what's on | abu dhabi | august 2011

August 2011Issue 400

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August 2011

How to clean up your act this RamadanWIN WIN WIN!400 prizes, including mini-breaks, spa trips and cinema tickets!

PLUS!Abu Dhabi’s best iftars, new movie releases, and the top ten of everything!

ALSO INSIDE:Find the indoor sport for you, and the capital’s top bowling alleys

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ENJOY RAMADAN IN ABU DHABI WITH OUR KNOWLEDGE AND SUHOOR WITH OUR COMPLIMENTS.

This Ramadan, treat your family to the sights and sounds of Abu Dhabi with special rates starting at AED 500 per room, including breakfast or Suhoor. Or upgrade to a suite from AED 900 per night. Offer valid for GCC residents only until 10th September 2011, subject to availability. Children under 12 stay free and additional rooms can be booked at 25% off.

Terms & conditions apply.

For further information or to make a reservation call +971 2 693 5154/5155 or email [email protected] intercontinentalabudhabi.com

In over 170 locations across the globe including

AUGUST 2011 WHAT’S ON 3

ContentsFeatures13 Detox your lifeRamadan is a time for reflection, so what better month to sort out your life? Find out how, with our comprehensive detox guide, covering everything from health testing, to financial planning and quitting the dreaded white sticks

20 The great indoorsTired of festering in your apartment this summer? Time to go out, and then in again, as we discover the perfect indoor sport for you

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p2323 Abu Dhabi's best bowling alleysBowling is one of our favourite summer pastimes. Enjoy our round up of the city’s finest lanes

24 Win, win, winIn celebration of our 400th issue, we’ve rounded up more than 400 prizes, which could be yours. If you’re lucky…

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4 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2011

8 SalaamAugust dissected and served in easy to digest portions: what’s hot and what’s not, insider tips from a local UAE artist and some serious newsy number crunching

28 FilmThis month's movies include the Palme d’Or-winning The Tree Of Life, the side-splitting comedy Bridesmaids and the star-studded romantic drama Crazy, Stupid, Love. Plus the rest of the latest releases

31 Eating outPutting new summer menus to the test, our verdict on two new burger joints, the expansion of the Jones The Grocer empire, seafood restaurant Sennara and DIFC’s Blue Rain. Plus The Critic, this month’s Twitter recipe and all the latest new openings and food news

43 ArtsSaudi Arabian artist Sami Al-Turki talks us through his exhibition, all the news on the latest exhibitions, The Art Insider on the importance of authenticity, Syrian painter Aboud Salman and a summer camp for grown ups

The round up49 ShoppingOur resident fashion expert solves your sartorial puzzles, we put the latest summer fragrances to the test, what not to put in your summer suitcase and our pick of the latest page-turners, DVDs, albums and games 57 Mind & bodyWe go under the laser to rid ourselves of unwanted hair (we do it for you, remember that). Plus treatments from Tibet and France, improve your communication skills, our verdict on Al Maha’s spa and all August’s beauty deals 65 Sport & outdoorDiscover your inner Robin Hood with archery lessons, Mr Fitness answers all your health and fitness queries, What’s On's world war, and our pick of the UAE’s football supporters clubs – just in time for the new Premiership season

73TravelA culinary journey around the Jordanian capital, Amman, another globetrotter reveals his travel secrets and a trio of travel deals

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81Hot listThe best iftars this Ramadan, plus our ten favourite bars, spas and restaurants

98 Backchat Emirati film-maker and producer Nayla Al Khaja reveals her new independent film club

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Editor-in-Chief Obaid Humaid Al Tayer

Group Editor & Managing Partner lan Fairservice

Group Senior EditorGina Johnson | [email protected]

Senior EditorMark Evans | [email protected]

Deputy EditorHelen Spearman | [email protected]

Features & Food EditorGareth Rees | [email protected]

Features Editor, Abu DhabiAdam Workman | [email protected]

Sta� WriterMatt Priest | [email protected]

Chief Sub Editor Iain Smith | [email protected]

Senior Designer Sheila Cariño-Deocareza | [email protected]

Editorial Co-ordinatorConcessa D’souza | [email protected]

Picture Researcher – GulfpicsWayne Fernandez | [email protected]

ContributorsCharlie Banalo, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde, James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Charles

Pocock, Mark Powell, Farooq Salik, Tia Seifert, Sophia Serin, Simon Smedley, Paul Sterry

InternsHonor Brannelly, Rebecca Pudner

Senior Production ManagerSunil Kumar | [email protected]

Production ManagerSudhakar Chandran | [email protected]

Production SupervisorMurali Krishnan | [email protected]

General Manager – Group SalesAnthony Milne | [email protected]

Advertisement ManagerVarsha Bhatia | [email protected]

General Manager, Abu DhabiJoe Marrit | [email protected]

Senior Advertisement Manager, Abu DhabiDarryl Wiley | [email protected]

Senior Sales Executive, Abu DhabiHamdan Bawazir | [email protected]

Editor’s note

This month we’ve been...

Testing summer perfumes, p53

Kicking off our fitness challenge, p69

OK, I’ll let you into a secret – I quite like Ramadan. Yes, I know the bog-standard response from most Western folk is to pull a face and start complaining about how their lives have been interrupted because they can’t eat a Big Mac in public during daylight hours or whatever, but they’re kind of missing the point. For Muslims, it’s obviously a very special time of year. And for me, even as a non-Muslim, it’s still a special time – like a lot of people, I use it as a time to reflect, take stock. Everything moves just that little bit slower during Ramadan, and when you’ve been here long enough you appreciate the respite in the traffic, or the hectic nightlife and brunch circuit or, well, the pace of Abu Dhabi life in general. And, again, like a lot people, I use that break as the perfect time to clear out all the rubbish that’s been accumulated over the past year – both mentally and physically – and get back on the right track. Which brings us nicely to our cover feature – detoxing your life. Detoxing doesn’t always have to mean dieting, or staying off the sauce (although both aren’t bad ideas now and again) – we’ve also explored our stress levels, checked our finances and investigated our sleeping patterns, for a whole new healthy us. And, of course, you.

Enjoy the issue, and Ramadan kareem.

Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 (including Airmail charges)

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Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

Learning archery, p67

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SALAAM

The world according to What's On, in handy bite-sized chunks

Salaam!We're o�cially part of the Twitterati. Follow us at WhatsOnAbuDhabi for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the UAE. Tweet yourself.

Salaam!Salaam!We're o�cially part of the Twitterati. Follow us at WhatsOnAbuDhabi for exclusive updates on nightlife, restaurants and more around the

Salaam!UAE. Tweet yourself.

Salaam!What’s hot

THIS MONTH WE'RE GOING TO...

ART IN SPACEA wild and varied array of sculptures atSaadiyat’s Salwa Zeidan gallery. Until Aug 30, Salwa Zeidan, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, free. Tel: (02) 6669656

What’s not

MCDONALD’SMcDonald’s in the UAE is to start running its delivery trucks on bio-fuel made from used cooking oil.

The Ministry Of Health has decided to slash the price of nearly 2,000 pharmacy-bought medicines.

Manchester City will rename their stadium the Etihad Stadium after an agreement was struck for the new season.

As of this month, UAE airports will be charging passengers a Dhs5 security and safety fee.

CHEAP MEDICINE

NAMING RIGHTS

HIDDEN AIRPORT COSTS

A recent study shows that the UAE is the most expensive place in the GCC for expats to live.

EXPENSIVE LIVING

Reports have surfaced that Chelsea football club captain John Terry was seen buying dodgy handbags in the UAE, despite his Dhs928,000-a-week wage.

ENGLISH FOOTBALLERS

Guess list Big names rumoured to be visiting the UAE

40%

25%

35% TIGER WOODSOut of form, maybe, but the rumour in the clubhouse is that the Tiger will make his Abu Dhabi debut this year.

TOM CRUISEOur man in Hollywood tells us that the big little man will be at the UAE premiere of Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol – �lmed in the Emirates – later this year.

FOO FIGHTERS With the success of their new DVD, Back And Forth – screened in the UAE last month – come fresh rumours that Dave Grohl and the boys will be stopping by as part of their world tour.

Shooting has begun in the UAE for Wild Arabia, a new BBC nature documentary.

WILD SIDE

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The world according to What's On, in handy bite-sized chunks

Salaam!

Find us atwww.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi

LOCAL KNOWLEDGEGhaf Art Gallery co-owner and professional artist Jalal Luqman

RAMADAN FESTIVALFrom 7pm to 3am, for most of Ramadan, ADNEC will be hosting various fun family events.Aug 9 to 30, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi. adnec.ae

GAMES NIGHTFrom bingo to pictionary, if it's a board game then they will give it a go at PJ O'Reilly's.Every Sun, Le Royal Méredien, Sheikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6742020. lemeridien.com

Art suppliesI tend to buy my supplies from the Jarir Bookstore in the Meena area. I will also go to Ace Hardware occasionally.Jarir Bookstore, Meena Mall, Mina Zayed, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6733999. jarirbookstore.comAce Hardware, Meena Road, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6731665. aceuae.com

InspirationAs an artist I can gain inspiration from anything, but I particularly like to go to the Abu Dhabi Country Club where I use the gym and cycle.Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al-Sada Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6577777. adhfc.com

GalleriesNaturally I love my Ghaf Gallery, but I also enjoy going to Gallery One at Emirates Palace and the Salwa Zeidan Gallery – to name just a few.Ghaf Gallery. Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6655332. ghafgallery.blogspot.com Gallery One, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6908207 Salwa Zeidan Gallery, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6669656 salwazeidangallery.com

Eating outBeing an Emirati who has travelled a lot, I have a local favourite and an international favourite. For local food, I love going to the Saudi Kitchen and ordering a plate of mandi. At other times, I like to go to The Meat Company and have a steak.Saudi Kitchen, Gava Hotel, Defence Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6416744The Meat Co, Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5581713. themeatco.com

RelaxingWhen I’m done working and delivering all the paintings to clients, I love to sit down in the Gold Class at Marina Mall Cinemas, and enjoy a good movie (it's the only time my phone is on silent).VOX cinemas, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6818484. voxcinemas.com

Find us atwww.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabiFind us atwww.facebook.com/WhatsOnAbuDhabi

LET THE GAMES BEGINThe grass is cut. The players are ready. All you need is a place to watch the games as the new football season kicks off

BEGIN

place to watch the games as the new football season kicks off

Hemingway’sErnest Hemingway was better known for his writing than any sporting prowess, but it’s a little known fact that he was a keen footballer in his school days. So, he would doubtless have appreciated the devotion to the sport displayed by the bar that carries his name, with big screens galore. A shame the great man isn’t around to pen the post-match reports.Hemmingway’s, Hilton, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, from sunset. Tel: (02) 6811900 NRGThere might be a blooming great racing car suspended outside, but footy has its fair share of coverage at sports café NRG. Thanks to a host of o�ers that run until the end of August – including extended happy hours and a free pint with every sizzle platter – there are plenty of reasons to make it the bar to follow your boys at.NRG, Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, from sunset. Tel: (02) 6446666. lemeridienabudhabi.com

3rd AvenueThough Ramadan restrictions will prevent you from catching most of the Saturday afternoon kick-o�s from European leagues, you can guarantee plenty of bar�ies will �ock to 3rd Avenue once darkness falls. There are screens for viewing at almost every angle in the old school pub’s nooks and crannies, and plentiful seating too.3rd Avenue, Sheraton Khalidiyah, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, from sunset. Tel: (02) 6666220. sheratonkhalidiyaabudhabi.com



SALAAM

IN THE NEWS

New Abu Dhabi waste disposal plansAs if taking notes from last month’s What’s On, the Abu Dhabi government is looking to give wide-scale recycling another go

Dhs284mThe value of the five-year contract given to waste resource company Averda by the Centre For Waste Management

1,000People employed to clean and collect waste

70Trucks used to collect waste around the city

Hey, big spenderAn anonymous UAE man recently bought the world’s most expensive car – a custom-made Bugatti L’Or Blanc – for Dhs8.8million. Bargain. What else could he have bought for that pile of cash?

Source: latest �gures from Abu Dhabi Tra�c Police

1,760,000 shawarmas

Dinner for two at Hot List favourite Hakkasan, every day for 24 years502 years of Mawaqif parking880,000 copies of What’s On12 flights to space on Virgin Galactic

Super cowAl Ain Dairy claims its cow 4307 produces an astounding 100 litres of milk per day – that's a million litres of milk during its nine years to date. Here’s how some other animals weigh-in with milk output

Average amount of litres produced per day:

CAMEL20

COW 4307 100

AVERAGE COW30

GOAT25

BUFFALO 20

They are like busesThe Department Of Transport recently pledged to expand the capital’s bus services. Here are the stats:

50km Total length of new bus lanes planned1,360 The size of the projected bus fleet123 The total number of bus routes

Who are the better drivers – men or women?

91% of motor accidents caused by

men in the last 18 months

9% of motor accidents caused by women in the last 18

months



Have you been working and playing a little too hard of late? Feeling a bit run down? Well, the Holy Month of Ramadan is the ideal time to give your body a break, with our ultimate guide to detoxing

DETOX YOUR LIFE

THE WHAT…Your body experiences a toxic accumulation as you go through life and detoxi�cation is all about ridding your body of those toxins. From the air we breathe, through gas or fumes, chemicals in deodorants or cosmetics, chemicals we consume if we smoke, drink alcohol or a lot of co�ee, or toxins we aquire through our diet – we absorb a lot of toxins.

THE WHY…When we start to digest, that digestion process isn’t optimal, with food o�en le� in our systems, so we accumulate residue. �is residue is toxic, so we start to build up a toxic accumulation. �e point of a detox is to reduce those levels of toxicity and to clear out our bodies.w

THE HOW…�e golden rule when you’re detoxing is to never put anything into your body that has potential toxins. Tea with ca�eine, co�ee, alcohol, cigarettes... they’ve got to go, otherwise there’s no point detoxifying yourself.

THE WHEN…It really does depend on the person. People detox for any number of days. Even one day will help your body �nd its balance and relieve your digestive system for a while. I like three days because it’s a nice so� approach to detoxing. �at’s enough to start to get over the initial headaches and thinking ‘Oh my, what am I doing?’

SUPERFOODSA superfood is something that has exceptional nutrients that your body needs in a bio-available form, like coconuts, goji berries, cocao beans and spirulina. �eir nutrient pro�les are amazing. �eir ability to create balance, scavenge free radicals in your body, to provide minerals and vitamins, that essentially

aid the detoxi�cation process, are in a league of their own. When you’re detoxing, the foods you want to eat are predominantly green, then pink and, �nally, red.

ADDITIONAL FOODSAduki beans and lentils are excellent. With fruit, eat the whole fruit as opposed to juice, because that’s very high in sugar. When you eat the whole fruit you’re getting fibre as well. Blueberries are superb for their antioxidant content. And drink as many fluids as possible – clean water and herbal teas. Nettle tea and dandelion tea are great choices.

MYTHSDetox shouldn’t be used just for weight loss. You are going to lose a little bit of weight, but it isn’t the prime motivation. Detox should be a kick-start to a healthy way of eating, which will start weight loss.

Food For Life, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 5048523. inshallah.org.uk

What is detoxing? We asked nutritional therapist Laura Holland from Food For Life to break it down…

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DETOX

What is metabolism?�e faster your metabolism, the more kilojoules your body burns, converting food into energy. Dependent on a series of chemical reactions, enzymes break down food and turn proteins into amino acids, fats into fatty acids and carbohydrates into simple sugars. �ese compounds are then absorbed into the blood.

�e number of calories an individual burns depends on the amount of exercise they do, levels of fat and muscle in the body and their BMR (basal metabolic rate), which measures how quickly energy is burned while at rest. It tells you how many calories you can eat per day without losing or gaining weight if you were to stay do nothing. If you have a low BMR then you’ll tend to gain more fat.

How can you test your metabolic rate?Simple body composition tests will give you an indication of your BMR, along with your fat percentage and the amount of water and proteins in your system. However, these tests do not take into account any chemical problems in your body. If you are concerned that your BMR is preventing you from losing (or gaining) weight then it’s time to get scienti�c. It’s necessary to pick up on vitamin and mineral de�ciencies, amino acid insu�ciencies, antioxidant levels, central

nervous system function, bacteria or yeast overgrowth, and more. Problems could be caused by a nutrient de�ciency, inherited enzyme defect, toxic build-up or a side e�ect from medication. Abu Dhabi’s NMC Healthcare o�ers a variety of tests to help identify many of these a�ictions.

How can you boost your metabolism?Metabolic disorders that can be medicated include thyroid problems and diabetes. If, however, you just have a sluggish system that can’t be treated with drugs, then a lifestyle change is needed. Eating breakfast and ‘front loading’ your food (eating the majority of your calories at the start of the day) is key to kick-starting your system. Also avoid eating three to four hours before bedtime, so your body has the chance to burn the calories. Small, light meals are preferable to keep your blood sugar constant – don’t starve yourself. Low GI (glycaemic index) foods like porridge, lean meat and fresh vegetables will help fuel your body, releasing energy slowly. You should also include fatty �sh like salmon, which are rich in omega-3. A pinch of chilli is good, too, as it contains capsaicin, a chemical that speeds up your heart rate and keeps the body burning calories. And drinking enough water is crucial.

Exercise wise, a combination of aerobic cardio to burn fat, and resistance or weight training is ideal; muscles burn more energy than fat, even converting calories while you rest. If your energy levels are low then you might be lacking in B vitamins, so try taking a B-12 supplement along with co-enzyme Q10 (sometimes labelled as CoQ10), which aids in the supply of energy to your muscles.

NMC Healthcare, Electra Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6332255. www.nmc.ae

Detox is not just a matter of cutting things out of your diet and lifestyle, there might be nutrients your body needs that you’re not providing it with. Fully understanding how your body functions is essential to getting it running properly. Metabolism is key, and here’s how you can improve it

THE METABOLISM TEST

TEST YOURSELFThree more tests to try…

FOOD INTOLERANCESome allergies can be easy to spot; people allergic to nuts may go into anaphylactic shock or break out in a nasty rash. Intolerances, however, can be harder to pick up on. Feeling groggy or bloated after meals, or su�ering from headaches, can be traced to food intolerances that you didn’t even know existed. Gulf Diagnostic Center Hospital can help you identify such problems: its allergy clinic uses methods including blood and skin prick tests.Gulf Diagnostic Center Hospital, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6658090. gdc-hospital.com

STRESSWhether it is tra�c, waiting for that urgent e-mail or moving house, nothing seems easy these days. We all deal with varying stress levels, but it’s important to ensure that it doesn’t start a�ecting your health. Breath And Health’s 90 minute consultations aim to determine your level of stress using a quantum biofeedback machine. It might sound like a science �ction �lm prop, but the machine actually monitors factors including your brainwave frequencies and hormone and toxicity levels, giving you a reading on your ‘bio-energetic data’, which is then used as a starting point for future treatment. Breath And Health Alternative Medical Centre, 1080 Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, Dhs550. Tel: (04) 3489940. breathandhealth.net

INSOMNIAEnsuring a good night’s shut-eye is essential – it allows your body to relax and recharge. So, if you are struggling to get the required six hours per night, it might be worth seeing the clever clogs at the American Hospital Dubai’s The Sleep Centre. With everything from loud snoring to dropping o� at work considered a sleeping disorder, the centre invites people to spend the night at the facility with various sensors placed on the body to monitor sleeping patterns. When you wake up, a diagnosis is provided – after breakfast of course. The Sleep Centre, American Hospital Dubai, Oud Metha Road, Dubai. Dhs4,110. Tel: (04) 3367777. ahdubai.com

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DETOX

ANXIETYAnxiety – and especially in its excessive form, an anxiety disorder – causes a variety of physical problems, from headaches to heart palpitations, and can also lead to panic attacks. �e Well-Being Zone combats anxiety with emotional freedom therapy. “We tap into the subconscious while working on the body and releasing kinetic energy to unblock negative emotions, attitudes or beliefs,” explains Well-Being Zone’s Houry Pappin. “We’re working on all levels: mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual.” While she admits this therapy won’t be for everybody, the technique does boast a signi�cant worldwide following.The Well-Being Zone, Mina Road, Abu Dhabi, by appointment, Dhs500 per session (sessions resume after Ramadan). Tel: (050) 4457370. thewell-beingzone.com

FEARS AND PHOBIASRational or irrational, most of us have fears or phobias, from spiders or enclosed spaces to the more obscure a�ictions (fear of clowns, and err, fear of knees). Susan Smith, who runs Healing 4 Hearts, tackles fears and phobias using elements of meridian psychotherapy and emotional freedom technique. “�e body is made of energy and when we have a disruption in our energy that can create a fear or a phobia,’ explains Susan. “Depending on the fear and phobia it can take ten minutes or a couple of sessions.” �e treatment works by tapping on meridian points, the same areas targeted in acupuncture, a technique that Susan logically describes as “a bit like acupuncture without needles.” �ese areas are manipulated to release energy �ows, which in turn promises to take away the fear. Susan has successful alleviated past customers of fears of cats, water, �ying and dentists.Healing 4 Hearts, Abu Dhabi, Dhs200 per session. Tel: (050) 7236703. healing4hearts.com

THE METABOLISM TEST

ANGER MANAGEMENTIn an increasingly fraught world, controlling rage has become an important personal and professional issue. Statistics suggest that one in ten people have trouble controlling their temper. It’s an important issue to resolve too, as the long and short-term physical health e�ects of anger are wide-ranging, including increased risk of coronary heart disease or stroke, exacerbating digestive problems, weakening your immune system and taking a toll on mental wellbeing. Don’t get mad, don’t get even – do something about it. American Centre For Psychiatry And Neurology, behind Khalidiyah Mall, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm, initial assessment Dhs600, subsequent sessions Dhs300 to Dhs600. Tel: (02) 6664866. americancenteruae.com

LIFE COACHINGStuck in a rut? Needing a kick-start to get back on track in life? Life coaching is a practice on the rise in the Middle East, designed to help you “set an agenda according to your priorities and desired accomplishments,” according to UAE expert HNI. Run by CEO Hanan Nagi, HNI helps you to �gure out your goals, whether they be linked to your career, �nancial issues or relationships. “�e �rst question I would ask is, ‘how badly do you want the change?’”, Hanan says. “People say, ‘I want to change this or change that’, but they’re not willing take the risk. �e person that wants to change is the real player in this relationship. �e coach helps them to get everything out of their mind. It’s like spaghetti: it’s all tangled and the coach helps arrange it on the table.” �e �rst sample session is normally free, then depending on the scale of the goal, anything from three to four further meetings are required, based a personal understanding of yourself and your behaviours, thoughts and beliefs.HNI, Abu Dhabi, average price Dhs500 per session. (02) 4047174. hni.ae

SHIRODHARADespite the sceptics, alternative forms of medicines and practices are still very much trusted methods for curing ailments and relaxing the mind. �e shirodhara treatment is a branch of traditional Indian method ayurveda, which involves pouring warm herbal oil over the forehead for a prolonged period. To the uninitiated, this might seem like an unusual treatment, but the hour-long sessions are recommended for people su�ering from insomnia, chronic headaches and more, to help relax and clear your mind. �e oil used varies depending on what is being treated, with a range of liquids from essential lavender oil to coconut water, tailored to the patient’s concerns.Eden Spa, Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm, Dhs360 for 60 minutes. Tel: (02) 6446666. starwoodhotels.com LYMPHATIC DRAINAGEDespite sounding like a particularly invasive medical procedure, this massage is actually very gentle. Intended to improve metabolism and help the body eliminate waste and toxins, it delicately stimulates the lymphatic system and boosts the immune system.Zen Spa, Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm, Dhs350 for 60 minutes, Dhs525 for 90 minutes. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Whatever your issue, there’s a treatment to deal with it

DETOX TREATMENTS

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DETOX

ALIGN YOUR LIFE

Feng shui is about creating balance between the �ve fundamental elements: �re, earth, metal, water and wood. Fire when burned creates earth, earth gives birth to metal, metal when corroded produces water, water nourishes wood, and wood when burned creates �re. �is cycle can bring about harmony and growth. �ere are many con�icting schools of feng shui, so it is very important to implement changes only a�er employing a good feng shui consultant.

