Although there are only three months left in the year, there's plenty to get excited about as a number of openings are on the cards in Abu Dhabi.
Din Tai Fung and fitness studio Barry's have already opened in the capital, both at The Galleria Al Maryah Island, while Central, a food and entertainment venue with arcade games and bowling, has opened at Yas Bay, among other restaurants and establishments.
So, whether it's casual dining or a gaming hub or even a new cinema space, here's what to look forward to before next year.
Allo Beirut
The popular Lebanese restaurant will open its first outpost in the capital on Al Najda Street in a space of 603 square metres, split over two storeys, with a capacity for 190 diners. This is the brand’s fourth location in the UAE after outlets in Dubai’s Hessa Street, City Walk and Al Warqa City Mall. The Dubai restaurant has gained quite a fan base since it popped up on Hessa Street. Offering a taste of Beirut in a laid-back setting, the restaurant is famous for its shawarmas, hummus and grills.
Al Baik
Saudi Arabia’s popular broasted chicken brand Al Baik is coming to the capital. Set to open at Al Wahda Mall, this will be its fifth branch in the UAE after outlets in Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman. In addition to the broasted chicken, expect items such as the jumbo shrimp, fish fillet and falafel. It is expected to be the largest branch of Al Baik in a space of 883 square metres.
BB Social Dining
The celebrated Asian restaurant will open at Rosewood Abu Dhabi on Al Maryah Island. BB Social Dining is the brainchild of Alex Stumpf, the head chef behind Peyote in Dubai. The restaurant is known for forgoing the traditional menu format and opts to categorise dishes based on the four Bs — baos, bowls, barbecue and bites.
Expect dishes such as chicken bang bang (a steamed and toasted bun filled with crispy chicken and topped with Parmesan cheese), duck ramen and truffled rib eye. The restaurant was ranked No 33 on Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie
The Parisian-style restaurant is opening a branch at Yas Mall after it closed its Downtown Dubai location in April after almost a decade. This comes along with the outlet's plans to expand, with new branches set for Jumeirah, Dubai Design District and Mall of the Emirates. La Serre has since become famous as a breakfast spot, but also a popular bistro, boulangerie and fine dining establishment.
The menu is billed as French-Mediterranean but encompasses a wider range of more southerly-inspired items. Expect dishes such as butternut risotto with Parmesan cream; roasted salmon, pilaf rice with almonds and butter sauce; and lamb rack cooked in sous vide served with green pea puree and celeriac couscous, almond and dried fruits.
Sticky Rice
The family-run Thai restaurant has plans to open in Yas Mall. The popular establishment in Jumeirah Village Circle is a favourite among Dubai residents and offers a taste of authentic Thai cuisine. There is a regular menu as well as one especially for vegans. Dishes to expect include seafood soup, chicken dumplings, Thai green curry and mango and sticky rice ice cream.
Pixoul Gaming
Pixoul Gaming, a massive esports and virtual-reality gaming complex at Al Qana in Abu Dhabi, is nearing completion. It will be at the 2.4-kilometre waterfront destination, aiming to attract gamers to the capital by offering something for everyone. Casual gamers will be able to play consoles, while those who are more serious hobbyists will be able to enrol in the certified Esports Academy, a first in the region, or enjoy the broadcasting studio where they can live-stream using the latest technology.
Snow Abu Dhabi
The much-awaited snow park at Abu Dhabi’s new Reem Mall may be nearing its opening. Reem Mall's last Instagram post shows a nearly completed Snow Abu Dhabi. When it does open, it’s going to be the largest indoor snow park in the world. Expect two giant slides called Ice and Floes Toboggan Race and Grauppel's Summit Escape and rides such as The Entry Plaza, Flight of the Snowy Owl, Magic Carpet, Polar Express Train, Crystal Carousel and more. There will also be dining options including The Lodge Restaurant, Grotto Amphitheatre, Ice Cafe, the Party Room and VIP Room.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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SPECS
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Director: Romany Saad
Starring: Mirfat Amin, Boumi Fouad and Tariq Al Ibyari
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Australia men's Test cricket fixtures 2021/22
One-off Test v Afghanistan:
Nov 27-Dec 1: Blundstone Arena, Hobart
The Ashes v England:
Dec 8-12: 1st Test, Gabba, Brisbane
Dec 16-20: 2nd Test, Adelaide Oval, Adelaide (day/night)
Dec 26-30: 3rd Test, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Jan 5-9, 2022: 4th Test, Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Jan 14-18: 5th Test, Optus Stadium, Perth
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
Libya's Gold
UN Panel of Experts found regime secretly sold a fifth of the country's gold reserves.
The panel’s 2017 report followed a trail to West Africa where large sums of cash and gold were hidden by Abdullah Al Senussi, Qaddafi’s former intelligence chief, in 2011.
Cases filled with cash that was said to amount to $560m in 100 dollar notes, that was kept by a group of Libyans in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
A second stash was said to have been held in Accra, Ghana, inside boxes at the local offices of an international human rights organisation based in France.
Tickets
Tickets start at Dh100 for adults, while children can enter free on the opening day. For more information, visit www.mubadalawtc.com.
What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
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BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
Saturday
Borussia Dortmund v Eintracht Frankfurt (5.30pm kick-off UAE)
Bayer Leverkusen v Schalke (5.30pm)
Wolfsburg v Cologne (5.30pm)
Mainz v Arminia Bielefeld (5.30pm)
Augsburg v Hoffenheim (5.30pm)
RB Leipzig v Bayern Munich (8.30pm)
Borussia Monchengladbach v Freiburg (10.30pm)
Sunday
VfB Stuttgart v Werder Bremen (5.30pm)
Union Berlin v Hertha Berlin (8pm)
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
