WIN!

IVING,
Dubai Edition GO SCUBA D April 2011 Issue 396
ND
PLAY GOLF A
BREAK
TAKE A MINI-
– ON US!

BEST-KEPT SECRETS
INCLUDING THE FREE ALFRESCO GYM, HIDDEN
UAE DHS 10 OMAN RO 1.000

DIVING SPOTS, THE BUDGET BRUNCH... AND MORE!

ALSO INSIDE:
WIN A MEET AND GREET
WITH ERYKAH BADU,
MAROON 5 AND WESTLIFE!
+ PLUS DUBAI’S BEST CHEESECAKES AND THE CHILL OUT FESTIVAL +
 Japanese cuisine, a cut above the rest

Armani/Hashi, the Japanese restaurant and lounge in Armani Hotel Dubai, introduces the
Friday brunch offering guests an eclectic selection of Japanese cuisine - from Sushi and
Sashimi to Maki, Robatayaki, Tepanyaki, salads, soups and a sumptuous selection of mouth-
watering desserts. The freshest fish flown in daily from accross the globe, are complemented
by a selection of specialty beverages. A live Odeng Bar will add to the choices for connoisseurs,
while enjoying panoramic terrace views of the iconic Dubai Fountain to make the dining
experience a delight for all the senses. Experience Armani/Hashi with this exclusive offer of
15% off your total bill while you enjoy the Friday brunch*.

* Terms & Conditions apply. Price starting from AED 295

Please present this voucher to avail your discount. Offer valid until 30th June 2011.

Burj Khalifa Dubai UAE Telephone +971 4 888 3888 reservation@armanihotels.com www.armanihotels.com
Contents
Features
14 35
103 best-kept secrets
Think you know Dubai?
Well, think again, with
Here & Now
We engage 1980s
stars Paul Young
p28
our rundown of the and Curiosity Killed
city’s finest hidden The Cat in nostalgic
gems conversation

28 38
Cheesecakes Maroon 5
From passion fruit to The arena-filling
Snickers toppings, we rockers chat ahead of
take a fork to Dubai’s 20 their Dubai World Trade
best dessert delights Centre show

31 41
Chill Out Festival Westlife
Hot Chip, Matthew The Irish heartthrobs
Herbert and more talk spill the beans on life
to us about the relaxed without former member
two-day fest Brian McFadden

GETTY

p41
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 3
The round-up
p50
10 75
Salaam Mind & body
The April low-down: We examine therapy
hots and nots, places techniques, visit
to be, Middle Eastern SensAsia Urban Spa,
art with Christie’s pick the globe’s premier
expert Jussi Pylkkänen, spa treatments and this
a peek at Clique and month’s deals
rumours
85
12 Sport & outdoor
Win, win, win! Daredevil bike stunts
Picnic On The Park with the Red Bull
tickets, golf for four at X-Fighters World Tour,
Dubai Creek Golf & turning bored into
Yacht Club and a hotel boarding, learning golf
stay are up for grabs and Mr Fitness's advice

44 93
Films Music
Jack Sparrow is back Musician of the month
in the latest Pirates DaNnY, plus the full
Of The Caribbean, clubland picture,
plus Thor, Fast Five, including Ministry
The Hangover Part II, Of Sound’s 20th
Water For Elephants, anniversary celebration
Something Borrowed
and The Way 97
Travel
47 We go east to the island
Eating out of Singapore, pre-
Our BBQ guide, summer getaways and
Saturday brunches, travel presenter Martyn
Jamie’s Italian, new Andrews talks holidays
Indian restaurant
Amala, Aussie gourmet 105
café chain Jones The Hot lists

p79
Grocer, craving Santi Smashing the
Santamaria’s pastilla thermometer with
and essential food the hottest bars,
news restaurants, brunches
and spas
59
Art 122
Bonhams' big Backchat
Orientalism and Catboy gets his claws
photography sale, as into dodgy rental
well as news and the agencies
best exhibitions

67
Shopping
Hit the racks without
wrecking the planet
with our eco shopping

p44
recommendations, plus
the best new books
and Sophia solves your
wardrobe woes

4 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 buy one dinner,
get one free
at Park Hyatt.

Use your Visa Gold card at Park Hyatt. Enjoy a complimentary main
course meal when you purchase a meal at select Park Hyatt restaurants.
For reservations call +971 4 602 1234.

Exclusive participating restaurants:

Park Hyatt, Dubai: The Thai Kitchen Ϲ Traiteur Ϲ Café Arabesque

Offer valid 01 March 2011 through 31 December 2011, subject to availability. For full terms and conditions, please visit visamiddleeast.com/gold
 IN THE JUNGLE, WHEN THE SUN RETIRES,
THE FUN RETURNS AS THE SLEEK AND BEAUTIFUL GATHER

Cabana WHERE EVERYTHING COMES TO LIFE

After a day in the urban jungle, the most reserved

creatures are lured out of hiding. Something stirs at sunset.
But is it you?… or the exquisite cocktails in Cabana? Maybe
it’s the shishas? Allow yourself to be instinctively drawn to
where you will find the answer.

Feel the primal urge as daily Happy Hour arouses your senses
between 6:30pm and 9:00pm.
Cabana lounge opens daily from 6.30pm to 11.30pm.

T +971 4 438 8888 DUBAIMALL@THEADDRESS.COM

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

Senior Editor
Mark Evans | marke@motivate.ae
Deputy Editor
Helen Spearman | helen@motivate.ae
Features Editor
Gareth Rees | gareth@motivate.ae
Features Editor Abu Dhabi
Drinking coffee, p55
Adam Workman | adam@motivate.ae
Chief Sub Editor
Iain Smith | iains@motivate.ae
Senior Designer
Sheila Carino-Deocareza | sheila@motivate.ae
Editorial Assistant/Picture Researcher
Hilda D’Souza | hilda@motivate.ae
Jing Flores | londresa@motivate.ae
Picture Researcher – Gulfpics
Wayne Fernandez | wayne@motivate.ae

Contributors
Naveed Ahmed, Victor Besa, James Brennan,
Louise Browne, Stef Burgon, Vikram Gawde, Finding hidden
James Houghton, Catherine Jarvie, Russell
Kempson, Richard Luck, Farooq Salik, Testing cheesecake, p28 gems, p14
Simon Smedley, Sophia Serin

Editor’s note
General Manager
Production and Circulation
S Sasidharan | sasidharan@motivate.ae
Production Manager
Sudhakar Chandran | sudhakar@motivate.ae
Production Controller
Murali Krishnan | muralik@motivate.ae

General Manager – Group Sales
Anthony Milne | anthony@motivate.ae
Senior Advertisement Manager
Dale Isaac | dale@motivate.ae
Advertisement Manager
Varsha Bhatia | varsha@motivate.ae
General Manager, Abu Dhabi
Joe Marrit | joe@motivate.ae
Advertisement Manager, Abu Dhabi
Darryl Wiley | darryl@motivate.ae
Annual Subscription GCC Dhs120 other countries US$70
(including Airmail charges)
Head Office: PO Box 2331, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 282 4060, Fax: +971 4 282 4436,
E-mail: motivate@motivate.ae
Dubai Media City: Office 508, 5th Floor,
Building 8, Dubai, UAE,
Tel: +971 4 390 3550, Fax: +971 4 390 4845
Abu Dhabi: PO Box 43072, UAE,
Tel: +971 2 677 2005, Fax: +971 2 677 0124,
E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
London: Acre House, 11/15 William Road,
London NW1 3ER, UK,
E-mail: motivateuk@motivate.ae
Dubai’s a great place to live, but like every other city in the world,
it’s even better if you know where to find its hidden gems. Those
backstreet cafés that the locals swear by, the bargain stores with
discount designerwear for less, the off-the-beaten-track bars; life in
the big city’s more fun if you know the tips and tricks. That’s where we come in. The 103
best-kept secrets is What’s On Dubai’s annual foray into secrets-ville – our third (after 101,
102… see what we did there?) and while it took some considerable effort to compile
(as Team What’s On complained to me daily), I think it’s our best yet. See for yourself,
on p14. And if there are any Dubai secrets that you know of – that you’d like to share,
anyway – please do get in touch, as the team is already wondering how they’re going
to come up with 104 new secrets for next year…
One thing we do know, however; April is going to be a busy old month. Hot on the
heels of last month’s music special, Dubai’s once again putting on a musical feast,
with appearances by Westlife, Maroon 5 and a whole host of cool names at this year’s
Chill Out Festival (my tip: don’t miss The Cinematic Orchestra, they’re ace). Never ones
to miss a trick, we’ve ticket giveaways for all the big gigs, plus, better still, we’re also
offering a chance to win a meet and greet with the stars. Yeah, that’s how we roll.
Enjoy the issue.

Printed by Emirates Printing Press, Dubai

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 9


Salaam!
Avoid looking an April fool with our abridged guide
What’s hot
The royal wedding
A number of local hotels are going
all out in celebration of Wills’
wedding to Kate on April 29.
Raffles is our pick. The hotel
will be showing the ceremony
on eight screens and putting
on a British buffet feast,
including a traditional roast.
Apr 29, Raffles Dubai, Oud Metha, Dubai,
from 11am, Dhs450. Tel: (04) 3248888
Gulf Film Festival
Catch films by directors from the Arabian
Peninsula at the fourth annual edition of
the Gulf Film Festival.
Apr 14 to 20, InterContinental DFC and
Grand Cinemas, Dubai Festival City, Dubai,
free. www.gulffilmfest.com
Adopting a cat
Feline Friends, the charity that rescues
sick and homeless cats, has named April
16 Adopt A Cat Day. Turn up at the Vet
Hospital in Al Quoz and choose your new
furry little friend.
Apr 16, Vet Hospital, Al Quoz. Tel: (050)
4510058. www.vet-hosp.com
What’s not
Rubbish bar music
Why can’t Dubai’s bars get their soundtrack
right? It’s too loud, inappropriate or just
plain bad. Main offenders are Dubai Marina
Yacht Club (banging house and party tunes)
and Shades at The Address Dubai Marina
(too excitable, and far too loud).
Chill. Out.
Ridiculous signage
You’re driving along and there it is, “Before
leaving your house, plan your route”. The
only place that sign would be useful is
pinned to your fridge.
10 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
We're officially part of the Twitterati.
Follow us at WhatsOnDubai for
exclusive updates on nightlife,
restaurants and more around the
UAE. Tweet yourself.
Guess list
Who was that someone said
was coming to the Emirates?
80%
FOO FIGHTERS
Former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl and
the lads do a cracking live set, and with a new
album set for release this year a little birdie
tells us they’re likely to pay a visit to the UAE.
65%
KATY PERRY
As the better half of surreal Brit-wit Russell
Brand, Perry is the female half of Holly-
wood’s new odd couple. She appears in
the film version of The Smurfs this year, and word on the street is that the teenage pop-
rumour has it she’s also set to appear on a ster will follow soon.
stage near you.
45%
We told you so...
Joe Cocker
JUSTIN BIEBER May 22, Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai. Look
Bieber’s mentor Usher played one of the out for our feature in May’s issue.
UAE’s most popular gigs last month and
This month we’re going to…
PICNIC ON THE PARK
The theme of Picnic On The Park this year,
once again, is Bond to Bollywood. Expect
film scores from The Blue Groove Orchestra,
including The Godfather, Rocky and the
James Bond movies, strings from Ovidio De
Ferrari and his musicians and a host of West
End dancers and entertainers. Turn to p12 to
win tickets to the event.
Apr 8, Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai,
Dhs200 to Dhs475. www.picniconthepark.ae

Five Questions… Jussi Pylkkänen
Christie’s was the first
international auction house
to open a dedicated
Middle East operation. As
president of Christie’s for
Europe, the Middle East and
Russia Jussi Pylkkänen will
act as auctioneer at the
Middle East season’s
CHECK OUT
first sale of modern and THE INSIDER'S
contemporary Arab, PICK OF THE
AUCTION, p62
Iranian and Turkish art
President of Christie's for the Middle East. encourage the arts in the region. Since
What qualifies you for that position?
I am a frequent visitor to the Middle East,
both professionally and personally. I have a
deep interest in the history, art and culture
of the region and have been fortunate to
build strong friendships, over many years,
with collectors in the region.
What are the star items at the sale?
It will be particularly interesting to see how the Dr Mohammed Said Farsi collection.
the six Saudi Arabian lots do. They are all
members of a group of artists known as Edge Mahmoud Said’s Whirling Dervishes, it sold
Of Arabia. We’ve sold works by these artists
before, and they were much admired. This
sale is a fundraiser to enable the expansion of ever sold. It was quite a moment.
Edge Of Arabia’s education programme and
art workshops in Saudi Arabian schools and
universities. We are fortunate to have some
wonderful highlights but, with estimates
from $2,000, we want to encourage people
to come and look.
What’s your opinion of the art scene
in Dubai?
We are fortunate that there are so many
SEVILLE’S FLAMENCO
FESTIVAL
Anyone who wants to immerse themselves
in Spanish culture for the evening can head
down to Seville's Flamenco Festival to enjoy
a three-course meal while watching Espana
Bravo Flamenco strut their stuff. There's
also a special performance at Wafi's Peanut
Butter Jam on April 29.
Apr 25 to 28, Seville’s, Wafi, Oud Metha,
Dubai, 9pm, Dhs145. Tel: (04) 3244555. www.
wafi.com
GIRL
ABOUT
TOWN
Each month
Dubai 92’s
Geordie Bird
reports back
from the UAE’s
hottest new
bars
THIS MONTH:
CLIQUE,
EMIRATES
What does it look like? TOWERS
Positioned on the roof
institutions, private collectors, deck beside the pool and
artists, galleries, art fairs, and health club, this bar can only be described
magazines that help shape and as 'very Dubai'. As you sip on cocktails
people workout in the gym and then
we opened an office in Dubai in 2005 and wander past in just a towel. Which isn't
began to hold our regular sales here, the always a bad thing...
huge appetite for art in the region has Who goes there?
astonished me. There were a lot of 30-plus business types
What's the highest price you've ever sold in the bar on Wednesday night.
a piece of art for at auction? Any bar nibbles?
One of my high points in Dubai took place Yeah, there are a few bar snacks, such
last October when we offered 30 works from as spring rolls and bruschetta. But go
straight for the chocolate truffles... if they
When I finally put down the hammer on have any left! I did take Big Lou as my
plus one.
for a world record $2,546,500 making it the Gulp. Hope they had enough stocks.
most expensive Middle Eastern painting Drink recommendations?
The cocktails were great but the
What's been the biggest bargain? champagne was better.
There are always bargains at auction. People When should you go?
associate Christie’s with million dollar lots, Ladies night on a Tuesday, and it gets
but the majority of our business is done at a busy at the weekends. I was there on a
much lower level. Wednesday night and it was full enough
to have a good atmosphere but not so full
Apr 20, Modern and Contemporary Arab, you couldn't grab one of the nice seating
Iranian and Turkish Art, Jumeirah Emirates areas and patio heaters.
Towers Hotel, Dubai. www.christies.com How's the service?
Fabulous, friendly staff.
What's the taxi situation?
Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
GEORDIEBIRD’S VERDICT:
Make sure you plan your night out around
FASHION STILLS some great Dubai weather because the
Sofitel’s Fashion Stills exhibition is showing bar is on the roof deck. And it's worth
work by photographers Derek Hudson, noting that DJ Rossi won't be swayed to
Francoise Huguier, Jean-Marie Perier and play cheesy tunes. No matter how nicely
Gerard Uferas. The snappers have worked you ask.
on shows by top fashion houses such as Clique, Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dior, Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier and YSL, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3198088. www.jumeirah.com
and the images on display paint a picture
of life both on the catwalk and behind
the scenes. Find us at
Fashion Stills, Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, www.facebook.com/WhatsOnDubai
The Walk, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4484848
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 11
 R
NTE NS,
TO E PETITIO E
O M AIL E.A
SE C E-M IVAT
THE IMPLY @MOT ,

Win with What’s On

S ON SWER THE
ATS
TH WH OUR AN RIZE IN
WI HY FP
WIN WIT AME O LINE
TH E N JECT
AND SUB

WIN! TICKETS TO PICNIC
ON THE PARK
Kickback on a blanket, nibble on canapés and be entertained
by a live 40-piece orchestra playing the best movie soundtracks
ever. Guest artists include violinist Anna Phoebe, who has
performed with Aerosmith, singer Austin Drange and soul-jazz
vocalist Natalie Williams. Starting at 4pm, this family friendly
event is taking over the lawns at Dubai Media City and we
have a pair of Picnic Lounge tickets to give away, which include
welcome drink and unlimited canapés. The theme of this year’s
Picnic On The Park is ‘Bond To Bollywood’, so you can look
forward to tracks from the likes of Rocky, Slumdog Millionaire,
Moulin Rouge and, of course, James Bond.
To be in with a chance of winning, simply tell us…
In the song Teddy Bear’s Picnic, where is the picnic
happening?
a) The woods
b) The helipad of Burj Al Arab
c) Sharjah
WIN! A DISCOVER
SCUBA DIVING EXPERIENCE
Explore the beautiful waters around the UAE, with a scuba diving
session for beginners from Emirates Divers. You'll learn diving theory
and have a lesson in the pool, before heading beneath the waves.
Suitable for those over ten years old, the Discover Scuba Diving
Experience is the ideal introduction to the underwater world.
For your chance to win, tell us ...
What is the name of the main character in the Disney movie
The Little Mermaid?
a) Ariel
b) Daz
c) Persil

WIN! GOLF FOR FOUR AT

DUBAI CREEK GOLF & YACHT
WIN! AN OVERNIGHT STAY CLUB
AT THE CROWNE PLAZA An oasis of green and calm in the city, and right on the creek, this
golf course is one of Dubai’s sporting gems. The championship
DUBAI-DEIRA greens are also packed with features including water hazards, all in
Treat yourself to a suite stay in the city, with private check-in and the shadow of the city’s skyline. To help you enjoy the par 71 and
check out at the 6th floor Club Lounge reception, with this prize the lovely weather while you can, we have a mid-week four-ball
from Crowne Plaza Dubai-Deira. One lucky reader will win an game worth Dhs1,800 for one lucky club-wielding reader.
overnight stay for two in an Executive Suite, including breakfast in For your chance to win, you’ll have to get this answer right.
the Club Lounge or Sails Restaurant, and complimentary cocktails Which country is widely considered to be the ‘home’ of golf?
and canapés in the evening. The hotel is ideally located for a) Fiji
exploring around the b) Lithuania
creek and gold souks, or c) Scotland
you can just relax by the
outdoor pool. For your
chance to win, simply
tell us...
What is the name of
the hotel's signature
restaurant?
a) Sugar Island
b) Spice Island
c) Salt Island

12 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

THE DUBAI MALL 04. 3399472

DEIRA CIT Y CENTRE 04. 2943057

AL WAHDA MALL 02.4437213

MARINA MALL 02.6811464

ARMANIEXCHANGE.COM/UAE
It’s back, and it’s bigger than ever. We’ve searched the
city streets to find you Dubai’s hidden gems, from the
hottest new beach club and a 300-calorie burger, to free

1 DHS10 MEALS
jui-jitsu classes and the mechanic you can call 24 hours
a day. Want to be in the know? Read on... Kabayan Restaurant is where you’ll
find the Filipino shop assistants who work in
Satwa having lunch. Highly recommended
locally, and super cheap, you’ll get a plateful
of Pinoy fare for a flat rate of Dhs10 and
there’s free karaoke and screening of The
Filipino Channel upstairs, too.
Kabayan Restaurant, Plant Street, Satwa, Dubai

2 SPECIALITY
TEA SHOP
Have a nice sit down and a cup of tea at this
Tecom café, where you can learn about their
range of 100 teas. Do say: ‘Is it hand-picked?’
Don’t say: ‘Cup of PG for me’.
Tea For You, shop6, Thuraya Telecommunications
Tower, Tecom, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4572575

3 HIDDEN
DESERT
RESORT

1
Not many people have heard of The Desert
Ranch at Al Sahra Desert Resort, but it’s well
worth a visit. You can learn to ride a horse
(Dhs1,500 to Dhs2,450), cuddle a camel
(Dhs200), join in with a fireside sing-along
(Dhs50) or visit a Bedouin farm (Dhs50).
The Desert Ranch, Al Sahra Desert Resort, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 8327171. www.desert-ranch.com

14 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


4 10
PROVEN
OSTEOPATH
One What’s On staffer was 1cm taller after a trip
to osteopath Stephen Richardson. He’s that good.
MediCentre, Motor City, Dubai, Dhs400. Tel: (04)
3608866
5 HEALTHY PIZZA 11 24-HOUR
Us pizza lovers have waited years,
RUSSIAN CAFÉ
but it’s finally here. NKD Pizza uses healthy
ingredients, such as wholemeal flour, so
pizzas are better for you. Our favourite is the
Smokehouse (Dhs29 to Dhs49).
12
NKD Pizza, Dubai Marina, Dubai.
DOOR-TO-
Tel: (04) 4534313. www.nkdpizza.com
DOOR SHOE
6 BAKERYSECRET SATWA REPAIR
A lone, industrious baker standing at a hole-
in-the-wall forming balls of dough ready for
a makeshift stone oven. They come out as the
freshest, fluffiest bread you could wish for.
Al Shams Bakery, Al Satwa Road, opposite
Emarat, Satwa, Dhs1 a bag
7 DOOR-TO-
DOOR SHISHA
Specialist shop Rabsha Smoking has a vast
selection of shisha pipes and can post them
anywhere in the world should you want to
spread the flavoured smoky love.
Rabsha Smoking, Ground Floor, Sheikh Ahmad
Building, Al Badaa Road, Satwa, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3422554
8
BACKSTREET
ANTIQUITIES
SHOP
In this dusty Al Quoz warehouse you’ll
find mountains of furniture and objects
d’art from around the world. There’s also
amazing jewellery pieces from Yemen, some
nice budget friendly pashminas and home
furnishings.
Antique Museum, Al Quoz. Tel: (04) 3479935
9 BUDGET
BRITISH
BRUNCH
Mövenpick’s Full Monty Saturday brunch is a
real bargain, stocked to the gills with British
classics such as roast beef and Yorkshire
pudding, fully cooked English breakfast and
jam roly-poly. All for less than Dhs200.
Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments, Bur Dubai,
Dubai, noon to 3pm, Dhs195. Tel: (04) 3366000.
www.moevenpick-burdubai.com
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
7
DHS100
MASSAGE
One of the cheapest massages in town, and
they’re good quality, too. Also recommended
is the reflexology (Dhs80 for 30 minutes).
Open for both ladies and gents.
Mary Foot Spa, JBR, Dubai. Tel: (04) 2887077
Got a craving for borscht? At 4am? With free
Wi-Fi? Now you know where to go.
Antalya Café, Fortune Tower, JLT, Dubai
If you’re schlepping around town in your
dirty, broken clod hoppers because you’re
14 EVENING
ATTIRE HIRE
It’s not easy finding a reliable tuxedo rental
too skint to buy a new pair, too lazy to clean shop in Dubai. Cue Murad Boutique in
them, or just don’t know where to have them Satwa, the place for all your dinner jacket
fixed, give Ndust a call. Ndust will pick up needs. There’s a Dhs1,000 deposit, but the
your shoes, repair them or clean them and cost of the penguin suit hire is just Dhs250.
bring them right back to you. Murad Boutique, Al Dhiyafa Street, Satwa,
Ndust Shoe Repairs, Al Barsha 1, Rabwah Building, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3458979
15
Shop 5, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 10am to 9pm. Tel: (04)
3255016. www.ndustshoes.com HIDDEN
SOFTBALL
13 FREE JUI-
FIELD
JITSU CLASS If you’re into softball – and who isn’t? – and
Want to learn the Brazilian version of this looking for somewhere to swing your bat,
martial art for gratis? This studio will teach Dubai Softball Field is located on the playing
you the basics during a free 40-minute session. fields next to the Metropolitan Hotel, Sheikh
Emirates Jui-Jitsu Centre, behind Mall Of The Zayed Road.
Emirates, Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4475120
INSIDER
SECRET
Chef Norberto
Palacios, Asado
16 AUTHENTIC
ARGENTIN-
EAN TEA
“I only know of one place that sells our
authentic Argentinean tea, yerba mate,
and that’s Lifco Supermarket. My family
and I like to go to the SZR branch in
Zabeel, stock up on tea and choose our
6
favourite items from the supermarket’s
daily bakery produce. Everything is
freshly baked. I highly recommend
the Lebanese fatayers (mini spinach or
meat triangles).”
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 15
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS

22
17 CUT N’ SHAVE 21 STREET
TRADITIONAL
BARBERS
BACK-
KOREAN DINER
17
25 KICKBOXING
We’d go just for a photo in the red vintage Korean and Japanese cuisine under one roof
chairs, they’re so cool, but happily a great (and often on the same plate) at great prices.
cut will only cost you Dhs15. And, as you’d Far from a grimy diner, Koreana is a clean, FOR KIDS
expect, old school shaves are also a speciality. friendly spot for unusual eats, with a tasty Let your little horrors run riot at Prince
Hussain Mahmood, Satwa Road, Satwa. Tel: (04) seafood hotpot to share for Dhs130. Amir’s gym. Monthly membership is Dhs300
3495628 Koreana, Plant Street, Satwa, Dubai. Tel: (04) for unlimited classes, which is a darn sight
3544354 cheaper than taking them to the mall.

18 DOGGY DAY
22
The Champion Club by Prince Amir, Icon 2, JLT,

CARE DISCOUNT Dubai, Sun, Tues, Thurs 5pm, Dhs300.

DESIGNER
The ultimate doggy day care centre, with
Tel: (050) 6397646

SHOES
vast indoor and outdoor spaces (where they
can be let off-leash), a canine spa, obedience
school, hydrotherapy, and grooming. They
even pick up and drop off.
Paw Pet Planet, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 8848894. www.pawspetplanet.com
No need to schlep to the Outlet Mall for INSIDER
discounted designer gear; Brands For Less
gets big names in store on a regular basis. SECRET
Aside from the Michael Kors heels, there
were Elle Macpherson undies for Dhs15 on Catboy,
Dubai 92

19
our last visit.
CHEAP Brands For Less, Al Bada Building, Plant Street,
PICTURE Satwa, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3455008

26 SECRET
23
FRAMING DH16 CAMPING
If we have pictures to be framed, go to
THREE- SPOT
Satwa’s Desert Frames. Why? Because it
can’t be beaten on speed or price, and it’s HOUR FEAST “Going camping? Let me tell you my
never failed us. It’s good to talk, even more so when you’re secret camping spot, which is near
Desert Frames, Al Biddaa Building, Plant Street, enjoying Motor City Indian Bhoujan’s daily Schwaib. It’s half an hour off-road from
Satwa, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3441354 Dhs16 chat happy hour between 3pm and the Dubai-Hatta Road. Basically, you

20
6pm. Cheap, and very cheerful. follow the flat land between the Hatta
DADS’ Bhoujan, Motorcity, Dubai Mountains and the dunes. Eventually the
ONLINE two meet and there’s a right hook, which

SUPPORT
It’s not just yummy mummies who need
some support. Luckily, Dubai dads can log
onto dubaidadsclub.com to compare notes
on fatherhood in the UAE. There’s a forum, a
fitness expert on hand, giveaways and more.
www.dubaidadsonline.com
24 FILIPINO
FAST FOOD
Red Rose Mart has a supermarket where
fresh bread is baked on site, offers Filipino
cuisine to go and has a lovely outdoor
seating area.
Lake Terrace, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4279793
leads into a large but secluded bowl.
The clear evenings often lead to nights
gazing at starry skies, shooting stars and
planes. The next morning, as the sun rises
above the mountains, the colour of the
dunes is tremendous. There’s no better
place to sit and eat a sausage sandwich.”

16 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS

27
33
LADIES-ONLY
KARATE
Swing out with your sisters, with no Mr
Miyagis in sight.
Seibukan Karate Academy, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (050)
6453767

28
SHOP
AUTHENTIC
GELATO
This tiny gelateria serves scoops of authentic
Italian gelato, from the freshest lemon to
decadent frozen cakes. We particularly
recommend the affogato (Dhs15); vanilla
gelato drenched in a double shot of espresso.
Bacio Gelato, behind Lulu Hypermarket, Barsha,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3232949

29 HOME-MADE
JAMS AND
CHUTNEYS
Lily Bakes is a home-based company making
jams, marmalades and chutneys. Our favourite
is the chili apple chutney and the lemon curd
(not together), Dhs35 a jar. Hampers, desserts
and cakes are also available.

