lifestyle and culture

If you’ve gotten into the habit of dining “al desco”, now is the perfect time to take advantage of your allocated lunch break somewhere très chic.
It’s not uncommon to work through your lunch, but taking your meeting beyond the screen could boost your mood and productivity, especially if you’re grabbing a table at the stylish La Serre restaurant in Downtown Dubai.

Traditional French restaurant has launched a new business lunch deal, available on Sunday through to Thursday from 12pm to 5pm. The Rendez-vous lunch menu is priced at Dhs110 for two-courses and Dhs130 for three courses.

The varied menu includes a choice of red bream ceviche marinated in tiger milk with tomato confit and chilli, grilled prawns with spinach cream, or a cherry tomato salad with goat’s cheese and hazelnut to start.
For mains, select from either fish of the day served with crushed potato, asparagus and lobster sauce, chicken breast supreme with mashed potato, green beans and Périgueux sauce, or homemade gnocchi with endive and blue cheese sauce.
Round off the perfect lunch with a blueberry panna cotta topped with crunchy pecans.
For reservations or more information, call +971 4 528 3779, e-mail reservations@laserre.com, or visitlaserre.com
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Ever since the horrific explosion rocked Beirut last Tuesday, people from around the world have been coming together to support the people in any way they can.
This weekend, Cinema Akil is screening West Beirut(1998) from Ziad Doueiri and Nadine Labaki’s Where Do We Go Now? (2011). All proceeds from the ticket sales go to the Lebanese Red Cross relief efforts.

In partnership with MENA distributor Front Row Filmed Entertainment and the Kuwait National Cinema Company, the arthouse cinema will be showing the films on Friday  14 August and Saturday 15 August.
“Cinema Akil is proud to open its doors in what we consider a small contribution towards a much larger relief effort needed to support the people of Lebanon whose lives and futures  lay in peril as a result of these catastrophic events with the hope that  our community will be encouraged to do their part in supporting local and regional effort and support the right organizations doing the work on ground in Beirut,” reads the press release.

“While both set against the backdrop of the civil war the films; equally, exhibit Lebanon not as a theatre of tragedy and destruction – but a Lebanon that is beautiful, a Lebanon that is joyful and a Lebanon that is resilient: a clear parallel to the Lebanon we are seeing come together today in solidary to pull the country from under the rubble.”

West Beirut chronicles the lives of a pair of school friends who enter a series of misadventures as they roam the city in the very early days of the Lebanese civil war, while Labaki’s feminist-themed Where Do We Go Now? follows the inhabitants of a small village in the Lebanon mountains as a group of women try to ease tensions between Christian and Muslim men.
“I am part Lebanese and spent a large chunk of my youth in school and university in Beirut.Same applies to some of our team. The place is near and dear to our hearts,” said Front Row CEO Gianluca Chakra.
“Seeing the damage from that explosion truly affected us all at Front Row and these screenings with our close partners Cinema Akil are a way for me to give back to my home country. I’m confident in Lebanon’s people and in their ability to always rise above tragedy and move forward.”
The blast has killed over 200 people and injured thousands more. It is beilived to have been caused by the detonation of 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port. Yesterday, Lebanon’s government resigned following mounting anger from the public.
Beirut relief donations can also be made out through the following link: https://helplebanon.carrd.co/
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There are plenty of films and shows to watch on one of our favourite streaming platforms this month, but we can’t wait for the new Egyptian series to hit the screens.
Titled Paranormal, it is due to be released later this year but we finally have the first visuals of the thriller that stars Lebanese actress Razane Jammal and Egyptian actor and writer Ahmed Amin. Director Amr Salamatold Egyptian media that it was a “dream” to make and took to Twitter to share a number of images of the cast.

Set in the 1960s, it follows haematologist Refaat Ismail (portrayed by Amin) who is on a mission to uncover a series of unexplained supernatural events. He and colleague Maggie (played by Jammal) have to then enter the paranormal world to save humanity.

We are gladly sharing the first look images of ‘Paranormal’
We present to you Dr. Refaat Ismael (a hematologist in his forties, thin, bald and smokes like a chimney) and Maggie Mckillop (The woman who can walk on grass without bending it)
Autumn 2020.@NetflixMENA pic.twitter.com/Dhz4vuxAgC
— Amr Salama (@amrmsalama) August 8, 2020

This is the first time Netflix has collaborated with Egyptian creatives and the much-anticipated series is based on novels by Ahmed Khaled Tawfik. The filming kicked off last May and finished in July, but due to COVID-19 the release has to be pushed to autumn.
“I’m proud to present the books in a new light while still keeping its essence. I can’t wait to introduce these exciting stories to Netflix’s audience in 190 countries around the world,” added Salama.
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While the week has only just begun, that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule in some quality time with your best girlfriends.
The perfect way to do that? Book in a ladies night.

If you’re stuck for ideas, here’s four ladies nights that we recommend you check out this week.
Treehouse, Taj Dubai
Enjoy views of the Burj Khalifa at Treehouse’s ladies night every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm. To endure the heat and humidity this summer, the rooftop has been transformed into an air-conditioned greenhouse to keep you cool. For Dhs99 ladies can enjoy unlimited grape and will also get 30 per cent off food.
Distillery

Head to this downtown hotspot for an amazing deal at Distillery’s ‘Ms. Single’ ladies night. Running every Tuesday from 8pm to 11pm, ladies can enjoy a three-course menu with unlimited house grape and cocktails for Dhs129.
Il Faro

If it’s pizza, pizza and more pizza you’re looking for then Il Faro’s Tuesday ladies night is a must-try. From 7pm to 10pm you can enjoy unlimited pizza – either Bufala, Quattro Formaggi, Magheretia or Diavola – with unlimited prosecco for Dhs165. Gents can also tag along for Dhs245.
Ketch Up, Bluewaters Dubai
For a casual night out just before the weekend begins, Ketch Up at Bluewaters Dubai has got the perfect light bites deal for ladies. Running every Wednesday from 7pm to 11pm, enjoy three drinks and a platter of bites for Dhs50.
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Feature Image: Treehouse Dubai More

If you were smitten Gigi Hadid’s home improvement, then you’re going to adore this Dubai emporium for unique staples.
Located on Al Wasl Road, concept store o’de rose focuses on contemporary home décor that has been handpicked from all over the world. Reflecting Arabic heritage with a modern twist, bring a burst of colour to your next dinner party with their selection of colourful tableware, or introduce elements of nature to the living room with a floral print chair that acts a statement piece.

O’de rose is a twist from the French word ’eau de rose’ or rose water, which is an essential embodiment of the Arabic and Middle Eastern culture. Rose is a dominant theme of the boutique, which is translated through the colours, texture, ambience and scent thanks to rose incense burning throughout. You even get a signature rose water drink when you step inside.

O’de rose is also a hotspot for discovering regional talent and artists as the store proudly local artisans by giving them a platform for showcasing and selling their creations.
In addition, they also stock clothing and accessories so you can extend your eclectic taste to your wardrobe.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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