Life

The long weekend is finally here and to make the most of your days off, we have put together a diverse list of activities to keep you busy from tonight till Monday morning.
Get the party started

Head down to the newest brunch in the city at the super hip dine, drink and chill venue at Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens. Running from 7.30pm on Thursday (just after the dry period finishes) The Social Brunch will be serving up mushroom risotto, slow-roasted chicken and grilled salmon, all against a backdrop of live acoustic music. Prices start at Dhs258 for free-flowing house drinks.
Jungle Fever

Stock up on the hottest print of the summer at the Dolce & Gabbana pop up store at the Fashion Catwalk area in The Dubai Mall. The Sicilian Jungle space is filled with tropical print that has been spotted all over the SS20 runways. The pop up houses the women’s and men’s ready-to-wear as well as striking accessories.
Foodie staycation

The Hyatt hotels in Dubai have introduced ‘Stay and Dine’ package across five of it’s locations: Park Hyatt Dubai; Hyatt Regency Dubai; Grand Hyatt Dubai; Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights: and Andaz Dubai The Palm. The deal is applied to those booking on full-board or half-board basis and includes a comfortable stay in a fabulous room and a culinary experience at one of the participating venues. What’s more, two children up to the age of 10 years dine for free when accompanied by full paying adults. The Hyatt hotels in Dubai ‘Stay and Dine’ package is available until October 31, 2020 with room stay and dining rates for 2 adults and 2 children starting at Dhs399. For bookings call +971 4 553 1290or visit bit.ly/HyattDubaiStayDine.
Mexican fiesta

Maya Mexican Kitchen + Bar, the contemporary Mexican dining hotspot at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa, has brought back its epic Mas Mas Maya Brunch. Taking place every Friday and Saturday from 1:30pm to 4:30pm, the feast includes traditional guacamole, mango dressing and salmon ceviche, lobster with roasted corn and chipotle butter and sumptuous chicken and beef striploin fajitas. Prices start from Dhs350 with selected soft beverages, Dhs450 with house drinks including the traditional Mexican Margarita and Spanish Sangria, and Dhs170 for kids aged 12 to 17 years old, with kids 11 years and under enjoying the fun for free.
Splurge for less

For those looking for a wardrobe upgrade this Eid, The Outlet Village will have up to 90 per cent off a wide range of brands. Parents can shop whilst the kids visit the Safe Kids Summer Camp Square and enjoy virtual reality games and dance classes. Upon spending Dhs350, you get to spin the wheel and be in with a chance to win instant prizes including gift vouchers, staycations at ROVE and passes to Dubai Parks and Resorts.
 Social star

Want to become TikTok famous? Head to the Mall of the Emirates and the larger than life boom box on display in Central Galleria, where you will be challenged to create a TikTok performance and post it online, using the MOE New Beginning Song on Anghami, for the chance to win daily prizes. The TikTok Challenge will run from 30 July to 15 August.
The dim sum experience

Dim Sum and Pan Asian Restaurant Zhen Wei is reopening this weekend at Caesars Palace Bluewaters Dubai with an unmissable Dim Sum Friday and Saturday brunch. Held from 12.00pm to 3.30pm, Zhen Wei’s master chef has created an authentic Dim Sum experience where you can indulge in unlimited handmade Dim Sum alongside a main course. Grab your chopsticks and sample endless creations, including Scallop & Lobster Siew Mai, Beef Spice Dumpling, Rose Prawn Har Gao, Pan Fried Shrimp Corn Cake and more.When it comes to the main course, foodies can choose from the Sweet and Sour Crispy Chicken, Barbecued Salmon or the tender Moo Shu Beef.  Make sure to leave some room for a Coconut Ice Cream with Brown Cake. Soft beverages package is priced at Dhs228 per person, or you can opt for house beverages package priced at Dhs328.
Modern Art

From July 30 to August 31, Dubai Canvas @City Walk will showcase international street artist Juandres Vera who will create his 3D artworks on the floor of City Walk’s indoor courtyard. You are already familiar with his work from the Dubai Canvas 2016 event on JBR, including a giraffe that literally emerges from a wall. Alongside Vera, UAE-based artist @artkal3 will perform a live display of Pendulum Painting each weekend, with audiences able to watch as @artkal3 swings paint from a pendulum device to produce wonderfully unique creations. Also appearing at City Walk will be the talented artist Yaroslava Deeb, who will dazzle with sand, glitter and a projector to produce frames of live art that appears animated.
New bohemia

