What's On | October 2011

Issue 402

October 2011

UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

NOW DED WITH AD DES! O GARY RH R NEW MEET OU NIST COLUM

DISCOVER THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP TRIED AND TESTED ROUTES FROM AN AFTERNOON TO A WEEK ALSO INSIDE:

PLUS!

Metallica, Janet Jackson, Your complete Oktoberfest and karaoke guide to UAE football

WIN!

Tickets to Sandance and meet Richard Ashcroft

Contents 18 Singing in the city Fancy yourself as a bit of a crooner? Here’s our run-down of Dubai’s best karaoke bars, choirs and singing lessons

33 Road trips Whether you have a week off or just a few hours, grab your car keys and get ready for our tried and tested road trips

23 Sandance Richard Ashcroft, Example and DJ Joris Voorn call by for a chat as we don our flipflops for the return of Nasimi’s beach festival

42 Janet Jackson The youngest member of the Jackson clan talks about her brother Michael and life on the road ahead of her Yas Island show this month

27 Oktoberfest Find the Oktoberfest for you, with our guide to the best Bavarian-based knees ups

45 Metallica One of metal’s biggest bands touches down in the UAE

30 Football fever The most hotly anticipated season in UAE history kicks off of this month. Meet the contenders

47 Yasalam Tropfest Arabia, film screenings and art shows are all happening in the warm up to next month’s Formula One Grand Prix

GETTY IMAGES

Features

p42

p33 OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 3

The round up 12 Salaam October in a nutshell

p75

16 Win, win, win It’s competitions galore this month with hotel stays, dinners, brunch for six and VIP tables all up for grabs. For more see pages 106 and 119

109 Travel Exploring the new marina development in Hamburg, advice, deals and rugby great Colin Charvis gives us his travel tips

48 Film Colin Farrell and Dr Who’s David Tennant face off in the vampire-flick remake, Fright Night, plus the twisted superhero story Super, and yet another Hollywood rolereversal misadventure in The Change-Up 51 Eating out Our verdict on new restaurant Toro Toro, Friday lunch at Reflets, the latest additions to the brunch scene and we welcome What’s On’s new columnist, chef Gary Rhodes 67 Arts Workshops, classes, courses, exhibitions and more this month on the cultural scene 75 Shopping Kit out your bachelor pad, check out the latest releases and what every lady needs on her feet 83 Mind & body The secret to a good night’s sleep, a look at the five best hair treatments, and how to take care of your skin 91 Sport & outdoor We tackle kickboxing, and look forward to this month’s international swimming and cricket events

4 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

97 Music Artist of the month Mary I, plus all the latest from clubland

121 Hot list The top ten of everything 138 Backchat with… Catboy Our man on the radio reflects on the highs and lows of his karaoke career

p51

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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 Staff Writer Matt Priest | matthew@motivate.ae Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae Senior Designer Sheila Cariño-Deocareza | sheila@motivate.ae Editorial Assistants/Picture Researchers Mabel Alphonso | mabel@motivate.ae Jing Flores | londresa@motivate.ae Picture Researcher – Gulfpics Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae Contributors Nick Alvis, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Julien Coron, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Sophia Serin, 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 Manager Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae General Manager, Abu Dhabi Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae Senior Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae Senior Sales Executive, Abu Dhabi Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)

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Chatting to Gary Rhodes about his new recipe column, p54

Discovering the UAE’s best road trips, p33

Braving kickboxing lessons, p94

Editor's note Roy Keane, ex-Manchester United ace and sometime Sunderland manager, has a saying: "Fail to prepare. Prepare to fail."

For me, planning is a concept as foreign as going for a walk in Dubai or applying for your Emirates ID card (you haven’t, and you’re unlikely to do it any time soon). Don’t get me wrong, at work I’m fine (*disgruntled noises from Team What’s On*), but socially, I’m totally inept. This, I feel, should have been taken into account when, along with a group of friends, I planned my first ever road trip some time back. Or didn’t plan it, as the case may be.

The idea was simple enough – drive to Oman, Muscat specifically, hang out for a couple days, check out a few bars, maybe some restaurants, and generally do what tourists do. Easy.

Unfortunately, a lack of planning meant we couldn’t actually find Oman – I mean, it’s Oman, it’s an entire country, you’d think it would be easy enough, right? Apparently not – and the couple of hours trip to the border took the best part of a day. Then, when we actually arrived at the border, someone (me) hadn’t brought insurance documents for the car (insurance? For crossing borders? Who knew?), meaning we had to lie our way across. Literally, we lied our way over the border with a series of unconvincing tall tales that were either more convincing than we thought, or just wore down the poor man on the border crossing until he relented and let us through. Finally, after yet further travel direction mishaps – and yet more hours – we arrived in Muscat. And everything was closed. It was Ramadan, and unlike here in Dubai, everything just shuts down for the Holy Month. Which we would have known, had we actually planned the trip.

If you’re going on road trip, plan it first. A great way to start is by reading our guide to the best regional road trips (p33). In it you’ll find out how to make the most of an adventure, whether it’s just for the day or even longer. Perfect planning. Roy would be proud. Enjoy the issue.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 11

We're officially part of the Twitterati.

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

Salaam!

Welcome to our world

What’s hot WORLD’S BIGGEST KEBAB Dubai being home to the world’s tallest building wasn’t enough for one local restaurant, which has set a Guinness record of its own – for the world’s largest kebab.

Guess list Here's what we've heard, but keep it 'hush hush'

APPLE UAE

15%

Technology whizking Apple has finally launched a dedicated UAE version of its online store.

Fanboys rejoice as you can now order your Apple tech to your door.

35%

METRO OPEN LONGER First the new Green Line opened.

And now the RTA has extended the opening hours for the metro, with the last train departing at midnight on weekdays, and 1am on weekends. Time to ditch that car.

What’s not SERVICE CHARGE We’re all for tipping in restaurants – good service deserves its reward. But it's nice to have the option, as opposed to having it automatically included in the bill, which is happening in some DIFC restaurants.

EXPENSIVE PETROL A global survey has shown that the UAE is the only GCC country not to make the list of the cheapest places to buy petrol.

ID CARD DEADLINE After several deadlines have been and gone, The Emirates Identity Authority has confirmed that Dubai-based expats have until June 2012 to register for an Emirates ID or incur a daily fine. We think they mean it this time.

12 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

LADY GAGA Sales of meat-based dresses in the Emirates could go up by one, if our showbiz insider is to believed, thanks to a planned visit by Lady Gaga. Our connected chum insists the singer will be over ‘by the end of the year’.

50%

MOVIDA Bad news for ugly people – the chances of you being refused entry to a club look set to increase, with news reaching us that swish London celebrity hangout Movida will be opening up a Dubai branch in 2012.

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

DURAN DURAN Effortlessly easing the squares of his Rubik’s Cube to complete three sides (yellow, white and blue – a new personal best), the What’s On man-in-theknow circa 1980 looked us dead in the eye and whispered two words: “Duran Duran”, before cycling home on a Raleigh Burner bike to watch an episode of Miami Vice.

CIRQUE DU SOUK What’s that? An Arabian inspired spectacular with flying tanoura dancers and acrobats? We’re in.

Oct 7 and 8, Madinat Theatre, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 8pm, Dhs185. Tel: (04) 3666546. madinattheatre.com

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Ashraf Ghori, film-maker and CEO of Xpanse CGI Eating out Equipment

I’ve seen worldrenowned independent filmmakers use the most humble of entry-level equipment. At Salam, in Oud Metha, they have an excellent range of Nikon and Canon DSLRs, which can do an amazing job capturing video.

The staff are also really helpful and actually know what they are talking about – which is always a bonus.

Salam Studio, Grand Store, Wafi Mall, Oud Metha. Tel: (04) 7048484. salams.com

I love Lebanese food. You have to try the grilled chicken at Al-Reef in Al Qusais and the mandi at Tawasol, Deira.

Al Reef Lebanese Bakery, Al Qusais. Tel: (04) 3945200 Al Tawasol, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Deira, noon to midnight.

Tel: (04) 2959797

Dubai 92’s Geordiebird gives us the heads up from the Dubai bar scene THIS MONTH:

Art space

Shelter, in Al Quoz, is a really cool, creative space – great for having meetings with people, and they also put on film screenings and workshops throughout the year.

Shelter, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3809040. shelter.ae

Graphic Novels

My work is highly influenced by my love for comics. Kinokuniya is the best option in the UAE for a good selection of graphic novels. Their range of scale models and action figures is amazing, too.

Book World by Kinokuniya, Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4340111. kinokuniya.com

OLIVER Family musical Oliver makes its way onto the boards at Ductac. Best of all, a percentage of the tickets sales is being donated to children's charities.

Oct 21 and 22, Ductac, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Dhs120. Tel: (04) 3414777. ductac.org

GIRL ABOUT TOWN

WHO'S A GOOD BOY? Paws Pet Planet – the day care centre for dogs – is hosting an off the leash park day for dogs, with giveaways, games and goodie-bags.

Oct 8, Dubai Investment Park, Green Community, 10am to 4pm, free. Tel: (04) 8848894. pawspetplanet.com

What does it look like?

VODA BAR It’s very cool and modern, actually – a contrast to the hotel – with marble pillars and white pod seats dotted around.

Who goes there?

I didn’t see any familiar ‘faces’, which was kind of nice, to be honest. The crowd was fairly mixed, from mid-20s to early 40s, including a few holidaymakers.

When should you go?

We went on a Thursday and it was nicely full, with a happy hour from 7pm to 9pm and DJ Da Sendri playing deep house.

The tunes weren’t intrusive though, and provided a soundtrack to our chatting.

Drink recommendations?

The signature Turkish delight cocktail is amazing, and we also tried some fantastic mocktails – you should definitely try the virgin mojito.

Any food on the menu?

Sushi. We shared an excellent platter and nibbled on edamame.

Dress code?

It’s a smart bar but people didn’t go too overboard with the designer togs. No shorts or flip-flops, though.

How's the service?

Our smiley waitress was so nice we nearly invited her to join us. Sweet, speedy and not in your face.

What's the taxi situation?

Easy. There were loads outside. Beware the many speed bumps nearby though – we counted 16 of them!

GB VERDICT: A great bar if you live on The Palm, but an awkward, isolated place to start, or end, an evening.

Voda Bar, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Hotel, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4530444 Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 13

SALAAM

In the news THE NAME GAME You might think that naming a Metro station after a bank or electronics store is confusing, but the RTA has appealed for sponsors for the naming of the 18 new Green Line stations – and it's easy to see why...

2 billion dirhams have been raised from station branding over the last two years If you could name a Metro station what would you call it? Tweet us @WhatsOnDubai

RECESSION? WHAT RECESSION? The world is going through a tough time financially, but these figures suggest Dubai isn’t too bothered by the global financial crisis

211

The number of Porsches sold at the Dubai dealership in August 2011 – a company record

What’s On Station

5 15

Average percentage Per cent increase in new increase in UAE salaries jobs created across the UAE in 2011 over the past year

FILM CORNER

Jetting in Its London incarnation is a famed celeb magnet, and following the soft opening of members' club Embassy Dubai this month we’ve had a tip off from an insider that Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson will be flying a planeload of his rock ‘n’ roll chums in for the grand opening on the weekend of November’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

OTHER CELEBS RUMOURED TO BE ON THE GUEST LIST: Britney Spears The Saturdays Kimberly Wyatt (Pussycat Dolls) JLS Nick Knowles Denise van Outen cast members from The Only Way Is Essex Peter Andre

Celeb spotter Star visitors to keep an eye out for in the coming months

As life kicks back into top gear following the long summer, the Dubai Confidential Film Club has re-emerged with a nifty little idea for its up and coming afternoon screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Wait a minute, an afternoon screening? Why that is madness, we here you say. But the key is that Blake Edwards' much-loved 1961 classic will be followed by a vintage English afternoon tea party, replicating the atmosphere of the film – I say! How quaint.

Oct 8, Dubai Confidential Film Club, Pavilion, Downtown, Dubai, 2pm, Dhs150. Tel: (055) 5537686. dubaiconfidential.ae 14 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Chris Brown (December), Kim Kardashian (October), Metallica (October), Janet Jackson (October), Eva Longoria (October), Michael Bolton (November), Kelly Brook (October)

ABU DHABI AL WAHDA MALL 97 1. 2.4437213 MARINA MALL 97 1. 2.6811464 DUBAI DEIRA CIT Y CENTRE 971.4. 2943057 THE DUBAI MALL 97 1.4.3399472 KUWAIT 360 MALL (OPENING SOON)

ARMANIEXCHANGE.COM/UAE

WIN! WIN! WIN! A duo of decadent delights for your competitive pleasures

WIN! IMPERIUM BRUNCH FOR SIX AT JUMEIRAH ZABEEL SARAY One of Dubai’s most impressive new hotels has launched a new Friday brunch and, to celebrate, we’re giving you the opportunity to win a table for six. Set in stunning French restaurant Imperium, you and your guests can enjoy a sumptuous seasonal selection including cold cuts, roasts, artisan cheeses, brasserie-style dishes, fresh seafood and, of course, divine desserts, all with Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne and live jazz.

Afterwards head next door to Voda Bar for buy one get one free drinks until 9pm. For your chance to win this dazzling prize, simply tell us…

Where is the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel? a) The Tree b) The Palm c) The Branch

WIN! A NIGHT’S STAY FOR TWO AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA Treat yourself and a loved one to a weekend in a swanky hotel, with this fantastic prize. We have a night’s stay in a deluxe room at The Address Dubai Marina up for grabs, including buffet breakfast in Mazina and access to the gorgeous elevated infinity pool. Home to a fab spa, four restaurants and lounges and a 24-hour gym, the hotel also has direct access to Marina Mall so you can satisfy your food, fitness and fashion cravings. For your chance to win a weekend away for two, you’ll have to get this question right…

Which mall is the hotel attached to? a) Deira City Centre b) Marina Mall To enter c) Mall Of The Emirates either of these fantastic

competitions, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with the name of the prize in the subject line and the correct answer to the relevant question

16 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

SINGING Listen up all you attention seekers, potential pop idols and tone-deaf wailers. Dubai’s singing scene has taken off in a big way, turning us from mute wallflowers to wannabe warblers. Whether you’re ready for the spotlight, taking to the stage for the first time or just want to warm up those rusty pipes, we’ve found the best places and people to kick-start your crooning career

KARAOKE Where to publicly strut your stuff HIBIKI KARAOKE LOUNGE

BEST FOR… SHY TYPES Too chicken to rock the mic in front of a crowd?

Hibiki has three private rooms equipped with machine, ideal for private parties. This Dubai singing stalwart has a loyal crowd of regulars (we’ve spotted Dubai 92’s Catboy belting out Wichita Lineman there on several occasions…) but the happy hour from 7.30pm to 9.30pm pulls in new performers too.

Hyatt Regency Hotel, Deira, Dubai, Mon to Sat 7.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 2096701. dubai.regency. hyatt.com

ROCK BOTTOM CAFE

BEST FOR… POST-BRUNCH ENTERTAINMENT Every Friday from around 8.30pm the stage is handed over to the punters. Probably not the wisest move, but amusing nonetheless.

Famed for blue drinks and hardened drinkers, Rocky B’s is a magnet for fun loving party people, guaranteeing you a good time, whether you’re belting out a tune or just tittering from the sidelines.

Regent Palace Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai, noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 3963888. regentpalacehotel.co.uk/ dubai 18 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

KUNG KOREAN RESTAURANT & KARAOKE

BEST FOR… FOOD FANS AND THE MARINA MASSIVE We love karaoke. We’re big fans of Korean food. And this end of town has long been without a spot for us to show off our pipes/ merrily humiliate ourselves, so we’re tipping our caps and dedicating a shaky rendition of Wonderwall to Kung, the latest karaoke club in town. Housed in the Byblos hotel, there are eight private karaoke rooms, two private dining rooms and authentic Korean cuisine (you might need to ask a hostess to translate the menu). Get there before the crooning crowds discover it.

Byblos Hotel, TECOM, Dubai, 7pm to 2.30am.

Tel: (04) 4488000. bybloshoteldubai.com

BOSTON BAR

BEST FOR… A LOW-KEY LAUGH Five drinks for Dhs89 and karaoke from 8pm until midnight? Sign us up. At Boston Bar on Friday nights everyone who sings is rewarded with a free drink, with no one taking it too seriously and some of the finest ‘shout alongs’ we’ve ever witnessed. It’s worth mentioning the quality pub fodder too, which you might appreciate after you’ve dominated the mic for four hours.

Jumeirah Rotana, Al Diyafah Street, Satwa, Dubai, noon to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 3455888. rotana. com

IN THE CITY HARRY GHATTO’S

BEST FOR… EXHIBITIONISTS A tiny room packed with people not so patiently waiting for their signature tune, Harry’s is the hottest spot for budding professionals. The Kosupure promotion (‘kosupure’ is the Japanese word for costume and play) on Monday and Tuesday nights invites you to glam up as your favourite pop or rock star, with everyone who dresses to impress earning a free drink and the best effort (for both appearance and singing performance) winning a grand prize from behind the bar. Registration starts at 10pm, with the winner announced by the judges at midnight. Need some Dutch courage? There’s a happy hour from 8pm to 10pm. However, it’s worth a visit all through the week, with some impressive cover versions and the hostesses getting involved too. We may have sung A Whole New World from Aladdin with them once. Maybe.

Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 8pm to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3198088. jumeirah.com

IT’S MIRCHI

BEST FOR… BELTING OUT THE BOLLYWOOD Do you like curry? Do you like karaoke? Then you’ll love curryoke. Every night at Indian restaurant It’s Mirchi there’s a curry buffet (Dhs79 or Dhs155 with five drinks) and a mic up for grabs. If Bollywood songs are your forte then you’ll love this place, but there’s English language tracks too. There’s a different theme each evening, with ladies’ night on Tuesdays with free drinks for the fairer sex, Rocking Retro on Wednesdays and Desi Fever every Friday with DJs broadcasting live on 89.1FM. Can you handle the heat?

Ramee Royal Hotel, Karama, Dubai, 7pm to late.

Tel: (04) 3344088. rameehotels.com

CHINA SEA

BEST FOR… VALUE FOR MONEY FEASTS AND YOUR OWN MACHINE Home to some of the most authentic Chinese cuisine in Dubai (and it’s super cheap to boot) China Sea also has private dining rooms upstairs kitted out with karaoke machines, all in kitsch surroundings. It’s not licensed so you’ll have to be confident in your abilities or go with a tone-deaf group, but you’ll have control over the tunes and enjoy some seriously good food.

Near Clocktower Roundabout, Maktoum Street, Deira, Dubai, 11am to 1am. Tel: (04) 2959816

SWITCH BOWLING

BEST FOR… FAMILIES Über-modern bowling haven Switch also boasts two private karaoke rooms (Dhs50 per hour) where you can enjoy a massive range of tracks in a state-of-the-art setting.

There’s regular membership offers and ladies’ nights too, with billiards, PlayStation rooms and dining on site, plus some seriously impressive bowling lanes.

Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10.30am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4405961. switchbowlingdubai.com

TIME CAFE

BEST FOR… PEOPLE WITH A SHORT ATTENTION SPAN Another one in the Ramee Royal Hotel (the neighbours must love them…) you can sing your little heart out from 10pm each night at Time Café with a book full of English language tracks. It’s also ladies’ night seven days a week, and happy hour every day from 9pm to midnight, with 20 per cent off all drinks. If singing isn’t your thing, you’ll also find loads of screens showing sport, plenty of pool tables and beanbags for lounging on.

Ramee Royal Hotel, Karama, Dubai, 7pm to late.

Tel: (04) 3344088. rameehotels.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 19

SINGING IN THE CITY

OPEN MIC NIGHT If you’re ready for an audience then

head to Bert’s Café in The Greens on Wednesdays at 8pm. Established local musicians and first-timers alike can take to the tiny stage and serenade diners, with no pressure and a welcoming crowd.

Bert’s Café, The Greens, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3619292

CHOIRS

LESSONS

Meet up, tune up and perform with a group

Perfect your pitch or take your first steps to stardom

BELLE VOCI

IMPACT

An informal, friendly band of singers, Belle Voci performs music from across a number of genres and decades. Rehearsing weekly and free to join, the choir is always open to new members, with the emphasis on enjoying music and meeting like-minded songstresses.

E-mail: bellevocigroup@gmail.com

DUBAI CHAMBER CHOIR

One of the city’s most impressive choirs, the DCC is well known for its stunning Christmas carols concerts and performances of the classics in venues as diverse as The Fridge and Emirates Palace.

The standard is high and members take it seriously, with auditions held several times a year. If you have the talent and commitment, this is the ensemble for you.

E-mail: dubaichamberchoir@yahoo.co.uk

DUBAI SINGERS

A lively bunch of talented singers, this choir has been running for over 30 years, performing everything from well-known musicals to the upcoming production of Petite Messe Solonelle by Rossini. What started as a sing-along round a piano is now a popular group of singers that claims, “even if you are not especially talented, we do expect you to be dedicated”. No auditions are necessary and rehearsals take place in the Kindermusik villa in Umm Suqeim on Mondays from 8pm to 10pm.

E-mail: dubaisingers.info

20 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Offering a number of musical stylings from jazz to rock, Impact’s Karen Bradfield says “beginners are better as there are no bad habits” so don’t be shy. Lessons cost Dhs220 for an hour and take place at DUCTAC. With Impact linked to musical theatre productions in the UAE, there’s plenty of scope for taking your new hobby to the next level, too.

DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai.

Tel: (050) 8549782. ductac.org

JUMEIRAH MUSIC CENTRE

An enthusiastic bunch, the teachers at JMC offer one-on-one lessons for children aged eight up to adult, with everyone from beginners to advanced singers catered for. A one-off class costs Dhs140 or Dhs520 for four, and you don’t need to read music to get the most from a session.

Jumeriah Plaza, Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3492662. jumeirah-music.com

VOCAL COACHING DUBAI

Teacher Helen has coached everyone from first timers who can’t hold a tune to out of practice pros, and everyone in between. All you need is a desire to warble. And don’t worry if you can’t read music or the last time you sang was somewhat awkwardly to earn

a slice of your colleague’s birthday cake, Helen covers everything from posture to performing. Still unconvinced? A 30-minute no obligation taster lesson costs just Dhs100.

The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (050) 5540579. vocalcoachingdubai.com

CENTRE FOR MUSICAL ARTS

Lessons for budding singers aged six and over are available at CMA, with music tailored to suit your interests and preferences? Want to learn a Disney classic? Fancy trying a classical aria?

No problem. A term of 13 classes costs Dhs1,635 for half an hour once a week.

Youngsters can also attend the Saturday Sessions from 10am to 1pm at Dubai College (Dhs950 for ten weeks), where they’ll meet other wannabe performers, work as an ensemble and create a choir.

Mall Of The Emirates and Gold & Diamond Park, Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3418872. cmadubai.com

For an Asian twist For tranquil days. For intimate evenings.

Eauzone at the Arabian Court, One&Only Royal Mirage. For you.

Open daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations please telephone +971 4 399 99 99 oneandonlyroyalmirage.com

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Sandance Break out the flip-flops – Sandance is back. The beach-based festival hits the golden sands of Nasimi this month, and it’s boasting another impressive line-up, with The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, chart-topping pop rapper Example, plus a full Chicane live show, DJ action from David Morales, Joris Voorn, Sasha and lashings of local talent

Richard Ashcroft Performing a special live acoustic set for Sandance, Richard Ashcroft’s first appearance in Dubai is something of a calming lull before the party starts in earnest. We grilled the former The Verve frontman on reunions, his friendship with Liam and Noel Gallagher, and his gangster alter ego…

Have you played an acoustic set at a dance festival before?

Not really. But in England, early raves were very eclectic. They weren’t necessarily allnight dance events. People would throw on different things. I had a brief spell clubbing when I was younger. You’d dance to a certain beat for six hours then at the end all you really wanted [to listen to] was Bob Dylan or The Beatles. So long as you’re on

at the right time and you’ve got the songs, it’s not a problem.

Will you be dusting off The Verve’s classic back catalogue?

I’ll be playing some of the best songs I’ve written – in my mind – over the last 20 years.

I’m not sure if I’ll play The Drugs Don’t Work because, well… but probably Lucky Man, Sonnet, A Song For The Lovers, Break The Night With Colour. I’m not one of these guys who deny the audience the right to hear his best tunes.

Are you looking forward to any other acts at Sandance?

Example is doing very well. In England, success comes with a heavy price, and I’ve got a lot of time for anyone who breaks

through and does something half interesting, especially in the pop world. It’s a tough game.

And you’ve got to respect people who have been around a while, like Chicane. When I was younger, I probably threw out a few bad comments about people, but with time you learn to respect your peers. You realise how hard it is.

How familiar are you with Dubai?

This is my first visit, amazingly. I’m looking forward to checking it out. It looks psychedelic. Everyone has preconceived ideas of places. I try and keep an open mind, but I can imagine a lot of marble and air conditioning, some nice beaches with great water parks, and streets where keeping up with the Joneses means have you got the [Rolls-Royce] Phantom coupé OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 23

or the drop top or only the four-door hard top. I’m sure there’s a bit of that going on. But if you see the photographs of Dubai merely 25 or 30 years ago it’s astonishing. It was like a little fishing village that’s mushroomed into something entirely different.

It’s incredible. I’d be interested in what’s going to be created in Dubai over the next ten or 20 years. What’s going to be the sound of Dubai, in a place that’s relatively young but ancient at the same time?

Your old friend Liam Gallagher’s new band, Beady Eye, played the UAE recently. Will you ask his advice about the country?

[Laughs] I see him now and again.

