The latest restaurant and bar offers, club nights, events and activities this month
What to see
Bastakia
Al Hamriya
As one of the oldest heritage sites, Bastakia is also one of the most picteresque. Built by Persian merchants in the 19th century, the Bastakia Quarter takes its name from the town of Bastak in southern Iran.
Where to shop
Chantilly Lace
Satwa
Chantilly lace is a handmade bobbin lace named after the city of Chantilly, France, in a tradition dating from the 17th century. This highly sought-after textile is favourited by Indian brides and was even worn by Kate Middleton on her wedding day.
Where to eat
Arabian Tea House Restaurant and Café
Al Bastakiya Quarter
Arabian Tea House is one of Dubai's oldest cafes famous among tourists and locals. Colourful interiors and Arabic food resonate with Dubai's vibrant culture Call 04-3535071.
Where to party
Spree The Club
Royal Ascot Hotel
Visit this new club on the block for some desi music and drinks. The resident DJs are famous for playing the lastest Bollywood and Punjabi music. The place starts to pick up around 12 midnight and the dance floor is never empty. Call 050-7773365.
What to do
The Majlis Gallery
Al Fahidi Neighbourhood
A 'majlis' is defined as a common place or a meeting ground. The Majlis Gallery, as the name suggests, is a meeting place for artists and art lovers alike who love to come together and celebrate art in various forms. However, over the years the gallery has become a lot more than just a meeting place for creative minds.
Located in the Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, The Majlis Gallery first opened its doors to art lovers 29 years ago in 1989. Back in those days when Dubai was just a trading hub, Dubai’s own little home grown art gallery started to feed the culturally bereft community. As Dubai’s skyline started to evolve over the years, the gallery also grew to become one of Dubai’s premiere art galleries taking pride in promoting artworks of local artists as well as those of international standing.
Hosting numerous solo and group exhibitions, the gallery has been responsible for introducing many of the regions finest artists to the cultural stage.
History
A haven for artists and art lovers, The Majlis Gallery grew out of a love affair between an expatriate lady and a very special house. Alison Collins came to Dubai in 1976 to work as an interior designer. She fell in love with the country, especially with the architecture and the ambiance of the old wind tower houses in the Bastakia.
In 1978, with the help of two Iranian tea importers and an Egyptian curtain maker, Alison and her husband secured the lease on villa number 19, Bastakiya, Bur Dubai. Here, over the next ten years, they raised their three young children and played host to many informal soirees in their ‘majlis’, hence the name, introducing artists both professional and amateur to Dubai’s growing expat community.
Call 04-3536233.