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28
Some
REGULARS
10 YALLA!
The best things to do in Dubai this month
12 THROUGH MY EYES
Kinoya’s chef Neha Mishra shows us what’s cooking in Dubai
74 STAYCATION SPOTLIGHT
We check in and check out Banyan Tree Dubai
Cover and illustration: Sheila Deocareza
39 CONSUME
40 REVIEW
Inside the new Dubai outpost of the “Best Chef in the World”, Street XO
44 LOCAL LEGEND
Rising like a phoenix, beloved institution Dampa is back
52 MERCH
A fit check of Dubai’s most fashionable food spots
61 ACTIVE
64 ALT WELLNESS
An alternative look at holistic wellness in Dubai
63 CHAOS ENGINES
The city’s latest racing experience blends gaming with karting
56 Page 12 40 68
55 CULTURE
56 APRIL’S BIGGEST GIGS
Our guide to this month’s biggest shows, raves and festivals
67 TRAVEL
68 CAPE TOWN
An insider’s guide to South Africa’s prettiest city
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.
What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store. Stay in touch Find us on social
WhatsOnDubai
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
MANAGING PARTNER & GROUP EDITOR Ian Fairservice
CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne
EDITORIAL COMMERCIAL
GROUP EDITOR – WHAT’S ON Alice Holtham alice.holtham@motivate.ae
DEPUTY EDITOR, DUBAI Miles Buckeridge miles.buckeridge@motivate.ae
DEPUTY EDITOR, ABU DHABI Dinesh Ramanathan dinesh.ramanathan@motivate.ae
ONLINE REPORTER Aarti Saundalkar
ONLINE REPORTER Jumira Hancock
ONLINE REPORTER Tamara Wright
JUNIOR REPORTER Shelby Gee
JUNIOR REPORTER Afrah Bari
JUNIOR REPORTER Manaal Fatimah
PUBLISHER David Burke davidb@motivate.ae
GROUP SALES MANAGER Varsha Bhatia varsha@motivate.ae
GROUP SALES MANAGER Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae
REGIONAL MANAGER – ABU DHABI Taran Singh taran.singh@motivate.ae
PRODUCTION
GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar
PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran
PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto
WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi
ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza
CONTRIBUTOR DESIGN
Laura Coughlin
CREATIVE STUDIO
CONTENT PRODUCTION MANAGER Surajit Dutta
CREATIVE CONTENT ARTIST Mark Mathew
CREATIVE CONTENT ARTIST Ahmed Abdelwahab
Bride to Be bundle, The Happy Tribe Dhs595, thehappytribe.ae
I like to know exactly what I’m doing when. I colour code my diary. I dedicate Sunday nights to orgainsing the week ahead. And if an event isn’t in my calendar, it won’t be happening. My life is largely dictated by lists, itineraries, and Google spreadsheets – and that’s exactly how I like it.
The point I’m trying to make here, is that I’m happiest when I’m prepared and organised. But in life, there are some things that are beyond even my control. Like the weather. A point Mother Nature confidently made during our annual What’s On Dubai Awards gala on March 4.
With 1,200 of the entertainment, leisure, and hospitality scene’s brightest lights gathered in the show-stopping setting of Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, we reflected and we celebrated. Then we began crowning winners across 52 categories (which you can discover from p15) that cover everything from top restaurants and star hotels, to the best venues to drink, pamper, and play. But before we could conclude proceedings, an almighty downpour of rain had us ducking for cover. But ever the resilient bunch that they are, our hospitality heroes refused to have their spirits dampened – and the evening ended with an acoustic rendition of Oasis’ Wonderwall by guests and musicians alike who all took shelter on the stage.
It wasn’t the curtain closer we had planned. But it was undeniably memorable. It also meant myself and my colleagues Miles and Tamara could personally deliver the remaining plaques in the days that followed. Getting to spend time with the winners was a wonderful silver lining to that dark rain cloud. And a welcome reminder that not all plans are meant to be followed.
A huge congratulations to all of our winners.
Enjoy the issue,
Woke and Focus, Erba Dhs150, drinkerba.com
Satin bardot mini dress, Oddmuse Dhs840, oddmuse.me
Girls Night Out Essentials, Peach Dhs905, peach.shop
Lucky Gold Canvas, Amelja Art Dhs3,215, amelja.co.uk
One of the best bits of my job is championing wonderful people. And few nights do that better than the What’s On Awards. This year was truly memorable, as it was brought to an abrupt end by an almighty downpour. The silver lining? Visiting the remaining winners and presenting them with plaques personally.
– Alice Holtham, Group EditorWhen I found out about Immersee, the new digital art space in Sustainable City, I couldn’t wait to visit. I loved their short film selection showcasing some eye-opening stories on how we treat the planet. Immersee also offers up a wellness programme, which includes yoga, sound healing and meditation. After a busy week, sound healing sounds like just the ticket. @immersee
– Aarti Saundalkar, Online ReporterCatan Universe is a boardgame where you play as colonists trying to settle an untouched land. You build settlements upgrade them to cities and connect them with roads. It’s a game of trading, deception and strategy. I think my longest rally of games that I played against my boyfriend is about seven games in a row – send help. catanuniverse.com
– Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter
I felt a bit silly pulling up to my graduation ceremony a whole year after leaving university, but I still did it, praying I didn’t trip over anything or anyone during my two seconds on stage. I can finally say I’m a university graduate and I did it with some of the best people in my life by my side.
– Manaal Fatimah, Junior ReporterSpoiling a film by reading the book it’s based on… Mickey 7
The next directorial work from Bong Joon-Ho will be Mickey 17. It’s the adaptation of the sci-fi novel, Mickey7 – syncing its cybernetic teeth into the subject of uploaded consciousness. Mickey is an ‘Expendable’ worker on an ice world colony. Each time he dies, a new clone is spawned with the prior incarnation’s memories. Immortality in purgatory, sweet. amazon.com
– Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, What’s On DubaiEvery time I walk through a mall, those scent kiosk guys pounce on me. Just count the tester strips in my pocket. There are some diamonds though – like Emirates Pride. I’ve tried their Hidden Tobacco and Masters scents. Notes of spice, wood, smoke, and vanilla. Priced slightly on the higher side, but you’re paying for a high-class product. emiratespride.com
– Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi
During the whirlwind of preparations for our annual awards, I found myself with no time to plan an outfit. I wanted to avoid buying yet another new dress that I’ll never wear again.
Enter: Best Kept Shared. With a fit guarantee and a stunning selection of rentable options from Dhs90, the decision was a no-brainer. @bestkeptshared
–
TamaraWright, Online Reporter
When: Throughout April
On April 28, we bid a temporary farewell to Global Village due to summer. This means you have four full weeks of April to get as much shopping done, eat as much as you can from the pavilions and food stalls, and see all the fabulous attractions.
@globalvillagedubai
When: April 13
See over 200 of the top supercars, muscle cars and classics all in one space at the Kandura Rally in Dubai. Be as snap happy as you want, refuel at the food trucks, and partake in games for an extra spot of fun. It’s free to attend.
@kandurarallydubai
When: April 23
The South African DJ returns to Dubai Harbour this month accompanied by German electronic music sensation, &ME. The Grammy Award winner will spin tracks from albums like Home Brewed, Pieces of Me and Subconsciously, while &ME plays innovative mixes such as What To Do Prices start from Dhs150.
@whitedubai
When: April 21
The entrepreneur and thought leader behind The Diary of a CEO podcast is heading to the CocaCola Arena to share his wisdom. Tickets to Steven Bartlett‘s new series, The Business & Life Speaking Tour, start from Dhs250.
@cocacolaarena
When: April 3
Join a suhoor tatreez workshop at Kave at Alserkal Avenue over Ramadan. Eman, the UAE’s first Tatreez instructor, will guide you step-by-step to create the beloved art. No experience needed and it’s all open to people of ages. After, you will enjoy suhoor featuring Palestinian dishes.
@kavepeople
When: April 19 to May 5
Everyone’s favourite dining pop-up, e& Beach Canteen, returns to Jumeirah Beach (behind Sunset Mall) as part of Dubai Food Festival. Besides the endless array of food stalls and trucks, there’s live entertainment and exciting activities. The little ones can play to their heart’s content at the kids zone while you sink your teeth into some top grub.
@dubaieats
When: April 20 and 21
Offset returns to P7 Arena at Media One Hotel for two jam-packed days of Dubai street culture. Get artsy at the graffiti wall, soak up the thrills at the skating area and party to the sounds of live DJs. From Dhs65. Families are welcome.
@offsetdxb
When: April 8
Eid Al Fitr is set to be a long weekend for most of us, and there will be plenty of fun activities from fireworks, staycation deals, and more. Make sure you stay tuned to whatson.ae for the confirmed Eid dates and the best things to do in the city over the long holiday.
When: April 14
Ripe Market is hosting its last community run of the season on April 14 open to athletes of all abilities. The 2.5km or the 5km runs are open to families, and there’s a 10km track for the brave and the reckless. Save some steps to tour the popular weekend bazaar though.
@ripemarket
Each month, we ask residents to share a guide to the UAE through their eyes, from their must-try restaurants and standout attractions, to favourite staycations and hidden gems.This month, we chat to Neha Mishra (@astoryoffood), ramen queen and founder of What’s On’s Restaurant of the Year 2024, Kinoya. Here she shares some of her top spots that you need on your radar.
I love being in nature, outdoors. Qasr Al Sarab is my favouite if you can manage the drive. For a closer experience with a similar feel, it would be The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert in RAK. The Abu Dhabi EDITION is a nice spot if you want to hit some of the must dos in the capital like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Marmellata, etc.
@anantaraqasralsarab, @ritzcarltonalwadidesert, @abudhabiedition
XVA hotel, gallery, and café is one of my favourite most underrated Dubai spots. It’s so serene over there and with a little walk around the creek, you get to see old Dubai and really appreciate the diversity of the city.
@xvagallery
I don’t drink but I really appreciate a good bar. Galaxy Bar for a treat. Mimi Kakushi to appreciate their beautiful bar and watch Manja work his magic. It’s where I’d take my husband for a date night for sure!
@galaxybardxb, @mimikakushi
Kohantei is the most special restaurant in Dubai. It’s unique in its interiors, the food is exceptional, service impeccable, and as someone in the same space cuisine wise, there’s a lot of inspiration to draw from them.
@kohanteidubai
Pekoe in Alserkal is my go-to spot for a coffee or matcha. I also like to see what my friend Keren Ye has been up to with the menu. It’s definitely my comfort spot.
