Following from the debut Michelin Guide in Dubai, Abu Dhabi will get its own guide in November, it was announced at an event held at Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort on Tuesday.
Nicolas Budzynski, global operations director of LPM Restaurant & Bar, deems this “a very exciting time in the F&B world”. LPM Dubai is one of 69 restaurants in the Dubai guide, which is made up of nine venues with one star, two with two stars, 14 in the value-for-money Bib Gourmand category and 44 with an honorary mention.
“It is extremely encouraging for the country and the region, as it will only add focus on the Middle East’s talents and culinary scene. I hope that Michelin keeps highlighting home-grown concepts, while international brands are still fairly considered,” Budzynski tells The National, while Benjamin Wan, corporate Middle East chef at Coya, says: “Abu Dhabi has an incredible culinary scene, and it’s a real shame that it is often overshadowed by Dubai.”
So as we wait with bated breath for the list of Michelin-approved restaurants in the capital, we ask the chefs and restaurateurs associated with venues in the Michelin Guide Dubai for their predictions on the Abu Dhabi list.
It remains to be seen which (if any) will make the final cut, but in the meantime, here are seven restaurants recommended by in-the-know chefs to add to your dining-out list.
Otoro, Al Qana
Recommended by: Akmal Anuar chef and owner at 11 Woodfire, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubai
“The restaurant I think deserves to be in the Abu Dhabi Michelin Guide is Otoro, a modern Japanese restaurant that serves top-notch cuisine and has a comfortable feel. It provides a blend of South-East Asia, keeping current and relevant with the Abu Dhabi market and international preferences.”
Zuma, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Recommended by: Alessio Pirozzi, chef de cuisine at Torno Subito, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Dubai
“Zuma places a strong focus on the quality of its food using high-quality ingredients. I have dined at Zuma in a variety of cities, and each time has been a delightful experience. I love how consistent it is, no matter where you are in the world. I also like how the chefs have given Japanese cuisine a modern spin, making it more appealing to guests while still keeping it authentic.”
Cafe James, Shams Boutik
Recommended by: Howard Ko, executive chef at Ce La Vi, a 'Michelin Guide Dubai' restaurant
“Chef James Soo Yong Kim, whom I knew during my time in NYC, is a chef with many talents and one to watch in Abu Dhabi. He has worked at many award-winning restaurants in NYC, such as Acme, Prospect, Skal, Blanca and Caviar Russe. His casual restaurant, Cafe James, serves exceptional bistro flair with attention to detail. The coffee is fantastic, and the farm he works on is as local and sustainable as possible. He also has some beautiful projects in the pipeline that will be a great addition to creating a fantastic culture in hospitality in Abu Dhabi.”
Niri Restaurant, Mamsha Al Saadiyat
Recommended by: Giovanni Ledon, chef de cuisine at Akira Back, a 'Michelin Guide Dubai' restaurant
“Niri is a restaurant that captures the true spirit and essence of Japanese cuisine, perfectly matched with a stylish and minimalistic atmosphere. The fantastic selection of high-quality ingredients is not only a genuine representation of Japanese food, but also a great reflection of the izakaya culture in the Middle East.”
Nolu’s, The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Recommended by: Howard Ko at Ce La Vi
“Marjon Andesha, whom I have had the pleasure to know for two years, is the founder and executive chef of Nolu’s Group. She is Afghani and a Californian native, who has been running Nolu’s since 2011 and is an asset to Abu Dhabi's culinary scene.
“She serves delicious food with flare, and is continually experimenting and utilising the freshest ingredients to showcase flavours inspired by both Afghani and Californian cuisine. In Nolu’s, casual California cool meets the smoky flavours of Afghani cuisine, all with a modern twist that is approachable to all guests. Her breakfast, too, is fantastic and a favourite among local VIPs.”
Talea by Antonio Guida, Mandarin Oriental Emirates Palace
Recommended by: Yunus Emre Aydin, executive chef at Marea Dubai, a 'Michelin Guide Dubai' restaurant
“Talea by Antonio Guida brings classical dishes from across Italy to the UAE. Chef Guida is the head of the two Michelin-starred restaurant Seta at Mandarin Oriental, Milan. I also had the opportunity to meet and work with him in Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum.
“The menu at Talea – cucina di famiglia, which means family-style cuisine – draws on Guida’s distinctive culinary alchemy and interpretation of dishes that are traditionally known and cherished by many households across Italy.
“From its famed ravioli, handcrafted carbonara and artisanal pizza, to the freshest salads, irresistible burrata, ossobuco [stewed veal shanks in meat sauce], and vitello tonnato (chilled veal in tuna-caper sauce that forms an indispensable part of the Assumption Day feast in Milan), the gastronomic delights of Talea fuse the traditional techniques of Milanese classics with an innovative edge to present a tantalising interpretation that is the signature trademark of Guida.
“I believe the restaurant’s focus on freshness and quality of the products along with the traditional touches makes it a worthy Michelin contender.”
