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    How this Dubai-based Pilates studio promises the ultimate wellness experience

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Elle Sawyer, founder of Dubai- based Pilates studio, POSTURE. shares what it takes to launch her own wellness space.

    Talk us through your career.
    I started interning as a Fashion Assistant at Hearst Group [formerly, The National Magazine Company in London] whilst studying. It was there that I found my love for fashion and editorial and wanted to be part of the industry. I later graduated in English Literature and moved to Dubai at age 22, where I began work as a production manager. Working there opened up doors into editorial, advertising and many other production divisions in the region, allowing me to later niche my experience specifically when going freelance and producing regularly for the likes of NET-A-PORTER, luxury magazines and more both regionally and internationally. I am very grateful for the experience I gained in the region, and to the place, I call home, Dubai. Though I loved my career as a creative producer, I always felt something was missing. The once-loved 14-hour shoot days became mundane and the fast-paced zero work/life balance lifestyle I’d created for myself, in the end, made me feel unhealthy. Later that summer, as a result, I suffered an ectopic pregnancy and decided that it was time for a change. As a way to unwind from work, I had started Reformer Pilates and I loved what it did for my mind and body. During the lockdown, I started taking Pilates more seriously and decided to train as a teacher. While training in Pilates, I naturally started teaching it to other people – wanting others around me to believe and love it as much as I did. I became so passionate about it that it clicked that this was my calling. Other than my actual Pilates certification, I have always been a very spiritual person and enjoy being around like-minded people that inspire and teach me things I do not know, especially in mind-body practices. Life is always about learning and I take great pleasure in learning new realms of wellness in physical and mental forms. Spirituality, meditation, law of attraction, crystal healing, acupuncture [& TCM] are all areas of well-being that I actively practice in my everyday life.

    What inspired you to launch POSTURE.?
    Having worked with fashion magazines and brands throughout my career, I wanted to create a brand that married the two worlds together. My love of Pilates and fashion fuelled my vision to create POSTURE. as being a positive and inviting space that was modern, minimalistic with healing. I knew I wanted more than to become a freelance instructor as I’d spent my whole adult career in Dubai predominantly freelancing, so it felt like the right time to found my own company. I had been to many studios in London and New York that just had something about them, and without fail always made me feel so excited to visit – I wanted that for myself and I wanted that for Dubai. I took everything I had learned in my life so far, put pen to paper, and began making my dream a reality. I think ultimately, it’s not just a workout that people want to experience, it’s a carefully designed space for people to belong, and for people who share the same likes and passions; to feel seen as part of a community. At POSTURE. we hand-selected all of our equipment and décor from all around the globe to ensure we were different and catered to the luxury clientele. We were selective with the instructors we hired; the schools they had qualified from, their energy, their overall vibe and their aesthetic. We partnered only with brands that we felt on-brand with – ethically and aesthetically. We curated our music/ playlists to suit our routines to give a little extra flare to our classes (increasing their stamina both physically & mentally, as well as including cognitive learning by moving to the tempo of the beat making Pilates a fun and fresh workout) and we have designed and created POSTURE. Merchandise to further strengthen our brand. The space included practicing a slice of wellness in our everyday schedule – from our breathwork at the start of every class, to our wellness club workshops in sound healing & Yin meditation, to ending on our signature affirmation cards to finish our practice together in every session. It ALL matters – every little detail as that’s what makes us who we are as a brand.
    What lies at the core of POSTURE. and at the DNA of the brand?
    POSTURE. is essentially a community for like-minded people to escape their realities and connect with their inner selves. Whether their workouts are more active and fast-paced, or relaxing and meditative, POSTURE. is for people who appreciate being in an environment surrounded by luxuries. POSTURE. is all about getting to know your body and its boundaries and cultivating that all-important Qi. Our studio’s method focuses not just on the strength & mobility of the Pilates repertoire but building your form and core too. I talk about Cultivating the Qi a lot in my sessions, as it is something in the last year I had researched and explored when physically, I needed it.
    What are the key benefits of Reformer Pilates?
    The Reformer accommodates a full range motion, using your body weight against the resistance of the springs and carriage; making this a unique full-body workout providing a strong focus on core strength + muscle engagement which improves performance, weight loss, balance, back pain plus our favourite POSTURE. At POSTURE. we split our classes into two levels to cater for all which includes the reformer flow for beginners and an intermediate level. It’s best for those new to the reformer and those that require an introduction to the principles of Pilates at a slower and controlled pace. It’s designed to tone, lengthen and strengthen and reinforce the importance of a strong core and great posture. The next level is reformer tempo for an intermediate and advanced level. It’s best for those familiar with the reformer plus the principles of Pilates, who can keep up with the pace and be ready to work up an up- beat sweat to the beat of our curated playlists. The benefits range from increasing both physical and mental stamina and raising everyone’s Pilates techniques to the next level.