Whenever people are gunning for me, Liam turns up out the blue or he’ll give a call.

And Noel [Gallagher] was very good to The Verve at the beginning. So my respect goes a long way, but I won’t be asking any advice because I don’t need anybody’s anymore. I tend to just do it and see how it goes.

You claim to have a slightly gangster alter ego, named after The Godfather character Michael Corleone. At what point does he come out to play?

Michael is something we were laughing about in the studio making my last album in New York. It’s a character we can all relate to. His whole life is spent walking between his very dark side and wanting to morally put himself back together again.

Michael, my alter ego, can turn up. I’m not someone who turns into Michael at any given moment. [Laughs] Michael just makes sure other people don’t take the ****.

What are the chances of The Verve reforming again in the foreseeable future?

I really have no idea. You learn that sometimes things come to an end for a reason – very real reasons – and time doesn’t always heal. It’s highly unlikely we’ll 24 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Joris Voorn The Amsterdam-based tech-house DJ can’t wait for his Dubai debut at Sandance…

I’ve never been to Dubai so I don’t know what to expect. I’ve played all over the world, from really ever make music together again. Life’s too underground short. No matter how much money’s on venues to larger the table, it really isn’t worth it. I started losing belief in the concept of the band very commercial clubs, early in life because it’s unreasonable to ask so I’m good at adapting. grown adults to live and breathe the same air in the same space for so long. We watch Expect a lot of good music, somewhere between people crack up on Big Brother within five house and techno. I play a lot of my own stuff, or six days. With the band, you’re talking ten years. It’s like Spinal Tap. I loved Spinal with quite a few remixes, plus music from artists on my label, Rejected.

Tap as a kid, but it’s also a blueprint for Every gig I played this summer went really all the things that you don’t want to get well. I played all over the place: New York, involved with.

London, Holland. But Europe didn’t see the greatest of summers, so I’m excited to be back in Is there another solo Richard Ashcroft the sunshine. album on the way?

The beauty of festivals is that you have time I’m in the process of trying to write a set to go and see other acts perform. I always try of songs to compete with the best I’ve to see as many acts as I can. Sometimes it’s written. For the last few albums I’ve been hard because of schedules, but I always look on a bit of a voyage, trying to discover different ways of recording, different styles. if there’s time. And I love going to the beach, although I don’t always have time to go as There’s a certain time when I think people much as I would like. recognised me as a great songwriter. If I’ve I’m fully booked for the rest of this year: got any clarity about what I’m doing next it’s about reclaiming that, if I ever had it. So South America, North America and a lot of gigs in Europe. I need to make sure that I’ve that’s what I’m heading for: that definitive got enough space in my passport. album. I was 40 the other day, which jorisvoorn.com suggests I’m in a different phase of my life.

I think it’s time to relate to my people, the people who have grown up with me. richardashcroft.com

WIN! A MEET AND GREET WITH RICHARD ASHCROFT, PLUS SANDANCE TICKETS We have a meet and greet with Richard Ashcroft for two people (including a pair of tickets), plus more tickets to Sandance to give away. For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘Sandance’ in the subject line and the answer to the following question: Sand is made from tiny particles of what substance? a) Wood b) Rock and minerals c) Smarties

David Morales

The veteran New York clubland legend on tans, his DJ mates and winning Grammys

Example

2007 Releases debut album, What We Made, on Mike ‘The Streets’ Skinner’s label, The Beats.

2008 Plays his first stand-up comedy gigs in London after being mentored by funnyman Richard Herring as part of a feature for BBC TV’s The Culture Show.

Tracing the evolution of Elliot Gleave, aka metamorphosing West London dance-rapper Example, who plays live at Sandance along2009 Crashes the UK single charts for the first side his spinner, DJ Wire… time with Watch The Sun Come Up, the opening

1982 Born in West London.

single from his second album, Won’t Go Quietly.

2010 Releases Won’t Go Quietly, featuring 1992 As a schoolboy, wins the Royal Mail Poet production from Calvin Harris and Chase & Of The Year competition.

Status.

2000 Starts at Royal Holloway University and

2011 Makes the final leap to stardom during what future generations may dub the Summer Of Example: two UK number one singles, Changed The Way You Kiss Me and Stay Awake, are followed by his first chart-topping album, Playing In The Shadows. trythisforexample.com

meets his producer, Rusher.

2006 Gains his first sniff of fame with BBC Radio 1 daytime airplay for Lily Allen parody, Vile.

Puts out debut single proper, I Don’t Want To, films a video in Chernobyl for the track What We Made.

Are you looking forward to topping up your tan at Sandance?

[Laughs]. I’ve been on the beach all summer, so I’m tanned already. But I don’t mind relaxing in the Gulf.

Are you pals with any of the other DJs playing the festival?

Only Sasha. I’ve known him for almost 20 years. He was my warm-up DJ many moons ago.

You’ve played club dates in Dubai before, but do you expect a different vibe this time?

Yes. Obviously clubs are more intimate. In clubs people get more dressed up and they don’t come out until late. Festivals usually attract a lot more people.

You’re among an elite band of DJs/ producers to win a Grammy. Do you keep the gong on display?

I keep it in my studio. I have great memories of my journey in this business, from producing famous artists to winning awards.

What’s next?

Producing new artist, besides producing my own records, and touring as usual. I plan on taking a month off in November and then I have a new album coming out in December. djdavidmorales.com Oct 14, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs200 to Dhs350.

Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 25

FIVE TO TRY...

A bevy of Bavarians couldn’t keep us from donning our lederhosen, grabbing a stein, eating a bratwurst and cramming as many German stereotypes as possible into a night out. Miles away from Munich, we’ve found the best bars in Dubai celebrating Oktoberfest

HOFBRÄUHAUS

When it comes to Oktoberfest in Dubai, it’s hard to get more traditional that Hofbräuhaus. Despite being the younger sister of the original bar in Munich, the Oktoberfest spread of food and beverages will demonstrate just how traditional it really is. They have even booked a German band who promise to have you doing an exhilarating rendition of the ‘birdie dance’ – nope, we have no idea what that is either.

Until Oct 31, Hofbräuhaus, JW Marriot Dubai, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Deira, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, Dhs230 including drinks.

Tel: (04) 6077977. marriottdiningatjw.ae

SLOANE’S

At What’s On we love it when people put a local spin on things, so we applaud Sloane’s decision to merge the Oktoberfest celebration with the very Dubai tradition of Friday brunches. Expect a buffet chockfull of schnitzels, sauerkraut, Wurts and pretzels – top marks.

Oct 7, 14, 21, 28, Sloane’s, Grosvenor House, Al Sufouh Road, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs220.

Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

GRAND OKTOBERFEST

The people at Le Méridien are so committed to the goodtime Bavarian vibe that they are erecting an Oktoberfest tent, flying in a band from Bavaria, have two German chefs cooking up a specific a la carte menu and stacking the bar with deals on traditional brews – impressive.

Oct 12 to 29, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7pm to 1am, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3172271. restaurants. dubai.hyatt.com

Hofbräuhaus

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 27

WHEN DID IT START? Last year Oktoberfest celebrated its 200th anniversary with an estimated 6.5 million visitors to the home of the party, Munich.

HOW DID IT ALL BEGIN? It was originally all about the royal wedding in 1810, with the people of Munich invited to attend and party in the fields outside the city gates. There were horse races, which were repeated the next year, and it soon morphed into an agricultural show with a few beer stands. By the close of the century visitors were more interested in the steins than the sheep.

WHY DO OKTOBERFEST CELEBRATIONS SOMETIMES HAPPEN IN SEPTEMBER? Traditionally, festivities took place in the 16 days up to and including the first Sunday in October. Deceiving, we know.

HAS IT TAKEN PLACE EVERY YEAR SINCE 1810?

No, fairly major problems like war and cholera epidemics have cancelled the festival 24 times.

DO I HAVE TO GET DRESSED UP? No, but you’ll probably have more fun (and enjoy a few more free ales) if you do.

THE HUB

Despite being hosted in an Irish bar, this is still one of our top picks for the festivities.

Running for a week, The Hub’s celebrations are firmly focused on the food. Arrive with plenty of room in your leather shorts as there’s German specialities on offer including pretzels, bratwurst, weisswurst (a veal sausage) and roast chicken braised with cabbage and potato dumplings.

Until Oct 3, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 6pm to 1am, free.

Tel: (04) 4484862. sofitel.com/dubai 28 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

THE IRISH VILLAGE As you’d expect, the home of Hopfest does Oktoberfest very well indeed. Taking place over a weekend, the chefs have gone all out with a buffet of grilled sausages, sauerkraut, herrings, pretzels and more, all washed down with lashings of German ale. And what soundtrack could be more perfect than Oompah bank PIK AS? Oct 13 and 14, Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, 7pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 2824750. theirishvillage.ae

You won’t need to speak German in Dubai, but it’s all about authenticity An Guad’n – bon appétit Darf ich mich zu dir setzen? – may I sit here?

Fingerhackeln – a popular activity in the tent, involving two men sitting opposite each other, hooking their middle fingers and trying to pull their opponent over the table. We don’t condone this behaviour…

Heisl – toilet (comes from ‘häuslein’ meaning ‘little house’) Noagerl – the very last sip from your glass. For extra points shout ‘pfiati naoger! ‘– to bid it farewell

Football fever After a crazy summer of wild rumours, world-class players jetting in and new managers taking the helm – including Diego Maradona – the most hotly anticipated football season in UAE history starts on October 15. Here’s the lowdown on the Pro-League teams, their star players and a guide on who to support…

AL AHLI Formed: 1970 League titles: Five Last season: Eighth Manager: Ivan Hasek Kit: Red/White Stadium: Al-Rashid Stadium, Al Nahda Street, Dubai Capacity: 18,000 Player to watch: Luis Jimenez Summer signing: Grafite alahliclub.ae

PHOTOGRAPHY: PLC

AL WAHDA Formed: 1984 League titles: Four Last season: Fifth Manager: Josef Hickersberger Kit: Burgundy/White Stadium: Al-Nahyan Stadium, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Fernando Baiano Summer signing: Masa’ed Neda alwahdaclub.ae

30 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

AL AIN

Most successful club

Formed: 1968 League titles: Nine Last season: Tenth Manager: Cosmin Olaroiu Kit: White/Purple Stadium: Sheikh Tahnoun Stadium, Mohammed Bin Khalifa St, Al Ain Capacity: 15,000 Player to watch: Mirel Radoi Summer signing: Asamoah Gyan alainfc.ae

AL WASL Formed: 1974 League titles: Seven Last season: Sixth Manager: Diego Maradona Kit: Yellow/Black Stadium: Zabeel Stadium, Dubai Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Khalid Darwish Summer signing: Edson Puch alwaslsc.ae

Diego Maradona

AJMAN Formed: 1974 League titles: None Last season: Division Two winners (promoted) Manager: Abdul Qader Kit: Orange Stadium: Ajman Stadium, Ajman Capacity: 10,000 Player to watch: Ibrahima Toure Summer signing: Karim Kerkar ajmanclub.ae

BANIYAS Formed: 1982 League titles: None Last season: Runners-up Manager: Jorvan Vieira Kit: White/Blue Stadium: Baniyas Stadium, Baniyas Capacity: 6,000 Player to watch: Andre Senghor Summer signing: David Trezeguet baniyasclub.ae

AL JAZIRA

Defending Champions

Formed: 1974 League titles: One Last season: Champions Manager: Franky Vercauteren Kit: White/Red Stadium: Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Capacity: 42,056 Player to watch: Matias Delgado Summer signing: Lucas Neil jc.ae

DUBAI CLUB Formed: 1995 League titles: None Last season: Ninth Manager: Umberto Romano Kit: Gold/Blue Stadium: Police Officers Club Stadium, Dubai Capacity: 6,500 Player to watch: Aboubacar M’Baye Summer signing: Faouzi Aaish dubaiclub.ae

SHARJAH

AL NASR Formed: 1945 League titles: Three Last season: Third Manager: Walter Zenga Kit: Blue/White Stadium: Al-Maktoum Stadium, Oud Metha, Dubai Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Carlos Tenorio Summer signing: Mark Bresciano alnasrclub.com

Formed: 1966 League titles: Five Last season: Seventh Manager: Valeriu Tita Kit: White/Red Stadium: Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah Capacity: 18,000 Player to watch: Anderson de Carvalho Summer signing: Eder Luciano sharjahclub.ae

AL SHABAB EMIRATES CLUB Formed: 1969 League titles: None Last season: Division Two runners-up (promoted) Manager: Ghazi Ghrairi Kit: Red/White Stadium: Emirates Club Stadium, Ras Al Khaimah Capacity: 6,000 Player to watch: Nabil Daoudi Summer signing: Alhassane Keita emiratesclub.ae

Formed: 1958 League titles: Three Last season: Fourth Manager: Paulo Bonamigo Kit: Green Stadium: Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium, Al Waheda, Dubai Capacity: 12,000 Player to watch: Carlos Villanueva Summer signing: Azizbek Haydarov alshababdubai.com

WHO TO SUPPORT

TICKETS

STAR PLAYERS

Al Ahli – the Red Knights from Al Qusais misfired last year, but have spent big to try and regain the crown they won in 2008/09.

Deciphering how to get tickets for some events can break a man’s will. However, thankfully the Pro-League Committee has removed all the stress from this process allowing you to get tickets directly from stadiums – best of all, tickets start from as little as Dhs20.

David Trezegeut (Baniyas) – As well as being a former World and European champion, the French striker scored 171 goals for Italian giants Juventus.

Al Nasr – Translated simply as ‘Victory’ this Oud Metha-based outfit is usually in the mix come the end of the season.

Al Shabab – Spearheaded by the former Blackburn Rovers striker Carlos Villanueva, the greens from Al Waheda took home the Etisalat Emirates Cup last year.

Al Wasl – Saint Diego himself takes control of the team fittingly known as The Emperor. Expect plenty.

Dubai Club – Set up in 1995, they are Dubai’s newest and smallest team – the classic underdogs.

ROUND ONE Emirates v Dubai Al Shabab v Al Wahda Al Jazira v Al Ahli Ajman v Baniyas Al Ain v Al Nasr Al Wasl v Sharjah (Home team in bold)

Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 15 Oct 16 Oct 16 Oct 16

Grafite (Al Ahli) – Named the Germany league’s player of the season in 08/09 after scoring 28 goals in 25 matches to help Wolfsburg win the league.

Edson Puch (Al Wasl) – The tricky Chilean midfielder was hand picked by Maradona to add attacking flair to the side.

Lucas Neill (Al Jazira) – As Australia’s national team captain, Neill brings further steel to the defence of last year’s runaway double winners.

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 31

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HIT THE ROAD

If you need a change of scenery and have anything from an afternoon to a week on your hands, fill the tank, put on some tunes and start exploring, with our tried and tested road trip routes

AFTERNOON EXCURSIONS Looking for something to fill several hours on a lazy afternoon?

ICELAND WATERPARK

AL AIN WILDLIFE PARK & ZOO

BEST FOR: FAMILIES

BEST FOR: ANIMAL LOVERS

What’s on offer? The RAK park’s previous environmental claims – namely that it is a leader in the fight against global warming – may be questionable, but when it comes to activities Iceland Waterpark is definitely ahead of the game. There are all sorts on offer, from aqua soccer and an Olympic-size pool to glacier slides and terrifying rides.

Essential kit: Swimmers and sunscreen, but jewellery is not allowed.

Directions: Come off Emirates Road at exit 119, at the roundabout take second exit towards Al Jazeera/Al Hamra/Sharjah, drive approximately 4km until you see Iceland Waterpark on your right.

Travel time: Approximately 60 minutes (105km).

Iceland Waterpark, Ras Al Khaimah, 11am to 8pm, Dhs100 to Dhs150. Tel: (07) 2067888. icelandwaterpark.com

What’s on offer? The UAE’s best zoo by a long chalk boasts lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and zebra, among other animals. Oh my. Don’t miss the nightly 7pm bird show, featuring birds of prey including owls, falcons and vultures, or the giraffe feeding, petting zoo, camel rides (Dhs10), and on Wednesday evenings, the bouncy castle (Dhs5) and 8pm cartoon screenings.

Essential kit: Camera, sunscreen and comfy shoes.

Directions: Easy peasy. Follow the Al Ain Road (E66) straight to Al Ain. The zoo is sign-posted and located on Khalifa Zayed Al Awwal Street.

Travel time: Approximately 70 minutes (125km).

Al Ain Wildlife Park & Zoo, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 10pm, Dhs5 to Dhs15. Tel: (800) 2977. awpr.ae OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 33

Antonio Banderas, Actor, “Black Gold” Photograph by Brigitte Lacombe © 2011

DAY TRIPS

Days to remember out and about in the UAE

BANYAN TREE AL WADI SPA

CRAB HUNTING

BEST FOR: LUXURY FANS

What’s on offer? Light refreshments, an hour of crab hunting by torchlight in the mangroves with a spear, followed by dinner (crab). If you want to spend a day by the pool beforehand, it’s Dhs50 entrance, and if the hunt makes you weary and you want to take a room for the night, a double will cost Dhs550.

Essential kit: Swimmers, old trainers, a change of clothes.

Directions: Take exit 90 off Emirates Road (E11) and continue straight until you see signs for the Flamingo Beach Resort.

Travel time: Approximately 40 minutes (50km).

Flamingo Beach Resort, Umm Al Quwain, from sunset, Dhs190. Tel: (06) 7650000. flamingoresort.ae

What’s on offer? The Banyan Tree Spa day package lasts for a relaxing 450 minutes. That’s seven and a half hours of pure pampered pleasure. Split into morning and afternoon sessions, it includes a choice of 90-minute massage, refreshments, a 90-minute hydrotherapy experience complete with ice caves, tropical showers and scented steam rooms, lunch, a 90-minute facial and a 30-minute face massage. Now that’s a road worth travelling.

Essential kit: Swimmers, a change of clothes.

Directions: Head north on Emirates Road (E11), take exit 119, turn right at roundabout, after 4km there is a sign to the hotel, turn right and you will reach the hotel after 3km.

Travel time: Approximately 60 minutes (105km).

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, Dhs1,800.

Tel: (07) 2067777. banyantree.com

BEST FOR: ACTIVE TYPES

Check out Adventure HQ if you have an idea, but no gear. You can rent kayaks (from Dhs200 per day), bikes (from Dhs100 per day), tents, car fridges, roof racks and more. And if you’re stuck for an itinerary, they can even provide advice and recommendations for routes, and they promise to get back to you within an hour.

Times Square Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3466824.

E-mail asktheexpert@adventurehq.ae

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 35

WEEKENDS AWAY Break out of your dinner-brunch-bar-sleep routine – load up the car and spend a few days out of the city

KHASAB

the British used the tiny patch of land as a cable station in the mid-1800s. If snorkelling What’s on offer? Dolphins. Loads of them. is your thing get kitted up (equipment is And a very pretty underwater world. provided) and circle the island, taking in the Essential kit: Passport (Khasab is in the fish, coral and maybe the odd sea turtle if Omani enclave of Musandam), Oman car you’re lucky (we weren’t). Lunch is included insurance, Omani rials, underwater camera, and caught by the dhow’s crew while you swimmers, sun cream, binoculars. swim, turning Nemo into nibbles. Not much Why should you go? Known throughout can beat fresh fish grilled on a barbecue after the UAE as the ‘Norway of Arabia’, Khasab’s an hour in the water. scenery is nothing short of stunning, with You’ll then slowly glide back to the hotel, fjords, islands for snorkelling, and quaint exploring inlets and fjords on the way, fishing villages. Best of all, you don’t need a allowing you to see fishing villages that can 4x4 drive to get there. only be accessed by water, where people still Directions: Dead easy. Take Emirates live today untouched by technology. Then it’s Road (E11) until it ends in Shams. At the back to reality for a quick swim in the pool roundabout take the first exit, which takes and dinner before an early night. you to the coast then on to the Oman border.

The next morning try a mountain safari Flash your passports (they might want to (Dhs300 per person for a full day) that can search your car for contraband) then follow be booked through the hotel, taking in the the main road to Khasab. dramatic, rocky scenery, driving through Travel time: Approximately 120 minutes dry wadi beds and enjoying the cooler (185km). temperatures, stopping for a picnic lunch.

The trip: Set off at dawn to make the most of This isn’t as stomach churning as desert the day. Base yourself out of the Golden Tulip, driving, with fewer drops and less speed, so a basic but clean and friendly hotel right on it’s more family friendly. Make sure you ask the water, where you can go on excursions, your driver to stop at regular intervals for enjoy a run-of-the-mill buffet dinner and take photos; these views are worth capturing. a dip in the pool. We went on a full day dhow Once back, it’s time to pack up the car and trip (9am to 4pm) for Dhs200 per person, drive home. Customs queue permitting (it which introduced us to hundreds of dolphins rarely takes longer than ten minutes) you’ll be that swam alongside the boat, jumping, back in Dubai by sunset. twisting and vying for our attention.

Golden Tulip, Khasab, Musandam, Oman, from From there, it’s a cruise through the fjords Dhs700 for a double room per night. Tel: (00968) to Telegraph Island, named after a time when 26730777. goldentulipkhasab.com

36 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

SHUWAYHAH What’s on offer? A rugged rocky landscape great for off-roading, camping and relaxing.

Essential kit: Passport, Oman car insurance, Omani rials, tent, sleeping bag, camping chair, swimmers, plenty of bottled water, offroading map, barbecue (optional).

Why should you go? For intrepid 4x4equipped explorers, this route nicely navigates two extremes: challenging boulderlittered off-roading tracks, followed by the reward of peace, tranquillity, seclusion and freshwater pools once you reach the wadi.

Directions: Take the Dubai to Hatta road (E44), then turn right at the roundabout next to the Shell petrol station, signposted to Mahdah. Head into the mountains for around 35km then bear left for just over 5km to Shuwayhah village, where you turn left and cut through the rocky off-road track to the wadi bed. There are numerous flat camping spots before you reach the small pools at the end of the wadi.

Travel time: Approximately 120 minutes (160km).

The trip: There aren’t many more stunning landscape indications of crossing a national border than when you venture into Oman from the UAE. Leaving behind the Emirates’ desert surrounds, you’re almost immediately traversing altogether starker territory, spectacular mountains jutting jaggedly into the sky. There are still sandy enclaves, however; if you have time, head past your destination towards Al Ain, where there’s the option to swerve off for some moderately straightforward dune bashing. Don’t forget to lower your tyre pressures first and re-inflate once back on the highway.

This is more or less a trek into the easily reachable wilderness, despite the relative ease of spending half the journey distance on tarmac roads. So forget any notions of cushy hotel stays; tents are definitely required for an overnight stay. The mountain climate ensures bearable evening temperatures, although you may wake up sweaty under canvas once the sun rises on anything approaching a hot day.

Take care when pitching tents to find ground slightly higher than the wadi riverbeds. Flash floods aren’t uncommon, and the consequences could be a touch more serious than a soggy sleeping bag – many unwitting campers have been swept to

Need a 4x4?

their deaths in the past. Once you complete the craggy route, you’ll emerge into the comparatively flat wadi, the shallow walls secluded by vegetation, there are plentiful places to pitch safely.

The trail is currently fairly unknown, at least once you head a little further up the wadi. And with lots of space to camp, splendid isolation is easily obtainable. We recommend a midnight swim in the pools five or so minutes up the wadi, although take a torch as it really is pitch black out there. And don’t go alone – the pools can be deceptively deep in places.

With enough supplies, you can comfortably stay and kick back for several days, although such is the proximity to Dubai, an overnight stop means you can be back home to civilisation before lunchtime.

If your rental Mitsubishi Lancer or posh Porsche isn’t up to some of these routes, then rent a 4x4. Off-Road Zone leases Jeep Wranglers for Dhs1,600 from Thursday to Saturday and offers courses in desert and off-road driving if you’re feeling nervous.

If you’re going to Oman, mention it when booking so you’re covered by insurance.

Off-Road Zone, Street 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3392449

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 37

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GPS COORDINATES: N 23 09 31 7/ E 57 16 12 7

JEBEL SHAMS, AL HAMRA AND NIZWA What’s on offer? Souks, views, history and an eco luxe retreat Essential kit: Passport, 4x4 with Oman car insurance, Omani rials, camera, hiking shoes, sun cream, lots of water and picnic lunches for the journey.

Why should you go? It’s an epic drive, but worth it for a four-day weekend.

Your end destination, The View, is a new glam campsite, home to a restaurant and permanent tents with their own terraces. This is roughing it in style. With food, bedding and facilities provided, there’s no need to worry about giant cooler boxes, digging your own toilet or buying sleeping bags. It’s also the ideal spot to use as a base for exploring the nearby villages, forts, markets and attractions.

Directions: Take the main highway to Al Ain (E66), which is called Al Buraymi once on the Oman side of the border. Customs shouldn’t take longer than half an hour. Proceed from Al Buraymi towards Ibri in the direction of Bahla and on to Al Hamra. Once in Al Hamra turn right at the National Bank of Oman roundabout towards Hail Al Shas. The road becomes a dirt track that requires a 4x4. The View is signposted.

Travel time: Approximately four hours.

THE TRIP Day one

Leave home after lunch, arriving at The View by sunset. Unpack in your en-suite tent, tuck into a buffet dinner then watch the stars from beside the campfire.

Day two

Eat breakfast overlooking the mountains then head into Al Hamra village, a 15minute drive away. It’s a bit like stepping back in time, with mud houses and a museum where locals show you what life was like here in days gone by. From there, it’s a drive to Al Hoota Caves for lunch at its restaurant. You’ll see an underwater lake among the stalagmites and stalactites.

