< PreviousFRESH EATS 40 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com MCCAFFERTY’S The opening of popular Irish pub McCafferty’s was big news back in May. There are already three branches in Dubai, but this is the Àrst in the capital, and we’re huge fans. There’s live music every night of the week, and you can dig into classic pub grub like Àsh and chips, bangers and mash and pizza. The Sunday carvery has proven to be a hit, as well as the breakfast menu and brilliant brunch offerings. over the weekend. O Open daily 9am-2am. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, mccaffertysyas.com (058 598 3623). MOUZMARI Meat-lover? MouzMari at Reem Island is the new spot for you. The UAE’s Àrst Emirati- inspired Argentinian steakhouse, the menu combines Argentinian recipes with locally- inspired techniques and spices. This is also one for those looking to reduce their impact on the environment, as more than 90 percent of the ingredients are sourced from local UAE farms. Wondering what to order? The machboos, muhammar paella and rack of lamb are all top shouts. O Open Mon-Thu 2pm-11.30pm; Fri 2pm-midnight; Sat- Sun 3pm-midnight. Marina Bay 1, Reem Island (02 626 6344). MR MOTO Elsewhere in Yas Marina, you’ll Ànd Mr Moto. The Japanese bar has been designed to feel like a cosy living room, and you’ll be able to try plenty of brilliant mixed drinks. On the food front, bar bites include sushi, Nashville karaage and miso black cod. There’s a live DJ in the house every Saturday from 7pm. O Open daily 5pm-2am. Yas Marina, Yas Island, mrmoto.ae (056 603 7600). NURI GRILL & BAR Big fan of Madang at Al Ghazal Golf Club? Then you’re going to love NURI. The newly opened grill and bar, which is still in its soft opening phase, is all about prime cuts, and the restaurant specialises in marbled steak and wet-ageing meat. Not sure what you feel like eating? Then order the NURI omakase menu (which means “I will leave it up to you” in Japanese) for a 12-course menu Àlled with Mr MotoFRESH EATS timeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 41 RYBA A new opening from Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi, the Emirati chef behind the Time Out Abu Dhabi award-winning Let’s café in Khalifa City, Ryba opened at Souq Al Mina in October. The focus here is on seafood, appropriate given its location in Mina Zayed. We have high hopes for this one. O Open daily noon-midnight. Souq Al Mina, Mina Zayed, @ryba.ae (02 584 5645). SAND & KOAL The newest restaurant on this list, Sand & Koal opened on December 1. Formerly known as BBQ Al Qasr, the revamped spot will still have a focus on open-Àre cooking. Expect live grilled dishes, as well as plenty of seafood in all its forms – whether raw, smoked or charred. This is one to book for date night. O Open daily 5pm-midnight. Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi, Corniche Road West, mandarinoriental.com (02 690 7999). SLAW AND MORE First opened back in June, this burger joint is far from average. From a dry-aged wagyu beef patty topped with mild aged gouda cheese, seasonal trufÁe, and Parmigiano Reggiano to a Àsh sando with yuzu caviar and tartar sauce, the burgers on offer here are next-level bougie (and have the price tag to match). O Open Sun-Thu noon-midnight; Fri-Sat noon-1am. Al Qana, Rabdan, @slawandmore (054 289 9323). SLRP RAMEN If you’ve lived in the UAE for a while, or even if you’re totally new to the Emirates, there’s a good chance you will have heard of the legendary Dubai restaurant 3Fils. And back in September, the Asian restaurant headed to the capital for the very Àrst time, opening up SLRP Ramen at Yas Mall. Found inside huna Food Hall, you can head here for ramen (duh), plus sushi, kushiyaki, wagyu sandos and more. Time to get slurping (don’t worry, they provide paper bibs once your bowl arrives so you don’t get too messy). O Open daily noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-11pm. huna Food Hall, Yas Mall, Yas Island, slrpramen.com (054 252 3905). SOLA RESTAURANT AND CAFÉ The second branch of Sola Restaurant and Café opened at Marsa Al Bateen in August. Known for its almost-too-beautiful-to-eat baked goods and desserts, dishes here include a unique chocolate fondant dessert with ice cream and candy-Áoss sauce, a cheesecake smothered in caramel sauce and topped with caramel popcorn, a purple-hued blueberry and lavender cake, and the royal date – a sticky date cake with layers of honey cream and covered with a