< PreviousOutdoor escapes 20 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com It’s that time of year when we all talk about going camping in the UAE, then realise we have no idea where to start. From Ànding the best camping spots in the UAE to deciding where to camp in the UAE, to buying or borrowing all the camping gear, it can be a little daunting. But with a little help and planning, camping in the UAE can also be one of the most magical experiences, brilliant for all ages and one of those must-do adventures – as good for the memories as it is for the gram. You might not always remember it when you’re at work in the ofÀce, or live in a high-rise apartment block, but the UAE is just a hop, skip and a jump (or at least a short drive in a 4×4) away from absolutely incredible scenery. And with the winter weather upon us, there’s no better time to go on an outdoor adventure. From desert glamping getaways (you know, the Insta-friendly ones) to camping under the stars (don’t forget to charge your iPhone and pack plenty of marshmallows) there’s loads out there to explore. We’ve even included a guide to some of the top luxury desert resorts, if you’re not quite ready to try camping yet, but still want all those dreamy desert vibes. Get ready to soak in those spiritual vibes and head to one of the most breathtaking camping spots the UAE has to offer. CCaaammppinng iinn thhe UAE Ajman Desert Looking for the best places to go glamping and camping in the UAE? This a good spot for novice campers as it’s not too far from the city. It’s popular with families too, so you’re sure to see other like-minded campers enjoying a trip into the wilderness. The stretch of desert is one of the top spots to whip out your barbecue grill and campÀre gear, sit back and enjoy the bliss of the desert. It gets chilly though, so remember to bring extra layers, like your granny taught you. O Free. Open daily 24/7. Off Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Ajman (no number). Al Dhafra Beach Al Dhafra takes up two thirds of the desert in Abu Dhabi, which means hundreds of kilometres worth of spectacular beaches to set up camp. This vast stretch of the capital’s coast is “where the desert meets the sea”. Head towards the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort west on the E11, there’ll be signs along the road to help you get there, and you’ll Ànd your way. Sleeping under the stars listening to the the waves lap against the shore? Yes please. Be sure to check the tide forecast by visiting www. tide-forecast.com before you pitch your tent, though. No one likes a soggy sleeping bag (or worse). O Free. Open daily 24/7. Between Shuweihat Power Complex and Al Hamra Airport, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi. ““Reemmemmbber tto brinng extraa layers, like yoouur ggrannyy ttaughtt you”Outdoor escapes timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 21 Al Qudra Lakes New to glamping and camping in the UAE? This is a great idea for those in Dubai that don’t want to stray too far but still want to get back to nature. Head off-road and pitch up at this gorgeous retreat a mere 48km from Dubai. It gets busy at sunset but seeing other families enjoying the outdoors is all part of the fun. Birdwatchers will be in their element as there are about 130 species to spot here. Or you could just cook up some tasty grills on the barbie and share your most compelling campÀre tales. You can even bring your bikes and go for a spin around the 86km Al Qudra bike track for a bit of exercise. Free. Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra Road, Dubai. Jebel Ali Beach Not a fan of tents? Have a caravan? You’re in luck as Dubai Municipality recently announced it is allowing camping with caravans on Jebel Ali beach now too, so camping gets an upgrade (if you’re not partial to kipping on the Áoor). You will need a permit though, before you set off all excited, but that’s free to get. All you need is a valid copy of the ownership of the caravan or trailer and a copy of your Emirates ID and to register on the Dubai Municipality website. The beach has a Makani number 0001864652. Jebel Ali. Umm Al Quwain coast This quiet emirate offers some cracking coastal camping sites where you can really feel the sea breeze whistling through your hair. Popular with families, come here for sunset and later drift off to sleep with the Gulf’s soothing sounds as your lullaby. Glamping and camping in the UAE on the beach is generally favoured, but travellers can Ànd a secluded spot just off the E11 main road. As for the beachgoers, they can camp on the beach to the north and south of Al Rafaah. O Free. Open daily 24/7. Off the E11, Al Rafaah, (Umm Al Quwain). GGllaammppiinng iin thhe UAE Hatta Sedr Trailers and Hatta Damani Lodges Fancy trying kayaking? There