WHAT'S ON DUBAI OCTOBER 2021

THE WORLD’S GREATEST SHOW IS HERE!

PLUS: AIN DUBAI, SUPERCARS, FREE THINGS TO DO, FOOD, FILM & MORE

CentaraHotelsResorts.com/cdd Terms & conditions apply.

CONTENTS FEATURES

EXPO 2020 DUBAI THE WORLD’S GREATEST SHOW OPENS P23 16 AIN DUBAI Everything you need to know about Dubai’s incredible Ferris wheel

32 FREE FUN Our guide to enjoying Dubai without spending a dirham

16

37 KNOCKOUT NEWS Meet Abu Dhabi Showdown Week’s big line-up

Page 37

32 What’s On_3

CONTENTS COVER

REGULARS 12 Yalla!

Quick fix of news

14 UAE Famous Ramie Murray – The laidback oysterman

74 Last-minute staycation Can Address Beach Resort deliver an unforgettable stay?

46

Cover: Sheila Deocareza

Stay in touch

41 CONSUME 42 EAT Top steaks at Rhain, Amalfi vibes on The Pointe, and brunch worth a round of applause at Clap

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48 DRINK Goose Island Tap House is our Bar Of The Month, plus four new watering hotels to try

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.

50 TASTEMAKERS What goes into some of the tastiest dishes in town? This month: 21grams’ komplet eggs

53 CULTURE

Page 64

70 58

63 ACTIVE

54 AGENDA

57 COMEDY

64 EVENTS

Unmissable art events to attend this month

The rise and rise of British comedian Rob Beckett

Dubai Fitness Challenge, Tie Break Tens, The Muscle Show and more

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58 FILM Timothée Chalamet in Dune; Daniel Craig’s last hurrah as Bond in No Time to Die; Venom returns starring Tom Hardy; an all-star cast in Ridley Scott’s The Last Duel; and mob mania in The Many Saints of Newark

69 WELLBEING New novelty treatments and a bargain pool day deal

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

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

70 TRAVEL: EXPO SPOTLIGHT

instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai

Uzbekistan culinary delights

tiktok.com/ WhatsOnDubai

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DENIM FOR DAYS

Dress the whole family in denim with Marks & Spencer’s new range

When the weekend rolls around and it’s time to explore the city, you want to wear something that matches your lifestyle.

Denim is an ideal choice for your weekend wardrobe, and Marks & Spencer has a new range that will meet all of your needs.

With something for everyone, the whole family will enjoy the new collection of denim must-haves, thanks to its focus on style, comfort, variety, and versatility, with new fits, washes and innovations for all shapes and sizes.

Marks & Spencer’s denim stands out against the rest because it offers the perfect fits, extreme comfort, and it’s all made with responsibly sourced cotton.

For the ladies, there’s brand new denim dresses and relaxed shirts, with feminine details such as frill collars and cuffs to dress up every day outfits. Steer clear

of dreary clothing, and check out the full range of stylish, modern items available.

In menswear you’ll find contemporary, flattering fits and authentic washes, with innovative denim styles such as Stormwear™ and 360 Flex. Kids will love the collection too, with a selection that provides adjustable waistbands to ensure the ultimate comfort and the perfect fit.

The brand new Denim Collection is available across all markets including the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia. Within each market, you’ll find a denim collection curated to the needs of its shoppers.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT MARKSANDSPENCER.COM/AE

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Hip décor, cool outlets and a sense of adventure, Revier Hotel – Dubai is shaking up the Dubai hospitality scene

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s residents and travellers to Dubai lean more towards the modern and edgy, the hospitality scene is catching up with a younger, fresher approach that feels very European. Leading the way is the new Revier Hotel – Dubai.

Tucked away in Business Bay, this boutique, tech-savvy, four-star property has 230 rooms and suites, exciting dining outlets, and a brand new AlpDunes brunch launching just in time for Oktoberfest. What’s On goes through the keyhole to find out more…

THE ETHOS Revier prides itself as a new generation hotel. The décor, staff and mood of the hotel is laidback from the second you walk in the lobby. The hotel has gone big on its Swiss roots, with numerous references to the Alps.

Think leather strappings, cow bell lanterns and copper finishings in every corner, while the rooms are modern and functional yet authentic.

FOR BOOKINGS, CALL 045747555 OR EMAIL RESERVATIONS.DUBAI@REVIERHOTELS.COM

THE SWISS-CENTRIC OUTLETS Whether in The Lounge, Alphorn Restaurant or Allegra Bar & Shisha, you’ll find an international menu and Swiss/German signature dishes designed to make you experience the unique flavours of the Alps. Highlights on Chef Kay’s Alphorn menu include wiener schnitzel, käsespätzli (affectionately known as the Swiss mac ‘n’ cheese), and the highly lauded cheese fondue feast, where true connoisseurs can indulge in a fondue set, including gooey melted cheese and condiments.

Meanwhile, Allegra Bar & Shisha is set to become one of Dubai’s newest hotspots with carefully-curated cocktails, shisha by the pool and a DJ spinning live at weekends.

THE FUN STUFF The third floor of Revier Hotel, known as the ‘Leisure Floor’ is where you will find most guests.

When the weather’s good, guests can relax by the gorgeous 30-metre-long outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and good vibes. On the fourth floor, there’s also a 24-hour fitness centre complete with state-of-the-art equipment allowing guests to maintain their fitness regime while away from home.

NOW OPEN! ALPDUNES FRIDAY BRUNCH

Just in time for Oktoberfest celebrations, Revier Hotel – Dubai launches AlpDunes, the new Friday brunch inside Alphorn Restaurant. This beer garden fiesta (taking place from 1pm to 5pm) champions all things Swiss, with a dedicated red and white theme, Swiss delicacies from brotzeit charcuterie boards to apple strudels, traditional Oktoberfest games, live entertainment and raffle draws. Brunch costs Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs355 with house drinks and Dhs395 with bubbles.

Tel: 045747555 or email info.dubai@revierhotels.com

VISIT WWW.DUBAI.REVIERHOTELS.COM

10.21 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 DEPUTY EDITOR Elise Kerr elise.kerr@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Miles Buckeridge miles.buckeridge@motivate.ae ONLINE REPORTER Lauren Fletcher lauren.fletcher@motivate.ae JUNIOR ONLINE REPORTER Aarti Saundalkar aarti@motivate.ae SENIOR VIDEO EDITOR Surajit Dutta surajit@motivate.ae CONTENT CREATIVE ARTIST Joachim Guay joachim.guay@motivate.ae WEB DEVELOPER Firoz Kaladi firoz@motivate.ae ART DIRECTOR Sheila Deocareza sheila@motivate.ae JUNIOR DESIGNER Remy Thokchom thokchom.remy@motivate.ae

CONTRIBUTORS

Iain Akerman; Liz Totton

GENERAL MANAGER – PRODUCTION Sunil Kumar sunil@motivate.ae ASSISTANT PRODUCTION MANAGER Binu Purandaran binu@motivate.ae PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR Venita Pinto venita@motivate.ae

CHIEF COMMERCIAL OFFICER Anthony Milne anthony@motivate.ae PUBLISHER David Burke davidb@motivate.ae GROUP SALES MANAGER Varsha Bhatia varsha@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Taran Singh taran.singh@motivate.ae SENIOR SALES MANAGER Violeta Popescu violeta.popescu@motivate.ae DIGITAL SALES DIRECTOR Sabir Khodabux sabir.khodabux@motivate.ae

WHATSON.AE | WHATSONSAUDIARABIA.COM

Annual Subscription UAE Dhs180 • GCC and International US$130 (inclusive of postal charges) Head Office: Media One Tower, Dubai Media City, PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE, Tel +971 4 427 3000; Fax +971 4 428 2270 Dubai Media City: SD 2-94, 2nd Floor, Building 2, Dubai, UAE, Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845 Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE, Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road, London NW1 3ER, UK, Email: motivateuk@motivate.ae

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

8_What’s On

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A taste of Autumn

Experience fall flavours courtesy of Iron Chef champ Sin Keun Choi at Armani/Hashi this October

C

elebrated Japanese restaurant Armani/ Hashi marks its post-summer return to Dubai’s vibrant dining scene with the arrival of a new head chef. Iron Chef Thailand alumnus, Sin Keun Choi (‘SK’) may be a first timer on the Middle East food scene but makes his UAE debut backed by an impressive culinary track record, including two years of rigorous formal training in Japan, mentoring by renowned chef Akira Back at his posting in Las Vegas, followed by high-profile positions in China, Malaysia, Japan and Thailand - where he also competed in, and won, the popular international TV cooking show, Iron Chef.

Iron Chef champ Sin Keun Choi

To celebrate a new season of world-class gourmet experiences at Armani Hotel Dubai, Chef SK kicks off his tenure this October with a seasonal ‘A Taste of Autumn’ menu.

“Autumn in Japan is synonymous with aki matsuri, the fall festival season, when we thank mother nature for a good harvest,’ explains Chef SK. “I am genuinely thrilled – and thankful - to be able to bring my experience and passion for contemporary Japanese cuisine to Armani/Hashi and to this amazingly diverse city.”

Chef SK’s culinary philosophy is rooted in authentic Japanese cuisine, following the classic cooking methods and using a light seasoning touch to bring out the natural beauty of the ingredients.

The Festival of Autumn Flavours menu includes tuna and beluga caviar tartare with sushi crackers, a pickled tomato and seared salmon salad with aji amalio, a wagyu beef-stuffed chicken wing, and a delectable pairing of Hokkaido scallops, beef short ribs and foie gras served with poached egg and black truffle.

The Armani/Hashi ‘A Taste of Autumn’ menu costs Dhs599 per person and is available from October 12 to 31.

TO BOOK YOUR TABLE, CALL (0)48883666 OR EMAIL RESTAURANT.RESERVATIONS@ARMANIHOTELS.COM. VISIT ARMANIHOTELDUBAI.COM/DINE

EDITOR’S LETTER

TIME WAS, AN EVENT IN DUBAI WOULD HAVE.... ...involved little more than a pie and a pint, and seeing your favourite pub crooner knock out a few disco covers somewhere. Deira was a hotspot, as was Sharjah – yeah, Sharjah – and the weekend usually revolved around a visit to the beach or maybe a trip to a restaurant.

Everyone I’m sure had a great time, but it wasn’t quite the Dubai of today. Even those who were a huge part of the social scene then – and you can include Motivate’s boss, Ian Fairservice, in that – will be the first to admit that Dubai life then compared with Dubai life now was definitely different. Even if they were partying with the likes of Bobby Moore, as Ian was, which is pretty cool by anyone’s standards.

You see, you, dear reader, are lucky.

