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Time Out Dubai
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Best beach clubs Dubai 2025: 32 Dubai beach clubs to book next
Dubai's best beach clubs are world-famous and for good reason. When the sun is shining and it's your day off, there's no better place to be than at one of the top-rated Dubai beach clubs for 2025. Whether you're on holiday or just pretending you are, nothing gives you those vacay vibes more than a day on the sand with a mixed drink in hand. And whether it's pumping party beats, ladies' day deals and free-flowing drinks that float your beach boat, or a chilled tanning session at a chic seaside spot, there's a beach club in Dubai with your name on it. Ready to soak it up on the sand? Here are the official best beach clubs in Dubai for 2025. Best beach clubs Dubai: a guide Click below to jump to a section in the article, or simply scroll below to see all the best beach clubs in all their glory. The *official* best beach clubs in Dubai Beach clubs in the Palm Beach clubs on J1 Beach Beach clubs in Jumeirah Best beach clubs in Dubai Marina Best beach clubs in JBR Best budget beach clubs Best beach clubs with ladies' day deals Best family-friendly beach clubs The award-winning best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 Discover Dubai's top beach clubs, as crowned by Time Out Dubai's prestigious Nightlife Awards. Our experts have anonymously reviewed each venue, and these are the absolute crème de la crème the city has to offer. WINNER Playa Pacha A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Playa Pacha) Price: Dhs200 for ladies (fully redeemable) and Dhs300 (fully redeemable) for gents. This vibrant and uber-popular beach club has quickly made a name for itself since its opening in March 2024. Located in the bustling JBR area, Playa Pacha is home to four large swimming pools that extend to the beach. With its chic white and beige decor accented by Pacha's iconic red cherries, Playa Pacha offers a fashionable vibe, ideal for when you're in the mood to flaunt your designer swimsuits and trendy poolside attire. While not the place for a laid-back beach experience, Playa Pacha promises incredible views, upbeat music and an electric atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for poolside party-lovers in Dubai. And the best part is – it's all fully redeemable. FIVE LUXE JBR, The Walk JBR, (04 455 9989). Check out our full Playa Pacha review here HIGHLY COMMENDED Nikki Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Nikki Beach Resort & Spa Dubai) Price: Starting from Dhs1000 for a beach cabana for two, with the price redeemable on food and drink. This iconic beach club is famed the world over, with brilliant beach clubs from Marbella to Saint Barth, St Tropez to the original in Miami. In Dubai, the popular beach club can be found on Pearl Jumeira, a gorgeous location with incredible sea views and a lively, fun-loving vibe. A huge pool is set back from a beautiful sandy beach, while you'll find plenty of cabanas and day beds, prime for lounging while you take in the live entertainment before dancing to the DJ as the sun sets. Pearl Jumeira, Dubai. (04 376 6162). Check out our full Nikki Beach review here Tagomago A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Tagomago) Price: A beach lounger is Dhs150 on weekdays and Dhs200 on weekends. Pool loungers are Dhs200 on weekdays and Dhs250 on weekends. All prices are non-redeemable. Named after an exclusive private island in Europe, Tagomago delivers an idyllic beach club experience on the Palm, brought to life by the creators of Twiggy and Kyma. This bohemian haven captures the essence of Ibiza, offering a lush setting complete with a stunning swimming pool and an imported sandy beach. At Tagomago, the atmosphere is more on the serene side and very Instagram-worthy. The menu includes smaller tapas-style bites, perfect for casual snacking, with highlights like spicy beef and chorizo croquettes. While a day here might not come cheap and isn't redeemable, the experience is undeniably blissful. Azure Residences, Palm Jumeirah, (04 832 6620). Check out the full Tagomago review here SHORTLISTED Beach by FIVE A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Beach by FIVE) Price: Monday to Wednesday, a sunbed is Dhs200 per person (fully redeemable) and Dhs300 Thursday to Sunday. If it's a banging beach party that you're looking for, then Beach by FIVE is the best beach club in Dubai for you. With 150m of private beach looking out to Dubai Marina, Dubai Harbour and Ain Dubai beyond, the backdrop makes for some pretty impressive Insta shots, too. And that's before we start talking about the sunken hot tubs and glass-sided beach pool adorned with a chandelier. It also hosts massive beach parties and top-name international DJs, so choose your best cozzie and head to a lounger. FIVE Palm Jumeirah, Palm Jumeirah, (04 455 9989). You might also like: 7 new beach clubs that are opening soon in Dubai COVEBEACH Dubai A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: CoveBeach Dubai) Price: Dhs200 on weekdays with Dhs100 redeemable on food and drink. Weekends are Dhs300 per person with Dhs150 redeemable. COVEBEACH is back and better than ever at its stunning location in JBR's La Vie. This beach club has evolved from its original spot at Jumeirah Beach Hotel to Bluewaters and most recently, to the pristine terrace overlooking Ain Dubai. The Insta-worthy space boasts day beds, an infinity pool and a luxurious vibe. The food menu is as indulgent as the setting, with seafood taking centre stage. Head early for a laid back vibe, before the party picks up in the afternoon. With a chic atmosphere, upbeat DJs, and a laid-back vibe, COVEBEACH is the perfect spot for a day of fun and luxury. La Vie, Jumeirah Beach Residence, (050 454 6920). Check out our full COVEBEACH review here DRIFT Beach Dubai A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: DRIFT Beach Dubai) Price: Price: A sun lounger will cost between Dhs150 and Dhs200 between Monday and Thursday and between Dhs200 and Dhs250 Friday to Sunday. One of the chicest beach clubs in Dubai, DRIFT is the OG when it comes to living the luxe life on the sand. Housed at the exclusive One&Only Royal Mirage, this stunning beach club has a gorgeous infinity pool, 1km of private beach and a menu of French grape and Mediterranean cuisine. With super views across to the skyscrapers of the Marina and a backdrop of the Arabian Gulf, this is one of the most elegant and best beach clubs in Dubai. One&Only Royal Mirage, Al Sufouh, (04 315 2200). Check out our full DIRFT Beach Dubai review here Kyma BA guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 each A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Kyma Beach) Prices: Sunbeds start at Dhs200 on weekdays and Dhs250 on weekends. Prices are non-redeemable. From the team behind Twiggy and La Cantine, Kyma is a must-visit beach club on Dubai's Palm West Beach if you're looking for chic vibes and a Grecian feel. Having opened in late 2022 it's rapidly become of one the best beach clubs in Dubai thanks to its sugar-soft sand (it's imported from the Maldives) and mellow, elegant feel. There's a menu of delicious Grecian bites (think dips and skewers), plus a decent grape list to sip on while you take in the views out towards Dubai Marina. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, (04 666 5999). SĀN Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: SĀN Beach) Price: A beach lounger can be reserved on weekdays at Dhs200 and Dhs250 on weekends. Meanwhile, beds by the pool are Dhs250 on weekdays and Dhs300 on weekends. SĀN Beach is among a chic line-up of beach clubs at the aptly named The Club nestled at the far end of Palm West Beach. With elegant, minimalist furnishings and a mellow vibe, it's a grown-up beach club that invites you to relax and unwind by the cool lengthy pool or sip a mixed drink in the submerged swim-up bar. Slip on your designer shades, order a platter of sushi and settle into your sun lounger, lulled by those beach club beats. Palm West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, (04 458 0499). Check out our full SĀN Beach review here Soul Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Soul Beach) Price: A day bed will set you back Dhs150 on weekdays (fully redeemable) and between Dhs200 and Dhs300 on weekends (partially redeemable). This out-of-town spot is well-known for its live events and beach parties, drawing in top DJs for events on the sand. Being located at Jebel Ali, it's a top beach club for a day out, with holiday vibes and a lively feel. Décor is vibrant, the pool is refreshing and the live events are more than enough to bring out the crowds come the weekend. JA The Resort, Jebel Ali, (04 814 5126). Check out our full Soul Beach review here WHITE Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: WHITE Beach) Price: On Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, a lounger is Dhs250 (Dhs150 redeemable on food and drink). Tuesdays have Dhs200 Ladies (unlimited drinks and discounted menu and Dhs250 for gents (Dhs150 redeemable). Wednesdays are Dhs150 ladies (fully redeemable). Coming from the team behind WHITE nightclub, you know what you're in for when it comes to WHITE Beach. And that is a high-end yet fun-loving venue with entertainment, DJs and free-flowing drinks. WHITE has 300m of poolside thanks to its huge infinity pool, private beach and bohemian-esque décor. Fancy splashing out quite literally? Six luxury cabanas come with their own private plunge pools. With a backdrop of Atlantis The Palm, this cool spot is ripe for the 'gram, and is one of the best beach clubs in Dubai. Atlantis The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, @whitebeach (04 426 0700). Check out our full WHITE Beach review here More beach clubs in Dubai: As well as the award-winning beach clubs in Dubai, plenty of top-rated spots are more than worthy of your hard-earned dirhams. Honestly? You're spoiled for choice. From vibey days at beach clubs on the Palm to laid-back