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    ‘Filter vs Reality’: The influencer changing the narrative of Instagram filters

    Beauty

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Social media was once a space where the fourth wall was broken down and transparency and relatability were at the helm. However, over the years platforms have grown and developed as have the millions of daily users on them. What once was used as a space to connect with people all over the world has become a booming business and arguably a place of thwarted reality.
    Social media, particularly Instagram, is often used as a highlight reel, showcasing curated tidbits of people’s lives showing only the very best. Along with this, we have seen a boom in the use of filters on platforms.
    In various different ways, users are now able to warp their appearance – some in funny ways, others so realistic you’d be mistaken what people look like which, in turn, are creating unrealistic beauty standards. In a bid to bring back transparency to social media, UK entrepreneur Faye Kingston took a stand in 2020. Launching her own filter on Instagram, ‘Filter vs. Reality’. This filter, in short, aims to show people what you look like with or without a filter, with half the face airbrushed and porcelain and half the face normal.
    “The idea behind my split-screen filter, ‘Filter vs Reality’, was to create something unique to show people how these dramatic beauty filters rid selfies of skin textures, tones, scars, everything that makes you and how it’s affecting our mental health,” she tells Emirates Woman.
    A little over two years after launching, the filter has had nearly five billion impressions to date, with even celebrities like Jessie J and Jen Atkin jumping on the bandwagon. Below, Kingston tells us the inspiration behind launching the filter and how she’s bringing transparency back to the internet.

    You’re now a well-known content creator on Instagram. What has your relationship been like with editing photos and using filters over the years?
    I have been on a self-love journey for a long time and at this stage of my life I am in the best place I have everbeen, I have never been happier and it’s all down to self-love. I tend not to edit my body shape however I do edit my photos to brighten up the lighting and makeup etc. I have always been open about the edit as I got nothing to hide and like I said, ‘Social Media isn’t real life’.
    What inspired you to launch ‘Filter vs. Reality’?
    The idea behind my split-screen filter, ‘Filter vs Reality’, was to create something unique to show people how these dramatic beauty filters rid selfies of skin textures, tones, scars, everything that makes you and how it’s affecting our mental health. Don’t let these filters fool you; you’re unique, beautiful, strong, powerful, loved & worthy without any filter.
    It’s now had nearly five billion impressions. What has the feedback been from the campaign?
    I have been blown away by the positive response I had, and I never knew we all needed this reality check in our lives. So many people have reached out to me to say how my ‘Filter vs Reality’ filter has made a positive change of self-acceptance in people’s lives. It’s a reminder that social media is fake, and textured, pore-filled, and discoloured skin are all a natural occurrence.
    How has using filters/Instagram over the years affected your mental health?
    I was addicted to using filters until I realised social media is fake and what you see online simply isn’t real or achievable. The beauty filters can do more harm than good, altering self-image and pressuring young girls to try and be the way the filters make them look on the apps. And such pressure can cause depression or even eating disorders in some cases.

    In what way do you think it contributes to unattainable beauty standards?
    The problem with these filters is you see a side of yourself with dramatic filters that doesn’t exist, which corresponds to an unnatural and inhuman ideal of beauty that you can now achieve with filters. It’s the unhealthy obsession we all have with that perfect look. A 2017 study in the journal Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications found that people only recognised manipulated images 60 per cent to 65 per cent of the time. With the prevalence of filters and airbrushing on social media, it is terrifying to think of how it will be possible for young people to grow up with standard, realistic images of what is beautiful.
    What is your relationship like now with using filters on Instagram/social media?
    I have a love and hate relationship with filters as all the playful filters are fine, but the ones that can be damaging are those with dramatic changes to the face – which can cause mental health and self-esteem issues. It’s easy to feel insecure, seeing how so much of the content we consume daily is filtered and photoshopped, and everyone looks picture-perfect; it’s hard not to point out your flaws, but REAL Is always beautiful.
    How can we move forward in a world of social media to be transparent with the way we look/without filters?
    I think it’s time to “break that habit” of overthinking how we look in pictures because nobody is perfect, and everyone has “bad photos” we choose what and what not to share on social media to put out a good image of ourselves. We all should move towards the powerful place of self-acceptance.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Sheikha Manal shares throwback photo of Sheikha Fatima to mark her 16th birthday

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a sweet throwback photo of her daughter, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to mark her birthday.
    The young sheikha turned 16 years old on Thursday and her mother, daughter of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, posted a heartwarming message to her daughter alongside the snap.
    “Happy birthday my beautiful princess… I love you so much,” she said in the caption of the photo of a younger Sheikha Fatima from her childhood years.