    As a next-generation Pilates instructor, what are the basic skills you want to instill in your students?
    All of our instructors have their own groove and style to enhance the collective passion for wellness, fitness, and spiritualism. We want to bring a fresh holistic energy to Mat & Reformer Pilates – introducing the core values of Joseph Pilates’ repertoire on the Mat, and one that compliments their practice with the Reformer too. Our studio focuses not just on the flow of the Pilates repertoire, but building your form and core; and one that honours your practice with your daily well-being too. Our routines are designed to activate that all-important parasympathetic phase of relaxation that we all need more of, certainly living up to POSTURE.’s ethos of a mind-body-soul experience, that focuses on getting to know your body and its boundaries and cultivating that all-important Qi.
    What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
    Passion and drive are everything over base-level talent. There are millions of people in the world doing the same job, but what makes you different is your unique passion and drive in what you do. Ultimately, people buy into you as a person, over your qualifications. What makes you different is that you need to keep asking yourself to drive yourself to do better and be better.

    This is The Reset Issue – how can we reset from the inside out?
    “Not only is health a normal condition, but it is our duty to not only to attain it but to maintain it.” – Joseph Pilates.
    A famous quote from the man himself. I believe everyone should take time to learn and become aware of themselves and their daily habits. Being mindful and practicing wellness in your everyday life will really impact the way you live. I work with many clients that suffer with poor posture – most suffering from ‘popular’ back issues like Sciatica/Kyphosis and wonder why. If we carry ourselves in a way of poor posture, it can distort how our body should be feeling. We start to hunch our shoulders, look down at the floor more, feeling negative – instead of opening up our shoulders, walk- ing proud and have a positive look on life. If we constrict our body due to bad posture, it not only affects the way we walk, our nervous system, digestive system and even joints are affected causing them to shift their position and change. Over time, this shows in your everyday life in how you carry yourself. @thisisposture_
    January’s – The Reset Issue – 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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    Dubai’s LPM Restaurant & Bar becomes the first to introduce a four-day workweek

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    39 mins ago

    With the restaurant business known for its tedious long hours, LPM Restaurant & Bar has taken the first step to bring about changes in the industry.
    As a means to improve world culture, this fine-dining haven has introduced a permanent four-day working week for staff without salaries being lowered, making this a revolutionary shift in the hospitality sector.

    The official shift was confirmed by Bloomberg with LPM’s regional chief who emphasised on the importance of making the hospitality sector a more inviting place to work.
    Per the latest schedule, the three-day weekend will be given to front-and back-of-house staff and operational staff will continue to remain on a five-day working week for now at the same salary in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
    After opening in 2010, this restaurant has established itself with immaculate attention to detail from its interiors to each and every dish. Inspired by the French Riveria, the restaurant uses the finest ingredients and had recently undergone refurbishment to open just in time for the 2022 festive season with its classic selection of sought-after dishes.

    By taking a bold new step, LPM plans to introduce this new working hours system to other locations in the region.
    This must-visit haven is located at Gate Village 8, DIFC and is open from Monday to Friday 12pm to 3:30pm, Saturday to Sunday 12:30pm to 4pm and daily from 6pm to 11:30pm.
    For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @lpmdubai More

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    How I got my job as… marketing manager at this UAE-based luxe floral boutique

