The Palm Jumeirah Dubai stretch has carved out little niches along of its trunk and fronds, from Club Vista Mare to The Pointe. The latest hotspot is Palm West Beach, a 1.5-kilometre stretch that offers sea, beach, promenade and many restaurants, beach clubs and hotels.
Here are some fun things to get up to while there.
Beachside activities
The pet-friendly beach and promenade are open from 8am until midnight and offer a range of activities, from bike rentals and rollerblading to yoga and fitness events.
Water sports enthusiasts are well served by Water Adventure Dubai, which offers everything from kayaking and parasailing to wake boarding and fly fishing. You can also jump on a banana or doughnut boat, rent a jet ski or sign up for a fishing trip.
Prices start from Dh70 for a 30-minute kayaking trip and go up to Dh350 for a 15-minute parasailing session. Yacht rental prices depend on the number of people and size of the vessel, with cruises starting from Dh700. For more information or to make a booking, contact 054 411 5599.
For fitness events, visit www.westbeach.ae/events.
If you want to indulge in some retail therapy instead, head to Atelier, Candy and Lola, 2 Birds or Oasis Fashion for beachy accessories and clothing.
Beach Clubs
Eva Beach House
The vibe: Inspired by Mexico’s Tulum Beach, Eva Beach House is one of the latest additions to Palm West Beach, opening its doors on April 23. It’s at once laid-back and luxurious. Tulum-inspired motifs — in the form of earthy furniture, wooden accents, fringed accessories and cacti galore — dominate the whimsical decor. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the swimming pool and beachfront terrace, while lounge music sets the tone.
The menu: The venue offers cuts of dry-aged meat as well as fresh catches of the day. Also on offer are dishes such as beef tartar, escargot, red prawn carpaccio, veal tortelli, vegan ceviche and truffle-mushroom pizza.
Details: Eva Beach House is open from 10am to 1am on weekdays and until 2am on weekends. For reservations, contact 04 575 5097 or evareservations@aizahospitality.com; evabeachhousedubai.com.
San Beach
The vibe: Describing itself as a “Bohemian soul retreat”, San Beach aims to be a contemporary African sanctuary (the San were Africa's first people). Another newbie (it opened on April 14), it offers beach access, a private pool with its own bar and seating options. Choose from sofas, sunbeds, floating cabanas and beach cabanas, or splurge on a beach villa, which starts from a minimum spend of Dh8,000 for up to six guests. Music comes courtesy of resident band The Nomades, plus a host of guest musicians.
The menu: Early risers can head to San Beach for a breakfast of freshly baked croissants muffins, eggs-your-way and acai bowls. On the main menu, diners will find an elaborate seafood platter with ceviche, tartare, oysters and prawns, plus zucchini croquettes, lobster kaarage, Korean short rib sliders and all manner of maki.
Details: San Beach is open from 9am to midnight on weekdays and until 1am on weekends. Reservations can be made by calling 04 458 0499 or 058 824 2871; sanbeachdubai.com
Beach by Five
The vibe: The in-house beach club of Five Palm Jumeirah hotel boasts a 150-metre private beach stretch. An Instagram-worthy glass-lined swimming pool — complete with chandelier — is the real crowd-puller, and the beach club also often hosts Bohemia nights with international guests DJs (Anjunadeep DJs, Berlin’s Martin Roth and Dutch producer duo 16BL will perform on May 28, for example). Seating options include loungers, sunbeds and cabanas, with prices starting from Dh150 a pop and going up to Dh5,000 for a group of six.
The menu: A mixed bag of healthy dishes and indulgent treats, the food ranges from a kale and olive wrap, and caramelised duck croquettes, to shawarma and sliders topped with Cheetos, plus a wide sushi selection.
Details: Beach by Five is open from 9am to 2am on weekdays, and until 3am on weekends. Reservations can be made by calling 04 455 9989; palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com/eat-drink/beach-by-five
Restaurants
Orange Chameleon
The vibe: Done up in lashings of white and orange, this pet-friendly restaurant offers plenty of beachfront sunbeds (the indoor seating is limited compared to its peers) and often hosts live music, including Afro Beats nights.
The menu: This one’s crafted for seafood lovers, and offers a raw bar (think salmon ceviche and tuna pizza), sushi options, the quintessential dynamite prawns and miso black cod, and an intriguing-sounding baby squid frito with black aioli.
Details: Orange Chameleon is open from noon to midnight. Reservations can be made by calling 04 328 3666.
February 30
The vibe: An import from Beirut, the vibrant restaurant is one of the most popular on the Palm West Beach stretch. The decor is dominated by bold prints and lush greenery, plus a massive circular bar (one of three) right on the beach.
The menu: Crafted by Dubai chef Reif Othman, the menu melds Japanese and Mediterranean cuisines. Think uramaki rolls and poke bowls, plus avocado tempura, Wagyu fillet with seaweed butter and mochi ice cream.
Details: February 30 is open from noon to 3am. Reservations can be made by contacting 04 244 7200 or reservation@february30dubai.com; https://www.february30dubai.com/
Senor Pico
The vibe: Deviating from the typical beach clubs that dominate the Palm West Beach stretch, Senor Pico instead offers diners a Mexican cantina-style vibe, with an interior done up in vibrant rainbow shades. It is the brainchild of the team behind Trader Vic’s, and entices guests to “come for the comida, stay for the fiesta”.
The menu: Expect unfussy but flavourful Mexican fare — from guacamole and queso dips, to tacos, tortas, quesadillas and burritos. The mushroom and cheese empanadas are a must-have.
