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      12 exquisite fine-dining Italian restaurants to try in Dubai

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      Transport yourself to the heart of Italy with Dubai’s most loved Amalfi-inspired havens.
      From freshly-baked pizzas to authentic handmade pastas topped with fresh parmesan, Italian restaurants are sure to impress on any special occasion with its universally loved dishes and romantic environment.
      Be it a simple cacio e pepe and margherita pizza eaten with friends or an extravagant lobster rigatoni laced with caviar and truffle, each restaurant inspired by the Amalfi coast is sure to tantalise your taste buds with the finest ingredients.
      To see where to book next, we’ve selected the ones that consistently come on top and have been tried-and-tested by the Emirates Woman team.
      Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

      Il Borro Dubai opened back in 2017, and has made a mark in the UAE with its sumptuous delicacy and luxe ambience. Il Borro has managed to become the hotspot in town for a casual fine dining experience within the Italian circle of restaurants offering seasonal menu offerings for both lunch and dinner. The hero dishes include the Bresaola di Chianina, parmesan cheese and wild rocket horseradish mousse. Located in Jumeirah Al Naseem, this one-of-a-kind Italian hotspot is a must visit.
      For more information visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
      The Artisan

      The renowned Italian restaurant, The Artisan has a host of new À La Carte dishes where each item on the menu is carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, presenting traditional flavours in an elegant way. From homemade potato gnocchi to homemade cappellacci, there are a host of hearty dishes that transport guests to Lombardy in northern Italy. The Artisan’s new menu is a celebration of traditional Italian food, crafted with elegance and sophistication. With dishes that highlight the flavours of every region, diners can embark on a gastronomic journey without ever leaving the comfort of their seats. Located in Waldorf Astoria in DIFC, it’s open from Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am.
      For more information visit theartisan.ae
      Scalini

      Captivating and contemporary artwork adorns the walls and diners are seated at elegant tables with crisp white linens, delicately accented with subtle hints of sage green soft furnishings and chic and elegantly refined tableware. Guests are invited to indulge in Scalini’s exquisite menu, with thoughtfully curated dishes that capture the essence of quintessential Italian cuisine, designed to be shared between friends, family and loved ones. Located at Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah.
      For more information visit scalini-dubai.com
      Roberto’s

      This contemporary Italian restaurant has won the hearts of many, including ours. With fresh ingredients flown in from Italy, each dish is crafted to perfection. From oysters to Rawberto’s platters, this restaurant is a seafood delight. A must-try from their dessert menu is the freshly made in-house pistachio ice cream served with extra virgin olive oil which has now become a signature for tourists to try from around the globe. The restaurant is located in DIFC, Gate Village 1.
      For more information visit robertosrestaurants.com
      Cinque

      Whether it’s a lively gathering with friends, a family celebration, or a romantic date night, Cinque promises an extraordinary dining experience at FIVE Palm Jumeirah. This reconginised Italian restaurant defies culinary convention by fusing Japanese-inspired and Umami-infused twists, making this an unforgettable meal for any occasion. For a private experience with Chef Mauro Di Leo, guests can experience an 11-course meal with a minimum group of 6 and maximum 12 people. The meal consists of authentic Sicilian dishes with dishes such as Balfego Tuna, Sea Urchin Panna Cotta, Modica chocolate and much more priced at Dhs650 per person for 11 dishes and Dhs1,100 per person for 11 courses along with Italian wine paring. All bookings must be made 36 hours in advance.
      For more information visit palmjumeirah.fivehotelsandresorts.com
      Luna Rossa

      To savour authentic Italian dishes, this all day dining spot is located in the heart of Dubai in Business Bay. From traditional pizzas to signature creations like the indulgent Pappardelle alla Genovese di Manzo, the freshness of our Tartare di Gambero Rosso di Mazara del Vallo, and the decadent Pizza Tartufella, our menu offers a diverse culinary journey. Each dish embodies our commitment to authentic Italian dining, ensuring a memorable experience for every palate. It’s open daily from 8am to midnight.
      For more information visit lunarossa.com
      Limonata

