< Previous20 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED Clockwise from above left: The interiors are inspired by the owner’s African heritage; Scallops with caulifl ower and truffl e purée; The popular calamari Mozambique dish South African restaurateur Natasha Sideris has already made a name for herself in the region after her tashas cafes found roaring success across the UAE. Then she opened Flamingo Room by tashas at Jumeirah Al Naseem in 2017 in Dubai, inspired by iconic restaurants in the likes of London, New York, and Paris. This was its second branch, following the brand’s 2015 inauguration at Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Square, and it was an instant hit. Sideris then moved into Saudi Arabia, where she recently opened Flamingo Collection in Riyadh, a concept she’s now also brought to Abu Dhabi’s The Galleria on Al Maryah Island. It’s three ideas rolled into one, with Flamingo Room by tashas, African Lounge, and Collective Africa. “We strive to off er an unforgettable dining experience that blends elegance, vibrancy, and sophistication,” says Sideris. “Our playful personality and African glamour make us the perfect destination for any occasion.” The main dining room is a pink and gold-hued space infl uenced by African glamour, putting an Art Deco-inspired bar at centre stage. The colourful backdrop showcases the continent’s fl ora and fauna, while a large hand-blown glass African glamour meets the Arabian Gulf at Natasha Sideris’s latest UAE venue Flamingo Room by tashas The restaurant installation by South African artist Mike Hyam adds to the dining room’s drama. Neydine Bak, the interior architect behind the restaurant, says the piece, which is composed of dozens of delicate glass discs, is inspired by the African baobab tree that fl owers at night before disappearing at dawn. There are also whimsical bronze statues of meerkats and monkeys adding to the cheeky, playful atmosphere. The fl avours of South Africa are infused within the signature dishes, complemented by wines from the area. These include calamari Mozambique, lobster pasta, prawn arancini, and Liza’s lemon cake. Then there’s African Lounge, which off ers a luxe area inspired by the tented safari camp experience with indoor and outdoor seating, plus a menu of small bites, shareable plates, mocktails, and teas. Collective Africa, meanwhile, is a concept store founded by Nicky Greig, now with three branches in the UAE. It has a curated selection of pieces inspired by Africa and hand-picked from around the world, all emphasising the intersection of heritage and contemporary design. Open Monday-Sunday, noon-4pm and 7pm-1am; +971 2 675 9301; fl amingoroombytashas.com EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_20_AD Guide_Flamingo_13120182.indd 2019/12/2023 15:52abu dhabi guide January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 21 While the UAE is often associated with the idea that bigger is better, one new hotel is taking the opposite stance. Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat, which is scheduled to open on 15 February, is a new luxury resort with 22 boutique guestrooms and villas for visitors looking for a sense of seclusion and intimacy. Operated by Minor Hotels, the property is in Ghantoot, an enclave of coast about halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. It’s no more than a 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport, but you could be miles away thanks to the silence and uninterrupted sea views. The resort is designed to resemble architecture on the Greek island it is named after, with low-lying white buildings that blend with the surrounding desert and beach landscape. Inside, a collection of private accommodation with spacious interiors and sun-dappled terraces, each decorated with soft, neutral furnishings A taste of the Greek Islands in Abu Dhabi Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat Clockwise from above left: The resort’s exterior refl ects the buildings of Santorini; The lobby; One of the restaurants at the resort The hotel that allow those sea views to take centre stage through wide windows. Guests, who have 24-hour butler service, can get access to the resort’s private beach, as well as an outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, plus an indoor cinema where screenings are off ered on demand. There are also bespoke spa treatments that are given in beachside cabanas. As for the food, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat will have a restaurant serving dishes with local ingredients and spices, alongside an ocean-side spot serving Greek delicacies. A bar is open after-hours serving creative drinks until late, while a DJ entertains. EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_21_AD Guide_Anantara Santorini_13120060.indd 2119/12/2023 15:5322 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED Clockwise from above left: Chinese New Year, National Ballet of