Gastronomica’s JŌN Returns: An Experiential Celebration of Kuwaiti Culture by the Sea

 Returning to the coastline with renewed vision and depth, JŌN reopens its doors as one of Kuwait’s most anticipated cultural and experiential dining destinations on Saturday 25^th October.

Created by Gastronomica, the region’s leading hospitality group behind concepts such as OFK, White Robata, Republique, Slider Station, Burger Boutique and more, in collaboration with the Touristic Enterprises Company (TEC), JŌN redefines how Kuwait experiences dining, design, and entertainment in one immersive coastal setting.

JŌN is a living expression of Kuwaiti identity, a refined meeting point between gastronomy, artistry, and modern culture. Its seafront location serves as both stage and canvas for local creativity to unfold through culinary collaborations, live performances, design showcases, and storytelling encounters that bring Kuwait’s contemporary spirit to life.

“JŌN was conceived as a cultural canvas. A space where Kuwaiti voices, brands, and ideas take shape through experiences that move and inspire,” said Naveed Dowlatshahi, Chief Operating Officer at Gastronomica. “This season, we’ve expanded that vision. Alongside homegrown dining concepts like OFK and Republique, JŌN will spotlight emerging Kuwaiti designers and lifestyle brands such as Hamsa, Velvet Desert, Atyab Al Marshoud, and Jade Botanics, all of whom contribute to defining modern Kuwaiti elegance.”

With its elegantly curated environment, JŌN captures the intersection of luxury and authenticity, combining Kuwait’s cultural heritage with its contemporary creative pulse. The experience unfolds through bespoke dining, art installations, intimate live performances, and interactive spaces, each designed to immerse guests in a narrative of sophistication and cultural discovery.

Through its continued partnership with TEC, JŌN represents a shared commitment to nurturing Kuwait’s creative economy and positioning its culture within a modern, world-class context.

Whether for those visiting Kuwait or rediscovering its evolving identity, JŌN invites guests to experience the country anew, through its flavors, sounds, and stories by the sea. Open daily from 8am – 12am

Bluewaters Shines Bright in Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 Bluewaters, the sophisticated waterfront island destination by Dubai Retail will glow in radiant pink during the last week of October, turning the island into a striking symbol of hope and unity for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The initiative shines a light on the importance of early detection while celebrating courage, compassion, and community.

Across the island, visitors can discover expert-led talks and a selection of Pinktober dining offers, including limited-edition menus, themed desserts, and beverages inspired by the campaign’s signature colour. Selected participating outlets will also contribute a portion of proceeds or offer complimentary items, giving guests simple yet meaningful ways to show solidarity and support breast cancer awareness.

 

Sweetness Meets Purpose at Angel Cakes

Attend complimentary medical talks and treat yourself to signature pink beverages such as the Strawberry Matcha and Beauty & Glow Latte, available throughout October.

Meaningful Talks: Free Cancer Awareness Lecture (Russian) with a gynaecologist from Family Clinic.

Date & Time: October 22 | 12 PM

 

 

Amalfi Elegance in Pink at Alici:
Savour the Amalfi Elegance in Pink menu featuring Mazara prawns, yoghurt mousse, and Virgin Bellinis. 10% of proceeds will be donated to Al Jalila Foundation’s breast cancer programs, supporting initiatives that make a lasting impact.

Date: Throughout October

 

 

Sip, Indulge and Support at The Pods
Indulge in a coffee and dessert combo, with 30% of proceeds donated to breast cancer awareness initiatives. Enjoy a cozy moment by the water while contributing to a cause that matters, every cup and every bite helps make a difference.

Date & Time: Daily throughout October | 1 PM onwards

Price: Coffee + Dessert Combination for AED 65

 

 

A Touch of Pink at MIYA

Enjoy a complimentary pink cupcake in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Pair it with your favourite Mediterranean meal and take a moment to celebrate strength, resilience, and the power of coming together for a worthy cause.

Date: Throughout October

 

 

A Sweet Gesture at Virgin Izakaya:

In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month, guests can enjoy a complimentary red velvet cupcake in the restaurant’s lively and modern Japanese atmosphere.

