

ABU DHABI CHAMPIONSHIPS

recent years, it was, he says, one tournament he has always been keen to play in.

“I’m looking forward to 2012 and what I hope will be a great year of golf for me,” Woods said recently. “I’ve always enjoyed playing in these events around the world, so I have been interested in including Abu Dhabi in my schedule for some time.”

Irrespective of what has happened away from the golf course, or what you think of his behaviour, there can be no denying that Woods is still box office gold. And the fact that he is such a big draw can only be good for the game. Certainly, the reigning Abu Dhabi champion is looking forward to the arrival of the 14-time major winner.

Dhabi is phenomenal. He absolutely destroyed the field last year, winning by eight shots Prediction: Winner

LEE WESTWOOD

From: England World ranking: Three Career earnings: European Tour US$34.1m Major wins: None Famous for: Being one of the best players never to have won a Major Form: A surprisingly poor record in Abu Dhabi: his last two results have been 105th and 64th. Great from tee to

22 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

“He’s too good mentally to not become a top player again. Whether he ever dominates golf again is another question” “It’s good for Tiger he’s playing in Abu Dhabi, and when I saw the news it was exciting,” Martin Kaymer says. “It’s one of the great tournaments we have on the European Tour schedule so it’s brilliant he’s coming back over to this part of the world.

Tiger’s appearance will add that little bit of extra spice.”

For players like Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell, winner of the 2010 US Open and

green, though, so should be there or thereabouts Prediction: If he can get some putts to drop he’s going to be hard to stop

DARREN CLARKE

From: Northern Ireland World ranking: 46 Career earnings: European Tour US$25.5m Major wins: One Famous for: His emotional appearance at the 2006 Ryder Cup and sensationally winning (and celebrating) The Open in July Form: After winning his first

a European Ryder Cup stalwart, it was only a matter of time before Tiger stepped back into the winners’ circle. “Winning breeds winning and it shouldn’t take Tiger long to remember how to do it regularly,” explains the Ulsterman. “He’s too good mentally to not become a top player again. Whether he ever dominates golf again is another question.”

But it’s going to be a big ask for Woods in Abu Dhabi. This year boasts the strongest field ever assembled, with three reigning Major champions – Charl Schwartzel (Masters), Darren Clarke (Open) and Rory McIlroy (US Open) – all competing for a share of the record US$2.7 million prize fund.

And if that doesn’t make Tiger’s task trickier, then the presence of three other players who have all held the world number one spot in recent years – Kaymer, Lee Westwood and reigning number one, Luke Donald – certainly will.

“Abu Dhabi is a great way to begin the year,” says McIlroy. “Every year the field gets stronger and stronger and the championship gets harder to win. I finished second last year, so I’m hoping to go one better this time. I think there will be some truly great leaderboard tussles over the weekend.”

“It’s going to be a real treat for the galleries,” he adds. “There were 40,000 spectators last year and that’s only going to shoot up in 2012 with the field we are looking at.”

McIlroy’s right. The tournament organisers are calling this field ‘The giants of golf ’ and with half the world’s top ten in the lineup – and Tiger Woods – there can’t be any argument with that billing.

major, DC’s form dipped worryingly with a best finish of 35th. Not much form in Abu Dhabi in his three appearances here, either Prediction: Could contend, if he has stopped celebrating his Open victory

first player to top the money lists on both sides of the Atlantic Form: Had an incredibly consistent season. He’s a very short hitter of the ball by modern standards, yet incredibly accurate Prediction: In the mix, but may find the Abu Dhabi course too long

LUKE DONALD

Jan 26 to 29, Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakhl, Abu Dhabi, championship pass Dhs150, day pass Dhs50. Tel: (02) 5588990. abudhabigolf championship.com

From: UK World ranking: One Career earnings: PGA Tour US$25.3m; European Tour US$17m Major wins: None Famous for: Becoming the

Scissor Sisters

I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’ was a huge radio hit here in the UAE. Are you as sick of it as the rest of us?

AM: I was sick of it before it came out, honey. We had to play it about a million times before you guys even heard it.

JS: Yes and no. I thought I was sick of Take Your Mama, but we busted it out in rehearsal the other day and it’s fun to sing again. We need a rest from stuff. It’s like a comfortable shoe. It becomes a part of you after a while. People have suggested doing new arrangements for I Don’t Feel Like Dancin’, but I don’t believe our fans would thank us for rolling out a Nimbianese yodelling version.

Do you mean Namibian?

JS: Ha! Yes! Whatever! They just want to hear the song.

24 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

Scissor Sisters, the oddest group in pop, pay an unexpected visit to the UAE this month.

We spoke to ringleaders Ana Matronic and Jake Shears ahead of the group’s Yas Island gig

SCISSOR SISTERS Those songs were big in the UK before anywhere else. You do love it there, don’t you?

AM: New York and London are our hometowns. I don’t actually have a home in the UK, but I stay with a friend in Shepherd’s Bush whenever I am in London. Of course it’s our spiritual home. It’s the country that made us. Until they took to us in the UK, we were just a bunch of strangely dressed weirdos.

So does America ‘get’ Scissor Sisters now?

AM: The major cities do. The smaller ones, maybe not. But let’s face it, the big cultural battles are lost and won in the big cities. They’ll all be wearing feather boas in Hicksville one day.

The kids that called you names are all fat, sad mums and dads sitting in Arazona voting for Mitt Romney

Why do you like to dress up?

AM: I’ve yet to confront a problem that cannot in some way be alleviated or completely solved by pretending to come from an alternate universe.

Your unique dress sense hasn’t always endeared you to people, though, has it? Jake, you once said: “The greatest pop music is an act of revenge”. Do you still feel like that?

JS: I’ll never stop feeling like I’ve got something to prove.

AM: Oh, come on! The kids that called you names are all fat, sad mums and dads sitting in Arizona voting for Mitt Romney.

JS: True. But you never really get rid of those demons sitting on your shoulder.

You also have some strange hobbies by all accounts. Ana, we heard you are an expert on ancient geometry. Is this true?

AM: Not quite. But I am interested in the golden mean or the divine proportion. It’s a similar concept to Pi. Pi, for example, is 3.141593 ad infinitum. The golden mean is the number that expresses the increase in curvature of the spiral of a nautilus shell, for instance. It’s a ratio present in nature, all over the place. If you multiply the space between the top of your finger and the first knuckle by 1.618 you’ll get the space between the finger tip and the second knuckle. And if you multiply that measurement by 1.618 you’ll get the measurement of your hand. And it goes on throughout the body. That’s why it’s known as the golden mean or the divine proportion. If you see me staring at you in a bar, it’s not because I’m coming on to you.

I’m trying to study the geometry of your face, darling.

And Jake, you studied to be an entertainment journalist. If you were What’s On, what question would you ask right now?

JS: I’m so shallow I would probably just ask myself where I got my fabulous trousers. I think I would have been a terrible journalist.

My thing is fiction. I write short stories.

My latest one is about a woman whose daughter is dying of cancer. She is living in her daughter’s apartment, and it’s about her dealings with an upstairs neighbour with a really vile, disgusting dog. It’s not for public consumption. Ana is the one who’s going to be published first.

AM: I’m writing a horror comic book with geometry and math in it. It’s about a professor in New England who gets involved with witchcraft and alternative dimensions. I’m not drawing it, so I’ll find an artist, but I’m doing the writing. Readers will learn much about geometry while also being terrified, which is what education needs right now.

In many ways you would be the perfect couple. When was the last time anyone assumed you two were an item?

AM: [Laughs hysterically] No one has ever assumed that! They might think brother and sister. That’s the most hilarious question I have ever been asked.

JS: You are not reading the body language, and nor is anyone else who even thinks that for one second. But I still think we might be able to use our relationship to our advantage.

It would be an amazing spectacle if we ever won another award to go up onstage and start making out. That would be like the Madonna/Britney kiss, but even more disgusting.

AM: Oh my God! I think we’d have to go into hiding for the rest of our lives.

You live like a couple on a daily basis, though. Ana, what’s it like being on a tour bus with a group of men?

AM: The worst is the potty talk. I was raised by strict US Southerners and I don’t like too much of that. I used to be the only woman on the bus. Then on the way to Montreux a couple of years ago I had three boys upstairs talking about flatulence. I walked downstairs and the crew guys were talking about flatulence. I said to the tour manager, “I need a woman on this bus.” I got my wish.

JS: When we first started out Ana would be dismayed by the rudeness on the bus.

She’s not kidding. She would tell us to cease and desist. She’s had to put up with a lot over the years.

Jan 12, Flash Forum, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs295, over-18s. Tel: (02) 5098000. thinkflash.ae

DY-NA-MI-TEE-E

Former So Solid Crew singer Ms Dynamite shot to fame in the early 2000s before falling from the public eye. She’s back as a club-rocking force in 2012, however, and supports the Scissor Sisters at Flash Forum. Here are her career ups and downs…

2002 Releases debut album, A Little Deeper, which goes on to win the Mercury Music Prize.

2005

Judgement Days, Ms Dynamite’s follow-up LP, fails to replicate the success of her first record, falling just short of the UK Top 40.

2006

Arrested after punching a police officer during a London nightclub brawl. Also airlifted to hospital after a 100mph crash during filming for celebrity motor racing TV show The Race.

2010 Reinvents herself providing guest vocals on several underground club hits, including Fire by dubstep super-group Magnetic Man, and Katy B’s Lights On. 2012 Supports the Scissor Sisters in Abu Dhabi ahead of the release of her third studio album. msdynamite.co.uk JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 25

FILM

NEW RELEASES

Dream House

The Muppets

Dream House

The Muppets

Rampart

WHO?

Daniel Craig, Rachel Weisz, Naomi Watts, Marton Csokas, Jim Sheridan (director)

Jason Segel, Amy Adams, Chris Cooper, Rashida Jones, Jack Black, James Bobin (director)

Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster, Ice Cube, Anne Heche, Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Oren Moverman (director)

TAGLINE

‘Once upon a time there were two little girls who lived in a house.’

‘They’re closer than you think.’

‘The most corrupt cop you’ve ever seen on screen.’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

Well, there were two little girls who lived in a house, evidently.

More to the point, they were dead. And their father, a psychiatric patient, was busy trying to convince himself that they were alive and well.

A sinister oil magnate forged a shady deal to tear down the disused Muppet Theatre and drill under it for black gold. Upon hearing the news, the original Muppets decided to come out of retirement to foil the plan.

Dave Brown (Harrelson) was one of the central figures in a huge ‘dirty cops’ scandal rocking the 1990s LAPD. As the net closed, he resolved to abuse his authority to attempt a dangerous make-orbreak cash grab.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

Enjoy some minor chills while watching a talented cast gamely attempt – but largely fail – to wrestle a fresh take from a few over-familiar psychological horror tropes.

Rediscover how Jim Henson’s colourfully crazed puppet creations bewitched an entire generation of TV kids – happily, this reboot stays pretty true to Henson’s endearingly wacky vision.

Dip into Harrelson’s dark side.

We’ve seen it before, most notably in Natural Born Killers – here, his twisted lawless lawman is bound to conjure images of that notoriously chilling character study.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

The Shining, which Daniel Craig in the lead role here tries very, very hard not to make you think of immediately. It’s a pretty commendable effort. But you still think of it straight away.

The Muppet Movie (1979), The Great Muppet Caper (1981), The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), Muppet Treasure Island (1996). Yeah, you get the general idea.

Oren Moverman’s 2007 drama The Messenger, set in the world of Iraq veterans, which also brought together the team of Moverman, Harrelson, Foster and Buscemi.

TOP TRIVIA

Christian Bale and Brad Pitt were both considered for the role.

Weisz must’ve been pleased that Craig showed up – they fell in love on set and are now married.

Chemistry-phobics beware.

In a film chock-full of cameo appearances, Alan Arkin is the only one to pop up from the first Muppets movie back in 1979 – although you will spot several visual references to Henson, who sadly died in 1990.

The actual Rampart police department scandal that gripped Los Angeles in the late-1990s became a focus of the investigation into the murder of rapper Notorious BIG.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW

The mid-film twist comes too late for full redemption.

Fine return to form reminds us what we’ve been missing.

Hardly a factual portrayal, but a gripping enough ensemble effort.

RATE OR SLATE?

★★✩✩✩

★★★★✩

PREVIEW

26 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

New Year’s Eve

Rampart

War Horse

Our Idiot Brother

Our Idiot Brother

Don 2: The Chase Continues

New Year’s Eve

War Horse

Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel, Emily Mortimer

Shahrukh Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Om Puri, Kunal Kapoor, Farhan Akhtar (director)

Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Jessica Biel, Ashton Kutcher, Gary Marshall (director)

Jeremy Irvine, Emily Watson, Peter Mullan, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch, Steven Spielberg (director)

‘Everybody has one.’

‘Get ready for the return of the king.’

‘The one night anything is possible.’

‘Separated by war. Tested by battle. Bound by friendship.’

After getting caught up in a police sting, hippy idealist Ned (Rudd) did his jail time and was released to his three sisters – whose lives weren’t exactly enhanced by his well-meaning, but incompetent, ways.

Street-smart and merciless mobster Don (Kahn) had already schemed his way to the top of the Malaysian underworld… and then decided that conquering Europe’s crime syndicates would be his next goal.

A huge ensemble cast of well-known faces were crammed into a series of small holidaythemed stories about individuals coming together and falling apart on Dec 31.

As the first World War loomed, Devon lad Albert Narracott’s beloved horse, Joey, was sold to the cavalry in France. Albert signed up to fight, and soon found himself on an epic international journey too.

Have your socks charmed off by Rudd as the oafish, but infinitely likeable, titular character, gifted a script peppered with witty oneliners despite the somewhat, uh, weedy premise.

Settle back with a bathtub full of popcorn and escape into a world where fists fly, tyres squeal, pistols smoke and the pacy action leaps from Kuala Lumpur to Berlin without pausing for breath.

Feel distinctly queasy about the distant notion of New Year’s Eve 2012, and spend two hours fantasising that this film might somehow lead to it being cancelled outright.

Stock up on several hundred boxes of tissues and weep yourself silly as the plucky horse is shipped around battlefields, inspiring and affecting all who encounter him.

Either numbskull slapstick (Dumb & Dumber, The Waterboy) or slacker indie comedy (Ghost World, The Big Lebowski) – this one pitches itself somewhere in between.

The 2006 Don movie (a remake of the 1978 version, confusingly subtitled The Chase Begins Again), also directed by Akhtar. Or pretty much anything involving street thugs and explosive wire stunts.

Weapons-grade schmaltz delivered through a stodgy yet gossamer-light mash-up of mundane set-ups, witless observations and hammy sentimentalism.

Seabiscuit, Gary Ross’ dramatic 2003 biopic of the underappreciated racing thoroughbred of the same name – less gunfire there, of course, but the same weepy horse-jeopardy was in full effect.

One of Ned’s sisters is played by Elizabeth Banks, who previously starred as a love interest to Rudd in Role Models (2008) and Wet Hot American Summer (2001).

Akhtar’s father, Javed, was largely responsible for writing the screenplay for the 2006 Don film – here, his son has taken over writing duties, with help from fans of the first movie.

Marshall’s previous film, Valentine’s Day, attempted a similar format – and was also critically panned for being dull, overly sentimental and packed full of yanwsome romcom clichés.

Michael Morpurgo wrote the original 1982 children’s novel on which the story is based, although the film version takes several cues from the incredibly successful 2007 stage adaptation by Nick Stafford.

Wafer-thin, but endearingly funny, allegory hits the spot nicely.

Disengage brain and enjoy some serious bang for your buck.

Sickly-sweet toe-curler feels phoned in by everyone involved.

A poignant, stirring drama – prepare to sob yourself, er, hoarse.

★★★✩✩

PREVIEW

★✩✩✩✩

PREVIEW JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 27

Eat Well Feel Well by Daniel Green World renowned healthy eating expert and TV celebrity Chef Daniel Green will grace the kitchens of Dusit Thani Dubai from 5th to 9th February to introduce healthy dishes that will form part of the restaurant’s menu.

Sample great tasting gourmet meals at Delicatessen and The Californian restaurant or book a table for the Gala Dinner in Al Wasl Ballroom on 8th February and embrace a healthy lifestyle.

