Since Dubai authorities eased restrictions on movement, malls are set to reopen to the public. But it's not only malls that are reopening, several stand-alone stores have also welcomed shoppers again.
While we don’t advocate going on a shopping spree at this time, if you do need to buy something and want to avoid the city’s malls, here are six stand-alone stores you can check out instead.
Many of these shops have opened with measures to keep customers apart and alternative hours, so it’s a good idea to call before you visit.
The Collective by Ripe, Al Quoz
The Courtyard in Al Quoz's boutique shopping destination will open for a soft launch on Sunday, April 26. Head down between noon and 8pm but make sure you pay attention to the physical distancing rules, such as keeping a few steps between you and other visitors, wearing a mask and gloves and not touching any products you're not sure you're going to buy, no matter how irresistible the new Ramadan collections are. www.thecollectivebyripe.com
Comptoir 102, Jumeirah
Stuffed with beautiful furniture, accessories and couture, Comptoir 102 has reopened in its quaint bungalow home on Jumeriah Beach Road. Head here for a curated selection of wares from local and international designers, or visit for health-focused organic dishes and a changing menu of daily specials. Ramadan opening hours are from 9am until 8pm daily. If you prefer to stay at home, the cafe is also open for deliveries, www.comptoir102.com
Magrudy’s, Jumeirah
Perfect for parents trying to home school children or for anyone who has smashed through all the reading material on their bookshelves already. Magrudy's is Jumeirah's stalwart bookstore and it will be open on a daily basis from 10am until 8pm. Head here to stock up on books, stationery, e-learning supplies and more. For more information www.magrudy.com
O Concept, Jumeirah
This Jumeirah store has a curated selection of apparel, home decor, accessories and art, as well as a great selection of coffee, all under one roof. It's also far from the city's malls – you'll find it in the Beach Hotel Apartment. Shoppers can visit from Saturday, April 25, with Ramadan hours set from noon until 10pm, www.oconceptstore.ae
DIA Textiles, Bur Dubai
If it’s pashminas, shawls, or caftans you need, the textile souq is your best bet. Head to DIA Textiles for a great selection of clothing, handicrafts and accessories. Ramadan opening hours are from 9am to 5pm and there are some new rules in place for everyone’s safety. These include only allowing two customers in the store at any one time and no children under 12. Gloves and masks are musts and payment by card is preferred.
O'De Rose, Jumeirah
Head to O'de Rose's converted villa on Al Wasl Road to source Boho fashion and lifestyle items curated from across the world, or handmade by local artisans. It's a good option if you're looking for a special gift and they stock everything from clothing and artwork to home decor and accessories. As it's in a villa, this place doesn't tend to get too crowded other than during events which, according to the store, are on hold for the moment. Ramadan hours are noon until 6pm https://www.o-derose.com/
'The worst thing you can eat'
Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.
Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines:
Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.
Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.
Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.
Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.
Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.
The essentials
What: Emirates Airline Festival of Literature
When: Friday until March 9
Where: All main sessions are held in the InterContinental Dubai Festival City
Price: Sessions range from free entry to Dh125 tickets, with the exception of special events.
Hot Tip: If waiting for your book to be signed looks like it will be timeconsuming, ask the festival’s bookstore if they have pre-signed copies of the book you’re looking for. They should have a bunch from some of the festival’s biggest guest authors.
Information: www.emirateslitfest.com
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen
Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide
Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content
Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land
Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
MATCH INFO
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
Match on BeIN Sports
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
Brown/Black belt finals
3pm: 49kg female: Mayssa Bastos (BRA) v Thamires Aquino (BRA)
3.07pm: 56kg male: Hiago George (BRA) v Carlos Alberto da Silva (BRA)
3.14pm: 55kg female: Amal Amjahid (BEL) v Bianca Basilio (BRA)
3.21pm: 62kg male: Gabriel de Sousa (BRA) v Joao Miyao (BRA)
3.28pm: 62kg female: Beatriz Mesquita (BRA) v Ffion Davies (GBR)
3.35pm: 69kg male: Isaac Doederlein (BRA) v Paulo Miyao (BRA)
3.42pm: 70kg female: Thamara Silva (BRA) v Alessandra Moss (AUS)
3.49pm: 77kg male: Oliver Lovell (GBR) v Tommy Langarkar (NOR)
3.56pm: 85kg male: Faisal Al Ketbi (UAE) v Rudson Mateus Teles (BRA)
4.03pm: 90kg female: Claire-France Thevenon (FRA) v Gabreili Passanha (BRA)
4.10pm: 94kg male: Adam Wardzinski (POL) v Kaynan Duarte (BRA)
4.17pm: 110kg male: Yahia Mansoor Al Hammadi (UAE) v Joao Rocha (BRA
Copa del Rey
Semi-final, first leg
Barcelona 1 (Malcom 57')
Real Madrid (Vazquez 6')
Second leg, February 27
'Tell the Machine Goodnight' by Katie Williams
Penguin Randomhouse
