Check out our handy guide of the latest movie releases coming out this week…

Whether you’re planning a trip to the cinema with the kids for some family-friendly laughs, or a catch up with friends that include a horror flick or the latest action-packed film, here’s our top picks of the best films out in cinemas in Dubai this week.

English

Little

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HdNhpeI1g4]

This hilarious comedy sees a controlling and terrible boss gets trapped inside her younger 13-year-old self. She is forced (much to her dismay) to turn to her long-suffering assistant, April, to fill her shoes at the office, while she is made to go to school by Child Protective Services.

Starring: Justin Hartley, Marsai Martin, Regina Hall
Genre:  Comedy, Fantasy, Romance (18, to be confirmed)

Captive State

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i68xCzI406A]

This enthralling sci-fi thriller takes place in the future, where crimes and poverty are a thing of the past. However, the bad news is that aliens have enslaved humanity. Set in a Chicago neighborhood nearly a decade after occupation, Captive State explores the lives on both sides of the conflict – the collaborators and dissidents.

Starring: John Goodman, Ashton Sanders, Jonathan Majors 
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller (18, to be confirmed)

The Aftermath

The movie is about the story of Rachael Morgan who arrives in the ruins of Hamburg, Germany in 1946, post World War 2, to be reunited with her husband Lewis, a British colonel charged with rebuilding the shattered city. As they set off for their new home, Rachael is stunned to discover that her husband has made an unexpected decision to share their grand house with its previous owners, a German widower, and his troubled daughter. In this charged atmosphere, enmity and grief give way to passion and betrayal.

Starring: Alexander Skarsgard, Jason Clarke, Keira Knightley 
Genre: Drama, Romance, War (18, to be confirmed)

After

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNLta4nDM10]

Based on the novel After by Anna Todd, good girl Tessa who is a young woman in college who falls for bad boy, Hessa, a magnetic, brooding rebel who makes her question all she thought she knew about herself and what she wants out of life.

Starring: Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Selma Blair, Josephine Langford
Genre: Drama, Romance (18, to be confirmed)

Dragged Across Concrete

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2p5pdWyyZoc]

Dragged Across Concrete centers on two policemen, Brett Ridgeman, who is an old timer and his much younger, volatile partner Anthony Lurasetti, who find themselves suspended when a video of their strong-arm tactics is caught by the media. Low on cash and with no other options, these two embittered soldiers descend into the criminal underworld to gain their just due, but instead find far more than they wanted awaiting them in the shadows.

Starring: Jennifer Carpenter, Mel Gibson, Michael Jai White, Vince Vaughn
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama (18, to be confirmed)

Hindi

PM Narendra Modi

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6sjQG6lp8s]

The film showcases Narendra Modi’s rise of an ambitious man from Gujrat to the Prime Minister of India. It traces his childhood in the 1950s to his meteoric rise in the corridors of politics, as a four-time serving Chief Minister and his fascinating and successful election campaigns in world politics in 2013 to 2014.

Starring: Barkha Bisht, Boman Irani, Vivek Oberoi
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama  (18, to be confirmed)

Kalank

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4Z_ueeT_XQ]

Kalank is set in pre-independent India and is a story that follows an elite family and many of its hidden truths that begin to unfold as communal tensions rise and partition nears. Caught in this situation are Dev, Satya, Roop, and Zafar who find themselves in this battlefield of love. While the whole town is bathed in the shades of red, the question is – will these four see that red in violence or love?

Starring: Aditya Roy Kapur, Alia Bhatt, Madhuri Dixit, Sanjay Dutt, Sonakshi Sinha, Varun Dhawan
Genre: Drama, History, Romance  (18, to be confirmed)

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The post These are the films out in Dubai cinemas this week appeared first on What's On Dubai.

Drydocks World, the service provider to the shipping, offshore, oil, gas and renewable energy sectors, has been presented with an award at the 2019 Mastech Awards. [Wired by: DubaiCityGuide.com - A Cyber Gear Company]

...about the impending closure of Al Safia Service Centre. At dirst I misread this as Al Safa, which used to be my lifeline whenever they cut me off because I'd forgotten to pay them. But then I read further on in the email that the closest alternatives are Al Twar and Burj Nahar. I could be giving DEWA the benefit of the doubt here, because they never did believe people lived on the Dubai side of the Creek - that's where the power stations are.

Whatever. I was deeply amused by the footer of the message, which I reproduce here for your entertainment:

Our Vision: A recognized World-Class Utility
Our Mission: Meeting customer satisfaction and promoting Dubai’s vision through delivering water & electricity services by a competent workforce at world-class level of reliability, efficiency, safety and environment, supporting Resources Sustainability.

