FOOD IS A FULL-TIME OBSESSION FOR US...

... but our infatuation always goes up another notch around this time of year here at

What’s On HQ. Our annual review of the best things we’ve eaten over the past 12 months (p14) makes up a tasty chunk of the issue, and had us reminiscing about sticky pulled beef croquettes, fabulous fine-dining deliveries, and crispy-coated banana beignets – and booking ourselves in for a type 2 diabetes test.

Our commitment to culinary greatness doesn’t end there. This month, we were first through the door at a number of new outlets in town, including The Pangolin (p50), a hot new colonial-style brasserie at The Els Club, as well as the loud and proud Brass Monkey on Bluewaters (p57), and new fancy restaurant 99 Sushi (p45). We’ve also rounded up the city’s best homegrown bakeries for when you need some proper carbloading (p37). We even explored (and tasted) the exotic delights of one of Dubai’s most interesting supermarkets (p53) – where we quite literally bumped into two top Dubai chefs doing their weekly shop. Hey, if it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us.

We did eventually throw down our napkins and heave ourselves from our chairs to road test (mountain test?) the new Bear Grylls survival course in Ras Al Khaimah (p64), and check out the new indoor climbing centre in Al Quoz (p66).

Last but by no means least, we’ve got all the info you need about our next staycation party, the What’s On Lock In, taking place at Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk from 20 to 21 November. I hope to see you all there!

Enjoy the issue,