SOME WINS ARE BIGGER THAN OTHERS…

This month’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship, for example, is a big thing to win, requiring top skills, years of training and near superhuman levels of physical ability. Owning a limited edition pair of sneakers is also a really big deal. But the fact that you woke up early just to reach Sole DXB (p50) before the crowds, doesn’t seem quite as impressive.

And yet, it’s still a victory. And all victories matter. This festive season can also be a season of winning as you rise to the challenge of booking a table at the most coveted restaurants this city has to offer. Turn to p58 for the best restaurants you have voted for at the What’s On Awards 2018. Whether you’re gorging on the delights from Italy at Il Borro, conquering the seafood platter at The Maine or nabbing a spot at Chef Izu’s newest restaurant in DIFC, each of these counts as an achievement in our book.

Elsewhere in this issue, our team has pulled together a merry guide to Christmas (p28), strapped in for the latest XDubai stunt on the beach (p79), and visited as many novelty clubs as one weekend in Dubai would allow. Follow their example and you’ll find yourself basking in the warm glow of achievement in no time. Either that, or passed out poolside next to some snazzy new sneaks. Good luck! Enjoy the issue – and for those who celebrate it, happy Christmas, and have a great New Year.