      Visit the new stunning beach restaurant Limonata, inspired by the vibrant nostalgia of 1960s Italian coastal char. With each dish being an outcome of a passionate odyssey through the heart of authentic flavors, guests can expect a myriad of delicious dishes including alluring antipasti, refreshing salads, moreish, which include a symphony of culinary creations that are an ode to Italian coastal culture. Located at Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, it’s open daily from 12pm to 2am.
      Chic Nonna

      The Italian restaurant Chic Nonna is the perfect date-night spot or restaurant to visit with your friends. With state-of-the-art interiors and a high-quality menu, the restaurant is complete with an open-plan kitchen, the largest wine cellar in the region and a sophisticated chef’s table. To create an inviting ambience, the space has warm cosy interiors reminiscent of a traditional Italian home. To make any visit even more memorable the venue offers engaging live entertainment with a striking DJ booth and raised stage for live performances. For the seafood enthusiasts, the terrace has an exclusive Crudo Bar that serves a selection of raw fish Located in the heart of DIFC, this sophisticated haven is a must-visit this weekend.
      For more information visit chicnonna.com
      Cipriani

      With restaurants the globe over, Cipriani made its mark on Dubai in 2016. Serving exceptional Italian cuisine, the Cipriani brand has been a universally recognized icon of hospitality for four generations since Guiseppe Cipriani Senior first opened Harry’s Bar in Venice, back in May 1931. Open all around the world in New York, Venice, Moscow, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Cipriani has made its impact in several countries as it continues to serve the finest. Located in Gate village number 10, DIFC and open daily from 12pm to 2am.
      For more information visit Cipriani.com
      L’Amo Bistro Del Mare

      Experience the outdoors at L’Amo Bistro Del Mare and enjoy a delicious meal and special beverages in the comfort of the open-air seating area. Equipped with comfortable seating, parasols for shade, and an outdoor bar, with a delicious selection of Italian dishes and drinks on the beautiful terrace, with stunning harbor views. With an array of options to choose from the menu, diners can indulge in a fresh Plateau Royale, L’Amo Bistro del Mare’s famous Seafood platter that includes Italian red prawns, Italian violet prawns, langoustine and more. Located at Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, it’s open from Monday to Friday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11:30pm while on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 11:30pm.
      For more information visit lamorestaurant.com
      Il Ristorante – Niko Romito

      The restaurant showcases framed iconic Bulgari archive photographs and brand heritage images that recall over 130 years of Roman jewellery history. Known for using fresh Italian ingredients flown in from Italy, each dish is carefully created and takes guests on a gastronomic tour. The menu varies from dishes such as homemade pasta, Spaghetti e pomodoro and more. To end the dinner,visitors can opt for the tiramisu or one of the seasonal creations like the buffalo stracciatella cheese ice cream, balsamic vinegar and wild blackberries. Located at the Bulgari Hotel, this one-of-a-kind restaurant, can instantly elevate any evening.
      For more information visit bulgarihotels.com
      Pierchic

      Perhaps one of Dubai’s most iconic locations, Pierchic boasts unparalleled sea views, overlooking the Burj Al Arab. If you want a wow destination that makes an impact this is it. The food is also exceptional, as overseen by Head Chef Beatrice Segoni. Take a short stroll post-dinner across the water and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. Located at Jumeirah Al Qasr, this restaurant is a must-visit.
      For more information visit jumeirah.com
      Alici

      Located on Bluewaters Island, Alici Dubai brings the heart of the Amalfi Coast to the Middle East. Specialising in seafood, but doing it the Italian way, the restaurant ensures the best quality in its produce and delivers nothing but the best in quality dining, both in experience and food with dishes ranging from the seared seabass fillet to the topinanbur cream.
      For more information visit alici.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @sofierichie More

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      8 luxe staycations Eid al-Fitr staycation deals to book in the UAE

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 8 IMAGES
      With the long 9-day potential weekend coming up, we all need to ensure we have plans to take a break from our hectic schedule.
      With a surge in prices to travel abroad, planning a getaway in the UAE might be the best options. For those looking to switch-off, there are a myriad of last-minute staycations to book without any hassle of travelling.
      So, for a quick escape with your loved ones swipe through our guide of hotels and resorts to visit in the UAE.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @zozoewitherspoon More

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      5 ice baths in Dubai to keep you cool after a workout

