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    The ultimate guide for the best iced coffee spots in Dubai for your morning caffeine run

    Life

    27 seconds ago

    “This is a jumbo-coffee morning. I need coffee in an IV.” — Lorelai Gilmore
    This quote resonates with people who work 9-5 on most mornings. How else is one supposed to get through the eight hours of a work day? With a morning shot of caffeine, that’s how.
    With the UAE weather making it almost impossible to enjoy a hot cappucino or americano in the AM, it’s iced-coffee-to-the-rescue season. Plus, it almost feels like a treat you’re buying for yourself as a reward for adulting in this prickly heat.
    When it comes to iced coffees, not every place can make the cut. It has to be the perfect decoction of the espresso shot, milk of choice, ice and flavouring — no element can overpower the other. Coffee lovers will agree.
    After trying and testing a couple of popular joints in Dubai, we’ve curated a list of the best iced coffee spots that you can pit stop at before head to work. Some elements we looked at while curating this list was checking the quality of the espresso used, the ice to coffee ratio, the value for price, and of course, how cute does the delivery cup look.
    Olab Coffee Shope

    Where: The Walk, JBR and Motor City
    What to try: Iced Salted Caramel Latte
    The Grey

    Where:  Al Wasl – Al Safa 1 – Dubai
    What to try: Espresso Caipirinha
    Cavo Espresso bar

    Where: Al beteel street – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 2
    What to try: Ice Honey Latte
    Awaken Cafe

    Where: Al Wasl Rd – Umm Suqeim – Umm Suqeim 2
    What to try: Awaknish
    Drvn Coffee

    Where: Bluewaters
    What to try: Spanish Latte
    Alchemy Coffee

    Where: Al Wasl Road, Opposite To Dar Wasl Mall
    What to try: Cold Brew
    Parka Coffee

    Where: Town Square – Al Qudra Rd
    What to try: Tiramisu Latte
    Two Neighbors

    Where: Madinat Badr – Muhaisnah 3
    What to try: Iced Irish Cream Latte
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images and Feature Image: Instagram @ventia.a More

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    Apple’s iOS 26 is the ultimate ‘it girl’ upgrade you need, here’s why

    Life

    3 mins ago

    For the first time in over a decade, Apple is reinventing its operating system with iOS 26, a sleek, futuristic redesign—and it’s tailor-made for the modern woman.
    Dubbed Liquid Glass, iOS 26 introduces luminous, translucent interfaces, intuitive camera upgrades, and AI-powered tools that streamline everything from global communication to fitness tracking. Here’s how the update caters to the ‘It Girl’ lifestyle.

    The Aesthetic Overhaul
    Gone are the flat, static menus. iOS 26’s Liquid Glass design features frosted, semi-transparent layers with dynamic, shape-shifting controls. Buttons respond to touch with fluid animations, while an all-clear mode offers a minimalist, elevated look—perfect for those who prioritize both style and function. The redesign extends across all Apple devices, ensuring seamless aesthetics whether you’re on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac.
    Camera & Photos
    The Camera app gets a streamlined interface, making it easier to switch between video, photo, and panorama modes. Advanced settings remain accessible but tucked away for clutter-free shooting. Meanwhile, the Photos app reintroduces the beloved Library and Collections tabs—no more endless scrolling to find that Pilates progress pic or sunset snapshot.

    Real-Time Translation
    Texts in Messages auto-translate into the recipient’s language, and FaceTime calls display live subtitles. Even phone calls become borderless: iOS 26 converts speech in real time, so you’ll hear the conversation in your preferred language (iPhone 15 Pro and later). Ideal for jet-setters or multilingual group chats.
    Group Chats
    Custom backgrounds and in-chat polls finally bring order to decision-making on iMessages. Typing indicators show who’s responding, sparing you from the dreaded “Hello??” follow-ups.

    Fitness & Wellness
    While Apple didn’t detail fitness-specific updates, the Liquid Glass redesign extends to Health and Activity apps, likely integrating smoother Pilates or yoga session logging. Pair it with Apple Watch’s enhanced metrics for a holistic view of your routine.
    Spam Defense & Hold Assist
    Unknown texts now filter into a separate inbox, and calls from suspicious numbers are screened automatically. Hold Assist detects elevator music during calls and saves your spot in line—so you can mute, close the app, and return when a human answers.
    Karaoke Nights & Travel Ease
    Turn your iPhone into a mic for Apple TV karaoke, complete with animated lyrics and translations. For travelers, Wallet’s redesigned boarding passes now share live flight updates—no more frantic “Landed!” texts.