luxury at the all-new J1 Beach, here are some top spots to hit up for your next lazy day by the sea. Best beach clubs in Palm Jumeirah BCH:CLB A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: BCH:CLB) Price: Sunbed rates start from Dhs200 Monday to Thursday and Dhs300 Friday to Sunday. Both are fully redeemable on F&B. Designed to 'redefine poolside leisure', the venue is bright white with pops of neon orange with art installations throughout the venue. Even the pool has an embossed BCH:CLB logo on the bottom. A day-to-night beach club, there's a Mediterranean menu and day beds for hire with a minimum spend. Once you've got your spot, you won't want to leave. W Dubai — The Palm, Palm Jumeirah, (04 834 3803). Check out our full BCH:CLB review here Bohemia Beach Club A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Price: Dhs200 for a sun lounger, fully redeemable. Luxe sun loungers, infinity pool and a view out from Palm Jumeirah, Bohemia is a top spot to spend a day in the sun. Find yourself a spot under one of the bohemian umbrellas and spend the day bronzing while making the most of the fully redeemable package. (P.S, by night this also a great one to come at night if you fancy great tunes and a beach party). FIVE Palm Jumeirah, (04 455 9989). February30 Fully redeemable pool and beach days in Dubai. Price: Prices start from Dhs150 Monday to Thursday and Dhs250 Friday to Sunday. All prices are redeemable on F&B. Beirut export February30 offers a fully redeemable beach day between noon and 7pm each day. You'll have to shell out extra if you want sunbeds closer to the sea. There's a menu of Pan-Asian and Mediterranean bites that you can order from to redeem the entry cost while you lounge under a red and white umbrella. West Palm Beach, Palm Jumeirah, (04 244 7200). Check out our full February30 review here Surf Club A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 Credit: Surf Club Price: Monday to Thursday it's Dhs200 per bed (Dhs150 redeemable) and Friday to Sunday it's Dhs350 (Dhs250 redeemable). This place is known for its parties. Chilled aesthetic beach club by day, you can soak up the rays in a cabana before the party starts in the evening. Keep an eye out for deals throughout the week, from ladies' lunches to weekend brunches on the sand. West Palm Beach, (04 589 5444) Check out our full list of beach clubs on the Palm, here Beach clubs on J1 Beach Bâoli A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Price: Pool sunbeds are Dhs500 Monday to Thursday, with Dhs400 redeemable on food and drink. Friday to Sunday are slightly more expensive and will set you back Dhs600, with Dhs500 redeemable. Bâoli is a pretty stunning destination that offers up modern Japanese cuisine with new Asian flavours. With outposts in Miami, Cannes, and now Dubai, the jungle-themed beach club can easily be described as having 'sanctuary aesthetics'. You can expect a sundeck, private cabanas, a special moon room for late-night parties and a stunning sunset lounge with an infinity pool. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 558 6381). Gigi Dubai A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Price: Entry is Dhs300 for a sunbed on the beach, whilst a poolside bed will set you back Dhs400. Both are non-redeemable against food and drink. At Gigi, the pool offers a peaceful escape near the Bellini Bar. Stretch out on a single sunbed and unwind with a refreshing lemon beverage or a fresh coconut – the perfect Dubai hotspot to cool off and relax. Families are also welcomed with the Gigi Circus, a kids' club packed with fun activities. J1 Beach, La Mer (04 558 2067). La Baia A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: La Baia) Price: Pool and beach access is available from Dhs300 on weekdays and from Dhs350 on weekends (Dhs200 is redeemable on food and drink). Say hello to La Baia, the new Italian-themed beach club at J1 Beach. Packed with an air of That's Amore, expect stripy sunbeds, fresh lemons on the tables and plenty of Amalfi Coast vibes. The menu features black caviar and truffle on burrata and pizzas, a Crudo Bar with fresh seafood and desserts like Caprese chocolate cake. Open daily 10am-1am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 570 2482). You might also like: The new Dubai restaurants you need to try in 2025 Sirene Beach by GAIA A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit Supplied) Price: Loungers on the beach start from Dhs200 per person on a weekday (non-redeemable), while pool sunbeds start from Dhs300. Sirene Beach by Gaia is a Greek paradise, with stunning Aegean-style decor and stunning vistas. There is plenty of space to relax with copious amounts of golden beach and poolside to lounge next to. If you want to go all out on your Greek escape, get the whole gang together and book out a private cabana, the larger of which can accommodate up to eight guests (and some of the cost is redeemable too). The menu was expertly created by Evgeny Kuzin and Chef Izu Ani, who have branched out from the original DIFC restaurant for this new beachfront project and features plenty of Salad, spreads and hearty Greek dishes. Prepare to be wowed. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (052 334 2787). Check out our full list of beach clubs on J1 Beach, here Beach clubs in Jumeirah Ninive Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Instagram @ninivebeachdubai) Price: Plush sunbeds are available from Monday to Thursday at Dhs250 per person and Dhs300 per person (non-redeemable). If you're after a beach club with a hearty dash of dessert, Ninive belongs on your bucket list. The popular Middle Eastern restaurant at Jumeirah Emirates Towers and Bab Al Shams now has a new location at J1 Beach in Dubai. Designed to look like a stunning Moroccan majlis, the indoor/outdoor space features a turquoise tiled pool, rich earth tones and traditional textiles. All with a cool and modern twist. The menu features plenty of fresh grilled dishes from Iraqi, Turkish, Moroccan and Lebanese cuisines. Plush sunbeds are available from Monday to Thursday at Dhs250 per person and Dhs300 per person (non-redeemable). Open daily from 10am-2am. J1 Beach, Jumeirah 1, (04 498 4200). Read our full Ninive Beach beach club review here Summersalt A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Summersalt) A beach club on the spennier end of the scale, Summersalt is an upmarket beach club found at Jumeirah Al Naseem. With views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, it's a top shout for visitors, especially ones who are looking to tan and sip on mixed drinks rather than party the day away. There's a tasty poolside menu with Latino bites to get stuck into too, and make sure you don't leave before sunset, as the views and vibe a top-notch. Open daily 9am-midnight. Jumeirah Al Naseem, @summersaltbeachclub (800 323 232). Check out our full list of beach clubs in Jumeirah, here Best beach clubs in Dubai Marina Mare by Bussola A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Price: It's Dhs300 (fully redeemable) on weekdays and Dhs500 (fully redeemable) on weekends. Mare by Bussola offers an upmarket vibe along with an Italian charm. Based at The Westin Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Mare by Bussola never disappoints when you are seeking somewhere to relax and unwind. With a stunning restaurant serving first-class food, plus a pool and a swim-up bar it's the perfect location for soaking up the sun, enjoying a long and lazy lunch or a dinner with a special someone or group of pals. The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, Dubai Marina. (04 511 7319). Zero Gravity A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Price: Prices for Zero Gravity vary each day, with plenty of ladies and gents deals to make the most of. The sprawling beach club looks straight across to Ain Dubai, boasting its own long stretch of sand and an impressive swimming pool. There are different events every day of the week, from chilled melodic Monday to a tropical barbecue style brunch on Saturdays, and an unlimited breakfast deal every Sunday for Dhs75. Skydive Dubai, Dubai Marina, (04 399 0009). Check out our full list of beach clubs in Dubai Marina here Best beach clubs JBR Address Beach Resort A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 Credit: Address Beach Resort Price: A lounger is Dhs200 Monday to Thursday and Dhs250 Friday to Sunday, both non-redeemable. Chill out for the day at one of the hotels ground pools, or spend a few hours chilling out on the sand and looking out to Bluewaters Island. Packed with loungers and cabanas a plenty, this is a perfect spot to laze the day away. Address Beach Resort, The Walk, JBR (04 879 8888). Bla Bla A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Bla Bla) Price: On weekdays, a lounger will set you back Dhs200 (fully redeemable), whereas on weekends, it'll cost Dhs300 (fully redeemable). Bla Bla is the ultimate day-to-night hotspot on JBR. With 21 bars, a restaurant serving your favourite dishes, and a stunning beach club, there's no need to go anywhere else. Lounge by the sparkling, chilled pools and Bali-inspired beach bar, savouring cocktails while enjoying lively entertainment. Then, head up to the Rooftop for sundowners with breathtaking views. Open daily 11am-sunset. Bla Bla, The Beach, JBR (04 584 4111). Zeta Seventy-Seven The best day pool day passes and deals in Dubai. Credit: Zeta Seventy-Seven Price: Rates start from Dhs277. Boasting some serious rooftop views, the sky-high pool is a luxe spot to spend the day bronzing in the clouds. Choose from a sunbed, gazebo or private cabana and your preferred time slot, which can be morning, afternoon or evening. You can grab a morning sun bed from Dhs277 (non-redeemable), but if you opt for an afternoon slot for Dhs577, you can redeem the entire amount. Address Beach Resort, Dubai Marina, (04 879 8866). Check out our full list of beach clubs in JBR here Best budget-friendly beach clubs Barasti A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 Credit: Barasti Beach Bar The OG Dubai beach club