< Previous10 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 January 2024 contents BOSTON BECKONS Why this American city’s hidden gems are worth exploring NATIONAL AIRLINE OF THE UAE January 2024 abu dhabi What’s on A calendar of the emirate’s best events over the next few weeks The destination The waterfront community of Al Qana is a must-visit in the UAE The show Broadway favourite Hamilton is coming on its first international tour The restaurant African glamour meets the Arabian Gulf at Flamingo Room by tashas The sport The most exciting race on water sets sail at Mina Zayed this month 12 18 14 20 23 52 Cover French Quarter restaurant is a slice of New Orleans in Downtown Boston COVER IMAGE: UNSPLASH/OLGA GOVORUN EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_10-11_Content_13110946.indd 1020/12/2023 17:02January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 11 42 52 ITP Media Group CEO: Ali Akawi Managing Director: Alex Reeve Editorial Group Editor: Kate-Lynne Wolmarans +971 4 444 3541 kate.wolmarans@itp.com Editor: Thembalethu Zulu Thembalethu.Zulu@itp.com Editor: Katy Gillett katy.gillett@os.itp.com Arabic Editor: Samar Mohaisen samar.mohaisen@os.itp.com Art Art Director: Gihane Youssef Advertising Commercial Director: Michael Underdown +971 50 396 2115 michael.underdown@itp.com Production Production Manager: Denny Kollannoor Production Coordinator: Gijo Thomas Senior Image Editor: Emmalyn Robles Distribution Circulation Executive: Rajesh Pillai Distribution Coordinator: Avinash Pereira Marketing Director of Awards & Marketing: Daniel Fewtrell ITP Group CEO: Ali Akawi CFO: Toby Jay Spencer-Davies The publishers regret that they cannot accept liability for error or omissions contained in this publication, however caused. 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An exemption is hereby granted for extracts used for the purpose of fair review. @2024 68 75 Inflight Entertainment & Publications PO Box 35566, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates +971 2 5110000 publications@etihad.ae time zones On the map The biggest talking points across Etihad’s route network suitcase New year, fresh me The ultimate product guide for sprucing up your life in 2024 travel Big Boston energy Beyond its historic significance, Boston offers a myriad of must-see attractions and hidden gems Toronto’s cultural heartbeat If you want to truly appreciate the diversity of the Ontario capital, then you’ve got to visit the museums Resort reset For the New Year, a slate of luxe hotels have undergone refurbs and are now better than ever index The go-to source for Etihad guests, with news and infl ight insight 24 33 68 24 16 EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_10-11_Content_13110946.indd 1122/12/2023 12:00abu dhabi guide 12 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: LANCE GERBER/ C OUR TE SY OF THE AR TIST AND DCT - ABU DHABI; TEAMLAB, RE SONA TING MICROC OSMS - SOLIDIFIED LIGHT C O L OR; DCT - ABU DHABI; SHUTTERST OCK; SUPPLIED The best of what’s happening in the emirate over the next few weeks abu dhabi Orthodox Christmas brunch When: 7 January Where: Bab Al Qasr Hotel What: Celebrate Orthodox Christmas in Abu Dhabi with an international buff et, turkey station and tasty desserts for AED 299 per person (soft drinks) and AED 499 for house beverages from 1pm to 4pm. Wellness Masters When: 25 January-3 February Where: The Spa at Emirates Palace What: As part of a series of wellness residencies, Thai holistic healer Dr. Buathon Thinarrom will share her expertise in Taoism, sound healing, Tibetan medicine and mind training via one-hour sessions for AED 1,700. Kamasi Washington When: 3 February Where: Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental What: American saxophonist and bandleader Kamasi Washington brings his style of progressive jazz, which fuses hip-hop, R&B and classical music, to Abu Dhabi for the fi rst time, performing alongside 12 other musicians. Manar Abu Dhabi When: Until 30 January Where: Across Abu Dhabi What: Manar Abu Dhabi (meaning lighthouse in Arabic) is a new public art initiative showcasing a series of stunning artworks and immersive experiences throughout the city. The inaugural edition, dubbed ‘Grounding Light’, is co-curated by Reem Fadda and Alia Zaal Lootah and features over 35 site-specific artworks by local and international artists. The artworks will be displayed across several key locations throughout Abu Dhabi, including Lulu, Saadiyat, Jubail, Al Samaliyah, and Fahid islands, as well as Corniche Road. Manar Abu Dhabi is part of Public Art Abu Dhabi’s ongoing commitment to commissioning public art for the emirate. The initiative also includes the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, launching in November 2024, and other artist commissions. EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_12-13_AD Guide Calendar_13110949.indd 1219/12/2023 15:47abu dhabi guide January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 13 Winterfest When: Until 7 January Where: Ferrari World Abu Dhabi What: The theme park home to the