@mypekoe
I only recently discovered The Barn and it is so special. The layout and speciality coffee both shine. As someone who is very process led, I have really come to appreciate coffee and The Barn is a bit of a shrine for coffee lovers.
@thebarnberlin.uae
IAN FAIRSERVICE Managing Partner & Group Editor
“What the awards proved beyond a doubt is that the UAE has a culinary scene that deserves to be recognised as world-class,” I wrote in my editor’s letter in the April 2002 edition of What’s On That issue, our 288th, succeeded the first ever What’s On Awards, which took place in March 2002 at a glittering gala in Dubai Internet City.
Looking back, it’s remarkable to see how much the What’s On Awards has evolved over the 22 years that have followed, while reminding us how much that sentence still rings true. The first awards saw 650 guests in attendance, including our inaugural speaker and guest of honour the late Easa Saleh Al Gurg, former UAE Ambassador to the UK, and trophies given out across 14 restaurant categories. Fast forward to 2024, and we welcomed a 1,200-strong guest list of industry luminaries to the What’s On Dubai Awards at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre last month. To keep pace with the rapidly expanding culinary and events scene in the city, we presented some 52 trophies across a breadth of categories covering restaurants, food concepts, leisure and entertainment.
And while so much may have changed, the core ethos of the What’s On Awards – a people’s choice awards – remains the same. From the beginning, we wanted to ensure that the winners were chosen by the people who spend
their dirhams in these venues week in, week out. This year, that resulted in a record 120,000 votes being cast, a true testament to the authority the awards retain.
We’re also delighted to still be working with so many of our partners that have been with us from the beginning: JA Resorts & Hotels, who each year elevate the fantastic culinary offering; A&E, our brilliant beverage partners who have been keeping our guests hydrated for over two decades; and Jacobsons, who have processed in excess of 2 million votes since the What’s On Awards began.
You can see all the coverage from this year’s event from p15.
Dubai’s leisure, entertainment and dining scene has captured the world’s attention – and for good reason. The pace of its development, the depth of homegrown ingenuity, and its unwavering creative energy, have seen the world’s leading talents flock to our shores. And on March 4, during a glittering awards ceremony that also celebrated What’s On’s landmark 45th anniversary, we put Dubai’s industry luminaries centre stage. The awards saw the city’s finest crowned across a huge 52 categories, recognising everything from the top restaurants to dazzling culinary concepts and show-stopping entertainment.
As always, most of the winning restaurants, hotels, spas, apps, and events were selected by the voting public, who hit the ballot boxes this year in record numbers, casting over 120,000 votes. But there were six awards chosen exclusively by What’s On: Restaurant of the Year, Newcomer of the Year, Chef of the Year, Culinary Experience of the Year, Homegrown Restaurant of the Year, and Sustainable Restaurant of the Year.
We won’t keep you in suspense a moment longer, here are your winners for 2024…
09 Getting papped at the Dream360 video booth 10 Cause for celebration as Bla Bla secure a Highly Commended award for Favourite Concert, Show or Festival for Rewind DXB 11 Guests enjoy the Ooka lounge 12 Everyone’s a cover star at the What’s On photo booth 13 Guests are all smiles as they enjoy a pre-awards drink 14 Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah are jovial after securing a Highly Commended for Favourite Afternoon Tea 15 The grand entrance 16 Glamourous guests strike a pose 17 Joanna Fairservice and Alex Cargopoulos 18 Drinks flow at the bar 19 Team Charlie & Friends celebrate their Highly Commended award for Favourite Breakfast 20 The editorial and commercial teams of What’s On strike a pose at the photo wall 21 Our VIP guests smile for the camera 22 Decadent desserts put on by JA Resorts & Hotels 23 Ooka shisha
32 The Jumeirah team delighted with their win for Nuska Beach 33 Our master of ceremonies, Tom Urquhart 34 Marc El Khoury, Manaal Fatimah, Shelby Gee, Tamara Wright and Jason Bassili 35 Mr Antos CJ and Mrs Sinu Antos 36 Haider and Luma Al Assam 37 Guests star on the cover of What’s On during a fun photobooth moment 38 Aarti Saundalkar signs the What’s On wishes wall 39 Motivate Media Group’s Gopi Krishnan, Omran Naseem, Chaitali Khimji and Anthony Milne 40 It’s a win for Privilee, taking home the trophy for Favourite Lifestyle App 41 Guests enjoy drinks before the ceremony begins 42 The Coffee Club keeps guests caffeinated 43 After the rain came down on the last few awards, Alice Holtham and Tamara Wright of Team What’s On pay a visit to chef Penelope Diaz at Fusion Ceviche to present the award for Favourite Latin American Restaurant
Thanks to our sponsors for working with the team on such a fantastic event
FAVOURITE ALL-DAY DINING RESTAURANT
HuQQabaz Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED Trove
FAVOURITE BRUNCH –À LA CARTE
Boardwalk, Dubai Creek Resort
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Carnival by Trèsind
FAVOURITE ASIAN RESTAURANT
Vietnamese Foodies
HIGHLY COMMENDED
BA Boldly Asian, Fairmont
The Palm
FAVOURITE BRUNCH – BUFFET
Wanderlust Brunch, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED
SoulCaliCool Brunch, Soul Street Dubai, FIVE Jumeirah Village
FAVOURITE INDIAN RESTAURANT
Rohini by Little Miss India
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Zafran Indian Bistro
FAVOURITE BRITISH RESTAURANT
The Croft, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Coterie
FAVOURITE JAPANESE RESTAURANT Kinoya
HIGHLY COMMENDED
KATA, Dubai Mall
FAVOURITE MODERN AMERICAN RESTAURANT Jun’s
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Claw BBQ, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
FAVOURITE LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT
Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Cactus Jacks, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai
FAVOURITE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
La Sirène, Avani+ Palm View Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED Miya
FAVOURITE PET-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT BohoX
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Jones The Grocer, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
FAVOURITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Cucina Dubai, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Carluccio’s, Dubai Marina Mall
FAVOURITE MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT
Zou Zou Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED Bait Maryam
FAVOURITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
Ibn AlBahr
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Wicked Crab
FAVOURITE ATTRACTION
Global Village Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Aura Skypool
FAVOURITE BAR
Amelia
HIGHLY COMMENDED Topgolf Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Goose Island Tap House, FIVE Jumeirah Village
FAVOURITE DAYCATION
Nikki Beach Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Laguna Beach
Taverna & Lounge, Sofitel
Dubai The Palm Resort
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Waldorf
Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
HIGHLY COMMENDED Roberto’s
FAVOURITE CONCERT, SHOW, OR FESTIVAL
All Things Live presents Ed Sheeran
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bohemia at Beach by FIVE
FAVOURITE SPA
Sofitel Spa with L’Occitane, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Anantara Spa, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
FAVOURITE STAYCATION – DUBAI
Atlantis, The Palm
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED
JA The Resort
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Bab Al Shams Spa & Hammam, Bab Al Shams A Rare Finds Desert Resort, Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED REWIND Fest
DXB 2023 at Bla Bla Dubai
FAVOURITE SPORTING EVENT
Emirates Dubai 7s
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Gold Cup, Al Habtoor Polo Resort
FAVOURITE
Longbeach
HIGHLY COMMENDED
InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah
Mina Al Arab Resort & Spa
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island
FAVOURITE AFTERNOON TEA
Mashrabiya Lounge, Fairmont The Palm
HIGHLY COMMENDED
The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED SocialBee, Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah
FAVOURITE BURGER Good Burger
HIGHLY COMMENDED Goose Island Tap House, FIVE Jumeirah Village
HIGHLY COMMENDED Slaw
FAVOURITE ALFRESCO RESTAURANT Nuska Beach, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
HIGHLY COMMENDED Above Eleven, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah
FAVOURITE BUSINESS LUNCH
Eugène Eugène
HIGHLY COMMENDED Salero –Tapas & Bodega, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
FAVOURITE HEALTHY RESTAURANT Feels Juice Bar & Kitchen
HIGHLY COMMENDED Comptoir 102
HIGHLY COMMENDED Fika, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
HIGHLY COMMENDED Sushisamba Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED Tagomago
FAVOURITE BREAKFAST Sirali
HIGHLY COMMENDED Charlie and Friends HIGHLY COMMENDED One Life Kitchen and Café, D3
FAVOURITE CAFÉ
Unwind Café
HIGHLY COMMENDED Blue Box Café HIGHLY COMMENDED Saddle Café
FAVOURITE DESSERT Jun’s
HIGHLY COMMENDED Madeleine Et Marcel HIGHLY COMMENDED Margaux, Jumeirah Mina A Salam
FAVOURITE LIFESTYLE APP Privilee
HIGHLY COMMENDED The Entertainer
HIGHLY COMMENDED Viya Rewards
FAVOURITE PIZZA Motorino Dubai, JA Ocean View Hotel
HIGHLY COMMENDED Monno HIGHLY COMMENDED The Nice Guy
FAVOURITE PUB GRUB
The Duck Hook
HIGHLY COMMENDED Biggles, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai HIGHLY COMMENDED McGettigan’s, Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Science Park
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Maiden Shanghai, FIVE Palm Jumeirah
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Tasca by José Avillez, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai
FAVOURITE ASIAN RESTAURANT
Mekong, Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Asia Asia
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Tong Thai, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
FAVOURITE BRUNCH – BUFFET
London Social Garden, The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Al Qasr Brunch, Jumeirah Al Qasr
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Traiteur Brunch, Park Hyatt Dubai
FAVOURITE BRASSERIE The Maine Land Brasserie
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Couqley French Brasserie
HIGHLY COMMENDED
MINA Brasserie, Four Seasons Hotel DIFC
FAVOURITE FRENCH RESTAURANT
La Cantine du Faubourg
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco, One&Only Royal Mirage
FAVOURITE INDIAN RESTAURANT Trèsind Studio
HIGHLY COMMENDED Odeon
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Little Miss India, Fairmont The Palm
FAVOURITE JAPANESE RESTAURANT Mimi Kakushi
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Akira Back, W Dubai –The Palm
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Varq, Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
HIGHLY COMMENDED UCHI
HIGHLY COMMENDED
La Niña FAVOURITE LATIN AMERICAN RESTAURANT Fusion Ceviche
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Tamoka, The RitzCarlton, Dubai
FAVOURITE MIDDLE EASTERN Ninive
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Al Nafoorah, Jumeirah Al Qasr
HIGHLY COMMENDED HUQQA
FAVOURITE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
The Maine Oyster Bar and Grill, JBR
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Peppercrab, Grand Hyatt Dubai
FAVOURITE ITALIAN RESTAURANT Il Borro
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Sea Fu, Four Seasons
Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach
HIGHLY COMMENDED Ristorante Loren
FAVOURITE MEDITERRANEAN RESTAURANT
Estiatorio Milos Dubai, Atlantis The Royal
HIGHLY COMMENDED Opa
HIGHLY COMMENDED Zenon
FAVOURITE STEAKHOUSE Leña
HIGHLY COMMENDED Porterhouse
Steaks & Grills, Sofitel Dubai
The Palm Resort
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Prime68, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Kinoya
NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR
Chez Wam
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Kelvin Cheung, Jun’s
CULINARY EXPERIENCE OF THE YEAR
Row on 45
HOMEGROWN RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Odeon
SUSTAINABLE RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Lila Wood-Fired Taqueria
Co-founder of Lila Taqueria
What’s your favourite part of running Lila Taqueria?
