Whether on extravagant terraces with cinematic views of the UAE skyline, or plush beachfronts overlooking a picturesque marina, brunch al fresco is back in action.
Here are 15 venues to check out in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Dubai
Garden of Dreams
This Mediterranean lounge is perfect for a chill-out with friends. Its brunch features international cuisine, from decadent pizzas to refreshing salads. These can be enjoyed while listening to upbeat tracks by DJ Greg. Garden of Dreams knows a thing or two about entertainment, as it is a sister venue of dinner-show concept Dream.
The brunch experience is topped off with picturesque views of Ain Dubai from a laid-back outdoor terrace.
Saturdays; noon-4pm; from Dh280; Address Beach Resort, JBR; 04 220 0224
The Penthouse
This Thursday evening soiree features Japanese-inspired dishes served in a jungle-themed restaurant. On the menu are classics such as salmon and sea bass sashimi, prawn tempura and a curated set of sushi among other delectable bites. Guests can enjoy live DJ sets against sunset views in the rooftop lounge.
Thursdays; 8pm-11pm; from Dh250; Five Palm Jumeirah; 052 900 4868
The Picnic Pantry
This picnic-style brunch at the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is ideal for families, owing to its amenities including play areas and optional pool access. There are live barbecue stations set across the venue, which also serves Wagyu beef briskets, Norwegian salmon skewers and a range of salad jars. Children under six dine free.
Saturdays; 1pm-4pm; from Dh120; Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City; 04 701 1127
Belcanto and Eden Bar
The Favoloso brunch at Dubai Opera's in-house restaurant features Italian classics, as well as drinks created by acclaimed World's 50 Best chef and bartender Mikhail Melnik. Guests can also enjoy the lush vibe of the venue, complete with scenic views of Burj Khalifa and beats from the resident DJs. Dishes include pollo alla cacciatora in tomato sauce spiced with rosemary and juniper, and burrata Pugliesina.
Saturdays; 12.30pm-3.30pm; from Dh300; Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai; 04 456 0936
The Local
If you are looking for a more laid-back, less extravagant brunch, this one at the Tryp by Wyndham is for you. The meal features mouth-watering dishes cooked on live stations — diners can expect shawarma, shish taouk sliders and a selection of pizzas. There is also a live acoustic session to set a mellow mood, while you enjoy the outdoor night market-style vibe.
Saturdays; 1pm-4pm; from Dh149; Barsha Heights; 04 247 6630
Batchig
This Armenian-Lebanese restaurant at Millennium Place in Mirdif offers stunning sunset views overlooking Mushrif Park. The brunch features Middle Eastern favourites — from hot and cold mezze to grills and an extensive dessert selection — which can be enjoyed to the soundtrack of Arabic and international live music.
Saturdays and Sundays; 4pm-8pm; from Dh175; Mirdif
Pai Thai
Those looking for a thrilling and premium culinary experience can try the Rite of Siam brunch at this Jumeirah Al Qasr restaurant, which promises a sumptuous “journey through ancient Thailand”. It takes a boat ride through the Madinat Jumeirah waterways to reach the venue, which features a terrace with glorious views of Burj Al Arab. On the menu are authentic Thai dishes bursting with Eastern flavours, including prawns in creamy red sauce and a pandan creme brulee.
Saturdays; 12.30pm-4pm; from Dh245; Jumeirah Al Qasr, Umm Suqeim; 800 323 232
Tomo
Roughly translated as “long-time friend”, Tomo offers the Shikisai brunch featuring authentic Japanese cuisine with majestic views of the Downtown Dubai skyline from rooftop seating. The restaurant has been visited by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, which speaks of its premium dining experience. Tomo says it imports its fish and vegetables from Japan every week.
