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YOUR FREE GUIDE TO DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT & BEYOND
TIMEOUTDUBAI.COM | FEBRUARY 2020
Y 2020
M | FEBRUAR
TIMEOUTDUBAI.CO
24-PAGE
AIRPORT
MAGAZINE
Let your tast
e bud s do the trav
elling in DXB
22/01/2020
02:38:53 PM
INSIDE!
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EXCLUSIVELY FOR DISTRIBUTION IN DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. NOT FOR UAE DISTRIBUTION
THE OFFICIAL MEDIA BRAND OF DUBAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR TIME IN
DUBAI
A real one-off
Inside Ours is such a unique city and in homage
to this fact, we’ve rounded up our
favourite ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences...
This month’s Time Out PAGE 10
in no time at all
New home
favourite
We catch up with UAE-based rising star
Karen Khachanov ahead of this month’s
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
PAGE 16
Brie and easy Put it in
grape nights your diary
For a sophisticated soirée combining two of life’s We have a look at the best gigs coming up in
Ànest pleasures, check out these Àve nights Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including a massive
dedicated to cheese and grape moment for the UAE’s heavy metal fans
PAGE 27 PAGE 40
FEATURES AND REGULARS
6 Things to do 27 Food 40 Music & Nightlife
46 Attractions 48 Dubai FAQs 50 The Super Seven
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 3
ITP Media Group
CEO Ali Akawi
Managing Director Alex Reeve
Deputy Managing Director Martin Chambers
Time Out DXB
Hello, Editorial
Editorial Director Holly Sands
email: holly.sands@itp.com
Editor-At-Large Luke Wilson
email: luke.wilson@os.itp.com
Contributors Amy Mathieson, Kelly Johnstone,
Tim Skinner, Reema Rahman
DXB Art
Group Art Editor Emily Evans
Tel: +971 4 444 3854
email: emily.evans@itp.com
Art Editor Gerald Du
Senior Image Editor Emmalyn Robles
Senior Photographers Efraim Evidor, Adel Rashid
Staff Photographers Aasiya Jagadeesh, Fritz Asuro,
Ajith Narendra, Jessica Samson
Production & Distribution
Group Production & Distribution Director Kyle Smith
Production Manager Denny Kollannoor
Production Coordinator Gijo Thomas
Luke Wilson Tel: +971 4 444 3390
Editor-At-Large email: gijo.thomas@itp.com
Marketing & Circulation
Head of Awards Joanna Farrer
Tel: +971 4 444 3328 email: joanna.farrer@itp.com
Marketing & Events Manager, ITP Consumer Hannah Khan
Tel: +971 4 444 3593 email: hannah.khan@itp.com
Distribution & Warehouse Manager Praveen Nair
My Àrst experience of Dubai was a short stop-over Tel: +971 4 444 3498 email: praveen.nair@itp.com
Advertising
at DXB. In hindsight, having wandered in
Commercial Director Sally Whittam
Tel: +971 4 444 3348 mobile: +971 56 104 0567
email: sally.whittam@itp.com
Sales Executive Brendan Jackson
wonderment around this impressive structure for Tel: +971 4 444 3531 mobile: +971 52 641 3552
email: brendan.jackson@itp.com
Group Advertising Manager Sophie Scott
a few hours, my Ànal destination seemed slightly Tel: +971 4 444 3175 mobile: +971 56 669 7371
email: sophie.scott@itp.com
ITP Group
shabby by comparison. Perhaps it was then that the CEO Ali Akawi
CFO Toby Jay Spencer-Davies
seeds were sown. A couple of years later, I was living The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this
publication, however caused. The opinions and views contained in this publication are not
necessarily those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek specialist advice before acting
and breathing this great city with a similarly awe-
on information contained in this publication, which is provided for general use and may not be ap-
propriate for the readers particular circumstances. The ownership of trademarks is acknowledged. No
part of this publication or any part of the contents thereof may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form without the permission of the publishers in writing. An exemption
is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. Published under the authority of
inspired impression on my face. I soon learned to
and in collaboration with Time Out Group Limited London UK. Printed for sale in AGCC and Egypt
only. The name and logo of Time Out are used under licence of Time Out Group Limited London UK.
appreciate ‘Only in Dubai’ was not a criticism but
a compliment. My heart has been here ever since...
The official media brand of Dubai International Airport
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
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timeoutdubai_food Exclusively for distribution in
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Not for UAE distribution.
@timeoutdubai
4 February 2020 timeoutdubai.com
The Month of LOVE - Brazilian Style
Excellent Views of Burj Khalifa
Booking Now for Valentine’s Day
Things
to do
12 TOP
things to do in
Dubai this February From smashing tennis superstars to singing
sensations from the ’80s, it’s a bumper month
TOP PICK
Dubai Duty Free
Tennis Championships
Swiss stars Roger Federer and
Belinda Bencic will be defending
their titles, with the former going for
an incredible ninth crown. Stefanos
Tsitsipas (right) will be hoping to
avenge his defeat in last year’s
Ànal, while Bencic will be part of a
strong women’s draw that contains
14 of the WTA top 20.
O From Dhs55. Feb 17-29. Dubai Duty Free Tennis
Stadium, dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.
6 February 2020 timeoutdubai.com
ALL NIGHT LONG
Emirates Airline Dubai Jazz Festival
The 17th edition of this ever-popular shindig brings a trio of top
acts to Media City with former Fugees frontwoman Ms. Lauryn
Hill, ’80s king crooner Lionel Richie and American pop rock stars
OneRepublic topping the bill respectively each night
O From Dhs350. Feb 26-28. Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, 800tickets.com.
RedFestDXB
DYNAMIC DUTCHMAN WICKED SKENGMAN
Martin Garrix Stormzy
At the age of 23, Martin Garrix British rapper Stormzy can do no
have achieved more than most wrong at the moment (just don’t
do in an entire career. He’s had tell Wiley or Boris Johnson that)
a slew of huge hits (including UK and he’ll be showcasing tracks
No.1 Animals) created his own from his critically acclaimed
record label and been voted DJ second album, Heavy Is The
Mag top DJ three years in a row. Head, along with hits from his Àrst
He headlines day one, with Young LP. Support comes from Cheat
Thug and Bastille supporting. Codes and Machine Gun Kelly,
O From Dhs342.50. Fri Feb 6. Dubai O rom Dhs342.50. Sat Feb 7. Dubai
Media City Amphitheatre, 800tickets.com. Media City Amphitheatre, 800tickets.com.
a-ha
Ask any kid of the ’80s what music videos they
remember from their childhood and invariably a-ha’s
Take On Me will make the cut. Catch the Norwegian
three-piece playing this and the rest of their smash-hit
debut album, Hunting High And Low. The original date
sold out sharpish so they’ve added another.
O From Dhs250. Feb 10-11. Dubai Opera, dubaiopera.com.
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 7
Things to do
Discover...