We feel seen by our community and honoured for something you aren’t really sure the public is noticing. Working with local farmers, fishermen, and independent makers means the world to us. What’s next for you?
We’ve just opened a Mexican café (@lilamolino) in Alserkal Avenue, so be sure to stop by!
Chef and founder of Jun’s
Describe your culinary style in 3 words
Unexpected, dynamic, fluid. When people visit Jun’s, what do you hope is their lasting impression?
There’s no smoke and mirrors here, the goal at Jun’s is that every diner takes a bite and immediately wants more. We want each and every one of our guests to keep returning.
Co-founder of Odeon
What’s your favourite part of running Odeon?
People. Chef Thomas always says “j’aime faire plaisir à mes clients” (I like to please my customers).By that he means the generosity of sharing the best food, products, and service to make guests happy. What should we order?
The Dauphine Raviolis – a quintessential French dish.
Chef and co-owner of Chez Wam
How does it feel to win Newcomer of the Year?
Incredible. It’s validation and appreciation of our hard work and dedication. What one dish should guests order?
I’d have to pick two: the beef tartare and the pickled scallops. both look simple, but a lot of thought goes into these recipes to make them different and original.
Executive Chef of Row on 45
How does it feel to win Culinary Experience of the Year?
We couldn’t be happier having only been open a short period of time. We are extremely grateful for the recognition.
Which of the 17 courses is your favourite?
I love the bafun uni and Norwegian langoustine. But the brioche and chicken fat butter gives me the greatest satisfaction.
General manager of Kinoya
What does it take to stay at the top of your game?
You must be very active and present in all aspects of your business. You can’t expect things to do well magically; you have to live and breathe the business. What’s next for Kinoya?
Whatever it is, we want to grow gradually and organically. We want to grow with purpose.
Your step count is important. There is no debate on this. Not only is it a fantastic, low-impact form of exercise proven to unlock countless health benefits – it also allows us to meditate, to catch up on podcasts, leave feature-length voice notes or just, per chance, to daydream. What can make your walks dramatically more exciting though, is a purpose and itinerary – a stroll with a goal, a wander that’s been pondered, and a hike with a mic drop. These are the best DIY walking tours in the UAE.
Approx time to complete: 4 hours
Don’t Miss:
Leqaimat at the Arabian Tea House
Effort Level:
Best for: Visiting relatives
Dubai is a city of the future. Its skyline a visual metaphor for Hollywood canvases of Tomorrowland. Here skyscrapers sprout from the sand like desert wildflowers, it’s a churning territory of ceaseless flare and flux, of applied technology, of record-breaking world firsts, built on the sound foundations of a dare-to-dream philosophy. But there are still places where you can snatch glimpses of the past life of this grand, increasingly cybernetic, metropolis. Allow us to take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of old Dubai, we’ll show you some things, that will maybe blow your mind.
Our expedition begins at the Creekside leisure community of Al Seef. Use the Canopy by Hilton as your launch pad for a scenic stroll along the waterfront. Breeze past the modern restaurants and bobbing dhows, and you’ll notice the aesthetic style of the buildings slowly slip from new and shiny to rustic and old timey. It’s all recently built, but the architectural fashioning deliberately calls back to the storied past of Dubai’s early settlements. You’ll find, amongst the faux-mud-and-stone facades, what looks like the world’s oldest Starbucks, Emirati culinary kingpin Al Fanar, and a Museum of Illusions (entrance is Dhs80 for adults) – a worthwhile brain-befuddling, enfant-entertaining pit stop.
Take a few more steps, and you’re in the enchanting embrace of the Al Fahidi Historical District – explore its traditional alleyways, galleries and museums. We recommend refreshments to be taken in the courtyard of the XVA Art Hotel, an underrated cultural gem, or the legendary Arabian Tea House. Homages to heritage, these spaces really paint the most poetic sort of whimsy on their walls and across their menus. Al Fahidi Fort houses The Dubai Museum (currently closed for renovation) and, with a birth date of 1787, represents the oldest building in Dubai.
Afterwards, smart sojourners take an abra ride over the Creek (Dhs2) to explore the souk district. Arriving into the Old Souq Marine Station – egress immediately confronts you with stalls and stores offering fragrant spices, glinting gold and assorted flashing, beeping, shrieking trinkets – it’s a genuine safari of the senses. All that promenading got you peckish? Al Bait Al Qadeem is a classic Middle Eastern restaurant within easy snacking distance, get the meat majboos for a fitting locally-inspired curtain close on a day of cultural appreciation.
Sharjah might not be top of everyone’s list for weekend exploration, but allow us to expat-splain one of many reasons it should be. Khorfakkan – found along the picturesque eastern coast of the emirate –offers up a collection of attractions that blend culture and nature, alongside a dusting of artisanal farm-tomouth grandeur. Like many of the UAE’s outdoorsy hot spots, trail-treading (along with biking and horse galloping) is chief amongst the recommended activities, but if you’re on a family outing and little feet get too tired you could always head to the beach.
The Rabi Trail is a gentle entry-level hike, which means that a) those pointy ski pole things are entirely optional; b) no Sherpas or altitude training is required to participate, and most importantly; c) it’s accessible for debutants and children, but parents will already know they’ll be on the shoulders before the second kilometre kicks in. This walk begins at Al Rabi Tower, built in 1914 to watch over Khorfakkan, and takes you through the rugged hillscape of the Hajar Mountains. It’s a 5.3km marked trail with a roughly 300 metre ascent which should, excluding snack breaks and tantrums, take you around two-to-three hours. Your end goal is the Al Rabi flag pole – perfect for a quick selfie and making sure your social media followers feel guilty about their own Sunday morning choices.
If you’ve still got steps to spare, Khorfakkan has plenty more ways to help you spend them scenically. No visit to the Sharjah coastal gem would be complete without completely candid, absolutely not posed,
pictures by the waterfall, and nearby amphitheatre. There’s more historical sight-seeing available at the Portuguese Fort (a 400 years old relic from a European invasion); exploring the vibrant stalls of Souk Sharq; and a visit to the 200-year-old Salem Al Mutawa Mosque. Just a 30 minute drive from the heart of Khorfakkan, the trek-hungry can explore Al Rafisa Dam (which has its own hiking trail), the quaint mountainside village of Najd Al Maqr complete with restored fortress, and Shees Park – with waterfalls and yet more routes for regional rambling. For chews with a view, we recommend snack stops at The View by Wave (located at Al Rabi Tower), street food at the souk or a farewell from the elevated perch of Cloud lounge, at the Al Suhub Rest House (but it’s 600m up in the mountains, so after all that walking, take a car).
Approx time to
complete: 2.5 hours
Don’t Miss: The waterfall
Effort Level:
Best for: Fresh air
Approx time to complete: 6 hours
Don’t Miss: The gym the day after
Effort Level: Best for: Foodies
Balance is important in life, and if your metabolism is stoking a walk-fuelled calorie bonfire, well – you’ve earned the right to a few edible indulgences, haven’t you? Sure, by the end, the walk may be more of a waddle, but that’s ok, we’re all in it together. While Dubai has more than its fair share of fancy diners, it’s those accessibly priced, full of flavour street eats that we’re currently craving. So join us, as we go on an Asian flavours tour into the juicier cuts of Satwa.
The savour safari begins at, where all good stories should, a roundabout. Satwa Roundabout to be precise. And the only way to open your street food account in Satwa is with the Dubai institution that is, Ravi Restaurant. Best enjoyed from a Karachi tapas angle – with sharing portions of authentic chicken tikka, kebabs, lamb chops, biryani, daal, and mutton kadai. Freshly baked naan and roti should be subbed in for cutlery.
But you’ll need to peel yourself out of your seat at some point because we’ve got plenty more to see (/eat). Head east along Al Diyafah Street (towards The H Hotel), soaking up the vibrant street life and shop fronts that make Satwa a people watching paradise. Your next stop is Pars Iranian Kitchen for a true taste of traditional Persian dishes. Indulge in their famously fragrant kebabs, delicate mounds of saffron rice, and hearty stews like ghormeh sabzi and gheimeh bademjan.
We’re switching gears now, and exploring another titan of Asian cuisine at the aromatic Filipino Market centred around Al Hudaiba Road. Set your Snack
Nav for a visit to Bilaot Restaurant and prepare for an edible TedTalk on the finer points of Pinoy cuisine. There’s a strong range of seafood, sharing platters, street food, and island staples such as adobo, sisig and breaded milkfish. If you’re waving a white flag already, a leche flan here is a respectable way to call it a day, but for those that are brave of heart and led by stomach, we have a special treat for the grand finalé.
Our saga draws to a close with a degustation detour for a choice between two of the region’s most acutely adored sweet treats, baklava and kunafa. And when in Satwa, it has to be Firas Sweets (next to AlBaik on Al Diyafah Street). Get a fresh slap of the gooey, crunchy, nut stuff and enjoy it with Arabian coffee. Then head home, because it’s probably well past your bedtime, and you’ve got some treadmill miles to rack up tomorrow.
The idea of a cultural walk in the UAE capital would generally take your mind to one place – Saadiyat island. While there are other landmarks carrying a rich historical and cultural footprint, when you’re on foot, you generally want to try and get in the most value for your time – and steps. Descend on stupendous Saadiyat Island, which carries the past, present and undoubtedly the future of Abu Dhabi’s cultural legacy.
Manarat Al Saadiyat is Saadiyat Island’s cultural and community events centre, where visitors converge to attend exhibitions, learn from established names and exchange ideas. Begin your walking tour of these culture-drenched streets here and discover the home of one of Abu Dhabi’s most-renowned cultural extravaganzas, Abu Dhabi Art, as well as an outdoor events terrace and facilities such as a photography studio and an outdoor events terrace. Manarat Al Saadiyat regularly hosts workshops, conferences, classes, productions, and talks, and is one of the capital’s leading visitor centres throughout the year, 15 years since its opening.
