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      This advent calendar will make the countdown to Christmas extra special

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      2 hours ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: There’s nothing better than a warm cup of tea to tame the holiday stress.
      As an annual treat for fine tea lovers, Newby Teas has launched an exclusive Hotel advent calendar that is set to make your teatime a daily delight. Making it the perfect gift for your friends and family, the blends are individually wrapped for utmost freshness with 96 tea bags in total.
      So, get ready to count down the days to Christmas with 24 unique blends cossetted in mini draws to replicate a sophisticated boutique-style hotel. After first launching in 2015, this one-of-a-kind box became an instant success with its luxury high-quality fine-teas catering to a wide audience.

      If you’re looking to expand your tea horizons, the calendars have a plethora of blends to suit everyone’s needs. From Ginseng Oolong to Oriental Sencha, there’s a long list of unending rare varieties for a loaded tea-tasting month. With an array of classic blends such as Moroccan Mint, Ceylon, English Breakfast, Earl Grey and more, this box of 96 teabags taps into the unappreciated diversity of tea.
      Designed with ornate packaging, this sought-after hotel-shaped advent calendar can be repurposed for post-festive purposes. Curated with intricate Parisian designs, the box features charming accents depicting an escape in one of the most romantic destinations in the world. The black and white illustration closely portrays an attentive bell-boy, a chic woman walking her dog and a content creator capturing that perfect shot.

      This exclusive Hotel Newby advent calendar priced at Dhs1,000 is available at the Newby Teas Boutique at Park Hyatt Dubai, which is open daily from 9am to 7pm. As well as Hotel Newby, this quaint boutique has a full range of limited-edition festive gifts making it the perfect option for gifting this season.
      For more information visit newbyteas.com. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Watch: Lebanese dance group Mayyas stun crowds in Saudi Arabia’s capital

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      3 hours ago

      Lebanese dance group Mayyas is continuing to wow crowds across the Middle East.
      Following their sensational performance in Dubai at the end of last month, the troupe made their way to Saudi Arabia earlier this week.
      In footage obtained by Arab News, the Americas Got Talent winners stunned the audience during a performance in Riyadh which featured theatrics, acrobatics and more.

      #Lebanese dance troupe and @AGT winners @mayyasofficial put on an electrifying show in #SaudiArabia this week at @RiyadhSeason https://t.co/2M7tF6sMuE pic.twitter.com/XL3OBhVP2b
      — Arab News (@arabnews) November 23, 2022

      The dance group’s performance was part of the Riyadh Season zone, Boulevard World.
      How did it all begin?
      The Lebanese dance group won the most recent season of Americas Got Talent after showcasing a series of seamless dance performances, including their finale performance, where the team of 30 women “danced as one” in the words of the actress and judge, Sophia Vergara.
      The female-led dance group took home a $1 million (Dhs3.7 million) grand prize, with a host of congratulatory messages being shared on social media from the likes of celebrities such as Lebanese singer Maya Diab, Egyptian superstar Sherihan and more.
      The performance ended on a joyous note with the audience holding up the Lebanese flag as they cheered for the crew.
      After months of hard work, the group is now known globally with the group now making its mark in the Middle East.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram/Twitter  More

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      The founder of Leila Heller Gallery discusses the key to investing in art pieces

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      30 mins ago

      Leila Heller has gained worldwide recognition as a pioneer in promoting creative dialogue in this part of the world and globally.
      After opening its first international location in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, this one-of-a-kind art gallery leaves a lasting impression on contemporary art and culture here in the Middle East.
      To understand more about the process of art curation, Emirates Woman spoke to Leila Heller, founder of the gallery about her approach to art.
      Talk us through your approach to curating an art collection.
      Collecting is definitely an art in itself and one has to be focused on the oeuvre and progression of artists they are collect- ing. There should be a theme or connection between the artists in one way or another. Personally, as a woman, I collect many female artists or art that has women as the subject. Some examples include Shirin Neshat, Marilyn Minter, Soraya Sharghi, Francesca Pasquali, Nan Swid, Mia Fonssagrives Solow, Rachel Lee Hovnanian, Ran Hwang, Mouna Rebeiz, Reza Derakshani, Gulay Semercioglu, Rob Wynn, Melis Buyruk, Hadieh Shafie, Aref Montazeri, and Ana D’Castro. I love abstraction but also texture and my collection have largely become based on materiality and what the work is made of. I also have a theme of modernist artists and contemporary masters such as Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Fernand Leger, Andre Lhote, Claudia Bravo, Marcos Grigorian, Manoucher Yektai, Farideh Lashai, Henry Moore, Gleize, Renoir, Matisse, and more.

