lifestyle and culture

Want to converse with some of the biggest A-list celebrities out there? A new VIP app has made it possible to do so.

The new app, Clubhouse, has quickly amassed a growing interest by giving its audience a voice of their own.
What makes this app stand out from the rest is its unique nature of having an invite-only platform, much like real-world elitism in a virtual space. From various topics that interest you such as books, business, tech or health, there’s a conversation room for anyone on it, with recommendations on whether to follow or join each session or watch it later at your own pace.
Each room is just like a conference call with members talking. The audio-oriented social network platform is partially a podcast setting with a chat room feature with tech titans and A-list celebrities from around the world, tuning in to intellectually stimulating conversations that are sure to let you learn from people around the world, after being developed by Silicon Valley entrepreneur Paul Davison and ex-Google employee Rohan Seth
To get on the app, an existing member on the platform has two invites available to give you access to set up an account, leading you to the sign-up page. From this, Clubhouse now has around two million users on it with members such as Drake, Mark Zuckerberg, Oprah and Serena Williams already on the app.
There’s even some UAE-based personalities such as Mona Kattan and Rania Fawaz are also on the app. Saudi Arabian designer Arwa Al Banawi are also on this new age platform, where they can listen in to conversations, interviews and discussions.
The app is currently available only on the App Store for iPhone
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Feature image: Instagram @stylegator More

DIFC hotspot Gaia is expanding internationally this year, but its also expanding its Dubai HQ space.
The homegrown Greek-Mediterranean restaurant – which is one of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai’s favourite places to go – has opened up its new terrace.

Expanding into Gate Village, patrons are now able to embrace the atmosphere of DIFC combined with Gaia’s ambience, alongside impeccable cuisine.
Chef Izu Ani, the concept creator of Gaia, notes how the new terrace encompasses Greek culture, encouraging guests to feel more connected to their surroundings and environment.

“When we are at one with nature, and appreciate the beauty of our environment, we feel more connected to others and to ourselves,” he says. “In Greece, when you are walking through the villages, you can see tables sprawled out across the patio, filled with people sharing meals, laughing and enjoying.
“We wanted to create this in DIFC, a community that brings people together and makes everyone feel at home.”
Open from 12pm, the new terrace, as well as the entirety of Gaia, is consciously adhering to social distancing measures, as well as all COVID-19 protocols.
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Images: Supplied More

With glistening skylines, rich cultural heritage and beautiful structures, Dubai has always been a popular hotspot for visitors from around the world constantly going beyond tourism itself.

While Dubai has been positioned as the commercial hub for tourists, its mission is to become a world-leading destination as it continues to revive the economy through the pandemic.
Amidst the ongoing battle against COVID-19, the safeguarding visitors has been the main priority for tourism boards the globe-over, but Dubai especially has been recognised for its efforts by the World Tourism Organisation.
“Dubai deserves recognition for pro-actively working to keep both tourists and tourist workers as safe as possible,” the Communications Department Chief of the UNWTO, Marcelo Risi, told Gulf News. “Tourism creates jobs and promotes economic growth.
“And tourism delivers best when managed in harmony with people and the planet. Indeed, the current absence of tourism shows how important and relevant the sector is and how it touches on almost every part of our societies – from hospitality and leisure through to arts and culture as well as economic wellbeing.”
As the Dubai prepares to host Expo 2020 – which is taking place a year later than planned due to the pandemic – the importance of safety and wellbeing of residents and tourists will be at the centre of the conversation.
READ: COVID-19 in the UAE: Over 40 per cent of the population now has the jab
However, with the nationwide vaccination drive in full swing and stringent health and safety protocols which have been implemented from the beginning, the UAE and Dubai will ensure their visitors are the top priority.
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Feature image: Instagram @ahmaadmk More

February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
We asked some of the most inspiring women we know what love means to them.
Ghizlan GuenezEntrepreneur@ghizlan_guenez_

How do you show love?
When it comes to family and very close friends, I’m very expressive and affectionate verbally and physically. In general, I show love by being supportive, caring and loyal. I learned that each of us has a preference on how we like to receive love based on our preferred love language (there are five!), so I try to keep that in mind when it comes to people close to my heart.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
It is important to understand that this is something that is ongoing. You don’t allocate one day a week to go to the spa and call it self-love. To me, loving myself takes different forms: the discipline to be healthy and workout, the ability to disengage with a toxic conversation or person, the strive to constantly grow and learn as a person. Self-love is about making the right choices for you even when they’re not the easiest.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
I’d like to think that love is the most incredible energy in the world. It goes far beyond the romantic notion and expands into all areas in life. It’s a driving force.
Yasmin Al MullaCreative Director of YNM Dubai@yasminalmulla, @ynmdubai

How do you show love?
Caring and being there for my loved ones is the truest example of real love.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
By believing that you deserve to be happy! I strongly believe in the power of the law of attraction, therefore, treating yourself, appreciating your thoughts and embracing your hobbies are nothing but simple ways of bringing joy and love to yourself.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is LIFE.
Alexandra HirschiPresenter & Supercar enthusiast@supercarblondie

How do you show love?
Being in the moment with the people I love is super important. Make sure they know they’re more important than anything else by giving them all your attention.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
I’ve spent so many years giving my energy to everyone else to build my business. It took a mini break down for me to realise I need to put aside time for myself and what I love to do. That’s usually spending quality time with my dogs.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is the thing that can carry you through any hardship. I’m so lucky to have lots of love in my life with my incredible husband, my family and friends.
Alia Al NeyadiThe first Emirati ballerina@aliaalneyadii

