Saturday, 27 May 2017

Howzat...

As it is near the end of the theatre season here, we are trying to cram in as many plays as possible before things quieten down over the summer.

Howzat is The Junction at Al Serkal's latest production. This four-person production explored the relationship between Pakistani and Indian neighbours living on The Palm in Dubai.

The set was simple but the acting strong.  And though we didn't really understand all of the jokes about cricket, the references to Dubai were very well-received.

After such a delightful performance, we headed over to the Madinat Jumeirah to pick up a gift certificate that ended up with running down a hill in heels,  a random ride in a golf cart, many mobile phone calls,  and ultimately a mission unfulfilled.

But this failed initiative was quickly forgotten as we grabbed a table on the balcony of the Belgian Beer Cafe and enjoyed some uplifting monk-brewed beverages and hearty fondue while taking in the magical views of the Madinat complex and Burj Al Arab.

It is hard to imagine that both the theatre and patio seasons are about to go much quieter for the summer...



The stunning Madinat Jumeirah

The Amazing Apple Store

One of the newest attractions at the Dubai Mall is the Apple Store.

Opening in April, this Apple store was designed as a gathering spot, with gorgeous wide open spaces including a 186-foot curved storefront and balcony which overlooks the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.

As we saw the structure being designed over the past several months, we dreamed of it becoming a restaurant - the outdoor spot is stunning and the views simply magnificent.

But I suppose as you watch the crowds of people who pour onto the balcony each weekend and evening to watch the Dubai Fountain show, the balcony really does embrace the "community feel" they envisioned and likely will get more use this way...
The view from the balcony of the Apple Store...

Shopping sale...

On the last weekend before the start of Ramadan, Dubai launched a new citywide retail initiative - the 3-Day Super Sale.

The sale involved 1,000+ retail outlets across the Emirate and offered discounts of anywhere from 30-90%.

Recognizing that Dubai is a slightly later-in-the-day starting culture, we usually run our ends first thing in the morning and beat the crowds. We also head to bed far earlier than the masses...

So we executed the same strategy for the shopping sale, arriving right as the stores opened in hopes of finishing up before things got too busy.

Apparently, shopping deals is one major exception to this later-starting norm.

By 10:15am, the mall was bustling with activity and anxious shoppers were rushing from store to store looking for the best deals.
And by 11am, the stores were packed.

Manolo Blahnik, pictured to the right, felt like a Payless, packed with people and shoes all over the floor as people tried on all the different options.  There were so many eager shoppers that they had a wait-line outside...with security!

We lasted about two hours before retreating for a relaxing and rejuvenating lunch.   It sure seems like Dubai's initiative worked!

The gorgeous Dubai Mall...without the sale crowds...

Saturday, 20 May 2017

A spoonful of sugar...

One of Dubai Opera's marquee events this season is Mary Poppins.  It plays for almost the full month of May, which also makes it one of the longest shows of the season.

And it lived up to the hype.

The spectacular light fixture
in the Dubai Opera - an ode
to Dubai's pearl fishing past.
The sets were spectacular - with the Banks' home like an enormous dollhouse that folded and unfolded to show the different rooms. And the make-believe park really did feel like it was coming alive as it was painted with a rainbow of colours and surprises.

But it was the singing and dancing that really made the show- truly top notch.

At the end of the show, the crowd erupted in delight and ovation.  Even Geoff stood to applaud - which is incredibly unusual...and truly supercalafragilistic!






Dubai's new font

In support of its online innovation and technology initiatives and its drive to be a world-leader in the digital world, Dubai is the first city to launch its own font.   

Taking 18-months to create and personally involving Dubai's Crown Prince in the font's development, this new font is available to Microsoft's 100 million users and can be downloaded in multiple formats and used for 23 different languages.

To help build awareness, the government has placed letter sculptures all around the city.  The "B", right outside the Burj Khalifa, is most likely for "Burj" Khalifa.  Nonetheless, it still always feels like it is welcoming me home.