    Last month, to mark Eid Al Fitr celebrations, Sheikha Manal shared a series of individual portraits of Sheikha Fatima and her younger children with their grandfather, Sheikh Mohammed.
    The first was a heartwarming shot of the Dubai Ruler embracing Sheikha Fatima. The other three shots were of Sheikha Latifa bint Mansour, Sheikh Rashid bin Mansour and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mansour, all with their doting grandfather.

    Sheikha Fatima, an avid horse rider, is the first child of His Highness Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikha Manal.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    5 luxurious resorts to add to your bucket list

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Set amongst clear sapphire seas, these blissful resorts will enable you to truly escape from it all.
    To plan ahead, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the sophisticated resorts for the perfect summer break.
    Naladhu Private Island Maldives – Maldives

    One of the most exclusive resorts you’ll find in the Maldives is Naladhu Private Island. With just 20 private villas, seclusion and relaxation are what embody a stay at this resort. While each individual accommodation has its own private pool, you’ll most likely find yourself exploring the blue azure waters which surround the private resort. Naladhu also takes the meaning of be- spoke to a whole new level with its no-menu dining concept, where a one-of-a-kind menu is created specifically to your preferences and needs.
    For more information visit naladhu.com
    Hermitage Bay Resort – Antigua

    Nestled in a quiet corner of the Caribbean island of Antigua, the five-star resort Hermitage Bay embodies the natural beauty of the region. Surrounded by lush greenery, white sandy beaches and clear blue waters, this luxury resort is like no other in the region. Hermitage Bay aims to “soothe the soul” of its guests and in a setting like this, you’ll experience the true meaning of what it is to “escape from it all”.
    For more information visit hermitagebay.com
    Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi – Maldives

    Escape to the tropical playground of the Maldives at this exclusive resort. Having first opened in 2019, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi takes luxury to a new level. This sprawling resort is now one of the biggest and most impressive in the Maldives. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, the resort features an incredible 11 dining concepts – the most of any resort in the country – and also has its very own private island, which is an impressive 344,445-sq ft and can be booked out in its entirety for those seeking ultra seclusion.
    For more information visit waldorfastoriamaldives.com
    The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

    Tucked away on a secluded island in French Polynesia, The St. Regis Bora Bora embodies the epitome of tropical paradise. Surrounded by nothing but sapphire blue waters, it’s a haven you’ll never want to leave once you arrive. To experience the true ‘wow-factor’ of the re- sort, opt for one of the luxurious over-water villas where you’ll see nothing but the blue ocean for miles on end. Each bungalow even features a glass viewing panels on the floor throughout where you’ll be able to catch glimpses of your temporary neighbours – the tropical fish – swimming by.
    For more information visit mariott.com
    Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa – Taha’a, French Polynesia

    Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa is an undisturbed resort located in the tropical islands of French Polynesia. Honouring the traditions of the region, the resort embodies authentic Polynesian architecture and interior design. Engulfed by the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean, each accommodation option ensures guests experience the surrounding seas to their maximum. The standout, however, has to be the overwater villas where you’ll experience barefoot luxury at its finest, taking in the refreshing surroundings of the crystal-clear waters. letahaa.com
    For more information visit mariott.com
    What to pack

    June’s – The Clarity Issue – Download Now
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    6 perspex pieces to add an edge to any space

    Lifestyle

    by Amy Sessions
    1 minute ago

    As warmer months approach, spending time indoors becomes the common norm.
    With simple additions to any home, each room can feel more inviting with minimum effort. With the power of practically invisible perspex décor to transform any space, these pieces are a surefire way for a clean-lined look.
    From coffee tables to bar stools, each home-décor item can transform any area without having to knock off the walls and go that extra mile. After adding a few touches, any outdated space can feel up-to-date with a hint of flair.
    To revamp your space, the experts at Emirates Woman have curated a guide of all the pieces that are sure to add an eclectic edge to any home.