Festival of Literature
Sponsored by Emirates Airline, the Arab Back to
world’s largest celebration of the written
and spoken word really took off last year
attracting almost 45,000 visitors. And the
business
organisers are hoping to inspire even more
people this time around with a stellar line-
up headed by explorer extraordinaire Sir LEGEND FROOME RETURNS
Ranulph Fiennes (pictured), world-famous The UAE Tour
Cycling superstar Chris Froome will
ape expert Dr Jane Goodall and Mai Jia, make his competitive comeback
arguably China’s top novelist right now. from injury right here in the UAE
A host of special events will run throughout as the four-time Tour de France
the festival, many of them will be free. champion heads a quality Àeld for
O Prices vary. Feb 4-9. Dubai Festival City, emirateslitfest.com. the Middle East’s biggest race on
two wheels.
O From Dhs295. Feb 23-29. Stages 1,
2 and 4 in Dubai, theuaetour.com.
8 February 2020 timeoutdubai.com
Things to do
New eateries
FRANCE MEETS VIETNAM VIVA MEXICO!
Indochine La Mezcaleria
Foodies have an extra incentive The Oberoi Dubai in Business Bay
to head to DIFC now much-loved has said adios to Iris and Àlled
New York eatery Indochine has its former space with the Àesta
opened a venue here. You just of colour and Áavour that is La
have to try the Vietnamese ravioli, Mezcaleria. Although ostensibly
which is made with rice noodles, a Mexican eatery, the menu has
chicken, shrimp and shiitake an array of pan-Latin fare as well.
mushrooms. Just yum. O The Oberoi Dubai, Business Bay
O Gate Precinct 3, DIFC (04 208 9333). (050 423 4044).
Björn Again
The world’s greatest ABBA tribute band marked
30 years of being Super Troupers by delighting
festival-goers at Glastonbury last year. And now
the tongue-in-cheek Australian quartet will be
bringing their brand of humour (and Swenglish)
to Dubai for one night only.
O From Dhs95. Fri Feb 7. Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah
Beach, JBR, www.dubai.platinumlist.net.
TRIPLE THREAT
Ironman 70.3 Dubai
Budding triathletes across the
UAE and beyond will be taking to
the waters, streets and desert of
Dubai in this half-Ironman that
acts as a qualiÀer for the world
championships in New Zealand.
Join them or just cheer them on.
O From Dhs1,322. Sat Feb 7. Burj Al
Arab, Jumeirah, ironman.com.
GASTRONO-MANIA
Dubai Food Festival
The end of February always Àlls
our hearts (and tummies) with
joy as it marks the start of DFF,
the city’s culinary celebration par
excellence. We especially enjoy
discovering the Hidden Gems
around Dubai.
O Prices vary. Feb 26-Mar 14. Venues
across Dubai, visitdubai.com/dff.
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 9
m
Skydive over the Pal
Zip-line over the
Marina
ert
the des
Explore car
ssic
in a cla
10 February 2020 timeoutdubai.comDo su
ndown
at the ers
Burj K
halifa
Only in
Dubai
Experiences that make this
city unlike any other
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 11Only in Dubai
Hit motiongate at
Dubai Parks and
Resorts
Dine at Al Dawaar revolving restaurant
Even if you book ahead there is a worry you
won’t get a great table at a restaurant. Not at
the 25th Áoor of the Hyatt Regency, however.
The restaurant revolves through 360 degreess
of panoramic splendour meaning you get
every seat (and view) in the house while
chowing down.
O Sat-Wed 12.30pm-3.30pm, 7-11.30pm; Thu
cy
12.30pm-4pm, 7pm-midnight. Al Dawaar, Hyatt Regency
Dubai, Naif, www.hyatt.com (04 209 6914).
Experience a proper Dubai brunch
All-you-can-eat brunches are an absolute
must of the Dubai dining and entertainment
scene and you can see some of the best the
city has to offer at Le Meridien. Expect more
than ten live cooking stations, a party band,
an al fresco terrace, varied drinks packages,
y.
international cuisine and a dancey after-party.
O Fridays, 1.30pm-4.30pm. Brasserie 2.0, Le Meridien
Beach Resort, Dubai Marina, www.brasserie2point0.
com (04 316 5550).
Enjoy the rides at IMG Worlds of Adventuree
The 1.5-million-square-foot IMG Worlds of
Adventure is the biggest indoor theme park on
the planet, and it’s home to some pretty epic
rides. Highlights of the park include the high-
speed Velociraptor roller coaster in the Lost
Valley Dinosaur Adventure Zone, which reachess
100kph in 2.5 seconds, and the Predator,
featuring a 35-metre “beyond vertical” drop.
O Dhs257 (adults), Dhs236 (kids under 1.2m), free (kids
under 1.05m). Daily 10am-10pm. Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Zayed Road, Dubai, www.imgworlds.com (04 403 8888).
Explore Dubai Museum
Have a spare Dhs3 in your pocket? Inside the
walls of Al Fahidi Fort in Old Dubai is a brilliant
tribute to the city’s past. The historic building
is home to a wide variety of life-size dioramas
that depict Emirati life from a bygone era.
Soak in the heritage as you take a tour through
traditional scenes of Arab households, souks
and mosques offering unique insights into life
in the desert by the sea.
O Dhs3 (adults). Dhs1 (kids under six). Sat-Thu 8.30am-
8.30pm, Fri 2.30pm-8.30pm, Fri 2.30pm-8.30pm. Al Fahidii
Historical District, Bur Dubai (04 353 1862).
Get your thrills at Dubai Parks and Resortss
Dubai Parks and Resorts is the UAE’s largest
multi-themed leisure and entertainment
destination. You can head to motiongate
Dubai, which features 27 rides and attractionss
themed on movies, or Bollywood Parks for
an Indian themed adventure. There’s also
Riverland waterside district and LEGOLAND
– the world’s seventh – with more than 60
rides, water slides and attractions.
O Dubai Parks and Resorts, Jebel Ali (04 820 0000).
Go clubbing under the stars at WHITE Dubaii
Half a decade since Dubai’s clubbers Àrst hit
the al fresco danceÁoor this massive award-
winning nightclub at the Meydan Racecourse
continues to impress. Regularly attracting
big name performers and with a music and
12 February 2020 timeoutdubai.comOnly in Dubai
d
dress policy that regularly stuns it is a nightlife
sstaple of chic party people.
O Tue and Thu-Sat, 10pm-4am. White Dubai, Meydan
R
Racecourse, Nad Al Sheba, www.whitedubai.com
((050 443 0933).
Go on a desert safari in a vintage Land Rover
G
L
Long before Dubai got roller coasters it had
d
dunes and zooming up and down them in
a 4x4 is a thrill ride like no other. Top the
e
experience off with traditional food, live music,
ccamel-rides of a falconry display for a day of
tthrills and chills.
O Daily, 8am-9pm (ofÀce). Platinum Heritage, Motor
C
City, www.platinum-heritage.com (04 440 9827).
