Abu Dhabi is set to host the first Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey.
Taking place at Yas Marina Circuit this weekend, the two-day event will have pitmaster cooking demonstrations, barbecue competitions and family-friendly activities.
Harvey, a TV host and comedian, is no stranger to the UAE and says that he has grown fond of the country after first visiting six years ago. He says he wants to help bring more attention not only to the emirate, but the wider region and believes creating the event will help.
“I came up with this concept, I’ve been over here now for six years,” he says. "I found this place to be absolutely fascinating and I’ve done nothing but try to expose other people to this region, in this area so they can discover what I discovered about this place, how special of a place it is.
“There’s so much misinformation about the Middle East that you get it confused. This is a very, very peaceful place, very warm place, open to business, international, local and all that.”
Harvey specifically emphasises the importance of the UAE capital, highlighting its celebration of culture and family values as a reason he feels so connected to it.
“Abu Dhabi focuses mostly on culture and family and I think that’s important," he adds.
"I wanted to bring it here because they have so many things that need to be exposed like Yas Island, the marina, the beaches and Saadiyat [Island], I just thought it would be great here. I got great partnerships here in Abu Dhabi, great friendships, great business relationships; so it was an ideal place for me.”
And while the food festival has yet to begin, Harvey believes this is merely the beginning of something promising.
He adds: “This is the first year, it’s going to get bigger and bigger and more people will be exposed and our company here will introduce more exciting ideas for Yas Island and everything.”
What is Open Fire Food Festival and how to visit?
Hosted by Harvey, the event celebrates all things barbecue, with demonstrations from prominent pitmasters such as Moe Cason, Steven Raichlen and Melissa Cookston.
It will run on Saturday and Sunday on the circuit's famed Abu Dhabi Hill. Several food stalls will be at the venue, while young Emirati chef Aysha AlObeidli will host workshops for children. There will be eating competitions, too.
Saturday and Sunday; 10am-midnight; from Dh75; children under 12 go free; Yas Marina Circuit; more information is available at openfirefoodfestival.com
The Details
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Produced by: Carnival Cinemas, Zee Studios
Directed by: Anubhav Sinha
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Kumud Mishra, Manoj Pahwa, Sayani Gupta, Zeeshan Ayyub
Our rating: 4/5
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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Date started: 2013
Founder/CEO: Othman Al Mandhari
Based: Muscat, Oman
Sector: Additive manufacturing, 3D printing technologies
Size: 15 full-time employees
Stage: Seed stage and seeking Series A round of financing
Investors: Oman Technology Fund from 2017 to 2019, exited through an agreement with a new investor to secure new funding that it under negotiation right now.
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MIDWAY
Produced: Lionsgate Films, Shanghai Ryui Entertainment, Street Light Entertainment
Directed: Roland Emmerich
Cast: Ed Skrein, Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Nick Jonas, Mandy Moore, Darren Criss
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Don't get fined
The UAE FTA requires following to be kept:
- Records of all supplies and imports of goods and services
- All tax invoices and tax credit notes
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- All tax invoices and tax credit notes
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
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