    June’s – The Clarity Issue – Download Now
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    7 incredible women discuss how they find clarity in their lives

    When it comes to self-care, prioritising yourself is of utmost importance.
    Even small steps can make a big difference and Emirates Woman spoke to several inspiring women to understand how they find clarity in their daily lives.
    Wdeema Al MheiriContent Creator @wdeemajay

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    I stay on a clear path by focusing on myself and what I want. I avoid listening to other people’s judgments or opinions so as to not distract me from my own goals. I decide my own path.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    I am a firm believer in speaking things into existence. Manifesting the things I want allows me to maintain clarity. I set my affirmations for every era of my life and whatever is meant to happen will happen. I also believe it’s important for me to surround myself with great people that have good intentions that encourage me to maintain this clarity.
    Nadya HasanContent Creator @nadyaa

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    With the work that I do, it’s very hard to separate personal life from business and that could lead to burnout, which happens in my case all the time. So I try to disconnect with travel which I do very often and it helps me have a clear mind and be able to continue to do what I love.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    In my everyday life, clarity doesn’t come that easy, so my husband and I take an hour off all social media and any electronics and take long walks around our neighbourhood and talk and have deep and meaningful conversations.
    Nora Al RamadhanCEO of Apotheca Beauty @apotheca_beauty

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    What I have found works for me is to set achievable, short-term goals on a monthly and quarterly basis that I strive towards. I make sure that these goals are not so out of reach and celebrate any small wins throughout the journey. When I focus too heavily on the long-term, the path towards achievement does not tend to be as clear and can change drastically. However, my overall views are to align my actions and goals with things that bring me happiness and peace of mind.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    In order to maintain everyday clarity, I try to stay as organized as possible and create several lists for things such as discussion points for meetings, overall daily to-do lists, household tasks that need to be done, etc. I tend to create lists sporadically on my phone and add to them as things come to mind throughout the day. All of my tasks, meetings and appointments are also put into my calendar – both work and personal, so that I can make sure nothing is missed and I have it all in front of me. Separately to keeping organized, taking time for self-care every day is incredibly important and necessary. This would include prioritizing morn- ing work-outs, cooking (which I love and find therapeutic), and quality time with friends and family. I try to listen to my body and give it rest when needed.
    Asma LootahFounder of The Hundred Wellness Centre @thehundredwellness

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    I have learned over the years that gaining clarity begins with asking yourself many questions, especially questions you might be avoiding that could trigger changes you may feel unprepared for. I don’t always have the answers, however, it gives me more of a sense of direction. I really believe it is also important to pay attention to what you want or need every day. Making small decisions – it can be as simple as choosing between tea or coffee, these small steps help build your confidence around what you want out of life. When you gain that clarity of what drives you, you can manifest anything you want. These small steps build the foundation that will allow you to pursue your goals without fear. Mental clarity gives me the awareness to stop and see things as they are in the present, appreciate life, celebrate what makes me happy and healthy and feel content. When you live in the moment, you have greater control over your mind, body, and emotions, and that moment you experience is the only moment you can control.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    Clarity is a work in progress, as life isn’t clear cut, however making time for myself to be still, to reflect and detach from the noise of the outside world is vital. Whether that is praying, sitting still and making mental notes or enjoying my morning ritual of sencha green tea, I believe looking deep within yourself, embracing self-awareness, and trusting your intuition is powerful, and ultimately gives you inner peace and clarity. I also believe in living life intentionally, a life that is aligned with your core values and one that promotes self-growth. It is important to have a purpose behind every decision you make, not to underestimate the importance of loving yourself, your uniqueness, and being present in the moment gives you and your life more clarity and meaning.
    Asma Al QassimContent Creator @asmaqassimm

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    In terms of my career, I’m always focused on presenting the product in the best way possible. I put myself in the designer’s eye and make sure to make the best out of it. I believe that every design should have its chance to be seen correctly. Every photoshoot I car- ry out, it feels like it’s my first time, so I make sure it’s the best one ever.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    Maintaining clarity means being clear about what makes me happy, healthy, loving, and with less confusion and doubts. But to reach there, this requires clearing out my mind from all distractions, then through a commitment to my designers who are looking for the best out of their designs, and then prioritizing my priorities and identifying what matters to me and my customers, get creative, and lastly to bring out the best of that day by enjoying what I do and sharing my day to day life, coffee, and drive with my followers to feel them close and special.
    Amna Banihashem

