Din Tai Fung Abu Dhabi is now open

Posted on by UAE Foodie
FACT Magazine: The globally beloved Taiwanese restaurant can be found at The Galleria, Al Maryah Island. For every Abu Dhabi resident who has gotten into their car and refuelled their tank in anticipation of the sesame noodles, egg fried rice, and signature xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, there’s nothing but good news here. 

For more information visit: https://www.factmagazines.com/restaurants/its-true-din-tai-fung-abu-dhabi-is-now-open

FACT Dining Awards to make its debut in London

Posted on by UAE Foodie

FACT Magazine is thrilled to announce the landmark location for the inaugural FACT Dining Awards London – ARCADE at Battersea Power Station. The global food and drink destination is situated in the Boiler House at the heart of the restored London icon, which has welcomed over 30 million visitors since its opening in October 2022. 

The FACT Dining Awards have earned a reputation for honouring excellence in the food and beverage industry, with a presence in Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Manama, and Riyadh. The awards celebrate exceptional culinary talent, innovation, and diversity that define the capital’s dining scene. Following the success of the FACT Dining Awards in the Middle East, the prestigious event now makes its debut in one of the world’s most dynamic culinary hubs.

The FACT Dining Awards London 2025 will bring together industry leaders, celebrity chefs, restaurateurs, and food enthusiasts to celebrate the winners. The event will feature a culinary showcase, live entertainment, and networking opportunities.

FACT Magazine’s CEO & Publisher, Edward Smith, explains: “FACT Magazine is proud to announce that the first-ever FACT Dining Awards London will be held at the iconic Arcade Food Hall & Bar at Battersea Power Station. FACT has always championed the people and places that shape global cities, and this location captures that spirit — making it the perfect setting for our awards. With ARCADE also set to expand to Riyadh, the connection is even more exciting.

“What truly sets the FACT Dining Awards apart is our approach. Unlike many accolades that rely on industry experts, we combine expert opinion with consumer feedback. True recognition must reflect both critical acclaim and the voice of the public. This blend of professional and consumer experience makes our awards unique on the global stage.”

For more information, read the full article here.

FACT Chats: Luc Besson on directing, dining and Dubai

Posted on by UAE Foodie

The film director discussed France, Hollywood and beyond.

Luc Besson and Edward Smith (FACT magazine CEO and Publisher)

A Luc Besson action hero hits differently. The award-winning French film director is famous for his brazen characters, from secret agents to strong female leads – a 12-year-old girl looking to avenge her dead parents, anyone? Now, he is set to release his latest film, Dracula: A Love Tale. FACT met Luc at the Megacampus Summit Dubai, and he talked to us about directing, dining and Dubai.

Born in Paris, France, Luc’s parents were scuba divers and he spent his childhood travelling to resorts. He visited Italy, Greece and Yugoslavia, and planned to become a marine biologist. After an accident, he switched his fins for films.  

In 1983, Luc Besson released his directorial debut, Le Dernier Combat. His filmography includes La Femme Nikita, The Big Blue, The Fifth Element and Leon: The Professional. He has worked with Gary Oldman, Milla Jovovich and Natalie Portman, and won accolades ranging from the Cesar Award to Lumieres Award. Now, Dracula: A Love Tale stars Caleb Landry Jones, Matilda De Angelis and Christopher Waltz. Set in London, it tells the story of a 15th-century prince who becomes a vampire.

From France to Hollywood 

Following a career spanning five decades, Luc Besson reflects: “I’ve absorbed films from all cultures: American, French, Japanese and Italian. It’s pop culture. Was I raised on Truffaut and Godard? No. I didn’t have a TV until I was 16 years old, and I started going to the cinema at 17 years old. I had no references. When I made my first film at 19 or 20 years old, a journalist referenced three films, which were supposedly the inspiration. I hadn’t seen any of them. I had to buy a DVD player, and watch the films.”

Luc has created films in English and French, and worked in Hollywood and France. He bridges the gap between the American action genre and French auteurs. Over his career, films have gone from cinema to streaming. He laments: “It saddens me but it’s understandable. The turning point was Covid-19. People consumed fast food entertainment, and convincing them to return to MICHELIN-Starred experiences became challenging. 

read more on FACT magazine.

https://www.factmagazines.com/entertainment/fact-chats-luc-besson-on-directing-dining-and-dubai

Christmas 2022: Festive activities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

Posted on by UAE Foodie

FACT Magazine: The UAE’s favourite Christmas markets and afternoon teas, plus the best places to see Santa and indulge in festive activities in Dubai.

To read more please click here: https://www.factmagazines.com/festive/festive-activities-in-dubai-and-abu-dhabi