Jason Von Berg

Journalist


The VIP massage room at Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort in Ajman. Pawan Singh / The National
What it's like to stay at the Middle East's first 'wellcation' destination

The all-inclusive health retreat in Ajman offers six packages that focus on detoxing, getting fit, wellbeing, weight management and more

June 08, 2022
Mike Brewer, left, with Bill Rhine, is excited to get back to filming. Discovery Communications
'Deals on Wheels' host Mike Brewer on the UAE: 'The car culture is phenomenal'

The TV presenter tells us of his motoring adventures in the Middle East, and about how he wants to return soon

August 25, 2020
CLYMB Abu Dhabi has been recognised with two Guiness World Records.
Clymb Abu Dhabi: what it's like to take on world's tallest indoor climbing wall

The Yas Island venue has reopened with social distancing measures in place

August 25, 2020
The Four Seasons in Westcliff offers stunning views over Johannesburg. Courtesy Four Seasons
A local's guide to what to see and where to eat in Johannesburg

Forget anything bad you’ve heard and embrace this South African city’s splendour

February 22, 2020
An aerial class at StudioRepublik, Dubai. Leslie Pableo for The National
More than a gym: a tour of ‘wellness sanctuary’ StudioRepublik Dubai

'The space lends itself to the culture of balancing your life,' says founder Ali El Amine

January 30, 2020
It has been reported that Madonna and Live Nation are being sued by a fan, who was annoyed when she pushed back her Miami concert by two hours. Reuters
Should artists be held accountable for being late to concerts?

The National's Jason Von Berg and Saeed Saeed question whether tardiness at gigs is inevitable or just plain rude

November 14, 2019
Friends Central Perk sofa scene. Courtesy of Netfilx
Google's interactive tribute to 'Friends'

From Ross's plea to 'pivot' to Phoebe's 'Smelly Cat', the search engine gives fans a fun way to mark the show's 25th anniversary

September 21, 2019
Bianca Sammut, general manager of Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi and Jason Von Berg of 'The National' on the Formula Rossa roller coaster. Victor Besa / The National
What it's like to ride the fastest roller coaster on the planet

We chat with general manager Bianca Sammut at 240kph before the park's milestone anniversary

September 04, 2019
Jack Dorsey, chief executive of Twitter, launches the #YouthForGood initiative in Dubai on Monday. Dubai Media Office
Twitter chief launches #YouthForGood campaign in UAE

Initiative aims to promote use of Twitter to support humanitarian and social causes among young people

June 25, 2019
The Coca-Cola Arena opened in Dubai on June 6. AP 
From transport to food: An ultimate guide to Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena

All of your questions about Dubai's venue answered

June 11, 2019
Russell Peters, stand-up comedian and actor performing at the new Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Review: Comedian Russell Peters opens Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena

The Canadian comedian brought his Deported world tour to the newly-opened Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai

June 08, 2019
The Wipeout obstacle will pose a challenge to competitors in the second Gov Games in Dubai this week. Reem Mohammed / The National
Dubai's Gov Games starts on Wednesday as competitors eye Dh1 million prize

Organisers say the Games will be even more 'challenging and thrilling' than last year's debut event

April 03, 2019
While having a running buddy is all well and good during training, it should be each to their own on race day. Getty
Tips for runners: what to do in the 24 hours before a marathon

Stretching, eating a solid meal, staying hydrated and remaining calm - here's what to do in the hours leading up to a marathon

December 05, 2018
Heated Full Zip Hoodie by Polar Seal. Courtesy Polar Seal
Cool tech for cold climates: 8 must-have gadgets

If you’re leaving the UAE for a winter break up north, you’re going to want to soften the icy blow

December 05, 2018
The second evening of after-race entertainment by The Weeknd at the du Arena. Victor Besa / The National 
Abu Dhabi GP concerts: The Weeknd star power

On stage, the Starboy hitmaker finds the perfect balance between his most popular tracks and the lesser known ones

November 24, 2018