To know how the pandemic has upended the UAE clubbing scene, consider this: next weekend’s debut of new lounge night concept La Fiesta at The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort is nearly sold out.
Veteran event organiser Makki Makki, owner of Mackie Entertainment, says this rarely happens.
The Abu Dhabi market, he explains, is typically slow burning, with people often making club reservations on the day of the event.
"People take their time here. They want to see what their options are and how they are feeling on the day before making their booking. This can be stressful for promoters but you learn to live it with it."
But with Covid-19 having closed large-scale nightclubs across the Emirates for the foreseeable future, lounge clubs have emerged to cater to everyone from music lovers to food aficionados.
With the concept proving successful in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Abu Dhabi is entering the fray with La Fiesta, one of the capital’s first new events to run weekly from Friday, October 16, at the Rio Brazilian Club restaurant.
The night is being marketed as one of musical and culinary fusion. Seasoned Abu Dhabi DJ Jay Beats will be spinning the latest reggaeton, Afrobeat and RnB tunes, and parties of up to four at a table can try drinks and Brazilian bites from the comfort of their seats.
There will be no dance floor and people will remain at their tables, with the exception of going to the toilets and to leave the venue. With a 40 per cent capacity mandated by the Abu Dhabi government, the venue can welcome up to 100 people, so online booking is essential.
The chilled crowds of Abu Dhabi
This is clubbing in the era of the pandemic and Makki says Abu Dhabi is well placed to be in tune.
The Sudanese businessman, who was born and raised in the capital, explains that the lounge concept is a natural fit for the city.
“The crowd here has always been more chilled. The focus is more on the quality and vibe of the place and the people you hang out with,” he says. “And this is why you find fewer clubs here and more restaurants.”
With La Fiesta, Makki is combining the best of both worlds to keep things fun, but also feasible.
“What we are doing with the lounge is a club vibe with a restaurant approach,” he says. “People will make a booking and arrive on time like it’s a restaurant. And because they are sitting down most of the time, they won’t stay more than four hours or so. This allows us to welcome more people who want to come either earlier or later in the evening.”
It is an idea tailor-made for Abu Dhabi. While nightclubs across Dubai, such as 1 Oak and Boudoir, had to reconfigure their venues to create a lounge setting, Abu Dhabi destinations should have no such trouble.
“Most of the places in Abu Dhabi are naturally designed to become lounges because they are smaller restaurants and have a personal atmosphere,” Makki says. “All we have to do is make some adjustments in terms of the seating, and in some cases removing the dance floor.”
Bigger clubs in Dubai, on the other hand, not only have to downsize, but have to create an intimate vibe, he says.
Makki saw this first-hand when making numerous trips to Dubai on what he describes as "study missions". In addition to learning what tweaks needed to be made for La Fiesta, he was also surprised at the enthusiasm shown by patrons.
“This is not just in Dubai, by the way. I see it here in Abu Dhabi with people asking me about the next event and how they can support it,” he says.
“Like many things during Covid-19, people realised what they had and in some cases still have. With clubs, people can be picky and sometimes not understand the work and the team effort that goes into them. I am seeing bigger appreciation and support now. This makes me feel excited about this new step.”
Afropop music will make its mark
Like any event manager, Makki is making the most of the opportunities that come with the new landscape.
With Mackie Entertainment, he specialises in bringing vintage RnB and hip-hop acts to the region, such as RnB singer Mya, Turn Me On singer Kevin Lyttle and hardcore rapper Cassidy, but Makki's heart lies in Afrobeat and Afropop.
The last event he set up before the pandemic was a well-received Afropop club night at The Abu Dhabi Edition nightspot Annex. He predicts the pandemic will cement the genre’s standing in the UAE.
Like many things during Covid-19, people realised what they had and in some cases still have
“It has always been there, but now, with this situation, this will be the leading music for a while,” he says. “That’s because it is perfect for lounges. You can appreciate it for the music itself or it can be in the background when you hang out with your friends.”
