What's On July 2020

Issue 508

July 2020

10

daycations

worth pencilling in the diary

WHY JULY IN THE UAE HAS NEVER FELT BETTER

Perfect Pool Days

Round up a few of your friends for a fun day out

PLUS

Cool indoor adventures

UAE DHS15

VR PARKS, ESCAPE ROOMS, CRAZY GOLF & MORE

CONTENTS DAYS OF FUN

FEATURES

THE BEST DAYCATIONS ON OFFER IN THE UAE P14

22 BABY SHARK Meet the ‘shark mums’ doing their bit for UAE wildlife

26 THE GREAT INDOORS Theme parks, family-friendly activities and workouts

22

38 SUMMER READS Novels and children’s books written by UAE residents

Page 26

26 What’s On_3

CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 10 Yalla!

Quick fix of news

74 Win! Dinner vouchers worth Dhs500 and pay it forward flowers

46

COVER AND ILLUSTRATION:

Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

45 CONSUME 46 FOOD Dough It Yourself and folly food kits, reviewed. Plus, vegan delights at Soulgreen Dubai and a look inside Nakheel Mall’s luxurious food hall

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50 WE’RE OPEN

WhatsOn.ae Our stunning website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas. It’s your online destination for stuff to do in the UAE. Get clicking.

Guide to all the restaurants open in Abu Dhabi right now Page 68

70

57 CULTURE

67 ACTIVE

58 STREET ART Take a tour of Dubai’s amazing outdoor art

58 4_What’s On

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68 FIGHT ISLAND

What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store.

Yas Island transforms into a UFC hub this summer

62 FILM PREVIEW

69 EVENTS

A look at some of the films still to premiere this year, including Mulan starring Liu Yifei, Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, The Witches remake starring Anne Hathaway, and Daniel Craig as James Bond in No Time To Die

Online performing arts classes, karting at Yas Marina Circuit, and an indoor triathlon

70 TRAVEL Epic road-trip adventures to add to your bucket-list

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

Our cinema. Your crowd!

FAMILY & FRIENDS PRIVATE CINEMA NOW OPEN

Enjoy all the latest blockbusters in the company of your loved ones.

Our cinema auditoriums can be booked for up to 10 guests.

AVAILABLE IN

STANDARD AED450

AED800

To book or enquire, dial 600 599905.

For more information, visit www.voxcinemas.com or the VOX app. /VOXCINEMAS

ADVERTISEMENT

Sunshine SESSIONS

Celebrate summertime in Dubai at JW Marriott Marquis AMAZING DAYCATION DEALS!

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et’s be honest, it can be hard to appreciate the UAE while we’re baking in the sun. But you needn’t resign yourself to three months of mopping your sweat off your brow – go to a wonderfully temperaturecontrolled pool. And at Aqua, JW Marriott Marquis’ chic poolside venue, there are new ways to enjoy it for less…

ROSÉ ALL DAY AT AQUA Give yourself that well-deserved break with an afternoon of sun, swimming and sipping at Aqua.

Enjoy pool and skyline views as you sip away on refreshing rosé cocktails.

When: Daily from noon to 6pm Price: Dhs180 including all-day pool access and free-flowing rosé and selected cocktails.

Book now: Call (04) 4143000 or email mhrs.dxbjw.restaurant. reservation@marriott.com

DAYCATION SPECIAL Alternatively, book yourself in for a day out by the pool for only Dhs150, which is fully redeemable at any of the hotel’s incredible restaurants.

When: Daily Price: Dhs150 (including Dhs150 credit to spend in any F&B outlet in the hotel) Book now: Call (04) 4143000 or email mhrs.dxbjw. restaurant.reservation@marriott.com

LA FARINE CAFÉ & BAKERY

Three amazing specials to try at JW Marriott Marquis’ contemporary European restaurant NEW BREAKFAST La Farine has launched a new breakfast menu serving a range of indulgent and healthy breakfast bites from nutritious gluten free pancakes and acai bowls, to heartier options such as eggs Benedict, steak and eggs and the all-new breakfast toastie.

There’s something to suit every taste, preference and hunger pangs.

When: Daily from 6am NEW AFTERNOON TEA Enjoy a selection of sweet and savoury treats at the new La Farine Afternoon Tea with family and friends. Opt for a sparkling welcome drink before tucking into freshlyprepared cucumber sandwiches, scones, passion fruit profiteroles and more.

When: Daily from 12.30pm to 5.30pm

Staycation special

As the country welcomes guests back to its shores, JW Marriott Marquis introduces its Welcome Back deal with 25 per cent off standard rates, plus complimentary breakfast. Alternatively, guests are welcome to book the special half board deal including daily breakfast and dinner for as little as Dhs300 per night.

To book, call +971 4 414 0000

NEW BUSINESS LUNCH Whether you’re back in the office, or just ready for a change of scenery at lunch, consider La Farine’s brand new Business Lunch menu. Choose between two- or three-courses of wholesome favourites including lightly roasted parsnip hummus to start, followed by a hearty steak, pan-seared salmon or vegetable curry, rounding off your lunch with a freshly-prepared patisserie. The two-course menu costs just Dhs89, and three courses is priced at Dhs99.

WE’RE OPEN! In light of easing restrictions, see below the new opening times for JW Marriott Marquis awardwinning restaurants Tong Thai: 6pm to midnight Prime68: 6pm to midnight (Fri & Sat 1pm to 4pm for brunch) La Farine: 6am to midnight Bridgewater Tavern: Sun to Thur 4pm to 1am; Fri to Sat 1pm to 1am

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL (04) 414 3000 OR VISIT JWMARRIOTTMARQUISDUBAILIFE.COM

07.20 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice

HEAD OF CONTENT – WHAT’S ON Laura Coughlin laura.coughlin@motivate.ae DIGITAL EDITOR - WHAT’S ON Sarah Gamboni sarah.gamboni@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Elise Kerr elise.kerr@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Miles Buckeridge miles.buckeridge@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Lauren Fletcher lauren.fletcher@motivate.ae JUNIOR ONLINE REPORTER Aarti Saundalkar aarti@motivate.ae SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR Surajit Dutta surajit@motivate.ae VIDEOGRAPHER Steve Eraña steve.erana@motivate.ae WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi firoz@motivate.ae

ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae JUNIOR DESIGNER Remy Thokchom thokchom.remy@motivate.ae

PHOTOGRAPHER Mustufa Abidi GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran binu@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto venita@motivate.ae CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER David Burke davidb@motivate.ae GROUP SALES MANAGER Varsha Bhatia varsha@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Taran Singh taran.singh@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Neil Kalidas neil.kalidas@motivate.ae DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux sabir.khodabux@motivate.ae

Annual Subscription UAE Dhs180 • GCC and International US$130 (inclusive of postal charges) Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel +971 4 427 3000; Fax +971 4 428 2270 Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor, Building 8, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

8_What’s On

EDITOR’S LETTER

DAYCATIONS ARE LIKE DATING…

… you just have to find your perfect match. Into food and drink? You need to give Caesars a shot, which includes a three-course lunch at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen for Dhs350. More into Med vibes and a great deal? White Beach is your daycation equal.

Or if it’s out-of-town island adventures that’s more in line with your personality, Sandy Beach in Fujairah, with its abundant off-shore marine life and competitive day passes, should be your next squeeze.

In this issue, we’ve found the most eligible daycation offers right now, each offering something a little different with one resounding similarity – they’re all outside in the sunshine. Because, let’s be honest, we’ve all been cooped up for a long time, and with restrictions easing and all the necessary safety measures in place, we can finally enjoy some pool and beach action. Just don’t forget your lotion. Find our guides to daycations and pool deals from p14, then get in quick before the sun loungers are all taken.

Of course, not everyone is going to want to be out in the blazing heat in July – and we don’t blame them. That’s why we’ve put together some of our favourite indoor activities to get involved with this month, too. You’ll find a handful of legendary landmarks as well as a few new ones to try from p26.

Elsewhere, we pick out the best family-friendly restaurants in Dubai (p34), explore the fabulous world of Dubai’s gourmet food hall (p52) and celebrate some of the best books written by residents of the UAE. Perfect reading material for an afternoon in the sunshine.

Enjoy the issue,

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai youtube.com/ WhatsOnDubai

What’s On_9

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN JULY

VIRTUAL GIG: ISABEL MARÍA CAÑADA LUNA

When: July 1 Classical music lovers are in for a treat with a performance by Dubai-based Spanish soprano Isabel María Cañada Luna on Dubai Opera’s Facebook account.

Tune in at 8pm to enjoy songs from her repertoire. q facebook.com/dubaiopera

DISCOVER NEW RESTAURANT HANAMI

When: Throughout July Chic Japanese restaurant, Hanami has now reopened at Andaz Dubai the Palm, and offers incredible panoramic views of the city. @hanamidxb 10_What’sOn

NEW GARDEN ON 8 BRUNCH

When: Every Friday The laid-back alfresco brunch in Media One Hotel’s Garden on 8 has relaunched.

Take your pick of two slots: noon to 3pm (Dhs229 with house drinks), or 4pm to 7pm (Dhs269 with house drinks. q mediaonehotel.com/venues/garden-on-8

CHECK OUT TAO SPA’S FACIAL PROMO

When: Throughout July The 90-minute HydraFacial targets fine lines and wrinkles and now costs just Dhs499 rather than Dhs1,370. q taospa.com

EAT AND DRINK FOR LESS AT BIDI’S

When: Throughout July Who doesn’t love Bidi’s pub grub? Now enjoy a meal and four drinks for just Dh195.

It’s a great spot for watching the Premier League, too. Bookings are mandatory. q bidibondi.com

ORDER A NEW ROAST DELIVERY

When: Throughout July Hankering for a roast? Reddy Roast is serving all the trimmings and then some, and delivering it to your house with 20 per cent off. Prices start at Dhs72. q reddyroast.com

CHECK OUT THE EXPANSION AT WAREHOUSE GYM

When: Throughout July Now double the floor size, Warehouse Gym’s flagship has reopened bigger and better than before. Tackle the BlackBox class, which promises to help you burn over 600 calories. Memberships start at Dhs333 per month. q whgym.com

HOST A PRIVATE CINEMA SCREENING

When: Throughout July Watch your favourite film with friends inside one of Roxy Cinemas’ VIP screening rooms. Prices start from Dhs1,250 and you can fit up to 20 guests which works out at Dhs62.50 each. Movie snacks included. q theroxycinemas.com/ birthdayevent

EID AL ADHA

When: July 31 Eid Al Adha is likely to fall on Friday, July 31 this year, and public and private sector workers are expected to receive three days of leave.

What’sOn_11

City break?

Petfriendly spot of the month

Stays worth booking now

STAY HERE!

The Pointe beach Great news for pet owners in Dubai: dogs are now permitted at The Pointe beach, provided they are kept on a leash at all times and do not enter the water. Head there, then enjoy a cool down deal at Chicago Meatpackers with 15 per cent off the bill. q chicago-meatpackers.com

Superb deal at JA The Resort Book now and receive 100 per cent back in resort credit Now, more than ever, we’re watching every dirham we spend. But for many UAE families, a Dubai staycation is the dangling carrot we need to get through the summer months. This incredible deal from JA The Resort has just made that staycay all the more accessible. Room rates at JA The Resort start at just Dhs396 a night, which is a bargain in itself. To sweeten the deal, you’ll get the full amount back to spend on food, drinks and activities each day (excluding taxes). This money-back offer is open to UAE residents only, and is available for stays until September 30. To book, use the promo code UAESTAY. q jaresortshotels.com/dubai/ja-the-resort

Five cool staycation deals on the Palm

Livin’ the

Palm life

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ANDAZ DUBAI THE PALM Stay at this new hotel and enjoy its 300m private beach plus brekkie at The Locale from Dhs550 per night. q andaz.com

ANANTARA THE PALM Save 25 per cent on room rates and restaurants, plus brekkie and late check out from Dhs585. q anantara.com

ATLANTIS, THE PALM At Dhs549, the weekday saver is a steal. It includes Dhs200 in credit, late check out and more. q atlantis.com/dubai

ONE&ONLY THE PALM Rates start at Dhs1,850++ including daily breakfast and Dhs500 in F&B credit. q Oneandonlyresorts. com/the-palm

FAIRMONT THE PALM Pay Dhs500 a night and receive the full amount back in credit.

