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    in lifestyle and culture

    7 fabulous things to do in UAE this weekend

    Life

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    Your ultimate weekend guide – November 24 to November 26, 2023.
    Enjoy authentic Florentine dishes

    True to its name, the Italian fine dining restaurant Chic Nonna encapsulates the spirit of Italy with its authentic menu – served with dose of chic on the side. The revamped menu highlights a wide range of classic, seasonal dishes from age-old recipes to innovate creations by Head Chef Francesco Torcasio and Group Executive Chef Giuseppe Pezzella that are steeped in tradition and bursting with flavour, from pipettes, pastas, risottos to meat and seafood options. The standouts? The Carpaccio di Fassona with parmigiana reggiano, wild arugula coulis, artichoke dressing and truffle, the pan-fried Dover Sole with lemon, capers and brown-butter sauce, the chef-recommended Bavette Nerano pasta with zucchini, basil, Provolone del Monaco cheese and lastly, the Vassoio di Pasticceria, a beautifully wrapped pastry tray of assorted Italian Pasticcini.
    For reservations, visit chicnonna.com
    Marvel at this must-see public art show

    On view at ICD Brookfield Place until January 3, 2024, Kuwaiti artist Monira Al Qadiri’s “Floating Worlds” exhibition features fossil fuel resources transformed into tangible metallic art objects and larger-than-life inflatable floating sculptures. The visual spectacle explores the fragility and perishability of energy resources, echoing the importance of discussions on the climate crisis and sustainability.
    Pamper yourself to an exclusive wellness session

    Over the next four months, Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi will be hosting residencies of world-class wellness masters Jimmy Jarnet, Justin Andries, Dr Buathon Thienarrom and Milena Naydenov.
    Wellness designer Jimmy Jarnet will be kicking off the exclusive experience from today until November 29, 2023, offering guests moments to pamper through his hyper-personalized programs such as The Ultimate Massage Experience (Dhs1,435 for 55 minutes/Dhs1,800 for 75 minutes) and personal training sessions (Dhs825 for 55 minutes) for a holistic body and mind symbiosis.
    For more information and reservations, visit mandarinoriental.com/en/abu-dhabi/emirates-palace/spa or call +971 2 690 7885.
    Book a new nightlife experience

    Tucked away behind a concealed door inside ALAYA, this underground lounge is the latest exclusive club in DIFC. From 11pm to 3am, the refined speakeasy brings a new nightlife energy featuring unique after-hours entertainment and exclusive parties like no other to the region in an opulent Bedouin-inspired interior setting.
    For bookings and reservation, visit alayarestaurants.com or e-mail [email protected]
    Lunch with a view

    The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, introduces the Laurent Perrier Garden, a luxurious retreat for French bubbly enthusiasts, where guests can enjoy a dish and a glass of bubbles from Dhs100. Nestled within the lush grounds of The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, this location is an outdoor oasis, perfect to celebrate big-little moments in life this season. The lip-smacking menu includes a variety of delectable dishes, such as Oyster Fine de Claire, Cured Salmon on Blinis, Burratina, Tartare De Boeuf, Tempura Maki, Chevre Cigar, Beef Cheeks Croquettes, and Prawns Anticuchos.
    For more information and reservations, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dubai
    Shop till you drop

    The jaw-dropping Black Friday deals are officially here – you can now until your wallets are dry. The Luxury Closet has a massive discount on all your favourtie leather goods – whether you’re looking to invest in a plus new luxury bag or hoping to buy a pre-loved arm candy, now is the time to do so.  From Louis Vuitton and YSL to Dior and Goyard, the options are endless.
    For more information visit theluxurycloset.com
    Indulge in seasonal sweet treats

    Celebrate the season with Magnolia Bakery’s limited-edition Red Velvet Banana Pudding, a delightful twist on the classic favorite. This fan-favorite features a blend of vanilla pudding, red velvet cake, fresh bananas, and chocolate chips, available in sizes from small to large. Cupcake enthusiasts can indulge in the luscious Red Velvet Whiteout and Chocolate Peppermint cupcakes. The product of the month, Red Velvet Banana Pudding Cookies, offers a perfect fusion of soft-baked banana pudding and melt-in-the-mouth cookies. Don’t miss the Favor Box, combining an assortment of best-selling cookies for the ultimate festive treat.
    For more information visit www.magnoliabakery.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker More

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    in health and weelbeing

    If The Festive Season Stresses You Out, Try These Psychologist-Backed Coping Strategies

    It’s the end of the year and that means summer holidays, late nights, family gatherings — you know the drill. And it can all feel pretty overwhelming, right? Know first, that you’re not alone. Per Harvard Medical School, 62% of survey respondents felt somewhat stressed or experienced elevated stress levels over the festive season.

