Mena's 50 Best Restaurants 2025: Orfali Bros tops list for third time, Dubai leads with 18 spots
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Sharjah 24
2 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SBA lays groundwork for SAC 2026 with strategic visit to Japan
This trip is part of SBA's long-term strategy to build upon the reputation of Sharjah Animation Conference (SAC) in being a globally recognised platform that fosters year-round collaboration, knowledge transfer, and the growth of the animation industry across the MENA region . Since its inception in 2023, SAC has quickly grown into an important event in the MENA region's animation calendar. Far beyond an annual conference, SAC is part of SBA's broader vision to create a sustainable, year-round platform for creative exchange, offering both regional talent and international industry leaders a space for collaboration and development. This visit to Japan marks a key step in strengthening SAC's future, with a focus on knowledge transfer and forging partnerships that will enrich the creative ecosystem in Sharjah . Long-term cultural and creative exchanges During the trip, the delegation, comprising Khoula Al Mujaini, SAC Executive Director; Pietro Pinetti, Artistic Director of SBA; and Moza Al Rand, Head of Events at Sharjah Book Authority; held strategic meetings with some of Japan's most influential animation companies; including industry heavy-weights such as Nippon Animation, Oh Production and Toei Animation. Extending their outreach to the publishing sector, the delegation also engaged with leading Japanese manga and book publishers Kodansha and Shogakukan, as well as media conglomerates and entertainment groups, including Kadokawa Corporation and Bandai Namco . Importantly, the meetings laid the groundwork for collaboration in preparation for the SAC 2026, where industry professionals from around the world will gather to explore business and investment opportunities in the animation sector. The discussions also focused on developing new content that resonates with Arab audiences while preserving the cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of Japan. These potential collaborations aim to bring Japanese animation expertise to Sharjah, elevating the conference and creating long-term cultural and creative exchanges . Khoula Al Mujaini commented on the trip's significance, stating: 'This visit to Japan is a critical part of our long-term commitment to SAC. We are building something far beyond an event; our vision is to create a sustainable, vibrant ecosystem for animation in Sharjah and the wider Arab region. By connecting with global leaders in animation, technology, and education, we are bringing world-class expertise to Sharjah and ensuring that SAC continues to evolve as a platform for creative collaboration, cultural exchange, and knowledge transfer .' Discussions with creative tech leaders The delegation also met with AlphaCode, a leader in creative tech, to explore the integration of digital storytelling formats, gamification, and immersive media into SAC's future offerings. These innovations will allow SAC to expand its scope, offering audiences an interactive and evolving experience that blends traditional animation with cutting-edge technology . ' Sharjah's position as a strategic gateway for international creative industries has become increasingly evident in the past decade. With its strong infrastructure, cultural commitment, and growing influence in the MENA region, our emirate offers Japanese media and creative companies an ideal gateway for entering or expanding in the Arab world, and SAC forms a key component of this effort, positioning the city as a vital player in the global creative sector', Al Mujaini added . A significant aspect of the visit was also the exploration of educational partnerships, and the delegation engaged with Wacom, a global leader in digital drawing and animation tools, and a key sponsor of SAC's annual gathering. Discussing potential training programmes, workshops, and talent development initiatives; this potential collaborative expansion is designed to directly benefit Sharjah's young creatives, giving them access to world-class resources and expertise, while empowering them to contribute to the future of the global animation industry .
What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
Where to get the best mocktails in Abu Dhabi
For cocktail lovers, Abu Dhabi's bar scene has options for days, but what about those of us who want all the flavour, hold the alcohol? Whether you're driving, detoxing, or just not into the booze scene, there's no reason your drink should feel 'basic'. Thankfully, more and more spots across the capital are taking their mocktails seriously; crisp, creative, and just as good as the real thing (if not better). From garden-inspired mixes to spice-laced refreshers, here's where to get the best Mocktails in Abu Dhabi when you want a proper drink minus the alcohol. La Petite Maison (LPM) This elegant French-Mediterranean spot at The Galleria ticks all the right boxes: refined interiors and water views from a dreamy terrace. But beyond the classics, LPM has quietly built one of the city's most impressive mocktail menus. It's 16 drinks deep, featuring everything from black lemonade to zero-proof espresso martinis. The Limonade Noire is a standout; rosemary-infused honey, verjuice, activated charcoal, and soda water. It's unexpected in the best way. On the lighter side, Pomme-Basilic mixes green apple cordial, fresh basil, and sparkling water. Location: La Petite Maison, The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily, 12pm to 1am, 12.30pm on weekends Contact: (02) 692 9600, @lpmabudhabi Oii Set within the dry but lively Al Qana precinct, Oii is a Mediterranean-inspired spot that puts just as much effort into its mocktails as it does its food. With a tagline like 