Christmas Eve at The Foundry offers premium dishes such as lobster bisque, black cod and beef tenderloin for less than Dh300 per person. Photo: Southern Sun
Christmas Eve at The Foundry offers premium dishes such as lobster bisque, black cod and beef tenderloin for less than Dh300 per person. Photo: Southern Sun
Christmas Eve at The Foundry offers premium dishes such as lobster bisque, black cod and beef tenderloin for less than Dh300 per person. Photo: Southern Sun
Christmas Eve at The Foundry offers premium dishes such as lobster bisque, black cod and beef tenderloin for less than Dh300 per person. Photo: Southern Sun

Christmas brunch and dinner in Abu Dhabi for under Dh500


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  • Arabic

The holiday season is about gathering around the table with loved ones to share delicious meals, and Abu Dhabi’s vibrant dining scene has plenty to offer – even for those on a budget. Whether it’s a relaxed Christmas Eve dinner or a lively Christmas Day brunch, the capital is brimming with affordable options below the Dh500 mark. Here are our top picks.

For Dubai celebrations, our guide of pocket-friendly options can be found here.

Christmas Eve

Urban Kitchen

The restaurant in Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi will serve an expansive buffet featuring a carving station of classics, from roast turkey lamb rack to veal tonnato with quail eggs, beef rib-eye and salmon Wellington. Seafood lovers can indulge in lobster, prawns and crab, with sides such as roast beetroot and blue cheese salad. The buffet also includes dishes from other cuisines, such as Japanese, Arabic, Indian and Thai. Desserts on offer include panettone to Christmas cake.

December 24; 7pm-10.30pm; from Dh245 per person; Al Muroor Road; 050 760 3425

Villa Toscana

At this Tuscan style restaurant in The St Regis Abu Dhabi, diners can indulge in a four-course meal which includes dishes such as sea bass ceviche with Amalfi lemon and mango gel and fresh handmade tagliolini in prawn bisque for starters. Main course options include slow-cooked Wagyu beef fillet and cured amberjack. For desserts, Caprese cake with chestnut cream and banana-passion fruit gelato will be served.

December 24; 7pm-midnight; from Dh450 per person; Al Bateen; 02 694 4553

The Terrace on the Corniche

The dessert table has Christmas-themed treats. Photo: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
The dessert table has Christmas-themed treats. Photo: The St. Regis Abu Dhabi

For a buffet with a view, diners can head to this restaurant, also part of The St Regis Abu Dhabi. Dishes include fresh oysters, prawns, razor clams, plus an array of salads and cheeses. There's also a live rotisserie with golden roast turkey with chestnut stuffing, complemented by seafood platters and turkey charcuterie. Other mains include beef Wellington and persillade-crusted sea bass.

Christmas-themed desserts will be served too, such as gingerbread creme brulee, Christmas pudding and Buche de Noel. A saxophonist and vocalist duo will provide entertainment.

December 24; 7pm-midnight; from Dh300 per person; Al Bateen; 02 694 4553

Sevilla

The restaurant in Al Raha Beach Hotel is serving a buffet on Christmas Eve, with an extensive spread of starters, salads and festive treats such as a traditional roasted turkey. Save space for a Christmas pudding and other themed desserts.

December 24; 7pm-11pm; from Dh225 per person; Al Raha; 056 545 0274

Sidekicks

Warner Bros mascots will entertain children. Photo: The WB Abu Dhabi
Warner Bros mascots will entertain children. Photo: The WB Abu Dhabi

Apt for families with young children, the restaurant at The WB Abu Dhabi, Curio Collection by Hilton will host a buffet spread with live cooking stations. A dedicated children's station is on site too, with dishes such as mini burgers and sweet potato fries. Special appearances from Warner Bros characters will add to the festive cheer.

December 24; 6.30pm-10.30pm; from Dh199 per person; Yas Island; 02 815 0000

Benihana

Those looking for Japanese food can head to this Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi restaurant, known for its live teppanyaki cooking. Seats directly face a team of theatrical chefs, preparing everything from sushi and sashimi to makimono and steaks. No minimum spend is required for diners in this a la carte meal.

December 24; 6pm-11pm; no minimum spend; Al Zahiyah; 02 697 9000

Shang Palace

Another Asian meal is on offer at the restaurant in Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, which will serve a curated menu with Chinese classics by chef Qiguo Su and paired with seasonal beverages. The USP is a traditional gongfu tea ceremony, which will be performed by the hotel's resident tea master during the meal. Younger guests can enjoy a visit from Santa Claus too.

December 24; 6pm-11pm; from Dh288 per person; Khor Al Maqta, Qaryat Al Beri; 02 509 8555

The Foundry

The restaurant in Southern Sun will serve a seven-course set menu for Christmas Eve, starting with an amuse-bouche of caviar blini with creme fraiche, followed by an appetiser of foie gras terrine with spiced fig compote. Other dishes include lobster bisque with tarragon foam, seared black cod with miso glaze, beef tenderloin with truffle jus and dark chocolate fondant with spiced orange sorbet.

December 24; 7pm onwards; from Dh299 per person; Tourist Club Area; 056 515 3388

Bait Al Hanine

The family-friendly restaurant in Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is hosting a Christmas Eve buffet complete with live cooking and carving stations. Think grilled meats, smoked brisket and traditional turkey. Fresh seafood is also an option, as well as a range of Christmas-themed sweets.

December 24; 7pm-11pm; from Dh300 per person; Al Wathba; 02 204 444

Christmas Day

Garage

The popular B. I. G brunch at the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island restaurant is getting a festive makeover for Christmas Day. The menu includes seasonal dishes such as roast turkey, pumpkin-crusted lamb loin, rib-eye roast, beef medallions and Yorkshire pudding. A lavish cheese selection with fig jam, walnuts and cranberries, and desserts such as yule log cake and snowflake eclairs will also be available. Entertainment comes by way of dancers, a DJ, faux snow and a visit from Santa.

December 25; 1pm-4pm; from Dh450 per person; W Abu Dhabi Yas Island; 02 656 0000

Catch at St Regis

The buffet has an expansive selection of chocolates. Photo: The St Regis Abu Dhabi
The buffet has an expansive selection of chocolates. Photo: The St Regis Abu Dhabi

Seafood is the star at the festive brunch with live music in this restaurant at The St Regis Abu Dhabi. Dishes include lobster, crispy calamari, grilled prawns and sushi rolls. Meat-lovers can opt for roasted turkey and rib-eye carvings.

December 25; 1pm-4pm; from Dh500 per person; Al Bateen; 02 694 4553

Aqua

The restaurant at Rosewood Abu Dhabi has a buffet on Christmas Day, complete with a visit from Santa Claus. On the menu are classics such as turkey stuffing, grilled sea bass, lamb rump and cold cuts. There's a pie station, plus as desserts such as panettone, chocolate yule log, Christmas pudding and gingerbread cookies.

December 25; 12.30pm-4pm; from Dh390 per person; Al Maryah Island; 02 813 5550

Roots Bar & Kitchen

A festive brunch with a lively programme for families is on the cards in the Yas Acres restaurant. The multi-cuisine spread aside, there will be a photo booth, a visit from Santa Claus, a magic show, plus access to Little Acres Kids Club for face-painting and slime-making.

December 25; 12.30pm-4pm; from Dh320 per person; Yas Island; 050 757 4808

Valgerand

A Christmas meal with a Nordic touch is on offer at Valgerand. Photo: Valgerand
A Christmas meal with a Nordic touch is on offer at Valgerand. Photo: Valgerand

The Mamsha Al Saadiyat venue offers a taste of a Nordic Christmas. The set menu features dishes such as chicken liver mousse and cranberries, smoked salmon rosti and Estonian potato salad for starters. Mains include smoked boneless prime beef rib roast, grilled salmon with creamy sauce, roasted duck breast with cranberry sauce and charcoal-grilled cauliflower with romanesco sauce for vegetarians. For dessert, can choose among riskrem (Norwegian whipped cream and rice pudding) with cherry sauce, gingerbread cheesecake with cranberry sauce and Christmas chocolate and raspberry cake roll.

December 25; noon-11pm; from Dh200 per person; Mamsha Al Saadiyat; 02 444 6674

Stills

The restaurant in Crowne Plaza Yas Island has a Christmas brunch designed for families with small children. An international menu will be served, complimented by nostalgic Christmas music, plus a dedicated corner for little ones with games, activities and a visit from a gift-bearing Santa.

December 25; 1pm-5pm; from Dh295 per person; Crowne Plaza Yas Island; 02 656 3066

Niri Restaurant and Bar

If you're thinking Japanese for Christmas, check out Niri. Photo: Niri
If you're thinking Japanese for Christmas, check out Niri. Photo: Niri

The Japanese restaurant at Mamsha Al Saadiyat will serve a set menu on Christmas Day, featuring classic Asian dishes, such as ika karaage, sesame soya beef and different yakitori and sushi variants. Festive desserts are also available, such as Christmas cake and chocolate souffle. The restaurant's sakura tree will be decked out with decorations, and Santa Claus will make an appearance donning gifts for children.

December 25; noon-11pm; Dh300 per person; Mamsha Al Saadiyat; 02 546 8886

The biog

Age: 59

From: Giza Governorate, Egypt

Family: A daughter, two sons and wife

Favourite tree: Ghaf

Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense 

Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”

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if you go

The flights
Flydubai offers three daily direct flights to Sarajevo and, from June, a daily flight from Thessaloniki from Dubai. A return flight costs from Dhs1,905 including taxes.
The trip 
The Travel Scientists are the organisers of the Balkan Ride and several other rallies around the world. The 2018 running of this particular adventure will take place from August 3-11, once again starting in Sarajevo and ending a week later in Thessaloniki. If you’re driving your own vehicle, then entry start from €880 (Dhs 3,900) per person including all accommodation along the route. Contact the Travel Scientists if you wish to hire one of their vehicles. 

Company%20profile
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Company%20profile
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Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
The Buckingham Murders

Starring: Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ash Tandon, Prabhleen Sandhu

Director: Hansal Mehta

Rating: 4 / 5

Results:

6.30pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Walking Thunder, Connor Beasley (jockey), Ahmad bin Harmash (trainer).