Then it’s time to take in the oasis at Birkat Al Mouz in at the foothills of Jebel Akhdar, picture perfect for photo taking. When you’re done, head back to The Views for a snooze.

Day three

Today take in Nizwa, which is around 45 minutes from the resort, where you can visit the cattle market on Fridays, or a souk selling Omani silver, pottery and souvenirs throughout the week. The town’s fort is one of the finest attractions in the area, dating back to the 17th century. After lunch in Nizwa drive up to Jabal Shams to witness some of the best views in the country, and enjoy a short hike, if you’re feeling up to it. The Views can suggest routes to suit your fitness level.

Day four

Depending on time, either head for home or squeeze in a quick visit to Bait Al Safa, a 400year-old house and heritage museum 8km away. Then line up the podcasts and prepare for the pleasant drive home.

The View, near Al Hamra, Oman, from Dhs650 per room for two people including breakfast and dinner. Tel: (00968) 24400873. theviewoman.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 39

A WEEK IN THE WILDERNESS What’s that? You have the week off?

Time to get away on a serious road trip adventure Essential kit Passport, Oman car insurance, Omani rials, camping gear, plenty of water, GPS device, camera, fishing rods (optional). Also make sure your 4x4 has been properly serviced before setting out.

Day one

It’s best to set off in the morning, as the 320km first leg drive down the E66 to Nizwa involves crossing the Omani border at Jebel Hafeet, which could take a while. The dual carriageways make it all pretty quick going until you reach the Omani town of Ibri, where your last 130km sees the roads begin to wind as you enter rural Oman. Arriving in Nizwa, you can do a lot worse than checking into the Golden Tulip Hotel. A dip in the pool and a buffet dinner is just what you need after day one. It’s advised to make the most of the bed and shower, as it’ll be the last of this type You’ve had your fun yesterday; therefore today of luxury until you get to Salalah. is all about driving. Salalah is still 480km Golden Tulip Hotel, Nizwa, Oman. Tel: (+968) away and there’s not a dual carriageway in 25431616. goldentulipnizwa.com sight – pack up camp and set off early to reach Ash Shuwaymiyah. There are few roads Before speeding off into the Omani around this part of the country, so directions wilderness, it’s well worth waking up early aren’t too difficult. The scenery changes and spending a few hours sightseeing in dramatically as the main road ascends up to and around Nizwa – it is the former Omani the Dhofar Mountains, but the real joy comes capital, after all. Known for its vast date as you take the road descending down the plantations, Nizwa also boats a souk, which spectacular limestone cliffs to the town of Ash is a great place to mingle with the locals – Shuwaymiyah – known for its basket-making, especially on a Friday. For a few more Kodak and a place to refuel on food and water. If you moments, it’s worth taking a short 20-minute continue down the beach, towards the bottom drive to see the impressive Jabrin Fort. Try of the cliffs, this stunning location is as good a not to dawdle too much, as you need to arrive place you’ll find to make camp. at Ras Al Duqm (365km away) before dark in order to set up camp.

The long pilgrimage to Salalah is nearly over, so feel free to set off at your leisure. Head back up With the worry of yesterday’s long journey the cliff face, take the turn towards Thumrayt out the way, the Ras Al Duqm beach is a and then follow the signs to Salalah. From there perfect place to stay an extra day to recharge it is all down hill – literally – as you descend – and after seeing the location in daylight you into perhaps one of the Middle East’s most won’t take much convincing. The sea is calm, photogenic regions: the plush green valley that the beaches are deserted and the limestone is Salalah. Let’s face it, by now you deserve a soft cliffs are spectacular. And Duqm is also bed and a warm shower, so make sure you head known for an otherworldly ‘garden’ of giant straight to either the Hilton Salalah Resort or boulders scattered across nearby sandy plains the Crowne Plaza Resort – you won’t regret it.

– for happy snappers, perspective is key here. Hilton Salalah Resort, Salalah, Oman. Tel: (+968) 23211234, hilton.com Crowne Plaza Resort, Salalah, Oman. Tel: (+968) 23235333. ichotelsgroup.com

Day four

Day two

Day five

Day three

40 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Day six

There is plenty to do around Salalah to reward yourself for completing the 1,500km drive. Top of that list are the natural blowholes situated along the cliffs to the west of the town, where there are plenty of spots to stop for picnics as you wind through the coastal road. Both hotels can advise on daytrips and nearby attractions, as well as providing swimming pools and restaurants if you want to stay closer to civilisation.

Day seven

There is no messing around today. The drive back to Dubai is a gruelling 1,200km. It is possible in one day, but likely to take up to 12 hours. Before taking it on, make sure you are well rested and, if possible, alternate drivers to avoid tiredness. The safest option is to break it into two days, stopping again at Nizwa’s Golden Tulip hotel.

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“I put the show together – and every song I perform, I’ve written” 42 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Janet Jackson

The youngest sibling of the Jackson clan, Janet Jackson is the multi-award-winning voice behind such hits as Nasty, Rhythm Nation and That’s The Way Love Goes, racking up sales of more than 100 million along the way. She hits Yas Island this month as part of her Number Ones: Up Close And Personal tour

What can we expect from your Abu Dhabi show?

There are no special effects, nothing like that, no pyrotechnics. It’s just myself, the band and the dancers – that’s it.

Do you still enjoy touring?

I do – I love what I do. I don’t think I would be able to do it for as long as I have if I didn’t.

I enjoy performing and to see those faces, to make that connection, to see it all the way to the back of the theatre and to be able to say hello to them and to see them waving back at me and smiling – that’s a rush for me.

What do you enjoy the most about performing?

I have to tell you, I really do love it all. I put the show together – and every song I perform, I’ve written. It’s a part of my life. It’s so connected to me, so close, because it is me. So, I enjoy every moment of it. And we have a lot of fun on stage – I’ve always been very fortunate to be very close to the dancers. After I finish today, I’m going to hang out with them and we’re going to go to some museums. That’s life on the road to me. That closeness and that connection that we have, it shows on stage when we’re together.

Will we hear Rhythm Nation?

No, we don’t do it in the show.

Really?

I’m joking! [Laughs] No, of course we do. It’s too important to me not to because of the message – it’s about illiteracy and bigotry and no colour lines – and all that still resonates with me so deeply.

Do you like to see footage of your older hits?

When I do see them, yeah, it’s fun to watch.

I mean, I don’t sit there and YouTube anything, but before the show I’ll dedicate a little something to each city. It’s fun to watch and reminisce. It’s nice; it’s nice to see.

Do you have a favourite song from your back catalogue?

There’s not one in particular that means the most to me. They all come from me – my heart and my soul – so they’re all important to me, and they all hold a special place in my soul and my life.

Are you working on any new music?

I’m thinking about it. I’m just going to take my time though, go back into the studio and just fool around, see where I am and just take my time with it, no rush. What direction I’ll take, I don’t know. I have to be there at that very moment to see what I’m feeling at the moment.

Who are you listening to right now?

You know who? Bruno Mars. I enjoy him a great deal. And Adele – I think she’s incredibly talented. I like Lady Gaga – I like the Gaga that sits behind the piano and it’s just her and the piano, her voice and the piano – I think she’s very talented and I wish I could hear more of that from her.

Adele is huge right now…

Yes, she’s very talented. The first time I learned about her was a little time back, with her first project, and I thought ‘wow’ – you

could feel the soul in her voice and it’s real, it’s not something that’s been learned, she really feels it. Her voice is different, it’s recognisable, and I love that.

You released a book earlier in the year, True You, which gave quite a candid account of your life. What was the thinking behind that?

It was important to me because I feel part of the reason why God put me here is to help people, and that’s what I’ve always wanted to do and try to do through my music. And I took it a step further when I realised how people were interested in my weight loss – and gain – and what brought it on and how I dealt with it… And instead of just writing about that, I wanted to take it to the very beginning, which stems from my childhood and has to do with self-esteem issues. I wanted it to appeal not just to adults, but to kids as well. Children, they’re in my heart, so if I can help in any way, so they don’t take that same route, the same path I did, then hopefully life will be a little easier for them.

I’m not complaining, because I’ve been very, very blessed and fortunate, but you look back and there are things you wish you could have done, that you would have done or could have done differently.

So are you in a good place right now?

I am, I really am, I’m very happy. It took a minute to get here but I got here.

You perform Scream in this set, the song you sang with Michael – how does that feel?

It’s therapeutic. The energy of the song is so fierce. It makes me smile inside when I hear him, when I hear his voice.

Oct 13, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs265 to Dhs665. Tel: (800) 35274. thinkflash.ae OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 43

GO BEFORE THEY'RE GONE The last remaining tickets to the 2011 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX are going fast.

Tickets: 800 YAS (927) www.yasmarinacircuit.ae Selected Etihad Airways Shops and Virgin Megastores

Enter sandmen Five of the best

At the pinnacle of metal for the past three decades, Californian rock legends Metallica jet in for a long-overdue debut show in the Emirates this month

Metallica’s finest five albums RIDE THE LIGHTNING (1984) A classic thrash record blitzing through eight tracks that irreversibly changed mid-1980s metal, adding an instrumental inspired by horror writer HP Lovecraft for good measure.

Aside from having the temerity to include their chosen genre in their band name, few acts have represented heavy metal as well as Metallica, selling more than 100 million records since they formed 30 years ago.

The quartet – frontman James Hetfield, guitarist Kirk Hammett, drummer Lars Ulrich and bassist Robert Trujillo – are currently poised to release Lulu, an intriguing collaborative album with The Velvet Underground’s grumpy leader, Lou Reed. But before then, they divert their World Magnetic Tour to Abu Dhabi for a much-anticipated gig. Time to break out the earplugs.

MASTER OF PUPPETS (1986) On the last album before bassist Cliff Burton’s untimely death, brutal thrash numbers like Battery rubbed shoulders with more refined moments that developed an orchestral bent.

METALLICA (1991) The quintessential Metallica record, aka The Black Album, turned the band from cult successes into one of planet’s biggest bands, thanks to singles such as Enter Sandman and Nothing Else Matters.

The ups and downs of Metallica 1981 Formed in Los Angeles, California 1983 Release debut album Kill ‘Em All 1986 Bassist Cliff Burton is killed in a tour bus accident 1991 Self-titled fifth album is released, going on to sell more than 22 million copies

1992 An onstage pyrotechnics accident leaves James Hetfield with serious burns 2000 The band take on Napster in court after their music is shared on the download website

2004 Documentary Some Kind Of Monster released, depicting Metallica’s personal struggles 2008 Return to form with comeback album Death Magnetic

LOAD (1996) Though this record split fans (not least as the band cut their hair short and donned eyeliner), the slowed-down bluesy lilt showcased a more mature, eclectic Metallica.

DEATH MAGNETIC (2008) After 2003’s frankly embarrassingly under-par St Anger, the chips were down.

Metallica responded with a snarling beast nodding back to their speedy thrash metal heyday.

Oct 25,Yas Island Show Weekends, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, Dhs295 to Dhs595.

Tel: (800) 35274. metallica.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 45

Yasalam Though the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix grid doesn’t line up until the middle of November, its huge associated festival, Yasalam, is already revving up to get underway. Offering an extensive programme of music, film, art, sport and more over the coming month, read on for our pick of the best events taking place before race weekend…

CINEMA BY THE SEA TROPFEST ARABIA

BEST OF THE REST

Like movies? Dig cars? Then grab the popcorn for four nights of free automotivethemed screenings on Al Sahil Beach

OCTOBER 28 TO 30

MONDAY OCTOBER 31

7.30PM TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN Michael Bay’s big budget morphing alien robot sequel.

10.15PM BACK TO THE FUTURE Iconic time travelling adventure, starring Michael J Fox.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 1

7.30PM THE BLUES BROTHERS John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd combine in this classic musical comedy.

10PM THE CANNONBALL RUN Burt Reynolds and an all-star cast recreate the real life 1970s outlaw race.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 2

7.30PM CARS 2 The return of endearing animated racing car hero Lightning McQueen.

9PM TAXI A French taxi driver is forced to help police pursuing German bank robbers.

Taking its bow in the region, the first ever Tropfest Arabia screens films from its finalists at Al Sahil Beach on November 4. Showcasing the talents of Arab film-makers, Tropfest was originally founded in Australia and is now the largest short film festival in the world.

Welcoming entries from Middle Eastern and North African nationals, every single short film at Tropfest is created especially for the competition. Prizes for winners include Dhs100,000, while UAE film-maker Nayla Al Khaja is among the panel of judges.

Opening Parade and Multicultural Weekend Celebrating the 19 countries currently hosting Formula 1 races around the globe at Al Sahil Beach/ The Corniche.

OCTOBER 28 TO NOVEMBER 13

F1 FANZONE Two weeks of free driving-based fun and activities, art and race screenings.

tropfestarabia.com

CUT & PASTE

A live design battle showcasing emerging artists in front of a live audience, Cut & Paste is an audio-visual feast that allows rival designers to flex their skills in real time. In the Middle East for the first time at Yasalam, the fast and furious battle format demands the competitors perform rapidly during 15 to 20-minute rounds. Their design brilliance is projected onto big screens for the audience to watch, accompanied by a DJ and an MC host. After a series of qualifying rounds throughout October in Abu Dhabi, eight finalists will face off at The Corniche on November 5 .

NOVEMBER 5

RED BULLS SPORTS Sport with a twist from the Red Bull Kiteforce competitors and radio controlled car-engineering competition, Red Bull Racing Can. redbullkiteforce.com redbullracingcan.com

cutandpaste.com

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3

7.30PM TRON: LEGACY A father and son risk their lives in a futuristic cyber universe.

10PM SENNA Award-winning documentary tracing the life of F1 legend Ayrton Senna.

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 47

FILM

Fright Night

Arthur 3: The War Of The Two Worlds

Fright Night

Arthur 3: The War Main Street Of The Two Worlds

WHO?

Colin Farrell, David Tennant, Anton Yelchin, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Imogen Poots, Craig Gillespie (director)

Selena Gomez, Freddie Highmore, Stacy Ferguson, Mia Farrow, Luc Besson (director)

Orlando Bloom, Colin Firth, Ellen Burstyn, Amber Tamblyn, John Doyle (director)

TAGLINE

‘You can’t run from evil when it lives next door.’

‘The final...’

‘An offer too good to be true… it just might be.’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

A Las Vegas teen suspected his neighbour was a bloodsucker responsible for a trail of suburban slayings. When nobody believed him, he sought ‘expert’ help...

Our diminutive Mimoy hero faced a final showdown with evil nemesis Maltazard – who was by then a seven-foot giant standing between Arthur and a magic enlarging potion.

Abandoned by its tobacco industry, the small city of Durham, North Carolina was decaying. A rich Texan looking to store toxic waste offered a cash injection… but at what cost?

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

See a diverting if somewhat pointless remake of the 1985 schlock classic, sneakily redressed as a comedic riff on the US housing crisis.

See off Besson’s clunky trilogy, based on his own adventure novels for children, in the animation-meets-live action style he’s stuck with throughout.

Relax, let a competently acted but blandly downbeat mood piece wash over you, then cheer up and forget about it by bedtime.

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Smartly acerbic, conventionmocking B-movies like An American Werewolf In London and The Lost Boys, although it’s far less memorable than either.

Previous installments Arthur And The Invisibles or Arthur And The Revenge Of Maltazard. Failing that, you’ll spot similarities to betterknown fare like The Ant Bully.

Martin Scorsese’s far superior Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) included laughs – while Main Street never does. Burstyn’s key role in both films somehow resonates.

TOP TRIVIA

Gillespie makes his first foray into wry horror after the delightfully skewed 2007 tragicomedy Lars And The Real Girl. Good timing – he’s also slated for Pride And Prejudice And Zombies.

The cast has always been oddly music-sourced – David Bowie voiced Maltazard in the first film, while Lou Reed has played the baddie since, with Iggy Pop on hand as his son Darkos.

This was Pulitzer-decorated screenwriter Horton Foote’s (19162009) last work. Alas, it won’t quite be remembered alongside his stellar adaptations of To Kill A Mockingbird and Tender Mercies.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW

Less effective than the original, despite lashings of 3D gore.

Passable but charmless affair that proves animation isn’t Besson’s forte.

Affecting yet frustrating drama that avoids tackling an intriguing premise.

RATE OR SLATE?

★★★✩✩

★★✩✩✩

★★★✩✩

48 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

FILM | NEW RELEASES

The Change-Up

Dark Country 3D

The Change-Up Straw Dogs

Dark Country 3D

Super

Ryan Reynolds, Jason Bateman, Leslie Mann, Olivia Wilde, David Dobkin (director)

James Marsden, Kate Bosworth, Alexander Skarsgård, Rod Lurie (director)

Thomas Jane (actor/writer/ director), Lauren German, Ron Perlman, Con Schell

Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler, Kevin Bacon, James Gunn (director)

‘Who says men can’t change?’

‘Everyone has a breaking point.’

‘One wrong turn... Into the dark.’

‘Shut up, crime!’

Ex-buddies Mitch and Dave grew apart as adults – one became a harassed lawyer and father, the other an immature bum. After a heavy night out, they both awoke to a major identity crisis.

Screenwriter David Sumner and his wife relocate to Mississippi, where Sumner hires his wife’s exboyfriend (Skarsgård) to fix their house, leading to strange goings on with an odd cast of locals.

Las Vegas newlyweds Dick and Gina drove off into the desert night on a honeymoon.

Unsurprisingly, three soon became a crowd after they picked up an injured pedestrian.

A downtrodden cook lost his beautiful wife to a flashy drug dealer. Unable to let her go, he designed a crime-fighting alterego – Crimson Bolt – to take his beef to the streets.

See both Bateman and Reynolds playing against their usual type by wallowing in a movie so staggeringly crass that they occasionally look almost apologetic.

Watch a remake of a classic, oncebanned 1970s movie. The original was directed by Sam Peckinpah, starred Dustin Hoffman and was set in rural England. It will take a fine film to beat it.

Witness a fairly plucky – if not entirely successful – attempt by a young film-maker to wring creepy low-budget thrills from a somewhat unoriginal tale.

Argue over its merits at length – this alarmingly brutal, sourly comic oddity is by no means everyone’s cup of tea, but it certainly attempts a new twist on the genre.

It’s yet another body-swap comedy – amazingly, that well has yet to run dry for Hollywood – so Big, Freaky Friday, The Switch, Vice Versa...

Remakes of classic films, or perhaps hit vampire TV show True Blood in which Skarsgård also plays a menacing character in a small southern town.

Either of the two X-Files feature films – although his directorial debut is a far more naïve, Jane does partly succeed in generating a similar sense of eerie discomfort.

Kick-Ass, which approached a very similar premise from a far safer angle. You‘ll also get a whiff of Will Smith’s deeply flawed protagonist in 2008 superhero satire Hancock.

As if to prove the above point, this is the second film in two years (see also 2009’s 17 Again) in which Mann has played the wife of a man who ‘wakes up’ in a different body.

Dustin Hoffman apparently gave director Rod Lurie his blessing to make the film. But the real question is: would the famously irascible Sam Peckinpah have approved?

Jane always planned for this to be shown in 3D format, but initial screenings didn’t bother to do so.

Now showing as he’d intended, it’s a rare example of 3D offering a genuine improvement.

Kick-Ass beat Super to release by a year, prompting accusations of plagiarism. Kick-Ass creator Mark Millar always defended Gunn though, noting that the two projects developed almost simultaneously.

After a couple of crude laughs?

You’ll get little more.

Straw Dogs didn’t need to be remade. We just hope it does justice to the original.

Ambition far outstrips ability, but some fun moments crop up.

Insanely violent genre spoof made hugely memorable by its incongruity.

★★✩✩✩

PREVIEW

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩ OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 49

H O F B R Ä U H A U S AT J W M A R R I O T T ® H O T E L D U B A I

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For more information or to make a reservation, visit marriottdiningatjw.ae or call +971 4 6077 7977 / 7009 / 7588. JW Marriott® Hotel Dubai, PO Box 16590, Hamarain Centre, Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Dubai, UAE. jwmarriottdubai.com

EATING OUT We like to think of this section as something more than a dining guide, or a forum for performing hatchet jobs on mediocre restaurants. If a restaurant is worth visiting, you will find it on these pages. But as well as bringing you our verdict on the newest kids on the block, in each review – and throughout the section – we try and highlight topics we feel need to be focused upon. Whether that’s the lofty issue of sustainability or the worrying percentage of hotels and restaurateurs who feel the UAE needs yet another steakhouse (it doesn’t), we endeavour to spark debate, to create a mood of excitement around restaurants and food in the UAE. That is why, this month, we bring you the first recipe column from British chef and household name Gary Rhodes (p54). Gary’s eponymous Mezzanine and Twenty10 restaurants are two of Dubai’s most popular, and with the launch of Rhodes In Residence at Grosvenor House’s new Tower Two and the imminent arrival of his first Abu Dhabi restaurant at the St Regis, he is going to be spending a lot more time in the UAE. Discussing ideas for the column with Gary, his passion for food, his ability to bring it to life in words and his unfettered enthusiasm for the project left us convinced the column is going to be an unqualified success. On top of drafting Gary into Team What’s On, we’ve introduced a new ‘cook a classic’ feature (p63) to eliminate some of the fear we all feel when attempting to cook a timeless dish. For the first of these, one of Dubai’s most talented young chefs, Verre’s Nick Alvis, breaks down the simple steps to preparing steak tartare. And as if that weren’t enough excitement for one month, we’ve also launched The Connoisseur – a new, instructive column that we hope will demystify the wonderful, but daunting, world of wine (p57). Reflet par Pierre Gagnaire’s expert sommelier, Julien Coron, who assisted us with the first column, was just as excited as we were to explore new territory. You can also enjoy our verdict on Richard Sandoval’s Toro Toro (p58), Reflet’s new Friday brunch alternative (p53), a round-up of new menus (p60) and new brunches (p64). Plus, as always, our monthly Twitter recipe, and all the new openings and food news. You lucky beggars, you.

MONTE CARLO BEACH CLUB

Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 51

EATING OUT

Toro Toro Richard Sandoval’s new Latin American restaurant is onto a winning formula, but is the food any good?

It’s no secret that many of the UAE’s restaurants are empty.

And, as hotels don’t need to make piles of cash from serving people food, most are happy to keep ambling forward, propelled by a slow drip, drip, drip of all too often uninspired customers.

There are exceptions. Zuma and La Petite Maison are two restaurants that seemed to land in the desert with full reservations books and loyal customers. Why? Well, they are international brands, which helps. But that’s not it. Their kitchens consistently turn out a range of high quality small plates, encouraging sharing and thus conversation. And, in Zuma’s case, a reliable restaurant is paired with a lounge/cocktail bar to keep the minglers mixing.

And so to Toro Toro, celeb chef Richard Sandoval’s Latin American restaurant at Grosvenor House’s new Tower Two, which couldn’t be more different to his homely Mexican at Le Royal Méridien. It’s altogether bigger, brasher and more exciting. It follows the winning formula.

Spread over two vast floors, the restaurant is downstairs while a bar/lounge replete with DJ and Latin cocktail bar resides upstairs. With a design featuring wrought iron prison bars, and slender hostesses to escort diners to their tables, it has the exclusive feel of a private member’s club.

We’re talking sultry, a little bit naughty, and guaranteed to be a hit with the same trendy crowd that frequents Zuma.

The venue wows, and the menu of sharing plates, inspired by Brazilian, Peruvian, Argentinean and Colombian cuisine, is simple

tender braised beef short rib sandwiched between two crisp slices of flatbread along with gooey manchego sheep’s milk cheese, and a small pot of chicken chipotle sauce, which smacked us around the chops with such an intense chicken flavour that we needed the delayed hit of the chipotle spice to refocus.

Unfortunately, we’ve had better churassco. It wasn’t bad, and it certainly didn’t spoil the evening, but at Dhs420 for a 560g serving for two, a plate of slightly overcooked steak, lamb chops more medium than the requested medium rare and slightly burnt in places, a sweet lamb sausage and no sauces on the side was disappointing. Though two large pieces of chicken marinated in a forceful achiote sauce did hit the spot.

A citrus panna cotta dessert had a nice wobble and enough zing to round things off nicely.

And the most impressive thing about Toro Toro? When we went, it was doing more business than most restaurants enjoy after a year in the game. It had only been open a week. and appealing. There’s ‘From the sea’, ‘From the land’, ‘From the garden’ (side dishes) and what is billed as the show-stopping highlight – the churrasco.

From the sea, ceviche nikkei was a shrewd blend of ahi (yellow fin) tuna, soy sauce, sweet potato, pickled ginger, cucumber and quinoa, and the combination of fresh and piquant flavours complemented each other like brown shoes do a blue suit.

The crust encasing the salt cod croquettes broke between the teeth with a crunch, giving way to smooth subtly flavoured fish.

The star performer, though, was the causa limena, a vibrant purple potato cake firm and moist at once, almost spongy, which wore a hat of swordfish so deeply smoky it woke the mouth up with a start before the soft creaminess of the fish spread across the palate like a silk sheet.

The land was just as generous, offering up a sweet pancake, a strip of politely salty halloumi, a fruity smack of tomato jam and a final hit of rich duck to bring it all home at the end. A dreadfully clever mix of flavours.

Just as delicious were a plate of

Need to know Location: Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai Tel: (04) 3176000 Web: grosvenorhousedubai.com Open: Sat to Wed 7pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 3am Cuisine type: Latin American Must eat: causa limena Bill for two: Dhs1,000

In tweet form... Dubai’s trendiest restaurants had better watch their backs, and their reservations books – there’s a new boy in town, and he’s not messing about. Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 53

THE CHEF

ROAST CHICKEN BREAST WITH ALMOND CREAM NOODLES (SERVES FOUR)

As he prepares to expand his UAE operations, we introduce our new, and highly esteemed, monthly recipe columnist – chef, restaurateur, cookery writer and TV personality, Gary Rhodes

“I’M GOING TO SHOW YOU HOW TO COOK DISHES THAT WILL WOW BUT WILL BE VERY SIMPLE TO MAKE”

time of year. I will ensure that all the ingredients are available here in the UAE. For my first column, I've gone for an autumn flavour.