�e direction of the room is as important as the direction of the building. As your o�ce or room is part of the building, it is very important to �rst assess the energies of the building and then locate your o�ce within that energy grid of the building. Once you have identi�ed which sector of the building your o�ce is located in, we can then focus on enhancing the energies within the o�ce. We also need to �nd out if the room is getting enough chi (movable life force energy) and how can we balance and enhance it.

An o�ce environment must be peaceful and conducive to good work. Feng shui can bring about wonderful positive changes if implemented correctly. It helps everyone be at peace and able to work as a team. It will create a sense of harmony, leading to growth and stability. Many establishments who have implemented feng shui successfully notice that employees are not reporting sick so o�en, productivity has improved and inter-o�ce politics diminish.

When designing an o�ce space, be mindful of the harmony and balance. Water is for movement and prosperity, wood depicts growth and earth denotes stability. However, these elements must be placed in the right corners of the o�ce to bring about balance.

Seating arrangements for all employees must be based on the dates of births and kua number (a calculation based on date of birth and gender). �e hierarchy in the o�ce plays an important role. �e most important person in the o�ce has to sit in the most remote corner. Which will allow them to focus on important tasks.

The Alignment Institute, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 6811728. E-mail: [email protected] shivaniadalja.com

FENG SHUI QUICK TIPSShivani’s cut-out-and-keep guide to office alignment…

1. The desk should never be placed opposite the door of the o�ce, as the chi will hit you hard.2. There should be enough natural light in the o�ce for chi to rotate.3. The colours in the o�ce should be yin (light) colours to help you focus with mental work. However, if the person working in the o�ce is in sales and marketing, and will need to get out of the o�ce often, then the o�ce can be coloured in yang (bright) colours.4. The o�ce should not have any thorny plants. Bamboo or money plants are recommended in the lit corners of the o�ce.

Is your dull office space getting you down at work? Forget forking out on flash furniture or moving to new premises, perhaps you need to try the ancient Chinese art of feng shui, says expert Shivani Adalja

“FENG SHUI CAN BRING ABOUT WONDERFUL POSITIVE CHANGES IF IMPLEMENTED CORRECTLY. IT HELPS EVERYONE BE AT PEACE AND ABLE TO WORK AS A TEAM”Day one

Breakfast Coconut smoothie, with fresh coconut water and pulp, with added strawberriesSnack Almonds and goji berriesLunch Spinach and avocado salad with parsley, celery, sugar snap peas and peppers, drizzled with olive oil and lemon juiceSnack Raisins and pumpkin seedsDinner Vegetable chilli with quinoa

Day twoBreakfast Fresh raspberries, blueberries and pomegranate salad with sun�ower seeds, chopped banana and honeySnack Walnuts and dried apricotsLunch Roca leaf salad with mint, parsley and hummus and raw carrots, cucumber and broccoli with olivesSnack Organic peanut butter (no added salt or sugar) on RyvitasDinner Vegetable stir fry with fresh ginger, lime and coriander (include veggies like cabbage, bean sprouts, asparagus, broccoli, carrots, beans)

Day threeBreakfast Strawberry and avocado smoothieSnack Brazil nuts with dried �gsLunch Mixed bean salad with a shredded cabbage, sultana and pine nut raw slaw (kind of like coleslaw but no mayo)Snack Goji berries and pumpkin seedsDinner Vegetable Thai green curry

THREE-DAY DETOX MENU

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DETOX

What age should you start saving for a pension? Once it’s a�ordable, start as early as possible. A good rule of thumb for a comfortable retirement is to pay in a percentage of your salary equal to half of your age e.g. if you’re 25 years old, pay in 12.5 per cent of your salary, including any employer contributions.

What are the most important things to consider before you start saving? Check if any tax-e�cient savings schemes exist. In the UK, for example, all adults can save GBP5,340 per year in a cash ISA, which accrues interest and is safe from the taxman. Check if it is a pure savings account to make sure you are guaranteed to get back what you put in, plus the stated interest, with no risk involved. If there is risk, you are investing. Check how the money is protected in the worst-case scenario of a bank collapsing. And

PUT YOUR FINANCES IN ORDER

�nally, to get a higher rate, you o�en have the option of a ‘�xed rate’, but your money is locked away without access for a set time usually from one to �ve years. �e penalties for accessing a �xed account are o�en substantial.

What immediate steps should you take to put your personal finances in order? Most crucial is to do a budget, taking into account every single expense. We have built a tool to do this – budgetbrain.com. Next, cut the cost of your debts. Don’t consolidate just for the sake of it – only move debts to a di�erent card if it makes it cheaper overall. Pay of as much o� as you can a�ord, focusing on the most expensive debt �rst. Also, plan what to buy on food shopping trips beforehand (and don’t go when you’re hungry) and, if you smoke, quit.

Moneysavingexpert.com’s Dan Plant offers his top tips for sorting out your finances

What’s the best bit of financial advice you’ve ever been given? Never pay more for something than you absolutely have to. You can o�en get exactly the same service or product by paying less – so why wouldn’t you? All it takes is a bit of research.

If somebody is a compulsive spender, what safeguards can they put in place to prevent unnecessary spending? Leave credit cards at home, and only take cash out with you, so you can’t overspend. Plan everything in advance. We have built a great tool to show people the wastefulness of their spending (demotivator.com). When people see they spend two whole weeks a year working to a�ord their daily co�ee, it o�en shocks them into submission.

Dan Plant is the web editor of moneysavingexpert.com

QUIT SMOKINGFour ways to ditch the dreaded white sticks

1. HypnotherapyQuit the ciggies with a programme tailored to you. The Well-Being Zone, Mina Road, Abu Dhabi, Dhs500, sessions restart after Ramadan. Tel: 050 4457370. thewell-beingzone.com

2. Nicotine gum and patchesKill the cravings with every quitter’s friend.Boots Pharmacy, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, gum Dhs15 to Dhs16, patches Dhs76. Tel: (02) 4437167. me.boots.com

3. ChampixIt might sound like dog food, but this nicotine-free tablet is popular at present. Boots Pharmacy, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi, Dhs198 to Dhs444. Tel: (02) 4437167. me.boots.com

4. AcupunctureWhy not ditch the �lthy habit by going full-on Hellraiser? Gulf Chinese Medical Centre, Mohammed Bin Butti Building, Abu Dhabi, Dhs100 for initial consultation, Dhs150 per session Tel: (02) 6343538.gulfchinesemedical.net

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The great indoors Use our highly scientific chart to find the perfect indoor pursuit for you this summer


BoxingYou might not expect a punch in the nose at the International Tennis Complex, but tramlines and racquets aren’t the centre’s only sporty concerns. Its boxing facilities offer group classes and private tuition.Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 6am to 10pm, Dhs60 each to Dhs3,500 per person. Tel: (02) 4034200. zsc.ae

SquashThe quintessential lunchtime racquet game of o�ce co-workers the world over, squash is a top workout. It’s also among Abu Dhabi’s most widespread sports, with a wealth of courts across the island. InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 10pm, Dhs50 to Dhs 75 per hour, members free. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

Shooting Al Forsan’s impressive 300m sniping range, plus 50m and 25m galleries, are sadly shut until September, but a rather fun laser alternative, with full recoil, is still operating through Ramadan with a special dual 10-minute shooting/15-arrows archery package.Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, daily 2pm to 10pm, Dhs200. Tel: (02) 5568555.

EquestrianIt’s a little humid to don your jodhpurs in the midday sun right now, a problem foreseen by Al Forsan’s 65m air-conditioned indoor equestrian training arena, o�ering lessons for all abilities. The horses, meanwhile, reside in air-conditioned stables.Al Forsan International Sports Resort, Khalifa City A, Abu Dhabi, daily 2pm to 10pm, Dhs150 to Dhs3,100. Tel: (02) 5568555. alforsan.com

Martial artsOriental Karate & Kobudo Club is the first stop in the capital on your quest to become a black belt. With more than 1000 active students, it runs Tourist Club, Airport Road, Khalifa Street, Madinat Zayed and Khalidiyah branches.The Oriental Karate & Kobudo Club, various branches, Abu Dhabi, various times, Dhs250 to Dhs675 per month (initial registration Dhs100). Tel: (02) 6771611. orientalkarate.com

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The great indoors Use our highly scientific chart to find the perfect indoor pursuit for you this summer


Ice skatingIf the habitual daily transition from street to air con isn’t extreme enough, a full on wintry blast at Abu Dhabi Ice Rink should do the trick. Public skating runs throughout the month, with ladies-only sessions on Thursdays.Abu Dhabi Ice Rink, Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, various times, Dhs25 to Dhs35 for 90 minutes. Tel: (02) 4034200. zsc.ae

FootballSummer can’t halt the beautiful game in the capital during August. And after the huge success of the Women’s World Cup, female players will be pleased to know they’re equally welcome at The Dome, too.The Dome @ Rawdhat, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to midnight, pitches Dhs350 to Dhs700 per hour. Tel: (02) 4498480. thedome.ae

Indoor skydivingGagging for an adrenalin rush without jumping out of a plane at frightening altitude? Spacewalk’s parachute-less indoor skydiving lets you do exactly that in complete safety. You can even grab a souvenir DVD of the experience.Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Saada Street, Al Mushriff, Abu Dhabi, daily 9am to 11pm, Dhs180 to Dhs700 per person. Tel: (02) 6577777. adhfc.com

Table tennisPicking up a ping pong paddle isn’t quite as exciting as many of the indoor sports you can indulge in this August, but it’s a popular pursuit in the UAE. It’s an Olympic sport too, with Emirati hopes for London 2012 qualification.Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, daily, 7am to 11pm, Dhs15 per person per hour. Tel: (02) 4034200. zsc.ae

AFOC’s 15th Open Sports FestivalThough registration just closed for this Ramadan extravaganza, you can still turn up as a spectator. More than 3,000 competitors contest football, boxing, shooting and more.August 2 to 21, Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, daily after Kyam Prayer (around 9.30pm) to midnight, free. Tel: (02) 4415900. afoc.mil.ae

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The ridiculous (read stylish) footwear, the highly polished wood, the clink of pins and the heady scent of success and failure. If you love bowling as much as we do,

check out one of these ten bowling alleys

ABU DHABI’S BEST BOWLING ALLEYS

ABU DHABI COUNTRY CLUBWith a bar and a la carte menu, the Country Club’s four-lane bowling alley is a step up from the average snacks and milkshakes experience. In�ate the balloons, too – they welcome birthday parties of all ages. And club membership isn’t required.Abu Dhabi Country Club, Al Saada Street, Al Mushriff, Abu Dhabi, daily 7am to 11pm, Dhs100 per hour, Dhs60 per half hour. Tel: (02) 6577777. adhfc.com

AL AIN INTERNATIONAL BOWLING CENTREThey sure love their bowling in Al Ain, with several choices in the city’s relatively cosy con�nes. The International Bowling Centre has �ve lanes and is dirt cheap. Even better, the surrounding International Centre houses additional attractions from videogaming to restaurants and shisha.Al Ain International Bowling Centre, opposite Park Saleme, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 8am to 2am, Dhs10. Tel: (03) 7630222. alainintlcentre.net

AL JAZIRA BOWLING CENTRENot only can you associate yourself with Abu Dhabi’s double-winning footy champions at Al Jazira, but these six lanes are exceptionally high-tech. Prices are mighty reasonable, too. And add in table tennis (three tables), darts (two boards) or pool (one table) and it’s an all-round winner. Al Jazira Sports Club, Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, 4pm to midnight, Dhs12 per hour. Tel: (02) 4454455. jc.ae

BOWLING CITYA reliable ten-pin shaped �xture across the Emirates’ landscape, widespread chain Bowling City began life at this state-of-the-art Garden City branch. Planning a full day’s entertainment here couldn’t be easier, with 12 lanes, reasonably priced pool tables and karaoke, to boot. Al Ain Mall, Kuwait Area, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, 10am to midnight, Dhs12 per game. Tel: (03) 7510006. bowling-city.com

BOWLING CITYSwap the hustle of the capital’s bustling heart

for the crash of balls on pins at this downtown entertainment haven. As well as an above-average 18 lanes, videogame nuts will love the PlayStations, alongside plenty of shopping and guzzling options around Al Mariah Mall.Al Mariah Mall, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 1am, Dhs12 per game. Tel: (02) 6760444. bowling-city.com

BOWLING CITY @ SPARKY’SThe manic surrounds of Sparky’s house this 12-lane bowling centre, right next-door to a bevy of pool tables should you fancy a spot of between-frame potting. And Sparky’s borderline headache-inducing attractions – indoor rollercoaster and all – will help to banish any lurking boredom.Sparky’s, Khalidiyah Mall, 26th Street, Abu Dhabi, 10am to midnight, Dhs15. Tel: (02) 6354315. khalidiyahmall.com

EMIRATES BOWLING VILLAGEWant to add status to your strikes? With four VIP lanes, Emirates Bowling Village is the solution. Timing is key if you’re on a budget, though. Take advantage of happy hour (Sun to Wed 10am to 5pm) for Dhs10 games on one of the 32 lanes. Night owls note that EBV has the latest opening hours in the city.Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Wed 10am to 1am, Thurs and Fri 10am to 3am, Dhs10 to Dhs20. Tel: (02) 6811185. ebv.ae

KHALIFA INTERNATIONAL BOWLING CENTREIf the name wasn’t a dead giveaway then the boulder-sized ball above the door should do it. These 40 huge lanes are home to several established bowling

leagues. And afterwards why not head upstairs to aptly named restaurant Noodle Bowl? Pun, we imagine, intended.Zayed Sports City, Airport Road, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 1am, Sun to Wed Dhs10, Thurs to Sat Dhs12. Tel: (02) 4034648. zsc.ae

SUPER STRIKEPart of Bawadi Mall’s sprawling family entertainment centre, the garish surrounds of Fun City aren’t solely for ankle biters. Super Strike’s dozen lanes provide enough space to knock ‘em down for everyone from gutter ball-prone novices to maximum score-eyeing pros.Fun City, Bawadi Mall, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 10am to 11pm, Fri noon to 11pm, Dhs12 before noon, Dhs15 noon to 11pm. Tel: (03) 7840338. funcity.ae

WANASA BOWLING CENTRE Wanasa’s grammatically challenged aim – ‘make the life always happy’ – is aided nicely by wallet-friendly bowling on one of the six lanes and live sports coverage. If your fun can only begin once the children are occupied, however, simply dispatch the little blighters to Wanasa Land’s veritable kingdom of entertainment.Wanasa Land, Al Wahda Mall, Hazaa Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Wed 10am to 10.30pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to 11.30pm, Dhs15. Tel: (02) 4437654 wanasaland.com

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WIN! GOODIES FROM JONES THE GROCERHaving championed the splendid Abu Dhabi outlets, What’s On teamed up with Jones The Grocer to throw a party for gourmet chain’s first Dubai store last month. To coincide, we have ten sets of JTG food goodie packsfor you hungry readers. What is Jones The Grocer's country of origin?a) Franceb) Japanc) Australia

WIN! WEEKEND STAYS AND POOL PARTY PASSES AT ALOFTAlmost 1,000 revellers flocked to Aloft’s Liquid by Mai Café rain pool party last month. After a Ramadan break, they’re doing it all again on September 30, in collaboration with Radio 1. We’ve teamed up with Aloft to give away four one-night stays for two, worth around Dhs400, valid for any weekend, plus six runners-up prizes of entry for two to their September pool party. Which of these wouldn’t you expect to find at a swimming pool?a) Lifeguardb) Life preserverc) Life coach

WIN! AN OVERNIGHT STAY AT THE CITYMAX HOTEL Fans of musical and culinary pleasures won't struggle to find reasons to enter to win an overnight stay for two at Citymax Hotel Al Barsha, inclusive of dinner at MAXX Music Bar & Grill. The whole package clocks in at Dhs600 (subject to availability and prior reservation; the three-course meal includes soft drinks). What was Mel Gibson’s breakthrough film called?a) Sad Maxb) Glad Maxc) Mad Max

WIN! DINNER AT FANR Airy new contemporary international restaurant Fanr at Manarat Al Saadiyat is an early culinary attraction on the fast-developing Saadiyat Island. We’re giving away four meals for two (worth approx Dhs350 per person), and you could grab one by telling us…Which of these attractions isn’t being built on Saadiyat Island?a) The Louvreb) London Olympic Stadiumc) Guggenheim

WIN! A VALERA HAIRDRYERWant to look your best this summer? Valera has given us an i-f@n digital travel hairdryer worth Dhs359, plus five runner-up prizes of silent 2200 super ionic hairdryers, worth Dhs219. To have a chance of winning, tell us… What makes up human hair?a) Keratinb) Carrotsc) Caramel

WIN! DINNER AT THE SILK ROUTE We have six vouchers worth Dhs100 each to redeem at The Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa’s Silk Route restaurantany time until December 31. To get your hands on one, just tell us...Which of these is not traditionally made from silk?a) Scarvesb) Handkerchiefsc) Jeans

WIN! IFTAR AT THE ONE TO ONE HOTELThe homely One To One Hotel is a Ramadan favourite and four readers can find out why by winning an iftar buffet for two, worth Dhs300. Which of these isn’t a real football team?a) Aston Villab) Villarealc) Toon-real-rubbish

TO ENTER

ANY OF THESE FANTASTIC

COMPETITIONS, ALL YOU

HAVE TO DO IS E-MAIL WINWITHWHATSON@

MOTIVATE.AE WITH THE

NAME OF THE PRIZE IN THE

SUBJECT LINE AND THE

ANSWER TO THE RELEVANT QUESTION

We’ve reached a staggering milestone – our 400th issue. To celebrate, we’ve rounded up more than 400 prizes, from mini-breaks to fitness classes, waterpark passes to iftars. Are you feeling lucky?

WIN! TICKETS TO WILD WADILet’s not kid ourselves, August is hot. But luckily, those brain-boxes at Wild Wadi have decided to keep the park open this month from 10am to 8pm (with all of its restaurants open throughout the day), and from noon until midnight every weekend, with special Ramadan rates for visitors between 8pm and midnight. We’ve teamed up with Wild Wadi to give away 30 pairs of tickets to the waterpark. For your chance to win, just tell us the name of a Wild Wadi character:

a) Juhab) Julia Childsc) Julia Roberts*Terms and conditions apply: all tickets must be redeemed by Aug 17th 2011 and used by the last day of Ramadan. wildwadi.com

WIN! DINNER AT FLAVOURS You could win dinner for two at Flavours restaurant, worth Dhs350, including soft drinks, or a pair of full-day resort access passes, including use of the gym, three pools, sauna and private lagoon (worth Dhs400 per pair). To enter, please tell us...Which body of water does The Corniche overlook?a) Persian Gulfb) Indian Oceanc) Pacific Ocean

WIN! IFTAR AT THE ARABIAN COURTYARD HOTEL & SPASampling the excellent iftars around the UAE during Ramadan is a must, so why not answer this little question and be in with a chance of winning one of ten vouchers for the Bastikiya restaurant at the Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa. Just tell us...Which month does Ramadan fall in this year?a) Aprilb) Januaryc) August

WIN! A MINI-BREAK AT THE YAS ISLAND ROTANAEscape the city with a one-night stay for two at Yas Island Rotana, worth Dhs800. Two runners-up will win meals for two at Indian restaurant Rangoli (worth Dhs300) and another duo will nab international meals for two at Choices (worth Dhs350). Which of these attractions isn’t on Yas Island?a) Ferrari Worldb) Marina Parkc) The Coliseum

WIN! IFTAR AT HILTON ABU DHABIWe have iftar vouchers for two (worth Dhs159 per person), courtesy of our chums at Hilton Abu Dhabi to give away, for their wonderful La Terrazza restaurant, including Arabic fruit juices. Fancy it? Try your luck by telling us…The Hilton family’s famous socialite is named after which iconic city? a) Mogadishu b) Parisc) Honolulu Te

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WIN! DINNER AT LA VERANDA Whatever your food preference, it should be catered to by Sheraton Khalidiya’s mouth-watering prize: winners will enjoy dinner for two at La Veranda (worth Dhs400), which serves up seafood, Italian, Chinese, Indian and Arabic dishes. In architecture, what is a veranda?a) A wallb) A porchc) A window

WIN! A MASSAGE AT THE PALACE What’s On and The Palace in Old Town are giving ten people the chance to unwind and de-stress with 30-minute massages in their lovely spa. If you’d like the chance to relax for gratis,simply tell us…Massages a great way of getting rid of... a) Mist and fogb) Stress and tensionc) Cookies and milk

WIN! A SPA BREAK AT THE ABU DHABI PARK ROTANAOne lucky reader will win a relaxing one-night stay for two at Abu Dhabi’s five-star Park Rotana hotel, completed by two one-hour massage treatments (total value Dhs1,200). Is it you? Try answering this question correctly…Rock group Blur had a hit with Parklife. Who did it feature?a) Phil Danielsb) Phil Collinsc) Phil Spector

WIN! A BODY FAT ANALYSER If you’re following our detox tips this issue, you may want to keep an eye on your pounds and ounces. Now you can, by winning a set of Terraillon Body Fat Analysers, state-of-the-art bathroom scales worth Dhs350. How many grams are there in a kilogram?a) 14b) 1,000 c) 1,000,000

WIN! IFTAR AT LE ROYAL MÉRIDIENThey don’t do Ramadan by halves at Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi, and you can see for yourself by winning vouchers for two at their Ramadan tent, worth Dhs200 per person. To enter, tell us…Which of these are usually used to hold up a tent?a) Scaffolding b) Guy ropec) Elephants

WIN! MEALS AT THE CROWNE PLAZA YAS ISLANDCrowne Plaza Yas Island contains a wealth of great restaurants and you can sample some of the best with this giveaway. Win a meal for two at Jing Asia (choose from lunch, worth Dhs260, or dinner, worth Dhs320) or you can enjoy the lunch delicacies of Lebanese restaurant Barouk (worth Dhs510). To enter, tell us…What is the capital city of Lebanon?a) Abu Dhabib) Ammanc) Beirut