Whose Line Is It Anyway?

One of the delightful surprises about living in Dubai has been the number of special performances and acts that travel through the region throughout the year.

This weekend - Whose Line Is It Anyway? - came to town, helping us to relive some favourite childhood memories while also introducing us to a gorgeous theatre that we never even knew existed!


The comedy performance format followed closely to that of the popular television show (only missing the ad lib singing!) with the four performers creating crazy and hilarious scenes, stories and stand-up monologues based on the bizarre scenarios created by the audience.

It was a shame that the audience wasn't more full.  Perhaps others don't uet know of this hidden gem of a theatre either!

Friday, 12 May 2017

A regal afternoon...

One of the benefits of our Capital Club membership is the ability to use the pool facilities at Palazzo Versace, a stunning luxury hotel on Dubai's Creek.

Generally not ones for sun lounging, we decided to make an exception and test it out.

And we were quick converts.

Tucked away in a cabana at the hotel's "quiet pool", we lazed around for an afternoon reading, wading in the pool and enjoying some hydrating beach beverages.  Beth even finished a whole book!

As the sun went down, we left wondering why we don't do this more often...





A love of lights...


The Dubai Mall Fountains are a key Dubai attraction treating visitors to a dramatic fountain show choreographed to music.

Showing a clear love of light and water shows, Dubai has now introduced a new show at Dubai Festival City.

Winning a Guinness World Record, this production offers the world's largest water screen projector.   In addition, IMAGINE harnesses lights, water, video and even fire to create a 360 degree sensory experience.

A powerful system projects artwork (done by the children visiting the Mall) onto the neighbouring InterContinental Hotel in between the shows, making the experience that much more engaging.

Not eager to fight the crowds of viewers, we instead made our way over to the InterContinental Hotel's relaxing outdoor bar to enjoy a drink and some dessert while taking in the show.

The delicious food and drinks combined with the mesmerizing visuals was a true treat for all of the senses. 

Unexpected wins...

In an unexpected turn of events, we have been surprisingly successful recently with prize draws.

Beth won a stunning pearl necklace at the Capital Club Gala and Geoff won a Mont Blanc pen for completing a survey.

Clearly the survey conductors didn't realize Geoff doesn't need any incentives to share his opinions...

Sunday, 7 May 2017

Backyard Movie Nights

In addition to spectacular indoor movie experiences such as the Roxy detailed in the earlier post, Dubai is also mastering the art of outdoor cinema.  

The Steigenberger Hotel - a gorgeous new hotel in Business Bay - now hosts weekly outdoor movies in its "Backyard". With drink and popcorn specials, an extensive vegetarian menu, some great old time flicks (Viva Las Vegas!) and a spectacular view of Business Bay's canal, it is a welcome midweek treat!


Treated like a boss...



Having mastered the 4D movie experience, Dubai is now embracing a different movie theme - the luxury movie experience.

Dubai's Roxy Cinemas now offers an upscale movie evening.  You can start with dinner in a gorgeous themed restaurant/lounge before being escorted to your seat (where you can of course order more food).

The movie theatre is small - like you are in a custom living room - with plush red leather seats, footrest, a side table and lamp and of course a pillow and blanket to snuggle in for comfort.

It seems ironic to have visited such a luxurious theatre to watch Boss Baby but we certainly felt we got treated like a boss.



Picnic in the Park...

Although a desert, Dubai has several beautiful parks.

People here say they often spend more time outside and at parks in Dubai than they ever did in their home countries.  

So we thought it best to take advantage of these lush parks before the summer weather simply got too hot.

Meeting some friends and their family for an outdoor picnic at Creek Park, we spent a relaxing afternoon lounging under the trees, enjoying the lively play areas and  keeping ourselves cool with some ice cream.     

No wonder people do this so often - what a relaxing way to spend a day!