Lifestyle

by Team Emirates Woman
9 hours ago

The UAE celebrated a very important occasion on November 3, 2022, which Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum paid homage to.
To mark UAE Flag Day this year, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum shared a heartfelt video on Instagram highlighting the essence of the day.
The caption “O God make this country safe and secure and bless its people with fruits, O God make this land safe, reassured, generous, prosperous and all Muslim countries.”

In the video, a lion, horse and tiger were all seen at the beach set against the azure waters. The UAE flag takes centre stage along with the Burj Al Arab as the backdrop, as the horses gallivant across the expansive sandy shores of the beach.
What is UAE Flag Day?
UAE Flag Day was first launched in 2013 and is celebrated every year on November 3. However, it is not recognised as a public holiday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was the one with the idea to launch the annual Flag Day as a commemoration to Sheikh Khalifa who was elected President of the UAE on November 3, 2004.
The history of the UAE flag
The UAE flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem of Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
Last year, the now President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan explained the UAE flag is “an enduring display of national unity”.
The flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem by Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
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Images: Instagram @latifaalmaktoum & feature image: Pexel @sujisu More

In our new series,  eats with, the Restauranteurs deliver their know-how in easy to follow recipes to ensure your dining in is the new going out. Chef Izu Ani is an extremely well-known Dubai celebrity. Royalty and celebrities are constantly found frequenting his various eateries. Previously head chef at La Petite Maison and La Serre, Chef […] More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
54 mins ago

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week we chat with Aastha Parekh, founder of Butter DXB, a luxurious floral boutique that delivers varied arrangements for any occasion. Without limiting to bouquets, the brand also caters to lavish setups for events and exquisite tablespaces to make any décor special.
As a firm believer in learning on the job, Parekh believes in taking baby steps on a daily basis to achieve her goals and hence, took the plunge in 2021 to launch her own brand where she continually takes inspiration from the world of fashion.
Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s founder to find out more about her career.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I always loved Business Studies. From a very young age, I knew that I wanted to start a business from scratch and create a brand of my own so it truly felt like the building blocks for my future.
What was your first job?
My first job was a marketing trainee for Farfetch at Chalhoub.

What brought you to Dubai?
Back in 2000, my parents settled in Dubai and I’ve been here ever since. I thoroughly enjoyed my years of education here. The UAE’s cultural diversity has always amazed me and has been a huge inspiration for everything I do. I did my undergraduate studies in London and moved back to Dubai to work straight after.
What inspired you to enter the flower space and launch Butter DXB?
Over the years, I used to love creating tablescapes for all my family members’ birthdays. The setups I’dcreate with flowers would get more elaborate and grand as the occasions kept coming around every year. That’s when I discovered how passionate I am about creating beautiful and aesthetic moments and thought, why not turn this into a business? Butter DXB is a flower company that creates all types of floral concepts. I always knew – no matter what business I start, it really needs to have a soul and flowers have a way of spreading joy. The flower arrangements we create and the events we cater to are so full of love and meaning that each smile inspires us a bit more, to do what we do.
Talk us through the inspiration for your pieces.
Butter DXB’s most vital premise of design inspiration is luxury fashion. I’ve studied Fashion Business and it’s at the core of everything I create whether that’s event decor or a simple bouquet. We have an edit on our Instagram called “The everlasting love affair of Florals and luxury fashion”. For example, our best-seller which is the red rose wall was inspired by the MetGala décor of 2022, our love for blush pink roses stems from Giambattista Valli’s candle campaigns and most recently we’ve added the exotic anthuriums to our new collection when we saw them in all its glory at Loewe’s show at Paris Fashion Week, a few days ago.
What are the key elements of your role?
As the founder of the brand, I’ve got to be super hands-on and get involved with everything. My best days are definitely when I have the time to work on Butter’s product development or business expansion although, recently I’ve been brushing up my skills on accounts too. As a founder with a small team, every day is a new day and I must cater to the most important task at hand for everything to run smoothly.
Talk us through your daily routine.
I think flexibility is what’s most important on our work days as there are lots of events on weekends and late evenings. I’m not a fan of early mornings and I prefer to get the job done with the highest level of productivity. The week usually starts with going through orders and events from the weekend, updating accounts, finalising our social media calendars and creating our to-do lists. I prefer going to meetings earlier in the day and then heading to the office in the afternoon to get all my work done. In the evenings, I’ll go to the flower shop to design some new products or check out the packaging. At night, I love to spend time with my family and then just before I sleep, I need an hour to myself to unwind from the day.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
I’d say – just start. I think it’s all about taking those baby steps to reach your goals and turn your ideas into reality. I remember how excited I was, even when I had just finalised my logo and got my first few samples of the packaging and to now having a fully functioning business having worked with some amazing luxury brands that I could have only dreamt of. It’s okay if you don’t have all the skills you need. I’m a firm believer in learning on the job.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Automation and delegation. It’s so important for a business to be able to run smoothly without you needing to be part of each and everything. If you put in the effort to create the processes and a strong foundation, over time it should be able to run itself and you’ll have time to focus on the development and expansion of your brand.
And what is the worst?
The worst piece of advice I ever received is that you don’t need to love what you do. I think it’s self-explanatory.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
When we started off, we had a different idea for Butter DXB. We were focused more on hospitality partners but we soon noticed that once we put our brand out there, it was gaining traction from an audience that was not our initial target. Our biggest challenge was to move away from what we had planned and listen more to how the market was responding. We overcame it by being flexible as a brand and giving our customers what they want and continue learning along the way about what works and what doesn’t.
What are the future plans for your brand?
We are currently in our second year, and relatively young. So the aim is to hire more staff and set up a store to become a hybrid e-tailer. Our focus is also on doing more events for high fashion brands that we resonate with and increasing hospitality partners as that has always been an area we want to expand in.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied  More

