Finding Hidden Dubai

LET’S ROLL
DIFF celebrates
its 10th year
19
SWING CITY
Find out how
Dubai has night golf
down to a tee
24
GO THE DISTANCE
Dubai’s traffic-free cycle
routes revealed
39
Finding
Hidden
Dubai
D I SC OV E R
A NEW SIDE
TO THIS
24-HOUR
CITY
published by
motivate
NOV 2013 – JAN 2014
senior editor
leah fielding
deputy editor
tracey scott
senior art
director
victor mingovits
assignments
editor
ingrid valles
for dtcm
director of
communications
charlie taylor
ctaylor@
dubaitourism.ae
director of
media and
advertising
moza al youha
myouha@
dubaitourism.ae
DUBAI MARRIOTT HOTELS
DISCOVER THE DESTINATIONS
marriott.com/dubai
arabic.marriott.com
overseas offices
australia and
new zealand
dtcm_aus@
dubaitourism.ae
JW Marriott Marquis Dubai
The world’s tallest hotel, located in Dubai’s
business district, is home to unsurpassed
luxury and offers a spectrum of business
facilities for the most discerning of travellers.
jwmarriottmarquisdubailife.com
T: +971 4 414 0000
JW Marriott Hotel Dubai
Located in the centre of traditional Dubai,
a stone’s throw away from the gold and spice
souks, the hotel offers a variety of suites and
rooms, 11 restaurants and a wellness centre.
marriottdiningatjw.ae
T: +971 4 262 4444
Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf
Opening Q1 2014
Conveniently located 10 minutes away from
the Dubai International Airport, the hotel
features 352 rooms, 7 dining outlets and
13 meeting rooms.
[email protected]
T: +971 4 444 1555
Courtyard by Marriott
Dubai Green Community
Located amidst a serene lake and picturesque
parkland, the hotel offers unique dining
options and impeccable personalised service.
marriottdiningatcy.ae
T: +971 4 885 2222
Marriott Executive Apartments
Dubai Al Jaddaf - Opening Q1 2014
With views of the Dubai skyline and the
Creek, the hotel offers 128 fully furnished
apartments and access to the 7 dining outlets
at Dubai Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf.
[email protected]
T: +971 4 444 4999
brazil and
south america
dtcm_brazil@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm china
(beijing)
dtcm_beijing@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm_china@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm china
(chengdu)
dtcm_chengdu@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm_china@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm china
(guangzhou)
dtcm_guangzhou@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm_china@
dubaitourism.ae
Dubai Marriott Harbour
Hotel & Suites
With superb views across Palm Jumeirah,
the hotel is located in the heart of Dubai
Marina. Close to the Walk and Media City,
it is the perfect venue for short or long stays.
Marriott Executive Apartments
Dubai Green Community
Enjoy fully furnished apartments together
with full use of all recreation facilities and
restaurants at the adjacent Courtyard by
Marriott Dubai Green Community.
dubaimarriottharbourhotel.com
T: +971 4 319 4000
marriottdiningatcy.ae
T: +971 4 885 2222
diff
golf
The Dubai International
Film Festival rolls
out the red carpet
for its 10th year this
December, and it’s
time to celebrate
Dwindling daylight
hours needn’t impede
your game. Discover
how Dubai has night
golf down to a tee
29 34
vision
fashion
It isn’t just the weather
that’s hot in Dubai,
but a thriving business
spirit that makes it
one of the world’s
most dynamic cities
Dubai is ruffling feathers
on the international
fashion stage. Find out
which designers are
shaping the future of
fashion in the emirate
dtcm china
(shanghai)
dtcm_shanghai@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm_china@
dubaitourism.ae
france and
benelux
dtcm-france@
dubai.fr
germany
dtcm_ge@
dubaitourism.ae
hong kong
dtcm_hk@
dubaitourism.ae
Marriott Executive Apartments
Dubai Creek
Centrally located with beautiful views
overlooking Dubai Creek, indulge in familiar
5 star service, hospitality and warmth.
marriottdubaicreek.com
T: +971 4 213 1000
19 24
india
dtcm_in@
dubaitourism.ae
italy
dtcm_it@
dubaitourism.ae
japan
dtcm_ja@
dubaitourism.ae
dubai.japan@
aviareps.com
kingdom of saudi
arabia (jeddah)
dtcm_ksa@
dubaitourism.ae
kingdom of saudi
arabia (riyadh)
riyadh@
dubaitourism.ae
nordic
countries
dtcm_sca@
dubaitourism.ae
north america
dtcm_usa@
dubaitourism.ae
russia, cis and
baltic states
dtcm_cis@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm_rus@
dubaitourism.ru
39 44 48 54
CYCLING
VENUES
PARKS
FOOD
The cycling
scene in
Dubai is
speeding up,
but are you
keeping pace?
Discover a
different way
to explore
Dubai
From Meydan
to The Sevens
Stadium,
take a peak
at the city’s
mind-boggling
venues just in
time for the
new events
season
Swap the
beach towel
for a picnic
blanket
and follow
Definitely
Dubai to some
of the city’s
stunning
green spaces
Grab your
knives and
forks, we’re
heading
to Deira home to an
assortment
of chefs, cafés
and authentic
eateries
elsewhere
4 CALENDAR This season’s events revealed. Got your tickets?
10 EXPLORE The world famous Palm Jumeirah uncovered
15 VOICE Dubai through the eyes of its creative residents
16 CLICK! DUBAI Candid moments captured in the emirate
17 A LESSON IN Dubai public transport
61 CORPORATE News from the DTCM
south africa
66 INFRASTRUCTURE A look at the city’s architectural marvels
switzerland
and austria
ON THE COVER Illustration by Scott Sosebee
dtcm_sa@
dubaitourism.ae
dtcm_ch@
dubaitourism.ae
u.k. and ireland
dtcm_uk@
dubaitourism.ae
3
november
december
the Emirates, followed
by the dubai concert
committee series on
November 12
Until March 1: global
village, the nation’s
biggest shopping arena, is
open once again for visitors.
Shoppers can scour wares
from 70 participating countries
presented in 36 pavilions. And
with more than 50 fun rides and
26 restaurants offering food
from around the world, there’s
something for everyone.
December 2: A series of
events will take place around
the emirate to mark uae
national day. It’s time to
pick up a flag and celebrate
November 14-17: The
dp world tour
championship tees off at
Jumeirah Golf Estates
November 15: alicia keys
will perform at Dubai’s outdoor
venue Media City Amphitheatre
this month
November 15: jamiroquai
and his over-sized hats take
over Sandance, Nasimi Beach
November 1, November 13-15
and November 23-27: Catch the
pakistani cricket team face
off against south africa at
the Dubai International Cricket
Stadium
November 5-9: Head to the
Madinat Theatre for an
evening with john
cleese
November 5-9: the dubai
motor festival rolls into
town, which will incorporate
the Dubai International Motor
Show, the Red Bull Car Park
Drift and a grand parade of
luxury and classic cars past
Dubai’s best-known landmarks
November 8-9: Children’s
favourites the wiggles visit
the Dubai International Cricket
Stadium
November 9: Musical maestro
Bikram Ghosh takes to the
stage at DUCTAC, Mall of
DSF
RETURNS
4
The dubai
shopping festival
takes over the emirate
for another month
this January, marking
November 28-30: emirates
airline dubai rugby
sevens is back for another
year at The Sevens Stadium
December 1 : The king of
Bollywood, shahrukh
khan, and superstar
deepika padukone will
start their Access All Areas
world tour at the Dubai
International Cricket Stadium
al marmoum camel
racing season Head to Al
Marmoum Camel Racetrack,
Dubai Al Ain Road, and catch
one of the following races:
November 6-7, 12-14, 17-18, 2021, 24-28; December 4-5, 10-12,
15-16, 18-19, 22-26; or January
1-2, 7-9, 15-16, 19-23, 26-27,
29-30.
November 17-21: dubai air
show arrives at Dubai World
Central, the city’s new airport
November 21-26: the
complete works of
william shakespeare
(abridged) opens at
Madinat Theatre
November 27 to December
10: dubai international
parachuting
championship lands at
Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina
its 19th year. Running
from January 2 to
February 2, this mega
shopping spectacle
sees a host of events
Business and trade events at
the dubai international
convention and
exhibition centre this
month: Game Evolution 2013,
November 15–17; Sweets and
Snacks Middle East 2013,
November 17-19; The BIG
Entertainment Show 2013,
November 18-19; Middle East
Exclusive, November 18-20;
and The Big 5 - International
Building and Construction
Show 2013, November 25-28
take place across the
city, and thousands
of incredible retail
deals. From shopping
malls and musicals to
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
outdoor activities and
fashion events, it’s time
to dust off the credit
card. mydsf.ae
December 6-7: dubai
kartdrome endurance
championship driven
by Mini (4th Round - 24 Hrs
Race) is back for another year.
Get in on the action at Dubai
Autodrome
December 6-14: The dubai
international film
festival celebrates its 10th
anniversary this year. Head to
the Madinat Jumeirah to catch
a glimpse of the stars. Turn to
page 19 for more information
December 11-13, 20 and
December 31 to January 4: sri
lanka vs pakistan at the
Dubai International Cricket
Stadium
meydan race nights
2013 Revel in the 2013/2014
racing season at Meydan. Dates:
November 7, 21; December 5,
19; January 2, 18.
December 13: Saddle up for
the annual Spinneys Dubai 92
cycle challenge, taking
place at the Nad Al Sheba
Cycle Park
December 1-7: The omega
dubai ladies masters
arrives at Emirates Golf Club
this month. This season closer
shouldn’t be missed
December 21: The Emirates
NBD Indian classical music
nights continue at DUCTAC this
month with musical maestro
pt. jasraj
December 20-31: Watch
Disney classic beauty and
the beast come to life at
Madinat Theatre (excluding
December 25)
December 31: Welcome the
new year with a colourful
fireworks display at Burj Khalifa
or Burj Al Arab. Keep an eye on
dubaicalendar.ae for further
information
Business and trade events at
the dubai international
convention and
exhibition centre this
month: Middle East Natural
and Organic Product Expo
2013, December 3-5; and the
Mother, Baby and Child Show,
December 12-14
january
January 10-11: The fast-paced
dunlop tires 24h roars into
Dubai Autodrome
January 24: Sign up for the
standard chartered
dubai marathon
January 27 to Feburary 2: the
25th omega dubai desert
classic 2014 tees off at the
Emirates Golf Club this month.
A host of events will be taking
place during the seven-day
anniversary tournament
For more information on all events: dubaicalendar.ae
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
The dubai world cup
carnival gets going in January,
offering a series of race meetings
throughout the month leading up
to the Dubai World Cup on March
29. Visit dubaicalendar.ae for
more information
@dubai_calendar
5
THE STYLE OF THE MODERN OR THE CHARM OF THE TRADITIONAL?
THE MEYDAN HOTEL
The Meydan Hotel is a
new and now
There’s a flow of new outposts, openings and offerings
making their way to Dubai. Here’s just a sample selection.
destination hotel that
redefines world-class luxury.
Home to the world’s richest
horse race, this iconic Dubai
landmark boasts luxurious
accommodation with
stunning Grandstand views,
tennis and golf academies,
IMAX® Cinema and infinity
pool. This ultimate city
sleep
service, style and
sheer indulgence.
conrad dubai With 11
meeting rooms and two
ballrooms, the Conrad is ideal
for the corporate traveller.
Conveniently located opposite
the DIFC, it took 2,500
workers and four interior
design companies to complete
the hotel, which offers 555
rooms spread across 55 floors.
conradhotels3.hilton.com
eat
getaway epitomises great
Say ciao to new Italian restaurant positano ,
located in the JW Marriott Marquis hotel.
From the open gas fire to the jovial chefs, it’s
time to make a reservation.
BAB AL SHAMS DESERT
RESORT & SPA
Nestled amongst
majestic desert dunes,
Bab Al Shams is the
ultimate luxury retreat,
seamlessly blending rich
Middle Eastern heritage
with a host of modern
luxuries. Relax into your
very own Arabian fairytale
in one of the world’s
most serene settings with
gourmet restaurants,
breathtaking views,
the oberoi, dubai
The Luxury Indian chain’s
first UAE property opened
its doors in Dubai earlier this
year. The 27-floor hotel towers
over Business Bay and offers
striking views of Burj Khalifa.
The 26th floor is dedicated to
business, with complimentary
Wi-Fi throughout.
oberoihotels.com
Australia’s award-winning Japanese
restaurant toko is set to open in the Vida
Downtown Hotel this December, complementing the hotel’s existing restaurants,
such as relaxed bistro le serre .
vida downtown This 156-
room hotel, Emaar Hospitality
Group’s first hotel under
the Vida Hotels and Resorts
brand, is located in the heart
of Dubai’s shopping district.
The hotel, previously known as
Qamardeen, boasts a handful
of restaurants alongside
contemporary business
facilities. vida-hotels.com
The reform social & grill is London’s
latest export to grace our sandy shores.
Tucked away in The Lakes area of Dubai, the
restaurant is open from 7am to midnight and
serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Dine in the dark at Fairmont Dubai’s latest
venture, noire . Priced at Dhs325, this
exclusive 90-minute food affair includes a
three-course menu and drinks. Lights out.
indulgent Satori Spa
treatments and stunning
infinity pools.
For more information call +971 4 381 3231 or email [email protected]
www.meydanhotels.com
café
culture
An assortment of
new cafés have
swung open their
doors in Dubai. From
authentic patisseries
to quintessential
tearooms, let’s take
a look
casual Fraiche
Café & Bistro.
Simple, honest food
served in a relaxed
environment.
Cluster Y, Jumeirah
Lakes Towers.
facebook.com/
fraichecafe
d e f i n i t e l y
cosy Mayrig. Laid
back LebaneseArmenian
fare. Sheikh
Mohammed Bin
Rashid Boulevard,
Downtown.
mayrigdubai.com
d u b a i
cool Fournil de
Pierre. A traditional
French bakery.
Standpoint
Tower, Sheikh
Mohammed Bin
Rashid Boulevard,
Downtown.
facebook.com/
ournildepierreuae
chic Angelina.