chocolate glaze. They’re almost too pretty to eat – but we don’t let that stop us from wolÀng them down. O Open Sun-Thu 7am-midnight; Fri-Sat 7am-1am. Marsa Al Bateen, @solarestaurant.ae (056 590 2926). SOMEWHERE Back in June, Somewhere opened in Abu Dhabi. Not just anywhere, of course: Somewhere opened at Marina Mall. The Mediterranean eatery invites guests to “let us take you somewhere”, serving up dishes like shrimp kunafa, falafel salad, a variety of hummus Áavours and beef shawarma beetroot rice. O Open Sun-Thu noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-midnight. Marina Mall, Al Kasir, @somewhere (056 141 5517). TERRA Mediterranean restaurant Terra, originally found in Dubai’s Umm Al Sheif, opened in Al Qana in September. Like the OG branch, Terra uses the best of the best produce to create its dishes, with some familiar favourites appearing on the menu including the watermelon salad, spicy prawns and, of course, the sticky dates pudding. If you’re looking to take your lunch or dinner experience up a notch, you can even order caviar to add to your dish. O Open daily noon-midnight. Al Qana, Rabdan, terra-eatery.com (02 562 0233). THAI GATE Foodie hub Al Qana has a new Thai joint in town – Thai Gate. First opened in late June, the chain already has branches in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. On the menu, you’ll Ànd favourites like chicken satay, vegetable spring rolls, papaya salad, tom yum and green curry, all of which can be paired with fresh juice or iced teas. O Open daily noon-midnight. Al Qana, Rabdan, thaigate. org (02 882 2693). THE IRISH VICKER’S AL RAHA First opened in WTC Mall’s The Hub, The Irish Vicker’s took home the title of Best Pub Food earlier this year. And now you can get classic grub at the second branch, found at Al Raha Beach Hotel. Taking over the space formerly occupied by McGettigan’s, you can expect live music, big offers, and good food. O Open daily noon-4am. Al Raha Beach Hotel, Al Raha Beach, @theirishvickersalraha (02 553 9664). VIETNAMESE PHO The Best Budget Restaurant in Abu Dhabi, Vietnamese Pho is the place to go when you’ve got a craving for a comforting bowl of pho. The new location in Danat Square, which opened in June, serves up the same delicious food, including the popular silky Vietnamese soup that the original Al Reem restaurant is so loved for. It’s not just about the pho though, as you’ll also Ànd a selection of salads, skewers, calamari, spring rolls and even maki rolls, and stir-fries on the menu. Try this, or just check out the OG branch in Reem Island – just go, you won’t regret it. O Open Mon-Thu 11.30am-10pm, Fri-Sun 11am- 11pm. Tower B, Danat Square, Al Sa’adah, vietnamesephorestaurant.com (02 584 2688). ingredients imported into the UAE directly from South Korea. O Open Mon-Fri 5pm-midnight; Sat-Sun 1pm-midnight. Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island, Yas Bay Waterfront, nurigrillbar.com (054 211 5151). PERLAGE French bubbly bar Perlage, from the same tashas team behind Flamingo Room, also opened at The Galleria in November. Here, you’ll be able to order glasses of bubbly or mixed drinks made using Àzz until 3am. The name comes from the effervescent bubbles that rise up in the glass as the bottle is poured, in case you were wondering. O Open Tue-Sun 8pm-3am. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, @barperlageae (08 288 8164).QUICK GUIDE 42 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com SkydivingQUICK GUIDE timeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 43 High flyers All you need to know before you set off on an adventure at CLYMB Yas Island, Abu Dhabi When it comes to attractions, Abu Dhabi goes big. Really, really big. So it’s little wonder that Yas Island is host to the world’s largest indoor skydiving Áight chamber and the region’s tallest indoor climbing wall at CLYMB. For thrill-seekers, the indoor skydiving chamber and massive wall are a must-try. Looking for some adrenaline-pumping fun? Here’s your guide to the adventure hub, located in the heart of Yas Island. WHO CAN FLY AND CLIMB Indoor skydiving welcomes Àrst-time Áyers, return Áyers and the pros, which means you do not need any kind of previous experience to enjoy your Áight. That said, if your little one is still under three years, there’s still time for their Àrst Áying session. For climbing, supervised sessions are available for kids four and above. Those over 14 can take a shot at the wall by themselves (with the instructors present, of course). Due to the nature of the activities, those who’ve suffered from previous shoulder dislocation will not be allowed, and those with a history of neck, back or heart problems will need to get a doctor’s approval before taking Áight or aiming for the climb. The adventures are also not recommended for pregnant women, epilepsy patients, if you’re recovering from surgeries, or weigh over 115kgs. INDOOR SKYDIVING To ensure that the skydiving is suitable for beginners, your Taster ticket (priced at Dhs235) includes pre-Áight training, Áight gear rental, and one-on-one instruction. And you get to enjoy two Áights. For kids who take to Áying like a Àsh takes to water, a ticket (priced at Dhs1,999) to the Junior Flying Club would be the perfect Christmas gift. They can enjoy 20 Áights in total (Àve Áights per session), a dedicated instructor, brief and debriefs, and one-on- one coaching. And their skill and progression will be monitored, thanks to a personalised development plan. For pro indoor Áyers, it’s a whole different ball game. CLYMB Yas Island understands their need for speed and there are different packages offered so you can buy Áying time in bulk. The Àrst pro package starts with a maximum of 60 minutes and a minimum of 10 Áights, priced at Dhs5,700. It also includes coaching for basic belly Áying and back Áying. The next pro package is for two to Àve hours, priced at Dhs5,100. Want more? You QUICK GUIDE 44 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com CLYMB Abu Dhabi THE FINE PRINT OPENING HOURS CLYMB™ is open from Wednesdays to Sundays, from noon until 9pm. It is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. First Thursdays of every month are exclusively for ladies. Climbers have to reach the reception 30 minutes prior to their time slot, and Áyers, one hour. Any later than that and you’ll end up missing your slots (without refunds, mind you). GETTING THERE Free shuttle buses can bring you to CLYMB™ from select locations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi city, and from other spots on Yas Island. BOOK YOUR SESSION You can visit clymbabudhabi.com to book your slot, or call on 600 511115. can choose the package for six to 10 hours, and be set back by Dhs4,500. For the ultimate pro Áyer Áex though, you need to be Áying for a minimum of 11 hours. And these bragging rights can be bought for Dhs3,900. All pro bulk Áying tickets are valid for nine months. Got a squad and would like to Áy together? A group of four to six participants can redeem the Family and Friends offer (priced at Dhs795) on the same day and time. CLIMBING New to the walls? During your beginners’ 60-minute session, you will have access to the three peaks of three different walls – bouldering, beginner and intermediate. Rest assured, you’ll undergo a safety brieÀng, and an introduction to basic climbing styles, bouldering and auto-belaying (securing a running rope around an object). And an instructor will be present at all times to help you through it. If you’d rather enjoy the climbing experience with your family and friends, that will be lighter on the pocket. You and your crew (four to six guests) could enjoy a 25 percent discount on indoor climbing. Of course, you’d have to redeem the Family and Friends offer on the same day and time. Individual tickets are priced Dhs121.25. And if you really, really want to learn more and are over 14, you can sign up for group bouldering and auto-belaying courses. SPECIAL PRICING If you can’t get enough of an adrenaline rush with indoor Áying and want to try your hand at climbing on the same day, then the CLYMB Combo ticket (priced at Dhs315) is what you need. You can have a go at all three indoor climbing walls for 60 minutes, and enjoy two indoor skydiving Áights. If you’re a regular at the attractions on Yas Island, chances are that you’re a holder of the Yas Annual Pass. The Gold and Diamond passes include a buy-one-get-one-free voucher on Combo experiences at CLYMB Yas Island. First Thursday of every month is dedicated as ladies’ night, for adventure-seeking women who would rather an all-female staff and full privacy. First time Áyers can enjoy two Áights, and climbers can have the three walls to themselves for 60 minutes. A special set of activities and group challenges at CLYMB make it a great setting for team building sessions. 