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may 2012

to the khor Explore Dubai Creek, the cultural heart of the city

Must-do Dubai Unmissable attractions every visitor should experience

Cream of the green Why Al Badia Golf Club is the place to play

the monthly magazine of intercontinental hotels group dubai festival city

007 in dubai

Live the life of an inter national sec ret agent

3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16

festival spirit Discover Dubai Festival City in all its glory News A round-up of the latest action Events Catch the best concerts, festivals, tournaments and more To the Khor Explore the hidden charms of Dubai Creek Must-do Dubai Six residents recommend their top city activity Live like Bond Experience the emirate 007 style Cream of the green In full swing at Al Badia Golf Club eat. drink. unwind. Your complete guide to our hotel outlets

Editorial Director Philip Fenton Editor Kathryn Roberts, kathryn@switch.ae Sub Editors Salil Kumar, Lauren Steadman

Area General Manager Yannis Anagnostakis Director of Sales & Marketing Franck Hesse PR & Marketing Manager Hayley Sturgess

EDITORIAL

creators

Creative Director Fredrick Dittlau

DESIGN

Directors Ashley Northcote, Brian Scudder Finance Manager Traci Schwerin Administration Manager Rhoshelle Tabbay

COMMERCIAL

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welcome

Living the festival life Rich and vibrant, Dubai Festival City is an outstanding development offering visitors the very best of the emirate, from exceptional cuisine and world-class shopping to indulgent spas and exciting entertainment

Located just a five-minute drive from Dubai International airport, Dubai Festival City holds regular events and concerts – the likes of Kylie Minogue, Celine Dion, Chris Brown, James Blunt and James Morrison have wowed crowds of thousands. Turn to page six and find out more about this month’s events. Finally, before you head home, top up your suitcase at Festival Centre, where there are scores of world-leading fashion and jewellery brands as well as home accessories, toys and gifts for every occasion. You can also watch a movie or go bowling. Home to more than 370 global retailers,

elcome to Dubai Festival City, the luxurious, five-star development offering award-winning restaurants, super-stylish accommodation and world-class business and

fitness centre or outdoor swimming pools? Alternatively, head to the acclaimed Al Badia Golf Club managed by InterContinental Dubai Festival City and home to an 18-hole championship course designed by noted golf-course architect Robert Trent Jones II. If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, try the tranquil, Arabian-inspired Spa InterContinental with its excellent variety of full-body massages, wraps, facials and scrubs or take a stroll along the marina promenade with its rows of exclusive white yachts and relaxed atmosphere.

leisure facilities. Whatever your reasons for visiting, this ‘city within a city’ rises along the banks of Dubai Creek and effortlessly captures the spirit of the Middle East’s most cosmopolitan destination. The 1,300-acre waterfront community lays claim to the five-star InterContinental Dubai Festival City, InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. The properties offer a wealth of food and beverage options, from the scenic steakhouse Terra Firma to all-day-dining outlets Anise and Zaytoun. And then there’s the French restaurant Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire overseen by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire and the authentic Belgian Beer Café with their very different, but equally tempting, array of dishes. Appetite sated, why not work off your food at the state-of-the-art health and

85 restaurants, cafes and bistros, Festival Centre is the landmark retail resort at the heart of Dubai Festival City. A multi-award-winning destination with some of the emirate’s most photographed sunset vistas, Festival Centre is an essential stop on every visitor’s itinerary.

may 2012

news

The latest action from Dubai Festival City and beyond

Dragon Boat Festival roars into town

Dragon Boat Festival

family together for a day of excitement.” Afterwards, a barbecue for the 400 participants was held at the Belgian Beer Café, run by Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. Children were catered for with a kids’ corner, face painting and colouring activities.