I have chosen an almond cream sauce served with chicken and pasta. When When you have a dinner party I set about writing a new at home, or even just cook for cookery book, this is the kind a loved one, how often do you of dish I like to add. Roasting try far too hard, put yourself those almond flakes really under pressure and not quite introduces a nutty edge, so carry off what you initially the flavour becomes quite imagined you would? For my distinctive. You are creating new What’s On column, I’m an infusion, so when you’ve going to show you how to toasted off the almonds you cook dishes that will wow but cook them into the very light will be very simple to make. cream sauce. You don’t want You will be able to share this to be over-creamy on the great flavours with very little palate; you want the almonds pressure. I’m going to make to be number one. When the recipes seasonal. But you they are blitzed within the could make the dishes any sauce, the lovely natural oil 54 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

will be released, becoming the essence of the sauce, with that added roasted flavour from the toasting. The great thing is that this sauce is versatile. With a chicken dish it’s sensational, with a pasta dish it works so well because it’s just the right consistency, not too stodgy. Quite often a creamy sauce with pasta can be the worst thing to eat, but I ensure the consistency is loose so that flavour stays as lively from the first bite to the last. If you make it in advance, it keeps for a couple of days.

If you don’t add the cream, you could make the stock base, freeze it and then bring it out when you want it, finish creaming it, leave it to infuse and push it through a sieve.

Nothing could be simpler.

INGREDIENTS Four chicken breasts (skin on), sea salt, pepper, olive oil, knob of butter, 400g tagliatelle, 50g flaked almonds, two shallots (finely chopped), one glass white wine, 300ml chicken stock, 200ml double cream METHOD For the sauce: Scatter almonds onto a baking tray and toast in the oven until golden brown.

Boil together the shallots and white wine, reducing until just three quarters of the liquid remains. Add the chicken stock, stir in the double cream and toasted flaked almonds (keeping a few to sprinkle on top), and simmer sauce for five to ten minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from the heat and cool for ten minutes before liquidising in a blender until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve.

For the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat a roasting tray with a splash or two of olive oil. Place the breasts, skin-side down, in the tray and fry on the stovetop for five to seven minutes until golden brown. Turn the breasts and add the knob of butter. Once melted, baste the chicken with the butter and roast in the oven for a further eight to ten minutes until firm to the touch. While the chicken is roasting cook the pasta in boiling salted water until tender but with a slight bite.

Drain and return to pan. Once cooked, baste the chicken with any juices left in the tray.

TO SERVE Stir the sauce into the pasta and serve with the chicken, sprinkling a few almond flakes over the top.

A taste of things to come This month’s dinner options

THE HUDDLE Does Dubai need another sports bar and grill? Well, with the football season in full swing, the Rugby World Cup down to the serious games and the F1 calendar bubbling to a climax, the one word answer is yes.

CityMax Al Barsha, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098000. citymaxhotels.com TEXAS ROADHOUSE Everything is bigger in Texas – so the adage goes. So if you find your tummy constantly growling with hunger, the giant hand-cut steaks at the Texas Roadhouse should shut it up.

Texas Roadhouse, The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (800) 382246255. texasroadhouse.com

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GAUCHO The award-winning London-based Argentinean steakhouse is the latest big name restaurant to open its doors at DIFC. We’re not really digging the cowhide interior, but it does tell us one thing – vegetarians keep out.

Gaucho, DIFC, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. gauchorestaurants.co.uk SHAKESPEARE AND CO. It may not be as popular as its playwright namesake, but Shakespeare’s tenth branch sees the café chain making a bid for a whole new audience in Al Ain Mall.

Al Ain Mall, Kuwaitat Area, Al Ain. Tel: (03) 7660333. alainmall.net LE DECK For those who want a taste of the exclusive Monte Carlo Beach Club, without shelling out on club membership (which will set you back a cool Dhs35,000 to Dhs40,000), the new resort’s flagship restaurant, Le Deck, is open for all-day dinning to members and non-members. Sporting a dark, richly coloured interior and an open kitchen, the restaurant will specialise in seafooddominated Mediterranean cuisine from the Levant and French and Italian Rivieras, As well as breakfast, lunch and dinner, Le Deck will also put on Friday and Saturday brunches. We like the look of the terrace overlooking MCBC’s pool and landscaped gardens.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 55

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EATING OUT

The connoisseur Reflets' head sommelier, Julien Coron, explains the basics in the first of our new monthly wine columns

RULES FOR BEGINNERS t You can drink red after white, but you can’t

drink white after red t Don’t spend too much money at the beginning, just explore, and find out what kind of wine and what flavours you like t New World (South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, USA) wines are a good place to start, because you always have the name of the grape on the bottle. With Old World (European) wines, you need to know what grapes grow in what region – this requires research

DEALING WITH SOMMELIERS t Never be afraid of the sommelier, and ask plenty of questions t If you taste a wine and you don’t like it, return it – always

MATCHING VERSUS PAIRING

Wine matching is just as the name suggests.

For example, if you serve a sour dish, you pair a sour wine with it. Fish and white wine, meat and red wine – that’s simple wine matching.

There is no room for error. There won’t be any mistakes. Wine pairing involves thinking about finding a wine to complement a flavour e.g. pairing a strong Roquefort cheese with a sweet Sauterne. Or serving a rich, pan-fried foie gras with a Merlot – something velvety, a bit rich, with tannicity (the level of tannin or bitterness). It will go against the richness of the foie gras and create a pleasant result.

ESSENTIAL KIT

Purchase a carafe and, if you only buy one type of glass, make it a large one with straight sides – the Bordeaux glass is a great all-rounder

DECANTING YOUR WINE

Decanting a bad wine will make it better; decanting a good wine will also improve it. It’s win-win. It makes a sharp edge smoother and mellows the acidity. You can carafe white or red, but there are a few rules. Carafe Chardonnay, and it will smooth out the flavour, bring out the complexity. But don’t carafe more aromatic wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chablis. If it’s a 1982 Bordeaux, decant it.

Tasting How to taste your wine

STEP ONE

Tilt the glass and look at the wine against a white background to see its colour, and to check it’s not cloudy. Quickly smell it to see that it’s not corked or oxidised.

STEP TWO

Once you have had your first nose, swirl the wine in the glass to allow more oxygen into it and expand the flavour.

Put your nose in, close your eyes and think back to the past – it’s all about memories. The scent should be more pronounced.

STEP THREE

Taste the wine, trying to incorporate air into your mouth, like washing your mouth out when brushing your teeth.

Wine guide Wines you should have in your cellar Sauvignon Blanc – An aromatic white with a scent of asparagus and gooseberry; serve with fish (avoid creamy sauces), salad, or as an aperitif Chardonnay – Dry, buttery and a prime candidate for the carafe; drink with white meat or fish in a creamy sauce Cabernet Sauvignon – Full-bodied and peppery; drink with red meat Malbec – A pungent red, which goes well with duck Merlot – This velvety red with hints of plum is an ideal accompaniment to red meat Pinot Noir – Low in tannins, this light red has a cherry character, and works well with fish and any meat Shiraz/Syrah – A rich, spicy, musky red to sip with red meat dishes Riesling – This sweet German wine is not for beginners, but it goes well with spicy foods Gewurztraminer – Found in cool climates in France, Northern Italy, Australia and New Zealand, this aromatic white with hints of exotic fruit goes well with spicy foods Rose – Ideal for a lazy sunny day; goes well with salads. Avoid anything too tinted or fruity Champagne – Try and lay your hands on Louis Roederer or Jacquesson Cava – Julien’s favourite sparkling wine Sauternes – From Bordeaux, the king of sweet wines

NEXT MONTH: SOUTH AMERICAN WINES OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 57

EATING OUT

On the menu Light bites for news hungry food lovers

Reflets Culinary Friday Lunch

WORKING LUNCH When it comes to lunch, most of us can just about muster a quick pop to the shops for a sandwich.

However, The Ivy's new business lunch menu could tempt us to actually take our allocated lunch break seriously. Crispy duck salad and chicken Milanaise for only Dhs150? Better start scheduling those meetings around lunchtime.

The Ivy, Emirates Towers, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3198767. theivy.ae CHEESED TO MEET YOU We at What’s On always, without fail, save a little space for some cheese and wine. It’s in the foodie warrior’s code. So don’t be surprised if you see our faces at the Cavalli Club’s new cheese and wine night every Tuesday.

Reservations required.

Tues, Cavalli Club, Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6pm to 9pm, Dhs200. Tel: (04) 3329260. cavalliclubdubai.com LA DOLCE VITA The Milan-inspired Armani/Peck deli has introduced a new Power Lunch menu for something a bit classier than a cheese and pickle sarnie for lunch. Two courses will set you back Dhs130, or you can splash out Dhs160 for the threecourse menu.

Armani/Peck, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs130 to Dhs160. Tel: (04) 8883444. armanihotels.com THINKING BIG If you’re trying to impress, then it’s hard to find a better place for a working lunch than the world’s highest restaurant, At.mosphere.

The Grill’s new High Lunch gives you the choice of two or three courses for Dhs200 or Dhs300 respectively. Steep, in more ways than one.

At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Downtown, Dubai, Dhs200 to Dhs300. Tel: (04) 8883444. atmosphereburjkhalifa.com 58 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Not surprisingly, Friday afternoon is a little different at Michelin grand master Pierre Gagnaire’s Reflets From noon until four o’clock on a Friday is a time set aside for a pursuit that has become a UAE institution. Brunch. Other countries do brunch, it wasn’t born in the desert, but we do it differently here. In Europe, it is for late risers, a means of recovering from a late night.

Elsewhere it is just a combination of two words, and two meals. But here it is the main event. A giant feast, a paean to gluttony, several hours of pure, unadulterated indulgence. Dubai even has its own section on Wikipedia’s entry for brunch. But with ubiquity and popularity comes confusion,

tedium and a decline in quality.

How often have you signed up to a brunch only to find upon arrival that the buffet is stacked with mediocre staples, the drink list is limited and substandard and you’ve finished eating an hour into proceedings? Too often, that’s the answer.

The solution is Reflets’ new culinary Friday lunch. It might share a time slot with every other Friday brunch, but it is an altogether superior affair. Not only does the price tag allow less committed food lovers than we the chance to experience the inventiveness of the Reflets kitchen and the knowledge of sommelier Julien Coron, which you can absorb in our new wine column (p57), but the quality of the food and drink is far greater than nine out of ten UAE brunches. There have been dishes that haven’t quite worked, but the food at Reflets

has never disappointed us. Not once have we stepped into the private lift feeling anything but happy. The Friday lunch menu is four courses, plus a few bits and bobs. We enjoyed four small amuse bouche – the best, and most inventive, of which was a broccoli sorbet with camel milk foam. This was followed by a lovely piece of poached cod with a lobster salad, then a garlicky lamb roast, carved tableside and served with fricassee potatoes, onions, pickles and a rich jus deliciously spiked with Roquefort, a cheese course and, finally, one of Pierre Gagnaire’s famous multi-faceted desserts. All of this washed down with a selection of fine wines.

Brunch, be damned.

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, noon to 2pm, Dhs250, Dhs390 with wine pairings. Tel: (04) 7011127. ichotelsgroup.com

NEW MENUS With summer on its way out, now is the time for restaurants to revamp their menus NAME: PEPPERCRAB CUISINE: SINGAPOREAN MENU: Beyond the silly indoor forest at Grand REOPENING Hyatt Dubai lies Peppercrab – a popular Singaporean restaurant that has recently undergone a ‘soft’ refurb and menu relaunch. Despite a loyal clientele, it had become a bit drab, and while the décor update hasn’t transformed it into one of the most memorable locales in town, it’s still a welcoming environment. On a Wednesday night, without promotion, the reopened restaurant was fuller than most in Dubai. Why? Well, it probably wasn’t prawn crackers, though they came with some excellent dipping sauces. Nor the lovely, crunchy shrimp wanton, assorted satay skewers, heavy fried mantou buns or strangely sweet salt and pepper calamari.

No, though the appetisers did their job, as did a side of kang kong belacan (better known as morning glory) and a dessert of jasmine tea crème brulee, it is the eponymous peppercrab that brought the punters back through the door. Bib in place, and a selection of pokers, pullers and crunchers laid out before you, the Namibian golden crab (sweeter than the mud crab, which is also an option) arrives – all hard shell and once-menacing claws. It’s a challenge. Food as sport. Fun on a plate. Stir-fried with pepper and chilli, providing a balance to the sweet, sweet flesh, which extracted, messily, one small mouthful at a time, it's divine.

Crab is so much better than the overrated and ubiquitous 60 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

PRICE: Five courses Dhs195, six courses Dhs215, seven courses Dhs235.

Rococo, Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4484848. sofitel.com

Peppercrab lobster so often found on UAE menus. And we will certainly be returning to take up the challenge once more – next time with a big group of friends.

PRICE: An expensive Dhs1,640 for two (Dhs70 per 100g of crab, Dhs700 for 1kg).

Peppercrab, Grand Hyatt Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.grand.hyatt.com NAME: ROCOCO CUISINE: ITALIAN MENU: Italians tend to be very proud of their cuisine and, as a rule, don’t like things to be tampered with. Therefore, Rococo’s Italian chef Vladimiro Gadioli’s attempt to combine hearty Italian ingredients with refined Gallic elegance is a brave one. The newly introduced five, six or seven-course degustation

menus are the perfect way to test how well this concept holds up. Forget the over-ordered bruschetta and the rich pasta dishes swimming in pools of sauce. Instead you can expect inventive bite-sized delights, such as vodka lobster carpaccio and goat's cheese gnocchi in saffron broth. It is real Italian food – just not as you know it.

Other dishes, such as the squid ink tagliatelle and the panseared scallops with polenta croutons, are clever little demonstrations of cooking with classic Italian ingredients that are all too often overlooked in restaurants. While almost everything on the degustation menu is available in a larger portion on the menu proper, why would you bother when you can have seven dishes for a commendably equitable price?

NAME: BATEAUX DUBAI CUISINE: INTERNATIONAL MENU: Already the best of Dubai’s floating restaurant options, the moodily lit, romantic Bateaux has attempted to breathe new life into its menu with a couple of new additions. The poached salmon with ratatouille and the pepper crusted veal, while not revolutionary, bold, or even terribly good, are better than the competition’s predominantly buffet based stomach fillers. And it’s not really about the food, is it?

Even if it really should be. Lovely setting, mind.

PRICE: Three courses Dhs330 per person, Dhs450 with house beverages.

Bateaux Dubai, Dubai Creek, Al Seef Road, Bur Dubai. Tel: (04) 3994994. bateauxdubai.com Rococo

Bateaux Dubai

FOUR MORE TO TRY…

Traiteur TRAITEUR Hot List regular Traiteur can be relied upon to serve up the best French fare in town. Chef Franck Detrait’s new dishes include comte stuffed scallops, herb-crusted frogs’ legs and Brie de Meaux ice cream. Nobody does it like the French, do they?

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai.park.hyatt.com ANGAR If you believe that variety is the spice of life, you will gobble up the new tasting menus at Angar. Choose from four set courses of either vegetarian or ‘non-vegetarian’ Indian dishes.

The watermelon desi shooter provides a recommended early livener, grilled salmon with dill cucumber is the pick of the seafood platter, and the crispy chilli garlic cauliflower with broccoli khichidi on the vegetarian menu’s platter will tempt even the most committed carnivore. The brownie samosa, meanwhile, finishes both selections sweetly.

Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Wed to Mon, lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, dinner 7pm to 11pm, Dhs160. Tel: (02) 6560000. theyashotel.com

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BOCCACCIO It's all change at the InterCon's unpretentious Italian after renovations to extend its open kitchen, with a new menu and new sous chef Federica Picconi. Start with air dried beef, before the healthy tagliolini with clams, mussels and white wine. Don't leave without trying the warm chocolate cake; its ingredients include chili pepper and cocoa mousse for a subtle kick.

InterContinental, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, lunch Fri and Sat 12.30pm to 3am, dinner daily 6pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com A.O.C FRENCH BRASSERIE Put the words French and brasserie together, and you immediately have our attention. A.O.C doesn’t stray far from the classics with its menu revamp, promising onion soup, moules marinieres and tarte tatin. But there’s nothing better than a well-made classic.

Rococo, Sofitel Jumeirah Beach, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4484848. sofitel.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 61

EATING OUT

Cook a classic: Steak tartare Verre by Gordon Ramsay head chef Nick Alvis explains how to make a classic steak tartare in the first of our cook a classic series INGREDIENTS:

PART ONE 250g good quality beef fillet finely chopped/minced (use the less fatty cuts, such as tenderloin) 25g finely chopped shallot rinsed under cold water 25g finely chopped cornichon (gherkin) 15g finely chopped baby capers rinsed under cold water 10g chopped truffle (optional) 10g chopped parsley 10g chopped chive Table salt to taste PART TWO Table salt 10g Dijon mustard Two egg yolks Truffle oil (to taste) Tabasco (to taste) Worcestershire sauce (to taste)

METHOD:

PART ONE When preparing your ingredients, it’s vital that everything is finely chopped.

You want your tartare to be well balanced without having a big crunch of cornichon, for example, or a chewy chunk of beef.

Also ensure that your capers and shallot are rinsed, otherwise their individual flavours are too strong. Mix the ingredients together and season with a little salt, tasting to ensure a nicely seasoned mix which is not too salty.

PART TWO Put the yolks into a round bottomed mixing bowl, whisk in the mustard and a tiny pinch of salt (this will enable the salt to dissolve, so you don’t have grains in your finished tartare) and start to add a few drops of Tabasco, truffle oil and Worcestershire sauce to create a nice emulsion. Be careful not to be heavy handed with the last three ingredients – you can always add a little more. Finally add the emulsion slowly to the beef mixture and gently fold together until you have a moist but not wet mixture.

Check the seasoning and serve with toasted rye bread or chunky chips.

TWITTER RECIPE Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters GREEN PEA AND MINT VELOUTE Boil water/thaw peas/strain. Sear onion w/butter. Add garlic/thyme/chicken stock. Cook 4 min. Add cream, mint/spinach, blend, sieve, season.

Alexandre Pernetta, chef de cuisine, Bord Eau Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098777. shangri-la.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 63

EATING OUT

THE NEW BRUNCH BUNCH With the brunch season back in full swing this month, it's time to check out what’s new on the scene

JazzSumptuous brunch

WHAT? The folks at the Ibn Battuta Gate are taking your Friday brunch up a notch, with live cooking stations from two of the hotel’s restaurants, amazing music and entertainment for children. It’s not often you’re serenaded by a singer who has performed with John Lee Hooker while tucking into your wasabi prawns, before nipping next door to see what former Welsh rugby international Colin Charvis has to say about the World Cup matches, but that was our day out when we visited. We barely had time to dash back to sample the Willy Wonka-esque delights of the dessert room.

Children are catered for too, with a petting zoo (featuring puppies, bunnies, snakes, a parrot and more) and a bouncy castle, plus their own buffet, all supervised so parents can relax with a glass of Laurent Perrier and a plate of cheese.

WHERE? Al Bahou, Ibn Battuta Gate WHY? A vast spread, good price options, petting zoo, jazz supremo Ptah performing and rugby action with live commentary.

HOW MUCH? Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with sparkling wine and house beverages, Dhs495 with Laurent Perrier, Dhs95 for children

rare melding of quality and quantity, with added views of tumbling snow-seekers on Ski Dubai’s slopes.

WHERE? Kempinski Hotel WHY? Not unsurprisingly, it’s ideal for families, or anyone looking to take things easy for a change.

HOW MUCH? Dhs195, children Dhs50, family of four (two adults, two children) Dhs395.

Fri and Sat, Kempinski Hotel, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, 11.30am to 5pm.

Tel: (04) 4095999. kempinski.com

aged seven to 12 and free for under sixes.

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, The Gardens, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 4445613. moevenpick-hotels.com

Sezzam Family Brunch

WHAT? A booze-free affair, the new brunch at Sezzam prides itself on being a familyfriendly extravaganza, with the emphasis on good food. The dozen live cooking stations up the brunch game, notably the barbecue meat counter, eclectic pasta section, plus entire candy and ice cream selections. A

THREE MORE TO TRY… IMPERIUM It might be an Ottoman restaurant, but Imperium’s new Friday brunch promises French brasserie cuisine, cold cuts, roasts, artisan cheeses and seafood. There will be the regulation ‘live jazz’ to keep the beat, and afterwards you can make your way to the Voda Bar After Brunch Party for buy one get one free drinks from 4pm to 9pm.

Imperium, Zabeel Saray, The Palm, Crescent Road West, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs275 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs550 with champagne. Tel: (04) 4530444. jumeirah.com 64 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

BLUE RAIN We like Blue Rain. The Thai food is as good as any in town and, even better, the staff are passionate about it. So we’ll certainly be visiting the new Friday brunch with its five-course menu. It’s always nice to see an a la carte brunch. Quality and originality are often the first casualties of a buffet.

Blue Rain, Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs300 without alcohol, Dhs400 with house beverages, Dhs490 with champagne.

Tel: (04) 3722323. ritzcarlton.com

ARMANI/PECK We’ve eaten some lovely food at Armani’s Italian deli, so the new buffet brunch is on our must visit list for October, no question about it. There’s the added bonus of a flexible time frame, offering you the chance to enjoy three hours at any time between noon and 6.30pm.

Armani/Peck, Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 6.30pm (three hours maximum per table), Dhs240 for soft drinks, Dhs340 house beverages, Dhs550 champagne. Tel: (04) 8883888. dubai. armanihotels.com

MODERN. CONTEMPORARY. ABU DHABI ART. 16 - 19 November 2011 Saadiyat Cultural District Abu Dhabi, UAE abudhabiartfair.ae

Organised by:

Principal sponsor:

Associate sponsor:

ARTS Class acts Station to station The Art Insider Five to see

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND GALLERY ONE, THE PAVILION DOWNTOWN DUBAI

p68 p69 p70 p72

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 67

ARTS

Class acts

Whether you’re a complete beginner, keen amateur or thinking about going pro, the UAE’s increasingly immersive, hands-on cultural scene invites you to get involved with a dazzling array of workshops, classes and courses. Which one will you choose?

MAJLIS GALLERY

The first season of painting and drawing workshops at this Bur Dubai stalwart earlier this year proved such a success that there are already plans afoot to repeat the entire experience again but not, unfortunately, until January next year. The good news is that over October and November Majlis will be hosting a series of painting workshops, led by Kevin Dean. Among his many other achievements, the celebrated UK artist and illustrator worked with Fontini Mosaici of Milan to create the stunning floral design adorning the 68 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

courtyard of the Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi, so it’s safe to say that his Painting Plants workshops will be masterclasses in the genre.

Spaces are limited, so book yours now. themajlisgallery.com

TASHKEEL

Offering on-site studio facilities (for members only) in everything from photography to textile printing and CAD as well as a rolling series of creative workshops and courses (for members and non-members alike), this Ned Al Sheba gem will be celebrating its fourth birthday in January, making it a veritable veteran of the UAE’s creative scene.

Pretty much a one-stop shop and highly recommended. tashkeel.org

ABU DHABI POTTERY

If you’ve ever felt the urge to get in touch with your inner Demi Moore or Patrick Swayze circa 1990s Hollywood weepie, Ghost, now’s your chance. Homa Vafaie-Farley established her city centre studio in 1994 and, alongside sales and exhibitions of her own work, offers weekly pottery classes for adults and children. abudhabipottery.com

THE JAM JAR

This month, Dubai’s original drop-in arts centre – you can come here to paint and use the studio’s facilities, by the day or even by the hour – continues its commitment to help evolve the local arts community as Discovering Al Quoz, part of tasmena’s MENAlab 2011 project, kicks off. There’s plenty planned to do, but we recommend the Discovery Walks, taking place from October 8 to 28, which aim to reveal the hidden side of Dubai’s most happening arts district-cumindustrial zone. thejamjardubai.com

ARTS

Station to station A recent collaboration between photographers Sinisa Vlajkovic and Mohamed Somji documents the UAE’s few remaining privately owned diesel stations

THE PAVILION

The newest – and one of the most ambitious – of Dubai’s recent run of multi-discipline, multi-functional art spaces, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai takes the notion of a creative hub to a whole new level. With its commitment to promoting the city’s art community to the public, the emphasis may be rather more on the craft than crafts (if you know what we mean), but its open-door policy and revolving programme of creative workshops alongside exhibitions, screenings, lectures and more, ensures there’s always something here to sink your cultural teeth into. pavilion.ae

DUCTAC

Judging by the popularity of recent outings such as West Side Story and The Sound of Music (back by popular demand to a venue near you soon), Dubai’s love affair with the performing arts continues apace. You don’t have to wait until the next big-name show rolls into town, however, to get involved. Ductac runs a series of dance, theatre and musical workshops and courses throughout the year. Step up and take your bow. Its current artist in residence programme, meanwhile [see News Flash, below left], will see a series of one-off artists’ workshops hosted in the Gallery of Light this month. ductac.org

Seeing the light

Auction fever

Emirati painter and sculptor Khawla Darwish, and Egyptian designer and painter Mona Fares pick up the baton this month to become the second pair of artists in residence at Ductac’s Gallery of Light. With visitors actively encouraged to interact with the artist, this is a great opportunity to discover a little bit about what makes the artistic temperament tick. All four resident artists’ work will be shown in the gallery throughout November. ductac.org

The first in a new series of public sales from Ayyam Auctions takes place this month with Art and Antiquities of the Islamic World.