You’re lucky not because life back then was bad, because it wasn’t – just ask Ian and the England ‘66 team, they were all having a whale of a time – but because today’s Dubai is such a fantastic place. The sheer number of events and festivals, and concerts and exhibitions, and, well, everything and anything going on today is simply staggering. So much so, that, at times, it’s hard to keep up. I mean, not for us, of course – that’s what we do, we’re the experts, and we live for this stuff – but for everyone else, just keeping pace with it all can be tricky.

Luckily, she said, beautifully segueing into this month’s cover feature, we are here, so your social life is sorted. And this month, boy, is there an event happening – the biggest event Dubai has ever hosted, in fact. I mean, you’d have to have been living under a rock not to notice that Expo 2020 Dubai is here, and with it brings more events, entertainment, restaurants and activities than we know what to do with (almost). We’ve picked out the best bits to give you a little starting point. For more info, have a gander through our dedicated Expo supplement, neatly packaged within your mag (provided you’ve bought this issue from the supermarket and not nicked it from a hotel).

If, for some reason, you want to head somewhere besides the Expo site this month, we’ve got a rundown of new mega openings, restaurants, fun stuff – and free stuff – to try right here in our ever-changing, ever-awesome city.

Enjoy the issue,

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

10_What’sOn

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IT’S BACK!

RANG MAHAL RETURNS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER The award-winning Indian restaurant makes a welcome return to JW Marriott Marquis Dubai

For years, Rang Mahal at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, was the go-to Indian restaurant of choice in the UAE. Famous for its dramatic décor, stunning Indian murals, colossal carved wooden columns and exquisite Indian cuisine, it was the collector of many What’s On awards during its lifetime. And now, much to our delight, JW Marriott Marquis Dubai has announced the re-opening of this beloved favourite, albeit with the promise of a fresh, new experience to truly celebrate the nation’s diverse flavours. Rang Mahal offers the best of northern and southern Indian delicacies with a menu featuring an authentic range of vegetarian and nonvegetarian options from tandoors, curries, biryanis, cassata kulfi and much more. Let chefs Moritz Neumann and Alok Kumar take you on a journey of timeless delicacies from different regions of India, and be sure to look out for the exciting Battle of the Chefs event in October, where two internationally renowned culinary stars compete for supremacy at Rang Mahal. Your table awaits…

RESERVATIONS ARE OPEN NOW | DAILY 6PM TO MIDNIGHT | FOR MORE INFO CALL (0)4 414 3000 OR VISIT JWMARRIOTTMARQUISDUBAILIFE.COM RangMahalDubai

BRILLIANT THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN OCTOBER

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

When: From October 1 until March 31 It’s here. Expo 2020 Dubai welcomes visitors from across the planet to ‘The World’s Greatest Show,’ complete with global dining, stunning country pavilions, family fun, record-breaking entertainment, activities and much more. See p23. q expo2020dubai.com

AKIRA BACK AT THEATRE

When: Throughout October Signature Japanese cuisine, courtesy of Michelin man Akira Back, with your blockbuster movies at Vox Cinemas. q voxcinemas.com

12_What’s On

THE LAUGHTER FACTORY

When: October 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 Dubai’s local comedy club scores a hat-trick of funnymen for its monthly event with Jean Paul, Luca Cupani and John Hastings. q thelaughterfactory.com

ROB BECKETT

When: October 28 Britain’s cheeky chappy brings his brilliant stand-up routine to Dubai for the first time. a Dubai World Trade Centre, Thur 7pm, from Dhs195. 800tickets.com

MADAME TUSSAUDS DUBAI

When: October 14 The world famous attraction officially opens with 60 global waxwork stars on display from sports, movies, politics and more, including 16 figures from the Middle East. a Madame Tussauds Dubai, Bluewaters. madametussauds.com

UFC 267

When: October 30 It’s a title fight double header on Fight Island when Jan Blachowicz faces Glover Teixeria and Aljamain Sterling looks to silence Petr Yan at Etihad Arena. q ufc.co

DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE WHAT’S ON NIGHTLIFE AWARDS

When: October 26 Taking place at Cove Beach Dubai, we’re prepped and ready to award the best in the biz. Find out who are the lucky winners via whatson.ae.

When: October 30 The citywide fitness movement returns for another year, with fun runs, cycle rides, free classes and more. q dubaifitnesschallenge.com What’s On_13

RAMIE MURRAY THE LAIDBACK OYSTERMAN

for itself so it was a matter of putting the hard yards in visiting as many restaurants as possible.

Once chefs tasted the oysters it was an instant triumph, especially considering the highly discerning and cosmopolitan culinary scene of the emirates,. We were going shoulder to shoulder with the best imported oysters.

What makes Dibba Bay Oysters so unique?

Dibba Bay oysters are unique in a few ways, mainly by their distinctive shell and their meaty texture.

Thanks to the unique conditions of the ocean, which made Arabia world-renowned for its lustrous white pearls, the Dibba Bay oyster showcases the heritage of the region through its distinctive and vibrant white and gold flecked shell. This is due to the high levels of calcite in

U

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

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

Who are you, and what’s made you UAE famous?

I’m Ramie Murray, I am an oyster farmer and I founded the first and only gourmet oyster farm in the Middle East.

14_What’s On

“NOTHING REALLY STRESSES ME OUT – I’M JUST A LAIDBACK OYSTER FARMER” Where are you from originally and how long have you been in Dubai?

I am originally from Scotland and I have been in Dubai for almost 30 years.

Dibba Bay Oysters are the go-to for many of the UAE’s top restaurants. How did all this happen?

When we first launched we had to do a lot of work to introduce the product and nothing but face-to-face tastings and explanations were required to convince chefs to take a locally grown oyster seriously. Thankfully the quality of the product spoke

the water, which come from the limestone cliffs in Dibba.

The unique qualities of the waters of the emirates, which have been historically shown

through the legendary white pearls, now live on through the Dibba Bay oyster shell.

How do they taste?

Our oysters are exceptionally meaty and tremendously plump. Thanks to abundant phytoplankton supply in the water, our oysters have an unusually high meat-to-shell ratio and are often almost 30 per cent higher in meat than other oysters on the market (depending on the season, of course).

In your opinion, what’s the right way to eat an oyster?

Dibba Bay oysters offer three of the four major flavour profiles; umami, sweetness, and salt, in a very well balanced way so you can happily eat them on their own.

However, a dash of acidity adds the fourth major flavour profile, which works with lemon, lime or a vinaigrette.

I say, try a pomegranate vinegar with finely chopped shallots for a regional twist on the French classic.

What do you love about the UAE? The melting pot of cultures and cuisines make it a culinary superstar in the world.

What stresses you out about the UAE? Nothing really stresses me out – I’m just a laidback oyster farmer.

Do you reckon Dubai is your forever home?

Very much so. Having grown up here and my three children being born here, I will always be connected to this city. q @dibbabayoysters

Above: Tucking in at the shack

UAE Residents enjoy 15% discount on all-inclusive rates and no extra cost for kids under 12 years old!

Limited time only, T&Cs apply.

IT’S FINALLY HAPPENING:

here’s everything you need to know about the opening of Ain Dubai

16_What’s On

AN EYE OPENER

t’s been a long time coming, but Ain Dubai is finally opening to the public from October 21. The sky-high attraction will officially be the world’s highest observation wheel, making one of its 48 luxurious glassenclosed cabins the perfect place to see the city. Here’s everything you need to know before you go…

THE CABINS There are 48 high-tech cabins on Ain Dubai, which are broken down into three types: observation cabins, offering a 38-minute trip for a good look at the city below; social cabins, a premium option including beverages; and private cabins to be enjoyed with groups or for events. Face masks should be worn throughout the experience, including when inside the cabin.

O B S E R VAT I O N CABINS These shared cabins can be enjoyed throughout the day and night, including a special sunset ride. Lasting approximately 38 minutes, the experience can be shared with loved ones, with a family pass option also available (with or without snacks included).

SOCIAL CABINS Aiming to offer a ‘uniquely fun way to relax at the end of a busy day or start an incredible night out’, the social cabins are about more than just admiring the view. These cabins have VIP lounge access and a bar in the centre of the pod. The Lounge Plus ticket includes access to the VIP lounge and one house beverage. The Vibes Plus ticket is for over 21s only and gives free access to roam the pod and enjoy two drinks from the dedicated bar. The Premium option offers a more luxurious private cabin with three drinks from the bar and F&B after the trip at Seaview Lounge.

P R I VAT E C A B I N S Whether it’s for birthdays, engagements, weddings, business functions or any other celebration, the private cabin is the ideal option to book. A range of package options are available, including a private threecourse dinner experience throughout two rotations of the wheel.

What’s On_17

AN EYE OPENER

THE R E S TA U R A N T S

Ain Dubai will be a fully catered attraction, so external food and drinks are not permitted. Visitors can purchase food and drinks from concessions, the café and within the Seaview Lounge.

You can also pre-order platters and a selection of beverages to be consumed in-flight.

THE PRICES A regular ticket for the observation cabins is priced at Dhs130 for adults and Dhs100 for children. At sunset the price increases to Dhs180 for adults and Dhs150 for children.

Alternatively, you can get a family pass including two adults and two children for Dhs370. The family pass plus ticket includes snacks, priced at Dhs450.

THE OPENING TIMES The world’s largest observation wheel will be open daily from noon to 10pm. Visitors are advised to arrive up to 60 minutes ahead of their ticket time to prepare for their trip. The maximum capacity of a standard view cabin is 40 guests, but will run on a reduced capacity of seven guests per cabin, or 10 from the same group due to Covid-19.

18_What’s On

The social cabins include access to the VIP lounge, as well as beverages within their package. A lounge plus pass in a shared cabin is priced at Dhs175, while a premium pass includes a welcome drink and a premium cabin, priced at Dhs380. The vibes plus ticket is for over 21s only, and comes with house drinks for Dhs200.

For a truly exclusive experience you can book a private cabin for up to 10 people. The celebrate Ain Dubai club package can be booked at sunset and prime times, priced from Dhs1,800 (max 10 people). Celebrate Ain Dubai plus includes mocktails, sparkling and bubbly options, priced from Dhs4,700.

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CYCLE ABU DHABI’S FAMED CORNICHE

RECONNECT WITH NATURE IN THE PRISTINE MANGROVES

FEEL HISTORY IN THE MAKING AT THE SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE

SCHMOOZE WITH YOUR FAVOURITE COMIC BOOK CHARACTERS

SEE YOURSELF VISUALLY REPRESENTED AT LOUVRE ABU DHABI

SLIDE INTO WET AND WILD FUN AT A MEGA WATERPARK

There’s never been a better time to visit Abu Dhabi. The UAE capital is back and better than ever with a wide range of events and offerings that would rival other major cities in an ordinary year, but this is no ordinary year!

