Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The region’s favorite Swedish home furnishing retailer, Al-Futtaim Ikea, has announced the launch of its standalone Café of around 2150 sq. ft. located at the Swedish Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. 

Built around the theme of ‘co-creation for innovation’ with a strong focus on sustainability, IKEA’s main ambition is to enable and inspire more than 70 million people to live a better life everyday by the year 2025. 

Under the guidance of the Al-Futtaim Group and the theme – ‘Always a Force for Good’, IKEA celebrates this key moment of national pride as the UAE brings to life sustainable food options aimed at creating a better future for everyone at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Visitors from around the world will be joining the making of a new world and experience a six-month journey of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.

On the occasion of the launch of Café by Al-Futtaim IKEA, Vinod Jayan, Managing Director at IKEA UAE, Oman, Qatar and Egypt said: “At IKEA our aim is to inspire everyone in the UAE and beyond to live a better life and enjoy a brighter tomorrow with initatives such as plant-based food which is more sustainable for our planet. The launch of our new Café in the Swedish Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is completely in sync with the Swedish Pavilion objectives of showcasing how Sweden is building transparent, smart cities, innovating life sciences and developing a bio-circular economy. The Café by Al-Futtaim IKEA also closely aligns with the larger Expo 2020 Dubai theme – ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ through sustainability, mobility and opportunity.”

The Café by Al-Futtaim IKEA will bring freshly brewed organic coffee certified by UTZ, a non-profit organisation that ensures the highest sustainable farming standards, better conditions for workers and complete transparency and traceability right from coffee plantation to cup. The café includes the signature salmon that comes from the renowned Aquaculture Stewardship Council’s responsible seafood practices certified farms in addition to the mouth watering IKEA plant balls. With the same great taste and texture as the classic meatballs, the plant balls are just 4 percent of the climate footprint. 

IKEA completely understands its responsibilities towards sustainability hence its works together with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) to take care of the world’s forests. The wood used in the Café similar to the products instore also comes from sustainable sources such as the FSC certified and recycled wood. 

The Café by Al-Futtaim IKEA will provide Expo 2020 Dubai’s visitors with a place to relax, recharge and socialise at the event. IKEA patrons will be served a large variety of food options to choose from such as cakes, IKEA’s signature breakfast, sandwiches, salads as well as hot snacks and savories. Customers can eat, shop and be part of a better future for the many people on the planet at the IKEA café while enjoying the extravagance of Expo 2020 Dubai. 

The Café by Al-Futtaim IKEA is surely destined to cater to the taste buds of all the visitors of Expo 2020 Dubai and leave them with lifetime memories of the event. 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Expo 2020 Dubai is off to a great start, welcoming 411,768 ticketed visits in its first ten days (official figures from Expo) since its inauguration on October 1. 

In this context, France is delighted to announce that 79,559 of these visitors have visited the France Pavilion in the same period of time. The fast-queue system is working at its best and the waiting time never exceeds 10 minutes, in respect with the sanitary conditions that take place.

Guests can also enjoy a luminous experience on the outdoor terrace at night: Roger Pradier is providing remarkably aesthetic lighting for the Belvedere floor. 

The nomadic models Tank designed by Cédric Ragot, La Hutte designed by matali crasset, and Lampiok designed by Stéphane Joyeux spread a light that adapts to the time of the day, transforming the Belvedere space.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Fortune has favored a Bangladeshi expat, Abdul Khader, in the 46th weekly live Mahzooz draw. The lucky winner bagged the AED 1,000,000 second prize after matching five out of the six winning numbers, which were 2, 17, 40, 41, 42 and 45. 

Abdul Khader, a crane operator in Dubai, also has the distinction of being Mahzooz’s first Bangladeshi millionaire, and Mahzooz’s 16th overall millionaire of 2021.

In a classic rags-to-riches turn of events, the 32-year-old who has never held a bank account in the UAE found himself unimaginably wealthy overnight. 

“I’m still grappling with how many zeroes there are in one million dirhams! Since I moved to Dubai 10 years ago, every dirham I earn has been sent to my family in Bangladesh.”

The devoted family man has chosen to live such a frugal existence that even a working phone internet plan has remained a luxury for him. 

