Eat Drink Stay Dubai Newsletter 45/w34

Hi Dubai friends,

Welcome to Week 34, Edition 45

So here is this week’s digest of the ‘Dubai news worth knowing’, all in 10 minutes or less of your time.

I’ve experimented this week with adding more ‘comment'; let me know your thoughts if yay/nay.

👇 A few things worth knowing about Dubai this week 👇

🛬 Super low Business Class Companion deals.

😡 Dubai food influencers ‘fail to deliver’.

🕺 Best Saturday Brunches.

⛱ O Beach Dubai.

🗞 Tittle-Tattle: Lapita. Harry Potter Brunch. Al Barsha restaurants.

One last thing - do give me a follow on YouTube. I will get some new videos up very soon, pinky promise.

Or here’s an idea, why not let me know what type of videos or content you’d like to see on there?

If you enjoy this newsletter, have any feedback or suggestions or just way to say 👋, feel free to drop me an email by clicking here

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FLIGHT DEALS

Did You See This Amazing ‘Companion Fare’ Deal?

This deal is so good, I sent a special edition out yesterday - as these fares won’t hang around.

ICYMI (what, you mean you don’t read every edition I send?), Lufthansa and Swiss have a Companion Special Sale* for 2+ passengers, with some enticing discounts in premium seats (First, Business and Premium Economy).

• Save up to 50% in First Class

• 40% in Business Class

• Save up to 30% in Premium Economy

• Book by 03 Sep 24

• Fly by 30 Jun 25

One example posted by Rob at Head for Points was London to Dubai for two in Business Class from London (LCY) during October Half Term for less than £1387.36 for two (so £693.68 each) on Swiss.

If you’re looking to book flights to Dubai (or many other destinations (Johannesburg, Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Seoul etc.) at a super low price, you don’t want to hang about - get on this quick before they go.

Unfortunately, as these are ‘Companion’ fares, they won’t work for solo travellers; it has to be two (or more) to enable the fare basis that will allow the discount.

Check out the sale page below, have a play around, but be sure to get in quick if you’re looking for the peak dates eg Half Term, Christmas, Easter etc. as these fares will go quickly.

Time is a factor with these things, especially as bookings have to be made by 03 Sep 24 for travel by 30 Jun 25.

🔗 Companion Special 2024 Sale*

EAT

Dubai Restaurants Love/Hate Influencers. Here’s Why

Here’s a great read from The National about Dubai restaurants bemoaning influencers who ‘fail to deliver’.

Why they keep falling for this pesh I’ll never know, but it’s been going on for years - and likely still will do. Actually I do know - because some feel it’s the ‘done thing’ despite all the data telling them it’s not.

I’ve lost count how many restauranteurs and other hospitality professionals I’ve spoken with who are wary of influencers but feel they are a necessary evil, as they often don’t have other options. Some view them as advertising or content producers, usually because they’ve had their budget/staffing cut and rely on outsourcing now.

Some use them because their competitors are using them.

What I feel a lot of it comes down to is - a lack of confidence and courage. Venues (hotels, restaurants, bars or whatever) should feel confident enough in their product and courageous not to need any of those chancers.

I’d actually forgotten this interview I did just over six years ago on Dubai and the F&B scene. I must admit, though I say it myself, this is (still) a great line …

I must have had a bee in my bonnet those days, as I’d already written why I wasn’t a Dubai Influencer back in 2017.

Still, in the interest of balance, here’s a few recommendations from Dubai food bloggers (some who I know to be reputable 😉)for their “hidden gems” to eat at.

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As you can probably tell, I’m not that big on the whole influencer thing. Good luck to them though, and moreso, to the outlets that fall for the false ones or use them to no great results.

The biggest issue I have is the falseness of it all. I’d much rather be a paying customer and aim to get a typical service, then write a fair review or feedback without being scared to ‘cook the Golden Goose’.

Don’t get me started on the ‘stay for praise’ ‘reviews’ on Google Maps or Trip Advisor - that’s a whole other subject for another day/edition.