H
Have sundowners in the world’s
ttallest building
F
From the ultra-fast direct lift to the 122nd
ÁÁoor of the world’s tallest building to the
b
breathtaking views 442m back down
a
again the Burj Khalifa’s signature lounge,
A
At.mosphere, is simply stunning. Any
e
experience here, night or day, is special with
tthe restaurant and high (pun intended) teas
i
b
both noteworthy. Our tip, however, is to turn up
Duba
how
ffor a drink just before sunset in order to enjoy
ain s ccontrasting day and night vistas.
h a
O Daily, 7am-2am. At.mosphere, Burj Khalifa, Downtown
Fount
Catc
D
Dubai, www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com (04 888 3828).
Head to the top of the Dubai Frame
H
T cool vantage point allows visitors to see
This
tthe city’s past, present and future in a one-
h
hour tour with unique views of ‘old’ and ‘new’
D
Dubai from a 150-metre-high sky glass bridge.
A
Also known as Berwaz Dubai, the Frame
ccomprises two towers measuring 150 metres
iin height and connected by the 93-metre long
b
bridge at the top.
O From Dhs20 (kids), Dhs50 (adults) free (kids under
tthree, adults over 60 and people of determination).
D
Daily 10am-7pm. Zabeel Park, www.thedubaiframe.com.
Hit the slopes at Ski Dubai
H
Once you get over the wow factor of a
surprisingly large ski slope in the middle
of a shopping mall in the desert, you can
concentrate on skiing, snowboarding or even
sledging down it. While you’re suited and booted
stop for a hot chocolate on the slopes, have a
snowball Àght and meet the resident penguins.
O Sun-Thu 10am-midnight; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Ski
Dubai, Mall of the Emirates, Barsha, www.skidxb.com
(800386).
Marvel at The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is more than 900ft in
length and shoots water into the air to a range
of different songs, from classical music to
contemporary Arabia tracks and classic pop
songs. It’s a spectacular show and one that’s
always popular with city dwellers and visitors
alike. Head to ZETA or NEOS from some
stunning views.
O The Dubai Mall: Open daily 10am-midnight.
Downtown Dubai (800 382246255). Dubai Fountain
shows: Free. Sat-Thu 1pm & 1.30pm, Fri 1.30pm and
2pm, daily 6pm-11pm (every 30 mins).
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 13Only in Dubai Mingle on a rooftop at The Penthouse Head to Palm Jumeirah to visit one of the city’s best bars, with superb views of Dubai’s coast and sparkling skyscrapers. This swish spot is most lively on ladies’ night, but head down any night of the week and you’re guaranteed a photo-worthy evening. O FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah (052 900 4868). Paddle around the Burj Al Arab The moment you master balancing on a stand up paddleboard, like riding a bike or learning to drive, you level-up in life. Beyond looking cool and, literally, well-balanced as a person it means you can take longer excursions with your paddle buddies. Kite N Surf Dubai offers guided paddle board safaris at prime destinations such as the seven-star Burj Al Arab and picturesque Atlantis properties. O Daily 7am-6.30pm. Kite N Surf, various beach locations, www.kitensurf.ae (055 800 6363). Play golf on a championship course Following in the footsteps of greatness is as close to sporting excellence as many of us will ever get. So, the opportunity to play on the same course as the world’s greatest golfers is enough to make amateur players reach for the balls and get their niblick out. The Earth Course at Jumeirah Golf Estates is one of several championship courses in Dubai and host to the DP World Tour Championship. As such, it’s one of the Ànest courses in the world. In off-season it is there to be played and can make a golfer’s dream come true. O Call for tee times. Jumeirah Golf Estates, Green Community, www.dubaigolf.com (04 818 2000). See a show at Dubai Opera Everybody likes to pack at least one smart outÀt in their holiday suitcase and this is where they should save it for. The stunning dhow-shaped building Dubai Opera has staged events such as ballet, musicals and opera and is one of the world’s most impressive arts venues. O Dubai Opera, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai www.dubaiopera.com (04 440 8888). Shop the whole world at Global Village More than 70 countries are represented at this enormous attraction. There are themed stalls, shows, presentations and attractions at what has grown to become a global-themed part-funfair, part-cultural festival and part- market destinarion. There are more than 100 themed kiosks offering street food from around the world, while the huge main stage hosts performances every weekend and various fairground rides are on offer. O Nov-Apr, 4pm-midnight (Sun-Thu), 4pm—1am (Fri-Sat). Global Village, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, www.globallvillage.ae. Slip and slide at Wild Wadi Water Park The waterpark’s main attraction, Jumeirah Sceirah has two 32 metre-high tandem slides, which will see you plummet at a speed 14 February 2020 timeoutdubai.com
Only in Dubai
of 80km/h. In total there are 30 rides and
attractions for the whole family to enjoy,
whether you’re a thrill-seeker, or prefer
something more relaxed, like the lazy river.
O Dhs270 (adults), Dhs220 (children under 1.1m).
Open Sun-Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri 10M-10pm. Jumeirah
Beach Road (04 348 4444).
Swim with sharks in Dubai Aquarium
Whether it is more exciting to come face to
face with the Dubai Aquarium’s collection
of tiger sharks or to do funny dances for the
tourists gawping in at you from Dubai Mall
is a question that can never be answered.
Regardless, the in-tank experiences are a thrill
for experienced divers and snorkelers alike.
O Daily 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, Downtown
Dubai, www.thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382246255).
Take an abra ride across Dubai Creek
Water taxis have been used to transport
people across the Dubai Creek since before
the country was even formed and, we’re
pleased to say, the experience hasn’t changed
much in that time. Hop on, hand over a Dirham
and enjoy the view of bustling traders loading
up dhows and the smell of a noisy engine
chugging you over to the opposite bank.
O Bur Dubai abra station, Bur Dubai, www.rta.ae.
Take a tour of Jumeirah Mosque
One of only a handful of mosques in the
country open to non-Muslims, a visit here is
an engaging cultural experience designed to
inform and educate about Islam and Emirati
culture. The mosque tours are operated by
the “Open Doors, Open Minds” initiative and
are as enlightening as they are tourist-friendly.
Modest dress is required.
O Open Sat-Thu, 10am and 2pm. Jumeirah Mosque,
Jumeirah Beach Road, www.jumeirahmosque.ae
(04 353 6666).
Walk along the bottom of Atlantis
The Palm’s Ambassador Lagoon
In simple (by which we mean scientiÀcally
inaccurate) terms Aquatrek Xtreme is a
system that sees you pull an upside down
goldÀsh bowl on your head and go for a stroll
on the bottom of the Lost Chambers aquarium
in the Atlantis hotel. While you’re down there,
with air pumped in to your perfectly dry head,
you can get to know the 65,000 marine
animal residents.
O Daily 10am-10pm. The Lost Chambers Aquarium
Atlantis The Palm Dubai, Palm Jumeirah,
www.atlantis.com (04 426 2000).
Zip over the top of Dubai Marina
on the XLine
Fancy seeing Dubai from above? XLine zip
line offers thrill seekers a hair-raising chance
to zoom over Dubai Marina at speeds of up
to 80kilometres per hour at an incline of 16
degrees, headÀrst in true Superman style.
