What's On AbuDhabi December 2020

December 2020

Ch󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸󰈸 New 󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳󰇳

UAE DHS15

Issue 513

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dusit thani - abu dhabi

opening this

december

CONTENTS FEATURES

XMAS, ALL WRAPPED UP

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS P12 23 GREAT GIFT IDEAS How to support local businesses this festive season Page 23

27 THREE, TWO, ONE HAPPY NEW YEAR The lowdown on the year’s best NYE dinners in the UAE

23

27 What’s On_3

CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 10 Yalla!

Quick fix of festive fun around town

70 Win! More cheese than you’ll know what to do with

74 Last-minute staycation The best festive staycay deals in the UAE

44

COVER:

Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

41 CONSUME 42 REVIEWS Italian cuisine at Sacci and Sole. Highlights from the What’s On Lock In at Westin Abu Dhabi, and a look at what’s good during Abu Dhabi Culinary Season

55 CULTURE

62

Page 64

64

57 COMEDY

61 ACTIVE

Hear legendary actor John Cleese talk at Dubai Opera

57

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

62 ACTIVE

55 59 ART Must-see shows in the UAE 4_What’s On

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.

Obstacle courses, glamping, a beach cinema, watersports and more, here’s everything you need to know about Al Hudayriat Island Abu Dhabi

Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi

64 TRAVEL

facebook.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi

Family fun: A complete guide to family adventures and perfect road trips in the UAE

instagram.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi youtube.com/ WhatsOnAbudhabi

Festive Season HOLIDAYS AT INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABI

InterContiAD |

interconad |

800 423 463 |

www.icad.ae

A

Holly Jolly Season

We at Grand Millennium Al Wahda Hotel are delighted to welcome you this festive season with an array of activities and culinary experiences for you to create lasting memories with your loved ones.

Scan this to learn more about our offers

Contact us: +97124953890 Email: foodnbeverage.gmaw@millenniumhotels.com Follow us on

@grandmillalwahda

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

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

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

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

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Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

What’s On_7

EDITOR’S LETTER

HAVE A VERY JOLLY CHRISTMAS!

It’s been one heck of a year. One full of Zoom calls, virtual pub quizzes, meltdowns and masks. Don’t tell anyone, but I actually really missed the office, and all the banter that goes with it. Honestly, a day without hearing our man Miles impersonate a celebrity really is quite miserable.

We’ve seen our favourite restaurants, bars and hotels endure a hard year; small businesses have closed; big businesses have closed. We’ve gone to too many leaving dos, and grimmaced through far too many nasal swabs.

But there’s been a lot of good stuff packed into the last 365 days, too. There have been extraordinary tales of creativity, resilience and spirit across all sectors, from fun new food kits and delivery pivots, to the amazing companies that have directly helped frontline workers and those affected by the coronavirus. It’s made me proud to live here and share those stories.

As you’re reading this, chances are you’re in the UAE for Christmas, much like the team at What’s On (pictured above in our M&S festive best). If that’s the case don’t panic, we’ve got everything you need to know to make the holiday season a great one, from festive feasts and NYE parties, to fun family UAE adventures. Let’s end the year on a high, right?

Enjoy the issue, happy holidays – and see you in 2021.

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

8_What’s On

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN DECEMBER

ORDER FRESH FROM EMIRATES BIO FARM

When: Daily Now you can order vegetables, fruits and eggs direct from the UAE’s largest organic farm. Emirates Bio Farm in Al Ain delivers to your door within 24 hours of harvest. q emiratesbiofarm.com

GINGERBREAD FACTORY

When: December 7 Little ones can learn to make gingerbread houses while parents enjoy the free buffet. a Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, 4pm to 6pm, Dhs95. Tel: (0)2 6773333.

10_What’s On

07 QUIZ NIGHTS AT BLU SKY LOUNGE & GRILL

When: Every Tuesday You and your team can flex your eggheadery while enjoying the all-day happy hour, where select drinks cost Dhs25. a Southern Sun Abu Dhabi, Al Mina Street, Tue from 8.30pm, free. Tel: (02) 818 4888. tsogosun.com

CHECK OUT COVE BEACH ABU DHABI

When: Daily Abu Dhabi’s swankiest new beach club opened at the end of last month and is ready to welcome guests to its private beach and 100-seat outdoor restaurant. q covebeachabudhabi.com SEE P12

10

25

CHRISTMAS MARKET IN AL AIN

When: From December 10 Eggnog, gingerbread cookies, mince pies, Christmas cakes and more for sale at Radisson Blu’s daily festive market. a Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain, 7am to 10pm. Tel: (0) 37686666.

11 FORMULA 1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2020

When: December 11 to 13 The final race of the season for the Formula 1 World Championship takes place in Abu Dhabi, but sadly behind closed doors this year. q visitabudhabi.ae

15 ABU DHABI CULINARY SEASON

When: Until December 15 Ten top restaurants, including Hakkasan and LPM, are offering exclusive five-course menus during Abu Dhabi Culinary Season. q adculinaryseason.ae/chefs-table

IT’S CHRISTMAS!

When: December 25 Still not sure what to do on the big day this year? Let our festive round-up be your guide.

UNLIMITED EATS AT MARCO’S

When: Weekdays Feast until you can’t feast no more at Marco’s New York Italian from noon to 3pm for just Dhs99. a Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Sat to Thur noon to 3pm, Dhs99 or Dhs199 with unlimited drinks. Tel: (056) 5024999. @marcosabudhabi

What’s On_11

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !

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12_What’s On

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !

Your last chance to get into the festive frame of mind before Santa decides if you’re naughty or nice

Annex Annex Rooftop introduces an evening brunch for Christmas Eve with renowned views, DJ set, light bites, bubbles and fresh house drinks. a The Abu Dhabi EDITION, 7pm to 11pm (three-hour experience), Dhs248 with soft drinks, Dhs368 with house drinks. Tel: (0)22080000. @AnnexAbuDhabi

Easy Tiger Take on a quiz with your family and friends before the big day at Easy Tiger bar. Each table receives a ham and cheese board for four, and three bottles of wine, as well as a festive cheesecake. a Al Ain Palace Hotel Abu Dhabi, 8pm, Dhs500 per table of four. Tel: (0)26780522. outout. com/event/2016/the-bigfat-xmas-eve-quiz

Fairways Fairways is rustling up a traditional braii this Christmas Eve where the chefs will barbecue a selection of marinated meats. A roast turkey and all the trimmings will also be served alongside South African sangria and beer. a The Westin Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Dhs275 with soft drinks, Dhs375 with house drinks. westinbudhabi. com What’s On_13

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !

SEATING CAPACITY

IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT RESTRICTIONS, ONLY FOUR PEOPLE PER TABLE ARE PERMITTED.

Le Brasserie A four-course menu featuring traditional festive dishes. a Venetian Village,7pm to 11pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs147 for children 6 to 12 years. Tel: (0) 24041931. venetianvillage.ae

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain From 7pm, Radisson Blu hosts a dedicated Christmas Eve buffet, with roast carving, seafood platters and other festive goodies. a Radisson Blu Hotel & resort, 7pm to 11pm, from Dhs129. Tel: (0)3 7686666.

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi The Village Christmas Roast features a barbecue with assorted meats charred on the grill pit in the garden of The Village. a Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs149. Tel: (0) 37686666.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche A four-course evening dinner at new restaurant The Cove with free-flowing drinks. a Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs495 with soft drinks, Dhs595 with house drinks. Tel: (0)26446666.

14_What’s On

The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar Choose five tapas items from the menu as well as unlimited selected red and white wines for two hours. a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, 4pm to 1am, Dhs165. Tel: (0)2 3075552. rotana.com

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !

Santa has arrived, you’re wearing your festive finery, so where are you going to eat so much you’ll need to take a nap?

Barfly by Buddha-Bar The fancy pan-Asian restaurant takes a festive spin on its signature dishes. a Venetian Village, Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs147 for children 6 to 12 years. Tel: (056) 1777557.

Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre

Bubbalicious The festive edition of this mega brunch promises a big buffer, all the signature Christmas trimmings, drink stations, and more. a The Westin Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs425 with soft drinks, Dhs625 with house drinks.

Dhs145 for children. westinbudhabi.com

16_What’s On

Bistro’s buffet offers international cuisine, a roast turkey station, grilled selections as well as traditional Christmas desserts. a Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 3pm, Dhs99 with soft drinks, Dhs199 with house drinks, Dhs55 for children six to 12 years.

Coya Abu Dhabi Fancy a Peruvian party this Christmas? Coya rustles up a festive brunch featuring heaps of exciting new dishes such as wagyu t-bone, a Coya platter of ceviche, tiraditos and maki rolls and more. a Four Seasons at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs460 per person. Tel: (02) 3067000. coyarestaurant.com

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi

Dino’s Bistro Italiano A special Italian à la carte style brunch with a buffet of antipasti, cheese and cold cuts, artisan breads and turkey carving. Plus, a visit from Santa. a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs200 with soft drinks, Dhs250 with house drinks. Early bird packages available. Tel: (0)2 3075551. rotana.com

Dusit’s Orchid Lounge and Urban Kitchen play host to the Christmas Day celebrations with a welcome reception from noon followed by a lavish festive feast. Plus, there’s a special visit planned from a certain North Pole dweller. a Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs270 with soft drinks, Dhs400 with house drinks, Dhs99 for children 7 to 12 years. Under sixes free.

