< PreviousFRESH STAYS 40 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com TERRA SOLIS If you are clued up on the music festival scene, chances are you have heard about Terra Solis, as it has been brought to Dubai by the team behind electronic dance music festival Tomorrowland. The new hotel is an adults-only glamping experience in Dubai, spread over 371,000 sq m. The heart of the resort is the huge pool surrounded by rows and rows of loungers and cabanas. A 360-degree bar is found in the middle of the area and there’s a swim-up bar, too. There’s also a DJ booth ready to bring daytime tunes to sun seekers chilling by the pool. The natural setting is enough to dazzle anyone with sand dunes formed into peaks to accommodate the variety of sleeping quarters. For those after a proper night-under-the-stars experience, there are Bedouin-style tents that are in clusters and kitted out with a king or queen bed, A/C and a sink. Bathrooms are shared in these tents, that Terra Solis have named Polaris, giving that true festival feel. If you want something a tad more homely, then the Perseid lodge is the perfect place to rest your head. Inside the box-shaped lodging area you will Ànd everything for a luxe stay, including a comfy bed, shower and even a robe and slippers. For those who love to be the life and soul of the action, then the Orion lodges are the place to be, don’t miss taking a dip in the room’s individual plunge pool. O From Dhs948.60 per night. Dubai Heritage Vision, terrasolisdubai.com. THE NEST If you are looking for a unique and eco-friendly overnight experience, then you can check into a posh glamping experience from Nara Desert Escapes. Imagined and designed by architect Gianni Ranaulo, guests will stay in private ‘nests’ that look truly picture-perfect. With only 14 nests available per night, we expect they will be Àlled with happy campers throughout winter. Far away from a stuffy tent, the nests sound totally luxurious, with each having a bedroom area, private en-suite bathroom, outdoor majlis and your own dedicated Mudeef, who will ensure you have the most memorable experience possible. And don’t expect smores here, The Nest has gourmet dining options from wood-Àred pizzas to Mediterranean seafood platters. O From Dhs2,300 per night. Dubai Conservation Reserve, nara.ae/nara-escape. W DUBAI – MINA SEYAHI It’s tall, towering and impossible to miss: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, the super-trendy adults- only hotel opened in 2022. The 31-storey hotel is the W’s third in the UAE, with the same cool touches as the others on Yas Island and the Palm Jumeirah. Bringing with it W’s usual playful style, the Àve-star hotel is the latest addition to the Mina Seyahi complex in Al Sufouh, which also includes The Westin and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi. The W Dubai – Mina Seyahi features 318 rooms, from the entry-level ‘Fantastic’ guest rooms to the sought after ‘E WOW suite’. When it comes to dining, one of the must-try spots is Ginger Moon, at W’s Wet Deck, particularly for those after chilled out vibes. Serving meals next to an snap-tastic inÀnity pool overlooking Palm Jumeirah, there’s also W Lounge and rooftop restaurant and bar Attiko, a pan- Asian indoor-outdoor spot with an enormous rooftop terrace on the 31st Áoor, offering up outstanding views across to Ain Dubai and the Palm. When it’s time to unwind, there’s Bar-B Spa, which, as it sounds, is the place you can get a drink while you get pampered. If you’re feeling a little more energetic, check out 1Rebel/Fit, the 24/7 gym. O From Dhs854. Al Sufouh, marriott.com (04 350 9999). xxxxxxxx POOL DAY Terra Solis If you don’t want to spend the night, you can book in for a day pass to use of Terra Solis’ pool. Priced at Dhs200 on weekdays and Dhs300 on weekends, half of the fee is redeemable. O terrasolisdubai.com Terra SolisFRESH STAYS timeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 41 The NestFRESH STAYS 42 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan IslandFRESH STAYS February 15 – March 14 2023 43 FUJAIRAH PALACE BEACH RESORT FUJAIRAH Address Hotels, which has properties across the UAE including Address Sky Views and Address Beach Resort, opened its second hotel in Fujairah over the summer. Located in Al Faseel, the new destination is, ahem, rather palatial, with a stunning beach and pool area, a kids’ club, and three restaurants including Middle Eastern spot Ewaan. O From Dhs460 per night. Al Faseel, addresshotels.com. RAS AL KHAIMAH INTERCONTINENTAL RAS AL KHAIMAH MINA AL ARAB RESORT AND SPA The Àrst InterContinental hotel in Ras Al Khaimah opened back in February last year. You can pull up a sun lounger on the sprawling beach, or choose between the hotel’s two pools. There are lots of watersports activities, too, and little ones can head to kids’ club Planet Trekkers, while your older ones can have fun at the teens’ club. There are six restaurants and bars, and our pick of the bunch has to be ShaSha, the swim-up bar. O From Dhs850 per night. Mina Al Arab, icrasalkhaimah.com. MÖVENPICK RESORT AL MARJAN ISLAND Want to feel the sand between your toes on your next staycation? Make a beeline for Mövenpick Resort Al Marjan Island, which has a 300 m private beach. And