    How to get iOS 26?
    The official iOS 26 release arrives this fall, but you can try the public beta next month by going to Settings > General > Software Update > Beta Updates and selecting the iOS 26 Public Beta—just be sure to back up your iPhone first. While the beta offers an early look at Liquid Glass and new features, it may have bugs, so most users should wait for the stable September release, which will appear automatically in Software Update. (Pro tip: If you test the beta but want to revert, you’ll need to erase your device and restore from a backup.)
    iOS 26 merges high-design aesthetics with pragmatic upgrades, from effortless translation to smarter messaging. While a revamped Siri is still in the works, this update ensures your iPhone is the ultimate ‘It Girl’ accessory.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pinterest More

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    13 aesthetic bakeries in Dubai you’ll crave on repeat

    Sometimes freshly baked croissants, cakes and bread at artisanal bakeries can most definitely make any day batter.
    Whether a special occasion or if you’re simply looking to treat yourself, these in-house baking havens ensure that each pastry and croissant is crafted to perfection. Be it classic cakes or gourmet delights, we all need something freshly baked to complement any coffee.
    Overall,  bread has been part of human history for centuries, and plays an integral role in our daily life. It is a symbol of culture, history and hunger making it an indispensable part of our meals, after initially being a key to human survival in the early days.
    From fluffy pastries to crusty loaves of bread, bakeries offer a delightful variety of baked goods to satisfy any craving.
    One of the joys of visiting a bakery is the chance to sample different types of bread, pastries, cakes, and cookies. Whether you’re in the mood for a buttery croissant, a decadent chocolate cake, or a simple yet satisfying loaf of sourdough bread, you’re sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds.
    For the ultimate midweek indulgence or an occasional catch-up with your friends, bread is baking a mainstay across various cuisines. With Dubai making its mark globally, residents and tourists can now visit these aesthetic cafés and coffee shops.
    All in all, bakeries hold a special place in many people’s hearts, offering not just delicious food but also a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and community.
    So, it doesn’t matter you’re a local resident or just visiting Dubai, Emirates Woman has collated the best bakeries and patisseries worth visiting if you’re looking for a midweek or weekend treat.
    bkry

    This newly opened bakespace is a haven where the aroma of freshly baked delights mingles with the rich notes of specialty coffee. Not an ordinary bakery, bkry is an experimental bakespace where the traditions of baking meet innovation and artistry. The space resides in the heart of Alserkal Avneue at Warehouse 76 and is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit behindthecup.ae
    BRIX Café
    BRIX Café blends culinary artistry with a cozy ambiance, offering a delightful escape into the world of freshly baked delights, exquisite breakfast, and expertly crafted coffee against the picturesque backdrop of Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.
    For more information visit brixdessert.com
    Bageri Form

    Inspired by Scandinavian design, this artisanal café was elevating bakery classics and serving dishes with the freshest of ingredients. With Nordic-infused interiors, the bakery also serves freshly sourced matcha in minimal cups for a rejuvenating start to the day. With an aesthetic presentation, this place is beyond Instagram-worthy in the heart of Dubai Design District.
    For more information visit bageriform.com. 
    Birch Bakery

    This much-loved spot is home to Dubai’s real sourdough, fine viennoiserie and exceptional pastries. By using traditional bread baking methods that require time and patience the sourdough loaves are hand shaped and fermented for over 20 hours. Founded in 2019, this bakery is passionate about good-for-you ingredients and artisanal methods. It’s located in Al Quoz 3 for pick-up.
    For more information birchbread.com 
    For the Love of Bread

    To bring its customers the finest outcome, the brand sources flour directly from a French mill that has been in the same family since 1895. A mill committed to sustainable development that sources 100 percent organic wheat from local farmers. Naturally low in gluten-forming proteins, each batch is flavourful, nutritious, and easy to digest.The organic Sourdough French Rye starts at Dhs15 and is available at 50 Monoprix, Geant, Spinneys & Waitrose locations in U.A.E along with Free home delivery.
    For more information visit fortheloveofbread.ae 
    Madeleine Et Marcel