Tel: (0) 26988137. reservation. table@dusit.com What’s On_17

H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !

Market Kitchen The signature restaurant at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi serves its De’Vine brunch with a Christmas twist. a Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs400 with house drinks, Dhs550 with sparkling, Dhs700 with champagne. @leroyalmeridienabudhabi

Garage at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island The mainstay brunch at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island transforms into a festive candy shop featuring huge lollipops and a Christmas tree filled with candies. We’ve also heard that Santa will make an appearance down on the racetrack, so keep your eyes peeled. a W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs365 with house drinks, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs150 for children seven to 11 years. Tel: (0)26560000. @wabudhabi

Le Meridien Abu Dhabi There’ll be turkey, beef, fresh seafood and much more at Le Meridien’s Christmas Day brunch. Plus live entertainment and a surprise visit from Santa. a Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs249 with soft drinks, Dhs379 with house drinks, Dhs419 with bubbly.

Tel: (0) 37686666.

18_What’s On

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H A P P Y H O L I D AY S !

Oak Room The What’s On award-winning British steakhouse treats guests to a festive menu of signature British dishes, starting with signature Oak Room sourdough with Marmite butter and an array of shared starters. A choice of roasted mains served with all the trimmings will be followed by desserts served to share.

From espresso martinis to port with an indulgent cheese selection, it’s set to be a holly, jolly, spirited affair. a The Abu Dhabi EDITION, noon to 5pm (three-house experience), Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs695 sparkling.

Tel: (0)22080000. @ OakRoomAbuDhabi

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort Expect a big ‘old familyfriendly brunch with turkey, trimmings and much more. a Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, 1pm to 4pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs395 with house drinks, Dhs99 for children under 11. Tel: (0) 26773333.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Al Ain Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche A big family-friendly Christmas brunch takes place at La Terraza. a Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, 12.20pm to 3.30pm, Dhs195 with soft drinks, Dhs275 with house drinks, Dhs99 for children under 12. Tel: (0)26446666.

20_What’s On

A festive buffet followed by a surprise visit from Santa. a Radisson Blu Hotel & resort, 1pm to 4pm, from Dhs129. Tel: (0)3 7686666.

Come spend a hilarious evening at Dubai Opera with the “One and Only” John Cleese, “The world’s funniest man”, as he examines the dysfunctional world we live in.

The show will be two acts including a Q & A session.

Tickets from AED 195 inclusive of a welcome house beverage.

BOOK NOW dubaiopera.com

C e l e b r a t e Fe s t i v e

IN SO MANY WAYS CELEBRATE YOUR FESTIVE SEASON AT DUBAI’S LARGEST EXPERIENCE RESORT! From mouthwatering Christmas dinner, brunch & sunset beach barbecues to ringing in the new year with fireworks, your unforgettable family memories are just around the corner at JA The Resort.

BOOK NOW by calling 04 814 5604 or visit JAresorts.com

VIEW MORE DETAILS *Terms & conditions apply

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H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

Here’s a selection of What’s On’s favourite locallyowned businesses to buy gifts from this year

What’s On_23

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

01 Vertical Design DXB If you know someone who’d like to see their name, their favourite quote or something completely random up in lights, get creative with the help of the Vertical Design studio, which can bring your vision to life – in any language, any shape, and any specification. The studio offers both the classic neon light and the modern version, LED flex. Customise your light online in less than five minutes or shop their range of unique ready-made designs by a famous local artist. q verticaldesigndxb.com

02 Lavender & May If you’ve a friend who loves to play host, they’ll adore you for gifting them a ‘tablescape in a box’. Each one is packed full of beautiful decorations – tableware, tabletop décor and centrepieces – to make any dinner party more Instaworthy.

The Xmas collection is online now with boxes from Dhs410. q @lavenderandmay 24_What’s On

03 Adam Bike We’re obsessed with these super cute bicycles brought to Dubai by founders Florien and Stefanie. The duo from Amsterdam are on a mission to offer no-fuss, comfortable, Dutch-style bikes, which give you the freedom to explore your neighbourhood. The current range features three types of children’s models and helmets, available in three urban colours, and their most popular gift to date is the balance bike (Dhs 650) with matching helmet. Look out for the adult range coming in January. q theadamstore.com

04 The Bowery Company Delve into a gifting treasure trove of hand-crafted ceramics, coffee table books, artwork and more in this home and lifestyle brand’s online store. Filter by a range of categories to make it an easier shopping experience. For example, choose by personality (‘Little Miss Organised’, ‘The Fashionista’, ‘The Foodie’ etc) or by price or gender. We’re big fans of its range of mouth-blown glassware, particularly the set of two ripple champagne saucers (Dhs185), which would make a great movingin or celebratory gift. q @thebowerycompany

06 Tres Marias We all know a coffee aficionado in the office or at home. Brew up the perfect gift for them in the Tres Marias online shop, which is the place to go for a range of cool accessories, plus speciality instant coffee (Dhs 75), Nespresso-compatible coffee capsules (Dhs 40), and home brewing coffee bundles, which include everything you need to make an amazing cup of Joe (starting at Dhs 882). q @tresmariascoffee.com

05 Oo La Lab The gift of scent can be very personal so it’s easy to see why Oo La Lab refers to itself as ‘specialists in the chemistry of emotion’. Choose one of its pre-made beautiful hand-crafted soy and beeswax candles (starting from Dhs 184.96) or go for the fragrance mixology kit (Dhs 511.36) which gives your recipient the chance to experiment with and create its own dream scent. The lab also offers fragrance design and mixology workshops at their Al Quoz studio, starting from Dhs 320 per person. q oola-lab.com What’s On_25

H O L I D AY G I F T G U I D E

07 Ruson ceramics If you’re looking for guiltfree gifting, every piece of this gorgeous, sustainablymade ceramic homeware is handcrafted, non-toxic, lead- free and carbon neutral from start to finish. We love its 619 mug collection (Dhs 75 each), which was created by chief potter and company cofounder Maja. She created 100 mugs out of 619 grams of clay, all inspired by the celebration of differences in our diverse desert city. q @rusonceramics

09 08 Wander Pot Spread a little joy with the gift of greenery. Choose from a variety of succulent arrangements and pots of different sizes, colours and prints, which are ethically handmade in Sri Lanka from 100 per cent recycled and biodegradable material with zero waste. Each pot is lined with natural latex extracted from the rubber tree, which makes them waterproof, long-lasting and sustainable. If your recipient isn’t the green fingered type, you can hook them up with one of Wander Pot’s plant whisperers for extra support on their plant parenting journey. q wanderpot.com 26_What’s On

Rory’s Apawthecary If you’ve got a furry friend who deserves a bit of pampering, this new range of organic doggygrooming products is the paw-fect treat. The ingredients are derived from plants and are PH balanced and free from any artificial ingredients.

The debut collection includes extra-mild shampoo infused with calming lavender (Dhs 70); dog ear cleanser made with plant hydrosols and natural oils (Dhs 60); and dog aromatherapy spray made with lavender, rose, and vitamin E and filled with antioxidants (Dhs 60). q rorysapawthecary.com

Where will you be at midnight? We’ve scoured the UAE to find the hottest spots to spend the last few hours of 2020.

Ten, nine, eight‌

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Alba Terrace This New Year’s Eve, live entertainment sets the tone alongside an authentic, exclusively crafted 10-plate sharing menu, including bubbles and beverages. a The Abu Dhabi EDITION, 7pm to 2am, Dhs350 with soft drinks, Dhs500 sparkling. Tel: (0)22080000. @albaterrace Beach Rotana Celebrate NYE alfresco at Beach Rotana’s The Garden by Bay View where there’s a minimum spend of Dhs650 per person. a Beach Rotana, Dhs650. Tel: (0) 26979011. rotana.com Dino’s Bistro Italiano A special Italian à la cartestyle brunch with a buffet of antipasti, cheese and cold cuts, artisan breads and turkey carving. Plus, there’s a live artist performance on NYE. a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, 8pm to 1am, Dhs300 with soft drinks, Dhs350 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 3075551. rotana.com

Dino’s Bistro Italiano

Alba Terrace

Market Kitchen The signature restaurant at Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi serves a table sharing brunch followed by exclusive access to Stratos between 10pm and 3.30am. a Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2am, Dhs250 with soft drinks, Dhs400 with house drinks, Dhs550 with sparkling, Dhs700 with champagne. @leroyalmeridienabudhabi PJ O’Reilly’s

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi A range of gourmet dishes are served courtesy of Dusit’s signature restaurants at a special buffet dinner beginning with a welcome reception in Orchid Lounge from 7.30pm. a Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to midnight, Dhs259 with soft drinks, Dhs449 with house drinks, Dhs749 with bubbles, Dhs129 for children 7 to 12 years. Under sixes free. Tel: (0) 26988137. reservation.table@dusit.com

PJ O’Reilly’s The lively Irish bar in Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi hosts an NYE brunch with live festive music from a guitarist and singer. a Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 2am, Dhs199 with house drinks, Dhs250 premium drinks. @leroyalmeridienabudhabi What’s On_27

NEW YEAR’S EVE

drinks, Dhs625 with house drinks. Dhs165 for children. westinbudhabi.com Up & Below Welcome 2021 in style with the vibrant atmosphere of popular rooftop spot Up & Below, complete with cocktails and tasty food. Prices start at Dhs99 including two house drinks and one selected food item. Alternatively, it’sDhs149 with one bottle of bubbly and one selected food item. a Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Centre, Abu Dhabi, from 8pm.

