Dinner in the Sky has made its way back on to the UAE food scene.
The big dinner table in the clouds, which debuted at Dubai Marina this week and elevates diners 50 metres into the air, will be a permanent fixture in the emirate for at least the next three months.
One of the world’s most unique dining initiatives, Dinner in the Sky is not for the faint-hearted. As one of the first people to strap in and reach for the sky, I can tell you that while it is definitely one for the bucket list, you should not underestimate the fear factor.
After signing an obligatory disclaimer acknowledging the risks and being shuttled to the location, opposite Skydive Dubai at Dubai International Marine Club, it was with sweaty palms and a quickened heart rate that I climbed into one of the 22 bucket seats for the 55-minute culinary-inspired flight of fancy.
In pictures: a look up at Dubai's Dinner in the Sky experience
Suffice to say that for all the cool vibes I had mustered before I arrived, my nerves were anything but calm when I realised there was no glass platform under foot, just a small footrest and the desert air around my ankles.
As a safety crew member strapped me in – with a harness over each shoulder and around my waist – I began thinking: “It’ll be fine, 50 metres isn’t that high, is it? Oh my gosh, what am I doing?”
Once everyone was secure, the crane slowly lifted us into the air, a process that took less than 10 minutes. Surprisingly, on the way up, the platform did not move much – if it had, I think I would have been even more terrified, the swaying of the light shades was enough for me.
Halfway up, I discovered the answer to my earlier question: yes, 50m is high – and 55 minutes started to feel like eternity.
“I think half the time would work for me,” says a blogger seated next to me, who also had the jitters.
I was fine when I looked out at the horizon – but it was a whole other story when it came to looking down, which I could not do, at least not for the first 35 minutes or so. And, in true scaredy-cat style, I never went as far as swivelling my seat around to get the 360-degree view.
That said, the scenery was certainly amazing. No matter which seat you are in, you are guaranteed an Instagrammable view – whether of the marina itself, The Beach at JBR, Atlantis the Palm, the Burj Al Arab or the Burj Khalifa. If you are not happy with your initial vista, do not worry, because halfway through the sitting the platform rotates 180 degrees.
But what about the food? I joined a brunch session, in which I was served a fruit platter and a muffin and croissant to start, followed by scrambled eggs on toast with hash brown, tomato and sausage on the side, tea and coffee.
All meals are catered by the Ritz- Carlton JBR, and it is worth noting that if you have a special dietary requirement, you need to make it known at the time of booking.
The food was OK, but it was not exactly gastronomy at its finest – after all, it has to be transportable and easy to prepare, so don’t expect Michelin-star quality or you’ll be disappointed. For me, the experience is more about the view than the food.
There were four catering crew members onboard, who were all pleasant and, in between serving, were more than happy to take photos for us. Their service was accompanied by music that mostly includes tunes with a sky theme (think Coldplay's Sky Full of Stars).
Shortly after the main meal was served, it was time to let us down gently. At this point, I finally plucked up the nerve to look directly down – for some reason it always seems easier when you’re headed that way.
Dinner in the Sky originated in Belgium, and has hosted more than 5,000 events in 40 cities worldwide since 2006, including in Abu Dhabi in 2013 and Dubai in recent years for corporate events.
Although the idea is not new to Dubai this is the first time it has been open to the general public.
“Dubai is one of the best cities in the world,” says Ahmed Ishbair, the managing director of High Sky Events, the company behind the UAE concept.
“It has the view, the weather, the environment and we are very happy to be here.”
• Arts&Life was a guest of Dinner in the Sky. It is available seven days a week. Sessions start at 2.40pm on weekdays and at 11.50am at the weekend. Prices start from Dh499 per person. Bookings can be made at www.dinnerinthesky.ae
mhealy@thenational.ae
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Flavour: Similar to goat’s milk, although less pungent. Vaguely sweet with a subtle, salty aftertaste.
Texture: Smooth and creamy, with a slightly thinner consistency than cow’s milk.
Use it: In your morning coffee, to add flavour to homemade ice cream and milk-heavy desserts, smoothies, spiced camel-milk hot chocolate.
Goes well with: chocolate and caramel, saffron, cardamom and cloves. Also works well with honey and dates.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Getting there
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Tbilisi from Dh1,025 return including taxes
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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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Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
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Date started: early 2020
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Funding to date: Bootstrapped
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Saadiyaat beach
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Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes
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