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      Royal Wedding: Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana are reporedly married

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      Lifestyle

      by Ruman Baig
      13 hours ago

      According to an official statement on the Sheikha’s official Instagram account, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Al makhtoum and her fiancé Sheikh Mana Al Makhtoum have signed the marriage contract.
      Last month, the news of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s daughter Sheikha Mahra’s engagement to Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum was doing the rounds. Anticipation for this royal wedding was at an all time high.

      On 5th April, 2023, both Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana shared that they celebrated their Katb Al-Kitaab — the official marriage ceremony and signing of the marriage contract through social media.
      To break this auspicious news, the beloved couple posted a poem written by the groom’s father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum on their official Instagram accounts. The news have also been confirmed via the Arabian Royal Agency.

      Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum
      Here’s how the endearingly worded Arabic poem goes once translated to English. “There were joys on God’s day, books were written, and congratulations were exchanged from every home. Everyone is blessed with joy, and our night is as bright as day from the good news on the day of “Mana.” From the daughters of the wind and along the fringe is a “Mahra” in which there is fondness and estrangement.”
      Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum has a degree in International Relations from a UK university. The royal princess also has a college degree from Mohammed bin Rashid Government Administration.
      Her husband, Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Bin Mana Al Maktoum has served a year in the UAE Armed Forces-National Service. Currently, he is pursuing a degree in Security and Risk Management from the American University in the Emirates.
      While no official images or information about the ceremony has been revealed, we wish the royal couple a blessed future ahead!
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied/Instagram More

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      Sheikh Hamdan shares an adorable new portrait of his little one

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      28 mins ago

      After welcoming his third child this year, Dubai’s Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a warm heartfelt portrait image of him hugging his son.
      The image was shared on his Instagram feed with a blue heart to his 15.6 million fans who commented expressing their love for Sheikh Hamdan and the latest addition to his family.

      Several followers including, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai commented with a blue heart on the post.
      With his grandfather

      Last month, Fazza also shared a beautiful portrait of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai holding the little one with a smile on his face. As a doting grandfather, this adorable image shows the same.
      The third child
      After already being a father to a set of twins who were born in May 2021, Fazza announced that the newborn’s name Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum was welcomed into the family this month.Congratulations to Sheikh Hamdan for his growing family! More

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      Nobu Dubai’s Executive Chef on innovating with his culinary skills

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      French national Damien Duviau helms Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, Nobu Dubai, as the executive chef.
      Now with two venues in Dubai (Nobu in Atlantis, The Palm and Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis The Royal), Duviau brings over two decades of expertise including stints at Michelin-starred restaurants including Mas Candille in France and 1 Lombard Street in London.
      Duviau prides himself for his constant innovation and offers an elevated sophistication in every dish that Nobu is worldly-renowned for including hero dishes such as the black cod miso, salmon nashi pear, lobster tempura and the Nobu-style sushi.
      Emirates Man speaks to Chef Damien Duviau to talk about the business of food and the experience and skills he learned throughout his career to bring new levels of success to Nobu, Dubai.
      Talk us through your daily routine, the first 30 minutes of the day?
      I always start my day by arriving early at Atlantis, The Palm, this gives me time to focus, check emails, plan for the day ahead, and create orders. This way I am all set for the briefings at both Nobu Dubai (Atlantis, The Palm) and Nobu by the Beach (Atlantis The Royal); even though we have a full-time head chef at Nobu by the Beach, I visit the new concept three times a week to support the team and to ensure we are delivering a fantastic new experience that is aligned with the high standards that Nobu is known for. Briefings are very important, here we discuss any special events, VIP guests staying at the hotel and other special plans that require attention.
      Can you talk us through your career history and your journey to becoming a renowned chef?
      I began my culinary studies at Lycée Hôtelier de Toulouse in 2000, completing a hotelier diploma in 2002 and a professional baccalaureate in 2004. My career then took me to Michelin-starred restaurants including a stint as Commis Chef at Mas Candille restaurant in Mougins, France and London’s 1 Lombard Street restaurant. I then moved to Dubai, UAE, to work as Sous Chef at One&Only Royal Mirage from 2008 to 2010, before joining Nobu at Atlantis, The Palm as Sous Chef. My dedication and talent across the ensuing three years resulted in me having a place at the helm of Nobu Moscow, where I spent five years at before returning to Nobu Dubai.
      When did your love for food begin?
      My story is very simple. Even though I grew up with my parents, I spent a lot of time with my grandmother, she was always cooking. I never admired her skills from afar, I was always right by her side, acting as a sous chef. I would lift pot lids, smell the aroma and taste what was cooking inside. I have many fond moments where I discovered flavours. My uncle was also an enthusiastic chef and he used to take me to different restaurants and taught me to cook when I was little.
      What initially inspired you to enter the hospitality realm?
      Everything began in my hometown, even my inspirations. Cooking excited me, it was my passion and I always had dreams to become a chef. I started my education in my hometown, Toulouse, at the same culinary school as my uncle. After spending three and a half years at school, that’s when I packed my bags and moved abroad to launch my culinary career.
      What eventually bought you to Dubai?
      While I was in London, my uncle would visit me and take me to the best restaurants so I could experience what other chefs were doing. One of those times was Nobu London, and during our visit I knew that one day I would work for Nobu. Everything after that dinner happened so quickly — I jumped at the opportunity, packed my bags, said goodbye to the rain and hello to the sunshine and culinary opportunities that awaited me.
      In your personal opinion, what are the hero dishes to must try at Nobu Dubai?
      This is always a hard question to ask, not because I can’t choose but because Nobu is an experience for a variety of reasons and flavours — given the range that the menu offers. Yes, if you are going for your very first experience then you must try the Black Cod and the Nobu-style sushi — after all, these are two dishes that took Nobu’s fame to new heights.
      There are so many amazing dishes (for their own reasons) on the menu — our signature dishes such as the shitake salad, the lobster tempura as well as new additions like the scallops aji amarillo are fantastic and I highly recommend them.