Chloé flagship store has just been upgraded to Fashion Avenue Extension of the Dubai Mall and it’s arguably one of the chicest spaces to explore. Minimal and modern, it is a type of boutique that you’ll feel like escaping out of the heat to. While there, why not explore the latest pieces from the brand, including the new must-have handbag Darryl.
Ready meals with a difference

If you want to take a break from the kitchen but desire something a little bit more special than the usual takeaway, The Fresh Express Online has you covered. A popular distributor for premium food and beverage in the region, it will help you create the fanciest meal with minimum fuss. Right now they are offering  25 per cent off on all the full range of the ready meals and as it’s Lasagna Day tomorrow (July 30) we suggest giving their premium lasagna a try.
Three-day brunch

There is a certain pressure to pick the perfect brunch to spend your Friday at, but this weekend you can ease your mind knowing you have three days to enjoy Dubai’s favourite past time. Distillery Gastropub has announced its plans to host three-days of brunches on Friday July 31, Saturday August 1, and Sunday August 2. Brunch at the Downtown Dubai venue will run from 1pm – 4pm on each of the days where you can enjoy three-hours of hearty food and beverage, all served to the table in a laid-back, casual setting. Friday’s brunch is priced at Dhs149 with soft drinks, and Dhs279 with house beverages, including spirits, wines, draft beer, and a range of cocktails, while brunch on Saturday and Sunday is priced at Dhs149 with soft drinks, and Dhs229 with house beverages.
Zone out

The Away Spa at W Dubai – The Palm is set to reopen today, just in time to welcome the tired Dubai crowd in need of a relaxing escape over the long weekend. The modern destination of zen is offering 50 per cent off selected massages for Dubai residents including ‘Detox’, ‘De-stress’, ‘Go Deep’ and ‘Reset’. You also have a choice of just how many minutes you need to feel completely at ease with 30, 60 or 90-minute options to pick from.
New indulgence

Sometimes you just want a really good burger, but if you’re bored of the regular patty in a bun combination, then the newly launched Ugly Burger is about to spice up your taste buds. With Fast Eastern inspiration at the heart, the menu is made up of Wagyu beef, shrimp katsu and crispy fried chicken burgers, spicy chicken nuggets and shrimp balls. The restaurant’s variety of fries from truffle, kimchi and seasoned reign supreme alongside Ugly Burger’s hot sauce collection. Order now on Chatfood, the online delivery platform with a mission to support local businesses.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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Dubai-based author Avni Doshi has been selected for the 2020 Booker Prize.
The promising writer has made the longlist for her first ever novel “Burnt Sugar”. The striking story of a fraught mother-daughter relationship was first released in India in 2019 under the title “Girl in White Cotton”,  and now it’s in the running for a prestigious title alongside literally greats such as Hilary Mantel.

Born in New Jersey to Indian parents, Doshi’s unsettling and bitter portrayal of a mother-daughter dynamic is something that caught the attention of Booker prize judges who described it as “utterly compelling … sometimes emotionally wrenching but also cathartic”. It took eight drafts to complete, but it will finally be released to the public under the new title this week.

Inspired by Doshi’s mother’s family’s connection to the Osho ashram in Pune, founded in 1976 by the controversial guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the novel is also set in Pune and depicts and resentful relationship between Antara and her mother Tara.
As a young girl, Antara felt neglected as her rebellious mother escaped her middle class life to join an ashram. That experience caused a ripple effect in her own personal relationships and motherhood. The duo can barely be in the same room, yet something keeps bringing them back together.
“Burnt Sugar” is out on July 30 and the Booker Prize shortlist will be unveiled on September 15.
See the full list below
Diane Cook, “The New Wilderness”
Tsitsi Dangarembga, “This Mournable Body”
Avni Doshi, “Burnt Sugar”
Gabriel Krauze, “Who They Was”
Hilary Mantel, “The Mirror and the Light”
Colum McCann, “Apeirogon”
Maaza Mengiste, “The Shadow King”
Kiley Reid, “Such a Fun Age”
Brandon Taylor, “Real Life”
Anne Tyler, “Redhead by the Side of the Road”
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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No one can blame you for indulging during Eid Al Adha, it is a celebration after all. But, there are certain steps you can take make sure that you’re sweet tooth habit is on the healthy side.
Ghada Makarem, founder of The Healthy Treats, knows a thing or two about creating the most indulgent treats, minus the guilt. She launched the first online concept to offer healthy Arabic sweets including Dates Maamoul, Basbousa and Sfouf, using unprocessed components. Her approach is simple, focus on the best ingredients, cut out unnecessary steps and focus on big flavours.

