Issue 491 February 2019 HOW TO BEHAVE LIKE A CHILD IN THE UAE UAE DHS15 ALSO INSIDE: VALENTINE’S DAY DEALS, DUBAI JAZZ FESTIVAL, RUN DUBAI, TOP PODCASTS, NEW RESTAURANTS AND MORE ADVERTISEMENT THE EXCITEMENT CONTINUES AT LONG’S BAR There’s no better time to get down to the longest bar in the Middle East than now FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT ROTANATIMES.COM/TOWERSROTANA OR FACEBOOK.COM /TOWERSROTANAHOTEL A BRAND NEW MENU Happy hours Ladies’ nights Gents’ nights Friday brunch The legendary Long’s Bar has it all, and this year the Towers Rotana heavyweight has added a new menu to its repertoire Dishes include pub grub classics such as the Long’s fish ‘n’ chips, baby back ribs and spicy mini beef sliders Best of all, guests can enjoy a special 25 per cent discount at lunch from 1pm to 4pm Saturday to Thursday until the end of February 2019 MORE LIVE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT Elsewhere, sports lovers can catch all the latest matches live across the bar’s 20 screens, while music fans can enjoy Long’s Bar’s popular live band every Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9pm to midnight Meanwhile from Monday to Saturday, our resident DJ Mike D spins all night from 9pm until late Unbeatable Weekly deals DAILY Happy Hour: Get 30 per cent off house drinks from noon to 8pm MONDAY Longest Happy Hour: Get drinks from Dhs25 from noon to midnight FRIDAY Friday bar brunch: Traditional roasts aplenty Packages start at Dhs175 SUNDAY Gents’ night: Get 25 per cent off selected drinks from 8pm to midnight TUESDAY Ladies’ night: Get two free drinks from 9pm to midnight SATURDAY Hotelier night: Get 50 per cent off the total food and drinks bill from 9pm ANTI-VALENTINE’S DAY Single this Valentine’s Day? Good for you Get the gang together for a weekendlong anti-Valentine’s Day celebration at Long’s Bar The offer includes doubles for all single orders February 14 to 16 CONTENTS 02/2019 WE’RE ALL BIG KIDS FEATURES HOW TO BE A GOOFBALL IN DUBAI P20 35 JAZZ FESTIVAL Meet the headline acts at this year’s top music gig 40 40 NOW HEAR THIS 19 of the best podcasts to listen to this year 46 RUN DUBAI Love collecting medals? From fun runs to half marathons, find the best challenge for you 46 Page 35 02.2019_What’s On_3 CONTENTS COVER REGULARS 16 Yalla! Quick fix of news 88 Win! Lots of hotel stays 90 A look back Some of the funniest adverts from past What’s On issues 53 Cover: Sheila Deocareza Stay in touch 51 CONSUME Get What's On on tablet o your y 52 EAT Cool New Zealand spot Nightjar; Italian at La Strega Plus Valentine’s Day deals and Duck Hook 79 64 DRINK The Hideout Dubai is our Bar of the Month WhatsOn.ae Our stunning website is packed with news, restaurants, culture, shopping, sport and spas It’s your online destination for stuff to in the UAE Get clicking Page 68 67 CULTURE 68 AGENDA Six unmissable art events to attend this month 84 70 FILM Notting Hill returns to the silver screen; Liam Neeson stars in Cold Pursuit; the third and final installment of How to Train Your Dragon; and William Dafoe is Van Gogh in At Eternity’s Gate 4_What’s On_02.2019 82 SPORT Edinburgh Fringe comes to Alserkal Avenue Parkour DXB has a new home and Barry’s Bootcamp launches new classes Plus, the new UAE cycle tour route 79 MUSIC 86 WELL-BEING A two-day beach festival returns to Snoopy Island An alternative guide to Valentine’s Day 76 THEATRE 70 81 ACTIVE What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai Escape to Romance! Be it an intimate beachside dining experience under the stars, a romantic 4-course Italian menu or a breathtaking rooftop setting overlooking the Arabian Gulf, we have the perfect venues for you Make this Valentine’s Day a memorable one with us Packages starting at AED 290 HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH | 04 318 2319 | FB.JUMEIRAHRESERVATIONS@HILTON.COM HILTON DUBAI THE WALK | 04 374 7512 | FB.THEWALKRESERVATIONS@HILTON.COM HILTON DUBAI CREEK | 04 212 7551 | DXBDC.TABLE9@HILTON.COM