world’s fastest roller coaster is a winter wonderland for the fi rst week of the month, with festive decorations, special live shows and even artifi cial snow. Beach getaway When: Until 10 January Where: Rosewood Abu Dhabi What: Take advantage of the fi nal days of the hotel’s beach getaway off er, which includes discounts on room rates, free breakfast and beach club entry, plus 20 percent off on food, drinks and spa treatments. Letters of Light When: Until 14 January Where: Louvre Abu Dhabi What: It’s your last chance to catch the museum’s latest exhibition, which includes displays of the oldest sacred texts of the three monotheistic religions, exploring the historical context in which the holy books emerged. teamLab: Mangrove Island When: Until 30 January Where: Samaliyah Island What: As part of Manar Abu Dhabi, Japan- based art collective teamLab launched a new installation in late December, transforming the Samaliyah mangrove into an ever-changing art space through the use of light. Puccini Opera Gala When: 31 January Where: On the 100th anniversary of the death of celebrated Italian composer Giacomo Puccini, the Orchestra of the Puccini Festival at Torre del Lago delivers a powerful performance, conducted by Jan Latham-Koenig, as part of the Abu Dhabi Festival series. Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open When: 3-12 February Where: Zayed Sports City What: The popular women’s tennis tournament returns for a second year at the International Tennis Centre, with 28 players and 16 teams battling it out for the $900,000 prize pot. Participants include Tunisian star Ons Jabeur. Design Dispatch: Poster T-shirt When: Until 23 February Where: Manarat Al Saadiyat What: This recently launched exhibition looks at T-shirts as an outlet for artistic expression and a powerful tool for advocacy and communication, paying tribute to the late Egyptian designer Mohieddine Ellabbad. Hidden Gem Umm Al Emarat Park Nature lovers, gather around. For an outing away from the bustling city life, look no further than Umm Al Emarat Park. One of the largest and oldest parks in Abu Dhabi, it was initially a park for women and children. This expansive green haven, originally named Mushrif Park and built in 1982, has undergone extensive renovations to become one of the city’s most beloved family destinations. The park off ers a number of facilities and attractions, including the Shade House, Animal Barn, an Amphitheatre, and Botanic Gardens. The Animal Barn houses various animals including camels, baby goats, cows, and ponies. To preserve some of the park’s history and heritage, over 200 trees from the original park are positioned in their original spaces throughout the venue. EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_12-13_AD Guide Calendar_13110949.indd 1319/12/2023 15:4814 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED The destination Al Qana This waterfront development encompasses everything from dining to water sports and gaming to beauty treatments EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_14-15_AD Guide_Al Qana_13121874.indd 1419/12/2023 15:49abu dhabi guide January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 15 Above: A diver at The National Aquarium; Adrenark Adventure Opposite: Cinemacity at sunset No visit to Abu Dhabi is complete without a walk along the waterfront destination of Al Qana. Since it opened in early 2022, it has cemented its reputation as a vibrant all-round dining and entertainment hub in the capital. It’s home to the UAE’s National Aquarium, the largest of its kind in the Middle East, and Adrenark, the region’s biggest indoor adventure park. Gamers make a beeline for Pixoul, where world-class eSports and virtual reality games live under one vast roof. Film buff s catch the best of Bollywood and Hollywood at Cinema City. Elsewhere, health-conscious visitors head straight to The Bridge Wellness Hub, where seven areas of wellbeing are addressed in one holistic complex. More than 30 restaurants have opened at Al Qana so far, including three that were listed as Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand venues. The guide features fi ne Japanese dining spot Otoro, alongside Tazal, a café and bakery which serves global cuisine with an Arabian touch. The third entry is Oii Restaurant & Café, a fi ne-dining restaurant where chefs add a modern twist to traditional Mediterranean recipes. There are plenty of opportunities for a shopping spree here, too. Concept Store at The Bridge, for example, has a smart selection of eco-friendly, sustainable, and toxin-free products. Then there’s Foncé, where a creative range of chocolates, beverages, and viennoiseries tempt shoppers. It’s also home of the bretzel (a peanut butter pretzel smothered in milk chocolate) and fretzel (a pistachio-stuff ed, chocolate-covered pretzel). Elsewhere, in Fern Artistry, the emphasis is put on the craftsmanship of fl oristry through workshops that allow customers to create their own unique bouquet while learning all about fl owers – and enjoying a coff ee. For something a little off the beaten