Latest news with #Dhs105
What's On
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
JPEX: Celebrate anime, gaming, and Japanese culture at Expo City Dubai this weekend
The ultimate Japanese experience… If you have a passion for pop culture, there's one place to be this weekend, and that's Expo City Dubai for the inaugural JPEX event. The three-day celebration takes place from April 25 to 27 at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, and celebrates all things anime, gaming and Japanese culture. During the event, you can expect to see some global voice actors, partake in gaming tournaments, dress up for cosplay competitions, and immerse yourself in Japanese cultural showcases. And it's not just for children. The event is open for fans of all ages and backgrounds – the perfect opportunity to meet some new friends. Whether you're a long-time fan, or just starting out, you're sure to feel connected and inspired. The event is the brainchild of four young Emiratis with a shared passion for pop culture. It is independently developed without corporate sponsorship or backing from major event companies. The founders hope to make it an annual event, fueling the love for pop culture in the city (and even the country). *The wait is over: teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi is now open* So, who can you meet at JPEX? Some of the most prominent names in the world of voice acting from Japan and the Arab world will be at the event. This includes, Hiroshi Kitadani, vocalist behind several opening songs of One Piece; Ryusei Nakao who is known for his role as Frieza (Dragon Ball Z), Mayuri (Bleach), and Caesar Clown (One Piece), and Showtaro Morikubo, the voice of Shikamaru (Naruto), Yosuke (Persona 4), and Makoto (Free!). Arabic voice actress, Amal Saadeddin will also be at the event. She is the voice behind characters in Detective Conan, Pokémon, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Doraemon. *Arab Cinema Week is back at Cinema Akil this May* Expect to see them perform on stage and do live voice-acting. You can even meet these stars as there are meet-and-greet sessions. What else can you do? You can't attend a pop-culture event, and not expect people to come dressed up. And if you do, there are competitions where your creativity will be judged by regional and international judges. For art lovers, make sure you explore the dedicated artist alley, and partake in cultural activities including kimono experiences, tea ceremonies, and Japanese calligraphy. There will also be plenty of opportunities to snap up some cool snaps for a photo memory, or you can even shop at the vendor marketplace. For gamers, there's gaming tournaments for Tekken, FC 25, Super Smash Bros., Pokémon TCG, and One Piece TCG. Time for some button-mashing fun! And don't forget to make a pitstop at the food courts for a bite to keep the hunger pangs at bay. Tickets are on sale here for a price of Dhs105 per day. Opt for the three-day pass for Dhs265 to save your dirhams. JPEX, Expo City Dubai, Dubai Exhibition Centre, Dubai, April 25 to 27, from Dhs105. @jpexme Images: Unsplash and Visit Dubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
What's On
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Restaurant review: KIRA
Not just a pretty plate… There's something about 'chic' that doesn't have to shout – confident, but quiet. It's in the way gold accents catch the light softly, the kind of elegance that doesn't need to demand attention. That's Kira. Walking in, you instantly feel the serene luxury of it all – nothing too loud, but everything just right. The design speaks for itself, with subtle touches of gold and clean lines that set the tone. The Vibe Everything inside and out is insanely pretty, and I can't say it enough. The interior, the lighting, the energy, the details. As we walked in, it felt like stepping into a work of art. Kira is what happens when luxury meets design. Inside, the colour palette stays calm – think neutral creams and warm stone tones – with just enough gold detailing to catch the light. Then we sat at our table, and Burj Al Arab was right there, sitting pretty as