CONQUER THE DUNES ON A QUAD

FORGET THE MALDIVES, ESCAPE TO THE PRISTINE BEACHES OF ABU DHABI

It’s time for a new adventure, and Abu Dhabi truly has something for everyone. In one day, you can cruise around stunning natural islands, feel all the Gs on the world’s fastest and tallest rollercoasters, hang out with beloved characters from Warner Bros and DC Comics, zip around the iconic F1 track at Yas Marina Circuit or shop till you drop at any one of the city’s glamorous shopping centres. And when the sun sets, this vibrant city comes to life with dining and nightlife offerings featuring famous chefs and restaurants from around the world.

Now, is the time to…

SOAK UP NEW SOUNDS AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY ABU DHABI

FEEL THE Gs ON THE FASTEST ROLLER COASTER IN THE ENTIRE WORLD

RECONNECT AND SPEND QUALITY TIME TOGETHER DINING OUT

GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER LEWIS HAMILTON

AN EYE OPENER

AIN DUBAI BY NUMBERS AIN DUBAI IS ALMOST TWICE THE HEIGHT OF THE LONDON EYE

135METRES London Eye

11,200 TONNES OF STEEL. 33% MORE THAN THE EIFFEL TOWER

250METRES Ain Dubai

48

LUXURIOUS CABINS

Each rotation takes around

38

MINUTES

Each cabin is larger than 2 double decker buses

HUB AND SPINDLE WEIGHS THE SAME AS

4 x A380s

EACH LEG STANDS AT

126

METRES

15X DOUBLE DECKER BUS

UP TO

1,750

GUESTS AT A TIME

OVER

18

UNIQUE CABIN EXPERIENCES 20_What’s On

a Ain Dubai, Bluewaters, Dubai, daily noon to 10pm.

Tel: (800) 246392. aindubai.com

THIS IS IT: The eyes of the world are on Dubai as we host ‘The World’s Greatest Show’. Running for 182 days from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, Expo 2020 is here and ready to knock your socks off

What’s On_23

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Expo 2020 is divided into three districts: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity, each with their own mega Pavilion and a mix of Country Pavilions.

AT A GLANCE

3 TOP COUNTRY PAVILIONS IN SUSTAINABILITY DISTRICT

Sinagpore Pavilion Enter a rainforest and meander through the canopy up to the Hanging Garden.

Brazil Pavilion Walk through a waterfall and take in the sounds of the Amazon basin.

The Netherlands Pavilion Check out an innovative cone-shaped vertical farm growing mushrooms.

Sustainability District As you explore the Sustainability District, complete with solar energy trees, you’ll see some of the world’s most advanced technology in action, and learn what countries are doing to champion sustainability, and experience how the human race can enjoy living in harmony with nature in a high-tech future.

Main Pavilion: Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion. Wander through forest roots, explore the oceans and learn how to help preserve our planet for future generations. In keeping with the sustainability theme, Terra is also home to a number of plant-based restaurants, manned by celebrity chef Matthew Kenney. Look out for XYST and Veg’s vegan restaurants and Mudrá, a beautiful rooftop bar with amazing views over the Expo site.

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AT A GLANCE

3 TOP COUNTRY PAVILIONS IN MOBILITY DISTRICT

Australian Pavilion Explore 60,000 years of Australian astronomy and immerse yourself in the beautiful country’s landscapes.

Mobility District Ride in an autonomous vehicle; learn about the latest developments in space exploration; and see innovative mobility devices in action all within the Mobility District.

Main Pavilion: Alif – The Mobility Pavilion. See how mobility will continue to transform the way we live, connect with people, understand different cultures, and exchange knowledge and ideas. Befitting the movement theme, look out for Abu Dhabi-based chef Jessica Queitsch’s Alif Café by farm2table, which shines a light on ingredients sourced along the silk route.

Botswana Pavilion Journey into the wilds at Botswana’s VR and 4D experiences.

Republic of Korea Pavilion Take a mobile-guided tour through the country’s most interesting architecture.

AT A GLANCE

3 TOP COUNTRY PAVILIONS IN OPPORTUNITY DISTRICT

Switzerland Pavilion Experience a VR world where visitors hike through the Alps surrounded by real fog.

Monaco Pavilion Walk through a kaleidoscopic garden evoking the sights and sounds of the French Riviera.

UK Pavilion Contribute your own words to the AI sculpture on the UK Pavilion’s stunning exterior.

Opportunity District The Opportunity District hopes to inspire a desire to create a better world. Exchange ideas, learn from social innovators and feel empowered to make a change.

Main Pavilion: Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion. Learn about real life heroes who are changing their own communities for the better. With a significant emphasis on food and drink producers, look out for Mission Possible’s dedicated working space, which is home to Emirati coffee roastery Canvas by Coffee Culture.

What’s On_25

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Nothing brings different cultures together more easily than the breaking of bread and, with hundreds of outlets preparing to serve over 50 global cuisines, Expo 2020 promises to be a true feast for foodies.

HOMEGROWN UAE FAVOURITES

Alkebulan African dining hall Curated by former opera singer-turnedrestauranteur, Alexander Smalls, Alkebulan is a celebration of African cuisine and features almost a dozen chef-led concepts from across the African continent. Each counter and concept has its own unique design that honours the individuality of the region, cuisine and chef. Highlights include Afro Street Eatery, which champions West African street food, Penja, the award-winning pop-up concept, and Seven Seafood offering a contemporary look at East African seafood. q @alkebulandininghall 26_What’s On

A host of homegrown talent will feature heavily in the line-up of eateries at Expo 2020, spanning cuisines from India to Ireland, and including classic UAE brands such as Arabian Tea House, Indian gem and biryani specialists Al Farwania, Filipino hotspot Dampa Seafood Grill, Lebanese stalwart Al Reef Bakery; and Hanon Feras Sweets, renowned for its traditional Middle Eastern dessert, kanafa. The six-month spectacle also features Pakistani street food go-to, Ravi Restaurant, Maraheb Yemeni Restaurant, and Sarouja Restaurant & Café, a popular Syrian and Mediterranean spot.

Rising Flavours dining hall Inspired by the countries of the GCC, Rising Flavours’ threestorey dining hall – decorated by GCC artists – highlights the range and creativity of the Gulf region’s ever-evolving food scene. The ground floor features a rotating line-up of chefs from the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia and beyond, including Douha Abdullah Al Otaishan, Saudi Arabia’s first female executive chef, Bahraini restaurateur Roaya Saleh, Hattem Mattar, the Arab world’s first pitmaster; Emirati Musabbeh Al Kaabi, and many more. The first-floor restaurant is a licensed fine-dining venue hosting a chef ’s table and theatrical cooking show.

You’ll also find live performance, from the traditional to the contemporary.

THE MASTERCHEFS 1 David Myers Californian Michelin chef David Myers, better known as the Gypsy Chef, is bringing a slice of LA’s Abbot Kinney Blvd to Dubai with his hugely popular ADRIFT Burger Bar.

2 Geoffrey Zakarian The celebrated Armenian-American chef is set to debut The National Bar & Dining Rooms – his vision of a grand café, offering modern bistro cuisine from breakfast to dinner.

3 David Thompson Joining the heavy hitters at Expo 2020 is David Thompson, who has made cooking Thai food his life’s work, famous particularly for his Thai street food chain Long Chim.

4 Matthew Kenney Recognised as one of the leaders in plant-based cuisine, American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney brings three of his restaurant concepts from the US to Expo 2020.

INTERNATIONAL CONCEPTS

5 Rohit Ghai

Other tasty arrivals include British concept – and bakery school – Bread Ahead, specialising in doughnuts and gluten-free and sourdough breads; Beirut’s neighbourhood joint, Baron, bringing passion to the plate with fresh ingredients from farm and sea for its Mediterranean-inspired menu; and Kojaki, a fusion concept that melds Japanese and Korean cuisines, with signature dishes such as Korean barbecue and Japanese robata.

One of the culinary world’s most in-demand chefs, Rohit Ghai brings his acclaimed restaurant Kutir from London’s Chelsea to Expo 2020.

Expect an authentic yet highly experimental menu.

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EXPO 2020 DUBAI

Like your meals utterly bonkers with a side of immersive theatrics?

Check out The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet at Expo 2020 – a neverbefore-seen, multi-course experience cooked up by Harry Parr and Sam Bompas, owners of multi-sensory experience studio Bompas & Parr…

For the uninitiated, who are Bompas and Parr exactly?

At Bompas & Parr we describe ourselves as experience designers or ‘architects of taste’.

Ultimately, we want to choreograph a sensational experience related to food and drink. The studio started over 14 years ago through our shared interest in jellies.

Tell us a bit about it your dining experience at Expo 2020.

We are creating a Universal Museum of Food set 300 years in the future in pre-eminent scientist James Lovelock’s hypothesized Novacene – the age of hyperintelligence. When there you’ll then eat your way through future culinary history as part of a theatrical three-course dining experience. There are numerous scientific collaborations with pre-eminent scientists that are being debuted. Some will go on to shape how we eat in years to come. Taste the future.

You’re described as the UK’s reallife Willy Wonkas. Is that a fair assessment?

Well, over the years we’ve created a number of wild food creations, some of which feature in Dahl’s work such as chocolate waterfalls, flavour changing chewing gum and non-melting ice lollies.

For one project we even worked with the Roald Dahl Museum and fermented a beer with living matter swabbed from the author’s writing chair. I was at my most nervous serving it to the full Dahl family on the 100th anniversary of his birth.

Tell us about some of your most memorable food installations?

Over the years these include things like multi-sensory fireworks where a live audience of a quarter of a million people at London’s NYE firework show experienced the world’s first flavour fireworks.

However, The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet will be our most ambitious project to date.

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And they’ll be some world firsts, too?

Absolutely – there will be transgenic glowing starters, a crisp of 1,000 flavours, vegan bone marrow, herbs grown in atmospheres of the year 2220 and chocolates that shape your dreams.

When it comes to creating, what inspires you?

This is changing all the time. We relish looking at what you can learn from different disciplines and countries. So, for Expo 2020 it has been phenomenal to be able to speak to the UAE Space Agency about their work on future astronaut food that might fuel a trip to Mars – then to create a canape inspired by this for the show.

What do you hope people will think or feel during and after the experience?

We’d love people to feel the same sense of awe and wonder we’ve all probably experienced when gazing up into the night’s sky. Mixed with the joyful contentment of feeling satiated by the feast and hopefully inspired to go on to shape the future positively.