ADVERTISEMENT A MONTH OF UNMISSABLE EVENTS AT JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS DUBAI F O R F U R T H E R I N F O R M AT I O N O R T O M A K E A B O O K I N G , P L E A S E C A L L + 4 0 OR VISIT JWMARRIOTTMARQUISDUBAILIFE.COM BEST OF THE BRUNCH Fancy tackling a new brunch this month? Here are two to try… 068 Brunch at Prime68 steakhouse When: Fridays 1pm to 4pm When the world is not enough, unleash your inner Bond and experience the high life at the 068 brunch With a license to grill, this brunch will satisfy even the most discerning palate Live another day while sipping on signature beverages and taking in Dubai’s daring views from the world’s tallest 5-star hotel Don’t miss the brunch after-party at Vault with DJ Adam J on the decks from 4pm until 8pm Packages start at Dhs495 per person with house drinks 1 PRIME68 MAN’S DAY When: Wednesdays 6pm to midnight Gather your mates and head down to the award-winning Prime68 steakhouse where you can enjoy a selection of prime cuts served with sharing sides and complimented by a Magnum of red grape Dhs1,500 for four people RAMEN NOODLES AT IZAKAYA When: Sundays 6pm to 11.30pm This season try a very special night at Izakaya and pick your bowl of ramen noodles from an extensive la carte menu, including wagyu shio ramen, champon ramen, tantanmen ramen and many more options PINK & PINK AT VAULT BAR When: Wednesdays to Sundays 8pm to late Enjoy a platter of smoked, gravlax, balik and caviar salmon paired with pink gin cocktails this season while enjoying unparalleled views of Dubai and the grooves of city’s finest DJs at Vault Evening Italian Brunch at Positano When: Sundays and Thursdays 6pm to midnight Sample an extravaganza of specialties from the coastal Italian region, overflowing with antipasti, handmade pasta cooked la minute and a dessert room filled to the brim with all-Italian classics such as panna cotta, gelato, cassata and other delicious sweet bites Packages start at Dhs180 per person with soft drinks, and Dhs295 with house drinks Children under 10 dine for free CHINESE NEW YEAR AT KITCHEN6 When: February 4, and 6, 7pm to 11pm Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a lavish international buffet that features an extended selection of Chinese festive dishes such as traditional Yee Sang salad and rice cakes, among others Guests will be greeted with a special welcome drink upon arrival Dhs205 per person with soft drinks HAPPY HOUR AT CAFÉ ARTOIS AT BRIDGEWATER When: Mondays 4pm to midnight and Saturdays noon to midnight Now you can enjoy two full days of happiness at Café Artois at Bridgewater with special happy hour pricing on drinks every Monday and Saturday – all day Expect delicious food, amazing views over the Dubai Water Canal and live entertainment ADVERTISEMENT FROM CAESARS, WITH LOVE CELEBRATE LOVE THIS VALENTINE’S DAY WITH CAESARS PALACE BLUEWATERS DUBAI HELL’S KITCHEN PRIVATE CABANA 01 HELL’S KITCHEN Experience a flaming Valentine’s Day with Gordon Ramsay’s five-course dinner set menu The Valentine’s offer includes a glass of champagne, the finest of oysters and a selection of Gordon Ramsay’s signature dishes such as the beef Wellington, as well as an exclusive Valentine’s sharing dessert and free chocolate truffle hearts for ladies February 14, 6pm to 10.30pm Prices: Dhs1,600 per couple Couples that prefer a more intimate Valentine’s celebration alfresco can enjoy a special menu whilst sitting poolside in their own private cabana This special package includes the five course set menu featuring Gordon Ramsay signature dishes, plus a bottle of Tattinger rosé, free truffle hearts and a giant Caesars chocolate gold coin February 14, 6pm to 10.30pm Prices: Dhs3,600 per couple CULTURE RedFest DXB Virgin Radio’s big weekend music festival returns FESTIVAL Macklemore M 78_What’s On_02.2019 Jess Glynne Photo: Getty Images acklemore, Jess Glynne and Camila Cabello are among the names confirmed for this year’s Virgin Radio RedFestDXB festival Support comes in the form