DHS 10 August 2010 ISSUE 388

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detOX PICK YOUR PERFECT PLAN

+
We meet Gary Rhodes
top ten getaways
Luxury cinemas tested
the UAE’s best sandwiches
 How
Netherlands beat Spain
in the UAE.
I’m Dutch. So when my Spanish friends came
over to watch the game, I had something else up
my sleeve.

Draadjesvlees, a traditional Dutch dinner.

Thankfully I knew just where to go for the most
original ingredients. LuLu! Crispy red cabbage
and potato from the Netherlands with fresh US
beef. And for desert, the popular Catalan cold
custard with a crispy caramel coating.

To cut a long story short, the food vanished off

the plates… Spain won the World Cup but
Netherlands won the day!

LuLu, with the finest ingredients flown in fresh

daily from around the world, you always get the
best, at any time.
As for the winner…well…

LuLu, where the world comes to shop!

www.luluhypermarket.com

ABU DHABI AL AIN DUBAI SHARJAH AJMAN UAQ FUJAIRAH RAK

Contents
Features
19
The detox dozen
Twelve plans to
help you have your
healthiest summer ever

30
Hot summer deals
We’ve found the UAE’s
best bargain breaks

32
Cinema guide
Is it worth forking out
extra for luxury cinema
tickets? We find out

34
Gary Rhodes
The UK’s spiky-haired
celebrity chef invites us
into his new restaurant
to cook with locally
sourced produce
p30

p34 p32
10 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
The round-up
p69
14 79
Salaam Travel
August condensed into Checking out the
two pages Ukrainian capital, Kiev.
Plus a round-up of the
17 best adventure breaks
Competitions
Feeling lucky? See 89
what you could win this Hot lists
month The premier league of
Iftars, restaurants, bars
38 and spas
Films
Our verdict on futuristic 98
Western Jonah Hex, Backchat
zombieflick sequel Monthly musings from
Resident Evil: Afterlife Dubai 92’s Catboy
and comedy Cyrus,
starring John C Reilly

41
Eating out
Taking a spin at the
capital’s Al Fanar
restaurant, tapas at
Seville’s and steak at
Exchange Grill, plus the
UAE’s best sandwiches
and cafes

55
Arts
We pop into Sharjah’s
newest gallery,
plus five Ramadan
exhibitions you need
to view
p41
61
Shopping
The best gadgets out
there and our in-house
style guru, Sophia
Triantafillou, with some
fashion tips

69
Mind & body
His and hers treatments
at the Mövenpick
Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s
new spa and our
devoted dieter

76
Sports & outdoor

p79 p38
American football in the
UAE and fitness advice
from the very healthy
James Houghton

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 11

 This month we’ve been...
Editor-in-Chief
Obaid Humaid Al Tayer
Group Editor & Managing Partner
lan Fairservice
Group Senior Editor
Gina Johnson | gina@motivate.ae

Editor
Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae
Deputy Editor
Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae
Features Editor
Gareth Rees | gareth@motivate.ae
Hitting the gym, p73
Contributing Editor
Hugo Berger | hugo@motivate.ae
Chief Sub Editor
Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae
Senior Designer
Sheila Lyn Carino | sheila@motivate.ae
Editorial Assistant/Picture Researcher
Karen Sequeira | karen@motivate.ae
Picture Researcher
Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae
Editorial Intern
Gemma Matthewman

Contributors
Emily Baxter, Victor Besa, James Brennan, Louise Chomping on
Browne, Leah Fielding, Vikram Gawde, James Going on a detox diet, p19 sandwiches, p52
Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Richard Luck, Nick
Rice, Sarah J Ross, Farooq Salik, Simon Smedley,
Thomas Shambler, Janelle Sabareza, Rachel
Silvestri, Sophia Triantafillou, Sarah Walker

General Manager
Production and Circulation
Editor’s note
S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae
Production Manager There’s a scene in the classic 1957 Sidney Lumet movie, 12 Angry Men,
Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae when ‘juror eight’ (the brilliant Henry Fonda), a lone dissenter in a jury
General Manager – Group Sales hell bent on delivering a guilty verdict in a murder trial, passionately
Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae persuades the other 11 jurors to hear him out. “It’s not easy to raise
Senior Advertisement Manager
Dale Isaac | dale@motivate.ae my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first,” he
Saffron Goodyear | saffron@motivate.ae argues. “We’re talking about somebody’s life here. We can’t decide in
Advertisement Manager
Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae five minutes. Supposin’ we’re wrong?”
General Manager, Abu Dhabi Fast forward some 53 years, and there was a similar argument here at What’s On, when
Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae
Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi the rest of the editorial team lunged at me with plans for a detox feature. “A detox? You
Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae want me to take part in a lifestyle change, for the good of my health? I can’t decide that
Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70 in five minutes. Supposin’ you’re wrong?”
(including Airmail charges)
They weren’t though, were they? Given the hectic lifestyles we all lead in Dubai – mine
especially – it makes sense for us all to take time out now and again, recharge the batteries,
spring clean the system, call it what you like, and there’s probably no better time than now
to do it. Team What’s On, as always, took the plunge on your behalf (p19), undergoing all
manner of fun, and not so fun, detox treatments for a newly improved, freshened up you.
Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE
And a freshened up me, too, although I’m still often a lone voice when it comes to saying
Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436, no to health matters (and my movie choices too, but take a tip from me and hunt out 12
E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae
Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor,
Angry Men if you’ve not seen it. You won’t regret it).
Building 8, Dubai, UAE, More my style, this issue we also uncover the UAE’s top sandwich (p52). Ten of the best
Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845
Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE,
bread-based blighters, tried and tested by us, so you know exactly where to go for the
Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124, best sarnie. That was one jury I was happy to be on.
E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road,
London NW1 3ER, UK, Enjoy the issue, and Ramadan Kareem.
E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae
34,432 copies
June 2009

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

12 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010


Salaam!
Honey we shrunk August
What’s hot
Insects
Please extend a warm welcome to the
two-millimetre long aquatic beetle
Ochthebius Wurayah and the
wasp species Nanomutilla
Wurayahensis, discovered
during an inventory of the
arthropod fauna of the UAE.
Giving
The Dunia Cares initiative will collect your
unwanted goods, whether clothes or
electrical products, and distribute them
to those in need. Giving is the new taking,
don’t you know?
Tel: (04) 4238642. www.dunia.ae
Making new friends
Happy birthday to Social Circles, a website
that has been bringing expats together in
Dubai for a year. We suggest a party with
all your new chums. www.socialcirclesuae.
What’s not
Not saving the planet
Dubai is still not quite there when it comes
to recycling. The job’s not even been started
properly until each household has recycling
boxes for paper, plastic and glass collected
on a weekly basis.
Come on, people.
Shrinkage
Is there a more rage-inducing feeling than
lovingly lifting your brand new T-shirt from
what purports to be a 30-degree wash only
to find it’s boiling hot and would now fit a
three year old.
GULFPICS AND ISTOCK
Amazon
We’ve been waiting almost a month for
Amazon to deliver our order. A week is fair. Ten Dubai, Weds 10.30am to midday, 8pm to 10pm
days is acceptable. Two weeks irritating. But a during Ramadan. Tel: (04) 3499955.
month is just absurd. www.amazon.com
14 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
We're officially part of the Twitterati.
Follow us at WhatsOnDubai for
exclusive updates on nightlife,
restaurants and more around the
UAE. Tweet yourself.
August in numbers
You can count on it
2
The number of Rex Stevensons prior
1,200
to the birth of American Football
Academy head coach Rex Stevenson
III, p77
Extraordinarily low number of
calories permitted per day by one of
our detox diets, p19
1
Dishes What’s On helped create
on the menu at Gary Rhodes’ new
Rhodes Twenty10 restaurant, p34
19
Years since the Ukraine gained
independence from the Soviet Union 4,000
and our international travel destination Pieces of popcorn consumed (approximately)
Kiev became the capital, p81 while testing the UAE’s luxury cinemas, p32
This month we’re going to…
DUBAI LADIES CLUB
Dubai Ladies Club is offering a free diving
lesson for ladies this month, so now’s
your chance to learn how to breathe
underwater with a qualified PADI instructor.
All equipment will be provided and the
class takes just ten minutes. Bring your own
swimmers. Children over ten also welcome.
Dubai Ladies Club, Beach Road, Jumeirah,
www.dubailadiesclub.com
 READ…
Five Questions… Absolace IMPERIAL BEDROOMS,
BRETT EASTON ELLIS
If you haven’t heard of Brett
Drummer Greg Cargopoulos, Easton Ellis, you must have
guitarist Jack Skinner, been hiding under a rock for
the past 20 years. You probably know his
keyboardist Kyle Roberts, book American Psycho. But it was his 1985
vocalist Nadim Jamal and debut Less Than Zero – charting the lives of
a group of nihilistic, materialistic LA teens
new bassist Ben Harris are – that made his name. Imperial Bedrooms is
Absolace,, the Dubai- the sequel. Clay, now a middle aged New
based rock-metal York screenwriter, returns to the LA of his

band touted as
WIN!
A COPY OF RESOLVE [D]
youth and becomes entangled in the lives
of his former friends. If you liked Less Than
Do you want to wrap your shell-like
the UAE’s next big around the new sound of the UAE? Then
here’s your chance to add a copy of
Zero, you should enjoy Imperial Bedrooms –
even if it’s not quite as bang on the zeitgeist
thing. Following their Absolace’s new album to your collection.
All you have to do is log on to You wouldn’t believe the as the original novel was in the mid-1980s.
www.winwithmotivate.com and
first live gig and answer this simple question.
Which of these is NOT a UAE band?
frustration involved. We spent Available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal
nine months recording, followed and Kinokuniya
the recent release a) Beat Antenna
b) Abri
by two months post-production.
c) Bloc Party
of debut album The bureaucracy involved in getting LISTEN…
Resolve[d],, Cargopoulos your album on the shelves, and the time MAN ALIVE,
it takes to promote the album, make it a lot EVERYTHING
talks about the challenges of more difficult than producing the album itself. EVERYTHING
producing a record in Dubai Is there plenty of support for local bands? These quirky northern-
There’s definitely not enough going on for ers have been tearing up
original bands. If venues just took the initiative the UK’s radio waves with
How’s the reception to the album and started booking bands regularly then they tunes that simply can’t be summed up in
been so far? would get quite a lot of business. Instead they one sentence. Listing inspirations from R
So far the feedback has been great. But a lot of wait for a gig promoter to come to them and Kelly to The Smiths, they’ve been deemed
it has come from our friends, so we take it a little throw a gig night with five bands playing. ‘bizarre’n’B’ and much hailed by indie legend
lightly. But then again, some unknowns have Some of the tracks from the album have Johnny Marr and friend of What’s On, Zane
approached us praising the album. been played on radio stations in the US. Are Lowe. Did we mention that the drummer is
We’ve had a little listen and we’d you looking beyond the UAE? our Deputy Editor’s brother? Pass the back-
probably class your sound as prog-rock. Actually, a couple of radio stations randomly stage passes, Helen.
Some listeners have labelled us as a prog-rock stumbled upon our MySpace page and asked Top track: Photoshop Handsome
band, but others have said we are more of a for album copies. We would like to play gigs Available from www.amazon.co.uk and iTunes
prog-metal band. Others have even said we are abroad eventually, so every little bit helps. The www.everything-everything.co.uk
alternative rock. And believe me, we are just next step is lots and lots of gigs hopefully, both
as confused as they are as to which genre we in our hometown and abroad. Also, we are WATCH…
belong to. going to get started soon on the next album. MONEY DVD
How much of a challenge was it to put an We would like to be a very productive band. It only aired on BBC2 in the UK
album out in the UAE? Resolve[d] is out now in May, so we’re pretty lucky
The production of the album was a nightmare. www.myspace.com/absolace to be able to lay our hands on
this adaptation of Martin Amis’
lauded 1984 novel, Money. With
comic actor Nick Frost – Shaun Of
The Dead, The Boat That Rocked – flaunting
his acting chops (quite considerable they
are, too) in the lead role of pleasure seeking
OSSIANO WWW.GONABIT.COM dirt bag John Self, a 1980s TV commercial di-
A five-course menu with wine pairings You don’t really need rector in New York to make his debut feature
composed by multi-Michelin starred Catalan to go anywhere to film. Funny, dark and ever so slightly odd, it’s
chef, Santi Santamaria, for Dhs550 ain’t half check out this new ideal for whiling away a Ramadan afternoon.
bad. And just wait until you hear what’s on website, but if you sign And Martin Amis is said to be pleased. Not
offer. Hamachi tartare, octopus, scallop with up to GoNabit – thus an easy task.
summer truffles, king prawn or wagyu beef becoming a Nabber – Virgin Megastore, Dhs70
for main and chocolate bunyols to finish off. you and your friends
Hungry yet? You have until September 30 to will be able to take advantage of its daily
get yourself down to Atlantis. offers for discounted activities in the UAE. Find us at
Ossiano, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) GoNabit. Tel: (04) 4493150. www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai
4261000. www.atlantisthepalm.com www.gonabit.com

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 15

 C

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K
 Win with What’s On
Want to get your hands on these lovely
prizes? To be in with a chance, click on
www.winwithmotivate.com, register your
details and answer these easy questions
WIN! IFTAR FOR TEN AT THE PALACE
Gather together family and friends for a fine feasts this Ramadan
at The Palace. The Arabian restaurant Ewaan is playing host, with
views over Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains, plus all the Arabic food
you can eat. We’re offering you and nine hungry diners a chance to
enjoy a traditional evening if you win our great competition. To be
in with a chance of winning, simply tell us:
Which of these dishes would you
not normally find at an Iftar?
a) Fattoush
b) Hummous
c) Chicken burgers
WIN! A WEEKEND STAY AT THE NEW
CITYMAX HOTEL
This brand new abode in Barsha recently opened its doors and you
too can join its fan club. We have a two-night stay, with dinner and
breakfast up for grabs this August so you can take a local mini-
break. For your chance to win, just tell us…
Which world famous mall is in Barsha?
a) Mall of the Emirates
b) Mall of the Maldives
c) Mall of the English
WIN! IFTAR AND A NIGHT’S STAY FOR
TWO AT HILTON ABU DHABI
There are few hotels in Abu Dhabi that we’d rather be staying
at during Ramadan than the Hilton Abu Dhabi. As well as an
outstanding Iftar spread at the superb La Terrazza restaurant, there
will also be a huge air-conditioned tent by the hotel’s private beach
for you to take in the Sohour experience. We’re giving you the
chance to try out the Iftar before spending the night at the hotel.
Just tell us:
Which of these professions is not usually employed in a hotel?
a) Bellboy
b) Chambermaid
c) Lion tamer
WIN! IFTAR FOR EIGHT AT PARK
HYATT DUBAI
Enjoy a traditional Iftar this Ramadan at Café Arabesque. You and
seven friends could be feasting on local and Middle Eastern dishes,
soups, grills and home-made sweets, all served in this gorgeous
Arabian-style café. For your chance to win, simply tell us.
Which fruit is popular in this region for breaking the fast?
a) Pineapple
b) Dates
c) Limes
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 17
 THE DETOX DOZEN

THE
DETOX
DOZEN
Dust off the juicer, bin
the biscuits and buy
some new gym kit,
it’s time to get serious
about getting
healthy with
What’s On’s
detox special
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 19
 THE DETOX DOZEN

1 FIVE-DAY YEAST
FREE PLAN
EMILY RECIPE
BEAN SALAD
GOAL One can of red kidney beans, butter beans
I’m aiming to shed some well-earned brunch
pounds, while treating my body like a temple and pinto beans – drained
with a DIY detox. One medium roughly chopped red onion
One green pepper diced into squares
Two tomatoes diced
WHY: The idea is that your eating plan should Half a can of sweet corn (optional)
enhance your life and promote brain function Three tablespoons honey
and overall well-being. The Five-Day Yeast Free Three tablespoons olive oil
Plan is not a diet, but a strategised ‘my body is Salt and pepper
a temple’ eating programme and a good way Optional: tinned tuna, feta cheese, olives
to start changing disordered eating patterns. It
should slot easily into your lifestyle, where you Stores well for up to five days.
‘eat to tweak’ your metabolic hormones and For the next five days, it was ‘out with the
get insulin levels under control to eliminate old and in with the new’, as my kitchen made Not having to cut back on life’s little
cravings (which is where the yeast-free element way for quinoa, fresh salmon, low-fat yoghurt culinary luxuries, nor feel like a slave to a diet,
kicks in), learn to eat the right quantities, with a
and Ryvita. Sounds hard, but it really wasn’t. whilst merely adapting my eating habits and
long-term healthier life change as the goal. The My eating regime (if you ignore my crisp portion sizes, meant that having followed the
motto? “Rely on your strategies and planning, addiction) is relatively healthy, so the emphasis plan properly (my halo is glowing), I have
not your will power!” was on paying attention to the brands I chose, shaved a few pounds off my waistline, while
low-fat equivalents, avoiding yeast and, most making my conscience a whole lot lighter, too.
HOW: After a consultation with The Dubai importantly, portion sizes – ‘less is more yet
London Clinic, I was handed my personalised also more often’ became my mantra. COST: The initial 90-minute consultation
five-day 1,200 calories plan – one that would costs Dhs375, where you’ll discuss your eating
combat my kamikaze cravings and curb my RESULTS: Mission accomplished! My goal was habits, diet and goals, with body composition
constant grazing on biscuits and crisps (you to find an eating plan that worked for me – one measurements taken. Each follow-up session
know what they say about bigger pickers…). that fitted into my lifestyle, wasn’t so ‘intense’ costs Dhs200.
Having swallowed my initial trepidation that I’d cave at the first sight of carrot cake, yet
over new foodstuffs and smaller portion sizes, I curbed my cravings for most things ‘bad’. It was Dubai London Clinic, Dubai Festival
headed to Spinney’s armed with determination less about losing weight, more about longevity City, Dubai. Tel: (04) 344663. E-mail
and my new culinary checklist in tow. and ten days in I’m still going strong. nutritiondubailondonclinic@gmail.com

2 REJUVENATE DETOX
MARINE ALGAE WRAP
SARAH W
GOAL
I’m all for anything that means lying down
in a dark room for two hours. Also wouldn’t
mind a few “you look glowing” comments rather
than the more common “you look tired”.
WHY: To give the body a helping hand to
fight off the toxins inflicted on it courtesy of a
fast-paced modern life. And to help avoid the
bedraggled look that comes with burning the
candle at both ends?
HOW: The session begins with a footbath
as you discuss the treatment (products can
be tailored to aid relaxation or body gripes
ISTOCK
an algae cocktail, which is applied and sealed
as you are wrapped in plastic. The warm
cocoon helps the seaweed’s minerals, vitamins
and enzymes to penetrate your pores and
nourish your skin, and you are treated to an
acupressure facial massage, mini facial and
head massage while it kicks into gear. Then
it’s a quick shower and 45-minute massage.
RESULTS: My skin was definitely softer and I
felt as if every inch of my body had been given
some much-needed TLC. Perhaps not enough
to feel fully detoxified, but certainly a blissful
two hours of ‘me time’ guaranteed to relax.
COST: Dhs995 for a two-hour treatment.

including cellulite). First up is all-over The Spa, The Address Downtown Dubai.
exfoliation to prepare the skin for a coating of Tel: (04) 4368751. www.theaddress.com

