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LOUVRE ABU DHABI What’s it like

UPDATE 22 NOVEMBER 2022

There’s an excellent new exhibition entitled IMPRESSIONISM – Pathways to Modernity on at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. We visited ourselves and loved it.

What can you expect to see at one of the most significant impressionist exhibitions outside France?

IMPRESSIONISTS – NEW EXHIBITION LOUVRE ABU DHABI

A number of works by renowned impressionist painters including MONET, MANET, GAUGAIN and RENOIR as well as PISSARO AND CEZANNE. Many of the 150 artworks have been loaned from the Musee D’Orsay in Paris.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi officially opened its doors on the 11th of November 2017 on Sadiyaat Island in the emirate of Abu Dhabi – the capital of the United  Arab Emirates. What can you expect to see at the Louvre Abu Dhabi?


Image ofLouvre Abu Dhabi DoinDubai roof outside

Background to the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The name The Louvre has actually been rented out by Abu Dhabi for a period of 30 years from the Louvre in Paris.

Is the Louvre Abu Dhabi a museum or a gallery?

I think itโ€™s both. It calls itself a Gallery Museum. The building itself is one those iconic structures that people will definitely make time to see. Architecturally stunning in scale and detail, the roof of the Louvre is probably its most distinctive feature.
Inage ofLouvre Abu Dhabi Roof above water
Its dome like structure seems to be made of an intricate criss cross lattice that lets in different amounts of light during the day. There also seem to be some electric lights within the roof that light up during the evening and night. This almost gives the effect of stars twinkling within the roof at night.
Louvre Abu Dhabi DoinDubai roof
I particularly like how waterways have been incorporated within the building so at some level it really does seem like the whole building has been built on a promontory thatโ€™s jutting out over the water.
Louvre Abu Dhbai View DoinDubai

The exhibits at the Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Louvre Abu Dhabi aims to depict the evolution of mankind through art. Expect to see sculpture, artifacts, paintings and contemporary art displayed not by country or museum of origin but by theme.
Themes seem to be designed to trace the gradual evolution of humanity, so the museum welcome leaflet actually says โ€œGet ready to see humanity in a new lightโ€
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai Egyptian head
Youโ€™ll see art connected to ancient fertility, early tools, manโ€™s mastery of animals, music  and manโ€™s connection to the spiritual world. So themes that connect us as humans.
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai
Philosophical thinking is also explored via art. Can you name these philosophers and their countries of origin?
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai Philospher
The art is drawn from the major civilizations of the world and incudes works from Egypt, India, China and Europe.
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai map
Exhibits are clearly marked in terms of name, age and where they have been loaned from originally. Some items are from the Louvre in Paris, but also from museums all over the world.
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai Dancing Natraj
I recognized the tall thin Giacometti figures from Tate Modern that we saw this summer in London for example and there is art from the Musee Dโ€™Orsay in Paris.
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai Giacometti figure
There is a section of modern paintings by well known painters that will be familiar to many. So expect to see a large Whistler painting, a Mark Rothko block painting โ€“ itโ€™s not in the usual colours of saffron and reds, but brown. There is a also a Matisse, a Derain, a Cezanne and a Monet and a Manet, all representing some of the key impressionist painters.
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai Derain painting
There are also some very contemporary installations that include a series of traditional blackened cooking pots mounted on a wall. These are from Saudi Arabia.
Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai Cooking Pots from Saudi

Guided Tours and Opening Times

The museum is open every day except Monday from 10 am till 8pm.

There are also guided tours featuring:

  • Masterpieces that introduces the museumโ€™s most popular works
  • Architecture that explores how local traditions influence the building
  • And a Family Tour of the museumโ€™s collection entitled My First Visit to Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Image ofLouvre Abu Dhbai DoinDubai African painting
Adult entry tickets are AED 60 but the tours cost extra and last between 60 to 90 minutes.

UNDER 18s and over 60s are free.