Ushna, The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
Recommended by: Rami Massuod, general manager at 3 Fils, a 'Michelin Guide Dubai' restaurant and winner of Mena’s 50 Best Restaurants
“I believe Indian restaurant Ushna is deserving of recognition from the Michelin Guide in Abu Dhabi. Its food quality is outstanding while offering value for money, consistency, and friendly, welcoming service. Michelin arriving in Abu Dhabi is an amazing opportunity for the capital to highlight and recognise its ever-evolving and strengthening restaurant industry, and I believe the guide’s launch will continue to elevate quality and creativity. I also hope it will showcase Abu Dhabi’s local and home-grown restaurants.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see the Bib Gourmand restaurants in the Dubai 'Michelin Guide'
THE BIO
Favourite book: ‘Purpose Driven Life’ by Rick Warren
Favourite travel destination: Switzerland
Hobbies: Travelling and following motivational speeches and speakers
Favourite place in UAE: Dubai Museum
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Where can I submit a sample?
Volunteers can now submit DNA samples at a number of centres across Abu Dhabi. The programme is open to all ages.
Collection centres in Abu Dhabi include:
- Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC)
- Biogenix Labs in Masdar City
- Al Towayya in Al Ain
- NMC Royal Hospital in Khalifa City
- Bareen International Hospital
- NMC Specialty Hospital, Al Ain
- NMC Royal Medical Centre - Abu Dhabi
- NMC Royal Women’s Hospital.
Ways to control drones
Countries have been coming up with ways to restrict and monitor the use of non-commercial drones to keep them from trespassing on controlled areas such as airports.
"Drones vary in size and some can be as big as a small city car - so imagine the impact of one hitting an airplane. It's a huge risk, especially when commercial airliners are not designed to make or take sudden evasive manoeuvres like drones can" says Saj Ahmed, chief analyst at London-based StrategicAero Research.
New measures have now been taken to monitor drone activity, Geo-fencing technology is one.
It's a method designed to prevent drones from drifting into banned areas. The technology uses GPS location signals to stop its machines flying close to airports and other restricted zones.
The European commission has recently announced a blueprint to make drone use in low-level airspace safe, secure and environmentally friendly. This process is called “U-Space” – it covers altitudes of up to 150 metres. It is also noteworthy that that UK Civil Aviation Authority recommends drones to be flown at no higher than 400ft. “U-Space” technology will be governed by a system similar to air traffic control management, which will be automated using tools like geo-fencing.
The UAE has drawn serious measures to ensure users register their devices under strict new laws. Authorities have urged that users must obtain approval in advance before flying the drones, non registered drone use in Dubai will result in a fine of up to twenty thousand dirhams under a new resolution approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai.
Mr Ahmad suggest that "Hefty fines running into hundreds of thousands of dollars need to compensate for the cost of airport disruption and flight diversions to lengthy jail spells, confiscation of travel rights and use of drones for a lengthy period" must be enforced in order to reduce airport intrusion.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20APPLE%20M3%20MACBOOK%20AIR%20(13%22)
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Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
More on animal trafficking
More on animal trafficking
Zayed Sustainability Prize
NATIONAL%20SELECTIONS
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OTHER IPL BOWLING RECORDS
Best bowling figures: 6-14 – Sohail Tanvir (for Rajasthan Royals against Chennai Super Kings in 2008)
Best average: 16.36 – Andrew Tye
Best economy rate: 6.53 – Sunil Narine
Best strike-rate: 12.83 – Andrew Tye
Best strike-rate in an innings: 1.50 – Suresh Raina (for Chennai Super Kings against Rajasthan Royals in 2011)
Most runs conceded in an innings: 70 – Basil Thampi (for Sunrisers Hyderabad against Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2018)
Most hat-tricks: 3 – Amit Mishra
Most dot-balls: 1,128 – Harbhajan Singh
Most maiden overs bowled: 14 – Praveen Kumar
Most four-wicket hauls: 6 – Sunil Narine
The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Transmission: CVT auto
Power: 181bhp
Torque: 244Nm
Price: Dh122,900
The%20Emperor%20and%20the%20Elephant
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESam%20Ottewill-Soulsby%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrinceton%20University%20Press%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E392%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EJuly%2011%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E268hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E380Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh208%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Coming 2 America
Directed by: Craig Brewer
Starring: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Jermaine Fowler, Leslie Jones
3/5 stars
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
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
Favourite things
Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery
Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount
University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China
Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai
Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China
Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs
RACE CARD
5pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (Turf) 2,200m
5.30pm: Khor Al Baghal – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6pm: Khor Faridah – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7pm: Abu Dhabi Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh110,000 (T) 1,400m
7.30pm: Khor Laffam – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m
QUARTER-FINAL
Wales 20-19 France
Wales: T: Wainwright, Moriarty. Cons: Biggar (2) Pens: Biggar 2
France: T: Vahaamahina, Ollivon, Vakatawa Cons: Ntamack (2)
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