JWM - Volume 3, Issue 3 - (Page 61)

the artistic heart of Downtown. this huge, beautiful space has what feels like a Scandinavian design ethic, with stripped wood and minimalist lighting. it’s home to a pair of art galleries, a wonderful library, a cinema and a batallion of creative types who tap away at their macBooks in its espresso bar. there’s a sense of excitement about the place: according to one visitor i spoke to, this is the first proper cultural center in the city, and everyone wants to get involved. alongside the roster of exhibitions, there are regular screenings of art-house movies, writers’ clubs and art workshops for underprivileged kids. Everywhere you go in this start-up neighborhood, there’s a feeling of possibility. on the terrace of the lovely Leila’s, a Beiruti-style café where i tried a fruit smoothie at sunset, all the talk was of the upcoming opening of the act. this much-anticipated theatre club is the brainchild of Simon Hammerstein, the grandson of lyricist oscar Hammerstein ii and the man behind notorious nightclub the Box in London, and the feathers and fishnets-filled act in Las Vegas. Downtowners are keen to find out how far Hammerstein will push the burlesque side of things—the United arab Emirates is a muslim country, after all. it’s a question i put to the man himself a few days later. “we will observe all the local laws and be respectful to our audience,” he says, before continuing, tantalizingly, “whilst shocking and delighting them. i guarantee that this version is sure to surprise people with what we have on offer.” Even without culturally sensitive burlesque, my senses feel overwhelmed by Downtown. as i relax with a traditional shisha pipe at Yeldizlar, another waterfront eatery, with the Burj Khalifa stretched skyward in front of me and the white dishdash-wearing locals playing backgammon to my right, i try to pin down what makes Dubai’s new center tick. as i enjoy the apple-scented tobacco, the strong turkish coffee kicks in and my neighbor clicks his way to victory, i reach my conclusion: For all the superlatives and steel that make the headlines, it’s the feeling of community that gives this tin man its heart. [ J WM MAGAZINE 61 j w m a r r i o t t. c o m Around town At left, clockwise, the gleaming Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, as viewed from the Burj Gardens; at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, a group of flexible early birds congregate for morning yoga class; Level Shoe lays claim to being the world’s largest show store. The Souk Al Bahar, above, is a combination of private residences, cafés and shops. http://www.JWMARRIOTT.COM

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of JWM - Volume 3, Issue 3

JWM - Summer 2013
Table of Contents
JW Experts
Contributors
Editor’s Letter
Distinctive Products, People, Ideas & Style
A Quiet Place
Powering Down
Sonoma
Industrial Arts
The Portal
Downtown Dreaming
Sky High
Greens Revolution
Rethinking the Bored Room
JW Experience
My Passion

JWM - Volume 3, Issue 3