Saturdays; 12.30pm-3.30pm; from Dh350; Oud Metha; 04 357 7888
Reform Social and Grill
Expect garden party vibes at Reform's outdoor family fete brunch. Inspired by a traditional British summer celebration, the brunch features salad, barbecue and pasta stations, as well as a range of British desserts. Across the site are numerous activities for children, including giant Jenga, an inflatable castle, and arts and crafts areas. As a bonus for those with a sweet tooth, the venue offers a chocolate fountain
Saturdays; 1pm-4pm; from Dh220; The Lakes; 04 454 2638
Abu Dhabi
The Terrace on the Corniche
The Project Brunch at The St Regis Abu Dhabi venue offers an opulent culinary experience, complete with a singer and saxophonist. The venue has outdoor terrace seating, where guests can enjoy fresh oysters, a tomahawk steak with foie gras, a theatrical cocktail presentation, as well as fresh fruits and ice creams.
Saturdays; 1pm-4pm; from Dh275; The St Regis Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road; 02 694 4553
Brick Rooftop Kitchen and Bar
The Skylit brunch at Aloft takes advantage of this garden restaurant's claim to fame — its brick-oven. All dishes are made in the restaurant's two signature brick ovens, and they have names: Henry and Henrietta. On the menu are rustic sourdough pizza, prawns and boneless baby chicken, among others. The brunch features live music, as well as an illusionist act.
Fridays; 7pm-10pm; from Dh225; Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre; 02 654 5000
Mykonos
This Mediterranean-style brunch screams seafood extravaganza. Set amid a serene beachfront setting, the Saturday soiree promises to bring the party vibes of Mykonos, complete with a curated menu of freshly caught seafood and live cooking stations. It also features a selection of anise-flavoured drinks.
Saturdays; 1pm-4pm; from Dh249; Al Zahiyah; 050 785 2320
Las Brisas
The exclusive Las Brisas brunch at Emirates Palace only happens on the last Saturday of every winter month — making it a must-try for all brunch fans. The packages come with pool and beach access, while guests can indulge in a Spanish-inspired menu. The venue offers scenic views of the Arabian Gulf, while taking in the gentle breeze, or brisa in Spanish.
Last Saturday of the month; 5.30pm-9.30pm; Emirates Palace, Corniche Road; 02 690 7999
The Cafe
This limited-edition brunch at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi prominently features a children-focused section featuring flavourful dishes and drinks such as creamy mashed potato and plenty of pasta. On the regular menu are culinary twists on breakfast classics, such as burrata di bufala. The venue also offers live oyster shucking, as well as a do-it-yourself tiramisu station.
Saturdays; 1pm-4.30pm; from Dh375; Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island; 02 407 1234
Filini Garden
This open-air, water-facing Italian spot at the Radisson Blu on Yas Island features familiar flavours including olive oil, tomato, mozzarella and basil. The garden brunch will feature these classics, paired with refreshing cocktails. There is live entertainment through the day, and those who want to stay can do so for an after-party.
Saturdays; 12.30pm-4pm; from Dh139; Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island; 02 656 2000
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2018 Peugeot 5008
Price, base / as tested: Dh99,900 / Dh134,900
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 165hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 240Nm @ 1,400rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 5.8L / 100km
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ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA
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Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
The most expensive investment mistake you will ever make
When is the best time to start saving in a pension? The answer is simple – at the earliest possible moment. The first pound, euro, dollar or dirham you invest is the most valuable, as it has so much longer to grow in value. If you start in your twenties, it could be invested for 40 years or more, which means you have decades for compound interest to work its magic.
“You get growth upon growth upon growth, followed by more growth. The earlier you start the process, the more it will all roll up,” says Chris Davies, chartered financial planner at The Fry Group in Dubai.