Rates: AED 395 per person inclusive of a 6-Course Gala Dinner* menu and selected house beverages in Al Wasl Ballroom AED 125 per person inclusive of Themed Nights Buffet and soft beverages at The Californian restaurant Visit Dusit Thani Dubai facebook page to participate in the competition and get a chance to win a Gala Dinner for two or a private homecooking for six with Chef Daniel Green. *Amazing prizes to be won at the Gala Dinner

For enquiries and reservations: Tel: +971 4 317 4515 Email: dine.dtdu@dusit.com Web: dusitthanidubai.dusit.com

WHAT’S ON

EATING OUT Reviews, recipes, columnists and the latest food news

p31 QUEST · p32 18° · p34 THE CHEF · p35 THE CONNOISSEUR JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 29

EATING OUT

FOOD EDITOR'S LETTER Blimey – it’s 2012. And, to slip briefly into cliché, what a year it’s been. We’ve seen the rise and rise of restaurants like Zuma and La Petite Maison, the departure of Gordon Ramsay, and the arrival of The Ivy, Hakkasan and Gaucho. And that’s before we consider the fine restaurants that have opened in the capital, and the exciting plans for Abu Dhabi’s restaurant scene over the next 12 months. Dining in the UAE has never been such a pleasurable experience.

But, if we want to challenge global food behemoths like London, Paris and New York, or even regional culinary leaders like Beirut and Istanbul, we need to keep moving forward with purpose. So, in the grand old tradition of editor’s wish lists, here is mine for 2012.

We need more homegrown restaurant brands like Okku and Table 9 By Nick And Scott. We need to see a move away from the supermarket, and the opening of more farmers’ markets to add to Ripe (ripeme.com) and Baker & Spice (bakerandspiceme.com). More restaurants need to champion local produce, and these markets draw attention to local farms. More notice needs to be paid to the Choose Wisely campaign (choosewisely.ae) to promote the use of sustainable fish. Finally, I would like to see more inventiveness from the city’s kitchens, and more thought put in to creating truly unique restaurant concepts. We can’t rely solely on imported brands and old classics.

To start off 2012, we visit Abu Dhabi restaurants, Quest (p31) and 18 Degrees (p32), cook a classic spaghetti vongole (p33) and explore Italian wine (p35). Plus our Twitter recipe (p33), Gary Rhodes (p34) and food news (p36). Happy New Year, and bon appetit for 2012.

Gareth Rees Features & Food Editor If you have any comment or opinions on Eating Out or the UAE food scene, please e-mail gareth@ motivate.ae

Quest

wave of childish glee as the candy fizzes on your tongue.

We were tempted by the five spice duck for A visit to Etihad Towers' Asian the main course – a fusion restaurant is entertaining, confit breast and soy braised leg – but the but is the food more style poulet de bresse (first than substance? rate French chicken), f location were everything, then Quest, the served with a generous new flagship restaurant at Etihad Towers, side portion of mildly spiced rice, turned out Jumeirah’s first foray into the capital, to be delectably tender – a more classic dish, would easily clean up the competition. both in flavour and presentation, it lacked the Resplendent with stratospheric views across pizzazz of some of the other dishes we ate. the city and Gulf from its 63rd Fortunately, for dessert the floor vantage point, a quietly chef presented us with another classy interior and plenty of dish as entertaining as our NEED TO KNOW bespoke features, it definitely starter. The yuzu crumble was Location: Etihad Towers, has the wow factor. a real spectacle. The East Asian West Corniche, Abu Dhabi The menu has a definite citrus fruit vaguely resembles Tel: (02) 8115555 Singapore swing, thanks to a caramelised lemon. When Web: jumeirah.com the presence of Singaporean pierced and sliced open, Open: lunch Sun to Thurs chef Benjamin Whatt, however, its gooey, warm noon to 3.30pm, dinner previously at the Burj Al Arab contents are easily coaxed into daily 7pm to 11.30pm in Dubai. Chef Whatt’s Asian a crunchy crumble, like an Cuisine type: Asian fusion fusion menu is designed to especially appetising Kinder Must eat: yuzu crumble knock starch from the stuffy Egg for grown ups.

Bill for two: Dhs655 fine dining experience often Jumeirah’s latest is more (without alcohol) offered in such landmarks of of an adventure than a quest. luxury and make eating fun.

From custom-made sugar The cereal prawn, a trio pots for your post-meal tea or of juicy Spanish-sourced IN TWEET FORM coffee, through to an adorable crustaceans, proves a perfect Quest’s adventurous menu wooden device featuring a early indication of his is as fun as it is expertly javelin thrower figure who intentions, interspersing executed, unlike the stuffy dispenses and picks up flecks of popping candy fine dining experience toothpicks at the push of a through its crumbly oat base. you might expect from a thumb, and, of course, chef The use of popping candy restaurant in such a luxury Whatt’s food, fun is definitely is a bit of a gimmick, which landmark. foremost in the restaurant Follow us at anyone who has seen a few team’s mind. Entertaining @WhatsOnDubai and episodes of Come Dine With food – something the UAE @WhatsOnAbuDhabi Me will be familiar with, but doesn’t have enough of – is it’s impossible not to feel a never a bad thing.

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JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 31

EATING OUT

18°

Will 18 prove the lucky number for brand new architectural wonder the Hyatt Capital Gate’s signature restaurant?

What’s On finds out in an exclusive first review

A

s Abu Dhabi continues to grow outward, it’s starting to mushroom upwards too; breathtaking views are suddenly as big a selling point as extravagantly described dishes at the city's restaurants. Much like Quest’s sky-high position in Jumeirah At Etihad Towers (p33), eyefuls of cityscape panoramas are the draw at 18°, named after the angle of the world recordbreaking hotel’s leaning tower.

The culinary approach of this 18th floor restaurant (see what they did there?) is, however, vastly removed from its fellow high-rise newcomer, despite also boasting the presence of a chef with experience in Michelin NEED TO KNOW starred kitchens, the Location: Hyatt Capital Italian Ivan Musoni.

Gate, Abu Dhabi National In fact, Musoni doesn’t Exhibition Centre, Al want to trumpet his Khaleej Al Arabi Street, prior status or aim for Abu Dhabi traditional fine dining.

Tel: (02) 5961234 Rather, he is more Web: abudhabi. interested in creating a capitalgate.hyatt.com social aspect and keeping Open: daily 7pm to diners entertained 11.30pm during a tour around the Cuisine type: Eastern Eastern Mediterranean.

Mediterranean The menu is split into Must eat: yoghurt and five countries – Italy, apricot muhallabiah Greece, Turkey, Syria Bill for two: Dhs650, and Lebanon – with a excluding wine numerically themed 18 starters and 18 mains in total, allowing one IN TWEET FORM to choose dishes from Navigating the Eastern just one territory or Mediterranean, 18°’s several. When ordering welcoming atmosphere a la carte, guests are and unpretentious encouraged to pick approach mark out a smart several dishes during new niche in the capital each course and share Follow us at with companions. @WhatsOnDubai and Couch-style seating is @WhatsOnAbuDhabi available at many of the 32 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

booths, while a daily selection of freshly made additional starters and desserts are displayed on a deli counter.

The pick of the starters is the pine nut and olive falafel with tashina yoghurt (Dhs45) – firm, greenish morsels that have us calling the waiter back for a second helping. The cod fish brandade (Dhs80) is a close second, replete with crispy polenta and an excellent red onion marmalade.

Comparatively, the mains fail to truly shine, although the tangy topping on our chicken (Dhs130), encompassing sumac, tomato, paprika and green harissa, pleasantly lingered on the tongue.

One of the simplest dishes at 18° also turns out to be our final highlight: a dessert glass of yoghurt and apricot muhallabiah (Dhs55), with the imaginative touch of a coarse Turkish cotton candy topping, is refreshingly fruity.

If you’re in search of an occasion restaurant for a special, intimate, one-off meal, this probably isn’t the venue. But for an unpretentious approach to dining out, 18°, even in its infancy, is carving out a nice new niche for itself on the capital's dining scene.

EATING OUT

Cook a classic Spaghetti vongole

BiCE Mare executive chef Francesco Guarracino reveals mama’s secret recipe for the classic clam dish

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INGREDIENTS

TWITTER RECIPE

* 400g clams (palourdes, or carpet shell are ideal) * 160g dried spaghetti * Two tbsp extra virgin olive oil * Two fat cloves of garlic * Half a medium-hot red chilli finely chopped * 50ml dry white wine * Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped

METHOD

Rinse the clams in cold running water and scrub if necessary, then put them into a large bowl and cover with cold water. Salt generously and leave for a couple of hours, then drain and rinse well to remove any grit or sand.

Put the spaghetti into a large pan of salted boiling water and cook for the recommended time, until almost cooked and still al dente. Meanwhile, put the olive oil in a large pan over a slow heat and soften the

garlic and chilli. After two minutes, add the drained clams, and turn up the heat. Pour in the wine, cover and leave for a couple of minutes until most of them have opened. Discard any that are still closed.

Drain the spaghetti, add to the pan, toss well and leave for a minute. Stir through the chopped parsley and some more extra virgin olive oil.

Season to taste.

BiCE Mare, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, noon to 4pm and 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4230982. bicemare.com

Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters

STRAWBERRY CONSOMMÉ 5

Put 500g washed, halved, strawberries in a large bowl. Add 150g sugar & 10g lemon juice. Leave in a warm place for 4hrs.

Strain. Chill.

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Follow Shaun Anthony, chef de cuisine at Sayad @emiratesp

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Sayad, Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, daily 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 33

EATING OUT

The chef

RISOTTO RICE PUDDING WITH COGNAC SULTANAS SERVES FOUR

Our columnist, celebrity chef and restaurateur Gary Rhodes, offers up a decadent dessert to keep you toasty warm this winter

INGREDIENTS

75g golden sultanas, three to four tbsp Cognac, 700ml milk, 300ml double cream, finely grated zest of one small orange, one vanilla pod (split lengthways), 100g Arborio rice, caster sugar, large knob of butter.

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t may be the time of year for New Year’s resolutions, but I believe that, once a month, people should treat themselves.

If you think about it like that, it’s only 12 days in a year that you have really indulged – that’s not outrageous, is it?

For most of the year, tucking into a lovely, warm pudding isn’t ideal, but January is an exception to that. It’s not Europe, but January is still a cooler month here in the UAE. This rice pudding has that pudding depth and flavour but, because we are using risotto rice rather than traditional pudding rice, it doesn’t have that heavy, starchy, chewy texture. I call it risotto rice not risotto, because I’m not using the classic method of making risotto. You just put everything in and it takes about 30 to 35 minutes to make.

It’s a pudding but it’s still light.

The best thing about the cognac sultanas is that there is no sugar added to them. The flavour comes from the natural sweetness in the sultanas themselves, and when you have warmed them together, and let them steep, you are creating a light syrup that has taken on the sweetness of the sultana and the bite from the cognac. I like to spoon the sultanas on top and mix them in as I eat.

But in the UAE a great alternative is to use dates. Chop them up roughly, put them in the orange or cognac, perhaps add a little

METHOD

"The greatest social meeting place in the world is the dinner table, it's what draws family and friends together"

NEXT MONTH: MUSHROOM AND SPINACH PANCAKES 34 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

Put the sultanas and brandy in a small saucepan and bring to a touch of water and simmer. Remove the pan from a drop of golden the heat and put to one side. syrup, and let that Pour the milk and cream into a simmer for about ten saucepan, add the orange zest minutes to soften the and vanilla pod. Bring to the dates up. That creates boil and add the rice and sugar. a kind of toffee Simmer very gently over a low effect. You can call heat, stirring slowly for 30 to it your own toffee 35 minutes until the rice is risotto rice pudding cooked through and creamy.

– I think that sounds Remove the vanilla pod from quite sexy. the rice, stir in the sultanas and If you want nonadd the butter. alcoholic, it is not a problem at all. You can substitute the cognac with orange juice. Put the sultanas in the orange juice and let them simmer gently for ten minutes. Slowly but surely the sultanas will start to open up, absorbing the flavour and at the same time releasing their natural sweetness into the juice, so you start to get a really nice syrup.

Everyone who has a dislike of rice pudding from days of old should give it one more chance and try this recipe.

Chances are they will start thinking ‘why didn’t I like this before? I’ve missed out on years of eating it’. They’ll be scooping away thinking ‘this is divine’.

The greatest social meeting place in the world is the dinner table, it’s what draws family and friends together, and as far as I’m concerned it should be the culinary theatre of the world. You are waiting for those curtains to open and the food to arrive and perform, and that is what we should be doing with this meal. As simple as it is, it can be a grand finale to a great show.

The connoisseur Restaurant manager and sommelier at the What’s On Award-winning BiCE, Piero Giglio, demystifies Italian wine Italian wine has quite an impressive history. The first vineyard was planted by the Greeks in 800BC, and then, of course, came the Romans. So it’s a very old culture.

We have grape varieties that nobody else has, for example Aangiovese. Compare that to grapes like Merlot, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc – nowadays they are grown all over the world.

Italian wine is unique.

Italy is one of the world's biggest exporters of wine, but that hasn't affected the quality. A lot of effort is put into keeping up the standard, with legislation like the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), Denominazione di Origine Controllate e Garantita (DOCG) and Indicazione Geographica Tipica (IGT) guaranteeing quality and protecting legitimate producers from smaller operations that were contaminating the market with lesser wines.

In the colder north of Italy, in Veneto and Piedmont, the red wines, such as Barolo and Barbaresco, are extremely full bodied because they are made with the richer regional food in mind. You have heavy wines in the south as well, because when the weather is hot grapes mature and produce more sugar and more alcohol, but you also have more of a mix.

If you are new to Italian wine, start with Tuscany and have a glass of Chianti. It’s medium bodied and, because it’s a single grape variety rather than a blend, it’s easy to drink. Blended wines,

like the famous Super Tuscany wines (Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Franc), are more complex. To learn more about wine, you must try one grape at a time. Then you can start to understand the culture, the territory, the soil and so on.

Pinot Grigio is a good white wine to start with. You can drink it as an aperitif, or with a salad – it’s a classic. It’s not heavy in alcohol; it’s a dry, fresh wine.

Then you could try Suave from Veneto, which is a very light and simple wine, and also Amarone. It’s a red that’s easy to get to grips with.

The wines from Piedmont are quite complex, so I would leave them until you have a greater understanding of Italian wine.

Most people like to drink the classic wines that I have spoken about, which is a good place to start for a beginner. But Italy has many lesser known wines that are worth discovering.

There are a couple of wines from Puglia that I love and which you should try. There are those made from the Negroamaro grape, which are medium bodied. Then there are those made from Primitivo, one of the first grapes planted in Italy, which are full bodied.

If you wan to learn more, every year Gambero Rosso (gamberorosso.it) produces a book called Italian Wines, which updates you on all the best wine in Italy. Or, naturally, you can come for dinner at BiCE and we’ll teach you.

BiCE, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Resort, Dubai Marina.

Tel: (04) 3991111. hilton.com

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NEXT MONTH: NORTH AMERICAN WINE JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 35

EATING OUT

ON THE MENU

A few delectable morsels of food news to whet your appetite for 2012

BBQ like a pro

If there’s one thing the Argentines enjoy even more than Malbec and Maradona, it’s meat.

Throwing meat on the barbecue – or asado, as they’re known there – is a huge Argentine pastime. So who better to teach you how to master the art of BBQ than Norberto Palacios, the head chef of the What's On Awardwinning restaurant, Asado? Norberto will hold BBQ masterclasses every Friday and Saturday beside the pool at The Palace – The Old Town.

We suggest you grab your tongs and head down there.

Asado, The Palace – The Old Town, Downtown, Dubai, Fri and Sat 11am to 1.30pm, Dhs295.

Tel: (04) 4287971. thepalacedubai.com

RUMOUR MILL

Word on the What’s On wiretap is that one of our favourite bars, the Belgian Beer Café, will be opening its third Dubai branch at the Madinat this year.

NEW MENU

The Terrace

WORLD'S YOUR OYSTER For those who didn’t quite enjoy a sufficient number of swanky parties over Christmas and new year, the Cavalli club has extended its indulgent oysters and caviar menu until January 15. The menu includes the pied-de-cheval oyster, which

is one of the rarest in the world and weighs approximately half a kilo, as well as primal dishes such as steak tartar with caviar.

Until Jan 15, Cavalli Club, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm.

Tel: (04) 3329260. cavalliclubdubai.com

Man from Japan

It’s all change at the Yacht Club in Abu Dhabi this month, as celebrity Chef Koji Kagawa drops by to revamp its menu. As the corporate sushi chef for the international chain SushiSamba, chef Kagawa will, unsurprisingly, add a distinctive Japanese twist to the menu.