It’s one of the best ways to see the city, while
getting your adrenaline Àx, too.
O From Dhs650. Open daily 9am-5pm. Dubai Marina,
www.xdubai.com/xline.
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 15HOME ADVANTAGES Dubai-based Karen Khachanov hopes to serve up some Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships glory this month. By Luke Wilson 16 February 2020 timeoutdubai.com
RISING RUSSIAN STAR Karen Khachanov has
made our great city his home and forms part
of a highly impressive line-up of the world’s
top tennis talent heading here for the 28th
edition of the much-loved Dubai Duty Free
Tennis Championships.
Once again being held at Dubai Duty Free
Tennis Stadium in Garhoud (from February
17-29) this year’s championships also mark
the 20th anniversary of the WTA Tour. Almost
two-thirds of the highest ranked players in
the women’s game are set to do battle, with
defending champion Belinda Bencic aiming
for back-to-back triumphs.
In the men’s draw, though, most of the
intrigue centres on whether Roger Federer can
claim an incredible ninth title here, with the
likes of his old adversary Novak Djokovic also
in the mix. But having knocked up with the
Swiss superstar over the off-season, former
world No.8 Karen Khachanov is better placed
than many to judge how he could potentially
be toppled. Here, he talks to us about his
move to the UAE, his part in the recent revival
of Russian men’s tennis, becoming a dad and
how much a DDF crown would mean to him...
What made you want to move to Dubai, what do
you love about this city and how would you say
living here is helping your tennis career?
I moved to live in Dubai and got residency four
years ago. I had been here so many times for
a holiday with my family and I just love the city.
It’s a great place to practise, too, especially
in the winter and there are a lot of different
clubs, courts and gyms. For my family, too, it’s
great to have them here by the beach. I love
spending time here.
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 17Karen Khachanov
With yourself, Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev
all in the ATP top 20 (as we went to press), do you
think this is potentially a golden age for Russian
men’s tennis?
Yes, I think it is. It’s been a while since
Russia’s former legends like Marat SaÀn
and Yevgeny Kafelnikov were at the top of
the game. People have maybe been waiting
for more Russian players to rise up in the
rankings. I hope that as a group, myself
included, we can all continue to improve and
make this another golden generation.
What’s your relationship like with Daniil? You have
played in Davis Cup together but is there rivalry?
We are some of the best friends outside the
court. But, of course, when we face each
other we are opponents, we are rivals. That
is a normal part of our sport. We grew up
together, practised together and have played a
lot of tournaments together since we were ten
years old. I think our rivalry helped us both to
improve, to push each other and motivate us
to keep working hard.
You spent some of the off-season training with
Roger Federer. What was that like?
Roger is a role model, he’s like an artist on the
court. Everything he does is so smooth and
Áuid. He is also a really nice person. Whenever
I have questions, either about tennis or my
“Roger is a
personal life, we have good discussions and
he has always been really nice to me. Our
role model,
discussions are always very open. he’s like an once, Mikhail Youzhny, too. Nikolay Davydenko
There’s never been a Russian winner of the men’s
singles at the DDF Tennis Championships. Could
artist on also used to play well in Dubai. There’s so
much history and although it’s a little early to
this be your year?
That’s true! I think Marat SaÀn was in the Ànal
the court” say, I would of course love to win the title.
I will do everything I can to put myself in a
good position to play well.
How great would it be to win this title, especially
in your adopted home town?
I would love to win, especially in the place that
has become home. It is always great to play
in front of the crowd in Dubai and I love when
people come to watch and support us. I hope
it will be a big week for me.
Will Roger still be the one to beat as he goes
for a ninth title?
Roger is always the one to beat. When he is in
the draw he is always dangerous. First of all
let’s see how the draw works out and whether
we get the chance to play each other. I would
have to win a couple of matches to meet with
him, but let’s see how it goes. That would be a
special experience if it could happen.
You became a dad for the first time last year –
congrats! How has that affected your tennis?
Becoming a dad is one of the best things that
has happened in my life and I think it has only
affected my tennis in a positive way. Along
with my wife, I have one more supporter with
me! It makes me only more eager to win.
O From Dhs55. February 17-19.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Garhoud,
dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.
18 February 2020 timeoutdubai.comLife’s too short to live off side salads
Plant-based living just got a whole lot tastier
Time Out Dubai’s Vegan Dubai. On sale now.ZHENG HE’S
Epicurean
exploration
e’re very much awestruck by the
W world of exploration in Dubai. You
only have to look at the high regard
with which Ibn Battuta is held here to see that.
And then, of course, this city wouldn’t have
become the marvellous metropolis it is today
without the discovery of either pearls or oil,
those two hidden treasures of the sea.
Set sail for a culinary voyage offering new-found It’s Àtting then that Jumeirah Mina A’Salam,
one of Dubai’s best-loved hotels, decided to
treasures and all-time classics at Jumeirah Mina name its signature Chinese restaurant after
A’Salam’s contemporary Chinese waterfront restaurant another intrepid explorer, Zheng He.
In fact the venue doesn’t just bear this
treasure hunter’s name, its entire culinary
concept is inspired by his passion for
discovering new lands and civilisations.
And that passion was invoked in the recent
evolution of Zheng He’s menu by a man
who knows a thing or two about how to keep
Dubaians coming back for more fabulous
Far Eastern fare.
Chef Lai Min Wei spent nine years on the
books of popular global franchise Hakkasan
in London and right here in Dubai. The
Malaysian was brought in to Zheng He’s to
craft a new vision for the restaurant with a
focus on using the Ànest ingredients and
age-old Chinese techniques to create
innovative yet timeless dishes.
His creative and adventurous Áair is evident
throughout the menu – from signature
starters such as the Blue Lobster with
caviar and lemongrass sauce to mains like
the Honey Baked Chilean Sea Bass with
fried shimeji mushrooms, right on to the
mouth-watering selection of baked, fried and
steamed Dim Sum creations.
Zheng He’s has always had a fervent foodie
following in the city, and Chef Wei has made
sure to include the all-time favourites such
as sweet and sour chicken, wok-fried beef
noodles and Zheng He’s iconic crispy and
Áavoursome Peking Duck.
Available as a half or full bird (depending on
the size of your party – and their appetites),
this crispy and juicy delicacy is served with the
traditional pancakes, cucumber and spring
onion but also comes with a choice of udon
noodles or hokkein rice.
Other sought-after staples from Beijing and
beyond you can Ànd here include a selection
of signature noodles, rice, seafood, poultry
and beef dishes, with something for everyone
to enjoy.