Thousands gathered last month to watch Dubai Festival City’s annual Dragon Boat Festival. The tournament drew entrants from across the UAE including the Mighty Dragons from the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City. The team reached the finals

but narrowly missed a top three spot by 0.02 seconds. Jason Mackenzie, Technical Director of the UAE Dragon Boat Association, says: “ This is our fifth year and it is becoming more popular every time. “ It is a fantastic sport that brings the whole

Get in the swing of golf

golfers’ swinging techniques. Al Badia runs several clinics and one-to-one lessons which can be booked individually or in packages. For more information call 04 601 0101 or email albadiagolf@ ichdfc.ae . Alternatively, turn to page 14.

coaching for beginners and seasoned players alike. Featuring a floodlit driving range, chipping area and practice putting green, it also boasts the Gulf’s only TaylorMade Performance Lab, which uses motion capture technology to analyse

If the US Masters in Augusta caught your attention, why not perfect your swinging skills with a lesson at Al Badia Golf Club? The Festival City course’s world-class academy offers

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Pierre Gagnaire

Prize for signature restaurant Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City has received a nod of approval from Time Out Dubai for the third consecutive year. The sophisticated venue was voted Best Contemporary European Restaurant in the magazine’s 2012 restaurant awards. Offering French cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire, Reflets has consistently won acclaim for its sublime service and modern yet romantic décor. The UAE is one of the world’s happiest places to live, according to an international report. Scientists at New York’s Columbia University, who conducted the poll for the United Nations, ranked it the 17 th happiest country out of a total 156 surveyed. It is thought that tax-free salaries and a high quality of living are major contributors to the result, which sees the UAE ranked higher than the UK and the Philippines. Denmark placed first while Togo trailed last. HAPPY HOME

A musical tribute to the hit TV series Glee is set to wow visitors to Festival Centre later this month. The ‘Gleek Club’, to be held at Festival Square, will run twice daily from 17 to 26 May and feature professional singers and dancers from the UK. The cast will combine high-energy routines with live vocals to SHOWSET TO FILL VISITORS WITH GLEE songs such as ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘Walking on Sunshine’ which have become synonymous with the American show. The mall-based tribute is expected to attract young and old, families and couples alike. Call 800- DFC for further information or visit festivalcentre.com .

Calling all carnivores

Do you have an appetite for steak? If so, dine for free – if you devour 2kg of Tomahawk rib-eye steak within an hour. The Tomahawk Challenge celebrates the launch of Terra Firma Steakhouse, the newest restaurant at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Hungry guests must also wolf down 300g of thick-cut chunky chips to have their AED690 bill waived. Béarnaise sauce is an optional extra. Those who succeed will enter the Terra Firma hall of fame and receive a commemorative apron as proof of their impressive achievement.

Simply turn up any time between 7pm and midnight. Send an email to restaurant.reservation@ ichdfc.ae or ring 04 701 1127 to book.

may 2012

events may 2012

03 PALME Middle East Trade show for the lighting,

audio, audiovisual and systems integration industry. Held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from the 1 to the 3. See palme-middleeast.com International Property Show 2012 Annual event held for the real estate and property industry. Held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai from the 1 to the 3. See internationalpropertyshow.ae

Morning ARTalks In-depth discussion on the transformational power of colour and design, by Fady Habib from the creative workshop The Third Eye. Held on 29 April, from 9.45 am to 2pm at Al Badia Golf Club. See artcoutureuae.com

Arabian Travel Market Travel and tourism event that unlocks business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals. See opposite for more information.

Contemporary Art 2012 A fascinating art exhibition featuring

works from international artists. Held at Al Badia Golf Club until 30 April, the event runs from 10am to midnight daily.

Belgian Brunch A delicious Belgian feast with fare including waffles, cheese and cold cuts as well as free-flowing Belgian beverages. Held at the Belgian Beer Café at the Crowne Plaza Dubai – Festival City every Friday from 1 to 4pm. Price AED249. Call 04 701 1127 to book.

Dolphin & Seal Show A 45-minute, action-packed performance featuring bottlenose dolphins and northern fur seals. Held at the Dubai Dolphinarium

Interiors UAE Trade and consumer show featuring the hottest interior design trends and products. Held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from the 9 to 11. See interiorsuae.com

Arab Media Forum 2012

Dubai Press Club rewards those playing a vital role in the growth of regional media. Held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai from the 8 to 9. See arabmediaforum.com

throughout May. See dubaidolphinarium.ae

Driving experiences

The Best in the Business

An exciting range of saloon and karting experiences are on offer at Dubai Autodrome

Tomahawk Challenge

The superb three-course business lunch is one deal you can’t resist at Reflets, the award-winning French restaurant at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. Monday to Thursday, noon to 2pm, AED180. Call 04 701 1199 .