      What advice would you impart to those starting their art collection?
      My biggest advice to art collectors is to love the work you buy. It has to be love at first sight. Then you do your research. Is it in a museum collection, part of biennales or curated shows? This shows the probability of the artist’s success going forward. But first and foremost, it must start with a passion and gut feeling.
      What is the most recent piece the gallery has added to its art collection?
      One of the most re- cent works I have added to my collection is Efe Alatin and Melis Buyruk, two Turkish artists who I have added personally to my collection but also to the gallery’s roster of artists.
      NFTs have rewritten the rules of the game. How has this impacted the art world?
      They became a craze but like many other trends, they have stabilised. Nonetheless, they have now been written into the canon of art history and definitely speak to this new age of technology. How do you suggest collectors take care of their pieces? In order to keep works of art in perfect condition for years to come, the best is to make sure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures of heat or cold as that can damage paintings, works on paper, and sculptures. Additionally, any work on paper should be behind a museum glass so that any sunlight does not discolour the paper and any bronze or metal sculptures should not be exposed to extreme humidity as they may rust. When cleaning art a feather duster is a good idea to gently remove dust from sculptures and paintings. No chemical cleaners or solutions should be used to clean any artwork at home.
      What value can working with an art consultant have on the curation process?
      This is a tricky question as there are different types. I know many extremely professional art advisors who are very educated in the field of art and have great experience working in museums, galleries, or other respectable art venues. Then there are others who call themselves art consultants without true knowledge of the art world, art history, or the art market, but use their connections to sell art. There are very honest and straightforward art advisors who have a fee structure they discuss with the client in advance and try their best on behalf of their client to negotiate down the price. However, there are many art consultants who get fees from both sides which aren’t done professionally. It is misleading in every way and prejudicial as they are paid from both sides. An art consultant can impose their own views on their client, so a client has to be aware and do their own due diligence and research to make sure it is a beneficial purchase. Some- times art consultants can be biased in their recommendations due to financial gain. How- ever, I do work with many art consultants who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful to both the buyer and the seller. If one would like to hire one, they should make sure to do their research to find a reputable person.

      What is your approach to art curation for an event?
      As I have worked in several museums, I have been trained as a curator. This experience has been a big help to me in curating my own shows in the gallery or curating shows in other venues and locations. I will come up with a concept or idea, and every artist I choose has a connection to the theme. A well-curated exhibition is a delight to view and a badly curated exhibition can be a detriment to the exhibition and the artist it features. Every show in my gallery, unless I have a guest curator, is curated by myself and I take great joy in doing so. The placement is all hand-chosen by me and I try to always find the synergy between each work included. When I work with a collector, I also often curate the works in their home, placing the works to create a dialogue between them and ensuring everything flows. Lighting and framing are big components of a well-curated exhibition. Works need to have room to breathe and show themselves in all of their glory to create a cohesive presence.
      November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Salt Bae’s Dhs600,000 Abu Dhabi restaurant bill divides opinion

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      35 mins ago

      Would you ever guess a restaurant bill could cause a stir on social media? Well, it can…
      During a recent fine-dining experience at Nusr-Et Steakhouse in Abu Dhabi, a few diners spent over Dhs600,000.
      Nusret Gökçe, founder of his namesake restaurant and also known as ‘Salt Bae’, took to Instagram to share the astronomical restaurant bill on Instagram.
      Quality never expensive #saltbae #saltlife #salt…,” he captioned the post sharing the receipt of the restaurant bill.