The two-hour dining experience costs from Dhs550 and tickets can be purchased via expo2020dubai.com. @bompasandparr

EXPO 2020 DUBAI

From its line-up of regional musicians, eclectic weekend music festivals, and celebration of dance worldwide, Expo 2020 is set to become an entertainment epicentre. Here’s a handful of highlights, with a number of huge acts to be announced soon…

LUDOVICO EINAUDI When: October Known for his simple minimalist piano works, acclaimed Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi brings a contemporary edge to classical music. Combining emotion and intimacy into his melodies, he enraptures his audiences and creates a transcendent experience beloved by millions.

01

02

FIRDAUS ORCHESTRA When: October-March Formed exclusively for Expo 2020 Dubai and mentored

by Oscar-winning composer and songwriter AR Rahman, the Firdaus Orchestra is an eclectic, 50-member ensemble comprising talented female musicians from across the UAE and wider MENA region.

Playing on the Jubilee Stage, and forging new paths for female musicians in the Arab world, the Firdaus Orchestra will also compose music for the much-anticipated Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony.

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01 Ludovico Einaudi 02 Al Wasl Plaza 03 Sergio Catalan 04 UAE-based As Per Casper 03

04

INFINITE NIGHTS When: October-March Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of Expo 2020 and home to the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface – will stage a star-studded line-up of global and regional performers for its Infinite Nights series, kicking off with Arab singing sensation Kadim Al Sahir on 15 October. These innovative ‘phygital’ show experiences, featuring state-of-the-art entertainment technology, will see several toptier artists bring their unique energy, creativity, vision and values to Expo 2020. Log onto on expodubai2020.com for upto-date info.

LATE NIGHTS @ EXPO From 10.30pm to 1am every Thursday and Friday, the Jubiliee Stage hosts Late Nights @ Expo, featuring never-before-seen collaborations from artists from across the world. Performers include Syrian music songwriter Iyad Rimawi with his orchestra, Jordanian singer-songwriter Dina Stars, and Chilean musician Sergio Catalan.

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! Make the most of Expo’s opening month with the October Pass. Enjoy unlimited access for just Dhs95. Offer available until October 15. For more info, visit expo2020dubai.com

Redefining The Future Of Travel

Jumeirah Beach is minutes from the EXPO 2020 Dubai site by car or with the Dubai metro link Meeting and conference facilities 297 rooms with balconies Spirited dining and entertainment venue

EXPO 2020 Dubai 1st October 2021- 31 March 2022 Enjoy up to 15 % off when you stay at Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach Promo code: EXPO15D Terms & conditions apply.

Hotel.Jumeirahbeach.Reservation@movenpick.com +971 4 449 8888

movenpick.com

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F R E E ( O R N E A R LY F R E E ) T H I N G S T O D O I N D U B A I

01 Hit the beach Unlike the fancy pay-to-enter hotel beaches, they might not offer a Balearic soundtrack or complimentary sunglassescleaning, but Dubai still has some great free public beaches to enjoy. The Beach at JBR is a perennial favourite – though be sure to get there early to nab the best patch of sand, as it gets really busy. Kite Beach is another goodie, named for the kite surfers that frequent it. But if you want to avoid the crowds, try Black Palace Beach with uncrowded waters and postcard-worthy views.

03 Wander around an art gallery

02

Who said Dubai has no culture?

You’ll find plenty of it within the walls of the city’s many wonderful (and often free) art galleries. The best place to start is Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, which is a hotbed of creative talent.

There’s always an assortment of exhibitions, workshops, lectures and screenings. Another good place for art connoisseurs on a budget is the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is home to the lovely XVA Gallery (which doubles as a boutique hotel), and the Alserkal Cultural Foundation.

Illustration: Sheila Deocareza

Visit a museum Dubai is full of unique (and at times just plain quirky) museums that you can enter free of charge or for very little. We love the Dubai Coffee Museum in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where you can admire centuries-old grinders, roasters and pots from all over the world. There’s a Coin Museum in the same area, which is worth a wander even if you’re not a serious numismatist. Or if words are more your thing, you can check out a museum dedicated to the poet Al Oqaili, located in the Al Ras area in Deira – it’s housed in one of the most beautiful heritage houses in Dubai. Of course, there’s also the excellent Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort, which is currently under renovation, but usually costs just Dhs3 to enter.

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F R E E ( O R N E A R LY F R E E ) T H I N G S T O D O I N D U B A I

04 Take an abra ride across the Creek We’re convinced this is the best cruise in the city, and it costs just Dh1. The Creek is the historic heart of Dubai, which once divided the city into two areas: Deira and Bur Dubai.

Until the construction of Al Maktoum Bridge in 1963 – the first bridge in Dubai – the only way to get from one side to the other was in a rickety little wooden boat called an abra. It’s still undoubtedly the most fun (and affordable) way across.

06 Have some free fun in the desert Forget those expensive desert safari packages – you can have your own fun out in the sand. We love the Al Qudra area, which is just a 30-minute drive from the city. You can bring your bike and go for a leisurely cycle around the Al Qudra Cycle Track, or grab a sandboard and carve some dunes. Keep an eye out for the friendly wild oryx and gazelle, too.

05 Watch the dancing fountains It’s a classic, and for good reason. The Dubai Fountain performs mesmerizing watery routines to the likes of Whitney Houston, Enrique Iglesias and Celine Dion. The shows take place every half hour in the evenings starting from 6pm to 11pm (and until 11.30pm on weekends).

Been there done that? Why not check out the Palm Fountain at The Pointe instead. Now the world’s largest fountain, you can catch threeminute performances every 30 minutes, from 7pm to midnight.

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07 Go bird-watching for free Why pay money to visit a zoo when there’s some incredible wildlife right on your doorstep? We are, of course, talking about the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, located at the mouth of Dubai Creek. While more than 20,000 birds inhabit the sanctuary, it’s perhaps most famous for its magnificent flock of flamingos. To see them, all you have to do is rock up to one of three viewing hides dotted around the perimeter of the sanctuary. These are open from 7.30am to 5.30pm from October to March, and 6am to 6pm from April to September. Entrance is free and there are binoculars available to borrow, too.

09 Enjoy a free ladies’ night There are so many ladies’ nights in Dubai that you could quite easily sip your way through the whole week without spending a single dirham. Check out whatson.ae for your guide to the best ladies’ nights in town.

08 Get free stuff on your birthday Did you know there are a bunch of restaurants, bars and attractions around Dubai that want to treat you on your birthday, with great discounts, deals… and even freebies? For example, you can register your date of birth on the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark website and get a free day pass to the epic waterpark.

What’s On_35

OCTOBER 26, 2021 TABLES AVAILABLE ENQUIRES: VIOLETA.POPESCU@MOTIVATE.AE

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WHATSON.AE/EVENTS/NIGHTLIFE-AWARDS

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O

ne of the most exciting UFC events returns to the capital with another blockbuster event on Saturday October 30 when light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz who, going for his second successful title defense, and No. 1 ranked contender Glover Teixeira face off for UFC 267 in the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. In the co-main event, UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling looks to settle the score with former titleholder and No. 1 ranked contender Petr Yan. To get visitors and residents pumped for the headline fixture, Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is hosting another series of events, parties and a mega concert leading up to the big fight. Here’s your guide to the big ticketed events…

What’s On_37

THE BIG FIGHTS UFC 267 | Saturday, October 30 | Etihad Arena

Jan Blachowicz Vs Glover Teixeira

VS BLACHOWICZ

TEIXEIRA

Blachowicz (28-8, fighting out of Warsaw, Poland) looks to build on his recent momentum that not only saw him capture UFC gold, but also hand middleweight champion Israel Adesanya the first loss of his career.

A 14-year MMA veteran, he holds spectacular KO wins over Luke Rockhold, Dominick Reyes and Corey Anderson. Blachowicz now has his sights set on taking out another dangerous finisher to continue building his legacy atop the 205-pound ladder.

Teixeira (32-7, fighting out of Danbury, Conn.) hopes to make good on his second UFC title shot by stopping Blachowicz in emphatic fashion. A decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt with heavy hands, he has delivered memorable victories against Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Rashad Evans and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. Teixeira is now gunning for his sixth consecutive win by dethroning Blachowicz to achieve his dream of becoming UFC champion.

OTHER EVENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR… 38_What’s On

OPEN WORKOUT SESSIONS The series of interactive activations will start with an open workout session at

W Hotel Abu Dhabi on Yas Island between 5pm 6pm on October 27. Fans will have the opportunity to see fighters on

the UFC 267 card train in preparation for their fight night on Saturday and interact with fans in an exclusive Q&A session.

PRE-FIGHT TALK Held at Etihad Arena on October 28, fighters from the main-event and co-main event will take

the stage to trade some ‘friendly’ pre-fight talk with their opponents.

Spectators will also get the chance to ask questions.

IT’S SHOWDOWN!

Aljamain Sterling Vs Petr Yan

VS STERLING

YAN

Sterling (20-3, fighting out of Uniondale, N.Y.) plans to cement his UFC bantamweight championship reign by delivering a dominant performance in the rematch against Yan, who he defeated via disqualification in March. A skilled grappler, he has earned notable wins over Cory Sandhagen, Pedro Munhoz and Jimmie Rivera. Sterling now vies to put his rivalry with Yan to bed by netting another showstealing submission victory.

Yan (15-2, fighting out of Yekaterinburg, Russia) is gunning to avenge his disqualification loss to Sterling by reclaiming the UFC bantamweight championship.

A master of sport in MMA and boxing, he has secured thrilling KO victories against Jose Aldo, Urijah Faber, Douglas Silva de Andrade and Teruto Ishihara. Yan now intends to get the last laugh against Sterling by finishing the New Yorker and once again taking his spot at the top of the 135-pound division.

WEIGH IN ON THE PRE-FIGHT TALK On October 29, all fighters will return to Etihad Arena for the pre-event weigh-in, from 5pm to 7pm.

ESCAPE AND EVOLVE IN ABU DHABI On October 29 and 30 Evolve Sports Solutions is hosting a new workout staycation called Escape and

Evolve featuring a series of workshops and training sessions with Coach Firas Zahabi and the region’s MMA rising star Mounir Lazzez.

Packages start at Dhs1,800 and includes a stay at Hilton on Yas Island, lunches, breakfast and four training sessions with MMA stars.

What’s On_39

EAT + DRINK + SHOP RATING FOOD A+ to CVIBE Family Friendly Party Casual Romantic Fancy PRICE (FOR TWO) Up to Dhs249 Dhs250 to Dhs749 Dhs750+

PA G E 43

Zest is best

Mura opens on The Pointe RHAIN STEAKHOUSE p42 CLAP BRUNCH p46 21GRAMS p50 What’s On_41

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

RHAIN STEAKHOUSE Fine-dining flair and social-media friendly gimmicks – is it enough to complete against heavyweights Carna and Prime68?

here’s no shortage of meat-centric meals in Dubai.

