More stories

  • in

    Acqua di Parma and Roberto’s come together for an unforgettable evening in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    59 mins ago

    Ever embarked on an olfactory dining journey? Well, here’s an opportunity to experience this in the heart of Dubai.
    Delve into Acqua di Parma’s iconic scents in a new light through the world of fine dining at this DIFC homegrown restaurant.
    This month, Roberto’s will launch a limited-edition menu on March 16 with a harmoniously curated menu for guests can savour the olfactory notes of for an elevated evening. With exquisite attention to detail, every element is carefully thought out to take perfumery a step further.

    This dining experience will feature a delectable spread of dishes such as Risotto Carnaroli al Lemongrass, Pepe Rosa e Bergamotto by amping up the notch culinary at this Italian haven Salsa allo Zafferano to name a few and conclude with irresistible deserts such as Zuppetta di Ciliege e Rabarbaro and more.
    To complement the menu, the restaurant has curated various of mocktails and cocktails reminiscent of Aqcua di Parma’s Colonia in every sip. Priced at Dhs55 per drink, it will be available from 7pm to 3am for a one-of-a-kind evening.

    As a night to remember, guests can continue their evening with celebrations at Roberto’s Bar Scala with an afterparty to appreciate the finer things in life.
    Priced at Dhs500 per person, this fine-dining experience takes place from 7pm to 11:30pm at Gate Village Building 1, for a one-of-a-kind evening to celebrate exceptional cuisine and the brand’s iconic fragrances. Officially launching on March 16, 2023, guests can make a reservation on robertosrestaurants.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    A new homegrown dining haven BohoX now opens its doors in the heart of Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: There’s no dearth of delectable eateries in Dubai, the latest to join the list is BohoX—a homegrown cafe centrally located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard.

    Rooted within the foundation of community and creativity—the two-storey cafe boasts a modern and welcoming aesthetic. The interiors are infused with botanical energy, featuring verdant plants that will make for the perfect Instagram backdrop. With an earthy palette, natural elements and wooden interiors, the BohoX cafe is a little oasis in the bustling city. Offering both indoor and al fresco dining options, diners get to enjoy their preferred seating arrangements according to the weather.

    The expansive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu at BohoX has something for everyone. Even for those who are always on the hunt for something clean, there’s a variety of vegan and healthy dishes, which includes nutritious salads and detox juices. To satiate your mid-meal hunger, you can also treat yourself to their in-house, freshly baked pastries and cakes.

    In an attempt to support the local artisans, the whole menu is crafted from locally sourced ingredients. The coffee culture at BohoX, especially champions this ideology—each time you get your coffee fix, you will be supporting the local roasters who source their beans directly from the farmers.

    BohoX is the latest opening from Gastronaut, a food and beverage group specialising in hospitality. The group is currently responsible for creating and managing brands, with their portfolio currently including Trove at The Dubai Mall, amongst others.
    Located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, this restaurant is open daily from 10am to midnight. boho-x.com
    For further details, contact the PR Marketing Manager, Gökhan Girmez at gokhan@gastro-naut.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

  • in

    This luxe Abu Dhabi hotel is the ultimate celebratory wedding venue

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    In PARTNERSHIP: Choosing a venue can be one of the most stressful yet crucial parts of the wedding planning process.
    To make your big day special, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences promises to throw a lavish ceremony to remember for a lifetime.
    While Dubai delivers some of the most romantic wedding venues, there is no reason why Abu Dhabi shouldn’t be on your list.
    So if you’re looking for a potential wedding venue, this property offers a myriad of reasons why you should tie the knot here.
    Location
    Just minutes away from the city’s most notable landmarks, celebrate in the heart of the city at Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences. Nestled in the iconic West Corniche district, it is an idyllic destination to exchange vows and craft memories weaved with emotions, opulence and sophistication.
    Wedding venues

