What's On - July 2011

WIN WIN WIN!
A luxury break in Tanzania

(ights included), a
BlackBerry PlayBook
and drinks at Hopfest
PLUS!
The best of the UAE online,
ice creams tested, Catboy
talks Twitter and the top ten
of everything!
ALSO INSIDE:
25 things to do this
summer, our verdict
on The Ivy and Dubais
top pool halls
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July 2011 Issue 399
00 DXB July 11 COVER.indd 1 6/28/11 10:56:18 AM
Whats On Retail Pilot 206X270.pdf 6/26/11 5:44:52 PM
JULY 2011 WHATS ON 3
Contents
Features
15
Made in Dubai
Forget the big
international brands
and chain stores, and
enjoy our celebration
of the best shops,
businesses, restaurants
and cultural delights
born right here in the
UAE
20
Your summer sorted
Whether youre a
foodie, a luxury lover,
a culture vulture, a
sports fan or a parent
looking to keep your
little darlings busy this
summer, we have an
activity for you
25
Hopping mad
All you need to know
to have a good time at
the seventh annual Hop
Fest at The Irish Village
26
UAE online
Turn on your computer,
turn up the air
conditioning and delve
into our round-up of
the best local apps,
regional online stores
and blogs in the UAE
29
Dubais best pool halls
What better time than
summer to chalk up
your cue, head down to
your local pool hall and
shoot a few frames with
your pals
p15
p29
3-4 contents DXB.indd 3 6/28/11 9:18:00 AM
4 WHATS ON JULY 2011
8
Salaam
July in a handful of
pages, packed with
whats hot and whats
not, Geordie Bird visits
Republique at The
Address Dubai Mall, a
chefs guide to the UAE,
plus enough stats, facts
and news to blow your
tiny minds
13
Win, win, win
The rst of two pages
populated with lots of
lovely competitions. For
more, turn to page 79
30
Film
All the latest movies
hitting screens in the
UAE, including the nal
instalment in the Harry
Potter series, Nicole
Kidman in Rabbit Hole,
Gossip Girls Leighton
Meester on holiday
in Monte Carlo and
Robert Redfords The
Conspirator plus
Honey 2, 5 Days Of
August and Conviction
33
Eating out
We put the UAEs best
ice creams to the test,
present you with our
verdict on global big
boys The Ivy and Royal
China, enjoy a spot of
lunch at Emirates Golf
Clubs Ms and sample
The round up
p30 p43
p59
p33
two new brunches. Plus
afternoon teas, our new
monthly Twitter recipe
and, of course, the latest
opinion from The Critic
43
Arts
Singing along to
summer musicals,
purchasing affordable
art at Third Line,
buying advice from
The Insider and ve
exhibitions you simply
must see
51
Shopping
Update your wardrobe
with swaps from My Ex
Wardrobe, purchase
those summer essentials
and our style guru,
Sophia, quells your
sartorial woes. Plus this
months new openings
59
Mind & body
Turkish and
Brazilian treatments,
J-Los eyebrows,
electrotherapy, his n
hers at The Address
Dubai Marina and the
latest spa deals
65
Sport & outdoor
We learn to swim, test
the latest running
shoes and bring you
Mr Fitness answers to
your health and tness
queries
70
Music
Prog rockers EYE (thats
e-why-e) are our band
of the month, plus three
live music nights
72
Club diary
The best of the UAE's
nightlife
75
Travel
A concise guide to the
Frankfurt Book Fair,
summer travel deals and
Al Maha Desert Resort &
Spa GM, Arne Silvis, lets
slip his travel secrets
81
Hot list
The denitive monthly
guide to the ten best
bars, restaurants,
brunches and spas in
Dubai
98
Backchat
The monthly missive
from Dubai 92s Catboy
3-4 contents DXB.indd 4 6/28/11 9:18:12 AM
C
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WHATS ON-ENG-20.6X27.pdf 1 6/23/11 10:50 AM
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Group Editor & Managing Partner
lan Fairservice
Group Senior Editor
Gina Johnson | [email protected]
Senior Editor
Mark Evans | [email protected]
Deputy Editor
Helen Spearman | [email protected]
Features & Food Editor
Gareth Rees | [email protected]
Features Editor Abu Dhabi
Adam Workman | [email protected]
Sta Writer
Matt Priest | [email protected]
Chief Sub Editor
Iain Smith | [email protected]
Senior Designer
Sheila Cario-Deocareza | [email protected]
Editorial Co-ordinator
Concessaa Dsouza | [email protected]
Picture Researcher Gulfpics
Wayne Fernandez | [email protected]
Contributors
Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne,
Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton,
Catherine Jarvie, Charles Pocock, Mark
Powell, Farooq Salik, Simon Smedley, Sophia
Serin, Paul Sterry
General Manager
Production and Circulation
S Sasidharan | [email protected]
Senior Production Manager
Sunil Kumar | [email protected]
Production Manager
Sudhakar Chandran | [email protected]
Production Supervisor
Murali Krishnan | [email protected]
General Manager Group Sales
Anthony Milne | [email protected]
Group Advertisement Manager
Dale Isaac | [email protected]
Advertisement Manager
Varsha Bhatia | [email protected]
General Manager, Abu Dhabi
Joe Marrit | [email protected]
Senior Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi
Darryl Wiley | [email protected]
Senior Sales Executive, Abu Dhabi
Hamdan Bawazir | [email protected]
Editors note
This month weve been...
Testing ice creams, p35
Exploring
independent
shops, p15
You dont need me to tell you that, in some quarters, Dubai can take a
bit of a bashing. Type the word Dubai in Google, and it wont be long
before someone or others written assassination of the emirate pops up,
usually when theyre on a ying visit (one writer managed it from no
more than a four-hour trip aboard the Big Bus Tour), and usually taking the
same tact Dubai is so not New York. Dubai is so not London.
And while, quite clearly, were not New York or London, and, yes, Im sure there are lots of things
that you, me and everyone could point out that need changing, there are positives, too, and
plenty of them. (I read AA Gills words of Its a holiday resort with the worst climate in the
world in Vanity Fair while I was lying at the pool thinking hed obviously never made it to my
hometown of Sunderland, where its mostly either cold or colder). As a magazine, Whats On
exists to point out just a few of those positives, and to help you have a good time. Living in
Dubai is fun, we enjoy it, and while we appreciate its not for everyone, there are plenty of us
here that do rather like it.
This issue we celebrate some of Dubais own; the shops, restaurants, art spaces and more, all
created and run in Dubai, by Dubai-based people. Dubai people like you, and me, who still call
Dubai, despite its faults, home.
Enjoy the issue.
Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70
(including Airmail charges)
Head Oce: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436,
E-mail: [email protected]
Dubai Media City: Oce 508, 5th Floor,
Building 8, Dubai, UAE,
Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845
Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE,
Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124,
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road,
London NW1 3ER, UK,
Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai
Learning to swim, p66
7 IntroDXB.indd 7 6/28/11 9:23:41 AM
SALAAM
Salaam!
Whats not
FIFA is investigating sporting irregularities
during a match held in the UAE earlier this
year between Kuwait and Jordan.
We're ocially part of the Twitterati.
Follow us at WhatsOnDubai for
exclusive updates on nightlife,
restaurants and more around the
UAE. Tweet yourself.
MOVIES AND MUNCHIES NIGHT
Every Wednesday in July Desert Palm will be
screening two lms in their outdoor pool.
Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, Dubai, Wed from 7pm,
Dhs30. Tel: (04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.ae
Whats hot
The Telecommunication
Regulatory Authority have
decided to cut phone roaming
charges within the GCC region by 30 per
cent as of this month.
The motor sport governing
body, the FIA, has rejected
Abu Dhabis proposal to host
a race during the 2012 World Rally
Championship season.
Eects of the recession rumble on as
the purse strings for the proposed
Dubailand are being tightened, according
to analysts BMI.
NEW HIGHWAY
PRICE FREEZE
CHEAP ROAMING
NO RALLY
CASH STRAPPED
FOUL PLAY
The new 45km long Dubai-
Fujairah highway will open by
the end of this month.
The Economy Ministry has
frozen the price of food until
the end of the year, in order to
combat the rising global cost of food. Time
to go wild in the aisles.
THIS
MONTH
WE'RE
GOING
TO...
July's news, knowledge and rumours
Guess list
Fact: summer is hot.
But not as hot as these
rumours
55%
10%
35%
UFC
A loose-tongued
insider in the world
of sports promotion
let slip to us that
were in for yet more
ghting mayhem, as
the Ultimate Fighting
circus lines up
another visit to the
UAEs shores.
SNOW PATROL
OK, so we've mentioned the Irish
indie rockers before. But it's a rumour
that just won't go away. We hear the
lads will, nally, hit a stage near you
later this year. And this time, we think
it just might happen.
ROLLING STONES
No longer the athletes they once
were, maybe, but according to our
well-informed snitches, Mick and the
boys will be strutting their stu on
stage at the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix.
8-10 SalaamDXB.indd 8 6/28/11 9:28:27 AM
Salaam!
Find us at
www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai
SWAMP JUICE
A wonderfully creative one-man, lo- shadow
puppet show. And it's free.
Jul 23 to 31, Theatre Space, Dubai Marina Mall,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4361020
BASTILLE DAY WEEKEND
Celebrate (and eat) your way through all the good
things that France has given the world.
Jul 13 to 16, Sotel Hotel, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4484870. www.sotel.com
What does it look like?
This glitzy club is
compact and spread over
two oors, but manages
to t in the biggest disco ball
Ive ever seen in Dubai. It also has two
projectors, which occasionally come to
life. While I was there Axl Rose showed up
on screen.
Who goes there?
A pretty trendy 20 to 30 something
crowd. Put it this way, I didn't bump into
anyone I might see at Rock Bottoms.
Drink recommendations?
There are loads of shots to choose from to
keep the party going.
When should you go?
Thursdays and Fridays are the obvious
nights with 90s tunes on the DJ's set list,
but I heard a whisper that the club is
planning something a bit dierent once a
month. Watch this space.
Dress code?
You wanna look cool but not dressed up
in this club. Jeans and heels for the ladies.
Hows the service?
Theres an army of sta behind the bar, so
you wont be left waiting.
Whats the taxi situation?
Its attached to The Dubai Mall so there
are taxis everywhere.
GB VERDICT:
Republique plays the best music from the
1990s. I didn't hear a bad tune all night.
Add to that its in Downtown so I can
stroll home its like they practically built
the place just for me. I don't have a bad
word to say about it.
Republique, The Address Dubai Mall,
Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (050) 4880876
GIRL
ABOUT
TOWN
Dubai 92s
Geordie Bird
gives us the
heads up from
the UAE bar
scene
THIS MONTH:
REPUBLIQUE
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Franck Detrait, head chef,
Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai
Produce
I always try to go to local
markets, the sh market and
the fruit and vegetable market
and, even though Im usually
busy with the Traiteur brunch,
I managed to check out the
farmers' market in Souk Al Bahar
before it closed for summer.
Knives
Most of my cooking equipment is from
Zwilling JA Henckels on the Boulevard
Malesherbes in Paris. But most of my
knives are from Japan. The brand is
Global [supplied by Yoshikin in Japan]
and I have them tailor-made with my
own design. They are extremely light,
solid and very long lasting.
Zwilling JA Henckels, The Dubai Mall,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4340725.
www.zwilling.com
Yoshikin, Japan. www.yoshikin.co.jp
Eating out
The Terrace. Not because I
work at Park Hyatt Dubai,
but because I have a love of
seafood. The Terrace is one of
the best places in Dubai for a
fresh seafood platter.
The Terrace, Park Hyatt Dubai,
Deira Dubai. Tel: (04) 3172222.
www.dubai.park.hyatt.com
Takeaway
I sometimes like to
get a home delivery of
freshly made maki and
sushi from a really small
Japanese restaurant
here in Dubai called
Agemono.
Agemono, International
City, Dubai. Tel: (050)
8876784
Cookbooks
I read anything on the shelves that catches my eye. I prefer
the books of Michelin star chefs, though, because they
take food to the next level it becomes art. My favourite
cookbook is by Alain Ducasse, Grand Livre de Cuisine.
Available from Amazon.com
July's news, knowledge and rumours
SALAAM
Green light
A whole new world
The rst commercial development in The
World is set to open later this year not
the actual world, mind (that happened
centuries ago), but that famous group of
islands o the Dubai coast. Lets have a
nosey at the stats
BLOOD SIMPLE
OK, so were not fans of needles,
but there is no cause worthier
than giving blood it truly is a seless act
that can lead to saving someone's life.
This month, there will be a mobile blood
donation clinic set up in Dubai outside The
One on Beach Road, where you can pop
along and give blood.
Donated blood is used to help
cancer patients, people with pregnancy
complications, sick children and burn
victims to name just a few.
However, for obvious health reasons not
anyone can donate their blood. To ensure
that you are eligible to donate, call the
number below prior to your visit, answer a
few simple questions and book a time to go.
The whole process won't take longer than
15 minutes.
The sta there are nice and friendly, and
we promise it wont hurt, you big softy. Your
blood could make a real dierence.
Jul 25, The One, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai,
9am to 3pm. Tel: (04) 3456687
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, its
SonicStar a US$18 million (Dhs66
million) airplane set to cut the journey
time from Dubai to New York to just
two hours and 20 minutes. Supersonic
jet makers, Hyper Mach, announced
plans to build the ten to 20-seater
aircraft, which will be able to cruise at
4,287kmph at an altitude of 60,000ft, at
the recent Paris Air Show. Hyper Mach
claims that the SonicStar jet will y at
twice the speed of the now defunct
Concorde but, sadly, you will have to
wait until 2021 to hop on board.
The projected annual
membership fee to join the
beach club
Based on Lebanon Island,
The World Island Beach Club
will be the rst commercial
property to open
IN THE NEWS
The percentage of the 300
man-made islands that have
been bought
1
Dhs40,000
80ft
The size of the yachts
that the pontoon can
accommodate
Dhs60m
The amount spent on buying and
developing the beach club
70
The next stop is Etisalat dont
recognise that station? Well, you will
soon, as the RTA has (at long last)
announced the opening of the Green
Metro line. Study the map. Learn the
stations. There will be a quiz later*.
JEBEL ALI
ENERGY
NAKHEEL HARBOUR & TOWER
JUMERIA LAKE TOWERS
DUBAI MARINA
NAKHEEL
DUBAI INTERNET CITY
AL SUFOOH
AL BARSHA
BURJ AL ARAB
MALL OF THE EMIRATES
FIRST GULF BANK
NOOR ISLAMIC BANK
BUSINESS BAY
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SUPERSONIC
FLIGHT
* There won't be a quiz.
We made that up.
Families travelling in style
With the Families Travelling in Style Dubai offer, book your rst room this summer for two adults and receive:
Seccnd children's rccm at 50% cff the rccm rate when stayine three niehts cr mcre
0ne ccmplimentary Aquaventure water park ticket per perscn per stay at nearby Atlantis, The Palm