Amazing deal. q fairmont.com/palmdubai What’sOn_13

Illustration: Sheila Deocareza

14_What’s On

Beaches and pools are back in action, and with just enough cash in your pocket for a little treat, these top daycation offers could be just the thing to make you feel like you’re on holiday

U A E D AY C AT I O N S

What’sOn_15

U A E D AY C AT I O N S

Dubai

daycations

2

Nikki Beach Resort and Spa

The world famous beach club is still closed but Nikki Beach Resort and Spa is open for business and offering some pretty sweet sun and sea savings.

Our favourite deal is the ‘Daycation of Dreams’ where Dhs300 (plus VAT) gets you not just a lounger on one of the UAE’s prettiest beaches but also access to your own topnotch room at the hotel between 10am and 7pm (minimum two people per room). Got the kids with you? Even better, the hotel is throwing in a free lunch for the kids with every paying adult. a Nikki Beach Resort and Spa, Pearl Jumeirah. Tel: (0)4 376 6000. nikkibeach.com

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Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort If you’re after a chilled haven away from the party vibes of a regular beach club, then the day retreat offer at Anantara might be just the ticket. The full Dhs270 entry fee is redeemable on food and drink and also allows you access to a lounger on the pristine 400-metre private beach with striking city views.

Order straight to your lounger or take a break from the sun for a sit-down lunch. Valid from Sunday to Wednesday. a Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, East Crescent Palm Jumeirah.

Tel: (04) 5678304. WhatsApp (+971) 561897000 or email: restaurants. dubai@anantara.com

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FUJAIRAH DAYCATION

White Beach, Atlantis, The Palm Want to feel like you’ve escaped to the Med without emptying out your bank account? White Beach has you covered. Pay just Dhs150 for entry and claim yourself a sunbed between 10am and 7pm, gain access to the beautiful beach at Atlantis, The Palm, and chill by the gorgeous infinity pool while listening to the latest tunes from Dubai’s top DJs. The best bit is you get your Dhs150 back to spend on food and beverages at the stunning White Beach restaurant. Prices go up to Dhs300 on Friday (redeemable on F&B) and Tuesdays is reserved for its brand new ladies’ day (12pm to 4pm) where the Dhs150 entry fee includes unlimited drinks and bites. a White Beach, Atlantis, The Palm, Crescent Rd, Palm Jumeirah. Entry 21+. Tel: (0)55 2004321. Email: whitebeach@atlantisthepalm.com. atlantis.com/dubai/barsand-nightlife/white-beach-club

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Sandy Beach, Al Aqah Happy to travel that little bit further for a resort sandwiched between magnificent mountainous scenery and crystalgreen waters?

Sandy Beach in Al Aqah, Fujairah is more than worth the two-hour drive from Dubai. The Dhs130 entrance fee (Dhs80 for those aged 4-10) gives you access to a sunbed either on the beach or around the newly renovated pool, as well as to the changing room facilities. The best bit? It’s the only place you can easily snorkel or kayak straight off the beach to the famous Snoopy Island and spot a variety of marine life including turtles. a Sandy Beach Hotel Resorts, Al Aqah, Fujairah, UAE. Tel: (09) 2445555. sandybeachhotel.ae

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Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina This might be the best family deal we’ve seen and even if you don’t have kids, it’s still a steal. Grab yourself beach and room access for two adults and two children for just Dhs199.

Check in as early as 8am and enjoy the crystal clear waters and white sands until as late as 7pm. Enjoy a 25 per cent discount on food and beverages, and in case you decide to stay over, that’s just another Dhs100 (plus taxes). Quote promo code ZDY when booking. a Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai Marina.

Tel: (0)4 3994141. Email: 01895. reservations@lemeridien.com What’sOn_17

U A E D AY C AT I O N S

Caesars Bluewaters Dubai If you like a good lunch with your lounger then the #LikeACaesar Daycation Package is a winner. For Dhs350 you can expect the comforts of a Palace Deluxe room from 9:00am to 6:00pm, access to the huge private beach at Caesars Bluewaters Dubai, and a delicious three-course lunch at Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen. The offer is available Sunday to Wednesday and kids under three go free. And we’ve just had news that the hotel’s Cove Beach club has opened its gorgeous pools – for Dhs200 you can grab a sunbed, enjoy the pools and beach, and the cash is fully redeemable on F&B. a Caesars Palace, Bluewaters Island, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 556 6666. email: stay@caesarsdubai.ae a Cove Beach: Tel: (05) 454 6920. covebeach.com

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One&Only The Palm

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Live it up at one of the UAE’s most exclusive resorts, hidden away on the West Crescent of the Palm Jumeirah.

The ‘Beach Hideaway Daycation’ at One&Only The Palm includes the keys to one of the chic Premiere Rooms from 11am to 8pm and access to the stunning beach and gardens (pool announcement is still pending), all for Dhs1,200 (plus taxes), with Dhs500 redeemable at 101 Dining Lounge & Marina curated by Michelin-starred Chef Yannick Allenó. Get ready to chill out in a luxury setting away from the city noise. a One&Only The Palm, West Crescent, Palm Jumeirah. Tel: (0)4 4401010. Email: reservations@ oneandonlythepalm.com 18_What’s On

Abu Dhabi daycations

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi

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Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi If you’re after the ultimate luxury daycation, then sign up for this island getaway. The Dhs480 entrance fee includes the speedboat ride over from Saadiyat Island, access to the beaches and pools on the private island resort, as well as a whopping Dhs420 back to redeem on food and drinks. Choose between the two sides of the island for two totally different vibes: live it up at the elegant Frangipani restaurant and nearby Ginger Mermaid bar, pool and beach, or opt for boho fun at Smokin’ Pineapple with wood fired pizzas, dreamcatchers and water sports. Daycation bookings can be made through myconcierge.com a Zaya Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. Tel: (0)25 066222 Email: info@nurai.com. zayanuraiisland.com

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This hotel is once again offering day and week passes to its gorgeous stretch of private beach.

Residents can pick up a one-week pass for Dhs490, with Dhs200 back to spend on food and drinks. A couple’s pass can be secured for Dhs900, with Dhs400 back to spend on food and drinks. Day passes can be collected for Dhs55 (weekday) and Dhs85 (weekend). a Le Meridien, Tourist Club Area. Tel: (02) 644 6666

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Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort You can get a whole month’s worth of shoreline sun-soaking for only Dhs550.

Couples save Dhs100, with membership for two costing just Dhs1,000. Or choose a one- month family membership for Dhs1,200 (that’s for two adults and two kids aged 2-17). q instagram.com/sheratonabudhabi What’sOn_19

Lucky DIP Now that pools have been given the green light to reopen in Dubai, we’re welcoming the return of some unbeatable pool deals. Snag a sun lounger at the city’s hottest hotels, with our guide to the best pool passes…

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BARASTI

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DRIFT At Drift Beach Club, midweek access costs Dhs150 per person. On weekends, it’s Dhs200. One&Only is also running a Drift Beach Daycation offer from 11am to 8pm, for Dhs850 (plus taxes) for two adults and Dhs400 in food and drink credit. a Drift Beach Dubai, One&Only Royal Mirage.

Tel: (0)4 315 2200. Email info@driftbeachdubai.com. driftbeachdubai.com 20_What’s On

Party-ready Barasti is welcoming guests back, with free entry to the pool and beach. It’s open 9am to 10.30pm daily, with no reservations required. a Barasti Beach, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi. Tel: (0)4 3181313. barastibeach.com

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THE WESTIN DUBAI MINA SEYAHI A pool pass to The Westin costs Dhs200 midweek and Dhs250 on weekends for adults (with Dhs100 back in food and drink credit). For children, it’s Dhs75 midweek and Dhs125 on weekends, with Dhs50 in credit. a The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi. Tel: (0)4 3994141. marriott.com

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ZERO GRAVITY It’s first come, first served at this Dubai hotspot. Arrive early to nab a sun lounger, with entry priced at Dhs100 on weekdays and Dhs150 on weekends (fully redeemable on food and drinks). Open 10am until sunset. Under 12s and over 60s aren’t permitted. a Zero Gravity, Sky Dive Dubai, Dubai Marina. Tel: (0)4 3990009.

0-gravity.ae

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RAFFLES DUBAI An all-day pool pass at Raffles costs Dhs175 per person, with Dhs100 redeemable on food and drinks. Daycations are also available from Dhs655 for two adults and up to two children, including use of a guest room, plus a bento-box lunch and soft drink. a Raffles Dubai, Wafi, Tel: (0)4 324 8888. Email: bookus. dubai@raffles.com

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FIVE JUMEIRAH VILLAGE Enjoy the pool at Five Jumeirah Village midweek with a minimum spend of Dhs100. On weekends, it’s Dhs150 entry, with Dhs100 in food and drink credit. If you want to spend the night, stay and dine from Dhs400, with the full amount back in food and drinks credit. a Five Jumeirah Village. Tel: (0)4 2489999. jumeirahvillage. fivehotelsandresorts.com

LADIES’ DAY OF THE MONTH!

ANDREEA’S WHEN? Thursdays and Saturdays Located on the beachfront of the Habtoor Grand hotel in Dubai Marina, the beautiful Andreea’s beach club now features a supersized swimming pool three times the size of the original. The brilliant bi-weekly Andreea’s ladies’ day runs every Thursday and Saturday.

For Dhs125, ladies can enjoy light bites and unlimited selected drinks from 12pm to 6pm. a Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 12pm to 6pm, Thursday and Saturday, Dhs125. Tel: (058) 693 5778. facebook.com/ Andreeas.dubai

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AZURE BEACH DUBAI When you spend the day at the Azure Beach pool at Rixos Premium in JBR, you’ll get the full entry price back to spend on food and drinks. On weekends, it’s Dhs100 and on weekdays it’s just Dhs50. a Azure Beach Dubai, Rixos Premium, JBR. Tel: (0)4 5200000. Email: reservation. premiumdubai@rixos.com. azure-beach.com

REMEMBER Don’t forget to swim responsibly, and bring your own beach towel and face mask

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BRING UP

BABY (SHARKS)

Atlantis, The Palm’s ‘shark mums’ celebrate World Oceans Day with 58 baby sharks

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BABY SHARK

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ringing up just one baby is a fulltime job.

So, spare a thought for two supermums, Kelly Timmins and Natasha Christie, who have raised hundreds – and have a jaws-dropping 58 newborns to look after.

However, they’re not your average panicked parents.

The ‘shark mums’ of Atlantis, The Palm help to look after the newborn sharks and sting rays at The Lost Chambers aquarium, where they run one of the world’s most unique nurseries.

This year the pair have welcomed 15 baby sharks and sting rays, as well as countless sea jellies and horseshoe crabs.

And, since January 2020, 25 young Arabian carpet Kelly Timmins Natasha Christie

An Arabian carpet shark ready for release

sharks and three honeycomb rays have been released into the ocean as part of an ongoing initiative with Dubai Municipality.

Last month, on World Oceans Day (June 8), the Lost Chambers team celebrated being awarded accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), making them the first in the region to receive the prestigious accolade championing their first-class standards on animal care, conservation and education.

Currently there are 58 baby sharks and six rays in

the bustling nursery, each of which are individually fed and monitored on a daily basis.

And, just like any parent knows, caring for them is a round-the-clock operation.

Natasha, director of The Lost Chambers, has worked at the aquarium since 2008, and during her 12 years has overseen the births of over 200 sharks and stingrays.

“We currently have three honeycomb stingrays, one porcupine stingray, two eagle rays and close to 60 Arabian carpet sharks in the nursery,” revealed Natasha.

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BABY SHARK

“When the aquarium first opened, the animals weren’t fully matured or settled into their environment. Then breeding increased five or six years ago and we’re seeing a lot of births.”

A year ago, director of conservation, education and CSR, Kelly joined the team of more than a hundred people at Atlantis who care for marine animals, helping to manage the baby boom.