35
www.lilybakes.com

30 DHS45
FILIPINO
32 PERFECT
PRINTING
Take along your favourite picture and Brand
BARGAIN
CASIO
WATCHES
BUFFET In Style printers in Al Quoz will blow it up to Get a slice of old school design with Casio
Mister Inasal, a Filipino favourite, is known full poster size for you to hang on your living watches, complete with mini calculator. We
for its barbecue grills and unlimited garlic room wall. love the gold models for only Dhs75, while
rice, but we love the ginger chicken broth and Brand In Style, Al Quoz, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3408788. the silver watches come in at Dhs150.
pickled carrot salad, all of which you can try www.brandinstyle.ae Classic City, opposite the bus station, Satwa,
for Dhs45. Dubai. Tel: (04) 3491012
Mister Inasal, Juma Khalifa Al Naboodah Building,
off Plant Street, Satwa, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3277200 33 300-
CALORIE
MEALS 36 24/7
MECHANIC
It’s the fast food fan’s dream – a healthy Al Suwaidi International Garage’s manager
INSIDER takeaway that doesn’t make you tubby. Kcal Khalid Nazir will collect your car from
SECRET does everything from soup and salads to
burgers, sarnies and even desserts. All of it
wherever it happens to be, fix it (usually
cheaper than a dealership), and return it back
Scott Price, Verre less than 300 calories. Delivery is available. to you in perfect nick. Weekends, middle of
The café also offers free Wi-Fi. the night, he’s never failed us.

31
CHEF’S
SECRET
GREEK
“After the Music Room I often head
upstairs to Elia. You wouldn’t expect to
find a traditional Greek taverna there.
Big wooden tables, proper Greek food
– there’s even a flower garden.”
Majestic Hotel Dubai, Mankhool Road,
Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04) 359 8888.
www.dubaimajestic.com
Kcal, Lake Terrace Tower, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (050) 4545021
Tel: (04) 4473844. www.kcalhealthyfastfood.com
34 BUDGET
EYELASH
37 DISCOUNT
BRIDAL WEAR
Second-hand stores are a rare find in Dubai,
EXTENSIONS so when we stumbled across this one we
We’ve paid Dhs600 for longer lashes in the struck gold – especially with ball-gowns and
past, so were relieved to get the same treatment bridesmaid dresses for sale from Dhs75.
for a mere Dhs350 at this new salon. Factoid: ‘ukay-ukay’ means ‘second-hand’ or
Pink Nails, Fortune Tower, JLT, Dubai. Tel: (04) ‘to rummage’ in Tagalog.
423068 Ukay-Ukay, behind Al Bada Building, Plant Street,
Satwa, Dubai

18 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


38
BOOK SWAP
CAFÉ
Kas Café offers literature lovers the chance
to swap their well-thumbed paperbacks for
something on the café’s bookshelf. They also
have musicians performing, too. Bonus.
Kas Café, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, D Cluster,
opposite JLT Metro, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4471703
39 CRACKING
PARTY
CATERER
45
SHOP
FANTASTIC
FALAFEL
From small dinners to lavish parties, Myriam
El Soueidi is the foodie whose number you
want in your phone. She’ll whip up canapés,
sandwiches, desserts, three-course menus…
you name it. Simply tell her numbers and your
needs and she’ll come up with the concepts.
Tel: (050) 6259051
40 HIDDEN
RUNNING
TRACK
Fed up of bumping into civilians when you’re expert washing and repairs when needed. This
hammering the tarmac? Head over to JLT and is the place to go. They sell rugs, too.
you’ll find the path around the rather murky
lakes completely devoid of the general public. Dubai. Tel: (04) 3454488
Behind Lake Terrace Tower, JLT, Dubai
41 JAPANESE
HAIR SALON
You will leave the chair at Dubai’s first
Japanese hair salon with a perfect precision
cut every time. Friendly staff and a great
range of Japanese imported products, too.
Miyazaki Hair Salon, Dome 1, Tower 102, behind
Mall Of The Emirates, Al Barsha 1, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3237856. www.salonmiyazaki.com
42 STRESS-FREE
FLOWER
BUYING
We love to give flowers. And when we do, it’s
usually Flowers by Contempo we go to. Try
this quieter branch for a more relaxed flower
purchasing experience.
Flowers by Contempo, Motor City, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 4474353. www.contempodubai.com
43 FISH, CHIPS
AND FOOTY
For your weekly dose of the English Premier
League head to Motor City and cheer on your
team with a portion of fish ‘n’ chips. A perfect
slice of Blightly, without the rain.
London Fish ‘n’ Chips, Motor City, Dubai.
Tel: (800) 566366
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
44
28
CUT-PRICE
CLASSIC
READS
Finding a new bookshop always pleases us,
and New Era at Motor City has a sizeable
collection of Dhs20 classics with fetching
covers. Bargain book shopping you’ll love.
New Era, Motor City, Dubai. Tel: 050 6586317
If you love falafel as much as we do, head to
Al Barsha’s Just Falafel and order up a themed
batch. They serve everything from Lebanese
to Mexican and Japanese styles, from Dhs8.
Just Falafel, Bur Dubai and Barsha. Tel: (04)
3951559. www.justfalafel.com
46 SPECIALITY
RUG REPAIRS
If you’ve invested in an expensive Persian
carpet, then you better look after it with regular
48
Al Madean Carpet Trading, Plant Street, Satwa,
SPECIALIST
MUSIC
47 SAND-FREE
FOOTBALL
Fed up of kicking a ball around on the beach?
LESSONS
Schools in for summer. The Centre For
Musical Arts Dubai’s summer term starts
Hire an indoor five-aside pitch at Ahdaaf April 23, and they’re offering a few rare
sports centre in Al Quoz and you can play the specialities like jazz piano and folk guitar.
beautiful game on a hard surface with proper From Apr 23, Centre For Musical Arts Dubai,
size goals. And there’s air-con for summer. Dubai, Dhs1,250. Tel: (04) 3418872.
Ahdaaf, Al Quoz, Dubai, Dhs 350 to Dhs450 www.cmadubai.com
per hour. Tel: (04) 3441285
SENIOR
ED’S PICK
49
MARVELLOUS
MARINA BAKER
“This one won’t be a secret for long.
The recently opened French-style
boulangerie is already a big hit with
those lucky Marina residents who’ve
stumbled upon it. Freshly baked bread,
35
pastries, sandwiches, coffee and more.
Get it while it’s hot.”
The Bakery, Marina Mansions, Dubai
Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4542770.
www.thebakery.ae
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 19

INSIDER
SECRET
Conor Purcell, editor
Open Skies
50
HIDDEN
BEACH
COVE
“Take the next turn-off after the Jebel
Ali Resort and you can drive right up to
a secluded rocky cove; a secret delight
unknown to few outside the Emiratis
who fish in the area. With significant
coral reef visible, the best time is just
after sunrise, dawn light framing many
emerging fish.”
51
CLASSIC
KITSCH
ITALIAN
You wouldn’t expect to find a classic, homely
Italian boasting a traditional wood-fired
pizza oven in the heart of Al Barsha. But Red
Tomato Pizza fits that description to a tee.
Red Tomato Pizza, Saleh Bin Lahej Building, Al
Barsha, Dubai. Tel: 800866286. www.redtomato.biz
52 GRAVITY
DEFYING
SPORT
Aerial silk is not for the faint hearted but it
promises to turn you into fearless anti-gravity
artist. It’s a great acrobatic work out and a
laugh a minute. You have to try it once.
The Fridge, Al Quoz, Dubai, Dhs75 for a trial class.
Tel: (04) 3477793
53 DH16 THREE-
HOUR FEAST
It’s good to talk, even more so when you’re
enjoying Motor City Indian Bhoujan’s daily
Dhs16 chat happy hour between 3pm and 6pm.
Bhoujan, Motor City, Dubai
54 FREE
ALFRESCO
GYM
At the little-known Al Barsha Park you can
work out for free. To find the park, turn right
after LuLu Hypermarket on Umm Suqeim
Road, continue straight ahead until the third
set of traffic lights, and then turn left. The
park will be on your left. There is a range of
weights and other gym equipment available.
55 TERRIFIC
THAI
TAKEOUT
It’s not easy to find (you’ll need the map on
the website), but the traditional Thai cuisine
cooked by chefs Saing and Lek is something
special. We tend to opt for delivery.
Thai Wok, Al Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4308119.
www.thaiwok.ae
56 ART TO
ORDER
You know you’ve made it when you’re able to
commission your own artwork. Dubai-based
artist Carrie Brummer creates watercolours
and acrylics from Dhs850 and drawings from
Dhs500 in just one month.
E-mail: opalartist@yahoo.com
www.carriebrummer.com
56
54
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
57 PAKISTANI-
ITALIAN CAFÉ
Any eatery bold enough to serve the wildly
different cuisines of these two countries is
worth investigating. Order the chicken tikka
pizza (Dhs37).
Eat’Alley, Shop 3, Summerland Building, behind
Lulu Hypermarket, Al Barsha, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4475409. www.eatalley.ae
58 MUMS’
VIRTUAL PA
A brand new members’ website is the answer
to harassed Dubai mums’ woes, with coffee
mornings, promotions, competitions, a
message board and, most helpfully, a virtual
PA service to help with school registration,
finding nurseries, restaurant and holiday
bookings, and reminder system.
www.mumcierge.ae
59 JAPANESE
STORE
Finding a decent steamer basket in Dubai is
not easy. Ditto authentic miso rice crackers and
proper sushi ingredients. Deans Fujiya has it all.
Deans Fujiya Japanese Supermarket, Oud
Metha Building, near Lamcy Plaza, Oud Metha,
Dubai, Sat to Thurs 10 am to 8.30pm, Fri 5pm to
8.30pm. Tel: (04) 3370503
60 BESPOKE
KIDS’ CARDS
Graphic designer Alexandra Dionisio of
Bubble-U creates bespoke birthday cards
for kids. Children will love their made-just-
for-them cards, and mum and dad will, too
Bubble-U, Dubai. Tel: (050) 9559151.
www.bubble-u.ae
INSIDER
SECRET
Nathalie, Dubai 92
61 SUPER
FRESH
SEAFOOD
“Looking for great seafood? Try
Sammach. The food is cheap and
delicious. It’s by far my favourite seafood
restaurant in Dubai.”
Beach Centre, Beach Road, Jumeirah,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3494140
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 21

45
62 MOTORCYCLE
SWAP SHOP
Aprilia has scooters, dirt bikes and motorcycles
for sale, but if you want to trade in yours then
this is the place to go, and it’s one of the most
respected names in the business.
Warehouse B3, Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3476712. www.apriliame.com
63
BEST BURJ
KHALIFA
PHOTO OP
Sick of seeing knockout photos of the world’s
tallest building? Get yourself to Business Bay
(behind DNATA on SZR) and you’ll be privy
to uninterrupted views, perfect for snapping.
Get there before another skyscraper goes up.
64 FREE CYCLE
CLUB
Cycle Safe Dubai is a group formed to keep
UAE cyclists up to date with all things pedal
powered. They hold regular sessions at Dubai
Autodrome.
Cycle Safe Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (050) 6804528.
www.cyclechallenge.ae
65
WEAR
DISCOUNT
DESIGNER
It might not look it, but the Sconto store
in the Dubai Marina Mall sells designer
brands like See By Chloé at discount prices,
sometimes offering up to 70 per cent off. Grab
yourself a bargain, before word gets out.
Sconto, 1st floor, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3997899
66 DIAL-A-
HANDYMAN
Whether you’re a DIY dummy or just don’t have
the time to get your hands dirty, Jim’ll Fix It can
help. Plumbing, electrical work, painting, DIY,
A/C repair and more are charged by the hour so
you can leave all those jobs to the experts.
Tel: (800) FIX. www.jimwillfixitservices.com
67
DAYTIME
SHAWARMA
DELIVERY
It’s not as easy as you’d think to get a
shawarma before 6pm. Shawermama does a
variety of cheap (Dhs13 to Dhs20) shawarma
all day, both to eat in or delivered. Popular
with the locals, which is always a good sign.
Shawermama, near City Max Hotel, Al Barsha,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 4534704
68 GOURMET
BREAKFAST
DELIVERY
Slept through your alarm? No time to eat your
porridge? Order crepes, waffles, pancakes and
pastries from JLT’s Counter Culture Café and
have them delivered to your home or office.
Green Lakes Serviced Apartments, S2 Tower,
Ground Floor, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4474133
69 NEW
ADRENALIN
ADVENTURE
If you’ve been strapped into a seat with three
wheels, handle bars and sails it’s likely you’ve
tried the little known sport of blokart. If you’ve
never been in that situation, get in it. Now.
Dreamdays, Dubai, Dhs275. Tel: (04) 4329392.
www.dreamdays.ae
65
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
70 CHILDREN’S
STORY CLUB
There’s an international extravaganza for
children at Soda Box, the new retro-style
diner, with Alliance Française reading
traditional Indian stories in French
to children aged six to 12 on Saturday
afternoons from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.
Soda Box, The Pullman, Barsha, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3772353
INSIDER
SECRET
Geordiebird,
Dubai 92
71 FREE-
RUNNING
COURSE
Urban sport Parkour is up there with
snowboarding as being the best fun
you can have with your clothes on
(diving is the best fun you can have
with your clothes off, obviously...).
There wasn’t a single muscle in my
body that didn’t hurt the following
day, including my extra-oculars (the
muscles in your eyes) from staring at
Jonny the instructor.
Emirates International School, Emirates
Hills, Dubai, Dhs350 for ten classes.
E-mail: mannd@
eischools.ae
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 23
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS

INSIDER
SECRET 77 FIT KIT
SPECIALIST
Fight & Power in Tecom is full of lean, mean
INSIDER
SECRET
fighting machines buying apparel, protein
Tom & Dan, Dubai 92 powder, gloves and equipment for MMA, Leah Fielding,
boxing and Muay Thai. You can even buy senior editor, Jumeirah

72 HIDDEN
KOREAN
customised fighting rings and cages. Grrr.
Fight & Power, Shop 2, G+27 Warsan, Tecom, Dubai.
magazine

RESTAURANT
“Our little find is Yehjun, a restaurant
above Safestway on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Everyone knows about the fish place,
but upstairs on the left-hand side, there’s
a little Korean restaurant. Really cheap,
great food and they even have the small
traditional rooms with barbecue pits.”
Safestway Building, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai. Tel: (04) 3211500
Tel: (04) 4572357. www.fightandpower.com
78 PUKKA
BRITISH
CURRIES
Run by a lovely Scouser, Brick Lane is home
to quality, well-priced curries. Particularly
recommended is the chicken dupiaza
(Dhs30). Eat in or take away.
Behind Sharaf DG Metro station, Barsha, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3996786. www.bricklanedubai.com
80
FREE-
RANGE
BUTCHER
“If you enjoy eating red meat, but care
deeply about how the animals are
treated, then New Zealand-based Wallace
Corporation is for you. The animals are
reared on a diet of lush, green grass,
good clean pastures and are free range,
meaning you can enjoy a juicy steak or a
succulent joint without the added guilt.

73
Processed according to Halal guidelines,
GOURMET DEP ED’S
this cut of prime beef is a winner.”
JACKET PICK
Selected Spinneys stores, Dubai

POTATOES

79 SECLUDED 81
This new restaurant serves one thing and one
thing only. Potatoes. Everything from the classic DHS99
beans (Dhs18) to caviar and sour cream (Dhs38). BEACH BAR BILLIARDS
Tubers, Dorrabay Building, Shop 1, Dubai Marina,
JBR, Dubai. Tel: (800) 563. www.tubersonline.com LESSONS
“Jetty Lounge opened under the radar
but it’s about time it got some love. This You, the cue, the table and a professional

74 DUBAI’S
NEWEST
BEACH CLUB
sandy spot offers lovely tapas, chilled
tunes and a great wine list. Perfect for
sundowners or a tête-à-tête.”
One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai Marina,
billiards player. And a few balls. Impress your
pool shark pals with your new skills; it could
be the best investment you ever made.
Dubai Billiard Academy, Shaiba Towers, Tecom,
The brand new, super glam XL Beach Club is Dubai. Tel: (04) 3999999 Dubai, Dhs99. Tel: (050) 1518532. www.
right on the beach, with pools, pagodas, tunes dubaibilliard.com
and a ladies night on Sundays. And it won’t

79
be a secret for long.
XL Beach Club, Habtoor Grand Hotel, Dubai
Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3995000

75 FIVE-STAR
PET HOTEL
Urban Tails animal resort has a doggy boot
camp, limo transport, outdoor swimming
pool, pet butlers, a gym, vets on hand and
hotel suites with plasma TVs. Yeah, for dogs.
Dubai Investment Park, Dubai. Tel: (04) 8848847.
www.urbantailsdubai.com

76 BESPOKE
HANDMADE
JEWELLERY
Part-time jewellery designer Antonia Walsh
uses semi-precious stones, silver and gold,
plus charms and initials to create gorgeous
necklaces. Cool and individual, we love them.
From Dhs400. Tel: (056) 7593053

24 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


INSIDER
SECRET
Nick Zilber, Chief
Concierge, InterConti-
nental Dubai Festival City
82 UNDIS-
COVERED
PEARL MUSEUM
“Given the temperature and sand in
the water, some of the finest pearls in
the world are found in the Gulf. Ali Bin
Abdullah Al Owais was a pearl trader who
went on to establish the Emirates NBD
bank. Whilst he worked in international
banking, he continued to collect pearls
and thus creates one of the world’s finest
collections of pearls, which is now on
display at this Pearl Museum.”
Emirates NBD Tower, Deira, Dubai.
www.pearlmuseum.ae
83 GREAT FISH
CURRY
Bu Qtair Cafeteria can be found on Street
2b at the north end of Umm Suqeim Beach,
but few people have discovered it. Most
would walk straight by the unpreposessing,
makeshift shack opposite the Port, Customs
And Freezone Corporation, but it houses a
curry kitchen run by local fishermen every
evening where you can pick up a fish curry
with bread and rice for Dhs5 or a whole fresh
catch of the day (fried to perfection) for as
little as Dhs25.
Bu Qtair Cafeteria, Street 2b, Umm Suqeim,
Dubai, 7pm to midnight
84 CUSTOM-
MADE
GOLF CLUBS
The TaylorMade Performance Lab provides to accomplish goals during the session.
the ultimate club fitting and swing analyses. Exercises include spear fishing, kayaking, pad
After a two-hour session, you will be able to work fighting off faux woolly mammoths,
accurately capture your swing and analyse
it with one of the clubs professionals. You
will be able to order completely custom
clubs, fitted to improve your swing,
allowing you to hit longer and straighter.
This is the only facility of its kind in the www.cavemanfitness.net
Middle East.
Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai. Tel: (04) 6010101
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS
85 EMIRATI
HONEY
SPECIALIST
Bee Kingdom, a small store in Bur Dubai,
has been in business for over 25 years. It
specialises in pure honey from the Emirates
and all over the gulf. Its best is an Emirati
honey that sells for Dhs500 per kilo. You
can expect staff who are knowledgeable and
89
enthusiastic about their product.
Al Rolla Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3522455
86 FALCONRY
DEMON-
89
STRATION SPECIALITY
Recently, due to efforts by the UAE
Government, falconry was highlighted by BUTCHER
UNESCO as a key part of the Gulf ’s heritage, You won’t find goat in the meat counter at
thus demonstrating how important these Waitrose, so you’ll have to go off the beaten track.
birds are to the people of the UAE. Al Hurr Bastiki has cuts of meat, friendly staff, logs for
Falconry experts provide demonstrations in chopping and an… authentic aroma.
order to educate on the role of falcons in both Bastiki Meat Trading, off Satwa Road, Satwa.
historic and modern Dubai. Tel: (04) 3324077
Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3270070
87 DEIRA DATES
HASSLE-
FREE CAR 90
SHOWROOM PAPERWORK
Dates have been an essential part of the
Middle Eastern diet for thousands of years
Nobody likes a queue. Fortunately, for
Dhs220 iVa will stand in line to renew your
and the UAE is the third largest producer car registration and insurance for you.
of dates in the world. In the Emirates Dates iMan, 404 Kharbash Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Showroom, one of UAE’ s largest suppliers of Dubai. www.imanservices.com/iva
dates, you will be able to see and sample some
of the different products on offer including
plain, pitted and stuffed dates. It’s a great INSIDER
place to pick up some gifts.
Emirates Dates Showroom, Abu Hail Centre,
SECRET
Dubai. Tel: (04) 2690629
Alicia Buller,
88 STONE AGE editor of
Gulf Business
WORKOUT
Sick of being the slow one in your bootcamp?
Tribes, a new concept from Caveman Fitness
Evolution, involves forming your own ‘tribe’
of ten people that work together as a team 91ONLINE
JOB HOP
“Alshabaka.me is an Arabic take on
the LinkedIn concept, with the glaring
advantage of having an Arabic (as well
moving ‘the village’ out of danger and as English) interface. Job hunters and
everything else our cavemen ancestors had to professionals alike are beginning to
achieve. Times and locations are log onto to take advantage of a site
suited to your tribe. specialised in the local career market.
Dhs600 per person for 12 sessions. Expect to see it grow, especially
in the regional microclimate of a
youthful, mobile population seeking
employment.”
www.alshabaka.me
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 25
103 BEST-KEPT SECRETS

SENIOR
DESIGNER’S
96 DANCE
CLOTHING
STORE
INSIDER
SECRET
PICK If you’re a dancer looking for a specialist
dance clothing store in Dubai, you’re Sophia Serin,

92 BRILLIANT probably having a pretty tough time of it. editor,

CHINESE
HOT POT
“Seek out Xiao Fei Yang (Little Mongolian
Sheep) and order the Chinese steam-
boat. Choose spicy or non-spicy, then
add your own ingredients from a selec-
tion of beef and chicken slices, assorted
mushrooms, tofu skin, handmade shrimp
and vegetables.”
Xiao Fei Yang, International City, China Cluster,
Building B03, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4327211
Meeting Love Sports is pretty much your only
option and should have everything you need.
Meeting Love Sports, Palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah
Beach Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3454563
97
BUDGET
PERSONAL-
ISED GIFTS
If you’re after a little something for a
friend, Gift X has it covered with its cheap
personalisation service. For around Dhs30
you can buy key rings, mugs and more and
have a personal message printed.
Emirates Woman
101
ORGANIC
BAKING
DAY
“Curb your carb cravings and visit The
Organic Café in The Dubai Mall every
Tuesday for freshly baked bread that is
gluten and wheat free. They only bake
once a week and by the end of the day
most of it has gone, so get in fast, or
better still call to place an order.”

93 HIDDEN DIVE Gift X, Dragon Mart, International City, Dubai. The Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3384822
Tel: (04) 3687188. www.dragonmart.ae
SPOT
98 30 TYPES OF
Recommended for snorkelers, though

shallow, Ras Al Gharab boasts stunning coral
scenery. Sea turtles forage in the sea grass
meadows and hawksbill turtles have also
nested on the nearby beaches; a great daytrip
destination just a short distance from the city.
Drive to Abu Dhabi; Ras Al Gharab is eight nautical
miles from Abu Dhabi (bearing 055degT)
MANAKISH
If you’re a fan of manakish, or Lebanese
pizza, as we like to call it, then Akawi Oven
is the place for you. More than 30 different
varieties, from the classic cheese to hotdog.
They also do manakish wraps. Delivery only.
Akawi Oven, 1 Lake Plaza, PR Level, JLT, Dubai.
102 DUBAI
ANIME CLUB
Exactly as the name suggests, this is a club for
those interested in Japanese anime. The group
brings together anime fans from across Dubai
and is a one-stop shop for all things anime in
the UAE.

94 RARE
MAGAZINES
Tel: (04) 4474404 Dubai Anime Club. www.facebook.com/
dubaianimeclub

STORE
Hidden away in Satwa is Arabic bookshop
Dar Al Hikmah Book Shop, which has one of
the finest collections of magazines in the city.
Dar Al Hikmah Book Shop, Al Diyafah Street,
Satwa, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3459953
FEATURES
ED’S PICK
99 PHOTO
DARKROOM
103 GAELIC
GAMES
Anyone who still prefers the hands-on
process involved in film photography to the Get all Celtic with Gaelic football, hurling
new world of digital may be having a hard and camogie. You can train with the Dubai
time finding a darkroom in Dubai. Your Celts who arrange monthly matches within
search is now over. Tashkeel arts centre in the UAE and international tournaments.
Nad Al Sheeba 1 allows members to use their Men, women and children are all welcome.
darkroom free of charge, though you might www. dubaicelts.com
have to pay for some chemicals. Weekly
membership is Dhs200, monthly is Dhs700.

