Get this party started
Over the past few months the UAE has seen a number of new night spots that trump those in some of the biggest cities around the world. Here is our pick of the best and why:
Monte-Carlo Beach Club, Abu Dhabi. One of Saadiyat Island's finest outdoor spots, great for casual drinks by the beach throughout the week. It also hosts a weekly Audiotonic night on Thursday, featuring some of the region's best DJs.
Ray's Bar, Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. Our favourite lounge setting with reasonable prices and incredible views of the city (opposite Emirates Palace) from the 62nd floor.
Blue Bar, Rocco Forte, Abu Dhabi. One of the city's new hidden gems farther down Airport Road (near Carrefour) with trendy waiters who look like they've been plucked out of a hipster Scandinavian bar.
Movida, Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai. One of London's biggest celeb hot spots makes its way to Dubai and with an über-exclusive guest list. Near DWTC.
Cirque du Soir, Fairmont, Dubai. Another London import, this club makes for an extraordinary night out, with magicians and fire eaters.
Going for gold
Abu Dhabi winters usually don't require much more wrapping up than a cosy scarf and a light jacket, providing the jacket is a beautifully cut standout. This Dash and Cash kimono-style version is a sure way to get noticed in a sea of black cardigans and plain pashminas. Great for covering up and creating flattering layers without too much bulk.
Dh3,130, S*uce, Marina Mall, 02 681 8650; Village Mall, 04 344 7270; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9696
Jewels for all seasons
Bold jewellery can really lift your look and add a pop of colour to your monochrome ensemble. We love this exquisite 22-carat, gold-plated snake bracelet from the US designer Kenneth Jay Lane. After designing shoes at Christian Dior, Lane launched his own accessories label in 1963. Since then, stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker have fallen for his crystal-sprayed earrings and metallic-gold necklaces. Coil this enamelled design around your wrist to adorn any outfit.
Dh1,658, www.net-a-porter.com
The new Venice Beach
Anyone who's been to Los Angeles can see the similarities to Dubai - the glitzy clothes, cars, exclusive venues and a serious number of gyms. Enter The Shack, Dubai's equivalent of Venice Beach. With miles and miles of beautiful coastline we were surprised nobody snapped up the opportunity for a beach gym sooner. With treadmills, exercise bikes and the like as well as yoga, spinning and capoeira classes, we're sure The Shack is going to be every gym bunny's new hangout.
Dh35 for drop-in sessions, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim, 056 795 9451
Charitable fashion
If you're stuck for ideas about what to buy your man for Valentine's Day, then head to Harvey Nichols' menswear department and combine fashion with a good cause by investing in one of these unique, funky T-shirts. An ideal gift, these T-shirts are part of a joint project launched by Creative Growth, the world's largest visual arts centre based in the US for adult artists with disabilities. The shirts are designed by members of the centre, and proceeds go towards supporting the artist and Creative Growth. These original prints are also being collected by prominent museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, so be sure to grab one before they all go.
Dh275, Harvey Nichols, Mall of the Emirates, 04 409 8888
A trip down memory lane
Do you fancy sampling a slice of Arabian nostalgia? One of our favourite Jumeirah boutiques, O'de Rose, brings you a selection of limited edition clutches, bags and wallets featuring images from the Arab Image Foundation. We featured some work from the AIF in M last year and were pleased to see some of the images on these products. O'de Rose is showcasing the pieces in store on February 1 from 6-9 pm. Be sure to snap something up from the selection of striking portraits and candid images that can add a dramatic touch to even the simplest of outfits.
From Dh185, O'de Rose, 999 Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 2, 04 348 7990