    Noa Belling, somatic psychologist and best-selling author of The Mindful Body has simple, smart strategies to help you make it through festive season stress, emotionally and physically unscathed.

    Scenario: The Office Party

    You feel: Overwhelmed. 

    It’s loud. It’s crowded. You’re tired and overwhelmed. Belling suggests you go for a brief mindful walk. “The movement can be calming and will help you reconnect with yourself. This works because when you drop attention down into your body and away from your thoughts of being overwhelmed, you ground and centre yourself,” she explains.

    As you walk, take a few deep breaths and let go of thoughts of the party and people. Massage any tense areas in your body and do a few stretches to loosen up. “Dropping attention into our bodies in a supportive, nurturing kind of way can promote feel-good hormones to help you feel more comfortable. It can also free your brain to think more clearly,” says Noa.

    READ MORE: It’s Official: Stress Makes Us Crave Junk Food

    Scenario: A Family Gathering

    You feel: Defensive.

    Family gatherings can be stressful, especially when there’s unresolved tension, but remember compassion: to yourself and your family. “Pause to use self-supportive touch, such as placing a hand or even just a couple of fingers on your chest or over your heart. This can be a tangible reminder of compassion that you can direct as you choose. Assisted by the release of oxytocin through touch, which ignites feelings of nurturing and care, you can be reminded to take care of yourself. You might even feel inclined to extend kindness and care to others too because oxytocin also inspires this,” explains Belling.

    Scenario: You Over-Indulged

    You feel: Guilty.

    There’s food everywhere!? It’s hard not to overindulge. And if you did, you need to let the feelings of guilt and shame go. “Feelings of shame, self-criticism, inadequacy and guilt can have the same effect on us as trauma. They can cause us to freeze up inside. This can make us really anxious or we can succumb to feeling down, helpless and hopeless. The effect on our brains is to cut us off from our ability to see a bigger picture and to access higher-level thinking like rationality, creativity and insight,” says Belling.

    Basically, you start to feel stuck when you dwell on the negative. Best way to get past this? Exercise. “Moving our bodies gets oxygen and blood flowing to wake up and energise body and mind,” says Belling. “Make time for a walk, run, swim, cycle, yoga class or whatever you prefer. This can build your sense of personal strength with a boost of feel-good motivation. Reaching out to someone who cares for support and to talk some sense into you can also help.”

    READ MORE: 10 Best Essential Oils To Help Relieve Anxiety and Stress

    Scenario: There’s Activity Overload

    You feel: Exhausted.

    With festive season stress, you might feel run down and out of touch with yourself from all the socialising and attending to others’ needs. To combat this, take some time out for yourself. “Focus on doing something you love and something your body needs, whether that’s activity or rest,” says Belling. “Make a priority of going to the gym, a yoga class, reading in your favourite quiet place, meditating, gardening, being creative in your own way or whatever feeds you.” More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Gaggenau elevates Emirati artistry in a grand unveiling

    Life

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 hour ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: In a celebration of artistic prowess, Gaggenau, the eminent luxury home appliances brand, recently commemorated Emirati artistry with the inauguration of the Gaggenau Galleria at Anantara Business Bay.
    This momentous occasion underscored Gaggenau’s profound appreciation for design, seamlessly intertwining its rich legacy with the opulent heritage of the Emirati culture.

    The Galleria paid a distinguished tribute to Emirati artists, featuring Afra Al Suwaidi’s exquisite sand sculptures representing each of the seven Emirates, Asayel Abdulla’s captivating plexiglass paintings portraying Emirati Heritage, and Salmah Al Mansoori’s thought-provoking collection exploring the influence of the environment on identity.
    Among the attendees were Emirati VIPs, esteemed government representatives, influential media personalities, and valued clients. The esteemed visionary, HE Sheikha Lubna Bint Khalid Al Qasimi, graced the event as the guest of honor.

