Latest news with #CommonGrounds
What's On
3 days ago
- What's On
The best sunrise and sunset activities in Dubai
Inject a little adrenaline-fuelled fun into your morning with wakeboarding (or wakesurfing), enjoying the early morning light from the frothy surf of the Arabian Gulf. Wake Dubai has long offered instructor-led and independent-led sessions, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned surfers. A professional team of captains and instructors are at your service to ensure a safe and thrilling ride that will have you up on the waves in no time. There's space for up to six people per boat, with water, towels and all equipment provided. Boats are based at both Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina, with sessions from 6am. Wake Dubai, Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek, 6am to 5.30pm daily, from Dhs350. Sunset: Tee off under the lights at Meydan While Dubai's golf courses remain open all summer, midday rounds are somewhat unappealing in 40-plus degree heat. But golf fans can still get their fix after hours, with night golf available at several of the city's world-class courses. At Meydan's 9-hole championship golf course, night golf starts at 6pm with tee times until 11pm, and the floodlight course is open to all, so you can pay-and-play with no membership required. The Track, Meydan Golf Course, Meydan, night golf 6pm to 11pm daily, June to September, Dhs125 9 holes, Dhs250 18 holes. For foodies If you don't mind sacrificing a few more hours of shut-eye, you can still enjoy alfresco breakfasts in the summer. Start the day with a relaxing beach walk – Kite Beach is a popular spot for watching the golden orb lift from behind the Arabian Gulf and into the sky to welcome the day, then reward yourself with breakfast at perennially popular Common Grounds. Their Kite Beach location opens at 6am, so before the temperatures rise to unacceptable levels, you can tuck into colourful acai bowls, sliced avo and hummus toast, or the five-grain banana porridge. Common Grounds, Kite Beach, 59 Al Hadd Street, Jumeirah 3, 6am to 10pm. @_common.grounds Sunset: Enjoy sunset sips at ZETA Seventy Seven Set 77 floors above ground, this rooftop restaurant is one of Dubai's best vantage points for drinks with a view. The contemporary venue is adjacent to the infinity pool, and tables are arranged around a central bar, well positioned to enjoy the stretching views of JBR and The Palm. And, being at such a height (and sea facing), means you can still enjoy alfresco drinks in early summer. On Mondays, a three-hour package from 6pm to 9pm is a brilliant way to start the week on a high, with a snack platter and unlimited drinks included. It's adults only. ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, JBR, 6pm to 9pm, Mondays, Dhs377 ladies, Dhs477 gents. Tel: (0)4 879 8866. For wellness lovers There's no need to sacrifice your alfresco self-care when the temperatures rise. Simply take your session 50 storeys above ground with the wellness sessions at Aura Skypool. This jaw-dropping, 360-degree pool provides a panoramic backdrop for a morning yoga session throughout the summer. Start the day with a 6.30am class on Monday, Thursday and Saturday of awakening vinyasa, combining breathwork, mindful movement and empowering poses for an energy and mindset rest. It's followed by a nourishing healthy breakfast in the lounge. Aura Skypool, Palm Tower, 6.30am, Mon, Thurs and Sat, Dhs280. @auraskypool Sunset: Take a dip in the dark at Twiggy Bringing a slice of Riviera opulence to the shores of the Park Hyatt is Twiggy. Through the cooler months, it's the place to see and be seen for pool days, DJ sets and high-octane dining. But this summer, it's also a vibrant spot for a night swim, with Tropezienne Nights taking place every Friday and Saturday from 7pm, perfect for catching the golden orb dip behind the infinity pool. The glamourous night swim means moonlit swims in the lagoon pool, a Riviera-inspired menu, and live dJs spinning tunes under the stars. Twiggy, Park Hyatt Dubai, 7pm, Fri and Sat, Dhs250 with Dhs150 redeemable. @twiggydubai For visitors As a Dubai visitor, there's lots of landmarks to tick off: Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina… But for a unique vantage point, few activities compare to a hot air balloon tour above the desert, which continue at sunrise until mid-June. You'll be picked up in the early hours and driven to the desert to drift into the air just as day breaks. Drink in the stunning views of the golden dunes with the delicate early morning light as you float above the sands. Once airborne, you'll enjoy an in-flight falcon show, and then return back to the city. Hot Air Balloon UAE, 4am, daily until June 15, Dhs1,100. Sunset: Retreat to the desert for dinner at Sonara Camp Elevating the desert dinner experience, Sonara Camps are now located in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, but the orginal in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers an elevated experience with all the quintessential highlights of trip to the desert, coupled with five-star food and service. Go for the sunset lounge experience and refresh with drinks and canapes while enjoying the final sunlight hours with activities like sandboarding and camel rides. Then, head down to dinner, lit with a canopy of fairy lights, where sharing menus and live entertainment complete the evening. Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, 5.30pm, Tues to Sat, Dhs890 adults, Dhs390 child, until June 30.
