< Previous60 March 10 – 31 2022 timeoutdubai.com Sport & Outdoor timeoutdubai.com/sports-wellbeing Padel up timeoutdubai.com March 10 – 31 2022 61 Padel and pickleball serve up new racket sports in the UAE By Will Milner TENNIS, SQUASH, BADMINTON may be the big three, but there are more than 30 racket sports played at clubs, courts and playgrounds around the world. Threatening to catch up with the well- established favourites is the fast-growing sport of padel tennis. Something of a craze in the UAE, it is a fun, fast and energetic sport that shares elements with tennis and squash. Think a three-quarter-sized tennis court placed in a concealed, four wall box as in squash then add in a stringless bat like you might Ànd on a beach bat and ball game, and you more or less have it. Here’s where to play. Central Padel Dubai This became the latest padel facility in the UAE when it opened its doors on March 5. Seven courts are available for players to get active on, with two of the world’s best players Juan Lebrón and Agustín Tapia the Àrst to test them out at the launch. There will be coaching for all ages and abilities (from players ranked in the world top 100) as well as sessions for ladies, children and beginners. Not to mention a club shop to get your hands on essential kit. O Central Padel Dubai, 11A Street, Al Quoz,centralpadel. ae (054 706 4955). Dubai Golf Multiple courts are operated by Dubai Golf, with facilities at Emirates Golf Club, Dubai Creek Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates and the Dusit Thani Dubai. A calendar of tournaments is operated for members and pay-and-play rates are provided for visitors. Just don’t get caught up Creek without a padel. O Daily. 7am-11pm. Various locations, dubaigolf.com, (056 179 8324). Just Padel The Middle East’s largest provider has 34 courts at locations all over the city. Many are at schools, but others include Kite Beach and Ripe Market. All can be booked. O Various locations. justpadel.ae, (055 9928 022). Padel Point Claiming to be the UAE’s Àrst public indoor padel club, it also has a shop for you to stock up on equipment for your new hobby. Check for timings and costs. O 15 St, Al Quoz, padelpointae.com (055 449 4830). Additional courts located at Zabeel Ladies Club and The Manor Hotel by JA. Matcha This would not be Dubai if we didn’t already IN A PICKLE Make pickleball your new favourite sport. Padel isn’t the only new sport making a racket in the city. Pickleball is only decades old but is already mooted as a future Olympic sport and has celebrity fans including Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio and Larry David. And it wouldn’t be a global trend if it wasn’t picked up in Dubai already, would it? There are a few places to enjoy pickleball in Dubai and don’t be surprised to see more pop up soon. URBAN PLAYGROUND A rooftop facility in Motor City that is carving a niche as a provider of alternative sporting experiences such as baseball cages, 360ball, touch tennis and now pickleball. O From Dhs120. Mon-Sat, 6am-10pm; Sun, 9am- 9pm. Urban Playground, Apex Atrium, Motor City, urbanplayground.ae (058 5475800). ZABEEL SPORTS DISTRICT Four covered and air-conditioned courts, equipment rental and all in a sporty facility right near the Burj Khalifa for sporty bragging rights after you Ànish. This rooftop sports centre has it all, especially now pickleball is on the menu. O From Dhs200. Daily. 8am-midnight. Dubai Mall Zabeel, Rooftop, Financial Centre Road, zabeelsportsdistrict.com (04 448 5131). have a boutique offering of the latest craze. Six outdoor courts, yoga and meditation studios and the cool Nette café for debating the Àner points of the game in afterwards. O From Dhs125. Daily. 6am-midnight. 8 St, Al Quoz, matcha-club.ae (04 548 8364). Smash Many times we have paddled around the Palm, either in canoes, paddleboards or just along the shoreline, but now you can padel, too. Excruciating puns aside, this is a quality facility with three courts and an adjoining Àtness centre. O Daily. 