This Parisian-style
tearoom is set to
open in The Dubai
Mall the first week
of December.
angelina-paris.fr
7
spin dxb
the act
bambah
trekking
safa park
skydive dubai
ifly
about town
buy: Something old
Dubai prides itself on its heritage; something worth
considering when shopping in the emirate. bambah,
a villa in Jumeirah, offers a treasure trove of vintage
fashion from the 1930s to the 1980s. Nearby, you’ll
find garderobe, a spacious villa brimming with
pre-owned designer gear.
Bambah, Jumeirah Beach Road (villa 142, opposite
Dubai Zoo), bambah.com. Garderobe, Jumeirah
Beach Road (villa 92) garderobevintage.com
listen: Sound and stage
Combining food with entertainment is something
Dubai does very well. Case in point: the act. Found
on the 42nd floor in the Shangri-La Hotel this theatre,
dining and club venue offers live performances
while you dine. Nearby you’ll find cavalli club,
8
which recently launched a new concept based on the
legendary club Studio 54, Cavalli 54. Start the evening
in the club’s plush restaurant area before reliving
the music scene from this famous New York studio.
theactdubai.com, cavalliclubdubai.com
experience: Flying high
With the Dubai International Parachuting
Championship taking place in Dubai this November
and December why not take to the skies? skydive
dubai offers tandem dives for newcomers over the
Palm. skydivedubai.ae
apprehensive? Fake a skydive and head to
skydiving simulator ifly dubai to replicate the
feeling of freefalling. theplaymania.com/ifly
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
cavalli
From shopping and gastronomy to entertainment
and the arts, Dubai is brimming with cultural
experiences. Let’s take a look at what’s on offer.
discover: Quick march
Spent too many hours on an airplane and need to
stretch those legs? How about booking a place on the
secret staircase trekking tour? This four-hour
walking tour takes trekkers up two secret staircases
built into the cliff faces of Wadi Khab Al Shamis,
passing wadies, terraced fields and old stone houses
as you go. The more experienced walker should
sign up for the Coastal Village Trek, an eight-hour
adventure which requires excellent physical stamina.
Not one for the faint-hearted, then? adventure.ae
compete: Spin Dubai
Looking for a place to socialise while working up a
slight sweat? Then spin dubai, the Middle East’s
trendiest ping-pong social club, might just be the
answer. The club offers ping-pong facilities
d e f i n i t e l y
alongside a restaurant, bar and shisha lounge. This
trendy venue, located in the Wafi Pyramids, is the
first SPiN Galactic destination – Hollywood actress
Susan Sarandon’s group of ping-pong clubs – to
open outside North America . Bats at the ready.
spindubai.com
learn: Art attack
thejamjar pop-up paint studio is back at Safa Park
for another season. The one-hour painting packages
start from Dhs40 for one 20cm by 20cm canvas, up
to Dhs125 for one 60cm by 60cm canvas. It’s time to
grab your palette and easel, and head to The Archive,
gate 5, Safa Park. Dates: November 9 and 14, 11am6pm; December 14 and 28, 11am-6pm; January 11 and
25, 11am-6pm. thejamjardubai.com
d u b a i
9
explore
It’s the world’s best known man-made
island, and home to some of Dubai’s most
luxurious homes and hotels. But there’s
far more to the palm jumeirah than
glitz and glamour (although there’s plenty
of that too). Here’s how to make the most
of your trip to the Eighth Wonder.
6
4
4
1
1
2
3
3
sleep
7
1
5
2
1
8
600
5
2
One & Only The Palm
the number of
football pitches that
could sit comfortably
on Palm Jumeirah
560
the amount of
hectares this
man-made island
covers
10
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
discover
West 14th
1
Swim with dolphins
With all the hallmarks of a stylish
New York steakhouse (open
plan, lofty), West 14th promises
quality cuts of meat prepared
by its resident butcher. oceana
residences. Tel: +971 4 447 7601.
west14th.ae
It’s time to meet some flippered
friends at Dolphin Bay in Atlantis,
one of the most sophisticated
dolphin habitats in the world.
From Dhs795, there’s a variety of
swimming options available.
Sophie’s Bistro Café
Looking to chill out for the
afternoon? Then head to Nasimi
Beach, home to the popular
Sandance beach festival. By day
chill by the water, then turn things
up a notch at this mega monthly
music event. sandance.ae /
2
2
Tucked away in one of the
shoreline apartments on the
Palm, Sophie’s serves up simple,
wholesome food using the freshest
ingredients. the shoreline,
Building 8. Tel: +971 4 332 8006. /
Sandance
6
6
7
1
The One & Only sits within
gorgeous tree-lined grounds, with
a number of water-based activities,
including windsurfing. A day
pass costs Dhs350 in the week,
Dhs500 on weekends. thepalm.
oneandonlyresorts.com /
2
5
Atlantis, The Palm
Standing at the far end of the Palm
Jumeirah, Atlantis is one of Dubai’s
biggest landmarks. A day pass to
its impressive beach, facilities
and kaleidoscopic aquarium costs
Dhs275. atlantisthepalm.com
3
4
eat
60
Palm
Jumeirah’s
Al Ittihad
Park is
home to
more than
60 varieties
of trees
and plants
indigenous
to the UAE
7,000,000
tonnes of rock
and 120 million
cubic metres of
sand have been
used to build
Palm Jumeirah
17
the number of fronds
connected to the trunk
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
8,000
2009
the fronds are
home to this
many residents
the year the
Palm Jumeirah
monorail opened
1.5
Palm Jumeirah is more than
one and a half times the size of
Central Park, and around four
times the size of Hyde Park
11
IN THE PIPELINE:
NEW HOTELS
NAKHEEL MALL
The Palm Jumeirah will see
a number of new hotels
come on board over the
next few years, including
The Royal Amwaj Resort
& Spa, the Habtoor Island
Resort and Spa, W Hotel,
and the Sea View Club Hotel
& Apartments. Watch this
space.
Nakheel has invested
Dhs2.5 billion in a new
retail, dining and hotel
complex. Construction on
the project started in 2013,
with completion expected
in 2016. The mall will contain
over 200 shops, a five-star
hotel, cinema and a selection
of restaurants. It will also
sleep
Kempinski
3
The Kempinski Hotel & Residences
offer huge rooms and a variety of
activities. Day passes start from
Dhs300 per adult. kempinski.com
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray
4
The spacious Saray features
cutting-edge design and a giant
infinity pool that seems to stretch
into the Gulf itself. A day pass
costs Dhs250. jumeirah.com
Rixos The Palm
5
Guests are spoilt for choice at this
luxury hotel. Packages include
those for sports, spa and culture,
and start from Dhs169. rixos.com
Sofitel
6
This Polynesian-themed resort
boasts a wide range of relaxation
facilities. Two day passes - one for
inside and one for outside - cost
Dhs250 on weekdays, Dhs300 on
weekends. sofitel.com
Anantara The Palm
7
Expect a true Thai hospitality
experience at this beachside resort.
A weekday pass costs Dhs300,
weekends Dhs400. anantara.com
Fairmont The Palm
8
The Fairmont offers everything
from pristine beaches to fine
dining. A day pass costs Dhs200 on
weekdays and Dhs250 at weekends.
fairmont.com/palm-dubai
12
house a 1,000-square metre
indoor garden alongside a
180-metre high viewing deck
offering views over the Dubai
skyline.
GET TING AROUND
Palm Jumeirah is both bike
and pedestrian-friendly, so
pulling on a cycling helmet
or your walking boots is a
eat
3
discover
Saffron brunch
3
The Saffron brunch is quite an
experience for visitors to Dubai.
This boisterous Friday feast covers
food from all corners of the world.
atlantis, The Palm. Tel: +971 4 426
2626. atlantisthepalm.com
4
great way to explore the
island. Alternatively, the
Palm Monorail runs along
the length of the Palm,
connecting the Gateway
station at the entry to the
Palm to the Atlantis. Each
hotel on the Palm works with
the RTA to ensure a constant
flow of taxis for visitors.
palm-monorail.com
Nobu
Helicopter ride
Go airborne across the city with
Atlantis’ Dubai Skyline Tour,
taking in the new and old for either
15 or 25 minutes. The hotel also
offers its ‘ultimate’ service direct
to and from Dubai International
Airport, in case you really want
to beat the traffic in style.
atlantisthepalm.com
SHOPPING
RIDES
DINING
SHOWS
RAFFLES
The world is here at
Global Village.
Global Village is now open.
Enjoy world-class live performances of music and dance. Savour
delectable cuisine from over 25 countries. Collect interesting curios and
finely crafted handicrafts. And last but not the least, your Global Village
ticket gives you a chance to win one of 16 Audi A4 cars. Global Village
2013 - 2014. It’s completely unmissable.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for live updates. For the event calendar and
more information, visit our website.
Outstanding Japanese cuisine
served in swanky surroundings
sums up dinner at Nobu. atlantis, 4 Aquaventure Dubai
The Palm. Tel: +971 4 426 2626.
Atlantis’ Aquaventure water park
atlantisthepalm.com
is free for guests of the hotel, and
offers shark safaris, river rides
5 Music Hall
and the new Tower of Poseidon
ride. Dhs225 for non-guests.
An evening made up of various
atlantisthepalm.com
acts, Music Hall is a theatre,
restaurant and club venue in one.
5 Private boat charter
jumeirah zabeel saray. Tel: +971
4 453 0444. themusichall.com
Tour the inner waters of Palm
Jumeirah’s crescent on board a
6 Bidi Bondi
private boat. Offering trips for
groups of up to 12, 15 or 30 people,
Pub grub, happy hours and
on three sizes of vessels, it’s time
weekly quizzes make for a laid
to view a different side to the city.
back evening at this relaxed
To book a cruise around the Palm
restaurant-cum-bar. clubhouse
al manhal, Shoreline Apartments, and World Islands, email cruise@
nakheel.com
The Palm. Tel +971 4 427 0515.
emiratesleisureretail.com
6
7
101
This overwater Mediterranean
restaurant, which can also be
accessed by catching a boat from
its sister hotel on the mainland,
can be found at the one & only.
Tel +971 4 440 1030. thepalm.
oneandonlyresorts.com
d e f i n i t e l y
Al Ittihad Park
Ittihad, meaning ‘union’ in Arabic,
is an apt name for the Palm
Jumeirah’s 1.1-million square foot
park, complete with running track
and over 60 varieties of trees and
plants. A pleasant place to walk
around, or work out. And it’s
all free.
d u b a i
Our Partners
Media Partners
• facebook.com/globalvillage • twitter.com/globalvillage • youtube.com/globalvillage • www.globalvillage.ae
Whizzing
around
town with
Shelley
My most
recent find in
Dubai was the
most heavenly
organic basil
from Greenheart
Organic Farm –
situated between
the Emirates and
Al Khail roads.
greenheart
uae.com
For boutique
shopping at its
best you must
go to IF Boutique
in Umm Al Sheif
Road, home to a
fabulous selection
of eclectic and
avant-garde
brands.
The last
gallery I visited
in the city was
Capsule Arts in Al
Quoz – relevant
and uber-cool. A
fantastic concept
and a superb
environment for
budding artists.
capsulearts.com
For quiet
time head to the
beach and try out
supyoga, a blissful
combination
of two ancient
practices, paddle
boarding and
yoga. Chilling
out has taken
a different
meaning.
supyoga.com
shelley frost, founder of
The Fridge, a musical platform and
venue for locally-based musicians,
lifts the lid on the must-see, must-do
and must-visit places in Dubai
v
o
i
c
e
start your day by getting up at 6am
– or earlier – to walk or run along the
1.8-kilometre running track by Jumeirah
Open Beach, which was Dubai’s original
public beach. You can run down the long
jetty and perhaps take a dip in the sea;
activities which make for a fabulously
fresh start to the day.
if i had only 24 hours to explore dubai I would take an
abra over to Deira and check out the old spice and gold souks,
then head over to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai’s
oldest area which, in days gone by, used to be a bustling trader’s
settlement. Amongst the narrow lanes and wind towers, you
will find galleries and cafés as well as the Dubai Museum at Al
Fahidi Fort.
appitude
In Dubai without
a holiday
itinerary?
Check out our
favourite free
apps to help you
navigate your
way around this
24-hour city
definitely
dubai
Explore Dubai
with this easyto-use locationbased app.
Available on
iPhone devices
and Android
dubai
calendar
i would stay at XVA Art Hotel in Al Fahidi, which embodies
the traditions of Dubai and is a delightful secret to keep to
yourself. A truly authentic and unique boutique hotel, a million
miles away from the usual glitzy large hotels of Dubai, the hotel
depicts the more traditional aspects of Arabic architecture
with its three wind towers and two courtyards. Also home to an
award-winning (vegetarian) restaurant, this is the perfect place
to explore and relax.
The official
listing of events
in Dubai.
Available on
iPhone devices,
Android and
BlackBerry
an unforgettable place i’ve visited in the city is The
Observatory on the 52nd floor at the Dubai Marriott Harbour
Hotel for amazing panoramic views of Dubai Marina, the Palm
and the ocean.
A stressfree way to
check flight
information
and airport
facilities.
Available on
iPhone devices
and Android
show off by heading to Zuma in the Dubai International
Financial Centre (DIFC). Whether it is to feast on contemporary
Japanese cuisine and melt-in-the-mouth black cod, or for a
cocktail at the bustling bar area, Zuma is always vibrant and
happening. This multistorey space is a great place to see and be
seen. clink glasses at Neo’s on the 67th floor of The Address
Downtown . Great DJ, art deco interior and stunning views of the
Burk Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains.
most people don’t know this but to get a true taste
of the local culture head down to local seafood café and
trader, Bu Qtair, located in Umm Suqeim. This outdoor café
serves fresh seafood with a view. No frills – plastic tables and
chairs – but very authentic.
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
mydxb
zomato
Maps, pictures
and reviews
of Dubai’s
restaurant
scene. Available
on iPhone
devices,
Android, and
BlackBerry
15
Meet Dubai’s
Taxi Drivers
a lesson in:
al mamzar park
madinat jumeirah
CLICK!
d u b a i
Whether you’re a resident or visitor, it’s time to get snap happy.