    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs, businesswomen and experts based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with Dina Almalik, the marketing manager at Flowers.ae, to understand how the floral boutique produces unique content that reflects the brand’s vision and values.
    From wedding flowers to corporate events, Flowers.ae has a complete range of luxurious bespoke collections to cater to every client’s needs. As the UAE’s leading floral boutique, they offer delivery throughout Dubai and the UAE with flowers imported from Holland and Ecuador with impeccable customer service. With blooms available for any occasion, each arrangement is hand-tied and beautifully wrapped with the finest florals ranging from tulips to hydrangeas.
    Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s marketing manager to learn about her career path and how she translated her passion for content creation into this role.
    What was your favorite subject at school?
    Growing up, I was always fascinated by the Sciences, specifically Physics and Chemistry, which I excelled at in High School. On the other hand, I have always had a talent for painting, and have pursued that subject in depth throughout college. Colorful, abstract paintings sparked my interest the most. Coincidentally, I now know that my current role requires me to be a logical creative thinker, which explains my passion for both subjects.
    What was your first job?
    After obtaining my Architecture degree in 2015, my first job was at Art Dubai as a Project Manager in the first edition of Dubai Design Week (DXBDW15). My career has then taken a different route as I have discovered my passion for Business and Marketing and moved on to pursue that through acquiring a Master of Science in Marketing from King’s College London.

    What brought you to Dubai?
    My parents moved to Dubai in 1994 to start their own business. As a result, I have been living in Dubai since I was three years old and I am extremely fortunate to have been raised in such a modern and fastest-growing city. Dubai offers a lot of exciting career and business opportunities, drawing diverse talents from across the world, and becoming ‘the city of opportunity’. I consider Dubai to be my home and I can’t see myself living anywhere else.
    What inspired you to enter the flower space and join flowers.ae?
    I have always been in love with flowers and the meaning they carry. I am inspired by the memorable experiences we are able to create for the customer. It is extremely rewarding to be a part of someone’s special moments in life even if it’s in the smallest and least apparent way. It brings me joy to witness people’s reactions when they receive our floral arrangements. Imagine being able to make someone’s day by just delivering a couple of flowers. To have the power to turn someone’s day around and make someone happy! Moreover, I get great joy being a part of a team that spreads the language of love in many forms, from the birth of a child to a wedding proposal. Over the years, Flowers.ae has been trusted by thousands of people to deliver messages of love. With this trust, there is a great responsibility that we take very seriously and is enshrined in our brand and the driving philosophy of the company.
    Talk us through the inspiration of your marketing campaigns.
    The inspiration behind all of our marketing campaigns lies in the opportunity to deliver emotions through our brand and its products. WOW is the number one objective in all of our marketing campaigns. We invest heavily in high-quality content that is a true reflection of our flower arrangements and the special moments they celebrate. In my opinion, the UAE is very diverse and is a nation of different languages with a common love and appreciation of flowers which has been a great contributor to our success. Whatever language you speak, receiving flowers from a friend loved one, admirer, or business partner always invokes a sense of happiness. All of this is reflected in our content and marketing campaigns that aim to evoke the uniqueness of these occasions.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    I am responsible for developing, implementing and executing strategic marketing campaigns for Flowers.ae with a high emphasis on robust brand awareness campaigns that focus on acquiring potential customers and retaining existing ones. Key aspects of my role include leading and managing a creative team, performing market research, and designing creative campaigns which demonstrate products that consumers will love. Our marketing strategies focus on digital and content marketing with story-telling at its core; crafting narratives that elevate the brand. Additionally, I spend some time evaluating emerging market trends and upcoming occasions. I also ensure that our florists act as your go-to gifting consultant. Upset your wife? Send her our 365 rose arrangement, a rose for each day of the year. Did your friend get promoted? How about some sunflowers, representing the joy of the occasion?