6am-10.30pm. Golden Mile Building, Palm Jumeirah, smash.ae (058 593 0805). Central Padel Dubai 62 March 10 – 31 2022 timeoutdubai.com Pampering options when every minute counts By Emily Shardlow-Price WHILE IT WOULD be nice to dedicate hours to ultra-relaxing beauty treatments and massage packages that last for entire afternoons (Dubai certainly has some fabulous spas for doing so), the reality is that such indulgences aren’t always feasible. There’s simply too much to do in this great city we call home. From rapid rubs to brilliant blow-dries and speedy grooming sessions, these express spa treatments will keep you looking and feeling fresh the fast way. Try the Two Executives treatment at 1847 Grooming lounge 1847 proves they can do speedy as well as swanky with their express mani-pedi treatment for men. That’s right: give the therapists 40 minutes to work with, hand over Dhs195 and in return your gnarly nails will take on a whole new, far more aesthetically pleasing appearance. O Various locations including The Walk, JBR, 1847uae. com (04 422 1847). Package at Sisters Beauty Lounge. In just shy of two hours the super-skilled technicians here will work their charm and transform you into a new woman – shiny, swingy locks, primed and polished hands and feet included. O Dhs360, 360 Pamper Package. Various locations, sistersbeautylounge.com (04 339 8500). Work your way through the N.Bar express menu If time is of the essence, but you still need to look and feel tip-top N.bar has got your back (and your face and your nails). The range of express services include super-speedy manis and pedis (the no polish mani takes just 10 minutes), as well as an Instant Glow facial that promises to improve overall complexion and target problem areas in just a quarter of an hour. Add a short yet impactful hand or food massage on to your treatment (timings start at 15 minutes) and you’ll have zero regrets. O Various locations including DIFC, Jumeirah and Palm Jumeirah, nbar.com. Be transformed in two-hours at Sisters Beauty Lounge When life happens and you’ve let it all slide – nails resembling talons, hair seen better days– book the 360 Pamper On-the-Go Wellbeing timeoutdubai.com/wellbeing “Shiny, swingy locks, polished hands and feet included” speed Need for timeoutdubai.com March 10 – 31 2022 63 Let Tips & Toes takeover Take it from us: if you need to feel relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to face the world, a 20-minute head massage from the specialists with magic hands at Tip & Toes is the way to go. Add a reÁexology-based foot massage onto your treatment (also 20 minutes) and it will be a case of watch out world. You can even book a quick mani at the same time. O Dhs70 (20-minute head massage). Dhs80 (reÁexology hands or feet massage). Various locations including The Walk, JBR, tipsandtoes.com (04 399 0550). Book a blow dry at Be Bar We believe in many things here at Time Out HQ and one of them just happens to be that if your hair looks good, you feel good. If you agree, give hair and mind a lift the swift way at specialist blow dry bar Be Bar where the clock conscious signature blow dry takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes (luxe wash, blow dry and styling included). If time really is of the essence, they also offer a 15 to 30-minute Wash & Go option. O From Dhs128 (signature blow-dry). From Dhs45 (wash & go). Village 594, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1, mybebar.com (04 321 2348). Try the fastest facial around (one for the guys) Gentlemen: when your skin is calling out for some TLC and you need rapid results (upcoming date night?), the express facial at Cool Aroma Spa in Oud Metha promises to restore brightness and give you silky smooth, glowing skin in just 30-minutes. O Dhs110. Oud Metha, coolaromaspa.com (04 370 9706). Say so long to travel tension at Xpress Spa Heading off on holiday but haven’t had time to Àt in all the pre-vacation pampering you’d like? We hear you, we feel for you, and now we’re here to help. Or rather, Xpress Spa in Dubai International Airport is here to help. With their super-fast manis, in-a-Áash pedis, tension relieving neck rubs and back massages, you’ll be Áight ready in no time. O Concourse B, Terminal 3, xpresspa.com. Sisters Beauty Lounge Be Bar64 March 10 – 31 2022 timeoutdubai.com Shopping timeoutdubai.com/shopping Shop outside Where to buy fruit, vegetables, arts, crafts, gifts and more at Dubai’s al fresco markets W hen the weather is cooler, we’re always on the look out for things to do outside – and that applies to shopping, too. While malls are great, sometimes you just want something smaller, more independent, a little quirky and with the potential