21 things to do before heading out to Dubai World Cup

1. Book tickets as soon as possible

 

Haven’t decided if you’re going yet? You need to do so today. Six of the ten ticket categories are already sold out, so while choices are limited, you can still grab some last-minute deals. Here are the packages that are available:

 

Apron Views

For a prime location for the after-race concert, it doesn’t get much better than the Apron Views. It is dubbed the social heart of the DWC after all. Sandwiched between the racetrack and the Meydan Grandstand, this is where the musical stage is located, as well as the venue for the popular Jaguar Style Stakes (more on that below). Bring sunscreen, as a lot of the area isn’t covered. Worth noting that this ticket is for admission only and not inclusive of food and beverages.

 

How much? Dh450 per person

 

Sky Bubble

This private dining experience, which includes a buffet and selected beverages, promises 360-degree views of the Meydan Racecourse and the Dubai skyline with the Burj Khalifa. Although separated from the main arena, guests can catch all the live action on the television monitors.

 

Although it is in an intimate venue, Sky Bubble offers free seating on a first-come, first-serve basis, so get there early for some good spots.

 

How much? Dh1,400 per person, which also includes access to Apron Views

 

The Gallery

For the best view of the finish line and its winners, opt for tickets to The Gallery. This grandstand venue comprises indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as a large selection of food and drink options, including afternoon tea, gourmet dinner snacks, soft drinks and house beverages. 

 

How much? Dh1,500 per person, which also includes access to Apron Views as well as Parade Ring Lawns

 

General Admission

If it’s just a view of the races you are after, then grab these General Admission tickets from the Meydan ticket office outside Gate B.

 

How much? Dh25 per person.

 

2. Get ready for Janet Jackson live in Dubai 

 

But it’s strictly for ticket holders. As with every DWC, a megastar takes to the stage following the race for a night of fun and entertainment. Following previous appearances by the likes of Kylie Minogue and Jennifer Lopez, this year is the turn of US superstar Janet Jackson.

 

Unfortunately, no ticket, no show. Also, organisers confirmed to GN Focus that only ticket holders of the Apron Views category and above can access the concert. 

 

3. Forty-five-minute slimming shot challenge

 

The countdown to Dubai World Cup has begun... time for that figure-hugging dress. Unfortunately, life is rarely perfect, especially for those of us who grab rushed meals off the office canteen and spend late nights chasing deadlines. 

 

The problem? A bloated body that always compels me to slip into a loose number.

 

But despair not, there is help at hand, courtesy of Bionix Body Designers. No, you won’t lose 10kg in one session, but if it gets a few inches off in time for the races, it’s good enough.

 

Bionix Body Designers has launched the 45-minute slimming shot challenge, an effective and aggressive non-surgical body shaping treatment using high intensity focalised ultrasound (HIFU). Depending on the body composition a slimming shot is designed using a combination treatment of two to three advanced non-surgical technologies. There is no downtime, no pain, no pin prick and immediate visible results are assured.

 

Now, not everyone who wants to have this treatment may qualify. Before confirming for the session the doctor/consultant evaluates your eligibility. The treatment is best for those who are close to their ideal size and shape; it’s a last resort to get that irritating inch off that diets and exercise can’t budge. I had a perfect BMI of 20, but a pinch of tummy fat qualified me for the treatment. 

 

My therapist Maria Mitzi Jumagdao marked my body into areas and then applied a treatment gel. The head of the machine was placed on the targeted area and HIFU energy was focused to destroy the fat cells under the layers of the skin.

 

During treatment, I felt a slight warmth and tingling from the head of the machine, but it was bearable (I have a high threshold of pain). The therapist used lighter or stronger energy depending on how much I could take. After the session, the area treated was slightly red and sensitive to touch. 

 

The slim shot treatment focuses on melting fat and draining it out through lymphatic channels. It improves metabolism, induces skin tightening and gives the body a more muscular tone. You also get back to your normal work day right after the session. But the full results can only be seen in eight to 12 weeks, the time needed for the body to naturally process the fat.

 

Verdict: While I might not have seen significant results right after the treatment, I did feel all the attributes of a gruelling workout. And I happened to lose around 1.5cm around the waist. Yes! The week following my treatment, I did notice that my lower abdomen felt less bloated. My trousers continue to feel loose around the belly. So, the treatment ideally needs to be done a week before you wear that dress!