20 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010


3 AJURVEDIC
SHIRODHARA
TREATMENT
MARK
GOAL
I’d like to reduce stress and improve sleep
through this ancient Indian technique.
WHY: Few people are as healthy as those
Indian yogis, and they swear by ajurvedic
treatments to keep themselves so spritely. The
medical techniques go back some 3,000 years
and apparently have a proven track record in
detoxing the body. This ancient Indian detox
treatment involves a massage with scented oils,
before two litres of oil are slowly dripped
on your head.
HOW: The oil massage is supposed to stimulate
the nadis (the Hindi word for nerves) and the
chakras – energy centres. The oil is scented with
various herbs that are absorbed through the
4
THE REVIVE WAKE UP
AND DETOX SPA RITUAL
LEAH
GOAL
I need to banish those pesky
toxins, probably caused from
smoking far too many
cigarettes
WHY: If you’re feeling
lethargic, sluggish or suffer
with an aching body, it could mean your
body has more than its fair share of toxins. In
order to help remove the build-up of toxins,
this treatment targets the forms of tiredness
directly, reenergising your body and mind for
perfect head-to-toe health.
HOW: The Revive Wake Up and Detox Spa
Ritual helps to energise your body, leaving
you feeling bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.
Performed in three stages, the process begins
with a refreshing citrus detox scrub, followed
by an invigorating jet lag massage and ending
with a refining facial.
RESULTS: By treating the toxins like
symptoms of jet lag, my body’s rhythm felt
perfectly balanced. After suffering from
skin. After this, you lie
on your back and two litres of sesame oil are
slowly drizzled on your forehead. This
so-called shirodhara treatment is supposed to
help eradicate toxins from your skin and calm
you down by synchronising brain waves.
RESULTS: Having oil poured on your head
might not sound particularly pleasurable, but
it is sublimely relaxing. And don’t worry – a
barrier is put over your eyebrows to stop the
oil dripping into your eyes and mouth.
My skin was so shiny I was sure women were
checking their make-up in the reflection on
my forehead – and I definitely felt extremely
tranquil afterwards.
COST: Dhs350 for 50 minutes.
Eden Spa, Le Royal Méridien, Tourist Club Area,
Abu Dhabi, 9am to 9pm. Tel: (02) 6446666.
www.lemeridien.com
insomnia for the past week, I had the
best night’s sleep and instead of feeling
fatigued, I felt awake, relaxed and
refreshed. I did feel slightly dehydrated
afterwards, but this was to be expected
and after drinking a couple of glasses of
water in the spa’s tranquil and luxurious
relaxation room, I felt a
million dirhams.
COST: Dhs875 for a two and half
hour treatment.
The Spa, The Address Dubai Marina.
Tel: (04) 4367777. www.theaddress.com
THE DETOX DOZEN
5 SUPER
DETOX
TREATMENT
RACHEL
GOAL
I want a firming and toning
treatment after the long,
lazy summer.
WHY: The long, hot, inactive
summer months can result in a wobbly
body and more pronounced cellulite – this
treatment is perfect for battling those
extra inches to get you back on track for
bikini season.
HOW: After being
meticulously
measured,
quickly
scrubbed and
swept with
toner, the tummy
and thighs are
slathered in a
variety of slimming,
cellulite-busting and
water retention-draining lotions. Gauze is
draped over the top, then a thick, slimming
mask and finally electrode pads – two on
the tummy and two on each thigh – which
provide an involuntary muscle response,
simulating a workout while you enjoy a
relaxing head massage. Six to eight inches
can be lost from the body in one session.
RESULTS: I immediately felt more toned
and in shape. Cellulite was visibly reduced
and, according to the measurements, I’d
lost two inches. Not a huge amount, but
as a fairly slim person that was more than
enough. For those with a lot of weight to
lose and a lack of inclination to go to the
gym, this is a very sedate method – with
all the advantages of the luxurious Atlantis
spa. Results lasted for a few days, but three
to four treatments are recommended for
optimum circulation increase and toxin
elimination. I was impressed.
COST : Dhs475 for 1 hour 30 minutes.
The Spa & Fitness Centre, Atlantis The Palm,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4261020.
www.atlantisthepalm.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 21
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6 THE TIME FOR CHANGE
RIGHT WEIGHT DETOX
PLAN, COMBINED WITH
PERSONAL TRAINING
SESSIONS FROM THE
ORIGINAL FITNESS CO
NICK
GOAL
I want a general health overview and to
effectively detox for the first time ever. If this also
results in belly shrinkage, then that’s a bonus
worthy of a celebratory drink. Of green tea.
WHY: Because sometimes it’s just easier to hand
yourself over to the professionals. Combining
exercise and a therapeutic approach, this is one
detox plan that claims to do it all.
HOW: First, a trip to the Dubai Herbal and
Treatment Centre for a Body Composition
Analysis (BCA). Fairly simple – you just
whip off your clothes off, put on a hospital
robe and step onto a futuristic machine while
holding two joysticks that look like they
might electrocute you. In fact, what they do
is calculate your total body water, soft lean
muscle mass, fat free mass and overall weight.
The analysis then breaks down your body
fat mass and your skeletal muscle mass. It is
your skeletal muscle mass that needs to be in
the correct ratio for you to feel healthy and
look ‘in shape’, as this is the type of muscle
that we see and feel. My BCA showed I was
overweight with low skeletal muscle and
a high percentage of body fat for my age,
height and gender. I needed to lose 8.2kg
to be within normal parameters. The good
news was that within two to four weeks on
the Right Weigh Detox Plan, combined with
some personal training with Original Fitness
Co, I could shed half of that. But, as the age
old fitness mantra goes… no pain, no gain.
Unsurprisingly, alcohol and dairy products
have to go, as do sugars or refined carbohydrates
– so forget white bread, cakes, biscuits and
crisps. No processed foods or products using
preservatives – so goodbye food in tins, packets
and wrappers. And finally, no combining
animal proteins such as beef, chicken or fish
with starchy carbohydrates such as 100 per cent
whole grain bread, brown rice, potato or pasta –
so no sandwiches. Plus, you also take six herbal
cleansing tablets daily and a daily fibre blend
two hours before going to bed.
The guys at Original
Fitness Co, meanwhile,
are experts in
improving the mental
and physical fitness of
their customers and my
personal trainer was superb. No boot camp
barking here – expect sensible, dedicated
professionalism with friendly encouragement.
RESULTS: Although not immediate, after a
week of food privation you may also feel
alert and focused. No heavy belly after a
stodgy lunch. The weight does come off and
if you limit the prohibited food back into
your diet, the results will continue. It might
seem as difficult as trying to pin a badge
onto a wet ferret, but you’re sure to feel a
comparable amount of satisfaction should
you manage to do it.
COST: Time For Change one-hour consultation
and BCA costs Dhs380. Supplements for
one month, Dhs300. Pricing for one-on-one
training starts from Dhs270.
Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre, Zabeel 2,
Oud Metha Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3351200.
www.dubaihtc.com. Training available in
affiliated gyms or in home, office or outdoor
locations.Original Fitness Co, Level 41, Emirates
Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3132081. www.originalfitnessco.com
THE DETOX DOZEN
7 EMERALD
CEREMONY
GARETH
GOAL
I would like healthier looking skin after a few
too many afternoons in the sun – and
losing a few inches from sitting in a seaweed
bath wouldn’t be bad either.
WHY: A treatment
designed for people
who want results,
rather than spa goers
looking for escapism –
although Amara must
be one of the most
relaxing retreats in the
UAE. It’s best suited to those who are already
following a healthy eating plan and exercising
because it can assist with the removal of
toxins – but can’t do all the work for you.
HOW: Begin with a footbath in your private
garden, before skin is prepared with a
grapefruit body scrub. You then take an
outdoor shower under the skies and kick back
for 20 minutes in a foamy seaweed bath, full
of nutrients and powerful jets to stimulate
lymphatic drainage. After another shower
(we were joined by a little lizard), hot mud
infused with juniper, pine and rosemary is
applied and you’re then cocooned on a heated
bed, while enjoying an acupressure scalp
massage. Bliss.
RESULTS: We were surprised by how effective
the treatment was, especially after only one
session. Thighs felt firmer, skin was definitely
smoother and we slept like a baby, waking up
with a decidedly flatter stomach.
COST: Dhs750 for two hours.
Amara Spa, Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 6021234. www.dubai.park.hyatt.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 23
THE DETOX DOZEN
DETOX TIPS
Jaclyn Harris from
Talise Spa shares
her secrets to
a successful
detox
Detoxifying
is a normal
bodily
function.
The organs of
detoxification
and elimination
are the liver,
kidneys, lymphatics,
lungs and skin, which means our body
gets rid of waste through each of these.
Detoxifying is the process of changing
a toxin to make it less harmful and then
eliminating the waste out of the body.
It’s a fresh start.
TOP FIVE DETOX TIPS
1
CUT BACK
Take a complete break from cigarettes,
alcohol, white bread and processed
foods. Instead, eat small amounts often,
including lots of different fresh fruits and
vegetables, nuts and whole grains. Nourish
your body and give it a break from the
chemicals. Choose organic where possible.
2
LEMON IN WATER
Start every morning with the
juice of half a lemon or lime in
a cup of room temperature water. The
bitterness will stimulate your digestive
tract and liver for the day.
3
DECLUTTER
Fill the fridge with all the
nutritious foods you will be
eating and get rid of the others. This is
also the perfect time to de-clutter your
mind and be guided through meditation
to help cleanse your thoughts.
4
COLONIC HYDROTHERAPY
A healthy bowel is vital to your
detox. The digestive tract is the
key player in detoxification. Try to have a
minimum of two colonics, one at the start
and another at the end of your detox.
5
BODY CARE
At home, follow dry skin
brushing over your whole body
to help detoxify the skin, the largest
organ in the body.
24 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
8 THE OPTIMAL HEATH
ASSESSMENT
mean that my parents suffer). Blood work
HELEN suggested I could aid digestion by chewing
GOAL food more and eating more slowly. Guilty
I’d like an overall health assessment, with as charged. Not surprisingly for a summer’s
a structured plan for weight loss day in Dubai, dehydration was an issue, but
and lifestyle changes.
Jaclyn suggested putting a squeeze of lemon
in some water to slow its journey through
the body. All in all, it was an educational and
WHY: To understand very reassuring experience, with everything
your body fully, it may explained clearly.
be necessary to take A detoxifying two-week nutritional
things further than programme was provided, with body
your regular check up with a GP. This three- brushing, supplements, exercise and
hour consultation looks at well-being, lifestyle treatments including wraps and colonic
and diet, and provides a full report to help hydrotherapy suggested. You can do as little or
you become as healthy as possible. as much as you like (or can afford) and should
return in three weeks to reassess your body.
HOW: This assessment includes full blood
work evaluation, live blood analysis, wellness RESULTS: While the diet (see below) may
body scan, iris diagnosis, GP check- appear a little on the strict side – sprouts for
up (including breast exam for women), snacks? – there are several options for each
nutritional plan, lifestyle consultation and a meal and all ingredients are easily available.
comprehensive health report. You even get an The emphasis is on ‘clean foods’ with nothing
hour spa treatment of your choice while they processed and plenty of fibre. After a low
await the results and write the evaluation. period of weakness and headaches, I started
Our kind of test. feeling healthier and more alert within a few
Some results, such as the breast days and didn’t miss the white carbs as much as
examination, you get on the spot, but most expected. A total of 3kg was lost, but there was
are collated into a report which naturopath some pretty serious exercising involved too.
Jaclyn Harris talks you through after your spa
treatment. Aside from needing to shift a few COST: Until December 1, Talise Spa is offering
kilos, I was found to be pretty darn healthy, the Optimal Health Assessment for Dhs1,495
with optimal cholesterol and triglycerides. (usual price Dhs2,695).
The iris scan revealed that I had ‘an iron
constitution’ (true) and stress is present Talise Spa, Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai.
in our body (probably true, but it can also Tel: (04) 3666818. www.jumeirah.com/talise
THE TALISE
PLAN
UPON RISING: Take two Alka Balance
tablets and 5ml of Meta-Boost oil with
water then fresh lime juice in warm water.
Dry body brushing before shower
BREAKFAST: Fresh vegetable juice,
poached egg on spelt bread with
sautéed mushrooms
MIDMORNING: Herbal tea and nuts
LUNCH: Salad and egg pitta
SNACK: Sprouts, dried fruit, nuts, seeds,
vegetable sticks
DINNER: Grilled salmon with fresh
rainbow salad and on a bed of mash
(no butter or milk)
DRINKS: Fresh juices, pure water, herbal
teas, mineral water with lemon
 REFINED DINING

Ramadan Kareem 2010 at the hawksbill restaurant

Gather all of your family and friends and enjoy a wide variety
of Iftar menu options at the hawksbill restaurant overlooking the
breathtaking views of Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.
Be amongst the first to experience the specially designed hawksbill
restaurant Arabic menu available exclusively throughout the months
of August & September 2010. Offering a variety of traditional Arabic
cuisine ranging from hot & cold Arabic mezze, mixed grill to the
umm ali dessert.
The team at the hawksbill restaurant look forward to welcoming you
throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
The hawksbill restaurant is open daily from 6am to 10pm & located
only minutes from downtown Corniche with ample parking available.
For all reservations please telephone 02 499 8107
or email fb@sbgolfclub.ae

Book a unique Iftar Banquet menu for families & groups to enjoy Visit us at www.sbgolfclub.ae
your own private dining experience.
You may also choose to sample our internationally inspired menu
that offers more than 60 dishes from around the world.
 THE DETOX DOZEN

9 THE MONTH-LONG HEALTH

FACTORY DETOX DIET
low fat and has enough fruit and vegetables
HUGO to feed a colony of rabbits. The meals change
GOAL daily, but a typical day’s diet might include
I’m aiming to eat less meat and wheat-based porridge and honey for breakfast; melon pieces
foods, which are apparently bad for you, and
more vegetables to eradicate toxins from my
as a mid-morning snack; vegetable stir fry and
body and improve my general well-being green salad for lunch; a handful of almonds in
the afternoon; with salmon steak with steamed
vegetables in the evening.
WHY: The lengthy working hours plus the
scarcity of readily available healthy food, means
RESULTS: There’s no way this amount of fruit
it’s so tempting to forget cooking, pick up the and veg can’t improve your health. Admittedly,
phone and have some guy bring junk food to I strayed from the diet once or twice, but
your door. Health Factory’s detox diet aims to generally adhered to it. The amount of food COST: Dhs3,780 per month for three meals
solve this problem with a month’s supply of like a child’s portions, but it was about enough and two snacks daily, except Fri.
convenient, nutritious meals and snacks. to keep hunger at bay. After a month, I felt
calmer, healthier and had more energy. A Health Factory, Al Quoz, Dubai, Deliveries to
HOW: Every morning, a selection of pre-packed number of people even commented how well addresses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
meals arrives. The food is organic, wheat-free, rested and relaxed I looked. Tel: (04) 3473808. www.healthfactory.com

10 THOMAS
ACUPUNCTURE
DETOX TREATMENT
GOAL
I’d like to alleviate my asthma and eczema
through acupuncture, which balances
your body’s Chi energies.
WHY: As our acupuncturist, Dr Hu Qiwen,
explains, living in the UAE is generally bad
for your health. Your food is pumped with
fertilisers and pesticides and, especially during
the summer, you rarely breathe any fresh, non
air-conditioned air. According to Chinese
medicine, these factors act to ruin the balance
(or yin and yang) of your body, leading to
various complaints like insomnia, skin rashes,
breathing difficulties and irritability.
HOW: The needles are inserted into various
pressure points across your body. In my
case, Dr Hu stuck them up the length of
my spine and at various intervals in my
arms and legs. There’s a slight twinge when
they’re inserted, but nothing worse than
a syringe injection. You then lie there for
about 15 minutes while the needles do their
work. A word of warning though, when
the doctor tells you not to move your head
while the pins are in – don’t. I tried it once
and the agonising pain means I won’t be
doing that again in a hurry.
RESULTS: Being a bit cynical, I was slightly
dubious as to Dr Hu’s grand claims that
acupuncture would alleviate the asthma
and eczema I suffer from. But after just
one session, I saw my eczema begin to ease
off. Plus I haven’t had an asthma attack
since my appointment with Dr Hu. As
an added bonus, I left each session with
a Zen-like sense of calm and have been
sleeping a lot better. Conventional medical
practitioners may scoff at the effectiveness
of acupuncture, but I’ve been convinced
there’s something in it.
COST: Dhs150 for one hour.
HOW CAN
DETOX
MASSAGES
HELP?
Dr Deepa Dhavjekar, of the Thai Privilege
Spa, explains why a relaxing treatment
might be doing more than you think…
Detox massage therapies help combat
problems such as water retention,
stubborn stress knots, reduce of fatigue
and aid weight loss.
The lymphatic system, along with the
liver, is responsible for much of the body’s
natural detox, acting as our own internal
waste disposal unit. Having no natural
‘pump’ of its own, the lymphatic system
is dependent on strong muscles, efficient
breathing and exercise to function.
An overload of toxins can prevent the
lymphatic system from working properly,
and that leads to lethargy or illness;
however, a detox massage stimulates this
vital system into action so that waste can
be eliminated more easily.
One of the major symptoms of chemical
toxicity is likened to the breakdown of the
immune system that encourages all kinds of
symptoms in the body, such as headaches,
muscle and joint pain, fatigue, bloating,
heartburn, irritability, allergies and depression.

Gulf Chinese Medical Centre, corner of Al Nasr Thai Privilege Spa, 1047 Uttamah Villas, Al
Street and Airport Road, Abu Dhabi. Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489679.
Tel: (02) 6343538. www.gulfchinesemedical.com www.thaiprivilegespadubai.com

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 27

THE DETOX DOZEN
1 1
STRENGTH
12
TRAINING
SARAH R
GOAL
To get back to pre-Dubai size. And fast.
WHY: Quite frankly, I can’t seem to get my
backside into gear all by myself. Oh, and UAE
life doesn’t really help – I rotate from the couch,
to car, to office seat and back again. And my
penchant for fast food delivery, brunches and
all you can eat affairs have led to some serious
weight gain. The infamous ‘Dubai stone’?
Whatever it is, I need to lose it, and fast.
HOW: First things first… the diet stuff. My
trainer, Claire Falconer, says that losing the weight
will be 80 per cent diet and 20 per cent training. So
we go through the usual – the evils of white bread,
sugary snacks and processed foods. The merits of
protein and vegetables. She sends
me loads of information via
e-mail, so I can follow her
plan to the letter. Her
recommendation is five
small meals per day.
Claire is also an advocate
of good fats like avocado
and olive oils, so these I can
eat in abundance, as long as I
don’t consume bad carbs.
The training bit is tough. We do resistance
training – and she uses your own body weight
to really tone up. So step-ups, star-jumps, press-
ups and lunges, lunges, lunges. The thigh is the
biggest muscle group, so this will apparently
speed up the whole weight loss thing. She also
uses some oversized rubber bands, kettle balls
and weights. In the beginning I feel nauseas
after a few reps of each. And after the first
session I was in so much pain the next day I had
to use the disabled toilet – I needed something
to hold onto. But after each session I become
more flexible and accustomed to the moves.
RESULTS: It’s only week three, but I am
starting to regain my original shape, and even
though I might not be Heidi Klum just yet, I
am at least on my way…
COST: Dhs250 per session.
Claire Falconer, Phoenix Fitness, Dubai.
Tel: (050) 8754677
28 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
G5 PLUS CELLULITE
AND SLIMMING
MASSAGE, PLUS
BLOOD DIET
JANELLE
GOAL
I would like to lose baby fat without gym work,
get a toned body, stay fit and maintain a
healthy diet.
WHY: I’d gained 5kg in the past 16 months
without realising. Even with rigorous gym and
a rigid diet, deposited fats in our thighs and legs
just won’t go away on its own. You might have
lost weight, but to feel fully fabulous in your
swimmer you might need a little extra help.
Akaru Spa had just the right treatment – the G5
plus Cellulite and Slimming massage. They also
suggested that I try the Blood Diet programme,
which can help you drop a dress size – fast.
HOW: Every person’s metabolism is different,
depending on his or her blood type. I was
handed a list of what to eat and what not to eat
for the next 30 days, according to my Type O
positive blood group. Its aim is to change food
consumption and eventually become a way
of life. There are certain foods that when put
together are stored in the body due to insulin,
while by putting the right food group together
the meal is burnt off more easily.
However, eating the right food is not enough.
For someone like me, who can’t stand strenuous
physical exercise, there is no greater comfort
than getting an introduction to the G5 machine.
I had jitters on my first
session. I’ve always been
conscious about my body, but the thoughts of
shedding off my belly was motivation enough.
The first touch of vibrating massage on my back
was a bit uneasy but I chatted the session away
with Gloria who was now very familiar with my
thighs and buttocks.
According to her, the vibration and massage
improves blood circulation on particular areas.
It breaks the fat molecules into more simple
molecules so that they can be easily circulated
by blood for excretion. The treatment is most
effective in removing toxins from our body. The
massage tones the skin, improves elasticity and
rejuvenates skin cells.
A mere 40 minutes with the G5 and 20
minutes of manual relaxing massage and I was
feeling refreshed and more confident about
that bikini.
RESULTS: The best part about getting a firmer
body is that you can just lay back and chill out
while G5 pixie powder does all the magic. After
my second session, I could feel my skin getting
tighter and thighs less loose. To achieve the best
result, a session of six is recommended.
COST: Dhs310 for 60 minutes (a course is
available: six sessions for the price of five).
Akaru Spa, The Aviation Club, Dubai, Tel (04)
2824611. www.akaruspa.com
TOP
Book it, pack it and take
off with our pick of the
best deals this summer
GREAT
FOR
KIDS
ATLANTIS THE PALM Å
DHS895
Do you have kids to tire out? Can’t face another
week of the summer holidays? No need to call
Supernanny, The Atlantis is coming the rescue.
The hotel is offering deluxe rooms for Dhs895
(interconnecting family rooms are available),
which includes unlimited access to facilities,
reduced rates to swim with the dolphins and
one free entry to Kids Club and Club Rush.
Offer valid until September 30.
The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4262000.
www.atlantisthepalm.com
LOADS
OF
EXTRAS
KEMPINSKI HOTEL MALL OF
THE EMIRATES Å
DHS999
Shopping or a movie? Bowling or a snowball
fight? Do it all when you stay for three nights
at the Kempinski. Enjoy two Snow Park
tickets, two loaded Magic Planet cards, two
CineStar Gold Class cinema tickets and a
shopping voucher worth Dhs500 at Mall of
the Emirates per stay.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3410000. www.kempinski.com/dubai
30 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
GETAWAYS
FOR
LESS
ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF CLUB Ñ
DHS375 FEELING
SPORTY
Listen up golfers, Arabian Ranches Golf Club
is promoting enough deals to fill a bunker.
How about a mere Dhs375 a room, inclusive
of full English breakfast? Even better, they’ve
discounted the golf and equipment rates,
and even give you unlimited access to their
facilities. A hole in one. Available until
September 10.
Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Emirates Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4238877.
www.arabianranchesgolfdubai.com
KIDS THE WESTIN É
EAT FOR DHS999
FREE
Book a Queen Room at The Westin this
summer and you’ll get breakfast, plus lunch
or dinner included for Dhs999 (based on two
people sharing). Don’t forget the children
– under-12s eat for free. Take Tupperware
boxes (you didn’t read that here). Offer runs
until September 8.
The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort &
Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5117115
www.westinminaseyahi.com
LE MÉRIDIEN, MINA SEYAHI
BEACH RESORT & MARINA Ñ
DHS600
Get the family together at Le Méridien Mina
Seyahi Beach Resort and Marina this summer.
You’ll get a night’s stay (inclusive of breakfast)
for Dhs600 and enjoy the facilities at Le
Méridien Mina Seyahi and The Westin. Massive
swimming pools and private beaches await.
Le Méridien, Minda Seyahi Beach Resort &
Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3994141.
www.starwoodhotels.com
FAMILY
FRIENDLY
FACILITIES

FAB
FREEBIES
THE ADDRESS
MONTGOMERIE DUBAI Å
DHS1,199
A luxury indulgence summer promotion.
Sound’s good, doesn’t it? Spend the night at
the exclusive Address Montgomerie and take
your pick from one of the following add-ons:
dinner for two in Nineteen, a 60-minute
massage for two in Angsana Spa, or a round
of golf for two on the championship golf
course. Offer is valid until September 9.
The Address Montgomerie, Emirates Hills,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4238888. www.theaddress.com
TOP SPA
BREAK
QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY
ANANTARA Å
DHS800
Feeling glamorous is so much easier when
you can stay at a five-star luxury resort
at a discount. If you book at least 20 days
in advance with Anantara, you can get 20
per cent off (Deluxe Room rates start from
Dhs800). This package also includes a buffet
breakfast for two.
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu
Dhabi. Tel: (02) 8862088.
www.qasralsarab.anantara.com
NURAN SERVICED RESIDENCES Ñ
DHS660
Set in two upscale locations in Dubai, Nuran
Serviced Residences are a great choice for a
family holiday – especially with these offers
Enjoy a 25 per cent discount when you stay
for two nights, or if you book 14 days prior to
arrival. You’ll also get a free KidZania ticket
per child per stay, or a free ticket to Dubai
Aquarium & Underwater Zoo per person, per
stay, when you stay for four nights.
Two locations: Nuran Greens Serviced
Residences and Nuran Marina Serviced
Residences, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4238877.
www.nuran.com
SUPER
CHEAP
TRADERS HOTEL Å
DHS420
If you’re looking for a bargain break, look
no further. Traders is offering deals over the
summer including a mere Dhs420 for single
rooms and Dhs406 for double rooms. The
Ramadan Kareem Special package also offers
accommodation in a Superior Room and
a choice of complimentary Sohour or Iftar
buffets at The Junction restaurant.
Traders Hotel, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04)
2147308. www.tradershotels.com/dubai
FREE
NIGHT
PARK HYATT DUBAI Å
DHS1,500
One of our favourite retreats, Park Hyatt
Dubai is making your summer just that bit
more special. Simply spend a minimum of
Dhs1,500 in Café Arabesque, Traiteur or The
Thai Kitchen and you’ll get a free night’s stay
at this heavenly hotel. Valid until August 10.
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai. Tel: (04) 6021234.
www.dubai.park.hyatt.com
TOP 10 GETAWAYS FOR LESS
HOME
FROM
HOME
Further Afield
InterContinental Mzaar, Lebanon
ACTION-
Dhs330 PACKED
If it’s outdoor activities you’re after, the
Mountain Adventure package at Mzaar will
get you lacing up those hiking boots. Discover
Mount Lebanon’s peaks for only Dhs330 per
person and choose either a one-hour ATV
ride or two-hour mountain hike. This includes
accommodation in a double room, breakfast
and full use of the hotel’s facilities.
InterContinental Mzaar, Ouyoun el Simane,
Lebanon. Tel: (00961) 9340100.
www.ichotelsgroup.com
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort STAY KIDS
FREE
Dhs349
On weekdays, two children stay free of charge
when you book a double room at Al Aqah
(Dhs349 per person, per night). We went last
month and took full advantage of frozen
cocktails at the swim-up bar, then devoured
the duck curry in the Thai restaurant. You
can even grab a free weeknight stay during
Ramadan with every two consecutive nights
booked. Available until September 8.
Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, Fujairah. Tel:
(09) 2449000. www.lemeridien-alaqah.com
ULTIMATE
IN LUXURY
Shangri-la’s Villingili Resort
and Spa, Maldives
Dhs3,850 per night
The mere mention of a trip to the
Maldives is enough to make most
people envious, but this popular destination
won’t clear out your pockets with its four-night
stay package. You’ll get one free night and a
range of complimentary benefits, as well as an
exclusive 25 per cent discount on the second
villa booked. Valid from September 8 to 18.
Shangri-la’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives.
Tel: (960) 6897888. www.shangri-la.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 31
 THE REEL DEAL

THE
REEL
DEAL Want more class for your
cash? We put the UAE’s
slickest cinemas to the
test to find your dream
screen this summer
ISTOCK
GOLD CLASS AT MALL
OF THE EMIRATES
It started the luxury cinema trend and remains
one of the most popular – but can it hold its
own against the new kids on the block?
Screens: Two screens with two different
movies shown per week.
Price: Dhs110 per ticket, plus Dhs7.50 fee if
booking online.
Chairs: Some giant, chair-shaped cows may
have died for your viewing pleasure, but it
wasn’t in vain. With a lever to get you horizontal,
fleece blankets to protect against the A/C and a
table between each pair of seats, you’re set.
A pillow might have been nice, though.
Service: You can order your food from a huge
menu in the Gold Class lounge (the mega
nachos were a winner) and it’s delivered to your
seat. Peckish during the film? Press the button
on the table and a waiter will bring whatever
your hungry heart desires, so you don’t need to
miss a minute of the movie. If only they could
go to the bathroom for you...
What extras do I get? There’s a special
lift so you don’t need to mingle with
the riff-raff, a small lounge and jazzy VIP
We may have dreamt this, but in the past
they served popcorn in silver bowls and
milkshakes in Wellington boot-shaped
glasses. Hmm. That does sound like
something from a dream. Either way,
make it happen, please.
How much is a medium Diet Coke and a
medium popcorn? A non-glitzy Dhs24 in total.
Thumbs up.
What’s On says: The original Gold Class
may be a little dated compared to some of
the new guys, but it’s about to undergo a
renovation. In the meantime, it’s a reliable
choice that puts the newest movies on its big
screens. Watch out for 3D specials.
CineStar, Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha,
Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3414222.
www.cinestarcinemas.com

toilets (only one for the ladies though).