95
Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheeba 1, behind Nad
SECLUDED Al Sheeba Health Centre, Dubai. Tel: (04)
DESERT 3363313. www.tashkeel.org

ISLAND
“If you’re looking for a camping spot
to boast about, Martini Rock is it. Head
to Khor Fakkan Corniche in Fujairah,
100EMIRATES
STAMP CLUB
If you’re into philately (that’s stamp collecting
find yourself a willing boatman on the for those who aren’t), why not put in an
beach and ask him to take you to Martini application to join the Emirates Philatelic

Rock. You can haggle, but it should be
around Dhs600. Within 20 minutes you’ll
be dropped off on a deserted beach
surrounded on three sides by rocks and
on the fourth by the sea. Peace at last.”
92
Association. Set up by ministerial decree in
1996 and boasting its own constitution, EPA
is not for the faint hearted.
Emirates Philatelic Association, Bastakia
Heritage Area, Bur Dubai, Dubai. Tel: (04)
3538383. www.epa.ae

26 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 You like cheese. You like cake. You love
cheesecake. And we do too, which is why
we searched the city for the nicest slice

1 4
GEORDIEBIRD’S
La Petite Maison Pronto FAVOURITE
Vanilla Cheesecake Banana Toffee
You can see the vanilla seeds in this Cheesecake with Salted Crust
sophisticated cheesecake – proof of quality These mini puds packed a serious palate
ingredients and a love of food. With light punch, with sweet toffee nicely off-set by
cheese, clean flavours from the zest and the unusual salty taste. A more modern
berries, and a thin crust, this was the plate take on the traditional cheesecake.
we kept coming back to. Our favourite. Thumbs up.
DIFC, Gate Village 8, Dubai, Dhs45. Fairmont, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs15.
Tel: (04) 4390505 Tel: (04) 3325555

2 Ruth’s Chris
Original Cheesecake
Absolutely delicious. A rich, runny
mousse filling, substantial base and fresh
strawberries create a cheesecake that’s not too
La Petite Maison
5 Fountain Café
Marbled Cheesecake
Lovely swirls of dense vanilla and
chocolate filling are complemented by a
choice of sauces, which makes this a bowlful
sweet – just a grown-up dessert that we’ll eat of sinful delight. A buttery biscuit crust
again and again. provided the crunch, and we couldn’t resist
The Monarch Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, taking a slice home. Seriously good.
Dhs49. Tel: (04) 5018666 Mövenpick, Oud Metha Road, Bur Dubai,

3
Dubai, Dhs35. Tel: (04) 3366000
Magnolia Bakery
Snickers Cheesecake
Not one for those with
peanut allergies, this Snickers
cheesecake has a nutty cookie
CATBOY’S
PICK

base, whipped filling and is topped with mini

6 Lime Tree Café
Pistachio & Praline
Another monster slice (we wouldn’t
expect anything less from Lime Tree). The
filling itself was a little heavy, but the toffee-
chocolate bars. Lip-smackingly good. Catboy nut topping was fantastic. One to share –
can’t get enough, and we have to agree. just make sure the plate is closer to you.
Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs20. What's On and the 92 crew Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs26.
Tel: (04) 3505440 Tel: (04) 3256325

28 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


Pronto
7 West 14th
Signature Cheesecake
This mini cheesecake came with a
little syringe to inject vanilla sauce into the
centre, which was a nice novelty. Great size
and tangy lime flavour which cut through the
sweetness.
Oceana, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs40.
Tel: (04) 4477606
8
Cappuccino’s Café
Marbled Chocolate Cheesecake
A real hit among the tasters, this
cheesecake was more of a sponge, with a
delicious chocolate ganache topping. There
were even a few macaroons on the top.
Stellar effort.
Crowne Plaza, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, Dhs20
per slice or Dhs110 for whole. Tel: (04) 3311111
9
Pistache
Baked Cheesecake
Twelve-year-old Robert
was hooked up by Dubai 92 ROBERT’S
and tried some cheesecakes FAVOURITE
with us live on air. Wowed by the
raspberries dotted with gold leaf and the fresh
filling, this was his favourite. He’s a food critic in
the making, and we agree it’s great.
Park Hyatt Dubai, Deira, Dubai, Dhs30 per slice
or Dhs200 per kilo. Tel: (04) 6021234
10
Jamie’s Italian
Vanilla & Ricotta
Cheesecake
Credit to Jamie for the crème brulee-style
crunchy top, and lovely vanilla underneath. It
comes on a chopping board, with a scoop of
cream to stop dryness in its tracks and makes
a pleasing end to a meal.
Festival City, Dubai, Dhs39. Tel: (04) 2329969
11
Magnolia Bakery
Blueberry Jamboree
This generous slab is covered
in lovely thick syrup and whole blueberries
so we’re convinced you’ll get at least one of
your five-a-day. The fruit flavour overwhelms
the cheesecake aspect, but it’s delicious so we
didn’t mind too much.
Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs20.
Tel: (04) 3505440
DUBAI’S TOP 20 CHEESECAKES
15 Baker & Spice
Passionfruit Cheesecake
The huge slice broke our
plastic fork, but once we’d managed to taste it
we were rewarded with a mouthful of dense,
fruity filling that somehow tasted of pancakes.
Yum. And it’s massive.
Souk al Bahar, Old Town, Dubai, Dhs30 per slice
or Dhs 300 for whole. Tel: (04) 4252240
16 Caffè Nero
Blueberry Cheesecake
This is your classic cheesecake.
No gimmicks, just a buttery crust, cold creamy
filling and rich topping. Great price, too.
DIFC, Dubai, Dhs18. Tel: (04) 3700505
17
Pistache, Park Hyatt Pastry Boutique
Cold Cheesecake
Not a terribly imaginative
name, but not a terribly imaginative
cheesecake either. Fairly tasty though, with
an icecreamy filling and covered in a jammy
topping.
Ramada Hotel, Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai,
Dubai, Dhs110 per kg. Tel: (04) 5061189
18
Crowne Plaza
Dubai Deira
Strawberry Cheesecake
From the hotel formerly known as the
Renaissance, this cheesecake came with
Ruth's Chris white chocolate and berries, and was almost
too creamy. One of the cheesier desserts we
12
sampled, we appreciated the thick texture
The One and lovely crust, but quickly disposed of the
Banana Caramel fake whipped cream.
Cheesecake Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira, Saluaddin Road,
Frozen and very fruity with a soft, light filling. Deira, Dubai, Dhs100 per kg. Tel: (04) 2625555
19
Drizzled with caramel, this would be a lovely
accompaniment to an afternoon coffee. Palm Grill
Beach Road, Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs 18 per slice or New York Baked
Dhs144 for whole. Tel: (04) 3456687 Cheesecake
13
Very gloopy and comforting. The testers loved
Carter’s the plain filling and fruit topping. And we all
Baked Banoffee agreed that it was a nice sized portion, too.
Cheesecake Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, Dubai,
Scoring points for being a Banoffee from Dhs35. Tel: (04) 2227171
20
Wafi, this huge cheesecake was also very
tasty indeed. Definitely on the sweet side, it’s 40 Carrots
a good choice when only calories can make Baked New York
your day better. Add more peanut butter Cheesecake
sauce if it’s been a particularly bad day. This one looked a bit dated (let's aim to phase
Pyramid @ Wafi, Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs38. out squirty cream in 2011, please folks), but
Tel: (04) 3244100 the texture was great and the fruit coulis was a
14
welcome addition.
Raffles Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Dhs25.
Marble Cheesecake Tel: (04) 3505441
Very fancy looking, with a layer
of caramel above the base to truly guarantee a
diabetic coma. Enjoyable, but a little rich.
Oud Metha, Dubai, Dhs40 per slice or Dhs275 for
whole. Tel: (04) 3149828
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 29
Chill Festival
Out
The Chill Out Festival reaches its five-year
milestone this year with its most impressive
line-up yet. We caught up with Hot Chip,
Matthew Herbert and Matthew Hawtin, who
share the stage with Erykah Badu, Röyksopp,
The Cinematic Orchestra and more…

Hot Chip
Taking a break from live and the humid
duties, broadsheet-pleasing atmosphere outside,
with a huge yellow
expansive London gang moon hanging over
Hot Chip send their drum the airstrip.
YOU
machine/synth specialist, ANNOUNCED
Felix Martin, to DJ at Chill Out RECENTLY THAT
THERE WOULD
WHAT DOES A HOT CHIP DJ SET BE NO HOT CHIP LIVE SHOWS WHILE SEVERAL CRITICS LABELLED YOUR
CURRENTLY ENTAIL? THE BAND WRITES NEW MUSIC. HOW’S LATEST ALBUM, ONE LIFE STAND, A MORE
A Hot Chip DJ set can be a lot of different THAT GOING? SERIOUS RECORD. DO YOU FEEL HOT CHIP
things as we all play different kinds of music We’re all working hard on separate projects at HAVE GROWN UP?
and tailor things to fit with specific events. the moment. I’m preparing a film soundtrack We’ve certainly grown up as people. We’ve
Judging by the name of the festival it could with [Hot Chip bandmate] Al Doyle concerning been going for over a decade now in one
be a pretty chilled out set, which I would very an elderly Jewish couple who originally met form or another and we are, by and large,
much enjoy playing. in a concentration camp and have restarted the wrong side of 30. Playing live all over
IS THIS YOUR FIRST TIME IN THE UAE? their romance 60 years down the line. Joe the world and releasing records does
My only previous trip was a stopover in the [Goddard] is working with Raf [Rundell, DJ] on change your approach and attitude towards
airport when I was 19 years old on the way to a wonderful house music project called 2 Bears. your own creativity. If you don’t absorb
Sri Lanka to teach Owen [Clarke] is drawing and creating visual some of that and just keep trying to plough
English for several artwork, and Alexis [Taylor] is touring with his the same furrow your music will suffer.
WIN!
We have a meet and greet with Erykah
months. It was
my first plane
other band, About Group.
ARE DJ DATES A NICE DISTRACTION FROM
HOT CHIP HAVE COLLABORATED WITH
NEW ORDER’S BERNARD SUMNER
Badu plus several runner's up prizes of trip and I THE CREATIVE PROCESS, OR DO YOU AND PIONEERS SUCH AS OMD HAVE
tickets to the Chill Out Festival
up for grabs. For your chance to win, remember DRAW INSPIRATION FROM THEM? COMPLIMENTED THE BAND. IS THAT
e-mail WinWithWhatsOn@motivate.ae being DJing is a big part of what we do and who we HUMBLING?
with the correct answer to this question, amazed by are as musicians, producers and performers. It’s a great honour. Receiving an email from
and the name of the prize in
the subject line...
the variety It predates playing live and releasing records Ralf [Hütter] from Kraftwerk praising our
Which island is known for of shops in for some of us in the band, myself included. remixes of their material was, for me, the high
chill out tunes? the airport, It’s part of our heritage. point of our career to date.
a) Ibiza
b) Isle of Wight
c) Long Island
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 31
CHILL OUT FESTIVAL

Erykah
Matthew Take
it Badu
Herbert
We attempt to unravel British experimental
easy
Stars of the
Chill Out Festival
Dos and don’ts: a blagger’s
guide to the American soulstress’
life and career...

DON’T assume that a multi-million-selling

provocateur Matthew Herbert, whose past projects reveal how discography, which began with 1997 debut
have veered from turning an edition of the Guardian they enjoy, err, album Baduizm, has come easily to Erykah:
newspaper into a live show to working with Björk chilling out... her Frustrated Artist tour in 2003 was a direct
response to suffering crippling writer’s block.

WHAT ARE YOU EXPECTING FROM THE CHILL OUT FESTIVAL? MATTHEW DO look out for her outlandish fashion sense:
I’ve not played in Dubai before and I’m not sure what kind of music HAWTIN from mohawks to crew cuts and afros to
people listen to there, so I’ll be bringing a lot of different styles and I go for simple towering headwraps, the 40-year-old is rarely
pleasures: laying on
hoping to have something that makes sense on the night. I tend to a beach and hearing less than captivating, with her ever-changing
play wonky club music if it’s a dance event, but will also be bringing the waves breaking, outfits nearly always catwalk-level bonkers.
some more mellow records with me, as this is a chill out festival. sitting in a café
YOUR RECORDED WORK OFTEN TRAVERSES CONCEPTUAL watching the world DON’T call her music ‘neo-soul’ – she was
TERRITORY. IS DJING AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT CHALLENGE, go by, or taking a never a fan of the term, despite being
WITH LESS TIME TO WEAVE A NARRATIVE? long bike ride as the variously proclaimed as the sub-genre’s
day begins.
Audiences are generally less expectant of something visually ‘queen’ and ‘first lady’.
stimulating with a DJ show and so there is less pressure than a live MATTHEW
show. However, it’s always a challenge when you’re DJing to play HERBERT DO hope her kit stays on: she landed a disorderly
music that the audience like and are familiar with, and new musical I like to read books conduct charge for last year’s controversial music
ideas, sounds and records that you want to introduce them to. and take walks. I’m video for Window Seat, which saw her walk
ONE PIG, YOUR NEXT ALBUM, HAS ATTRACTED ATTENTION currently enjoying along a public street in her hometown Dallas
FROM ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS. DO YOU SEE YOUR WORK AS the last James shedding clothes until being ‘shot’ at the spot
Lovelock book.
CONTROVERSIAL? President Kennedy was assassinated. A repeat
I’d probably prefer ‘thoughtful’ to ‘controversial’. I try and make FELIX MARTIN performance isn’t advised at Chill Out.
records out of noises that haven’t been heard in music before. This (HOT CHIP)
sometimes leads me to difficult places, but I’m not interested in As I’m going to Dubai, DON’T introduce her to any more rappers:
infamy; I’m interested in the friction that comes from interacting it’s definitely going US hip hoppers André ‘André 3000’ Benjamin
with our world in new ways. Consumerism doesn’t encourage us to to be something very of OutKast, The DOC and Jay Electronica are
dig deeper, so I’m determined to find out the real story behind things. much legal! respective fathers of her three children, while
That’s one of the reasons why, for example, my new record follows the she also previously dated vocalist-turned-
life of a modern farmed pig from birth to dinner plate. actor Common.

32 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


The Cinematic
Orchestra
Say hello to the easygoing British jazz outfit, led by Jason Swinscoe
If any one person embodies feted British
electronic imprint Ninja Tune, which chalked
up its 20th birthday last September, it’s The
Cinematic Orchestra’s unassuming leader
Jason Swinscoe. A model example of how
to scale the music industry’s slippery career
ladder, not many artists can say they went
from interning at a label to one of its best-
selling acts. But that’s exactly the story for
Swinscoe, who subsequently became Ninja’s
export sales manager and was soon shifting
plentiful units around the globe himself,
creating music in the hours away from his day
job. A decade or so down the line and The
Cinematic Orchestra’s reputation precedes
them: four studio albums, several compilations
Röyksopp
Röyksopp’s music videos have won
awards and accolades. Here are
five of the best…
1
EPLE
Taking an ingenious landscape-within-
a-landscape approach, Eple’s visuals
zoom in and out of windows and picture
frames toward previously unnoticed views;
a trip through a past vision of their native
Norway with faded photograph charm.
2
REMIND ME
This MTV Award-winner brings
science textbook graphics and
instructional diagrams to life, at points
approaching a Day-Glo Sims crossed with
bizarre product placement, flicking through
stats and maps with eye-bruising abandon.
3 5
ONLY THIS MOMENT
Loosely based on the Paris riots of
1968, cutting up archive footage and
propaganda snippets, there’s plenty of eye candy
on display here, not least plentiful impossibly
beautiful French women of the era. Such Gallic
cool will make you wish for a time machine.
and a not-to-be-sniffed at live
album recorded at London’s
iconic Royal Albert Hall
incrementally have developed a
grandiose sound as widescreen and, well,
cinematic as that moniker suggests. Even if
the name doesn’t ring any bells, chances are
you have already heard the Cinematics in full
flow: signature tune To Build A Home, from
2007 album Ma Fleur, has racked up more
TV and advert soundtracking duties than
most musicians manage in a lifetime. And its
heartfelt splendour is a perfect entry point
for any listeners as yet unacquainted with
Swinscoe and his mutating band of top free
jazz players.
4
HAPPY UP HERE
Ever played so many videogames that
your inner eyelids project graphics and an emotional undercurrent to it, pinpoints
your dreams swim with pixels? Prepare for
a flashback then, as space invaders fall from
the sky midway through a hyperactive dash
through nocturnal neon cityscapes and what
appears to be the inside of a pinball machine. sounds, where the magic or greatness of the
THE DRUG
Filmed in the urban wastelands of
Detroit, three teenage girls wander
through dystopian surrounds, variously
encountering a post-apocalyptic attacker, a naked
disfigured child and – less terrifyingly – flaming
letters spelling out ‘RÖYKSOPP’ (umlaut and all).
CHILL OUT FESTIVAL
Matthew
Hawtin
The Berlin-based DJ and producer,
brother of Richie ‘Plastikman’
Hawtin, examines his expert
subject: ambient/chill out music...
The chill out sounds of 2011 are hard
to define because it is such a big and
broad genre now, sub-divided into many
different sounds. I would say in the early
years of electronic music ambient was more
specific, because for many of the experiences
it was encapsulated into a chill out room at a
club or party, so people would be more aware
of the music and the genre. Certainly there
are less chill out rooms now but I don’t think
that means ambient is less liked, it’s simply
experienced in different ways by people, in
clubs, at home, at festivals, or through the
internet. Chill out music continues to evolve
and progress just as most other music forms.
For me, a great chill out track usually has
a certain feeling by a sound or melody and
takes the listener on a journey from beginning
to end. The best tracks are usually long and
somewhere in the track is a culmination of
track exists. The magic is best left as a
mystery, to be enjoyed again and again.
Apr 8 to 9, Nasimi Beach, Atlantis, The
Palm, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, Dhs150 to
Dhs300. Tel: (050) 5944740.
www.chilloutfestivaldubai.com
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 33
NOW THAT’S
WHAT WE CALL
THE EIGHTIES!
The decade that taste forgot brought us hairspray, stonewash jeans and fingerless lace
gloves (shudder), but also produced some top tunes from enduring artists. This month,
your eighties favourites take to the Meydan stage to take us back in time

PAUL
PAUL YOUNG
YOUNG
Heartthrob Paul successfully sere-
naded a generation with hits Wher-
ever I Lay My Hat (That’s My Home),
Love Of The Common People and
Every Time You Go Away, and ap-
peared on Band Aid’s iconic single
Do They Know It’s Christmas?
How’s life these days, Paul?
It’s fairly busy, I’ve got a large family and
when I’m not doing shows, I’ve got a
Tex-Mex band.

Not what we expected to hear.

The band’s been going nearly 18 years now.

WHAT HAPPENED ONCE THE BACK COMBING STOPPED?

BELINDA CARLISLE
THEN
The Grammy Award
winner gained fame
and notoriety as
the lead singer of
The Go-Gos, before
enjoying a successful
solo career with singles
including Heaven Is A Place
On Earth, Circle In The Sand
and We Want The Same
Things.
BOY GEORGE
NOW THEN NOW
Carlisle has appeared as Best known for singing Do Boy George has forged a
a judge on MTV show You Really Want To Hurt Me career as a DJ, appeared
Rock The and Karma Chameleon with in biographical musical
Cradle, and
Cradle band Culture Club, Boy Taboo, produced a
appeared in George was the much- fashion line, wrote two
the West End copied androgynous icon of autobiographies (Take
Take It Like
production of the 80s. Despite providing A Man and Straight) and worked
Hairspray She
Hairspray. the lead vocals on Do They with Mark Ronson. He also
released her Know It’s Christmas? he never went to jail for assault and false
autobiography last year and appeared on the sleeve of imprisonment, so it hasn’t all
continues to record. the single. Ouch. been good news.

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 35

NOW THAT’S WHAT WE CALL THE EIGHTIES!
THE DE
Apr 7, Mey TAILS
Dhs350, D dan, Dubai,
hs
Circle (incl 750 for Golden
udes VIP en
five drinks trance,
, hot snac
after-part ks and
www.herea y).
ndnowdu
bai.com

CURIOUS ABOUT
CURIOSITY?
It’s all friends of mine, and they are all great just constant life on the road. It wasn’t just Be-hatted Curiosity Killed The Cat
players. They’ve played with The Pretenders, given to me on a plate. But the problem with front man Ben Volpeliere-Pierrot
Robbie Williams… everybody you would shows like that is the winner gets a deal, but on his favourite 1980s items…
know. We all get together and play Tex-Mex what happens to the rest of them?
music in cowboy hats. CAR
Mobile phone sales probably. I don’t really drive, so my favourite were
Sounds like a laugh. Are you But you went on to have some just chauffeur-driven cars, whatever type
growing old disgracefully? massive hits. Which song they were. Party now and pay later, right?
I was growing old gracefully until I was 50 – represents your career?
now I really hate it! At that age, everything The song I’m most proud of is actually not a ALBUM
really starts going south. I suppose the thing single. It’s a song called One Look Back and was There were a few that had a big
about me is that I used to have a really high- on an album called The Crossing. It’s beautifully influence, but I would say probably Fresh
energy show – I was running, sliding on my recorded with some of the best musicians out of Fruit In Foreign Places by Kid Creole And
knees… That’s the frustration, because I would America, but what I like about it is that it’s well The Coconuts. It was just really fresh. It
like to continue to be able to do the same show. played; it’s the most beautiful song a friend of was a New York album, so it had a funky
mine wrote about the break up of his marriage. feel but with a bit of a Latin twist. It was
Are you watching American Idol? The lyrics are really nice. And I was happy with really uplifting, a great live sound.
Steven Tyler is a good age now. my performance and I just think it’s lovely.
I love Steven Tyler. He’s got such an amazing The record company said it was too adult and CLOTHES
voice. I was such a big fan of Aerosmith. I do difficult to edit down so it was never released. When the band first got signed we took
what most people do – watch all the heats But I wouldn’t change a thing about it. a well-deserved holiday and took the
and the embarrassing moments. And then first ticket we could get from my friend,
it gets boring after that. I always feel for the And how do you feel about these who had a travel agency. We ended up in
contestants – it’s a bit too much too soon, Here & Now shows? Greece buying Greek fishermen’s hats at
and they are thrown into the limelight from Initially I resented the idea, but I had a lot of a market. I turned mine backwards and
absolutely nothing. I’d been working for seven fun in the 1980s. We stick to the hits and we that was that. And I did, to my shame,
years before anything happened, and that was all tend to watch each other’s shows. It’s great. get into the New Romantic scene a bit
– Visage and Spandau Ballet – but I was
also into Adam Ant, so I used to wear
KID CREOLE & THE COCONUTS REAL THING baggy pleated trousers with sashes and
headbands, kind of pirate-ish. It was all
THEN NOW THEN NOW well embarrassing.
With The suits and girls are still The UK soul group would The Real Thing still tour
zoot suits, there, with Darnell back in have taken the stars out of internationally, Mary J
glamorous the studio recording and the sky for you (You Blige has performed their TECHNOLOGY
ladies in remixing. There have also To Me Are track Children Of The The record company that we worked
sequined been some tours Everything) Ghetto and they released with, Phonogram, was actually owned
numbers and big with the and asked The Very Best Of album
band-style tunes, likes of Can You Feel in 2008.
by Phillips and they gave us their first CD
August Darnell and his Sir Cliff the Force? player that came out. That was in
entourage entertained Richard about 1985, something like
with Latino tunes, and
including I’m A Donna
that. It wasn’t just a CD player
Wonderful Thing Baby Summer. either: it was CD V – compact
and Annie, I’m Not disc video – and LaserDisc. It was
Your Daddy.
totally like living in the future.

36 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

MAROON 5

W IaroNon!5? We havkeeats up
m eet M VIP tic
s
Want to et for two, plu win, e-mail
eet and gre u r ch a nce to te.ae
m s. For yo motiva ,
for grab ithWhatsOn@ this question
WinW ect answer to rize in
e corr the p
with th the name of ne...
and ct li
the su b je t album
n 5's firs
t wa s Maroo ?
Wha called Jane
t
s Abou
a) Song About James
g s
b) Son s About Pain
c) Song

38 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


THE CRITICS DON’T
LIKE US. AND WE
DON’T CARE
MAROON 5
LA rockers Maroon 5 have
been doing their thing
since the late 1990s,
winning an army of fans
along the way, despite not
always scoring a hit with
the critics. Guitarist James
Valentine explains why
On a 2004 episode of MTV Cribs (which
was probably aired on Dubai TV the other
day…), Maroon 5’s frontman Adam Levine
introduced the audience to his model
girlfriend and recently acquired artwork of
The Beatles, while bandmate Mickey Madden
bounced around the bachelor pad displaying
the sundrenched courtyard, cars and geek-
chic Scrabble set. In short, it was a perfectly
engineered insight into their lives – girls,
cars, LA pad, sincere love of music and a
dash of normality. It was a little irritating,
truth be told. And Maroon 5 seem to get that
reaction a lot.
Their rock-pop tunes are innocuous,
safe, radio fodder and very popular, which
has earned them a hard time from the
critics, but gained them a massive fan base.
Commercially successful, but easy to sneer
at. Debut album Songs About Jane spawned
four hit singles, including This Love and
Harder To Breathe, selling a bank account-
swelling 2.7 million copies worldwide when
it was released in 2004, and suddenly Adam
was the hottest man on the planet. And
sensitive, y’know?
A stratospheric rise to fame followed for
the band, with a three-year break before the
next album, It Won’t Be Soon Before Long,
came out.
“There was definitely a lot of pressure to
follow the success of Songs About Jane,”
says guitarist James Valentine, “but we
did our best to keep it in the back of our
minds. Music is hard to make with so many
expectations, but it’s unavoidable if you are
trying to reach people on a mass scale. I guess
over the years we have learnt how to thrive on
that pressure. You really have no choice.”
It Won’t Be Soon Before Long further
cemented the band’s popularity, with hits
such as Makes Me Wonder and Won’t Go
Home Without You guaranteeing airtime,
sold-out tours and the kind of slick LA
homes seen on Cribs. “I mostly just wanted
to make a living playing music,” insists James.
“That was the basic plan. The band had big
aspirations from the start, we knew our music
could reach a lot of people, but I don’t think
that I’m the first person to point out that the
glamorous lifestyle can leave you desiring
more out of life.”
Their popularity grew, but the critics
were getting restless. Did the band care
then, and do they listen now? “A lot of the
time I understand their criticisms,” says
James “But I don’t think we’re the type of
band that critics will ever root for, and
we’re totally OK with that”.
Maroon 5’s third studio album, Hands
All Over, was released last year and was a
relatively slow starter, sales-wise. “I guess we
could point at a lot of different factors, but
basically it doesn’t always happen,” James told
us. “A lot of things have to come together for
the success of an album like Songs About Jane
and that’s not always the case.”
Produced by the legendary Robert ‘Mutt’
MAROON 5
L-R: Ryan Dusick, Mickey Madden, Adam Levine,
Jesse Carmichael and James Valentine
Lange, whose previous output has included
the likes of AC/DC and Def Leppard, the
album takes the pop band in a rockier
direction, and was recorded at Lange’s remote
Swiss hideaway. The band describes it as
“contemporary soul-influenced rock’n’roll”,
which is fair, with single Misery being well
received, even gleaning the ultimate modern
day accolade – being covered on the hit TV
show Glee. “When we found out Mutt wanted
to work with us we basically couldn’t say no,”
the guitarist says with enthusiasm. “He is a
living legend and has had success with so
many different styles and eras we thought that
we could learn a lot from his approach.”
Do they feel they’ve reached their peak?
“We’ve been blessed with some pretty
amazing success over the years and we’d love
to continue to have our songs played all over
the world,” James says. “We have a longer
term view of our career.”
Long breaks between albums (“We need to
get better at writing on the road”) has meant
extensive touring, which bodes well for the
upcoming UAE gig, following their well-
received Dubai show a few years back. “That
was a great show,” James tells What’s On. “We
had been wanting to get to that part of the
world for a long time. With this show we’ve
got three records so there’ll be more songs.
The crowd will also benefit from the fact that
we have been on the road a while. Our show
is pretty slick right now. We are a well-oiled
machine. We’ve been getting pretty consistent
feedback that these are the best shows we
have ever played. I think we just get better
with age.”
Apr 21, Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed
Road, Dubai, Dhs275. www.livenation.ae
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 39
 WOMAD, World of Music, Arts and
Dance, is returning to the Corniche
(Abu Dhabi) and Al Jahili Fort (Al Ain)
for 2011. Three days of magical music,
interactive workshops, cookery and
conversation, children’s activities and

ONE WORLD ONE RHYTHM

much much more.
Entrance is FREE!

