Team What's On pick their favourite things in the UAE right now

These are our favourite things in the UAE right now…

Making the most of alfresco dining at… Tagomago

I instantly fell in love with Tagomago when it opened at Azure Residences last year. Not only did it bring a much needed menu of Spanish cuisine to the city, but it’s also inspired by one of my all-time favourite holiday destinations, Ibiza. It perfectly encapsulates the bohemian Balearic spirit I know and love the White Isle for, through its bright pink and orange-hued parasols and loungers on the beach, its rustic chiringuito bar, and its gorgeous seaside restaurant. Then they added the adults-only pool, and it quickly became one of my favourite spots for daytime lounging and alfresco dining.  – Alice Holtham, Group Editor

@tagomagodubai

Soaking up the sun at one of my favourite beach clubs… Nikki Beach

Dubai beach clubs now might be a dime a dozen, but few do it as well as one of the original hedonistic seaside spots, Nikki Beach. They really do take their ‘Celebration of Life’ motto seriously, and every time I go, there’s always the best music (take a bow, @mademoiselle_sabah), sensational entertainment, and just a high-octane energy that makes you want to have a good time. With some of my nearest and dearest in Dubai recently, we booked ourselves a cabana with plunge pool to make the most of the beautiful weekend weather, and enjoyed a day of sipping Nikki Beach rose and dancing into the sunset by the DJ booth. This weekend the brand is turning 8, and so expect an extra-special party to celebrate.– Alice Holtham, Group Editor

@nikkibeachdubai

Appreciating that some of the best things in life… Really are free

My mum landed in the country last Tueday for her annual visit. That was the day of the ‘unprecedented’ rain, and so it was a bit of a spicy start to the trip – but she’s (I’m sure she won’t mind me saying) part of the post-war boomer tribe, characterised by stoic resilliance and a mend-and-make-do mentality. The generation that fly the banner for always looking for the silver lining, and for not fixating on things you can’t change. I’ve just enjoyed hanging out with her, drinking coffees (or a wine) at home, being present, stopping to smell the roses, and getting to hug her again. Not all of us have that luxury. – Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, Dubai

Telling people to “Get Out of My Swamp” because of bath bombs from… Lush

If they handed out awards for unexpectedly brilliant brand collaborations, everybody else might as well give up and go home now because the Lush x Shrek collaboration has just won the lot. A 2024 collab Oscars clean sweap. Fragrant powder bombs that turn your bath into a swamp – tick, enchanted potion body spray – massive tick, more disintegrating cameos from Gingy and Donkey – tick, tick and tick. It’s a product line that just has so many layers to it. Like a pleasantly purfumed onion. – Miles Buckeridge, Deputy Editor, Dubai

@lushmiddleeast

Admiring timeless fashion with…the Puma Palmero

Some love trends, some love timelessness, and those that know me will understand how much I love a good classic, especially when it’s Italy-inspired. This time around, it’s Puma’s Palermo, an iconic pair of kicks that embodies both elegance and comfort. Their Forever campaign caught my attention with Jack Grealish and Dua Lipa donning their pairs, and I was sold. If you’ve ever owned a pair of AF1s or Sambas, you’ll agree it isn’t always the loudest and the newest that take top spot. Same story. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi

@pumame

Watching Leo at his best in… Catch Me If You Can

Spielberg and DiCaprio combine their talents in this 2002 crime-comedy that follows the story of Frank Abagnale Jr. and his reputation as a conman extraordinaire. Frank claims to have made a fortune by donning several hats, or appearing to, and taking off with the king’s ransom.  Watch DiCaprio in one of the finest performances of his career, and whether the story is true or not, what is real is the entertainment you’ll have watching the movie. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi

Falling in love with every single piece of… Victoria Beckham’s Mango collection 

This is not a drill: In celebration of Mango’s 40^th anniversary, the high-street brand has collaborated with Victoria Beckham for an iconic 46-piece capsule collection. Inspired by the film La Piscine (1969), starring Jane Birkin, the collection launched online in the UAE earlier this week and landed in Mango’s Mall of the Emirates store yesterday.  The pieces range from Dhs279 up to Dhs1,500 and impeccably cut tailoring, silky slip dresses, long flare trousers, knitwear, shoes, and accessories. After a quick try-on, I loved every single piece, but my absolute favourites were the white draped halter dress (Dhs1,200) and the asymmetrical crochet skirt (Dhs650). Take all of my money. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

Feeling zen after a sunny morning yoga session at…  The Lighthouse

What better to way to wake up on a Friday than by downward-dogging in the sunshine followed by a wholesome breakfast? Home-grown café and concept store, The Lighthouse hosted the wellness morning, in collaboration with Rumi, at their Nakheel Mall branch on the Palm. After waking ourselves up with an uplifting yoga session, we enjoyed a hearty alfresco breakfast with chia pudding, avocado toast, and delicious pastries. It was a spring morning to remember. The best part? There will be another free community yoga event this Sunday at 8am, you can sign up here: rumi.ae – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

It’s gonna be… May

Okay, realistically speaking, part of me is dreading the fact that we’re fast approaching the fifth month of the year. But May is my birthday month, so that means Gemini season and Shelby season are officially here. The month of Justin Timberlake, NSYNC and me. But the month of May also means that the summer is approaching, and I know I might be alone in this when I say I do love the summer months in Dubai, the weather might not be great but the roads are quieter, work is less chaotic and we’re all just living for the summer vibes around the northern hemisphere. I love May. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter  

The passionfruit milkshake from… Izu Burger

Beloved Chef Izu has just opened up a burger joint in Box Park and my colleague Manaal popped down there to go and film this week. She came back with rave reviews and of course, a few snacks for us to try. The Izu fries were out of this world (obviously) but the main event for me without a single doubt in my mind was the passionfruit milkshake that came in tow. I didn’t need to dip the fries as they were already loaded with parmesan and sauce. The milkshake was punchy and tangy but sweet and soothing and just hit all the right places for me. I couldn’t put it down. De-lish. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter

@izuburger

Discovering a world of new flavours at the…Odeon x Itadaku collaboration

I love getting experimental with my food. I may not like everything, but I will try it all, and the exclusive, one-night-only menu from the Odeon x Itadaku collaboration was just that. A marriage of cuisines, not a fusion, as the wonderful chefs emphasised and in my opinion, probably one of the few fusion menus I have had where both cuisines had an equal chance to shine. French veal broth with miso, dumplings with escargot, sushi rolls with beef tartare and tempura egg mayonnaise – inventive, colourful and a true delight. – Manaal Fatimah, Junior Reporter

@itadaku_dubai, @odeondubai

Being criminally late to the party with…The Mandalorian

I’m not even the slightest bit a Star Wars fan, which is probably why it took me so long to actually get to watching this show, but I was forced by my younger brother, and I’m glad he did, because now I can’t stop watching it. I love Pedro Pascal and how he emotes so clearly through a blackout helmet is amazing to me. He is The Mandalorian, the perfect embodiment, and his travels and tests across the galaxies ( and the unexpected fatherhood) is just  wonderful to watch. And of course, Baby Yoda. We all love him.

Watch it on @disneyplusmena

Images: Social