TO ENTER

ANY OF THESE FANTASTIC

COMPETITIONS, ALL YOU

HAVE TO DO IS E-MAIL WINWITHWHATSON@

MOTIVATE.AE WITH THE

NAME OF THE PRIZE IN THE

SUBJECT LINE AND THE

ANSWER TO THE RELEVANT QUESTION

WIN! TICKETS TO WILD WADILet’s not kid ourselves, August is hot. But luckily, those brain-boxes at Wild Wadi have decided to keep the park open this month from 10am to 8pm (with all of its restaurants open throughout the day), and from noon until midnight every weekend, with special Ramadan rates for visitors between 8pm and midnight. We’ve teamed up with Wild Wadi to give away 30 pairs of tickets to the waterpark. For your chance to win, just tell us the name of a Wild Wadi character:

a) Juhab) Julia Childsc) Julia Roberts*Terms and conditions apply: all tickets must be redeemed by Aug 17th 2011 and used by the last day of Ramadan. wildwadi.com

WIN! CINEMA TICKETS FROM VOXOur friends at VOX cinemas have given us 20 pairs of VOX Max tickets to use at any VOX cinema this month – the winners can choose from Ajman City Centre, Deira City Centre, Mirdif City Centre, Mall Of The Emirates and Marina Mall Abu Dhabi. If you want to be in with a chance of checking out the latest releases on the 20-metre screens with super-modern technology and bigger, VIP seating, just tell us...How many VOX cinemas complexes are there in the UAE?a) Fiveb) Zeroc) One

WIN! A MONTH’S MEMBERSHIP AT SERENITY SPAWe have a great spread from Abu Dhabi’s top ladies-only facility, Serenity Spa. The top prize is a one-month gym membership, including fitness classes (worth an impressive Dhs1,000). Runners-up, meanwhile, will receive either two sessions of Hypoxi (worth a total of Dhs400) or a Kerastase hair treatment (Dhs150).What is Lady Gaga’s latest album called?a) Born This Wayb) Walk This Wayc) Born In The USA

WIN! ABU DHABI GOLF CLUB VOUCHERSAbu Dhabi Golf Club has handed us four golf vouchers (worth Dhs425 each), to drive, chip and putt to your heart’s content on the beautiful course. To enter, tell us...What is the golfing term for completing a hole one under par?a) Birdieb) Albatrossc) Puffin

WIN! A MONTH’S SUPPLY OF PIPER DRINK, PLUS A GRAND PRIZE OF 400 CANS To celebrate our 400th issue, our generous friends behind soft drink Piper are offering the chance to win 400 cans. Don’t worry if you’re not the main winner, though: 12 runners-up will receive a month’s supply.Which of these is a character from a famous story?a) The Pied Piper Of Hamelinb) Billie Piperc) Rowdy Roddy Piper

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WIN! A STAY AT THE CRISTAL HOTEL Want to spend a night in a plush hotel in the heart of Abu Dhabi? Our lovely pals at the Cristal Hotel have given us an overnight weekend stay to give away, including buffet breakfast for two (worth a cool Dhs2,680). For your chance to win, tell us… Which of the following companies isn’t associated with crystal?a) Waterfordb) Swarovskic) McDonald’s

WIN! MEALS AT THE CROWNE PLAZA ABU DHABI We have two vouchers apiece to giveaway for lunch at Cho Gao, tasty Italian Spaccanapoli, Friday roast lunch at Heroes, Vincent’s Bar, and Cappuccino’s Café. Ten runners-up can enjoy 40 per cent off the iftar buffet at Cho Gao, Spaccanapoli and The Garden. Want to enter? Simply tell us…Where are the British crown jewels kept?a) Wembley Stadiumb) Tower Of Londonc) Legoland

WIN! VOUCHERS FOR SAADIYAT BEACH GOLF CLUBWant to work on your swing? Grab yourself one of these four golf vouchers – worth Dhs825 each – for use at the picturesque Saadiyat Beach Golf Club course. To enter, tell us… How old was Rory McIlroy when he won the US Open recently?a) 12b) 22c) 42

WIN! A STAY AT THE DANAT JEBEL DHANNA RESORTEscape the city with a one-night weekend stay for two, including buffet breakfast (worth Dhs499 during Ramadan and Dhs699 afterwards). Which of these is on the USA's west coast?a) New Yorkb) Chicagoc) Los Angeles

WIN! SPA VOUCHERS FOR THE LOUNGEWhen it comes to pampering for men in Abu Dhabi, the Lounge are executive grooming experts. One reader will win a Dhs500 voucher, while two runners-up will pick up Dhs300 vouchers and a further 17 people will receive Dhs100 vouchers. Which of these is a famous men’s fragrance?a) Old Hatb) Old Spicec) Old School

WIN! A STAY AT THE AL AIN ROTANA The Al Ain Rotana is its premier hotel and we have a one-night stay, with breakfast for two at Zest, to give away. A total of 25 runners-up will snaffle free pool access. Which of these is a famous gardener?a) Monty Donb) Monty Burnsc) The Count Of Monte Cristo

WIN! URBAN ENERGY FITNESS CLASSESThese fitness experts are training our World War team, and have given us 100 vouchers for classes, including Urban Prenatal, Running, Kick and Boost, that could be yours. Answer this simple question...What footwear should you wear for running?a) Stilettosb) Trainers c) Brogues

WIN! APPETISERS AT BORD EAUReaders with finely-tuned palettes can win an appetiser at Shangri-La’s What's On-recommended French restaurant Bord Eau (worth approximately Dhs100). To be in with a chance of winning, simply answer the following question:How tall is the Eiffel Tower in Paris?a) 324mb) 1mc) Invisible to the naked eye

WIN! CDS FROM VIRGIN MEGASTOREMusic connoisseurs – we have five copies of five new albums from Virgin Megastore up for grabs – that’s 25 CDs to give away, maths fans, including the latest from Tiesto. For a chance to win, just tell us...Which of these is a genre of music?a) Krumpingb) R&Bc) Googlie

WIN! BEACH PASSES FOR THE INTERCONTINENTAL ABU DHABIFancy taking it easy on one of the most inviting shorelines on Abu Dhabi’s main island? We have ten beach access passes, worth Dhs95 each, for the InterContinental. To be in with the chance of winning one, tell us… Who played the lead role in 2000 movie The Beach?a) Leonardo DiCapriob) John O’Sheac) Rod Hull

WIN! MEALS AT THE AL MANZIL HOTELWe have vouchers for lunch at Nezesaussi Grill, where you’ll find giant portions, big screen sporting action and super-friendly staff, plus two vouchers for lunch at the lovely, sunny Conservatory Restaurant. To be in with a chance of winning any of these vouchers, answer this question correctly…Nezeaussi Grill screens what genre of entertainment?a) Sportb) Cartoonsc) Chat shows

WIN! A HEALTHY BREAK AT ABU DHABI’S BEACH ROTANA HOTEL We have beach and gym access passes for two – worth Dhs300 to Dhs400 – for the Beach Rotana. Also up for grabs is Italian lunch for two at Prego’s (Dhs350). Please specify which prize you would prefer. What car was famously featured in the movie The Italian Job?a) Minib) Range Roverc) Ford Mustang

WIN! LUNCH AT THE QAMARDEEN We’ve teamed up with the Qamadeen hotel, Old Town to give away lunch vouchers for two for their Esca Italian restaurant, plus lunch vouchers for two for their new Italian-themed café, Esca. To be in with a chance of winning lunch at either of these venues, tell us...Which of the following cities is not in Italy?a) Romeb) Milanc) Glasgow

WIN! A MASSAGE AT EDEN SPAThanks to What’s On and Le Méridien Abu Dhabi you can ease away those summer aches and pains – we’re giving a one-hour relaxing body massage at Eden Spa (weekdays only, advance booking required) worth Dhs300. To enter, tell us…How many seconds are there in an hour?a) 360b) 3,600c) 36,000

24-26 400Comps.indd 26 7/27/11 11:16:13 PM

SOF RmdnWO 206x270.indd 2 18/07/2011 09:15

FILM


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ONCE UPON A TIME...

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE MOOD TO...

WATCH THIS IF YOU LIKE...

TOP TRIVIA

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD OR LESS REVIEW

RATE OR SLATE?

Kiefer Sutherland (narrator), Chace Crawford, Emma Roberts, Curtis Jackson, Esti Ginzburg, Joel Schumacher (director)

‘No one needs anything here. It’s all about want’

Hard-partying lifestyles among the dispossessed teenagers of Manhattan’s wealthy Upper East Side led to a spiralling body count as the façade began to crumble.

Be alternately titillated, shocked and depressed by witnessing lives of narcissistic privilege so quickly and bleakly eroded by greed, violence and envy.

�e 2004 novel, penned by then 17-year-old NYC writer Nick McDonnell. If you didn’t read it, superior early Leonardo DiCaprio �ick �e Basketball Diaries (1995) o�ers a few parallels.

Joel Schumacher also directed Kiefer Sutherland in Flatliners (1990), A Time To Kill (1996) and Phone Booth (2003), the latter of which also saw largely Sutherland restricted to a voiceover role.

Overly slick in translation, it worked better as a book.

★★✩✩✩

Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, Jessica Chastain, Terrence Malick (writer/director), Emmanuel Lubezki (cinematography)

‘Nothing stands still’

A troubled architect (Penn) struggled to reconcile the death of his brother and a con�icted Texas upbringing. �en Malick introduced ruminations on planets and dinosaurs, and critics were wildly polarised.

Get all weighty and existential about life’s fundamental questions, while basking in the glow of a deeply poetic thought experiment bolstered by a couple of A-listers.

Any of Malick’s oddly sparse back catalogue – notably Badlands (1973), Days Of Heaven (1978) or �e �in Red Line (1998), all of which wax philosophical about man, violence and nature.

One Italian cinema screened an early preview of the �lm with the reels in the wrong order. Nobody noticed, which gives you an idea as to what you’re in for.

�e great auteur Malick proves himself master of the mystifying.

★★★★★

Camilla Belle, Alexa Vega, Wilmer Valderrama, Nicholas D’Agosto, Luis Alfaro (screenplay), Angel Garcia (director)

‘A riches to rags story’

Spoiled Beverly Hills sisters Nora (Belle) and Mary (Vega) barely engaged with their Mexican roots, but their father’s sudden death sent them on a crash course in East LA Latino life.

Nod sagely along with a handful of well meaning, if faintly patronising, truisms about the value of migrant cultures in a modern cosmopolitan society. Fish-out-of-water comedies are hardly a Hollywood rarity; last month’s Monte Carlo pulled a similar trick, albeit in (�nancial) reverse. Perhaps avoid if you’re a huge Jane Austen fan, though – see below.

�e screenplay is actually an adaptation of Austen’s seminal romantic satire Sense And Sensibility, uprooted from 19th-century England and given a modern Latin twist. Hmm.

Mawkish and predictable, but the title remains its gravest crime.

★★✩✩✩

TwelveThe Tree Of LifeFrom Prada To Nada

Overly slick in translation, it

The Tree Of LifeFrom Prada To Nada

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FILM | NEW RELEASES


Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim Gaudette, Rémy Girard, Denis Villeneuve (writer/director)

‘�e search began at the opening of their mother’s will’

�e dying wishes recorded in a mother’s �nal testament sent twin sisters Jeanne (Désormeaux-Poulin) and Nawal (Azabal) on a Middle East voyage to explore their knotted family heritage.

See the �ne line between intimate and epic artfully trodden by a stirring Quebec-made drama that de�ly tackles issues of family, faith and mythology.

Skilled, source-faithful adaptations of revered stage works – the original theatre production, Scorched (2005), was a critical hit for Canadian playwright Wajdi Mouawad.

Incendies was Academy-nominated in the Best Foreign Language Film category at last year’s Oscars, narrowly losing out to Susanne Bier’s Danish masterpiece, In A Better World.

Expertly directed slow-burner packing genuine sting in the tail.

★★★★✩

Steve Carell, Julianne Moore, Ryan Gosling, Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, Glenn Ficarra/John Requa (directors)

‘�is is crazy. �is is stupid. �is is love’

Comfortable mid-life success story Cal Weaver (Carell) was thrust back on to the dating mine�eld when his wife asked for a divorce, so laddish pal Jacob (Gosling) agreed to take him on as a pet project.

See US comedy royalty Carell playing it a little – not much, but a little – straighter than his oa�sh turns in Anchorman and Dinner For Schmucks.

�e 40-Year-Old Virgin, Date Night or Dan In Real Life, all of which starred Carell in similarly clownish roles. As did his career-de�ning turn in the US version of �e O�ce.

Co-directors Ficarra and Requa made their directorial debut in 2009 with the well-received, fact-based romcom I Love You Phillip Morris (starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor).

A solid cast drag us along, but nobody’s stretching far.

PREVIEW

Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Adam Sandler, Sylvester Stallone, Frank Coraci (director)

‘Welcome to his jungle’

A mis�t zoo employee (James) tried to quit in order to focus on making human friends. But the animals didn’t want him to go, and revealed their secret gi� of speech in order to coach him in social skills.

Walk, talk, squeak and squawk with the animals, while watching an inherently likeable leading man mugging along with a gag-�lled, but profoundly immature, script.

Goofy Jim Carrey vehicle Ace Venture: Pet Detective, or any other live-action �lm in which the animals �atly refuse to be portrayed as cutesy CGI caricatures.

Various animal welfare groups (including PETA) called for a boycott of Zookeeper, a�er video emerged of its elephant star being abused by a former trainer in 2005.

Unlikely to leave lasting paw-prints; �le under ‘harmlessly fuzzy’.

★★★✩✩

IncendiesCrazy, Stupid, Love

Zookeeper

Lubna Azabal, Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin, Maxim

Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Judd Apatow (producer), Paul Feig (director)

‘From the producers of Superbad and Knocked Up’

Having been sacked as maid of honour at her best friend’s wedding due to a comedic self-destruct in rehearsals, a luckless thirty-something mounted a one-woman quest for redemption.

See yet another nail driven into the already-liberally-perforated co�n of that risible old ‘women can’t do funny’ argument.

�e Hangover, 2009’s successfully blokey pre-wedding disaster opus to which the female-led Bridesmaids has repeatedly (and favourably) been compared.

�e �lm was overseen by Apatow Productions, responsible for such hits as Anchorman and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and quickly overtook Knocked Up (2007) as their biggest earner to date.

A chick-�ick by de�nition, but with de�antly broad appeal.

★★★★✩

Bridesmaids

Bridesmaids Zookeeper

28-29 Films AUD.indd 29 7/27/11 1:58:07 PM

© 2011 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.

IFTARAED 200 NET

EID BRUNCHAED 290 NET

CELEBRATE THE HOLY MONTH

The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre sets the

stage for a memorable Ramadan to be shared with family, friends

and colleagues and is offering a choice of two spectacular venues

for Iftar and Sohour. Lavish buffet with

six live cooking stations and an a la

carte menu offer an extensive range of

Arabic delicacies, complemented by

international cuisines and traditional

Ramadan beverages.

For more information and reservationsplease call 9714 372 [email protected] Iftar: [email protected] visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dubaiifc

Including Ramadan Juices

Including soft beverages

C

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MY

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whats on 270x206 ramadan ad.pdf 1 7/13/2011 11:12:46 AM

EATING OUT


JON

ES T

HE

GRO

CER

Most people think the Holy Month Of Ramadan is about fasting, and that’s true, but only during daylight hours. The nights of August will be all about feasting. Once the fast is broken around sunset, there will be innumerable iftar banquets to attend (check out our Iftar Hot List, p83). And restaurants are still open during the evening, too, so Eating Out’s cupboards are as fully stocked as ever. Following its grand What’s On

opening in July, Jones The Grocer’s doors have been besieged by diners eager to sample its superb cheeses, cold cuts, bakery and café menu – and we bring you our verdict just over the page (p32). We also put two new burger restaurants to the test (p33), visit Abu Dhabi seafood restaurant Sennara (p36), test eight new and revitalised summer menus (p34) and discover the overlooked Ritz-Carlton Thai restaurant Blue Rain (p38). Plus, of course, The Critic – this month asking if the UAE really needs Michelin (we think it does, but our opinionated friend has other ideas) – all the most recent food news, new openings, and our monthly Twitter recipe. Wishing you and yours Ramadan kareem. Enjoy.

Gareth Rees, Features & Food Editor

Most people think the Holy Month Of Ramadan is about fasting, and that’s true, but only during daylight hours. The nights of August will be all about feasting. Once the fast is broken around sunset, there will be innumerable iftar banquets to attend (check out our Iftar Hot List, p83). And restaurants are still open during the evening, too, so Eating Out’s cupboards are as fully stocked as ever. Following its grand

opening in July, Jones The Grocer’s doors have been

DUE TO THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN SOME OUTLETS MAY NOT OPERATE REGULAR OPENING HOURS. CALL AHEAD FOR DETAILS.

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EATING OUT

Jones The GrocerIt’s caused a sensation in Abu Dhabi, but is the Aussie café chain’s first Dubai outlet up to scratch?

Aussie café and grocery chain Jones �e Grocer has proved a hit down under, in neighbouring New Zealand, Singapore, and, of course, Abu Dhabi. Why? Well, we have no idea how the Aussies, Kiwis and Singaporeans think, but Jones has caused a big stir in our beloved capital for one reason – it’s di�erent.

And that holds true for Dubai, too. We’re talking clean-cut, industrial design – concrete �oors, the odd bit of exposed metal girder, high ceilings and bright exposed strip lights. �en there are the shelves, stacked with jars, tins and packets of ‘gourmet’ this and that and a few choice cookbooks and magazines (Monocle and Wallpaper*). Add to that an open kitchen, cheese room, charcuterie counter and, perhaps most impressive of all, a co�ee station where a barista, equipped with a Bunsen burner, creates magical brews with endlessly entertaining siphons and drips. It’s a winning formula.

Oh yes, the food is pretty good, too. �e menu is full of the sort of food people want to eat. Burger? Check. Steak. Check. Fish ’n’ chips. Check, check and double check. And that’s before you consider the cold cuts and the cheese, which is what we started o� with. A whole platter �lled with a meaty, dairy melange.

�e sharing platters could be ordered on their own with one of the superb smoothies, or the invigorating Granny Smith and ginger cordial with sparkling water. Or as a starter.

�ere’s the option of three (Dhs45), �ve (Dhs65) or seven (Dhs85) items from an extensive

list of cheeses, cured meats, seafood and antipasti. We went for the full seven – a mound of surprisingly impressive chicken chorizo; greyish slices of UAE beef (pat on the back for local sourcing), which weren’t too good on their own, but went terribly well with a hunk of the nutty bread; a bowl of ‘stu�ed’ olives (good olives, but they seemed to have forgotten the stu�ng in several of them); several thick cuts of gleaming gravlax salmon; a poky Roquefort, a nice brie and a �ne semi hard petite cantal. All of which would have bene�tted from a glass of something red, but that can’t be helped. One of

the excellent co�ees would be an acceptable alternative.

We’ve raved about the Jones wagyu burger before on these pages, but, su�ce it to say, ordered medium (at most) it is one of the juiciest, most delectable renderings of the most primal of menu staples we have ever tasted. �e �sh ’n’ chips, consisting of three decent chunks of sheri (thumbs up for sustainability) in a crisp, fairly airy batter accompanied by a good handful of fries, was satisfying, but would have been easier to eat had it been served on a plate, rather than a wooden board.

In tweet form… Finally, Jones The Grocer has landed in Dubai. Order the burger, explore the cheese room and ask for a demonstration of the coffee siphon. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

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Need to knowLocation: Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Times Square, DubaiTel: (04) 3466886Web: jonesthegrocer.comOpen: daily 10am to 9pm Cuisine type: café, deliMust eat: Jones wagyu burger Bill for two: Dhs230

Finally, a neat, remarkably crumbly apple crumble, and a gooey chocolate brownie, both with good ice cream, did the job.

Since last month’s opening party (check out the footage on youtube.com/whatsondubai), ravenous diners have been �ocking to Jones �e Grocer. If you aren’t one of them, you should be. Go. Now.



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Two to try: new burger barsWHAT? THE BURGER JOINTWHERE? TBJ is on the concourse in Atlantis hotel, near the entrance to Aquaventure. Most of the seating is on the thoroughfare, which means it’s quite noisy, but this is also a prime spot for people watching. We spotted some fairly unique swimwear. Inside, there’s a diner theme, with red walls and an open kitchen, complete with singing chefs. THE BURGERS ARE… Generous. We recommend

signature burger �e Works (Dhs60), a juicy

patty with beef bacon, cheese, mushrooms, pickles, lettuce, tomato, onions and

TBJ sauce, and the Rooster Booster (Dhs45),

for a crispy chicken burger with salad, pickles and a tangy mayo. Add Dhs15 to the burger price to include a so� drink and fries. AND THE FRIES? Far from the tasteless, over-salted fare found elsewhere, TBJ’s fries are more ‘home-style’, with some skin le� on, a rich golden colour and excellent spices. Extra points for Hellman’s mayo and Heinz ketchup on the tables, too. ANY MILKSHAKES? Do you really have room a�er all that? If so, try the cookie milkshake, or go classic with vanilla (both Dhs25). Word to the wise though, they are enormous, so unless you’re on a weight-gain mission, it’s best to share.FINAL VERDICT: You wouldn’t make the journey to Atlantis just to visit TBJ, but for a wallet-friendly pre-waterpark meal it’s a tasty, well-seasoned bet. �e sta� are keen to the point of exhausting, but this might be early days enthusiasm. The Burger Joint, Atlantis The Palm, The Palm, Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4260747

WHAT? BURGERFUELWHERE? You can’t miss New Zealand chain BurgerFuel, thanks to a display of purple-liveried �ags outside that would satisfy any monarch. �e outdoor seating on JBR isn’t inviting right now, so we headed inside, where large wooden tables, exposed ceiling �ttings and an open kitchen of polished metal lends a converted Brooklyn warehouse vibe.THE BURGERS ARE… Borderline terrifying, in the best possible way. We couldn’t pass up the challenge of the BF Monster. Good luck �tting your jaws around the third-pounder of char-grilled New Zealand ground beef (Dhs35). �e extras jammed into a wholemeal bun mean the monster matches its moniker, featuring melted cheese, sliced beetroot, surprisingly �ne beef bacon, mango and fresh avocado. For such a mouthful, that’s incredibly good value.AND THE FRIES? We wondered whether the modest box of 'spud fries' (Dhs11), with aioli dip, were a touch on the stingy side. But the chunky specimens proved more than enough.ANY MILKSHAKES? Yep. Classic �avours are order of the day: chocolate, vanilla or strawberry (all Dhs15). All are suitably frothy and towering.FINAL VERDICT: If you’re still peckish a�er a visit to BurgerFuel, you should probably join the circus as a sideshow freak. As gourmet burgers go, in both quality and price, this is right up there. Expect BF to be jam-packed come the weekend.BurgerFuel, Bahar, JBR Walk, Dubai, 11am to 5am. Tel: (04) 4458220. burgerfuel.com

Two to try: new TESTED


One&Only Royal Mirage offers you the ‘coolest’ of two Ramadan Cafés – a uniquely comfortable, temperature-controlled environment in a traditional setting, at The Palace “Courtyard” and the “Peregrine Garden” at the Arabian Court.

Enjoy Iftar buffets, served every day in Tagine restaurant and The Rotisserie, then spend the evening among friends in a relaxing atmosphere, enjoying oriental specialities, coffee and tea.

Iftar: 7.10pm - 8.30pm Ramadan Cafés: 8pm - 2.30am

Group Bookings/Corporate Packages: Please contact us directly for special Ramadan offers.

Ramadan Special Room Rates: Starting from AED 975++*

Rate valid until 30 August 2011 excluding 10% service charge and 10% municipality fee. *Subject to availability. Valid for GCC and Middle East residents only.