What's On
5 days ago
- What's On
Stretch out the summer days with these brilliant sunrise & sunset activities
Summer is here, but we're not settling for a full season indoors. If you're up for waking up early – or stretching your activities into the evening – there's plenty to do in Dubai. Whether you're looking to work out, tuck in, or show off your city, here's 8 great things to do at sunrise and sunset. For fitness fans Sunrise: Ride the waves with Wake Dubai Inject a little adrenaline-fuelled fun into your morning with wakeboarding (or wakesurfing), enjoying the early morning light from the frothy surf of the Arabian Gulf. Wake Dubai has long offered instructor-led and independent-led sessions, making it suitable for beginners and seasoned surfers. A professional team of captains and instructors are at your service to ensure a safe and thrilling ride that will have you up on the waves in no time. There's space for up to six people per boat, with water, towels and all equipment provided. Boats are based at both Dubai Creek and Dubai Marina, with sessions from 6am. Wake Dubai, Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek, 6am to 5.30pm daily, from Dhs350. Sunset: Tee off under the lights at Meydan While Dubai's golf courses remain open all summer, midday rounds are somewhat unappealing in 40-plus degree heat. But golf fans can still get their fix after hours, with night golf available at several of the city's world-class courses. At Meydan's 9-hole championship golf course, night golf starts at 6pm with tee times until 11pm, and the floodlight course is open to all, so you can pay-and-play with no membership required. The Track, Meydan Golf Course, Meydan, night golf 6pm to 11pm daily, June to September, Dhs125 9 holes, Dhs250 18 holes. For foodies Sunrise: Start the day with an alfresco breakfast at Common Grounds, Kite Beach If you don't mind sacrificing a few more hours of shut-eye, you can still enjoy alfresco breakfasts in the summer. Start the day with a relaxing beach walk – Kite Beach is a popular spot for watching the golden orb lift from behind the Arabian Gulf and into the sky to welcome the day, then reward yourself with breakfast at perennially popular Common Grounds. Their Kite Beach location opens at 6am, so before the temperatures rise to unacceptable levels, you can tuck into colourful acai bowls, sliced avo and hummus toast, or the five-grain banana porridge. Common Grounds, Kite Beach, 59 Al Hadd Street, Jumeirah 3, 6am to 10pm. @_common.grounds Sunset: Enjoy sunset sips at ZETA Seventy Seven Set 77 floors above ground, this rooftop restaurant is one of Dubai's best vantage points for drinks with a view. The contemporary venue is adjacent to the infinity pool, and tables are arranged around a central bar, well positioned to enjoy the stretching views of JBR and The Palm. And, being at such a height (and sea facing), means you can still enjoy alfresco drinks in early summer. On Mondays, a three-hour package from 6pm to 9pm is a brilliant way to start the week on a high, with a snack platter and unlimited drinks included. It's adults only. ZETA Seventy Seven, Address Beach Resort, JBR, 6pm to 9pm, Mondays, Dhs377 ladies, Dhs477 gents. Tel: (0)4 879 8866. For wellness lovers Sunrise: Rise for yoga in the sky at Aura Skypool There's no need to sacrifice your alfresco self-care when the temperatures rise. Simply take your session 50 storeys above ground with the wellness sessions at Aura Skypool. This jaw-dropping, 360-degree pool provides a panoramic backdrop for a morning yoga session throughout the summer. Start the day with a 6.30am class on Monday, Thursday and Saturday of awakening vinyasa, combining breathwork, mindful movement and empowering poses for an energy and mindset rest. It's followed by a nourishing healthy breakfast in the lounge. Aura Skypool, Palm Tower, 6.30am, Mon, Thurs and Sat, Dhs280. @ Sunset: Take a dip in the dark at Twiggy Bringing a slice of Riviera opulence to the shores of the Park Hyatt is Twiggy. Through the cooler months, it's the place to see and be seen for pool days, DJ sets and high-octane dining. But this summer, it's also a vibrant spot for a night swim, with Tropezienne Nights taking place every Friday and Saturday from 7pm, perfect for catching the golden orb dip behind the infinity pool. The glamourous night swim means moonlit swims in the lagoon pool, a Riviera-inspired menu, and live DJs spinning tunes under the stars. Twiggy, Park Hyatt Dubai, 7pm, Fri and Sat, Dhs250 with