to surprise you. Yes, there are always the traditional souks to explore, and bargains to haggle for, but when we’re looking for something you can’t Ànd in a gift store (and not looking to acquire a new nickname like Shakira or Beyoncé), Dubai has plenty of other options. From occasional pop-ups to permanent Àxtures offering community activities and as much in the way of entertainment and browsing potential as possible, these are the best al fresco markets around. Arte The Makers’ Market Like The Avengers, or a cheese platter, this is a collective that proves a whole can be greater than the sum of its parts. The ever-evolving team behind the makers’ market are proud of the slogan “We make what we sell”. The arty types can be found at events across the city, both indoors and out, and are hard to pin down to any one category of artisanal vendor. You’re as likely to Ànd a cupcake baker and jeweller as a greeting card designer, ceramicist or painter. Everything is made by creatives in the city and you can Ànd gorgeous little nick-nacks for yourself or gifts for friends and relatives. Why go: Variety is the watchword here. Everything is handmade, but without strict guidelines the creativity of vendors is set free, Ripe Markettimeoutdubai.com March 10 – 31 2022 65 making for a more personal touch than in malls. We’ve seen some pretty earrings, but you might like some trendy prints. There’s something, as they say, for everyone. O Free entry. Open Sat 10am-6pm or 10am-10pm. Various locations across the UAE, arte.ae (050 458 9411). Dubai Flea Market Another nomadic market that shifts around town (upcoming sessions of this long-term favourite are scheduled for both Zabeel and Al Nahda Pond parks). It’s a kind of giant car boot sale where you can buy and also sell pre-loved items. Great for rummaging around expats’ unwanted treasures, you’re likely to Ànd a mountain of paperback books, household items, toys and games plus loads of top brand clothing for just a few dirhams. Why go: Randomness is a quality often overlooked by malls. Unless you’re shopping at the delightfully eccentric Dragon Mart, of course. Here, dressing gowns, tennis racquets, classic TV box sets and cult Àgurines rub shoulders with designer shirts and kitchen gadgets. Find some bargains. O Various times and locations. Dubai Flea Market, dubai-Áeamarket.com (055 886 8939). Global Village This mega multicultural theme park and outdoor market is not to be missed. When it comes to shopping the selection is, as the name well suggests, impressively international with brilliant bargains, take home trinkets and unique knick-knacks from all around the globe. Top buys include (but certainly aren’t limited to) African-style wood carvings and jewellery, gorgeous textiles from India, glittering Turkish lights, Moroccan shoes, an excellent selection of top Korean beauty products and so much more. Why go: Where to start? The sheer diversity of shopping options, the cultural shows and heritage villages, the food stands, the live performances… Global Village has to be experienced to be believed. O Until April. Open Sun-Wed 4pm-midnight; Thu Sat 4pm-1am. Dubailand, globalvillage.ae (04 362 4114) . Ripe Market One of Dubai’s Ànest attractions of any kind, never mind just markets, has had a peripatetic existence over the years, but has now found a permanent home at Academy Park. That means every Saturday and Sunday throughout the cooler months you will Ànd a fabulous array of craft makers and talented artisans Áogging their stuff. Ripe was originally founded on the notion of selling organic food and veg from a farm shop, so there is a healthy spirit to proceedings. However, it is now just as famed for its array of arts and crafts, jewellery, fashion and homeware. Entertainment comes in the shape of craft lessons, face-painting, live music and even open mic for budding performers. The on- the-go eating options are also brilliant, with food trucks and stalls offering an array of edible delights. Why go: The most canine-friendly retail experience in the city has its own dedicated doggie park, meaning family pets have never been so excited to be taken to an organic vegetable sale. O Open Sat-Sun, 9am-9pm. Academy Park, Umm Suqeim, ripeme.com (04 315 7000). Ripe by the Bay A fantastic recent addition to Dubai’s outdoor market scene, Ripe by the Bay will continue to