32 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010


PLATINUM CLASS
AT DUBAI MALL
Is platinum better than gold in the land of the silver screen?
Screens: Four screens (each has 16 pairs of seats) with four
different movies shown per week.
Price: Dhs120 per ticket, plus Dhs5 online booking fee. More
expensive than MOE’s Gold Class…
Chairs: We couldn’t have been more comfortable. The chairs are huge,
complete with a headrest cover for all you germ-a-phobes. Find your
ideal position with electronic buttons, and then snuggle down with a
blanket and pillow. Action films are recommended to avoid snoozing.
Service: Top-notch, with very speedy waiters. Order in the lounge or press
that magic button on the table between your seats to get more supplies.
What extras do I get? Loads. Stars of the show are two very
glam private lounges with chandeliers, designer furniture and vast
bathrooms, but on our visit we were even given a voucher for a free
manicure at NStyle. An outstanding performance.
How much is a medium Diet Coke and a medium popcorn?
Dhs13 and Dhs15 respectively, but they’re served in regular
packaging. Where’s our fancy bowl?
What’s On says: With four films per week, snazzy chairs and quality
freebies, Dubai Mall has done itself proud. Our only gripe would
be the extremely confusing lifts – make up your mind which floor
number we’re on, please.
Reel Cinema, Dubai Mall, Old Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4491988.
www.reelcinemas.ae
GOLD CLASS
AT MIRDIF
CITY CENTRE
One of the newest posh picture experiences,
CineStar Mirdif is nothing to be sniffed at
Screens: Two screens with 40 seats each.
Price: Dhs120 per ticket.
Chairs: These chairs may not be stylish, but they are big, squishy and
recline by he power of a button. When it’s dark a chair can be covered
with shocking pink faux fur and shaped like a giant gerbil for all we
care, as long as it’s comfortable. Tables between the seats provide
plenty of space for your heart attack-inducing snacks, blankets are
available and there’s enough legroom to please a supermodel.
Service: The Gold Class lounge provides all the snacks you’ll need and will
deliver to your seat. We ordered a coffee 45 minutes into the film and it
came swiftly, with the milk in a china cow on the side – moovellous.
What extras do I get? There’s the lounge, the blanket, the service to
your seat, the comfortable chairs, the legroom, the china cow – what
more do you want? Of course, there’s also the naughty but nice feeling
you get when you think how much you paid for this luxury.
How much is a medium Diet Coke and a medium popcorn?
Dhs24, but it’s just Dhs1 extra to go large.
What’s On says: Unlike some other Gold Class experiences under our
belt, Mirdif really seemed worth the cash. The chairs are so well spaced
you could be watching the film alone. And when they brought the
cow out, well…
Gold Class, CineStar, Mirdif City Centre, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2840001.
www.cinestarcinemas.com
THE REEL DEAL
GOLD CLASS AT
MARINA MALL,
ABU DHABI
How does the capital fare in the fancy film stakes?
Screens: One screen, with 32 seats, showing five screenings a day.
Price: Dhs110, plus a Dhs7.50 online booking fee.
Chairs: Huge, leather La-Z-Boy chairs. A lady sitting near us seemed to
take her chair’s soporific qualities too far and slept her way throughout
the entire movie.
Service: Order from the menu as you arrive in the lounge and your food
will be brought to your chair before the trailers are over. Should you get
hungry while watching, the staff are vigilantly waiting by the entrance
for you to press the buzzer on your table and they’ll rush over within
seconds to take your order.
Extras? There’s a comfy lounge for you to chill in before the film starts.
The bathrooms were palatial, with gold fittings and mosaic floors,
although the fact there was only one toilet each for men and women
led to a bit of a queue before the film started. Once inside the cinema,
our popcorn came in a silver bowl, which was a nice touch.
How much is a medium Diet Coke and a medium popcorn?
Dhs13 for the drink and Dhs13 for the popcorn.
What’s On says: The best luxury cinema experience in Abu Dhabi.
CineStar, Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi. Tel: (02) 6818484.
www.cinestarcinemas.com
THE LATEST
IN LUXURY
A brand new cinema has added the finishing touches to the Dubai Marina
Mall. And it has done it with a little bit of class. Reel Cinema’s Premier Screen
Cinema offers six screens, halfway between your regular seating and full
blown La-Z-Boy recliners. Cosy bucket seats are arranged two by two, ideal
for a date, with ample legroom, extra space for your super-sized popcorn
and they even recline for maximum movie slouching.
Tickets will set you back Dhs50, worth it for the seats alone. If you live
in the marina, your movie night trek to MOE, Dubai Mall or further has just
become a thing of the past.
Premier Screen Cinema, Marina Mall, Dubai Marina, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4491988. www.reelcinemas.ae
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 33
 Passionate chef, globe-
straddling restaurateur
and all-round nice bloke,
Gary Rhodes gives us
an exclusive pre-opening
tour of his new Dubai
restaurant, and puts us to
work chopping veg for a
three-course meal comprised
of the finest local ingredients

Striding into the bright, gleaming foyer of

the five-star Le Royal Méridien hotel, Gary
Rhodes looks like just another guy off the
street – albeit a guy with a purposeful gait.
But place the British-born chef-cum-TV star
in his natural environment and he’s far from
ordinary. Exploding through the doors of his
enormous new kitchen at Rhodes Twenty10,
the celebrity chef (we’ll call him that,
although he hates it, insisting he’s “a chef, not
some E-list celebrity”) is clearly the man in
charge, dispensing plain, staccato orders and
chatting to his chefs while tying on his apron
and ordering his fourth coffee of the day (it’s
10.30am), before focusing on the task ahead.
Before we’re allowed to see his new
restaurant, resplendent in black and purple
and decorated with Jack Vettriano paintings
(“a touch of the gangster about it”), we first
have to don an apron of our own and help
Gary knock out a three-course meal using,
at our insistence, choice local ingredients –
sourced by the man himself.
Voicing his surprise that his chefs had
managed to find the quails’ eggs he asked
for, Gary nibbles the arrish cheese, before
nodding his approval and admitting he’s

S
never cooked with either the Sultan Ibrahim

E
or shari fishes before.

OD
But the local potatoes are, he says, “the very

R H
best”, and by morning’s end the date bread
and butter pudding we prepare is, he says

0
adamantly, “going on the menu” ( and it has).

1
For Gary, home cooking is all about quality

20
ingredients and, above all, keeping it simple –
even if you are a Michelin-starred chef.
“You can create colourful, attractive, sexy
little dishes from just a few ingredients,” he
assures us. “The trouble is, when people come
to our restaurant they think they’re going to
have some kind of gastronomic extravaganza.
No. I much prefer sharing really nice, simple,
little dishes like these, which show off the
flavours.” And then, with a swift clap of his
hands, he commands, “Right, let’s get started”
– chef doesn’t like to waste any time. So here
we go. Gary Rhodes – and What’s On’s –
UAE-sourced feast…

34 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 GARY RHODES

STARTERS MAIN COURSE ONE MAIN COURSE TWO

NEW POTATO, SHARI WITH SAUTÉED SULTAN IBRAHIM WITH
TOMATO AND ARRISH HONEY AND SESAME FENNEL AND OLIVES
CHEESE SALAD SPINACH
SERVES TWO
SERVES FOUR SERVES TWO INGREDIENTS
INGREDIENTS INGREDIENTS One fennel bulb
450g local new potatoes, boiled, halved and Two tbsp sour cream; Two plum tomatoes
peeled One tsp clear honey Six to eight green olives, halved
Eight local quails’ eggs, boiled for 2.5 minutes Salt and pepper Four tbsp olive oil
before refreshing in iced water and shelling Olive oil Sea salt and pepper
12 cherry tomatoes, halved 15g butter, plus a Squeeze of lemon
110g arrish cheese, broken into nuggets knob for frying Pinch of sugar
Three spring onions, finely sliced 175g local spinach, Two x 350g to 400g Sultan Ibrahim, scaled,
Three tbsp of salad cream or mayonnaise pre-blanched in boiling filleted and pin-boned
Handful of rocket leaves, washed water for one minute Flour, for dusting
Three tbsp olive oil Two tsp sesame seeds, toasted Large knob of butter
Juice of one lemon Two x 150g shari fillets, pin-boned (ask your One tsp chopped dill or fennel top
Pinch of sugar fishmonger)
Salt and pepper Flour, for dusting METHOD
Squeeze of lemon juice Remove fennel top, saving fronds. Shred finely
METHOD and place in a bowl. With the point of a knife,
Drizzle a tbsp of salad cream or mayo on plate, METHOD remove eye from the tomato and place in the
binding remainder with new potatoes and Mix together sour cream and honey, bowl with fennel. Cover with boiling water and,
spring onions. Arrange on plate, scattering seasoning with salt and pepper. Dry shari after ten to 12 seconds, refresh tomato and
halved cherry tomatoes and cheese nuggets on kitchen paper and season with salt and fennel under cold water before draining. Peel,
before halving shelled quails’ eggs and placing pepper before lightly flouring on the skin halve and deseed the tomato before cutting
on top. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and side only. Heat some olive oil in a non-stick into cubes and mixing with fennel and green
sugar, seasoning with salt and pepper. Place a frying pan. Fry the fish for five to six minutes olives. Add olive oil, season and squeeze over
few rocket leaves on top, drizzling with sweet until golden brown, before adding a squeeze lemon and add a pinch of sugar. Lightly dust
lemon dressing. of lemon juice and a knob of butter, once skin side of Sultan Ibrahim fillets with flour and
sizzling. Turn fish and remove from heat. season with salt and pepper. Melt butter in a
Sauté spinach in 15g of butter, seasoning frying pan and, once foaming, add fillets, skin-
GARY’S TIPS with a twist of pepper. Once hot, add toasted side down, and fry for three to four minutes until
t sesame seeds and divide between the two golden brown. Turn and fry for a further one to

❝
For the tomatoes, add a little hint of
garlic, a touch of olive oil and a bit of thyme plates. Spoon honey sour cream mix over the two minutes. Add fronds to the fennel salad and
for seasoning, then pop them on a tray and semi-dry top of each. serve with crispy fried Sultan Ibrahim.
them in a very low oven for 20 or 30 minutes. What
this does is draw in all the juices and you’ll have
something explosive when you eat it. GARY’S TIPS
t Never refrigerate your potatoes and always leave
them to cool naturally to ensure a light, fluffy texture. t If you’re going to use extra virgin olive oil, it has to be Italian. It doesn’t have the sharpness on the
You can always microwave them before serving.
t We looked at lots of new potatoes – French,
Spanish, British – but these local ones; you’re
❝
t
back of your palate; it’s a little fruitier – not bitter.
When you’ve floured the fish, brush off any excess. The flour takes the shine off and acts as armour to
protect and crisp the skin.
eating the very best.
t t Never put pepper on the skin (presentation) side.
When binding the ingredients treat them like a
lady (or a gent if you’re a lady, we presume).
t Hold down the fish in the pan for the first couple of seconds, because the skin will tighten and curl. Once
it’s taken the initial heat, it will flatten down naturally.
t Don’t crumble the cheese; make sure there t A lot of people are afraid of cooking fish, but it’s so easy. Fish isn’t about cooking; it’s a warming process.
are little nuggets. It changes the whole bite and The skin cooks and the heat from underneath comes through, sets, and colours the flesh, so you maintain
personality of the dish. the moistness. Don’t flip it to the flesh side until the last ten seconds.
t For the eggs, you need a lovely, soft, oozing yoke. t Piling food on the plate has become a little outdated. Presentation for me is secondary.

❞ ❞
So only cook them for a couple of minutes. Flavour is the most important thing.

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 35

GARY RHODES

GARY ON...
THE RESTAURANT OPENING
It opens on August 5, my mother’s birthday.
She’s not coming out for this one, but I
definitely will be. On the opening night we’ll
be having a tapas style tasting so people can
walk around and enjoy the whole atmosphere
of the room and get to see the character of it.

THE DELAY
It’s the design of the restaurant and the kitchen
DESSERT that have taken longer than expected. There
LOCAL DATE BREAD are pieces of equipment we’re still waiting for. I
AND BUTTER PUDDING don’t want to open when we’re halfway there.

SERVES SIX THE CONCEPT

INGREDIENTS
175g ready-to-eat dates, roughly chopped
One vanilla pod, split lengthways, or a few
drops of vanilla extract
400ml double cream
400ml (14fl oz) milk
Eight egg yolks
175g (six oz) caster sugar, plus extra for glazing
12 medium slices of white bread, buttered
and crusts cut off
Butter, for greasing
METHOD
Preheat oven to 170˚C. Butter a 1.5 litre pudding
dish. Whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Put
vanilla pod or extract into a saucepan with
cream and milk and bring to the boil before
whisking into egg yolks. Remove vanilla pod and
leave to slightly cool. Cut bread into triangular
halves and arrange eight in the base of the
dish. Top with half the dates and cover with
six triangles of bread. Scatter over remaining
dates, arranging final slices of bread slightly
overlapping on top. Pour over warm custard and
leave to stand for 20 to 30 minutes. Place dish in
a roasting tray, three-quarters filled with warm
water. Cover with buttered foil and bake for 20 to
30 minutes until just beginning to set. Remove
pudding from tray and leave to stand for ten to
15 minutes before sprinkling extra sugar liberally
on top. Preheat the grill. To glaze, pop under grill
and colour to a crunchy caramelised finish. A
blowtorch can also be used.
GARY’S TIPS
t Be patient with the blowtorch. If the
❝
t
sugar starts to blacken in one area,
move away and come back to it.
Use plenty of sugar. It may seem a lot, but it’s
necessary for the proper caramelised finish and
This restaurant was the Rib Room previously.
I went to eat there one day and said ‘please,
can I have it?’ and here we are. After doing a lot
of homework – and there are some fabulous
steakhouses I’ve eaten at in Dubai, good
quality meat, everything – I felt it was all pretty
much of a muchness. That’s no disrespect to
anybody, because it was good quality, but
there was nothing that made any particular
one stand out. I was hoping to add an edge
to this whole concept, really create something
where a guest can go to a restaurant and have
things the way they want.
THE STARTERS
I have 12 sharing plates. So if there are four of you
at the table you might say, ‘hang on, why don’t
we start off with half a dozen sharing plates on
the table’. That will give that European touch.
Then we have the individual starters, if you don’t
fancy sharing. There are eight of those – a nice
chicken liver parfait, smooth, silky and rich with
fresh grape chutney, for example.
THE MAINS
You have a pork dish, a lamb dish, a fish dish
and you order accompaniments on the side.
Then there are the grills – a whole list of steaks.
I’m going to do a classy surf and turf, so you’ve
got the chateaubriand that’s carved at the
table, with the king prawns that have been
lightly buttered with a beurre blanc. Then
you can choose your own sauces, salsas and
flavoured butters, anything you like.
THE PRICE
It can be a reasonably priced menu
because you have the option. You could
eat as expensively as you like – wagyu beef,
individual starter, sides, you could spend a
fortune. But it could also be one of the most
CONTROL
At the moment I get it all. That’s the way I am
with all my restaurants. That’s not me being
smart, but somebody has to have worked with
me a lot longer than five years [as head chef at
Rhodes Twenty10, Omar Romero, has] before
I’ll let them get any form of control.
THE DRESS CODE
Madonna comes into one of our Michelin-
starred London restaurants in jeans, flip-flops
and everything else, but we don’t turn her
away because she still looks really smart. But
I don’t want anyone in shorts, because that’s
not our style. Treat it casually, but it will have
elegance about it.
THE RESTAURANT
We have a bar-lounge area and Bar Below is
right next door to us. We have a private room
upstairs that would be ideal for a private
function, looking down on everybody.
PREPARING FOR THE OPENING
On my last visit I cooked all the dishes. The
first week I was with the kitchen team, and
the boys tasted the dishes so they could
understand, give their feedback and tell me
what they felt. The following week I did the
same with the restaurant team watching
us cook so they could taste and give their
response. One thing I can’t stand is visiting a
restaurant and asking ‘has this got any garlic in

❞
won’t taste too sweet. reasonably priced restaurants in town. it?’ and the reply, ‘I’ll have to check for you, sir’.

36 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 FILM
The Adjustment Bureau
The Adjustment The Girl Who The Other Guys
Bureau Played With Fire
WHO? Matt Damon, Emily Blunt,
Terence Stamp, John Slattery,
Anthony Mackie, George Nolfi
(writer-director)
TAGLINE ‘Based on a short story by
Philip K Dick’
ONCE UPON A TIME... The relationship between
politician David Norris (Damon)
and ballerina Elise Sellas (Blunt)
was complicated by forces beyond
mankind’s comprehension.
IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE See if Bourne Ultimatum
MOOD TO... screenwriter George Nolfi is as
good behind the camera as when
he’s sat at the typewriter.
WATCH THIS IF YOU Previous decent Philip K Dick
LIKE... adaptations such as Blade Runner,
Total Recall and Minority Report.
TOP TRIVIA Actresses in the running for the
role of Elise Sellas included the
Australian starlet Abbie Cornish
(A Good Year, Elizabeth: The
Golden Age).
WHAT’S ON TEN WORD We love a bit of Philip K.
REVIEW
RATE OR SLATE? PREVIEW
38 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
The Girl Who Played With Fire
Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist,
Lena Endre, Sofia Ledarp, Daniel
Alfredson (director)
‘Based on the best-selling book
by Stieg Larsson’
Computer hacker Lisbeth
Salander (Rapace) helped
journalist Mikael Blomkvist
(Nyqvist) hunt down a woman
who’s been dead for 40 years.
Or has she?
See the follow-up to The Girl
With The Dragon Tattoo, aka the
best European film in eons.
The hugely popular novels of the
late, great Stieg Larsson, whose
The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet’s
Nest will hit cinemas later this
year.
To prepare for the part of
Lisbeth Salander, Noomi Rapace
studied kick-boxing for seven
months and had her nose and
eyebrow pierced.
Essential for fans of The Girl With
The Dragon Tattoo.
★★★★✩
Mark Wahlberg, Samuel L
Jackson, Will Ferrell, Dwyane
Johnson, Steve Coogan, Adam
McKay (writer-director)
‘From the director of Step
Brothers and Anchor Man’
Unassuming detectives Terry
Hoitz (Wahlberg) and Allen
Gamble (Ferrell) took on a case
that could elevate them to the level
of top cops Danson (Johnson) and
Highsmith (Jackson).
Watch Will Ferrell scream at
the top of his lungs and mug
furiously for 89 minutes.
Broad ‘Frat Pack’ comedies like
Old School, Talladega Nights
and Anchorman: The Legend Of
Ron Burgundy.
The role of the hard-ass detective
Highsmith was earmarked for
The Shield’s Michael Chiklis,
but he turned it down to avoid
typecasting.
Bound to please those who like
their comedy ‘large’.
PREVIEW

Cyrus
Cyrus
John C Reilly, Jonah Hill, Marisa
Tomei, Catherine Keener, Matt
Walsh, Jay and Mark Duplass
(writer-directors)
‘John met the woman of his
dreams. Then he met her son...’
Depressed divorcee John (Reilly)
hits it off with the comely Molly
(Tomei) only to discover that she
already has a man in her life, her
spoilt 21-year-old son Cyrus (Hill).
Watch John C Reilly model the
greatest hangdog expression
in Hollywood.
The Duplass brothers’ earlier lo-fi
efforts such as Baghead (about a
killer who wears a bag on his head)
and The Puffy Chair (about a couple
trying to deliver a puffy chair).
Jonah Hill, who plays the
21-year-old Cyrus, is actually 27.
Light on belly laughs, but big on
‘smile humour’.
★★★✩✩
Resident Evil: Afterlife
Resident Evil:
Afterlife
Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter,
Wentworth Miller, Sienna
Guillory, Shawn Roberts, Paul
WS Anderson (writer-director)
‘She’s back. And she’s bringing a
few of her friends’
The indomitable Alice (Jovovich)
used help from an old friend to
continue her war upon the evil
Umbrella Corporation.
To see a very attractive Ukrainian
lady kick-butt for what seems like
the umpteenth time.
Resident Evils I to III plus other
Milla Jovovich sci-fi action
movies such as Ultraviolet and
The Fifth Element.
Leading lady Milla Jovovich is
married to Paul WS Anderson,
director of Event Horizon, Alien
Vs Predator, Death Race and
Resident Evil: Afterlife.
The Resident Evil series continues
to improve, albeit rather slowly.
★★★✩✩
Jonah Hex
Josh Brolin, John Malkovich,
Megan Fox, Michael
Fassbender, Will Arnett, Jimmy
Hayward (director)
‘Revenge gets ugly’
Scar-faced bounty killer Jonah
Hex (Brolin) took up an offer
from the US Army to slay a
Hell-bound terrorist, Quentin
Turnbull (Malkovich), in return
for his freedom.
See what happens when what
would appear to be a decent
picture on paper comes apart due
to ugly editing, terrible direction
and shoddy special effects.
Other comic book-inspired
misfires such as Elektra,
Daredevil, The Phantom and
The League Of Extraordinary
Gentlemen.
The role of Colonel Slocum is
played by Tom Wopat, aka
Luke Duke from TV’s The Dukes
Of Hazzard.
Alas, Jonah Hex fires nothing
but blanks.
★★✩✩✩
FILM | NEW RELEASES
Jonah Hex
Anjaana
Anjaani
Priyanka Chopra, Ranbir
Kapoor, Zayed Khan, Pooja
Kumar, Siddharth Anand
(director)
‘From the director of
Salaam Namaste’
Love blossomed
between a man
(Kapoor) and a woman
(Chopra) who thought their
romantic lives were over.
Savour the traditional delights of
Bollywood cinema, which is to
say superbly choreographed dance
sequences, impossibly elaborate
costumes and catchy-as-all-hell
musical numbers.
Director Siddharth Anand’s
previous pictures Bachna Ae
Haseeno (which also starred Ranbir
Kapoor), Ta Ra Rum Pum and the
smash Salaam Namaste.
Siddharth Anand was shooting
an additional musical number for
Anjaana Anjaani just three weeks
before the film’s cinema release.
After Salaam Namaste, hopes
will be high for Anjaana
Anjaani.
PREVIEW
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 39
EATING OUT
Cooking with Gary Rhodes – one
of the most passionate chefs in
the business – this month (p34)
really illustrated that food is not all
about glitz and glamour. Gary, all
set to open his “relaxed” Rhodes
Twenty10 restaurant, was in the
mood for simplicity and showed
that good cooking is all about
flavour, passion and keeping things fresh. The
latter could be the theme of this month’s Eating
Out. Read on as we let you know what we thought
of Exchange Grill’s revitalised menu (p43), new
French chef Alain Roin’s innovations at Abu Dhabi’s
Al Fanar (p45), plus the last of our essential guide
series (p46), tapas at Seville’s (p49), The Critic on
camels and their contribution to our bellies (51)
and sandwiches put to test (p52). That should fill
you up until next month. Happy eating.

