Dubai’s thirst for luxury just hit freezing point. Residents can now sip on drinks chilled with ice cubes straight from a 100,000-year-old Greenland glacier — and they don’t come cheap. At Dh249 for six cubes, these crystal-clear Arctic blocks have travelled a staggering 20,000km to land in the UAE’s most exclusive venues.

Harvested from a 22-tonne chunk of pristine glacier ice, these cubes are processed at Dubai’s Natural Ice factory and are already making waves in some of the city’s restaurants. And if you fancy a sip of something extra special, Dubai’s swanky Nahaté restaurant is rolling out a series of ultra-luxurious cocktails, priced up to Dh700 — all featuring the Arctic ice as their signature touch.

Baccarat Chef’s Table, a high-end fine-dining hotspot in DIFC, is turning heads with its ultra-luxurious offerings. The venue houses the world’s first-ever Jacob & Co. private lounge in collaboration with the renowned American watch brand.

Tasked with crafting a one-of-a-kind cocktail menu, the restaurant’s beverage and marketing director, Andrey Bolshakov, has introduced a stunning lineup of drinks featuring 100,000-year-old glacier ice cubes. The creations pay homage to both Baccarat and Jacob & Co., with four cocktails inspired by the iconic crystal brand and six dedicated to the watchmaker’s legendary timepieces. Among them, the Astronomia cocktail, named after the brand’s showstopping watch, is served in an opulent blue Baccarat glass worth over Dh1,000.

How the cleanest form of ice is made 

According to the company, Arctic Ice, which recently shipped a big chunk of ice to Dubai, says these parts of the ice sheets have not been in contact with any soils or contaminated by pollutants produced by human activities. Nor is this ice made in factories. So, how do they procure it? It is harvested from icebergs that have been already naturally detached from a glacier and are floating in the Nuuk fjord in Greenland.

Every iceberg undergoes meticulous manual selection and examination before being elevated onto its production vessel through the use of a crane and specialised lifting equipment. 

This stringent process guarantees the ice’s quality and purity. The company said that their sourcing strictly avoids extracting ice directly from the glacier. 

“Our ice can be used for all kinds of beverages, drinks, and food products. Some of our clients use it for beauty and ice baths because it’s the purest H20 on earth,” Samir Ben Tabib, chairman, international relations at Arctic Ice, was quoted as saying in a media report.

“Additionally, its structure makes it last longer in drinks, providing a premium experience in bars and restaurants.”

Originally discovered after a boat crash in Greenland, this rare ice is now making waves in a glass at some of Dubai’s top restaurants. 

(Source: KT)

Abu Dhabi Police have seized 184 kg of hashish and arrested two Asian individuals in a major anti-drug operation codenamed ‘Secret Hideouts’.

Brigadier Taher Gharib Al Dhaheri, Director of the Anti-Narcotics Directorate, revealed that the criminal network was being run by an individual based outside the UAE, using international phone numbers to promote illicit substances.

The suspects were caught red-handed in one of the emirates, with the drugs cleverly hidden inside marble cylinders to evade detection. They have now been handed over to judicial authorities for prosecution.

This latest crackdown underscores Abu Dhabi Police’s relentless efforts to combat drug trafficking and protect the community from illegal substances.

(Source: Wam)

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is stepping up its game, launching a state-of-the-art digital system to crack down on fare dodgers and rule-breakers across the Dubai Metro and Tram network.

In collaboration with Keolis MHI, the operator of Dubai’s rail system, this new high-tech platform will monitor passenger violations in real-time, making it harder than ever to get away with dodging fares or misusing designated spaces.

No More Free Rides – AI is Watching!

The system is designed to automate inspections and enhance monitoring operations, ensuring a smoother, more efficient experience for rule-abiding passengers. But for those trying to cheat the system? Think again.

Among the biggest crackdowns:

• Gold Class cabin misuse – Silver nol cardholders sneaking into the premium section will be flagged instantly.
• Misuse of women-only areas – AI tracking ensures designated spaces remain for those they’re meant for.
• Targeted fare inspections – Smart algorithms pinpoint high-violation areas, sending inspectors exactly where they’re needed.

With real-time monitoring of ticket inspectors, live updates, and instant violation reports, the system ensures that rule-breakers are caught and fined on the spot.

Smart Surveillance for Major Events

Dubai’s busiest metro stations will now have heightened inspections during major events, with AI analysing footfall data to predict violation hotspots. That means more inspectors in the right places at the right time, ensuring better compliance and keeping transport running smoothly.

And if you’re a repeat offender, beware—the system tracks past violations, ensuring those who keep breaking the rules don’t get off lightly.

14% More Inspections – And Counting!

Since rolling out this cutting-edge technology, monthly inspection rates have jumped by 14%, leading to more violations being detected and greater passenger compliance.

It’s all part of RTA’s mission to create a safer, more sustainable public transport system, cutting down on resource waste and ensuring a fair ride for all.

The new live-monitoring centre keeps an eye on everything, with inspectors under constant watch to boost efficiency and catch rule-breakers faster than ever.

The next time you hop on the Metro or Tram, make sure you’ve paid your fare and follow the rules—because you are now being watched.

(Source: Wam)