What's On Dubai Edition

Issue 403

November 2011

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

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Contents Features

19 Dubai Rugby Sevens Expert opinions, the insider info on the international teams, a look at the local talent at this year’s tournament and, of course, the after parties

35 Sandance Sandance is back once again. Say hello to The Script, Pete Murray, Norman Jay, Groove Armada and more as they hit the Nasimi Beach festival

29 How to…

Plot your path through all the bureaucratic red tape and tricky rules with our guide to sorting everything from your driver’s licence to finally getting that eGate card

38 F1 Everything you need to know about this year’s Grand Prix, from teams and stats to afterrace performances from Britney Spears, Incubus, The Cult and Paul McCartney

p35

p19 NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 3

The round up 12 Salaam Remember, remember what to do this November

p51

17 WIN! WIN! WIN! We’re showering you with goodies again this month, with a table at the What’s On Awards, a private villa stay and dinner for six all up for grabs.

Also see pages 68 and 127

99 Sport & outdoor We learn the local pastime of falconry and pick out the sporting events not to miss this month 105 Music and nightlife Ladies favourite Michael Bolton chats to us about his recent online popularity, ‘Mall guy’ Rohit Iyengar, plus this month’s Club Diary and the rest of the best gigs in town

48 Film A pair of directorial Stevens (Soderbergh and Spielberg) feature this month as we run our eyes over their new films, Contagion and Tintin.

We also give our verdict on Brad Pitt’s new baseball film Moneyball and In Time with Justin Timberlake

117 Travel In this month’s travel section you can see Beirut through the eyes of a clued up concierge, enjoy our new Gourmet Traveller column and join adventurer Adrian Hayes as he prepares to follow in the footsteps of the great explorer Wilfred Thesiger

51 Eating out Our verdict on French-Vietnamese newcomer Voi, the swanky Siddharta Lounge and Le Deck at Abu Dhabi’s Monte Carlo Beach Club. Also check out the best markets, delis and independent food suppliers, take a class in South American wine and enjoy the latest recipe from our celebrity columnist Gary Rhodes.

129 Hot List Restaurants, brunches, bars and spas. We bring you the best in town 146 Backchat with… Catboy The voice everyone loves to hear in the morning does what we all secretly want to do and quits Facebook

71 Art A round up of the galleries at DIFC, The Art Insider on Abu Dhabi Art and five exhibitions you simply must see 81 Shopping Specialist shops for pesky problems and crafty ways to put your hands to good use 89 Mind & body Improving your posture, top foot treatments and the most common spa faux pas

4 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

p71

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This month we've been...

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 Assistant Kamini Ghose | kamini@motivate.ae Picture Researcher – Gulfpics Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae Contributors Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Roui Francisco, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark Powell, Conor Purcell, Gary Rhodes, Farooq Salik, Sophia Serin, Simon Smedley, Paul Sterry, Scott Stokes, Jan Stoop, Andrea Trivino Lira Senior Production Manager Sunil Kumar | sunil@motivate.ae Production Manager Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae Production Supervisor Murali Krishnan | muralik@motivate.ae

Learning the basics ahead of the Rugby Sevens, p19

Getting crafty, p82

Cutting through red tape, p29

Editor's note

Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

It never fails to surprise me just how popular rugby is in Dubai. I think maybe it’s because I’m from Sunderland, a city that pretty much lives and breathes football (not that you’d think so to see our team play at the moment…), but in this city, rugby is king. And if rugby is king, then the Sevens is Prince Harry – royal, regal, but not averse to dressing up in ridiculous fancy dress number now and again. Such is the magnitude of the Sevens in Dubai that I actually have a friend who measures how long he’s lived in the Emirates by how many tournaments he’s been too (‘Yeah, so this will be my sixth event, so that’s coming up to six years in Dubai for me…’). In all honesty, I’m not the biggest rugby fan – like I said, it’s that hometown football brainwashing thing for me – but I do like the Sevens, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the occasion. As, once again, the official magazine of the tournament, What’s On will be out in force, with everything from live tweeting to spot prizes and on the field action – look out for our staffer Matt, hopefully being pulverised by some massive scrum half or other. We’ll also be sponsoring one of the local sides, Barrelhouse RFC, the oldest amateur club in the country, so fingers crossed the boys in, er, pink (yeah, I’d have preferred red and white stripes) do us proud.

Away from the rugby, there’s another brilliant Sandance festival at Nasimi this month, with Irish popsters The Script leading the line this time – find out what they had to say on p35 – while Britney, Incubus and Paul McCartney headline the after-race concerts at the F1 in the capital. We’ve another packed Eating Out section for you – including how to make the perfect Yorkshire puds (always tricky) – and for those still trying to get to grips with life in the UAE, we present our How To feature, to help you on your way.

London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Enjoy the issue.

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 Sales Executive, Abu Dhabi Hamdan Bawazir | hamdan@motivate.ae

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Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 7

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We're officially part of the Twitterati.

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

Salaam!

November in three pages

What’s hot A CUT ABOVE At.mosphere has picked up the title of world’s highest restaurant. Being situated in the Burj Khalifa we thought it would be – but at least now it’s official.

Guess list

The pick of the choicest fruits on the grapevine

20%

CARBON CUT Handing out thousands of energysaving light bulbs is just one of the ways the Dubai Carbon Centre Of Excellence hopes to help reduce Dubai’s carbon output by 1.7million tonnes

MANCHESTER DUNITED No, that’s not a typo – UAE subscribers to Du's mobile network will now be able to gain exclusive access to news and videos of the Premier League champions, Manchester United, on their mobile

What’s not SECOND-RATE TAXIS The Dubai Taxi Authority’s introduction of the In-SafeHands taxi service has us baffled.

The service offers you the option to pay a call out fee of Dhs25 for a “safer” taxi driver.

As opposed to an unsafe driver?

VAT Reports that the UAE authorities have asked the IMF to help look into developing a value-added tax scheme to widen the country’s tax base have us worried

NOT 'APPY After all the hoo-ha surrounding Apple's iPhone 4S release in the US and Europe, over here we won't be able to get our hands on one until December 12 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

40% MADONNA She might be nearer the Queen Mum than the Queen Of Pop, but that won’t stop Madonna from making her UAE debut according to one of our industry insiders. The 53-year-old singer will apparently be performing here midway through 2012.

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

JEREMY RENNER The guy who wasn’t Tom Cruise in the soon to be released Dubai-based Mission Impossible Ghost Protocol is set to return to the Emirates, according our movie man in the know. Hurt Locker actor Jeremy is said to be on his way for a film festival premier.

40%

BOLLYWOOD ROYALTY Pssst! Want to meet a Bollywood star?

Well, your luck is in – there’s a planeload of them arriving for this year’s Dubai International Film Festival, says our film festival spy.

And with more than 160 Indian films being screened, chances are he’s right – It's not just the no marks; however, we’ve been told that the big guns are on their way – Kareena Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan, to name but three.

SWIM AROUND THE BURJ Fancy a swim for a good cause? Join in with the annual 1km swim around the Burj celebrating 40 years of the Medecins Sans Frontieres charity.

Nov 11, Wild Wadi water park, Jumierah, Dubai, Dhs275, 6am to 10.30am. Tel: (02) 6317654. swim.msf-me.org

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE Mark Andrew, Kitesurfing instructor

Calendar highlight

It’s hard to pick one, but the best event is the Al Gharbia water sports festival.

Mar and Apr 2012, Mirfa, Public Beach, Al Gharbia. algharbiafestivals.com

Gear

Luckily, there are a few online places in the UAE where you can pick up kitesurfing gear. It is definitely worth checking out some of the websites and forums to talking to other people about second hand gear. dubaikiteforum.com kitesurfing.ae

Enjoy the sea

Beach spots

Because of the weather here, it is practically always a good day to get out and enjoy the Gulf. One of my favourite things to do is charter a boat to do some deep-sea fishing.

A Day At Sea, Dubai.

Tel: (050) 4232265. adayatsea.com

I normally spend my time on Nessnass Beach in Jumeirah, but there are other good ones a little bit further out of Dubai – one is Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Nessnass Beach, between Jumeirah Beach Park and Dubai Offshore Sailing Club, Dubai.

Eating out

When I’m hungry, I find myself more often than not in Wagamama in JBR. Wagamama, Al Fattan Towers, JBR, noon to midnight.

It’s near the beach, and it’s where a lot of the guys hang out. Tel: (04) 3995900. wagamama.ae

THANKSGIVING You don’t have to be American to give thanks and tuck into a feast of turkey and pumpkin pie.

Nov 24, Radisson Blu, Dubai Deira Creek, Dubai, 7pm to 12.30pm, from Dhs170. Tel: (04) 2057033. radissonblu.com

OIL BARONS' CHARITY BALL A major highlight in the business social calendar, the Oil Barons' Charity Ball donates all proceeds to local charity the Friends Of Cancer Patients.

Nov 18, Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, from Dhs1300.

Tel: (04) 3910835. theoilbaronsball.com

GIRL ABOUT TOWN Dubai 92’s Geordiebird gives us the heads up from the Dubai bar scene THIS MONTH: What does it look like?

RARE Plush, with light-up tables, artwork, rich fabrics and leather sofas dotted around.

Who goes there?

It’s a similar crowd to Boudoir – a bit flash and up for a dance.

When should you go?

There are free drinks for the ladies on Tuesdays, live jazz on Wednesdays, house on Thursdays, and the fash-pack descends on Friday nights for Voodoo.

Drink recommendations?

It’s all about posing with a martini here, or getting a table with your pals.

Any food on the menu?

You can get bites between 7pm and midnight – think Italian-inspired nibbles, not carb-heavy meals.

Dress code?

Fancy – dresses for the ladies and sharp tailoring for the men; both sexes should shine their shoes and comb their hair.

How's the service?

The three bars and plenty of staff should keep a drink in your hand at all times.

What's the taxi situation?

Easy. There’s loads waiting outside ready to take you home – or you could just walk over the road to Rock Bottom…

GB VERDICT: A much-needed splash of glam in Tecom.

Rare, Media Rotana, Tecom, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4530246. raretheplace.com

Find us at www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 13

SALAAM

IN THE NEWS FOUND:

NEW LIFE Natural wonder of the world Bin Tinah island, the UAE’s UNESCO protected marine area, will be waving the flag for the entire Gulf region as a finalist in the competition to name the new seven natural wonders of the world.

55

Number of new species of wildlife found in the UAE’s Wadi Wurayah according to the Emirates Wildlife Society and WWF

36,592 Number of tickets given to drivers caught using their mobile phones whilst driving in the first eight months of 2011

20% The fall in Dubai's average road accident rate during the three-day BlackBerry network failure

For Sale:

Fast car. One previous owner Ferrari has launched a new sales drive offering buyers the chance to get their hands on used F1 sports car.

With the UAE accounting for eight per cent of all Ferrari sales, the F1 Clienti programme should strike a chord with a few people in the Emirates, although we’re guessing that the ‘price on request’ tag will probably be out of our reach. The superfast racing cars can only be used on specific track days in various locations across the world – so there’ll be no popping down to Spinneys in it if you can afford to cough up for one.

14 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

'Ome Time Rest assured, the days of strange construction ideas in the UAE have not disappeared entirely. Floating homes, known as ‘Omes, are the latest idea to ferry people in luxury between the islands on The World and the Dubai mainland. The idea, still in its prototype phase, pledges to offer 1,400sqm of living space set over an upper and lower deck, including five bedrooms and a 10m swimming pool. No price tag has been slapped on the ‘Omes as of yet, but the developers claim that they will be self-sustainable, with photovoltaic cells on the roof that will generate an estimated 30,000km of energy.

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WIN! WIN! WIN! A delightful weekend away awaits one reader and a guest. Are you feeling lucky?

WIN! A TWO-NIGHT STAY IN A SUITE AT THE PARK HYATT ABU DHABI To celebrate the opening of the new Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi hotel this month, we have an amazing prize for one lucky winner and a guest. One lucky individual will win a two-night stay in a suite with their guest, including breakfast and an unforgettable dinner on the terrace prepared by your own chef. The beach view suites are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, boast their own private terraces with a plunge pool, rain showers and sunbeds, with views over Saadiyat beach or the golf club.

For your change to win a weekend in the lap of luxury, simply tell us‌ The hotel has views of over which beach? a) Bondi b) Saadiyat c) Ipanema

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with PARK HYATT in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 17

dubai rugby Sevens It’s that time of year again, people – Dubai Rugby Sevens time. This year’s tournament promises to be not only the principle social event of the year but, feeding on the rugby buzz created by the recent Rugby World Cup, one of the most exciting sevens for some time. Enjoy our full run down of the tournament, from expert opinion to team stats and how best to enjoy the party

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 19

What is the IRB Sevens World Series?

Launched in 1999, the IRB Sevens World Series is the most important sequence of tournaments in the world of sevens. This year the teams will travel to Australia, Dubai, South Africa, New Zealand, USA, Hong Kong, Japan, Scotland and England, but, along with Hong Kong, it is Dubai that has always been the main event. irbsevens.com

On the day Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan, complete with your signed shirt, painted face and a head full of stats, have a pal playing in the local leagues or just fancy watching a game or three to break up the partying, there’s plenty of action to be found.

International and regional matches are played simultaneously, so you can dip in and out of the stands, enjoying rugby anthems in the BP stand then chilling out on the grass around the smaller playing fields PITCH ONE This is where you’ll see the big names on the field, cheerleaders on the sidelines and familiar faces in the crowds. Home to the famed BP stand (get there early on the Friday to secure a spot), the more sedate alcohol-free family stand and all sorts of lovely corporate hospitality, the games kick-off at 9.40am on Thursday, 9.20am on Friday and 9.40am on Saturday, and finish at 9pm. The IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup matches will also be on pitch one, with the final kicking off at 6pm on the Saturday. Real rugby fans can’t miss Saturday evening, with the quarter, semi and final games attracting the most passionate crowds. If you only leave the beer tent for one match, make it the final at 8.30pm.

PITCH TWO Amateur rugby teams from all over the world come together on pitch two to engage in some (sometimes not so) friendly competition. This playing field will see teams going head-to-head from 8.40am to 9.20am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and crowds can gather on the grassy embankments that surround the pitch on three sides. Four smaller fields will also play host to tournaments, so there will always be a game going on – and if you’re lucky you might spot some upcoming talent that will make it to their national team in years to come.

OFF THE FIELD Aside from fun on the field, fancy dress is the main event at the sevens, so there will be competitions running throughout the weekend, with spot prizes and appearances on the big screen. Be sure to catch arm wrestling matches, groups scrumming against a Land Rover, raffles and photo booths, too.

NEW

IRB Women’s Sevens Challenge Cup

This year sees the first women’s tournament at the sevens, which will see Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, South Africa, Spain and the USA fight it out for the Dubai Rugby Sevens title. Don’t miss the ladies in action.

20 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

TICKETS On Thursday December 1 entry is free. Day passes for either Friday 2 or Saturday 3 cost Dhs230 per day or Dhs350 for season ticket covering both days. Free entry on all days for children under 12 when accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Tickets available from branches of Costa, Virgin Megastore, MMI, Dnata, Emirates Headquarters, The Sevens and tickets.virginmegastore.me HOW TO GET THERE The Sevens is on Al Ain Road (E66), approximately 30 minutes from Dubai. There is parking for 15,000 cars and free buses will be running from the grounds to take you back to Dubai.

The main event Your guide to the 16 teams competing for the Men’s Dubai Rugby Sevens title ARGENTINA

With tournament wins in 2003 and 2008, the Pumas are a team to watch.

Tournament wins: 2 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

AUSTRALIA

KENYA

“Kenya have punched way above their weight, and are definitely a team to watch in the future,” says our expert Scott Gibbs.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

A proud rugby nation, the Aussies are always in contention.

NEW ZEALAND

CANADA

Tournament wins: 39 Series wins: 9 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 6

Tournament wins: 5 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

Canada are definitely one of the minnows of the tournament with no previous form.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

ENGLAND

Despite the retirement of sevens superstar Ben Gollings, England are the reigning Dubai Rugby Sevens champions and definitely eager to keep hold of their trophy after the fifteens team’s recent failure at the Rugby World Cup. Tournament wins: 13 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 3

FIJI

With their last series win way back in 2005 and their last tournament win in 2009 sevens stalwarts Fiji need to find their form again.

Tournament wins: 16 Series wins: 1 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

FRANCE

With only one tournament win, back in 2004, les bleus are far from favourites.

Tournament wins: 1 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

With nine wins in the series’ short 12-year history, the Kiwis are always the team to beat.

PORTUGAL

Eight time winners of the decade old European Sevens Championship, Portugal have failed to find form on the world stage.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

SAMOA

Winners of the 2009 series, Samoa didn’t win any tournaments last year and will be looking to do better in 2011/12.

Tournament wins: 7 Series wins: 1 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

SCOTLAND

One of the great rugby nations of the Northern Hemisphere when it comes to fifteens, the Scots have never excelled at sevens.

Tournament wins: Series wins: Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

SOUTH AFRICA

Winners of the series in 2008, the Springboks have taken home two Dubai titles and are always in the mix.

Tournament wins: 16 Series wins: 1

Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: Winners in 2006 and 2008

UAE

Having never competed, it is impossible to say how the UAE team will perform, but we’ll certainly be cheering them on.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

USA

With sevens now an Olympic sport our experts, Scott and Jeremy, have the USA tipped as a force to be reckoned with in the future.

Perhaps not this year, though.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

WALES

Recent Rugby World Cup semi finalists at 15-aside and a proud rugby nation, the Welsh have no tournament or series wins in sevens. But they did win the Sevens World Cup in Dubai in 2009. Never write them off.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

ZIMBABWE

We wouldn’t bet on the Cheetahs, and that’s all we’re saying.

Tournament wins: 0 Series wins: 0 Dubai Rugby Sevens wins: 0

*All stats relate to the period since the start of the IRB Sevens World Series in 1999

WIN!

Do you want to go to the Sevens?

We have pairs of tickets to give away, plus signed jerseys from the South African, English and Kenyan teams, and even the ball used in the final, signed by the winning team.

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

Which of the following activities isn’t taking place over the weekend? a) Fancy dress competitions b) Arm wrestling contests c) Flapjack baking

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 21

The expert view Fresh from providing the regional commentary for the Rugby World Cup former international rugby stars and leading pundits Scott Gibbs and Jeremy Guscott explain why sevens is the most exciting way to become a rugby fan HOW IMPORTANT IS THE DUBAI RUGBY SEVENS? Scott: Dubai and Hong Kong have played a pivotal role in the history of sevens rugby, and its global cache, the commercialisation of sevens rugby.

Jeremy: You’ve got the daddy of sevens, Hong Kong – always has been. Dubai is very, very close to that now.

WHY SHOULD PEOPLE WATCH SEVENS RUGBY? Scott: It’s a little bit easier to understand, because there are seven against seven, rather than your standard 15-a-side. It’s also a lot more exciting, because it’s played in seven-minute halves.

For the inexperienced rugby follower it’s visually a lot more exciting, because you see a lot more action. It’s become a sport in its own right now, with its own identity. It’s an Olympic sport now, and it’s captured the imagination of so many nations.

Jeremy: The sevens has become a lot bigger, and will continue to grow even more, because of the Olympics. You’re going to see China and Russia really stand up and take notice of the seven-a-

side game. They will realise they can’t go to an Olympics without having a team there, because they are Olympic countries who always win gold medals and want to continue that.

SO SEVENS IS SET TO GROW BECAUSE OF THE OLYMPICS, BUT HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO 15-A-SIDE? Jeremy: We’ve just found out from watching the 15-a-side Rugby World Cup, the superstars of this recent tournament have been the small forwards and the small backs. When we’re looking at small forwards, it’s Warburton for Wales and Pocock for Australia who have really stood out. And although they’re big men – six foot two, six foot three and 16 and a half to 17 stone – they are small in comparison to the other forwards. And the small men in the backs like New Zealand’s Israel Dagg and Cory Jane, like

NAME: Scott Gibbs COUNTRY: Wales POSITION: Centre NICKNAME: Car Crash (due to his crunching tackles) INTERNATIONAL RECORD: in 53 rugby union appearances for Wales, Gibbs scored ten tries and was known as the pocket battleship.

CLUB RECORD: Gibbs played for Bridgend, Neath and Swansea before moving to rugby league team St Helens from 1994 to 1996. He then returned to rugby union, playing for Neath-Swansea Ospreys.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: On the second of his three tours with the British and Irish Lions to South Africa in 1997, Gibbs was named player of the series.

RETIRED: 2004

22 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

Shane Williams for Wales. Those sorts of players would love to play sevens. And sevens has spawned one of the biggest superstars our game has ever had, Jonah Lomu.

That’s where he started, where he came to prominence.

Scott: What you do in sevens is you try and isolate a really fast player so he’s up against a super fast player. Same principle in rugby union, try and pit a fast player against a slower forward.

In sevens everybody is very quick so you’re trying to get that one on one match up and use the space.

IS SEVENS STILL SEEN AS A BIT NAMBY-PAMBY? Jeremy: I admire these guys, they’re fit for purpose, which is to run as hard as you can as fast as you can for seven minutes with a minute or two break and then do it again. It is a very simple game to understand. Somebody wants to get that ball over that line and another side wants to stop them and is trying to do the same thing.

What stops them is tackling and what allows them to do it is great skill. Seven-a-side is much easier to watch and understand, but it is not namby-pamby.

Scott: In sevens the great teams don’t give you the ball, the only time the opposition gets the ball is when they kick off the second half. If you can keep the ball and not commit any errors you end up scoring and continue to score.

SO THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT FOR SEVENS RUGBY? Scott: The road show that comes to Dubai and Hong Kong, whilst it’s primarily about the sport, it’s a party. It’s the rugby culture, the brotherhood that brings people together. There’s no doubt that from the Rio Olympics sevens will have much more exposure, and as soon as somebody outside of the top eight in the rankings wins it, be it Russia or America or whoever, it will go global.

You could win an Olympic gold medal – it’s amazing.

NAME: Jeremy Guscott COUNTRY: England POSITION: Centre NICKNAME: Jerry INTERNATIONAL RECORD: In his 65 England appearances Guscott scored 143 points, including 30 tries and a drop goal. During his decade long career he won 51 games with England and only lost 14.

CLUB RECORD: Guscott won 266 caps for his home club, Bath, scoring 710 points.

CAREER HIGHLIGHT: On his third British and Irish Lions tour in 2007, Guscott kicked a decisive drop goal in the dying moments of the second test against South Africa to seal the series for the Lions.

RETIRED: 2000

Meet

the

locals…

Gum guards in. Ears taped up.

Freshly starched short shorts. For many of the UAE’s burgeoning expatriate community, the rugby sevens tournament is the biggest weekend on the calendar. Here’s our pick of the teams to watch – and join if you’re ready for the ruck

TEAM NAME: Dubai Hurricanes RFC NICKNAME: Canes ESTABLISHED: 2000 ANY TROPHIES, TITLES OR RECORDS? West Asian Champions (2011), UAE Premiership Champions (2011), Gulf Top Six Champions (2011).

STAR PLAYER: All of them.

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? All players are welcome.

TRAINING: The Sevens, Al Ain Road. Monday and Wednesday, 7pm to 8.30pm.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Dhs1,000 for adults.

CONTACT: Genevieve Rippon. Tel: (055) 5492825.

E-mail: genevieverippon@yahoo.com

Barrelhouse RFC

FUN FACT The team consists of ex

male models, taxi drivers, medical miracles and many men in pink

TEAM NAME: The Barrelhouse RFC NICKNAME: Barrelhouse ESTABLISHED: In the 1970s Any trophies, titles or records? Multiple winners of the Dubai Sevens main competition, the team has also won the old local vets competition, and a Sevens competition in Thailand.

STAR PLAYER: That’s classified, apparently. Mysterious.

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Anyone based in the GCC can join the team.

TRAINING: Due to unpopular demand, training has been introduced in the last few years, locations vary dependent on availability.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Dhs300 for life-long membership.

CONTACT: Search Facebook for Barrelhouse-rugby

WHAT’S ON TRAINS WITH BARRELHOUSE: THE THREE-MAN SCRUM

1

2

3

Binding: The pack needs to hold on to each other. The middle player (hooker) should bind over or underneath the other’s shoulder depending. To work well as a team a firm grip is needed each other’s shirts or shorts.

You will hear four calls: Crouch – grip firmly and crouch down. Touch – the players on the outside touch their opponents. Pause – hold the position. Engage – push into the opposition with heads interlocked.

As the you interlock the ball is put into the scrum and you push against the opposition to try gain ground. The two hookers try to win the ball by hooking it over to their side using their feet.

24 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

FUN FACT One of the Dragon's

players, ‘Big Tom’, is 137kg and used to play professional basketball in Spain

TEAM NAME: Jebel Ali Dragons NICKNAME: Dragons ESTABLISHED: 2001 ANY TROPHIES, TITLES OR RECORDS? Dubai Sevens Champions (2008, 2009) and they are undefeated this season so far.

STAR PLAYER: Andy Russell – an outstanding player and younger brother of ex-South African international fullback, Brent Russell.

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? All comers are welcome TRAINING: Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence, Jebel Ali, Monday and Wednesday, 7pm.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Minimal yearly fee, including flights to away games and pitch hire, but there are no additional costs incurred by players.

CONTACT: Dan Heal. Tel: (050) 2970081. jebelalidragonsrfc.com

TEAM NAME: Dubai Exiles RFC NICKNAME: Big Black Wall ESTABLISHED: 1969 ANY TROPHIES, TITLES OR RECORDS? They claim to have won everything over the years.

STAR PLAYER: Imad Reyal, a 19-year-old, Sri Lankan-born outside half. He has dazzling feet coupled with electric pace and hands that Dan Carter would be proud of.

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? The club operates age groups from Under 6’s right through to Senior Men’s rugby, as well as fielding an Under 17 girls side and a ladies team.

TRAINING: Training for men’s rugby is on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm at The Sevens, Al Ain Road.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Dhs950, includes playing kit and other benefits exclusive to Exiles members including discounts around Dubai.

CONTACT: Mike Cox-Hill. Tel: (050) 5506197. dubaiexiles.com TEAM NAME: Dubai Sharks RFC NICKNAME: Sharks How long has the club been running? A mere four months ANY TROPHIES, TITLES OR RECORDS? A tasty win over Dubai Frogs last month.

STAR PLAYER: Team Captain Jacques Viljoen – –anyone who gets the club motif tattooed on their back is a legend.

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Over 18 year olds can come to training and go from there.

TRAINING: Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence, Jebel Ali. Sunday and Tuesday, 7.30pm.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Dhs750 annual membership.

CONTACT: Franco Scott.

Tel: (056) 6031989. facebook.com/dubaisharksrfc

DROP KICKING

1 Hold the ball in both hands.

Release it so it bounces on its point.

2

3

Lean back in order to get under the ball. Time your kick so that you contact the ball just as it bounces.

After making contact, make sure you follow through with your kick to give the ball some height.

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 25

AFTER PARTIES STAY PUT…

FUN FACT Number 9, Johnny Fawls,

TEAM NAME: Arabian Potbellies RFC NICKNAME: Potbellies was voted the ESTABLISHED: 2007 UAE’s Bachelor Of The ANY TROPHIES, TITLES OR RECORDS? The Year 2010 team raised over US$10,000 for orphanages in the Philippines. Props. No pun intended.

STAR PLAYER: PB Quasimodo – he’s crazy, they say.

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Players must be 35 years old and above TRAINING: The Potbellies are a strict non-training side – it’s all about the social element with these guys.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Dhs750 for players, Dhs500 for social members CONTACT: arabianpotbellies.com

RUGBY ROCK

If you can’t bring yourself to leave the scene of your team’s triumph or failure after the final whistle, Rugby Rock at the Rugby Village will feature Friday night performances from local band Juliana Down – also recording the official Sevens anthem – and New Zealanders CVE (Corporate Voice Experience). Saturday will see another local band, Million Dollar Band, perform on the Rugby Rock stage.

