lifestyle and culture

With March being a special month for celebration with both International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, ladies, you deserve to treat yourselves with these exciting deals across Dubai.
Refresh at AWAY Spa

With two special celebrations taking place this month, the luxurious Away Spa throughout the month of March allows women to choose two 45-minute treatments for Dhs550, with options including the beauty boost facial, knead more massage and Glow body scrub. Located at W Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, get ready to detox in style this month.
For more information visit mariott.com
Ladies Day at Aprons & Hammer

While sipping on frosé with a selected range of salads, whether a solo retreat or getaway with the ladies, while overlooking the picturesque skyline, this deal is definitely a steal. Located at Palm West Beach, every Monday from 12pm to 6pm, you can escape the office environment as you unwind out on sun loungers for just Dhs95 every Monday.
For more information visit apronsandhammers.com
Miami Beats at Bla Bla Dubai

The newest hotspot is town has launched a ladies day between 12pm to 4pm for just Dhs150 as you relax on a sun lounger with unlimited glasses of grape, mocktails, soft drinks along with bar snacks from the pool menu including sliders, fries, nachos and a selection of sushi with relaxing tunes and a picturesque venue. In addition, ladies also receive 25 per cent off just in case they’re in the mood for shopping at Capri Lifestyle at The Beach opposite JBR every Tuesday.
For more information visit blabladubai.ae
Ladies day at Cove Beach

With the tranquil Arabian sea backdrop for this contemporary setting, ladies can indulge in unlimited rosé all day from 12pm to 5pm for just Dhs149, as they can also enjoy a food platter, cabana and the magnificent beach to refresh at every Wednesday located at Caesar’s Palace, Bluewaters Island.
For more information visit covebeach.ae
Relish an afternoon tea at Peacock Alley in Waldorf Astoria

Serving an indulgent selection of delectable delights from scones to sandwiches, women can enjoy an afternoon tea at the luxe Peacock Alley accompanied by a complimentary 30-minute massage of your choice available throughout the month of March, in celebration of International Women’s Day from 2pm to 7pm at Waldorf Astoria, DIFC.
For more information visit Hilton.com
Also read: Dubai ladies’ nights in 2021: The ultimate round-up
Treat yourselves with a massage at Sofitel The Palm

During the entire month of March, experience a full-body massage for simply Dhs299 with complimentary spa facilities, pool and beach access along with an addition of a 30 per cent discount on food and drinks. The offer is valid on weekdays from 10am to 6pm giving you the perfect opportunity to pamper yourselves.
For more information visit Sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com
Pamper yourself at Guerlain Spa at One & Only The Palm

While honouring Arabian traditions and massage techniques, this haven is offering the Gift of Beauty package up until March 31, 2021 where for Dhs1,320 you are treated to a one-hour Beauty Life facial along with a one-hour Body Life massage or even a 75-minute mothers and daughters in the spa’s signature suite, depending on your preference.
For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.com
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Both Gigi and Bella Hadid have walked down the runway for some of the biggest fashion designers in the industry including Chanel, Givenchy, Versace, Dior, Gucci, Saint Laurent and more. They’ve also graced covers of high fashion magazines all over the world.
So, you’d think that would warrant them being given supermodel titles, right? However, Janice Dickinson, who has previously referred to herself as the “world’s first supermodel” thinks differently.

Appearing on the Behind The Velvet Rope podcast, Dickinson explained why the Hadid sisters aren’t real supermodels.

“The Instagram models that get famous, and they (get) put into Vogue, the Kylie Jenners and the Gigi Hadids and the Bella Hadids,” she said. “I mean they are very pretty women, but they are not supermodels.”
In her opinion, they are only used by big brands and by big publications such as Vogue because of their large followings on social media.
“Vogue uses them because they have millions and millions and millions of followers,” she said.
“They have one look. They don’t really diversify their movements. They just stand there and get paid millions of dollars.”
Despite Dickinson’s comments, both Hadid sisters have put on stunning shows throughout Milan’s recent fashion week.

Bella graced the runways of Versace and Givenchy and Gigi made her return to the catwalk five months after giving birth to her first child – daughter Khai.
Taking to Instagram to share her delight at returning to the runway, the 25-year-old mum said it was an “honour” to open and close the Versace show, referring it to being the “best comeback”.
“Mostly just lucky to be healthy, working, and in a safe/tested environment to hug so many I’ve missed like family this past year,” she added. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible, especially my Italian Taurus queen Donatella Versace.”
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now 
Dina Elshurafa tells us why Reform Athletica is so much more than just a boutique fitness studio.
Can you talk us through your career?
I am a Palestinian finance lawyer based in London who always had a passion for fitness. As my work necessitates being on the road a lot, I was fortunate enough to visit many studios all over the world to keep up my fitness regime. I grew up in Saudi Arabia and spent some time working in the UAE. Whenever I visited Dubai, I always felt that the fitness landscape lacked the high-quality offering that other world capitals had.