 

The procedure conducted for review is worth Dh2,500. Contact Bionix Body Designers on 04 352 0705 or 056 759 0075.

 

— Krita Coelho/Staff Writer

 

4. Dress to impress… hats galore

 

For the World Cup there are fashion rules to be followed and rule number one is wearing a hat. There are lots of stores across Dubai that sell a variety of looks.

 

For high-street chic, your best bets are department stores such as Bloomingdale’s Dubai (04 350 5333), Harvey Nichols (04 409 8888), Debenhams (04 368 5282) or Saks Fifth Avenue (04 501 2700).

 

For something a little more dramatic, head over to Burjuman (04 352 0222), which is hosting its annual Parade of Hats until tomorrow. This pop-up features more than 500 headpieces created by milliners from around the world, including Nigeria’s Itam by Kings Signature, known for its bold florals, bright colours and bohemian glamour, Liza Georgia Millinery, an Australian brand that specialises in vintage-inspired looks, and Designs by Christiane, whose work is described as an “explosive collection of feather hats and headpieces”.

 

Prices range from Dh150 to Dh3,000.

 

The Grosvenor House Dubai is also exhibiting handmade fascinators and hats by milliner Christiane Edmonson. The show is on at Tower One, in the lobby until tomorrow, from 10am to 6pm.

 

5. Men, a last-minute suit is possible...  

 

Dubbed the region’s first contemporary bricks-and-clicks tailor, The Custom Shop New York offers a bespoke tailoring experience thanks to innovative technology. Rather than take measurements manually, clients are measured using a special body scan machine, which, according to the shop, is 76 per cent more precise.It also has a 24-hour suit option. Co-founder Zaki Ali tells us more.

 

24 hours is a short turn-around for a bespoke suit; how do you provide the perfect fit with such little time?

We supplement the body scan technology with a master couturier who cuts fabric based on the stipulated design and requirements of the customer. We are confident that our experience as third-generation garment manufacturers will help us stitch the suit to perfection, despite tight deadlines. 

 

What can you achieve in terms of personalisation in such a short time?

We have coloured buttonholes on the sleeves and lapel, in addition to funky prints in the inner lining. There is also the option to have your name embroidered. These are all in-house facilities.

 

What about specific looks or fabrics?

The best result in 24 hours would be a more classic approach. To push the envelope on creativity we can help the last-minute guy play with colour, indulge in an interesting inner lining for his jacket and monogramming. If you’re looking for something more specific, we can treat it on a case-to-case basis as our stylists are well geared to cater to clients with limited time frames and will advise you on the best possible options. 

 

Can you also make a shirt to go with the suit in the same time frame?

It’s possible — but we would advise the client to actually work with more classic options available in our store. We stock over 200 fabrics in our flagship location at The Beach Centre and it would be ideal if the client is able to choose from one of these. Suits start at Dh1,695. Check out Customshoponline.com  

 

6. ... but so is a budget-friendly one

 

Along with a number of tailors in Satwa and the rest of old Dubai, lots of high-street stores sell affordable options. Try shops such as Topman, Zara and H&M. The drawback with readymade is that it doesn’t necessarily fit perfectly; however, you could take it to a tailor to have it fitted. If you are going to tighten the suit, then always remember to buy a jacket or trousers that are a little loose. There are a number of tailors scattered around Satwa and old Dubai. Or try Stiches (Threadstiches.com), which has branches in Jumeirah Beach Residence and Al Barsha.

 

7. Suits not your thing? Rent one instead

 

Why pay big bucks for something you’re only going to rock once? Al Ghazal Mall’s Murad Boutique (04 345 8979) offers tuxedo rentals from just Dh250. There are also kilts and tailcoats in store.

 

Then The Wedding Shop (04 344 1618) in Jumeirah Centre offers rentals from Dh300. Despite the name, Jumeirah Plaza’s The Bridal Room (04 344 6076) also stocks some suit and tuxedo options for hire.

 

8. Ladies,need some help with your dress? 

 

There’s no reason you can’t find someone to help put an outfit together for you. There are a number of personal shoppers across the UAE. Considering the short notice, opt for an hour’s service with an in-store personal shopper at one of the department stores mentioned above.

 

For something more extensive, visit Stylemedivine.com, run by celebrity stylist Kelly Lundberg. Her talented team can transform just about anyone.