PALOMA BAABA MAAL TOUMANI DIABATÉ DR JIMMY CLIFF AFRO CELT SOUND THE DHOL
FAITH SENEGAL MALI JAMAICA SYSTEM FOUNDATION
UK UK UK/INDIA

GORAN BREGOVIC LA-33 ORCHESTRE THE MANGANIYAR AURELIO & THE TARAB AL EMARAT
WEDDING AND COLOMBIA NATIONAL DE SEDUCTION BY GARIFUNA SOUL UAE
FUNERAL BAND BARBES ROYSTEN ABEL BAND
SERBIA/ FRANCE INDIA HONDURAS
MACEDONIA/
BULGARIA

Organized by:
In conversation with...
Westlife
They’ve sold 50 million
records worldwide, lost a
founding member and
gained a legion of followers.
This month, Westlife performs
in Dubai for the first time
You’ve been performing
together for 12 years. Did you
ever think you’d last that long?
KIAN: When we started out as a band, the
idea of holding our own album in our hands
was kind of like the be all and end all. I don’t
think we even realised what was going on
around us – the fact that we had so many
number one singles in such a short a period
of time or that we were having huge success
and flying around the world with ‘Westlife’
written on the side of the plane. It was
amazing and I don’t think it’s until you start
growing up a bit that you actually look back
and go, ‘Wow, we just did all that – and we’re
still doing it’. It doesn’t feel like 12 years.
Does that mean you’re able to
deal with the pressures of fame
better now?
MARK: We were quite green at the start, quite
naive, thinking, ‘Oh wow, that’s fabulous,
we’re going to be on Top Of The Pops and stay
in fancy hotels’ and all that. But we hit this
harsh wall of reality and found out it’s not all
just fun and games and you actually have to
work really hard at it. Now we’ve come out of
the end of all that, we’ve learnt how to ride
the wave, so it’s a much more comfortable
place to be in.
What did you make of Brian’s
[McFadden, former member]
tweets saying that he may come
back to the band? [“If I’m to be
WIN!
Want to get up close and
personal with Westlife? One very
lucky reader and a pal can win two
golden circle tickets, plus a meet and
greet with the band. For your chance to win,
e-mail WinWithWhatsOn@motivate.ae
with the correct answer to this question, and the
name of the prize in the subject line...
What is the last name
of ex-member Brian?
a) McFadden
b) McDonald
c) McFlurry
honest yes I would love to do Westlife at the time. I was very much in shock.
an album with the boys and MARK: We actually haven’t spoken to him
show JLS and Take That what about it.
we are really made of!” and “If SHANE: Yeah, we haven’t spoken to him since.
the boys wanna challenge these KIAN: I got a text message from him off the
newcomers I am always up for back of it.
a fight. They know where I am. MARK: Oh, really?
Armed and ready to reclaim KIAN: Yeah, let me try and find it here.
glory!”]
SHANE: I was actually quite shocked, if I’m You still have the text? What did
honest. I couldn’t believe it when I heard about it say?
it. Because Brian is the type of person who’s MARK: We probably should try and talk to
very proud of what he is and what he does and him first.
he was very satisfied with his decision to leave NICKY: Surely a text message is personal,
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 41
WESTLIFE
Kian? I wouldn’t be reading that out.
KIAN: No, no, no. I’m not reading his text
message out – I’m just saying what he said.
He actually said that he was quite angry
reading some of the things that people were
saying about us on Twitter and that it was
him kind of having a rant off the back of that.
If you read the three or four tweets that he
sent, I think they were almost in response to
some other person making a nasty comment
towards Westlife and him going, ‘Aw, don’t be
stupid’. I think he meant it from a very good
place, which is Brian in general. He’s that
kind of person.
It’s easy to become embroiled in
these Twitter things, isn’t it?
MARK: I have to bite my lip sometimes on
Twitter. One of the negative things about it is
that anyone can follow you, and sometimes
people who have no interest in you will start
messaging you. It can be quite vile, negative
and offensive stuff, and I’ve sometimes got
the reply written with every curse word in the
dictionary, and I’m ready to go and then I just
delete it. You have to take a deep breath and
not bother. Maybe Brian just had a moment
where he didn’t take the deep breath and went
for it.
Did you think his tweet would
have such an impact?
NICKY: The fall out from that is when I
saw the tweets come through – we’re all on
Twitter – I read them and I actually thought,
‘this is going to get bigger’. Because you
know the press are following you. But the
problem with not responding is that, going
into interviews and talking about it, if we say,
‘No, Brian was having a laugh we’re not going
to take him back’, well, straight away it’s like
‘Westlife refuse Brian’s offer’. Well, no – we
didn’t actually sit down with Brian and say
right – do you want to do this? And do we
want to do this?
Has he even hinted about
coming back before?
NICKY: This has never been spoken about
in any of the years since he left. Brian has
never publicly said anything about coming
back, ever – or even privately to us. So it’s not
something we’ve even thought about and I
don’t see it, personally. Where would he fit?
Everything he did, we’ve done by ourselves
for the past seven years – it’s not like Take
That where they actually broke up when
Robbie left. I would never say never, but I
don’t see where, how, or why he would, you
know?
MARK: It’s just like having an ex-girlfriend or
ex-boyfriend and every day, just even seven,
eight, nine years later, people still asking you
42 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
“WHEN BRIAN LEFT WE JUST GOT
THROUGH IT. AND WE’VE HAD EVEN
BIGGER SUCCESS WITHOUT HIM”
all about it and you’re trying to move on with
your new love life.
Shane, you’re very quiet over
there…
SHANE: I just think it’s funny, to be honest.
When I heard about the tweet I thought about
Brian in the band back all those years ago.
I thought it would be fun to sing with him
again, definitely, and I’m not going to deny
that, but being in the band with him, going
on tour and making albums? I just can’t see it.
KIAN: He’s too different.
SHANE: It’s like bringing someone else into
our band – we are a four-piece now. But I
respect him, and I love him but it’s just weird
you know, it would just be weird.
Would Westlife fans want to see
him back?
KIAN: Would Westlife fans want to see him
back? I mean this whole-heartedly – I think
they wouldn’t. How interesting is it?
MARK: I think some would and some
wouldn’t.
SHANE: I think it’d be a mixed debate.
MARK: When Brian left we just got through
it, and we’ve had even bigger success without
him, and that’s no diss to Brian – it just
happened after he left.
The Grammy Award-winner
John Shanks produced your
current album, Gravity, and he’s
brought with him a big sound.
MARK: That’s exactly what we wanted him
to do. That’s what we felt was missing. We
had these big songs and we just didn’t feel
that the production was quite showcasing
them in their best light. We’re not dissing
previous producers at all, but it’s kind of hard
to compete with John Shanks’ level of epic
sound – he just makes things sound huge and
that’s exactly what we’re all about.
Do you prefer doing the live
shows?
NICKY: Yeah, but we love recording as well
– we just love the whole buzz. Westlife is an
amazing gig like that. I don’t mean just the
actual show, I mean the whole thing of being
in Westlife.
MARK: We are great live by the way!
NICKY: No, the gigs are cool too, but you
know what I mean, it’s just phenomenal to be
honest with you. Twelve years in, what we’ve
done and how much we’ve enjoyed it – it’s
been incredible.
There’s quite a boy band battle
now, what with you, JLS, Take
That…
SHANE: Yeah, the press love that story.
Whatever band it may be it’s always there –
Oasis and Blur, JLS, Take That and Westlife.
It’s always great to have big bands out against
each other and the other two bands you’ve
mentioned there are great for their own fans.
We don’t focus too much on other people –
we focus on us.
What’s the future for Westlife?
SHANE: We’re on our 11th album, which we
feel is the best we’ve ever made. In this industry
you’ve got to take it one album at a time – you
can’t plan too far ahead because you just don’t
know where you’re going to be. But, as a band,
we hope that we’re still together and still making
albums. We’ve got to make sure that Westlife as
a brand is still at the top of its game.
Apr 14, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa, Dubai,
Dhs250. www.boxofficeme.com
4c Graphic Logo

Pantone Metallic Gold 871

+ 4 c graphic

1c Simplified Logo

Pantone Metallic Gold 871

 FILM
Thor

The Hangover Part II

Thor The Hangover Fast Five

WHO? Chris Hemsworth, Natalie
Portman, Anthony Hopkins,
Idris Elba, Tom Hiddleston,
Kenneth Branagh (director)
Part II
Bradley Cooper, Zach
Galifianakis, Ed Helms, Justin
Bartha, Ken Jeong, Todd Phillips
(writer-director)
Paul Walker, Vin Diesel, Dwayne
Johnson, Jordana Brewster,
Tyrese Gibson, Justin Lin
(director)

TAGLINE ‘Two worlds. One hero’ ‘From the people who brought ‘From the director of Fast &
you, er..., The Hangover’ Furious’

ONCE UPON A TIME... The Norse thunder god Thor
(Hemsworth) was banished from
Asgard to live amongst mortal
men, much to the amusement of
his scheming half-brother Loki
(Hiddleston).
Best buds Phil, Stu, Alan and Doug
(Cooper, Helms, Galifianakis and
Bartha) headed to Bangkok to
celebrate Stu’s impending nuptials
in ways that would have caused
Caligula to blush.
Ex-cop Brian O’Connor (Walker)
and the enigmatic Dominic
Toretto (Diesel) dared to take
on a seemingly impossible job
in order to put themselves in the
clear once and for all.

IDEAL IF YOU’RE IN THE Watch a superhero movie that
MOOD TO... takes it subject matter very
seriously indeed. Should also
delight those who like men with
long hair dressed in armour.
Watch a band of friends have the Watch people drive ridiculously
ultimate night on the tiles rather pimped-out cars in a fashion even
than embarking on such a task Lewis Hamilton might consider
yourself. excessive.

WATCH THIS IF YOU Superior Marvel adaptations
LIKE... such as Spider-Mans I and II, Iron
Mans I and II and the underrated
Hulk pictures.
The Hangover and the movies it The earlier films in the series, plus
has inspired (Grown Ups) and was entertaining Dwayne Johnson
inspired by (Old School). offerings like Faster and half-
decent Vin Diesel movies such
as... hmm, we’ll get back to you
on that one.

TOP TRIVIA Director Kenneth Branagh
approached Thor as a souped-up
version of Shakespeare’s Henry V,
a play he adapted for the screen
in 1989.
Mel Gibson was meant to cameo Fast Five is set directly before the
in The Hangover II but was third F&F movie, aka The Fast
dropped after the latest in a long And The Furious: Tokyo Drift.
series of outbursts.

WHAT’S ON TEN WORD The trailer’s cool, but can Thor Could struggle to live up to the Sure to prove popular with
OR LESS REVIEW live up to it? over-achieving original. revheads the world over.

RATE OR SLATE? PREVIEW PREVIEW ★★★✩✩

44 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
Pirates Of The
Caribbean: On
Stranger Tides
Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush,
Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane,
Keith Richards, Rob Marshall
(director)
‘From the director of Chicago’
Captains Jack Sparrow (Depp)
and Barbossa (Rush) set out to
discover the fountain of youth,
only to find that the notorious
Blackbeard (McShane) also longs
for immortality.
Set sail with the greatest pirate the Watch Robert Pattinson trot out
cinema’s seen since the premature the mean, moody, magnificent
departure of Errol Flynn.
The previous Pirates movies and
similarly comedic swashbucklers
like The Princess Bride.
The combination of a huge pay
cheque and a chance to revisit his
favourite character meant Depp
signed on for Pirates IV “before
there was a script or anything”.
Why are the Pirates movies great?
They just ‘aaaarh’!
PREVIEW
Water For
Elephants
Robert Pattinson, Reese
Witherspoon, Christoph Waltz,
James Frain, Hal Holbrook,
Francis Lawrence (director)
‘Life is the most spectacular show
on earth’
Veterinary student Jacob
Jankowski (Pattinson) was so
distraught following the death of
his parents, he decided to quit his
studies and join a travelling circus.
thing that has made the Twilight
films so successful.
The aforementioned Twilight
series plus the countless other
films that have been made about
young academics who chuck in
university to follow the carny code.
Oscar winner Christoph Waltz
(Inglourious Basterds) joined
Water For Elephants following the
last minute withdrawal of Sean
Penn.
Solid supporting turns can’t
compensate for the overall flimsiness.
★★✩✩✩
Water For Elephants
The Way
Martin Sheen, James Nesbitt,
Deborah Kara Unger, Yorick
van Wageningen, Joaquim de
Almeida, Emilio Estevez (writer-
director-star)
‘It is never too late to find...’
The ageing Tom (Sheen) travels
to Spain to retrieve the body
of his son who perished while
walking the Camino de Santiago
pilgrimage route.
Watch Martin Sheen make acting
look every bit as easy as breathing.
Mr Sheen’s sparkling body of
work, principally Apocalypse Now
and The West Wing, and Emilio
Estevez’s earlier behind-the-
camera efforts such as The War At
Home and the diverting ensemble
drama Bobby.
This is the seventh film on which
Martin Sheen has collaborated
with his eldest son Emilio Estevez.
A road movie as unusual as it is
rewarding.
★★★★✩
FILM | NEW RELEASES
Something
Borrowed
Kate Hudson,
Ginnifer Goodwin,
John Krasinski, Colin
Egglesfield, Ashley Williams,
Luke Greenfield (director)
‘It’s a thin line between love and
friendship’
Terminally ill singleton Rachel
(Goodwin) put the cat amongst
the pigeons when she fell for Dex
(Egglesfield), the fiancé of her
best friend Darcy (Hudson).
See nice looking people work
their way through the sort
of problems that we rarely
encounter in everyday life.
Better than average chick flicks
of the sort Kate Hudson seldom
appears in. Still, according to her
PA, “she lights up a room when
she enters it” which could prove
handy come the next energy
crisis.
Marcus, the part played by Steve
Howey, was originally earmarked
for Colin Farrell.
There’s lots to like, but Hudson
remains defiantly resistible.
★★★✩✩
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 45
EATING OUT
Summer will arrive in earnest around
mid-May, an event that will have a definite
negative effect on our dining habits. It will
replace dos with don’ts and cans with can
nots. We won’t want to take our usual table
on the terrace for Rivington Grill’s Saturday
roast, Al Badia Golf Club’s new picnic
brunch will go into hibernation for the
summer and a post-brunch tipple on the
Traiteur terrace will not be quite as pleasurable.
So, this month we have asked Asado’s Norberto
Palacios for his barbecue wisdom and rounded
up the city’s best BBQs, so you can enjoy the
temperate weather before it becomes no more
than a happy memory (p48). Enjoy. We also
give our verdict on celeb chef Jamie Oliver’s
new Festival City restaurant (p50), Amala (p53)
and the new Khalidiyah branch of Jones The
Grocer (p55). Plus The Critic’s touching tribute to
recently departed chef Santi Santamaria (p56)
and a couple of new Saturday brunches (p57).
That should keep you going for a while.

Gareth Rees, Features Editor

JAMIE'S ITALIAN

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 47

 EATING OUT

The art of A BA
WIN!SSON
RBECUE LE
WO
With one cool month remaining, barbecue
master and Asado head chef Norberto Palacios
FOR T sson for lets us in on the secrets of alfresco grilling, plus a
To w in a barbecue le orberto,
two with A
sado's ch ef N
WhatsOn@
round-up of Dubai’s best BBQs
ai l W in W it h
simply e-m ith your answer, and
w
motivate.ae rize in the subjectline.
ep
am e o f th entina on?
n
What conti
nent is Arg
fr ic a
CHEF NORBERTO’S
a) A
b) South A
merica CHIMICHURRI
c) Eu ro pe
SAUCE
INGREDIENTS
CHEF NORBERTO ON… 8g dried oregano, 80g parsley, 320g corn
oil, 20g garlic, 12g black pepper corns,
THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL BBQ 12g salt, 4g chilli flakes and 20ml white
Getting the barbecue started is the first vinegar
thing to consider, but using the best quality
ingredients ensure the best quality barbecue. METHOD
Chop the parsley and the garlic and
SALADS AND SIDES place in a mixing bowl, add dry oregano
First and foremost, a good mixed salad and mix with the corn oil, black pepper
comprised of lettuce, onions, rocket, THE BEST BBQ IN THE WORLD corn and chilli flakes. In a separate bowl
tomatoes and balsamic dressing. Secondly, Argentina has the highest consumption dissolve the salt into the vinegar and add
grilled bell peppers and onions. And, of of meat in the world and 90 per cent of it to the first mixture.
course, corn on the cob with lots of butter. that meat is consumed from the grill. As
the saying goes, practice makes perfect. THE LESSON
ESSENTIAL TOOLS Weekends in Argentina are synonymous with You may think that barbecuing just
A shovel for charcoal, long tongs, because barbecue. By the time you’re a teen you have means turning on the gas and chucking
you should never use a fork to pick up already mastered the ways of barbecue, and I some steak on. How wrong you are. Chef
the meat, a lighter and a chilled summer do believe the Argentineans are the best. Norberto is dedicated to the cause of
beverage. skilled grills, and this two-hour lesson
guides you through sauces, sides and
ESSENTIAL DISHES NORBERTO’S SIX BBQ TIPS cuts, before sitting down on Asado’s
Always use meat with the bones in, Provolone t A barbecue is best enjoyed at lunch time terrace to enjoy a meat feast. You’ll
cheese, grilled onions and jacket potatoes and on a bright, sunny day with no wind’. The sample Argentinean steaks, sweetbread,
chimichurri dressing. weather has got to be on your side seafood, sausages, lamb chops, short ribs
u The side of the meat with the bones and more, then finish with grilled fruits,
THE BIGGEST BBQ SIN should always be grilled first all washed down with sangria. A superb
A gas grill. If you’re not ready to do it with v Use coarse sea salt, never fine salt way to spend an afternoon
wood or charcoal, don’t barbecue, just bake. wDo not marinate if your meat, fish or in the sun, learn how to
vegetables are of a high quality, only when impress behind the
THAT PERFECT BBQ TASTE the flavour is not so special grill, and leave with an
Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside xCook the vegetables with the skin apron, chef’s hat and
with a smoky aroma and just a little saltiness. placed directly on the charcoal fire. When some recipes.
they’re done you can peel them and enjoy Asado, The Palace, Old
HIS FAVOURITE BBQ DISHES the smoky flavour Town, Dubai, Sat 11am
Short ribs, veal brisket, chorizo, baby goat, yHave a barbecue in Argentina, at least to 1.30pm, Dhs445, Dhs295
Provolone cheese and bell peppers. once in your lifetime without alcohol. Tel: (04) 428797.
www.theaddress.com

48 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 EATING OUT

BBQ
THE CITY’S BEST
BBQS
THE BEST OF THE REST

SHADES
The Address Dubai
Marina loves BBQ so
much that its rooftop pool
bar, Shades, has dedicated
both days of the weekend to grilled
meat. Be sure to pack your swimmers.
The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina,
Dubai, Fri and Sat 11am to 5pm, Dhs160.
Tel: (04) 4367777. www.theaddress.com

THE TALK
The ideal spot to
relax on a Saturday
afternoon, The Talk’s
poolside Saturday BBQ
provides nourishment
and entertainment in
the form of an acoustic
guitarist.
Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, The
Walk, JBR, Dubai, Sat 12.30pm to 4pm,
Dhs180, Dhs120 without alcohol. Tel: (04)
4498888. www.moevenpick-hotels.com

THE TERRACE
What better way to
celebrate Easter with
the family than a BBQ at
Park Hyatt’s creek-side
bar? Expect the regular
BBQ fare as well as a leg
of lamb, dessert buffet and
activities for the children.
Apr 23, Easter barbecue, Park Hyatt
Dubai, Deira, Dubai, 12.30pm to 4pm,
Dhs248. Tel: (04) 6021234. www.dubai.
park.hyatt.com

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 49

 EATING OUT
On the
menu
Foodie things you
need to know
MICHELIN MAN
Al Bustan Rotana’s Rodeo Grill
Restaurant is know
primarily as a
steakhouse, but
for one week
only it will be
taken over by
Michelin-starred
chef Christian
Etienne, owner of
the Michelin-starred
Restaurant Christian Etienne in
Provence. The Gallic master-chef
will take charge of the kitchen
for lunch and dinner from April
3 to 8 and will also offer Dhs199
cooking classes on April 5 and
6 and a special Dhs565 dinner
menu on April 8. Oo la la.
Apr 3 to 8, Rodeo Grill Restaurant,
Al Bustan Rotana Dubai, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 7054818. www.rotana.
com
MEAT AND MUSIC
We’ve been regular visitors to
Ember since it opened, even
after they removed our beloved
truffle risotto from the menu
(there were tears). And we’ll
certainly be visiting the new
Thursday Jazz Night. Why? Live
jazz, and just Dhs245 for all
the grilled meat and seafood
you can wedge into your gut,
washed down with several
glasses of something red that
will cure all that ails you.
Ember Grill & Lounge, The
Address Dubai Mall, Downtown,
Dubai, Thurs 6.30pm to 11.30pm,
Dhs245. Tel: (04) 4388999. www.
theaddress.com
A FLURRY OF CURRY
We do enjoy a good curry here
at What’s On. Who doesn’t?
Radisson Blu’s new Tuesday
Curries of the World night is a
curry lover’s dream, serving up
dishes from the usual suspects
such as India and Thailand along
with rare treats from Japan,
Bangladesh and Mauritius.
Ready those naans.
Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media
City, Dubai, Tues, Dhs180, Dhs135
without alcohol. Tel: (04) 3669111.
www.radissonblu.com
50 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
Jamie’s Italian
Yet another celeb Three lamb chop ‘lollipops’ were
chef restaurant charred from the grill and oozing
with that thick, salty juiciness
opens for business that only the best quality meat
in Dubai, but Jamie’s can provide. Pricey at Dhs104 for
three, but the best dish we tried.
Italian is in desperate Unfortunately, the ‘funky chips’
need of a visit from (their words, not ours) didn’t
dance down our gullets. They
The Naked Chef were undercooked and not nearly
himself garlicky enough.
The rocket and radicchio salad
served with balsamic and shaved
Jamie Oliver is a global star these Parmesan, which we ordered as
days. But, just like most bands, we a side to our small (large would
preferred him before he hit the be too rich) serving of buttery
big time. Before he became brand wild truffle tagliatelle, was
Oliver. disappointingly tasteless. The pasta
Back in the 1990s, we loved the dish itself was satisfying enough, if
young, cheeky chappy in jeans the promise of premium quality a bit stingy with the truffle.
and a T-shirt, with the big hair, produce and a focus on sharing Pick of the desserts was the
the bigger smile and the Brit Pop simple, well-cooked food in a busy lemon curd. Fresh, bursting with
background music. Why? Because, restaurant full of happy chatter. citrus tang and accompanied
despite the potentially grating That’s not to say the food is nicely by toasted pistachios
catchphrases – pukka, lovely jubbly, terrible, certain aspects are actually and fresh berries. Or, if you’re
etc – he encouraged a generation extremely good. looking for something lighter,
to embrace his passion. Jamie was We started with the antipasti the affogato, made up of a shot
unquestionably in love with food. misti plank. It came bearing gifts of espresso poured over a scoop
The ingredients, the process, getting of oak smoked chicken, which of proper vanilla ice cream, was
his hands dirty. And he did it all in would have gone well in a sandwich straightforward but fabulous.
his own home kitchen just to show but was underwhelming alone, Jamie Oliver’s first restaurant in
he was a regular guy – if he could a few strips of bland salmon in Dubai is yet to ‘officially’ open, and
do it, so could we. ice water, a nice, creamy lump of the kernel of a successful concept is
Oliver hasn’t worked full time buffalo mozzarella, a good quality there, but it’s time Jamie took some
in the kitchen since his days at The pecorino, decent olives and a time off from filming and paid his
River Café in London, so nobody forgettable fennel salad. It wasn’t Italian a visit.
expects him to be behind the stove a disaster, but with a bit more
at Jamie’s Italian. That’s fair enough. thought and skill could have been
But if his name is above the door, so much better. Need to know
he has a responsibility to ensure the The Italian nachos – crunchy,
restaurant is up to scratch. cheesy ravioli parsels with an Location: Marina Pavilion,
Jamie Oliver has visited Dubai arrabiata dip – were devilishly Festival City, Dubai
many times, but his UK team tells moreish and would go down a treat Tel: (04) 2329969
us he’s not planning a visit to Jamie’s as a welcome nibble at a dinner Web: www.jamieoliver.com/
Italian any time soon. The only party. The selection of Italian dips italian/dubai
signs of the celeb chef at his newest (can you see a theme emerging Open: Thurs to Sat noon to
restaurant are material. A red Vespa here?) with several chunks of 1am, Sun noon to midnight
leans in the entrance, a bookshelf warm ciabatta were a mixed bag. A Cuisine type: Italian
is filled with his cookbooks and his bland salsa verde, a pleasant blend Must eat: lamb chop
T-shirts and tea towels are touted of balsamic, beetroot and ricotta, lollipops
on the menu. and a lacklustre dollop of crushed Bill for two: Dhs450
The décor is pleasant, the staff chickpeas.
know the menu inside out, all
should be well at Jamie’s Italian. But
In tweet form… A visit from Jamie Oliver
it’s not, because we aren’t feeling
would create a much-needed buzz and
the love. The passion is absent. bring some passion and order to the
Restaurants exist to make money, follow me
kitchen at Jamie’s Italian. Follow us at
but not from T-shirt sales. Jamie’s WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
Italian should entice people with

Amala
Yet another Indian
restaurant in Dubai?
The Palm’s Zabeel
Saray throws its hat
into an already
crowded ring
Does Dubai need another Indian
restaurant? From cheap eats to
fine dining, some of the city’s best
restaurants are those serving food
from South Asia, and it’s rare that
you’re faced with a truly bad one.
So much so, that the standard is
very high – and anyone thinking of
adding one to that list needs to have
their game on from the get go.
Fortunately, Amala, at
Jumeirah’s new Zabeel Saray hotel,
is ready to fight with the big boys,
with a menu that’s not just good –
it’s outstanding.
The restaurant, befitting the
palatial hotel, is regal. It’s lavish
while remaining elegant. With
its central fountain, ornate tiles,
marble floors, white walls and
wood panelling it has the feel of a
place of worship and is one of the
most beautiful interior settings
in which to eat that the city has
to offer.
But while the décor is luxurious,
the food is affordable, thanks to a
set price a la carte menu. Handing
over a mere Dhs225 each entitles
you to order as many dishes as
you like from an extensive list.
And you won’t be laden with huge
plates, mounds of rice or vats of
buttery curry – Amala specialises
in the Mughlai cuisine that hails
from Delhi, Lucknow, Punjab
and Kashmir, but the portions are
more in line with European fine
dining – manageable and carefully
constructed.
The four scallops comprising
the tawa kanagoora had barely
been introduced to the pan.
Cleverly flavoured with cumin
and coriander on the outside, the
knife slid through the silky interior
with barely an effort. Served with
a simple salad of fennel, they were
so delightful we ordered a second
portion. The murgh kathi kebab,
a roomali roti rapped around a
filling of chicken, mushroom and
mango chutney, was also delicious.
And we were served a bread we’ve
never encountered before, which
the waiter told us was called kastha
(he didn’t seem entirely sure) –
light and crumbly like a good
pasty or pie-crust.
The beauty of Amala’s small
plates and order as much as you
like attitude is that it encourages
sharing and enables you to try a
wider variety of mains than usual.
We picked out the nali ka gosht
(lamb shank), achari bater (quail),
murgh shahi korma, one prawn
and one vegetable biriyani.
Chicken thigh in a creamy
almond, onion and cashew sauce
was more interesting than your
average korma, the quail, flavoured
with a blend of mustard seeds,
coriander, cumin, onion seeds and
fennel, was a unique and welcome
dish and the two biryanis were
excellent examples of their kind.
In tweet form… Amala is a welcome
addition to the extensive list of Dubai
Indians with a set price a la carte menu
and smart portion sizes. Follow us at
follow me
WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
But, for anyone who loves slow
cooked meat as much as we do,
the lamb shank was the dish we
ordered twice. Soft, dark pink meat
falling from the bone like a silk
shawl into a pool of rich tomato,
cumin and nutmeg sauce.
Even dessert, which is rarely
the highlight of an Indian menu,
was excellent. A refreshing
pistachio and mango ice cream
(kulfi) and inventive banana and
chocolate samosas provided a
happy end to a lovely meal.
Need to know
Location: Zabeel Saray, The
Palm, Crescent Road West,
Dubai
Tel: (04) 4530000
Web: www.jumeirah.com
Open: 6.30pm to 2am
Cuisine type: Indian
Must eat: Nali ka gosht
Bill for two: Dhs450
EATING OUT
A taste of
things to
come
Who is entering the
culinary fray this
month?
ZAATAR W ZEIT
If you don’t know Zaatar W Zeit
by now you can’t be a fan of
Lebanese fast food.
The popular
purveyor of
bread-based
sustenance
has not only
revamped its
menu with a
number of new
flat bread wraps
and several new salads
and desserts, but a new outlet
has opened at the ENOC petrol
station in Dubai’s The Meadows.
ENOC, The Meadows, Dubai. Tel:
600522231. www.zaatarwzeit.net
POTBELLY
From the name we’re guessing
this new sarnie shop isn’t that
fussed about helping you beat
the bulge, but we hear the
warm sandwiches served up
at Potbelly are pretty popular
in its native Chicago. And we
also hear there’s going to be
live music, which is not that
common in Dubai. Songs and
sandwiches. We’ll certainly be
giving it a go.
Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3253090.
www.thedubaimall.com
DINNER IN THE SKY
We suffer from a spot of vertigo
at What’s On, but we’re going to
have to be brave and give this
one a go. Dreamdays promises
to strap you into a specially
designed seat with 21 other
diners positioned around a
rotating table and winch you
50m above Marina Walk using a
100 tonne crane. They call each
meal a ‘flight’. Who wouldn’t be
up for that? Breakfast (Dhs275),
lunch (Dhs375), afternoon tea
(Dhs250) and dinner (Dhs475)
are all available.
Until May 23, Dubai Marina Walk,
Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dhs250 to
Dhs475. Tel: (04) 4329392. www.
dreamdays.ae
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 53
 EATING OUT

Jones The Grocer

The second branch
of the Aussie chain
promises “gourmet
food for everyday
living”. But does it
deliver?