There’s the legendary steakhouse Prime68 in JW Marriott Marquis Dubai, new Aussie haunt Hunter & Barrel in Emirates Hills, and the even newer Carna opened by top butcher Dario Cecchini, to name just a handful. But hoping to stake a claim of the meaty market, Conrad Dubai opens Rhain Steakhouse.

It’s a 155-seater restaurant, upmarket venue, with fine-dining flair and social media-friendly gimmicks to boot.

Design-wise, Rhain’s large venue is cleverly created to wrap around its open kitchen, and there are plenty of tables full of hungry meat-lovers on the night we visited. We’re shown to a large square booth, passing a huge display of raw meats as we walk in.

The menu is varied with a range of starters so diverse it’s hard to pick. A highlight was the beef carpaccio (Dhs115), which is carefully constructed at our table.

Thin, raw beef is rolled out and filled with arugula, crispy parmesan pieces, and truffle before being rolled into a burrito shape and glazed with sticky and sweet balsamic. It’s a light dish packed with contrasting textures and delicious flavours.

The scallops (Dhs145) are also a musttry. Arriving in a clam shell, each piece is perfectly grilled to give that slight resistance upon first bite. Drizzled in apple jus with a walnut crust, the flavours are unique.

T

42_What’s On

There are several fish and chicken dishes on the main course menu, but – let’s be honest – we came for the steak. Deciding to go big before we go home, it had to be the 1.1kg tomahawk (Dhs845), perfect for two to four people. Having tried steak at many a Dubai restaurant, we’re tough to please. However Rhain more than delivers. The meat has great marbling, with juicy, melt-in-the-mouth slivers of fat, and plenty of steak to go around despite the huge bone.

If you’re looking for a simpler option, the New York striploin (Dhs345) is also a winner. Taking cues from a certain salt-loving internet sensation, our waiter expertly slices the steak while looking us right in the eye. Another staff member strapped to a drum of dry ice also appears to add yet more drama. The steak is just as delicious as the tomahawk, but

much leaner as you would expect from a sirloin cut.

A Paris-brest (Dhs75) was our final dish, thankfully a light and fluffy end to a big meal. The ring of choux pastry is filled with praline-flavoured cream and drizzled with warm chocolate sauce. Perfect for sharing, we can just about manage a few mouthfuls.

We have no doubt that Rhain Steakhouse is a contender in the market, if it can keep up its level of service and quality food past the opening phase. Meatlovers, this is one you need on your radar. a Rhain Steakhouse, Conrad Dubai, Trade Centre Area, Sheikh Zayed Road, daily 7pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 718 1007. rhainsteakhouse.com RATING Food ���������������������������������������������������������������AAtmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������

C O N S U M E

EAT // REVIEW

MURA

A beautiful Italian restaurant with a side of fountain views... ew Amalfi Coast-inspired restaurant Mura is like a magical secret Italian garden tucked away at The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah. There’s a leafy, lemonadorned archway as you enter, leading you up towards the stunning dining area where more beautiful lemon trees twist together to form a dramatic canopy over the tables.

Nailing the Italian vibes, the space here (in the rare areas that aren’t covered by lemons) is decked out in Mediterranean-inspired hues of yellows, royal blues and whites.

Starters include creamy burrata (Dhs105) aided by some incredibly delicious, full-bodied cherry tomatoes.

The delicate slivers of wagyu beef carpaccio (Dhs105) with truffle melt in the mouth and the three-cheese arancini (Dhs65) is carby and oh-so satisfying, although we would have appreciated an extra helping of Napoli sauce.

N

Onto mains, the mushroom truffle risotto (Dhs105) is a little underwhelming, and the rice is a tad more al dente than we’d like. The salmon (Dhs160) is served with zucchini spaghetti, lemon cream and pickled potatoes. It’s a unique combination of flavours and textures.

It’s worth noting that not everything on the menu is in the Dhs100-or-over bracket. There are plenty of starters, pizzas, pastas and salads that hover between Dhs50 to Dhs100. We love that the tiramisu (Dhs50) is served in a theatrically tall glass. There’s a moreish blend of lady fingers, espresso and delicate mascarpone, and we definitely end up having way more than our self-promised “just one bite”.

With a beautiful setting and comforting yet sophisticated Italian dishes, Mura is the kind of place you want to bring your parents when they visit or to impress a dinner date. Make sure to head out onto the terrace to watch the beautiful Palm Fountain shows that light up the sky every half hour. a Mura, The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, daily 6pm to 1am. Tel: (0)4 575 5097. @mura_restaurant

RATING Food �������������������������������������������������������������� B+ Atmosphere ���������������������������������������������������� Price ���������������������������������������������������������

What’s On_43

C O N S U M E

EAT // BREAKFAST

WHAT TO EAT:

Breakfast at Time Out Market Dubai

Twenty-five dishes. Seventeen homegrown concepts. One glorious morning

Time Out Market

I

t’s a question that has perplexed the world since the dawn of time; one so complex that it has reduced loving couples into wild arguments, torn families apart, and ended marriages. Six seemingly innocent words that induce the kind of all out crazy debate usually reserved for world summits.

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‘Where shall we go for breakfast?’

We know, we know – right now you’re about to wade straight in there and tell us that the eggs at X place are the best ever, while the coffee at Y place, man, that’s the worst, why on Earth do you go there?’

Well, fight no more, for this month the city’s newest, most exciting food hall has

launched its big weekend breakfast.

Taking place every Friday and Saturday, you’ll find over 25 brand new dishes from some of the city’s best homegrown concepts inside the licensed Time Out Market, with glasses of bubbly available for just Dhs45. Here’s a look at some of our favourite dishes on offer...

Brisket burnt ends (Dhs75)

Where: Local Fire by The Mattar Farm What started as a pop-up at his home has turned into a full-on barbecue love affair, with Hattem Mattar’s stand at Time Out Market one of the busiest. Order the brisket and burnt ends for a rich and salty extravaganza.

Pitfire cinnamon sugar knots

Folly Workshop hen’s egg avo toast

Scotch egg (Dhs75) Where: folly Workshop How can you make avo toast better? By adding one of folly’s famed Scotch eggs on top, that’s how. This is proof that simple food done right is always best.

Stuffed pretzel (Dhs45)

Where: BB Social Dining The tender, buttery pretzel at BB’s wins our runner-up spot for best breakfast dish at Time Out Market. Use your hands to tear apart the pillowy layer of salted pretzel dough that envelops a delightful cheesy spinach mix. Best eaten hot.

BB Social Dining pretzel

Pickl breakfast bap

Breakfast bap (Dhs40) Where: Pickl Sore head from the night before? Pickl’s breakfast bap is probably the cure. It’s loaded with bacon, avocado, very yellow cheese, pickles, and it’s dripping from a runny fried egg. Good, but oh, so bad.

Chinatowns – only with extra cute packaging. Eat with caution as the fluffy buns conceal piping hot oozing butter.

Creamy egg custard buns (Dhs48)

Cinnamon Sugar Knots (Dhs45)

Where: Long Teng These wonderful little parcels are reminiscent of the butter buns you’d find across most

Where: Pitfire Pizza Pitfire is famous as much for its garlic knots as it is for its knockout pizzas, so we

Local Fire brisket burnt ends & egg

shouldn’t be surprised that the breakfast cinnamon sugar knots are out of this world.

Pitfire team, here are pleas and add these crispy, doughy delights to your delivery menu. a Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar, Fri and Sat 10am to 1pm, prices are a la carte from Dhs32 to Dhs75. @timeoutmarketdubai

What’s On favourite!

CRÈME BRÛLÉE PANCAKES (DHS50) Where: Nightjar Coffee Roasters Few breakfast items transcend the sum of their parts quite like the humble pancake.

Through some magical feat of morning alchemy, the simple combination of eggs, powder, and sugar creates a steaming platter that’s both fluffy and crispy and sweet and savoury.

But how did we survive so long without crème brûlée pancakes? Blow-torched on top and gooey beneath, Nightjar’s only gone and created one of the best dishes we’ve had all year.

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DUBAI

DUBAI

BRUNCH MONTH

REOPENINGS

Four exciting relaunches to check out this month

O F

T H E

01

Amazonico Dubai The uber cool three-storey space has had a complete makeover, but retains its iconic jungle theme.

Downstairs is more spacious with a larger bar area and the restaurant has been revamped with chic new furniture. q amazonicorestaurant.com 02

Sonara The What’s On Award-winning desert experience reopens for the new season. Relax in one of the chic teepee setups at sunset before retreating down the fairy-lit stairs for a fabulous meal. q nara.ae/sonara 03

1484 by Puro The UAE’s highest restaurant reopens its doors on October 7 after a brief hiatus. Expect unmatched mountain views from its Jebel Jais location, providing the ideal spot to spend an afternoon watching the clouds go by. q puro.ae 04

21grams From mid-October the beloved Balkan bistro levels up its offering with a new bigger location at Meyan Mall on Al Thanya. The new spot will have an increased capacity, a rooftop terrace and views of Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. q @21grams.dubai

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Clap Dubai

A round of applause for Clap’s new Friday feast?

J

apanese restaurant Clap has become quite the hotspot since its opening early this year, so it’s only natural that it should launch a Friday brunch.

Perched on a rooftop in DIFC, guests are treated to panoramic city views and balcony seats to enjoy them from.

Like all good Friday brunches, we start with salted edamame, but it was the Padron peppers that we couldn’t keep away from, thanks to its accompanying sweet miso sauce. The spicy tuna ceviche with burrata is a bold combination of two Dubai favourite dishes, and when topped with pomegranate, sliced cucumber and drizzled in soy, it works well.

Later, we’re invited to watch the chef as he prepares a special caviar concoction. Using a large ice pan, he freezes sour cream until it forms coarse shavings, which he pops into a special Japanese box before topping it off with a generous helping of caviar. A fun dish for those who like fancy fish roe.

And it’s top marks for presentation for the platter of nigiri, which arrives in the most adorable spherical bites, served with sashimi on fancy cocktail sticks and a

selection of maki on a banana leaf.

Mains are rarely our favourite part of a brunch, but on this occasion, Clap delivers. Sparing no expense, we’re served some of the restaurant’s best signature dishes: A delicate yet crisp black cod served with sweet miso sauce, and one of Clap’s popular stone bowls. The bowl arrives piping hot with thin strips of raw wagyu on quinoa, bubbling away. As our server stirs the pot, the meat cooks. It’s creamy and flavourful, and everything we will it to be.

Dessert is a well-presented platter of exotic fruit, mochi and two sweet dishes.

Our favourite was the miso banana, served in a banana leaf with rum ice cream and candied hazelnuts.