And for fans of those bundles of bite-sized
beauty, Zheng He’s has launched a new Dim
Sum Lunch Menu with steamed, fried andPromotional feature baked creations such as wagyu trufÁe, honey barbecue beef bun or duck pumpkin puff from a mere Dhs32 for four – perfect for sharing with groups. A relaxing and stylish haven of memorable dishes and innovative cocktails, Zheng He’s is the place to be for contemporary Chinese cuisine in a dynamic, one-of-akind location with stunning views of the Burj Al Arab. Guests can choose to sit indoors and soak up the authentic Chinese atmosphere or dine by the Mina A’Salam waterways with the abras passing gently by – the soothing sounds of waves in their ears and the glorious sight of that most majestic sail-shaped hotel in their eyes. What’s more, if you download the isme by Jumeirah™ app, you can grab 25 per cent off your voyage of discovery at Zheng He’s. O Open daily noon-3pm & 6pm-11pm. Jumeirah Mina A’Salam, www.jumeirah.com/zhenghes (04 432 3232).
Top of the shops A deÀnitive guide to Dubai’s major shopping malls 22 February 2020 timeoutdubai.com
ne of the most-popular things to do in Dreamworks Spa or your nails done at The
O Dubai is shop. Whether you’re after
luxury fashion, high street trends,
homeware or groceries, Dubai’s malls have
Nail Spa. You get the gist – there’s something
for everyone, and then some. Be warned
though: you may stay longer than expected.
them all. They’re also packed full of super O Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight.
restaurants, cinemas, kids’ activities and Deira, www.citycentredeira.com (04 209 3105).
more. We’ve rounded up all the top malls in
Dubai, so dust off that credit card and starting DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL
shopping your way around the city. If a mall features a whole IKEA store, it’s
already a winner in our eyes. We’re sure it’s
BURJUMAN been the source of many an argument, but
One of the oldest shopping malls in the City, ultimately most of our homes are kitted out
BurJuman shouldn’t be overlooked, being with the Swedish furnishings. But that’s not
2.8million sq ft of shopping fun – and it even the only draw to this mall – there are more
has its own metro station. Clarks, Guess, than 50 restaurants and cafés including PF
H&M, Levi’s, Matalan, Next, Nine West, Steve Chang’s, Sugar Factory, Tortilla and a Hard
Madden, Daiso, Pan Emirates, Reebok and Rock Café. There’s even an 18-screen Novo
more will help you get fully kitted out with Cinema with 4D IMAX, plus a Fabyland.
new clobber, while entertainment-wise you And how could we forget the dual Guinness
can check out Magic Planet with the kids or World Record breaking light and laser
catch a movie at the ten-screen VOX Cinemas. show IMAGINE? Boasting the largest water
There’s a massive 5,780 sq ft Carrefour too, screen projection and the largest permanent
for all your supermarket shopping wants projection mapping it’s set along Dubai Creek
(don’t head here in peak times unless you’re and is a stunning show.
prepared). All your tried-and-trusted food joints O Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Dubai
are there too, from Tim Hortons to Festival City, www.dubaifestivalcitymall.com (800 332).
Pizza Hut, so you won’t go hungry either.
O Open daily 10am-10pm. Bur Dubai, NEW! DUBAI FESTIVAL PLAZA
www.burjuman.com. The all-new Festival Plaza ofÀcially opened its
doors in December, housing 120 shops. And
CITY CENTRE DEIRA the most exciting news? It has the region’s
There’s many a City Centre shopping plaza largest IKEA, which even has a 500-seater
across the UAE, but City Centre Deira is the café – the Àrst one in the world that you don’t
original Áagship mall for the developer’s have to go through the store to get to (nice
massive portfolio. Open since 1995, old easy access for those Swedish meatballs).
school expats will tell you this was the place The new local lifestyle destination covers a
to be and the place to shop, and many will whopping 64,800 sq m and has more than
still say the same. With more than 370 stores 2,300 parking spaces – all built around
to choose from, over 58 spots to dine at, a your convenience. It also has more than 40
massive Magic Planet, VOX Cinemas, Fitness restaurants, cafés and food outlets including
First and more, City Centre Deira is a mall you Tim Hortons, Denny’s, Leopold’s of London,
could easily spend the day at. Love fashion? Sapori, and soon to be Smoking Doll – which
Take your pick from the likes of adidas, is a hit in neighbouring Abu Dhabi. There’s
Debenhams, H&M, Next and Zara. Looking to also Marks & Spencer and Lulu Hypermarket,
spruce up your home? Head to Home Centre. with ACE Hardware soon to follow. That’s
In need of some me-time? Get a massage at not all, as there’s a Stay and Play offering
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 23Top Dubai malls
fun for the little ones to enjoy.The mall’s Dubai Festival City Mall
signature services features everything from
valet parking, digital wayÀnding and free wi-À
access, to home delivery services via IKEA.
If you live Marina or JLT way, this is your new
best friend.
O Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10pm-midnight.
Jebel Ali, www.dubaifestivalplaza.com.
DUBAI MARINA MALL
A favourite among Dubai Marina residents,
this mall doesn’t have all the major shops
others do, but it’s decent if you’re looking for a
present or day-to-day clothing. Shops include
high end stores such as Tommy HilÀger and
Ted Baker, while there are also high street
chains such as Accessorize, H&M
and Dune. There are lots of
kid-friendly shops (and a Dubai Marina Mall
little train that goes around
the mall for when things
get boring for them),
while the highlight for
many is the area’s only
Waitrose. Looking to
catch a Àlm? There’s
a Reel Cinemas on the
upper level to check centuries ago, and you be entertained at Magic Planet, there’s also
out the latest releases. may well need a map a VOX Cinemas and Yalla Bowling if you’re
Restaurant-wise Dubai here. During his travels, he looking for a full day out. Peckish? Stop by
Marina Mall contains a went to Andalusia, Tunisia, Common Grounds for a tasty breakfast (get
Carluccio’s wagamama, tashas Egypt, Persia, India and China, there early, it’s always packed), Gossip Girl
and Yo Sushi, among others for a which just so happen to be the six favourite Sarabeth’s or top-notch dim sum
pre-, post- or mid-shopping pit stop. And if different districts the building is inÁuenced joint Din Tai Fung (there’ll be a wait but it’s
you’re after a licensed place to dine, the mall by. The décor in the mall is something to ogle worth it). Mall of the Emirates is one of our
is directly connected to Pier 7 – which as the at – with elaborate tiling, a gigantic golden favourites due to the wealth of options.
name suggests is seven storeys of restaurants elephant, a sizeable Chinese ship, a high O Opening Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-
– including Mama Zonia, The Scene and ceiling painted to look like blue skies, and midnight. Al Barsha, www.malloftheemirates.com
Asia Asia. lush outdoor tea gardens. It’s pretty packed (04 409 9000).
O Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. alright. Lush interior design aside, Ibn Battuta
Dubai Marina, www.dubaimarinamall.com Mall features a wealth of different shops,
(04 436 1020). including is a jackpot of fashion and lifestyle
shops, electronic stores, a Novo Cinema with
DUBAI OUTLET MALL one of the most luxurious screen rooms,
Looking for a bargain worth your time? It may and sporting shops with regular in-store
be a little out of the way, but ultimately, the promotions and celebrations.
short drive down Al Ain Road (aka Route 66) O Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight.
makes Dubai Outlet Mall deÀnitely worthy of Jebel Ali, Sheikh Zayed Road, www.ibnbattutamall.com
the trip. Here, sales run year-round at more (04 368 5543).
than 1,200 international brands across 240
stores. Discounts range from 30 percent to a MALL OF THE EMIRATES
whopping 90 percent off. There are plenty of If you thought you couldn’t ski in the desert,
deals to be found, from designer labels such you’d be wrong. Mall of the Emirates is home
as Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry and Marc to the massive Ski Dubai, where you can ski,
Jacobs, along with a variety of electronics snowboard, go zorbing or make friends with
and perfumes. As for food and family penguins. You can even have skiing lessons,
entertainment, a Chuck E. Cheese has been and when it all gets a bit much you can simply
set up there featuring plenty of games. If you retire to one of the bars and cafés in the
love a bargain as much as we do, this one has mall (our preference is Après, thanks to the
your name all over it. steaming cheese fondue) and watch all the
O Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. action on the slopes below. When it comes to
Dubailand, Dubai Al-Ain Road , www.dubaioutletmall. shopping there is loads of choice thanks to
com (04 423 4666). more than 600 shops, including department
stores Harvey Nichols and Debenhams,
IBN BATTUTA as well as Marks & Spencer. For high-end
For a global experience tucked away in one shopping there’s everything from Chanel to
building, Ibn Battuta Mall is the traveller’s Gucci or if you’re on a tighter budget high
destination. The mall gets its name from street stores Mango, Zara, Topshop and
the famed explorer who travelled the world H&M are among the big names. Kids will
24 February 2020 timeoutdubai.comTop Dubai malls
MERCATO MALL Mall of the Emirates
With picturesque cobbled streets and
charming piazzas to walk around in, the
mall resembles what it was like to shop in
Renaissance-era Italy, except with loads of
high street shops. We bet the Renaissance
period didn’t have an exclusive chocolate
bar either – Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar it
worth a stop for those with a sweet tooth. It’s
the place to go for the creamiest chocolate
around, but that’s only one shop. Mercato
has a Spinney’s for all your grocery needs, a
VOX Cinema to watch the latest blockbusters
and a host fashion shops such as Gap, H&M,
Mango, Massimo Dutti, Nike, Pull&Bear and
many more. It may not be the biggest of Dubai
malls, but as the saying goes – it’s quality over
quantity, and the mall’s stunning design and
shops certainly give it an edge.
O Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-
midnight. Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah, www.
mercatoshoppingmall.com (04 344 4161).
NEW! NAKHEEL MALL
Palm Jumeirah’s massive new mall launched
at the end of November, and while there’s
a fair bit open, there’s still loads to come
too. The new mall even has its own monorail
station and will be the access point for The yoghurt shop Pinkberry, milkshake company extreme dodgeball, foam pit, free jumping, a
View at The Palm – a public observatory due Shakeaway, burger chain Wendys, homegrown Western-themed shooting arena, electric-car
to open at neighbouring Palm Tower – when Asian restaurant The Noodle House and Café race track, role play arena and toddlers only
that opens too. There’s set to be more than Bateel among others. Looking for somewhere area. Plus there’s a massive Fitness First if
300 shops and restaurants, including an low-key to watch a movie? VOX Cinemas you live in the area and need a new workout
H&M, American Eagle, Kurt Geiger, Gant, has 15 screens, plus there’s soft play park spot.
Sephora Bath and Body Works and The Toy Fabyland and a massive trampoline park O Opening Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-
Store. There’s also a Waitrose covering 4,200 Trampo Extreme for the kids. The high-octane midnight. Palm Jumeirah, www.nakheelmall.ae.
sq m. Restaurant-wise we can expect a new park is almost 4,000 sq ft of bouncing fun
branch of popular Taiwanese dim sum eatery with 16 different jump activities ideal for THE DUBAI MALL
Din Tai Fung to open soon. There’s also frozen tots of three up to teens of 13. Also expect Your Àrst-ever visit to Dubai centres around
three main landmarks that everyone needs
to see up close for the Àrst time – Burj
Mercato Mall Khalifa, Burj Al Arab and The Dubai Mall.
The lattermost attraction of the trio of tourist
destinations happens to be the largest mall
in the world (by leasable retail space), and
is home to some 1,500 retail, food outlets.
Found in the very epicentre of Downtown
Dubai, The Dubai Mall is, according to
master developer Emaar “the world’s largest
and most-visited retail and entertainment
destination”, claiming that more than 80
million visitors walk through the mall’s doors
every year. For context, that’s nearly a quarter
of a million visitors every single day. While
there are plenty of opportunities to leave with
shopping bags hanging off your arms like
some sort of credit-activated clothesline, The
Dubai Mall is about far more than quenching
your thirst for new clobber. There’s the
world’s largest virtual reality theme park,
VR Park, on the second Áoor that’s home to
some 20 different games, experiences and
VR rollercoasters (really). In addition, there’s
the Dubai Ice Rink for some slightly chillier
activities, child-centric edutainment centre
KidZania, an enormous Reel Cinema complex,
and the world’s largest indoor aquarium and
underwater zoo. There’s also a huge new
e-karting track, while The Dubai Mall is also
timeoutdubai.com February 2020 25Top Dubai malls
home to the largest Apple and Nike stores
in the world. Outside, you’ll Ànd The Dubai
Fountain, known around the world for its
record-breaking synchronised dance routines.
And, of course, those Burj Khalifa views.
O Open daily 10am-midnight. Downtown Dubai,
thedubaimall.com.
THE OUTLET VILLAGE BY MERAAS
If you’re looking for a mall with a setting
that drops you right in the middle of Italy,
Outlet Village is calling for you. Unlike any
district in Dubai, the mall has been uniquely
designed as it is to feel like you’re in San
Gimignano, an adorable hilltop town in the
countryside of Tuscany. Taking up 1.5m
sw ft it opened its doors in September
2016 and has since become home to 500
brands, including homeware, sportswear and
department stores all on the same level and
sheltered under a conical glass roof. With
it being Italian and all, you can expect a lot
of high-end fashion brands, including Dolce
& Gabbana, Armani, Ted Baker, Valentino The Dubai Mall
and much more. The best part? The mall
boasts some of the hottest deals in all of its
stores, sometimes going up to 90 percent
off a product’s original price. It’s only a short independent brands, a Carrefour hypermarket
15-minute drive from JBR, so hop in that car and a plethora of luxury watch and jewellery
and get yourself shopping. shops. And if you’ve ever wanted to know what COMING SOON
O Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. it was like to shop back in the 14th century,
Jebel Ali, www.theoutletvillage.ae (04 317 3999). the Khan Murjan Souk will sort you out. Deira Mall
You’ll Ànd various shops and vendors from Nakheel Mall’s Deira Mall will be one
WAFI MALL across the Arab world, including Egypt, Iraq, of the region’s biggest malls with 4.5
The amount of effort put into designing the Syria, Turkey and Morocco. Once you’re done million square feet of retail space.
surreal Egyptian décor seen outside and experiencing the 14th century, you can take a There will be more than 1,000 shops,
inside of this pyramid-shaped building is quite take a culinary trip across the world and enjoy cafés, restaurants and entertainment
impressive, and we’re happy to gaze at it all dishes from Spain, Thailand, China, India and across three Áoors. There will also be a
day. The Oud Metha mall opened its doors the UK at one of WAFI’s many Àne 3.8 million square feet multi-storey car
in 1991 as one of the Àrst malls in Dubai dining restaurants. park with 8,400 parking spaces.The
and 29 years later, it’s still going strong. O Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. signature of Deira Mall will be the 1km-
There’s everything from homeware shops, Oud Metha, www.waÀ.com (04 324 4555). long retractable roof, bringing natural
light into the complex and allowing for
open-air shopping in cooler months
O Opening 2021. Deira, www.nakheel.com.
