If you’re looking for an offbeat culinary experience, the UAE may well be one of the best places to find it.
From restaurants inspired by planes to those themed on books, movies, TV shows and even famous personalities, there’s a little something for every hardcore fan out there. Here are some top themed venues worth eating at.
Transit Terminal Food
Miss seeing the inside of an plane? This new restaurant in Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi has taken off with the concept. The interiors are exactly like what you’d find on a plane, from the seats to the table trays. There are even cabin announcements. Meanwhile, the menu, which is designed to look like a boarding pass, features food from around the world. Expect currywurst for Germany, Belgian waffles, quesadillas to represent Mexico and all manner of burgers on behalf of the US.
Open daily, Centre Ville hotel building, Hazaa Bin Zayed The First Street, Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi; 02 550 0443; Instagram: @transitterminalfood
Phileas Fogg’s
A newcomer to Dubai’s dining scene, Phileas Fogg’s opened at the Address Montgomerie this year. The name is taken from the main character of Jules Verne's 1872 novel Around the World in Eighty Days, and it takes its travel theme pretty seriously. Expect telescopes, globes, leather-bound books and an outdoor hot air balloon. The menu also goes with the theme, and features food from around the world. There’s kung pao chicken, fish and chips, chicken kiev, Thai green curry and more.
Open daily, 8am-2am; Address Montgomerie, Dubai; 04 572 4477, www.addresshotels.com
The Friends Burger
From a foliage covered wall with the words "I'll be there for you" to a number of framed photos of its stars, it's clear that this cosy venue in Abu Dhabi's Khalifa Park is a tribute to the hit sitcom Friends. Fans of the show are sure to enjoy taking a picture or two against the Central Perk backdrop, while seated on an orange couch reminiscent of the one found on the show. Meanwhile, on the menu are a range of hot dogs, burgers, pastas and appetisers, many of which are also named after the show's main characters.
Open daily; noon-2am; Ministries Complex, Khalifa Park, Abu Dhabi; 024412381
Last Exit AUH Bound
Those who fancy a cuppa or a full meal in a dystopian paradise can head to the Mad Max-themed Last Exit AUH Bound. There’s a lot to love about the post-apocalyptic scenes, from the stripped down monster vehicles to the graffiti-covered interiors. A cool stopping point if you want to take a picture of two as you pick up a sandwich from Burger Pit or a coffee from Cupagahwa.
Open daily; Sheikh Zayed Road, Abu Dhabi-bound; lastexit.ae
Stranger Wings
This one may not be a restaurant per se, but the cloud kitchen in Dubai still gets points for its creativity. Named after, you guessed it, hit television show Stranger Things, the establishment is an American-inspired venue dishing out a range of chicken wings, fries and burgers. Some of its must-try wings include the Mind Flayer, Hopper’s BBQ and Dragon Slayer. As the kitchen staff say, "their wings aren’t a ten on ten – they’re an Eleven".
Available for delivery daily; Deliveroo; strangerwings.ae
Oompa Loompa
Get ready to fall down the rabbit hole with this family-friendly venue in JBR. Inspired by the creative and crazy worlds of Roald Dahl's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland, Oompa Loompa features a indoor soft play area for the children. The interiors pay tribute to Carroll's creation with hand-drawn artworks imitating the journey Alice takes when she falls down the rabbit hole and a full-sized tree in the middle of the restaurant. It’s a mad world indeed.
Open daily; 9am-10pm; Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai; 04 578 6093
Bol Gappa
There are loads of top-notch Indian restaurants in the UAE. But hardcore fans of Indian cinema should check out Bol Gappa, a fun, casual Bollywood-themed outlet. There are lots of cool Indian fusion dishes on the menu, from a Manchurian hot dog to a Chips Oman wrap, while the interiors are plastered with caricatures of famous Indian actors.