Look out for his soft-shell crab dishes, they’re his speciality.

The Yacht Club, InterContinental Hotel, Bainunah Street, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com 36 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

ANYONE FOR BRUNCH? To all intents and purposes a seafood restaurant, BiCE Mare is

looking to bring the Italian tradition of long weekend family meals to Dubai. New executive chef Francesco Guarracino, who has recently handpicked a crack ten-man team from across Italy, tells us that the plan is to serve up enormous bowls of pasta for the table to share – just like you would get at a traditional Italian family meal. You can read what else chef Francesco has to say for himself online at whatsondubai.tumblr.com

We have always been fans of the seafood at Park Hyatt’s The Terrace, so the news that the menu is being changed for winter was a little bit worrying.

But we’re assured that the new dishes will be inspired by Thai Kitchen and the Park Hyatt’s other outlets, so we’re pretty confident they’ll be up to scratch.

The best news? The seafood is staying.

The Terrace, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 2am.

Tel: (04) 3172222.

Dubai.park.hyatt.com

Fish Bazaar

NEW OPENING

Recently relocated from the Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, the name of the Habtoor Grand’s new restaurant is slightly misleading.

While it makes it pretty clear that it is a fish restaurant, what is not obvious is that it is actually a Thai fish restaurant.

Intriguing, eh? With a new seaside location, outdoor seating and the opportunity for customers to pick their own seafood from a large display, Fish Bazaar could be on to a winner.

Fish Bazaar, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort, Dubai Marina, noon to 2.30pm and 6.30pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3995000. habtoorhotels.com

EXPERIENCE OUR NEW

FRIDAY BRUNCH

AIR PIERRE

API CAE GOURMET

NEW OPENING

Api Cae. We beg your pardon? Api Cae – it’s a new Italian on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.

Ah, right, of course it is, silly us.

Why is it that people have to give their restaurants silly names? It’s an Italian. What’s wrong with Mama’s Place or Luigi’s? Anyway, aside from the name, Api Cae sounds like our kind of place. An Italian café, run by a Genoese chef, serving fresh bread, pasta and pizza. If only they’d stuck to what they knew when they thought up the name, eh?

Api Cae Gourmet, Block A, Khalidiya Tower, Khalidiya Area, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Abu Dhabi. apicae.ae

BICE, ABU DHABI

*

AED

This month there is another reason, as if you needed one, to return to one of our favourite Dubai restaurants, as Pierre Gagnaire jets back into the kitchens at Reflets. The master chef, whose self-titled restaurant in Paris boasts three Michelin-stars, was here in December concocting new recipes for the menu and is returning for a week at the end of this month. We caught up with Pierre on his last visit and he revealed to us that he has something special planned for the Valentine's Day menu. Très romantique.

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, InterContinental Hotel, Dubai Festival City.

Tel: (04) 7011111. diningdfc.com

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NEW MENU

It’s always intriguing when an established classic like BiCE changes its menu, and we’re particularly captivated by the promise of Venetian chef Cristiano Goattin’s menu changes for winter. Goattin has been working on 14 new dishes, including salmon tartare and risotto with saffron, thyme and grilled scallops. But it’s the Venetian fish soup, a real classic, which we’re looking forward to trying the most.

BiCE, Hilton Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com

@ WEST SIDE RESTAURANT Fridays 12 noon – 4 pm

When in Venice

Let’s face it – Italians know how to unwind in style after a hard day of work. That’s why DIFC’s Venetianstyle Caffé Florian is respectfully doffing its cap to the Italian lifestyle and offering a special post-work apperitivo menu on weekdays from 6pm to 9pm. The menu includes a classic spritz drink made from soda water and fruit, and a selection of cicchetti snacks including iced olives, homemade crisps and mini bruschetta.

Caffé Florian, DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs45, 6pm to 9pm.

Tel: (04) 3231833. caffeflorian.com

*Subject to 10% service charges and 6% tourism fees

For rates and group offers, please contact: Oryx Hotel Abu Dhabi, Zayed the First Street, Khalidiya Phone: 02 681 0001, reservations@oryxhotel.ae, www.oryxhotel.ae

JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 37

WHAT’S ON

ARTS

MARWAN SAHMRANI

Artists, galleries, news, events and more

p40 GRAND DESIGNS · p41 THE ART INSIDER · p42 FIVE TO SEE · JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 39

ARTS

Grand designs Riding high on the success of his first solo show, Emirati designer Khalid Shafar reveals his latest masterplan leadership, but I am enjoying my design journey and I feel I belong to this part of me more.

How did you get started?

It was always my long-term personal and professional goal to be a designer, but marketing was my first career choice.

Academically, I am a combination of both disciplines.

I decided one day I wanted to design a piece that would carry my name always. I don’t regret my corporate life at all. It taught me discipline, management skills, and 40 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

You currently split your time between the UAE and New Zealand – what does each place bring to your work?

My designs are a fusion of East and West. They are the outcome of a cultural exchange between the UAE and New Zealand.

Each place has its own light, space, cultural history and mood. It interests me to explore the Arabian culture in contemporary pieces and introduce them to New Zealand. It is very open to global design and one day I hope to see my Arabian-influenced pieces in Kiwi

homes. Living between both cultures makes me understand and adapt to both communities views, both culturally and in terms of design.

What are your biggest influences?

My lifestyle, surroundings, the city I grew up in, and my life memories are always a rich source of influences.

Yet a designer is always sensitive to the beauty of things around him and, for me, I find inspiration in many things be it crafts, art, and people.

You employ traditional UAE motifs and materials in your work – why is this important to you?

At my recent collection for 2012, The Palm line,

particularly, featured materials strongly linked to my culture and heritage. I don’t mean for this to become my trademark, but I strongly believe that it’s important for me to expose it in many creative ways. Some of these are dying crafts that I hope, by drawing attention to them in my designs, I will in some way help to keep alive.

My ‘T’ chandelier, for example, is inspired by the simple tools used to make talli embroidery in the UAE. How do you see homegrown design developing in the UAE? Do you hope to be an inspiration?

I’m glad to see events such as Design Days Dubai and Design Studio at Abu Dhabi Art taking a lead on this and I’m confident this will encourage more local talents and designers to express their creativity and expose their work to the world. I hope my work will be a source of inspiration for other designers from the region and globally – my primary career aspiration is to build a strong, reputable Emirati brand with an international presence in the design world. I’m very keen to get involved in more collaboration with international designers. My long-term plan is to open my flagship stores around the world – of course, Dubai will be my first location!

Until Feb 4, Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Dubai, free.

Tel: (04) 4477025. pavilion.ae

ARTS

CHARLES POCOCK

THE ART INSIDER A

nother new year is upon us, and, as with all new years, should bring with it new hopes for the benefit of all – not the individual. As I argued in last month’s column, now really is the time for all those in the art world to move forward together.

I am often asked for my opinion on works by modern masters from the Middle East in relation to the authenticity of a work of art, and it is becoming harder. Many experts, including myself, are becoming reluctant to give opinions, public or private, because of the threat of legal action.

The Andy Warhol Foundation will close its doors in early 2012 because of the cost of lawsuits directly relating to authenticity reports; a similar fate befell the Pollock-Krasner Foundation in 1995. So, when I am asked for an opinion, I provide necessary facts but leave the client to make the decision.

This is what I did when an auction house based in

Dubai presented me with a work

by Ismail Fattah earlier this year.

As experts become more reluctant to offer their opinions, issues of transparency in the market, and the lack of it, will arise – meaning the client could be put at risk. I have discussed this matter with others in the art world and most agree that we need to be more transparent and accessible, for all of our long-term benefit. But we need to work together to ensure this becomes the reality.

I recently visited Doha where Mathaf: Arab Museum

NEWS FLASH

Culture Club

Celebrate the new year in classical style. Charbel Rouhana, celebrated as Lebanon’s finest oud player, joins violinist Mohamad Hamami to play at the Dubai-based Sharq Orchestra’s third annual New Year Concert at Ductac on January 13. Mamami founded Sharq in 2008, bringing together 45 musicians from 22 countries to create a band of musos specialising in playing Arabic classics and, now, its own compositions. Or, if dance is more your thing, then hotfoot it to the Centrepoint Theatre for the Sharmila Dance Gala (January 4 to 5), which brings local dancers together with international stars from the prestigious Stuttgart Ballet Company and the Estonian National Ballet Company to perform a programme combining both classical and contemporary dance. All in all, it’s a great way to kick off your cultural 2012. ductac.org

Of Modern Art in Doha launched Saraab, Cai Guo-Qiang’s retrospective that will run until May 2012, continuing Mathaf ’s commitment to the exhibition of modern and contemporary art from an Arabic perspective.

Long may it continue.

The artist draws his inspiration from the Chinese city of Quanzhou and the Islamic and Arabic references found within it. Quanzhou is recognised as the location of the first Islamic community dating back to 637 AD, and recorded trade from 500BC between Basra and Quanzhou – Quanzhou being China’s premier trading destination in ancient times. The exhibition is quite remarkable in

its concept, content and in its execution.

This should be a year of group action, and I strongly urge you all to jump on a plane and see this show. From the UAE, it can easily be done in one day, so there can be no excuses to miss it. Happy New Year.

Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s Meem Gallery, Charles Pocock knows the UAE art scene like the back of a Picasso. Do you have an art question for Charles?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

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JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 41

ARTS

Five to See...

1) Innerscapes

Turkish photographer Nazif Topcuoglu produces lavish, detailed photographic tableaux that strongly nod to classic art works. For all their technical beauty, however, the artist has much to say about the place of young women in the world today, which he explores in a more reflective, but no less beautiful, way in this new series of work.

Until Mar 5, Green Art Gallery, Unit 28, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3469306. gagallery. wordpress.com

2) Sharjah Biennial 10 – Film & Video Commissions

Featuring seven films and three audio works that were commissioned for Sharjah Biennial 10 around the key words of its conceptual framework – Treason, Affiliation, Corruption, Necessity, Devotion And Disclosure, Translation and Insurrection. Interesting concepts that have been interestingly – and expertly – interpreted.

Until Jan 15, Sharjah Art Foundation, Arts Area (behind Corniche Street), Sharjah, free. Tel: (06) 5685050. sharjahart.org

3) Marie, Marie, 4) Throw Your 5) Trespassing The Devil In Me Symbols On Last chance to catch Dubai-based Iranian Has Taken You For The Wall A show of new works from artist Arezu’s compelling A Ride Intriguing title, intriguing show. Start your engines for Art Dubai in March by going along to this solo show by 2010 Abraaj Capital Art Prize winner, Marwan Sahmarani. Deft brushstrokes and a bold palette are typical of this Lebanese painter’s style, but it’s the urgency and vibrancy of his subjects that really draw viewers in.

Until Feb 16, Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3469906. lawrieshabibi.com

Dubai-based Palestinian artist Jeffar Khaldi that blend a certain punk sensibility with an eagle-eyed overview of international (largely Middle Eastern) current affairs. As ever, Khaldi adds a deeply personal dimension to subjects drawn from politics and the news, making the global local.

Until 12 January. Gallery IVDE, Unit 17, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai, free.

Tel: (04) 3235052. ivde.net

photographic works.

Two distinctly different sets of images – one capturing crows in flight, the other an homage to 19th century Orientalist odalisques – nonetheless plough a similar creative furrow: the search and desire for freedom while retaining anonymity.

Until Jan 10, XVA Gallery, Gate Village 7, DIFC, off Zabeel Road, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3585117. xvagallery.com 5

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42 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

WHAT’S ON

SHOPPING

CHANEL

Designers, shops, trends, hot spots and more

p46 THE TEN MUST-HAVE GADGETS FOR 2012 · p48 SHOP TALK JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 45

WIN! We have a Nespresso Pixie to give to one lucky reader. If you’d like to win your very own compact coffee maker, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with PIXIE in the subject line and tell us…

George Clooney became a star because of which TV programme? a) ER b) QVC c) BBC

SHOPPING

The 10 must-have gadgets for 2012

1

2

3

4

Luddites beware – this is the year of the tech-head.

Put down that abacus, stop making finger puppets from felt and start boosting your cool points with our pick of the latest bits of kit

5

6 8

7

10

9

1) OPTOMA PK120 A pocket projector can turn your apartment wall into a cinema, and your camping trip into the best horror film screening ever (Wolf Creek should give everyone a sleepless night).

Dhs800. amazon.com 2) TRUMSTAND Finally, a docking station your dad understands. Styled as a gramophone, this iPhone stand acts as a charger while the old fashioned, nickelplated horn boosts

the power of your tunes. Play some 1920s jitterbug for extra authenticity.

Dhs8,800. firebox.com 3) NESPRESSO PIXIE The most compact of coffee machines endorsed by Geroge Clooney, the Pixie is a countertop marvel and just the ticket for getting you out of the door with caffeine pumping merrily through your veins. And it comes in pretty colours, too.

Nespresso, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs1,300.

Tel: (04) 8853131. nespresso.com

46 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

4) AIR SWIMMERS Not all technology has to be useful, as our finned friend proves.

This helium-filled, remote control blimp will glide through the air with ease – we use ours for sending drinks orders across the office. Four chocomilks, please.

Dhs240. firebox.com 5) SCALEXTRIC TEAM GB VELODROME Embrace Olympic fever with this cycling set-up, where you can race mini members of Team GB against each

other. Tiny medals not included. Hope that’s not a prediction…

Dhs290. scalextric.com 6) PURE EVOKE RADIO Modern gadgetry meets homespun charm, with this DAB radio with designer Orla Kiely’s touch.

Dhs836. pureaudio.com 7) LUCKY VOICE PARTY BOX Who needs public humiliation in a karaoke bar when you can belt out the hits at home? Included in this package is a mixer,

microphone, cables and one month of unlimited songs from the 8,000 on the Lucky Voice website. Warn the neighbours or invite them over for a singsong.

Dhs275. luckyvoice.com 8) LOMOGRAPHY LA SARDINA Is it a camera or a tin of sardines? Not ideal if you’re hungry, but fantastic if you like taking cool pics, this Lomography 35mm snapper has a 22mm lens for panoramic shots, and an adjustable flash. Tasty.

Dhs550. lomography.com

9) HERCULES DJ 4 SET With two decks, instereo output and jog wheels, you can connect this to your Mac or PC and mix your tunes, then send What’s On details of your new club night.

Dhs1,400. hercules.com 10) APPLE IPHONE 4S Did you really think we could ignore the new iPhone? As if. Siri, the voice-activated personal assistant will change to your life. So be nice to her.

Dhs2,570. apple.com/ae

SHOPPING

WIN! WIN! WIN! Treat yourself to some sharp tailoring

WIN! A MADE TO MEASURE SUIT FROM M2M Listen up, chaps – what’s in your diaries for 2012? Maybe a wedding, a job interview, perhaps a few fancy parties? What you’ll need is a suit – and not just an off-the-peg number, either. If a custom-made whistle and flute (non-Cockneys might need to look that one up) has always been a little out of reach, then this is the prize for you – we have teamed up with top Dubai tailors M2M to offer one lucky winner a made to measure suit worth Dhs1,850. The M2M team will talk you through the process, show you the vast range of fabrics and present you with an outfit that will fit like a dream.

For your chance to win, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with SUIT in the subject line, plus your contact details and the answer to this question…

Which of the following materials would be an unwise choice for a suit? a) Linen b) Wool c) Lycra

1/2 AD

JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 47

SHOPPING

SHOP TALK

The hottest news from the region’s stores with Deputy Editor Helen Spearman

Social shopping While we love trawling the mall followed by a coffee with pals as much as the next credit cardaddicted shopaholic, sometimes our feet hurt and we can’t be bothered to leave the flat. While you can’t buy online at fashlink.com, you can connect with friends through Facebook, put looks together on the site using pieces from the high street and give feedback on other surfers’ styling.

There’s also an app for fashion on the go.

fashlink.com

For the diary…

Super Sundays Head to Lamcy Plaza on Sundays where there are now loads of discounts every week. Spend Dhs300 at Giordana and you’ll get a free wallet, enjoy 25 per cent off at Bhs, Leader Sport and Kids Stop, take advantage of three-for-two deals at Colors Makeup and be treated to free gifts at Springfield and the Face Shop with every purchase.

lamcyplaza.com

Glambox A cool new concept that sends you sample-sized beauty products each month is starting in the UAE. Sign up for three, six or 12 months and you'll be sent goodies from the likes of Lancome, Kiehl's and Elizabeth Arden.