One&Only Royal Mirage from AED950++
Telephcne +971 4 315 2257, email reservaticns6cneandcnlyrcyalmiraee.ae
One&Only The Palm from AED1,450++
Telephcne +971 4 444 1180 cr email reservaticns6cneandcnlythepalm.ccm
0ffer valid 15 June - 31 Aueust 2011
Tc bcck this summer hcliday, ccntact ycur preferred travel prcfessicnal cr the rescrts directly
oneandonlyresorts.com
Bahamas 0ape Tcwn Dubai Maldives Mauritius Mexicc
Rates valid for GCC and Middle East residents only. Maximum two adults only in the rst room. A maximum of two children up to 16 years old, plus one teenager
up to 18 years old are permitted in the second room. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Visit oneandonlyresorts.com for full details. One&Only Resorts, Dubai reserves the right to withdraw this offer at any time without notice.
8241 OOR_SmrCombo_WhatsOn_270x206.indd 1 6/15/11 12:46 PM
More than one million
expected visitors
32 global cuisines to be
featured
Attractions for every age
group
Five days of shopping,
dining and entertainment
Unique adventure sports
for therst time
in the UAE
31 Aug - 4 Sept* 2011
Meydan, Dubai
BE PART OF
A COLOURFUL
JOURNEY
IN DUBAI.
Guinness
World Record
Attempt at Venue
The largest
photographic collage
of human faces on
a mosaic surface
Presenting Shoppiesta an annual exhibition thats a unique celebration.
The Dubai event calendar is all set to get even more exciting! Shoppiesta, the
five-day lifestyle extravaganza, is coming soon to enthral everyone with great bargains,
adventure sports, exclusive concerts and lots more.
*
T
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www.shoppiesta.com
Follow us on:
facebook.com/ShoppiestaUAE
twitter.com/shoppiesta
For exhibitor and sponsorship enquiries, contact Rizza Tan: +971 4 3588 911 or [email protected]
Official logistics partner:
Win with Whats On
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WIN! A TRIP FOR TWO TO
TANZANIA, INCLUDING FLIGHTS
Whats On has teamed up with Serena Hotels & Resorts, Africa and Asias
leading hotel group, to oer one lucky reader and a friend a three-night
package in one of Tanzanias most luxurious safari destinations, including
return ights to Dar-Es-Salam on Kenya Airways.
If youve always dreamed of losing yourself in a world of untamed beauty,
complete with luxurious accommodation, high-adventure game drives and
boating safaris, then your wishes could come true.
The winners will enjoy three nights in one of Tanzanias most sought-
after safari destinations: the luxury Mivumo River Lodge, a lavish retreat
standing high on the banks of the shimmering Ruji River with views down
to the plunging torrents of Stiegler's Gorge. The Mivumo River Lodge oers
12 river-facing rooms, each of which is housed in a timbered chalet with
private viewing deck, sun loungers, plunge pool and a rain shower. The prize
also includes full board, with meals in the dining room which overlooks the
riverbanks where hippos, crocodiles and elephants congregate.
The resort is close to the spectacular Selous Game Reserve, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site; home to one third of Tanzanias wildlife, it has the largest
concentrations of elephants in the world. This is the dream destination for
nature lovers, with tours in the custom built open sided safari vehicles and a
boat cruise on the Ruji River on oer.
For your chance to win this amazing trip, simply answer this question...
Which of the following animals is not in the big ve?
a) Elephant
b) Rhino
c) Camel
13 CompsTanzania.indd 13 6/28/11 9:31:18 AM
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We unearth and celebrate the best UAE-born stores,
restaurants and cultural gems in Dubai
If you have, are starting or are
planning on launching
a shop, restaurant or cultural
enterprise in Dubai,
we would really like to hear about it.
How many times have you heard somebody
complain about the lack of original shops,
restaurants or cultural institutions in Dubai?
We hear this familiar refrain on an almost
weekly basis, I hate malls, I ate in that
restaurant when I was in London, and theres
just no culture here in the UAE not like
Europe. Our answer? What balderdash. OK,
so Dubai is not Paris or London, but those
ancient capitals have a good few centuries on
the young emirate we are proud to call home.
And on the following pages you will see that
there is an abundance of distinctive stores
created and run by entrepreneurs living right
here in the UAE, retailing unique products
that you would never be able to nd in a mall
or, indeed, anywhere else in the world.
e independent restaurant scene in
Dubai, meanwhile, is ourishing with local
restaurateurs oering just about every cuisine
you could wish for. And from the Al Quoz
gallery quarter, which grows seemingly by the
day, to the numerous cultural organisations
popping up around town Dubai is certainly,
indubitably, not lacking culture. Made In
Dubai is a tag to be proud of, something to
celebrate. And that is exactly what we have
done here
15-19 Independent DUBAI.indd 15 6/28/11 9:34:50 AM
MADE IN DUBAI
Bambah
This vintage boutique is a treasure box
of fashion from the 1930s to the 1980s,
sourced from all over the world by 25-year-
old owner Maha Abdul Rasheed. Youll find
pieces from the likes of Yves Saint Laurent,
Lanvin and Nina Ricci, with vintage suits,
LBDs and accessories on racks and in
old-fashioned suitcases just waiting to be
incorporated into your wardrobe.
142 Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 10am to
10pm. Tel: (050) 6741754.
www.bambah.com
Reems Closet
A haven for cash-strapped label lovers, Reems
Closet is tucked away in the somewhat un-glam
Mazaya Centre. But dont be put o, Reem
Mohammed and her team has one of the best
collections of pre-owned (thats second-hand
to the rest of us) designer goods from Chanel,
Dior, ierry Mugler and more, all of which
have been checked for authenticity.
Mazaya Centre, Dubai, 10am to 9.45pm.
Tel: (04) 3439553
Kitsch
A pioneer in Dubais cupcake
world, Kitsch is the home-grown
brainchild of Dalia Dogmoch and Racil
Chalhoub, who have added inches to our
waistline since launching two years ago. And
it was worth every kilo.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 10am to midnight.
Tel: (04) 3956963. www.kitschconcept.com
Zoo
The sibling store to Bambah, Zoo is all
modern spaces and quirky gifts. Theres
also designer clothing, homewares and the
kind of knick-knacks that add a little bit of
cool to your life. In short, its the kind of
shop you go into for a present and spend
twice as much on yourself.
142 Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 10am to
10pm. Tel: (04) 3495585. www.zoofashions.com
O De Rose
Fused together by three creative cousins from
dierent backgrounds with a shared passion
for fashion, interiors and art, O de Rose is a
stunning boutique set in a converted villa. e
garden is strewn with fairy lights and cushions,
the products are enchantingly embellished and
theres always a warm welcome (sometimes
youll get a cup of tea, too). Great for injecting
some oeat charm into your home.
Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 10am
to 7pm. Tel: (04) 3487990. www.o-derose.com
House Of Prose
A store run by book lovers, for book lovers,
this wordy wonderland has a wide selection
of second-hand English-language tomes,
and you can even return your purchase and
receive half your money back. A fantastic
shop with a winning attitude.
Jumeirah Plaza, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, Sat
to Thurs 9am to 8pm, Fri 5.30pm to 8pm.
Tel: (04) 3449021
Sugar Daddys
As the bakers at Sugar Daddys say stressed
is desserts spelled backwards we couldnt
have said it better. Innovative avours, loads
of outlets and enough sugar to send us into a
well-earned diabetic coma.
Various branches including Village Mall, Beach
Road, Dubai, Saturday to Thursday 9am to 10pm,
Friday 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3448204.
www.sugardaddysbakery.com
Deans Fujiya
Supermarket
With freezers full of seaweed and shelves heaving
with steamers, Deans is favourite with Dubai chefs.
e tiny Japanese supermarket sells imported
ingredients, utensils and dishes, so whether
youre an aspiring sushi master or just want some
unusual side plates, its well worth seeking out.
Near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai, Sat to
Thurs 10am to 8.30pm, Fri 5pm to 8.30pm.
Tel: (04) 3370503
S*uce
A leading light on the local fashion scene, S*uce
is a contemporary boutique with a mixture
of brands such as Karta, Isabella Cappeto,
Alldressedup and collections including McQ
by Alexander McQueen, See by Chlo and
Anglomania by Vivienne Westwood. eres
also gorgeous jewellery, cute gi ideas and very
bling gold shopping bags.
The Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3447270.
www.shopatsauce.com
Mr Bens
A walk-in fancy dress box,
Mr Bens is packed with wigs,
accessories and outts to transform you from
ordinary to Barney the Dinosaur, a beefeater,
1970s disco queen and pretty much anything
the Rugby Sevens or a costume party could
demand. Rental also available.
Mr Ben, Al Ghazal Mall, Al Wasl Road, Dubai,
10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3463422.
www.mrbendubai.com
In a land of malls, it takes a brave soul to set up shop on
their own. Luckily for us, an army of such retailers has taken
to the Dubai streets to offer us vintage clothing, rare vinyl,
second-hand books and more. Heres our pick of the best
independent shops in the city
Mr. Bens was the rst ofcial
costumes sales and rentals
business here in the UAE. We
wanted to not just be the rst,
but also remain the best in the
market at what we do.
Jayne Eastland Managing Director,
Mr Bens
Independent shops
Independent shops
S*uce
MADE IN DUBAI
Five more local
favourites
Absolute Adventure
Adventurer, guide and Dubai resident,
Paul Oliver organises expeditions all
around the globe, but his company is
based in the UAE and hes the go-to guy
for local adventures here and in Oman.
Absolute Adventure, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3459900. www.adventure.ae
Desert Gardener
Dan, the Desert Gardner,
runs the ever-expanding
Dubai Garden Centre,
now home to a couple
of our featured local
businesses, Bumble Box
Market and an House Of Prose
bookshop outlet, as well as other local
gems like the RAW Coee Company.
Dubai Garden Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3400006
Dubizzle
You all know about Dubizzle, so we
wont bang on about it, but the online
classifieds market with its tagline
buy, sell, find anything is one
of the citys most successful
home-grown sites.
www.dubizzle.com
Duplays
Anyone who plays sport in the UAE
will already be eternally grateful to
this online sports and social club,
which enables anyone to join a team
or establish their own to play in one of
the various leagues on the site. One of
the most original and useful businesses
in town.
www.duplays.com
Okku
Weve been regular
patrons of the stylish
Japanese restaurant
since the day it opened,
and were not the only
ones. In fact, Okku has
been so successful that its
creators are planning to open in London
soon. Dubai goes global.
Okku, The Monarch Dubai, One Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5018777.
www.okkudubai.com
Fabindia
With handcraed products and fabrics from
all over India, this store isnt cheap, but youll
leave with authentic clothing, linens and
accessories. eres even organic food and
products for your bathroom shelf.
Al Mankool Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Sat to Thurs
10am to 10pm, Fri 4pm to 10pm.
Tel: (04) 3989633 www.fabindia.com
Ohm Records
Hailed by many vinyl fans as local heroes, the
gang at OHM promotes and distributes hard to
nd music from non-commercial genres like
trip hop, acid jazz and jazz. Nice guys, too.
Al Kifaf Building, Trade Center Road, Bur Dubai,
Dubai, 2pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 3973728.
www.ohmrecords.com
My Vintage
Parlour
Fashion fanatic Judith Hanley has a thirst
for vintage so set up My Vintage Parlour, a
space where her sartorial sisters can book
appointments to view the collection and nd
that perfect prom dress. Pieces from the 1900s
through to the 1970s have been expertly curated
by Judith and shes on hand to advise on tting,
alterations and accessorising.
Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (050) 5504249.
www.myvintageparlour.com
Ayesha Depala
Boutique
A regular on best-dressed lists, Ayesha Depala
studied at Central St Martins in London
before setting up her own label and boutique.
Ayeshas designs are modern, feminine and
undeniably inuenced by her Indian heritage,
with rich beading and glamorous colours. e
store boasts all her creations, plus accessories
to turn heads.
The Village Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai,
Sat to Thurs 10am to 10pm, Fri 4pm to 10pm. Tel:
(04) 3445378. www.ayeshadepala.com
Bookworld
Piled high with second-hand books and
magazines, Book World is a hideaway for
Dubais literati. With everything from vintage
Viz annuals to nearly new best-sellers, the
prices are cheap, the choice is vast and if your
own home is too full, you can borrow a book
instead of buying it.
Plant Street, Satwa, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 9.30am to
9.30 pm and Fri 4.30pm to 9.30pm.
Tel: (04) 3491914
Whistle & Flute
It is hard to nd a good tailor in Dubai, and
Whistle & Flute is no dierent, tucked away
in an alley near the Iranian hospital. Trust us,
with expert sta, quality fabrics and speedy
turnaround times you wont begrudge them a
little mystery.
Plant Street, Satwa, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 9am to
1pm and 4pm to 8pm. Tel: (04) 3429229
Disco 2000
Need highbrow culture at rock bottom prices?
Get yourself to Disco 2000 where youll nd
CDs and DVDs for under Dhs50, with some
even costing as little as Dhs10.
Spinneys, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, Sat
to Thurs 9.30am to 10pm, Fri 10am to 10pm. Tel:
(04) 3940139
Bumble Box
Already a Whats On favourite,
Bumble Box is a home delivery
service oering fresh organic fruit
and vegetables at aordable prices.
Boxes cost Dhs80 and Dhs130 depending on the
size, with the larger packages holding enough
for a family of four (depending on appetites).
eres also a market twice a week, Tuesday
and Saturday, at the Dubai Garden Centre in Al
Quoz starting at 9.30am, where you can meet
the team and buy from other local suppliers.
www.bumble-box.com
We offer items with
stories and soul, not just
a price tag.
Mimi Shakhashir
Managing Partner,
O de Rose
There is an amazing
entrepreneurial spirit and
energy in Dubai. There always
has been.
Zayan Ghandour Creative Director,
Head Buyer and co-founder,
S*uce
Whistle & Flute
MADE IN DUBAI
Aprons &
Hammers
A&H, billing itself as the rst
crab shack in Dubai, has been causing
a big stir around town. Owner and chef,
Lawrence Fleet, is omnipresent, chatting with
diners, boasting about the quality of the local
seafood and cooking up the various buckets
and platters on the menu. We recommend
the steamed crab with chili and garlic dipping
sauce and the mussels in saron cream.
Aprons & Hammers, The Dhow, Mina Seyahi
Beach Resort & Marina, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4547097
Kcal
Not merely made in Dubai, but a truly
original concept as Kcal, set up by
passionate fitness fan Andreas Borgmann
and his business partner, serves healthy
fast food with all the dishes coming in at
less than 300 calories. The Kcal beef burger
is surprisingly good, and Kcal delivers.
Kcal, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4473844.
www.kcalhealthyfastfood.com
Piccolo Mondo
Bay Dubai
For a long time, Piccolo Mondo was a solo
caf hidden away in International City, an
Aladdins cave lled to bursting with artefacts
and bric-a-brac picked up by owner Zaki
Al Obaidi on his travels. e Dubai Marina
outlet launched it into the mainstream, but
PMD still retains its distinctive junk shop
aesthetic and its delightfully muddled multi-
cuisine menu.
Piccolo Mondo Bay Dubai, Dubai Marina, Marina
Tower, Basement Level, Water Front, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 4475449.
www.piccolomondobaydubai.com
Wild Peeta
Set up by the Al Awadhi brothers, co-founder
Mohamed Parham Al Awadhi describes his
fusion shawarma restaurants as what every
country should have, but Dubai desperately
needs locally-derived, creative food
ideas. Dubai is dependent on importing
everything, he insists. We need to be able to
create. Right on the money.
Wild Peeta, various locations, Dubai. Tel: 8009453.
www.wildpeeta.com
Zaroob
Set up by local restaurateur Nasser Zuhour,
also responsible for Dubais Mezze House,
Zaroob is a ne example of the kind of trendy,
local restaurants popping up around the
city. e design is oeat, urban chic with
Arabic inuences, while the restaurant boasts
two oors with an open kitchen producing
nourishing Levantine cuisine.
Jumeirah Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 3276060. www.zaroob.net
BoHouse
With its distinctive, colourful
and arty dcor, its outdoor
terrace facing the sea and its no nonsense
grub, BoHouse has become a popular hang
out for JBR and Marina residents in Dubai.
e food and the laid-back style of the place
are perfectly in sync with the city. And,
as if that werent enough, the caf has just
launched a book club.
BoHouse Cafe, The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04)
4298655. E-mail: [email protected]
Coming soon: Keep an eye
out for organic restaurant
Burger 360, scheduled to
open September/October 2011
More Caf
If you have been in Dubai for more than a
week, its likely you have discovered More
Caf. Were not telling you its there, were
reminding you that its Dubai born and
bred. Having received the Whats On Award
for Favourite Caf/ Independent in 2009,
managing partner Wouter Lap told us, I
wanted to create a place where you could go
and be in total comfort. Hes done just that.
More Caf, various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04)
2830224. www.morecafe.biz
Lime Tree Caf
e original Lime Tree Caf in Beach
Road has become a Dubai institution,
and one of the hardest places to secure
a table at breakfast time in the city. With
a fourth caf recently opened in Media City,
Lime Tree Caf is a genuine Dubai success story.
Lime Tree Caf, various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3498498. www.thelimetreecafe.com
Local House
Cofee Shop
& Restaurant
It might be located in Al Baskakiya, prime
tourist territory, but Local House is the real
Dubai deal. Set up by Khalid Sultan Moosa
Al Halyan, it specialises in traditional Emirati
food and music. It would be grossly negligent
not to sample the famous camel burger.
Local House Coee Shop & Restaurant, Al
Bastakiya, Bur Dubai, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3540705. www.localhousedubai.com
All small businesses are going
to have lows it is your passion
that fuels you to get through
them.
Mohamed Parham Al Awadhi
Co-founder, Wild Peeta
Eating out
Eating out
Aprons & Hammers
MADE IN DUBAI
Art Galleries
Trac
The spacious multi-
purpose set-up is ideal for
showcasing local artists.
Traffic has two galleries, a
residency artist studio and PRINT an
art store.
Trac, Umm Suqeim Road, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3470209. www.viatrac.org
The Jam Jar
Set up in 2005, thejamjar strives
to support the development of
Dubais art scene through art
programmes, educational initiatives,
and community projects.
The Jam Jar, Al Quoz 3, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3417303.
www.thejamjardubai.com
Third Line
Another gallery set in the
maze of Al Quoz, the
ird Line specialises in
showcasing contemporary
Middle Eastern art.
The Third Line, Al Quoz 3 Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3411367. www.thethirdline.com
XVA
Heralded not only in the UAE but also
throughout the MENA region, the plush
XVA gallery has established itself as one
of the big names in Middle Eastern art.
XVA Gallery, DIFC Gate Village, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3585117. www.xvagallery.com
Showcase
Gallery
One of the most
established galleries
in Dubai, Showcase
caters to both art and
antiques collectors.
Showcase Gallery, Jumeirah
Beach Road, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3488797.
www.showcaseuae.com
4 Walls
Not just a gallery, 4 Walls puts on
painting and sculpting workshops, as
well as regular art classes for children.
4 Walls Art Gallery, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3388892.
www.4walls-dubai.com
Backstage
Theatre Group
is non-prot amateur theatre group started
two years ago with just ten people. Since then,
its numbers have swelled to 400 strong putting
on as many as ten productions last year alone.
Playing throughout Dubai, it encourages people
to join its ranks and aims to raise the prole of
performing arts in the UAE.
Tel: (050) 4524793
Dubomedy
Dubbed the Future Of UAE Comedy by
this very magazine, Dubomedy was set up
in 2008 by comedic royalty Ali Al Sayed and
Mina Liccione and is the regions rst and only
comedy and urban arts school. With over 30
years of performance experience, Ali and Minas
goal is to educate and create a local comedy
community. So far, so good.
www.dubomedy.com
Dubai Condential
Film Club
Recently weve been singing the
praises of the DCFC. Only set
up this year, the monthly events
screen classic art house lms to
small groups of passionate lm bus. is
months showing will see Vertigo following the
success Casablanca and Breakfast At Tianys.
Tel: (055) 5537686
The Fridge
A music agency, a performance space, a gallery
and make-shi concert area e Fridge is
many things, and is totally unique. Set up
by Shelley Frost in 2007, its aim has always
been to promote, manage and facilitate the
collaboration of locally-based music talent.
The Fridge, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3477793.
www.thefridgedubai.com
Mindloop Studios
You cant have an indie scene without a studio
to record angst-lled songs. Cue Mindloop.
With three studios, a throng of local session
musicians, this wire-strewed recording studio
adds much-needed creative grit to Dubai.
Mindloop Studios, Dubai Media City, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 3914111 www.mindloopstudios.com
We felt our experience
and drive could do well, and
we were prepared to give up
the security of steady pay
cheques to go for it.
Stuart Every Managing Director,
Dolphin Creative
Culture
Culture
Capital D
Is it a gallery or a photography studio? Were
not quite sure but either way we love it. Set
up by the husband and wife team of Ayaad
and Meredith Taylor Damouni, it hosts
exhibitions and a professional photography
service all the right components to foster a
photography community in Dubai.
Capital D Studios, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3415339 www.capitaldstudio.com
Tashkeel
Now this is more like it. A plush open space
set up for artists and designers to help generate
creativity. Members are allowed the use of the
studios, which include a photography studio
and darkroom, 3D studios, and textile printing
and jewellery studios. ere is an excellent
reference library, too. Freelancers rejoice!
Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3363313
www.tashkeel.org
Dolphin Creative
Experimental events company Dolphin Creative
specialises in open space theatre, festivals
and public events that highlight the arts and
entertainment, including its show Swamp Juice
(Jul 23 to 31). We feel this region has a real can
do attitude, and we want to be part of it, Stuart
Every, Dolphins Managing Director, told us.
Dolphin Creative, Dubai. www.dolphincreative.ae
The Fridge
The foodie The spor ts fan
Your summer sor ted
Need to ll those long humid weekends and boring evenings?
Weve found the best activities in Dubai to keep you and the family busy
Visit an organic market
Weve said it before and were saying it again,
the local, organic produce at the weekly
Bumble Box Market is a must for any serious
foodie with scruples.
Bumble Box Market, Dubai Garden Centre,
Dubai, Sat 9.30am to 1pm. Tel: (04) 34000006.
www.bumble-box.com
Enjoy a culinary weekend
Planning on enjoying the superb cooking at
Verre? Enjoy it properly with a three-course
dinner at Ramsays Dubai bastion, a stay at
the Hilton and breakfast at Glasshouse, also
run by Verres Scott Price.
The Gordon Ramsay Culinary Experience, Hilton
Dubai Creek, Deira, Dubai, Dhs1,295 per couple.
Tel: (04) 2271111

Master the art of French
cooking
Enjoy a lesson with our favourite French chef,
Traiteurs Franck Detrait, followed by lunch
or dinner.
Traiteur, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, from
Dhs350 per person. Tel: (04) 6021804

Sample cheese and wine
Two nights to please both oenophiles
and turophiles
t
Plantation Lounge
More than 30 cheeses with wine pairings and
a jazz band.
Plantation Lounge, Sotel Dubai Jumeirah
Beach, The Walk, JBR, Weds 7pm to 10pm,
Dhs150. Tel: (04) 4484873
t
Lobby Lounge
The Qamardeen Hotels Cheese and Wine Unwind
nights provide exactly what the name suggests.
Lobby Lounge, Qamardeen Hotel, Emaar
Boulevard, Old Town, Downtown Dubai, Dubai,
Wed to Fri 6pm to 9pm, Dhs109.
Tel: (04) 4285888
Learn capoeira
Get to grips with the non-contact Brazilian
sport, where two players exchange
movements. Great for coordination, exibility
and strength.
Contender Gym, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sun, Tues and
Thurs 8pm to 10pm, Dhs700 per month. Tel:
(050) 1034672. www.capoeiradubai.com
Go climbing and be frozen
at the mall
Adventure HQ is an enormous new store
packed with the latest outdoor equipment
and a climbing wall, cable climb and ice
chamber where you can try out winter gear.
Its ocially the coolest place in Dubai.
Adventure HQ, Times Square, Al Quoz, Dubai,
10am to 10pm. www.adventurehq.ae
Try cheerleading aerobics
Pom-poms at the ready, the latest exercise
craze to sweep Dubai is Cheerobics, which
combines cheerleading techniques and
aerobics to burn up to 700 calories per hour.
Extra points for pep and team spirit.
Core Direction, DAMAC Waves Tower, Dubai
Marina, Dubai, Dhs350 per month for unlimited
classes. Tel: (055) 6930668. www.coredirection.
com
Cycle, run or blade at
the Autodrome
Forget the motors, every Wednesday night
runners, rollerbladers and cyclists take over
the track at the Autodrome with Cycle Safe
Dubai. Its free, but youll have to bring your
own mode of transport.
Dubai Autodrome, Motor City, Dubai, 6pm to
9pm, free. Tel: (04) 3678700
Blend your own tea
Visit manager Alexandra Kalinina and her
team at the new Tea For You caf and create
your own blend of tea.
Tea For You, TECOM, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4572575.
www.tea4you.ae
20-22 25 things to do_DXB.indd 20 6/28/11 9:43:41 AM
The spor ts fan Culture vulture
Your summer sor ted
Watch the Copa America
If youre more of an armchair or barstool kinda
sports fan, then youll already know that the
cream of South Americas international football
stars go head to head in the Copa America
during July in Argentina.
You wont have to
shell out on the next
ight to Buenos Aires
or worry about time
dierences because
e Underground is
screening matches and
is open from noon to
2.30am.
The Underground,
Habtoor Grand Resort
& Spa, Dubai Marina,
Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3995000
Join a Scrabble club
Meet like-minded word nerds for monthly
meet-ups, regular tournaments
and online tip swapping.
To contact the group, search
for UAE Scrabble on www.
facebook.com
Swap your books
Refresh your bookshelves and save some
cash with the book swaps oered at KAS Cafe
in JLT. Drop in any time with a tired tome or
that novel you just never got around to and
pick up a new read from the shelf. Our kind
of recycling.
KAS Caf, Lake Terrace, JLT, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4471703
Join the library
In the days of Kindles and
iPads its easy to forget the
simple joys of borrowing
a book. Run entirely by
volunteers (and theyre
always looking for more)
e Old Library in Mall
Of e Emirates has 19,000
titles, second-hand books for
sale and hosts reading sessions.
Membership is Dhs200 for adults and Dhs50
for children.
The Old Library, DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates,
Dubai, Sat 10am to 6pm, Sun to Thurs noon to
4pm. Tel: (04) 3414777. www.theoldlibrary.ae
Draw at the mall
Hone your people watching and sketching skills
with Saturday aernoon drawing sessions with
Rajaa Khalid. Youll meet at one of Dubais
malls to observe shoppers, architecture, window
displays, perspective and more. Minimum
of four people needed per class and prices
depend on group size. Bring your own A4
notebook, black ink pens and pencils.
Tel: (050) 5595617
Show off your knowledge
Summer is prime pub quiz season, with many
brainaics holing up in bars to pit their wits for
prizes. Heres our top three:
1. Fibber Magees (Tue), Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3322400
2. The Sports Lounge (Mon), Dubai Marina
Yacht Club, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3627900
3. Arabian Ranches Golf Club (Tue),
Emirates Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3663000
YOUR SUMMER SORTED
Birthday baking
If your little darling celebrates their birthday
this summer, Sugar Daddys cupcake and
cookie decorating classes could provide the
ideal birthday bash. Let them make a mess on
somebody elses property for a change, eh?
Sugar Daddys, Park Island, Dubai Marina, Dubai,
from Dhs150. Tel: (04) 3448204

Free summer camp
Lamcy Plaza and Fun City have teamed up for
Dubai Summer Surprises to create a childrens
summer camp oering entertainment ranging
from cooking to yoga. ere will also be
activities available in the evenings.
Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha, Dubai, 11am to 2pm,
and 5pm to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 3352700
An evening at the zoo
Summer nights are the ideal time to take
that trip to the zoo (its educational, aer all),
especially as Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort
has a buy one get one free deal on
tickets until July 31.
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, Al Ain, Abu
Dhabi, 4pm to 10pm, Dhs15, children Dhs5.
Tel: (03) 7041543. www.awpr.ae

Get some rhythm
Dubai Drums is holding day camps
for children aged four to 12
throughout July with hand
drumming, singing,
drama, story telling and
puppet shows. You can
even join your progeny
between 12.30pm and 1pm
for no extra charge. Bonus.
Dubai Drums, Al Noor
Centre, Barsha, Dubai, Jul to
28 9am to 1pm, Dhs750
per week. Tel: (056)
7442129

Tread the
boards
Do you have a budding
thespian on your hands? Kids
eatre Works is holding
drama camps for children
aged seven to 14 led by British
performers Hayley Doyle, Anna
Stranack and Dean Elliot.
Jul 3 to Jul 7 and Jul 10 to Jul 14,
Kids Theatre Works, DUCTAC, Mall
Of The Emirates, Dubai, 9am to
3pm, Dhs750 per week. Tel: (04)
3414777
Family Luxury lovers
Feast on meat
Celebrate the beginning of the weekend by
over indulging in endless cuts of top-quality
meats and seafood while serenaded by a live
jazz band. ursday nights at Ember really is
one for people who know their meat.
Ember, The Address Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai.
Thurs 6.30pm to 11.30pm, Dhs180 to Dhs245
including a selection of house beverages.
Tel: (04) 4388999
Become a photographer
Splashed out on a fancy camera but still
taking bad shots? Throughout July and
August pro portrait snappers Pink Pepper
are offering five-day courses for beginners
and intermediates at their studio. Forget
a stuffy classroom these sessions are all
about fun, experimentation, snap happy
times for all ages.
Pink Pepper, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs800.
Tel: (04) 4340437. www.pinkpepperuae.com
Rolling in style
Ditch your tired old banger for a few days and
rent a car with some serious comfort. Hertz is
oering a top-of-the-range Lexus IS300s from
Dhs428 per day, including insurance. Road-
trippin in style.
Hertz Middle East, From Dhs438. Tel: (800) 43789.
www.hertz.ae

Smokin success
Nothing says youve made it like sitting in
utter comfort, pung on the nest cigar with
a choice beverage in hand.
If youre celebrating this summer, here are
our top three cigar bars:

t
The Cigar Bar
Daily from 7pm to 2am, The Fairmont, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3118316.
www.fairmont.com/dubai
t
C Club
Thurs to Sat from 6pm to 2am,
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Palm
Jumeriah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4530444.
www.jumeirah.com
t
Diademas
Daily From 6pm to 2am, The
Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5018888.
www.themonarchdubai.
com

Shop til they
drop
If youre too
busy to spend
all day shopping
around, then let
Bloomingdales
personal shopper
service help you
out. Tell them what
youre aer and
they will sort you
out. e service is
free, the rest is up
to you.
At Your Service,
Bloomingdales,
The Dubai Mall,
Dubai. Tel: (04)
3505333. www.
bloomingdales.com

Up to 35% off at Dubais most
celebrated restaurants!
Enjoy up to 35% off this summer when you put your Visa card on a diet with our
8 step plan. The more you dine, the more you lose off your bill!
Pay with your Visa card when dining at selected restaurants in The Address Hotels +
Resorts, The Palace The Old Town, Armani Hotel Dubai, Dubai Marina Yacht Club,
Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dubai and Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and see the
difference a few months can make.
Visit 1 - 3: 25%
Visit 4 - 7: 30%
Visit 8 and onwards: 35%
In addition, receive a 25% discount at any spa at The Address Hotels + Resorts and
Armani/SPA. For golf enthusiasts, receive a 35% discount on weekday green fees at
The Address Montgomerie Dubai.
Pick up your membership card today at any participating restaurants.
For more information, please visit www.theaddress.com/Visa or call +971 4 8883444
Terms & Conditions apply.
Up to 35% off at Dubais most
celebrated restaurants!
Enjoy up to 35% off this summer when you put your Visa card on a diet with our
8 step plan. The more you dine, the more you lose off your bill!
Pay with your Visa card when dining at selected restaurants in The Address Hotels +
Resorts, The Palace The Old Town, Armani Hotel Dubai, Dubai Marina Yacht Club,
Arabian Ranches Golf Club Dubai and Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club and see the
difference a few months can make.
Visit 1 - 3: 25%
Visit 4 - 7: 30%
Visit 8 and onwards: 35%
In addition, receive a 25% discount at any spa at The Address Hotels + Resorts and
Armani/SPA. For golf enthusiasts, receive a 35% discount on weekday green fees at
The Address Montgomerie Dubai.
Pick up your membership card today at any participating restaurants.
For more information, please visit www.theaddress.com/Visa or call +971 4 8883444
Terms & Conditions apply.
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loios v|oo oioiog io ou| looo 8 boo|ago oouos aoo v|oo sayiog io ou| p|opo|ios.
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Hopping
mad
ree days long. Two weeks and 40 people to build the tent. 30 doormen. 50
bar sta. Over 100 varieties of beer. A pint pulled every 20 seconds. ats
right, Hopfest is back. e fun-lled three-day fest kicks o at noon and
nishes at 2am, with music by e Maplejacks, Adam Shero, e Vision and
DJ Mark. Up for the hat-trick? On the Saturday take your wristband from
ursday and Friday and the rst 200 punters will get a free brunch and a I
Survived Hopfest 2011 T-shirt. Wear yours with pride, you crazy kid.
Jul 21 to Jul 24, Irish Village, Garhoud, Dubai,
noon to 2am, drinks from Dhs35.
Tel: (04) 2824122.
www.irishvillage.ae
WIN!
DRINKS AT HOPFEST
Whats even better than a festival of fun? When
its free, of course. We have drinks and food
vouchers worth Dhs350 to give to four thirsty
readers. For your chance to win, e-mail
[email protected] with Hopfestin the
subject line and the answer to this question
At which Dubai institution
is Hopfest held?
a) Scottish Village
b) Irish Village
c) Finnish Village
25 HOPFEST_DXB.indd 25 6/28/11 9:45:04 AM

Dubai online

Chances are, like us, youre permanently parked at your PC or glued to your smartphone. Theres
no denying it, the UAE population is spending more time online. Weve rounded up the best blogs,
top twitterers, amazing apps, online shops and stats. So whether youre an internet lurker, aspiring
entrepreneur or Facebook friend, read on to nd out whats happening on our world wide web
Percentage of the UAE
population using internet
Percentage of the UAE
population on Facebook
5.5 MILLION Twitter users in the region
40% of them in the UAE
DUBAI METRO2
Metro stations, times, rules, nes and prices.
DEWA
Bill queries, oce locations and complaint logging.
KALIMAT
An utterly addictive word game in both English
and Arabic.
7DAYS
The latest news in either iPhone or BlackBerry format.
DUBAI 92
Listen to Dubai 92 on the go.
GRAND CINEMAS
Whats showing and when, screening times,
e-tickets and cinema locations.
DUBAI MAP & WALKING
TOURS
One for visitors download and send them on
their way. Maps, routes, landmarks and information.
THE THIRD LINE
The Al Quoz gallerys app features artists work and
proles, exhibitions, events social feeds and a book
store.
DUBAI FLIGHT TRACKER
Gives you up-to-date arrival and departure info
from Dubai airport. Excellent for those who travel a
lot, or for picking up friends and family
MPARK DUBAI
Enter your vehicle details, parking zone and
required duration to pay for parking through your
iPhone. Snazzy.
Get appy
From galleries and games to bill paying, heres our pick of UAE apps to download today
Style blog!
Picking out your new wardrobe neednt be a
solitary task. Dubai fashionista and blogger
Bebhinn Kellys www.hellwafashion.com
helps you trawl through latest trends, from
designers to high street and everything in
between.
Food blog!
Unlike actual food, when it comes to food
advice, you can never have too much. Check
out www.duguzzle.blogspot.com, the
sparkling blog from our very own The Critic
(p40), James Brennan.
The most popular YouTube
video from Dubai is of
Shakira bellydancing at her
2007 concert, with
9,644,942 views
54%
on facebook
46%
not on
facebook
@TheLemonadeBoy
Followers: 113,390
Who is he? Com Mirza is an entrepreneur and all
around creative madman.
Tweets about: Famous inspirational quotes
Likelihood hell tweet you back: Pretty high Com is
a daily tweeter

@ lollipop26
Followers: 32,423
Who is she? Laura is a beauty blogger who its
between Dubai and London
Tweets about: Beauty products and tips
Likelihood shell tweet you back: High Laura is a
self-confessed tweet-aholic

@Catboy_Dubai
Followers: 11,458
Who is he? Simon Smedley is Catboy from Dubai
92s breakfast show (and Whats On columnist)
Tweets about: Amusing snippets from around
Dubai and beyond. He does a good infographic,
too
Likelihood hell tweet you back: Reasonable it
depends if you have anything entertaining to say