BEYOND THE GROUND…

Free buses will be provided from The Sevens to these after-party classics

CHI @ THE LODGE

If you’re in the mood for a spot of dancing, Chi @ The Lodge is the late to bed rugby fan’s choice.

Al Nasr Leisureland, Oud Metha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3379470. chinightclubdubai.com

FUN FACT With true latin flair,

the team has players from France, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, Cameroon and Lebanon.

OFFICIAL TEAM NAME: Dubai Frogs RFC NICKNAME: Froggies ESTABLISHED: 2000 ANY TROPHIES, TITLES OR RECORDS? Multiple time winners of the Dubai Sevens competition.

STAR PLAYER: The team says ‘all the players are star players’. Isn’t that nice?

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED? Open to everyone who enjoys rugby with a twist of French flair.

TRAINING: The Sevens, Al Ain Road. Sunday and Tuesday, 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

MEMBERSHIP FEE: Yes, contact the club for details.

CONTACT: dubai-frogs.com CONTACT

BARASTI

Last year we spotted a silk (faux silk) clad matador cutting some shapes at Dubai’s favourite beach bar. He could only have come from the sevens.

And it’s something we want to see again.

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai Marina, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3993333. lemeridien-minaseyahi.com

NEZESSAUSSI

If you are from New Zealand, Australia or South Africa, head to Nezessaussi. If you’re not, it’s probably best to stay away – especially if your team beat any of the Southern Hemisphere giants. Al Manzil Hotel, Downtown, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 4285888. nezgrill.com

THE IRISH VILLAGE

TAKING A HIGH BALL

The Irish don’t play at the Sevens, but they do love rugby and put on one of the best after-parties in town.

The Aviation Club, Garhoud, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2824750. irishvillage.ae

WHAT’S ON AT THE SEVENS

Make sure you keep an eye out for Team What’s On at this year’s tournament.

Follow @whatsondubai for live tweets from the ground.

TRAVEL 1 Judge the flight of the ball. Always keep your eyes on the ball. For protection, jump with your knee raised. You cannot be tackled in the air.

26 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

2 Catch the ball at or above eye level. Bring the ball into your hands, then your body. Land on your feet, then check your options to either pass or run.

Free buses will be provided from the ground to Dubai Festival City, Dubai Media City, The Irish Village, Chi @ The Lodge, Barasti and Nezesaussi from 5pm on December 1 and 6pm on December 2 and December 3.

Dec 1 to 3, The Sevens Stadium, Al Ain Road, Dubai, Thurs free, Fri Dhs230, Sat Dhs230, season tickets Dhs350, children under 12 free.

Tel: (04) 3210008. dubairugby7s.com

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If there is one thing you quickly learn about living in the UAE, it’s that when it comes to getting things done the red tape can be a nightmare. So in order to save you the frustration, the multiple trips and the seemingly endless amount of queuing, we’ve compiled a helpful guide to getting your life in order. You’re welcome

How to guide…

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 29

APPLY FOR YOUR EMIRATES ID

As of next year, the long spoken-about Emirates ID card will become compulsory for all expatriates working in the UAE. Follow these simple steps to get it out of the way as quickly as possible.

What you’ll need to bring: Passport with a residency permit valid for at least six months Cash money STEP ONE Registration has to be done at an official typing centre – don’t worry; there are a lot of them. Once there, you need to fill-out an e-form with your passport details.

Registration will cost you Dhs100, with an additional Dhs70 service charge. Fear not, however, these are the last payments you will need to make.

Make sure you call ahead to try and limit the amount of time you spend queuing.

You can find your nearest typing centre at emiratesid.ae.

STEP TWO Following your application, you will receive an SMS after a couple of days to confirm the date and location of your appointment.

Should you not receive an SMS after a few days, call (04) 2376000 to check the status of your registration.

STEP THREE Go to the appointment with your passport and typing centre receipt in hand, for fingerprinting and photographing.

Remember, this is an official photograph so you should be dressed conservatively.

30 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

APPLY FOR AN EGATE CARD

APPLY FOR AN ALCOHOL LICENCE

What you’ll need to bring: Passport with a residency permit valid for at least six months Cash money

What you’ll need to bring: Passport, with residency visa Copy of your labour contract Copy of your tenancy contract Passport photos

We are a highflying, jet-setting breed here at What’s On, therefore one of the best things we’ve purchased recently was an eGate card.

The card allows you quick entry into the UAE without having to wait in those serpentine passport queues after long transcontinental flights. Here’s how you can get hold of one.

STEP ONE Thankfully, this is one of the most straightforward procedures you will come across. You will need to fill out a form at the registration centre at Dubai Airport Terminal 1 or at the dnata building on Sheikh Zayed Road.

STEP TWO Once your form is all filled out, they will take your fingerprint ID and take some official photos for you – it is that easy. The whole process will only take ten minutes and will set you back Dhs200, and is made a whole lot easier if you have the correct amount in cash ready. They will hand you your card in person.

Note: eGate cards are valid for two years, and you can also have them incorporated into your Emirates ID card.

Unbeknown to some people, it is actually illegal for residents in the UAE to buy, consume, transport or store alcohol without an alcohol licence. So should you have a hankering to unwind on a weekend, and you are over 21 and are not Muslim, then here are some easy steps to follow to get your licence.

STEP ONE Pick up a licence application form from any MMI or A&E outlet– if you ask nicely, the staff will talk you through filling in the form.

STEP TWO Filling out the form is the easy part. Before applying for the licence you will need to bring with you more pieces of paper than you were probably aware you had. The stack you will need to bring to the shop should include: your passport with your residency visa, a copy of your tenancy contract, a copy of your labour contract and a couple of passport photos. The registration will set you back Dhs160, but after this point it is out of your hands.

STEP THREE Kick back as the shop processes your form with the Dubai Police. Pending a successful application, your licence should be sent to you the following week, with a small fee to be paid for delivery.

Note: You will need to renew your licence every 12 months. You must have your old licence with you.

IMPORTANT CONTACTS Here are some handy contact details to help you get things done.

Emirates ID Contact the Emirates Identity Authority to find your nearest typing centres.

EIDA. Tel: 600 530003. emiratesid.ae

CONNECT YOUR DEWA

The most essential of all services in your home, electricity and water supplies, in Dubai are known as DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority). Opening a DEWA account, either online or in person, should be as easy as flicking on a light switch.

What you’ll need to bring: Passport with residency visa Tenancy agreement Make a note of your DEWA number – normally found above your front door Cash money STEP ONE If only everything was as simple as setting up your account. All you need to do is fill in an application form, present the necessary documents (rental agreement and valid passport with residency visa) and pay a security deposit (Dhs1,000 per flat or Dhs2,000 per villa). You can do this online at dewa.gov.ae or you can go down to one of DEWA’s customer care centres (find your local centre at dewa. gov.ae).

STEP TWO Assuming there’s an existing connection at your property, the supply should be activated the same day, after which you’ll receive monthly bills. In which case – pay them.

STEP THREE There are several options to how you can pay.

Just bring in your latest bill to any official DEWA customer service centre where you can pay by cash, cheque or credit card. Failing that you can also make payments directly through your bank or from an ATM. Or should you be really lazy, you can settle your account online via the e-services portal (mpay.dubai.ae ).

IMPORT/EXPORT PETS

Transporting pets* from country to country can be a tricky – and expensive – process. There are specialist animal movers and veterinary clinics available, but here’s how you can do it yourself.

What you’ll need to bring: Passport with residence visa Up-to-date vaccination book Up-to-date pet health certificates Your pet must already be micro-chipped Cash money STEP ONE All pets being flown in or out of the UAE must have a Fit To Fly health certificate stating that your animal is healthy enough to travel. You can get this from any authorised local vet.

STEP TWO You will then need either an import or export permit from the Ministry Of Environment and Water’s Animal Wealth department. To qualify for this your pet must be over four months old and have an up-to-date rabies vaccination.

The ministry will need to see your pet’s health certificates, vaccination records, proof that it has been micro-chipped, a copy of your passport and, of course, a small fee.

STEP THREE Whether you are taking your pet to, or collecting it from, the airport you will need to go to the Airport Cargo Village. Take the import/export permit and health certificates to the veterinary department. You will also need to pay another fee of around Dhs400.

TO CONSIDER Exporting a pet can be a lengthy process, and a lot depends on the country you are heading to – therefore make sure you check its criteria in advance. You may also need to have all the Fit to Fly certificate and export permit translated into the working language of the receiving country. *Note: Different rules exisit for different animals.

This is the procedure for cats and dogs.

Pay your bills Contact the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority for your nearest branch or pay via its online eServices (mpay.dubai.ae).

DEWA. Tel: (04) 6019999. dewa.gov.ae eGate There are two places you can go to register for an eGate card. eGate registration centre, Arrivals, Dubai Airport Terminal 1. Tel: (04) 7075091 dnata, Dubai Airline Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road. Tel: (04) 3166966 Alcohol licence Registration forms can be picked up at any official off-licence. Contact them for your nearest branch.

MMI. Tel: (04) 4245000. mmidubai.com African & Eastern. Tel: (04) 4344500. african-eastern.com Pet relocation Contact the Animal Wealth department of the Ministry Of Environment And Water, for queries about import and export permits.

Ministry Of Environment And Water.

Tel: 800 3050. moew.gov.ae For issues regarding sending your pets as manifest cargo, contact SkyCargo.

Emirates SkyCargo. Tel: (04) 286 4123. skycargo.com Driving registration and licences To find your nearest authorised centres, contact the RTA directly. To enquire about driving fines contact the Dubai Police Road and Transport Authority.

Tel: (04) 2488888. rta.ae Dubai Police Tel: 7000 40000 dubaipolice.gov.ae Approved countries for licence conversion GCC countries, plus Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States. Special conditions apply to Canada, Cyprus, Greece, Japan, Poland, Turkey and South Korea – check with RTA on (800) 9090

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 31

GET A DRIVING LICENCE

REGISTER A SECOND-HAND CAR

PAY YOUR ANNUAL CAR REGISTRATION

What you’ll need to bring: Passport (original and copy) A copy of your residence permit Eight passport photos Eyesight examination certificate Letter of no objection from your sponsor Cash money

What you’ll need to bring: Passport (original and copy) Dubai driver’s licence Motor insurance policy Documents from car finance company Old registration card Original licence plates

What you’ll need to bring: Passport (original and copy) Dubai drivers licence Motor insurance policy Old registration card Car test pass certificate

STEP ONE If you don’t have any licence, first thing to do is register with an authorised driving school (full list available at dubai.ae) and apply for a temporary drivers licence, you will need to have all the necessary documents.

STEP ONE Having found one that you like, there are plenty of places you can go to register your new used car, such as, the Dubai Traffic Department. Take all the necessary documents with you. If you are buying from a private owner then you both need to attend. If you are buying from a garage then you must bring the sale deed letter. If the car was registered in a different emirate, that registration needs to be cancelled.

So long as you’re 18 or over, getting on the road in the Emirates isn’t quite as daunting as it might initially seem. Just follow these simple steps to sort your UAE driving licence.

STEP TWO Attend the theory and practical lessons at the driving school. Study really hard. When you go to sit the theory test, you will need to bring your ID, your driving file, passport photos and Dhs200.

STEP THREE Your practical exam will be made at an agreed time at the RTA Licence Section. Again, make sure you bring your passport, driving file, passport photos and another Dhs200. Upon passing, take your approval paper, ID and (another) Dhs100 to the pass counter, and you’ll receive your new licence.

EXISTING FOREIGN LICENCE If you have a valid driving licence from another country, you will need to get it converted. Take an eyesight examination (available at most local hospitals or opticians).

Then you will need to visit the Dubai Traffic Department and fill in an application form accompanied with all the required documents – you’ll be charged Dhs360 for the pleasure.

32 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

There sure are a lot of cars in the UAE and, lucky for penny pinchers, a bustling second-hand car market. Here’s the process to avoid the stresses of regestering a second-hand vehicle.

STEP TWO Before filling out the registration papers, check that all outstanding fines attached to the car have been paid.

STEP THREE Now you can fill out the registration form and part with your cash (between Dhs420 to Dhs470). Should the car be more than two years old, it will need to undergo an emissions test, costing another Dhs50.

STEP FOUR After a few minutes, you can collect your new registration card and get new plates affixed to your car. You will need to send copies of your registration card to the finance and insurance companies.

As much as you may not want to, you are required by law to annually re-register your car and pay off any outstanding fines that you may have procured. Here’s how to do it as painlessly as possible.

STEP ONE You need to go into an official registration office, with all the necessary documents in hand. Thankfully there are plenty of these places including the Dubai Traffic Department, Tasjeel Eppco, Emarat Shamil and the Wasel Car Testing Centre. You can check for your local centre on dubai.ae STEP TWO This is the bit that always smarts – paying your outstanding fines that you accumulated over the year. After handing in your registration card, they will inform you how much you owe. Pay up. There is no way around it.

They do, however offer ‘seasonal discounts’ at cerain times in the year. Check online with the RTA for more details (rta.ae).

STEP THREE Your car then has to be tested to ensure that it is still roadworthy, which will set you back an extra Dh50. You will also have to cough up Dhs385 for the actual registration process.

STEP FOUR After a few minutes, collect your new registration card and affix new registration expiry date stickers to you licence plates.

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Sandance Get your dancing shoes or flip-flops on; Sandance is back. This time it welcomes band of the moment The Script, Groove Armada, Norman Jay, Aussie electro pair Sneaky Sound System, singer-songwriter Pete Murray and a host of local DJs to Nasimi. We’d advise getting there early with your beach towel...

The Script Headlining Sandance this month, the Irish popsters will be playing a fill live set, which is sure to include The Man Who Can’t Be Moved and Breakeven.

We caught up with singer and main songwriter, Danny O’Donoghue You’ll be playing in front of a big crowd at Sandance – the last one saw more than 10,000 there – but that’s nothing compared to the 82,000 who saw you support U2 at Dublin’s Croke Park, is it?

Yeah, that was mind-blowing. Of course, when we did that gig, and the one in New York with Paul McCartney, we weren’t really used to it yet. You get the change for such a concert maybe once. It is like winning the lottery when you play with heroes like U2 or McCartney.

So how do you top that?

In the UK and Ireland we are doing great, in America or Australia we are getting there.

We have work to do around the rest of the world. But that’s what makes it so exciting – build it, build it, build it. That’s us – being the underdog. We just love the attitude of winning people over. I know bands that don’t want to play in a small venue after playing a big show. That is why a lot of UK acts don’t make it in America. But we’re not like that at all. We just love playing. We’ve only been famous for a few years – we have been the underdogs for ten years. This success hasn’t been given to us easy.

You actually spent time writing songs for other artists before you made it – do you think that helped your career?

Yeah, those years were really important. The experience was very useful. We wouldn’t be the band we are now, had we not learned the tools of the trade. Working with Dallas Austin or Teddy Riley was kind of our apprenticeship.

Why do you think your songs work?

A lot of our songs have nice melodies, but with very devastating lyrics. And then they

are dealing with universal themes – love, loss, hope, passion. Anyone who hears our songs has felt in a way similar to what we are saying, especially in a song like Breakeven, for example. Because we have all struggled with our love lives and continue to do so in many ways, even when we are in love.

You do like your break-up songs…

Sure, everybody has done that before. It is a topic very well known to people out there Do you have more guys or more girls at your shows?

With the first album, our audience tended to be more female. On the second album it’s more 50-50. That album combines the emotions with a bit of attitude.

Would you say you’re a ballsy band now?

I would say so. We have more guitars and some faster tempo songs for the guys. Females tend to listen to the lyrics more, while men tend to listen to the tracks, the instruments, the music.

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 35

Pete Murray Australian singer-songwriter Pete Murray has recovered from personal heartbreak after divorcing his wife to continue as one of his homeland’s most successful 21st century musicians. He makes his Dubai debut at Sandance…

You’re a huge name in Australia, but do you enjoy much of a following in the Middle East?

I wouldn’t have a clue, actually. With a few of the ex-pats I’m probably fairly well known, but I haven’t been there before. I’ve seen pictures of the place but that’s about as far as it’s gone. I’ll probably do a bit more research leading up towards the event. I’m looking forward to seeing Dubai.

You must get recognised in the street back home, so is it nice to play countries where you aren’t so well known?

Yeah, absolutely. You get recognised but it’s not too bad. My music’s always had a pretty laidback feel so I have a good following. There are no real super-freak hardcore fans.

Outwardly your latest album, Blue Sky Blue, sounds quite cheery, which isn’t necessarily reflective of your life in the past few years. How much has your personal life shaped the music you’re currently making?

36 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

I guess this album is very reflective of my life experiences and what I’ve gone through, but it’s very positive. It’s optimistic I guess, a healing album for someone who’s gone through a break up. If it is a break up album, it’s a happy one. It’s not got a negative vibe, that’s for sure. It was good to be writing songs in that time and it definitely made things a little bit easier.

You’re a keen surfer and Aussies stereotypically all love the beach. So is Nasimi the perfect setting for your music?

Kind of, yeah. When I first became well known, the surfing company Quiksilver put out a DVD that had a bunch of my songs on.

That spread to all these surfing communities around the world, so for a long time I was known as surfers’ music. It definitely has that vibe to it.

What would you be doing now if you hadn’t become a musician?

I was studying natural medicine before getting into music. I always had the goal to set up my own practice and work with athletes and sporting teams, so I guess that’s where I would have been. It was only quite late in life that I changed to music. I was 22 when I first picked up a guitar and realised I didn’t really want to work in a clinic any more. Music has a lot more money in it and can take me around the world. It was a definite no-brainer. petemurray.com

Norman Jay A man of many tunes, Norman Jay is also quite the cat in the hat, with a wardrobe full of trilbies, bowlers, panamas and more. Here are some of our faves

WIN! TICKETS FOR SANDANCE

We have tickets for Dubai’s hottest beach party to give away. Aren’t we kind? For your chance to win a pair, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘Sandance’ in the subject line and the answer to the following question: On which island is Nasimi Beach situated? a) Ireland b) Fantasy Island c) The Palm Jumeirah

Sneaky Sound System Sydney-based electro-pop duo Sneaky Sound System pay a return visit to Sandance this month. Guitarist and producer Black Angus on their new album and their Dubai visit

Groove Armada English electronic duo Andy Cato and Tom Findlay have kept us dancing for over a decade, which is a lifetime in DJing. From teenage kicks to Grammy nominations, here’s how this party pair has kept everyone Superstylin’ over the years

GETTY

1987 A 15-year-old Andy Cato wins the Yorkshire Young Jazz Musician of the Year award 1996 Andy Cato and Tom Findlay meet in London and form a club night called Captain Sensual At The Helm Of The Groove Armada. They instantly receive minor fame with the release of the single At The River

1997 The duo simplifies their name to Groove Armada and releases their first album, Northern Star 1999 The album Vertigo is released, including the single I See You Baby, which would later be remixed

by Fatboy Slim and used to advertise Renault Meganes 2003 Worldwide smash hit Superstylin’ is nominated for a Grammy Award 2004 They prematurely release their greatest hits album, The Best Of Groove Armada 2008 Groove Armada leave their record label, Columbia, and sign a deal with Bacardi to distribute their four-track EP via online file sharing 2010 Female vocalist Saint Saviour joins the band and they release the album Black Light to critical acclaim. The single Paper Romance is also used on the FIFA11 video game soundtrack 2011 Black Light is nominated for a Grammy Award in the Best Electronic album category. groovearmada.com

We’ve just released our third album, From Here To Anywhere, so you’ll be hearing quite a lot of new material in our Sandance set. It’s very ‘up’ sort of material. It’s the first record that we’ve done just as a duo – [vocalist, Miss] Connie and I wrote it from start to finish, mainly in hotel rooms and various places when we were touring all through Europe last year. There are no guitars, or at least very, very little, on the tracks, so it’s a lot more electronic. It’s very much an album aimed for the dance floor – and hopefully the Sandance beach, too! We wanted it to be varied and very upbeat – it’s definitely not a record for wallflowers.

We’re looking forward to our visit – it’s always nice to play abroad, and we’re looking forward to playing to such a mixed crowd in Dubai.

Australian expats are fiercely supportive of their own. Sometimes it feels that there are so many of us abroad that we are everywhere but home.

But we must admit, it’s always nice when you go somewhere and there’s someone you know or someone from your homeland cheering you along. sneakysoundsystem.com Nov 18, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. 2pm to 2am, Dhs200 to Dhs350.

Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 37

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brings the power, glory and glamour of motor sport’s iconic, Formula 1 series, back to Yas Island for its third year. What’s On zooms you through what to expect…

Having established itself as the outstanding event on our capital’s annual calendar, the globe’s greatest drivers go head-to-head once again at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this month. Last year, the thrilling final race in the sport’s annual battle for supremacy saw Red Bull superstar Sebastian Vettel snatch the world championship in Abu Dhabi. And though Vettel has long since retained that title in 2011, dominating his rivals, F1’s third visit to Yas Island – this time the season’s penultimate race – promises a weekend of high-octane thrills.

Three-day ticket holders can catch a sneaky upfront peak at the Yas Marina Circuit on Thursday, November 10 with a pit lane walk, plus access to the F1 Village and Yas Kartzone.

Then the real excitement gets underway on Friday, November 11 and Saturday, November 12, with three F1 practice sessions followed by qualifying, alongside action from supporting racing series GP2, Porsche SuperCup and Porsche GT3 Cup. All of which acts as a splendid preface to the main event on Sunday, November 13: the race itself, with build-up from the aforementioned supporting series. The race promises to once again be among F1’s most stunning sights, dashing toward the twilight chequered flag as the sun sets over Yas Island.

38 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS Five Formula 1 champions will grace the grid at the Yas Marina Circuit…

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull)

The reigning double world champ still remains the second most famous German driver competing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Michael Schumacher (Mercedes)

German legend ‘Schumi’ has failed to set F1 alight since coming out of retirement, but seven world titles speak for themselves.

Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)

Never far from controversy in a crash-laden season this year, precocious British star Hamilton was top of the world in 2008.

Jenson Button (McLaren)

How could a man with a name like a 1950s sportscar fail to become F1 champ? Answer: he couldn’t, succeeding countryman Hamilton.

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)

DOS AND DON’TS DO consult our Grand Prix guide, free with this copy of What’s On DON’T bring food or drink into the circuit; global dishes and beverages are available for purchase, with free water also provided DO make sure to bring your ticket DON’T try to park your car at the circuit without a permit DO use the park and ride scheme where possible DON’T bring any prohibited items (including glass containers, alcohol, prams/strollers/ buggies, whistles, horns, flags, musical instruments) DO bring earplugs and a map of the circuit

The speedy Spaniard claimed back-to-back championships in 2005 and 2006, denied a third by a mere four points last season.

THE FASTEST EMIRATI IN THE EAST?

GETTY

Our experts muse whether we will see an Emirati Formula 1 driver in the near future…

Johnny Herbert: There is a possibility, absolutely.

Twenty-five years ago you probably wouldn’t have thought a black guy like Lewis Hamilton could become a Formula 1 driver, so that’s proved that can happen.

And there wasn’t a Pole ever until Robert Kubica, so there are chances. It’s a very young sport

in the Middle East, but there’s talent there for sure. If you went through everybody in the region you’d find a couple of drivers.

Eventually there will be someone who has a good chance.

David Tremayne: Never say never. But it’s not going to happen overnight; the infrastructure needs to be there to create these guys. In 20 years, of course it’s possible.

TICKETS Several ticket options are already sold out, but at the time of writing there are still spots remaining in the south and marina grandstands (three-day tickets Dhs2,000 or two-day tickets Dhs1,800).

Various VIP packages are also still available, starting from Dhs4,250.

Tel: (800) 927. yasmarinacircuit.com

ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX STATS

305.355km Race distance

55

Number of laps

5.554km

Circuit length

TRACK TIMES FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11

Practice one: 1pm to 2.30pm Practice two: 5pm to 6.30pm SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Practice three: 2pm to 3pm Qualifying: 5pm SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Race: 5pm

WILDCARDS TO WATCH Former F1 driver Johnny Herbert selects the outside bets for high finishes in Abu Dhabi…

The way the Pirelli tyres will perform in Abu Dhabi means there is a possibility of maybe not a shock winner but somebody unexpected finishing fourth, fifth or sixth. Sauber always have a riskier strategy and it has worked for them favourably sometimes this season. [Sauber driver Kamui] Kobayashi has done well in a couple of races. Renault have come back too, but I don’t think we’re going to see anybody get any higher because of the performances of Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari.

1 min 40.279 secs

Lap record: (Sebastian Vettel, 2009) NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 39

GRAB A FREE CD!

Shaf Raisi and Dantani are giving away a free promo CD to any What’s On readers that follow them on Twitter (@ shafraisi and @dantani)

The expert explains English racing driver Johnny Herbert won three Grand Prix races during his Formula 1 career and now drives across the world in touring car and endurance series. With experience racing in the Middle East as part of the Speedcar series, he explains the main tests facing the drivers at Yas Marina Circuit…

The Marina Circuit is a wonderful engineering feat and very good circuit.

It’s not just straight-line speed. It has challenges at high, medium and low speed, so it has a bit of everything. It’s the challenge of getting the high-speed corners absolutely right and getting the set-up correct for those corners. Also on the long, long straights, it has to be able to stop it in the shortest space of time.

It’s always down to the car being balanced enough that you can use what you have in all those different corners.

That’s where this year Red Bull have been able to get everything right, to use the car in the breaking zones where they need to really hammer the brakes.

What’s going to be good this year is the DRS [Drag Reduction System, the adjustable rear wing introduced for the 2011 season]. It will actually make Abu Dhabi a better racetrack that it was before. Some people have been critical of there being no overtaking in Formula 1. Aerodynamic engineers were able to create cars that slide through the air and don’t create this messy air at the back of the car, which enables drivers to slipstream. DRS is a good thing because it enables that effect to come back. I think we will see a lot more overtaking on these wonderful long straights in Abu Dhabi.

The twilight element of the race is never really a big problem because the floodlights work so well going into dusk. It’s. It’s amazing how the human eye is able to adapt to these changing conditions. It just adds to the whole aura of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Here are the hottest Formula 1related parties in the capital…

CHEQUERED FLAG BALL The red carpet event at the new St Regis features a champagne reception, four-course meal, open bar, plus performances from British soul stalwart Mica Paris and Eddie & The Robbers, the rock band of former F1 team boss/currentTV F1 analyst Eddie Jordan. Hosts are Tom Urquhart and presenter Kirsty Gallacher.

Nov 11, St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 7.45pm to 3am, tickets Dhs2,000, tables Dhs20,000 to Dhs25,000. Tel: (04) 4456842. chequeredflagball.com

40 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

RACING TRACKS Playing throughout the race day during breaks in the motorsport action, official F1 DJs Shaf Raisi and Dantani provide the soundtrack to this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…

Are you looking forward to it?

Dantani: I can’t wait. I’m super excited. I went to both the previous Grand Prix but it’s going to be a different experience performing.

Shaf Raisi: This is my third year. Every year it gets bigger and better. The crowd is fantastic. There’s a different energy level out there. It’s exhilarating.

As Emiratis, is it especially exciting to represent your country?

Dantani: It’s amazing. It gives us great pride and pleasure to be representing UAE. Although it would be much cooler if UAE or Abu Dhabi had its own F1 racing team.

Will you be playing any Formula 1-related tunes?

Shaf Raisi: I’m producing a track called Hit The Road especially for the Grand Prix.

Are you big motorsport fans yourselves?

Shaf Raisi: Yes. I’m a big fan of Jenson Button. I’ll be supporting him again this year.