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 41

 VOTE TODAY
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Exchange Grill
A new chef and a
new menu have
transformed the
Fairmont’s signature
steakhouse
In the kingdom of the blind, the
one-eyed man is king. Until about
18 months ago, when it came to
steakhouses, the Exchange Grill
was our place to be, despite its,
at times, ghostly atmosphere,
thanks to a combination of fine
dining and a lack of any serious
competition.
But then it came – a new breed
of steakhouse, exemplified by
Terra Firma and Ruth’s Chris
in Dubai and Marco Pierre
White’s Steakhouse and Grill at
Fairmont’s spanking new Abu
Dhabi property. Warm, inviting
and alive, they set new standards.
Time for Exchange Grill to
up its game, which it has done
thanks to new Columbian chef
Fabio Pineda, sommelier Ritwik
Shastri and a new, stripped down
steakhouse menu.
The chef and the sommelier
work well together, the South
American at work behind the
scenes, while Shastri injects life
into the place, gliding gracefully
from table to table, politely
suggesting wine pairings and
extolling the skills of the kitchens.
Shastri obviously has a lot of
faith in chef Fabio. He suggested
the chef ’s customised menu (four
courses for Dhs390) to us and, of
course, we accepted.
After a brief con-flab with chef
Fabio to establish our likes and
dislikes, out came a starter of tuna
tartar with apple, avocado and a
sliver of seared tuna loin. Light
and fresh, if lacking a little zing, it
was a strong start.
Next up came the duo of duck
liver, a creamy hunk of rich, cold
foie gras and a melting, slippery
portion of seared foie gras. Not for
the faint hearted, but right on the
money as far as we were concerned.
The main event, not
surprisingly, was steak. Slices
of silky wagyu fillet, a dollop
of creamy mash and a healthy
drizzle of sumptuous sauce.
Heart-warming stuff, tongue-
pleasing textures and plenty of
flavour. The only criticism is that
if we’re at a steakhouse we want
our prime cut of meat to come
big, fat and whole, rather than
sliced into pretty pieces. Keep
your machete away from the
meat, chef Fabio. And the pomme
fritte fried in duck fat would have
been a welcome side.
To finish we were presented
with a well-made chocolate tart –
firm, crumbly pastry and buttery
chocolate – and a fabulously
fudgy fudge fondant.
In Tweet form… It’s all new at Exchange Grill.
Simpler steakhouse menu, lively sommelier
Ritwik Shastri and a Columbian chef called
follow me
Fabio committed to less flashy fare. Follow
us at WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
The experience is still highly
polished, but gone is the fine dining
stuffiness of yesteryear. Everything
is a little bit more, shall we say, fun.
Exchange Grill is back in the game.
Need to know
Location: Fairmont Dubai,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: (04) 3325555
Web: www.celebrateaclassic.
com
Open: 7pm to midnight
Cuisine type: steakhouse
Must eat: wagyu fillet
Bill for two: Dhs780
EATING OUT
A taste of
things to
come
New restaurants
vying for the right
to fill your belly
WENDY’S ARBY’S
Fast food favourites
Wendy’s and Arby’s
have come together to
open a new restaurant
– a groundbreaking
amalgamation of culinary
institutions. What have they called
it? Wendy’s Arby’s, of course. Not
so much as an ‘and’. We would
have gone with ‘Warby’s’, but, hey,
that’s just us. Here’s hoping the
food is better than the name.
Level 2, Festival Centre, Dubai
Festival City, Dubai, Sun to Wed
10am to midnight, Thurs to Sat
10am to 1am. Tel: (04) 2328500.
www.wendysarbys.com
SARPINO’S PIZZERIA
Oh no, not more pizza.
We ate 20 of the cheesy
beasts last month and
would be quite happy
never to see one ever
again. Unless it was a
particularly fine specimen.
As its first Dubai restaurant has
just opened, we’re yet to see
if Sarpino’s pizza can beat the
best in Dubai (Epicure, Desert
Palm). We’re looking for a thin,
crisp base – produced in a real,
authentic pizza oven – and a
topping raging with freshness
and flavour.
Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa,
opposite Dubai Museum, Bur Dubai,
Dubai, 11am to midnight. Tel: (04)
3519111. www.sarpinos.com
LA BRIOCHE
Rents are lower in the suburbs
of Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa
A district, but there’s
not much in the way
of quality dining. La
Brioche, however, could
change all that. It sells
French cakes, croissants
and breads, and also serves
up sandwiches and pasta dishes
at pretty reasonable prices.
La Brioche, next to Al Hilal Bank,
Khalifa A, Abu Dhabi, 6am to
11pm. Tel: (02) 5567079. www.
labriocheuae.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 43

Al Fanar
We go for a spin at
Al Fanar, Le Royal
Méridien’s revolving
restaurant
Restaurant clientele can be
an unforgiving lot, and this is
especially true in Abu Dhabi. As
the number of quality restaurants
has multiplied over the last
couple of years, why would the
capital's foodies bother returning
to one that has a pretty average
track record?
Al Fanar, unfortunately, found
itself in this predicament. Yes, it’s
a revolving restaurant perched
some 31-storeys above Abu
Dhabi, but the uninspiring food
on offer has never matched the
stunning panoramic vistas.
But we’re a fair bunch here
at What’s On and reckoned
Al Fanar was due a shot at
redemption, especially with
the arrival of new French chef
Alain Roin. His CV boasts spells
working for the legendary Alain
Ducasse – the chef who has
achieved a record 19 Michelin
stars in his time. And the dishes
on Monsieur Roin’s revamped
menu are so imaginative that we
suspect they’d make his former
master glow with pride.
Take the scallops carpaccio
starter. To the uninitiated,
raw shellfish sounds, at best,
unappealing (and a recipe
for chronic food poisoning at
worst), but the chef assured us
it’s a common addition to many
European menus.
Show some backbone and
order it. The slices of scallop,
cut so thinly that they’re almost
translucent, were superbly
complemented by a subtle, tangy
vinaigrette, concocted with hints
of lime and, what the menu
called ‘the chef ’s secret spices’
(we’re sure there was paprika and
oregano involved).
Underdone seafood seems to
be one of the chef ’s specialities,
as proven in the main course of
bluefin tuna steak. The barely
seared chunk of fish had a centre
that was pinker than Barbie’s
bedroom, yet was still amazingly
tender. Served with a warming
garlic and ginger sauce and a
generous scoop of kumquat
marmalade, the chef had
produced another winning dish.
If rare fish isn’t up your street,
opt for the veal rack steak. You’ll
be offered a vast chunk of plump
veal, accompanied by aubergine
and green apple purée and a
sprinkling of delicious porcini
mushrooms.
We finished our meal with
a refreshing orange salad,
swimming in orange blossom
water and jasmine ice tea.
Then suddenly, it struck us;
In tweet form… Al Fanar. Don’t let
the stunning views distract you from
the amazing revamped menu from
follow me
French chef Alain Roin. Follow us at
WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
the food was so excellent, we
barely had time to consider the
ever-changing views. Which is
exactly how it should be. You
visit a restaurant primarily for a
good meal, not for the ride. Yet
Al Fanar’s impressive comeback
means you’ll get both.
Need to know
Location: Le Royal Méridien,
Al Markaziyah, Abu Dhabi
Tel: (02) 6742020
Open: 7pm to 11pm
Cuisine type: European
Must eat: bluefin tuna steak
Bill for two: Dhs900
EATING OUT
Up in
the air
Hop on board
Emirates Airline’s
new Dubai-
Madrid flight
and, providing
you’re in first or business
class, you can now
enjoy a menu created
by multi-Michelin
starred Catalan chef
Santi Santamaria.
Chef Santi, who also
counts Ossiano at
Dubai’s Atlantis as part
of his international
restaurant empire, tells
us more…
Award-winning chefs and
airline food? Unusual. How
did you end up working with
Emirates?
Dubai and Madrid are both
popular tourist destinations
and I have restaurants in both
cities. I wanted to create food
that connects the two cities,
something authentic. But the
guests must understand that
the food will not be the same
as in the restaurants.
There must be a few perks
too, right?
Emirates supply me with a
bunch of tickets [laughs]. I
am attracted by [the idea of
going to] Senegal. There’s
something appealing about
eating seafood on the beach.
I’m always in hotels and I like
freedom. I work in Dubai so I
won’t come for a vacation.
How are things at Ossiano?
At the moment I am working on
the autumn menu for Ossiano.
It will launch in September.
We’re still very new in town so
it's still settling down.
But you like Dubai?
Many years ago, people were
saying you must go to New
York and see what they’re
doing in Manhattan. Now
people are saying you must go
and see what Dubai has built.
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 45
 Essential... THE ONE CA
WIN!
UR AT
A MEAL FOR FO DUBAI
FÉ IN
OR ABU DHABI e One's
See for yourself
why we think Th E. For a
the best in the UA
cafés are among win, click on
chance to
tivate.com and

CAFÉS
www.winwithmosy question:
answer this ea
is a well-known
Which of these tea?
type of
kfast
a) English Brea h
b) Scottish Lunc
c) Welsh Supper

Forget bars, in 2010 café culture’s

taking over, meaning your local
coffee shop is the place where
all the cool people hang out.
This month, Rebecca Light,
the executive chef at both the
Dubai and Abu Dhabi branches
of The One Café, talks us through
what makes a great café. So take a
sip of your grande latte and read on

REBECCA LIGHT ON… trend in the market is moving

towards healthier food and so we
…A GREAT CAFÉ feature organic, free-range and
It’s all about good quality, gluten and wheat-free options.
simple food and a menu that’s
unique but unpretentious.
Service should be professional
…FAVOURITE CAFÉS
I’m a big fan of Costa Coffee.
THE ONE’S ESPRESSO
but personalised, without the They have this guy in their FUDGE BROWNIE
stuffiness and formality of a branch at the gas station in
five-star restaurant – you should The Greens who’s the bubbliest Not quite in keeping with our detox issue, but delicious all the same...
be welcomed and treated like person I’ve ever met! I also like
a member of the family. The the Le Pain Quotidien and Paul INGREDIENTS
atmosphere is very important – it café chains as they offer a great 400g Valrhona chocolate, 450g butter, 35g cocoa powder,
should be buzzing yet relaxed quality product. Two tablespoons instant coffee powder, six eggs. ½ tablespoon
and comfortable. And customers vanilla essence, 270g granulated sugar, 200g light brown sugar,
should feel like they can hang …FAVOURITE CAKES One teaspoon salt, 300g plain flour, two tablespoons maple
around as long as they like. Obviously our own espresso syrup, 110g roughly crushed pecan nuts
fudge brownie is the best, but
…A GOOD CUP OF TEA I love the apple flapjack at The PREPARATION
OR COFFEE Aviation Club in Dubai. Pre-heat the oven to 170˚C. Grease the base and sides of a
You need the finest quality tea 27x35cm stainless steel pan and line with a double layer of foil,
leaves or coffee beans and a …CAFÉS VS BARS leaving the edges to hang over the sides. Brush the surface of
well-trained barista. He or she In this part of the world, where a the foil with melted butter.
has to be aware that different lot of people don’t drink alcohol, In a medium sized bowl over a pan of simmering water, melt
nationalities prefer their tea and cafés are the most important the chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until the mixture
coffee served in different ways so meeting places. I think all is smooth. Whisk in the cocoa and coffee powder and set aside
we try to accommodate different nationalities are increasingly to cool slightly.
styles and tastes. using cafés as comfortable Whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, maple syrup and salt
hangouts. For example, in our in a medium bowl. Whisk the chocolate mixture into the egg
…A GOOD CAFÉ MENU Abu Dhabi café we have lots mixture and then stir in flour and pecan nuts. Pour the mixture
A good range, but not a massive of teenage students who come into the prepared pan, spreading into the corners and levelling
one – I hate menus that take 20 to study and hangout with the surface with a rubber spatula. Bake for approximately 45
minutes to read. I like to see some friends. I don’t think cafés are an minutes, or until slightly puffed. Use the foil to lift from the pan.
classic dishes, but I also like the alternative to bars – they should Place a wire rack on top of the brownie slab, flip and remove foil.
option of ordering something be considered as two different Flip back onto another wire rack and leave to cool.
I’ve never had before. I think the environments.

46 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 EATING OUT

HOT
CAFÉS
Our pick of the UAE’s cafés
LIST

MORE CAFÉ LIME TREE BOULEVARD THE ONE EAT SMART

CAFÉ CAFÉ CAFÉ

ATMOSPHERE Always busy. No matter Arrive early to avoid Decidedly Parisian, A leisurely vibe, with Generally packed all of
how many Mores open fisticuffs with a compete with groups of all ages the time, with groups
across Dubai, there territorial Jumeirah pavement dining. whiling away the hours of friends, couples and
are always dedicated Jayne. A good seat at Packed on weekend accompanied by fine businessmen enjoying a
patrons to fill them. weekends is as rare as mornings, with waiters coffee and cakes. quick bite.
a vegetarian lion. whizzing around.

INTERIOR Open-plan, making it White, with bright Bright, with wrought The giant leather sofas Smart and modern, with
ideal for a spot of people orange and lime iron tables and a glass and dark colour scheme comfortable leather
watching. If voyeurism seating and a giant counter displaying makes for a cosy but sofas and a lively open
is not your bag, sit near fridge displaying tempting pastries. Nab a stylish feel. kitchen. There’s also a
the window, or in cooler delicious goods. spot under the canopy segregated smoking
months take a table on There’s also alfresco if you can. section, should you
the terrace. seating upstairs. need to puff away.

FOOD Simple, homely and If Jamie Oliver entered The breakfast fare is Traditional café food The emphasis is on
quick to arrive. Nobody into partnership with the main draw, but with an innovative twist. organic food, with an
will struggle to find a a 1950s housewife French staples like The Mexican-style falafel impressive selection of
dish they desire. The they would create the onion soup and crêpes is our pick of the bunch. sandwiches, soups and
burger is impressive, the kind of unpretentious, keep the customers Plus, there’s almost no salads to choose from.
Brazilian chicken sarnie fresh grub on offer at coming throughout the way you can spy the If you’re not watching
is a safe bet and the Lime Tree. Think pasta evening. The croque- delicious-looking cakes your figure, the pizzas
soup, pie and salad deal salads, cakes, paninis monsieur is our pick – in the glass display are also pretty good.
(Dhs48) is a winner, too. – the trimmings at a perfect for a late without cracking and
really good barbecue. night snack. ordering a slice.

LOCATION There are More Cafés in It’s a Jumeirah It's on Burj Boulevard, Both the Dubai and The Fotouh Al Khair
various locations across institution loved by the main road Abu Dhabi stores are Centre (or Marks &
Dubai, but the Dubai the locals, but people through Old Town. located in the most Spencer building as
Mall branch is the most travel from far and Nice and central with desirable parts of it’s more commonly
central. There’s even wide to eat at the Lime underground parking. town – Jumeirah and known) is centrally
a view of the Dubai Tree Café. Khalidiyah respectively. located, but parking can
Fountain if you be a bit of a headache.
sit outside.

PRICE A big serving of chow Dhs150 for two The most important Mid-range, but with Roughly Dhs100 a head
and a proper drink is should cover it. meal of the days costs bargains like Dhs38 for for a sandwich, coffee
about Dhs140 for two. around Dhs35. afternoon tea and cakes. and smoothie.

WHAT'S ON The most reliable café Just the kind of place Newspapers, plus coffee The One Café is located The food is great – we
SAYS in Dubai. You will always you wish you could and eggs cooked to in a furniture store reckon they serve the
leave satisfied. find on every corner our liking. It's our new and worth checking best organic smoothies
but can’t. favourite weekend out, even if you're not in the capital. Dr Juice is
hangout. looking for a new sofa . our recommendation.

INFO Dubai Mall, Dubai, 8am Jumeirah Beach Road, Al Manzil Hotel, Sheikh Zayed The First Fotouh Al Khair Centre,
to 11pm. Dubai, 7.30am to 6pm. Burj Boulevard, Old Street, Khalidiyah, Abu Airport Road, Abu
Tel: (04) 3398934. Tel: (04) 3498498. www. Town, Dubai,. 7am Dhabi, Sat to Thurs, 8am Dhabi, 9am to 10pm.
www.morecafe.biz thelimetreecafe.com to midnight. Tel: (04) to 9pm, Fri 10am to Tel: (02) 6346624
4285888 9pm. Tel: (02) 6816500
www.theoneplanet.com

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 47


Seville’s
Wafi’s Spanish
restaurant reminds
us how much fun
the tapas concept
can be
Some people – including us – don’t us with the tiny bowls of joy for
always like to share food. Say, if we our busy hands and greedy bellies
order steak frites, for example, it is to enjoy.
not OK for you to reach over and
grab a handful of our crunchy, hot from sous chef Carles Colome
fries. Order your own.
However, in other situations,
sharing can make a meal
memorable. Bowls brimming with topped with roasted red pepper
beautifully fresh salads at a long
picnic lunch picked at by family
and friends, a platter of meat –
tasting of the coals – devoured
by the pack at a barbecue, or a
dessert and two spoons to round
off a romantic meal.
Then there’s the greatest sharing
concept of them all – tapas. For
the life of us, we just don’t know
why this wonderful concept has
not spread across the UAE like
that will keep us
going back until
some competition
arrives. The busy, bar
environment demands
it. It’s kitsch; it’s a holiday in
Spain – chilled beer in one hand,
glistening fork in the other and
not a care in the world.
We ordered nine dishes
between two people – along with
the complimentary hunks of toast
smeared with garlic and tomato –
which just about did it.
There were skewers of juicy
grilled chicken, oozing a paprika
and sherry vinegar marinade
the meat had absorbed like a
poultry sponge, firm but not
chewy deep fried calamari rings;
beef meatballs in a zingy tomato
sauce, prawns lightly sautéed
with garlic, parsley and chilli
yielding between our teeth…
The traditional favourite patatas
bravas, skins crisped in the depths
of a pan of hot oil, centres fluffy,
kept the parade of food coming,
while meaty chorizo cooked in
cider, and soft, fishy seafood
wildfire. A huge hit in Europe, it’s
croquettes, proved, as always, a
very similar to Lebanese mezze – big hit. And on top of all that were
so why is it limited to just a couple
the delicious vongole and blue
of restaurants? Seriously, we mussels in a subtle lemon sauce.
demand more tapas. Sharing may not always be OK,
Until our wish is granted, but tapas is the future. Embrace it.
Seville’s – our trusty go-to tapas
joint for some time – will provide
Need to know
Location: Wafi, Oud Metha,
A recently revitalised menu Dubai
Tel: (04) 3244777
just makes it all the better – we’re Web: www.wafi.com
loving the new tostas y tablas Open: Sat to Mon noon to
dishes, including toasted ciabatta 1am, Tue to Fri noon to 2am
Cuisine type: Spanish
or beef tenderloin. There’s also (tapas)
a black squid ink paella with Must eat: vongole clams
vongole clams, for those who Bill for two: Dhs375 for two
insist on sticking to one dish. (without alcohol)
For us, however, it is the tapas
In tweet form… Seville’s. A new menu
from sous chef Carles Colome and still our
number one choice for tapas in Dubai. Great
follow me
to chew, even better to share. Follow us at
WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
EATING OUT
On the
menu
Things you didn’t
know about the
UAE's food scene,
but should
ONE FOR THE LADIES
Spice Island is offering
ladies a 50 per cent
discount on its Original
Grand Buffet every
Tuesday night (which,
handily enough, is Ladies
Night) until September, meaning
that if you look good in a dress
you can enjoy unlimited food
and drink for just Dhs109.50. That
means you’ll have enough money
to throw your husband a Dhs50
note and tell him to buy himself
something pretty.
Renaissance Dubai Hotel, Salah
Al Din Road, Deira, Dubai. Tel: (04)
2625555. www.marriott.com
RAMADAN BRUNCH
If iftars aren’t enough and you
can’t go a whole month
without a brunch, The
Market Café has the
answer. Every Friday
throughout the Holy
Month, the Grand
Hyatt will be putting on a
brunch amidst the greenery
of the indoor atrium. Serving
Italian, Arabic, grill and rotisserie,
Indian and desserts it’s one to
treat the nippers to (half price for
under-12s, free for under-sixes). It’s
alcohol free, but the fresh juice bar
is better for you anyway.
Grand Hyatt Dubai, Dubai, 12.30pm
to 4pm, Dhs170. Tel: (04) 3172222.
www.dubai.grand.hyatt.com
CULINARY JOURNEY
We’re big fans of The Hilton's
beachside diner, despite
its slightly kitsch name
– it's named after the
15th century explorer
Vasco De Gama,
the first man to sail
from Europe to India
– so we're really looking
forward to trying out the new
summer menu and its interesting
new additions, such as tandoori
chicken ravioli, sako tuna steak
and Goan vegetable curry.
Vasco’s, Hiltonia Beach Club, Hilton
Abu Dhabi, Corniche, Abu Dhabi,
noon to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm.
Tel (02) 6811900. www.hilton.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 49

THE CRITIC
If you’ve got it, use it. I was
reminded of this old adage when I
came across an article about cobra
meat on the internet. As you do.
In Indonesia, not only can the
venomous snakes can be found
roaming (slithering?) in the wild,
but they are also being farmed,
slaughtered and turned into
processed patties for hamburgers.
Apparently cobra meat is
in great demand for its high
nutritional value, medicinal
properties and aphrodisiacal
powers. Which is all fascinating,
except in some parts of southeast
Asia bear bile is considered an
aphrodisiac, so forgive me if I
don’t dribble with excitement.
But it did get me thinking about
the UAE and its own natural
resources. Take the humble camel,
for example. Since the time of the
early Bedouin, camels have been
used as a means of transport in
harsh desert conditions. Their milk
and meat has been a vital source
of sustenance for generations.
And more recently, they’ve done
a worthy job getting thrashed by
robot jockeys on the race track.
How many Indonesian cobras can
you say that about?
Let’s go back to the meat, though.
Although traditionally camels were
ISTOCK
only eaten on special occasions,
Local House restaurant
these days you don’t have to marry
a Bedouin to try a bit. Local House
restaurant in Dubai has recently
been offering camels' meat in a
range of styles, from grilled ribs to
curry and biryani. But in order to
transcend cultural barriers, they’ve
come up with the camel burger.
Slapped in a bun of local-
style khameer bread, covered
with cheese and slathered with
mayonnaise and tomato ketchup,
the burger looks pretty much like
any other. But the meat – which
is supposedly low in fat and
cholesterol – is a slightly drier,
leaner and more gamey alternative
to beef. It’s reasonably tender too,
so perhaps all that robot-thrashing
does pay off in the end.
As inoffensive as the camel
burger may be, it’s unlikely to
EATING OUT
James Brennan knows “CAMELS'
food. Having written on MEAT COMES
everything from bhajis IN A RANGE OF
to burgers for a string of STYLES, FROM
international publications,
James is now the GRILLED RIBS
Middle East chairman TO BIRYANI.
of the World’s 50 Best BUT IN ORDER
Restaurants judging panel. TO TRANSCEND
Don’t miss his monthly
musings every issue CULTURAL
BARRIERS,
THEY’VE COME
UP WITH
THE CAMEL
BURGER”
GETTY /GALLO IMAGE
give Ronald McDonald the hump
– but there’s one camel product
that might yet take the world by
storm. Camels' milk has long been
available in the UAE, but after
being granted permission by the
EU, plans are afoot to export it to
European markets.
It’s considered to be lower in
fat and higher in minerals such as
iron and magnesium than cow’s
milk. Rich in vitamins B and C,
it is also believed to contain high
levels of insulin, which can help
sufferers of Type 2 diabetes. And
like all good ‘health foods’, it’s
also thought by some to be an
aphrodisiac.
On the downside, camels'
milk is a little thick and salty.
But it’s got to be better on your
cornflakes than bear bile.
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 51
 EATING OUT
10 SANDWICHES
Ah, the elusive sandwich – seemingly
simple, yet so many get it wrong.
What’s On and the Dubai 92 gang
put the UAE’s offerings to the
taste test and find the best in the land
BREKKIE SANDWICH
BOULEVARD CAFÉ 9/10
Dhs35
We’re never shy when talk- WINNER
ing about our love for this
Old Town café, and with
sandwiches like this
legendary plateful, you should
pull up a chair, too. You’ll find eggs,
veal bacon, home-made tomato
relish, grated emmental cheese
and sliced avocado on poilane
bread (with crisps on the side). It
might be called the Brekkie Sand- CORONATION
wich, but it’s also a winner after a
few drinks in the nearby bars. We
speak from experience.
Boulevard Café, Burj Boulevard, Old Dhs20
Town, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4285923
CRISPY FISH
AFYA 9/10
Dhs60
Two of the Brits’ finest culinary
inventions are fish and chips and
the sandwich. The chefs at Afya
have combined them both into
one handy dish. What you get is
an ample sized chunk of battered
hammour, served in a crispy
ciabatta and doused in a tangy
tartar sauce. In our expert opinion,
the best sandwich in Abu Dhabi.
Afya, Traders Hotel, Between The
Bridges, Abu Dhabi.
Tel: (02) 5108888
52 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
CHICKEN SALAD
WRAP
DANTE 8/10
CB & GB’S
It’s the crunch of PICK
fresh apple slices that
turn this wrap from tasty snack
to true contender for the title.
Packed with lettuce and lightly
spiced, creamy chicken, Dante’s
offering can be bought
everywhere from Spinneys to the
petrol station. Good price, great
crunch and a new favourite.
Available throughout the UAE.
Tel: (04) 8850573
FALAFEL
DESERT PALM 8/10
Dhs40
Falafel is a word that often leaves
us tongue-tied with a smattering
of dribble on the lips. Epicure’s
falafel sanger has a similar effect.
Choose from wholewheat (our
choice) or white sourdough,
onion or olive. The texture does
it for us – soft but dense bread,
with spicy chickpea falafel crisp
on the outside, yielding on the
inside and the mayo to take away
the dryness.
Desert Palm, Al Awir Road, after
International City, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 3238888. www.desertpalm.
peraquum.com
TANDOORI STYLE
BEEF SHORT RIBS BRAZILIAN
AFYA 8/10 CHICKEN
Dhs60 MORE CAFÉ 8/10
The beef in this massive hunk of Dhs48
sandwich is apparently slow- Gently charred pieces of tender
cooked for five hours, which chicken tikka, two slices of thick-
explains how it’s so tender it’s just cut bloomer, a generous handful
about grasping onto solidity. The of greens, minted yoghurt
sandwich is completed with some dressing, lashings of mango
thick slices of smoked mozzarella, chutney and topped with cash-
roasted tomato and barbecue ew nuts. This tangy salad-sarnie
sauce, to make one of the tastiest combo is the perfect fallback
sandwiches we’ve ever tried. when you’re overwhelmed by
Afya, Traders Hotel, Between The More’s mammoth menu.
Bridges, Abu Dhabi. More Café, Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel:
Tel: (02) 5108888 (04) 3398934