Trust us, with her approach to baking you’ll barely notice a difference from the original Arabic sweets. Take it away Makarem…
Quit non-processed
Stay away from non-processed ingredients by substituting refined sugar with healthier options like honey or maple syrup. These substitutes do not only add a silky sweet quality to any treat, they also induce a gooey consistency, making each cookie or cake soft rather than hard and crumbly.
Switch it up

Avoid processed white flour and use natural almond flour or oats instead. Too much processed flour can increase your risk factor for high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, inflammation and obesity thanks to the high dose of carbs you take in and lack of nutrition. Therefore, it’s vital that you take into account what you can do to modify your baking recipes in order to help ensure that you are doing all that you can to eat great and stay healthy. Whilst almond flour is much higher in total fat content than most other flours are, you’ll get a great dose of unsaturated fat, so not something to shy away from completely. Meanwhile oats and oat flour offers a much slower and nutrient dense source of carbohydrates, giving you more energy that burns slower throughout the day.

Keep it natural
Swap unnecessary fats for ingredients that are natural and nutritious. Not every cake and cookie need heaps of butter, refined sugar or heavy cream – in fact, some of the best cakes remove these completely! Apple sauce or mashed banana can make a great substitute for anything sweet whilst yogurt is a great option to replace cream. Are you a vegan? Then swap your eggs with flax seeds. Whether you sneak in a few spoons of ground flaxseed into your batters or craft a flaxseed egg in place of real eggs, incorporating this superfood into your baking will turn a regular cookie into a super healthy treat. Flaxseeds promote healthy digestion, help lower cholesterol, and also cut your risk for diabetes.
Traditional touch
Retain the flavour by using Arabic favourites like pistachio and dates. Dates give everything a delicious caramel taste and texture whilst pistachios offer a sweet and nutty consistency. They also offer great source of healthy fats, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and various nutrients, including vitamin B6 and thiamine.
Add cardamom to your Dates Maamoul – this will only make the recipe more nutritious but will also give the cookies a special taste that goes brilliantly with coffee or karak.
For more information and sweet inspiration, visit The Healthy Treats Instagram page 
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Fans of live music listen up, there is a special one off concert taking place this weekend at Dubai Opera.
Emirati superstar Hussain Al Jassmi and Lebanese singer Yara will take to the stage at the stylish venue for a unique charity show in support of UNICEF’s #Reimagine campaign on 1 August.

You can enjoy amazing renditions of timeless songs alongside the latest chart hits from 10pm until midnight while simultaneously supporting the efforts to help some of the regions most vulnerable children. Now that’s what we call feel good music.

Presented by Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), the star studded event is part of the Eid Al Adha celebrations and is hosted by ‘Eid in Dubai’ and MBC Hope.
Appearing alongside Al Jassmi and Yara will be some of the best young singers from the popular regional talent series, ‘The Voice Kids’, performing a selection of the latest songs from the hit show.
Tickets are priced at Dhs495 for Silver class seats, Dhs995 for Gold, Dhs1,500 for VIP and Dhs2,000 for Premium VIP, while VIP Boxes are selling for Dhs2,500.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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If you’re planning any travel around the UAE next year, we suggest booking in advance as the country is expected to get an influx of tourists.
According to a survey conducted by global travel company Kuoni, UAE has topped the ‘world’s most searched destination for 2021’ in 11 countries.

The firm looked at Google’s global data from 131 countries, with the spokesperson commenting that all of the seven emirates offer the perfect winter escape.
“Each of the seven emirates has its own characteristics, but they’re all an excellent destination for some winter sun,” Kuoni said.

“Dubai has a futuristic style with soaring skyscrapers, epic shopping malls and long stretches of beach, Fujairah has some incredible snorkelling spots and Ras Al Khaimah draws beach lovers to its beautiful coastline.”

Adventure has taken a step back this year but as natural explorers, we were curious to see where you’re dreaming of visiting next.
We’ve done a little digging to find out the most searched destinations for 2021…https://t.co/3qvatG88kn pic.twitter.com/txEM2TqB7B
— Kuoni (@KuoniTravelUK) July 24, 2020

We couldn’t agree more. Other top destinations that made the list include Egypt, Canada and the USA.
The global pandemic has had a significant impact on UAE tourism this year, with travel for leisure only reinstated on July 7. However, many feel that the numerous unique activities on offer for will entice many more holidaymakers to visit next year.
“The success of the tourism sector in the UAE has been a model for many countries to follow. The UAE tops the list of the most attractive countries on the world map for tourism, due to the great infrastructure, array of entertainment offerings and its unparalleled tourism attractions,” Mamoun Hmedan, managing director for Mena and India, Wego, told Khaleej Times.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Saadiayt Island has arguably some of the best beaches in the country, but many of them come with a premium price tag. Bridging that gap is Aldar Properties that unveiled an affordable stretch of pristine white sand called Soul Beach.
Taking over 1km of the picturesque coastline, it is located in the Mamsha Al Saadiyat community and is open daily from 8am until sunset. With 400 sunbeds and parasols available, entry is priced at Dhs50 on weekdays and Dhs75 on weekends.