    With its perfect blend of unparalleled grandeur, elegance and charm, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences is the ultimate location for big celebrations beyond every expectation. Offering one of the largest and most elegant wedding venues in the capital, every couple can choose between a micro wedding for an intimate celebration or a full-on wedding festivity.
    ‘Al Bateen’ is a high-celling ballroom that allows you to customize your big day to your style and preferences and can comfortably host large weddings of up to 600 guests, making for an excellent pick for an eloquent large-scale celebration. The venue boasts a theatrical staircase that leads you from the private entrance to the beautifully designed pre-function area as you make your way toward your magical ever-after. The well-appointed bridal suite and the plush VIP lounge are thoughtfully designed keeping in mind the comfort and privacy of the bride and the groom, making it one of the largest in the city, adorned with luxurious decors.

    For a more intimate affair, there is the ‘Mouza’, a stunning event space with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a sea-view private terrace and a dedicated pre-function area. The ‘Lum’a Terrace’ offers a space apt for receptions and ceremonies, and delivers breathtaking views of the palace.
    For traditional weddings, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences also provides a private ladies-only setting in an exclusive set-up that includes female chefs, security personnel and hostesses.
    Dedicated wedding planners
    To ensure a smooth sailing wedding prep you will get to work with an experienced team of event consultants to do all your ‘wedmins’ and ensure your wedding perfectly matches your vision. From an elevated guest experience down to the smallest of details, their years of expertise will allow you a stress-free wedding prep and bring together tradition, culture, and your personal style to create exciting and memorable moments for you and your guests.
    Exquisite catering
    Embark on an epicurean journey with bespoke menus carefully curated by the master chefs, a personalized service, and a customized wedding cake on the house – these culinary offerings add a meaningful touch to your big day.
    Luxurious guest rooms and facilities
    When all the dancing and festivities wind down, Grand Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Residences can host you and your guests throughout the wedding celebration. The property features luxurious rooms and spacious suites and residences providing the perfect space to relax and prepare for your big day. Its world-class amenities include an outdoor pool, spa and in-house salon – allowing the utmost convenience for the day of your dreams. Special stay rates are offered for guests as well as a complimentary first night at the Grand Suite followed by a lavish breakfast spread for the newly-wedded couple.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    Robots to soon issue your boarding pass in Dubai if you’re flying Emirates

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    With Dubai constantly staying ahead of the curve in aviation, robots are amongst the latest to take the lead at Emirates.
    The Dubai carrier plans on deploying over 200 robots in the next couple of years for the check-in systems. A portable intelligent device, named Sarah will be placed near check-in counters in the Dubai International Airport Emirates terminal.
    At a recent showcase event entitled “FORSA TEK”, organized by the Emirates Group on Thursday, the latest product innovation and technological advancements were released to the public.
    Topics related to robotics, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and other new-age developments were touched upon including the soon-to-implement robot check-in technologies.

    Designed with its human-like etiquette, this technology is already fully functional and available, with more details regarding the volume of units and price point to be revealed later.
    “I think we are the first airline globally to introduce or plan to introduce a portable check-in robot,” said Emirates’ Chief Operating Officer Adel Al Redha
    “The robot can complete the passenger’s check-in processes, including issuing a boarding pass, which will be sent to the travellers’ registered mobile number or e-mail,” Al Redha further conveyed.
    By always innovating in the industry Dubai airport also introduced a host of biometric contactless pathways at Terminal 3 in Dubai Airport. With facial and iris recognition supporting all immigration facilities, passengers could have a seamless travel experience.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    For more information visit emirates.com
    Images: Instagram @emirates  More