    Emirati Showjumper & Mechanical Engineer@amnabanihashem
    How have you managed to stay on a clear path throughout the years?
    Faith plays a major role in my stability and clarity. It helps me focus and maintain my internal strength. When things get tough or confusing I use a method of introspection and self-reflection. My faith has helped me achieve this and self develop. Everyone needs a compass that brings them back on course, it is very important for each person to find his/her own.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    Faith plays a major role in the clarity of the mind. It reminds one that life is fleeting and the only certainty is death. A heavy reality, but it remains a reality. Thus, improving clarity on certain aspects of life like goals, family, and reactions. Taking the time to pause and think about what is truly important, and what is important enough to spend one’s energy on is crucial to maintaining clarity in an increasingly distracting world. The quality of our lives is heavily dependent on our perspective. Remembering that we have a limited time helps us make better decisions, stay present and create clarity on what is worth our precious and limited attention and time.
    Rhea JacobsModel & Creative@therjacobs

    How have you managed to stay on a clear path through- out the years?
    By respecting myself enough to relearn the true meaning of balance. I’ve placed it such that I work towards my goals giving it my best and yet am learning to prioritise my happiness and peace of mind – happiness to me means spending time with people I love, self-care moments, being present, letting go of negative and toxic baggage. Most of all, learning that it’s always about the journey rather than the destination. Every stumble is a lesson learned and rightfully so.
    In everyday life, how do you manage to maintain clarity?
    By understanding that a lot of times things may seem unclear… and that’s part of the journey teaching you something. And mainly realising that you can’t pour from an empty cup. To replace what you take from your- self with introspection, kindness, self-care and love.
    June’s – The Clarity Issue – Download Now
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    How to declutter your life, according to a top Dubai clinical psychologist

    Words by Dr. Saliha Afridi, a clinical psychologist and managing director of The LightHouse Arabia
    We think of ‘clutter’ as untidy stacks of useless items in a garage or attic. However, clutter could be anything that you are holding on to that you are not using, or in the words of the famous organizational consultant, Marie Kondo, anything that does not “spark joy” in our lives. This could be designer clothing, useful books, or beautiful decoration that does not inspire or excite and instead take up space and block energy in your home.
    The same concept of ‘clutter’ can be applied to your inner space. There are many emotional, mental, social, and spiritual things you hold onto simply because you have ‘always been this way,’ and you ‘cannot imagine being or doing something different.’ You eventually do not even notice this clutter, but it is taking up space, blocking energy and keeping you stuck in different areas of your life. Consciously addressing these areas, acknowledging them, and letting them go will yield an inner space that is light, energetic, and peaceful.
    The different kinds of clutter that might be occupying your inner space include:
    ● Emotional clutter: grudges and unprocessed emotions such as resentment, grief, anger, and hurt.● Mental clutter: constant worrying, thinking traps, information overload, never-ending to-do lists● Social clutter: people or events that we are engaging with in person or on social media that don’t add value or meaning to our lives.● Spiritual clutter: collecting spiritual information from bookshops and workshops, but never committing to spiritual practice.

