Latest news with #AlQasr
Grazia USA
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Grazia USA
The GRAZIA Guide To Dubai's Most Indulgent Brunches
Photo: Instagram @joudadi Dubai takes brunch to a whole new level—think lavish spreads, free-flowing bubbles, and settings so stunning they belong on your Instagram feed. Whether you're in the mood for a chic Parisian affair, a beachfront escape, or a high-energy feast with live entertainment, we've rounded up the most indulgent brunches in town. Get ready to sip, savor, and soak up the weekend in style. Chouchou – A Taste of the French Riviera Photo: Chouchou If your idea of a perfect Saturday includes lounging by the beach with amazing food and even better vibes, then Chouchou at J1 Beach is calling. This laid-back yet sophisticated brunch brings a touch of the French Riviera to Dubai, with a spread that starts with eggs and starters, followed by indulgent mains and an epic dessert buffet. Oh, and did we mention the live music? With packages starting at Dhs290 for a non-alcoholic experience, Dhs490 for flowing wine, and Dhs790 for champagne and more, this is your weekend escape sorted. Jumeirah Al Qasr – The Brunch of Dreams Photo: Al Qasr Love a little bit of everything? Al Qasr's legendary brunch is a dream come true for food lovers, serving up a mix of European, Asian, and smoky grilled specialities at live cooking stations. All this deliciousness unfolds on the gorgeous Madinat-facing terrace, where the views are just as good as the food. Prices start at Dhs475 for soft drinks, Dhs595 for house beverages, Dhs695 for sparkling, and Dhs795 for the premium experience. Kids between 4 and 11 can join in for Dhs350. The feast runs every Saturday from 1pm to 4pm—come hungry! Nuska Beach – Rosé, Sun & Stunning Views Photo: Supplied Beachside brunching doesn't get much better than this. Over at Nuska Beach, it's all about soaking up the sun, sipping on unlimited rosé, and diving into a family-style feast. For Dhs495 per person, you'll enjoy a cold seafood platter, signature grilled baby chicken, and a selection of decadent desserts—all while taking in stunning Burj Al Arab views. Whether you're in the mood for a laid-back afternoon or a long lunch with friends, this is the perfect spot. Available on both Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 3pm. Netsu – Fire, Flavour & Free-Flowing Drinks If you love your brunch with a side of high-energy vibes and bold flavours, Netsu's Saturday brunch is for you. Expect Warayaki Tuna Tataki, Korean Fried Chicken, Salmon Tacos, and premium Australian Wagyu Ribeye, all cooked over an open flame and served in a lively setting with free-flowing drinks. Whether you're a Japanese cuisine connoisseur or just in the mood for something different, this is a brunch worth savouring. The package is Dhs450 per person, including both soft and alcoholic beverages, available every Saturday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Josette – Parisian Chic on a Plate Photo: Josette Brunch, but make it fashion. Josette's Saturday brunch is all about Parisian elegance, with a sharing-style menu of freshly baked viennoiseries, decadent breakfast favourites, indulgent entrees, and mouthwatering desserts. With live entertainment and DJs spinning dreamy beats, this is brunch done right. Packages start at Dhs 395 for non-alcoholic, Dhs550 for house beverages, and Dhs750 if you're in the mood for Champagne. Join the fun every Saturday from 12pm to 5pm. Zuma – The Iconic Brunch Experience Photo: Zuma Zuma Dubai's world-famous brunch is the ultimate way to kick off your weekend. From 12pm to 4pm, dive into an epic spread featuring live sushi and robata stations, plus a mouthwatering selection of hot and cold dishes. Think premium sushi, sashimi, and maki rolls, alongside expertly grilled robatayaki favourites—all served up in Zuma's signature buzzing atmosphere. Go for the soft drinks package at Dhs595, keep the drinks flowing with house beverages for Dhs695, or go all out with free-flowing bubbly for Dhs795. Clap – Brunch with a Side of Party Photo: nstagram @clapdxb Clap Dubai is bringing the energy with its Buranchi Brunch, in partnership with Veuve Clicquot. Every Saturday, from 12.30pm to 4pm, Ongaku—the secret music room—turns into a lively Japanese-inspired party with killer food, live entertainment, and endless drinks. Sip on a Premium Champagne & Sake Package (Dhs798) or keep it classic with the Non-Alcoholic & House Package (Dhs598). Not ready to call it a day? Brunch After-Party Packages keep the fun going until 5.30pm. Sucre – A Mediterranean Feast to Remember Photo: Instagram @sucredubai Sucre is bringing all the weekend vibes with its laid-back yet luxe Mediterranean brunch. Every Saturday from 1pm to 4.30pm, indulge in Yellowtail Carpaccio, Braised Beef Tacos, and a Parillada Platter with chimichurri, all paired with perfectly crafted drinks. With live entertainment setting the scene, whether you're soaking up the chic dining hall energy or sipping cocktails at Alma bar, this is where stylish brunch lovers come to eat, drink, and unwind. Go for the non-alcoholic package at Dhs370, enjoy spirits, cocktails, wine, beer, and prosecco for Dhs490, or make it a Champagne moment for Dhs690.