  • in

    How Lexie is making waves in the music industry with her soulful tracks

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    When it comes to the music industry, there’s always up-and-coming talent and Lexie is most certainly one of them.
    With influences ranging from Dua Lipa to Karen Carpenter, Lexie’s passion is her original music, and her recently released track “You Don’t Fit Me’ made it to Spotify’s ‘New Music Friday’ in its very first week.
    By making her name in the Middle East, she is all set to perform today at the award-winning speakeasy Hudson Tavern at Hyde Hotel, for an evening of music to flow through your soul with exceptional rhythms and beats from 8pm until late.
    To understand more about her career, Emirates Woman speaks to see how she overcame the challenges imposed in the industry.
    Talk us through your career.
    I’ve been in music for over 13 years, but I feel like I’m at the beginning of my journey. It’s like everything I’ve done until now has been a series of lessons preparing me for what’s about to come! I’ve tried so many different musical genres, I’ve signed noteworthy deals, and I’ve signed bad ones that cost me a fortune in litigation. But I can honestly say that I’m now so comfortable and sure of myself as an artist, I write music I love, and I’m proud of, and the only voice of reason I listen to now is my own. I know myself best.

    What inspired you to enter the music industry?
    To be honest, it was a bit of an accident, I was training to go into musical theatre, and then I ended up getting into a Girl Band signed with Warner, and that’s how I started out in the recording industry. You’d laugh if you saw me back then, we did quirky electro-pop, and we were young in the industry and just did what we were told.
    Could you tell us more about your upcoming release ‘Made Me Love You’, on what was the creative process behind this song?
    Honestly, There were a lot of tears, I probably kept Kleenex in business that month. Writing ‘Made Me Love You’ was the epitome of free therapy, I was so crushed after finding out the ‘guy I was seeing’ was in fact… ‘Married’, and when I found out I was still attached to him. Anyway I knew I had to swiftly let go of the whole situation, and writing this song was a huge part of my healing process, I’m so grateful that I can express myself with my songs it feels like the pain leaves my body and turns into art. I was crashing at my friends apartment at the time, because I had no work due to COVID, and he had this beautiful white grand piano next to a large window, I would just sit for hours, trying to find the words to explain how I felt, the song came together gradually, I would add a few lines each day, until I felt my story had been told.
    You’ve teamed up with Hudson Tavern at Hyde Hotel for an evening of music and performances. How does it feel and what can the audience expect?
    I love to get people to sing along with me! The Hudson Tavern has such an intimate feel, it’s perfect because I care a lot about the story and the lyrical content of my songs, playing a venue like this really gives people the chance to take it in and connect with me.
    You’re a pop singer-songwriter. Tell us more about this music genre.
    Well I’d say it’s pop, with a pinch of soul, and a touch of country. I write most of my pieces alone on guitar, and then I build the productions around that. I like my songs to have real instrumentation, and raw vocals, mixed with more modern sounds.
    How do you empower the women you’re surrounded with?
    I am Happy! That’s the key, it allows me to share my resources, my positivity and my blind faith that everything will work out, with other women around me. I’m very good at recognising people’s potential, and I’m definitely that friend that will really push to get it out of you. I actually have my own entertainment agency, and I hire and work with a lot of amazingly talented women, every day.

    What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
    Your number one goal in life should be happiness. When you prioritise it, it forces you to keep the right people around, to engage in activities that genuinely bring you joy, and to have healthy relationships. It teaches you to be grateful for what you do have, and it reminds you there’s no point in having huge career dreams if you don’t enjoy the journey to the top. If your hating life everyday you may as well move to Bali! Embrace that what makes you happy throughout life does change, some times it means letting go of things that are comfortable, and making space for something new.
    For booking inquiries for Lexie, contact Marc Jones at marc.jones@motivate.ae at Motivate Talent and visit motivatetalent.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

  • in

    Queen Rania hosted a pre-wedding gathering for Princess Iman before she ties the knot

    Lifestyle

    by Ruman Baig
    4 hours ago

    Before the big day on the 12th of March, wedding festivities for Princess Iman of Jordan have already commenced at the palace.
    Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan hosted a henna party for the bride-to-be at the palace, alongside Rajwa Al Saif, fiancé of Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah.