 

9. But you can also borrow a look

 

Designer-24 offers luxury high-end designer dresses for hire. For something last minute, check out its showroom in JLT. Those ordering online will have their dresses delivered and no need to worry about dry cleaning after that as they handle that themselves. For more info visit Designer-24.com

 

10. Last-minute pampering for her

 

Looking for a quick hair treatment or manicure before race night? You’re in luck. Sisters Beauty Lounge’s Signature Ritual is an indulgent tailor-made treatment designed to enhance the hair’s inner radiance thanks to a special Kerastase mask and massage. From Dh270. Visit Sistersbeautylounge.com

 

Tips and Toes is offering an express manicure with DWC nail art, Russian extensions and an express pedicure for Dh500. Visit Tipsandtoes.com

 

Glow facial (pictured right) is a ten-minute session where gentle cryogenically cooled air is passed over the skin’s surface, activating collagen production in the skin’s deeper levels, leaving younger looking skin. Price on request. Visit Cryo-health.com

 

11. Last-minute pampering for him

 

Get ready for the day with a relaxing traditional Turkish hammam at Talise Ottoman Spa, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. From Dh450. Browse Jumeirah.com for more details.

 

Or go for some hand and feet therapy (from Dh90) at Urban Male Lounge. This spa offers a range of treatments, including nail trimming, cuticle trimming and hand massage. Visit Nstyleintl.com

 

Fancy a classic shave? 1847 at Emirates Towers is known as the emirate’s very first male grooming lounge. Prices vary. Check out 1847uae.com for more details.

 

12. Carry in your clutch

 

Keep your make-up in place

It can get warm during the day. Keep some NYX oil blotting sheets handy, which absorb excess oil and shine without ruining foundation, to ensure your make-up is in place. Dh75

 

All about the shades

Keep it stylish at the DWC with LA couture eyewear brand Sama. Its two latest designs are Catwalk and Finale . From Dh350.

 

Pink perfection

Hot on the heels of its True Nudes and Pure Reds collections, L’Oréal Paris Color Riche is back with this spring’s hottest hue. La Vie en Rose features six velvet matte pinks, perfect for any outdoor look. Dh75

 

13. The best public transport options…

 

Leave the car at home — the Meydan Racecourse is easily accessible from Shaikh Zayed Road by taxi. You can arrive on time without having to search for a parking spot, and enjoy the race and entertainment into the early hours. The taxi drop-off and pick-up point is located outside the Meydan Grandstand. 

 

Alternatively, book a car ride service on your smartphone. Uber and Careem will also be operating throughout the day.

 

14 ... or arrive in style

 

Dubai Exotic Limo (Dubaiexoticlimo.com) rents BMW 7 Series VIP sedans at Dh2,000 for ten hours. For something bigger opt for the 30-passenger F550 Big Red at Dh7,000 for ten hours. 

 

Or why not arrive in a chopper? Helidubai.com is offering helicopter transfer to the DWC. Price on request. Call 04 224 4033

 

15. Fashion competition

 

The Jaguar Style Stakes is back in the 21st edition of the DWC. This fashion event will see the most stylish men and women at the races battle it out in the hope of winning a snazzy Jaguar F-Type. Other prizes include Longines watches, cash prizes, pamper packages and hotel stays.

 

The 2016 Jaguar Style Stakes will feature six categories: Best Dressed Lady, Best Dressed Man, Best Dressed Couple, Best Hat, Most Creative Hat and Longines Most Elegant Lady. To enter, attendees must register onsite from 1pm at one of the Jaguar Style Stakes registration desks.

 

16. Snap happy

 

Looking for some light nifty cameras to capture all the action for the event? Here are a few options

 

Panasonic Lumix TZ100

This 20.1-megapixel camera boasts a superb quality lens, as well as a 4K video option where it’s possible to change the focus point of a shot after filming

 

Samsung Galaxy S7

For Android fans, the Samsung Galaxy S7 has a great little camera function. Compared to the S6, this gadget’s camera comes with a wider aperture and bigger sensor that makes for a more dramatic picture at night

 

iPhone 6s

Of course, we can’t leave this one out. One of the most popular devices for on-the-go shooting, the iPhone 6S features a 12MP iSight camera with a number of colour filters. It also comes with 4K video shooting capability

 

17. Seven ways to take better photos at the World Cup

 

If you walk away from the Dubai World Cup with bad photos, you’ve only yourself to blame. Bad workmen always blame their tools. Here are six ways to make the most of your phone cameras, since your clutch is probably too small for anything else!