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      58 mins ago

      Looking to cool down after an intense workout session?
      Here are five of the best ice bath spots to visit in Dubai to calm your muscles and to ensure you’re ready for the next HITT or spin class.
      Embody Fitness

      Embody Fitness offers state-of-the art recovery suites, Olympic standard gym equipment, sport therapy treatment rooms, luxury changing rooms and a healthy café. For expert sports therapy, customers can utilise the modern recovery suite including infrared saunas, ice baths and sports therapy treatment rooms to improve their performance to the next level. Located in ICD Brookfield, the session is priced at Dhs130 for 60 minutes and Dhs1,200 for unlimited sessions per month.
      Contrast

      Guests can experience an immersive ice bath to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, aid muscle recovery and strengthen mental resilience, making it the perfect modality to complement the sauna experience. As a sanctuary for recovery, visitors can soothe, switch off, rest and recharge. With both hot and cold therapy, guests have the choice to promote relaxation and detoxification. Located at Golden Mile 6, Palm Jumeirah, the Ice Bath is priced at Dhs95 per 30-minute session.
      ReFIVE Spa

      Plunge into the icy cool waters at the Ice Bath at ReFIVE Spa Palm Jumeirah. After quickly becoming one of the top wellness treatments, this cold-water immersion action has an array of epic benefits including faster muscle recovery, improved sleep patterns, stress reduction and even boosting immunity. With the assistance of the trained therapists, you immerse for as long as your body needs while coaching you through with breathwork and meditation exercises. Located at Five Jumeirah Village, the Ice bath therapy is priced at Dhs125 per session.
      Boxica

      Guests can opt for this regimented training technique to regulate the nervous system and train the vagus nerve which is linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. Beneficial to anyone, ice baths are recommended to be between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius. This experience is designed to improve mood, completemental clarity, reduce inflammation,muscle soreness and conquer fear. Located in Dubai Studio City, the sessions are priced at Dhs100 for Boxica members and Dhs150 for non-members.
      Longevity

      Longevity offers a variety of wellness treatments focused on athletic recovery and performance, including infrared saunas, sports massages, yoga, stretching, and mobility treatments, in addition to ice baths. Founder Dani Afiouni is a passionate mountaineer with extensive experience in endurance sports and brought his expertise to Dubai to allow athletes and health enthusiasts to use cold water immersion to unlock their bodies’ recovery potential. Located at Umm Suqeim, Warehouse #S6, the cold dip is priced at Dhs115 per session.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Being a Little ‘Delulu’ Can Help You Accomplish Your Biggest Goals

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      I’m no stranger to “being delusional.” I mean, I got a degree in music theatre, and I actively play professional dress-up for a living, so I have to live in the delulu at least a little bit for the sake of my career. But even before I entered into the performing arts, leaning into my delusion was crucial for me to believe that I could make it in such an unpredictable industry—especially since I entered into it during COVID, which we know was precisely when every theatre basically shut down. While some might have called it a day and changed their career path, I found an absurd amount of delusion (or what I like to call courage), and I stuck to what I loved to do. Now, I write professional pretender on my taxes.
      So when I say I’m a little delulu, I don’t mean that I spend my life tricking myself into believing that I’m going to marry every cutie I run into at the airport (although I have and will continue to do that). Instead, I mean that I believe in my wildest dreams, knowing that consistency, courage, hard work, and a ruthlessly optimistic mindset can help me achieve them.
      So, like a big sister or the bad influence friend your parents warned you about (you decide), I’m sharing how you too can lean into your delulu so that you can start checking off some of your dreams on your vision board—no matter how big or far out of reach they seem.
      What does it mean to be delusional?
      If you look up the definition of delusional, Merriam-Webster gives a rather pessimistic view of the word: something that is falsely or delusively believed or propagated. We’ve all thrown the word delusional around from time to time—like when your bestie goes on about the various reasons why their Hinge match isn’t responding or how they’re saving money for a trip to Mexico because it’s cheaper than therapy.
      To be honest, I used to view delusion as an insult and that being “in my own little world” was a bad thing, but it wasn’t until recently that I considered a different definition of the word that is less negative and rather rooted in optimism and bravery. Being “delulu” nowadays means less about being unrealistic and more about having an insane amount of self-courage and belief that you are capable of achieving whatever you set your mind to.
      How can being “delulu” benefit you?
      In doing some research about finding a job in the performing arts (and outside of it because, you know, COVID), I came across a survey done by LinkedIn that stated men apply to jobs they are only 60 percent qualified for, while women tend to only apply to jobs they are 100 percent qualified for. What in the patriarchy is this?! I did feel unqualified for the jobs I wanted to apply to, even though I was more than halfway done with my degree at the time, and I was tempted to just throw in the towel. But at the same time, while I believe some men could benefit from a little modesty, I knew the only way to turn this mojo dojo casa house around was to learn from men’s delusion and start gaining the courage to apply to jobs I didn’t think I was qualified for anyway.
      Being qualified is as much about having the right mindset as it is about having experience and accolades. In my case, having a degree in music may seem unconventional, but it taught me how to problem-solve, be detail-oriented, think fast on my feet, and manage high-stress situations… all skills that are highly sought after at a more “practical” occupation if I had to go that route. Realizing this made me think, “How unqualified could I really be?!“

