lifestyle and culture

Still looking to make weekend plans? Well, you can never go wrong with a good brunch.
Luckily, there are four new brunches that have recently launched, which means you can try something different with your friends.
Perfect Pan-Asian

Enjoy Dim Sum, a variety of pan-Asian mains and desserts, along with a few drinks this weekend at Mekong at Anantara The Palm. The new brunch which launches this Friday runs from 12pm to 3pm with prices starting at Dhs295 for soft drinks, Dhs395 for house beverages and Dhs495 for sparkling.
Budget-friendly

Keep it casual and also budget-friendly this Friday at Speakeasy restaurant Americano in Madinat Jumeirah. Feast on pub classics including salads, Wagu sliders and a whopping 1.2 metre jalapeño hot dog. Running from 12pm to 3pm on Fridays, packages start at Dhs199 for soft drinks and Dhs249 for house drinks which includes cocktails, wine, beer and spirits.
Chic French vibes

Keep it classic and cool at this new French-inspired brunch at Bleu Blanc in Downtown Dubai this Friday. The ‘La Bella Vie Brunch’ feast includes oysters, mussels, prime rib, corn-fed chicken, wood-roasted salmon and more. Running from 1pm to 4pm, packages start at Dhs325 for soft drinks, Dhs425 for house drinks and Dhs650 for bubbles.
Late Late Brunch

For those looking for a party this weekend, Secret Parties has got a new launch just for you. Their new ‘Late Late Brunch’ launches at 1Oak in the JW Marriott Marquis this weekend from 8pm until 11pm. For Dhs275 for ladies and Dhs375 for men, guests will enjoy a three-course meal with free-flowing wine and spirits. Of course, the night wouldn’t be complete without some hit tracks playing by DJ Lucasdirty.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

We don’t know about you but September almost feels like January 2.0. You can restart your fitness goals, take up a new hobby and treat yourself to the latest opening in the city before the year is out. So take advantage of this weekend and try something a little different.
Pets that brunch

Start this weekend with a brand new Thursday night brunch. Hosted at Social Company which is located in Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, the new weekly extravaganza takes place between 7.30-10.30pm and is priced at only Dhs259 per person. Expect sharing style platters and free-flowing beverages including hops, grape and spirits against a backdrop of live acoustic music. Oh, and the best part, you can bring your four-legged buddy along and chill at the airconditioned lounge with all doggies rewarded with treats and fresh water throughout the evening.
New digs

One of our favourite Italian eateries, MATTO, has just unveiled a brand new space with a side of a lively event schedule. During the weekend you have an option of Brunch del MATTO’ on Fridays, and an evening brunch ‘Portofino’ on Saturdays. The Friday experience is served from 1- 5pm, and includes an unlimited selection of starters to share followed by individual mains and desserts. Prices start at Dhs170 for just the food while free-flowing beverages package is Dhs260. If you fancy the evening brunch on Saturday then you’ll have to wait till September 12.
Away from the usual

Dreaming of a Dubai escape away from the usual suspects? Park Hyatt Dubai is finally ready to welcome back guests to its wide range of facilities. To mark the reopening, the hotel is offering 30 per cent off booking between now and November 30, 2020. Not only that but the deal also includes of breakfast at Brasserie du Park, unlimited access to Lagoon Beach, 20 per cent discount at AMARA spa, 20 per cent off food and drinks at selected restaurants as well as complimentary access to Dubai Creek Golf driving range and Mini Golf and exclusive rates on our Championship course and golf lesson packages.
In bloom

Want to try your hand at being a florist? Fine Blooms has launched floral workshops where you will learn the basics of floristry and flower care. The lesson kicks off with plenty of flowers and other essentials before the creative director of Fine Blooms, Chloe Szukilojc, will guide you through the creation process. At the end, you can marvel at your medium-sized bouquet plus a pair of florist scissors so you can continue your newfound hobby at home. The socially distanced workshop is priced at Dhs700 per person and guests can sign up for the workshops through WhatsApp on +97152 333 1122.
Health kick

Atlantis, The Palm is launching it’s very first Total Body Workout (TBW) membership with one, three, six and 12-month membership options. We know it sounds like a commitment, but if you sign up for a year you can enjoy a 70 per cent discount. With prices starting from Dhs955 per month, members will receive unlimited access to the fitness centre, as well as the wellness facilities including steam, sauna, and jacuzzi. Just to make you feel like a fitness VIP, they will also throw in unlimited access to Atlantis, The Palm’s pool and beach as well as wellness extras including a signature Comfort Zone massage once a month, a relaxing Underwater Yoga session also monthly and 20-30 per cent off a range of experiences in the resort.
Boho chic