AUSTRALIAN
ROAST BEEF
DELI EXPRESS 8/10
Dhs35
We had a top-notch cheese and
Branston pickle at this foodcourt
favourite, but couldn’t help but
notice that everyone else was
ordering the beef. Curious. On
our next visit we got involved.
Tender, carved meat, glorious
gravy, fresh, bitter greens and
a host of toppings (horserad-
ish, stuffing, mint yoghurt…)
between bread of your choice
resulted in a roast dinner on the
run. Juicy, comforting and
perhaps a little too convenient…
Deli Express, Mall of the Emirates, particular sandwich. Costa makes
Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3412483 some quality sarnies, no doubt
MEXICANO STEAK
HEMMINGWAY’S 7/10
Dhs59
Hemmingway’s bar is a habitual
What’s On Award-winner for its
quality pub grub. And this
colossal beast is proof of the
place’s excellence when it comes and the watery crunch of lettuce.
to hearty, filling bar room tucker. We’ll give you the key to our
A generous chunk of cow is
dished up between ciabatta
bread, cheddar cheese, jalapeno forget it.
peppers and sour cream and
salsa on the side. A novel twist on Dhabi. Tel: (04) 2329075.
the traditional steak sandwich.
Hemmingway’s, Hilton Abu Dhabi,
Corniche, Abu Dhabi.
Tel: (02) 6811900.
7209 RM Ramadan_WhatsOn_245x88 7/13/10 10:07 AM Page 1
CHEDDAR CHEESE
PLOUGHMAN’S
COSTA 7/10
Dhs23
The ploughman will be very
cheesed off that we ate this
about it, and this is the finest.
They’re not made to order and
they’re refrigerated, so stale-
ness around the edges and
exceedingly cold cheese (maybe
breathing on it would help) can
be an issue, but you can’t go
wrong with the classic combo
of nutty multigrain bread, tangy
chunks of pickle, mature cheddar
Enjoy a blend of tradition and
brand new combine harvester,
novelty in the coolest of settings
but our ploughman’s sandwich – for Ramadan
Various locations, Dubai and Abu One&Only Royal Mirage offers you the ‘coolest’ of two Ramadan
Cafés – a uniquely comfortable, temperature-controlled
www.costacoffee.com 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
LOBSTER CLUB
atmosphere, enjoying oriental specialities, coffee and tea.
PIANO LOUNGE 7/10
Dhs120 Iftar: 7.00pm - 8.30pm Ramadan Cafés: 8pm - 2.30am
We love lobster, and we love
club sandwiches. So the two of Group Bookings/Corporate Packages: Please contact us
them combined is like a dream directly for special Ramadan offers.
come true for us. Thankfully the
sandwich lived up to our
Ramadan Special Room Rates: Starting from AED 950++*
expectations, even though it
came with a whopping Dhs120 Rate valid until 8th September 2010 excluding 10% service charge
price tag. What you get for your and 10% municipality fee.
money is a three-tiered beast of *Subject to availability. Valid for GCC and Middle East residents only.
a sandwich, with layers of lobster,
chicken and avocado and salad.
Served up with some crispy fries, The Palace Residence & Spa* Arabian Court
this sandwich is a tasty, if
One&Only Royal Mirage,
expensive, meal. Telephone +971 4 399 99 99 Fax +971 4 399 99 98
Piano Lounge, InterContinental oneandonlyroyalmirage.com
Abu Dhabi, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi.
Tel: (02) 6666888
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 53
ARTS

p56 Art for art's sake

p57 When in Sharjah...
p57 Summer workshops
p58 Five to see
p59 News flash

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 55

 ARTS

Art for art’s sake

A private collection
of contemporary
Middle Eastern art
forms the basis of
Sharjah’s newest
art gallery. But this is
only the beginning
for the Barjeel Art
Foundation, gallery
manager Mandy
Merzaban tells
What’s On

The gallery exhibits work from

its own collection – how did
that come about?
The Barjeel Art Foundation was
conceived by Sultan Sooud
Al-Qassemi, a young UAE-based
art collector. Still in its beginnings,
the foundation’s central aim is
to represent the Arab identity
and promote the wide range of
work that is being produced by
both established and emerging
Arab artists living in the region
and abroad. One of our guiding
principles is to create a platform for
critical dialogue and an informed
appreciation for contemporary
Arab art. The first step in creating
greater accessibility for these
artworks was to designate a space
where we could hold rotating
exhibitions of a selection of works
from the collection.
What do you feel are the
highlights of the collection
and of the current show?
Our debut exhibition, Peripheral
Vision, features a rich spectrum
of artists from the Arab world.
The works currently being shown
in the gallery were all produced
within the past five years. The
exhibition offers a point of
entry into the many different
expressions that represent the
cross-cultural story of Arab art
and showcases works by Emirati,
Palestinian, Saudi Arabian,
Bahraini, Egyptian, Iraqi, Syrian
and Lebanese artists, including
Egyptian artist Khaled Hafez and
Saudi artist Manal Al Dowayan.
There is a strong focus on
Emirati art and work by
artists based in the UAE. Is it
important to the gallery to
support local artists?
The Barjeel Art Foundation has
many works from Emirati artists
working in the region, both
emerging and established, many
of which are featured in our debut
exhibition. Promoting artwork
from the region is very important
to the foundation, and bringing
these works to other regions is
essential to cultivating a dynamic
Emirati art identity.
A couple of pieces from the
current exhibition are to
be loaned to international
galleries. How did that happen?
Since opening in March, we
have hosted guided tours of our
exhibition for members of the Art
Dubai Collectors’ Circle, as part of
I think the location has
definitely given us the space
we need to experiment and
create something new
the official Art Dubai programme,
the Fellows of Contemporary
Art (FOCA) from the United
States, and the President of
Christie’s Europe, among others.
The benefit of having this kind
of exposure is that it gives the
Barjeel Art Foundation more
footing in becoming a resource
for contemporary Arab art. We
would like for these works to
become a point of entry into a
critical discussion about Arab
societies, identities and modes of
expression. Having these artworks
appear in different contexts and be
viewed by many different people
is important to developing and
shaping this vision.
Why choose to set up in Sharjah
rather than Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
Sharjah has a vibrant arts and
culture scene, hosting events like
the Sharjah Biennial, the Sharjah
Book Fair, March Meeting and
many other art exhibitions
during the year. I think the
location has definitely given us
the space we need to experiment
and create something new.
Being situated in a place like the
Maraya Art Centre, which also
features another gallery space
for emerging artists on the third
floor, presents a particularly
interesting opportunity for us.
Can you tell us about the
gallery’s future plans?
We will be hosting our second
exhibition in the gallery this
coming September and we hope
to have many more tours, host
more guests and invite students
to use the space. We welcome

56 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 ARTS

When in Sharjah...
This little emirate packs a surprisingly large cultural punch,
including these three must-sees
SHARJAH ART MUSEUM
Located in the heart of
Sharjah’s Heritage Quarter,
just behind the picturesque
corniche, Sharjah Art
Museum hosts local
and visiting exhibitions
throughout the year and
is also home to the UAE’s
largest library.
www.sharjahmuseums.ae
SHARJAH MUSEUM OF
ISLAMIC CIVILISATION
This vast space is home to
one of the most impressive
museums in the UAE. The
four huge galleries on the site
of what was once an indoor
market house more than 5,000
artifacts from all over the SHARJAH CALLIGRAPHY
Islamic world. MUSEUM
www.islamicmuseum.ae The only museum in the
Middle East devoted entirely
to calligraphy; this is the place
to visit if you want to learn
more about this ancient script
and artform with regular
exhibitions and a stunning
permanent collection.
www.sharjahmuseums.ae

Summer workshops

schools, universities and cultural

institutions to use the space
for critiques, seminars and
discussions about contemporary
Arab art. In addition to events
held in the space, we are looking
to exhibit works abroad as
part of exhibitions, fairs and
art programmess. We would
eventually like to extend into
the more informative fields of
art education and allow viewers
and participants to learn more
about the dynamic state of Arab
art today.
Is the collection still being
added to?
The collection is constantly
transforming as we acquire new
works from different places. We
would like to continue to update
and add to the collection, as we
believe the story of the Arab world
is ever changing.
Until Aug 28, The Barjeel
Art Foundation, Al Maraya
Centre, Sharjah.
www.barjeelartfoundation.com
Long summer days spent in temperature-con-
trolled confinement with nothing to keep you
company but a box-set season finale of 24 are
all well and good, but may we suggest a fruitful
use of your down time? Dubai International Arts
Centre (DIAC) has been nurturing the city’s artis-
tic talent since 1976. Over that time it has built
a reputation for developing and showcasing a
myriad of multidisciplinary talents in the form
of its regular workshop sessions. Its summer
programme is now in full swing with courses
running throughout August in everything from
Fashion Design and Illustration to Abstract
Painting and Photoshop. For the little ones there
are one-off Drawing and Painting workshops
(split into groups of four to seven and eight to
twelve years) or, for the truly committed, a series
of Summer Camps, proving that it’s never too
late – or two early – to get in touch with your
artistic side.
www.artdubai.com

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 57

 ARTS

Five to see
ÉVIVID, VIBRANT AND
IRANIAN
Doing exactly what the name
says, this colourful selection
of largely abstract art sets
out to uncover some of Iran’s
freshest new talents, including
Shahpour Pouyan, Mansour
Rafie and Mohsen Jamalinik.
Total Arts at the Courtyard,
Courtyard Building, Street 4, Al
Quoz 1, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3475050
www.courtyard-uae.com

ÑSNEAK POSTVIEW
Summer brings a kind of
‘greatest hits’ collection to
Green, with the walls of this
Jumeirah favourite paying
homage to artists presented
by the gallery over its 2009/10
ÅCELEBRATING RAMADAM programme, including the
Both professional and amateur artists have come together for likes of Hakim Ghazali, Ahmad
this exhibition in honour of the Holy Month. Setting out to reflect Moualla, Oussama Baalbaki and
the the Arab world's spirit and wealth of culture, expect to find Nazif Topcuoglu.
calligraphy and Arabesque stylings aplenty in everything from Until Sept 25, Green Art Gallery,
watercolours to oils. 51st Street, Villa 23, Jumeirah
Until Sept 4, Gallery 76, DIAC, Villa 27, Street 75b (near Town Centre), (near Dubai Zoo), Dubai.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai. www.artdubai.com www.gagallery.com

ÇBLUE SKIE’D AND CLEAR

There’s been a huge shift from paintings to other media in the
UAE's art scene over the past 12 months and this photography-
based summer exhibition, showcasing the work of six international
practitioners, presents a worthwhile introduction to photography
that is more ‘art’ than point-and-shoot.
Until Sept 25, Carbon 12, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Warehouse D37, Al
Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (050) 4644392. www.carbon12dubai.com

ÅIRAQ: TRANSITION TO PEACE

Photojournalist Tina Hager’s astonishing images of a war-torn
country in recovery go behind the headlines to reveal life as it is
lived by the soldiers and citizens of Iraq. Last thing we heard, Hager
and her trusty camera were in Afghanistan, so watch this space:
we suspect there’s plenty more where this came from and that’s
definitely a good thing.
Until Aug 15, Portfolio Gallery, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 323 2395

58 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

News Flash

%NJOY2AMADANAT
,AYIA/AK(OTEL3UITES
4HISYEARWEAIMTOMAKEYOURCELEBRATIONSEVEN
MOREENJOYABLEWITHTWOSPECIALDININGOFFERSFOR
THE(OLY-ONTHOF2AMADAN

)FTARIN0ETALS
"REAKYOURFASTWITHANEXTENSIVE)FTAR
BUFFETINCLUDINGSUCCULENTLOCALDELICACIES
ANDPOPULARDISHESFROMAROUNDTHE
WORLD
PMTOPMDAILY
$HSPERPERSON
The UAE’s galleries may be relatively quiet as they close – or enjoy
extended summer shows – for the month of August, but that’s 3OHOURINTHE1UEENOF3HEBATENT
not to say all’s quiet on the arts front. On the contrary, some of the /FFERSYOUACHOICEOFOPTIONSINTHE
biggest wheels in the local art scene have been busy rolling along. PERFECTSETTINGTOCELEBRATE3OHOUR
In Dubai, for example, the news that Antonia Carver is to succeed s !NEXTENSIVEALACARTEMENU
John Martin as fair director of Art Dubai could have some serious
ramifications on next year’s show. Not least because Carver not
s ,IVESHAWARMASTATION
only lives in Dubai (whereas Martin, the fair’s founder, is based s ,IVEBARBEQUE
in London), potentially bringing more local focus to the fair, but s 3HISHA
also because, as a co-founder of Middle Eastern arts organisation s /UDPLAYER
Bidoun, her expertise on the region’s art and its impact elsewhere s 0RIZEDRAWSDURINGTHE(OLY-ONTH
is second to none. OF2AMADAN
Over in Abu Dhabi, meanwhile, as Saadiyat Island inches ever
closer to completion, leaders from the emirate’s major culture and
higher education institutions have been meeting with partners &ORRESERVATIONSPLEASECALLUSON4
%MAILUSAT%FBOAK LAYIANETORVISIT7LAYIANET
from the island’s museums for a series of workshops designed “to
ensure the success of the Cultural District’s educational and train-
ing mission, and the long-term cultural development programme
of Abu Dhabi”. The Louvre on Saadiyat Island isn’t slated for
completion until 2013, with the Guggenheim opening estimated
to take place a year later, but as Aesop so astutely pointed out in
his tortoise and hare-based fable all those years ago, slow and
steady wins the race.

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 59

SHOPPING

p63 Let us entertain you

p63 New openings
p64 Sophia says...

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 61

 SHOPPING

Sony PlayStation 3 Slim

Dhs2,396 | www.playstation.com
Need to fill the gaps between films? Get on YouTube
to watch movie trailers (with the PSN’s handy app) or
load up Tom Clancy’s HAWX 2 - perfect for replaying
New
your favourite Top Gun
moments. ‘That’s right!
Iceman. I am dangerous!’
Openings
The newest stores to
LG15EL9500
Dhs9,899 | www.lge.com open their doors
Still, if you must have a telly, why not
have the best (note: we did not say the MANOUKIAN
biggest). This heftily-priced screen might Oooh la la. French fashion chain
be only 15in, but LG’s clever organic- Manoukian has opened its UAE
light-emitting-diode technology means flagship store in Dubai Mall. With
it’s sharper and brighter than any screen
modern, feminine designs from
JVC DLA-HD350 that’s so far shone through your low-res
human cornea. the same team the brought us
Dhs16,895 | www.jvc.com
For a full-blown cinema experience, a piddly
BCBGMAXAZRIA, the collection
40in LCD simply won’t do. This will though, JVC’s includes fine knits, evening
massive projector pipes out 1080p HD film dresses and chic workwear.
with a whopping 30,000:1 contrast ratio. Manoukian, Level One, Dubai
That means a scintillating 100+in image Mall, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am
that will transport you right to the heart to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am
of the action. to midnight. Tel: (04) 4340724.
www.groupe-manoukian.com

LET US
WRAPT
As little orphan Annie sang,
‘you’re never fully dressed
without a smile’. Well, the folks
at Wrapt reckon there’s no point

ENTERTAIN YOU
in splashing the big bucks if
you’re going to give your gift
in a plastic bag. Get custom
wrapping, with a bow on top, all
tied up by the experts at Dubai’s
Why settle for a boring old night in, when you could latest designer giftwrap and
THE EXPERT
be enjoying a viewing experience that you and your Stuff magazine’s
accessory store. There’s even
Thomas Shambler recycled paper if you’re already
chums will be talking about for years to come? thinking about the trees.
Wrapt, Mercato Mall, Beach Road,
Jumeirah, Dubai. www.wrapt.ae

KEF KHT3005SE AÉROPOSTALE

Dhs8,484 | www.kef.com It's tough being a teenager. But
KEF’s iconic speaker package now comes in with the opening of Aéropostale
limited-edition gloss white, so you can match the Abu Dhabi’s adolescents have
drapes. Or, you could simply enjoy their rollicking, a decent clothes shop where
wrap-around 5.1 sound for its ambience-conjuring
talents alone.
they can spend their pocket
money – an American store that
specialises in accessories and
casual clothing for the fashion
conscious youngster.
Abu Dhabi Mall, Tourist Club
Area, Abu Dhabi, Sat to Thurs
La-Z-Boy Cool Chair 10am to 11pm, Fri 3.30pm to
Dhs7,897 | www.lay-z-boy.com 11pm. Tel: (02) 6454788. www.
You’ve got a movie marathon to get abudhabi-mall.com
through, so comfort counts. Enter the
Cool Chair: with its six-motor in-seat
massage system, full reclining facility
Offside Football Coffee Table
and armrest-mounted
Dhs2,259 | www.trifledesign.co.uk
drinks fridge, it’s the
Oak, stainless steel and glass have seldom been put
solid foundation every
to such good use: this coffee table doubles up as a
armchair-warrior needs.
table-football game, the perfect analogue antidote to
the hi-def overdose of last month’s World Cup. Spillage
might be a problem though, so no spinning.

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 63

 SHOPPING

Got a fashion

Sophia says...
question for
Sophia?
E-mail
editor-wo@motivate.ae
We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia Triantafillou away
from the helm at Emirates Woman into the grubby
What’s On office to answer your wardrobe woes

I heard through the fashion grapevine Top: With the onset of Ramadan, I need to
that dressing in denim head to toe is no Stradivarius find some more suitable work clothes.
longer a wardrobe mishap. Is double I want to respect the need to cover up,
denim really in fashion? but I find this quite difficult in the heat
Sunita, The Greens and hate looking frumpy. What can I do?
Bangles:
Pippa, DIFC
No, no and no. Just because something is Stradivarius
‘in fashion’ it doesn’t necessarily mean that Buy a great suit and day dress.
it’s good, you should buy it or that it will suit These items can be
you. Save denim on denim for your next trip Top: dressed up
to the farm or a 1980s dress up disco night. Mango or down and
Top: accessorised for
deSigual
day or night. If you
choose the suit
option, wear a
Shorts: dressy T-shirt under
Mango the jacket so you don’t
overheat, and make
sure your skirt length
sits just under your
knee. You always look
like you show more
leg when you wear
Floral print was a must last summer. heels, so during the
I went all out and brought a huge Holy Month opt for
Giorgio
collection of tops, dresses, skirts ballerinas instead. Armani
and even trousers in floral print. Can
I still get away with wearing them
Ralph even though this was very much last I have a formal drinks party coming up.
Lauren summer's trend? I have seen a designer dress I am dying
Gemma, Old Town to wear, but I can’t afford to spend so
much money. I know some tailors will
Jean Paul Knock yourself out. Floral is like stripes, it copy dresses, but have heard some
Gaultier Balenciaga never goes out of vogue. It's just a trend that horror stories. Please help?
is best kept for the summer, and the key to Katherine, Dubai Marina
wearing it successfully it to avoid floral with
floral. For example, if you have a cute floral This is a tough one, as it is really very difficult
I’m after some grey jeans, slim-line top, wear it with blue jeans, or a white T-shirt to copy a designer dress. The main reasons
but NOT skinny (bit too hot for that). makes a floral skirt stand out from the crowd. being that the fabric used on a designer
If Lanvin did some on the cheap I’d piece is usually of the highest quality and
be a happy man. Can I find made by tailors that have many years of
something similar on the Maxi dresses are everywhere at the experience. The attention to detail is also
high street? moment and I'm a big fan. Can I get paramount when spending money on
Mike, JBR away with wearing them to work or will labels. The buttons are better, the trimmings
this look too dressy? luxurious and the patterns are as close
Topman does Vajaya, Al Bateen to perfect as you can get. As a start, get a
the best high picture of the dress, and try to get the fabric
street jeans, so Too dressy, no, too barbecue, and details to match. If you can do a sketch,
make that your yes. Maxi dresses are best left that would also help. Once you have been
first stop. Forever for the beach as a cover-up for measured, talk through the design with your
21 also have a your favourite bikini, and the tailor so he or she understands what you
great men’s section trend of wearing these want, then the most important thing to do is
and their jeans are dresses anywhere else should to go for fittings. You must allow time in your
surprisingly good. be banned. schedule for this, as you may need three ot
Dress:
Mango
four before you get it right. Good luck.
Lanvin

64 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

TREAT YOURSELF TO A MORE
REWARDING RAMADAN.

This Ramadan, InterContinental Abu Dhabi is the place to be for all things after dark. From the generous
Iftar buffet at Selections with live oud and tabla, to the late night delights in The Piano Lounge with
celebrated kanoun player, Khalil Ghadri, the rewards just keep on coming. Ramadan Kareem to all.

For more information or to make a reservation

call 800 423463 or visit
intercontinental.com
 The Essential Arabian Library
In celebration of the centenary of the birth of Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the last of the great
explorers, we offer 17 books and a limited edition print from The Arabian Heritage Series.

Described as a This book is a The authorised biography

“Masterpiece” in The breathtaking pictorial of Sir Wilfred Thesiger
Times, this classic of travel edition of the travel investigates this fascinating
literature is a must-read classic Arabian Sands, figure’s family influences,
for anyone interested in and contains the same his wartime experiences, his
the Arab world. The special fold-out map which philosophy as a hunter and
Centenary Edition celebrates appeared in the first conservationist, his writing
the anniversary of Thesiger’s edition of Arabian and photography, and his
birth in 1910, and includes Sands in 1959. friendships with tribal people.
84 photographs and a
old-out map.

