What's On Abu Dhabi - Feb 2022

UAE DHS15

Valentine’s Day deals, Chinese New Year, outdoor cinemas and more

CONTENTS

FEATURES

LOVE ISLANDS THE ISLANDS ARE THE PLACE TO BE P14

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24 DEAR READER Meet the authors at this year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

29 FEEL THE LOVE Where to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Abu Dhabi

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29 What’s On_3

CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 10 Yalla!

Quick fix of news

12 UAE Famous Cabaret star Layla Kardan

66 Last-minute staycation

39

The achingly hip 25hours Hotel One Central

Cover: Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

37 CONSUME 38 EAT

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.

Japan meets Italy at Akiba Dori, chic Saturdays at LPM. Plus, more new openings in the capital

42 PANCAKES Where to find flippin’ good pancakes in Abu Dhabi

58 Page 51

45 CULTURE 46 AGENDA Unmissable events to attend this month

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52 Two huge new parties in Ras Al Khaimah: Desert Groove and Escape by the Beach

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57 ACTIVE

52 FILM

58 BANGED UP

A regional exclusive interview with The Batman stars, including Robert Pattinson

Escape from Prison Island, a new adventure experience in Abu Dhabi

54 OUTDOOR CINEMA

60 TRAVEL

Brilliant alfresco screenings

New hotels opening in RAK

51 CLUBS

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

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi facebook.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi instagram.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi tiktok.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi

VALENTINE’S DAY AT OAK ROOM The evening begins with a signature red rosé and complimentary glass of bubbly to set the tone of love. Highlights include Oak Room signature 4-course menu created by Tom Aikens paired with a curated wine & beverage.

Monday, 14th February 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm Starting from AED 650 per couple

THE ABU DHABI EDITION, AL BATEEN MARINA, ABU DHABI, U.A.E. | +971 2 208 0000 | INFO.AUH@EDITIONHOTELS.COM

02.22 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 GROUP DIGITAL EDITOR Alice Holtham Alice.Holtham@motivate.ae DEPUTY EDITOR 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 CONTENT CREATIVE DIRECTOR Joachim Guay joachim.guay@motivate.ae WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi firoz@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae JUNIOR DESIGNER Remy Thokchom thokchom.remy@motivate.ae

CONTRIBUTORS

Iain Akerman

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 DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux sabir.khodabux@motivate.ae

WHATSON.AE | WHATSONSAUDIARABIA.COM

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: SD 2-94, 2nd Floor, Building 2, 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

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EDITOR’S LETTER

HOW MANY OF ABU DHABI’S ISLANDS HAVE YOU VISITED?

One? Two? Five? If the answer is the former, then you’ll enjoy our guide to getting to know the city we call home. You see, we’ve been island hopping around Saadiyat, Al Reem, Yas, Al Maryah, and beyond, so do check out our seven-page special.

There are also lots of reasons to head to the city’s restaurants this month, two big ones being Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year, and the city’s eateries have special menus for both. You’ll find all the details inside these pages.

Throw in news of Prison Island, the capital’s brilliant new adventure centre, outdoor cinemas worth booking into, and fabulous hotels in Ras Al Khaimah worth road tripping for, and your fun in the UAE knows no bounds.

So yes, it’s another busy month in the capital. Get out there and make the most of the good weather.

Enjoy the issue.

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnAbuDhabi facebook.com/ WhatsOnAbuDhabi instagram.com/ WhatsOnAbuDhabi tiktok.com/ WhatsOnAbuDhabi

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THIS MONTH WHAT’S ON LOVES… Matcha Club Not to be confused with the powdery green tea, Matcha Club is the relatively new padel and wellness club in Al Quoz. It oozes hip Palm Springs appeal with burnt orange padel courts, two beautiful wellness studios, and the just-opened Nette café that serves proper elevated café grub. After a spectacular loss on the padel courts – I’m still learning, OK? – I like to eat my feelings with a delicious plate of poached eggs on toast with brown miso butter. @matchadxb

Ting Irie Pon Di Beach After spending many an evening at the original in Downtown Dubai, I was thrilled to find out that Ting Irie has also opened in the capital. Ting Irie Pon Di Beach has made its mark in Mamsha Al Saadiyat, making for the perfect laid-back sundowner spot. The lobster rolls are a must-try! @tingirieauh – Elise Kerr, Deputy Editor

– Laura Coughlin, Head of Content

The Platform There are few things that can get me to work out on a weekend, especially as a serial fitness class-phobe.

But The Platform’s Sunday spin class is the exception to this rule. I actually really enjoy it. For 45 minutes, instructor Sarah pairs a set of epic, energypacked tunes to an array of challenging sprints, hill climbs and weights tracks, inspiring the whole class to get involved.

And knowing you’ve already worked out justifies an extra Yorkshire pudding or two at Sunday lunch, right? theplatformstudios.com – Alice Holtham,

CoinMena This year I plan to understand the whole Crypto thing. But I’m not looking to go full Wolf of Wall Street, maybe just like a hungry Labrador of Wall Street, so it feels achievable. The single best tip I got for making it easy for myself in the UAE, was to use CoinMena which, in a relatively small number of steps, lets you swap dirhams for Crypto currencies. coinmena.co — Miles Buckeridge, Online Reporter

The Westin Mina Seyahi beach day

The team behind Tania’s Teahouse has opened up a new venue called Sereni-tea nestled in Umm Sequeim. It’s not the pretty pink hues that you would find in the first branch, but the hygge design is still so warm and inviting. After my ‘eggs ben-addict’, you’ll find me on the outdoor patio, sipping tea, soaking up the good weather and enjoying a catchup with the bestie. @taniasteachouse

With endless blue skies and sunshine, Dubai is the perfect place to enjoy a beach day – especially at this time of year. I love the one at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. We tend to forgo a sun bed and instead snag one of the cool wooden deck chairs on the beach.

The beach has a bohemian vibe with brilliant music playing all day. If you fancy a dip, check out the pool with its very own built-in bar. Beach and pool access is priced from Dhs255. @westindubai

– Aarti Saundalkar, Junior Online Reporter

– Lauren Fletcher, Online Reporter

Group Digital Editor

Sereni-tea

What’s On_9

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN FEBRUARY

HIGH JOINT BURGERS COME TO TOWN (FOR A LIMITED TIME)

When: Until May One of Dubai’s best-loved burger brands – up for nomination at this year’s What’s On Awards 2022 – has opened a pop-up in Qasr Al Hosn. Get them while they’re hot. q @high.joint

WHOSE LINE IS IT?

When: February 3 One of Britain’s top improv comedy troupes, The Noise Next Door, perform their unscripted show at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi. Tickets cost Dhs160. For more info, check out p46. q thelaughterfactory.com

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CELEBRATE CHINESE NEW YEAR AT NAHAAM

When: February 5 Celebrate the Year of the Tiger with a Chinese themed Saturday brunch complete with live entertainment. a Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, from Dhs370. Tel: (0)2 811 5666. @conradetihadtowers

THE EXPO ESSENTIALS Three things you have to do this month

01

DO THIS

BALLERINA BUBBLY HOUR

When: February 13 Happy hour with a chic pirouette at The Manhattan Lounge, starting with the St. Regis Ritual Champagne sabering, accompanied by a selection of caviar canapés and bubbles evening with a live ballerina performance. a The Manhattan Lounge, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, Dhs350 per person, Dhs650 per couple, 6pm to 8pm. stregissaadiyatisland.com

The annual Terry Fox Run takes place at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 5 to mark World Cancer Day. Choose between a 3k or 5k fun run. All proceeds go to cancer research projects. Entry costs Dhs100. q dubaiterryfoxrun.org

TAPAS NIGHT AT THE WAREHOUSE

When: Thursdays Choose any four tapas bites and one pitcher of classic sangria for Dhs155 for two hours, or share 10 tapas and two pitchers for Dhs300. a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Thur 5pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 30755555. rotana.com

DIVE WITH SHARKS AT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

When: Daily Thrill seekers are welcome to take the plunge and dive with the tiger sharks and hammerheads inside The National Aquarium. q @thenationalaq

PERFECT POOL DAYS AT GRAND HYATT When: Daily It’s just Dhs200 for pool and beach access at the Grand Hyatt’s beautiful facilities. Best of all, you’ll get the full amount back to spend on food and drink. q @grandhyattabudhabi

02

EAT THIS Snacks are aplenty across the Expo site, but we recommend making a beeline for the Belgium Pavilion to get your hands on their Brusselsstyle waffle treats. Choose from plain, drizzled in chocolate or with strawberries and whipped cream. q @belgianpavilion_expo2020dubai

03

HEAR THIS As part of the roving celebrations of the LitFest, poets Dr Afra Atiq and Carlos Andres Gomez join singer Brent Shuttleworth for a special event on February 7 at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. q emirateslitfest.com What’s On_11

since the late ‘80s so I’ve seen lots of changes.

LAYLA KARDAN THE SINGING SENSATION

From singer to the co-owner of new concept Papillon.

How did this come about?

It was in the height of the pandemic that I met the cluster GM of The Westin Mina Seyhai, Tolga Lacin, and we talked about Dubai needing a cabaret. I spoke about my dream of creating an elevated and contemporary cabaret that would push boundaries in an artistic way, combining glamour and fashion and exquisite talent, and he loved it. After much work, Papillon was complete, from venue to concept and menu to show and music curation.

Did you have to halt your music career?

I worked so hard in the first couple of years of being an artist. I had my head down, grinding every day and finally as I had built momentum in my music career and

U

AE Famous is a What’s On page focusing on people out there making the scene.

They’re out there around town, shaping the UAE into what it is, creating the culture, food and life around us. We asked them what’s good in the UAE. We asked them what’s bad in the UAE. We asked them to tell us more, more, more about their wonderful selves…

“PAPILLON IS A CUT ABOVE, AND I KNOW I’M NOT BEING MODEST, BUT I AM PROUD OF WHAT WE’VE CREATED.” Layla, your career has been inspiring. Can you tell us a bit about your journey?

I was lucky to launch my music career four years ago when Dubai was ready to receive local artists. I had the support of many to propel me onto stages and festivals.

Where are you from?