The chain restaurant is generally

not food’s friend. Each time a
restaurant is replicated, the food
tends to suffer.
Launched in Sydney in 1996, the
original Jones The Grocer was both
a high-end food retailer and a café.
Nothing startlingly original about
that. Plenty have done it before and
will, no doubt, do it again.
Fortunately, Jones The Grocer
isn’t just a seller of foodstuffs with
a sandwich and soup stall attached.
Whoever Jones is, he or she is
much more than simply a grocer.
Jones’ new Khalidiyah branch,
Abu Dhabi’s second (a further
Abu Dhabi branch will open soon
at Al Raha Gardens and Jones The
Grocer Dubai is scheduled for
May), has been open for just over
a month, but when we visited
almost every table was taken
and the sound of satisfied diners
already palpable.
And the contented blend of
yummy mummies, be-suited
businessmen and hungry
journalists looking for lunch has
every reason to be satisfied.
To say Jones The Grocer
impressed us is an understatement.
We didn’t just leave with full
bellies. We walked out the door
grinning like a fat man who’s just
discovered a KitKat lurking at the
back of the fridge and that pleased
with yourself feeling that only
surfaces following the best of big,
long lunches.
What left us in such a sublime
semi-stupor? The glass walled
cheese room? The bakery? The
distillery? Definitely. But it was the
dishes we sampled from the café
menu that were the real surprise.
With the list of mains boasting
big dishes such as wagyu beef pie
and traditional fish and chips,
it had to be the soup to start.
The lentil broth was delicately
spiced and packed with softened
lentils while the pumpkin soup
was clean and smooth with a
sprinkling of saffron bringing out
the sweetness of the fruit. Both
were served in an earthenware
bowl on a chunk of wood with a
bread roll still warm from
the oven.
Pick of the mains were the
lamb kebabs with chickpea
salad and the wagyu burger –
already Jones’ best-seller. Five
mini burger patties of tender
gently spiced lamb sitting in a
pool of cool minted yoghurt,
an avalanche of firm chickpeas
strewn over the top. Light, but
filling. Straightforward, yet
contender for the UAE’s best.
It’s certainly the best in Abu
Dhabi. Minced wagyu, perfectly
seasoned, topped with cheese and
good veal bacon, smeared with
a blend of ketchup and mayo in
a lightly toasted bun with a side Need to know
of exemplary fries. Why, when
a burger can be this good, do Location: Pearl Plaza Tower,
people still go for the fast food next to the ORYX hotel,
option? Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi
For dessert, order the small Tel: (02) 6395883
apple crumble, which delivers just Web: www.jonesthegrocer.
what one requires. Stewed apple com
topped with crumble. No messing Open: Sun to Thurs 8am to
about. Wash it all down with the 9pm, Fri 10am to 9pm, Sat
delicious Granny Smith apple 8am to 9pm
and ginger cordial with sparkling Cuisine type: café
water (bottles are available to Must eat: Jones wagyu
purchase) and a unique coffee burger
prepared by the talented barista at Bill for two: Dhs200
the magical coffee distillery.
In tweet form… Jones The Grocer. Our new
favourite Abu Dhabi café. Check out the
coffee distillery. And don’t you dare not
follow me

order the Jones wagyu burger. Follow us at

small taster plates served at the delicious. And the burger. Well, WhatsOnDubai and WhatsOnAbuDhabi
nibbles counter? The tea and coffee the burger is definitely a new

rger is definitely a new contender for the UAE’s best”

“…the bu
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 55
 THE CRITIC
James Brennan knows
food. Having written on
everything from bhajis
to burgers for a string of
international publications,
James is now the
Middle East chairman
of the World’s 50 Best
Restaurants judging panel.
Don’t miss his monthly
musings every issue
I crave Santi Santamaria’s pastilla, emboldened with a black truffle
although I’ve had it only once
before. It was in 2009, in his
lavish Ossiano restaurant at the
Atlantis hotel on The Palm. But it really made it sing: it had soul.
couldn’t have been at a better time
or place because I ate it opposite
the great Catalan chef himself.
I was fortunate enough to
be invited to a dinner with
Santamaria to celebrate the
opening of the restaurant. It was
an opulent, extravagant homage
to the sea, with an aquarium
the size of the Arabian Gulf, yet
it seemed so at odds with his
traditional and homely Catalan
food.
I watched the chef as each
dish arrived, and noted the zeal
with which he dispatched them
56 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
all, from prawn ravioli to blue
lobster with sofrito and coral
sauce. It was comfort food, his
food, the food he loved. His
passion in eating it was every
bit as intense as his passion in
cooking it. Somehow, him being
there made it taste better.
If the pastilla had been served
to me in a stately home or a
shanty town, it would still have
been great. Feather-light wisps
of phyllo pastry encased a dewy
ensemble of devastatingly rich
lamb, dried fruit and nuts,
sauce. The flavours, textures and
aromas were all on note, but
there was something else that
Santamaria made the headlines
in 2007, when he famously
attacked the so-called molecular
gastronomy of fellow Catalonian
Ferran Adria, who pioneered
such culinary curiosities as foams
and spheres. When I interviewed
him prior to our dinner, he was
still vehemently opposed to the
cuisine. “People who eat this will
end up with something like mad
cow disease,” he said.
But Adria was the darling of
a global cabal of food writers,
and Santamaria was dismissed
as being bitter and jealous of
“I COULD THINK OF NOWHERE
HE’D RATHER DEPART
THIS WORLD THAN IN ONE OF
HIS RESTAURANTS”
another chef ’s success. That’s
Santi Santamaria, the first
Catalan chef to win three
Michelin stars (which his
original restaurant just outside
Barcelona retains).
Perhaps he’d gone a little
overboard with his criticism, his
passion boiling over as it often
did in all matters food-related.
But as an advocate of natural,
seasonal and locally sourced
ingredients and traditional
simplicity, he was vindicated
somewhat when Noma was voted
the best restaurant in the world
in 2010. The Danish restaurant
was lauded in the media as a new
flag-bearer for a more natural
style of cooking. I’m glad he
lived to see that.
Santi Santamaria died in
February. He suffered a heart
attack while showing journalists
around his new outlet in
Singapore. I was shocked when
I heard the news. But apart
from his beloved Can Fabes
in Catalonia, I could think of
nowhere he’d rather depart this
world than in one of his other
restaurants.
I know it could never be
the same without him sitting
opposite, but I still crave his
pastilla. I don’t think I could say
the same about truffle foam or
‘spherified’ olive oil.
When Saturday
comes
Can’t face the notorious Friday feast?
Saturday brunch is the new way to end
your weekend. Here’s our pick
YUM CHA
Best for… lovers of Chinese cuisine
As you can guess from the name, the Yum Cha
brunch is a taste of the Orient, including steamed
nibbles brought to your table with dipping sauces,
miso soup, live cooking stations, grilled goodies, duck
pancakes, numerous noodles and Asian desserts to finish. Drinks-
wise you can remain authentic with Chinese teas, or try an exotic
coconut icecream cocktail. Children are looked after with an
indoor 3D cinema, magician, acrobats and the must-see Chinese
Lion dance.
How much? Dhs299 per person including free flowing sojhu, sake,
Chinese and Thai wine selections, plus a variety of beers and spirits.
Dhs185 per person excluding alcohol, Dhs99 for children and free
for children under six.
Where? The Westin, Dubai Marina, Dubai. Tel: (04) 5117136
When? 1pm to 4pm

MAZINA
Best for… families
On Saturdays Mazina is transformed into a
kid-friendly foodie haven with a bouncy castle,
face-painter, Wii, Shrek movies and furniture on
foam flooring to entertain the little ones. Adults
are also well catered to, with a quiet balcony overlooking the
marina, drinks aplenty and an impressive spread. You’ll find sushi,
salads, dim sum and noodles to order, some fantastic kebabs,
and traditional roasts including wonderfully pink roast beef with
Yorkshire puddings and gravy. There’s a sweet ending too, with a
wide selection of desserts.
How much? Dhs195 including soft beverages, half price for
children aged seven to 12 and free for under-sixes.
Where? Mazina, The Address Dubai Marina, Dubai Marina, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 4367777
When? 12:30pm to 4pm

M-DEK
Best for… barbecue guzzlers
Forget what the health nuts tell you: the only
way to shake off Friday evening is to stuff
yourself back to full health with meaty treats on
a Saturday. M-Dek aids such a mission at its three-
hour barbecue brunch, providing fresh-from-the-grill sausages,
hot dogs and burgers, as well as shawarma and a range of mezze
and cold appetisers, finished off with ice cream, seasonal fruits and
dessert cakes, and all washed down with house beverages.
How much? Dhs199 gets you all the charred meat you can handle,
plus drinks to wash it down.
Where? Media One, Dubai Media City, Dubai. Tel: (056) 7893897
When? 3pm to 6pm (beverages 3pm to 5.30pm)

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 57

 T H E V I E W,
T A K I N G IN
E F I N I S HED
N C E Y OU’V H E M E N U. MAKE
O O K AT T E C L E C T IC M E N U
T AND D
A Y.
L O S H IN G LY
TA K E A
R E F R E . N IG H
ND A F THEM
A V IE W S A S E S. ALL O ACCESS
.
M A R IN
CULAR
E S E N
OR TH S BEACH CLUDE
S P E C TA R E A L T R E AT F P M – 6 .0 0 P M . IN
A R O M 2 .0
0
HT CLUB UNCH F
T H E YA C R ID AY L A T E L
ED F
U N L IM IT
TRY THE

Contact InterContinental Abu Dhabi on 800 423463 / dine@icauh.ae

 ARTS
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST AND MEEM GALLERY

p60 Bidding war

p61 The dunes are alive
p62 The Insider
p64 Five to see

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 59

 ARTS

Bidding war
International auction
house Bonhams is
gearing up for its next
big sale in Dubai,
featuring Orientalism
and its first foray
into photography.
We catch up with
experts from each
department to find
out more

Jocelyn Phillips,
Head of photography
This is Bonham’s first dedicated
photography auction in
the region – why
photography and
why now?
Contemporary
Middle Eastern
photographers have
been performing very
well at auctions in the region for
several years now. At Bonhams
we wanted to broaden the scope
of material offered to bring
photography to the Middle East
on an international level, while
demonstrating how imagery
from the region has found its
rightful place in the history of the
medium.
Photography is not
traditionally seen as ‘fine art’ –
what’s its appeal to collectors?
Photography is central to
contemporary culture. We
encounter photographic images
hundreds of times a day and
in this way they have become
part of our visual vocabulary. It
is this that makes photography
accessible and interesting to
collectors. Added to that is the
extraordinary range of imagery
and printing processes available.
What are your highlights of
the sale?
Stand-outs include a beautiful
Frederick Arthur Bridgman
A Street in Algeria
study of the Library of St Florian
Abbey in Austria by Ahmet
Ertug (estimate US$35,000-
40,000) and a unique work,
covered with black silk, by Halim
Al-Karim (US$35,000-45,000).
Included in the selection of
international works are four
rare vintage prints by celebrated
British photographer Norman
Parkinson taken on assignment
for Vogue and Queen magazines
(estimates US$5,000-7,000 each),
and fashion imagery by Horst
P. Horst, Lillian Bassman and
Irving Penn.
Any tips for would-be
collectors?
It sounds obvious, but it is
important to buy what you like.
I would also advise potential
buyers to do their research into
the artist and his/her work,
so that you understand the
history behind the piece you are
interested in. Ask questions about
edition numbers, condition of
prints, signatures and stamps.
Our specialists are available to
answer all such questions so
collectors shouldn’t be afraid
to ask.
Taline Aynilian,
Senior
Orientalisism
specialist
Why is
Orientalism
so popular as
a genre in the
Middle East?
Orientalism should be inherently
interesting to Middle Eastern
collectors. The scenes rendered
in these paintings are specific
cities, streets, mosques, café, and
memorial sites which either still
exist today or act as evidence and
propaganda of their greatness in
history.
Do buyers see the style as
reflective of the region or as
a Westernised (and arguably
romanticised) view?
There are generally two groups
of collectors: the Westerner who
is still very much fascinated
and attracted to the mystery
and allure of ‘the unknown’
or aspects of Middle Eastern
culture and sites. Second, is the
Middle Eastern collector who
finds the beauty and historically
accurate renditions of their
traditions, lands and religion

60 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011


Ahmet Ertug, The Library of
St Florian Abbey, Austria
Etienne Dinet - L' Arabe
et Son Cheval
“We encounter photographic
images hundreds of times a day.
They have become part of our
visual vocabulary”
irresistible. For both, the rarity
and sophistication of the art is
very important. These collectors
understand the significance of
these works in the history of art,
trade and exchange of ideas.
If you had to pick a star lot in
this sale what would it be?
One of the star lots is a work
by Frederick Arthur Bridgman
called A Street in Algeria
(estimate US$200,000–300,000).
Bridgman was an American
artist who studied in Paris and
then travelled to North Africa.
A member of the Dodge family
(of Dodge automobiles) in
Michigan may have purchased
the work directly from the artist
in the late 1800s. The painting
was purchased and passed
down to another family, but
Lillian Bassman,
Carmen Having Tea
remained in the Midwest. For the
first time, this painting will be
travelling back over the Atlantic.
It may well sell in the Eastern
hemisphere and stay here for the
next 100 years.
Auction sales have been
picking up internationally – do
you think this is going to be a
record-breaker?
The sales get stronger and
stronger as the market is finding
its feet again. There will certainly
be some star lots that make
record prices, but buyers will still
exercise caution, especially in this
political climate.
Apr 13, One&Only Royal Mirage,
Dubai, public viewing days April
12, 2pm to 7pm, Apr 13, 9am to
7pm. Tel: (04) 3449945. www.
bonhams.com/asi/dubai
The dunes are
alive
What’s On is stupidly excited
by the news that one of our
favourite musicals is making
its way to the UAE this month.
We all know the story of
Maria, the would-be nun, who
is sent to work as governess
for the von Trapp family in
pre-Second World War Austria,
only to fall in love with their
irascible widowed father
before fleeing the Nazis to
Switzerland in a whirl of Do-
Re-Mi’s and Lonely Goatherds.
But did you also know...
LThe 1965 film starring Julie
Andrews and Christopher
Plummer was actually based
on a Broadway musical, which
in turn was based on the
book The Story Of The Trapp
Family Singers, by Maria von
Trapp.
LThe ‘real’ Maria, one
of her daughters and a
granddaughter all have a
walk-on part in the film. As
Julie Andrews’ Maria leaves
the abbey for the von Trapp
home she passes an archway
– the von Trapps can be seen
beginning to cross the road.
LSecond oldest child Liesl
(she who is Sixteen Going on
Seventeen) was, within the
actual von Trapp family, a boy
named Rupert. We think it’s
safe to say he probably wasn’t
in love with a messenger-
ARTS
turned-member of the Nazi
party, as Liesl is in the film.
LTaking inflation into account,
The Sound Of Music is the third
biggest box office film of all
time, beaten only by Gone With
The Wind and Star Wars.
LAndrew Lloyd Webber
opened his version of The
Sound of Music on the West
End stage in 2006. Unknown
Connie Fisher starred as
Maria, after winning her
place in a television singing
competition, unleashing a
new strain of viewer-voted
musical talent shows across
our screens. What’s On
remains unconvinced that
this is a good thing.
Apr 11to 23, Madinat
Theatre, Souk Madinat
Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs170.
Tel: (04) 4390960. www.
soundofmusicdubai.com
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 61
THE INSIDER
Art historian, dedicated
collector and managing
director of Dubai’s Meem
Gallery, Charles Pocock
knows the UAE art scene
like the back of a Picasso.Do
you have an art question for
Charles? Email: editor-wo@
motivate.ae
Christie’s will hold the first of its annual
sales of modern and contemporary Mid-
dle Eastern art this month. At the last
sale in October 2010, 31 lots were with-
drawn and the director of department
resigned. But the managing director and
the specialist have assured me that there
will be no unwelcome surprises at the
upcoming auction. Fortunately, there are
plenty of welcome ones.
For starters, the April 19 sale at Emir-
ates Towers holds a 1957 painting, Fish-
ing (lot 8), by Egyptian artist Abdul Hadi
El-Gazzar, with an estimate of $250,000
to $350,000, which is a true masterpiece
and the finest to come to market so far.
Also included is Armenian painter Paul
Guiragossian’s Madonna And Child (lot
13), a painting that boasts a rare subject
matter and is therefore an important ex-
ample of his work. There is a retrospec-
62 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
tive of Lebanese artist Shafic Abboud’s
work currently being held at the Institut
du Monde Arabe in Paris, and his Fleurs
de Fevrier (lot 18), painted in 1998, has
been given an estimate of $50,000 to
$70,000. Meanwhile, a ceramic plate by
Shafic Abboud (lot 17), previously ex-
hibited at the TDIC exhibition Opening
the Doors held in 2010, is listed as being
from the collection of Ali Khadra of
Canvas Magazine and is now being sold
by him. And last, but by no means least,
there is Standing Figure (lot 32) by Jewad
Selim. Presented as a wedding present by
Jewad to his fellow artist Ismail Sheikhly,
it was later bought from Sheikhly’s family
by another artist. An incredible work
with an intensely personal provenance.
www.meemartgallery.com.
www.christies.com
Freeze frame
The Dubai International Film
Festival may be over for another
year, but this month sees the
return of the fourth annual Gulf
Film Festival (GFF), running in and
around Dubai's Festival City. Featuring
films from the GCC, Iraq and Yemen, screenings
are free of charge, so there’s no excuse not to
make the most of this rare chance to get up close
to what’s being produced in the region. Better
yet, this year's list of special events and classes
features a masterclass by renowned Iranian film-
maker Abbas Kiarostami – what more could a
budding Spielberg ask for?
Apr 14 to 20. www.gulffilmfest.com
Vision on
We told you last month about
Splendours of Mesopotamia,
the epic new exhibition running
on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. Now up and
running, our suggestion this month is to plan
a visit around one of the fine programme of
talks and workshops. April’s offerings include
an introduction to the exhibition, along with
dedicated adult and children’s workshops in
which participants are encouraged to get their
hands dirty with clay to ‘draw’ their own friezes,
Mesopotamian-style. Or you could learn more
about cuneiform writing – the earliest known –
in an illustrated lecture.
www.artsabudhabi.ae
Songs of
praise
Fans of classical music can feel a little thwarted
in the UAE. There is a healthy local performance
scene, which is certainly not to be sniffed at,
but unlike other art forms, truly international
performances can feel like they’re few and
far between, making the good work of the
Dubai Concert Committee (DCC) all the more
worthwhile. DCC celebrated its 15th anniversary
in January and is continuing its commitment to all
things classical with a regular schedule of concerts
throughout the rest of 2011. Next up is The King’s
Singers, a six-strong troupe of classical British
singers who will be performing at DUCTAC. Be
there and be square – in a good way.
From Apr 11. www.dubaiconcertcommittee.com
 ARTS

Five to see
COPYRIGHT OF THE ARTIST AND COURTESY OF THE THIRDLINE

ÅWALKING IN THE DARKNESS OF A PROMISED

ÅWATER PANICS IN THE SEA LIGHT
US/Iranian artist Laleh Khorramian debuts her latest piece at one of Reza Aramesh’s second solo show in Dubai picks up where his
Dubai’s newest gallery spaces. An epic stop-motion animation that 2009 show ended, with his now-familiar selection of photography
was three years in the making, it is the fourth in a series of five works and unsettlingly realistic sculpture. Conflict, wealth, culture and
dedicated to the elements – earth, wind, fire, water and ether. oppression are all played for the moral quandaries they continue to
Until Jun 13. Pavilion Downtown Dubai, Emaar Boulevard, Old Town, provoke in both the personal and the world stage.
Dubai. www.thethirdline.com Until May 6, Gallery IVDE, Al Serkal Avenue, 8th Street, Al Quoz, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3235052. www.ivde.net
ÑART IN IRAQ TODAY,
PART IV
Meem’s long-spanning
overview of contemporary Iraqi
art reaches its penultimate
conclusion with work by Dia
Al-Azzawi, Rafa Al-Nasiri and Ali
Talib, with the final instalment –
Part V – opening from April 25.
Until April 18, Meem Gallery,
Umm Suqeim Road, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3477883.
www.meemartgallery.com

ÉSHARJAH BIENNIAL
Art Dubai may be over for
another year, but the Sharjah
Biennial is just getting into its
stride. With exhibitions and
events taking place all over the
city, head towards the Heritage
Centre for a map and get ready
to explore. ÅEDGE OF ARABIA: TERMINAL
Until May 16., in and around the This is your last chance to catch this exhibition, which started life
Heritage Centre and at various in London and was brought to Dubai to tie in with the Sharjah
venues across the city. www. Biennial. The pop-up gallery space is transformed into a full airport
sharjahart.org/biennial ‘experience’, complete with security checks and passport control.
Gimmicks aside, it’s a fine showcase of contemporary art from
Saudi Arabia – book your seat now.
Until April 15, Building 9, Gate Village, DIFC, off Zabeel Road, Dubai.
www.edgeofarabia.com

64 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 Under the patronage of His Highness General
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Crown
Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme
Commander of the UAE Armed Forces
Lapis lazuli and carnelian bead headdress with 14 gold-leaf pendants. 2600 BCE From Ur,
Royal Cemetery, Grave 789, 2600 BCE. © The Trustees of the British Museum.

TDIC presents
Splendours of Mesopotamia

Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi

artsabudhabi.ae

P.O. Box.17684, W/H: FZS1/AJ02 , Jebel Ali Free Zone, Dubai - UAE
Tel: + 971 4 886 0715, Fax: +971 4 886 0716
E-mail: cathy@sourcerite.ae
Available at : BAHRAIN : Debenhams, Sun & Sands Sports, The Athletes Foot, Heels Boutique, Shoe City, Al Boom
Marine, Duty Free || KUWAIT : Debenhams, Shoe Mart, The Athletes Foot, Intersport || LEBANON
Dbayeh || OMAN : Shoe City || QATAR : Courir Go Sports, Debenhams, Galaxy Sports, Shoe Mart, The Athletes Foot, Blue
Salon, Shoe City, Ozone || UAE : Dubai Duty Free, Go Sports, Harvey Nichols, Impressions, Intersport, Shoe City, Jumeirah
Sports House, K Corner, Picnico, Shoe Mart, Sun & Sands Sports, Beyond The Beach, Shoes 4 Us, Rip Curl Stores, The
Athletes Foot, Debenhams || SAUDI ARABIA : Shoe Mart, Zahid Trec, Sun & Sand Sports, Intersport, Shoe City, Go Sports
Debenhams,
SHOPPING

p68 Eco-friendly
BLOOMINGDALE’S

p70 Sophia says...

p72 New openings
p73 The bookworm

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 67

 SHOPPING

Eco-friendly Captain Planet, he’s our hero, and it seems big

brands are taking inspiration from the green-haired
eco-warrior, too. Do your bit with these products
designed to take pollution down to zero

Instead of using the disposable

cups at your local coffeehouse,
take one of these KeepCups to be
filled each morning.
The Green Eco Store, Mercato
Mall, Dubai, Dhs50.
www.thegreenecostore.com Shed some light on charity,
with this solar powered lamp.
Not only is it environmentally-
We don’t recommend swimming friendly, but for every lamp
in these super cool time pieces, purchased IKEA will donate one
but love how they look and to UNICEF and Save the Children.
thumbs up to WeWood for IKEA, Festival City, Dubai, Dhs75.
planting a tree for every watch www.ikeauae.com
made. Even better, whenever
possible the company uses
leftover materials from flooring These laptop sleeves are made
and musical instruments that from 100 per cent recycled
would normally be destroyed. plastic bottles and each comes
Bloomingdale’s, The Dubai Mall, with details how many bottles
Dubai, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 3505333 were used to create it, and how
much power was saved by its
manufacture.
Various prices. www.ekotribe.com Topshop jeans form the
backbone of many a fashionista's
Always at the fore of planet- wardrobe. This skinny Baxter
friendly shopping, The Body pair are made from 98 per cent
Shop has brought out this Fairtrade cotton and are part of
wide-toothed comb made from a collection that includes denim
Forest Stewardship Council shorts and detailed vests.
beech wood, which comes from Topshop, The Dubai Mall, Dhs250.
sustainable forests. And the www.topshop.com
packing is recyclable, too.
The Body Shop, Mall of the
Emirates, Dubai, Dhs20.
No need to compromise your
Chucking out batteries is a ethics to look good. H&M’s
serious eco sin. Instead of buying Conscious Collection uses
and binning, invest in these organic cotton and sustainable
rechargeable batteries, which materials such as recycled
can be powered up using the polyester and Tencel, a silk-like
USB port on your laptop. Handy. renewable fabric.
The Green Eco Store, Mercato H&M, The Dubai Mall, Dhs199.
Mall, Dubai, Dhs80. www.hmconsciouscollection.com
www.thegreenecostore.com

68 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 SOPHIA SAYS...
Do you have a fashion question for Sophia?
E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
We drag the oh-so stylish Sophia
Serin away from the helm at
Emirates Woman into the grubby
What’s On office to answer your
wardrobe woes
The ‘genuine copy’ handbags my friends
all have always impress me. Are they
a good buy?
Katie, JBR
It fascinates me that you are impressed with
a ‘copy’ of anything. If you are over the age
of 21, any hope of getting away with wear-
ing a fake is gone, it’s time to start saving
your dirhams and invest in the real thing.
And who has the time, or money, to replace
a broken Birkin or shoddy Speedy? Not only
is it illegal to purchase counterfeit goods but
a huge fashion faux pas. My advice is to stick
with Topshop, Zara or Mango until you can
afford to make a real purchase that will last a
lifetime.
70 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
With the men behind Dior and American
Apparel getting into the headlines for
their controversial personal lives, am I
right to boycott their products? Will it
make a difference?
Justin, Satwa
Sure, if you want to boycott, then go ahead.
Will it make a difference? I’m not so sure. Any
publicity, good or bad, is usually good news
for fashion houses. Just take your mind back
to when Alexander McQueen sadly commit-
ted suicide, sales went through the roof and
now his last collection is selling online at
treble the original price. Whether you believe
the allegations or not, you should deal with
this the way one should deal with anything in
life – if it feels wrong, don’t do it.
I'm getting married in the summer
and have three bridesmaids – all very
different shapes and sizes, and scattered
all over the world. Are there any websites
that can help me find them outfits? Or is
dressing them in a similar way a bit out-
dated now?
Rebecca, Abu Dhabi
What ever you do, DO NOT go to a bridal
label or website
to find your
bridesmaids’
dresses – huge,
huge mistake.
Have you seen
27 Dresses? Any-
thing too match-
ing, frou frou
or bright is a bridesmaid’s worst nightmare.
As your wedding party have different body
shapes, it will be impossible for you to find
one look that will suit all so the best option
is to choose a designer/s that you like, search
their websites for different styles and colours
and send the links on to your bridesmaids.
They will love you for picking something
fashionable that they will be able to wear
again and you won’t have them gossiping
about you behind your back on your big day.
As the weather is hotting up, it is
becoming increasingly difficult to know
what to wear on a night out. Some places
in the Emirates say ‘no sandals or shorts’
at the door. Girls can wear skirts and
open toed shoes, so where does that
leave us men?
Simon, Satwa.
As us ladies have to suffer a certain amount
of pain for fashion (and beauty) – the least
you can do is don a pair of chinos and a shirt
when you go out. If you want to wear sandals
and shorts, go to the beach.
I'm sick of Alexa, overdosed on Olivia and
don't get me started on the Olsen twins.
Who are the new girls on the fashion
block that I should be taking my trend
cues from?
Fatima, Dubai
The front-runners at the moment have to be
Blake Lively and Emma Watson.
With their enviable wardrobes
(and looks) Blake has recently
been crowned the new face of
Chanel while Emma,
is now the face
of beauty giant
Lancôme. Fabulous,
fresh faced and
fashion forward
these two ladies
have developed
their own sense
of style and
are the ones to
watch for great
ideas on the
fashion front.
GETTY
calvinklein.com watches

swiss made
 SHOPPING

NEW OPENINGS
Merle Norman
Cosmetics
Just in time for
the punishing
summer sun
comes skincare
and cosmetics
specialist Merle
Norman’s fourth
UAE studio on
Jumeirah Beach Road,
joining outlets at Sharjah Mega Mall,
Dubai Festival City and Mirdif City
Centre. There’s a private facial room,
dedicated nail services and make-up
artistry areas. And with headquarters
in facial vanity’s global capital, Los
Angeles, they must be on top of their
game.
Jumeirah Beach Road, Sun to Sat 10am to
10pm. Tel: (04) 3427232

Gina
If the clichés about women never
having enough bags or shoes contain a
grain of truth, then female ears across
Dubai will be pricking up at news that
London luxury accessories store Gina
now has a second shop in Mall Of The
Emirates. The décor is just as swanky
as the stock, too, designed by British
architects Caulder Moore, resplendent
in more mink and suede than a hunting
lodge.
Mall Of The Emirates, Sun to Sat 10am to
10pm, Thu to Sat 10am to midnight.
Tel: (04) 3232219

Apple
The region’s Mac lovers are raising a half-hearted cheer for the new Apple concession in Mall
Of The Emirates' Virgin MegaStore. Sadly it’s not the full experience (where’s our Genius Bar
and free workshops?) and doesn’t have the slick look of standalone Apple outlets, but it’s a
step in the right direction. We just need the iPad 2 now. Jobs and Branson, hear us roar.
Virgin MegaStore, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to Sat 10am to
midnight. Tel: (04) 3414353

72 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 fatburger.pdf 3/24/11 11:11:32 AM

The
bookworm
More recommended reads from our
book-dwelling chum

THE PERFECTION
POINT
John Brenkus
If you’ve ever watched or run a marathon
and wondered how professional athletes
manage to cover the distance in just over
two hours or, indeed, how it is possible
for man to run 26.2 miles, sports scientist
John Brenkus’ book is for you. Taking into
account numerous factors, the creator
of ESPN’s Sport Science makes a number of predictions about
sports from baseball to weightlifting, calculating, among other C

things, the fastest possible marathon time. A captivating read M

for sports fans.
Y

MR FOX CM

Helen Oyeyemi
Already compared to heavyweight MY

female author Sarah Waters, who is CY

quoted on the cover of Mr Fox, the

CMY
author of The Icarus Girl and the winner
of last year’s Somerset Maugham Award K

for White Is For Witching, 27-year-old

Oyeyemi has a lot to live up to. The Mr
Fox of the title is a writer who enjoys
inflicting nastiness on his heroines until
his muse, Mary Foxe, turns up and sucks
him into his own gruesome stories and a strange love story
emerges. The narrator’s droll tone may grate on some, but
nobody can deny Mr Fox is an original and compelling novel.
Expect to hear much more from Helen Oyeyemi.