Newly opened Koko Bay restaurant on Palm Jumeirah is an Instagrammer’s paradise. With picturesque interiors and killer views towards the Marina, it offers both indoor and al fresco dining with a modern Asian and European-influenced menu alongside bespoke beverages. The Bali-inspired indoor décor spills out onto the spacious terrace and private beach so you can kick back on a sun lounger, lie on a hammock or take a dip in the ocean. Dedicated lockers and shower facilities are available so you can go from beach to dinner without having to rush home. On weekends you can expect DJs and live entertainment and you can even bring your dog along.
Heading to Abu Dhabi?
Brunch ‘n’ roll

Oak Room, the steakhouse by Tom Aikens located in the stylish Abu Dhabi EDITION, is set to re-open this weekend and the venue is marking this occasion by introducing an all-new Friday Brunch experience. The leisurely three-hour affair will be served from 12pm to 5pm every Friday and will be serving up a signature British dishes paired with a robust beverage selection. Prices start from Dhs195 for a soft beverages package, Dhs365 for house drinks and Dhs465 for the bubbles. Upgrade your dining experience by opting for Westholme Wagyu Striploin Grade 6+ and Split Grilled Lobster main courses for an additional Dhs100.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

While life can get incredibly busy, particularly during these trying times, it’s always nice to unwind and catch-up with your best girlfriends.
And there’s no better way to do that than enjoying a fun ladies night in a group.

With that, here’s four new ladies nights in Dubai to try…
Taikun, Downtown Dubai

Popular pan-Asian restaurant Taikun is back open for business after being closed for several months due to the pandemic. During that time it’s also gone through several renovations and the establishment is now ready to show off its brand new vibe. What better way to experience Taikun’s new look than enjoying its brand new ladies’ night – ‘Boyfriend is out of town’, which launches today, September 1.
The new ladies’ night will take place every Tuesday, starting from 7pm until late. For Dhs149 you can enjoy a two-course meal with three house beverages included. Or upgrade to a three-course meal and give house beverages for Dhs199. Starters including edamame, dynamite shrimp, tuna tacos, or crispy squid. For mains, there’s the option of green dragon sushi rolls with prawn tempura, Asian mushroom noodles with teriyaki, and chicken cashew from the wok.
La Serre Bistro, Downtown Dubai

For a sophisticated and hic ladies night, head to La Serre Bistro in DIFC. Their new ladies night ‘Mademoiselle’ includes a three-course menu with four glasses of house grape for Dhs199 per person.
Starters include seabass ceviche with mango and avocado, cherry tomato salad with goat’s cheese and hazelnut, or quinoa salad with shaved vegetables and crème fraiche. Mains include a serving of strozzapreti, with tomato and homemade ricotta, sea bream served with asparagus and lobster bisque, or truffled chicken blanquette with baby vegetables and ratte potatoes. Concluding the meal, dessert options include La Serre’s classic Fraisier or a sorbet selection.
Hanami, Andaz Dubai The Palm

Enjoy dishes like salmon avocado or vegetable maki, vegetable gyozas, chicken skewers and avocado tempura at Japenese restaurant Hanami. Running every Monday night from 6pm to 10pm, for Dhs150 per person ladies will enjoy a platter of delicious Asian dishes, as well as three drinks which include strawberry bellini, peach bellini, gin fizz and Shinagawa, along with glasses of red, white and rose grape.
Nara Pan Asian, JLT

For those looking for a ladies night closer to the weekend, then the Wednesday ladies night at Nara Pan Asian in JLT is perfect. From 8pm to 10pm, ladies can enjoy unlimited food and drinks from 8pm to 10pm for Dhs149. If the gents want to join in on the fun they can also do so for Dhs199.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Supplied More

Dreaming of a Dubai escape away from the usual suspects? Park Hyatt Dubai is finally ready to welcome back guests to it’s wide range of facilities.
Overlooking the Dubai Creek with a waterfront promenade, manmade beach, and an award-winning spa, this glitzy destination offers something a little different to other resorts in the city with it’s Moorish and Mediterranean influences.

To mark the reopening, the hotel is offering 30 per cent off booking between today and November 30 2020. Not only that but the deal also includes of breakfast at Brasserie du Park, unlimited access to Lagoon Beach, 20 per cent discount at AMARA spa, 20 per cent off food and drinks at selected restaurants as well as complimentary access to Dubai Creek Golf driving range and Mini Golf and exclusive rates on our Championship course and golf lesson packages.

If you can’t stay the night then Park Hyatt Dubai has you covered with a dreamy daycation package for two with access to its lagoon pool for Dhs850. The package includes lagoon beach room from 10am to 7pm, Dhs200 to spend on food and drinks as well as a complimentary Park Hyatt beach bag and some refreshing watermelon on arrival.
If you do feel tempted to make a night at of it at one of the 223 chic rooms then you can extend you daycation pass for an additional Dhs300.