The National
07-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
'We want authorities we can work with': How Lebanon's Bekaa valley became conflict flashpoint with Syria
A stream running between two lands, easily crossed. This is how the border with Syria is marked in Hosh Al Sayyed Ali, a remote town in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa valley. In the past, the frontier was porous, allowing all kinds of smuggling between the two countries. But since the fall of the Assad regime in December, the river has become a trench dividing two worlds. On one side lies the new Syria, led by Sunni Islamists who toppled Bashar Al Assad's regime. A few metres away, across the stream, are Lebanese Shia tribes affiliated with Hezbollah, a longtime ally of the Assad regime and a sworn enemy of Syria's new rulers. These worlds were bound to collide. In March, clashes along the Lebanese-Syrian border left seven people dead and 52 others wounded on the Lebanese side, while three Syrian soldiers were also killed. The violence escalated dramatically when the Syrian army bombed the border villages of Al Qasr and Hosh Al Sayyed Ali, prompting the Lebanese Army to respond with air strikes into Syria. Although Lebanon and Syria reached a ceasefire agreement on March 17 after two days of deadly fighting, the situation remains precarious. The National visited Hosh Al Sayyed Ali and Al Qasr shortly after the truce, meeting with tribe members and residents to unravel the new Lebanon-Syria border reality and assess whether the fragile status quo could actually last. The story behind the violence differs greatly depending on which side of the stream one stands. According to Syrian authorities, the military operation was a retaliation against Hezbollah for the ambush and abduction of three soldiers on Syrian territory, who were then taken to Lebanon and executed. Following the killing, the Syrian Ministry of Defence said it has started combing villages inside Syria to dismantle Hezbollah's network. The campaign also aligns with the new Syrian leadership's stated commitment to cracking down on illicit trade at the Lebanon-Syria frontier, an area which was described by a Syrian commander to The National as a 'hub' for smuggling, the hashish trade and weapons storage – including Hezbollah arms depots – with tunnels running from Syria into Lebanon. Illicit businesses are said to be orchestrated by influential Lebanese clans on behalf of Hezbollah, who hold sway in border towns and have a certain autonomy. On the Lebanese side, tribe members tell a different story. 'On March 17, the Syrian Ministry of Defence said they would search houses on the Syrian side of the border and had no intention of crossing into Lebanon,' said Ali Hajj Hassan, a tribe member who lost his 45-year-old son in the fighting in Hosh Al Sayyed Ali. 'We told them we had no problem welcoming and respecting the new Syrian state. But then, they attacked the village from all sides. We were shocked to see tanks and gunmen crossing the border, and the fighting broke out. We were only defending our homes and our families,' he said. The National could not verify how the fighting began. Hosh Al Sayyed Ali lies in ruins. The village is completely deserted, and residents no longer dare to go beyond the Lebanese Army checkpoints, located about a kilometre before the border, except for brief visits to retrieve a few belongings. Fires have blackened homes, most of which have been stripped of their furniture. 'There was a ceasefire, but it didn't begin until they finished looting the houses they had stormed. They left nothing behind,' Mr Hajj Hassan added. Black smoke billowed from the Syrian side: these are Lebanese-owned lands in Syria, set ablaze. For residents, the conflict carries a clear sectarian dimension. 'Syria has every right to oppose Hezbollah and its weapons. They can even cut ties with Lebanon entirely if they choose; their government has the authority to do that,' Khaled Jafaar, a clan member and community leader, told The National. 'But these are not the real reasons behind their actions at the border. They are trying to punish an entire sect.' The Lebanon-Syria border issue is also political and sectarian in nature, political analyst Joseph Daher told The National. 