      Stepping into your delulu can give the extra push you need to make progress toward your biggest goals.

      If you’re interested in a job or you’re wildly passionate about something, you’ll automatically put more energy and effort into it than someone who would rather be doing anything else—and that will show. So, whether it’s a job you’re after or a hard-to-reach goal, brainstorm what it will take to get to it. Then, think about what you already have going for you and consider what overlaps between the two. Soon, you’ll see that the connection is much less daunting, and your goal could actually be achievable. Basically, in doing this, you’ll realize that what you’re lacking is enough delusion (AKA a beautiful concoction of courage, patience, and determination) and not the actual qualifications that it takes to achieve your goals.
      What can happen when you step into your delusion?
      When I changed my mindset from thinking I was unqualified to thinking, “Why not me? Why wouldn’t it work out?” I started to walk into interviews believing that I deserved a seat at the table. My newfound courage and confidence allowed me to show my curiosity, ambition, and relentless work ethic—which I wouldn’t have done if I let myself believe I wasn’t good enough or qualified enough to be there. Stepping into your delulu can give you the extra push you need to make progress toward your biggest goals. And as soon as you change your thought process to believing in yourself, you give others permission to believe in you, too.
      Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder or pounding the pavement trying to get someone important to see your art, your delulu can help you open new doors. Have you been waiting an eternity to make partner? You actually are capable of starting your own firm. Are you having trouble getting someone to cast you? Perhaps it’s time to produce a one-person show. Did your male coworker get a raise, and you didn’t? A meeting with your boss to discuss why you deserve one, too, is imperative.

      Being qualified is as much about having the right mindset as it is about having experience and accolades.

      Even though the things you set your mind to can be intimidating at times, being a little delusional that everything will work out can give you the courage to go for it. This doesn’t mean that you’re skipping the hard work that it will take—it just means that you’re brave enough to take on that hard work because you know you’re capable of achieving your dream life.
      Final thoughts
      Delusion doesn’t equal skipping important steps—I’m not going to try to sweet-talk my way into becoming a surgeon… that would be bad for all parties involved. The point is to be delusional in what you think you are capable of accomplishing. To be delusional into thinking someone will take a chance on you. To be delusional into thinking that your resume five years post-grad is competitive with someone 25 years post-grad.
      Everyone successful that you look up to had to be a little delusional to think they could get to the top and that they were the best person for the job. So be delulu, and you’ll soon realize that the delusion isn’t actually that far from the truth. Also, remember the TikTok trend going around right now, “How hard can it be? Boys do it.” So, really, how hard can it be to be delusional? Boys do it! More

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      Curious about the Mercury Retrograde in Aries? Here’s how it will impact you

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      Embracing the Cosmic Dance: Navigating Mercury Retrograde in Aries.
      As the cosmos align in their intricate dance, we find ourselves amidst the energetic whirlwind of Mercury retrograde in Aries.
      Far from a mere astrological phenomenon, this period invites us to embark on a journey of self-discovery, renewal, and transformation.
      In the larger scheme of things, Mercury’s retrograde motion serves as a cosmic pause button, urging us to slow down, reflect, and realign with our inner truth. While popular culture often paints Mercury retrograde as a time of chaos and miscommunication, its true essence lies in the opportunity for introspection and growth.

