1. AUGUST 2011
LIVING
ON A
YACHT
PAGE 14
ABU DHABI STYLE

3. I know that I always go on an on about the renewal you get from summer and the opportunity to boot up, realign, tune up (etc) ... but now
you’ll realise just how far I mean this. As you read this I’m preparing to return from a two week trip to the US (in time for Ramadan) that I am
calling my “accreditation journey” and it is to regularise all my university documentation. I am returning to my alma mater after 25 years since
my graduation (don’t you dare ask my age) to get my degrees attested. My first step is the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (howdy to you too)
while my husband’s accreditation track involves Georgia Tech and Seattle University (SU is another story). The intention is to fly out on July 15 from
Abu Dhabi to New York, then pick up a flight to Atlanta (for Georgia Tech), and then drive to Knoxville, pick up my attested certificate from UT,
get it notarised there, then drive to the governor’s office in Nashville for another stamp of attestation, then fly out to Washington DC to the state
department for Mrs Hillary Clinton’s signature, then over the UAE embassy there for the final round of attestation....
Crazy? Maybe....(and please send me your stories if you’ve been there, and drop me an email if you want to know how we fared). Yes, we could
have had an attestation service do it for us from here, but frankly all the ones we spoke with were wishy-washy about the process, timings and
final delivery. So - we decided to combine a mission with a vacation (kind of like the hybrid word “staycation”...we coin a new one: “missioncation”)
and do it all ourselves. For sure, this is one long air and road trip, but I know it will be packed with wistful memories and new experiences.
Have a happy summer, and Ramadan Mubarak to all.
Sana Bagersh
Managing Editor
bagersh@tempoplanet.com
letters to the editor 04 18 people calendar MANAGING EDITOR
uspace 05 21 culture sites
Sana Bagersh
what’s hot
06 22 round table
FEATURES EDITOR
Alma Kadragic
the bottom bottom line
07 24 social meets
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
tech talk | game hedz
08 25 doc in the house | live well Sharon Carvalho
tempo top 10 songs
09 27 artwalk MAGAZINE DESIGN
10
Mark De Castro
tempo planetarian
28 just handcrafted
WEB DESIGN
city bites | dishes for dummies 11 29 articulate Rizwan Pervaiz
my style blueprint 12 30 media MARKETING COORDINATOR
14 31
Manjul Abhishek
cover story unleash innovation Laskar Laipubam
youth talk 16 32 yank in sandland | just a thought DISTRIBUTION COORDINATOR
experience zone 17 33 horoscope
Melaku Muluneh
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS
ADDRESS DISCLAIMER Angeli Castillo Shahid Saeed
To reach editorial at Abu Dhabi Tempo email: editorial@tempoplanet. Tempo is a publication of BrandMoxie. Although Tempo Magazine Dave Solomon Layla Ezzedeen
com. If you need to find out where you can pick up your copy call: 02 667 does its best to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of its contents,
3349 or check out the list of Tempo distribution points on our website. the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors, mistakes and Neena Rai Blakniss
inaccuracies. The publisher reserves the rights of this product and no Randy Parker Manar Al Hinai
NOTE TO ADVERTISERS part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means
Advertisers can request brand tagging with all advertisements. without the permission of the publisher. Preethi Janice D’Sa Justin Thomas
To reach advertising call 02 667 3349 or Shamma Al Suwaidi Ahmad Samir
email: advertising@tempoplanet.com. MEDIA LICENCE NO. 1/105866/24295
Mariam Musallam Rohith Bhat
Lean Abadi
download www.gettag.mobi Scan the QR CODE using your smart phone
to your smart phone Published by }
run application for Blackberry this is done through BBM
click on tag beside each article to have fun with for iPhone download BeeTag or Neo Reader
online content, videos & cool tags! www.tempoplanet.com

4. dear ed,
You have entertained so many young minds and given them a platform to
portray their thoughts and visions. You guys have done an awesome job! Looking
forward to all the interesting material you have to offer. } Chris Xavi
Hey Tempo, thanks for being the source of letting the youth know what’s hot and what’s not as well
as what’s upcoming and new. You definitely reveal a lot about the city we have grown to love!
} Ankit Lodha
Dear Ed, just love city bites! Great call on COLUMBIANO COFFEE HOUSE....was really spoilt for choice!
} Rohith Krishna
Tempo! You guys are doing an amazing job! Love the retro articles, updates and the info that keeps
us on track! Keep up the good work! } Denver Bopaiah
Dear Ed, I love the individualistic design of Tempo as compared to other magazines I’ve seen in the
UAE. It speaks for the youth with the youth voicing their ideas and that’s awesome!
} Nyurka Fernandes
I am working on a really cool
project with @AbuDhabiTempo.
Can’t wait for you guys to see it.
Thank You Tempo for this
opportunity ‘am LOVIN’ IT .
SHAMIM KASSIBAWI
Excellent, amazing
MOHAMED AHMED improvement! Something happening in Abu Dhabi and you
think you have to know about it? Look no
further! Grab yourself a copy of the Tempo!
Great stuff...I’d say it again!
MARGARITA CEJUDO-PERDOMO
Tempo’s New Look Intro is
good and simply done!
JEPHIN MATHEW
NASEEH MOHAMMED NAZEER
WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR THE SUMMER?
1. Working all summer
2. Taking time off but chilling at home
3. Going on holiday overseas Cast your vote by going to
www.tempoplanet.com