This table shows how much you would have in your pension at age 65, depending on when you start and how much you pay in (it assumes your investments grow 7 per cent a year after charges and you have no other savings).
|
Age
|
$250 a month
|
$500 a month
|
$1,000 a month
|
|
25
|
$640,829
|
$1,281,657
|
$2,563,315
|
|
35
|
$303,219
|
$606,439
|
$1,212,877
|
|
45
|
$131,596
|
$263,191
|
$526,382
|
|
55
|
$44,351
|
$88,702
|
$177,403
|
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Results
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'Gehraiyaan'
Director:Shakun Batra
Stars:Deepika Padukone, Siddhant Chaturvedi, Ananya Panday, Dhairya Karwa
Rating: 4/5
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Aayan%E2%80%99s%20records
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SPECS
Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now
Gran Gala del Calcio 2019 winners
Best Player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus)
Best Coach: Gian Piero Gasperini (Atalanta)
Best Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Best Goal: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria vs Napoli)
Best Team: Atalanta
Best XI: Samir Handanovic (Inter); Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Joao Cancelo (Juventus*); Miralem Pjanic (Juventus), Josip Ilicic (Atalanta), Nicolo Barella (Cagliari*); Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Cristiano Ronaldo (Juventus), Duvan Zapata (Atalanta)
Serie B Best Young Player: Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
Best Women’s Goal: Thaisa (Milan vs Juventus)
Best Women’s Player: Manuela Giugliano (Milan)
Best Women’s XI: Laura Giuliani (Milan); Alia Guagni (Fiorentina), Sara Gama (Juventus), Cecilia Salvai (Juventus), Elisa Bartoli (Roma); Aurora Galli (Juventus), Manuela Giugliano (Roma), Valentina Cernoia (Juventus); Valentina Giacinti (Milan), Ilaria Mauro (Fiorentina), Barbara Bonansea (Juventus)
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre 6-cyl turbo
Power: 435hp at 5,900rpm
Torque: 520Nm at 1,800-5,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Price: from Dh498,542
On sale: now
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
The cost of Covid testing around the world
Egypt
Dh514 for citizens; Dh865 for tourists
Information can be found through VFS Global.
Jordan
Dh212
Centres include the Speciality Hospital, which now offers drive-through testing.
Cambodia
Dh478
Travel tests are managed by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health.
Zanzibar
AED 295
Zanzibar Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, located within the Lumumba Secondary School compound.
Abu Dhabi
Dh85
Abu Dhabi’s Seha has test centres throughout the UAE.
UK
From Dh400
Heathrow Airport now offers drive through and clinic-based testing, starting from Dh400 and up to Dh500 for the PCR test.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
Company Profile
Founder: Omar Onsi
Launched: 2018
Employees: 35
Financing stage: Seed round ($12 million)
Investors: B&Y, Phoenician Funds, M1 Group, Shorooq Partners
PROFILE OF SWVL
Started: April 2017
Founders: Mostafa Kandil, Ahmed Sabbah and Mahmoud Nouh
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport
Size: 450 employees
Investment: approximately $80 million
Investors include: Dubai’s Beco Capital, US’s Endeavor Catalyst, China’s MSA, Egypt’s Sawari Ventures, Sweden’s Vostok New Ventures, Property Finder CEO Michael Lahyani
Essentials
The flights
Emirates, Etihad and Malaysia Airlines all fly direct from the UAE to Kuala Lumpur and on to Penang from about Dh2,300 return, including taxes.
Where to stay
In Kuala Lumpur, Element is a recently opened, futuristic hotel high up in a Norman Foster-designed skyscraper. Rooms cost from Dh400 per night, including taxes. Hotel Stripes, also in KL, is a great value design hotel, with an infinity rooftop pool. Rooms cost from Dh310, including taxes.
In Penang, Ren i Tang is a boutique b&b in what was once an ancient Chinese Medicine Hall in the centre of Little India. Rooms cost from Dh220, including taxes.
23 Love Lane in Penang is a luxury boutique heritage hotel in a converted mansion, with private tropical gardens. Rooms cost from Dh400, including taxes.
In Langkawi, Temple Tree is a unique architectural villa hotel consisting of antique houses from all across Malaysia. Rooms cost from Dh350, including taxes.
First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MATCH INFO
Watford 1 (Deulofeu 80' p)
Chelsea 2 (Abraham 5', Pulisic 55')
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Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