    This Parisian cake boutique is where the baking magic begins. Known for their exquisite creations, guests can have their vision come to life with the finest ingredients and unmissable cake artistry. By celebrating the true magic of French patisserie, this bakery is definitely one to visit. As part of Rikas Group, it’s located at Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel and is open daily from 8:30am to 8:30pm.
    For more information visit madeleineetmarcel.com.
    Cookie Conspiracy

    For premium handmade cookies, Cookie Conspiracy is the sport to order from. By redefining the cookie landscape, each box features twelve delectable flavours, weighing in at a hefty 140-gram delight. But here’s the twist – each flavour is an exclusive, limited-time ‘drop.’ Yes, you heard it right; these cookies are a rare breed, and every drop includes 12 unique flavors that will keep you craving for more.
    For more information visit cookieconspiracry.com
    Home Bakery

    Known for its wide range of irresistible desserts and seasonal savoury dishes, Home Bakery continues to have an undisputed reputation for authentic offerings. From their delicious chewy melts to fresh chocolate fondants, there’s more than enough on the menu to relish, whether you dine with your friends or family. Looking to continuously experiment with new flavours, the list on the menu keeps growing. Located in building 7, it’s open daily from 7:30am to 12am, with various branches around Dubai.
    For more information visit homebakery.ae 
    EllaMia

    EllaMia is a sophisticated café that brings its dedicated Los Angeles-based coffee culture to Dubai. With an extra-cosy, refined setting that will have any java-savvy lover buzz in delight, the café is all about serving good old-fashioned caffeine, alongside tantalising dishes such as the soft Egg Monsieur Muffin, served with beef bacon and truffle mornay sauce or a refreshing breakfast bowl paired with granola and fresh fruit. The bakery brings freshly baked sweets from macarons and cakes to pastries like the infamous pain au chocolat, a variety of croissants and a raspberry danish. It’s open daily from 7am to 9pm and is situated at SLS Dubai.
    For more information visit @ellamiadubai
    Rise and Dawn Bakehouse

    From gourmet donuts, coated in sugar, filled to the brim with Dulce de Leche, sharp raspberry jam or coconut and yuzu to a selection of flakey, buttery croissants from pistachio and Madagascan vanilla cream or an indulgent strawberry cheesecake cruffin (a croissant muffin), you can’t go wrong. Each morning the pastry chefs handcraft devastatingly delicious pieces of art using the highest quality ingredients for the hand-rolled production. All orders can be placed online or through in-store visits at Burj Al Salam, which is open daily from 7am to 4pm.
    For more information visit riseanddawnbakehouse.com 
    Risen

    This homegrown brand, which has taken Dubai by storm since opening its first branch in Dubai Marina only two years ago, has also become the café destination of choice for Palm residents, thanks to its stunning interiors, full-bodied coffee, beautiful pastries, delicious signature dishes and fresh-from-the-oven loaves. The eclectic beverage menu also includes freshly blended juices and smoothies, innovative mocktails and a carefully curated range of teas and unique infusions. From flaky croissants to decedent donuts, there’s a host of scrumptious additions to try. The Palm Risen Café & Artisanal Bakery is open daily from 7am to 8pm.
    For more information visit risendubai.com
    BakeMyDay

    BakeMyDay, quite simply, was born out of an uncontrollable passion for everything ooey, gooey and edible. Created by Yasmeen Jisri in 2014 as a home bakery, selling (via WhatsApp mainly) to friends, family members and just about anyone who wanted to get their hands on BMD’s delicious treats.
    For more information visit bakemyday.me 
    Café Otaku

    Offering authentic Japanese cuisine in the heart of Dubai Design District, Otaku embodied the philosophy of home throughout its layout. From a welcoming entrance to modern aesthetics, the café celebrates the minimal elements throughout the experience. Known for their speciality coffee and delicious Japanese pancakes, the café reflects the overarching simplicity of Japanese design. It’s open daily from 8am to 11pm.
    For more information visit @otaku.eatery
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @by_eva More

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    6 mental health clinics to book for in Dubai