of Jax Jones, DJ Snake and G Eazy Held over two nights at the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, RedFestDXB has grown to become one of the most popular music festivals in the country, particularly with young adults and teenagers Among the A-listers is American singer-rapper Benjamin Hammond Haggerty, better known as Macklemore, whose break arrived in 2013 when his song Thift Shop shot to the top of the charts Since then, Macklemore’s music videos have been viewed over two billion times Meanwhile, English singersongwriter Jess Glynne shot to fame in 2014, after featuring on Clean Bandit’s mega hit Rather Be The following year, her debut album, I Cry When I Laugh, Camila Cabello debuted at number one in the UK Albums Chart, and this year, after her performance in Dubai, she’ll join the Spice Girls as a special guest for their hotly anticipated reunion stadium tour From Miami to Media City, Camila Cabello brings her distinctive voice to RedFestDXB after rising to fame as a member of girl group Fifth Harmony Beginning her official career after four years in the band, Cabello released her debut single Crying in the club to rave reviews Her newest song Havana was released in August last year and continues to dominate the airwaves February 14 and 15 a Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, Dhs395 single day, Dhs695 weekend pass.redfestdxb.com/tickets CULTURE FESTIVAL Lost in Space Island Snoopy Island provides the backdrop for one of the UAE’s most exciting music festivals S noopy Beats, the team behind the sell-out music festival in Fujairah, is set to host its mega beach extravaganza on February 22 Taking over the Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort – famous for its Snoopy Island backdrop – the two-day deep house musical throw down features the Beirut Fantome De Nuit collective Nesta, Skinnerbox and Ben Rau, and Berlin’s infamous KaterBlau crew including Chris Schwarzwälder and The Sorry Entertainer, performing throughout the weekend Festival-goers can choose to book a room or chalet at the resort, party on the shoreline, graze off the many f&b pop-up stalls, or simply lap up the festival vibes on the beach all weekend-long To kick off 2019, Snoopy Beats goes intergalactic, transforming Snoopy Island and the surrounding coastline into a space odyssey Expect the interstellar Space Island theme to continue across the weekend, as blue lights shimmer across the ocean surrounding Snoopy Island It’ll be a weekend of good food and music, leaving city life for beach vibes at the Sandy Beach Resort, a legendary hotel known for its laid back atmosphere, and crystal clear waters Check out Platinumlist for different weekend rooms and ticket packages Tickets start at Dhs189, which also includes a shuttle bus from Dubai and back February 22 to 23 a Sandy Beach Resort, Fujairah, Fri 6pm to Sat 6pm, over 21s only facebook.com/mysnoopybeats 02.2019_What’s On_79 h at rill line c n sk y u G g n r i gh B ry Bar & rina’s entficdishes,ts and i H Sky rvato ws and Mteaspread jouicy mef acreative e g ie a o Obs ’s coastahl vthe ultiimons offenricnoctions es BR UN CH it at co te e r ag Dub aired w live st licious ur pala bev d p m e e o are ing fro d to d alize y lec t o t g se n) n i var y seafo to tan d so lu h e , inc pe r pe r n f re s d s , s u r o s r 450 r pe blen pe ce: AED pm i 3 o A E D in a l pr t ig pm (Or 12 , s ay Frid DS N E K E E W YOUR D E T R O S W ARE NO Brunch Nation at The Croft Join us for this unique and fun brunch, inspired by a blend of cultures and tastes across the Commonwealth Celebrate food in a social setting, where a massive array of dishes hit your table AED 279 per person including selected beverages (Original price: AED 399 per person) Fridays, 7pm to 10pm BRUN NATIOCH N Join the Harbour Social Club and enjoy access to special offers, unlock benefits, be the first to know about upcoming events and create endless memories with us For restaurant reservations, call 971.4.319.4000 DUBAI MARRIOTT HARBOUR