If you have taken a picture of Dubai, we’d love to see it. Share
it with us using #definitelydubai and join the conversation
Dubai’s public
transport
iqbal, from pakistan
years in dubai: 40.
Known as ‘Bulbul’, the
Arabic word for ‘nightingale’,
because of his non-stop
chatter, Iqbal shares his
recommendations for
tourists in Dubai
“A desert safari is a great
way to experience Dubai,
while nearby
desert resort
Bab Al Shams
has a very nice
restaurant
that serves
traditional
food. Also,
there are two skydiving
places in Dubai - one in Dubai
Marina and one on the DubaiAl Ain Road after The Sevens
Stadium, which not many
people know about. Sheikh
Zayed Road has very nice
buildings, and Al Muteena
Street in Deira is always good
to see people.”
The Dubai government has invested millions into its
public transport system. Here’s a handful of useful
tips for exploring the city by taxi or metro
jumeirah beach
FARE BREAKDOWN
IN NUMBERS
MINIMUM FARE
4PM T0 5PM
Within Dubai: Dhs10, then Dhs1
per 625 meters thereafter
plus toll charges
Rest
Expert
assured:
insıders
DAYTIME
(6am to 10pm)
The taxi changeover
period occurs between
these hours
68,695, 237
The number of
taxi trips taken in
2012 in and around
Dubai
Dubai’s
driversundergo
undergo
Dubai’s
taxitaxi
drivers
a series of training exercises
training
exercises
to better understand to
Dubai’s
better
understand
Dubai’s
landmarks
and attractions,
attractions,
ensuring
ensuring you
get fromyou
A to B
and back
get from
A toagain.
B and
back again
Starting fare:
From the road: Dhs3
Pre-booked: Dhs6
NIGHT
(10pm to 6am)
376,000
The number of passengers
ferried in and around the emirate
daily in Dubai taxis
Starting fare:
From the road: Dhs3.5
Pre-booked: Dhs7
RAINBOW CONNECTION
Did you know… you can request the colour of your taxi?
pink for
women and
children
burj khalifa
(6 0 0 ) 5 4 3 3 2 2
(0 4 ) 2 0 8 0 8 0 8
Dubai Metro explained
al rigga
centre
deira city
ggico
oud metha station
health care city station
jeddaf 1 station
jeddaf 2 station
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
17
jebel ali
jebel ali industrial
ibn battuta
nakheel harbour
and towers
jumeirah lake towers
dubai marina
nakheel
dubai internet city
sharaf dg
mall of the emirates
first gulf bank
al quoz
business bay
burj khalifa
financial centre
emirates towers
world trade centre
al karama
bur juman
baniyas square
palm deira
al ras
al ghubaiba
saeediya
union
salahuddin
abu baker al siddique
abu hail
al quiadah
stadium
airport free zone
al qusais 1
al nahda
airport
terminal 3
airport
terminal 1
emirates
etisalat
dubai creek
(0 4 ) 2 0 8 0 8 0 8
(6 0 0 ) 5 2 2 2 6 4
Fares range from Dhs1.8 to Dhs6.5 for a single journey,
with a maximum daily cap of Dhs14. Commuters have
various ticket options available (red, blue, silver and gold),
and children under five-years-old can travel free of charge.
Trains run from 6am to 11pm, Saturday to
Thursday and from 2pm to midnight on Fridays.
rashidiya
deira
dubai metro
(0 4 ) 2 6 7 3 2 2 2
al jafiliya
(0 4 ) 2 0 8 0 8 0 8
let’s roll
To celebrate the 10th anniversary
of the Dubai International Film
Festival, Definitely Dubai takes
readers on a whistle-stop tour of the
emirate’s cinematic locations.
AVAILABLE NOW!
WWW.DUBAIAUTODROME.COM
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
S
ince it’s launch nine years ago, the Dubai
International Film Festival (DIFF) has
emerged as a front-runner on the global
festival stage. At the time of its launch
in 2004, Abdulhamid Juma, a founding
member of DIFF who was appointed chairman
in 2006, said he hoped the fair would become an
“enchanting new addition” to the film festival
circuit. Present day, and DIFF is enchanting and
then some.
This could be down to the fact that the festival’s
approach to cinema is slightly different – it aims
to promote cinema as a kind of cultural exchange
between both individuals and nations – or it
could be because the focus at DIFF isn’t just on
blockbuster cinema – it also makes room for niche
genres from emerging talent. Either way, we can’t
wait for December’s 10th appearance, which runs
December 6 to 14.
Over the course of nine days, film screenings,
seminars and workshops will take place around the
city for movie fans and aspiring directors alike. Keep
an eye on dubaifilmfest.com for further details.
Aside from hosting this annual event, Dubai, too,
has appeared in a string of movies, both local and
international. And to celebrate the city’s life in front
of the camera, here’s a snapshot of the locations
featured on the big screen.
the arabian desert
o n loc ati o n
the film: Mission: Impossible –
Ghost Protocol
the location: Burj Khalifa
the plot: Filmed in five locations,
the fourth instalment of the MI
franchise follows Ethan Hunt (Tom
Cruise) and his team around the
world as they attempt to clear their
name of terrorism charges.
take a look around:
Architecture at its visionary best,
the Burj Khalifa is a building every
tourist must visit.
From the viewing
deck on the
124th floor to the
swanky Armani
Hotel, this mega
structure is the
tallest building
in the world.
And with such
a status comes
only the best in
dining, hospitality
and leisure
facilities. Dine
like a movie star
and book a table
at At.mosphere,
20
on the 124th floor. Geography buffs
should check out the one-hour At
The Top tour, an informative look at
Dubai’s past and present; followed
by a panoramic view of the city on
the observation deck. burjkhalifa.
ae, atmosphereburjkhalifa.com
the film: City of Life
the location: Satwa
the plot: Written, directed, and
produced by Ali F. Mostafa, this
2010 multilingual
Emirati film
burj khalifa
revolves around
three parallel
lives in Dubai.
The film was also
shot in other
locations around
the emirate,
including Sheikh
Zayed Road,
Dubai Marina,
Bur Dubai and
Jumeirah.
take a look
around: If
scooting around
Satwa is not
d e f i n i t e l y
on your holiday check list then it
should be. Authentic, chaotic and
downright busy, Satwa is a place
with many faces. For some it’s a
hotbed for textiles, haberdasheries
and bespoke tailoring, for others
it’s the perfect place to experience
local culture. Tucked away in Satwa
Road you’ll find Punjabi restaurant
Ravi’s, a culinary gem in this bustling
district. The food here is as excellent
as it is excessive, and it’s cheap. Very
cheap. Take note, however: this is
not a place of decorative themes – it
looks used and busy – and there’s no
matchy-matchy furniture. Time to
load up. +971 4 331 5353
the film: Switch
the location: Burj Al Arab
the plot: Switch tells a story
about a Chinese action hero (Andy
Lau) battling a multi-national
organisation to recover a stolen
national treasure.
take a look around: Most
jet-setters have heard about the
Burj Al Arab but few know about the
myriad of culinary options found
inside this sail-shaped building.
d u b a i
The hotel’s Sky Tea, while a little
expensive, is a great place to start.
This afternoon tea, available from
1pm to 4pm, offers a selection
of hot drinks alongside a tiered
platter of pastries and home-made
preserves. And the restaurant’s
views of Dubai are almost as good as
the scones. Tea with a twist can be
found a few floors down in Junsui
restaurant, which offers a sevencourse menu as part of its Asian
Afternoon Tea experience, Dhs285
per person. jumeirah.com
the film: Syriana
the location: Arabian Desert
the plot: This 2005 geopolitical
thriller focuses on petroleum
politics and the global influence
of the oil industry. The movie
saw executive producer and cast
member George Clooney, who
attended DIFF in 2007, scoop
an Academy Award for Best
Supporting Actor.
take a look around:
Embarking on a desert safari is
a great way to explore Dubai’s
cultural side. Arabian Adventures
and Alpha Tours are two operators
with entertaining drivers who
each have a story or ten to tell.
The tour goes a little something
like this: hotel pick-up followed
by a dune-bashing drive through
the desert, sand boarding, photo
opportunities, camel rides, dinner
at a Bedouin-style camp and shisha
under the stars. If you’re lucky,
the belly dancer might make an
appearance. arabian-adventures.
com, alphatoursdubai.com
the film: Mission: Impossible –
Ghost Protocol
the location: The Gate Building,
Dubai International Financial Centre
take a look around: The Gate
is a 15-storey office building which
houses the Dubai Stock Exchange
in Dubai’s financial district. Walk
2004: Around 80 films,
including 55 features, as well as
retrospective and short films,
appeared at the first festival.
2004
2013
vs
• •
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
under its steel archway and you’ll
find the neighbouring Gate Village,
where you may be surprised by
the plethora of galleries. Check
out Art Sawa (artsawa.com) for
established and emerging artists,
Rira Gallery (riragallery.com)
for a splash of contemporary art,
Opera Gallery (operagallery.
com) for a peak at international
artworks, or The Empty Quarter
(theemptyquarter.com) for
a dose of fine art. Follow @
DIFFCommunity for upcoming
events, such as Art in the City.
difc.ae
elsewhere: Bollywood director
Sohail Khan spent 12 days shooting
his Bollywood action movie, Mental,
in Dubai earlier this year. Featured
locations include Dubai Creek and
Wonderland, the UAE’s largest
amusement park. The film is slated
for release in January.
2013: 3,500 film submissions
from 143 countries were
recorded this year, 35 per cent of
which came from the Arab world.
21
Tom
Cruise
“I’ve always wanted
to film in Dubai and
when it came up I
thought it was such
a cinematic city.”
Omar
Sharif
“It’s a great thing to
have a big festival in
Dubai because Dubai
is the crossroads of
the world’s cultures,
completely Oriental
and completely Arab
in its soul, and yet
it can also receive
all cultures and all
Occidental people
and they don’t feel
out of place.”
Ali F.
Mostafa
“I have grown up
mostly in Dubai and
it is one city in the
world that I know
best. I felt I owed it
to Dubai to make a
movie about it.”
Michelle
Yeoh
“We are with the
major film festivals
around the world,
and I think Dubai
deserves to be
one of the majors
around the world.”
DIFF has pulled in some Hollywood heavyweights
over the years. Here’s a snippet of the stars who
walked the red carpet in Dubai:
2012
2009
2006
2011
2008
2005
2010
2007
2004
Cate
Blanchett
Gerard
Butler
Tom
Cruise
Ben
Affleck
Colin
Farrell
George
Clooney
Richard
Gere
Morgan
Freeman
Orlando
Bloom
outdoor cinema
With Dubai’s warm climate and diverse screening
facilities, it’s time to take the movie outside
Movies Under the Stars
at Wafi, Rooftop Gardens.
These free cinema screenings
run every Sunday from 8.30pm.
Upcoming films include My
Sister’s Keeper on November
24, Christmas Vacation on
December 22 and Prince of
Persia on January 19. pyramids
restaurantsatwafi.com
Cine-Splash!, Dubai
Polo & Equestrian Club.
Head to the weekly outdoor
movie screenings at the
club’s pool bar where you can
watch a flick while floating
in an inflatable pool chair. A
children’s movie is followed
how to
film in
dubai
by a more sophisticated flick.
poloclubdubai.com
Movie Nights at Cabana.
Chill by the water’s edge or
cool off in the pool as you
watch a movie at this alfresco
bar every Sunday from 8.30pm
to midnight. Located at The
Address Dubai Mall, this is a
cinematic experience worth
checking out. theaddress.com
DIFF. A series of open-air
screenings will also take place
around the city as part of DIFF.
Keep checking dubaifilmfest.
com for details.
Any individual or entity that wishes to shoot in Dubai must
appoint a UAE-licensed production company to obtain a
shooting permit. For those new to Dubai, the Dubai Film and
TV Commission (DFTC) is a one-stop shop for assistance
with shooting locations, introductions to UAE-licensed
production companies and support for other elements of the
production process. Visit dubaifilmcommission.ae for more
information.
Connected to the heart of Dubai –
Sheraton Dubai Mall the Emirates Hotel
Directly connected to the Mall of the Emirates, close to the major business
hubs of Dubai, featuring 94 suites out of 481 guest rooms with inspiring
views over Dubai. Enjoy Sheraton signature experiences that include
luxurious all-white Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Beds, Sheraton® Club lounge,
Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft® and Sheraton® Fitness
programmed by Core Performance™.
For reservation please call +971 4 377 2000
or visit sheraton.com/dubaimalloftheemirates
©2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Preferred Guest, SPG, Sheraton and their logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. For full terms and conditions, visit sheraton.com/dubaimalloftheemirates
22
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
swing
city
A
Dwindling daylight
hours needn’t ımpede
your game. Dubai has
nıght golf down to a tee.
s a relatively small city
that hosts the seasonending finales to both
the men’s and ladies
European Tours,
not to mention the
oldest and most important golf
tournament in the region, Dubai
has always punched far above its
weight when it comes to a global
golfing profile. Tournaments like
the Omega Dubai Desert Classic,
which celebrates its 25th year
in January, and the DP World
Tour Championship have hugely
enriched the city’s relatively
short golfing history, but for local
golfers, the appeal of night golf is a
unique and integral part of Dubai’s
overall offering.
It’s hard to think of a place
better suited to the concept of
playing golf after dark, with its
spectacular nighttime skylines
providing an exhilarating
backdrop to the growing list of
venues that offer floodlit play.
Night golf in Dubai started
with the floodlit course at the old
Nad Al Sheba club and quickly
proved immensely popular for
golfers seeking a round after work,
or taking refuge from daytime
summer temperatures. After that
course closed in 2009 to make way
for the new Meydan facility (which
would reintroduce its own floodlit
course just last year), Emirates
Golf Club brought night golf to
The Faldo course in 2010.
With the towering backdrop of
Dubai Marina, the more affordable
green fee rates and summer
promotions have combined to
spectacularly boost night golf ’s
popularity at Dubai’s most famous
venue. With The Track at Meydan
Golf opening for business last year
and also offering tee times well
into the evening, local golfers now
have 27 full holes of Dubai night
golf from which to choose.