The adventure started with my pitch to an initial investor and then to one of London’s top trainers over a juice in London. From there, the idea of Reform was born and together we worked hard to bring it to life.
For three years, we went on a working holiday world-tour of classes in London, New York, Hong Kong and LA gathering useful experiences and taking the best of each studio in these cities to turn this concept into a reality in the Middle East hub of Dubai. We wanted to create a space in Dubai that is comparable in quality and standard to studios in the fitness capitals of the world.

What inspired you to move into the wellness space?
Having experienced real results from my regular fitness regime and attendance of classes similar to the Reform Method and TRX Athletica (the two signature classes at RA) at a top London studio, I became fascinated with the fitness industry and started exploring the possibility of creating a fitness space where clients could experience the same ‘high’ and results I experienced.
We are almost three years into our journey since launching Reform Athletica and what a journey it has been! We have built a real following from our clients who now share the same passion for our classes as I did before the idea of Reform Athletica came about. It’s rewarding to see that our clients are seeing the benefits and realising the results of their hard work that they have been putting into their fitness journey. We continue to promote our environmental commitment and sustainability promise by reducing the use of one-time plastic, so much so, that we were verified and received the badge of ‘Oceanic Champion” by Oceanic Global. We have added more signature classes to our schedule to compliment the initial offering we had and of course, we continue to grow our art collection which is all on display at the studio!
How has the brand evolved since opening?
The answer to this question can be summarised into three main changes we have witnessed in the fitness industry over the past couple of years. Firstly, the more conscious end-user, the growth of the ‘studio culture’ and the rise of digital fitness. The increased awareness and attention to fitness has turned a vast majority of people (of all ages and fitness levels) to exercise in a quest to take care of their health. Also, the emergence of the ‘studio culture’ or ‘pay as you use’ model means that people are no longer confined to the one ‘super gym and tied to monthly memberships that worked more for the gym-owner rather than the end-user.
What experience do you want your clients to have when visiting Reform Athletica?
We want them to feel at home, happy and pleased to be at the studio. This is why we were extremely focused on design and interiors when we set up the studio. Not only does the space need to offer the best quality training, but it needs to offer it in a setting that is both inviting, clean, high quality and homey. We are also very much focused on customer experience and client satisfaction. 
What sets the studio apart from others in Dubai and this region?
I have to say that the studio market in Dubai is flourishing and there are some world-class offerings in Dubai and the region so well done to all our fellow studio owners! The recent flurry of studio openings has raised the bar in terms of quality, offering and general level of training in Dubai. Having said that, we do believe that at Reform Athletica we have a distinguishing edge and a unique selling point compared to our rivals. The first is the size of our being capped at 10 people at full capacity. The second is our plastic-free initiative, being the first studio in Dubai to do so we have successfully managed to create a trend evidenced by other studios following suit. The aim is for us to set a precedent and for these measures to be standardized in the fitness industry to reduce plastic consumption and improve the environmental footprint of gyms and studios worldwide.

