There's less than a week to go until the first episode of the final season of Game of Thrones drops. Across the world, fans of the HBO show based on George R R Martin's best-selling book series are gearing up for the big event – and the UAE's TV-watchers are no different. Here are six ways you can mark the occasion, right here.
An escape room
The good people at Escape Hunt are setting up a pop-up escape room at City Walk's La Ville Hotel & Suites. At the Dragon Egg Hunt, groups of friends will take on a mystery adventure through the Dragon Queen's hotel, in a bid to sit among the Fire Lords. In order to prove your worth, you must first learn the ancient words that bring order to the realm, winning you three dragon eggs, and a seat at the table. The 'army' that completes the challenge the fastest also stands a chance of winning a free night's hotel stay, as well as a free go at the Escape Hunt game in Galleria Mall, Dubai (for real).
Various dates between April 19 and May 4, Fridays and Saturdays, every 30 minutes between 2pm and 9pm, Dh100 for the game, Dh300 including brunch, book in advance at www.livelaville.com/game-of-dragons
Chocolate eggs
Easter is also coming, and, thankfully, Deliveroo isn't missing a trick: the app-based food delivery platform has teamed up with SugarMoo to create limited-edition Game of Thrones-inspired chocolate 'dragon' eggs for the occasions (both Easter and the new season's release). Sets of three hand-painted eggs will be available on the app to order as of April 10. Flavours are based on the bakery's signature cakes and represent fire (red velvet Oreo), ice (chocolate peppermint) and nature (carrot cake). The so-called Hatchery pop-up will be based in Deliveroo's Editions kitchen throughout April.
From April 1030, Dh118, www.deliveroo.ae
Pens, glorious pens
It makes sense that a nod to the fan-tastic series can be found at this weekend's Middle East Film & Comic Con. Montegrappa, in conjunction with HBO, will launch a limited-edition 'Winter is Here' pen collection that pays homage to the show at the event. It's half pen, half object d'art; the maker refers to it as "a combination of precious metals and ice-blue apatite". They're available in sterling silver and 18-karat gold versions, utilise wax casting, and make reference to the forces from north of The Wall. Three-dimensional effigies of the Night King and White Walkers encase the pen's barrel, as the cap boasts a Viserion figure and a tongue of ice coming out of a dragon's head acts as a pocket clip. Blue, enameled flames encircle it, while apatite semi-precious stones are used to depict those mysterious northern eyes. There are only 300 pieces in silver available, and just seven in gold. The collection follows on from the brand's 2017 The Iron Throne line, which replicated the swords of the Seven Kingdoms.
Available to order from leading pen dealers and Montegrappa boutiques, as well as online at www.montegrappe.me; the Middle East Film & Comic Con runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 11-13, www.mefcc.com
Let's brunch
We couldn't very well pay tribute to something here in the UAE without there being a themed brunch on the agenda, could we? Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre has taken on the task of turning its Yalumba Brunchology into the kingdom of Westeros on April 26. The dishes on offer include "Jon Snow's personal favourites" (we're wondering if that means meat and two veg or a north-of-the-wall-appropriate stew; even The National's most die-hard GoT fans are not entirely sure what this might be). Also expect themed activities and a chance to test your knowledge of the Seven Kingdoms in a quiz.
Friday, April 26, 12.30pm-3.30pm, from Dh389, Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Garhoud, 04 702 2328
Get your kicks
And by that, we mean trainers. Adidas has officially launched a range of unisex shoes that are themed around George R R Martin's imagination, naturally. The Adidas x Game of Thrones collections offer a Seven Kingdoms-themed take on the brand's popular Ultra Boost line of sporty kicks, with well-known elements from the show speckled throughout. There are White Walker trainers in icy blue; House of Targaryen in a mix of fiery orange and black, and all-white with metallic silver stripes; a House of Lannister version in bright red and gold stripes; House of Stark in a solid shade of dark grey; and a Night's Watch pair that are, unsurprisingly, all-black with a white mudguard. The heels feature classic GoT phrases, like "winter is coming" or "fire and blood", while house crests have been sewn on at the throat.
Dh750, www.adidas.ae
Win collectibles
Virgin Megastore has joined in: the shop is hosting a competition for collectible action figures of Arya Stark and Jon Snow. You just need to register on their website to stand a chance of bagging the loot. Meanwhile, you'll find all sorts of other merchandise throughout the brand's shops in the UAE, if you're so inclined. Everything from the DVD box-sets (now's the time to binge-watch the full shebang, if you haven't actually seen it, or you're in need of a catch-up) to the books and T-shirts to stationery are available. There are also all sorts of other collectible toys, as well as board games, such as a GoT-themed Monopoly.
www.virginmegastore.ae/lp/gameofthrones
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Read more:
'Game of Thrones': See all the stars on the red carpet for the final season premiere
Sophie Turner reveals 'Game of Thrones' co-star Kit Harington earned more for role
[ Game of Thrones may be a behemoth now, but it almost never existed ]
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