Meydan One
This takes the word “massive” to a whole
new level. Ground broke on the project in
March 2019, and this 40 million square
foot complex is scheduled to complete
within three years. There will be 600
retail stores, a dedicated 400 metre-long
“canyon” for high-end luxury brands,
the world’s largest retractable skylight,
a dancing fountain, a one kilometre-
long indoor skiing slope, 100 food and
beverage outlets, a cinema complex
and a multipurpose sports facility as
well as outdoor pitches, trails, and a
skateboarding and BMX park.
Oh, and the 711-metre-tall Dubai One
residential tower which, along with
the surrounding area, will be home to
83,000 residents.
O Opening 2020. Meydan, Nad Al Sheba,
www.meydanone.com.
The Outlet Village by Meraas
26 February 2020 timeoutdubai.comTIMEOUTDUBAI.COM | FEBRUARY 2020 Let your taste buds do the travelling in DXB
Eat the world
Inside Not literally, clearly. But you can savour
Áavours from across the globe here at
DXB well before you jet out
This month’s Time Out PAGE 8
in no time at all
New year,
new food
Sample the delights of two new arrivals, while
also seeing how two old favourites have reworked
their menu and are encouraging healthy eating
PAGE 12
No time International
to waste gallery
Travel savvy with some simple supplements that By popular demand, Terminal 3’s photographic
will help you instantly acclimatise and not waste exhibition Common Threads has been given an
the Àrst days of holiday in a sorry slumber extended run. Go and see what it’s all about...
PAGE 17 PAGE 18
FEATURES AND REGULARS
4 Things to do 6 DXB life 8 Feature 12 Food 14 Duty Free Shopping
17 Wellbeing 18 Art & Entertainment 20 DXB at a glance 22 Kids’ Corner
Time Out DXB Airport Guide 3Things
to do
SIX OF THE BEST
Ways to chill, smell
good and feel great Try these latest DXB offers to make
your far-flung flight even more enjoyable
Zen time
CHILL
Be Relax
Those fabulous French purveyors
of pre-Áight relaxation have come
up with yet more ways to make air
travel more zen. Not only has its
Wishing well
vertical screens got a new video
Bath and Body Works have come
for you to chill to (or be enlivened
by as it’s actually quite vibrant up with a new line that will make
and oh so Gallic) but also they’re A Thousand Wishes come true.
kindly offering a whopping 30 per An eau de parfum, body scrub,
cent off a selection of electric bubble bath and hair perfume
massagers until February 29.
will have you smelling fresh,
Oh, and it’s buy one get one free
on the entire My Hoodie Pillow while the Midnight scent is for
collection – just a pick a colour the men of the world.
and you’re away. Merci beaucoup! O From Dhs70. Concourse B, Terminal 3,
O Open daily 24/7. Concourse A, bathandbodyworks.ae.
Terminal 3, berelax.com.
4 Airport Guide Time Out DXBLounge around
Speak easy
SHOP
Samsung Galaxy Fold
This funky phone is Samsung’s
latest shift ahead of the times.
Like they say, “It doesn’t just
deÀne a new category, it deÀes
categories”. With its 7.3-inch
dynamic AMOLED display, the
Fold provides the largest screen
of any Galaxy ever made. It’s
thoroughly Áexible, too. Just like
you should be if the other half
wants to watch a movie with you.
O Dhs7,049. Dubai Duty Free stores.
SHOP
Armani Code Absolu Gold for
Him, eau de parfum 110ml
Premium class
Armani’s new addictive and Enjoy some fresh VIP treatment by
sophisticated limited edition, sampling the new Plaza Premium Lounge
Absolu Gold is the new standard Dubai. After its grand opening last month,
when it comes to smelling good.
A rich iris and saffron heart there’s no better time to make sure you
contrasted with the blend of hit that boarding gate feeling refreshed
Armani’s iconic tonka bean and thanks to this cracking deal. Walk-in
warm benzoin resin make this a guests will be treated to a special price
scent you’ll never forget. Perfect until the end of February – a full 25 per
for those who know the Code to
unlock Àne fragrance. cent off the usual fee. Nice one!
O From Dhs146. Until February 29.
O Dhs467. Dubai Duty Free stores.
plazapremiumlounge.com
SHOP
Pink
Overnight Áights can be a mission
for the fashion-conscious among
you. How not to make your outÀt
clash with the décor is a problem
akin to choosing the right seat.
Thanks to Pink from Victoria’s
Secret, you can be the height of
fashion in your perfect PJs. Plus,
with its two for Dhs140 offer on
T-shirts, tank tops and leggings,
you’ll have a good Áight’s sleep
before waking up looking chic.
O Open now at Concourse B, Terminal 3,
victoriassecret.ae/en/pink/.
Time Out DXB Airport Guide 5DXB
life
Over the (new) moon
DXB WAS FULL of colour (mostly lucky red) as there was also a skilled calligrapher fusing
it ushered in the Chinese New Year with a raft Middle Eastern and Asian traditions by
of live entertainment, great giveaways and inscribing the names of passengers in Arabic
fantastically festive food. on a special Chinese New Year postcard to
The picnic area near Gate B26 was the make the moment last for posterity.
place to be for passengers travelling through The Lunar New Year is very much a time of
Terminal 3 on January 24 as they had the giving for Chinese people across the planet
chance to join some 200 million global and such generosity certainly wasn’t lost on (based in both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3) is
viewers by watching a live stream of CCTV the good people of DXB. On the morning of keeping the festive feeling Áowing and will be
ME’s coverage of the Chinese New Year Gala. the big day itself (January 25), The Noodle giving away special gifts inside Chinese red
During all the jaw-dropping performances House in Terminal 1 or Asian Street Kitchen in envelopes until February 15. The grand prize
broadcast on the big screen, DXB travellers Terminal 3 were both handing out free cookies of a voucher worth Dhs8,888 is well worth
had their own pre-Áight entertainment thanks and a 20 per cent discount voucher to the Àrst raising a glass to.
to amazing Chinese-themed acrobatic displays 100 customers. Food fans didn’t miss out either as Camden
from La Perle – courtesy of Dubai Shopping Elsewhere, DXB’s stylish new Plaza Premium Food Co, Costa, FIX, The Wok, Tranzeet,
Festival – as well as a show-stopping set from Lounge truly embraced the Chinese notion of Treehouse and YO! Sushi all served up special
award-winning Chinese songstress, Joey Jia. ‘lucky eight’ by giving away the same number dishes for the occasion (see our Food section
That fantastic double act were back in of free passes to fortuitous Áyers. on pages 12-13 for more on this). Gņng hè xĨn
action in Terminal 1 the following day, while And wine and luxury spirit specialist Le Clos xĪ, everybody!