Born in Belgium, raised for the most part in Australia, with Iranian heritage and living permanently in Dubai for the past 13 years – I feel like a citizen of the world. My family has been coming to Dubai

12_What’s On

was starting to rise, it all got compromised by the pandemic. Creating a brand and permanent space with the support of the hotel and the Wasl Hospitality Group meant that I could realise my dream, and diversify my business.

What makes Papillon unique?

Papillon isn’t just another dinner and a show, it’s an homage to cabaret. It’s fresh, fashion forward and risqué, with each performer possessing a unique talent that makes the show special.

Our Creative Director is Denise Faye, a Hollywood legend with movies such as Burlesque and Chicago on her resume as well as being Cher’s tour director for years.

She really brought a beautiful vision to the stage.

What’s the venue like?

It’s chic and understated.

It’s not a commercial place, that’s ready to play any type of music to appeal to the masses. We love our brand and won’t compromise the integrity of our DNA just to pull crowds. Papillon is a cut above and I know I’m not being modest, but I am proud of what we’ve created.

What’s better, the dinner or the show?

That’s tough. Most experiences are about one or the other. Our food is incredible. But since I love the show, I would say the show.

What do you love about the UAE? I love my tribe of friends who have become family. I also love the fact that you can make anything happen here.

What stresses you out about the UAE? The driving!

Do you reckon Dubai is your forever home?

Absolutely. For now, I am not going anywhere. q @laylakardan | @papillondxb

Above: Layla on stage at Papillon

ADVERTISEMENT

WHAT’S ON AT

FILINI GARDEN Great food, stellar cocktails, one dreamy weekend brunch – Italian favourite Filini Garden at Radisson Blu Yas Island ticks all the boxes for a capital experience. So, what are you in the mood for?

GOLDEN HOUR APERITIVO

WHEN: Sun to Thur, 5pm to 6pm Sundowners taste that much better when they’re 50 per cent off. Take advantage of Filini’s happy hour and enjoy aperitifs and a select range of drinks to accompany your favourite italian food.

BELLISSIMA MONDAYS

WHEN: Mon, 5pm onwards If you like your girls’ night with a side of sophistication, head to Filini Garden every Monday to enjoy free flow sparkling drinks for just Dhs69 and 50 per cent off the food menu.

NEW MENU

FILINI SUPPER CLUB

WHEN: Fri, 5pm onwards Start the weekend right at this new supper club featuring unlimited signature bites served alongside live entertainment courtesy of the venue’s resident DJs. Packages cost Dhs159 with soft drinks, Dhs259 with house drinks, or opt for a special deal of Dhs99 for unlimited Aperol Spritz for ladies from 7pm to 10pm.

THE GARDEN BRUNCH

WHEN: Sat, 12.30pm to 3.30pm (after-party from 4pm to 7pm) Long lazy summer days in Italy – that’s the vibe you’ll feel at Filini’s Saturday Garden Brunch with award-winning Italian food, unlimited drinks and live music from Hydyy Brown.

Packages cost Dhs219 with soft drinks and Dhs319 with house drinks.

WHEN: Daily Chef Marco Gattone pays homage to his hometown in Italy with exciting new additions such as pallotte cacio e ove, chicche di ricotta in a rich seafood sauce, plus a wide variety of homemade pastas such as tagliatelle, ravioli with porcini mushrooms or eggplant. The new mains feature sea bream cooked in foil with seasonal vegetables and Angus grade beef fillet served in a three different peppercorn sauce.

Radisson Blu Yas Island | For bookings, call: (0)2 6562000 | @filinigarden

The mainland is so last year, man.

Explore the islands of Abu Dhabi with our helpful guide

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ISLAND LIFE

SAADIYAT ISLAND

This picturesque area has become a cultural hub with Louvre Abu Dhabi as its centrepiece. The island also has luxury hotels, entertainment and spectacular beaches.

1. Take in some culture Louvre Abu Dhabi stands proudly as a cultural hotspot.

Derived from a partnership with France, this landmark arts and culture destination showcases classic masterpieces and contemporary Arabic art alongside highlights of the Middle East’s rich heritage.

The museum is a work of art in itself. Designed by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, the futuristic construct seemingly floats on water. q louvreabudhabi.ae

4. Take a swing With spectacular views of gentle dunes and the turquoise beach, it’s no wonder the 18-hole championship golf course at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club is regularly packed with golfers. q @saadiyatbeachgolfclub

2. Escape for the weekend Leave the mainland and stay at one of the five-star hotels on the pristine coastline. The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort (@stregissaadiyatisland), Jumeirah Saadiyat Island (@jumeirahsaadiyat) and the Saadiyat Rotana (@saadiyatrotana) offer great food, plush spas and beach views. The experience might put a dent in your wallet, but the memories will last a lifetime.

3. Soak up some rays Soul Beach is the cool private facility on Abu Dhabi’s stunning Saadiyat Island. It’s open daily from 8am to sunset and entry costs Dhs50 on a weekday and Dhs75 at weekends. For that, you get your own flop-plot complete with parasol (there are 400 in total). Use your camera to scan the QR code on the table next to your lounger. Then order via WhatsApp, and your selected refreshments will be brought directly to your table by golf buggy. q @soulbeachsaadiyatisland

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ISLAND LIFE

YAS ISLAND

No other island packs as much punch when it comes to fun. With world-class attractions, malls and a string of hotels, this destination caters to all ages and tastes.

5. Meet your heroes

1. Ride the waves Anyone with a taste for adventure has to attempt kitesurfing at the beach on the edge of Yas Island. Drive along the Sheikh Khalifa highway and you can’t miss the soaring kites dipping and bobbing by the shore. There are kitesurfers of all abilities and instructors will offer lessons. q kitepro.ae

4. Brave Clymb, the region’s highest rockclimbing wall Taking on the 42-metre climbing wall at Clymb Abu Dhabi requires a steely nerve. If you make it to the top, you’re a braver sort than us. q clymbabudhabi.com

2. Dine out With a hotel strip occupying one cluster of the island – not to mention a host of eateries lining the marina – you’re not short of choices for dining experiences. In particular we love Filini Garden for sundowners, Cipriani for proper Italian grub, but with the new Yas Bay bringing a plethora of new restaurants, including the brilliant Akiba Dori (p38), there’s now even more to explore.

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3. Aim for the horizon Designed by Kyle Phillips, the 18-hole course at Yas Links Abu Dhabi was the first links course built in the Middle East. Offering state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, the course has lush greenery and waterfront views. q @yaslinksad

The world’s biggest, and fully air-conditioned, indoor theme park, Warner Bros.

World Abu Dhabi brings all the legendary characters from this famous studio to life. Meet Superman, catch up with Batman or Wonder Woman, or be entertained

by Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Fred Flintstone and more, all within an impressive 1.65-million-square-foot theme park boasting 29 state-of-theart rides, interactive familyfriendly attractions, upbeat live entertainment, a range of dining options to suit all tastes, and exclusive shopping outlets. q @wbworldad

6. Shop ‘till you drop Abu Dhabi’s largest luxury mall offers incredible shopping, dining and entertainment experiences under one roof. Shop at one of 400 international brands, watch a movie in the 24-screen cinema, and have loads of family fun at the huge entertainment zone inside the mall. q yasmall.ae

Sunday Family Roast Brunch

Taste the excitement of the city’s most fun filled Sunday roast brunch for the whole family to enjoy at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC. Share light-hearted conversation amidst charming surroundings as you indulge in an extravagant brunch featuring risotto, roasted beef legs and whole roasted local fish. Adding an extra thrill to your little one’s moments are fun activities including face painting and arts and crafts that create memories to be cherished.

AED 299 per family inclusive of soft beverage AED 399 per family inclusive of house beverage AED 499 per family inclusive of prosecco Every Sunday | 12 PM to 4 PM Café Belge and Sunken Garden The Ritz Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre Call at +971 4 372 2777

ISLAND LIFE

AL MARYAH ISLAND

One of the latest arrivals on the island scene, Al Maryah is the shopping island, with a huge mall, five-star hotels and luxury restaurants.

1. Shop The Galleria Al Maryah, the island formally known as ‘Sowwah’, is located just to the east of Abu Dhabi’s city centre, and is easily accessible by bridge.

The appeal of this destination to visitors comes largely in the form of The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. The Galleria is a gigantic mall, offering a diverse and modern shopping and entertainment experience with everything from Virgin Megastore to Chanel inside. q thegalleria.ae

2. Eat in the city’s fanciest restaurants We also like to think of Al Maryah as the high-end foodie island of Abu Dhabi. Between the mall and two luxury hotels, the density of outstanding dining destinations is dizzying. Within a short walk you can find Coya (@coyaabudhabi), Zuma (@zumaabudhabi), LPM Abu Dhabi (@lpmabudhabi), 99 Sushi Bar & restaurant (@99sushibaruae) and Dai Pai Dong (@daipaidongad), among many others.

AL REEM ISLAND 18_What’s On

This is another of the central clutch of Abu Dhabi city islands. The jagged skyline is sketched out by sky-scraping towers offering a mix of prime residential and commercial real estate. Very soon, the island will play host to giant shopping centre, Reem Mall (@reemmall), which is currently in the final phases of construction. In addition to shops and nourishment stops, the mall will feature Snow Abu Dhabi – ‘one of the world’s largest snow parks’. Elsewhere on the island you’ll find some gorgeous parkscape in the form of Al Fay, and Reem Central Park, and brilliant beach club Cove Beach Abu Dhabi (@covebeachabudhabi).

HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND

Unofficially known as the adventure island of Abu Dhabi, Hudayriyat offers sports, beach and thrills galore.

Just a short drive away from Al Bateen Beach, over what used to be a humpback ‘bridge to nowhere’, sits Hudayriyat Leisure and Entertainment District. Now, very much a significant ‘somewhere’. After a dramatic transformation by developers Modon, the activity hub adds an exciting level of adventure to our emirate’s outdoor offering.

The experiences are split between distinct destinations, the luxe amenity-packed waterfront, Marsana and the authentic adrenaline thrills offered at Marvista.

Yes, there’s now another free, gorgeous stretch of public beach to top up our winter tans on, and in addition to all the aforementioned leisure and entertainment, there’s the option to get wet and wild with a range of watersports.