“I’m a real shark lover”, Kelly said. “People have this misconception of them being super-aggressive or dangerous in some way, but I’ve been diving with sharks both in the aquarium and in the wild and I’ve not encountered anything of the sort, they are just the most lovely-natured animals.

“I’d love to dispel that myth that these sharks are aggressive 24_What’s On

in any way, they’re actually more timid of humans going into the environment than you would know. These are the animals that have my heart.”

Earlier this year The Lost Chambers teamed up with Dubai Municipality and Jebel Ali Wildlife Sanctuary to release sharks and rays born in captivity into the Arabian Gulf.

Since February, 25 baby Arabian carpet sharks and three honeycomb rays have been released into the wild.

To prepare for their journey into the deep blue, the sharks were encouraged to explore and interact with other compatible marine life and to forage for their own food.

Once again like any proud parent, seeing the babies fly, or rather swim, the nest is emotional for Kelly and Natasha.

Photo: Getty Images

Crowds gather to watch the release

nursery until they’re eight to 10 months old. Seeing them put into the ocean is such a nice moment.”

For Kelly and Natasha, being awarded AZA status in March was a “dream come true”, recognising all of the team’s conservation efforts.

To achieve the international standard, a detailed application was submitted, and a meticulous three-day on-site inspection was carried out.

There are now 240 AZA accredited facilities worldwide, with just 23 of these members outside the US. “It really is the gold standard,” said Kelly. “You’ve got a team here that is really dedicated and really cares about animal welfare, and now people can now truly see what we stand for.”

“PEOPLE HAVE THIS COMMON MISCONCEPTION THAT SHARKS ARE SUPER-AGGRESSIVE OR DANGEROUS IN SOME WAY” - KELLY TIMMINS “We always cry,” said Natasha.

“It’s such a good feeling. In a captive environment we strive to educate the public about the importance of sharks and rays, especially animals that are going extinct in the wild and in this way we can give back to the ocean.”

“The aquarists take care of these animals from the very beginning,” added Kelly. “Right from taking the egg cases from inside the aquarium to feeding and taking care of them in the

The current water temperature means that the next shiver of sharks to be released into the ocean will be in October. And, if you’re hoping to see the babies beforehand, you can do so by getting your teeth firmly into the Atlantis Fish Tales Tour.

Keep your eyes peeled for all of this spring’s newcomers – and if you look hard enough you may even spot one of the resort’s biggest stars: the shark mums of Dubai.

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It’s that time of year when air-conditioning units are your very best friend. From indoor fitness ideas and summer-friendly terraces to some of the city’s coolest new spots, here’s our pick of the best undercover fun in town 26_What’s On

T H E G R E AT I N D O O R S

01 Relieve stress at a Smash Room Feeling a bit stressed out?

Well, how’s this for a unique therapy session. The Smash Room lets you smash out all of your frustrations in a safe space – it’s essentially a rebel’s version of a day spa. The room is filled with old furniture, TVs, laptops, and mannequins, and you get to choose your weapon and show those objects who is boss (perhaps while imagining your boss). Packages start from Dhs99. a The Smash Room, Umm Suqeim Street, Al Quoz Industrial 4. thesmashroom.ae

02 Try your hand at glow-in-the-dark mini golf Love a game of mini golf? We do too. But we’ve never seen a course quite like this before.

3D Blacklight Minigolf is a mini golf experience set in the dark, illuminated by neon blacklighting and 3D effects that completely cover the walls and floor of the indoor course. Expect some epic visuals, from orange-hued desert scenes to the vibrant world beneath the sea. We’ve already got our eye on those neon golf clubs… a 3D Blacklight Minigolf Dubai. facebook.com/3DBlacklightMinigolfDubai What’sOn_27

T H E G R E AT I N D O O R S

03 Step under the sea with Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo Some 33,000 fish, sharks and rays call Dubai Aquarium home. The 10-million litre tank is filled with marine life, and as well as being able to admire from the outside, Dubai Aquarium offers a number of experiences to get up, close and personal with the creatures that call the aquarium home, from feeding sting rays to swimming with sharks. a Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Mall. thedubaiaquarium.com

04 Bowl your way into the week Wavehouse has certainly earned its stripes in terms of entertainment, and is a go-to for something different to your normal bar or restaurant scene. Set in the glow of neon lights and funky decor, try your hand at their four lane, 10-pin bowling alley from Dhs420 per hour (maximum six guests) or Dhs70 per person per game (walk in only).

There’s also pool, arcade games, soft play and the Wave Rider, plus a bar and restaurant. a Wavehouse, Atlantis The Palm, atlantisthepalm.com/wavehouse 28_What’s On

06 EXPERIENCE VIRTUAL REALITY Dreamscape will take you on a sensory adventure to different lands and even under the sea. a Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, dreamscapeimmersive. com

05 Tackle TEP factor Think of the 1990s TV show The Crystal Maze and you’ll have some idea of what you’re getting yourself into at TEPfactor. You’ll be trapped inside a closed chamber. Your strength can’t help you and there’s no assistance from the outside. Only your mind holds the key as you solve clues, puzzles and riddles against the clock. It’s brilliant fun. Rates are usually Dhs99 per hour per person, but for the same price, you can get two hours’ worth of challenging fun if you book on the weekend. At the moment, they are only open from Thursday to Saturday, and teams are capped at five people. a Bahar Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Residence. tepfactor.ae

07 Explore the wonders of a rainforest at The Green Planet It’s hard not to be impressed by nature at this tropical rainforest, home to over 3,000 plants and animals. Little ones will be fascinated with activities such as The Sloth Encounter, The Bat Cave, The Sugar Glider Encounter and the Australian Walkabout. Be sure to look out for The Green Planet’s newest resident, a gorgeous tamandua anteater who moved in just last month. a The Green Planet, City Walk, Dubai. thegreenplanetdubai. com What’sOn_29

T H E G R E AT I N D O O R S

08 Tackle the slopes Arguably the coolest attraction in the city, the 22,500 square metre ski park set in Mall of the Emirates has loads of activities, including a ski slope for skiiers and snowboarders, a ‘Snow Park’ with a giant zorbing ball, ice cave, and ‘Mountain Thriller’ ride.

Animal lovers can even see a penguin show. If you’re planning a ski trip, the ski school is available to help you learn the basics. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate at the Avalanche and Ice Café.

Ticket prices vary on your choice of activity. a Ski Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, skidxb.com

09 LEARN TO SKI OR PERFECT YOUR TECHNIQUE AT THIS NEW DRY SLOPE Booked that ski holiday but just missing one vital ingredient – knowing how to ski? Infinite Ski is the first of its kind dry-ski slope in the UAE, based in Al Quoz. You’ll ski or snowboard on a revolving belt, which simulates a real ski slope and you can adjust the gradient as you go. It’s perfect for those learning the ropes or for perfecting your existing snow skills, with a trial session priced from Dhs50. a Infinite Ski,123 – 4 26th St, Al Quoz, Dubai. infiniteski.com 30_What’s On

11 SEE A FILM IN 270 DEGREES

10 Skate around Swoop and glide (or try to) across the ice at Dubai Ice Rink with their daily sessions for all levels. They’ve also recently introduced mini-golf on ice, so if you think you’re at the top of your mini-putting game then why not give this a go? a Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall, dubaiicerink.com

The first of its kind in the UAE, you’ll find ScreenX at Reel Cinemas in the Dubai Mall. The 170-seater cinema boasts a 270-degree screen, which wraps around three of the cinema walls, leaving movie-goers feeling like they’re part of the film at times. The films are adapted to suit the screen, and although not all of the films will be shown in the 270-degree format, the parts that are really leave viewers feeling thoroughly immersed.

For the highest impact, pick a seat towards the back. a ScreenX by Reel Cinemas, Dubai Mall. reelcinemas.ae

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Searching for ideas to keep your smalls entertained? We’ve got your back…

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ith much of the city still off limits to its youngest residents, families in Dubai are, understandably, starting to go a little spare. If you’re on the hunt for fresh things to do with your crew, we’ve rounded up five fun things to do with children.

Sunrise picnic at Al Qudra Lakes Set your alarm clocks for a pre-dawn departure, then head off for a sunrise breakfast at Al Qudra Lakes. Take a picnic blanket, some pastries and fruit, and a flask of coffee (for yourself ), and let your little ones run wild on their scooters or bikes before it gets too warm. The paths and lawn around Love Lakes are perfect for smaller cyclists.

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01

DIY sundaes at Fuchsia Urban Thai When children order a dish from the Thai Tots Menu for Kids at Fuchsia in Bay Square or Barsha Heights, they’ll get a free DIY sundae for dessert. They’ll love decorating their scoop of coconut ice cream with toppings such as fruits, Nutella and sprinkles.

Available daily until 7pm.

Find more family-friendly restaurants on page 34. a Fuchsia Urban Thai, Bay Square and Barsha Heights venues only. Daily until 7pm. fuchsiame.com

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Homemade pizza night with Dough It Yourself We’re yet to meet a child who doesn’t like making their own pizza. When you order a pizza kit from Dough It Yourself, you’ll get a fresh batch of dough ready to stretch and roll, plus pizza sauce, mozzarella and optional toppings. Order the family kit (Dhs200) for a hands-on pizza night at home.

See page 49 for more. q Visit: doughityourself.ae

05 Family ‘playcation’ at InterContinental Dubai Festival City

Family-friendly brunch at Bread Street Kitchen The family brunch is back at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, welcoming children of all ages. Even the fussiest eater will find something they love on the crowdpleasing British menu, all served straight to your table. As a bonus, brunch packages include entry to The Lost Chambers Aquarium. a Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Atlantis, The Palm, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs355 with house drinks, Dhs105 for children. atlantis.com/dubai/restaurants/ gordon-ramsay-bread-street-kitchen

If your smalls are running up the walls at home, then perhaps a change of scene is in order. InterContinental Dubai Festival City has launched an all-new ‘playcation’ deal, inviting you and your family to check into a suite that’s chocka-block with the latest toys and games from Toys ‘R’ Us. a InterContinental Dubai Festival City, Dubai Festival City. Suite Playcation from Dhs399++. dubaifestivalcityhotels.com What’sOn_33

Itching to get out of the house with your kids? These Dubai restaurants are welcoming children once again – and some are offering sweet deals to boot

Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort All of the restaurants at this Palm Jumeirah resort are now open to children. Familyfriendly dining options include all-day eatery Revo Cafe, South East Asian diner Mekong, and Bushman’s barbecue restaurant. For enhanced safety, all menus are now offered via QR code, which you can scan on your mobile phone. a Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort, Palm Jumeirah. Daily (hours vary). All ages. Tel: (04) 5678304. anantara.com/en/ palm-dubai/restaurants 34_What’s On

Circle Cafe

Arrows & Sparrows Rainbow-hued breakfast bowls, nourishing salads and the community vibe appeal to all ages at this welcoming cafe in the Greens. a Arrows & Sparrows, Emaar Business Park, The Greens.

Daily 8am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5588141. arrowsparrows.com

Bistro Des Arts Little ones will love the salted caramel-slathered crepes, flaky pastries and air-conditioned terrace at this Parisianinspired bistro overlooking Dubai Marina. a Bistro Des Arts, Marina

Black Tap

FA M I LY F R I E N D LY R E S TA U R A N T S

Common Grounds Promenade (near Dubai Marina Mall). Mon to Thu noon to 11pm, Fri to Sun 8am to 11pm. All ages. Tel: (0)4 551 1576. bistrodesarts.ae

Black Tap Juicy burgers, crunchy fries, and over-the-top ‘crazy shakes’: Black Tap is the stuff of childhood dining dreams. a Black Tap, Rixos Premium JBR, The Walk, JBR. Sun to Thu 11am to 1am, Fri to Sat 11am to 2am. All ages. Tel: (04)3999076. blacktapme.com

Brunch & Cake If your Instagram feed is looking a tad drab, take the family to this picture-perfect cafe in Jumeirah. a Brunch & Cake, Ground Floor, Wasl 51, Al Wasl Road, Jumeria. Daily from 8am.