5. VIDEO QUEEN SHAMIM SHARES HER UNIQUE
PERSPECTIVE OF LIFE IN THE UAE
PR/social media-holic – Shamim Kassibawi –who hails from a mixed TOO MUCH BIEBER FEVER? DANI SHAY TO THE RESCUE
Arab/NZ background, created Shamimscene.com with a purpose - she By Lean Abadi
wanted the world to know what’s happening in the city she now calls
home!
“The idea behind Shamimscene.com is to give the local and international
community ‘real-life’ insight into the latest social events, new brands and
products, key personalities in the community and more”, says Shamim.
With each video unedited and unplanned, Shamim brings you a non-
journalist’s perspective with raw footage of an event, product, or a
person…like you were actually there!
Before I start, I want to state that I haven’t caught the “Bieber Fever” but
I’m not a hater either. Something to excite ‘those’ girls out there and keep
them away from the real JB for a moment is Dani Shay, a girl who looks
EXACTLY like Justin Bieber.
Dani Shay, a 23 year-old talented singer, poet, and comedian, started
doing covers of various popular songs on YouTube. Imagine her surprise
when she got comments on her videos from fans and viewers who were
amazed by how much she looked like the Biebs! Because of the comments
from viewers, she decided to make a parody of JB’s single “Baby”, telling
the world that JB copied HER. The judges on America’s Got Talent admire
her confidence and great personality, and so will you!
Here are some lines from her parody of Baby (called ‘What the Hell’):
“Am I on Tv?
Girl quit playin
He looks just like me
What are you sayin’?
Said there’s another who looks and sings
like you
And he’s on every single channel of the
Shamim recently went behind the scenes and interviewed some of the Youtube”
top bloggers in the UAE. She talked to them about the type of blog they Check out the video
write, the challenges faced when blogging and the stuff they like to
write about. I was parking my car behind Etisalat on Electra and then saw a Toyota with a Mawaqif ticket
placed under the windshield wiper! I almost left a message for the poor driver to tell him
that his ticket could get nicked, but I didn’t, and so here’s the photo…and I’m hoping the
Shamim also spoke to the readers of these blogs and asked them what driver, and others as well, will refrain from doing something so dumb!
they expect from the bloggers, why they like reading those particular
Photo taken and sent in by Laskar Laipubam, Tempo’s marketing coordinator.
blogs and to understand what the community is looking for.
To view this video, go to:
www.tempoplanet.com.
WATCH HER
To check out more videos from Shamim,
go to www.shamimscene.com or follow
VIDEO ON......
her on Twitter @ShamimScene

6. TO KNOW MORE
ABOUT WHAT’S
HAPPENING...
NEW ECOTOURISM ATTRACTION: DUBAI RANCH
Dubailand has a new addition to its wide range of touristic and entertainment-
based attractions; it has opened the eco-tourism destination Dubai Ranch. Dubai
Ranch, located in the heart of the Al Sahra Desert Resort, right off the Jebel Ali
Lahbab Road, is part of Jebel Ali International Hotels. This new experience is a
cultural addition to Dubailand which aims to show families and visitors how the
ancestors of the UAE lived. It is an entertaining yet educational trip that makes
visitors leave with greater knowledge about how bedouins used to live.
Dubai Ranch has a range of different activities for the public to enjoy, with
activities ranging from campfire Fridays, to family picnics, to camel-milk tasting!
The ranch tries to capture the exciting wildlife and visitors may come across rare
endangered Arabian foxes roaming around. Horse riding is also another activity
that the ranch has to offer, with lessons provided on basic horse riding technique
as well as the psychology and behavior of horses.
AL AIN RECOGNISED ON UNESCO’S WORLD HERITAGE LIST
By Karam Bukair
The residents of Al Ain must be thrilled that the United Nations Educational,
Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have inscribed Al Ain’s historical
landmarks to the World Heritage List. As a tourist getaway Al Ain has preserved
its cultural landmarks in places such as Hili, and in southern areas in Al Ain.
UNESCO as an organization helps preserve culture and heritage in countries,
provide funding and support. The following cultural sites were chosen to be
inscribed to the World Heritage List: Jebel Hafit, the Hili region in the northeast
of the city, Bidaa Bint Saud and the oases around the modern city (Al Ain Oasis,
Hili Oasis, Al Jaimi Oasis, Al-Qattarah Oasis, Al-Mu’tarad Oasis, and Al-Muwayj’I
Oasis).
H.H. SHEIKH SULTAN BIN TAHNOON AL NAHYAN SPOKE AT THE CEREMONY:
“THE MARK OF OUR WISE LEADERSHIP IS CLEAR, THANKS TO THE LIMITLESS
SUPPORT FOR THE HERITAGE PROTECTION PROJECTS.”
What this achievement means for Al Ain is that UNESCO will ensure the safety and
preservation of the chosen landmarks providing technical assistance, professional
training and emergency assistance in the event of “immediate danger”.