And if you do choose to take to the calm coastal waters in a giant swan-shaped pedalo, we suggest you make your way to the offshore Hudayriyat sign for an expert-level selfie.

4. Camping Adventures The island’s own private campsite, Bab al Nojoum is an attraction in itself. There are an impressive 124 units of glamping accommodation to rent, including oceanfront tents, duplex tents and vintage campervans. Guests can revel in the alfresco life with barbecue and bonfire facilities, kayak hire, a beach cinema, kids playground, hammocks and assorted beach-based fun. q hudayriyatisland.ae

1. Sporting adventures One of the strongest focuses of the Hudayriyat redevelopment project was on creating the ultimate environment for an active outdoor lifestyle.

There’s a genuinely impressive range of ways to elevate your heart rate, from sick liptricks at the Circuit X skate park in Marsana, to the four separate free-to-use bike tracks (including the overwater loop) of Marvista. The island is also home to a multitude of sports courts, an indoor 321 Sports activity centre, a rock climbing wall and an elevated rope assault course. In Marvista you’ll also find OCR, the UAE’s largest permanent obstacle course, now open for alfresco cross-fit beastings.

3. Beach adventures

2. Food adventures It’s highly likely you’ll work up an appetite on Hudayriyat, but thankfully there are plenty of tasty solutions. Cafes and restaurants currently open for island dining include Shrimp Pot, Muncheeze, Projeto Acai and Drvn Coffee.

There’s also a selection of food trucks, offering both light and more substantial eats. We spotted Japanese cuisine at Sushic, Italian at La Patchouli, and Americana at Route 10 and The Burgurry.

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ISLAND LIFE

SIR BANI YAS

Reachable by plane or ferry, this island houses luxury weekend getaways and a wildlife reserve. There are familyfriendly hotels operated by Anantara, plus plenty of romantic spots and activities.

1. Take a safari tour The wildlife reserve wows visitors with giraffes, gazelles and other wonderful animals. The park has also successfully bred a cheetah in captivity and if you’re lucky you can spot the little guy napping under a date tree.

2. Kayaking

4. Snorkelling

A great way to get your daily dose of exercise, glide through the mangroves through flocks of migratory birds, or head out to the open sea.

The island is surrounded by a rich marine eco system.

Currents are strong, so stick to designated spots. Aside from the coloured coral reefs and fish, you may also spot stingrays, dolphins and sea turtles.

3. Ride off into the sunset Experienced staff at the Sir Bani Yas Stables will take you along breathtaking routes. The stables are home to over 30 horses, from Arabian stallions to gentle mares. Dune rides are perfect for beginners, with a short trail through sandy, gentle terrain.

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q @anantarasirbaniyas

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ISLAND LIFE

THE BEST OF THE REST Moon Island This island resort sits just a short 10-minute sail away from Saadiyat. The villas are currently under renovation, so there’s no overnight offering, but you can come and spend the day here. It’s Dhs200 for a day pass and you get all that back in F&B credit. Facilities include an infinity pool, adult and kids pools, mini aqua park, a kid’s play area, watersports, a football pitch and volleyball courts, as well as the private stretch of island beach. q @moon_island_ad

Ghagha Island Ghagha is the westernmost island in the UAE, with around 20 archaeological sites to its name.

Explorers have discovered stone tools belonging to the Arabian bifacial tradition, ‘red-ridged ware’ pottery, likely originating from Bahrain and dated from around 2000-1700 BC.

Dalma Island Dalma Island can be accessed via a ferry from Sir Bani Yas ferry terminal. There’s a Dhs20 ticket to go on foot or you can bring your car for Dhs100. Once you reach the island, you’ll feel a world away from any city. It’s very quiet, so don’t expect much in the way of iced lattes or multiplex cinemas. Instead, find nature’s raw allure, laid bare with enchanting untouched scenery and a large population of nesting socotra cormorants.

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Jubail Island Al Maya Island Escape city life and head to the dreamy Al Maya Island & Resort (above), which is just a 10-minute boat trip southwest of Abu Dhabi’s mainland. The resort offers a Horizon pool and beach pass from Dhs105 (weekdays) with Dhs50 back to spend on food and beverages at the hotel.

Weekends are a little higher at Dhs199, but you get a cool Dhs150 chunk of that back to spend on dining and drinking in the resort (or unlimited hops between midday and 3pm).

Return boat transfers are included in the cost of your pass. Top tip: use the Google Map location for Al Maya Boat Dock. q @almayaisland

The main headliners on this island are undoubtedly the mangrove park and Pura’s eco glamping set up. The former offers intimate access to a huge expanse of emerald-tinted wilderness, a meandering 2.3km boardwalk, rangerled guided boardwalk (from Dhs50), kayak (Dhs100), and e-canoe tours (from Dhs80), unique wildlife interactions and a chance to learn more about this fascinating ecosystem. For a longer stay, there are a series of glamping pods on the island. Stays at Pura Eco Retreat start around Dhs2,000 per night. q staypura.com

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DISCUSSIONS. INSIGHT. CONVERSATION. IDEAS. THE WHAT’S ON AWARD-WINNING EMIR ATES AIRLINE

FESTIVAL OF LITER ATURE

FEBRUARY 3 TO 13

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BOOKS.

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E M I R AT E S A I R L I N E F E S T I VA L O F L I T E R AT U R E

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good book can do more than make an entrance, it can make you see the world through new eyes and reach new understandings about your fellow human beings. In a brand new location, and under the subtitle, ‘Here Comes The Sun’, this year’s Emirates Airline Festival of Literature (LitFest) is a presentation of authors, books and storytellers from around the world aiming to bring hope after two years of global uncertainty. Readers and non-readers, men and women, young and old, no matter who you are and where you are from, at the LitFest, there are sessions that speak to us all. Over the course of the 10-day festival, there are hundreds of speakers and events for all ages. There is so much going on that the programme can be a bit dizzying. Here, we have broken it down into bite-size portions to help you make the most of the event.

THE NAMES TO KNOW Julia Quinn, No.1 New York Times bestselling author, loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance. A graduate of Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, Quinn is one of only 16 members of the Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame. Her books have been translated into 32 languages, and her popular series of historical romance, The Bridgertons, became a Netflix original hit series starring Julie Andrews, Phoebe Dynevor, and Rége-Jean Page.

Sara Gay Forden, a journalist based in Washington DC, covered the Italian fashion industry from Milan for more than 15 years, chronicling the explosion of labels, including Gucci, Armani, Versace, Prada and Ferragamo from family ateliers into mega brands.

She’ll be in town talking about her smash hit book The House of Gucci, which was recently released as a feature film starring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver.

Serhii Plokhy, a professor of history at Harvard University, is a leading authority on Eastern Europe. His books include the Baillie Gifford award-winner Chernobyl: History of a Tragedy, Lost Kingdom, The Gates of Europe and The Last Empire.

Other big names in the programme include entrepreneur and Crush it! author Gary Vaynerchuck, TV chef and Great British Bake Off star Nadiya Hussain, comedian and Gangsta Granny writer David Walliams; 2021 Sheikh Zayed Book Award winner Iman Mersal; 2021 International Prize for Arabic Fiction winner Jalal Barjas; and Sleepy Head novelist Mark Billingham.

The festival will also host popular new talents, including C Pam Zhang, author of How Much of These Hills Is Gold, The Vanishing Half novelist Brit Bennet, The Guest List writer Lucy Foley and Yesterday writer Felicia Yap. Nadiya Hussain

HOW TO NAVIGATE EMIRATES LIT FEST LIKE A PRO Festival Director Ahlam Bolooki shares her top tips for festival-goers

01. Make a day of it.

Back in the day before I joined the team, I used to love booking sessions with authors I knew and loved, as well as those I had never heard of, and I found so many new favourites that way.

02. Bring a reusable water bottle. As a foundation and a festival, we have banned single-use plastic at our events. Instead, we make sure there are water fountains provided for free refills.

03. Book special events early. We have some iconic and utterly unique special events planned, and from experience we know they book up quickly. I always recommend that people book the biggest names and the special events as soon as possible because they do sell out.

Gary Vaynerchuck

David Walliams

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E M I R AT E S A I R L I N E F E S T I VA L O F L I T E R AT U R E

Q&A

Meet the festival director

Ahlam Bolooki Can you tell us why you’ve moved the festival to a new location?

There are many reasons. The canal side of Habtoor City hotels is not just a beautiful setting but it’s a convenient location off Sheikh Zayed Road.

But ultimately, it came down to the people. We knew this would be a great home for the festival after meeting with the Al Habtoor City team. We also have a couple of events at Expo 2020, including a stunning spoken word and music event.

Why did you decide to go back to the 10-day format for the festival?

Every year is different. We have had festivals running over anything from five days to three weekends, and it is dictated by what we want to achieve with each festival; the conversations we want to host and the people we want to bring together. Our priority is always to design something truly magical for our audiences and our authors. This year, we are doing just that over the course of 10 days.

Tell us more about the theme for this year’s festival Our theme ‘Here Comes the Sun’ is perfect for where we are today, two years into the global pandemic. We have all collectively been living under a dark cloud, and now is the time for a new dawn where we can look forward with hope.

The 2022 festival will bring optimism and renewal. It will 26_What’s On

“NOW IS THE TIME FOR A NEW DAWN WHERE WE CAN LOOK FORWARD WITH HOPE” shed light on issues that are usually obscured by the dark, including some of the most important topics of our time.

How long does it take to plan such a big festival?

We start planning the festival 18 months in advance. It is a huge production putting together the author lineup, getting dates booked in, planning the conversations, and the special events. With so many moving parts, including

the calendars of more than 150 authors from all over the world, it is a complex operation.

What do you most love about the festival?

I love it all. On the opening day of the festival when I see people starting to arrive at our LitFest branded venue. It is the most wonderful time of the year. The Desert Stanzas, where we bring together spoken word performers from all over the world at Caravanserai desert camp is a magical event and it moves me deeply every time. Panel

TICKETS

discussions with Arabic world authors together with international speakers are often fascinating. It is hard to pick just one thing to love the most – it is all wonderful.

Who are the top authors you personally are looking forward to seeing?

Choosing just three is hard.

