In addition to celebrity-chef appearances, this year’s festival is serving up the chance to dine with two Hollywood celebrities. First up is Jesse Metcalfe, best known for his breakout role alongside Eva Longoria on TV drama Desperate Housewives. He will be in the capital for a sunset barbecue on December 9, at the pool bar at Jumeirah at Etihad Towers. It runs from 6pm to 11pm and tickets cost Dh395, inclusive of soft drinks. Metcalfe will also make an appearance at Catch at Nation Riviera Beach Club this weekend.
Next weekend, 12 lucky guests will share an intimate dinner with one of Hollywood’s elite – John Cusack. The star of 1980s classics Say Anything and Sixteen Candles, as well as acclaimed films such as Eight Men Out, Being John Malkovich and Grosse Pointe Blank, will be guest of honour at an exclusive dining experience on December 16 in the presidential suite at Emirates Palace. If you do not get one of those coveted seats, you can buy a ticket to a less exclusive dinner at the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal on December 17, at which Cusack will also be in attendance.
“These stars represent a fantastic addition to this year’s Abu Dhabi Food Festival, adding that little bit of stardust seasoning to our already popular event,” says Sultan Al Dhaheri, acting executive director tourism sector, TCA Abu Dhabi. “We are honoured to be hosting both actors. Their involvement adds another element to an event that is truly international in scope and appeal.”
UAE Falcons
Carly Lewis (captain), Emily Fensome, Kelly Loy, Isabel Affley, Jessica Cronin, Jemma Eley, Jenna Guy, Kate Lewis, Megan Polley, Charlie Preston, Becki Quigley and Sophie Siffre. Deb Jones and Lucia Sdao – coach and assistant coach.
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
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Real Madrid 1
Ronaldo (87')
Athletic Bilbao 1
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Find the right policy for you
Don’t wait until the week you fly to sign up for insurance – get it when you book your trip. Insurance covers you for cancellation and anything else that can go wrong before you leave.
Some insurers, such as World Nomads, allow you to book once you are travelling – but, as Mr Mohammed found out, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
Check your credit card before booking insurance to see if you have any travel insurance as a benefit – most UAE banks, such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, have cards that throw in insurance as part of their package. But read the fine print – they may only cover emergencies while you’re travelling, not cancellation before a trip.
Pre-existing medical conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma may not be included as standard. Again, check the terms, exclusions and limitations of any insurance carefully.
If you want trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage loss or delay covered, you may need a higher-grade plan, says Ambareen Musa of Souqalmal.com. Decide how much coverage you need for emergency medical expenses or personal liability. Premium insurance packages give up to $1 million (Dh3.7m) in each category, Ms Musa adds.
Don’t wait for days to call your insurer if you need to make a claim. You may be required to notify them within 72 hours. Gather together all receipts, emails and reports to prove that you paid for something, that you didn’t use it and that you did not get reimbursed.
Finally, consider optional extras you may need, says Sarah Pickford of Travel Counsellors, such as a winter sports holiday. Also ensure all individuals can travel independently on that cover, she adds. And remember: “Cheap isn’t necessarily best.”