      Why do you think Nobu Dubai has maintained continued success for such a long span of time?
      Nobu has its own identity and while other brands have tried to replicate it, the only place it can ever be experienced is in Nobu. We use quality ingredients, prepared Nobu’s way – which is, very simply. People know what they’re going to get and that it will be a quality amazing experience. I think Nobu Matsuhisa also has a lot to do with this. He always says that no one can truly replicate his recipes because they cannot take his heart that has gone into each and every dish. Every dish has a story that’s special and personal to him. This passion and love for the brand is then ingrained into each member of staff who Nobu personally spends a lot of time with. I think, this is the recipe to our success.
      What sets the F&B fine dining industry in Dubai apart from the rest of the world?
      Looking at F&B overall, Dubai is a very special place when it comes to dining and that’s because you can find everything here. Think of any cuisine and you’ll find it and it will taste good. Every country is represented and all cuisine styles can be experienced. From high-profile restaurants to homegrown concepts, you have everything in one place – it’s amazing. If I went to France where I am from there are very good French restaurants and Italian restaurants, but it isn’t easy to find a good Chinese or Indian.
      What are the hurdles you have experienced throughout your career?
      After leaving culinary school in France, I went to work at restaurants in Paris and there I learnt the French technique in the French language, but I always wanted to go abroad and work in other countries — this is where I faced a few hurdles. During my first six months in London, I loved it — but, I did face a language barrier in the kitchen. When I moved to Dubai, I had to adapt to the culture and how the customer was. I like to look at these as learnings rather than hurdles and challenges.
      On the opposite side of the spectrum, what have been the milestones?
      After my first six months in London, I accelerated in my career and had various promotions. From arriving in Nobu Dubai to going to Nobu Moscow, and then back to Nobu Dubai where I became executive chef — these are all highlights of my career. I now play a very big role in Nobu corporate, and I look forward to the opportunities that lay ahead.
      As a highly accomplished chef, you have developed an elegant and approachable signature style. What sets your cooking style apart?
      I started cooking in Michelin restaurants where everything was made in a complex manner, with multiple ingredients and techniques. At Nobu our philosophy and way of cooking are simple; we use the best ingredients and create dishes in a simple way. This is how people can understand what they eat and enjoy it.
      How does it feel to open in Nobu by the Beach at Atlantis The Royal? How does the restaurant complement the look and feel of the hotel?
      We have opened two new Nobu restaurants this year, Nobu Dubai Atlantis, The Palm and Nobu by the Beach. Nobu by the Beach is a new concept and one that compliments the Nobu brand. It’s exciting to take the Nobu menu and reimagine it while ensuring it meets the ultra-luxury standards of Atlantis The Royal. It has been an honour to help spearhead this new Nobu concept.
      How does Nobu Dubai in Atlantis, The Palm offer a new experience from its previous location?
      The newly reopened Nobu Dubai now offers the most incredible views, a beautifully designed dining area and elevated bar — along with private dining rooms and lounges. With the new Nobu Dubai came new menu items, we wanted to make sure that we complemented the elevated experience. We introduced 15 -20 new menu items, we created a new bar bites menu that would perfectly match the new beverage options that were created by our new Bar Manager, Angelo.
      Finally, what are the future plans for Nobu Dubai?
      We will continue to deliver culinary excellence for our guests and showcase the best of Nobu. Besides from this, we have a very exciting in-restaurant concept that is due to launch this year, Nobu Privé, and we look forward to sharing more details soon!
      – For more on how to look smart and live smarter, follow Emirates Man on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      The ultimate Iftar guide for Ramadan 2023 in Dubai

