Team What’s On pick their favorite things in the UAE right now

Taking off to destinations new thanks to… flydubai

Post pandemic, flydubai hasn’t just returned to all of its pre-Covid destinations, but the budget airline has added a whole host of new ones to its roster. Now flying to more than 110 destinations worldwide, the airline’s newest additions include a duo of Thailand hotspots – Krabi and Pattaya. I’ve just returned from Krabi, using the handy six-hour flydubai flight to land me right in one of the most beautiful destinations on earth. – Alice Holtham, Group Editor

Vamos-ing all the buritos at… Taqado

I don’t think there are many casual dining places as consistently excellent, as Taqado — it might not be the most authentic Mexican experience, but the staff are almost universally wonderful, the ingredients always fresh and the execution of their foil-wrapped fiesta-packed burritos is just best-on-ground, in my considerable-quantity-of-burrito-eating experience. So I just wanted to take up the column inches with a sincere and heartfelt gracias to the amigos of Taqado. You are an incredible brand. – Miles Buckeridge, Senior Online Reporter

Getting stuck in some deep and meaningfuls with… The Lex Fridman Podcast

I like my podcasts like I like my submarine trenches — deep and at the very fringe of human comprehension. Lex Fridman is an AI researcher at MIT, and in the company of his vast and enquiring mind he invites on some truly incredible guests to discuss topics such as “science, technology, history, philosophy and the nature of intelligence, consciousness, love, and power”. It’s nerdy stuff of course, but if you enjoy a tumble down the rabbit hole of understanding from time to time, this podcast is a pretty intense ‘red pill’. – Miles Buckeridge, Senior Online Reporter

Excited to (finally) check out the… Sharjah Light Festival

Every year I get super excited to share the details of the return of the Sharjah Light Festival. Year after year though, I usually only check out the show through a phone screen. This time, I am looking forward to checking it out in person. I won’t be able to hit all 13 landmarks, but I hope to hit at least three venues including the Light Village. The festival runs until February 19. – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter 

Starting my weekend at… Miami Vibes

I have a bit of a busy weekend, and I’m kicking things off with Miami Vibes. The popular food festival is packed with a number of food vendors, workshops, purple Instagrammable moments and much more. – Aarti Saundalkar, Online Reporter 

The iconic luxury brand has landed on Sunset Beach, with a weekend-long kite festival that celebrates the iconic Hermès silk scarves. We made our own keychains and kites made of Hermès prints, which you can then practice flying, and watched the kites from the beach chairs while listening to live music and taking in the gorgeous sunset. If you are passing by Sunset Beach this weekend, you must check out this free-to-attend pop-up before it goes. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

Checking out Atlantis The Royal’s Mediterranean restaurant…Milos

Last night, we celebrated the opening of the new Greek/Mediterranean restaurant inside Atlantis the Royal, Milos. The gorgeous restaurant is located in the grounds of the hotel as a standalone venue so you can sit and take in the breathtaking building and watch the fountain. At the helm of Milos is celebrity chef Costas Spiliadis, presenting his lauded take on high-end Hellenic food. We devoured the freshest oysters, saganaki, fried zucchini, and octopus – and left wanting more. – Tamara Wright, Online Reporter

Relishing in the nostalgia and doughnuts with… Bread Ahead

This week, Expo’s beloved bakery, Bread Ahead, made its Dubai comeback with a store opening at Mall of the Emirates. Originally I was skeptical about the hype of these doughnuts, but they are well worth it and more. When we got to the soft opening, Matthew Jones, the founder of Bread Ahead welcomed us and chatted to us about the beginnings of Bread Ahead, from sleeping on the floor in Borough Market to making his dream come true; to the nostalgia behind every single flavour and baked good in the shop. The blackcurrant cheesecake doughnut (it’s delish) is a reminder of his childhood and one of my favourites. I can’t wait to go back for the pizzas too. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter

Relishing in the magic of Harry Potter at… The Wizarding World Shop

Another grand and magical opening this week was the region’s first ever Harry Potter inspired shop, now welcoming all muggles and magicians at Mall of the Emirates. I am a Harry Potter fan. Not necessarily the whole nine (and three quarter) yards, but I do dabble. So I was thrilled to be among the first to go and snap up all the merch. From sweaters and cloaks, to mugs and train ticket stubs – there are marauders maps and even a designated wand shop. It’s a Potterheads dream. – Shelby Gee, Junior Reporter

Checking out sizzling new dinner and a show… Babylon

In honor of my best friends’ birthday, we decided to kick start the celebrations with a night out at Babylon. This gorgeous, glamourous new dinner and a show was the perfect choice, with live performances fusing burlesque and cabaret, featuring extravagant costumes adorned with gems and vibrant feathers. We were spoiled with an array of divine dishes and gorgeous cocktails, with the spicy tuna rolls a standout dish. – Romy Hunt, Junior Reporter

Getting the first look of…. At.mosphere 2.0

My weeknight indulgences have recently been taking me to the most amazing spots, one of which was the reopening of the iconic 122^nd floor restaurant, At.mosphere. Time nor money were spared in the revamp, with the venue transporting all guests to a world of 1920’s glamour. The attention to detail is stunning, with mosaic flooring, delicate wallpapers, art deco light features and a colourful bar which is adorned with gold and floral elements. It’s safe to say I was more than impressed, and I think it might be one of the best new date night spots in the city. – Romy Hunt, Junior Reporter