    How to start decluttering your inner space:
    Emotional clutter: We all go through difficult life experiences, and most of us will either deny, project, intellectualize, or ‘rise above’ the difficult experience before we have had a chance to feel the feeling. The unprocessed emotions remain stuck in our body and eventually result in dis-ease.
    1. Journal: write down all the experiences of hurt that still reverberate inside you. Resentment, grudges, and vengeful thoughts and feelings take up a lot of your energetic space. The more you hold on to the past, the less energy you will have to create the future you want.
    2. Give the earth your hurt. Instead of carrying your hurt in your heart, connect with the earth’s energy, and consciously release your pain. Earthing/grounding helps our bodies de-stress, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain. You can do this by walking barefoot on grass, sitting and breathing for a few minutes as you sit on the beach, or standing in the sea, ankle deep as you gaze at the horizon. Connect with your heart, and from that place, ask the earth to help ease your pain.
    3. Bodywork. The combination of long hold stretches, shaking, yoga, qi gong, tai chi along with breathwork can help you move emotions through your body. Focus on the slow gentle movements, while breathing and visualize the pain of the emotional experience moving out of the body through the breath.
    Mental clutter: thoughts, decisions, and constant flow of information can create a lot of mental clutter.
    1. Do a brain dump- write down everything you have to do in your personal and professional life on paper. Once you have this, see what you can do, decide, delegate, or delete it off that list. Everything you have to do should be put in a timeslot for the upcoming week.
    2. Make decisions- a lot of our mental space is taken up with delayed decisions. Make time in your schedule, preferably in the morning when you have mental energy, to make decisions you have been postponing. If you need support or information to make the decision, then get assistance.
    3. Limit the distractions- Turn off notifications, keep your desktop clean and organized, and focus on doing one thing at a time. You use a lot more mental energy, and create a lot more mental noise when you are multitasking.
    Social clutter: socializing without consideration for how it is adding meaning and value to your life can be emotionally and physically draining and adds to your social clutter.
    1. Consciously connect- before you make a commitment to attend an event or follow a person’s social media account, ask yourself, ‘why am I doing this?’, ‘what do I hope to get out of this?’, and ‘what am I saying no to if I say yes to this?’
    2. Clear out your social media account- You are what you watch. Your attention is prime space and your time, a limited resource. If it is not ‘sparking joy’ or teaching you about something that will benefit you or inspire ideas, you are just gathering social clutter.
    3. Deep connections- while being a social butterfly has its charm, it is the deep bonds that make our life meaningful. Make an intention to spend less time with acquaintances, and more time with those you want to cultivate deep connections with. This can be done with one on one outings, or small group gatherings. Make sure to be present in the moment by putting your devices away and connecting heart to heart, and eye to eye.
    Spiritual clutter: when we know a lot about well-being and spirituality but don’t practice what we know, we are adding to spiritual clutter.
    1. Practice what you know: Most of us know enough to be enlightened human beings, but most of us are not practicing what we know. Before you sign up for another workshop or buy another book, spend 30 days devoted to a practice that has helped you in the past. If you don’t know where to start, start with breathing in for 4 seconds, and out for four seconds for a total of five minutes, three times a day.
    2. Silence: we collect a lot of noise in our day-to-day lives. Many people fill their space with distractions to avoid their inner spirit. Make a practice being in silence so that you can connect to your inner spirit.
    3. Gratitude: There is nothing that lightens up your inner space like feeling and expressing gratitude for the people in your life. Write a gratitude letter to someone, or look at the grocery store attendant in the eyes when saying a heartfelt appreciation, or hug your loved one’s heart as you thank them for something specific they add to your life.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    How this new restaurant is set to make its mark on Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    One of the most exclusive haunts in Monaco, Mayabay, has officially arrived in Dubai.
    With a clear vision for making its mark in the region, Head Chef Shane MacNeill discusses with us bringing a new luxury concept to the emirate.
    Talk us through your career.
    I have been working in professional and Michelin-star restaurants since 1997. After completing a Diploma in Hospitality Management at Worcester College of Technology, London looked like the most logical choice. The first high-end restaurant was with the Nobu Group, and it seemed that Asian cuisine was where it was going to continue until today. After leaving Park Lane and taking the first head chef position in the group at Ubon by Nobu the seeds had been sown, it was quite daunting but turned out to be a great experience. With the closure of the restaurant looming the group moved the scope to Nobu Paris, Armani/Nobu in Milan followed by St. Moritz with a pre-season pop-up in the Baur au Lac Hotel in Zurich, Mykonos and finally Matsuhisa Athens. The eleven years with Nobu had been a giant learning curve working closely with Nobuyuki Matsuhisa himself on some of the openings, In Milan, Gorgio Armani was at the restaurant several times per week which proved to be essential to the business due to his professionalism, strong work ethic, and a genuinely caring attitude towards his staff members. Mark Edwards, the Nobu group executive was a pure inspiration as he was the head chef from the very beginning at Nobu Park Lane, he also organised twelve months with Jean Georges at Vong in Knightsbridge as part of a year out to learn different types of cuisine. Mark is a knowledgeable professional and a master of his craft. Cipriani restaurants headed by Giuseppe Cipriani was an opportunity to create a menu and work on more openings from Abu Dhabi to Ibiza, London, Monte Carlo and finally Miami over a four-year period. Throughout this period, the Cipriani family was incredibly hands-on with all projects and professional with a fine eye for detail. This also helped me to familiarise myself with Italian products and cooking techniques. In 2015, the Bulldozer group brought Novikov restaurant to Dubai, it is dedicated to serving world-class food in a stylish environment. With an impeccable record and history revolving around fresh products there are very few restaurants in my opinion that are like this here. In 2018 I began work and opened Novikov in Doha, Qatar. As well as cooking and training, I also managed the kitchen design, and tableware order, selected suppliers, assisted HR and chose the kitchen team. Novikov Doha is the first Novikov restaurant for the group operating without an alcohol license and all recipes had to be adjusted to the market, which was successfully completed. I completed the opening of Shanghai Me restaurant in Dubai, UAE in July 2019 finishing in October 2021.
    In December 2021 I started the Mayabay project in Jumeirah Al Naseem with Orange Hospitality under the founder Omar Saideh which will open in May 2022.
    What eventually brought you to Dubai?
    Having done a tour of the hottest dining spots internationally, 2010 I found myself with the distinguished Cipriani restaurants over a four-year period, going from Abu Dhabi to Ibiza, London and Miami. You’re now the Head Chef at Mayabay, which has just arrived in Dubai. What’s it been like launching a new concept in Dubai and bringing such an iconic brand from overseas? For me, it is a very important time to venture into this project with Orange Hospitality. I feel blessed to have learned so much from my peers and the owner Omar. I have worked with many iconic brands before and each opening of course has a place in our memories. For me though, restaurants have the same formula, and we should always follow the basic principles, quite simply we must go to great lengths to create a home away from home, and to provide the highest quality of food and service meaning no less than 100 percent satisfaction for the guest. I feel incredibly fortunate to work with all of my team, they have shown immense spirit and great attention to detail in a hard-working environment. The team brings the restaurant to life.

