lifestyle and culture

To say AlUla in Saudi Arabia is having a moment is an understatement.
There are already plans in place to revive one resort in the Ashar Valley while Maraya, a multi-purpose all-mirror venue, has bagged an international architecture award and played backdrop to a recent fashion campaign with Kate Moss. Now it’s been revealed that construction has commenced on a new eco-conscious resort.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with community-focused and environmentally-conscious hospitality group Habitas on a 100-room project with the first phase to open at the beginning of 2021.
“This agreement reflects our commitment to making AlUla a global destination that offers visitors unique, authentic experiences as we protect, share and celebrate our natural and cultural heritage,” says Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla.

The name of the resort is yet to be revealed, but the design will keep in mind the natural surroundings, with rooms presenting a modern take on the heritage of the Kingdom and the communal such as the outdoor pool complimenting the dramatic landscape.
Not only that but there are also plans in place to give back to the local community through training schools and workshops as well as the promotion of local artisans. They will also source local food and host regular conversations on sustainability.
“RCU’s approach to sustainable development aligns very closely to our values and DNA and in our mission to support local communities,” explained Oliver Ripley, CEO of Habitas.
Tourism in Saudi Arabia is still on hold due to the global pandemic, but AlUla is set to open in October this year, eventually boasting 9,400 hotel rooms in total by 2035.
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Sometimes you just need to treat yourself and what better way to do so than a spa day combined with afternoon tea.

Raffles Dubai has relaunched its ‘Raffles indulgence’ deal where you can enjoy a luxurious massage followed by the hotel’s award-winning afternoon tea.
Want more good news? It’s priced at just Dhs450.
Firstly, you’ll enjoy an indulgent 60-minute massage at the Raffles Spa. The treatment uses infused oils from one of our favourite brands Aromatherapy Associates and will most certainly loosen those tight muscles.
After you’re treatment while still floating on cloud nine, enjoy the iconic Raffles afternoon tea complete with savoury snacks like hibiscus cured salmon, chilled herb poached prawn salad and rose-shaped brie mousse and more.
As for sweet treats on offer, you can expect to see mint and chocolate bar, pistachio macaroon, custard tarts and more.
Sounds like the perfect day out to us – need we say more?
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White sandy islands of the Indian Ocean might seem far away right now, but what if you we told you that you can enjoy a fraction of that seclusion of being surrounded by blue waters right here in Dubai?
What we lack in islands dotted around the coastline, we make up in fabulous hotels that can create a level of privacy that make you feel like you’re miles away from it all.

Not known by many, but One&Only The Palm has a beach hideaway positioned on its very own island enclave. Enjoy morning yoga on your private stretch of beach, catch up on that overdue reading list while lounging on one of the terrace’s oversized daybeds surrounded by lush private gardens, or cool off in your temperature-controlled swimming pool.

The beachfront villa also has an open-plan living space with a bar, dining table and kitchenette, while the two master bedrooms are designed for individual privacy and complete relaxation – wait till you see the bathrooms complete with egg-shaped marble tub and a separate rain shower.
Why not invite your friends over to make use of the outdoor shaded seating and dining areas, including a majlis-style space shrouded by an oversized gazebo.
To make you feel like a true VIP, you’ll have your own team of dedicated butlers, and private driveway access.

Right now the 5-star hotel is offering the beachfront villa at Dhs1,850 per night inclusive of daily breakfast, complimentary early check-in from midday (subject to availability) and late checkout until 4pm.
In addition you will receive Dhs500 per night to put towards food and drinks, and if you choose to stay for three nights you will also get a free Aquaventure Waterpark access per person.
Note that you have to book and stay by September 30, 2020. For more information on the offers visit the hotel website oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm/offers
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Is it us, or is Netflix getting better with every month? Not only have we seen an increase and international content starring some of our favourite celebs, but there has also been an increase in TV shows and films from the region.
The latest addition to your viewing list sees the return of Egyptian star Amr Diab to our screens in a new Netflix original Arabic series.

It’s been 27 years since his last acting gig – he played ole of Adham in the movie Dehk Wele’b Wegad Wehob with the late Omar Sharif – and he shared this exciting news on Instagram, writing:
“I have always believed that art is a global language, and we have been able to build bridges of connections and love with diverse cultures through music. And, now with this new project with Netflix, I am excited that we will be reaching more than 193 million members in more than 190 countries around the world where they will be able to watch new content made in Egypt and enjoyed by the world.”

No pressure then.

The 58-year-old singer has built an impressive career for himself in the region and beyond. He has seven World Music Awards and six African Music Awards under his belt and has even had five of his albums topped Billboard’s global top ten hits.
Not only that, but he is also a proud owner of Guinness Book of World Records title as the first Arab singer to receive the largest number of international music awards for most album sales in the Middle East.
“For the past 30 years, Amr Diab has captured people’s hearts all over the world,” Ahmed Sharkawi, director of Arabic Original Series at Netflix, told Variety. “He is a trendsetting icon who resonates with different generations through his music and talent. We are confident that this new project will excite fans and members for the glorious return of Amr Diab to screen.”
We are yet to hear more deal of his project with Netflix, so stay tuned.
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When it comes to the Hadid sisters, we’re used to seeing Gigi Hadid rocking her signature blonde locks and Bella Hadid rocking her brunette hair.
Last year, Bella went through a brief stint as a blonde, twinning with her elder sister, and it seems now Gigi has done the same.

In a recent selfie, the supermodel posted to Instagram, the 25-year-old appears to have ditched her signature blonde highlights in favour of brunette locks, mirroring her younger sister. (However, let’s all take this with a grain of salt as Instagram filters can sometimes play tricks on us!)
Either way, we must say brunette looks good on mum-to-be Gigi.

The model, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Zayn Malik, recently showed off her baby bump for the first time and also opened up about why she hasn’t shared much of her pregnancy in real-time.
The model revealed she has been documenting her whole journey and will share it “in the future” when she feels it is the right time.
“I have been taking a lot of pictures of my bump and sending it to friends and family and it’s been really cute and exciting,” she said. “I’m trying to document it well because I’ve heard a lot of people say obviously, ‘make sure you don’t miss it.’”
It’s been reported the couple are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
The pair are reportedly set to welcome their first child in a matter of weeks.
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The long weekend is almost here and we have another special event to add to your itinerary.
The stylish La Serre Bistro has announced plans to host a one-off afternoon party brunch on Saturday 22 August from 3pm – 7pm.

The chic ‘Brunch in Paris’ in an elegant setting with views of Downtown Dubai offers four dining options. You can either go for a three-course menu with unlimited soft beverages for Dhs279, a three-courses with house beverages for Dhs399, three-courses with premium beverages for Dhs499, or house beverages only for Dhs249 – though, why would ever skip out on the food when it sounds this good?

Served at your table are a variety of modern French dishes including burrata, truffle and fontina pizzetta, beef tartare, fried calamari, and watermelon salad with feta and basil (one of our favourites).
For the mains you can indulge in a Scottish salmon filet with fresh herbs and confit lemon, striploin steak, mixed mushroom risotto, and organic baby chicken – all served with a choice of sides, including homemade mashed potato, ratatouille, or French fries.
Bringing brunch to close on a sweet note with a refreshing passionfruit cheesecake, chocolate caramel bar, and apricot peach mousse.

If you need more ideas for the long weekend, check out our fabulous guide here and don’t forget to book a last-minute staycation at one of these gorgeous Dubai hotels.
For reservations or more information, call +971 4 528 3779, e-mail reservations@laserre.com, visitlaserre.com
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