“We are attracting a wide range
of demographics to The Track at
night thanks to our floodlights,”
says James Leeman, the club’s
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
sales and marketing manager.
“Everything from corporate
groups, societies, open events and
beginner lessons, and of course
tourits, is catered for. In a very
busy golf market, the ability to
offer tee times 16 hours a day gives
us an edge.”
Away from the main courses,
a host of par 3 academies offer
floodlit play, including the
short courses at Dubai Creek
Golf & Yacht Club, the Address
Montgomerie Dubai and Arabian
Ranches. These miniature layouts
are important in nurturing the
talents of the city’s junior golfers,
allowing them to practice and play
after school.
To many golfers around the
world, the idea of playing at
night is both far-fetched and
bizarre. To the fortunate players
who call Dubai home, and those
afficianados here on holiday, it’s
just another compelling reason
why this city is the best golfing
hotspot on the planet.
25
DON’T
MISS
T
T
H
O
T
R
R
E
Y
Emirates Golf Club
Players can practice their swing
until midnight every night of
the week at The Faldo Course,
with teeing off time open until
7.55pm for 18 holes and 9.55pm
for nine holes. The driving range
and par 3 course are also open to
train under the stars. And being
the only 18-hole floodlit course
in the UAE, it’s time to call your
caddy. For more information visit
dubaigolf.com
times: 4pm-12am, last tee time for 18
holes is 7.55pm and 9.55pm for nine holes
green fees: Dhs425 for adult visitors,
Dhs395 for UAE residents and Dhs385 for
Emirates Golf Federation members
tee time: Finish under par? Then
celebrate at Le Classique – the course’s
award-winning French fine dining
restaurant.
extras: With the option of a late
tee-off time, check out SensAsia Urban
Spa, located next to the clubhouse,
before you hit the green. With the option
of a golf massage on offer, it would be
rude not to.
the architecture: At 7,348 yards,
this par 73 championship course was
redesigned in 2005 by golf pro Nick
Faldo. Today, it combines a stunning
visual design with the nuances and
challenges of any championship course.
SO M ET H I NG F O R
EVERY O NE:
TEE & PUTT
MINI GOLF
•
26
E
I
N
C
D
U
O
B
A
U
I
A
The Track, Meydan
Voted one of the best nine-hole
courses in the world outside the
US, The Track at Meydan caters
to every type of golfer. The course
stretches over 3,700 yards from
the back tees, and works its
way between a series of natural
lakes. For more information visit
meydangolf.com
times: 6pm-11pm
green fees: Dhs295
tee time: With the Meydan
Racecourse next door to The Track why
not explore the culinary options at this
architectural gem? Prime Steakhouse
at the attached Meydan Hotel is worth
sharpening your steak knife for. For
information visit meydanhotels.com
extras: With the arrival of a new
manager, visitors can expect a handful
of new offerings in the not too distant
future.
the architecture: Designed by
‘the godfather’ of architecture, Peter
Harradine, the course was initially
designed as a nine hole course but can
be expanded to 18 if Meydan wishes to
develop the course further. Currently
you can play 18 holes on the course by
going round twice. Over nine holes, the
first hole is widely regarded as one of the
toughest opening holes anywhere in the
region.
R
S
T
N
E
I
G
S
H
T
The Montgomerie
Ranked as one of the top courses
in the region, the ‘Monty’ is a
7,396-yard Championship Course.
Combining the great traditions
of Scottish links golf within a
stunning Arabian environment,
the course offers night golf
at its par 3 Academy Course.
For more information visit
themontgomerie.com
times: Sunset until 10pm,
last tee time 9pm
green fees: Dhs135 on weekdays,
Dhs165 at weekends
tee time: Book a table at the hotel’s
Euro Asian flagship restaurant, Nineteen.
Think succulent cuts of meat served
against a picturesque backdrop.
extras: The Dive in Movie screenings
at the Monty put a new spin on cinema.
While you kick back on inflatable chairs
– in the pool or on the deck – film lovers
can tuck into popcorn or a barbecue
poolside. Films show every Friday.
Classic kids movies start at 7.30pm, while
regular movie viewings start at 9.30pm.
the architecture: Laid out on a 265acre site, this championship course is a
design collaboration between Ryder Cup
star Colin Montgomerie and renowned
golf course architect Desmond
Muirhead. The total length of the par 3 is
706 yards.
Struggling to get to get to grips with your driver? Spending more time in the bunker than
on the green? Then maybe it’s time to pack up the clubs, round up the kids and cheat a
little bit – at Tee & Putt Mini Golf. This 18-hole glow-in-the-dark course can be found at
Dubai’s Wafi Mall. Perfect for all the family, teeing off has just taken an imaginative turn.
For more information visit teeandputt.com
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
the omega
dubai
ladies
masters
returns this
December
1 to 7. For
tickets and
information
visit
dubailadies
masters.com
What is the purpose
of the fitting? /
To allow golfers to receive
a personalised service
and a set of customised
clubs based on their own
individual game, standard
and build. Custom fit
clubs should ultimately
allow the golfer to improve
their game. We use special
equipment including
TrackMan and Sam Puttlab
as part of the process
depending on the clubs
being fitted.
ball flight analysis
Using Trackman Radar
technology or by simply
watching your shots, your
ball flight will be analysed
to determine other
adjustments that can be
made to find your desired
shot, such as shaft choice
and flex, grip size plus lie
and loft changes.
monitoring your
game over time
You should monitor your
golf game and clubs every
six months to check shot
patterns have stayed
constant and consistent.
/
25th
What are the key
steps for getting
fitted for golf clubs? interview
You will be asked about
your current game
ANNIVE
patterns
including,
R S A RY
ball flight, your current
equipment and shot
tendencies.
static fitting
the omega
Based on your body’s
dubai
desert
natural characteristics,
classic,
(height, wrist to floor
taking place
measurement, hand size)
January 27
we will discuss your static
to February
reading.
2, will be
celebrating
dynamic test
its 25th year
A swing analysis comes
in January.
next, using an impact board
And with
to help the fitter understand
Tiger Woods
how your setup and swing
and Rory
affect the position of the
McIllroy
club head at impact.
already
confirmed,
this PGA
European
THE
Tour is one
WEDGE
to watch. For
Used around
tickets and
the greens
information
and from
visit
close range,
dubaidesert
the pros
classic.com
call this the
scoring club
from left to right >>
getting
fitted
Having the right
set of golf clubs
is integral to
performance and
Emirates Golf
Club and Dubai
Creek Golf &
Yacht Club can
tailor clubs to
personal golfing
specifications.
We spoke to the
club experts to
find out how.
Do I need to
bring anything?
/
No, not anything specific.
Once the fitting is
completed, what
items are usually
purchased?
/
Is advance booking
required?
/
Booking is required to
guarantee availability at
your preferred time.
How much
does it cost?
/
Dhs250 per person.
What should be
worn for the fitting? /
The driving range will be
used so standard golf attire
should be worn, such as
polo shirt and tailored
trousers/shorts, golf shoes/
training shoes.
THE
IRON
A versatile
club that
can provide
distance
along with
accuracy
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
THE
DRIVER
The longest
club in the
bag and is
used to hit a
long shot off
the tee
Custom fitting is available
on all clubs, including
full sets, drivers and
putters. Golfers who take
a custom fit session and
purchase a full set of irons
on the same day will get
the cost of their custom fit
session refunded.
For custom fitting at Emirates
Golf Club call +971 4 417 9999,
or +971 4 295 6000 for Dubai
Creek Golf & Yacht Club
THE
HYBRID
A combination of the
woods and
irons, the
hybrid can
be easier to
handle
THE
PUTTER
Designed for
those gentle
finishing
swings on
the green
27
Kempinski Hotel & Residences
Palm Jumeirah
Dubai’s Got
Business Talent
Dubai has long been a lucrative market
for young investors. And its support of
entrepreneurialism lives strong in some of its
most loved institutions. As you’ll read below, it
isn’t just the weather that’s hot in Dubai, but a
thriving business spirit that makes
it one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
words: sean williams
Culture
Discover Kempinski Hotel & Residences, a palatial retreat set along the glistening shores of
Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. Delve into a world of traditional European luxury, with our
beautifully appointed and spacious suites, villas and penthouses. Embrace the endless opportunity
to create enduring memories for you and your loved ones.
For reservations, please call +9714 444 2000 or visit www.kempinski.com/palmjumeirah
brownbook, a bimonthly magazine focusing on
the Middle East’s art, design and culture scene, is
nothing short of a revolution in Dubai’s transition
from somewhere that could not only bring in the
best talent, but produce it too. In 2006 Ahmed and
Rashid Bin Shabib, armed with a Dhs30,000 grant
from the Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment
for Young Business Leaders (Dubai SME), created
Brownbag, an online shopping network for Dubai.
Just a year later, and with Brownbag thriving, the
brothers founded Brownbook, a magazine which
d e f i n i t e l y
shines a light on anything from Lebanese punk bands
to Afghan fashion designers. Now, with an energetic
and creative team based in Dubai and beyond, the
brothers are at the helm of a brand that has become
one of the UAE’s most distinctive. Brownbook’s
website, brownbook.me, features original music,
video and features unearthing artistic talent from
across the region.
On the back of Brownbook’s phenomenal success
the brothers launched Shelter in 2008, a flexible and
free community workspace which aims to nurture
Dubai’s hotbed of entrepreneurial talent. Then, in
2011, came The Pavilion, a creative venue complete
with cinema, library, espresso bar and restaurant.
d u b a i
29
/
/
Up next we have The Archive, a café and
cultural venue which opened in Dubai’s
Safa Park in early 2013, followed by their
latest venture, The Magazine Shop in Dubai
Media City, a café offering a collection of
independent periodicals from around the
globe. “We are not creators of content, just
enablers of it,” insists Ahmed, humbly.
creative heritage
The Bin Shabibs may be young for such
successful entrepreneurs, but they are by no
means unstudied. Both brothers graduated
from Suffolk University in Boston in 2004,
and have lived in Tokyo, London and Geneva.
Their grandfather, Mohammed Saeed Al
Mulla, was once the UAE’s federal minister
of communication. It’s clear his skills have
rubbed off.
brownbook.ae
@_BROWNBOOK
Gastronomy
Clockwise from
left: Markus
Thesleff in Claw;
Bong Guerrero;
Ahmed and
Rashid Bin
Shabib
‘a great Shawarma is part chemistry, part
biology and a whole lot of love.” So goes
the literature at Wild Peeta’s website. Few
locals would disagree that there’s big love
for the humble shawarma in Dubai. But
until 2007 the regional sandwich dish was
very much a cheaper dining option. Why
couldn’t it be made into a gourmet choice,
thought Mohamed and Peyman Parham
Al Awadhi, two Emirati brothers who had
honed years of business experience from
studies in Texas before creating Wild
Peeta, a food outlet specialising in Emirati
shawarmas including khaleeji, as well as
odder, more unique creations (beetroot
ketchup, anyone?).
Wild Peeta, based initially at the Dubai
World Trade Centre, was an instant hit. As
well as the great, natural, locally-sourced
food, the Parham Al Awadhis made sure
their brand was bolted to the latest social
media technology, allowing customers to
register satisfaction or criticism in real
time, while their online presence, thought
to reach around 500,000 people per week, is
playful and interactive. No wonder What’s
On, a local listings mag, voted Wild Peeta its
‘Best Emirati Restaurant’.
In September 2011 they founded
Qabeela New Media, another social venture
d e f i n i t e l y
aiming to enhance viewer interaction with
television productions. Then, in 2013,
the dynamic duo launched Peeta Planet,
a 12-part travel series which followed the
brothers around the world. Here comes the
twist: they travelled with no tour guides
or maps, just their social media followers
telling them where to go.
Mohamed now works alongside Abu
Dhabi media giant twofour54, while Peyman
has become director of marketing and
communications at Dubai Sports Council.
But neither of the young men has lost his
passion for gourmet shawarma. “We’re
focused on making Wild Peeta the number
one shawarma brand in the world,” says
Mohamed.
help from above
Mohamed and Peyman initially saw Wild Peeta
as an idea that was some way off becoming
reality. But that all changed when they
attended a meeting with Dubai SME in 2007
for a separate idea, and ended up chatting for
hours about their passion for providing great
quality shawarmas. That led to a 70 per cent
funding injection. And the rest is history.
wildpeeta.com
@wildpeeta
Nightlife
dubai has no shortage of nightspots. But
that didn’t deter Markus Thesleff, who at
40 years old is one of the city’s purveyors
of fine entertainment. Having studied
economics in Chicago, the Finn started
his first project in Dubai in 2001 alongside
partner Ramzy Abdul Majeed. Thesleff had
come from a food and beverage background,
so he was no stranger to the challenges
associated with starting up in such a
competitive environment. “Our company
thrives on a challenge,” he says, “and if
someone is to say something can’t be done,
we will make it happen.”
Thesleff is now atop a nightlife empire in
Dubai. His Whissle company owns gastrocafé Sophie’s, and RIVA Ristorante, on the
Palm Jumeirah. But it is perhaps OKKU for
which he is best known – a sophisticated
Japanese restaurant in the H Hotel, near
Dubai World Trade Centre. The venue
has won countless awards and has been
d u b a i
31
/
Setting up shop
Small and medium enterprises
are among the main pillars
of Dubai’s success story. And
while going it alone might
seem daunting, initiatives like
the Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Rashid Establishment for Young
Business Leaders (Dubai SME)
go some way to eradicating the
apprehension and replacing it
SMEs employ
around
42%
of Dubai’s
workforce
/
SMEs
count for
95%
of the total
enterprise
population in
Dubai
with enthusiasm. Its mission is
simple: to promote innovation
and business leadership in Dubai
while encouraging creativity.
This in turn will enable a
globally competitive SME
sector, taking Dubai closer to its
economic development goals.
For information and details on
SME support, visit sme.ae
SMEs
contribute
40%
of Dubai’s
value add
splashed across the region’s media since
its opening in 2009, catering to some of
Dubai’s most esteemed celebrity diners.
