Team What's On pick their favourite things in the UAE right now
These are our favourite things in the UAE right now…
Finding my zen with… yoga in the sky at Aura Skypool
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Ever feel like you’ve had an especially hectic week? That’s where I found myself this week, after a few days of back-to-back travel. So what better way to wake up on a Friday morning than with a 60-minute vinyasa yoga session 50 floors above The Palm? Next month, a string of wellness classes will return to Aura Skypool with the cooler weather, including yoga, sound healing and stretching – and I got a sneak peek this week. The yoga classes encourage you to get bendy while soaking up the stunning views, then fuel up afterwards with a healthy breakfast. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor
Treating my skin with a facial at… Biologique Recherche
Luxury French skincare brand Biologique Recherche has set up a beautiful new beauty centre at voco Dubai The Palm. While the products have been available in the UAE for a while, this is the first of its kind centre, where a string of skincare treatments are offered using the brand’s award-winning products. It’s minimalistic and neutral, a beautiful space that’s instantly calming. Facials begin with a consultation that looks to ensure you get the best results, before a three-part skincare treatment to leave you with an illuminated, glowing complexion. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor
Making movies more magical with… Nebula
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We recently moved into a new house and somehow I, to this day I still do not know how, managed to convince my wife to let us turn our living room into a living room/mini cinema room. Essentially we just bought a projector and arranged the furniture in such a way as to make it comfortable for periods of wall-staring for 90 minutes or (as increasingly seems to be the case) longer. I also bought a 200 inch screen, which is approximately the size of the greater metropolitan area of Venice and absolutely does not fit in the room, though I refuse to send it back because I’m certain I will find a need for it (if anyone needs to urgently parachute an aircraft carrier, DM me). But the projector, a Nebula Mars Pro II (retailing at Dhs2,198 from Jumbo Electronics *jazz hands*) is incredible. Ut’s not even top of the range and it still delivers big screen pixels of a level that is indistinguishable (for my tired old eyes) from those at movie theatres. I’m already planning the next phase = living room/cinema/hot room. Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor – Dubai
Disappearing all the burritos at… Taqado
I don’t think there are many casual dining places as consistently excellent, as Taqado — it might not be the most authentic Mexican experience, but the staff are almost invariably wonderful, the ingredients always fresh, they’re insanely quick on the delivery tip (which makes them my favourite panic aldesko lunch option); they’ve gone above and beyond with their commitment to creating vegan/gluten-free/keto etc customisations that make sense, taste great and aren’t just there to tick boxes; and finally the execution of their foil-wrapped fiesta-packed burritos is just best-on-ground for Cali-Mexican fast food, in my considerable-quantity-of-burrito-eating experience. So I just wanted to take up the column inches here with a sincere and heartfelt gracias to the amigos of Taqado. You are an incredible brand. Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor – Dubai
Watching all the matrimonial drama unfold in… Indian Matchmaking
Yes, this isn’t new, and yes, most of us have seen it. It’s still worth a mention for the very sincere, very diligent, very enthusiastic efforts Seema Taparia puts into helping lonely singles find their soul mates. If you’re either at that stage when you’re done flying solo, or simply tired of watching the same old entertainers your OTT platform keeps recommending, give this one a shot. Happy weekend. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor – Abu Dhabi
Heading for the open dunes of the desert in… a Toyota Land Cruiser Pickup 2022 (LC70)
If rugged, hardy and rustic are your primary requirements in an automobile, you do not want to miss out on the Land Cruiser pickup (Dhs149,900). Built to last, this rough, tough competitor is the ideal companion for the desert (or any terrain, really) and is available in single and double cabin options with Toyota’s customary vinyl splashed on its sides. A four-litre V6 engine gives you the power you need, and if you’re already thinking about fuel, you’ll also have a jerry can at the back to have your reserves looking good. Spartan toughness for the win. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor – Abu Dhabi
Getting really excited about all the upcoming events at… Alserkal Avenue
If I could live in a van in Dubai, I would most likely set up camp right next to Alserkal Avenue. The cultural spot in Al Quoz has announced so many plans and I just can’t keep calm. The season is kicking off next weekend with Alserkal Lates where a program of art, music, culture, food and much more awaits and then the creative hotspot is hosting Festival X showcasing a art-meets-technology experience. And of course, these are just the main events. In-between, there are plenty of performances taking place at The Junction, art galleries to check out, movies to catch at Cinema Akil and so much more. Do you see why I just want to live there? – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter
Making plans to revisit… Din Tai Fung
I rarely head to Bluewaters Dubai, but I just had to pop on over to try out the newly opened and licensed Din Tai Fung earlier this month. We were told that there were dishes unique to the venue, so those were on our must-try list, and we were not disappointed. The chicken lettuce wraps cause me to salivate to this day, and if I crave the wok-fried lobster with almond brittle any more, I may just find myself taking a long lunch break. The most shocking bit? I am not a huge fan of lobster, but I was totally hooked. It is easily one of the best dishes I have tried this year. – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter
Feeling a million miles away from the city in the sanctuary that is…Eugene Eugene
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Dubai is a city that never stands still, and the dining scene is no exception. With new restaurants popping up every week, it can be hard to keep track of where to go. One restaurant I’d add to your to-dine list immediately is Eugène Eugène, that’s if you have an appetite for delicious French food in a chic and unique setting. Hidden away on a rooftop in the Mall of the Emirates, the stunning oasis and greenhouse-inspired (licensed) brasserie features a conservatory-like dining room and alfresco terrace. Order the Taleggio cheese pizzetta followed by the roasted whole baby chicken with a non-negotiable side of pomme puree for mains. You won’t regret a single second. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter
Getting excited about autumn dressing thanks to… Marks & Spencer’s
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Although it may not feel like it just yet, Dubai summer is pretty much behind us and outdoor season is on the way. Yes, you can get those hoodies and walking boots ready. But just because summer is over, doesn’t mean our autumnal wardrobe has to be all browns and greys. Is summer ever really over in Dubai? Earlier this month, Marks & Spencer’s unveiled their autumn/winter collection with style icon Sienna Miller as the face (oh yes, Marks & Spencer’s is much more than just Percy Pigs). From Barbiecore pink suits to zesty lime statement knits, the effortlessly-chic collection is full of bold colour, textures, and prints. The collection is available in store and online now. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter
Pickles… Just any pickles
Whenever I am served any kind of fried chicken dish or shawarma and there are pickles involved, I am instantly sold. Pickles are such an underrated bite of the perfect amount of saltiness and sour zing that pair perfectly with just about any dish, or on their own. I know that to some they are the worst possible topping on a burger and are repulsed by the thought of munching on gherkins as part of a girl dinner. Pickles, gherkins, the size doesn’t matter, but how you use them that counts. I could quite happily add pickles to any toastie or sando, or eat them on their own (I’m actually craving them as we speak.) One thing I will never agree to though is a pickle wrapped in cotton candy, or drinking the pickle juice, that, my friends is where you lose me. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter
Watching the Springboks win at… Sports Village Garden
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The Rugby World Cup is well underway, and I have never been prouder to announce that the Springboks (of course) won their first match. I will say that an attempt was made by Scotland, but we remain undefeated. There is something special about being surrounded by other Saffas, cheering on the boys as they make the whole country proud. A sea of green and gold coats Sports Village Garden, especially when there’s a drink deal of Dhs175 for five drinks. We love a cheeky brandy and coke deal. Find me there for every South Africa vs *insert team* match for the foreseeable future. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter
@sportsvillagegarden / @bokrugby
Brunching at midnight with…Hutong
Girlypops out there will agree with me. Dolling up to go for a night out in town is actually more exciting than the going out part itself. But I paid a visit to Hutong this past week for their Dark Brunch relaunch, and I can guarantee that I had much more fun (gasp) there than dancing around my room, trying on every article of clothing in my closet and belting NSYNC bops into the can of hairspray. The set menu was a hit, the ambiance was all red-light-ravishing and the entertainment had me grooving in my seat even before we made way for the dance floor. Special mention to the drummer for matching my vibe in the best way possible. You get me. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter
Wearing my heart on my sleeve with…PRYA Jewellery
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I love a little personalised jewellery moment. It’s just a wholesome way to symbolise things that are important to you and this week I went online shopping to PRYA Jewellery, where I came across the daintiest letter necklace. Odd how it’s difficult to find the basics but I’d been looking for one like this for ages. Add to cart, pay and now I have a sweet reminder of all the people in my life that are close to me. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter
Images: Instagram/ Unsplash