THE PSYCHOPATH TEST

Jon Ronson
Ever wondered who decides a psychopath
is, well, psycho? What do they look for?
To find out, journalist Jon Ronson (The
Men Who Stare At Goats) delves into the
compelling world of madness, meeting
Broadmoor inmate Tony who claims to
have faked a mental disorder to get a
lighter sentence and leading psychologists
who teach Ronson how to spot a psycho.
What starts as a whodunit once a
neurologist contacts him with a mysterious
package, turns into an investigative journey into the corridors of
power, armed with his new psycho-spotting skills.

Available from Magrudy’s, Borders, Jashanmal and Kinokuniya

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 73

 MIND & BODY
p76 Totally tropical
p79 His 'n' hers
p80 Mind games
p82 Spa news
THE SPA AT THE PALACE

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 75

 MIND & BODY

Totally tropical
We’ve found the best spa treatments from
all over the world, right here in the UAE NEXT
MONTH
CHINA
AND BALI

What? Signature Shiseido face and body treatment

Country of origin? Japan
Where can I try it? ShuiQi Spa & Fitness
What does it involve? When it comes to Japa-
nese spa treatments you can go one of two ways: traditional or
scientific. Never ones to deny progress, we went for the modern
approach, with new products from famed skincare line Shiseido.
This treatment starts with a footbath while you choose from
various scents, potions and pressure levels, before dead skin cells
are sloughed off with a gentle exfoliator. After a rainshower your
body is treated to a Qi massage with cream instead of oil, which
is much richer. The cream is removed with hot towels (amazing)
and the skin is nourished with a lotion of your choice. Just as
you’re nodding off you’ll enjoy a mini-facial customised to your
needs (ours included a deep cleanse with vitamin E beads), fin-
ished off with an anti-ageing serum, eye-cream, pressure point
manipulation to wake you up, and a nice cup of jasmine tea.
Does it work? Truth be told, the treatment would have been
more enjoyable if the room hadn’t been so cold, so after the
body scrub we lay shivering under a towel. But it left sun-
parched skin smooth and soft, while the facial gave a good
brightening boost. Best of all, the massage struck a perfect bal-
ance between relaxing and enlivening.
Details: ShuiQi Spa & Fitness, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai, Dhs1,600 for
two and a half hours. Tel: (04) 4261020. www.atlantisthepalm.com What? Swedish massage
Country of origin? Sweden
Where can I try it? Retreat Health & Spa
What does it involve? There’s none of the foot washing
ceremonial flim-flam so common in many of the UAE’s spas.
Oh no. It’s straight down to business, and forget the ridiculous
underwear, too. Having said that, our therapist was ever so
polite, checking the temperature and the lighting were right and
handling our spectacles extremely carefully. And he did offer
us the pants, we just didn’t want them. The massage itself was
55-minutes long and administered at a medium pressure with
enough oil to please a Texan.
Does it work? It wasn’t as firm as your regular Swedish mas-
sage, but the kneading was concentrated on particular muscle
groups and relieved the tension in our shoulders and a lurking
cramp in our leg, which our therapist managed to locate. There is
also a lovely relaxation area with heated beds, Jacuzzi, sauna and
steam room.
Details: Retreat Health & Spa, Grosvenor House Dubai, Dubai
Marina, Dubai, Dhs390 for 55 minutes. Tel: (04) 3998888.
www.grosvenorhouse-dubai.com

76 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 MONDAYS
MEAN
MUSSELS
Dig in to all you can eat mussels every Monday night
at Stills Bar, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island
AED 99* per person
7.00pm - 12.00midnight

For bookings & information, please contact

Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island Restaurant Reservations
Tel. 02 656 3053 or Email: restaurants@cpyas.com

*Subject to 10% service charge & 6% tourism fee


His‘n’hers
The new SensAsia Urban Spa pampers our jaded journos
His
WARM
BAMBOO RUB
TALK US THROUGH IT
First you enjoy a firm massage
to warm up your muscles, then
the female therapist heats a large
bamboo with oil and irons your
body, before a few highly effective
contortions to finish things off.
THE BEST BIT
Having my legs and arms ironed.
The bamboo revealed aches in my
limbs I never knew I had.
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?
A man never likes to flinch, it
shows weakness, but having one’s
ribs steamrollered by a giant
bamboo feels a little awkward
and will illicit a jolt from even the
manliest of men.
HOW WERE THE DISPOSABLE
PANTS?
Stretchy and comfortable. Once
on I didn’t even notice them.
SLEEP FACTOR?
I managed a few moments, but a
firm massage is not slumber’s best
friend.
WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED?
Before signing up for the treat-
ments I was warned it was for
men and not for skinny, boney
types. They said it could hurt. But
it didn’t. Not at all.
HOW MUCH AND HOW
LONG?
Dhs495 for 90 minutes. Not bad
at all.
Hers
GOLFER’S
TONIC
TALK US THROUGH IT
Designed for golfers and other
sporty types, this treatment
works out the tension in the
back, neck, legs and feet. After a
refreshing peppermint footbath
my back and neck were treated
to a dry Thai-style massage,
then it was time for a full body
rubdown with Muscle Ease Oil,
using two golf balls. Yup.
THE BEST BIT
Therapist Ronnie went to town
on the shoulder knots and
hamstring tension, which was
exactly what I needed after a
week of golf lessons (p86). And
that ginger tea in the relaxation
lounge finished the afternoon off
a treat.
ANY AWKWARD MOMENTS?
I yelped a bit during the more
painful parts, but it was a neces-
sary evil for the relief afterwards.
MIND & BODY
HOW WERE THE
DISPOSABLE PANTS?
They came with advice, which is
pretty rare for pants. Basically,
you can go without for massages,
but should wear them for body
scrubs ‘to avoid salt and things
in the wrong places’. They also
cockily claimed to be ‘the comfi-
est spa undies in town’, and I’d
have to agree.
SLEEP FACTOR?
After the back wrangling I had
a little doze as Ronnie massaged
my feet. Who knew some oil and
a couple of Callaways had sleep-
inducing properties?
WHO SHOULD GET
INVOLVED?
Anyone who has been hitting it
hard on the greens, in the gym
or on the court. This is great for
working out the knots, crunch-
ing the back and soothing
muscles.
HOW MUCH AND HOW
LONG?
Dhs570 for 90 minutes. Good
value for a cracking massage.
SensAsia, Emirates Golf Club,
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
9am to 9pm. Tel: (04) 4179820
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 79
 MIND & BODY
Mind games
Want to get ahead at work?
Need to address emotional
issues? Or just give up a
bad habit? We try out a
range of therapy techniques
in one session to see which,
if any, is the answer
THE TECHNIQUE: NLP
What is it?
NLP (neuro-linguistic programming) ex-
plores the relationship between how we think
(neuro), how we communicate (linguistic)
and our patterns of behaviour (program-
ming). This establishes how your brain
functions. By knowing how your brain works
you can change its pattern, so that it is always
working in your favour, improving your life
and the lives of those around you. NLP is
often used in sales, and has proved successful
in helping people overcome phobias.
What happened?
NLP is very interesting, in that it applies
logic to thoughts and breaks down what your
objective is (in this case to become more
emotionally open) and what success will look
like if you achieve it. Our therapist for the
day, Teesha, asked us to list and go through
values of what being more emotionally open
is, and to prioritise these. It really helps you
understand how and why we all behave in
certain ways with particular patterns.
THE TECHNIQUE: TIMELINE
THERAPY
What is it?
Who are you if not your collection of
memories? Memories are recorded and stored
within us and over time have more and more
influence over our behaviour. Timeline ther-
apy uses a person’s own internal ‘timeline’ to
work with the unconscious mind in a variety
of ways including healing emotional traumas
and eradicating unwanted thoughts, emotions
and behaviours. This process is a methodol-
ogy in which a series of techniques are used
to bring about changes on an unconscious
level and alter future actions.
What happened?
We were a little dubious about timeline
therapy, but after Teesha had helped with the
visualisation and we’d relaxed into it answer-
ing her questions was spontaneous, and
80 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
Brain food
Digest our pick of the
best books on NLP,
timeline therapy and
hypnotherapy
SUCCESSFUL NLP
(Crimson Publishing)
Certified NLP master
trainer Jeremy
Lazarus examines
how the technique
can be used to
get ahead in life,
including improving
communication and negotiation skills,
changing negative behaviour and
surprising, with thoughts forming that had achieving your goals faster. Mensa
never occurred before. magazine labelled it ‘a fascinating read’,
and who are we to argue with those
THE TECHNIQUE: HYPNOTHERAPY smart Alecs?
What is it?
Hypnosis is thought to work by altering our TIMELINE
state of consciousness in such a way that the THERAPY AND
analytical left-hand side of the brain is turned THE BASIS OF
off, while the non-analytical right-hand side PERSONALITY
is made more alert. The conscious control of (Meta Publications)
the mind is inhibited, and the subconscious Co-written by
mind awoken. Since the subconscious mind doctor/author Tad
is a deeper-seated, more instinctive force than James, the architect
the conscious mind, this is the part which of the technique,
has to change for the person’s behaviour and this introduction to timeline therapy is
physical state to alter. split into three recognisable sections.
In the first, Dr James discusses the
What happened? therapy and lays out how it works. In
Hypnotherapy was the last therapy and Tee- the second and third, International
sha says she uses it in these sessions mainly to NLP Trainers Association co-founder
cement the work that has already been done. Wyatt Woodsmall goes deeper into the
It involved lying on the day bed while she programmes used.
put on a CD for about 15 minutes. Unrelated
thoughts were already buzzing around but INSTANT
they soon subsided and a dream-like state CONFIDENCE
settled, with images and scenarios appearing (Bantam Press)
as prompted by the CD. Teesha said it was One of a multitude
completely normal, and all had gone well, of books from
which was a relief. vaguely creepy
hypnotherapy guru
THE VERDICT Paul McKenna,
One session made a noticeable difference, with Instant Confidence
increased relaxation and real confidence going is a distilled dose of the UK’s most
into decision-making. It was great to sample successful self-improvement author’s
all the techniques in one go, too. All in all, our methods for a better life. It comes with
mood has been a lot more positive since meet- a CD to help you learn how to push the
ing Teesha. Remarkable after two hours. ‘off’ switch on fear and desperation,
and feel stronger in tough situations
The Alignment Institute, Abu Dhabi and Dubai, from business to romance.
from Dhs900 per session. Tel: (050) 6811728.
www.shivaniadalja.com
 Etoiles
Favourite Nightclub
 MIND & BODY

Spa news
Kickback by the poolside or be groomed
for the new season with the best spa and
beauty deals this April

SENSO WELLNESS
CENTRE
With the aim of thoroughly
de-stressing the aching man
or woman, Senso’s signature
combination package of a
Sport and Swedish or Balinese
massage is crafted to restore
energy levels with the scent of
white ginger lily. This month, THE SPA AT THE ADDRESS DUBAI MALL
Senso offers a special deal The Spa at The Address Dubai Mall has teamed up with Natura Bisse
that includes its Signature to present an exclusive concept in skin therapy by introducing The
massage plus a deep cleansing Bubble; a rejuvenating and pure air environment. This 99.9 per cent
express facial and access to pure air bubble is a spacious isolated area specifically designed to
the swimming pool and steam enhance treatments, increase the efficiency of the products and
room for Dhs450. transport the client to a state of complete tranquillity. Available from
Senso Wellness Centre, Radisson April 17 to 30.
Blu Hotel, Media City, Dubai. Tel: The Address Dubai Mall, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4388888
(04) 43669111
THE SPA AT THE PALACE
The spa at The Palace is
renowned for keeping the
chaps thoroughly groomed.
This month it’s offering the
ultimate men’s package; 90-
minutes including everything
from a hot stone back
massage and deep cleansing
black diamond exfoliation
to lymphatic drainage and
acupressure massage as well as
a black silt mask application, all
for Dhs675.
The Palace, Old Town, Dubai. Tel:
(04) 4287805

PASTELS SALON
Sort out your look for spring with
this deal from Pastels. Its stylists
can help you find a new hair
colour, while a manicurist treats
you to a free file and polish at
either its Jumeirah or Ritz-Carlton
branch.
THE SANCTUARY Pastels Salon, Jumeirah, Dubai.
Ladies rejoice, the Pullman hotel is offering a 30-minute massage Tel: (04) 3947393
followed by a low calorie lunch at its spacious rooftop spa with The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai Marina,
spectacular views over Dubai’s skyline for just Dhs300. You’ll also get Dubai. Tel: (04) 3995016
access to facilities ranging from the steam and sauna rooms to the
roof top pool whilst you sip unlimited tea and coffee throughout the
day. We’re impressed.
The Sanctuary, Pullman, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3772380

82 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 SPORT & OUTDOOR

p86 First steps in golf

p87 Wheels of fortune
p88 Board games
ISTOCK

p90 Mr Fitness

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 85

 SPORT & OUTDOOR
First steps in golf
Five hours. Four
lessons. One week to
master the sport of
golf and be
transformed from
pathetic putter to
queen of the greens
The first lesson for any potential
golfer takes place at home and
the mirror is the teacher – you
should know, golf shoes are not
flattering. As a rule, your aver-
age wardrobe isn’t full of pastel
polos and natty Pringle sweaters,
but golf clubs have a dress code
– trainers for those who don’t
have proper golf shoes, tailored
shorts and collared T-shirts. I’d
met the criteria for my begin-
ner’s lesson at the Emirates Golf
Club, but wasn’t winning any
sartorial prizes. However, dress
code sorted, it was the actual
ball-hitting skills I’d have to deal
with next.
Here’s the diary of deputy
editor Helen Spearman’s
first week on the fairway…
LESSON ONE
Introduction to the game
I turned up at the
academy where pro
Alistair seemed
to think my
borrowed shoes
meant I’d played
this before. I
quickly corrected
him; the only golf
I’ve done is of the crazy
variety, and one par three which
was as humiliating for me as it
was irritating for everyone else.
Thankfully, my four fellow class-
mates were all beginners too,
although one chap brought his
own clubs and a natty glove. We
spent the first 45 minutes inside,
learning about posture, grip and
aim before being unleashed on
the driving range where I nailed
the stance, but spent the rest of
86 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
the session gouging out chunks
of turf instead of hitting the ball.
Not a natural it seems.
LESSON
TWO
Putting
This is
more like
it. Putting
is apparently
where most
people should spend their prac-
tice time as it can save strokes
during the course. A different
pro tonight, Dave, lead us to the
floodlit putting green where he
talked us through the putter and
its abilities, before starting us off
with an aim game involving us
being awarded points for hitting
the ball into different zones.
And I wasn’t bad – must be all
that crazy golf. The hour flew by,
there was some good banter, and
afterwards we all headed to the
driving range; I suspect the oth-
ers might have been practicing.
LESSON THREE
Chipping, pitching and
bunker shots
Another
night,
another
pro, and
Stephen
introduced
us to the short
game and the
bunker where, should I pursue
golf, I fear I’ll be spending a
fair amount of time. So I paid
attention. We started with chip
and runs with the seven-iron
(amazing – it sounds like I know
what I’m talking about), before
using the wedge to get over and
then out of bunkers. It seems I’m
getting better – Stephen actually
claimed I have some natural abil-
ity. Remarkable. Really starting
to enjoy golf and might have to
pester friends to join me on the
driving range at weekends.
LESSON
FOUR
Introduc-
tion to
the golf
course
Our final
lesson, and
Alistair was
back to see what we’d learnt. We
returned to the driving range
where we were surprised to find
the bunker session had put us in
good stead. I was still lacking the
force to belt the balls up the fair-
way, so Alistair showed us a drill
that involves holding the club the
wrong way up and whipping it
through the air. Sure enough, it
worked and I was finally getting
good height and connection.
Next we met the driver, a massive
club used to tee off, so powerful
that when Alistair demonstrated
I couldn’t see where the ball
went. It was a fun way to finish
the week and we all stayed late to
practice. Surely a good sign.
THE VERDICT
Trying to pick up a sport in a
week may sound ambitious, but
the way the game is broken down,
combined with the quality of
the teaching, meant that while I
didn’t exactly master golf I cer-
tainly have a good foundation for
further lessons. Highly recom-
mended and really enjoyable.
First Steps In Golf, Emirates Golf
Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai,
Dhs800. Tel: (04) 3802222. www.
dubaigolf.com
Learner
driver
Three golf clubs
where you can
take your first
steps towards
becoming
the next Colin
Montgomerie
ARABIAN RANCHES GOLF
CLUB
Choose between a
30-minute lesson (Dhs200)
or the Mirador course
(ten 30-minute lessons, a
six-hole playing lesson, a
CD-ROM and digital swing
analysis, Dhs1,875).
Arabian Ranches, Emirates
Road, PO Box 36700, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3663000. www.arabi-
anranchesgolfdubai.com
DUBAI CREEK GOLF &
YACHT CLUB
PGA-qualified professionals
take you through the basics
with individual lessons (30
minutes Dhs210, one hour
Dhs400) or the tee-to-green
package (ten 30-minute
lessons, unlimited use of
practice facilities on lesson
days and swing analysis,
Dhs1,900).
Opposite Deira City Centre
Mall, Garhoud, Dubai. Tel: (04)
2956000. www.dubaigolf.
com
EMIRATES GOLF CLUB
Emirates keeps it simple at
its academy run in associa-
tion with globally recog-
nised coach Peter Cowen,
with lessons in 30-minute
(Dhs210) and one-hour
(Dhs400) blocks.
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai.
Tel: (04) 3802222. www.
dubaigolf.com
 SPORT & OUTDOOR

Wheels of
fortune
PHOTO: DENIS KLERO/RED BULL PHOTOFILES

The world’s finest freestyle motorcross bikers will

ride their roaring metal steeds into Dubai this
month for the first of six events on the Red Bull
X-Fighters World Tour. Get set to stare on in awe as
freestyle motocross stars such as Nate Adams and
Robbie Maddison perform all manner of daredevil
stunts at JBR Beach, Dubai, in what’s sure to be
an all-action show. Like, radical, dude.
Apr 15, Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour, JBR Beach,
Dubai, 8pm, Dhs55 to Dhs145. Tel: (04) 3414353.
www.redbullxfighters.com

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 87

 SPORT & OUTDOOR

Board games
With this month, the last
before rising thermometer
readings render strenuous
outdoor pursuits about as
much fun as taking a sauna
in an ankle-length fur coat,
why not make the most of
the pleasant temperatures.
Bored? Then board…

LONGBOARD SKATEBOARDING
The ol’ wheeled plank with a
snazzy twist, longboard skate-
boards logically elongates the
skateboard, creating a cruis-
ing device great for cooler
weather commuting…
Harking back to 1970s sidewalk
surfing, tricks are more difficult
and decks more expensive than regular
skateboards, but find a nice downhill location
– Fujairah or Jebel Hafeet being two prime
examples in the Emirates – and thrill-seekers
can still get their adrenaline flowing. Go online
for Facebook group ‘Skateboarders of the UAE’
or move your mouse over to community site
Silverfish Longboarding. www.silverfishlong-
boarding.com

SKATEBOARDING
There’s no need for budding Tony
Hawks to pester pedestrians
or restrict ollies and kick-flips
to their PlayStations…
While Dubai’s urban sprawl is a
tempting playground for skaters,
those looking to learn can hone
their skills in safe, and legal, sur-
rounds with lessons at the Rage shop’s indoor
skate facility The Bowl at The Dubai Mall. The
Rage riders teach individuals and groups of
all ages from 4pm to 8pm every day and there
are also free sessions open to the public. More
confident on wheels? Head over to the Rage
skatepark at Dubai Festival City.
SKIMBOARDING
Throw your almond-shaped
board down on shallow
waters at the beach, skim
out to an oncoming wave
and surf back to the shore:
welcome to skimboarding,
originally developed by US lifeguards…
Relatively new to Dubai, yet already boasting
a solid scene, skimboarding is perfectly suited
to the emirate’s smallish breakers. Price is no
excuse either, with Californian import boards
available from the Beach Hut on JBR Walk
from as little as Dhs265. To join the communi-
ty, get on Facebook and search for ‘Skimboard-
ers of the UAE’.
STAND UP PADDLE BOARDING
The most visually bizarre of our selec-
tions, SUP boarding requires an over-
sized longboard, a lengthy
canoe-style paddle and
the chutzpah to stand
up while heading for the
waves…
This Hawaiian sport has
only extended beyond the
island in the past decade or
so and though riders resemble a kayaker who
accidentally packed a surfboard instead of a
canoe, SUP boarding is great fun. Try it your-
self by renting from the Beach Hut on JBR
Walk or else Surf Dubai has boards available
on Sunset Beach, next to the Burj.
SURFBOARDING
Thankfully things have moved on a bit
since everybody wore Ha-
waiian shorts and drawled
‘duuude’ every five
seconds…
Thanks to a dedicated
community to integrate
with, surfing in the Emirates
is a doddle. Organisations such
as Surf Dubai, the UAE’s first surf school,
cover the whole spectrum of abilities, from
beginner lessons and rentals right through to
competitions. Though Dubai’s swell is merely
moderate throughout the winter, sling your
board over to Oman for spectacular summer
waves.
www.surfingdubai.com

88 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 baja fresh.pdf 3/24/11 11:24:51 AM

PHOTO BY: EVAN COLLISSON

CM

MY

CY

CMY

WAKEBOARDING
A motorboat does most of the work towing you
along in this hybrid of surfing, water-skiing and
snowboarding techniques…
Warm weather and flat water are resources Dubai
possesses in abundance, making wakeboarding
a popular pursuit. So popular in fact that you may
want to avoid busy weekend sessions in the Lagoon
next to The Palm, where wakeboarding is permitted, and try midweek
early mornings instead. There are also several coaching clinics with
marine clubs in Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah.

GET BOARD AT...

L Rage, The Dubai Mall, Dubai, Sun to Wed 10am to 10pm, Thurs to
Sat, 10am to midnight, Dhs100 lessons, Dhs25 two-hour pass, free Sun
to Wed 6pm to 8pm. Tel: 04 4341549
L Rage, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, 10am to 10pm, Dhs25. Tel: (04)
3750117. www.rage-shop.com
L The Beach Hut/Act Marine, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence,
Dubai, 10am to 10pm. Tel: (04) 4243191

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 89

 MR FITNESS In his seven years as a
personal trainer, James
Houghton has helped
everyone from West End
actresses to the Arabian
Gulf rugby sevens team
lose the pounds and keep
in shape

THERT! After a meal I like to eat some-

E
EXP
thing sweet, so instead of a
chocolate bar I just have a diet
fizzy drink. A colleague told me
that this is worse, as it takes a
long time for my body to proc-
ess it. Who’s right?
Grace, JBR, Dubai
Soda drinks and diet sodas illicit
an insulin response which is not up scar tissue worked on so that
Do you have a fitness question for James? an ideal scenario. Furthermore, you can release a muscle ena-
E-mail: editor-wo@motivate.ae
they are full of sweeteners which bling greater range of motion,
have an allergic potential as then it is unlikely to be relaxing
well as a neuro-toxic one. To and you most definitely won’t
further put the nail in the coffin be sleeping. If you feel you need
for carbonated drinks, they can some ‘deeper’ work then look
affect the absorption of nutrients for a decent sports therapist
as well as lead to the leaching of who specialises in active release
important bone minerals. technique, deep tissue massage
I’m going to let you in on a lit- rolfing or fascial therapy.
tle secret. You can eat chocolate.
New research tells us that choco- I’m working out hard, eat-
late is rich in anti-oxidants called
ing well and I’m at my goal
flavonols. But look for a brand weight. The doctor says my
with at least 70 per cent cocoa. body composition is what it
should be, but I can’t shift my
I have a massage every few double chin. `is there anything
weeks for both relaxation and I can do?
to get the knots out. Is massage Suresh, Bur Dubai

1/4 AD
useful for muscle recovery or If you’re body composition was
am I wasting my money? really what it “should” be then
Brod, Discovery Gardens, Dubai I am prepared to say that you
To put it simply, yes, massage is wouldn’t have a double chin.
useful for muscle recovery and If your doctor is basing your
it’s good that you are getting one measurements on your Body
regularly. Are you wasting your Mass Index (BMI) then I would
money? Probably not, but not all recommend having your body
massages are created equal. At composition taken by a skilled
a basic level if you want a relax- professional as well as having
ing, de-stressing massage then your training plan reviewed. My
the go for firm to light pressure. version of body composition
If, however, you need some built means taking skin-fold sites. It
is slightly more invasive but it’s
also a better overall indicator.
Let me know if you need help
finding someone.