Open daily; 11.30am to midnight; Karama, Dubai; 04 335 5144
Geek Kitchen
This adorably nerdy restaurant is the perfect place for superhero fans. The interiors are cosy, with inviting booths and plenty of Funko pop figurines, while the walls feature scenes from comic books. And don’t discount the menu, which features a surprisingly varied selection of all-day breakfast items, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and ramen. Watch out for the dish names – from The Hulk-Avo Smashed to the Dr Strange Onion Rings – for an extra chuckle.
Open daily; 9am-11.30pm; Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi; 02 449 3330
Sauce
If you’re looking to be transported to a simpler time, Sauce, a 1950s-themed American diner, has opened doors in Al Habtoor City. There are neon signs, black and white patterned floors and a screen showing Elvis Presley belting out tunes. Even the waitresses are dressed in retro uniforms. The menu also provides a little blast from the past, too, with a number of burgers, hot dogs, fries, salads, pizzas and sandwiches. The spaghetti and meatballs, loaded hot dog and signature Wagyu beef burger are on the must-try list.
Open daily; noon to midnight; Al Noora Tower, Al Habtoor City; instagram.com/saucedubai
Rajinikanth 24/7
South Indian actor Rajinikanth has something of a legendary following, so it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise to know that there’s a restaurant in Dubai’s Royal Ascot Hotel in Al Mankhool that pays tribute to him. The interiors are plastered with posters of his movies and sketches of him while the menu specialises in South Indian fare.
Open daily; Al Mankhool, Dubai; 054 739 9908
Game of Toast in Abu Dhabi was removed from this listing on September 2021, after it announced that it would be closing down.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Hunger and Fury: The Crisis of Democracy in the Balkans
Jasmin Mujanović, Hurst Publishers
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
Develop an innovative business concept
Have the ability to differentiate yourself from competitors
Put in place a business continuity plan after Covid-19
Prepare for the worst-case scenario (further lockdowns, long wait for a vaccine, etc.)
Have enough cash to stay afloat for the next 12 to 18 months
Be creative and innovative to reduce expenses
Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
PAST 10 BRITISH GRAND PRIX WINNERS
2016 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2015 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2014 - Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes-GP)
2013 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-GP)
2012 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2011 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari)
2010 - Mark Webber (Red Bull Racing)
2009 - Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing)
2008 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)
2007 - Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari)
Rooney's club record
At Everton Appearances: 77; Goals: 17
At Manchester United Appearances: 559; Goals: 253
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
Napoleon
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Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Tottenham (Alli 61'), Davies (70')
Red card Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle)
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Blah
Started: 2018
Founder: Aliyah Al Abbar and Hend Al Marri
Based: Dubai
Industry: Technology and talent management
Initial investment: Dh20,000
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 40
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Why the Tourist Club?
Originally, The Club (which many people chose to call the “British Club”) was the only place where one could use the beach with changing rooms and a shower, and get refreshments.
In the early 1970s, the Government of Abu Dhabi wanted to give more people a place to get together on the beach, with some facilities for children. The place chosen was where the annual boat race was held, which Sheikh Zayed always attended and which brought crowds of locals and expatriates to the stretch of beach to the left of Le Méridien and the Marina.
It started with a round two-storey building, erected in about two weeks by Orient Contracting for Sheikh Zayed to use at one these races. Soon many facilities were planned and built, and members were invited to join.
Why it was called “Nadi Al Siyahi” is beyond me. But it is likely that one wanted to convey the idea that this was open to all comers. Because there was no danger of encountering alcohol on the premises, unlike at The Club, it was a place in particular for the many Arab expatriate civil servants to join. Initially the fees were very low and membership was offered free to many people, too.
Eventually there was a skating rink, bowling and many other amusements.
Frauke Heard-Bey is a historian and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 1968.
