Abi:original - If you aren't original, what are you?

We recently visited the Museum of Illusions Dubai, and were completely immersed in a world of discovery. Situated in the quaint Al Seef District, the city’s newest Instagram haven and edutainment venue, is fun for the whole family. The largest branch in the chain’s 14-strong global network, Museum of Illusions Dubai is filled with an array of tricks and mind-boggling puzzles that is certain to keep you hooked. The museum features a range of illusions, displays and games to suit visitors of all ages. For me, the highlight was the Vortex Tunnel, the first of its kind in the UAE! The tunnel gives you an immediate dizzy feeling. It is as if the ground is shifting under your feet as you navigate through a rotating cylinder – which surprisingly remains a stable and flat surface! Once you get to the other side, you will be certain to try it again. The Mirror Room is equally fun, as is the Infinity Room. Every exploratory area tempts you to resist the laws of gravity and shap...

When we first get to the entrance of Blaze Burgers, the sign on the door has a rather hilarious sign. 'No stupid people beyond this point.' Its a pretty bold statement to make for an eatery that's barely opened five months ago. This premium burger joint has met tremendous fame in Bahrain and is now receiving a lot of attention in the UAE. Something tells me that this was going to be a fun venue. We choose the outdoor seating to soak in the January weather. Located amid the bustling scene of The Walk at JBR. To me it resembles Beverly Hills, where luxury cars and fashionably dressed people brush past each other. We are literally a stone’s throw away from the beach access. In the distance an outdoor foos-ball table is set up for the public and teenagers are having a game. There’s an outdoor theatre in the vicinity and everyone seems to be on a mission to make their weekend matter. Soon our focus soon shifts to the spread prepared by the staff at ...

It has been a special summer but what made it even brighter was a staycation at Centro Barsha. After a particularly busy week, a relaxing hotel stay was a heaven sent.  Centro Barsha is centrally located and about a six-minute walk from Sharaf DG metro station. It is just 8km from the Mall of the Emirates as well. The lobby of the hotel bears a stylish, uncluttered look. We were greeted by Faisan who was extremely efficient and kind. We could not wait to see our room.  Located on the 6 th  floor, our room had an attached suite. It truly felt like home. Not one, but two television sets spelt ‘excitement’ for my family. Finally, there would be no arguments on what we could watch on the telly.  Managed by the Rotana group, Centro Barsha pitches itself as a business hotel. The pricing is modest and there are 245 rooms in all. The hotel has a swimming pool which was the highlight of my stay. Situated on the rooftop, with a separate outdoor seating area...

If you’ve lived in this region, a brunch is probably something you’ve been to. For the unacquainted, it is a combination of breakfast and a hearty lunch spread over approximately four hours. From noon till about 4pm. Most brunches are held on Fridays -- the weekend for residents here. There is no shortage of food and beverage in most venues. Some brunches organise activities for families with children.      We visited the brunch held at Park Regis hotel in their restaurant called Kris with a View. True to its name, the view was certainly one of the best highlights. It is located on the 19 th floor of the hotel. One can gaze at the heart of Dubai with its metro and iconic landmarks in the far distance. There are a lot of venues in this exciting city that have stood the test of time. For me, these are establishments that are worth visiting time and again. As the venue filled in, it didn’t take long to realise that this brunch is particularly popular wit...

  Ab:original checks out the latest dining venue on Dubai Marina.  Wh en you don’t know anything about Persian cuisine you go with the flow. Luckily I am always willing to learn and I have a weakness for good food. It is why I love to travel and explore new countries and opportunities. On this occasion I   got to meet what could arguably be the first man in Iranian cuisine in Dubai, Chef Ebrahim. He is unobtrusive. Almost childlike when we first meet. Addresses my husband at first and I soon realise it is because most women he meets would never really dare to ask too many questions. There’s an air of respect that I admire and it is good to listen to the banter that ensues. The food that is laid on the table is all fresh. I can see a few drops of water on the crisp green grapes that are laid on the table. They are put right next to fresh cheese and walnuts all waiting to be eaten. If this isn’t sheer poetry, I don’t know what is. W...

Dubai residents are familiar with luxury hotels which mushroom this landscape attracting hordes of tourists from the region and beyond. When it comes to enhanced luxury, many from the region will make sure they have experienced it.  The St. Regis Vommuli Resort island The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is all set to unveil its newest and most exquisite venture. Built on its own island, with breath taking vistas, it offers the most privacy a visitor could want. The facility will open on November 1, this year. A select few journalists in Dubai were offered a sneak peak at what the hotel offers.   Set on nine hectares of a private isle in the Dhaalu Atoll, the 77 all-villa accommodation are surrounded by pristine landscapes, thick tropical vegetation, a fine white-sand beach, a brackish lagoon and the glistening turquoise Indian Ocean. The hotel offers a personal e-butler service prior to arrival. A luxury airport transfer greets guests who make their wa...