Then head right next door, and take a tour of the Abu Dhabi iteration of the global musical supremo, the Berkelee College of Music. Offering world-class educational experiences through workshops, labs and in-depth sessions led by world-renowned artists and instructors, the 42,000-square foot education centre is equipped with a recording studio, a multimedia lab and performance spaces. These spaces host artist from around the world, as well as in-house talent in students.
Since you’re in the area, don’t miss the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation. Mere steps away, the site showcases minimalist architecture that complements neighbouring cultural landmarks with beautiful sculptures around the building. Make sure to try and catch a glimpse at night.
To conclude this cultural stroll, make your way to Louvre Abu Dhabi, an attraction that’s perennially at the top of culture vulture’s bucket lists, via a 30-minute route that passes the beautiful Abrahamic Family House and rising Zayed National Museum. France’s largest cultural project abroad, and the largest art museum in the Arabian Peninsula, headlines ambitious plans to turn Saadiyat Island into a hub for world-class cultural assets. Right outside, the beautiful, green Louvre Park offers you a spot to take a breather amid your walking tour, and the opportunity to fuel up on one of the capital’s juciest burgers at Salt Camp. Fancy seeing the Louvre Abu Dhabi in a whole new light? Take an electric catamaran ride around the structural masterpiece.
Approx time to complete: 3 hours
Don’t Miss: The roof of the new Zayed National Museum
Effort Level:
Best for: Culture vultures
If you’re in Ras Al Khaimah, you’re automatically thinking survival camps, Jebel Jais, rocky terrain and adventure sports. You could dabble in numerous activities on the mighty Jebel Jais, or just do a stroll of the old town. This time, we’re going to take you on a walking, no, a hiking tour of peaks, caves and more that you can explore in Ras Al Khaimah. Physically demanding, but worth the trek.
Head over to Ras Al Khaimah’s oldest fish market and get introduced to the day’s fresh catch. Haggle for a great deal. It’s open seven days a week, from noon to 10.30pm. Commonly known as the evening fish market, the market has also undergone several renovations that have included the addition of stalls and counters selling salted fish, a firm local favourite.
Swing by the relatively modest gold souk in the emirate’s old town area, enjoy the fine craftsmanship on offer and possibly walk away with a bargain and some precious metal.
Assuming your pockets aren’t lined with gold, a short walk away from Mairid lies the Al Hamra Public Beach. Enjoy endless views of the beautiful coastline, and whether you choose to camp on the soft sand or enjoy a picnic, this is a great spot since it isn’t generally crowded. Stroll around, collect seashells and absorb the simple joys of nature. Fancy a dip? The sea’s the limit.
Back in the city, you’ll want to stop at the Pearl Roundabout for a quick photo opp. Surrounded by greens and a useful marker if you’re new to the city, the sculpture comprises two identical oysters showcasing a pearl and is indicative of one of the earliest economic drivers of the country and the region.
Approx time to complete: 3 hours
Don’t Miss: Picnic on the beach
Effort Level:
Best for: Adventure
Firmly positioned as a home of exhilarating motorsports action, Abu Dhabi is set to welcome the arrival of an exciting new Autonomous Racing League, A2RL, this month. The inaugural race will bring a thrilling need for speed to the capital’s iconic Yas Marina Circuit on Saturday April 27.
Touted as the largest autonomous racing league in the world, the A2RL will bring together cutting-edge technology and science-led sporting skills for a showcase of autonomous car races, drone races, and dune buggy races. With a cool prize pool of Dhs8.26 million, eight elite teams will descend on the UAE capital, with the finest in their fields set to battle it out at the inaugural event. The expert teams competing will come from: Beijing Institute of Technology and Khalifa University (China and UAE), Code19 Racing and Indiana University (USA), Constructor University (Switzerland & Singapore), Hungarian Mobility Development Agency (Hungary), Kinetiz & Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Politecnico di Milano (Italy), Technical University of Munich (Germany) and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy).
Heralding a new era of extreme sports and entertainment, the hybrid mix of virtual and real-life experiences will offer a glimpse into the future of AI and sports, and see competitors partake in a variety of gripping challenges as they race for victory. Each team will race their state-of-the-art autonomised
Dallara Super Formula, SF23, racecar. But the major USP here will be that none of the racecars will have a driver. Instead, a team of highly skilled engineers, programmers, and scientists will be putting their algorithms to the ultimate test to become the first ever A2RL champion. So this isn’t just about speed, it’s about intelligent, strategic racing.
This unique experience promises to be a thrilling day out. The event is freeto-attend, but you’ll need to pre-register to secure your ticket.
Doors open from 4pm, with fun activities in the fan zone including racing simulators, an AI museum, karting and DJ Andre Soueid on the decks. The race is scheduled for 5.30pm, with festivities continuing until 11pm. If you can’t make it, the race will be live streamed on A2RL’s App, YouTube and Twitch channels. a2rl.io
Each car has been specially prepared for A2RL, and the cutting-edge marvel of motorsport mastery has an array of modifications, including its ability to sense its environment. This speed star – the fastest open wheel race car in the world after Formula One - promises to create some epic on-track action, thanks to its ability to reach blistering speeds. A futuristic model of four-wheeled action, it boasts advanced breaking capabilities, a custom-build autonomous stack, and drive-by-wire throttle control. But while the cars are provided with a basic level of autonomy, it is up to the teams to optimise, refine, and outperform one another in the collection of highly competitive challenges, through adapting and curating their software algorithms.
An Englishman, Indian and Canadian walk into a bar. “Well this isn’t going to work” said the landlord, “you’re supposed to be at the Dubai Opera, hurry up you’re on in five”. Look, I’m absolutely butchering this joke, but I promise the punchline is a grade-A medical emergency, side-splitting, stop-I-can’t-breathe zinger.
And here it is: the Dubai Comedy Festival is back for another 10-day laugh riot of internationally-sourced LMFAOsmiths, primed to spit chucklesome bars, shame hecklers into repentative silence, and send crowds into messy fits of stitches.
Taking place between April 10 and 21, the festival invites a stampede of stand-ups to tread the boards of the Dubai Opera, with shows priced from Dhs105 to Dhs250 (available to book on Platinumlist). Reflecting the city’s own multicultural mix, the acts make up a United Nations of career LOL-iticians, with representation from such comic superpowers as the UK, Morocco, The US, India, and Canada. If you’re a fan, you’ve probably already booked to see your favourites, but what will sway the vote for the rest of you? A single pledge funny-festo perhaps? We’re introducing each of the headline acts with (what we think is) their best recent (publishable) joke.
12 APRIL
Katherine Ryan
When: Friday, April 12
Bio: Just because this Canadianborn queen of the UK panel circuit is probably best known for her TV presence, doesn’t mean she’s gone soft on stand-up. In addition to sell-out live tours, she’s also sitting on a pair of high-charting Netflix specials.
Best PG Joke: “I’ve lived in England now for 10 years with my lovely daughter. I love having a British child. It’s like having a tiny and ineffective butler at home.”
16 APRIL
When: Tuesday, April 16
Bio: Murray’s main character – The Pub Landlord is one of the finest (and longest-running, with 30 years behind the figurative bar and counting) agents of British satire ever created. It’s essentially a vehicle to send up ‘little England’ conservatism, with (remember it’s satire) swipes at casual xenophobia and, ahem, the Germans in particular.
Best PG Joke: “We need a war every 10 years, so we can stay match-fit in case the Germans try again.”
14 APRIL
15 APRIL
When: Monday, April 15
Bio: Holder of an MBE, beloved British chat show host, co-creator of England’s second national anthem, writer, radio broadcaster, TV personality and one of West Brom’s finest exports – Frank Skinner is a UK comedy institution.
Best PG Joke: “You can spend your whole life trying to be popular, but at the end of the day, the size of the crowd at your funeral will be largely dictated by the weather.”
When: Sunday, April 14
Bio: With albums, skits, stand-up specials and more than 1,000 live shows under his belt – this isn’t the legendary Indian comic’s first UAE rodeo, and it will almost certainly won’t be his last.
Best PG Joke: “Guys are super emotional around their girlfriends, ‘can we hold hands baby, can we do that finger thing?’ And then their guy friends come and it’s “bro this Neha is so clingy bro”.
When: Friday, April 12
Bio: One for the Francophones (the show’s main language will be French) – Elmaleh is a MoroccanCanadian actor and stand-up comedian extraordinaire. Like many of the others on this list, he too has a Netflix show, but his most impressive flex is the fact he has 41 movie credits to his name. Très impressionnant
Best PG Joke: On his struggles with texting in America “I said, ‘Let’s go out for a drink.’ She said ‘I’m down.’ I said ‘All right, so let’s do it next time.’ She said ‘why?’ I said ‘cause you’re depressed.’ She said ‘No, I’m down means I’m up for it!’ I said ‘So you wanna go out then?’ She said ‘I’m in.”
APRIL
When: Friday, April 19
APRIL
When: Wednesday, April 17
Bio: Palestinian-American Amer Zahr has chosen the Dubai Comedy Festival for his grand giggle-packed gig return to the UAE. He’s no stranger to funny fests either, having founded the 1001 Laughs Dearborn Comedy Festival in the US. As a politically active individual with a razor-sharp analytical mind, expect to do some social pondering alongside the laughing.
Best PG Joke: “Yemeni people are my favourite people, all my neighbourhood is Yemeni, you go find a six-year-old kid in my neighbourhood and say ‘what’s your name?’ He’ll say Abdul Hakim Al Muntasir Al Multasim Al Harith Al Mansour Al Yemeni. He’s gonna be very proud of his culture, he’s never gonna get a good job but, he will be the proudest cashier in all of Detroit.”
Bio: A master of modern observational comedy, Gilligan is one of the brightest lights in the new generation of British stand-ups. He’s anchored his own Channel 4 show, co-hosted The Big Narstie Show, is a judge on The Masked Dancer UK, and counts Canadian rapper Drake amongst his legion of fans.
Best PG Joke: “Retail managers can’t decide whether they want to be your friend or your enemy, they’ll make up things that are not in the shop floor protocol... me and Dwayne will be talking about what we’re going to do when we get paid, we’re having a little chat, there’s nobody in the shop, we’re folding up t-shirts, then the manager comes over, he’s seen there’s fun happening ‘uh uh uh, ok lets break this up, Mo can you do me a favour? Could you just stand in the window and wave at customers?”