HOTEL & SUITES King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street | Dubai Marina marriottharbourdubaidining.com Dubai Marriott Harbour Hotel & Suites | marriottharbour Terms & Conditions: The offer is valid until 22 February 2019 The offer is subject to availability and prior reservation is required Cannot be availed in conjunction with any other offer or discount SPORT + WELL-BEING + TRAVEL PA G E 86 Bash away the blues Valentine’s Day deals with a difference ACTIVE NEWS p82 PARKOUR p84 A C T I V E SPORT // NEWS HOT SHOTS Vicious cycle The epic UAE Tour cycling race returns for bigger and better edition Simona Halep Tennis aces return Federer leads and all-star line-up at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship T he annual Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship returns this month, and it already has an ‘ace’ line-up confirmed After a year’s hiatus, legendary player Roger Federer will return to the competition He’ll be bidding for a record eighth Dubai title in what will be his 14th appearance at the event The star faces competition from world top 10 players, including Marin Cilic and Kei Nishikori, as well as Karen Khachanov, Borna Coric and Stefanos Tsitsipas Federer will be just part of a fantastic group of players representing the sport’s finest, and before the men’s battle commences tennis fans can enjoy a tremendous week of women’s tennis The women’s tournament will see the return of two-time defending champion 82_What’s On_02.2019 Elina Svitolina, who will no doubt be ready to make it a hat-trick in Dubai this year But she’ll have a tough battle on her hands as the current world number one Simona Halep, US Open champ Naomi Osaka, legend Caroline Wozniacki, and reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber are all headed to Dubai to compete There are three ticket categories available, starting from Dhs55, which are available online now, or you can purchase them from the Duty Free Tennis Stadium Ticket Box Office now February 17 to March a Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, from Dhs55 to Dhs475 dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com This year’s UAE Tour is the first time the seven-day race will move through all seven emirates, merging its previous Abu Dhabi and Dubai editions (the Abu Dhabi Tour and Dubai Tour, respectively) to create one unified route It begins in Abu Dhabi on February 24 and ends in Dubai on March 2, where riders race across Al Hudraiyat Island, Abu Dhabi’s Yas Mall, Al Ain’s Jebel Hafeet, Dubai’s Hatta Dam, Sharjah’s Khor Fakkan, Ajman’s Jebel Jais, and the streets of Dubai The team time trial features three summit finishes and three sprint stages, giving riders more variety by combining the previously sprint-heavy Dubai route and the climb-intensive Abu Dhabi routes Among the many impressive pro names taking part in this year’s line-up include British road racer Chris Froome, Dutch star Tom Dumoulin, and German rider Marcel Kittel February 25 to March q cyclingstage.com/uae-tour-2019 A C T I V E SPORT // NEWS Q&A CHRIS SOTIRIOU CO-FOUNDER OF PARKOUR DXB New digs for Parkour DXB More room for creative movement S ince its arrival in the region several years ago, Parkour DXB has spearheaded the free-running movement, making it accessible to both children and adults Now, it has upgraded from its original warehouse space, located next to healthy eatery Hapi in Al Serkal Avenue, to new quarters at Just Play (just down the road in Al Quoz from its previous location) Its goal? To be fully independent with their own permanent space and more room for their equipment, allowing it to teach a wider range of skills The team is offering a free trial session for kids for a limited period for the first months of 2019, to give more people the chance to check out its new digs and try their hands (and legs) at parkour Who is parkour for – what’s your ideal client? Our clientele is a mix of children and adults who are looking for an alternative to