@AshrafGhori
Followers: 25,723
Who is he? Ashraf Ghori is an artist and award-
winning lm-maker.
Tweets about: Arts, graphics and news
Likelihood hell tweet you back: Good Ashraf
tweets a lot
Top tweeters
Our pick of the UAEs 140-character
chatterers
FACT: The UAE
is number nine
in the worlds
top ten countries
by Facebook
penetration. Iceland
is number one
worldwide 66.5% of
its population have a
facebook account
25%
not on the
internet
75%
on the internet
26-27 Dubai online.indd 26 6/28/11 9:49:52 AM
Dubai online
Age of facebook users in
the UAE
45%
over 30
years old
55%
15 - 30
years old
Language of UAE Facebook users
0 20 40 60 80 100
88% English
9.3% Arabic
0.8% French
0
UAE facebook users
showing status as married
13%
Married
(male)
20%
Married
(female)
Emirates Airline is the social
media brand with the most
followers the Dubai company
has 69,950 followers across
Facebook,Twitter and YouTube
Facebook users in the UAE are
66% female and 34% male
UAE WORLDWIDE
Globally, the average is 56%
female and 44% male
66% 34% 56% 44%
How to build your
own app
Got a great idea for an app that can
change the world, make life easier or just
pass the time while youre on the metro?
Until recently, the only people who could develop
(and make cash) from app building were tech-
heads. Now, Apps Arabia, an Abu Dhabi-based
investment fund, is inviting UAE residents to pitch
their ideas and make their app-based dream a risk-
free online reality. So how does it work?
1. Wannabe app entrepreneurs register and
submit their idea for investment.
2. Successful applicants are contacted and
AppsArabia nds suitable developers.
3. It invests in the development (if you have an
idea you dont pay a dirham), it is created, tested
and submitted to the appropriate app store. This
takes around three months.
4. Revenue from sales is kept by AppsArabia
until the investment is paid o. Prots are then
split between the entrepreneur (70 per cent) and
AppsArabia (30 per cent).
5. You become the next Mark Zuckerberg. It
could happen.
www.appsarabia.com
New blog!
While most of us moan to our mates about the
weird and wonderful people that live in Dubai, a
certain annonymous blogger has taken it online.
Check out www.mrsmadisondubai.com for all
the stereotypes; the campers, the old-timer, the
waxer, the 7Days letter writer which one are you?
Where to buy
FOR HOMES
www.wallcravings.com
Vinyl waterproof, removable wall stickers,
this excellent site is packed with decals
to transform your home into an individual space.
Designs range from the graphic to the oral, with
Arabic calligraphy, famous quotes and nursery-
friendly illustrations. Prices start from Dhs125.
FOR FLOWERS
www.upscaleandposh.com
Flowers, chocolates, balloons, cookies and
more ordered online and delivered to your
(or your beloveds) door. Easy to navigate, arranged
by occasion and well-priced.
FOR FASHION
www.boutique1.com
The Dubai home to Lily Allens Lucy In
Disguise label, Boutique 1s online oering
looks uncannily similar to Net A Porter, and oers
a high standard of sartorial choices. Clothing and
accessories from the likes of Issa, Halston Heritage
and Erdem are available, plus menswear, stationery,
books, gifts and a rather nice discount section.
FOR LIFE
www.dubizzle.com
Dubizzle has expanded beyond apartment
browsing to a site where you can pick up
furniture for free, check out social snaps and even nd a
job. A website that is as essential to living in the region
as a bottle of Masa, pair of sunnies and some Hawaiian
Tropic factor 30.
FOR FOOD
www.casseroleonline.com
Chef-prepared meals delivered to your desk
or door. This website allows you to order
soups, salads, main meals, drinks and desserts
you just need to heat it up. Particularly recommended
are the lasagne and ratatouille, with prices starting from
Dhs18 for a caesar salad. And theres no minimum order.
FOR DJS
www.djcorner.ae
Gadgets galore at this online emporium, with
DJ gear from headphones to turntables, plus
lighting, stands and cables. Ideal for those
who dont want to buy internationally, the company
is based in Deira and shipping is free on orders over
Dhs1,000 within the UAE.
FOR GADGETS
www.aido.com
Standing for All I Do Online, Aido oers
gadgets, books, games, DVDs, quirky gifts and
homewares, plus iPads and accessories. We love the
massive Scratch Map poster (Dhs70), which allows you to
scratch o countries as you visit them. To win a BlackBerry
PlayBook from Aido, turn to page 97.
FOR CHILDREN
www.sandypants.com
After spotting a gap in the market for long-
lasting toys, stylish childrens clothes and
innovative products, plus party bags and travel items,
Dubai mums Donna and Patricia launched Sandy Pants.
Regularly relied upon for presents and party essentials, it
has quickly become the go-to website for busy parents
thanks to its next day delivery service.
FOR AUCTIONS
www.souq.com
If you love the buzz of bidding, check out Souq.
New and used items, motors, tickets, properties
and all manner of bric-a-brac is waiting to be bought for
a bargain price. Just have a bit of savvy we found an
original Banksywhich wed recommend checking out
before parting with your dirhams.
Forget your Amazons, Net-A-Porters and eBays, the UAE has a raft of home-grown websites packed with products. No conversion
rates, shorter delivery times and help at the end of the phone. Welcome to your new lunchtime time-wasters and last-minute saviours
86%
of mobile internet users use their
devices while watching TV
26-27 Dubai online.indd 27 6/28/11 9:49:53 AM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
fitflop.pdf 6/26/11 11:30:02 AM
Our magic eight ball tells us youre sick of waiting around for your locals solitary pool
table to become free. To make sure youll never have to wait again, weve scoured
the city for the best pool and snooker clubs. Well rack em, you break
EMIRATES BILLIARDS
CENTRE
There is no doubt about it, Emirates Billiards
Centre is for the purists; it opens early, closes
late, is well priced and is kitted out exclusively for
billiards.
Pool tables: 11
Snooker tables: 0
Shiekha Raya Building, Al Ittihad Road, Deira,
10am to 2am, Dhs15 before 7pm, Dhs20 after
7pm. Tel: (04) 2624499
QBALL
A gem in the maze that is International
City, Qball oers good rates, both
snooker and pool tables and a VIP room.
Pool tables: 13
Snooker tables: two
International City, Morocco Cluster,
Dubai, 2pm to 2am, pool Dhs10 before
7pm, Dhs15 after 7pm, snooker Dhs20
before 7pm, Dhs30 after 7pm, VIP
room Dhs40. Tel: (04) 4308127.
www.qballdubai.com
DUBAI SNOOKER CLUB
Twenty-ve years ago the Dubai Snooker
Club was just six pool tables and a snooker table,
now its one of the most popular clubs in town,
Membership is not compulsory and the snacks
are top notch.
Pool tables: 13
Snooker tables: 14
Just o Maktoum Bridge, Karama, 9am to 2am,
Dhs25 per hour. Tel: (04) 3375338.
www.dubaisnooker.com
DUBAIS BEST
POOL HALLS
BOWLING CITY
Dont let the name fool you, bowling city has
plenty of snooker tables and a nice atmosphere.
Plus you can sneak o there whilst your other
half goes shopping.
Pool tables: eight
Snooker tables: 0
Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 10am to midnight,
Dhs35. Tel: (04) 2328600
BILLIARD LEGEND
Buried in the bustle of Bur Dubai, this nice
little pool hall has seven tables with hour-long
bookings making it easy to drop by and pocket
a few balls anytime you like.
Pool tables: seven
Snooker tables: 0
Al Tayer Building, Al Mina Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai,
10am to 2am, Dhs20 before 6pm, Dhs25 after
6pm. Tel: (04) 3988911
GOLDEN HALL BILLIARD
DUBAI
Decked out with pool tables, foosball
and gaming consoles, there is plenty
happening here to pass the day away.
The coee shop attached also does
shisha and nibbles.
Pool tables: nine
Snooker tables: four
Net.com Building, near Lamcy Plaza,
Karama, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2629290
7 NIGHTS BILLIARDS
Not even the most passionate player can
binge for 14 hours, so if you need a respite they
also do food and have a range of video games
to pass the time.
Pool tables: 18
Snooker tables: 0
Al Meena Residence Building, Mina Road, Bur
Dubai, Dubai, 11.30am to 2am, Dhs25 before
5pm, Dhs35 after 5pm. Tel: (04) 3458899
DUBAI BILLIARD
ACADEMY
Small and peaceful, this place is a rarity; a
family-friendly pool hall boasting two junior-
size pool tables. It also does a range of pool
courses if your action is a bit rusty you hustler.
Pool tables: ve (including two junior tables)
Snooker tables: one
Shaiba Towers, Tecom, Dubai, 1pm to 1am, Dhs15.
Tel: (050) 1518532. www.dubaibilliard.com
29 PoolhallsDXB.indd 29 6/28/11 9:52:08 AM
FILM
WHO?
TAGLINE
ONCE UPON A TIME...
IDEAL IF YOURE IN THE
MOOD TO...
WATCH THIS IF YOU
LIKE...
TOP TRIVIA
WHATS ON TEN WORD
OR LESS REVIEW
RATE OR SLATE?
Selena Gomez, Leighton
Meester, Katie Cassidy, Andie
MacDowell, Tom Bezucha
(director), Nicole Kidman (co-
producer)
Shes having the time of someone
elses life
ree young women on a
second-rate French holiday found
themselves whisked into the lap
of luxury when one of them was
mistaken for a visiting heiress.
Bathe in the lightweight froth of
pure escapism, complete with the
inevitable arrival of an apparent
Prince Charming
Mistaken identity, a cinema
aiction roughly as widespread
as the common cold. Peter Sellers
benetted from it in Being ere,
but this is closer in tone to e
Lizzie McGuire Movie.
e original novel, Headhunters,
by Jules Bass, involved three
middle-aged women. Nicole
Kidman was originally slated to
be playing a role, but the studio
wanted a younger vibe. Shame.
So light and uy it might
just blow away.
Nicole Kidman, Aaron

Eckhart, Dianne Wiest, Tammy
Blanchard, Sandra Oh, John
Cameron Mitchell (director)
e only way out is through
Becca (Kidman) and husband
Howie (Eckhart) dealt with their
sons death in very dierent ways,
creating marital ris as they
battled to process their grief.
Be kicked repeatedly in the
cheeriness glands for pretty much
the entire 90-minute run time.
Crushing but oddly redemptive
explorations of personal woe
Robert Redfords 1980 directorial
debut, Ordinary People, would be
a fairly obvious point of reference.
e screenplay was penned
by David Lindsay-Abaire, an
adaptation of his 2005 Broadway
play of the same name.
Kidman and Eckhart make
heartbreak a curious pleasure.
Daniel Radclie, Rupert Grint,

Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes,
Alan Rickman, David Yates
(director)
It all ends
Harry, Ron and Hermione went
back to Hogwarts despite
now being old enough to teach
there to defeat Voldemort by
nding, and destroying, his three
remaining horcruxes.
Finally witness the wrapping up
of a franchise that, in the decade
since it hit our screens, has
become roughly as popular as
breathing.
Any of the previous seven
instalments. If youve been living
down a well and missed them,
think Lord Of e Rings meets e
Goonies but, frankly, this is no
time to be jumping onboard.
Pyrotechnics used in one scene
caused a sizeable blaze on the
Hogwarts set, which had to be
rebuilt before the lms climactic
battle could be shot.
A grandstand nish as Harry
bows out in explosive form.
PREVIEW
Monte Carlo Rabbit Hole
Harry Potter And
The Deathly
Hallows Part 2
Rabbit Hole
Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Part 2
30-31 Films.indd 30 6/28/11 9:53:13 AM
FILM | NEW RELEASES
Katerina Graham, Randy
Wayne, Melissa Molinaro,
Lonette McKee, Bille Woodru
(director)
Go every step of the way
Feisty teen Maria (Graham)
used her talent for street dance
to follow in the footsteps of her
choreographer and idol, Honey,
whose mentorship oers a route
out of the hood.
Feel extremely unt and
unattractive, shovelling stfuls of
popcorn into your face while a
parade of impossibly lithe youths
ricochet around the screen.
e rst Honey movie, which
came out in 2003 and starred
Jessica Alba. Not that youd be
very likely to admit it. Probably
wise; Breakin 2: Electric Boogaloo
was much better.
At least director Woodru has
form in the musical arena he
directed the video for Toni
Braxtons Unbreak My Heart,
amongst others.
Lord of the dance? Bored is
probably more like it.
Hilary Swank, Sam

Rockwell, Minnie
Driver, Juliette
Lewis, Tony Goldwyn
(director, co-producer)
An extraordinary journey of how
far we go to ght for our family
Betty Anne Waters (Swank)
was horried when her brother,
Kenneth, was arrested for a
murder he hadnt committed,
putting herself through law
school to help get him released.
Be reminded that, sometimes,
one individual against the
system can make a massive
amount of dierence. Even if it
does take 20 years
Stories of triumph against the
odds with a legal twist. Erin
Brockovich might be a decent
place to start, with a bit of e
Shawshank Redemption for good
measure.
Unfortunately, the real Kenneth
Waters only enjoyed six months
of freedom before he died in a
freak fall while walking home
from a family dinner.
Swank and Rockwell are solid,
but this never fully ignites.
Rupert Friend, Emmanuelle

Chriqui, Richard Coyle, Andy
Garcia, Val Kilmer, Renny Harlin
(director, co-producer)
e rst casualty of war is truth
It was 2008, and Russo-Georgian
war had just erupted over South
Ossetia, where two US reporters
struggled to tell the human story
behind the violence.
See an impressive supporting cast
(including Garcia as Georgian
President Mikheil Saakashvili)
relive dark days that still feel
harrowingly fresh.
Mel Gibsons 1981 breakthrough,
Gallipoli, takes an equally dim
view of wars ultimate purpose,
while 2001s Behind Enemy Lines
addresses the 1990s Bosnian
conict to similar eect.
Director Renny Harlins CV is
somewhat chequered, ranging
from success with Die Hard 2 to
the dismal Cutthroat Island a
op so catastrophic it made the
Guinness Book Of Records.
Absorbing and powerful, but
strangely enjoyable.
Honey 2 Conviction 5 Days Of

August
James McAvoy, Robin Wright,
Justin Long, Evan Rachel Wood,
Tom Wilkinson, Robert Redford
(director/co-producer)
One bullet killed the president.
But not one man
Seven men and one woman
guesthouse owner Mary Surratt
(Wright) were arrested and
tried as accomplices in the 1865
assassination of US President
Abraham Lincoln.
Formulate your own opinion as to
whether or not Surratt deserved
to become the rst woman
executed by the US Government.
Conspiracy-ecked political
drama particularly Oliver
Stones controversial 1991 fact-
mangler, JFK, or the more recent
Frost/Nixon.
is is the debut oering from
Joe Ricketts American Film
Company, a new production
house dedicated to dramatising
true stories.
Redfords slow-burner demands
extreme patience, but rewards it.
The
Conspirator
The Conspirator
Honey 2
30-31 Films.indd 31 6/28/11 9:53:22 AM
EATING OUT
M
'
S

R
E
S
T
A
U
R
A
N
T
Summer is well and truly upon us, like sticky,
microwaved hollandaise over a pert poached egg.
But its not all bad news. Fortunately, summer
also means its ice cream season if ice cream has
a season, that is. We think it does, and this is it, so
weve tested nine of the UAEs best gelaterie and
ice cream parlours (p35), gaining a few pounds
in the process (no need to thank us, just doing
our jobs). The onset of the quieter, farcically
broiling months, it seems, is also the ideal time to open
a new, internationally celebrated, big name restaurant
like The Ivy, for example. Our verdict on the Dubai
version of one of Londons most famous restaurants can
be found in the following pages (p34) and, because one
restaurant is never enough, you can also see what we
thought of the DIFC branch of global Chinese restaurant
chain Royal China (p38). Imported names are also on
The Critics mind this month, and you can read what he
has to say here (p40). So, gorged on the nest ice cream
in the Emirates and reeling from dinner at The Ivy, you
can also nd out what we thought of recently opened
Meditarabian restaurant Ms at Emirates Golf Club, two
new Dubai brunches (p39) and a couple of afternoon
teas (p36). Still not satisfactorily sated? Then why not
whip yourself up a spot of supper with the rst of our
new monthly Twitter recipes (p36)? That should keep
you going until August. Salut.
Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor
33-40 EatingOut.indd 33 7/3/11 9:28:41 AM
EATING OUT
The Ivy
The grand, old, British
culinary institution
has, after much hoo-
ha and tantalising
delay, opened in
Dubai. But has it
been worth the wait?
Some people, including our very
own e Critic (p40), bemoan
the fact that so many of the citys
ritziest and most chinwagged about
restaurants are concepts imported
from more established culinary
destinations, or wear the name
of a superstar chef like a badge of
honour, hopefully guaranteeing
quality. But we believe that these
international colossi provide a
benchmark for new, hopefully
local, enterprises and keep Dubai
rmly in the global culinary
consciousness.
In our minds, e Ivy was
always welcome, as long as it
lived up to expectations. And
we have had plenty of time, and
opportunity, to watch e Ivy
grow to develop from a delicious
rumour to a full-blown restaurant.
We talked to the (then newly
appointed) executive chef Colin
Clague about it prior to Taste Of
Dubai, we sampled dishes from the
menu with the team from Caprice
Holdings, the company behind
the London restaurant prior to the
opening and twice in the nished
restaurant. Its fair to say that,
during these numerious visits,
weve had e Ivy experience, and
tasted perhaps 70 per cent of the
unpretentious menu.
An alluring list of hors doeuvres
sets the tone, and we were
impressed by the venison carpaccio
drizzled with a zingy, but not
overpowering, citrus and rosemary
dressing; a shrewd and perfectly
balanced salad of hoisin smothered
duck, water melon and cashew
nuts; a slightly overgenerous (not
a complaint you hear oen from
these quarters) portion of a ne
smoked salmon; a beef tartar,
In tweet form The Ivy has nally thrown
open its doors in Dubai. It certainly
doesnt disappoint. The gooseberry
pie alone is worth the visit. Follow us at
WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
followme
Need to know
Location: Emirates Towers,
The Boulevard, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3198767
Web: www.theivy.ae
Open: lunch noon to 3pm,
dinner 6.30pm to 11pm, bar
to 2am
Cuisine type: British/
International
Must eat: gooseberry pie
Bill for two: Dhs550 (sans
alcohol)
chopped rather than criminally
minced, and, of course, the famous
bang bang chicken.
Of the mains, we enjoyed
a poached lobster salad with
artichoke and fennel, just heavy
enough for dinner if youre having
the full three courses (and you
should be), sea bass mildly spicy,
baked and served in a banana leaf
and a monstrous veal chop in
anchovy butter.
e shepherds pie was divine,
while a plate stacked with calfs
liver with bacon in a delicious
gravy was probably one for liver
lovers only.
A classic beef burger, not trying
to be something it was never meant
to be as so many burgers are these
days, didnt disappoint, likewise
the nice cut of Aussie grain-fed
llet with a bowl of charmingly fat
chips and, nally, a salute to the
magnicent llet of cod with salty
samphire and the tastiest clams
weve ever eaten in Dubai.
We also devoured a decent
sticky toee pudding, the playful
chocolate bombe, a health
conscious plate of Scandinavian
iced berries and the selection of
English cheeses. But forget that last
BRING YOUR CLEGS
Weve long believed that the
letter C is underrated. And
it seems the Cavalli Club
Restaurant & Lounge
at the Fairmont Hotel
is in agreement, as
its running a specially
crafted Seven Cs
seven-course menu for
the entire month of July.
Why Seven Cs you ask? Well,
young landlubber, its because
the Cavalli menu will oer up
canaps, caviar, chocolate,
cocktails, cheese, coees and
other concoctions (see what
theyve done there?). Crikey.
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai. Tel: 04 3329260.
www.fairmont.com/dubai
LIGHTENING LUNCHES
Just because you only have an
hour for lunch doesnt mean
you have to inhale a cheese and
pickle sandwich at your desk.
Pop down to one of three Rotana
hotels (Villa, Rimal or Rihab)
where you will be able to enjoy a
three-course lunch for just Dhs59
in less than 50 minutes. The best
bit? If it takes longer than 50
minutes you dont pay a dirham.
Villa Rotana, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, Rimal Rotana, Murraqabat
Street, Deira, Dubai and Rihab
Rotana, Garhoud, Dubai, Dhs59.
Tel: (04) 7054277. www.rotana.com

FRESH START
Al Fresco. Not an Italian mobster,
but an Italian restaurant at
Crowne Plaza Dubai, and one
with a new menu, at that. Chef
Marco Turatti is clearly a ercely
loyal Italian and the menu sings
with antipasti, contorni and
zuppe. But it's the mains that
grab our attention. More than
the stereotypical pasta and pizza
(although those classics are on
oer), you can delve into the
baked lamb rack, the braised
grouper in mussel stock, or even
the roasted duck breast with
polenta. Delizioso.
Al Fresco, Crowne Plaza Dubai,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04)
331 1111 www.crowneplaza.com
Wrap your chops
around these
summery treats
On the
menu
sentence and order the gooseberry
pie with custard its the nest
dessert weve eaten this year,
perhaps ever.
If we have one criticism, it is
the location no windows and
an indoor outdoor area, an
unwelcome reminder to diners that
they are in a mall. But the design,
conjuring images of a Victorian-era
gentlemans club, with its polished
wood, racing green leather seats,
aged mirrors, rather good artwork,
white table linen and stained glass,
is precisely as one would wish it to
be. As is e Ivy itself.
EATING OUT
THE TAKE
AWAY TEST
We asked 12 ice cream parlours for their most
popular avour in their smallest take-away size.
Here's what we bought
BASKIN ROBBINS
Choc Trilogy
TASTING NOTES: A mesh of
chocolate types, Choc Trilogy
was, perhaps unsurprisingly,
crammed with pieces of chocolate.
Unfortunately, the ice cream was a
little grainy. Not one for acionados.
PRICE: Dhs8
Various locations, Dubai and Abu
Dhabi. Tel: (04) 2653696/ (02)
6267478. www.baskinrobbins.com
MORELLIS GELATO
Pistachio
TASTING NOTES: A classic Italian
ice cream avour presented well.
This scoop was light, sweet, nutty
and perfectly put together.
PRICE: Dhs13
The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3398313. Khalidiyah Mall, Al
Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02)
6354698. www.morellisgelato.com
LA FRAGOLA
Forest Berries
TASTING NOTES: A nice break
from the creamier varieties, the
Forest Berries is intense, tart
almost sour and refreshing.
Perfect for the summer.
PRICE: Dhs12
Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3661688
HAAGEN-DAZS
Strawberry Cheesecake
TASTING NOTES: Smooth and not
sickly sweet, this scoop is one of the
mighty Haagen-Dazs classics. It has a
good fruit to biscuit ratio, too.
PRICE: Dhs14
Various locations, Dubai. Tel: (04)
2229247. www.haagen-dazs.com
CONE STREET
Biscotto Cookies
TASTING NOTES: Thick, creamy and
not too sweet. The biscuit crumbs
lifted what was otherwise a pretty
bland ice cream into the realms of
tastiness.
PRICE: Dhs12
The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4486401.
www.cone-street.com
FORTY
Fruity Ice Cream Storm
TASTING NOTES: Reminiscent of Mr
Whippy ice cream with sweet caramel
sauce bringing back childhood
memories of summers past. Chunks of
over-sweet fruit salad were not so nice.
PRICE: Dhs12
Various locations, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Tel: (02) 6354511. www.fortyfruity.ae
COLD STONE CREAMERY
Cookie Doughnut
TASTING NOTES: Filled with
chocolate chips, lumps of cookie
dough and caramel sauce mixed in,
this is one for those with a sweet
tooth. The wafer wafe basket was a
bit soggy, though.
PRICE: Dhs22
3996526. Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club
Area, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6455316
BRUNETTI
Rocher
TASTING NOTES: This is ve-star
luxury ice cream. The single scoop
was light with an intense avour,
identical to the popular Ferrero Rocher
chocolates. Wed love to know how
they do that.
PRICE: Dhs13
The Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3398173
GALLER
Mocha
TASTING NOTES: The portion size
is a touch measly, but this could win
over the most ardent coffee hater.
Delectably smooth, the initially strong
mocha taste soon subsides.
PRICE: Dhs10
Various locations, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02)
4437147. www.galler.com
MARBLE SLAB
CREAMERY
Birthday Cake
TASTING NOTES: A avour
dependant on toppings the thick,
creamy ice cream is plain, but with
the right adornment it came to life.
PRICE: Dhs16
3411182. Marina Mall, Corniche
Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6818160
LONDON DAIRY
Chocolate Hazelnut
TASTING NOTES: An exceedingly
creamy chocolate ice cream with
a strong nutty avour, choc full of
chunks of chocolate and hazelnut.
PRICE: Dhs6
Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 3415727. Marina Mall, Corniche
Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6815181.
www.mylondondairy.com
GELATO DIVINO
Cheesecake
TASTING NOTES: A sophisticated
version of raspberry ripple ice
cream. GD's wares are freshly
prepared by a genuine Italian chef.
PRICE: Dhs12
Various locations, Abu Dhabi and
Dubai. Tel: (02) 4437070.
www.gelatodivino.com
EATING OUT
ESCA CAF
You dont have to jet o to
Italy to bask in the oh
so stylish Italian ca
culture. The Esca Caf
at the Qamardeen
Hotel in Downtown
Dubai tempts you to
wrap your lips around a
lingering cappuccino or nibble
on some sweet pastarelle treats. If
you ask nicely, theyll even set you
up a cheeky shisha. Not Italian
but, hey, whos complaining.
Qamardeen Hotel, Old Town,
Dubai, 7am to midnight. Tel: (04)
4285888