“I was working the night shift and was trying to watch the draw show live on my phone, but my data kept buffering. I finally called my roommate to check the results and found out I had matched five out of six numbers in my fifth time participating! It’s so great that even people like me, who aren’t very well-to-do, can afford to participate in Mahzooz!”

What Abdul Khader is most excited about is that his win grants him the ability to splurge on his wife: “First, I will go shop for some gold for my wife. I’ve never been able to save enough to even buy her a grain of gold.”

Abdul Khader ’s other intentions for his winnings go to show that the selfless blue-collar worker has a heart of gold.

“I want to use a portion of my prize money to help my brother and father who have been facing a lot of financial setbacks. Then I’ll build a house and rent it out – that will ensure we have a steady stream of income for years to come.”

The father of two will also put aside a part of his winnings for his children’s education: “I’ve only been educated up to third grade and had to drop out of school to support my family. This winning amount will ensure that unlike me, my children can chase any dream they want.” 

After he has squared away his family’s needs, Abdul Khader hopes to invest in a cattle farm. “I’ve always worried about the future. But this life-changing win from Mahzooz will ensure my future isn’t full of hardships, but one of opportunities that were out of my reach before. I’m so grateful to Mahzooz.”

Entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via www.mahzooz.ae and purchasing a bottle of water for AED 35. The next weekly live draw will be held on Saturday 16 October 2021 at 9:00pm UAE time. Mahzooz is inclusive to all who are eligible.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The German Federal Government has included Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the German safe list, reducing Covid-19 implemented restrictions for travellers. The news follows the previous inclusions of Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia to the list.  

The reduction in restrictions applies to all travellers twelve years and above regardless of individual vaccination status, with visitors now able to provide a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel, a valid vaccination certificate, or proof of recovery. 

“The new travel regulations for GCC visitors makes travel to Germany easier and more appealing for travellers,” commented Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. 

“The winter season remains an important travel period for Germany, and this news will support regional travellers’ interest in exploring the array of festive seasonal markets, spa and wellness retreats, and outdoor sporting activities across Germany.” 

The EU issues and updates its recommendations to member states regularly. The safe list is reviewed and revised every two weeks by the EU authorities and members states. 

For full entry requirements to Germany, visitors are advised to refer to www.bmi.bund.de.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: As the second model of the next-generation of Lexus following the NX, Lexus has held the world premiere of the new LX  in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and the reveal video is available online. The new LX, which embodies the brand’s commitment to meeting the diversifying needs and lifestyles of customers, is scheduled to go on sale in Japan in early 2022.

Since its establishment in 1989, Lexus has always been committed to the spirit of innovation and has continued to take up the challenge of providing new technologies and value to its customers. Since its launch in 1996, the LX has been well received as Lexus’ flagship SUV due to its high-quality, ride comfort, and driving performance that can withstand all kinds of roads around the world. This has been achieved by refining the founding concepts of the LX: “reliability”, “durability”, and “rough-road driving performance”. The LX has sold a cumulative total of approximately 500,000 units in more than 50 countries and regions as of the end of August 2021.

The new LX is designed to provide vehicle occupants with exceptional comfort and enrich their life experiences. While maintaining a traditional body-on-frame structure to ensure reliability, durability, and d driving performance, it renews its characteristics by adopting the new GA-F platform, realizing a weight reduction of approximately 200 kg, and achieving a digitally-developed high-rigidity body. The new LX will be available with either a high-output, high-torque 3.5-liter V6 twin-turbo gasoline engine. Electronically controlled brakes (ECB) and an electric power steering system (EPS) are also adopted to ensure customers will be able to enjoy Lexus-unique driving performance to the fullest, both on-road and off-road. 

These innovations, plus the adoption of two new available powertrains, will also contribute to improved environmental performance, reducing annual CO2 emissions when the vehicle is in use by approximately 20 percent on a global cumulative basis compared to the previous model, thus contributing to the realization of a carbon-neutral society. In harsh off-road environments, to promote a safer and more comfortable driving experience, the instrument panel features Lexus’ first dual display with a 12.3-inch upper screen and 7-inch lower screen, as well as Back Underfloor View, which displays the area beneath the rear part of the vehicle as a world first*. 