traditional sport It’s a noncompetitive discipline, with the main purpose of improving yourself physically and mentally What’s the training like? Our programme is based on a curriculum we created that explores the conceptual (like creativity, fear management, problem solving, teamwork, for instance) and technical (such as climbing, jumping and vaulting) What you need to bring with you to a class? A curious and playful mindset, the willingness to be challenged, and a big smile Do you need to be super fit, or agile, flexible, and strong to join? It’s really a matter of mindset We have students from two to 64 years old We often say that everyone can parkour, but parkour is not for everyone If you’re not sure, the best way to find out if it’s for you is to give it a try a Parkour DXB Academy, Just Play, Al Quoz, Dubai Tel: (800) 7275687 parkour.ae GET IT, GIRL Barry’s launches more women’s-only classes Ladies listen up: Barry’s Bootcamp is offering more women-only classes at its DIFC location every weekday at 4.30pm and now on Saturdays at 2pm Its new women-only classes are just like every other class held in its famous Red Room – lots of sprints, hill runs and weight training – just with an all-girl room and female instructor a Central Park Towers, DIFC, Sun to Thur 4.30pm, Sat 2pm Dhs126 (or Dhs84 for first-timers); packages also available Tel (04) 254 4775 barrysbootcamp.com/ studio/difc/ 84_What’s On_02.2019 A C T I V E WELL–BEING // ANTI VALENTINE’S DAY Crush the clichés Who needs a candlelit dinner and rose petals? Try one of these alternative ideas for a Valentine’s Day with a difference 86_What’s On_02.2019 01 BASH AWAY THE BLUES Head to The Smash Room on February 14 for its antiValentine’s Day offer, which includes one TV, 10 glasses, a can of spray paint, and anything else you fancy shattering into smithereens with a hammer, baseball bat, or wrench The owners suggest spray painting your ex’s name before destroying the TV Fierce February 14 a Umm Sequim, Dubai, 11am to 10pm, Dhs175 thesmashroom.ae 01 02 Pamper yourself Skip a romantic dinner and head for the spa instead Take your bestie, your mum, or your work pal and head to The Spa at Address Boulevard, which is offering a 60-minute massage with complimentary use of the facilities (including a rose petal-filled Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and spa pool) for just Dhs650 per couple February 14 a The Spa at Address Boulevard, 9am to 10pm, Dhs650 Tel (04) 561 8126 addresshotels.com 03 02 Stretch it out with yoga Taking a yoga class is generally a great way to unwind, but opting for a Yin Yoga class will help you reach a deep state of relaxation, and the kind of stretching that not only loosens tight muscles but also releases pent-up emotions and stress The class takes place every Thursday at Inspire yoga studio, making it perfect for this year’s Valentine’s Day evening February 14 a Indigo Centreal, Al Manara, Thur 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Dhs400 for a five-class pack inspiremeyoga.net 04 Keep calm with crystals The Holly Holistic store in Mirdif may be tiny, but it’s chock full of beautiful (and surprisingly affordable) loose crystals, crystal trees, and crystal jewellery It also sells essential oils, yoga-related items, and books – and offers 06 WHITE TEETH FOR TWO 04 workshops every month, on subjects like making crystal bracelets and healing, for instance Don’t forget to enjoy some of its tasty free lemonade in its beautiful garden a Villa 61, Area 5, Mirdif, Dubai, 9am-6pm hollyholistic.com 05 Heal with meditation Give new meaning to ‘staying in’ by delving into your inner self through a meditation or healing session at Life n’ One While it hosts regular workshops to help you nurture your soul in different ways throughout each month, its Full Moon Family Constellation & Sound Healing sessions just a few days after V-Day sounds ideal: It aims to help you explore your ancestral journey, get in touch with your emotions, and help you to be more open