FANR
We havent quite gured out
how to pronounce it yet, but
Fanr (fan-r?), the new
restaurant at Saadiyat
Islands Manarat Al
Saadiyat, boasts
enough room for
250 diners, and
chef Jihab Bawabejy
promises a tidy catch-
all menu, including hearty
dishes like Moroccan lamb
shank and sh sayadia.
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Saadiyat
Island, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed
10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am
to midnight. Tel: (02) 6575888
LIME TREE CAF
Its no secret that Dubai loves the
Lime Tree Caf. But if more
evidence was needed,
the opening of its
fourth branch the
second one this year
is it. Their simple,
homemade grub is a
hit with everyone from
Jumeirah Jaynes to ravenous
oce workers, and if the Beach
Road branch is anything to go
by, its best to arrive early to
ensure a table.
The Lime Tree Caf & Kitchen,
opposite Royal Mirage Hotel,
Media City, Dubai, 8am to
8pm. Tel: (04) 3256325 www.
thelimetreecafe.com
Seek out new
feeding grounds
this summer
A taste of
things to
come
Afternoon teas
Practice drinking
cups of tea with your
little ngers just so,
at this duo of new
afternoon soires
THE LOUNGE, PARK
HYATT DUBAI
WHERE? Taking a comfortable
seat in the serene environs of
e Lounge at Park Hyatt Dubai
is an immediately relaxing
experience. Read the daily
papers while watching the wind
blowing through the treetops
below the dull summer sky. e
ideal manner in which to while
away a hot and humid Saturday
aernoon.
ON THE MENU? It takes a
determined pair to make their
way through the three tiers of
naughty delicacies begging to be
devoured, but it simply wouldnt
be right to leave any of the lovely
treats unscoed. Smoked salmon
and cucumber and cream cheese
sarnies sans crusts, mozzarella
and tomato rolls, scones with
pots of jam, cream and lemon
curd, and numerous pastries and
cakes the best of which were
the chocolate clairs (leave them
until last). And, of course, there
are numerous teas and coees to
wash it all done, as well as a glass
of prosecco. ose concerned
about their weight may bemoan
the absence of more savoury
nibbles but, aer all, cakes are
what aernoon tea is all about.
The Lounge, Park Hyatt Dubai,
Deira, Dubai, daily from 2pm to
6pm, Dhs140 for two, Dhs220 for
two with champagne. Tel: (04)
6021234. www.dubai.park.hyatt.
com
RAFFLES
WHERE? e peaceful caf in
the lobby of Raes is a world
away from mall mayhem, boorish
brunches and hideous humidity,
with low sofas and elegant dcor
providing a serene backdrop to
the daily aernoon tea.
ON THE MENU? Dotted
throughout the caf are fashion-
inspired paintings by artist Hetty
Pedder, so its no surprise that e
Collection, Raes new aernoon
tea, features sartorially stylish
snacks and a selection of teas and
TWITTER RECIPE
Enjoy the rst of our monthly recipes in just 140 characters
POMEGRANATE LAMB GLAZE
Brush meat with chopped garlic, English mustard, thyme, ginger, pomegranate molasses, soy
sauce, season, roast.
Omar Romero, head chef, Rhodes Twenty10
Le Royal Mridien, Dubai, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (04) 3995555. www.leroyalmeridien-dubai.com
Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
coees, plus bubbly. Youre best
to book in even numbers as the
plates and platters are to share,
with the rst round boasting
duplicates of mini dishes.
Oerings including a smoked
salmon open sandwich in the
shape of a dress, complete with
cream cheese bodice and chive
bow, and an egg mayonnaise sun
hat are the stu of little girls
fantasy tea parties. Next up is a
towering sculpture of all things
sugary; couture cakes, a chocolate
almond stiletto, macaroon
corsages, evening bags made of
white chocolate, a carrot cake
tote, shortbread sundresses and
a chic slice of scone, served with
strawberry jelly and clotted cream
in a tube. is is the kind of tea
you could linger over for the
full ve hours, or whizz through
before heading to the mall to try
to nd an outt as sweet as the
one you just feasted on.
Raes, Oud Metha, Dubai, daily
from 2pm to 7pm, Dhs199 for
two, or Dhs399 for two with
champagne. Tel: (04) 3248888.
www.raes.com
NEW
Remember your mum telling
you not to judge a book by
its cover? Well, thats sound
advice when it comes to Ms
restaurant, the newest dining
addition at Emirates Golf
Club. Amusingly billed as a
Mediterrabian restaurant,
our concern was that the
cuisine would be muddled
a mishmash of conicting
culinary styles. However, the
variety of olives, capsicums,
aubergines, mashed beetroot,
tabouli and other wonderful
Mediterranean ingredients on
the buet were impressive. e
lunch buet costs Dhs62, and
you can tuck in to as much
salad and dessert as you please.
And, if you fancy something
1/2
AD
M
s
Is Mediterrabian
cuisine as silly as it
sounds?
more substantial, Ms signature
skewers (Dhs70 to Dhs80)
served, rather confusingly as
it is neither a Mediterranean
nor Arabian country, in the
style of Portuguese espetada
on a suspended skewer were
sublime.
Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, noon to
2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel:
(04) 3802222. www.dubaigolf.
com
LUNCH
Our authentic Italian bar and
restaurant offers a relaxed and
trendy meeting place to
unwind after a long day's
work. The contemporary bar
and restaurant serves casual
Italian cuisine and stylish
beverages in a Mediterranean
atmosphere.

Enjoy our special beverage
promotions every day
between 6:00pm and 9:00pm.
For more information please
call +971 (0)4 428 3088 or
visit rotanatimes.com.
NEW @ Rosso. Accoustic Duo
every Wednesday night and
Resident DJ every Thursday
and Friday night.
Offer is valid on selected
beverages. This promotion is not
valid in conjunction with any other
offer or discount.
Rosso Daily
Happy Hour
7
8
H
a
p
p
y

H
o
ur
EATING OUT
Popular in London
and Singapore,
will DIFCs newest
offering prove a
success in the UAE?
Royal China
Need to know
Location: The Balcony,
Precinct Building 4, DIFC,
Dubai
Tel: (04) 3545543
Web: www.royalchinadubai.
com
Open: noon to 11pm
Cuisine type: Cantonese
Must eat: deep-fried oysters
Bill for two: set taster menu
Dhs150 per person
Dubai is not overrun with
Chinese restaurants, so the arrival
of a big name from across the seas
is always welcome.
Royal China is a successful
chain, especially in London, so its
probably a good bet there are more
to come. But for now, we have
the new restaurant in DIFC the
most exciting location for new
restaurants in Dubai at present,
with Zuma and La Petite Maison
already established, e Ivy up and
running and Hakkasan on its way.
Tough competition.
As with most restaurants in
Dubai, the space came rst and
the restaurant second, but local
rm LW Design, responsible for
Dubai favourites Okku and Rhodes
Twenty10, has done its best to
make the restaurant welcoming
with a cocktail bar (yet to be
licensed), red and black colour
scheme and tasselled, jelly sh-like
lights drooping from the ceiling.
Royal China might truly come
into its own when its outdoor
tables can be utilised. Now, its a
little bit claustrophobic.
But the tasting menu we sampled
contained some dishes worth
going back for maybe when the
restaurant is more established, and
licensed to whip up those cocktails
its so eager to serve.
Two small dishes containing
some morsels to wake up our palate
arrived rst moreish shreds of
pickled turnip and mushrooms
described lovingly by the waiter
as fungus served with sauce
that tasted of bubble gum and was,
surprisingly, agreeable.
en came a huge the
manager later admitted it was
In tweet form Royal China is not quite
ready to take on the big boys at DIFC yet,
but the successful international chain
serves some solid Chinese dishes. Follow us
at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
followme
a bowl of tom yum seafood soup garnered an instant thumbs up
too big bowl of tom yum
seafood soup strong enough to
make our noses run, garnering it
an instant thumbs up, and deep
fried oysters, which we were
directed to wrap in a crisp lettuce
leaf and dip in Worcester sauce.
We did. And we didnt regret it.
e cold snap of the lettuce, the
warm crunch of the batter and,
at last, the slippery esh of the
oyster a glorious combination
of textures.
e most substantial dishes
were several pretty standard
duck pancakes, made for us at
the table though we were given
the option to construct our own.
ere were, unhappily, a couple
of unwelcome bones. But, a few
spoonfuls of prawn fried rice and
a few hunks of deep fried llets
of so, gleaming sh in a thick,
orange sweet and sour sauce
lled any space remaining in our
bellies.
Dessert a melted vanilla
ice cream was odd and not
quite there yet, but satisfying
nonetheless. Just like Royal China.
1/2
AD
New brunches
Our verdict on two
of the UAEs newest
brunches
MARGAUX
e less gluttonous approach
of the Margaux brunch is a
welcome change
of pace. e two
starters, main and
dessert you order
from the specially
devised a la carte
brunch menu are
served at well judged
intervals, which, of course, frees
you up to sip the unlimited
Moet Champagne and cocktails.
When it comes to the food, we
still miss the more obviously
French Margaux of old and
still have our doubts about its
new, mainstream direction. But
theres no denying chef Jason
Oakley knows his way around
a kitchen, and the food was,
undeniably, good. Oysters on
the half shell in a bowl of ice
and asparagus rolled in pressed
wagyu beef were well executed
starters, there was a nice cut
of sirloin steak for main and
the tennis ball-size doughnuts
served with ice cream and
various dollops of sauce were
pleasingly playful if a little
unsophisticated. eres nothing
to blow your mind, and maybe
we could warm to the new
Margaux a little easier if they
would just take down that
dreadful picture of Bono.
Margaux Restaurant & Lounge,
Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai,
Fri 12.30pm to 4pm, Dhs495
with champagne, Dhs375 with
house beverages, Dhs250 with
soft drinks. Tel: (04) 4397555.
www.margaux.ae
TERRA FIRMA
Terra Firma, tucked away at
the Al Badia Golf Club, is what
is oen referred to as a hidden
gem. Rather too well hidden,
unfortunately. But you should
make the eort to go and nd
it, especially considering the
launch of its amiable new
Grapes and Roast brunch. Not
quite the sunny aair that the
Blades picnic brunch back in
October is during the cooler
months, the Terra Firma brunch
is, despite being a rather muted
at the moment, an exquisite and
peaceful aair. And the menu
is perfectly judged, consisting
of a succession of light dishes
brought to your table, followed
by a carving station oering a
choice of three roasts with all
the trimmings, including roast
beef and Yorkshire pudding
and, nally, a
dessert station.
All helped
on its way by
a quaable
red it is ideal
preparation for
a summer siesta.
Terra Firma, Al Badia Golf Club,
Dubai Festival City, Dubai, Fri
noon to 4pm, Dhs330, Dhs195
without alcohol. Tel: (04) 7011127.
www.albadiagolfclub.ae
T
E
S
T
E
D
a bowl of tom yum seafood soup garnered an instant thumbs up
LEFT BANK
Its probably better known for its cocktails, and the new a la
carte brunch at Left Bank, Souk Al Bahar, seems designed to
enjoy with something shaken and stirred, serving up dishes
of nger food such as chicken satay skewers, spiced tiger prawns with
paprika mayonnaise, mini Angus beef burgers, braised New
Zealand lamb and mini sh and chips. Cocktails and
nothing too big or cumbersome from the kitchen the
lounge lizards idea of the Friday brunch.
Left Bank, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, Fri noon to
4pm, Dhs275. Tel: (04) 3684501
ONE
MORE
TO TRY
James Brennan knows
food. Having written on
everything from bhajis
to burgers for a string of
international publications,
James is now the
Middle East chairman
of the Worlds 50 Best
Restaurants judging panel.
Dont miss his monthly
musings every issue.
THE CRITIC
The Ivy is one of a rare breed of
lucky restaurants. The famous
haunt of celebrities and thea-
tre-goers in Londons West End
is somewhere that food critic
AA Gill has said something
nice about. A table at The Ivy
is one of the most sought-after
pieces of furniture in London,
wrote the grumpy grand-pre
terrible of British restaurant
criticism, wittily. High praise
indeed from a man who once
shot a baboon.
Well, now you too can enjoy a
morsel of that urbane celeb-
drenched sophistication by
association, if not directly. The
Ivy has opened over here,
which, of course being the
switched-on bunch of rampant
guzzlers you are you already
knew. But instead of a joyous
chorus of whimpering delight
and knee-knocking excitement,
how come all I can hear is a
jaded collective meh?
Its not exactly the first big
name from overseas to settle
its stoves in the UAE. Among
the numerous, and notorious,
brands to grace our shores
are Rainer Beckers Zuma, La
Petite Maison and The Ivys
sister restaurant, Rivington
Grill. Alan Yaus glam Chinese
restaurant, Hakkasan, graces
Emirates Palace, but Abu Dhabi
shouldnt feel too special, as
theres a Hakkasan in Miami,
Istanbul and Mumbai as well.
en we have the big name
chefs. Gordon Ramsay was one
of the rst to see the potential
of Dubai when he opened Verre
in 2001. en the oodgates
opened Gary Rhodes, Pierre
Gagnaire, Nobu Matsuhisa,
Giorgio Locatelli, Vineet Bhatia,
Antonio Carluccio, Marco
Pierre White... ey appeared
almost overnight, as if someone
had wheeled in a giant Trojan
horse jammed to the fetlocks
with celebrity chefs and le it in
Jumeirah.
Among them was Jamie
Oliver. Its hard to tell apart
the man from the brand these
days, what with his increasingly
plump face appearing on
everything from magazines to
frying pans. But while a frying
pan is a frying pan, whether
its in London or Dubai, a
restaurant doesnt always make
such a seamless transition.
For some, Olivers
disappointing Dubai venture
was the nal straw, and those big
overseas names are becoming
increasingly pass. Not even
rumours that the likes of Alain
Ducasse and Joel Robuchon
will soon be planting their ags
in UAE soil can whip up any
fervour in some quarters
(ie mine).
While its easy to grow
disillusioned about the
homogenisation of the worlds
cities, we should remind
ourselves that scattered among
the UAEs foreign imports are a
few home-grown gems worthy of
excitement. e contemporary
Japanese restaurant Okku, for
example, is Dubai born and bred
and wholly deserving of our
patronage. Not only that, but its
rumoured soon to be turning
the tables on London and
opening up there.
When AA Gill gets wind of
that, hell probably wipe out an
entire safari park.
THEY APPEARED ALMOST OVERNIGHT, AS IF
SOMEONE HAD WHEELED IN A GIANT TROJAN
HORSE JAMMED TO THE FETLOCKS WITH
CELEBRITY CHEFS AND LEFT IT IN JUMEIRAH
ARTS
p44 Stage-struck
p45 Affordable art
p46 Art Insider
p48 Five to see
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43-48 Arts.indd 43 6/28/11 9:59:04 AM
ARTS
Summer musicals in Dubai
are like buses there isnt
one for ages, then two
come along at once. We
catch a ride with some of
the performers as Camp
Rock and West Side Story
prepare to take the citys
stages by storm
JOHN PAYTON,
PRODUCER OF
CAMP ROCK,
POPULAR
PRODUCTIONS
Youve chosen Camp Rock as this years
summer show whats the appeal?
Camp Rock is a lot of fun. It has engaging and
catchy songs, high-energy dance routines and
Stage-struck
a witty script. eres a great summer vibe
and will prove perfect for families craving
some indoor entertainment, away from the
heat. Its instant entertainment. I cant get the
tunes out of my head.
It was originally a lm how has it been
adapted for the stage?
e original Disney lm introduced e
Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato to the world,
and it had a sequel last summer which did
just as well. e stage version has the best
songs from both movies but features the story
from Camp Rock 2 with the battle between
rival music camps at the heart of the action.
All the characters are present and its pretty
faithful to the movie, but it has been given a
few tweaks to impact on live audiences.
Once again youve auditioned in the UAE
to nd new talent to star how impressed
have you been with the local talent?
As always, very impressed. ere really is a
wealth of talent here. Nearly all of the roles
are cast from the very best of the auditions
we had 500 apply to be in the cast so the
competition was tough. We also have a
handful of pros joining the cast. Most have
worked on West End productions and UK
tours. We hope one day that the UAE will
have a strong enough entertainment industry
that the local emerging talent will become the
pros. Many of our audiences have remarked
that its always hard to tell the dierence
between the visiting cast and local.
You seem to be coming to the UAE
more and more regularly with an ever
expanding portfolio whats the ongoing
appeal for you and Popular?
Weve worked hard to develop entertainment
here. Its exciting for us to be part of the
growth of an industry thats so important the
world over. e UAE has been good to us; its
an ever-changing challenge and we feel its
important to keep producing the best for as
long as we can so wed like to think well be
here for some time yet.
Jul 11 to 16, Camp Rock, Madinat Theatre,
Dubai, Dhs120. Tel: (800) 4669. www.
madinattheatre.com
43-48 Arts.indd 44 6/28/11 9:59:08 AM
ARTS
AUDIENCES HAVE
REMARKED THAT
ITS HARD TO TELL
THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN THE
VISITING CAST AND
LOCAL
Affordable art
Looking at art on gallery walls is all very
well but what art lover hasnt, at some time
or other, had a hankering to take what
theyve seen home with them? Trouble is,
for many of us our art passions run rather
deeper than our pockets. So we were
delighted to receive news from Meems
in-house publishing imprint about the
release of the Dia Al-Azzawi Retrospective.
A comprehensive account of the Baghdad-
born multimedia artist who has been one
of the leading proponents of contemporary
Middle Eastern art over the course of his
six decades-spanning career, it has been
produced to the highest standard in a
limited-edition run of 900 copies.
The US$500 price tag might seem a lot.
But put it into context against a limited-
edition artist print (or, heaven forfend,
the cost of an original piece) and the fact
that it could, as some limited-editions do,
become a valuable collectible in its own
right, and it starts to look like a bargain.
In fact, at over 500 pages in length (less
than a dollar a page), theyre practically
giving it away. Ok, that might be rather
overstating it, but you get the point art
books are an accessible, informative and
(relatively) aordable entree into the world
of collecting. And Meem isnt the only local
imprint to be doing it The Third Lines
series of art books have long been a Whats
On favourite and wouldnt you know it, they
too have a newly-released limited-edition
for sale. Jalal Abuthinas District 333: Beyond
the Surface is a documentary of grati he
has photographed around Dubai (and very
surprising some of it is too) and all 100
books have been signed by the artist.
www.meemartgallery.com
www.thethirdline.com
SHONA WHITE,
PERFORMER, WEST
SIDE STORY
So, West Side Story: surely one of the
greatest all-time musicals?
Obviously youve got popular modern
musicals like Mamma Mia, but this is one
of the most iconic traditional musicals, with
fantastic music by Leonard Bernstein and
lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, whos one of my
favourite lyricists and composers. I just think
its one of the best and the storys based on
Romeo and Juliet, so its a fantastic love story
as well.
And Anita is a great role you get to
perform some great songs: America,
Tonight...
And shes feisty and Im quite feisty myself.
Shes strong-willed and caring she takes
Maria under her wing.
Are you looking forward to working with
the local talent?
Ive done a few summer schools a couple
based on Wicked and a Mamma Mia
where Ive worked with children for about
a week on singing and movement, leading
up to a showcase but never for a full-scale
production, so this is going to be something
new. I think its going to be a really good
experience. Its always good to give something
back and remember what it was like to be
so young and excited. I guess it reminds me
where I came from and why I wanted to do it
in the rst place.
Youve been working in theatre for 13
years. What does it take to become a
professional performer?
A great deal of hard work and dedication;
its a very tough business. eres a lot of
knockbacks. Seen from outside, because my
CVs quite full, its easy to think I must work
constantly, but its not true there are down
periods so it takes tenacity, hard work and
dedication but, to be honest, a little bit of luck
doesnt hurt. It does help to be in the right
place at the right time. You need to stick in
there.
Jul 19 to 23, West Side Story, DUCTAC Theatre,
Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha, Dubai, Dhs135.
Tel: (04) 3414777. www.ductac.org
Ayyam
Editions
More limited-edition news this time in the
more traditional format of art prints. The
freshly-launched Ayyam Editions is selling
archival prints by photographer Ammar Al-
Beik and painters Safwan Dahoul and Khaled
Takreti on display all this month at Ayyam
Gallery DIFC.
www.ayyamgallery.com
Swamp life
Dont miss your chance to catch
Je Achtems ker-razy show Swamp
Juice a hit at last years Edinburgh
Fringe Festival and coming to Dubai
Marina Mall this month. Canadian Achtem
harnesses lo- shadow puppetry to capture life
in a swamp as you do complete with punk
snails and opera-singing mice. A must-see for
families. For more see page 15.
Jul 23 to 31, Theatrespace, Dubai Marina Mall,
Dubai Marina, Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3116536.
43-48 Arts.indd 45 6/28/11 9:59:10 AM
Art historian, dedicated
collector and managing
director of Dubais Meem
Gallery, Charles Pocock
knows the UAE art scene like
the back of a Picasso. Do
you have an art question for
Charles? E-mail: editor-wo@
motivate.ae
Clients, unsurprisingly, oen ask
me about the pricing of art. And the
answer is that prices can dier greatly,
depending on where you make the
purchase.
A sculpture by Egyptian artist Ahmed
Askalany was sold at a Dubai auction in
April 2011 for $118,000; the same work,
from the same series, by the same artist,
is also available from the artists gallery
at $22,000.
I bought an original work by Iraqi
artist Suad Al Attar at a London auction
in June 2011 for $24,000; her gallery
has similar work at $72,000. is shows
that prices can be vastly dierent, and
the location of the sale is neither here
nor there. So, a potential buyer needs to
go into both arenas having done their
research. With access to the innite
resources available on the internet,
there is no excuse not to be informed.
Knowledge is everything when it comes
to buying art.
e ocial gallery prices are set by
the artist with the gallery, with both
parties in agreement that the works
cannot be sold for above this price. A
good example of this is the work of
Parviz Tanavoli (we act as his agents).
e work Heech Lovers (Fibreglass)
is available at Meem for $48,000, this
being the set price conrmed by the
artist. Another gallery in Dubai is
currently selling the same work for
$90,000. is inated price makes no
sense, and the buyer needs to be made
aware of the correct prices.
Many people will argue that the
value of an artwork is set at the price
someone is prepared to pay for it in
some instances this is true, others not.
A specic piece might be required for a
collection, and it takes only two people
at an auction, chasing aer the same
work, to drive the price through the roof.
at is a case of demand driving up the
price. But marking up an artists work
by almost 50 per cent is something else
entirely. Buyers beware.
Remember the golden rule. Research
is paramount, knowledge is power,
especially when it comes to any work
priced over $30,000. It is also essential
to look at provenance and certicates
of authenticity, a topic I will discuss in
due course.
THE ART INSIDER
Ara showcases
emerging Emirati
artists why is that
important to you?
Actually, the Ara
Gallerys intention is
to showcase emerging
Arab artists generally,
not only Emirati artists.
I believe Ara is a great
complement to the existing
institutions and art galleries in that it provides a
very professional space for artists to begin paving
their way.
And you raise money for charity
We partnered with Habitat for Humanity (HFH)
in our opening exhibition and raised Dhs163,000
through the auction with Christies for HFH
Lesothos Orphans and Vulnerable Childrens
programme. We have also created a book
featuring the children that participated in the
project whereby 50 per cent of proceeds of sales
go back to the kids. Weve also allocated 2.5 per
cent of each sold art piece for the children.
Do you see any particular trends in Emirati
art in terms of themes being represented or
mediums being used?
Emirati artists use a lot of cultural elements in
their artwork. Of course this does not apply to
all, but I believe it is safe to say that Emiratis
generally love representing their culture in their
general conversations, lifestyle, and art as well.
What can we see now?
We have an exhibition with AUD showcasing their
senior class and a summer exhibition, UAE: A Work
of Art, showcasing seven Emirati artists with works
that represent what the UAE is to them.
www.thearagallery.ae
Moza Al Abbar, founder of
The Ara Gallery
Five minutes with...
Frocktastic!
This looks set to be the year of the
show-stopping frock. Design and textile
students from Herriot Watt University
have teamed up with Mawaheb from Beautiful People,
the Dubai-based art studio for young adults with special
needs, to produce a one-o piece of wearable art.
Incorporating 20 hand-painted squares depicting iconic
Dubai architecture, it comes complete with a four-
metre train and headdress. On view at the Mall Of The
Emirates branch of More Caf until the end of July Kate
Middleton eat your heart out.
www.mawaheb-dubai.com
www.hw.ac.uk/dubai
43-48 Arts.indd 46 6/28/11 9:59:15 AM
Get ready to enter the record books. Travel on a journey through the history of the U.A.E
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For more information please call us on 800 AT THE TOP, or visit www.atthetop.ae to
purchase your tickets today.
ARTS
Five to see
HEROES & VILLAINS

A group exhibition from this Al Serkal Avenue newbie. The concept?
That in these uneasy times, separating or even identifying the
villains from the heroes in world aairs large and small is a nigh-on
impossible task. What these eight artists, who include Abraaj Capital
Art Prize winner Marwan Sahmarani, do is get you thinking and
questioning just as good art should.
Until Jul 21, Unit 21, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, free. Tel: (04)
3469906. www.lawrieshabibi.com
OF BLIND MEN &

ELEPHANTS
The somewhat folkloric
exhibition title oers a avour of
what to expect: quirky, personal
takes on contemporary India,
as captured by six emerging
photographers. As rich and
varied as the country it attempts
to catch the avour of.
Until Jul 31, The Empty Quarter
Gallery, Building 2, DIFC, Dubai,
free. Tel: (04) 3231210. www.
theemptyquartergallery.com
DIVISION BY ZERO
Anahita Razmi, Mathias
Garnitschnig, Aamir Habib
and Florian Hafel form this
group exhibition which aims
to explore the criss-crossing
boundaries of contemporary
art, from concept to form and
between the personal and the
political. Yet another strong
showing from Carbon 12.
Until Sept 15, Carbon 12,
Warehouse D37, Al Serkal Avenue,
Al Quoz Dubai, free. Tel: (050)
4644392. www.carbon12dubai.
com
SNAIL FEVER
Photography, installation, video and painting all feature in this group
summer show. Where things get clever is in the concept by using
music as a theme for the individual artists to explore we, the viewer,
get two art forms for the price of one. Fascinating.
Until Jul 28.,The Third Line, Al Quoz 3, Dubai., free Tel: (04) 3411367.
www.thethirdline.com
ARTWORKS OF GEORGES BASSIL