'From the Syrian side, opposition to Hezbollah is framed in sectarian terms with the presence of a Salafi discourse. 'On the other hand, for the Shia, the fall of the Assad regime and its replacement by former Sunni Jihadist groups which they fought is perceived as a deep loss.' Although governments have changed, smuggling seems to stay. Illicit trade also includes licit goods like petrol, which sanction-hit Syria needs. 'There has always been smuggling, sometimes from Lebanon to Syria, sometimes the other way around. The dynamic shifts with the economic situation, and it's not going to stop,' said Mr Daher. He explained that the smuggling networks are expected to be reconfigured outside of Hezbollah's network. 'Hezbollah, which had been the main actor in illicit trade since 2011, has now become persona non grata and lost its key business partner, Syria's Fourth Division led by Bashar Al Assad's brother, Maher. Some former players may return to power, and new interlocutors will likely emerge on the Syrian side.' The only way to end smuggling, he added, is not through military means, the army cannot completely control the 375km of border with Lebanon and Syria, but through state-building on both sides. The Lebanese state must provide an economic alternative in these marginalised areas by developing services to replace the income generated from smuggling, he said, while the Syrian state should assert control on the myriad factions present within its forces. Mr Jaafar, who has mediated between local tribes and the new Syrian government, expressed cautious optimism. 'We want Syria to become a real state; with institutions, administrations, and authorities we can work with. This is the only way, both sides can protect their interests.'
The Independent
01-05-2025
- The Independent
Jumeirah Al Naseem, Dubai hotel review
Location Jumeirah Al Naseem is nestled at the north eastern end of Jumeirah's expansive (40 hectares) Madinat plot, where three hotels – Al Naseem, Al Qasr and Mina A'Salam – and a collection of Arabian villas lie. As well as being the largest resort complex in Dubai, the Madinat development overlooks both the Palm islands and Jumeirah's seven-star Burj Al Arab hotel, known worldwide for its sail-like architecture. Exploring all four corners of the site is a breeze thanks to Madinat's Venetian-style waterways, which can be traversed via complimentary abra boats or, if seafaring isn't your style, the resort's fleet of golf buggies. For those hoping to explore downtown Dubai, the Al Naseem resort is a short 20-minute taxi ride from the renowned Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. And, owing to reduced fuel costs across the UAE (less than half the going rate in the UK), this taxi journey shouldn't cost you more than £10-15 – so it's easy to reach key sites like the Marina and the Old Town. The vibe Jumeirah Al Naseem's interiors are sleek and airy, with the lobby boasting a vaulted timber ceiling and sweeping marble floors, both of which are a welcome respite amid the city's 40-degree highs. While Al Qasr and Mina A'Salam (the Madinat plot's older properties) are Arabesque with their windcatchers and pointy arches, Al Naseem – which opened in 2016 – is notably more contemporary. Though that's not to say it's devoid of character. On the contrary, the exterior is awash with Japanese motifs; think zen gardens and Shoji-style verandas. And the star of the show? The main pool. Practically a piece of art itself, the expansive mosaic stretching along its floor depicts more than 100 shells, all knitted together in a Māori-like design. Inside and out, the space is at once serene and bubbling with life, and the subtle nods to culture in its otherwise minimalist decor reflect this. Service Home to several members of the prestigious Les Clefs D'or group of exceptional concierges, service at Jumeirah Al Naseem is impeccable. Whether you're being asked about your day in passing or taking advice on the best local activities, guests can expect staff to go the extra mile. Discussing your birthday over a quiet dinner? Don't be surprised to find a cake waiting for you back in the room. Did the beachside bartender take your name on day one? Consider a personal greeting part of your sun bed service going forward. Whatever you need, the team – including a handy WhatsApp