Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Here’s how travel can impact your wellbeing in a holistic way

    Life

    by Amy Sessions
    1 hour ago

    Negin Baradari discusses the importance of knowing the power of where you travel to and how it can impact your wellbeing.
    What “energy” does summer hold?
    Summer escapes can be a wonderful opportunity to recharge our batteries, experience new cultures, and create lasting memories with loved ones. But did you know that the location you choose for your summer getaway can have a significant impact on your overall wellbeing? That’s where the concept of “AstroCartography” comes in.
    What is AstroCartography?
    AstroCartography is a type of locational astrology, created by astrologer Jim Lewis in the 1970s. Simply speaking, it is a visual system for mapping how your astrological birth chart (natal chart) corresponds to different locations on earth.
    How can it affect our choice of travel destinations?
    AstroCartography is the study of how the alignment of the planets and stars at the time of your birth can influence the places where you feel most energized and fulfilled. Similarly, AstroGeology is the study of how the geological features of a location can impact your overall wellbeing. Both of these concepts suggest that every destination holds a certain “energy” that can either support or detract from your individual energy typology. AstroCartography is the study of how the alignment of the planets and stars at the time of your birth can influence the places where you feel most energized and fulfilled. It suggests that every destination holds a certain “energy” that can either support or detract from your individual energy typology. By considering Astro-Cartography when choosing a travel destination, you can align your unique energy typology with the location, potentially enhancing your overall wellbeing and travel experience. By doing so, you can maximize the benefits of your summer escape and ensure that you’re choosing a location that aligns with your unique energy typology. For example, if you’re someone who is naturally drawn to water and feels most at peace when you’re near the ocean, you might consider destinations that have a strong water element in their astrocartography or astrogeology. This could include places like Hawaii, Bali, or the Greek islands, which are all known for their beautiful beaches and ocean views. On the other hand, if you’re someone who is more drawn to mountains and enjoys being surrounded by nature, you might look for destinations that have a strong earth element in their AstroCartography or AstroGeology. This could include places like Colorado, Switzerland, or New Zealand, which are all known for their stunning mountain ranges and outdoor activities.

    Why is it so important to choose the right travel destination based on your energy typology?
    The impact our environment can have on our overall wellbeing is key. Research has shown that being in nature can have a range of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving mood, and boosting cognitive function. Similarly, being in a location that resonates with your individual energy typology can help you feel more grounded, centered, and at peace. It can also help you tap into your natural strengths and abilities, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re looking to make a major life change or pursue a new goal. Travel can be a wonderful opportunity to take a break from our daily routines, recharge our batteries, and create lasting memories with loved ones. By considering your AstroCartography or AstroGeology when choosing a travel destination, you can potentially enhance the benefits of your summer escape and create a deeper connection with the places you visit.
    What do you see when you look at someone’s AstroCartography?
    The Power Spots. AstroCartography can help you identify specific locations where the planetary alignments at the time of your birth have a strong influence. These “power spots” can be areas where you feel more energised, fulfilled, or in alignment with your true self. By knowing these spots, you can prioritise them in your travel plans and experience a deeper connection to the places you visit.
    The New Opportunities. Astrocartography can reveal areas where the planetary energies are aligned to support specific aspects of your life. For example, if you’re looking for career opportunities or personal growth, astrocartography can point out locations where the astrological conditions favor those pursuits. Exploring these places can potentially open up new avenues for success in your chosen field.
    The Enhanced Relationships. AstroCartography can shed light on locations where the energy is conducive to building and strengthening relationships. If you’re seeking love or looking to improve your existing partnerships, AstroCartography can guide you towards destinations where the planetary alignments support harmonious connections and emotional fulfillment. It can be an exciting way to plan a romantic getaway or a meaningful trip with loved ones.
    The Spiritual Connections. If you’re on a spiritual journey, AstroCartography can assist in finding places with strong spiritual energy. These locations might have sacred sites, meditation retreats, or spiritual communities that align with your spiritual beliefs and practices. Visiting these destinations can deepen your spiritual connection, provide transformative experiences, and offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
    The Self-Reflection and Healing. AstroCartography can help you identify locations that are aligned with self-reflection, healing, and personal development. These places might offer opportunities for introspection, holistic therapies, or wellness practices that resonate with your energy typology. By visiting such destinations, you can createspace for self-care, rejuvenation, and inner transformation.
    What is your key travel tip?
    For effortless travel, honour your own energy by becoming aware of what energy the travelspot holds uniquely for you. It is as much a journey inwardsas it is an exploration of your selected destination.