When: Tuesday, April 16
Bio: After gaining notoriety on MTV’s Guy Code, this American funnyman went on a serial podcasting spree and has a pair of hour-long Netflix specials on his resume, his stand-up credentials are also firmly in check. A safe pair of hands on the live comedy wheel. Best PG Joke: “I know I have a gym trainer haircut, beer pong champion, I know what I am. But it used to be worse, I used to have a fauxhawk – a little Tony Hawk aerodynamic thing, but then I watched The Great Gatsby and saw Leo DiCaprio and immediately combed it over. I will never let go Leo. I will never let go.”
APRIL
You can book tickets for all Dubai Comedy Festival shows now at platinumlist.net from Dhs105
Saturday from 12PM - 5PM
Sunday from 1PM - 6PM
For the unacquainted, StreetXO is the brainchild of culinary virtuoso, Chef Dabiz Muñoz. Renowned for his illustrious Madrid establishment, DiverXO, which boasts three Michelin Stars, Muñoz has been heralded as the Best Chef in the World by the Best Chef Awards for three consecutive years. His newest culinary canvas, situated on the 4th floor of the chic One&Only One Za’abeel, offers a more casual and accessible dining experience compared to its elusive Madrid counterpart.
The spacious restaurant is a punk-rocker’s paradise – a riot of chaos and surprisespread across a single floor. It features a standout bar, adorned with neon lights proclaiming ‘candy is dandy but liquor is quicker’, an impressive and inviting open kitchen; a main dining area featuring suspended tables and whimsical acrobatic sculptures; as well as an outdoor terrace with its own bar.
Chef Muñoz’s creative expression is evident in all aspects, not just with the menu but with the design, the music, and the cocktails. Take a seat at one of the coveted spots at the kitchen counter, order a spicy margarita (Dhs80), and get ready
to witness the culinary magic unfold before your eyes. We shared a selection of starters so we could experience a range of the avant-garde dishes. The sweet and sour Hamachi tiradito (Dhs125) is a perfect way to start the meal, with thin slices of Hamachi bathed in a passion fruit leche de tigre balanced with a spicy Peruvian mojo. With each bite, the textures, flavours, and heat intensified, making it a truly memorable dish.
The taco de pulpo (Dhs75) is another must-try. From the rich buttery notes of the morita mole to the juicy freshness of the tree tomato gazpacho, the salty kick of Parmesan cheese, and the Robata-grilled octopus, every element worked in perfect harmony.
Not all the wacky creations hit the mark, though. The paella with chicken (Dhs150) disappointed with an overpowering richness of black garlic, saffron, and excessive caviar. Instead, order the wonton kebab (Dhs90): a soulsatisfying, warm, deep-fried lamb wonton served with corn ribs on a bed of mint yogurt cream and drizzled with sweet and sour sauce exemplifies Muñoz’s creativity and ability to combine flavours.
You might not love every single thing you try but you will love the fun and inimitable dishes, the chefs, the infectious vibe, the enthusiastic service, and one of the best cocktail menus in the city.
One of the most memorable parts of our StreetXO dining experience was the interaction with the chefs, with the opportunity to meet a different chef with every course. As the night progresses, the fun RNB soundtrack gets louder but never distracts us from the stars of the show: the food and drinks. On that note, we order another cocktail, this time we try the ceviche sour (Dhs95), tequila-based ‘liquid ceviche’ with red onion and coriander cordial and served with a crispy salmon skin. It may sound fishy but it’s oh so delicious.
Just when we thought we couldn’t eat anymore, our eyes make room for the Fluido dessert (Dhs75). I’d go back solely to eat this again. A warm white chocolate and egg yolk lava cake with Tom Cha ice cream and coconut crumble transports us back to our childhood and polishes off the evening in the most magical way.
StreetXO, Level 4, One&Only One Za’abeel, daily 6pm to 12am. Tel: (0)4 666 1617. streetxo.com
Words: Laura Coughlin
April 19 to May 12 is dedicated to eating your way around the city. Bellies at the ready…
et set for a culinary adventure as the Dubai Food Festival, returns this month. This taste carnival is your ticket to explore Dubai’s diverse food landscape, offering everything from luxurious dining to authentic local eats. Here’s everything you need to know…
A foodie event within an event, this Inception-style gastronomic spectacular takes place from April 26 to May 12 where diners get to enjoy curated set menus for lunch at Dhs125 or dinner at Dhs250 at some of the city’s premier restaurants. With a selection of 50 popular dining outlets, this 17-day event offers delectable dishes at affordable prices. Visit whatson.ae for a full list of participating restaurants.
Explore masterclasses, four-hands dinners, cool collaborations, and chefs’ tables. Each week focuses on different themes, ensuring a diverse exploration of high-quality activations catering to all tastes. The first week celebrates finedining; week two focuses on family; and week three will be aimed at couples and friends.
Embark on a foodie tour across Dubai with the ‘10 Dirham Dish’, offering gourmet delights at just Dhs10. Experience the deliciously affordable side of Dubai’s gourmet scene as you discover the city’s diverse culinary landscape one dish at a time. This returning favourite feature of Dubai Food Festival invites foodies to explore hidden gems and bustling streets, creating a culinary adventure where flavour meets value.
Finally, the best of the bunch, don’t miss the beloved e& Beach Canteen, Dubai’s signature beachside pop-up, from April 19 to May 5. Located just behind Sunset Mall at Jumeirah Beach, this family-friendly dining zone showcases new homegrown concepts. Enjoy an amazing line-up of diverse dining options, live entertainment, panel discussions, and engaging activities for 17 days of non-stop food, fun, and fiesta. Participating vendors will be announced early April so check back on whatson.ae for more.
April 19 to May 12 vsitdubai.com
Here’s a look at some of our favourite Dubai Food Festival events over the years…
Back in 2016, a dozen journalists and food bloggers were invited to a dinner with a difference – a three-course meal in a glass-walled shipping container designed to look like a billboard for the Dubai Food Festival. Where? Just off Sheikh Zayed Road. What’s On was there, treated to a fantastic dinner courtesy of British restaurant chain The Ivy, as cars stopped and stared.
Everyone’s got that one (annoying) friend who takes loads of photos of their food before anyone can dig in. But last year’s festival celebrated those very people by launching a competition with Gulf Photo Plus to find the best picture that captured the city’s varied eateries and culinary experiences. And it was this brilliant picture by Maya Mohan featuring kebabs grilling in the desert (left) that won first place with a cash prize of Dhs10,000.
In 2015, The Dubai Food Festival organisers launched a series of brilliant mystery dining tours across the city. Participants bought a ticket without knowing where they’d be going or what they’d be eating. The tour for three lucky couples? A limo pick-up, dinner spread across three of the (then) best restaurants in Dubai with helicopter transfers between each course. DFF, bring this back!
It’s a weeknight but Dampa Seafood Grill is packed. Eric, the operations manager at the Deira outpost, tells me this is a slow evening and that’s really everything you need to know about the spot’s legendary status in Dubai’s food community.
“We don’t call it a restaurant in here,” says Eric. “We call it the happy place.”
Scanning around, you’d never have guessed that this beloved beacon of Filipino cuisine had experienced a truly devastating event just months ago. In August of 2023, a fire broke out at the location, tearing through the restaurant and forcing it to close its doors temporarily. The situation was bleak, but the team managed to make it through the whole ordeal, retaining their optimism, and all their staff, many of them like family now.
Fast forward six months and Dampa Seafood Grill has returned, along with the
crowds. Tonight, we’re seated outside as the weather is perfect; the ambiance of the outdoor area says ‘wholesome neighbourhood eatery’ with the lines of fairy lights drawn over our heads, the neon hoarding and simple furniture.
Naturally, we’re eager to sample their most popular offering – the seafood bucket. Justin Alvarez, of Dampa’s marketing team, tells us that the concept of a table dump and the communal eating experience comes from the military men of the Philippines.
“It’s called a boodle fight and it’s the militant way of eating in the Philippines,” he explains. “Soldiers just dump everything onto one table and all attack it together. We have gloves but of course they just use their bare hands.”
Our seafood selection, marinated in their bestseller spicy and slightly sweet cajun sauce is every bit as lip-smackingly flavourful as you might imagine. The mix – jumbo prawns, that are so fresh, they’re almost creamy, crab that melts in your mouth, clams that you can eat an endless amount of and mussels that are chewy, spicy and just delightful – comes with unlimited white rice, corn and two litres of mocktails with pop culture references and names like ‘Justin Bieber’ and ‘We Love You Long Time’. UnBeliebably good value.
The whole affair is priced at Dhs174 and will feed two to three hungry diners. A bang for your buck, if we’ve ever seen one. We’re also served some grilled squid (Dhs42) and baked mussels (Dhs43), both flavourful and hearty.
It’s a humbling feeling in the best way possible, eating with our hands and sharing from one plate, essentially. And all the diners around us, many not Filipino, are doing the same, and that right there is the power of culture – we all bow down in the presence of it.
Dampa Seafood Grill, Port Saeed, daily 1pm to 11.30pm.
@dampaseafoodgrill
Words: Tamara Wright
Host the celebration of dreams with these expert tips and editor-approved pieces you need for a magical Eid tablescape…
01 House of Flair, olive wood cutlery set of 24, Dhs1,700, houseofflair.com
02 House of Flair, hobnail jug 2l, Dhs490, houseofflair.com
03 By Lèa Sfeir, moon/star serving plates, set of 2, Dhs319, byleasfeir. com
04 Shenouk, buffy tablecloth in sage, Dhs400, shenouk.com
05 Anthropologie, cut glass candleholder, Dhs169 each, azadea. com
06 Laetitia Rouget, Jose Dot candle holder, Dhs1,100, thatconceptstore. com
07 Cole and Cinder, silk vase, Dhs709, coleandcinder.com
08 House of Flair, confetti tumbler set of 6, Dhs660, houseofflair.com
09 Mercedes Salazar, bread basket, Dhs340, thatconceptstore.com
10 Anthropologie Hamsa collection, from Dhs80, @anthropologie_arabia
11 By Lèa Sfeir, Khanum set of 5 blown glass vases, Dhs556, byleasfeir.com
12 Goshá Flowers, Jamboree centrepiece, from Dhs450, goshaflowers.com
Table designer and founder of the fashionable homeware brand By Léa Sfeir, Léa shares her secrets to a chic dinner table this Eid:
01 Elevate your table with a few pieces that hold sentimental value or have a story behind them (an object dear to you, something from your travels, etc);
02 Play with different heights and sizes of your table decor if you’re indecisive of how to set up your table. Mixing and matching big, medium, and small vases and candles will always look nice;
03 It’s Eid! A little gift in front of everyone’s plate will be so appreciated even a small chocolate wrapped with a flower.
