For food lovers, culture enthusiasts and fitness buffs, the UAE is buzzing with unmissable experiences this week, led by the return of the Michelin Guide food festival in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, a renowned tea master is visiting Dubai to host workshops, and the last wave of Dubai Fitness Challenge activities take place as the month-long event draws to a close.
Here, The National rounds up seven things to do around the Emirates, from November 18 to November 22.
Monday, November 18
Fans of the musical Wicked can head to Mall of the Emirates to get treats at Wicked Cafe. The temporary pop-up is celebrating the release of the much-anticipated big screen adaptation of the 2003 Broadway hit, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, which outlines the untold story of the witches of Oz.
On the menu are a variety of themed items, from Glinda's bubble pink macaroons to the Wizard's Spell Book scones. Diners can also opt for sandwiches such as smoked salmon and cream cheese or heirloom tomato bruschetta with mozzarella, plus beverages such as Emerald Elixir matcha latte or Bubble Green Potion smoothie.
Daily, 10am-midnight; until December 31; Mall of the Emirates, Dubai; malloftheemirates.com
Tuesday, November 19
Fitness buffs can head to Dubai Festival City, where the athletic caravan initiative of Dubai Police is located. Part of the Dubai Fitness Challenge, the free fitness hub features an array of sports activities, including 10 different tournaments, from padel to badminton. Dozens of sporting federations and health institutions are on hand to provide free advice and support, plus a stage is set up to showcase live fitness demonstrations and other entertainment. Visitors will also have access to a food court.
Daily, 8am-10pm; until Friday, November 22; Dubai Festival City; dubaifitnesschallenge.com
Wednesday, November 20
Dinner-show venue Dream Dubai is featuring acrobatic duo Sebastian and Sonia until December 15. The duo's claim to fame was getting the golden buzzer from tough judge Simon Cowell on America's Got Talent. The pair, also described as the “golden duo” for their gravity-defying stunts and complex routines, are currently competing on France's Got Talent.
Wednesday to Sunday, from 8pm; until December 15; from Dh1,000 per person; Address Beach Resort, Dubai; 04 220 0224
Thursday, November 21
White Friday kicks off on Amazon on Thursday, November 21. The online shopping platform will have discounted items across 30 product categories. The sale offers up to 70 per cent off on beauty and personal care, while several laptops and accessories are reduced by 40 per cent. Fashion items will be discounted by up to 70 per cent. Prime members will have access to White Friday deals as early as Wednesday, November 20.
November 21 to November 30; amazon.ae
Friday, November 22
Etihad Arena is putting on a performance by renowned pianist Lang Lang, who will be playing Disney movie soundtracks. Performing alongside a full orchestra, Lang Lang is set to take audiences through an extensive discography, from classics such as Someday My Prince Will Come from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Bare Necessities from The Jungle Book and Chim Chim Cheree from Mary Poppins to contemporaries including Let It Go from Frozen and You'll Be In My Heart from Tarzan.
Friday, November 22; doors open 7pm; from Dh195; Etihad Arena; etihadarena.ae
Saturday, November 23
Renowned tea master Oscar Brekell is leading a workshop at Haiyatea, offering attendees a chance to explore the intricacies of Japanese tea culture. The workshop will include a lecture on tea types and brewing techniques. It will also include a matcha pairing with Japanese desserts. Each workshop is limited to six attendees. Participants will receive a jar of freshly roasted tea hojicha, courtesy of Senchaism, Brekell's own brand.
Saturday, November 23 and Sunday, November 24; 10am and 3pm; Dh550 per person; Damac Hills, Dubai; haiyatea.com
Sunday, November 24
The Michelin Guide food festival at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi is a three-day event that brings together local and international chefs from 20 Michelin-rated restaurants, each serving curated menus and exclusive dishes. It will feature masterclasses and a marketplace featuring local producers. Participating restaurants include Cenador de Amos from Spain; Crony from Tokyo; Evvai from Brazil; Restaurant Allen from Seoul; and Ocean from Portugal. Representatives from Argentina, Mexico, Turkey and Thailand will be joined by local restaurants 99 Sushi Bar, Erth, Hakkasan and Talea.
Friday, November 22 to Sunday, November 24; from 4pm; Dh100; Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, Abu Dhabi
AIR
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
FIVE%20TRENDS%20THAT%20WILL%20SHAPE%20UAE%20BANKING
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20digitisation%20of%20financial%20services%20will%20continue%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Managing%20and%20using%20data%20effectively%20will%20become%20a%20competitive%20advantage%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Digitisation%20will%20require%20continued%20adjustment%20of%20operating%20models%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Banks%20will%20expand%20their%20role%20in%20the%20customer%20life%20through%20ecosystems%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20The%20structure%20of%20the%20sector%20will%20change%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)
Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)
Playing September 30
Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
MATCH INFO
Karnatake Tuskers 114-1 (10 ovs)
Charles 57, Amla 47
Bangla Tigers 117-5 (8.5 ovs)
Fletcher 40, Moores 28 no, Lamichhane 2-9
Bangla Tiger win by five wickets
Afghanistan fixtures
- v Australia, today
- v Sri Lanka, Tuesday
- v New Zealand, Saturday,
- v South Africa, June 15
- v England, June 18
- v India, June 22
- v Bangladesh, June 24
- v Pakistan, June 29
- v West Indies, July 4
ESSENTIALS
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Rio de Janeiro from Dh7,000 return including taxes. Avianca fliles from Rio to Cusco via Lima from $399 (Dhxx) return including taxes.
The trip
From US$1,830 per deluxe cabin, twin share, for the one-night Spirit of the Water itinerary and US$4,630 per deluxe cabin for the Peruvian Highlands itinerary, inclusive of meals, and beverages. Surcharges apply for some excursions.
Aayan%E2%80%99s%20records
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Ain Dubai in numbers
126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure
1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch
16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.
9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.
5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place
192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
LIVING IN...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.