    Life

    With the high-pressure society we live in, mental health is quite often an overlooked subject. To delve into the matter, it’s important to provide an opportunity for people around the world to make mental health care a reality for all.
    As the UAE continues to break the stigma surrounding this, mental health clinics have gained popularity to address factors surrounding depression, fatigue, anxiety, panic attacks and more.
    With the previous outbreak of COVID-19, several clinics have adapted to Zoom healthcare services, adding a new meaning to virtual sessions, along with in-person sessions as per usual.
    If you, or anyone you’re aware of, might require these services, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the mental health clinics here in Dubai.
    The LightHouse Arabia

    With a team of over 30 psychologists to address different areas in one’s life, The LightHouse Arabia provides high-quality services to help with a wide range of mental health and well-being challenges. From adoption support to psychotherapy, the in-depth sessions make it one of the leading mental health clinics in the UAE. With various events hosted every month, the interactive sessions make it helpful for people to address their problems in a community-driven environment. Located in Villa 1, Al Wasl Road, Al Safa 2, it’s open daily from 8am to 8pm with Fridays being closed.
    For more information visit lighthousearabia.com
    Priory Wellbeing Centre

    Each treatment programme is tailored to the specific needs of each individual ensuring the best possible outcome is achieved. Knowing that everyone has a different pace, the sessions are tailored to each person’s potential in their own time. With a team of professionals, the therapies provide an experience to suit each patient. From cognitive behaviour therapy to individual therapy, the clinic helps everyone to work through their problems. Also, to discover more about themselves. Located in Dubai Healthcare City, Block F, it’s open on Sunday and Monday from 8am to 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesday from 8am to 6pm and Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5pm, with Fridays being closed.
    For more information visit priorygroup.ae
    Thrive Wellbeing Centre

    In a judgment-free environment, this clinic helps clients accomplish their goals while supporting them in a warm, empathic and seamless manner. Combining the latest research, the professionals know that mental health is just as important as physical health. From parenting support to individual therapy, the expert psychologists support people through a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, grief, relationship issues and trauma. The clinic also conducts a host of workshops for people together in a group. Located in Office 706-710, HDS Tower, Cluster F, it’s open from  Saturday-Thursday: 9am–8pm and Friday: 9am–5pm.
    For more information visit thrive.ae
    Wise Mind Centre

    This clinic is committed to building a sense of community and belonging ensuring that anyone who visits is never treated as an outsider. Creating a confidential space to explore and harbour lasting change, Wise Mind Center ensures its clientele is kept small for quality over quantity. With individual access to each therapist, the services are provided in Arabic, English and Dutch. Located in Lake Central Tower, 1209, Business Bay, it’s open daily from 10am to 8pm, except Friday’s are closed.
    For more information visit wisemindcenter.com
    American Wellness Centre

    As the ever-increasing societal pace wears people down, the clinic was born to make the brunt of modern life a lot easier. This multi-specialty clinic ensures every session is carefully tailored as per the customer’s surrounding concerns. From mindfulness training to parenting skills training, both children and adults are looked after in a safe environment with highly qualified experts. Located in Al Faris Building 39, Dubai Healthcare City, it’s open from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit americanwellnesscenter.ae
    Camali Clinic

    With a step-by-step guided programme created to address any challenges, the clinic creates a personalised schedule to overcome each obstacle. By identifying the root cause of each patient’s personal challenges, clinically proven counselling sessions provide a holistic approach to addressing its client’s mental health. Various emotional and behavioural issues are addressed with love and support. With two locations, it’s situated in Block A, Ibn Sina building no. 27 in Dubai Healthcare City and Cluster M, HDS Center, in JLT.
    For more information visit camaliclinic.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & feature image: Pinterest @Marianna Hewitt More

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    In Pics: Princess Iman Pahlavi gets married in an intimate Parisian family ceremony