Competition to win your 2 kg rib-eye steak for free when eaten in 60 minutes. From 7pm to midnight at Terra Firma Steakhouse. Steak usually AED690. Turn to page five for more details .

on the 18 and 19. See dubaiautodrome.com

Anise Fizz & Sparkle Brunch A glamorous brunch with a barbecue, buffet and live food stations as well as a cocktail bar, beer and wine counter and premium Champagne. Held at Anise at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City every Friday from 12.30 to 4pm. From AED295. Call 04 701 1127 to book.

The Airport Show Regional show designed to provide key industry insights and expertise covering all aspects of airport construction, operations, technology and services. Held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from the 22 to the 24. See theairportshow.com

Gleek Club A musical tribute to the hit TV show Glee with singers and vocalists performing songs including ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ and ‘Imagine’. Held at Festival Square, Festival Centre in Dubai Festival City from 17 to 26. Call 800- DFC for more information.

French nights: Soiree Souvenir de France A chic night of French fare including cold cuts, cheese and tasty desserts. Held at Bistro Madeleine at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City every Thursday from 7 to 11pm. From AED185. Call 04 701 1127 to book.

BeautyWorld Middle East The largest international trade fair for beauty products, hair, fragrances and wellbeing in the Middle East. Held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. See opposite for more information.

NEXT MONTH: Madonna, Live in Abu Dhabi

The queen of pop graces the UAE’s shores as part of her World Tour, performing chart-topping hits as well as new material at Yas Island,

Abu Dhabi on 3 and 4 June. See thinkflash.ae

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Your at-a-glance guide to this month’s top events

Arabian Travel Market This hugely popular travel event brings together representatives from tourism destinations around the world, enabling them to showcase a diverse range of accommodation options, breathtaking tourist attractions and new airline routes to both trade professionals and the general public. Held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 30 April to 3 May, the show is free of charge if visitors register online. See arabiantravelmarket.com.

Beautyworld Middle East The region’s biggest international trade fair for the beauty industry will be held at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre from 29 to 31 May. The exhibition showcases global beauty and hair products, fragrances and wellbeing companies from around the world. Register online for free admission. See beautyworldme.com .

Bring on brunch Add some glitz and glamour to your weekend with the Fizz and Sparkle Friday brunch at Anise at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City. For AED488, enjoy a delicious international buffet accompanied by

free-flowing Champagne. The brunch, held from 12.30 to 4pm, includes live entertainment, cheese room, cocktail

bar and a hops and grape counter. Non- alcoholic options are also available.

Call 04 701 1127 for

more information.

may 2012

explore

To the Khor

Winding its way from the Arabian Gulf, Dubai Creek is at the cultural heart of the emirate with old wooden dhows plying its waters both day and night. We shine a spotlight on this historic waterway and find out how best to explore its rustic charm

Modern wonder Today the Creek is a mixture of old and new. Sail its length and see wind towers – the original form of air conditioning – pepper the tops of low-rise buildings flanked by towering skyscrapers. At dusk, located next to the Old Souk abra station while the Spice and Gold Souks are just a one- dirham boat ride away If you’re keen to explore the city’s old markets, the Textile Souk is

f all the attractions Dubai has to offer, Dubai Creek is almost certainly the most culturally rewarding. While the rest of the emirate oozes five-star luxury, this

Festival City and finishes at the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary, south east of the Burj Khalifa. Forebears of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current ruler of Dubai, settled on the banks of the Creek in the 19th century and over time it became a small port with dhows sailing to and from India and Africa carrying wares such as spices, rice and fabric. By the turn of the 20 th century, the Creek was also used for fishing and pearl diving. It wasn’t until the 1960s, however, that it reached its full commercial potential. Until then its waters were shallow, limiting the size of vessels that could enter. And so it was dredged, allowing seven-foot boats access across all parts. It was cleared again in the late ’60s and once more in the ’70s, attracting trade that would otherwise have visited the neighbouring emirate of Sharjah.