Date: Throughout October

 

 

Café 45 Goes Pink:

Sip on the limited-edition Pink Matcha, specially created to honour of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each cup offers a reminder of strength, hope, and the importance of standing together in support of the cause.

Date: Last week of October

 

Sharjah Economic Development Department and Sharjah Digital Department at GITEX 2025

 As part of its participation in the Government of Sharjah Pavilion at GITEX Global 2025, Sharjah Economic Development Department, in collaboration with Sharjah Digital Department, showcased the world’s first AI-powered Trade Name Issuance Service, a landmark achievement that underscores the emirate’s leadership in innovation and digital transformation.

This pioneering initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening Sharjah’s position as an integrated hub for innovative digital services. IT also enhances customer experience for individuals and businesses through a seamless, advanced process that reflects the emirate’s vision of a connected, sustainable, and human-centred digital future.

The service is part of DS Assistant, developed by Sharjah Digital Department as an advanced enhancement to the Digital Sharjah platform. This initiative embodies Sharjah’s commitment to harnessing emerging technologies to achieve seamless government connectivity, accelerate service delivery, and enhance operational efficiency across the emirate.

Using artificial intelligence, the new service analyses business activity types and instantly generates creative, regulation-compliant trade name suggestions — all without human intervention. Through an intuitive interface, it streamlines the process, significantly reducing time and effort while ensuring each name aligns with the identity and nature of the business.

Key benefits of the AI-powered Trade Name Issuance service include reducing the time required to issue a trade name by up to 98%, providing customised name suggestions based on users’ business activity and preferences, minimising human error through AI-driven automation, and supporting entrepreneurship and improving the overall user experience.

.

HE Hamad Ali Abdallah Al Mahmoud, Chairman of Sharjah Economic Development Department and Member of the Sharjah Executive Council, affirmed that SEDD’s participation in GITEX Global 2025 reflects its ongoing commitment to leveraging technology to serve people and businesses through simplified, efficient, and reliable digital solutions.

He explained that SEDD continues to enhance and develop its digital services in close collaboration with other Sharjah government entities, guided by the directives of HH Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the guidance of HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Sharjah Media Council. These efforts aim to elevate government performance, enrich customer experiences, and foster innovation-driven governance.

HE Al Mahmoud added that this initiative reflects SEDD’s vision to strengthen its digital infrastructure, promote sustainable development, and enhance the agility and competitiveness of its business environment. By simplifying company formation and facilitating entrepreneurship, the emirate continues to attract both local and global investors.

He concluded by emphasising that all SEDD’s digital transformation projects are built around a clear purpose: to provide user-focused, technology-enabled services that make communication with government faster, simpler, and more effective, reinforcing Sharjah’s position as a regional leader in digital innovation.

SHI GETS FESTIVE: CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH FLAIR

  SHI, the contemporary Asian dining destination located on Bluewaters Island, is unwrapping this December more than just gifts. From December 1st the venue is turning up the cheer with two exclusive festive set menus, perfect for corporate soirées, group celebrations, and those who just love a little sparkle with their sushi.

Guests can choose between two specially curated menus priced at AED 500 and AED 700, each including a welcome drink on arrival. Dishes range from crispy prawn with kimchi-yuzu, miso black cod, and Australian Wagyu beef, to dim sum baskets, vegetarian delights, and Christmas log and matcha tiramisu for a sweet finale. The menus are designed to suit every palate, making SHI the go-to destination for end-of-year celebrations.

Available throughout December, these festive menus bring people together over unforgettable food in a setting that blends contemporary Asian elegance with high-energy charm.

To close out the year, on December 31^st, SHI will host a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember. With roaming live entertainment, a DJ spinning into the early hours, SHI sets the scene for a sensational start to 2026.

