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The National
10 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- The National
Ten Eid Al Adha dining deals and special menus in Dubai
The Eid Al Adha holiday weekend isn't just a time for reflection and celebration with family and friends. It's an excuse to indulge in everything from sizzling grills to bottomless brunches. The holiday for workers begins on Thursday and Eid Al Adha itself runs from Friday to Sunday. Special menus and dining deals abound across the Emirates. This list of dining options in Dubai is not exhaustive, but each is worthy considering. Tatel Cecina and live oyster stations are the highlights at the Spanish fine-dining restaurant part-owned by sporting superstars Rafael Nadal and Cristiano Ronaldo. After a welcome drink on arrival, diners can choose from an a la carte menu that includes Balfego tuna and arroz del senoret – described as a 'rich medley of seafood'. A new molten pistachio cake with vanilla cream and chocolate ice cream is among the dessert options. Thursday to Saturday, 5pm to 2am; Hotel Boulevard, Autograph Collection, Downtown Dubai; 04 215 2121 Punjab Grill There is a two-for-one offer on the Eid menu at the Indian restaurant's Abu Dhabi and Dubai branches. The set menu is Dh350 per person, but if you book in advance, it's buy one, get one free. The three-course sharing-style menu by chef Sandeep Ail includes a kebab platter, classic butter chicken and mango cheesecake. Thursday to Sunday, all day; The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Canal, Abu Dhabi, 50 668 3054; Anantara Downtown Dubai, 50 194 1107 Maison de la Plage The beach club venue has a live music lunch in a one-day-only celebration on Saturday. The band will perform indoors from 3pm, but guests can also dine al fresco by the pool. Chef Izu Ani, known for his Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, has curated a menu that includes an 'indulgent' Izu burger and a burrata salad. Saturday, 3pm; West Palm Beach; 044 52 3344 The Permit Room Free baklava cheesecake is being dished out to every table at this Indian restaurant. It can be paired with chef Harangad Singh's best dishes, which include burrata chaat, truffle amritsari kulcha and spicy mushroom momos. The Ferrero Rocher choco bar is also recommended for dessert. Thursday to Sunday; Majestic City Retreat, Mankhool; 05 479 11796 Baba's Diners are in for a sweet surprise at this Punjabi restaurant. Sit-in guests are treated to a free serving of traditional Punjabi kheer (rice pudding), usually priced at Dh24, for six days. Traditional dishes include tandoori platters and slow-cooked dal makhani. Baba's butter chicken recipe dates back to 1962. Wednesday to Monday; Ground Floor, DXB Tower, Sheikh Zayed Road, Trade Centre Area; 50 702 4944 Eid-E-Khaas The affordable Punjabi dining spot, which has four branches across the city, is offering all-you-can-eat traditional thali for Dh65. Tangy Lahori chana chaat kicks things off and is followed by all the usual favourites, including slow-cooked mutton kassa and baklava shrikhand for dessert. Thursday to Sunday; Dhaba Lane Karama, behind Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel; Dhaba Lane Garhoud, Al Garhoud Views Building; JLT, Cluster D, Podium, Jumeirah Lakes Towers; Al Nahda, Talal Humaid Belhoul Building, Street 13, Al Nahda Akabeko The Japanese restaurant specialises in yakiniku, a tabletop grilling style in which bite-sized pieces of meat are cooked in front of diners. A Wagyu feast is on offer for Eid, with three set menu options. There's a six-course beginner set for Dh450 per person; a 10-course intermediate set for Dh700; and a whopping 12-course set for Dh950 which must be booked in advance. Friday to Sunday, 12pm to 2:30pm for lunch, or 6pm to 10pm for dinner; Voco Dubai, The Palm, G01, Palm Jumeirah West Beach; 50 561 8288 Amelia Japanese and Peruvian cuisine with Mediterranean influences in a retro-futuristic steampunk three-level setting are all part of the appeal at this Downtown venue. The Eid menu highlights include hamachi ceviche and atun clasica, crafted with bluefin tuna and dragon fruit. Los Postres de Amelia, a curated selection of Amelia's most iconic sweets, sounds like a dessert showstopper. Thursday to Sunday, 7pm to 3am; Address Sky View, Downtown Dubai; 050 170 2805 Eat & Meat For Dh199 per person, a lavish international buffet brunch with live entertainment and family fun is promised at the H Dubai dining destination. Early-bird and group bookings can be secured for Dh179 and children under 12 eat free. Flavours come from the Middle East, Asia and the Mediterranean, and a kids zone aims to keep children entertained with arts, crafts, balloon twisting and more. Free pool access after 4pm is an added bonus. Saturday, 1pm to 4pm; The H Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road; 04 501 888 Entre-Nous International buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the Novotel World Trade Centre restaurant for Eid. Highlights include Arabic lentil soup; mixed grill and lamb ouzi; and hot kunafa and kataif to end on a sweet note. The breakfast buffet is Dh99; lunch, from noon to 4pm, is Dh189; and dinner, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, is Dh179.