      In the fiery realm of Aries, the first sign of the zodiac, we are called to embrace the bold and courageous aspects of our being. This transit encourages us to reassess our approach to communication, assertiveness, and self-expression. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we have the chance to shed old patterns and emerge stronger and more authentic than ever before.
      At the heart of Mercury retrograde lies the invitation to ask better questions. Rather than accepting things at face value, we are encouraged to delve deeper into our beliefs, perceptions, and motivations. This period serves as a catalyst for personal evolution, challenging us to examine the stories we tell ourselves and the narratives that shape our reality.
      As Mercury journeys through the sign of the Ram, we are reminded of the importance of balance between impulsivity and introspection. While Aries energy inspires us to take bold leaps forward, it also calls for moments of pause and reflection. By harnessing the power of our intuition and intellect, we can navigate this retrograde with clarity and grace.

      In the midst of cosmic chaos, we are guided by the wisdom of Blue Sapphire, a crystal ally that supports mental clarity and spiritual expansion. With its soothing energy, we can find solace amidst the storm, tapping into our inner wisdom and embracing the transformative potential of this celestial dance.
      As we navigate the twists and turns of Mercury retrograde in Aries, let us remember that we are not merely passive observers, but active participants in the cosmic symphony.
      In the end, Mercury retrograde is not a time to fear, but a time to embrace the magic of the universe and the infinite possibilities that lie within. So let us dance with the stars, embrace the chaos, and emerge reborn, ready to embrace our truest selves and manifest our deepest desires.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram: @sarashakeel More

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      Candlelight Concerts by Fever’s Middle East team lead shares her musical journey

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Candlelight was initially conceived as a classical music series with concerts featuring works by renowned composers, such as Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin.
      Now, the ever-growing list of programs includes a wide variety of themes and genres, including tributes to contemporary artists like Queen, ABBA and more. This innovative format provides a unique live musical experience, offering a variety of programs to meet all tastes.
      The Candlelight Concerts Middle East team lead Lina Oudghiri has been passionate about the arts for most of her life.
      Her role as the Candlelight Team Lead in the Middle East allowed her to merge her business acumen with her passion for art. Bringing a fundamentally modern vision to the classical music experience, they have reached a broad audience of age, nationality, and social background, thus promoting diversity in the region’s cultural landscape – a feat she credits as one of her proudest achievements. Under her leadership, Candlelight has seen much success in the Middle East, with the community expanding with each new concert.
      To delve further, Emirates Woman spoke to Candlelight Concert by Fever’s Middle East Oudghiri to learn how her journey began.
      Talk us through your background.
      My background is quite diverse. I was born and raised in Morocco, where I developed a passion for the arts early in life, particularly ballet and contemporary dance. Later, I moved to France to pursue studies in Literature and Business. After university, I entered the world of television and advertising as Client Director for France Televisions Publicite, where I focused on high-quality television and digital programs that positively impact the brands through advertising and sponsorship. I joined Fever in April 2022 to spearhead the Candlelight Concert Series in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where classical music events were often aimed at a niche audience. As the Candlelight Team Lead in the Middle East, I’ve been able to combine my strategic mindset with my love for the arts.
      You learned ballet and contemporary dance early on – tell us more.
      This passion is the foundation of who I am today. Ballet taught me discipline, to fight for what I loved, to never give up, and to work hard until I become the best version of myself. Discipline allowed me to acquire a certain technique that later would be the basis of my fulfillment in contemporary dance.
      Your role as the Candlelight Team Lead in the Middle East allowed Lina to merge her business acumen with her passion for art – how do you balance both?
      My love for art has given me the demand for excellence. I am immensely proud of what we produce. I have a great affection for the artists we work with, and I consider that each one has contributed to the great structure of Candlelight Middle East. But to ensure Candlelight’s success, we must not forget that it is a business. It is necessary to understand the desires of our audience and the trends, and to manage all the teams involved in this project to ensure its expansion. There is a fine line between artistic intuition and the public’s taste. Fortunately, and this is where the Candlelight model stands out, we benefit from a vast database based on concerts that take place in more than 150 cities worldwide and which alternate between more than 100 musical programs. There is no crystal ball, there is just data that tells us what to play, when, where, for whom, and how!
      Classical music is seen with its innovative format – talk us through the journey of each concert.
      One of our goals at Fever is to inspire our users with innovative experiences by creating new ‘Fever Original’ ideas that we know will interest them. We launched the Candlelight Concerts in 2019 after realizing the need to make classical music accessible to a wider audience, reaching beyond the core demographic of classical music enthusiasts. We started by testing different concepts and quickly found that the audiences who attended were keen on more intimate experiences. They also shared concerns about the length of traditional classical concerts being too long and not knowing how to dress or behave at events which had always seemed more “grand and elite”.