Clap’s brunch is definitely on the premium end of the scale, with the soft drinks package priced at Dhs549.

But, for a blow-out occasion, this is one certainly worth forking out for. a Gate Village Building 11, DIFC, Fri, 12pm to 4pm, Dhs549 with soft drinks, Dhs649 with prosecco and house drinks, Dhs749 with Champagne. Tel: (0)4 569 3820. claprestaurant.com

CARVERY WITH A BIG EASY TWIST! Enjoy a sumptuous Carvery at The Els Club every friday from 12pm - 4pm starting from AED 375 (inclusive of house beverages).

The Big Easy is an homely bar & grill hailing from the stunning Western Cape region of South Africa – inspired by the lifestyle and spirit of Ernie Els.

FOOD

FUN

MUSIC

8 th & 9 th October 2021 Join us for fun-filled, FAMILY FRIENDLY weekend at Els Club’s 261 Restaurant, celebrating Oktoberfest with kids activities, live music, pop-up markets and banging food & beverage deals during the day.

Fun & relaxed, it is, at the same time, the place to dine with friends and family, a place to take your loved ones as well as a place to host a corporate dinner. A culinary experience inspired by the crossroads of South Africa’s fresh off the grill comfort food, combined with spices, herbs and ingredients from the melting pot of the world.

8 th October 8am-9pm 9 th October 8am-9pm Pop-up market 8am-12pm

For reservations and enquiries, please call 04 425 1000 or email tecf&b@elsclubdubai.com

NEW BARS/ PUBS TO TRY Waterholes aplenty this month

01

BAR MONTH

McCafferty’s JVC Step back in time to an old Irish pub with antique relics, live music, three pie varieties and a hearty roast dinner. q @mccaffertysjvc 02

Rex Watch out for Peroni Nastro Azurro’s first flagship bar, set to open at Intercontinental Dubai Marina in October for a limited winter season.

03

Amazonico Rainforest-inspired DIFC bar Amazonico has reopened ready to serve expertly crafted cocktails. q @amazonicodubai 04

Hunter and Barrel Hit up this spot on a weekend and you might find queues out of the door. Unsurprising, as the food is delicious (and reasonably priced) and there are brilliant oakmatured drinks. q @hunterandbarreluae

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O F

T H E

Goose Island Tap House A proper fun house with live music, sports, pool and virtual golf

P

ubs are making a comeback in Dubai. New venues are popping up all over the city, from casual English-style offerings to olde Irish taverns, promising their visitors plenty of fun without the fuss and frills of some of their fancier Dubai counterparts.

Goose Island Tap House just opened on the ground floor next to Five Jumeirah Village, offering a cool and relaxing watering hole for the residents of JVC and beyond. Old-style pub as the words ‘tap house’ suggest though, this is not. It’s a pub reimagined, with a clear industrial aesthetic of woods, metals and brass.

A huge bar dominates the centre of the venue, serving up 14 curated draft beers and other tipples and there’s even a Barrel Room, created for beer and gin tastings.

Huge LCD screens show off live sports and there’s an area dedicated to pool tables and virtual golf. Live music is big at Goose Island, with a stage set up to show off the bands.

Happy hour runs from 5pm to 9pm, Sunday to Thursday, offering selected 2-for-1 drinks deals. On the menu is comforting pub grub such as eight-hour braised beef tacos (Dhs65), Mexican

loaded fries (Dhs55) piled up with spareribs, jalapeños and cheese, a Chicago dog (Dhs65) or chicken Kiev (Dhs75).

On Friday’s the ‘Let’s Get Goosed’ brunch, accompanied by a live band, serves up unlimited drinks and classic English dishes such as breakfast items and fish ‘n’ chips. On Saturdays, drop by for a hearty roast and two-for-one drinks at selected times of the day. a Goose Island Tap House, Five Jumeirah Village, JVC, Sun to Wed 4pm to 2am, Thurs 4pm to 3am, Fri 12.30pm to 3am, Sat, Dhs12pm to 2am. Tel: (0)4 455 9989. fivehotelsandresorts.com

C O N S U M E

EAT // TASTEMARKERS

TASTEMAKERS SPOTLIGHT Uros Mitrasinovic

21grams’ Komplet Eggs Talking to the folks that make some of the tastiest dishes in town

There is perhaps no food more versatile than the humble sandwich. That might sound like a silly thing to say about something that can essentially be described as “something delicious jammed between two hunks of starch.” But that basic template allows the sandwich to be so much more, and its presence in every culture speaks to its universality. But back in 2018, we found a breakfast sandwich that made all

others obsolete; a dish so all-encompassing that it topped ‘Best Eat’ lists across the country. That dish was the komplet eggs at 21grams Balkan Bistro. A Serbian favourite so rich and delicious that ‘yummy’ noises echoed around the cosy little café. So, to celebrate 21grams’ upheaval to a bigger and better location, we chatted to head chef Uros Mitrasinovic to find out what goes into this breakfast of champions.

Eggs Somun bread “A soft chewy flatbread, our dough is fermented for 24 hours, and baked in-house daily. It’s halved, brushed with butter and topped with gouda. We toast it until it’s slightly crispy and the cheese melts.”

“The egg is essential for this dish. We use organic eggs, sunny side up, with that rich yolk so that as soon as it pops you can spread it all over the somun.”

Beef jus “The most time-consuming ingredient, but also the most crucial. Made from beef bones rich in marrow that we source from our local butcher shop in Jumeirah. It’s baked and then cooked – together with vegetable scraps – for 48 hours.”

Parsley oil “We decided to play with tradition a bit by introducing some freshness in the form of parsley oil.”

50_What’s On

Kaymak “You need a spread for this hearty breakfast meal, and we love using kaymak, which is a savoury clotted cream.

It makes the whole dish next level tasty.”

21GRAMS’ NEW HOME Look out for its imminent opening at Meyan Mall, off Al Thanya Street. @21grams.dubai

It’s time to visit Abu Dhabi Authentic Lebanese Cuisine

Freshly prepared Seafood

Belgian Brews & Mussels

King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud Street, PO BOX 4171, Abu Dhabi, UAE | Tel: +971 2 666 6888 www.icad.ae

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

Painting by Abdulrahim Salem

Photograph by Faisal AlRais

Sculpture by Ana Laserna Villa

ART + THEATRE + FILM + MUSIC

PA G E 55

Art attack

Unmissable culture events this month ROB BECKETT p57 FILM p58

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

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

ABU DHABI /

EXHIBITION

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Dragon and Phoenix – Centuries of Exchange between Chinese and Islamic Worlds The history of cultural exchange between the Islamic world and China will be unearthed in Louvre Abu Dhabi’s latest exhibition, detailing the interactions between Chinese and Islamic civilisations from the 8th to 18th centuries.

Explore cultural connections through more than 200 artworks from the collections of Louvre Abu Dhabi, the Musée Guimet and 12 international institutions, alongside a wider cultural programme.

Until Feb 2022 a Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island. louvreabudhabi.ae 54_What’s On

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THEATRE

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12 Angry Jurors Actors from The Junction performing arts centre head to the capital to stage 12 Angry Jurors at Manarat Al Saadiyat. Based on the courtroom drama 12 Angry Men, written by Reginald Rose, the play contemplates the huge responsibility of 12 ordinary

people as they deliberate the conviction or acquittal of a young adult defendant on the basis of reasonable doubt. After a very long trial, tempers flare inside the jury room as they try to reach a unanimous decision.

October 7, 8 and 9 a Manarat Al Saadiyat, . Tel: (0)2 657 5800. manaratalsaadiyat.ae

CULTURE

DUBAI /PERFORMANCE/

Meet the Beatles The ultimate fab forgery, Meet The Beatles is one of the finest UK tributes to beloved band. Hear the play on the QE2 as they deliver the most authentic sound and look since the sixties.

Expect a magical mystery tour of the Fab Four’s career from The Cavern days, through the psychedelia of Sgt Pepper to the final farewell 1969 concert.

October 28 and 29 a Theatre by QE2, Dubai.

Tel: (0)58 838 3107. theatrebyqe2.com

/

EXHIBITION

/

The Cherry On Top The works of art on display here by Jordanian visual artist Khaldoun Hijazin expose the complex network of control and manipulation that frames our existence. Using dark humour, the artist dissects structures of power and dominance in realms from the political to the social. Expect large scale works of art among other impressive paintings.

Until October 31 a Tabari Artspace, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 323 0820. @tabari_artspace /

PERFORMANCE

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Astana Ballet Theatre Kazakhstan’s leading ballet company, Astana Ballet, travels to the UAE to premiere two masterpieces at Dubai Opera this season: The Legend of Love (October 27 and 28) and Sultan Baybars (October 29 and 30). Both extravagant productions promise spectacular choreography, beautiful scenery, and enchanting oriental and Middle Eastern melodies.

October 27 to 30 a Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. Tickets start at Dhs233, shows begin at 8pm.

Tel: (0)4 440 8888. dubaiopera.com What’s On_55

R EA D TH E STO RY O F A YO U N G B OY' S

J OU R N EY TO BEC O M IN G A S U PER H ERO. . .

B O O K

O N E

I N

T H E

S E R I E S

O F

I L L U ST R AT E D

N O V E L S

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

www.motivatemedia.com

MOTIVATEBOOKS

MOTIVATE_BOOKS

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CULTURE

The rise and rise of Rob Beckett

The loveable British comedian is in town this month. Here’s why What’s On loves him, and why you should too

L

ondon lad Rob Beckett has fast become a mainstream comedy hero, popping up on Live at the Apollo,, hosting a primetime Saturday night entertainment series in the UK, and appearing on various panel shows and movies with his unmistakable toothy grin. Ahead of his

2009 Beckett begins performing stand up, coming in third place at the annual So You Think You’re Funny? newcomer’s competition.

2011 He’s invited to perform at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia and earns a best newcomer nomination for his efforts.

2012 It’s a big year for Beckett with stand-up success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He also begins co-hosting the spin-off show for I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! which he continues to present up until 2015, throwing in the towel to concentrate on his comedy tour.

one-night-only stand up show at Dubai World Trade Centre on October 28, we map out the Londoner’s rise to comedy stardom…

2016 Arguably when he becomes a household name as the team captain on comedy panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats hosted by Jimmy Carr.

2019 Beckett teams up with best pal and fellow comedian Romesh Ranganathan for a TV series titled Rob & Romesh vs… where the duo travel around the world, taking on various silly challenges.

2020 Lockdown Parenting Hell begins.

Co-hosted with Josh Widdicombe, this uproarious podcast – downloaded a whopping two million times a month – follows their trials and tribulations of parenting during the pandemic.