China; H.E Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, the festival’s founder and artistic director The 21st edition of the Abu Dhabi Festival kicks off this month under the theme The Will for Hope. Her Excellency Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, the festival’s founder and artistic director, says the chosen theme aims to foster optimism during challenging times, with a portion of the revenue being donated to the Tarahum for Gaza campaign by Emirates Red Crescent. “This conveys a message of empowerment for culture The annual performance series returns to honour the region’s hope for peace Abu Dhabi Festival The music and the arts as potent forces in promoting enlightenment, coexistence and peace,” she adds. “With the invincible will for hope, nations thrive as they unite to strengthen.” Every year, this well-organised series of events brings an incredible line-up of artists to the UAE capital, with classical ballet, jazz, opera and traditional Arabian showcases, as well as global and regional premieres. An accompanying community and educational programme is rolled out, including panel discussions and workshops, to engage local and visiting audiences. In 2024, the programme also commemorates 40 years of diplomatic ties between the UAE and the People’s Republic of China. This will include the presentation of masterpieces, exclusive commissioned works and joint productions. For the fi rst time in the Arab world, there will also be a performance of Chinese New Year by the National Ballet of China, a reinterpretation of Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet The Nutcracker. The festival will conclude with a show by the China National Symphony Orchestra. Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qassimi, the UAE’s Minister of Culture, says the organisation of these events reinforces the concept of cultural diplomacy. “We fi rmly believe that creativity is a bridge for human interaction, and that the arts, in all their forms, have the power to bring us closer to other nations.” EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_22_AD Guide_Festival_13120108.indd 2219/12/2023 15:54abu dhabi guide January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 23 IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK Home to the ultimate race on land - the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - the capital now welcomes the world’s best drivers on water to its shores. Known as the most exciting race on water, the SailGP takes place this month from 13 to 14 January. One of the world’s fastest growing sports leagues, it is presented in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Sports Council and SailGP’s global series partner, Mubadala Investment Group. The Abu Dhabi leg marks the seventh race of Season 4, where fans will get the opportunity to see 10 international teams go head-to-head over the two days. The national teams taking part in the fi erce competition are Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, New Zealand, Spain, Switzerland, and the United States. The most exciting racing on water sets sail in Mina Zayed Abu Dhabi SailGP The Sport New to SailGP? Here is what you need to know: The competition sees identical F50 catamarans, capable of reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h, “fl y” across the water in a series of races where teams accumulate points towards the championship. Specifi cally designed for the racing series, the F50 is a one-design foiling catamaran which means it uses wing-like lifting surfaces known as foils which are mounted under the hull. When the vessels increase their speed, the hydrofoils lift the hull up and out of the water, resulting in the exciting fl ying action. Spectators can view the action live from various seating options or, for those with their own boats, on-water viewing along the racecourse perimeter. The following races will be in Sydney, New York and Saint-Tropez. sailgp.com EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_23_AD Guide_SailGP_13116715.indd 2319/12/2023 15:5524 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 Been thinking of going to the Philippines? Well, there are several reasons to dive right in. The Philippines has once again been recognised as a world-class tourism destination, bagging four major awards at the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA) held in December. The country was named the World’s Leading Dive Destination and and also won for the World’s Leading Beach. In addition, the Philippines’ capital city, Manila, was awarded the World’s Leading City Destination for the fi rst time. The Philippines also received the Global Tourism Resilience Award for its eff orts to overcome the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was one of only fi ve destinations to receive this inaugural award. The archipelago is made up of thousands of islands, off ering with it some of the Pacifi c Ocean’s most beautiful waters. As a result, it is a diving paradise, with the country’s reefs home to an incredibly diverse marine life, including sharks, turtles, manta rays, and colourful fi sh. Manila, known for its bustling streets, is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and culture. It is also home to a variety of historical landmarks, museums, and shopping malls. ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS 14 FLIGHTS A WEEK TO MANILA ETIHAD.COM A multi-award winning destination, with world-class diving time zones -8-7-6-5-4-3-1-20-9-10-11-12 Philippines Dive through EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_24-31_Time zones_13110951.indd 2419/12/2023 15:57January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 25 IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK +1+3+2+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13 +4 EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_24-31_Time zones_13110951.indd 2519/12/2023 16:0226 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 IMA GE S: SHUTTERST OCK Switzerland Digital intelligence Melbourne Follow the bounce ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS SEVEN FLIGHTS A WEEK TO ZURICH ETIHAD.COM ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS SEVEN FLIGHTS A WEEK TO MELBOURNE ETIHAD.COM World leaders to discuss the impact of technology on the future A historic grand slam down under kicks off the season The picturesque town of Davos, Switzerland will once again become the epicenter of global dialogue as the World Economic Forum (WEF) convenes for its 54th annual meeting. This year’s focus will primarily be around the opportunities and challenges presented by new technologies. Scheduled for 15 to 19 January, the event brings together over 100 governments, leading international organisations, top businesses, and infl uential fi gures from civil society and academia. The attention on new technologies refl ects the rapidly changing landscape of our world. From artifi cial intelligence to robotics and biotechnologies, these innovations are transforming industries, economies, and societies at an unprecedented pace. The WEF Annual Meeting will provide a unique platform to explore the potential of these technologies, address the challenges they raise, and discuss their implications for global governance and cooperation. As in past years, the event will also serve as a catalyst for public-private collaboration. With the participation of over 1,000 of the world’s most important companies, the global meeting presents an invaluable opportunity for stakeholders to engage in dialogue, create partnerships, and work together to address critical challenges. -8-7-6-5-4-2-10-9-10-11-12 -3 In a historic fi rst, the Australian Open expands to 15 days, making it the longest Australian Open in history. Beginning Tuesday 9 to 12 January are the exhibition matches, which see the stars of the game taking part to raise money for causes close to their hearts. From Sunday 14 January, running through to Sunday, 28 January, Melbourne Park will be transformed into a tennis haven, hosting the world’s best players for the fi rst major of the year. Novak Djokovic is the men’s defending champion, having clinched his tenth title in 2023 with a straight-sets victory at the Rod Laver Arena. In the women’s competition, current US Open champion, Coco Gauff , is likely to be one of the favourites. In the fi nal week, the Australian Open Wheelchair Championships takes place, with Round 1 matches on Tuesday 23 January, concluding with the men’s, women’s and quad singles fi nals on Saturday 27 January. All tickets bought through Ticketmaster are now digital which means spectators can access them conveniently on their phones via the Ticketmaster app or mobile web browser. EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_24-31_Time zones_13110951.indd 2620/12/2023 16:41time zones January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 27 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED Janu, which translates as “soul” in Sanskrit, is the new sister brand to Aman Resorts, and its fi rst hotel is set to open in Japan this March. Where Aman promises intimacy and seclusion in stunning settings, Janu will deliver vibrancy and spirit, merging an appreciation of fi ne cuisine, art, and design. Janu Tokyo will be the only hotel to open in the city’s much-anticipated Azabudai Hills development, off ering 112 spacious guest rooms, each with fl oor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies that look out at the iconic Tokyo Tower or natural surroundings. Guests will be greeted in the lofty reception area, where a sense of space is fostered through carefully placed glass and textured mouldings, underneath a ceiling embellished with lattice woodwork and woven rope arches. These off er a modern interpretation of the traditional Japanese technique shimenawa, made by twisting dried rice straws together and often found at holy sites and Shinto shrines. There, the