Enjoy a blend of tradition and novelty in the coolest of settings for Ramadan

Telephone +971 4 399 99 99 Fax +971 4 399 99 98oneandonlyroyalmirage.com

The PalaceResidence & SpaArabian Court **

**


EATING OUT

OTTOMANS CUISINE: TurkishMENU: Appetisers of deep fried courgette cakes (mujver) served with garlic and mint yoghurt – light and refreshing, though the cakes themselves were a little bland – and deep fried prawns with crispy, shredded kunafeh pastry and a lightly spiced acuka sauce (sehriyeli karides) were pleasant enough, but a yoghurt and rice soup (yayla corbasi) served with mint and chilli sauce had real depth of �avour and, as a starter, would be enough on its own. �e slow cooked lamb shank with mash and a tomato sauce (kuzu incik) was homely and �lling, if far from mind blowing, and the chocolate fondant (sicak cikolatali kek) ticked all the right boxes. If you want traditional Turkish, Ottomans isn’t a bad option. BILL FOR TWO: You’re talking around the Dhs690 mark without alcoholGrosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Tue to Sun 7.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

FILINICUISINE: ItalianMENU: Chef �omas Marchi has pulled out all the stops with an imaginative array of fresh �air at Filini. Carpaccio di polpo (octopus carpaccio) is the obvious standout

New summer menus: tested The quiet summer months are the perfect time for restaurants to test out fresh ideas and launch new menus. Take your pick from these beauties

antipasti, moist morsels of meat simply but e�ectively presented with lemon olive oil and rocket leaves. �e spaghetti alle vongole (spaghetti with clams and cherry tomatoes) keeps an oceanic theme �owing in pleasingly healthy fashion. �e good waistline karma is dented a little by the semifreddo al torroncino con salsa ai lamponi (nougat semifreddo with raspberry sauce), although its fruity tang at least lends a nod to healthiness.BILL FOR TWO: Approximately Dhs340, without alcoholRadisson Blu Yas Island, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com HAWKSBILLCUISINE: InternationalMENU: Open throughout Ramadan, you can start light with vegetable spring rolls brought to life by soya and plum dip. �e chicken makhani – seared chopped chicken breast with cashew nuts in tomato gravy embellished by basmati

rice, roti and pickles – is the most adventurous new main. And for dessert? Classic sweet blueberry cheesecake with glazed strawberries.BILL FOR TWO: Dhs250Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, 6am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5578000. sbgolfclub.ae JONES THE GROCERCUISINE: CaféMENU: An ingenious pu� crusted tru�e soup (perigord tru�e stock in crisp pu� pastry) sets taste buds tingling before a welcome menu return for steak. Indeed, it would be rude not to sample the 250g char-grilled rib-eye drizzled in our choice of green peppercorn sauce. Sadly, there are no new dessert options. �at shouldn't stop you yielding to temptation and ordering the mini indulgence selection of tarts and pastries.BILL FOR TWO: Approximately Dhs340, without alcoholAl Mamoura Building B, Muroor and 15th Street, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 8am to 11pm, Sat 9am

to 11pm. Tel: (02) 4438762; Pearl Plaza Tower, next to Oryx Hotel, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sun to Thurs 8am to 11pm, Sat 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6395883; Garden

Plaza, Al Raha, Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi,

Sun to Thurs 7.30am to 10.30pm, Fri and Sat 8.30am

to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 5574882.

jonesthegrocer.com

INDEGO BY VINEETCUISINE: IndianMENU: As our favourite Indian restaurant, any new menu at Indego makes us sit up and take notice. And the summer menu is a very a�ordable sneak peek at what is normally on o�er at this Hot List mainstay. �e four courses on the non-vegetarian set menu include a couple of Indego’s signature dishes, such as the excellent tandoori salmon and the inventive marbled chocolate samosa. �e only fault is the main course choice of either chicken tikka or lamb rogan josh.



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Despite being well made and presented, the option is rather safe and doesn’t display just how creative the kitchen at Indego really is. Still, food of this quality is a bargain for just Dhs250 per person. BILL FOR TWO: Dhs250 per person, with two glasses of wine Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina, Dubai, Tue to Sun 7.30pm to 1am. Tel: (04) 3176000. grosvenorhouse-dubai.com CARAMELCUISINE: InternationalMENU: It is quite hard to pigeonhole Caramel’s cuisine, and the new summer additions to the menu re�ect that di�culty. �ere are some exceptional additions –

the salmon salad, the spicy tuna roll, and the glorious baked Alaska – but some items are slightly o� target, such as

the TNT shrimp, which is far too creamy

and rather expensive. All in all, though, a welcome renewal of the menu. BILL FOR TWO: Dhs600 with a cocktailDIFC, Building 3, 2nd Floor, Dubai, 11am to 2am, Tel: (04) 4256677. caramelgroup.com

RODEO GRILLCUISINE: SteakhouseMENU: Tiny helpings or overblown dishes aren’t really on Rodeo Grill’s radar, so take it easy by starting with an appetiser of chicken liver pate, because the hearty steak and mushroom pie is

a meat, veg and pastry joy sure to keep you stu�ed until dinner the following evening. A�er that, it’s probably wise to order a slightly less plate-engul�ng dessert, and the warm rhubarb and strawberry tartlet is a sweet and charming conclusion to proceedings. BILL FOR TWO: Around Dhs500Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

WHITE ORCHIDCUISINE: AsianMENU: �e token Asian staples are all here, including vegetable spring rolls and chicken satay for starters, but go for the crispy tiger prawns, smothered in spicy wasabi salsa, or the prawn salad (plaa goong) �avoured with lemongrass, mint and �ai coriander. �e Madam Pa's chicken curry lacked spice and was terribly sweet, but the roasted duck, with pineapple, cherry tomatoes and roast lychee in a red curry sauce, had us wiping the plate clean. �e wok-fried snapper was overcooked and without �avour, but the stir-fried beef and hot basil had plenty of heat. White Orchid has everything from Hong Kong-style favourites to hand-rolled sushi and a range of �ai curries. It's a jack-of-all-trades, but only a master of some. BILL FOR TWO: Our meal cost Dhs490 without alcoholJebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Dubai, 12pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 814 5604. jebelali-international.com


For reservations call: Al Barsha: 04 409 8000Bur Dubai: 04 407 8000Sharjah: 06 598 5000

Ample free parking

Enjoy an array of 35 dishes at Citymax Iftar Buffet every night during Ramadan

www.citymaxhotels.com | A division of Landmark Hospitality & Leisure Services Ltd.

Ramadan Kareem

AED49 SUHOORIFTAR

AED29


EATING OUT

SennaraWill One To One’s new seafood restaurant sink or swim?

Hooking the �nest catch, as any �sherman will doubtless tell you, requires the perfect bait. And Sennara (‘�shhook’ in Arabic) has many attractive facets sure to entice its human prey.

Taking cues from traditional shoreline cafés of the quintessentially Lebanese variety, Sennara’s catch of the day menu arranges a lip-smacking display of straight-from-the-boat treats in raw form, ready for pre-preparation deliberation. �e welcome is warm and the décor – nets thronging the ceilings and walls smattered with other assorted seafaring props – manages, just about, to avoid going overboard. So far, so good.

A handful of light mezze selections, including a zingy fattoush, the patatas bravas-esque batata harra (fried potato cubes with tomato, green pepper and onion) and consummately presented classic, deep fried calamari, all slipped down well.

But it was the mains that impressed the most. �e �shmonger’s arrangement comprises rotating selections priced by the kilo rather than the serving – a welcome option for those who, like us, prefer dictating their own portion sizes. You can also choose the cooking method – char-grilled, deep-fried, steamed or Provencal – and there are sauces to suit every palate.

Anybody longing to pick their dinner while it's still alive – select from several �ne specimens of Australian spiny lobster, Canadian lobster and mud crab – can now indulge their crustacean-based food fantasies, although sadly when we visited Sennara’s tank was still on the cusp of being fully completed and stocked.

Without the lobester to tempt

In tweet form… Sennara sets sail (sorry) to be one of the city’s best seafood specialists. It’s early days yet, but so far, so good… Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

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Need to knowLocation: One To One Hotel – The Village, Al Salam Street, Abu DhabiTel: (02) 4952000Web: onetoonehotels.comOpen: Sun to Fri noon to 4pm and 8pm to midnightCuisine type: seafoodMust eat: char-grilled king�shBill for two: Dhs329

our taste buds, we opted for a hearty steak of local favourite, king�sh. Every drop of �avour is coaxed from the meaty �esh by charcoal grilling and complemented smartly with sautéed veg and handcut fries. Delicious.

�e dessert options were limited, though by that point you’ll doubtless be full enough to need only a plate of the fresh cut fruits. All in all, not the �nest �sh in the ocean, but far from a bait box tiddler.

CHI’ZENWe’re fans of Chi’zen’s �rst branch in Dubai Festival City for a spot of lunch, so the opening of a branch in Mall Of The Emirates is welcome news. Like most Chinese restaurants, its menu is extensive and includes the usual range of dishes from barbecue-roasted duck to kungpao chicken; the di�erence is the standard of ingredients and Chi’Zen’s reliability. Far from your typical mall fast food joint. Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3549288

BARCELOSHaving opened 100 outlets across the world, it was only a matter of time before Portuguese fowl specialist Barcelos arrived in the UAE. Famed for its spicy peri-peri chicken dishes, Barcelos will soon be part of your take-away rotation. If you like Nando’s, odds on you’ll like Barcelos. Sama Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3425440

RED LOBSTERRed Lobster has been whipping up clam chowder and grilling crustaceans in the US since 1968. We’ve visited the branch in Orlando, Florida, and though the ingredients weren’t of the highest quality – not that you’d expect just out of the ocean freshness from a fast food restaurant – it’s a safe choice for the casual, value for money diner. The Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3253131

It’s a good month if you like your food fast

A taste of things to come

most Chinese restaurants,

the UAE. Famed for its spicy peri-peri chicken

weren’t of the highest



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NEW SUMMER MENUIf we’re looking for dim sum in a hurry, Ping Pong is our �rst port of call. We love those little parcels of joy, so we’ll certainly be checking out the new Ping Pong summer menu. The steamed lobster dumplings, crab spring rolls and refreshing mocktails are all healthy options, too, so the indulgence is fairly guilt-free. Ping Pong, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3399088. pingpongdimsum.ae

CURRY ON SPECTRUMAs if summer wasn’t hot enough already, Spectrum on One’s Curry And Hops night is cranking up the temperature on Mondays. With unlimited curry on o�er, the chefs will be dishing up more Kashmiri rogan josh, butter chicken and biryani than you can shake a naan at. Even better, there’s unlimited beer to wash it all down with. Spectrum on One, Fairmont Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3118316. fairmont.com/dubai

GOOD VERSUS BADThe Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang promotes balancing good and bad – but in the case of the Sizzling Wok's all-you-can-eat night challenges you to ignore your good side and indulge in the set menu of Chinese platters and dim sum. You wont feel too bad, however, as it will only set you back Dhs99. Tasty and cheap. A �ne balance, indeed. Sizzling Wok, Citymax Hotel, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dhs99, 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4078000. citymaxhotels.com

DIABETES MENUChefs from the Millennium Hotel have been working with diabetes experts from Mafraq Hospital, to create a menu that is nutritionally balanced and helps those with diabetes to control levels of blood glucose, blood fats, and blood pressure. Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 614 6000. millenniumhotels.com

New Asian nights and bitesOn the menu

Ping Pong is

enough already, Spectrum on

temperature on Mondays.

TWITTER RECIPECooking couldn’t be simpler with our monthly recipe in 140 characters

that is nutritionally

Chef Izi, La Petite Maison La Petite Maison, DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Sun to Fri noon to 2.30pm and 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 4390505. lpmdubai.aeFollow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

400g GRILLED RIB-EYE STEAKMarinate rib-eye with green chili, garlic, rosemary and olive oil. Season with rosemary and garlic salt mixture. Grill. Serve.


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Join us at Horizon restaurant andenjoy our lavish international buffet

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Treat the loved ones to an exceptionalIftar buffet for only AED 135 per

person inclusive of soft drinks andRamadan beverages.

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or visit rotanatimes.com

P.O. Box: 86834, Dubai, UAET: +971 (0)4 428 2000, F: +971 (0)4 434 3666

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Break the fast in style


EATING OUT

Blue RainIt opened quietly a few months back, but Ritz-Carlton’s Thai restaurant is only now starting to make some noise. But is it as good as word on the street suggests?

We visited Ritz-Carlton’s DIFC steak restaurant Center Cut (their American spelling, not ours) back in August, reporting back that, although it was decent, it was entirely bere� of patronage. In fact, a�er its grand opening, talk of the Ritz-Carlton seemed to �zzle and fade pretty quickly. But recently, its �ai restaurant, Blue Rain, started to be dropped into conversation – the kind of conversations we have, anyway. Word was it was worth a visit. And who are we to argue with the word – so time to revisit �e Ritz.

On a Tuesday night the restaurant was empty, but it shouldn’t have been. �ere are a handful of laudable �ai places in the UAE – and Blue Rain deserves to be counted among them. Not least because the sta� are so enthusiastic about their restaurant. Especially our waiter, Nirut, who harbours a strong, and not particularly well hidden, desire to be a chef – he loves �ai food, and is ready and willing to explain every little detail to you, from �avours and provenance to how to devour particular dishes.

Current chef Sawai Krasian creates food for Nirut and his colleagues to be passionate about. Of the soups, salads and appetisers, the pick was an exemplary tom yum soup – a giant prawn, not overcooked as they so o�en are in this most ubiquitous of broths, bobbing about in a sour and spicy stock of coconut, lemongrass, coriander, mushrooms and lime. Also good were the mieng kham

In tweet form… Blue Rain is better than your average Thai. Order the wagyu curry, and don’t miss the lunchtime Express menu or Saturday Thaipas Nights. Follow us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi

follow me

Need to knowLocation: The Ritz-Carlton, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai Tel: (04) 3722222 Web: ritzcarlton.com Open: Sun to Thurs noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to 11pm, Fri to Sat 6.30pm to 11pmCuisine type: ThaiMust eat: Panang nua wagyu Bill for two: Dhs700 (without alcohol)

kung (prawn wrapped in a betel leaf with ginger, lime, chilli and coconut), gai hor bai toey (a nubile nibble of chicken, again wrapped in a leaf, this time pandan, with crunchy noodles) and some fresh popia sot, or �ai spring rolls. And �nally, a tangy papaya salad with fried cat�sh.

We were advised to try the Panang beef curry (a speciality, apparently), which, thankfully, we did. Beef curries in �ailand, as the restaurant manager reminded us, are o�en made with extremely tough beef from the shabby local cattle stewed for hours and thus lacking in �avour – not so at Blue Rain. Made with melli�uous wagyu, steeped in a smooth curry sauce, we can see why the punters love it. But it’s not the be all and end all; the grilled lamb rack in ‘holy

basil marinade’ also hit the spot, especially accompanied by a large helping of soupy morning glory (water spinach). So called, according to Nirut, because it makes the eyes brighter, and one has to wake up early to buy the best of it.

A light, tea �avoured panna cotta, an attempt to create a dessert with a �ai twist that has the advantage of a broad appeal to all palates, was a success. As is Blue Rain – dinner and a culinary education, what more could you ask for?



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 World’s 50 Best Restaurants judging panel. Don’t miss his monthly musings every issue.

THE CRITIC

Rumours that the Michelin Red Guide could appear in the UAE by 2013 are enough to get most chefs toques standing on end. �e thought of something as big and sparkly as a Michelin star to brag about must be the stu� of saucy dreams for the local big-hitters. In fact, if you put your ear to the ground and feel a nascent rumble, that’ll be the food and beverage PRs of the Emirates, vibrating gently.

Exciting stu�, there’s no doubt. But just a month or so a�er a French restaurant handed back its Michelin star, it has

to be asked: are Michelin stars becoming an irrelevance?

Le Lisita – the only restaurant to be awarded the accolade in the southern French town of Nimes – o�oaded its star because the demands of being a Michelin-rated restaurant were just too great. More sta� had to be hired to deliver the exacting level of service required and costs went up, driving punters away. Once the restaurant reverted back to its brasserie-style service, the customers returned in their droves. �e food hadn’t changed.

�e above case may be down to the economic situation in Europe, but there’s reason to believe diners around the world are looking for a more relaxed and informal experience – without compromising on the food.

�ree Michelin stars

disappeared o� the face of the earth last month when El Bulli closed for good. But the legendary restaurant of Catalan chef Ferran Adria has been superseded in Barcelona by Tickets – a casual tapas concept with a fairground theme. Standards are still impeccably high, of course, but instead of having a snotty maître d’ glare at you for picking up the wrong spoon, the emphasis is on having fun.

Perhaps Michelin will award Adria’s latest venture a star? �at might be the catalyst for changing the way Michelin

judges restaurants. But should we really pay attention to a bunch of self-important and stu�y inspectors with anal �xations on how many creases there are in a folded napkin anyway?

Even the number one restaurant in the world (according to the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants) has yet to win its third Michelin star. Yet you’ll have to be cryogenically frozen and thawed out when Aston Villa win the Premier League [for which read, never – Ed] to get a reservation at Copenhagen’s Noma.

Don’t get me wrong. �e kudos that comes with Michelin stars is something all chefs crave. But by the time the Michelin guide comes to the UAE – with all the pyrotechnic promotional hoo-ha that will involve – the light shed from its coveted stars may well be starting to �zzle out.

“THERE’S REASON TO BELIEVE DINERS AROUND THE WORLD ARE LOOKING FOR A MORE RELAXED AND INFORMAL EXPERIENCE – WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON THE FOOD”


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ARTS


p44 Building blocksp45 Five to seep46 The art insider

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1Saudi Arabian artist Sami Al-Turki made a name for himself charting the physical development of Dubai, a passion that continues in his latest series, Constructakons

How did you come to work in Dubai?Well, I grew up in Saudi Arabia, where it was said that the city’s people bathe in black gold. When the time came to move on to higher education I le� in search of a dream, one that was promised by ad campaigns and the giant billboards in this new oasis called Dubai.Your current exhibition charts the continuing growth of the city. Why is that so important to you?‘Continuing growth’ – not any more, as one can see; as the whalers of the city are now realising, what goes up must come down. �e only thing that kept the momentum going was a presence of a monster slowing down the ship, but the wake of the boom is �nally catching up with the vessel.Tell us a little about your fascination with construction and machinery.I’m just like any young boy who became fascinated with machines and the way that they can construct something out of nothing – not on their own, obviously, but with the aid of humans. �e principal of shi�ing earth around and forcing a change to what was laid by nature and transforming the landscape into a creation of their own is somewhat bewildering, but has consequences in the long run, I believe.As a photographic and video artist, are you merely recording what you see or do you put something more personal into your subjects?Artists have several ideas and judgments about one thing; there must be a form of a complex compassion between the receiver, messenger and the message. So being an observer is only a part of what is expected, otherwise I would have been wildlife photographer.

Building blocks

You �rst came to attention with a series recording the lives of Dubai’s migrant workers. How did that come about?�e idea of the project Li�s was that I would give a li�/ride to anyone who seemed to need one, and by the wheels that turned in Dubai all who did were the migrant workers who put their hopes and dreams into the city. �en I ended up in Sanapor, a labour camp on the city limits. Funnily enough, I think the name translates to city of gold. Why does Dubai remain such an interesting subject for you? In pre-recession, the city was a test subject to the whims and the ideas that any human could come up with. Whatever they dreamed

of, everyone was ready to lay their life on the line for it – cites in the sky, vertical gardens in the desert, underwater hotels, islands dropped in the sea, canals running for miles through the dry deserts. I guess in a sense that an old proverb could work here – ‘No one ever thinks that the well will run dry’, and that is what fascinated me about Dubai in the past. Now being a part of the city that gave all the opportunities I could have ever dreamed of is something special, unforgettable and I’m hopeful for what comes next. But only time will tell.Until Aug 31, Gallery 2, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, free. pavilion.ae

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Building blocks

Paint chartsTake advantage of the quiet summer season with the Jam Jar’s cut-price rates for painting sessions. With prices starting from as little as Dhs35 for a seven-inch-square canvas, there’s no reason for you not to add it to your list of summer resolutions (see page 46). Picasso, your canvas awaits!thejamjardubai.com

Jar’s cut-price rates for painting sessions.

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Five to see

ÅNEW WORKS: NARGESS HASHEMIThe Iranian artist’s solo show reopens after a short summer nap. The fascination in Hashemi’s drawings of traditional Iranian ceremonies and celebrations lies in the subtext. Not only do they speak of her awkwardness in relation to such a�airs, but drawn as they are from real events, they reveal the clash between ‘traditional’ Iran and its recent political struggles. Fascinating.Aug 15 to 31, Gallery IVDE, Unit 17, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3235052. ivde.net

ÑDIVISION BY ZEROCarbon 12 presents one of the strongest of this year’s crop of summer exhibitions. Anahita Razmi, Mathias Garnitschnig, Aamir Habib and Florian Hafel explore the criss-crossing boundaries of contemporary art, investigating the path from concept to form between the personal and the political. Until Sept 15, Carbon 12, Warehouse D37, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai. Tel: (050) 4644392. carbon12dubai.com

ÉSTEPHANO GALLIThe Italian artist takes up residence at Abu Dhabi’s The Social Hub café throughout this month. We think their colourful slice-of-life scenes are a little reminiscent of popular British artist Beryl Cook (minus her trademark fat ladies). Not challenging, perhaps, but just the thing to brighten up a long summer’s day.Until Aug 31, The Social Hub, 2454 Bldg 4, Al Salam Street, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 4411117

ÅPOSITION, VELOCITY, ACCELERATIONRather appropriately, this group exhibition at XVA takes summer as its focus. Seven artists stick more or less loosely to the theme, including Sami al Karim, Nelda Gilliam and Caroline Krop�. Loredana Mantello’s Sea Serpent is staggering for its scale alone.Until Sept 19, XVA Gallery DIFC, Building 7, Gate Village, DIFC, off Zabeel Road, Dubai. Tel: (056) 1032766. xvagallery.com

ÅART EUPHORIAArtist and gallerist Cynthia Reta Richards presents a solo show of her own work this month. Expect to see much of her trademark colour and pattern, mixed with a rich geometry. And on August 23 the gallery’s monthly Art & Co�ee event will be looking at how ‘art soothes’, with Ayushy Sajnani.Until Aug 31, Art Couture Gallery, Blue Al Fattan Marine Towers, The Walk, JBR, between the Ritz Carlton and Hilton hotels, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3994331. artcoutureuae.com

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ARTS


Art historian, dedicated collector and managing director of Dubai’s 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: [email protected]

THE ART INSIDERARTS

THE What inspires your work? My wonderful mother's small talk was the �rst thing that helped me to create my paintings. My works are heavy with colours and fonts, amulets and icons, the life of the people of my country and everyone who is full of creative anarchy. They represent beauty �ghting back against the forces of ignorance, disease and stagnant minds, because beauty alone puts man on the purest and highest level of life.Your canvases are full of imagery – what’s behind that?The experience of transforming my work on paper, with all its elements, to a work of art on canvas was one of my dreams after my work about the Euphrates and the Syrian desert was exhibited in Paris in 1992. I became obsessed with the idea of adapting the work of art and its subjects into other assets that may riot against the human and turn into other objects.Describe your work in three words…Love and life.Until Sept 6, Aspen, Kempinski Hotel, Dubai, free. vindemia2010. dukkanarabia.com

Syrian artist Aboud Salman

Five minutes with...