Yet Thesleff is not a man to rest on his
laurels. And this year he unveiled Claw, an
American-style crab shack in the stylish
Souk Al Bahar. Serving up mixology
cocktails alongside succulent seafood,
the marine-inspired joint has quickly
become a favourite spot. And buoyed by
its success Thesleff is soon to expand his
operation wider still, with Cielo Spanish
Tapas and Sky Lounge opening up on the
Dubai Creek. Still, it’s not all business for
the entertainment impresario. When he’s
not working or socialising, Thesleff likes to
unwind with some Reiki.
all hours
Thesleff, who studied in the US, has a string
of other successes under his belt, such as
Pangaea and Aviva clubs, London. Today, he
employs 275 people, including 110 at Okku.
And when asked what he looks for in an
32
d e f i n i t e l y
employee, he says “personality and a good
attitude”. According to the businessman:
“Skills and techniques can be taught but the
right personality and character is something
special.”
okku.com, clawbbq.com, sophiesme.com
@CLAWBBQ, @SophiesDxb
Fashion
filipino renaissance man Bong Guerrero
– full name Wilfredo Garcia Delifero
Guerrero – has been in Dubai for some time,
moving to the city from San Francisco,
where he had studied at college, in 1990.
He quickly established himself as a young
entrepreneur to watch, setting up a local
fashion label before moving into events,
laying on legendary nights such as Poizon,
ELV8 and Wicked. In 2005 Guerrero stepped
his career up yet another gear by organising
huge events for corporate clients such as
Puma, Mercedes, and Tiffany and Co.
And Guerrero still holds onto that
d u b a i
marketing side through his own firm BRAG,
and 9714, a multifaceted firm that combines
events and marketing to international
acclaim. But it is the world of fashion to
which he has returned for what might just
be his most ambitious project to date:
Fashion Forward (FFWD). The twice-yearly,
four-day event includes catwalk shows,
forums and networking opportunities
for young Middle Eastern designers
to showcase their talents on Dubai’s
considerable stage.
“We are aiming for it to be the definitive
platform for fashion in the Middle East,”
says Guerrero. “A platform for regional
designers to showcase their collections on
a seasonal basis. Fashion is young in the
region but there is huge consumption. A lot
of the Arabs are big spenders. It is a great
time for our designers to be magnified to
the world.” The next FFWD show occurs
in April 2014, and promises to be chockfull of exciting new creations. Its creator,
meanwhile, has returned to the partyplanning days of his youth, and is hosting
his ‘Lucky 13 NYE’ party at Gianinno,
Jumeirah Beach Residence.
best foot forward
Not content to rake in the world’s best
fashion talent, Dubai is paving the way to
be a fashion hub in its own right – that is,
if the government’s Dubai Fashion 2020
project achieves some of its many ambitious
goals, including greater public and private
cooperation in the field, and the holding of
more events like FFWD.
fashionforward.ae
@ffwddxb
Entertainment
sandance, at Atlantis, The Palm, has
quickly become one of the biggest fixtures of
Dubai’s entertainment scene. Drawing some
of the world’s most revered musical acts to
the emirate has become the company’s forte.
d e f i n i t e l y
Snow Patrol, Calvin Harris and Armand Van
Helden are just three of the many acts to
have graced Atlantis’ Nasimi Beach.
“I went into commercial property before
buying a nightclub in Nottingham, after a
few years I bought a second club in a small
city called Derby,” says 36-year-old Greg
Dufton of Think, the events, marketing and
PR firm that puts on Sandance for Atlantis.
“After five years of this I decided to move
to Dubai,” adds Dufton. “I worked for two
different events management companies
specialising in concerts and entertainment
events. I then took the position of events
manager at Chi, which at the time was the
UAE’s biggest nightclub. After three years
there I started Think.”
Think has enjoyed many successes
since its 2010 bow, including the winning
of events contracts with heavyweight
corporate clients such as Absolut, Sony
and Adidas. The very first Sandance, for
example, promised an attendance of
3,000 people – and 6,000 turned up, a
phenomenon that elicits much personal
pride. But Dufton, who founded Think
with business partner Tim Derry, doesn’t
think Think has reached its potential, yet:
“I don’t think I have quite reached the
success I want yet but building a business
in Dubai definitely requires a lot of hours
and building up strong contacts. We pride
ourselves on usually knowing where to get
anything. We have also hired a PR director
to look at expanding the PR side of the
business.”
think different
Headquartered in Dubai, Think employs eight
people and operates mainly in Dubai, with
projects in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and
Oman. With a business that doesn’t quite
fall within the 9am-5pm realm, how does
the Nottingham Trent University graduate
unwind? “Occasionally visiting the gym, but I
enjoy watching television.”
thinkme.ae
@think_UAE
d u b a i
33
DAS
Rami
al Ali
Ezra
T he Empero
1688
o by
Amat
e
Furne On
r
ESSA
Ezra
Amato by
Furne 0ne
DAS
T he
Emperor
1688
ESSA
Rami
al Ali
desert runway
t h e
d e s i g n e r s
s h a p i n g
t h e
future
o f
f a s h i o n
i n
d u b a i
London, New York, Milan and Paris
might be the big hitters in fashion,
but Dubai is making some very stylish
steps towards leaving its mark.
For starters, there’s a whole host of local designers making waves on the international
stage, and then we have the Dubai government’s decision to roll out its Dubai Fashion 2020
strategic plan, which aims to unlock the emirate’s full fashion potential. And while the plan
is some way off, the designers are already putting the city on the world stage.
34
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
d e f i n i t ee ll yy
d u b a i
35
35
t
h
e
d
DAS
Emirati sisters Reem and
Hind Beljafla are the creative
masterminds behind DAS, a
Dubai-based label that has given a
new lease of life to the traditional
abaya. By taking a simple fashion
staple – the must-have black
dress – and combining it with the
robe-like abaya, DAS has delivered
something rather unique to the
fashion pack. And with Harrods
and Saks Fifth Avenue Dubai
stocking the young duo’s label, it
seems the world is finally catching
on to the colours, fabrics and forms
of DAS’ stunning collections.
time to shop: Head to the DAS
showroom in Jumeirah 3 (Villa 16, Umm
Al Sheif Road). Alternatively, pick up a
stylish abaya from Saks Fifth Avenue in
the BurJuman Centre or Symphony in
Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue.
@dascollection
@ReemBeljafla
@HindBeljafla
e
s
i
g
Ezra
Dreamy, extravagant couture is
what this Dubai-based designer
does best. Synonymous with
elegance and beauty, Ezra’s
designs blend the buoyant and
sheer with the elegant and edgy.
Exaggerated shoulders, fluidity
and structure are often featured
in his collections, while metallics,
heavy embellishment and intricate
lace form the detailing. Having
studied Fine Arts at the Philippine
Women’s University, followed
by courses at Slim’s Fashion and
Arts School in Manila and Central
Saint Martins in London, Ezra
continues to create couture for
his Middle East clientele from his
atelier in Dubai.
time to shop: Ezra creates his
masterpieces from his atelier in Dubai’s
Jumeirah 3 (Villa 746, Al Wasl Road).
@EZRACouture
n
e
r
s
Essa
Born in Dubai, Essa Bhagoorwala
likes to break the rules when
it comes to fashion. Weaving
together the traditional and
the modern, he blends vintage
materials with futuristic designs,
bright colours with muted
tones, and playful trims with
kurta-esque paneling. Offering
couture and ready-to-wear to
his loyal following in Dubai and
beyond, the textures, patterns
and detailing used in this awardwinning designer’s collections
push creative boundaries on every
level. Catering for both male and
female fashion followers, Essa is a
brand to keep an eye on.
time to shop: You’ll find Essa’s range
at Valleydez Boutique at Sunset Mall,
Jumeirah Beach Road, and Boutique 1
stores at Jumeirah Beach Residence and
Mall of the Emirates.
@essawalla
t
h
e
The Emperor 1688
Three brothers, one concept: to
make threads using the finest
fabrics with the upmost care.
Babak, Haman and Farhan Golkar
are quite the stylish pack. Since
founding their menswear label
in 2007, then their ladies’ line
Golkar Couture five years later,
the Dubai-based brothers have
struck the right fashion chord. The
Emperor 1688 blends precision,
opulence and quality; while its
female line mixes handcrafted
embroidery and embellishments
with super luxe fabrics. And with
retailers in the UAE, US and UK
catching on, it’s time you did, too.
time to shop: You can find The
Emperor 1688 in Souk Madinat Jumeirah
or in Jumeirah (Villa 1A, Al Wasl Road).
Retailers Saks Fifth Avenue and Rodeo
Drive (found in The Dubai Mall, Mall of
the Emirates and other locations around
Dubai) also stock the collection.
@TheEmperor1688
d
e
s
i
g
Amato by
Furne One
n
e
r
s
Rami Al Ali
Described by some as eclectic
and ethereal, and by others as
glam-goth, crafting extravagant
and artistic designs is this Dubaibased designer’s forte. Drawing
inspiration from Shakespearean
tales and new-age cities, his
clothes are dramatic, yet delicately
hand-stitched. And with an
enchanting mix of rich textures,
lavish materials and luxurious
detailing, watching Furne One’s
collections hit the runway is like
watching theatre in motion.
celebrity kudos: As far as celebrity
clients go, Furne One’s following is A-list
all the way with Heidi Klum, Jennifer
Lopez, Katy Perry, Shakira and Nicki
Minaj to name a few.
time to shop: Visit
amatohautecouture.com to make an
appointment, or call +971 4 398 8586
@amatocouture
Chic, avant-garde and classic just
about sum up Rami Al Ali’s haute
couture line. Since launching the
label in 2000, the Syrian-born
designer’s intricate designs have
caught the attention of Beyoncé,
Natasha Bedingfield, Vanessa
Mae, Ivana Trump, Youssra and
Googoosh. With Queen Bey et al
wearing his threads, it’s pretty
clear that his fashion formula – a
blend of Western influences with
detailed Eastern femininity – is
working.
celebrity kudos: Beyoncé wore a
Rami Al Ali gown for her Mrs Carter tour
earlier this year. The corseted laser-cut
silk dress with plumes of ruffles running
down the skirt was a design from the
designer’s S/S13 collection.
time to shop: Head to Jumeirah (Villa
697, Al Wasl Road) for a consultation,
or to simply scour the rails for haute
couture and bridal wear.
@ramialalic
the personal shoppers /////
In need of a wardrobe overhaul but don’t know your Chloé from
your Celine or your Dior from your D&G? Then it’s time to call in the experts. Bloomingdale’s Dubai offers its
aptly named At Your Service personal shopping experience, and not only will the experts give your wardrobe
an overhaul, but the store will provide a selection of gourmet treats to keep those energy levels up while you
shop. Hussein Abbas, personal shopping manager at Bloomingdale’s Dubai, shares the process.
T H E P RO C ES S I N
FOUR
STEPS
• • • •
Call Bloomingdale’s Dubai
personal shopping department or
the reception to speak with one of
the personal shopping consultants (call +971 4 350 5111 or email
[email protected])
Discuss your
needs, size and
comfort levels
with styles of
clothing
Set an
appointment
date
Visit the store
where your
personal shopper
will be waiting
do visitors need to bring anything with them? Customers are not required to carry anything, unless
they would like to carry pieces from their wardrobe that they would like to create a look around or prior
purchases which they’d like help styling.
Dubai’s top fashion bloggers
anybodysomebodynobody.com
myfashdiary.com
who? Zoe Brown
what? An easy to navigate pin-board style site
offering make-up tutorials, cool covers and the latest
collections, plus travel news from around the region
and beyond.
who? Tala Samman
what? Updated three times a day, seven days a week,
this blog is buzzing with competitions, daily style
inspirations, interviews with designers and sneak peeks
into Tala’s wardrobe.
thegirlthatlivesinthedesert.com
pintsizedfashionista.com
who? Chloe Allan
what? Blogger Chloe shares the scoop from Dubai’s
hottest parties, models the latest trends and offers
advice on how to wear them.
who? Alizey and Saanieh Mirza
what? Dubai’s youngest fashion bloggers, the 17-yearold twins give a younger voice to the emirate’s fashion
and lifestyle scene.
G O T H E D I S TA N C E
The cycling scene in Dubai is speeding up, but are
you keeping pace? Definitely Dubai tracks down
the city’s uninterrupted, traffic-free cycle routes.
T
o many, the mention of
a bike ride in the desert
conjures up images of
Bear Grylls fighting for survival
across vast expanses of sandy
terrain. More willing minds,
however, picture sand dunes, open
roads and a desert experience to
remember. And it is the latter that
will be pleasantly surprised on
landing in Dubai.
The city’s cycling scene
has gathered some serious
momentum over the past few
years. Admittedly it has been a
gradual development rather than
a hair-trigger-hop-on-let’s-ride
situation. Nevertheless, bike lanes
have been mapped out, asphalt has
been slowly laid and those distinct
territory lines between walker
and rider have been painted on
pavements around the city.
Case in point: the Roads
and Transport Authority’s
(RTA) recent completion of 104
kilometres of cycling tracks across
various parts of the emirate.
The completed tracks include
a 23-kilometre long path along
Jumeirah Street, often referred
to as Jumeirah Beach Road, and a
67-kilometre track across Al Qudra
Road, nicknamed the Lollipop due
to its loop-shaped route.
This latest wave of openings
complement existing tracks at
Al Mamzar Park, Jumeirah Open
Beach Park and, for more serious
riders, the Nad Al Sheba Cycle
Park. When combined, there are
enough traffic-free cycle routes
to attract Bradley Wiggins to the
emirate.
Moreover, the tracks are open
to the public and are free to
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
peddle along. According to star
biker and founder of cycling group
the Dubai Roadsters, Wolfgang
Hohmann (Wolfi to his friends),
leisure riders should head to
Al Mamzar Park or Jumeirah
Open Beach Park. Here, casual
riders can pair their ride with
an afternoon at the beach. Then
there’s the four-kilometre bike
path at Mushrif Park, near Mirdif,
which is also a great spot for
family rides.
The more serious cyclists,
meanwhile, should tackle the new
67-kilometre Lollipop track or the
Nad Al Sheba path, which offers
up to eight kilometres of bikefriendly road.