Julia Quinn is the author of the Bridgerton series, which I think has captured the hearts of everyone who had read it or seen it on Netflix. For first-class escapism, you can’t beat it. I am super excited about Toshikazu Kawaguchi, the Japanese author of Before the Coffee Gets Cold, a time-travelling magical realism novel that sold more than 800,000 copies in Japan.

Nikita Gill is one of the world’s most successful instapoets, and I predict she will be spectacular.

And Sara Gay Forden is a journalist who covered the Italian fashion industry for more than 15 years and wrote The House of Gucci, the nonfiction book that the movie was based on.

What book are you currently reading and what’s next on your reading list?

Right now, I’m reading How Much of These Hills is Gold by C Pam Zhang, and next on the list is My Life in Full: Work, Family and Our Future by Indra Nooyi.

February 3 to 13

a Al Habtoor City,

emirateslitfest.com

Tickets to the LitFest vary depending on the workshop or talk you choose. Buy a Foundation Friend membership for Dhs235, which offers up to 10 per cent off when you buy tickets to different sessions and workshops, plus invitations to select events. Check out tickets.emirateslitfest.com for more.

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Here’s how to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Abu Dhabi

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

1 ALBA TERRACE Highlights include a sharing menu featuring starters of veal tartare, pecorino and quail egg, mains of pan-roasted duck breast with sunchoke purée and chocolate cake for dessert. A curated wine and beverage pairing will be available. Evening includes a red rose and a special welcome cocktail. a The Edition Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11pm (Sun and Mon), Dhs500 per couple, incl a welcome drink.

Tel: (0)2 2080000. editionhotels.com

2 ANGAR Spice up your Valentine’s night with a hot, three-course set menu (including one glass of bubbly) at Angar, featuring a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes. a W Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 10.30pm, Dhs200 per person. Tel: (0)2 6560000. @WAbuDhabi

BAROUK A romantic Lebanese night with a range of Arabic favourites and live music by Ziad Murad. a Crowne Plaza Hotel, Yas Island, 9pm, Dhs499 per couple, incl a bottle of sparkling. Tel: (0)2 6563000.

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BARFLY BY BUDDHA-BAR

AMERIGOS Celebrate Valentine’s Day the Mexican way at Amerigos with a twocourse set menu for Dhs159 per person, including four drinks. a Park Inn by Radisson Blu, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm.

Tel: (0)2 6562000. @amerigosyasisland

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A romantic three-course set menu with special house drinks. a Venetian Village, 8pm to 11pm, Dhs295. @barflybybuddhabar

BELGIAN CAFÉ Love your other half, but not enough to pay full whack for a meal? Go to Belgian Café for its Black Valentine deal and get 30 per cent off selected food items on Valentine’s Day. a Yas Plaza Hotels, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 6562000. @bbcyasisland

10 FILINI GARDEN Fancy a bit of romance under the stars? Book Filini Garden’s exclusive Valentine’s cabanas with a five-course set menu served alfresco by the pool. a Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Dhs1,229 per couple.

7pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 6562000. @filinigarden

11 GARAGE

7 BORD EAU A romantic evening with grape from Rhone Valley, including world famous Chateau-Neuf Du Pape, in an intimate evening set up with a three-course set menu. a Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, from 7pm, Dhs400 per person. Tel: (0)2 509 8555. restaurantreservations.slad@shangri-la.com

8 CAFÉ MILANO Celebrate the Italian way with a five-course menu at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, prepared by chef Delfino Chiarello, including fried tempura oysters, pan-roasted scallops, lamb, sea bass and fine chocolate heart. a Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi, from 7pm, Dhs590 per person, incl a welcome drink.

Tel: (0)2 3332222. fourseasons.com

9 DINO’S BISTRO ITALIANO The casual Italian restaurant serves a four-course Italian set menu paired with a selection of wines. The Valentine’s special is available on February 12, 13 and 14. a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs400 with two glasses of bubbly, Dhs450 with a bottle of bubbly. Tel: (0)2 30755555. rotana.com

This February, B.I.G – Brunch In Garage gets a Valentine’s glow-up on February 5, 12 and 19. Explore the culinary wonderland as the tart van makes its rounds offering pinkthemed sweet treats.

Chilled cocktails from the signature ‘Tap On Wheels’ cart are served as the resident DJ creates the party vibe. a W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs279 to Dhs529. Tel: (0)2 6560000. @WAbuDhabi

12 KAMOON Enjoy a four-course alfresco dinner and live entertainment at the newly-renovated Kamoon Arabic restaurant for only Dhs499 per couple, available from February 11 to 14. a Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana. Tel: (0)2 6570111. rotana.com

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LOOP BEACH

Dine under the stars at new Loop Beach restaurant at Bab Al Qasr with three dining options available: regular dining tables (Dhs498 per couple with four-course set menu and soft drinks); cabana tables (Dhs1,400 per couple with four courses, romantic set up, flower arrangement and house drinks); and floating tables (Dhs3,000 per couple with four-courses, romantic set up, flower arrangement and bubbly). a Bab Al Qasr, 7pm to 10pm, Dhs399. Tel: (056) 9922078. babalqasr.com

17 PITCH BLACK DINING Fancy an evening of romance shrouded in mystery? Try the dining in the dark three-course set menu experience at Bab Al Qasr, which hosts a Valentine’s edition on February 14. a Bab Al Qasr, 7.45pm to 10pm, Dhs399. Tel: (056) 9922078. babalqasr.com

14 NAHAAM BEACH Keen to go all out this Valentine’s? You could book an exclusive private dining experience under the stars.

The idyllic set up on the beach will be matched by an equally delightful four-course gastronomic adventure. Prices cost Dhs3,000 per couple with one bottle of bubbly. a Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, from 6pm, Dhs3,000 per couple. Tel: (0)2 8115555. @conradetihadtowers

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18 SHANGRI-LA QARYAT AL BERI, ABU DHABI

15 NAMAK An intimate five-course set menu for two at the award-winning Namak, with dishes inspired from the distinct regional flavours of India, along with a special welcome drink. a Dusit Thani, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs345 per couple. Tel: (0)2 6988137. dusit.com

OAK ROOM The four-course chef ’s menu begins with a signature Oak Room red rose and complimentary glass of bubbly. Highlights include Oak Room signature sourdough with Marmite butter, caviar and passion fruit crème fraiche, a seafood tasting plate of lobster, razor clams, scallops and oysters and your choice of main course from black Onyx striploin with truffle or Dover sole.

Finish your night with a chocolate raspberry tart and signature truffle chocolate martinis. a The Edition Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11pm, Dhs650 per couple. Tel: (0)2 2080000. editionhotels.com 32_What’s On

Vietnamese restaurant Hoi An, Chinese restaurant Shang Palace and The Pool Bar will each serve a three-course dinner on February 14, with varying set menus.

The luxury dining experience, priced at Dhs498 per couple, also includes a Chi, The Spa voucher valued at Dhs200 with a validity of one month. a Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, from 7pm. Tel: (0)2 509 8555. restaurantreservations. slad@shangri-la.com

Romantic Getaway HILTON ABU DHABI YAS ISLAND

Experience moments of bliss together, an unforgettable romantic getaway at Hilton Abu Dhabi Has Island. Romance for an intimate private 3-course dinner and wake up to breakfast in your room.

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VA L E N T I N E ’ S D AY

22 TURTLE BAY BAR & GRILL

19 SI RISTORANTE From February 10 to 16, Si Ristorante serves a special San Valentino four-course set menu. Expect romantic table set ups, rose petals, candlelight, and a romantic ambiance provided by a resident saxophonist. a Saadiyat Rotana, 6pm to midnight, Dhs375 per person with soft drinks. Tel: (0)2 6970000. rontanatimes.com

The alfresco venue, known for its excellent grilled dishes, welcomes guests to a five-course menu with soft drinks. But if you want to wow your partner, one couple can exclusively book the experience for a romantic private dinner on the Beach Boardwalk anytime during February. The night will be enhanced with a heartshaped dessert and can be tailored with the resorts dedicated team to couple preferences, including live violinist sounds and a flower bouquet. a Saadiyat Rotana, 6pm to midnight, Dhs425 per person with soft drinks.

Tel: (0)2 6970000. rontanatimes.com

23 URBAN KITCHEN

20 SOLE

Sole chefs have prepared a special menu for Valentine’s Day with dishes including ‘coated in love’, a tempura sea scallop with caviar with lentil stew and the ‘perfect marriage’, featuring truffle dough tortellini with lobster stuffing. a Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, from 6pm, Dhs360 per person. Tel: (0)2 8115555. @conradetihadtowers 34_What’s On

21 STILLS Cook, eat and dance the afternoon away with an exciting pre-Valentine’s evening (February 13) Couple’s Cook-Off challenge. Couples and children are welcome. a Crowne Plaza Hotel Yas Island, from 12.30pm, Dhs700 per couple, Dhs69 for children. Tel: (0)2 6562000. @myyasplaza

Urban Kitchen has an early Valentine’s Day themed brunch taking place Saturday February 12 from 1pm to 4pm. Traverse the stations from seafood to meat carving, sushi and dishes from signature restaurants Benjarong and Namak with free-flowing beverages through the afternoon. a Dusit Thani, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs270 with soft drinks, Dhs400 with house drinks, Dhs90 for children. Tel: (0)2 6988137. dusit.com

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WEST BAY LOUNGE

The offer includes a three-course set menu, one red rose, petals on the table and one bottle of Prosecco. a Corniche Road, Dhs999 per couple. Tel: (0)2 6924375. westbayabudhabi.com

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Akiba Dori

A Dubai favourite rolls into Abu Dhabi LPM BRUNCH p41 PANCAKES p42 What’s On_37

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EAT // REVIEW

AKIBA DORI YAS BAY

Napoli and Nagoya collide at this new Japanese pizza joint he Waterfront of Yas Bay recently dropped a pier-load of new taste experiences on our fair capital, and we’re doing our level best to try them all out. Purely for your benefit, of course. We’re nice like that.

One of those new restaurants has a name we became familiar with whilst exploring the foodie haunts of Dubai’s D3 neighbourhood – Akiba Dori. It’s a Japanese pizza restaurant.

We’re here at the Pier 71 location on this bright but breezy winter afternoon, to see if the brand’s second UAE surge can recreate the unique gastro-magic of the original.