Think summer camps are just for kids? Think again. DIAC has a list of activities to get any grown-up’s creative juices �owing. Fancy channelling your inner Monet? Then there’s a short course in impressionist painting. Or perhaps Van Gough’s fervent, thickly daubed paint is where you see your talent developing? Then it would be the weekly palette knife painting course for you. To learn more about a traditional art form, there is Arabic calligraphy. Or you could take your genre o� the page completely with a lesson in sculpture, pottery, dress pattern making, photography, knitting, crochet or stu�ed toy making: the list, while not quite endless, is certainly exhaustive. artdubai.com

Learning ZoneHaving covered the pricing of artworks in my last column, I will now delve into the o�en-tricky world of authenticity.

When buying a work of art, a certificate of authenticity should always be requested from the seller. It acts as a warranty that gives you the right to reclaim your funds if the work turns out to be an outright fake or has perhaps been predated by the artist to add more to its value. The artwork in question may have been looted, and there have been instances when the seller is unauthorised in their dealings, that is he or she is not the legal owner (who in this case would be unaware of the sale). If something unpleasant arises in the future, and if there is proof that there was intent to deceive, it is this certificate or printed warranty that

gives you the right to reclaim, as well as sue for damages.

All galleries, art dealers and auction houses have a responsibility to supply such documents to the buyer if requested. One way to ensure that the information provided is correct is to buy the work from the recog-nised agent of the artist. �ere was a case, in New Delhi in 2009, which was well reported internationally, when SH Raza turned up at his own show and stated that a few of the works displayed were by him, but that most were fake.

�e show was organised by an unauthor-ised dealer and the work came from the sec-ondary market. When you can, buy artwork from the recognised gallery that represents the artist, whom in turn can, and will, liaise with the artist on your behalf.

In relation to auction houses, Sotheby’s will supply certi�cates of authenticity when and where available, as will Bonham’s. �e senior legal counsel of Christie’s informed me by e-mail that: “Christie’s does not issue certi�cates of authenticity.” Christie’s states in its list what is guaranteed, this being what is listed in the catalogue in upper case script only – anything else they do not guarantee.

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25˚55˚. THE LOCATION FOR THE PERFECT IFTAR

Sublime sunset views of Dubai Marina create the perfect backdrop to an unforgettable Iftar. Enjoy the unique ambience with live-cooking on our seafront terrace – serving sizzling mixed grills, shawarma, a hot and cold oriental buffet and traditional Ramadan beverages. So relax well into the night to the classic melodies of live Oud.

The quintessential Ramadan with family and friends – every day from 6.00pm onwards. AED 99 per person.

Group bookings also available.

For further inquiries or reservations, call +971 4 362 7900or visit www.dubaimarinayachtclub.com

Free valet parking available upon validation.

SHOPPING


p51 Sophia says...p53 Summer fragrances testedp54 The blogp55 Playlist

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SHOPPING

We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia Serin away from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby What’s On office to answer your wardrobe woes

Do you have a fashion question for Sophia? E-mail: [email protected]

SOPHIA SAYS...

I often wear �ip-�ops for work and need to up my game, but don’t want to wear heels. What style of �at should I be looking for? Sylvia, Abu DhabiYou can’t go wrong with a chic pair of ballet �ats. Depending on your budget, New Look have some cheap and cheerful options, but if you want to walk the designer route Repetto or French Sole are a stylish option. You can wear these slippers with a skirt, jeans or day dress and the best part – you will be comfy, as well as chic.

I am travelling this month and my wife has told me to ditch the backpack and buy some new luggage – any suggestions? Farid, Sharjah�e backpack has de�nitely got to go, as these are only acceptable for people under the age of 21. Head to Samsonite for good quality luggage that will last a lifetime, and bon voyage.

I love the colour-blocking look this season, but it seems like a passing trend – how can I incorporate this look into my wardrobe without spending too much money? Anna, Dubai.Buy from the high street. You won’t care as much when you throw out a Dhs100 dress from H&M than you would a Dhs10,000 number from Gucci.

The strap on my Mulberry Alexa bag has snapped – is there anyone in the UAE who can repair it? And sort out the scu�marks, too? Sarah, DubaiI would de�nitely take it back to the place of purchase. �is bag is so new to the market that it really should not be falling apart just yet. �is might be a problem if you are pushed for time, as they may need to send the bag back to England, but good things take time. If they refuse to �x it, try Minutes in �e Dubai Mall for the strap and scu�marks. Whenever you buy a new bag (or shoes) it is vital to spray it with protector before you take it out for its �rst wear – this will keep the scu�marks at bay and protect from things like drink spills, dust and general wear and tear.



SHOPPING

SUMMER SCENTS

CALVIN KLEIN CK One Summer A summery twist on the 1990s classic, CK One Summer has a long-lasting citrus smell, fresh packaging and a tres reasonable price tag, making it a must-have for the young ‘uns out there. But a word of caution, as it is unisex, there is a slightly masculine edge. Dhs185 for 100ml

BECKHAM Intimately Yours For HerThis is more of a cleaning product than a summer fragrance, smelling arti�cial and fairly unpleasant. On the bright side, the scent fades quickly. Perhaps the Beckhams should stick to socialising and choosing bizarre names for their spawn. Dhs195 for 75ml

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Classique The striking packaging raised our hopes, but the initial scent was a let down. Although distinct, the lemony aroma was reminiscent of the hot �annels you’re given on a plane. It’s nice for the dressing table, but not the nose. Dhs283 for 100ml

MARC JACOBS Daisy Eau So Fresh Sweet smelling with a �oral, fruity twist, Daisy Eau So Fresh has a playful, feminine personality and the bottle makes owning a bit of Marc Jacobs design eau so easy. A woody note follows the initial �owery whi�, which is pleasant but it doesn’t last long. Dhs440 for 125ml

GUESS Seductive Wild Summer Youthful and pretty, Guess’ new perfume is a long-lasting blend of pear, lychee, berries and vanilla that is inspired by hot summer nights. Think Brazil rather than Barsha, this is an exotic scent design to seduce. Lock up your sons. Dhs175 for 50ml

KENZO L’eau De Kenzo Amour The dominant notes of vanilla, subtle �oral accents and hints of orange attract a more mature audience to this summer scent, but sadly it fades fast. We loved the packaging, but sadly aesthetic appeal isn’t enough when you’re buying perfume. Dhs327 for 70ml

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NINA RICCI Dancing Ribbon At the pricier end of the scale, but undoubtedly worth it, Nina Ricci’s new scent practically reeks of holiday romance. No, not Hawaiian Tropic and teenage boys, Dancing Ribbon has sweet berry notes and is distinctive enough for evenings, too. Dhs225 for 50ml

DAVIDOFF Cool Water Summer Dive Fresh, clean and simple, you’ll sni� out hints of lemon lingering after the initial scent of zesty melon. A great daytime fragrance, it’s not strong enough for the evening, but is really refreshing and ideal for the under-25s. Dhs190 for 100ml

ISSEY MIYAKE L’eau D’Issey Summer The intriguing smell of this scent is just as unique as its packaging – bold and bright. A new take on Miyake’s popular perfume, the crisp smell of pear with a woody base note has a lasting e�ect, perfect for a long summer day.Dhs288 for 100ml

BULGARI Mon Jasmin Noir Bulgari’s new perfume embodies modern sophistication, while pitching to a younger audience than the original Jasmin Noir. It has a musky base with �oral top notes, resulting in a ladylike fragrance with a hint of mystery. Expensive, but high quality. Dhs320 for 50ml

GUCCI Guilty Gucci’s latest o�ering is well suited to fans of fresh scents, with a mix of pink pepper, peach and mandarin creating a sophisticated aroma. It’s more grown-up than many on the market, and would be a good choice for a romantic dinner a deux. Dhs390 for 75ml

YVES SAINT LAURENT SaharienneSaharienne promises to be an ideal summer scent, contrasting the warmer desert aromas with more fresh, cooler accents to give a powerful and exotic blend. The result is an edgy, unusual mix with a spicy side that we took quite the fancy to. Dhs295 for 75ml

Find a new signature perfume, or the perfect olfactory companion to your wardrobe, with the latest summer fragrances


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 INSEAD’s 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.

www.adcb.com | www.insead.edu | www.facebook.com/emirateswomanmagazine

STOP DREAMING ABOUT MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND START BELIEVING. WHAT COULD USD10,000 DO FOR YOUR AMBITION?

TO ENTER VISIT

READYSETSTRATEGISE!

WWW.EMIRATESWOMANAWARDS.COMwww.adcb.com | www.insead.edu | www.facebook.com/emirateswomanmagazine

NOMINATIONS CLOSE

ON 15th AUGUST!

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adcb ambition awards ad (nominations close) - wo.pdf 7/25/11 9:43:04 AM


SHOPPING

SUMMER SCENTS

CALVIN KLEIN CK One Summer A summery twist on the 1990s classic, CK One Summer has a long-lasting citrus smell, fresh packaging and a tres reasonable price tag, making it a must-have for the young ‘uns out there. But a word of caution, as it is unisex, there is a slightly masculine edge. Dhs185 for 100ml

BECKHAM Intimately Yours For HerThis is more of a cleaning product than a summer fragrance, smelling arti�cial and fairly unpleasant. On the bright side, the scent fades quickly. Perhaps the Beckhams should stick to socialising and choosing bizarre names for their spawn. Dhs195 for 75ml

JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER Classique The striking packaging raised our hopes, but the initial scent was a let down. Although distinct, the lemony aroma was reminiscent of the hot �annels you’re given on a plane. It’s nice for the dressing table, but not the nose. Dhs283 for 100ml

MARC JACOBS Daisy Eau So Fresh Sweet smelling with a �oral, fruity twist, Daisy Eau So Fresh has a playful, feminine personality and the bottle makes owning a bit of Marc Jacobs design eau so easy. A woody note follows the initial �owery whi�, which is pleasant but it doesn’t last long. Dhs440 for 125ml

GUESS Seductive Wild Summer Youthful and pretty, Guess’ new perfume is a long-lasting blend of pear, lychee, berries and vanilla that is inspired by hot summer nights. Think Brazil rather than Barsha, this is an exotic scent design to seduce. Lock up your sons. Dhs175 for 50ml

KENZO L’eau De Kenzo Amour The dominant notes of vanilla, subtle �oral accents and hints of orange attract a more mature audience to this summer scent, but sadly it fades fast. We loved the packaging, but sadly aesthetic appeal isn’t enough when you’re buying perfume. Dhs327 for 70ml

ALL

AVA

ILA

BLE

IN D

EBEN

HA

MS

AN

D P

ARI

S G

ALL

ERY,

VA

RIO

US

BRA

NC

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NINA RICCI Dancing Ribbon At the pricier end of the scale, but undoubtedly worth it, Nina Ricci’s new scent practically reeks of holiday romance. No, not Hawaiian Tropic and teenage boys, Dancing Ribbon has sweet berry notes and is distinctive enough for evenings, too. Dhs225 for 50ml

DAVIDOFF Cool Water Summer Dive Fresh, clean and simple, you’ll sni� out hints of lemon lingering after the initial scent of zesty melon. A great daytime fragrance, it’s not strong enough for the evening, but is really refreshing and ideal for the under-25s. Dhs190 for 100ml

ISSEY MIYAKE L’eau D’Issey Summer The intriguing smell of this scent is just as unique as its packaging – bold and bright. A new take on Miyake’s popular perfume, the crisp smell of pear with a woody base note has a lasting e�ect, perfect for a long summer day.Dhs288 for 100ml

BULGARI Mon Jasmin Noir Bulgari’s new perfume embodies modern sophistication, while pitching to a younger audience than the original Jasmin Noir. It has a musky base with �oral top notes, resulting in a ladylike fragrance with a hint of mystery. Expensive, but high quality. Dhs320 for 50ml

GUCCI Guilty Gucci’s latest o�ering is well suited to fans of fresh scents, with a mix of pink pepper, peach and mandarin creating a sophisticated aroma. It’s more grown-up than many on the market, and would be a good choice for a romantic dinner a deux. Dhs390 for 75ml

YVES SAINT LAURENT SaharienneSaharienne promises to be an ideal summer scent, contrasting the warmer desert aromas with more fresh, cooler accents to give a powerful and exotic blend. The result is an edgy, unusual mix with a spicy side that we took quite the fancy to. Dhs295 for 75ml

Find a new signature perfume, or the perfect olfactory companion to your wardrobe, with the latest summer fragrances



SHOPPING

THE STRANGER’S CHILDAlan HollinghurstThe latest novel from literary giant Alan Hollinghurst – his �rst outing since winning the 2004 Man Booker-Prize for The Line Of Beauty – spans 95 years from 1913 to 2008. But the subject throughout is young, aristocratic poet Cecil Valance and a poem written before he heads o� to �ght, and die, in WW1. Valance scribbles the work in question in the diary belonging to a friend’s sister during a debauched weekend at Two Acres – a majestic villa in the London suburbs. And, as Hollinghurst guides us into the new millennium, it is that solitary work that serves as the driving force of what is a sophisticated and absorbing story, as the impact of Cecil’s weekend at Two Acres is slowly revealed.

HERRING ON THE NILELC TylerEthelred Tressider is a struggling writer attempting to breathe new life into his career by embarking on a trip down the Nile. However, almost as soon as the boat sets o�, a passenger is found dead – murder is afoot, and everyone is a suspect. Tyler is clearly a fan of the queen of crime �ction, Agatha Christie – even the title is a nod to the mistress of murder mystery – but that’s by no means a bad thing. With dark wit and shady characters, Tyler’s contemporary spin on a Christie-esque tale of intrigue and adventure is at worst an entertaining homage, and at best an exhilarating read.

IN DEFENCE OF DOGSJohn BradshawThe age-old question beckons: if dogs could talk, then what would they say? It is this poser that biologist, and all-round dog man, John Bradshaw attempts to answer in his book, In Defence Of Dogs. The book looks into the evolution of the canine, from being kept for working purposes to their more common role as a domesticated pet and, in many cases, a member of the family. Having studied the behaviour of domestic dogs for over 25 years, the author proposes modern ideas of the role of dogs and the way they are understood by contemporary society.

All available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya

The bookworm

The Line Of Beauty

the boat sets o�, a passenger is found dead

. The book looks into the evolution of the

Recommendations from our wriggly, book-reading friend

THE BLOG

�e holidays are here, and for most of us it’s a chance to escape the heat of the Emirates and head to a country where the average daily temperature isn’t 45 degrees – and rising. And with a summer trip comes the inevitable wardrobe meltdown, which, for some people, means a chance to ‘go wild’. What is it about the holidays that bring normally sane, relatively well-dressed men and women out in ridiculous wardrobe attire? Shorts and o�ce shoes (boys, you know who you are), see-through white dresses (crime against fashion) Hawaiian shirts, Speedos – they all scream ‘bad holiday wardrobe’. And, judging by the Facebook photos already popping up, no-one is safe from this phenomenon. �ere’s nothing like a Speedo-wearing perpetrator in the background of your holiday snaps to ruin a new potential pro�le pic.

I remember one a�ernoon when the beautiful view of the Indian Ocean from my remote island getaway in the Maldives was spoilt by the outline of a rather large and tubby man in a very tiny pair of shorts – not nice.

In fact, things were so bad amongst the British population that last summer a list of what not to wear when on holiday was compiled by Heathrow Airport. At the top of the list were beach thongs. �is awful, dental �oss-sized beachwear, so popular with Britney Spears and sleazy nightclub owners, might give you an ‘all over tan’ but it’s the ultimate in

In this month’s blog, lovestyle.com editor and blogger Primrose Skelton gives us some tips on what not to pack. Hint: burn the

bad taste. Next up were socks and sandals – although this has been a recent catwalk trend, I can verify it is a look for supermodels and fashion designers only.

For me ‘crazzzzyyy’ neon, bum bags, Bermuda shorts, Crocs and the wrong swimwear are all holiday fashion monstrosities.

Of course, style and holidays can be great partners; it just takes a push in the right direction.

Firstly, remember that just because you are abroad, it doesn’t mean you can’t be stylish. OK, so you might not see anyone you know for a couple of weeks (other than the people who are away with you – show some respect) but for your own self-worth try to pick pieces that still represent who you are.

Ladies – the S/S11 trend of colour blocking is great for a capsule wardrobe while away. Take one bright skirt, and mix and match with a couple of di�erent coloured vests. Zara and Topshop have a great selection. Next up, grab a maxi dress – or two. �ey are cool and versatile, plus buy in light cotton and you won’t have to worry about creases. Gladiator �ats in gold or silver will work well with dresses and jeans, while Havaianas are ideal for the beach and sightseeing. Boys – think tailored cotton shorts, dark jeans, a couple of T-shirts, a few nice �tted shirts, loafers and �ip-�ops.

Both sexes should wear Ray-Ban aviators, a trilby and a laid-back attitude.

Happy holidays!Primrose Skelton is the editor of lovestyle.com



DVDTHE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (Universal Pictures)While the trailer has you expecting two hours of Matt Damon running away from men with fedoras, The Adjustment Bureau is actually a well-paced �lm that tries hard not to rely on action-heavy sequences (until the last 20 minutes, anyway), and more on the relationship between the two protagonists. Damon plays an ambitious politician, David Norris, whose life is turned on its head after a chance meeting with Elise (Emily Blunt), a beautiful ballerina – but was their meeting really by chance?Out now

ALBUMDAVID GUETTANOTHING BUT THE BEAT(EMI)Feather-fringed Frenchman David Guetta’s �fth studio album shows o� his mega-star status with a host of big name guesting alongside the dance doyen. And if Guetta’s transition to fully-�edged popstar was ever in doubt, then this is an album that clearly sets the record straight, as Guetta and chums Snoop Dogg, Akon, Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida, Usher and will.i.am show o� their lyrical prowess.Out now

GAMEUFC PERSONAL TRAINER: THE ULTIMATE FITNESS SYSTEMTHQ for Xbox360 and PS3The UFC �ghting crew throw their hats into the gaming �tness ring, with their version of personal training, �ghting style. Using the motion detecting Kinect or Playstation Move, users �ght and kick their way through a specially programmed workout. You can select from either pre-made or customised workouts, or even follow 30-day programmes if you’re dedicated, but either way make sure you like throwing a lot of air punches and kicks.Out now

PlaylistThe pick of this month’s new releases

1/2 AD


MIND & BODY


THE

SPA

, TH

E RI

TZC

ARL

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, DIF

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p59 The verdictp60 Totally tropicalp61 Public speakingp62 His ‘n’ hersp63 Spa news

57-63 Mind&Body DXB.indd 57 7/27/11 11:07:09 PM

Delicious Iftar means a taste of Sanabel.

Enjoy an interactive Iftar Buffet with live cooking stations featuring

mixed grills, tandoor, hot mezzes, arabic desserts and many more.

Visit us at the East corner of Mall of the Emirates.

Book for 10 people or more and avail 30% savings on your total bill.

Pullman Dubai Mall of the EmiratesGet Closer With Friends and Family this Ramadan at Sanabel

Your loya l ty program

New attitude hotels for business travelers. www.pullmanhotels.comFor further information and reservation, please contact us: +971 4 377 2000


MIND & BODY

The verdictLife changing treatment, or utterly terrifying? We don the protective glasses and let a laser tackle the stubble troubleLife changing treatment, or utterly terrifying? We don the

LASER HAIR

REMOVAL

During wintery months in cold countries, our legs, under arms and bikini lines are hidden beneath layers of 60 denier tights and swathes of wool, allowing a cosy cocoon of ignorance. Not so in the UAE, when each weekend seems to o�er up beaches, boat parties and brunches, all in the glaring sunlight. Rogue hairs seem magni�ed, one-day growth looms like the Black Forest and good luck if you are a stranger to the waxer’s table. So what to do?

To quote Dr Evil, we need a sophisticated heat beam, which we call “a laser”. Many use a machine called Cynosure, which is one of the most e�ective methods of permanent hair removal; most clients require three to six sessions to become fuzz-free forever. Quick word of warning to the blondes though – lasers aren’t for you; the technique ‘explodes’ the pigmentation in the hair, which destroys the follicle and ultimately leads to smooth skin. So while you might think fair, �ne fur would be easy to get rid of, it’s actually dark, coarse hair that yields the best results.

For those of you who incorporate hair removal into your monthly grooming regime, view the laser approach like buying a house, an investment, while temporary methods like epilating, removal creams and waxing are more like renting.

Hair today...Think laser hair removal is for girls? Not so: it’s fast becoming a grooming essential for fellas, too

WHY? Simple: clearing hair in unsightly places. male customers at clinic Silkor have backs, stomachs, chests, toes and even �ngers turned into hairless expanses smoother than the proverbial baby’s backside.

HOW? First, obviously, select the desired area. I went for my stomach, not least as the pain increases closer to the bone. A pen guideline is sketched out in macabre Frankenstein’s monster manner, before a trimmer and disposable razor begin the initial, err, deforestation. Then comes the laser, a small handheld gun the size of a barcode scanner, dragged across the skin and lubricated with gel reminiscent of antenatal scans.

PAIN FACTOR? With a prickling, pulling sensation that feels like hair being tweezered from the inside, therapist Patricia warns this isn’t a relaxing treatment. It is bearable – just – although the sizzled follicle odour hardly heightens enjoyment.

RESULTS? One session isn’t permanent; several more are required for that e�ect. But once heat rash-esque irritation subsides, I’m left with a stomach covered in stubbly hair roots that gradually fall out. A follow-up session ten days later completes the zapping process.