2021 Rob stars on the silver screen in the newest adaptation of Cinderella. But it was his trip to the England vs Germany game at Euro 2020 that left fans in stitches as he documented his inebriated night out on Instagram. Give it a Google if you haven’t seen that yet…

2014 Beckett becomes the hilarious writer and narrator for the cheeky Celebs Go Dating series.

October 28 a Dubai World Trade Centre, Thur 7pm, from Dhs195. platinumlist.net

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CULTURE

FILM FILM

Photo: Warner Bros

NEWRELEASES RELEASES NEW

★★★★★

Dune

DIRECTOR: Denis Villeneuve CAST: Timothée Chalamet, Oscar Isaac, Zendaya, Jason Momoa

American epic science fiction film (finally) makes it to the silver screen This philosophical sci-fi caper is director Denis Villeneuve’s interpretation of the classic Frank Herbert science fiction novel of the same name and serves as a reboot to the 1984 movie. The cast of this version is headed up by the brilliant Timothée Chalamet. The story follows Paul Atreides (Chalamet), a young man thrust into a power struggle on the distant planet of Arrakis, home to giant murderous sandworms, scheming ne’er-do-wells, indigenous ecowarriors and a battleground for control of the galaxy’s most precious resource, a performance-enhancing ‘spice’ called Melange. But will this version be able to satisfy the notoriously finicky Herbert fans? From the trailer it certainly looks like the required epic and bleak quotas are being met head-on, the casting seems absolutely inspired and it genuinely left us with a lingering case of anticipatory goosebumps.

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Photo: Sony Pictures

Dune: On set in Abu Dhabi In talks with UAE-based Epic Films’ Robbie McAree, one of the Servicing Producers heading up the local unit on Dune, part of which was filmed in Abu Dhabi...

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

NO TIME TO DIE

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Cary Joji Fukunaga CAST: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Naomie Harris Daniel Craig is set to return to our for a fifth and final (or so we’re told) time as James Bond. After director Danny Boyle left the project over ‘artistic differences’ (that may or may not have been about ‘killing Bond off ’), Cary Joji Fukunaga was selected to helm the film. Fukunaga was the man behind the first season of True Detective,

arguably one of the finest bits of television in the modern era. No Time to Die begins with Bond (Craig) out of active service, only to be lured back by long-time friend and CIA agent, Felix Leiter in search for a missing scientist. In the trailer we get a brief glimpse of Rami Malek as the movie’s socially-awkward antagonist, alongside Christoph Waltz in his reprised role of Ernst Blofeld AKA Bond’s stepbrother AKA the OG Dr Evil.

No Time to Die

Photo: MGM

How important is Dune to the UAE’s reputation as a shoot location for movies?

Having a film like Dune really raises the bar. The Abu Dhabi portion was a colossal success, and that will only lead to more international producers choosing the UAE. Word of mouth within the industry is so important.

Liwa filming took place in summer. That must have been a challenge…

There was a specific reason for filming then. We tend to have greyer skies, and more haze, which can give desert landscapes an ‘out-of-thisworld’ look. To combat the heat, our filming days were split. Even still, the heat was difficult for cast, crew and our equipment. Thankfully, Qasr Al Sarab was our production base and was extremely comfortable.

Are there more filming projects coming to Abu Dhabi?

It’s become an extremely popular filming destination, especially with Abu Dhabi’s 30 per cent rebate scheme, and the incredibly-talented crew and locations that the country offers. So without saying too much, there are certainly a few projects in the pipeline...

VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE

★★★ ★

DIRECTOR: Andy Serkis CAST: Tom Hardy, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Williams, J K Simmons The critics and audience were split down the middle on whether 2018’s Venom was any good.

We’re unashamed to say we found it highly enjoyable. This time around, journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) and his cantankerous lobsterswallowing interstellar symbiote Venom will have to face off against comic book nemesis Carnage (Woody Harrelson). If it follows the core formula of the first movie, with its fun injection of dark humour, we just can’t envisage the movie being screen poison. Expect chaos, expect venom, expect carnage, and expect, with resolute certainty, delightfully cringey laugh-out-loud moments.

What’s On_59

Photo: Warner Bros

CULTURE tried too hard to resuscitate and venerate the comedy of the original 60s sitcom. A humour, ironically, that is well and truly dead.

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

★★★★ The Many Saints of Newark

THE LAST DUEL

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott CAST: Jodie Comer, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Adam Driver On paper, this movie has got ‘Oscar’ written all over it. Ridley Scott is about to enter a sixth decade of making movies, and his cinematic CV will likely echo in eternity. He was the helmsman for Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, American Gangster, The Martian, and a pretty trippy advert for Apple back in the 80s. The concept of ‘duels’ has been a reoccurring theme throughout Scott’s movies, but the name of this, his latest one, The Last Duel, bears a noteworthy resemblance to his 1977 Cannes Film Festival best debut-winning piece The Duellists. This feature is actually based on a book, The Last Duel: A True Story of Trial by Combat in Medieval France by Eric Jager. The screenplay was penned by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon (tempting us to build Good Will expectations), and Nicole Holofcener, with a cast list that includes Affleck, Damon, Jodie ‘Villanelle’ Cormer, and Adam Driver.

The Last Duel is a historical 60_What’s On

drama examining the last legally sanctioned duel in France’s history, a brutal tale of honour, betrayal, war and country music haircuts.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY 2

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Alan Taylor CAST: Michael Gandolfini, Ray Liotta, Vera Farmiga We feel about The Sopranos, the same way Tony Soprano feels about cannolis, which explains the profound absence that’s resided within us ever since the blackout at the end of the cult TV series. The mourning only deepened, with the reallife passing of the show’s charismatic lead, James Gandolfini, in 2013. But, in keeping with one of the ongoing themes of David Chase’s mob masterpiece, there is a twist to this story.

In 2018, New Line Cinema acquired the rights to create a prequel to the series, and later that year, Alan Taylor, who directed several episodes of The Sopranos, was attached to direct. The Many Saints of Newark is an antihero origin story, following a tumultuous turn of events that help transform an impressionable young

DIRECTORS: Greg Tiernan, Conrad Vernon CAST: Oscar Issac, Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz The 2019 animated reboot of The Adams Family, had its faults — “you know what won’t fix those?” we remember thinking at the time “a sequel”. But here we are again. This time around we’re offered a ghoul’s eye view of the emo movement’s most famous family on a road trip. Sadly, from the trailer, it looks like much of the baggage that caused the unenthusiastic reception of the first movie has gone with them. It’s a strong voice cast, and the animation style fits the content — but our beef with the original, and what we can see of this sequel, was never and is not about that. It’s more concerned with the shallow plotline The French Dispatch and dialogue that

Tony Soprano, into the mob boss he is destined to become. But our favourite aspect of this whole project is that Michael Gandolfini, James’ actual son, was cast to play the younger version of his father’s iconic character. And from the trailer, it looks like the cannoli hasn’t fallen far from the cannoli tree.

THE FRENCH DISPATCH

★★★★★

DIRECTOR: Wes Anderson CAST: Timothée Chalamet, Tilda Swinton, Bill Murray, Benicio del Toro The French Dispatch is a comedy drama described as a “love letter to journalists” set at an outpost of an American newspaper in a fictional 20th-century French city. The movie follows three storylines from different journalists, forming a collection of tales published in The French Dispatch newspaper.

Like many of Anderson’s stylistically distinct works, it features an ensemble cast that’s arguably the best the director has ever assembled, including Chalamet, Swinton and Murray.

Anderson fans will no doubt eat it all up with a spoon.

Now at

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ABU DHABI (10 OCT)

AL AIN (COMING SOON)

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B

ird

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* Beers *

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Celebrate Oktoberfest with Golf Digest Middle East

We’ll sort the brews, brats and pristine golf course. You take care of the birdies and banter!

Individual stableford, 1pm shotgun

2x German brews and a cheeky shot in your golf cart on arrival

Free Bratwurst and traditional pretzel

Competition prizes including Pro-Am spot in October’s LET Dubai Moonlight Classic

WHEN: Thursday, October 14, 2021 ENTER AT: GolfDigestME.com/oktoberfest

On course activations

SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL

PA G E 66

Livin’ the hire life What’s On rents a supercar MATCHA CLUB p64 TIE BREAK TENS p65 What’s On_63

A C T I V E

SPORT // OPENINGS

Game, set, Matcha

A beautiful padel and wellness boutique club opens in Al Quoz

W

hen opening a new wellness studio in the UAE, you’ve got to do something different. It’s a packed marketplace that has seen even the biggest chains fall under the weight of expectation. But the folks behind Matcha Club may just have the formula to avoid the same fate. By combining the city’s most on-trend sport with the UAE’s best yoga teachers and the people behind a What’s On Award-winning café, Matcha is the new boutique club ready to wow in Al Quoz. You’ll find a set of padel courts divided by oversized flora, a jampacked schedule of yoga and movement classes hosted by top teachers, including Laura Farrier, Melissa Ghattas and Dina Ghandour, and Nette, a new café created by the brilliant Cassette gang. Check out WhatsOn.ae for first look pics. @matchadxb

Cult fitness from Down Under REVL Training moves into Downtown Dubai There’s a new high-performance group fitness brand poised to stake a claim in Dubai.

Opening this month, Australia’s hugely popular REVL Training is set to launch in a “massive space” in Downtown Dubai. REVL hosts a programme, sectioned into 12-week blocks, that focuses on enhancing strength, 64_What’s On

conditioning, mobility and endurance. Judging by the pictures, expect lots of kettle bell swings, ski erg’s, wall balls and fist pumps. Visit Revl’s website and fill out a form to receive foundation membership offers in the lead up to the opening. @revl.training.downtowndubai

A C T I V E

SPORT //NEWS

Flex appeal

Dubai Active and Dubai Muscle Show return

Smashing games Action-packed Tie Break Tens comes to Dubai

T

Ie Break Tens (TB10), the fast-paced, short-form tennis format, heads to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena this month.

This marks the first time the region has staged an event from this short-format tennis series, which launched in 2015 at the Royal Albert Hall, London. The concept is simple: eight top players compete in a onenight, 10-point breaker knock-out format with

a winner-takes-all prize of Dhs500,000. No games, no sets, just tie breaks. So far, TB10 Dubai has announced the participation of former top-10 ranked mens star and renowned entertainer, Gael Monfils, plus British No.1 Dan Evans, with further names to be released closer to the event. Tickets start at Dhs250.

October 22 q tiebreaktensdubai.com

The Middle East’s largest fitness and wellness exhibition, which includes Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai Active and Dubai Active Industry, is making a comeback this year for three days of fitness and fun from October 28 to 30.

Taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Muscle Show, Dubai Active and Dubai Active Industry will showcase 250 exhibitors of world leading sports nutrition, fitness and bodybuilding brands from 25 countries, as well as over 600 inspirational athletes and health and fitness influencers from around the globe.