    Life

    34 seconds ago

    The granddaughter of Iran’s last monarch, Princess Iman Pahlavi, has exchanged vows with American financier Bradley Sherman in an elegant Parisian celebration, following a private courthouse ceremony in New York last month.
    The union marks a new chapter for the royal descendant, blending modern romance with regal tradition. After a quiet legal registration at the Manhattan Marriage Bureau in May, the couple hosted an intimate yet opulent wedding in Paris, attended by close family and friends.
    Among the esteemed guests was Empress Farah Diba, the bride’s grandmother and widow of the late Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.
    For her walk down the aisle, Princess Iman chose a breathtaking lace gown from Lebanese designer Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection. The off-shoulder dress, adorned with intricate hand-embroidered floral motifs, perfectly balanced modern sophistication and royal grandeur. She was escorted by her father, Reza Pahlavi, Iran’s former crown prince, in a poignant moment that bridged past and present.
    Here are some exclusive images from Princess Iman Pahlavi and Bradley Sherman’s Parisian

    The couple’s romance began in 2017 after being introduced through mutual friends. In 2023, Sherman proposed during a beachside getaway, a moment later shared by Iman’s mother, Yasmine Pahlavi, on Instagram. “We’ve watched their relationship blossom and are so happy they’ve made a commitment to share their lives together,” she wrote.
    Now residing in New York City, Iman works at American Express, while Sherman is in finance. Their two-year engagement culminated in a celebration that honored both their contemporary lifestyle and royal heritage.
    As the middle daughter of Reza and Yasmine Pahlavi, Princess Iman carries forward the legacy of Iran’s last imperial family with grace. Her wedding, much like her grandmother Empress Farah’s iconic style, reflects a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity—a testament to the Pahlavi family’s enduring influence.
    20 of the most iconic royal wedding dresses of all time

    With first glimpses of the celebration shared on social media, the event has captivated royal watchers and fashion enthusiasts alike, reaffirming Princess Iman’s place as a figure of timeless elegance.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram & Feature Image: @imanp More

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    When’s the next long weekend in the UAE?

    Life

    14 seconds ago

    Now that we’re back from four-day break for Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha, you might be wondering when are your next holidays coming. Let’s take a look at what’s left in this year’s public holiday calendar.

    The holiday period started with Arafat Day on Thursday, June 5, followed by Eid Al Adha celebrations from Friday, June 6 through Sunday, June 8. Since these dates lined up perfectly with the weekend, it was a nice long break for everyone. These dates were all part of the official 2025 public holiday schedule that the government announced earlier this year.
    So what’s next? There are still three more public holidays to look forward to before the year ends. The next one up is Islamic New Year, which is expected to fall on Thursday, June 26. This one-day holiday marks the beginning of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
    UAE Public Holidays 2025: How to plan your long weekends and extended breaks?

    Later in the year, we’ll have the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday, currently expected to be on Friday, September 5. The exact date will be confirmed closer to the time since it depends on the moon sighting. This is always a special day with various religious and community events happening across the country.
    Then to wrap up the year, we’ve got UAE National Day on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 2-3. This two-day break is always full of excitement with fireworks, concerts, and all kinds of patriotic celebrations across the Emirates. Since it falls mid-week, some people might choose to take a couple extra days off to make it a longer break.
    Eid Al Adha Escape Plan: 7 unusual getaways less than 4 hours from Dubai

    The government can sometimes move holidays to the start or end of the week to create longer weekends, but this doesn’t apply to Eid holidays. If a holiday happens to fall on a weekend, we don’t get an extra day to make up for it. Also, local governments can sometimes announce additional holidays for special occasions in their emirate.
    So there you have it – three more chances to relax and enjoy some time off before we ring in 2026. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway, a staycation, or just some quality downtime, these upcoming holidays give you something to look forward to in the second half of the year.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Home Goals: 20 gifts for people who love perfect interiors

    Life

    28 seconds ago

    Home ornaments, such as vases and clocks, are sure to go down an interior treat, as are weighty, glossy tomes for the coffee table.
    To narrow it down, here are some editor-approved suggestions to either gift a host for any gathering, a birthday token, or even an element of appreciation for someone precious in your life.
    As we know, your home is your refuge, where you can feel safe and relaxed when life gets overwhelming. Soothing decor ideas help foster an interior space that sense of peace and significantly impact how you feel after a long day at work.
    Candles and Diffusers
    Scented candles or reed diffusers can add a pleasant aroma and ambiance to any room.
    Throw Blankets
    Cozy and stylish throw blankets are perfect for adding warmth and texture to a interior space.
    Decorative Pillows
    Fun and colorful pillows can easily change the look of a couch or bed. Whether you’re looking to add volume and design to your bed or give your living room sofa and accent chairs an extra touch of curated comfort, pillows are the best way to do so.
    Wall Art
    Prints, paintings, or even framed photos can add personality and style to empty walls.