How do you show love?
I have always been a big believer in ‘doing’ rather than ‘talking’ as one action can mean so much more than words. Don’t get me wrong, every conversation I have with my family ends with I love you and we know we mean it. However, actions can show us how much we mean to someone.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
Acceptance. I know that I must be happy with myself and love myself for all that I am. No matter what I must love myself because we only have one life – this isn’t a dress rehearsal.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is life, it is living and being in this mystery and adventure we call. Everything we do is for love and everything we feel is because of love. All my decisions have been based on my love for my art, love makes you brave and committed to the journey ahead, because without love, we are empty.
Haneen OdehFounder of Snob Salon@haneenodeh

How do you show love?
I love doing things for people I love. I may not be very expressive verbally with love, but if I know someone I love wants something I’ll be the first to get it done. Whether it’s cooking their favourite meal, surprising them with gifts, or even running an errand for them, it’s how I feel the most comfortable expressing love. Actions speak louder than words.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
Putting myself first. I realized the more you give away the less you have for your own self, and that’s not healthy. So now I prioritize my wellbeing. I cut out anything and anyone that makes me feel unhappy. I also invest in myself. Meditation, yoga, acupuncture, better eating habits, new experiences, exploring new hobbies. Just constantly taking myself on new adventures and trying new things.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is acceptance and empowerment. When you love someone, you accept them. You don’t try to fundamentally change them. It’s unconditional.
Lyndsay DoranFounder & CEO of L’Couture@lyndsay_doran

How do you show love?
I show love through acts of service, at work and at home. I like to show people I appreciate them by treating them. My favourite thing to do is plan and host dinner parties for my closest friends and family. Seeing them enjoy themselves makes me happy.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
I work out every day, whether it be yoga or weight training. I also love to switch off with a book at the beach and treat myself to a day at the salon.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
To me, love is unconditional support which is something that I found in my husband and my family. They supported me when I wanted to start my fitness journey five years ago which also led to me starting L’Couture.
Rumana NazimFounder of The Edit Dubai@rnazim

How do you show love?
I’d like to believe I show love by making time for people, whether in person or just by lending a listening ear. That might sound like a small thing but we live in a chaotic world in which quality time is fast becoming a rare commodity. This is particularly so in Dubai where the pace of life can be quite frantic. Another way I show love is through food. If someone I care about is unwell or unhappy or otherwise needs reminding that I am here and that I love them, the first thing I do is head for the kitchen. I have a few ‘go-to’ recipes that tend to prove popular. Perhaps this habit stems from the fact I like receiving food from those who love me.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
On an emotional level, I think the basics of being kind and listening to what your mental health and body need are imperative – it allows you to be fair, forgiving and compassionate to yourself and in turn, to others. Physically, I implement self-love through a carefully curated night-time beauty regime honed over many years of practice and exercising as often as my schedule allows me to. An evening run on days that I don’t feel great is the best gift I give myself.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love to me is quality time, empathy, gratitude and working together on the same page. I’m also a romantic at heart and something like a beautiful picnic in a remote place would not go amiss! In addition, love to me is also spending time with my five-year-old niece. Seeing the world through her eyes, even if only for an hour, is a great reminder of how simple and pure life can be.
Montaha Al AjeelFashion designer – Founder of Montaha Couture@montahacouture

How do you show love?
With my husband, we love each other deeply. There are many key things you need creating a successful relationship – sacrifice, forgiveness, compassion and more. For him, as he is a top cardiovascular surgeon, I encourage him and tell him I’m proud of him for his humanitarian work by saving lives. He does the same to me – that’s why we succeed in our careers. I like to show love in actions, not words.
In your life, how do you implement self-love?
Self-love is medicine for the soul. I believe that the foundation of love is self-love, so we must love ourselves before we can love others as we cannot give what we don’t have.
This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
Love is caring, trust, loyalty and sacrifice.
February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now

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Images: Supplied/Instagram More

Chrissy Teigen is always known for being open, honest and candid on social media.
Most recently, the 34-year-old shared a very candid post on Instagram showcasing her much fuller lips. However, the result is not because of filler, which she knows what’s what many people would think.

“You’re all just gonna think that I got lip fillers, but I didn’t get lip fillers between last night and now,” she said in a video she posted to her Instagram story. It was clear in the footage that her bottom lip was incredibly swollen.
Teigen continued to explain, “I bit an orange to try to open it, and I think there must’ve been, like, a pesticide or something on it.”

The mum-of-two then took to post to her Instagram grid showcasing her lips further, at which point they were even more swollen.

Teigen sarcastically said she was “looking great”, also insisting it wasn’t a “filler fail”.
“It happened after I bit the skin of a suspicious orange,” she explained for the second time. “Maybe pesticides on the outside? I look like a juicy blow-up doll, freshly unpacked.”
While her fuller lips were nothing to do with filler, Teigen has been open in the past about the cosmetic procedures she has undergone.
Last year in July 2020, Teigen was candid about removing her breast implants, which she had previously gotten when she was 20-years-old.
“They’ve been great to me for many years but I’m just over it,” she explained. “I’d like to be able to zip a dress in my size, lay on my belly with pure comfort! No biggie! So don’t worry about me! All good. I’ll still have boobs, they’ll just be pure fat.”
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Images: Chrissy Teigen Instagram More