Details: Senor Pico is open from noon to midnight on weekdays, and serves breakfast on weekends from 9am. Reservations can be made by calling 04 568 2502; senorpico.com/thepalm.
Surf Club
The vibe: The restaurant promises to walk the line between the “Hamptons glamour and California cool”. This translates as classic white-and-blue interiors, lush greenery, plush seating and (from first-hand experience) super-chatty staff.
The menu: The seafood-driven menu takes its cues from myriad shores, and offers Norwegian salmon, Gillardeau oysters, Canadian lobster, Beluga caviar, Spanish octopus and Patagonian calamari.
Details: Surf Club is open from noon to midnight. Reservations can be made by calling 04 589 5444; www.surfclubdubai.com.
Koko Bay
The vibe: Inspired by the beaches of Seminyak and Canggu, Koko Bay brings a slice of Bali to Dubai, complete with the perfect Instagram backdrop. Expect hammocks, swings, umbrellas and beach beanbags galore plus foot-tapping music.
The menu: The Asian-inspired menu takes in everything from tom yum soup, pulled Hoisin duck and lava prawns, to dim sum, maki rolls and robata-grilled mains.
Details: Koko Bay is open from noon to midnight. Reservations can be made by calling 04 572 3444; www.kokobay.co.
Jones the Grocer
The vibe: This marks the first beachfront outpost of the restaurant chain that has been in the UAE for 26 years. The expansive, pet-friendly venue offers indoor and terrace seating, and features a wood-fired oven, sandwich counter, beach bar, and cheese and charcuterie walls.
The menu: Expect beloved Jones signatures on this menu, from wood-fired peri peri octopus and garlic and chilli linguine, to eggs Benedict and Bombay chilli cheese. This branch also serves some exclusive dishes including island crab sliders with mango and papaya pickle, and pan-seared citrus and papaya king prawns with paprika and roasted pineapple.
Details: Jones the Grocer is open from 7.30am to midnight. Reservations can be made by contacting 054 9986162 or manager.thepalm@jonesthegrocer.com; www.jonesthegrocer.com.
Lucky Fish
The vibe: Describing itself as “a tranquil coastal style restaurant”, Lucky Fish offers diners shabby-chic indoor seating, complete with linen curtains and 19th-century French chandeliers, or outdoor beach cabanas.
The menu: The Mediterranean seafood restaurant highlights Italian, French and Spanish cuisines, and serves dishes such as crepes maison, gazpacho, octopus hot dog and prawns risotto. The restaurant also works with local fisherman to present a daily display of fresh seafood on ice, with an emphasis on local and seasonal varieties.
Details: Lucky Fish is open from 11am to 3am. Reservations can be made by contacting 04 569 34 47 or info@luckyfishdubai.com; www.luckyfishdubai.com.
Hotels
Five Palm Jumeirah
A party hotel, by all accounts, Five is a 470-room property with plenty of culinary options, vibrant bars and Refive Spa.
The in-house beach club aside, diners and drinkers can choose from The Penthouse rooftop nightclub, Roar cocktail bar, Maiden Shaghai Chinese restaurant, Amalfi-inspired Italian restaurant Cinque, poolside restaurant Blvd on One, beachside restaurant Praia and Above 21 cigar lounge.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com.
Fairmont The Palm
The 391-room hotel was one of the first to open along this stretch, and it boasts gorgeous water and skyline views, Arabesque elements and the state-of-the-art Willow Stream Spa.
Dining options are numerous and include Seagrill Bistro, BA — Boldy Asian, Little Miss India, Frevo and Flow Kitchen.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.fairmont.com/palm-dubai.
Adagio Premium The Palm
The aparthotel offers 163 rooms, in studio and one-bed formats, each with a fully equipped kitchen, laundry facility, television and private beach access.
Grab a bite at the all-day Fixie Coffee Shop or simply walk a few paces to reach the sandy, restaurant-filled stretch of Palm West Beach.
For more information or to make a reservation, visit all.accor.com.
Coming soon
Palm West Beach is nowhere near complete, given the long list of launches we can expect later this year. This includes hotels (a Hilton, Marriott and voco), beach clubs (Playa, Para Sol and B.E.A.C.H.) and restaurants (Claw BBQ and Trader Vic’s). Watch this space.
F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
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Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
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THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
Despacito's dominance in numbers
Released: 2017
Peak chart position: No.1 in more than 47 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and Lebanon
Views: 5.3 billion on YouTube
Sales: With 10 million downloads in the US, Despacito became the first Latin single to receive Diamond sales certification
Streams: 1.3 billion combined audio and video by the end of 2017, making it the biggest digital hit of the year.
Awards: 17, including Record of the Year at last year’s prestigious Latin Grammy Awards, as well as five Billboard Music Awards
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How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Tottenham 0-1 Ajax, Tuesday
Second leg
Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm
Game is on BeIN Sports
How to turn your property into a holiday home
- Ensure decoration and styling – and portal photography – quality is high to achieve maximum rates.
- Research equivalent Airbnb homes in your location to ensure competitiveness.
- Post on all relevant platforms to reach the widest audience; whether you let personally or via an agency know your potential guest profile – aiming for the wrong demographic may leave your property empty.
- Factor in costs when working out if holiday letting is beneficial. The annual DCTM fee runs from Dh370 for a one-bedroom flat to Dh1,200. Tourism tax is Dh10-15 per bedroom, per night.
- Check your management company has a physical office, a valid DTCM licence and is licencing your property and paying tourism taxes. For transparency, regularly view your booking calendar.
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
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How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
EA Sports FC 25
Developer: EA Vancouver, EA Romania
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4&5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