technique divides the space between the sacred and external worlds, while in the hotel it connects guests from street level into the soul of Janu Tokyo. The hotel is also home to one of the largest wellness facilities in the capital, with fi ve movement studios, a boxing ring, a hydrotherapy and thermal area, a 25-metre heated lap pool, a hammam, nine treatment rooms, and a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber – to name only a few highlights. Dining options include Janu Mercato, an all-day destination that pays homage to Italian cuisine through three open kitchen counters and live cooking stations. The adjoining Janu Patisserie celebrates European pastry traditions, while Janu Grill puts meat at centre stage and Hu Jing serves Cantonese signatures. There are also two Japanese venues. Iigura reinterprets the centuries-old tradition of Edomae sushi, while Sumi off ers a modern twist on sumibiyaki grill. This will be the fi rst in a 12-strong pipeline of projects that will open across various cities and coastal destinations. “The arrival of Janu Tokyo signifi es a pivotal moment in Aman Group’s progression – not only introducing the energetic spirit of Janu for Tokyo The new soul of Japan From the hospitality gurus that brought us Aman, comes new hotel brand Janu the very fi rst time – but also representing the evolution and enduring strength of Aman,” said Aman chairman and CEO Vlad Doronin. “As we unveil this new concept in one of the world’s greatest cities, my vision is for the Janu brand to trailblaze a new direction in hospitality whilst preserving, upholding, and following in the illustrious footsteps of its legendary sibling.” Bookings are now open for Janu Tokyo, with nightly rates starting from $944. janu.com ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS SEVEN FLIGHTS A WEEK TO TOKYO ETIHAD.COM +2+1+3+4+6+8+9+10+11+12+13 +7+5 EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_24-31_Time zones_13110951.indd 2719/12/2023 16:0528 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | January 2024 Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, one of Qatar’s most important cultural attractions, is currently running four exhibitions through to 5 March. Showcasing a diverse range of contemporary Arab art, the showcase off ers a unique opportunity to delve into the themes of heritage and identity — while exploring new interpretations of modern and contemporary Doha Re-writing history Prolifi c Arab art goes on display at Qatar’s beloved Mathaf -8-7-6-5-4-3-20-9-10-11-12 -1 EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_24-31_Time zones_13110951.indd 2819/12/2023 16:06time zones January 2024 | ATLAS BY ETIHAD | 29 IMA GE S: SUPPLIED +2+1+3+4+5+6+7+8+9+10+11+12+13 Arab art. Among the collections is Distilled Lessons, which examines how Arab artists have used abstraction in unique ways compared to their global counterparts. Compiled entirely from Mathaf’s collections, the exhibition demonstrates how regional artists have drawn inspiration from the rich heritage of the Arab- Muslim world. Undoubtedly one of the highlights is Mehdi Moutashar: Introspection as Resistance. This is the 80-year-old artist’s fi rst solo exhibition in Qatar and presents a collection of new and existing works by the eminent Iraqi. It features over 25 artworks (created over 50 years), inspired by the potential of Arabic calligraphy and ornamental patterns, challenging the Western-based gaze on Moutashar’s work. Completing the exhibition are Cities Under Quarantine: The Mailbox Project, which presents a personal and creative archive of responses to the COVID-19 pandemic and De/Constructed Meanings, an experimental installation that uses a programmed coding system to write on sand. Cities Under Quarantine explores the themes of life and death, certainty and uncertainty, safety and vulnerability, loneliness and friendship through 59 handmade books created by artists around the world. De/Constructed Meanings is inspired by the theories of Jacques Derrida, an Algerian-born French philosopher. Derrida developed the philosophy of deconstruction, which he used in a number of his writings. In the exhibition, the lines and shapes celebrate the fl ow of Arabic script and the evolving variations in its interpretation throughout history. If you are in the city, be sure to catch these insightful perspectives on the realm of contemporary Arab art. Mathaf also has a permanent collection of works from North Africa and the Middle East, serving as a centre for dialogue, scholarship, and creativity. ETIHAD AIRWAYS OFFERS 25 FLIGHTS A WEEK TO DOHA ETIHAD.COM Clockwise from above left: Rachid Koraichi, Scrutateur de l’arrière passion (Scrutineer of the hidden passion), 1985; Mehdi Moutashar, Houé, 2023; Hala Amer, Saga Elkabbash, Levi Hammett and Giovanni Innella, Future Memories, 2022–ongoing; Cities Under Quarantine, Dia al-Azzawi EtA_03-JAN-2024_English_24-31_Time zones_13110951.indd 2920/12/2023 16:42Next >