NEW FOR 2012

Our pick of the latest stores to open their doors

I Love Fashion

Your 2D viewing pleasure is set to become a 3D shopping experience, with the opening of Fashion TV’s first store in the region. The collection features suitably glam pieces, with the shop packed with smart technology, including a LED catwalk, 40 mannequins on a suspended conveyer belt, TVs screening the latest fashion footage from the catwalk and staff using iPads to access the stockroom. Clever stuff.

The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3253258. ftv.com

ValleyDez

At the new Sunset Mall on Beach Road, ValleyDez stocks the likes of Betsey Johnson, Sass & Bide and Nicole Ritchie’s label House of Harlow, attracting Dubai’s edgy fash-pack. The new store is full of pieces to transform your look, with both international and regional designers represented.

Sunset Mall, Beach Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3242883. valleydez.com

Hamac

The place to head if you’re planning a beach trip, Hamac sells classic and customised Havaianas, swimwear from Vilebrequin and Cia Maritima, Ecua Andino panama hats and all manner of sand-friendly accessories.

Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2329661. hamacdubai.com

NEW YEAR, NEW PANTS

Start 2012 with some new undercrackers. Taking inspiration from DC Comic superheroes (and villains), Diesel’s new collection lets you choose from Batman boxers, Joker jockeys and more. Aquaman and Mr Freeze are strangely absent from the line-up.

Diesel, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Dhs190. Tel: (04) 3411395. diesel.com

glambox.me

48 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

The online vintage designer shop

NEWS FLASH

Flavours has launched, and our wallets are quivering in fear. The latest UAE-based online store, it sells preowned and vintage designer goodies – that are 100 per cent authenticated by experts – so you can track down discontinued lines and hunt for bargains.

flavoursonline.com

Festival fever

Dubai Shopping Festival is here again, with late-night store openings, huge prizes to be won, crazy sales and all sorts of entertainment happening across the city. We’ll be there, with pointy elbows at the ready.

Jan 5 to Feb 5. dubaishoppingfestival.com

12 lucky winners in the spotlight

Shop for AED 200 and be one of the 12 lucky winners to win thousands worth of shopping vouchers this DSF. *Terms and conditions apply

200 shops and services including:

Paris Gallery

Jashanmal

Plug Ins

2XL

Red Tag

Spinneys

Sun & Sand Sports

Babyshop

Splash

BHS

Max

Grand Cinecity

For more information please call 04-2055309 / 285 or visit www.alghuraircentre.com

VOTE TODAY FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS, BARS, NIGHTCLUBS, SPORTING EVENTS, CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS

The UAE’s best-selling entertainment magazine brings you the Emirates’ longest-running and most prestigious restaurant and entertainment awards.

This year’s awards ceremony takes place at Emirates Palace on Monday 23 January.

To purchase your all-inclusive ticket, visit

WHAT’S ON

MIND & BODY The inside scoop on health and well-being in the UAE

p52 HOW TO SPOT A PSYCHOPATH · p54 NEWS JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 51

How to

spot a

psychopath

Have you ever met a psychopath?

How would you know for sure?

52 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

P

sychopaths (or sociopaths, as some experts prefer to call them) are, apparently, everywhere. Not just the subject of horror films – liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti, anyone? – research shows that they head global companies and are in positions of serious power. Gulp.

Jon Ronson, investigative journalist and author of The Men Who Stare At Goats, wanted to learn more, meet some psychopaths and to start drawing his own conclusions. What started as a meandering into mental illness turned into a journey through the corridors of power, equipped with a list of key characteristics displayed by sociopaths…

MIND & BODY You attended a three-day course by psychologist Dr Robert Hare on how to identify psychopaths. He’s the man who created the 20-point checklist and claims one in 100 people is a psychopath. Would you agree with the statistic?

I guess so. It still instinctively feels a lot to me. When you meet a psychopath, which I have a number of times, they stick out like a sore thumb. I was at a legal conference in Paris this year and there were an awful lot of people there who displayed a lot of psychopathic traits, and I get the feeling that there a lot of people in the legal profession, especially barristers, who are psychopaths.

But when you meet a really full blown one, who displays loads and loads characteristics from the checklist, you know they’re different from other people and that’s where I feel a but unsure about the one in a 100 figure.

So they don’t walk around wielding knives? What should we look for?

There are lots of verbal and nonverbal clues, but they are invisible to most of us. Many psychopaths are very high functioning professionals working in business and politics.

Dressing very smartly, like Tony, an inmate I met in Broadmoor Prison in the UK, shows signs of superficial charm, the first point on the checklist. Being cunning, manipulative or prone to compulsive lying are all red flags, as is having a lack of human empathy. All of these personality traits can serve you very well if you want to be in power. This is the madness that makes the world go round. And psychopathic men outnumber psychopathic women, it seems.

Once we know what to look for, will we see sociopaths everywhere?

Yes. It’s terribly dangerous to start shoving the label onto people. There’s one person, who I’m actually very fond of, who I became convinced was a psychopath and I never told her. Now I realise she wasn’t, and know I was completely drunk with power. I do have a rule where I only start psychopath spotting when I’m actually in a room with somebody, rather than watching them on TV. Hare believes that cities, like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, are hotbeds for psychopaths.

There’s a need for stimulation. You’re not going to find any farmer who's a psychopath.

They want big houses and money, and they are attracted by certain industries like asset stripping and finance where it’s about a short-term quick kill. I met an asset stripper called Al Dunlap who sat below a giant oil painting of himself – which demonstrated a

JON RONSON

but it shouldn’t be at all, they have employees who get bonuses if they can find ways in the small print to deny claims and transplants.

It’s life and death. grandiose sense of self worth, another point on the checklist – and said “Life should be a roller-coaster not a merry go round”.

It seems there are a lot of successful people in power who have worrying traits.

You could argue that Rupert Murdoch is a psychopath. I don’t know if he is or not. What I do know is Harold Evans, who worked with him, said he has cold, dead eyes. But if he is a psychopath, it obviously doesn’t mean that everyone who worked at News International with him was too. A powerful, charismatic person can manipulate an entire structure.

"Beingcunning, cunning, Being manipulative or manipulative orprone to compulsive lying prone to are all red flags, as compulsive lying are is having a lack of all red flags, as is havhuman empathy" You have said that [the writer and critic] AA Gill may display some key characteristics.

I’m just glad to find a way to annoy AA! Can having psychopaths in power ever be useful for society?

There’s a book coming out this year called The Wisdom Of Psychopaths, which is supposed to address that very question. I’m not 100 per cent convinced that you can learn from them.

I think psychopathy tends to be malevolent and self-serving. In the health insurance industry, and I know this sounds surprising

What if you read the checklist and are worried you’re a psychopath?

If you have a conscience about these things, and you start searching your conscience, it means you’re OK. I’ve been surprised by how many people have told me they’ve read the book and are now concerned they might be a psychopath. I never thought that for a second because I am so NOT a psychopath. I can’t imagine there are loads of people secretly worried they might be.

The Psychopath Test, now available in paperback. jonronson.com

How to spot a psychopath 01 Glibness/superficial charm 02 Grandiose sense of self-worth 03 Need for stimulation and proneness to boredom 04 Pathological lying 05 Cunning/manipulative 06 Lack of remorse or guilt 07 Shallow affect 08 Callous. Lack of empathy 09 Parasitic lifestyle 10 Poor behavioural controls 11 Promiscuous sexual behaviour 12 Early behaviour problems 13 Lack of realistic, long-term plans 14 Impulsivity 15 Irresponsibility 16 Failure to accept responsibility for own actions 17 Many short-term relationships 18 Juvenile delinquency 19 Revocation of conditional release 20 Criminal versatility JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 53

MIND & BODY

BODY AND SOUL

News, reviews, deals and discounts from the world of well-being

Yoga in the desert Traditional Thai Massage As if the silent dunes weren’t peaceful at Grand Bliss Relaxology enough, Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is now offering early morning yoga.

Overseen by one of yoga guru Bharat Thakur’s most senior trainers, the sessions will take place by the pool at 7.30am, combining stretching, sun salutations, breathing techniques and meditation to appeal to all fitness levels.

Al Maha Desert & Spa, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, Dhs200.

Tel: (04) 8329900. al-maha.com

TREATMENT OF THE MONTH

We love a relaxing aromatherapy rub-down as much as the next sensitive soul, but sometimes the effects of a softly-softly massage last as long as box of cupcakes in the What’s On office (that’s approximately 15 seconds).

To truly get the knots out you need to don some cotton pyjamas and let a 60-year-old Thai woman twist you like a pretzel, crack your back and send you out the door with a slightly dazed expression on your face. Grand Bliss Relaxology’s massages are very easy on the wallet and work a treat.

Granted, it’s not as five-star as many UAE spas, but if you want results on a budget, this is the place to go.

Al Wasl Road, Dubai, 9am to midnight, Dhs190 for an hour. Tel: (04) 3493490

Free haircuts

Is looking after the dirhams top of your resolution list? Formul’A Hairdressing Academy is making your budget a little easier to stick to, by inviting you to have a free hair cut, colour or blow-dry by one of their trainees. Colour treatments start from Dhs50, but trims, restyles, cuts and blow-dries won’t cost you a fil.

Formul’A Hairdressing Academy, Block 11, Knowledge Village, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4380122. formula-academy.net

1/4 AD

54 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

SPA DEALS

JANUARY’S BEST TREATMENTS AT THE BEST PRICES

Tips & Toes LPG’s Cellu M6 machine is designed to help you shape up without breaking a sweat. Using roller motions, stubborn fat deposits and cellulite are targeted, helping to tone skin too.

Throughout January there’s a 25 per cent off all LPG courses.

Branches throughout the UAE. Tel: (04) 3990550. tipsntoeshaven.com

Amara Spa Amara Spa's Warm Up Special package includes a 60-minute volcanic hot stone massage, 30-minute Indian head massage, use of the gorgeous pool and wet spa facilities, plus dishes and drinks from the healthy menu. Usually Dhs790, the package costs Dhs670 until the end of the month.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 6021660.dubai. park.hyatt.com

ESPA FOR THE DIARY:

The Weight Loss Show We’re sure it’s no accident that the UAE’s annual weight-loss show takes place in January – most of you are no doubt embarking upon a new diet, fitness regime or frantically Googling “lose 20kg on the pie diet”. Sadly pies won’t help you lose the pounds, but this educational event should give you some fresh ideas for shaping up with seminars, workshops, exercise classes, cookery demonstrations and competitions.

Jan 27 and 28, Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 10am to 8pm, free. Tel: (04) 3678192. weightlossshow.ae

Treat your bloated bod to the Yas Detox treatment this month, and you’ll get a free ESPA Skin Booster Facial. The treatment includes skin brushing and exfoliation, a detoxifying body wrap, aromatherapy massage and scalp massage, plus use of the rooftop pool, relaxation suites and heat experiences, all for Dhs725.

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6560862. viceroyhotelsand resorts.com

BEYOND EXPECTATION Finally drawing a line in the sand between business and leisure.

With the help of a butler who specializes in poolside rituals, one of the many reasons why.

saadiyat island, abu dhabi stregis.com/saadiyatisland +97 1 2 498 8888

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Š2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, St. Regis and their respective logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

WHAT’S ON

SPORT & OUTDOOR News, opinion, sport and adventure

p59 DIVING WITH SHARKS · p60 HOW TO OFF-ROAD · p61 ROUND-UP JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 57

WIN! WIN! WIN! A money-can’t-buy golf experience with the stars

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail

winwithwhatson@motivate.ae

WIN! A CHANCE TO COMPETE IN THE ABU DHABI PRO-AM WITH MATTEO MANASSERO We have teamed up with the ADTA and Golf In Abu Dhabi to offer What’s On readers an experience that money can’t buy. The winner of this sensational prize will: • Play the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship Pro-Am with teenage golf sensation, Matteo Manassero, already a two-time European Tour winner at just 18 years of age.

• Bring a partner to mingle with the biggest stars in golf at the Championship Pro-Am cocktail reception and prize-giving • Receive one night’s accommodation for two at the stunning Emirates Palace hotel on January 25.

58 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

• Receive two VIP hospitality passes to the ADTA chalet for round one of the Championship, on January 26. For your chance to win, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘GOLF’ in the subject line, plus your contact details and the correct answer to this question: In golf, what’s an eagle? a) One under par b) Two under par c) Three under par Terms and conditions: To enter, you must have a golf handicap of 24 or below

with ‘GOLF‘ in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

SPORT & OUTDOOR

What’s On learns…

How to off-road In a desert land full of 4x4s, why are so many of us staying on the tarmac? Deputy Editor Helen Spearman treated her much-neglected car to a day in the dunes – with some expert help, of course

Y

ou want to keep your thumbs outside of the steering wheel,” Adam Cook instructs, looking imposing in his khaki trousers and Oakley shades.

“In case they snap off when I’m going fast?” I ask nervously. He nods firmly. Gotcha. Thumbs out.

I’m rather fond of mine (they’re opposable and everything).

Adam has been teaching wannabe explorers and experienced drivers how to conquer the dunes for over 30 years, and as a rally racer, car enthusiast and offroading expert, I’m in safe hands.

My Pajero, however, is in my hands, the poor thing.

Confession time – I’m not a great driver. So when it came to buying a car once I arrived in the UAE, it was agreed by all (me, my parents, the insurance company…) that the more metal that was around me the better. And where else in the world could I afford to fill up a 3.8 litre engine? So a Pajero it was – the smaller, three-door option, because

our small convoy heads down the Al Awir Road to Big Red, a giant dune popular with tour companies and quad bikers (so it’s sadly littered with rubbish), surrounded by tracks perfect for a beginner. If you don’t have your own 4x4, you can learn in one of Nomad’s many FJs. Tyres deflated to increase surface area on the sands, I’m talked through my car, covering its capabilities, and given some basic instructions. Drive straight up and down the dunes, keep momentum, avoid sudden braking (you’ll sink), and keep a safe distance behind the vehicle in front. And we’re off, bouncing over the sand, following the tracks and cheekily veering off onto untouched sand, with Adam coaching me while staying in touch with the other driver via walkieI’m not great at parking either. And talkie. We’re adventurers, I’m Lauren Of Arabia; I’m not scared and loving we have been very happy together. every moment of it. Who knew my But there has been a niggle of car could do this with a flick of a late – the four-wheel gear stick switch? has remained untouched, people “You’re going a bit fast,” Adam have been asking if I ever take my warns, as I fly over a dune in car into the desert, and I’ve had a nagging feeling that the boot should gung-ho style. When he explains the dangers of too much speed, it’s be filled with camping equipment, clear why the last thing you want ropes and shovels, instead of is a lack of control if you come beach towels, shoes and CDs that over the ridge to find a car, camel I’ll never put in the changer. The

“I’ve had a feeling that the boot should be filled with camping equipment and ropes instead of towels, shoes and CDs” truth of the matter is I’ve been a bit scared to take the leap from Sheikh Zayed Road to the desert.

Adam’s company, Nomad, is used to such self-doubt. After meeting him, his fellow instructor and their FJ Cruiser near Dragon Mart,

or campsite on the other side. By some small miracle (OK, Adam’s coaching) we don’t get stuck, but in case it happens in the future, he explains the best ways to get your car out. After a matter of hours my experience has gone from zero to

driving hero (self-confessed), my confidence boosted no end, and I’ve learnt a lot about my car, too. The beauty of the desert, the boundless opportunities for exploring the UAE and the number of my friends who also have a 4x4 that has never seen the sands mean that weekends could include some serious off-road action. I’d better buy a shovel.

Nomad Off-Road Academy, one-day course Dhs750, five-day course (days don’t have to be consecutive) Dhs2,500. Tel: (04) 4502429. nomad4x4.com

OFFROAD RULES 1 Travel in groups of two vehicles or more – never go into the desert alone 2 Always bring back what you take. Keep the desert clean 3 Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back. Provide GPS points if possible 4 Take a basic supply of tools and gear 5 Know your 4x4, make sure it’s serviced, has the right tyres and a full tank

WHAT YOU’LL NEED 1 First aid kit 2 Water and food (take more water than you think you’ll need) 3 Full size spare tyre and repair kit, plus jack and tyre iron 4 Tow straps and shackles 5 Air compressor, air hose, pressure gauge and deflators 6 Basic tool kit, plus shovel and spare key 7 Sand tracks JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 59

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Shark diving Not one to scare easily, our man Matt pulls on his flippers and squares up to a tank full of sharks

big shark

danger Matt

T

rawl through any of the countless online bucket lists or classic ‘things to do before you die’ magazine features, and one activity is always near the top spot – diving with sharks.

