In a pretty groundbreaking step earlier this month, the UAE made the decision to move its weekends to Saturdays and Sundays, as of January 1.
The move raised a lot of questions, including a big one for food connoisseurs: where does that leave the beloved Friday brunch? The meal is something of an institution in the country, with UAE residents used to indulgent menus or all-you-can-eat buffets, across different budgets, cuisines and even timings (a la the dinner brunch, aka drunch).
While the fate of the Friday brunch still hangs delicately in the balance, a number of venues in Dubai have been quick to react to the change by launching new Sunday meal deals.
“Eventually, I predict the more 'party' brunches will take place on Saturdays, while the more sophisticated and family-orientated brunches will take place on Sundays," says Nicolas Budzynski, global operations director at LPM.
Here’s a look at some of restaurants that have already started Sunday meal packages, and everything you need to know about them. This story will be updated as more are announced.
McGettigan's
There’s no denying McGettigan's was quick to react, as it launched an updated Saturday brunch mere hours after the weekend change announcement. Apart from a bumper Saturday brunch, it’s also putting on a Sunday roast – actually on a Sunday.
For those in the know, McGettigan's prides itself on its classic roast experience, complete with Yorkshire puddings and gravy. The hearty meal will be available at specific branches in Dubai, and on January 2, those availing the meal at the JLT venue will also get a drink on the house.
Sunday; 12.30pm onwards; Dh109; JLT and Souk Madinat branches; www.mcgettigans.com
The Cavendish Restaurant
The restaurant in Dubai's Bonnington Hotel has also launched a Sunday roast dinner, which will start on January 9. Guests will be able to tuck into meaty offerings with all the trimmings.
Sunday, January 9 onwards; Dh125 for adults, from Dh79 for children; starts at noon; Bonnington Hotel, JLT, Dubai; 04 356 0533
Al Maeda
Head to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dubai – Jumeirah Beach on Sundays to enjoy its new Life is Sweet dining experience, which gives Lebanese cuisine a trendy pink twist. The menu features an impressive mix of sharing dishes accompanied by pink drinks.
Dishes such as lamb Wellington, burrata tabbouleh and halloumi burgers will be on offer, plus there's a hummus bar which includes flavours such as black ink and octopus, truffle, dynamite and shrimp, coco and avocado and more.
Taking the pink experience to a whole new level, there will also be a “Shamelessly Pink” menu, including a pink-hued grazing board. All this, with live entertainment and pool and beach access.
Every Sunday; 12.30-4pm; prices starting at Dh250; Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai; www.hilton.com/en/doubletree
Reform Social & Grill
Dubai's quintessentially British venue has also extended its popular roast meal, now available on Sundays and Mondays. Guests can choose between chicken, beef and a veggie option, with all the trimmings.
Sunday & Monday; Dh115; noon onwards; The Lakes, Dubai; reformsocialgrill.ae
Folly
The chic restaurant in Souk Madinat Jumeirah is offering its popular Friday garden brunch on both Saturday and Sunday now. So, you can munch on folly favourites – think crispy hen’s egg with pancetta and maple syrup and lamb saddle with whipped pine nuts and salsa – during this leisurely meal.
Saturdays and Sundays; 1pm-4pm; prices start at Dh295 for Saturday and Dh250 for Sunday; Souk Madinat Jumeirah; www.folly.ae
Coya Abu Dhabi
The restaurant has adapted its Fin De Semana lunch experience for both Sundays and Fridays. Guests will be treated to a four-course meal, with the choice of two appetisers, one main course and dessert. This includes Coya’s signatures such as the mixed seafood ceviche, Wagyu beef baos, chicken skewers, slow-cooked beef ribs and grilled corn-fed baby chicken. To end the meal on a sweet note, there will be a choice between a chocolate fondant, chicha morada and a churros platter.
Sundays; 12.30pm-3.30pm; Dh199; The Galleria Al Maryah Island; 02 306 7000; www.coyarestaurant.com
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Grand Slam Los Angeles results
Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos
Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
UNpaid bills:
Countries with largest unpaid bill for UN budget in 2019
USA – $1.055 billion
Brazil – $143 million
Argentina – $52 million
Mexico – $36 million
Iran – $27 million
Israel – $18 million
Venezuela – $17 million
Korea – $10 million
Countries with largest unpaid bill for UN peacekeeping operations in 2019
USA – $2.38 billion
Brazil – $287 million
Spain – $110 million
France – $103 million
Ukraine – $100 million
RESULTS
Manchester United 2
Anthony Martial 30'
Scott McTominay 90 6'
Manchester City 0
Apple%20Mac%20through%20the%20years
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How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
The biog:
From: Wimbledon, London, UK
Education: Medical doctor
Hobbies: Travelling, meeting new people and cultures
Favourite animals: All of them
Financial considerations before buying a property
Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.
“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says.
Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.
Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier.
2019 Asian Cup final
Japan v Qatar
Friday, 6pm
Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
BRIEF SCORES:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
Closing the loophole on sugary drinks
As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.
The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Swiss fly direct from the UAE to Zurich from Dh2,855 return, including taxes.
The chalet
Chalet N is currently open in winter only, between now and April 21. During the ski season, starting on December 11, a week’s rental costs from €210,000 (Dh898,431) per week for the whole property, which has 22 beds in total, across six suites, three double rooms and a children’s suite. The price includes all scheduled meals, a week’s ski pass, Wi-Fi, parking, transfers between Munich, Innsbruck or Zurich airports and one 50-minute massage per person. Private ski lessons cost from €360 (Dh1,541) per day. Halal food is available on request.
Result
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,950m; Winner: Majestic Thunder, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,800m; Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh85,000 1,600m; Winner: Native Appeal, Adam McLean, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh115,000 1,950m; Winner: Conclusion, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh100,000 1,400m; Winner: Pilgrim’s Treasure, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,400m; Winner: Sanad Libya, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar.
5.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,000m; Winner: Midlander, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
Washmen Profile
Date Started: May 2015
Founders: Rami Shaar and Jad Halaoui
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Laundry
Employees: 170
Funding: about $8m
Funders: Addventure, B&Y Partners, Clara Ventures, Cedar Mundi Partners, Henkel Ventures
Ponti
Sharlene Teo, Pan Macmillan
Champions League Last 16
Red Bull Salzburg (AUT) v Bayern Munich (GER)
Sporting Lisbon (POR) v Manchester City (ENG)
Benfica (POR) v Ajax (NED)
Chelsea (ENG) v Lille (FRA)
Atletico Madrid (ESP) v Manchester United (ENG)
Villarreal (ESP) v Juventus (ITA)
Inter Milan (ITA) v Liverpool (ENG)
Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid (ESP)