    Talk us through your daily routine.
    My day begins at 7am when I first arrive at the shop and start by gathering my thoughts and ideas for the day before my team arrives. The marketing team arrives at 8am. We sit together as a team to go through the data we have gathered and analyse the consumer behavior to specifically tailor our marketing efforts based on our customer’s needs. We then discuss what type of content we would like to focus on for the day including the type of flower arrangements to promote, the occasion to focus on, and the style of content we would like to portray. Afterward, the fun part of our job begins, which is content creation.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    If there’s one thing I learned from spending my university years obtaining my architecture degree, it’s not to be afraid to change your career path. You may think that life is dictated by your educational degree and your years of experience in one field, however, don’t be afraid to experiment with new things, eventually, you will discover something that you are really passionate about and can excel in. On the other hand, my marketing advice would be to focus on digital and content marketing. Create content that is very relatable to the consumer, marketing is after all a game of relevance. It is equally important to focus on your leadership skills and invest in your team as they are considered to be the pillars of your success. Moreover, do your research and understand your audience. Use data analytics to understand your consumer’s behavior and tailor your marketing efforts accordingly. Be relatable, and relevant and strike an emotional response to build a base of loyal customers.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    The best piece of advice I have ever received was from the founder of Flowers.ae, Garreth Knowd, who told me to focus on generating marketing content that evokes emotion in the consumer which will make all the difference and help you stand out against competitors in this saturated and complex market. He added, to always be relevant and relatable to the consumer which will result in a long-term relationship built upon trust and loyalty.

    And what is the worst?
    The worst advice I have ever received was to stay away from partnerships and collaborations. I believe choosing the right partnership can serve as a key to the brand’s success and potentially accelerate its growth. Working in collaboration with other luxury brands can significantly impact the trajectory of the brand. The key lies in choosing the right brand to collaborate with, with a deep and meaningful purpose driving this collaboration.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    One thing is certain, we live in a dynamic and technological era, which means businesses need to be extremely adaptable. To thrive, brands will have to adopt new behaviors to stay relevant and take advantage of all the innovations in Artificial Intelligence by adopting a forward-thinking approach. You can’t run away from emerging technologies, you will have to embrace them and start looking at ways to incorporate them into your brand.
    What are the future plans for Flowers.ae?
    Flowers.ae has completely revolutionised the floral industry by adopting a customer-centric strategy that focuses on creating the best experience for the customer, through offering the finest service. We’re your consultants. We go above and beyond in creating flower arrangements that will make that special occasion extraordinary and unforgettable. As for the future, Flowers.ae will continue to grow, increase its market share and enhance its position in the floral market as the region’s go-to luxury florist. Moreover, we will continue to elevate the customer experience through the personalization of every touchpoint in the journey whilst offering a seamless e-commerce flower delivery service.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Fazza visits this sophisticated Amalfi-inspired restaurant in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    As one of the most sought-after royal foodies, Sheikh Hamdan gave his seal of approval to another fine-dining Italian haven in Dubai, Ristorante Loren.
    No stranger to Dubai’s foodie scene, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the emirate’s Crown Prince visited the restaurant this afternoon.
    The brand even shared an image on the official @theclubwestbeach Instagram page, with the caption, “We are honoured by the special visit of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to @ristorante.loren located at The Club at Palm West Beach.”

    With an immersive dining experience, this new Italian restaurant is located on the rooftop of the popular beach destination, SAN Beach, on West Palm Beach. The sophisticated interiors are inspired by the ‘60s and ‘70s era of the Italian Riviera, to promise the ultimate cityscape.
    From delectable dishes such as freshly made pastas, pizzas and breads, customers can experience laid-back authentic-style dining with dishes crafted to perfection.
    The restaurant offers two dining concepts – an indoor dining area with a front-row view of the open kitchen, and a beachside dining area with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina and Bluewaters Island.

    The open floor plan of the restaurant includes a customised marble bar, a large open kitchen, and a wine cellar that offers some of the finest picks from Italy. Loren Ristorante evokes a luxurious and chic, yet sophisticated atmosphere, emulating the ambience of a refined Italian coastal dining experience.
    Known for his approved list of restaurants, this should be another venue to add to your list.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @theclubwestbeach More

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    In pics: 10 heartfelt Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid moments throughout the years

    Today, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates celebrates 17 years as Ruler of Dubai.
    Since January 4, 2006, Sheikh Mohammed has turned Dubai into a beacon of hope through his profound leadership skills and remarkable feat over the year. He has always been a source of inspiration for many in the UAE and across the globe throughout the years.
    As the Dubai Ruler marks a milestone in his career, we look back on some of His Highness’ special moments over the years.
    Family man at heart
    While Sheikh Mohammed is one of the key figureheads of this nation, he’s also a family man at heart, particularly when it comes to spending time with his grandchildren. His Highness is regularly seen doting on his grandchildren.
    To mark the end of Ramadan, during Eid Al Fitr, this year, the Dubai Ruler was at a family gathering with 23 of his grandchildren in a photo posted by his son, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.