      Of course, the post Salt Bae shared with his 49.2 million followers garnered a lot of attention and definitely divided opinion amongst his fans.
      In the breakdown of the bill, his followers were able to see that five portion of beef carpaccio would set you back Dhs1,200 on five portions of beef carpaccio, while two beef tenderloins came it in at a whopping Dhs4,500. To top it off, there was Dhs30,000 spent on VAT alone and over half a million dirhams spent on beverages.
      Naturally, the comments rolled in on the post.
      “Seeing this dinner bill and thinking this can save an entire city from hunger for days makes me feel sad,” one user commented. “No one should EVER pay 405 for a still water.”
      “This is so stupid… Paying this much for one meal,” another follower stated.
      Meanwhile another said, “90 percent of this is just alcohol, what quality are you talking about?? Did you produce the Petrus Louis 13?”
      Another person joked that despite the expensive bill it was “Only 27 on sparkling water.”

      After going viral in 2017 with his signature salt-sprinkling pose, the Turkish restauranteur has opened branches all across the world including Mayfair, London and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. With each restaurant serving astonishing dishes such as gold-leaf covered steaks and Golden ottoman steaks, diners around the world have previously made comments pertaining to the exorbitant prices on these menus.
      Would you pay a visit to this world-famous restaurant?
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @saltbae More

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      Kick-start your holiday playlist with Sonos

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 hour ago

      With the holiday season now upon us, you might start thinking about creating the ultimate holiday playlists or planning festive favourite movie marathons with family and friends.
      That being said with it being the time of gifting, Sonos have created audio solutions for the tech enthusiast in all of us that appreciate the superior sound quality.
      Sonos have a selection of compact products that promise sound quality like never before! Whether you want to connect wireless speakers throughout your home for your holiday party or create a cinematic experience with the Sound Bars, Sonos have you covered.
      All that’s left to do is invite friends over, grab the festive snacks and enjoy!
      Discover Sonos’ Holiday favourites below:

      For more information visit: Sonos.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Here’s your last chance to book a spot at Dubai’s coolest party of the year

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      50 mins ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: Now the cooler weather has arrived in the UAE, we’re spoilt for choice of things to do on the weekend. However, this Sunday, we’ve got your plans sorted for you.
      Spend this weekend soaking up the sun at Twiggy Dubai in the company of DJ Valeron – but you’ll need to book in fast as spots are filling up!
      Known for his legendary live performances in party hotspot Mykonos, the world-renowned DJ will take to the decks in the emirate on November 27, 2022, at the luxe beach club at the Park Hyatt Dubai.
      With Provence-inspired decor with pastel and cream hues and touches of rattan, party the day away with your nearest and dearest.

      Opt for one of the beach club’s luxe loungers priced at Dhs350 per guest.
      For bigger groups the lounge packages are ideal – the Gold Lounge includes up to six guests, priced at Dhs6,000; the Platinum Lounge includes up to six guests, priced at Dhs8,000; and the VIP Lounge includes up to eight guests, priced at Dhs10,000. All of these packages are redeemable on F&B.
      Dine poolside as you listen to DJ Valeron hit the decks playing a plethora of club hits. With a menu curated by the expertise of Chef Fabio Luz, indulge in an array of Mediterranean-inspired dishes from the classic burrata to a refreshing lentil salad to royal prawns to black truffle pizza.
      For more information visit twiggy.ae, contact +97146021105 or book@twiggy.ae. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      7 coffee table books for a strong interiors game

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 hour ago

      Designed for the avid traveller, minimalist and art enthusiast, coffee table books have become a decor staple in every home.
      As a visually stunning aesthetic designed to be placed on coffee tables, bedside tables, dining tables and even TV consoles, coffee table books have gained immense popularity over the years with its think glossy pages created to educate readers of all ages.
      Whether you’re looking to spruce your home or gift a memoir to your loved one, these eye-catching books can seamlessly fit into any shelf.
      With eye-pleasing artwork and carefully curated pages, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the best coffee table books to invest in.