No fancy beach experience is complete without a flawless service and Soul Beach has put all the power in the palm of your hand. With you phone’s camera you can scan the QR code on your table to order your preferred refreshments via WhatsApp. Your selection will then be delivered directly to your table, so you barely have to lift a finger.

To give you further peace of mind, the beach has taken all the necessary precautions to maintain the safety of the sunseekers – from spaced out sunbeds to regularly deep cleaning. All you have to do is bring your mask, towel, a beach read and plenty of SPF.
Seems like we found the perfect spot to spend one of our Eid days off.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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Pick up a copy of ‘The Summer Escape Issue’ or download it for free here
Whether you are lounging by the pool, at the beach or in the cool confines of your home, these summer reads will inspire and elevate your mind.
AlUla
By Assouline. Photography by Robert Polidori

AlUla, also known as Wadi al-Qura (Valley of Villages), whose history can be traced back to around 200,000 BCE is a true oasis. A spectacular landscape of epic rock formations, rugged mountains and striking canyons nestled deep within the ancient sands of northwest Saudi Arabia, it is a magical place of extraordinary natural heritage that holds secrets yet to be discovered. In Assouline’s latest title, photographer Robert Polidori leads you through breathtaking imagery of this fertile valley that formed a natural passage for caravans and travellers on the incense trade route. It also provided plentiful groundwater and soil that allowed many civilisations to thrive for thousands of years.
What I Know For Sure
By Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey needs no introduction. Overcoming her own struggles, she has carved a niche for herself as a guru for positive thought and vision. As you flip through the book’s uplifting pages, you will learn about Winfrey’s ‘stand down moment’, her ‘a-ha moment’ and many more, all of which lead to a feeling of comfort and inspiration – something we all need during uncertain times.
Mykonos Muse
By Lizy Manola
As you lie on your sun lounger let this photo-essay, through the lens of Greek photographer Liza Manola, take you on a majestic and glamorous journey of the gorgeous island of Mykonos in Greece. Think twinkling blue-green Aegean waters, Ibiza-style windswept vibe, Cycladic whitewashed architecture, sun-soaked vistas, windmill strewn roads, flowering bougainvillea trees and, of course, the legendary party scene. Along with this are chronicled ancient mythological stories that defined the history of Mykonos over the past century and a look into the culture and society that brought it all to vibrant life. Dream away.

Camino Winds
By John Grisham
This is Grisham’s second book in his Camino Island series. As the erratic and deadly tropical storm Leo bears down on Camino Island, about two hundred miles west of Cape Verde, it leaves in its wake a scene of total devastation. As with all Grisham tales, this one too has its own alluring twists, perfect for indulging whilst you’re hammock bound.
Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead
By Sheryl Sandberg and Nell Scovell
One of the most vital books for any women in business to read. Sheryl Sandberg’s inspirational book begins when she was working at Google. Now the COO of Facebook, Sandberg claims she has written it for any woman who wants to increase her chances of making it to the top of her field. To any woman who is willing to pursue her goals vigorously; who wants to take down the barriers erected by society and those that exist within her as well. She hopes that any man who reads it will understand what a woman – be it a colleague, wife, mother or daughter – goes through, so he can do his part to help. It’s all about believing in yourself, giving it your all and leaning in.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
By Stephen R Covey
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit,” Aristotle famously said. This, author Stephen R Covey, explains is basically what our habits are like. Our character is a composite of our habits because they are consistent of often unconscious patterns, they constantly express our character and effectiveness or ineffectiveness. And in this lovely gem, a must-read, he explains the seven habits and principles of highly effective people that enable them to rise to the pinnacle of success. Habit one: be proactive. Habit two: begin with an end result in mind. Habit three: put first things first. Habit four: think of winning. Habit five: seek first to understand, then to be understood. Habit six: collaborate. Habit seven: enhance yourself. And the most important thing he reminds us is that success is a habit, as is a failure.

