Abu Dhabi residents will soon have a new place to relax, socialise, and tuck into a variety of intriguing dishes from around the world – all while under the same roof.
A new food hall, The Botanic Atrium, is set to open in World Trade Centre Abu Dhabi towards the beginning of June.
The space will be home to some well-loved brands in the capital's culinary scene as well as some new concepts. Some of the food and beverage companies so far announced include a sushi counter, Baan Thai, Tamarind Club (a fine dining Indian concept), Momo's for Asian dumplings, Niwaki for traditional sushi, Feilong for Chinese fusion food and T's Teabar, where one can buy loose tea or try a mocktail menu.
According to co-founder Shabaz Rasool, who lives in Amsterdam, the food hall will also be incorporating new technology that allows visitors to experience numerous food concepts, while seated at the same table.
“When we visited food halls in the region, we realised that people sometimes compromised by going to the same vendor or wasted time in lines ordering at different restaurants. This is time that could otherwise be spent socialising,” he says.
Although it's not in place yet, the team is working on one platform that will allow people to place their orders from any of the food and drinks brands at the food hall. Servers will be there to assist the process, says Rasool.
“We want to provide a high-quality food and seating arrangement, and then leave it up to the guests if they want interaction with the staff or not. There will be a good variety of cuisines, but with the luxury and comfort of dining in a nice restaurant.”
He also says that the food will be the star of the show, with many being new concepts to Abu Dhabi, while others will offer dishes that are exclusive to the food hall.
The Botanic Atrium will also offer a variety of seating options such as an indoor garden dining area as well as a terrace area, designed as a tropical oasis.
The project by SRW Holding Ltd, has been inspired by the Harrods Food Halls in London, the Foodhallen in De Hallen, Amsterdam and the Markthal in Rotterdam.
“I’ve been travelling to Abu Dhabi for years now and was amazed at how things were developing at such a rapid space. However, we noticed that it was missing a food hall – which is why we hope this will add value to the local culinary scene,” says Rasool.
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Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
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Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
Tank warfare
Lt Gen Erik Petersen, deputy chief of programs, US Army, has argued it took a “three decade holiday” on modernising tanks.
“There clearly remains a significant armoured heavy ground manoeuvre threat in this world and maintaining a world class armoured force is absolutely vital,” the general said in London last week.
“We are developing next generation capabilities to compete with and deter adversaries to prevent opportunism or miscalculation, and, if necessary, defeat any foe decisively.”
MATCH INFO
Manchester United 6 (McTominay 2', 3'; Fernandes 20', 70' pen; Lindelof 37'; James 65')
Leeds United 2 (Cooper 41'; Dallas 73')
Man of the match: Scott McTominay (Manchester United)
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Fund-raising tips for start-ups
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Be prepared to use Covid-19 as an opportunity for your business
* Tips from Jassim Al Marzooqi and Walid Hanna
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- Callum Halpin, 27: over the 2018 murder of a rival drug dealer.
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- Calvin Parris, 32: accused of buying cocaine from Naveed and selling it on.
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Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