Just remember when you’re watching Influencer ‘content’ - it’s really just advertising, not expertise, opinion or insight. The venue knew they were coming, so perhaps it wasn’t a typical experience either.

🔗 My 2018 Interview on Dubai’s F&B scene

🔗 Why I am not a Dubai Influencer

BRUNCH

The ‘Best’ Saturday Brunches in Dubai?

Looking at this list from Time Out of The Best Saturday Brunches in Dubai, I thought I’d drop a few of my tips into the mix.

Brunch is such an emotive subject, and everyone has at least five opinions it seems. Plus, the old adage of ‘best is subjective’ is fitting here - it depends so much on things like:-

• price point

• menu or buffet style?

• vibe

• any offers or deals available?

• drinks package - soft, house, premium, cocktails or champagne

• location

I’d always default to checking on Time Out, as they keep the most up-to-date listings, but also check out Mr and Mrs Brunch and their Lets DXB for offers and of course, the old favourite The Entertainer Dubai for two for one deals.

Off that list, here’s a few of my tips (in no order)

• Traiteur (one of the ‘big 3’ along with Bubbalicous and Saffron)

• Coya (great food - Peruvian)

• Toro Toro (don’t forget Bonvoy earn points/discounts)

• Suq (often in Entertainer for two for one)

• Secret Parties (good for party vibe)

• Zero Gravity (the OG pool party IMO)

• Torno Subito (bonus - pool access included)

• Thipthara (often in Entertainer for two for one)

• Al Qasr (used to be ‘the’ one for expats to bring visiting families too!)

• Wanderlust (another good party brunch)

• Nikki Beach (if you like pool parties, beach access & the brand)

• Ewaan (often in Entertainer, great for Arabic/ME food)

• Ce La Vi (the view - enough said)

• Prime 68 (one for the steak lovers, great views too)

See, once you start doing a list, it just keeps getting bigger. That will do for now!

DUBAI

O Beach Dubai to Open in October

O Beach Dubai has announced it will open up on Thu 24 Oct 24 for their first opening weekend, through to Sun 27 Oct 24.

O Beach Dubai is the latest import from Ibiza and will open at the former Andreas at Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina. It’s worth mentioning these things because, if it’s anything like XL Beach Club used to be at the same venue, things may get a little rambunctious at times.

obeachdubai

View more on Instagram

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Sadly Dubai hoteliers these days can’t resist that ‘ancillary revenue’ beach clubs and day passes bring, and they will say it’s not just about overnight guests any more (although maybe not publicly).

I try to highlight things like this because it’s a matter of record that booked hotel guests aren’t aware beach and parties may be ongoing on their hotel grounds.

🔗 O Beach Dubai

DUBAI NEWS/TITTLE-TATTLE

What’s On reviewed Lapita’s Summer Staycation, where kids go free.

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Not a bad option if you’re set on going to Dubai Parks and Resorts, given they often have promos and deals regarding ‘free’ access and the like.

Just remember, it’s a Marriott brand so do check Bonvoy offers first, as there will often be different benefits and promotions around that may make it even more worthwhile (eg points, elite nights, Best Rate Guarantee etc.)

Fancy trying a Harry Potter-themed brunch?

Hyatt Hotels appoint Stephen Ansell as Managing Director for Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Hyatt are a fabulous brand that’s often overlooked locally, at least in terms of Marriott, Hilton, Jumeirah etc. They have some great properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, namely the Park Hyatts, but also in the wider region such as Alila.

Saudi Arabia appears to be a key focus for Hyatt, as it does for many international hotel chains, given the ‘Saudi Vision 2030’ initiative.

The Best Restaurants in Al Barsha (Whats On)

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Although not really a ‘restaurant’ as such, if you’re in Al Barsha do try Brick Lane if you fancy a ‘British’ style curry.

You can sit in cafe-style, and they do delivery too - order direct or via Talabat or Deliveroo.

🔗 Brick Lane Dubai