West Australian
18 hours ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Mitchell Johnson: ‘Big four' rivals turn friends as Rafael Nadal's farewell shows what sport is really about
Tennis' big four were reunited this week for Rafael Nadal's emotional farewell to Roland Garros. There's so much to unpack about these legends of the sport, but one intriguing takeaway for me was Nadal's 'change in perspective' in retirement. The 14-time French Open champion reflected on years of fierce competition with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, his drive to win grand slams and the quest to be number one. But in retirement, his views on his rivals-turned-friends highlight why athletes truly play sport: even at the highest level of competition, friendships can flourish after all is said and done. The respect that the big four have for each other is heartwarming. Djokovic, the only one of the quartet still active on tour, mentioned that a piece of himself felt missing with Nadal's retirement, and I can relate to that sentiment. When you've battled against the best for so many years, it becomes almost natural to see that person on the other side of the net. Or the other end of the pitch. Watching these four athletes over the years has been nothing short of sensational, despite the challenges each faced with being part of that era of dominance. As fans, we all have favourites among the four, and reminiscing about their careers is a fun exercise. With all at their peak, Federer was my personal favourite to watch. Interestingly, I didn't warm to the Swiss superstar initially because he was gunning for Pete Sampras's spot as number one and I had grown up idolising 'Pistol Pete'. However, over time, I came to appreciate all their greatness, including Nadal's exceptional prowess, particularly on clay. Giving the Spaniard a fitting farewell on his favourite court – complete with a permanent plaque of his footprint - was a testament to the respect he earned from the world of tennis, the fans, fellow players, and everyone fortunate enough to witness a truly dominant career. Nadal has set a bar, especially on clay, which may never be equalled. I grew up watching tennis and my dream was always to play at Wimbledon. My childhood was such an incredible time to watch the sport even before the big four, especially with players like Monica Seles, Martina Hingis, Goran Ivanisevic, Pat Rafter, Jimmy Connors and Stefan Edberg. The late 1980s through the early 2000s was truly memorable, filled with some of the greatest talent in tennis history. While there have been many legends prior to them who did amazing things on the court and inspired many of the players I mentioned, the era of the big four feels particularly special. I often wonder if any of their records will ever be broken. It reminds me of a golden era in cricket when Australia dominated, or how the All Blacks have established themselves in rugby. It's mind-blowing to think that in an individual sport, we witnessed such extraordinary skill and determination from these four players whose domination virtually shut out all other competitors. During their time, the rivalries were intense and there were moments when they clearly didn't like each other. Yet they always delivered brilliant matches filled with strategy, endurance and mental strength. When Nadal bowed out last year, Federer noted in his congratulatory message that Nadal had made him work harder than he ever thought he could just to hold his ground. Each of them constantly pushed the others to improve, whether it was honing a skill, boosting fitness, or finding that extra one per cent to get ahead. The mental game was just as crucial, particularly in grand slam competitions, where it often came down to who was better prepared psychologically. Now, it's as if they've become like siblings, and the respect they have for one another reminds us all that, in the end, sport is a game and entertainment, despite it being something these athletes gave everything to. The friendships they've formed are special, showcasing the camaraderie that can arise from fierce competition. Rating the all-time greats in tennis is so subjective and almost impossible when you try to compare different eras as