Tel: (800) 472 6362. @ brunchandcakedubai

Bystro Laidback Australian fare is on offer at this family-friendly haunt, which welcomes kids of all ages, as well as over 60s. a Bystro, Al Manara. Daily 8am to 5pm. All ages. Tel: (04) 3368056. teambystro.com

Cafe Confetti We love the home-style cakes, top-notch children’s menu and laidback attitude of this kidfriendly haunt in JLT. a Cafe Confetti, Cluster U, JLT. Daily, 8am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 5546206. cafeconfettidubai. com

Cassette This cool, warehouse-style eatery in The Courtyard, Al Quoz, is dishing out its fab French-inspired fare and signature burgers to ages three and up. a Cassette, The Courtyard, 4th St, Al Quoz. Daily 8.30am to 6pm. Ages three and up. Tel: (04) 3491966. courtyard-uae. com/cassette

Circle Cafe Fill bellies big and small with the all-you-can-eat breakfast offer at Circle Cafe.

It’s a steal at just Dhs60 for adults and Dhs25 for children. a Circle Cafe, Bay Square, Media City, Studio City and Silicon Oasis. Daily 8am to 5pm. All-you-can-eat offer available Fri and Sat. All ages. circle-cafe.com

The JLT branch of Common Grounds is now welcoming families with kids for smashed avocado on toast, premium burgers and vibrant salads. a Almas Tower, JLT. Daily 8am to 4pm.

Tel: (0)56 5118733. commongroundsdubai. com

Couqley The much-loved children’s menu is back at this JLT French favourite, with under 12s and over 60s all welcome. a Cluster A, JLT. Daily 1pm to 10.50pm. Tel: (04) 5149339. couqley.ae

Doors Freestyle Grill Kids will love the theatrics at this steak and seafood restaurant on the waterfront of Dubai Creek so much so that they are welcome to join in the fun. Little sous-chefs are invited to help prep some of the restaurant’s most colourful dishes. Be sure to order the flaming steaks and, quiteliterally, smashing desserts. a Al Seef, Dubai Creek, daily 2pm to 10pm. Tel: (050) 7000375. doorsdubai.com What’sOn_35

Ella’s Eatery On Palm Jumeirah, Ella’s is also offering a bottomless breakfast deal. It has downsized its regular portion sizes so you can sample more dishes. a Ella’s Eatery, Palm Jumeirah. Daily 8am to 10pm, weekend brunch 8am to midday. All ages. Tel: (04) 5570984. facebook.com/ ellaseateryDXB/

Fuchsia Urban Thai The whole family can get their Thai cravings sated at Fuchsia’s venues in Barsha Heights and Bay Square, with under 12s and over 60s welcome. Plus, to celebrate the opening there are three new dishes to try: prawn toasts, prawn wontons, and banana crepes with salted caramel. a Fuchsia Urban Thai, Barsha Heights and Bay Square.

Daily noon to 11pm (Barsha Heights open until midnight on weekends). fuchsiame.com

Mango Tree Thai Bistro

GolosItalia

London Dairy Cafe

Keep your cool with authentic Sicilian gelati and sweets.

Show us a kid who doesn’t like ice cream… a GolosItalia, Cluster C, JLT. Daily 7am to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4434955. golositalia.ae

Children aged three and up are welcome at three London Dairy Cafe venues. There’s even a new children’s offer that includes a main, side dish and drink for Dhs30. a London Dairy Cafe, DIFC (daily 8am to 8pm), Dubai Media City (daily 8am to 8pm), and Aspin Commercial Tower Sheikh Zayed Rd (Sun to Thu 7am to 11pm, Fri to Sat 8am to 11pm). londondairycafe. com

Jones the Grocer The Dusit Thani branch of Jones the Grocer is welcoming kids – as a sweetener, children eat for free when dining with their parents. a Dusit Thani Dubai, 133 Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai. Daily 7am to late. All ages. Tel: (04) 3174261. jonesthegrocer.com

Lime Tree Cafe The standalone branches of Lime Tree Cafe are now open to families with little ones. a Lime Tree Cafe, Jumeirah 1, Sheikh Zayed Rd and Al Quoz branches. thelimetreecafe.com 36_What’s On

Luigia

LPM Restaurant & Bar For a civilised family lunch or dinner, book a table at this sophisticated DIFC restaurant, welcoming ages three and up. a LPM, Gate Village No 8, DIFC. Daily noon to 11pm. Ages 3 and up. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmrestaurants.com/dubai/

Family dining at its best, Luigia has a kid-approved menu and a dedicated space for smalls. a Luigia, Rixos Premium JBR, The Walk, JBR. Sun to Thu 4pm to 11pm, Fri to Sat 12.30pm to 11pm. All ages. Tel: (04)3496950. luigia.ae

FA M I LY F R I E N D LY R E S TA U R A N T S

Maison Mathis

The Irish Village

This de facto living room for Arabian Ranches families has reopened for all ages. a Maison Mathis, Arabian Ranches 1. Daily 9am to 10pm.

Tel: (0)4 4501313. mm-argc.com

Little ones will love letting off some steam in the expansive grounds of this Al Garhoud stalwart. a Al Garhoud. Daily 11am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 2824750. theirishvillage.com

Mango Tree Thai Bistro This lively Thai eatery in JBR is offering some incredible deals for children. Kids aged under six dine for free, while six- to 12-year-olds get a 50 per cent discount. JBR residents can also save 20 per cent when they present their key card. a Mango Tree Thai Bistro, LP Level, Hilton Dubai The Walk, JBR. Daily 1pm to 10pm.

All ages. Tel: (04) 3747555. facebook.com/MangoTreeJBR/

McGettigan’s JLT Not only are children welcome at McGettigan’s JLT – they’re also welcome to dine for free.

From Sunday to Thursday, noon to 3pm, when adults purchase a main course, children aged 12 and under can select a complimentary dish from the kids’ menu, such as mac and cheese or buttermilk chicken strips. a McGettigan’s JLT. Kids Eat Free promotion valid Sun to Thu noon to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3560470.

The Noodle House Two of The Noodle House’s Dubai branches are now welcoming children aged three and up. Get your familyfriendly pan-Asian fix at Souk Madinat Jumeirah and JBR. a The Noodle House, Souk Madinat Jumeirah and The Walk JBR. Daily, noon to 10pm. Ages 3 and up. thenoodlehouse.com/

Tom & Serg Still setting the benchmark for cafes in Dubai, Tom & Serg’s industrial-chic space is welcoming families once again. a Al Quoz, Daily 9am to 4pm. Tel: (056) 4746812. tomandserg.com

Tortuga

Park House Visit Park House’s alfresco eateries at Kite Beach and Jumeirah Islands for bountiful breakfasts the whole family will love. a Park House, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Islands. Daily 8am to 10pm. All ages. parkhouse.ae

Reform Social & Grill

The Eloquent Elephant This atmospheric gastropub serves British and international classics that will appeal to all comers. a The Eloquent Elephant, Taj Dubai, Burj Khalifa St, Business Bay. Daily noon to 11pm. All ages. Tel: (04) 4383131.

Reform’s lakeside lawn has long been a favourite with families in Dubai, and now all ages are welcome back (you can even book a spot for your four-legged family members). This Friday June 5, kids eat for free during the Family Fun Friday Brunch. a Reform Social & Grill, The Lakes. Daily 8am to 11pm.

All ages. Tel: (04) 4542638. reformsocialgrill.ae

Share a Mexican feast con la familia at this vibrant eatery in Madinat Jumeirah. a Jumeirah Mina A’Salam.

Sun to Thu 6pm to 10pm, Fri noon to 4.30pm and 6pm to 10pm, Sat noon to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4323232.

Ultra Brasserie Fill up on nutritious salads, vegan burgers and other feelgood food. a Marina Plaza, Dubai Marina. Sun to Thu 7am to 8pm, Fri to Sat 7am to 9pm.

Tel: (0)4 2775644. ultra.ae

Stoke House This family-friendly restaurant features a crowd-pleasing selection of burgers, pizzas and sharing platters. a Stoke House, Al Qudra Rd, Damac Hills. Daily 7am to 7pm. All ages. Tel: (04) 2453988. stokehouse.ae

Tortuga

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D COMMUNICATE WORL CHALELENGETALKING XPL LEARN ORE POWER E RELAT TURE THINK BETTER ANSWE RA E T I RS L STORIES UNDERSTAND READ UAGE G N A L T H IN K ERS RE CULTU

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WRITERS IN RESIDENCE

YOU MIGHT THINK THE BESTSELLER LISTS ARE FULL OF U.S. AND EUROPEAN WRITERS. IN FACT, THE UAE BOASTS MORE THAN ITS FAIR SHARE OF TALENTED AUTHORS…

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WRITERS IN RESIDENCE

HAYLEY DOYLE We chat to author of Never Saw You Coming, a novel set between Dubai and her native Liverpool. It’s on sale now, published by Avon HarperCollins

Tell us about your book...

Zara is an expat who has spent time all over the globe but lived most of her life in Dubai.

She craves roots, a place to call home and a person who loves her. Jim is a toll-booth worker in Liverpool, who has never been anywhere beyond North Wales. When Zara and Jim’s lives collide – quite literally –they embark upon a journey of self-discovery, risktaking and adventure.

Did you always want to become an author?

Yes, I was always writing stories as a 40_What’s On

little girl. I actually studied acting and performed professionally for many years first, and I love creating characters, whether on the stage or on the page. Acting and storytelling go hand-in-hand and, after a long run in Mamma Mia in London’s West End, I studied creative writing at Brunel University, gaining an MA.

What are the best and worst things about writing a novel?

The best thing is bringing a world I’ve imagined to life, then others becoming absorbed in it too. The worst is how lonely it can be, especially on a day when I get writer’s block. I miss having colleagues, people to bounce off.

How much of the book has been inspired by your real life?

A lot! I couldn’t have written this book without living in Dubai and experiencing life as an expat. The whole story is complete fiction, but there is so much truth about how I’ve felt as an expat, especially in the days when I was single.

I also hope I’ve brought Dubai to life in a positive, colourful way!

Are you working on a second book?

I am! I’m finishing off some edits before handing it to my publisher, and it should be released in early 2021. It is called Love, Almost.

How would you sum up your book in three words?

Unconventional, uplifting, risky!

BRANDY SCOTT Meet the co-host of Dubai Eye’s Business Breakfast, and the author of Not Bad People, published by HarperCollins in Australia and William Morrow in the US and Canada

Tell us about your book...

Three Australian friends let off sky lanterns to celebrate New Year’s Eve. As they float off into the distance, there is a flash of light: one of the paper lanterns has caught fire. No big drama – except that the women wake up to find a small plane has crashed in the same area. Did they cause the accident? That’s the question…

Did you always want to become an author?

Always!

How much of the book has been inspired by your real life?

The lantern lighting ceremony was real.

Years ago, I was invited to a party where we tied wishes to sky lanterns and set them off. As they flew away, I wondered what would happen if they hit something.

The idea grew from there.

What are the best and worst things about writing a novel?

The best things are starting it and finishing it. The worst is the middle.

Are you working on a second book?

Yes, I’m writing a family saga about how much we really owe our parents for our upbringing. I’m loving working on it, and all the input I’m getting from friends.

Everyone has an opinion on this one!

How would you sum up your book in three words?

Moral, dilemma, fiction.