JBRs Vindemia gallery moves inland this month, with a showcase of
work by Lebanese painter Georges Bassil at Aspen in the Kempinski
Hotel. The artists portraits, inspired by the voices of some of the 20th
centurys greatest female singers, from Billy Holiday and Maria Callas
to Um Kulthum, are suitably haunting and lyrical.
Until Aug 2, Aspen, Kempinski Hotel, Mall Of The Emirates, Barsha,
Dubai, free. Tel: (04) 3410000. www.vindemia2010.dukkanarabia.com
43-48 Arts.indd 48 6/28/11 9:59:26 AM
InterContinental Abu Dhabi. Call 800 423 463.
6TH & 7TH JULY
RESIDENT DJ RABIH
WITH SAXOPHONIST
14TH JULY
DJ JEFF HOUSE DISCO
DANCERS
20TH & 21ST JULY
MEGA WEEKEND
RESIDENT DJ RABIH & DANCERS
SINGER JESSICA FLORES
20TH JULY
FREE BUBBLY FOR THE LADIES
9PM ONWARDS
ENDOF
SUMMER
Follow us InterContiAD | Like us InterContiAD
22571WhatsOn27x20.6.indd 1 6/19/11 5:18 PM
SHOPPING
p52 Second chance shopping
p53 Summer essentials
p55 Sophia says...
p57 New openings
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51-57 Shopping.indd 51 7/3/11 9:30:34 AM
SHOPPING
Second-
chance
shopping
Fast fashion, retail therapy
and all those malls mean
many of us have unworn
clothes lurking, tags intact,
in our wardrobes. So what to
do with these guilt-inducing
garments?
Sian Rowlands and her sisters, Bekky and
Teagan, used to be like you wardrobes
bursting at the seams with shopping bags,
clothes worn once then forgotten and credit
cards thoroughly exhausted. But over lunch,
they hatched a plan to create a website that
enabled members to sell their clothes online,
not necessarily designer or vintage pieces, just
high street fashion in good condition. e
My Ex Wardrobe concept was born from my
frustration at the bags of clothes Id emptied
from my wardrobe, mostly worn once or twice
but some still had tags on, Sian explains. In a
consumer driven market like Dubai, theres not
really an avenue to sell on these clothes for a
decent price, so why not create one?
Aer a successful so launch in May,
the sisters are planning regular events and
meet-ups to complement the website, where
budget-conscious fashionistas can come along
to buy, sell, or both. A lot of people have been
aected by the downturn and now have less
disposable income, says Sian. We want to
provide an avenue for them to get a bargain
and get some money back.
Each event will be themed, and the next will
focus on revitalising your holiday wardrobe,
with drinks included in the entry cost, plus
stylists and make-up experts on hand for mini-
makeovers. In the future, the Rowlands sisters
plan to open up My Ex Wardrobe to maternity
clothing, menswear and childrens fashion so
everyone can benet from the concept. So
what advice would they give other budding
UAE entrepreneurs? Long-standing expats
oen say Its not what you know; its who
you know and when it comes to setting up a
business in Dubai, that is true.
Jul 9, Mahi Mahi, Wa, Dubai, 3pm
to 6.30pm, Dhs85. E-mail: event@
myexwardrobe.com
SEVEN MINUTES
Twins Dina and Lina Sam were born
seven minutes apart, and 27 years later
the stylish duo set up their own
fashion label. Seven Minutes
has just launched a daring
range of revolver themed
clutch bags (from Dhs899)
Sister bliss
More UAE-based sisters who are
doing it for themselves
embellished with sequins.
MOZA AND MARIAM AL MAZRO
Emirati sisters Moza and Mariam
showcased their respective collections at
this years Dubai Fashion Week, with Mozas
GMaash brand reecting Western styles
and Mariams Mimi label boasting bright,
modern jalabiyas. Ones to watch in 2011.
www.dfw.ae
From left to right, Teagan, Sian and Bekky
THE
DISPATCHER
Ryan David Jahn
This, the third novel from
award-winning crime
author Ryan David Jahn,
is a must for fans of the genre. Based
in a small town in East Texas, police
dispatcher (phone operator) Ian Hunt is
nishing up his shift when he receives
a phone call from his daughter, Maggie.
Odd? Not under normal circumstances,
but Maggie has been dead for seven
years. The mystery unfolds at a furious
pace and is likely to keep you up into the
wee small hours of the morning.
COMES THE NIGHT
Hollis Hampton-Jones
Dark and uncompromising,
Comes The Night tells the
story of Meade, a 19-
year-old girl dealing with
several issues of addiction,
including an infatuation
with her twin brother, Ben
Ho. Living in Paris, far from her home
town of Nashville, Meades life begins to
spiral out of control as she delves in the
glamorous and murky past of her fashion
photographer lover. The author uses her
own experiences of living in Paris and
Nashville to add gritty realism.
A METHOD ACTORS
GUIDE TO JEKYLL
AND HYDE
Kevin MacNeil
All set to play the lead
in a production of Jekyll
And Hyde, egotistical
actor Robert Lewis nearly
cops it as a car hits his
bike. On recovering, he
starts to notice that the people around
him are treating him dierently. The
pace and dark humour give the book
its character, but it is the subtly of the
story that incrementally builds into an
all-revealing pay o.
All books available from Magrudys,
Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya
The
bookworm
Whats our little, green
friend reading this month?
51-57 Shopping.indd 52 7/3/11 9:30:42 AM
SUMMER
ESSENTIALS
Take your holiday wardrobe from
dull to dazzling with these must-pack
items. Suntan not included
1/3
AD
HERMES IT AIN'T
This cheeky Birkin canvas
tote by Banane Taipei comes
in nine colours and would
work equally well as a beach
bag or shopper.
S*uce, The Village Mall, Beach
Road, Dubai, Dhs460. Tel: (04)
3447270
TRUNK SHOW
Vilebrequins vast
choice of colours and
prints ensure theres
a design to suit your
style. We love the new
Lagon collection with
its aquatic theme and
turtle motif.
Vilebrequin, Madinat
Jumeirah, Dubai,
from Dhs495. Tel: (04)
3686531
ARRIVE IN STYLE
Designed by pop artist Romero
Britto, you wont lose these
colourful cases on the carousel.
Bloomingdales Home, The Dubai
Mall, Dubai, from Dhs750. Tel: (04)
3505333
SHADY LADY
Ideal for a city break, these
sunnies will never betray your
tourist status. When in Rome...
Bulgari, The Dubai Mall, Dubai,
Dhs1,350. Tel: (04) 3308834
BEACH TO BAR
Very J Lo in Versace circa 2000,
this glam maxi will up your style
stakes all day and all night.
Mumbai Se, Marina Mall, Dubai
Marina, Dubai, Dhs2,895. Tel: (04)
3997232
TUNES ON THE GO
This digital audio player is
MP3 compatible, has 4GB
memory, a voice recorder, 15
hour battery life, FM radio and
is available in summery hues.
Emax, Oasis Centre, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs189. Tel:
(04) 5154444
SNAKE HIPS
On trend and costing less than
Dhs150, you can aord to
indulge in the latest fashions
with your swimwear this year.
Koton, Mall Of The Emirates,
Barsha, Dubai, Dhs129. Tel: (04)
3410467
51-57 Shopping.indd 53 7/3/11 9:30:49 AM
We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia
Serin away from the helm at
Emirates Woman into the grubby
Whats On ofce to answer your
wardrobe woes
Do you have a fashion question for Sophia?
Its my rst summer in Abu Dhabi and
with Ramadan just around the corner I
need some advice on what I should, and
shouldnt, be wearing.
Susan, Abu Dhabi
You should err on the side of caution during
the Holy Month, but this doesnt mean you
cant be fashionable. It really is pretty much
business as usual no short skirts to work
or too much cleavage, but with a little more
attention to detail. Long skirts or cute chinos
are winners, as are kaan tops with capri
pants, long sleeve tees and shirts. Summer
scarves are also winners as they can be worn
loosely around the neck to cover a bare chest
or wrapped around shoulders.
SOPHIA SAYS...
Scarf Mango, trousers
and top by H&M
Ive seen loads
of white lace on
the catwalks and
red carpets. How
can I incorporate
this trend without
looking too bridal?
Jumana, Sharjah
e trend that keeps
on giving, white lace,
or its stylish sister,
broderie anglaise, is
well worth investing
in for seasons to come. Fresh and
feminine, layer these lacy numbers
with pale blue jeans or don a dress
for a fabulous 1950s look. You will be
surprised when you actually try the items on
that they doesnt look bridal at all if kept at
knee-length or worn with coloured shoes.
Im o to NYC for a holiday next month
how can I avoid looking like a tourist?
What are New Yorkers wearing?
Julia, Dubai
Fih Avenue, Greenwich Village or Tribeca
wherever you go in Manhattan dress codes
vary and, much like Paris, anything goes. On
the fashion front, there is nothing worse than
looking like a tourist (whatever your location)
so avoid I heart NY T-shirts at all times. If
you are on the Upper East Side, be prepared
to dress up, everyday, not forgetting to get a
blow-dry and mani/pedi. e heat (even by
UAE standards) in Manhattan can be stiing
in August, so think ip skirts, designer tees,
day dresses and ballet pumps, not forgetting
designer shades, bag, watch and more. For the
evening, an LBD, or black all-in-one teamed
with sky-high stilettos wouldnt be out of place.
If you are heading south-west to e
Village, no need for heels of any kind, so
instead sport more of a laid-back, cool
look. ink distressed designer jeans with
vest and gladiator sandals for the cool kids
and anything by Polo Ralph Lauren for the
preppy set.
Annoyingly, I stained the hem of my cream
chinos with road tar. Can they be rescued?
Farid, Dubai
ere are many old myths about removing
tar from fabric: methylated spirits, rubbing
ice cubes over the area, and even using paint
thinner. At the end of the day, none of these
methods work very well (if at all) and end
up damaging the fabric in most cases. My
suggestion would be to head to your nearest
Gap and grab a new pair.
Images
Dolce&Gabbana
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AD
51-57 Shopping.indd 55 7/3/11 9:30:58 AM
LUSH
Youll smell it before you actually see
it as is the case will all LUSH stores. The
wonderful aromas, coming from the fruity
bath products, are set to waft their way to
a new location on the rst oor at The
Dubai Mall.
The Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04)
4356114. www.lush.com

Adventure HQ
Billing itself as the ultimate outdoor
adventure superstore, pretty much says
it all. Adventure HQ oers gear for almost
any outdoor activity you can think of, from
kayaking to diving, from cycling to falconry.
Need more proof? It even has its own in-
store climbing wall.
Time Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3466824. www.adventurehq.ae

Noosh
Although not based in a physical store,
we do like to help out local start-ups. The
people behind the online fashion label
Noosh are equal parts fashion and coee
fanatics, which lead them to designing
clothes perfect for popping out for a
quick cuppa.
www.nooshcouture.com
New openings
The latest stores to open
their doors
1/3
AD
Laura Ashley Home
Once the preserve of 1980s housewives,
these days Laura Ashley shops aren't the
oral nightmares you may suspect. Instead,
the new homewares store at The Dubai
Mall is full of calming colours, quality
pieces and contemporary styles, all with a
quintessentially English feel. Spread over a
whopping 3,300sqft, you'll also nd paints,
art and accessories, plus a design service.
The Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3253245. www.lauraashley.com
51-57 Shopping.indd 57 7/3/11 9:31:04 AM
Summer Celebrations
Reservations are essential. Quote 'Summer Celebrations' when booking.
Minimum table booking of two people.
30% discount and complimentary pre-dinner drinks!
Give yourself a reason to celebrate this July.
Book a table at either Amwaj or Marrakech on level 2 and enjoy 30% discount
on your total bill. What's more, enjoy complimentary pre-dinner drinks for one hour
before your meal.
Sheikh Zayed Road, P.O. Box 75880, Dubai, U.A.E. Tel: (971 4) 343 8888 Fax: (971 4) 343 8886 www.shangri-la.com/dubai
at www.facebook.com/ShangDubai
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Summer celebration - whats on10.pdf 1 6/28/11 1:48 PM
MIND & BODY
R
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E
A
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S
P
A
p60 Totally tropical
p61 His 'n' hers
p62 Dynamic Brows
p63 Spa news
59-63 Mind&Body.indd 59 6/28/11 10:04:56 AM
MIND & BODY
What? KeraStraight Brazilian Straightening
Country of origin? Brazil
Where can I try it? Salon Ink
What does it involve? Unruly hair is a curse and trying to
tame disobedient locks can prove a daily battle. While ceramic
straighteners heralded a new, smoother dawn, repeated use can
be damaging for the hair, and then theres the added time factor
which we have precious little of, particularly in the mornings.
However, with KeraStraight Brazilian Straightening our
bad hair days may be well and truly numbered. Keratin is a
natural compound and a protein that gives hair its strength.
Unlike chemical straightening, KeraStraight repairs rather than
damages as it straightens; it can also be used on coloured as well
as non-processed hair. Whats more it doesnt contain chemical
nasties (formaldehyde and aldehyde) associated with a lot of
straightening treatments.
To start, hair is thoroughly washed before the Keratin is
applied, left to develop and then blow-dried and straightened.
While some other processes require you to leave the Keratin in
for three days (think hair akin to working in your local chippie for
a fortnight) with KeraStraight, the hair is mercifully washed and
blow-dried again.
Does it work? KeraStraight sadly doesnt promise poker-
straight hair, but rather less frizz, less wave, better condition
and a straighter appearance that will last up to four months. We
left the Salon Ink with high hopes and a glossy straight mane,
but of course the real test would be when we blow-dried at
home Nicky Clarke we are not. Happily, our hair was far more
manageable, less dry and notably straighter. Result.
Details: Salon Ink, Oud Metha, Dubai, from Dhs800. Tel: (04) 3344002.
www.saloninkdubai.com
What? Traditional Turkish Hammam
Country of origin? Turkey
Where can I try it? Talise Ottoman Spa at Zabeel Saray
What does it involve? Talise is no ordinary spa. It is not
an awkward space hidden away in the depths of a hotel, or a
quiet nook on the 17th oor. Oh no, Talise is a vast palace of
cathedral-like calm, dedicated to all things steamy, soapy, wet
and soothing it has ambition, it sets out to wow, to conjure
up the magnicence of the Ottoman Empire. And, though it is
undeniably verging on the kitsch, it succeeds. Split into male and
female sections, Talise is a playground of pampering with saunas,
steam rooms, Jacuzzis, outdoor treatment pavilions, heated
stone beds, Thalassotherapy pool and just about anything else
you could wish to nd at a spa. The treatment list is suitably
extensive and varied, but the 45-minute traditional hammam is a
must. Laid out on a heated marble slab with the room entirely
to yourself beneath a brightly decorated, high, domed ceiling
your therapist will douse you in warm water before scrubbing
every inch of your soaking body with a kese mitt, lathering you
in olive oil soap foam and, nally, pouring buckets of cold water
over your head to wash it all o and leaving you as clean as
anyone has a right to be.
Does it work? This treatment is billed as a prelude to a longer
treatment, a massage or whathaveyou, but its what Talise is all
about and is pleasurable enough to be enjoyed on its own. Make
sure you leave plenty of time before, and after, your treatment to
enjoy everything Talise has to oer.
Details: Talise Ottoman Spa, Zabeel Saray, The Palm, West
Crescent, Dubai, 9am to 9.30pm, Dhs300. Tel: (04) 4530000. www.
jumeirahzabeelsaray.com
Totally tropical
Take a trip around the world, from the
comfort of a spa and salon NEXT
MONTH:
TIBET &
FRANCE
59-63 Mind&Body.indd 60 6/28/11 10:05:20 AM
MIND & BODY
Totally tropical
His n hers
Our lady and gent give their verdict on The Spa at The Address Dubai Marina
His
Hers
TALK US THROUGH IT
Aer a chinwag about skin types,
the therapist administers a facial
massage to oxygenate the skin
before applying a facemask and
leaving it on for ten minutes or
so, during which time you will
receive a head, neck, arm and
hand massage.
BEST BIT
Glycolic acid is used to even
your skin tone, which sounds
scary, but isnt. It did the trick,
when I touched my face aer the
treatment it felt like an eight-
year-olds.
AWKWARD MOMENTS
If your skincare regime is
minimal like mine (soap and
warm water) be prepared for a
mental tut-tut.
TALK US THROUGH IT
A mixed bag of techniques are
used to get your blood pumping
to your muscles and really loosen
them up, including stretching
(always good) and acupressure
focusing on specic areas
and applying pressure with the
ngertips.
BEST BIT
My therapist was more inquisitive
than most and, discovering that
my muscles were extra tight from
exercise and slouching in front of
a screen all day, applied a Deep
Heat-style sports gel. Initiative.
Full marks.
AWKWARD MOMENTS
ere are too many doors in
the changing rooms (two), so
be careful if youre visually
challenged you could end up in
an area where you shouldnt be,
wearing less than is polite.
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE
PANTS?
Tight and stretchy. ey held
everything in place without
cutting o circulation. Good
choice.
SLEEP FACTOR
Low, you probably wont doze o
this is a serious treatment.
WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED?
Sporty types and those with very
sore muscles.
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE
PANTS?
e beauty of a facial is that you
can opt out of the pants, but they
looked very nice.
SLEEP FACTOR
Unlike some facials (bad ones),
this one was administered with
me lying down. Once the mask
was applied and the therapist
began the head massage, it was
very dicult not to dri o.
WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED?
If your day-to-day skincare
routine needs a wake up call, this
is denitely one for you.
HOW MUCH AND HOW
LONG?
Dhs475 for 60 minutes. Quite an
expensive way to spend an hour,
but ultimately worth it.
BALINESE
MASSAGE
RADIANCE
FACIAL
The Spa, The Address Dubai
Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai,
9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4367777.
www.theaddress.com
HOW MUCH AND HOW
LONG?
Its Dhs500 for 50 minutes and
Dhs600 for 80 minutes, which
is not too bad. Worth the extra
Dhs100 for half an hour more,
wed say.
59-63 Mind&Body.indd 61 6/28/11 10:05:45 AM
MIND & BODY
THE SALES PITCH
If your eyes are the windows to the soul,
the eyebrows are the roof? Curtains?
Regardless, they frame the face and have the
power to transform you in seconds, adjusting
the structure, making you look younger or,
worst case scenario, like an over-plucked
chicken. Eyebrows are also one of the
quickest ways to make you look groomed and
polished, which means that they are best le
to the professionals, rather than in your shaky
hands with those cheapie tweezers you got in
a manicure set from a Christmas cracker.
With this in mind, it was time for a trip
to the pros to check out a new treatment
by Dynamic Brows that promises to turn
your furry slugs or non-existent brows into
enviable face furniture in under an hour.
THE TREATMENT
erapist Ophelia handed us a book lled
with celebrity faces, each categorised into
ultra thin, thin, medium and thick. e sizes
were, for once, not referring to derrieres, but
eyebrow width, with Katie Holmes at the
skinny end of the scale and Cindy Crawford
deemed broad for the rst time in her life. We
were advised which size and shape would suit,
and opted for Jennifer Lopezs medium brows,
which had a code that corresponded to a
stencil in the back of the book. So far, so fun.
Darling, at rst you will hate them. en
in two days they will be perfect, Ophelia
claimed. With a packed weekend ahead, this
wasnt welcome news. While we mentally
cancelled plans, she placed the stencil
over our existing brows and painstakingly
measured angles and distances to make
sure everything was symmetrical before
tracing J Los shape onto our face. She lled
in the outline with a pencil, then waxed and
threaded any hairs that were outside the line.
A quick slick of dye to ll in any gaps and
then it was a waiting game to see the results.
It wasnt pretty. Rather that seeing the Latino
lovely staring back from the mirror, the
reection bore more resemblance to UK MP
Alistair Darling, which isnt every little girls
dream look. Ophelia was quick to reassure,
with some lightening make-up and promises
the dye would fade within a few days before
sending us on our way.
THE VERDICT
Admittedly, the drive home was somewhat
fraught, but by the next morning the look
was less dramatic and within 48 hours J Los
aunt-worthy brows had emerged. And
enviable they were. e eects last a week
before the dye on your skin disappears,
while your brows retain the colour for a
little longer. Be warned: you soon get used
to looking so well groomed, and may nd
yourself scrutinising your friends faces,
wondering if theyd suit the Tyra Banks or are
more Eva Longoria.
Dynamic Brows, Al Asalla Spa, Dubai Ladies
Club, Beach Road, Dubai, Dhs195. Tel; (04)
3449445. www.dubailadiesclub.com
Dynamic
brows
Celebrity-inspired eyebrows?
Well have a pair of Spocks,
please
Darling, at rst
you will hate
them. Then in
two days they
will be perfect,
therapist Ophelia
claimed
High
voltage
Intrigued by the idea of
being electrocuted into
better shape, Whats On
investigates
The thought of being wired up to a device and
having an electrical current pumped
through your body seems more
reminiscent of a sci- lm rather
than a health treatment. And
after having 16 pads connected
to electrodes spread over
your body and hooked up to a
machine, there is still not much
evidence to the contrary. But worry
not for it is not what the treatment
looks like, and more about what it does.
Electrotherapy treatment is based on muscle
stimulation, and uses a controlled electrical
current which is pulsed into your body to cause
your muscles to contract and relax the same
thing they would do if you were working out in
the gym.
The treatment develops in three stages. The
current for the three-minute long rst stage is
light and constant, as it warms up your muscles
and feels like thousands of ants running over
your body. The voltage is then upped for the
main training stage, where the current changes
from constant to sharp pulses forcing your
muscles to contract which takes a few minutes
to get used to. Throughout the 25-minute
stage your body begins to become used to the
current strength and, should you want to, you
can have it increased. The nal stage might
sneak up on you as, without much warning, the
pulsing current stops and begins alternating
through the pads, helping you stretch out your
muscles for ten minutes before it nishes.
The Silkor clinic claims that the 45-minute
session is equivalent to spending six hours
in the gym. So eectively (although not as
rewarding) you can work on building muscle
from lying at on your back reading a book.
As you can choose where to place the pads
on your body, the treatment can be localised.
This makes it ideal for stimulating, and getting
rid of, deep fat pockets as well as reducing the
toxins trapped in the fat that will help get rid of
cellulite build-up which sounds like another
piece of science-ction. Does it work? We didn't
notice a perceptible dierence after one session,
but that would be true for one work-out in the
gym, so we'll have to go back for more.
Silkor Villa, 708 Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm
Suqueim 2, Dubai, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 3480500 www.
silkor.com
T
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V
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TESTED
59-63 Mind&Body.indd 62 6/28/11 10:05:47 AM
MIND & BODY
Darling, at rst
you will hate
them. Then in
two days they
will be perfect,
therapist Ophelia
claimed
Spa news
The latest openings and
biggest beauty bargains
1/2 AD
T
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V
E
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D
IC
T
SUMMER ESCAPE
The Mandara Spa at The
Monarch Hotel is promising
to make you forget about the
heat of the UAEs toughest
months. Its Summer Escape
package has an Indonesian
inuence, including a
Javanese lulur body polish
and Balinese massage. And
all its treatments can be done
in a brisk in two hours.
Until Jul 31, Monarch Hotel,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
Dhs450. Tel: (04) 5018888.
www.themonarchdubai.com
HIGH HAIR
Brand spanking new, the JetSet Altitude
hair salon is the latest concept from trendy
pamper brand, JetSet. The chic interior, built
to imitate that of a private jet, makes it a
stylish way to get your hair done for those
big events planned this summer.
JetSet Altitude, Emirates Towers, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3300887
PICK OF FOUR
Whatever your mood this
month, youll be able to nd
a treatment at the Retreat
Spa. Its July specials include
a slimming down therapy
(Dhs890), reexology
(Dhs800), unwinding
massages (Dhs550) and a
refreshing facial (Dhs500).
Until Aug 31, Retreat Spa,
Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3998888. www.
grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
TWO GOOD
Fancy a two-day all-out
pamper fest? We thought
so. The Arabian Courtyard
Hotel is oering a summer
package including a two-
night stay (with dinner),
two yoga sessions and two
detoxing spa treatments.
Too good to miss.
Until Aug 31, Arabian
Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Al
Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai,
Dhs999. Tel: (04) 3519111.
www.arabiancourtyard.com
59-63 Mind&Body.indd 63 6/28/11 10:06:00 AM
Every week in our Arts & Life section, we give you
step-by-step guides to create gourmet cuisine from
the worlds leading chefs
www.thenational.ae
Wednesday is food day
Food
SPORT & OUTDOOR
p66 Swimming
p67 Mr Fitness
p68 Born to run
65-68 Sports.indd 65 6/28/11 10:12:23 AM
Swimming
Our Abu Dhabi features editor, Adam,
has many talents, but swimming isnt
one of them. Finally progressing from an
embarrassing doggy paddle, he discovers
that swimming lessons arent just for kids
ADAM
Living in a country with so many alluring
pools, beaches and watersports means a lack
of swimming skills is something of a handicap.
I can just about paddle up and down a small
pool once or twice. Chuck me in the sea,
however, and Ill be shark feed, guaranteed. In
fact, Ive rarely taken to the water since nearly
drowning during a primary school swimming
session. But far beyond being a survival skill,
swimming is also among the best total body
workouts available. Doubly good reason to don
my swim shorts and goggles, then.
LESSON ONE
e Grand Millenniums impressive, and
thankfully not too enormous, partly open-air,
31st oor pool is a perfect place to learn, as
you can build condence while still touching
the bottom. A couple of splash-laden front
crawl widths later and amiable instructor
Youbraj has pinpointed weaknesses to be
worked on. Just about everything. Aer
patient explanations, Im soon hitting the
water little ngers rst in diagonal arm
movements with minimum splashing, pulling
back for propulsion, my hands brushing my
hips, before repeating the process. Breathing
techniques are of paramount importance,
exhaling through the nose while underwater
then liing my head sideward just long
enough to gulp in oxygen.
LESSON TWO
Time to step up a level. Im told to speed
up my front crawl and breathe every four
strokes instead of two. Get the breathing
wrong as I frequently do and my reward
is a nose or mouth full of water. en its
on to backstroke, and although I nd not
seeing whats behind my head more daunting
than the front crawl, Youbraj is impressed.
Practicing oating on my back is also part
of the lesson, but thats a rare static moment;
by the end of the hour I am, to put it politely,
cream crackered. My limbs the next morning
let me know theyre not entirely happy with
my new hobby.
LESSON THREE
First up is some perfunctory breaststroke
coordinating alternating leg and hand
movements is tricky before its time to put
everything Ive learnt into practise, running
through all three strokes. I still have some
trouble perfecting the front crawl breathing,
forgetting to keep kicking as I gasp for air. I
am, however, already beginning to feel the
cardiovascular benets and my lung capacity
swelling slightly, while just about keeping my
skinny frame gliding through the water.
VERDICT
Im still rather of the mindset that if humans
were meant to swim they would have evolved
ns. Yet being talked through the mechanics
denitely instils understanding and belief that
countless unaccompanied lengths may never
achieve. See you down the deep end. Maybe.
Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin
Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 7am to 10pm, ve
lessons Dhs825, ten lessons Dhs1,300, 15
sessions Dhs1,700. Tel: (02) 4439999. www.
millenniumhotels.com
MAKE A SPLASH
Two more places to win your water wings
Hiltonia Beach Club
Private lessons of 45 minutes for up to two people.
Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi,
8am to 8pm, one person Dhs220, two people
Dhs300. Tel: (02) 6811900. www.hilton.com
Shangri-La
One-hour private lessons for three people or
less, group sessions available for four people
or more. Block booking discounts available.
Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges,
Abu Dhabi, 6am to 11pm, private lessons Dhs95
to Dhs150, group lessons Dhs100. Tel: (02)
5098777. www.shangri-la.com
How to improve your swimming
Expert Ashley Morris on how to
improve your swimming style
L Ninety per cent of adults Ive taught, from basic
swimmers to triathletes, have trouble breathing.
People hold their breath, inhale and exhale when
they bring their head out of the water. You should
inhale to the side and blow out slowly under
water.
LYou should have a strong leg kick, and you can
practise using a oat and just kicking your legs
LYou should breath every three strokes,
naturally alternating the turn of your head
LAim for a six speed leg kick, so six kicks for
every two arm strokes, so your body position is
nice and high and you get more out of your pull
LOver and under the water make sure you have
a nice high elbow the elbow should always be
the highest point of the stroke
LStart with regular short sessions. The most
important thing is to hold your technique. So
start at 15 minutes three times a week and build
it up to 45 minutes. Start with a long, steady
warm up, then do intervals at a higher intensity
with short rests, and nish up with a kick set,
using a oat and kicking your legs only.
Hamilton Aquatics, various locations, Dubai, Dhs55
per group session. www.hamiltonaquaticsdubai.com
SPORT & OUTDOOR

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65-68 Sports.indd 66 6/28/11 10:12:37 AM
MR FITNESS MR
is temperature regulation,
maintaining an average 37C.
In higher temperatures, the skin
absorbs the heat. In order to
help keep the body in a normal
state, the hearts oxygen output
is diverted via blood ow to the
skin to help dissipate the heat the
body is collecting. When oxygen
is diverted to another system of
the body versus the muscles, a
runner has less energy to burn
when running. If a runner
continues to run at the same pace
in these conditions, the heart
and lungs have to work hard to
try to compensate for the needed
oxygen for both systems to work.
is results in early exhaustion.