are several types of accommodation in Hatta Resort, including the Hatta Sedr Trailers and Hatta Damani Lodges. The Hatta Sedr trailers have a kitchenette attached for home-style cooking, while Hatta Damani Lodge overlooks the Hatta Dam on three different levels on the mountain. Each has its own private terrace and a large TV and prices start at around Dhs700. Or you can also bring your own tents and camp at Hatta Wadi Hub, where prices start from Dhs129 a night to camp outside. Go on, be adventurous. We dare you. O Prices vary. Hatta, Dubai, visithatta.com/en. Longbeach Campground Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah is a good idea if you are looking for the ultimate glamping getaway. There are all the comforts you’ll need, including traditionally-styled tents and luxury suit tents options for groups and single visitors. As for activities you won’t be bored with Tabata workout, water activities or calming beach yoga, archery and tennis on Hatta Sedr Trailers and Hatta Damani Lodges Sand Sherpa Carry on glampingOutdoor escapes 22 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com the agenda. This is also a really cool spot to bring the whole family for a lovely adventurous vacation. O Longbeach Campground, Ras Al Khaimah, bmhotelsresorts.com (0600 566 600). Sand Sherpa This one is the perfect blend between glamping and camping in the UAE – in that you’re camping, but in very safe hands. Sand Sherpa runs weekend camps from September through to June in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Take in the surroundings under the guide of one of the team’s ‘sherpas’. The camp area is kitted out for all your needs with each group having access to its own trailer equipped with a Sherpa Tent, utensils, camping accessories, sofa, dining set-up and a Àrepit grill. Roll on a scrummy barbeque. The guide will also take you on a wildlife walk which is for those who want to see all the scenic spot has to offer. O From Dhs1,500, open from Sept to June, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, sandsherpa.com. Sonara Camp If you’re looking for a super-chic glamping experience, Sonara Camp is the one for your bucket list. The luxury, eco-friendly desert experience has launched an Overnight Adventure experience where guests can enjoy an al fresco dining experience followed by a night under the stars. You’ll enjoy a camel ride, sundowners and a tasty menu with dishes including steaks, mezze and more. Set within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve get ready to get back to nature. O Dhs1,160 (per adult), Dhs380 (per child). Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain Road (050 336 7909). The Nest New for 2022 is Sonara Camp’s latest project The Nest. Billing itself as an exclusive, unique and eco-friendly overnight experience, it is deÀnitely a camping experience for those who are fans of creature comforts. Each ‘nest’ is complete with a dreamy bedroom area, private en-suite bathroom, outdoor majlis and your own dedicated Mudeef, who will ensure you have the most memorable experience possible. Don’t expect smores here, The Nest has gourmet dining options. On the menu, you’ll Ànd wood-oven cooked pizzas, wagyu beef sliders and Mediterranean seafood. O From Dhs2,300 (per nest).Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. nara.ae/nara-escape/. ““Enjjooy al frreesco dining follloweeed byy a nnighhtt uundeerr the stars” Sonara CampOutdoor escapes timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 23 Luuxxxuuryyy ddeseeert eescapes iin theee UAAE Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, Dubai Possibly the poshest tent you will ever stay in. This exceptionally luxurious resort might only be an hour’s drive from Dubai Marina, but it couldn’t feel further from the city. You’re likely to come across a leaping gazelle here – or if you’re really lucky, an Arabian oryx. All Bedouin Suites have plunge pools. Where’s better to watch the wildlife than from your very own private pool? Dreamy. O Prices vary. Dubai, marriott.com (04 832 9900). Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Abu Dhabi Just 30-minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Wathba is designed to be reminiscent of a historic desert village. It has 99 rooms and villas, with Arabesque design hues throughout and Bedouin Ànishes. Nestled within a garden, the spa has 11 treatment rooms, including a crystal salt sauna, Turkish hammam, a yoga pavilion, ice shower, steam rooms, plunge pools and snow caves. Fancy. O Prices vary, Abu Dhabi, marriott.com. Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort If communing with nature above and below sea level appeals to you, then Sir Bani Yas Island is for you. Luxury villas are spread out amid the lush savannah at this Sir Bani Yas Island hotel, each with a private pool – perfect for gazelle or peacock watching while wallowing in the water. Where else would you want to be this autumn? Head here for the perfect retreat. O Prices vary. Abu Dhabi, anantara.com, (02 801 4300). Mysk Al Badayer Retreat Built to resemble a roadside inn (or caravanserai) for weary travellers, this recent opening is gorgeous to look at and houses ten of the best kitted out tents you’re likely to Ànd. You didn’t get 55 inch smart TVs and free Wi-Fi on the Silk Road, eh? It’s all decked out to feel traditional, in the most luxe way possible. O Prices vary. Al Badayer, Sharjah (06 556 0777). Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara If there was ever a visual representation of an oasis in the desert, the Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara would be the picture perfect image. The décor of its 154 rooms and 52 villas is brimming with rich colours and beautifully designed fabrics giving off rustic Arabian vibes and select pool villas come complete with plunge pools overlooking the picturesque desert. Sounds lovely. O Prices vary. Abu Dhabi, anantara.com, (02 886 2088). The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert is one of the most popular desert retreats, offering secluded private pools and Insta-worthy backdrops of rolling dunes and delightful wildlife. And for the rest of the year it’s offering a special family-friendly deal. The Ritz Kids Rangers deal includes a three hour kids’ programme, plus breakfast and kids’ lunch. Family fun in the desert, without anyone having to dig the car out of a dune. O Prices vary. Wadi Khadeja, Ras Al Khaimah, ritzcarlton.com (07 206 7777). The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al MahaCulinary Season 24 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Foo Your insider’s guide to Abu Dhabi Culinary Season By Daryl Mersom glori fooCulinary Season timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 25 od ous Abu Dhabi Culinary Season comes to town this month for its Àfth edition, with Àne dining at discounted prices and world-renowned chefs cooking up a storm at some of the city’s Ànest restaurants. This season, the capital will be the epicentre of urbane food and drink in the region. Over 12 wildly different venues will be participating in what is set to be Abu Dhabi’s most exciting foodie extravaganza yet. You can expect everything from Middle Eastern to European fare, travelling down to North Africa and even as far as South America, all under the unifying theme of Áavours. As well as Abu Dhabi’s Ànest upscale establishments offering killer menus, a series of supper clubs hosted by Michelin-starred chefs will also take place, along with Food Forward, where international and Emirati chefs will collaborate at Emirates Palace. Malls, food and beverage outlets and food delivery apps will also be participating and offering discounts and deals throughout the season. And for those who miss out, #AbuDhabiLovesCoffee and #AbuDhabiLovesBreakfast will provide diners the opportunity to discover the capital’s most- loved breakfast dishes. Here’s your guide to the most exciting foodie event of the year. Chef’s Table If Àne dining at discounted prices sounds appealing to you, wait until you hear about the real magic going on during this season’s culinary extravaganza. Not only are Abu Dhabi’s illustrious upscale establishments putting on a series of set menus at reduced prices, but Drummond Money-Coutts, the British illusionist once praised by the late Queen Elizabeth II (“he will go far”) will be entertaining audiences with his quirky and magical performances. 12 fantastic restaurants will participate until November 15 under the “Áavours” theme of the festival. Read on for your insider’s guide to the various restaurants, bars, and venues, as well as what else is in store for you during this year’s Abu Dhabi Culinary Season. odCulinary Season 26 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com Moksh “Pink lady apples sing in chia pudding”Culinary Season timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 27 Bushra Middle Eastern cuisine meets North African at this restaurant that takes inspiration from the best of the two regions, long connected by the sea and now with on-trend dishes. Described by many as a laid-back lounge, at night Bushra revels in its vibrant atmosphere, with a host of resident DJs playing live music long until the early hours. Boasting a formidable range of cocktails based around ingredients from the Levant, you won’t go thirsty here. Dhs350 per person (three course menu). Yas Island, (50 601 1195). Fouquet’s From the MENA region to the romantic heart of Europe, Fouquet’s is a Parisian brasserie located in the Louvre, Abu Dhabi’s Francophile museum, and “France’s largest cultural