It’s all well and good dreaming away your time at work [eh? – Ed], but most of us are put off by the logistical chaos that comes with jetting off to the Great Barrier Reef, learning to dive and then mustering up the guts to actually jump into the water with Jaws and his buddies.

That lad’s huge! If only there was an easier way…

Hang on a mo – didn’t Dubai go through an ‘aquarium phase’ not so long ago? There must be more sharks here in the UAE than you could shake a snorkel at. So, one quick phone call to The Atlantis Hotel’s Lost Chambers later, and I was set – keep your Barrier Reef, I was on 60 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

my way to become willing (ish), and live (for now), shark bait right here in the Emirates.

DIVING LICENCE With a nervous smile on my face and a slight tremble in my knees, I’m led to the 11.5 millionlitre tank, where my gear was waiting for me. Seconds later, an enormous stingray swim inches away from the edge where my mask and flippers are perched – instantly my smile turns into a full on quivering upper lip, and the tremble in the knees becomes a churning sense of dread in the pit of my stomach.

It’s important to note that to be eligible to dive with the big fish you have to be a qualified diver.

Luckily, I am, but if you are not then worry not, you can do a basic PADI Open Water course at the Atlantis Dive Centre (from Dhs1,550), as well as a number of other places in the UAE.

was, a feeling seemingly shared by the fish themselves.

Immediately the fear is replaced by wonder, as you can’t stop yourself turning every which way trying to take all of it in.

We follow the current clockwise and swim with everything from friendly electric blue fish to beasts the size of shopping trolleys, even stopping to wave at the people on the other side of the glass watching us in awe.

I turn to look at my diving buddy, who is looking directly at me with his hand on his head, simulating a fin. I think back to my diving lessons all those years ago, and the penny drops – that is the symbol for ‘shark’.

This is it – the pay off.

I slowly turn around and there it is, swimming no more than a metre from my face, a six-foot Grey Reef shark. I like to imagine that it thought twice about messing with me and swam away – the truth is, it probably didn’t even notice I was there. I could have taken him. Turns out sharks aren’t scary at all.

“Swimming no more than a metre from my face is a six-foot Reef shark” THE DESCENT Suited up, I sign a form that essentially gives the sharks free reign to use me as an underwater volleyball, before I offer myself up as an all-you-can-eat buffet.

We’re lowered into the water, run through the necessary safety hand signals, and do a final check that the equipment is working – I wouldn’t have even noticed the school of fish the size of my head swimming past me if I hadn’t clocked the wide-eyed looks from tourists looking on. And down we go…

UNDERWATER Sinking into a tank shared by 65,000 marine animals may sound intimidating, but I was generally shocked at how at ease I

VERDICT Well, that’s my bucket list started, and straight in at the top. And having dived with over 65,000 different species and come faceto-face with a shark, I now see why it’s on there – it’s easily one of the most eye-opening days out I’ve ever had. What’s next?

Ultimate Dive Experience, The Lost Chambers, Atlantis Hotel, The Palm, Dubai, 5.45pm to 10pm, Dhs2,500. Tel: (04) 4261030. atlantisthepalm.com

THE ROUND-UP

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Sporting highlights to get 2012 off to a speedy start

Celebrity visitor

IRON MIKE

He may have made a fool of himself in The Hangover 2 (please don’t tell him we said that), but former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson is still a force to be reckoned with. Iron Mike jets into the UAE this month as the guest of honour at the World Arab Boxing Championships.

Once known as ‘the baddest man on the planet’, the retired Tyson will be ringside to watch the seven-fight competition held at Dubai Festival City. We will be sat as far away as possible.

New marathon course

Ready. Set. Go! It is all change at the Dubai Marathon this year, with a new route designed to make the annual race more interesting for runners. The starting point for the full course has been moved from the old Hard Rock Café to The Pavilion in Downtown Dubai, and will see the competitors run past local landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, The World Trade Centre and the huge UAE flag at Union House, before finishing up back at the Burj.

If the full route is too far, you can register for 10km and 3km.

Jan 27, Dubai Marathon, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 7am, marathon Dhs440, 10km Dhs220, 3km Dhs55. Tel: (04) 4335669. dubaimarathon.org

Jan 21 and 22, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Dhs300 to Dhs700, 7.30pm. Tel: (04) 213 6213. dubaifestivalcity.com

1/3 AD

Milan versus PSG If the names Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Robinho and Alessandro Nesta mean anything to you, then you’re in luck because all three will soon be winging their way to the UAE. The three, of course, play for football giants AC Milan, who will be returning to the UAE for their annual winter training camp, and a friendly against the French side Paris Saint-Germain. Defending Serie A champions Milan are paying their third visit to the UAE, which will see them hold open training sessions at the Sheikh Rashid Stadium.

Jan 4, Sheikh Rashid Stadium, Al Nahda Street, Dubai, from Dhs100, 7.30pm.

Tel: (04) 3414353.

JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 61

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MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE The gigs, the nights and all the latest news and reviews

p65 ARTIST OF THE MONTH · p67 PETE TONG · p68 CLUB DIARY JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 63

Music

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

ARTIST OF THE MONTH

Wriggly

SCOTT

He’s the man who played tunes to a forgotten crowd, so with a new club night and an upcoming EP, What’s On caught up with the many monikered music maker to talk past, present and future

Y

ou may know him as DJ Solo (an alias he is about to retire), or as one of the forces behind the sadly departed Dubai hip hop/ funk night Freshly Laced and its successor, Dust. But Hollywood film director-referencing sonic scamp Wriggly Scott – aka English expat Neil Andrew – is determined to reinvent himself beyond constrictive monikers.

“I’ve never been a fan of the whole ‘DJ’ thing when it comes to names,” he explains. “When I moved to Dubai I had an alias, Hash Solo, that I had been using since I was 16 or 17, and it became shortened to DJ Solo.

It kind of stuck. When I coined that alias I was an artist, musician and DJ, not just a DJ. As DJ Solo I have become know as the guy who plays a certain brand of music and as I’ve met new people, and had new experiences, my tastes have evolved.”

Releasing a new track each

month in the lead up to his next EP, Names, due in March, Scott has been carving out a menacing furrow for his production in tunes like Hierarchy/Anarchy. The Emirates rays clearly don’t always brighten his studio.

“There are two sides to my music: one extremely sunny, and one quite dark. I’m not always

sure where I sit. It really depends on the day. Surroundings and situations have a massive impact on that. Anything creative, ultimately, is driven by emotions.”

Once that record sees the light of day, so to speak, Scott won’t be hanging around: he has more irons in the fire than a hyperactive blacksmith.

“I’m running Dust, at Trilogy, alongside Megadon Betamax and Mr Yeti. I’m planning to look into shows abroad. And after the EP, I’m planning to take a break from releasing music to experiment more in the studio and work on an individual live show.”

Look out, 2012. wrigglyscott.com JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 65

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Nightlife

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

IT’S ALL GONE PETE TONG...

The irony of veteran dance music tastemaker Pete Tong’s ongoing career arc is it couldn’t be further from the infamous rhyming slang his surname has inspired.

Surprisingly fresh-faced for 51, the British DJ, producer and all-round clubbing impresario continues to tour the globe, helm his revered BBC Radio 1 show in the UK and cross paths with the biggest names in the game.

He talked to What’s On ahead of his welcome return to the Emirates at Armani/Privé...

The UAE wasn’t even on the clubbing map when you began DJing. Did you envisage you might play places like the UAE when you started?

Certainly not. Our horizons back then stretched about 100 miles around London.

Now it’s more like 10,000.

What has been your best experience in the Emirates to date?

I like club situations rather than one-off events, so Trilogy has been my favourite in the past. However, the one on the beach [Barasti] was cool, too.

This date is at the Armani Hotel. Are you a brand disciple while shopping?

I love great design, which often comes from a great label, but I would never buy something just because of the name. Unless it was Apple!

So you won’t be dashing to the malls when you’re in town?

Sadly I’m in and out for a few hours, as I have to get back for my radio show [in the UK]. It’s

crazy, as I always get the most amazing hotel suites that you would happily stay in for days.

Or weeks.

Is your enthusiasm for discovering new music as strong as ever?

I’m obsessed with new music, which can make some gigs trickier than others. It’s always difficult to get the right balance and right vibe, but I keep trying.

In the mainstream press there seems to be a notion that clubbing has never quite been the force it was since the ‘superclub’ days. What’s your take on that?

Things go in different phases. People are certainly more attracted to special events and one-off or short-term situations at the moment, like the Warehouse Project in

Manchester. But proper music clubs are still very important. Without that we would be stuck musically. A great regular club is the only place risks are being taken.

You’ve held positions across the music industry: DJ, producer, radio presenter, journalist, A&R. Is there anything left to achieve?

I would still love to do more score production work in film. And ride my bike on the Tour De France route.

Do you have any New Year’s resolutions?

Learn piano, and Portuguese or Spanish.

Jan 12, Armani/Privé, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs150, ladies free. Tel: (04) 8883308. petetong.com JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 67

Club diary

This month’s clubbing highlights

WEEKLY ORIENTAL VIBES  CHIZEN Eclectic mix of world beats (also every Friday).

Marina Restaurant Pavilion, Level One, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 8pm to midnight, free. Tel: (04) 2329077

1

JANUARY NEW YEAR’S DAY PARTY  NASIMI BEACH Get 2012 off to a flyer with an allday beach blowout.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 3pm to late, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 6pm, ladies free. Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com

3

JANUARY WEEKLY BEIRUT NIGHT LIFE  CINNABAR DJ Sam on the decks, plus live performances from Lebanese singer Rosario.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 2.30pm, free.

Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com WEEKLY MADEMOISELLE  RARE THE PLACE Schooly D, David Craig, Marky B and more play the finest in funk, soul and disco.

Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 9pm to late, free. Tel: (055) 3675501. rotana.com/mediarotana WEEKLY URBAN MA$HUP  ZINC Old and new school urban flavours from DJ Andy Swift and Rone Jaxx.

Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com

5

3

JANUARY WEEKLY

DJ CHICO  CIRQUE DU SOIR

After wowing London as a hip celeb hangout attracting the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Rihanna, Cirque Du Soir has landed in Dubai, touching down every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. One What’s On contributor told us it’s “the best party” he’d ever attended so we tracked down resident spinner DJ Chico to find out more...

How does Cirque Du Soir Dubai compare to the London version?

Cirque Du Soir Dubai actually uses regular performers from the London cast, and I myself am a resident in London. So you can expect spectacular circus acts – stilt walkers, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, drummers, sword swallowers, magicians, fire-eaters and more. A trip down the rabbit hole, Alice In Wonderland style. On the music front, disco-house and electro, with lots of surprises thrown in.

Could the Dubai version prove even more glamorous than its London counterpart?

The London night has a more edgy feel in design and sound, a bit more underground. Dubai as a city is a lot more glamorous and glitzy, and the design of the venue matches this.

Did you meet a lot of celebs at Cirque Du Soir London?

There are many stories I could tell you, but we pride ourselves on discretion and allowing our celebrity friends to enjoy themselves without being exposed.

How long have you been in Dubai?

Seven weeks and counting. Although I love London and it will always be my home, I’m staying here a while to fly the Cirque flag. I’m just starting to see all that the city has to offer, but I’m already a big fan.

Earlier in your career you DJ’ed at indoor snow slopes. Have you checked out Ski Dubai yet?

I’ve visited, but haven’t actually ridden it yet, though I intend to very soon. I can ski and snowboard but I like to do so leisurely to enjoy the scenery. I wouldn’t want to break a wrist.

Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30pm to 3am, free.

Tel: (04) 3324900. cirquedusoirdubai.com Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel.com

WEEKLY INTERNATIONAL DJ NIGHT  PICK RELAX12 JANUARY Resident Chadphunk drops deep, WEEKLY soulful and funky house.

APERITIVO  MEDIA ONE Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Kickback poolside with laidback Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. and down-tempo post-office sounds Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com from rotating residents (Kristian Valdini Jan 5, Julian Jinx Jan 12, WEEKLY Andy Buchan Jan 19, TBC Jan 26).

AUDIOTONIC  SEA LOUNGE Media One Hotel, Media City, The residents kick off the WHAT’S ON

68 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

weekend with house delights beside the Arabian waters.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275. audiotonic.net

WEEKLY CABARET  RARE THE PLACE DJ Sam Farsio and DJ Sara Simonit and a cast of dancers, singers and artists bring vintage flair.

Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 9pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4350248. rotana.com/ mediarotana WEEKLY ULTRA FRIDAYS  88 ULTRA LOUNGE Deep and soulful beats from resident spinner DJ Phil.

Traders Hotel, Deira City Centre, Dubai, 6pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2657288. shangri-la.com

6

JANUARY

WHAT’S ON PICK

WEEKLY AL MAYA ISLAND BEACH PARTY  AL MAYA ISLAND & RESORT Jump on a boat to the island paradise for a day of sun, sea, sand and top-notch house music.

Al Maya Island & Resort, Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, midday to late, Dhs100, free for ladies until 2pm.

Tel: (02) 6677777 RESIDENTS  AUDIOTONIC Mr Mr and the AudioTonic crew bring the forward-thinking house to Friday nights (also Jan 20).

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. audiotonic.net

WEEKLY VOODOO  RARE THE PLACE Frederick Stone leads you through WHAT’S ON a night of anti-commercial music PICK SLAMMIN BOYS  at this Baroque-inspired bar.

MUSTHAVESOUL Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, Four-legged British house lads, 9pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 4350248. aka Jamie Scahill and Mark Hogg, rotana.com/mediarotana hit Dubai.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, WEEKLY Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) RESIDENTS  RELAX12 1076405. musthavesoul.com House beats and more from the

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE ever-reliable DJ Stew Magoo.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com WEEKLY URBAN EDUCATION  PEARLS BAR Hip hop, R&B, dancehall and funk from Rone Jaxx, DJ Soulninja and Keith Dobbs.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. decadent.ae

Marco Polo Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, 7pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2720000. marcopolohotel.net WEEKLY SO.BE  SEA LOUNGE Rone Jaxx and Cliff Townley soundtrack the sunset and into the night.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, 4pm to midnight, free.

Tel: (02) 6563500. decadent.ae

12 JANUARY

7

WHAT’S ON

JANUARY

PICK

WEEKLY ECLECTIC CIRCLE  MUSTHAVESOUL The choicest classics and obscurities from underground disco to soundtracks and Motown.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. musthavesoul.com WEEKLY ISLAND VIBEZ PARTY  BEYOND EL RANCHO DJ Bee plays the hottest contemporary hits.

WEEKLY HISHAM ZAHRAM  AUDIO TONIC The Mood Music-approved Egyptian returns to the UAE (also Dubai on Jan 13) Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. myspace.com/hzahran WHAT’S ON

PICK PETE TONG  ARMANI/PRIVÉ The veteran clubland tastemaker gets fashionable in Dubai.

Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs150, ladies free.

Tel: (04) 8883308. petetong.com

13 JANUARY

WINTER WONDERLAND FULL MOON PARTY  NASIMI BEACH Celebrate the season in the sun.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm to late, Dhs100, Dhs50 before 8pm, ladies free. Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com STEP ON  CATWALK Indie and alternative hits from DJs ME and Rude Larry.

Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4649360. www.facebook.com/StepOnDubai

18 JANUARY

JEFF CORTEZ  THE YACHT CLUB Disco-house party-starters, plus live saxophonist and dance show (also Jan 19).

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. jeff-cortez.com

WEEKLY

RESIDENTS  MUSTHAVESOUL

MustHaveSoul resident Conan Liquid (who plays Sea Lounge on Jan 6 and 27, as well appearing at MHS’s 360º nights in Dubai) picks his top five postfestive season blues-beaters...

1. Masters At Work feat. India – To Be In Love The combination of India’s voice, MAW’s beats

6

JANUARY

and Gene Perez’s iconic bass-line is enough, but to have Vincent Montana dropping his science on the vibraphone…. too good.

2. Stevie Wonder – My Cherie Amour This is sublime. Not as intricate as his later tracks on albums like Innervisions or Songs In The Key Of Life, but a good classic pop song about love.