    This artful showcase seamlessly blended heritage and modernity through the expressive exhibits. These artworks stand as a testament to Gaggenau’s commitment to supporting emerging Emirati women artists, emphasising their dedication to the people and culture of this nation.
    HE Sheikha Lubna, expressing her admiration for Gaggenau, revealed her two-decade-long association with the brand as a customer. She underscored the importance of endorsing budding Emirati artists, shedding light on new talents in the Emirati arts domain and praising their exceptional contributions.
    Irem Yalzar, Head of Marketing at Gaggenau, emphasized the brand’s unwavering commitment to craftsmanship throughout its 300-year journey. She highlighted the alignment of Gaggenau’s legacy with the incredible heritage of the UAE, reinforcing the brand’s strong presence in the country.

    Tomas Alonso, CEO of BSH Middle East, shared his perspective, stating, “The country’s success is owed to its visionaries, its artists, and its leaders. That’s what brings us here today, to support these incredibly talented Emirati women artists and their unique creations that represent the promising future of the Emirati culture.”
    This event marks the initiation of a lasting bond between Gaggenau and the UAE, grounded in admiration and deep respect for the rich and iconic heritage of Emirati culture.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    UAE National Day: Three-Day weekend for public and private sector employees confirmed

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    1 hour ago

    The UAE is granting a generous three-day weekend to public and private sector employees in celebration of UAE National Day.
    From Saturday, December 2, to Monday, December 4, employees will enjoy a well-deserved break, with Friday, December 1 designated as a remote-working day.

    We announce that 2nd & 3rd December 2023 will be a paid public holiday for private sector workers in the UAE on the occasion of the 52nd UAE National Day.
    We extend our sincere congratulations to our wise leadership, citizens and residents of the UAE on this occasion.#MoHRE… pic.twitter.com/rjpBFvZ6Rl
    — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) November 22, 2023

    While the UAE National Day holiday has been confirmed, details regarding whether Commemoration Day will be a paid public holiday this year are still pending.
    As the nation gears up for this extended break, citizens and residents alike eagerly anticipate the opportunity to partake in various National Day festivities and reflect on the significance of Commemoration Day.
    The festive spirit is set to sweep across the UAE, marking this period as a time of celebration and remembrance for all.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @visitabudhabi More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    UAE National Day: Three-Day weekend for public sector employees confirmed

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    The UAE is granting a generous three-day weekend to federal government employees in celebration of UAE National Day.
    From Saturday, December 2, to Monday, December 4, employees will enjoy a well-deserved break, with Friday, December 1 designated as a remote-working day.
    Simultaneously, the private sector will observe a two-day public holiday, with paid leave on Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3. However, for those accustomed to a traditional Saturday-Sunday weekend, the extended break may not materialize.

    We announce that 2nd & 3rd December 2023 will be a paid public holiday for private sector workers in the UAE on the occasion of the 52nd UAE National Day.
    We extend our sincere congratulations to our wise leadership, citizens and residents of the UAE on this occasion.#MoHRE… pic.twitter.com/rjpBFvZ6Rl
    — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) November 22, 2023

    While the UAE National Day holiday has been confirmed, details regarding whether Commemoration Day will be a paid public holiday this year are still pending.
    As the nation gears up for this extended break, citizens and residents alike eagerly anticipate the opportunity to partake in various National Day festivities and reflect on the significance of Commemoration Day.
    The festive spirit is set to sweep across the UAE, marking this period as a time of celebration and remembrance for all.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @visitabudhabi More

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    Eco-luxury drives the future: Blacklane ME’s bold move ahead of COP28

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    3 hours ago

    In an ambitious stride towards sustainable luxury travel, Blacklane Middle East has announced a tenfold expansion of its all-electric fleet.
    The providers of premium global chauffeur services have unveiled first-class Mercedes EQS-SUVs in response to the region’s burgeoning demand for eco-friendly transportation.
    The move, strategically timed ahead of COP28, solidifies Blacklane ME’s commitment to green initiatives in the UAE.

    The regional expansion doesn’t stop at vehicles; it extends to the workforce with a noteworthy surge in female chauffeurs. Over 50% of the 120 chauffeurs completing the rigorous training at Blacklane’s Chauffeur Training Academy are women, a move that underscores the company’s dedication to diversity and inclusion.