I’m not saying that Saturday buffet brunches are dead. In fact, they will always hold a nostalgic place in my heart. But if you tell me that I have the chance to enjoy a lazy Sunday brunch by the pool – this is an opportunity I won’t ever say no to. Mare by Bussola is a stunning poolside restaurant and bar that is quite possibly one of my new favourite spots in Dubai.
Walking into The Westin Dubai
Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina always feels like you’re going on your first holiday to Dubai. Wandering down the winding path to Mare By Bussola restaurant has the same feeling as when you’ve spent the day lounging by the pool and it’s time to enjoy an immaculate meal – and immaculate it was.
Our welcome drink, a gin fizz with herby garnish, pairs perfectly with the rosemary and sea salt focaccia. The waiter kindly hands over the menus and tells us that the cold and hot items will all come in as sharing-style and that we can choose
a pizzette. When the cold dishes arrive, the first item we jump at is the freshly shucked oysters served with a passion fruit and mango mignonette. The tartness and sweet tang lift the flavour of the oyster in such an unexpected way.
Stand-out dishes on the hot menu? The cacio e pepe tortellini and the guida style fried artichoke with pecorino foam. Ready for a dip in the pool, we leave the coastal vibes of the restaurant to lounge poolside, drink in hand.
As if our timing was cosmic, we leave the pool and head back to our table and the pizzette arrives just as we do. Nibbling away at the perfect tomato-sauced base topped with buffalo mozzarella
and fresh tomatoes with the sun warmly hovering overhead, the drinks continue to go down a refreshing treat. After a while, it’s time for another soak in the sun and the pool. The afternoon rounding to its sad, but natural conclusion – although there’s always space for desserts – the cannoli are my all-time favourite, and the strawberry and coconut sorbets bring us back to childhood, sat with wet hair at the table enjoying the perfect scoop.
Mare by Bussola, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Sundays, 1pm to 4.30pm, pool passes from 11am, Dhs350 soft, Dhs450 bubbles, Dhs580 premium.
@marebybussola
A wholesome way to spend your Sunday in the sun.
Whether you’re sat poolside or in the restaurant, the calm, coastal vibes are nourishing.
Words: Tamara Wright
Dish: Chicken Musakhan (National dish of Palestine)
Serving size: 4 people
Preparation time: 90 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken stock:
1 chicken, cut into 4 pieces with skin and bone
4 bay leaves
5 whole cardamom
1 cinnamon stick
1 onion, quartered
4 whole cloves
1 tsp salt
2 cups water
Chicken rub:
1 ¾ tsp salt
½ tbsp ground allspice
½ tsp ground nutmeg
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp Palestinian sumac
¼ cup water
¼ cup Palestinian olive oil
Onions:
750 gms chopped onions
3/4 cup Palestinian olive oil
½ tsp ground black pepper
½ tsp ground cumin
1 tsp salt
1 ½ cup chicken broth
4 tbsp Palestinian sumac
To assemble:
2 Palestinian taboon bread, quartered
Fried almonds and pine nuts
Method
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 180℃
Step 2: Place the chicken into a deep pot. Add boiling water and the chicken stock ingredients, and boil for 15 minutes with the lid on – make sure the
chicken is covered in water. Skim off the surface of the liquid.
Step 3: Take the chicken out of the pot, place in an oven proof tray and add the spice rub onto the chicken – spread it evenly. Add the water and oil and place in the oven for 45 minutes.
Step 4: Meanwhile, place the onions in a large pot. Add the oil and spices, and cook the onions for about 20 minutes on a medium heat. Keep stirring the onions to make sure they don’t stick at the bottom of the pot. Then add the sumac and chicken broth and continue to cook for another 20 minutes – until the onions are tender and the liquid has reduced by a quarter.
Step 5: Fry the almonds and pine nuts in olive oil until golden.
Step 6: To assemble, you’ll need to: Take the taboon bread, dip it fully into
the onion pot to allow it to be coated on both sides. Place the bread on a round baking tray. Add a layer of onions on top of the bread and then sprinkle some fresh sumac. Keep layering until all the bread is finished. Add the chicken on top as the last layer and pop the tray in the oven on broil for about 10 minutes. Top with the fried nuts and serve with plain yoghurt.
“GROWING UP, MUSAKHAN WAS A DISH THAT BROUGHT MY WHOLE FAMILY TOGETHER”
Dish: Kaak Bi Tamer (Eid cookies/maamoul)
Ingredients
Cookie dough:
1kg flour
100g sugar
40g anise
10g black sesame
50g white sesame
3g salt
2g mahleb
2g yeast
180g butter
180g olive oil
180g sunflower oil
270g water
Date paste:
1kg dates
30g ghee
5g cinnamon
1g anise
Method
Step 1: Preheat oven to 180°C. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a food processor, grind together the sugar and anise.
Step 3: Toast the white sesame slightly.
Step 3: In a bowl, add the flour, white & black sesame, yeast, salt, mahlab, olive oil and mix well.
Step 4: Start adding the water gradually and mix well until well combined and dough is formed.
Step 5: (Date paste): Combine all ingredients in food processor and mix until a smooth paste forms.
Step 6: For every 1kg of date paste, add 5g of cinnamon, 1g of anise and 30g of ghee.
Step 7: Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.
“THE SMELL OF FRESH MAAMOUL COMING OUT OF THE OVEN REMINDS US OF HOME WHEN ALL THE FAMILIES GATHER AT THE END OF RAMADAN TO BAKE COOKIES TOGETHER”
RECIPE 3:
Khalid Walid, Khalid Eats
Dish: Stuffed vine leaves and koosa
Ingredients
500g vine leaves
3kg koosa or marrow
2kg lamb chops
2kg tomato
3 cups bone broth
1/2 cup lemon juice
3 tbs ghee
2 tsp salt
2 tsp all spice powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp black pepper
For the stuffing
2 cups Egyptian rice
500g minced lamb
1/4 cup ghee
1/2 cup bone broth
2tsp all spice powder
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
3 tsp salt
Method
“IT TAKES HOURS OF LOVE AND LABOUR, BUT SEEING PEOPLE DEVOUR IT MAKES IT WORTH IT”
Step 1: Soak Egyptian rice for at least an hour, keep changing the water until it’s clear, strain very well.
Step 2: Add the rest of the stuffing ingredients to the strained rice, mix gently and set aside (the mixture should be moist and fall apart, add more broth if dense).
Step 3: Stuff the koosa and the vine leaves and set aside.
Step 4: Rub the lamb chops with the spices and sear on both sides with ghee.
Step 5: In a large pot, lay discs of tomato, then the seared lamb chops, koosa and vine leaves.
Step 6: Lay a plate on the koosa to weigh it down, then add hot broth to the pot, submerging 70 per cent of the pot.
Step 7: Allow the broth to come to a boil, which should take around 30 mins. Then reduce the heat to low and slow cook for 4-5 hours.
Step 8: After 4 hours, taste the broth and add the lemon juice. Season to taste.
Step 9: Flip the pot into a large serving plate and enjoy.
If you’ve got a soft spot for this Alserkal stalwart, these stonewash tees should be right up your caffeinated street. While the front keeps it cool and simple, the back is a party parade of colours, with each design and motif proudly representing the key coffee bean countries that Nightjar sources from.
Priced at Dhs190. @nightjar.coffee
Dubai’s resident burger merchants don’t just specialise in churning out juicy patties and killer chicken sandos. No, no, no – they also specialise in making excellent merch. You can flaunt your loyalty on your legs with these sporty Pickl socks. Choose between royal blue or hot pink font for a subtler yet fun way to declare your burger allegiance. Priced at Dhs35. @pickl.mena 01
Whether you’re a devoted regular of a neighbourhood taco joint, or you simply enjoy showing your general enthusiasm for burgers and brisket, some people just can’t stop wearing their love for food on their sleeves. Luckily, merch options abound…
This tremendous sandwich shop in Wasl Square is just one of those new food brands that has their aesthetic down pat. We don’t know which we love more – the vintage-style t-shirts and trucker hats using retro fonts and slogans, or the new Hello Kitty collab. Whichever you choose, they’ll each make a fun addition to your wardrobe.
Prices start at Dhs175. @rascalsdeli
Available in shades of pink, lavender and black and white, Dubai’s ever-charming pitmaster – and the man behind Dubai’s best brisket –Hattem Mattar’s cosy jogger set is a thing of baggy, stretchy beauty – the perfect outfit to eat platters of brisket, pastrami and wings, then enjoy a food coma on your couch. Hoodies priced at Dhs350; Tracksuit bottoms priced at Dhs250. @mattar.ae
The bucket hat has had one of the biggest fashion glow-ups over the last few years, fast becoming a wardrobe mainstay. Protect yourself from the sun, look good and show your taco appreciation for the multi-award-winning, neighbourhood favourite Maiz. Look out for Maiz’s fantastic – but currently sold-out – stock of Palestine proud t-shirts. Bucket hats priced at Dhs150; T-shirts prices at Dhs135 @maizdxb
Available in various colours, including baby blue, honey yellow, peach, grey and navy, the new t-shirt collection by local burger legends Lento is simple and stylish, emblazoned with their mantra “simplified to amplify” on the front, and their smiley face logo on the back. Priced at Dhs145. @lento.ae
Dubai’s hottest Filipino joint – helmed by the enigmatic JP Anglo – also happens to sell totes and limited edition buttoned-up shirts. The latter is a stylish “Year of the Dragon” collab between Dayo and Kooya, branded with “Stay Lucky” on the left breast, and a huge dragon outlined in red on the back.
Tote bags priced at Dhs100; T-shirts priced at Dhs250. @kooyafilipinoeatery
Husband and wife dessert business Varak Dubai doesn’t just sell luxurious cakes and confectionery that come lovingly prepared and expertly packaged, it also sells this equally wonderful Varak-branded tee (available in white and racing green). Prices start at Dhs120. @varaktheedibleluxury
Pay your respects to one of Dubai’s greatest bakeries with their simple canvas tote. After all, there’s no better means of carrying around your Emirati honey and sea salt croissants, and country sourdough. Take it everywhere you go.
Priced at Dhs20. @birch.bakery
Worthy of its position as one of the best bars in Dubai, Honeycomb’s curated music playlist, effortlessly cool drinks and chic sharing plates combine to create a slick experience. Their long sleeves and tees, which come in various designs and colours, are pretty perfect, too. T-shirts priced at Dhs110; Long sleeves priced at Dhs140. @honeycombhifi
Show your love for d3’s beloved café, coffee roasters and workspace by nabbing a trucker cap (available in pink, yellow and navy), or one of their cute yellow tees. It’s branded with the One Life logo below two smiley bottle boys. The message? “Save manpower, material and AED6 on your next order” when you bring back their glass bottles to the café. You’ll look good while spreading awareness.