The new LX is more personalized, with the newly added VIP grade, which is specially designed with four independent seats for elegant and safe travel on all kinds of roads, and the F SPORT grade, which allows customers to enjoy sporty driving on winding roads. 

In terms of styling, while pursuing a design that contributes to athletic performance and function (a design perspective that began with the new NX), ideal proportions are expressed through a blending of sophistication, power, and presence befitting a flagship SUV. Among other featured technologies, Lexus’ first fingerprint-authentication push-start switch contributes to reducing the risk of theft.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – It’s the moment the world has been waiting for, and the ultimate celebration destination is not going to disappoint. Ain Dubai, the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel by Dubai Holding announced today details for its opening weekend, taking place on Thursday and Friday 21st and 22nd October. 

The opening weekend celebrations are set to take place at the spacious Ain Dubai Plaza. Doors will open at 2pm on Thursday, Oct. 21st where visitors can expect a host of family entertainment and activities free for all to enjoy with 12 food trucks and more from 2pm to 7pm.  

From 8pm, DJ Dany Neville will play a set on stage, which will also be played into cabins for guests riding, accompanied by several light shows taking place across the evening. The official opening celebration kicks off at 8.30pm with a stunning light and drone show and fireworks.

Lucky guests who’ve pre-booked to be the first to experience a 38-minute rotation in the state-of-the-art cabins can get their cameras ready for that magical sunset slot which will be complemented by sunset beats across the Plaza to really set the scene and put guests in that long-weekend mood. 

Day two (Friday) kicks off  at 2pm with more entertainment across the day and throughout the evening, including artists from Flash Entertainment and Virgin Radio Dubai’s Regional Artist Spotlight (RAS) initiative. RAS brings together the best musical talent under the spotlight of the biggest regional players in the field of entertainment to deliver music from across genres – think rap to rock and everything in between. Ain Dubai will host several acts across the evening with the wheel and mesmerising light shows providing the perfect backdrop.

Ronald Drake, General Manager, Ain Dubai said: “We’ve seen the excitement across the city peak as we get closer to opening so it was only fitting that we host an opening that was in line with all that Ain Dubai has to offer as the ultimate celebration destination. We can’t wait to welcome the world to see everything beyond the stunning view of Dubai’s dazzling skyline available at Ain Dubai, from family entertainment to sunset views and DJ sets. We have plenty of surprises in store across the two days, making it the perfect place to spend the long weekend.”

Entry for opening weekend at the Ain Dubai Plaza is free for all. Tickets to experience Ain Dubai are sold separately starting from AED 130 and can be purchased on www.aindubai.com. Tickets are selling fast so don’t miss out! 

Ain Dubai is the world’s largest and tallest observation wheel, standing at over 250 metres. The record-breaking monument offers unrivalled and unforgettable social and celebratory experiences as well as 360-degree views of Dubai in premium comfort – all at heart of Bluewaters, the sophisticated, must-visit island destination. The 48 passenger cabins that circle the enormous circumference of the wheel have capacity to carry more than 1,750 visitors at once.

Executive Chef Shinya Hongo, born in Tokyo, has seen a lot of the world, having travelled with his father to the US mainland, India and the US State of Hawaii. He arrived in Dubai some six years ago, seemingly on a mission.

“Japanese restaurants are very expensve or high-end,” Chef Shinya tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. “You need to pay a lot of money for Japanese food. My owner said he wanted it to be more like good-priced street food and so we opened this restaurant,” he added, referring to Maru Udon Restaurant.

“Udon means Japanese streetfood noodle. Maru means circle,” Chef Shinya said.

Authentic, affordable and fresh, Maru Udon brings an extensive menu of both traditional, Udon dishes and ramen-style dishes with full topping where customers can experience an explosion of taste and texture in a cosy, welcoming ambience.

“We imported an udon machine,” Chef Shinya said, to ensure fresh noodles every day.  “We have two branches – one in Business Bay and the other in Ghurair Mall –  and we are planning to open one more. We are also going to expand to other Middle East countries,” the chef added.

Chef Shinya said they decided to open their kind of Japanese restaurant in Dubai because “there is a lot of different nationalities here and they all need to experience new food.”