our view? No biggie. Just icon status every time. The food We kicked things off with a few standouts from the raw bar – namely the Salmon Crudo with shiso and hazelnut vinaigrette (Dhs105), which was delicate and citrusy, and the Warm Prawns & Caviar (Dhs145), served in a rich, umami-packed ume brown butter. The Escargots (Dhs105/195) were a classic done right, while the Tuna Tartar & Caviar on crispy potato (Dhs295) brought that perfect luxe-meets-crunch balance. From the sushi, we tried the Spider Crab Gunkan topped with smoked caviar (Dhs95), and both the Spicy Tuna with jalapeño, yuzu tobiko and spicy mayo (Dhs105), and the Spicy Salmon with cucumber and sesame (Dhs90) – each one full of flavour. Then came the Truffle Wagyu Gyoza (Dhs155), silky and rich, with just the right hit of truffle from the ponzu. From the kushiyaki, the Black Cod (Dhs115) was grilled to perfection. For main course, the Lobster Linguine (Dhs550) was easily the best lobster pasta we've ever had, with cherry tomato sauce and shiso ponzu butter that coated every bite perfectly. And finally, the Japanese Wagyu Beef Kushiyaki (500g for Dhs750) which was, without exaggeration, one of the best steaks we've ever had – tender, flavourful, and perfectly cooked. We wrapped things up with the Kokuto Crème Caramel with Granny Smith Mille-Feuille (Dhs85) – sweet and silky – and the indulgent Hazelnut Coulant with Vanilla Ice Cream (Dhs105), which nailed that rich-meets-light balance we all want at the end of a meal. Verdict Kira gets it right on both fronts: the setting and the food. It's gold – literally and figuratively – and easily one of the most beautiful venues we've been to. With food this good, it's not just a pretty face – it's here to stay. KIRA Restaurant, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel. Tel: (0)4 328 1665. @kirarestaurant Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Today
10-04-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
DHA's 'She Deserves to Thrive' session inspires women
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) successfully hosted 'She Deserves to Thrive' on April 9 at the Museum of the Future, drawing an enthusiastic audience of women eager to explore mental and professional well-being. The event, part of DHA's Mental Wealth Strategy, provided valuable insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities to support women in achieving personal and career success. The session opened with a keynote by Dr. Hend Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion and Education Section at DHA's Public Health Department, who emphasised the importance of prioritising psychological well-being for a balanced and fulfilling life. Participants engaged in impactful discussions and interactive sessions led by distinguished experts, including: Dr. Rafia Ghubash – The Mental Wealth Toolbox: Strategies for Everyday Balance Dr. Safa Al Naqbi – Financial Knowledge: Mastering Your Money Mindset Dr. Khaled Ghattas – Art of Communication: Finding Your Voice Reflecting on the event's success, Dr. Hend Al Awadhi stated: "Empowerment begins with self-awareness, confidence, and access to the right resources. She Deserves to Thrive created a space for learning, discussion, and connection, equipping women with practical tools to enhance their personal and professional lives." Attendees praised the session for its engaging discussions, expert insights, and networking opportunities, highlighting its impact on their personal growth and career development. About the Mental Wealth Strategy The Mental Wealth Strategy is a cornerstone initiative by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), designed to prioritise mental well-being, foster open conversations, and provide actionable solutions for individuals across Dubai. Aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the vision of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, this comprehensive strategy is backed by a dedicated Dhs105 million investment. Over the next five years, DHA will roll out ten major initiatives aimed at strengthening mental health awareness, accessibility, and support across communities.