saltwater inlet and the area around it is noisy, dusty and, with scores of old wooden abras and traditional dhows weaving their way across the water, at times chaotic. But that’s all part of the fun. Spend an afternoon at the Creek and see an altogether different side of the city. From tradesmen unloading the cargo from their colourful dhows to seagulls fighting for scraps at the water’s edge, Dubai Creek is a hive of activity and well worth a visit. The 14-kilometre waterway divides Deira and Bur Dubai, the oldest parts of the city, before it winds its way around Dubai

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In the know

Nick Zilber, chief concierge at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City,

rounds up the top six ways to explore Dubai Creek

1 Ride on an abra These old-style water taxis are an inexpensive and interesting way to see the Creek. They leave from the Bur Dubai and Deira sides and trips last between five and seven minutes. Price: AED1. Call 800 9090 or visit rta.ae 2 Take a luxury water taxi For a cooler and more comfortable experience, book an air-conditioned water taxi and take in the views from one of the large leather seats. From AED55, call 800 9090 or visit rta.ae 3 Enjoy a dinner cruise Take in the Creek and enjoy dinner and drinks at the same time. There are several operators, but we recommend Bateaux Dubai for an intimate experience. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more traditional or family focused, Rustar floating restaurant is a good choice. From AED330 and AED295 respectively. Call 04 399 4994 or visit jebelali-international.com , and 04 395 Walk along the waterfront on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. Start at the Heritage & Diving Village and make your way towards the Textile Souk. The best time to do this is at night, when the restaurants are full of life. 5 Cable Car A more unusual way to view the Creek is via cable car at Dubai Creek Park. This 20-minute journey provides great photo opportunities so be sure to take your camera. Price: AED25. Call 04 336 7633 . 6 Take a seaplane One of the most exciting ways to experience Dubai Creek is in a seaplane. This 40-minute trip takes off from the water giving an unrivalled, bird’s-eye view of the inlet. From AED1,325. Call 04 883 2999 or visit seawings.ae 7941 or rustarcruise.com 4 Take a stroll

Still on the Bur Dubai side, at the mouth of the Creek, is the Heritage & Diving Village. Visit late afternoon for the chance to see an Arabian horse display or a traditional Emirati ‘yola’ dance. In Deira, just a stone’s throw from Al Sabkha abra station, is the dhow wharfage where scores of the majestic vessels are moored side by side. Walk along it early in the morning to avoid the heat and see the traditional boats up close and in detail. One of the best ways to discover the Creek, however, is on an open-topped dhow cruise where you can live and breathe everything it has to offer. See the sights of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa in the distance and the toing and froing of visitors, locals and tradesmen right before you. Whether five star or not, this landmark is not to be missed.

look out for the Deira-based National Bank of Dubai building, sometimes referred to as the ‘Pregnant Lady’, as its gold-coloured, convex exterior reflects the last of the sun’s rays on to the water below. If you’re keen to explore the city’s old markets, the Textile Souk is located next to the Old Souk abra station in Bur Dubai while the Spice and Gold Souks are just a one-dirham boat ride away on the edge of the Deira bank. Next to the Textile Souk is Bastakiya, the oldest and most charming part of Dubai with its narrow alleyways, crushed-coral walls, intricate wooden doors and craftsmen selling Arabic calligraphy, spices and Middle Eastern art. Bastakiya is also home to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where you can chat freely with Emiratis on any topic that piques your interest.

may 2012

experience

Must-do Dubai If you’re visiting Dubai and have just a few hours to kill, what’s the one thing you should do or see before you go?

Six InterContinental Hotels Group staff members share their top recommendations

Jumeirah Mosque

non-Muslims and features magnificent architecture. Guides from the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding are excellent and give an informative tour. Travel tip You can only visit the mosque

during tour times, which are 10am on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. You don’t have to book in advance, but make sure you get there by 9.45am. The tour costs AED10. Contact Call 04 353 6666 or visit cultures.ae

Name Abdul Jabbar, Welcome Ambassador, InterContinental Dubai Festival City Experience Jumeirah Mosque