Dhs150 redeemable. @twiggydubai For visitors Sunrise: See the city from above with a hot air balloon As a Dubai visitor, there's lots of landmarks to tick off: Downtown, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina… But for a unique vantage point, few activities compare to a hot air balloon tour above the desert, which continue at sunrise until mid-June. You'll be picked up in the early hours and driven to the desert to drift into the air just as day breaks. Drink in the stunning views of the golden dunes with the delicate early morning light as you float above the sands. Once airborne, you'll enjoy an in-flight falcon show, and then return back to the city. Hot Air Balloon UAE, 4am, daily until June 15, Dhs1,100. Sunset: Retreat to the desert for dinner at Sonara Camp Elevating the desert dinner experience, Sonara Camps are now located in both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah, but the orginal in Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve offers an elevated experience with all the quintessential highlights of trip to the desert, coupled with five-star food and service. Go for the sunset lounge experience and refresh with drinks and canapes while enjoying the final sunlight hours with activities like sandboarding and camel rides. Then, head down to dinner, lit with a canopy of fairy lights, where sharing menus and live entertainment complete the evening. Sonara Camp, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, 5.30pm, Tues to Sat, Dhs890 adults, Dhs390 child, until June 30.
Time Out Dubai
06-05-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Best Palm Jumeirah cafés 2025: 8 cool spots you need to visit
One of the city's most iconic neighbourhoods, Palm Jumeirah is a prime place to grab a coffee and a cake. Not only are the views aesthetic, but there are plenty of Palm Jumeirah cafés offering quality cuppas and lunch dishes that'll live in your head rent-free. From all-day eggs to giant croissants, here are some of the best cafés on the Palm that you need to check out. The best Palm Jumeirah cafés to try in Dubai Bakerist The European bakery and coffee shop has a few venues across the city and is home to the famous giant croissant. Dive into the gigantic pastry with friends or for something smaller, there is a huge selection of breakfast dishes, sweet treats and lunch options. Opt for an indoor table or sit out on the terrace and look out over the leafy greenery along the Golden Mile. Open daily 8am-11pm. Galleria Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, @bakerist_uae (054 266 2532). Black Coffee by Café Younes Tucked into the ground floor of Cheval Maison – The Palm, this coffee shop is a perfect indoor spot for a quality roast and a bite or two. Open all-day, you can sip a morning latte while munching on the cream cheese bagel, or for a beachside lunch, opt for the honey chicken sandwich. Open daily 7am-1.30am. Cheval Maison – The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 836 6641). Common Grounds From quality coffee to fresh salads, the Nakheel Mall coffee shop is one of multiple Common Grounds cafés around the city. Whether it's a homemade açaí bowl you're looking for or a smoked salmon benedict, you can always count on a quality bite here. Open Sun-Thu 8am-9.30pm; Fri-Sat 8am-11.30pm. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, (050 900 1699). Ella's Eatery The eatery has some gorgeous views over the water and is a great spot to catch some early morning sun over a coffee. Open all-day, you can visit for the morning brunch deal (six dishes and a coffee), or grab a late-afternoon pizza slice instead. Open Sat-Wed 8am-11pm; Thu-Fri 8am-midnight. Palm View East, Jumeirah, (04 557 0984). Jones the Grocer The Palm Best restaurants on the palm. Credit: Jones the Grocer The Pal. Perched on the shore at trendy Palm West Beach, Jones is nestled among the beach clubs and it's a prime spot for families who are looking for a quick, casual lunch rather than a day sunbathing. Top plates include pancakes, full English breakfasts and more, while there are pizzas, salads and grills come lunch and dinner. Plus, it's licensed for sunset sips. Open daily 7.30am-1am. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, (054 998 6162). L'ETO Originally founded in London, this Palm Jumeirah hangout can also be found at other sites across the city (it's a very popular choice). Offering breakfast , lunch and dinner, the Nakheel Mall venue serves up a caramelised banana and apricot French toast that you can't leave without ordering (trust us). Open Mon-Thu 8.30am-11pm; Fri-Sun 8.30am-midnight. Nakheel Mall, Palm Jumeirah, (04 370 2986). Magnolia Bakery The cute Golden Mile bakery is packed with Insta-worthy cupcakes, traybakes and so much more. Grab a white bistro table and catch up with the gang over a banana pudding and your coffee of choice. Open daily 8am-midnight. Golden Mile Galleria, Palm Jumeirah, (04 564 3443). Risen The cosy spot is tucked into the back of Soluna Beach Club, so you can stare out from your table over to the water. Offering up everything from popular avo toast to lemon meringue croissants, you can tell this place is an artisanal bakery as well as a cute coffee shop. Open daily 7am-7pm. Balqis Residence, Palm Jumeirah, (04 540 3600). Hungry for more? New Dubai restaurants: The just-opened spots you need to try next The new dining spots you need on your radar 10 best family restaurants in Dubai that will keep everyone happy Everyone will be happy, trust us 70 of Dubai's coolest cafés and coffee shops Your essential caffeine guide, from Jumeirah to Al Khawaneej
Gulf Today
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
ZU students curate Common Grounds show by Dubai Collection @ Art Dubai
Dubai Collection, Dubai emirates's first institutional art collection of Modern and Contemporary art launched in 2021 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is presenting a new exhibition at Art Dubai (Apr. 18 – 20, previews 16, 17). Titled Common Grounds, the show is curated by three Zayed University (ZU) students, Shamsa Al Qubaisi, Maryam Al Zaabi and Sara Al Sulaimani; they are mentored by curatorial advisors Dr. Nada Shabout and Magali exhibition, on view at Madinat Jumeirah, the traditional home of Art Dubai, invites visitors to engage with the Collection through a curatorial lens shaped by education and cultural dialogue. The result of an academic collaboration, the exhibition reflects Dubai Collection's long-term vision to serve as a platform for education, research and cultural preservation. The project also highlights the Collection's role as both an archive and tool supporting research, creativity and the preservation of cultural narratives for the next generation. Common Grounds presents a selection of artworks from Dubai Collection made between the years 1949 and 2024, drawing on different geographic and cultural contexts, speaking to a shared human experience. Guests look at the artworks. It brings together a diverse group of artists, including Talal Al Najjar, Lamya Gargash and Juma Al Hajj and welcomes reflection on the role of art in revealing connections across time, place and identity. Presenting the exhibition at Art Dubai connects Dubai's cultural history with global audiences, underlining the Collection's commitment to preserving and narrating the stories of the city's diverse communities. Following a semester-long academic exploration, the exhibition was developed as part of the course Communities, Curatorial Practices, and Collections taught by Dr. Moya Goosen, College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, ZU. As part of their final project, students used the Dubai Collection as a case study and curatorial resource, developing an exhibition concept grounded in their research. After a review process involving the Dubai Collection's curatorial committee, one project was selected for public presentation at Art Dubai. Student curators – Shamsa Al Qubaisi, Maryam Al Zaabi and Sara Al Sulaimani – then worked under the mentorship of curatorial advisors Dr. Nada Shabout and Magalí Arriola to refine their concept, culminating in Common Grounds. Inter alia, the exhibition provides the students with a global platform to present their ideas and projects, engage with leading industry professionals, enabling audiences to encounter works from the Collection in a new, inter-generational way. Viewing Common Grounds by Dubai Collection. Dubai Collection is run in partnership with Art Dubai Group. It is built through a loan-based model, with artworks contributed by individual and corporate patrons who retain legal ownership, while enabling public access through exhibitions and the Dubai Collection online museum. Muna Faisal Al Gurg, Chair of the Dubai Collection Curatorial Committee and CEO of the Museums and Heritage Sector at Dubai Culture, said that 'at its core, Dubai Collection is about more than preserving artworks - it is about inspiring thought, supporting talent, and shaping cultural knowledge. 