UNDER 18’s AND OVER 60’s GET FREE ADMISSION


There are 2 places to eat, a cafรฉ and a restaurant but we didnโ€™t visit either of these as we had lunch before we came at the very good 99 Sushi restaurant at the Four Seasons in Al Maryah Island. Thatโ€™s an easy 15 minute drive away if there is no traffic. See below.

Is the Louvre Abu Dhabi worth a visit?

Yes absolutely, for the building and itโ€™s contents. Itโ€™s an important and iconic gallery museum. Go while the weather is good. We’ve been twice now.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND A VISIT EVEN IF YOU’VE BEEN BEFORE

You may want to combine your trip to see the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabai too.
Or plan a longer trip to take in Qasr Al Sarab or Sir Baniyas Island. Both of these would be overnight trips even from Abu Dhbai itself. Closer to Dubai you could try the Eastern Mangroves hotel and spa, unusually green and the kayaking is great fun.

To eat in Abu Dhabi

You may want to combine your trip with a lunch at the very good 99 Sushi Bar in the Four Seasons hotel in Al Maryah Island, about a 15  minute drive away.

Louvre Abu Dhbai 99 Sushi DoinDubai
99 SUSHI BAR

I would now add the excellent Chinese restaurant DAI PAI DONG at The Rosewood hotel, next to the Four Seasons.

EXCELLENT CHINESE FOOD DAI PAI DONG THE ROSEWOOD HOTEL

The dim sum is also some of the best I’ve eaten in the UAE. So well worth incorporating into your visit. There is an excellent Business Lunch deal here.

VERU GOOD DIM SUM AT DAI PAI DONG THE ROSEWOOD ABU DHABI


Thank you Monica.

MYSTERY DINING IN UAE – NEEDED NOW Click to find out how.

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CHASING THE SUN multi sensory photographic exhibition of UAE sunsets

A new collection at the Picasso Gallery Al Quoz – Chasing the Sun is a multi sensory photographic exhibition of sunsets all over the UAE.

Chasing the Sun by Veronique De Suerte

The artist behind this collection of arresting photographs of sunsets from different locations all over the UAE is Veronique De Suerte.

DoinDubai-Monica-Kapila-Chasing-the-Sun-Sheikh-Zayed-Mosque-photo
A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION BY VERONIQUE DE SUERTE

Veronique uses both DSLR and mirrorless cameras for her work and when it was permitted even a drone! She’s always loved travel and has channeled this passion into a business via her photography.

We were invited to a preview of her exhibition at the Picasso gallery last weekend. The photograph above shows a sunset view of the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.

A multi sensory experience

Veronique wanted to share a real sense of place along side the photographs themselves so she has incorporated sounds and lighting to enhance the viewing experience.

All her photographs are printed on high quality German cotton paper. Each photograph has only three prints that will be sold.

VERONIQUE WANTS YOU TO FEEL A SENSE OF PLACE

The Picasso Gallery in Al quoz next to Al Serkal

Chasing the Sun show is on at The Picasso Gallery – an art gallery and showroom next to Al Serkal avenue in Al Quoz. But do hurry to see the show as it’s only on till 31st of October 2002.

PART OF A PHOTOGRAPH UNEQUALLED DUBAI

Gallery opening times

From 11 am to 6pm every day.

If you’re going to Al Serkal then do wander around the cafes and shops before you go. We really like Pekoe for some lunch. Full updated post on Al Serkal coming soon.

Location map

Find out more about the artist go to her instagram and website

Artist’s instagram

Artist’s website

Disclaimer: This post was written in conjunction with the artist but the views are all my own.

NOTE

If you want to go to some of those places in the UAE and check out those sunsets for yourself, then do avail the 20% discount from ECC Adventures with code DOINDUBAI20 till 31st November.