Location Jumeirah Beach Road Why It is the only mosque open to

Name Nass Omayer, Club Lounge Supervisor InterContinental Dubai Festival City Experience Seawings Seaplane Tour Location Dubai Creek/Jebel Ali Why This is an experience of a lifetime. I tried

the tour two years ago and the views were fantastic. The whole experience, from being escorted to the takeoff spot in a water taxi to seeing the most iconic and unique architectural structures of Dubai from up high, makes the tour one of the most exciting in the city. It is the best way to get a bird’s eye view of Dubai and take amazing photographs and videos. Travel tip Avoid travelling during hazy weather. Contact Call 04 807 0708 or visit seawings.ae

Aerial shot of Dubai Creek

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Name Leoni Jones, Assistant Spa Manager, InterContinental Dubai Festival City Experience Pearl Museum

before the invention of the cultured pearl. The pearls are beautiful and many have been collected by hand from the sea bed. Travel tip For a culturally rewarding day out, stroll around Bastakiya and admire the traditional Arabian architecture, cross the Creek to Deira in a traditional abra (old-style water taxi) and head to the Pearl Museum. Contact Visit pearlmuseum.ae

Location Emirates NBD Building, Deira Why The Pearl Museum is a breath of fresh air from Dubai’s modern malls and skyscrapers. It gives the visitor great insight into the emirate’s pearl diving industry, which used to be the main source of income

Name Helen Michael, Sales & Marketing Coordinator, InterContinental Dubai Festival City Experience Emirati cuisine Location Al Fanar, Dubai Festival City Why Al Fanar is Dubai’s first and only Emirati

fine-dining restaurant. It features dioramas such as a Bedouin tending to his camel and a donkey pulling fuel to light old lamps, as well as old-style architecture and traditional ornaments. The restaurant has a cosy ambiance and photographs of the emirate when it was still a small town located on the banks of Dubai Creek. Travel tip Be sure to try the rice, which is of excellent quality Contact Call 04 2329966 or visit alfanarrestaurant.com

Al Fanar restaurant

Name Francois Simon, Assistant Chef, Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

best of the rest Hard Rock Café hardrock.com Dine at the Dubai version of the world-renowned Hard Rock Café and catch live performances from the resident band before collecting your Hard Rock Café pin and famous T-shirt. The Dubai Fountain Catch this spectacular attraction as it shoots jets of water 150 metres into the air in time to Arabic and international music. Free to watch, the fountain, which is the tallest of its kind in the world, operates every 30 minutes from 6pm and is located in Downtown Dubai next to the Burj Khalifa. At The Top 800 AT THE TOP, burjkhalifa.ae See the most impressive views of Dubai from At The Top, the 124th-floor observation deck in the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa. See sights including Dubai Creek and The Palm Jumeirah and learn about the construction of the 828-metre-high tower.

Recommends Quad biking in the desert

Location Hatta-Oman Road Why Quad biking is so different from the typical activities people usually do in Dubai. You’re in charge of creating the experience, which makes it all the more thrilling. I absolutely love the beautiful views of the dunes, especially during sunset, and the interaction with camels! Travel tip Avoid going in the hot summer months. Contact Call 04 357 2200 or visit desertrangers.net

Cultural breakfast

Name Christopher Delrosario, Concierge, Crowne Plaza Dubai – Festival City Experience Cultural breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for

Cultural Understanding Location Bastakiya, Bur Dubai

Why The breakfast experience is just like being welcomed into a real Emirati home: you share food while chatting with at least one national, which is so unique. It’s an eye-opener for visitors who often know very little about the history, religion and culture of Emiratis. Travel tip The breakfast is hosted every Monday and Wednesday at 10am and is a great place to visit with friends or family. Contact Call 04 353 6666 or visit cultures.ae

Quad biking

may 2012

indulge

Live like Bond

Full of intrigue and suspense, Carte Blanche , the latest James Bond novel, was published last year amid rave reviews. With scenes set in Dubai Festival City, this five-star destination is the perfect place to live it up 007-style. Here’s how to do it in just one day

07.30-08.30 Breakfast in bed Staying in the plush Suite 2121 at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, wake to a lavish breakfast comprising succulent fruits, French pastries, freshly squeezed orange juice and the finest coffee. Alternatively, opt for a delicious hot breakfast with poached, scrambled or fried eggs, the perfect start to an adrenaline- fuelled, action-packed day. 08.30-09.00 Suit yourself As you finish the last of your morning coffee have a local tailor visit your suite and measure your vital statistics before he runs-off a hand stitched, bespoke linen suit