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island Kick off the countdown with a feast at Garage followed by free access to the after party at WET Deck. a W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, 7pm to midnight, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs265 with house drinks, Dhs150 for children seven to 11 years. Tel: (0)26560000. @wabudhabi

Stratos

Stratos The popular revolving restaurant hosts a Phantom of the Opera themed dinner with eats and free flowing selected house beverages. a Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 10pm, Dhs450 per person. @leroyalmeridienabudhabi The Warehouse Wine & Tapas Bar Warehouse is taking NYE as an opportunity to preview some new menu items. Come and enjoy unlimited sharing tapas as as DJ spins. a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, 9pm to 1am, Dhs400 with house drinks. Tel: (0)2 3075552. rotana.com Westin Abu Dhabi Gala Dinner Taste the award-winning cuisine at Fairways served from a variety of cooking stations, live grills, and seafood counter, as a DJ provides the entertainment. a The Westin Abu Dhabi, from 8pm, Dhs475 with soft 28_What’s On

Oak Room

Up & Below

Oak Room Tom Aikens’ hit restaurant takes a British rock ‘n’ roll theme this New Year’s Eve, where more is more. Wagyu beef, scallops, oysters and more feature on the specially curated menu accompanied by cocktails and bubbles. a The Abu Dhabi EDITION, 7pm to 2am ( four-hour experience), Dhs598 with soft drinks, Dhs798 sparkling.

Tel: (0)22080000. @OakRoomAbuDhabi

NEW YEAR’S EVE

KISS perform at Atlantis, The Palm

Address Dubai Marina Take a timewarp to the 70s with a themed familyfriendly NYE party at Mazine promising fun, food and live cooking stations. The night will be lit up with live entertainment bringing back a retro feel and thrills from the past. a Address Dubai Marina, 8pm to 2am, Dhs345 with soft drinks, Dhs445 with house drinks, Dhs145 for children six to 12 years. Tel: (0) 44367777. addresshotels.com Al Nafoorah The multi-award-winning Levantine dining destination is serving up Lebanese fare along with a live Arabic band.

Expect an all-you-can-eat a la carte brunch with free-flowing drinks. a Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 7pm to 1am, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs495 with house drinks, Dhs95 for kids. Tel: (800) 666353. @alnafoorahdubai

Bab Al Shams Desert Resort

30_What’s On

Anantara The Palm Dubai Be seated at this beautiful beachside venue with stunning views across the water. You’ll be served a carefully prepared four-course menu. a Anantara The Palm Dubai, 8pm to 2am, Dhs1,350 with soft drinks, Dhs1,850 with house drinks, Dhs675children six to 11 years. Tel: (0)561897000. @anantaradubai Andreeas International buffet with live food stations and an open bar from 8.30pm to 1am at this lively beach club. A DJ spins until the fireworks show. a Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, 8.30pm to 1am, Dhs499. Tel: (0)586935778. @andreeasdubai Atlantis, The Palm Legendary rock band KISS are set to throw a huge New Year’s Eve party at Atlantis, The Palm this year. The huge show will be live-streamed to fans around the world, with registration costing $39 (Dhs143) to see the show

online. Fans in the UAE will also be able to see it live, providing they book a room at the five-star hotel. q kiss2020goodbye.com Bab Al Shams Desert Resort The hotel’s flagship alfresco restaurant Al Hahheerah is pulling out all the stops for its NYE celebrations this year.

It features a Middle Eastern feast, classic drinks, live entertainment, dancers, a DJ, and a grand fireworks display. a Bab Al Shams, from 8pm, Dhs1,000 with soft drinks (premium seating), Dhs1,300 with house drinks (premium seating), Dhs800 with soft drinks (regular seating), Dhs1,100 with house drinks (regular seating).

Tel: (0)48096194. @babalshamshotel Bagatelle The French party venue is going big this NYE with live entertainment, DJ and cotillon (that’s a French version of an English country dance, FYI).

There are two seatings at 7pm

and 9.30pm. a Fairmont Hotel Sheikh Zayed Road, 7pm for Dhs550, and 9.30pm for Dhs1,300.

Tel: (0)4 4545035. @bagatelledubai BOA Spread over two floors of the V Hotel, Curio Collection

by Hilton – Al Habtoor City, Boa Lounge is home to lavish interiors, expert mixology and a temperature-controlled terrace, which offers stunning views over Dubai, making it a good NYE spot. a V Hotel, Al Habtoor City, Dhs5,000 minimum spend with up to five people per table.

Tel: (0)565012039. @boadubai

Anantara The Palm Dubai

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Five Palm Jumeirah Soak up those Five beach vibes this New Year’s Eve with friends and family as you dine under the stars with the resort’s smokin’ beach BBQ and get ready to count down and watch the stunning JBR fireworks. a Five Palm Jumeirah, 8pm to 1am, Dhs1,250 Tel: (0) 4 4559989. @fivepalmjumeirah Folly Ring in the new year with a six-course tasting menu followed by drinks at The Rooftop at folly. With panoramic views of the Souk Madinat waterways, it’s up there as one of the best spots to watch the fireworks. a Souk Madinat Jumeirah, 7pm and 9pm, Dhs550 with soft drinks, Dhs845 with house drinks. Tel: (0)44308535. folly.ae

Dubai Hills Golf Club

Bubbalicious The multi-awarding winning brunch, which combines Mina’s Kitchen, Sui Mui and Baba pulls out all the stops for a special Bubbalicious New Year’s Eve brunch. a The Westin Mina Seyahi, Dhs895 with champagne, Dhs295 for children 6 to 11 years. @westindubai Café Society Café Society hosts a gala dinner followed by elevated views of the fireworks from Tamini Marina’s pool. a Tamani Marina Hotel, King Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, Dubai Marina, 7pm to 1am, Dhs250 with juice. Tel: (0)4318377. @cafesocietydxb Dubai Hills Golf Club ‘New Year in The Hills’ is taking place across both The Duck Hook and Hillhouse Brasserie, featuring live stations galore, 32_What’s On

free-flowing festive drinks, and kids’ entertainment. Diners can enjoy live entertainment at the venues, with tables available both indoors and out on the spacious terrace to take in the stunning views of Downtown Dubai. a Dubai Hills Golf Club, 8pm to 1am, Dhs395 with soft drinks, Dhs595 with house drinks, Dhs695 with sparkling, Dhs95 for children. Tel: (800) 666353. @hillhousedubai.

Five Jumeirah Village Dubai Indulge in street food classics from around the world at Soul St while listening to urban beats by a surprise DJ act and enjoy the various bottle shows lighting up the night. Children get free entry to the kids’ club. a Five Jumeirah Village Dubai, Dhs799 for adults, Dhs399 for children aged 5 to 12 years. Tel: (0)44559989. @fivejumeirahvillage

Folly

Café Society

Grand Plaza MÖvenpick Media City An international buffet with cooking stations offering foie gras, European charcuterie, seafood and a barbecue station feature at Bytes Restaurant, Bar and Pool. a Grand Plaza Mövenpick Media City, 8.30pm to 12.30pm, Dhs299 with soft drinks, Dhs449 with house drinks, Dhs149 for children 4 to 12 years. Tel: (054) 7931424. @gpmovenpick

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Kyo For a killer view of the new Pointe Fountains on New Year’s Eve, check out pretty Japanese spot Kyo. Chef Arturo Mendez is serving a set menu featuring his best-selling dishes, including his sushi platter and short rib teriyaki. a The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dhs1,400 with soft drinks, Dhs1,600 with cocktails.

Dhs395 for children three to 11 years. Tel: (0)45575182. @kyorestaurantdubai La Cantine du Faubourg Usher in 2021 at this Parisian favourite. Highlights of the sharing menu include foie gras torchon and lobster medallions, Wagyu striploin and caviar-topped Chilean seabass, and a rich chocolate assortment for dessert. Version Originale band gett things going before the DJs spins. a Jumeirah Emirates Towers, 8pm, Dhs950 excluding drinks.

Tel: (0)4 3527105. lacantine.ae Lah Lah Ring in 2021 at this beloved neighbourhood hangout.

Choose between an evening brunch or canape menu, before heading to the terrace for a great view of the fireworks from Lah Lah Bazaar terrace. a Zabeel House by Jumeirah, 8pm to 12.30am, Dhs575 with sharing platters and house drinks, Dhs675 with sharing platters and premium drinks.