7. • Tempo receives about half a dozen or so resumes a day. We received an
interesting one recently ‘in response to a vacancy’ by an ‘injection molding
machine assistant technician’ with five years’ regional experience. We can’t
say for sure that Tempo doesn’t need one of those…but would decide only
after we’ve figured out what that means.
• A news announcement stated that Dubai First will be “Breathing New Life
Into Credit Cards” by launching its “Titanium Life” credit card to respond to
evolving consumer demand. We hope that Dubai First next comes out with
something that breathes new life into our capacity for borrowing.
• Concierge is elated about the news that Abu Dhabi has launched a
programme to protect children from child abuse. Hooray for the rights of
DUBAI’S ARTSPACE GALLERY PRESENTS A GROUP children. Our response on the Casey Anthony case in the USA: what exactly
were those jurors thinking????!! Maybe “jurors of peers” should have been
SHOW ON MIDDLE EASTERN MODERN AND “professional jurors” with better knowledge of “circumstantial evidence”
CONTEMPORARY ART and the legal process.
• Hanna Makki, if you’re reading this: no, neutering your cat is not cat-abuse.
Your eternally youthful eunuch-cat is probably grateful and sees this as the
A DIVERSE EXHIBITION OF CONTEMPORARY WORKS BY VARIOUS equivalent of a human botox fix.
ARTISTS. 1- 31 AUGUST • Dubai-based Neutral has announced that it will collect 20,000 ltrs of
vegetable oil from McDonalds that it uses annually to fry french fries and
Artspace Gallery will be showcasing a selection of works by modern and will convert this into biodiesel to fuel the chain’s cars! Wish they would also
contemporary Middle Eastern artists at an exhibition that will focus on consider collecting frying oil from homes, to power the taxis of the UAE.
calligraphic works. The exhibition will include works by Omar El-Nagdi, Alaa Thumbs up, Neutral!
Ismail, Kamal Boullata, and Hussein Madi. • Concierge wants to thank the young Emirati who pulled up next to our
car at the intersection of Al Khaleej Al Arabi and Delma, saw me using my
Omar El-Nagdi, a sculptor, director, musician and philosopher, was born in Cairo cellphone, asked us to roll down our window, and told us politely not use a
in 1931 and studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts Helwan University, in 1953. An cellphone while driving. And done with a big smile. Thank you, for caring.
Egyptian master of colour, his paintings show a preoccupation with symbolic • Concierge is beginning to think anyone named “Rebecca/ Rebekah” is
destined/doomed to15 minutes of fame in 2011, and wonders if the name
design, through the use of expressive textures, tonal contrast and a need to offer
may perhaps be associated with occasional lapses of good judgement .
serious communication. His latest works use calligraphy in a contemporary style
• We bid goodbye to Harry Potter, News of the World, and the NASA shuttle
repeating sequential rhythms of Arabic letters in black and white and gold leaf.
programme. Which one is the hardest to take?
• Sharjah launching a music fountain. RAK has launched an ice fun park.
Iraqi born Alaa Ismail (1974) started practicing the art of calligraphy from a young Which one is harder to get to?
age. He studied various artistic disciplines at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design • Concierge received some complaints from residents living in a first floor
in Baghdad, including decorative arts, Islamic architecture, glass painting and apartment in Tourist Club. The message is to the neighbors on the second
Islamic Art. His paintings seek to use calligraphy in an expressive and gestural floor: “please don’t move furniture around at 9am on Friday while we’re all
manner, displaying words of meaning and poetic significance. This marrying of trying to sleep in.”
bold textural strokes combined with Ismail’s love of the Arabic word, successfully • Concierge received a message from a woman who lives in Deira addressed
presents calligraphy in a colourful layered contemporary style. “to the community”: “people, please be considerate and refrain from
spitting on the ground. Sometimes women wearing long dresses or abayas
Kamal Boullata was born in 1942 in Jerusalem. He is a graduate of the Academy touch the ground with their garments...and nothing is more disgusting
of Rome and the Corcoran Art Museum School in Washington DC. His works than washing off phlegm.”
are primarily abstract and geometric in style, focusing on the ideas of division • Concierge wants to remind all: do not put your mobile phone in your back
in Palestinian identity, and the utilization of forms to represent his sense of pocket if you are planning to use the toilet. Believe it or not, this is a growing
separation from the homeland. His writings on Islamic and modern Arab art and phenomenon.
culture have appeared in various academic journals and anthologies. • Dubai is investing US$7.8 billion to expand airport capacity at Dubai
Airport over 10 years from the current 60 million passengers per year to 90
Born in 1938 in Lebanon, Hussein Madi is a painter, sculptor and printmaker million. Brash and bold. Hopefully not just trickle-down, but trickle-across
who is considered to be among the Arab world’s most leading artists. Madi’s economics for the whole region.
art has been viewed by thousands of people around the world at such venues • And that, folks, is the bottom, bottom-line.
as the British Museum, the Venice Biennale and Tokyo’s Ueno Museum. Madi’s
joyful experiments in colour and form have resulted in a unique body of work that
The Concierge at Tempo
relates to modern artists like Matisse and Picasso as well as to the principles of
(Have a beef with someone, or a bone to pick to with us?
divine harmony that characterize the abstract designs of Islamic art.
Email ‘The Concierge’: concierge@tempoplanet.com)

8. TECH TALK Shahid Saeed | Talker for the Non-Techies GAME HEDZ Blakniss | Original game head from Atari to XBox!
NEW MAC PRO AND MAC MINI MIDDLE EAST DEVELOPERS MAKE BIG PLAYS
WITH THUNDERBOLT Game Hedz friends and regional game developers take notice, Quirkat,
It looks like Apple will be launching the keep their winning ways with the announcement of their “finalists”
new versions of its Mac Pro and Mac Mini, campaign for Facebook title, Euroscorers, “for the UEFA Champions League
and that the two are scheduled to hit 2010/2011 season”. They have, “expanded the appeal of the fantasy football
stores anytime now. Both new Mac Pro genre beyond the stereotypical male sports fan with its casual nature and
and Mac Mini are said to come with Intel’s social features; showcasing in-game gifts and micro-transactions, friend
new Thunderbolt technology, and both leagues and top player rankings”. Check it out!
will be preloaded with Mac OS X Lion.
Saudi developer (yea, who knew), Sema-Phore, has announced brand new
THE HTC SENSATION title, UNEARTHED: TRAIL OF IBN BATTUTA. The title has been
The HTC Sensation seems like a very compared to Sony’s Uncharted in terms of its game play and adventure
frustrating device. Why you ask? story line. It follows Arab fortune hunter Faris Jawad, as he dodges
Because it comes so close to perfection nefarious (I love that word) arms dealers, while seeking an as yet unknown
yet it doesn’t quite get there. The
fortune, along famed explorer, Ibn Battuta’s legendary...well, trail. It
high resolution screen is great but the
quality brings it down, the software promises an exciting ride and entertaining exploration of the Arab world
improvements are good but the video (from Morocco to Syria and more) minus the usual Western stereotypes
support isn’t, and while the overall performance is great the battery life (you know what I mean). Check the Game Hedz blog for the teaser trailer
is a disappointment. Overall the device is well made and comes with a and other links. It’s cross platform including Facebook, Playstation, XBox
decent camera and good call quality. All in all, a dual core smartphone Arcade and Wii as well as Windows, Android & iOS devices.
that’s hard to beat.
GEARS OF WAR 3 LEAK
THE NEW NOKIA X7 Leading up to the September 20 launch date, a leak of preliminary Gears of
Nokia announced that the Nokia X7 would
hit shelves in June 2011, and roll out in War 3 single player campaign game play footage (complete with spoilers)
various parts of the world in the months found its way on to YouTube, and there was word of pirated downloadable
to follow. The Nokia X7 is a sequel to its versions of the game floating around. Epic said the footage is nothing
predecessor, the contentious Nokia X6, close to what will be released. I recommend you don’t ruin the experience
which was once seen principally as a with sub par, buggy pirate junk. Up to print time the leak was being
multimedia device because of its large investigated.
capacity for storage. Still, the X7 is a cool
music phone because of the powerful hardware that makes it a powerful
entertainment tool. The phone will be appreciated mostly by Nokia fans
who favour the Symbian platform.
SHORTCUTTING ON YOUR BLACKBERRY PLAYBOOK
You may have seen the BlackBerry PlayBook, but you might not be familiar
with how icons are arranged. The PlayBook arranges its icons in a way that
is very similar to the iPad. You can move shortcuts around by tapping and
Unearthed: Trail of Ibn Battuta EuroScorers
holding an icon until it starts to pulsate. You’ll then see a check on the
upper left part of the screen and a recycle bin under the icons. You need to
keep your finger on the icon and simply drag it to where you want it to go. HEDZ UP
Once you’ve done that just tap on the checkmark. Easy! Next month we’ll be getting ready for the Gears 3 launch and checking
out a couple iPad titles just for giggles!
For now, get stuck into the ever popular, Infinity Blade (Epic)
and Dead Space (Visceral) -two of my fave iPad games. Take
the Uncharted 3 multiplayer beta poll and more at gamehedz.
blogspot.com!
Know more about Blackberry Playbook

