For years, UAE residents have visited the Special Ostadi Restaurant in Bur Dubai, most of them lingering over their kebabs and tea to chat with the owner, Mohammed Al Ansari, who opened it way back in 1978.
So when customers recently found the family-owned Iranian eatery shut, with a notice about the death of Al Ansari, 84, they took to social media to pay their condolences.
Posted on August 10 on the restaurant front, the note reads: “On the sudden death of our beloved father, the restaurant will be closed until further notice.”
Kevin Sebastian, a 25-year-old Dubai resident, says there is an old-world charm to the Iranian restaurant, which has maintained a steady 4.5-star rating on user-generated websites such as Zomato and TripAdvisor.
“It’s like going back to an older time in Dubai,” he says, adding that he frequents Ostadi for the succulent grilled meat. “If there’s any place that makes the best joujeh kabab, it’s Special Ostadi.”
Arva Ahmed, co-founder of Frying Pan Adventures that organises food trails in Dubai, says the restaurant is an institution and a part of the food history of the place. “You could always feel his presence there,” she says. “You’d see his sons serving, and he would be sitting at the back, overseeing the entire operation. He was like a permanent fixture.
“Step inside the restaurant and on the right are antiques and photos. The entire place is plastered with posters and full of memorabilia. Every table has a glass top under which there were old bank notes, which I believe he [Al Ansari] collected.”
Slava Noor posted a picture of the notice on Facebook with the comment: “I just found out that the founder of my fav family owned Iranian restaurant “Special Ostadi” has passed away. I will truly miss saying hello to him every time I passed by on the way home and his kind smile. RIP.”
The 28-year-old photographer says she had a very dear relationship with the owner.
“I did not know his name but he always smiled at me. He would put his hand on his heart and wave at me.”
She says when she saw the sign a few days ago, she was saddened. “Going there has always felt like I was visiting my uncle’s home. Everyone is so friendly and it has such a relaxed atmosphere.”
aahmed@thenational.ae
How to vote in the UAE
1) Download your ballot https://www.fvap.gov/
2) Take it to the US Embassy
3) Deadline is October 15
4) The embassy will ensure all ballots reach the US in time for the November 3 poll
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
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Why your domicile status is important
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A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
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Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
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Transmission: Five-speed manual
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Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
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Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
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Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
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September 6
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Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
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- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.