Trucker caps priced at Dhs125; T-shirts priced at Dhs175. @onelifed3
The events to know about this month
This month is a good one for music fans. A jam-packed calendar, welcome variety, and some timeline traversing. Press play on April...
RELEASING: APRIL 11
TRACKLIST: APRIL AFROBEATS
He may be telling us to calm down, but we can’t because the hitmaker will be in town and at the CocaCola Arena as part of the Afroworld collection of performances. Groove, sway and make way for juicy tunes –from Nigeria to the world. Tickets from Dhs199 at coca-cola-arena.com
RELEASING: APRIL 19
TRACKLIST: THE AGE OF JUSTIN BIEBER PROTEGES
Singer-songwriter and rapper from Down Under, The Kid Laroi is young, fresh, and toting top hits like nobody’s business. Also at Coca-Cola Arena, the Aussie star will be bringing them all and (fingers crossed) some from-the-vault material. Tickets from Dhs195 at coca-cola-arena.com
RELEASING: APRIL 13
TRACKLIST: RAVE. REST. REPEAT.
Carnival dialed to eleven, elrow XXL will take over the Media City Amphitheatre with an impressive line-up of artists, including Australian DJ Fisher, British DJ Eats Everything, Arielle Free, De La Swing and Toni Varga. Subtlety? We don’t know that. Tickets from Dhs350 at elrowdubai.com
RELEASING: APRIL 20
TRACKLIST: GIRL POWER – 90’S STYLE
RELEASING: APRIL 13
TRACKLIST: THE OPENING PARTY TO END ALL OPENING PARTIES
FIVE LUXE is finally here, and Rampa and Adam Port of Keinemusik fame are coming to celebrate with us. Playa Pacha, the hotel’s social pool and private beach, will host the pair to kick off the Playa Pacha Icons Parties. Lush and we love it. Tickets from Dhs400. Tel: (0)58 900 9836.
RELEASING: APRIL 28
They’ll huff, they’ll puff, they’ll blow you away – two iconic 90s girl groups, B*Witched and Eternal, will be taking over Dubai Tennis Stadium to perform a medley of hits, including tracks like C’est La Vie and I Wanna Be The Only One. Tickets from Dhs199 at theirishvillage.com.
TRACKLIST: THAT R&B HARMO-NY
Acapella harmonies, emotional ballads and the promise of physiological transformation – Boyz II Men is the complete package. The trio will be performing at the Coca-Cola Arena for one night only. Prepare to be serenaded. Tickets from Dhs199 at coca-cola-arena.com.
Cinemascape in the Middle East is full of promise. Infinite potential, slowly but steadily seeping into the space between us and moving pictures, helmed by powerful forces of filmmaking born and bred in this region. There are many names in the local world of film –
02 APRIL
From the mind of Lebanese writer and director Mounia Akl comes the story of the free-spirited Badri family, who find their utopia in a mountain home far away from the claws of corrosive influences of Beirut. All is well, until the beginnings of a landfill pokes its ugly head into their dream. Will they cling on, or will they let go and return to reality?
Cinema Akil in 25Hours, 25Hours Hotel, Apr 2, 9.30pm. @cinemaakil
Three
by Nayla Al KhajaFor when you’re feeling brave, Nayla Al Khaja is widely considered the first female Emirati film director, and her first feature film will take you on a journey into the supernatural. This tale of possession, exorcism, skepticism and belief pulls from many local narratives of forces beyond the boundary of our understanding and not all of them good. Three, in cinemas across the UAE. @thefilmthree
directors and filmmakers who have a wealth of stories to tell, with flair, flourish and passion, and a beating heart wrapped up at the core of it all. It’s time we lend a pair of curious eyes. This is your month in movies – regional filmmaker edition.
APRIL
Four generations of Palestinian women. Many struggles melded into one. Palestinian-Algerian-French creative Lina Soualem’s second documentary digs deep into the painful roots of Palestinian displacement in her family, witnessed through the feminine lens – humanity, complexity and the fight to keep memories alive.
Cinema Akil, Alserkal Avenue, until Apr 9, 10.30pm.
@cinemaakil
Naga
by Meshal AljaserSaudi filmmaker Meshal Aljaser’s debut feature film is a most delightful descent into madness. The Netflix Original follows one rebellious Saudi woman’s chaotic journey back home from a rendezvous out in the desert in an attempt to beat her curfew. Think madcap satire meets a stylish, exhilarating lens that will have you catching your breath. Naga, available to stream on Netflix. @netflix
recent survey conducted by BonusFinder.com looked at a significant sample set of videogames across various genres and found that the Mario Kart franchise was, by some lap-winning distance, the series that elevated the pulses of players the most.
But it’s not just a workout for your circulatory system. It, dear friends, is a teacher. It’s Sun Tzu for the joypad generation. Your first lesson takes place at the character selection screen. Size is only ever part of the equation – whether you’re a giant mutant monarchic turtle, or a diminutive toadstool, you have to race to your strengths. Second, if you live your life in 50CC, you’ll never realise your full potential, get out of your comfort zone. Don’t compare yourself with others, run your own race, as the memory of the finish line fades, that’s all that matters. And finally, never rest in complacency – sometimes you’re ahead, sometimes you’re behind – just know that you’re only ever one blue shell away from a complete reversal of fortune.
We check out Dubai’s new kart-gaming crossover
These experiences can become actionable learnings and transferrable skills, and occasionally in a very real and ‘hands-on’ sense. Chaos Karts, opened last month in an old warehouse opposite Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, and is an on-track racing concept that looks and feels very much like Mario Kart IRL.
It features industry-leading projection technology to fuse the worlds of go-karting and augmented reality, creating a reallife videogame that goes beyond 4D and 4K. It allows you to race across virtualthemed trackscapes, collecting gems and hilariously inconveniencing your friends with precision-timed virtual power-up projectiles – then driving past them to secure victory and a temporarily ruined friendship. All the best parts of Mario Kart.
With no physical obstacles on the track and anti-collision technology, drivers won’t need to wear helmets or driving suits, but there is a minimum age limit of nine years old, and a minimum height requirement of 1.3m and up. Ticket prices start at around Dhs179, for a 20-minute session.
O track, you’ll find a café and a rather ominous-sounding contraption (particularly if you watched the film of the same name), The Cube. This immersive experiential zone once again pits you against your buddies in a series of competitive games (priced from Dhs60 for two games) titled Photon Labyrinth, Eagle Eye Challenge, Flash Strike Football, Wall Quest, Lazer Glide Adventure, and Bullseye Blitz.
Al Quoz, next to Alserkal Avenue, Mon to Wed and Sun 10am to 10pm, Fri to Sat 10am to 12am, from Dhs179. chaoskarts.ae Words:
Dubai has been quietly developing into something of a health and wellness hub and, as an organic benefit of that, has attracted and inspired individuals keen to look beyond the reach of traditional medicine. Holistic healing is an approach to wellness that sees health as interconnected, taking into account social, emotional and mental factors.
Across the city and beyond, there are wonderful alternative medicine clinics offering a range of spectacular services and expertise that come from a desire to use intuition and the understanding that everything we do, feel and sense are just parts of a larger oneness.
This luscious retreat is known for its welcoming space. Seva Experience is home to countless wonderful classes and events. Their treatment menu includes womb therapy, hypnotherapy, chakra healing, and vinyasa flow yoga. Sound healing and meditation are both an important aspect of holistic healing – aiding in stress management, self-awareness and promoting happiness.
Seva Experience, Jumeirah Beach Road, 27B Street, Villa 5/1B Jumeirah. sevaexperience.com
Coined in the 90s, this is considered to be a blend of constellation work with psychological aspects of healing to form the Constellation Methodology. Taking teachings from the Zulu people’s rituals and the focal point that their culture had on ancestors and elders – a German psychotherapist created the practice as a means of delving deep into unrecognised dynamics that span across multiple generations in a given family and the sessions aim to resolve various dynamics. In a session led by a guide, Family Constellations seek to transform any underlying issues that one may have, allowing clients to break free from emotional entanglements, which leads to a deeper understanding of the self and of the family dynamic. Prices based on sessions required.
Keyani Wellness, Street 29B, Villa 9, Al Manara. keyaniwellness.com
One of the key components of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture dates back to approximately 100 BCE, where gold and silver needles were found in the tomb of Liu Sheng, ruler of the Western Han empire. During acupuncture, small sterile needles are inserted into the patient’s skin at specific pressure points. Acupuncture is said to help with a huge collection of bodily ailments, is often associated with pain relief, and for alleviating the symptoms of fibromyalgia, tinnitus and more. Pricing is subject to consultations.
TCM Shanghai 37b Street, Villa 1, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim. tcmshanghai.ae
Helping clients to understand the unconscious mind and patterning of their life, tarot card reading uses a deck of 78 cards to gain insight into an individual’s past, present, or future. Dating back to as early as the 1440s, tarot reading is often used as a tool to seek personal guidance and spiritual growth. The approach at Home of Wellness is that tarot card reading is used as a tool to help extract understanding and meaning from real world events. Home of Wellness also offers a long list of other alternative healing practices such as pranic healing, palm reading and more. Home of Wellness Meditation Center, Villa 1069, Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim 2. yourhomeofwellness.com
Minimising inflammation, building your immunity, and aiding in lymphatic, circulatory and digestive systems – ice baths are a newer form of wellness that is similar to cryotherapy which dates back to 3000 BCE in ancient Egypt where it was used as a wound treatment. Ancient Greece also saw the use of cryotherapy where cold water immersion was first used as a form of socialising and relaxation before its deeper benefits were seen. At Refive Spa sessions come with a coach who will help with breathwork and meditation exercises. Sessions start from Dhs145.
Refive Spa, FIVE Palm Jumeirah. palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com
Choose from a range of drips designed to achieve a specific goal, from “post-party” IV drips to antistress or super detox IV drips – each is designed for faster recovery, improved health and boosted energy as well as to aid in nutritional absorption. IV drips start from Dhs900 and you will also receive discounts after your first, forth and fifth session.
Wellth, Villa A 25, Al Urouba Street, Al Wasl Rd, Jumeirah 2. wellth.ae
Originating in Japan, this form of alternative medicine focuses on energy transferrence from practitioner to patient. The Reiki healing technique is said to help replenish energy in the body leaving patients feeling revitalised and relaxed. Dina suggests that a reiki session can lead to a deep sense of peacefulness, warmth, improved sleep and mental clarity. Reiki healing packages with Dina start from Dhs1,390 for two sessions.
dinaghandour.com
Whether you are looking to record, edit or manage your podcast, our fully equipped podcast and video recording studio has it all.