90 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

MUSIC
DaNnY
Canadian pop-rocker Danny Shirran has had a
busy month, so we rewarded him with a bit of
pool action, Club Tropicana style. Not content
with the release of his album Long Time Comin’
and being hooked up by Dubai 92 to perform live
on air, he has also just won the Yas Rock
Factory battle of the bands, which not netted him
a shiny award, but has led to talk with a potential
new manager. The singer-songwriter has been in
Dubai for seven years now, and with the scene in
full swing he’s at the fore, further proved by Long
BANTHDE
OF TH
MON
Time Comin’ which was recorded in Sweden and
features Dubai rapper Phat Mo. Full of radio-
friendly rock pop, it’s the summery soundtrack to
your time in the UAE.
Catch DaNnY live, Wednesday and Thursdays at
the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai,
Fridays at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and at Stills’ Satur-
day brunch at the Crowne Plaza on Yas Island.
www.myspace.com/dannysvox.
Long Time Comin’. www.music-master.com
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 93
 CLUB DIARY
This month's clubbing highlights
1 15
Faithless @ Nasimi Beach
The multi-million-selling Insomnia
hit-makers make for the beach on the
only Middle Eastern date of their world
tour. Support including Goldfish and Jon
Ulysses.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 3pm to 2am,
Dhs200 to Dhs300. Tel: (055) 20043210.
www.faithless.co.uk
1
Faithless @
Nasimi Beach
GETTY IMAGE S
8 Funk D'Void @
Audio Tonic
A favourite with fellow
DJs and crowds alike,
Barcelona-based Scottish
DJ/producer Funk D'Void
has picked up fans in
high places outside
clubbing circles across
two decades in the
game
Do you miss anything about
your hometown, Glasgow?
All the comfort foods mainly, also the
pubs and the sense of humour. We
really know how to take the Mickey
out of each other in Glasgow and
I really miss my old friends in that
respect, but it's always something
I look forward to when I play there.
The Mediterranean weather kind of
swings Barcelona, though.
Do you enjoy playing the UAE?
The Audio Tonic events have been the
highlight of a 20-year career for me.
It's my choice for real, soulful deep
electronic music, my number one place
to play, without a doubt. I'm really left
to my own devices and can take the
crowd onto my wavelength over a long
set – long enough to bring me to tears
on my last visit. That never happens!
You've previously said that you’d
fallen out of love with techno...
I've fallen back in love with it. I just
got bored of some of the formulaic
94 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
Guido Schneider @ Ill Communications
Collaboration-happy German, currently
promoting his Bob & Curly EP with Jens
Bond.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to
3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free before
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.myspace.
com/guidoschneider
2
Kiko Navarro @ MustHaveSoul
The Ibiza star returns as MHS’s exclusive
international resident.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
2am (guest list only 4pm to 8pm), free. Tel:
(055) 6160643. www.musthavesoul.com
7
Sandy Rivera @ Stereo Sushi
US house king, best known for Kings Of
Tomorrow smash Finally, tears up the
decks.
Sanctuary, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm
to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm.
Tel: (04) 4260561. www.sandyrivera.dj
stuff. Right now, it's the most exciting
time for electronic music. I'm hearing
so many productions that are inspiring
me again, it's that source that really
motivates me to make music. I never
really left techno, just took a break
from it and went a bit deeper for a
couple of years. In my new tracks you
can still hear the emotion and I feel
people connect with me because I've
stuck to that thread in my sound since
the beginning.
Is it true that Oscar-winning
Hollywood director Darren
Aronofsky is a Funk fan?
He told me that I 'rocked' when he was
on his promo tour for his movie The
Fountain in Barcelona. I know he listens
to techno and electronic music. I'm
probably his biggest fan, to be honest.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm
to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.
funkdvoid.com
Jimpster @
Audio Tonic
8
Hed Kandi @ Etoiles
Scene-leading house brand gives
16
Jose Carretas @ MustHaveSoul
Restless Soul rising star gets suitably
Emirates Palace another dose of its soulful for MHS.
glamorous, sophisticated wares. 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, 2am (guest list only 4pm to 8pm), free. Tel:
11.30am to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6909000. (055) 6160643. www.musthavesoul.com
21
www.etoilesuae.com
Chill Out Festival @ Nasimi Beach
The fifth annual relaxed two-dayer flies
in the big name likes of Röyksopp, Hot
Chip and Midival Punditz (8th) and Erykah Bargrooves @ 360°
Badu, The Cinematic Orchestra and Slick cocktail soundtracks from
Matthew Herbert (9th). See page 31 Bargrooves head Ben Sowton, plus
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 4pm to 2am, Kristian Valdini and Tristan Bain.
Dhs150 to Dhs300. Tel: (050) 5944740. www. 360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 5pm
atlantisthepalm.com to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.
15
musthavesoul.com
Jimpster @ Audio Tonic
British deep house hero and founder of
Freerange Records, plus Vas Lloyd and
Raxon.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm
to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.
myspace.com/jimpster
Sebastian Gamboa @ Etoiles
Latin house from the Ibiza-born and bred
DJ, a regular at top Balearic club Pacha.
Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi,
11.30am to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6909000.
www.sebastiangamboa.com
Slam @ Ill Communications
Glasgow duo responsible for two decades
29
of techno, co-founders of influential label
Soma.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm
to 3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free DJ T @ Ill
before 11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www. Communications
somarecords.com

22
Heidi @ Ill
Communications
Gunther & Stamina @ BO18 Beirut
Representatives of the infamous tomb-
esque Lebanese club bring the party to
town Beirut style.
Sanctuary, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm
to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm.
Tel: (04) 4260561. www.sanctuarydubai.com
DJ Irwan @ Etoiles
Lil Wayne-collaborating, house, hip hop
and R&B-navigating Dutchman returns
to the UAE.
Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi,
11.30am to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6909000.
www.djirwan.nl
22
Heidi @ Ill Communications
Blonde-locked Berlin-based BBC Radio
1-approved techno and jackin’ house
madam.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to
3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free before
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.myspace.
com/heidivandenamstel
29 Groove Assassin @ MustHaveSoul
Fresh from joining the cream
of clubland in Miami for
the annual Winter Music
Conference extravaganza
last month, UK producer and
DJ Nick Moss, aka Groove
Assassin, returns to rock
MustHaveSoul. This time
around he has a host of new
productions and remixes
ready to go...
How was your previous trip to
the UAE?
I had an amazing trip last time I was in
Dubai. The MHS crew really know how
to throw a great party: breathtaking
venue and a really up-for-it crowd.
They definitely know their onions.
It's a great pleasure to be asked
back. I was lucky enough to check
out the cocktail bar out at the Burj Al
Arab. The cocktails and views were
incredible.
Sebastian Davidson @ Audio Tonic
Dutch tech/deep houser, the DJ behind
Nightbird Music, plus Mr Mr and Matthew
Charles.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm
to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.
sebastiandavidson.com
Vassili Tsilichristos @ Sanctuary
Trailblazing Greek kingpin brings the
house down.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm to 3am,
Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm. Tel: (04)
4260561. www.vassilitsilichristos.com
Nasimi Beach Anniversary Full Moon
Party @ Nasimi Beach
20 DJs over three rooms.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 8pm to 2am,
Dhs100, Dhs50 and ladies free 5pm to 8pm.
Tel: (050) 8717493. www.atlantisthepalm.com
28
David Morales @ Rasiani
Grammy-winning club legend heads back
to the emirate by popular demand.
Sanctuary, Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm
to 3am, Dhs100, ladies free before 11pm.
Tel: (04) 4260561. www.djdavidmorales.com
Collette @ Infusion Magazine
Experience
Ohm Records’ blonde bombshell serves
up her post-millennium house.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 6pm
to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 8717493. www.om-
records.com
29
DJ T @ Ill Communications
Multi-talented Thomas Koch puts on his
DJ hat ahead of highly-anticipated third
LP, Pleasure Principle.
Trilogy, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai, 10pm to
3am, Dhs100 to Dhs130, ladies free before
11pm. Tel: (050) 7258277. www.myspace.
com/deejaytea
Ms Dynamite @ Etoiles
Rejuvenated ex-So Solid Crew associate
continues her clubland comeback.
You're just back from Miami. How
did that go?
It was well worth the jet lag I'm going
through now. I ended up playing a total
of eight parties and attending about
10,000. It was much better than the
previous year and it was great to hang
with new friends and old, but you need
a holiday after, it's so exhausting.
14 Ministry Of Sound
20:20 @ Sanctuary
One of the known universe’s
most celebrated clubs,
Ministry Of Sound is 20 years
old in 2011. And where better
to mark the occasion than
Dubai. Its international events
manager Gareth Cooke
gives us the low-down...
The series of parties to celebrate
Ministry Of Sound's birthday is
called 20:20. Can you explain the
concept?
We're doing 20 parties around the
world at various residencies and
events. We kicked off with Roger
Sanchez at Mansion for the Miami
Winter Music Conference.
What can we expect from the
Dubai leg?
We have house fave Eve Carey and
the wonderful Kiss FM superstar DJ
Swerve hosting the R&B and hip hop
In contrast to such exotic
locations, you're from the
no-nonsense northern
English city Sheffield.
What are your most/least
favourite things about
living there?
My favourite thing is
being home with the
family and friends, familiar
surroundings, back to the
norm. It's only really the
weather, which is sometimes
depressing. Other than that I
love being at home.
As a seasoned
globetrotter, do you have
any tips for enduring
long, arduous flights?
Always book yourself the seat right
at the back of the plane because
they fill that part up last, so there's
more chance of getting three seats
to lay out.
Skylite, The Yas Hotel, Yas Island, Abu
Dhabi, 4pm to 2am, free. Tel: (055)
6160643. www.musthavesoul.com
CLUB DIARY
GETTY IMAGE S
room as a special treat.
Why did you choose the city?
We always choose Dubai! We
couldn’t miss Dubai out. We have
a very successful monthly party at
Sanctuary, with a loyal crowd who
enjoy what we do.
Many superclubs have long
disappeared yet MOS remains a
huge worldwide brand. What's
the secret of your longevity?
Diversity is the key and making sure
we try and stay one step in front,
musically and with our talent.
What are your highlights from
the past two decades?
There are way too many to mention.
If I had to pinpoint some, playing
Knebworth and The Dome in the UK
and our residency at Pacha Ibiza hold
very fond memories.
Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai, 10pm to 3am,
Dhs100, ladies free before midnight.
Tel: (04) 4260561.
www.ministryofsound.com
Etoiles, Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi,
11.30am to 4am, free. Tel: (02) 6909000.
www.facebook.com/msdynamiteofficial
Spin Science @ Audio Tonic
The house stylings of Estonian-born Ülar
Aasmäe, plus JC and Vas Floyd.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm
to 2am, free. Tel: (050) 1076405. www.
myspace.com/ylaraasmae
30
Groove Assassin @ MustHaveSoul
The Dubai leg of his two-day visit.
360°, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai, 4pm to
2am (guest list only 4pm to 8pm), free. Tel:
(055) 6160643. www.musthavesoul.com
21
DJ Irwan
@ Etoiles
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 95
 BUBBLY
EASTER
BRUNCH
WITH KIDS ENTERTAINMENT
22 & 23 April 2011
Enjoy an extensive brunch buffet with European and Asian
specialties, seafood selections and chocolate extravaganza at
Flavours International Fusion restaurant!

BRUNCH STARTS AT 12:30PM

including unlimited bubbly for adults

CHILDREN ACTIVITIES
Egg Coloring | Craft | Face Painting | Movie Corner
Bunny Treasure Hunt in the Resort Area
12 Noon - 12:30PM

ADULTS: AED 225

CHILDREN aged 4 to 11 years: AED 95
(under 3 years enter free)

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, P.O.Box 640, Abu Dhabi,
United Arab Emirates. Phone (971) (2) 677 33 33 Fax: (971) (2) 672 51 49
 LONG
TRAVEL HAUL

Treasure island
Singapore is a pearl of a
place; small, perfectly
formed and apparently
rather expensive. But
dig a little deeper and
you’ll discover a glittering
cultural scene fitting every
preference and every purse

According to the Chinese zodiac, 2011 is

the year of ‘The Golden Rabbit’: not a time
for prizing unusually-coloured small fluffy
creatures, but rather a period of peace and
prosperity, when we’ll apparently feel more
carefree and eager to enjoy artistic pursuits.
And nowhere is this upbeat, artsy new
year’s vibe more in evidence than Singapore.
Having celebrated the new year in February
with a riot of colourful carnivals, the island’s
now settling in for a year of culture and
creativity – with lucky folk in the UAE (just
half a day’s flight away) ideally placed to reap
the benefits.
The island of Singapore – from the
Malay singa pura, meaning Lion City – is a
prosperous little state off the southern tip of
Malaysia. Having gained sovereignty in 1965,
today it’s a cosmopolitan, tolerant home to a
local population with roots in China, Malaysia
and India, as well as a large expat community.
The result of this melting-pot of nationalities
is a country with an eclectic, but undeniably
charming, character.
The first thing everyone notices is just how
green Singapore is: trees covered in flowers
bloom along every street, while carefully
tended shrubs line busy main roads.
This well-manicured greenery harks back to
a time when nature was in charge of the island
– so for a taste of more tropical times, visit
the famed Botanic Gardens. Entry’s free,
but you have to pay to get into some of the
attractions inside, including the sweet-scented
Orchid Gardens. The Esplanade, affectionately known as the
Another must-see for nature lovers is the Durian by locals due to the shape of the roof,
Singapore Zoo, set in 28 hectares of rainforest. is a concert and theatre hall in Singapore
This centre has established breeding

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 97


The Singapore skyline at dusk
programmes for several endangered species
and is home to more than 2,500 animals.
If you prefer your attractions in a more man-
made format, then take a tour around the city’s
wealth of lovingly restored historical landmarks.
The golden-domed Masjid Sultan, built in
the 1800s, is the city’s biggest mosque – and
its proximity to the colourful Sri Mariamman
Hindu Temple and the neo-classical
Armenian Church, are an indication of the
harmony between the country’s diverse
ethnic groups.
If you’re simply after a taste of local life,
enjoy a gentle stroll around Chinatown, or
Little India: two sectors with beautiful old
buildings and a lively atmosphere.
Anyone looking to brush up on their
history should visit the centrally located
National Museum – or perhaps check out
the world’s first Art Science Museum, an
incredible piece of modern architecture which
opened this year, and now floats like a giant
water lily in Marina Bay.
Of course, you won’t get a true taste of
this vibrant culture simply by traipsing
around landmarks – which is why What’s On
would strongly advise taking some time to
experience the two top national past times:
shopping and eating.
“The mosque’s proximity to the Hindu Temple
and the Armenian Church indicates harmony
between ethnic groups”
The Merlion in Merlion Park
in Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands complex
TRAVEL | SINGAPORE
ENTERTAINMENT
LThe Singapore Food Festival –
platefuls of delicious local food deals
cement Singapore’s rep as Asia’s top
culinary destination.
July
LThe Esplanade – otherwise known
as ‘the Durian of Singapore’ for its
recognisable shape, the concert and
theatre hall show everything from
traditional Asian opera and dance to
internationally acclaimed plays.
L F1 Singapore Grand Prix
This high-octane race, through the
streets of the city itself, is a noisy and
breathtaking experience.
September 23 to 25
APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 99
 TRAVEL | SINGAPORE

Anyone familiar with the UAE is no stranger

to shopping malls, but Singapore’s Orchard
Road is a retail experience like no other.
Snaking 2.2km across the island, this street
is lined with 19 enormous shopping malls
featuring more than 5,000 international brands.
If you’re after something a little more
esoteric, head to Little India or the Arab Street
area, where regional goods such as textiles
and carved wooden items are on sale for
reasonable prices – although don’t miss
out on the opportunity to practice your
haggling skills. Masjid Sultan Mosque
For a more down-to-earth shopping
experience, spend a morning at one of the ‘wet
markets’, selling every edible (and arguably
inedible) item you can imagine, from pungent
dried whole fish to fresh animal organs.
A hard day’s spending can really work up
an appetite, so kick back and relax afterwards
with a trip to one of the plentiful eateries.
Just next door to the new Art Science
Museum is Marina Bay Sands Hotel – a
whopping triple-tower, 2651-room integrated
resort and casino topped by the Sands
SkyPark, boasting 360-degree views and some Peking ducks and raw crabs on display
top-end restaurants.
If you’re in the mood for a gourmet take on
more local flavours, head straight for Cherry
Garden at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
This elegant outlet has been a firm favourite
among local residents for years, serving up
delicious Cantonese cuisine in traditional
surroundings.
Try the signature chilli crab if you get the
chance: the meaty, sweet yet spicy dish is
quintessentially Singaporean.
For all-out foodies, time your trip right and
you might be lucky enough to snare a spot at
the twice-yearly mega brunch blow-out at The Sri Mariamman Temple in Singapore. This
Ritz-Carlton Millenia. is one of the oldest hindu temples and is a
This ‘Super Brunch’ is like a mini-food popular tourist attraction
festival, flying in internationally renowned
masterchefs to work with the in-house team,
resulting in a 78-metre buffet spectacular.
Alternatively, if you fancy a nibble of
neighbourhood nosh – or you’re simply trying
to conserve the pennies – do what all the
locals do and head to a hawker market.
These food bazaars are filled with a riot of
colourful stands, jostling for attention as SMRT, Singapore's most
they try to tempt the crowds with various common public transport
regional goodies.
Those in the know make a beeline for Lau of restaurants serve up hot, delicious curry on
Pa Sat, located in the heart of the city’s central banana leaves; or at the coastal Eastern Road,
business district. on the outskirts of the city, where you’ll get
You can spend hours wandering through flapping-fresh seafood straight off local boats.
the avenues of this covered market, browsing Any trip to Singapore will leave you feeling
stalls serving up the diverse dishes that have full to bursting, in terms of culture, fun
come to form Singapore’s culinary identity: and food.
Malay, Cantonese, Indian, Korean, Mongolian The only problem, with so much to do,
and Thai. is fitting it all in – which is why visitors
More affordable dining can be found at invariably find one trip to this sparkling city Botanic Gardens
Race Course Road in Little India, where rows of contrasts is never enough.

100 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 /GADGETS
Need to know /GEAR
/TECHNOLOGY
WHERE TO STAY /ONLINE
The Mandarin Oriental
Hotel – classic
Singapore chic,
with bags of class,
stunning restaurants
and bars, the best
pool in town and the
nicest staff you could
possibly meet. Talk to
the ever-friendly concierge,
Musa; a Singaporean who always
has time to chat about his beloved country,
whether to discuss its history or recommend the
latest hot night spot.
From SGD439, subject to ten per cent service charge
and government taxes.
www.mandarinoriental.com/singapore

For more affordable accommodation, check out

the Singapore Recreation Club, positioned at
one end of the city’s central ‘padang’ (or field).
The low-rise building might look a little dated,
but its location is superb; just off Marina Bay
waterfront, it’s an ideal spot to catch the F1.
The third floor of this 19th century building is
now ‘The Residence’ – featuring 26 comfortable
and spacious rooms. Three basement floors
house a fully equipped gym, steam room and,
most impressively, a huge swimming pool set
into an underground cavern.
From SG200 inc. breakfast, subject to ten per cent
service charge and government taxes.
www.src.org.sg

HOW TO GET THERE

Singapore Airlines www.singaporeair.com
Emirates Airline www.emirates.com

CURRENCY E WOR LD ’S BEST-

TH ADGET
SELLING GE IS NOW...
Singaporean dollars
(1 SGD to Dhs2.88)

E
MAGAZIN

LIN
GETTING AROUND

ON
Thanks to a strong environmental push, the city’s
public transport system is brilliant. A cheap,
clean and reliable network of buses, taxis and the
MRT (‘Mass Rapid Transport’) train system make
for hassle-free exploring.

Durians on sale at Geylang

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 101

 TRAVEL | TRAVELS WITH...
Travels with…
TV travel presenter Martyn
Andrews has visited more
than 550 cities and has
been swinging by the UAE
for a decade. A regular on
Euronews, Russia Today and
the BBC, he is set to appear
on Dubai One soon
What’s the best holiday you’ve ever had?
Panama to Acapulco overground. Drama and
luck follow me everywhere. Lost phones, credit
cards and luggage, runways over volcanic
craters, hotels that didn’t exist, food poison-
ing in Mexico, being involved in a shoot out
in Nicaragua and being left with no money
in Acapulco as my bank had cancelled all my
cards for the seventh time. What fun! From
the spectacular volcanoes and vibrant wildlife
of Costa Rica and Guatemala to the gorgeous
beaches and ancient temples of Mexico, it was
one of the best travel adventures of my life. Not
for the faint hearted though.
Get away from it all before
the summer hits
CAPITAL EASTER
Liwa Desert's Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort
is offering a three-night Easter package
for four people, including breakfast,
Sunday champagne brunch and a 90-
minute spa treatment for each guest.
From Dhs3,326 per night.
Apr 22 to 26, Qasr Al Sarab Desert
Resort, Abu Dhabi, Dhs3,326
to Dhs7,865. Tel: (02) 8862088.
www.qasralsarab.anantara.com
102 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
Martyn Andrews
What’s your biggest travel disaster?
I’m actually very, very lucky. I’ve missed a
plane crash due to re-booking, three terrorist
bombs within several minutes and a Soviet
mine that I filmed in collapsed and killed doz-
ens the next day. I am constantly faced with
sagas and problems. I just take it in my stride
now, but I sometimes think people are filming
my responses to dramatic travel situations.
If you could advise people to visit one
destination, what would it be?
Apart from Dubai and London? New York
in the spring. The energy, the zest for life, the
bright lights, Broadway, the noise, characters
and those tall buildings. Wow! It’s bold, grand,
chic, packed with culture, style and shopping.
It’s life on overdrive.
What are your three top tips for surviving
a long airport stopover?
I always try and turn stopovers into short
CZECH IT OUT
What is the capital of
the Czech Republic? That’s
right. It’s Prague. If you fancy
visiting the travel hotspot, Emirates Holidays
will oblige you with their new Dhs3,748 per
person three-night package, which includes
return economy flights, three nights at the
InterContinental Praha on the banks of the
Vltava River, breakfast and hotel transfers. The
hotel is just 15km from the airport and within
walking distance of the captivating old town.
Emirates Holidays. Tel: (800) 5252. www.
emirates-holidays.com
TRAVEL
EXTRA
breaks. Whether it’s Bangkok, Dubai, Singa-
pore, or Kuala Lumpur, many airlines will let
you stay for three days to break up any long
trip. I recently stopped in Abu Dhabi on the
way home from Australia. I was at the airport
for just ten hours, so I went to one of the busi-
ness lounges and paid to use it. Perfect. Not
many people know you can do that. Do your
research. Also, stay comfortable, keep warm,
hydrate, sleep, listen to music, read and relax.
What do you never travel without?
My own pillow. I often see people on planes
thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” and
I chuckle. A plush white pillow from home,
relaxing, light and soothing music can make a
huge difference after a chaotic day. I also take
a nice selection of scented, coloured candles
with me wherever I go. And I try and get mas-
sages whenever I can.
What destination serves the best food?
I’ve eaten in some of the best, and worst, res-
taurants in the world. My top choices? Scott’s
or The Ivy in London.
Balthazar in New York,
Nedalny Vostok in
Moscow and Le Georges
in Paris. Amazing views
of the Paris Skyline.
“I take a nice selection of
scented, coloured candles
with me wherever I go”
CATCH OF THE MONTH
It’s that time of year again. Fly fishing
time. British angler, and true gent, Martin
James is back at Le Méridien Al Aqah
for his annual Fly Fishing Academy from
April 6 to 13. If you fancy learning how
to fly fish from a master, the hotel offers
weekday or weekend packages. A two day
course is just Dhs600, including lunch.
Or if you want to make a vacation proper
of it, you can opt for the all inclusive
package, including a hotel stay (weekdays
Dhs999, weekends Dhs1,250).
Apr 6 to 13, Le Méridien Al Aqah,
Fujairah, from Dhs600 Tel: (09)
2249000. www.lemeridien.com
THE HOTLIST
Key
New entry

Non-mover

Up

Down

p107 Bars
p111 Restaurants
p115 Brunches
p119 Spas
MARGAUX

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 105

 Under the kind patronship of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

The Dubai Concert Committee

is proud to present

The King's Singers

on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 8 pm
at the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre

PROGRAMME
The evening with one of the world’s most celebrated ensembles includes works by Alonso de
Alba, Juan de Padilla, Mateo Flecha, Peter Louis van Dijk, John McCabe and traditional
arrangements by Chilcott, Lawson, Goodall, Langford and Richards

ADMISSION
Free on a first-come, first-served basis. Conditions apply.

MORE DETAILS
www.dubaiconcertcommittee.com

Corporate Sponsors

Gold Sponsors
Mrs Lise Annen, Mr & Mrs Ataya, Paul & Christine Bagatelas, Christine Belbelian, Dr Marco & Annick Fedele,
Captain Richard Laurence, Mr & Mrs Bomi Motiwalla, Mr Lars Pertwee, Consul General of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Yalsa
 THE HOT LIST THE
FINEST FOR
BEVERAGES
BARS AND
BITES

Barasti Caramel

ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
Barasti has had a Split between We love Barasti for Spirits and mixers It's number one Le Méridien Mina
new lease of life of poolside and a spot of lunch on a are expenisve given because it's your Seyahi Resort &
late, with concerts beachside, there's Saturday. Catch up they're served in last chance to Spa, Dubai Marina,
on the beach. In usually a quiet or with mates, share a tiny plastic cup. go before the Dubai, 11am to 2am.
Tel: (04) 3993333.
the afternoon it's hot spot depending a pizza and vow to Stick with beers. heat leaves you www.lemeridien-
Barasti chilled, but hots up on what you’re after. drive home, but whinging in the minaseyahi.com
once the sun goes end up a few drinks loo queue.
down. down. Always good.

2
Glass, dark wood, Zuma was the first Break out the Hugo High prices at a They have a Building 3, DIFC,
low slung sofas and big-hitter to set Boss, shine those high quality bar. new menu, Dubai, Sun to Thurs
a terrace perfect for up shop in DIFC, shoes and get your fab Friday 11am to 2am.
post-work drinks. starting quite the best garb on. This brunch and Tel: (04) 4256677.
www.carameldubai.
We feel like proper trend. It's still at lounge is anything that delightful com
Zuma grown-ups in the heart of this but casual. terrace. We're
Zuma. A rare thing. nightlife hub. hooked.

3
This is a place to You'll have to book Meet friends for a The food is pretty , It has dropped Building 6, DIFC,
see and be seen. a table, but the quick post-work expensive, but a few places Dubai, Fri to Wed noon
Caramel is packed leafy terrace at drink, be tempted drinks are no more because that to 2am, Thurs noon to
with pretty girls and the back provides by the menu then expensive than any plastic smoking 3am. Tel: (04) 4255660.
www.zumarestaurant.
pretty men with a desirable respite settle in until other bar in the section is so
Caramel com
pretty healthy bank from the concrete midnight. Try the neighbourhood. darn ugly.
balance. jungle of DIFC. kobe sliders. Ladies get discount
Cosmos on
Tuesdays.

4
LA pool party. DJ Media City is the This place is packed Not bad, to be We're hearing Media One, Dubai
under the stars. last place you'd with revellers both honest. There are good things Media City, Dubai, Tue
That constant expect to find post-brunch and happy hours and about the to Sat noon to 3am. Tel:
threat of being watery debauchery. mid-week. Go with deals aplenty, too. Saturday (04) 4271000. www.
mediaonehotel.com
thrown in the deep But it's here in a group and make afternoon
M Dek end. We love it. buckets. new friends. brunch
(Dhs199).

5
It's chilled on Friday Slap bang in the Dubai's finest break The dirhams stack We're willing Jumeirah Beach Hotel,
and Saturday Arabian Gulf, we out their finery come up if you arrive early to overlook the Al Sufouh Road, Dubai,
afternoons but recommended Friday to pose for and leave late. slow service for Sun to Thurs 5pm to
once the sun sets, catching a golf those all-important the tunes and late, Fri and Sat 4pm to
2am. Tel: (04) 4068769
the party goes off. buggy up the jetty photos ops. views.
360˚ to 360˚'s gangplank.

NOVEMBER 2010 WHAT’S

APRIL 2011 WHAT’SON
ON 107
 HOT ON
TH E HEsEDLubSai Marinai
BARS The Addres
11 Blends, ercy, DIFC
12 The Gram s Downtown
s, The Ad dres
13 Neo
Dubai Mall
ani Hotel
14 Arm ani/Prive, Arm
e Westin
15 Senyar, Th

The Terrace Calabar

ATMOSPHERE LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

6
Now the weather Don't dismiss If you’re in the There’s a Monday A cracking Crowne Plaza Festival
is dreamy you'll Festival Centre as mood for some night all you can eat brunch, decent City, Dubai, Sun to
have to be quick to the land of IKEA, European charm, moules and beer deals and a Mon 6pm to 2am, Tue
nab a table on the the BBC is king this is the only pub affair for Dhs199. spectacular to Wed noon to 2am,
Thurs and Fri noon to
terrace. Inside, the of a huge swathe to go to. Bargain Belgian. drinks list mean 3am. Tel: (04) 7012222.
Belgian Beer pews are rammed of new bars and we're regulars. www.ichotelsgroup.
Café with diners, and restaurants in this com
the bar busy with part of town.
beer fans.