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GLOBAL VILLAGE DUBAI NOV – MARCH

Global Village a real winter activity in Dubai

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2021

So the pavilions for shopping and food are all OPEN, only the entertainment pavilions and live shows have stopped for now. STILL ONLY AED 15 TO ENTER, but a brand new feel to Global Village if you haven’t been for a while!ย  It’s in it’s 25th season already so Happy Silver Jubilee!ย 

What did we buy this time round?ย 

We loved the Turkish stall for melamine ceramics, dishes and bowls all very reasonably priced and so easy to carry too!ย 
Global Village DoinDubai Turkish Pavilion
The Indian pavilion is still good for shawl, but do keep bargaining and we like the food from Bundoo Khan’s Pakistani pavilion in Global Village. Try the lamb seekh kebab and naan!ย 
ย 
We went to the Moroccan stall also in search of pottery but didn’t find too much that we liked. I did buy this.. very reasonably priced and of course the tea glasses and pots are very pretty too. Good for serving little portions of dessert as well as tea!
Global Village DoinDubai Morocan pot

FROM BACK IN NOVEMBER 2015

Now it’s Dhs 15 to enter 32 pavilions and in it’s in 20th Season! ย It’s opening to coincide with Flag Day too so that’s from TODAY 3rd of November till April 9th 2016. This post is based on a previous visit. No festival sales on in Global Village but go along for a different evening out while the weather is perfect for walking.

Experience a real Middle Eastern atmosphere with families enjoying a browse, shopping and eating at the various international stalls. It’s a big place so find out DoinDubai’s Top Tips for visiting Global Village before you go!

Global Village Walk

Top Tips when you visit Global Village Dubai ย 

Visit Yemenย and pick up very reasonably priced rhodium based jewellery for yourself or as gifts. Sample all the various honeysย on sale here, different ones for men and womenโ€™s health ! We also bought freshly ground cinnamon and a packet of spices for making biriyani rice.

Try Iran for perfect dry fruits such as apricots and miniature figs, also stock up on your favourite nuts from here, apparently the tiny bitter almonds and dried apple are brilliant for keeping cholesterol down. Sample some of the many types of seeds on sale here from melon to sunflower, all perfectly roasted and delicately salted. Do eat some of the shelled pomegranate famous in Iran as you walk around.

Pick up some pretty painted pottery at Tunisia and very reasonably priced coloured tea glasses from Morocco (use for tiny sprigs of Bougainvilleaย  for easy table arrangements if you prefer your tea in a builderโ€™s mug) The funky teapots and tea glass sets here are identical but much cheaper than in a well-known department store in Dubai Mall.

Global Village Yemen Jewellery

We bought freshly made spicy soft cheese specially concocted and sealed in jars from Palestine, a great hit on savoury biscuits for evening drinks with visitors. You can sample an almost endless variety with flat bread twisted into tiny rolls before you buy.

Take a close look at the costume jewellery in Lebanon, this was the most fashionable and trendy jewellery on offer and at fairly good prices. Very handy if the little ladies are begging for multiple ear piercings, get earrings from here that reflect that look minus the extra holes.

Global Village Cheese balls

Walk through the India pavilionย to get a feel for the variety of products on offer, itโ€™s like a mini Meenaย Bazaar. I picked out some unusual black and beige semi pashmina shawls that are versatile enough to match a number of outfits.

Do not expect fresh apple strudel or anything like this in Austria despite the very authentic faรงade of the stall. ย Do go to Global Village hungry, you can sample heaps ofย ย extremely authentic food either in stalls, at the food court area (we opted for Indian here) or in more formal stand alone pop up restaurants dotted about the grounds. The Thai food is particularly good with stalls from restaurants owned and managed by Thais based in International City.

Global Village Shawls

Bargaining and Prices at Global Village

Apart from food do bargain hardย for anything you purchase, especially if youโ€™re buying more than one of something. Weโ€™re spoilt for spectacular fireworks in Dubai but the ones here are still special and happen on Friday and Saturdays at around 9pm.

Entry to Global Village is 15 dirhams for adults. They do have concessions for elderly and disabled people. Please note that it doesnโ€™t open before 4pm in the afternoon but then it does stay open very late till around midnight or so.

Give the Malls a miss and tell me what bargains you picked up at Global Village, just off Mohammed bin Zayed road (previously Emirates road) past the entrance to Arabian Ranches. There is plenty of parking but it gets particularly busy at week ends. Dress sensibly for the cooler weather and the more local atmosphere.