    True people person

    Time and time again the Dubai Ruler has proven he’s very in touch with his people. A perfect example of this was when he surprised a group of students at Expo 2020 Dubai earlier this year.
    In a video shared on Instagram, the group of schoolchildren were lined up posing for a photo, but what they were unaware of was that His Highness was standing right behind them. The footage, shared by Khalifa Saeed on Instagram, showed the children being treated to a royal surprise. His Highness then took the time to have a chat with the students.
    Changing lives

    Being the compassionate individual he is, the Dubai Ruler is always ensuring he helps those who are less fortunate.
    In February 2021, Sheikh Mohammed pledged Dhs8 million to Massar Mundharr and her daughter who was suffering from a degenerative disease and needed urgent treatment. The little girl was diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscle atrophy which leads to the motor neuron nerve cells in the brain which enable the body to speak, walk, breathe, talk and more. Mundar and her husband were told by doctors at Al Jalila Hosptial that His Highness had agreed to cover Laveen’s medical costs.
    When he met his biggest fan

    Four years ago, in January 2017, the Mohammed bin Rashid Government Excellence Award ceremony was held at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented policewoman Halima Al Matroushi the award for Best Administrative Employee. However, chose not to receive the award herself. Instead, she let her mother take her place up on stage.
    Al Matroushi’s mother has always dreamt of meeting Sheikh Mohammed, so when her daughter realised it was a possibility, she gave her the opportunity.
    Advocating young talent
    Sheikh Mohammed has consistently championed young talent in the region.
    In 2020, His Highness sent a heartfelt message to an Emirati student who has graduated from university.
    The Ruler of Dubai first met student Fatima Ahmad Bin Bakhit Al Nuaimi four years ago, posted the sweet message on Twitter.

    قبلة على رأس ابنتي في ٢٠١٦ لأنها حازت المركز الأول على مستوى الدولة في تحدي القراءة .. تخرجت أمس من جامعة نيويورك بأبوظبي بتفوق .. مبروك لابنتي فاطمة النعيمي.. الوطن يُزهر بكم .. الوطن ينمو بالقراءة ..الوطن يعلو بالعلم .. pic.twitter.com/Y52AUgH3EI
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) May 28, 2020

    “I had laid a kiss on my daughter’s head in 2016 as she ranked first at the state level in the reading challenge,” His Highness said. “Yesterday, my daughter Fatima Al Nuaimi graduated from Abu Dhabi New York University with distinction.
    “Congratulations. The country flourishes with you, thrives in reading and rises with knowledge.”
    Along with the message, Sheikh Mohammed shared two photos – one of their first meeting in 2016 and one of Al Nuaimi’s recent remote graduation.
    Looking to space
    At the start of December 2017, he put the call out for young people who were keen to be the first Emiratis in space.
    “The people of the UAE will break new barriers; nothing can stand in the way of those who believe nothing is impossible,” Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Instagram. “Our ambitious goals are fuelled by dedicated people, who support us until, without hesitation or scepticism, we succeed.”
    His Highness has gone on to spearhead the UAE making a mark in space, in particular with the Emirates Mars Mission where the Hope Probe entered the planet’s orbit in February 2021.
    Royal friends

    Back in 2017, Sheikh Mohammed met with the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Windsor Endurance Race, and from the looks of things, they had a great time together. At the time, the Dubai Media Office said the pair of royals discussed “historic ties, friendship, and cooperation between the UAE and the United Kingdom”.
    A helping hand
    Throughout the years, Sheikh Mohammed has ensured offering humanitarian aid is a big priority for the UAE.
    In 2020, after the catastrophic explosion in Lebanon leaving around 300,000 people homeless and many injured, His Highness ordered 30 tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to be sent immediately on his personal aircraft in response to the devastating blast.

    Looking to the future
    In August 2020, the Ruler of Dubai opened a new medical research centre has opened in Dubai that not only studies COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases. The Dhs300 million centre aims to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.

