Author: dailyguardian.ae

On the eve of Eid, while the rest of the neighbourhood sleeps, a kitchen in Dubai’s Karama is buzzing with activity. Starting at 3am, City Makani restaurant is bustling with preparations for Eid Al Fitr meals — it’s all hands on deck during the entire week, from cutting the meat to peeling onions. “Usually during Ramadan, we close at around 3am, but on the eve of Eid, we send home our main chefs before midnight so that they can rest,” said Muhammad Shahdas, Managing Partner of the restaurant. “By the time they return at 3am, we have done the basic…

In 2023, the private sector in Abu Dhabi continued its strong growth, reaching Dh338.9 billion, up 35 per cent compared to 2016. Supported by private sector and family-owned businesses, Abu Dhabi’s non-oil sector recorded a growth of 9.1 per cent during 2023 to Dh610 billion to contribute 53.4 per cent of total real GDP. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said: “The importance of our collaborative efforts is reflected in Abu Dhabi’s growth indicators. Remarkably, we managed to achieve this strong performance despite global challenges, reflecting the strength and resilience of our…

As the cherished month of Ramadan draws to a close, the anticipation for Eid fills the hearts of Muslims worldwide. It’s a time for reflection, gratitude, and unity, and serves as a beacon of joy and celebration after the spiritual journey of fasting. With Eid on the horizon, it’s time to infuse your home with the spirit of the season. Elevate your living space with exquisite festive decorations that embody the essence of this sacred occasion. Here are ten inspired ideas to adorn your home with elegance and charm: Get Creative with Your Centrepiece Step aside candles and lavish bouquets.…

In 1984, director David Lynch’s Dune attempted to bring the entirety of Frank Herbert’s original novel to the big screen in a single film. Four decades later, with Dune: Part One and Dune: Part Two, Denis Villeneuve has achieved the box office success that eluded Lynch. Narratively, Villeneuve has reached the same point that Lynch did. The key difference is that Villeneuve will have a chance to continue the story on the big screen in Dune: Part Three, or Dune Messiah as it’s sometimes referenced due to the novel it’s going to be based on. Although the next sequel is still in…

Demand for ready properties grew in the UAE in the first quarter of 2024 as tenants are increasingly opting for ownership to beat rising rentals. According to the data released by Property Finder, the first quarter of 2024 opened up to strong demand for existing projects across both Dubai and Abu Dhabi unlike the first quarter of 2023 where off-plan transactions soared high. Rents have been consistently on the rise over the past three years after the pandemic. It is expected that this upward rental trend will continue in 2024 also due to unprecedented demand from the rising population. Rising…

Every evening during Ramadan, members of a motorbike club zip down the streets of Damascus to deliver meals to those in need during the Muslim holy month. “We hit the most disadvantaged areas,” said Tarek Obaid, head of Hope Bikers Syria, whose 50 volunteers make and distribute the food for various charities in the Syrian capital. The bikers — some sporting beards or wearing large silver rings on their fingers — head out as sunset approaches, racing to hand over the food so Muslims recipients can break their daytime fast. The volunteers don their club’s signature blue vest, the front…

Classics at Roxy Cinema Transport yourself back in time with a dose of nostalgia as Roxy Cinema presents a special screening series featuring timeless classics from Sony Pictures’ illustrious 100-year library. Enjoy iconic films like Karate Kid, Ghostbusters, Jumanji, My Best Friend’s Wedding, As Good As It Gets, Baby Driver, and Men In Black on the big screen once again. These beloved movies, paired with plenty of snacks, will be showcased at Roxy Cinemas branches located in Dubai Hills Mall, City Walk, The Beach JBR, Al Khawaneej, and Boxpark. Don’t miss out on this nostalgic cinematic experience scheduled until April…

Embark on a culinary journey this Eid Al Fitr with a curated collection of recipes bursting with delectable flavours and cherished traditions. Signature Smoked Black Cod This smoked black cod embodies the essence of Chinese culinary cuisine, weaving together a tale of tradition and taste. With each tender fillet of cod, delicately fried to golden perfection, and enveloped in a homemade sauce infused with the finest ingredients like dark soy and hoisin, this dish offers a harmonious blend of flavours. Recipe by Frankie Yang Tao, Executive Chef, Mott 32 Dubai Ingredients Black cod Homemade sauce Sauce for black cod :…

Saudi Arabia will host the WTA Finals for the next three editions, the Women’s Tennis Association said on Thursday, following widespread speculation . In just the latest high-profile Saudi sporting acquisition, the capital Riyadh will first hold the season finale featuring world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams from November 2-9. “Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will host the next three editions of the WTA Finals from 2024-2026,” the WTA posted on X, formerly Twitter, on its official account. The widely anticipated deal comes just weeks after Saudi’s Public Investment Fund, a sovereign wealth vehicle, announced a “strategic partnership” with the…

After a record-breaking string of hits through 2022, Marvel Studios hit a few serious roadblocks in 2023. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was rejected by audiences after its big opening, and The Marvels was an epic flop that lost a ton of money. You know there are problems when Marvel movies are performing like lower-tier DC films. Only Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 was able to buck the trend and become a hit last year. Because of the writers and actors strikes in 2023, Marvel was forced to cut back its 2024 films to a single movie: Deadpool & Wolverine.…