Dantani: I do watch it occasionally. Because I’m a big fan of Sir Richard Branson, I’ll be rooting for the Virgin team. shafraisi.com / dantani.net

AMBER LOUNGE Set up by ex-driver Eddie Irvine’s sister Sonia in 2003, F1’s exclusive touring VIP after-party only travels to the flashest dates on the Grand Prix calendar. Film stars, celebs and the F1 drivers themselves are regular Amber Lounge visitors. Jenson Button, Hugh Grant and Simon Pegg all turned up last year, making it a real rub-shoulders-with-the-stars opportunity.

Nov 11 and 13, Yas Links Golf Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, times TBC, tickets Dhs650 to Dhs800, tables Dhs5,200 to Dhs15,000. Tel: +377 97771634. amber-lounge.com

PODIUM PREDICTIONS

The top teams – Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari – have dominated the 2011 Formula 1 Season. Indeed, nobody else has scored a single race win going into the Indian Grand Prix, the precursor to Abu Dhabi.

David Tremayne, hugely experienced Formula 1 correspondent with British newspaper The Independent and co-founder of Grand Prix + magazine, can’t see that changing at the Yas Marina Circuit. He picks out the main men to look out for…

Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull) Vettel is pretty bulletproof these days. He’s got over his hotheaded mistakes and smoothed out the rough edges from 2010. He’s got the best car in the field and is certainly at his most dangerous right now.

Jenson Button/Lewis Hamilton (McLaren) The McLarens are going to be particularly strong. Both of them are going to be right up there. They look as though they’ve really turned a corner. Lewis should have won the race in 2009 and Jenson is in fantastic form at the moment.

Fernando Alonso (Ferrari) Alonso is coming to Abu Dhabi with some past history to put to bed after his disappointment of missing out on winning the World Championship here last year. Never underestimate him.

TESTING,TESTING… Narain Karthikeyan became the first ever Formula 1 driver from India when he made his Grand Prix debut for Jordan in 2005. He takes us behind the scenes of a reserve/test driver’s role…

Normally, I do the first Friday practice session, give feedback and get the team’s first impression of the circuit. Then we analyse a lot of data. It’s a lot of work. This year we have Pirelli tyres, so we have to see how they

cope. Friday practice is very important, trying to get as much balance as possible. Then you wait around and see how it goes in the other practice sessions, qualifying and the race, so you are ready to jump in, in case something happens with the other two drivers.

Nowadays, there are very few days of testing. Since the start of the season I think you do six days in total. Reserve/test driver is not the biggest role, but it’s still important to the team.

The capital goes car crazy over the Grand Prix weekend. Here’s our pick of theF1-related events RACY ART Armin Flossdorf exhibits his Formula 1 art at Le Royal Meridién and paints live during a special five-course dinner at the hotel’s Al Fanar restaurant (November 13, Dhs400).

November 9th to 13th, Le Royal Meridién, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com FAST DEALS Grab 20 per cent off drinks and bar snacks with race day happy hours at The Tavern (Sheraton, Corniche Road. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton. com), discounts in the hour leading up to the main race at NRG (Le Meridién, Tourist Club Area. Tel: (02) 6446666. lemeridienabudhabi. com), or a bucket of beer with nachos for Dhs125 at Amerigos (Park Inn, Golf Plaza, Yas Island. Tel: (02) 6562222. parkinn.com).

Paul McCartney

GETTY

The third and final gig of this year’s F1 celebration sees erstwhile Beatle and living legend Paul McCartney touch down in the capital, for the start of his global Band On The Run tour. Named after his debut album with Wings, Band On The Run was the album McCartney needed to make after that break-up of Beatles – but the path to its release was far from easy. This is the story of that time The 1970s began with you suing your best friends, beset with legal problems, with no band, and the world pretty much hating you. Can you tell us about that period?

Personally, it was a nightmare. It was like the worst kind of thing to be in. It was really difficult, because I knew I didn’t hate them [The Beatles], but I knew we had to save The Beatles, and I was the only one who was going to do it – because the three of them were just sending it down the chute [the remaining Beatles wanted to hire Allen Klein as manager, with Klein taking cut of the band’s sales]. I’m not stupid, so I understood that to sue The Beatles you would be instantly hated, no matter what the circumstances were – and if I had been anyone other than myself, I would have hated me too! The thing was, the three of them – John kind of led the charge – went with Allen Klein, and we had a choice whether to go with him or not. George and Ringo said, ‘Yeah, we’re doing whatever John does’, So I had to kind of go along with that, a bit reluctantly, but as I realised what Klein was doing, and what he had done. He was like a New York guy [adopts fast-talking wise-guy accent]: “Whaddya want, a million bucks? Sure, you can have it!” And it was very difficult to resist. If a guy says to you, ‘What do you want, a million dollars? You got it, you go’, Wow, this guy’s amazing! And I think we were just way too naive to even remotely understand what he was doing. And he was charismatic; I could see all of that. But anyway, I eventually saw through him and thought, ‘No way, dude. He’s going to own The Beatles.’

42 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

How did you work it out?

The guys came to me, because they were in his pocket, and he [Klein] used to call me the ‘reluctant bride’ or something – I said, ‘Damn right I am!’. One of the sticking points was they would say, ‘He wants twenty per cent.’ I said, ‘twenty per cent of The Beatles? It’s like the hottest act on Earth! Tell him he can have ten!’ And they went, ‘Oh, no, no – he wants twenty.’ I said, ‘Tell him he can have ten!

That’s what we do: we’re what he wants and this is how you do the deal. You don’t just go, ‘Oh, OK, you can have twenty’. But they were very reluctant to do all of that. So, in the end, they came back and said, ‘He’ll take twenty per cent, but only on the new stuff he gets us.’ So, for a while, I had to kind of settle for that, but in actual fact, that was how we got him in the end. Because what happened was our side was very thorough, and he was just prattling around. There was no way out for us – we had to either nail him or marry him.

There were piles of papers – they must have been three-foot high, a big pile of documents – and our legal team went through all of these documents, every single one with a finetoothed comb, and they eventually found one document which proved that he had been

taking twenty per cent off the old stuff. So it was like ‘gotcha’. So this and, you know, his history... It’s all very difficult what you can say – you have to say ‘allegedly’ legally and all that – he’s still got kids and an estate and stuff, and I don’t have any problems with him anymore – but you have to coat it a little bit sweetly these days.

What was the thought process behind suing The Beatles?

Once I saw what was going on, I just knew that I had to resist. So I said to my lawyers, ‘I want to sue Allen Klein.’ They said, ‘You can’t – he’s not a party to the agreements.’ But they were telling me: ‘You’ve got to get out of this, or you won’t have anything left in a couple of years.’ He was taking a whacking great fee on top of that twenty per cent – I forget what it was – five million or something. It was a hell of a lot of money. So they said, ‘The only people you can sue are The Beatles.’ So I said, ‘Well, I can’t do that.’ It just drove me crazy.

Personally, it was just a nightmare. But in the end I just said we’ve got to do it. And we did it, and it was terrifying. It was a very low time for me personally, but it was just one of those things.

WH A EXC T’S ON LUS IVE

So we did, and we were very lucky, but we were right, and I think history has proved that we were right – now Yoko, Olivia, George, before he died, John and Ringo all acknowledged and said, ‘You were right’. For months I couldn’t do it. But in the end I just had to do it, knowing the perception of the world would be very much against what I was doing – because they wouldn’t understand. I knew it could never look good. But, in actual fact, history has proved now that it was the right the thing to do, and now we have Apple Records.

a lot of numbers off Band On The Run, but it’s not an idea I would have ever thought of myself. For instance, The Beatles could have done the whole of Revolver or Rubber Soul or The White Album and it would have been a great concert, but it just wasn’t anything we ever considered doing. It was more when bands like Phish started doing whole albums of other people’s and things that that whole vogue started to take hold. So yeah, I’ve definitely been asked to do it, and it might be a cool idea, but I’m thinking about it.

You were protecting the legacy.

Well, there wouldn’t be a legacy; let’s put it like that. The Beatles wouldn’t have been able to do the Anthology, the Love show or any of that stuff now – that would have been out of our hands. So, we are still able to protect the legacy, and that was really what it was all about – it needed protecting.

Does revisiting older material influence what comes next?

Yeah, that’s one of the good things about playing live – you’re always playing older material, even if it’s only a year old. All the time that I’m singing my stuff I’m like reviewing it – I’m literally re-viewing it – I’m looking at this song and thinking, ‘Oh, this is an interesting bass line I’m playing’, and ‘Oh, these words – that was pretty good for a 24 year-old boy’. You do that.

Are there any plans to play Band On The Run in its entirety?

I’ve been asked to do that. It doesn’t occur to me. I’ve been asked to do it, so I’ll definitely look into it and consider it. I certainly will do

Nov 13, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, free entry witn race-day tickets. yasalam.ae

The long and winding road to Band on the Run McCartney Paul McCartney Released: April 1970 Debut solo recorded amidst the deterioration of The Beatles. Macca plays all the instruments himself. The impressive Maybe I’m Amazed overshadows Beatles rejects Junk, Teddy Boy, and the throwaway yet charming filler.

Ram Paul and Linda McCartney Released: May 1971 Savaged on release for its whimsical nature, over time Ram has been praised for its melodic brilliance. The pointed Lennon references of Too Many People, the ambitious Uncle Albert/Admiral Halsey and the rocking Smile Away form a misunderstood pop gem.

Red Rose Speedway Paul McCartney and Wings Released: April 1973 Though invigorated by his first live shows in six years, the production and hollow intentions of Red Rose Speedway incurred MOR comparisons. Its highs were few and its lows were many. McCartney was clearly in search of clarity and direction.

Let It Be The Beatles Released: May 1970 The final Beatles release was a fractured album whose creation was recorded for the world to witness the band’s fall-out.

McCartney’s attempts of rallying the group was met with animosity. He hated the final production by Phil Spector. The end was nigh...

Wild Life Wings Released: December 1971 The first album credited to Wings, Wild Life was an attempt to recreate the studio vitality of the augmented band of first takes.

The results, unfortunately, were deemed lightweight: Rolling Stone calling it “trivial and unaffecting”.

Band On The Run Paul McCartney and Wings Released: December 1973 The consistent album so desperately needed finally arrived. The mini-suite of the title track, the rocking Jet, the Lennon-ish Let Me Roll It, the sweet harmonies of Mamunia, the Beatle-esque Picasso’s Last Words – this was the restoration of Paul’s reputation as a world class songwriter.

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 43

Open for lunch.

Every day.

Indoors or out.

The capital’s favourite Italian is now open for lunch seven days a week from 12.30pm – 3.00pm InterContinental Abu Dhabi. 800 423 463 / dine@icauh.ae

Britney’s back

THROUGH THE AGES The ups, the downs, the rock bottoms and sky highs 1981 Britney Jean Spears is born in McComb, Mississippi

Her past has sold a million gossip magazines, so as Abu Dhabi gears up for Britney Spear’s first concert in the Middle East, we take a look at her journey from pop sensation to rehab and back again A real-life soap opera, Britney Spears’ rise, fall and subsequent rise isn’t your everyday strife of late rent, bad dates and a long commute.

Instead, the small-town girl turned pop princess and must-watch celebrity has been in the public eye since her debut smash single ...Baby One More Time in 1999, at age 17. Since then we’ve witnessed outrage at her Rolling Stone cover, countless makeovers, hundreds of hair extensions, stage shows with snakes and Madonna, a fateful night where she wielded a hair trimmer for the world to see, children, marriages, lashing out at paparazzi and, now, a seemingly more settled Spears at age 29.

Her fans, too, have undergone a transformation, from breathless, bright-eyed tweens singing “hit me baby one more time” to club kids embracing the darker side of Britney, with her obvious problems and increasingly electronic tracks. It’s a sad fact that critics appear to appreciate Spears’ music more when she’s undergoing personal trauma; 2007’s Blackout, with the catchy, aggressive Piece of Me, was being promoted around the same time as the head-shaving/rehab/being stretchered out of her home era. As Britney surrenders less to the songwriters and puts more of herself into the music, the better the professional results and, tragically, the more negative headlines we see about her personal life.

Her attempted comeback after the ‘Bald Britney’ scene was to take place at the 2007 MTV VMAs, complete with new single Gimme More, a spangled black bikini, shoulder-length blonde hair and waiting crowds. Instead, we

BRITNEY IN NUMBERS Hours Spears was married to childhood friend Jason Allen Alexander before the marriage was annulled

Views of Womanizer on youtube.com

Times voted Sexiest Woman in the World by FHM magazine

saw an undeniably unpractised and out of shape Spears struggle through the performance, miming about how she “just can’t control herself – oh!” with all the enthusiasm of a jaded office cleaner. The poor show was made worse by an allegedly unintentional jibe from comedian Sarah Silverman moments after Britney came off the stage, saying, “Wow – she is amazing. She’s 25 years old and she’s already accomplished everything she’s going to accomplish in her life”. Before going to describe Spears’ children as “adorable mistakes”. Ouch.

The subsequent years have seen custody battles, numerous awards, a sixth studio album, Circus – which was one of the fastest-selling albums of 2008 – a second greatest hits release and TV cameos on How I Met Your Mother and Glee. Just your usual late-20s behaviour.

In March 2011, Spears released Femme Fatale and the single Hold It Against Me, which shot to number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Her Abu Dhabi date will showcase the album and past hits, with earlier shows demonstrating Spears’ live singing, rather than the much-criticised lip-synching of previous tours, plus some of the best dancing we’ve seen from the star in years.

Personally, things look on the up too, with rumours of engagement to boyfriend of two years, Jason Trawick. Of course, the wedding will send the paps into a frenzy, with the dress, venue and guest list under unrelenting scrutiny, but we’re sure Spears is used to the attention by now.

Nov 11, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Entry included in race-day tickets. yasalam.ae

Guinness World Records held by Spears, including ‘most searched person’ and ‘best-selling teenage artist of all time’

Views on YouTube of super-fan Chris Crocker’s hysterical video plea for the world to leave Britney alone

1990 Auditions for The Mickey Mouse Club but deemed too young 1992 Performs on television show Star Search 1993 Joins The Mickey Mouse Club with co-stars Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling and Christina Aguilera 1998 Signs to Jive Records and releases …Baby One More Time 1999 The title single (and schoolgirl-style video) becomes a smash 2000 Britney vamps up her image and announces she’s dating Justin Timberlake 2001-2003 She breaks up with Timberlake, opens her restaurant, releases two albums, performs with a snake, stars in Crossroads and kisses Madonna

2005 Gives birth to son Sean Preston

2004 Marries childhood friend Jason Alexander and gets engaged to back-up dancer Kevin Federline. Busy girl

2006 Photographed driving with Sean Preston on her lap, gives birth to second son Jayden James and files for divorce 2007 Checks into rehab for a day, shaves her head, more rehab, loses custody of her sons and tries to stage a comeback at the VMA. It doesn’t go well 2008 Sent to a psychiatric ward, appears in How I Met Your Mother, wins three MTV VMA awards and releases Circus, her sixth studio album 2009 A return to form with a spot in the Guinness Book Of World Records and a highearning world tour 2010 Announces she’s dating Jason Trawick and appears in a Britney-themed episode of Glee. Gleeks go wild

Total number of times the word ‘baby’ appears in the lyrics of Spears’ 22 top singles

Number of times the word ‘baby’ is sang in Baby One More Time

1984 Starts taking dance lessons

2011 Releases Femme Fatale, tours worldwide and is rumoured to be engaged

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 45

Incubus The Cult Adding the rock to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix’s after-race concert series, American five-piece Incubus play on the same bill as British metal-revivalists, The Cult. But who rocks harder? We pit the two heavyweights head-to-head against each other to see who cranks it up to 11

Nov 13, Yas Arena, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Entry included in race-day tickets. yasalam.ae

NAME

Incubus – Named after a demon that visits you in your sleep. 11/11

The Cult – Abbreviated from Southern Death Cult. 11/11

FROM

California – Conveyor belt of world-class bands.

10/11

Bradford, England – Not exactly a rock fortress.

6/11

DATE FORMED

1991 – Not bad, seeing as they were still at school. 9/11

1983 – They’ve done their time. 11/11

NUMBER OF BAND MEMBERS (PAST AND PRESENT)

Seven – Fairly stable line-up. 5/11

25 – Pick a drummer and stay with it. Volatile line-up – rock‘n’roll 11/11

BREAKTHROUGH ALBUM

S.C.I.E.N.C.E – A fusion of funk and metal. Rockin’ Love – Big hair and catchy riffs. 10/11 10/11

MOST POPULAR TUNE

Drive – Worldwide smash, acoustic bliss. 10/11

BIGGEST STAGE FOUL UP

Frontman Brandon Boyd plays the didgeridoo on Not even bothering to sing at the 1989 MTV stage – A bit too ‘world music’ for us. 4/11 awards performance – Too cool to sing. 10/11

NUMBER OF ALBUMS

Seven – Excellent work rate 11/11

Eight – Even with a seven-year hiatus. 8/11

FRONTMAN TATTOOS

11 – Boyd a canvas, and he designs most of his body art himself. 11/11

Eight – A healthy art showing. 8/11

MOST ROCK‘N’ROLL ACTIVITY

Gigs at ace venues The Roxy and The Whiskey while still in school – Baptism of fire. 10/11

Guns N’ Roses’ first tour was opening for The Cult in 1987 – Showing the kids the ropes. 9/11

LEAST ROCK‘N’ROLL ACTIVITY

Boyd released a book of poetry and art entitled White Fluffy Clouds – We’re saying nothing. 1/11

Ian Astbury plays the tambourine – Too ‘Kumbaya’ for their own good. 2/11

AWAY FROM THE STAGE

Every member of the band surfs – Gnarly, dudes. 9/11

Astbury is a practicing Buddhist – We’re not too sure how rock’n’roll inner peace is. 2/11

TOTAL

Left it late, but edged it at the post – winners and rightful owners of the headlining slot

46 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

101/132

She Sells Sanctuary – Launched them to worldwide status. 11/11

99/132

Just came up a bit short – here’s to hoping they set it right on the Yas stage

FILM

Contagion

In Time

Contagion

In Time

The Adventures Of Tintin

WHO?

Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Laurence Fishburne, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Winslet, Steven Soderbergh (director)

Amanda Seyfried, Justin Timberlake, Cillian Murphy, Olivia Wilde, Alex Pettyfer, Andrew Niccol (director)

Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Daniel Craig, Steven Spielberg (director), Peter Jackson (producer)

TAGLINE

‘Nothing spreads like fear.’

‘Live forever or die trying.’

‘This year, discover how far adventure will take you.’

ONCE UPON A TIME...

A dormant but lethal virus spread to the human population, quickly becoming a global pandemic that had medical science scrambling for solutions as society began to collapse.

Future science had halted the ageing gene; 25 was as old as you got. Population control measures granted the rich immortality, while the poor were forced to trade time as currency.

Young reporter/adventurer Tintin (Bell) first encountered his multimillionaire friend Captain Haddock (Serkis) and, along with a cast of misfits and oddballs, they set off to hunt lost treasure.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

See a stellar ensemble cast tackle a fast-paced thriller in which Soderbergh focuses more on the psychology of public reaction than the workings of the virus itself.

Settle back with a sci-fi thriller that won’t tax the grey matter too hard, but that should offer decent scope for a few ‘what would you do if…?’ chats on the way out.

Lose yourself in the escapades of one of the great cartoon characters of the 20th century, updated with a snappy script from Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz, Shaun Of The Dead).

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

Reminding yourself that, if disease is to be our downfall, it’ll mostly likely be our own fault – think The Andromeda Strain (1971), Outbreak (1995), or 12 Monkeys (1995).

Classic 1970s futurist visions like Soylent Green and Logan’s Run, both of which mooted different, but equally, immoral approaches to tackling overpopulation.

The 1960s TV show Hergé’s Adventures Of Tintin would be a good start – although the motion capture techniques used here make it look more like a family version of 2007’s Beowulf.

TOP TRIVIA

A number of leading science writers have come out strongly in favour of the film’s plausibility, and particularly its account of how the virus first spreads to humans.

Speculative fiction author Harlan Ellison – who once penned a draft screenplay for I, Robot – has filed a lawsuit against this movie, claiming it steals from his work.

Somewhat surprisingly, this is the first fully animated outing for Spielberg in the director’s chair. Just as well Peter Jackson’s company, Weta Digital, is providing the tech clout, then.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW

Chillingly plausible, star-studded exercise in near-documentary discomfort levels.

An intriguing premise, but the ethical core deserves deeper exploration.

Action-packed romp stays pleasingly faithful to Hergé’s original material.

RATE OR SLATE?

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

★★★✩✩

48 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

FILM | NEW RELEASES

Tower Heist

Azaan

Tower Heist

Moneyball

Azaan

The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn

Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Casey Affleck, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Tea Leoni, Brett Ratner (director)

Brad Pitt, Jonah Hill, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Chris Pratt, Casey Bond, Bennett Miller (director)

Sachiin J Joshi, Dalip Tahil, Candice Boucher, Arya Babbar, Ravi Kissen, Prashant Chadha (director)

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Stephanie Meyer (co-producer), Bill Condon (director)

‘Ordinary guys. An extraordinary robbery.’

‘What are you really worth?’

‘A country. A conspiracy. A common man.’

‘Forever is only the beginning.’

A wealthy apartment inhabitant duped his neighbours out of large amounts of cash, and so they hatched a scheme to get even by collectively burgling his penthouse.

Billy Beane (Pitt), manager of the struggling Oakland Athletics baseball team, met a young Yale statistician and became convinced that a mathematical formula for success might exist.

A young informant for the Indian army’s research and analysis team was drawn into the deadly world of biological terrorism, only to discover his own brother was already involved.

Bella (Stewart) and Edward (Pattinson) married, despite only one of them being a vampire.

That would soon change, but the imminent arrival of a child would cause further, even darker complications.

Catch a slick comedy revenge caper, benefiting from an impressive line-up of big names and set in a single New York City high-rise.

Mix sports and scientific theories, which you don’t get the chance to do too often – especially when it’s based on a true story, as this is.

Have your eyeballs seared by some spectacularly explosive effects – this one is right up there with the costliest Bollywood features produced to date.

Witness a load of former emo kids forced to grow up slightly while retaining that crucial gothic sulk. This probably goes as much for the audience as it does for the characters.

Ocean’s Eleven (either the original 1960s Rat Pack version or the 2001 Steven Soderbergh update) and its bungling 2002 cousin, Welcome To Collinwood.

Any of the numerous baseballthemed underdog stories – Bull Durham, In A League Of Their Own – and imagine them infused with a touch of A Beautiful Mind.

High-octane terrorism-based thrillers including The Hurt Locker, Syriana and Munich – or, more specifically, recent Bollywood breakout hits Roja and Sikandar.

Previous movie installments in The Twilight Saga, basically – if you didn’t buy into the whole mooching romance angle before, this is highly unlikely to change your mind.

The friendship between Murphy and Stiller offers clear parallels with the Rush Hour franchise – hardly surprising perhaps, since Ratner directed those films as well.

This adaptation is based on Michael Lewis’ 2003 book Moneyball: The Art Of Winning An Unfair Game. It caused such a stir in the game that ‘moneyball’ is now a baseball term in its own right.

South African model Boucher is known outside the movie industry for glossy pin-up shoots in the likes of GQ and FHM, but her attire remains defiantly respectable here.

Carter Burwell, composer of Bella’s Lullaby and known for scoring the vast majority of the Coen brothers’ films to date, is back on board for Breaking Dawn parts 1 and 2.

May lack tonal consistency, but ultimately gets the job done.

Surprisingly soulful sports classic sees Pitt hitting a home run.

As its Cannes reception attested, an impressive and engaging spectacle.

Isn’t this franchise getting a bit long in the tooth?

PREVIEW

★★★★✩

★★★✩✩

★★★★✩ NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 49

VOI

EATING OUT

p53 p54 p55 p57 p58 p60 p63 p66

Voi Cook a classic The connoisseur Quit the supermarket Le Deck Siddharta Lounge The Chef On the menu NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 51

The Fish Market is Dubai’s favourite “market style” fresh seafood restaurant which offers unrivalled views of the Creek as well as the freshest seafood available. Choose from a wide selection of freshly caught fish and an array of seafood delicacies, then relax whilst our team of South East Asian Chefs prepare it exactly as you like it.

Fish Market, Seafood restaurant, is open daily for Lunch from 12:30 pm - 3:15 pm, Dinner 7:30 pm - 11:15 pm

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek Baniyas Road, P.O. Box 476, Dubai UAE For Bookings, please call 04-205 7333 Infocenter.Dxbza@radissonblu.com radissonblu.com/hotel-dubaideiracreek

EATING OUT The news that troubled celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay was departing the UAE made all the headlines recently, with Gordon closing Verre on October 28. But this month heralded something more important – the start of the new-opening season. From now until summer 2012, the UAE will welcome many restaurants – some exciting and some not so exciting. Sitting firmly in the former camp, I’m sure, will be Verre’s replacement, Table 9 by Nick And Scott, which you can read about on page 66, as well as in depth on our tumblr site (whatsondubai. tumblr.com) – and we’ll bring you more on that venture in next month’s issue. We’re also told that a new Rivington Grill is set to open at the Madinat in Dubai next spring and, to digress slightly, that the Riv at Souk Al Bahar is soon to launch a Friday brunch. Next month sees Hakkasan open at Emirates Towers and, fingers crossed, steakhouse Gaucho across the road at DIFC, where Marco Pierre White is set to launch his Wheeler's seafood restaurant – and former Bice manager Roberto Rella will bring a taste of Italy to the financial centre with Roberto’s. And that’s without even mentioning Abu Dhabi, which is about to see a rash of new restaurants studded with international names. So it has begun, and to start things off this month we’ve brought you our verdict on Voi (p53), Le Deck (p58), pan-Asian restaurant Kris (p58), Radisson Royal's Icho (p60) and Siddharta Lounge (p52) In this month’s Eating Out you will learn how to cook a classic Yorkshire pudding (p54), escape the supermarket (p57), tell your Malbec from your Tannat (p55) and stuff potatoes like our columnist Gary Rhodes (p63). We also lunch at Indo Thai (p64), check out Canadian favourite Tim Hortons (p64), test three new menus (p64) and introduce our brand new news pages (p66). With all that going on, who needs Gordon Ramsay? Enjoy.

Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor

Voi

French Colonial Vietnamese is an exciting prospect, but is Zabeel Saray’s crowning glory as promising as it sounds?

UAE restaurants, on the whole, like to play it safe. Culinary experimentation is thought to be a little too much for our picky palates. Tried and tested is seen as the way forward by most in the industry – if, fortunately, not quite all.

So, we’ve been looking forward to the opening of Voi, described as a Vietnamese restaurant inspired by the 1920s French colonial period.

The dining room is magnificent.

Not in a brash, showy way, but in the grand, European tradition.

High ceilings, white panelled walls – so it looks the part.

But what role is Voi trying to play? The Vietnamese, after all, are not known for crisp white table linen and stiff collared waiting staff.

They are known for noodles, lemon grass, fish and chilli sauce, stir frying and boiling, freshness and simplicity.

And, perhaps best of all, their eaton-the-go street food. Reconciling the complexity of flavour, deftness of touch and price tag of European fine dining with the unpretentious freshness and honesty of pocketfriendly Vietnamese pavement chow is no easy matter. But our tasting menu showed serious promise.

A dainty, layered dish of sweet snow crab atop soft avocado and mango, with a sprig of coriander, a zing of lime and the nuttiness and aroma of sesame. Scottish salmon marinated in Nuoc Mam fish sauce

and served with a delicate herb salad was similarly fresh, but the flavours needed a little more work.

King Henry leaf roll was the standout dish, managing to maintain the authenticity of traditional Vietnamese food whilst using premium beef tenderloin. Pinching a delicate skewer between our fingers and biting into the shiny, seaweed green parcel we were surprised to be rewarded with a solid ball of minced meat, rather than the expected diced beef – juicy and sweet, and crammed with herby flavour.

Sweet and sour beef soup was perhaps not complicated enough for a fine dining menu, but we loved it. Commendable depth of flavour in the broth was turned into a real citrus cheek sucker by a generous squeeze of lime.