“THE BEST THINGS ARE STARTING IT AND FINISHING IT. THE WORST IS THE MIDDLE” What’sOn_41

WRITERS IN RESIDENCE

FIVE BOOKS

BY UAE-BASED AUTHORS

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The Case of the Exploding Loo

Um Hailan

ABC to Sheikh Z

I Know You

The latest in a series of children’s tales exploring UAE mythology, Um Hailan,

by Emirati author Dubai Abulhoul, is a modern-day fable for kids, exploring themes around identity, jealousy and community. It’s part of a series of five tales of Emirati jinn, aimed at keeping the country’s traditional folktales alive. q kalimatgroup.ae/en/ um-hailan

This beautiful board book, illustrated in eye-catching bubble gum hues, contains a broad and enlightening series of tales, facts, quotes and reflections on UAE culture past and present. Written by an unnamed “journalist, mother of mixed heritage and advocate of child education” the book aims to help both adults and kids celebrate the messages of diversity and progress that the UAE prides itself on. q abctosheikhz.com

The winner of the inaugural Montegrappa Writing Prize with her first novel, Coming Home, British journalist and writer Annabel Kantaria dubs her writing style ‘domestic noir’. Since that debut in 2013, she’s written three further novels from her home in the Emirates – The Disappearance, The One That Got Away and her latest, I Know You, a mystery centred, very currently, around an Instagram obsession. q annabelkantaria.com

13 Amazing Women of Arabia

Written by Brit Rachel Hamilton, this comic kids’ book about “an exploding toilet, a wacky scientist and a little girl who’s too clever for her own good” earned Rachel second place in the prestigious Montegrappa Writing Prize – and landed her a two-book deal. The follow-up, The Case of the Exploding Brains has proved similarly popular… q rachel-hamilton.com

EXPLORE LEARN TURE INK A R E TH BETTER ANS LIT STO WERS RIES UNDERSTAND RE THINKERS LANGUAGE CULTU 42_What’s On

Written by 13-yearold Dana Alblooshi, this book for older kids celebrates 13 of the region’s most enterprising and inspiring women, telling tales of how they made their mark on the world. From ballerinas to politicians, aviators to sportswomen, it features a series of beautiful illustrations by female Arab artists, aimed at encouraging youngsters across the country to dream big. q booksarabia.com/13amazing-women-ofarabiaa

OUT NOW THE ULTIMATE FIELD GUIDE TO ARABIAN FRESHWATER FISHES

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/MOTIVATEBOOKS

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT Six reasons why pets love ZIWI® Peak

T

hough it may seem like pet food is pet food, not all are created equal. The quality of pet food products varies greatly from one company to another, and it can be hard to determine what the best food is for your furry friend. It’s important to remember that the quality of your pet’s diet is directly related to their health, so don’t settle for mediocre food, treats or supplements.

At ZIWI, a New Zealand family owned business, their recipes feature high inclusions of free-range meat and organs and sustainable wild-caught fish, all sourced from New Zealand. But that’s not all...

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Whole-prey recipes ZIWI’s whole prey recipes are rich in meat, organs, bone and seafood, with added superfoods for a nutritional boost.

Every ZIWI Peak recipe is made without unwanted carbohydrates and is free from artificial preservatives. Designed to deliver peak nutrition, all recipes feature up to 96 per cent meat, seafood, organs and bone in authentic inclusions and whole-prey ratios to mirror the natural diet.

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High meat. Rich in protein Following Mother Nature’s lead, ZIWI Peak is free from less digestible and incomplete plant proteins. Instead, recipes are loaded with up to 96 per cent meat to deliver a natural source of protein and amino acids.

100 per cent raw ingredients Many pet foods use highly processed rendered meats or meals. Raw inspired, ZIWI Peak uses only raw or fresh meats, poultry or seafood.

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10 per cent superfood blend Every ZIWI Peak recipe features a minimum of 10 per cent superfoods – a blend of cold-washed green tripe or poultry heart, whole New Zealand green mussels and organic kelp. This powerhouse source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants supports brain, heart and joint function while contributing to skin and coat health.

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Gently air-dried ZIWI’s Peak’s air-drying technology – inspired by centuries-old meat preserving techniques – locks in the goodness of its raw ingredients without artificial preservatives, made to combine the best of raw and fresh diets with the safe convenience of dry foods.

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Moisture-rich A moisture-rich diet is critical for healthy kidney function and urinary health. ZIWI Peak offers a wide variety of wet recipes too, to keep pets happy and healthy.

DISCOVER MORE AT PETSDELIGHT.COM

EAT + DRINK + SHOP

PA G E 52

Glorious food

What’s inside Depachika food hall?

FOLLY FOOD KIT p46 SOULGREEN p49 RIPE MARKET p54

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

FOOD KIT, REVIEWED right amount of each) takes the guess work out of cooking.

The results Our dining room table never looked so good. We had a plate full of fragrant focaccia, and a cauldron of cheesy, comforting risotto. So excited were we, that we forgot to garnish our risotto with parsley as instructed, so it probably didn’t look quite as attractive as the folly team would have liked, but to us, mere chef amateurs, it was still a thing of beauty.

The verdict

Folly

Oh, that glorious focaccia? Yeah, we made that with our bare hands…

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t’s been a long old few months, and you can’t be blamed if your food game is coming up short: there’s only so many times you can order Deliveroo before it gets absurd, or open up a can of whatever’s left in the back of your cupboard. You don’t really want to learn to cook from scratch, but you also really don’t want to go to the supermarket, which is why a handful of restaurants and chefs have got your back, with make-at-home food kits that allow you to recreate your 46_What’s On

favourite restaurant dishes in your own kitchen. One that we were really happy to learn about was folly by Nick and Scott.

If you’re like us, you’re definitely missing out on those epic group dinners in the Madinat right about now. Thankfully Nick and Scott have you covered. The guys behind folly are rocking a brand-new delivery-only concept that brings all the restaurant greats directly to your house.

We signed up with the homemade olive oil and rosemary focaccia bread, and the button mushroom risotto, and here’s what we found.

The delivery Each box serves two adults and is accompanied by a handy recipe card along with a QR code, which direct home-chefs to a simple step-by-step video.

Given that we were absolutely delighted with the outcome of both these dishes, we’ve already signed up and paid for two more kits. The remaining boxes available to order this month include a roasted ribeye with red cabbage and whole grain mustard slaw (on July 2), paprika marinated salmon with summer salad (July 9), and poached and roasted breast of chicken with crushed new potatoes and a thyme beurre blanc (July 16).

Date nights, sorted.

Inside the box includes all the ingredients you’ll need, too.

The process Making focaccia is a lengthy process, about three hours total, so we started with that.

Everything is broken down so simply it’s almost impossible to get it wrong. Knead, prove, add rosemary and olive oil, and prove some more until it’s time to bake. Meanwhile the risotto (often a rather daunting dish to create at home), was also made simple, with clear instructions. It’s like paintingby-numbers, you can’t really go wrong. To have all the quality ingredients (and the

The price Honestly, it feels like an absolute bargain at only Dhs100 (plus delivery charge), which serves two people. Plus, olive oil and rosemary focaccia bread included with each box. a Call 052794117 or send a

direct message on its facebook page .facebook.com/follydubai

C O N S U M E

EAT // NEWS

Reif Othman

Owner and head chef of Reif Japanese Kushiyaki

Michelin man headed to Dubai Brasserie Boulud to open at Sofitel Dubai Wafi in September helmed by a top chef

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ne of the biggest names on the New York restaurant scene, Daniel Boulud, is making his Middle East debut in September. The award-winning chef will throw open the doors to Brasserie Boulud in the freshfaced Sofitel Dubai Wafi.

The Lyon-born chef will bring his signature flair for French cuisine to Dubai with a menu that’s described as “French-inspired contemporary cuisine, rooted in tradition.”

While we can’t expect to see Boulud at the pass every night, Dubai diners will be

in the capable hands of Chef de Cuisine Nicolas Lemoyne, who’s worked at the New York flagship, Restaurant Daniel, and has 15 years’ experience under his belt. Signature tastes on the seasonally-driven menu will include duck and foie gras rillette, spiced lamb terrine, and the BB burger loaded with confit tomato, rocket and Raclette cheese. Desserts include the sublime-sounding apricot clafoutis with pistachio, and a chocolate tart with raspberries. q sofitel-dubai-wafi.com

BRUNCH IS BACK AT THE FOUNDRY Award-winning Abu Dhabi eatery The Foundry has a new Friday brunch served tableside, that includes top steaks and other restaurant classics. Located in Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, it’s regarded as one of the top steakhouses in the city, and one of the best ways to sample everything that’s on offer is via the Friday brunch with prices starting at Dhs199. a Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Fri 12.30pm to 3.30pm, Dhs199 soft drinks, Dhs325 house drinks, Dhs99 children aged 6-12. Tel: (02) 8184888. tsogosunhotels.com

What do you do in your spare time?

Every weekend I love to head out of the city and do a desert trail bike ride. It’s my hobby.

What have you missed the most during these challenging times?

Travelling. It’s been tough not being able to visit other cities for inspiration.

What gives you hope about your city?

I love Dubai. It’s a resilient place. After meeting a lot of people, they’ve all given a lot of positive feedback and shared positive energy about its future.

What other businesses do you want to champion?

Mainly I want to give love to all the homegrown brands such as 21 Grams, Wokyo, Wingsters, Sticky Rice and Akibadori – these are just a few that I can think of off the top of my head, but I think we need to support these small restaurant owners now more than ever. a Dar Wasl Mall, Jumeirah Tel: (04) 3450761. reifkushiyaki.com

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C O N S U M E

EAT // FOOD KIT REVIEW

Dough It Yourself

FOOD KIT, REVIEWED

A meal kit where the whole family can get in on the act

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hile there’s no denying the Covid-19 pandemic has been tough on the UAE restaurant scene, it’s been heartening to see how businesses have evolved.

Many of Dubai’s fine-dining restaurants have pivoted to delivery, and ladies’ nights have shifted their focus to food.

For some, the lockdown has even provided the motivation to start a food business from scratch.

Enter Dough It Yourself, a new pizza service that lets you play pizzaiola for the night, with deliveries of fresh dough and all the trimmings.

We tried Dough It Yourself for ourselves, and here’s what we found...

The delivery We received a pizza box filled with two batches of dough, six dough balls, cheese, tomato sauce, vegetables, pepperoni, garlic butter, Nutella and flour.

The process We followed the instructions provided, along with the video from Chef Gio. Our three-yearold had a ball stretching and kneading the dough (although she did manage to inhale most the of the pepperoni before it made it onto the pizza).

The dough was soft and elastic, with just the right 48_What’s On

amount of give. (Make sure your dough’s at room temperature before you start to stretch it.)

As a parenting win, our girl’s normally a straight-up cheeseand-tomato pizza-eater, but adding her own toppings made her more inclined to actually eat them, rather than pick them off.

The results After just 12 minutes in the oven, our bases were beautifully puffed and chewy, with that fresh yeasty aroma you’d expect from authentic pizza. The toppings were a little light-on (although, to be fair most of our pepperoni was consumed in advance), but you could easily add anything that you had to hand if you did want to beef them up.

One of the unexpected highlights was the piping-hot dough balls, dipped into garlic butter straight from the oven.

Digital Editor Sarah’s little helper hard a work

The verdict

The price

Our whole family thoroughly enjoyed making – and eating – the Dough It Yourself pizzas.

We would order again for a fun Friday night feast, or when entertaining other families at home.

Prices start at Dhs35 for one pizza kit, including dough, mozzarella, marinara sauce and flour, and you can add a veggie box or pepperoni box for Dhs7 a pop.

There are also kits for a crowd. The Date Night pack contains two pizza kits, six garlic dough balls, four Nutella dough balls, two soft drinks and free delivery (Dhs100).

Or the Pizza Party pack has four pizza kits, 12 garlic dough balls, eight Nutella dough balls, four soft drinks and free delivery (Dhs200). a Jumeirah Village

Triangle. Tel: (052) 6527326. doughityourself.ae

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

SOULGREEN

Overdone it in quarantine? This plantfocused restaurant from Milan could be the perfect antidote, if you’re up for the drive he Italians might be known for their love of meat and pasta, but new health-focused restaurant Soulgreen at Creek Harbour is putting plant-based dishes on the map – and hanging flora from its ceilings.

The eco-friendly restaurant connected to the currently closed Vida Creek Harbour hotel comes from the trendsetting team behind Soulgreen Italia, Milan’s hottest plant-based eatery.

Here, the menu is 80 per cent plantbased and 20 per cent seafood, with a focus on seasonal ingredients.

The 100-strong e-menu is also glutenand dairy-free, loaded with colourful bowls packed with superfoods, vegan burgers served with crisps and dip, and plant-based desserts.

Inside, the dining room is filled with

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lush plants, hanging lanterns, polished concrete, honey-toned timber floors and pops of peacock green, while outside, the large veranda offers one of the best hidden gem sunset spots we’ve ever seen. Given that Soulgreen is licensed, it’s a truly fantastic place to dine at sunset.

