Those looking for a bite to eat after a day of shopping at City Centre Deira now have a new destination to check out.
On Tuesday, Majid Al Futtaim introduced its Food Central at the mall, its first “culinary experience destination” in the UAE.
The food hall aims to redefine mall dining, with some pretty out-of-the-ordinary features – including a beehive and Tube Dubai, an installation of suspended nets that visitors can use to explore the area from above.
The beehive installation, which also has fresh honey within, aims to remind people about the origins of their food and the importance of fresh ingredients.
Meanwhile, Tube Dubai, created by designer Christoph Katzler, forms a "floating landscape" that visitors can use to explore, or as a social space.
When it comes to its culinary offerings, Food Central is championing local outlets, with all its tenants being home-grown. Customers can expect to find Pickl, Raju Omlet, Kitchen 35, Mr Chaat, Asian Wok, Merika (which specialises in Hungarian desserts) and more. Some of the vendors will also feature cooking stations to add to the entertainment aspect of dining out.
"It [Food Central] was launched to offer shoppers and diners an imaginative and welcoming space to not just eat, but to experience quality cuisine," said Fuad Sharaf, managing director, Majid Al Futtaim. "Food Central will entertain and educate visitors throughout the day, week and season by creating a passionate food community among our tenants, and hosting a programme of food-related activities that surprise and delight."
The food hall is located adjacent to Centrepoint, which is in the mall's East Court.
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Iftar programme at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Established in 1998, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding was created with a vision to teach residents about the traditions and customs of the UAE. Its motto is ‘open doors, open minds’. All year-round, visitors can sign up for a traditional Emirati breakfast, lunch or dinner meal, as well as a range of walking tours, including ones to sites such as the Jumeirah Mosque or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.
Every year during Ramadan, an iftar programme is rolled out. This allows guests to break their fast with the centre’s presenters, visit a nearby mosque and observe their guides while they pray. These events last for about two hours and are open to the public, or can be booked for a private event.
Until the end of Ramadan, the iftar events take place from 7pm until 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday. Advanced booking is required.
For more details, email openminds@cultures.ae or visit www.cultures.ae
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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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The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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