09.30-12.00 Tee time Full and raring to go, head to Al Badia Golf Club for 18 holes of world-class golf. Hop in a buggy, make your way around the luxurious fairways and, if you have time, perfect your swing at the Golf Academy. Call 04 601 0111 or visit albadiagolfclub.ae 12.00-13.00 A light bite

from a diverse menu including imaginative salads and indulgent sandwiches. Call 04 601 0111 or visit albadiagolfclub.ae 13.30-15.00 Need for speed From terra firma to the balmy waters of the Arabian Gulf, hire a speed boat from Al Seef Marina and make your way up the

iconic Dubai Creek before

charging into the open sea with the wind in your hair

and the sun on your designer shades. Head south west and take

No trip to Al Badia Golf Club would be complete without a visit to Spikes, the effortlessly stylish restaurant overlooking the practice facilities and the impressive Sheikh Zayed Road skyline. Choose lunch

in luxurious landmarks such as The World islands and The Palm Jumeirah. Call Art Marine on 04 406 8825 or visit artmarine.net

or, in true 007 style, a tuxedo and cummerbund. Call Dunhill on 04 2328152 or visit dunhill.com

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Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire

helicopter from the Burj Khalifa to Dubai Festival City, admiring the sprawling Downtown Dubai and Dubai Creek far beneath. Call Aerogulf Services on 04 220 0331 or visit aerogulfservices.com 16.50-18.00 Relax and unwind Head to the Spa InterContinental for some of the best men’s treatments in town. The classic European Casanova Facial uses a blend of minerals combined with hydrating ampoules and a balanced and ready for an evening of five-star indulgence. Call 04 701 1257 to book an appointment. 18.30-19.30 All dressed up With one of the city’s most upmarket culinary experiences ahead, it’s only fitting to take your time dressing for dinner. Enjoy a relaxing soak in the freestanding bathtub before carefully running through your personal grooming routine. After all, you want to be as chic and as stylish as the cordon bleu cuisine that awaits. brightening mask to provide the skin with essential nutrients, leaving it cleansed,

20.30-23.00 Dine in style James Bond has a penchant for the finer things in life so it would be rude not to sample the exquisite dishes at award- winning Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire, which is overseen by the Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire. Wash dinner down with a bottle of Salon 1988 Champagne and you will be hard pushed to find a better French restaurant in the city. Call 04 701 1199 for more information. 23.00-00.00 Post-dinner cigar Round off your action-packed day with a relaxing cigar at Trent’s, the premium bar at Al Badia Golf Club. With a wide range of fine, imported cigars, this is

one outlet not to be missed. Call 04 601 0111 for more information.

Vista Bar

Written by award-winning American author Jeffery Deaver, Carte Blanche tells the story of James Bond fresh from Afghanistan and recruited to a new agency. The secret agent is called away from dinner with a beautiful woman to prevent an Between the covers

15.00-16.30 Scale the Burj Khalifa Leave the speedboat in Dubai Marina, hop in a top-of-the-range Bentley and shift through the gears until you reach the Burj Khalifa (right), the tallest building in the world at a staggering 828 metres high. Ride in the world’s fastest elevator to the 124th-floor observation deck and take in the stunning panoramic views. Call Lane Luxury Car Rentals on 04 335 5188 or visit lanerac.com , and call 800 ATTHETOP or visit burjkhalifa.ae 16.30-16.50 Enjoy Dubai from up high Dodge the onset of Dubai’s rush-hour traffic and charter a

attack that will cause thousands of casualties, and he has carte blanche to do whatever it takes to fulfil his mission. The story takes 007 to many far-flung destinations including Dubai, one of the seven emirates to make up the United Arab Emirates. Much of the plot centres on Dubai Festival City, the InterContinental and the adjoining shopping centre where Bond plots his counter attacks, drives impossibly fast cars, samples the finest Arabic cuisine and relaxes over a glass of medium dry Stolichnaya martini, “ shaken very well”. Published by Hodder & Stoughton, Carte Blanche is available from all good bookshops.