Space wise, Akiba Dori has a style all of its own that’s eclectic and characterful – a hot melange of Atari pixels and neon Anime. We choose a table in the alfresco seating area facing out towards the water. Behind us, a distinct bar divides the terrace-side facade of the venue, we’re told it serves trendy mixology and licensed sips in the evening hours.

The menu has a main savoury that’s divided into ‘street food’ and ‘pizza’ categories. The street food features a line up of Osaka-style light bites – katsu sliders, tataki slices, salmon rice, wasabi prawns, and rock shrimp with spicy mayo.

We select the tuna tataki (Dhs66) and wagyu gyoza (Dhs64).

Presentation is such an important part of dining theatre these days, and the tuna tataki plays its part superbly. It’s elegant, precision-seared with a chisel-cut faultline, and it rumbles with marinemeat flavour. The tataki is served with truffle soy, adding another choral line to

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the tongue-top harmony.

And so to the gyoza. You know that feeling, where you put a thing in your mouth and your brain goes ‘hold up, we might have something here’, the dashboard lights up and you immediately fall madly and desperately in love with a mouthful of food. That, dear reader, is what’s happening right now. It’s a juicy culinary incantation of deliberate umami, and is only improved by smothering the pinkfleshed interior in the accompanying, tart, dipping sauce.

The pizza arrives, as we sheepishly stuff the last gyoza, hamster-like, to the inside of one cheek. The pizzas here are made using Japanese flour, and consequently, are uncommonly light.

We’ve chosen the truffle strata, which comes strewn with Italian herbs, shimeji mushrooms and stracciatella (a sort of burrata-esque dairy dish). This particular plate won’t replace our favourite pizza (a

space still held by the Diavola 2.0) from Akiba Dori’s wheel house, it is a perfect demonstration of how neatly Japanese and Italian food blends. Fire baked earthy carbs brush through the forest musk of the mushrooms. The dollops of truffleinfused stracciatella are sizeable (slightly excessively so in our humble opinion), and deliver a fresh foil for the palate to riff on.

THE VERDICT On the question of whether this east meets west crossover works, we direct you to the sympathetic condiment pairing of chili olive oil and soy sauce placed on each table.

It’s symbolic. Though born of very different food dynasties, they just belong together, arms outstretched across the ocean. Akiba Dori makes the fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisine feel like manifest destiny. a Yas Bay, Yas Island, daily noon to midnight. Tel: (0)4 770 7949. @akibadori RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������AAtmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

01 Kamoon

One-metre-long kebabs and fun Middle Eastern dishes Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana has reopened Kamoon. The venue has been refreshed and upgraded with a welcoming alfresco dining area to match. In the kitchen, Levantine flavours take centre stage thanks to chef Abu-Halab. There are various hummus options, one-metrelong kebabs, a halloumi sunrise, plus cheesecake with an Arabic twist. Live oud performances promise to accompany dining experiences. a Khalidiya Palace Rayhaan by Rotana, daily noon to midnight, (1am on weekends). Tel: (0)2 6570000. rotana.com

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EAT // OPEN NOW

New to town

Three new dining experiences to try in Abu Dhabi

03 Loop Beach

Bab Al Qasr opens new ‘barefoot’ restaurant With romance well and truly in the air this month, consider kicking off your shoes and heading onto the calm, white sandy beaches of Abu Dhabi to visit The Loop Restaurant & Bar, an alfresco restaurant on the shoreline of Bab Al Qasr. Guests are encouraged to dine barefoot, while digging into an exciting menu featuring mussels in saffron sauce, and mains such as fruitti di mare, and rib-eye steak accompanied by a range of sundowner sips and wine. For those who want to come with their little ones, there’s a kid’s playing area with rides next to the Loop Beach. a Bab Al Qasr, daily noon to midnight.

Tel: (056) 9922078. babalqasr.com

02 White brunch

Jumeirah Saadiyat Island moves its mega brunch to Saturdays One of the capital’s favourite brunches returns, albeit on a new day. Live cooking stations, delicious food, live entertainment and unrivalled views of the Arabian Gulf is the perfect way to spend your Saturdays in Abu Dhabi. The unforgettable brunch experience at White brings together cuisines from across the globe. Enjoy traditional Italian flavours by Mare Mare alongside exquisite Levantine dishes by Tean with an Arabian twist and selection of smoked cuts by Offside. a Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, Sat 1pm to 4pm, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs475 with house drinks, Dhs600 with bubbly. Tel:(0)2 8114342. jumeirah.com What’s On_39

Urban Kitchen

When: February 1 Abu Dhabi’s top brunch spot celebrates Chinese New Year with a special dinner buffet experience on February 1, featuring freshly made Peking duck, a roast station, unrivalled sushi selection, huge selection of Thai and Indian dishes, plus a range of Asian desserts and other delicacies. a Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Tue 7pm to 10.30pm, Dhs180 with soft drinks, Dhs320 with house drinks, Dhs90 for children. Tel: (0)2 6988137. dusit.com

MEET THE CHEF

UTTAM SINGH

Head chef of Angar Angar is back, and we’ve never been better. We’ve added some exciting dishes, while retaining some of the original favourites.

We serve playful dishes that take traditional flavours and give them a modern twist. An example is our avocado chaat – mashed avo, chaat masala and pomegranate seeds served with crackers.

Normally we never kiss and tell, but our butter chicken recipe is too good not to share. I use a spice mix that my grandmother taught me. As a last touch, before cooking the chicken, we place it under smoke from charcoal, to add a smokey flavour.

Another favourite dish is our lamb shank rogan josh. Normally, it is cooked with pieces of lamb. We cook it with an entire lamb shank.

It’s slow-cooked to make it tender.

After a busy day, I like to whip up my grandmother’s chicken tikka masala along with freshly baked naan bread. Easy, yet so good.

I would love to could cook for Cristiano Ronaldo. I’d start with our avocado chaat, followed by my speciality butter chicken, chicken wings and lollipops 65. He needs a lot of protein and I believe all that would do him good.

For my last supper, I’d have my grandmother’s lentil dhal. It’s golden yellow and full of protein and bright flavours. It’s a great meal. a W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, Mon to Sat 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (0)2 6560600. @wabudhabi

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Chinese New Year Whether your interest in Chinese culture extends to the ancient Qing dynasty or simple admiration for dim sum, this is a celebration not to be missed

Nahaam

When: February 5 Celebrate the Lunar New Year with an immersive brunch. Curated for the occasion, including a dedicated Chinese menu, Nahaam will be decked in Chinese themed decor, including wall art and hostesses dressed in traditional dress. The brunch will also feature live entertainment. a Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs370 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs625 with premium drinks. @conradetihadtowers

Hakkasan

When: Until February 13 Welcome in the Year of the Tiger with a limited-edition menu featuring dishes especially created for the occasion, along with a tigerinspired cocktail. The menu starts with the all-important Yu Sheng salad (toss the salad together and ring in luck for the New Year). This is followed by a dim sum trio, boasting a baked truffle duck puff, tiger prawn dumpling, and wild mushroom puff. Then it’s baked corn-fed spatchcock, wok-fried wild sea bass and a gold tiger-striped orange dark chocolate firecracker with mandarin sorbet. a Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11.30pm, Dhs488 per person. Tel: (0)2 690 7739. emiratespalace.ae

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EAT // REVIEW

LPM ABU DHABI

BRUNCH MONTH O F

T H E

Brunch is always better with a French accent here’s something about brunching on a Sunday that just feels right. Like we’ve fallen in sync with the eating habits of the rest of the world. In France, for example, there’s a time-honoured convention of reserving Sundays for family – long leisurely meals, broken bread, clinking glasses and reminiscing over a shared past.

And so it is at Al Maryah Island’s own little piece of Paris, LPM. The French restaurant’s La Vie en Rosé brunch is now a permanent Sunday fixture and offers diners a chic promenade along the boulevards of authentic European cuisine. They follow the increasingly popular ‘sharing starter platters and individual mains’ format, which feels like a truer reflection of the original concept of ‘brunch’.

LPM is a handsome property. The interiors are every bit the Haussmann Bistro, with white tablecloths and art deco detailing on the walls, outside the scarlet petal awning flaps noncommittally in the breeze. Somewhere, though most likely in our minds, the muffled notes of La Marseillaise play out on an accordion.

Comfortably seated inside, we peruse the entree menu as the busy waiters pirouette from table to table carrying large bottles of pink grape (the clever titular jeu-des-mots of today’s brunch).

You are permitted to order as many rounds of the starters as you wish, and

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there’s an attractive line-up to choose from.

A reflex impulse of pure gourmand gluttony compels us to order ‘the lot’ – burrata served with tomatoes and basil, yellowtail carpaccio, crispy calamari, a green lentil salad, snails with garlic butter, olive tapenade, prawns with olive oil, and red cabbage salad.

It’s an applause-worthy assembly, but the fried squid and snails emerge as the real objets d’art. Crispy breaded morsels of catch-fresh calamari, prepared to within microseconds of the perfect cuisson, are given the suggestion of heat from paprika seasoning and thin rashers of green chili. The snails are plump and meaty, served-in-shell as tradition demands, and come luxuriating in a liquid butter bath. With the calm waters of Al Maryah’s waterfront visible through the windows, this is beginning to feel convincingly like a French Riviera rendezvous.

It could be argued that the options for main courses are limited, but in fairness, they represent more than adequate range.

Dishes include sirloin steak, lemonroasted coquelet, grilled lamb cutlets, pumpkin risotto and sea bream with pistou (a sort of French version of pesto).

We’ve chosen lamb and steak, and right from the first bite, it’s abundantly clear

that more brunches should be like LPM. There’s none of the hurriedness of live cooking stations or elbow jousting at the buffet, these are essentially a la carte dishes expertly prepared in the kitchen and they, without question, belong in the upper troposphere of Abu Dhabi’s fine-dining world. Tender, expertly-sourced cuts superbly finished with stubborn French attention to detail.

You taste the char, the rendered juices, the simple, vital flavour of the meat.

The desserts follow, a creme brulee so audaciously authentic we wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to discover it holds a full French passport; and a cheesecake, elegant and regal, and without succumbing to being overly rich. With almost empty plates and a waft of the white flag, we’re done.