9. View the #1 SONG IN THE UAE
PARTY ROCK ANTHEM
LAST FRIDAY NIGHT (T.G.I.F.)
Chris Brown ft. Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes
GIVE ME EVERYTHING
Pitbull ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack and Nayer
DON’T WANNA GO HOME
Jennifer Lopez ft. Lil Wayne
STERO HEARTS
LOOK AT ME NOW
ROLLING IN THE DEEP
IRIDESCENT
I’M INTO YOU
Gym Class Hereos
Linkin Park
LMFAO
SUPERBASS
Katy Perry
Nicki Minaj
Jason Derulo
Adele
Louder | Dj Fresh Ft Sian Evans
How We Roll | Loick Essien Ft Tanya Lacey
The A Team | Ed Shreeran
Changed The Way You Kiss Me | Example
Don’t Wanna Go Home | Jason Derulo Party Rock Anthem | LMFAO Featuring Lauren Bennett & GoonRock
Best thing I Never Had | Beyonce Give Me Everything | Pitbull Featuring Ne-Yo, Afrojack & Nayer
Bounce | Calvin Harris Ft Kelis Rolling In The Deep | Adele
Give Me Everything | Pitbul/Ne-vo/Afrojack/Nayer Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.) | Katy Perry
Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F) | Katy Perry Super Bass | Nicki Minaj
Mr Saxobeat | Alexandra Stan The Edge Of Glory | Lady Gaga
E.T. | Katy Perry Featuring Kanye West
How To Love | Lil Wayne
Good Life | One Republic
Tonight Tonight | Hot Chelle Rae

10. The byproduct of the treatment would be used for agriculture. Visitors to the
plant would witness the process of wastewater being recycled and prepared
for reuse.
“The plant will be launched in August 2011 and so far we are in the hardest part
of the project; the sponsor mobilization phase. We want sponsors to help with
A DROP OF WATER investing in biodiversity and education. Once we achieve that, we’ll have six
months to prepare for plantation and irrigation and to see how many people get
NURTURING A DESERT FOREST involved. Hopefully Hayat will be completed by October 2011.”
Apart for reforestation, the group is keen on educating the public, and their
By Ellaine Fatima
target group is schools, universities and water treatment companies. They
intend on educating the public by creating a visitor center for people to tour at
least once a week.
“Here we will explain different species of plants, how foster homes to animals
like gerbils, foxes, birds, etcetera are created and we will give the public
additional information, aside from what they can learn from the books they
read. For children we will conduct lessons about water conservation, its scarcity
and the biodiversity of the UAE. This project is not just about forestation, it’s an
effort to make people aware about the value of water. Some day we would like
to integrate the tour of the forest with the visit of Waste Water Treatment Plant
(WWTP).”
If you would like to sponsor the Hayat project,
email: hayat@istp2.ae
Hayat, meaning “Life” in Arabic, is a project initiated by a group of people who
wish to renew the reforestation actions undertaken by the late H.H Sheikh Zayed
bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Their dream is to breathe green life into a desert patch in
Al Wathba. The goal of this initiative is to protect the biodiversity of the UAE and
teach the public about it by experiencing it firsthand. Tempo sits down with Celine
Delabie, the Project Coordinator, who shared the dream.
Delabie explained that the Hayat Project is a private initiative by a group of
people who want to make a difference by focusing on reforestation. A core
part of ‘Hayat’ is a waste water treatment plant (WWTP) which is located
in Al Wathba Area. All the members of Hayat are currently employed in the
construction of the plant.
The people behind the project are Philippe Paulissen, an Environmental and
Water Engineer and Technical Director, Marc Richli who is a Civil and Water
Engineer and Executive Managing Director and Delabie, who is the Project
Coordinator and the Environmental and Water Engineer.
Hayat was initially setup to reduce the amount of wasted water and use
whatever is in excess more efficiently. The plant project is large, and at full
capacity will treat the wastewater of 300,000 m3/day, equivalent to the water
consumption of 1.2 million inhabitants. After that, the treated water will then
be sent back to the city of Abu Dhabi and surrounding farms to be re-used for
soil conditioning and fertilizing.
“Since we have the land, the water, and the fertilizer available, we got the
idea to build a forest as this will be a good way to educate the people and the
children on the value of water conservation and protection of biodiversity.”
Delabie explained that the forest of indigenous trees would become adapted
to desert conditions and, therefore, will have very low water demand. Waste
water from sewage pipes will be recycled to make cleaner water and bio solid.