Stewart Howison, managing
partner of Cycle Safe Dubai, shares
the same sentiment. He says the Al
Qudra is ideal for “fairly seasoned
39
/
1817
The first bicycle
prototype was made
1903
25,000
miles
152.2
mph
The fastest
anybody has
ever peddled
on a bicycle
The year Tour de France
was established
HIRE A BIKE
Fred A. Birchmore circled the
globe by bicycle in 1935, travelling
the rest (15,000 miles) by boat
WOLFI’S BIKE SHOP
R AGE BIKE SHOP
REVOLUTION CYCLES
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dhs100 for an aluminium
racing bike, or Dhs200
for a carbon bike. Call
+971 4 339 4453 for more
information
Sheikh Zayed Road
Dhs100 per bike, per day.
Call +971 4 339 5602 for
more information
Motor City
Dhs100 per bike per
day, or Dhs50 for use
at the Autodrome.
Call +971 4 369 7441
for more information
tip: Call up the shop before you arrive and tell them
18 0 .17 7
t h e
l o n g e s t
S
R
E
d i s t a n c e
T
E
r e c o r d e d
M
O
c y c l i n g
L
I
b a c k w a r d s
$500,000
The most expensive bike ever was
auctioned at Sotheby’s. The model? A Trek
Madone designed by artist Damien Hirst
WATCH
OUT FOR
camels
riders and people that are looking
to take the next pedal stroke in
riding”. He adds: “This is not due
to the difficulty of the course, but
rather that the path is not located
near any service stations or many
water points. This means you
need to plan your time out in the
desert just a little more cautiously.
However, in saying that, if planned
right this is a great outing for a
family cycle trip.”
For Howison, the Nad Al Sheba
Cycle Park is the ideal family
location. “With a four-kilometre
and eight-kilometre loop you can
choose your distance and plan your
training. NAS, as it’s known among
visitors, also boasts the only kids
cycle proficiency course in the
UAE, with a 750-metre park with
different road signs and obstacles
for children to learn the ways of
the road in a safe environment.”
40
THE RIDES
NAD AL SHEBA
This wonderful cycle park has a
choice of an eight-kilometre, sixkilometre and four-kilometre loop.
The whole course is lit by night
(for safety reasons you still need to
have lights on your bike) and there
are toilets and air-conditioned
changing room facilities available,
with showers and lockers.
take note:
• • • • •
/
your height so they can check availability.
K
burst tyres
cats
Cycling enthusiasts looking to
beat the heat should head to Dubai
Autodrome, a motorsports circuit
which doubles as a cycle track
once a week. Every Wednesday,
engines are turned off in favour of
peddles as the Revolution Cycle
Night rolls into town.
Back to Wolfi and the Roadsters
for a moment. This merry band of
amateur and professional riders
saddle up and hit the desert road
every Friday morning. And for
visitors wishing to take part,
follow these simple steps: firstly,
hire a bike. Wolfi’s Bike Shop
off Sheikh Zayed Road offers a
bike hire service from Dhs100.
Alternatively, buy a bike if you’re
able to ship it home. The store is
chock-full of options so talk to
the experts to see what fits you
best. Fit? Yes. Picking a bike is
like purchasing a pair of running
d e f i n i t e l y
gazelles
oryx
shoes – to help combat blisters
and saddle sores. With your bike
sorted, it’s time for the helmet
and other devilish doodahs made
for two wheels, all of which can be
found at Wolfi’s.
So you’ve got all the gear but
no idea. What next? Vacationers
looking for a challenge should
simply pitch up at ‘NAS’ at 5.30am
any Friday (6am from November
22) and join the Roadsters for an
80 to 140-kilometre bike ride. One
thing worth noting is: now’s not
the time to be scared of Lycra. Yes
it might feel tighter than a coat
of paint, but you’re guaranteed a
comfortable ride while wearing
it. Families, meanwhile, can
take things in their stride, with
Mushrif Park, Al Mamzar Park and
Jumeirah Open Beach Park open
until late.
Helmets at the ready. /
d u b a i
There is also an 850-metre
children’s proficiency course.
The track for children (4-14
years old) has street signs, speed
bumps and roundabouts to teach
youngsters about road safety. For
maps and more information visit
dubairoadsters.com
T H E LO L L I P O P
Made up of two parts, the first part stretches
18 kilometres and runs beside the northern
part of Al Qudra Road. The second track is a
beautiful, unique loop (hence the name) of
about 50 kilometres, passing sand dunes as
you go. Cyclists can also stop of at the Bab Al
Shams Desert Resort & Spa for a coffee before
heading back to Dubai.
take note:
Cycle Safe organises rides here on Friday
mornings for beginners and advanced cyclists.
Howison says: “The Dubai Cycle Course on the
Al Qudra road is certainly one of the most visual
places to ride. Often when you are making your
way around the loop you see some of the rare
wildlife that inhabit the dunes of the course.
If you’re lucky you will come across a heard of
Thomson’s gazelle or the Arabian oryx.”
join the group:
DUBAI ROADSTERS
This group is open to all riders and the
rides themselves are free.
There are three Friday riding
options available – 80 kilometres, 120
kilometres and 140 kilometres. For
holiday-makers wishing to join the
Friday ride, check out the Facebook
page for information (including dates,
locations, and fitness and safety
requirements), pitch up and join the
group. Aside from the Friday cycle,
training rides occur every Sunday and
Tuesday evening, when you can expect
a mix of around 50 riders.
getting fitted:
Wolfi’s will show you around, explain
the different styles of bikes and, if you’re
ready to go to the next step, measure
your body and bone structure by laser.
This information is then fed into a
programme, which provides information
about the bike size. The bike is then
adjusted on an indoor trainer. Next,
the customer is put on the bike and a
video analysis is conducted. After that
the saddle is measured by a pressuremapping device to make sure that you sit
correctly. dubairoadsters.com
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
SIGN
UP
November 15
The Dubai
Roadsters
will be setting
off on their
Coast to Coast
free bike ride,
cycling 220
kilometres
from Dubai
to Fujairah
December 13
The Spinneys
Dubai 92 Cycle
Challenge
returns. Feeling
fit? Then
visit cyclechallenge.
ae for more
information
Every
Wednesday
The Dubai
Autodrome
plays host to
the Revolution
Cycle Night,
from 6pm
to 9pm dubai.
autodrome.
com
February 5 to
February 8
The inaugural
edition of the
Dubai Tour will
see the world’s
best cyclists
vie for glory
41
F
ollowing
in the
footsteps
of Paris and
London,
Dubai’s
rent-a-bike service
is proving a popular
draw for tourists. With
more than 100 bikes
now available across
Downtown Dubai and
Dubai Marina, it’s time to
dust off your Lycra and
explore the city. /
burj khalifa metro
DOWNTOWN
DUBAI
DUBAI
MARINA
burj park
marina yacht club
This private, manicured island
is the perfect spot to kickback
and relax with a good book and
coffee. And with panoramic views
of the towering Burj Khalifa and
neighbouring Downtown Dubai,
testing out your camera skills is
a must.
burj khalifa
burj park
souk al bahar
the address
souk al bahar
Work up an appetite by trawling
The Dubai Mall, then head over the
bridge to Souk Al Bahar for a spot
of lunch at kitsch café Shakespeare
and Co.
burj khalifa
marina dusit
the walk at jbr
SADDLE UP
• • • •
the address downtown
dubai hotel
the walk at jbr
For visitors making use of Dubai’s
metro system, then this handy
drop-off point is the ideal place to
end your day.
marina gulf boat
Download
the NextBike
app to your
iPhone or
Android
Small but perfectly formed,
Dubai Marina Mall is ideal for
holiday-makers needing a retail
fix. Mosey around the mall before
hopping on the Water Taxi just
outside for a quick ferry around the
marina and nearby Palm Jumeirah.
marina dusit
burj khalifa
metro station
marina yacht club
marina mall
Seeing the Burj Khalifa in a movie
is one thing, but taking a look
around this architectural marvel is
something else. Once you’ve lifted
your jaw from the floor, book tickets
for the At The Top tour – a onehour journey that takes you to the
observation deck on the 124th floor.
Looking for a place to sip sundowners? Then try out Calabar at
this swanky hotel. Head straight to
the terrace and soak up views of the
impressive Dubai Fountains.
marina mall
With the first leg of your cycle
about to start, top up your energy
levels with a hearty breakfast
alfresco at 25°55° Café Bistro
in Dubai Marina Yacht Club.
The eggs Benedict comes highly
recommended.
Provide your mobile
phone number and
credit card details,
then receive a special
identity code number
Check out the shisha and coffee
specialists dotted along Marina
Walk. This colourful walkway
comes to life at night, with a
number of quirky cafés and
restaurants swinging open
their doors.
The Walk is teeming with cafés,
restaurants, hotels and retailers
so take some time to cycle along
the promenade. For sophisticated
fare try afternoon tea at The
Ritz-Carlton, or for a chilled
afternoon head to the Meydan
Beach Club.
marina gulf boat
Time to drop off your bike and take
some panoramic holiday snaps of
Dubai Marina.
When unlocking
the bike, type
in your mobile
number, ID number
and individual
bicycle number
Prices start from Dhs15
for 30 minutes up to
Dhs80 for 24 hours, and
users can pick up a bike
from one station and
drop it off at another
For more information visit bykystations.com/en/dubai/
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
43
Take
Your
Seats
Dubai’s events season is in full swing. Whether you’re
into sports, music, art or anything in between,
there’s an exciting show to cater for any taste. And
with some of the world’s best events venues
just short rides away, Dubai has firmly placed itself as
a global leader in corporate and entertainment shows.
words: sean williams
the sevens
The Sevens Stadium, just a short
drive out of town, is one of the
UAE’s most impressive events
facilities. Since swinging open
its doors in 2007 the popular
sporting venue has continued to
draw big events and large crowds.
When the stars of the Emirates
44
Dubai Rugby Sevens come to town
this November – which this year
occurs between November 28-30
– a whopping 50,000 spectators
will pile into the stadium. Other
events include the Dubai Desert
Road Run on December 7 and
January 11, the UAEMEX Motor
Show December 10-14 and the
d e f i n i t e l y
HSBC Rugby Festival January
24-25. The facilities are equally
as impressive as the events:
seven floodlit turf rugby/football
pitches, three turf cricket ovals
(one floodlit), four floodlit
netball/tennis courts and an
outdoor pool. thesevens.ae
d u b a i
madinat theatre
best time to visit Sports fan
or not, the Dubai Rugby Sevens is
a must-attend event in the Dubai
social calendar. Get your tickets
now from dubairugby7s.com
where to stay A short drive
from the stadium you’ll find Premier
Inn Silicon Oasis, an affordable
option for both business and leisure
travellers. There’s also Arabian Park
Hotel, a three-star hotel located near
to Dubai Airport. For something
a little more luxurious head to
Downtown Dubai, where you’ll find a
selection of five-star hotels.
meydan
Meydan is best known as the
glitzy home of the Dubai World
Cup, horse racing’s richest race.
But there’s more to it than the
60,000-capacity track that rises
to an incredible 120,000 on
select occasions. Motor launches,
wedding receptions, gala dinners
and music concerts are all held
regularly at the location, which
boasts the world’s first luxury
five-star trackside hotel.
Racing season begins in
November and concludes with
the World Cup on March 29, when
85,000-plus racing fans show up to
the venue in a host of fashionable
wares. Highlights on the horizon
include the Dubai Women’s Run
(November 8) and a host of local
events. Past shows have ranged
from the MENA World Travel
Awards to hot air balloon expos.
Meydan also boasts a fullyequipped IMAX cinema, which
is currently showing the eighth
season of The Met Opera in HD.
meydanimax.com
best time to visit The Dubai
World Cup on March 30 is the ideal
time to visit. For a more casual
outing head to the IMAX cinema and
catch the latest movie screenings.
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
where to stay Why travel
when you can stay trackside? The
Meydan Hotel offers everything
from gym and massage services, to
golf, gourmet dining and a rooftop
infinity pool. Nearby Sheikh Zayed
Road offers a selection of mid-range
hotels, including Ibis Hotel and
Holiday Inn.
madinat
jumeirah
This Arabic-inspired resort is not
only home to a series of five-star
hotels but the Madinat Arena and
neighbouring Madinat Theatre.
The former is a popular venue
for conferences and large-scale
events such as the upcoming
Dubai International Film Festival,
while the latter continually
roles out an impressive calendar
of shows. Over the next few
months, visitors to the theatre
can expect Cinderella, performed
by The Moscow City Ballet, and
45
/
festival city
/
a stage production of Beauty
and the Beast, while the style
conscious should look out for
April’s Fashion Forward event
held at the arena. Also in Madinat
Jumeirah is outdoor venue The
Souk Amphitheatre, which
can accommodate up to 1,000
guests. This December sees its
annual festive market return for
another year. Mince pie anyone?
madinattheatre.com,
jumeirah.com
best time to visit Visiting
needn’t be timed with a concert or
event. Aside from its impressive
events facilities, Madinat Jumeirah
also houses an assortment of
restaurants and bars, all of which
can be visited daily.
where to stay On site you’ll find
two stunning hotels – Al Qasr and
Mina A’Salam. Both offer an Arabian
experience in plush surroundings.
A short drive up Jumeirah Beach
46
meydan
Road you’ll find Holiday Inn Express
Dubai - Safa Park, a great hotel for a
flying visit.
media city
amphitheatre
With its location right between
the old and the new sides of Dubai,
the Media City Amphitheatre has
become one of the city’s premier
live events venues. Its traditional
half-circle design can hold up to
15,000 people, and has played
host to such esteemed performers
as Usher, The Stone Roses and
Egyptian pop star Amr Diab.