The Brittany blue lobster that arrived next was the most disappointing dish of the evening.

On the main menu it would set you back a whopping Dhs350 – though we’re assured ours was just a tasting portion – and it didn’t succeed at all. The lovely, luxurious lobster was overcooked and rubbery and the “vegetable garden” we were promised turned out to be a swamp of soggy veg.

The final warm dish was duck breast, a few titbits of unnecessary

foie gras, brussel sprouts and a kick-in-the-head tamarind sauce. It was a powerful brute of a dish. Impossible to fault in a less ambitious restaurant but, once again, not smart enough for fine dining.

Chilled fruit soup with lime and lemongrass syrup, lychee sorbet and champagne provided a nice, clean end to an enjoyable meal, but whereas Voi succeeds in some respects, it fails in others. Though some wily flavour combinations are commendable, the intricacy is not quite there yet, and the expensive ingredients don’t sing in every dish. But what chef Phuong Mai and her team are doing is stimulating and, we’re certain, sure to continue improving. We will be going back.

NEED TO KNOW Location: Zabeel Saray, West Crescent, The Palm, Dubai Tel: (04) 4530444 Web: jumeirah.com Open: daily 7pm to midnight Cuisine type: French colonial/ Vietnamese Must eat: King Henry leaf roll Bill for two: Voi Experience Dhs395

In tweet form... By attempting to lift simple Vietnamese dishes into the realm of fine dining, Voi has embarked on a venture fraught with peril. An exciting restaurant, to be sure.

Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 53

EATING OUT

Cook a classic: Yorkshire pudding Rivington Grill head chef Scott Stokes provides a failsafe method for preparing the classic British dish, Yorkshire pudding

INGREDIENTS:

300g flour, 300g (approximately 12) whole eggs, 320ml full fat milk, 15g vegetable oil, pinch of salt, rendered beef fat (vegetable oil can be used as a substitute)

KIT:

Whisk, sieve, large mixing bowl, cake tin or Yorkshire roasting pan, measuring jug, measuring scales

METHOD

Place the flour and salt in the large mixing bowl, make a well in the middle, crack the eggs into the well and whisk them to break up the yolk. Add the milk and whisk all the ingredients together until blended. Pass the mix through a sieve. It should have the consistency of heavy cream. Put the bowl aside and let the batter sit for at least half an hour. Preheat the oven to 215˚C, put the rendered beef fat or vegetable oil in the pan, dividing it evenly between each cup if you’re using a cake tin to make individual puddings. Fill each cup to just below the lip so when the puddings rise they will hold their shape. If all goes well, they should increase considerably in volume.

Immediately return the pan to the oven and bake the puddings for 15 minutes, turn the oven down to 175˚C and cook for a further ten to 15 minutes. Do not open the oven door whilst the puddings are cooking. They should have risen and look golden brown when done.

THREE THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YORKSHIRE PUDDING 1 It was traditionally a lot flatter and called dripping pudding 2 The Royal Society Of Chemistry ruled in 2008 that anything less than four inches in height is not a Yorkshire pudding 3 It used to be served as a main course with parsley sauce or white sauce 54 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

TWITTER RECIPE Cooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters FOIE GRAS CREME BRULEE Heat cream/blend foie gras terrine+raw foie gras w/ white port wine/add cream+mix/once cool add+mix milk+egg yolk/place in dish/heat in oven for 25min Franck Detrait, chef, Traiteur Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. Dubai.park.hyatt.com Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

The connoisseur As she launches a new wine tasting class, Asado’s head sommelier, Andrea Trivino Lira, explains the wines of South America South American wines are a good place for a beginner to start. Its wines are for everybody and are not at all pretentious.

The main wine producing countries are Chile and Argentina, though Uruguay produces excellent Tannat. It is very dry in the mouth, but lighter and fruitier than the French variety.

I wouldn’t recommend Brazilian still wines, though it’s all down to personal taste, but Moet Chandon has bought vineyards in the south of Brazil, and there are some very good sparkling wines.

Most of Chile’s vineyards are in the central valleys of the country, where they have the best conditions for growing with sun, water from the Andes and no phylloxera (an insect that feeds on the roots and leaves of the vines). As a result, Chile produces the best Cabernet Sauvignon in South America. It has a distinct green olive taste, a bit of tobacco, a hint of fruitiness, aromas of cassis and blackcurrant and a spicy finish.

If you are going to explore Argentinean wine, start with Malbec. Other varieties are grown, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and even Pinot Noir, but Malbec is the best grape. There is a lot of expression in the fruit, but it is also a very robust wine.

It can be complex or light,

depending on whether it has been aged in oak or not. If your Malbec comes from the south of Argentina, where there is a very cool climate, perfect for Pinot Noir – you will find that it’s lighter. But it’s still not a light wine – it has a strong taste of blackcurrant, even petrol sometimes.

It’s in the northern central region, for example Mendoza, that you find strong Malbec.

Because of the altitude, the grapes are allowed to ripen properly, which makes the Malbec fruitier than the French variety; they have a huge concentration of sugar, and during fermentation a lot of alcohol is produced. It is sometimes as strong as 15 per cent. If you have a stronger Malbec, you should decant it 45 minutes before drinking so it opens up and you don’t miss out on any of the flavours.

Torrontés, which is a very aromatic, flowery wine, is the best place to start when it comes to whites. It’s Argentina’s signature white grape in the way Malbec is the signature red. It’s very fine and quite dry. For the best Torrontés, look for bottles that come from the town of Cafayate in the northern province of Salta.

1/2 AD

Asado Wine Club, Asado, The Palace – The Old Town, Emaar Boulevard, The Old Town Island, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, from 6pm, Dhs220. Tel: (04) 8883828. theaddress.com

NEXT MONTH: FRENCH WINES NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 55

SPEND AND WIN WITH DUBAI GOLF AND HYATT HOTELS

Your next visit to any of the 55 restaurants, spas, golf courses and gyms at Dubai Golf or Hyatt Hotels in Dubai could be your key to owning a new Mercedes-Benz C-Class, plus lots of weekly prizes. Spend AED 200 between the 25th of September and the 19th of November, to be entered into the draw*.

www.spendandwin.ae

EATING OUT

DEIRA SPICE SOUQ The creekside spice souk sells pretty much any spice you can think of.

PICK UP: Spices Deira Spice Souq, creekside, Deira, Dubai

ARMANI/PECK Your first port of call for dinner parties or picnics, Peck offers an impressive range of antipasti, freshly baked bread, charcuterie, European cheeses and pasta.

PICK UP: The charcuterie room is a must for dedicated foodies Armani/Peck, Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown, Dubai, 11am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883888. dubai.armanihotels. com

CARLUCCIO’S If you’re cooking Italian, look no further for your recipe staples.

PICK UP: Dried pastas, sauces, tins and jars of Italian produce Carluccio’s, The Dubai Mall, Mirdif City Centre and Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai, Sat to Wed to 10am to 10pm, Thurs and Fri 10am to midnight. Tel: (04) 2843728. carluccios. com

ABU DHABI FISH MARKET You will find the freshest seafood in the capital at the Fish Market. The highlight is the cookhouses, which will cook up a couple of your purchases. The earlier you arrive, the fresher the fish. We advise a 6am start.

PICK UP: Fresh seafood Abu Dhabi Fish Market, Mina Zayed Port, 31st Street, Abu Dhabi, daily from 6am

DUBAI FISH MARKET If you want fresh, local fish – and dedicated to quality local produce as you are, we know you do – the Dubai Fish Market is your only choice. The best times to visit are 6am or 1am.

PICK UP: Fresh seafood Dubai Fish Market, Al Shidagha, near Fruit Market and Hyatt Regency, Dubai, daily from 1am to 11pm

DEANS FUJIYA SUPERMARKET Japanese recipes can involve a few speciality ingredients. If Dubai has them, they are at Deans.

PICK UP: We love the mushiki (steamer baskets) Deans Fujiya Supermarket, 4th Street, near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 10am to 8.30pm, Fri 5pm to 8.30pm. Tel: (04) 3370401. deanstrading.com

RIPE MARKET With vendors selling everything from locally grown organic fruit and veg to baked goods, cheese, coffee and kitchen knives, Ripe is the real deal.

Ripe also offers a veg box delivery service, with a small box costing Dhs80 a week and a large Dhs130.

PICK UP: Locally grown organic fruit and veg Ripe Farmers' Market, Dubai Garden Centre, Dubai, Sat 9.30am to 1pm. ripeme.com From Nov 18, Ripe, Farmer’s Market, Desert Garden Centre, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi, Fri 9.30am to 1pm. ripeme.com

Quit the supermarket It’s time to start filling your basket with some of the UAE's quality produce

JONES THE GROCER Jones sells a vast range of store cupboard staples, but its real speciality is its selection of coffees, its cheese room and its cold cuts, some of which are local.

PICK UP: All the Cs: coffee, cold cuts and cheese Jones the Grocer, Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Times Square, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 8am to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 10.30pm. Tel: (04) 3466886. jonesthegrocer.com Jones the Grocer, various locations, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 8am to 11pm, Fri and Sat 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6395883. jonesthegrocer.com

FARMERS’ MARKET ON THE TERRACE The original Dubai farmers’ market returns this month.

PICK UP: Eggs, herbs fresh fruit and veg From Nov 18, Baker & Spice, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai, Fri 9am to 3pm. Tel: (04) 4252240. bakerandspiceme.com

BUTCHER’S SHOP & GRILL Not just a reliable steakhouse, BS&G is a quality butcher as well.

PICK UP: A 180g rump steak for Dhs81, or some Australian lamb Butcher’s Shop & Grill, Mirdif City Centre, Mall Of The Emirates, JBR, The Walk, Dubai, noon to midnight. Tel: (04) 4281375. thebutchershop.co.za

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 57

EATING OUT

Le Deck

Will this restaurant tempt the masses to the fast-developing Saadiyat Island?

All-day dining. Food connoisseurs that you clearly are, you may well have turned the page already, or slipped into a shallow coma at the mere mention of such a stomach-turning term.

But, if you have stayed for this third sentence, you will be glad to hear that it isn’t always a dirty catchall for the jack-of-all-trades international buffets omnipresent across the capital.

Certainly not where Le Deck is concerned.

The flagship restaurant at the gleaming white Monte Carlo Beach Club, one of the few outlets that don’t require a pricey club membership, Le Deck is worth a visit. After all, Monaco, home of the original MCBC, didn’t garner its glitzy reputation serving up interchangeable, unimaginative belly fodder.

An airy dining choice during daylight hours, Le Deck exudes an altogether more subterranean charm come dinnertime. Striking skeletal fish models and glowing caged lanterns dominate the alluring dimness, with the terrace looking out towards the paradisiacal beach.

Among an appetiser selection awash with seafood and salads, the wonton chicken soup (Dhs55) sticks out like, well, an Asian dish on a European menu, but a far from trivial serving of broth, and a pair of imperious wonton packages ensure our only criticism is that a boa constrictor would break sweat stretching its jaws around its sizeable circumferences.

The pan-roasted John Dory (Dhs290), three substantial hunks of flesh balanced atop firm celeriac remoulade beds, encircled with swirls of salty shellfish dressing, is a satisfying flavour

combination, whilst the wagyu tenderloin fillet (Dhs550) from Aussie producer Mayura Station, was as good a steak as you could wish for – almost warranting its price tag.

Where Le Deck really wows is dessert. The huge, warm marsala wine sabayon (Dhs60) consisted of a selection of fresh berries buried beneath layers of Italian wine custard. While the chocolate cigar (Dhs60), a thick Havana-worthy cylinder of dark chocolate and nougatine mousse, is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Le Deck’s success might very well hinge on passing custom from visitors frequenting the island’s imminent five-star hotels, which will hardly lack for rival dining options themselves.

But whether the aforementioned resorts will match MCBC as a lynchpin of contemporary flair is another matter. One thing’s for sure, Le Deck is elegantly hauling the all-day dining concept into the 21st century, and a steady stream of hungry foodies should soon start to hit the highway to Saadiyat.

NEED TO KNOW Location: Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Tel: (02) 6563500 Web: montecarlobeachclub.ae Open: daily 7am to 11pm Cuisine type: Mediterranean Must eat: Warm marsala wine sabayon Bill for two: Dhs1,110 without alcohol

Kris With A View The view from Park Regis’ restaurant is nice, but is the food any good?

Perched on the 19th floor of the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, the unspoilt 360-degree panorama of Dubai from Kris With A View is quite a selling point. The Sheikh Zayed Road dominated the view from the window we were seated next to. “If you want, you can sit at different table,” joked the waiter.

The menu at Kris offers five different types of Asian cuisine: Chinese, Malaysian, Arabic, Indian and Executive Chef Poonsak Sumonratanakul’s native Thai.

With so many cuisines to choose from, it's important to decide what you are after from the get go. Having narrowed it down to 'something spicy’ we were advised to try the yam ma muang (Thai mango salad) – which, judging by our tears (spice not joy), was a suitable suggestion – and the excellent Chinese seared shrimps and ginger butternut squash.

Unable to decide between the Malaysian-style tenderloin in tamarind sauce and the Chinese steamed diver scallops with vermicelli, we went for a selection of chicken from the tandoor, which turned out to be perfectly cooked.

It was a relief to see a dessert and specialist tea menu that replaced the usual suspects – chocolate fondant, crème brulee, etc – with light and refreshing dishes that took advantage of unique Asian fruits and flavours. The sago gula malaka and passion fruit meringues were excellent.

It would be hard to improve the setting.

However, despite the quality of the dishes we tried, five cuisines is a little baffling.

In tweet form...The view is stunningly romantic, but bear in mind what cuisine you're after before you go Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

NEED TO KNOW

In tweet form... Le Deck is the first restaurant to truly begin to showcase Saadiyat Island's potential, and in idyllic surroundings Follow us at @ WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi 58 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

Location: Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai Tel: (04) 3771111 Web: kris.ae Open: 6pm to midnight Cuisine type: Pan-Asian Must eat: Rendang baka utara Bill for two: Dhs450 (without alcohol)

EATING OUT

Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar Buddha Bar’s latest Dubai venture sure does look the business, so does the food hit the same heights?

The latest treasure to be unveiled at Grosvenor House’s Tower Two, Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar, will only be open to you, the regular punter, for dinner between 5pm and midnight – and only if you have made a table reservation. Still, Siddharta is sure to be a hit with Dubai’s trendy, socialite set who will lap up the private lift, the swimming pool and the exclusive vibe of the place. And surprisingly, considering the glitzy clientele it’s so clearly aimed at – the staff wear gold and white outfits straight out of a Star Trek movie to match the décor – it’s actually a pleasant environment in which to dine. Exceedingly so, in fact, with its attentive service, low-lying Japanese-style tables, comfortable sofa seating, and perfect lighting and sound levels. It is, as promised, a lounge – it feels like sitting in somebody’s living room.

The menu is designed to be enjoyed amongst company over a few bottles of the excellent Medoc or a couple of the signature cocktails – only slightly diminished by the plastic glasses.

Comprised of a series of small plates, sandwiches, stir-fries and skewers, it’s aiming for high-end bar food, rather than formal restaurant fare. And what seem like terribly expensive dishes as you’re ordering turn out to be just a little bit pricy due to the sharing concept.

Hamachi carpaccio in a soy and lime dressing delivered a refreshing citrus bite, tortilla from the tapas menu provided a tasty bit of bulk and smoked salmon bruschetta with crème fraiche, chives and capers was as you would expect from such a classic canapé combination. The duck dumpling soup with enoki mushroom and pak choi had an unfortunate air of Cup-a-Soup about it, but the crab cake, cheddar and Cajun spice mini burgers were moist and deliciously fishy, while the portly sambal prawns were cooked well and tossed in a nice spicy sauce.

The mixed meat satay skewers were expensive at Dhs120 for six (two beef, two lamb, two chicken), but the meat didn’t suffer from overcooking as it so often does when grilled in tiny morsels on a long cocktail stick. To finish, a papaya and coconut crumble with star anise custard, which could so easily have been a disastrous combination of flavours, was actually a clever merger of sweetness, distinctive liquorice bitterness and coconut crunch.

There was nothing to complain about, really. Siddharta is a lovely place to enjoy a couple of drinks and a nibble, and the

An impressive setting, but does the food live up to it?

Things started off well with a triumvirate of sashimi, including some finely sliced flounder, pudgy jumbo shrimp and sweet abalone – though the latter had not been divested of a few bits of inedible membrane, which was unpleasant. The deep-fried soft shell crab was a little greasy, but tasty nevertheless. A plate of wagyu tenderloin chunks were beautifully rare in the centre, but grey and pallid on the outside where there should have been a delicious burnt taste from searing on the teppanyaki griddle.

In tweet form... Radisson Royal Hotel could be a popular dining, drinking and partying spot. Three F&B with spectacular views. Order Icho’s duck smoke pot.

Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi 60 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

Location: Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai Tel: (04) 3176000 Web: grosvenorhouse-dubai.com Open: daily 5pm to midnight Cuisine type: Mediterranean/Asian/ international Must eat: spicy sambal prawn Bill for two: Dhs645 without alcohol menu, whilst nothing to rave about, boasts a couple of stand out dishes – and quite a few forgettable ones – that slip down nicely with a beverage or two.

In tweet form... Siddharta Lounge by Buddha Bar offers a menu of high-end bar nibbles with a few tasty gems thrown in and is ideal for an evening of drinks with your pals. Follow us at @WhatsOnDubai and @WhatsOnAbuDhabi

Icho

Opening a restaurant spread over three vast floors in the upper reaches of a Sheikh Zayed Road hotel is ambitious, and potentially dangerous.

Just because you’ve built it doesn’t mean they will come, contrary to what Shoeless Joe whispered to big Kev Costner in Field Of Dreams.

But Radisson Blu, the brand that has recently taken over what was the JAL hotel, has done just that. The result, Icho, is nothing if not impressive.

The 51st floor is a sultry, if currently a bit empty, lounge bar with spectacular views of the city; the 50th is dedicated to teppanyaki; and the 49th is the main restaurant. Its minimalist, almost brutalist, design is right up our street, but without the required throng of diners it feels cold and echoey.

People will remedy that, but will they come?

NEED TO KNOW

A garlicky rice dish was nice, but the mistreatment of such a fine cut of meat was disappointing. As was a dish of udon noodles in a flavoursome broth – ruined by what should have been excellent shrimp tempura, but was, thanks to its soupy bath, soggy and tasteless. We also drank a pretty dreadful pinot grigio, but there was a saving grace. The signature smoke pot contained supple slices of duck so infused with BBQ we could almost smell the smoke wafting into our nostrils. Outstanding. With the garlic rice as a side and three portions of refreshing mochi ice cream to finish off, you would leave happy. Icho! Excuse us.

NEED TO KNOW Location: Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Tel: (04) 3080000 Web: radissonblu.com Open: 6pm to 3am Cuisine type: Japanese Must eat: duck smoke pot Bill for two: Dhs780 without alcohol

THE CHEF

POTATOES STUFFED WITH STILTON, LEEK AND MUSHROOMS (SERVES FOUR)

INGREDIENTS Sea salt, pepper, four large baking potatoes, 50g of butter (plus an extra knob), 100g button mushrooms (quartered), one large leek (sliced), 100g cream cheese (room temperature), 100g to 175g Stilton cheese METHOD Heat the oven to 200˚C. Lightly sprinkle the baking tray with sea salt. Prick the potatoes and place on the tray. Bake for 75 to 90 minutes until cooked through. Meanwhile, melt the knob of butter in a large pan and, once sizzling, add the mushrooms and fry for one to two minutes until they begin to soften and colour. Stir in the leek and continue to cook for a further two minutes until tender, then season with salt and pepper. Halve the potatoes, scooping out the flesh into a bowl and saving the skins. Fork lightly to a crumbly texture, season and stir in the 50g of butter and the cream cheese, before folding in the leek and the mushrooms. Fill the skins with the mixture, place the potatoes back on the tray and crumble the Stilton over the top. Bake in the oven until the cheese has melted.

This month, Gary Rhodes, our columnist, chef, TV personality and the man behind Dubai’s Rhodes Mezzanine and Rhodes Twenty10, provides you with a quick meat-free supper dish

This month, I’ve chosen a vegetarian dish. I’ve never been one of those chefs who dislikes cooking for vegetarians, and any chef or restaurant that doesn’t cater to them is being foolish.

A lot of great dishes can be created without using meat – including these very simple stuffed potatoes. Anyone can enjoy it, of course, and because it doesn’t require many ingredients, it’s easy and extremely versatile – you could have it for lunch, as a snack or for dinner. This is a simple dish, but just that little bit different. It’s not hard to prepare for several people, or too much effort to make for just one or two.

I pop the potatoes in the oven – remembering to prick the skins to let the steam out and prevent the potatoes from splitting, of course – and head off for a quick shower. When I come back, they’re ready to go. The only difference when I cook it at home is that my wife doesn’t like blue cheese, so I have to use something else. If you’re not a Stilton fan, there are plenty of blue cheeses out there, and a nice Gorgonzola works particularly well.

“THIS IS A SIMPLE DISH, BUT JUST THAT LITTLE BIT DIFFERENT. IT'S NOT HARD TO PREPARE FOR SEVERAL PEOPLE” If you don’t like blue cheese at all, like my wife, grated Gruyere or a good cheddar or Lancashire could replace the Stilton. These types of textures and strength of flavours would work really well. You don’t have to stick stringently to the recipe with this dish. If you were going to eat it as a side for a larger meal, the lighter cheeses

would also be preferable to the strong blue cheese. The potatoes would also go well with a salad on the side, perhaps, with a few grapes, apple and celery sticks – the traditional accompaniments for cheese. This is one of my go to dishes when I don’t want to spend hours cooking dinner, and I hope it now becomes one of yours.

NEXT MONTH: DUCK, BACON AND ONION QUICHE NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 63

EATING OUT

Capital menus Seek out these three menus – all new to the capital this month

Tim Hortons Dubai is overrun with coffee shops chains – from Starbucks to Costa and beyond.

So it’s peculiar that Canadian coffee shop and café Tim Hortons has gathered quite a cult following since its recent arrival on Sheikh Zayed Road. But we have been assured by a friendly Canadian of our acquaintance that ‘Timmy’s’, as it’s affectionately known in the land of Bryan Adams, makes a habit of inspiringdevotion from its many patrons. Why? Timbits. Timmy’s sells coffee, baked goods, sarnies, wraps and soups, which are all reliable and wallet-friendly lunchtime staples, but it’s the café’s

Indo Thai

EVERYONE'S TALKING ABOUT

trademarked mini doughnuts that have earned Tim Hortons its reputation.

We tried some Timbits, and we have to admit, we’re fans. Nice work, Tim.

Tim Hortons, Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Financial Centre metro station, Dubai, daily 7am to 11pm. Tel: (800) 8467. timhortons.com

NEW LUNCH

Try out the new lunch menu at Radisson Royal’s Thai fusion restaurant FOOD: There’s a choice of two courses (starter/main or main/dessert) or three courses (starter/main/dessert), and quite a range of options, too. From the list of six starters and three soups, we tried a wonderful tom yum goong with just the right amount of lemongrass and some simple and succulent chicken wrapped in pandan leaves. Of the eight mains, we took the waiter’s advice and ordered a fish pathori, which despite a green coconut sauce was surprisingly bland, and lemongrass grilled chicken, which also lacked flavour. Dessert was sago (a Vietnamese porridge), which used a surprising, and delightful, home-made peanut ice cream along with tapioca filling.

64 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

ATMOSPHERE: Dimly lit, even at lunchtime, Indo Thai is not the most inviting of restaurants, but a table by the window offers a bit of daylight and a view of Sheikh Zayed Road.

PRICE: Two courses Dhs99, three courses Dhs129 WHAT’S ON SAYS: Ideal for a quick, cheap business lunch.

Indo Thai, Radisson Royal Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 1pm to 3pm, two courses Dhs99, three courses Dhs129. Tel: (04) 3080000. radissonblu.com

BBQ Al Qasr

Blue Grill

Mezzaluna

CUISINE: Barbecue MENU: Celebrate the cooler weather in this magical and recently reopened, setting, best experienced in a romantic cabana mere metres from the shoreline. Honey BBQ glazed organic wings (Dhs80) kick things off nicely, followed by apple wood-smoked veal spare ribs and sticky chipotle honey sauce (Dhs160), resplendent with numerous sides.

Leave room for dessert: the caramel vacherin (Dhs60) is a meringue-dripping caramel fudge ice cream mountain peak. Not an everyday expense, but the view alone provides ample compensation.

PRICE: Dhs600 for two without alcohol, or choose from three different four-course set menus (Dhs450, Dhs550 or Dhs650).

CUISINE: Steak MENU: Saadiyat might be about to stake its claim as the capital’s new culinary centre, but our favourite Abu Dhabi steakhouse keeps the flag flying for Yas. Start with the grandiosely presented half dozen oysters on the half shell (Dhs75). Big guns come out at this juncture: the imposing butcher’s platter (Dhs255) shows scant regard for trifling details such as daily allowances, serving up (deep breath, try not to have a coronary) juicy tenderloin and rib-eye steak, lamb chops, chicken breast and chorizo, plus sides.

You’re pretty much guaranteed to go home full.

PRICE: Dhs750 for two without alcohol.

CUISINE: Italian MENU: Recipes passed down through generations are part and parcel of Italian cooking’s enduring charm, a tradition kept alive and well at Mezzaluna. The standout dish is the pizzoccheri (Dhs90), a temptingly dark green buckwheat pasta creation allegedly based (they always are) on a recipe by restaurant manager Luigi Sacchet’s grandmother.

Deep-sea scallops (Dhs115) with juniper berries offer a fruity take on the classic starter.

PRICE: Dhs540 for two without alcohol, or choose from three different fourcourse set menus (Dhs450, Dhs550 or Dhs650).

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

Tel: (02) 6907999. emiratespalace.com

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Yas Island Rotana, Golf Abu Dhabi, lunch 12.30pm to 3pm, Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Mon to Sat 7pm dinner 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (02) 6909000. to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com emiratespalace.com

WHAT’S ON AWARDS 2011: VOTE NOW! The biggest and most prestigious food and drink awards of the year are upon us again. Who’ll win? You decide…

Every year since 2001, we, the UAE’s biggest-selling entertainment magazine, have given you, the people, the chance to choose your favourite Dubai restaurants.

This year marks the decade anniversary of the What’s On Awards, and we promise to celebrate the occasion in style with the best awards yet. But first, you have to do your job and vote.

You will find voting cards in the nominated restaurants, so next time you dine at your favourite Italian, Japanese or European, make sure you fill in the card. It will take less than a minute, and for a few seconds of your time you could be rewarded with a getaway to the beautiful Seychelles. And it is stunning – we’ve been there many times and never grow sick of the pristine beaches, clear, warm waters of the Indian Ocean and some of the friendliest people on this fine earth.

If you don’t have time to fill in the voting card, you can vote online at whatsonawards.com.

We know that you’re up to the task, because more than two million of you lovely people have voted since the first What’s On Awards. It is you who make our awards special – the deciding factor in the only people’s choice awards in the UAE. Last year, Zuma was the only restaurant to take home two awards, but with La Petite Maison winning the Best Newcomer award – chosen by us, Team What’s On – and former Verre chef Scott Price, who recently launched his own restaurant Table 9 with cohort Nick Alvis, winning our new Chef Of The Year award, competition will be fierce in 2011.

This year’s award ceremony promises to be the grandest to date. Held alfresco at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, the scene of last year’s successful event, it will be one of the social events of the year. And you can attend on November 27, with tickets available for Dhs475 at the new What's On box office online. So press your finest suit or cocktail dress, polish your heals (ladies only, of course), fold your pocket squares, pre-knot your ties and come and enjoy our favourite night of the year – the What’s On Awards.