11. about the motivation for such a hiring policy. My companions suggested nepotism; the
idea being one guy rises to the top, and thereafter only recruits his nearest and dearest -
possible? However, I think the situation is more likely to be the result of a psychoanalytic
motivational researcher suggesting some hitherto unfathomable subconscious connection
between huge steaks and African table staff.
By Justin Thomas
This idea is not as off-the wall as it might sound. Psychoanalysis has been leveraged by the
business world for well over half a century in attempt to discover consumers’ hidden fears,
desires and motives. In the 1950s motivational researchers suggested to American Airlines
that they recruit only middle aged air hostesses, as this would tap into their customers’
mother complexes. Earlier still in the 1920s Edward Bernays, nephew of Sigmund Freud,
and father of PR helped the American Tobacco Company boost sales of cigarettes to
women.
His cunning plan involved getting waspish twenty-something females to pose as members
of the suffragette movement, and defiantly smoke their “torches of freedom” (cigarettes)
in public. Who knows what effect the Meat Co’s table staff is having on the unconscious
minds of its diners? Wild psychological speculations aside, the Meat Co was founded by
two of South Africa’s most successful restaurateurs, and describes its self as ‘contemporary
Toys R’ Us, The Tie Rack, and The Sock Shop all follow the pragmatic, but rather African’. This probably provides the simplest explanation for the distinctive table staff.
unimaginative, “does-what-it-says-on-the-tin” school of naming. This no-nonsense
approach avoids the cryptic word play that can often leave consumers confused as to Like the Meat Co’s table staff, the menu too is large. However, if it’s your first time at the
the exact nature of a business. These straight-laced names spare us the easy-to-miss Meat Co then you›re probably going to go with the beef. Surprise, surprise we all ordered
mythology wrapped up in names like “Apple”, “Oracle” and “Nike”. They also spare us steaks, but none of us were carnivore enough to take on the 500 gram bad-boy, opting
business names loaded with adolescent wackiness – Mr. Branson’s “Virgin” springs instead for variations on the 300 gram theme: T-bone, rib eye, well done, medium rare.
immediately to mind. Furthermore, these simple descriptive names protect us from the The steaks were all excellent, possibly the best steak I’d ever eaten.
eponymous narcissism conveyed by the businesses bearing their founder’s moniker:
Chanel, Hilton, and most grandiose of all “Marc by Marc Jacobs”. These more practical That said, I very rarely eat steak, so my field of comparison is not large. There are alternatives
business names are honest, humble and reassuringly simple. They realistically shape our to steak on the menu; seafood, lamb and chicken all make appearances, however I felt
expectations while subduing our wilder imaginings. totally and utterly compelled to have steak, compelled perhaps by unconscious urges…
who knows.
THE MEAT CO AS THE NAME SUGGESTS, PROUDLY FOLLOWS THIS
CUSTOMER-FRIENDLY NAMING TRADITION. WELL BEFORE EVER
SETTING FOOT IN THE MEAT CO YOU ALREADY HAVE A PRETTY GOOD
IDEA OF WHAT TO EXPECT... I WAS THINKING BIG STEAK ON A BED
OF STEAK IN A CREAMY STEAK SAUCE, WITH A T-BONE TIRAMISU TO
FOLLOW.
Abu Dhabi’s Meat Co (my destination for the evening) is part of a steakhouse chain By Angeli Castillo
spanning three continents. This particular link in the global Meat Co chain is located within
Souk Qaryat Al Beri. The restaurant is excellently situated within the souk commanding 1. Use firm bananas and cut into 1 inch sections. Leave the peel on
great views of the Arabian Gulf, which is perhaps one of the most beautiful non-human for easy handling, and then dig a “well” in the middle of each
dining companions in the world. At certain times of the day this body of water becomes banana section with enough thickness for the ice cream and
a super-natural shade of blue, almost bordering on turquoise. I call this particular hue, goodies to stay in place inside. Remove the peel after doing so.
“travel-brochure blue”; it’s the type of blue that less scrupulous travel agents recreate 2. Melt chocolate (chocolate Hershey’s Kisses or baking chocolate
using Photoshop to artificially enhance their product. from Carrefour) in the microwave and dip the bottom portion of
the banana in chocolate and then dip it once again in whatever
Exteriors aside, the Meat Co’s interior decor is best described as forgettable minimalism. add- ons you’d like. For example- sprinkles, crushed biscuits,
On the plus side, there’s little in the way of pastiche or attention grabbing gimmickry. One crushed roasted almonds etc. To quickly harden the chocolate,
exception to the unremarkable “blandscape” is a striking tower-like edifice constructed place dipped bananas in the freezer for a few minutes.
entirely of wine bottles (a leaning tower of vino, if you like). The bottles-everywhere vibe 3. Fill each “well” with ice cream and top with whip cream and
gives the impression of dining in a wine cellar. This theme is perhaps a little disconcerting even a maraschino cherry, or simply add some Hershey’s
for more devout Muslim clientele, and I suspect recovering alcoholics find it slightly chocolate sauce.
problematic too? I discovered later that the wine bottle tower is actually a signature 4. ENJOY!
design feature of all the Meat Co restaurants; in fact, the London link in the Meat Co chain
is officially known as the Meat and Wine Co.
RATING SCALE:
Another outstanding feature of the Meat Co is that the entire table staff (the men at
LEVEL 1: SUPER EASY
least) all appear to be of South African origins. One of my dining companions impressively
LEVEL 2: RELATIVELY EASY
spoke a few words of Zulu, so we were able to confirm this hunch. In a nation where the
LEVEL 3: MEDIUM SKILLS REQUIRED
vast majority of table staff is Asian, this impressive team of Africans, not a man shorter LEVEL 4: COOKING SKILLS A MUST
than six foot, is a pretty remarkable sight. My inner psychologist couldn’t help wonder LEVEL 5: ARE YOU SURE YOU WANNA DO THIS?