Minimum spends for New Year’s Eve vary by area:

• Ground Floor – Indoor: AED 1,500
• Ground Floor – Outdoor: AED 2,000
• First Floor – Bar: AED 1,000
• First Floor – Indoor: AED 1,500
• First Floor – Outdoor: AED 2,500
• First Floor – Private Dining Room: AED 25,000 (exclusive hire)

Whether planning a cozy dinner, a glamorous party, or a private event with a view, SHI promises a festive experience wrapped in style, sound, and celebration.

Fact Box:  

Offer:  Celebrate the festive season in style with two exclusive set menus at SHI. Guests can enjoy a curated dining experience featuring signature dishes, vegetarian options, and indulgent desserts, all beginning with a welcome drink on arrival.

When: Available daily from December 1st, 2025, throughout the festive season

Where: SHI Restaurant, Bluewater’s Island, Dubai

Price:

• AED 500 per person
• AED 700 per person
  (Both include a welcome drink)

MATCHA 16 NOW OPEN AT MILEO THE PALM

 Matcha 16 has officially opened its doors at Mileo The Palm, introducing a modern matcha-forward café that blends wellness, premium matcha and the love for good food. The new opening brings a fresh and boujee addition to Palm Jumeirah’s vibrant West Beach, designed for guests seeking both indulgence and quality with a vibe. 

The interiors reflect a modern-zen aesthetic, with warm woods, clean architectural lines, and natural textures creating an atmosphere of tranquility and balance. Floor-to-ceiling windows bathe the space in light, while a carefully curated marble design palette connects seamlessly to its surroundings. Guests can also enjoy a chic outdoor terrace surrounded by greenery overlooking MILEO The Palm — the perfect setting for a morning matcha ritual, a balanced breakfast or lunch or even a relaxing gathering. 

The menu celebrates matcha in every form, with highlights including the Matcha Cloud — a refreshing and hydrating blend of whipped matcha cloud over coconut water, the Dirty Matcha Latte for an energizing espresso kick, and the tropical Painappuru Matcha with the refreshing tint of freshly squeezed pineapple. Guests can also explore premium ceremonial options such as Seijin Ni Shiro Usucha Matcha from Japan’s Uji region, alongside authentic Japanese teas crafted to offer a wholehearted experience for true tea lovers.

Food highlights feature chef-led creations that balance tradition, indulgence and nourishment such as Royal Eggs on sourdough (with the option to add caviar), Shrimp Remoulade with Mango Caviar, M16 Poached Salmon Bowl blending a delicious in-house cured salmon, with quinoa and edamame and the juicy Sweet Potato Toastie with creamy beetroot hummus and eggs.

For those with a sweet tooth, the venue offers in-house crafted signature desserts like the Japanese Matcha Cake, Matcha Cinnamon Roll and San Sebastian Cheesecake which bring indulgence with an artisanal twist alongside their signature dates and madeleines infused with matcha. 

Matcha 16 offers an accessible menu with items starting from AED 15 for wellness shots and light bites, up to around AED 135 for premium dishes with caviar add-ons. 

“We are proud to finally open our doors at Matcha 16. Our vision is to redefine the healthy food café experience in Dubai by balancing indulgence and the love for food — now guests can savour our matcha, enjoy our chef-led menu and make this space their new destination for eventful wellness, flavour and connection.” — Founder of Matcha 16 

With its thoughtful interiors, terrace views and a menu that balances nourishment with creativity, Matcha 16 officially welcomes guests from October 16th — a serene corner for Dubai’s health-conscious and style-minded crowd.

HUNZA G INTRODUCES LA PISCINE COLLECTION: MODERN NOSTALGIA IN FULL COLOUR

 Hunza G introduces its La Piscine collection - a celebration of bright colour, carefree spirit, and beachside ease. Designed for golden summer days and sun-soaked escapes, the new season fuses retro references with contemporary versatility.

 

At the heart of the collection is Sunflower, a radiant new shade that captures the golden glow of a perfect summer’s day. Classic white contrast trims return, now paired with bold primary brights for a nostalgic nod to retro resortwear - evoking Amalfi mornings and South of France sunsets.