They still haven't returned my deposit.

From Pancit to Chicken Adobo to kwek-kwek, these are the Dubai restaurants you need to check out for tasty Filipino dishes…

From dining with no cutlery or picking your own seafood and having it cooked just the way you like it, to tucking into ‘chicken helmet’, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants in Dubai that serve up the tastiest and most unique Filipino dishes.

1. Asiana Hotel

Located in Deira a few minutes away from Al Ghurair Centre, this hotel is home to two restaurants serving up some tasty Filipino grub.

The first is Manila Grill, located on the ground floor of the hotel and specifically focused on Filipino cuisine. The stylish and cozy restaurant has  private VIP rooms, a full bar set up, soothing live music and a wood charcoal grill. The restaurant serves up special combos and group packages that include an array of grills from beef, chicken and more. You will notice the word ‘Boodle fight’ while you flick through the menu – this means that the food is meant to be shared and will be served to you spread on banana leaves on the table. Be sure to call and make a reservation though.

Manila Grill, Asiana Hotel, Salahuddin Road, Deira, Dubai, 6pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday, noon to 3pm, 6pm to 11.30pm Friday and Saturday. Tel: (04) 608 2140, asianahoteldubai.com/manila-grill

Lamesa is located on the 5th floor of the Asiana Hotel also serves up Filipino cuisine. It offers a vast buffet of dishes prepared by Filipino, Korean, Chinese, Japanese & Thai chefs. Their March promotions include a Friday and Saturday brunch that runs from 11am to 3pm. There’s also a weekday lunch that runs from noon to 3pm anddinner from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Lamesa, Asiana Hotel, Salahuddin Road, Deira, Dubai, noon to 3pm, 6pm to 10pm daily, 11am to 3pm Friday and Saturday brunch. Tel: (04) 608 2160, asianahoteldubai.com/lamesa

2. Carinderia ni Tandang Sora

Carinderia ni Tandang Sora is a Filipino-themed restaurant and bakery that pays homage to Tadang Sora, who is a Filipina revolutionary. The chef’s specials here include the Camaron Rebusado, which is a deep friend shrimp dish, and Daing na Bangus, a Filipino staple dish where a milkfish is split open, marinated overnight in a vinegar solution, and then pan-fried until crisp and golden. Also on the menu is Kare-Kareng Baka, a Filipino stew, and Beef Bulalo – asoup dish consisting of beef shanks and bone marrow. This restaurant also offers Boodle Fight for 5 people for Dhs200 or Dhs250.

Carinderia ni Tandang Sora, Centurion Star Tower Port Saeed, Opposite Deira City Center, Dubai, noon to midnight daily. Tel: (04) 297 1835, carinderianitandangsora.com

3. Little Manila

In Filipino cuisine, no part of an animal goes to waste. So, if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, head to Little Manila’s and try their ‘chicken helmet’ – a grilled chicken head that is barbecued and eaten with a choice of sauce or vinegar. For a snack, try kwek-kwek – deep-fried quail eggs in a bright orange hue, or fish balls. The restaurant also serves up an all-day breakfast menu for just Dhs12 that includes soup and coffee and your choice from 10 different meals like Beef Pares and Tapsilog. They also have a business lunch deal for Dhs16 from noon to 4pm, and you can pick from six menu items like Pancit Canton and Liver Steak.

Little Manila, several locations in Dubai. Tel: (800) 626 452, littlemanila.com 

4. Paluto

Love fresh seafood? Then you need to head to Plauto, where a unique dining experience awaits. Located at the Waterfront Market in Deira, the restaurant invites diners to purchase their own seafood from the market, which they will then cook for you at the restaurant. Grab your favorite fish from the Waterfront Fish Market and then bring it to the cleaning area to be cleaned. Once cleaned, the fish is then weighed, and then it’s up to you to decide how you want your meal cooked – whether you like it fried, grilled, or even with soup, the choice is yours. The minimum waiting time is 30 minutes and costs Dhs25 per kg. You can add Dhs10 for unlimited rice and bottomless soft drinks. 

Paluto, Waterfront Market Al Khaleej Street Corniche Deira, Dubai. Tel: (054) 581 2130, facebook.com/palutouae/

5. Dampa Seafood Grill

Ever tried to be dainty and dig into a crab only to give up minutes later and go at it with your hands? Well, the team at Dampa have spared you the time waste and gotten rid of the cutlery for you. Paper sheets are spread out on the table and your seafood order is dumped out onto it with no cutlery. The Dump-A-Seafeast meal includes shrimp, mussel, clams, corn and unlimited rice for Dhs139 for 3 people and you have a choice of having your meal steamed, grilled or boiled. The menu also includes some classic Filipino dishes such as Seafood Laksa soup.

Dampa Seafood Grill, Centurion Star Hotel, Deira, Dubai, 2pm to midnight Sunday to Thursday, 10am to midnight Friday and Saturday. Tel (04) 2990884, facebook.com/dampaseafoodgrilldubai/

6. Hot Palayok

The Karama located Hot Palayok serves up some top Pan-Asian and Filipino dishes. The food is prepared on the spot, right in front of your eyes, or opt for the huge buffet for only Dhs49 and indulge in a street food style section where you can choose any food item for them to grill. You will also be spoilt for choices for mains, sushi and sweets. The restaurant also has a party hall that’s equipped with a Karaoke system so you and your friends can belt out your favourite musics while enjoying a great meal.

Hot Palayok, Wasl Hub, corner of 39th and 6C Street, Al Karama, Dubai, 11am to midnight daily. Tel: (04) 221 9797, hotpalayok.com

7. Dagat Dagatan

Filipinos, and lovers of the cuisine, will experience authentic Philippine seafood cuisine prepared by well-trained Filipino chefs if they dine at Dagat Dagatan. The restaurant prides itself on being a ‘home away from home’ for Dubai’s Filipino residents. If you’re new to the cuisine and feeling adventurous, the restaurant serves up the traditional Filipino Isaw (that’s chicken intestine). For dessert, try the Biko, which is a sticky rice cake then head to the karaoke room to belt out a song or two. Oh, and if it’s your birthday, you dine here for free (call to reserve with them though so they can also keep a cake ready for you too!)

Dagat Dagatan, Flora Grand Hotel, Rigga Street, Dubai, noon to 10.30pm daily. Tel: (04) 230 9870, dagatdagatan.com

8. Jolibee

Many may say that Jollibee is like the KFC in the Filipino world. The restaurant is known for it’s crispy chicken that comes in a variety of original and spicy forms, and has people lining up outside it’s doors for a table. Apart from the chicken, they also serve up a spaghetti topped off with sweet-style sauce and ground beef, diced ham and hotdog slices. Chocolate lovers must try their chocolate sundae.

Jolibee, various locations in Dubai, Tel: (600) 587 000, jollibeeuae.com

9. Max’s Restaurant

Another chain restaurant that began its operations in the Philippines, and known for its delicious, tender, juicy and crispy fried chicken is Max’s restaurant. The restaurant is now known as ‘The House That Fried Chicken Built.” In its 72nd year of operation, it’s run by the second and third generation of the family that started it. While Max’s fried chicken is still available, you will also find other Filipino favourites available on the menu. Try the Max’s Tapa, which are slices of marinated beef served with rice and a sunny side up egg, and Bulalo, which is a clear soup with cabbage, potato and green beans.

Max restaurant, two  locations in Dubai, Spinney’s building, World Trade Centre Road, Karama and Al Ghurair Centre, Rigga Deira, Tel: (04) 351 1269 (Karama) Tel: (04) 289 1342 (Al Ghurair) maxsrestaurantme.com

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Images: provided and social

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The US issued an emergency order yesterday grounding all Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft “effective immediately,” in the wake of the crash of an Ethiopian Airliner that killed 157 people, President Donald Trump said. Many nations had already...

I know most of you are desperate to know about the progress of my novel, Travels in Xanadu-du. Not least because some of you have actually paid good, hard cash money to get a hold of a copy. Only a month late, I am pleased to announce that it is shipping! Not without glitches, of course. Life would be so boring if everything went to plan, now wouldn't it? The plan was that the printers would make a big pile of books. The bulk of these would be shipped to Liverpool where my publisher is based, and ten copies would be delivered to me in sunny Madrid to do with whatever I like. Hmm. Some bugger got it wrong. The doorbell rang at about noon today, and the nice (but sweaty) young man from UPS delivered box upon box of books into our micro-piso (if you've been following the plot, you'll know that we live in the world's smallest flat, but we love it because it's right in the middle of Madrid).



I've seen my name in print many times. But to stack up a bunch of books like this, well; it's a bit unusual.

So, I spent the afternoon printing shipping notes and address labels, printing and signing maps of Xanadu-du, signing the books themselves, and then packing up the pre-ordered books and taking them to the Post Office to wave goodbye to them. Please take note: no author that you've ever heard of went to such great lengths to keep his punters happy!