Featuring over 50 lots from the 18th and 19th centuries, it promises to be a collector’s paradise. With no paddle to call our own, we’ll be at the public viewings leading up to the event. If you’ve got the dirhams to take part, turn up and get bidding.

Viewings Oct 12 to 16, auction Oct 17, Ayyam Art Centre, Dubai, 7pm. ayyamgallery.com

Why the focus on diesel stations?

As documentary photographers, we became interested in the individually owned diesel stations for two main reasons: their aesthetic values and unconventional beauty, and their role as micro centres of local community life, where everybody knows everybody and there’s always time for tea and conversation.

The UAE’s rapid change and growth is seen by many to be a good thing, yet you don’t seem to agree. Why? Every progressive society has to keep moving forward while at the same time preserving its past, its heritage and its cultural foundations. Our aim was to bring to a wider audience an aspect of life in the UAE that is fast disappearing in the face of mass consumerism, materialism and overall alienation.

The exhibition talks about the loss of a ‘local, hospitable and modest culture’ that is now rare in the modern UAE… Emiratis constitute less than 15 per cent of the population, while the expat majority is always in transit – people come, stay a few years, and leave. People live and work in high-rise towers, go to work alone in their cars, and so the feeling of belonging to a wider community is no longer there.

Local is replaced by mass, hospitality by arrogance and modesty by greed. That may be the case in most parts of the world today, but we believe that more should be done to encourage and foster a sense of togetherness and community.

If you could keep anything in the UAE, what would it be?

At the top of our wish list would be the re-emergence of open public spaces similar to town squares, a place where people from various communities, income groups, and nationalities can come together. Nasr Square in Deira served that function well for many years and it's sad to see that it’s currently being torn up – we hope it’s to make way for a new public space.

Until Oct 20, Gallery One, The Pavilion, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4477025. pavilion.ae OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 69

THE ART INSIDER

Five minutes with...

Pia Copper, curator of Ye Hai, India Darling!, now on show at XVA Gallery

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 It seems the art market in the region is seeing its own ‘Arab Spring’, evidenced by what is happening with the auction houses. With October being seen as the start of the season for modern and contemporary Middle Eastern art, what happens now is a good indicator of things to come for the year ahead.

Sotheby’s has its sale in London on October 4 and Christie’s in Dubai on October 25. The planned Bonham’s Middle Eastern September sale in Dubai was cancelled during the summer and was rescheduled for January 2012 – this has also been cancelled.

At the time of going to press, we understood from senior executives at Bonham’s that they were looking at closing the current office in Dubai. Christie’s has cancelled its jewellery sale, replacing it with an affordable art sale of Middle Eastern work. This is recognised 70 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

as a smart move by Lawrie Shabibi Gallery, a spokesperson for which is quoted in a recent interview in The National newspaper as saying, “buyers often found auction houses intimidating and were put off by the exorbitant estimates.” While others argue it is clearly a move to separate the expensive from the less expensive work, and by proxy distinguishing between good and lower quality work.

There are other concerns for seasoned collectors. One is the limited availability of great works being offered, with far too much new work now coming from galleries and artists direct to auction. Hala Khayat of Christie’s stated in a recent interview in Canvas, “I don’t think we’re going to get a big collection like the Farsi collection in future sales.” The second worry is the recent departure of all the recognised senior specialists from the leading auction houses.

Charlie Moore resigned from Bonham’s in the spring of this year to set up Charles Moore Fine Arts, Dalya Islam resigned from Sotheby’s in December 2010 and William Lawrie took gardening leave from Christie’s following the scandal of The Lost Collection, and then set up Lawrie Shabibi in March of this year. The auction houses play a major role in the market, however, they need to take a hard look at what they do and how they do it. Change is afoot.

Why have you chosen to celebrate India and why now?

As far as I know, Ye Hai, India Darling! is one of the first Gulf shows of contemporary Indian art. In the past ten years, artists in India have been making headlines with their avant-garde ideas and talent. The idea was to bring some of this cultural effervescence to Dubai and the UAE. Creatively, India is – and always has been – immensely varied.

I wanted to bring some of this vibrancy to the Middle East.

Can you tell us a little about your artist selection – why this group in particular?

The selection reflects the many preoccupations of India today: religion, society, the environment, and politics.

The artists hail from Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Bhubaneswar… I think that the visitor will feel as though this exhibition is like a garden, full of marvellous flowers, colours and scents that will bring back memories or allow them to visit a little bit of India in Arabia.

What’s in it for the viewer?

I find myself deeply moved by many of these works, including Maruti Shelke’s wonderful oil portraits of women and men living their daily lives in India, sitting under a mango tree, listening to music or playing with a cat. Others, such as Pradeep Mishra’s Baby make us reflect on the preciousness of life, the idea of reincarnation.

Sum up the show in three words Colourful, imaginative, philosophical.

Until Oct 30, XVA , DIFC, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3585117. xvagallery.com

Get ready to enter the record books. Travel on a journey through the history of the U.A.E to above the clouds and beyond your highest expectations. With timed ticketing for your convenience, visit At the Top, Burj Khalifa to see Dubai as it has never been seen before.

For more information please call us on 800 AT THE TOP, or visit www.atthetop.ae to purchase your tickets today.

ARTS

Five to see

ÅTHE STATE: SOCIAL/ANTISOCIAL? ÅTAKE MY TIME

Inspired by Picasso and Klimt, expect to see vivid colours and materials like gold leaf, crystal and glass at Slovenian artist Miro Persolja's three-day exhibition. He is bringing 100 works to the Burj Al Arab and will no doubt amass further fans to add to his list of followers, which includes Silvio Berlusconi and Pope John Paul ll.

Burj Al Arab, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 10am to 10pm, free. Tel: (055) 3375269. jumeirah.com/burjalarab

ÉHIGH TENSION

If ever you needed proof that a picture can convey a thousand words, this retrospective of Dutch photographic artist Erwin Olaf’s career is it. Beautifully lit stills and tableaux tell of stories and lives far beyond the confines of the frame.

Until Nov 10, Carbon 12, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (050) 4644392. carbon12dubai.com

ÑEMIRATI

EXPRESSIONS

Featuring photographs by Emirati artists that were developed through a series of workshops led by photographer Stephen Shore earlier this year.

Essentially an exploration of what it means to be Emirati – and the universality of ‘being’, full stop – this is another artistic feather in the cap for Saadiyat Island.

From Oct 19, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free.

Tel: (02) 4061400. artsabudhabi.ae 72 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

An ambitious start to the autumn exhibition season, this collaboration between The Third Line and Traffic draws on the not inconsiderable body of artists represented by each gallery, along with private works from the Farook Collection. Curated by Rami Farook, works from artists including Banksy, Tracey Emin, Huda Lufti, James Clar and Youssef Nabil will be on display across both galleries in an attempt to question and investigate the state of society, both local and global.

Until October 20,The Third Line, behind Spinney’s Warehouse, Al Quoz 3, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3411367. thethirdline.com.

Traffic, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3470209. viatraffic.org

ÇBRAVE NEW WONDERLAND

Fantasy and reality come together in this playful show by Jennifer Simon, her fourth solo exhibition in Dubai. Familiar local scenes form the backdrop to her work, but it’s the element of surprise – in flashes of colour or the inclusion of unlikely, slightly surreal objects – that lifts this beyond mere illustration.

Oct 15 to Nov 10, Majlis Gallery, Al Musalla Roundabout, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3535550. themajlisgallery.com

SONIC CHAIR

SHOPPING

p77 p78 p80 p81

Shop talk Shoe people Bachelor pad Playlist

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 75

Shop talk

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

Wardrobe woes

I loved the blouses on the AW/11 runways but I can’t afford the designer prices. Any suggestions to master the trend on the cheap?

Salma Abu Dhabi Sophia Serin, Editor of Emirates Woman: H&M has a stellar selection of blouses that can be dressed up with a set of pearls, boyfriend blazer, belt or ballet pumps. Word of warning: don’t go overboard with too many pleats, pussycat bows and puff sleeves – they’ll leave you looking dowdy rather than whimsy.

FACEBOOK DOES FASHION

Technology has gone timeless with the launch of online boutique Wayed Vintage. Through its Facebook page you can browse accessories sourced from all over the world, including 1980s Swarovski earrings for Dhs350 and rare Chanel pieces. facebook.com/WayedVintage

Taking place from October 20, Dubai Fashion Week will be previewing the Spring/Summer 2012 collections from Middle Eastern and international designers including Jelin George, Mumbai Se and Zori Couture. The gloriously glam week attracts the region’s fashionistas with a host of parties. For your chance to win two invites to watch catwalk shows for a whole day, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘DFW’ in the subject line and the answer to this question: Which of the following is not a coveted label?

A) Celine B) Chanel C) C&A

A TASTE OF THE BIG APPLE

Pop-up stores haven’t quite caught on in the UAE yet, but NYC favourite Bloomingdale’s is leading the way with a six week shopping festival celebrating the city that never sleeps. With temporary stores dedicated to popular neighbourhoods, a Yankee outlet, specially designed merchandise from more than 90 designers (check out the men’s tees), street carts serving hot dogs and pretzels, plus a special appearance by none other than Eva Longoria, we bet the New York New York festivities will have you parting with your bottom dollar.

Until Nov 12, Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333. bloomingdales.com

THIS MONTH WE’RE BUYING… NEW SUNGLASSES Another month, another excuse to buy another pair of sunnies to add to your collection. We'll bet you can't resist these limited edition shades, handmade from natural bamboo and tea wood (Dhs750) from super chic French brand Waiting For The Sun. You won’t want to sit on these/ leave them in Barasti/be seen without them.

Beach Hut, The Walk, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4243191. leisuremarine-me.com

HOW TO...

SHINE YOUR SHOES 1

Clean dust and dirt off your shoes with a damp rag

WIN! TICKETS TO DUBAI FASHION WEEK

2

Cover with shoe polish, rubbing in circular motions and into the seams

Trend alert

We’re coming over all ladylike this autumn, taking our cues from Lady Gaga in this Salvatore Ferragamo ensemble, albeit a more toned down take on the trend (those specs would give us a headache). If you want to emulate the queen of quirkiness then hot foot it down to vintage boutique Bambah to swipe this hound’s-tooth frock (Dhs630).

Bambah, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai.

Tel: (050) 6741754. bambah.com

Keep your footwear as good as new with this handy guide to shining your shoes

3

After 15 minutes, brush vigorously with a horsehair brush to remove

4

Buff your shoes with a cotton cloth or old T-shirt until they gleam

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 77

SHOPPING

Shoe peo Sick of seeing the ubiquitous red sole everywhere?

Here’s our pick of the up-and-comers, red carpet favourites and soon to be super-brands

Charlotte Olympia

Who? After graduating from London’s Cordwainers shoe school, Charlotte Olympia Dellal set up her eponymous label. Her work is sold globally, with designers including Alice Temperley featuring the line in their runway shows. She’s also quite the It-girl herself.

What’s her style? Classic shapes, stacked platforms and vibrant colours, with each shoe handcrafted in Italy and adorned with a gold spider web on the sole.

Any celeb fans? Lots. Blake Lively, Katy Perry, Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Kardashian have all been spotted in Dellal’s designs.

How much? Pretty steep, with platform pumps setting you back about Dhs3,500.

Where from? Symphony, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3308050. charlotteolympia.com

Ruthie Davis

Who? Following jobs with Reebok, Tommy Hilfiger and Ugg, Ruthie Davis started her own footwear line, which is the polar opposite of those cosy sheepskin boots.

What’s her style? Patent, spiked and very, very high. These shoes look like they could do damage, both to your floorboards and your bank balance.

Any celeb fans? The taste-makers in LA. Think Rihanna, Whitney Port, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga.

How much? Depending on the style, you’ll be forking out at least Dhs1,700.

Where from? Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3505333. ruthiedavis.com

Camilla Skovgaard

Who? At age 20, Denmark-born Camilla spent seven years in Dubai working in women’s couture. After leaving she studied shoe design, creating her own line that was bought by Saks Fifth Evenue while she was still a student. A raft of awards followed and her shoes are now available in 33 countries worldwide.

What’s her style? Architectural, with plays on constraint and cutouts, plus the giant soles that have become her signature.

Any celeb fans? Fashion-forward starlets like Kristen Stewart, Vanessa Hudgens and Rachel Bilson.

How much? From around Dhs1,700 for sandals to Dhs3,000 for ankle boots.

Where from? Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098888. camillaskovgaard.com 78 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

ple Brian Atwood

Who? Put simply, he’s the new Louboutin. Atwood’s background in art and architecture put him in good stead at New York’s F.I.T fashion institute, where he honed his style. After graduating he worked as a model then clawed his way up at Versace, eventually becoming the head designer of accessories before starting his own label.

What’s his style? Decadent, modern and sexy, with a mix of essential designs (neutral peep-toe pumps) and the attention grabbing (multicoloured python platforms).

Any celeb fans? Everyone A-list has worn Atwood, with Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey glamming up her basic black gown with some of his pink suede shoes at this year’s Emmy Awards to much acclaim.

How much? From Dhs2,200 for a basic pair of patents to an eye-watering Dhs7,000 for thigh-high studded boots.

Where from? Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4098888. brianatwood.com

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Anna Baiguera

Who? Taking over from French Sole as fashionistas’ first choice for flats, Italian designer Baiguera’s family has been in the shoe-making business for decades, with the footwear enthusiast starting her own label in 2010.

What’s her style? Prim, but beautifully coloured ballet slippers, either pared down in leather for day-to-day wear, or in bejewelled satin or velvet for evening.

Any celeb fans? Oprah has been singing Baiguera’s praises no end.

How much? From Dhs485 for a pair of basic ballerinas to Dhs1,075 for animal print designs.

Where from? Boutique 1, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3951200. annabaiguera.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 79

SHOPPING

Bachelor Pad

Bring your man cave bang up to date with our pick of the must-have gadgets. And a nice sofa to watch the footie on, too

Nerf Havok Fire Automatic Blaster You’re all grown up, so you can be trusted with this fully automatic foam dart firing weapon. Possibly.

Dhs550. play.com

Sonic Chair It’s a speaker that you sit in. Talk about surround sound... You can’t get any closer to the music than this, it comes with a touch screen and it’s a good looking bit of furniture, too.

Price on application. sonicchair.de

Samsung UE40C700 It’s a 3D TV. Think of the movie nights, kudos and viewing pleasures. Special DVDs and programmes are slowly coming onto the market, but in our book it’s all about being the first person with the latest bit of kit.

Samsung, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. from Dhs10,000. Tel: (04) 3399607. samsung.com

BoConcept Melo Sofa A sofa, a flat bed, a sofa bed, L-shape couch or chaise, this adaptable lounger can accomodate guests without looking shabby. The shade of grey is also handy for hiding smudges. Not that we’re calling you scruffy...

BoConcept, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Dhs4,999. Tel: (04) 3414144. boconcept.ae

Chill Pill Ice Tray An essential for evening entertaining and sundowners on the balcony, this Chill Pill ice tray is a good talking point and the jumbo cubes don’t melt quickly. A good quality in a cube of ice.

Harvest Home, Jumeirah Centre, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs42.

Tel: (04) 3420225. harvesthomegroup.com 80 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Dyson Air Multiplier AM01 This isn’t a fan. It ‘fires’ air at you, but still isn’t a fan. Apparently. Regardless, Sir James Dyson is a bit of a genius so we’ll forgive the confusion; it looks cool, keeps you cool and there are no blades to chop your fingers off.

Jumbo Electronics, various locations, Dhs1,199. jumbocorp.com

Playlist

EXPERIENCE OURÂ NEW

A triple threat for your eyes, ears and entertainment

FRIDAYÂ BRUNCH

DVD SENNA

(Universal Pictures)

AED

Despite often being hailed as the greatest racing driver of all time, the story of Ayrton Senna is ultimately one of tragedy. This documentary explores the extraordinary story of the Brazilian’s career and his struggle through the ranks of Formula One to become a global superstar. Don’t be put off by the idea that this is just another ‘sports film’ – while it is heavy on archive footage, it skilfully manages to avoid being bogged down in racing folklore, instead telling a story of inspiration, rivalry and, ultimately, tragedy.

Virgin Megastores, Dhs85

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ALBUM PIERRE RAVAN KARAVAN (Clubstar)

Shaven-headed spiritual house guru Pierre Ravan revives his semi-regular series of KaRavan mix compilations with these two discs of slinky beats. The 24 tracks certainly reflect the scale of the Dubai-based globetrotter’s almost tantric-level marathon DJ sets. And though most represent a deep house education, Ravan slides in several widely known club players (Sander Kleinenberg, Robert Owens) beside undiscovered gems and his own productions.

Virgin Megastores, Dhs110

@ WEST SIDE RESTAURANT Fridays 12 noon – 4 pm

GAME PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 2012

(Konami on Xbox360/PS3)

The annual release of the popular PES series is often the highlight of a gamer’s year. However, as always it brings with it the same incessant arguments about how it weighs up against EA rival Fifa12. One thing is clear, aside from some noticeable graphic updates, this latest offering is in no way a radical departure from last year’s model – but it does confirm that realism has well and truly replaced the arcade element to the game. The gameplay has become grittier and player movements have been toned-down, both of which add to the game’s realism.

Geekay Games, Dhs269

*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

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 81

BALANCE WELL BEING 360

MIND & BODY

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Body talk Five of the best...

The science of sleep Visia facial assessment OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 83

Body talk News, reviews, giveaways and more from the world of well-being

Beauty dilemma I’m going travelling for a few weeks and showers will be limited. How can I keep my dark hair looking good (and not greasy!) for the holiday photos?

Jess, JLT, Dubai

the new breed of sprays is suitable for brunettes, revitalising and adding shine between washes.

We love Lee Stafford Dry Shampoo Dark (Dhs45 from Spinneys, Le Marche Dry shampoo is your saviour. and Geant). It’s a suitcase and Previously akin to talcum powder, desk drawer essential.

BARGAIN BEAUTY

New spa Zen Asia promises to transform you from frumpy to foxy with the help of some experts, a giant box of cosmetics and just Dhs399.

Ideal for a special night out, the Diva Ready package (normally Dhs560) includes make-up using M.A.C products, a haircut, blow-dry and styling, plus a nail polish change with Essie colours. You’ll pick up some tips, too.

Zen Asia, W Cluster, JBC 5, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4572374

NEW OPENING OF THE MONTH Balance is a vast, Asian-inspired space that dominates the top floor of the Oasis Centre.

You’ll find themed rooms for hydrotherapy, Ayurvedic treatments, Hammams, yoga and more, and it’s a surprisingly luxurious spa for a mall, with a huge treatment menu, exercise classes and healthy café next door. We especially liked the Crystal Healing Facial (Dhs350 for 90 minutes), which uses rose quartz and organic products. And the cookies they serve afterwards are tasty, too.

Balance Well Being 360, Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3847010. balance-wellnesscentre.com

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Three ways to show your support and raise some money for a worthy cause

1

Lingerie store K-Lynn has launched a campaign to promote awareness, giving away vouchers for free mammogram screenings at Dubai London Clinic. Go to the Mall Of The Emirates branch to take the pledge and you’ll have your photo taken for a window display. Spread the word.

K-Lynn, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3410708

2

This month, Aromatherapy Associates is donating proceeds from its Renew Rose Hydrating Mask (Dhs270) to Breast Cancer Awareness.

It’s perfect for dry, sensitive skin and is a fantastic after-sun cooler straight from the fridge.

Amara Spa at Park Hyatt Dubai and Amrita Spa at Raffles

3

The annual Safe & Sound Pink Walkathon from BurJuman mall is taking place on Friday October 28, so mark the date in your diary, gather up some friends and start raising some funds. www.safeandsound.ae

Super hands It’s all hands on deck (or back) with the new massage at ESPA. Two specially trained therapists use warm volcanic stones and synchronised motions to double your relaxation, with extra stretching to remove tension. Many hands make light work, after all.

Four Hand Synchronised Massage, Dhs725 for 90 minutes, ESPA at the Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Tel: (02) 6560862

THIS MONTH WE’RE TREATING YOU TO… SILKOR’S DIAMOND MICRO-DERMABRASION FACIAL Just when we thought the UAE had done it all with the gold ATM machines, a diamond facial comes along. Available at Silkor in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, this exfoliating treatment uses a wand studded with real diamonds to stimulate blood circulation and activate collagen for a healthy glow. It also whitens the skin, evening up patchy areas while minimising pores, wrinkles and dark spots, making it perfect for sun worshippers. For your chance

to win this treatment (worth Dhs600), e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘diamond’ in the subject line and the answer to this question…

In the song, what are diamonds? a) Forever b) Temporary c) For never

WIN!

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 85

MIND & BODY

Five of the best… hair treats to try Is your crowning glory far from glorious? From new colours to deep conditioning, daring cuts to innovative ingredients, we’ve rounded up the best salons guaranteed to rescue your tresses

WHAT? The Killer Cut WHERE? Toni & Guy Have you had the same haircut since you were 15 years old? Daring to chop your locks? With high stakes, this is the time to go to the tried and tested professionals. Big name cutters Toni & Guy earned its impressive rep over the years with sharp snipping and fashion-forward styling. We went for a drastic change, and watched as four inches of hair fell to the floor. Scary? Oh yes. Worth it? You bet. Guided by style director Alexis we were expertly guided towards a cut that would suit our face shape and overall look, so there was no guesswork and only a mild heart murmur when we looked in the mirror.

Toni & Guy, DIFC, Dubai, from Dhs270. Tel: (04) 3303345. toniandguy.com

WHAT? The Conditioning Therapy WHERE? Pastels WHAT? The Quick Colour Change Air conditioning, chlorine, pollution WHERE? Thai Privilege Spa and humidity do not make for happy hair.

If your hair needs an immediate Many of us suffer from a dry mop (well, injection of colour and shine – and you don’t parched, to be honest) and off-the-shelf want to subject it to harsh chemicals – then products often aren’t effective in making try the new range of naturally derived semius look like we’ve just stepped out a salon. permanent colours from Italian brand Davines. Unfortunately. So, if you want glossy locks Using ingredients like saffron, ginger, Indian it’s time to bring in the big guns. Pastel’s Kera walnut and rose oil, the Finest Pigments range Hammam treatment takes a mere 15 minutes lasts up to ten washes but the conditioning to transform you from Worzel Gumidge effects will last a lot longer, with the dark to Gisele Bundchen (well, kind of), using colours leaving a lovely gloss for weeks. nourishing ingredients that continue working Thai Privilege Spa, Villa 1074, Al Wasl Road, even after you leave the salon.

Dubai, from Dhs240. Tel: (04) 3489679.

Pastels, Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, from thaiprivilegespadubai.com Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3947393. pastels-salon.com 86 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

WHAT? The Blow Dry WHERE? JetSet More than just a blast of the hairdryer, sleek salon JetSet has teamed up with neighbour N.Bar to offer you a mini makeover; book a mani-pedi (Dhs140) and you’ll pay just Dhs85 for a blow-dry. The hairdo itself left our locks shiny and bouncy, with a fashionable 1970s flick, and took a super speedy 35 minutes. Even better, a quick spritz with hairspray the next morning and it was as good as new.

JetSet, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3300886. jetsetdubai.com WHAT? The Super Colour WHERE? Sisters Beauty Lounge The days of salons stinking of ammonia may be numbered, with spas opting for more brands that use natural products.

Inoa by L’Oréal is a new hybrid that combines colour with comfort for the scalp and hair. By ditching the ammonia (and accompanying scorching smell), it covers grey but you might need a couple of treatments for the colour to penetrate deep enough for it to really last. We were wowed by the massive range of shades and how soft our hair felt. Thumbs up.

Sisters Beauty Lounge, from Dhs500, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3398500.

Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 222250. sistersbeautylounge.com

Thai Privilege Spa

MIND & BODY

THE SCIENCE OF SLEEP Sleep is something most of us take for granted. But if you can’t drop off or maintain a good night’s doze, there can be many reasons why. A polysomnography sleep study can determine the causes and help to plan remedies

HOW? Sophisticated technology has been developed to analyse every aspect of your sleep.

At the American Center For Psychiatry & Neurology, sleep experts hook you up to around Dhs100,000 of equipment. A raft of electrodes and sensors are WHY? Most people need between connected to your head, face, six to ten hours of sleep per ears, shoulders, throat, stomach, night. It’s vital for health and hand and legs, plugged into a well-being: a lack of shut-eye can small box strapped to your chest, cause everything from fatigue in turn connected to a logging and problems at work to, medical device that records the results. evidence suggests, increased risk These variously monitor depth of cancer, hypertension and lower of sleep (Rapid Eye Movement life expectancy. Too much sleep and ‘non-REM’), brainwaves, can be harmful too, however, and heart rate, breathing, snoring, can also lead to health problems. body position and oxygenation,

as well as muscle, eye and leg movement. Looking a little like an escaped intensive care patient, you then spend the night in your own bed to avoid disruption to your everyday sleep, before returning to the centre the next morning.

RESULTS? The combined data is presented as various graphs and statistics and explained by a doctor in detail on a second

visit to the centre. This shows up symptoms of conditions such as insomnia, sleep apnea (when breathing temporarily stops during sleep) and hypopnea (abnormally shallow breathing).

The consultation also includes reflex, eye, mouth and joint checks, as well as a brief health questionnaire. If this rules out ‘organic’ sleep disruptions, there are several further courses of action, from filling out a sleep diary over a period of two weeks to medication and even, in more extreme circumstances, a psychiatric examination.