There is also a funfairย but DoinDubaiย doesnโ€™t do funfairsย any more ! As usual do Like and Share on Facebook and subscribe to DoinDubaiย to getย prizes and discounts.ย 

Thanks Monica

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LIT FEST 2018 Better known as the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature

 

The Lit Fest 2018 is here

The Lit Fest is of course the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. What will you choose to see? Read DoinDubai’s carefully curated selection of literary events and be inspired to read around your subject.

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Crazy Rich Asians

What is the Lit fest all about

Itโ€™s a literary festival that is now in itโ€™s 10th successful year. Originally set up and still run as a not for profit foundation by Isobel Aboulhoul as one the main trustees, the festival brings an impressive group of international authors to Dubai for a 10 day literary extravaganza. But note the lit fest is not only about books!

It offers so much more. Did you know that none of the authors who come to the festival are paid for their time? Only their travel and accommodation is taken care of.

When is the Lit Fest happening this year

The Lit Fest is happening between the 1st and 10th of March 2018.

Where is the Lit Fest happening

The bulk of the events are happening at the lit festโ€™s home for 10 years, at Festival City in Dubai in conjunction with the Intercontinental hotel, also based in Festival City. Hereโ€™s a google map showing you the exact location.

But there are some special events at other venues around the city. For example there is a cross-cultural poetry reading being held at Dubai Opera Downtown on Tuesday 6th of March.

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Dubai Opera

 

What can we expect at the Lit Fest this year

You can expect world-class top name authors such as Alexander McCall Smith, Kate Adie and Jeffrey Archer discussing their latest offerings.

But youโ€™ll also experience lesser known authors who have something important to sayโ€ฆ.Iโ€™m thinking of the German writer Souad Mekhennetโ€™s I was Told to Come Alone. Thatโ€™s why the lit fest is such a good opportunity to absorb the best of what literary life has to offer so you can take away your favourite flavours in one greedy gulp, even if you donโ€™t read that much.

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Lion

How is the Lit Fest organized

The lit fest is a very well organized festival with a variety of events, workshops, book readings and even dinners centered around a literary theme with corresponding authors. All the events are ticketed though and the popular ones will sell out soon so do book early.

These are just some of the types of events happening over the 10 days of the festival.

  • Author Talks based on the latest offerings for both adult and childrenโ€™s books
  • Literary Dinners with culinary authors โ€“ do you like Chinese or Indian food?
  • Literary Workshops connected to Creative Writing, Crime Writing and Travel Writing
  • Drawing Workshops for kids aged 6 to 10 years
  • Poetry slam workshops for teenagers aged 13 to 18 years
  • Talks on how to write a Best Seller with Richard and Judy – Good Morning Dubai!
  • Panel Discussions on literary matters
  • Book Tote Workshops
  • A Movie Screening and Book Talk โ€“ Lion by Saroo Brierley
  • And even 5-minute slots providing you with an opportunity to pitch your book to an agent!

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Madhur Jaffrey

The selection that follows is taken from the official programme of the Emirates Festival of Literature as interpreted and curated by me. I was inspired to write this post after listening to a talk on the best of the Festival given by Yvette Judge โ€“ the Chief Operating Officer of the Festival.

Our Top Picks for the Lit Fest

For Adults

I would love to read and hear more about:

  • Kevin Kwanโ€™s Crazy Rich Asians book, not Dubai problems, not 3rd world problems, but #richpeopleproblems! Plastic surgery for your gold fish anyone? Catch him on Friday 2nd March at 14:00 to 15:00 This book, part of a trilogy is being made into a movie too.
  • The movie Lion is also being screened and afterwards Saroo Brierly will talk about his new book:ย  A Long Way Home. He was only 5 years old when he was abandoned on a train in Calcutta.
  • Historical Fiction fans may like William Dalrympleโ€™s The Worldโ€™s Most Infamous Diamond. A different kind of Crown to the one on Netflix! Catch him on Friday 2nd March at 18:00 to 19:00.
  • But you may want to compare this book with Shashi Tharoorโ€™s Inglorious Empire โ€“ What the British did to India. Find him on Saturday 3rd March between 18:00 and 19:00.
  • More historical drama this time from Andrew Morton, who wrote Diana her true story, that was 25 years ago! Heโ€™s talking about Wallis in Love but is currently writing about none other than Meghan Markellโ€ฆ the newest Hollywood Princess. Friday 9th of March from 12:00 to 13:00
  • But maybe if you had to choose to listen to one historian, then make it Dame Jenni Murray who is speaking about 21 women that shaped Britain. Saturday 10th from 14:00 to 15:00 Now thatโ€™s a real Womanโ€™s Hour!