More BFF than VIP
Speaking of which, Makki says the company you keep will be of the utmost importance when considering a night out. With movement restrictions and limited groups per table, he says people should head out only with those they gel with.
"Before the virus, the scene was about being VIP," he says. "Now it's BFF. Since you won't be able to meet new people like you normally do in a club, its best to come with your best friends and homies. I am sure there will be a lot to talk about."
La Fiesta takes place on Fridays at Rio Brazilian Club, The St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort. Doors open 9pm. For reservations call 058 599 9090
ARM%20IPO%20DETAILS
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Results:
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m | Winner: Eghel De Pine, Pat Cosgrave (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m | Winner: AF Sheaar, Szczepan Mazur, Saeed Al Shamsi
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA) Group 3 Dh500,000 1,600m | Winner: RB Torch, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (TB) Listed Dh380,000 1,600m | Winner: Forjatt, Chris Hayes, Nicholas Bachalard
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup for Private Owners Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,400m | Winner: Hawafez, Connor Beasley, Ridha ben Attia
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 80,000 1,600m | Winner: Qader, Richard Mullen, Jean de Roaulle
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
10 tips for entry-level job seekers
- Have an up-to-date, professional LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn account, set one up today. Avoid poor-quality profile pictures with distracting backgrounds. Include a professional summary and begin to grow your network.
- Keep track of the job trends in your sector through the news. Apply for job alerts at your dream organisations and the types of jobs you want – LinkedIn uses AI to share similar relevant jobs based on your selections.
- Double check that you’ve highlighted relevant skills on your resume and LinkedIn profile.
- For most entry-level jobs, your resume will first be filtered by an applicant tracking system for keywords. Look closely at the description of the job you are applying for and mirror the language as much as possible (while being honest and accurate about your skills and experience).
- Keep your CV professional and in a simple format – make sure you tailor your cover letter and application to the company and role.
- Go online and look for details on job specifications for your target position. Make a list of skills required and set yourself some learning goals to tick off all the necessary skills one by one.
- Don’t be afraid to reach outside your immediate friends and family to other acquaintances and let them know you are looking for new opportunities.
- Make sure you’ve set your LinkedIn profile to signal that you are “open to opportunities”. Also be sure to use LinkedIn to search for people who are still actively hiring by searching for those that have the headline “I’m hiring” or “We’re hiring” in their profile.
- Prepare for online interviews using mock interview tools. Even before landing interviews, it can be useful to start practising.
- Be professional and patient. Always be professional with whoever you are interacting with throughout your search process, this will be remembered. You need to be patient, dedicated and not give up on your search. Candidates need to make sure they are following up appropriately for roles they have applied.
Arda Atalay, head of Mena private sector at LinkedIn Talent Solutions, Rudy Bier, managing partner of Kinetic Business Solutions and Ben Kinerman Daltrey, co-founder of KinFitz
Top financial tips for graduates
Araminta Robertson, of the Financially Mint blog, shares her financial advice for university leavers:
1. Build digital or technical skills: After graduation, people can find it extremely hard to find jobs. From programming to digital marketing, your early twenties are for building skills. Future employers will want people with tech skills.
2. Side hustle: At 16, I lived in a village and started teaching online, as well as doing work as a virtual assistant and marketer. There are six skills you can use online: translation; teaching; programming; digital marketing; design and writing. If you master two, you’ll always be able to make money.
3. Networking: Knowing how to make connections is extremely useful. Use LinkedIn to find people who have the job you want, connect and ask to meet for coffee. Ask how they did it and if they know anyone who can help you. I secured quite a few clients this way.
4. Pay yourself first: The minute you receive any income, put about 15 per cent aside into a savings account you won’t touch, to go towards your emergency fund or to start investing. I do 20 per cent. It helped me start saving immediately.
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
