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

These are our favourite things in the UAE right now…

Celebrating the end of an era with… Team What’s On

After seven wonderful years, I’m signing off from What’s On. It’s a bold claim, but I truly believe I’ve got the best job in the world, which makes saying goodbye all the more difficult. I realised pretty early on in my career that the days go all the more quickly if you fill them with fun, and we’re fortunate to do exactly that every day at What’s On. To our readers: thank you, for coming back to us daily, without you we wouldn’t be able to do our jobs. To our hardworking PR and marketing peers working tirelessly to make the UAE and Saudi the most exciting places in the world right now, I’m enormously grateful for all of your support. And I owe my biggest thanks to team What’s On, my colleagues Miles, Dinesh, Jumira, Aarti, Manaal, Sheila, Afrah, Madie, Lana, Rasha and Dave, individually remarkable human beings who I’ve been fortunate enough to work alongside, producing content that informs and inspires; and together a cohort for which the sky is the limit. Alice Holtham for What’s On, over and out. – Alice Holtham-Pargin, Former Group Editor

Enjoying Media City’s best kept secret at… Jato

There’s only ever one response to “pssst, can you keep a secret?” And that is “yes”. Because people who can keep a secret are likely to be fully transparent about their lock-and-key capabilities, and people who can’t keep a secret will lie because they are functionally incapable of taking another breath until they find out what that secret is. But I’m about to share a secret that you shouldn’t keep – you should, in fact, shout it from the rooftops either metaphorically or from the actual rooftop on which it’s situated, enjoying what I would argue is the best lunch in Media City. It’s Jato Bar & Kitchen, and their business lunch is priced from just Dhs109. – Miles Buckeridge – Deputy Editor

 @jatodxb

Saying farewell to a legend with… Alice Holtham-Pargin

This is it. One of the most heartbreaking moments in my time at What’s On. Today is our Group Editor, Alice Holtham-Pargin’s last day. My work wife, confidant, coconspirator, sounding board, mentor, the one-woman comedy show, an editor of entirely unparalleled excellence – it’s been one hell of a ride, and an almighty privilege to work along side you. To steal one more of the several million quotes I’ve already pinched from your Lexicon of Alicisms, happy for you, sad for us. Farewell Spicy Pargs, we love you. Miles Buckeridge – in tears

Singing along with the stars… at Saadiyat Nights

It’s no secret the capital has been hosting some incredible names from the entertainment world of late, because let’s face it, that’s all you’ve been reading about, talking about, and concerned with, these last couple of weeks. But several miles from the madness, there’s another cool series of concerts happening, and it’s called Saadiyat Nights. The series is hosting several great artists under the stars over the next few weeks, including the great Lionel Richie in February – so make sure you go down and check it out. It’s classy, placid, refined, and one for your diaries. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi

@saadiyatnights

Staying warm (and cool)… in my new Christmas sweater

When it’s your beloved line manager’s last day with the brand, that can stir up some interesting emotions from the moment the team arrives in the office. It would normally also mean getting her a gift out of gratitude. Except at What’s On, we don’t believe in doing ‘normal’, so she gifted me a Christmas sweater instead (close to 4 weeks after Christmas). It’s red as a fire engine, brings out my eyes beautifully, goes great with my French cuffs and perfectly pressed dress pants, and absolutely makes me want to update my LinkedIn picture. Happy weekend, readers. – Dinesh Ramanathan, Deputy Editor, What’s On Abu Dhabi

Looking back and bidding a teary farewell to our… Alice

Still can’t get over my experience at… Coldplay

Seen hundreds of videos already on social media of the Coldplay concert in Abu Dhabi? If you’re getting annoyed – sorry, not sorry. It was indeed one of the best concerts I have been to. But I do need to point out I am not a concert girly… not the arena-packed type anyways. But I knew I would regret it if I missed it. And I am glad I went, but I am also glad I recorded all of my fave songs and bits. Now I know most of you will be like, oh enjoy the moment, put the phone down, but I feel insane amounts of joy when I rewatch old recordings. And as long as my phone is not in the way of anyone’s view or disturbing anyone, I think doing this is perfectly okay. My favourite part of the night? When Chris Martin trolled around 50,000 people during the performance of A Sky Full Of Stars, and when we all came together to sing Fix You  –Aarti Saundalkar, Arts & Culture Features Editor

Having a vibey Thursday at… Attiko

For someone who lives a 5 minutes walk from the W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, it’s really shocking that I hadn’t visited Attiko before now. However, I’m so glad to have discovered it. Located on the rooftop of the hotel, the views of the Marina and Dubai Harbour are outrageous. The vibe was buzzing for a Thursday night too, would highly recommend for anyone looking for wow factor. – Madie Murphy, Senior Reporter

@attikodubai

Smelling like a treat with… Kayali

A brand who I didn’t discover until I moved to the UAE two years ago and now I’ve turned into a collector, trying to gather all of the different smells like Pokémon. They last so well but not overpowering either.  My favourite at the moment is the Juicy Apple. Delicious. – Madie Murphy, Senior Reporter

@kayali

Who I’ve been inspired by since joining What’s On… Alice

Today is Alice’s last day with What’s On, and I can’t begin to put into words how much I appreciate her and everything she is—her loving spirit, kind heart, genuine warmth, and unwavering passion have touched everyone lucky enough to know her. I’ll miss her presence, but I’m grateful for the time we’ve had working together. She was a brilliant part of the team, her passion and creativity have inspired me in so many ways, and I know she’ll continue to do amazing things and shine wherever she goes. Alice leaves behind a love that will be felt for a long time. Today might be her last day here, but I know we’ll always stay connected – Lana Du, Reporter 

A spark of hope in the darkness… The ceasefire in Gaza

A ceasefire is a step, but it’s only the beginning of a journey toward liberation. While it doesn’t undo the pain and loss of thousands of precious innocent lives, it brings a moment of pause, a glimpse of normalcy, and a spark of hope in the aftermath of the unimaginable suffering – true freedom and justice for Palestine remain the ultimate goal. In the smiles of children, the tears if joy, and the resilience of the Palestinian people, we see—a future where peace isn’t temporary but lasting, and the fight for liberation continues, fueled by the unwavering support for a free Palestine – Lana Du, Reporter

Taking long lunch breaks with…Mohalla

Indian hotspot Mohalla has a brand new menu with a variety of new regional Indian dishes and we all love a good Indian takeaway in the office. Quite graciously, we were sent a selection to sample in the office, and we had quite the lavish feast. We recommend the matka murgh, the sorshe dum aloo, the nimona paneer and the doodhiya khadai masala. You may or may not want to take a big, fat nap afterwards, but that’s not on us. – Manaal Fatimah, Online Reporter 

@mohallarestaurant

Celebrating a new chapter for the powerhouse that is…Alice

It’s only fitting, but quite sadly, this week we bid farewell to our team unicorn. Since the day I joined, to this day, there has not been a dull moment for Team What’s On, and so much of that came from Alice’s infectious, infinite supply of energy, keeping us going on many an off day. Under her careful, tender leadership, we’ve all become better versions of ourselves, personally and professionally, and that is something to cherish for life. Here’s to celebrating a new, exciting chapter in her life. – Manaal Fatimah, Online Reporter

Media: Instagram, What’s On Archive