As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of fiery orange and soft lavender, the Dubai Polo Bar at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club welcomes UAE residents to indulge in an evening of culinary delight: the Asado Sunset Brunch. A tapestry of flavors awaits, featuring a rich array of Argentinian-inspired dishes that promise to tantalize the taste buds and transport diners to the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires without ever leaving the luxurious comfort of Dubai.

The Asado Sunset Brunch isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that melds gourmet cuisine with the elegant backdrop of polo fields and the plush ambiance of the Polo Bar. At AED 299 for the house package, guests can enjoy free-flowing alcoholic beverages for three hours, including a curated selection of bottle beers like Amstel Light, Strong Bow, and Heineken Silver, alongside a sophisticated array of wines and spirits. For those preferring non-alcoholic options, the soft package at AED 189 provides an equally enjoyable experience, and children are welcomed to join the gastronomic journey for AED 140 each.

The menu is a festival of flavors starting with an array of starters such as artisan bread, roast garlic hummus, and smoked turkey ham. The charcuterie and empanadas set the stage for what’s to come, hinting at the authenticity and heartiness of the dishes. The live grilling station is the centerpiece of the brunch, where diners can select from succulent meats like the slow-cooked Asado de Tira or the robustly marinated Short Loin. Seafood lovers are not forgotten, with Honey Chipotle Prawns providing a zesty kick.

Accompaniments are not mere sides but stars in their own right, with colorful skewers and papas bravas with aioli complementing the meats. And for those with a sweet tooth, desserts like the Dulce de Leche Flan and Mini Churros with Chocolate Sauce promise a decadent finale.

The house package elevates the experience with a selection of beverages that include white wines like Arcadian Pinot Grigio and reds such as Arcadian Sirah, among others. The spirits selection features Bombay Sapphire gin, Bacardi White rum, and other premium labels, ensuring that there’s a drink to suit every palate.

To be a part of this exquisite dining experience at the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, residents can simply contact 04 361 8111 to reserve their sunset soiree.

Oman has officially declared January 11 as a public holiday for both public and private sector employees in honor of Accession Day, marking Sultan Haitham bin Tarik’s ascension to power.

According to Royal orders, employees in the State’s Administrative Apparatus and other legal entities, as well as those in the private sector, will be entitled to a one-day holiday.

The Ministry of Labour has specified that work can continue on this day if necessary, with compensation provided to the employees concerned as per existing regulations.

Renowned pianist and composer Mikhail Pletnev is scheduled to perform a special piano recital on January 13 at Zabeel Theatre, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, as part of the VIP Classical concert series organized by SAMIT Event Group.

Pletnev, celebrated for his excellence in piano, conducting, and composition, is recognized as one of the finest artists of our time. The concert, held under the patronage of the Embassy of Switzerland to the UAE, will feature masterpieces by Johann Sebastian Bach, Johannes Brahms, and Frédéric Chopin, showcasing Pletnev’s exceptional interpretation and virtuosity.

In the heart of Dubai, a young and determined athlete is making waves in the world of badminton. Taabia Khan, at just 17 years old, has achieved the remarkable feat of securing the second spot in mixed doubles on the BWF Junior World Rankings. Her journey from a cricketing family background to becoming a badminton sensation is a testament to her passion, hard work, and the unwavering support of her family.

Taabia’s father, Omer Khan, arrived in the UAE over two decades ago with cricket as his gateway to a new life. A former national-level cricketer in India, Omer’s skills led him to a job in the shipping industry. While cricket ran in the family, it was Taabia who emerged as the torchbearer for a new sporting legacy.

Initially groomed to follow in her father’s cricketing footsteps, Taabia’s interest took an unexpected turn when she witnessed her mother playing badminton for leisure. Fascinated by the racquet sport, she shifted her focus and never looked back. Eight years later, Taabia has not only embraced badminton but has excelled on the international stage.

Taabia’s journey to the world number two spot includes three consecutive international titles in Uganda, Spain, and Cyprus. Reflecting on her success, Taabia acknowledges the hard work invested since the beginning. A Grade 12 student at the Indian Academy School in Dubai, she spends seven hours a day honing her skills at the Battledore Sports Academy under the guidance of head coach Alfaz Kalam.