3. America – Ventura Highway The vocals are a bit out there, but then so was California circa early 1970s. Even if it’s raining and cold, this song makes it sunny.

4. Santogold – Lights Out Fantastic block-rocking jam from the enigmatic Santogold. It’s just one of those tracks that makes you want to clap and sing at the top of your voice.

5. The Smiths – This Charming Man I defy anyone to not dance around like a 1980s floppy-haired indie kid when the jangly Johnny Marr guitar riff kicks in.

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com

19 JANUARY

RESIDENTS PARTY  MUSTHAVESOUL Dan Chadwick, Tristan Bain and Conan Liquid showcase the best soulful dance music.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. musthavesoul.com

26 JANUARY

SMOKINGROOVE  RELAX12 Celebrated house pioneers cue up their finest ones and twos.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com

27 JANUARY

LOADED  CASA LATINA Indie and electro mash-ups, from a brand new DJ line-up.

Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. facebook. com/seeyounextfriday

WHAT’S ON

PICK MARIO BASANOV  AUDIOTONIC Lithuanian house hot property ties together the loose ends of disco, broken beat and nu-jazz.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (050) 1076405. myspace. com/mariobasanovmusict

JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 69

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

NEWS

News, reviews, deals and discounts to keep your social life buzzing

The London superbrands arrive The waiting is over, Mahiki and Mo*Vida have touched down in Dubai. So which one is for you?

DO YOU PREFER...

a) Champagne served in the VIP area? b) Cocktails served in a pineapple?

WHAT’S YOUR MUSIC TASTE?

a) The latest club hits and European house tracks b) Cheesy tunes and bongo drums

Mo*Vida

WHO IS YOUR CELEB ICON?

a) Frank Lampard b) Prince Harry

WHERE IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY DESTINATION?

a) Somewhere super chic like St Tropez b) Somewhere Polynesian

WOULD YOU RATHER…

Mahiki

NEW OPENING OF THE MONTH

The Living Room Like cheese? Like wine? Like even more cheese?

Join the club. Actually, there is no official club, but there is a new bar that caters to your good taste. The Living Room offers a cheese menu that changes on a weekly basis, with some seriously good vintages (and cocktails) to complete the evening, and four distinct lounges vying for your reclining attention.

Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3171234. hyatt.com

FIVE COCKTAILS FOR DHS88 Drink deals are rife mid-week, but bars and restaurants offering bargains come Thursday and Friday have a special place in our (penny pinching) hearts, which is why we’ll be heading to Chi’Zen this weekend. There’s a live DJ, Far Eastern cuisine and you’ll receive change from Dhs100 for five cocktails. That’s more than enough for two shawarmas on your way home. Stop judging us.

Chi’Zen, Dubai Festival City, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2329077. landmarkgroupme.com 70 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

a) See and be seen? b) Party, party, party?

Mostly As: Join the WAGs, socialites and scenesters at Mo*Vida. Royal Radisson Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3080000. movida-london.com Mostly Bs: Break out the Tiki torches and head to Mahiki for good times.

Jumeriah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3807731. mahiki.ae

The new generation of ladies’ nights If you’ve become such a regular at your local ladies night that you keep a stash of business cards behind the bar (slap on the wrist) then check out our top three new nights

NO. 5 LOUNGE & BAR

arrival. We’re hoping it’s a bag of mini Mars bars.

Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, 8pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3722323. ritzcarlton.com

Free drinks at the Ritz? Oh yes. Ideal for DIFC workers, Tuesdays see ladies enjoying complimentary cocktails from a special RARE menu, with the promise of Tecom’s newest club is a surprise ‘sweet treat’ upon tempting the fairer sex

with that magical combo of music and free drinks.

DJs including Schooly from Radio 1, David Craig, Marky B and Mark Pickup spin the tunes while ladies indulge at the baroque-inspired bar fro 9pm to 11pm.

Media Rotana Hotel, Tecom, Dubai, 9pm to late.

Tel: (04) 3675501. rotana.com

LIPSTICK LAUGHTER

Rare

Cocktails cost a mere Dhs10 each for four hours at the recently revamped Mafraq Hotel, with Mr Mixologist taking care of the music.

Hunters B&R, Mafraq Hotel, Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6596666. mafraqhotel.com

3 men, 7 camels, 1,600 km, 66 days In December 2011, Adrian Hayes, Saeed Al Mesafri and Ghafan Al Jabri reached Abu Dhabi having followed Wilfred Thesiger's Footsteps across the Empty Quarter.

Inspired by Thesiger's Classic Book, Arabian Sands, the team covered more than 1600km with their camels.

Along the way they experienced true Arabian hospitality and were told countless stories of Thesiger's original crossings.

presented by

An epic recreation of Wilfred Thesiger’s Empty Quarter Journey

w w w. f o o t s t e p s o f t h e s i g e r. co m For information regarding Footsteps of Thesiger Expedition presentations and speaking engagements, please contact Emma Kettle on emma@profsports.com

Official Partners

Organiser & Media Management

WHAT’S ON

TRAVEL

Destinations, insider tips, deals and news

p74 NORTHERN CYPRUS · p76 GOURMET TRAVELLER · p78 TRAVEL EXTRA JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 73

TRAVEL

NORTHERN CYPRUS

Fancy exploring Cyprus but put off by the prospect of noisy, over-developed resorts? Then set course for the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – still a state not officially recognised by the international community, but now starting to emerge as a Mediterranean destination with a sleepy, friendly and, generally, unspoilt charm Kyrenia Town

Kyrenia – or Girne, to give it its Turkish name – is the main town on the northern coast, and has much to offer visitors.

It’s lively, yet not particularly overdeveloped. The rustic, 74 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

crescent-shaped old harbour is the main draw, and having dinner or drinks in its sweep of small restaurants and taverns, with their seating spilling out onto the pavement and strains of live Turkish music filling the

night air, is a must. A visit to the Venetian-built Kyrenia Castle, which dominates the skyline at one end of the bay, should also be on the itinerary – fans of gore will enjoy the slightly macabre dungeons, complete with waxwork torture victims.

Old Cyprus

Some fascinating ancient attractions are the legacy of a history influenced by all kinds of visitors (some friendly, but often without invitation), from the Byzantine through to the British.

Head to Bellapais Abbey, particularly when a classical music concert is being staged during the Bellapais Festival in May and June. The well-

preserved remains of this 13th century French-order monastery complement the red-roofed houses of the lofty Bellapais village, and look particularly magnificent at night when the floodlights give an ethereal glow.

A few kilometres away, dramatically located on top of the mountains that form a natural division between the north shore and the rest of the island, are the sprawling remains of the Byzantine St Hilarion Castle.

While the claim that it inspired the famous Disney Sleeping Beauty castle is spurious at best (a couple of places in Germany and France make more credible cases), the remnants are intact enough to quickly conjure up

TRAVEL images of an impressive medieval fairytale-like castle, and the views back across the Med to mainland Turkey are indeed magical. Bring sturdy shoes and a bottle of water though, as there’s a fair bit of scrambling up steep steps to be done – meaning it’s not for those with vertigo, either.

NEED TO KNOW FLIGHTS Turkish Airlines flies from Dubai to Ercan (Northern Cyprus), via Istanbul, from Dhs2,400. hy.com

The great outdoors

WHERE TO STAY

There are numerous hiking trails throughout the Kyrenia range’s 160km, and the hills boast 17 unique varieties of orchids, as well as hosting dozens of species of migratory birds. And at various beaches along this quiet northern coastline, loggerhead turtles can still be viewed making their seasonal nesting grounds. The bays closest to Kyrenia is Alagadi, which attracts sunbathers as well as reptiles.

Offshore, the diving has a good reputation, with a number of wreck sites to investigate.

Lapida Hotel: lapidahotel.com Bellapais Gardens: bellapaisgardens.com The Colony: parkheritage.com Korineum Golf & Coutnry Club: korineumgolf.com

“At various beaches along the quiet coastline, loggerhead turtles can be viewed nesting”

Lapida Hotel

The family-run Lapida Hotel is a beautiful country retreat on the slopes of the Kyrenia mountain range, overlooking the Mediterranean. With only 11 bedrooms, it’s an intimate place to stay, and a good base for exploring the mountains’ natural attractions – hikers, birdwatchers, and orchid-hunters are often counted amongst its guests.

The food is the other big draw here – most of the ingredients are grown organically in the hotel’s bountiful gardens. Be sure to have a good look at the citrus orchard, where owner Fethi Ozbogac indulges in the art of ‘grafting’ – fusing the branches of one fruit tree on to another.

Oranges and lemons grow off the same trunk, to take advantage of the stronger roots of lemon trees.

Food is cooked traditionally here; tender kleftikos (wrapped lamb and chicken) are cooked for several hours in an outdoor clay oven, sealed shut by earth to ensure an extremely high temperature, while Fethi’s mother also gives cooking demonstrations to guests, showing how to make dishes such as borek (haloumi-filled pastries) and cicek dolma (stuffed

courgette flowers) the local way.

Tel: (+90) 533 8621500. lapidahotel.com

Bellapais Gardens

Situated in the romantic mountainside village of Bellapais, famously home to the author Lawrence Durrell in the 1950s, this compact luxury hotel and restaurant features a fantastic view across the green pine and cypresscovered slopes towards the coast.

There are 17 well-appointed rooms and a restaurant that has attracted the likes of Sir Richard Branson to drop by for dinner – the chefs are evidently doing something right. There’s an outdoor pool too, for guests to relax against the backdrop of the character-filled Bellapais Abbey, which rises majestically above the hotel.

Bellapais. Tel: (+90) 392 8156066. bellapaisgardens.com

The Colony

At the other end of the scale from intimate village retreats is The Colony, a 94-room hotel in the town of Kyrenia. It’s billed as fivestar and caters well for the package market. The main restaurant does buffet well enough, and the rooftop pool offers good views of the mountains on one side and sea (a better vista than many of the rooms on the floors below, which look out on to other buildings).

It’s not on the beach, but offers a shuttle bus to a shared beach club.

Clean and comfortable, but lacking the charm of Lapida or Bellapais.

Tel: (+90) 392 8151518. parkheritage.com

Korineum Golf & Country Club

Golfers, and those who like a slice of luxury on their sunshine break, should make this their base. Around 12km east along the coast from Kyrenia, it has 48 rooms and suites, two restaurants and bars, and a spa.

You don’t have to be a golfer to stay here, but if you do like to play the game then the pristine Championship course won’t disappoint – there are a couple of stunning cliff-edge holes that look like something straight out of Wii Sports Resort.

Tel: (+90) 392 6001515. korineumgolf.com JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 75

TRAVEL

Gourmet traveller Food and travel are abiding passions for the Middle East Chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel, James Brennan.This month he shares his enthusiasm for carp from Baghdad Broadly speaking, there are two types of food traveller: the intrepid, and everybody else.

If you’re hell-bent on scaling the north face of the Eiger just to taste the eggs of a rare breed of man-eating devil bird, then you can consider yourself in the former camp. Most of us will settle for anywhere with a Burger King.

But in the Middle East there’s a delicacy that both types of traveller can enjoy without leaving their respective comfort zones. It’s called masquf, it’s roasted carp and it’s found in Baghdad.

Whoosh! Most of you have disappeared behind the sofa.

Amongst the remainder there’s one man who had his pinkie cut off by the Yakuza for being

disrespectful to a maki roll in Osaka, and a woman who was poked in the eye by a gorilla while foraging for wild herbs in Rwanda. They must be the intrepid ones, so the next two paragraphs are for them.

Yeah, Baghdad’s pretty dangerous. Big chance of being ripped apart there. Especially if you’re a river carp. To make masquf, a live fish is bludgeoned over the head with a blunt instrument before being sliced down its back and opened up like a get well soon card. It’s then skewered on sticks driven into the ground next to an open fire and barbecued to a state of near-burnt crispness. Al Qaeda is kinder to its foes.

Masquf can be found on the banks of the River Tigris,

in the parks alongside Abu Nawas, once one of Baghdad’s grand old boulevards. The area has undergone considerable regeneration in the last few years so people can enjoy the centuries-old ritual of eating masquf in the open-air with blushing tomatoes, lemon juice and freshly baked flatbread. Al Rafidain (al-rafidain.com) is a reputable tour company that will make it happen for you if Baghdad is on your bucket-list of places to see before (rather than while) you die.

The rest of us lily-livered

lot can enjoy the wonders of masquf in Amman, Jordan.

There’s a superb Iraqi restaurant there called Zad El Khair (zadelkhair.com), which has been a favourite of the city’s Iraqi community for years.

There you can choose your fish from a tank, and they’ll spare you the sight of the fish being beaten up, eviscerated and mercilessly spatchcocked.

The end product is pretty much the same, smoky, moist, crisp and delicious, though rather more expensive and lacking in explosions.

HOTEL OF THE MONTH PAPAYA PLAYA PROJECT Pop up restaurants and galleries are all the rage in Europe and the US, and now Design Hotels (designhotels.com) has gone one step further and created a pop up resort that will open for just six months, from December 6, 2011 to May 5, 2012. Papaya Playa Project is an oceanfront resort on the Caribbean coast PREVIEW of the Mayan Riviera in Tulum, Mexico. Just 75 minutes from Cancun International Airport, it boasts 99 cabanas, ranging from a five-bedroom private house to a basic wooden hut with a sand floor. But it doesn’t stop there, the restaurant, KaterHolzig, will be run by the head chef from Berlin’s famous Bar 25 (bar25. de), the Papaya Recording Studio will play host to international DJs and musicians and events will be arranged by creative agency Mamapapacola (mamapapacola.com). To add to that, the Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – is close by and the Mayan Riviera is the second largest barrier reef in the world. Now that’s a resort.

Until May 5, 2012, Papaya Playa Project, Tulum, Mexico, US$25 (Dhs92) to US$675 (Dhs2,480). Tel: (+49) 30884940940. papayaplayaproject.com 76 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

TRAVEL

EXTRA

ADVICE, DEALS AND OTHER TASTY TRAVEL TIDBITS

Travels with...

Simon Lelic As his new thriller, The Child Who, hits UAE shelves, Simon Lelic takes a rest from writing to discuss his love of hotels and his dislike of Austria How important is travelling to you?

I love to travel. My wife and I don’t travel these days in quite the same way we did before we had kids, but two or three times a year, if we can, we go somewhere. Ideally, a place we’ve never been before. But even weekends away are a thrill for me. I love hotels. I doubly love hotel bars. What better place could there be for a writer to take a perch?

What is the best holiday you have ever been on?

In 2003 my wife and I flew out to Australia to see my sister and her partner. We based ourselves in Brisbane but had the insider’s tour of both the Gold Coast and the Sunshine Coast, in weather 30 degrees better than we’d left behind at

Heathrow. In second place, but not by much, was a trip with the kids and some friends last year to Antigua. Our friends got married – with just us and our two boys on their veranda. It was quite a privilege.

What is your biggest travel disaster?

Austria. That’s all I’m saying.

If you can advise people to visit one destination, where would it be?

It has to be Slovenia, the country my father is from and the place I have spent at least a portion of every summer since I was a boy.

Beautiful, friendly, perfectly formed. Like all the best bits of Italy, served up with better beer. But go soon: the secret is out.

What are your tips for surviving a long stopover?

If you have children, avoid them – the stopovers, I mean. Otherwise, grab a corner on the floor somewhere – forget the chairs – and settle down with a good book.

What do you never travel without?

Books, predictably enough. Also, some form of confectionery.

The Child Who is available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya

Travel news and international deals ST MORITZ POLO WORLD CUP ON SNOW Polo? In winter? On ice? Are we mad? No we’re not. The St Moritz Polo World Cup On Snow is played on the frozen surface of St Moritz Lake in January, and you could see it, if you have the readies. The Carlton Hotel is offering four nights in a double room, two tickets to the tournament, dinner at Romanoff restaurant, a full body massage and butler service for CHF2,480 (Dhs10,000) per person.

Go on, splash out, it’s 2012.

Jan 26 to 30, The Carlton 78 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

Hotel, St Moritz, Switzerland, CHF2,480 per person (Dhs10,000). Tel: (+41) 813789999. carlton-stmoritz.ch APP OF THE MONTH Next Flight 3.0 We’ve missed a few flights in our time, and had airlines cancel our flights without notifying us on numerous occasions. Next Flight is designed to save the day, providing a list of all available flights for 1,200 airlines operating out of 4,300 airports worldwide. Useful.