Tel: (0)4 5191111. @lahlahdxb 34_What’s On

Motorino

La Ville Hotel & Suites Gather your family for a fun night at City Walk’s urban steakhouse Graze Gastro Grill & Bar. The menu features a lavish three-course New Year’s Eve menu, unlimited drinks, including a glass of bubbly at midnight, and a live performance all night long. a La Ville Hotel & Suites, 8pm to midnight, Dhs599, half price for children below 12. Tel: (0) 44033111. @grazedubai Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort This is as close to celebrating NYE in a Sri Lankan beachside shack as you’re going to get this year. For a no frills but full-on fun party, head to Gonu Bar & Grill for a four-course surf and turf meal served with a side of beach breeze. a Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah, Dhs400 with

soft drinks, Dhs600 with house drinks, Dhs780 with house drinks and bottle of bubbly. Tel: (0)92449000. @lemeridien_ alaqah

Kyo

La Cantine du Faubourg

McGettigan’s JLT A classic offering of the McGettigan’s night brunch, hosted in the garden with fabulous live music. a McGettigan’s JLT, 8pm to 12.30pm Dhs499. @mcgettiganspubs Motorino One of our favourite pizzerias serves a four-course set menu with Italian delicacies crafted by the restaurant’s awardwinning chefs. Afterwards guests can join the NYE party in LVL Blue for a view of the fireworks. a JA Ocean View Hotel, JBR, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs549. Tel: (056)2165027. @motorinodxb

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER GOURMET STREET FOOD AND URBAN BEATS FROM AED799

NEW YEAR’S EVE

Palazzo Versace Dubai

Observatory Bar & Grill A six-course menu featuring the best surf and turf and a stellar view of the city’s fireworks. a Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites, 8pm to 1ampm, Dhs1,200 ( for Dubai Marina view), Dhs1,400 ( for Palm Jumeirah view).

Tel:(0)43194000. @marriottharbour

Pai Thai

Olea Indulge in a selection of food served from Olea’s fresh seafood bar, live-cooking stations and extensive pastry offerings while enjoying music and other live entertainment. a Kempinski Mall of the Emirates, 8pm to 1am, Dhs1,250 with house drinks.

Tel: (0)4 4095999. kempinski. com/dubai

Publique The alpine-inspired bar serves up a selection of cheese, platters of beef cold cuts, arancini, fried cheese and meat skewers, as well as its signature traditional raclette and fondue. a Souk Madinat Jumeirah, noon to 1am, Dhs450 with soft drinks, Dhs699 with house drinks. Tel: (0)44308550. publique.ae QD’s

Olea

36_What’s On

Palazzo Versace Dubai This year’s theme of 1001 Arabian Nights promises all sorts of entertainment, featuring characters such as Aladdin, Jasmine and The Genie. Starting at 7pm, guests will be welcomed with cocktails and canapés on the Mosaico terrace. Guests then dine at Giardino, Vanitas or Enigma. The evening finishes by the Central Pool where DJ Tim and a live band entertain guests all through the night. a Palazzo Versace Dubai, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs690 to Dhs1,399, children’s discounts also apply. Tel: (0) 45568805. @palazzoversacedubai

Pai Thai Pai Thai is hosting a decadent five-course gala dinner to ring in the new year. Enjoy views of the stunning waterways throughout the Madinat and access to watch the Burj Al Arab’s fireworks. a Jumeirah Al Qasr, 8pm to 11.45pm, Dhs950 with soft drinks, Dhs1,250 with house drinks, Dhs350 for children. Tel: (800) 666353. @paithaidubai

QD’s Celebrates New Year’s Eve at Dubai’s legendary Creekside venue, with live entertainment, resident DJ set, and front row seat to Dubai Golf ’s fireworks. a Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, 8pm to 2am, Dhs645 with house drinks, Dhs845 sparkling. qds@hyatt.com

WHERE

Festive

FEST IVE GOODI ES T AKE AWAY OFF ERS

Celebrate a sweet holiday season with freshly baked Christmas treats at Kambaa.

Available from 1 – 31 December 2020

FEST IVE MENU AT KAMBAA

Discover dining with festive themed decorations at Kambaa.

Daily from 6.30PM to 10.30PM | From 6 – 30 December 2020 Starting from AED 210 per adult

TURKE Y HAMPER TAKEAWAY

Pre-order a traditional turkey with all the trimmings.

Dates: 3 – 31 December 2020 Starting at AED 695 for 6-7KG Turkey

FEST IVE AFTERNOON TEA

Indulge in a festive afternoon tea filled with magical delights.

Daily from 3.00PM to 6.00PM | From 6 – 30 December 2020 Starting at AED 175 per person

HAPPENS

TWAS THE NIGHT BE FORE CHRISTMAS Indulge in our festive set menu, and experience the best of festive memories.

From 8.00PM up to 2.00AM on 24 December 2020 Starting from AED 260

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FEST IVE BRUNCH

Celebrate festive tidings in Mazina with a sumptuous buffet perfect for the family.

From 12.30PM until 4.00PM on 25 December 2020 Starting from AED 350 per adult

NEW YEAR’S EVE AT MAZINA

Bid farewell to the old year with a 70s themed party full of fun and food.

Party begins from 8.00PM up to 2.00AM on 31 December 2020 Starting from AED 345 per adult

For restaurant reservations, kindly email us at meet.admmh@addresshotels.com or call us on +971 4 436 7777 For more information, please visit addresshotels.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE

cocktails inspired by oldtime classics. Entrance price includes canapes and house drinks. a JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, Business Bay, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs500 with house drinks. Tel: (0)44140000.

Jwmarriottmarquisdubai

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

Reform Social & Grill Gather your friends and family and celebrate in true British style at the lake. There’s entertainment for the kids, live music for the adults, and British bites including dill smoked salmon, spiced roast lamb and plum and blackberry crumble. a The Lakes, Dubai, 5pm to midnight, Dhs375 with soft drinks, Dhs550 with house drinks, Dhs650 with Prosecco, Dhs150 children under 12. Tel: (0) 44542638. reformsocialgrill.ae Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, JBR Set amongst the resort’s spectacular gardens with the JBR skyline as the backdrop, the hotel’s gala at the Gulf Lawn offers classic tunes from a live jazz band and DJ, an open bar, and an elaborate dinner buffet. Highlights include a caviar bar, antipasti, charcuterie selection, as well as a premium variety of live stations.

38_What’s On

rides, football in the sand, a fire show, dancers and a movie under the stars. a Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dhs1,200 with house drinks, Dhs450 for children 6 to 12 years. nara.ae/sonara/ book/nye

Vault

a Ritz-Carlon, Dubai, JBR, 7pm to 12.30am, Dhs995 with soft drinks, Dhs1,250 with house drinks, Dhs1,495 sparkling, Dhs750 for teenagers, Dhs500 children six to 12 years. Tel: (0)43186150. @ritzcarltondubai

Sonara Camp What better way to kick off the New Year than with glitz and glamour in the heart of the Dubai desert? This Great Gatsby-themed party features a lavish sharing menu using seasonal ingredients.

Entertainment includes camel

Traiteur Experience an extensive selection of international cuisine that showcases the signature dishes of the hotel’s top restaurants. There’ll be a live band, DJ, and the resort’s very own fireworks show. a Park Hyatt Dubai, 8.30pm to 2am, Dhs1,800 with premium champagne, Dhs785 children six to 12 years. dxbphrestaurantreservations@hyatt. com Vault Few places in Dubai can rival the views from Vault, which is located on floor 71 and 72 of the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai. Enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and crafted

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah The New Year’s Eve Gala takes place in the resort’s elegant outdoor surroundings and is the perfect spot to watch the Palm’s fireworks. After a round of canapes, enjoy a six-course gourmet meal follows featuring seafood platters, bluefin tuna with caviar, Australian wagyu beef tenderloin, and traditional baked Alaska as a live band plays. Book before 15 December and receive 20 per cent discount. a Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, 7.30pm to 2am, Dhs900 with food, Dhs1,800 with house drinks (and a glass of bubbly at midnight). Tel:(0)48182222. @waldorfdubai Westlodge Weslodge Saloon hosts the highest New Year’s Eve party, offering 360-degree views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai skyline. Expect hip-hop and RnB beats serves alongside a specially curated brunch, featuring Canadian and classic festive plates, handmade cocktails, champagne and world-class bourbons – all expertly paired plate by plate. a JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, 9pm to 1am, from Dhs799. Tel: (0)4 560 1700. @westlodgedubai

Embrace

the Festive Season Join us to celebrate the exciting Holiday season.

With three distinct venues, we have something for every occasion.

Afternoon and Evening Brunches on Fridays Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day offers Special Festive Dinner Packages for groups* New Year’s Eve Celebrations with unobstructed views of the fireworks Exciting New Year’s Day Afternoon and Evening Brunch Call now and take advantage of our Early Bird Offer.

DISCOVER

DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES KING SALMAN BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD STREET, DUBAI MARINA T. 971.4.319.4000 | MARRIOTTHARBOURDUBAIDINING.COM DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES | *In-line with current guidelines.

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PA G E 44

Mamma Mia

Here’s why we love Sacci ABU DHABI CULINARY SEASON p42 SOLE p46 What’s On_41

C O N S U M E

EAT // ABU DHABI CULINARY SEASON

Glorious food

Take a bite out of the capital’s vibrant food scene during Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, with special events and menus available until December 15

42_What’s On

03 Dine on edible works of art

01

As part of the year-round Chef ’s Table series, 10 of the capital’s top restaurants will be offering exclusive five-course menus for Art On A Plate.

These creative tasting menus look as good as they taste, drawing inspiration from famous painters, musicians and art forms.

Highlights include the vibrant French-Mediterranean cuisine at LPM, a contemporary Cantonese tasting menu at Hakkasan, and inventive Italian dishes inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci paintings at Villa Toscana. a Various locations around Abu Dhabi. To browse the menus and book your spot at the Chef ’s Table, visit: adculinaryseason.ae/chefs-table/

Seek out Abu Dhabi’s best hidden gems Let Abu Dhabi Culinary Season lead you on a journey of discovery as you seek out the best hidden gems in the capital. This cultural melting pot is home to cuisines from all over the world, from Syrian specialities at Al Liwan, to Japanese mochi balls at Yamazaki, and Nepalese momos at Vansha Ghar.