      Candlelight Concerts by Fever offers a variety of programs to meet all tastes – what are some of the most interesting concerts so far?
      We develop Candlelight concert programs by combining recommendations from our dedicated in-house music curation team, the data received by analyzing global metrics, and feedback from audiences and musicians. So far, in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, we have already presented some of our global best-selling programs, including concerts featuring works by renowned composers such as Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin and tributes to contemporary artists like Queen and Coldplay. We are also always looking to meet our local audiences’ expectations and create programs that cater to varied tastes. For example, we’ve presented performances in Dubai and Abu Dhabi featuring A Century of Iconic Arabic Music and Indian Music Night which is exclusive to the region.
      The Candlelight Concert Series in the UAE and Saudi Arabia – How did it all begin?
      At Fever, our mission is to democratiSe access to culture and entertainment in the regions where we are present. Classical music is very niche, so the essence of the Candlelight concerts is to bring a fundamentally modern vision to the classical music experience to reach a broad audience of age, nationality, and social background, thus promoting diversity in the cultural landscape. We had seen the experience’s success in many cities worldwide, so thought bringing it to the ever-evolving cultural scene of the Middle East was a step in the right direction. With this in mind, we started with our first concert – Best of Chopin performed by Aldo Dotto. We were sold out after a few days of sales. 1.5 years later we are still sold out to almost all our Chopin’s shows and Aldo is still one of our best artists. And as they say, the rest is history. We had the pleasure of celebrating the UAE with an incredible public concert in the Founder’s Memorial in Abu Dhabi. Over 1,600 attendees immersed themselves in an exclusive musical program, combining piano and traditional Arabic instruments for a rediscovery of the region’s musical legends.
      Candlelight has seen much success in the Middle East, with the community expanding with each new concert. – What lies ahead?
      Our success in the Middle East has been wonderful, and we are looking forward to the exciting possibilities the future holds as we continue to expand our community. We want to diversify our programs further, reach even wider audiences, and contribute to the region’s cultural richness. The journey involves continued innovation and collaboration to make classical music a vibrant and integral part of the Middle East’s cultural landscape.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
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      ‘Creating a lean body requires having muscles’: Fitness instructor Courtney Black shares