We’re most excited about Dubai Muscle Show, though, where eight-time Mr Olympia, Ronnie Coleman and defending Mr Olympia bodybuilding champion, Big Ramy will be flexing their muscles on stage.

October 28 to 30 a Dubai World Trade Centre, from Dhs20. dubaiactiveshow. com and dubaimuscleshow.com

Run the half

Lace up and join the Mai Dubai Half Marathon Half marathons are great, you know why? Because they’re half the work with all the bragging rights. Tackle your first one at the Mai Dubai Half Marathon on October 15. You’ll jog through Downtown Dubai, starting at the Gate Building at

Dubai International Financial Centre, following a path lined with local landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Emirates Towers and, the Museum of the Future. The half marathon covers a distance of 21km (entry costs Dhs325), but you

can also choose to run the 5km (Dhs150 per person) or 10km (Dhs225 per person) circuit. Registrations close on October 10.

October 15 q promosevensports.com/race/ mai-dubai-registration What’s On_65

A C T I V E

ACTIVE // SUPERCARS TRIED & TESTED

What’s On goes full throttle Here’s what happened when our very own Miles Buckeridge owned a supercar (for 24 glorious hours), thanks to Luxury Supercars Dubai

Miles Buckeridge

W

hen I was growing up, my brother used to have a poster of a Lamborghini on his wall. It was a phantom white Countach, a model the luxury Italian car manufacturer has just remixed and relaunched for the car’s 50th anniversary. We – my brother and I – made a pact back then that one day he’d have his Lamborghini and I’d have a Ferrari. Together we’d fight crime and never steer away from any sweet jumps. Today, I get to steal my brother’s dream.

As I drive towards the pick-up location, I confess, there’s a mix of apprehension and excitement.

The only supercars I’ve ever driven have been entirely constructed from pixels.

Luxury Supercar Rentals Dubai has its hub at Gulf Court Hotel in Business Bay, and as I approach, it feels like I’m entering the Toretto 66_What’s On

family garage. It’s not uncommon to see a supercar outside a Dubai hotel, but when you see 10 or 12 all lined up, either there’s a crypto convention in town, or something very special is going down.

And it is special. Luxury Supercar Rentals Dubai offers an elite fleet of fantasy horsepower, from McLarens to Rollers, to G Wags kitted up to the nines with Brabus swag, available at prices from Dhs1,000 per day.

THE RIDE I’m picking up a 2021 model Lamborghini Huracán Evo Spyder (Dhs4,500 per day) in canary yellow. It’s outrageous.

A straight 10 on the audacity scale, it looks like it’s been driven straight outta 2031, and growls like a cornered wild cat when I plunge my finger into the ignition well.

THE DRIVE After a brief orientation session, I’m free to roam, but where does one go in 1.5 million dirhams’ worth of automotive sass? I ask myself ‘where would James Bond go?’ I mean, if his route wasn’t dictated by having to stalk dubiously-accented carnagemongers. ‘The desert’, I decide.

So off to Al Qudra I go.

This Lambo has a V10 engine, pushing out around 630BHP, and can hit a speed

of 100kph from a standing start in about 3.5 seconds.

All of this means (*Jeremy Clarkson voice*) that it moves quicker than your stomach after a dodgy shawarma.

But it doesn’t have to. In the fully automatic mode, it glides gracefully through lunch hour Business Bay traffic. It even has a Q-Branch approved nose lift for getting over speed bumps delicately. It feels measured, precise and elegant, like a neatly coiffured pedigree greyhound.

Whilst stopped at red lights, I keep expecting that guy from TikTok to come up to me and ask what I do for a living, and I’d either have to come up with a lie on the spot like ‘I’m a financial transpondster’ or I tell him the truth and he walks away with a vastly unrealistic expectation of regional journalist salaries.

Thankfully, he never materialises and as the roads blend into the solace of surrounding dunes, and the cars become as infrequent as clouds in the Dubai sky, I slip into the semi-manual flappy paddle mode and that debonair greyhound transforms into a slathering timberwolf.

Immediately after hitting the gas, my body is thrust into a rollercoaster corkscrew of jowl-clapping Gs. My internal organs feel like they’re trying to rearrange themselves into the shape of the ‘wow’ emoji.

It’s quite literally breathtaking, but never, not even for a fraction of a second, does it feel like control is slipping away.

For legal reasons I stress, we’re only talking about going up to the governmentally prescribed speed limits of course, and although the acceleration feels intergalactic, the same engineering that enables such jumps into hyperspace, also keeps you perfectly stable.

With the sun’s light leaking into the desert sands, it’s time to hand this poetic little beast back. Whilst it’s truly been an honour to go out and road trip with such a sophisticated date, the background anxiety of being responsible for something that’s worth more than your annual salary, never completely vanishes.

This experience was certainly one of the most enjoyable and

spectacularly extra I’ve had the pleasure of indulging in in the UAE. It was above all else Fast and I’m now Furious I have to drive home in my 2.0 litre Renault Captur. Slowest.

Commute. Ever.

“MY INTERNAL ORGANS FEEL LIKE THEY’RE TRYING TO REARRANGE THEMSELVES INTO THE SHAPE OF THE ‘WOW’ EMOJI.”

HOW TO RENT YOUR VERY OWN SUPERCAR Visit the Luxury Supercars Dubai showroom in Business Bay. Prices start at Dhs1,000 per day depending on the model. For more information, visit luxurysupercarsdubai.com

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A C T I V E

WELL–BEING // NEWS

Magic 8

Guerlain Spa launches new novelty treatments

Drip feed me healthy

The opulent Guerlain Spa is the goto hotspot for luxurious pampering sessions in Dubai. Accessed through a stunning courtyard, hidden by perfectly manicured foliage and stone archways, Guerlain Spa at One&Only The Palm is also a great place to relax after a long day. This Expo season, Guerlain Spa has launched a handful of new treatments, including The 8 (Dhs985 for 90 minutes) designed to work on 80 muscles across the body and face.

The treatment focuses on 80 targeted techniques applied to 80 pressure points, with every movement tailored to set the mind and body at ease. a Guerlain Spa, One&Only The Palm, Tel: (0) 4 4401040. oneandonlyresorts.com

Anantara The Palm partners with skin 111 to offer new services to wellness seekers

I

f you’re reading this, you’re likely in search of upping your wellness.

Good news then as our friends at Anantara Spa have entered into a new partnership with local aesthetic clinic Skin to add a few new services for spa customers to enjoy. In particular, we’re loving the addition of IV drips. Widely known as the quickest, most efficient way to rid yourself of any toxins, you’ll be pumped full of vitamins and antioxidants to make you feel tip top.

Choose from the Express Drip, for hydration and energy; a Weight Loss Drip; and Skin, Hair and Nails Drip to help nourish, detox and revitalise.

Guests also receive a free OligoScan (worth Dhs790) to determine the best combination of vitamins and minerals to suit your needs. IV drips start from Dhs390. a Anantara Spa, from 10am to 9pm daily. Tel: (0)4 5678140 or email spa. dubai@anantara.com.

DIP AND SPA AT FIVE PALM Spa, lunch and beach access for Dhs399

Check this out for a jammy deal: Five Palm has launched a juicy beach, lunch and spa day for just Dhs399. Available Sunday to Thursday, you’ll enjoy access to Beach by Five, and a 45-minute massage or facial at Refive Spa. Pre or post treatment, tuck into lunch at one of Five’s signature restaurants: Cinque, Mediterranean tapas at Beach by Five or international classics at BLVD on One. a FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Dubai. Sun to Thur, Dhs399. Tel: (0)4 455 9964. palmjumeirah. fivehotelsandresorts.com

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TRAVEL: UZBEKISTAN SPOTLIGHT

EXPO SPECIAL

UZBEKISTAN: A CULINARY JOURNEY To celebrate Expo 2020, What’s On explores the culinary delights of Uzbekistan – one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s leading pavilions…

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U

zbekistan is a fascinating mashup of cultures and contrasts – a country where modern developments sit along ancient mosques and roads wind from frenetic bazaars to breath-taking landscapes. Threads of the ancient Silk Road still run through the historical cities of Uzbekistan, including Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. The people, ideas and goods that travelled the route have become part of Uzbekistan’s culture and cuisine.

Located at the heart of the Silk Road, Uzbekistan’s culinary tradition blends the east and west making it a perfect destination for those with a palette for exciting flavours and tastes where fragrant spices, aromatic green tea, sweets, thousands of delicious fruits and vegetables combine with heartfelt Uzbek hospitality.

Read on for nine Uzbek dishes worth trying at Voha Restaurant located at Uzbekistan Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai.

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01.

Plov

Arguably the country’s most popular dish. Each region cooks plov in its own unique way with over 60 recipes listed on record. Its ingredients typically feature lamb, rice, onion, carrot and spices, but can sometimes feature less traditional ingredients, depending on the festivities, including horse meat, pheasant or quail. Uzbek plov has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO.

02.

Kebab

08.

Sunflower halva

A favourite, of course, in much of the Middle East, the faithful kebab is also a beloved dish in Uzbekistan. Standard variations include mutton, beef, chicken or liver.

03.

Katlama

Katlama is fried Uzbek bread cooked with a variety of toppings. It is crispy, crunchy, buttery and full of flavour.

04.

Samsa

You’ll find Samsa, also known as Uzbek samosas, everywhere from street stalls and fancy restaurants to family homes.

These triangular pastries are wrapped around finely minced lamb soaked in fragrant spices and baked to golden perfection.

05.

Dolma

These finger-shaped wraps of grape leaves are crammed with a medley of veggies and typically cooked in spring, when the grape leaves are young and soft and not hardened by the hot rays of the Central Asian sun.

06.

Kazan Kabab

One of the more unique kebabs from Uzbek cuisine, pre-salted bone-on lamb and beef are cooked in the kazan (a cast iron casserole dish), and served with crispy potatoes.

A key part to Uzbek cuisine is its sweets and halva is one of the country’s most popular desserts. It’s essentially ground up sunflower seeds that are heated briefly, pressed down into a pan, and then chilled. The result is a dense, sweet, and nutty bar that is usually eaten on its own.

09.

Shurpa

A popular starter in Uzbek cuisine, shurpa is a thick and comforting soup.

A rich, fatty broth is combined with generous pieces of lamb and vegetables, and slowly cooked with fragrant spices and herbs.

07.

Uzbek manti

A delicacy in Uzbekistan, manti is made using delicately thin dough filled with meat and steamed in a special pot.

TRY THESE AT… VOHA Restaurant

A huge draw to the Uzbekistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, VOHA is an elegant yet traditional restaurant serving the best in Uzbekistan cuisine.

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