The 4-Hour Workweek
By Timothy Ferris
The message in this book is simple: stop working harder and start working smarter. It is about creating an infrastructure so you can work only four hours a week and invest the rest of the time for and on yourself. It drives the point home that life is not all about work. Outsourcing to virtual assistants, licensing and validating your ideas, not spending too much on time-consuming information and news taking mini-retirement breaks are some of the things he explains in detail. In the book, he also offers practical tips and case studies along with the latest tools and tricks you can adapt to achieve your goals.
Zanzibar
By Assouline. Photography by Aline Coquelle
When you think of Zanzibar, visions of sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms, brilliant turquoise waters, sailing dhows and green landscapes come to mind. In this book by Assouline, Aline Coquelle has captured through her lens the essence of this beautiful island. Images and intimate portraits of a community bursting with life that will make you lose yourself in their beauty and mark it as a must-visit on your travel list. Whether it is walking along the labyrinthine streets of Stonetown, visiting the wild forests, scuba diving off the coast of a private island, enjoying the Omani architecture or tasting mouth-watering cuisines from all over the world, Zanzibar has it all. You’ll find yourself wanting to flip through its pages again and again.

Awaken the Giant Within: How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Physical and Emotional Self
By Tony Robbins
How can I take immediate control of my life? What can I do today that can make a difference? These were some of the questions that author Anthony Robbins asked himself. He, like all of us, had dreams and thought they would never be realised. The book begins with Robbins flying in his helicopter from Los Angeles to his seminar in Orange County. As he looks down he recognises the large building below where he had worked as an overweight janitor, full of life’s problems. It was at that very moment that it hit him how he was now living his dream. In-between the pages of his book, you will find information, philosophies and skills that can assist you in empowering yourself. All you have to do is awaken the sleeping giant within you and focus on where you want to go and what you need to do to get there, one area of your life at a time.
Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is The Key to Unlocking Your Greatness
By Vex King
In this book, King shows how true self-love is when you appreciate where you are and who you are regardless of any transformation you aspire to. How when you stop trying to please everyone, surround yourself with positive people, change your body language, get your diet right and make yourself a priority that you really begin to change your world. He believes life will test you, just before it blesses you. Pack this for the perfect beachside read and return to the office motivated and ready to take on any challenge positively.
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Not many resorts can match the grandeur and splendour of Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, located among the dunes just outside of Abu Dhabi.
It has already earned a title as the most Instagrammed hotel on the planet and we can see why. The dramatic exterior reflects traditional Bedouin architecture and it’s difficult to take your eyes off the surrounding landscape.

Over the past few months the hotel has undergone some refurbishments and has taken added precautions to guarantee the safety of guests. Now it’s finally ready for reopening on August 15.
Make a splash
One of the most notable new features is the famed pool area that has been transformed into multiple zones so guests of all ages can find the perfect spot to cool off. Expect children’s splash pad area, luxurious in-water loungers and an in-water swing, new cabanas providing enhanced privacy and a 50-metre stretch for laps. Oh we forgot the best part. There is a new swim-up bar which offers the perfect pool time menu including a collection of desert-inspired mojitos and a new signature “Farm to Fork” pizza with ingredients from the resort’s own greenhouse. The new Resort Lifestyle Guru will be on hand to provide you with inside tips and recommendations.

Head in the game
Those who want to keep on top of their fitness goals will appreciate the reworked gym that now features new Technogym equipment, including the Zwift virtual cycling system. Outside you can find a desert volleyball court and super-sized Jenga and chess – your brain needs a workout too. Note that the tennis and basketball courts are open 24 hours.
The chill zone
The wellness centre is taking a sustainable approach to health by phasing out of plastic water bottles and the introduction of solar panels to support power and hot water. You can also look forward to new relaxation spaces for men and women, indoor and outdoor meditation zones and Psammo therapy sand-heat.
Little royals
Families can take full advantage of the upgraded kids’ club that features a new soft-play zone in the pool, nutritious menu options, and complimentary activities and experiences.

The offers
We are already booking in for a future weekend, especially as there are three great offers to choose from. The Summer Surprises room rates start from Dhs999 per room per night (a 30 per cent saving on the usual rate) including breakfast for two.
Alternatively you can enjoy a villa lifestyle at half with rates starting at Dhs1,999 when booking the Summer Villa deal that includes including breakfast for two in a one-bedroom pool villa and four in a two-bedroom pool villa. Both offers are available until October 31 2020.
If you want to feel like a true VIP then the The Royal Desert Hideaway package is for you. Royal Pavilion One-Bedroom Pool Villa is as fabulous as it sounds with prices starting from Dhs3,999 per villa for two nights. Let your Personal Villa host take care of everything as you enjoy daily in-villa breakfast, one activity per day, and two 15-minute relaxing neck and shoulder massages at the spa. This offer is available until July 31 2021.
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