Hit List: Visit the new Under Armour store in The Dubai Mall, try meringue at Tashas in Al Bateen Marina

Equip yourself for training at Under Armour’s new store Fitness fanatics or those of you who just want to get back outside after the summer hibernation, will be keen to check out the region’s new Under Armour store. The global performance brand has just opened in Dubai Mall, and with 700 square metres of space, there is just about everything a fitness and leisure enthusiast could ask for, from footwear and training gear to running, basketball and golf equipment. It’s an experience in itself setting foot in the outlet; there are LED screens for information points as well as a wall map plotting the emirate’s coolest running tracks. The store is located by The Waterfall and is open from 10am each day. Operatics in Dubai We're applauding the team behind Dubai Opera this week for launching behind-the-scenes tours that allow interested visitors and residents the opportunity to get a complete view of the centrepiece of Dubai's cultural precinct. Operating daily from 10.30am, the 45-minute guided tours take people into the expansive auditorium, the 200-square-metre events area and even give them a glimpse of the VIP suite. If you fancy seeing where all the on-stage action takes place, check out www.dubaiopera.com for bookings and more information. __________________________ Read more: Olympic legend Michael Phelps opens Under Armour store in Dubai Marks and Spencer food store opens in Dubai Marina Dubai Opera launches behind-the-scenes tours __________________________ Ditch the phone for discounts Many of us would have to admit it is rare to now be able to sit through dinner without glancing at our mobile phone. It's become a habit that clearly isn't the most sociable, which is why we are impressed that The Ritz-Carlton Grand Canal has a dining initiative aimed at bringing back the conversation and focus to the dinner table – no phones allowed. The Abu Dhabi hotel's 'No Mobile' challenge offers those who are able to lock their mobile phone away for the duration of a meal, 15 per cent off its restaurants, including Li Jiang (pictured), The Forge and Mijana. If you decide to hang up and dine you'll be rewarded every Wednesday. Go to www.ritzcarlton.com to find out more. A sweet treat This dessert! The first time we ordered the meringue at Tashas in Al Bateen our dining companions were unconvinced. With all the beautifully presented cakes to compete with, it was certainly the underdog. But the scepticism quickly transformed into a request for five more spoons. And it’s so simple. Some call it pavlova, some Eton Mess, but it boils down to meringue, berries and whipped cream. This particular version, though, is like ambrosia. We hypothesised that there must be something special in the cream to give it extra richness, but the servers claim this is not so. It does come however, with a warning: a portion is so substantial it is better suited for sharing. Tashas is located in Marsa, Al Bateen Marina, Abu Dhabi. For reservations call 02 445 0890

Hit List: Visit the new Under Armour store in The Dubai Mall, try meringue at Tashas in Al Bateen Marina

Your weekend mantra