Dubai World Cup factbox
Most wins by a trainer: Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor(9)
Most wins by a jockey: Jerry Bailey(4)
Most wins by an owner: Godolphin(9)
Most wins by a horse: Godolphin’s Thunder Snow(2)
MATCH INFO
World Cup 2022 qualifier
UAE v Indonesia, Thursday, 8pm
Venue: Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
Results
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStage%207%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E1.%20Adam%20Yates%20(GBR)%20UAE%20Team%20Emirates%20%E2%80%93%203hrs%2029min%2042ses%3Cbr%3E2.%20Remco%20Evenepoel%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%20%E2%80%93%2010sec%3Cbr%3E3.%20Geoffrey%20Bouchard%20(FRA)%20AG2R%20Citroen%20Team%20%E2%80%93%2042sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EGeneral%20Classification%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E1.%20Remco%20Evenepoel%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%3Cbr%3E2.%20Lucas%20Plapp%20(AUS)%20Ineos%20Grenaders%20%E2%80%93%2059se%3Cbr%3E3.%20Adam%20Yates%20(GBR)%20UAE%20Team%20Emirates%20%E2%80%9360sec%3Cbr%3ERed%20Jersey%20(General%20Classification)%3A%20Remco%20Evenepoel%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%3Cbr%3EGreen%20Jersey%20(Points%20Classification)%3A%20Tim%20Merlier%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%3Cbr%3EWhite%20Jersey%20(Young%20Rider%20Classification)%3A%20Remco%20Evenepoel%20(BEL)%20Soudal%20Quick-Step%3Cbr%3EBlack%20Jersey%20(Intermediate%20Sprint%20Classification)%3A%20Edward%20Planckaert%20(FRA)%20Alpecin-Deceuninck%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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VERSTAPPEN'S FIRSTS
Youngest F1 driver (17 years 3 days Japan 2014)
Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years 166 days – Australia 2015)
Youngest F1 driver to score points (17 years 180 days - Malaysia 2015)
Youngest driver to lead an F1 race (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest driver to set an F1 fastest lap (19 years 44 days – Brazil 2016)
Youngest on F1 podium finish (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest F1 winner (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest multiple F1 race winner (Mexico 2017/18)
Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)
MATCH INFO
Norwich City 1 (Cantwell 75') Manchester United 2 (Aghalo 51' 118') After extra time.
Man of the match Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
WHAT%20IS%20'JUICE%20JACKING'%3F
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The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa
Women’s World Series: Australia
Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles
Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors
Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans
Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles
Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat
Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles
UAE National Schools: Al Safa School
International Invitational: Speranza 22
International Vets: Joining Jack
Kill%20Bill%20Volume%201
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
The five new places of worship
Church of South Indian Parish
St Andrew's Church Mussaffah branch
St Andrew's Church Al Ain branch
St John's Baptist Church, Ruwais
Church of the Virgin Mary and St Paul the Apostle, Ruwais
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Types of fraud
Phishing: Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
Smishing: The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
Vishing: The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
SIM swap: Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
Identity theft: Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
Prize scams: Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
* Nada El Sawy
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Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
Company profile
Company: Rent Your Wardrobe
Date started: May 2021
Founder: Mamta Arora
Based: Dubai
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Stage: Bootstrapped, self-funded
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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THE TWIN BIO
Their favourite city: Dubai
Their favourite food: Khaleeji
Their favourite past-time : walking on the beach
Their favorite quote: ‘we rise by lifting others’ by Robert Ingersoll
The biog
Favourite film: Motorcycle Dairies, Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday, Kagemusha
Favourite book: One Hundred Years of Solitude
Holiday destination: Sri Lanka
First car: VW Golf
Proudest achievement: Building Robotics Labs at Khalifa University and King’s College London, Daughters
Driverless cars or drones: Driverless Cars
Sri Lanka World Cup squad
Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Thisara Perera, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kusal Mendis, Isuru Udana, Milinda Siriwardana, Avishka Fernando, Jeevan Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nuwan Pradeep, Suranga Lakmal.