    Dubai residents can now effortlessly book the new Mercedes-Benz EQS-SUVs through the app, offering both on-demand and scheduled rides.
    Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME, emphasized the company’s dedication to impeccable service standards, reflecting the high calibre of their offerings. “We are witnessing an exhilarating phase of expansion in our business with remarkable tenfold growth of our dedicated all-electric fleet since March 2023. The introduction of our newest fleet member, the Mercedes EQS-SUVs, directly reflects the high calibre of services that Blacklane ME is committed to delivering,” said Nicolas Soucaille, General Manager of Blacklane ME. “Our focus on maintaining the highest standards for our chauffeurs has been exceptionally well-received by the local residents, driving unprecedented progress in a market that values sustainability as much as we do,” Nicholas expressed.

    The UAE expansion, covering Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Sharjah, caters to both B2B and B2C customers, ensuring reliable and convenient transportation options. Notably, all Blacklane rides globally are now 100% carbon neutral, a pioneering move in the industry to offset emissions from every journey.
    Internationally, Blacklane operates in over 50 countries and recently expanded its City-to-City service to nearly 200 routes, with the Dubai – Abu Dhabi route becoming a local favorite. The company’s global revenues soared to a record €200 million in 2022, marking a year of strategic advancements.
    As Blacklane paves the way for the future of premium chauffeur services, its commitment to inspiring a better future and setting industry standards for climate protection stands as a testament to its mission and vision for discerning travelers worldwide.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Blacklane  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    How To Reflect On The Year You’ve Had – And Prepare For The Year Ahead

    The end of the year brings a time to press pause and look back on your time in the sun. But learning to reflect on the year you’ve had takes a bit more skill than just writing down a few thoughts. We’ve spoken to Hilary Davies, Social Psychologist and Development Coach,  about how to structure your reflections in a productive way that brings about actionable results. “It is important to spend time thinking about the future to be clear about what we want to do and how we want to be. As we strategise for the future, we create an outline of what we are working towards, be it in our personal or professional lives,” says Davies. 

    Why you should reflect on the year 

    It’s a time to learn 

    “Firstly, reflection is a key component of adult learning, giving us the time to explore our lived experiences and understand them in retrospect rather than in the moment,” says Davies. “This often means we have more information and fewer emotions that may be influencing our responses.”

    It boosts self-awareness 

    “Reflection can also teach us about ourselves and increase our self-awareness, especially linked to emotional and subconscious influences. Reflecting on how we felt in the moment, what was driving that emotion or behaviour, and understanding our triggers gives us a greater ability to manage how we respond in future,” says Davies. 

    You’ll fine-tune a new mindset

    “Reflection on positive situations can create sensations of gratitude and well-being, which in turn have a positive impact on how we show up in the present,” says Davies. “Similarly, reflection on negative situations can help motivate us to create change in our lives. We often get stuck in repetitive cycles of behaviour and thought patterns that become automatic. Reflection can help us to take a step back from the “as is” and explore how we can be more intentional about what we do.”

    READ MORE: 11 Ways To Get More Energy When You’re Feeling Tired

    Reflecting 101: Your Guide 

    “The overall process for reflection and strategizing can be compared to planning a road trip,” says Davies. In this way, ask yourself probing questions that frame the year and you can start working forward from there. 

    Ask yourself questions 

    What did you enjoy? Was there anything you did not enjoy? What could you have done differently? Per a Harvard Business School study, three themes that shape what executives in business reflect on are failure, success and frustration. Tap into these themes in your reflections to uncover some truths that could help you shape your future. 

    Decide your new direction  

    If you compare a year’s reflection like you would a trip, you can strategise your moves, says Davies. For example, ask yourself where you want to go and what you’d like to do. Is it something new? What kind of information do you need to get to this new destination? How long do you plan on being there? Do you need a budget of sorts? 

    READ MORE: How To Really Harness Self-Care

    Plan your next steps 

    Now, you can break down your goals into bite-sized steps that will help direct your path. What would you need before embarking on this trip? 