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NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 65

WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT NA3NA3

menu

The latest openings, insider info, events, recommendations, giveaways and more

WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT, ALFIE? NEW OPENING

Luxury men’s fashion is what normally springs to mind when one thinks of the Alfred Dunhill brand, which is why we are quietly excited by the news that Alfie’s, Dunhill’s restaurant and lounge concept – already popular in Shanghai and Hong Kong – will be opening beside Dunhill’s Emirates Towers branch in January.

Alfie’s, The Boulevard, Jumeirah Emirates Towers. dunhill.com

HEALTHY CHEF

In the UAE, it is all too easy to eat badly. So if you’re a calorie counter, your toned stomach will growl with delight at the news that Madinat Jumeirah has appointed chef Gabi Kurz as its new “well-being” chef to devise healthy dining menus across the resort’s restaurants and Talise spa.

Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah, Dubai. jumeirah.com

Mirchi

NEW Opening an Indian restaurant OPENING in an already crowded UAE market might not seem the greatest of ideas, but as Mirchi is opening its fourth branch, we’ll take it they know something we don’t. Besides, we love Indian cuisine.

Arabian Centre, Al Khawaneej Road, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 2393330. mirchidubai.com

Faulty Towers

If you haven’t seen John Cleese’s 1970s comedy Fawlty Towers, you haven’t lived. Forget Little Britain or Gavin & Stacey; Fawlty Towers is the greatest British comedy show ever.

Things didn’t always go well in the hotel restaurant for the show’s star, Basil Fawlty, but Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience [their spelling], coming to the UAE for seven shows, is sure to be an amusing night out. Two hours of entertainment accompanied by a slap up three-course meal. Just don’t mention the war. We mentioned it once, but we think we got away with it.

Nov 1 to 6, Arabian Courtyard Hotel, Al Fahidi Street, Dubai, 1pm or 7pm, Dhs395 for a dinner show, Dhs295 for lunch show. Tel: (04) 3519111. arabiancourtyard.com

Verre today, gone tomorrow Gordon Ramsay’s Verre is out – and Table 9 is in

NEW OPENING

Gordon Ramsay’s Dubai restaurant is no more – after more than a decade, Verre at Hilton Dubai Creek closed on October 28. But don’t fear, diners of Dubai, we don’t need Gordon – not when we have his former protégés Scott Price and Nick Alvis, and their new restaurant, Table 9 By Nick And Scott. Promising to be a cooler and altogether livelier and more modern affair than the formal fine dining Verre once offered, Scott and Nick are promising to breathe new life into the UAE dining scene with Table 9. With a menu of small plates for casual diners, tasting menus for those looking for something a bit grander, sommelier Rahul Dua offering 50 wines served by the glass, and a tie up with Mojo Gallery and local ceramic artist Homa Farley, Table 9 could be exactly what Dubai needs – a restaurant imagined right here, rather than by an international brand. “We’re really trying to make things local. We have a local gallery supplying art, and a local ceramic artist making crockery. We didn’t want to bring in stuff from outside because Dubai has lots to offer and we want to show it off,” says Scott. That’s certainly enough to excite us, and we’ll be booking a table as soon as it opens on November 9 (see what they did there?).

Truffle season Autumn in Italy means one thing – truffle season. But you don’t need to jump on a plane to be able to enjoy them. Jones The Grocer has rolled out a truffle-focused dinner menu (Dhs139). While Sloane’s at Grosvenor House Dubai will dedicate a month of brunches to truffles (Dhs220). Also on our radar is new chef Daniele Capobianco's arrival at Radisson Blu’s Certo. Capobianco is from truffle-rich Umbria, so it’ll be worth a visit for his truffle-inspired menu. Finally, Giorgio Locatelli recently paid a visit to Atlantis, creating numerous truffle dishes for Ronda Locatelli's November menu.

Jones The Grocer, various locations, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tel: (04) 3466886. jonesthegrocer.com Sloane’s, Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower One, Dubai Marina, Fri 1pm to 4pm, Dhs220 without alcohol.

Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com Nov 13 to 26, Certo, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3.30pm and 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 366 9111. radissonblu.com Ronda Locatelli, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, daily noon to 3pm, Sun to Fri 3pm to 6pm, Sat to Wed 6pm to 10.30pm, Thurs and Fri 6pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 4262626. atlantisthepalm.com 66 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

For a chance to win dinner for four at the fantastic new Thursday seafood night on the terrace at The Address Dubai Mall’s Arabic restaurant Na3Na3, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with Na3Na3 in the subject line and tell us…

Where are Australians famous for chucking some shrimps? a) on the barbie b) on the ken c) in a Le Creuset pot

New Abu Dhabi Brunches Roll up, roll up, new brunches for all. Competition for your custom on a Friday lunchtime in Abu Dhabi has stepped up a notch with a whole host of new contenders vying for your time and hard earned dirhams. The Crowne Plaza’s Spaccanapoli (from Dhs115) goes head-to-head with Filini at the Radisson Blu Hotel (Dhs190) in the all-you-can-eat Italian buffet category, while the Yas Island Rotana throws Indian a la carte restaurant Rangoli (Dhs159) and Blue Grill’s AAA meat-fest into the ring (Dhs175). Le Royal Méridien’s multi-restaurant brunch, meanwhile, offers an international spread of cuisine from BBQ restaurant Al Fanr, Italian restaurant Amalfi and Japanese-Asian noodle spot Soba (Dhs209). And, finally, Le Deck at the much-talked-about Monte Carlo Beach Club is offering its Monte Carlo Tapas brunch featuring both buffet and a la carte “international tapas” dishes.

Spaccanopoli, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs115 without alcohol. Tel: (02) 6166261. ichotelsgroup.com Filini, Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs190.Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com Yas Island Rotana, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to 3pm Rangoli, Dhs159, Blue Grill Dhs175. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com Le Royal Méridien, Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 4pm, Dhs209. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridienabudhabi.com Le Deck, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs445, Dhs265 without alcohol. (02) 6563500. montecarlobeachclub.ae

HAPPY NATIONAL DAY!

The UAE celebrates its 40th birthday on December 2.

Commemorate National Day with a visit to one of these Emirati dining establishments

AL-FANAR

MEZLAI

Celebrate in grand style at Emirates Palace’s high-end Emirati restaurant with local specialities and delicacies such as shark soup.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 1pm to 10.30pm, Fri 7pm to 10pm, brunch 2pm to 5pm. Tel: (02) 6907999. kempinski.com

EMIRATI N MORE

Put your National Day feast in the hands of brothers Khalid and Faisal Al Romaithi. They are on a mission to bring Emirati cuisine to the masses.

Cassells Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai, noon to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4084777

NEW The recently opened OPENING Al-Fanar promises Emirati fine dining at its 15,000sqft restaurant at Dubai Festival City.

Al-Fanar, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Sun to Weds 11am to midnight, Thurs to Sat 10am to 1am. Tel: (04) 2329966

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The new Friday Brunch.

A weekend to remember.

Flavours on Two restaurant brings you a special leisure brunch. Come and enjoy the music in a relaxed atmosphere amongst friends.

Our chefs have created a lavish spread of sumptuous irresistible choices by blending the best of east and west. Seafood variety from the seven seas. Fine sushi selection.

Cosmopolitan buffet blending east and west cuisine……..and more to come

“Chill out and enjoy the music”.

Fridays from 12:30 to 16:00 hours.

Last call beverages 15:30 hours.

Starting from the 7th of October 2011.

Special discount for table of 4 For more information please call 00 971 (0) 4 312 2201 or visit www.rotanatimes.com P.O. Box 30430 Dubai U.A.E T : 00 971 (0) 4 312 2201 | F: 00 971 (0) 4 312 2207 fb.towers@rotana.com

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 67

WIN! WIN! WIN! Do you and your friends want to come to our party?

To enter this fantastic competition, just e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with WHAT’S ON AWARDS in the subject line and the correct answer to the question

WIN! A TABLE FOR TEN AT THE WHAT’S ON AWARDS One lucky winner and nine of their friends will be joining the elite of Dubai’s entertainment scene at this month’s What’s On Awards. Taking place under the stars at the stunning Media City Amphitheatre on November 27, the evening will include live music, fantastic food and a host of hotly contested categories being fought out. Tickets are available for Dhs475 per person, so this fantastic prize is worth a whopping Dhs4,750. If you’d like the chance to dress up, mingle with the city’s great and good, and dance into the night – and take nine friends along for fun – simply tell us…

Which of the following is not a category in the What’s On Awards?

To buy tickets a) Best Newcomer for the What’s On b) Favourite European Restaurant Awards visit whatsonboxoffice.com c) The Tastiest Sarnie We Ate All Year 68 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

COURTESY OF THE ARTIST NABIL SAFWAT AND TOTAL ARTS, THE COURTYARD

ARTS

p72 p73 p75 p76 p78

Open for business Off the wall Fair trade The Art Insider Five to see

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 71

ARTS

Open for business Al Quoz isn’t Dubai’s only premier art destination – DIFC, the city’s business district, is home to a burgeoning art scene of its own. Here are six good reasons to visit...

THE EMPTY QUARTER GALLERY

One of the region’s few dedicated photography galleries, Empty Quarter specialises in a rolling international exhibition programme of established, archive and up-and-coming photographic artists.

Plus there’s a great on-site bookshop, too. www.theemptyquarter.com

THE FARJAM COLLECTION

This extensive private collection features premium displays of the best of the region’s recent and historical art and collectibles.

It also offers a comprehensive education programme and lectures relating to current exhibitions. The summer art camps for kids come highly recommended. www.farjamcollection.org

AYYAM GALLERY DIFC

The second Dubai outpost of one of Syria’s most acclaimed contemporary art galleries mines the same rich seam as its Al Quoz predecessor – highly regarded group and solo shows from leading Syrian artists. www.ayyamgallery.com

OPERA GALLERY

A truly international gallery (there are Operas in the world’s leading art capitals) – expect to see anything from the latest 'big thing' from the Far East to retrospectives of 20th century heavyweights from Picasso to Warhol. www.operagallery.com

ART SAWA

Champions of art and artists from the Middle East and Sub-Continent, Sawa works hard 72 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

AYYAM GALLERY DIFC

to curate an original exhibition programme that draws on leading regional talent. Its great space works particularly well with installations and sculpture. www.artsawa.com

XVA GALLERY

Earlier this year, what is arguably Bastakiya’s foremost contemporary art gallery expanded its scope to DIFC. Now showing programmes across both galleries, its heavy-hitters are showcased in this exciting new space. A welcome addition to DIFC’s art gang. xvagallery.com

AND FOR A LITTLE EXTRA SPICE...

Art Nights at DIFC offer an evening of all things art and culture across DIFC’s Gate Village as the area’s galleries (which also include the longstanding ArtSpace and esteemed Cuadro Fine Art galleries) throw open their doors after hours. Dedicated events, installations and ‘happenings’ also mark the Nights as ones to remember, as anyone who saw local light installation artist James Clar’s piece for Art Dubai open last month will attest. Now quarterly events, look out for the next one in January – it promises to be a night to remember.

Off the wall Italian Luxury Interiors takes place at Dubai’s Madinat Jumeirah this month.

Exhibitors and Italian mosaic specialists Fantini Mosaici reveal the tricks of the trade

Mosaic has a strong tradition in art, as well as design. Is your work more art or design?

We hand-make pieces of art, we look more into the details of the aesthetic, beauty and quality of our products. Every work is unique, in its material and design. That said, every piece of work we do should represent design at its most functional and most beautiful. In short, it is both.

Bespoke design is only available to the lucky few – what’s in it for the rest of us?

Luxury today is a quality that lasts over time; excellence that can be only be achieved if mastered into perfection. There is a limit to what technology can do, but no limit to artisans who pride themselves on techniques passed down through generations and who devoted their life to perfection of their craftsmanship. This should be appreciated highly.

You’re currently working on the interiors for Palazzo Versace – any secrets you can share?

The secrets are in the hands of our artisans, they have the key to make any project authentic. It is the human team that adds the secrets. All the designs of this promising hotel are inspired

by Greek Mythology.

Nov 27 to 30. fantinimosaici.it

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VOTE BEFORE NOV. 9 AT WHATSONAWARDS.COM AND YOU COULD WIN A SEYCHELLES GETAWAY FOR TICKET SALES, VISIT WHATSONBOXOFFICE.COM The UAE’s best-selling entertainment magazine brings you the Emirates’ longest-running and most prestigious restaurant and entertainment awards.

Terms & conditions apply.

ARTS

Fair trade

The third outing for the capital’s very own art fair hasn’t just grown up – it’s outgrown its previous home. Formerly gracing the golden environs of Emirate’s Palace, this year Abu Dhabi Art sets up shop on Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District – soon-to-be home to the Middle East’s very own Guggenheim and Louvre galleries. Building on last year’s success, the fair’s focus remains on galleries representing art from the MENA region alongside a sprinkling of Western contemporary art heavy-hitters (including London’s White Cube). With special sections dedicated to up-and-coming galleries and artists, a dedicated design sector and a full programme of events, it promises to be an excellent day out for the region’s art lovers.

Nov 16 to 19, Saadiyat Island Cultural District, Abu Dhabi. abudhabiartfair.ae

News Flash The Dunes are Alive...Again

A Night at the Museum

When it comes to musicals it seems as though, for UAE audiences at least, the oldies are definitely the best if news that Popular Productions’ staging of that Rogers and Hammerstein classic, The Sound Of Music, is returning to Dubai for its second outing in less than 12 months is anything to go by. On show at the Madinat Theatre for just nine performances, if you missed it last time, now’s your chance.

Nov 12, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs175, Tel: 08004669. soundofmusicdubai.com

It won’t come as a surprise to anyone to hear that a new gallery is opening in Al Serkal Avenue – the Al Quoz industrial compound has long been a focus of the city’s independent art scene. But a museum? That’s definitely a first.

The Salsali Private Museum opens its doors on November 13 to showcase the private collection of Iranian-born collector Ramin Salsali. Featuring mainly contemporary Middle Eastern art and artists, Salsali’s aim is to shine a light on the cultural treasures of the region. Bring it on, we say. salsalipm.com

Turtle Power Illustrator Suzie Keeble will be launching her new children’s book Tina the Turtle (written by Grace Todino-Gonqeut) at the Majlis Gallery accompanied by a live sea turtle, courtesy of the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Programme. The three-hour Turtle Saturday event kicks off at 10am sharp on November 19. With a competition to name the turtle and the chance to win a signed copy of the book, this is one day out your kids won’t want to miss. themajlisgallery.com

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 75

THE ART INSIDER

Five minutes with...

Installation artist Ergin Çavusoglu

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 Abu Dhabi Art, the leading art fair in the region, returns on this month, and I for one am excited – as everybody should be. It will be held at a new venue on Saadiyat Island, the UAE Pavilion from the Shanghai Expo 2010 designed by Foster + Partners. And the roster of galleries exhibiting is seriously impressive, including international names such as Gagosian, White Cube, Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac and Lisson Gallery. From the MENA region there is Kamel Mennour, Galerie Sfeir-Semler, Meem Gallery, Gallery IVDE and Third Line. The list of exhibiting artists features such luminaries as Jeff Koons, Ai Weiwei, Dia Al Azzawi, Adel Abdessemed, Martin Creed and Anish Kapoor.

As well as sprinkling some stardust on the UAE art scene, education is an integral factor at the fair and there will be talks, discussions and events with leading international 76 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

artists, gallerists, collectors and curators, including Larry Gagosian, Jeff Koons and Sarah Morris. Themes will include the impact of the UAE Venice Biennale Pavilion, and Abu Dhabi Art Talk: From Local Art Scene to Global Art World. A series titled Abu Dhabi Art Conversations will consist of moderated discussions with leading art world professionals, and confirmed speakers include David Zwirner, Dia Azzawi, Adel Abdessemed, Mahmoud Obaidi, Ramin and Rokni Haerizadeh. These speakers will share insight into their creative and professional processes, discuss their careers and formative backgrounds, present current bodies of work, and introduce new projects and ventures.

There will be educational workshops for all ages, a dedicated art space for children aged between two and 12, and the return of the Abu Dhabi Art Library, with books on loan from the private collection of the Al Noor Library.

It is clear that Abu Dhabi Art has made a commitment to quality, from the galleries exhibiting and the work they contain to the education programme’s lectures, and workshops catering to all. The fair is giving the audience what it thirst for – high culture in a format all can enjoy, participate in, learn from and be inspired by. Just what the UAE needs right now.

Your new work is called Dust Breeding – what does it mean?

The work is primarily based on sculptural models I created as a response to a site where I filmed a video installation project entitled Silent Glide.

The location was the largest cement factory in Turkey called Nuh (Noah).

The sense of entrapment while being on the site when filming the project is translated literally in the context of the perspective and the way the audiences at The Pavilion will interact with it.

How do you think Dubai audiences will relate to the work?

The surrounding cityscape of Dubai resonates directly in the structural aspect of the work. I would call the work site-specific both in the way it looks as well as in the ways it mirrors the fabric of the city.

You were born in Bulgaria of Turkish heritage and are based in London – how has that influenced you?

I was born and grew up in Bulgaria as part of the Turkish minority during the Communist regime. I’ve since lived and studied in Istanbul and London.

Relating to my own past inevitably the ideas of mobility and liminality* are often prevalent in my practice.

Describe Dust Breeding in three words Non-existing sculpture. * In case you left your dictionary at home, this refers to a state of living between two different existential planes. Yes, we had to look it up too…

Until Dec 3, The Pavilion, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 4477025. pavilion.ae

Under the Patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces TDIC presents

EMIRATI EXPRESSIONS 19 October 2011 – 28 January 2012 Manarat Al Saadiyat Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

SAVE THE DATE Artscape Emirati, 29 November 2011

saadiyatculturaldistrict.ae

ARTS

Five to see

ÅSEASONAL LANDSCAPE AND WONDERING IN NATURE

It’s the Emirates as you’ve never seen the. The landscapes of the UAE get a European-style makeover in this exhibition of paintings

by Nabil Safwat, whose brushworks combines something of the stylistic sensibilities of the likes of Impressionist greats, Monet and Turner. Intriguing stuff.

Until Nov 15, Total Arts, The Courtyard, Al Quoz 3, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3475050. courtyard-uae.com

ÉDISCONNECTED

This Third Line gallery spin-off continues to impress as it goes about its mission to champion up-and-coming local talent in its latest exhibition. Disconnected is a series of works by Pakistani photographer Izdeyar Setna that investigates the recent social and political upheavals in the city of Karachi through a series of disturbingly simple, yet dramatic, portraits.

Nov 10 to 12, January, Projects, The Third Line, Al Quoz 3, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3411367. thethirdline.com

ÑNOTHING, NOBODY

Large-scale ink paintings on paper and video installations form the basis of this solo show by Iraqi artist Sadik Kwaish Alfraji. His anonymous everyman figure illustrates the artist’s philosophical musings on life and the plight of humanity in a manner that is both thought provoking and quietly beautiful.

Until Dec 15, Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Building 3, Gate Village, Dubai, free.

Tel: (04) 4392395. ayyamgallery.com 78 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

ÅMIND’S EYE

Mixing elements of high Ottoman and traditional Turkish folk art with influences from Western greats from Manet to Matisse, Turkish artist Selma Gürbüz’s first solo show in the region is nothing if not ambitious. Featuring works on canvas alongside more delicate inks on paper, Gürbüz’s finely detailed and lyrical work makes this one cross-cultural melting pot worth seeing.

Until Dec 7, Lawri Shabibi Gallery, Unit 21, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3469906. lawrishabibi.com

ÇEMIRATI EXPRESSIONS

This major exhibition of UAE art and artists continues on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. If you can, coincide your visit with something from the extensive programme, workshops, or talks that run throughout the month. For something really special, Artscape Emirati will be presented on November 29 as part of the National Day celebrations and promises an evening of music, poetry performance art and interactive family workshops.

Until Jan 28, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, free. artsabudhabi.ae

CASEMATE.COM

SHOPPING

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SHOPPING

Which craft?

In a land of big brands and shiny shops, the UAE is in need of a handmade touch and some home-spun charm. With the rise of website Etsy.com where crafty types can sell their wares (and comedy spin-off, Regretsy), crafts have gone from granny territory to hipster hobby. So we’ve shunned the malls and met the experts to bring you the best classes, shops, stalls, markets and more

GETTING STARTED You’ll need a basic level of skill before you start your first project, as well as some materials and equipment. The best place to start is an education centre where instructors will either provide everything you need or give you a shopping list.

from beginner's crochet and an introduction to machine sewing to hand embroidery, clubs for knitters and a quilting clinic. Buy a sewing machine and you'll get a course free of charge.

Town Centre, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3422237. mycraftland.com

CRAFT LAND A haven for all things material, Craft Land is packed with a rainbow of ribbons, rolls of hand-dyed fabric, yarns, buttons, zippers, accessories and just about everything you need to start your new career as a crafter. Sewing machines are available to buy, and there’s a technician in-store should you need repairs to your machine, but if you’re taking part in one of the many workshops then you can hire one. Classes range

CREATIVE HANDS If you need stickers, stencils, stamps, and, above all, card, then Creative Hands is the shop for you. Offering everything you could possibly require for card making and decoupage, the shop is packed with inspiration, with owner Annais at the helm, and the heart, of the paper crafting community.

Green Community, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8849343. creativehandsdubai.com

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PAPER LANE A go-to store if you’re keen to start scrapbooking (the art of preserving photos, letters and 2D souvenirs to the uninitiated), this charming store is full of the paper, card, books, ink, stamps, paint and tools needed for your new hobby. Paper Lane also runs three-hour workshops on Saturdays (normally around Dhs175 per session) to get you started and meet other crafters.

Town Centre, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3443633. dubaiscrapbookstore.com DUCTAC Well-known for its drama classes, you can also learn textile collage, mosaic, henna crafts, jewellery design and sculpture at DUCTAC. The four-session pottery on the wheel course costs Dhs600 and takes place on

Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3414777. ductac.org TASHKEEL Primarily a gallery with studios for artists, Tashkeel also runs a number of courses. Many are designbased, with classes in calligraphy, laser cutting, screen-printing and fashion design. Our pick of the upcoming semester is a six-week workshop on large-scale modern sculpture (starting November 14) where, during three-hour sessions, creative types of all abilities can learn about the art form and create an installation up to seven feet tall.

Materials and lunch are provided and it costs Dhs2,460 for nonmembers.

Nal Al Sheba, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3363313. tashkeel.org

« �o To Market » The UAEʼs crafting community is thriving, which means some fantastic markets for one-off gifts and inspiration, or opportunities for selling your wares

how to make an…

iPad cover

1

Arte

You need: two sheets of laminate fabric 12" x 10", fusible batting and lining 13" x 10", magnetic clasps, two strips of belting, two buttons, plus sewing tools.

The region’s largest group for artists and crafters sets up shop twice a month at Festival Centre and Times Square Mall, with everything from glass painting to photography for sale. If you’d like to book a table, e-mail contact@arte.ae.

November 4, Festival City, Dubai, noon to 9pm and November 11, Times Square Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3418020. arte.ae

Finish one edge of each belting strip, attach magnetic clip and sew on button.

Attach magnetic clips to one laminate sheet. Fuse batting and lining, sew to laminate at short sides. Include belting, in the seam of one set.

Dubai Flea Market

Yes, there are a lot of people desperately selling assorted tat before they move or leave Dubai, but the flea market is home to local artisans and their creations, too.

From home-made cards to one-off necklaces, this is an ideal spot to pick up a well-priced present.

Re-opening on November 5, entry costs Dhs3 while the Uptown Mirdif event on November 11 is free.

It costs from Dhs230 for a table to sell your crafts or junk, and you can apply online.

Safa Park and Uptown Mirdif, Dubai. Tel: (055) 4526030. dubai-fleamarket.com

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Covent Garden Market

We still can’t quite figure out (or forgive) the name, but there’s no denying that The Walk comes alive when the market reopens each autumn. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday stalls sell unique souvenirs, quirky fashions (think ballet flats with Audrey Hepburn’s face on them), vintage pieces and home accessories. To lease a stall, fill out the application form online.

The Walk, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Wed and Thurs 5pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 10am to 9pm. Tel: (050) 4250543. coventgardenmarket.ae

SHOPPING

5

4 Open and place the two sets with the right sides facing and sew all around, leaving a small opening in short side of lining.

Trim seam allowance and corners, turn inside out and neaten corners. Push lining inside laminate part and top stitch edge.

6

For more details and a downloadable tutorial visit mycraftland.com NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 83

SHOPPING

The perfect fit Sick of scouring the malls only to find the high street stores just aren’t catering to your body type?

Always wearing flip-flops because your feet are too big for brogues or ballerinas? Fret not, shops and chains are starting to do their bit to clothe and shod anyone who isn’t a sample size

THE DILEMMA: Curves ahead As the catwalk starts to embrace models who are more bountiful than bony, chains like New Look, H&M, Monsoon, Evans at Debenhams and Marks & Spencer are catering for sizes up to a UK 22 and beyond, often with dedicated plus-size lines. For more formalwear, there are a couple of stores on hand to help.

MARINA RINALDI

When this high-end Italian fashion house began its biz within the MaxMara group in 1980, it was deemed revolutionary – introducing clothes in larger sizes using luxurious fabrics, rather than stretch cotton. While there's plenty of choice, Marina Rinaldi is best for evening gowns and glam separates.

Sizes: US14-24/UK16-26 BurJuman, Bur Dubai. Tel: (04) 3596670. marinarinaldi.com

ULLA POPKEN

Dating back to 1880, the small family-run business started out as a maternity store until the staff realised they were no longer selling to mums to be. Instead, plus size women were shopping in their droves. Today its website has online shopping, blogs, stories and trends, while the store has also designed a range of shoes and boots with a wider fit.

Sizes: US10-36/UK12-38 The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3253144. ullapopken.com

THE DILEMMA: Unfortunate feet While many take great delight in splashing out on a new pair of pumps, for some each shopping trip is just another fruitless search for something in their size. Sales are a great place to find very small or large shoes, so check out factory sales and Dubai Outlet Mall. Of course, if you have very tiny tootsies, then shop in the kids’ department and save yourself some dirhams.

ITALIAN SHOE FACTORY

The Italian Shoe Factory creates footwear that is designed by you and customised to fit your foot, so you can pick the materials, shape and sole – you can even copy a coveted designer style.

Prices start from Dhs800, so while more expensive than a pair from the high street, these will last years longer and you can order everything from Choo-a-like stilettos to chunky winter boots in durable leather.

Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3404076. italianshoefactory.com

PAYLESS SHOES

Ignore the bright lights and less than seductive shopping experience – there are some bargains to be had at Payless; we’ve spotted heels in a ladies size 43 for less than Dhs100, so frequent trips can pay off.

A big fave in the States and Canada, North American expats were practically sprinting it into this store when it opened last year.

Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai. Tel: (04) 6023000. payless.com

THE DILEMMA: Big and tall men

THE DILEMMA: Struggling with swimwear

Whether you’re naturally very tall and broad or have gained a few kilos and those tight tees just aren't working any more, men larger than an XL are well-catered for. Of course, a tailormade suit is the backbone (try Whistle & Flute in Satwa on (04) 3429229), but there are plenty of stores for casualwear, too.

Bikini and swimsuit shopping can be nightmare at the best of times, but if you’re plus-size, top heavy or a larger chap then it’s downright distressing. In a land where we can rarely escape the beach, luckily some companies are keeping them buoyant.

TOMMY BAHAMA

DEBENHAMS

This all-American store offers a multitude of choices for the big and tall. Designs tend to be more print-based, with floral shirts abundant, but basic T-shirts and shorts are available too.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3414747. tommybahama.com

BIG & TALL SHOP

This place does what it says on the tin; you’ll find racks and rails full of formal, casual and everyday clothing up to size XXXXXXL. The Walk, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4389529. bigtallstores.com

The Mall Of The Emirates branch has an extensive swimwear department, with sizes up to a UK 20 and cup size GG. Being a British store it is, however, seasonal so you’ll be luckier during spring and summer so buy in bulk then. The Dubai Mall store, unfortunately, isn’t so well-stocked.

Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3407575. debenhams.com

EVANS

Another British store, concessions of Evans can be found in Debenhams and it carries a number of swimwear designs each summer. As it’s very much a plus size store, the styles veer towards the granny-ish, but for a basic black cossie you might get lucky.

Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3407575. evans.co.uk

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talk

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

Wardrobe woes

THIS MONTH WE’RE BUYING… NOTEBOOKS

Overpowering air con versus sunshine outside makes for a very confusing wardrobe. Are there any A/W key pieces that can transcend both?

Kaylie, Dubai Annah Cuthbert, Fashion And Beauty Assistant, Emirates Woman: Leave the faux furs and chunky cable knits for the much cooler climates and opt for cotton cardigans or silk pashminas to wrap around your shoulders whilst in our chilly malls. These pieces will also be light enough to pop in your bag whilst out of the fierce breeze. Zara and H&M always have a varied selection, but for something a little more luxe invest in this silk shawl in one of this season’s hottest hues, chartreuse, by Amanda Wakley at net-a-porter.com.

HOW TO...

IRON A SHIRT

Spread the collar out face down. Iron the back first, then the front and use the tip of the iron on the points.

Lay the sleeve flat on the board and iron from the shoulder to the cuff. Repeat on reverse.

86 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

T-shirt dresses are back and better; perfect for a hot night out with heels or a casual lunch with flats, we love this breezy cloud-print design (approx.

Dhs1,780) by Holly Fulton, which is exclusive to The Outnet. theoutnet.com

We know it only costs Dhs5 for a wash and press, but if you're on the run or take pride in looking after your shirts then it's time to learn how to iron. Check labels for instructions and temperature settings.

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TREND ALERT

Moleskines have dominated desks and bookshelves for decades, making casual scribblers feel like Hemingway. They’re a classic. But sometimes those fourhour meetings need some livening up, which is why this month we’re treating ourselves to these novelty notebooks.

World notebook, Little Luxuries, Town Centre, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs70 for three. Tel: (04) 3494755. littleluxuries.ae.

Video notebook, Harvest Home Group, Dhs85, Jumeirah Centre, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai.

Tel: (04) 3420225. harvesthomegroup.com

2

Iron the front, starting at the shoulder and moving down. Next iron the back in the same way.

5

Iron the body starting from one front panel, then do the back and finish with the remaining front panel.

3

Keep the fabric damp with a spray bottle full of water.

Iron the cuffs by pressing inside first, then the outside.

6

Use the tip to iron between the buttons.

SHOPPING

BRING THE BLING

The ever-glamorous annual Jewellery Show is highrolling into Dubai this month, bringing exclusive international brands, blinding gems and next season’s trends. From semiprecious stones to the kind of jewels Kate Winslet chucked off the Titanic, there’s a wealth of pieces on show and for sale, plus a competition for aspiring designers, with What’s On taking a place on the judging panel (bribes in the form of diamonds considered).

Nov 10 to 13, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. jewelleryshow.com

WIN! PHONE CASES

We love these silicone covers from CaseMate that turn your smartphone into a monster or animal. If you'd like to win one, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@ motivate.ae with CASE in the subject line and tell us which company makes iPhones. You could have a new pet penguin to play with.

Virgin Megastore, iStyle, Sharaf DG and Emax, Dhs95, case-mate.com

News flash LK Bennett has opened in Dubai just in time

for the party season. Home to grown-up, high quality designs, the shoe store has also branched out into accessories and ready to wear clothing, all with a sophisticated, quintessentially English edge. The Duchess of Cambridge is rarely seen without her LKB nude pumps, and if it’s good enough for K Middy…

LK Bennett, Mirdif City Centre, Mirdif, Dubai. lkbennett.com

On the radar

Following in the fashionable footsteps of Victor + Rolf, Stella McCartney, Karl Lagerfeld, Commes des Garcons and, umm, Madonna, Versace is producing a collection for high-street giants H&M. Out this month, the line promises to continue the brand’s vibrant colour palette, with tropical prints and gold-studded accessories.

Better start queuing now; we’re predicting more lines than Donatella’s face.

From Nov, H&M, various branches. hm.com

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IT’S YOUR TURN

TO GET BEHIND THE WHEEL

Get set to rev your engines. At Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, you finally have the chance to get behind the wheel and see where your imagination takes you. When you visit the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, you’ll finally have the chance to live the Ferrari dream in ways you never imagined possible. Experience the legend like never before, with over 20 rides and attractions in the world’s largest indoor theme park.

ferrariworldabudhabi.com

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 87

MIND & BODY

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Five of the best...

Posing a problem 10 spa sins Body talk NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 89

MIND & BODY

Five of the best… foot treatments Go on, sit down, take a load off and indulge your aching feet with our favourite treats for your tootsies WHAT? The new glam pedi WHERE? N.Bar Alexander McQueen sent models down the runway with metallic talons and Katy Perry’s fingers look like they’ve been dipped in mercury, so it’s no surprise that the UAE has embraced the trend of bling, almost robotic, nail art. A new technique by Minx uses stickers rather than polish to create long-lasting designs, from snakeskin silver to tiny flags, with heat lamps bonding the decal onto your nails. Manicures will last up to a week, while pedis stay pristine for a month, leaving nails looking a little bit fembot and very, very cool.

N.Bar, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, from Dhs175. Tel: (04) 3301001. thegroomingco.com WHAT? The foot contouring treatment WHERE? Zayna Spa Organic moor mud is the key to this tootsy revitaliser, though thankfully not quite on a rainy-weekend-at-Glastonbury-Festival level of gunk. A brief aromatherapy soak is followed by a pleasingly sandpaper-ish scrub and feet/lower leg massage. Then the mud is generously slapped on, cocooned in plastic wraps and left for a short period to work its magic, designed to relieve aches and pains, while increasing circulation. Removed with relaxing warm towels, a concluding tension relief gel mini-massage really gets between shins and calves and at deep niggles buried beneath the surface.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, Dhs310 for 45 minutes. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

FISHO@Wild Wadi Water Park

Anantara Spa

SensAsia Express Urban Spa

WHAT? The wacky feet nibbling experience WHERE? FISHO@Wild Wadi Water Park If you’re up for something unusual this weekend, FISHO offers a pedicure guaranteed to make you chuckle. A social experience lasting 20 minutes, you’ll never look at a fishbowl the same way again. The only place in Dubai that offers a fish pedi, this alternative treatment engages the services of the toothless Garra Rufa fish, who gently exfoliate feet while giving you a micro-massage to improve your blood circulation, leaving your tootsies baby soft. Gasp, giggle and relax.

FISHO, Wild Wadi Water Park, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Dhs50 for 20 minutes. Tel: (04) 3484444. jumeirah.com

WHAT? The relaxing reflexology massage WHERE? Anantara Spa WHAT? The quick fix for aching feet A relatively new addition to Anantara’s WHERE? SensAsia Express grandiose offerings, foot reflexology is Urban Spa designed to reach corresponding organs in Appropriately positioned in a mall – a serial the upper body via specific points on the feet. offender for soreness – a mere half hour After a salts and oils-filled foot bath, followed in the spa will get you ready for more shoe by some bone-clicking stretches, your soles, shopping. Flee from the food court and toes and upper feet are manipulated with seek sanctuary with the Stilletto Worthy deep-reaching finger and thumb impressions. treatment, which starts with hot towels to It’s occasionally uncomfortable and certainly cleanse and relax everything below the knee before a therapist exfoliates rough skin. You’re tests involuntary jerking reflexes (albeit not so intrusively that a quick doze is impossible). then treated to a detoxifying mask that does Once the post-treatment haze has subsided, its thing during a mini massage to boost circulation. You’ll be skipping to Kurt Geiger however, a genuine rush of renewed energy courses through your body. in no time.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, SensAsia Express Urban Spa, Mall Of The Dhs500 for 60 minutes. Tel: (02) 6909000.

Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai, Dhs155 for 30 emiratespalace.com minutes. Tel: (04) 3549228. sensasiaspas.com NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 91

Posing a problem

MIND & BODY

If you spend most of the day at your desk, you could be sitting your way to ill health. So how can you offset those sedentary hours and correct your imperfect posture?

THE EXPERT R

JULIE MEE

Sick of our aching back, we team up with Julie Meers of wellbeing, sports and physiotherapy centre, Body Balancer to find out how to fix our posture problems

Whenever a new fad diet or ‘allergy’ comes onto the scene, the naysayers are quick to argue that our ancestors didn’t have a weight problem. And they have a point. Past generations earned their wage with farming, manual labour and production, burning up the calories and staying strong. Us? We’re pale-faced, inflexible, flabby desk dwellers who only stand up to get another can of Coke – and we’ll normally ask someone else to do that if we can.

The result isn’t just the regional obesity problem, but also the pain and discomfort that comes from working at a computer, not to mention the spreading epidemic of ‘text neck’ that occurs from too much time spent hunched over your smartphone.

Away from work you should be aiming for 10,000 steps or five miles per day (get a pedometer and don’t stop pounding the pavements, malls or corridors until you reach it), watching your calorie intake and doing resistance training to stay strong. If five miles a day seems ambitious, just try to walk a little more ach day.

As far as work is concerned, we wouldn’t encourage you to ditch that cushy desk job, but there are some simple adjustments

you can make to your posture and working environment to improve those eight hours you spend aldesko.

3 Improper monitor position The upper most part of the monitor screen should be eye level and monitor distance should be a minimum of one arm length, with fingers extended, from your body.

1 Lack of breaks Take two types of breaks throughout the day, a micro of a few seconds, taking your hands 4 Resting the arm or wrist on a hard off the keyboard, squeezing your fingers in a surface whilst typing first motion and then going back to typing, The wrist should not be extended in an upward and a macro where every half hour you get up position while typing. You can buy cushions and from your seat, walk around and have a glass supports to keep wrists elevated. of water, which helps keep muscles hydrated.

5 Bizarre leg positioning 2 Mouse and keyboard height Sit properly. Crossed legs, legs folded, If positioned too high there’s too much static legs flopped over the chair arm and other load on the shoulder and neck muscles, which crazy combos are not good news. Your ear, can be painful. When typing in the correct shoulder, elbow and hip should all come into position your elbows should be directly under a straight vertical line with your feet firmly your shoulders in a 90-degree angle. The mouse planted on the floor or a foot rest. should not be too wide or too close to the bodybalancers.com keyboard and your arm should be relaxed.

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 93

MIND & BODY

10 spa sins From five-star hotels to dusty back streets, spas across the UAE are casually committing crimes against clients.

Here’s our top ten rants...

OVERLY HONEST THERAPISTS We’re there for a nice massage, not to have our lumps, bumps, milky-white pallor and assorted other flaws pointed out, thank you very much. A quick poll produced the following quotes: “I think your skin is too small for your body”, “You are very sexy, just like my son” and the seemingly innocent “How many babies have you had?” which was delivered with a pat on the stomach during a fairly harrowing waxing session.

CHEESY MUSIC Please press pause on the panpipe interpretations of Abba and Celine Dion; some simple classical will suffice. Even worse is the whale music and tropical waterfalls that make you need the toilet for 90 minutes.

BEING ABANDONED There’s nothing so disconcerting as being parked under a steam machine or daubed in a mask, only to hear the click of a closing

1/4 AD

door and footsteps down the corridor. You wait, and wait, and wait, and sweat, willing the therapist to return. And when they do and ask is everything is OK, you inevitably reply with a sweet smile and a word of thanks.

certain members of Team What’s On would rather be dipped in hot wax that negotiate the minefield of an all-male massage.

THE UP-SELL

Do you put on the paper pants or not? Is it ok to fall asleep?

What should you wear in the steam room? Can you yelp with pain if it hurts? What if you need the bathroom halfway through?

It’s questions like these that keep wannabe spa-goers away.

Be concise.

There’s a bright light in your eyes, your skin is being examined, and you’re feeling pretty vulnerable. Then you’re told what ‘essential’ products you can’t live without, only to emerge from the room to pay and they’re sitting on the reception desk waiting to be purchased and you feel cheap for turning them down.

UNCLEAR INSTRUCTIONS

HIPPY DIPPY TREATMENTS

No, we don’t want to leave our worries in the worry basket, THE EXPENSIVE spend Dhs500 for someone to ADD-ON hover their hands over our body, Would you like a ‘quick’ facial be told our aura is grey and the while the barber does his thing? only way to fix it is another hour Sure, sounds nice. An hour and on the massage bed, or have Dhs150 later, your haircut is our favourite colour dictate the long-finished and an army of hot essential oil; just get those knots towel wielding have assaulted out, please. you. And your speedy snip isn’t such a bargain. Be upfront about PAPERY PANTS times and prices, please.

Those skimpy knickers are not flattering, they never fit POINTY FINGERS and we’re sure the therapists A deep massage is a wonderful don’t enjoy seeing us in them thing, but the only souvenir either. Much better to opt for from a spa should be a sense of stretchy knit styles that keep relaxation (and maybe a craftily everything… secure. swiped dental kit), not bruises.

And keep those nails short, too.

MAN ON MAN Sure, some legal constraints mean you must be treated by a therapist of the same sex but 94 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

Do you have a spa gripe? Tweet it with #uaeSpaGripe

and soul News, reviews, events and more from the world of well-being

Beauty dilemma

THE WONDER FACIAL

Q. I have a bad habit of falling asleep in my make-up and my skin is suffering. Any advice?

A. If you must nod off without a sweep of the cleansing wipe, at least use skin-friendly make-up. Many big brands now offer mineral-based lines but Bare Minerals (available from Sephora) doesn’t use harsh chemicals, and even the eyeshadows and mascara uses botanical ingredients. Snooze away.

GRAND PRIX PAMPERING Have a good look in the mirror. Look a bit peaky?

Eyes a little tired? Thought so. Well, this is the month to pep up your peepers with a whopping 50 per cent off the 80-minute Age Support facial with Cure Sheer Eye treatment that features amino acids, A, C and E vitamins and a super hydrating eye mask. You’ll leave looking fresh and years younger – expect compliments.

Until Dec 31, The Spa, The Address Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 4388025. theaddress.com

Shangri-La’s spa has raced away with the F1 theme this month with a special massage to measure your body’s torque. An expert will assess you for tension levels then customise the treatment to leave you refuelled and ready to go.

Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, Dhs700 for 90 minutes. Tel: (02) 5098900. shangri-la.com

Essential buy

It’s time to upgrade your tweezers with this wild pair from celeb and make-up artist fave, Tweezerman (Dhs135). Expertly angled to catch even the finest hair, they’re a modern take on the iconic shape.

Beyond Beauty, Harvey Nichols, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4098888. harveynichols.com

Nail it

A new boutique nail salon has opened in Abu Dhabi. Boasting a wall of polishes from the likes of OPI and Essie, Nail It offers natural nail care, enhancements, hand and foot massages, reflexology and more from 10am to 10pm.

Nail It, Corniche Khalidiya, intersection of Zayed the First & 32 St, Burooj Tower, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6505560. nailitspa.com

THREE TO TRY… YOGA YOGATHON

To mark World Diabetes Day on November 14, Dubai Ladies’ Club is holding a 90-minute yoga session on the lawns, suitable for women of all levels. By gently stimulating internal organs, yoga can help stabilise blood glucose levels, which can be beneficial to diabetics and help prevent the disease.

Nov 14, Dubai Ladies Club, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, 9.30am to 11am, free. Tel: (04) 3499922. dubailiadiesclub.com

96 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

MOON GLOW YOGA

End your day the charitable way with an evening yoga class where all proceedings go to help labourers and domestic workers.

From dusk, renowned instructor Debra Kochanczyk will take you through 108 salutations at the candlelit, lakeside spot, with tiki torches guiding the way, with prizes, surprises and an open-air community meditation.

Nov 17, Hilton, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 6.30pm, Dhs100. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com

FULL MOON YOGA

With stars overhead, waves crashing on the private beach and classical music playing softly, this is the ultimate yoga experience. Perhaps not suitable for beginners, this full moon class is taught by an experienced guru.

Nov 11, Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 6.30pm, Dhs99. Tel: (04) 3666818. jumeirah.com

SPORT & OUTDOOR

p100 p102

Falconry Sport talk

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 99

SPORT & OUTDOOR

Falconry With UAE National Day approaching, we decided to get in touch with our adopted country’s roots and send our intrepid staffer, Matt, out to the desert to learn how to master the most traditional of Emirati sports… falconry Let’s face it, your average Bedouin never had to tackle the checkout line at Spinneys – when it came to food, they had to catch their own, or train their birds to do it for them.

Thankfully, the most trouble your average punter has these days is sneaking that 11th item in the ten-or-less queue, but those ancient skills are still very much alive today.

Falconry is still a major sport in the UAE, and revered by Emiratis, and the lovely people at Shaheen xtreme falconry kindly agreed to show me how to do it. Bird handling? Should be a piece of cake.

LEARNING ABOUT THE BIRD “The most important thing to understand is that falcons have no sense of loyalty,” explains Pete, Managing Director at Shaheen.

The falcons, he explains, don’t care about their owners – all they want is food, and they know you have it. Given their potential ferocity and speed – falcons can travel up to a whopping 320kmph – this seems like a fairly intimidating prospect. Yeah, about that cake…

As well as speed, falcons also clock up some other crazy digits – price, for one. The birds I was introduced to (I said hi, they didn’t say much back) carried a hefty price tag, with one costing Dhs50,000 alone. Wow – I wasn’t sure what I found more intimating, that or their claws. OK, it was their claws – but the handlers insisted that the birds weren’t out to hurt me – but there had to be a level of respect.

FLYING TO GLOVE With a one-year-old falcon, Bear, on her arm, trainer Louise, shows me how to remove the bird’s hood. I then go stand down wind from her kitted up with a special glove and a piece 100 WHAT’S ON OCTOBER 2011

“The most important thing to remember is falcons have no sense of loyalty” of, what I’m told is, quail clasped between my fingers. As I stretch my arm out with the bait easily visible Bear takes flight, lands on my hand and proceeds to rip the quail to pieces – awesome.

THE LURE This is the bit I was most excited – and nervous – about. The lure is a length of rope with a dead quail attract to the end. It is swung around like a lasso in order to attached the bird’s attention while it is flying, and then laid on the ground so the falcon can swoop in and nab it, the flyer’s job is to make the bird work for its ‘kill’ by pulling the lure away just as it is about to snag the bait. Pete shows me the technique and talks me through the process, warning me to always keep my eyes on the bird at all times. As I mimic his

demonstration, the bird circles above and the adrenaline begins pumping. Bear then changes direction and swoops down for the kill. I manage to hoist the bait away at the last second, but there is no time to take the plaudits as Bear circles back for round two.

VERDICT Having never so much as held a bird of prey before, to be that close to such intimidating creatures was actually a lot scarier than I thought it would be – but it was thrilling at the same time. Whilst flying the falcons I was completely in awe of them – it’s certainly quite a buzz watching and handling them. I wonder how good they are with shopping lists?

Royal Shaheen Events, Dhs200 to 400. Tel: (04) 4356550. shaheenxtreme.com

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

F1 CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH Sure, Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel are pretty good behind the wheel of a car, but the burning question still remains: how good are they on a football pitch?

Pretty good, as it turns out. If you don’t believe us then head on over to see a team made up of Formula One drivers take on sporting professionals and VIPs from across the region in this one-off friendly match. Entrance is free, and there will be big screens showing the match outside the stadium.

Nov 9, Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium, Al Jazira Sports Club, Abu Dhabi, 7pm, free. Tel: (02) 4454455. nazionalepiloti.it

MMA TOURNAMENT Fight sports such as MMA have taken off big time in the UAE. Here at What’s On we like to keep things civil, but if you’re one of those musclestacked guys that we see at the gym kitted out in Tap Out T-shirts, then the news that gym-based MMA league Top Fight is being set up across the UAE will be right up your street. The winning gym will receive Dhs15,000 and all the bragging rights it can dish out. The fearful need not apply.

Nov TBC. Chi @ The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisure Land, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs1,750 to Dhs5,000. Tel: (02) 5534224. adfc.ae

STICK THE BOOT IN

We were is still aching days after testing out the Health Club at Sheraton Abu Dhabi’s new Sculpt Fit boot camp, which has just launched with personal trainer Wolfgang Tresize. The Australian bodybuilder is also running Sculpt Punch kickboxing classes and one-hour, one-to-one personal training sessions.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs85 per session, Dhs935 for 12 sessions. Tel: (02) 6773333. sheraton.com

ADNIC Yas Run After the dust has settled following the global spectacle of the Formula One circus, the Yas Marina Circuit hosts a more local affair with the Yas Run. This charity fun-run is broken down into four different categories from 1km runs to a 10km team relay, as competitors race around the track under the bright racecourse lights – with the proceeds going to various heart disease projects.

Nov 26, West entrance, Yas Marina circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs50 to Dhs600. Tel: (02) 4460384. adnicyasrun.ae

GLOBAL CHAMPIONS TOUR Horse fans can stop chomping at the bit as the ninth and final stop of the Global Champions Tour rears its head in Abu Dhabi. The international show jumping competition features the top 40 riders in the world competing against Australia’s Edwina Alexander, the rider currently leading the field.

Nov 24 to 26, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, Dhs50. Tel: (02) 5568555. globalchampionstour.com

Al Ain Karting If the Grand Prix didn’t satisfy your yearning for high-octane racing, then don't miss the Rotax Max Challenge grand finals. The Al Ain Raceway hosts 216 of the best semi-professional kart drivers from around the world as they compete in various classes at the final showcase of the season.

Nov 19 to 26, Al Ain Raceway, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (03) 7686662. maxchallenge-rotax.com

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’ve heard people talk about cheat days. What are these? How do I incorporate them into my regimen?

Larry, Dubai Marina I would recommend a cheat meal as opposed to a cheat day.

Based on one week’s worth of eating, if you are allowed to cheat ten per cent of the time, and you eat five times per day (35 meals 102 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

per week), then you can cheat at three and a half meals over the course of the week. Without going into the science of it, cheat meals can actually speed up your metabolism, which is why it is important to incorporate them into your regimen.

Decide what your cheat meal is going to be, sit down at the table and eat it. When you leave the table your cheat meal is finished.

You stop eating. It does not mean snacking later. Have your cheat meal later in the day as it will give you less opportunity to cheat throughout the day, plus a morning cheat meal can make you feel sluggish. Rice or potatoes are better options than products containing wheat or gluten.

Do you have a fitness question for James?

E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae

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The Bolton wanderer Artist of the month Club diary Nightlife news

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 105

GETTY

MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

The Bolton Wanderer

Multiple Grammy-award winning Michael Bolton is coming to Dubai armed with his greatest hits including When A Man Loves A Woman. Watch out ladies...

Welcome back to the UAE. As this is your third time over here, are you getting familiar with the Emirates now?

I’ve been here a few times, but I wouldn’t ask me to give you street directions. I am normally only here for a couple of days.

Has the region left any lasting impressions?

I am always treated very well here and I feel very accepted and appreciated, the people who I have met have always been very gracious – plus the hotels are far from shabby. When you’re constantly travelling, it is wonderful to have people look after you to the extent that they do here. But for me, the most important thing is how the people respond to you. I don’t care how beautiful a place is – if you don’t feel welcome then you just want to leave. I’ve only had good experiences in Dubai.

If you find yourself with half a day free, what will you do?

The one thing I would love to do is play some golf. I always hear that the courses here are phenomenal, and I haven’t been able to play them yet.

So our tickets are in our hand, our taxi is booked, what can we expect from the gig?

You’ve got to bring the greatest hits. I don’t want to be that guy who doesn’t play the big tracks. People come to my shows to hear When A Man Loves A Woman, How Am I Supposed To Live Without You? – songs that they relate to. People go through the most important experiences in their lives to music – they may have proposed to a certain song, a song might have been on the radio when they were kids, or newlywed or even going through hardship. No matter how excited you are about your new projects, you have to remember that the big songs can really mean a lot to people and I feel it’s my duty to sing them.

Do you have new projects on the go right now?

I released my new album, Gems: The Duet Collection, earlier this year. It’s a compilation of duets with artists all from over the world, including people like Delta Goodrem,

Helene Fisher and Paula Fernandez. They are all pretty amazing women and I had to consciously stop myself from looking at them when we were singing, as they are so beautiful that I’d get distracted and forget the words.

Have you ever been starstruck?

I remember I was writing a song with Bob Dylan, and I was a big of his when I was younger. We were sitting there chatting and I was thinking, “Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m sitting here writing with Bob Dylan!” I was pretty star-struck then.

The Jack Sparrow video you did earlier this year with The Lonely Island guys has exploded on YouTube – what has the response been like?

[Laughs] Well, I’ve found myself getting highfived by a lot of college students – which has been great, as it is a market I’ve never really tapped into before. Working with those guys was so much fun, but after dressing up as Erin Brockovich I did learn that I make one scary looking woman.

Did it make you miss your old curls?

The exact opposite.

Nov 24, Madinat Arena, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs350. Tel: (050) 3439139. mpremiere.com/michael-bolton-in-dubai NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 107

MUSIC AND NIGHTLIFE

SHOT ON THE LOCATION AT MERCATO

ST ARFTTI HE O TH MON

Rohit Iyengar You’ve probably seen it by now – if you have, you’re in good company – schoolboy Rohit Iyengar’s quirky ode to the shopping malls of Dubai (The Malls Of Dubai) amassed an incredible 150,000 views and rising on YouTube in just six weeks, turning him from mere Raffles International school kid into a local Internet sensation and the talk of the Emirates.

“It’s kind of strange when people at school started coming up to me singing,” says Rohit who writes, performs, films and edits all of the videos released on his YouTube channel under the moniker of SPR Productions. “But everyone has been really supportive.”

108 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

It has to be said, Rohit’s choice of subject – shopping malls (“I’m in Dubai. I’m going to the mall. There’s so many to choose from, I don’t know where to go”) – is a little, well, ‘out there’.

“Every so often there are moments when a random idea pops up in my head,” explains the singer. “Then I’ll think about directions to take it, either by brainstorming on the PC or simply playing away on an instrument – I play the keyboards, guitar and drums. If what I visualize seems to be going in a positive direction, I’ll decide to work on it. The Malls Of Dubai song and video was a similar train of thought. Also, no one has ever made a song about the malls in Dubai before so it was an original idea.”

However, what is most impressive is how Rohit doesn’t see his recent success as an ending point, but more an opportunity to build on. “It’s great having people take notice, I just hope to carry on going,” he says. “SPR Productions is something I started in late 2009 making short films and music and I’ll continue producing new original and cover songs.

I’ve uploaded four videos since The Malls Of Dubai already. One of the projects I’m working on now is a Hindi version of Danza Kuduro by Don Omar and Lucenzo.” facebook.com/SPRProductions youtube.com/SPRProductionsYT

CLUB DIARY This month's clubbing highlights

11 Desyn Masiello @ Ill Communications

3

DJ Spen @ MustHaveSoul

3

WEEKLY

Aperitivo @ Media One Kick back poolside with laid-back and down-tempo post-office sounds from rotating resident DJs, plus drinks deals.

Media One Hotel, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 4271000. mediaonehotel. com WEEKLY

Audio Tonic @ Sea Lounge The residents warm you up for the weekend with alfresco house delights.

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

DJ Spen @ MustHaveSoul Turntable legend and Baltimore label Code Red representative blesses MHS’s second birthday party.

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

London-born Desyn Masiello is back in full solo effect after a spell as one third of DJ collective SOS. After spending most of the year playing in the Americas, he makes a relatively rare trip east...

You played Dubai last year. Are you excited to be back, especially considering your wife has family here?

I love playing Dubai, and having family here makes it even more special. The crowds are always really up for it and the clubs have great sound. There's such a great mix of cultures as well, which is what house music is about, bringing people together from different races and cultures.