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      How fitness instructor Courtney Black is revamping the fitness industry with her own personal journey.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
      I wake up super early, some mornings before 5am. I love waking up before anyone else has started their day and making the most of my mornings. I find such calm in knowing I can get my workouts filmed, have a coffee, plan my day ahead and not have any interruptions.
      How did you get into personal training?
      I first went on my personal training course to learn how to lose more weight. This was at the height of my eating disorder. I struggled in my relationship with food for many years and used fitness as punishment. Under-nourishing my body and constantly seeing fitness as a way to out work any food I had ate. I lost so much of my spark, my personality, and my joy for life. I knew I needed to make a change and when I started to study fitness and nutrition, I realised just how little I knew. I wanted to be the best version of myself and help women become the best version of themselves too.
      What makes your programme different to all the ones out there?
      I focus on getting fit and feeling your best. Feeling happy and healthy with me by your side every step of the way. I focus on the personal approach to fitness and my app allows me to train in real time with my subscribers and makes one-tone personal training more affordable and easily accessible with my workouts being focused on home workouts making working out easily accessible and sustainable for the busy working woman, the mothers, the people who have gym anxiety and people who simply do not want to pay for a gym membership. I change people’s lives not only by the way they look but also by the way they feel. They love fitness and look forward to their workouts.
      What advice would you give to women who struggle to stick to a diet/exercise regime because they are always on the go or because they live such busy lives?
      That’s exactly why I created my app. The workouts are quick, effective, and will transform your body, but they also are so easily accessible. We do not need to overcomplicate fitness. Planning your week is super important and so is prioritising time for your workouts. Sometimes things will come up and this will change but having a solid plan is so helpful. Nutrition is simple when you plan ahead of time also, prepping meals or having your favourite healthy deliveries on hands when you haven’t been able to cook. Make food choices that you know are going to help you achieve your fitness goals but also give you energy, make you productive at work and glow from the inside out!
      How important do you think diet or exercise is to make a change to your body?
      Your workout is such a small percentage of your day. What you do around that workout is what matters most. If you push yourself during your workouts but you are not fuelling around them, you will not recover quickly and be able to perform at your best. If you aren’t eating well and prioritising high protein, high fibre and healthy fats you will not feel and look your best. You need whole foods and soul foods. Having a healthy diet is also having a balanced diet so allowing room for foods that also make you happy is key.
      “For me, having an abundance of health and happiness is key to living a good quality life. It will make you more productive, more energised, more open to trying new things”

      Your fitness app Courtney Black contains everything from homeworkouts to healthy recipies – where do you get inspiration from?
      I have always loved creating new workouts that people will enjoy. Making fitness fun has always been a passion of mine so thinking of new workouts and filming for my app is so rewarding for me. Seeing the incredible life changing transformations is a bonus. I listen to my audience, I listen to what they want from their workouts, what they enjoy and how they want to feel and I work from there. I get my inspiration from my subscribers and my followers and build my workouts from there. Food has always been such a huge passion of mine, I love finding ways to make healthy food extremely delicious. This is really easy to do and that’s why I post recipes to my Instagram and my app.
      Cardio or strength training – which do you think is more important?
      Both are important for different reasons. Cardio keeps us fit, our hearts healthy and gives us those endorphins that make us feel great. Cardio should be done alongside strength training for optimal results. Even if your goal isn’t weight loss, cardio is so beneficial to our health (this could even be going for a walk). Strength training is what gives our bodies shape. Creating a lean body requires having muscle. Women are sometimes scared to lift weights because they are afraid of getting bulky but infact this is what is going to give the toned look. My transformative method of training includes strength and conditioning to build a healthy and strong body, a strong core and transformed physique.
      What is your own personal approach to health and fitness?
      I love pushing myself out of my comfort zones. What doesn’t challenge you, doesn’t change you. You will never progress in your fitness journey if you aren’t ready to be uncomfortable. Change is always uncomfortable. It’s also so rewarding.
      This is The Abundance Issue – how do you focus on an abundance mindset?
      You can never have enough health. You can never be too healthy. You can never focus on your health and mindset enough. For me, having an abundance of health and happiness is key to living a good quality life. It will make you more productive, more energised, more open to trying new things. Having the mindset to always feel your best is a winning mentality.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      Images: Supplied More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      9 luxurious abundance mindset accounts to follow

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      22 mins ago

      A curated guide of accounts to #follow on Instagram.
      Aubade Jewelry@aubadejewelry

      Kuwaiti-founded fine-jewellery boutique with a cool eye for detail.
      Louis Vuitton@louisvuitton

      The legend.
      The Sourced Collection@thesourcedcollection__

      High-quality key pieces with an edge.
      OFA@ofaofficial

      Luxurious pieces created in collaboraion with Dubai’s best artisans.
      L’Artisan Parfumeur@lartisanparfumeur

      Fragrances crafted with artisanal finesse.
      Bab Al Shams Desert Resort@babalshamshotel

      A rare desert property captivating the unending beauty of Arabia.
      FFORME@fforme

      This sartorial brands focuses on craftsmanship to create unconventional essentials.
      Abadia@abadiaofficial

      This ethical luxury brand supports artisans and celebrates culture.
      Jewelry by Toi@jewelrybytoi

      The first Emirati fine jewellery line to be worn at Cannes Film Festival.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      April’s – The Abundance Issue with Louis Vuitton – Download Now
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @wendyswan More