The Dubai Frame, Museum of the Future, Jumeirah Mosque and Burj Khalifa are some of the emirate's most famous attractions, drawing visitors worldwide. But for those seeking a fresh perspective, BusTronomy offers an innovative way to experience these landmarks: through fine dining on a double-decker bus.
Founder Viviane Zoghbi, an author with a background in tourism, escaped Lebanon's war for stability and a fresh start. Moving to the UAE in September 2024, she turned her passion for cooking and storytelling into BusTronomy, the first experience of its kind in Dubai.
“I love cooking and have experience in tourism, so I thought the UAE would be the perfect place to combine the two things I love,” says Zoghbi,. Within two months, she launched the venture, an idea that had been brewing for years, and one that quickly went viral on social media.
The bus, which departs daily from the V Hotel Dubai, offers three experiences: brunch, afternoon tea and dinner. It comes with curated menus featuring international dishes with Oriental flavours.
An afternoon with BusTronomy
It's 3.45pm and I'm waiting at an RTA bus stop across from the V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection by Hilton, in Al Habtoor City where the dark blue bus is parked. I'm preparing to experience the afternoon tea on BusTronomy. While departure is delayed by 35 minutes, I soon forgot all about it as I am warmly welcomed by the friendly staff. As we step on board, we're given a choice of green tea or Americano, served promptly. These drinks are refillable throughout the journey.
The bus is divided into two levels. The upper deck is dedicated to dining, accommodating 34 guests with seven elegantly arranged tables along with a tablet, which gives details about 24 landmarks across Dubai, available in five languages. The lower deck functions as the kitchen, ensuring that meals are freshly prepared.
As the bus sets off, sunlight streams through the panoramic glass roof, creating a background ideal for taking selfies. The route passes the aforementioned landmarks, with five-minute stops for pictures and sightseeing. Our guide is knowledgeable and accommodating, even helping assist with snapping photos.
The cuisine served during the afternoon tea experience is presented as finger food, elegantly arranged in a three-tiered stand, referred to as a “cage.” Designed for two people and refillable throughout the journey, it comes with an assortment of savoury bites and desserts.
The chicken avocado tortilla stands out for its creaminess and fresh hint of pomegranate, while the Lebanese za’atar wrap with cucumber reminds me of school lunch boxes, transporting me back to my youth. Meanwhile, the basil tomato toast, made with puff pastry, is a favourite. The crispiness paired with the flavours of basil and sun-dried tomatoes is delightful.
The minced beef bites with a tangy pickled onion touch add a hearty element, and the labneh toast – garnished with mint and Nigella seeds – is a refreshing twist. The crispy salmon toast topped with asparagus rounds out the savoury selection. While the savoury options were good to have alongside my tea, I expected the variety of finger food to be more diverse.
For dessert, the pistachio crepe with bananas steals the show. I enjoy its rich, nutty flavour, which is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the bananas. Both the raspberry and lemon tart were other favourites – the crusts crumbly and sweet with a firm cookie-like texture and profiteroles adds to the indulgent variety, creating a sweet end to the journey.
BusTronomy is a convenient option for sightseeing and dining as it offers a chance to visit Dubai's famous landmarks for those short on time. However, those choosing the afternoon tea slot should be prepared for potential traffic delays near the drop-off point. While the unique experience is enjoyable, be prepared for potential hold-ups and plan for the three-hour duration.
Ticket prices range from Dh250 to Dh350 per person; brunch is 11am to 1pm; afternoon is 4pm to 6pm; and dinner is 7pm to 10pm; private bookings are also available. For more, call 054 317 4777
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Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
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Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
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Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
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- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Tomorrow 2021
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PROVISIONAL FIXTURE LIST
Premier League
Wednesday, June 17 (Kick-offs uae times) Aston Villa v Sheffield United 9pm; Manchester City v Arsenal 11pm
Friday, June 19 Norwich v Southampton 9pm; Tottenham v Manchester United 11pm
Saturday, June 20 Watford v Leicester 3.30pm; Brighton v Arsenal 6pm; West Ham v Wolves 8.30pm; Bournemouth v Crystal Palace 10.45pm
Sunday, June 21 Newcastle v Sheffield United 2pm; Aston Villa v Chelsea 7.30pm; Everton v Liverpool 10pm
Monday, June 22 Manchester City v Burnley 11pm (Sky)
Tuesday, June 23 Southampton v Arsenal 9pm; Tottenham v West Ham 11.15pm
Wednesday, June 24 Manchester United v Sheffield United 9pm; Newcastle v Aston Villa 9pm; Norwich v Everton 9pm; Liverpool v Crystal Palace 11.15pm
Thursday, June 25 Burnley v Watford 9pm; Leicester v Brighton 9pm; Chelsea v Manchester City 11.15pm; Wolves v Bournemouth 11.15pm
Sunday June 28 Aston Villa vs Wolves 3pm; Watford vs Southampton 7.30pm
Monday June 29 Crystal Palace vs Burnley 11pm
Tuesday June 30 Brighton vs Manchester United 9pm; Sheffield United vs Tottenham 11.15pm
Wednesday July 1 Bournemouth vs Newcastle 9pm; Everton vs Leicester 9pm; West Ham vs Chelsea 11.15pm
Thursday July 2 Arsenal vs Norwich 9pm; Manchester City vs Liverpool 11.15pm
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ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
The five pillars of Islam
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