Life

by Ruman Baig
3 hours ago

Technogym, the renowned fitness brand, recently hosted its inaugural Technogym Retreat in the city of Dubai, creating an unparalleled wellness experience for its global brand ambassadors.
The focal point of this exclusive event was the introduction of Technogym Run, their latest cutting-edge treadmill that has been generating buzz in the fitness industry.
The Retreat brought together a select group of esteemed talents and long-time friends-of-the-brand from various corners of the world, including Giulia Calcaterra, Janis Danner, Dan Churchill, and Jeremy Jauncey, CEO of Beautiful Destinations—an innovative brand in the hospitality and tourism sector with a massive Instagram following of 26 million.
The luxurious Atlantis The Royal resort in Dubai was chosen as the perfect setting for this extraordinary gathering. A masterpiece of design and architecture, this resort pushed the boundaries of imagination and served as a fitting backdrop for the exceptional event. The team of ambassadors enjoyed top-level workouts in the opulent 12,141-square foot Royal Mansion Penthouse, a true gem connecting the two sides of the iconic building.

The Retreat commenced with an invigorating HIIT sunrise workout on the groundbreaking Technogym Run. This state-of-the-art home treadmill revolutionizes fitness training, enabling users to combine strength and cardio workouts seamlessly. The slat-belt technology ensures a quiet and smooth running experience, making it an absolute delight for fitness enthusiasts.
After the high-energy workout, the team delved into a nutrition class, led by none other than Dan Churchill—a renowned performance chef and Culinary Creative Director of Centr, Chris Hemsworth’s lifestyle app. With summer approaching, Dan shared invaluable tips to stay in peak condition, including the importance of consuming 3 liters of water daily, incorporating dietary fiber into meals, and ensuring a minimum of 7 hours of restful sleep each night.
The Technogym Retreat provided a unique opportunity for the brand’s ambassadors to experience the Technogym lifestyle firsthand, forging a deeper connection with the brand’s mission to promote fitness, health, and well-being worldwide. The event was a resounding success, leaving the participants inspired and ready to spread the message of holistic wellness in their respective communities.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied by Technogym More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
17 mins ago

As the perfect escape to Thailand, the award-wining restaurant Pai Thai takes guests on an unforgettable culinary journey.
Nestled within the serene gardens of the palatial Jumeirah Al Qasr, this one-of-a-kind restaurant is surrounded by lush greenery and pristine waterways for a completely dedicated experience.
There are some cuisines out there which are just universally popular around the world, and we think that Thai food is certainly one of them.
With the Head Chef at Jumeirah Al Qasr’s Pai Thai restaurant, Chef Amara Mahayothee making waves, her immaculate creativity and attention-to-detail ensures authenticity in whatever she creates.
Known for delivering an extraordinary experience with a burst of flavours, Emirates Woman spoke to Mahayothee to see how she puts her creativity to the forefront.
Talk us through your career.
My culinary journey has been an exciting and fulfilling one. It all started when I started my career as a Sous Chef at Blue Elephant Thai Restaurant in Al Bustan Rotana Hotel Dubai. This experience provided me with a strong foundation in Thai cuisine and allowed me to develop my skills and passion for the culinary arts. Following that, I had the opportunity to work in various renowned establishments. I took on roles in Wafi City’s Thai Chi Restaurant in Dubai and contributed to the pre-opening of Chop Chop Restaurant in Mall of Emirates Dubai and Thai Chi Restaurant Franchise in Kuwait. Additionally, I was involved in a special assignment at the Thai Consulate in Qatar, where I had the chance to showcase my culinary expertise and represent Thai cuisine. Before joining Jumeirah Group, I held the position of Head Chef at Bambooda Thai & Asian Restaurant in Roda Al Bustan Hotel Dubai and today, I am honored to serve as the Head Chef at Jumeirah Al Qasr’s Pai Thai restaurant.