    Change gears if you need to 

    “The most important part to remember is that once you are driving, you can decide to change your destination or the route to get there. In the same way, in real life you can continue the process of reflection and adjusting the strategy,” says Davies. “Reflection is a continuous process that helps us to optimise our decisions and behaviours in the moment so that you can get the most from whatever you’re doing.”

    Don’t hold yourself back 

    When you reflect on the year, be careful not to criticise yourself too much, cautions Davies. “We should not be overly self-critical – reflection is a learning opportunity, not a chance to beat yourself up. To do this, it is important to adopt a growth mindset,” says Davies. “If you find yourself being overly self-critical during reflection, think about what you would say to a friend in the same situation as you. Remember – we all do the best we can with what we have at the moment.”

    Look at things holistically 

    Whatever happened in the year, remember that things don’t work in isolation. Various factors influence the happenings in our lives and we only have a finite amount of resources. “If you feel like you didn’t achieve what you wanted to in one area, look at the big picture. Did you overachieve in another?” asks Davies. “The key is to remember to find balance. If your reflective strategy focuses entirely on work, be aware of how this may impact your relationships with friends and family.

    READ MORE: Enjoy Your Downtime (Without Feeling Guilty) In 3 Easy Steps

    Get realistic 

    When planning ahead and reflecting, it’s important to stay grounded and realistic. You want to strive towards things that you can achieve so that you don’t get burned out, says Davies. “Health and wellbeing, both mental and physical, are two of the most important life areas that often get overlooked as we focus our attention on other areas where we are seeking achievement or success.” Be mindful of how much time and energy you have.  Is it realistic to achieve everything in all aspects of your life?”

    Prepare for change

    Change is most successful if we’ve taken the time to prepare properly for it. If, say, your new goal is to ace a 10K run, prepare to make changes to your lifestyle to incorporate the training. “To train for the 10km run,  you may need to start getting up an hour earlier.  You may have to change our diet as we need more fuel,” explains Davies. “Understanding the future situation helps us prepare for the change we are about to make, both practically and mentally. Physical preparation helps us remove friction from the change – we know we need to get up earlier so we start going to be earlier, or we put the running clothes out the night before. Mental preparation is important so that we can manage any negative thoughts that create resistance to change. This is where mindset, agility and resilience are key in achieving our desired future.”

    Hilary Davies is a Social Psychologist and Development Coach, supporting people in their personal and professional development to adopt change, find purpose and fulfil their potential. She also specialises in Gender Transformation consultancy, addressing social barriers in organisations that limit women’s growth. You can find her at www.hedcoaching.com or on LinkedIn.  More

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    UAE National Day holiday update: Will there be a three-day weekend?

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    The UAE is gearing up for a festive season, with official announcements regarding the holidays for UAE National Day.
    Private sector employees are in for a treat as Saturday, December 2, and Sunday, December 3, have been declared paid holidays. However, for those accustomed to a traditional Saturday-Sunday weekend, the excitement might be tempered by the lack of an extended break.
    There’s still hope for a prolonged weekend, though. Alongside UAE National Day, the country observes Commemoration Day (formerly known as Martyrs’ Day) at the end of November.

    We announce that 2nd & 3rd December 2023 will be a paid public holiday for private sector workers in the UAE on the occasion of the 52nd UAE National Day.
    We extend our sincere congratulations to our wise leadership, citizens and residents of the UAE on this occasion.#MoHRE… pic.twitter.com/rjpBFvZ6Rl
    — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) November 22, 2023

    Officially on November 30, the commemoration is often observed on December 1. This year, falling on a Friday, there’s anticipation that it might turn into a three-day weekend. Await updates from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation to confirm if Commemoration Day will also be a paid public holiday.
    Commemoration Day, instituted in 2015 by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, serves as a poignant day to honor those who sacrificed their lives in military and humanitarian endeavors, both at home and abroad.
    As the UAE marks its 52nd year since formation in 1971, the entire nation will be adorned in the vibrant colors of the UAE flag – red, green, white, and black. While specific plans for the UAE National Day celebrations are yet to be disclosed, citizens and residents can anticipate a myriad of activities. Stay tuned for staycation deals, enticing dining offers, discounts on family-friendly attractions, and more.
    The country is poised to come alive with a patriotic spirit, showcasing the unity and pride of the diverse community that calls the UAE home.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: @visitdubai More