We were treated to a surprisingly delicious plate of homemade, glutenfree bread with a garlic dip to start, followed by a Mexican bowl (Dhs60) and falafel wrap (Dhs42). The bowl consisted of a colourful array of fresh ingredients, including wild rice, creamy avocado, chopped tomato salsa and sweetcorn salad. It was a nofrills dish, just a simple, tasty bowl that hit all the buzzwords in one: gluten free, dairy free and vegan. Meanwhile, the falafel gluten-free wrap was stuffed with coleslaw and tomato, and served with skin-on, crisp wedges. A signature dish of theirs, we’re told. It wasn’t at all oily like some falafel wraps often are, and had the right crunchy-soft texture to keep it interesting.

When it comes to healthy desserts, good ones are a rare find. Challenge accepted

at Soulgreen. There’s a cacao mousse (Dhs40), chocolate slice (Dhs40), and crème brulee. We opted for the chocolate mousse made with avocado and cocoa, zero refined sugar, and topped with toasted hazelnuts. It was creamy, without being too thick or heavy. A worthy, healthy alternative.

The downside to Soulgreen, as lovely as it is, is its location.

While Vida remains shut, the team has an uphill battle trying to encourage visitors from the south of the city to come and check it out. As a result, it’s painfully quiet inside.

A shame really, because as a licensed healthy spot with an unbelievable view of Dubai’s skyline, it’s really one-ofa-kind. a Vida Creek Harbour, Dubai Creek Harbour, daily 9am to 10.30pm. Tel: 050 7476678. facebook.com/soulgreendubai/ RATING Food ��������������������������������������������������������������B+ Atmosphere �������������������������������������������������� Price ��������������������������������������������������������

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C O N S U M E

EAT // RE-OPENINGS

NOW OPEN

Coya

Come on in

It’s summer now, and business is back. Here’s a list of restaurants that have reopened St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort The St. Regis property on Saadiyat Island has just launched a brand-new dining concept. The Signature 3 lets

you experience dishes from three of the resort’s top dining spots.

There’s modern Greek cuisine from MAZI restaurant; aromatic South East Asian flavours from Sontaya; and highlights from Budha-Bar Beach’s Pacific Riminspired menu. a Saadiyat Island, 12 noon to 9pm, daily. Tel: (02) 498 8888

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa

Sacci

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There’s a pizza and Peroni deal available between 5pm and 7pm daily at the recently reopened Sacci restaurant.

Preparation of its popular

CALL AHEAD If you are planning to go anywhere, please call ahead to check for up-to-date opening hours

pizzas begins 48 hours before your visit, with Chef Stefano creating the dough from his secret recipe. Scattered with premium mozzarella di bufala, olive oil and fresh basil, the pizza is then baked in a wood fire oven and served, piping hot, to your table with a pint of Peroni for only Dhs49. a Sas Al Nakhl, 12 noon to 9pm daily. Tel: (02) 616 9999

carte range, served in a safe, hygienic space. Soak up those happy hour vibes from 3.30pm to 6.30pm, where drinks start at Dhs25. a Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road), from 6.30am to 9pm daily. Tel: (02) 698 8888, @ benjarongabudhabi

Benjarong Restaurant

A good old British rub-a-dub (pub) serving draught hops and international cuisine.

Remarkable for its monster daily happy hour (select drinks

Authentic Thai restaurant, Benjarong at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, is open for business and ready with its full a la

Hemingway’s

for Dhs23) which starts at 1pm and doesn’t stop until 7pm. a Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Khubeirah, 1pm to 9pm. Tel: (02) 681 1900

Marco’s New York Italian Marco’s is back for casual dining bookings and its famous Friday brunch. Enjoy Italian-American flavours from the culinary mind of world-renowned chef Marco Pierre White, each Friday from noon to 4pm, with packages starting at Dhs199. a Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, noon to 9pm. Tel: (02) 654 3333, www.marcosabudhabi.com

Captain’s Arms An unashamedly British pub, complete with dark timber framing and red-cushioned stools, serving up traditional pub fare. There’s a massive noon to 8pm daily happy hour with selected drinks for only Dhs25. a Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, Al Zahiyah, noon to 9pm. Tel: (02) 644 6666

Waves Outdoor Lounge Waves Outdoor Lounge at Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan has now reopened and they’re serving some pretty good reasons to pop-in and dineout. They’ve got some great sharing bites for you to catch up with old friends over, and some bites we’d recommend keeping all to yourself. a Novotel Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, 11.30am to 8.30pm daily. Tel: (02) 501 608

El Sombrero Enjoy a fiesta of Latin flavour at this reopened Mexican restaurant. On Taco Tuesdays you can get five tacos and five margaritas for just Dhs99. a Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel &

Resort. 5pm to 9pm noon. Tel: (02) 677 3333

renaissance, this beautifully appointed restaurant is back open daily and now serving brunch on Fridays. a The Hub at The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, open daily 12pm-9pm. Tel: (02) 672 8888

Le Vendôme Le Vendôme is reopening its doors for dine-in bookings.

This lavishly-styled fine dining restaurant is located on the fourth floor of the Emirates Palace hotel and features an expansive outdoor terrace that overlooks the resort’s private beach. Make like Latin rap star Pitbull and experience ‘the Worldwide’ with the eatery’s international menu. a Emirates Palace, Corniche Rd W – Al Ras Al Akhdar, 8am to 8pm daily. Tel: (02) 690 7999.

Prego’s Cipriani

Mr Miyagi’s

Cipriani Cipriani Yas Island is now back open for dine-in reservations.

You can sample the bites and delights of its a la carte selection, which includes the Cipriani vanilla meringue. It’s also still offering a takeaway service, but if you do choose to pull up a seat, you’ll be rewarded with dreamy Yas Marina views. a Yas Marina, Yas Island, 2pm to 9pm daily. Tel (02) 657 5400, ciprianiyasisland.com.

Feeding your hunger for classic Italian carbs. a Beach Rotana, Al Zahiyah, 12 noon to 9pm daily. Tel: (02) 697 9000.

Mr Miyagi’s

This restaurant serves up highlights from Thai and Japanese cuisine. Its Friday brunch is also now back on the menu. a Yas Marina West, daily 12 noon to 9pm. Tel: (02) 565 1150

Coya Head honcho of the Peruvian cuisine scene, Coya is back open for dine-in food fans. There’s a set lunch menu available for Dhs130 per person. It includes dishes such as Chilean sea bass served with rice, lime and chilli, and house drinks. a Four Seasons at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, 12pm to 7pm. Tel: (02) 306 7000

Tamba Known for reinterpreting traditional Indian flavours and giving them a contemporary

Marco’s New York Italian

SAFETY FIRST Healthy and safety are still top of mind for everyone. All venues have imposed restrictions, including daily visitor limits and mandatory temperature checks and face masks. Please continue to respect and abide by these government rules.

TEMPERATURE CHECKS

WEAR FACE MASKS

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C O N S U M E

EAT // FOOD HALL

(Food) hall of fame What’s inside Depachika, Dubai’s luxury food hall?

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ood courts used to be synonymous with the greasy, cheap fast-food chains you’d binge on while shopping at your local mall. But today, food halls are a global culinary sensation led by top chefs and innovative start-ups. Thanks to the arrival of Depachika in Nakheel Mall on the Palm, Dubai now has a legit food hall worth all your calorie intake.

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01 Mamalu Kitchen Join bubbly chef Lama Jammal Houssami for hands-on cooking classes in a beautifully-designed dedicated kitchen space. Book it for parties, couple workshops or for nannies and housekeepers, and learn how to make simple but healthy and delicious meals for your family. q instagram.com/ mamalukitchen

02 Casa Della Pasta Warning: once you try the freshly made pasta at Casa Della Pasta, you’ll never want to buy the dried stuff ever again.

The team make their fresh pasta daily with everything from tagliatelle to fusilli and macaroni. You can also order fresh pasta dishes served with homemade sauces and dine in. q instagram.com/ casadellapastadxb

03 Kushi by Reif All hail, Kushi by Reif. This Asian bolthole’s delightful donburi bowls are your best bet in the market. Fish, meat and vegetables are simmered together and served over Japanese style rice. It’s the comfort food you never knew you were missing. Save space for a slice of homemade sesame cheesecake, which is out-of-this-world. q facebook.com/kushibyreif 04 Kilikio by Mythos The mini Mythos counter is no trip to Greece, but it still offers a solid take on the everpopular souvlaki. Your best bets are the chicken souvlaki wrap with tzatziki, tomato and onion, or the bowl version with added baked potatoes. The spanakopita, a thin and flaky traditional spinach pie with feta, is also a great dish to take home. q facebook.com/pg/ kilikiobymythos 05 Salmontini At Depachika, there are two parts to this brand, the Salmontini counter, which offers a range of salmon and caviar that you can take home. Think exquisite orange and beetroot marinated gravadlax and misomarinated salmon. Next to it, there’s the larger Salmontini Sushi Bar, with a dine-in option for you to enjoy fresh sashimi, nigiri, maki and more. q facebook.com/Salmontini 06 The Climbing Goat Roastery For some people the best cup of coffee is whatever’s currently in their hand, but then there are those for whom coffee is less of an alarm clock and more of a poetic experience. The Climbing

Goat Roastery is very much the latter. The roastery takes a prime oval spot in the middle of the food hall, with its enormous racing green coffee roasting machine down stage.

Coffee drinkers relax on bar stools as baristas go to town creating delicate brews. q instagram.com/the_ climbing_goat_roastery

07 Lime Tree Café A stalwart on the café scene of Dubai, Lime Tree takes up prime position at the front of the food hall. Pop in for a slice of its famous carrot cake. q thelimetreecafe.com 08 The Cheeseroom No great food hall is complete without a dedicated cheese

place, and The Cheeseroom, tucked away in the back of the hall, certainly delivers. A closed-off dimly-lit space, The Cheesroom sells fine options from all over the world alongside a selection of cold cuts. Come in for a taste, or order a meat and cheese platter to take home. q instagram.com/the_ cheeseroom

ALSO TRY Boon Coffee Roasters, 1762, The Cellar Door, Melange, Massimo’s Gelato, Let’s Popcorn, Madame Choux, M’oishi and more

WHAT DOES DEPACHIKA MEAN? The word depachika is a Japanese term used to describe the enormous space dedicated to food beneath Tokyo’s grand department stores.

Combining the words for department store (depato) and basement (chika), the depachika in Japan are worlds unto themselves, typically selling thousands of different delicious items. a instagram.com/ depachika.ae

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C O N S U M E

EAT // POP-UP MARKET

New indoor Ripe Market

Support local brands when you shop at Ripe’s new market on Palm Jumeirah

IN THE SPOTLIGHT 3 must-visit stalls 01

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ipe retail pop-up is moving indoors over the summer months and it is setting up at Palm Jumeirah’s coolest and latest venture – Nakheel Mall.

You will find the popular market on the ground floor of the mall outside Depachika Food Hall every Friday and Saturday from 10am to 7pm until October 24.

Every week the pop-up market will feature a selection of 15 to 20 home-grown SME businesses selling a variety of items – so, there’s something for everyone.

Items range from fashion 54_What’sOn

to art, jewellery and homewares, and of course, there will be tables displaying food items and tasty treats.

The market is the perfect place to shop if you want to purchase a gift for someone or restock your kitchen cupboards with local fresh produce or delicious treats.

The pop-up is also a great opportunity for you to help homegrown businesses, especially now as they need your support more than ever.

The new mall on Palm Jumeirah opened its doors just last year in November 2019 and is home to an amazing range of dining, shopping, leisure, and entertainment outlets.

It’s also easily accessible as it has its own Monorail station, extensive parking and direct links to Al Ittihad Park and nearby residences. a Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, every Fri and Sat 10am to 7pm. @RipeMarket

Cozy Home Dubai A range of dhurries with fringes, glossy flower vases and glam decor, all with 20 per cent off. @cozyhomedubai 02

Natural Touch Renew your linen closet with a range of eco-friendly natural cotton items. @natural_touch_uae 03

Ringilicious Delicate jewellery inspired by the Middle East. @ringilicious

C O N S U M E

EAT // NEWS

Become a breadmaking pro It’s never too late to master the art of sourdough

New Tashas Café opens A little slice of Morocco lands next to Barsha Pond Park

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atasha Sideris continues her empire build across Dubai, with the launch of the fifth tashas Café in Al Barsha. Inspired

by Le Jardin Secret in Marrakech, the interiors are wrapped in bottle-green tiles and ornate balustrades, complimented by bold patterns and quirky furniture all sourced from Morocco. The menu for tashas Al

What new skill did you master during lockdown? Did you learn a new language (nope), finish that month-long yoga intensive (we’re still on Day 12), or join the legions of people who turned their hands to bread-making.