American Center For Psychiatry & Neurology, behind Khalidiyah Mall, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm, Dhs4,000 to Dhs5,000 (some health insurance schemes will cover this cost). Tel: (02) 6664866. americancenteruae.com

TEN TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP 1 A light snack can aid with sleep but big meals should be avoided as they take more digesting, so your body can’t relax 2 Avoid alcohol within four hours of bed – it has sleep inducing properties, but the quality of slumber you’ll have will be poor 3 Try to sleep when you get drowsy at night – that last episode of True Blood can wait 4 Exercise close to bedtime will keep you awake. If it’s unavoidable, try stretching or yoga to calm your body down 5 Don’t use your bed for watching TV, lounging or playing on your Xbox – it’s for sleeping

6 A regular bedtime and morning alarm will help regulate your body 7 Minimise noise, light and extreme temperatures in the bedroom. Yes, it’s finally time to buy some curtains 8 If you sleep longer at weekends to ‘catch up’, that is actually the real amount of sleep your body needs every night. Take note 9 If you can’t sleep, get up and read quietly in another room, only returning when you’re sleepy 10 If you need to nap during the day limit it to no more than an hour and make sure it’s no later than 3pm

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OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 87

MIND & BODY

Visia Facial Assessment Will a new analysis system finally encourage you to get serious about the future of your skin?

Think about your skincare routine – is it a quick splash with soap and water? A lengthy session in front of the mirror using pricey products? A guilty sweep with a cleansing wipe before bed? More important than your regimen is why you choose certain products and what skin complaints you’re trying to address. You may think your skin is oily, but a closer inspection may reveal deeper dehydration. You might be considering botox for those fine lines, but sun damage could be the real problem.

Technology, as ever, might be the answer, with a machine by Visia at SenAsia’s Express Urban Spa claiming to take the guesswork out of your product shopping and spa time.

It promises to profile your face to identify problem areas and underlying issues, then creates a customised prescription to correct and prevent. With a face covered in makeup (have to hide those eye bags…) we went along to put it to the test.

The Visia machine looks more like something you’d find in an optician’s than a spa; sleek and modern (and in true sci-fi style it’s hooked up to a laptop, with an extra screen for the client), you place your face in a white sphere, while a camera takes a photo from three angles. Within seconds, the results are in. Gulp. You’ll be talked through the findings with an experienced therapist who, in our case, will stop you panicking about the ‘Brown spots – 96 per cent’ phrase emblazoned on the screen.

As it turns out, the higher the percentage the less you have to worry.

The assessment looks at eight key skin problems; spots, wrinkles, texture, pores, UV spots, brown 88 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

spots, red areas and porphyrins (bacteria).

You receive a result for each, which is compared to other women in your age group so you can see how you fare against your peers. We walked in worried about open pores and left vowing to use sunscreen after peeking at the UV damage on the lower layers of skin. It wasn’t pretty. Turns out there are a world of potential problems lurking beneath our foundation.

The machine even predicts the future, showing you an image of your face in seven year’s time and the complaints you might suffer from if action isn’t taken. Suitably terrified, it was time to address some of those problems.

Moving to the therapy rooms, SensAsia has treatments and products on hand to reverse the damage and protect you against predicted perils. To sort out the dehydration, texture and pore problems identified by Visia, we were whisked away for the Super Boost Facial from Dr Dennis Gross, a NYC dermatologist with an impressively effective line of treatments and products.

Want a namby-pamby aromatherapy face massage? Dr Dennis isn’t the man for you.

Administered by therapist Wi, the facial boosts your skin with vitamin C and a shedload of tingly active ingredients to minimise pores, plump out fine lines and hydrate at a deep level. It’s not a relaxing hour (apart from some lovely massaging while a mask is doing its thing), but if you’re looking for results it’s a fantastic choice.

You leave armed with a print out of your Visia report (stick it on your bathroom mirror to bully you into slapping on the sunscreen), a skin survival guide to keep you on the straight and narrow, an invite for a free mini facial in the next week and, of course, a cup of the famed ginger tea to go.

And overwhelming urges to avoid looking like that photo of yourself in seven years.

SensAsia Express Urban Spa, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri and Sat 10am to midnight, Visia Facial Analysis Dhs100 and Super Booster Facial Dhs600. Tel: (04) 3549228. sensasiaspas.com

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SPORT & OUTDOOR

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Sport talk

News, events and your questions answered from the world of sport

Swimming World Cup The best swimmers on the planet are set to make waves at the first leg of the Swimming World Cup. And they’ll be donning their Speedos right here in the UAE. The Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex will be hosting 34 races over two days with a cash incentive of US$10,000 (Dhs36,730) for anyone who breaks a world record.

Oct 7 to 8, Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Sports Complex, Dubai Bypass Road, Dubai, 8am to 6pm, Dhs20. fina.org

WE LOVE IT There are a lot of people in the UAE who don’t just like cricket – they love it. And that includes us. Which is why fans all across the Emirates will be thanking their lucky stars as Pakistan take on Sri Lanka in a three-test series. With Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah each hosting a five-day game, it is sure to be one of the highlights of the UAE sporting calendar.

Oct 18 to 22, Zayed International Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, prices to be confirmed.

Tel: (02) 5588331. adcricketclub.ae Oct 26 to 30, Sports City, Emirates Road, near Dubai Autodrome, Dubai, Platinum Dhs115 for five days, Premium Dhs80 for five days, regular free. Tel: (04) 4251111. dubaisportscity.ae Nov 3 to 7, Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, prices to be confirmed. Tel: (06) 5433154

CYCLE FOR GOOD Fancy a challenge? Well, Gulf for Good is organising a cycle event that will take in all seven Emirates – all in the name of charity. Your legwork and sore behind will help raise money for the Al Manar Charity School in Ajman.

Saddle up and start training now.

From Nov 28. gulf4good.org

MR FITNESS In his seven years as a personal trainer, James Houghton has helped everyone from West End actresses to the Arabian Gulf rugby sevens team lose the pounds and keep in shape

I recently read that drinking fruit juice – even if it’s fresh – isn’t as good as eating fresh fruit. Is this true?

Sidney, Satwa The thing with shop bought juice is that the skin or peel is removed when it’s made – and that’s where the fibre is usually found. The benefit of maintaining the fibre from the peel is that it slows the impact and effect of the fruit sugar (fructose) on your blood.

This then reduces the amount of insulin 92 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

that is released from the pancreas and helps to maintain a more even and manageable level of blood sugar.

The other issue with fructose is that it is not metabolised in the same way as glucose.

Because of its unique metabolism, fructose is preferentially converted into triglycerides, or fat, which is then very likely to be stored in the fat cells. Humans evolved eating about 16g to 20g of fructose a day, but nowadays, this quantity has increased to over 85g to 100g, which could explain the higher rates of increased weight and obesity. So, to answer the question – fresh fruit is better.

Do you have a fitness question for James?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

Group Power Normally, the biggest obstacles to working out are the amount of time it takes and the motivation needed, that’s where the new CXWORX classes come in.

These intense 30-minute sessions use the ideas of personalised training but in a group environment.

CXWORX, The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs50 per session, Dhs425 per month, Dhs1,050 for three months. Tel: (04) 2833071

AQUA NATAL

Just because you’re expecting, doesn’t mean you can’t keep in shape. Aqua natal classes at the Abu Dhabi Golf Club offer gentle exercises in water combined with breathing and relaxation techniques.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10am and 6pm to 7pm, first session free, Dhs100 per session. Tel: (02) 5588990. aquanatal.info

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Three to try A trio of new exercise classes to get you sweating SCULPT PUNCH Try this if you want… to burn fat fast Vent your aggression in a fun way with this new kickboxing class. Suitable for all fitness levels (but best suited to those who favour blood sports over ballet), trainer Wolfgang Tresize will whip you into shape with punching, kicking and blocking with bursts of cardio. And if a man called Wolfgang can’t sort you out we don’t know who can.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Mon,

Wed, 6.30pm, Dhs60 members, Dhs80 non-members.

Tel: (02) 6970272. sheratonabudhabihotel.com X-TEND BARRE Try this if you want… long, COMING lean limbs SOON A calorie-busting combo of cardio and strength training, X-Tend Barre is a full body work-out set to music that uses stretches from the world of dancing and an array of props like resistance balls, bands and weights. It aims to create a dancer’s physique, toning the whole body in under an hour, but is gentle enough for those getting back into exercise following pregnancy or injury. Classes start from the end of October.

Real Pilates, Palm Strip, Beach Road, Dubai, Dh65.

Tel: (04) 3453228. real-pilates.com

CAPOEIRA Try this if you want… rhythm and agility We know it looks a bit silly to outsiders, but the Brazilian martial art of Capoeira is worth the temporary embarrassment. An intense session burns calories, helps prevent injuries, improves concentration, helps with musicality and boosts circulation. Aside from the physical benefits, it’s a highly social sport, with ‘players’ connecting through the rhythm of the movements.

Instructor Espoleta has taught all over the world and is just back from six months in Brazil. Women only, children’s and adult classes are available throughout the week.

Contender MMA Gym, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai, Dhs80 per hour or Dhs500 for a month of unlimited sessions. Tel: (04) 3469990. contendermma.com

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SPORT & OUTDOOR

Kickboxing Being a mildmannered pacifist, the idea of throwing – or rather kicking – our staff writer, Matt, out of his comfort zone seemed too good an opportunity to pass up.This month, Matt tackles… kickboxing “I’m a lover, not a fighter!” is the cliché I clung to as I was ushered off to my latest monthly torture.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m as hard as the next guy [as long as the next guy is Milhouse from

The Simpsons – Ed], but I’m yet to come across a dangerous situation that I couldn’t talk myself out of. Well, aside from this monthly mission, that is.

Maybe I can be both a lover and a fighter, I assured myself as I headed off to the dauntingly titled KO Gym. LEARNING CURVE While having my wrists wrapped it was hard not to notice the array of championship belts adorning the walls at KO – one of which will, no doubt, one day, in an alternate future, proudly boast my name. My daydreams were quickly shattered as Zack, the owner of the gym, rang the bell.

Fight time. My recent exploits

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have involved highly technical sports, so it was a refreshing change of pace to be able to delve straight into the action. However, ten minutes in, and well and truly knackered, Zack explained that the warm-up was nearly done and I almost cried. Oh, boy.

CONDITIONING All fighting sports have a heavy focus on fitness. If you’re not fit, you can loose your focus, and sometimes your teeth. That said, it is important to note that the sessions at KO are open to allcomers, from complete novices to lean, mean Fight Club fanatics.

The daily sessions involve a lot of aerobic work around the gym, and more star-jumps than there are stars in the sky. If you thought you were fit, you were wrong.

PAD WORK Following the gruelling warm up, it was time to pad up. Dividing us into pairs, the trainers ran through the drills for the session:

94 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

jabs, straights, sidekicks, ducks, blocks etc. We then took turns alternatively holding the pads and doing the drills. Despite catching a few stiff kicks from my nononsense partner, and the slight confusion working out which was my leading leg, my confidence grew the more accustomed I became to the combinations. It was tough, but oddly fun.

VERDICT The kickboxing sessions at KO are hard work, but ultimately they are a fun and rewarding introduction to the sport. So, while people might not cower in fear at the sight of me walking down the road, perhaps my colleagues will now think twice before sending me away to war again. Then again, probably not.

KO Gym, behind Al Maya supermarket, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 6.30pm to 8pm, Dhs60 per session, Dhs1,000 per month. Tel: (050) 2861673

MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

REPUBLIQUE

p99 Nightlife news p101 Artist of the month p102 Club diary

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 97

for events that dont sell tickis via platinumlist

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Nightlife news The gigs, live shows, giveaways and insider info to keep your social life buzzing

WIN! MINISTRY OF SOUND HEADPHONES

You’re not still wearing earbuds are you? Between Beats by Dre, Sennheisers and Skullcandy, monster headphones are what all the cool kids are rocking. To get you back on track, we have two pairs of Ministry Of Sound headphones, available exclusively from Virgin Megastore, to give away. They are iPod and MP3 compatible and come with a 1.5metre cable, making them ideal for DJing or just mooching about looking good. For your chance to win, e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘headphones’ in the subject line and the answer to this question: In which part of London is the original Ministry Of Sound club? a) Giraffe & Cottage b) Warthog & Bungalow c) Elephant & Castle

SWEET LIKE IKANDY With the temperatures tailing off to the mid-30s, which feels positively refreshing after the summer, we’re looking forward to ikandy, the Shangri-La’s glam bar, reopening at the end of the month. It’s totally tropical, with poolside seating, tunes from DJ Jason Kabuki, shisha, drink promotions and a new ladies’ night. And the swimming pool will be lit up in bright pink once the sun sets. Magic.

Shangri-La, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 6pm to 2am, free. Tel: (04) 3488888

NEWS FLASH: FRESHLY LACED BECOMES DEEP CRATES Our weekly fix of funk is back with a new name.

Casa Latina’s Freshly Laced, one of Dubai’s least pretentious nights out, is now known as Deep Crates, but fear not – the underground feel, street sounds, drink deals and DJs we know and love are still on the scene.

Thursdays, Casa Latina, Ibis Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 8pm to late, free. Tel: (04) 3996699

Hellish Halloween On the one night of the year reserved for ghouls and creepies, you’d be hard pushed to find a place more appropriate than Metal Asylum’s Hellish Halloween. Headlined by Nervecell, the UAE’s biggest metal band (they are appearing on the same stage as Metallica this month), with support from Egyptian metalcore group Destiny In Chains, this night should certainly chill the bones. And there are prizes for the best costume.

Oct 28, Metal Asylum, Cheers Bar, The Lodge, Oud Metha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs80. Tel: (04) 3379470. metalityuae.com

EVENT OF THE MONTH… MONSTER HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY Fancy dress is something we take seriously in the UAE – between the Rugby Sevens, school disco nights and parties with the most obscure themes you can imagine (we’ve been to Dolce & Karama, lashes and taches and superhero soirees) we have quite the accessory collection. The highlight of our costume calendar is Halloween, andthere'sno better bash than Nasimi’s, hosted by local legend DJ Tim Cheddar. With a massive Dhs25,000 awarded to the best dressing up efforts, an expected 5,000 witches, goblins and ghosts dancing to everything from Cheddar's cheese and house from Smokingroove to R&B in the specially created dungeon, and a horror show at midnight, this will be a monster party.

Fri Oct 28, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 5pm to late, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies free before 8pm. Tel: (055) 2004321

Mamma Mia, it’s Björn Again No doubt spurred on by Mamma Mia, the money-making saccharine stage show turned movie (oh Meryl, what were you thinking? You’re better than that) Björn Again are arriving on our desert shores. Bringing with them ABBA’s enormous backcatalogue, dangerously spangly costumes and support by quality coverband The Maplejacks, the quartet’s 90-minute show will be followed by an after-party at the Aloft Hotel, with Radio Two playing hits from the 1970s and 1980s. Friday night and the lights are low…

Fri Oct 7, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs75. tickets.virginmegastore.me

STEP ON @ CATWALK Dubai’s indie music scene has been bubbling away nicely over the past few years. From Twisted Melons at IBO (ask yer dad), to current upstarts Loaded at the Ibis hotel in Barsha, there’s always been a small but loyal following for those who love a good Stone Roses tune. One name that’s been around for longer than they care to admit is Step On, AKA ‘Rude’ Larry McGuinness and What’s On’s very own Ed, Mark ‘ME’ Evans. Setting up base at the Golden Tulip’s Catwalk club once a month, they’ll be playing their usual blend of indie fun, new and old, and promise ‘a good time for all of your entry fee back’. It’s free to get in.

Fri Oct 21, Catwalk, Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm till 3am, free. facebook.com/StepOnDubai OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 99

ƵďĂŝ͛Ɛ ŶĞǁĞƐƚ ĐĞŶƚƌĂů ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĐŝƚLJ ďĂƌ ǀĞŶƵĞ ǁŝƚŚ ůŝǀĞ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ŶŝŐŚƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬ͘ KīĞƌŝŶŐ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ outdoor atmosphere with dedicated lounge, dining, shisha and barbecue areas.

DĞĞƚ ƵƉ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƌŝĞŶĚƐ ĂŶĚ ĞŶũŽLJ ŽƵƌ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůƚLJ ŚŽƵƐĞ ŇĂǀŽƌĞĚ ƐŚŝƐŚĂ͛Ɛ͘ Śŝůů ŽƵƚ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƌƌLJ ƌĂďŝĂŶ ŶŝŐŚƚ ƐŬLJ whilst soaking in the electronic atmosphere of our live band. džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĞ ŇĂǀŽƌƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŵĞůůƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůŝǀĞ Y ŚŽƵƐĞ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƵŶŝƋƵĞ ƐĞůĞĐƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƐĂůĂĚƐ ĂŶĚ ƐŝĚĞ ŽīĞƌŝŶŐƐ͘ ŶũŽLJ the vibrance of our chef’s, cooking your order right before your eyes and exactly to your liking! dƌLJ ŽƵƌ ĐĂĨĠ ďƌĞĂŬĨĂƐƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ &ƌŝĚĂLJ Θ ^ĂƚƵƌĚĂLJ ŵŽƌŶŝŶŐ ĨƌŽŵ ϳ Ăŵ ƵŶƟů ϭϮ ŶŽŽŶ͘ /ŵĂŐŝŶĞ LJŽƵƌƐĞůĨ ĞŶũŽLJŝŶŐ Ă ĨƌĞƐŚ ĐŽīĞĞ ǁŚŝůƐƚ ƌĞĂĚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƉĞƌ ŝŶ ĂŶ Ăů ĨƌĞƐĐŽ ƐĞƫŶŐ͘​͘​͘​͘ ƚŚĞ ǁĞĞŬĞŶĚƐ ĐŽƵůĚŶ͛ƚ ƐƚĂƌƚ ĂŶLJ ďĞƩĞƌ Žī ƚŚĂŶ ƚŚĂƚ͊

ƵďĂŝ͛Ɛ ŽŶůLJ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ǀĞŶƵĞ ƚŚĂƚ ŽīĞƌƐ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ĐƵŝƐŝŶĞ͕ ƉƌĞŵŝƵŵ ďĞǀĞƌĂŐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ůŝǀĞ ĞŶƚĞƌƚĂŝŶŵĞŶƚ ϳ ĚĂLJƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ͘​͘​͘ Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ůĞŐĞŶĚĂƌLJ

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MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

ST I T R A F THE O TH MON

MARY I In pop music, you don’t have to start young, but it certainly helps. For Abu Dhabi-based singer Mary I – real name, Maryam Igram – stardom was in her veins almost from birth.

“I started entertaining crowds when I was four,” she recalls. “The more people that were watching, the more I enjoyed it. I would sing at talent shows, auditions, weddings, school plays, rallies, choirs, theatre, musicals, you name it.”

Born in Milwaukee, USA and brought up in Canada, Mary has carried such ambitiously multitalented skills into adulthood when she moved to the Emirates. In addition to music, she has experience as a presenter,

journalist, model, actor and public speaker.

Her Lebanese heritage is audible, though, in the Arabic overtures of her modern R&Bbrushed pop. Her time in the UAE has proved influential, partially inspiring new single Time Of Your Life, which is out now.

“I’ve had the time of my life in the UAE. So many great events, clubs and experiences,’ she enthuses. “Going dancing, letting go, having fun, laughing, seeing so many great things and being entertained.”

Influenced by Michael Jackson, Aaliyah and Mariah Carey, she is aiming at similar levels of success. So you won’t catch Mary demeaning herself on the likes of American

Idol or Arabs Got Talent.

“I don’t believe in getting discovered that way,” she explains. “I make my own music, write my own songs.”

Having enjoyed airplay on Radio 1, Virgin Radio and MTV Arabia, as well as plotting an album release before year’s end, Mary took the plunge recently and quit her job to become a full-time musician.

“Sometimes you need to take a risk and do what you love. It doesn’t matter how much you’re making. I’m doing what I want to do.

It’s such an amazing feeling.” mary-i-official.com OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 101

CLUB DIARY This month's clubbing highlights

1

6 Justin Berkmann @ Ministry Of Sound

WEEKLY

Eclectic Circle @ MustHaveSoul MHS’s imaginative Saturday sounds continue, rooting out Motown to Balearica.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. musthavesoul. com Braun Battle Of The Year Middle East @ Star Atrium Breakdance competition, featuring the turntable skills of DJ Lobito.

The Dubai Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 3pm, free. Tel: (800) 382246255. braunbotyme.com

2

WEEKLY

Just Sundays @ Cavalli Club Sleek commercial tracks from DJ Enzo Mirak.

Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 11.30pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3329260. cavalliclubdubai.com

6

Audio Tonic @ Sea Lounge Audio Tonic’s in-house selectors continue their MCBC residency.

Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. audiotonic.net Moonlight Dance Pool Party @ Ryders Lounge DJ Kirk Manion soundtracks a night of poolbased partying.

Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, 19th and 24th Street, Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 3am, Dhs100 including one drink, free before 10pm. Tel: (050) 2641834. adcitygolf.ae

7

DJ Hell @ Movida and Ill Communications Sharam @ N’dulge The influential Deep Dish DJ kicks off the new season at N’dulge, formerly known as Sanctuary.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100. Tel: (04) 4260561. sharam.com WEEKLY

Deep Crates @ Casa Latina The successor to Freshly Laced loads up on funk, hip hop and more, with DJ Lobito.

Ibis Al Barsha, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 2.30am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699. facebook. com/groups/deepcrates

7

Big Bucks @ Barasti Win a share of Dhs150,000 while getting down at the beach club party.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai, 7pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 3993333. lemeridien-minaseyahi.com DJ Hell @ Movida and Ill Communications The German clubbing trailblazer brings his Eat My House, Baby tour to the Emirates.

Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free until 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. djhell.com

The founder of Londonbased clubbing institution Ministry Of Sound, Justin Berkmann, celebrates his baby’s 20th birthday with a special set in Dubai, his first ever in the city Did you have a long-term plan when you started Ministry Of Sound?

No. [Laughs] I went in without really understanding where it was going to go. It was born from an absolute obsession of wanting desperately to play [legendary New York club] the Paradise Garage. When the club shut that couldn’t be fulfilled, so I thought I best make my own club. Very quickly it became an obsession. I had no idea what it would turn into.

Has your original ethos – to focus on sound systems over lights and design – contributed to Ministry’s longevity?

The sound system was always the key. That’s what many of the more important and successful clubs in New York were about. Ministry is one hell of a big sound system in a

The Revenge @ Audio Tonic Audio Tonic’s sixth season opens with rising Glaswegian nu-disco cult name The Revenge, Burnski and residents.

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

14

Sunset Sessions @ Audio Tonic

102 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

14 WEEKLY

MustHaveSoul @ Sea Lounge The MHS residents select the hottest soulful gems.

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

7

The Revenge @ Audio Tonic

perfectly acoustically designed box.

People spend millions designing beautiful interiors for nightclubs, but fundamentally it’s all about being in a black box with a great sound system and a few flashing lights, and losing yourself in the music. Too many people forget that. It’s actually not that complicated.

Can you still remember the first night?

Not really, is the honest answer. I do remember that half the sound system didn’t work. Everybody was running around going ‘That sound system is unbelievable’. I was like, ‘OK, but you want to check it out next week when it’s actually working properly’.

What are you planning for your Dubai set?

Good question. I’ve only ever flown through Dubai. I’ve never actually stopped off, so it’s a bit of an unknown for me. I’ve seen some videos of pool parties and I’m looking forward to the weather, since I haven't had a summer holiday this year. I’m really pleased to come over and play.

Looking back on two decades of Ministry, would you do anything differently in retrospect?

Nobody’s ever asked me that. Probably nothing I’d want to admit to in print.

[Laugh] I was a man obsessed. Often today things are decided too much by committee and you end up with compromises. I knew exactly what it needed to be like and I wouldn’t be diverted from my plan by anyone.

XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Beach Resort, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before midnight.

Tel: (04) 4084444. ministryofsound.com

CLUB DIARY

6/7 Soul Purpose @ MustHaveSoul

20

Charles Webster @ MustHaveSoul

A man of many alter egos, British producer/DJ Martin Ikin assumes his housebased Soul Purpose guise for consecutive nights in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Have you visited both cities before?

I’ve played in Abu Dhabi, at Left Bank, but never Dubai. In Abu Dhabi they're really getting into their house, but maybe not quite as upfront as in London, so you have to ease them into the newer bits while dropping stuff they already know. I’m very much looking forward to visiting Dubai, too.

The Monte Carlo Beach Club, which hosts your Abu Dhabi date, is a posh spot. Do you prefer swanky or down 'n' dirty venues?

No preference as long as the sound system is banging and the crowd are right up for it. That’s what creates a great vibe and night.

Having traversed various genres and aliases over your career, are you always looking for outlets for productions that don't fit into house music?

I have been involved in quite a few different genres. I started producing back in 1990 on the hardcore/rave scene and that morphed into the

jungle/drum ‘n’ bass scene. I play piano in my jazz-funk band, The Soul Purpose Allstars, so I’m a bit of an all-round music lover. But I've always loved house and that’s where my focus lies for the foreseeable future.

The This Is House Music EP is your latest Soul Purpose record. What does house music mean to you?

It’s probably different for everybody depending on what era you first got into house. For me, it’s all about the groove. It doesn't matter what subgenre – vocal or not, simple or clever – it has to have a solid groove that makes you want to nod your head. Or even pull funny faces.