12. WATCH HER
INTERVIEW
ABOUT HER
STYLE...
MODELS
Elissa Furnel
Nikoo Ete
Ayushi Misra
Veronica Gautum
PHOTOGRAPHER
Ann J C, 22, a young fashionista
who loves design and music,
Mehr Singh, Hansraj Dochaniya
creates distinctive ‘lines’ that she STYLIST, HAIR AND MAKE UP
defines using genres of music. She Ann J.C
portrays the idea of music meeting
fashion in creations that range from
bright colours to simple black. Here
she shares three of her looks. Think Disco! Think bling!
“Rhythm and Blues” is an Throw on a pair of skinny
audio collage. It’s all about jeans, retro- T-shirts, flashy
soul and harmony and a accessories, studded pins
dash of glamour too. and get into the groove.
Country music listeners
tend to keep it simple;
denim, cowboy boots, light
cotton shirts, big buckled
leather belts and the
quintessential, and super
essential, cowboy hat.
FASHION STATEMENT:
“FASHION NOT ONLY DEPICTS
WHO WE ARE BUT IT IS ALSO
A LIFESTYLE WE CREATE FOR
OURSELVES”
- Ann J.C

14. MARINA STYLE
LIVING ON A YACHT
By Angeli Castillo
Life is smooth sailing for Abu Dhabi
residents Margarita Cejudo-Perdomo
and her husband, Dr. Rainer Speckardt,
who live out of posh yacht at the Abu
Dhabi Marina. During one scorching
summer afternoon, the stylish nautical
couple gave Tempo a tour of the 86-foot
yacht, showing not only how to rock the
boat, but how do it with class.

15. TEMPO | What made you decide to live on a yacht?
MARGARITA- There are a number of reasons why we have chosen to live
aboard a yacht. Mainly, it suits our personalities. Both my husband and I have
an extraordinary relationship with the sea. I was born and raised in the Canary
Islands and he is a German sailing champion who has crossed the Atlantic ten
times. No doubt the main reason was the opportunity to own a great ‘home’ in
Abu Dhabi at the best location as well as the feeling of independence and peace
of mind of knowing we could choose to sail away any time. Unobstructed views
are important for us and living the ‘marina life’ is also perfect for Collin, our
42 kg Weimaraner Rescue Dog, as his favorite past time is swimming.
TEMPO | Could you give us an example of a normal day of a
“nautical wife” ?
MARGARITA- I adore that term, ‘nautical wife’, it makes me feel like a
superwoman. As a female, I am expected to carry out duties around the
household in addition to yacht maintenance. It is incredible how much I end
up knowing about yacht electronics and mechanics. As far as a normal day
is concerned I juggle my responsibilities as an Independent Communications
Consultant with the charter requests we receive as the only 86 foot yacht for
hire in Abu Dhabi. We often let our ‘home’ for lavish events such as the Abu
Dhabi FORMULA 1 Grand Prix. Hosting, whether for business or private reasons,
is a big part of our yachting lifestyle and something we certainly take pleasure
in doing no matter how much planning ahead required. I also set time apart to
nautical lifestyle. As a matter of fact you feel like you are on a constant holiday
exercise with our dog, at least two hours a day.
when leaving or returning home.
TEMPO | Do you travel around the world on your home?
MARGARITA- I have not lived on a yacht outside the UAE, however my husband
TEMPO | Does living on a yacht have any impact on your lifestyle
has for more than 10 years and he has the most amazing stories to tell our
on land, and does it give you a different perspective on life?
MARGARITA- Absolutely, it does! It has a very positive impact on our social
guests and friends. It is definitely in our future plans to take time off to sail
lives. Friends visit us more often and we even hold business appointments on
around the world. We would be looking to interacting with the host cultures as
board as it is the perfect environment to unwind and relax. Living on a yacht
much as possible as the real value of the experience.
certainly makes us look at life from the ‘sea’ point of view, in other words, we
share with friends and guests the values of any sailor: hospitality, assistance
TEMPO | What are the ups and downs of living on a yacht?
and good will.
MARGARITA- I believe you will find plenty of positive points in all my answers.
The ups definitely outweigh the downs, however living in such a different
environment requires a lot of energy and flexibility especially when we go
TEMPO | What are the three most important things to keep in
through extensive repairs that can be both time consuming and expensive. They
mind when at sea?
MARGARITA- A trip into open seas requires a certain degree of planning
can easily test your patience. Sometimes you take for granted certain basics of
to ensure a safe and pleasurable trip. We look at factors that are all equally
living in a house that cannot be in a yacht. You can have issues such us power
important: security systems, technical check, petrol and oil, weather and sea
cuts, air conditioning or water problems. Living on a boat is not for everyone -
reports, and navigation systems. Around the UAE it is also crucial to check for
one must be very disciplined, passionate and dedicated. At the end of the day,
shallow waters. My advice is to make sure you are out with an experienced
it is a question of attitude!
skipper to avoid any incidents.
TEMPO | What is your fondest memory of living on the yacht?
MARGARITA- As I mentioned before, we do a lot of entertaining, we often
host plenty of friend get-togethers, dinners, cocktails…so I have very good
memories of events and interesting guests we have had on board. Last year
we attended a concert by the legendary Spanish Flamenco artist ‘Tomatito’
organized by the Abu Dhabi Authority of Culture and Heritage (ADACH). The
after-concert turned out to be an amazing totally improvised second concert
party aboard our yacht after the artist and his entourage accepted our modest
invitation. Needless to say friends and guests shared an unforgettable night.
TEMPO | How do you balance living at sea and working on land?
MARGARITA- It is a matter of getting used to, however for me it has been easy
to balance my activities on land with marina living. My husband and I are both
into culture, so attending events is one of the very few good excuses to get
dragged out of our ‘retreat’. Keeping up with work is totally compatible with our