 

There’s no such thing as a bad camera, only bad photographers, so here are some ways to help you along.

 

1.  Look for the light

In Dubai, we all love to snap sensational sunsets. At the races, this means capturing the speed coupled with the beauty of the horses. But it’s important that you always to pay attention to both the direction and colour of the light to get the desired effect. This can have a big impact on your photograph.

 

2. Keep flash on during the day

If it’s an extremely bright day outside (which it often is in Dubai) and the sun is contributing to all those unwanted harsh shadows on your subject, switch on your flash. 

 

By forcing all that extra light onto your subject what you are technically doing is filling in those shadows to help create an even exposure.

 

3. Consider all angles 

At Meydan, we’re sometimes taking photos from either the grandstand or down on the track close to the racing action. But it does good to remember that you’ll probably get a more interesting shot by lowering your angle, getting up high and shooting directly down or straight up, depending on where you are.

 

4. Always use the rule of thirds — the Grid

A great tip is to turn on the grid feature on your phone to line up your shot, especially if you’re going for a landscape photo of the race track. For example, when taking a picture of the field, it’s natural to want to centre the horizon in the frame. However, pictures often look better if the horizon falls on the upper or lower horizontal dividing line.  

 

5. Automatically adjust your exposure

As night approaches at the Dubai World Cup, tap the camera screen at certain points to manipulate the light in the photo. You can also adjust the brightness and the exposure by scrolling your finger up and down on the display. Playing with these exposure adjustments is key to getting the best light in your photo.

 

6. Create Live Photos

Those with an iPhone will know all about live photos, which bring your photos to life. This nifty feature puts together a beautiful 12-megapixel photo capturing the moments just before and after it was taken, complete with sound and movement. Bring those moments to life by pressing on the photo. Also called Zoe Photo on HTC devices and Motion Photo on the Samsung Galaxy S7. 

 

7. Use HDR (High Dynamic Range) for sky shots

Sunset in Dubai is hard to capture as you want to take all that detail in the foreground, while also capturing as much of the colour and the sky in the background. HDR lets you capture a wider range of light intensity, combining multiple exposures into a single image. 

 

— M. Sen/Special to GN Focus

 

18. Insta-cool videos

 

You’ve got the camera… use it for more than just photos. There are loads of apps right now that create fun mini-videos or GIFs that you can instantly upload on the night. Here are three to try:

 

Phhhoto

A favourite of the Kardashian clan, Phhhto (nope, not a typo — that’s how it’s spelt) lets you take moving photos that are easy to share online. It works by snapping four photos and stringing them together to form a gif.

 

Cinemagram 

Start by recording a video like you normally would. Once done, you can highlight a specific area in the video that you want to animate while keeping the 

rest still. This is iPhone-only, but popular alternatives for Android include Loopcam and Viddy. 

 

Fyuse

This spatial photography app allows anyone with a smartphone to capture 3D, 360-degree images. The resulting image is really cool and you can even export 

it as a video. 

 

19. Follow the action online

 

Catch all the behind-the-scenes action by checking out who’s tweeting, posting on Instagram, etc. The official hashtag is #DubaiWorldCup

 

20. Watching from home?

 

Grab some snacks and chill on the sofa. The DWC will be televised live on Freeview on Dubai Racing TV, as well as online via Dmi.ae

 

21. Other events around Dubai

 

Not into horse racing? Head to one of these events on Saturday instead:

 

8th Emirates Classic Car Festival, Downtown Dubai

It’s a great opportunity for enthusiasts to share their passion for beautiful and historic vehicles. 

 

Cirque Le Noir Dubai 2016, Dubai World Trade Centre

With sold-out shows in Auckland, Sydney, Singapore and Christchurch, Cirque Le Noir has more than 20 different acts including daring acrobats and comedy. Tickets start Dh199. Visit Dubai.platinumlist.net

 

Russian Seasons in Dubai, Burj Al Arab

A mini fashion show, jewellery showcase and a popular Ukrainian girl band, all at venue? What’s not to like? Tickets start Dh500. Visit Mpremiere.com for details.