    Talk us through the concept of Mayabay.
    Well, absolutely the most beautiful restaurant I have been lucky enough to be a part of that’s for sure. The attention to detail makes the venue itself quite simply beautiful. First opened in 2005 in Monte Carlo, Maya- bay quickly gained its reputation as one of the most famous restaurants in Monaco. Mayabay Dubai will present an extensive menu of Asian favourites – from dim sums to Japanese tempura and sushi, Thai curries and salads and other more contemporary takes on the classics. Guests can also expect to enjoy special vegetarian and vegan-friendly options on the menu, as well as MayaMoki, Mayabay’s signature mochi line. Following in the footsteps of Mayabay Monaco and being Orange Hospitality’s fifth restaurant opening, Mayabay Dubai is set to quickly become a household name in Dubai’s thriving F&B scene.
    How do you think the venue will differ from others in Dubai?
    Mayabay is set to leave an impact on Dubai’s gastronomic scene – with a particular highlight on Thai and Japanese cuisines. With a myriad of Asian restaurants opening in the city, Mayabay stands out with a menu deeply rooted in Asian traditions. This, combined with the restaurant’s seamless ambience, unique bar programme, and buzzing atmosphere complete with an exciting live entertainment programme, Mayabay would be an exciting new addition to Jumeirah Al Naseem’s Turtle lagoon and its nightlife scene.
    What are the hero dishes at Mayabay?
    Some of our hero dishes include Maya Crispy Duck, because of the complexity of the whole process to prepare, the care and attention required and the history of the dish. Our Thai curries are also standout dishes because the homemade pastes have been developed for the Dubai market without losing their characteristics and retaining their authenticity. The spring rolls are simply for their flavour value and their crispy yet airy textures with sauces packed full of flavour.

    What sets the F&B industry in Dubai apart from the rest of the world?
    I am fortunate enough to have been part of the Dubai F&B industry from 2008 with a very short visit for consultancy. There has been incredible growth since then of course but I would say that there are certain parallels that have been incredibly well developed to assist with the growth. The graphical location lends a hand in this, along with the diversity in ethnic backgrounds meaning it is rich in culture. The government authorities host festivities throughout the year attracting international people and organisations, and the world-class designed hotels are the most stunning on the planet. I could not imagine living anywhere else and experiencing what Dubai does.
    What are your hopes for Mayabay in 2022?
    Awards for the group and the team. I believe Orange Hospitality is making groundbreaking moves within the F&B industry.
    June’s – The Clarity Issue – Download Now
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