    .@HHShkMohd: We have launched the Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Medical Research at a total value of AED 300 million. The Centre will focus on research on communicable diseases in the country, in addition to research on COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/vh3VfPUWiZ
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 11, 2020

    Praising the women of the nation
    Honouring women across the UAE, the Ruler of Dubai issued a message in August 2020.
    Posting a video to his 10.3 million Twitter followers which paid tribute to Emirati women, he expressed his pride towards every female from the UAE.
    “To the Emirati women, you worked hard, you accomplished and prove to the world who you are,” he said. “[We are] proud of you, proud of your partnership in the development process, we raise our heads with your achievements. Every year you are better and more beautiful.”

    إلى المرأة الإماراتية في يومها.. اجتهدتِ.. فأنجزتِ.. وأثبتِ للعالم من أنتِ.. فخورون بك.. معتزون بشراكتك في مسيرة التنمية…. نرفع رؤوسنا بإنجازاتك.. كل عام وأنت أفضل وأجمل.. pic.twitter.com/mVxW9nzZfI
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 27, 2020
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    10 nature-inspired cafés to unwind in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Immerse yourself in nature for a midweek city life escape.
    To take a break from the hustle and bustle, Dubai is home to a myriad of green cafes that will most definitely transport you to the suburbs.
    For a botanical-themed afternoon, the emirate is never short of nature-fuelled cafés to experience with your loved ones and go for a coffee break or even a refresh.
    If you’re in need of inspiration, scroll through our guide of idyllic cafés to visit ASAP.
    Seven Seeds

    With an Instagram-worthy outdoor setting, this picturesque café promises a nature-driven experience as visitors can dine in the luscious expansive area. From fresh salads to a delectable array of desserts, this venue is one of the most popular cafés with a host of dishes to try. Located in the heart of Jumeirah 1, this café is open from Monday to Thursday 7am to 11pm and Friday to Sunday 7am to 12am.
    For more information visit 7seeds.ae
    SEVA

    SEVA has been a trailblazer in the region as the first 100 percent plant-based, gluten-free, cane-sugar-free, and GMO-free venue. While you may come for the delicious, healthy and environmentally conscious food and beverage options, you’ll stay for the secluded and laid-back vibes. This place embodies a Sunday morning feeling with its casual, healthy, and holistic approach to dining. The spaces always make it a great place to decompress with a meal away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai. To fully immerse in nature, the venue promises other mindfulness sessions such as sound healing, yoga and more.
    For more information visit sevaexperience.com
    Comptoir 102

    This award-winning ethical concept offers conscious choices with ingredients sourced from local organic farms, serving delicious food while promoting sustainability. From homemade nut milk to its famous smoothies, there’s enough and more for everyone who visits. The hero dish is the Plant-Based Bunless Burger, which is sure to tingle your taste buds. It’s located on Jumeirah Beach Road and is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    Maisan 15

    This secret oasis lies expands beyond a café with its hidden library perfect for a getaway. With impeccable customer service and a courtyard experience, this one-of-a-kind space lies in a secluded spot for visitors to unwind. With fresh foliage and a fountain inside a bath, this peaceful area, is exactly where to visit during the cooler months. From sakshouka to other classic dishes such as avocado on toast, this space promises a booth-style dining experience with an artistic touch. Located in Al Barsha South, it’s open daily from 8am to 11pm.
    The Farm

    /
    At this oasis of calm with a botanical waterside backdrop, guests can enjoy a range of culinary flavours from the Mediterranean to Middle Eastern as The Farm serves high-quality foods with an ambience for you to take in with friends and family, in a relaxed and tranquil setting making it the perfect place to enjoy breakfast amid nature. It’s open from Sunday to Thursday 8am to 10:30 pm and Friday and Saturday 7:30am to 10:30pm at Al Barari.
    For more information visit thefarmdubai.ae
    Amongst Few

    This Dubai-based space echoes minimal hues and textures with both an outdoor area for relaxing and an indoor for working from. By using simple materials such as natural wood, steel counters and lots of plants, this café also serves organic fair-trade coffee and fresh seasonal dishes to match the standards. With refreshing raw finishes, one can’t help but notice how seamlessly the café blends with creative space. Located in Villa 3 on Al Wasl Road, Palm Strip and Jumeirah Beach Road, it’s open daily from 9am to 9pm.
    For more information visit amongstfewcafe.com
    Roseleaf Café