Take a peek at the participating restaurants, including must-try dishes, then unearth some new favourites as you go on a gourmet scavenger hunt across Abu Dhabi. a Various locations throughout Abu Dhabi, adculinaryseason.ae/hidden-gems

02 Sip a limited-edition hot chocolate For Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, homegrown chocolatiers Mirzam have created a limited-edition drink. The richly spiced drinking chocolate, called Abu Dhabi Gahwa, is flavoured with saffron, rose, cardamon and coffee, and served in specially decorated cups from Emirati watercolour artists Moaza Matar. You can sip this fragrant brew in the stunning surrounds of Mirzam’s Abu Dhabi boutique in Qasr Al Hosn. a Mirzam, Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi, daily, 10am to 10pm. instagram.com/ mirzamchocolate

a For more information on the Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, and to plan your foodie adventure in the capital, visit facebook. com/ADCulinarySeason and instagram.com/ ADCulinarySeason

What’s On_43

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

SACCI ABU DHABI

Is there more to Sacci than just great pizza? acci in Westin Abu Dhabi has built up a reputation for serving up some of the most authentic slices of pizza in the capital.

The dough used for each pizza follows Chef Stefano’s secret recipe and is aged for 48 hours before hitting the oven. Fortunately, you won’t have to wait that long, Chef Stefano prepares it all in advance. Though, having tasted them, we can confirm they would be worth a two-day wait.

The neat little poolside restaurant often adds further temptation fuel to the woodfire with attractive deals, like the buy-

S

44_What’s On

one-get-one-free offer they’re currently running between 5pm and 11pm every Monday. But we wanted to dive a little further into the menu, to see what other slices of the dolce vita Sacci has to offer.

Graced by a warm autumn afternoon, we’re seated outside on the terrace. The checkered red and white table cloth folds into gentle ripples with the breeze and the backdrop of the pool is making this all feel faintly like a Mediterranean holiday. Life is good.

After ordering a burrata starter, Chef Stefano explains that despite the challenges posed by the global health climate, he tries to use as many authentic Italian ingredients as possible.

The confit heirloom tomatoes scream European provenance – deeply-sweet and just a little sharp, they paint summer on the creamy burrata canvas.

Our main course is branzino al cartaccio, a seabass fillet accompanied by prawns, taggiasca olives, potato and crushed tomato concasse, all baked in a papillote.

It arrives at the table piping hot and still sealed in its paper packaging. Our waiter liberates the aromatic contents with a few deft scissor snips and what we’re faced with, undoubtedly, is Europe on a platter.

The cooking method and timing has delivered a perfectly executed white fish.

It’s a subtle yet nuanced meaty flavour, complemented by the fresh prawn garnish.

The taggiasca olives, though compact, are bursting with big, bold palate profiles from the old country.

Verdict: There’s no debating, even outside its role as pizzeria, Sacci perfoms a genuine Italian job. a Sacci, Westin Abu Dhabi, Sas Al Nakhl.

Tel: (02) 616 9999, sacciabudhabi.com RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� A Atmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

SOLE

Out with Bice and in with Sole, but can this new seafood spot catch the attention of Abu Dhabi residents hook, line and sinker? ast month Jumeirah at Etihad Towers became Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers. And as often happens when individuals move on from a relationship, changes have been made to help ensure a clean split.

In one of the most exciting postbreak-up developments, Conrad has moved in a new Italian restaurant, Sole. It replaces its predecessor Bice, with – we’re informed –much more than just superficial changes.

There will undoubtedly be some that greet the news of a new Italian restaurant in the capital with a sort of casual ennui.

‘Do we really need another one?’

They’ll ask.

And the answer rather hangs on whether or not it’s any good. So, there’s a genuine sense of anticipation as we take a seat on the restaurant’s Podium terrace.

It’s a smart venue, fancy even. Low overhead lighting and individually illuminated tables, give the dining experience a cosy, intimate feel despite the eatery’s spacious layout.

We begin our investigation of the new Mediterranean suitor, with an eggplant

L

parmigiana — the Naples Staple.

It’s served to the table in a bijou cocotte pot, inside a thatch-work melange of thin aubergine tranches have been baked in a rich tomato ragu, with buffalo mozzarella, basil and crumbly parmesan.

A simple course, but we’re happy to go on record as saying, probably qualifies as one of the best new dishes we’ve tried this year. It’s rural European comfort food at its best. There’s a hearty vegetable backbone to the flavour, luxurious spoonfuls of fondant cheese, and a distinctly botanical endnote courtesy of the fresh basil.

The main course is a char-grilled

rib eye, cooked in duck fat and served with roasted potatoes, asparagus and a spicy salsa verde. The quality of the cut, the seasoning, the accompaniments, everything about this dish demonstrates culinary skill and an eye for balance.

One further note of appreciation here.

Using a rosemary-infused salsa verde as the lead condiment is an intelligent, refreshing move. It’s a subtle partner, not overpowering, functioning more as a postgrill marinade than a sauce. Dessert was a neatly executed scoop of sorbet. *Shrugs shoulders* when in Rome.

Verdict: It turns out that we did need another Italian restaurant, and this one specifically. The standard of cuisine puts the restaurant in the top tier of Abu Dhabi eateries. a Conrad Abu Dhabi, Tel: (0)2 8115666.

Etihadtowers.FBReservations@ conradhotels.com RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� A Atmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

46_What’s On

C O N S U M E

EAT // NEWS

Dumpling delivery Order Din Tai Fung for delivery in Abu Dhabi If you’re a fan of Chinese food, there’s a strong chance you’ll already be acquainted with Din Tai Fung, the unequivocal dons of dim sum. The brand began its journey in Taiwan, but the appeal was enough to see it spread to 12 countries worldwide. Two separate branches in Hong Kong have even been awarded Michelin stars.

Its menu stretches across a variety of meat, rice, dim sum and noodle dishes, but it’s the collection of xiao long bao steamed dumplings that’s made Din Tai Fung a household name. You can already find several Din Tai Fung restaurants in Dubai, but for the first time Abu Dhabi residents can get their dumpling fill via a deliveryonly concept in partnership with Delivery Hero. q @dintaifungae

Into the wild Rainforest Cafe Abu Dhabi opens on Yas A new branch of the popular Amazonian-inspired restaurant chain Rainforest Café has opened next to The Fountains of Yas Mall.

If you’ve never been to a Rainforest Cafe, here you’ll find dinner and a show. One of the biggest reasons behind the brand’s continued popularity is the mid-meal theatrics of the ‘living decor’. Think animatronics, rain simulation, lightening, thunder and more. Inside the live-action eateries, diners can order a range of American classics, including signature meat and seafood dishes from the grill, starting at around Dhs49. q rainforestcafeuae.com What’s On_47

C O N S U M E

EAT // DUBAI REVIEWS

LANA LUSA

A real taste of Portugal right here in Dubai trip from the UAE to Portugal probably isn’t on the cards for a while. We suggest you avoid the nasal swabs and potential quarantining, and instead head down to Lana Lusa to get your fix of authentic food from this phenomenally underrated European country.

Set within the new Wasl 51 development in Jumeirah, Lana Lusa is probably the most attractive restaurant that’s opened in 2020. Everything has been painstakingly custom made by Portuguese artisans specifically for the venue. From the colourful ceramic plates sourced directly from potters in Barcelos to the burnished copper light fixtures and cork-fashioned menus from Porto, we feel whisked away to a stylish neighbourhood café on the Bairro Alto. We particularly love the familial photos decorating the walls – a nod to founder Jessica Viveiro’s Portuguese past. Even the menu has been drawn up incorporating her grandmother’s recipes.

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IN DUBAI

Over the course of two delightful hours we sampled a range of unique and beautifully-presented dishes, arriving at pace in pretty plates, bowls, and miniature pans.

You must eat bacalhau. The dried and salted cod is largely agreed as the national dish of Portugal, and can be eaten several ways. Three of them appear on Lana Lusa’s menu, so three of them we ate. We savoured them in croquette form (Dhs57) as a trio of dainty oval parcels; in a salad (Dhs72) with seabass and avocado chunks; and as bacalhau com natas (Dhs82), a gratinated pie with cod, diced potatoes, cream and parsley and baked until golden brown.

The latter was easily one of the most heart-warming miniature fish pies we’ve ever had the pleasure of eating, and judging by the number of piping hot pans flying out of the kitchen, the feeling was shared among others in the dining room.

We ‘mmm’d’ and ‘ahhh’d’ over other dishes, too. The prawns in garlic (Dhs72)

were tasty but the buttery sauce they lay in was sensational. So good, in fact that we left a tiny morsel of prawn in the claypot so the eagle-eyed waiter wouldn’t take it away without us soaking it up with bread first. Even the prego (Dhs42), a beef sarnie for one, is so simple yet so juicy we’re desperate to know its secret marinade.