even if you’re more of a pool person, this newly opened resort might just be for you as there are three to choose from. First opened in July last year, your kids are bound to love the Áoating water park and the StarÀsh Adventure kids’ club, while you can get pampered at the Citrine Spa. This is a great option for foodies, too, with options including Ula (which you may be familiar with from Dubai’s Dukes The Palm), and European bistro Boons. O From Dhs485 per night. Al Marjan Island, movenpick.com. 44 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com QUICK GUIDE WHAT’S INSIDE QASR AL HOSN The structure alone makes Qasr Al Hosn worth a visit, but that’s not the only thing you can see inside. Through artefacts and archive material, the displays inside the inner fort will take you from the Àrst settlers in the area more than 8,000 years ago up until the early 20th century, with a particular focus on the House of Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s ruling family. At the outer fort, you’ll Ànd out more about the modern history of Abu Dhabi. HOUSE OF ARTISANS Right next door to Qasr Al Hosn you’ll also Ànd the House of Artisans, where you can learn more about Emirati crafts. These include Al Sadu, a type of weaving practised by Bedouin women and used to decorate Bayt Al Shaar tents which was inscribed on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding back in 2011. You’ll also discover khoos, which sees date palm fronds weaved together to create objects like mats, baskets and fans, and talli, a type of decorative embroidery. You’ll also be able to learn about Arabic coffee, including roasting, brewing, and other Emirati traditions, or buy products made by local artisans in the gift shop. CULTURAL FOUNDATION You can’t pay a visit to Qasr Al Hosn without popping into the Cultural Foundation, which is located directly opposite the historic fortress. Similarly iconic, the Cultural Foundation has three wings centred around a courtyard. It Àrst opened in 1981, but underwent renovations before reopening to the public in 2018. Inside, there are a number of ever-changing exhibitions. Visit now and you can check out Lullabies: A Journey Through Song, where you can listen to bedtime songs from around the globe, Fahrelnissa and the Institutes: Towards a Sky, featuring works from the female artists who pioneered the modern art scene in Jordan, and Life Is A Circus, an NFT art exhibition from 12 UAE-based digital artists. The Cultural Foundation also puts on The Abu Dhabi skyline might be constantly evolving, but you can get a taste of what the city used to look like at Qasr Al Hosn. Haven’t visited yet? You need to correct that immediately, and we’re here to help you along the way with our ultimate guide. HISTORY Building work Àrst began in the 1790s, with the construction of what is now known as the inner fort. It is the city’s oldest building, and the watchtower here was used to oversee coastal trade routes in the area. Qasr Al Hosn then became the home of the ruling family, and was expanded with the construction of the outer palace between 1939 and 1945. After the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan founded the National Consultative Council in the 1960s, debates on a federal and national level were held here. Finally, in 2018 it was converted into the museum you see today after 11 years of restoration work. Heart of the city Everything you need to know about Qasr Al Hosn before you gotimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 45 QUICK GUIDE46 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com QUICK GUIDEtimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 47 workshops for both adults and kids, including calligraphy classes at Bait Al Khatt, as well as hosting an extensive performing arts programme throughout the year. Got little ones? They’ll love the Abu Dhabi Children’s Library, where you can cosy up in a reading nook and get lost in an adventure. WHAT’S ON NOW While you might have missed the Al Hosn Festival last month, a ten-day festival held annually in January, you can still enjoy winter at Al Hosn. The area around Qasr Al Hosn is playing host to pop-up eateries and shops, and there will be performances held daily. At the Cultural Foundation, you can book tickets for Fireman Sam LIVE! Between Friday March 10 and Sunday March 12, or see a contemporary dance show about pearl diving on Sunday March 19. You can Ànd the full programme of exhibitions, events and performances on both qasralhosn.ae and culturalfoundation.ae. RESTAURANTS AND CAFÉS There are a number of coffee shops and eateries within Qasr Al Hosn, the House of Artisans and the Cultural Foundation. You can grab vegan bites from Wild and The Moon, dessert and hot drinks from Mirzam, and coffee from Espresso Lab. Emirati restaurant Erth also just opened here back in January, serving up traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. Cultural Foundation PRACTICAL INFORMATION OPENING HOURS Qasr Al Hosn is open between 9am and 10pm from Saturday to Thursday, and from 2pm until 10pm on Fridays. TICKET PRICES Entry to Qasr Al Hosn is priced at Dhs30. You can also visit the House of Artisans and the Cultural Foundation for free. QUICK GUIDE48 February 15 – March 14 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Food Erth Restaurant Local tastes Where to try Emirati food in the capitaltimeoutabudhabi.com February 15 – March 14 2023 49 centuries. A whole grilled Àsh on a plate of rice served sharing style is one of the homiest authentic dishes you can get in the UAE. Dates are also another popular staple and are used to whet your appetite before a meal or as a sweetener for dessert. Still hungry? You can also go for camel meat or camel milk at many of these restaurants. Afterwards, grab a karak (tea infused with sweet milk, cardamom and saffron) and sit back to digest. Here’s where to Àll your boots with chebab, lygamat, Àreed, jisheid, and mishwy. Happy eating! 