track, stop at the marina, where superyachts sidle up next to traditional abras, on which you can take a tour of the Al Qana waterways. Group tours cost AED 25 ($7) for 20 minutes, while private trips are AED 300 ($82) or AED 600 ($164) for 20 and 45 minutes, respectively. Alternatively, you could try kayaking, standup paddleboarding or paddleboating on the water. Visitors can round off their day with a pit stop at one of the spas, salons or barbers dotted around the area, whether that’s for a massage at Pause Spa, a facial at Skin Laundry or a shave at 1847 Executive Grooming for Men. alqana.ae EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_14-15_AD Guide_Al Qana_13121874.indd 1520/12/2023 16:3516 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK With a proud history steeped in a rich culture and strong heritage, the United Arab Emirates has a lot to celebrate. For 10 days in the year, this is exactly what the Qasr Al Hosn Festival (19 to 28 January) is all about, as visitors from all over the world gather to experience Emirati culture and learn about the history of Abu Dhabi. The festival, held at Qasr Al Hosn, one of the emirate’s most signifi cant landmarks, features a variety of cultural activities and performances. There are activations for all ages, including traditional crafts, workshops, and a number of food stalls from which to enjoy traditional Emirati dishes. One of the highlights remains the various souks, where visitors can buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and jewellery. As far as entertainment goes, there is plenty on off er. This includes experiencing Al-Ayyala, the captivating dance performed with canes by Emirati men. For art collectors, there is the opportunity to fi nd gems, as both local and international artists showcase their talents. Artisans also demonstrate inherited weaving techniques such as Khoos, which involves braiding palm fronds to create beautiful objects. Tickets to the festival can be bought online or at the gate. However, it is recommended that you purchase your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. qasralhosn.ae This annual celebration takes Emirati heritage and culture from Abu Dhabi to the world Qasr Al Hosn Festival Clockwise from above left: The traditional art of weaving on display; Emirati woman holding a clay jar; Locals performing the Al-Ayyala The Festival Did You Know? Qasr Al Hosn is an historic fort incorporating the oldest stone structure in the city of Abu Dhabi. It was built in 1761 as a watchtower to defend the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island. The fort was named Qasr Al Hosn, meaning palace fort, because it was the residence of the ruling Sheikh from 1793 to 1966. Qasr Al Hosn is now a museum displaying artefacts and pictures showcasing the history of the United Arab Emirates. EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_16_AD Guide Al hosn festival_13110956.indd 1620/12/2023 16:37abu dhabi guide January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 17 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED Who said a trip to the UAE won’t include winter sports? Dubai has Ski Dubai and now, since the summer, Abu Dhabi has its fi rst indoor snow park where sledding and snowball fi ghts are on the itinerary. This frost-covered playland features real snow and an Enchanted Forest theme that extends through every one of the 9,732 square metres. There are more that 20 family-friendly rides and The UAE capital’s fi rst indoor snow park is a frost-covered winter wonderland Snow Abu Dhabi The attraction Key information There are a range of packages and passes available, with prices starting from AED 215 for the Snow Park Pass, which includes unlimited access to all rides, plus fl eece gloves and a locker. A Family Pass is AED 860, which is fi ve passes for the price of four. snowabudhabi.com attractions, including the Crystal Carousel, Polar Express Train, Snowfl ake Garden, and Flight of the Snowy Owl. Visitors can also try sledding, carousels, zorbing, and zip-lining year-round. All that activity obviously works up an appetite, so Snow Abu Dhabi is also home to three dining outlets, where families can tuck into international cuisine surrounded by the wintery landscape. The attraction is brought to the capital by Majid Al Futtaim, which pioneered the sub-zero leisure experience with Ski Dubai back in 2005. The fl agship, which remains popular at its home in Mall of the Emirates, has since won multiple awards, including the World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort by World Ski Awards 2023 for the seventh consecutive year. In 2017, the group opened Ski Egypt, followed by Snow Oman in December 2022. Who said snow parks couldn’t exist in the desert? EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_17_AD Guide_Snow Reem mall_13119994.indd 1719/12/2023 15:5118 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: D ANIEL BOUD AND MA TT MURPHY Clockwise from above left: The cast brings with it a world of experience, with performers selected from shows on Broadway, London and