    House Plants
    Indoor plants can bring life and a touch of nature indoors. So, whether you’re into zen wabi-sabi interiors, or splashy design with wall-to-wall color, there are so many ways to integrate indoor plants to uplift (or calm down) a space.
    Vases and Decorative Bowls
    These can be used for fresh flowers, potpourri, or as standalone decorative pieces.
    Books and Magazines
    Coffee table books or a subscription to a favorite magazine can be both decorative and enjoyable.
    Rugs
    A stylish rug can tie a room together and add comfort underfoot. An artistic statement piece can add a joyful and dynamic touch to any space.
    Kitchen Accessories
    High-quality kitchen gadgets, stylish cutting boards, or a set of beautiful dish towels. Overall, these suggestions can make any living space more inviting and personalised.
    So, next time you need to pick up a few delicately crafted pieces for someone you love, swipe through our gallery to see our handpicked suggestions.

    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @at_the_friends More

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    Entrepreneur Matt Haycox shares the journey of his Mount Everest climb

    Entrepreneur Matt Haycox shares the journey of his Mount Everest climb, the most important lessons learnt during his journey, and what changed for him after the climb.
    What does your morning routine look like? How does it shape your day?
    My mornings are sacred – they set the tone for everything that follows. I’m usually up around 6:30 or 7:00 AM and dive straight into an hour of focused work before the rest of the team wakes up. Then I spend some quality time with my daughter, which is a grounding part of my day. After that, it’s off to the gym – a non-negotiable. A solid workout, followed by a sauna, ice bath, and shower gets my body and mind fully switched on. By 11 AM, I’m ready to hit the ground running. For me, exercise isn’t just about fitness – it’s about mental clarity and showing up as my best self, in business and in life.
    You’ve faced extreme challenges in business. What does climbing Mount Everest symbolise for you personally?
    Everest is the ultimate symbol of challenge – there’s a certain psychological and emotional pull just from the name alone. Even though we tackled Base Camp rather than the summit, the experience still carried that weight. For me, it’s not just about the physical test; it’s about the memories you create, the stories you come back with, and the people you share it with. Doing it alongside Ant Middleton, a former UK Special Forces soldier, who was also my partner on the hike, made it even more powerful – two very different worlds coming together for one incredible experience.

    How have your past experiences shaped your mindset for this climb?
    Honestly, I think it’s more of a mental battle than a physical one. I didn’t approach it as a race – it was never about speed or ego. It was about committing to the journey, step by step, and refusing to stop until we got there. Whether it took 10 hours or 110, the goal was simple:don’t quit. That’s always been my mindset – once I commit to something, I’m all in. I’m not interested in letting myself – or anyone else – say I couldn’t finish what I started. That’s what’s driven me in business, and it’s exactly what drove me up that mountain.
    How did you prepare yourself physically for the climb?
    I keep myself in pretty good shape year-round – I’m active with cardio, weights, and sports on a daily basis. I didn’t follow any intense or specialised training plan for Everest, just added a few extra hikes and longer walks into the mix. I knew my physical condition was solid enough to handle it. For me, it was always going to be more of a mental challenge than a physical one.
    What did you do to make sure your physical and mental health was in check during the climb?
    Physically, I kept it simple – if I felt okay, I kept going. I had a couple of days where my legs were tight or my backwas sore, so I focused on stretching and listening to my body. Luckily, we had a doctor as part of the climbing team, and I took advantage of a few acupuncture sessions, which made a big difference. Mentally, it was all about the team dynamic. We weren’t in competition with each other – we were there to support one another. If someone was having a rough day, the rest of us would lift them up. The goal was to get everyone to the end, together, and to make sure it was the successful journey we all set out for.
    How does leadership change at 8,000 metres and what challenges did you face?
    For me, leadership under pressure – whether in business or on a mountain – is about cutting through the chaos. You have a vision, a plan, a strategy, and tactics to get there. The key is not to let the extreme circumstances throw you off. It’s like being an athlete: if you focus too much on the score or every little mistake, the pressure will paralyse you. You lose your edge. My job as a leader is to make people feel secure in the fact that I know where we’re going, and I’ve got the tools to get us there. I don’t want them stressing about the big picture – I want them to trust me, follow the process, and focus on the next step. That’s exactly how it played out on Everest. Ant had the vision, and it was our job to trust in his experience and plan. One foot in front of the other – that’s how you lead on the mountain.
    You’ve spoken about how hardship sharpens discipline. Can you share a moment during the climb where enduring physical suffering translated into a mental or business insight?
    Building a successful business means pushing through day after day, failure after failure, with no guarantee of when – or if – the success will show up. There are stretches where it feels like it never will. But if you give up too soon, you never get to see what’s on the other side. That was Everest, too. There were moments when I was cold, exhausted, hungry, and just over it. It would’ve been easy to stop, to turn around, to say “this is enough.” But the truth is, anything worth having is on the far side of discomfort. Just like in business, you need the mental resilience to push through the pain, the doubt, and the setbacks. That’s when the real beauty reveals itself – whether it’s a summit or a successful venture.

