< PreviousF1 ACTION 20 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com CENTRAL On Sunday, head to Central for their roast dinner. For Dhs125, you’ll get all the trimmings as well as one house beverage, while kids will dine for Dhs75 including a soft drink and Dhs30 in gaming credit. O Dhs125 (adults), Dhs75 (kids). Sun Nov 26 noon- 10pm. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, central-uae.com. CIPRIANI Italian restaurant Cipriani will have two-hour seatings with minimum spends that change based on when you visit. O Dhs800 (minimum spend Thu lunch or dinner), Dhs1,000 (minimum spend Fri or Sat lunch), Dhs1,600 (minimum spend Fri and Sat dinner, Sun lunch or dinner). Open Thu-Sun noon-11pm. Yas Marina (02 657 5400). ÉLA ÉLA You can dive into a Greek tasting menu at Éla Éla, or dine here with a minimum spend of Dhs800. If you do opt for the tasting menu, you can try mezze like tzatziki and harissa labneh with pita bread, hot and cold starters including Greek salad, hamachi crudo and grilled octopus, mains such as grilled sea bream, followed by chocolate mousse or loukoumades for dessert. O Dhs650 (tasting menu), Dhs800 (à la carte minimum spend). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 7.30pm-1am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, elaela.ae (056 603 7500). YASALAM CONCERTS THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24: AVA MAX AND TIËSTO American singer Ava Max, best known for her tune Sweet But Psycho, is hitting the stage on Thursday. Listen out for other top tracks like Maybe You’re The Problem and Million Dollar Baby, as well as The Motto with Dutch DJ Tiësto, who is also performing on Thursday. SATURDAY NOVEMBER 25: SHANIA TWAIN With a 30-year career, Shania Twain needs no introduction. But in case you’ve been living under a rock, the Canadian is best known for outrageously catchy tunes like Man! I Feel Like a Woman, That Don’t Impress Me Much and You’re Still The One. SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26: FOO FIGHTERS After pulling out of the same slot in 2021, Foo Fighters will perform on Sunday November 26. The concert is part of the band’s comeback tour, following on from the death of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022.F1 ACTION timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 21 FILINI GARDEN Seafood lover? Then you’re going to want to check out chef Nicola Fossaceca’s special menu, including ravioli di ricotta in brodetto di crostacei and triglia is skapece espresso. You can order à la carte, or enjoy a special supper between 7pm and 11pm on Friday complete with house beverages for Dhs400. Throughout the weekend, there will be live entertainment including DJs, dancers and a saxophonist, as well as an Italian hops activation. O Dhs400 (house beverages including mixed drinks). Fri Nov 24 7pm-11pm. Radisson Blu Hotel, Yas Plaza Hotels, Yas Island, @Àlinigarden (02 656 2000). MR MOTO Ultra cool Japanese bar Mr Moto just opened and completes the complex that also includes Éla Éla and Penelope’s. Over F1 weekend, you can either order à la carte (with a minimum spend of Dhs600), or try the tasting menu which includes hot and cold starters like oysters, beef tataki and Nashville karaage, mains such as spicy udon carbonara and miso black cod followed by yuzu cheesecake. O Dhs450 (tasting menu), Dhs600 (à la carte minimum spend). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 7.30pm-1am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, mrmoto.ae (056 603 7600). PARADISO F1 ticket-holders can indulge in a set menu over at Paradiso. The Italian culinary journey includes bruschetta to start, penne arrabiata or margarita for mains and tiramisu for dessert. A soft drinks package will set you back Dhs100, or you can choose a house beverage option for Dhs250. O Dhs100 (soft drinks), Dhs250 (house beverages). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-1am. Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, paradisoabudhabi.com (050 437 2869). PENELOPE’S Chef Omer Jahangir has put together a two- hour gourmet tasting menu highlighting the French eatery’s best dishes this F1 weekend. You’ll share starters including calamari, tuna tartare and burrata salad, before choosing between roasted Canadian lobster linguini, sea bream with sauce vierge, or Àllet mignon with a bordelaise sauce. You’ll also share desserts, including chocolate fondant with Madagascar vanilla ice cream. Prefer to go à la carte? There will be a minimum spend of Dhs1,000 per person. O Dhs850 (F1 tasting menu), Dhs1,000 (à la carte minimum spend). Fri Nov 24-Sun Nov 26 noon-2am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, penelopes.ae (050 204 2475). RANGOLI Over at Rangoli, there’s something to suit all palates, with a menu featuring authentic Indian curries and traditional street food as well as side dishes from all over the country. Outside, there will also be a French bubbly pop-up and shisha. O Thu Nov 23-Sun Nov 26 5.30pm-1am. Yas Island Rotana, @rangoli_yasisland (02 656 4000). Mr Moto22 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.comDESERT ESCAPES timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 23 Desert retreats across the UAE and beyond that need to be on your bucket list Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa Deesseerrt rreettrreeaattss aaccroossss thheDESERT ESCAPES 24 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com Ask