'serving joy,' it makes sense that the drinks list leads with flavour. The mocktail menu is stacked with twelve originals, all equally photogenic and refreshing. Bird's Kiss is a grapefruit, elderflower, and butterfly pea tea blend. Skopelos Vibes channels island energy with passionfruit, pineapple, and ginger ale, while Porto goes peach and strawberry for something smooth and low-key. Location: Oii, Al Qana, Al Maqta' St, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily, 8am to 12am Contact: (02) 628 2983, @oiiabudhabi Mika Tucked into the waterfront at Yas Marina, Mika is a refined Mediterranean restaurant that brings subtle Middle Eastern influence into its kitchen and its drinks menu. With interiors that lean modern but relaxed and a stunning view, It's the kind of place that works just as well for a long lunch as it does for a laid-back dinner. Mocktails here anything but basic. Mika's 'art in a glass' philosophy means each non-alcoholic drink is carefully crafted from layered ingredients. Expect seasonal options, delicate garnishes, and flavour profiles that match the mood of the food. Location: Mika, Building 2A, Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily, 12pm to 12am Contact: (05) 6 433 1422, @ Dragon's Tooth Hidden beneath Rosewood Abu Dhabi, Dragon's Tooth is the sultry little speakeasy tucked behind Dai Pai Dong. Inspired by 1920s Shanghai jazz lounges, it's got low lighting, deep booths, and an Asian bar menu to match the mood. When it comes to their signature mocktails; The Passion Boba is the standout: oolong tea, passionfruit, lime, and a handful of chewy boba pearls. It's sweet, layered, and playful. There are more signature refreshers on the menu too, perfect for those skipping the spirits but not the fun. Location: Dragon's Tooth, Rosewood Abu Dhabi, The Galleria Al Maryah Island Times: Daily, 6pm to 1am (until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays) Contact: (02) 813 5588, @rosewoodabudhabi Isla Beach Bar Image: Rixos Marina Abu Dhabi website Sitting right on the sand with views out over the marina, Isla is one of the capital's most stunning beachside spots. It's got that laid-back-luxe energy, think sun-washed seating, mellow beats, and a menu that leans into Cuban. Great for a post-swim refresh or winding down with something cold in hand. The mocktail list is refreshing, with tropical flavours, citrusy mixers, and the kind of ice-cold energy you want when it's 40°C and rising. Ask the team for their seasonal picks or go classic with a Havana-inspired no-alcohol twist. Location: Isla Beach Bar, Rixos, Marina Mall Ring Road, Al Kasir, Abu Dhabi Times: Daily, 9am to 11pm Contact: (02) 498 0000, @rixosmarinaabudhabi Taparelle Tucked inside Manarat Al Saadiyat, Taparelle has quickly earned regular status for anyone in the know. It's got the kind of atmosphere that works for everything, date night, family lunch, or group catch-up. The vibe? Warm, lively, and full of woodfired pizza scent drifting through the open-air terrace. The drinks menu is solid across the board, mocktails included. The standout is the Aubin, passionfruit, whipped top, a hit of lime, smooth, fresh, and just a little bit extra. There's a small but confident list worth sipping your way through. Location: Taparelle, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Al Saadiyat Island, Cultural District, Abu Dhabi Times: Open daily from 8am to 11pm (until midnight on weekends) Contact: (02) 657 5832, @taparellerestaurant
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: For modern Indian cuisine, head to Punjab Grill
Good Indian food is not hard to come by in Dubai — from two Michelin-starred gastronomic journeys to traditional, low-key curry spots, both are available aplenty. Punjab Grill, however, sits comfortably between these two disparate concepts. Located within Anantara Downtown, the restaurant immediately made us feel welcome and at home while still offering an elevated environment — reminiscent of some of my favourite London curry houses, where my family would go for special occasions or when my dad wanted to treat me and my siblings if my mum was out of town. The delightful waiter recommended we opt for their tasting menu, which features a series of dishes celebrating the colourful cuisines of India's vast and varied regions, each interpreted through Punjab Grill's modern lens. We began our seven-course gastronomic journey with a light amuse bouche, consisting of a cheese kulcha with chili, walnut, and dates. The meal quickly progressed to appetisers, including a decadent stuffed aloo, chili and peanut thecha and meaty dakshin shrimps served with fried idli and curry leaf podi. After this flavourful start, we moved on to the larger dishes, with highlights including lemongrass and chili tikka kebabs, raunakeen lamb seekhan, and jimikand ka seekh — each dish brighter in spices, citrus, and overall character than the last. Following this parade of meaty dishes, we enjoyed saucier curries. The paneer roulade, served on a bed of creamy butter sauce, was my favourite dish of the evening (though it wasn't an easy choice to make). This was paired with makhani saag, parsi salli chicken, roomali roti, and brun pav. By this point, we were understandably full, but there's always room for dessert. We were presented with an array of Indian sweet treats, including kulfi, saffron falooda, and a rose and khus granita. This dining experience was hard to fault, with an array of decadent yet fresh flavours and bright interpretations of classic regional dishes. Hero dish: The paneer roulade was a fun take on one of my absolute favourites — 9/10 Senses: While feeling truly at ease, it still felt like a magical, flavoursome culinary journey — 8/10 Menu curation: Make sure you go hungry to enjoy the tasting menu! — 8/10 Service: The service was great, truly welcoming — 8/10 The details: 050 194 1107 KT Luxe