Don’t leave without enjoying a treatment at Amara Spa that has eight treatment rooms, each with a private tranquillity garden, indoor and outdoor showers and a music menu.
Park Hyatt Dubai is following COVID-19 safety guidelines as per the UAE Government directive to protect the wellness of customers and employees.

– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

As the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the globe for the better part of 2020, it has affected many nations across the world. However, there’s still a few countries which claim to have kept the virus out.
At present, there’s currently 10 countries which have recorded zero COVID-19 cases, all of which are small island nations located in the Pacific Ocean.

The 10 countries include: Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, Soloman Island, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Tuvalu and Kiribati.
While they’ve managed to keep out the virus, these small island nations are still affected by it – plain and simply because there are no tourists, which makes up a large percentage of the countries’ GDPs.

For example, for Pacific Island nation Palau, tourism accounted for 40 per cent of the country’s GDP in 2017, per IMF figures.
Palau closed its borders in March, which has meant its kept its cases at zero, but with what would normally be a booming tourist season for them during summer, the island has been vacant of tourists.

According to the BBC, the country’s oldest hotel – The Palau Hotel – which opened in 1982 is currently only housing returning residents in quarantine. The hotel’s owner says he’ll only be able to survive for another six months given the current circumstances.
“I can stay for another half-a-year,” the owner, Brian Lee, told the publication. “Then I may have to close.”
He’s tried to keep his 20 staff working at reduced hours with jobs such as renovation and maintenance, but there’s only so much to be done. However, he’s praised the country’s government for doing a “good job” amidst the pandemic.
But Palau is just one nation amongst many who have been affected by the lack of tourism, an industry which is set to face huge losses.
During an online briefing conducted by the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it was highlighted that the pandemic could cost 100 million jobs globally and mean losses of $1.2 trillion worldwide.
“Tourism accounts for seven per cent of worldwide trade,” Zoritsa Urosevic, the director of the UNWTO’s Institutional Relations and Partnerships Department, explained during the briefing, adding that “no nation will be unaffected”.
To combat the great losses, she encouraged domestic travel amongst nations – which has been a big push here in the UAE with various staycation and daycation offers becoming increasingly popular.
However, it’s safe to say the global tourism industry has a long way to go until it fully recovers.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Vanuatu Islands Instagram More

With the weather finally starting to cool down, we expect you’ll be spending a lot more time outside. But on an odd evening when you just want to chill at home we have put together an edit of new Netflix TV series and films to add to your viewing list.
September 3
Love, Guaranteed
[embedded content]

A lawyer takes on a unique case of a very handsome client who wants to sue a dating website after almost 1000 failed dates. As you expect, sparks fly as both of them discover what love really means.
September 4
Away
[embedded content]

Science fiction drama stars Hilary Swankas astronaut Emma Green who chooses to leave her family behind to embark on a treacherous three-year mission to Mars in command of an international crew. The journey will test them all emotionally as they deal with being millions of miles away from their loved ones.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
[embedded content]
If you are a fan of mind boggling and slightly terrifying drama, then this new release from writer-director Charlie Kaufman, then I’m Thinking of Ending Things will be right up your street. Based on the novel of the same name by Iain Reid, there is plenty of surreal humour to squirmat as a clinical psychologist heads to rural Oklahoma to meet her new boyfriend’s parents. Once there, she travels through time and explores the state of human regret and fragility.
September 9
[embedded content]
Expert home organisers Clea and Joanna help celebrities and everyday clients edit, categorize and contain their clutter to create stunning spaces. This show will not only help you get organised but it is a great excuse to nose around the homes of Reese Witherspoon and Khloé Kardashian.
September 10
The Gift: Season 2
[embedded content]
The Turkish fantasy series is based on the novel Dünyanın Uyanışı by Şengül Boybaş is back for season 2. It continues to follow the painter from Istanbul Atiye as she tries to uncover her true gift that could help save pregnant women from dying.
September 16
The Devil All The Time
[embedded content]
A stellar cast consisting of Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson star in thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock. It follows a young man devoted to protecting those he loves in a postwar backwoods town teeming with corruption and brutality.
September 18
Ratched
[embedded content]
From the creator of American Horror Story, witness the origin of one of the world’s most iconic characters, Nurse Ratched played masterfully by Sarah Paulson. Taking place in pa sychiatric hospital, Ratched presents herself as an exemplary professional – while the sinister and cruel elements of her personality boil away within. 
September 23
Enola Holmes
[embedded content]
A tale of Sherlock Holmes like you’ve never seen it. Helena Bonham Carter and Henry Cavill will star alongside Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown in a new film focused on Sherlock Holmes’ much younger and fiercer sister, Enola, as she embarks on an adventurous journey to find her mother (played by Bonham Carter).
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: YouTube More