e-butler – are on hand to provide it. Bed and bath Owing to the building's unique shape (it's laid out like the number three), nearly all rooms offer views of some sort, from the quad of outdoor pools to the beach and Burj Al Arab beyond. While guests with terraces can delight in the privacy of their own bistro or sun lounger set, all can enjoy the quiet luxury of a bathtub. If you are in pursuit of indulgence, Jumeirah Al Naseem invites you to dip your toes in the Penthouse Suite's exclusive 11-metre infinity pool. Much like the hotel's common areas, rooms are crisp, clean and modern. When it comes to in-room amenities, the sky is the limit and it's clear each addition – be it the his and hers toiletries or the Nespresso machine – has been thoroughly considered. Take the flannels, for example: grey, foundation-friendly cloths are provided with make-up removal in mind. Meanwhile, for the weary traveller, why not soak away the jet lag with a scoop of complimentary bath salts? Food and drink Every day at Jumeirah Al Naseem kicks off at The Palmery, the hotel's buffet-style eatery. The vast selection gives new meaning to the word breakfast and, indeed, you'll be breaking your fast with gusto thanks to the range of Arabic, Indian and Western food options. Highlights include egg and crepe stations, a dedicated vegan cold cupboard and pastries to rival a Parisian patisserie. While The Palmery also serves evening meals, Rockfish, Summersalt and Kayto are not to be missed with their feasts of Mediterranean, Nikkei (Japanese-Peruvian) and Latin cuisine. Our recommendation? Order Kayto's crispy rice appetiser with spicy tuna tartare. The great thing about staying on the Madinat site is that your culinary options extend beyond the walls of your hotel. Between Mina A'Salam and Al Qasr, there are a further 12 restaurants covering Indian, Lebanese and French fare (to name a few). And let's not forget Souk Madinat, Jumeirah's on-site shopping and dining centre, designed to mimic the feel of an Arabian marketplace. Here, you'll find no less than 20 food and drink venues and, when nothing but a cold pint will do, there's even a Belgian beer house and Irish pub.* If you're wondering about Dubai's drinking laws, all of the hotels within the Madinat plot (including Souk Madinat) are licensed, so you can enjoy tipples throughout. And, Al Naseem is even home to its own 'hidden' speakeasy, Blind Tiger. *It's worth noting that Souk Madinat's bar and dining options aren't overseen by Jumeirah itself, but the wider Dubai Holding portfolio (within which Jumeirah sits). Facilities Jumeirah Al Naseem offers activities in abundance, so much so that guests needn't leave the site to enjoy a full week of fun. Aside from lounging by the pool and beach, the hotel is situated next to Jumeirah's Wild Wadi Waterpark – which Al Naseem guests are granted entry to – with 30 rides for kids and adults alike. There's also watersports, a boutique gym and, over at Al Qasr, the Talise Spa. The spa is one of the biggest in Dubai (the biggest is within Jumeirah's Zabeel Saray resort) and, in addition to myriad treatments, hosts multi-day wellness programmes. With everything from hammam to deep tissue massages on offer, the hotel invites you to find serenity among the Moroccan-style fountains and fanoos lanterns. If relaxation isn't your thing, there are courts for tennis, squash and padel, and if you'd rather practice your serve without the kids, Al Naseem's kids' club will leave your little ones shouting for more after a day of mini golf and movie screenings. The icing on the cake? Al Naseem is home to its very own turtle lagoon where hawksbill, loggerhead and green turtles are brought to rehabilitate after injury. Disability access Accessible rooms are available, and lift access throughout means that most of Al Naseem is suitable for guests with mobility issues. Pet policy Pets are not allowed. Check in/Check out? Check in from 3pm; check out by 12pm. Family-friendly? Yes, multi-room suites are available and children's facilities include a kids' club, kids' pool and child-friendly menus/buffet. At a glance Best thing: The variety of worldwide cuisine. Perfect for: Indulgent honeymooners and families wanting to keep everyone happy. Not right for: Those hoping to minimise day-to-day spending.
