The Halloween scene in Dubai is taking a mysterious and magical turn this year, with creative themes that delve into an array of spooky subjects – from ancient astrology to mystical beasts.
Those marking it can be transported to ancient Japan at a venue populated by the ghosts of samurai warriors or party in a setting styled after Silence of the Lambs. Here are some innovative party options to check out.
Ly-la
The dark sides of the zodiac will take centre stage at Ly-la. The venue will be transformed into a cosmological wonder complete with glowing constellations. A team of actors, embodying the zodiac elements, will be part of the experience. Guests can also have their fortunes read by a tarot reader and order from an a la carte menu.
October 31; 10.30pm onwards; Dubai International Financial Centre; 056 680 0430
Nazcaa
The Japanese-Peruvian restaurant at Address Dubai Mall Hotel is hosting an Amazonian-inspired party, where guests will be transported into the ancient world of Inca mysticism. Dark, atmospheric decor aside, expect an Inca-themed live performance to set the mood. A make-up artist will be on hand to help guests create their best look, while DJ Florian takes over at midnight for an post-dinner party.
October 31; 8pm onwards; a la carte; Address Dubai Mall; 04 542 4200
Barasti
A Scary Carnival is the theme of this year's party at Dubai's famed beach club. Customised make-up stations will be on-site to help guests blend with the decor, which includes a spooky spinning wheel for photo opportunities. The evening's best-dressed will be rewarded, while the main event is a set by Asian-Brazilian DJ Liu.
October 26, 7pm-3am; Dh100 door fee; Dubai Marina; 056 689 1922
SushiSamba
Sushisamba's Halloween theme is Redrum, which is murder spelt backwards. Guests are invited to celebrate the occasion in by dressing up in red and black, plus donning masks. Themed beverages are on the menu, while DJ Charlelie will hit the decks.
October 31; 10.30pm-2am; a la carte; Palm Jumeirah; 04 278 4888
Rodeo Drive
Boil and bubble soup, Dracula salad, devil's chicken and roasted bat risotto are some of the dishes that will be served at Rodeo Drive in Dubai. The Halloween-themed meal aside, the restaurant is also organising a dungeon hunt, with more entertainment coming by way of a live Latino band and bull-riding contest.
October 28 to November 2; 6pm-4am; a la carte; Trade Centre; 054 417 7028
Ce La Vi
Guests will be transported into a frozen wonderland, as the venue takes an icy turn for Halloween. Winter-inspired decor will be paired with live beats from DJs to set the chilly mood – all against the backdrop of the picturesque Dubai skyline with the venue located on level 54 of Address Sky View.
October 31; 8pm onwards; a la carte; Downtown Dubai; 04 5826 111
Be Beach
Burning shores is the theme at the Dubai Harbour venue, where guests will be transported to the post-apocalyptic world of Mad Max. Think rugged decor, blazing fires and moody lighting. The high-energy weekend party runs across two days, with the second day featuring Paris-based DJ and producer duo Birds of Mind. Guests are encouraged to channel their inner post-apocalyptic survivor in terms of costume, and dress up in a "bold wasteland-inspired" outfit.
November 1 and November 2; from 7pm; Dubai Marina; 054 751 1119
Motiongate
The Vampire Circus is in town as part of the theme park's Fright Nights every Wednesday to Sunday until October 31. The eerie performance entails dance routines, circus acts and aerial displays. Elsewhere, enjoy five horror-themed mazes, including one inspired by the Saw franchise where visitors must find their way through Jigsaw's deadly traps. Other mazes include a tombstone-themed one and another that features Hades.
October 1 to October 31; 11am-8pm; from Dh295; Dubai Parks and Resorts; 04 820 0000
Bla Bla
Fans of the horror classic Silence of the Lambs can join Bla Bla Dubai's three-day Halloween affair. The venue's tent will be transformed into a haunting scene inspired by the 1991 movie. Roaming entertainment will be on-site to provide the necessary spooks, with face-painting stations also on site. The person wearing the most terrifying get-up will receive Dh5,000 in vouchers to spend at the club.
October 31 to November 2, 11pm-3am; ladies free, gents Dh200; JBR; 058 606 3535
Birds
Vorona, a genus of prehistoric birds, is the focal point of this dinner-show restaurant's Halloween affair, promising guests an evening of food, music and movement. The black bird will be personified as a bewitching enchantress, surrounded by other mysterious acts bringing her story to life.
October 31 to November 2, 5pm-3am, show at 9pm; a la carte; Address Downtown; 050 275 4844
Attiko
Ghosts of samurai are taking over Attiko on October 31. The venue will be transformed to reflect 16th-century Japan, coupled with live performances of traditional arts and folklore. Games will also be on the cards, which will allow guests to delve deep into the rich legends and myths of ancient Japan.
Guests will be able to choose from an a la carte or set menu, with dishes such as tuna tataki, miso Chilean sea bass and mochi.
October 31 7pm-11pm; a la carte or Dh425; W Dubai – Mina Seyahi; 04 350 9983
Trader Vic's
The pub in Souk Madinat will meld Halloween with the traditional Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The resident band will be in themed attire for the event, which will also include face-painting stations, live cigar rolling and pumpkin carving. Halloween food and drinks will be on the menu, while the best-dressed male and female embodying Dia de los Muertos will win prizes.
October 31, from 8.30pm; Souk Madinat; 04 368 6559
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
Polarised public
31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views
19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all
Source: YouGov
What are NFTs?
Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.
You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”
However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.
This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”
This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Director: Paul Weitz
Stars: Kevin Hart
3/5 stars
Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
TOUCH RULES
Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.
Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.
Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.
A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.
After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.
At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.
A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Sustainable Development Goals
1. End poverty in all its forms everywhere
2. End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture
3. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
4. Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
5. Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls
6. Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
7. Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
8. Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
9. Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation
10. Reduce inequality within and among countries
11. Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
12. Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
13. Take urgent action to combat climate change and its effects
14. Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
15. Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
16. Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
17. Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalise the global partnership for sustainable development
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Who has lived at The Bishops Avenue?
- George Sainsbury of the supermarket dynasty, sugar magnate William Park Lyle and actress Dame Gracie Fields were residents in the 1930s when the street was only known as ‘Millionaires’ Row’.
- Then came the international super rich, including the last king of Greece, Constantine II, the Sultan of Brunei and Indian steel magnate Lakshmi Mittal who was at one point ranked the third richest person in the world.
- Turkish tycoon Halis Torprak sold his mansion for £50m in 2008 after spending just two days there. The House of Saud sold 10 properties on the road in 2013 for almost £80m.
- Other residents have included Iraqi businessman Nemir Kirdar, singer Ariana Grande, holiday camp impresario Sir Billy Butlin, businessman Asil Nadir, Paul McCartney’s former wife Heather Mills.
Hunting park to luxury living
- Land was originally the Bishop of London's hunting park, hence the name
- The road was laid out in the mid 19th Century, meandering through woodland and farmland
- Its earliest houses at the turn of the 20th Century were substantial detached properties with extensive grounds
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
The%20Secret%20Kingdom%20
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The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
In 2018, the ICRC received 27,756 trace requests in the Middle East alone. The global total was 45,507.
There are 139,018 global trace requests that have not been resolved yet, 55,672 of these are in the Middle East region.
More than 540,000 individuals approached the ICRC in the Middle East asking to be reunited with missing loved ones in 2018.
The total figure for the entire world was 654,000 in 2018.