Dhs 120 * Dhs 185 * Dhs 165*

normal retail price

This title by Daniel and Serga Nadler takes an A wonderfully illustrated book that covers Arabian Destiny is an insightful autobiography
in-depth look at the world of silver and the fascinating history of shawls from their and a very personal account of the life of the
how it is valued for its many purposes by earliest origins. The history of the Kerman late Edward Henderson – a man whose life was
different cultures around the globe. shawl, is one of its delightful highlights. inextricably linked to the history of the UAE.

Dhs 295 * Dhs 295 * Dhs 55 *

This enchanting book is a showcase of the A wonderful photographic memoir by world This personal record of the seafarers of the In this concise, yet thorough, description of
people of the Emirates during the mid-20th renowned photographer Ronald Codrai. This Emirates focuses on a time when the Gulf the Arabian countries benefiting most from
century. A superb collection of photographs by book focuses on Codrai’s time spent in the was home to the largest merchant-sailing 21st century affluence, Edward O’Sullivan
Ronald Codrai, documenting times gone by. Arab world during the past half-century. fleet in the world. summarizes years of experience.

Dhs 185 * Dhs 185 * Dhs 185 * Dhs 85 *

Tel +971 4 282 4060 Fax +971 4 282 7898 books@motivate.ae

Tel +971 2 677 2005 Fax +971 2 677 0124 motivate-adh@motivate.ae Order online:
 SUMMER OFFER
Entire collection now only Dhs 1450
including free delivery in the GCC
A saving of over 50% off the normal retail price of Dhs 3000

Free Limited
Edition Print
Worth Dhs 350
Launching a Dhow, Abu Dhabi, 1948 by Sir Wilfred Thesiger (16” x 12”)

Dubai
an aerial tour

Dubai is an emirate of spectacular sights.

Dubai

With post-modern architecture and high-rise

towers that jostle with one another, the city’s
aerial views provide a magnificent insight
into its different landscapes – be they man-

an aerial tour
made islands or landscaped villas, magnificent
highways or grand hotels, verdant green parks
or giant shopping malls – taking the reader on
an awe-inspiring scenic tour.

Beyond the city’s limits, turquoise-blue

waters with sandy beaches, symmetrical palm
trees and ancient desert landscapes provide
photographers with many opportunities.

International aerial photographer, Dirk Laubner,

has produced a fine portrait of the emirate
that reveals why Dubai is such a popular
tourist destination. Published in a single,
five-language edition, Dubai – An Aerial Tour
is a collection of brilliant images of the emirate
and a fascinating record of Dubai from the air
as we see it today. Placing tourist attractions
and significant landmarks in perspective, it
provides a magnificent aerial tour for visitors
and residents alike.
Dirk Laubner

Dirk Laubner

This book by internationally acclaimed This intimate and colourful view of the Emirates is This book is part of the ‘Noor Ali Rashid’s Royal
photographer Dirk Laubner takes you on a a reproduction of one of famed British artist Trevor Collection’, and includes beautiful historical images,
breathtaking aerial tour around the emirate Waugh’s journals, kept while travelling the length highlighting the 40 years of remarkable transformation
of Dubai. and breadth of the land. undergone by the UAE.

Dhs 125 * Dhs 145 * Dhs 185 *

Patrick Lichfield’s photography has

spanned four decades of change. His
Dubai

iconic images from the early 1960s to the

present day, include notable personalities
and events that characterised their times.
A cousin of Queen Elizabeth, The Earl of
Lichfield, launched himself as a photo-
grapher in 1962. He soon progressed from
photographing London’s party set to
editorial work for national daily news-


#&
!#!#

papers. Success in notable London

magazines, such as the highly influential

magazine, led to commissions from
,  and #&
! magazines in the
United States.
Since that time, his pictures – ranging from
formal and informal portraits, including
many members of royalty as well as
celebrities, prominent figures from the
world of fashion and beauty to high profile
advertising – have become well known
around the world.
In recent years, Patrick Lichfield has been
a frequent visitor to Dubai, a destination
he admires and enjoys and one which
certainly provides a wealth of fascinating
subjects for his camera. 
'


#&

!#!# is the outcome of these visits; it is
a rich study of one of the world’s most

Dubai
dynamic and fastest growing cities.
Patrick Lichfield

"
%#
#
"!#


!#


#&
!#!#
P a t r i c k L i c h f i e l d

Patrick Lichfield’s portrait of Dubai presents A beautiful heartfelt tale of two cultures, and A compilation of poetry by Dubai’s leader, Dr Frauke Heard-Bey’s definitive history of
images of a cosmopolitan city, a vibrant a love and understanding between a Western Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. the UAE is a must-read about life in the seven
emirate and a dynamic people in tribute to and Arab family. The Times called it “a deeply Sheikh Mohammed reveals his passions but Trucial States before the wealth of oil, and
one of the fastest growing cities in the world. sympathetic evaluation of a culture”. tempers them with justice and tolerance. events leading up to the 21st century UAE.

Dhs 185 * Dhs 55 * Dhs 75 * Dhs 120 *

MIND & BODY
p70 His ‘n’ hers
p73 Slim with us!
p74 Spa deals

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 69

 MIND & BODY
His‘n’hers
We visit the new spa at the Mövenpick for massages and more
His
TRADITIONAL
THAI MASSAGE
TALK US THROUGH IT...
A thorough manipulation of your
body. You’re stretched, pummelled
and kneaded by a deceptively
strong therapist who, starting at
your feet and moving up, twists
and pulls you into positions that
literally take your breath away. It’s
brilliant stuff.
THE BEST BIT
While having your legs and
arms tied in knots and your
back stretched into otherwise
unthinkable positions might not
sound like fun, there’s something
rather invigorating about hearing
your bones crack and feeling your
muscles pop.
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?
The moment when, while lying
face down, my arms and shoulders
were pulled back towards my legs,
arching my back and forcing me to
give out a little yelp in distress.
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE
PANTS?
Huge, black and papery with a
70 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
flimsy elasticated waist. The one
size fits all look was taken to the
extreme with these bad boys.
SLEEP FACTOR?
Not a chance. Every time the
therapist did something pleasant,
he was only lulling me into a false
state of relaxation before applying
tear-inducing pressure. Ouch.
WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED?
Anyone looking for a no holds
barred massage that leaves you
feeling loose and supple for the rest
of the day and doesn’t mind a bit of
pain. You can even ask the therapist
to apply more pressure if you think
he’s wimping out on you.
HOW MUCH AND HOW
LONG?
Dhs395 for a 90-minute treatment
Rambo would be proud of.
Hers
DE-AGEING BODY
TROPICAL ESCAPE
TALK US THROUGH IT...
The treatment starts with a
full body scrub, followed by a
refreshing shower, then a papaya
and pineapple balm is rubbed
all over your body. You’re then
covered in cold yoghurt and
wrapped in foil. While you’re
wrapped in your warm cocoon
soaking up all that crème fraiche
goodness, you’re treated to a foot
and an Indian head massage. You
finish with a second shower before
a final balm is applied to your skin.
THE BEST BIT?
Singling out one bit is tricky
as the whole experience was
wonderful. You’re thoroughly
soothed from head to toe, from
start to finish, but being covered to. It’s worth staying awake just to
in yoghurt was pretty special. take in what’s happening and get a
whiff of the papaya and pineapple,
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS? even if the wrap can make you feel
We escaped unscathed with no a bit like a human baked potato.
cringe-worthy moments during
the whole treatment. WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED?
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE This treatment is great for people
PANTS? with discoloured or uneven skin,
Let’s just say they were not and anyone who wants a healthy
designed for the petite lady. Big, glow. If you want to feel and
white, almost transparent and look like a million dollars (and
very, very unflattering was the who doesn’t?) then this is the
order of the day. They just about treatment for you.
managed to hide our shame for
the full treatment. HOW MUCH AND HOW LONG?
A bargain Dhs650 for one and a
SLEEP FACTOR? half hours of beautifying bliss.
It is very relaxing, but there is
so much going on with different Body Talk Spa, Mövenpick
lotions and potions being applied Hotel, The Walk, JBR, Dubai.
that you can’t really nod off, no Tel: (04) 4498888
matter how much you may want
 thyme for a weekend brunch
Friday & Saturday

Enjoy a delicious brunch experience at ‘thyme’ all weekend long! Slept in on Friday? No problem! Centrally
located on The Walk, ‘thyme’ at the Oasis Beach Tower offers the signature tastes of a Mediterranean brunch on
both days from AED 125* including soft drinks. Fridays and Saturdays from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm.

Bring this copy of the advertisement and receive AED 100 off
your dinner bill for 4 guests or more during the week
(Sunday to Wednesday) before 30th September.

For reservations and more information,

please call 04 315 4200 and quote “What’s On“
or e-mail: thyme@jaihotels.com

www.oasisbeachtower.com
*Rate inclusive of 10% municipality tax and service charges. Terms and conditions apply.

Buffet Breakfast Buffet Lunch Weekend Brunch À La Carte Dinner

 DISCOVER WILDLIFE AFTER DARK.
VISIT WILD NIGHTS IN AL AIN.
During Ramadan, open from 9pm to 2am*
Nightly 4pm to 12 midnight*
Fridays 10am to 12 midnight*

You’ll find wilder nights when you visit

the Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort between
1st May and 30th September. Be enthralled
by ‘Wild Nights’ with extended hours and
discover nature’s secrets after dark. In a
way you’ve never experienced before. Our
regular attractions are awaiting you with
tons of fun activities.

Enjoy Wild Nights this summer.

)FTAR"UFFET
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort – In Touch
With Nature.

Wild Nights Activities: Animal Feedings

!%$
s-OVIE.IGHTSs.OCTURNAL!NIMAL
%XHIBITSs.IGHTTIME!MBIANCE
)NDULGEINASUMPTUOUS)FTAR"UFFETAT"AHARAT
s&UN&AMILY!CTIVITIES
2ESTAURANTDURINGTHEMONTHOF2AMADAN
FROMSUNSETTOPMDAILYFOR!%$ PERPERSON
3HISHAAVAILABLEATTHE4ERRACE,OUNGE
&OR#ORPORATEORGROUP)FTARPLEASECALL)BIS!L"ARSHA
LOCATEDALONGSIDE3HEIKH:AYED2OAD ON
OREMAIL( &" ACCORCOM

For more information call 800 AWPR (2977) !LLPRICESAREIN!%$INCLUSIVEOFMUNICIPALITYFEESANDSERVICECHARGE

or visit www.awpr.ae )NFORMATIONCORRECTATTHETIMEOFPRINTSUBJECTTOCHANGEWITHORWITHOUT
*Last ticket sold 1 hour before the park closes. PRIORNOTICEATMANAGEMENTªSDISCRETION

72 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 MIND & BODY

Slim with us! FOLLOW MY BLOG ON….

http://dubaidietdiary.wordpress.com
After a month off, it’s time
for our desperate dieter to
get physical

Last month, a friend said he’d read a book that

claimed an hour’s exercise each day was the
best way to get fit fast. “What’s one hour out
of 24?” he innocently asked, as we puffed our
way around Dubai Marina in 40 degree heat. I
glared at him and muttered “It’s an hour when
I can’t be sleeping”.
But he’s right. And so is his stupid book.
And so is my new trainer, Dominic. I hate
being wrong. A series of chaotic weekends, a
holiday in Spain (where our fridge resembled
something out of Animal House), guests
over to stay and several birthdays meant that
fitness has been the last thing on my agenda –
and that was OK by me. Tell a lie, I went for a
jog in Spain. To the supermarket to buy more
meat for the barbecue.
In short, upon my return serious action
was required. I have a lovely gym upstairs in
my building, but there seems to be a mental
barrier between me and the 39th floor, so
another venue was needed – one where I’d
enjoy going, was close to work to make life device that involves throwing weighted
as easy as possible and preferably had a spa basketballs at a target (not as fun as it sounds)
attached. The Natural Elements gym at Le and I was sent to some spinning classes
Méridien fit the bill, with its ultra-modern (merry hell with Ricky Martin remixes as the
technology (you log into the FitLinxx system soundtrack). We ran, cross-trained, mocked
upon arrival so all the strength machines my biceps, did the plank for way too long
know what weight and number of reps you and got fitter with every session. We went
should be doing – it’s like exercising in the all out and got results – I lost 1kg each week
future), including individual TVs on each throughout the month. Impressive indeed.
cardio machine so you can indulge in the And what did I sacrifice? A measly hour a day.
genius of Canada’s Next Top Model or vintage While costly, for those who are intimidated
Crystal Maze to make the time go faster. by a huge gym full of gadgetry and buff
You’ve got to love that Aztec zone. bodies, the help of a personal trainer can
As you can see, I can’t be trusted to make the difference between dreading a
workout alone. I’d happily spend an hour workout and catching the exercise bug. From
strolling on the treadmill at glacial speed, now on, I’ll be enlisting his help to keep me on
reducing my IQ with every step. Time track and away from the trash television.
to bring in the professionals. I’d list the Natural Elements, Le Méridien Dubai, Airport
qualifications of trainer Dominic, but we’d be Road, Garhoud, Dubai. Tel: (04) 7022500
here all month, but know this: he knows his
stuff. A former champion weightlifter and one “I can’t be trusted
of the nicest chaps in Dubai, I was in safe –
and giant – hands. But don’t be fooled by the
having a personal trainer makes; suddenly
those mysterious machines you usually
to workout alone. I’d
smile – tough times were ahead. We assessed ignore are integral to your workout, you happily spend an
my fitness, made three appointments per have someone pushing you to beat your best hour strolling on the
week for a month (including a few too many time on the rower and you know how to turn
at 8am) and I promised to go to the gym at the Power Plate machine on. Each session treadmill at glacial
least twice a week on my own to watch The was different, with a true mix of cardio and speed, reducing my
Apprentice, sorry, I meant do cardio. strength training, Dominic threw in some
It’s impossible to overstate what a difference moves on the step, we conquered the abs
IQ with every step”
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 73
 MIND & BODY

Spa Deals
Our round-up of the best offers in the
land of all things lovely

TIPS & TOES THAI PRIVILEGE SPA

LPG’s new treatments at Tips August is the month to take
& Toes will have you putting advantage of the Ramadan
on that teeny weeny bikini period and detox (see page 18).
with glee. Lipomassage treats Purify yourself with the 16-day
the body, shifting unwanted course, at a discount of 30 per cent. You receive 29 specialised
cellulite, while Liftmassage sessions, which can be completed over a continuous 16-day
addresses the face, revitalising period or three times a week. The course costs Dhs7,000 and
and toning your skin. The treatments are as relaxing as they are includes a free consultancy with the spa’s resident doctor, plus
effective – a rare and beautiful combination – and this summer two complimentary Earth Purifying Facials. Money well spent if
you’ll get a discount of 20 per cent when 15 sessions are block you’re serious about sorting your body out.
booked. Prices start at Dhs250 per session. Thai Privilege Spa, Al Wasl Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3489679.
Tips & Toes, various locations across Dubai and Abu Dhabi. www.thaiprivilegespadubai.com
Tel: (04) 4305848. www.tipsntoeshaven.com
AL ASALLA SPA
TALISE SPA Al Asalla Spa at Dubai’s Ladies
Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah Club has gone discount crazy
may have created the perfect this summer. Indulge in facial
setting for practising yoga. treatments and receive 50
The Full Moon Yoga classes per cent off a Back Tension
are taught on a private beach, Release Massage or free hand
so you can listen to the waves care treatments. Furthermore,
whilst enjoying physical and their Traditional Hammam offer not only cleanses your body but
mental relaxation. Each class also gives you a 15-minute Indian head massage for free. These
costs Dhs200 (or Dhs150 if booked before the August 20), and treatments range from Dhs240 to Dhs450 and include the use
you’ll receive a complimentary yoga session in the studio. of their ice cold scented experience showers, sauna with light
Talise Spa, Al Qasr, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666818. www.jumeirah.com therapy and whirlpool.
Al Asalla Spa, Dubai Ladies Club, Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai.
ELIXIR SPA Tel: (04) 3449445. www.dubailadiesclub.com
Pamper packages are a great
way to escape the summer heat THE SPA AT THE ADDRESS
– especially at these prices. Elixir It’s fantastic to be a woman
Spa is currently offering a when The Address Dubai Mall is
90-minute tailored spa offering all ladies a 30 per cent
treatment, with full access to discount on any facial and body
the pool and beach, for only treatment. Treating yourself to a
Dhs450. Mothers-to-be can also full day experience at the spa will
indulge in a pre-natal bliss treatment for Dhs800, which includes allow you to enjoy their facilities
a full body exfoliation, back, neck and shoulder massage and a including, steam and sauna rooms, fitness centre and
relaxing facial. swimming pool.
Elixir Spa, Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai Marina, Dubai. The Spa at The Address Dubai Mall. Tel: (04) 4388010.
Tel: (04) 3995000. www.grandjumeirah.habtoorhotels.com www.theaddress.com
PHOTOGRAPHED BY NAVEED AHMED

WILLOW STREAM SPA DERMALOGICA

Treat yourself with a choice Rejuvenate your skin by taking
of packages this month at the advantage of Dermalogica’s ten
Fairmont. Choose from the one- per cent discount off all
hour Revive package (Dhs420), 75-minute face treatments.
the 90-minute Refresh package What’s more, when you spend
(Dhs550) or the Renew package more than Dhs600 on products,
(Dhs650) and receive a free you will receive a free MicroZone treatment. Complimentary face
lunch and all-day pool access. Our kind of spa experience. mapping skin analysis is also available.
Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3325555. Dermalogica, The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3398250.
www.fairmont.com www.dermalogica.com.

74 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 SPORT & OUTDOOR Got a fitness
question for
James?

SPORT & OUTDOOR

E-mail
otivate.ae
editor-w @m
o

Mr Fitness range of motion. Low impact exercises

could include the rowing machine or bike.
Our resident exercise guru There’s no real reason why you can’t train
answers your health and your upper body as normal while getting
your knee back on track.
fitness questions

What’s the best fat-burning exercise: What kind of balance should I maintain
running or swimming? between cardio and weight training?
Borgh, Mirdif Yousef, JBR

Some of the best research regarding fat
burning has been done on sprinting. All you
need to do is look at the physique of any ath-
lete who predominantly sprints. However,
the amount of stress that is put upon the
body each and every time your foot makes
contact with the floor is a problem.
Swimming is fantastic, but I have found
very few people who swim at a high
enough intensity to illicit positive fat loss.
Breaststroke just doesn’t cut it.
An alternative is Metabolic Resistance
Training (MRT). MRT works in very
much the same way as interval running,
but the body is put under a lot less
gravitational stress. For example, you
could do as many squats as you can in
30 seconds and then take one-minute
recovery. Follow that with 30 seconds of
all out press-ups and another one-minute
recovery and repeat for 15 to 20 minutes.
What’s the deal with drinking water
in gyms over Ramadan? I can’t get
through a workout without it and don’t
want a month away from the treadmill.
James, Jebel Ali
I can’t speak for every gym in Dubai, but
I do know most gyms will allow you to
drink water while you workout during
Ramadan. I have been told by one chain
that you are able to use their designated
drinks stations and they would prefer you
were to use them, as opposed to carrying
around your drinks bottle, out of respect
for those who may be fasting. It’s good
to see that you are looking for solutions
to keep your training up throughout the
Holy Month.
I’m recovering from a knee operation
and the doctor suggested resting it for
three to four weeks. What’s the best
way to get back into exercise?
Mark, editor of What’s On
There comes a time in the life of every
magazine editor when the dream of
pulling on the red and white-striped shirt
of his beloved Sunderland is quashed
with a career threatening injury. Fear not
though Mark, all is not lost!
Fortunately three to four weeks is not
too long of a break. After a knee opera-
tion, avoid too much loading and impact
on the joint, so cut back on running and
other high impact exercises. You would be
better off balancing out the strength of each
leg, building up the muscles that stabilise
the knee cap and re-establishing the joint’s
This really depends upon what your goals
are. For example, if you are a marathon
runner then you will need to devote a lot
of your training time to covering miles.
If you are a bodybuilder, however, then a
greater percentage of your training will be
focused on hitting the weights in the gym.
Say you only have two hours a week,
then I would suggest incorporating your
weight training and cardio into the same
session. So you would do a total body
weight training session, with minimal
rest periods between exercises and then
finish off with a 15-minute energy system
(cardio) workout.
If you have, say, five hours a week
then you could do three weight training
sessions a week, with two cardio/energy
system workouts on your ‘off ’ days.
Remember, muscle tissue is the best fat
burning property we possess – so don’t
neglect your weight training. Shorter, higher
intensity cardio sessions are more efficient
at burning fat than longer, slower duration
sessions, so be smart with your training.
What Mr Fitness James Houghton
doesn't know about staying healthy
isn't worth knowing. In his seven
years as a personal trainer, he's
helped West End actresses lose the
pounds and worked with the Arabian
Gulf rugby sevens team to keep them
in peak condition.

wagamama
The Greens
Tel 04 361 5757
wagamama
Al Fattan Towers
Tel 04 399 5900
PROUDLY OPERATES (Open daily noon to midnight, deliveries)
info@rmalhospitality.ae www.rmalhospitality.com/wagamama.asp

76 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 SPORT & OUTDOOR

Touch down
The UAE now has its first
American Football Academy.
Head coach Rex Stevenson
III talks quarterbacks,
cheerleaders and why
American football is tougher
than rugby
What is the American Football Academy?
A combination of formal classroom
instruction, on-the-field instruction and
physical conditioning for young athletes aged
seven to 18 years of age who are interested in
learning how to play American rules football.
Why do we need one in the UAE?
To scare the crap out of all the rugby and soccer
players. It leaves no time for rugby or soccer.
But isn’t it just rugby for sissies? What’s
with all the padding?
It protects our boys from grab-ass rugby
ladies.
Oh, tough talk. But how tough are you –
what’s the worst injury you’ve ever seen?
Compound fracture of the femur [thigh
bone] and accompanying laceration.
OK, pretty harsh. Sell American rules
football to us, then.
Simply stated, American football is the best,
most competitive sport on planet Earth.
Really? Even with all that stopping
and starting?
The stopping and starting occurs between
downs, and there are four downs in a series
which is an attempt to gain ten yards and
another series of downs, until the team with
the ball either scores or loses possession of
the ball.
Does the quarterback always get the
head cheerleader in real life?
Not always, but most of the time... and
the head cheerleader is referred to as the
Cheerleader Captain.
Why hasn’t the game spread outside the
US, like football has?
You must be living in a cave! Either that,
or you have the IQ of a common ground
squirrel. There are more than 2,600 adult
teams in 60 countries and the number
continues to increase on an annual basis.
Even China, Russia and countries like the
Bahamas have their own national teams.
Oh, pardon us. In fact, you’re looking at
setting up a UAE national team, right?
How is that coming along?
It looks promising so far. We’ve found a
handful of athletes who could physically hold
their own against an American team that has
yet to lose a game.
How often can people come and watch
competitive games?
The Dubai Youth Football League will play
games every Saturday in the autumn, and the
UAE National Team will play its home game
schedule next spring. And yes, there will be
hotdogs, hamburgers and coke-floats.
American Football Academy, Universal
American School, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3431443.
www.afa-uae.com

Proud to be SAFARI LEADERS

E n j o y t h e t h r i l l a n d f u n o f

DESERT SAFARI

Programme Includes:
Dune Bashing Sand Boarding & Camel Riding
BBQ Dinner - Arabic Tea & Coffee Soft Drinks & Refreshments
Photograph in Local Dress Henna Painting & Tattoos Per Person Dhs. 200/-
Enchanting Belly Dancing Show Sheesha (Hubbly-Bubbly) Pick-up & drop-back facility included
& lots more entertainment throughout the evening Timing: Pick up: 3:00 - 3:30pm - Drop off: 9:00 - 9:30pm

24 Hrs. Reservation
E-mail: optdubai@emirates.net.ae Web: www.opdubai.com ISO 9001:2008 Certified

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 77

A BUSINESS HOTEL
THAT SPECIALIZES IN
TAKING CARE OF OTHERS.