I am not a particularly good
swimmer, but Ive recently
started swimming every
morning for 15 minutes. What
benets will this be having?
Melanie, Mirdif
Swimming is one of those
activities that every child should
be taught from a very young age,
as it can have profound carryovers
into later life, especially if sports
Do you have a tness question for James?
1/4 AD

T
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In his seven years as a
personal trainer, James
Houghton has helped
everyone from West End
actresses to the Arabian
Gulf rugby sevens team
lose the pounds and keep
in shape
I am a keen runner, training
for the New York Marathon in
November, but its getting a bit
hot outside now. Are there any
indoor running tracks in Dubai?
Benjamin, Dubai Marina
Im afraid the short answer is
no, but if youre keen to keep on
running outside the coolest times
are when you can avoid direct
sunlight, early in the morning
and later in the evening. But
then you also want to consider
the humidity and your ability to
recover and rehydrate. A little
trick is to weigh yourself before
you go running and then again
aer. Take the dierence in
weight, in pounds, and aim to
drink 20 uid ounces for every
pound lost. Bear in mind that
one of the bodys core functions
are involved. Two of the biggest
benets of swimming are the
discipline of controlled breathing
and improved lung capacity.
Couple this with the fact that
swimming is one of the only
forms of exercise where there is no
external load on the body, which
means that it is gentle on the joints
while still providing resistance.
I have an exercise phobia. I
know it will make me healthier,
but I just dont have any
motivation. Do you have a cure?
Don, Khalidiyah
Without threatening you, I dont
have a cure. ere are many
people like you out there who just
have no interest in exercising,
and that doesnt mean that you
are wrong. I guess your emotional
drivers are not sucient enough
to want to make you exercise. Not
taking away from the benets of
exercise, because there are many,
but you can become healthier
through lifestyle changes and
habits such as keeping your body
clear of toxins that are found in
many foods these days and by
helping your body recover and
regenerate each night by making
sure that you get enough sleep.
Simple little things can have
profound eects. A daily quality
broad spectrum multivitamin
will also help you cover the bases.
65-68 Sports.indd 67 6/28/11 10:12:41 AM
SPORT & OUTDOOR
Features & food editor Gareth Rees, our
resident long distance runner, puts the
latest running shoes through their paces
Sports shorts
Born to run
NIKE LUNARECLIPSE+
The spiel: Nike claims the shoe
is appropriate for all gait types,
adapting to an individuals
stride, with the design of the
sole ensuring your feet feel
connected to the road. And the
shoe can be used with the Nike+
training aid.
How do they look? The
handsomest pumps we tested.
Youll be the envy of all the
other runners pounding the
pavements.
The 5km test: It took a couple
of short runs to wear them in,
but after that they were just
right light and exible but with
good support.
Price: Dhs695
Nike, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 4341201. www.nike.com
Nike, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi.
Tel: (02) 4437396. www.nike.com
SAUCONY TRIUMPH 7
The spiel: Saucony knows
how important purchasing
the right shoe for your foot
shape and running style is.
Shock absorption, focused on
transferring impact from the
heel to the front of the foot,
and arch support, are the main
selling points.
How do they look? These are
serious running shoes, beloved
of experienced runners, and the
design reects that fact.
The 5km test: Excellent support,
and they put an immediate
spring in ones step. Having run
a marathon in Saucony, I can
conrm that they are the real deal.
Price: Dhs490
Saucony, The Dubai Mall, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3398081
Orlando Sports, various locations
Abu Dhabi. Tel: (800) 776787
REEBOK ZIGTECH
The spiel: Reeboks ZigTech
sole is designed to diminish
muscle fatigue and propel you
forwards.
How do they look? You will
either love them or hate them.
The chunky zigzag sole is, shall
we say, distinctive. Certainly not
a trainer for the more traditional
runner.
The 5km test: The shoe
is designed to keep your
momentum going forward, and
it worked, but the bulk of the
trainer makes it rather unwieldy
over distance.
Price: Dhs425
Reebok, The Dubai Mall, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4340606. www.reebok.
com
Al Jimi Mall, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi. Tel:
(02) 6964444. www.reebok.com
PUMA FAAS 500
The spiel: Designed for everyday
training, Puma claims that its
BioRide Technology makes the
shoes more responsive, leading
to a more ecient stride.
How do they look? Nice
and bright, Puma has clearly
considered aesthetic appeal
when developing the new Faas
range, and the design of the
Faas 500 harks back to classic
Puma design.
The 5km test: They are
lightweight and the sole oers
respectable cushioning over
5km, but the Faas 500 probably
couldnt take a marathon.
Price: Dhs500
Puma, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 4340204. www.puma.com
Puma, Abu Dhabi Mall, Abu
Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6448858. www.
puma.com
EXPERT TIPS
Our running guru, The Energy Clinics Chris Miller,
on what to consider when purchasing a new pair of
running shoes
LFind out what gait you are how you run, how your foot looks
when it hits the ground
L Make sure you buy a shoe that is t for purpose. Ask yourself what you are going to
be using the shoes for
L If possible, try the shoes out before you commit to purchasing them
LBuy the best quality shoes for your budget and, rather than just going to a well
known brand, go to a specialist
L Dont wear your trainers for too long. If youre doing a lot of mileage, change them
every three to six months
Summer sports
worth sweating for
ALL YOU CAN GOLF
Playing golf in this heat? Madness.
Perhaps, but, if you can bare it,
the Arabian Ranches Golf
Club is oering you
free reign to play as
many holes as you
like during the week.
Prices range from
Dhs145 for Club Members to Dhs255
for non-members. You might want
to leave the ludicrously patterned
V-neck at home, though.
Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Emirates
Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3663000 www.
arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
GYMLL FIX IT
If you still havent written o that
new years resolution to join a gym
(come on, its July!), theres no better
time to do it than now. Grin Health
Clubs 12 + 3 summer deal gives you
three months free when you sign up
for annual membership. Dhs3,800
for singles and Dhs6,000 per couple.
Shape up, or ship out.
Grin Health Club, JW Marriott Hotel,
Deira, Dubai. Tel: (04) 6077755

VIP SPORTS
If youre looking for a way to
prevent your brood from becoming
stir crazy this summer, gawp
no further than the VIP Sports
Academys summer camp. Ideal
for youngsters aged ve to 15,
instructors will coach your little
darlings in everything from
swimming and dodgeball to
face painting and team-building
exercises. There are even shuttle
buses organised, so you dont
need to feel like a taxi service.
Al Wasl Sports Club, Dubai, four
weeks Dhs1,650 for your rst child.
Tel: (04) 4467400. www.vipeduc.net
65-68 Sports.indd 68 6/28/11 10:12:59 AM
MUSIC
Stunning live shows, heavy ried tunes and
an expertly produced album are conspiring
to thrust prog rockers EYE (Empty Yard
Experiment) into the international spotlight.
e Dubai band has been on the scene for
several years, with an evolving line-up which
has lead to Bojan, Mehdi, Kaveh, Gorgin, Sain
and Sami coming together from as far as Saudi
and Serbia. All six members work together
in the lyric and music writing, resulting in a
diverse soundscape that, within the constraints
of one album, ranges from measured to the
downright raucous. e contrasting genres
and styles somehow work, with soaring
methods linking the tracks cohesively.
Communication is the base of our band and
music, insists Gorgin (keys). ats the only
way it can work. Undeniably psychedelic
and energetic, we have no doubt EYEs tracks
will be dominating the radiowaves, and your
headphones, in the future.
www.emptyyardexperiment.com
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The pick of local live music this month
Rock beats
Its the age-old question: who rocks harder, rockers or metal-heads?
Well, music fans, you might get your answer this month. Bands from
all over the Middle East, including Egypt, Iraq and the UAE, will duke
it out for two nights at the RAM Battle. e rst night will see rock
bands competing against each other in front of a panel of judges
with the winner set to meet the best metal act chosen on the following
night. ere can only be one winner.
Jul 28 and 29, Cheers Bar, The Lodge, Al Nasr Leisureland, 9pm to 3am,
Dhs60. Tel: (050) 9200166. www.metalityuae.com
Three to see
Woodstock
One of our favourite music
venues, e Music Room, is
paying tribute to Woodstock
this month. e legendary 1969
festival is considered one of the
greatest ever musical events, and
the Spirit Of Woodstock evening
will see ve of Dubai's top local
bands covering hit songs from the
likes of e Who, Jimi Hendrix
and Janis Joplin. Right on.
Jul 8, The Music Room, Majestic
Hotel Tower, Dubai, 6pm to 3am,
Dhs50. Tel: (04) 3598888. www.
dubaimajestic.com
Revolution Junkies
Local rock band Revolution
Junkies will be joined by the
winner of this year's Yas Rock
Factory, Danny Shirran, for a
one-o gig this month. Catch
the band and the Candian-born
Shirran at Cheers Bar, before
Shirran sets o to perform at
Yasalam during the Abu Dhabi
Grand Prix later this year.
Jul 15, Cheers Bar, The Lodge, Al
Nasr Leisureland, Dhs60. Tel: (050)
9048559
1/2
AD
71 Music round up.indd 71 6/28/11 10:19:00 AM
Whats On.pdf 2 26/05/2011 15:27
CLUB DIARY
This month's clubbing highlights
4
7
Moby @ Dubai World
Trade Centre
Crystal Waters @
Stereo Sushi
15 Ray Fox @
Armani Priv
Rising Dutch DJ Ray Fox has
been racking up download
hits almost as fast as touring
air miles with his energetic
brand of electro-kissed
house. And he promises
exclusive tunes when he hits
Dubai for the rst time this
month
You were given your rst
turntables when you were 12. You
must have been into music from a
very young age?
I was always interested in music, this
started with Michael Jackson and
from then I followed every trend.
When I was 12 I was spending my
pocket money on vinyl, a lot of house
heritage already at my young age.
Why did you pick the moniker
Ray Fox?
My real name is Raymon Vos. Vos is
Dutch for fox in English. Simple as
ABC.
Have you met any of your famous
namesakes? Megan Fox? Michael
J Fox?
Id really like to be friends with Megan
Fox. So if she reads this: Megan could
you please come to Armani, July 15!
Youre playing at Armani Priv
in Dubai. Do you wear designer
labels?
Yes, I like designer clothes. In fact I
wear them a lot. When I nd the time
after playing Armani I will denitely
check out what Dubai has to oer.
One of your biggest tracks is
entitled F**k That. Will you play
it safe with a censored version in
Dubai?
I always play for the audience, so if it's
possible to play it then you'll hear that
one. But of course I will make sure not
to oend anybody.
Holland and Dubai have rather
contrasting cultures. What are you
expecting?
I dont know, but I have heard many
great things about clubbing in Dubai.
I will put out some exclusive previews
especially for Dubai. All Dubai people:
please let me know which tracks will
make your night and I will try to make
some special bootlegs. My last three
bootleg packs got downloaded over
200,000 times, so it would be good
to have some Dubai inuences in the
next one.
Armani Priv, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa,
Dubai, 10pm to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free.
Tel: (04) 8883888. www.rayfox.nl
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WEEKLY
Immaculate Touch @ Al Maya Island
The regularly packed-out island all-dayer
continues into the summer.
Al Maya Island, Abu Dhabi, noon to late,
Dhs100, ladies free until 2pm. Tel: (055)
6506337. www.immaculatetouchabudhabi.
com
Fashion TV International Models Party
Get down with the beautiful people,
with proceedings broadcast globally on
Fashion TV.
toiles, Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu
Dhabi, 11.30pm to 4am, Dhs100, ladies free.
Tel: (02) 6909000. www.etoilesuae.com
Nze @ Ill Communications
Hip Parisian pair who have been revitalising
house with splinters of electro, techno and
warped vocals.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to
3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free until
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.myspace.
com/nozecircus
2
WEEKLY
Arabesque @ toiles
DJ Typhoon drops beats from around the
Middle East at toiles new Arabic night,
which also features the visual delight of a
belly dancer.
toiles, Emirates Palace, West Corniche,
Abu Dhabi, 11.30pm to 4am, free. Tel: (02)
6909000. www.etoilesuae.com
WEEKLY
Reggae Summer Splash @ Jebel Ali
Resort & Spa
Don your swimsuit for reggae classics,
ragga, dancehall and more from DJ
OneJahOh, plus live band Brown Fusion and
beach/water sports.
Jebel Ali Resort & Spa, Jebel Ali, Dubai, 3pm
to midnight, Dhs75 (includes one drink),
ladies free, couples free 3pm to 6pm. Tel: (055)
1839208. www.jebelali-international.com
4
Moby @ Dubai World Trade Centre
Megastar US DJ/producer makes his long-
awaited Emirates debut with a full live band
in tow.
Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai, 7pm, Dhs200 to Dhs350. Tel:
(04) 3913460. www.moby.com
WEEKLY
Terminal @ Chi
DJ Bobby Rez pilots you through the latest
hits and blasts from the past at Chi's regular
cabin crew night.
Chi @ The Lodge, Old Metha Road, Dubai,
9pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3379470. www.
chinightclubdubai.com
6
DJ Rabih @ Yacht Club
The Yacht Clubs resident drops the tunes,
with a live saxophonist (also July 7).
Yacht Club, InterContinental Abu Dhabi,
Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am,
free. Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup.
com
7
Crystal Waters @ Stereo Sushi
The Gypsy Woman hitmaker closes Stereo
Sushis season.
Sanctuary, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, 10pm
to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm.
Tel: (04) 4260561. www.sanctuarydubai.com
David Craig @ Relax@12
The UAE spinner digs out the best in house
to get the weekend underway in classy
fashion.
Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi National
Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to 3am,
free. Tel: (02) 6545138. www.relaxat12.com
Jeremih @ toiles
50 Cent and Ludacris-collaborating US R&B
star touches down in the UAE.
toiles, Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu
Dhabi, 11.30pm to 4am, Dhs100, ladies free.
Tel: (02 6909000). www.jeremih.com
WEEKLY
Freshly Laced @ Casa Latina
Weekly dose of all things hip hop and
funky with the fresh-as-ever residents.
Ibis Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road, Barsha,
Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 3996699.
8
Essential Mix @ Horizon Lounge
Sun-kissed dance oor soundtracks from Da
Funct, Nthayi and Charl Chaka, with equally
essential air con, barbecue and free pool
access (also July 22).
Habtoor Grand, JBR, Dubai, 2pm to 2am,
free. Tel: (04) 3995000
Cooly G @ Ill Communications
The leading lady of UK funky, and one of the
stars of London dubstep-and-beyond label
Hyperdub, ies in to town.
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.myspace.
com/coolyg
14
Girls Love DJs @ The 400 Nightclub
The Dutch DJ brand takes over Dubai for its
fortnightly blowout (also July 28).
The 400 Nightclub, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel:
(04) 3324900. www.the400nightclub.com
72-73 Club Diary.indd 72 6/28/11 10:20:11 AM
CLUB DIARY
7
Jeremih @
toiles
How did you rst hit upon the idea
of combining electric violin skills
with DJing?
I was classically trained on the
violin since the age of ten. I started
to combine it with house music in
the late 1990s, where my love for
Cheddar! Youre back! But why just
for one month?
A few pals persuaded me to come out
of hibernation. I thought why not, and
gave myself a month of Fridays to see
if people still have the appetite for
Cheese, even though this is more of
a mini Cheddar than a fully-edged
fromage frenzy.
OK, so, Rewind tell us more.
Its called Rewind because it allows
me to play songs from the past,
whether its the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s
or beyond I want to play songs that
everyone knows and loves.
Whats the dierence between
this and your Cheese nights?
I wanted to broaden my music policy.
I'm known for my cheese nights
and they are good fun and I will
still throw in some Michael Jackson,
Jamiroquai and Journey but I like
the freedom of being able to drop
some classic tracks, like some Stone
Roses or Paul Weller, in there.
15 Roberto Mermand @ Amnesia
1 Rewind @ Catwalk
Club
Having taken cutting edge
house beats and his eye-
catching electric violin
accompaniment around the
world this year, multitalented
DJ Roberto Mermand is
back in his home base for
Amnesia. Popular resident
Stew Magoo also takes to
the decks in support
Roller-skating king of cheese
Tim Cheddar Tim Derry
to his postman has been
slicing up Dubais disco
fromage for more years than
hed care to admit, playing
everywhere from Malecon, to
Chi to Nasimi Beach, before
hanging up his skates for a
brief hiatus to concentrate
on the promotion side of the
nightlife industry. However, for
one month only, he is back,
every Friday in July, with his
pop up retro night, Rewind
electronic music began. It does give the
show an extra element of entertainment
because the violin is live and I am able
to improvise, which gives a fresh and
exciting feeling to the music.
Do you still have to put in the hours
practicing violin even to this day?
Like anything, practice makes perfect.
It took time, energy and dedication to
perfect my instrument. I still put hours
in to maintain the skills and be able to
improvise to the music I play live. I also
play the piano for production purposes
and Spanish guitar when putting down
chords and melodies for new tracks that I
produce. Its fun and exciting.
What are you doing during Ramadan?
Sitting tight, touring the world or
taking a holiday?
I will be away playing in London over
Ramadan and Ill also be visiting Ibiza
and Mykonos.
Whats been your favourite show
in your globetrotting 2011 so far?
Supperclub in London was the most
energetic crowd: 700 people bounced
o my energy and created an amazing
vibe and atmosphere. Its also very
nice to come back to the home
crowds in the UAE where they love the
music I play and know what to expect.
Relax@12 is high up with my favourite
places in the UAE, for the view from
the DJ booth and the cool crowd.
Relax@12, Aloft, Abu Dhabi National
Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, 5pm to
3am, free (Dhs130 for unlimited house
beverages 8pm to midnight). Tel: (02)
6545138. www.robertomermand.com
We see you're letting people in
fancy dress in for free. You love all
that, don't you?
What can I say? I dont take myself
too seriously and neither should the
crowd. Go in day-glo and brighten the
place up. Lets go retro!
What about Cheese will we see
it again?
You cheddar believe it! Ive just got
to nd the right venue. Any savoury
suggestions?
And nally you're one of the guys
behind the huge Sandance nights.
Are you going to let us in on who's
booked for the next one?
If I told you, Id have to kill you, then
whod make sure this interview was
printed? All will be revealed very soon...
Golden Tulip Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai,
9pm to 3am, Dhs100, free before 11pm,
women free before midnight, fancy
dress free all night. Tel: (04) 3417750.
www.catwalkdubai.com
DJ Je @ Yacht Club
Thursday night disco-house delights, with
added dancers.
Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am, free.
Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup.com
15
Frozen @ Allure
A winter wonderland at the height of
summer, with nitro cannons, ice cocktails
and more.
Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island Yacht Club, Yas
Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 4am, free. Tel:
(02) 6575400. www.nightcluballure.com
Peevee @ Ill Communications
Friday night goes o with urban sounds
from Peevee.
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277
20
Mega Weekend @ Yacht Club
Resident DJ Rabih and dancers jumpstart
the weekend before its barely started
(also July 21).
Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am, free.
Tel: (02) 6666888. www.ichotelsgroup.com
22
Stay With Me @ Armani Priv
Monthly instalment of future and upfront
beats in lofty surrounds.
Armani Priv, Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa,
Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel: (04) 8883888.
dubai.armanihotels.com
Sascha Drive @ Ill Communications
Detroit-inuenced dance-oor science from
German DJ/producer, who runs the Deep
Vibes label.
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.saschadive.de
27
Nu-Disquo @ Republique
Indie-electro from DJ Ridz at this monthly
ladies night, with free bubbly for the
lasses.
The Address, Dubai Mall, Dubai, 8pm
to 3am, free. Tel: (050) 4880876. www.
clubrepublique.com
28
Closing White Party @ Allure
Allure closes its season before Ramadan
in blinding white and UV light-bathed
style.
Allure by Cipriani, Yas Island Yacht Club, Yas
Island, Abu Dhabi, 10pm to 4am, free. Tel:
(02) 6575400. www.nightcluballure.com
29
Loaded @ Casa Latina
Indie, pop and rock gems from the See
You Next Friday conspirators.
Ibis Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al
Barsha, Dubai, 10pm to 3am, free. Tel:
(055) 8825675. www.facebook.com/
seeyounextfriday
Art Department @ Ill Communications
Kenny Glasgow, from critically acclaimed
Canadian techno/house project Art
Department.
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.facebook.
com/artdepartmentmusic
WEEKLY
72-73 Club Diary.indd 73 6/28/11 10:20:16 AM
TRAVEL
Reading between
the lines
In the Middle Ages, fat-bellied traders rolled
books into Frankfurt in barrels, displaying
them on street stalls in the city's rst literary
marketplace. Five hundred years on, streets
stalls have turned into 7,000 exhibition stands,
and booksellers and writers from 100 countries
arrive to promote their wares to some 300,000
visitors and journalists.
Held in mid-October, the Frankfurt Book
Fair is the most important annual event for the
international book trade: a place to network
and do publishing deals, while a swarm of
publishers, book agents, translators, multi-
media buyers and lm producers hunt for the
latest in literature
ere is no better time for bookworms to
head to Frankfurt, whose literary, cultural and
other charms have moved it well beyond its
once staid reputation for banks, big business
and an enormous airport. is has become
Germany's latest cool destination, with sassy
up-market dining and hedonistic nightclubbing,
from a thumping techno scene to niy jazz bars
and backslapping cider taverns.
Of course, a late-night techno rave mightn't
be a cultural form appreciated by booklovers.
Perhaps there's enough buzz from a visit to the
Book Fair on open days, when the public gets
a chance to browse and meet their favourite
authors. You might also want to visit the historic
Paulskirche, the church where the modern
fair was relaunched aer the Second World
War. It still hosts its most signicant event, the
ceremony for the Peace Prize of the German
Book Trade, whose previous winners include
renowned writers Orhan Pamuk, Susan Sontag,
Chinua Achebe and Vclav Havel.
e Book Fair isn't the only literary
distinction for Frankfurt, however. In 1749,
the birth of a little boy called Johann Wolfgang
von Goethe in a middle-class familu in the old
town gave the city another enduring claim to
For bookworms, the German
city of Frankfurt is the only
place to be this October
FRANKFURT IS
GERMANYS LATEST
COOL DESTINATION,
WITH UP-MARKET
DINING,HEDONISTIC
NIGHTCLUBBING, A
THUMPING TECHNO
SCENE, JAZZ BARS
AND TAVERNS
LONG
HAUL
The Ignatz-Bubis Bridge over the River Main at Frankfurt
The historic Paulskirche, which hosts one
of the Frankfurt Book Fair's leading events
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75-76 Travel_Frankfurt.indd 75 6/28/11 10:21:52 AM
TRAVEL
|
FRANKFURT
NEED TO KNOW
GETTING THERE
Emirates ies direct Dubai to Frankfurt.
www.emirates.com
WHERE TO STAY
Mvenpick Hotel Frankfurt City.
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
or Hilton Frankfurt Hotel
www1.hilton.com
MORE INFORMATION
Tourismus + Congress Frankfurt.
www.frankfurt-tourismus.de,
Frankfurt Book Fair.
www.frankfurt-book-fair.com
BOOKED UP
Other major book fairs include Abu Dhabi
International Book Fair and Bologna
Book Fair in March, London Book Fair and
Buenos Aires International Book Fair in
April, New York-based Book Expo America
(June), Tokyo International Book Fair
(July) and Beijing International Book Fair
in September.
literary fame. In the writing room on the third
oor, literary pilgrims admire the desk where
Goethe wrote e Sorrows Of Young Werther
and the rst manuscript of Faust, which turned
him into a giant of European literature.
Goethe apart, the house is worth visiting
just for the insight it gives into middle-class
life in 18th-century Frankfurt, with rooms
furnished in the styles of the time from sedate
neoclassical to baroque and later, rather
dizzying, rococo.
You could do worse than leap from the
pages into some other arts while in Frankfurt,
since its riverside arts precinct shows what
can happen when a city devotes ten per cent
of its budget to culture. Here, some of the best
museums in Europe showcase everything from
lm history to architecture, Impressionism
to ancient civilisations. e Deutsches
Filmmuseum is particularly fascinating you
can see how the special eects in the original
King Kong movie were achieved while the
Liebieghaus features sculptures spanning 5,000
years. From Sumerian statuettes to Egyptian
funerary reliefs and medieval Madonnas, every
piece is little short of perfection.
e River Main that ows past these
museums also leads booklovers to more
literary discoveries. Out on the riverbanks lies
Gerbermhle, where Goethe stayed for a month
in 1815 while in his 60s, falling in love with a
young woman named Marianne von Willemer
and immortalising her in poetry. Now you can
sit under the chestnut trees and contemplate
Frankfurt's skyscrapers as swans paddle about.
As you meander upriver, the city gives way
to farmland and medieval villages before the
Main joins the mighty Rhine some 40km away.
is strategic trading location is presided over
by the town of Mainz, a perfect literary day
trip from Frankfurt. It was in Mainz in 1456
that Johannes Gutenberg built the rst printing
machine using moveable type, revolutionising
written communication.
At the Gutenberg Museum, sta
demonstrate type founding, typesetting and
printing on a recreated Gutenberg press. When
the quality of the printed page is revealed,
audiences gasp in surprise. But the highlight is
two original Gutenberg Bibles, multi-million-
dollar treasures of printing to which have been
added beautiful hand-drawn illuminations in
marvellous colours.
Aerwards, you could do worse than lose
yourself among the alleyways of Mainz's
old town, where a fairytale of half-timbered
buildings huddle around a vast Romanesque
cathedral. Old men mumble on riverside
promenades and schoolkids scue as they
wait for trams. With books tucked under their
arms, they're a living reminder of this region's
literary heritage, and the continuing power of
the printed word.
Visitors in Hall 3 of the Frankfurt Book Fair
Statue of Gutenberg near the
Romanesque cathedral in Mainz
Cafs along the banks of the river Main
in Frankfurt, with Main Tower and
Commerzbank Tower in the background
75-76 Travel_Frankfurt.indd 76 6/28/11 10:21:59 AM
TRAVEL
|
TRAVELS WITH...
Al Maha Desert Resort &
Spas general manager
Arne Silvis lives for the
outdoors. The Cape Town
natives CV has seen him
work as a guide through
white water rapids, luxury
mobile safaris and game
reserves
Travels with
Arne Silvis
I never travel without
enough cash in small
denominations; it always
comes in handy
PEACEFUL PHUKET
Phuket boasts glorious
beaches, welcoming locals
and great cuisine, but its also extremely
popular, drawing hordes of tourists all year
round. Fortunately, the luxury secluded
location of the Trisara resort on the quiet
north-western coastline allows you to
escape the crowds and, even better, is
oering four nights for the price of three,
including massages and breakfast for just
Dhs3,965 per person. Bliss.
Until Oct 31, Dnata Travel, Dubai, from
Dhs3,965. Tel: 8008118. www.dnataholidays.
com
MALAYSIAN VACATION
Considering its postcard beaches, untouched
rainforest and year-round perfect weather, it
is amazing that Malaysias Langkawi islands
are still considered an insider secret. Book
now and get a four-night stay with breakfast
at the Datai Langkawi resort, ights and
transfers for a tidy Dhs6,476 per
person.
Until Aug 31, Emirates Holidays,
Dubai, from Dhs6,476. Tel:
8005252. www.emirates-
holidays.com
CREDIT WHERE ITS DUE
Youre a fan of the freebie, right? Well then.
be prepared to ll your boots at Anantaras
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort this summer.
The Abu Dhabi luxury resort is oering
complimentary credit for every night
booked, which you can use to purchase
food, spa treatments, camel trekking,
kayaking near Sir Bani Yas island and all
manner of other goods and services.
Until Aug 31, Qasr Al Sarab
Desert Resort, Abu Dhabi,
from Dhs1,100 per person per
night. Tel: (02) 8862088. www.
qasralsarab.anantara.com
Take a bargain break
of active volcanoes. ree weeks passed in one
big blur of utter amazement.
What has been your biggest travel disaster?
Everyone has missed ights, trains and other
forms of transport at some point on their
travels, but I dont really view these negatively
these things happen. My attitude is what
ultimately determines whether an event or
incident was disastrous or not. Whenever I am
met with some bad news, I remain optimistic,
keep myself entertained and simply make
alternative plans.
If you could advise people to visit one
destination what would it be?
New Zealands South Island. What a
spectacular part of the world. e scenery
is absolutely picture perfect, most of the
wilderness areas are completely unspoilt
and untouched, it is easy to get around,
exceptionally safe, and there is plenty to do in
the line of adventure.
Whats the best holiday you have ever
had?
I am lucky to have travelled to more than 50
countries, but I think Costa Rica just about
takes the prize. ere are so many things to
do, river raing, mountain climbing, forest
canopy tours, horse riding in the jungles or
simply enjoying the hot springs in the foothills
What are your top tips for surviving a
long airport stopover?
Patience is key. Being able to shut o from the
world around you, and with iPad and Kindles
there is absolutely no reason to be bored.
I also recommend storing luggage at the
airport and exploring whatever lies outside.
And dont forget to travel with comfortable
shoes and clothing.
What do you never travel without?
e nature of a particular vacation determines
what goes along or what stays behind. But
the essentials for any trip regardless are
comprehensive travel insurance, hardcopies
of all travel documents, and also an extra
passport copy stowed in a safe place. I
never travel without enough cash in small
denominations; it always comes in handy.
Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai. Tel: (04)
8329900. www.al-maha.com
TRAVEL
EXTRA
77 TravelsWith.indd 77 6/28/11 10:25:03 AM
Win with Whats On
WIN! A BLACKBERRY
PLAYBOOK
Apple-lovers beware, theres a new tablet on
the block. The 64GB BlackBerry PlayBook has
a 7 screen, is packed with features (including
a camera), supports apps, has a USB port and
is, all in all, an absolute pleasure to use. Whats
On has teamed up with regional online retailer
Aido.com to give away a PlayBook to one lucky
reader. For your chance to win a slice of cutting
edge gadgetry, simply tell us
What does AIDO stand for?
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b) Any Intelligent Dudes Online?
c) All I Do Oside
WIN! A STAY FOR
TWO AT THE TILAL
LIWA HOTEL
Situated on the edge of the vast Rub Al Khali
desert, the Tilal Liwa Hotel makes for a majestic
hideaway, complete with stunning views. We
have teamed up with the resort to oer one lucky
winner a nights stay for two people in a deluxe
room, including breakfast and access to the
impressive facilities. Whether youre relaxing by
the pool or exploring the desert with a 4x4 safari,
this trip guarantees an unforgettable weekend
away from the bright city lights.
For your chance to win, simply tell us
What is the Rub Al Khali desert also know as?
a) The empty half
b) The empty quarter
c) The empty whole
T
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T
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79 Comps_Tilal/BB.indd 79 6/28/11 10:27:01 AM
Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Yas Plaza, Yas Island, P.O. Box 93725
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
[email protected]
radissonblu.com/hotel-abudhabi
02 656 2000
radissonblu.com
WHATS ON: Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek
206mm x 270mm
Meet with family and friends in the Radisson Blu Ramadan Tent where you can sample a special Sohour menu and enjoy
a wide choice of shisha. Relax while an oud player entertains with traditional music or you catch up with the day by
XEOMRKEHZERXEKISJJVII;M
Assymetri Iftar Buffet
Enjoy an extensive buffet of traditional Arabic and international dishes, along with a selection of Ramadan juices for
only AED 99* per person.
Corporate Iftar Events
A feast of Arabic and international cuisine and juices, including telecast of the Iftar program, starting from only AED 125*.
SPECIAL OFFER: Book before the end of July and take advantage of a 15% discount!
*Subject to 16% service and tourism charges.
Ramadan Nights
at Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Yas Plaza, Yas Island, P.O. Box 93725
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
[email protected]
radissonblu.com/hotel-abudhabi
THE HOTLIST
p83 Bars
p87 Restaurants
p91 Brunches
p95 Spas
R
O
Y
A
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C
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I
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Key