has recently introduced a redeemable pool pass cost, but you can still get some great value for money. Looking out over Dubai Harbour, the venue is now priced at Dhs150 on weekdays and Dhs200 on weekends. Open daily 9am-3am. Le Meridien Mina Syahi Beach Resort & Marina (04 511 7373). Peaches and Cream A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit; Supplied) This is another great value beach day if you manage to stick to the redeemable spend. Priced at Dhs100 for weekday visits and Dhs150 on weekends, you won't get your feast on but you'll be able to snack and sip. Open Sun-Thu 9am-midnight; Sat-Sun 9am-1am. Clubhouse Al Nafura by the Shoreline Apartments, (052 947 4552). Check out our full list of budget-friendly beach clubs here Best beach clubs with Ladies' Day offers Be Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Be Beach) As far as ladies' pool day deals go, it doesn't get much better than this. Head to the dreamy bohemian beach club where you'll be treated to pool access, free-flowing drinks and canapes, starting from Dhs180 per person. Look out over Dubai Marina and soak up some rays while listening to some top beats all afternoon. From Dhs150 per person. Wed 10am-4pm. Dubai Harbour, (054 751 1119). Check out our full Be Beach review here Mimi's Pool Club A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Start your weekend off right by enlisting your friends for a party at MiMi's Pool Club on Friday, where you'll not only get pool access but also a selection of bites, mixed drinks and even a bubbly show while DJ Gio hits the decks. Advance bookings are strongly advised. From Dhs199 (ladies, house mixed drinks, grape, bottomless BBQ and salad; Dhs249 (gents, bottomless BBQ, house drinks). Fri 1pm-4pm. Five Jumeirah Village, (04 455 9989). O Beach A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: O Beach) The lively beach club is now hosting a special ladies day on a Sunday, where you can redeem free pool and beach access, unlimited drinks and a main dish of their choice from noon until 4pm for Dhs195 per person. Dhs195 (ladies). Sun, noon-4pm. Habtoor Grand Hotel Beach Front, Dubai Marina, (052 858 0464). Check out our full list of beach clubs with ladies' day offers here Best family-friendly beach clubs Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 Offering the triple whammy that is a gorgeous beach, selection of swimming pools and access to a full-on waterpark, you know you're onto a winner with a family pool day at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina. If aqua-based rides are the major draw for your clan, the likes of the Lighthouse mat race ride, Whizzard and Body Slides at Jungle Bay Waterpark should more than suffice. Splash park Aqua Play, meanwhile, is great for slightly younger kids, while the 6-metre wave pool will keep daredevils amused for hours (and tire them out, too). Open daily 8am-sunset. Al Sufouh, (04 399 3333). RIVA Beach Club A guide to the best beach clubs in Dubai 2025 (Credit: Supplied) Long-standing Palm favourite RIVA knows what families want from a beach and pool day. Here you'll find the vibe is chilled but never posey, there's a nice stretch of beach lined with plenty of sun loungers (perfect for putting your feet up while the kids build sandcastles) and two pools – one that's well suited to both laps and lounging and another for children. Poolside restaurant Gazebo comes into its own when that inevitable post-swim hunger kicks in. Open daily 7am-11pm. Shoreline Apartments Building 8, Palm Jumeirah (04 430 9466). Check out our full list of family-friendly beach clubs here More beach clubs in Dubai 31 fully redeemable pool passes in Dubai Get your money's worth at these Dubai spots The best budget-friendly beach clubs to know Make sure you don't spend more than you need to on your next beach day The best free beaches in Dubai 2025 Brilliant free options for a great day by the sea
Metro
19-05-2025
- Metro
Frederick Doe walks free over £4,750,000 gold toilet theft plot from Blenheim Palace
A man has been handed a suspended sentence for his part in the theft of a £4.75 million 18-carat gold toilet from Blenheim Palace. Frederick Doe, 36, was sentenced to 21 months imprisonment suspended for two years and ordered to do 240 hours unpaid work. Doe, from Ascot, Berkshire, who is the son of a multimillion caravan magnate, was previously found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property. CCTV from the early hours of September 14, 2019, showed three men smashing their way through a window with crowbars and sledgehammers, to then emerge with the golden toilet. Speaking outside court, Doe said: 'My good nature has been taken advantage of. I got caught up in something I should not have and now I just want to go home and enjoy my family. I am a good person.' His friends joined him outside court and they shouted 'he is a good person' and that he would be off to have a drink to celebrate. Judge Ian Pringle KC said Doe was of previous good character and that the other men may have taken advantage of his good nature. 