“Kingdom of Beasts” Brings Prehistoric Adventure to Mushrif Mall

  • Meet life-sized gorillas, anacondas, and sharks up close with free admission
  • Explore ancient fossils and learn fascinating facts from August 20th to September 20th
  • Enjoy exciting games with your family every Saturday and Sunday

ABU DHABI, UAE – This back-to-school season, Mushrif Mall invites families to embark on a prehistoric journey with “Kingdom of Beasts”, a captivating free-admission exhibition running from August 20th to September 20th, 2025.

The immersive experience begins at the entrance, where a massive gorilla greets visitors, setting the stage for an extraordinary adventure. Guests are then guided by an enormous anaconda through interactive displays toward towering shark exhibits, before reaching hands-on fossil stations to explore ancient discoveries and learn fascinating facts about nature’s most powerful creatures.

Adding to the excitement, the event will feature weekend carnival games for the whole family, held every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Mr. Biju George, General Manager of Line Investments and Property, explained: “Kingdom of Beasts reflects our dedication to enriching community spaces. We see great value in bringing events that focus on engagement while combining entertainment and education, creating a dynamic experience for all ages.”

Mr. Riyas Cherichi, General Manager of Mushrif Mall, noted: “We are excited to host Kingdom of Beasts as it perfectly aligns with our vision of making Mushrif Mall a destination for both recreation and entertainment. This event showcases our ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful and memorable family experiences.”

The kingdom is waiting to be explored. Discover the awe, power, and wonder of nature’s most magnificent beasts.

Sunlight, Spritzes, and Riviera Spirit

L’Estate Chic Brunch at Chic Nonna – where Mediterranean glamour meets timeless Italian cuisine

Natasha Dury

In a city that thrives on elevated experiences, Chic Nonna has firmly secured its place as one of Dubai’s most refined dining destinations. Located in the heart of DIFC, this Italian gem combines classical culinary heritage with contemporary sophistication. And now, with the launch of L’Estate Chic, Chic Nonna delivers not just a meal, but a summer reverie worthy of the Riviera. As a foodie, I ventured there recently with a group of friends and can firmly say we had an memorable dining experience.

As soon as we stepped into the grand, yet warmly elegant interiors of Chic Nonna, we were greeted by an ambience that felt both exclusive and welcoming. The soaring ceilings, soft golden tones, and rich textures set the stage for a gastronomic experience that is as thoughtfully designed as the space itself. This is not your average brunch—it is a curated Italian journey brought to life by the precision and passion of Executive Chef Francesco Torcasio.

Chef Francesco, whose culinary story began in Calabria and has since spanned iconic kitchens across Italy, London, and Dubai, brings an unmistakable authenticity to every dish. As the creative force behind Chic Nonna’s kitchen, his style is rooted in Italian tradition but elevated through modern techniques and luxurious presentation.

At L’Estate Chic, this philosophy is in full bloom. The brunch menu unfolds like a love letter to Italian summer dining. Think delicately seasoned seafood dishes, handmade pasta that melts on the palate, and indulgent yet balanced main courses designed to be shared and savoured.

The atmosphere is a visual and sensory delight. Inspired by the Italian Riviera, the summer brunch offers a sun-kissed experience inside and out. Crisp white linens, cheerful parasols, and a Mediterranean playlist turn this DIFC venue into a seaside escape with refreshing signature drinks.

We felt the live music struck just the right balance between lively and luxurious, allowing conversation and indulgence to flow in harmony. Every detail, from the attentive service to the carefully paired drinks, reinforces Chic Nonna’s reputation for delivering excellence with ease.

Our verdict after three hours of pure indulgence made us realise we experienced so much more than just a brunch – L’Estate Chic gave us a chance to pause, indulge, and transport ourselves to the Italian coast without leaving Dubai. It was an afternoon of culinary storytelling, where every bite told a tale of heritage, every sip captured the joy of summer, and every moment felt like a celebration of la dolce vita.

Etihad Airways and SKY express Join Forces to Unlock the Greek Islands

New codeshare partnership opens up seamless travel to 24 breathtaking destinations across Greece and beyond

Natasha Dury

Etihad Airways has expanded its European footprint through a strategic new codeshare partnership with Greece’s regional carrier, SKY express. This partnership marks a significant leap forward in Mediterranean connectivity, granting travellers streamlined access to 24 stunning Greek island destinations, as well as three additional cities across the Eastern Mediterranean.

For discerning travellers flying from Abu Dhabi to Athens, the announcement offers more than a gateway, it opens the door to a collection of sun-kissed islands and historic cities that have long captured the imagination of luxury globetrotters. From the glamour of Mykonos to the volcanic beauty of Santorini, from the serenity of Paros to the grandeur of Crete, the collaboration is designed to enhance the travel experience by offering a single booking and seamless onward connections.

Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad Airways, commented, “This partnership with SKY express opens exciting new possibilities for our customers to discover Greece beyond Athens. SKY express’s comprehensive island network perfectly complements our Athens service, giving travellers seamless access to some of the Mediterranean’s most beautiful destinations through a single booking.”

The codeshare agreement sees Etihad placing its EY code on SKY express flights departing from Athens to islands including Rhodes, Kos, Corfu, and Thessaloniki—turning the Greek capital into a key hub for onward Mediterranean travel. Whether one is seeking a tranquil escape in the Ionian Sea or an adventure through the Cycladic isles, the itinerary flexibility and convenience now offered is unparalleled.

SKY express, one of Europe’s most dynamic regional airlines and a member of IATA, boasts the youngest fleet in Greece with 29 modern aircraft. Its ever-growing domestic and international network covers 33 Greek and 26 foreign destinations.

Gerasimos Skaltsas, Chief Commercial Officer at SKY express, noted, “The collaboration with Etihad is a strong vote of confidence in SKY express, reinforcing our position as a reliable partner and significantly enhancing our connectivity. Passengers can now enjoy seamless access to the largest network of Greek destinations, served by the youngest fleet in Greece.”

This new offering is particularly appealing to travellers seeking comfort, efficiency, and a taste of Greece’s famed hospitality. From simplified check-in and baggage transfers to coordinated schedules, the customer journey has been thoughtfully curated for a smooth, stress-free experience. Whether you’re planning a bespoke honeymoon, a luxurious cultural tour, or a sun-soaked family holiday, the expanded route map now allows for endless possibilities—without the hassle.

In uniting their strengths, Etihad Airways and SKY express are not only enhancing regional access, but also reaffirming Athens’ strategic role as a bridge between the Gulf and Europe. For luxury travellers with an eye on the Aegean, the journey just became as rewarding as the destination.