anybody the top activity they want to try when visiting the UAE, and we bet driving out into the desert is right up there. There’s just something about looking out and seeing undulating sand dunes for miles around, and, of course, we love the thrill of dune bashing. When winter Ànally rolls around, and we want to make the most of it, we can practically feel the desert calling our name. But spending just a few hours there isn’t enough – an overnight trip is a must. Which is why we thought it was time we shared with you our favourite desert resorts in Abu Dhabi and beyond, whether you’re all about getting back to basics or refuse to leave that luxe life behind. Get booking ASAP. ABU DHABI AL WATHBA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT & SPA There are plenty of reasons to visit Al Wathba, from the breathtaking fossil dunes and the Instagram-friendly salt lakes to the cycling track. November in particular is a great time to visit as the Sheikh Zayed Festival will be kicking off here on November 17. One day in the area isn’t enough, so why not book in for a stay at Al Wathba Desert Resort? Choose between rooms with desert, resort or pool views, or go all out with a private villa complete with plunge pool. During the day, you can explore the sites or embark on desert experiences like archery and horse riding, and come sunset, you can head up to the recently reopened Al Mesayan rooftop bar for views with that wow factor. O Al Wathba South, marriott.com (02 204 4444) . ARABIAN NIGHTS VILLAGE You thought you’d be able to make it through this article without getting Aladdin’s Arabian Nights stuck in your head? Think again. To experience Emirati hospitality and learn more about the culture, a stay at Arabian Nights Village is ideal. Set among the sand dunes in Mshayrif, you can choose between “If you’re creating a bucket list of hotels in Abu Dhabi, this deserves to be at the very top” Bedouin tents, palm houses, desert houses, and The Fort Tower, all of which have beautiful design elements and fantastic views. Lounge by the oasis pool or book in for experiences such as camel farm visits, henna painting and quad biking. O Mshayrif, arabiannightsvillage.ae (02 207 8989). BAB AL NOJOUM BATEEN LIWA You may already have visited Bab Al Nojoum on Hudayriat Island, but if you’re looking to escape the city, look no further than Bab Al Nojoum Bateen Liwa. Opened in December 2022, the resort is made up of one-, two- and three-bedroom villas, each with their own private pool. While you could quite happily spend your entire visit chilling in the pool admiring the dunes, the hotel also offers sandboarding, camel farm visits and archery, as well as nighttime activities like stargazing, karaoke and outdoor movie nights. On the food front, there are a number of restaurants as well as communal barbecue dinners, or you can book in for a private picnic in the desert. O Liwa Desert, babalnojoum.com/bateen-liwa-resort (02 894 8888). QASR AL SARAB DESERT RESORT BY ANANTARA If you’re creating a bucket list of hotels to stay at in Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Sarab should be at the very top. Found in the Empty Quarter, there’s nothing around but undulating sand dunes, and it certainly makes the fortress-like resort feel like an oasis. There are rooms and suites available, but really, the private pool villas are what make this experience super special. Activity- wise, you can go on a desert drive or walk, try fatbiking or sandboarding, or relax by one of the pools (with a new adults-only inÀnity pool now open). Each of the hotel’s restaurants and bars offers up desert views, and you can also opt for a private dining experience. O Empty Quarter, anantara.com/qasr-al-sarab-abu- dhabi (02 886 2088). TELAL RESORT AL AIN This boutique resort consists of less than 25 suites and villas, all of which boast sensational views of the Remah desert on the outskirts of Al Ain. With Bedouin-inspired décor, stepping inside is like going back in DESERT ESCAPES timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 25 Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & SpaDESERT ESCAPES 26 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com time (with the welcome addition of luxury amenities, of course). You can go ziplining, embark on a wildlife safari, or explore the heritage village and traditional souk. O Remah Desert, Al Ain, telalresort.ae (03 702 0000). TILAL LIWA RESORT Another option on the edge of the Empty Quarter, Tilal Liwa Resort features 111 rooms and suites, all built in traditional Arabian style. Desert experiences galore, you can try sandboarding, kite Áying, volleyball and more, or enjoy a stargazing experience or barbecue. If you’re looking to take your trip up a notch, you can also book in for a trip to Moreeb Dune. Not for the faint of heart, the 300m high sand dune has a 50-degree incline, and after visiting you can go sandbashing. For those looking for a more tranquil experience, Tilal Liwa Resort also has an outdoor inÀnity pool and a spa. O Empty Quarter, danathotels.com/zayedcity/ tilalliwahotel (02 894 6111). DUBAI AL MAHA, A LUXURY COLLECTION DESERT RESORT & SPA Named for the Arabian Oryx, you can expect to see plenty on any stay here as the resort is found within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Alongside the chance to see roaming Arabian Oryx, gazelle and camels, the resort boasts spectacular dune views for miles around. The tented