'You had a limited function, you had no personal gain, you had no wider involvement and you were involved for a short period,' he told Doe. He rejected the prosecution's suggestion that Doe was one of the main players and added: 'You had a limited function, you had no personal gain, you had no wider involvement and you were involved for a short period.' The value of the gold Doe tried to sell on was worth between £250,000 and £260,000, according to the judge. The judge said he was 'targeted' for his legitimate contacts in the Hatton Garden jewellery district. Doe, formerly known as Fred Sines, is the son of Maurice 'Fred' Sines – who has been accused by Irish authorities of being an ally of the notorious Kinahan organised crime gang. Michael Jones, 39, was previously found guilty of planning the robbery at the Oxfordshire house. The day before the theft on September 14, 2019, Jones also revealed he 'took advantage of' the gold toilet's 'facilities' while at the country house. Asked what it was like, Jones said: 'Splendid.' Doe helped one of the men who pleaded guilty to carrying out the burglary, James Sheen, to sell some of the gold in the following weeks. Sheen, 40, from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, had already pleaded guilty to stealing the toilet. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transfer criminal property and one count of transferring criminal property. Jones and Sheen will be sentenced on June 13. Jones visited the palace twice before the theft but had denied these were reconnaissance trips. Doe got involved when he heard Sheen had stolen the toilet and offered to use his contacts to sell the stolen gold. Doe contacted Bora Guccuk, 41, who ran a jewellery shop called Pacha of London to sell off Sheen's share of the gold. Guccuk has previously been cleared. The court heard that Sheen bragged to Doe about making £520,000 from selling his share of the gold to an unidentified jeweller in Birmingham. Three other men involved in the burglary have never been found by police and the fate of the gold is still a mystery. Crispin Aylett KC, defending Doe, said: 'The actual extent of Mr Doe's involvement was to introduce Mr Sheen to Bora Guccuck and Bora Guccuk was unable to come up with the money and, as we know, Mr Sheen took his gold to Birmingham and boasted about the money he made.' The gold toilet was created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and was a star attraction in an art exhibition when it was stolen. Blenheim Palace is famous for being the birthplace of former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill. news page.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sonic superstar Robin Schulz unveils his alias KOPPY with new single Freaking You Out
AS the sun rises over Ibiza and dancefloors heat up for another unforgettable summer, global dance icon Robin Schulz drops into the season with a fresh sonic twist. Schulz, the most successful German solo artist of all time, has teamed up with Australian sister duo NERVO and his enigmatic new alias KOPPY, to unleash new single, Freaking You Out. 3 This is a high-octane house anthem packed with sultry vocals, a driving four-on-the-floor rhythm combined with euphoric synths. Fresh off a triumphant North American tour, Robin now shifts gears into pure dancefloor mode starting his residency at the legendary Pacha Ibiza, where the summer sound is all about energy, unity, and that unmistakable White Isle vibe. He's compiled an exclusive playlist for us that captures the spirit of that shift, featuring club-ready cuts, uplifting house grooves, and the kind of feel-good moments only he can deliver. 3 Robin and NERVO, will share the stage at Pacha on May 31, giving fans a chance to experience the infectious energy of Freaking You Out live. Check out his playlist below and what he thinks about each track: Robin Schulz, NERVO, KOPPY – Freaking You Out This one is really special to me. Working with NERVO was super fun and the track brings such a special energy. I can't wait to have the girls back at Pacha at the end of May to celebrate our release together. Chris Lake, Ragie Ban – Toxic This track has such a specific and dark driving vibe. It builds tension in the right way and when the drop hits, the energy in the crowd just explodes. It's a real mood-setter. Frank Ocean - Lost (Gabss, Vintage Culture Edit) The original is a classic, and this remix gives it a real club vibe. It's one of those tracks where people sing along but still keep dancing. I heard this one on the US tour for the very first time when I entered the villa and my whole crew were vibing to it. Since then, it has become the tour soundtrack. A very special one for me. AYYBO & Taylr Renee - Obsession Super minimal, super groovy. It's one of those tracks that locks people in without being too loud or in-your-face. Overall, it was super nice, balanced, and the right pick for a proper night. SIDEPIECE – Lick This one is really fun and a bit naughty. It hits hard while the vocal sticks and people always