1AL FANAR RESTAURANT & CAFÉ A fabulous throwback to the good old days, Al Fanar rekindles the spirit of the ’60s Emirati food in Abu Dhabi. Head to Yas Mall to try a menu packed full of recipes passed down through generations. The saloona laham badaweya, or mutton stew, is a real highlight. But given its roots in Àshing folklore, it would be remiss of you not to try one of the seafood dishes, the machboos samak (simmered Àsh with yellow rice) being particularly pleasing to the palate. O Open daily 9am-10pm. Yas Mall, Yas Island, alfanarrestaurant.com (02 877 2272). 2AL MANDI & MAHBI HOUSE As its name suggests, this restaurant specialises in two cracking chicken dishes – the mandi and madhbi. You must try both to experience the subtle differences between this pair of Emirati staples. Aside from these obvious draws, the chefs here also knock up some mean meat curries, while the grilled seafood is also spot on. And then there are the desserts… O Open daily 7am-11.30pm. 16th Street, Musaffah, almandi-ad.ae (02 550 6770). 3AL MRZAB POPULAR RESTAURANT It’s clear that this eatery has gained its popularity by keeping to what it knows best – cooking up a range of excellent fare without the need for airs and graces. And you’d be hard pushed to Ànd better biriyanis or Àsh curries than you would at Al Mrzab, which has made this spot as popular as the name would suggest. If you want to push the boat out, you can also try some Kuwaiti dishes like murabyan and mutabbaq O Open daily 7am-11.30pm. Airport Road, Al Mushrif (02 666 2333). 4 ERTH RESTAURANT Newly opened in January, Erth might just take the top spot when it comes to aesthetically pleasing THE BEST WAY to experience local culture is to try the food, and there are some excellent Emirati restaurants dotted about the capital. Emirati food shares similiarities with our neighbours in Oman, KSA, and other Middle Eastern countries and Asian cuisines. Most Emirati dishes include rice, meat and Àsh. Seafood is part of the UAE’s history and has been the mainstay of the Emirati diet for Emirati restaurants. Designed by UAE-based architectural designers BONE Studio, Erth Restaurant has been carved out of the raised Áoor and was inspired by the feel of a traditional majlis, and features a gorgeous outdoor terrace next to Qasr Al Hosn. In short: Have your cameras fully charged, because you are going to be snapping lots and lots of photos of this gorgeous restaurant. On the food front, Erth all about highlighting the UAE’s natural ingredients, with handpicked produce from farms across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Hatta and throughout the Emirates. Must-try dishes include the Emirati spiny lobster salad, the Emirati spiced hasselback potatoes (we never want to eat another kind of potato again) and the margooga ravioli. Stick around for desserts including a deconstructed dates cake with blueberry jam, luqaimat and a gahwa chocolate cake with sidr honeycomb mousse. O Open daily noon-11pm. Qasr Al Hosn, erthrestaurant.ae (02 679 4014). 5LGYMAT & RGAG The whole world has fallen in love with street food again and there are few places in the capital that recreate such humble yet wholesome Áavours as Lgymat & Rgat. Its deep-fried dumplings slathered in the sticky date syrup (or dibbs, to those in the know) are so moreish you’ll feel like taking an XL box home with you, while the cheese rgag Áatbreads (at just Dhs6 apiece) are worth the visit alone. O Open daily 6am-3am. Lgymat & Regag, Al Nahyan (02 443 2828). 6MEYLAS Starting life as a food truck, it soon became clear the brain behind Meylas was far too good to solely deliver meals on wheels. Shaikha Al Kaabi’s passion for the food she grew up with now has a brilliant base in Al Muneera where the sheer array of her talents is given maximum exposure. Put the Mashwi Bel Rgaag on your bucket list. It’s a lamb shoulder dish to die for. O Open daily 8.30am-10.30pm. Al Muneera, Al Raha (02 444 8884). 7YADOO’S HOUSE Grandmother knows best, especially when it comes to Àlling breakfasts to set you up for the day. A shakshuka here is worth a thousand anywhere else, while the house platter (served with some cracking karak tea) will certainly put a spring in your step. Lunchtime dishes include a super salona and marvellous machboos. If only everyone had a yadoo like you. O Open Sat-Thu 8am-11pm; Fri 8am-noon, 1pm-11pm. Al Nasr Tower 2, Al Muroor Street, Embassies District (02 441 1311). “Make sure your camera is fully charged, because the dishes and venue itself are absolutely stunning”Next >