What can we expect to hear?

The last 20 years, all I've done is look for records and amass a collection of over 20,000 vinyls, and endless music in digital form, too. That's the ongoing evolution, not to get stuck in the current trends, but to spread the magic vibes by mixing the old and the new together. Magical music isn't found easily, it is dotted around the

Ele:mental @ Pearls Bar House and soul with DJs from Boogie Box and Optidelic Sessions.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. shangri-la.com

WEEKLY

Residents @ MustHaveSoul A revolving cast of MHS’s finest DJs keep the tempo up in Abu Dhabi.

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com

Moonlight Dance Pool Party @ Ryders Lounge Water-based party antics with DJs Dave Zobhaa and Sjoni.

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

Sis @ Ill Communications Get Physical label-approved Berlin-based DJ and producer hits Dubai.

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

Smokingroove @ Relax@12 The house pioneers get busy in suitably suave surrounds.

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

Sunset Sessions presents Fresh Tonic @ Audio Tonic Newest Audio Tonic resident Rich Showell debuts on the decks, plus veterans Julian Jinx and Raxon.

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

4

Caribbean Beach Bacchanal @ Caribbean Vybez Red Rat, Kes and Tessane Chin and more play live on the beach with Caribbean DJs and bands.

Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai, noon to 11.30pm, Dhs150 to Dhs500. Tel: (050) 4360891. jebelali-international.com

110 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

history of dance music like needles in a haystack.

Do you still DJ vinyl wherever possible then?

I only play with vinyl or CDs, but I don't travel with my vinyl. Since I lost my records on Aero Mexico and never got them back a few years ago I promised myself to always keep them safe at home.

You’ve spent much of 2011 touring North and South America. Are you back home much?

I'm still based in the UK but the last two years I've been there no more than three or four months in total. I tend to accept the offers to play no matter where they are.

WEEKLY

29

MoFunk @ Republique

Urban Education @ Pearls Bar Rone Jaxx and Cliff Townley drop hip hop gems from Run-DMC to Warren G. Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. shangri-la.com

The US and South America are going strong for house music right now.

What made you decide to refocus your efforts on your solo career again?

I went from a ten-year 'career' DJing on my own to my bedroom wall with a poster of loads of people raving in front of the decks to a six-year solo career around the world, then joined SOS and spent four years touring the world together. Now it's time to do something new again.

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

5

WEEKLY

Eclectic Circle @ MustHaveSoul From funk to Motown, the MHS crew’s residents – including What’s On Ed Mark Evans – pick the choicest classics and obscurities.

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

6

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

10

Housexy @ Pearls Bar Ministry Of Sound present the slinkiest house tunes, deep disco and 2011 tracks (also Nov 17 and 24).

WIN!

If you and a friend would like to win free tickets, welcome drinks and a meet and greet with Mark Ronson then e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with RONSON in the subject line and the correct answer to this question...

Which of the following people is not related to Mark Ronson?

A) Samantha Ronson B) Charlotte Ronson C) Lily Allen

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 509855. shangri-la.com Judge Jules @ N’dulge The all-conquering bespectacled DJ legend detonates his Judgement Night in Dubai.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, DhsTBC. (04) 4260561. judgejules.net Natalie Brogan @ Relax@12 Our What's On Abu Dhabi columnist lines up choice house cuts.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am, free. Tel: (02) 6545138. facebook.com/djnataliebrogan Big Race Weekend @ MustHaveSoul Dan Chadwick and Melohman, plus a special guest TBA, provide Formula 1-celebrating beats.

Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com

13

F1 Party @ Audio Tonic/MustHaveSoul Two of the UAE’s top promoters come together for high-octane house thrills, with a special guest TBC. Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free.

Tel: (02) 6563500. musthavesoul.com Mark Ronson Touching down in the capital, superstar DJ Mark Ronson takes over the Allure decks. Expect a raft of remixes from the celeb spinner.

Allure by Cipriani, Yas Marina Yacht Club, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 11pm to 4am, Dhs350. Tel: (050) 5969543. markronson.co.uk

15

See You Next Tuesday @ Republique New monthly ladies’ night launch, soundtracked by indie, disco and electro bangers.

The Address, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4880876. clubrepublique.com

17

DJ Sabrina @ Pink Paw Party The German model-turned-DJ cues up her blend of soul, funk, house and tech-trance.

Tamanya Terrace, Radisson Blu Dubai Media City, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 2am, free. (04) 3669111. myspace.com/djsabrinat

18

GETTY IMAGE S

Groove Armada

13

Mark Ronson @ Allure

Gyptian @ Chi @ The Lodge The Jamaican reggae star behind hit single Hold Yuh plays live in Dubai.

Oud Metha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, DhsTBC. Tel: (04) 3379470. gyptian.com Nacho Marco @ Audio Tonic Spanish sounds from the Valencia DJ, returning after a storming set in Dubai last year, having just released a remix on Audio Tonic Records.

Nov 17, Sea Lounge, Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2pm, free. Tel: (056) 6037275.

Nov 18, 360º, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. myspace.com/nachomarco

18

Sandance @ Nasimi Beach The second Sandance in as many months welcomes Irish stars The Script (live), plus Groove Armada presenting their Red Light decks and FX show, Sneaky Sound System, Pete Murray (live) and Funkagenda.See p35.

Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 2pm to 2am, Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel: (055) 2004321. atlantisthepalm.com

11 Till Von Sein @ Audio Tonic Berlin tastemaker Till Von Sein makes his UAE debut this month, touring in support of last month's release of latest album, #LTD. His appearance in Dubai also coincides with a remix release on Audio Tonic's new label. To celebrate the fledgling imprint, Audio Tonic driving force Mr Mr selects the labels that have most inspired him...

For quality and consistency: Freerange Founded by Jimpster and Tom Roberts, this label has been around since 1996 and they have always stayed true to quality deep house.

They've consistently shone through as a label that harnesses the most cutting-edge names.

For über-cool beats: Get Physical A household name among the cooler cats. These guys release really, really good music, with DJ T at the helm and some of the most cutting-edge European names on the roster. They satisfy a big niche.

For mass market: Defected, Hed Kandi and Ministry Of Sound I can’t say that I would play the music that is released on these labels – there are exceptions – but you've got to hand it to them that they have achieved a lot with compilation CDs, merch and club tours.

For new trends: Hot Creations and Crosstown Rebels The music being released on these labels is hot property right now. The slower, sexy, lower-slung sound is back and the likes of Jamie Jones, Seth Troxler, Maceo Plex and Lee Foss are at the forefront.

For cross-genre appeal: Urban\\ Torque London-based Urban\\Torque not only release quality house from the likes of Tom Middleton, Hernan Cattaneo, Tiger Stripes and Milton Jackson, but now a wide style of electronica, chill-out and live electronic sounds.

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

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 111

CLUB DIARY

24

17 Boddhi Satva @ MustHaveSoul

Taio Cruz @ La Freaq

24

Taio Cruz @ La Freaq Chart-topping hits from the smooth British urban-pop star.

N’dulge, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (04) 4260561. taiocruzmusic.co.uk

25

DJ Swerve @ Ministry Of Sound R&B Anthems The Kiss FM man is joined by Radio 1's DJ Schooly.

Sensation, Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11.30pm. Tel: (04) 3311111. ichotelsgroup.com Florian Kruse @ Audio Tonic A special set to celebrate the release of Kruse’s Audio Tonic Records EP 87 Columbia Road.

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

Loaded @ Casa Latina Indie tunes fit for all-night dancing.

Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 8825675. facebook.com/seeyounextfriday Step On @ Catwalk It’s an indie overload, as Rude Larry and ME return for more guitar-driven indie antics.

Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. (050) 4649360. www.facebook. com/StepOnDubai

29

MoFunk @ Republique Get hip and loose with DJ Schooly and guests for a night of funk, soul and disco.

The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, 6pm to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4880876. clubrepublique.com

Dec 1

Joey Negro @ Stereo Sushi Brit pioneer brings international house in Stereo Sushi’s Japanese-themed arena.

N’dulge, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 9pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (04) 4260561. facebook.com/ndulgedubai

Currently signed to house kingpin Louie Vega's label, Vega Records, Central African Republic-raised DJ/ producer Boddhi Satva has already rocked crowds from Angola to Canada. He adds Dubai to that list with a debut set at MHS… Have you visited the UAE before?

Back in 1997, for a two-week holiday.

I went to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Dubai. I had a great time. It’s changed since then I’m pretty sure. I truly look forward to visiting Dubai again and

sharing a musical journey.

What’s the craziest country you’ve played?

Angola. They had to give me security to get through the crowd at the end of my set. That’s probably the most recognisable moment of craziness so far.

You currently live in Brussels.

What’s the Belgian house scene like?

There is no scene. For mainstream techno and stuff, this is a paradise; Belgium brings those acts all the time.

But for what I’m doing? That’s another question. I practically never play here.

You call your sound ‘ancestral soul’. Can you explain the term?

The two most noticeable elements of ancestral soul are Afrocentric rhythms and electronic patterns, plus soul and R&B. It’s a mixture of all those elements but with a strong connection with my ancestry. I try to pay respect to my ancestors every time I do what I do.

Is your debut album coming soon?

Yeah. The album is called Invocation.

It basically took me ten years. I can’t say any release date but the album is being released first of all in Africa as a double album, then for the rest of the world a single album.

Have you noticed increased interest in your music since Louie Vega took you under his wing?

Oh, hell yeah. Louie has been an amazing supporter of what I’m doing and has definitely affected my reach to the world. I’m blessed and thankful for that, definitely.

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

30 Michael Canitrot @ Yacht Club Michael Canitrot has made a name for himself in his native France with cult club night So, Happy In Paris? He launches his new album of the same name in Abu Dhabi Can you tell us about the album?

It’s a great club mix including my singles You And I and When You Got Love, and collaborations with Axwell, Fedde Le Grand and Cassius.

I also included a bonus DVD with clips from our best parties in 2010 and my mix on the top of the Eiffel Tower.

You’ve played at The Yacht Club before. How was that?

The Yacht Club has a fantastic

112 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

crowd. For me, it’s one of the best clubs in the Middle East and I can’t wait to rock it again.

How does the UAE compare to Paris’ famed club scene?

Here in the UAE it’s new and fresh. The energy is great and the clubbers are more curious.

You’ve been the Cannes Film Festival’s official DJ. Will you be checking out some movies in gold class while you’re over here?

I am a huge fan of cinema, it inspires me when I’m in the studio, but I don’t have time to go to the movies. I try to catch up with the classics and new releases during long flights.

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

news

The gigs, tunes, news, reviews and giveaways to keep your social life buzzing

EVENT OF THE MONTH APERITIVO

Sophie EllisBextor British songstress Sophie Ellis-Bextor will have the Burj Khalifa as her backdrop as she makes her UAE debut this month, playing a one-off gig at Burj Park. After tunes such as Murder on the Dancefloor and Take Me Home, plus the providing the vocals on club smash Groovejet, the sometime-DJ will be backed by a full band and a host of local talent.

Nov 24, Burj Park, Downtown, Dubai, 8pm to 2am, Dhs199. Tel: (050) 5655427. sophieellisbextor.net

There are few better ways to get your weekend off to a winner than an ice-cold bevvie by the pool. Actually, we can’t think of a better way.

Peroni, DJs playing the best downtempo soul and funk, Dhs25 drinks and free entry seal the deal for us. Be there, or risk ruining your whole weekend.

M-Dek, Media One, Media City, Dubai, 5pm to 9pm, free. Tel: (04) 427100. rivieraperoninights.com

Live. Local. Loud.

There are few better settings for live music in Dubai than the rooftop at Wafi, and this is the perfect place to go to check out the very best of the city’s live music scene. Every Friday sees a different bill of local artists playing everything from soul to hard rock. This month sees artists such as Fatiniza (below), The Bluelight Collective and Behold the Locus to name just a few.

Fri, Wafi Rooftop, Wafi Mall, Oud Metha, Dubai, 7.30pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (04) 3244100. wafi.com

NEWS FLASH!

Ah, the cooler months are here again, which can only mean one thing: get your dancing feet over to 360°as soon quick as they can carry you. To celebrate in style, we’ve teamed up with musical masters MustHaveSoul to offer you a VIP table (including a bottle and mixers) on a Saturday or Thursday, where you can party under the stars to eclectic beats. For your chance to win, simply e-mail winwithwhatson@motivate.ae with ‘MHS’ in the subject line and the answer to this question: In which body of water is 360°situated? a) The Arabian Gulf b) The North Sea c) The Mediterranean

THREE TO TRY With more new dance floors, bars and nights than you can shake a glowstick at, we’ve picked our top three to try

SIDDHARTA LOUNGE

Siddharta might be a mouthful after a martini or two, but it’s guaranteed to attract Dubai prettiest people with cocktails, alfresco mingling and sophisticated nibbles. From the stylish folks behind Buddha Bar, the marina’s latest opening is set to be the glammest hangout in the hood.

Grosvenor House, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3998888. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

BREEZE LOUNGE JAZZY NIGHTS OUT

Swish resto-bar Ember is made even more enjoyable by the introduction of jazz duo The Rome ‘antiques.

The piano and voice duo perform standards from the 1920s through to the 1950s, covering swing, samba and bossa nova every Thursday night, where you can also tuck into meaty dishes and unlimited drinks.

Thurs, Ember Grill & Lounge, Address Dubai Mall, Dubai, 8pm to 11.30pm, free, Dhs245 for food and unlimited house beverages,. Tel: (04) 8883828. theaddress.com

Opening mid-November, Cirque du Soir is taking over 400 Club’s subterranean location at The Fairmont. The London outpost is a celeb-magnet, and Dubai is set to be no different, with a cast of magicians, stilt-walkers, dancers, drummers and contortionists keeping the crowd entertained, all in decadent surrounds.

Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3324900. cirquedusoir.com 114 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

WIN! A VIP TABLE AT MUSTHAVESOUL

A breath of fresh air at Emirates Palace every Thursday evening, Breeze Lounge is a chic chill-out spot nestled between the poolside and the beach. Think after work drinks, people watching, yacht envy and sand between your toes.

But with Tori Burch sandals rather than your tatty old flip-flops.

Thurs, Emirates Palace, The Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com

RARE

No doubt hoping to tap into the population of Tecom, Barsha, JLT and The Greens (and offer a more sophisticated post-bar option to Rock Bottom), Rare is a sultry, baroque-style club-lounge that promises ‘to take you back in time’. Providing you’re still of drinking age when the time machine comes to a stop you can enjoy the cocktail menu, with Voodoo on a Friday being the most popular among the fashionable set.

Tues to Sun, Media Rotana, Tecom, Dubai, 7pm to 3am, free. Tel: (055) 5057580. raretheplace.com

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

Published with the support of 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

PO Box 2331 Dubai UAE Tel +971 4 282 4060 Fax +971 4 282 789 books@motivate.ae PO Box 43072 Abu Dhabi UAE Tel +971 2 677 2005 Fax +971 2 677 0124 motivate-adh@motivate.ae

TRAVEL

p118 Concierge’s choice: Beirut p120 Gourmet traveller p123 Thesiger’s footsteps p124 Travel news NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 117

TRAVEL

Concierge’s choice: Firas Musharafieh, head concierge at luxe hotel Le Gray in Beirut, gives us the Insider’s guide to exploring the city

RESTAURANTS Tawlet A different producer or cook prepares typical food from their region daily at Tawlet. It’s a unique and is only open for lunch, and a must-visit for any foodie in Beirut. The Sunday buffet is especially popular.

Tawlet, Ashrafieh, Mar Mkhael, Beirut. Tel: (+961) 1448129. tawlet.com Al Mayass This restaurant, set in an old house with charming décor and super friendly service, offers hard to find Lebanese and Armenian dishes.

Al Mayass, Ashrafieh, Trabaud Street, Beirut. Tel: (+961) 1215046. almayass.com

118 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

Momo at the Souks Part of the worldwide food family that includes London’s Sketch and Dubai’s outpost in Harvey Nichols, Momo offers a taste like no other.

Whether you are there to enjoy the famous couscous or to have a drink in the lounge, this is an essential stop-off for anyone desiring a successful night out in Beirut.

Down Town, Beirut Souks, Beirut. Tel: (+961) 1999767. momo-at-the-souk.com SHOPPING Hamra Street Hamra Street boasts a good number of shops selling goods from clothing, accessories, souvenirs and antiques. It is quite a traditional area and a must for visitors it Beirut. It was referred to as Beirut’s “Champs Elysées” back in 1975. If you feel the need to stop for a quick bite to eat, you should head to Café Hamra for the salad bar, sandwiches, fattoush and haloumi.

TRAVEL

Beirut Souk el Tayeb Farmers’ Market The farmers’ market at Beirut Souks is a fantastic place to pick up local specialities from a display of fresh produce and home-made gourmet treats prepared by villagers.

Beirut Souks, Trablos Street, Beirut, Sat 9am to 2pm. soukeltayeb.com Burj Hammoud This area is located just east of Beirut River. Arax Street is a very good starting point as it is famous for having numerous clothing shops and a gold market.

Because many Armenians live in that area, you will notice lots of shops with signs written in Armenian.

Beirut Central District A perfect place for and anyone who likes to fill their wardrobe with labels. Visit standalone stores from the likes of Chanel and Bottega Venetta, as well as exploring the many independent boutiques and delightful pavement cafés. A fashionista’s paradise.

BARS & CLUBS Music Hall A place like no other, this old music theatre has been transformed into one of Beirut’s most famous nightspots where acts range from Arabic to rock to Cuban, with a DJ playing in between sets of live music. Music Hall is truly special and guaranteed to impress, with people making friends with the party at the next table and dancing until the early hours.

Down Town, Starco Center, Beirut. Tel: (+961) 1361236 Centrale Centrale offers an intimate view of old Beirut through the retractable roof, but its main attraction is the bunker-eqsue bar suspended over the dining room reached by an elevator complete with leather seats. The music starts with jazz and blues then, as the bar fills up, turns into a more energetic electro lounge mix that will carry you through the night.

Ashrafieh, Mar Maroun Street, Beirut. Tel: (+961) 1575858. centralerestaurant.com

NEED TO KNOW HOW TO GET THERE

Fly Dubai flies direct from Dubai to Beirut daily from around Dhs800 flydubai.com Etihad Airways flies direct from Abu Dhabi to Beirut from around Dhs1,190 etihadairways.com

WHERE TO STAY Le Gray legray.com

The Riviera rivierahotel.com.lb NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 119

TRAVEL MYU MYU is a super-trendy restaurant housed in a former factory with an industrial chic interior. The atmosphere is calm during the cocktail and early dinner hours, but later on, full on dancing between tables for the rest of the night.

Ashrafieh, Gouraud Street, Beirut.

Tel: (+961) 3334476 EXCURSIONS Historical Down Town The ongoing Heritage Trail project aims to gather the most important archaeological and historical sites of downtown Beirut along a single route. Certified tour guides are available should you wish to enjoy the three-hour trail and discover everything the city centre has to offer. The path will take you across the millennia from Phoenician

city-wall remains to Roman ruins, along with Ottoman serails, medieval constructions, and turn-of-the-century Franco-Levantine buildings, topped by an extensive collection of religious places of worship symbolizing the rich past of this renovated city.

Byblos This charming UNESCOWorld Heritage seaside town (located 40km or 45 minutes north of Beirut) is of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements on Earth. With 7,000

years of history, Byblos has much to offer the curious visitor. Spend half a day discovering its vast archaeological dig, Phoenician port, Roman necropolis, Crusaders’ fortress, and more, witnessing the rich past of this Mediterranean port.

Baalbek The 5,000-year-old Roman Heliopolis (city of the sun) about 85km or two hoursaway is of the largest sanctuaries every built across the Empire. It also includes some of its best-preserved temples, such as that of Bacchus, and the remains of one of its largest, such Jupiter.’s Anjar, a small Omeyyade city

built during the Arab conquest in the 7th century AD displays more Oriental architecture. As it was designed on the model of a Roman town, you can walk the main cardo maximus and decumanus maximus streets crossing in a middle piazza.

Creative Lebanon Le Gray offers a three-night package (in an executive suite with dinner, wine, champagne reception and airport transfers) that includes a full-day tour of Beirut’s art district. You’ll meet artists, see them at work, visit galleries and get a glimpse at the artisan life in the city. $1,635 for two, including taxes. legray.com

Gourmet traveller Food and travel are abiding passions for Middle East chairman of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel, James Brennan. Enjoy the first of his new monthly columns devoted to discovering the diverse array of foodie treats in the region It’s a common gripe among older generations of Beirutis that the city is losing its soul. The sanitised glass and sandstone portals of the new Downtown souks are often bemoaned as nice, but desperately short of atmosphere.

All conflicts aside, far too many of the old boltholes have been swept away by the trendy-brush, as a hop over the old Green Line to Gemmayze confirms. But then there’s Le Chef.

Most of the restaurants and bars along Rue Gourard are as cool as a corpse. But stuck in the middle of all that hipness, battered and brazen, is one of Beirut’s best restaurants. Le Chef has been around since 120 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

1967, and it looks like it. Barely anything has changed.

The dark wood finishes have all but finished. The walls are stained autumnal by decades of cigarette smoke. The tables are covered with plastic sheeting. Bottles of booze and pickles line its crumbling edges.

But something else hits you as you walk in.

“Welcome!” comes the cry, followed by “welcome, welcome, welcome!” The man doing the bawling is Charbel Basile, whose words are more welcoming than his facial expression. Perhaps that’s because he’s been yelling the same words to his guests for nearly 20 years. But you didn’t

come here for a smile, did you?

You came for some of that retro Beirut atmosphere, not to mention the great home cooked food. And it is great. So great in fact that the infamous chef/writer/traveller Anthony Bourdain has been here twice.

“He sat over there, he had the fried kibbe, fatteh and hummus,” Charbel will be only too pleased to tell you. “And he drank arak,” he’ll add as he tosses a menu on your table. Le Chef has a list of plats du jour that ranges from molokhiyeh (chicken

stew) to white cabbage leaves stuffed with rice and ground lamb in a casserole sauce. Go for Bourdain’s fried kibbe and you’ll be in for a surprise. Rather than the teardrop shaped balls of ground lamb and pine nuts, this one is flattened and slathered in a thick, white herby sauce.

It’s proper Lebanese food, not the stuff you’re used to finding on restaurant mezze tables. Nostalgia food for many an exiled Beiruti, not to mention the old men who come here daily to chow down, chat, drink and smoke the walls brown. Join them. You’ll be guaranteed the warmest – and most repetitive – of welcomes.

TRAVEL

THESIGER’S footsteps

This month, three men will retrace the 1,500km journey through the Empty Quarter as taken by legendary adventurer Wilfred Thesiger in the 1940s. Before setting out on the 45-day trek, we spoke to UAE-based adventurer Adrian Hayes about the journey

Wilfred Thesiger TELL US ABOUT THE ROUTE… We’ll be retracing Wilfred Thesiger’s first crossing of the Empty Quarter by travelling from Salalah in Oman to Liwa and on to Al Ain, before heading down to the coast at Abu Dhabi.

The objective of the project – and accompanying book – is to look back at Thesiger’s travels, and the culture and heritage of the Bedu people in our modern day country.

WILL THERE BE A SUPPORT CREW? Myself, Saeed [Rashed Al Mesafry] and Ghafan [Mohammed Al Jabry] will be travelling by foot and camel carrying our food and water and moving from settlement to settlement to re-stock as Thesiger did 60 years ago, so we won’t be using any support as far as physically possible.

WHAT IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG? Due to safety stipulations, I will take one Thuraya satellite phone, which will be stuffed into the bottom of our bags and only used in case of an emergency. I don’t plan on using it.

HOW MUCH GEAR WILL YOU BE CARRYING? Very little – we’ll be travelling as if it were the 1940s with a dishdasha,

shemagh, sandals, blankets, compass, knife, first aid kit and that’s about it.

to the political realities of 2011, we won’t be going into present day Saudi Arabia.

ANY POINTERS FOR US? Always to tell someone intelligent where you are going. Apart from that, WHEN DID TRAINING START? ARE YOU TAKING ANY walking through the desert Two years ago, but the ‘LUXURIES’? is notoriously difficult, serious stuff started from the Luxuries? They don’t because expensive hiking beginning of September. It’s exist on such journeys! boots are total useless been all about re-learning A notebook, an old copy when full of sand. The only to ride a camel. I enjoy it, of Arabian Sands and solution is sealed gaiters and even if it does, literally, get to a camera. Frankly, I’m tape or sandals. Otherwise, be a pain in the butt after a looking forward to almost it’s the basics of having couple of hours. two months away from any enough water, proper communications, smart clothing and hat, sunscreen OUCH. SO WHAT WILL YOU BE phones, clutter and all the and communication EATING AND DRINKING? rest of the mayhem that we equipment.

As Thesiger did in the live with every day. footstepsofthesiger.com 1940s – dates, gers (bread dough), rice, a bit of honey WHAT PHYSICAL CHANGES and that’s it. When we reach ARE YOU ANTICIPATING? settlements, we’ll take the I guess like most of my trips hospitality offered to us I’ll lose a good few kilos, there as he did. hence the pre-trek bulking up. It’s a bit of a yo-yo affair, HOW CLOSELY WILL YOU because once you return BE FOLLOWING THESIGER’S ten to 14kgs lighter and FOOTSTEPS? quickly regain not just your As close as possible to his original weight but most of Adrian Hayes first crossing except, due the bulk-up weight too.

SOME TITLES TO HELP YOU BRUSH UP ON THESIGER… Wilfred Thesiger: The Life of the Great Explorer (Dhs165) This authorised biography was written with Thesiger’s support before the great man died in 2003.

Arabian Sands (Dhs120) Written in 1959, read the memoirs of Thesiger after he became the first European to cross the great, barren Empty Quarter.

Crossing the Sands (Dhs185) As an outstanding photographer, the wonderful prose of this book is highlighted with stunning images.

A Life in Pictures (Dhs145) A collection of over 200 photographs – many of them previously unpublished – chart Thesiger’s distinguished career.

All books are available from the Arabian Gallery, which this month celebrates its 25th birthday.

Arabian Gallery, Garhoud Road, Garhoud, Dubai. booksarabia.com

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 123

TRAVEL

extra

Advice, deals and other tasty travel tidbits

Travels with…

James Sinclair One of the perks of being in a successful rock band is the travel opportunities.

James Sinclair, of UAE rockers Juliana Down, steps from behind the drum kit tp tell us a tale or two from the road Had you done much travelling before joining Juliana Down?

I toured with various bands a few years ago and in the last couple of years I have flown all over the world.

What is the best holiday you have ever been on?

When I was 17, I travelled around Europe with some friends over the summer. We got into quite a few ‘interesting situations’ but it was all

good, character building stuff. I don’t think the warrant for my arrest is still valid...

What has been your biggest travel disaster?

I wouldn’t call it a ‘disaster’ but being stuck on a Greyhound bus on an overnight trip through California with two guys who were clearly armed and dangerous was not ideal.

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

France. The country has everything, mountains, beaches, countryside... and also the French, but you can’t have everything.

What are your tips for surviving a long stopover?

I usually find it is a good time to start a holiday romance.

What do you never travel without?

My BlackBerry. I like to view my roaming charges as my contribution to Dubai’s economy.

Juliana Down’s latest single Your Time Is Now, is the official anthem for the Dubai Rugby Sevens. julianadown.net

Enjoy one of these local breaks this Eid BEACH RETREAT Fujairah's Radisson Blu Resort has the longest private beach in the emirate. Its Eid package includes dinner and breakfast.

Nov 3 to 9, Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah, Dhs1,330 per night.

Tel: (09) 204 3111. radissonblu. com/resort-fujairah DESERT GETAWAY The Tilal Liwa Hotel on the edge of the Rub Al Khali is offering stays for Dhs599 per night, and you can enjoy a seafood dinner and barbecue.