react to it. It's a real banger and brings the right energy to the floor. Dom Dolla feat. Daya - Dreamin (Anyma Remix) Two worlds colliding here. Dom's groove with Anyma's emotional depth. It's a powerful moment in the set where things go a bit more epic and melodic. Cassian – SOS Beautiful and emotional, but still has a pulse that keeps the energy flowing. I love dropping this one because it really has a unique energy. Cloonee, Young M.A & InntRaw - Stephanie (HNTR Remix) This remix has some serious punch. It takes the original to a darker, more driving place which is perfect when I want to shift gears in the set and take things deeper. I loved to play the original one before, but this remix caught me even more. Robin Schulz, OSWALD - eternal life This track means a lot to me. It shows where I'm at musically right now. Emotional, uplifting, but a bit more club-focused. Playing it live always feels special. It's a total classic, and the James Hype edit gives it a fresh energy. Everyone knows it; everyone is going crazy. It's one of those guaranteed moments in my sets.
What's On
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Solomun headlines Playa Pacha this May: A night you can't miss
This one is special… If you know house music, you know Solomun, a name that needs no introduction. And when Solomun steps behind the decks, you already know what's coming – deep, melodic sounds and the kind of atmosphere that only a Pacha event does well. On May 2, the maestro himself is taking over Pacha ICONS at Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE JBR. The sound From Pacha Ibiza to the world's biggest festivals, Solomun has been shaping house music for years, earning titles like best DJ, best producer, and best melodic house DJ along the way. He's behind some of the most hypnotic tracks in the scene, and his sets are known for their depth and energy. Solomun doesn't rush. His sets build, shift, and pull you in; deep, melodic, and packed with emotion. It's a journey, and you'll feel every beat. The space Pacha ICONS is bringing Ibiza's energy to Dubai, and Playa Pacha is the perfect setting. Open-air dancefloor, a serious sound system, and a backdrop that makes every drop hit harder. Add in Pacha's 50 years of party expertise, a master behind the decks, a space built for music lovers, and just the right music in the right place, and you already know this one's going to be special. Don't miss it A night like this doesn't come around twice, so stay tuned and be the first to know when tickets become available Also read ANTS to take over Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience this April Unmissable music events in the UAE this April Pacha ICONS at Playa Pacha, FIVE LUXE, The Walk, Jumeirah Beach Residence. Tel: (0)4 455 9989. @playapachadubai Images: Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
The National
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Inside Sharjah Biennial 2025: Colonial board game, celebration of the mandala and migrant stories
Verbs are not often used as thematic titles for art festivals, but the one selected for the Sharjah Biennial is elegantly equivocal. "To Carry", this year's theme, reflects on the many aspects we individually carry, from memories and homes to languages, histories, wounds and ruptures. Yet, by its nature of being a verb, the title also evokes an active state of being and development. To carry something is not a passive act. The artworks at the biennial boldly explore this concept. The event has been curated by Alia Swastika, Amal Khalaf, Megan Tamati-Quennell, Natasha Ginwala and Zeynep Oz. The curators come from disparate practices and backgrounds. Their research ranges from the role of storytelling in collective learning and activism to explorations of societal and economic systems. As such, each curator has brought a distinct focus to the biennial and its theme. Ginwala says: 'This idea of return is something that I think about in the long past, really looking at ancestral memory, place-making, cultural histories. How we ourselves are vessels of the past and the imminent futures, whether as immigrants, as those in exile, or as those preparing to travel.' More than 650 artworks are on show. The works are being presented in 17 locations across Sharjah, extending beyond the city to include sites in Al Hamriyah, Al Dhaid and Kalba. The works are each deeply personal, responding to the theme in an idiosyncratic manner. Some reflect migrant experiences or overlooked pockets of history. Others re-examine age-old customs and traditions with a novel twist. In her Pacha textile series, for instance, Peruvian artist Claudia Martinez Garay draws inspiration from Andean cosmovision, an idea that suggests that everything in the cosmos is interconnected. The title of the series, Pacha, is also a word in Quechua, an indigenous Andean language, that refers to the three cosmological realms of the upper world, the living world and the underworld. Garay's textiles contain elements that denote these realms, often with a touch of