It would be a disservice to head chef Helio, owner Jessica, and probably the entire Lana Lusa team if you don’t finish with a pasteis de nata. We have waxed lyrical enough in past issues of What’s On about this perfectly creamy Portuguese custard tart, so take our advice and order one – heck order five and take the rest home. It’ll be the perfect breakfast treat with your morning coffee. a Lana Lusa, Wasl 51, Jumeirah 1, daily 8am to 11pm.

Tel: (0)4 380 1515. @lanalusadxb RATING Food ����������������������������������������������������������������A Atmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ��������������������������������������������������������

BRASSERIE BOULUD

In a city teeming with celebrity chef restaurants, will Brasserie Boulud cut the mustard? alm Jumeirah has Bottura and Back; Dubai Marina has Rhodes and Colagreco; and Bluewaters has Ramsay. So how did Healthcare City just score one of Dubai’s biggest dining coups?

French-born chef Daniel Boulud is best known for his two-Michelin-starred New York restaurant, Daniel, and a slew of brasseries as far afield as London, Singapore and Washington DC. For his first foray into Dubai, he’s opened Brasserie Boulud in the glitzy new Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk in Umm Hurair 2, right next to Wafi Mall.

While the menu speaks to Boulud’s European sensibilities, the dining room is pure New York. Mirrored ceilings, tessellated marble floors, burgundy banquettes and grand columns offer a gentle nod to the 1920s, with a snaking chandelier that stretches the length of the restaurant.

An open kitchen takes centre stage, where chefs move methodically about the space, slicing charcuterie, kneading pasta dough, and searing meat over leaping flames. Boulud is in town for opening week, and he’s in his element here, popping

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between stations to taste this, test that, before turning to wave at diners.

We’ve been invited along for the second night, but there’s no sense that the restaurant is finding its feet.

Professionalism reigns, from the waitstaff to the kitchenhands, no doubt inspired by the grace and good nature of Boulud, who gently steers rather than commandeers the ship.

There’s an effortless grace to the menu, too, which combines Boulud’s mastery of French and Italian cuisines with American largesse and the odd Arabic inflection.

The hamachi starter (Dhs80) is pure class. Thinly sliced amberjack is artfully decorated with curls of shaved fennel, soft-set quail eggs, olives, tomatoes, green beans and earthy artichoke crisps.

A jar of duck rillettes (Dhs85) is layered with shaved duck breast, pickled eschalot, sweet onion chutney and pomegranate seeds. Piled onto chargrilled bread, it’s soulful French cooking with polish.

Of the mains, the sole Grenobloise is a standout – three lightly floured fish fillets are doused in

a luscious brown butter, lemon and caper sauce, with silken cauliflower puree and tiny florets of romanesco.

It’s exceptional, to be sure, but the Dhs315 price tag may be hard for some to swallow. It seems particularly pricey when you consider that much of the menu is surprisingly (by Dubai standards) affordable, with most mains sitting between Dhs135 and Dhs175.

Our final dish is a flawless chocolate fondant (Dhs55), topped with coconut ice cream to lighten the pudding’s intensity.

It’s big enough – and rich enough – to share, especially as a complimentary plate of madeleines arrives soon after.

For all the glamour of the dining room and precision of the staff, this is food with body and soul. You’ll want to come back to eat the Dhs95 burger at the bar. You’ll want to go all out for date night with seafood platters and wagyu steaks. You’ll only wish it was just around the corner… a Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai. Mon to Thu 6pm to midnight, Fri and Sat 6pm to 1.30am. Tel: (04) 2814020. sofitel-dubai-theobelisk.com RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������� A Atmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

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MEET THE CHEF

PANG Head chef at Coya Abu Dhabi What’s your favourite dish on the menu right now and why?

Choclo con Queso is my favourite. It is a very classic street food with baby corn that you can get anywhere in Peru. Long story short, we make an ordinary ingredient come alive.

Christmas is coming! Will Coya be serving up festive food with a Peruvian twist?

Definitely, Coya never missed festivities and we are as excited as ever for the festivities. We have whipped up a festive menu which includes our new dishes. (See p12).

Who’s your biggest culinary inspiration?

I am a huge fan of Scandinavian cuisine. I always follow the top restaurants such as Maaemo and Frantzen and look at their dishes for inspiration. I have learned a lot about pickling and fermentation from the cuisine and incorporated that into the menu at Coya.

What are your views on the culinary scene in Abu Dhabi?

The culinary scene in Abu Dhabi is good but personally I feel that it is missing a lot more diversity. We are missing many speciality and concept restaurants.

Last weekend on Earth. What and where are you eating?

My mum’s cooking. She doesn’t cook very well but it doesn’t matter. It is about being with the family. Nothing else matters. a Four Seasons at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. Tel: (02) 3067000. coyarestaurant.com

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BAR MONTH O F

T H E

Noche Chill Out Lounge The alfresco bar in Millennium Capital Gate Abu Dhabi reopens

We’ve always had a soft spot for Noche Chill Out Lounge and its white-framed tables and chairs, decking, palm trees and its fun LED ice buckets. So it’s with a cheer that we announce that the popular post-work watering hole has reopened its doors with a host of decent drinks deals to celebrate.

Its best new promotion is the daily Dhs20 price tag for a pint all day. Similarly, during its hiatus, the mixology team have been busy

whipping up new concoctions, including ‘sundowner cocktails of the week’ featuring twists on the original daiquiri and cosmo, as well as the all-new gin freeze for just Dhs25.

Elsewhere, guests will find an extensive menu featuring grills, seafood, bar bites and more. a Millennium Capital Gate Abu Dhabi, daily 3pm to 2am. @millenniumcapitalgate

NEW BREAKFAST DEAL

Brekkie and beach access at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr Fairmont Bab Al Bahr launches The Art of Breakfast, a new weekday deal that includes unlimited brekkie at CuiScene (from 7am to 10.30am), plus pool and beach access (from 9am to 6pm).

Available from Sun to Thur, The Art of Breakfast costs Dhs99 per person and guests can also make the most of 20 per cent off food and drink by the pool. Call (056) 5024999. @fairmontbabalbahr

C O N S U M E

EAT // NEWS

NEW VIRTUAL BURGER JOINT

Grillzy Burgers and Buns by Sergio Lopez launches in Abu Dhabi rillzy Burgers and Buns, the new delivery-only virtual restaurant from renowned restaurateur Sergio Lopez, has officially launched in Abu Dhabi.

The delivery-only virtual restaurant, led by the main man at Sanderson’s, offers a carefully constructed menu selection of five different burgers, including a vegetarian option. Others include the ‘Get Down’ PeriPeri grilled chicken with crispy onion, chunky guacamole and pickled jalapenos; ‘Truffle Shuffle’ wagyu beef burger

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with pecorino cheese, truffle oil and rocket leaves; and the ‘Swamp Dog Blues’ oat-fried chicken with Alabama white sauce, lettuce, crispy shallots, tomato and pickles. There is also the ‘Yum Good,’ a mushroom patty with mozzarella, lettuce, crispy shallots, zaatar and mayonnaise, and the ‘From Down Under,’ a beef burger with grilled onion, lettuce, beetroot, beef bacon and cheddar cheese’.

The menu also offers normal

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fries, curly fries, sweet potato fries and a range of sugarcoated dessert buns.

“We’ve created Grillzy Burgers & Buns, because we saw a demand for gourmet burgers,” says Serg. “We had

comments from our patrons looking for awesome, simple tasty burgers and we decided to create something unique to Abu Dhabi and give them just that.” a Order via Deliveroo, or visit grillzysburgers.com

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If there's one ideal cuisine that's pleasant for the tummy and tasty on the tongue, it's got to be Italian! After all, nothing can go wrong when there's cheese involved, right? Scrumptious pizzas, creamilicious pasta and rich Lasagna are just gifts from Italy. And thankfully, UAE is blessed with one of the best Italian restaurants that satiates all your cravings.

WHAT'S SPECIAL

CMY

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What makes Il Forno so special isn’t its stunning views nor its contemporary interiors.

A 20 year old restaurant UAE represents all the unique tastes and craving. The restaurant was started its history in Abu dhabi mall, out of love for Italian cuisine and whips consistently good food, with freshly sourced ingredients, and unique recipes. No Wonder Il forno is the brand name of Italian

The restaurant's wow-factor comes from its dedication to serving authentic Italian food, made with freshly sourced Italian products.

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AND ORDER YOUR BEST ITALIAN CUISINES Don’t forget to use 25ILFORNO to get your 25% discount!

What’s On_51

C O N S U M E

PARTY // LOCK IN

LOCKS OF LOVE

What’s On took over Westin Abu Dhabi and it was the weekend of our dreams

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erhaps you heard: last month, What’s On descended on the Westin Abu Dhabi for an ultimate weekendlong extravaganza. We packed the weekend with What’s Onapproved activities – a massive brunch fest, golfing challenges, after-party antics, and a splash of balcony Zumba, to name a few.

In short, it was a blast and a half with sore heads all round by day two.

To relive that glorious, two-day event again and again in our minds, hearts, and mouths, we put together some of the best photos from the weekend.

See you at the next What’s On Lock In, coming soon!

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Brunch in full swing at Fairways

Photo credit: Abu Dhabi Night

Happy Lock In guests basking in the sun

What’s On_53

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ART + THEATRE + FILM + MUSIC

PA G E 57

Lights, camera, action Who’s on stage in the UAE this month

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CULTURE

STAGE

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READ OUR INTERVIEW WITH JOHN CLEESE ON WHATSON.AE NOW

Everybody says Cleese!