      November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @_emilyshome More

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      20 coffee spots in Dubai you need to visit ASAP

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      If there’s one thing Dubai isn’t short of, it’s all the cafés that allow one to unwind in.
      From getting your daily caffeine fix to embracing a café with minimal interiors, there are plenty of options that offer both.
      For adding to your list of must-visit cafés, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of where all you need to go next.
      The Grey

      This bespoke coffee haven is the newest epicentre for creative freedom, where a subtle yet charming aura is felt throughout the space. From luxe coffees to a relaxing meeting place, for different cultures, minds and communities to unite, The Grey is definitely a must-visit here in Dubai. Located on Al Wasl Road, it’s open daily from 8am to 11pm.
      For more information visit the-grey.co
      Heal

      This minimal café situated in the heart of Dubai concentrates on keeping it clean with its refreshing interiors and neutral tones. Designed with sleek furniture, this café is the next Instagrammable spot to be at. With a refreshing design and an impressive menu, this luxe spot is a world away from the everyday. It’s open daily from 7am to 11pm and is located in Umm Suqeim on 30 Al Manara Rd.
      Drop

      This speciality Dubai-based café has revolutionised the coffee experience in the emirate, with its team of experts who use nine different brewing techniques while delivering a unique experience to all its visitors. Drop Dubai is open from 10am to 11pm, with one of its locations being on Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl, entrance 3, shop 72.
      For more information visit dropdubai.ae
      Alchemy

      With a minimal mindset approach, Alchemy came about with a passion for coffee spurred from ethical single farms where it’s roasted to perfection to enjoy it will all your loved ones in the heart of Dubai. For a redefined coffee experience, visit Alchemy which is open on weekdays from 8am to 10pm and on weekends from 8am to 11pm.
      For more information visit alchemydubai.com
      PARKA

      Escape the ordinary with this minimalist coffee shop, that offers a calming ambience to help you refuel for the day. With simple interiors and delicious coffee, ranging from hot to cold brews with alternative milk preferences, guests are sure to enjoy this refreshing space in Dubai. Complimenting the coffee is a range of decadent pastries, muffins, tarts and croissants to ensure you relax, snack and unwind with your loved ones. Located in Town Square, it’s open daily from 7:30am to 11pm.
      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 from Monday to Thursday 8am to 10:30pm and Friday to Sunday 8am to 11:30pm.
      Comptoir 102

      This award-winning ethical concept is tucked away on Jumeirah road offering 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. This eatery is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
      For more information visit comptoir102.com
      Tom & Serg

      The Melbournian-inspired café has become the city’s favourite not-so-hidden gems with good food, great coffee and excellent vibes while also transforming this warehouse space into a cultural delight to include start-up galleries, food concepts and coffee roasters. Serving plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly options, the menu caters to a dynamic palate with fresh ingredients. It’s located in Al Quoz and is open from Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturday to Sunday 8am to 6pm.
      Brunch & Cake

      With a fresh needed space added to Dubai’s dining scene, this unique spot offers a wide range of spectacular dishes in a chic relaxed setting with delicious Instagrammable breakfast staples. There are three locations in Dubai at Jumeirah Islands, The Pointe and Wasl 51, ensuring each visit is a memorable one.
      For more information visit brunchandcake.com
      Cassette

      This homegrown gem is a modern Parisian bistro celebrating food, music, art and design with dishes that evoke subtle hints of French familiarity in their flavours with a wide range of diners and tastes. Located at The Courtyard in Al Quoz, this getaway has the very best curated content in food making it an ideal breakfast spot while you get your creative juices flowing. From food, coffee, inspiration work or a catchup with friends, you’re sure to feel inspired every time you visit. It’s open daily from 8am to 6pm.
      For more information visit cassette.ae
      The Hamptons Café