Sustainability is a focus for the brand, how does this contribute to global wellness?
The purpose of Reform Athletica’s Sustainability initiative is to stimulate a provocative discussion about how personal wellness is inextricably linked to the social, economic and environmental wellness of our society. We want our clients to understand through adopting their own sustainability efforts, their individual wellbeing can be a source of wellness and is intimately linked to the environment in which they live and contribute to. It is impossible for an individual to be concerned with personal wellness without taking into consideration the wellness of society and the environment.
You’re so much more than just a Pilates studio, tell us about this?
I’m so glad you’ve asked this. Indeed, we are not just a Pilates studio. We offer six signature workouts – TRX Athletica and KettleForm, TRX Sculpt, Microform and the Reform Method and finally Yoga.
On the non-training side, we have our sustainability initiative where we try to host events that promote plastic-free living. We don’t sell or stock or use any single-use plastic at our studio. We have partnered up with Oceanic Global to be verified as an Ocean Champion and often run joint events with Azraq, a homegrown organisation focused on sustainability in the UAE.
We are also turning our attention to mental well-being and mental health by preparing to stock various items to help with our drive to focus on the importance of mental health, especially during the current times.
In short, we would like to be seen as a place to get fit, healthy, happy and enriched.
What have been the hurdles you have experienced in your career?
Having a double-career! I am still a practising ambitious lawyer and I love what I do. I also have a studio that needs to be looked after. Managing this isn’t without its challenges especially as I live in London and travel back and forth to Dubai. There are a lot of similarities in what I do between running a business and being a lawyer. Law, at the heart of it, is also a business that needs to be run just as much as the next business. Understanding the fundamentals of how to build and grow a business has certainly been an immense help in my law career and vice versa.
And what are the largest milestones?
Also having a double-career. I am proud that I am able to do and combine the things I love. “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life,” Confucius once said. It is 24 hours, seven days a week, 365 days a year for me, no days off.
What are the future plans for Reform Athletica?
Together with my co-founders, setting up a one studio Reform Athletica in Dubai was never the dream. We wanted to give birth to our brand in Dubai, to set the scene, to build our following and establish the foundations for the future. Now that we have built this platform, we are ready to take the next step. We are already looking into our second and third locations and planting the seeds for expansion. However, with COVID-19 still being very much at the forefront of world events, we will have to tread carefully and choose our timing correctly. However, watch this space!
This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?
I am a great believer in the importance of mental well-being as much as physical well-being which goes hand in hand. You cannot be a fit and healthy person if your mind and mental wellness are not in the right place.
March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now
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For those who wish to visit the unseen treasures of the UAE, it’s always exciting to dive into the country’s hidden areas whether you’re travelling from abroad or have been living here for a while.
Emirates Woman has curated a list of hidden hangout spots which have a combination of adventure with a subtle hint of local elements to visit, whether alone or with friends and family.
SEVA Experience

With an all-day plant-based dining experience accompanied with classes at its yoga and sound meditation studio to help you unwinds as you enjoy simple pleasures in this haven. You can then shop ethically from an authentic selection of gifts after the perfect zen experience.
For more information visit sevaexperience.com
Courtyard Playhouse

This licensed improvisation theatre and training centre offers acting workshops, corporate training and theatrical events. It’s now grown into a fun, friendly theatre through workshops where you can learn from experts in Dubai to also practice improv techniques. Located at The Courtyard, its operating hours are Monday to Saturday 9am to 11pm.
For more information visit courtyardplayhouse.com
Antika Dubai

Located at Times Square Center Dubai, all the furniture is directly imported from India with pieces kept in their authentic condition as it embraces the naturally occurring elements that contribute to the uniqueness of each piece. So if you’re in search of vintage items to add a little twist to your décor, this is the place to visit.
For more information visit antikadubai.com
Cinema Akil

This independent cinema platform aims to create awareness through its quality films as it showcases directors and filmmakers across the decades after opening its permanent location at Warehouse 68 in September 2018 in partnership with Alserkal Avenue.
For more information visit cinemaakil.com
Mleiha Archaeological Centre

As you uncover the journey of traditional Emirati life, deep into the deserts of Sharjah, this venue provides exhilarating recreational activities with breathtaking natural landscapes with unearthed treasures waiting to be uncovered as leisure in this warm setting. From horse riding to overnight camping the venue is open to visit Saturday to Wednesday 9am to 7pm and Thursday to Friday 9am to 9pm.
For more information visit discovermleiha.ae
Also read: 7 unique staycations in the UAE you need to book
The Flying Saucer
With an iconic structure which is a part of Sharjah’s collective culture since the mid-1970s, after its renovation by Sharjah Art Foundation, this landmark includes a community with a multi-activity café with a minimal greenhouse design in the interiors featuring a library with multiple screening walls creating an environment which is conducive to learn and interact for all. Located in Sharjah, it’s open from 9am to 9pm daily, except for Friday’s from 4pm to 9pm.
For more information visit Sharjahart.org
Not A Space at Mysk Al Faya

As you get warm amidst this unique desert location, this socially distant hotspot is nestled in the interiors of the Sharjah desert with a relaxed café featuring unique surroundings, in case you wish to catch the sunrise or sunset, you can also unwind at the unisex salon for a relaxing massage. The barber and parlour are open from 9am to 11pm and the café from 4am to 12pm as it’s located at Mysk Al Faya retreat.
For more information visit notaspace.ae/
Arabian Tea House

By taking a journey into Dubai’s heritage, this quaint tea house once known as Al Bastakiya transports you to the old times as you lounge in an authentic manner while being surrounded by beautiful flora and traditional delights. With the traditional tea house Located in the Al Fahidi Historical neighbourhood, Arabian Tea House is open from 7:30am to 11pm with branches across other venues in the UAE.
For more information visit arabianteahouse.net
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