Catch British comedy legend John Cleese at Dubai Opera this month

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n need of a laugh as 2020 draws to a close? We’ve got just the ticket.

Legendary British actor, writer and comedian John Cleese is hosting an evening at Dubai Opera in December, bringing his signature smarts and withering wisecracks to the big stage.

The one-man show, titled ‘Monty Python’s John Cleese – Alive! (Just)’ will be held on Wednesday December 16, from 8pm. During the 90-minute show, the beloved star of Monty Python, Fawlty Towers and A Fish Called Wanda will “examine the dysfunctional world we live in”.

Expect a hilarious evening filled with the acerbic wit and observations that have made Cleese a household name, from his beginnings in the Monty Python troupe in the 1960s, to his Oscar nomination for best screenplay for A Fish Called Wanda.

Tickets to the show at Dubai Opera start at Dhs195 for silver seating and climb up to Dhs550 for a VIP ticket.

There are also a range of exclusive boxes available, accommodating four to 10 people.

The bar at Dubai Opera will open at 6pm and doors to the theatre will

close at 7.30pm, ahead of Cleese taking to the stage at 8pm.

While Cleese is in Dubai, he’ll be working closely with the Motivate Talent team to produce training videos and host talks. Cleese will also be available to make special appearances and host after-dinner speaking engagements, within the present Covid-19 limitations.

December 16 a Monty Python’s John Cleese – Alive!

(Just), Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, from 8pm. Tickets from Dhs195. dubaiopera.com What’s On_57

A NEW AGENCY CONNECTING WORLD-CLASS TALENT WITH BRANDS

CULTURE

From busker to big time

SHOWS

Passenger performs at Dubai Opera this month

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ritish singer-songwriter Michael Rosenberg, more commonly known as Passenger, returns to Dubai, bringing his soulful folk-rock tunes to the stage of Dubai Opera for a matinee and evening performance on December 4.

Renowned for his expressive lyrics and impassioned vocals, it’s hard to believe the singer was once a struggling musician whose solo career began in 2009 as a busker on the street corners of Britain following the split of his band. However, Rosenberg’s humble origins were soon transformed to worldwide success following the release of his 2012 multi-award winning single, Let Her Go, which took him from the streets to international stadia. His melancholic ballad achieved global success, reaching number one in 19

countries and to date has accumulated a staggering 2.8 billion views on YouTube. The smash hit also earned Passenger a Brit Award nomination for British Single of the Year in 2014 and won him the Ivor Novello Award for Most Performed Work soon after.

Although there is no doubt that Passenger will be performing this soulful hit on stage, he will also be performing a selection of songs from his 12th studio album, Sometimes It’s

Something, Sometimes It’s Nothing at All, which sees him accompanied by a string quartet.

As the show will be socially distanced, spaces are limited, so fans will need to be quick to get their hands on tickets, which are on sale now.

December 4 a Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai, Wed 2pm and 8pm, from Dhs295. Tel: (04) 4408888. dubaiopera.com

Beauty and the Beast Set sail for a production of the classic French tale Poor Bella’s attempts to save her aging father are thwarted by an egregious monster who takes her prisoner. Thankfully, there’s a host of good guys – or rather, cups, closets, and clocks – who are determined to make her stay as enjoyable as possible, hoping that she holds the key to breaking the household’s curse. Expect colourful costumes, memorable songs, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

December 16 to 27 a QE2, Port Mina Rashid, Dubai, excluding Christmas, 11am and 3pm, Dhs120. Tel:(600) 500400. theatrebyqe2.com

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SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL

PA G E 62

Capital gains

What’s on Hudayriyat Island UAE FAMILY ADVENTURES p64 FESTIVE STAYCATIONS p74 What’s On_61

A C T I V E

SPORT // DESTINATION

Welcome to Abu Dhabi’s new Adventure Island...

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

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fter a dramatic transformation by developers Modon, the island-sized activity hub is open to the public and adds an exciting level of adventure XP to our emirate’s outdoor offering.

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

We’re living in a post-fact world, so we felt it best to explore the Abu Dhabi atoll’s many adventure opportunities for ourselves. It’s pure coincidence that also meant us swapping the office for a day at the beach.

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Sporting Adventures One of the strongest focuses of the Hudayriat redevelopment project was on creating the ultimate environment for an active outdoor lifestyle.

Mission accomplished.

There’s a genuinely impressive range of ways to elevate your heartrate, 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 getting gains on grains at the fee-less beachfront outdoor gym, 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.

Cultural Adventures It is officially the perfect weather right now for a breezy walk across the raisedboardwalk of the Hudayriyat Heritage Trail, beset with sculptures, relaxation nodes and fascinating facts about local history and ecology. The meandering struts take you all the way between Marsana and Marvista, passing scattered mangroves on the one side, and the gleaming towers of the distant corniche on the other.

Food Adventures It’s highly likely you’ll work up an appetite on Hudayriyat, but thankfully there are plenty of tasty solutions to that situation. Cafes and restaurants currently open for

island dining include Shrimp Pot, Muncheeze, Projeto Acai and Drvn Coffee. There’s also a selection of drive-through food truck slots, too, 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.

Beach Adventures 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 peddle boat, we suggest you make your way to the offshore Hudayriyat sign for an expert level selfie.

Camping Adventures The island’s own private campsite, Bab al Nojoum, is an attraction all of 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. a Open daily, facility hours vary, hudayriyatisland.ae

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A C T I V E

PLAN A FAMILY CAMPING TRIP IN THE DESERT

GLAMP IN RAK

BRUNCH WITH A SLOTH AND A SNAKE D TRIP

TAKE A ROA

VISIT ARTY STUFF IN SHARJAH

Happiness is an open road. Beg, borrow or buy a motor, stock up on snacks, buckle in the whole fam, and start exploring the best family-friendly activities the Emirates have to offer TAKE YOUR PET COOLEST BEAC TO THE H SPOT

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he key ingredients to a perfect family adventure are sun, good grub, welcoming resorts, plenty of waterslides, and a sturdy motor with a big fuel tank. The UAE has all that and plenty more and now is the perfect time to plan a local-bound trip to remember. There is certainly something for everyone, whether you’re travelling with grandma, your kids, nieces and nephews, the family dog, or all of the above. And, to make planning as easy as possible, here’s our ultimate must-dos for your trip.

SLEEP Drive and camp inside Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve The DDCR was previously off-limits to campers in their own vehicles. But with Sand Sherpa, you can bundle the kids into your SUV and camp. You’ll learn how to navigate the terrain in your car. The the crew then sets up your own trailer, featuring all camping essentials, which can accommodate a family of five. All you need is food, drinks and bedding.

Trips start from Dhs1,950. q sandsherpa.com

BRUNCH The Green Planet’s sloth brunch We’ve seen some wild things on the Dubai brunch scene, but never before have we man-handled a python over pancakes. Until the launch of The Green Planet’s Picnic Brunch with Sloth and Friends. It’s a wholesome, wellorganised affair, with plenty of space between tables, a familyfriendly menu, and animal encounters that your little ones will love. a The Green Planet, Fri and Sat 10am to 1pm.

Dhs175 for adults, Dhs49 for children (under 5s free). thegreenplanetdubai.com/en/ offers/picnic-brunch

LEARN Meet the dinosaurs at Dubai Garden Glow

DO Visit Hatta Wadi Hub This outdoor adventure centre (open daily from 8am to 6pm) is where you’ll find Hatta’s popular airstream trailers and eco-friendly lodges, both brilliant for overnight stays surrounded by nature. But it’s also home to a handful of fun activities, including zorbing, archery, a net walkway, mountain biking trails, a drop-in water slide, and a brand-new tube sliding ride. a Hatta Wadi Hub, located off the Dubai-Hatta road, 8.30am to 6pm, Tel: (800) 637227. @visit.hatta

Dubai Garden Glow has reopened for a sixth winter season and is a hit with families each year. Aside from the colourful wonderland of glow-in-the-dark lights, there’s a dinosaur park with over 100 models of prehistoric creatures, which move and roar. a Zabeel Park, daily 5pm to 10.30pm, Dhs65, under-threes free. dubaigardenglow.com What’s On_65

A C T I V E

TRAVEL // FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

SLEEP

Camp in Jebel Hafit Desert Park For a hassle-free, eco-friendly camping trip, Jebel Hafit Desert Park in the UNESCOlisted heritage site of Al Ain offers a choice of tent styles, including luxury dome tents with showers and private bathrooms, bubble tents with an external private bathroom, and traditional tents with shared facilities. a Jebel Hafit Desert Park, Al Ain, from Dhs400. visitabudhabi.ae

BRUNCH Pizza fest at Dino’s If there’s one cuisine that appeals to all ages, it’s Italian. For a crowdpleasing brunch the smalls will love just as much as the adults, take your tribe to Dino’s Bistro Italian. The Friday brunch includes a kid-approved mix of starters, pizzas, pastas and desserts a Pearl Rotana Capital Centre, Fri noon to 4pm. Dhs200 with mixed drinks, Dhs215 grape and bubbles, Dhs165 with soft drinks, ages 6 to 12 half-price.