    For homemade goodness, this independent café ensures locally roasted coffee and other carefully prepared dishes in this sanctuary. With fresh quality ingredients and green space, guests can experience the warmth of the venue and feel at home. This café is located in two prime venues in Al Quoz and Emirates Golf Club and it’s open daily from 8am to 8pm.
    For more information visit roseleafcafe.com
    NETTE

    Situated in the heart of Dubai’s premium boutique padel club, this urban sanctuary brings the perfect blend of Japanese with Parisian. Surrounded by a padel court and yoga studio, this culinary space is a home for must-try wellness activities. With a wholesome menu, the café serves both iced and hot matcha with an array of alternative milk choices to choose from. Located inside MATCHA Club, Al Quoz, it’s open daily 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit matcha-club.ae
    The 100 Café

    Founded by Asma Hilal Lootah opened the first fully certified health clinic and wellness centre – The Hundred Wellness Centre – in the country in 2008. Surrounded by natural greenery, this lush destination promises a holistic approach to living. This tranquil space promises healthy dishes and nutritious comfort food in a serene location. Located in Jumeirah 1, the centre is open from Saturday through Thursday, 7am to 8pm.
    For more information visit thehundred.ae
    Harvest & Co.

    This farm-to-table concept is situated in the heart of Dubai Garden Centre giving visitors the ultimate botanical retreat. This rustic-meets-modern greenhouse restaurant ensures an urban retreat for all those who visit with its fresh produce and an industrial palette for the complete experience. With signature roast coffee and other wholesome dishes, this homegrown experience, promises a homely atmosphere. Located in Al Quoz, it’s open daily from 8am to 6:30pm.
    For more information visit eatx.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @nette  More

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    9 wellness-inspired accounts to follow on Instagram

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    A curated guide of all the inspiring accounts to #follow and reset this month
    The Nue Co.@thenue_co

    Science-backed supplements to cleanse from the inside-out.
    Augustinus Bader@augustinusbader

    Award-winning formulas founded in regenerative medicine.
    The Beauty Society@thebeautysociety.ae
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    The Secret Way People Are Finding New Jobs

    When you’re looking for a new role, there are some clear steps you should probably take. Spruce up your resume with recent achievements, tidy up your LinkedIn and maybe get a new headshot to look professional, and start (or ideally, continue!) networking. But what if you’re doing that and aren’t seeing any results? In a tough job market, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged when applying to jobs posted on huge platforms like LinkedIn or Indeed, especially when you see that soul-crushing “100+ applicants” banner next to the job you’re looking at. It’s enough to make a girl want to give up and stay in bed forever.
    However, times like these just require job hunters to get a little more creative in how they find new opportunities. Enter: Industry Slack groups. The latest trend popping up across the networking world is the creation of Slack groups dedicated entirely to certain industries. Think groups like “Project Managers in Tech in Chicago” or “Wedding Photographers in Ohio”. These are the glow-up versions of the Facebook groups we all used to be part of (Neopets Forever, anyone?), but with real value for your career. These “secret” groups are filled with people in similar industries, and the insights, connections, and job opportunities posted in these groups can be hard to find elsewhere. I was able to find my most recent job—before it was ever posted on a job board or even company website—in a marketing Slack group for my city. The person leaving the role posted about it and mentioned she was looking for someone to recommend as a backfill. I was in the market, we went for coffee, and the rest is history.

    How to find an industry Slack group
    So, how exactly do you get yourself into one of these groups? It can be a little tricky, but nothing a little sleuthing can’t fix! The first place to start is—of course—Google. Try Googling keywords like “[your industry] Slack group” and your city to see what comes up. If you don’t get any hits, try searching variations of your industry, or move out a degree and search more general terms, like “product marketing Slack” and “United States”. Don’t get discouraged, even big, more generalized groups can still yield a lot of fruit (for reassurance, the Slack group where I found my job is for content marketers all across North America, and I see jobs posted in my city or that are open to remote workers almost daily).
    If you’ve done some Google searching and have come up dry, don’t give up yet. The next step is to head over to LinkedIn and start populating the same terms. Administrators or co-founders of groups often include this in their LinkedIn bio/career section, so you might be able to find a member to reach out to. Don’t forget to also ask colleagues, friends, your university alumni association, etc. if they know of any groups. It can be somewhat of a “who you know” game, but where there’s a will, there’s a way!