project abroad”. Inside Jean Nouvel’s stunning, dome-topped design, visitors enjoy a menu crafted in collaboration with Michelin- starred chef, Pierre Gagnaire. O Al Saadiyat Island, (02 205 4200). Hakkasan Housed in the breathtaking Emirates Palace, Hakkasan offers Cantonese recipes with a modern twist. With interior design from French Àrm Gilles & Boissier, the restaurant takes traditional architectural elements such as wooden shutters and opens them out onto a contemporary cityscape. The food matches this with contemporary culinary techniques bringing out the best in traditional Cantonese cuisine. O Dhs398 per person (three course menu). Emirates Palace, (02 690 7739). LPM The second French entry on the list, LPM has been offering its distinctive brand of Niçoise cuisine since 2017, focusing on lighter and healthier ingredients, such as olive oil and tomatoes, instead of butter and cream. That’s not to say that garlic butter is off the menu, so have no fear when ordering your escargots. Close to the city’s foremost shopping, dining, and hotel destinations, LPM has a top spot on Al Maryah Island. O From Dhs395 per person. Al Maryah Island, (02 692 9600). Moksh Moksh is the home of Indian Àne dining and curious, bright mocktails. Think Instagrammable small plates for Diwali, the Festival of Lights, and drinks served with a touch of theatre. Chef Abs Patil shares his experience from working in 40 restaurants with customers in the restaurant and his followers online, making Pink Lady apples sing in chia pudding, and turning up the brightness on your favourite vegan dishes. O Dhs299 per person (eight course menu). Etihad Towers, (50 447 4805). NIRI NIRI is a restaurant and bar where simplicity rules, whether that’s the food, service, or design of the establishment itself. This is Japanese cuisine with a philosophical bent, “treasure every meeting, for it will never recur,” the owners remind customers. Expect expert sushi dishes and Àreside “robata” cooking. O Dhs300 per person (three course menu), Al Saadiyat Island, (02 546 8886). Oak Room For meat eaters with a penchant for rock and roll, the Oak Room brings British iconography to the city’s marina in a Àne dining setting. Whether it’s wagyu or Côte de Boeuf, carnivorous tastes are catered for. Chef Tom Aikens learnt to cook with his mother, and on his father’s side discovered wine pairings that have informed a career in the premium catering industry. A whole lot of rock and roll and meat over the course of one well-spent evening. O Three courses for Dhs395 per person. Al Bateen, (02 208 0000). Otoro A return on the list to Japan with Otoro, this just-opened restaurant sits in Abu Dhabi’s nascent Al Qana neighbourhood. The menu boasts wagyu steaks, idiosyncratic sushi rolls, and matcha tiramisu, all served within minimalist interiors with calm lighting. Chef Akmal Anuar, the concept creator responsible for GoldÀsh and 11 WoodÀre in Dubai, has Àrmly put his mark on the new site. A modern take on Japan’s unique culinary heritage. O Dhs185 per person (three course menu). Al Maqta’ St, Rabdan, Al Maqta’, Abu Dhabi, (02 886 9995). Paradiso Fans of Mediterranean nights are welcome here at Paradiso, where a chilled-out gourmet experience is on offer. Partners in cuisine Nicole Rubi & Pierre Gagnaire have created “a celebration of the unique sense of warmth, belonging and life, that only the Ànest Mediterranean fare can conjure.” All within a short distance of the city’s Yas Bay Waterfront. ODhs280 (three course menu), Dhs500 (four course menu). Yas Bay Waterfront, (50 437 2869). Talea To Italy with Talea, where authentic Italian food is heightened and made to shine with stylish modern takes. “Cucina di Famiglia”, or family-style cuisine, takes inspiration from recipes that have been passed down through the years and serves them on a plate in a distinctive, sharp, and modern context. You LPMCulinary Season 28 November 2022 timeoutabudhabi.com may well leave the compelling atmosphere of the luxury Emirates Palace and step out into the piazzas of Italy, at least in your imagination. O Dhs400 (four course menu). Emirates Palace, (02 690 7999). The Lighthouse When the Lighthouse opened in 2021 it was, as the name would suggest, a beacon on the Yas Bay Waterfront for lovers of Mediterranean- inspired food. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, think aubergine, feta, calamari, and souvlaki for taste options and for atmosphere, Virginia Woolf’s 1927 novel To The Lighthouse, after which the site was named. This is relaxed dining with literary overtones. O Dhs300 (three course menu), Yas Bay Waterfront, (02 236 7831). VaKaVa This restaurant explores the vibrant and diverse world of Latin America, where colour and taste trump fastidious plating. Last on the list and a departure to somewhere radically new and exciting, you might end the day dancing by the bar after what was meant to be just brunch with friends. We’ve all been there, don’t worry. With innovative mixed drinks and a social hour from six to eight in the evening, nobody goes thirsty at VaKaVa. O Dhs250 (three course menu), Etihad Towers, (02 811 5666) Supper Clubs After the restaurants bring so much variety to the festival, as well as treating us all to incredible discounted menus for this special culinary season, are the chefs are the chefs with their unique talents and personalities. For the supper clubs, the formula is simple. Take a range of chefs from the local region as well as from further abroad and allow them the time and space to create unique menus and Áavour combinations especially for Flavours Abu Dhabi. What’s not to like? Last month saw Chef Tom Aikens and Chef Faisal Naser bring their supper club to the Abu Dhabi NIRI VaKaVaCulinary Season timeoutabudhabi.com November 2022 29 Jake Kellie EDITION’s Oak Room, while this month Chef Maroun will be creating an amazing menu on November 12. From across the globe, the highlighted chefs will present their unique takes on Àne dining, curating a menu just for the event and hosting the night on their own terms. Meet The Chefs Chef Tom Aikens By 26, British chef Tom Aikens had achieved the distinction of not one but two Michelin stars, an age when many haven’t even Àgured out what career they’d like to pursue. From early success to restaurants in London’s salubrious Belgravia district, Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi, Tom Aikens has continued to champion top-class ingredients with a keen eye on sustainability. You might have missed his October supper club but a look at the mouth- watering recipes for Àg tart and Àsh pie on his ofÀcial website might tempt anyone to set up their Google alerts for next year’s instalment. Chef Faisal Naser Chef Faisal Naser might well have come across one of his fellow chef’s traditionally- English Àsh pies while studying to become a geneticist at the University of Leeds. The man of many talents discovered a love of cooking in the UK before going on to open Abu Dhabi cult favourite restaurant LENTO. On his Instagram account (where he has more than 258k followers) he reminds people to “stay humble”, an admirable hope after his rave success. From smashed burgers and fried chicken at LENTO to Emirati cuisine, expect to enjoy food from a former scientist. Chef Maroun Chedid Starring in MBC’s Top Chef Middle East chef Maroun Chedid has reached a wide audience with his take on Lebanese Àne dining. Self- described as a chef with an unrestricted approach to cooking, we hear that those attending his supper clubs should expect classic dishes with fresh Áourishes. Those are three entirely different takes on the supper clubs that will be running during the Abu Dhabi culinary season. Food Forward Ever fancied Àne dining in a palatial setting? Abu Dhabi culinary season welcomes the return of the ever-popular Food Forward at the city’s marina facing Emirates Palace. The monumental, bigger-than-Buckingham-Palace site will host a variety of local and international chefs all working to create a unique dining experience for festival-goers. Running at the beginning of November, Food Forward brings a talented bunch of chefs together for one long weekend of food and fun. Chefs Jordy Navarra, Jake Kellie, and Khaled Alsaadi Proving that too many chefs in the kitchen doesn’t always spoilt the food, the unique talents of chefs Jordy Navarra, Jake Kellie, and Khaled Alsaadi combine to cook up a storm at the Emirates Palace. This is Àre food with three pairs of hands on deck. Expect Áavour proÀles informed by the culinary traditions of the Philippines, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. With an appearance on MasterChef Australia and a portfolio of restaurant work in Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and London between the trio, this is set to be a fantastically delicious weekend. More Unmissable Foodie Deals #AbuDhabiLovesCoffee returns Between November 11 and December 5, 20 coffee shops across Abu Dhabi will be joined by 10 breakfast spots to offer discounts you won’t want to pass up on. Miami Vibes street food festival Known for its pastel shades, big pink pineapples, and gorgeous Floridian ambiance, Miami Vibes street food festival will be back from December 1 to December 21. Oh yeah! Deliveroo In partnership with the Abu Dhabi Culinary Season, Deliveroo will be offering special discounts on a variety of healthy eating outlets until November 7. UAE National Day deals Enjoy delicious eats for just Dhs51 from restaurants and hotels across the city in celebration of the long weekend. “Tom Aikens has continued to champion top-class ingredients”Next >