19.30-20.30 Pre-dinner drinks Suited, booted, preened and polished, head to Vista Bar at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City for your essential martini, shaken not stirred, of course. It’s here on the terrace that James Bond sits in Carte Blanche , overlooking the spectacular city skyline. Recreate the scene with drink firmly in hand. Call 04 701 1127 for more information on this stylish outlet.

may 2012

golf

Cream green With striking fairways, sweeping grounds, a floodlit driving range and outstanding Golf Academy, Al Badia Golf Club offers players of all abilities a challenging yet breathtaking sports experience of the

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play

hether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned pro, Al Badia Golf Club in Dubai Festival City offers one of the best golfing experiences in the

Al Badia Golf Club

emirate. With a floodlit driving range, practice putting green, chipping area and perfectly manicured 18-hole, par-72 course, this leading club is home to all the usual facilities you would expect of a world-class golfing centre. What really sets it apart, however, is the Golf Academy. This state-of-the-art institution includes the TaylorMade Performance Lab, which uses motion capture technology to design and build a club matched to your individual swing, allowing you to hit the ball longer and straighter with better control. “ What golfers feel they are doing and what they are actually doing is usually very different,” explains club professional Ed Chapman. “ Being able to see your swing in 3D is key to making changes and improving your golf swing, therefore lowering your scores.” A two-hour session at the Lab, the only one of its kind in the region, includes analysis for drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, irons, wedges and putters. Putting Perfection The Golf Academy is also home to the Science and Motion (SAM) PuttLab, set up to improve your putting skills. The system uses ultrasound sensory technology and mathematical algorithms to map the three-dimensional movement of the club throughout the putting stroke. The results are then displayed in easy-to-understand graphic reports that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of your stroke. During the rest of the putting lesson, the golf instructor uses PuttLab to provide instant feedback. Coaching and specialised clinics are also available. Capturing the character and beauty of Arabia, the championship course was designed on an

GREEN FEES Prices are valid until 31 May and include 18 holes of golf play, shared cart with GPS and access to practice facilities prior to play. Golfing hours are 6.30am to 4pm. The driving range is open from 6.30am to 9pm. All in-house guests receive 30% off green fees. Weekend (Fri, Sat and public holiday) AED875 Driving Range – Unlimited balls AED75 Driving Range – One pyramid of approximately 80 balls AED30 backdrop. The course especially is key. Everyone has great things to say about it.” The ‘rivers of sand’ concept adds another layer of texture to the design, providing a visual extension of the lakes and streams. These sand areas provide visually crisp playing surfaces that, unlike bodies of water, give a golfer the opportunity to recover from an errant shot. Providing a challenging round for the seasoned golfer, Al Badia also welcomes the recreational player. Four sets of tees are featured on each hole, with most offering a variety of teeing angles. The course can be played from the maximum 7,303 yards for championship players, down to 5,398 yards for newer players. According to Chapman, the toughest hole is the fifth, measuring 597 yards. “ It’s a beast,” he says. “It’s not just the length, but also the water hazards and strategically placed bunkers that make it tricky. Forget that it’s a par five. Most people will get either one or two shots on it so think of it as a par six or seven depending on your handicap, and play for that score.” Weekdays (Sun to Thur) AED595

TaylorMade Performance Lab

“ The fifth hole is a beast. It’s not just the length, but also the water hazards and strategically placed bunkers that make it tricky” cascading waterfalls. Strategically, water is used for lateral hazards as well as carry hazards on 12 of the holes. “ The whole experience here is amazing,” says Chapman, “ from when you arrive and are greeted by our staff to when you play the 18th hole with the stunning clubhouse as the

oasis theme by internationally renowned golf- course architect Robert Trent Jones II. It incorporates 11 lakes, several smaller ponds, streams and

may 2012

EAT. DRINK. unwind.

MezzaLuna InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128 Classic Italian fare prepared in an open kitchen. The live pasta station and wood-fired pizza oven turns out hearty, traditional food in the morning. The lunchtime antipasto table supplements the à la carte menu, with light meals offered at dinner. Reflets par Pierre Gagnaire InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1199 Fine-dining restaurant offering delicious French cuisine. Lunch and dinner menus are prepared by Michelin-starred chef Pierre Gagnaire.