6 Airport Guide Time Out DXBCome in, no.9?
Roger Federer is chasing an
incredible ninth title as part of a
stellar line-up for this year’s Dubai
Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Both he and compatriot Belinda
Bencic will be looking to defend
the crowns they won in 2019. But it
won’t be easy for either as Federer
could face old foe Novak Djokovic,
while the ladies’ draw features an
amazing 14 of the world’s top 20,
including Ashleigh Barty, Karolina
Pliskova and Simona Halep.
O From Dhs55. Feb 17-29. Dubai Duty Free Tennis
Stadium, dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com.
Record breakers
DUBAI DUTY FREE’S new year began on a high
after it announced record annual sales of
Dhs7.406billion (US$2.029billion) for 2019. The
Àgures were given a big birthday boost when on
the company’s 36th anniversary (December 20),
customers took advantage of a special 25 per cent
discount and DDF saw a huge surge in sales with
190,208 transactions worth Dhs111.65million
(US$30.59million) in the 24-hour period. Overall,
the operation recorded more than 24.284million
sales transactions in 2019 – an average of 66,500
a day – while a total of more than 64.578million
units of merchandise were sold. Colm McLoughlin,
executive vice chairman and CEO, hailed the
performance as a ‘fantastic year’.
A cool million
IT WAS FIRST time lucky for Dubai Duty Free’s latest
Millennium Millionaire who scooped the $1million top
prize. Dana R had never bought a ticket from a Dubai
Duty Free Finest Surprise counter in DXB before but was
delighted she did as her short trip to Bahrain for a baby
shower turned out to be very lucrative indeed. US national
Mrs R, a Dubai resident for 30 years, said: “What a good
start for 2020 – thank you so much Dubai Duty Free!”
Also thanking their lucky stars were Omar Jalal Alwo (who
won a BMW 750Li xDrive M Sport), Salem Yaqub (winner
of a Mercedes-Benz S560), Mark Louie Celestino (who
now owns an Indian FTR 1200S motorbike), Samir Dewan
Rai (who took home a Moto Guzzi V85 TT motorbike) and
Idrees Gatta (who drove off on a Moto Guzzi V7 Racer).
Time Out DXB Airport Guide 7Global cuisine
AROUND THE WORLD
IN 18 TRAYS
Jones the Grocer
8 Airport Guide Time Out DXBTake your taste buds The Noodle House
globetrotting before
you’ve even left the airport
f there’s one thing for certain about us
I Dubai folk, it’s that we love our food. With a
veritable smörgåsbord of epicurean delights
at our disposal (particularly now Dubai Food
Festival is almost upon us), some would say
‘Why ever leave?’ But there’s a whole, wide
world out there to discover and should you
manage to grab some holiday time (thanks,
boss) then you should deÀnitely book it,
pack it and jet off. Before you do so, rest
assured you can sample many of your next
destinations’ cuisines en route thanks to the
truly global offerings available at DXB. Here
are just one-and-a-half-dozen you must try...
All-American at The Hangar
This is the type of place you could imagine
Tom Cruise and his fellow Áy-boys refuelling in
after a hard day’s Top Gun-ning. Designed to
look like a military aircraft hangar (it’s in the
name, really), this new recruit to DXB jetted
in last November and serves up a range of
hearty food loved by our Stateside buddies.
Burgers, hot dogs, loaded nachos, buffalo
wings and popcorn chicken are among the
highlights you should set your sights on.
O Open daily 24/7. Concourse B, Terminal 3,
destinationdxb.com.
Australian at Jones the Grocer Express
Although Jones the Grocer is Australian at
heart, you’ll Ànd Áavours from across the
globe on its mouth-watering menu, which has
been scaled down to Àt the Express concept
at DXB. However, you can still grab one of its
single-origin coffees or indulge in its super-
fresh croissants, mufÀns, sandwiches, salads,
soups and hearty mains such as chargrilled
harissa chicken. Morning, noon and night
Wanna Poke at The Daily DXB
Jones is bonzer in our book.
O Open daily 24/7. Terminal 3 B Gates,
jonesthegrocer.com.
go far wrong with the bao, lemon chicken, Hawaiian at The Daily DXB
British at Pret A Manger Shanghai noodles or chicken siew mai. And When the street food hub that is The Daily
How to make a sandwich shop sound super eco warriors among you will also appreciate all DXB rocked up here in 2018, we were
posh. Why, give it a French name of course! The Noodle House’s packing is 100 per cent instantly enamoured by the heady aromas
Messrs Beecham and Metcalfe saved Pret compostable. Right on! wafting from its stalls. Wanna Poke, with
from the abyss and gave it the je ne sais quoi O Open daily 24/7. Concourse D, Terminal 1, its dangling surfboards and cheery servers
it needed to survive, and Áourish. And now thenoodlehouse.com. quickly become a hit. And once you dig in to a
you’d be hard pushed to Ànd any traveller that brimming bowl of Hawaiian happiness, it’s not
hasn’t sampled a sarnie from Pret, not least French at Paul hard to see why. The makai, with its sashimi
at DXB. Best of British here? The posh cheese Paul is truly a global phenomenon. And though salmon and tuna, sushi rice and dressing of
and pickle baguette – it’s a taste of sheer most of you probably know it for its wondrous honey-ginger tamari soy sauce and sesame
Cheddar Gorge-ousness... pâtisserie creations, you might be surprised kewpie is wave upon wave of joy.
O Open daily 24/7. Concourse D, Terminal 1, pret.co.uk. just how many hearty French mains it also O Open daily 24/7. Concourse B, Terminal 3,
lovingly prepares. The traditional onion soup destinationdxb.com.
Chinese at The Noodle House (served in a homemade bread bowl) is a great
This homegrown homage to Asian soul food place to start before you savour perhaps a Indian at Taste of India
has spread its wings to destinations such quiche, tartine or the excellent chicken cordon Depending on where you’re Áying to, you
as Cyprus, Doha and Moscow but remains a bleu. C’est magniÀque! might be needing to make your travel money
popular choice back where it all began. If you O Open daily 24/7. Concourse C, Terminal 1, travel further. So this Indian outpost set in the
fancy some cracking Chinese dishes, you can’t paularabia.com. fabulous Food Village will not only sate your
Time Out DXB Airport Guide 9You can also read