    The mother of the bride and Queen of Jordan shared a glimpse of the warm celebrations at the palace through Instagram, giving the loyal followers an insight into the royal wedding. “We took care of the bride and showered her with love, and with all the family, our joy was completed with the night of Henna. So much love in one room! With friends and family at Iman’s Henna party yesterday,” the Queen of Jordan expressed. For the henna party, Queen Rania Rajwa Al Saif wore traditional pink ensembles with complementing jewellery, keeping it minimal and chic for the pre-wedding event.
    Going for an understated yet impactful look, the bride wore an all-white, intricately embroidered traditional full-length dress by Jordanian-Palestinian designer Reema Dahbour. Sharing her excitement on this collaboration, the designer commented,“It’s a moment of pride as a Jordanian fashion designer, I am deeply honored to see our piece on Princess Iman on such a special day. Congratulations to our royal family!”
    Adding a hint of nostalgia to this special event through her sartorial elegance—Queen Rania added a white and gold Bruce Oldfield belt to Princess Iman’s elegant outfit. The belt owned by the Queen herself, was last seen at her own royal wedding with King Abdullah II in 1993.
    Princess Iman bint Abdullah II is all set to tie the knot with Jameel Alexander Thermiotis, on 12th of March, 2023.
    Swipe right for all the inside images from Princess Iman’s henna party

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

  • in

    Exclusive: In the office with Joey Ghazal, Founder of Canary Club

    Emirates Man

    by Dan Robinson
    2 hours ago

    How long have you worked in this space?
    I have worked here every day since we opened last April. I rarely go to my administrative office and much prefer to work at my restaurants. Canary Club is so bright, fresh and comfortable that it makes for a very inspiring space to work. The lunch bowls are super healthy which is a big plus. We also just added a car wash for lunch time guests, so my car is always shiny.
    Did you have a clear concept from the outset, and which key pieces are your favourite?
    We did a lot of research into 70s West Coast Californian aesthetic when designing Canary Club and tried to stay as true as we could with the earth tone colour palette, shag carpets, terracotta tiles, rattan and wicker furniture, terrazzo and creamy popcorn paint. I have a great love for chandeliers and the lotus ones at Canary all lined up are definitely my favourite.
    Have you custom-built any bespoke pieces?
    Yes, all the booths, service stations and tables were bespoke. We even custom-made our own floor lamps from wooden cake standsand lamp shades made from agave fibres.
    How do you think your interior reflects you/your brand?
    The most important thing to me is that a place feels storied, timeless and authentic. Using natural materials that age well also make the space feel warm and lived in.
    Describe your taste in three words.
    Classic, bold and playful.
    Swipe through for a tour inside the office of Joey Ghazal, Founder of Canary Club.

    Emirates Man The SS23 Issue – Download Now
    – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
    Photography by Mark Mathew More

  • in

    International Women’s Day 2023: Meet the 10 women redefining the region’s creative scene

    Lifestyle

    by Camille Macawili
    2 hours ago

    To mark the occasion of International Women’s Day, Emirates Woman spotlights on the incredible women across the region redefining their respective industries and challenging the status quo.
    Scroll through to discover the 10 next-gen faces to watch and names to know.
    Fatma Husam, Entreprenuer

    Fatma Husam is a 28-year-old Emirati entrepreneur and influencer with more than half a million Instagram following. Proving she’s more than just a pretty face, Husam is also the founder of Kamin, a luxe abaya label loved by many for its sophisticated silhouettes and contemporary touches. On top of that, she is currently busy building a creative community space called MNBAIN, launching soon at DIFC.
    Nora Mansour Samawi and Amina Debbiche, Co-founders of The Open Crate

    Nora Mansour Samawi and Amina Debbiche are pioneering the future of art collection management with its first-of-its-kind platform, The Open Crate, that allows curators and collectors to digitally store and keep an inventory of physical assets. Through this, Cultural Engineers Samawi and Debbiche aim to document and preserve the cultural legacy by focusing on the Middle East and Africa.
    Rabah Saeid, Founder and Creative Director of Styled Habitat

    Dubai-based Rabah Saeid founded Styled Habitat in 2016, an award-winning interior architectural studio that boasts a portfolio of exclusive VIP clients from art collectors to entrepreneurs. With each project, Saeid puts a sophisticated touch and thoughtful approach to design to many residential, hospitality and commercial spaces in the UAE.
    Sarah Alagroobi, Founder of The Letters Project