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai How to Land a Plane

And we all travel so much from Dubai, but if you ever wanted to get into the mind of a pilot (or even need a good gift for one!) then try How to Land a Plane. Itโ€™s the follow up book by Mark Vanhoenacker – author of the best seller Skyfaring.

Catch him at the festival onย Friday 2nd March 12:00 to 13:00

For the Foodies

  • There are 2 literary dinners happening this year one with Madhur Jaffrey, Come Dal with Me thatโ€™s a 4 course meal made from her recipes. Curry Easy is her new book And one with Ken Hom called My Stir Fried Life, expect a 3 course meal from Ken Homโ€™s favourite recipes.

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Curry Easy

  • If you like Clean Eating, then you may want to look at Eat Happy the new book by Melissa Hemsley of Hemsley and Hemsley fame. We visited their cafรฉ in Selfridges last summer in London. Friday 2nd 10 till 11 am. See more about London Cafes including Hemlsey and Hemsley here
  • And if coffee is your poisonโ€ฆ then grab a free cup of coffee on Saturday 3rd March with Claudia Roden and Ghaya Al Dhahiri. Learn about the role that coffee has played in the UAE culture and history. There will be a prize giving for the Costa Debate after this session. The debate is sure to generate some good discussion – print books or e books, whatโ€™s your preference then?

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Ebook or real book

If all this foodie chat has made you hungry get some recipe inspo from our easy to cook pages here.

  • I love the sound of I was Told To Come Alone by Souad Mekhennet: Now adapted into a TV series, this brave investigative journalist tells the story of her dangerous journey into the land of jihadis.

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Souad Mekhennet

  • Another kind of journey, this time into the Wild with Cheryl Strayed who relives her life changing journey undertaken at just 22 years of age. Now a major movie starring Reese Witherspoon. Friday 9th March 18:00 to 19:00
  • I loved The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon, and this year heโ€™s closing the festival talking about his new book The Labyrinth of Spirits. Last but not least on Saturday 10th March between 10:00 and 11:00 am

Still need some book inspiration look at our earlier book reviews here.

And for Children

Donโ€™t miss the spectacle of The Tiger Who Came to Tea, written originally by Judith Kerr in 1968, she is now 94 years old! The tiger is coming but Judith will participate via video link! Dare to participate on Saturday 3rd March from 16:00 to 17:00

  • Giraffes Donโ€™t Dance: Be who and what you want to beโ€ฆ no not a detective story set in Botswana, but a childrenโ€™s book โ€ฆ.and who says Giraffes Don’t Dance anyway?
  • Did your children learn to read with Biff, Kipper and Chip? Mine did! Then youโ€™ll love this Oxford Reading Tree session with Alex Brychta and Roderick Hunt, just make sure youโ€™re at least 4 years old! Friday 9th March between 14:00 and 15:00

Image ofThe Lit Fest DoinDubai Biff Kipper and Chip

  • Teens would love The Short Story Lab writing workshop with Andrey Kurkov of Death and the Penguin Fame. Teach those teens how to write real stories and bring their imaginations out of social and into the real world! Friday 9th March between 14:00 and 15:00

How to participate in the Lit Fest

Here’s the link that tells you how to buy tickets and what’s on when.. FESTIVAL SCHEDULE AND WEBSITE

The TICKETS link is here

Please note all the graphics in this post have been taken with permission of Yvette Judge from the official Emirates Airline Festival of Literature programme.

 

Thank You Monica, do share with all your bookie friends! And do tell me in a comment, what are you reading right now?

 

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