The big day is finally here.
Yes, April Fool’s Day has arrived once again (how is it April already by the way?) and so our inbox has filled up with emails from pranksters and “experts” named Larip Loof (yeah, yeah, yeah)
This day is every news editor’s nightmare where, in a city where unbelievable ideas are already the norm, people try to send even wilder ideas.
So, without further ado, here is our round-up of the best April Fool’s Day pranks featuring everything from baby goats to piranhas.
April Fool’s Day 2024: Emirates Branded Residence
Luxury living is about to reach new heights. Introducing Emirates Residences.
Situated in the heart of Dubai, the 380 story mega-project will be adorned with premium interiors inspired by Emirates’ beloved in-flight experience. The tower will even have its own exclusive airport… pic.twitter.com/PqOhJI6hTK
— Emirates (@emirates) April 1, 2024
Dubai’s biggest airline and serial pranksters Emirates has announced that they’re hopping onto the luxury branded residences trend.
At first glance, it’s a perfectly plausible thing for the award-winning airline to do as they’re famed for their comfort.
However, with 380 floors and seemingly soaring high above even the Burj Khalifa and having its own residents-only airport, the idea looks a bit more pie-in-the-sky.
April Fool’s Day 2024: Coffee at Café Java
A range of quirky flavours were announced for a one-minute-only sale at Café Java including a wasabi white mocha, soy sauce affogato, sour patch cappuccino and popcorn latte.
The, uh, unusual combinations were available for Dhs1,000 at exactly 1.01pm on Monday April 1 at the Novotel Dubai Al Barsha coffee house.
April Fool’s Day 2024: Keturah Private Island
In case you didn’t know, FIYA at Keturah Reserve is closing down at the end of April. The team there decided to announce that the venue is set to relaunch at a brand-new space later this year on a private island – FIYA at Keturah Island.
The press release said: “FIYA at Keturah Island is set to be a truly unique and never-seen-before experience, with its meandering waterways, lush greenery and pristine beaches.”
That’s wishful thinking that is.
April Fool’s Day 2024: Get fit and grab coffee at GymNation
One of the UAE’s most popular fitness brands GymNation revealed a novel concept of The Daily Grind Fit-Café.
Visitors would be put through their paces on treadmills while waiting for a cup of coffee while mugs are weighted like a dumbbell making every single sip a rep.
April Fool’s Day 2024: GOAT-A-Gram by G.O.A.T Burgers
Indie burger joint G.O.A.T revealed a new Instagrammable feature at their chains where diners can enjoy a 20-minute playdate with an adorable baby goat as well as one of their meal deals.
They claimed to have partnered with a local farm for the Dhs300 service which we really, really, really wish was true.
However, the senior veterinarian they quote is one Dr Larip Starknper (or Dr April Prankster if you’re any good at anagrams) who tells of the benefits of the campaign.
The good doctor said: “Studies consistently demonstrate the remarkable impact of fostering bonds between humans and animals, particularly with endearing creatures like baby goats, on our overall well-being.”
Truly profound words from a fictional person.
April Fool’s Day 2024: Luxury dog dining at Reform Social
Reform Social and Grill are one of the top spots in Dubai for family dining and they wanted to take it up a notch by inviting one of the less-catered members of the gang to dinner.
The gourmet dog’s dinner at the pooch-friendly restaurant announced an “exceptionally limited-time collaboration” with “world-famous chef Fido Canis”.
Fido (hold on a second that’s a dog’s name) offered up a five-course menu for our furry friends which included Dubai mainstays such as gold leaf and truffle infusion.
The menu featured a savoury doggucino, bone marrow broth topped with caviar, wagyu beef carpaccio with quail eggs and gold leaf, truffle-infused salmon ice cream and a cheese platter with “tuile biscuit pour chien”.
April Fool’s Day 2024: Muddy Waters at Tough Mudder
World-famous obstacle course racing challenge Tough Mudder warned of new, highly dangerous features as their April Fool’s Day prank on participants.
Tough Mudder returns to the UAE later this month at Ras Al Khaimah and organisers wanted to up the stakes with swarming piranhas, electric eels and crocodiles added onto the existing obstacles.
Nic Cartwright, Tough Mudder Middle East License Holder, said: “It’s not every day you come face-to-face with a baby crocodile, piranha or electric eel, meaning this could potentially be more of a mental challenge than physical for some taking part, who certainly won’t want to look foolish.”
Foolish, indeed.
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What did you say?