well as surfaces. So my list is primarily made up of the players I most enjoyed watching and the excitement they brought to the game. Nadal's dominance on clay is unmatched, making every French Open he played a thrilling spectacle. His tenacity and fighting spirit added so much drama to matches. Then there's Federer, whose grace and shot-making ability transformed the way tennis is played. His style and charisma on and off the court made him a joy to watch. Djokovic is another player who deserves recognition for his unique combination of incredible defence and mental toughness. His battles with both Nadal and Federer produced some unforgettable moments. And let's not forget Murray, whose determination and skill have often been overshadowed but who consistently brought intense competition, especially during his peak years before injury got the better of him. All four have distinct qualities that make them legendary, and while their statistics may place them high on many lists, it's really the emotional connection and enjoyment they brought to fans that resonates the most with me. It's the memories they left us with of those intense rivalries and unforgettable matches, along with their growth as individuals and athletes, that truly make them all-time greats in my eyes. Roger Federer Pete Sampras Martina Hingis Stefan Edberg Goran Ivanisevic Michael Chang Monica Seles Rafael Nadal Ivan Lendl Pat Rafter
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The Warrior by Christopher Clarey: The nice guy you wouldn't want to face across the net…
The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and his kingdom of clay by Christopher Clarey (John Murray £22, 360pp) What a privilege it's been for tennis fans – no, for sports fans everywhere, for anyone who admires excellence – to have lived through the game's Golden Age, the era of the 'Big Three'. There's Roger Federer in his stylish branded whites, effortlessly firing off exquisite winners while occasionally flicking away a bead of sweat with his little finger. There's the Serbian Novak Djokovic, like some supranatural Transylvanian being who wouldn't give up even if you buried him outside the court and put a stake through his heart – he would still find a way to leap out and defend the next point. And finally here's Rafael Nadal, Rafa the inexhaustible fighter, the force of nature, never ever knowing he was beaten. Never-say-die Rafa, with his obsessive on-court rituals, lining up his water bottles and touching his nose before each serve. Rafa the great, perhaps the most likeable of them all. With his muscles bulging out of his sleeveless shirt, his ferocious hitting and his intense focus, he could look scary and remote, but when he pulled off his bandana and shook out his sweat-soaked hair, a sweet boyish smile would spread across his face. Humble and surprisingly shy, Nadal was born into a prosperous middle-class family, in Majorca, but he had no airs and graces. I saw him once on a budget airline flight, in the early stages of his career, stuffing his tennis rackets into the overhead compartment. He would always stay behind to talk to tournament staff, everyone from referees to media room typists, thank them personally and sign autographs. Guy Forget, the former French No 1 and tournament director, put it like this: 'He was always very polite, he showed respect for everybody. Some guys walk in like they own the place. Rafa was always connecting with people, from the guy who does the court to the referees, to anybody he sees. That's why people like him so much, because he hasn't changed for all these years, with all that fame and success.' This year the French Open, currently under way at Roland Garros in Paris, is for the first time in three decades not playing host to Nadal, its greatest ever champion. Finally, the body gave out, the pace was too much, and it was time for Rafa to stop. Even that gladiatorial fighter had to retire last year, aged 38, amid much tearfulness from all and sundry. Fittingly, French tennis laid on a spectacular and hugely emotional tribute to their great champion on the first afternoon of this year's tournament. With at least 90-odd members of Rafa's family and stars past and present on centre court, as