 

Signature shirt-and-short sets make a joyful comeback in lightweight and effortless for sun-drenched getaways. Alongside these staples, Resort 26 introduces exciting new stories including the Sandy halter neck shape, the Angel bikini shape, and the launch of crinkle RTW designs such as the Pamela Romper and Shorty Bottom. 

 

The collection also debuts innovative crinkle hybrid pieces such as the Hybrid Dress and Hybrid Skirt, alongside two striking capsules: one adorned with Swarovski embellishments and another in delicate Eyelet. Finally, Resort 26 expands the seersucker offering with a sleek new Black colourway.

 

With playful design updates and fabric innovations, La Piscine reaffirms Hunza G’s commitment to modern nostalgia - pieces that feel aspirational yet practical, timeless yet contemporary.

NO.1 PGA TOUR UNIVERSITY PLAYER TO RECEIVE EXEMPTION INTO HERO DUBAI DESERT CLASSIC FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

 For the fifth year in a row, the top PGA TOUR University player at the conclusion of the fall college golf season in the U.S. will earn a coveted spot in Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place at Emirates Golf Club from January 22–25, 2026.

 

Past PGA TOUR University players who have competed in the Rolex Series event include North Carolina’s David Ford, Stanford’s Michael Thorbjornsen, Texas Tech’s Ludvig Åberg and Texas A&M’s Sam Bennett. Ford (T72/2025), Thorbjornsen (T11/2024) and Åberg (T70/2023) all made the cut at Emirates Golf Club, with Åberg’s performance coming just months before he went on to win the Omega European Masters and RSM Classic and earn a Ryder Cup captain’s pick in his first year as a pro.

 

Simon Corkill, Executive Tournament Director of the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, said:
“Our team is proud to uphold the tradition of welcoming elite amateurs to compete in a world-class event at a pivotal moment in their careers. Last year, we watched David Ford tee off alongside four-time champion Rory McIlroy on the Majlis Course, joining a stellar field of international talent. This year’s top-ranked PGA TOUR University player will have the same opportunity to compete at the highest level with Rory returning once again amongst a stellar field.”

 

Top players in the PGA TOUR University Class of 2026 include Ben James (Virginia), Michael La Sasso (Ole Miss), Christiaan Maas (Texas), Jase Summy (Oklahoma) and Tommy Morrison (Texas). The Hero Dubai Desert Classic is an eligible tournament in the PGA TOUR University Ranking and will be included on the player’s record as he competes for PGA TOUR University performance benefits.

 

Brendan von Doehren, Executive Director of PGA TOUR University, said: “PGA TOUR University’s partnership with the Hero Dubai Desert Classic has played an integral role in preparing college golf’s top players for professional golf. We’re thankful for five years of support from Simon and his team and look forward to providing another opportunity to one of the game’s most deserving and promising players.”

 

Now entering its 37th edition, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic remains the oldest professional golf event in the Middle East and a flagship Rolex Series event on the DP World Tour, combining world-class sport with sustainability leadership and unforgettable fan experiences.

 

Away from the golfing drama, the Hero Dubai Desert Classic will once again serve up a festival atmosphere for all ages. Tournament Town returns as the hub of entertainment with live music, family activities, food trucks, arts and crafts, and interactive experiences. From wellness zones to kids’ activations, it’s the perfect day out for families and friends.

 

Early bird tickets are now on sale. General admission is free on Thursday and Friday, with weekend access starting from just AED 75 (AED 100 pre-event, AED 125 on the day). Children 17 and under go free all week.

Premium options include the Dallah Lounge, located between the 9th and 18th greens with gourmet dining, beverages and rooftop skyline views. Prices start at AED 1,890 on Thursday, rising to AED 2,655 (Friday), AED 2,880 (Saturday) and AED 2,970 (Sunday), with a season pass at AED 9,875.

 

Also back for 2026 is The Social on Sixteen, overlooking the iconic par-3 16th. Now double the size, it offers four hours of free-flowing beverages, premium casual dining and unbeatable views. Early bird tickets are AED 625 for Friday and AED 710 for Saturday and Sunday.