      Inspired by the distinctive charm of New York, this boutique café is nestled in some of the most popular locations in Dubai and is famous for its flavourful and picturesque breakfast spreads with a combination of light and hearty meals, while offering reinterpreted classics. The all-day breakfast menu has been curated to stay true to the Hamptonian tradition of hearty and simple to ensure freshness. It’s located in JBR, Islands and Arabian Ranches.
      For more information visit hamptonsdubai.com
      Nightjar Coffee

      Located in the heart of Alserkal Avenue, Nightjar is known for its delicious coffee options and extensive range of creative cold brew teas. With nitro-infused formulas, Nightjar has become an artisanal coffee roasting platform with cold brew production. Known for sourcing their coffee beans from ethical sites, it allows them to meet the farmers, ensuring a seamless process from a great coffee bean to roast. The eatery is open daily from 10am to 9pm and is located in Unit G62.
      For more information visit nightjar.coffee/shop/
      The Lighthouse

      This restaurant and concept store sits at the intersection of food, creativity and design. With a menu focusing on Mediterranean-inspired delights, guests can choose from a myriad of dishes prepared with fresh seasonal produce. By incorporating the principles of fresh eating, each dish is prepared with nothing but the best ingredients. Adding to the venue’s charm is a minimal shop that boasts a handpicked selection of gifting merchandise including glassware, travel and lifestyle accessories by a pool of unique designers. Located in building 6 of Dubai Design District, Mall of the Emirates and Nakheel Mall at The Palm, it’s open from Saturday to Wednesday 8am to 10pm and Thursday and Friday 8am to 11pm.
      For more information visit thelighthouse.ae
      Friends Avenue Café

      With a fresh blend of all your favourites including Açai bowls, gourmet burgers, a breakfast-style menu and healthy smoothies, Friends Avenue Café lets you enjoy your food completely guilt-free. Aimed to provide food that reminds you of home, this concept launched in 2015 and has been a hit ever since. Located in Fortune Executive Tower, Cluster T and Motor City, it’s open daily from 7am onwards.
      For more information visit friendsavenue.ae
      Common Grounds

      This relaxed epicurean escape serves an array of wholesome dishes with ingredients that are beautifully sourced packed with goodness. Located at balcony level 2, building 5, DIFC, JBR, Mall of the Emirates, JLT and soon to open in Dubai Hills and Nakheel Mall, making it the perfect neighbourhood space with warm wooden finishes. It’s open from 8am onwards until different timings at each location.
      For more information visit commongroundsdubai.com
      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 a creative space. Located in Villa 3 on Al Wasl Road, Palm Strip and Jumeirah Beach Road, it’s open daily from 9am to 7pm.
      For more information visit amongstfewcafe.com
      Society

      This aesthetic café is known for its visually appealing textures and Instagram-worthy dishes. From delicious coffees to appetizing dishes, this bespoke haven is surely one visit. The dishes vary from their mouth-watering shibuya toast to a honey cake with several layers of perfection. It’s open daily from 8am to 11pm for all-day dining and breakfast until 3pm and is located in Jumeirah 1.
      Myocum

      Located in Dar Wasl Mall, this cafe brings the essence of Australian coffee and cuisine to Dubai. Their coffee is some of the best you’ll find in the UAE and hero dishes include the Halloumi Hash Burger and Casuarina Toast. As a result of the friendship between coffee and great food, Myocum was born. It’s open from Sunday to Thursday 7am to 11pm and Friday and Saturday 7am to 12am.
      For more information visit myocumdubai.com
      Cafe Villa515

      This social spot has a workspace, food and coffee moments all combined into one place. With sophisticated interiors and tranquil space, this venue is definitely one to add to your list for a catchup with your friends or family. The timings are from 8am to 10pm and It’s located in Villa 515, Jumeirah Beach Road.
      L’Occitane Café

      Bringing together a fusion of delicious flavours with something to delight all taste buds, while serving the classic breakfast staples in Dubai and transporting you to the South of France with a multi-sensory journey. It’s located at Citywalk and is open on weekdays from 9am to 11am and on weekends from 9am to 12am.
      For more information with ae.loccitane.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Instagram @alchemy More