Oct 6, 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405 Oct 7, Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (02) 6563500. soulpurposerecords.com

Sandance @ Nasimi Beach The beach-based fest returns, presenting The Verve’s Richard Ashcroft, pop rapper Example, Chicane, David Morales, Joris Voorn, Sasha (pictured) and more.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com Sunset Sessions @ Audio Tonic Resident DJs Vas Lloyd, Raxon, JC and Soulfisher pick the grooves.

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

20

Charles Webster @ MustHaveSoul MHS welcome back the deep housespinning Miso Records man.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 7pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. charleswebster.net

Loaded @ Casa Latina The See You Next Friday crew cue up more top-notch indie and alternative floor-fillers.

Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. facebook.com/seeyounextfriday Step On @ Catwalk Indie anthems from DJs Rude Larry and ME. Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. www.facebook.com/stepondubai

27

Malik Alary @ Yacht Club Eclectic house and beyond from the Parisbased spinner (also Oct 28).

Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 9pm to 1am, free. Tel: (02) 6666888. myspace.com/ djmalikalary

14

Sandance @ Nasimi Beach

6

Sharam @ N’dulge

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 103

CLUB DIARY

28

21 Alex Niggemann @ Audio Tonic

Ian Pooley @ Audio Tonic

As Audio Tonic’s new season builds up steam, Berlinbased house champion and Soulfooled label co-founder Alex Niggemann returns to Dubai

28

Ian Pooley @ Audio Tonic Audio Tonic celebrates five years in operation with Daft Punk-remixing German house draw, Ian Pooley.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. ianpooley.com Monster Halloween Costume Party @ Nasimi Beach Start Halloween early with DJs Tim Cheddar, David Craig and Smokingroove, plus a monster Dhs25,000 in costume prizes.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, Dhs100, Dhs50 or ladies free before 8pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. atlantisthepalm.com

Liquid Rain Pool Party @ Aloft Get set for Aloft’s biggest pool party yet.

Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 3am, Dhs100 including two drinks, ladies free. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com

31

Zombie Fever @ Zinc Fancy dress Halloween celebration, with a free cocktail for the first 100 zombies, plus costume prizes.

Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, free before midnight, ladies free. Tel: (04) 3311111. cpdxb.com

Prior to your Dubai date, you’re touring Central and South America. Do you have a big following over there?

Yeah. More than I was expecting when I first got there. The feedback was huge. I’m pretty happy that people like my music over there that much.

How does the UAE compare?

It’s definitely different to other countries, which I don’t mean in a bad way. You can compare people’s party attitudes to their different cultural backgrounds. In every country people celebrate in a different way. My first party in Dubai was good, with a lot of friendly people from all over world.

I’m looking forward to being back.

You grew up playing classical piano. Is that skill useful in your production work?

Oh yeah. My classical education helped me understand and play harmonies and chords. I just got an electrical piano. It has everything a usual piano has, but I can use it to play almost every instrument through my computer.

You released a Loopmasters CD recently, a collection of samples that other artists can reuse. Have you heard any tracks created using your samples?

There have been a few tracks sent to me. It’s weird, but it makes me proud to hear people making music with my sounds.

Is your debut album coming soon?

I’m working on it. There’s still a lot to do. Hopefully it will be out early 2012, but I’ll take my time. I don’t have a deadline.

360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. myspace. com/alexniggemann

7 Dust @ Trilogy From the ashes of the sadly departed hip hop/funk institution Freshly Laced comes new night, Dust. DJ Solo explains all…

What’s Dust all about, then?

It’s a new night I've started with Megadon Betamax, a boogie producer originally from Australia now living in Dubai. It will be a monthly event, which means that we can focus on a separate genre each month: a hip hop special, a boogie special, a bass music special and so on.

What happened to Freshly Laced?

We’d been running the night for close to a year and a half, and although it was going well, we wanted to move on to

104 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

do different things. I see it in a very positive light, as people now know that it's possible to run a successful 'underground' night in Dubai. Although Freshly Laced was quite eclectic, we intend Dust to be even more diverse. And Trilogy allows us to bring larger artists.

How was the first night last month?

It went better than we could have ever imagined. The feedback was 100 per cent positive from the crowd. Somebody said to me ‘Thank you for making Dubai better’, which really meant a lot.

Are you planning a different guest every month?

We do intend on having different DJs and music each time. This month, Megadon Betamax will headline and I'll support.

After that we may bring international artists. We’ll always try to surprise people.

Are there any DJ Solo records imminent?

I have just released a track called Twilight Empires, which you can download for free from anothermusic.bandcamp.com, and I also have a new EP out as [alter ego] Wriggly Scott, called Names, ready for

release at the beginning of 2012. Until then I intend to release one track for free every month.

Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs130, Dhs100 before midnight, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. facebook.com/dustpeeps

WIN! WIN! WIN! A couple of quality nights out to keep you clubbing

WIN! A VIP TABLE AT THE MINISTRY OF SOUND’S 20TH BIRTHDAY AT XL BEACH CLUB

To enter either of these fantastic competitions, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with the name of the prize in the subject line and the correct answer to the relevant question

Like good tunes? Like a glam night out? Want a night out with seven of your mates for free?

Just as we thought. To celebrate the 20th birthday of superbrand Ministry Of Sound on October 6, we’ve teamed up with one of our favourite hotspots, XL Beach Club, to offer you a VIP table for eight at the party. On the night you’ll enjoy a bottle and mixers, plus music from MOS creator Justin Berkmann and Gareth Cook of Rulin’ fame, all in XL’s uber-cool poolside setting. For your chance to win a night on the town, simply tell us…

How old will Ministry Of Sound be on October 6? a) 2 b) 20 c) 200

WIN! A VIP TABLE FOR TEN AT REPUBLIQUE We love Downtown Dubai’s newest nightspot for many reasons – the giant glitterball, the pretensionfree tunes and gorgeous décor – and we’re offering you and nine friends a night out there too. Situated next to The Address Downtown Dubai, Republique is a two-storey music haven, playing the tunes you grew up listening to, with the hits of the 1980s and 1990s (but without the silly hair) on Thursdays and Fabulous Fridays when Dubai’s beautiful, fun loving folks come out to play. We have a VIP table up for grabs on a night of your choice, so if you’d like to treat yourself and nine other movers and shakers to a good time, you’ll have to get this question right…

What is Republique’s motto? a) Music makes us equal b) Music makes us dance like lunatics c) Music makes us shake it like a Polaroid picture

106 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

TRAVEL

p111 The new Hamburg p116 Travel talk OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 109

TRAVEL

Harbour view: The sun sets on Hamburg's harbour

The new

Hamburg HafenCity, the exciting new development on the banks of Hamburg’s River Elbe, is set to revitalise what is already one of Germany’s most enthralling cities

Something’s taking shape on the banks of the River Elbe. Something big. Hamburg’s vital artery has long pulsed with life, but a vibrant new development is springing up at the harbour. A city within a city. Full of cuttingedge sustainable architecture, innovative urban spaces, restaurants, bars, boutique shops and offices, not to mention the odd world-class cultural beacon or two.

People are already living, working and hanging out in HafenCity, although it’s only half OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 111

TRAVEL built. When it’s finished, it will boast museums, theatres, green parks, sports facilities and a stunning opera house to rival that big one in Sydney. Everything, in fact, to keep even the most boredom-prone and pernickety city hopper enthralled for days on end. Except none of it is being built for tourists.

Wait. Come back. Just because Europe’s biggest urban regeneration project won’t double up as Europe’s biggest tourist trap doesn’t mean that people from outside aren’t more than welcome. The aim is to make HafenCity resemble an organic district of a working city, where tourists and locals interact to contribute to its buzzing urban vibe.

Besides, how could they possibly keep tourists away from Elbphilharmonie, the sensational new concert hall and opera house that towers above the Elbe, dominating not just HafenCity but the entire Hamburg skyline?

Built onto the distinctive redbrick frame of the existing 1960s-built ‘Kaispeicher A’ warehouse, Elbphilharmonie is already beginning to shimmer with an undulating facade of glass panels, thrusting skywards like a huge glistening iceberg. It’s been called a ‘cultural lighthouse’ for Hamburg, and it is attracting sightseers from near and far.

Free open-air concerts present jazz, folk and classical music, while tours of the site offer an opportunity to watch a new aspect of this famous old city evolve.

It’s a chance for people to see for themselves how ultra-modern projects like Elbphilharmonie are being fused with the traditional industrial landscape of Hamburg.

Across the 157-hectare site, new developments are seamlessly blending in with the old.

The idea is to retain the unique feel of this traditional port city, and celebrate its vivid maritime heritage.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg has thrived as a commercial port for centuries. One of the early members of the Hanseatic League trading alliance, it grew rich through its position on the River Elbe. Today the city is a powerful media centre and business hub, and home to over 1,500 millionaires – more than in any other German city. It has changed with the times and managed to come out on top. But its links with the ocean are never far away.

Hamburg’s seafaring past and present converge at the old harbour. Tankers, freight ships, commuter ferries, pleasure boats and huge luxury cruise liners sail up and down the great river. The unpolished docklands atmosphere is strong, from the huge Blohm + Voss shipyards, to the legendary Fischmarkt.

You can buy much more than fish here, but you’ll have to get up early to catch the market in its full glory. From 5am every Sunday morning, the place rocks with live music, sloshed pilsner, mounds of currywurst and 112 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Ship shape: Hamburg has been a commercial port for centuries That's entertainment: Hamburg's new Elbphilharmonie concert hall and opera house

Night lights: Hamburg's Reeperbahn is a night owl's dream

Vital artery: The River Elbe

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TRAVEL

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WHERE TO STAY

City view: A bird's eye view of Hamburg featuring the city hall

“WHEN HAFENCITY IS FINISHED, IT WILL BOAST MUSEUMS, THEATRES, GREEN PARKS, SPORTS FACILITIES AND A STUNNING OPERA HOUSE” the colourful cries of the market traders.

The Fischmarkt oozes authenticity and character. It offers a glimpse of a time when Hamburg was a haven for sailors from every continent. And where there are sailors, there are bars. Just a few blocks inland is perhaps Hamburg’s most infamous street – The Reeperbahn. Once a rough strip of boisterous drinking dens and dodgy show-bars, it is now a notso-rough strip of boisterous drinking dens and dodgy show-bars. The Beatles cut their teeth here. It remains one of Europe’s largest red light districts, but these days the many theatres and restaurants along the strip attract all kinds of inquisitive tourists.

Like the old harbour and Fischmarket, the Reeperbahn is as real as it gets. So it’s little wonder that HafenCity is being developed with the same attention to authenticity. It’s not a theme park. But it is actively encouraging visitors of all ages.

“HafenCity is an important magnet for tourism in Hamburg and attracts people from all over the world,” says the head of communications for the development, Susanne Bühler. “Visitors merge into the exciting everyday life of HafenCity – mixing with residents and office workers

– and get to feel HafenCity’s maritime and urban atmosphere right up close.”

One HafenCity development that’s staying true to the essence of Hamburg is the newly opened 25 Hours Hotel. The boutique property could be described as either eccentric or downright bonkers, but there’s method in its madness. It aims to capture Hamburg’s maritime spirit through 25 tales collected from sailors clubs in the city. The tales are told in a log book in each room, as well as through the hotel’s striking fixtures and fittings, from dangling ropes and portholes, to fussball tables and an old shipping container.

Places like 25 Hours add vital splashes of colour to the project as it takes shape.

Whether HafenCity can achieve its aims and become a naturally bustling urban neighbourhood with its own distinct personality remains to be seen. Some of the city’s residents see it as rather soulless and contrived, while others welcome the regeneration of a decaying industrial landscape. Either way, great care is being taken in retaining the original character of the area and winning over the naysayers.

And if that doesn’t grab you, there’s always the rest of Hamburg’s many appealing attributes to explore.

25 Hours Hotel Soak up the retro 60s and 70s feel of one of Hamburg’s newest and quirkiest hotels. 25 Hours is right in the thick of the HafenCity action, and as befits its dockside location, it’s full of nautical flourishes. From its exposed concrete walls and leather sofas, to the flowery wallpaper and mock animal skin rugs, it’s as cosy as a sailor’s cabin. And don’t forget to chill out at the rooftop sauna.

Uberseeallee 5, HafenCity. Tel: +49 402577770.

25hours-hotels.com Mövenpick Hotel Outside of HafenCity, but close enough to everything else Hamburg has to offer, this firstclass hotel occupies one of the city’s famous historical landmarks. In 2007, the hotel was completed within the walls of a 17-storey water tower, which has been standing proudly above Sternschanzen Park since 1910. You can expect comfortable rooms, a tip-top breakfast and some stunning views of the city.

Sternschanze Park, Hamburg. Tel: +49 403344110. moevenpick-hotels.com

WHAT TO SEE

The International Maritime Museum The largest private maritime collection in the world will keep you entertained with a Second World War U-boat, a beheaded pirate’s skull, a Lego model of the Queen Mary 2 and the impressive medal haul of Admiral Alfred von Tirpitz.

Kaispeicher B, Koreastrasse, HafenCity. Tel: +49 4030092300. internationals-maritimes-museum.de Prototyp If you’re into rare classic sports and racing cars (Porsches in particular) the collection in this converted factory will blow your socks off.

Shanghaiallee, HafenCity. Tel: +49 40 39996968. prototyp-hamburg.de

WHERE TO EAT

Austernbar This oyster bar in an old red-brick warehouse is an ideal rest spot after visiting the Maritime Museum.

Kaispeicher B, Koreastrasse, HafenCity. Tel: +49 4030087888. hamburg.austernbar.de Carls at the Elbphilharmonie A bassoon’s blast from the Elbphilharmonie, Carls offers great French and German food, whether it’s in the casual pub-style bistro or the brasserie, which has great views of the harbour.

Kaiserkai, HafenCity. Tel: +49 40300322400. carls-brasserie.de OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 115

Travel talk

Advice, deals and other tasty travel tidbits

Travels with…

Colin Charvis Former Wales rugby captain and British Lions player Colin Charvis is a temporary Dubai resident, a self-confessed Francophile and has a unexpected talent too…

What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had?

I went to France to play a bit of rugby and ended up staying a year. I was being paid to be in the South of France, travelling and enjoying fantastic food. It was the best gig in the world.

What’s been your biggest travel disaster?

There was a charity trip to climb Kilimanjaro with a team of 50, including 15 ex-captains for Wales, but only the luggage for 12 of us

This month’s travel tips DIWALI DEALS Emirates is in a festive mood this month, offering plenty of flight deals to India to celebrate the festival of light, Diwali.

These deals are likely to be snapped up quickly, but with 185 weekly flights to India, your odds are still quite good. Please note that whether it is Chennai or Mumbai, the reduced flights must be taken before Oct 20. emirates.com THAI STYLE You can try to avoid it, but Thailand is still one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia. And with a plethora tempting deals from Dnata, it’s not hard to 116 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

turned up. And there was a TV crew with us. I spent a day and a half thinking, “I’ve spent 12 months raising money and training and I’m playing cards in a hotel lobby”. It all worked out in the end, though.

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

Again, the South of France. It’s so diverse.

Each little village and town has a different culture. The people don’t just exist; they really live their lives and enjoy themselves. It’s all family orientated with two-hour lunches.

What do you never travel without?

Two packs of cards. Without sounding like too much of a geek, I started learning magic.

I’ve got a couple of David Blaine ‘pick a card’ tricks where your card appears on the wall, picked up from books, DVDs, online and other magicians. It’s great for banter.

Until Oct 23 Colin is commentating on Rugby World Cup matches in Al Bahou, Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, Dubai.Tel: (04) 4440000. moevenpick-hotels.com

see why. Choose from three nights bed and breakfast stay in Chiang Mai for Dhs445, or a four night five-star stay at a beach resort in Samui for Dhs1,095, you’re spoilt for choice.

Until Nov 20, Dnata Holidays, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3166666. dnataholidays.com TRAVEL APP OF THE MONTH Kayak A top-class travel search engine. This app will sift through the depths of the Internet and pull out the best flight deals, rental car search, hotel bookings and flight tracking.

Oh and it’s free, too.

Available for: Android, iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry Price: Free store.apple.com/ae

ASK AWAY Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector Conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas I have just bought an iPad. What travel apps can you recommend? Mandy, Mirdif The technology that allows us to access information on the move is improving at incredible speed. So what does that mean to the traveller? Well, a lot actually – mobile apps are perfect for the first-time tourist, the jaded traveller or even the stay-at-home expat. Wandering around a foreign city with a guidebook in hand is not the best look; wandering around with a smartphone, interactive maps and audio translations is a good idea, if only to stop you from being marked out as a gormless tourist. Here are some of my favourites.

Wikitude Augmented reality might just change your life, and here is one of the reasons why. Point your camera phone at any location in the world and its corresponding Wikipedia entry will show up. Simple, but very effective.

Free. wikitude.com FlightBoard Obvious but brilliant, FlightBoard lets you use any airport’s arrivals and departures screen as your phone’s home screen with push notifications on any flights or routes you choose. Even better, you can publish delays on your Facebook page or Twitter stream. $3.99. itunes.apple.com Foodspotting Another blindingly obvious application, but all the better for its simplicity. Users can recommend dishes at restaurants and nominate them with a photo. The app also shows nearby restaurants, selects best dishes and allows photo sharing.

Free. foodspotting.com Wndr Kabul An interactive city guide to Kabul? Oh yes.

This app features social media and blog feeds, videos, podcasts, reviews, and best of all, an interactive map layer to show to your driver. It also has some decent weekend trip suggestions, such as Bamiyan and the Panjshir.

Oh, and did I mention it’s my app? Yes, I created it, but don’t let that spoil your fun!

Free. wndrkabul.com

WIN! WIN! WIN! A trio of tremendous treats. Are you feeling lucky?

WIN! A WEEKEND STAY WITH BRUNCH FOR TWO AT THE IBN BATTUTA GATE HOTEL We love a new brunch here at What’s On – it’s what gets us out of bed on a Friday morning. There’s nothing like corks popping, food cooking and good times to get us excited and we’re sharing the fun with you. The JazzSumptuous brunch at the Ibn Battuta Gate hotel is a celebration of cuisines, with everything from mini peking duck pancakes to tiny lemon meringue tarts on offer, plus entire rooms dedicated to cheese and desserts, all in a stunning space. It’s a happy, happy place. If you and a friend would like to try these delicious delights – and enjoy a night’s stay for two in a deluxe room – then you’re in luck. For your chance to win, simply tell us…

Which genre of live music provides the soundtrack at the JazzSumptuous brunch? a) Hip hop b) Gregorian chanting c) Jazz

To enter any of these fantastic competitions, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with the name of the prize in the subject line and the correct answer to the relevant question

WIN! DINNER AT TALA Gooey mozzarella, buttery garlic bread, long strands of saucedrenched spaghetti... Hungry yet? Thought so. Luckily we’ve teamed up with Italian restaurant Tala at Novotel Deira City Centre to give away vouchers worth Dhs333 to three lucky winners so you can enjoy pizzas, pastas, salads and desserts on us. For your chance to win some quality carbohydrates, tell us…

Which of the following is not a type of pasta? a) Fusilli b) Penne c) Margarita

WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT HANDI If the hottest night out you’ve had for a while was when your car A/C broke, then this is the competition for you. We’ve teamed up with Handi restaurant at the Taj Palace hotel to offer you and three friends an authentic Indian meal, featuring dishes from the Northern Frontier, including slow-cooked dum pakht, biryanis and kebabs. For your chance to win a table for four, simply tell us…

Which of the following is not a popular variety of biriyani? a) Chicken b) Marshmallow c) Vegetable

118 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Oktoberfest at Stills

with live music from

Barfuss

Celebrate this world famous event at Stills bar and terrace, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island.

Enjoy a variety of your favourite draught beverages, mouth watering German specialities prepared by our German chef and live music from the renowned German band,

BARFUSS

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday October 26th, 27th & 28th 2011 6.00pm until late AED 130* per person (inclusive of buffet dinner)

*Subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee

For bookings & information, please contact Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Restaurant Reservations on 02 656 3053 or Email: restaurants@cpyas.com

*COMING SOON IN KHALIDIYA

MALL

THE HOTLIST Key New entry Non-mover Up

TRAITEUR

Down

p123 p127 p131 p135

Brunches Bars Restaurants Spas

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 121

Savour the taste of India INDIAN NIGHT EACH TUESDAY

Experience the irresistible sensations of authentic Indian cuisine every Tuesday at the Flavours restaurant.

This is a deďŹ nite must try for only AED 185 net per person including house white and red.

For further information and reservations call 02 677 3333

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

The Talk

1 Al Qasr

2 Traiteur

3 Zuma

4

The Talk

5

Armani/Hashi

Traiteur

ATMOSPHERE

FOOD

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Al Qasr is always popular, but it's sure to be even more so this month as summer ends and the party season begins in earnest.

There's too much to try it all, but that's the point. Al Qasr puts on a banquet worthy of a Roman emperor.

The large outdoor terrace will be open again from October 21, adding even more space to the three rooms indoors.

If you want to see everyone you know all in one place, this is where you could do it.

A price tag of Dhs495 couldn't be called cheap.

In fact, it's rather expensive. But one expects to pay for quality.

Several new brunches are set to hit the scene this month (p64).

Can Al Qasr keep its crown?

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com

Traiteur is popular, but never rowdy.

With an open kitchen buffet, jazz band and plenty of bubbly, it's effortlessly, Gallicly chic.

French brasserie classics. Eggs benedict for breakfast, roasted meats for mains, and a room dedicated to dessert.

Bright sunlight streaming through the windows, and the outdoor terrace open – it's brunch time.

Dressing in your sundress or light, summerstyle suit and imagining you're spending a summer in Europe.

Up to you – Dhs375 sans booze, Dhs450 with wine and beer, Dhs595 with bubbly and Dhs1,998 with a limo pick up.

It's a the is pricier Traiteur end of the where What's spectrum, but On brunches Traiteur never when we want disappoints. something a little more sophisticated.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai. park.hyatt.com

It's Zuma. It's never short of custom. And the brunch is no different.

One of the most popular in town.

There's a good selection of hot dishes from the a la carte menu, as well as plently of freshly prepared sushi and sashimi.

DIFC is set to explode with the opening of Gaucho and Hakkasan in the coming months.

But will they challenge the Zuma brunch?

Enjoying food the way it's meant to be eaten – with friends. Small sharing plates is the name of the game at Zuma.

Kitsu (no alcohol) Dhs315, Kowaku Dhs425 (with alcohol) and Kyasha (with champers) Dhs550.

You could do worse when it comes to Japanese food, but you couldn't do any better.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant. com

Position yourself at a table with a view of the pool outside, and you'll feel like you're on holiday.

A sumptuous seafood buffet, tandoori and pizza ovens, roast beef and Yorkshire pud and a dangerous dessert station.

Head downstairs to West Beach Bistro for the afternoon, moving back up to the outdoor majilis for evening shisha.

At Dhs299, it's a frugal choice for a big group brunch.

Dhs299 with house beverages, Dhs399 with Cattier champagne, Dhs455 with Möet, Dhs499 with Veuve.

Any decent At just Dhs350, brunch The Talk below the Dhs300 mark definitely walks is a walk. winner in our the book. And our bank manager's.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4498888. moevenpickhotels.com

The brunch, like the soundtrack, is cool, lazy and laid-back.

Sushi and sashimi, followed by an impressive BBQ platter served at your table.

Location, location, location. Well, it's the Burj Khalifa, isn't it?

Quality Japanese food in a chilled out environment.

Dhs290 with soft drinks, Dhs380 with house beverages.

Dhs585 with spirits and half a bottle of Bollinger.

With the launch of Armani/Peck's brunch this month, Armani/ Hashi had better watch its back.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Burj Khalifa, Dubai, noon to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 8883444. dubai. armanihotels. com

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 123

HOT ON EELSriott THEerH vatory, Mar

BRUNCHES

11The Obs ur Hotel Harbo tal DFC terContinen 12 Anise, In Le Méridien Dubai , se ou ach Hotel 13 Wareh Jumeirah Be ess 14Latitude, e Addr Th , ris za 15 Fa Dubai Downtown

Anise

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...

6 Toshi

7

The Grand Grill

8

JazzSumptuous

9

10

It’s all change at Anise for the winter brunch season, with alfresco BBQ on the terrace, a Latino band and a new cocktail bar to add to the numerous live cooking stations. That should liven proceedings up a bit, we reckon, making Anise well worth rediscovering.

InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with no alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs550 with champagne. Tel: (04) 7011127. diningdfc.com

Thai Kitchen

INFOLOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Just like any busy restaurant.

The high adrenalin day time brunch environment it is not.

It's Asian Night, so think sushi, dim sum, soup and grilled meats made to order.

Hidden away on the 18th floor of the Grand Millennium hotel with a bar just next door for post-10pm drinks.

A big gathering of friends that's unlikely to end in distaster.

An eminently doable Dhs215.

Dinner and drinks for Dhs215. How can you go wrong?

Grand Millennium Dubai, Tecom, Al Barsha, Dubai, 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4299999. millenniumhotels. com

It's a party.

Birthday parties, hen parties, stag dos you name it, The GG plays host to it. And the staff love to get involved.

Buckets of beer, plates piled high with meat, plus various sides and salads.

Dubai Marina, right next door to Barasti.

Now the weather's cooler everywhere is an option.

Fun. Fun. Fun. All comers are welcome.

There are no pretentions here.

A bargain at Dhs295 with alcohol or Dhs225 without.

Can't think of anywhere suitable for a group brunch?

The Grand Grill suits all purposes.

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Lobby level, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3994221. thegrandgrill. com

Sophisticated.

Suitable for friends and families alike, there is literally something for everyone. And we don't say that often.

You're greeted with bubbles then move on to the live cooking stations, explore the restaurants and spend far too long in the cheese room.

