My friends have been teasing me lately that I seem to be having some sort of midlife crisis. I have had my first dose of Botox. I have become an avid fan BBC Radio 2. Oh, and I have decided to resign from my brilliant job editing the UAE's most-beloved lifestyle magazine. That's this one, just so we're clear.
It's been the most rewarding eight years at What's On. And from the moment I was appointed editor in 2018, I've been determined to show, through these pages, that this wonderful city really is the best and most exciting in the world. This issue, for instance, features just a handful of some of Dubai's incredible bars that could stand proud next to any top establishment in the world. Raise a glass to each of them as you have a nosey from p17.
Speaking of being proud, I've never felt a greater sense of pride than I have leading What's On. I've been working full time in media since 2007 so that's saying something. But nearing 40 (yikes), I've found myself itching to find out what other kinds of challenges, mischief and adventures I can get myself into.
To that end, I'm diving into the unknown. You'll still see my byline in What's On now and again, or catch my physical being tucking into something delicious at one new restaurant or another.
It's weird to leave a job at a point where I absolutely love it. But I wanted to be brave and leave on a high ‒ not at the point where everyone's sick of my face. I can highly recommend this route; everyone smiles at you, rather than awkwardly avoiding eye contact as you leave. And I'm hoping the parting presents are better when you do it this way, too.
Thank you to my fabulous bunch of UAE-loving, hard-working, meme-creating, TikTok-starring team who have made working here over the years so sweet: there really is no better crew in the business.
Enjoy this issue, and all future issues. I'm so excited to join all of you as another avid reader..
Laura Coughlin
Head of Content