As a South African I may be biased, but because it so frequently features in travel bucket list compilations and prettiest destination rankings, I feel entirely confident in claiming Cape Town as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Known for its prestigious wine farms, the imposing figure of Table Mountain and pristine beaches – the Western Cape has many angles of aesthetic allure, but is it a beauty that goes beyond skin deep? Find out as we take you on a whistle stop tour of how to get the best out of Cape Town.
Tourist traps are popular for a reason. These are the top, on-the-beaten-track sights and attractions that are well worth a visit if it’s your first time in the area.
It wouldn’t be a touristic trip to Cape Town without taking the cable car up to the top of Table Mountain. If you’re up for it you can also hike up to the top, or back down. Lion’s Head is the lesser-known hike that is just off to the side of Table Mountain which is also a great spot for trekking.
LOCAL TIP:
It is a little bit pricier, but if you don’t want to wait in a long queue to go up Table Mountain, we suggest buying the fast-track tickets from the official website, tablemountain.net priced at Dhs187. Fancy a hill walk? We recommend that you do the hiking trails up to Lion’s Head or Table Mountain as a group. Safety in numbers.
There are penguins in Africa? Yes, and believe it or not, they didn’t end up there thanks to a fluke of being washed up on the shores, but they do smile and sometimes wave. A scenic drive away from the Cape Town CBD is Simon’s Town, which is home to a community of African Penguins.
There are two ways to see the penguins: first, by wandering along the boardwalk at the sanctuary next to Foxy Beach. This is the best way to ensure that their nests stay safe. There is an entry fee of Dhs38 for international visitors. Second, to get a little bit close and personal with the birds, you can lay out your towel and enjoy the penguins on Foxy or Boulders Beach.
They often say it’s not about the destination but about the journey and Chapman’s Peak is the perfect live case study of this. It truly is one of the most spectacularly scenic drives on the planet. If you’ve just finished your penguin-watching at Boulders Beach, the start of Chapman’s Peak is a short 20-minute drive away. Cruise through the neighbourhoods before starting what will feel like a life-changing drive. It’ll take you from Noordhoek through to Hout Bay. There are minor toll fees to be paid when driving but this is to keep the road well maintained from landslides that can occur. It’s only Dhs12, and well worth it.
LOCAL TIPS:
• If you’ve driven yourself to Boulders Beach, park on the main road rather than driving through the narrow residential area.
• If you’re sporting long hair, be sure to tie your hair up as it can get windy on the beach.
• If you’re not spending the day on the beach and just want to see the penguins – pack a jacket to protect yourself from the windswept sand.
Known for its brightly coloured homes and cobblestone roads – Bo-Kaap is a popular stop for the Instagram generation. The area is mostly residential so grab a few pics before wandering to the Iziko Bo-Kaap Museum, which dates back to the 18th Century. Next, head to a major section of the CBD – The V&A Waterfront. It is ideal for grabbing a quick bite to eat along the waterfront, getting some shopping done and maybe spotting some sea lions playing on the docks.
LOCAL TIP:
If you’re visiting Bo-Kaap, like most areas of South Africa, it’s best to visit during the day and with a group of people.
The Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, located in Gardens, Cape Town is a stunning option if you want to treat yourself to an indulgent stay. Rates start from Dhs4,668. belmond.com
Wanting to stay slightly more central but still enjoy the luxurious life? Cape Grace is located in West Quay at the V&A Waterfront and is a gorgeous option. The hotel officially opens this month and rates start from Dhs3,983. capegrace.com
There are also plenty of bed and breakfasts and guest houses on wine farms perfect for a getaway, such as the loft available at Bartinney Wine Estate in Stellenbosch where a minimum two-night stay will cost Dhs904 through Airbnb. airbnb.ae
A working farm that creates artisanal wine, cheese and meats. Fairview does have a restaurant you can visit to enjoy all the incredible farm-to-table ingredients – but we must recommend doing their wine tasting first. Stand around their barrel-shaped pods and choose from a range of different pairings. We recommend the Farmer’s Tasting, which consists of a selection of six wines paired with four in-house-made cheeses and two cured meats. This will only cost Dhs19 per person.
Fairview Wine and Cheese, Suid-Agter Paarl road, Suider, Paarl, South Africa. tastings from Dhs7 fairview.co.za
Located in the Simonsberg Mountain range in Stellenbosch, Thelema Mountain Vineyards are a sight to behold. Surrounded by incredible scenery makes the tasting that much sweeter. The history of the manor house dates back to the 1980s when the first wines were released under the Thelema label. The tastings at Thelema start from Dhs35 but the fee is waived if you purchase the vino.
Thelema Mountain Vinyards, Helshoogte road, Stellenbosch, South Africa, tastings from Dhs35. thelema.co.za
On a dramatic slope of the Botmaskop range, the private cellars of Bartinney Wine Estate are like a painting. Sit on a terrace looking out at the vineyards and the mountainous surroundings as you sip on crisp wine. Tired of drinking wine? They also have their very own gin tasting that will cost Dhs32 where you will be taught to taste the seasons in gin –sounds bizarre but trust us, you can really taste the dryness in the summer gin.
Bartinney Private Cellar, Helshoogte Way, Stellenbosch, South Africa, tastings start from Dhs15. bartinnery.co.za
Not all zoos are for conservation, and not all conservation sites are zoos. Ashia Cheetah Conservation is a testament to the love and care South Africans have towards the animals that inhabit the country. Started by a German couple, Ashia is a non-profit conservation centre that was founded to prevent the further decline of the wild population. Functioning as a conservation centre first, they are not always open for walking tours – however, on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays the team offers a tour of the centre. Each tour only allows 10 guests for the safety of the animals and no children under 16 are allowed. Walk around the grounds and get a peek into the programme, learn about the genetics of the animals and how they may contribute to the breeding of cheetahs, as well as interesting facts about the resident animals.
Eben Farm 633, Sonstraal road, Paarl, South Africa. Wed, Sat, Sun 9am to 7pm, tickets start from Dhs78 subject to walking tour availablility. ashia.co.za. EXPERIENCE THIS
It’s no secret that South Africa has a troubled recent history, but what makes it very special is the fact that we celebrate the leaps and bounds that our country has achieved to be where it is today. There are plenty of incredible museums that offer an insight into the history of Cape Town such as the District Six Museum, which highlights memories and remnants of District Six – a vibrant community that was made up of freed slaves, artisans, labourers and immigrants, until 1966 when the area was declared a “white area” and more than 60,ooo people were displaced and moved to the outskirts of Cape Town and their houses were flattened by bulldozers.
District Six Museum, 25A Butienkant Street, Cape Town, tickets start from Dhs11. districtsix.co.za
Pack your bags for an adults-only party island, when you check-in to a Monaco suite at the high-octane voco™ Monaco Dubai at the World Islands Dubai. You’ll get a bottle of wine on arrival, as well as dinner at La Rive on the beachfront, and a gourmet breakfast at La Brasserie the following morning. As part of the vibrant beach life experience, take part in the hotel’s sunrise or sunset yoga sessions or spend some time perusing the boutiques at the resort and indulge in a spot of retail therapy. T&Cs Apply
For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
Get away for a weekend escape at this grand address in Abu Dhabi’s downtown district. Use it as your base to discover the capital’s array of cultural or culinary delights, then return to make use of the hotel’s impressive facilities, which include a rooftop pool and jacuzzi. You’ll get dinner and breakfast at the What’s On Award-winning Café 302 included, too. T&Cs Apply
For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
Words: Miles Buckeridge
When a Roman Emperor departed Bluewaters last year, a beautiful Banyan Tree grew in its place, but how much has changed?
In the shadow of a giant wheel that has, for the moment at least, stopped turning – a very different sort of revolution took place along the gorgeous Bluewaters beachfront late last year. Banyan Tree, a luxury and earnestly eco-conscious leisure brand took over operations of what used to be Caesars Palace Dubai. And despite being just a few short months into the tenure, it already feels like a completely different resort. The guest-facing glow-up hasn’t been dramatic, but it has been targeted to key impactful elements, that let you know the soul of the place has changed. Cut this hotel, and it bleeds Banyan sap.
Bluewaters has a gleefully easy pace to it – which makes it a fitting foil for Bayan Tree, a brand probably best known for its footprint on breezy Asian islands. And at just 178 rooms/suites, there’s none of that labyrinthian anxiety you get from mega hotels with unending corridors. Through the main entrance and before you even get to the lobby, your nasal passages are given a soothing massage by the zen scents of spa aromatics. And whilst it has inherited its
thoroughly modern fit-out from Caesars, the vast glass frontage looks out over more organic tones. The blue hues of sea and pool, the serene greens of tree and leaf, and terracotta-white candy stripes adorn the textiles of the main pool complex. It subtly communicates unfussy luxury – warmth and family-friendly intention.
We stayed in a Harmony Oceanview Master Suite, large enough to house two adults and two functionally feral under-eight-year-olds more than comfortably. The private space highlights include a sea-facing balcony; a huge bathroom with a statement freestanding bath; and the amenities are all environmentally sensitive. Even the water bottles are refillable vessels for filtered H2O.
Banyan Tree Dubai’s star attraction is undoubtedly the sprawling infinity pool deck – framed by cabanas and with adultsonly and kid-friendly options on the side. Because it faces away from much of the familiar Dubai skyline, and has a private
beach combed by churning waves, it genuinely feels like an exotic getaway. There’s a luxurious spa here of course, that’s a Banyan Tree essential; an activity-focused kids’ club (with a PS5, my son Maverick insisted on my telling you); there’s a gym, wellness facilities, and watersports.
You’re probably already aware but, when the previous tenant moved out – they took certain restaurants with them. Still present and serving up a storm is the acclaimed Japanese omakase specialist – TakaHisa; and from the beautiful mind of multiMichelin-awarded Alvin Leung – Demon Duck. A new restaurant rushing into the vacuum left by Hell’s Kitchen is Alizée, named after a trade wind, and it really is a breath of fresh air. It serves a Dubai menu (Mediterranean plus Asian), offers a la carte breakfasts for guests, and does a phenomenal turn on the grill.
Rooms start at around Dhs1,300 for the lead-in category (two adults, one night, breakfast included), or about Dhs5,455 per night for a Master Suite (two adults, two kids, breakfast included).
The Banyan Tree feels like it’s always been a Banyan Tree. A shaded, tropical escape with roots that tap right into the essence of great hospitality.
Bluewaters, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 556 6666. banyantree.com