Belgian Beer Café Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128

Experience the warm, cosy atmosphere of an authentic European café, with Belgian Trappist and Abbey beers. Weeknights feature live entertainment from the venue’s resident guitarist. Eclipse InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128 Located on the 26th floor, Eclipse is an intimate space decorated in dark, modern tones. Perfect for watching the sun set with a cool martini, sipping cocktails before dinner or toasting the evening with a glass of Champagne.

The Crowne Fitness Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City 04 701 1257 A number of classes and facilities are offered at this modern health centre. Its temperature-controlled outdoor pool is the perfect place in which to soak up the sun’s rays. InterContinental Health Club InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1257 State-of-the-art 24-hour gymnasium complete with a Kinesis free weights wall and steam and sauna rooms. Spa InterContinental InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1257 With nature-inspired décor, Spa InterContinental offers a number of enticing facilities. Its eight treatment suites each have majestic views, while two VIP suites offer private check-in and reception areas, infrared saunas, steam showers and Jacuzzis.

Anise InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128 A fire and ice themed venue offering international dishes, prepared at live cooking stations. Offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. Bistro Madeleine InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128 A traditional café offering French pastries, breads and bistro dishes. Open for lunch and dinner, with an extensive wine list. Blades Al Badia Golf Club 04 701 1127/1128 This modern restaurant offers an eclectic range of international dishes and sweeping views of the golf course. During cooler months, a picnic-style brunch can be enjoyed on The Lawn outside. Open 5.30 pm to midnight daily. Smart dress, reservations recommended.

Spikes Al Badia Golf Club 04 701 1127/1128

Level 17 InterContinental Residence Suites

This casual destination is ideal for golfers in need of refreshment between rounds. Catch up on news or sport on one of its four plasma screen televisions while choosing from the diverse menu. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128

A sophisticated lounge bar offering a birds-eye view of Dubai Creek. With a quiet and discreet setting, the venue is ideal for sharing pre-dinner cocktails with someone special and as there’s no bar between you and the servers, there’s a feeling of relaxing in an exclusive home.

The Tee Lounge Al Badia Golf Club 04 701 1127/1128

A stylish meeting place beneath the atrium’s swirling glass roof, The Tee Lounge is ideal for pre-dinner drinks and casual snacks. Open daily from 10am to 11.30 pm, it offers a selection of pastries and desserts. Terra Firma Steakhouse InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128 Offering the finest cuts of meat and wines from around the world, this restaurant overlooks the scenic Dubai Creek and Festival Marina. Dinner only.

Trent’s Al Badia Golf Club 04 701 1127/1128

This upscale bar is the perfect spot to enjoy pre-dinner cocktails or post-dinner cigars. Offering a selection of hors d’oeuvres and complimentary treats in an intimate setting, it also has a large selection of wine by the glass. Complimentary WiFi access is available. Open daily from 10am to midnight. Vista Lounge InterContinental Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128 Only a ship in Dubai Creek could offer a better view of the harbour and the Sheikh Zayed Road skyline. This relaxed bar hovers above the water and is encased by floor-to-ceiling windows – the perfect spot in which to enjoy afternoon or evening cocktails and live piano music.

Spa InterContinental Al Badia Golf Club 04 701 1257

The Deli Café InterContinental Residence Suites

Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128

Unwind after a round of golf in your very own spa suite. Enjoy a relaxing massage or a signature treatment in one of three private suites.

A casual venue serving gourmet meat and cheese, paninis and semi-prepared dishes to take away. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Zaytoun Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128

Health and Fitness Centre InterContinental Residence Suites Dubai Festival City 04 701 1257

Mazar Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City 04 701 1127/1128

Chefs prepare tempting Mediterranean cuisine from an open kitchen. Offering buffet and à la carte dining options, it opens daily from noon to 11pm.Thursdays are Latin themed, with unlimited tapas and free-flowing house beverages for a fee.

This 24-hour facility is equipped with a Kinesis free weights wall, indoor 25-metre lap pool, children’s splash pool, spa pool and sun deck.

A spacious lounge serving beverages and freshly baked pastries and sweets, coffee and exotic teas. Open daily from 8am to 11 pm.

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