Catch a glimpse of American
songstress Alicia Keys, who visits
the Amphitheatre as part of her
Set The World On Fire Tour on
November 15. For a sprinkling of
seasonal spirit, head to the Dubai
Christmas Festival, December
5–7. From live bands and food
stalls to an ice rink and fun rides,
it’s time to get into the festive
spirit. dubaimediacity.com
d e f i n i t e l y
best time to visit Time your
trip with one of the many music
concerts held here, including the
first RedFestDXB festival, to be held
February 13-14. virginradiodubai.
com/redfestdxb
where to stay Looking to splash
the cash? Then book a room at the
One & Only Royal Mirage, a relaxing
hideaway on the corner of Media
City. For something a little lighter on
the wallet, there’s Media One Hotel
or Radisson Blu Hotel, both located
opposite the venue.
festival city
Dubai Festival City is a
multipurpose venue in the heart of
Dubai, just over a mile from Dubai
International Airport. The epic
‘city-within-a-city’ boasts luxury
residential homes, a marina,
cinemas, dining, shopping and the
Al Badia Golf Club, administered
by the InterContinental Hotel. But
Festival City is also an events hub,
d u b a i
and has played host to some great
family shows including meet-andgreets with cricket greats, ‘back to
school’ kids’ events and numerous
glitzy Iftar feasts.
Aside from Festival City’s
premier shops, there’s a host of
restaurants offering cuisine from
every corner of the globe, while
Canal Walk, serviced by a fleet of
ancient-inspired abras, is adjacent
to Festival Marina, a 250-yard
luxury yacht club. If you really
want to relax why not try some
Yogalates, held every Sunday at
the marina’s promenade, or simply
enjoy the canal views with a coffee.
dubaifestivalcity.com
best time to visit Time your
trip with the upcoming Emirates
Airline Dubai Jazz Festival, taking
place February 13-21. Alternatively,
book tickets for the Emirates
Airline Festival of Literature
in March dubaijazzfest.com,
emirateslitfest.com
where to stay There’s an
assortment of hotels on Festival
City’s doorstep, including the fivestar InterContinental or the fourstar Crowne Plaza next door. Both
options are close to the airport and
venue.
dubai world
trade centre
Once Dubai’s tallest building
the 39-storey Dubai World Trade
Centre was the first skyscraper in
Dubai and now sits at the entrance
to Dubai’s central business
district. With the addition of the
Dubai International Convention
and Exhibition Centre, the
World Trade Centre is one of
the emirate’s top venues for
expositions, trade events and
shows. Upcoming trade events
include the Big 5 construction
expo (November 25-28) and
luxury exhibition Middle East
Exclusive (November 28-30).
And it’s not just industry events
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
that light up DWTC. Cirque du
Soleil, Julio Iglesias and a wealth
of Arabic and Bollywood concerts
have recently lit up the venue with
stunning performances that draw
thousands. What’s more, there
are plans to build the emirate’s
biggest live events space on land
adjacent to the current site.
dwtc.com
best time to visit Business,
trade and entertainment events
take place almost monthly at
this central venue. Keep a look
out for upcoming shows at
dubaicalendar.ae
where to stay Next door to
the venue you’ll find mid-range
hotels the Ibis World Trade Centre
and Novotel World Trade Centre.
A hop and skip from here there’s
the Fairmont Dubai, the perfect
location for corporate travellers
looking for something a little more
luxurious. /
47
Park
Life
Among the mega
malls and shiny
skyscrapers, Dubai
has an abundance
of green spaces
to discover.
T
he thought of rolling out a picnic blanket
in place of a beach towel is an option often
overlooked when holiday-makers land in
Dubai. From ice rinks to cable cars, the city’s parks
are waiting for you.
Safa Park
perfect for: creative types
Safa Park might be one of Dubai’s oldest parks,
opening in 1975, but these days it is a popular spot
for the city’s creative crowd – thanks, in part, to
The Archive, a contemporary library-cum-café
focused on art, culture, design and literature. Aside
from this cool café, Safa sits beautifully on 64
hectares of land, 80 per cent of which is completely
green. Think manicured lawns, water features,
barbecue stations and plenty of picnic space. The
children, too, are catered for with bicycle hire, an
amusement park, tourist train and boating lake.
There are also basketball courts and tennis facilities,
as well as a purpose laid running track just outside
the park’s walls.
times: Sun to Wed, 8am-10pm; Thurs to Sat, 8am11pm prices: Dhs3 getting there: With lots
of parking available, the best way to get to Safa Park
is by hire car or taxi creative spark: Besides
The Archive, which is located near the entrance
of Gate 5, Safa plays hosts to regular flea markets
(dubai-fleamarket.com) and is a photographic
d e f i n i t e l y
hotspot for local photography courses due to its
eclectic landscape and great views of Dubai. take
note: Opposite Safa Park you’ll find BookMunch
Café & Bookshop, a quirky café that prepares picnic
baskets suitable for breakfast and lunch. Visit
bookmunchcafe.com for more information.
nearby: Umm Suqeim Park
perfect for: time-poor vacationers
Small but perfectly formed, Umm Suqeim Park is
situated near the Burj Al Arab – that’s the sail-shaped
hotel to tourists. You’ll find a café, children’s play
area, and peace and quiet at this family-oriented park.
times: Sat to Weds, 8am-11pm; Thurs and Fri,
8am-11.30pm prices: Free getting there:
Located on Jumeirah Beach Road, in Umm
Suqeim 2, Umm Suqeim Park is easily accessible
by taxi or hire car take note: Only women and
children are allowed in the park during the week.
Men are allowed at weekends.
Creekside Park
perfect for: nature lovers
Located along the bank of Dubai Creek, this public
space is spread over 95 hectares of land. Aside from
the usual park facilities (barbecue areas, children’s
play areas, bicycle rental) and the not so usual
(cable car, Children’s City, Snow World, Dubai
d u b a i
49
/
zabeel
Snapping at the heels
Visit
dm.gov.ae
for more
information
In mid-2013 the Dubai Municipality signed a Dhs10 million agreement to set up the first
crocodile park in the Middle East. The park will house around 200 crocodiles and will be located
in what Dubai Municipality called “a wildlife neighbourhood” – an area near Mushrif Reserve
and close to the planned Dubai Safari, which is to replace the old Dubai Zoo by the end of 2014.
raising
the bar
On the subject of parks,
let’s not forget about
Dubai’s theme parks.
While gardeners across
the city’s green spaces
have been busy keeping
the lawns perfectly
manicured, thousands of
workmen have been busy
working on the largest
indoor entertainment
destination in the world,
the img worlds of
adventure, set to
open in early 2014. The
theme park, which will be
located in Dubai’s City
of Arabia development
in Dubailand, will be
in excess of 1.5 million
square metres and will
consist of four zones –
the Marvel Universe, the
Cartoon Network zone,
the Lost Valley zone and
the IMG entertainment
zone. There’s more.
Aside from a bunch of
roller coasters and rides,
a 12-screen cinema, a
plethora of restaurants
and retail areas will also
open on site.
/
o l d
n e w
m ush r if pa r k
al mamzar
perfect for: history buffs
With its vast woodland and sand plains, Mushrif is Dubai’s
answer to a desert park. Combining history with the necessary
activities for the modern-day tourist – camel rides, wooden
jungle gym, fairground rides, a theatre, picnic areas and a
swimming pool – Mushrif is Dubai’s oldest park, having been
created in the early 1980s. It's also the largest park in the
emirate, meaning an afternoon here is time well spent.
creekside
times: Sun to Weds, 8am-10pm; Thurs to Sat, 8am-11pm
prices: Dhs3; Dhs10 per car getting there: Located past
Mirdiff on the Al Awir Road, the best way to get here is by taxi.
safa
al barsha pond park
perfect for: fitness enthusiasts
Al Barsha Pond Park is proving to be a popular choice for
people looking to swap the sand for lush rolling lawns.
Built around a rather large pond, this latest addition to
the city’s park scene is becoming quite the place for those
wishing to mix the great outdoors with exercise. With a
cycling track, running path, tennis courts, volleyball courts,
football pitches, basketball courts and fitness machines,
relaxing in the park has taken a different course of action.
jumeirah beach
miracle garden
times: Sun to Thurs, 8am-11pm; Fri to Sat, 8am11.30pm prices: Free getting there: Al Barsha
Pond Park is easily accessible by taxi or hire car.
Dolphinarium), this manicured park is a popular
hang out for birdwatchers. The ideal birding
strategy, according to birdwatching group UAE
Birding, is “to cover the area thoroughly, plan to
spend two-plus hours in the park, and work the
whole northern area, checking the grass and trees,
as well as the beach and water”. If your binoculars
still need some focusing, then head over to Safa Park
50
vs
or Al Mamzar afterwards, two other popular parks
for bird species.
times: Sun to Wed, 8am-10pm; Thurs to Sun, 8am11pm prices: Dhs5 getting there: Creekside
Park is easily accessible by taxi or hire car read:
Birds of the United Arab Emirates by Richard Porter
and Simon Aspinall for inspiration.
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
/
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
51
record breaker:
Dubai Miracle Garden
perfect for: floral masterminds
Dubai Miracle Garden is more a
work of art than a park. Brimming
with flora and fauna, this recordbreaking garden is home to 45
million flowers; ranging in colour,
size and shape. From turf-covered
cars and floral stars, to flowercovered pyramids and blossoming
arches, this majestic park has
added a colourful edge to the great
outdoors. The newest addition to
the park, which is set to open this
November, will be a 1,800-square
metre butterfly garden, comprising
nine domes filled with different
species. An aromatic garden,
complete with medicinal plants
from around the world, will boost
the park’s appeal further when it
opens in the same month. Available
to explore today, though, is vast
manicured greens, a children’s play
/
area, souvenir shop, mosque, and
free bike and train rides.
With a Guinness World Record
to boot (awarded the record for
the largest vertical garden in March
this year), it’s time to enter floral
nearby: Zabeel Park
perfect for: the whole family
This technology-themed park is located at the Creek
end of Sheikh Zayed Road. Sprawled over 51 hectares
of land, Zabeel Park has quite a list of facilities on site.
A boating lake? Check. Skate park? Tick. Adventure
playground? Of course. For sport enthusiasts there’s
a cricket pitch and jogging track, while the geekchic can stay connected thanks to the park’s free
Wi-Fi access. Not to mention the café, cinema and
amphitheatre.
times: Every day, 8am-11pm prices: Dhs5
getting there: The nearest metro station is
Al Jafliya, followed by a short walk to the park or a
Dhs12 taxi fare ride.
Jumeirah Beach Park
perfect for: sunseekers
A favourite destination for those who like the peace
of the seaside and the buzz of activity that comes with
park life, the golden sands and green lawns at this
coastal park are well worth a visit. With sun loungers
and umbrellas aplenty, all you need to bring is the sun
block and towel. It’s worth getting there early to beat
the crowds and claim a decent spot on the sand. For
52
wonderland. prices: Dhs30,
children under three go free
getting there: Located just
behind the Dubailand sales centre,
near Arabian Ranches, the best way
to get here is by taxi
Every leader should have a passion
in life that adds depth, uniqueness
and style to his leadership.
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
visitors who prefer lawns over loungers, then you’ll
find playgrounds, barbecue stations, a burger bar and
ample space in the park area.
times: Sun to Wed, 8am-10pm; Thurs to Sat, 8am11pm prices: Dhs5; Dhs20 per car
getting there: Jumeirah Beach Park has ample
parking and is easily accessible by taxi or hire car
take note: The park is only open to women and
children on Sundays and Wednesdays.
nearby: Al Mamzar Beach Park
perfect for: surfers
Similar to Jumeirah Beach Park but with fewer people
and less noise, this 106-hectare space includes five
stretches of beach, all monitored by lifeguards and all
suitable for watersport enthusiasts. Aside from the
surf-friendly conditions, the park has a swimming
pool, 15 beach cabins for hire, bountiful green space
to relax and a café to satisfy those hunger pangs.
times: Sun to Wed, 8am-10pm; Thurs to Sat,
8am-11pm prices: Dhs5; Dhs30 per car getting
there: Mamzar Beach Park is easily accessible by
taxi or hire car take note: The park is only open
to women and children on Mondays. /
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
Also available as an e-book
e-mail: [email protected]
Fooding around
knives and forks at the ready. it’s time
to discover a different, much more
authentic, culinary side to dubai.
words: tracey scott // photos: airspectiv media
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
55
rabic cuisine is right up there,
gastronomically speaking. It
combines history and heritage
with culinary confidence; and
it never veers to far from its
Bedouin roots. And while
Dubai is home to heaps of fine
dining restaurants, it’s time
we played up the little guys.
Starting with Deira: home to an eclectic assortment
of self-taught chefs, canteen-style cafés and
authentic eateries.
But rather than hop on the metro and tackle
Dubai’s old town in isolation, book a spot on The
Arabian Foodie Pilgrimage – a four-hour walking tour
which takes your taste buds from the UAE to Iran,
Jordan, Yemen and back again.
The pilgrimage, and that is precisely what it is,
is a genius idea set up by self-confessed foodaholic
Arva Saleem Ahmed and her company, Frying Pan
Adventures (fryingpanadventures.com). And what
an idea it is: to offer tours that combine adventure
with gastronomy in just the right proportions.
The four-hour food frenzy starts at Sultan
Dubai, an old school Arabic cafeteria in Dubai’s Al
56
Muraqqabat Road. Known for its snacky items and
takeaway tidbits, we play it safe and order chillistuffed falafel (a kind of vegetarian meatball) served
on a bed of creamy hummus. I would normally prefer
my fare not to be deep-fried, but I had to admit they
were lovely. Bursting with zest and culinary character,
the falafel made for an impressive first course.
Moving next door and we find stop number two,
Qwaider Al Nabulsi. A quick hello from the owner and
we’re seated alfresco, among the hustle and bustle
of Deira. Unsure whether to watch the chef carve up
his kebab meat for his next batch of shawarmas or
to eyeball the residents as they walk by, the people
watching is almost as good as the food here.
With the group seated our food arrives: lamb
mansaf (the national dish of Jordan), foul medames
(cooked and mashed fava beans mixed with a range
of herbs) and kunafa (cheese pastry soaked in a
sweet sugar-based syrup). The meat slid off the bone
beautifully thanks to the chef ’s cooking technique
– the lamb is traditionally cooked in a sauce of
fermented dried yoghurt for four to six hours – while
the beans, a peasant dish in the age-old Bedouin days,
were slow cooked to form a porridge-like texture.
As we tuck into our third and final dish of kunafa,
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
Arva sheds some light on her culinary venture.