Available for: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad Price: US$2.99 (Dhs11)

THE STAMP COLLECTOR Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector Conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas I’m looking to do quite a bit of travelling in 2012, but I like to stick to cities. I’ve done all the obvious ones in Europe and Asia – where should I visit? Barnaby, Mirdif

Well, that’s the great thing about cities – there are lots of them. I’ll be lazy and stick to the two continents you mentioned. First, Europe. Belgrade is wonderful; so beautiful you will wonder why you have never been before, and after a few days wandering its narrow streets you will understand: no one wants to share this Adriatic secret. Even better, Fly Dubai is now flying direct. Two other European favourites are Vienna and Naples. Both very different places, but equally enthralling. Now for Asia. Closer to home, check out Almaty, a charming Central Asian capital, ringed by beautiful mountains and containing a hot pot of cultures. Further afield, head to Seoul, a place that just gets better with each trip: fashion, food, hiking, nightlife – this city of more than 11 million has it all.

THE HOT LIST The best of the best

KEY

New entry Non-mover Up Down

p83 RESTAURANTS · p87 BARS · p91 BRUNCHES · p95 SPAS JANUARY 2012 WHAT’S ON 81

Bahrain - Qatar - Saudi Arabia - UAE - Oman - Kuwait - Jordan - Lebanon www. maya-la-chocolaterie.com follow us www.twitter.com/maya_choco www.facebook.com/maya-la-chocolaterie

The hoT lisT

restaurants Quest

MPW Steakhouse & Grill

1

2

Bord Eau

hakkasan

MPW steakhouse Quest & Grill

Atmosphere Cleverly designed dining areas lend a sense of intimacy. It now boasts a terrace, too.

Atmosphere Marco Pierre White's name and quality meat brings loyal punters back time and again.

Interior A clean layout of alcoves divided by original wooden panels.

Interior Masculine with a fire wall (yes, in Abu Dhabi) adding a touch of homeliness.

Food Modern Asian cooking at its best. A recently introduced new menu has kept things fresh and exciting.

Location A world-class restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel.

Price You probably won’t dine here every day, unless you own a wing of Emirates Palace. But it’s not insanely pricey, considering the quality of food on offer.

WhAt’s On sAys… Spellbinding décor and the best dim sum that’s ever passed our lips; we adore Hakkasan.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Food A classic steakhouse menu offering premium steak and seafood dishes.

Location The Fairmont is custommade for an underone-roof experience post-MPW. Price Not one for the filcounter. But you can do a lot worse than spending Dhs800 for two.

The elite of the eating out scene

3

Atmosphere A high class place but without the stuffiness of ‘classic’ fine dining.

Interior Once you’re out of the marble-coated elevators, Quest’s chandeliers and bespoke fittings scream ‘exclusive’.

Food Quality Asian fusion injected with a large side helping of fun – with cute touches such as popping candy in the yuzu crumble.

Location You can see most of the city from here, but it’s nearest to the glam Ray’s Bar downstairs.

4

5

Pearls & Caviar Bord eau Atmosphere A romantic retreat, with low-level lighting aimed squarely at a refined clientele.

Atmosphere Refined, classy, elegant.

What else would you expect from the city’s best French restaurant?

Interior Expect black and white themes, as per P&C’s name.

Interior Stately, traditional Gallic sophistication, from the paintings to the tables.

Food Exquisite caviar and fresh seafood take pride and place on what is an imaginative menu.

Food The finest French classics available in Abu Dhabi, lent imaginative contemporary twists. A revamped menu is on its way this month, too.

Location Make a beeline for the intimate terrace. There are countless delights spread throughout Shangri-La and the nearby souk, too.

Price Not quite as sky-high as the location, if you pick the right dishes.

Price Those without a monster bank balance can flip past the caviar. Other than that, P&C more than warrants the outlay.

WhAt’s On sAys… MPW deserves a foodie knighthood for steak served with undeniable British finesse.

WhAt’s On sAys… The only thing that matches Quest’s altitude is its horizon-expanding menu.

WhAt’s On sAys… Check out the views of Abu Dhabi's Grand Mosque from the upstairs bar

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont. com

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, lunch Sun to Thurs noon to 3.30pm, dinner daily 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

Location Wherever you go in Shangri-La – from restaurants to rooms – the attention to detail is stunning.

Price High end. A fourfigure bill isn’t difficult.

Worth the financial pain, though, as is the wonderful wine list.

WhAt’s On sAys… If you find a finer French menu than Bord Eau's, you’re probably in Paris.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

january 2012 WHAT’S ON 83

Agadir

aGadir

Park Bar & Grill

Cipriani

6

Atmosphere If you picked up a small square of Morocco and flew it to the Emirates, this would be the result.

Interior Arabian arches and trellises made from stone and timber shipped from North Africa.

Food Give the traditional pastilla dishes or the rfissa a taste.

Location The recently opened Westin resort, adjacent to Abu Dhabi Golf Club.

The terrace is lovely right now.

Price Less than Dhs500 for two without wine is a steal for this level of cooking.

WhAt’s On sAys… The single most authentic restaurant in the city.

Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (02) 6169999. starwoodhotels.com

CiPriani

7

the Park Bar & Grill

8

Atmosphere Possibly the Abu Dhabi restaurant to be seen at, while checking out fellow flash diners. A celeb hangout at certain times of year, too.

Atmosphere A wholly relaxing atmosphere ensures you’re put at ease. Sitting outside is definately the way forward at the moment.

Interior Clean, modern lines and effortlessly sophisticated, with excellent Marina views.

Interior As elegant as you would expect from a Park Hyatt.

Food Among the best Italian finedining fare in the UAE. Location The iconic sights of Marina Circuit and Yas Viceroy can be seen through the window.

Price With wine for two, you shouldn’t be surprised to crash through the fourfigure barrier.

WhAt’s On sAys… A lovely lunch option that transforms into a highly desirable dinner destination.

Cipriani Abu Dhabi, Building 1, Yas Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to midnight. Tel: (02) 6575400. cipriani.com

hot on the heels 11 Le Deck, Monte Carlo Beach Club 12 Étoiles, Emirates Palace 13 Frankie’s, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr 14 Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana 15 Ushna, The Souk At Qaryat Al Beri

84 WHAT’S ON january 2012

Food Steaks, seafood and Asian dishes. Try the seafood soup.

Location For all its natural beauty, Saadiyat Island needs a few further attractions.

Such worries are voided here by the rather fine upstairs bar.

Price Dhs500 for two without wine is really quite reasonable

9

Atmosphere In two words, hopelessly romantic.

Interior Not applicable here, unless you count an open-air cabana as being inside.

Food As the title suggests, BBQ, yet cooked with flair and imagination and served a la carte. There are no soggy burgers round here.

Location Utterly magical, on the shoreline behind the imposing Emirates Palace, facing across the water towards the marina.

Price Around Dhs600 for two without alcohol – and you’ll be full until the following day.

WhAt’s On sAys… It’s still early days, so it may be a while before every table is full.

WhAt’s On sAys… This is our favourite alfresco dining spot.

Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 4071234. abudhabi.park. hyatt.com

11

BBQ al Qasr

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

Tel: (02) 6907999. emiratespalace.com

18°

10

Atmosphere Unpretentious but intimate, with splendid, panoramic views from the 18th floor.

Interior Grab yourself a booth for a more intimate evening.

Food Diners are encouraged to share dishes from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Syria and Lebanon.

Location The opposite side of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre to Aloft and its rather splendid Relax@12 bar.

Price Avoid wine and go easy on the appetisers and you’ll scrape Dhs500 for two.

WhAt’s On sAys… A fine dinner at a world record-breaking leaning landmark.

Hyatt Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, dinner 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5961234. abudhabi. capitalgate.hyatt.com

le deCk Monte Carlo BeaCh CluB

Mere metres from the lapping coast of the Gulf and the beautiful Saadiyat Beach, whether inside Le Deck – overflowing with neat seafaring touches such as

fisherman’s lanterns and large, striking fish skeleton models – or out on the airy terrace, the Mediterraneanbased menu puts an imaginative firecracker under all-

day dining. Worth the trip to Saadiyat alone.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, SaadiyatIsland, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6563500. monte carlobeachclub.ae

calvinklein.com

watches

swiss made

The hoT lisT

Bars Sea Lounge

raY’s Bar

Belgian Café

Y Bar

1

Atmosphere Ultra sophisticated; Jumeirah’s famed knack for redefining life lived luxuriously comes to Abu Dhabi.

Location On the 62nd Floor of the gleaming new Etihad Towers. The views are, quite frankly, outstanding. Even the toilets are glamorous.

Best For Pre-party drinks, a romantic night out, or just lapping up the skyhigh splendour.

Price Getting on towards matching the bar’s altitude. Pick from the world-beating cocktail list, however, and it will definitely prove money well spent.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Whoever Ray is, he knows how to live it up – the best new bar in town.

Ray’s Bar, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 8115555. jumeirah.com

Blue Bar

2

Atmosphere A spacious, upmarket cocktail bar with a quiet air of class and a whole lot of glass, through which you can ogle the panoramic views of the capital.

Location The architecture is beyond impressive: from the outside it appears to be floating inside the Rocco Forte’s eyecatching interior.

Best For Grabbing a pre or postmeal cocktail either side of dining at one of the hotel’s well-to-do restaurants.

Price There are certainly cheaper spots in the city, but nothing with an equal degree of wow factor in this part of town.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Blue Bar certainly won’t leave you feeling glum (see our review, p10).

Rocco Forte, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6170000. roccofortehotelabudhabi. com

The finest for beverages and bites

sea lounGe

3

Atmosphere A chilled alfresco bar with a discerning clientele.

Location Overlooking Monte Carlo Beach Club’s infinity pool, and mere yards from a boardwalk straight down to the sandy shores of Saadiyat Island.

Best For Watching the sun go down and lounging until the early hours with a cocktail. Or, on weekend nights, catching the best house music in the capital.

Price It’s possible to limit the wallet damage if you choose wisely, although cash flashers won’t need to look too hard for eyewatering drinks menu options.

WhAt’s On sAys...

The lap of luxury Monaco style, without leaving the Emirates.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 4pm to midnight, Thurs to Sat 4pm to 3am. Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae

Y Bar

4

BelGian Café

Atmosphere This desirable brickwalled hangout, away from the hectic city centre, is nicely understated in the vein of a gentrified New York City bar.

Location Check out Blue Grill (in the same complex) while you’re there, then head off to Yas Island’s main plaza of hotels for a plethora of bars and restaurants.

Best For Finding life away from the city centre without breaking the bank, or catching the big match on the plentiful screens, without sports bar rowdiness.

Price Excellent value for money for these quietly sophisticated surrounds.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Y is Yas Island’s best, bar none.

Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2.30am.

Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana. com

5

Atmosphere Transporting the Northern European bar vibe halfway across the world, with much success.

Location Chamas and the Yacht Club are just two reasons to make a night of it at the InterCon; there are a good few others as well.

Best For Top grub and beverages with your mates.

Unlimited mussels for Dhs120 on Tuesdays is a steal.

Price Good things come at a certain price, so don’t turn up at Belgian Café without your wallet.

WhAt’s On sAys...

A good time to be had, and a decent selection of beverages. Wish the bar a happy birthday, too, as it has just turned two.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

january 2012 WHAT’S ON 87

Brauhaus

Brauhaus

Relax@12

Left Bank

6

Atmosphere Brauhaus foregoes German beer hall vibes for something altogether more intimate, while maintaining the numerous Teutonic ales.

Like Oktoberfest given a course in manners.

Location Though the bar has plentiful charm itself, with Prego’s, Rodeo Grill and Trader Vic’s, you won’t need to leave Beach Rotana.

Best For Live music and games add to the fun. Say no more.

Price Some of the speciality beers will leave your wallet lighter, but there are good drinks deals to be had.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Tankards at the ready: this is German pub craft at its most authentic.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

left Bank

7

8

relax@12

Atmosphere Bustling, but not uncomfortably busy, with a constant flow of interesting revellers from flight crew to trendy types.

Atmosphere Chilled and classy, but without any of the lookat-me attitudes on show at certain other Abu Dhabi bar-slash-clubs we could mention.

Location The Souk has a plethora of attractions, including great views across the water, while the Eight nightclub is so close you can virtually hear it as you exit Left Bank.

Location Atop Aloft, perhaps the city’s hippest contemporary hotel.

Head for the rooftop terrace – you won’t be disappointed. There are lots of tables inside and out, too, although it’s worth booking ahead for the terrace.

Best For Starting or finishing the night in the company of an unpretentious crowd.

Price If you’re on a budget, cocktails aren’t the greatest idea, but it is generally very affordable, with frequent deals.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Though it is a popular choice, it never seems ‘too busy’.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 7pm to 1am, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 5581680. emiratesleisureretail.com

hot on the heels 11 Breeze Lounge, Emirates Palace 12 Cooper’s, Park Rotana 13 Yacht Club, InterContinental Hotel 14 Stills, Crowne Plaza Yas Island 15 Hemingway’s, Hilton

88 WHAT’S ON january 2012

Best For Chilling on the terrace and checking out top name DJs. Price Cheaper than you might imagine from Relax’s inviting interior.

WhAt’s On sAys...

House beats and demure socialising make Relax a top night out.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 654 5000. aloftabudhabi.com

14

Pearls Bar

9

Atmosphere Next time Dubai dwellers drone on that the capital has nowhere to rival the iconic open-air bar brilliance of 360°, point them in the direction of Pearls. It’s idyllic.

Location Wonderful, frankly, and upstairs from the awesome Pearls & Caviar restaurant.

Best For A romantic drink or, on weekends, cutting some shapes on the dance floor with regular DJs from premium clubbing brands, preferably after a Hot List-recommended meal downstairs.

Price Reflective of the quality on offer.

WhAt’s On sAys...

A wonderful setting perfect for kicking back in the cool evening air of winter.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com

10

stars ‘n’ Bars

Atmosphere Upmarket sports bar chock full of Formula 1 themes and motor sport memorabilia. Loads of big screens and a VIP cocktail lounge.

Location A powerslide away from the Marina Circuit, mere feet to Cipriani, and in winter just walking distance from the hotels of Yas Island.

Best For Catching the big match, or race, on television in comfort.

Price More than palatable, although cheaper drinks might tempt more city centre residents to Yas. WhAt’s On sAys...

On the grid, though we reckon staying open a touch later come the weekend, would make all the difference.

Yas Marina, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 11.30am to midnight, Thurs to Sat 11.30am to 1am. Tel: (02) 5650101. starsnbars.ae

stills CroWne Plaza Yas island

With its claims of being the longest bar in Abu Dhabi, you shouldn’t struggle to get served at Stills. You will want to as quickly as possible too, as the

range of cocktails is excellent, and the top shelf isn’t far behind. With a terrace and a slightly more formal dining area, there’s something for

everyone with DJs lifting the mood as the night progresses.

Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 1am.

Tel: (02) 6210000. ichotelsgroup.com

360Ëš of enjoyment...

Witness and enjoy 360 degrees of unparalleled views of Dubai and beyond from the highest public observation terrace in the world, At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

Explore the unique, interactive Burj Khalifa multi-media exhibits. Explore the history of Dubai aboard the 65-metre-long travelator.

To experience all-round enjoyment, visit At the Top, Burj Khalifa.

For more information please call us on 800 At the Top, or visit www.atthetop.ae to purchase your tickets today.

The hoT lisT

BrunChes Pearls & Caviar

CuiScene

CuisCene

1

Atmosphere Buzzing. One sip of the champagne tells you who brunches here.

Food Encompassing Frankie’s Italian Restaurant & Grill and a Marco Pierre White roast counter, you can tuck into an impressive 200-plus dishes.

hakkasan

2

Atmosphere We love Hakkasan’s dinner delights and its brunch counterpart has similar wow factor.

Food Pick either Friday or Saturday for a choice of set or a la carte menu.

It is, without doubt, the best dim sum in town.

Location Amongst the capital’s most sophisticated hotels, with plenty of bars and restaurants to elongate your afternoon.

Location Emirates Palace’s goldencased luxury lies outside the front door, although Hakkasan is worth losing yourself in.

Best for Investigating a varied selection from several Abu Dhabi culinary kingpins.

Best for Dining at a genuine Abu Dhabi hotspot without totally pillaging your wallet en route.

Price Dhs449 for unlimited Moët & Chandon, Dhs299 with wine and beer, or Dhs249 with soft drinks.