well as the band being brought back together when Federer, Djokovic and Andy Murray came on for a special appearance, this was always going to be a tear-stained afternoon. Rafa himself was weeping and there wasn't a dry eye in the house, certainly not from me. But this masterful and exhaustive portrait from one of the world's leading tennis writers should be some compensation. Christopher Clarey, the long-time sports correspondent for the New York Times, has interviewed Nadal and his associates countless times since he made his debut as a pro in 2001, and The Warrior is an affectionate biography of one of the world's greatest athletes. But it is much more, too. Between them, the Big Three won a scarcely believable 66 Grand Slam titles. Federer won 20, Djokovic, who is still ploughing on at the age of 37, has won 24, and Nadal 22, of which an unsurpassable 14 came on the clay of Roland Garros. I say unsurpassable, and of course it could be bettered, that's what records are for, but it's hard to imagine. Before Nadal came along, the man who had won most French Open titles was Bjorn Borg. He won six, a triumph that prompted Ilie Nastase to say it would never be beaten. But he hadn't met Nadal. It was always likely that Nadal would be a sportsman of some kind. One uncle played football for Barcelona and Spain; another, the irrepressible Uncle Toni, was a former tennis player who saw his nephew's talent from an early age. But it wasn't easy. A natural right-hander, under Uncle Toni, Nadal turned himself into a ferocious left-hander, sustained by the belief that suffering and pain were to be embraced. He grew up playing on the clay courts at Manacor, his hometown and base of his tennis academy which now occupies most of his energies. He was clearly a teenage prodigy. At 12 he had signed with Nike. At 14 he beat former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash, and at 19 he won his first French Open. He was blessed with unique hand speed and power, and hit with blistering topspin. Murray has ruefully described how tiring it was, when playing Nadal, to keep hitting the ball from shoulder level, such was the power of his topspin. And to play well on clay, you had to know how to slide to return a shot, and Nadal could slide equally effectively to his left and right. Richard Gasquet, a hugely talented one-time French No 1, and a teenage rival of Nadal, said after one defeat: 'When I came off court I told my father, 'It's over, that's the new champion of Roland Garros. There's no doubt.' I saw very quickly that he was an extra-terrestrial.' Among the rich commentary from other star players, Jim Courier talks most illuminatingly about Nadal's extraordinary competitiveness. 'It's the attitude, the way he handles defeat, the way he handles success. He's the Kipling quote [on triumph and disaster, from the poem If] come to life. As famous as that guy is, he's never seemed famous. He's the guy who cleans up the practice court when he's done. He's not entitled in the least . . .' Then Courier chokes up. 'It's hard not to break a racket. The guy's never broken a racket.' Nadal's uncle Toni taught him that breaking a racket would be showing a lack of respect to those who either have to buy their rackets, or cannot afford them. What moved Courier, says Clarey, was Nadal's dualities: the blend of self-control with competitive passion; of modesty with ambition; and relentless destructive force with ingrained common decency. Clarey, as you would expect, writes about some of Nadal's greatest victories away from Roland Garros, the breathtaking 2008 Wimbledon final when Nadal finally overcame Federer in gathering darkness after hours of thrilling, rain-interrupted battle – the best tennis match I have ever seen. 'This is sports,' Nadal said. 'It's a competition so of course my goal is to finish with the most. But for me it truly never has been an obsession. I was never looking over to see if someone had more than me, if their house was bigger or their phone was better. Whatever happens, Roger, Novak and I have all made our dreams come true.' You can't argue with that. And if you have ever held a racket or seen a champion play, you will find this splendid book a rich source of pleasure and inspiration.