delight all those who venture Dubai Festival City Mall way until May. As well as a fab selection of stalls manned by talented local vendors, the market offers lovely waterside views, live entertainment and singalongs, a temping array of street food eats and impressive laser fountain displays. Why go: A calendar jam-packed with cultural events, acoustic music performances and storytelling shows makes every visit unique. O Until May. Open daily 4pm-10pm. Festival Bay, dubaifestivalcitymall.com/ripebythebay (04 315 7000). The Covent Garden Market With excellent al fresco locations at both The Beach JBR and on Marina Walk, The Covent Garden Market might not be the place to do your weekly grocery shop, but the various compact stalls do sell a whole host of fun stuff, from handmade beach bags and blankets to leather goods, pretty kimonos, kid-friendly novelties and tourist-focused fare (stuffed camels ahoy). Why go: Both venues boast lovely waterside views (of the ocean and Dubai Marina respectively), which makes a leisurely browse in the sunshine even more of a pleasure. O Until June. Open daily from 10am-midnight, coventgardenmarketdubai.com. The Urban Market This cute market pops up every so often at various locations across the city, and you can Ànd it this month at the Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis on Sunday March 12. Shoppers can expect to browse a varied mix of thrift and vintage stalls, as well as encounter plenty of independent vendors selling locally produced wares, all set to a funky music backdrop. Why go: Once you’ve shopped ‘till you’re ready to drop, you can head up to the REDROOF pool deck to chill. O Sat Mar 12 1pm-7pm. Radisson RED Dubai Silicon Oasis. For future pop-ups, head to The Urban Market’s website, urbanmarketconcept.com. Global Village “Expect to find a fabulous array of craft makers”Hot off the pass 66 March 10 – 31 2022 timeoutdubai.com Dhs73 JAPANESE PIZZA MIGHTnot be your Àrst thought when mulling over where to order your margherita from, but it’s time for a change. And no, we’re not talking about okonomiyaki. Born in Dubai, Japanese street food restaurant Akiba Dori in D3 serves up a variety of inventive dishes, including this Japanese- style Neopolitan pizza. ”I love Japan, I love everything about the culture, the food, the music, and I wanted to HY PE DISH DIS S E C T I ON Truffle Strata at Akiba Dori What goes into the Dubai plates that everyone bangs on about create a concept that everyone can enjoy,” says founder Samer S. Hamadeh. Akiba Dori’s pizzas are all made with Japanese Áour in a custom wood-Àred oven, with each pizza taking just 60 seconds to cook thanks to temperatures of up to 500°c. Hamadeh explains that after a 26-hour prooÀng process, the dough must be used within 12 hours. To keep waste down, the restaurant makes enough for just 100 pizzas on weekdays, and 150 on weekends – meaning its pizzas are typically sold out by 9pm most days. “We consider our pizza a reward for people who come early,” he says. After a stint as a special, the TrufÁe Strata became so popular the team took it permanent. Here’s why it rocks. O Licensed. Fri-Wed noon-midnight, Thu noon-1am. Building 8, Dubai Design District, akibadori.com (04 770 7949). The crust “Our pizza dough is prepared with a Japanese Áour, water and salt, then proofed for 26 hours. It is so light – it’s like the half weight of the Italian or New Yorker pizza.” The toppings This pizza comes with a continent- hopping assortment of adornments. Buffalo mozzarella, burrata, oregano and basil all nestle up against roasted shimeji mushrooms, trufÁe Stracciatella and olive oil. The price Higher than your average, but not inaccessibly so considering the luxe toppings. “Everything with trufÁe is more expensive, like double or even triple what other pizzas cost. We wanted to make trufÁe pizza for everybody to enjoy”. The sauces One pizza, two halves. One side is sauced with a red base made from San Marzano tomatoes, while the other features a white mascarpone cheese white base. THE BEST MELODIC HOUSE TO GET YOUR WEEKEND STARTED OFF RIGHTTHE BEST MELODIC HOUSE TO GET YOUR WEEKEND STARTED OFF RIGHT DELUXE LOUNGERS | VIP CABANAS | BEACH JACUZZISDELUXE LOUNGERS | VIP CABANAS | BEACH JACUZZIS FOR BOOKINGS CALL 04 455 9989FOR BOOKINGS CALL 04 455 9989 S A T U R D A Y S F R O M 1 P MSA TURD A Y S FROM 1PMNext >