lifestyle and culture

In case you needed a reminder that you live in one of the greatest cities in the world, Dubai has just been voted to have the world’s best tourism experience.
A favourite among new residents and visitors, the camel riding and desert BBQ experience has come out top in the Tripadvisor’s 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards.

OceanAir’s premium red dunes and camel safari with BBQ at Al Khayma Camp beat four other contenders to the top spot. The winner was determined by reviewing millions of ratings from travellers around the world over the last 12 months.

According to Dubai Tourism’s Annual Visitor Report 2019, 41 per cent of international travellers had Dubai safari as part of their itinerary, and the proof is in the pudding. From thrilling dune bashing, a close encounter with camels, traditional Bedouin dining under the stars and mesmerising natural beauty, even we had a whole new appreciation for the golden sands that surround us.
The second best travel experience in the world went to pizza and gelato cooking class in a Tuscan farmhouse in Florence, Italy. It was then followed by a luxury small-group canal cruise in an open-air boat in Amsterdam, with Discover Berlin’s half-day walking tour and a Northern Ireland highlights day trip including Giant’s Causeway from Dublin, Ireland rounding off the edit.
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After seven years of incredible success, one of our favourite Dubai restaurants is going global.
Downtown Dubai-born La Serre – which opened in 2013 – isn’t just opening in one new city, but three – Riyadh, London and New York City.

The exciting plans were unveiled by the French brasserie’s operator, Lincoln Hospitality, who confirmed the first new La Serre establishment to open will be in the Saudi Arabian capital early next year in the King Abdullah Financial District.
Later in 2021, La Serre will be heading to Europe with a third restaurant opening in London’s exclusive area of Knightsbridge. Shortly after, La Serre will hop over the Atlantic Ocean to New York City, meaning all three restaurants will have opened by the end of next year.

Discussing the expansion of the Dubai-based French brasserie, Ralph Homer, CEO & co-founder of Lincoln Hospitality Inc., said it was an “extremely” exciting move for the La Serre Brand.
“We are extremely excited to export the La Serre brand internationally,” he said. “After years of success here in Dubai, this is the next natural step for us.”
This news comes after another DIFC hotspot announced it was also opening in London next year – Gaia is set to open its doors in Mayfair in the second quarter of next year.
While it’s exciting to see restaurants fly the flag for Dubai globally, there’s still nothing quite like the originals, particularly when they have lunch offers that you just can’t turn down.
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In addition to several initiatives across the UAE, this weekend is a great opportunity for you to take part in other events and activations to show your love and support to the people of Beirut.
Sweat for good

If you were contemplating skipping a Barry’s Bootcamp workout this weekend then we urge you to summon some extra energy, lace up those Nike’s and do at least one workout as all of the proceeds from classes this weekend (14 and 15 August) in both Marina and DIFC studios, will be donated to the Emirates Red Crescent in support of the Lebanese Red Cross.
Go the extra mile

Emirates has introduced a new initiative where for the next three months travellers around the world can donate cash or Skywards Miles via the Emirates Airline Foundation to be converted to cargo capacity to transport of critical aid and supplies to Beirut. For every donation, cargo capacity will be provided for humanitarian organisations to transport critical medical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency relief goods directly to Beirut through Emirates SkyCargo. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo will further contribute by providing a 20 per cent reduction on air freight transportation charges for approved shipments, underscoring its commitment to expedite emergency relief efforts to Beirut.
Sweet gesture

Our favourite mini cupcake provider Sugargram has created a new Prayers for Beirut box with 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to the Lebanese Red Cross. Available exclusively on ChatFood, the box is priced at AED 125 for an assortment of 25 bite-size cupcakes.
Bags of hope

Dubai-based brand Talar Nina has introduced Beirut-inspired ‘Liban Tote Bag’ and money from every purchase will be donated to Lebanese Food Bank and Impact Lebanon. Featuring old Lebanese stamps from the ’60s and ’70s, this retro carry-on is a stylish reminder of the beautiful country.
Conscious health boost

Need to stock up on some fruit and veg? Delivery company Kibsons will donate 5 per cent from all sales that are made between August 12 and 14 to the Lebanese Red Cross. Not like you need another excuse to eat your five-a-day
Flow for change

Make your yoga sessions extra meaningful by heading to Shimis studio in Alserkal Avenue this Saturday. In partnership with Emirates Red Crescent, all the proceeds from the classes will go towards relief efforts in Beirut.
Time to give

On Saturday, Alserkal Avenue will be collecting donations such as clothing, food, toys, first aid kits, and money to help those in need. To make your donation even more meaningful, Alserkal will match everything that’s been raised on the day. Use Warehouse 46 for items and A4 space for cash donations.
After the weekend…
Dine for good

On Monday, August 17, La Cantine Du Faubourg is hosting a dinner in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent. The set menu featuring an array of dishes and drinks is priced at Dhs600 per person with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to support the efforts in Lebanon.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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With AlUla in Saudi Arabia already a bucket list destination for many, we’ve got some news that may just push it to the top of your list.
The region which boasts incredible heritage, culture, landscapes and more in the Kingdom is set to welcome a new resort which will be opened by Europe’s largest hotel group, Accor.

The group will be working with the Royal Commission to expand upon a resort that already exists in the Al Ula region – Ashar Resort – which is 15km from Hegra, which is the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The current resort which is located in the Ashar Valley will fall become a Banyan Tree resort. With 35 villas already in place in the original resort, 47 more will be added bringing the total to 82, all of which will be developed into high-end villas ranging from one to three bedrooms.
The AlUla region is well-known for its ancient history with Hegra being built more than 2,000 years ago. The Kingdom is ensuring the ancient city is being celebrated for its past, but also looking to the future with sites like the all-mirrored Maraya Hall.

When you visit, of course, there will be so much to do in terms of sight-seeing and taking in the culture and heritage of the area, but the resort is also set to boast a luxury spa, full gym, swimming pools and restaurants.
The AlUla region – which includes four main sites Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and Old Town – is set to open up permanently for visitors in October.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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