As part of a new series of culinary guides to various areas in the UAE, The National explores The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah, where diners will find plenty of Instagrammable restaurants, pet-friendly outlets and casual cafes to take in the stunning views, especially at night as The Palm Fountain springs into action.
While this is not all the destination has to offer foodies, it's a selection of the best, newest and most popular.
Aiza
When it comes to beautiful interiors, Aiza has really nailed it. This modern restaurant transports you to the azure shores of the Greek islands, with beautiful pink foliage and a soft cream fabric sweeping from the ceiling, making it an Instagrammer’s paradise. On the menu, you’ll find Mediterranean classics such as moussaka, feta pies and grilled octopus. And in the cooler months, there’s a pretty terrace with a perfectly framed view of Atlantis, The Palm.
Open daily, 6pm-2am; East Marina; 04 575 5097, aizarestaurant.com
Zor
Serving up a combination of Uzbek and Mediterranean cuisine, Zor, on The Pointe’s West Marina, is a lively spot that has become popular with the late-night crowd. Food is served with theatrical flair, with a menu that features slow-cooked lamb, chicken kofta and Afghan kazan. The restaurant is designed with a chic, boho vibe and outside the terrace offers great views of The Palm Fountain.
Open daily, 3pm-1am; West Marina; 04 566 9612, zor.ae
Brunch & Cake
The popular (and extremely Instagrammable) Dubai cafe opened an outpost at The Pointe at the end of 2020. While it is much smaller than the Al Wasl Road flagship, and with a smaller menu, it still features plenty of the extravagant dishes and drinks the cafe is known for, such as its savoury French toast and eggs carbonara. The cafe’s terrace is adorned with chic mustard tasselled umbrellas, making it the perfect spot for a laid-back weekend breakfast.
Open daily, 9am-11pm; East Marina; 04 580 0437, brunchandcake.com
Lads Burger
For a casual bite at The Pointe, head to Lads Burgers, where you’ll find a selection of hearty burgers, endless toppings and some pretty indulgent shakes. Lads Burgers gets creative with its offerings, from the Pina Colada burger, with cheese, bacon and pineapple, to the Triple B, which is a real mouthful.
Open daily, noon-midnight; 800 5237
CMP Bar & Grill
Formerly Chicago Meatpackers, the newly rebranded CMP Bar & Grill brings classic American bistro vibes to the Palm. From juicy steaks to laid-back weekend brunches (actual brunches, not Dubai brunches), the fuss-free spot is also pet-friendly, so expect to meet some four-legged friends on any visit. Menu favourites include classic steak and eggs, chicken and waffles, and a good selection of burgers.
Sunday to Wednesday, noon-midnight, Thursday, noon-1am, Friday and Saturday, 11am-1am; East Marina; 04 580 7983, 04 580 7983, cmprestaurants.com
Saya Cafe
Another of Dubai’s most Instagrammable outlets can be found at The Pointe. Saya Cafe, from the same team that also runs Aiza, knows how to draw the crowds. Inside, the theme is pink, with floral walls, plush seating and plenty of photogenic backdrops. The picturesque theme flows into the menu, too, with pink burger buns, stacked waffles and plenty of avocado.
Sunday to Thursday, 4pm-midnight, Friday and Saturday, noon-1am; West Marina; 04 575 5097
Il Passaggio
This quaint Italian restaurant brings a slice of Europe to The Pointe. The name, meaning “the passage”, gives a taste of the restaurant’s unusual interior, which has guests entering through a glass-roofed passageway before finding themselves in the light, airy dining room. The menu runs from breakfast through to dinner, with Mediterranean classics such as seafood linguine, squid ink tagliatelle and calzone diavola.
Sunday to Wednesday, 9am-11pm, Thursday to Saturday, 9am-midnight; East Marina; 04 587 3111, ilpassaggio.com
Milky Jar
Another spot from the team behind Saya Cafe and Aiza, Milky Jar is a great pit stop for a coffee, milkshake or hot chocolate and, of course, you can expect it to come in an Instagrammable manner. Milky Jar is a small cafe at the heart of The Pointe’s main plaza, opposite the area’s pet-friendly beach. On the menu, you can find s'more-rimmed hot chocolate, cream-topped strawberry milkshake and freshly made lemonade.
Open daily, 8am-midnight; central plaza; @milkyjar.ae
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company Profile
Company name: Yeepeey
Started: Soft launch in November, 2020
Founders: Sagar Chandiramani, Jatin Sharma and Monish Chandiramani
Based: Dubai
Industry: E-grocery
Initial investment: $150,000
Future plan: Raise $1.5m and enter Saudi Arabia next year
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
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When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
PSA DUBAI WORLD SERIES FINALS LINE-UP
Men’s:
Mohamed El Shorbagy (EGY)
Ali Farag (EGY)
Simon Rosner (GER)
Tarek Momen (EGY)
Miguel Angel Rodriguez (COL)
Gregory Gaultier (FRA)
Karim Abdel Gawad (EGY)
Nick Matthew (ENG)
Women's:
Nour El Sherbini (EGY)
Raneem El Welily (EGY)
Nour El Tayeb (EGY)
Laura Massaro (ENG)
Joelle King (NZE)
Camille Serme (FRA)
Nouran Gohar (EGY)
Sarah-Jane Perry (ENG)
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: AF Senad, Nathan Crosse (jockey), Kareem Ramadan (trainer)
2.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Ashjaan, Fabrice Veron, Eric Lemartinel.
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Amirah, Conner Beasley, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
3.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Jap Al Yaasoob, Szczepan Mazur, Irfan Ellahi.
4pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri.
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Manhunter, Ryan Curatolo, Mujeeb Rahman.
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Race results:
1. Thani Al Qemzi (UAE) Team Abu Dhabi: 46.44 min
2. Peter Morin (FRA) CTIC F1 Shenzhen China Team: 0.91sec
3. Sami Selio (FIN) Mad-Croc Baba Racing Team: 31.43sec
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
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Profile Box
Company/date started: 2015
Founder/CEO: Mohammed Toraif
Based: Manama, Bahrain
Sector: Sales, Technology, Conservation
Size: (employees/revenue) 4/ 5,000 downloads
Stage: 1 ($100,000)
Investors: Two first-round investors including, 500 Startups, Fawaz Al Gosaibi Holding (Saudi Arabia)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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
Stage seven
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s
General Classification
1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16
2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s
3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
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UAE squad to face Ireland
Ahmed Raza (captain), Chirag Suri (vice-captain), Rohan Mustafa, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zahoor Khan, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmad, Zawar Farid, CP Rizwaan, Aryan Lakra, Karthik Meiyappan, Alishan Sharafu, Basil Hameed, Kashif Daud, Adithya Shetty, Vriitya Aravind
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
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Zayed%20Centre%20for%20Research
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti
Group C
Belarus
UAE
Senegal
Russia
Group D
Brazil
Oman
Portugal
Nigeria
The five pillars of Islam
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