Tel: (02) 307 5551. @pearlrotana

DO

Walk the roof at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Thrill-seeking families should hightail it to Ferrari World, where you can take part in the all-new rooftop walk or zipline adventures. The zipline, which sails through one of the loops of the Flying Aces rollercoaster, offers a two-track system, so family members can race each other. a Yas Island, Tue to Sat noon to 8pm. Entry from Dhs155, zipline Dhs95, roof walk Dhs125 (both for Dhs175). ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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LEARN

Take a farm tour from a tractor Struggling to get your children to eat their greens? Take them along to Emirates Bio Farm, where they can learn all about locally grown fruits and vegetables during a tractor tour of the farm.

They’ll even have the chance to harvest their own vegetables. a Emirates Bio Farm, Dhs35, under 6 free. Tel: (0) 55 3857052. emiratesbiofarm.com

DO

LEARN Brave the sky maze at Jebel Jais At the Jais Adventure Peak, test your mettle on the Jais Sky Maze (Dhs75), navigating rope swings and suspended bridges 10 metres above ground.

Or take the Jais Sky Tour (Dhs200), a thrilling course of seven zip-lines ranging in length from 337m to 1km. a Jais Adventure Peak. Tel: (07) 204 6250. visitjebeljais.com

Survival skills with Bear Grylls

SLEEP Longbeach Campground Putting the glam into glamping, the Bin Majid Beach Hotel has a series of luxury camping facilities ranging from a deluxe tent to panoramic dome suite. The resort is well equipped and the camping area is located directly next to the swimming pool. Activities include beach yoga, sea view aerobics, kite flying, kayaking, waterpark obstacle course, beach volleyball and an outdoor spa and sauna. a Longbeach Campground, Bin Majid Resort, Al Jazeera Al Hamra, Thur to Sat, from Dhs1200. Tel: (800) 5700. binmajid.com/hotels/longbeach

Could you or your family survive in the wilderness? For how long?

The Bear Grylls Survival Camp aims to pass on the skills you may need if you are stranded in the wild. You’ll learn how to build and light a fire, how to navigate at night, and how to make a shelter. Courses run alternative Fridays and cost Dhs1,000 per person. Children aged 8 and above, welcome. q beargryllscamp.ae

TRIED & TESTED

THE MOTOR The Audi Q7 is a chic beast that will roar up Sheikh Zayed Road, remain agile along the winding desert roads, and feel powerful enough to bash those desert dunes when switched to off-road mode. Programme your destination in the 3D Google Earth-connected sat-nav, flick on the adaptive cruise control and watch the landscape whiz by.

We were particularly enamoured

with how spacious it was for both driver and passengers, the virtual cockpit screen, and its snazzy MMI touch response screens, with an infotainment display that works much like a tablet. Despite being a people carrier, the seven-seater Audi Q7 is smooth, classy and a cracking luxury three-rowed SUV. And, when you don’t need that third row, press a magic button, the back seats fold down, and there’s ample cargo space to fit your bags, camping gear, and four-legged family member. You can buy the Audi Q7 from Dhs274,019. Prices vary depending on vehicle specs.

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A C T I V E

TRAVEL // FAMILY-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

BRUNCH

Dine at The Falls Enjoy access to the Radisson Blu Resort’s pool and beach when you book the Friday Family Lunch Buffet at Cafe at the Falls. The restaurant has a breezy indoor-outdoor vibe, with a dedicated kids’ menu and children’s activities. a Radisson Blu Resort, Corniche Rd, Sharjah, Fri 12.30pm to 4pm. Dhs150 including soft drinks, Dhs75 ages 6 to 12. Tel: (06) 5657777. radissonhotels.com

DO

Play in the rain (room) Kids and adults alike will love the immersive experience at the Sharjah Rain Room, which allows you to walk through a rain shower, without getting wet. Tip: younger kids may cop a few splashes as they wander through the sensor-controlled raindrops, so have a change of clothes handy. a Rain Room, Al Majarrah, Sharjah, Sat to Thur 9am to 10pm, Fri 4pm to 11pm. Dhs25 adults, Dhs15 students, under 5 free. sharjahart.org 68_What’s On

The unexpected perks of road-trippin’ with the fam Forced fun. Eye rolls.

Too many tantrums.

Not so, says What’s On Digital Editor Sarah – and mum of two.

Book a night in a sustainable hotel Al Badayer Oasis by Mysk is the perfect staycation spot if you’re looking for adventure and a dose of Emirati culture.

The stunning desert eco-retreat is located inside a traditional Arabian fort, with all the modern comforts you need. The resort also offers customised desert experiences such as dune bashing, quad biking, horse riding and desert safaris. a Al Badayer Oasis, Sharjah, from Dhs600. Tel: (06) 5560777. myskhotels. com

SLEEP

LEARN

Experience Bedouin life in the mountains Take a guided tour to explore Stone Age caves and ancient forts at Mleiha Archaeological Centre, a fascinating enclave in the heart of the Sharjah desert. Horse riding, stargazing and fossil hunting are just some of the family-friendly activities on offer. a Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Dhs55 for family entry (2 adults and 3 children). Tel: (06) 8021111. discovermleiha.ae

Doing ‘kid stuff’ is actually fun!

Having an excuse to scream down waterslides, run around barefoot on the beach, and visit cool museums has to be the biggest parenting perk.

Just don’t tell the kids we love it as much as they do…

Learning to live in the moment If there’s one thing you can count on when travelling with children, it’s that nothing will go to plan. Rolling with the punches helps keep everyone’s stress levels in check – and hey, even the most epic meltdowns and disasters make for great stories further down the track.

Non-stop snacks Order that burger, open that bag of crisps, sneak another hot chip off your child’s plate. In our house, all dietary bets are off once you hit the open road.

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WIN!

AN ORDER OF USA CHEESE WORTH DHS450 Even if you’re a self-proclaimed cheese lover, chances are you could still expand your cheese horizons. If you’re limiting yourself to the safety net of basic brie and smoked gouda – all delicious, if simple options – your lactose game is lacking. Our friends at Cheeses from the USA are on hand to help you discover some amazing

options, from Pepper Jack to Provolone, Muenster to Monterey Jack, by giving one lucky What’s On reader Dhs450 to spend on U.S. Cheeses from El Grocer. With over 1,000 cheese varieties, the USA is not only the world’s largest cheese producer, but it’s also one of the most diverse. Check out usacheeseexperience.com to learn more.

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

WIN! A WONDERFUL M&S FESTIVE HAMPER This is not just any festive hamper.

This is Marks & Spencer’s ubiquitous wicker basket hamper filled with all your favourite festive treats. Get excited about your potential win by checking

out the new and improved hamper website www.marksandspencermena. com offering both ready-made and customised festive options for the first time.

q For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 70_What’s On

WIN!

A NIGHT’S STAY AT WESTIN ABU DHABI If you have missed out on a Christmas holiday this year, the Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa is offering you the chance to enjoy a staycation at its lush property. The resort is an essential part of the Abu Dhabi Golf Club

experience – one of the most luxurious golf resort experiences in the Middle East – and home to the HSBC Golf Championship over the last 10 years.

The prize also includes breakfast and dinner at Fairways.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 72_What’s On

WIN!

A TWO-NIGHT STAY AT THE AWARD-WINNING FAIRMONT BAB AL BAHR To start the New Year on a high note, we’ve teamed up with this stunning five-star property to offer one lucky reader a luxurious weekend stay. As well as two nights, you’ll get to sample the delights of the hotel’s vast brunch,

and enjoy lunch or dinner on the second day at Marco’s Italian.

When you’re not sleeping or eating, be sure to check out the private sandy beach with spectacular views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win What’s On_73

A C T I V E

LAST MINUTE STAYS Winterland Staycation

Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City For a family holiday to remember, book Winterland Family Staycation at Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City.

You’ll get an overnight stay in a superior room, the Friday Winterland brunch, Christmas movies in the pop-up cinema, and a winter breakfast buffet.

It’s priced at Dhs349 per adult and Dhs99 for children aged four to 12 (under fours stay and eat for free). a Grand Plaza Movenpick Media City, from Dhs698 for two adults. Tel: (0) 4 525 7777. @gpmovenpick

THREE TO TRY

A trio of exciting Christmas day dinner and staycation deals

Family Festive Lockdown

Studio One Hotel Stuck in Dubai for the holidays? Studio One Hotel has a special family staycation (two kids, two adults) deal for Dhs599 per night with breakfast.

You can also add-on a festive screening in your own private movie suite for Dhs300, which includes pizza per person, soft drinks, popcorn and festive candy. a Studio One Hotel, from Dhs599 for family of four, valid throughout December.

Tel: (800) 788346. @studioonedxb

Christmas stay and brunch at Toro Toro

Grosvenor House Dubai Award-winning South American restaurant Toro Toro hosts a Christmas Day fiesta with a superb brunch and staycation offer. Enjoy brunch and free-flowing drinks from 1pm to 4pm, then chill by the hotel’s pool while enjoying 25 per cent off additional food and drinks from any of the hotel’s restaurants. Your stay also includes a buffet breakfast at Sloane’s. a Grosvenor House Dubai, form Dhs700 per person, based on double occupancy.

Tel: (0)4 3176000. @grosvenorhouse 74_What’s On

MORE ON WHATSON.AE

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi www.dusit.com/dtad

For reservations, call 02 698 8137 or e-mail reservation.table@dusit.com

This festive season, enjoy a variety of sparkling celebrations created specially for you.