Silkor, Villa 1, Zayed The First Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, from Dhs400 per session. Tel: (02) 6816070. silkor.com

Dubai’s Beach Road is lined with clinics o�ering the service, including EuroMed. Rebecca Treston, our practitioner, whips up her trouser leg to demonstrate shins that look like they’ve always been hairless. It’s quite extraordinary. Filled with con�dence, we hop up on the table and put on some protective glasses and a�er shaving the unwanted hair, Rebecca gets to work with a small laser, administered via a pen-shaped gun. Depending on the body part you’re treating – clearly some areas are more, well, sensitive than others – your reaction will range from ‘is that all?’ to ‘yeowwww!’ but each session takes mere minutes, numbing gel is used and the heat generated by the laser quickly cools down. A�erwards, some people might su�er from tenderness or blisters, but it’s rare and a quick slick of a healing cream will sooth any discomfort. With a wait of a month between sessions, it’s best to leave the blitzed area alone if you can and it took four trips to leave us hair-free. Do our shins measure up to Rebecca’s? Yes. It’s weird – as if stubble never grew there. Bye-bye razors and having hair ripped away with wax. Forever. Gotta love technological advances. Rebecca Treston @ Euromed Clinic, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, from Dhs250 per session. Tel: (04) 3945422. euromedclinicdubai.com


MIND & BODY


What? Gelish French mani-pediCountry of origin? FranceWhere can I try it? Tips & ToesWhat does it involve? French manicures are characterised by natural, pink polish with white at the tips and are thought to have been introduced in Paris during the 18th century. Times they are a-changing, though, and new techniques have been developed to make your mani-pedi last longer. Gelish is a soak-o� gel polish that, after nails are clipped, �led and bu�ed, is applied in layers (base coat, polish, white tip, polish, white tip, polish and top coat – phew), each sealed with a 30-second blast of UV light, promising no chipping or peeling for up to three weeks. The process takes longer than your usual trip to the nail salon (we started to get a numb bum after an hour and a half ), but promises the durability of acrylic nails, without the damage. Does it work? Instead of looking like scary false nails, this mani-pedi looks like your own nails – but better. The big bonus for clumsy types is that because the gel is ‘set’ by the UV light, you leave the salon with rock-hard polish, so there’s no danger of smudging and cursing the second you leave. The only downside is not being able to remove it with nail varnish remover and a cotton wool pad – you need to soak your �ngertips in acetone for �ve minutes then scrape it o�, or go to the salon for the therapists to do it. Still, Gelish saves on the weekly mani-pedis and looks so good chances are you’ll be back to try it again anyway. Details: Tips & Toes, various branches, Dhs240. Tel: (04) 3492918. tipsntoeshaven.com

What? Ku Nye massageCountry of origin? TibetWhere can I try it? The Spa at Ritz-Carlton DIFCWhat does it involve? Forget Mount Everest, anti-Chinese occupation campaigns and, um, yaks; Tibet also has a rich history of traditional medicines and therapies to experience. The Ku Nye massage would be ideal if you’ve been hiking in the Himalayas, but is equally useful for straightening you out after a week of pounding the mean streets of Manhattan and a 14-hour �ight, as we found out. It aims to balance the �ve elements in your body with �ve essential oils, using Tibetan techniques of massage, kneading, acupressure on meridian points and cupping. The spa also incorporates hot herb poultices and stones, with the therapist working on each limb, leaving heat behind to soothe and detoxify.Does it work? Maybe it was the jetlag. Maybe it was the warm stones. Who knows? But after 15 minutes of stretching, muscle manipulation and massage, it was sleep central. The Ku Nye treatment left us refreshed, with the therapist working on pressure points to energise the body. The combination of snoozing, moisturising oils and knot-busting beat the body clock blues and we strolled out recharged. Details: The Spa, Ritz-Carlton DIFC, DIFC, Dubai, Dhs600 for 80 minutes. Tel: (04) 3722222. ritzcarlton.com

Totally tropicalTry the world’s best treatments from the comfort of the spa. This month month we take trips to Tibet and France for a massage and a mani-pedi



Totally tropical Speak upTerrified of public speaking? Improve your communication skills. Coach and consultant Jacqueline Harris breaks down how…

What are the most common mistakes people make in their communications?One of the biggest I come across is overuse of e-mail, assuming that it’s the most e�cient method. It’s o�en not the best or most appropriate method for the message or the receiver. I go into businesses and talk about how e-mails are used in an o�ce: people will say they e-mail the person at the desk next to them.Has overuse of e-mail and the Internet significantly affected people’s skills?I think so. Fundamentally beneath communications skills is the rapport and connection you have with the people you’re communicating with. It’s very di�cult when it’s a screen in front of you rather than a person. �ink through what you want to communicate and what’s the best method to do that.What are your top tips for public speaking?I really can’t underestimate the importance of prepara-tion, planning and practicing.

When I work with people who put the proper preparation in, they reduce their nerves hugely, because they feel a lot more con�dent in what they’re saying, and come across a lot more professional. Make eye contact with everyone in the audience. Be comfortable with silence. Make sure your body language and tone of voice supports what you’re saying. Are there any other important things to remember?Bring your personality across. Sometimes, in business, we feel that we can’t do that. People buy from people, so remember to bring personality into the pres-entation of any communication. On a personal level, improving your communication skills will help with raising your pro�le, establishing credibility and enhancing career prospects.

Professional Coaching International, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (050) 9087434. E-mail: [email protected]. pciperformance.com

57-63 Mind&Body DXB.indd 61 7/27/11 11:07:19 PMVertical HP – TRIM - 245mm (H) x 88mm (W)

For bookings or more information, please call 04 366 9111or email [email protected]

Break your daily fast and spend more quality time with your family and friends this holy month of Ramadan at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City.

During this month of blessing, Chef’s House welcomes you with a delicious array of traditional Iftar Buffet at sundown for only AED 99 per person or AED 119 including fresh juices, coffee and tea. For private or group Iftar bookings, corporate packages are available on request. Ramadan Kareem.

Iftar at Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City

MIND & BODY


His ‘n’ hersWe head to the dunes to unwind at Al Maha Resort’s Timeless spa

His Hers

TALK US THROUGH ITFear not, you won’t emerge from this massage smelling of camels. �e treatment begins with some body brushing, then it’s on to a full body rub-down with gentle stretching, using relaxing, balancing or energising aromatherapy oils.

THE BEST BITInstead of staring through the hole in the massage table at a �ower in a bowl, there’s a tiny sandpit within arms reach so you can �ddle with that. �e shoulder rub was excellent, too.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?�e therapist had some good chat, and I got an attack of the

TALK US THROUGH IT�is detoxifying massage serves up half an hour of exfoliation and basting in algae, before being tightly wrapped in foil and le� to gently heat while enjoying a head massage. �is is followed by a shower to remove the algae and an hour-long massage with detox oil. BEST BITCall me childish, but I enjoyed blasting the algae o� in the shower with the nine, count them, nine jets. It made me feel like I was going through a car wash. AWKWARD MOMENTSNot really, other than realising that my entire body had been painted green, except for my nipples. HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS?By the end of the �rst half an hour, they were covered in algae, but a second pair kept me fresh for the massage. In one word: supportive. SLEEP FACTOR�e massage was extremely relaxing, but also gave my stressed-out shoulders and back a good working, so no danger of falling asleep. �ere was too much enjoyment to be had from the stress absconding to waste it by falling asleep.

giggles for no apparent reason. I also had to be shaken awake. So two fairly awkward moments. You can’t take me anywhere.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS?Stretchy mini-shorts. None of your papery pants here. Very good indeed.

SLEEP FACTOR?High. Very. Embarrassingly so. But I woke up feeling refreshed rather than disorientated, so major points for that.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED?If you need some serious time out, have aching muscles and want to enjoy a spa session in a stunning location then, get thee to the Al Maha.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG?Dhs370 for one hour, or take advantage of Al Maha’s Summer Indulgence package (Dhs1,200) which includes a 60-minute treatment, use of the pool, spa facilities and lunch.

Hers

TALK US THROUGH ITFear not, you won’t emerge from this massage smelling of camels. �e treatment begins

ALGAE DETOX MASSAGE THERAPY

DESERT AROMA MASSAGE

Al Maha, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, 8am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 8329900. al-maha.com

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED?Anyone – the staff are incredibly funny, and seem to really enjoy their work. Anyone looking for a retreat from the city should make the visit, as the spa also benefits from an enormous infinity pool overlooking the desert. HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG?�e Algae Detox Massage �erapy costs Dhs600 for 90 minutes of total escapism from everyday life.



1/2 AD

Spa newsBeauty bargains and extraordinary offers to enjoy this month

SARAY SPA Get in touch with local traditions this Ramadan at Saray Spa. Through the use of ancient healing techniques, the elasticity-granting fruit enzyme facial (Dhs230) and the replenishing lemon and mint body polish (Dhs190) will revive you in a swift hour. Say goodbye to A/C-ruined skin.Until Sept 30, Saray Spa, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3194000. marriott.com

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPALeave your little monsters in the kids’ club while you enjoy a weekend spa treat at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and unwind with either a 60-minute massage or foot re�exology (Dhs495). This summer treat also includes a lunch bu�et and access to both the pool and beach. Until Aug 31, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8145555. jebelali-international.com SENSO WELLNESS CENTREFeel the need to relax but don’t know what to choose? It seems The Senso Wellness Centre has the solution. The three and half hour August special (Dhs700) includes a Swedish massage, body polish and wrap, an energising facial, and the choice of either a manicure or pedicure. Top to toe body blitzing. Until Aug 31, Senso Wellness Centre, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. Tel: (04) 3669111. radissonblu.com THAI PRIVILEGE SPAStart booking ladies, the Thai Privilege Spa is o�ering half-price wellness and relaxation courtesy of its exotic spa concepts. Book an appointment between 4pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday until the end of August and prepare to be spoiled by a 50 per cent discount on your chosen therapy.Until Aug 31, Thai Privilege Spa, Villa 1047, Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489679. thaiprivilegespadubai.com

30 PER CENT OFF AT THE SPA AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA What’s On readers can enjoy 30 per cent o� all treatments (excluding packages) at The Address Dubai Marina’s spa this month. Yes, you can take advantage of a whopping discount on facials, massages and more, then kick back in the steam and sauna rooms. Just mention What’s On when you book and bring along this page to your appointment.Until Aug 31, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4367777. theaddress.com


MIND & BODY


His ‘n’ hersWe head to the dunes to unwind at Al Maha Resort’s Timeless spa

His Hers

TALK US THROUGH ITFear not, you won’t emerge from this massage smelling of camels. �e treatment begins with some body brushing, then it’s on to a full body rub-down with gentle stretching, using relaxing, balancing or energising aromatherapy oils.

THE BEST BITInstead of staring through the hole in the massage table at a �ower in a bowl, there’s a tiny sandpit within arms reach so you can �ddle with that. �e shoulder rub was excellent, too.

ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?�e therapist had some good chat, and I got an attack of the

TALK US THROUGH IT�is detoxifying massage serves up half an hour of exfoliation and basting in algae, before being tightly wrapped in foil and le� to gently heat while enjoying a head massage. �is is followed by a shower to remove the algae and an hour-long massage with detox oil. BEST BITCall me childish, but I enjoyed blasting the algae o� in the shower with the nine, count them, nine jets. It made me feel like I was going through a car wash. AWKWARD MOMENTSNot really, other than realising that my entire body had been painted green, except for my nipples. HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS?By the end of the �rst half an hour, they were covered in algae, but a second pair kept me fresh for the massage. In one word: supportive. SLEEP FACTOR�e massage was extremely relaxing, but also gave my stressed-out shoulders and back a good working, so no danger of falling asleep. �ere was too much enjoyment to be had from the stress absconding to waste it by falling asleep.

giggles for no apparent reason. I also had to be shaken awake. So two fairly awkward moments. You can’t take me anywhere.

HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE PANTS?Stretchy mini-shorts. None of your papery pants here. Very good indeed.

SLEEP FACTOR?High. Very. Embarrassingly so. But I woke up feeling refreshed rather than disorientated, so major points for that.

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED?If you need some serious time out, have aching muscles and want to enjoy a spa session in a stunning location then, get thee to the Al Maha.

HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG?Dhs370 for one hour, or take advantage of Al Maha’s Summer Indulgence package (Dhs1,200) which includes a 60-minute treatment, use of the pool, spa facilities and lunch.

Hers

TALK US THROUGH ITFear not, you won’t emerge from this massage smelling of camels. �e treatment begins

ALGAE DETOX MASSAGE THERAPY

DESERT AROMA MASSAGE

Al Maha, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, 8am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 8329900. al-maha.com

WHO SHOULD GET INVOLVED?Anyone – the staff are incredibly funny, and seem to really enjoy their work. Anyone looking for a retreat from the city should make the visit, as the spa also benefits from an enormous infinity pool overlooking the desert. HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG?�e Algae Detox Massage �erapy costs Dhs600 for 90 minutes of total escapism from everyday life.



1/2 AD

Spa newsBeauty bargains and extraordinary offers to enjoy this month

SARAY SPA Get in touch with local traditions this Ramadan at Saray Spa. Through the use of ancient healing techniques, the elasticity-granting fruit enzyme facial (Dhs230) and the replenishing lemon and mint body polish (Dhs190) will revive you in a swift hour. Say goodbye to A/C-ruined skin.Until Sept 30, Saray Spa, Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3194000. marriott.com

JEBEL ALI GOLF RESORT & SPALeave your little monsters in the kids’ club while you enjoy a weekend spa treat at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and unwind with either a 60-minute massage or foot re�exology (Dhs495). This summer treat also includes a lunch bu�et and access to both the pool and beach. Until Aug 31, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8145555. jebelali-international.com SENSO WELLNESS CENTREFeel the need to relax but don’t know what to choose? It seems The Senso Wellness Centre has the solution. The three and half hour August special (Dhs700) includes a Swedish massage, body polish and wrap, an energising facial, and the choice of either a manicure or pedicure. Top to toe body blitzing. Until Aug 31, Senso Wellness Centre, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City. Tel: (04) 3669111. radissonblu.com THAI PRIVILEGE SPAStart booking ladies, the Thai Privilege Spa is o�ering half-price wellness and relaxation courtesy of its exotic spa concepts. Book an appointment between 4pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday until the end of August and prepare to be spoiled by a 50 per cent discount on your chosen therapy.Until Aug 31, Thai Privilege Spa, Villa 1047, Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489679. thaiprivilegespadubai.com

30 PER CENT OFF AT THE SPA AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MARINA What’s On readers can enjoy 30 per cent o� all treatments (excluding packages) at The Address Dubai Marina’s spa this month. Yes, you can take advantage of a whopping discount on facials, massages and more, then kick back in the steam and sauna rooms. Just mention What’s On when you book and bring along this page to your appointment.Until Aug 31, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4367777. theaddress.com


Ramadan Iftar Buffet

AED 119/- net per person for the Iftar Buffet

Function rooms with dedicated service are available for private or company Iftar events.Special prices are available for larger events.

Spice Island invites you to break your fast with a wide selection of Arabic specialit ies. Share this special t ime with your family, friends and colleagues while enjoying an array of traditional salads, fresh Arabic gril led meats, l ive cooking stations including Asian, Mongolian and Tandoori as well as refreshing juices, accompanied by a selection of fresh fruits, Oriental and international desserts with the all-t ime favourite, baklava.

CROWNE PLAZA DUBAI - DEIRASalahuddin Road Deira, P.O. Box 8668 Dubai t: 971.4.2625555 f: 971.4.2697358email: [email protected]

SPORT & OUTDOOR

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p66 Archeryp68 Mr Fitnessp69 World War What's Onp70 Show your colours

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There’s nothing we like more than to send our intrepid, albeit slightly nervous features writer, Matt, to brave whatever adventures we deem fun and/or silly enough to make us laugh. This month, Matt tackles… archery

Who didn’t play cowboys and Indians when they were growing up? I did, and I remember how accurate I was back then with my imaginary bow and arrow (fash-ioned, quite accurately, I thought, from a coat hanger), so I feel more than con�dent that a�er a few ses-sions with the Dubai Archers I’ll be able to �re a real arrow and split an apple from 70 metres away. Bring. It. On.

GETTING STARTEDArchery is more complicated than you’d think. A lot more compli-cated. �e terminology alone is enough to ba�e Stephen Hawking but, luckily, instructor Rao is on hand to talk me through the basics, such as determining which is my dominant eye. Turns out it’s my right one. Cracking. All �red up, I �re o� a few imaginary arrows with my bow (known as ‘dry �ring’ in the sport). Big mistake. �e string whips into the forearm of my bow

is key. Rules are enforced rigidly on the range at all times, the most important of which being ‘only col-lect your arrows once everyone has �nished shooting and an all clear is given’. Having watched the speed of the arrows �y, I’m more than happy to comply – a�er all, I’ve just worked out which is my dominate eye, so feel in no hurry to lose it.

GROUPINGSurprisingly, the aim of the game, for beginners anyway, is not so much to hit the bull’s-eye, but rather to get all your arrows close together on the target. You can always adjust your sight a�er – if you can group them around the bull’s-eye you’re on the right track. Having a close grouping shows that you have a steady tech-nique, which, can only

be perfected a�er hours of practice. However, it’s all very ad-dictive, especially when the shots start going your way, so the hours just �y by.

VERDICTOnce the basics have been mas-tered, then archery is all about practice. Put in the hours, and you’ll start to see results, and with Rao and the other archers more than happy to give out advice my skills were improving constantly. OK, I wouldn’t volunteer to let me shoot an apple o� your head just yet, but with more practice, fruit everywhere will fear for its life.

Dubai Archers, Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Fri 8am to12.30pm, Dhs50. Tel: (050) 5580951. dubaiarchers.com

The stages

1STANCE Stand side on to the

target with your feet shoulder-width apart, spreading your weight equally.

2 NOCK AND SETTake an arrow and place the

nock on the string underneath the nocking point. Place your bow hand in the bow grip. Hook the string with three �ngers, one above the arrow nock, two below.

3 PREDRAW Keep your bow arm

straight as you lift the bow to shoulder height.

4 DRAW Pull back on the string using

your shoulder and back muscles. Hold at the anchor point, with your index �nger touching the corner of your mouth, close your non-dominate eye.

5 RELEASE Line up your aim, pull

the string back and relax your �ngers on the draw hand.

Bull’s-eye

arm, and boy, does it sting. Lesson learnt, and with Rao’s “don’t do that again” warning still ringing in my ears, I’m ready to do it for real.

THE STAGES�e process of shooting is broken down into stages – stance, nock, set, pre-draw, draw, release. See, told you it was complicated. �e thinking is that if you can perfect each stage you can develop a routine and improve your consist-ency. I strap on an arm guard, give a half-hearted shout of ‘Release!’ and unload my �rst set of arrows. Not bad – not bad at all, consider-ing the shaking from the string tension. I’m secretly smug, and start working on a series of Robin Hood jokes.

SAFETY�ere’s no geting away from it – in the wrong hands these babies could do some serious damage, and, not unsurprisingly, safety

65-71 Sports.indd 67 7/27/11 11:32:29 PM

What'sOn_RamadaNights2011 copy.pdf 1 7/25/11 5:26 PM


There’s nothing we like more than to send our intrepid, albeit slightly nervous features writer, Matt, to brave whatever adventures we deem fun and/or silly enough to make us laugh. This month, Matt tackles… archery

Who didn’t play cowboys and Indians when they were growing up? I did, and I remember how accurate I was back then with my imaginary bow and arrow (fash-ioned, quite accurately, I thought, from a coat hanger), so I feel more than con�dent that a�er a few ses-sions with the Dubai Archers I’ll be able to �re a real arrow and split an apple from 70 metres away. Bring. It. On.

GETTING STARTEDArchery is more complicated than you’d think. A lot more compli-cated. �e terminology alone is enough to ba�e Stephen Hawking but, luckily, instructor Rao is on hand to talk me through the basics, such as determining which is my dominant eye. Turns out it’s my right one. Cracking. All �red up, I �re o� a few imaginary arrows with my bow (known as ‘dry �ring’ in the sport). Big mistake. �e string whips into the forearm of my bow

is key. Rules are enforced rigidly on the range at all times, the most important of which being ‘only col-lect your arrows once everyone has �nished shooting and an all clear is given’. Having watched the speed of the arrows �y, I’m more than happy to comply – a�er all, I’ve just worked out which is my dominate eye, so feel in no hurry to lose it.

GROUPINGSurprisingly, the aim of the game, for beginners anyway, is not so much to hit the bull’s-eye, but rather to get all your arrows close together on the target. You can always adjust your sight a�er – if you can group them around the bull’s-eye you’re on the right track. Having a close grouping shows that you have a steady tech-nique, which, can only

be perfected a�er hours of practice. However, it’s all very ad-dictive, especially when the shots start going your way, so the hours just �y by.

VERDICTOnce the basics have been mas-tered, then archery is all about practice. Put in the hours, and you’ll start to see results, and with Rao and the other archers more than happy to give out advice my skills were improving constantly. OK, I wouldn’t volunteer to let me shoot an apple o� your head just yet, but with more practice, fruit everywhere will fear for its life.

Dubai Archers, Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Fri 8am to12.30pm, Dhs50. Tel: (050) 5580951. dubaiarchers.com

The stages

1STANCE Stand side on to the

target with your feet shoulder-width apart, spreading your weight equally.

2 NOCK AND SETTake an arrow and place the

nock on the string underneath the nocking point. Place your bow hand in the bow grip. Hook the string with three �ngers, one above the arrow nock, two below.

3 PREDRAW Keep your bow arm

straight as you lift the bow to shoulder height.

4 DRAW Pull back on the string using

your shoulder and back muscles. Hold at the anchor point, with your index �nger touching the corner of your mouth, close your non-dominate eye.

5 RELEASE Line up your aim, pull

the string back and relax your �ngers on the draw hand.

Bull’s-eye

arm, and boy, does it sting. Lesson learnt, and with Rao’s “don’t do that again” warning still ringing in my ears, I’m ready to do it for real.

THE STAGES�e process of shooting is broken down into stages – stance, nock, set, pre-draw, draw, release. See, told you it was complicated. �e thinking is that if you can perfect each stage you can develop a routine and improve your consist-ency. I strap on an arm guard, give a half-hearted shout of ‘Release!’ and unload my �rst set of arrows. Not bad – not bad at all, consider-ing the shaking from the string tension. I’m secretly smug, and start working on a series of Robin Hood jokes.

SAFETY�ere’s no geting away from it – in the wrong hands these babies could do some serious damage, and, not unsurprisingly, safety

65-71 Sports.indd 67 7/27/11 11:32:29 PM


MR FITNESSMR

in more and more cushioning for the heel, which resulted in a biomechanical adaptation in running patterns creating a heel-to-toe running style. Because of the removal of the thick cushioning from shoes such as the Nike Frees and Vibram 5 Fingers, you are forced to start running on the ball of your foot. Be careful, though, if you haven’t run on the ball of your foot for a while you will be in for some sore calves.

I’m terribly confused by all the supplements and sports drinks on the market. A friend says I should be drinking protein shakes before weights sessions and drinking electrolyte drinks when running, but I don’t know what to drink when. Help.Arash, Discovery Gardens, DubaiI would always recommend eating a pre-workout meal before training rather than drinking a protein replacement. I would also have a post workout meal ready to go once I �nish training in order to speed up the recovery process. �is can get

Do you have a �tness question for James? E-mail: [email protected]

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THE

EXPERT!

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 read somewhere about barefoot running. What is it, and how does it work?Harold, Jumeirah Simply, barefoot running is running without the aid, or support, of shoes.

When we change from a walk into a jog, run or sprint, the emphasis of the load going through the body as the foot makes contact with the ground changes. Biomechanically, the �rst ground contact point when walking is the heel followed by a roll through the foot towards the toes. When running, the ground contact should be through the ball of the foot.

As shoe and trainer companies have developed their products over the years, they’ve added

quite complicated, so I would stick to the basics. Electrolyte replacement drinks are de�nitely a must, especially if you’re running out in the heat that we experience here in the Middle East. Take a bottle with you with an electrolyte mix in it and make sure you take regular sips whilst training. Remember, thirst is not an indication of dehydration. Once you are thirsty, you are already low on �uids.

I am usually very active, exercising four or �ve times a week, but I am �ve months pregnant. What exercises could I still be doing?Sunita, Greens, DubaiIf you have not been used to training for the past �ve months then I would recommend that you don’t start a strenuous

training plan. As your pregnancy advances, you should avoid exercises that involve lying on your back or pressing against your stomach. As your centre of gravity changes, it is important to maintain strong postural muscles such as the ones that run the length of the back. You can probably get away with stability ball hip bridges (it should only be your upper back on the ball). Avoid too much stretching or over-reaching.