“It was the natural outcome of my love for food
and restaurants, and a strong desire to pursue a
career related to food,” she says. “With the tour,
I hope to open up people’s eyes to a different side
of Dubai, a side that has lots of street-side culture
and an authentic ambience. A side that can open up
a discussion of the region through the incredible
variety of food being served. A side where people
can leave feeling like they have really immersed
themselves in the region through an informative
tasting experience that is unlike anything they
expected Dubai to serve them.”
Up next is Arva’s favourite sweet shop in the UAE,
Al Samadi Sweets, which has been cooking up Arabic
delights since 1872. Basma, ma’amoul and namoura
line the counter, alongside home-made chocolate,
ice cream and tarts. We’re here to try a series of
appetite-whetting Lebanese sweets: halawat al jibin,
bukaj and karabij.
The first option, best described as a sweet-cheese
semolina dumpling, tasted like an unbaked meringue,
in a good way; while the bukaj, a crunchy Lebanese
pastry made of baklava dough and various nuts, was
sticky and sweet in even proportions. The karabij,
d e f i n i t e l y
stop 1 sultan dubai
1
Al Muraqqabat Road +971 4 227 5559
qwaidernabulsi.com
2
stop 2 qwaider al nabulsi
Al Muraqqabat Road +971 4 227 5559
qwaidernabulsi.com
stop 3 al samadi sweets
3
Al Muraqqabat Road +971 4 269 7717
stop 4 b to b 4
Al Rigga Road +971 4 222 3566/3011
btob.com.ib
5
Abu Baker Al Siddique Road +971 4 295 9797
[email protected]
7
d u b a i
Al Rigga Road +971 4 295 9896
stop 6 al tawasol restaurant
6
/
stop 5 asail alsham sweets
stop 7 abshar restaurant
Al Maktoum Road +971 4 223 0555
abshar.ae
57
INSIDER
TIP
Sweet tooth?
Find yourself looking at rows
of ma’amoul, the Arabic semolina
cookie, but don’t know what’s
inside? Then follow Arva’s cookie
code: If they’re flat and round they’re
stuffed with dates; oblong, they’re
filled with pistachio; round and
hill-shaped, then they’re
packing a walnut filling.
/
semolina cookies filled with pistachios and served
with natef cream for dipping, carried a slight soapy
taste due to the soapwort in the cream – the roots of
which are used to clean carpets. Moving on.
Of all the foods which have been around
throughout history, bread is close to being about the
oldest one. And while its origins are up for debate,
its prominence in Arabic food has sailed through the
centuries. It makes perfect sense, then, to check out
B to B, touted as the best manakish maker in town.
Carb-counters take note: freshly-baked bread pops
up left and right on the tour so loosen that belt buckle
and, well, indulge. On the menu for us Frying Panners
is za’atar manakish with kashkawal cheese (a baked
Arabic wrap) and sujuk (Armenian beef sausage).
The fresh bread used for the former warmed the
belly, while the heat from the sujuk ruffled the palate
nicely.
Curious to know how Arva selects her restaurants
for the tour, she makes it clear that there are no kickbacks, commissions or favours between guide and
restaurant. Instead, she says: “They are restaurants
that I have cherry-picked after eating the food
there multiple times, and after seeing whether the
restaurant can serve food with family-style passion
58
Full
stomach
to avoid
peaking
too early,
follow arva’s
percentageto-fullness
ratio
d e f i n i t e l y
after stop 7:
burst zipper and
100 per cent full
after stop 6:
80 per cent full
after stop 5:
60 per cent full
after stop 4:
50 per cent full
after stop 3:
25 per cent full
after stop 2:
15 per cent full
after stop 1:
5 per cent full
d u b a i
and warmth. Food served without love is often
flavourless for me.”
And the criteria? “Distinctive food that is not
easily available elsewhere, food that has a story
worth hearing beyond just the tasting, staff that
communicate with smiles and warmth.”
From savoury to sweet we go, following Arva to
Asail Alsham Sweets, a stone’s throw from B to B.
On the menu here is pistachio-covered booza, a
sticky Syrian ice cream that has been a feature of the
Levant since the 1800s. Made with sahlab (tubers of
orchid) and mastic (resin of an evergreen tree), and
therefore packed with aromatic notes, the ice cream
is refreshing and chewy. The perfect palate cleanser
for our next course, apparently.
Taking centre stage on the tour is a visit to Yemeni
hang out Al Tawasol Restaurant, where guests slip off
their shoes, pour into a majlis and eat on the floor.
With their hands. Yes, no cutlery here folks.
Run by a mother and her son, this authentic eatery
is not there to woo or wow clients. Here, it’s all about
the food. On bypassing the male-only dining area, we
pile into our culinary communal area for the next 30
minutes. With bums on cushions (eating generally
takes place while sitting on the floor), Arva gives a
d e f i n i t e l y
brief overview of the Bedouin culture and dining
etiquette before our main course arrives – a platter
of mazbi (grilled) and mandi (roasted underground)
chicken, rice, shatta (hot) sauce and laban (a yoghurt
drink).
Is it good? Yes. Very. While perfecting the art of the
‘beak’ – my makeshift fork for this course – proved
challenging, it added a new dimension to dining
Arabic-style.
Our final stop is Abshar Iranian Restaurant, a
short 15-minute walk from stop six. The food and
setting are simple and local, the ambience rustic and
authentic. A quick glimpse at the chef baking sangak
bread over an open oven and we’re seated for our
final course, makhloot – a cold dessert of vermicelli
noodles mixed in a semi-frozen syrup and served with
lime juice, and pistachio and saffron ice cream.
A bit like a gastronomy party on a plate – at first
glance there appears to be a lot going on here – the
tour closer is light and refreshing.
As shirt buttons begin to pull and belt buckles
start to cut in, our tour is over and we’re sent on our
heavier merry way. A final word from our guide? “Get
a great night’s rest and sleep with your bellies up.”
Got it. /
d u b a i
59
the vision
Dubai’s Tourism Vision
for 2020 explained
breaking
records
Tourism growth
in numbers
in the news
The latest news from the
Department of Tourism and
Commerce Marketing
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
61
details
In 2012 Dubai
welcomed 10
million visitors
for the first time.
The “Vision for
Tourism” is that
by 2020, this will
be doubled so
m
that the emirate
is welcoming
20 million per
year. This will
be achieved by
maintaining
existing market
share in key source
markets; increasing
a
k
i
awareness in
new markets;
and increasing
the number of
repeat visits.
The Department
of Tourism and
Commerce
Marketing (DTCM)
n
g
is responsible for
delivering this
Vision.
focus for DTCM:
to make Dubai the
world’s leading
family destination
by expanding the
existing offer of
hotels, attractions
and experiences;
to transform Dubai
key
pillars
To help attract more
visitors, there are
three key areas of
h
i
s t
o
“As a city we have done a very good job in building
awareness of Dubai. Part of our new strategy is to adapt
our marketing approach to showcase Dubai to an
even wider audience but also to grow the conversion
rate of awareness to bookings, making sure that a
potential visitor doesn’t just know about Dubai -he
views it as his next holiday or business destination.”
from the regions
events hub to
a global events
destination; and to
build on Dubai’s
reputation is a
leading business
destination
worldwide.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri,
Director General of DTCM
r y
“We are aware that such
goals are ambitious, but
more important than
ambition is realising
these goals in reality. We
are confident that the
Department of Tourism and
Commerce Marketing is
capable of achieving what it
aims for given the previous
accomplishments and the
positive results attained.”
His Highness Sheikh
Mohammad bin Rashid Al
Maktoum, Vice-President and
Prime Minister of the UAE and
Ruler of Dubai
the first half of 2013 was the busiest six months in dubai’s history as a tourist and commerce destination.
it’s time to number crunch.
“Tourism is a key contributor
to our economy, both
benefiting from as well as
contributing to a host of
sectors including trade,
aviation, hospitality and
retail. The Dubai Tourism
Vision 2020 is a natural fit to
the ambitious development
that the city witnesses today
and will further drive the
growth of the economy.”
His Excellency
Mohamed Alabbar,
Chairman of the Dubai
Events Council
/
/
/
/
/
/
2013
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
The year starts off with a bang:
1.7 million visitors head to the
Downtown Dubai celebrations,
and the spectacular Burj
Khalifa fireworks – which are
broadcast to a global television
audience of 2.5 billion.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid
Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President
and Prime Minister and Ruler
of Dubai, approves Dhs6 billion
‘Bluewaters’ project in Jumeirah
Beach Residence, Dubai Marina
Figures show that 2012 was a record
year for Dubai World Trade Centre,
with more than 1.85 million visitors
and circa 37,000 companies using the
events as a trading, promotional and
sales platform for the MENASA region
Dubai World Trade Centre
announces that it welcomed
a remarkable 140,000 fans
to live events and concerts
in the first quarter of 2013,
hosting 12 world-class
events over three months.
Dubai Duty Free
announces US$874
million profits for H1
2013 – buoyed by the
increase in travellers
numbers at Dubai
International Airport.
The official grand opening
of the JW Marriott Marquis
Dubai, the world’s tallest
hotel, closes the month with
a glamorous event featuring a
performance from Leona Lewis
and a visit from Donna Karan.
Dubai International Airport becomes
the world’s second busiest airport
for international passenger traffic,
overtaking Paris Charles de Gaulle
for the first time, according to
Airports Council International’s
monthly traffic report.
His Highness
Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid al
Maktoum approves
the Dubai Tourism
Vision for 2020:
to welcome 20
million visitors a
year by 2020.
In its 18th edition, Dubai
Shopping Festival continues
to entice millions of shoppers
from around the world
with 30 days showcasing
‘Dubai at its Best’.
62
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i
DTCM opens a new office in
Sao Paolo, Brazil, taking the
total number of overseas
offices working together to
promote Dubai as a business
and tourism destination to 19.
Emirates Airlines
announces its
25th consecutive
year of profit.
d e f i n i t e l y
Emaar and Meraas launch
their budget hotel brand
in Dubai - ‘Dubai Inn’,
providing a further boost
to the diversification of
the city’s tourism offering.
d u b a i
63
DTCM overseas
The recent opening of DTCM’s fourth office in China has
brought its overseas offices to 20. The department now
has offices in: New York, London (the UK and Ireland), Paris,
Frankfurt, Sweden, Milan, Bern (Switzerland and Austria),
Moscow, Johannesburg, Jeddah, Riyadh, Mumbai, Beijing,
Guangzhou, Shanghai, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Tokyo,
Sydney and Sao Paulo.
Hotel drive
The hotel investment industry has
been given a financial incentive to
develop more mid-range hotels in
Dubai.
Eligible hotels will be granted
a concession on the standard 10
per cent municipality fee, which
is levied on the room rate for each
night of occupancy.
The initiative is designed
to incentivise hotel owners to
bring forward their construction
timelines, creating more three and
four-star hotel rooms in Dubai more
quickly.
Investors in new hotels will
be granted a waiver on the fee for
a period of four years from the
date the permit to construct is
granted, and provided that this
date is between October 1, 2013 and
December 31, 2017.
Ticketing ease
A fully integrated e-licensing and
ticketing system for all events in
Dubai has been approved by His
Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE VicePresident, Prime Minister and Ruler
of Dubai.
The system, to be managed
by the DTCM, will include a
centralised platform for the sale and
distribution of tickets for all events
in Dubai. It will also help develop
the events sector in the emirate
by facilitating greater efficiency
64
in the
news
Department of Tourism
and Commerce Marketing
for event organisers and for the
government entities responsible for
granting permits.
The platform will be provided
to all event organisers, venues and
existing ticketing outlets, either as a
consumer-facing ticketing solution
or as a back-end interface with their
existing e-ticketing system. Hotels,
airlines, tour operators, travel agents
and other ticket aggregators will
be able to subscribe to the system,
increasing the amount of marketing
and distribution channels available
to event organisers and ways in
which tourists can book tickets.
Health check
The United Arab Emirates will host
the 34th International Congress of
the International Society of Blood
Transfusion (ISBT) in 2016, after
winning a competitive bid process
which also included Paris, Rome and
Copenhagen.
More than 4,000 leading
healthcare professionals are
d e f i n i t e l y
expected to travel to the UAE to
attend the seven-day event, which
will be held under the patronage of
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed
bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE
Vice-President, Prime Minister and
Ruler of Dubai. The bid was led by
the Ministry of Health, with support
from the UAE Embassy in Holland,
Dubai Convention and Events
Bureau and Dubai World Trade
Centre, where the Congress will
be held.
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
China expansion
In a move to further strengthen ties
with China, the DTCM has opened a
fourth office in the country, bringing
the department’s total number of
overseas offices to 20.
The new office is located in
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan
province in Southwest China,
and one of the most important
economic, transportation and
communication centres in the
country. Other DTCM offices are
located in Beijing, Shanghai and
Guangzhou.
Figures show that around
250,000 Chinese visitors stayed
in the emirate in 2012, either on
holiday or on business visits. In the
first half of 2013, Dubai attracted
more than 143,000 Chinese visitors
– an increase of 16 per cent when
compared to the same period last
year.
d u b a i
CMY
K
6
The number
of new routes
Emirates is
launching this
season. Routes:
clark,
philippines
from October 1
new york
via Milan, from
October 1
conakry
from October 7
sialkot
from November 5
kabul
from December 4
kiev
from January 16
10
The number
of episodes
that make up
the National
Geographic
Channel’s new
series about Dubai
International
Airport, which
takes viewers
behind the scenes,
from check-in
and customs
to security and
shopping
12
The number of
allocated seats
now available
on budget
airline flydubai’s
new business
class service
dubai international airport Ranked the second busiest airport in the world in terms of international
passengers, Dubai International Airport covers over 1.9 million square metres. More than 57 million passengers
passed through the airport last year, which comprises three terminals – terminal 1 serves all airlines; terminal 2
serves scheduled, charter, and special flights (pilgrimage); terminal 3 is dedicated for use by Emirates Airline. And
following the opening of Concourse A in January 2013, the collective capacity of all three terminals is expected to
reach 65.4 million in 2013, 78 million in 2015 and 98 million by 2020. Checking in has never been more interesting.
66
d e f i n i t e l y
d u b a i