What's On
02-04-2025
- What's On
We stayed at a White Lotus hotel in Phuket, this is why you should go
Twenty years have passed since I last set foot in Thailand. For scale, that's equivalent to five US Presidential cycles, two GTA games or one full Greta Thunberg. A lot has changed in those intervening decades, not least me. And so this time, I'm travelling with a wife and kids on a wholly wholesome trip. I'm swapping out buckets of brightly coloured beverages for buckets and spades, hostels for hotels, though – hopefully – enjoying the same level of exotic awe and barefoot beach bliss. One to tick off the travel Phuket list But where amongst the thousands of idyllic isles and Lonely Planet bookmarks, should we take our four-man tour bus to? Phuket is the firm front-runner for good reason. Emirates flies there direct from Dubai; if your tribe prefer holidays where you don't just stay in one place, it's one of the easier provinces to navigate on the go; much of the unsavoury, R-Rated neon is hidden away on side streets (as long as you steer clear of Patong); it offers diversity of experience; and has in abundance the sort of fivestar comfort and convenience we've become non-negotiably accustomed to living in the UAE. Act one of our trip takes place in the established Phuket tourist enclave of Kata Beach – a thronging, sarong-ing hub where gap-year backpackers tread the market streets alongside leisure flop-and-droppers. It's August, right in the humid heart of the monsoon season, but the cloudless skies above don't seem to have seen the forecast. The beach is busy and visited by rough surf, so if you're travelling with young children the pool is probably a better option for your time here. Before we check into hotel number one, we make a quick pit stop at 7-Eleven, an essential station on any trip through Thailand. The local currency, Bhat, conveniently converts to dirhams by a factor of 10 (1,000 THB is roughly Dhs105), making shopping for scorpion balm or microwavable gyoza less fraught with currency mishaps. Club Med Phuket, Kata With properties ranging from Alpine lodges to Indian Ocean havens, there's a lot of diversity in the Club Med portfolio. There are certain elements though, that remain constant across the global network. These brand standards mean you'll always get generous all-inclusive packages that take the pressure off budgeting; a consistently high standard of gastronomy; a huge collection of facilities and entertainment experiences for all; and an activity-packed schedule at the various age-tiered kids' clubs. Club Med Phuket is a brochure example of these leisure lifelines. So in addition to the local staples such as a surf-streaked stretch of beach, spa and multiple pools – your Phuket trip is enhanced with opportunities to learn the art of trapeze dismounts at the on-site circus school; explore the basics of muaythai; throw suds and shapes at the pool-adjacent foam party; enjoy nightly themed cabaret spectaculars; take cooking lessons; hit the bullseye with archery classes; and embark on snorkelling safaris. The culinary output, considering it's mostly buffet-based, is particularly strong in range and quality, and another reason why I think Club Med ranks amongst the top family hotels in Phuket. And it's not just great for families. With the adults-only Zen pool, couples holidaying here can spend most of the day beyond the audible distance of the more tantrum-prone guests. Many of the rooms have been recently renovated and offer a suave situ, so you could quite merrily pass your entire holiday within the gated resort and not spend an additional dirham beyond your initial booking costs. But the hunger for adventure is not one easily sated, so on we push. Rooms from around Dhs1,200 per night, based two people for three nights all-inclusive. @clubmed You still see plenty of the oldskool, precariously assembled, tuk-tuks in Thailand. A motorcycle with an oversized sidecar haphazardly welded to the chassis, featuring the manufacturer's options pack of disco lights and near-death experiences. But it feels like they're being slowly and systematically replaced by a fleet of souped-up grey minivans that now dominate the thoroughfares. Light might not be able to escape a black hole, but there's not a country I've visited that's been able to resist the vacuum of transport sector Uberfication. And what you lose in old-world charm, you almost certainly make up for in transit times and life expectancy. We've booked one of the MPVs via Grab, an app that's ostensibly the Thai version of Careem (they do food delivery too). Despite a lengthy overlap with the school summer holidays, there are fewer tourists in Phuket during the wet season. So the traffic is thin as we cruise towards the next destination, Mai Khao, on the northern tip of the island. Staring out of the window, you're forbidden from forgetting Thailand's true tropical self. Living emerald dunes snake right up to the fringes of the roads, and there is no doubt that nature could snatch it all back in a heartbeat if it were moved to do so. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas Whilst much of the third season of hit HBO show, The White Lotus , was filmed in three resorts on Koh Samui (Anantara Lawana, Anantara Bophut and Four Seasons), there were significant portions captured here in this secluded, wellness-leaning, mantra-of-calm made manifest. Mai Khao is a much quieter quarter of Phuket. It feels younger, less developed, and an ideal escape if you've come to Thailand seeking sanctuary. The beach sits at the other end of the spectrum to Kata, it's unprocessed and raw, quiet and seemingly unending. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas grounds itself in that surrounding serenity. Your arrival is heralded by the striking of a sacred gong, check-in takes place in a pagoda over a gently rippling coy lagoon, and then you're ferried off on a leafy buggy ride to your lodgings. The exterior of our one-bedroom pool villa is traditionally Thai in style, but the interior is of expertly manicured modern design. It's a big old space and those generous portions apply to the plunge pool too, but the grounds hold two big main pools to tempt you into communal dips. The Anantara Spa experience is a globally recognised wellness gem, and the signature massage at Mai Khao will pummel even the most stubborn of your wonky chakras into submission. The spa also happens to be the setting for the flash forward, hot opening of The White Lotus ' third series, and whilst Jenifer Coolidge's character isn't in this season, there were moments laying on the massage bed where I genuinely felt like I was channeling her aura. In-resort dining highlights run to – the beautifully bougie beachside grill; Indian restaurant and Michelin Guide inductee, Tiffin; Treehouse, a fine dining dojo of Japanese high art; and all-day lagoon-side (where after feeding yourself, you can feed the fish) diner, La Sala. Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas is an archetypal ambassador for laidback, unobnoxious luxury and it's our top pick if you're seeking seclusion and a convenient launch pad for exploring the islands of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Villas from around Dhs1,004 per night based on two people for three nights bed and breakfast. @anantaramaikhao The beach at Avani+ Khao Lak The closing chapter of this Thai escapade takes place in Khao Lak, which sits just north of Phuket on the mainland. Behind the coastal hotels, there's a commercial strip of restaurants, massage shops, mini marts and tattoo parlours of violently varying quality. Sitting snug against the plastic sheet-wrapped table at one of the local eateries, I reflect on how easy it's been to satisfy each of our younger traveller's particular food penchants. My son has embraced the spice and aromatic alchemy of the regional cuisine, my daughter has continued her solo quest to exhaust the world of all chicken nuggets. But we've managed to feed both, in the same restaurant on all of our stops in Thailand. Daytripping There is a lot of family-focused entertainment to tempt you away from the comfort of your hotel in Phuket. But not all of it has been created equally. We visited theme parks, go-kart tracks, night markets and a naval turtle rehabilitation centre that I'm not 100 per cent sure wasn't a humidity-induced hallucination. We made an ethical choice to avoid elephant sanctuaries, because it was proving difficult to verify in advance how well looked after the animals were. But the best day trips, and it wasn't even close, were the longtail boat tours of the neighbouring islands. Because of Phuket's geographical location along the Thai peninsula, the destinations in the Andaman Sea are going to be the easiest to reach. The likes of Koh Samui and Koh Pha Ngan are found off the opposing coast of the mainland. That still leaves a lot of sea to see. Phi Phi Islands are probably the more famous sea-carved limestone idylls, they hold the key to the Maya Bay's lagoon, the fabled setting of the film adaptation of Alex Garland's The Beach . You can also drop anchor at the floating villages of Phang Nga Bay, and trace the silver coastline of James Bond Island. But as with most things in life, it's the journey to the destination, that's often the most fulfilling part of these trips. Boat tours start at around Dhs150. Avani+ Khao Lak Of all the places we stayed (and there are several more that did not make the mentions), this hotel has the most attractive beach. The entire property is fenced by encroaching jungle, which adds to an overall sense of seclusion, exoticism and synergy with nature. It also has some incredible family-friendly facilities. There's a climbing wall (this seems to be a reoccurring theme in the hotels here, but I'm too embarrassed to ask why), a free-to-play arcade room, pool complex with splashpad, skatepark, forest farm and a massive AvaniFit gym. Choosing how to spend your time in the property is likely to be tough, but with all the choice on offer, dining decisions won't be much easier to make. We loved the casual poolside pizzeria, Mi Scusi; the all-day diner – Elements puts on a grandstand breakfast buffet; there's a gelateria, coffee shop and The Beach House does a wonderful seafood platter. Chicken nuggets, I can confirm, are also available. We stayed in a two-bedroom family pool suite (from Dhs1,360 per nigh) and it was a light, delightfully modern space but we spent so little time indoors, its charms were wasted on us. Avani+ is the Goldilocks option, it has outstanding amenities in abundance and a full arm's length from the maddening crowds. Rooms from around Dhs214 per night based on two people for three nights bed and breakfast. @avanikhaolak A wholesome family trip to Thailand is a hard thing to tear yourself away from, but coming back to Dubai is easy. Sunshine and fun times make forever holidays. Images: Unsplash/Provided