    Sarah Alagroobi is the founder of The Letters Project, an online platform that foregrounds the anthropological and sociocultural climate of the Arab region through anonymous letters. The Emirati multi-disciplinary artist, designer and educator puts forward her knowledge and insights on Khaleeji culture and sparks conversations on notions of Emirati stereotypes within both Middle Eastern and Western contexts through her practice and social media – specifically on TikTok with her growing number of following of 21.9K.
    “I hope that my beliefs in advocating for cultural shifts are going to contribute to changes that will speak to the people, for the people, by the people.” Alagroobi tells Emirates Woman.
    Emaan Abbass, Founder of Ketish

    Emaan Abbass is a Dubai-based Egyptian-descent feminine health advocate and founder of Ketish, UAE’s first feminine wellness brand. Launched in 2021 and backed by Huda and Mona Kattan, it provides highly effective and multi-beneficial wellness formulas that are empowering and luxurious in every way.
    By entering the business of health and beauty, Abbass aims to create a safe space and empower women to gain a deeper understanding of topics we normally shy away from – all things body, arousal, desire, and wellness.
    Hessa Al Suwaidi, Designer and Women’s Well-being Advocate

    Emirati textile printed designer and women’s well-being advocate Hessa Al Suwaidi has worked with some of the biggest names in the fashion and art industries. Last year, Al Suwaidi was featured on Prada’s Ramadan and Eid campaigns called “Parallel Harmonies” alongside mountaineer Raha Moharrak and actor Rakan Bin Abdel Wahid. Notably, she has also done a collaboration highlighting traditional Emirati weaving with Bentley Motors for Dubai Design Week.
    Through her projects and works, the young creative expresses her cultural identity and pushes forth her regional roots and inspires women of her to follow their dreams.
    Lina Malaika, Filmmaker and Co-Founder of Clay

    A natural creative, (thanks to years of film production experience that runs in the family) Lina Malaika is an established filmmaker and creative consultant from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Malaika has worked on feature projects for publications in collaboration with luxury and contemporary brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chopard to name a few.
    More recently, she has co-founded Clay with designer Farah Hammad – a modeling agency that champions fresh talent by pushing for visibility to a new generation of faces to boost local careers.
    Maya Chantout, Creative Director

    Syrian creative director Maya Chantout is a revitalizing breath of fresh air.
    Chantout boasts of an impressive line up of design stints at Hermes, Chloe and Celine, as well as being distinguished by LVMH for her graduation collection. Currently she works as an art director and image consultant for fashion brands such as Mirae, Casablanca and Miu Miu where her distinctive bold energy, eclectic spirit and extravagant style have an evident influence. Her unique aesthetic reflects a collage of the two culture she’s been immersed in – from her childhood in Syria and her adult life in Paris.
    “I try my best to encourage people around me to respect their uniqueness and be true to themselves.” Chantout shares in Emirates Woman’s The Confidence Issue.
    Hala Khayat, Regional Director of Art Dubai

    In 2020, Hala Khayat joined Art Dubai as Regional Director where her extensive experience in the Middle Eastern market – specializing in Arab, Iranian and Turkish art – allows her to develop strategies for local and regional collectors’ long-term engagement, one of the driving factors for the continued remarkable success of Art Dubai.
    Khayat is also an advocate for Syria’s art community, which continues to play an integral role by championing young Syrian artists.
    Butheina Hamed Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil

    Butheina Hamed Kazim is an Emirati founder of Cinema Akil, the Gulf’s first independent arthouse cinema in the GCC region.
    Without a doubt, Kazim has significantly contributed to the UAE’s arts and culture scene,  amplifying current sociocultural and political issues in the region through film festivals and program series. Her love for film has led her to many milestone moments including “Producing the short documentary Letters to Palestine, winner of the Special Jury Prize at the Abu Dhabi Film Festival in 2010” she tells Emirates Woman.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram More