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
Favourite things
Luxury: Enjoys window shopping for high-end bags and jewellery
Discount: She works in luxury retail, but is careful about spending, waits for sales, festivals and only buys on discount
University: The only person in her family to go to college, Jiang secured a bachelor’s degree in business management in China
Masters: Studying part-time for a master’s degree in international business marketing in Dubai
Vacation: Heads back home to see family in China
Community work: Member of the Chinese Business Women’s Association of the UAE to encourage other women entrepreneurs
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
57%20Seconds
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Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
RESULTS
Men
1 Marius Kipserem (KEN) 2:04:04
2 Abraham Kiptum (KEN) 2:04:16
3 Dejene Debela Gonfra (ETH) 2:07:06
4 Thomas Rono (KEN) 2:07:12
5 Stanley Biwott (KEN) 2:09:18
Women
1 Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 2:20:16
2 Eunice Chumba (BRN) 2:20:54
3 Gelete Burka (ETH) 2:24:07
4 Chaltu Tafa (ETH) 2:25:09
5 Caroline Kilel (KEN) 2:29:14
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
Abu Dhabi Card
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 1,400m
National selection: AF Mohanak
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh 90,000 1,400m
National selection: Jayide Al Boraq
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh 100,000 1,400m
National selection: Rocket Power
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh 180,000 1,600m
National selection: Ihtesham
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh 70,000 1,600m
National selection: Noof KB
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh 80,000 2.200m
National selection: EL Faust
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylturbo
Transmission: seven-speed DSG automatic
Power: 242bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Price: Dh136,814
Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
If you go
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Nairobi, with fares starting from Dh1,695. The resort can be reached from Nairobi via a 35-minute flight from Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, or by road, which takes at least three hours.
The rooms
Rooms at Fairmont Mount Kenya range from Dh1,870 per night for a deluxe room to Dh11,000 per night for the William Holden Cottage.
The specs: 2018 Range Rover Velar R-Dynamic HSE
Price, base / as tested: Dh263,235 / Dh420,000
Engine: 3.0-litre supercharged V6
Power 375hp @ 6,500rpm
Torque: 450Nm @ 3,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.4L / 100kms
Alita: Battle Angel
Director: Robert Rodriguez
Stars: Rosa Salazar, Christoph Waltz, Keean Johnson
Four stars
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts
Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