12 to 40 guests can be part of the two-hour programme at the same time. The sessions are priced at Dhs350 per person. People of determination interested in experiencing CLYMB for the Àrst time, will receive a discount of 25 percent. Additionally, they can get along a companion at the discounted price too. For frequent Áiers who are members of Etihad Guest Miles, the adventure hub has special offers on usage and earning miles via spends. If you’re not the one to get into rental gear, and would rather cheer on friends and family as they pursue indoor adventures, you can do exactly that on a spectator’s ticket.NEW UAE HOTELS 46 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels & Resort NEWEST STAYSNEW UAE HOTELS timeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 47 All of the hotels opening in the UAE over the next 12 months to dream about staying in Fluffy robes, buffet breakfasts and splashtastic swimming pools – we all love a fancy hotel stay. Feel like you’ve already been there, done that with most of the hotels in the UAE? Not for long, as there are a lot (and we mean a lot) more on the way over the next 12 months. From city stays to beach resorts, we’ve got plenty to look forward to and dream about booking soon. ABU DHABI AL NAWRAS ISLAND, LXR HOTELS & RESORTS One for golf lovers, LXR Hotels & Resorts is debuting in Abu Dhabi with a private island resort, complete with a golf course. The all-villa resort will include 80 expansive beach and water villas plus a 450 sq m two- bedroom royal villa. Alongside the course, the new hotel will be home to other leisure and recreational facilities, including an upscale gym, Àtness studio, tennis and paddle courts, a private marina, beach club and spa. There will be three swimming pools to choose from, including two outdoor pools and one indoor. Kids will have their own playground, dedicated swimming pool, splash pad and kids’ club. O Opening 2024. Al Nawras Island, hilton.com. ANANTARA SANTORINI ABU DHABI RETREAT Originally due to open before the end of 2023, Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is now accepting bookings from February 2024 onwards. The ultra-private resort will have NEW UAE HOTELS 48 Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 timeoutabudhabi.com just 22 rooms. Drawing inspiration from its namesake island, the resort features low- lying white buildings, with private balconies from which you can enjoy unspoiled sea views. There will be a private beach and an outdoor pool overlooking the Gulf, as well as an indoor cinema. On the food front, there will be an oceanside restaurant serving up Greek cuisine, as well as an Arabic restaurant “dedicated to the heritage of the region, where local ingredients and spices are brought to the fore”. The licensed property will also have a late night bar serving up beverages. O Opening Feb 2024. Ghantoot, anantara.com. MARRIOTT EXECUTIVE APARTMENTS AL REEM ISLAND Over on Reem Island, Marriott Executive Apartments will be opening in 2024. Home to 147 one- and two-bedroom apartments overlooking the waters surrounding Reem Island, and close to Al Maryah Island, we imagine this will prove popular with those working at Abu Dhabi Global Market, or with those who are working in the city on a short- term basis. O Opening 2024. Reem Island, marriott.com. MONDRIAN ABU DHABI Known for its spectacular (and photo-friendly) interiors, Mondrian Abu Dhabi will be the brand’s Àrst hotel in the UAE. The Mondrian has properties across the globe, including London, Seoul, New York, Miami and Seoul. Closer to home, you’ll also Ànd Mondrian Doha in Qatar. Here in Abu Dhabi, the Mondrian can be found downtown along the canal, with rooms boasting Reem Island and Al Maryah Island views. The hotel will be designed by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, and we can’t wait to see inside. There will be 221 rooms and 80 serviced apartments, a spa, a swimming pool, a kids club and a gym. The most Instagrammable spot, we imagine, will be the lagoon, which boasts an inÀnity pool design and ocean views. On the food front, there are six new restaurants and bars on the way. O Opening 2024. Downtown Abu Dhabi, ennismore.com. DUBAI FAIRMONT DUBAI SKYLINE The third Fairmont property in Dubai, Fairmont Dubai Skyline will be located along Sheikh Zayed Road. Architects have created asymmetric balconies to give the illusion of a moving spiral when lit up at night. Inside, there will be 181 hotel rooms and suites, plus 121 residences of two-, three- and four- bedroom apartments. At the very top of the 226 