Where does your love for food come from?
My love for food stems from my upbringing in a household that has a deep passion for cooking. Growing up, I was fortunate to have my mom as my greatest inspiration. She would dedicate countless hours in the kitchen, preparing delicious meals with love and care and as a curious child, I couldn’t resist the temptation of sneaking a taste of her curries when she wasn’t looking. Those small moments got me excited to start shadowing my mom around the kitchen and learning her recipes and techniques.
Tell us about the journey that guests can experience when they visit Pai Thai?
Guests can expect a captivating journey when they visit Pai Thai, starting with an abra ride through Madinat Jumeirah’s waterways. When they arrive at the stunning waterside location, they will discover a little piece of Thailand in the heart of Dubai – a restaurant that serves up a truly authentic Thai experience where guests can savour the vibrant flavours and spices of Thai cuisine. The menu features the perfect blend of Thai flavours and it includes soups, meat, seafood and curries fragrantly infused with Thai herbs and spices. The warm and inviting atmosphere adds to the charm, making the dining experience at Pai Thai truly unforgettable.
What are the hero dishes to try at the restaurant?
Some of the highlights and personal favorites on the menu include the tantalizing Tom Yum Soup, the classic Pad Thai, the flavourful Chicken Satay, the delightful Chor Muang and the delectable Prawn Curry.
As a highly accomplished chef, what sets your cooking style apart?
My cooking style is distinguished by my dedication to authenticity and innovation. I take pride in combining traditional recipes with my own creative flair to showcase the vibrant flavours and techniques of Thai cuisine. It is my passion and commitment to provide guests with an unforgettable culinary journey that delights them with each bite.
What are the hurdles that you’ve experienced during your career and how have you overcome them?
Thai cuisine presents its own set of challenges, and one of the main difficulties I face is sourcing authentic ingredients. Some of these ingredients may not be readily available, making creating truly authentic dishes challenging. Additionally, one of the complex tasks I face is ensuring that every dish I create is prepared from the depths of my heart and there are instances where some guests may not be completely satisfied. However, I’ve overcome these challenges by constantly striving to improve and learn. I am dedicated to ensuring that every dish I create not only meets the highest standards but also brings joy and satisfaction to the dining experience of my guests.
The restaurants offers an exclusive ‘Five tastes of Thailand’ menu – tell us more.
Guests are taken on a culinary journey of discovery that explores the five key flavours of Thailand – bitter, salty, spicy, sour and sweet. In every dish, each one of these flavours is often pronounced, complimented by a supporting act of some, or in some cases all of the others. Starters include the Gai Hor Bai Toey, marinated chicken wrapped in pandan leaves, Chor Muang, purple flower chicken dumpling and Som Tam Pai Thai, green papaya salad. Mains feature Gaeng Massaman Nuea, braised beef massaman curry, Gaeng Panang Goong, tiger prawns in a creamy red curry sauce and Gaeng Khiew Wan Phak, mixed vegetable green curry. For the sweetest finish, the meal ends with the delicious Kao Niew Ma Muang, purple sweet sticky rice topped with ripe Thai mango. The sharing menu also has plant-based versions that can be enjoyed by vegans. Pai Thai serves this exclusive menu every Monday to Friday from 6pm until 11:30pm and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM. Dhs590 for two guests inclusive of food only and Dhs990 for two guests inclusive of wine pairing.
How does Pai Thai stand out with its exclusive culinary flavours?
Pai Thai stands out with its exclusive culinary flavours by providing guests with a truly unforgettable dining experience. When guests indulge in our dishes, they are treated to a delightful taste that is sure to leave a lasting impression. We take great pride in offering a unique and complete range of flavours that are unrivaled in Dubai or the UAE. Our commitment to using authentic ingredients and our skilled culinary techniques result in dishes that guests have likely never tasted before in this region. At Pai Thai, we strive to exceed expectations and provide an extraordinary gastronomic journey that will truly blow our guests away.

What’s next in the pipeline for the restaurant?
We have exciting plans in the pipeline to enhance our guests’ dining experience. Firstly, we are working on updating our à la carte menu, incorporating new and exciting dishes that showcase the best of Thai cuisine. These additions will further highlight my signature culinary style and offer a wider range of options for our guests to enjoy. Additionally, we are excited to extend our operating hours to include lunch and dinner services. This means that guests can now visit Pai Thai throughout the day and indulge in our exquisite menu.
Overall, how would you describe the UAE’s F&B scene?
The F&B scene in the UAE is quite diverse and offers a wide range of culinary options. In Dubai, there are many Thai restaurants available, but finding authentic Thai cuisine prepared by experienced Thai chefs can be a bit challenging and requires research and exploration to offer the real standard of Thai cuisine.
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Images: Supplied More