The FACT UAE Weekend Guide: 9 to 11 February
Will it be brunch, lunch or a show this weekend?
Whilst we await the impending Valentine’s Day onslaught, we’re recommending brunches, cultural activities and theatre shows this weekend.
Friday 9 February
Dine in the sky
Gracefully suspended between the dual towers of One Za’abeel, The Link is a monumental icon that defies gravity as the world’s longest cantilever. Within this architectural masterpiece lies a culinary paradise where the world’s most esteemed chefs converge to create an extraordinary fusion of flavours. The diverse dining experiences cover Anatolian cuisine at Arrazuna by Mehmet Gürs, Thai delights at DuangDy by Bo.Lan, fancy French food at La Dame de Pic, Andalusian favourites at Qabu, Japanese dishes at Sagetsu, unrivalled nightlife at Sphere, and light bites and beverages at Tapasake.
GO: Visit www.thelinkdubai.com for more information.
Light up your life
Add some light to your life courtesy of the Sharjah Light Festival. Now in its 13th year, the gorgeous, gram-worthy festival is back. Taking place from 7 to 18 February, it casts the whole of Sharjah in a brand-new light, as it combines light shows, projections and music with dramatic results. This year’s Sharjah Light Festival brings together a lineup of local and international artists to craft 15 spectacular light shows, unfolding over 12 consecutive days at 12 key locations, including three new additions — the General Directorate of Sharjah Police, the General Souq – Al Hamriyah, and Kalba Waterfront.
GO: Visit www.sharjahlightfestival.ae for more information.
Unleash the dragon
Usher in the Year of the Dragon with tempting dishes, handcrafted cocktails, live entertainment, and festive embellishments at XU. At the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a Wish Tree where you can inscribe your hopes and dreams on special wishing cards before adorning the tree with your aspirations. The new concept puts a modern spin on Cantonese cuisine and cocktails with a crafted menu that encapsulates the essence of the season. Available from 9 to 17 February.
GO: Email book@xudubai.ae or 04 394 6252 for reservations and more information.
Saturday 10 February
Have brunch at Lah Lah
The Pan-Asian kitchen and bar at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, has introduced a new brunch, celebrating the culture and cuisine of Southeast Asia. The tempting menu features an assortment of sharing starters, including the Tornado Sushi Platter, Dim-Sums, Salads, Wagyu Beef Tataki, Asian-style Chicken Wings, and the signature Chili Prawns. Feel the rhythm of the day with beats from live DJs, dragon dancing shows and shisha. Available on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm. AED 265 (soft beverages), AED 375 (house beverages) and AED 385 (sparkling).
GO: Email lahlah@jumeirah.com or call 04 519 1111 for reservations and more information.
Tuck into a heritage dining experience
Ras Al Khaimah Art will collaborate with Antica Australis to present a cultural heritage dining experience from Australia. Run by the husband-and-wife team, Paolo and Kelly Picarazzi, the lunch and dinner events will feature a four-course set menu by Paolo, accompanied by storytelling from Kelly between courses. Dishes include a pistachio risotto with fried local organic dates, an ‘ethereal’ tiramisu with pomegranate and Sidr jelly, and a medieval milk pudding made with camel milk infused with saffron. The events will be held on 3, 10 and 17 February at 1pm and 7pm. AED 400 (inclusive of two soft beverages) and AED 500 (inclusive of two grape beverages):
GO: Visit www.rakart.ae for reservations and more information.
Catch Hamilton one final time
It’s your last chance to witness Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, in action like never before. Hamilton, created by the talented Lin-Manuel Miranda, took the world by storm in 2015 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show tells the story of Alexander’s life with an unprecedented blend of traditional costumes and a hip-hop-inspired soundtrack. Featuring a diverse cast of actors who break traditional casting conventions, Hamilton sends a powerful pro-immigration message that will move you to your core. Hamilton performances take place at Etihad Arena until 11 February.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for tickets and more information.
Sunday 11 February
Watch the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open
Sports fans, listen up – the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open will return to the capital from 3 to 11 February. Set against the backdrop of Zayed Sports City, the second edition of the competition promises to be one of the capital’s most spectacular sporting shows featuring 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams. Competing players include current top-ten player Ons Jabeur, WTA number 11-ranked player Beatriz Haddad Maia, Grand Slam winners Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu, and Saudi tennis star Yara Alhogbani. Tennis enthusiasts can secure the best available seats at the International Tennis Centre by visiting Platinumlist.
GO: Visit https://abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net for more information.
Enjoy a romantic meal
Relish in the romantic shoreline ambience at InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa with the enchanting “By the Water” package. Indulge in a seafood-focused menu featuring locally sourced ingredients, elevated with chocolate, oysters and Laurent Perrier Champagne. With the sand at your feet and the waves as your backdrop, it’s bound to be a memorable meal. Available daily from 1 February. AED 1,800 AED per couple.
GO: Call 07 202 6666 for reservations and more information.
Celebrate Japan’s National Day at attiko
attiko in W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is welcoming guests to celebrate Japan’s National Day on 11 February. The Sunday Social dining experience has been curated by Culinary Director Chef, Kyung Soo Moon. The menu includes a selection of sushi, and dishes ranging from Crispy Rice Salmon to Spicy Tuna Maki. Diners can also choose from a bottle of sake, prosecco, white, rose, or red wine. The event runs from 5pm onwards, and starts from AED 295 per person.
GO: Visit www.theattiko.com for more information.