for love Ahh February 19 Behind Jumeirah Centre, Dubai, 7.30pm to 10pm, Dhs250 lifenone.com How’s this for an unusual Valentine’s Day gift? The new teeth-whitening salon The Smile Bar is offering couples the chance to get brighter smiles at 50 per cent off until the end of February The Valentine’s offer includes a double teeth-whitening session per couple at Dhs700 (rather than Dhs1,400) Until February 28 a First Floor, Palm Strip Shopping Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai, Dhs700 the-smile-bar.ae 02.2019_What’s On_87 WIN! TICKETS TO THE DUBAI DUTY FREE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS The nail-biting tennis competition returns to Dubai this month with world-class players taking centre court Luckily, we’ve got pairs of tickets to giveaway for the men’s and women’s final This is your opportunity to get up close with some of the best players on the planet Don’t miss out T&C’s apply qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win WIN! DINNER FOR FOUR AT ALL’ONDA We’ve teamed up with Emerald Palace Kempinski to offer one reader and three friends the chance to dine at all’onda The prize, worth Dhs2,000, will see you and your mates dining on Venetian cuisine with influences from Japanese and Indian culinary traditions A Palm Jumeriah hotspot, all’onda has panoramic views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf, making it the perfect spot to watch the sunset too qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 88_What’s On_02.2019 WIN! A STAY AT THE NEW AL BANDAR ROTANA Situated on the north shore of Dubai Creek, the thriving waterway that runs through the heart of the city, Al Bandar Rotana is a five-star hotel with a prime waterfront view Enter now and you could win a weekend stay for two with breakfast, plus dinner for two at Gusto, the beautiful Italian restaurant on the 18th floor T&C’s apply qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win WIN! A FAMILY STAY AT HAMPTON BY HILTON Fancy a little family staycation worth Dhs2,000 this month? Hampton by Hilton is a brand-new, contemporary hotel close to Dubai International Airport You and your family will enjoy a one-night stay plus dinner at Brick Street & Co, which specialises in international street foods prepared live T&C’s apply qq For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win 02.2019_What’s On_89 A LOOK BACK P R O U D LY B O R E D O M - B U S T I N G S I N C E 9 AT OUR FIRST ADVERTISERS IAN FAIRSERVICE Managing Partner & Group Editor “For us it will be another year in which we shall continue to search out what’s on and what’s best in the emirates.” This quote is as relevant today, as we celebrate our 40th year, as it was when I wrote that in 1979 Many things have changed but the principles behind What’s On remain the same – to provide essential reading for anyone with an active UAE social life Forty years ago, who would have imagined that the region’s first ever magazine would still be going strong? That’s thanks in part to our wonderful advertisers who’ve supported us over the years Just look at these brilliant adverts taken from our first ever issue You can see more of these at WhatsOn.ae now NEXT MONTH IN WHAT’S ON Everything you need to know about Art Dubai and the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature Plus, Try Dubai 2019 – the city’s best Fresher’s Fair returns to Barasti on March 22 90_What’s On_02.2019 ... What’s On Digital Your essential guide to what’s happening in Dubai is also available on the App Store Get in touch twitter.com/ WhatsOnDubai facebook.com/ WhatsOnDubai instagram.com/ WhatsOnDubai... one with us Packages starting at AED 290 HILTON DUBAI JUMEIRAH | 04 318 2319 | FB.JUMEIRAHRESERVATIONS@HILTON.COM HILTON DUBAI THE WALK | 04 374 7512 | FB.THEWALKRESERVATIONS@HILTON.COM HILTON... all your daily Dubai news, visit whatson.ae Mar 01 The Lit Fest returns Books Discussions Insight Conversation Ideas The What’s On award-winning Emirates Airline Festival of Literature returns