humour and with a collagist's visual sensibilities. One of the works, Chunka Tawayug Pacha, features a floating llama that gawks back at the viewer with a hint of annoyance. The animal is carrying a series of objects, from chilli peppers to toilet paper, a corn cob to a baby and a human head. The objects are tethered in a network of ropes with a blossoming peak that rises towards the sky. Lebanese artist Raafat Majzoub, meanwhile, carries his background as an architect within his work. Streetschool Prototype 1.1, Everything-in your love-becomes easy is part of an ongoing project by Majzoub to create a "school" from salvaged materials. In this iteration, the artist, collaborating with a local team, has utilised materials sourced from architectural sites under renovation across Sharjah. Interlocked tiles, discarded tyres and cinderblocks come together to form a communal space. At the centre is a video that shows an earlier version of the project, which took place in Lebanon, and provides insight into the process. Majzoub says: 'The project started with a personal story. I had a garden in front of my house. The municipality wanted to turn it into a parking lot, and no one was fighting for a garden. I thought that maybe we turn it into a school. People with my first school, but I failed.' Yet, the experience inspired an idea he has sought to replicate in different cities across the region. In Tripoli, the school was built out of garbage. In Abu Dhabi, it was made out of palm leaves. And in Ramallah, the project was materialised using trashed artist materials. The project, Majzoub says, is aimed at bringing people together with an artwork where resources are scarce, not paying anything for materials and paying everyone involved an equal fee. British artist Olivia Plender, on the other hand, is taking on the history of British colonialism with a satirical board game. Set Sail for the Levant: A Board Game about Debt (or a Social Satire) is described as 'a rigged board game that parodies the effects of British land privatisation, debt and colonisation". 'I wanted to create an artwork that people would have to inhabit,' she says. 'When you're playing a game, you're engaged in it. Your emotions are engaged with it. This sort of sense of the system being rigged, if you're in the game, you feel that very acutely. I've made versions of it which are playable. And people get quite angry, they start to feel that there's something something wrong here.' The game, she says, is also meant to spark conversations about a period of British history that most in the UK don't talk about. 'Within the context of Britain, people don't talk very much about the British Empire,' Plender says. 'When it comes to the Middle East region, there's very thin awareness about the British history in the region and colonial presence. In the time period when I was making the game, there was so much going on in the Middle East that had to do with British intervention.' The biennial is also giving a platform to pioneering artists from the Global South, including Velu Viswanathan. A space has been devoted to the Indian painter, showing his unique take on abstraction. The works, dating back to the 1980s, are inspired by the sacred geometry of yantras and mandalas, but depict a propensity towards abstraction that is wholly unique. Triangular forms emerge out of dark swirls and swathes of red. Tiles of teal and orange are rendered in arrangements that evoke lilting, and at times dizzying, feelings. 'It is a form of abstraction that is very rooted in spirituality, coming from southern India, coming from Kerala,' Ginwala says. 'His family also was making mandalas, making temple sculptures, doing carpentry work, making jewellery.' The exhibition space is unique and instils the feeling of being in one of Viswanathan's works." There are also several works of monumental and awe-inspiring scale. Kuwaiti artist Monira Al Qadiri, for instance, is presenting Gastromancer. The work features two colossal seashell sculptures that are suspended in a red room. 'It follows my practice around the topic of oil and its cultural legacies and social legacies,' she says. 'I found this amazing story of how in the 1980s they discovered that the reddish paint on oil tankers seeps into the water and causes changes in the marine population. One of these changes, which I found very interesting and almost science fiction, was that it would cause the seashells to change their genders, from female to male.' Al Qadiri was engrossed by this phenomenon, wondering how the seashells dealt with the change. 'I started imagining a conversation between the two seashells about what happened to them,' she says. For Gastromancer, she used excerpts from the 1994 novel The Diesel by Thani Al Suwaidi. The book was an apt choice, namely in how it explores concepts of identity and transformation in the Gulf. 'I thought it was super fascinating to work in text, so I adapted it into a dialogue,' Al Qadiri says. Sharjah Biennial is running until June 15. More information is available at