suites all feature private pools, and don’t be surprised if you spot a gazelle or two stopping by for a drink during your stay. You can dine on the deck of your suite, and if you’re planning on sharing some snaps for the ‘gram, make sure to try the Áoating breakfast. And if you do feel like leaving your suite (but no judgement here if you don’t), make sure you head to the Hajar Terrace Bar for sundowners. O Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, marriott.com (04 832 9900). BAB AL SHAMS, A RARE FINDS DESERT RESORT Newly reopened in April after renovations, Bab Al Shams is deÀnitely worthy of a (re) visit. The new look merges modern luxury with a traditional feel, and we imagine you’ll struggle to put the camera down. Take a dip in the outdoor pools before taking a seat at the swim-up bar, or go on a tour through the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve to see some Arabian Oryx. When hunger strikes, there are a number of options, from outdoor Middle Eastern restaurant Al Hadheerah to Greek plates at Zala, but our pick would have Bab Al Shams, A Rare Finds Desert ResortDESERT ESCAPES timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 27 to be rooftop lounge Anw for pan-Asian bites and views for days. O Opposite Endurance City, babalshams.com (04 809 6100). SHERPA CAMP Another option within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Sherpa Camp offers a back-to-basics camping experience. You’ll be assigned a camper trailer with a rooftop tent and everything you need to whip up a tasty meal, with shared shower and toilet facilities nearby. After sunset, go on a guided nature tour, or wait until morning to identify tracks left overnight and see what visitors the camp had while you slept. O Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, sandsherpa.com. STARLIGHT CAMP If you’re looking to spend the night under the stars without having the stress of setting up your own tent, you might just want to go glamping with Starlight Camp. The crystal roof tents feature a king size bed (no sleeping bags needed) along with a washroom. Your camp also has a barbecue so you can prepare your own meals while enjoying complete privacy. Just you, your loved ones, and the stars above. Sounds dreamy. O Al Faqa, starlight-camp.com (050 345 5358). QATAR The Outpost Al Barari Newly opened just before the World Cup last year, The Outpost Al Barari is a truly spectacular hotel. Found near the Inland Sea, one of Qatar’s natural wonders (and one of the only places in the world where the desert dunes meet the sea), there are 21 tented lodges, the majority of which have private pools. The focus here is on getting back to nature, so opt for a guided walk or Inland Sea safari where you’ll learn about the unique geology of the area. You can also book in for yoga on the dunes, or enjoy an outdoor cinema experience on your terrace. And, if you fall in love with your stay, you can take a piece of the resort home with you quite literally, as the entire property operates as a shop-in-shop, meaning you can buy absolutely anything and everything on display at the resort. O Inland Sea, theoutpostalbarari.com (+974 5100 2720).DESERT ESCAPES 28 November 2023 timeoutabudhabi.com TERRA SOLIS Created by the organisers of EDM music festival Tomorrowland, Terra Solis Àrst opened its doors in October last year. There are three accommodation options – Polaris tents, offering the full glamping experience; Perseid lodges, for those who refuse to camp or glamp under any circumstances; and Orion pool lodges, which, as the name suggests, feature a large terrace and private pool. Speaking of, the resort’s pool is the place to be, with resident DJs keeping the atmosphere lively throughout the day (expect plenty of EDM). And when you get peckish, you’ll be able to grab Mediterranean bites from Mesa. O Dubai Heritage Vision, terrasolisdubai.com (04 456 1956). THE NEST BY SONARA First opened last September, The Nest comes from the team behind Nara Desert Escape, who organise private overnight trips in Dubai. The 14 ‘nests’ blend in with the surrounding dunes of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and you’re in for quite the luxe experience, as each is kitted out with a double bed, en suite bathroom and private terrace. You can book in for experiences including dune bashing and hot air ballooning, or head out on a sky safari, where you’ll observe the night’s sky and learn about some of the SAUDI ARABIA Banyan Tree AlUla The only way to describe AlUla is jaw- dropping. The area, which is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra, feels like something out of a movie. And you deserve to stay somewhere just as impressive, and Banyan Tree AlUla certainly is that. There are one- and two- bedroom tented villas, with or without private pools, and we imagine you’ll want to spend your evenings around your own private Àre pit, while your days will be spent at the rock pool. O AlUla, banyantree.com (+966 14 512 0000). Habitas AlUla If AlUla has made it onto your Instagram feed previously (and by now, there’s no way it hasn’t), there’s a good chance you’ve already seen Habitas AlUla’s outdoor pool. While it’s enough reason to book a stay on its own, other reasons to book this hotel include the yoga studio, spa and villas which offer canyon views. O AlUla, ourhabitas.com/alula (+966 14 821 3900).DESERT ESCAPES timeoutabudhabi.com November 2023 29 The Nest by SonaraNext >