VERDICT: The vibe, the set-up, the cuisine, the soundtrack — all strike hard at LPM, but it’s the price point that offers the real coup de grace. At Dhs450 for the house package, it stands head and shoulders above its similarly-costed rivals. a LPM, Al Maryah Island, Sundays 1pm to 3pm, two pax minimum, soft Dhs375, premium pink grape package Dhs450, premium sparkling pink grape Dhs575.

Tel: (02) 692 9600, lpmrestaurants.com What’s On_41

C O N S U M E

EAT // PANCAKES

Flippin’ good March 1 is Pancake Day. Here’s where to celebrate

04

F

ew breakfast items transcend the sum of their parts quite like the humble pancake.

Through some magical feat of morning alchemy, the simple combination of eggs, flour, and sugar creates a steaming 42_What’s On

platter that’s both fluffy and crispy, sweet and savoury, and capable of soaking up a seemingly infinite quantity of syrup. To salute this breakfast of champions, we’ve compiled a short stack of the best pancakes Abu Dhabi has to offer.

01

Yamanote

This cute Japanese bakery certainly knows how to make a light-as-a-feather pancake.

Try the traditional Fuwa Fuwa (Dhs42), which translates to ‘fluffy fluffy’ and is served with mixed berries, Chantily cream

and honey or syrup. They use a classic batter mix but also add vanilla, lime juice and a secret ingredient. The chef tells us they achieve the souffle style by mixing at various speeds with precision, care, and ensuring the final batter is super airy.

02

a Yamanote Atelier, Abu Dhabi Mall, weekdays 8am to 11pm, weekends 10am to 1am. Tel: (056) 5448399. @yamanoteatelier

02

Kcal

If you’re on a health kick or you’ve got specific dietary requirements, you can’t go wrong with Kcal. Gluten and dairy free and containing no sugar, its blueberry and banana pancakes (Dhs30) retain a fluffy and moist consistency and give you a hint of sweetness without the guilt. The chefs have got creative when it comes to the substitutions – they use almond flour instead of white flour, coconut oil instead of butter and the berry sauce is sweetened naturally with strawberry and honey. a Al Mamoura Building B, Abu Dhabi, 10am to midnight Tel: 600 5959 55 @thekcallife

06

four-tiered stack is topped with berries, salted butter and maple cream. a Building Two, Al Bateen Harbour, daily 9am to 10.30pm. Tel:(0)24416100. @no57cafe

Brunch and Cake 04

One of the top breakfast spots in the nation, Brunch and

No. Fifty Seven Boutique Café 03

For a stack of striking fluffy treats, why not opt for these activated charcoal pancakes (Dhs65) instead? The jet black

01

03

Wild and the Moon

05

On the hunt for plantbased pancakes? Get these orange blossom pancakes (Dhs45) on your radar, for the sunshine crew at Wild and the Moon. It’s whipped together using gluten free flour, orange blossom, maple syrup, homemade coconut whipped cream, banana, almond milk, salt and pistachios. a Qasr Al Hosn, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum St, Sun to Sat 9am to 8pm.

Tel: (056) 1884073. @wildandthemoonuae

Cake’s churning out pretty dishes, baked goods, and breakfast innovation smack in the Marsa Al Bateen. The star of the robust breakfast menu is a trio of American-style pancakes (Dhs68), wedged with strawberries, cheesecake filling, caramel sauce, pistachio nuts and maple syrup on the side. a Brunch and Cake Marsa Al Bateen, daily 9am to midnight. Tel: (0)2 5754880. @brunchandcakeuae 06

Nolu’s

Firmly on the Abu Dhabi foodie map, Nolu’s does a lot of things right. From its iconic Afghani eggs to its wide range of nutritious salads. But if you’re feeling a bit naughty, Nolu’s homemade buttermilk pancakes (Dhs47) with maple syrup hit the spot every time. a Al Bandar, Raha Beach, Sun to Fri 9am to noon, weekends until 2am. Tel: (0)2 5579500. @nolusrestaurants What’s On_43

Experience the very best of

with all the latest news, reviews and activites to help you discover what the Kingdom has to offer

WhatsOnSaudiArabia.com whatsonksa

ART + THEATRE + FILM + MUSIC

PA G E 46

Agenda

Unmissable culture events this month REGIONAL ARTIST SPOTLIGHT p48 RAK PARTIES p51

THE AGENDA Our pick of the top culture-related events this month around the UAE

ABU DHABI

For more cultural plans happening in the UAE, visit whatson.ae

/EXHIBITION/

Portrait of a Nation II The 50-year celebrations for the UAE continue with this exhibition bringing together a unique collection of artworks highlighting the innovation, creativity and collaboration that marks the development of the nation. Over 100 key artworks, including special commissions from founders of the UAE art scene to emerging artists, video interviews, archival images and more.

Throughout February a Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi, free. @manaratalsaadiyat

46_What’s On

ABU DHABI AND DUBAI /STAND-UP

COMEDY/

Whose line is it? by The Noise Next Door Improvised anarchy is the name of the game with the UK comedy circuit’s favourite improv group The Noise Next Door. The lads are (finally) in the UAE to perform a series of completely unscripted shows. Prepare for ludicrous characters,

witty one-liners and explosive physicality, where impromptu audience suggestions create the bones of a story. There’s a family show at Theatre by QE2 where you can bring the kids (Dhs100 per child), but it’s 18+ for all other shows.

February 3 to 5 a Various locations, from Dhs130 per adult. thelaughterfactory.com

CULTURE

NEW BOOK

DUBAI /BALLET/

Crystal Palace Ballet The Crystal Palace Ballet makes its Middle East debut at Dubai Opera with a spectacular production inspired by a true story. It takes us back to 1740 where preparations for a grand event are taking place after an empress, who, upon learning of one of her court maiden’s love towards the court jester, decides to celebrate their marriage, unbeknownst to the young couple.

February 17 to 19 a Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com /NATIONAL

THEATRE

LIVE/

Leopoldstadt Regarded as ‘Britain’s greatest living playwright’, Tony and Academy Award-winner Tom Stoppard’s critically acclaimed play Leopoldstadt is a passionate drama of love, family and endurance. We follow a family’s story across half a century, passing through the convulsions of war, revolution, impoverishment, annexation by Nazi Germany and the Holocaust. A company of 40 actors represent each generation of the family in this epic, but intimate play.

February 18 and 19 a Courtyard Playhouse. 8pm, Dhs100. Tel: (0)50 986 1760. courtyardplayhouse.com

Dare to Dream A new book, published first in Arabic, hits bookshelves this month, shining a spotlight on His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Dare to Dream: How Mohammed bin Rashid Made His Dream of Dubai Come True by Raed Barqawi explores how, under the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed, Dubai has become a hub for talent and a place where Arab youth can fulfil their dreams. q booksarabia.com

RAS AL KHAIMAH /FESTIVAL/

Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival The arts festival’s 10th edition welcomes 150 from artists across the world. Visitors can enjoy free public events, tours, entertainment, activations and workshops (reservations required), held every weekend throughout February. The festival takes place at the historic Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village, with satellite exhibition sites at the public viewing deck of the UAE’s highest peak Jebel Jais and the Open Park on Al Marjan Island.

February 4 to March 31 a Various locations in RAK, free, rakfinearts.ae What’s On_47

CULTURE

Pure catharsis

Flash Entertainment continues its quest to champion musical talent in the region

L

ebanese singersongwriter Bea Kadri has a discernable talent when it comes to taking crushing, personal pain and creating works of cathartic soul. And it’s that kind of pure honesty in her RnB tracks that’s drawing listeners in…

MUSIC

When did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in music?

It was when I had hit a very low point in my life mentally. I found clarity and comfort in music, singing, songwriting and dreaming again. I had set the idea of a career in music aside after some discouraging and bad experiences in the industry and different expectations of me. I’m so glad to be back at it now as it’s what ignites my soul.

How would you describe the music that you make?

I would say that my music is pages straight out of my journal.

What drives you to make music?

These songs are my therapy and healing, so making music is an intrinsically rewarding feeling to begin with. What also builds my confidence is the connection that others build with my songs, or when they share with me how it’s helped, motivated, or hit them hard – that keeps me on track. Plus, I’m a big 48_What’s On

dreamer and find joy in that pursuit of goals and seeing visions through. A mix of all that is why I continue to make music.

What would you say is the biggest moment of your career so far?

It has to be the release of my debut single Cloud 9 back in 2018. It means a lot to me, and forever will.

how my music is received and who I will be meeting or connecting with before or after the show.

What is the meaning behind your latest release Outpour?

I wrote it at a time when I felt like I could be there to save my partner from himself and his patterns.

I was juggling between being patient and understanding, uplifting and motivating, or trying to push him to open up to me. That would sometimes backfire and cause an outpour of emotions and toxic behaviours. I had this idea that love is sacrifice – I was way too invested for my own good to be honest.

I’m wearing my heart on my sleeve with this one.

Describe your favourite interaction with a fan.

Some messages are super touching. Someone once told me: “Your song No Favours helped me through depression”. Others have told me: “I wake up to Pillow Talk and it motivates me”, or: “You inspired me to write a song for my fiancé”. That’s crazy to me, because that’s the effects my favourite artists have on me.

What does your involvement in the Regional Artist Spotlight mean to you?

I’m so honoured to be this month’s Regional Artist Spotlight. Thank you for

“THESE SONGS ARE MY THERAPY AND HEALING, SO MAKING MUSIC IS AN INTRINSICALLY REWARDING FEELING...”

Can you talk about your creative process? Has it always been the same?

Whenever I feel inspired, it just happens. Either a melody pops in my head or some lines. I try to record the ideas on my phone or on a mic. When I’m not feeling too inspired that’s when I try to meditate a bit or listen to other music and instrumentals. I light some candles, dress cute, put on some lipstick… anything that gets some type of mood or flow going. I try to channel the energy I want for the session.

Where was your most recent performance?

It with Last Seen Live in Dubai, which is run by my

good friend Pirlanta Toubba, who is also director of the music video of my latest release Outpour. It was a beautiful set up; the team on set was wonderful and I got to work with producer/ engineer Bailouni, who I admire. I also got dressed in a gorgeous outfit by Anomalous. I’m happy to have been part of it.