The UAE Badminton Federation’s decision to allow expats to represent the country in international events opened doors for Taabia. This opportunity enabled her to participate in the senior Asian championships, gaining exposure and competing against some of the world’s best players.

Taabia’s father, Omer, fully supports his daughters’ badminton aspirations. The family’s commitment is evident as they prioritize international badminton tournaments over vacations. Omer envisions a future where Taabia and her younger sister, Mysha Omer Khan, achieve the coveted world number one ranking in the seniors category.

Taabia Khan’s rise from a cricketing family to the world number two in badminton showcases her dedication, talent, and the power of pursuing one’s passion. As she continues to make strides in the badminton world, Taabia’s story serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, reminding them that the journey to success often takes unexpected turns but is profoundly rewarding.

Dubai Police have impounded an SUV and a quad bike after drivers were caught performing stunts at a family camping site in Al Ruwayyah. This follows the seizure of five vehicles last week for similar activities.

The confiscated vehicles will only be released upon payment of an impoundment fee, which can go up to Dh50,000. Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized that reckless driving poses a danger to road users and is not just a nuisance.

Stricter fines were implemented last year for traffic offenses, with penalties reaching Dh50,000 for reckless driving and running red lights. Confiscated vehicles involved in illegal road races face a stiffer penalty of Dh100,000.

Road safety experts urge friends and peers to discourage dangerous driving and promote safe practices.

Dubai has introduced a new public joint stock company (PJSC) named ‘Parkin’ to oversee operations related to public and private parking spaces. Established for a duration of 99 years, the company, with financial and legal autonomy, will be responsible for creating, planning, designing, operating, and managing public parking spaces.

It will also issue permits to individuals for subscribing to public parking, operating it, and reserving spaces. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will delegate certain responsibilities through a franchise agreement with Parkin PJSC.

The company’s shares are fully owned by the Government of Dubai, allowing individuals to own shares through public or private subscription. The ownership percentage of the government must not fall below 60 percent.

A resolution by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has formed the board of directors, chaired by Ahmed Hashem Bahrozyan. The board will oversee strategic plans, policies, asset management, organizational structure, and contract validations for Parkin.

Starting January 15, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has announced a new minimum top-up amount of Dh20 for Nol cards. Currently, the minimum top-up is Dh5, but the new regulation will require users to maintain a minimum balance of Dh15 for a round trip on the Metro transit network.

The Nol card, a prepaid smart card, is widely used for payment across various public transport modes in Dubai, including the Metro, buses, trams, and waterbuses. Additionally, it serves as a payment method for taxi fares, parking, park entrances, museums, and numerous shops and restaurants in the city.

The Nol Plus loyalty program offers cardholders rewards and benefits, allowing them to earn points for various transactions, which can be used to top up their Nol account or obtain discounts at selected establishments.

Rafael Nadal and Emma Raducanu, both making comebacks from long-term injuries, showcased promising performances in their respective matches. Nadal, in the Brisbane International, secured a convincing 6-1, 6-2 victory against Jason Kubler, displaying excellent determination and aggression.

Meanwhile, Raducanu, in the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland, went toe-to-toe with world No 25 Elina Svitolina, ultimately losing in three sets (6-7, 7-6, 6-1).

Despite the loss, Raducanu demonstrated significant improvement, gaining confidence ahead of the Australian Open. Nadal and Raducanu’s comebacks continue to capture attention and optimism in the tennis world.

Lawyers in the UAE have reported a surge in inquiries related to divorce at the beginning of the new year, often referred to as “Divorce Day.”

This phenomenon is characterized by an increase in separations or divorce requests after the festive season, where family tensions, including financial concerns, intensify.

Family law experts note a “flurry of inquiries” in the first week of 2024, with concerns related to compatibility, financial strain, and increased time spent together during the holidays being cited as contributing factors.

The survey reveals an early uptick in divorce-related consultations compared to previous years, reflecting a trend observed globally.

President Sheikh Mohamed witnessed the swearing-in ceremony of four newly appointed UAE ambassadors, including those to various nations and Unesco.

The ceremony at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi saw Sheikh Mohamed extending his best wishes to the ambassadors, urging them to enhance the UAE’s relations with their host countries and emphasizing the importance of expanding mutual interests.

The oath was taken by ambassadors to Bahrain, Peru, Bulgaria, and Unesco. The newly appointed ambassadors expressed their appreciation for the confidence placed in them.