HOW COME?

When it comes to caring,

we mean business.

And we celebrate Ramadan with

the importance of giving to people
who may be less privileged than
we are. Have IFTAR BUFFET for
AED 99* at GEMS RESTAURANT
and sponsor a free meal for
an orphan.

Call us a Hotel if you want,

we prefer to be thought of as
dynamic hospitality.

Try us, you will enjoy.

“Ramadan Kareem”

Call 02 652 0000

Zayed the 1st Street, adjacent to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
Web: cristalhotelsandresorts.com

* Inclusive 10% service charge and 6% tourism fees DYNAMIC HOSPITALITY

TRAVEL

p81 Checkin’ Kiev

p86 Wild weekends

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 79

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 TRAVEL
Checkin’ Kiev
From elegant city There are nasty rumours circulating on the web that
a Frenchman, Nicholas Appert, created the chicken
squares to gold- Kiev. The recipe, so some bloggers say, made its way
tipped orthodox to Eastern Europe via the Russian Empress Elizabeth
cathedrals, the Petrovana, whose love of French cuisine prompted
the Russian elite to employ French chefs in their
Ukrainian capital homes during the 18th century. Somewhere along
of Kiev has far the line, Appert and his killer combo of chicken,
more to offer visitors garlic butter and breadcrumbs became part of local
Kiev folklore.
than chicken in Seemingly unaware of this fact, restaurants in Kiev
breadcrumbs continue to proudly promote their own versions of
the famous dish as if it were their own.
But Kiev has far more to offer than chicken. With
vast city squares, wide, seemingly never-ending
boulevards and glistening golden-domed Eastern
WORLD
TRAVEL
ISTOCK
Autumn in Kiev
Orthodox Christian churches, the city boasts some
of the region’s finest architecture and at times can
offer an intriguing glimpse into the old Soviet
Union without having to breach Russia’s mammoth
boundaries.
The histories of Kiev and neighbouring Russia
are intricately linked through tsars, wars and
revolutions. Even today, the country can be divided
neatly between the Russian-speaking east and the
Ukrainian-speaking west, with both languages
commonly spoken in the capital. Regardless of the
dialect, the city’s residents, if they bother to stop
when you ask them, often possess enough English to
growl some form of directions at tourists.
This is not to say that Kiev and its residents aren’t
hospitable, more that they are yet to fully embrace
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 81
 TRAVEL | KIEV

ISTOCK

Monument dedicated to
the founders of Kiev

tourism – a fact that could change in 2012 when the country

co-hosts football’s European Championships with Poland
– and this is largely why it remains such a fascinating place
to visit. While other eastern European cities such as Prague
or Krakow have been partly condemned as a destination for
stag parties looking for a cheap pint, Kiev’s café culture is a
completely exuberant-gang-of-lads free zone
The only way to infiltrate the seemingly serious and stern-
looking local population is, therefore, to engage in some
good old-fashioned people watching, and Kreshchatyk – the Lights illuminating
city’s most famous and busiest street – is a fine place to start. the Podil district and
Stretching from Europeiskaya Square to Besarabskay Square, Dnieper River area
this chestnut tree lined boulevard is a symbol of the city’s
growing affluence and mainly contains luxury hotels, banks
and businesses.

ISTOCK
Just off Kreshchatyk is the city’s central and most
impressive square, Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence
Square), which has changed names throughout the city’s
many wars and revolutions, but now firmly commemorates
Ukrainian independence from Russia in 1991. Fountains of
all shapes and sizes congregate around the 50-metre high
Independence Column, which has a glistening golden figure
of the city’s saint, Archangel Mikhail, perched elegantly at its
peak. By day, visitors can sit in the surrounding restaurants
and cafés and gaze contently at the panoramic views of Old
Kiev, while at night the fountains, column and surrounding
buildings are lit up by an orchestra of lights as young
Ukrainians mingle on its steps.
A quieter, more ethereal slice of the city can be found by
following cobbled streets uphill to the Podil neighbourhood, Mariinsky Park
which can be identified by the golden domes of two of the
city’s most prized religious landmarks. The forest green St
Sophia’s Cathedral and the baby blue St Michael’s Golden- “The only way to infiltrate the seemingly
Domed Monastery sit opposite one another on the same serious and stern-looking local population
street and are both quintessential examples of Baroque
Ukrainian architecture, but there are many differences is to engage in some good old-fashioned
between the two churches than first meet the eye. people watching”
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 83
 TRAVEL | KIEV
St Sophia’s Cathedral
was built in 1037
St Sophia’s Cathedral is the first Ukrainian
building to be placed on the World Heritage
List and its ancient walls are as fine an
introduction as any to Eastern Orthodox
Christianity. Its trademark domes, the tips
of which are typically dipped in gold, easily
identifies the orthodox church. Built over the
course of nine centuries, a small entrance fee
is required to enter, but the lavish mosaics and
frescos inside date back to the 11th century
and are well worth further investigation.
From a distance, the cathedral’s
neighbouring monastery appears to be from
the same era. Yet St Michael’s is a carbon
copy of a cathedral dating back to the Middle
Ages, which was ripped down by Stalin
during an anti-religious campaign in the
1930s. Following the country’s independence,
the newly founded Ukranian government
reconstructed the cathedral from scratch in
just two years, and today its vibrant blue and
white structure stands defiant and proud.
Copies of former mosaics and frescoes, as
well as wooden baroque icons, were added
to the inside of the functioning monastery in
2000 by local artists and the complex also has
some tranquil wooded grounds to explore.
In fact, Kiev has a remarkable amount of
green space for a capital city, best viewed
from the lofty hills of Mariinsky Park. To be
found on the east side of the city, the park
84 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
Mosaic of Archangel
Gabriel in St
Sophia’s Cathedral
runs parallel to the Dnieper River and offers
some fine views of both city and water. If
you join the park from its northernmost
entrance, it is possible to glimpse through
the woodland at the city’s proudest football
shrine, Dynamo Kiev’s Lobanovsky Dynamo
Stadium. If you happen to walk past during
a match, you will hear the noise of the crowd
ISTOCK
bellowing through the trees and bouncing
back off the water.
Continue the steep walk upwards and you are
rewarded with a scene straight from the pages
of a fairytale novel, the picturesque Mariinsky
Palace set in the midst of a large park. Now the
official ceremonial residence of the President
of Ukraine, visitors can only peer longingly
through its fierce iron fence, but it nevertheless
remains a striking vision of tsar-era Kiev.
Like many of the city’s most famous
monuments, the building has undergone
several major restorations in recent years,
but once again Ukrainian craftsmen have
performed an immaculate operation. It seems
that from cathedrals through to palaces and
poultry dishes, Kiev always finds a way of
breathing new beauty into even the most
testing of circumstances.
Getting there
Direct flights from Dubai to Kiev are
available from Turkish Airlines, Ukraine
International Airlines and Aeroflot
Russian Airlines. Prices start from around
Dhs2,419. Limited direct flights are also
available from Abu Dhabi via Etihad for
as little as Dhs2,105
 ADVENTURE
TRAVEL TRAVEL

Life in the UAE can be exciting, but do you yearn to leave the rat
race behind and spend a few days fuelling your inner daredevil?
Time for an adventurous mini-break

SNOWBOARDING IN LEBANON
Beirut is widely regarded as the party capital of
the Middle East, but Lebanon also has fantastic
options for snowboarding and skiing. The
country’s most famous ski facility is the world-
class Mzaar resort, just 45 minutes from Beirut
and the coast and a lot cheaper than travelling
to a European or North American resort. Bei-
rut is only a three and a half hour flight from
the Emirates, and where else can you ski in the
morning and plunge into the Mediterranean in
the afternoon?

WILDERNESS WALKING TOUR

IN KRUGER NATIONAL PARK,
SOUTH AFRICA
An African safari should be on everybody’s
‘things to do before I die’ list, but for that
extra adrenaline rush forgo the car and take
to the wilderness on foot. Explore the terrain
with an experienced, and armed, safari game
ranger and keep an eye out for elephants,
rhinos, buffalos and lions, as well as smaller
mammals and birds often overlooked on
a driving tour. The tours are in groups of
eight people and last for three nights and
two days, including staying in a
rest camp. However, tours are
very popular, so you may need
to book at least one year in
advance. So get on it now.
Fitness Level: 3/5. In case you have to
outrun a hungry lion
Best for: Couples looking for adventure
Price: Flights from Dhs3,675 to
GETTY/GALLO IMAGES AND ISTOCK
Fitness Level: 4/5. We recommend
getting your ski legs at Ski Dubai first
Best for: Groups looking for sport and
après ski
Price: Expect to pay from Dhs300 to
Dhs1,000 depending on travel dates and
special offers
Top tip: Flydubai offers fantastic rates to
Beirut from Dubai and all accommodation
and packages can be booked through
www.skileb.com
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
IN NEPAL
Nepal is home to eight of the 14 highest
peaks in the world. From these great heights,
water cascades through the foothills, fed by
monsoon rains and melting snow, on its way
to the Ganges River. The roaring rivers make
great sites for white-water rafting, with a
range of difficulties, warm water and beaches
for camping all adding up to a thrilling trip.
There’s a wide selection of rivers available
and all allow a fantastic way to discover the
remote countryside and the country’s fasci-
nating mix of cultures.
Fitness Level: 3/5. Depending on the
difficulty of the route
Best for: Pals with a passion for action
Price: Around Dhs500 to Dhs1,000,
depending on travel dates and special
offers. What’s On visited last Eid and

Johannesburg and safari prices are paid Dhs590 per person for three days
on request of rafting and two nights of camping,
Top tip: Emirates offer direct flights to including food and equipment
Johannesburg, where you can connect to Top tip: Flydubai offers flights to
Kruger National Park. Transfer flights and Kathmandu, where transfers can be
walking tours can be organised through arranged to rafting sites.
www. krugerpark.safari.co.za www.raftnepal.com

86 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010

 TRAVEL | MINI-BREAK

SCUBA-DIVING IN THE RED SEA KAYAKING IN MUSANDAM

The Red Sea is teeming with sea life, with The fjords of Musandam are famous in the
over 1,000 species of fish and 150 types of GCC for their stunning natural beauty and
coral found in the water, making it one of calm waters, not to mention the wild
the best and most famous places to scuba- dolphins that often pay a visit to passing
dive in the world. Egypt is a popular dhows. A fantastic and energetic way to
destination to access the Red Sea, with top explore the Omani peninsula is via kayak
resorts Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada only and Element Fitness is challenging people to
a short flight from the UAE. navigate 155km from Khasab to Dibba over
five days later in the year.

Fitness Level: 1/5. But you’ll need to be

able to swim. Obviously Fitness Level: 4/5
Best for: Honeymooners Best for: Local adventure
Price: Flights to Sharm El Sheikh or Price: Just over Dhs5,000 per person
Hurghada are around Dhs2,500 per Top tip: The trip includes kayaks and
person with Egypt Air paddles; breakfast, lunch and dinner on
Top tip: Diving trips can be booked via each of the days; all soft drinks; support
your hotel or an online diving centre, such boat with crew; T-shirt and entry to
as www.emperordivers.com Oman and permits. Transport to Khasab
can also be arranged.
www.element-fitness.net
MAURITIUS ATTRACTIONS

SKYDIVING IN MAURITIUS
Throwing yourself out of a plane at 10,000
feet is always going to be an adventure, but
how about doing it over a tropical island
paradise? Mauritius is nestled in the cool
azure waters of the Indian Ocean and boasts
a dramatic mountainous landscape lush with
flora and fauna. And with a number of certi-
fied skydiving centres on the island, you will
not only enjoy a great view, but also experi-
ence the closest thing to flying, which is kind
of ironic considering the island was home to
the now extinct flightless dodo.

Fitness Level: 1/5. But weight

restrictions may apply
Best for: Blowing the budget
Price: From Dhs6,245 for flights (travelling
in September). Skydive prices start around
Dhs1,150 with Skydive Mauritius
Top tip: Emirates flies direct to Mauritius
nine times a week

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 87

 Ramadan Kareem
/GADGETS
/GEAR
/TECHNOLOGY
/ONLINE

Special
Iftar Buffet THE WOR LD ’S BEST-
ADGET
SELLING GE IS NOW...

E
MAGAZIN

ONLIN
THE HOT LIST
THE TEN BEST IFTARS, BARS, RESTAURANTS AND SPAS THIS MONTH
DUE TO THE
HOLY MONTH OF
RAMADAN SOME
Key OUTLETS MAY NOT
OPERATE REGULAR

* New entry OPENING HOURS.

CALL AHEAD FOR
DETAILS.
– Non-mover
„ Up

‰ Down

p90 Iftars
p92 Bars
p94 Restaurants
p96 Spas

AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 89


THE HOT LIST IFTARS
WHERE YOU SHOULD BE BREAKING FAST THIS RAMADAN
The Talk
1 The Talk
This spread is going to be
something a little bit special,
with live cooking stations
preparing such delights as lamb
FOOD
ouzi and Arabic marinated
chicken, plus hot and cold
mezze and a selection of
regional juices.
The Talk is a vast restaurant
LOCATION
with access to a large outdoor
terrace where there will be a
lounge and majilis.
Moroccan tea, Turkish coffee
and shisha outside on the
outdoor terrace.
EXTRAS
A lively feast for people who
BEST FOR
want entertaining as well as
feeding.
Dhs165, but it’s extra for the
PRICE
tea, coffee, shisha and juices.
Cheeky.
Lamb ouzi carved before our
very eyes. We’re sold.
WHAT’S ON
SAYS...
MÖvenpick Hotel Jumeirah
Beach, The Walk, JBR, Dubai
Sunset to 10pm
Tel: (04) 4498888
www.moevenpick-hotels.com
90 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
Al Sultan Tent
2 Athena Dubai 3 Al Sultan Tent
It’s entirely up to you. Book
the boat and the Yacht Club
team will cook you whatever
you desire, within reason,
obviously.
Gliding across the calm
waters of the Arabian Gulf.
Privacy, the view and the
uniqueness of the experience.
And, just think, you will only
have to fight your friends for
first go at the buffet.
A group of six to 12 pals
looking to Iftar in style.
Dhs300 per person for a group
of six to 12. Dhs1,500 per
person if you want a smaller
party of fewer than four.
Ahoy there, bring me that
delicious shawarma, ye old
salty sea dog ye.
Dubai Marine Yacht Club,
Dubai Marina, Dubai
6pm to 8pm
Tel: (04) 3627934
www.dubaimarinayacht
club.com
On Fridays you can enjoy the
Iftar buffet – hot and cold
mezze, soup, a selection of
Arabic mains and desserts, tea,
coffee and juices. During the
week, take your pick from a
Ramadan a la carte menu.
An air-conditioned tent at QD’s.
Traditional but comfortable.
Very Dubai.
QD’s is well known for its
shisha, and everyone likes a
good puff to aid digestion.
If you’re really looking to get
into the spirit of Ramadan, QD’s
bustling, festive tent is the place
for you.
Dhs100 for the Friday buffet.
This is where we will be
spending our Friday nights
during The Holy Month.
QD’s, Dubai Creek Golf and
Yacht Club, Deira, Dubai
Sunset to 9pm
Tel: (04) 2956000
www.dubaigolf.com
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800 288438
Dhs100. Tel: top.ae
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4 Hatta 5 Shabestan
Ballroom
In addition to your standard Shabestan serves the best Iranian
Arabic grills, Sheraton will be cuisine in town and is, without
serving cuisine from a different doubt, one of the best Arabic
region each night, starting with restaurants. Juicy, charcoal singed
Moroccan on Sundays and flesh; hot, fresh bread releasing
including Pakistani, South East a puff of steam as you rip it; and
Asian, Egyptian, Gulf, Iranian some marvelous mezze.
and Turkish.
It’s being held in a banquet OK, so it’s in Deira. But
room in Deira, but the ‘five-star’ Shabestan offers a terrific
hotel promises ‘wholesome view of Dubai Creek.
Arabic hospitality’ so it should
be an authentic affair.
Dine at the Iftar buffet three The food is the big draw here. Get
times and the fourth will those stretchy pants out.
be free. And make sure you
enter the raffle to win a Qatar
Airways flight.
Adventurous foodies looking to If you’re lucky you’ll catch
sample a range of rare cuisines. the nightly firework display
over the creek.
Dhs135. Mid-range. But for this Dhs125. Verging on the cheap
inventive twist on the standard for the quality of victuals on offer
Iftar menu, it’s definitely at Shabestan.
worht it.
Seven days, seven cuisines. Your An Iftar for those who appreciate
week is sorted. their food and demand lots of it.
Sheraton Dubai Creek Hotel Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira
& Towers, Dubai Creek, Baniyas Road, Dubai
Sunset to 8pm Sunset to 11.30pm
Tel: (04) 2071404 Tel: (04) 2057333
www.starwoodhotels.com www.radissonblu.com

Al Samadi Café and Sweet Shop
6 Café
Arabesque
This one’s all about the grub, with a
selection of 40 hot and cold mezze,
ten traditional Middle Eastern
mains prepared in a wood-fired
oven, rotisserie, carved meats
and kebabs. And an impressive
selection of desserts.
The calming Café Arabesque
at our favourite hotel, Park
Hyatt Dubai.
Café Arabesque provides a serene
setting, and there’s a first-class view
of Dubai Creek.
Good grub and charming
chat with a select group of your
best buddies.
Dhs160. Not cheap, but it’s not
going to have the bank manager
worried.
A delightful way to break your
fast without being overwhelmed
by the noise of one of the bigger
Iftar feasts.
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai
Sunset to 7.30pm
Tel: (04) 6021234
www.hyatt.com
7 Ewaan Lounge
All the classics, from mezze
favourites kebbeh, labneh and
fattoush to chicken maghhrabia
and mohalabiah for mains.
Enchanting surrounds, poolside
at The Palace with views of the
Dubai Fountain.
After filling your belly you
can enjoy a steaming coffee
and a relaxing shisha.
A traditional taste of the
Middle East.
Dhs180. A little on the
expensive side.
The Palace’s Arabian design makes
this the ideal place to fully embrace
tradition.
The Palace – The Old Town,
Downtown Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Sunset to 9pm
Tel: (04) 4287951
www.theaddress.com
8 Al Samadi Café 9 Al Dawaar
and Sweet Shop
A special Iftar menu promising a
blend of Arabic and French dishes.
Arabic classics like ouzi, kofta and
harra are all there.
Downtown Burj Khalifa. Ideal
for Old Town residents or anyone
who fancies a spot of post-Iftar
shopping.
Al Samadi is offering a delivery
service throughout Ramadan for
the lazy diner.
Anyone looking for a quick,
cheap Iftar.
Dhs75. A bonafide bargain.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with
sweetie specialist Samadi Cafe.
The Boulevard, Downtown Burj
Khalifa, Dubai
Sunset to 9pm
Tel: 800 25726234
www.alsamadicafes.com
THE HOT LIST IFTARS
Al Dawaar
You’re looking at dates and juices
to break your fast, followed by
a selection of traditional mezze,
mains and sweets. Unless you go
all out and order a whole local
lamb (ouzi) with all the trimmings
(Dhs1,200), that is. Half a local
lamb is Dhs600.
Dubai’s only revolving restaurant.
The restaurant revolves. Didn’t your
hear us the first time?
Impressing your friends and
family by ordering a whole lamb
for the table.
Dhs150 for the standard
Iftar (sans lamb)
Just picture it. You, a coven of your
bestest chums and an entire lamb
spinning round and round and
round and...
Hyatt Regency Dubai, Dubai
Sunset to 8.30pm
Tel: (04) 3172222
www.dubai.regency.hyatt.com
10 Dusit Thani
Dubai
Take your pick of the culinary
inventory on offer at Italian
restaurant PAX, The Californian
buffet, Benjarong’s Thai treats
and Arabic classics like ouzi,
chicken molokhiah and sharhat
moutafaya.
Spread across three restaurants
on the Dusit’s 24th floor.
You don’t need extras with all
that choice.
This one’s for those picky people
among us who like to eat from a
mixed plate.
Dhs149. For all that food, this is
an eminently fair price.
We’re not fans of the
‘international’ tag usually, but
with three speciality restaurants
we’re willing to go global.
Dusit Thani Dubai, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai
Sunset to 8.30pm
Tel: (04) 3433333
www.dubai.dusit.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 91
 THE HOT LIST BARS
THE FINEST FOR BEVERAGES AND BITES
Belgian Beer Café
1 Belgian Beer
Café –
ATMOSPHERE
Still riding high at number
one, the BBC gives you a taste
of Europe during summer in
the desert.
There’s valet parking and a
LOCATION
cracking view of the skyline.
Spend in the Ramadan sales
next door in Festival City then
relax with some waffles.
Unwinding with pals. This is the
BEST FOR
place to head come sunset. Pull
up a wooden chair and chat.
Some of the beers will set you
PRICE
back over Dhs50 each, but food
is reasonable for the portions.
Who doesn’t love great food,
cold drinks and good views at a
WHAT’S ON
decent price? During Ramadan
the BBC will be serving alcohol
SAYS...
from 7.30pm onwards.
Crowne Plaza, DFC, Dubai
Sun to Mon 6pm to 2am, Tue
to Wed noon to 2am, Thurs to
Fri noon to 3am
Tel: (04) 7012222
www.ichotelsgroup.com
WHAT’SON
92 WHAT’S ON AUGUST
AUGUST2010
2010
2 Longs Bar
* 3 Blends
Longs’ popularity during
Ramadan is something of a
mystery, but night after night it’s
jammed.
On the classic Sheikh Zayed
stretch, the Towers Rotana hides
this basement bar below. Dark
wood, dancefloor and, of course,
that long bar.
Finding people during Ramadan.
Call it tradition, call it an
institution, all we know is that
Longs is the place to be.
Pub prices, with hefty bar food
for a decent number ot dirhams.
Just when you thought no-one
went out during this month,
you descend the stairs to Longs
Bar and find where everyone
has been hiding. It’s serving
alcohol from 7.30pm during
Ramadan.
Towers Rotana, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai
sunset to 3am
Tel: (04) 3122202
www.rotana.com
* 4 Zuma „
The vibe in Blends depends on
where you sit and when you
go. Weekends are packed, but
mid-week it’s a good shout for a
quiet drink.
Slap bang in the middle of
the Marina, Blends has mini
balconies with lovely views. It’s
what this area needed.
The deals. Ladies should head
there on Thursdays and Fridays
for free Cosmos.
Mid-range. Unless you’re a
lady on a Thursday or Friday,
in which case leave your purse
at home.
You probably won’t spend the
whole evening there, but Blends
is a good meeting point. Find
us in the cigar lounge being
terribly British. Alcohol will
be served from 7.30pm during
Ramadan.
The Address Dubai
Marina, Dubai
7.30pm to 2.30am
Tel: (04) 4367777
www.the address.com
Caramel
It’s always nice to go a bit Mad
Men with suits and frocks for an
upmarket night at Zuma. You’ll
find a crowd of professional
minglers who play as hard as
they work.
Do some shopping at Dries Van
Noten then head to Zuma for
the evening. Downtown chic
at DIFC.
It’s all multi-levels, glass and
trendy folks, so head here if
you want to feel grown-up for a
few hours.
We’ve paid over Dhs90 for a
glass of house white. Best to
stick to beers and cocktails.
It’s a shame the patio is out of
action (hence the slip down
our charts), but hot bar staff, a
smart international crowd and
one of the slickest brunches in
town keeps Zuma in the Hot
List. Alcohol will be served
from 7.30pm during Ramadan.
Building 6, DIFC, Dubai
Fri to Wed, 12pm to 2am,
Thurs, 12pm to 3am
Tel: (04) 4255660
www.zumarestaurant.com
5 Neos
*
Dominated by a jaw-dropping
window and art deco pillars,
Neos is very smart, very adult
and reassuringly expensive.
Sky high on the 63rd floor,
you’ll need to take two lifts to
reach this slick spot with its
prime view over Dubai.
Checking out the skyline,
martini in hand. The drinks
list will impress even the most
jaded Dubai dwellers.
The cocktails are around
Dhs50, but spirits are as
steep as the Burj Khalifa.
With its 1920s style in the
middle of Bladerunner
skyscrapers, Neos is a great
choice for wowing visitors or
taking a first date. Alcohol will
be served from 7.30pm during
Ramadan.
The Address Downtown
Dubai, Dubai
6pm to 2.30am
Tel: (04) 4368927
www.the address.com