Wall Street Journal
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘The Warrior' Review: The King of Roland Garros
Writing about sports is an art—complete with its own conventions and clichés. At its best, it can sound like this: 'Clay is to [Rafael] Nadal what water is to Michael Phelps or midair is to Simone Biles: a natural habitat suited to serial success. Clay was paradoxically not Nadal's favorite surface in his youth, but it was and will forever remain his best surface.' That's a passage from Christopher Clarey's 'The Warrior: Rafael Nadal and His Kingdom of Clay.' It's a scintillating account of the elastic Spaniard's epic run to the pinnacle of men's professional tennis—a 23-year career in which he won 92 titles on the pro tour, among them 14 on clay at the French Open, six on hard courts at the U.S. and Australian Opens, and two more on Wimbledon's fabled grass center court. Still, Mr. Nadal trails Jimmy Connors, who won 109, and Roger Federer, at 103. Mr. Clarey, a former sports reporter for the New York Times and the author of a biography of Mr. Federer, is especially good at analyzing Mr. Nadal's prodigious shot-making skills:
Independent Singapore
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Rafael Nadal to be 'excited' to have a friendly match against iconic rival Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal would be delighted and excited about the idea of playing against his iconic rival, Roger Federer, in a friendly exhibition match, according to Rafael's former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. Nadal and Federer had one of the most exciting rivalry matches in tennis history as they fought each other 40 times, including 14 Grand Slam matches. Their last official match was in 2019, in which Federer defeated Nadal in the Wimbledon semi-finals. Moreover, both athletes played several exhibition matches during their careers, especially while they were still playing on the tour. The last one was in 2020 in Cape Town, where they played in front of 51,954 people. Federer then retired from professional tennis in 2022, and Nadal recently retired two years later in 2024. Toni Nadal said that he believes that an exhibition match between the tennis stars will happen soon. He stated that fans might not have to wait long to see their tennis greats share the court once again. ' I imagine he would like to play an exhibition match with Federer soon, to give back a little of what tennis has given him and what tennis has meant to him,' Toni expressed. Furthermore, Toni Nadal also admitted that it would be much more 'special' if Nadal and Federer had a chance to play against another long-time rival, Novak Djokovic. Recently, Djokovic defeated Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the French Open. Toni Nadal also said, 'It would be very special for people to see the three of them playing again. And yes, I think they'll have to do something, because I suppose it will motivate people to see them play again in the future… I think I've been close enough to him to know him a little and know that he would be excited to play Federer.' 'Tennis has been a big part of his life; it has meant a lot to him, and you can't just erase that from one day to the next,' he added. When Toni was asked about when these matches might happen, he did not give an exact date. He stated: 'After these months away from the courts, I think that at some point he will want to get back to training and feel that he is hitting the ball well… I am convinced that he will play again soon, quite soon.' See also Golden gift from Shanti Pereira and Remy Ong to National Museum In this year's French Open, Rafael Nadal was given a special tribute for his legendary contribution to the tournament. In a social media post, the athlete shared, 'I don't know where to start, because after playing on this court for the last 20 years, after enjoying, suffering, winning, losing, and most of all, after being moved every time I've had the chance to be here! (translated)' Nadal added, 'Roland-Garros is unique, not only because he is a fundamental part of the history of tennis, but also thanks to all the people who work there tirelessly, always with a smile, to make this tournament what it is: UNIQUE…. Thank you France 🇫🇷, thank you Paris! (translated)' Netizens flooded Rafael Nadal's social media with messages of admiration and appreciation following his emotional tribute at Roland-Garros. One wrote, 'Thank you for everything, Rafa! You are legend not only in tennis but also in sports. You're an inspiration on and off the court! A tribute to the height of the immense champion that you are.' Another echoed the sentiment, 'It's a testament to how loved and adored Rafa is in the tennis world that his retirement continues to stir so many emotions. We love you Rafa. Thanks for the memories. And dear French People, pure class 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.' In another social media post, Rafael Nadal posted a photo of himself with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray with the caption: 'Thank you guys ☺️… From the bottom of my heart!' Fans warmly embraced the moment. 'Legends. The best rivalries! The finest gentlemen! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ How lucky we are to witness this era of tennis! 🎾' wrote one. Another added, 'The greatest era of men's tennis ❤️.'