'The collaboration with Zayed University represents the Collection's hybrid role, across digital and physical, as a platform for research, experimentation and dialogue with the public. Common Grounds is a testament to what is possible when our youth are empowered with access, guidance and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to Dubai's cultural and academic life.' Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, said that 'working with the students has been particularly rewarding; their perspectives brought new energy to the Collection and reminded us of its potential to inspire the cultural voices of tomorrow.' A visitor with an artwork. Janet Bellotto, Dean College of Arts and Creative Enterprises, ZU, said: 'Opportunities like the Dubai Collection are transformative for our students at Zayed University. They offer a rare and invaluable chance to move beyond the classroom and engage directly with the cultural heartbeat of the region. It links academic learning and professional experience, empowering students to envision their place within the Culture and Creative Industries. These experiences deepen their understanding of curatorial and cultural work and inspire a stronger sense of purpose, relevance and possibility in their creative journeys.' Dr. Nada Shabout, Regents Professor of Art History and Coordinator of Contemporary Arab and Muslim Cultural Studies Initiative at the University of North Texas and curatorial advisor to the exhibition, said: 'Through the Dubai Collection, the students were immersed in the realities of curatorial work, where research meets interpretation, and ideas take form.' Magali Arriola, Director of Museo Tamayo in Mexico City and curatorial advisor to the project, said that 'the students engaged deeply with Dubai Collection, not only as a repository of artworks, but as a curatorial challenge. Their concept, Common Grounds, balances academic rigour with emotional resonance, and offers a thoughtful perspective on how art can connect people across cultures and experiences.' Eyeing a sculpture. Dubai Collection includes over 1,000 artworks by artists from more than 40 countries. It features 22 Emirati artists, both established and emerging, like Hassan Sharif, Abdul Qader Al Rais, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, Mohammed Kazem and Sarah Almheiri. Nearly 100 female artists are also represented, with around 20 per cent of the works based outside the UAE, capturing Dubai's international outlook and commitment to cultural exchange. The Collection strives to engage with themes connected with the historical development of the emirate and the UAE. While maintaining focus on the UAE and the region, it's scope is international.
Hi Dubai
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Art Dubai 2025 Opens with Vision for a Creative Future
H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Member of the Dubai Council, inaugurated the 2025 edition of Art Dubai, the region's leading international art fair. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the event features over 120 galleries from 65 cities across five continents, reaffirming Dubai's status as a global cultural hub. During her tour, H.H. Sheikha Latifa explored key exhibitions across the fair's Contemporary, Modern, Digital, and Bawwaba sections. She engaged with local and international artists and was joined by several dignitaries, including Shamma Al Mazrui, Noura Al Kaabi, Essa Kazim, and Hala Badri. 'Art Dubai continues to be a celebration of creativity and innovation,' said H.H. Sheikha Latifa. 'It reflects the cultural diversity that defines our city and reinforces the role of art in connecting communities.' A highlight of the event was the unveiling of Common Grounds , a student-curated exhibition by Zayed University for the Dubai Collection. The show spans works from 1949 to 2024 and marks a milestone in academic-cultural collaboration. To deepen this initiative, an MoU was signed between Dubai Culture and Zayed University, establishing a strategic framework for future cooperation in research, curatorial practice, and creative development. 'This partnership reflects our conviction that education and culture are deeply interconnected,' said H.H. Sheikha Latifa. She concluded her visit by reaffirming Dubai Culture's commitment to nurturing a sustainable and inclusive creative ecosystem that empowers young talent and fosters long-term cultural growth. News Source: Emirates News Agency