Actually, this cock-up didn't work out too badly: we saved a good old British pound on postage to the UAE. But we gained an extra one on postage to the UK.

Until the current stock is exhausted, you can get your book signed and personally taken to the Post Office by the author, and a signed colour map if I feel like it. So get on over to Xanadu-du, and place your order NOW!!!

I love you all.

Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton to work on the initiative

Super 98 and Special 95 are set to increase by 19 fils a litre…

If you’re planning on filling up at the pump over the next few days you might want to do it fast, as UAE petrol prices are set to increase significantly in April 2019.

In April, drivers can expect to pay Dhs2.23 per litre for Super 98, up from Dhs2.04 in March. Special 95 will cost Dhs2.11 per litre, an increase of 19 fils from Dhs1.92 last month. Diesel will also be more expensive this month than last, priced at Dhs2.49 per litre for April – that’s an increase of 8 fils.

The fuel ⛽ prices for the month of April as announced by the #UAE Fuel Price Committee are out, check them below. #InspiringEnergy pic.twitter.com/g06yxKhXez

— ENOC (@ENOC) March 28, 2019

https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js

All prices include the VAT rate of 5 per cent.

The UAE’s Ministry of Energy first began setting fuel prices based on average global prices in August 2015. Before that, the price of petrol in the UAE was subsidised by the government, which shielded consumers from global fluctuations in the cost of petrol.

SUPER 98 PRICES SO FAR FOR 2019:

January: Dhs2

February: Dhs1.95

March: Dhs2.04

April: Dhs2.23

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Image: Getty

The post Drivers take note, UAE fuel prices are increasing significantly in April appeared first on What's On Dubai.

Sponsored: From specialty coffee, to breakfast and afternoon tea and delicious pastries, London Dairy Cafe has it all…

Best known for its incredible ice-cream, London Dairy has expanded its menu to offer so much more than the dessert it’s famous for. With cafes at La Mer North, Springs Souk, Mira Community and London Dairy Bistro on Sheikh Zayed Road, London Dairy offers a premium food and drink selection including specialty coffee, artisanal chocolate, gourmet food and top quality desserts.

Their latest concept, London Dairy Bistro, is the ultimate foodie destination. With comfortable seating and contemporary design, you can bring a laptop to work or sit and relax for as long as you like – it’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Treat yourself to a value afternoon high tea of pastries, scones and sandwiches. Ideal for an afternoon out or catch up with friends, it’s priced at a value Dhs55 for one, or Dhs100 for two. If you’re searching for the perfect place to host a special occasion, look no further. Host your baby shower at London Dairy and they will even offer a complimentary cake to celebrate.

Whether for a business breakfast in the week, or lazy weekend feast, London Dairy’s breakfast menu is worth waking up early for. But if you’re in need of a lie-in, the La Mer and Springs cafés serve breakfast all day. Avocado toast, eggs benedict and açai bowls are all on offer, or enjoy a cheat day and order the fluffy French toast.

If you’re passionate about coffee, you’ll already know that London Dairy has a passion for creating the freshest, most ethically-sourced cup of joe. Each friendly barista is brimming with knowledge about the beans, which are hand-picked from countries like Indonesia and Ethiopa at their ripest point to ensure the maximum concentration of flavour.

Ask them for the story of Crop-to-Cup and they’ll be able to divulge details on the farmers, how the beans are processed, the altitude of growth and how the coffee is roasted here in Dubai and brewed fresh for you.

To accompany your speciality coffee is a vast selection of premium sweet treats and desserts. Not only can you enjoy an array of their famous ice-creams, but also hand-made bakery items including milk cake, french pastries and chocolates infused with ingredients from around the world.

London Dairy, La Mer, 9am to 1am daily, the Springs Souk, 7am to midnight daily, Mira Town Centre, 7am to midnight daily, London Dairy Bistro, open 24/7 daily. @londondairycafe, facebook.com/ldccafe, facebook.com/londondairybistro 

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Images: Supplied

The post Here’s why you need to check out this gorgeous Dubai cafe appeared first on What's On Dubai.

Tehran declares the US 'state sponsor of terrorism' in tit-for-tat move, while Rouhani vows to defend the elite forces.

The model schools will include laboratories for health sciences, manufacturing, robotics, home economics, artificial intelligence and environment as well as sports venues |

The Asian Business Leadership Forum, ABLF, has launched a special edition magazine celebrating the Year of Tolerance. More...