How would you describe the feeling of performing your songs in front of an audience?

Liberating, energising and memorable. Performing live to an audience is so addictive. It comes with this rush and excitement that’s unmatched. I love it.

It’s also so interesting to see

What is your favourite release in recent years?

That’s a tricky question. The answer changes based on the seasons and situations.

I guess right now I would choose B4WBU (Before We Break Up) since I’m giving sad girl winter vibes on my latest release Outpour.

Can you talk about upcoming releases in 2022? Can we expect an album?

Yes, yes I can. Outpour is the first single from my upcoming debut album.

The album is very much centred on my experience with a serious, long-distance relationship. There’s the good and the bad, the sweet and the sad. I really feel like

supporting me on my journey and expanding the reach of my voice. It means so much to me.

What is your top 5 afterparty playlist?

1. Bea’s On Replay 2. Local Focus - Lebanon 3. Spin 4. Soul Food 5. The Weekend Starts Here q @bea.kadri | @RegionalArtistSpotlight What’s On_49

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CULTURE

CLUBS

02 Desert Groove

Frankey & Sandrino

RAK parties

Two chances to get your groove on in the Northern Emirates 01 Escape by the Beach It looks like there will be an exodus to Ras Al Khaimah this month, where party people can really shake it loose. With dancefloor restrictions still in place in Dubai, clubbers can dance like no-one is watching in the neighbouring emirate.

First up, DJ, producer and promoter Bachir Salloum has organised Escape by the Beach, a two-day event packed with quality music, great DJs and good vibes.

Held at Banan Beach, it will run over Saturday and Sunday, February 5 and 6.

With an impressive discography on labels like Innervisions, Diynamic, Mule, Muteq and Kompakt, German duo Frankey & Sandrino are signed up to headline the event. The duo’s own imprint is also a favourite with DJs the world over. “Their Sum Over Histories record label is one of my go-to labels for solid, groovy tracks,” Salloum told What’s On. “And they consistently deliver a great show wherever they play.”

A quality selector in his own right, Salloum – who featured in dance music site iamCrü’s UAE Music Power List 2021 – points to Frankey & Sandrino’s remix of Oxia’s Domino as their best production ever.

“I was convinced that no remix could be as good as the original but I was very wrong,” said Salloum. “I’ve played the Frankey & Sandrino remix endless times and the reaction from the crowd is always is the same. It’s a banging classic.”

Local groove masters, including Barada, Hassan Alwan, Hoolz, Jixo & Danz, Ledwarf, Maks and Sam Farsio, will also be on deck duty. Don’t miss Salloum’s set on day one or the special Boogie Box showcase on day two for a dose of house, disco and funk. Banan Beach offers a variety of accommodation options.

February 5 and 6 a Escape by the Beach, Banan Beach, Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah, Saturday February 5, 1pm – Sunday February 6, 7pm. Dhs525 for weekend pass, Dhs350 for one-day pass. Tel: (055) 432 9706. @escape.uae

Bachir Salloum

Two years on from the last Groove on the Grass in Dubai, the festival finally returns with a twist – as Desert Groove in Ras Al Khaimah. And to make up for lost time, party people can keep grooving for three days.

Groove on the Grass boss Deian Markov and his team will take over The Dunes resort, from Friday through Sunday, February 11 to 13. The festival will boast two stages, pumping out 12 hours of music each day, from 4pm until 4am.

The Dunes offers a range of quirky glamping and camping options, from heritage huts to treehouses and domes, while festival-goers can also fuel up from a selection of food trucks and explore the festival’s fashion market place.

The line-up is headlined by international artists such as Copenhagen-based experimental pop trio WhoMadeWho; house DJ Behrouz; German Syrian band Shkoon and Dutch DJ Unders. Check in with the festival’s social channels for info.

February 11 to 13 a Desert Groove, The Dunes, Al Wadi Desert, Ras Al Khaimah, Friday to Sunday, from Dhs275. @GrooveOnTheGrass Groove on the Grass

What’s On_51

CULTURE

In conversation with the

D

ue to hit cinemas in March this year, The Batman promises to be a caped crusader story that is fundamentally different from anything we’ve seen on the big screen before. It will stand alone, a full bat span away from all the other DC Universe releases. And from the trailers, it certainly feels like director Matt Reeves’ vision of the billionaire vigilante is a much darker, more conflicted, human take on the costumed detective.

The Batman is a Year Two story, which means we join the hero in his formative years beneath the cowl, where he’s finding his feet, finding out who he can trust, and indeed who he truly is.

What’s On secured a regional exclusive, talking to some of the talent from both sides of the camera. This is what they had to say: MATT REEVES [Director] What’s On: Even from the trailer, this feels like a saga that’s building.

Can we look forward to a series of Matt Reeves Batman movies?

Matt Reeves: From the beginning, I wanted to create a standalone Batman universe – ‘a Batverse’ that could be definitive in its own way. And there was a point with the movie where the script was getting longer and longer, and I thought, this would have been an amazing series about Year Two Batman, but they were

52_What’s On

like: “you gotta do the movie first”. So I was wrestling it down, but I always felt like there were paths that you could take, getting into more detail with all of these characters, where you can focus on them in a really rich novellistic way that streaming is totally suited to do.

So, we have plans for that as well, but I can’t tell you how much of it will come to fruition. That depends on how the audience connects.

ROBERT PATTINSON [Bruce Wayne/Batman] WO: Traditionally Batman has to balance external foes with an internal battle, both inside his own mind and the ghosts of his family history. Should there ever be a resolution for this character? Can he find peace?

Robert Pattinson: It’s a difficult thing to accept that, at the end of your character’s ark, you’re never going to be OK. But in some ways that is kind of what Batman’s journey is.

I think with

this story, he’s unclear what his purpose is. He truly believes he can change the fate of Gotham, but he’s dismissed by everyone, and the people of Gotham are just as scared of him as they are of the criminals. The most he can hope for in this story is that he starts to believe he can have an impact on the city, and improve his own life in a healthy way.

Because where we begin with Bruce (Wayne), it’s a very destructive road he’s on.

He’s like: “OK I’m probably going to die doing this, but if I don’t do it, I’m dead anyway”.

ANDY SERKIS [Alfred Pennyworth] WO: Has there been anybody in your life that you see as an Alfred – a sort of semi-parental figure that’s been able to give you sage advice?

Andy Serkis: Probably more friends than parental figures, certainly a particular older friend of mine, who at a certain point my life was instrumental in guiding me. I didn’t draw from that

stars of The Batman really influenced it, but no, I didn’t want to stuff my cheeks with cotton.

relationship, but thinking about it now, I can certainly relate to it.

WO: We could probably all do with an Alfred right?

AS: 100 per cent.

JEFFREY WRIGHT [James Gordon] WO: In the world of Batman, Gordon is one of caped crusader’s closest confidantes. in The Batman, where are we at in the ark of their relationship?

Jeffrey Wright: This is a Year Two story for Batman, a post origin story, so we’re on the ground floor of the building of their relationship.

What I appreciated about Matt’s script is that he’s kind of peeling off these assumptions that we make about the characters, and Gotham and their relationships. The first scene we shot was one where Gordon and Batman are walking into the room with all of these cops, and it’s a whole window into the story for me because it raised in my mind some questions that could be taken for granted: “Who is this guy in the weird animal suit? It’s

strange that Gordon is with this guy, right?”

Immediately we begin to ask these questions, and in this instance they are asked through the eyes of Gordon’s colleagues in the police department. All of these assumptions are being reconsidered and it’s still new and maturing. That’s where we are at the beginning of the film and we see where it goes.

DYLAN CLARK [Producer] WO: You’ve worked with Matt Reeves now on a number of big projects. What are the key strengths between you two?

Dylan Clark: We both like the muscularity of stories that deal with men, but we’re not afraid of the intimate, emotional moments. The best movies always have those dichotomies inside characters. We both are empaths, so we always try to find the best in the worst people. A lot of movies miss the step of trying to find out why that bad guy is how he is. I don’t have the ability to do the things he does, I just sit there and marvel at his direction. Everything is in service of character and emotion and theme.

JOHN TURTURRO [Carmine Falcone] WO: One of the cocreators of your character once said that he based the character on Don Corleone. Did that inform your portrayal of the role?

John Turturro: Not really, but I could see from the comic that he

a The Batman opens in cinemas across the UAE from March 3. uae.voxcinemas.com

Photo: Jonathan Olley; Warner Bros

WHAT’S ON FILM EXCLUSIVE

What’s On_53

CULTURE

Outdoor film fun

How about a star-speckled sky to elevate your alfresco screening?

MOVIE NIGHTS

Zaya Nurai Island Cinematic scenes already feature heavily on Zaya Nurai Island’s cast list. The dreamy destination is just a 15-minute boat ride away from Saadiyat, but offers an otherworldly level of escape as standard.

And the resort has added yet another bucket list activity to its itinerary – cinema showings at the Oasis Lounge. Available every Friday at 8pm, it offers house (Dhs220) and soft (Dhs160) packages to accompany the screening. If you’re not staying, you’ll have to purchase a day pass, which is Dhs480 and includes Dhs420 back to use as F&B or spa credit, pool and beach access, and the Dhs60 ferry ride over. Get in early and make a day of it. q zayanuraiisland.com

Backyard Cinema Project Want to pull off a proper back garden movie night without having to lift a finger? Drop Backyard Cinema Project a WhatsApp. Created during the pandemic, these guys have been building brilliant movie experiences for families across the UAE. They’ll set up the big screen and speakers, bring a projector, give your backyard a mini boho glow-up (with beanbags, lanterns and rugs), and throw in a couple of bags of popcorn to get you started. Packages cost Dhs1,800 (traditional cinema package) or Dhs2,500 (boho vibes package), plus a Dhs500 delivery fee to Abu Dhabi. q @backyardcinemaproject

Bab al Nojoum The pop-up cinema at this Hudayriyat Island campsite is sadly, solely reserved for guests of the property. The good news is that prices to rent tents there start at just Dhs190. Movies are shown every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.30pm and 10pm and it’s absolutely free for those staying on the site. q babalnojoum.com

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Umm Al Emarat Park Umm Al Emarat Park’s popular Cinemar Under the Stars is in full theatrical swing, showing its schedule of family-friendly film classics. And at Dhs10 (for the park entry fee) that’s some pretty incredible value, with showings taking place every Friday and Saturday during the alfresco season at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Movies are free. q ummalemaratpark.ae

Discover the serene, ethereal desert landscape through this beautiful collection of images

S A N D

“My wish is to offer different frames of reference that transport you to a place that is suspended between reality and your imagination.”