Left Bank
6 Caramel ‰
Buzzing. Caramel conspires
to whisk you away from the
Dubai sands to some slick city
far from home.
The clever kids at Caramel have
enclosed the back patio and chilled
it to icy perfection for the summer.
Ideal respite from the shimmering
DIFC heat.
We went for cocktails but it
turned into a very late night.
Trust us, Caramel is ideal for
mid-week mischief.
Given the neighbourhood it’s far
from cheap, but ladies get half price
Cosmos on Tuesdays.
Still enjoying its first flush of success,
it can be rather busy at Caramel
and the service can be dismissive
at times. Our advice? Book a table.
Alcohol will be available from 7pm
to midnight throughout Ramadan.
Building 3, DIFC, Dubai
Sun to Thurs 11am to 2am, Fri
5pm to 2am
Tel: (04) 4256677
www.carameldubai.com
Longs Bar
7 Barasti ‰
Enjoyed Barasti’s giant stadium
during the World Cup? Well,
it’s still on the beach and they’re
pumping out the AC.
Right on the beach. Thanks to the
Mega Dome, this sandy favourite
isn’t out of action over the summer.
Is it possible to go to Barasti
without seeing a familiar face? It’s
packed with people. All the time.
It’s not the cheapest. And those
little plastic cups aren’t great
either. We suggest you buy a
bottle instead.
Barasti clings onto its spot in
the Hot List thanks to that chilly
stadium on the beach. There’ll
be no live music during
Ramadan, but alcohol will be
served from sunset.
Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach
Resort and Marina, Dubai
11am to 2am
Tel: (04) 3993333
www.lemeridien-minaseyahi.com
THE HOT LIST BARS
HOT ON
THE H EELSs
, The Addres
11 Shades a
Dubai Marin ess
The Addr
12 Calabar, Dubai
Downtown Bahar
uk al
13 Hive, So , Garhoud
ge
14 Irish Villa , Madinat
15 Left Bank h
Jumeira
8 Left Bank
* 9 Nezesaussi
Grill –
10 Fibber
McGees
*
It might stop serving at midnight, One of the finest sports bars in With cheesy chips and a
but Left Bank is still a reliable spot town, with Flintstones-style ribs and cracking pub quiz, there’s no
for a casual date, celebrations or screens everywhere. room for pretension here.
impromptu night out.
Souk al Bahar is the hub of Old It’s a welcome hideaway from the Tricky. If you’re planning your
Town action, packed with some ever-so glam bars elsewhere in Old Fibbers debut then take a regular.
of Dubai’s finest restaurants. LB Town, but well-positioned so you Or a compass. Turn right at KFC
is a popular shout for pre or post can have the best of both worlds. before the Crowne Plaza and
dinner drinks. hope for the best.
Mingling. Commandeer a booth Meaty, meaty goodness. Ribs, pies, It’s home to people who are
for people watching or join the steaks and ‘fush and chups’ all pretending they’re not in Dubai.
throngs near the bar. washed down with surprisingly A proper pub.
good wines.
About Dhs50 for a (top quality) Food is on the pricey side for a Cheap and cheerful, with
cocktail. Bar snacks are pricey but pub, but portions are huge and the regular promotions.
hard to resist. Did someone say ingredients are among the best.
‘mini burgers’?
With just the right level of glitz, Nezesaussi strikes the balance Surprisingly good grub,
Left Bank is a ‘solve-all’ bar. Not between sports and style. It’s charmingly scruffy decor
too dressy but not flip-flop territory friendly enough for non-athletic and reliable regulars. What a
either, and with the central location, types but the banter at the bar refreshing change. Alcohol
it’s one of those bars that everyone should get some healthy discussions will be available from 7.30pm
can agree on. During Ramadan going. Alcohol will be served from over Ramadan.
alcohol will be served from 7pm. 7pm during Ramadan.
Souk Al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai Al Manzil Hotel, Burj Boulevard, Between Crowne Plaza
7pm to midnight Old Town, Dubai and Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed
Tel: (04) 3684501 7pm to midnight Road, Dubai
Tel: (04) 4285927 6.30pm to late
www.southernsunme.com Tel: (04) 3322400
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 93
 THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS
THE ELITE OF THE EATING OUT SCENE
Armani Ristorante
1 Zuma „
Busy but pleasant, with a flock
of loyal diners clicking their
ATMOSPHERE
chopsticks in perfect harmony.
Clean, with no fussiness and
lots of glass letting in plenty of
INTERIOR
light during the day. And there’s
a sexy bar upstairs for pre and
postprandial lubrication.
Colin Clague’s kitchen is a
hive of culinary cleverness and
invention. The menu is never
FOOD
boring at Zuma.
LOCATION
DIFC is now known to all but
the moneymen as the home
of Zuma, rather than Dubai’s
financial epicentre.
Dhs1,000 for two should do it,
PRICE
and Zuma is worth it.
Business as usual during
WHAT’S ON
Ramadan for the UAE’s best
Japanese.
SAYS...
Building 6, Gate Village, DIFC
Sat to Thurs 12.30pm to 3pm,
Sat to Wed 7pm to midnight,
Thurs and Fri 7pm to 1am
Tel: (04) 4255660
www.zumarestaurant.com
WHAT’SON
94 WHAT’S ON AUGUST
AUGUST2010
2010
Okku
2 Rivington
Grill ‰
Once you’ve eaten at RG you’re
100 per cent certain to return,
so there’s always a healthy flow
of trade. Booking ahead is
recommended.
Fresh, simple and stylish, just
like the food. White walls, and
linen, dark wood floors and
furniture, and a chalkboard
advertising the daily specials.
It’s refreshingly simple and
focused on flavour rather than
fussiness. There’s plenty of
British summer produce in at
the moment. Skate wings are all
the rage in August, apparently.
Foodie central, Souk Al Bahar. It’s Our favourite hotel, the Park
too hot to sit on the fountain-
view terrace, but the windows still
allow a tsunami of light in.
Dhs400 for two. No lunch
this month, so no Dhs100
lunch menu.
RG is closed for lunch during
Ramadan, but it’s still our
favourite spot for dinner.
Souk Al Bahar, Level 3,
Old Town, Dubai
7pm to 11pm
Tel: (04) 4230903
www.rivingtongrill.ae
3 Traiteur ‰
For the French, food and
flirting (food and everything)
are immutably conjoined. At
Traiteur, romance and the giddy
aroma of classic French fare are
thick in the air. Nice spot for a
tête-à-tête.
Uncomplicated elegance, with
an open kitchen and a vaulted
ceiling that is one of the most
memorable restaurant design
features in the city
Chef Franck Detrait and his
team do classic French brasserie
better than any other restaurant
in Dubai.
Hyatt Dubai.
Three courses for two for around
Dhs615. Dhs280 per person for
the three-course set menu.
We’ll have the onion soup to
start and, let’s see, the steak
tartare to follow, please.
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai
Sun to Fri 7pm to midnight
Tel: (04) 3172222
www.dubai.park.hyatt.com
4 Verre ‰
Modern fine dining, a dressing-
up occasion, certainly, but
definitely not stuffy.
Low-key elegance, with nothing
extravagant to detract from
the dining experience. There’s
also a chef’s table and a private
dining salon.
Scott Price has eased himself
into the role of executive chef
nicely, imprinting his own
personality on the menu and
restaurant operation without
disturbing the already winning
modus operandi.
Deira is certainly not the coolest
place to eat in this town, but
Verre is worth the journey.
Dhs395 per person for three
courses and Dhs495 for the
six-course menu.
Verre remains one of the most
reliable restaurants in Dubai.
Hilton Dubai Creek
7pm to 11.30pm (closed Sat)
Tel: (04) 2277550
www.gordonramsay.com
HOT ON
TH11ETeH EELS
rra Firma
12 Rare
13 Asado
Kitchen
14 The Thai Grill
15 Exchange
5Armani
Ristorante „
As slick and stylish as an Italian
playboy. Head chef Alessandro
Salvatico and restaurant
manager Roberto Di Pierno
work the tables chatting with
guests and injecting a spark of
liveliness into proceedings.
Lighting. Just right. View.
Superb. Seating. Comfortable.
Add in a vivid and animated
open kitchen and you have
everything you require.
Simple Italian dishes cooked
with a flourish and presented
as works of art.
Destination numero uno.
The Burj Khalifa.
Dhs850 for two.
Our Italian restaurant
of the moment.
Armani Hotel Dubai,
Old Town
midday to 3pm and 7pm
to 11pm
Tel: (04) 8883888
www.dubai.armanihotels.com

Rhodes Mezzanine
6 Reflets Par
Pierre Gagniere ‰
There’s an air of reverence from
diners at French maestro Pierre
Gagniere’s Dubai outpost. It’s not
overly formal, but pop something
nice on for the occasion.
Think Paris, think glamour, think
ever so slightly camp.
Never boring, every course is a
pleasant surprise. This is a true
culinary occasion so save plenty of
room and loosen the belt buckle
as well as the purse strings.
The InterCon DFC. No
complaints from us.
Dinner is a good few rungs of the
pricing ladder above Dhs1,000. The
Dhs230 lunch menu is not available
during Ramadan.
Without the reasonably priced
lunch menu, Reflets drops a spot
this month.
InterContinental Dubai
Festival City, Dubai
7pm to 1am
Tel: (04) 7011128
www.ichotelsgroup.com
7 Okku –
Spotting a vacant table at Okku
is like trying to find sushi at a
burger bar. So book ahead.
Dark, sexy and as chilled as a
frozen Margarita.
Order the miso lobster with crispy
rice and then go and shake the
chef’s hand.
Number One Sheikh Zayed Road.
Can’t argue with that.
Dhs700 should buy you three
courses, sushi and sashimi.
Significantly cheaper than
Zuma or Nobu.
If you like Japanese but your budget
won’t stretch to Zuma prices, Okku
is waiting to tickle your taste buds.
The Monarch Dubai, SZR
7pm to 2.30am
Tel: (04) 5018777
www.okkudubai.com
8 Rhodes
Mezzanine –
Ever popular, Gary Rhodes’
fine dining restaurant is never
lacking custom.
White with the odd touch of neon
and a tiny, tantalising glimpse of the
busy kitchen.
The recently reinvigorated menu
includes a dish of roast beef fillet
with snail, garlic and parsley
risotto. A seriously impressive
combination.
Grosvenor House is home to both
Rhodes and Vineet Bhatia’s Indego.
Chefs of that calibre don’t open
restaurants anywhere, you know.
Around Dhs760 for two.
The success of Rhodes Mezzanine
has encouraged Gary to open
his second Dubai restaurant this
month. We spent some time in the
kitchen with the celeb chef, p34.
Grosvenor House Hotel, Dubai
Marina, Dubai
Mon to Sat, 7pm to midnight
Tel: (04) 3998888
www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
THE HOT LIST RESTAURANTS
Indego
9 Indego –
Vineet Bhatia’s place is never short
of punters eager to sample his
inimitable Indian cuisine.
Warm lighting, modern design and
comfortable furniture. A delicious
blend of Michelin and Mumbai.
Outside of Bhatia’s other restaurants
you won’t be able to eat food like
this anywhere else on Planet Earth.
Grosvenor House. Home to both
Bhatia and Rhodes. That’s just
greedy, now, isn’t it?
Around Dhs800 for two.
Vineet Bhatia produces the most
innovative Indian cuisine we’ve
ever tasted.
Grosvenor House Hotel,
Dubai Marina, Dubai
Sun to Thurs, 7pm to 11pm
Tel: (04) 3176000
www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com
10 Margaux
*
Relaxed sophistication.
Well lit with well-spaced
circular tables, pale wood walls
and plenty of windows.
We ate the Provencal beef stew
from the Monday lunch menu
recently. Wow. And dinner never
fails to impress either. Chilled
pea soup, cold lobster with Greek
vegetables and lamb ravioli are
among the latest inclusions.
You can’t go wrong with
Souk Al Bahar.
Dhs600 for two, give or take
a few dirhams.
Margaux has been biting at the
heels of the Hot List top 10 for
a while. We’re letting it in
thanks to chef Didierjean’s
dinner menu changes.
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown,
Dubai
7pm to 11.30pm
Tel: (04) 4397555
www.margaux.ae
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 95
 THE HOT LIST SPAS
THE DADDIES OF THE HEALTH AND LEISURE SCENE
Banyan Tree Al Wadi
1 Banyan Tree
Al Wadi –
The staff are among the best
THERAPISTS
in the business following
extensive training at Banyan
Tree academies.
Extremely luxurious. The
MENU
Asian-inspired treatments will
take you from the desert sands
to distant shores.
The treatment rooms are
THE SPA
lovely, but The Rainforest
hydrotherapy experience is the
reason this spa is number one.
This is a five-star retreat and on
PRICE
the pricey side, but an hour in
The Rainforest is only Dhs77
or free if staying at the resort.
Walk through The Rainforest
WHAT’S ON
and discover an ice igloo, brine
cave, tropical rain showers,
SAYS...
hammam and more. Not what
you expect in Ras Al Khaimah.
Banyan Tree Al Wadi,
Ras Al Khaimah
10am to 10pm
Tel: (07) 2067777
www. banyantree.com
WHAT’SON
96 WHAT’S ON AUGUST
AUGUST2010
2010
Amara
2 Amara –
Inconspicuous and very
professional, these guys make
your experience at Amara
truly pleasant.
Vast and decadent. Treatments
are grouped by theme and
there’s an emphasis on
pampering packages. The food
menu is great, too. Try the
barbecue chicken.
Just gorgeous, with rooms
boasting their own garden and
outdoor shower. There’s even a
music menu.
Far from cheap, but there are
monthly deals, and this is a
retreat worth every fil, especially
when you use the pool.
Book a treatment costing more
than Dhs460 at the weekends
(or longer than an hour during
the week) and you can use the
pool, steam room and gym all
day. And what a pool it is.
Park Hyatt Dubai,
Deira, Dubai
9am to 10pm
Tel: (04) 6021234
www. dubai.park.hyatt.com
3 SensAsia
Urban Spa –
Quiet and charming, they get
the job done without causing
a fuss, but can answer any
question you may have.
Loads of choice and the
innovative team behind the
brand are always coming up
with new treatments. We love
specific massages like The
High Heeler.
Small and intimate, it’s the
ideal place to escape on a hot
weekend. And the dressing
gowns are amazing.
Pick wisely and treatments
are reasonably priced, with an
hour-long Balinese massage for
Dhs310.
Allow some time afterwards to
enjoy the amazing ginger tea
and vegetable crudités in the
turquoise relaxation room.
Seriously, that ginger tea is
golden nectar.
The Palm Jumeirah Beach
Club, Dubai
10am to 10pm
Tel: (04) 4227115
www.sensasiaspas.com
THE HEyESpLa,S
One&Only
12 Lilypond
13 Timeles ge, JBR
4 Armani /
Spa –
Staff have come from all over
the world to work for Mr
Armani. Our therapist was
from South Africa and a pro at
knot-busting.
There’s no treatment list as such,
you just book a time slot (from
90 mins) and the therapist
decides. Our deep tissue
massage was outstanding.
As stylish as you’d expect from
Giorgio. The spa is slick, with
dark greys and clean lines. The
sauna and steam rooms are now
open, too.
Actually, it’s not as bad as your
bank manager might fear, with
90 minutes costing Dhs650, up
to Dhs2,500 for a full day.
Answer some questions and a
treatment is suggested for you.
Great for spa amateurs but not
so suited to the control freaks
out there. Our treatment was
top-notch. Recommended.
Armani Hotel, Burj Khalifa,
Old Town, Dubai
9am to 9pm
Tel: (04) 8883888
www.armanihotels.com
HOT ON
11One&Onl Mirage
Royal
, Old Town
aha
s Spa, Al M
14 Man /A
,
15 Assawan
Burj Al Arab
5 Talise Spa
*
A mix of natioanlities and
specialities, from a GP to a
naturopath, this spa is packed
with experts.
There’s a large spa menu, but
Talise sets itself apart with the
addition of medical tests and
life coaching. See our detox
special on page 19 for more.
The treatment rooms are linked
by leafy outdoor pathways. You’ll
also find a large pool tucked away
for those day-long spa sessions.
Various, but the Royal
Hammam treatment is a fair
Dhs450 for 80 minutes.
For top to toe beauty (inside
and out) the team at Talise
is your one-stop shop. You’ll
leave with an armload of
supplements and a head full of
good intentions.
Al Qasr, Al Sufouh, Dubai
9am to 10pm
Tel: (04) 3666818
www.jumeriah.com/talise

SensAsia Urban Spa
6 Thai Privilege
Spa –
The female therapists at this
ladies-only spa undergo two years
of training and the results are
impressive.
Extensive, with everything from
waxing and blow-dries to luxurious
packages. They are pretty hot on
discounts so give them a call to see
what the monthly deal is.
In a villa on Al Wasl Road, it’s
a decadent escape with a lovely
garden for yoga.
Surprisingly reasonable at around
Dhs350 for an hour-long massage,
but they have deals running
throughout DSS.
The pick-up service (in a Porsche
Cayenne or Mercedes no less) and
knowledgeable staff make for a
truly relaxing spa experience.
1047 Uttamah Villas, Al Wasl
Road, Jumeira, Dubai
10am to 10pm
Tel: (04) 3489679
www.thaiprivilegespadubai.com
7 Lime Spa –
The all-female staff will talk you
through your treatment or leave
you to snooze, depending on your
preference.
From massage and body polishes to
reflexology and ear candling, plus
manis, pedis and haircuts, it’s all
here. We haven’t tired of returning
again and again.
Clever one-way windows in the
treatment rooms allow you to gaze
onto lush green polo fields as you
are indulged.
Sixty minutes of reflexology is a
quite reasonable Dhs400.
Enjoy a sauna, steam room,
Jacuzzi and heated recliners
before and after your treatment.
Then head to Epicure or Rare for
a top feed.
Desert Palm, Al Awir Road,
after International City, Dubai
9am to 9pm
Tel: (04) 3238888
www.desertpalm.ae
8 The Spa ‰
Modern zen awaits you at this vast
spa, with experienced therapists on
hand to guide you from reception
to relaxation.
With separate menus for ladies
and gents you’ll be spoilt for
choice. The Aromatherapy
Associates treatments are highly
recommended and the Jetlag
package has saved our sanity.
You’d never expect this shrine
to relaxation to be within five
minutes of the manic Dubai Mall. A
welcome surprise.
It’s steep, but the quality of
treatments, therapists and post-
massage snooze justify the bill.
Make time to nibble on the juicy
dates and sip tea in the relaxation
room. They nearly had to ask us
to leave...
The Address Dubai Mall, Old
Town, Dubai
9am to 9pm
Tel: (04) 4388888
www.theaddress.com
THE HOT LIST SPAS
9 Spa & Fitness
Centre –
The team at Atlantis will greet you
with ginger tea, treat you to a top
quality pampering then bring you
more tea. We were chuffed.
The extensive menu covers
everything from expert pedicures
and shaves to rituals to revel in.
Particularly recommended are the
Clarins facials.
It’s an impressive space with a
vast staircase, beautiful ‘floating’
corridor and underwater-themed
treatment rooms.
It’s expensive, with two hour-long
packages costing around Dhs1,000,
but you’ll emerge a more relaxed
and glowing version of yourself.
We were pleasantly surprised by
Atlantis’ spa offering. Far from a
token hotel effort, this is truly a
destination spa that will have you
coming back for more.
Atlantis The Palm, Palm
Jumeirah, Dubai
10am to 10pm
Tel: (04) 4261020
www.atlantisthepalm.com
AUGUST 2010 WHAT’S ON 97
10 Mandara
Spa ‰
Super friendly and guaranteed
to make your spa time as
enjoyable as possible.
Try the four-handed Mandara
Massage. You’ll be pushed,
pulled and pulverised into a
state of somnolence by two
therapists.
The softest dressing gowns
in town, Elemis facials and a
beautiful steam room are our
highlights.
We’d say it was mid-range. The
excellent Muscle Ease massage
is Dhs470 for 65 minutes.
If you’re lucky enough to work
nearby, keep an eye out for
Mandara’s mid-week hook-
up with restaurants in The
Monarch. Lunch and a massage
for Dhs295? Sign us up.
The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh
Zayed Road, Dubai
9am to 10pm
Tel: (04) 5018888
www.themonarchdubai.com
 Backchat MAI
AIR VI
BY R AV
PA
ION
VIO
L
N
You’d never guess it from the nonsense on
this page, but as a younger man I was a
prolific letter-writer. Holden Caulfield, the
protagonist in JD Salinger’s Catcher In The
Rye, largely inspired me, and I saw myself
as an adventurer, a teenage Hemingway,
having swashbuckling capers and journaling
everything for friends and family.
Throughout my first summer working
on kids camps in the United States, I wrote
letters almost daily, affixed the ‘par avion’
labels and sent them off to my parents,
aunts, uncles and grandparents. They still
have them and it is with some bemusement I
noticed that, whilst I had printed the correct
addresses, I seemed to have had a fixation
for addressing the letters to various serial
killers. Whether or not our postman actually
believed my dad was Peter Sutcliffe and my
mum was Dennis Nilsen will forever remain
a mystery. He was never too keen to bother
our front door for his Christmas tip, so I
probably saved them a fortune.
What meant a great deal to me was
receiving the replies from home. Remember,
Don’t miss next month’s What’s On –
Come Dine With Us special: how to hold the perfect
dinner party and the ultimate chef’s cook-off
98 WHAT’S ON AUGUST 2010
BY AIR
MA
PAR AVIONIL
I was young and a long way from home. I
also knew my mum wasn’t much of a scribe,
so it was an amazing feeling when the girl in
the camp cirector’s office told me I had mail.
My mum would, invariably, always begin
with telling me where she was sitting
(normally in the garden, feet-up, watching
our dog, Jessie, tearing around, while my
dad would be putting up or taking down
something to further fuel the feud with the
neighbours). I could close my eyes and see
the scene. She painted a perfect picture of
the quintessential summer afternoon.
She would then go on to tell me the big
news around town. I remember the aplomb
with which she described Helen Sharman
(also from my hometown of Sheffield,
and the UK's first astronaut) tripping and
smashing the torch at the opening of the
World Student Games in 1991.
Finally, she would give me several
reminders of all the evil things that
could happen to me if I didn’t pay heed
whilst abroad. This paragraph was the
equivalent of the Government public safety
with Catbos
Advertisements I’d been terrified of in the
1970s, ergo, I spent those foreign summers
refusing rides from strangers, avoiding
flying kites near power lines and never,
under any circumstances, climbing into old
fridges.
Of course, these days the letter has been
replaced by e-mail and e-mail is instant. No
longer do we feel the anticipation of the
postman’s arrival each morning, followed
by the rattle of the letterbox. Instead there’s
a quick click of the inbox every couple of
minutes. Lengthy, meandering musings with
strokes of the pen as unique as the author’s
fingerprints have been replaced by SUBJECT:
QUICK CATCH UP, followed by a sentence or
two, written in Times New Roman with all
the emotion of a phone bill.
And now we have iChat, MSN Messenger,
Skype and Face-Time. People on the other
side of the world are literally sitting in our
laps. Yes, it’s amazing… A technological
marvel… The ‘future’... But consider this. In
years to come when you’re old and grey,
you’ll reach for that dusty box of memories
buried at the back of your attic and instead
of finding it full of visceral delights, faded
photographs, long-forgotten letters and
yellowing postcards, you’re going to find a
bulky, obsolete laptop that no longer boots
up… And that, my friends, is nothing to
write home about.
The Catboy & Geordiebird Breakfast Show
on DUBAI 92
Weekdays 6am to 10am
www.dubai92.com