A bit isolated at the Jebel Ali end of town, but the marina is nearby if you're continuing the post-brunch mischief.

Keeping the children out of the way and entertained; there's a petting zoo, bouncy castle and their own buffet.

Dhs495 with Laurent Perrier, Dhs395 with house beverages and Dhs295 with soft drinks.

While the Rugby World Cup is on you can pop into Al Bahou next door to enjoy live commentary.

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel, The Gardens, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Tel: (04) 4445613

Thai Kitchen is an extremely relaxed affair.

An a la carte menu and table service – just like dinner. But it's all you can eat.

Park Hyatt Dubai is a lovely hotel, and a trip here will give you a chance to visit the often ignored northern end of town.

Anyone with relaxation on their mind and hunger in their belly.

Dhs245, making it one of the best value brunches in Dubai.

Make sure your table is outside with a view of the marina.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai. park.hyatt.com

A high-end European pub at around noon on a sunny, summer Sunday afternoon.

Order from the menu, help yourself to cold cuts, salads and cheeses from the buffet and then move on to the carving stations.

It might not be as centrally located as its sister outlet, but it's our favourite of the two BBCs in Dubai.

A pub lunch and then some.

And just look at the price. That should make you smile.

Dhs249 makes it one of the most wallet-friendly feasts in town.

The outdoor terrace looking out over the creek will be back in action this month.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. ichotelsgroup. com

Thai Kitchen

Belgian Beer Café

12 ANISE

124 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

THE HOT LIST

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

BARS

Barasti

ATMOSPHERE

1 Loca

2 Zuma

3

Jetty Lounge

4

McGettigan’s

5

XL Beach Club

LOCATION

Zuma

BEST FOR

XL Beach Club

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Laid-back and bustling, with groups of friends gathered around high tables, at the bar or dining. It kicks up a gear later on.

It’s a trek from the marina, but Loca has breathed new life into this resort.

Loca is ideal for group nights out when you can dominate a long table, but couples might get jostled about a bit.

Average, but there are offers on during the week. Just don't get carried away with the 'serve yourself' beer taps dotted around. Enjoy now, pay later...

A genuinely cool bar in an unexpected spot.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3461111. dxbmarine.com

Slicker than black ice and cooler than a cucumber, with sleek décor, gorgeous staff and seriously stylish clientele. Dress down at your peril.

Slap bang in the middle of DIFC’s stylish concrete jungle.

A glamorous night out, either a deux or with a group of glam pals. Don't bring that mate of yours who doesn't brush his teeth or shine his shoes.

Steep, but ultimately worth it.

You get what you pay for, after all.

Go for dinner, stay for drinks.

Repeat every week until you've tried everything on the menu.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, Fri to Wed noon to 2am, Thurs noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant.com

At last, it's cool enough to return to one of our faves.

This bar is the ultimate in beach chic; relaxed, stylish and full of beautiful people.

Facing the sea, Jetty is right on the soft sands of the beach at the original One&Only.

It's a dreamy spot.

Sundowners, pre-dinner drinks, romantic evenings, nights out en masse. Pretty much everything.

It's not cheap. At all. But you won't begrudge the bill when you're in such a stunning setting.

Busy, busy, busy.

As more people move into JLT, McG's just gains in popularity. And it's a good crowd, too.

McGettigan's is JLT’s only watering hole. Situated at the Bonnington hotel, it has its own entrance so you don't need to leave via a bright lobby.

Sports, fish ’n’ chips, comedy and live music. And with the cooler weather approaching, the outdoor area is the place to be.

Seriously hefty portions of pub grub at decent prices, and the drinks bill won't make you wince either.

We love the non-traditional pub décor – check out the cool log-lined wall.

Bonnington Hotel, JLT, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3560470. bonningtontower.com

Merry mayhem.

Private cabanas with glass-fronted plunge pools, mingling at the bar, VIPs and a glam crowd.

Right on the beach at the Habtoor Grand, with all the action centred around the pool.

Meeting models, pumping tunes, wearing heels with your bikini (ladies only, of course).

Club in with your mates and fork out for a table. It looks cooler and means less trips to the bar.

If you want to win a table at the Ministry Of Sound party on October 6, check out page 106.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Dubai, noon to 3am. Tel: 056) 6406161. habtoorhotels.com

, Want to feel

like you're on holiday this weekend? Jetty Lounge is the bar for you.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 2pm to late.

Tel: (04) 3999999. oneandonlyresorts. com

NOVEMBER OCTOBER 2011 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’SON ON 127

BARS

HOT ON EELS l, THE H ssi Bar & Gril

11 Nezesau Hotel Al Manzil har , Souk Al Ba 12 Left Bank e Address Th s, 13 Neo Dubai Downtown i Hotel rive, Arman 14 Armani/P The Westin o, 15 Oen

Belgian Beer Café

ATMOSPHERE

6

360°

7

Caramel

8 9

10 Barasti

Neos is dominated by a jaw-dropping window, allowing views across SZR. The art deco decor, with mirrors, pillars and glam bathrooms add to the luxury feel, so this a place where you should dress up. Speaking of up, you’ll need to take two lifts to reach Neos’ lofty heights. A great choice for wowing visitors and doing business in style.

The Address Downtown Dubai, 7pm to 2.30am. Tel: (04) 4368927. theaddress.com Jetty Lounge

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PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Full of shiny, happy people having the time of their lives in the fading sun and under the stars.

One of Dubai's most desirable spots, along a jetty to an island in the sea. This place is, quite simply, a knock-out.

Wowing visitors and hearing some of the best music the city has to offer.

There are few better places to watch the sun set.

It's one for the end of the month.

360° is known for keeping music lovers on their toes with local talent and international DJ. Keep it up.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4068744. jumeirah.com

Caramel’s crowd of city slickers pile through the doors for mid-week drinks, but Fridays are a bit quieter.

Another jewel in DIFC’s crown, Caramel keeps well-heeled types well fed and watered.

Some of the best bar snacks in town, or a good choice for a main meal.

Lollipop chickens and some mini burgers, please.

It’s pricey, but that goes with the territory in this part of town.

As busy as it gets, the atmosphere has been a bit lacking of late.

Not sure why.

Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 4256677. carameldubai.com

Busy at the bar, packed out pews and more chilled upstairs. Love it.

One of the first dining and drinking spots in Festival City, the BBC has been joined by a bevy of outlets.

Want to feel like you’re not in Dubai? This is the place for you.

Order the moules frites and you’ll practically get a stamp in your passport.

There are drink and dinner deals through the week, but it can be on the expensive side otherwise.

We love the Victorian tiles, vintage signage and European pub feel.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Festival City, Dubai, 7.30pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 7012222. ichotelsgroup.com

The English Premiership kicked off last month and this is where the marina’s footie fans are congregating.

Another good choice for the JBR crew. If you live nearby it's best to walk; The Walk is chockablock with cars every evening.

Watch your team on the giant curved screen, and play some pool or chat at the bar at halftime. Lad heaven.

Fair – and in true sports bar style, there’s a happy hour (or two) too.

A good choice post-Laughter Factory comedy nights, and the food is decent, too.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thurs to Sat, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 4498888. moevenpickhotels.com

It's back! Barasti's tents kept a steady flow of punters coming through the summer, but it's cool enough for the hoardes to arrive.

It's a Dubai institution for its prime beachfront location, split level bars and proximity to the marina.

Bumping into everyone you know, sundowners, long nights out and hoping you won't get pushed in the pool.

Surprisingly expensive for all its laid-back beach bar vibe. And we can't stand those tiny plastic cups.

Love it or hate it, you'll be going there soon.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 11am to 2am.

Tel: (04) 3993333. lemeridienseyahi.com

Belgian Beer Café

West Beach Bistro

LOCATION

13 NEOS

128 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

THE HOT LIST

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE

RESTAURANTS

Indego by Vineet

1

La Petite Maison

2 Zuma

3 The Ivy

4

Indego by Vineet

5 Verre

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 131La Petite Maison

ATMOSPHERE

INTERIOR

FOOD

LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The buzz is like no other restaurant in Dubai, and it will take a serious newcomer to unseat LPM.

There's a long bar, an open kitchen and lots of close (but not too close) tables.

It's light and bright at lunch and dinner.

The onion and anchovy tart and the burrata for starters, followed by the lobster and the razor clams, with cheesecake for dessert.

Competition is going to heat up around DIFC with Gaucho opening this month, but LPM is still the best restaurant in Dubai.

It depends on the number of sharing dishes one orders. Dhs800 to Dhs1,000 should do it for two.

Don't miss the Gypsy Queens' LPM first anniversary performances from October 23 to 25.

Zuma is a place to 'see and be seen', and there are plenty of people in Dubai who live and breathe that motto.

Dark, cool and moody in the upstairs bar.

Bright with open sushi counters, so you can see the chefs in action downstairs.

Order the wagyu tenderloin from the robata grill, or the divine veal. At lunch there are three menus available, starting at a decent Dhs62.

As with LPM, the opening of Gaucho in the DIFC 'hood could provide some competition for Zuma.

Dhs1,000 for two is par for the course.

If you want Japanese in Dubai, there's only one option.

Zuma.

Building 6, DIFC, Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm, Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant. com

The Ivy isn't fighting away the punters, but there is already a steady flow of loyal fans.

Green leather, dark wood and crisp, white table clothes. And there's a handy little cocktail bar and lounge area in which to enjoy a tipple.

The menu changes regularly, but the venison carpaccio, aromatic duck salad and fish 'n' chips are all good.

As soon as Hakassan arrives in November, Emirates Towers should start to feel more like a culinary destination.

You could enjoy three courses for around Dhs550 (sans booze), but spending more would be very easy indeed.

The Ivy can be relied upon for a good, solid meal and a pleasant dining experience.

The Ivy, The Boulevard, Emirates Towers, Dubai, noon to 3pm, 6.30pm to 11pm, bar to 2am. Tel: (04) 3198767. theivy.ae

The food inspires loyalty from its clientele, ensuring a healthy number of return customers. A sign of quality.

A winding stairway leading to an warm glow and an inviting restaurant.

Chef John was trained

by Vineet Bhatia, who is the master of modern Indian cuisine. It's good, OK?

In a popular five-star hotel in the most popular residential area of the city. Is that to your satisfaction?

Dhs900 (without alcohol) if two of you are eating three courses from the main menu.

Vineet is planning another visit soon, so expect some menu tinkering in the near future.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhousedubai.com

At the chef's table on a Friday. Fabulous.

At a corner table on a quiet night, the food is what makes it worthwhile.

The space is not ideal, and despite a relatively recent refurb Verre is still a little dated. But it functions well.

Two of Dubai's most talented young chefs head up Verre.

Head chef Nick Alvis' steak tartare recipe is on page 63.

Gordon hasn't visited for a year.

Fortunately, the Verre team make a trip to Deira worthwhile.

Dhs395 for three courses, Dhs495 for six courses.

For the chef’s table it’s Dhs695, with wine pairings Dhs350 to Dhs600.

It's time for a bit of a shake up in Ramsay's Dubai operations, but Verre's menu is first rate.

Hilton Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri, 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 2271111. gordonramsay. com

DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmdubai.ae

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 131

RESTAURANTS

HOT ON EELSTown THo,ETheH Palace, Old

11 Asad Dubai e Monarch 12 Okku, Th tz-Carlton DIFC Ri , in Ra ue 13 Bl Mezzanine, 14 Rhodes ai House Dub or en sv ro G use, ris Steak ho Ch ’s th Ru 15 Dubai The Monarch

Rhodes Twenty10

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S INTERIOR ON SAYS...

6 Traiteur

8

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

9

Toro Toro

10 Rhodes Twenty10

INFO FOOD

LOCATION

With the recent departure of chef Paul Lupton after several years at the helm, Mezzanine is sure to make some changes. But we’re sure new chef Marcus Chant is up to the challenge, and we can’t wait to see what he does with what is always a tremendous menu. No pressure, Marcus.

Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Mon to Sat 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3998888 PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

RG is extremely popular, so we'd advise you to book ahead.

Clean, bright and white, with chalkboards displaying the delicious daily specials and a buzzing open kitchen.

The menu changes with the British seasons, and there are always good specials on the board.

The terrace is back in action, and it offers a cracking view of the Dubai Fountain for those who enjoy that kind of thing.

Around Dhs400 for two, but on weekdays you can enjoy two courses at lunchtime for Dhs80, or three for Dhs100.

Lunch is a good deal, but RG is all about the Saturday roast on the terrace.

Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 7pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. rivingtongrill.ae

It's definitely worth booking in advance, and if you can secure a table outside you're on to a winner.

From the moment you catch an eyefull of the action in the open kitchen as you descend the stairs, Traiteur is a delight.

Chef Franck Detrait and the team have made some menu changes this month.

For more information, turn to page 60.

Park Hyatt Dubai. Amble over to The Terrace for an after dinner drink.

The degustation menu is Dhs375 for four courses and coffee. For a la carte you're talking around Dhs650 for two.

The new menu additions are exciting. Now is the time to pay a visit to Traiteur.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, DubaiSun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai. park.hyatt.com

It can be busy.

It can be quiet.

It's all by-the-by.

Reflets is all about the food.

And, boy, is that exciting.

A private lift leads to Reflets' private floor, where the restaurant dwells in all its purple-pink glory.

Always inventive.

Check out our verdict on the new Friday lunch menu on page 58.

The InterCon DFC is a lovely hotel, but Reflets would be worth a visit wherever it was.

Dinner for two will hit Dhs1,000, but the lunch is a bargain at Dhs180. As is the new Friday lunch at Dhs390 with wine pairings.

Sommelier Julien Coron offers his expert advice in our new wine column on page 57.

InterContiental Dubai Festival City, DFC, Dubai, 7pm to 1am.

Tel: (04) 7011128. ichotelsgroup. com

It's been open less than a month, but on both our visits so far it's been busy. An instant favourite. Book ahead.

Two floors. Bar/ lounge upstairs.

Restaurant downstairs. It's dark, sexy and sure to be a hit with anyone who likes to stay up late.

Check out our verdict on celeb chef Richard Sandoval's latest Dubai venture on page 53.

The spanking new Grosvenor House Tower Two – sure to be Dubai Marina's latest nightlife hotspot.

Our bill was Dhs1,000 for two sans booze, but with the small plate sharing concept you could spend more or less.

Anything with our new columnist Gary Rhodes' name on it is going to be popular, isn't it?

There's a nice little bar and a small lounge area for pre, and post dinner cocktails.

The fish 'n' chips is better than any other restaurant in Dubai, but the whole menu is reliable.

Le Royal Méridien is a little dated, but Rhodes' place is right up to date. Take a table upstairs, if possible.

Around Dhs650 for two. Not bad, really.

Rivington Grill

7

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

14 RHODES MEZZANINE

132 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

Toro Toro is an instant success story.

You should visit it as soon as possible.

Gary is set to spend a lot more time in Dubai, so we expect he'll be paying a visit to the kitchen.

Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 3am.

Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhouse -dubai.com Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Sp, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3995555 garyrhodes.com

WEEKEND GETAWAYS. DESERT EXPERIENCE Explore the mysteries of the majestic Rub Al Khali Desert and experience the true Arabian oasis of hospitality at the secluded desert hideaway resort, Tilal Liwa Hotel.

Weekend packages starting from Dhs. 599*. Romantic package at Dhs. 799*.

Free upgrade for What’s On readers.

Safaris, sandboarding and other desert activities can be arranged.

*Rates are subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee. Double occupancy. Payment is by credit card or cash only. Offer valid for UAE / GCC residents only, from 1st October - 10th December 2011.

Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels PO Box 112723, Abu Dhabi, UAE | T. +971 2 894 6111 | F. +971 2 894 6112 | reservations.tilal@danathotels.com | www.danathotels.com

INTRODUCING THE

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TO VOTE VISIT WWW.EMIRATESWOMANAWARDS.COM

THE HOT LIST SPAS

THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

SensAsia Urban Spa

THERAPISTS

1

SensAsia Express

2

One&Only Spa

3

B/Attitude

4

Amara Spa

5

Talise Ottoman Spa

MENU

THE SPA

Talise spa

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The ladies at the Express version of SensAsia have been recruited from the other spas, so truly know their stuff.

Check out the shorter treatments; think 50-minute massages, 30minute body scrubs and super fast facials, using Elemis, Dr Dennis Grossman and Eve Lom products.

The sassier younger sister to the other branches, this spa is pared down with everything you need in your small but perfectly formed treatment room.

Dhs155 for a back, neck and shoulder massage, minifacials costing Dhs60 and Dhs225 for a body wrap.

Very reasonable indeed.

Speedy, chic and you get your ginger tea to go. We love.

Find out more on page 88.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thur to Sat 10am to midnightTel: (04) 3549228. sensasiaspas.com

Some of the best therapists in the city, and no doubt. They're well-informed, charming and at ease to explain everything you need to know.

Extensive, with everything from day-long ESPA rituals to effective medi-pedis from Bastien Gonzalez.

Just gorgeous, with terracottas, woods and lovely fabrics. Sumptuous treatment rooms and a VIP area for couples complete the experience.

Not as expensive as it could be (shush) with a 25minute body scrub for Dhs215 and one-hour massage at Dhs490. Big thumbs up.

Check out the pool cabanas; they cost Dhs2,500 per day so go with friends on a special occasion.

One&Only The Palm, The Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4401010. thepalm. oneandonlyresorts. com

When we visited, our therapist, Woody, was a consummate professional – knowledgeable and intuitive.

The list includes Tibetan treatments, facials, scrubs, wraps, foot treatments, traditional and signature massages and hammam rituals.

Check out the five hammam pools ranging in temperature from 18˚C to 38˚C.

The bespoke Intuitive massage is Dhs420 for 60 minutes or Dhs540 for 90 minutes.

Tailored to your specified needs, it’s one of the best we’ve had.

Take your swimmers and make time for the hammam pools.

Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 9.15am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhousedubai.com

Really lovely, and they'll welcome you back like an old friend.

A friend who's going to bust those shoulder knots for good.

Grouped by theme, there’s an emphasis on rituals and packages that include pool and health club access.

And the pool is a knockout.

From the tiled entrance to the outdoor showers, Amara is gorgeous.

It is especially good for couples, with romantic VIP suites.

Steep, but there are monthly offers that take the sting out. We reckon the quality of products, spa and therapists are worth it anyway.

Make a day of it with pool access and dinner at Traiteur afterwards.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 6021234. dubai.park.hyatt.com

The therapists administering the hammam treatment know exactly what they're doing.

Everything from quick facials to four hour ritual treatments are available. But the hammam is the star.

Saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis, outdoor pavilions, heated stone beds, Thalassotherapy pool, and of course the male and female hammams.

A 45-minute hammam treatment is Dhs300, and well worth it.

The traditional Turkish hammam is something very special indeed.

Talise Ottoman Spa, Zabeel Saray, The Palm, West Crescent, Dubai, 9am to 9.30pm. Tel: (04) 4530000. jumeirah. com

OCTOBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 135

HOT ON THE HSpEa,EBaLnySan Tree

ee 11 Banyan Tr Wadi Al Hotel pa, Armani 12 Armani/S Desert Palm a, Sp 13 Lime Atlantis a & Fitness, 14 ShuiQi Sp e Palm Th arch Spa, The Mon 15 Mandara

SPAS

The Spa

THERAPISTS

6

SensAsia Urban Spa

7

Talise Spa

8

The Spa

9

The Spa

10

MENU

Banyan Tree Al Wadi

THE SPA

11 BANYAN TREE It’s a fair old trek out of Dubai (allow an hour) but once you arrive at the Banyan Tree spa it’s suddenly worthwhile. The highlight is The Rainforest, a hydrotherapy experience that includes tropical showers, ice caves and steam areas, ending in a giant pool. The treatment rooms are rather lovely too, with Asian-inspired massages, body scrubs and more.

Banyan Tree Al Wadi, Ras Al Khaimah, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (07) 206777. banyantreespa.com

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Gentle, kind and with a firm hand when required, SensAsia’s staff are top-notch at what they do.

Simply put, the menu is both innovative and imaginative. It caters specifically for mum-to-bes, golfers, high-heel fans and frequent flyers.

Asian chic with splashes of jewel tones to balance the signature Oriental ambience; the cosy rooms are a true treat. It has the best dressing gowns in town, too.

Worth a visit for the ginger tea alone, but if you choose wisely you’ll get an hourlong massage for Dhs310.

Take your pick from branches at MOE, Village Mall and The Palm.

Emirates Golf Club, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4179820. sensaisaapas.com

Packed with experts, there’s a mix of nationalities and specialities, from massage therapists to a GP.

In addition to a packed spa menu, Talise has a naturopath, life coaching and medical testing on offer.

Explore the leafy pathways leading to treatment rooms and an outdoor pool that’s tucked away just for those day-long spa sessions.

Not bad for such a high-end establishment. The 80-minute Royal Hammam costs a fair Dhs450.

Try out the day retreat with sunrise yoga, a signature massage, mini-facial and beach access.

Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3666681. jumeirah.com/talise

Superbly trained therapists are on hand to guide you through the vast spa on your journey from reception to relaxation.

Tired? Try out the highly recommended jet lag treatment. If you’re looking for something else, there’s a separate menu for ladies and gents.

Only minutes away from the stress of The Dubai Mall, this shrine is a tranquil haven for shoppers.

For the quality of the treatments and snooze you’ll enjoy, the higher prices are worth it.

Give the summer citrus reviver treatment a try and leave with a spring in your step.

The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4388888. theaddress.com

Be prepared for the therapists to whisk you away from the daily grind into a cocoon of comfort.

You won’t be spoilt for choice here, but there is a decent selection of rituals for lengthy pampering.

High-quality spa real estate – the relaxation rooms overlook the lakes at the base of Burj Khalifa.

It may seem pricey, but you’ll get your money’s worth by enjoying the relaxation and steam areas.

Very knowledgeable, super sweet and über-attentive.

It’s all here, from express facials for DIFC office-dwellers, a men’s menu and a host of exotic treatments.

Modern, bright and calming, with steam and sauna rooms, plus a lovely relaxation area.

At the top end of the scale, with an 80-minute Thai massage costing Dhs600, but there are regular promotions.

The Spa

136 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

' A lovely spot

The Palace, Old Town, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4287888. theaddress.com

Linger for a juice and a browse of the books in the lounge afterwards.

The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, Dubai, 9am to 8pm.

Tel: (04) 3722777. ritzcarlton.com

to relax before getting a table at Ewaan.

BACKCHAT WITH CATBOY

Our man on the radio explains the lost of art of karaoke, and his love of Glen Campbell…

Karaoke – a microphone, a badly produced backing track, and a cheap video with lowresolution lyrics popping-up on a TV screen.

That’s it. Whether you’re singing to no-one but the barman in a dive bar in Thailand or giving it the full ‘Mariah’ on stage in front of Simon Cowell and a TV audience of millions, it’s all basically the same thing.

But karaoke has one fundamental flaw. The more you do it and the better you become, the less fun you have.

In the beginning, karaoke is like a first kiss.

There’s a mixture of fear, excitement, anticipation and self-doubt. Will you clam-up? Will onlookers cover their ears in disgust? Will the guy controlling the music switch it off and have you forcibly ejected from the establishment?

Most people don’t perform for a living, so getting up in front of a mixture of one’s peers and strangers can be terrifying. There are those

who will never, under any circumstances, give it a go. Then there are those who claim that they’d never do it but find themselves on stage, microphone in hand. Normally this happens towards the end of a particularly fun night.

This is the nadir of the karaoke experience. Like baby birds flying for the first time, karaoke virgins go from nervous whispers and mumbles to smiles, screaming vocals and classic rock posturing. The rush of adrenaline has an intensity that can never be captured again.

From that moment on it can only go downhill.

You’re so lost in the moment that you don’t realise how terrible you sound. So, next time you give it a go, the nerves are far less prevalent and you get to hear yourself. This brings most back down to earth with a bump.

The next stage after this, at least for the more focused warbler, is finding your set list. These songs have to be within your limited vocal range, well known, but not likely to be chosen by anyone else. To give you an example of this, mine are Nights In White Satin by The Moody Blues, Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman and Love On The Rocks by Neil Diamond. I guard

these songs like my ‘precious’ and, should anyone sing one of these before me, it can ruin my evening.

The final and, perhaps, most damning stage of a karaoke career is becoming a ringer. This accolade is normally reserved for those with above average vocal skills. You can spot them a mile off. They’re normally in the same seats every time you go to a karaoke bar. They know the staff and there are normally a couple of them.

The ringer has his or her set list. Not only that, they also occasionally duet with their ringer friends, belting out pitch-perfect harmonies before ending with high fives. It quite literally sucks the enjoyment out of the room for anyone else in there and the worst part is, the ringers know it. Of course, you can spoil it for them too. All you have to do is jot down their songs on a coaster, go back the following week and sing them all first.

Who says karaoke isn’t fun?

Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to 10am, Dubai 92. dubai92.com

NEXT MONTH: DUBAI’S BIGGEST SPORTING AND SOCIAL EVENT – THE DUBAI RUGBY SEVENS. PLUS THE ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX AND BRITNEY SPEARS, INCUBUS AND PAUL MCCARTNEY PLAY YASALAM 138 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

For those with taste

Find a catwalk of gorgeous cocktails to fit your aura perfectly in the heart of Fashion Avenue, The Dubai Mall. Sashay into the Ember Lounge, where you can cool off whenever you’re feeling haute. In fact, Ember Lounge will look so good on you, the room will fill with cheers.

Doubly so between 6:30pm and 9pm, when parched fashionistas get a second beverage free whenever one is purchased.

Open every day except Sunday, 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

For reservations call +971 4 888 3444 or email dine@theaddress.com

On trend, every season