7
Laid-back open- Under the stars The ladies night Average for this Check out what Emirates Towers,
air bar. In fact, with a brilliant view is as popular with part of town, but Dubai 92's Sheikh Zayed Road,
it's surprisingly of the Sheikh Zayed the girls as it is there's a happy Geordiebird Dubai, Tues to Sat 6pm
laid-back given its Road skyline. with businessmen. hour 6pm to 8pm thought on to midnight. Tel: (04)
3198088
Emirates Towers Mingling from Wednesdays page 11.
Clique address. opportunities to Saturdays.
ahoy. There's a DJ Perfect for post-
on Thursdays and week bevvies.
Fridays, too.

8
Ditch the pashmina At the centre of Old Don’t expect super Above average, but Did we mention The Address
or John Smedley Town, affording speedy service, but you'll be so relaxed the beanbags? Downtown Dubai,
knit, the winter is you great views for laid-back drinks that you'll sip your Emaar Boulevard,
warming up so it's of the Burj Khalifa with some pals this drinks anyway. Downtown Dubai,
daily from 6pm to
the right time for from the coveted is a solid choice. 2am. Tel: (04) 436 8888.
Calabar drinks at Calabar. beanbags. www.theaddress.com

9
Sophisticated, with The Terraces is at Picking out Pretty reasonable The raw bar Park Hyatt Dubai,
outdoor tables one of the most which boat you'd given the stunning alone warrants Deira, Dubai, Sun to Fri
overlooking the beautiful hotels in have. We'll take setting and quality the Salik charge from 6pm to 1am, Tel:
yachts. the land, just next the Pershing, of fare. to this part of (04) 3172222. www.
dubai.park.hyatt.com
to the creek. please. Perfect town.
The Terrace with nibbles and
cocktails.

10
Pretty busy most At the heart of Great BOGOF Not bad at all, even Get some The Yacht Club,
nights, but out Dubai Marina, with value and the outside of happy amazing Dubai Marina, Dubai,
of control come the water literally a weather is perfect hour. seafood at daily from 6pm to
Thursday when the stone’s throw from for this place at the Aquara before midnight. Tel: (04)
3627900. www.
world and his pal the vast deck. moment. hitting the deck dubaimarinayachtclub.
The turn up for happy for drinks.
Yacht Club com
hour.

108 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 THE HOT LIST
THE
ELITE
OF THE
EATING OUT
RESTAURANTS SCENE

La Petite Maison
MARCH 2010 WHAT’S ON 111 Rivington Grill

ATMOSPHERE INTERIOR FOOD LOCATION PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
The best in White panelled You're Will DIFC's We've managed It’s all on The DIFC, Gate
Dubai. LPM is walls, moulding encouraged popularity be Dhs900 plus Ivy to knock Village 8,
never short of aplenty, to share Chef challenged by on several LPM off the top Dubai, Sun
customers and contemporary Izi's delightful the imminent occasions, but spot. to Fri noon
two could eat to 2.30pm
boasts a long art, dark, wood Niçoise (from arrival of The
La Petite very well for and 7pm to
bar for pre and floors, a long bar, Nice) cuisine. Ivy at Emirates Dhs650. 11pm. Tel: (04)
Maison postprandial crisp tablecloths Best cheesecake Towers? 4390505. www.
drinks. and romantic in Dubai (p28). lpmdubai.ae
lighting.

2
The fashionable For the full The 'From the Practically Dhs1,000 for The goliath that Building 6, Gate
foodies' restaurant Grill' selection holding hands two. Ebisu bestrides all Village, DIFC, Sat to
favourite never experience is a must. Cuts with DIFC sister Express lunch other Japanese Thurs 12.30pm to
lacks custom. book a table of prime wagyu restaurant LPM. menu Dhs62 restaurants in 3pm, Sat to Wed
7pm to midnight,
Book ahead. downstairs. For cooked over (miso plus Dubai.
Thurs and Fri 7pm
Zuma a more casual charcoal. Also main), Ebisu to 1am. Tel: (04)
tipple, relax into try the new Dhs120 (miso 4255660. www.
a sofa in the Japanese jacket plus three zumarestaurant.
upstairs lounge. potato. courses). com

3
One of the A be-cushioned Order anything. Retire to the Dhs900 Vineet Bhatia's Grosvenor
friendliest in the welcome area, It's all terrific. terrace for a (without reputations as House, Dubai
city. The staff at a winding coffee or post alcohol). We the man who Marina,
Indego greet stairway and a meal drink. couldn't think revolutionised Dubai, Sun to
cosy restaurant of a more Thurs 7pm to
you like a friend, Indian cuisine
Indego by with several pleasurable way 11pm. Tel: (04)
serve you like statues of to spend nine speaks for itself. 3176000. www.
Vineet royalty and feed golden gods. large ones. grosvenorhouse-
you like a god. dubai.com

4
Lunchtime Uncomplicated, British cuisine The Friday Dhs400 for two. We can't wait Souk Al Bahar,
can be a bit with an open at its best. Take Farmer's Market for the arrival Level 3, Old
quiet during kitchen, white advantage of just downstairs of the Riv mark Town, Dubai,
the week, but walls and linen the weekday has brought two at the noon to
11pm. Tel: (04)
evenings and and, of course, bargain lunch a real buzz to Madinat later
4230903. www.
Rivington weekends RG is daily specials menus (two Souk Al Bahar. this year. rivingtongrill.ae
Grill buzzing. scribbled on courses Dhs80,
chalkboards. three courses
Dhs100).

5
Chef Scott Price Pure Gordon Chef Scott Deira. We know, Dhs395 for Time to move, Hilton Dubai Creek,
is managing to Ramsay. Clean, promises menu we know, but it three courses, Gordon? Gary’s Sun to Fri, 7pm to
entice a whole neat and changes this really is worth Dhs495 for six got two in the 11.30pm. Tel: (04)
new clientele inoffensive. month when the trip. courses. For the Marina, you 2277550. www.
chef's table it's gordonramsay.
and the long- Book the chef's the spring know.
Verre Dhs695 without com
term regulars table. produce starts alcohol, wine
continue to coming in. We're pairings Dhs350
dine at Verre. already excited. to Dhs600.

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 111

 HOT ON
RESTAURANTS THE11H EELS
Amala
enty10
12 Rhodes Tw
13 Okku
Mezzanine
14 Rhodes
15 Margaux

At.mosphere Rare Asado

PRICE
ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S
INTERIOR
ON INFO FOOD LOCATION PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO
SAYS... SAYS...

6
Not completely It's a high-end Go for the steak The 122nd floor It will worry Expensive, but Burj Khalifa,
full, but the kind modern grill. tartare followed of the tallest your bank you have to 1 Emaar
of experience Dim lighting, an by the lamb building in the manager. With a visit at least Boulevard,
you would hope open kitchen, and wash it world. Can't be minimum spend once. Dubai, 12.30pm
crisp tablecloths beaten. to 3pm
for (almost) at down with an of Dhs450
At.mosphere and unfussy and 7pm to
the top of the service. appropriate per person 11.30pm. Tel:
Burj. suggestion from we dropped (04) 8883828.
the sommelier. Dhs1,250 when
we visited.

7
A feeling of Purple carpet, Pierre Gagnaire Reflets has Dhs1,000plus, Book a table InterContinental
reverence is pink chandeliers is one of the its own floor but the three- for lunch and Dubai Festival
palpable. All eyes and mahogany world's most and its own course lunch you’re sure to City, Dubai, 7pm
and forks are on balloon-back creative and lift. That's how menu, available go back for to 1am. Tel: (04)
respected chefs special it is. 7011128. www.
the challenging chairs. Classic, Monday to dinner.
Reflets and the master ichotelsgroup.
and sensational camp and ever trained the team Friday, is a com
Par Pierre food at Reflets. so French. bargain at just
at Reflets well.
Gagnaire Dhs180.

8
Don't expect a We love the Chef Franck You know how Three courses Book a table Park Hyatt
busy, bustling high, vaulted Detrait and his we feel about for two for for two outside Dubai, Deira,
restaurant. ceiling and the team do French Park Hyatt. Still around Dhs615. before it gets Dubai, Sun
Traiteur is for a open kitchen. brasserie better our favourite Dhs280 per too hot. to Fri 7pm to
person for the midnight. Tel:
more romantic than any other hotel.
Traiteur three-course set (04) 3172222.
occasion. restaurant in menu. www.dubai.
Dubai. park.hyatt.com

9
You know you're Take a table on New Chef Desert Palm Dhs700 (without Now is the Desert Palm,
out of town the terrace and Kevin Little allows you to alcohol). time to visit Al Awir Road,
when you visit enjoy the view is constantly escape from Rare and take Dubai, Mon
Desert Palm. over the lush working on his the city without to Sat 7pm to
a table on the
10.30pm. Tel:
Everyone is polo fields with menu. Order the travelling too terrace. (04) 43238888.
Rare a little more the Burj in the Aussie wagyu far. www.
relaxed. background. rib-eye. desertpalm.
peraquum.
com

10
Asado provides Chalet-like with Order the Downtown Around Dhs700 We enjoyed the The Palace –
the perfect setting dark woods, roasted baby Dubai is a for two. Not Saturday BBQ The Old Town,
in which to eat an extensive goat to discover handy, central bad, not bad lesson with Downtown,
meat. It's warm, wine cellar, two what Asado is location and the at all. chef Norberto Dubai, 7pm
to midnight.
welcoming and private dining all about. For outdoor terrace this month
Asado Tel: (04)
full of the smell of rooms and a dessert, the sits at the foot (p48). Don't 287888. www.
meat seared over small stage for apple tart is of Burj Khalifa. miss it. theaddress.com
charcoal. live music. delicious.

112 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 THE HOT LIST
OUR
PICK
OF THE
BRUNCH
BRUNCHES BUNCH

Al Qasr Traiteur

ATMOSPHERE FOOD LOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
The brunchers Cheese trolley, There are three Splashing A not so cheap Say brunch to a Al Qasr Hotel,
at Al Qasr have made-to-order rooms full out. Treating Dhs495. Dubai veteran Madinat
paid the best steak, sushi, of food and yourself, your and the words Jumeirah,
part of Dhs500 oxtail burger a terrace so family or visitors. Dubai, 12.30pm
Al Qasr won't
to 4pm. Tel: (04)
to be there. They and just about there's plenty of be far from their 3666730. www.
Al Qasr know how good every other room to roam lips. jumeirah.com
the food is and food you could around in.
intend to make possibly require.
the most of it.

2
Like a summer's Classic French For a special Dapper gents Up to you. This is where Park Hyatt
day somewhere brasserie, just occasion book and their lovely Dhs375 sans we like to treat Dubai, Deira,
pleasant in like the a la the private ladies. Anyone booze, Dhs450 ourselves. Dubai, noon to
Europe, with a carte but you dining room. who enjoys with wine and 4pm. Tel: (04)
live jazz band, Alternatively, 3172222. www.
can scoff as good food, beer, Dhs595
Traiteur buffet in the grab a seat dubai.park.
open kitchen much as you on the terrace champagne and with bubbly and hyatt.com
and an outdoor like. and enjoy the fine wine. Dhs1,998 with a
terrace. weather. limo pick up.

3
Make sure Fresh sushi and The upstairs What is, without Kitsu (no You can Building 6, DIFC,
you book sashimi and a lounge and bar question, the alcohol) Dhs315, always rely Dubai, 12.30pm
ahead; Zuma wide array of means there's best Japanese Kowaku Dhs425 on the food to 4pm. Tel: (04)
is one of the dishes from the no need to leave food in Dubai. (with alcohol) and service at 4255660. www.
zumarestaurant.
most popular ever-changing at 4pm. We can and Kyasha Zuma. com
Zuma brunches in regular menu. often be found (with champers)
town. celebrating a Dhs550.
fine brunch at
6pm.

4
The jazz Lobster galore, The resident's Hungry people. Just right. Take a seat Mövenpick
guitarist a pizza oven pool and The Talk has Dhs350 makes outside with a Hotel Jumeirah
accompanies and roast beef several cabanas one of the most it one of the sea view. Beach, The
the sound of and Yorkshire surround The impressive food city's cheaper Walk, JBR,
many eager Dubai, 12.30pm
pudding. And Talk adding offerings in brunches.
The Talk brunchers filling to 4pm. Tel: (04)
their plates from that's just the to the lively town. 4498888. www.
the ample food highlights. atmosphere. moevenpick-
stations. hotels.com

5
It's an evening It's Asian Night, Well hidden The set price Dhs195. Post 7pm is Grand Millennium
brunch, so the so sushi, dim on the Grand and buffet set Bargain. now brunching Dubai, Tecom,
vibe is different sum, soup and Millennium's up makes it time. A trend Al Barsha,
to a daytime grilled meats 18th floor. ideal for a big you'll want to Dubai, 7pm to
10pm. Tel: (04)
session. Calmer. made to order. Adjourn to the dinner with follow. 4299999. www.
Toshi An impressive adjoining bar friends. millenniumhotels.
spread. for post-dinner com
drinks.

APRIL 2011 WHAT’S ON 115

 BRUNCHES HOT ON
THSpEectrHEELS
11 um On One
hen
12 Thai Kitc h
areh ouse Malt Drunc
13 W ious
14 Bubbalic
Beer Café
15 Belgian

Anise Thai Kitchen

PRICE
ATMOSPHERE WHAT’S ON
FOOD INFOLOCATION BEST FOR PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO
SAYS... SAYS...

6
We're talking You get your On the grass Right now. Dhs199 sans Make the most Al Badia
civilised, catered own picnic at the Al Badia booze, Dhs330 of it before the Golf Club by
garden party. hamper, a Golf Club. Just a with house picnic blankets InterContinental
Lovely. stream of dishes couple of weeks beverages and are packed away Dubai Festival
left to enjoy it. City, The Lawn,
from the kitchen Dhs495 with for summer. Festival City,
Friday Picnic and all manner Veuve. Dubai. Tel: (04)
Brunch of barbecued 7011127. www.
meats. albadiagolfclub.ae

7
The live band Live cooking Wander onto One and all. Dhs395 with Don't miss Anise,
has lifted Anise stations serving the terrace with alcohol, Dhs295 the dedicated InterContinental
from sedate to up Peking a drink and without. cheese room. Dubai Festival
spirited. There duck, pizzas, enjoy and what City, Dubai,
should be live barbecued cuts, is a superb view 12.30pm to
music at every curries and of the Dubai 4pm. Tel: (04)
Anise brunch. more. skyline. 7011111. www.
ichotelsgroup.
com

8
A good mix Bubbly, steak, Book a table A family feed or Dhs425. There was a Madinat
of friends, seafood, sushi. outside beside a casual brunch magician last Jumeirah,
families and Everything you the water. It with friends. time we visited. Dubai, 12.30pm
couples makes would expect might be your Who doesn't to 4pm. Tel: (04)
last chance for a love trickery
3668888. www.
for a laid-back at a high-end
Mina A'Salam while. jumeirah.com
but amiable brunch. with their duck
atmosphere. pancakes?

9
Imagine a day Authentic Mexi- Digging your Topping up the Dhs300 for A brunch that Le Royal
by the hotel can. Platters of toes into the tan. pool and beach isn't really a Méridien Beach
pool or chilling grilled meat and warm sand on access from brunch at all. Resort & Spa,
on the beach. fish between the beach or 10am to 6pm, One for that Dubai Marina,
That’s Maya's Dubai, 10am
1pm and 4pm taking a cooling plus lunch and weekend when
Maya Playa Buena to 6pm. Tel: (04)
Vista brunch. on the Maya dip in the hotel a 30 per cent you need a rest. 3165550. www.
There's also a terrace. pool. drinks discount leroyalmeridien-
live mariachi between 5pm dubai.com
band. and 7pm.

10
People visit “BBQ the Take a table Ravenous A bargain at We're big fans The Grand Grill
Grand Grill to South African outside while carnivores. Dhs295 with of BBQ this Steakhouse,
up their protein way” roughly you still can. alcohol or month. Check Habtoor Grand
intake and have translated Dhs225 without. out our feature Resort & Spa,
means lots of Dubai Marina,
a good time. (p48)
The Grand Grill meat washed 12.30pm to
Let's call it lively, down with many 4pm. Tel: (04)
shall we? beverages. 3994221

116 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

 THE
THE HOT LIST DADDIES
OF THE
HEALTH AND
SPAS LEISURE
SCENE

SensAsia Urban Spa The Spa Talise Spa at Emirates Towers

THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

1
Utterly expert, Most treatments Absolutely Not as expensive This is the One&Only The Palm,
very friendly and are by ESPA, gorgeous. The as they could ultimate The Palm Jumeirah,
skilled beyond so the menu is hotel is a fair trek probably demand day spa Dubai, 10am to 9pm.
belief. Truly the well-chosen and to get to, but (shush) with a 25- destination. Tel: (04) 4401010.
best therapists addresses every the result is an minute body scrub www.thepalm.
We love it, and
One&Only Spa we've ever been possible concern. away from it all for Dhs215 and oneandonlyresorts.
tended by in There are even experience. Expect one-hour massage think you will com
Dubai. wellness journeys lots of wood, costing Dhs490. too.
lasting up to five terracotta and Thumbs up.
days. We want. gorgeous fabrics.

2
We recommended There's a lengthy Stunning. There are monthly It's finally off Park Hyatt Dubai,
Sue if knots and luxurious list Particularly good offers that take the number Deira, Dubai,
are your main of treatments on for couples, with the sting out of one spot, but 9am to 10pm.
problem, but offer. Grouped private outdoor the steep prices – is a worthy Tel: (04) 6021234.
they are all very by theme, there's showers and VIP www.dubai.park.
but the quality of holder of the
Amara Spa knowledgeable an emphasis suites. hyatt.com
and professional. on rituals and products, spa and silver medal.
packages that therapists more
include pool and than justify them.
health club access.

3
Quiet, kind and Innovative and Asian chic with Choose wisely and Check our The Beach Club, Al
with a firm hand imaginative, you'll splashes of jewel you'll get an hour- review of Nafura, Shoreline
when necessary, find treatments tones; the cosy long massage for SensAsia's Apartments, The Palm
SensAsia's staff you never knew rooms are a true Dhs310, and they'll latest outpost Jumeirah, Dubai,
10am to 10pm.
are trained to the you needed. retreat. And the often do monthly on page 79. It Tel: (04) 4227115.
SensAsia highest standards. We love specific dressing gowns are discounts. was knot- www.sensasiaspas.
Urban Spa massages like the best in town. bustingly good. com
the Hi Heeler for
aching feet.

4
There's a mix Talise sets itself The treatment Various, but the Ask them Al Qasr, Al Sufouh,
of nationalities apart with its rooms are linked 80-minute Royal about the Talise Dubai,
and specialities, naturopath, life by leafy outdoor Hammam is a fair detox mini- 9am to 10pm.
from massage coaching and pathways, with Dhs450. break at Bab Al Tel: (04) 3666818.
www.jumeirah.com/
therapists to a GP. medical testing, an outdoor pool Shams desert talise
Talise Spa This spa is packed in addition to the tucked away for resort. Superb.
with experts. large spa menu. those day-long spa
sessions.

5
Modern zen There are You'd never expect It's pricey, but Quiet and The Address Dubai
awaits at this separate menus this shrine to worth it for luxurious, with Mall, Old Town, Dubai,
vast spa, with for ladies and de-stressing to be the quality of quality added 9am to 9pm. Tel: (04)
experienced gents. Particularly mere minutes from treatments and extras, this 4388888.
www.theaddress.com
therapists on recommended The Dubai Mall. snooze you'll enjoy. spa is a true
The Spa hand to guide you is the Jet Lag sanctuary.
from reception to treatment.
relaxation.

2010 WHAT’S
APRIL 2011
OCTOBER WHAT’SON
ON 119
119
 HOT ON
S ch
THdaEra SpHa,EThEe LMon
SPAS
ar
11 Man nly
y Spa, One&O
12 One&Onl Mirage
Royal l,
rContinenta City
13 Spa Inte al
tinen tal Dubai Festiv
InterCon an Tree Al Wadi
14 Ba ny
Spa,
15 The Grand ubai
D
Grand Hyatt

Lime Spa Amara Spa Armani/Spa

THERAPISTS MENU THE SPA PRICE WHAT’S ON INFO

SAYS...

6
An international There's no As stylish as you'd Not as bad as The unique Armani Hotel, Burj
mix of staff. treatment menu expect from you fear, with 90 'decide for you' Khalifa, Old Town,
We had a as such, just book Giorgio. It's a minutes costing approach is Dubai,
knot-busting a time slot (from sleek space with Dhs650, up to great for spa 9am to 9pm.
Tel: (04) 8883888.
South African. 90 minutes to a dark greys and Dhs2,500 for a newbies. www.dubai.
Armani/Spa Impressive. full day) and the clean lines. Very full day. armanihotels.com
therapist decides. masculine indeed.

7
Male and female The menu invites Shared steam and Mid-range, with a We thoroughly Desert Palm, Al
therapists you to 'drop your sauna facilities 60-minute Anne recommend a Awir Road, after
are available robe, cares and make it an ideal Semonin massage massage then International City,
with extensive guard'. Cheeky. destination for for Dhs450 and an steak at the Dubai, 9am to 9pm.
knowledge. There are Anne couples. We Tel: (04) 3238888.
hour of reflexology all-new Rare
They're happy to Semonin and Eve especially like the www.desertpalm.ae
Lime Spa answer questions, Lom treatments, clever two-way for Dhs395. restaurant.
or just let you plus everything windows so you
nod off. from ear candling can look out over
to sculpting rituals. the polo fields.

8
The female Each month Hidden away in Well priced at The spa offers 1074 Uttamah
therapists at this brings new an Al Wasl villa, around Dhs350 a pick up Villas, Al Wasl Road,
ladies-only spa treatments and the spa is a cosy for an hour-long and drop off Jumeira, Dubai,
undergo two discounts. You'll escape with a massage. Keep an service, in a 10am to 10pm. Tel:
years of training find everything lovely garden for eye out for special luxury car. A
(04) 3489679. www.
Thai Privilege and the results from blow-dries to yoga. offers, too. thaiprivilegespadubai.
are impressive. luxury rituals, all fab way to end com
Spa a treatment.
with a Thai flavour.

9
Expert, Not a huge An unexpected Definitely on the ' A lunchtime Emirates Towers,
unassuming and selection, but sanctuary in the more expensive massage is Sheikh Zayed Road,
happy to talk you everything you depths of Emirates side, which is no the perfect Dubai, 9am to 11pm.
through what could want from Towers. Previously surprise given Tel: (04) 3198181.
pick-me-up for
www.jumeirah.com
they're doing and rituals to tanning. H2O male spa, it the hotel and stressed execs.
Talise Spa at why. Excellent. has opened its neighbourhood
Emirates Towers doors to the ladies. it's in.

10
The spa at Banyan There is an Asian- It's gigantic and If you're not a Make a day of Banyan Tree Al Wadi,
Tree is split in two; inspired menu, utterly decadent, guest at the hotel it with lunch or Ras Al Khaimah,
The Rainforest but we vote going Well worth the an hour in The dinner at one 10am to 10pm. Tel:
hydrotherapy for The Rainforest drive to Ras Al Rainforest is Dhs77. of the hotel's (07) 2067777. www.
banyantree.com
area and the where you journey Khaimah. Treatments are on restaurants.
Banyan Tree treatment rooms. through various the expensive side,
Al Wadi The staff are fab saunas and but high quality.
throughout. steamrooms.

120 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011

BACKCHAT
An Englishman’s home is his
castle. But does our man on
the radio really have to go
to war before he gets his?
It’s 2.30am on a Tuesday. I can’t sleep. I’ve
been tossing and turning all night, spread-
eagled on top of the duvet, fighting off the
urge to turn on the A/C. Eventually, I give
up, go downstairs and now, much to the
confusion of my two cats (who normally
have this floor of the villa to themselves for
at least another hour), I’m staring bleary-
eyed at a computer screen.
I’ve got a lot on today. The Catboy &
Geordiebird Breakfast Show starts in a few
hours, after which I’m required at a TV
studio to have my face plastered in make-
up, before sitting around for ages just to say
two lines to camera. I then have my now-
weekly visit to the dentist, so I can give him
enough money to fund a small nation and
in return he can tell me lies about how what
he’s going to do to my mouth isn’t going to
hurt.
All in all, it’s going to be the kind of day
I would normally avoid at all costs. But I’d
rather spend a day enduring all of that than
do what I have been doing lately – looking
for a new villa.
Last year I threw caution to the wind
and did the very Dubai thing of renting
myself a pile that is way too grand for what
I require. It’s not far from the Dubai 92
122 WHAT’S ON APRIL 2011
WITH CATBOY
studio, so I can ride my bike in every day.
It has a garden that I can sit in and watch
the sun disappear behind a man-made lake
every evening, and it has six or seven rooms
that I’ve never been in. I literally only use
the living room, bathroom, kitchen and
master bedroom. Recently, I’ve started
hallucinating visions of floating, ghostly
numbers on the doors of the rooms I don’t
use, showing me just how much cash I’m
wasting.
So I’m downsizing. Luckily, the
neighbourhood I live in has a high turnover
of villas, so much so that on a daily basis I
see as many removal lorries as I do white
Land Cruisers. I’ve taken to cycling home
after the show and cruising the streets,
stopping outside the villas with ‘TO RENT’
boards on display and calling to get a price.
Sounds straightforward enough, right?
Well… Not so much.
I’m not going to name and shame letting
companies, because I’ve pretty much had
a raw deal from all of them. So far, I’ve
been left on hold for quarter of an hour at a
time, ignored, called back at unreasonable
hours by ‘consultants’ who have no idea
why they’re calling me, and lied to by polite
but useless receptionists. Considering
these people work in a commission-based
industry, you’d think they’d make a bit more
of an effort.
Last week, I was sat outside a vacant villa
speaking to a woman whose only mission
seemed to be to not tell me how much it
would be to rent. First of all she asked me
for more personal details than I normally
need to give to renew my passport, then
she went through a questionnaire about my
inside leg measurement, preferred genre of
film, blood type, etc, whilst I kept repeating
the mantra of, “But how much is the rent?”
She was a slippery character and even
went so far as to say she had no way of
knowing how much the villa rent would
be. I suggested she log onto her company’s
website where the price would be
emblazoned in big, bold numbers. Seeing
that I was backing her into a corner, she
eventually asked how much my budget was,
then, on gleaning the information, told me
that was exactly how much the villa’s rent
would cost me. Genius.
Surprisingly, I have severed ties with
that particular company, but the fun didn’t
end there. I viewed another place recently
and had the letting agent practically
tugging at my shorts, begging me to sign
up immediately to avoid the impending
property Armageddon. If she was to be
believed, I was currently viewing the last
villa on Earth, at a price that would double
the moment I walked away, which was being
viewed by thousands of people that very
afternoon, all of whom were willing to pay
more than me and move in immediately.
Which is all the more confusing because,
at the time of going to press, it’s still empty.
Catboy hosts the Catboy & Geordiebird
Breakfast Show, Sun to Thurs, 6am to
10am, Dubai 92. www.dubai92.com
FOR THE FIRST TIME ON PUBLIC DISPLAY
IN THE UAE. WHITE TIGERS. ONLY AT
AL AIN WILDLIFE PARK & RESORT.
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort expresses its gratitude to Sheikha Latifa Bint Rashid Bin Khalifa Bin Saeed
Al Maktoum for the generous donation of two extraordinary White tigers.

The almost two year old White tiger siblings, a female and a male, have relocated to their new home at
Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort and are now on exhibit. Come and watch them in their new enclosure in
the zoo’s cathouse.

Today, White tigers are reported to live only in captivity. White tigers are ambassadors for their cousins
in the wild (India, South-East Asia and Russia). Tigers are critically endangered with some subspecies
such as the Sumatra tiger almost being extinct in the wild. They are in a badly need for protection and
it is our obligation to conserve them for future generations.

Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort – In Touch With Nature.

 For those with taste

The destination of choice in the heart of Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, Ember Grill and Lounge brings
you the Fashion Lunch Buffet every weekend. Accessorise your steak with rich sauces while mixing and
matching appetisers, sides and desserts. Also enjoy a glass of house beverage with your meal for just
AED 180 per person from 12.30pm to 4.00pm every Friday and Saturday.

For reservations call + 971 4 438 8999 or email dine.dubaimall@theaddress.com