If you aren’t among the latter camp, there’s still time to glow up your Instagram feed. Rise and Dawn (the bakery from Bull & Roo, the Tom & Serg crew) has just launched a new Sourdough Kit. The box contains everything you need to make two 750g loaves of sourdough, including manitoba flour, reverse osmosis filtered water, Rise and Dawn’s sourdough starter, semolina flour and Maldon sea salt.

The kits costs Dhs85 each.

Orders must be placed by 5pm for next-day pick up from The Sum of Us, or next-day delivery. If it’s after 5pm, you’ll have to wait two days to start baking. a To order, WhatsApp The Sum of Us team on 056 445 7526. riseanddawnbakehouse.com/ products/sourdough-kit

Barsha features options that are both healthy and indulgent, perfect for week and weekend dining. Highlights include dishes such as Khachapuri, a decadent oven baked bread filled with cheese and topped with bacon and egg and the Green Summer Salad with fresh prawns, edamame and miso with an herby green dressing. a Galleria Mall, Al Barsha, Dubai, daily 9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5893322. @tashascafe What’s On_55

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ART + THEATRE + FILM + MUSIC

PA G E 58

Paint the town

Take a tour of top city street art MOVIE PREVIEW 2020 p62

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Streets ahead ART

Round the family up, jump in the car and drive to these spots in Dubai to check out the city’s best street art 58_What’s On

01

KARAMA

Apart from a plethora of cafes, restaurants and retail stores, the shopping complex in Karama is home to beautiful works of art that apparently sprang to life overnight back in 2016. Decorating buildings that were once drab and grey (and nearly falling apart), the 24 beautiful murals transformed the busy streets and have become a highlight of the neighbourhood.

The amazing artworks were created by a handful of Malaysian artists and you

can go check them out on 18B street. Sit in your car and drive through if you wish, but in order to take it all in and grab some non-blurry snaps, we recommend parking your car at either end of the street and walking it. Find works of art depicting everything from pearl diving to falcons, parrots, space scenes and more.

02

ALSERKAL AVENUE This post wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t mention Alserkal Avenue – the home of Dubai’s cutting-edge art scene. The area hosts galleries such as Grey Noise, Ayyam, LawrieShabibi, The Third Line and Carbon 12, which is a great place to purchase work by the region’s leading street artists, but there’s also wonderful graffiti art that you can soak up for free.

Head here early as there’s plenty to see and explore.

04

SATWA

Image credit: We Breathe the Sea, Dubai, Artist Myneandyours, Photographer Jo Askew

Thanks to a public art initiative back in 2016 called ‘Dubai Street Museum’, Satwa’s 2nd December Street (Diyafah Street) turned into a huge open-air art gallery similar to Karama. Beautiful graffiti, stencils and more wall art dot the facades of old buildings in the busy streets of this bustling neighbourhood. The murals depict Dubai’s heritage and there are more than 10 to find.

03

DUBAI DESIGN DISTRICT

If you head to d3, not only will you find fantastic installations as you stroll around, you’ll also spot two jaw-dropping murals by graffiti artist Myneandyours. Located in two different car parks, the murals fill each space to create uniquely immersive experiences.

An underwater experience awaits in the car park of Building 2, with scuba divers, fish, sharks and more. Building 6 will take you out of this world with its space theme and around 50,000 stars, planets and astronauts.

If you are heading here, you will need to park in the regular parking lot and walk to the two parking spots, while taking in the other instalments along the way. Be sure to check out the bus stop – it’s pink in colour, so you can’t miss it.

05

JBR

The walls of The Walk at JBR were transformed into masterpieces back in 2016 as part of the Dubai Canvas 3D art festival. And they still look as fresh as ever. Created by talented international and national artists, the walls were painted to create cool 3D optical illusions guaranteed to make you go ‘wow’ even if you have seen them numerous times before.

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NEWS

Cinema Akil reopens Head to Alserkal for a dose of indie films Dubai’s only independent cinema, Cinema Akil, reopened last month, operating under a reduced capacity of 30 per cent (35 people per screening). This summer it hosts Cinema Akil Traveller, a series of timeless classics celebrating the joy of travel, kicking off in Italy with La Dolce Vita and La Grande Bellezza.

Visit Cinema Akil’s website for timings and tickets. q cinemaakil.com

Get creative

In-house classes return to The Jam Jar

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ommunity arts space The JamJar in Alserkal Avenue has reopened, launching classes four days a week from Wednesday to Saturday. Prepare for your dose of watercolour and acrylic art classes, among a plethora of other workshops. Materials and surfaces will

be sanitised throughout the day and there will be ample distance between easels. Currently, adults over 60 and children below six can’t enter the premises, and those children aged six to 12 must be accompanied by an adult. a Alserkal Avenue, Unit H74, Al Quoz, Tel: (04) 341 7303. thejamjardubai.com

Intro to Improv Classes resume at The Courtyard Playhouse ‘Don’t Panic’ is the introduction improvisation course that will calm your fears, make you laugh and show you that there’s more to improvisation than you might expect. The workshop intends to help participants develop a variety of human skills, or for business

people learning to feel comfortable with public speaking. The month-long workshop takes place on Saturdays from noon to 2pm at the discounted rate of Dhs1,455.

July 11 to August 15 q courtyardplayhouse.com What’s On_61

CULTURE

Coming soon to the Spoiler alert! The coronavirus has thrown a spanner in the reel of many cinematic productions this year, but there’s still a big ol’ trailer full of exciting titles scheduled for release in 2020 TENET The mind of Christopher Nolan is a beautiful thing to behold. And we’ve seen it entertainingly unweave in movies like Inception, Memento, Interstellar, The Dark Knight Trilogy and Dunkirk over the past two decades.

His latest project, Tenet, is set for release next month, stars John David Washington and Robert Pattinson, and revolves around a mission to prevent World War III. From the trailer, and Nolan’s track record, we should expect this film to give precisely zero care for the conventional understanding of time and space.

Expected release date: July 17, 2020

The King’s Man

MULAN Next up in Disney’s live-action remake campaign, is Mulan. Starring Liu Yifei in the titular role, Mulan is the tale of a young girl who disguises herself as a man so she can be drafted into the Chinese army in place of her ill father.

Set around AD 600, Mulan as her male alter ego, Hua Jun, is immediately plunged into the dangerous world of the imperial legions where she must find the strength to prove herself and rise above some pretty toxic masculinity. The original animated version of the story is, for us, probably one of the most underrated Disney movies — although sadly, Eddie Murphy will not reprise his comedic highlight voice role as Mishu the dragon. Some good news though, we’ve heard a rumour that McDonald’s might be bringing back their Rick Sanchez endorsed Mulan Szechuan sauce to coincide with the release.

Expected release date: July 24, 2020

BILL & TED FACE THE MUSIC

Tenet

62_What’s On

Back before he pulled on the puppyavenging John Wick black suit, even before he became the trench-coated Neo in The Matrix, Keanu Reeves was Ted Theodore Logan. *Air guitar*.

Ted was one half of slacker comedy sci-fi duo Bill & Ted, whose ‘excellent adventure’ and subsequent ‘bogus

Mulan

journey’ delighted cinema audiences in the early nineties. Thirty years on and Bill (played by Alex Winter) and Ted are back at it again, this time they have to save the universe (again) by creating a song in 78 minutes. Works for some of those autotune rappers out there at the moment so why not? Wild stallions couldn’t drag us away from seeing what the team do with this.

Expected release date: August 21, 2020

THE KING’S MAN Action franchise Kingsmen is getting a prequel this year. Full disclosure, we don’t have a whole lot of information about this film, save for a few teasing breadcrumbs scattered in interviews by director Matthew Vaughn. We do know

big screen FILM 2020 RELEASES

that The King’s Man is set during the dawn of the 20th century and describes the origin story of the veiled Kingsmen spy agency. One man (Ralph Fiennes) and his protégé (Harris Dickinson) must stand tall against a cabal of nefarious tyrants (including, rather excitingly, Rhys Ifans as Rasputin), plotting a war with the intention of wiping out millions of lives.

Expected release date: September 18, 2020

DEATH ON THE NILE Kenneth Branagh stars, and directs, this new movie as Agatha Christie’s eccentric bristling Belgian detective Hercule Poirot. It’s the follow-up movie to 2017’s Murder on the Orient Express and is an adaptation of Christie’s novel of the same name. If you’ve read the book, or have already seen one of the previous interpretations of this tale of murder most rotten, you’ll already know ‘who dunnit’. The excitement here is seeing Brannagh absolutely nailing one of literature’s most fascinating crime-solving studies, alongside a truly A-list cast.

Expected release date: October 9, 2020

THE WITCHES Based on the Roald Dahl novel, The Witches asks us to imagine that we live in a world where sorceresses exist, hidden amongst us. It’s bad news for the young boy that’s the protagonist of the story, who, whilst on a quest to foil the coven’s plans for eliminating all children, gets turned into a mouse. This version of the story is set in America, which is guaranteed to upset a few Brits out there, but we are absolutely frothing at the cauldron to see how Anne Hathaway handles her role as the Grand High Witch.

Expected release date: October 9, 2020

BLACK WIDOW

Black Widow

Just hearing that name brings a tear to our eye. Avenger, gifted assassin and leading expert in the field of yasss kweenery, Black Widow (Scarlett Johannson) took a one-way ticket to 3,000-ville in Avengers: Endgame.

But thanks to some Marvel Cinematic What’s On_63

CULTURE No Time to Die

Dune

Universe (MCU) timeline jiggerypokery, she’ll be back on our screens for a prequel towards the end of this year. Set after the events of Captain America: Civil War, Natasha Romanoff AKA, Black Widow is forced to confront unsettling events from her past, and do whatever is necessary to make an uncontrived return to MCU Phase Four.

Expected release date: November 6, 2020

Soul

attributes develop before they bind to a human body.

Expected release date: November 20, 2020

NO TIME TO DIE

Daniel Craig is set to return to our screens this year for a fifth and (probably) final time as James Bond. The film’s director, Cary Joji Fukunaga, doesn’t have the biggest portfolio of movies under his belt, SOUL but he was the man behind the first This year may have thrown some savage season of True Detective, arguably one plot twists at us, but as long as this of the best bits of television in the Pixar movie drops as intended, modern era. We know the maybe everything will be movie begins with Bond alright after all. This out of active service, only film continues Pixar’s to be lured back by old tradition of taking friend and CIA agent, complex philosophical Felix Leiter, in a search ideas about the nature for missing scientist of existence, and filtering Valdo Obruchev. We also them into beautifully told know Christoph Waltz is Free Guy stories. The plot synopsis for in the cast, so we can expect Soul tells us that the framework the reappearance of Ernst Blofeld, for this film is a jazz musician (Jamie and therefore ingenious schemes for Foxx) who is inadvertently separated global annihilation. Maybe sharks from his soul during a performance. The with laser beams, we’ll see.

Expected release date: November 25, soul journeys into The Great Before, 2020 the realm where personality quirks and 64_What’s On

FREE GUY Our anticipation for this movie has been impatiently loading ever since the first trailer was released back in December 2019. The film tells the story of Guy, played by Ryan Reynolds who, after intervening in a bungled bank heist, arrives at the realisation that he’s actually a non-player character (NPC) in a brutal free-world video game. Bang on topic for 2020’s unofficial Black Mirror theme. Guy must step up and become a true hero, if he’s to save his virtual world from being unplugged. Expect an expansion pack full of video game-based humour and Reynolds at peak Reynolds.