Nov 3 to 12, Desert Hideaway Resort Tilal Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi, Dhs599 per night.

Tel: (02) 8012222.

124 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

WATER SPORTS Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort is offering a Dhs899 Eid package, inclusive of a brunch and barbecue dinner.

Nov 3 to 12, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Abu Dhabi, Dhs899. Tel: (02) 8012222. danathotels.com TRAVEL APP OF THE MONTH: TRIPPY This little darling uses the knowledge of your friends on social networking sites to suggest places to visit while you’re planning your trip, rather than having to sift through thousands of internet pages and guide books. You can also book your hotel via the app.

Available for: iPhone, iPad Price: Free trippy.com

THE STAMP COLLECTOR Open Skies editor and passport stamp collector Conor Purcell answers your travel dilemmas I’m looking to take a city break no more than three hours from the UAE. Can you suggest anywhere more interesting than the obvious weekend in Muscat?

Greg, Al Barsha One word: Djibouti. Despite it being five times smaller than the emirate of Abu Dhabi and bordered by Somalia to the south, it’s one of the safest, and most interesting, countries in Africa. The capital, Djiboutiville, is a rugged Wild West sort of place – populated by merchants from around the Horn, French Foreign Legion and the odd backpacker. The coastline is dotted with islands, perfect for diving – there are plenty of whale sharks to be seen this time of year, too.

This is one of the most geologically volatile places on earth – lava caves dot the landscape, steam rises from cracks in the ground and packs of wild baboons roam the lunar-esque, charred mountains. Lac Assal is completely otherworldly; a deep blue lake bordered by sharp, dark mountains that crash into bright white salt flats. This is the lowest point in Africa, a place where even Wilfred Thesiger found it hard to survive. Go with a guide (I recommend Max at Dolphin Tours, dolphinexcursions.free. fr) and soak up the area’s raw beauty. Back in town, check out one of the many excellent Yemeni or Ethiopian restaurants. I loved the rooftop restaurant La Fontaine Terrace on Rue du Ethiopia. The only five-star accommodation is the soulless (and expensive) Djibouti Palace Kempinski. Better to stay in the centre of town; both the Residence De L’Europe and the Hotel Menelik are reasonably priced.

THE WOODEN SPOON’S Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens

GALA DINNER

Celebrating the career of

Ian Bell

With Special guest Tim Bresnan At the Crowne Plza, SZR, Dubai At 7pm, 2nd November 2011 Call: 050 4258625

With

Phil Vickery, Doddie Weir & Rod Woodward at the Crowne Plaza, SZR, Dubai 7pm 24th November 2011

We will be joined this year by Phil ‘’raging bull’ Vickery and George ‘’Doddie’’ Weir at the Wooden Spoon’s Dubai Sevens Gala Dinner. To add to the fun of the night comedian Rod Woodward will be with us and the night will end with DJ and dancing.

If you would like to be part of the fun then contact David Skidmore for more details T: 050 425 8625 e: david@eventoursports.com

reserved seating area For more details contact David Skidmore david@eventoursports.com 0504258625

WIN! WIN! WIN! A pair of prizes to get your heart racing

WIN! A MEAL FOR SIX IN THE PRIVATE DINING ROOM AT CARNEVALE Treat yourself and five pals to a delicious three-course dinner (with wine pairing) in the private dining room of Carnevale. One of Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s signature restaurants, the winner can enjoy Italian dishes such as braised veal shank with saffron risotto, homemade tagliolino with fresh tomatoes and mozzarella, and Valrhona chocolate fondant, all in the elegant, exclusive dining area. For your chance to win, you’ll have to get this question right…

Which of the following is not a classic Italian dish? a) Tiramisu b) Risotto c) Spicy beef stir-fry

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

WIN! A TWO-NIGHT BREAK AT THE WESTIN ABU DHABI GOLF RESORT & SPA Whether you’re a golfer or prefer to be pampered, this five-star mini-break will be a welcome weekend. We have a two-night stay at the brand new Westin Abu Dhabi, including breakfast both mornings, plus dinner and either a round of golf or a spa treatment for two people. The golf club is home to a PGA 27hole championship course, while the Heavenly Spa is nestled in the resort’s lush gardens and offers a vast selection of relaxing treatments.

For your chance to win a weekend for two, simply tell us…

What does PGA stand for? a) Pretty good aim b) Professional Golfer’s Association c) Premier Gymnasts of America NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 127

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TO Dubai

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THE HOTLIST Key New entry Non-mover Up

TORO TORO

Down

p131 p135 p139 p143

Brunches Bars Restaurants Spas

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 129

THE HOT LIST BRUNCHES

OUR PICK OF THE BRUNCH BUNCH

The Talk

1 Traiteur

2 Al Qasr

3 Zuma

4

Armani/ Peck

5

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

Traiteur

ATMOSPHERE

FOOD

LOCATION

BEST FOR

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Now the weather is at its best, Traiteur will come into its own. So book ahead.

Oysters, charcuterie, alfresco spitroasts, lobster, eggs benedict, smoked salmon.

Need we say more?

Try the private dining room or book a table outside on the terrace and enjoy the sun.

That's where you'll find Team What's On.

Right now. Jazz, girls in summer dresses, men in crisp white shirts and the best French brasserie food in town.

Up to you – Dhs375 sans booze, Dhs450 with wine and beer, Dhs595 with bubbly and Dhs1,998 with a limo pick up.

Traiteur hits the number one spot. It's definitely our top tip for the winter brunch season.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai. park.hyatt.com

It might have dropped from the top spot, but Al Qasr will remain as popular as ever.

If you can try a bit of everything, we'll give you a prize.

Shortly before removing the door of your house so you can squeeze in.

The large outdoor terrace, now open for winter, adds to the feast at Al Hambra, Arboretum and MJ’s Steakhouse.

If you and all your friends are feeling hungry, Al Qasr is the answer. Now is the ideal time to make your yearly visit.

A price tag of Dhs525 makes Al Qasr one of the most expensive brunches in town. But that's to be expected.

It's the pricier Youa couldn't end of the ask for more spectrum, but food, but Al Traiteur never Qasr is no disappoints. longer number one. Two ain't bad, though.

Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah, Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3666730. jumeirah.com

Zuma is so busy for brunch it's advisable to book well in advance.

We're talking a week or so, not on Thursday evening.

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's most popular brunch.

Maybe it's time The Ivy or LPM mounted a challenge?

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.

The only option when it comes to brunching Japanese.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant. com

With the option to book for three hours between noon and 11pm, Peck is quite quiet. But not awkwardly so.

A selection of antipasti, dedicated charcuterie room, cheeses, a la carte menu and carving station, so you should be OK.

Burj Khalifa's not a bad spot for brunch, now, is it?

A long, slow lunch in true Italian fashion.

Dhs240 without alcohol, Dhs340 with house beverages and Dhs550 with premium beverages.

If you can't As sharp as a decide what time finely cut Armani you but want your suit, much brunch, Peck is tastier. for you.

Armani Hotel Dubai, Downtown, Dubai, noon to 11pm. Tel: (04) 8883888. dubai. armanihotels. com

Refined dining inside, with the party people on the terrace waiting for the polo to start.

A huge room full of starters and puds, lovely roast meats down the corridor and a live cooking station outside.

Very picturesque indeed, with the polo field mere feet away for some post-brunch entertainment.

A sophisticated spot of brunching in the sun.

There's plenty for children to do too, with a bouncy castle.

Dhs199 (including soft drinks), Dhs275 with selected drinks and Dhs399 with drinks and half a bottle of bubbly.

A fine way to spend a Friday and we love the picnic option on the other side of the polo field.

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, Arabian Ranches, Dubai, noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3618111. poloclubdubai. com

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 131

HOT ON THE H, ZaEbeEelLSaSray

11Imperium -Carlton DIFC in, Ritz Hotel 12 Blue Ra , Movenpick 13 The Talk h ac Be h ra Jumei arriot ervatory, M 14 The Obs el ot H ur Harbo tal terContinen 15 Anise, In ival City st Fe Dubai

BRUNCHES

Anise

PRICE ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON FOOD SAYS...

6

Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club

INFOLOCATION

BEST FOR

11 IMPERIUM Superb food, with a buffet boasting oysters, terrines, charcuterie and seafood and an a la carte menu of delicious French classics.

And an ice cream machine. The room is vast, which makes the atmosphere very all day dining, but the cabaret singer livens things up.

Zabeel Saray, The Palm, West Crescent, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs275 without alcohol, Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs550 with champagne. Tel: (04) 4530000. jumeirah.com PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The strangely named "evening brunch" is more relaxed than the traditional noon affair. But Toshi is still pretty popular.

It's Asian Night, so think sushi, dim sum, soup and grilled meats made to order.

On 18th floor of the Grand Millennium hotel with a bar just next door for post-10pm drinks. And the Belgian Beer Cafe downstairs.

A big, long, cheap dinner with friends.

An eminently reasonable Dhs235.

Our trusty choice for a big dinner late in the month when money is a bit tight.

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.

Stroll to Barasti to carry on the party.

Did we mention that it's a party venue? Fun is the the name of the game at The Grand Grill.

A bargain at Dhs295 with alcohol or Dhs225 without.

Laid-back and cheap. What more could you ask?

Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Lobby level, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3994221. thegrandgrill. com

JazzSumptuous welcomes all comers, from groups of friends to couples and families. All things to all brunchers.

Greeted with fizz, you are bombarded with live cooking stations, buffet delights and an addictive cheeseroom.

A bit isolated at the Jebel Ali end of town, but Barasti and McGettigan's are not far if you're looking to carry on the party.

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.

Bubbles and a soundrack of live jazz; this is a paradise for people who like the finer things in life.

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

9

Book a table on ther terrace for one of the most relaxed brunches in Dubai.

An a la carte menu and table service – just like dinner. But it's all you can eat.

Make your way to The Terrace bar after brunch for a tipple or two.

Lounging around in the sun, enjoying some first rate Thai food.

Dhs245, making it one of the best value brunches in Dubai.

Dhs245 for brunch at Park Hyatt. Sign us up.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, noon to 4pm. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai. park.hyatt.com

10

It's a high-end Europeanstyle pub with a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere.

Order from the menu, help yourself to cold cuts, salads and cheeses from the buffet and then move on to the carving stations.

Book a table outside on the terrace and enjoy the beautiful weather.

A pub lunch and then some.

And just look at the price. That should make you smile.

Dhs249. Now that's a fair price.

"I'm looking for a nice brunch that won't break the bank. Any suggestions?"

The BBC.

Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 1pm to 4pm. Tel: (04) 7011128. ichotelsgroup. com

Toshi

7

The Grand Grill

8

JazzSumptuous

Thai Kitchen

Belgian Beer Café

132 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

THURSDAY 3 NOVEMBER 2011

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CODE RED RECORDINGS, USA Resident DJs: Tristan Bain & Conan Liquid

Resident DJs: Simon Reid & Dan Chadwick

1st & 3rd Thursday of every month at 360º Jumeirah Beach Hotel 7pm til late. Free entrance.

Table reservations: +971 501076405 (after 3pm) 50% off selected beverages between 6 - 9pm

In association with

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Every Saturday at 360º Jumeirah Beach Hotel 4pm til late Table reservations: +971 501076405 (after 3pm) Free entrance via platinumlist.ae

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THE HOT LIST

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES

BARS

Barasti

ATMOSPHERE

1

Jetty Lounge

2 Zuma

3 Loca

4 360°

5

XL Beach Club

LOCATION

Zuma

BEST FOR

XL Beach Club

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

This bar is the ultimate in beach chic; relaxed, stylish and full of beautiful people. And the weather is perfect for a lazy glass of Pimms and a stroll on the sands.

Jetty is right on the beach at the original One&Only.

It's a dreamy spot overlooking the water, complete with light-up seats and a very cool blue bar inside.

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.

Our new top pick for taking guests; they'll be wowed.

One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 2pm to late.

Tel: (04) 3999999. oneandonlyresorts. com

Cooler than a RayBan-wearing polar bear, 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.

Glam it up at the bar, stuff yourself silly in the dining room or do both.

Drinks aren't cheap (especially the vino) but cocktails are high quality and well-priced.

It's our happy place, especially with all those new dishes on the menu.

Building 6, DIFC, Dubai, Fri to Wed noon to 2am, Thurs noon to 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660. zumarestaurant.com

Full of friends gathered around high tables, boys at the bar and couples dining a deux. It kicks up a gear later on.

It loses points for not being on a beach, but then it wouldn't have that industrial charm, now would it?

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...

Packed with shiny, happy people having the time of their lives in the fading sun and under the stars.

A knock-out spot, with the crowds catching golf carts up the jetty and being delivered at the door.

Some of the best music the city has to offer, from visiting DJs to local talent. Don those dancing shoes.

Steep. It's one for the end of the month.

We're digging the MustHaveSoul Saturday sessions. A sweet end to the weekend.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Al Sufouh, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 5pm to 2am, Fri and Sat 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4068744. jumeirah.com

Private cabanas with glass-fronted plunge pools, mingling at the bar, VIPs and a glam crowd make for merry mayhem.

It's a long walk from the hotel so get a lift to the beach. All the action is 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.

Ladies enjoy 50 per cent off drinks from noon to 6pm.

Happy hour?

More like a happy day.

Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, Dubai, noon to 3am. Tel: 056) 6406161. habtoorhotels.com

, A genuinely

cool bar in an unexpected spot, with the tunes to match.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 3461111. dxbmarine.com

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER2011 2010 WHAT’S WHAT’SON ON 135

BARS

HOT ON THE HEroE, MLovSenpick

h Bist 11 West Beac , Souk Al Bahar nk Ba ft Le 12 e Address 13 Neos, Th Dubai Downtown i Hotel rive, Arman i/P an m Ar 14 tin es W e Th 15 Oeno,

Jetty Lounge

Belgian Beer Café

ATMOSPHERE

6 Barasti

7

McGettigan's

8

Caramel

9

Belgian Beer Café

10

Siddharta Lounge

LOCATION

11 WEST BEACH BISTRO The top choice for the footie if you live in the Marina, WBB is packed if there’s a match on.

There’s always a happy hour or two, the food is decent (order the ribs and a bucket of onion rings) and if football isn’t your thing then it’s a great choice for post-Laughter Factory chat.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Wed 6pm to 2am, Thurs to Sat, noon to 2am. Tel: (04) 4498888. moevenpick-hotels.com

BEST FOR

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Packed on a Friday night. We prefer Barasti for a weekend lunch or Saturday evening drink, when the hoardes are snoozing in the sun getting burnt.

It's a Dubai institution for its prime beachfront location, split level bars and proximity to the marina.

You're guaranteed to bump into everyone you've ever met in Dubai – including that person you've been trying to avoid.

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

As more people move into JLT, McG's just gains in popularity. And it's a good crowd, too.

Luckily, the staff can keep up with drinks orders.

Situated at the Bonnington hotel, it has its own entrance so you don't need to leave via a bright lobby. Always difficult after a night on the Guinness.

The outdoor area has reopened and there's a raft of live music coming up.

This is definitely one to watch.

Seriously hefty portions of pub grub at decent prices, and the drinks bill won't make you wince either.

A hotspot for after work drinks on a Thursday.

Just don't be surprised if you leave at 2am.

Bonnington Hotel, JLT, Dubai, 12.30pm to 3am. Tel: (04) 3560470. bonningtontower.com

It's a slick crowd, with DIFC types heading for a much needed post-office drink. Fridays are a bit quieter, though.

Another jewel in DIFC’s crown, Caramel keeps well-heeled types well fed and watered.

Lollipop chicken and some mini burgers, please. The food is fab.

It’s pricey, but that goes with the territory in this part of town.

The terrace at the back is the place to be, so remember to book a table or you'll have no hope of a seat.

Building 3, DIFC, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 4256677. carameldubai.com

Bustling, with packed pews inside but, now the weather is cooler, the large terrace is the only place to be.

One of the first dining and drinking spots in Festival City, the BBC has been joined by a bevy of outlets.

That view, a cold drink and some moules frites and your worries will melt away.

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

Still a newbie on the Dubai bar scene, Siddharta maintains a nice, mellow vibe.

The private lift to Siddharta sits directly opposite sister outlet Buddha Bar, giving the place an exclusive air.

A couple of bottles of wine and some nibbles with friends in a luxurious lounge setting.

It's not cheap, and you will definitely be wanting to order some of the small plates, which aren't budget friendly either.

Read our review on p60.

Grosvenor House Dubai, Tower Two, Dubai Marina, Dubai, daily 5pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhousedubai.com

136 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

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Don’t miss a beat at this bustling party Thursday night through to Satur-day time.

We know how to work weekends. insomnia @ M-DEK

Media One Hotel FZ LLC. PO Box 121818, Dubai Media City. T: +971 50 3542567 E: mdek@mediaonehotel.com W: www.mediaonehotel.com

s OVER S s

THE HOT LIST

THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE

RESTAURANTS

Indego by Vineet

1

La Petite Maison

2 Zuma

3

Rivington Grill

4

Indego by Vineet

5 The Ivy

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 139La Petite Maison

ATMOSPHERE

INTERIOR

FOOD

LOCATION

PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

The buzz is like no other restaurant in Dubai. LPM's dining room is as lively as any in Europe.

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.

DIFC, a short stroll from Zuma and across the road from The Ivy. A hotbed of big hitters.

It depends on the number of sharing dishes one orders. Dhs800 to Dhs1,000 should do it for two.

Gaucho, Hakkasan and Table 9 open this month.

Can any of them steal LPM's crown?

Despite competition from Toro Toro, Zuma is still the place to 'see and be seen'. Book ahead.

Dark, cool and moody in the upstairs bar.

Bright with open sushi counters, so you can see the chefs in action downstairs.

The sushi and sashimi are the finest in town, and new dishes of grilled lobster and marinated chicken are sure to be a hit with Zuma regulars.

Gaucho is set to open directly opposite Zuma, but the team doesn't seem overly concerned.

Dhs1,000 for two is par for the course. At lunch there are three menus available, starting at a decent Dhs62.

We tested out the new dishes recently, and the Zuma kitchen hasn't lost any of its magic.

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

We've eaten both lunch and dinner at RG recently and things are back in full swing after the summer. Book ahead.

Clean, bright and white, with chalkboards displaying the ever changing daily specials and a buzzing open kitchen.

The menu changes with the British seasons. Always check out the daily specials on the board.

Book a table on the terrace for the Saturday roast. It's a tradition for Team What's On. We love it.

Around Dhs400 for two, but on weekdays you can enjoy two courses at lunchtime for Dhs80, or three for Dhs100.

Chef Scott Stokes shows us how to cook Yorkshire Pudding on p44.

Souk Al Bahar, Level 3, Old Town, Dubai, noon to 7pm. Tel: (04) 4230903. rivingtongrill.ae

If you eat the fabulous food at Indego once, you will return.

There's always a healthy flow of loyal customers.

A winding stairway leading to a warm glow and an inviting restaurant.

Chef John was trained by Vineet Bhatia – the master of modern Indian cuisine. Indego serves the most refined Indian food in Dubai.

The new Tower Two might have drawn attention away from Indego for now, but you can't ignore food of this quality for long.

Dhs900 (without alcohol) if two of you are eating three courses from the main menu.

Our favourite Indian restaurant, and surely a hot tip for this month's What's On Awards.

Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sun to Thurs 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhousedubai.com

The Ivy is not as busy as it should be, but it's still worth making an advance reservation – especially at the weekend.

Green leather, dark wood and crisp table clothes. And there's a 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.

We, and The Ivy team, are hoping Hakassan's arrival will bring more diners to Emirates Towers.

You could enjoy three courses for around Dhs550 (sans booze), but spending more would be very easy indeed.

The Ivy needs more business, and it really should have it. Try it out – now.

Emirates Towers, Dubai, noon to 3pm, 6.30pm to 11pm, bar to 2am. Tel: (04) 3198767. theivy.ae

DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmdubai.ae

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 139

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

7

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

8

Toro Toro

9 Voi

10 Rhodes Twenty10

Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

INFO FOOD

LOCATION

11 ASADO Asado is one of Dubai’s most welcoming restaurants. Book a table outside on Sunday – Tango night – and watch the dancing withsome excellent Argentine food and a glass of Malbec. The roasted baby goat is a must-try, as is the lamb rack. Check out sommelier Andrea Trivino Lira’s column on page 55.

The Palace – The Old Town, Emaar Boulevard, The Old Town Island, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 8883828. theaddress.com PRICE

WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Book a table outside and you won't be disappointed.

This is the perfect time of year for dinner at Traiteur.

A busy open kitchen, high ceiling combine to make Traiteur one of the most attractive restaurants in town.

New dishes for winter include such delights as comte stuffed scallops. herbcrusted frogs' legs and Brie ice cream.

Enjoy a few post-dinner drinks at The Terrace, just a hop, skip and a jump from Traiteur.

The degustation menu is Dhs375 for four courses and coffee. For a la carte you're talking around Dhs650 for two.

We have never been disappointed by the food or the atmosphere at Traiteur.

Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, DubaiSun to Fri 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3172222. dubai. park.hyatt.com

You could be the only person dining at Reflets and it wouldn't matter. The food provides ample entertainment.

A private lift leads to Reflets' private floor, where the restaurant dwells in all its purple-pink glory.

The Reflets kitchen is endlessly inventive and loves to challenge it diners. Be prepared for an adventure.

Reflets is the wrong end of town for a lot of people, but you won't regret the journey.

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 is excellent and more than willing to discuss his wine choices.

InterContiental Dubai Festival City, DFC, Dubai, 7pm to 1am.

Tel: (04) 7011128. ichotelsgroup. com

Toro Toro has proved an instant hit, and it's certainly advisable to book ahead.

Definitely on Friday nights.

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.

The pan-South American small plates are excellent.

Try the salt cod croquettes and the swordfish fish causa limena.

Grosvenor's Tower Two is talk of the town – everyone wants a piece of the action.

Espcially at the weekend.

Our bill was Dhs1,000 for two sans booze, but with the small plate sharing concept you could spend more or less.

Head up to the lounge/bar after dinner for a few glasses of the Brazilian Tannat.

Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Sat to Wed 7pm to 2am, Thurs and Fri 7pm to 3am.

Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhouse -dubai.com

It's never going to be jumping at Voi but it doesn't need to be. Fine dining calls for a calm ambience, and Voi has just that.

Panelled walls, crystal chandeliers and a distressed wood floor make Voi a very attractive restaurant indeed.

Voi is trying something daring with its Vietnamese French fusion.

The King Henry leaf roll is a must.

Zabeel Saray is way out on the outer reaches of The Palm, but Voi is worth the taxi ride if you live the Dubai Marina end of town.

Ordering from the main menu would be expensive, but the Voi Experience tasting menu is a reasonable Dhs395.

Check out our verdict on p53.

Zabeel Saray, The Palm, West Crescent, Dubai, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 4530444. jumeirah.com

Our monthly recipe columnist Gary Rhodes' name guarantees Twenty10's popularity.

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. Any of the meat dishes would be a good decision.

Take a table upstairs for a more romantic occasion.

Around Dhs650 for two. Not bad, really.

Check out Gary Rhodes' column on p63.

Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai, 7pm to midnight.

Tel: (04) 3995555 garyrhodes.com

140 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

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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

Therapist Wi is a superstar, but the staff have been recruited from other SensAsia outposts so really know their stuff.

Big brand names, shorter treatments and cheaper prices.

It's a winning combination.

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.

We're becoming regulars in this tucked away spa; check out p91 to read more.

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.

Simply gorgeous, with terracottas, woods and lovely fabrics. Sumptuous treatment rooms and a VIP area for couples complete the experience.

Surprisingly reasonable for shorter treatments, ranging up to the big bucks for daylong rituals.

We'd move in if they'd let us; imagine having a dip in that swimming pool every day. Sigh.

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 extensive 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.

Remember 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

Clearly very happy in their jobs, the therapists here take pride in making sure you have an amazing spa experince.

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.

It's not cheap, but there are monthly offers that take the sting out. We reckon the quality of products, spa and therapists are worth it.

There's a music menu, so don't fear a two-hour pan-pipe extravaganza.

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

NOVEMBER 2011 WHAT’S ON 143

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

7

8

Talise Spa

9

The Spa

10

THE SPA

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

Just lovely.

Expertly trained and very sweet to boot.

Both innovative and imaginative, the menu caters for mums-to-be, golfers, high-heel fans and frequent flyers. And everyone else, too.

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.

This is one of Dubai's best home-grown brands.

Thumbs up.

Emirates Golf Club, The Village Mall and Shoreline Apartments, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4179820. sensaisaapas.com

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.

The regular offers will take the sting out and save you some money for the mall.

Check out the facial offer on p96; a mere Dhs300 for one of the treatments we've tried.

The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai, 10am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 4388888. theaddress.com

Jam-packed with pros; there’s a mix of nationalities and specialities, from massage therapists to a GP.

In addition to a vast spa menu, Talise has a naturopath, life coaching and medical testing on offer.

A lovely setting, with treatment rooms tucked away among leafy pathways and a private pool for spa-goers.

Not bad for such a high-end establishment. The 80-minute Royal Hammam costs a fair Dhs450.

There's full moon yoga at Talise this month. Find out more on p96.

Omm...

Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai, 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (04) 3666681. jumeirah.com/talise

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.

SensAsia Urban Spa

The Spa

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Banyan Tree Al Wadi

11 BANYAN TREE

The Spa

144 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 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 dinner at Asado.

BACKCHAT WITH CATBOY

Our man on the radio shows us how to lose friends and alienate people – on Facebook I’m at a loss for words. Not the best way to start a column, I know. I’m just feeling a bit sorry for myself because I’ve broken-up with someone who was a daily part of my life since I arrived in Dubai.

Yes. Facebook and I are no more.

Like all relationship break-ups, it wasn’t easy. We were a cool couple. We even had an open relationship. We were both seeing other people. I got serious with someone else but Facebook had to go one better by seeing 800 million other people.

Plus Facebook changed and I didn’t want to. Sometimes it was little changes and sometimes they were huge. We were drifting apart.

I hardly even recognised Facebook anymore.

As with all break-ups, there was fallout.

We shared over 3,000 friends. Sadly, none of them sided with me. They all went with

Facebook. I’ve seen a few of them since (in real life) and it’s awkward. I used to know everything they were doing. They’d share their family photos with me, I know what they were thinking, and we’d chat. Now I know nothing about them anymore.

We’re strangers.

Don’t think I’m not thinking about Facebook, too. I wonder what it’s doing. I hear people talking about it. I know it’s still out there, getting along fine without me. Still, I’m turning a corner and, not only that, I’m also getting my life back.

You see, Facebook and me, we were one of those couples who get really close and spend far too much time together. We were cutting everybody else off. If I wasn’t with Facebook I was thinking about Facebook. I know Facebook felt the same. I’d get e-mails, reminders on my phone, pokes; and it didn’t stop there.

I was constantly being told I should make more friends and go to more events, I wasn’t allowed to forget anybody’s birthday and I had to sit through the holiday photos of people I barely even knew.

It just wasn’t working, so now I’m on my own and do you want to know something. I feel great. Breaking up with Facebook isn’t the end of world. Sure, you go through five minutes of feeling like a social outcast. You have to explain yourself to people who can’t imagine cutting the cord. Some of your friends might even take it as a personal slight against them.

All you have to do is remind them, and yourself, that it’s just a website, it’s not a vital organ. You survived before Facebook and you’ll carry on surviving afterwards. Of course, I’m not encouraging you to break-up with Facebook if you don’t want to. If you enjoy it, feel free to do so. I did for a long time. We just reached a point where we had nothing in common anymore. If we’d carried on it wasn’t going to end amicably.

Plus if my affair with Twitter had come out, I’d have been a dead man.

Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to 10am, Dubai 92. dubai92.com

NEXT MONTH: YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON SORTED, ALL THE ACTION AT THE DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL AND THE WHAT’S ON AWARDS WINNERS ARE REVEALED 146 WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER 2011

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