16. AN EXCEPTIONAL MONTH MIND SOUP
By Shamma Al Suwaidi By Ahmad Samir
For all Muslims out there, Ramadan is both a month dedicated to I am generally inclined to believe that I am already an adult and should
Allah and to your inner faith. It possesses a certain kind of magic that be treated as such. Whether or not that is true is another matter entirely;
generates the flow of kindness, love, peace and all things nice. We care one that matters little to me. (I’m a grownup, okay?!).
about the people around us more than we usually do. We give without
expectations and always in return receive generously. It is a month of I am, more or less attuned in to the zeitgeist and popular culture of our
delightful memories. time; I influence it and am influenced by it on a regular basis. (Pretty cool,
huh?) I am also characterized by my use of a distinct lingo that is sure to
As we grow older, we look forward to Ramadan more than we did the befuddle anyone who isn’t well-versed in its baffling peculiarities. LOL,
year before; a time of family gatherings where bonds are tightened and anyone? To be a teenager is to be part of a full-fledged culture…and
connections grow. The country becomes so intertwined and in sync yes, I am occasionally annoying.
that it is hard not to see the beauty in it. Just as if you’ve found a secret
doorway to an enchanted land where ribbons of sparkling lights encircle If all this is anything to go by, I am, for all intent and purpose, a teenager:
you. That is Ramadan to me. a particularly nasty creature, made so by the fact that he and his actions
are so hopelessly unintelligible that they are seldom understood by
On the second of November 2004, it was around the 20th day of anyone. Not even himself. A breed among which immaturity is rampant
Ramadan when we heard the news. Our magical land of enchantment and insolent, and rebellious behavior is commonplace. (Or at least that’s
was forever changed. The country shed its tears. The beginning of the how the stereotype goes). So I guess I am a teenager through and
period of mourning had started. It was as if nature itself wept in grief. through; I am defined by my actions.
The flowers that filled up the streets of Abu Dhabi, the trees and the
bright shining lights lined along the sides of each lane withered and The fact that I’m a teenager is exactly why I will be writing this column;
died. Sorrow and heartache was in the air and we all breathed it in slow for you; the teenage reader. Let the others get the rest of the pages of
steady breaths. With all the anguish that was surrounding us at that the magazine, I don’t care. But this column is wholly dedicated to the
time; the only thing that really pulled us through was Ramadan. interests of You. For others, it will provide a means to understanding –or
at least momentarily acquainting with the convoluted mess that is the
What warmed our hearts was that during this tragedy we were psyche of a teenager... seeing things from different perspectives. This
surrounded by angels who took our mourning and turned it into prayers, brings us to the column’s name “Mind Soup”. That is to say, my mind’s
and with those prayers we picked ourselves up and repaired our magic soup dished out for your reading pleasure. Also, each column will end
land even though the scar of that day will always remain. with a hashtag that epitomizes what it’s about #NewBeginnings.
I dedicate this one to Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may his soul
rest in peace. You were a father to each and every one of us and were
one of the greatest leaders that the Arab world has seen. You have given
us what can never be replaced. Our love for you will always linger and
you will never be forgotten. You will remain in our prayers, especially Share your teenage angst with
during Ramadan. me… follow me on Twitter @
AhmedSamirS or drop me a line
ahmedsamirsalama@yahoo.com
Follow me on smaks90@live.com

17. BROWSE CHEW
FUNK UP YOUR PHOTOS WRIGLEY’S NEW ‘5’ GUM
If you are one of those people who Black is officially back as Wrigley announces the launch of
gets intimidated by the advanced a new premium accessory to hit the high street, the new ‘5’
photoshops available in the virtual gum. Wrigley’s announcement says that the new ‘5’ gum takes
planet…or whether you just want a inspiration from the five human senses and, ‘through its unique
quick filter for a photo… or more in- mouth-watering and long-lasting flavours, offers a full and
depth post-processing for a nice album enticing sensorial experience as you chew.’
on your website… then this website is for you. Get creative with 190 easy-to-use
photo effects under 30 different categories all in one place. Adjust contrast, hue, and The new 5 is a cool after-dark must-have as it provides a
colors, and give your photos extra character with the available tools. heightened taste sensation to match those stimulating nights
out with friends (so they say). It comes in flavours of cooling
Be inspired and look at other users’ uploads. The site offers an ergonomic interface and peppermint COBALT, tingling spearmint ELECTRO, and a mouth-watering watermelon
trouble-free sharing options. For a generation like this where photos are everywhere TURBULENCE – all with slick designer appeal. Wrigley’s is hyping it up, but our advice
and are shot by everyone, this is a convenient way to jazz up your photos quickly. So is: just go out and try it. You may come out of the experience thinking you could have
get those photos stuck in your hard drive uploaded; be crazy and get experimental. better spent your money on something else, or you really could fall for all the snazzy
BeFunky.com stuff they say about it.
GLAM UP LISTEN
ART OF NUDE COLLECTION BAD MEETS HELL: THE SEQUEL BY EMINEM AND
ROYCE DA 5’9”
Nude makeup or the trendy term, “griege”
is a launching new ways to make you Debut EP “Bad Meets Hell: The Sequel’ released by
look fresh and modern. Make Up Forever hip hop duo Eminem and Royce da 5’9” by Shady
releases its latest Art of Nude collection to Records and Interscope Record is a good listen even
offer women that fresh and natural look of though you may have to look a little harder the first
the season. time around.
In time for summer, they want you to With songs featuring Bruno Mars, the rest of
punch up the look and avoid looking Slaughterhouse and Liz Rodrigues, the album guarantees good music, great lyrics and
sallow, washed-out or over-decked during typical Eminem flair.
daytime. You can check out their offers on
their Gel-based foundation, their Lip Line The album has received positive reviews from the critics even though some say that this
Perfector, their Rouge Artist Natural and album is a step back for both rappers. The album features a track list that is nine songs
their Star Powder. long with two extra songs in the deluxe edition and makes Eminem the first artist in five
years to make two Number One albums in a 12 month period.
READ WEAR
LAST MAN IN TOWER BY ARAVIND ADIGA GET READY FOR SCHOOL
“Last Man in Tower” is a new release by The Man Summer has just started and we’re
Booker Prize winner Aravind Adiga winner who already being reminded of school! Bhs
gives us another masterpiece set in ‘Modern India.’ has launched it’s Back to School range
The story revolves around a never-maintained but of clothes to fulfill all your uniform
still “absolutely, unimpeachably pucca” middle-class requirements. The Bhs school wear range
block of flats in the Vishram Housing Society in the is exclusively featured in Bhs stores at
fast moving city of Mumbai. But when a rich property Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi Mall, Al
developer sets his sights on the building with the Raha Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, Mushrif Mall
intention of transforming it in to a flashy apartment (opening soon) Bawadi Mall and at Al Jabal Roundabout in Al Ain – perfect, there’s
complex called Shanghai, he is met with resistance nowhere to escape to!
from a resident who becomes the ‘last man in tower’.
Bhs say that their school wear has Teflon and Non Iron to repel stains and make washing
While the other tenants gladly agree to vacate for
easier. There is a wide variety of hosiery, footwear and accessories for children aged three
the sum of money offered to them, Yogesh Murthy or
to 16 yrs.
‘Masterji’ clings to the flat and the memories it holds of his deceased wife and daughter.
Adiga beautifully brings forth the conflict a man faces when dealing with emotional and Check out their multi buy promotions in their Abu Dhabi and Al Ain stores
financial trauma and grabs the reader’s attention by smoothly detailing the hidden sad where you could get two boys shirts for Dh 89, two girls blouses for Dh 89 and
face of the urban conglomerates of India. two girls or boys trousers for Dh 139.