He’s not a good Guy, he’s a great Guy. Expected release date: December 11, 2020

DUNE Due to hit the big screen in December this year, Dune is director Denis Villeneuve’s interpretation of the classic Frank Herbert science fiction novel of the same name and serves as a reboot to the popular 1984 movie. This time the cast is headed up by Timothée Chalamet, Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jason Momoa. The story follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet), a

young man thrust into a power struggle on a distant planet, where two houses battle for control of the galaxy’s most precious resource, a ‘spice’ called Melange. Bit of movie trivia for you, much of the movie was actually shot here in Abu Dhabi.

Expected release date: December 18, 2020

COMING 2 AMERICA This sequel just took a casual 32 years to happen, but it’s arriving during a stand-up comedy renaissance for Eddie Murphy (the original’s, and this sequel’s lead). In this follow-up, Murphy reprises his Tom & Jerry role as Prince Akeem Joffer, heir to the throne of the fictional nation of Zamunda. According to plot-leak sources, Prince Joffer gets two bits of worldupheaving news: that his father is close to death and he must return to Zamunda to prepare for ascension to the throne; and secondly, he discovers he has a son. What could go wrong?

Expected release date: December 18, 2020

WEST SIDE STORY Could it be? Yes it could. Something’s coming. Something good. *clicks fingers aggressively*. Yep that reboot/ adaptation bandwagon energy is in full

Coming 2 America

swing by the end of the year. This movie is a remake of a 1961 movie, which was based on a Broadway musical, that itself is loosely based on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.

West Side Story is an ode to a pair of star-crossed lovers, Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler) from rival street gangs, the White Jets and Puerto Rican Sharks. If you know anything about the tale of Romeo and Juliet, you can probably guess the ending. *clicks fingers sadly*.

Expected release date: December 18, 2020

TOP GUN MAVERICK Is Tom Cruise actually a vampire? We know he’s played them, but seriously for a guy who is supposedly knocking on the door of 60 years old, his stunts are writing cheques that his hip joints shouldn’t be able to cash. This movie is the hotly anticipated sequel to one of the seminal movies of the 80s, Top Gun. And if it has even a fraction of the highly-quotable dialogue, adrenalinefuelled action and unashamed kitsch of the original, we’d be its wingman anytime. Also if Cruise wants to drop his skincare routine subtly into the plot somewhere, we’d be ok with that, too.

Expected release date: December 23, 2020

TOM & JERRY

West Side Story

Yes, that Tom & Jerry. The world’s most famous cat and mouse pairing are getting a live-action make-over. When the rumours first started circulating about this movie, we have to admit, we thought it was just that. A rumour. But there it is, sitting in both IMDB and Wikipedia as a legit project and we have to admit, we are a tiny bit excited. There are literally no details of the plot to be found anywhere online, but having put some mad hours of research into Tom & Jerry in our formative years, we can postulate on what might be involved.

Cutsie rivalry between cat and mouse, with a splash of murderous savagery.

Expected release date: TBC What’s On_65

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SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL

PA G E 70

Asphalt adventures Road trips to add to your bucket-list WHAT IS FIGHT ISLAND? p68 What’sOn_67

A C T I V E

SPORT // FIGHT ISLAND

Welcome to Fight Island UFC mania headed for Yas Island takeover this month

U

ltimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has confirmed it will use Abu Dhabi as its staging location for a new Fight Island concept.

The idea was UFC President Dana White’s theatrical solution to meeting the social distancing requirements of the pandemic era.

And last month, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) confirmed that Yas Island, Abu Dhabi will be that special location.

There are four separate UFC fights set to take place in one of Yas Island’s existing arenas throughout July. The main event, UFC 251, will take place on Saturday July 11 featuring a clash between welterweight champion Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. The three further ‘Fight Nights’ scheduled for Wednesday July 15, Saturday July 18, and Saturday July 25 feature a featherweight championship rematch between Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, a battle between Petr Yan and Jose Aldo for the vacant bantamweight title, and the second meeting of former strawweight champions Jessica Andrade and Rose Namajunas.

The fighters will arrive in the capital for 68_What’sOn

their MMAcation and stay for a period of three weeks where, in addition to training, their teams will be subject to testing for Covid-19 to ensure contamination risks are kept to an absolute minimum.

The action will concentrate around an isolated ‘safe space’ on Yas Island where access is restricted to a group of 2,500 essential staff, coaches and athletes.

White has never been shy about his ambitions to return to Abu Dhabi, speaking to UFC Arabia before May’s UFC 249 in Florida. “We are going to just keep putting on massive fights in Abu Dhabi

and keep educating the world on what an incredible destination for fights it is,” he said. “I have an incredible relationship with Abu Dhabi. Any opportunity that I can get to do an event in Abu Dhabi, I will be there. It is a very well-educated market, fans love the sport, they get the sport, they support the sport.”

UFC 242, which was held at The Arena, on Yas Island in September 2019, was the first event in a five-year deal to bring the mixed martial arts (MMA) championship to Abu Dhabi.

What’s On asked HE Ali Al Shaiba, executive director of tourism and marketing at the DCT, about how this development fits in with the current arrangement. He explained; “Fight Island is an expansion [to that] therefore, fans can expect another fight in Abu Dhabi in the future.”

Speaking on the safety measures in place, Al Shaiba commented: “We have worked closely with government entities in the UAE to make sure we were able to deliver this event in the safest and most efficient way possible, all while adhering to the government’s strict safety measures.” q ufc.com

A C T I V E

SPORT // NEWS

Classes on tap Virtual performing arts classes for kids continue at Dubai Opera

Yas Marina Circuit reopens

Dubai Opera may have had to close its doors in mid-March, but it hasn’t paused performances.

The team has kept busy offering weekly online sessions in collaboration with Diverse Performing Arts School. The last class in the series is tap dance, which takes place on July 14, and is designed for children aged five to 10 years and young adults aged 11 to 18 years. The timings will depend on the age group, so check the schedule in advance.

July 14 q facebook.com/dubaiopera

Karting, OpenYAS track days and more

G

ood news for thrill-seekers: Yas Marina Circuit is now open with strict rules and regulations.

Over 13s are welcome at Yas Kartdrome, but riders are required to bring their own equipment, including helmets, race suits, balaclavas and gloves, or you’ll need to purchase them onsite. TrainYAS and TrainAM have also resumed but are currently available to Abu

Dhabi Cycling club members only. The DriveYAS experience has also reopened and you’ll be able to get behind the wheel of an Aston Martin and race round the famous track at top speeds. The most recent openings are part of a phased reopening plan for Yas Marina Circuit, with lots more activities to be announced soon. a Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, open daily. yasmarinacircuit.com

TRIATHLON TIME Swim, bike, run and feast at the annual indoor race Missed racing? Get back in the saddle with Ironstar Indoor Triathlon Dubai. You’ll tackle a 10-minute swim, 30-minute cycle on a stationary bike, and a 20-minute treadmill run, followed by a buffet breakfast served at Max & Aegle café. Entry costs Dhs367. Teams are also welcome.

July 18 a Max & Aegle, Al Meydan Road, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai, Sat from 6am. premieronline.com

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A C T I V E

Kings of the road With the loosening of lockdown and the opening of borders and roads, we bring you some of the world’s most epic asphalt adventures to add to your bucket list

70_What’sOn

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

THE GARDEN ROUTE

ROUTE: Torquay to Allansford, Victoria, Australia Voted the world’s most scenic coastal drive, the journey across picturesque Victoria is packed with surfing hotspots and waterfalls. For the true Australian experience, follow signs to kangaroo and koala sanctuaries dotted along the way. There’s a diverse array of things to see and do in the region, from surfing, scuba diving and sea kayaking to arts, culture and history. Admire the stunning coastline on the Great Ocean Walk and enjoy fine dining and local wines along the way.

Must-stop pit stop: Despite there being only eight left, the name has stuck for The Twelve Apostles – a series of stunning limestone stacks off the shore of Port Campbell National Park that make a great sunset stop. q visit12apostles.com.au

ROUTE: Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, South Africa After exploring Robben Island and climbing Table Mountain in buzzing Cape Town, hit the road and head to the Outeniqua Mountains to marvel at the limestone caverns of the Cango caves, and get chased by a big bird at the ostrich farm in Oudsthoorn. Cruise through the stunning seaside town of Knysna, go black water tubing at the Tsitsikamma National Park, before finishing off your road trip in the Addo Elephant National Park, which is home to many of Africa’s big game.

Must-stop pit stop: Stellenbosch is not only famous for its vineyards and history, but for being the perfect place to rest in the sun with a picnic, lovingly prepared by the local wineries to suit any taste.

Just beware the hungry local residents: ducks. q stellenboschvineyards.co.za

The Garden Route

Great Ocean Road

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A C T I V E

TRAVEL //

ROAD TRIPS

Pacific Coast Highway

PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY ROUTE: Los Angeles to San Francisco, California, US From hip to hippy, this famous coastal route takes you from glam Santa Monica and its famous pier, through seafood shack central Malibu with its dolphins and D-list celebrities, up to the stomach-churning roller coasters and candy floss of Santa Cruz, to the Golden Gate Bridge and views of the infamous Alcatraz. You’ll feel like a star in your own movie as you glide along rocky cliff roads or saunter past golden sand, watching seals and whales, basking in the yearround Californian sun.

Must-stop pit stop: Once you hit Big Sur, look out for signs for Nepenthe, a charming hilltop restaurant where the fragrance of the pine trees is almost as good as the delicious scents that come from the kitchen. Get there in time for breakfast: the eggs Florentine are unforgettable. q nepanthebigsur.com

Pacific Coast Highway

NORTH NORFOLK COASTAL ROAD ROUTE: Old Hunstanton to Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England Oh, we do like to be beside the seaside, and this short 72_What’s On

North Norfolk Coastal Road

American Music Highway

North Norfolk Coastal Road

and sweet road trip along the windswept coastline of East Anglia is filled with everything a British holiday needs: donkey rides, hard rock candy, fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, pretty pub gardens and fresh crab caught that morning.

Start your journey at one of the many antique stores in Old Hunstanton before ending up in Great Yarmouth, a pleasure dome to the weird, wonderful and timeless traditions of British holidays.

Must-stop pit stop: Stretch your legs in Burnham Market, a picture perfect village three miles inland, with a classy array of cheese shops, clothes boutiques and restaurants.

Afternoon tea at the charming

Hoste Arms will fortify you for your onward journey. q thehoste.com

AMERICAN MUSIC HIGHWAY ROUTE: Pigeon Forge to Memphis, Tennessee, US Who doesn’t love Dolly Parton? Start your trip at her bizarre theme park, Dollywood, for a quick lesson in all things played with a fiddle and a steel guitar (members of Dolly’s family put on a musical revue every afternoon). You can ride on a log flume, before taking the mountain road west to the home of country music, Nashville, and a trip to the Country Music Hall Of Fame,

where you can see Johnny Cash’s guitars and Loretta Lynn’s sequined outfits. Fill your cowboy boots with some BBQ and continue to Memphis, to pay homage at Graceland and Elvis’ grave before ending your trip on Beale Street, the home of the Blues.

Must-stop pit stop: The Hermitage hotel in Nashville has hosted everyone from Oprah to JFK to the Dixie Chicks. It not only serves the best fried green tomatoes in the South, but is also only a short line dance from the legendary Ryman Auditorium, the home of live country music, and the raucous Honky Tonk Alley. q thehermitagehotel.com What’sOn_73

WIN!

A BOUQUET FOR YOU (AND ANOTHER FOR A FRIEND)

How’s this for a wonderful idea? The lovely folks over at Blush Petals Flower Shop are giving away a gorgeous bouquet worth Dhs300,

and offering the winner a chance to pass it forward by gifting another bouquet to a friend. Offer is valid to Dubai residents only and T&Cs apply.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win

WIN!

DHS500 TO SPEND AT MALAK AL TAWOOK Popular Lebanese fastfood chain, Malak Al Tawook (instagram.com/ malakaltawoukuae), famous for its delicious tawouk sandwiches is giving away a Dhs500 voucher to spend

at any branches. Founded in 1996, it has now over 40 branches in Lebanon and three in Dubai on Hessa Street, Motor City and Business Bay. Be sure to try the new BBQ and buffalo chicken wings.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 74_What’s On

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