Price Dhs325 including half a bottle of Laurent Perrier champagne or Dhs199 with tea.

WhAt’s On sAys...

A worthy number one.

Splendid food and drinks with a setting to match.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

WhAt’s On sAys...

Bite-sized tastes of our Hot List-topping restaurant.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, Fri and Sat noon to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Pearls & Caviar

Our pick of the brunch bunch

Ushna

3

Atmosphere Pearls squishes together breakfast and dinner with little or no regard for lunch in-between, and P&C’s resident DJ adds life to this Friday ‘brunner’ in elegant surrounds.

Food Hot grills, live sushi station and a mojito bar.

Location On the edge of the wonderful waterfront oasis that is the ShangriLa, and the Souk is only a short wander away, too.

Best for A post-Thursday recovery without the need to get out of bed too early, sleepyheads.

Price Dhs349, including house beverages, sparkling wine and champagne.

WhAt’s On sAys...

A pearl in Abu Dhabi’s oyster of brunch options.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la. com

ushna

4

sofra Bld

Atmosphere An airy interior sets you up nicely for some of the finest Indian cuisine money can buy.

5

Atmosphere Easy going, with plenty of space to enjoy your weekend.

Food An international buffet on Friday and predominantly Asian on Saturdays.

Food Biryanis, kebabs and all sorts of vegetarian treats perfect for meatshunning brunchers.

Indian goodies at their finest.

Location It’s barely necessary to leave the Souk, a one-stop destination for shopping, dining and even clubbing.

Shangri-La and the Fairmont aren’t far, either.

Best for Splashing out on quality Indian cuisine.

Location Expansive waterfront views, and more than enough entertainment across the Shangri-La. You can toddle off to the Souk for some shopping, or clubbing, later.

Best for Families through to party people. This brunch doesn’t discriminate.

Price Dhs260 with wine and beer on Fridays, Dhs240 with a glass of bubbly or Dhs190 with wine and beer on Saturdays.

Price One of Abu Dhabi’s priciest brunches, at Dhs475. Free-flowing Lanson champagne ups the value for money, though.

WhAt’s On sAys...

We’ve yet to find a better Indian brunch.

WhAt’s On sAys...

Pretty much all the Shangri-La’s outlets merit repeat visits.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm. Tel: (02) 5581769. soukqaryatalberi.com

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangrila.com

january 2012 WHAT’S ON 91

The Yacht Club

Chamas

6

7

the YaCht CluB

al fanar

Atmosphere 'Late lunch' is relaxed, with a great bar and plenty of booths.

Atmosphere This brunch starts relaxed, turning livelier later.

Food As far from low-rank 'international' buffet as one would wish to be; just tasty Asian-inspired a la carte dishes.

Food An ocean-sized selection of seafood specialities.

Captain Birdseye would be jealous.

Location The terrace is where you want to be this winter, lounging the weekend away.

Best for Late risers in need of an overdue Friday recovery session, or the preface to a proper Yacht Club night out.

Price Dhs165 with with cocktails. At that price, it’s a bargain to charge your glasses.

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Unlimited champers will have you setting sail for the Yacht Club.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 6pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

Location Get in a (sedate) spin at this revolving restaurant, gazing across downtown Abu Dhabi and way beyond.

Best for Taking in horizonsmashing, 360-degree views of the city while experiencing one of the capital’s most popular brunches.

Price Dhs220 with unlimited red and white wine.

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Remember which table you’re sitting at, as this isn’t regular terra firma – later on, confusion could set in.

Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

hot on the heels 11 Essence, Beach Rotana 12 Mezlai, Emirates Palace 13 Blue Grill, Yas Island Rotana 14 Selections, InterContinental Hotel 15 Ginger, Park Rotana

92 WHAT’S ON january 2012

Filini

8

ChaMas

Atmosphere The Madeira Latino Band ensures this brunch is livelier than a barrel of eels.

Food Chamas’ USP – meat – is tempered by a truly extensive salad bar. You can also escape to the nearby bar.

Location You’re never short of options at the InterCon, with its wealth of Hot List-worthy bars and restaurants. Afternoon beach access is thrown in, too.

Best for Carnivores with appetites as big as their plates.

Price Dhs295 including freeflowing caipirinhas.

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Meat lovers, look no further than Chamas.

InterContinental Hotel, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm.

Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

13

flavours

9

Atmosphere The afternoon kicks up a gear towards the end of this feast, with a live band and bubbly flowing freely.

Food A massive international buffet, covering almost every base from roasts to Chinese.

Location In the likely event that you eat more than your fill, a stroll down the Corniche could be on the cards.

Best for Dessert and cocktail fans, with top ranges of both types of treats.

Price Dhs225, including unlimited bubbly.

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Flavours ticks several brunch boxes: friendly, entertaining, expansive and, by the end, quite energetic.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

filini

10

Atmosphere Unpretentious and fairly family friendly, with plenty of space for the kids to run wild.

Food Proudly Italian, but bang up to date thanks to the imagination of chef Thomas Marchi: pizza, pasta, antipasto and top quality desserts.

Location The Shams Pool Bar is a great place to retreat for alfresco cocktails postbrunch, while there’s more entertainment around the Yas Plaza.

Best for Sampling the best restaurant in Yas Island’s least pretentious hotel.

Price Dhs145 with soft drinks, Dhs190 with alcohol.

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All your favourite Italian dishes in one place.

Radisson Blu Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

Mezlai eMirates PalaCe

Celebrating one of the historic staples of Emirati cuisine, the Friday seafood lunch at Mezlai – which translates as ‘the old lock of the door’ – is a family-

friendly feast. It’s custom-made for this time of year, too, with indoor and outdoor seating, plus three private dining rooms. There could scarcely be a grander

venue to sample authentic food in the Emirates.

West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 2pm to 5pm, Dhs280.

Tel: (02) 6907999. emiratespalace.com

Poems by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum 40 Poems From The Desert is available in both English and Arabic at all leading retail outlets in the Gulf and at booksarabia.com

The hoT lisT

sPas

Anantara Spa

Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab

Chi, The Spa

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2

3

the lounGe

anantara sPa

Chi,the sPa

therapists Predominantly male, reflecting The Lounge’s man-only service.

therapists The ultimate spa experience from the skillful, predominantly Thai, staff.

therapists Sweet and cheerful, with a real interest in tailoring your treatment. You’ll relax from the second you stroll through the door.

Menu Everything a modern gent needs, from an invigorating Moroccan bath to haircuts/styling, shaves, pedicures, manicures and much more. the spa The villa layout means minimum traipsing between treatment rooms. And, sidestepping usual Abu Dhabi problems, parking is an entirely painless process.

Price When the service is this good, price is only really a secondary concern. For such high-end service, it’s still not extortionate, though.

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An essential grooming stop-off for any man who wants to feel and look his best.

Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 11am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6677377. thelounge.ae

Menu A recently revamped range includes the life-restoring Signature Massage, plus grandly titled options like the Marma Abhyanga Massage. the spa With a dedicated entrance to the west of the main Palace, Anantara is one of the city’s most opulent and sprawling spas. You can drive right up to the entrance with a separate self-parking, too.

Price Between Dhs700 and Dhs1,650 will be missing from your wallet posttreatment.

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A massage in Abu Dhabi's most glam hotel can't go wrong Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com

Menu From Filipino hilot massages to caviar facials, Chi’s line in thoughtful quality demands repeat visits to navigate the full menu. It really is extensive. the spa Far removed from the outside world, Chi is as peaceful as a temple in the Himalayas. You’ll be in a trance for hours.

Price You’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for, just don’t head here with pocket change.

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Chi has one of the greatest Jacuzzis in Abu Dhabi.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

The daddies of the health and leisure scene

4

5

anantara sPa, Qasr al saraB

atarMia sPa

therapists Even though you’re miles from anywhere, the staff are mongst the most friendly and skilled in Abu Dhabi.

therapists Courteous, diligent and keen for your feedback.

Menu Standard treatments are complemented by exfoliating sand baths and water-based Vichy spas. the spa Escaping from the city, the relaxing sight of the dunes of the Liwa desert make the journey into the wilderness extra special. The isolation makes this an almost ultimate getaway from everyday stresses.

Price Rather on the costly side, but it’s hard to put a price on such expertise in such a glorious location.

Menu An impressive range of body, facial and salon treatments. For the most unusual, try the Quiro Golf Massage, which uses actual golf balls to roll into those hard to reach nooks and crannies. the spa Set a short distance away from the Park Hyatt hotel itself, Atarmia is a real oasis of calm.

Price It’s easy to blow the thick end of Dhs1,000 on the top-end treatments, such as the Caviar Sublime or Diamond Ice Lifting, although there are cheaper options.

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The gym is right nextdoor, making it easy to mix workout pain and massage pleasure.

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This is the jewel in the desert retreat’s crown.

Qasr Al Sarab, Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 8862088. qasralsarab.anantara.com

Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4071170. abudhabi.park. hyatt.com

january 2012 WHAT’S ON 95

Zen Spa

Espa

zaYna sPa

6

therapists Attentive, eager to please and happy to talk you through some posttreatment products.

Menu A menu you could get lost in. Try the green coffee body wrap and scrub. the spa Individual changing in each treatment room ensures ultimate privacy and receives our thumbs up. It certainly beats trudging around in your dressing gown.

The relaxation areas are top notch, as well, with tranquil loungers. Make a day of it.

Price Above average, reflecting the standard of Zayna overall.

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The relaxation room is right up there with Abu Dhabi’s finest.

Grand Millenium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. milleniumhotels.com

esPa

7

therapists Very pleasant, polite and exceedingly professional.

Menu Luxurious and expansive.

The hammams are something of a speciality, and the facials aren’t far behind. the spa Running water features immediately relax almost every sinew of your being. The walk through the Yas Viceroy to reach the spa is a strangely chilled preparatory experience, with even the space age white walls proving unexpectedly soothing.

The Spa

8

zen sPa

therapists Personable. Ask for ‘firm’, however, and there’s no messing around.

Menu Candle wax massages to detox specialities. Try one of Zen’s specials, the Rose Hydrating Body Treatment. the spa Soft lighting and alluring fragrance from the steps down to Zen, leading you to the most relaxing spot in the Tourist Club Area. It needn’t be a solo experience, either: the wide range of facilities includes tranquility suites for couples.

serenitY sPa

9

therapists This ladies-only spa staff will analyse your skin before selecting a tailormade treatment.

Menu The Clarins facial is our recommendation. Varied full body treatments, plus waxing, hair styling, Hypoxi and personal training are also available. the spa You’ll need to navigate the cosmetic-filled displays of Paris Gallery, and possibly ask for a few directions en route, but the treatment rooms are pure relaxation.

Price Value for money is relative: ESPA is expensive, admittedly, but it’s also worth the outlay.

Price This is a five-star hotel, yet you won’t find yourself ridiculously out of pocket for the vast majority of treatments.

Price A little above mid-range.

Some longer treatments clock in nearer four figures, though, if you have cash to flash.

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A spa adjacent to a Formula 1 circuit is about as glamorous as they come.

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A subterranean sanctuary to whisk you away from the city.

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Ladies in search of serenity will find it here in every sense.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Paris Gallery, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 3pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6678880. parisgallery.com

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560862. theyashotel.com

hot on the heels 11 Hiltonia Health Club & Spa 12 Eden Spa, Le Méridien 13 Man/Age Luxury Men’s Spa, Marina Mall 14 Crystal Holistic Day Spa, Tourist Club Area 15 Sharanis Wellness Spa, Khalifa City

96 WHAT’S ON january 2012

11

the sPa

10

therapists Friendly beyond the call of duty and brilliant at teasing away tension.

Menu Imaginative, spanning a plethora of treatments to suit preference and price brackets. the spa The dimmed changing room lights set the scene for a spa that thinks about your relaxation at every juncture. In Abu Dhabi it always helps when parking is a doddle too: you don’t want your stress levels put through the roof before you’ve even pulled on your disposable pants.

Price Somewhere around the upper end of mid-range, although there’s little here that isn’t worth the price.

WhAt’s On sAys...

The Spa alone is reason to visit the Radisson Blu. Radisson Blu, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

hiltonia health CluB & sPa

hilton aBu dhaBi The beach side of the Gulf ’s lapping Corniche Road, waves. The therapists through a convenient are knowledgeable little underpass from and gentle where the main Hilton required, and the Hotel, the Hiltonia layout of the spa is is well positioned impressive. Our only within earshot of complaint? Listen

carefully and you can just make out the distant rumble of Corniche traffic.

Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 9pm.

Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

IT’S YOUR TURN TO FEEL THE THRILL

When you hit 240km/h in less than 5 seconds, don’t forget to breathe. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, you finally have the chance to live the racing dream in ways you never imagined possible. Experience the legend like never before, with over 20 rides and attractions in the world’s largest indoor theme park.

Anthea Ayache is a senior news presenter with Radio 2

BACKCHAT

WITH ANTHEA

Our girl on the radio is determined to keep her New Year’s resolutions

N

ew year, new you – we all know the drill.

The harmonious tradition of jumping on the annual bandwagon of optimistic promises, with only one certainty glistening in the horizon… that the majority of us will have broken that resolution beyond all reasonable doubt come February. Pessimist I hear you mutter, perhaps, but I reckon I’m old hat at this game.

I don’t think a year has gone by since the age of learning the definition of ‘resolution’ that I haven’t enthusiastically embraced

one life changing practice or another. And believe me; I have categorically failed each and every time to even enter the cusp of Aquarius before those said ‘resolutions’ are out the window on their way to next year.

I’m fairly convinced I don’t just speak for myself here.

I could probably say with some conviction that my family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, neighbours, long lost relatives and strangers throw in the towel on their good intentions before the proverbial snow has melted.

So, I’ve taken it upon myself to use the little soapbox that is January’s Backchat to provide you with the necessary arsenal not to backtrack. We live in a city that is bursting at the seams with opportunities to get you off the conveyor belt of pesky failed resolutions.

Topping the list for 2012 is bound to be ‘I’m going to shift those festive kilos’. Tip number one: once you summon up the energy to use the elevator down to your building’s gym you’re half way there to a new and better you. Now, obviously not all of us are fortunate enough to have access to a well-equipped fitness room a few floors down from our front doors, but we certainly have them at our disposal and at relatively cheap prices. If, however, running on a treadmill is too reminiscent of a hamster in a ball or lifting weights reading a ‘gym rules’ poster isn’t your cup of tea, then go take advantage of the parks, and before the excuse slips out – no, it’s not too hot to shift those pounds in the great outdoors.

That brings me on to a resolution we should all be striving to maintain; taking advantage of the nature that’s on our very doorstep. I’m ashamed to admit that in the two years I’ve been residing in the UAE, I am yet to experience one of

NEXT MONTH: GOURMET ABU DHABI, KNOW YOUR DJ, VALENTINE’S DAY SORTED AND CRICKET: ENGLAND VS PAKISTAN 98 WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2012

its biggest charms, the desert.

Shameful? Unforgivable? I agree.

So, if you, like me, intend to make a pledge to being more adventurous then you’re in luck.

From sand surfing to desert trekking, that wild expanse of deep beige on the outskirts of the city, believe it or not, offers far more than meets the eye.

And talking of sand, if you’re planning on achieving a healthier you this year, rumour has it a bit of sun can do you good. I still struggle to get my head around how difficult some of us find it to summon up the energy to lie on the beach, it doesn’t exactly require the effort of Nepalese mountain trekking now does it? A healthy dose of the sunshine vitamin, (that’s vit D by the way), should be a relatively easy resolution to keep in check. Once I get myself into near athlete shape, I may even try and combine exercise and sunlight by going for a run along the beach. Or maybe I’ll leave that till 2013. Unrealistic targets and all that…

So however you plan to make the usual unusual in 2012, keep in mind that allegedly, the elusive thing we call ‘willpower’ is a limited resource. Bearing that in mind perhaps we should follow the sound advice from a colleague who wisely said “in the New Year, take up don’t give up”.

| freelancer collection raymond-weil.com

Available at Al-Futtaim Watches & Jewellery Dubai: Deira City Centre (04) 295 2906, Dubai Festival City (04) 206 6970 The Watch House Dubai: Mall of the Emirates (04) 341 0354 Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Mall (02) 645 2001 Levant: Mina a ‘salam & Jumeirah Beach Outlets Popley Jewellers, Watches Corner, Rejee Jewellery and Paris Gallery outlets across the UAE.