New entry

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Up

Down
81 HOT LIST OPENER.indd 81 6/28/11 10:29:28 AM

Nominations for the ADCB Ambition Award are now open. To enter, simply log in to www.emirateswomanawards.com and tell us (in 500 words or less) your greatest
entrepreneurial or community improvement ambition and what you are doing to achieve it. The winner will receive USD10,000, a place on an INSEAD Key
Management Challenge course part of INSEADs Global Executive MBA at Abu Dhabi campus and AED2,000 worth of shopping vouchers to spend in BurJuman Mall,
Dubai. Nominations close on the 15th August 2011. For terms and conditions, visit emirateswomanawards.com.
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STOP DREAMING ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND START BELIEVING.
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NOVEMBER 2010 WHATS ON 83
THE HOT LIST
BARS
THE
FINEST FOR
BEVERAGES
AND
BITES
THE
FINEST FOR
BEVERAGES
AND
BITES
Seriously slick,
with that ellusive
'city' quality. Glass,
dark woods and a
lounge full of low-
slung sofas.
The beating heart
of DIFC, Zuma is a
ash of personality
in this concrete
jungle.
Zumas bar may be
a lounge, but its far
from casual, so don
your nest threads
or feel foolish.
It ain't cheap, but
if you pay peanuts
you get monkeys.
Which is our way
of saying that it's
worth the extra
dirhams.
Building 6, DIFC,
Dubai, Fri to Wed noon
to 2am, Thurs noon to
3am. Tel: (04) 4255660.
www.zumarestaurant.
com
Ideal for low prole
mid-week drinks,
and uptempo fun
come Thursday
night.
The resort is a lone
wolf at this end of
Beach Road, but
Boudoir, Sho Cho
and Malecon are
close to Loca for
further partying.
Casual get
togethers at a table
with your very own
beer tap. Hassle-
free rounds. The
Mexican-style bar
food is also a treat.
Average prices,
but check out the
Monday night oer
with ribs and a pint
for Dhs65.
Dubai Marine Beach
Resort & Spa, Beach
Road, Jumeirah, Dubai,
noon to 2am. Tel:
(04) 3461111. www.
dxbmarine.com
Banging. Private
glass-fronted
plunge pools,
cabanas with their
own music, VIPs
galore and a crazy
crowd.
It's an open-air
beach bar, but with
plunge pools and
new roof you'll be
able to enjoy XL all
summer long.
Mingling with
models (Fashion
TV is there some
Fridays) and
hearing good tunes.
Wednesdays see DJ
Kristian Valdini take
to the decks.
Best to club in with
your mates and
get a table it will
work out about the
same as trips to the
bar and looks more
impressive.
,
Habtoor Grand,
Dubai Marina, Dubai,
noon to 3am. Tel:
(056) 6406161. www.
grandjumeirah.
habtoorhotels.com
Great for after-
work drinks,
Caramel is buzzing
throughout the
week, but a bit
quieter on Fridays
when DIFC-
dwellers stay away
from their oces.
Avoid the outdoors
and stick with the
slick, dark interior
where there's true
oil in the air and
drinks owing.
The menu is
fantastic, so book
a table and turn
drinks into dinner.
Denitely on
the pricey side,
especially the food,
but drinks are fairly
standard for this
part of town.
Building 3, DIFC, Dubai,
11am to 2am. Tel:
(04) 4256677. www.
carameldubai.com
Packed, both mid-
week and come
the weekend, with
a fun-loving expat
crowd.
At the moment,
this is JLT's only
watering hole
(hence the crowds).
Rowdy fun and a
good Irish fry-up.
Our advice? Have
rowdy fun, then go
back for breakfast
the next morning.
Very decent indeed,
and there's a
well-priced Friday
brunch (Dhs99 for
a main meal and
three drinks).
McGettigan's, The
Bonnington, JLT,
Dubai, 12.30pm
to 3am. Tel: (04)
3560600. www.
mcgettigansdubai.
com
1
Zuma
2
Loca
3
XL Beach Club
4
Caramel
5
McGettigans
DJ Adrien has
quite the fan
club, and it's
easy to see (and
hear) why.
Decent tunes,
an urban
design and the
laid-back crowd
make for good
times.
There are some
top bar snacks,
with lollipop
chicken and
mini lobster
tacos on the
menu.
The massive
tent is tricked
out with
enough AC to
keep penguins
comfortable.
ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHATS ON
SAYS...
INFO
The log-lined
walls and forest
photography
raise the bar
for pub decor.
Thumbs up.
Jetty Lounge Caramel Zuma
83-95 HOT LIST DXB.indd 83 6/28/11 10:38:25 AM
BARS
You can't get
moved in here
on ladies' night
(Tuesday), but it's
more civilised later
in the week.
The Westin, so
there's Senyar
across the lobby if
you want to mix it
up a bit.
The ladies' night is
epic, with a choice
of drinks on oer
for the fairer sex,
and a choice of
ladies on oer for
the chaps.
Oeno's wine list is
impressive, with
some very pricey
numbers on there,
but there are some
decent bottles for a
decent price, too.
The Westin Dubai Mina
Seyahi Beach Resort
& Marina, Al Sufouh
Road, Dubai, Sat to
Thurs 6pm to 2am,
Fri 4pm to 2am. Tel:
(04) 3994141. www.
starwoodhotels.com
The Gramercy has
shrugged o its
sports bar image,
and is now more
NYC bar, with a
French twist. Live
music nights keep
it bustling.
At the heart of
DIFC, it's busy with
business lunches,
post-work drinks
and late Thursday
night conabs.
Expect people
to be suited and
booted.
The quality bar
food sets it apart
from the slew of
other bars. And
it has a great
independent feel,
too.
Not cheap, but the
ingredients are
of a high quality,
food portions
are massive and
the bar service is
speedy.
Unit 7, Level 2,
Building 3, DIFC,
noon to midnight. Tel:
(04) 4377511. www.
thegramercybar.com
It's too sticky for the
terrace now, so retire
to the wooden pews
and bustling bar
inside. We love the
Victorian tiles, vintage
signage and European
feel.
Dont dismiss
Festival Centre as
the land of IKEA,
the BBC is king
of a huge swathe
of new bars and
restaurants in this
part of town.
If youre in the
mood for some
European charm,
this is the only pub
to go to.
Theres a Monday
night all you can eat
moules and beer
aair for Dhs199.
Bargain Belgian.
Crowne Plaza Festival
City, Dubai, Sun to
Mon 6pm to 2am, Tue
to Wed noon to 2am,
Thurs and Fri noon to
3am. Tel: (04) 7012222.
www.ichotelsgroup.
com
If there's a big
match or sports
event on the big
screen, then you
can expect every
booth and bar stool
to be taken.
Right on The Walk,
this new addition
is giving the sports
fans of JBR what
they want.
Even if your team
of choice isn't in
action, the pool
table and sticky ribs
are reason enough
to pay West Beach
a visit. Excellent
onion rings, too.
Fair, and there's a
mid-week happy
hour from 6pm
to 9pm where
selected drinks are
half price. Score.
Sorry.
Mvenpick Hotel
Jumeirah Beach, Dubai
Marina, Dubai, Sun
to Wed 6pm to 2am,
Thurs to Sat noon to
2am. Tel: (04) 4498888
The beachside
cabanas are out of
action, but inside
is still attracting a
cool crowd with its
white decor and
blue neon.
Check out the
sea views; Jetty
Lounge is right on
the sands at the
original One&Only.
Chilled out drinks,
sophisticated
sundowners and
incredibly tasty
tapas.
The cocktails are
pricey, but worth it.
All in all, this place
isn't cheap but it's
so high quality you
won't begrudge
the bill.
One&Only Royal
Mirage, Al Sufouh,
Dubai, 2pm to late. Tel:
904) 399999
6
Oeno
7
The Gramercy
8
Belgian Beer
Caf
9
West Beach
Bistro
& Sports
Lounge
10
Jetty Lounge
Beware the
glass staircase
if you're in
heels: we've
witnessed some
spectacular
tumbles.
Check out
the new jazz-
themed a la
carte Friday
brunch for a
top, tuneful
feed.
There's a new
Friday brunch
that includes a
bucket of beers
for Dhs199.
A cracking
brunch, decent
deals and a
spectacular
drinks list mean
were regulars.
Watch it shoot
back up the hot
list when the
weather cools
down. We can't
resist those
cabanas.
ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHATS ON
SAYS...
INFO
Blends The Gramercy
H
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TH
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EELS
11 Blends, The Address Dubai Marina
12 Nezesaussi Grill, Al Manzil Hotel
13 Neos, The Address Downtown
Dubai Mall
14 Armani/Prive, Armani Hotel
15 Senyar, The Westin
12 NEZESAUSSI
GRILL
Nezesaussi Grill is a sporty sanctuary,
boasting big screens and big portions. The
walls might be lined with memorabilia, but
Nezesaussi has pleny to appeal to the sport
averse, too. Its a grown-up spot with good
service and a rst-rate pub menu.
Al Manzil Hotel, Old Town, Dubai, Sun to
Thurs 6pm to 2am, Fri and Sat noon to2am.
Tel: (04) 4285888. www.southernsunme.com
THE HOT LIST
MARCH 2010 WHATS ON 87
Securing a
booking might
be a problem
The Ivy is the
talk of the town
after its long-
awaited June
opening.
A beautiful
restaurant. The
designers have
done wonders,
creating an
environment
that allows you
to forget you're
in a mall.
See our verdict
on page 34.
With the arrival
of The Ivy,
and Hakkasan
opening in
November,
Emirates Towers
is squaring up
to restaurant
hub DIFC.
We managed
to enjoy three
courses for
around Dhs550
(sans booze),
but you could
certainly spend
more.
The Ivy, The
Boulevard,
Emirates
Towers, Dubai,
noon to 3pm,
6.30pm to
11pm, bar to
2am. Tel: (04)
3198767. www.
theivy.ae
Always busy. The
Ivy might be the
new kid on the
block, but LPM
has lost none
of its lustre. All
serious food
lovers will book
a table at both.
With plenty of
natural light and
a cream colour
scheme, it's
ideal for a long
summer lunch.
We enjoyed
some incredible
lamb last time
we dined at
LMP. Also try
the superb
lobster and the
lovely salt cod
croquettes.
DIFC. Which,
boasting two
of our top three
restaurants,
remains the
beating heart
of the Dubai
dining scene, for
now.
If you're not
prepared to
drop more than
Dhs1,000 on a
proper meal for
two, LPM isn't
for you.
DIFC, Gate
Village 8,
Dubai, Sun
to Fri noon
to 2.30pm
and 7pm to
11pm. Tel: (04)
4390505. www.
lpmdubai.ae
Still as popular
as ever, Zuma
is never likely
to be lacking
custom. The
upstairs bar is
perfect for a
chilled tipple or
two.
Sleek,
bright and
contemporary.
It's one of the
more inspiring
restaurant
spaces in Dubai.
It's rare that
Zuma makes a
mistake. Order
the wagyu
tenderloin from
the robata grill
menu or the
delicious veal.
Less than
100 metres
from LPM,
within walking
distance of The
Ivy. It can only
be one place
DIFC.
Spending less
than Dhs1,000
for two is not
really an option,
unless you're
not really
hungry.
Building 6, DIFC,
Sat to Thurs
12.30pm to 3pm,
Sat to Wed 7pm
to midnight,
Thurs and Fri 7pm
to 1am. Tel: (04)
4255660. www.
zumarestaurant.
com
It's ne dining
with a friendly
face. Indego
has none of the
usual stuness
associated with
high end eating.
A winding
stairway leading
to a warm and
welcoming
restaurant.
Too hot for
the terrace,
unfortuantely.
Indego serves
the best Indian
food in Dubai.
And we're
happy to go
fork to fork with
anyone who
says otherwise.
In the heart of
Dubai Marina,
Vineet Bhatia's
place is certainly
at the right end
of town.
After you've
eaten chef John
Sinjobi's food
the Dhs900
(without
alcohol) bill
won't bother
you in the
slightest.
Grosvenor
House, Dubai
Marina,
Dubai, Sun to
Thurs 7pm to
11pm. Tel: (04)
3176000. www.
grosvenorhouse-
dubai.com
Verre
sometimes
lacks a buzz
due to its silly
location, but
it's still on
every foodie's
favourites list.
The chefs table
and the semi
open (it's visible
through a glass
door) kitchen
have improved
what isn't an
ideal space.
The spring/
summer menu
from one of the
most talented
kitchens in town
is spot on. Order
the paprika
smoked salmon.
Gordon. Are
you listening?
Move Verre out
of Deira and
head for the
bright lights just
up SZR. Now,
please.
Dhs395 for three
courses, Dhs495
for six courses.
For the chefs
table its Dhs695,
with wine
pairings Dhs350
to Dhs600.
Hilton Dubai
Creek, Sun
to Fri, 7pm
to 11.30pm.
Tel: (04)
2277550. www.
gordonramsay.
com
1
The Ivy
2
La Petite
Maison
3
Zuma
4
Indego by
Vineet