Dubai, UAE, 06 October 2021 – Get a tasty midday meal at Lola Taberna Española, the Spanish restaurant at Tryp by Wyndham Dubai in Barsha Heights, where a super-friendly and contemporary taberna-style atmosphere adds to an enjoyable out-of-office lunch.

Lola Taberna Española’s Menú del Dia (Menu of the Day) runs every weekday from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm. Diners can choose a delectable three-course Spanish meal for Dhs89 or a two-course menu for Dhs65. Choose a starter and main, or main and dessert and pair it with Lola’s refreshing beverages.

Dining is available inside the restaurant, where Spanish music flows along with its chilled vibe. At the same time, El Patio (outside terrace), which is now fully covered and air-conditioned, is the perfect spot to spend the mid-day break.

Unwind and indulge in generous portions of Ensalada de Tomates & Atún (tomato and tuna salad), Ajo Blanco con Uvas & Almendras (Andalusian cold garlic and almond soup), Pa Amb Tomaquet & Jamón Serrano (toasted bread with tomato and Serrano ham) and Croquetas de Cabrales (cheese croquettes) for Starters.

Mains feature Pollo & Espinacas a la Plancha (grilled chicken with spinach), Filete de Lubina a la Plancha (grilled seabass fillet), Tortilla “Vaga” con Morcilla & Piparras (“lazy” omellete with blood sausage and basque pepper) and Fideuá de Gambas (fideua with prawns).

For the delicious desserts, there are Tarta de Queso Manchego (Manchego Cheese Cake), Tarta de Manzana (Apple Tart), Churros-Porras con Chocolate (Churros with Chocolate) and ice cream or sorbet.

With rustic-chic décor and artfully adorned walls, Lola has become a favorite of residents and visitors looking for a relaxed environment to enjoy delectable and authentic Spanish cuisine. Since opening in 2020, the venue has served as an excellent spot a catch-up with friends or a lunch meeting with the team that could turn into dinners. 

“I started my design studio right after I graduated,” says Mansour Talal Bakheet, born in Saudi Arabia. “Design is the most interesting thing for me as a job. Be it designing a new restaurant or a new office. It has an interesting challenge. It gives me excitement,” he added.

“I like to have a positive impact through design – it gives me a medium to express myself and address daily issues like access to good quality coffee in your neighborhood. That’s how Qahwaty Café was born.

“I love coffee. My brother loves coffee. It’s like a joint effort. I love Arabic calligraphy. I love culture. I wanted to create an impression in having enough space and a great coffee experience and that’s what happened: I brought the space; he brought the coffee experience,” Mansour said.

He said they decided to open their unique coffee shop in Dubai because the city is “one of the easiest place to start a business.”

“There is availability of opportunities,” he said.

Mansour said all it takes to run a business is passion. “If you are passionate, you can figure it out because business involves a lot of challenges and if you are passionate, you can go through it.”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Festival City will host the fourth season of the Dubai Festival City Half Marathon on October 22^nd with the strong support of Dubai Sports Council, Dubai Police, Dubai RTA and Dubai Municipality.

Taking into consideration all the COVID-19 safety measures as per the UAE health authorities and the UAE government, Dubai Festival City will host the marathon, organized by RaceME, one of the leading sports event company in the UAE. The first race is scheduled to start at 6:30am and participants can register on or before October 19^th.  

Depending on the level of skill, runners can take part in the 21.1km half marathon, the 10km or 5km routes. The event also includes a 1km fun run for the kids.

The marathon is open to both seasoned marathon runners as well as aspiring amateurs and the route will take them through some of Dubai Festival City’s most scenic locations including the Dubai Festival City Mall, Automotive Park, Festival Bay, Marsa Plaza and Al Badia Residences. There is also a Race Village located close to Festival Bay packed with several F&B options for spectators and participants. 

The Dubai Festival City is a holistic destination focusing on a large number of health-related events.The run provides a great opportunity for participants of all levels to come together, enjoy and truly embrace the spirit of fitness. The destination promotes a healthy lifestyle for all its residents, visitors and tenants therefore hosts marathons, events and activations in order to help everyone reach their fitness goals and lead a better life. 

To book your tickets, please visit https://raceme.ae/event/dfc-half-marathon.

For more details on Dubai Festival City, please visit dubaifestivalcity.com.