A N T H O N Y

L A M B

F I N D T H E B O O K AT A L L M A J O R R E TA I L E R S A C R O S S T H E U A E A N D O N B O O K S A R A B I A . C O M

www.motivatemedia.com

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MOTIVATEBOOKS

Exclusive paintings, sculptures, photography and timepieces from award-winning international artists.

Painting by Fatima Sherjan

Photograph by Yousif Alharmoodi

The Arabian Falcon Navigator Clock – Limited Edition by David Galbraith

SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL

PA G E 58

Beat the bars

Are you ready for Prison Island?

NEW HOTELS IN RAS AL KHAIMAH p60 What’s On_57

A C T I V E

ACTIVE // ADVENTURE

ESCAPE FROM

Prison Island A thrilling new adventure opens in Abu Dhabi Mall

T

aking inspiration from iconic TV shows The Crystal Maze and Fort Boyard, Prison Island – Beat the Bars is a new adventure experience now open in Abu Dhabi Mall. Set over a 1,000sqm expanse, this is no escape room – it’s a network of 26 individual ‘cells’ featuring tasks each more fiendishly complex than the last, and you’ll have to beat them all if you want to escape the island, with winner’s bragging rights.

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BANGED UP Those willing to take up the challenge of Prison Island should choose their team (of up to six players) wisely. The 26 unique puzzles, each set in their own cells, have been designed to test mind and muscle, logic and lunging ability. But above all you’ll need seamless teamwork if you want to make the emancipation dream work.

Capable of hosting up to 120 players simultaneously, your

team of Prison breakers will come up against such flummox flexers as The Vault, Tilt, Cliffhanger, Tower and Flash Dance (leg warmers optional).

Ayman Abdelrhman, managing partner of Prison Island, said: “I’m so excited to introduce the people of Abu Dhabi to Prison Island, our sensational and explosive experience at Abu Dhabi Mall.

We’ve worked long and hard to come up with a whole array of inventive puzzles and cells that will enchant and thrill people of all ages.

“Filled with twists and surprises, it’s an incredible voyage like nothing else.

Participants should come prepared for the unexpected; they will never forget their time within Prison Island and I can guarantee that they will be amazed by what they can achieve when they put their minds to it.”

PRICE Adult tickets cost Dhs125, whilst children (aged eight to 11 years) will get banged up for Dhs105.

a For more information, visit @prisonisland.abudhabi

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A C T I V E

NEW STAYS IN

RAK

Exciting hotels on the horizon for our northern neighbour

A beachside break

Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island Marking the first Radisson Resort in the UAE is this recently opened beachside family-friendly property. Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island features a private beach, two swimming pools, a designated kids pool, an indoor fitness centre with a fully-equipped gym, and a spa. The 388-room resort has six restaurants, including beachfacing sports bar RBG Bar, The Seafood Shack, La Med, Bake House, The Shelf Pool Bar and all-day dining concept RBG Restaurant. Rooms can be booked with a sea view, balcony or both to relax and soak up the picturesque view. a Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah Marjan Island. radissonhotels.com

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OPEN NOW

A luxe escape

OPENING THIS MONTH

InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa Promising ‘an idyllic, luxury island experience’ just off the coast of The UAE’s adventure emirate, Ras Al Khaimah, InterContinental will open its 351-room resort imminently.

The luxe hotel sits on the Mina Al Arab development, providing sea and mountain views just a 45-minute drive from Dubai. With private pool villas and five-star facilities, guests will enjoy a relaxing break away from the hustle and bustle. Fine-dining restaurant Levant & Nar provides 360-degree sea views, alongside Turkish and Lebanese dishes, while trendy hangout NoHo Bar and Grill is the place for cocktails, sharing platters and late-night entertainment. Rooms are modern and elegant, flooded with natural light with a neutral colour palette. Sea-facing suites feature sunbeds to enjoy next to your private pool, with the pristine sandy beach on your doorstep. Bookings open from February 21, 2022. a InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa. intercontinental.com

A family-friendly getaway

LATER THIS YEAR

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island Couples and families alike will love this chic resort when it opens later in 2022.

Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island will be home to Ras Al Khaimah’s first floating waterpark in the sea, featuring floating playgrounds, climbing walls, monkey bars, slides and trampolines to keep little ones entertained all day long. The 418 moderndesigned rooms include suites and onebedroom beachfront chalets that come with private pools and terraces for the ultimate luxe experience. Dining options include a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Al Marjan Island, a French bistro & bar, a market dining experience, and a Californian restaurant. a Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island. movenpick.com

ISLE OF FUN Three things to do on Al Marjan Island

This coral-shaped man-made archipelago comprises four islands: Breeze Island, Treasure Island, Dream Island and View Island. Known as RAK’s ‘isle of fun’, each has unique activities to check out during your stay.

01 Explore the food trucks Find burgers at Salt, crepes and waffles at Origins or just grab a cup of coffee at Grind, this food truck park features some great options for casual outdoor dining on Al Marjan Island.

02 Play padel on the promenade Al Marjan Island is home to a long stretch of promenade that’s perfect for walking, cycling and even playing padel. Padel Beach RAK has an outdoor court right next to the waterfront, which can be booked between 5pm and 2am, with prices starting from Dhs200. q @padelbeachrak 03 Live fast with extreme water sports Adrenaline junkies can enjoy a range of activities at Doubletree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island. From kayaking to jet skis, donut rides, flyboarding and much more, find all the thrills at AdventureSports. q adventuresports.ae

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WIN! A JAM-PACKED TWO-NIGHT STAY AT W ABU DHABI – YAS ISLAND

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Head to Yas Island for a weekend getaway that will see you and your guest enjoy the very best experiences that W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island has to offer. Included in your prize is Saturday brunch for two at the hotel’s BIG – Brunch in Garage, one of the capital’s most popular party brunches. You’ll also have access to Sunday’s Soak It Up special at Wet Deck, where the hotel’s resident DJ spins from 12.30pm to 3.30pm as you beat the heat with a dip in the pool and enjoy a three-hour unlimited drinks package. Breakfast is also included.

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

WIN!

A TWO-NIGHT STAY AT DUSIT THANI ABU DHABI WITH SATURDAY BRUNCH One of the capital’s most popular hotels is offering one reader a two-night, half-board stay for two people. Set in the heart of the capital, with wonderful views, awardwinning restaurants and impeccable service, Dusit Thani

Abu Dhabi is a great spot for a quick city break. The prize also includes Saturday brunch for two (soft package), featuring seafood, roasts, and a sushi station, along with highlights from signature restaurants Benjarong and Namak.

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

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WIN!

A NIGHT’S STAY AT TRYP

BY WYNDHAM DUBAI AND DINNER AT LOLA TABERNA ESPAÑOLA Have a Spanish-style weekend at TRYP by Wyndham Dubai.

Enjoy a night’s stay for two people inside one of the hotel’s stylishly modern rooms.

You and your guest will also be invited to the hotel’s gorgeous Lola Taberna Española restaurant to try its Domingueo

Sunday Like A Spaniard lazy lunch (from 1pm to 4pm), where you’ll enjoy a set menu (featuring its famous paella and jamon croquettes) with dishes brought to your table alongside unlimited drinks. A tapas fiesta followed by siesta – what a perfect combo.

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

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LASTMINUTE TRIP A hip new hotel brings youthful energy to the Trade Centre The self-proclaimed ‘new kid on the block’, 25hours One Central is making noise among the city’s staycationers for all the right reasons.

The location One Central isn’t known for its buzzing scene but it’s right on the doorstep of the definitelybuzzing DIFC. 25hours is also a stone’s throw from the soon-to-open Museum of the Future, which serves as a landmark view for the property’s rooftop pool, alongside Sheikh Zayed Road’s skyscrapers.

The look and feel Created in Germany, this hotel oozes European cool. We could fill a page about the lobby alone, with its 5,000 books, analogue circus filled with retro gadgets, spiral staircase decorated with bicycles and spinning egg chairs hanging from the ceiling. Through the lobby is a courtyard which serves as the alfresco area for two of the hotel’s restaurants. Wooden decking, Moroccan-style rugs and a vintage icecream cart make this welcoming space a must-see during your stay.

The rooms A far cry from your cookie cutter hotel room model, the attention to detail is astonishing. A vintage polaroid camera decorates the shelf, a typewriter sits on the desk and there’s even a full-size hammock hanging in the corner. We stayed in a Farmstay Suite, a spacious, stylish room with views over the city, a large double shower, double sink bathroom with a freestanding tub and all the amenities. The bed feels like you’re sleeping on a cloud.

The facilities The aforementioned rooftop pool boasts 66_What’s On

“CREATED IN GERMANY, THIS HOTEL OOZES EUROPEAN COOL.” not only city views but a dedicated tiki bar, and chic cabanas, bean bags and sun loungers to soak up the sun. There’s also a spa for both men and women, and a fully kitted gym that looks so inviting and stylish despite being a room full of paininducing equipment.

The food and drinks Monkey Bar is the hotel’s junglesque rooftop bar, with both an indoor area and alfresco seating with big circular booths and cages. It overlooks DIFC and Downtown Dubai, and serves up dangerously good cocktails with plates championing Latin American cuisine. A more family-friendly option is BritishIndian fusion restaurant, Tandoor Tina.

With a vintage vibe, varied menu and cheerful service, this old-meets-new, eastmeets-west spot is a no-brainer. While we wait for German-focused Ernst to finish construction, Nomad is the final option for dining. Run by the team behind Alserkal Avenue coffee shop, Nightjar, the cosy spot serves excellent brews with hearty comfort food (be sure to order the truffle rigatoni).

The room rates A night in the Medium Bedouin room starts from Dhs837 in February. The Farmstay Suite is priced from Dhs1,251, both including taxes. a 25hours Hotel One Central, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 210 2525. 25hours-hotels.com