    What’s one irreversible change in your mindset or approach to challenges after climbing the Everest?
    Climbing Everest changed how I look at the size of challenges. If you’re going to chase something – whether it’s in lifeor business – why not make it big? Everest is the biggest mountain you can climb, and it made me realise that setting bold goals stretches you further. Aiming to grow your business 20% takes effort – but aiming for 200% pushes you to think and act on a whole different level. Even if you fall short, you’ll get much further than if you’d played it safe. That mindset shift is permanent. Dream bigger, and you’ll grow bigger.
    What advice would you give to someone wanting to climb their own mountain, whether in business, fitness, or personal growth?
    Get the right training, find the right mentors, and learn the strategies that will help you succeed – because without those, the journey will be a lot tougher. But more importantly, remember this: no one can climb the mountain for you. You’ve got to be the one who puts in the effort, step after step. Support helps, but the work is yours alone.
    If given a chance, would you take up the challenge again? What would you do differently if you did?
    I wouldn’t do Everest again – I’ve ticked that box. But absolutely, I’m up for new challenges. The next one is Mount Vinson in Antarctica this November with Ant. It’s a completely different environment, with ice, extreme cold, and new obstacles to overcome. For me, it’s about exploring new parts of the world, pushing my limits, and collecting stories that last a lifetime.
    What is the best piece of advice that a mentor has given you?
    “No one’s coming to save you – so get up and do it yourself.” That advice means pushing through day after day, failure after failure, with no guarantee of when – or if – the success will show up. There are stretches where it feels like it never will. But if you give up too soon, you never get to see what’s on the other side. That was Everest, too. There were moments when I was cold, exhausted, hungry, and just over it. It would’ve been easy to stop, to turn around, to say “this is enough.” But the truth is, anything worth having is on the far side of discomfort. Just like in business, you need the mental resilience to push through the pain, the doubt, and the setbacks. That’s when the real beauty reveals itself – whether it’s a summit or a successful venture.
    What’s one irreversible change in your mindset or approach to challenges after climbing the Everest?
    Climbing Everest changed how I look at the size of challenges. If you’re going to chase something – whether it’s in life or business – why not make it big? Everest is the biggest mountain you can climb, and it made me realise that setting bold goals stretches you further. Aiming to grow your business 20% takes effort – but aiming for 200% pushes you to think and act on a whole different level. Even if you fall short, you’ll get much further than if you’d played it safe. That mindset shift is permanent. Dream bigger, and you’ll grow bigger. What advice would you give to someone wanting to climb their own mountain, whether in business, fitness, or personal growth? Get the right training, find the right mentors, and learn the strategies that will help you succeed – because without those, the journey will be a lot tougher. But more importantly, remember this: no one can climb the mountain for you. You’ve got to be the one who puts in the effort, step after step. Support helps, but the work is yours alone.

    This is The Summer Escape issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?
    I’ll be escaping to Bali. It’s a world away from the cold and altitude of Everest, but it’s a place I love. A slower pace, beautiful energy, and the perfect spot to recharge before the next challenge.
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