7.05pm: Handicap (rated 72-87) Dh 165,000 1,600m.
Winner: Syncopation, George Buckell, Doug Watson.

7.40pm: Maiden Dh 165,000 1,400m.
Winner: Big Brown Bear, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

8.15pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,200m.
Winner: Stunned, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

8.50pm: Handicap (85-105) Dh 210,000 2,000m.
Winner: New Trails, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash.

9.25pm: Handicap (75-95) Dh 190,000 1,600m.
Winner: Pillar Of Society, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.

The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

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Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
TOURNAMENT INFO

Women’s World Twenty20 Qualifier

Jul 3- 14, in the Netherlands
The top two teams will qualify to play at the World T20 in the West Indies in November

UAE squad
Humaira Tasneem (captain), Chamani Seneviratne, Subha Srinivasan, Neha Sharma, Kavisha Kumari, Judit Cleetus, Chaya Mughal, Roopa Nagraj, Heena Hotchandani, Namita D’Souza, Ishani Senevirathne, Esha Oza, Nisha Ali, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi

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What are NFTs?

Are non-fungible tokens a currency, asset, or a licensing instrument? Arnab Das, global market strategist EMEA at Invesco, says they are mix of all of three.

You can buy, hold and use NFTs just like US dollars and Bitcoins. “They can appreciate in value and even produce cash flows.”

However, while money is fungible, NFTs are not. “One Bitcoin, dollar, euro or dirham is largely indistinguishable from the next. Nothing ties a dollar bill to a particular owner, for example. Nor does it tie you to to any goods, services or assets you bought with that currency. In contrast, NFTs confer specific ownership,” Mr Das says.

This makes NFTs closer to a piece of intellectual property such as a work of art or licence, as you can claim royalties or profit by exchanging it at a higher value later, Mr Das says. “They could provide a sustainable income stream.”

This income will depend on future demand and use, which makes NFTs difficult to value. “However, there is a credible use case for many forms of intellectual property, notably art, songs, videos,” Mr Das says.

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Singham Again

Director: Rohit Shetty

Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone

Rating: 3/5

The biogs

Name: Zinah Madi

Occupation: Co-founder of Dots and links

Nationality: Syrian

Family: Married, Mother of Tala, 18, Sharif, 14, Kareem, 2

Favourite Quote: “There is only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.”

 

Name: Razan Nabulsi

Occupation: Co-founder of Dots and Links

Nationality: Jordanian

Family: Married, Mother of Yahya, 3.5

Favourite Quote: A Chinese proverb that says: “Be not afraid of moving slowly, be afraid only of standing still.”

What can you do?

Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses

Seek professional advice from a legal expert

You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor

You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline

In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support

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%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20one%20of%20three%20branches%20of%20the%20US%20government%2C%20and%20the%20one%20that%20creates%20the%20nation's%20federal%20laws%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20Congress%20is%20divided%20into%20two%20chambers%3A%20The%20House%20of%20Representatives%20and%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%C2%A0The%20House%20is%20made%20up%20of%20435%20members%20based%20on%20a%20state's%20population.%20House%20members%20are%20up%20for%20election%20every%20two%20years%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20bill%20must%20be%20approved%20by%20both%20the%20House%20and%20Senate%20before%20it%20goes%20to%20the%20president's%20desk%20for%20signature%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%20218%20seats%20to%20be%20in%20control%20of%20the%20House%20of%20Representatives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20The%20Senate%20is%20comprised%20of%20100%20members%2C%20with%20each%20state%20receiving%20two%20senators.%20Senate%20members%20serve%20six-year%20terms%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E-%20A%20political%20party%20needs%2051%20seats%20to%20control%20the%20Senate.%20In%20the%20case%20of%20a%2050-50%20tie%2C%20the%20party%20of%20the%20president%20controls%20the%20Senate%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Q&A with Dash Berlin

Welcome back. What was it like to return to RAK and to play for fans out here again?
It’s an amazing feeling to be back in the passionate UAE again. Seeing the fans having a great time that is what it’s all about.

You're currently touring the globe as part of your Legends of the Feels Tour. How important is it to you to include the Middle East in the schedule?
The tour is doing really well and is extensive and intensive at the same time travelling all over the globe. My Middle Eastern fans are very dear to me, it’s good to be back.

You mix tracks that people know and love, but you also have a visually impressive set too (graphics etc). Is that the secret recipe to Dash Berlin's live gigs?
People enjoying the combination of the music and visuals are the key factor in the success of the Legends Of The Feel tour 2018.

Have you had some time to explore Ras al Khaimah too? If so, what have you been up to?
Coming fresh out of Las Vegas where I continue my 7th annual year DJ residency at Marquee, I decided it was a perfect moment to catch some sun rays and enjoy the warm hospitality of Bab Al Bahr.

 

Turkish Ladies

Various artists, Sony Music Turkey 

What is Folia?

Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.

Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."

Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.

In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love". 

There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.

While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."

Updated: December 13, 2024, 11:03 AM