The arrival of the first Dorchester Collection hotel in the Middle East, The Lana, has only added to Dubai's reputation as a top destination for travellers and food enthusiasts.
The hotel's leading restaurant, Riviera by Jean Imbert, bears the name of a French celebrity chef who has come to the UAE for the first time.
So, with expectations high, The National made a booking to check it out.
Where to sit, what to expect
As expected from a Dorchester Collection hotel, Riviera by Jean Imbert is in a beautifully sophisticated venue. With dazzling Burj Khalifa views, I can’t help but be struck by the sense that this spot showcases everything Dubai is known for.
A light colour scheme complemented by elegant marble furniture and a varied selection of interior greenery gives it a distinctively Mediterranean style and it’s with this backdrop that my dining partner and I are directed to our table with the world's tallest building in sight.
The menu
After taking our seats, we opt for the recommendations of our server – sharing a portion of Jean’s avocado and a plate of tuna tartare. Both offer a tremendous touch of aesthetic, with the serving of avocado resembling a dragon's egg that wouldn’t look amiss in an episode of Game of Thrones.
Cutting into the outside, it’s a fried avocado (though a very refined one) that has the egg oozing out as I approach the middle. The egg and avocado combination, although denoting breakfast, works as well post-6pm as it does pre-11am. That said, it’s definitely one to share as it’s a large serving for one.
The tuna, meanwhile, is as delicate and fundamentally delicious. The fish is fresh, expertly prepared and served with light seasoning that draws out its intricate flavour. There's also the option of adding caviar, for those looking to take the experience up a level.
The combination of both dishes serves as the perfect appetiser for the dinner awaiting us.
For our mains, my dining partner decides on the ratatouille tart while I tuck into a beef tenderloin. The ratatouille is presented with a medley of flavour from the stewed vegetables brilliantly blending with the subtlety of parmesan to capture the essence of the Riviera all on one plate.
As for the tenderloin, it’s a wonderful illustration of how a high-quality cut of meat can capture gastronomic senses when seasoned well. The black pepper coating offers a crunchy and flavourful exterior while the spinach balances it out.
After such wonderful mains, my dining partner and I are struggling for space to fit the much-recommended tiramisu so we instead go for a serving of the sorbet.
We try one dollop of mascarpone and one summer fruits, both providing a delightfully refreshing palate cleanser to bring a delicious dinner in a divine setting to a close.
A chat with the chef
Etienne Laffaille is chef de cuisine. His culinary journey began in his hometown of Toulouse, France, where he attended hospitality school in 2002, before stints in China and Vietnam.
Once he returned to France, he held roles at some of the country's finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including L'Ambroisie in Paris (three stars), Michel Sarran (two stars) and La Ferme de Murtoli (one star).
Reflecting on his journey, he explains his deep appreciation for black pepper – a passion strengthened by his training in Vietnam. “The depth and complexity of pepper's flavour has become essential to my cooking,” he says. “Seasoning is a crucial step in unlocking the full flavour potential of each ingredient. On this menu, for instance, our beef tenderloin is seasoned with a pepper crust, executed with precision to enhance the natural marbling of Australian beef.
“The pepper's boldness is expertly balanced with honey, which softens the pepper's intensity, ensuring it’s not overpowering. This approach resonates well in the Middle East, where balanced flavours are prized.”
For the chef, the importance of seasonality is a fundamental part of his cooking style. “I focus on creating seasonal pairings that showcase the freshest, highest quality ingredients,” he says. “But beyond the ingredients, it's the collaborative process that truly defines my approach. I believe that great dishes are the result of collective creativity, so I actively involve my team in the development of every recipe.”
For vegetarians, he picks out the ratatouille tart, for meat lovers he recommends the beef tenderloin with pepper crust and spinach and for seafood fans, he selects the tuna tartare.
As for dessert, Laffaille suggests the iced tiramisu as it makes for a “perfectly satisfying, yet delicate finish to any meal”.
When it comes to a guiding principle, Laffaille is all about balancing work and pleasure. “In the end, it's all about being committed to excellence while staying grounded and enjoying what we do,” he says.
Price point and contact information
Appetisers range from Dh65 to Dh900 ($17.70 to $245), mains are Dh135 to Dh895, while desserts are Dh60 to Dh185.
Riviera by Jean Imbert is open daily from 7am to 10.30am, noon to 3pm and 6.30pm to 11pm on Saturday to Tuesday. Reservations can be made by contacting 04 541 7755
This review was conducted at the invitation of the restaurant
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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four stars
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Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X
Price, as tested: Dh84,000
Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo
Transmission: Six-speed auto
Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm
Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km
Jiu-jitsu calendar of events for 2017-2018:
August 5:
Round-1 of the President’s Cup in Al Ain.
August 11-13:
Asian Championship in Vietnam.
September 8-9:
Ajman International.
September 16-17
Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Ashgabat.
September 22-24:
IJJF Balkan Junior Open, Montenegro.
September 23-24:
Grand Slam Los Angeles.
September 29:
Round-1 Mother of The Nation Cup.
October 13-14:
Al Ain U18 International.
September 20-21:
Al Ain International.
November 3:
Round-2 Mother of The National Cup.
November 4:
Round-2 President’s Cup.
November 10-12:
Grand Slam Rio de Janeiro.
November 24-26:
World Championship, Columbia.
November 30:
World Beach Championship, Columbia.
December 8-9:
Dubai International.
December 23:
Round-3 President’s Cup, Sharjah.
January 12-13:
Grand Slam Abu Dhabi.
January 26-27:
Fujairah International.
February 3:
Round-4 President’s Cup, Al Dhafra.
February 16-17:
Ras Al Khaimah International.
February 23-24:
The Challenge Championship.
March 10-11:
Grand Slam London.
March 16:
Final Round – Mother of The Nation.
March 17:
Final Round – President’s Cup.
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.”