65-71 Sports.indd 68 7/27/11 11:32:33 PM


Amy can measure our progress. �e aim of the game is to improve our �tness

and lose weight as a team, with the winners

enjoying some goodies from Reebok, and free classes with Urban Energy until the end of the year.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?Even if you’re not part of Team What’s On, you can come along to our weekly sessions on Tuesdays at 7.30pm at Hercules Fitness near the bowling centre in Al Quoz and train with us. Nicola, our personal guru of all things healthy, will put you through your paces with circuits, cardio, resistance and more. If you can’t make Tuesday nights, we’ll be attending Urban Energy classes throughout the week, so you can join us for some kickboxing and circuits. Prepare to sweat.

Hercules Fitness Centre, The Bowling Centre, Al Quoz, Dubai, Tue 7.30pm to 8.30pm. Tel: (055) 8869158. urbanenergyfitness.com

BATTLE OF THE

The teams have been picked, our fitness scrutinised and the war against Dubai 92 has begun – and you can get involved too

THE CHALLENGE�ree months, two teams, one winner. A �ght to the death. Well, maybe not to the death, but there are some seriously tough few months ahead. Last month we kicked o� World War – a 12-week �tness challenge pitting What’s On against Dubai 92, with teams consisting of 15 wannabe warriors from all walks of life, each looking to up the number of sit-ups they can do in a minute and lose some kilos.

�e regime involves weekly training sessions at with Urban Energy Fitness, extra classes, free membership at Hercules gym and an end to the carbs and cookies we love so much.

It all started with a body composition analysis to establish weight and body fat percentage, followed by a series of tests to see just how much trouble we were in. From an assault course to wall squats, press-ups to the plank, each team member has had their �tness assessed and recorded, so team trainers Nicola and

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BULGE

65-71 Sports.indd 69 7/27/11 11:32:38 PM

Whats On.pdf 2 26/05/2011 15:27


SPORT & OUTDOOR

For football fans, World Cup-free summers are the worst. Thankfully, the wait is over, with Europe’s leagues flooding back onto our screens this month. If you want to celebrate the highs and lows of your team with fellow fanatics, then your best bet is to join a supporters’ club. Here are just a few of our favourites…

WHO: THE BUSBY BOYSTEAM: Manchester UnitedESTABLISHED: 2007MEET: Harvester's, Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3311111HOW MANY MEMBERS: 80CONTACT: [email protected]: muscuae.wordpress.com

WHO: DUBAI MANCHESTER CITY SUPPORTERS CLUB TEAM: Manchester CityESTABLISHED: 2007MEET: Crown & Lion, Byblos Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4488000HOW MANY MEMBERS: 45CONTACT: [email protected]: mcfcdubai.blogspot.com

WHO: ABU DHABI BLUES TEAM: Manchester CityESTABLISHED: 2009MEET: Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Sas Al Nakh, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5588990HOW MANY MEMBERS: 84CONTACT: [email protected]: abudhabiblues.com

WHO: DUBAI REDSTEAM: LiverpoolESTABLISHED: 2006MEET: Goodfellas Sports Lounge, Ramee Rose Hotel, Tecom, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 500111HOW MANY MEMBERS: 200CONTACT: [email protected]: dubaireds.com

Show your true colours

WHO: DUBAI CHELSEA SUPPORTERS CLUBTEAM: ChelseaESTABLISHED: 2000MEET: Fibber Magee’s, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3222400HOW MANY MEMBERS: 83CONTACT: [email protected] WEBSITE: uaecsc.com

WHO: UAE CANARIESTEAM: Norwich CityESTABLISHED: 2009MEET: Dhow And Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4068999 HOW MANY MEMBERS: 28CONTACT: [email protected] WEBSITE: Search Facebook for ‘UAE Canaries’

WHO: DUBAI WOLVESTEAM: Wolverhampton WanderersESTABLISHED: 2009MEET: Loca, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa, Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3461111HOW MANY MEMBERS: 119CONTACT: [email protected]: Search Facebook for ‘Dubai Wolves’

WHO: DUBAI RS TEAM: Queens Park RangersESTABLISHED: 2009MEET: Centre Circle, Ramada Chelsea Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5019000HOW MANY MEMBERS: 42CONTACT: [email protected]: Search Facebook for ‘O�cial QPR Supporters Club’

WHO: DUBAI LOYALTEAM: Glasgow Rangers ESTABLISHED: 2000MEET: Centre Circle, Ramada Chelsea Hotel, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5019000HOW MANY MEMBERS: 75CONTACT: jim.graham @rm-electrical.comWEBSITE: thedesertbears.org

WHO: DUBAI HOOPSTEAM: Glasgow CelticESTABLISHED: 2004MEET: Dubliners, Le Méridien Dubai, Garhoud, Dubai. Tel:(04) 2824040HOW MANY MEMBERS: 100CONTACT: [email protected] WEBSITE: dubaihoops.com

WHO: BARCA FAN CLUB UAETEAM: FC BarcelonaESTABLISHED: 2008MEET: Seville’s, Wa�, Oud Metha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 324 7300HOW MANY MEMBERS: 155CONTACT: [email protected]: barcauae.com

WHO: EVERTON SUPPORTERS CLUB DUBAITEAM: EvertonESTABLISHED: 2008MEET: The Locker Room, Golden Tulip, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3417750HOW MANY MEMBERS: 70CONTACT: [email protected] or [email protected]: Search Facebook for ‘Everton Supporters Club Dubai’

WHO: DUBAI TOTTENHAM APPRECIATION FAN CLUBTEAM: Tottenham HotspurESTABLISHED: 2010MEET: West Beach Bistro & Sports Lounge, Mövenpick Hotel, Jumeirah Beach, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4498888HOW MANY MEMBERS: 84CONTACT: [email protected]: Search Facebook for ‘Dubai Tottenham Appreciation Fan Club’

Norwich City Wolverhampton Wanderers

Glasgow Rangers

65-71 Sports.indd 70 7/27/11 11:32:43 PM

TRAVEL


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p75 Capital cuisinep78 Travels with...

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TRAVEL


Capital cuisine �e old man’s face is as wrinkled and leathery as his desert tru�es. Yusef stands there most days, watching over his side-street grocery stall as the glaring sun adds layers of character to his grin. “Eat the desert tru�e like a mushroom,” he says. “Squeeze the juice into your eyes. It’s good for your eyes.”

Round a corner, a clutch of sugar cane juts from a tin bucket outside a drinks kiosk. A sign lists the health bene�ts of the juice: ‘preventing arteries sti�ness, cleaning chest, sexual supporter…’

Most people visit Jordan to ogle at its historical sites and float in the Dead Sea, stopping in Amman only for a brief visit. But should you spend a little longer in the capital city, there’s a host of culinary delights to discover

Amman

In Jordan, it seems, everything you eat or drink is an aid to vigour, well-being or social interaction. �e hungry huddle each lunchtime outside Amman’s famous Reem Cafeteria (+962 4645725, 2nd Circle, Jebel Amman), the shawarmary hums with friendly chit-chat as they wait for the meat to be carved. �is place is renowned across Jordan, not just for serving up some of the best shawarmas in the Levant, but also for being a favourite of King Abdullah himself.

A king eating a shawarma. It’s an image

Capital cuisine SHORTHAUL

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TRAVEL | JORDAN

that encapsulates the spirit of food in Jordan. Nothing is considered too low rent; if it tastes good enough, it’s �t for royalty. Even the humblest of Arabic street foods, the falafel, is imbued with a sense of backstreet reverence at the legendary Hashem Restaurant (Al-Amir Mohammed St, Downtown Amman). �e ‘dining room’ amounts to a cluster of plastic garden furniture in a bland alleyway, but its golden brown falafel, velvety hummus and heart-warming ful medames are nothing short of regal.

Amman is full of institutions like Hashem. Independent family restaurants, loved by young and old, are scattered all across this city of nooks, hills and wandering roads. Just across the street from Hashem is Al Quds (+962 4630168, Al-Malek al-Hussein St), where some of the heartiest examples of traditional bedouin cuisine can be found. �e mansaf here is famous throughout the city. �e dish of lamb or chicken and rice is doused with ‘jameed’, dried yoghurt, which is mixed with hot water and made into a heavy, but delicious, sauce.

Mansaf is what the bedouin have been o�ering guests and travellers for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Traditionally served on a huge platter and eaten communally, always with the right hand, it is a symbol of humanity and hospitality in an inhospitable environment. Tourists passing through the beautiful, arid sandscapes of Wadi Rum can enjoy alfresco feasts with bedouin hosts under the stars. But there are countless tales of independent travellers being taken in and fed by kind strangers without any tourist dinars changing hands.

Jordan’s cuisine is as much about its bountiful produce and Ottoman in�uenced delicacies as its simple bedouin origins.

Another of Amman’s institutions is Zalatimo Sweets (Rivoli Plaza, Shmeisani, zalatimosweets.com), purveyors of luxury Arabic pastries and baklava. �e family business was started in 1860 in Jerusalem by the great, great grandfather of the current general manager, Abdallah Zalatimo. It has expanded across Jordan to include European-style cakes and chocolates, but the traditional baklava – around 45 varieties – never veers too far away from its roots.

“A lot of the cuisine in Jordan has been in�uenced by the close ties with Palestine. It’s almost like one country,” says Abdallah. “But both countries were very much developed by the Ottomans. �eir empire was vast and culturally diverse. We were in�uenced by the gi�s brought for the Sultan. He’d say to his head chef, I have a new spice, give it a go. �at’s when fusion started happening.”

�e building blocks of fusion can be found in the souks around Amman’s vibrant Hashemi Street. Spice shops have dunes of cumin and

paprika sitting under loops of dried lemons hung from the ra�ers. Mounds of fresh parsley and coriander roll like green �elds opposite bloody butcher’s shop displays. A shark’s head dangles on a hook outside a �shmonger’s, and everywhere people are munching on fresh green almonds, young, tart and sprinkled with salt.

For a country that’s 90 per cent desert, Jordan’s produce is surprisingly diverse. “In the coastal parts you have a lot of produce, vegetables, fruit from the orchards, oranges, cherries, grapes and grape leaves,” Abdallah explains.

Madaba is where some of the best organic vineyards in the Middle East can be found, but you don’t have to leave the capital to have a taste. �e Winemaker (Wadi Saqra, zumot-wines.com) has up to 34 varieties of award-winning bottles. �e man behind the vines is Omar Zumot, who started out 15 years ago with nothing but a bit of land and boundless determination.

“INDEPENDENT FAMILY RESTAURANTS, LOVED BY YOUNG AND OLD, ARE SCATTERED ALL ACROSS THIS CITY OF NOOKS, HILLS AND WANDERING ROADS”

Desert Wadi Rum

Baklava



TRAVEL | JORDAN

NEED TO KNOW

HOW TO GET THEREFlyDubai has a daily service to Amman, from Dhs980. �ydubai.com

WHERE TO STAYGrand Hyatt AmmanThis huge top-end hotel complex is one of the plushest in the city. Lose yourself amongst its shops and pools, and stu� yourself at its many restaurants, from Arabic to Asian. Hussein Bin Ali Street, Jebel Amman. Tel: +962 64651234. hyatt.com

Palace HotelA simple but clean budget option, right in the thick of the Amman action. The rooms are of a pretty basic standard, but the daily sightseeing tours to outside of Amman are excellent value. Al-Malek Faisal Street, Downtown Amman. Tel: +962 4624326. palacehotel.com.jo

DON’T MISSBlue Fig CaféKeep your dining options open at this laid-back café, with a range of international dishes and Arabic favourites. With a multicultural vibe, it’s the feel of the Blue Fig, as well as the food, that will keep you coming back. Jebel Amman. Tel: +962 5928800

HabibahFor some of the city’s freshest, gooiest, sweetest and best kunafe (soft-cheese desserts) head to this famous sweet shop. The warbat bil ashta, or pastries with clotted cream, are also sublime. Al-Malek al-Hussein St, Downtown Amman

Zad el KhairA �ne Iraqi restaurant serving one of the delights of Middle Eastern cuisine – masquf. The delicious fresh-water �sh is sliced open, �attened out and roasted around an open charcoal �re in the traditional way, before begin served with plenty of lemon juice, salad and freshly baked �atbread. Um Uzaina Main Street, Amman. Tel: +962 65540057. zadelkhair.com

“In Jordan, previously the wine was not of a high quality and I wanted to produce something that’s really Jordanian, that’s really got character and its own personality,” says Omar. “�e problem I faced was that there was nobody before me who planted grapes, so I didn’t know what to plant or where.”

�rough dogged trial and error, and using as many di�erent grape varieties as possible, Omar succeeded in creating a natural product that has won plaudits from tasters around the world, not to mention 15 international medals. “What’s my secret? I do nothing,” teases Omar. “When you do nothing, you allow nature to express itself, and nature can give you much more than 34 di�erent �avours. Our strength is in how we grow the grapes. All of it is organic. We’ve never used any pesticides. We fertilise with di�erent techniques. And every year our wine is better – not because we know how to make wine better, but because our roots are deeper and our soil is richer and more alive.”

Roots go deep when it comes to food and drink in Jordan. Beit Sitti (+962 795 633 868, beitsittijo.com) is a restaurant and cookery school that is all about upholding traditional homemade recipes and teaching them to a generation of Jordanians who are losing touch with their heritage.

“�e art is being lost,” says owner Maria Hadad. “It’s not being handed down from generation to generation, because women aren’t getting the chance to teach these recipes to their kids. So we’re trying to bring it back. It’s funny because you see women who are 40 or 50 that come to learn. �ey are tired of not knowing how to do this. So we have all di�erent ages.”

Set in a beautiful townhouse in the Jebel

Weibdeh district of Amman, the initiative concentrates on the type of food that can’t be found in many of Jordan’s restaurants. “We originally started for tourists, but then we found that it’s really popular with locals as well,” explains Maria. “Locals really enjoy homemade food. �ey really want to learn how to make it because you can’t get it in restaurants. �ey’re o�en newlyweds who are sick of takeaways, so they want to learn how to make Arabic food.”

An evening session at Beit Sitti will teach you how to make four courses from scratch – a mezze, a salad, a main dish and a dessert. Guests are shown how to prepare and cook aubergines on an open �ame to make the smokiest moutabel dip imaginable. And for the main course, spices are blended with layers of tomatoes and chicken to make an aromatic rice dish called maqlooba.

A huge pan is stu�ed to the brim and simmered slowly before being turned over onto a vast platter – ‘maqlooba’ means ‘upside down’ in Arabic. By the time you get around to dessert, you might also wish to learn the phrase for “please, stop feeding me, I’m about to explode”.

“As Arabs, we’re very hospitable and portions are always huge,” says Maria. She tells a story about a journey King Abdullah and Prince Hassan once made on camelback in the desert. �ey came upon a bedouin tent, and were invited in for a large lunch.

“When they were leaving, the King found out that the man had killed his only camel to feed them. So the King bought him 30 times what he had given up. People would really feed their guests rather than themselves or their family.”

Kebab Shawarma



TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...

Emirati writer Wael Al Sayegh co-hosts a live talk radio show every Tuesday on Dubai Eye 103.8FM, as well as writing a regular column in the Emirates inflight magazine, Open Skies. Describing himself as a ‘promoter of inter-cultural intelligence’, travel is an integral part of his life

Travels with…Wael Al Sayegh

Emirati writer Wael Al

“The world must learn to understand China, and China must learn to understand the world”

THANK EIDEid is a time that just keeps on giving. How about a half-price, four-night stay for two at the Zitahli Kuda-Funafaru Resort & Spa in the Maldives? Now factor in that it includes breakfast and all taxes. Thanks, Eid.Until Oct 31, Dnata Travel, from Dhs4,830. Tel: 8008118. dnataholidays.com

HOLIDAY IN CAMBODIAIf you’re of an adventurous disposition,

signing up to do a 1,350km trip on a tuk-tuk through the challenging Cambodian wilderness should be right up your street. The 21-day

Fancy a trip?

What’s the best holiday you have ever had? My most memorable trip has to be my 2004 visit to South Africa. I absolutely loved Cape Town, and I have never quite been the same since. When I got back to Dubai, I quit my banking job and started a new way of life. What has been your biggest travel disaster? Strangely enough, I have to say South Africa again, but it was a di�erent trip in 2006. I went out to attend a wedding and I had boxes to deliver. �e airport sta� in Johannesburg claimed that my boxes were over the permitted weight – although I knew they weren’t. �e guy told me he could only put me onboard the �ight if I paid him a bribe. I hated the whole experience.

If you could advise people to visit one destination, what would it be? It would have to be mainland China. You can read about China all you want, but until you go there, walk the streets and ride the subways, you have no idea what it is really like. �e whole world must learn to understand China, and China must learn to understand the world. What are your three top tips for surviving a long airport stopover? You should always take a good novel with you – personally, I love Haruki Murakami’s books. It is important that you always stay hydrated and fed, and, lastly, make sure you have a bag of toiletries with you.What do you never travel without? A sense of adventure and a compass that points in the direction of Mecca.

Travels with…Wael Al Sayegh

TRAVEL EXTRA

App: Tripit Function: Organise your travel plans into an easy to use itineraryAvailable for: iPhone and iPadPrice: free www.tripit.com

TOTAL LUXURYFlights to and from Florence in a private jet, three nights stay in a deluxe room at the swanky Il Salvatino Villa overlooking the Duomo, with breakfast and a private car. What’s the point of money if not to spend it lavishly? Warning. For the super rich only. Dnata Travel, Dhs66,590. Tel: 8008118. dnataholidays.com

Eid is a time that just keeps on giving. How about a half-price, four-night

78 WHAT’S ON

If you’re of an adventurous disposition, signing up to do a 1,350km trip on

a tuk-tuk through the challenging Cambodian wilderness should be right up your street. The 21-day

APP OF THE MONTH

Cambo Challenge trek is carried out in teams, and is an excellent way to meet the Cambodian people. Sign up now. We dare you. Nov 6 to 14, Cambo Challenge, Cambodia, Dhs12,000 for a team of two. cambochallenge.com

WOMEN ONLYThe World At Her Feet, a new travel organisation for women in the Middle East, is launching its �rst trip to India. The seven-day trip will take female-only travellers to Mandawa, Jaipur, Agra and New Delhi, with transport and most meals included in the price. Holiday, ladies? Sept 1 to 7, The World At Her Feet, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, from Dhs4,000. Tel: (50) 6254251. facebook.com/theworldatherfeet

SPLASH OUT

Villa overlooking the Duomo, with breakfast and a private car. What’s the point of money if not to spend it lavishly? Warning. For the super rich only. Dnata Travel, Dhs66,590. Tel: 8008118. dnataholidays.com

launching its �rst trip to India. The seven-day trip will take female-only


iftar&suhourARE betterWHEN SHARED

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, PO BOX 640, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi UAE. T 971 2 677 3333 F 971 2 672 5149 sheraton.com/abudhabi

DAILY IFTAR AT FLAVOURS RESTAURANTBREAK YOUR FAST AT FLAVOURS INTERNATIONAL FUSION RESTAURANT, THE PERFECT VENUE TO ENJOY IFTAR WITH YOUR FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COLLEAGUES. A WIDE SELECTION OF TRADITIONAL ARABIC AND INTERNATIONAL DISHES IS BEING PREPARED BY OUR CULINARY EXPERTS TO TANTALISE YOUR TASTE BUDS. ALL FOR AED 180 NET.

BRAVO RESTAURANT TURNS INTO SUHOUR TENTDISCOVER THE JOY OF RAMADAN AT BRAVO, OFFERING SNACKS & DRINKS FROM 7.30PM ONWARDS. ENJOY AN ENTERTAINING EVENING WITH YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY. FEEL AT HOME IN OUR ARABIC LOUNGES, HAVE A SHISHA, AND WATCH YOUR FAVOURITE TV SHOWS, PLAY BACKGAMMON & CARDS OR SIMPLY RELAX.

THE HOTLIST


Key New entry

Non-mover

Up

Down

DUE TO THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN SOME OUTLETS MAY NOT OPERATE REGULAR OPENING HOURS. CALL AHEAD FOR DETAILS

p83 Iftarp87 Barsp91 Restaurantsp95 Spas

81 HOT LIST OPENER.indd 81 7/27/11 10:40:18 PM

For reservations, please call 04 332 9260 or 050 856 6044www.cavalliclubdubai.com

After SunsetRelax and delight in a sumptuous buffet spread,

set menus and your choice of beverage.Throughout August.

Buffet is AED 150 per person and set menus are from AED 200 to AED 350 per person.

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 83

THE HOT LIST

Traditional Arabic dishes. Head to Emirati restaurant Mezlai for unrivaled all-year-round expertise.

Spread across Emirates Palace’s Ramadan tent, Mezlai, Anar and Diwan L’Auberge.

Live music perfectly complements the atmosphere.

Sampling several classy takes on iftars under one roof.

Dhs230. The summit of the city’s iftar pricelist.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6909000.emiratespalace.com

More than 50 Arabic, Asian and European bu�et dishes, majoring on Emirati, Syrian and Lebanese.

CuiScene, plus a sizeable 375-square metre Ramadan tent nearby.

The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque views are easily as spectacular as the food.

Watching the sunset across the Abu Dhabi Creek, and donating to the three charities the Fairmont is supporting this month.

A high-end, but worth it, Dhs195.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm. Tel: (02) 6543333. fairmont.com

Pearls & Caviar’s Mediterranean selections, plus Sofra Bld, embellished by specialties from Shang Palace and Hoi An.

Pearls & Caviar o�ers a contemporary Ramadan, while Sofra Bld’s relaxed expanses are equally inviting.

P&C also o�ers a splendid bu�et for larger groups alongside its set menu.

Anybody who prefers not to restrict an iftar menu to one continent.

Dhs199 for Pearls & Caviar and Dhs185 at Sofra Bld.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 5098777, Sofra Bld sunset to 8pm. shangri-la.com

Extensive bu�et, plus all manner of juices, dates and Arabic co�ee.

The InterCon’s all-day restaurant maintains the hotel’s well-deserved reputation.

Kanoon music throughout the evening

Enjoying a taste of iftar as it should be.

Dhs195, re�ecting the class of the establishment.

InterContinental Abu Dhabi, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

Arabic specialities and continental mains, in partnership with Alhan restaurant.

The Grand Millennium has a huge tent set up in the Al Wahda courtyard.

Book for gatherings of ten or more and get two iftars for nothing, plus free valet parking.

Enjoying Ramadan at a new heavyweight on the Abu Dhabi hotel landscape.

Dhs160. Not too shoddy at all.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm. Tel: (02) 4439999 millenniumhotels.com

1Emirates

Palace

2CuiScene

3Shangri-La

4Selection

5Grand

Millennium Al Wahda

The lovely location and dizzying spread makes for an Abu Dhabi Ramadan must.

It’s hard to pick fault with the InterCon, and the Ramadan showing is no exception.

A hugely varied spread in one of the most charismatic hotels the capital has to o�er.

IFTARS

OUR PICK

OF THE RAMADAN

IFTARS

A Syrian oud, violin and percussion trio atmospherically soundtrack the evening.

FOOD LOCATION EXTRAS BEST FOR PRICE INFOWHAT’S ON SAYS...

OriginsCuiscene

As ever, expect seven-star splendour from Emirates Palace.


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AUGUST 2011 WHAT’S ON 84OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 84

Mixed grills, lamb ouzzi, shawarmas and traditional Arabic desserts.