    July/August’s – The Travel Issue – Indulge Your Wanderlust  – Download Now 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in health and weelbeing

    “Do I Really Need to Supplement?” and Everything Else You Need To Know About Electrolytes

    If you’ve found yourself in your gym girlie era, chances are you’ve heard of electrolytes, but the extent of your knowledge of them starts and ends with boosting hydration, or perhaps Gatorade’s neon-colored bevvies. While sports drinks have a bad rap for their additives (think: sugar and artificial dye), the electrolytes they contain can do your hydration goals a solid, especially after you’ve worked up a sweat. But what even is an electrolyte, and do you really need to add the buzzworthy supplement to your regimen? I turned to experts to explain and find out how you can tell if you have an electrolyte imbalance. Read on to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about electrolytes. 

    In this article

    What Are Electrolytes, and Why Do You Need Them?
    “Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge in our bodies,” explained Dr. Praveen Guntipalli, Medical Director and Owner of Sanjiva Medical Spa. “They play a vital role in maintaining various physiological functions, such as nerve signaling, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. The most common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, and phosphate, and are present in bodily fluids like blood, urine, and sweat.” Electrolytes are vital to specific processes that keep your body functioning as it should, namely maintaining proper hydration and nervous system and muscle function as well as regulating the body’s internal pH levels. 
    “When we engage in physical activities or experience excessive sweating due to hot weather or intense exercise, we lose electrolytes,” Dr. Guntipalli continued. “Thus, replenishing them becomes crucial to prevent dehydration and maintain overall health.  Whether through electrolyte-rich foods or drinks, maintaining a balanced intake of these minerals is necessary for optimal bodily functions and overall well-being.”

    Common Symptoms Related to Lack of Electrolytes
    So how do you know if you’re not getting enough? The telltale signs related to a lack of electrolytes, often referred to as electrolyte imbalances, can vary depending on which specific electrolyte is affected and the severity of the imbalance, according to Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, a nutritionist and ACE-certified trainer. “However, some common symptoms may include muscle cramps or weakness, fatigue or lethargy, dizziness or lightheadedness, confusion or difficulty concentrating, and headaches,” she conveyed. Maria Tointon, RDN, LDN, a registered dietitian nutritionist and CEO of Veg Out With Maria laid out some of the common symptoms to look out for based on the type of electrolyte deficiency:
    Sodium: fatigue, headache, nausea, confusion, muscle weakness, and seizures 
    Potassium: muscle weakness or cramps, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and constipation
    Chloride: fluid loss, dehydration, weakness or fatigue, difficulty breathing, diarrhea or vomiting
    Calcium: muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in the fingers and toes, weakened bones, and dental problems
    Magnesium: muscle spasms, tremors, weakness, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat
     