m high tower, there will be a full-Áoor penthouse suite. Ooh la la. O Opening 2024. Sheikh Zayed Road, accor.com. FIXE LUXE Brought to you by the same brand behind party hotels FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village, FIVE LUXE is the newest location in the portfolio. Located in JBR, where the Corinthia Meydan used to be, it will be opening in the Àrst quarter of 2024. The large beachfront hotel will have 222 rooms and suites, along with 276 residential apartments and seven restaurants. Situated on a 14,000 sq ft stretch of private beach, there will also be a Beach Club and Social Pool that, much like the other two FIVE properties, will host parties. The property will also be home to a ReFIVE Spa, indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor gym, a beach club, a padel tennis court and a kids’ club. One of the things we’re most looking forward to about this property is Lío Ibiza. The club, known for its avant-garde take on cabaret, will be found off-shore in a purpose-built dome. Known as the ‘Pearl of Dubai’, the venue will span 35,000 sq ft, and is designed to look like a ‘Áoating shell emerging from the sea’. O Opening Q1 2024. Jumeirah Beach Residence, Àveluxe.Àvehotelsandresorts.com. JUMEIRAH MARSA AL ARAB This new resort by Jumeirah has been inspired by a super yacht. Sitting beside the Burj Al Arab, the hotel will have its own stretch of private beach and will include 386 rooms along with 83 hotel apartments. Naturally, being a Jumeirah hotel, there will be a number of brilliant restaurants opening with it, although the details are yet to be conÀrmed. This is one for those who want to relax, as there will be a three-storey spa and a number of pools, including an inÀnity one for families and a private VIP adult pool. O Opening 2024. Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, Al Sufouh One, jumeirah.com. Mondrian Abu Dhabi One & Only One Za’abeelNEW UAE HOTELS timeoutabudhabi.com Dec 2023 – Jan 2024 49 MAMA SHELTER DUBAI A Parisian hotel brand with branches in London and Prague, Mama Shelter is known for being a quirky budget-friendly hotel. Here in the UAE, the Dubai branch will open in 2024, the hotel will have 197 rooms, each with a funky style. There will also be an all- day restaurant, a speakeasy bar and a pizza restaurant. There will also be a large pool deck and rooftop skyline bar overlooking Business Bay. O Opening 2024. Business Bay, mamashelter.com. MANDARIN ORIENTAL, WASL TOWER Rising up to over 300 metres and 64-storeys, Dubai’s second Mandarin Oriental Hotel will have 229 residential units and 258 hotel rooms. Found on Sheikh Zayed Road in City Walk, the twisty tower, which will boast Burj Khalifa views, has been designed around its Z axis and faces almost every direction. It’s set to have one of the world’s tallest ceramic façades, and will have a helipad, ofÀce space and 11 parking Áoors. O Opening 2024. Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl, mandarinoriental.com. ONE&ONLY ONE ZA’ABEEL The Àrst-ever “vertical urban resort” from ultra-luxury hospitality brand One&Only is set to welcome guests from Friday December 1, with prices starting at Dhs3,500 per night. Hotel developer Kerzner (also the team behind Atlantis Dubai) is gearing up to unveil the new hotel, which will house the UAE’s longest inÀnity pool, 11 incredible new restaurants and rooms. Rising above the city’s Za’abeel neighbourhood, overlooking the Dubai skyline, the resort is located in one of the dual skyscrapers that are dramatically intersected by the world’s longest cantilever (panoramic sky podium). This is called The Link – a boulevard Áoating 100 metres above the street. O Opening Fri Dec 1. Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai, oneandonlyresorts.com . SIRO ONE ZA’ABEEL A venture by the owners of Atlantis Resorts & Residences and One&Only Resorts, Àtness hotel SIRO One Za’abeel is also set to open later this year. Aiming to serve those looking for a holistic stay, the name stands for Strength, Inclusive, ReÁection and Original. SIRO will have a team of in-house trainers, coaches and nutritionists to support the guest’s goals. O Open Dec 2023. Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai, sirohotels.com . SIX SENSES RESIDENCES THE PALM, DUBAI The Àrst Six Senses property in the UAE, this new opening on Palm Jumeirah’s West Crescent will have 61 hotel rooms and 162 branded residences. 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