La Terrazza is the primary destination, while groups can book Liwa Ballroom or Hiltonia Beach Garden’s Arabic tent.

The specially decorated La Terrazza makes for a colourful Ramadan experience.

Taking in the season in close proximity to the beach, before taking it easy with shisha in the Sohour Zaman tent.

A none-too-wallet-crippling Dhs159.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com

International and regional additions to Arabic offerings including, most mouth-wateringly, whole roast baby lamb.

Airy and – in keeping with the Yas Hotel’s dazzling interior – white all-day dining restaurant, Origins.

You can head over to pan-Arab outlet Atayeb afterwards for one of the city’s most inviting sohours.

Celebrating the season while gazing across the ever-impressive Marina F1 circuit.

Dhs175, as you might expect at somewhere of the Yas Hotel’s standing.

Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6560600, sunset to 8.30pm. theyashotel.com

A lavish range of Arabic delicacies, from hot and cold mezzes to Ramadan juices.

The deceptively roomy spaces of Aloft’s quietly quality Dine restaurant.

The sohour menu is varied and inviting.

Breaking your fast then sampling sohour at Aloft’s marquee, with oud, games and Syrian television treats.

A rather bargain-tastic Dhs135.

Aloft, Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 8.30pm. Tel: (02) 6545138. aloftabudhabi.com

All the expected traditional iftar delights, plus international selections to keep every taste satisfied.

On the eighth day of Ramadan, this iftar ups sticks from the Al Diwan Ballroom to the Essence restaurant.

You can sample this iftar in two different venues, which is an extra in itself.

Taking family and friends to a five-star Ramadan feast.

Dhs165, which is pretty spot on for such a leading hotel.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Arabic delicacies, on top of Choices’ regular Oriental-style favourites from live cooking stations.

International and Asian all-day dining restaurant, Choices.

Groups of ten get two iftars free.

Putting an Oriental slant on your iftar.

A middle of the range Dhs155.

Yas Island Rotana, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 10.30pm. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com

6Hilton

7Origins

8Aloft

9Beach Rotana

10Choices

You won’t regret making the journey to Yas Island.

A great iftar at one of Abu Dhabi’s most imaginatively kitted out hotels.

Capture the essence of Ramadan at Essence.

PRICE INFOWHAT’S ON SAYS...

IFTARS

FOOD LOCATION EXTRA BEST FOR PRICE INFOWHAT’S ON SAYS...

HOT ON THE HEELS11 Le Royal Méridien

12 Crowne Plaza Yas Island

13 Sheraton

14 Crowne Plaza

15 Al Ain Rotana

Grand Millenium Al WahdaSelections

One of the best value iftars on Yas Island.

11 LE ROYAL MÉRIDIENFor a taste of iftar in ordinarily French surrounds, head to L’Opera Brasserie this month (Dhs160 per person). That’s followed by sohour in Le Royal Méridien’s expansive Layali El Hilmiya tent, which can hold gatherings of up to 1,000 people, for mezze, teas, juices, shisha and traditional music.Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, sunset to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

A complete Ramadan experience in a single complex.



110703_Ramadan2011.indd 1 7/3/11 12:17:38 PM

THE HOT LISTBARS

THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES

AND BITES


AND BITES


AND BITES

This desirable brick-walled hangout, away from the hectic city centre, is nicely understated.

All of Yas’s widespread entertainment is within easy striking distance from the Rotana.

Escaping the hustle and bustle.

More than reasonable value for money.

Yas Island Rotana, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6564000. rotana.com

A large turnover of people almost any night of the week. Su�ciently busy to stay interesting but keeping its cool throughout.

The souk is a one-stop shop for dining and going out, with great views across the water to boot.

Melting into the crowd and meeting new people.

The cocktails aren’t exactly friends of austerity, but swerve those and you’ll be laughing.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 5581680. emiratesleisureretail.com

Encapsulating the spirit of a European bar perfectly. Serving alcohol after 7.30pm during Ramadan.

The InterCon’s normally thriving outlets are a little diminished during Ramadan, although the meaty treats of Chamas are only a short dash away still.

Top grub and drink with your mates.

Good things come at a price, so don’t turn up at Belgian Café with chump change only.

InterContinental, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotelsgroup.com

Spacious bar and plush furniture equals a swish vibe. Serving alcohol from 7pm to 1am during Ramadan.

It’s only a few steps from all the restaurants and bars a reveller could ever need around Yas Island.

The snack menu, which �lls a hole on a budget.

The meals might set you back a bit, but the drinks are fairly priced.

Crowne Plaza Yas Island, Yas Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6210000. ichotelsgroup.com

A British pub vibe, with an abundance of media types knocking around thanks to its proximity to TwoFour54.

The �ve-star Park Rotana’s range of restaurants mean it’s easy to make a night of it.

Catching the big match on the plentiful screens in relatively sedate surrounds.

Wallet friendly, without being suspiciously cheap.

Park Rotana, Al Matar, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6573333. rotana.com

1Y Bar

2Left Bank

3Belgian Café

4Stills

5Cooper's

Rising to the top for Ramadan, this month Y is Yas Island’s best bar none.

Left Bank has enough going on indoors that you will barely miss the alfresco terrace this summer.

Whether lounging early evening, or kicking the pace up later, Stills excels.

You wouldn’t go to Brussels without sampling the Belgian wa�es, so make sure you indulge.

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 87OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 87AUGUST 2011 WHAT’S ON 87

Cooper's will temporarily keep Western expats from missing their local.

ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Left Bank Relax@12


BARS

One of the most bustling expat bars in town. Serving alcohol after sunset throughout Ramadan.

While the Hilton's usual complex of nearby bars is depleted for Ramadan, there's plenty of other entertainment within easy reach.

The pub grub, which is far superior to the average standard around Abu Dhabi.

Not bad at all, even if certain dishes on the menu are a touch more expensive.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, Sun, Mon, Wed and Sat noon to midnight, Tue, Thurs and Fri noon to 1am. Tel: (02) 6811900. hilton.com

Energetic, with, big screens everywhere and a smoky basement vibe reminiscent of how bars used to be.

Step out onto Hamdan Street for all the convenience of downtown, or stay in the Crowne Plaza for their underrated cuisine options.

A big night out, or watching whichever sport you follow over a lively pint.

Cheap as chips, with free drinks tokens on admission on some nights.

Crowne Plaza, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 2am. Tel: (02) 6210000. ichotelsgroup.com

Lively. If you’ve been to an Irish bar, you’ll know the drill at PJ’s.

The busy heart of Abu Dhabi city centre, although parking is thankfully less headache inducing since the introduction of pay meters in the area.

The pub quiz, which runs every Tuesday from 7.30pm during Ramadan.

Value for money and then some.

Le Royal Méridien, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 2.30am. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

Transport yourself to a Polynesian island via the bric-a-brac lining the walls.

The Beach Rotana’s ageless class will see it throughout Ramadan, despite several outlets closing for the month.

A spot of geographical escapism.

Not entirely cheap, but you won’t end up penniless either.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

Successfully recreating the vibe of a spit 'n' sawdust British pub. Serving alcohol after sunset during Ramadan.

In the enclosed courtyard at the heart of Le Méridien, with the NRG sports café a mere stone's throw away.

Spending the evening in the company of various interesting conversation-striking characters at the bar.

No need for an overdraft here, as proved by the endless streams of punters that pack the Captain's Arms come evening.

Le Méridien, Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi, noon to 12.30am. Tel: (02) 6742020. leroyalmeridien.com

6Hemingway's

7Heroes

8PJ O'Reilly's

9Trader Vic's

10Captain's Arms

At Hemingway’s you can enjoy a night out that the eponymous writer would be proud of.

As no-frills fun goes, Heroes is an Abu Dhabi institution.

A Polynesian paradise reimagined in the Emirates.

If you’re in search of unpretentious enjoyment, PJ’s has it covered.


A proper pub in the best British boozer traditions.

ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

HOT ON THE HEELS

11 Relax@12, Aloft

12 Hakkasan, Emirates Palace

13 3rd Avenue, Sheraton Khalidiya

14 NRG, Le Méridien

15 Cinnabar, Hilton

Belgian Beer CaféTrader Vic's

13 3RD AVENUE Sheraton KhalidiyaWhile several of the capital’s swankier bars take a breather for Ramadan, Abu Dhabi’s more straightforward pubs come to the fore. With sports screens at every angle and various alcoves, 3rd Avenue is just such a location, perfect for grabbing plates of pub grub in refreshingly unfussy surroundings.Zayed The First Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 1am. Tel: (02) 6666220. sheratonkhalidiyaabudhabi.com


ADGC WO Rmdn Ad206x270.indd 2 24/07/2011 14:52

THE HOT LIST

A laid-back, privacy-enshrouded vibe. Serving alcohol after sunset during Ramadan.

Thoughtful layout of Oriental wooden panel-divided alcoves; mazy and luxurious.

Fine dining in Asian fusion style that could win over any customer – and won three What’s On Awards.

A Michelin-starred restaurant in the world’s most expensive hotel. The bar is fantabulous, too.

You won’t want to hit Hakkasan every day unless you’re minted, but it’s perfect for special occasions.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. hakkasan.com

Marco Pierre White’s manages to be both cosy and swish. Serving alcohol 7pm to midnight.

Relaxing dark warmth, with features that might not work in many other restaurants – such as a small wall �re – but do here.

Kings of beef, no doubt. That’s why it scooped What’s On’s Favourite Steakhouse gong.

The Fairmont’s quality-oozing surrounds are custom made for an under-one-roof experience post-MPW.

The four-course beef tasting menu (Dhs489 with wine until December) gives a fair indication this is pricey yet justi�ably so.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi,7pm to 1am.Tel: (02) 6543333.fairmont.com

A romantic dinner is on the menu at P&C, thanks to alluring lighting. Alcohol is o� during Ramadan.

The smooth black and white interior represents caviar and – surprise, surprise – pearls.

Exquisite caviar and freshly hooked seafood head up an imaginative menu.

While the rooftop Pearls bar is closed for summer, why not explore Shangri-La and the Souk.

Perfectly acceptable for such top notch-cuisine, unless you fancy splashing the cash on caviar.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7.30pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

Re�ned, classy, elegant and quintessentially French. Serving alcohol after 8pm during Ramadan.

Stately traditional Gallic sophistication, from the paintings to the tables.

The �nest French classics available in Abu Dhabi.

The Shangri-La is a joy right down to its wonderfully designed rooms.

It isn’t di�cult to top Dhs800 for two, sans alcohol, although the wine list is sumptuous.

Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm.Tel: (02) 5098888.shangri-la.com

Updating Indian dining for the 21st Century in relaxing surrounds. Serving alcohol after iftar.

A simple interior full of clean lines and soothingly subtle colours.

This is North Indian cuisine customised to your spice preference. Order the butter chicken.

The Souk, Shangri-La and nearby Fairmont will keep you comfortably occupied for hours.

An impressive spread for two only costs around Dhs400 to Dhs500.

The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 6pm to midnight. Tel: (02) 5581769. cplmg.com

1Hakkasan

2MPW

Steakhouse & Grill

3Pearl & Caviar

4Bord Eau

5Ushna

RESTAURANTS

THE ELITE

OF THE EATING OUT

SCENE

ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE INFOWHAT’S ON SAYS...


HakkasanMPW Steakhouse & Grill

Great décor, plus the best dim sum that’s ever passed our lips.

MPW deserves a foodie knighthood for steak served with undeniable British �nesse.

Our restaurant of the year continues to ride high.

Raising the bar for Indian restaurants in Abu Dhabi.

Two-toned delicacies with contemporary class throughout.


OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 92OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 92

Bustling, with skewer-wielding waiters dispensing meat. Serving alcohol after 8pm this month with the bar open to 1.30am.

Multiple dining levels, a sizeable salad bar installation and a separate bar all add up to an intriguing scene.

Like meat? You’ll be in heaven as ceaseless servings of exquisite beef, lamb and chicken are sliced onto your plate.

If you can move after Chamas’ meat overdose, we recommend struggling over to the Belgian Beer Café for a few brews.

Dhs225 for as much meat as you can handle. Loosen that belt.

InterContinental, Bainouna Street, Abu Dhabi, 8pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6666888. ichotels-group.com

Relaxed and inviting – a popular spot for Yas Island diners.

Clean lines and a spacious layout make this an unpretentious Italian.

Updating Italian staples with smart twists, particularly when it comes to seafood. It's just launched a new menu, too.

If you can’t �nd entertainment around Yas Island, you’re not looking hard enough.

Dhs400 for two without alcohol is easily obtainable, although do take a look at the extensive wine list.

Radisson Blu Yas Island, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

Like sushi?So do the hordes of diners constantly frequenting Toki.

A neon sushi station is the beacon in the restaurant’s otherwise darkly lit room

The extensive menu stars some unusual regional Japanese dishes that you won’t �nd anywhere else in the UAE.

The Hilton’s bars are within easy reach, as is most of downtown via Corniche Road.

A three-course meal for two will have the waiter returning with change from Dhs500.

Hilton Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6814151.hilton.com

Busy, without being rammed, meaning you should be able to �nd a table here.

Eclectic, to say the least, with African masks, spears and animal skins lining the walls.

A huge array of �ne dishes from around the world, from Indian curries to African grilled meats.

Pop into Left Bank, our number two bar in the capital, after your meal. It’s virtually next door.

A meal for two should come in around Dhs700.

Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi,7pm to midnight.Tel: (02) 5581868.mobasagrille.ae

Re�ned and, without an alcohol license currently, a certain sober gravitas.

Sleek modern furniture and a piano nestled opposite the main entrance.

Italian smartly done, using a towering brick pizza oven nicely. Try the veal, too.

Work o� your meal at the largest health club in Abu Dhabi.

A�ordable enough to ensure regular visits aren’t �nancially painful.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 7pmto 1am. Tel: (02) 4439999.millenniumhotels.com

6Chamas

7Filini

8Toki

9Mombasa

Grille

10Porto Bello

The Favourite Americas Restaurant at the What’s On Awards remains a top draw.

Classic Italian dishes with a deal of contemporary �air.

It won Favourite Japanese at our awards. Well chosen indeed, folks.

A restaurant that manages to master a variety of international cuisines.

Porto Bello excels in doing all the simple things an Italian should.


PRICE INFOWHAT’S ON SAYS...

RESTAURANTS

ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE INFOWHAT’S ON SAYS...

HOT ON THE HEELS

11 Frankie’s, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

12 Finz, Beach Rotana

13 Le Bistrot, Le Méridien

14 Mezlai, Emirates Palace

15 Samak, Desert Islands Resort

& Spa

Ushna Porto Bello

12 FINZBeach RotanaHoused in a wooden chalet, if you’re looking for a romantic spot and seafood tickles your taste buds, Finz is just about the capital’s finest. The décor is trawler-worthy – shark skulls, fishing nets, lobster baskets – yet Finz isn’t a cheap theme restaurant. At Dhs700 for two as a ballpark figure sans alcohol, the prices are matched by quality.Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 7pm to 11.30pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com


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Ad_back to school Gulf Business & Whats On_GG.pdf 7/18/11 12:18:12 PM

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 95OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 95

MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 95

1The Lounge

2Anantara Spa

3Chi, The Spa

4Serenity Spa

5Anantara Spa, Qasr Al Sarab

THE HOT LISTSPAS

THE DADDIES OF THE

HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE

Some of the most amiable and expertly skilled sta� you’re likely to encounter in the capital.

We recommend the invigorating Moroccan bath, but the choice is huge: haircuts/styling, shaves, bronzing, baths. It’s all here.

The compact yet spacious villa layout means minimum traipsing between treatment rooms. Parking is as easy as you like, too.

Quite high, but when the service is this good, price is only really a secondary concern.

Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 11am to 10pm, Tel: (02) 6677377. thelounge.ae

You’ll get an ultimate pampering from the predominantly Thai sta�.

You can tell you’re in for a treat from a cursory glance at the pricelist: the Gateway To Arabia is never likely to be mediocre.

Anantara occupies its own wing of Emirates Palace. It’s that big.

Expect to hand over around Dhs1,000.

Emirates Palace, West Corniche, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6909000. emiratespalace.com

Sweet and cheerful, you’ll relax from the second you stroll in the door.

Very wide ranging options, from Filipino hilot massages to caviar facials.

Serene. If somebody said you were in a hidden temple in the Himalayas, you could probably believe it.

Relatively expensive, but you’re undoubtedly getting what you pay for.

Shangri-La, Qaryat Al Beri, Between The Bridges, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 5098888. shangri-la.com

The friendly and knowledgeable sta� at this ladies-only spa will analyse your skin before selecting a tailor-made treatment.

Varied full body and facial treatments, plus waxing, hair-styling, Hypoxi and even personal training. The Clarins Facial is recommended.

Tricky to locate the �rst time, above the cosmetics-�lled displays of Paris Gallery. Once in the treatment room though it’s relaxation personi�ed.

Mostly a little above upper mid-range, although certain longer treatments can crash through the four-�gure mark.

Paris Gallery, Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs 11am to 9pm, Fri 3pm to 9pm (times vary from August 11). Tel: (02) 6678880. parisgallery.com

Attentive, eager to please and happy to recommend post-treatment products.

Almost as huge as the Grand Millennium itself. We recommend the facials: they really do work on every last pore.

Dreamy lighting, with individual changing areas in treatment rooms ensuring ultimate privacy for the shy.

Pocket change won’t see you through here. It will be worth it, though.

Grand Millennium Al Wadha, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

If you’re a self-respecting gentleman in Abu Dhabi, you need The Lounge in your life.

The diamond facial will take years o�.

Chi has one of the greatest Jacuzzis in Abu Dhabi.

Ladies in search of serenity will �nd it here in every sense.


There's a great range of �tness classes, too.

THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

Anantara Zayna Spa


SPAS

6Zayna Spa

7 The Spa

8Zen Spa

9ESPA

10 Eden Spa

Attentive, eager to please and happy to recommend post-treatment products.

The facials are a highlight of a menu that rivals the hotel’s imposing size, getting to work on every last pore.

Individual changing in the treatment rooms themselves guarantee ultimate privacy and the lighting is pleasingly low level.

Above average, much like Zayna itself.

Grand Millennium Al Wahda, Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 4439999. millenniumhotels.com

Friendly beyond the call of duty and brilliant at teasing away tension.

Imaginative and spanning a plethora of treatments.

The dimmed changing room lights set the scene for a spa that thinks about your relaxation at every possible juncture.

Nudging the upper end of mid-range.

Radisson Blu, Golf Plaza, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6562000. radissonblu.com

Very personable, until you ask for ‘�rm’, and then there’s no messing around.

The latest addition to a regularly updated range is a candle wax massage.

Soft lighting and relaxing fragrance characterise Zen, with facilities including tranquility suites for couples.

Very reasonable considering the quality of hotel you’re in.

Beach Rotana, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (02) 6979000. rotana.com

An excellent mix of polite and professional.

Luxurious and expansive. The hammams are something of a specialty.

The running water themes throughout ensure there’s scarcely a corner that doesn’t soothe the senses.

In pure cost terms, expensive. ESPA scores highly on value for money, however.

Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6560862. theyashotel.com

Chatty and cheery – you may make a new friend before the treatment is over.

All the necessary treatments you’d expect, plus notable facilities such as hammams.

Eden is a scaled-down paradise, once out of the leisure centre-esque changing areas, at least.

In terms of cost, this is right about average.

Le Méridien, Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, 9am to 11pm. Tel: (02) 6446666. starwoodhotels.com

There’s a great range of �tness classes, too.

There isn’t a better spa on Yas Island right now.

A subterranean sanctuary to steal you away from the city.

A spa adjacent to a Formula One circuit is about as glamorous as they come.

OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 96OCTOBER 2010 WHAT’S ON 9696 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2011

Wind down in the aquamedic pool afterwards to complete a soothing visit.

THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON SAYS...

INFO

HOT ON THE HEELS

11 Hiltonia Health Club & Spa, Hilton

12 Man/Age Luxury Men’s Spa

13 Body & Soul Health Club & Spa, Al

Raha Beach Hotel

14 Crystal Holistic Day Spa, Tourist

Club Area

15 Sharinis Wellness Spa

Zen SpaESPA

11 HILTONIA HEALTH CLUB & SPAHiltonOpposite the main Hilton complex, this spacious spa’s proximity to the health club gym next door ensures it’s a perfect spot to soothe those post-workout aches and pains.Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, 10am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6924324. hilton.com


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What's On_BORDERS.BTS_2011.31.JULY.pdf 7/18/11 1:56:21 PM


Abu Dhabi has a fast-growing movie scene, but the capital needs something beyond film festivals and big-screen blockbusters, says Nayla Al Khaja. So, she’s planning to launch an independent film club…

�ere are a lot of �lm clubs in the world. I was part of one in Canada when I lived there, but it’s something that’s missing here. I can’t understand why it’s never been tried before in Abu Dhabi.

Film fever is catching all around the region, especially in Gulf countries. It’s fantastic that we have �lm festivals, but they only happen once a year, and once they’re over, they’re over. We need something more constant and consistent on a monthly basis for people with like-minded interests to come together, almost like a festival but spread out over 12 months of the year.

My �lm club will celebrate independent Arab

A �lm club will never make money, so the idea is just to create a platform to really enjoy �lm-making. What’s my motivation? I love �lm. It’s something you enjoy and you want to share with people who have the same thoughts. I wouldn’t be surprised if people who meet at the club actually end up making �lms together. �at’s another motivation to start the club.

I have a list of 20 �lms and I’m going to �lter them and see which directors are interested in coming, because we have to �y them in. �ere will be screenings with debates with the direc-tor a�erwards. You have to �nd a balance and keep in mind cultural taboos and boundaries, because a lot of independent �lms do have scenes that aren’t suitable. But I would never ever edit an independent �lm. I would rather not screen it. It would be so insulting. It’s like dribbling paint on somebody’s canvas. It’s made from the heart and should be respected. I’m going to make sure the club is done right, because I’m so passionate about it.

Nayla Al Khaja is the CEO of D-Seven Motion Pictures. She begins �lming her �rst feature-length movie next year

cinema, because there’s nowhere dedicated to it. However, it will show �lms that speak to a broader range of audiences, regardless of language. �e �lms don’t necessarily have to be by an Arabic �lm-maker – it could be a German director who shot something in Abu Dhabi – but it has to have something about the region, an aesthetic value or storyline. �at’s the only clause. �e idea is to make people excited to watch independent cinema as opposed to commercial movies.

�e venue won’t change every month. �is way people become familiar with a location, and it starts to be part of their routine. �e only thing that will change is the �lm-makers and the �lms. I’m looking for a venue that will be very cosy, that can accommodate 300-plus people, with the right facilities, projectors and soundsystem, so people can really enjoy the experience and mingle a�erwards in a net-working room. I really want to bring locals and expats together. �at’s important. I think a lot of misconceptions will be broken down at the club; it’s a fantastic opportunity for nationals and expats to talk beyond work and ask ques-tions they might normally be worried to ask.

WITH NAYLA AL KHAJABACKCHATBACKCHAT

NEXT MONTH: SPORTS SPECIAL, FISH ‘N’ CHIPS TESTED, AND 48-HRS IN ISTANBUL

98 Backchat AUD.indd 98 7/27/11 3:41:54 PM

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samsung.pdf 7/28/11 3:50:17 PM

what's on | abu dhabi | august 2011

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