5
Verre
It's on every
foodie's lips this
month. If you're
going to visit
one restaurant
in July, make it
The Ivy.
Falling to second
is no reection
on LPM's star
status.
Competition is
tough from the
likes of Okku
and Nobu, but
Zuma is still the
best Japanese in
this town.
If you want to
eat Indian eat
Indego by
Vineet.
RESTAURANTS
THE
ELITE
OF THE
EATING OUT
SCENE
ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE INFO WHATS ON
SAYS...
Rivington Grill La Petite Maison
If you've never
been to Verre,
now is the time
to sample chef
Scott Price's
team at their
very best.
With the terrace
o limits due to
the heat, all of
RG's loyal diners
have to ght it
out for tables
indoors. Book
ahead.
Clean, bright
and white, with
chalkboards
displaying the
delicious daily
specials and a
buzzing open
kitchen.
The Riv is
embracing
summer with
some lighter
dishes. Try the
heritage tomato
bruschetta and
crab salad.
RG put Old
Town on the
culinary map.
Now The Ivy
is open, look
out for new
branches
coming soon.
Around Dhs400
for two, but
on weekdays
you can enjoy
two courses at
lunchtime for
Dhs80, or three
for Dhs100.
Souk Al Bahar,
Level 3, Old Town,
Dubai, noon to
11pm. Tel: (04)
4230903. www.
rivingtongrill.ae
Gary's original
Dubai outpost
has many, many
fans. If you're
thinking of a
Thursday or
Friday evening
visit, book
ahead.
Its very, very
white, but
the extremely
comfortable
chairs add a
touch of colour
here and there
and theres a
tiny glimpse of
the kitchen.
Chef Paul
Lupton is
a quiet but
exceedinly
talented man.
Order the
seared tempura
scallops.
Dubai Marina, or
the Gary Rhodes
Marina as it
will have to be
renamed if he
opens any more
restaurants in
the vicinity.
Dhs800 for two.
Not at all bad.
Grosvenor
House, Dubai
Marina, Dubai,
Mon to Sat 7pm
to 11.30pm.
Tel: (04)
3998888. www.
garyrhodes.
com
Diners will be
well dressed, well
mannered and
well prepared
for a sprecial
meal. Maitre d'
Dennis brings
a friendly feel to
proceedings.
Tucked away
on its own oor,
Reets' design
is almost regal.
And maybe a
little bit camp.
Challenging
food from an
always inventive
kitchen that has
learned well
from master
Michelin starred
chef Pierre
Gagnaire.
Reets has its
own private
elevator at the
the InterCon
DFC an area
vying to be a
culinary hot
spot.
You're talking
well over
Dhs1,000 for
dinner. But the
taster menu is
Dhs550, and the
business lunch
is a bargain at
Dhs180.
InterContinental
Dubai Festival
City, Dubai, 7pm
to 1am. Tel: (04)
7011128. www.
ichotelsgroup.
com
The outside
seating and
the nearby bar,
The Terrace, are
no-nos during
the summer, but
we're condent
Traiteur will
remain busy.
The vaulted
ceiling and the
open kitchen
make Traiteur
one of the most
memorable
restaurants in
town.
Try the sea bass
with asparagus,
green peas and
glazed morels.
Park Hyatt. A
true destination
hotel with
endless
appeal. See our
verdict on the
afternoon tea
in Eating Out
(p38).
The degustation
menu is Dhs375
for four courses
and coee. For
a la carte youre
talking around
Dhs650 for two.
Park Hyatt
Dubai, Deira,
Dubai, Sun
to Fri 7pm to
midnight. Tel:
(04) 3172222.
www.dubai.
park.hyatt.com
For the real
Argentinean
spirit, book a
table on Sunday
tango night.
There's a superb
view of the Burj
through the
window if you
pick the right
table.
For meat eaters
only. Try the
lamb rack or
slow-cooked
veal brisket.
Downtown Burj
Khalifa, and
you could hit
the Burj with a
rmly thrown
steak.
Around Dhs700
for two.
The Palace
The Old Town,
Downtown
Dubai, 7pm
to midnight.
Tel: (04)
4287888. www.
theaddress.com
6
Rivington Grill
7
Rhodes
Mezzanine
8
Reets
Par Pierre
Gagnaire
9
Traiteur
10
Asado
The Ivy has
arrived, but
we still love its
little brother.
If you're a fan
of Gary Rhodes,
you'll be a
fan of Rhodes
Mezzanine.
A long lunch
during the
week is a must
during the
lazy summer
months.
Chef Franck
Detrait imparts
his local
knowledge in
Salaam this
month. Check
it out (p8).
PRICE INFO WHATS ON
SAYS...
RESTAURANTS
ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE INFO WHATS ON
SAYS...
H
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TH
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EELS
11Rare, Desert Palm
12 Rhodes Twenty10, Le Royal Mridien
Beach Resort & Spa
13 The Rib Room, Emirates Towers
14 Okku, The Monarch
15 Amala, Zabeel Saray
The Rib room Reets Par Pierre Gagnaire
13 THE RIB ROOM
The Rib Room
Reopened just a couple of months ago after
renovation, The Rib Room is a solid, reliable
steakhouse and stands out in a town overun
with purveyors of animal esh. Order the
steak tartar, prepared to your liking tableside,
before tucking in to a giant rib wearing one of
the restaurants fetching rib bibs.
Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Hotel Tower, Dubai,
Sun to Thurs 12.30pm to 2.30pm, daily 7pm to
11pm. Tel: (04) 3198088. www.jumeirah.com
It's the closest
your going
to get to
Argentina
without
enduring a
long ight.
Managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, a Division of National Corporation for Tourism & Hotels
PO Box 112723, Abu Dhabi, UAE | T. +971 2 894 6111 | F. +971 2 894 6112 | [email protected] | www.danathotels.com
Experience the true Arabian desert and explore the unspoiled landscape of the
majestic Rub Al Khali Desert. Enjoy a thrilling desert safari adventure, dune bashing
or visit a camel farm, heritage forts and date plantations.
Built in traditional style, the hotel is a retreat for those seeking a unique desert
experience and the true spirit of Arabia.
Everyday stopovers Dhs. 499* for a desert view room including buffet breakfast, a
visit to a traditional camel farm and race track, one hour bicycle ride, kite ying, free
access to steam and sauna, and 15% discount on food, soft drinks and laundry.
PERFECT SUMMER GETAWAY
*Rate is subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee. Double or Single Occupancy. Valid for UAE/GCC residents only from 1 June until the end of August 2011.
2 children below 12 years can share parents room at no charge. Children between 6-12 years have 50% discount on meals. Payment by credit card or cash only.
Rooms are subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
THE HOT LIST
Al Qasr is all
about large
groups of
people having a
very good time
indeed.
The choice
is truly mind
boggling from
seafood to steak
and everything
in between
and it's all
absolutely top
notch.
The outside is
o limits for
summer, but
the three indoor
restaurants
should provide
plenty of space
to revel in.
Any fewer than
four people
and you would
feel swamped,
so keep it
for special
occasions, or
visiting friends
and family.
At Dhs495, its
not cheap, but
its worth every
l in our book.
Al Qasr, Madinat
Jumeirah, Al
Qasr, Al Sufouh,
Dubai, 12.30pm
to 4pm. Tel: (04)
3666730. www.
jumeirah.com
It's everything
you would
expect from
brunch in a
French brasserie
sophistication,
classy threads,
champagne and
a live jazz band.
Enter the
kitchen where
you can choose
from a plethora
of French
classics freshly
made by the
chefs.
It is the Dubai
restaurant
best suited
to brunch.
Spacious, well
designed and
full of sunlight.
Celebrating
something
important with
somebody
special. Or
simply enjoying
some excellent
French food.
Up to you
Dhs375 sans
booze, Dhs450
with wine and
beer, Dhs595
with bubbly and
Dhs1,998 with a
limo pick up.
It's a the pricier
end of the
spectrum, but
Traiteur never
disappoints.
Park Hyatt
Dubai, Deira,
Dubai, noon to
4pm. Tel: (04)
3172222. www.
dubai.park.
hyatt.com
As you would
expect from
Zuma, it's
relaxed but
incredibly well
populated.
The best
Japanese
food in Dubai,
from sushi
and sashimi
to the more
substantial
dishes on the a
la carte menu.
DIFC is the
ideal location
for anyone
travelling from
either end of
town.
Good food is
best shared
as far as Zuma
is concerned,
with everyone
encouraged
to tuck into
numerous small
servings.
Kitsu (no
alcohol) Dhs315,
Kowaku Dhs425
(with alcohol)
and Kyasha
(with champers)
Dhs550.
Building 6, DIFC,
Dubai, 12.30pm
to 4pm. Tel: (04)
4255660. www.
zumarestaurant.
com
With a view of
the hotel guests
splashing about
in the pool and
a jazz guitarist
strumming
away, there's
a real holiday
spirit.
A sumptuous
seafood buet,
tandoori and
pizza ovens,
roast beef
and Yorkshire
pud and a
dangerous
dessert station.
Pop downstairs
to sports bar
West Beach
Bistro to catch
the latest live
sporting action.
At Dhs299
for the basic
package, it's a
good brunch
for a bunch of
buddies.
Dhs299 with
house beverages,
Dhs399
with Cattier
champagne,
Dhs455 with
Moet and
Dhs499 with
Veuve.
At just Dhs350,
The Talk
denitely walks
the walk.
Mvenpick
Hotel Jumeirah
Beach, The
Walk, JBR,
Dubai, 12.30pm
to 4pm. Tel: (04)
4498888. www.
moevenpick-
hotels.com
Relaxed with a
nice soundtrack
played at
just the right
volume not so
loud you can't
talk, but not too
quiet, either.
Commendable
sushi and
sashimi, and
the BBQ platter
served to your
table will ensure
you don't go
hungry.
A designer hotel
in the world's
tallest building.
That should do
it, no?
Enjoying the
Burj without
braving the
heights.
Dhs290 with
soft drinks,
Dhs380
with house
beverages.
Dhs585 with
spirits and
half a bottle of
Bollinger.
Armani Hotel
Dubai, Burj
Khalifa, Dubai,
noon to 3.30pm.
Tel: (04) 8883444.
www.dubai.
armanihotels.
com
1
Al Qasr
2
Traiteur
3
Zuma
4
The Talk

5
Armani/Hashi
After all these
years, a visit
to the Al Qasr
brunch is still
a must at least
once every few
months.
We could eat at
Traiteur every
day and never
become bored.
A value for
money brunch
that doesn't
skimp on quality.
It's the full
on Zuma
experience,
but earlier in
the day and for
longer. Bonus.
BRUNCHES
OUR
PICK
OF THE
BRUNCH
BUNCH
Location,
location,
location. And
some pretty
good Japanese
food, too.
ATMOSPHERE FOOD LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE INFO WHATS ON
SAYS...
Al Qasr Armani/Hashi
6
Toshi
7
The Grand Grill
8
The Observatory
9
Thai Kitchen
10
Belgian Beer Cafe
PRICE INFO WHATS ON
SAYS...
BRUNCHES
ATMOSPHERE FOOD LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE INFO WHATS ON
SAYS...
H
O
T O
N

TH
E H
EELS
11 Anise, InterContinental DFC
12 Warehouse, Le Mridien Dubai
13 Latitude, Jumeirah Beach Hotel
14 Fazaris, The Address
Downtown Dubai
15 Spectrum On One,
Fairmont Dubai
Spectrum On One Belgian Beer Cafe
15 SPECTRUM ON ONE
One of Dubais most established and popular
Friday brunches, Spectrum On One has its
very own windowless oor ideal for escaping
the summer heat. It also has eight kitchens
serving Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Middle
Eastern, European and Thai dishes. Plus a
cheese and port room and oysters aplenty.
Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
noon to 3pm, Dhs550 with champagne,
Dhs395 with house beverages, Dhs295
without alcohol. Tel: (04) 4068999
Busier than
your average
restaurant, but
this evening
brunch is more
focused on the
food than the
drink.
Friday is Asian
Night, so it's
sushi, dim sum,
soup and grilled
meats made
to order. That
should ll your
hungry belly.
Hidden away on
the 18th oor
of the Grand
Millennium
hotel with a bar
just next door
for post-10pm
drinks.
It's cheaper
than going
out to dinner,
so it's ideal for
meeting up with
a big group of
friends.
A very
reasonable.
Dhs195.
Grand
Millennium
Dubai, Tecom,
Al Barsha, Dubai,
7pm to 10pm.
Tel: (04) 4299999
The Grand Grill
is becoming
one of the most
popular spots
to brunch in
town, because
of its laid-back
attitude and
chatty sta.
Buckets of
beer and huge
plates of meat
delivered to
your table, and
plenty of sides
and salads.
Dubai Marina,
leaving you
plenty of
options if you
want to carry on
the party post-
brunch.
Birthdays, hen
parties, stag
dos, that kind
of thing. Fun,
essentially.
A bargain at
Dhs295 with
alcohol or
Dhs225 without.
Habtoor Grand
Resort & Spa,
Lobby level,
Dubai Marina,
Dubai, 12.30pm
to 4pm. Tel: (04)
3994221. www.
thegrandgrill.
com
Long tables
lled with
groups of
friends and
cosy booths
for couples
means it can be
as lively, or as
relaxed, as you
like.
Several a la
carte options
and buets. The
carvery was a
treat, but the
lack of port
could be an
issue for cheese
lovers.
The Marriott is
slap bang in the
middle of Dubai
Marina. Pick out
your next stop
from the 52nd-
oor view.
Quite simply,
the view.
Looking down
on the Marina,
Palm Island and
the Arabian Gulf
from your lofty
perch is awe-
inspiring.
Dhs350 without
alcohol, Dhs450
with, so it's not
the cheapest
brunch around.
The sta are
lovely, and the
mojito and
martini trolley is
an inspired idea.
Every brunch
should have one.
Marriott
Harbour Hotel,
Dubai Marina,
Dubai, noon to
4pm. Tel: (04)
3194795. www.
marriott.com
Cool, calm and
collected. Thai
Kitchen is not
about going hell
for leather like
some brunches.
An a la carte
menu and table
service just
like dinner. Only
you can eat as
much as you
like.
The wonderful
Park Hyatt,
leaving you
plenty of post
brunch drinking
holes to choose
from.
Taking it easy
with a few
choice pals or
that special
someone in
your life.
Dhs245,
making it one
of the cheapest
brunches in
town.
If only all
brunches took
a leaf out of
TK's book, our
wallets would
be signicantly
tubbier.
Park Hyatt
Dubai, Deira,
Dubai, noon to
4pm. Tel: (04)
3172222. www.
dubai.park.
hyatt.com
The
quintessential
pub atmoshere
is a welcome
change
from your
regular high-
fallutin'aairs.
Order from the
menu, help
yourself to cold
cuts, salads and
cheeses from the
buet and then
move on to the
carving stations.
Crowne Plaza
DFC, our
preferred BBC.
Eating enough
hearty grub
and supping
enough foamy
beer to send
you to sleep for
a week.
Dhs199. You
will not nd a
brunch of this
quality for less
than Dhs200 in
Dubai.
Crowne Plaza
Dubai Festival
City, Dubai, 1pm
to 4pm. Tel: (04)
7011128. www.
ichotelsgroup.
com
The best value
for money
brunch in Dubai.
After a
day spent
meandering
around the mall,
you'll require
a good feed.
Enter Toshi.
The most
welcoming
sta in town.
All singing, all
dancing, these
guys know how
to party.
FOLLOWING 2010S SMASH HIT HAIRSPRAY
THE CLASSIC AMERICAN MUSICAL COMES TO DUBAI
www.ductac.org
More information visit www.westsidestorydubai.com or call DUCTAC Box Office: 04 341 4777
WEST SIDE STORY Based on a Conception of JEROME ROBBINS Book by ARTHUR LAURENTS Music by LEONARD BERNSTEIN
Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Entire Original Production Directed and Choreographed by JEROME ROBBINS
Originally Produced on Broadway by Robert E. Griffith and Harold S. Prince By Arrangement with Roger L. Stevens
Tickets available now at timeouttickets.com & DUCTACs Box Office
STALLS - AED 165, BALCONY - AED 135, VIP - AED 250
AT CENTREPOINT THEATRE, DUCTAC
LEVEL 2, MALL OF THE EMIRATES, DUBAI, UAE
TUESDAY 19 - SATURDAY 23 JULY 2011
Event Partners:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
WEST SIDE STORY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are
also supplied by MTI. 421 West 54th Street, New York, NY 10019, Phone: 212-541-4684 Fax: 212-397-4684, Web: www.MTIShows.com
Whats On- DUCTAC.pdf 1 6/26/2011 12:10:38 PM
OCTOBER 2010 WHATS ON 95 OCTOBER 2010 WHATS ON 95
1
Amara Spa
2
One&Only Spa
3
SensAsia
Urban Spa
4
Talise Spa
5
The Spa
THE HOT LIST
SPAS
THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHATS ON
SAYS...
INFO
THE
DADDIES
OF THE
HEALTH AND
LEISURE
SCENE
Pleasant and
ecient. And they
even remember
you, which is nice.
Ask for Sue if your
shoulders have
more knots than a
sailor's hankie.
Grouped by
theme, theres
an emphasis
on rituals and
packages that
include pool and
health club access.
And the pool is a
knock-out.
Seriously beautiful,
with a lovely tiled
entrance area. It's
particularly good
for couples, with
private outdoor
showers and VIP
suites.
Steep, but there
are monthly oers
that take the sting
out. Bear in mind
that this is so
much more than a
speedy rub-down.
Park Hyatt Dubai,
Deira, Dubai,
9am to 10pm.
Tel: (04) 6021234.
www.dubai.park.
hyatt.com
Utterly expert,
very friendly and
skilled beyond
belief. If you want
to know the hows
and whys behind
your treatment,
they can explain
them with ease.
Packed with ESPA
treatments and
products, the
menu addresses
every possible
concern and then
some.
Expect lots of
wood, terracotta
and gorgeous
fabrics. Gorgeous.
Not as expensive
as they could
probably demand
(shush) with a 25-
minute body scrub
for Dhs215 and
one-hour massage
costing Dhs490.
Thumbs up.
One&Only The Palm,
The Palm Jumeirah,
Dubai, 10am to 9pm.
Tel: (04) 4401010.
www.thepalm.
oneandonlyresorts.
com
Quiet, kind and
with a rm hand
when necessary,
SensAsias sta
are trained to the
highest standards.
Innovative and
imaginative, youll
nd treatments
you never knew
you needed. Mum-
to-bes, golfers,
high-heel fans
and more are all
catered for.
Asian chic with
splashes of jewel
tones; the cosy
rooms are a true
retreat. And the
dressing gowns are
the best in town.
Choose wisely and
youll get an hour-
long massage for
Dhs310, and theyll
often do monthly
discounts. Worth a
visit for the ginger
tea alone.
The Beach Club, Al
Nafura, Shoreline
Apartments, The Palm
Jumeirah, Dubai,
10am to 10pm.
Tel: (04) 4227115.
www.sensasiaspas.
com
This spa is packed
with experts;
theres a mix
of nationalities
and specialities,
from massage
therapists to a GP.
Talise sets itself
apart with its
naturopath, life
coaching and
medical testing,
in addition to the
large spa menu.
The treatment
rooms are linked
by leafy outdoor
pathways, with
an outdoor pool
tucked away for
those day-long spa
sessions.
Average for
such a high-end
establishment,
with the 80-minute
Royal Hammam
costing a fair
Dhs450.
Al Qasr, Madinat
Jumeirah, Al Sufouh,
Dubai, 9am to 10pm.
Tel: (04) 3666818.
www.jumeirah.com/
talise
Superbly trained
therapists are on
hand to guide you
from reception to
relaxation.
There are
separate menus
for ladies and
gents. Particularly
recommended
is the Jet Lag
treatment.
Youd never expect
this shrine to
de-stressing to be
mere minutes from
The Dubai Mall.
Its pricey, but
worth it for
the quality of
treatments and
snooze youll enjoy.
The Address Dubai
Mall, Old Town, Dubai,
9am to 9pm. Tel: (04)
4388888.
www.theaddress.com
The chilled
pool with its
own food
menu is
ocially our
spa-based
happy place.
We'll be trying
the medical
pedicures next,
after hearing
very good
things indeed.
There a new
express spa
at Mall Of
The Emirates
for speedy
massages. A
must-visit.
Ask them
about the Talise
detox mini-
break at Bab Al
Shams desert
resort. Superb.
Quiet and
luxurious, with
quality added
extras, this
spa is a true
sanctuary.
One & Only Spa Amara Spa
SPAS
6
The Spa
8
Armani/Spa
9
Lime Spa
Our therapist on
a recent visit was
very well trained,
super sweet and
tough on knots.
What more can
you ask for?
Exotic massages,
a dedicated men's
menu, express
therapies, facials
by Natura Bisse
and some waxing
for good measure.
It's all here.
Modern and
calming, with
pale woods, grey
marble and clean
lines. This isn't a
spa to intimidate
newbies.
At the higher end
of the scale, with
an 80-minute
Thai massage
for Dhs600, but
there are regular
promotions.
The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC,
Dubai, 9am to 8pm.
Tel: (04) 3722777.
www.ritzcarlton.com
Experienced
and elegant,
the therapists
will whisk you
away from the
daily grind into
a cocoon of
comfort.
Not the biggest
in Dubai, but
each treatment is
well-chosen and
eective, with a
good selection of
rituals for lengthy
pampering.
The relaxation
rooms overlook
the lakes at the
base of Burj
Khalifa. This is
high-quality spa
real estate.
Average for a ve-
star spa, but you
get your money's
worth with access
to the relaxation
and steam areas.
The Palace, Old Town,
Dubai, 9am to 8pm.
Tel: (04) 4287888.
www.theaddress.com
An international
mix of sta.
We had a
knot-busting
South African.
Impressive.
Theres no
treatment menu
as such, just book
a time slot (from
90 minutes to a
full day) and the
therapist decides.
As stylish as youd
expect from
Giorgio. Its a
sleek space with
dark greys and
clean lines. Very
masculine indeed.
Not as bad as
you fear, with 90
minutes costing
Dhs650, up to
Dhs2,500 for a
full day.
Armani Hotel, Burj
Khalifa, Old Town,
Dubai,
9am to 9pm.
Tel: (04) 8883888.
www.dubai.
armanihotels.com
Male and female
therapists
are available
with extensive
knowledge.
Theyre happy to
answer questions,
or just let you
nod o.
The menu invites
you to drop your
robe, cares and
guard. Cheeky.
There are Anne
Semonin and Eve
Lom treatments,
plus everything
from ear candling
to sculpting rituals.
Shared steam and
sauna facilities
make it an ideal
destination for
couples. We
especially like the
clever two-way
windows so you
can look out over
the polo elds.
Mid-range, with a
60-minute Anne
Semonin massage
for Dhs450 and an
hour of reexology
for Dhs395.
'
Desert Palm, Al
Awir Road, after
International City,
Dubai, 9am to 9pm.
Tel: (04) 3238888.
www.desertpalm.ae
The spa at Banyan
Tree is split in two;
The Rainforest
hydrotherapy
area and the
treatment rooms.
The sta are fab
throughout.
There is an Asian-
inspired menu,
but we vote going
for The Rainforest
where you journey
through various
saunas and
steamrooms.
Its gigantic and
utterly decadent,
Well worth the
drive to Ras Al
Khaimah.
If youre not a
guest at the hotel,
an hour in The
Rainforest is Dhs77.
Treatments are on
the expensive side,
but high quality.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi,
Ras Al Khaimah,
10am to 10pm. Tel:
(07) 2067777. www.
banyantree.com
We're suckers
for a good
relaxation area,
and this one
has snacks,
books and
lovely juices
We adore the
palm-lined
pool and fab
restaurants
at The Palace.
We'd move in if
we could.
The unique
decide for you
approach is
great for spa
newbies.
We thoroughly
recommend a
massage then
steak at Rare
restaurant.
THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHATS ON
SAYS...
INFO
7
The Spa
H
O
T O
N

TH
E H
EELS
11 Mandara Spa, The Monarch
12 One&Only Spa, One&Only
Royal Mirage
13 Spa InterContinental,
InterContinental Dubai Festival City
14 ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, Atlantis
15 The Grand Spa,
Grand Hyatt Dubai
Mandara Spa The Nail Spa
Make a day of
it with lunch or
dinner at one
of the hotels
restaurants.
10
Banyan Tree
Al Wadi
11 MANDARA SPA
Monarch Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road
Situated in the busy Monarch hotel, this
spa is a world away from the business and
conferences happening nearby. Theres a
health club and pool, but the best reason to
go is the lunch deal; occasionally theyll team
up with a neighbouring restaurant like Okku
to offer a midweek meal and massage deal,
usually a bargain at around Dhs350.
The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
9am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 5018888
Our man on the radio tells
it like it is in more than 140
characters...
Its amazing how important certain things in
life can become to us. Social networking cur-
rently seems to be up there with air, water and
food. In fact, Id go so far as to say most of us
have checked our walls and feeds before were
fed and watered each morning. Its an addic-
tion. Once its a part of your life (or, more
accurately, once your life is a part of it) its
hard to imagine a world without it. However,
a quick look over our shoulders shows were
possibly experiencing something thats noth-
ing more than a fad.
Look at CB radio. When I was a kid, every
street had at least one or two houses with an
aerial 20-high protruding from its roof. Of
course, CB enthusiasts were nowhere near as
prevalent as todays Facebookers and Tweet-
ers but that was more down to the cost of the
equipment, the legal ramications and the
fact that you couldnt do it in the oce toilets
on your phone (mainly because your phone
was connected by a curly wire to another bit
her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend? How immense
is it to have that golden nugget of gossip that
leaves your friends slack-jawed in amaze-
ment? Both the Twitter feed and Facebook
wall give us unlimited access to the lives of
friends, colleagues, enemies and old ames.
And the best part of all Its these people
themselves telling us!
We can only wonder where its going to
go next. Will we have our every movement
captured digitally for anyone to access? Will
our thoughts and dreams be readable? Will
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher use brain-
joysticks to control us like marionettes? I
dont know. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg
probably dont even know.
I am sure of one thing, though. If you tear-
out this page and put it somewhere safe for
20 or 30 years, one day youll be able to take
it out and show your grandkids that not only
were people in awe of something stupid called
Twitter, but they also let any old idiot write in
magazines about it.
Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird
Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to
10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com
of phone which, in turn, was connected to the
wall).
Back in the early 1990s, I had my only
ever experience of CB radio whilst working
at a summer camp in America. I gripped the
receiver in one hand, whilst turning a dial,
randomly responding in short sentences
to crackly voices appearing from the ether,
each one giving me an adrenalin rush as I
wondered who these people were, what they
looked like and if they were eating Yorkie
bars as they drove their rig across deserted
highways.
Technology aside, how dierent is that to
Twitter? We toss our 140 character questions,
updates, comments and musings into an in-
visible dimension and, like cyber shermen,
we wait for a bite, a reply, a retweet, or just
any kind of acknowledgement that says WE
KNOW YOU EXIST.
Both Twitter and Facebook also serve two
other human needs. My grandad used to call
them earwigging and muck-spreading, al-
though I believe the dictionary would suggest
eavesdropping and gossiping. How fantastic is
sitting in the oce when your drama-queen
colleague is having a row on the phone with
WITH CATBOY
BACKCHAT BACKCHAT
NEXT MONTH:
OUR PICK OF THE BEST IFTARS IN TOWN,
DETOX YOUR LIFE AND DUBAIS BEST
BOWLING ALLEYS
98 Backchat DXB.indd 98 6/28/11 10:41:52 AM
Our man on the radio tells
it like it is in more than 140
characters...
Its amazing how important certain things in
life can become to us. Social networking cur-
rently seems to be up there with air, water and
food. In fact, Id go so far as to say most of us
have checked our walls and feeds before were
fed and watered each morning. Its an addic-
tion. Once its a part of your life (or, more
accurately, once your life is a part of it) its
hard to imagine a world without it. However,
a quick look over our shoulders shows were
possibly experiencing something thats noth-
ing more than a fad.
Look at CB radio. When I was a kid, every
street had at least one or two houses with an
aerial 20-high protruding from its roof. Of
course, CB enthusiasts were nowhere near as
prevalent as todays Facebookers and Tweet-
ers but that was more down to the cost of the
equipment, the legal ramications and the
fact that you couldnt do it in the oce toilets
on your phone (mainly because your phone
was connected by a curly wire to another bit
her soon-to-be ex-boyfriend? How immense
is it to have that golden nugget of gossip that
leaves your friends slack-jawed in amaze-
ment? Both the Twitter feed and Facebook
wall give us unlimited access to the lives of
friends, colleagues, enemies and old ames.
And the best part of all Its these people
themselves telling us!
We can only wonder where its going to
go next. Will we have our every movement
captured digitally for anyone to access? Will
our thoughts and dreams be readable? Will
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher use brain-
joysticks to control us like marionettes? I
dont know. Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg
probably dont even know.
I am sure of one thing, though. If you tear-
out this page and put it somewhere safe for
20 or 30 years, one day youll be able to take
it out and show your grandkids that not only
were people in awe of something stupid called
Twitter, but they also let any old idiot write in
magazines about it.
Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird
Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to
10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com
of phone which, in turn, was connected to the
wall).
Back in the early 1990s, I had my only
ever experience of CB radio whilst working
at a summer camp in America. I gripped the
receiver in one hand, whilst turning a dial,
randomly responding in short sentences
to crackly voices appearing from the ether,
each one giving me an adrenalin rush as I
wondered who these people were, what they
looked like and if they were eating Yorkie
bars as they drove their rig across deserted
highways.
Technology aside, how dierent is that to
Twitter? We toss our 140 character questions,
updates, comments and musings into an in-
visible dimension and, like cyber shermen,
we wait for a bite, a reply, a retweet, or just
any kind of acknowledgement that says WE
KNOW YOU EXIST.
Both Twitter and Facebook also serve two
other human needs. My grandad used to call
them earwigging and muck-spreading, al-
though I believe the dictionary would suggest
eavesdropping and gossiping. How fantastic is
sitting in the oce when your drama-queen
colleague is having a row on the phone with
WITH CATBOY
BACKCHAT BACKCHAT
NEXT MONTH:
OUR PICK OF THE BEST IFTARS IN TOWN,
DETOX YOUR LIFE AND DUBAIS BEST
BOWLING ALLEYS
98 Backchat DXB.indd 98 6/28/11 10:41:52 AM
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
SUMMER VISA DINING CASUAL AD - WHAT'S ON.pdf 1 6/15/11 5:00 PM

What's On - July 2011

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A luxury break in Tanzania

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!5' oisouo oo |oo|agos v|oo oioiog.

l|oo||oo |oom |aos a a|| loaoa p|opo|ios.

Gua|aoooo |ao |o|-ou i|| 6pm.

Oo| 5O lova|os p|izos o |ooso |om.

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