Saniya Chughtai, Pakistan-born, Irish national is CEO and founder of The Wadi Tribe. A philanthropist, serial entrepreneur, business consultant, children’s author,  Saniya, who also is an interior architect and international designer, is based in Dubai

Saniya was born in Karachi, Pakistan and has lived in Ireland since the 90’s. She wrote her first children’s book nine years ago under the series, “The Adventures of Chee and Dae.” 

Since then the Seanachai in her was awakened forever and she has since written nine books, six of which have been published so far and one at illustration stage. 

She is married to Brendan McKittrick who comes from a strong Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) background, where all three brothers played GAA for Fingallians. Their father, Seamus McKittrick is an All-Ireland minor football double gold medalist. 

After months of requests from Brendan to write GAA children’s books, Saniya finally found inspiration while researching hurling, in the words,“hurling is an ancient warrior sport.” And the legend of “Tach the Hurler” was created.

Indeed, “Tach and the Cosanthor,” is a popular award-winning children’s book,  the first book in a five-part series. It is set in ancient times, introducing the origins of the game and its importance in a community.

Dubai, UAE —  The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, known for its rare and exceptional dining experiences, has appointed Chef Remon Nabil Hanna as the Executive Sous Chef of Catch at St. Regis.  

With over 16 years of experience, Chef Remon brings a wealth of knowledge along with his expertise in culinary hospitality industry. At Catch at St. Regis he will be responsible for delivering exceptional quality of service, developing a creative and innovative seafood inspired menu, leading the gastronomic direction of the restaurant and enhancing the dining experience for food connoisseurs. 

“Consistency, disciple and ethics are often underestimated in the culinary world,” says Chef Remon. “I have long admired the blend of flavors in Asian cuisine. At Catch at St. Regis, our aim is to place a spotlight on the ingredients without compromising the quality of experiences our diners expect. We use only the highest quality of ingredients at our recipes and combine them with a fresh selection of seafood that the city has to offer. The result – an explosion of tastes like no other.”

Born in Egypt, Chef Remon’s culinary journey began with training in menu development and learning the intricacies of each station within the kitchen. His attention to details and dedication to deliver perfection saw him excel in his role as a Demi Chef de Partie and later be promoted as sous chef at Grand Hyatt Dubai. Having established himself as dynamic and progressive team player, Chef Remon joins The St. Regis Abu Dhabi after leading a team of 42 chefs and setting new standards of dining experiences in a fine-dining restaurant. 

“At The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, we understand our customers are discerning enthusiasts of quality dining– we not only celebrate the fact but strive to live up to the very ideal” says Arun Narayanan – Executive Assistant Manager & Food & Beverage Director of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. “Catch at St. Regis is at the cusp of leading a gastronomic revolution. Chef Remon’s eccentrically innovative approach to food, culinary knowledge, and a passion for perfection makes him ideal to lead one of the landmarks of Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene.” 

As his debut, Chef Remon will be curating a seasonal five-course set menu that is paired with the finest grapes from the vineyards of the New Zealand. Together, Chef Remon and Restaurant General Manger, Anika De Jongh, will capture the essence of the New Zealand greatest grapes and embody in a sensationally inspired paired menu. 

Taking place from February 25th, the indulgent dinner can be availed by 30 guests only. It is priced at AED 650 per person inclusive of all taxes and fees and is available from 7PM to 9.30PM. 

Dubai, UAE – Flavours of India at Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai lets you save while savoring the well-loved biryani for only a dirham.    

The one-dirham biryani offer can be availed when guests order dishes and beverages at the restaurant worth 50 dirhams and up. Take your pick from mutton biryani, chicken biryani, prawn biryani or vegetable biryani, depending on your cravings for the day.

Flavours of India JBR serves an array of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. It specialises in Mughlai cuisine such as Raan e Riyasat, Makhmali Murgh Musallam, Shahjhani Kofta, Zaika-e-Dal Makhnai, Akbari Shahi Tukda and more. Main course selection includes the popular Butter Chicken, Paneer Tikka Masala, and Flavours Special Bhuna Gosht, among others. 

This limited-time offer is valid from Sunday to Wednesday only, and is available for both dine-in and takeaway orders.   To book a table, call +971 4 309 8177, send a WhatsApp message to +971 52 398 1654, or email dining@ramadajbr.com. Terms and conditions apply.

In the ten years that they have spent in the UAE, longtime friends and colleagues Nick Alvis and Scott Price have played a pivotal role in shaping and developing the region’s dining scene.

Having spent over a decade working for Gordon Ramsay in London, Paris and Dubai, in 2011 they launched their first restaurant, Table 9 by Nick and Scott, to great success winning a string of accolades and garnering attention for being one of the first homegrown concepts. In 2013, they showcased their diversity by creating and establishing the Taste Kitchen brand, a chain of popular, award-winning contemporary café-style restaurants.

Their greatest achievement to date came in early 2017 with the opening of Folly by Nick and Scott at Souk Madinat Jumeirah. As part of a long-term, multiple restaurant partnership with Gates Hospitality, the two conceived the concept from scratch and guests will spot their signature style not just in the menu – with its unfussy, innovative dishes and commitment to quality ingredients – but in the decor, craft cocktails, music playlist and general vibe.

With its fabulous views, stunning outdoor terraces and different dining options – from an intimate kitchen bar experience to a secluded table out on the terrace, the choice to sample a bespoke tasting menu or simply order a drink and a couple of nibbles and watch the sun go down, Folly has something for everyone – as well as the best sunset in Dubai. 

Much like their previous ventures, Folly has already received an array of awards and accolades, including Time Out’s Best European Restaurant and Best Bar with a View, as well as being named Esquire Magazine’s Third Best Restaurant in the Middle East for 2018, and with future openings in the pipeline, their presence in the region is set to grow and grow.