18. sun mon tue
August 1 @
2
ay
g D um
isin Stadi
Ra y
und s Cit
vor F Sport
Tre yed
Za
Leila Wasti Ramadan Mubarak
7 8 Anna
9
’s
om
y M ay!!!
M hd and Eid
Saoud Al-Maamari
Birt
Ramadan ADNEC
Fe stival at ug
9- 30 A
14 Alisha
15 16
y
Happ ce Day
den
In depen dia! UM
MER TIM
S
E
Happy In
Independence Day
Manju
Pakistan!
21 22 23
Melinda Alvarez Castillo
Happ
y Bir
Naoimi Mulligan
Cool off while you exerci
se @ ay to me thday
It’s my birthd !!! !!!
Petal Prince
Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s Aqua
Fitness class tomorrow too
28 29 30
ft,
Alo t
te @ ugus
t Ra 0 A
den ll 3
esi abi ti
ER
UA bu Dh
A
L
PUL T
Ghadi Bou Samra
Summer offers
OU GE @Emirates Palace Hotel Ramadan Doors of Knowledge
Yasmein
PA till 13 Sept. @ Arabian Center, Dubai
N.B. from 1-30 August

19. wed thu fri sat
3 4 5 6
Ismael Gabriel Saballa
Happy Birthday
Merwin Joveric
Sta. Maria Matias ee at day
a, get 1 fr Lazing in the sun! Happy Birth
Shaza Shahrour
Buy 3 pizzo @ Le Meridien
Reem Hamoui
Mais!!!
Saira Aslam
Pappagall 15 Sept.
till
10 King Sanj
11 12 13
Sherlyn Elizabeth D’souza
International
Lefthanders Day
Iftar Buffet @THE One from Wasay and Amir International
sunset- 8:30pm till the end of Barbeque time!!! Youth Day
Ramadan
Shymie
17 Nada
18 19 20
Art Ex
Artspac hibition @
e Galle
from 1s ry, Dubai
Muhaimma Sulaiman
n
t-31st
Le Bis
trot @ Meridie
alt hy at ll 15 Sept. World m os @ Le ust
Saif Al Madani
Spa Pro ill 31 Aug
Anjora Gomes
Eat he eridien ti anitarian Day
L eM Hum t
24 25 Haya
26 27
Sharan Dominic D’souza
nnium
t Mille
er c amp a 25th Aug O
Summ l 3rd July-
Hote
Herio pen Day
t- Wa @
Happy Birthday tt, D
IAC
Ramia!!!
Jane Heather Roxas
31 MY AUGUST PRIORITIES MY AUGUST ECO PLEDGE
y
hda
y
Happ nce Day, py Birt !!!
nde
depe alaysia!
In M
Hap Laskar
Bernadette Velasco

21. HERITAGE NURTURED
IN THE HEART OF AL AIN
Story and photos by Mariam Musallam
Despite being told by many people that
the project of a Heritage Village would
never succeed, Khalfan Bin Noman, the
owner of the Cultural Heritage Village in
Al Ain worked hard to build his project, and
achieve his dream of combining past and
present heritage under one roof.
Khalfan recalls the old days, and tells us of a dream he had as a boy.
“When I was a young boy I loved to draw old traditional houses and
dreamed of having my own heritage village, one that simulates
Emirati life before and after the union.”
He spent two and a half years to build his heritage village at the Al
Ain SportPlex situated on the Khatam Al-Shakla Street in Al Ain.
Khalfan’s village consists of several ”environments”. One is the “Town
Environment” that reflects the nature of traditional and cultural
features and contains homes of mud and palm leaves surrounding a
mosque with narrow alleys between them to add to the traditional
character. The architecture dates back to the forties and shows the
designs made by the country’s forefathers and tells a lot about how
they lived.
Another environment is the “Agricultural Environment” that consists
of agricultural lands and beautiful creeks. Yet another is the “Desert
Environment” that represents the nature of life in the harsh desert
where people used to live in tents made of animal ‘hair’ (“bayt al
shaar”).
The village also has two theatre halls to show displays of cultural
events and celebrations, a museum, a traditional souk, restaurants
and an exhibition area for old classical cars. Noman looks at it all and
says,“THIS IS MY DREAM THAT HAS BECOME A REALITY”.
You can visit the Cultural Heritage Village at the Al Ain
Sportflex everyday from 10am to 10pm.
Cost of entry is Dh 5 for adults and free for kids.
For more information call 03-7689779.