    I’ve found a group, now what?
    Congrats, you’ve found a group you want to join (and remember to be open to joining all kinds of groups, even ones that might only be loosely related to your field)! Once you’ve found your group, the next step is to get yourself added. Many groups are open to anyone, meaning you just need to find the link and add yourself. Some do require an invite, and the easiest way to get one is to find someone already in the group, which is where it’s beneficial to reach out to colleagues and friends to see if anyone’s in a group you’re interested in. If you don’t already know someone, see if you can find an admin or page for the group on LinkedIn, which is where I’ve had a lot of success. Lastly, look for organizations or associations related to your field, such as the “New York Copywriters Association” (I made that up, but you get the point), and send them an email. If they’re not associated with the group, they likely know someone who is.

    How to network in Slack
    Yay, you’ve made it into a group and are ready to nab one of those under-the-radar jobs! I’m super excited for you, but it’s important to know that there are some unspoken rules in most industry Slack groups. Most groups will have a code of conduct, likely in a #general or #announcements channel, and that should be your first stop. A lot of groups won’t allow you to spam or self-promote (which may or may not include posting that you’re looking for work, so double check!), or they’ll have rules about which channels can be used for what. In my experience, most admins take the code of conduct pretty seriously, so make sure you do, too. The last thing you want is to get kicked out after you spent all that time getting in!
    Where Slack groups differ from LinkedIn is that they’re a lot more focused on community and participation. The more you engage and converse with people in the group, the more likely you’ll find someone willing to give you a heads up on a great role coming down the pipeline. Add your thoughts to a thread about the future of social media, provide feedback to someone who’s asking for ideas for a new project, and post about any cool meetups you think people might enjoy. Building this credibility and being part of the community will go a long way.

    Finding a new job via Slack
    Okay, you’ve found the group, got invited, read the code of conduct, and have been actively participating. So, how about that new job? Most groups have a channel for job postings. As mentioned before, many groups don’t allow for you to post about looking for a role, so it can be a bit of a waiting game to find something that’s the right fit. When I was on the hunt, I checked each group a few times a day, and when an interesting or relevant role popped up I would message the poster that same day and see if I could speak with them. Not everyone will be open to this (some people post opportunities that recruiters messaged them about or roles in their company they don’t know much about), but a lot of people will be. The key is to try to be one of the first people to reach out so they are still willing to chat, and to come prepared with thoughtful questions to demonstrate your interest.
    After you’ve spoken to the person who posted the role—either via Slack or over a call—and confirmed your interest, be sure to have your resume and cover letter ready to go shortly after speaking with them. Don’t take too long to do this or the person might forget the conversation you had. Make sure you also ask your connection if you should send your application directly to them, through a link they’ll send you, or just through the company’s career portal. Some companies are super strict on how they accept and prioritize referrals, so make sure to clarify the right way to apply. Once you’ve submitted your application, make sure to follow general etiquette: circle back with your connection and thank them for their time and help, and keep them in the loop with how the process goes (unless they’re the hiring manager directly, which you might come across!).
    Pro Tip: Before openly posting that you’re looking for a job or responding in threads about roles you’re interested in, double check there’s nobody at your current company in the group (it’s a small world, after all). You can do this by searching the members in the top right corner. If you find your boss, other members of your team, or prominent HR people, think about using other groups to hunt for roles. At the very least, direct message people about jobs instead of responding in threads where anyone can see.

    Paying it forward
    Follow this formula until you find a role that works out for you. Many of my friends and people in my network have also found their latest roles through Slack groups, so it’s definitely a job hunting method worth looking into! Once you’ve found your role (or even before), make sure to pay it forward. Post jobs that you hear about from recruiters or are hiring for yourself, and be sure to let other people know about the groups you’re in. Slack groups can seem a little “VIP”-ish at times, but it’s important to remember that the more people who join them, the more future connections and jobs there are, so spread the love and invite anyone who might be able to benefit!

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