    Do You Need to Supplement to Get Enough Electrolytes?
    In most cases, a well-rounded diet packed with fruits and vegetables can provide sufficient electrolytes for the average person. That said, “Unfortunately, many people do not eat a balanced diet so the use of electrolyte replacement can be important for many people,” Sabat suggested. “In addition, intense physical activity, prolonged sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, or certain medical conditions may lead to increased electrolyte losses and a need for additional supplementation.” In other words, you should get all the electrolytes you need from an ideal diet, but on days when your fruit and veggie intake is lower or you’re extra depleted (i.e. if you’re doing a sweaty workout, traveling, or feeling under the weather), you may benefit in supplementing to restore electrolyte levels.
    Cue electrolyte supplements like powders or tablets (shop our picks below!). Check with your doctor or nutritionist before starting an electrolyte supplement, and read the ingredient labels carefully when choosing the right one for you (beware of added sugar and artificial sweeteners). Don’t want to purchase another supplement? You can also try some hacks to get in electrolytes, such as adding a pinch of high-quality sea salt to your water, sipping on coconut water, or snacking on electrolyte-rich foods (see below for some ideas).
    How much electrolytes you need depends on your body, your sweat content, and the weather so talk to your doctor about testing or your electrolyte needs. According to the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, you can lose anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5 liters of sweat per hour of exercise, so if you’re working out for an extended period of time and/or in the heat, you can do your body some good by replenishing electrolytes lost with an electrolyte-enhanced fluid during or after your workout.  
     
    Foods That Contain Electrolytes
    To get your daily dose of electrolytes, you can also look to your kitchen staples. Sabat shared several foods that naturally contain electrolytes and can help maintain a healthy balance of essential minerals.
    Sodium: sea salt, pickles, olives, celery, beets, anchovies
    Potassium: bananas, oranges, avocados, tomatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, yogurt
    Calcium: dairy products (i.e. milk, cheese, yogurt), leafy greens (i.e. kale, broccoli), fortified plant-based milk, tofu
    Magnesium: nuts and seeds (i.e. almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds), spinach, legumes, whole grains, dark chocolate
    Chloride: table salt, seaweed, olives, tomatoes, lettuce
     
    Shop Electrolytes

    Please consult a doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

    Nutritionists Share 7 Simple Tricks To Effortlessly Boost Your Hydration More

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    Probiotics Get All the Buzz, but This Unsung Hero May Be More Effective for Gut Health

    While many factors can make the difference between a happy gut and one that gives you major digestive drama, probiotics have gotten all the glitz and glory for boosting gut health. But there’s an unsung hero of balancing the gut microbiome that counts benefits such as repairing gut lining, taming gut inflammation, and managing GI symptoms such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
    A recent study measured how almonds (yes, almonds!) affect the gut, and found that a reason they were beneficial in improving gut symptoms and gut microbes was because they help to increase a specific microbiota compound called butyrate. Butyrate has been associated with several gut-friendly perks, with some experts even claiming butyrate is more effective than probiotics. So what is butyrate, and just how does it work its magic? Spoiler: The health benefits go beyond just the gut. I asked experts to give a crash course on butyrate, its benefits, and how we can get the most out of it. Gut healing ahead. 
     

    In this article

     
    What is Butyrate?
    “Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced through microbial fermentation of dietary fibers in the gut,” explained Dr. Sara Mesilhy, a gastroenterologist. Simply put, butyrate (AKA butyric acid) is a byproduct of our gut’s natural fermentation process. When we consume fiber-rich foods, our gut bacteria digest and break down the dietary fiber in the colon and produce butyrate. “Butyrate helps control inflammation, supports the integrity of the intestinal barrier, and regulates energy expenditure,” Dr. Mesilhy continued. Juliana Tamayo, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian, added that butyrate functions as an energy source for cells in your colon, essentially allowing them to function more effectively and allowing gut microbes to flourish and help maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

    Health Benefits of Butyrate
    So we already know that butyrate lends a helping hand to the gut, but its pros don’t stop there. Research suggests that the short-chain fatty acid butyrate has multiple beneficial effects on overall human health.

    Improves gut health
    “Butyrate helps regulate the growth and function of the cells lining the colon, known as colonic epithelial cells,” explained Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, a nutritionist and ACE-certified personal trainer. In addition to promoting the health of the colon cells, Sabat cited that butyrate supports a balanced immune response and enhances the integrity of the gut barrier, reducing the likelihood of intestinal permeability and other forms of gut dysfunction, like leaky gut syndrome. What’s more, research found that enhanced production of butyrate encourages regular stool output (read: a well-functioning gastrointestinal system). 

    Enhances sleep
    “A healthier gut also means fewer problems sleeping,” Tamayo mentioned. In fact, a study suggests that butyrate is a sleep-promoting agent and plays a major role in sleep onset and sleep quality, inducing significant increases in non-rapid-eye movement sleep (NREMS) and the duration of deep sleep.

    Reduces inflammation
    Chronic inflammation is a major risk factor, which if unchecked, can eventually start damaging your healthy cells, tissues, and organs, leading to cell damage. And your gut microbiome is a key factor that regulates the level of inflammation, not only in your gut, but throughout your entire body. Enter butyrate. “Butyrate has anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation in the gut,” Sabat affirmed. “It modulates immune cell activity and reduces the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, potentially benefiting conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).”
     
    Increases insulin sensitivity
    Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive your cells are to insulin, an essential hormone that controls your blood sugar levels. A person with low insulin sensitivity also has insulin resistance, or higher blood glucose levels, which can show up as anything from unhealthy weight to fatigue or dizziness to increased risk for prediabetes. “Butyrate may have a positive impact on metabolic health,” Sabat stated. “It can improve insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose metabolism, and help regulate appetite and body weight.” 
     
    Supports brain health
    The gut microbiome is deeply connected to the brain through the gut-brain axis, a bi-directional superhighway of communication between our brain and gut, linking emotional and cognitive centers of the brain with intestinal functions. Short-chain fatty acids such as butyrate only add to their strong connection. After all, they are known to contribute to the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for neuronal survival and growth, serves as a neurotransmitter modulator, and participates in neuronal plasticity vital for learning and memory. According to Dr. Mesilhy, butyrate can protect the brain and improve its ability to adapt (also known as “plasticity”) thanks to its neuroprotective effects (read: safeguarding the central nervous system from neuronal damages caused by chronic or acute neurodegenerative diseases), thereby supporting its optimal health.

    How to Get More Butyrate
    Because the body produces butyrate when gut bacteria digest and break down dietary fiber in the colon, the simple way to get more butyrate is to eat more fiber (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and legumes) to provide the necessary substrates for gut bacteria to produce butyrate (Sabat cautioned to gradually increase your fiber intake to allow your gut bacteria to adjust and avoid digestive discomfort).  
    Sabat also explained that resistant starches (found in foods such as green bananas, potatoes, and legumes) can also be beneficial for producing butyrate because they’re not fully digested in the small intestine so they reach the colon, where they can be fermented into butyrate. Fermented foods (such as yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, or kimchi) are also a key part of butyrate production because they contain beneficial bacteria that produce butyrate. In some cases, butyrate supplements (like this or this) may be used to support gut health. These supplements deliver butyrate directly to the colon, bypassing the need for bacterial fermentation. Talk to your doctor if you’re interested in supplementation–in most cases, your body can produce all the butyrate it needs on its own when you’re eating the right foods.

    Please consult a doctor or a mental health professional before beginning any treatments. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

    Top 5 Supplement Recommendations to Boost Your Gut Health More

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    20 Life Rules Every Successful Woman Follows

    When you feel like being an adult is an active struggle, it’s easy to become envious of women who seem to have it all figured out. You know who I’m talking about—the women who naturally attract money, promotions, love, glowing skin, and shiny hair into their life. To us mere mortals, it seems as though these women glide effortlessly through life, but the truth is, they simply follow the same 20 life rules. Keep on reading to learn all about the life rules successful women follow, and watch everything around you fall into place.

    1. Love the skin you’re in
    Successful women are not immune from insecurities—they are human, after all. Nevertheless, they still make an active effort to love the skin they’re in. They’ll speak kindly to themselves and engage in self-care rituals and activities that nourish their soul regularly. Likewise, they’ll also admire their body—they’ll run their hands over it in the shower, look in the mirror, or hug themselves, and this helps them connect with themselves and increase their self-love.

    2. Always rise to the opportunity and accept new challenges
    Successful women have no trouble rising to the occasion. They’ll never say “no” to any new opportunity or challenge that comes their way because they know that life is a never-ending learning journey. While mindset helps them grow in every aspect of their life, it’s especially beneficial for their career—it makes them reliable and hardworking, and that only contributes to their success.

    3. Ask for help when you need it
    Although we’re taught that doing everything on our own is a sign of success, successful women know better. They know that doing it all often leads to exhaustion and burnout, which is why they ask for help when they need it. They’re not ashamed of this either. In fact, they know that setting aside your pride and seeking help from others is a sign of strength—not weakness.

    4. Take control of your finances
    Successful women work hard for their money, and they’ll be damned if they don’t have a handle on their finances. They make it a point to go out of their way and stay in the know when it comes to their finances. They’ll track their income and expenses, review and adjust their budget as needed, and conduct research and ask a financial expert questions when they don’t know something. Regardless of what they do, they don’t leave their financial situation up to fate.

    5. Take care of yourself
    Women who are thriving in life seem to have a natural glow to them, and it’s because they prioritize taking care of themselves. They know that health is wealth, so while they enjoy looking good, they enjoy feeling good even more. So, they’ll attend routine health checkups and dental cleanings, exercise regularly, hydrate and eat a well-rounded diet, and get plenty of rest. Likewise, they also won’t deprive themselves; they know life’s about balance, and will indulge from time to time in moderation.

    6. Invest in and bet on yourself
    Successful women have no trouble focusing their attention and putting their money towards whatever’s going to help them reach their goals. This might mean pursuing a postsecondary degree if it’ll benefit their career or taking a certification class in order to make a career change. Or, they might buy a new outfit for a once-in-a-lifetime interview to help boost their confidence. Whatever the case may be, these women have no trouble betting on themselves, and that inner confidence radiates outwards.

    7. Put yourself out there
    Putting yourself out there can be scary, but successful women do so in spite of that fear. This goes for both work and relationships. They know that stepping outside of their comfort zones is a surefire way to get noticed. So while it may be intimidating, they believe in themselves enough to take that leap of faith. More often than not, this move pays off tenfold in the end when they land their dream job or manifest their ideal partner.

    8. Don’t spend your life worried about others
    Letting go of caring what others think is sometimes easier said than done, but it’s a rule successful women swear by. They know that when it comes down to it, you can’t please everyone. Which is why they’ll surround themselves with an uplifting, positive social circle. And being surrounded by people who only want the best for you ultimately makes this rule an easy one to follow.

    9. Build an emergency fund and save for retirement
    For successful women, knowing that they can fall back on themselves financially if push comes to shove is non-negotiable. So, they prioritize building an emergency fund and saving for retirement. Not only does this help them become financially independent, but it also sets them up for success and the ability to fully enjoy the fruits of their labor and embrace their golden years when it comes time.

    10. Never compete for your partner’s love or attention
    It’s not uncommon to come across someone who makes you feel as though you have to compete for their love and attention. However, successful women won’t tolerate feeling this way from a romantic partner. If their partner ever makes them feel like this, they’ll talk to and see if they can get through to them, or they may cut their losses and part ways. Of course, every relationship is different, but ultimately, successful women don’t have time to play games and vie for their partner’s love.

    11. You are the author of your life
    It’s easy to let other people or the things that have happened to you define who you are, but successful women refuse to fall victim to that mindset. Instead, they take charge of their story because they know they are the sole author of their life. And while there will always be things that are out of their control, this ultimately makes them a force to be reckoned with.

    12. Talk to the people you care about regularly
    Everyone is busy, and it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But time can slip away all too quickly and life can change in an instant. So, successful women make it a point to talk to and connect with the people they care about regularly. It doesn’t matter if it’s over text, a call, FaceTime, or in person—all that matters is that they’re connecting. Plus, it helps remind everyone that they’re not alone, which is something we all need.

    13. Have a morning and nighttime routine
    It’s not uncommon to feel like your career, relationships, and overall responsibilities demand more of your time as you get older. But successful women make sure these demands don’t take away precious time for themselves. Instead, they combat this by having a morning and nighttime routine. Besides all the benefits that can come from having these routines, this allows them to steal and carve out extra time for themselves no matter what. And this helps them stay grounded and make strategic moves in life.

    14. Don’t apologize for your success
    Unlike many of their traditional male counterparts, women often feel the need to apologize for their success. While successful women certainly won’t brag about their accomplishments, they won’t go out of their way to hide them either. They know how hard they work for what they have and they refuse to apologize for it. And they know that their accolades simply reflect the time, effort, and dedication they’ve put in—and that’s something to be proud of.

    15. Know what you bring to the table
    The saying “know your worth, then add tax” applies here. Successful women know exactly what they bring to the table and have no trouble asking for what they deserve. They refuse to settle for being underpaid and underappreciated in every aspect of their life. So, they’ll ask for a raise if the odds are in their favor or take their talents elsewhere and surround themselves with people who love them exactly as they are.

    16. Balance is essential
    Successful women don’t buy into the mindset that life is all work and no play. Instead, they know that balance is essential. This is why they have a life outside of work—whether it’s a hobby, side hustle, or simply going out with friends. Likewise, they also carve out time for themselves and treat themselves and splurge every once in a while. In short, they let themselves enjoy life and luxuriate in it.

    17. Support other women
    Society often pits women against each other, but successful women are actively working to change that. Rather than compete against each other, successful women lift up and encourage each other wholeheartedly. They know that a win for one woman is a win for all women everywhere.

    18. Compromises shouldn’t come at the cost of happiness
    It’s no secret that relationships consist of compromise, but flourishing women don’t let those compromises come at the cost of their happiness. So while they have no problem being flexible, they won’t agree to anything that jeopardizes their overall well-being (think: giving up their career, etc.). After all, the right partner will make sure their happiness is a priority and won’t ever put it on the back burner.

    19. Look at the glass half-full
    Despite the fact that successful women aren’t immune from hardships, they still choose to look at the glass half-full. This doesn’t mean that they fall into toxic positivity—they’ll still cry, scream, and get their emotions out when they need to. Rather, it means that they remain optimistic in spite of life’s trials and tribulations. And this positive outlook is ultimately what helps them attract abundant success into their life.

    20. Set goals and go after them fearlessly
    By now, you probably know that goal-setting is vital, and successful women swear by this as well. Not only do they set goals, but they also formulate plans to reach those goals and go after them fearlessly. Ultimately, they never lose sight of their dreams. And they know that no dream is too big or unattainable—they believe in themselves and their abilities and will wake up every day and take tangible steps in the real world that help them bring their wildest dreams to fruition.

    10 Things Successful Women Do Before 9AM More

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    UAE public sector residents will have a long weekend next week

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    39 mins ago

    If you’re thinking of planning a short escape, next week might be the perfect opportunity to do so.
    The UAE government has announced the date for the Islamic New Year holiday for federal employees. Friday, July 21, will be a holiday for those who work in the federal government, on the occasion of the Hijri New Year.
    The Ministry announced today that the holiday marks the start of the Islamic year 1445, will result in a day off for public sector workers.
    Per, The Emirates Astronomy Society (ESA), the new Hijri year (Muharram 1) is likely to be on Wednesday, July 19.
    However, the dates can be changed based on when the crescent moon is spotted.
    When is the next long weekend?
    The next public holiday after New Year is just over two months away as Prophet Mohammed’s birthday falls on Friday, September 29, which also gives people a long weekend.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @visitabudhabi More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Here’s what happened when we dined at Heston Blumenthal’s Michelin-star culinary haven

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    4 hours ago

    Atlantis The Royal in The Palm beckons discerning epicureans to indulge in its exquisite gastronomic offerings.
    Boasting an impressive line-up of culinary masterpieces crafted by world-renowned chefs, it stands as a beacon of unrivalled luxury and culinary excellence, putting Dubai on the map as a culinary hotspot.
    A can’t-miss experience? Dining at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal. This exceptional culinary destination offers an exquisite dining experience of unparalleled culinary artistry that transcends expectations.
    Having earned its prestigious Michelin star this year, this exceptional restaurant nestled within Atlantis The Royal invites guests on an extraordinary gastronomic journey curated by the visionary chef, Heston Blumenthal.

    The renowned Michelin star chef Heston Blumenthal OBE, reigns as an emblem of culinary prowess, commanding the epicurean stage with his signature style that exudes refined decadence. Blending avant-garde techniques with an unwavering commitment to the timeless British classics, Blumenthal’s gastronomic creations transport diners on a captivating journey through taste and texture. From his humble beginnings in Oxfordshire to the opulence of his world-renowned restaurants, each dish meticulously crafted by Blumenthal embodies an exquisite symphony of flavours, artfully harmonised to tantalise the senses.
    Chef Heston Blumenthal OBE comments, “Atlantis The Royal and Dubai were the perfect locations for Dinner outside of London, I like the idea of the juxtaposition of the old and the new, historically inspired recipes reimagined with modern techniques; so there’s the old and the new, housing it in an incredible new building; Atlantis, on the sea in Dubai.”
    THE AMBIENCE
    Stepping into Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is akin to entering a world where time-honoured traditions meet avant-garde innovation. The theatre of the Tudor dining experience, adorned with contemporary accents and a harmonious colour palette, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. A notable part of the decor is the pineapple rotisserie installation featuring a pulley system and clock that powers a clockwork spit roast in the kitchen that cooks the pineapples.
    Blumenthal shares, “The Dubai venue has something extra special that our London guests won’t see, a giant pineapple escapement, which is the magical centrepiece of the restaurant, that also provides a functional element, turning the rotisserie which has roasted pineapples on it. Pineapples, historically, were unbelievably expensive, they were seen as unbelievable luxury… and so ours will signify adventure, exploration and discovery”

    THE HERO DISHES
    The menu at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal is a symphony of flavours, showcasing Blumenthal’s unique vision and culinary expertise with dishes offering edible history dating as far back as the Medieval and Victorian times. Inspired by historical British recipes, each dish ignites the senses with re-imagined culinary delights that are a masterful blend of traditional elements and modern techniques.
    A five-course tasting menu starts out with an intriguing bite-sized caviar ball covered with white chocolate followed by an exceptional serving of sherried scallops cooked to perfection. The real dining experience though begins once the “Meat Fruit” is served – an unexpected true showstopper of the night. This iconic dish, presented as a vibrant mandarin, is a flawless revelation and recreation of a medieval delicacy. Delicately crafted chicken liver parfait, encased in a citrus-infused gel, delights the palate with its velvety texture and exquisite balance of flavours.

    As the feast progresses, the “Roast Halibut” a succulent fish cooked to perfection is served with a medley of seasonal vegetables and a green rich, buttery sauce with a side of triple-cooked fries. Not bland nor boring, the marriage of flavours is nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the harmonious interplay between the ingredients and the unwavering dedication to sourcing the finest produce. It is then followed by the “Powdered Duck Breast”, a complex and rich main paired with duck hearts and pickled cherries with braised red cabbage is a testament to the level of detail that goes into each dish.
    No gastronomic journey would be complete without a sweet nitrogen-infused conclusion, and the “Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream” does not disappoint. However, what stands out from the dessert menu is another signature creation that marries simplicity with decadence. The “Tipsy Cake” is a fluffy brioche lightly basted in Sauternes, baked to golden perfection, and served alongside a generous dollop of spit-roasted pineapple – a fitting finale for guests with discerning palates.

    THE SERVICE
    Complementing the culinary offerings, the restaurant offers an extensive beverage list including an impressive selection of vintages from around the world. The sommelier’s expertise and guidance elevate the dining experience to new heights of sophistication, as they effortlessly curate and pair each course with a perfectly suited beverage, enhancing the overall sensory journey.
    The attentive and knowledgeable team at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal elevates the experience further, giving the highest standards of service. From the moment you are welcomed to the final farewell, their impeccable attention to detail and genuine passion for gastronomy create an atmosphere of indulgence and exclusivity. Each dish is presented with precision and finesse, and the staff’s profound knowledge of the menu ensures that every culinary nuance is brought to life.
    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied by Atlantis The Royal More

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    All the times Salt Bae impressed the royal families around the world

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    A viral sensation who became famous for his meat-slapping, salt-sprinkling and signature sunglasses in no time, Nusr-et one of the most visited restaurants in Dubai.
    Chef Nusret Gökçe, also known as ‘Salt Bae’, has impressed many celebrity A-listers around the world, but he has also become a hit amongst the royal crowd.
    After winning credit for all his memes, he’s surely managed to wow royal families from around the world, as well as here in the UAE.
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai

    Sharing a photo to Facebook, the chef revealed the Ruler of Dubai visited one of his establishments back in 2017. The Ruler of Dubai paid a further visit to his Jumeriah Beach Road restaurant in 2018.
    His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

    With restaurants both in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, is seen laughing in this image, as he received yet another royalty’s stamp of approval. The shared image of him displays him shaking hands with the royal, captioning it “The King”. His Highness paid a visit to Salt Bae in 2017 in Dubai.
    King Mohammed VI of Morocco

    Belonging to the Alaouite dynasty, the King of Morocco was snapped in the lovely image with Salt Bae which he captioned saying, “Thank you for visiting me.” The monarch paid a visit to Dubai back in 2018.
    Jordan’s King Abdullah II & Queen Rania

    Posing with Jordan’s reigning monarch King Abdullah II and his wife Queen Rania, Salt Bae met the royals in 2017. Upon their visit three years ago, Salt Bae shared some photos of himself with the Jordanian royals and thanked both the king and queen for their hospitality and generosity.
    On our next visit to the world-renowned restaurant, we hope to capture a snap with Salt Bae himself if he’s in town.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Emirates now allows passengers to charter a private jet for short-haul flights

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    18 mins ago

    Looking to get to your destination without any added hassle? Emirates now introduces private jets to meet your bespoke travel needs.
    The UAE’s local airline has now announced that travellers can now embark on a journey of comfort and luxury with the private jet that’s all set to hit the skies soon.
    Curated for short haul services from Al Maktoum International Airport, the latest on-demand regional charter service is operated by the airline’s Phenom 100 twin-engine aircraft.
    What are the destinations to travel to?
    Passengers can choose from a wide range of destinations both within and outside of the Emirates network. The carrier says it will offer quick turnarounds to points in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and within the UAE, seating up to four passengers.

    What to expect onboard?
    On the duration of the flight passengers can expect a hamper of light bits and refreshments along with a luggage allowance of one medium-sized bag with a maximum weight of 15 kgs and a carry-on bag. For any additional requests, a dedicated travel agent shall be assigned to meet your requirements.
    What are the Bespoke services offered?
    If you’re flying out of Dubai you will be able to use the Emirates Chauffeur Drive Services to transport you from Al Maktoum Airport. There will be a dedicated representative to support you through the airport journey, limiting wait time. The journey features services such as on-ground escorted arrival and quick VIP clearance at customs, as well as immigration by private terminal service partners and access to the private terminal lounge upon arrival.
    Customers can now book this hassle-free experience through their preferred travel agent or by contacting [email protected] and visiting emirates.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More