Australia There was so much excitement around Hamilton’s fi rst international tour coming to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena that organisers had to add an extra week of shows. Based on Ron Chernow’s biography, Hamilton explores the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and premiered on Broadway in New York City in August 2015 to much critical acclaim. This is largely thanks to its pioneering soundtrack, written by American screenwriter One of the world’s greatest musicals is coming to Abu Dhabi for its fi rst-ever international tour Hamilton The show Lin-Manuel Miranda, that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway. It is known as the story of America then, told by America now. It has since been named the world’s best musical countless times and has had a profound societal and cultural impact, also winning a raft of accolades, including 11 Tony Awards, seven Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and the 2016 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. Alongside the US, the show has also had seasons in London’s West End, Australia, and Germany, but it has taken nearly a decade for it to launch a global tour. This started in Auckland early last year, before it moved to Manila in September. Now, the cast is preparing for the Middle East premiere of a show that is beloved the world over. The UAE leg will kick off on 17 January and will now run until 11 February, featuring Jason Arrow in the lead role of the multi-award-winning production. Arrow was part of the original Australian cast when it premiered in Sydney in 2021, and has played Alexander Hamilton in Melbourne and Brisbane ever since. He is part of a 34-strong cast that includes performers from all over the world, including those recruited from Broadway and the West End. “We have assembled an extraordinary cast of superstars from productions all over the world for Hamilton’s fi rst-ever international tour,” says producer Michael Cassel. “We can’t wait to introduce them to you as we make our way to exciting new places for the very fi rst time.” Tickets start from AED 180 EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_18_AD Guide_Hamilton_13119996.indd 1820/12/2023 16:38abu dhabi guide January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 19 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED Above: The Cultural Foundation was built as the UAE’s fi rst dedicated cultural centre when it opened its doors to Abu Dhabi’s residents in 1981 When the Cultural Foundation organises an event, it does so with visitors of all ages in mind. A series of colourful, thought-provoking sculptures, mixed-media, and installations adorn the Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi’s main exhibition hall this month. These are pieces by the renowned contemporary artist Pascale Marthine Tayou. It’s part of an exhibition called Lobi Lobi, which is on show until 28 January and examines the juxtaposing scarcity and excess of resources we have on Earth. Meanwhile, Bobo Land, which runs parallel to this, engages younger audiences through a series of interactive activations. Youngsters can explore the show through the eyes of Bobo, Tayou’s persona of a dreaming child discovering and inventing their own future. Comic Craze Vol. 3 is another exhibition running this month until 22 January, highlighting the work of 49 artists who create satirical, comic, and critical cartoons. It features anime cartoons that have been dubbed into Arabic and the stands have soundboxes playing the Arabic soundtracks, which have become beloved across the region. The best way to discover everything the Cultural Foundation has to off er is via a free The venue guided tour, which takes place on Saturday to Thursday between 9am and 8pm, or on Fridays from 2pm to 8pm. This not only takes in the facility’s architecture and exhibitions, but also the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, including an orientation of various workshops at the in-house art studio and Children’s Art Centre. These venues host classes for teens and adults of all skill levels, teaching the basics of art disciplines such as watercolour painting, sculpture, pottery, silk and glass painting, embroidery, and jewellery creation. Guests can also try their hand at Arabic calligraphy workshops in Bait Al Khatt, which is led by artist and calligrapher Mohammed Mani. He also teaches the basics of Islamic Geometric Patterns and Handling of Ancient Manuscripts. Before you leave, make a beeline for Beit Beit, a pop-up that’s running until 3 March, designed to take children back to life before technology, when they played in makeshift forts built using pillows, blankets, and imagination. The experience includes story and vintage doll exhibits, as well as a toy shop and play area. culturalfoundation.ae Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi The capital’s arts and culture centre has something for visitors of all ages EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_19_AD Giuide_Cultural Foundation _13119993.indd 1920/12/2023 16:39Next >