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      Experience Ramadan in Dubai with a modern twist to the traditional restaurants.
      For a more intimate experience, there is a myriad of culinary havens in the city that have curated a special menu for a bespoke feast during the occasion.
      From Nikkei cuisine to Peruvian, the options are endless as each menu comes with an age-old twist.
      So, if you need inspiration on where to potentially break your fast, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide to restaurants situated across Dubai
      Bulgari Majlis

      This Ramadan, Bulgari’s Majlis makes its way back to Dubai. Infusing Middle Eastern flavours with an Italian flair, this luxe soiree is taking place at the Bulgari Resort Dubai. Offering the guests both iftar and suhoor under the glimmering lights of the stars, the Bulgari Majlis also comes with an additional incentive of a breathtaking view of the Yacht Club. The Bulgari Majlis will be ongoing throughout the month of Ramadan. Iftar will be served from sundown until 9pm, Dhs450 per person. Suhoor will begin from 10pm until 1am and is priced at Dhs295 per person.
      For more information visit bvlgarihotels.com
      Mina Brasserie

      Follow the crescent moon and stars and you’ll find the award-winning Chef Michael Mina’s team innovating, in the kitchen. With dishes such as Hummus Fois Gras and Date Tiramisu, guests can indulge in an array of unforgettable dishes designed exclusively for the occasion with the freshest ingredients. Priced at Dhs295, this menu includes a starter, main and dessert along with Ramadan beverages from sunset to 8pm at Four Seasons DIFC.
      For more information visit minabrasserie.com
      Amelia Lounge

      Experience Nikkei cuisine with an authentic twist at Dubai’s luxe hotspot Amelia Lounge. With a dedicated set menu, guests can embark on a delectable journey like no other with traditional dishes crafted to perfection. Priced at Dhs295, this experience is available from sunset until 8pm. Located at Address Sky Views, this one-of-a-kind experience can be savoured with your loved ones.
      For more information visit amelialounge.com
      Cleo

      For a delectable spread of Levantine delicacies, this restaurant is a must-visit. This lavish buffet is designed to cater to different tastes with a selection of mouth-watering snacks and live stations including decadent desserts and a variety of fresh juices. With mains such as Chicken Mandi and a spread such as Raspberry tart and the restaurant’s signature Luqaimat, there’s a treat for everyone. Priced at Dhs169 this feast features a variety of dishes with something for everyone. Located at Hyde Hotel, this restaurant’s calming interiors are a delight for all those who enter.
      For more information visit restaurantsandbars.accor.com
      Piatti by the Beach

      Piatti By The Beach announces a special offering for the holy month of Ramadan; Piatti will be serving a set menu that promises to delight the senses with a range of exquisite dishes, and guests can enjoy a divine selection of mocktails and desserts. Diners can begin their meal with nourishing dates, followed by the Soup of the Day, a comforting and hearty dish made with the freshest ingredients. To end things on a sweet note, guests can opt for Piatti’s classic tiramisu: a heavenly dessert that tantalizes the senses and satisfies the sweet toothPriced at Dhs300, the special iftar takes place at Raffles The Palm.
      For more information visit rafflesthepalmdubai.com
      La Lezardubai

      During this Ramadan, you can enjoy Iftar at the newly opened Turkish Lalezar Restaurant. Iftar menu includes Iftar plate, cold starters like wine leaves, ezme or pesto and cheese, delicious Turkish salad, soup of the day, hot appetizer, and of course special main course from our chef comes with a surprising dessert. Located at The Boulevard, Downtown Dubai, it takes place from Sunset to 10pm and is priced at Dhs159 per person.
      For more information visit lalezardubai.com
      The MAINE Land Brasserie Business Bay

      The Maine located in the bustling Business Bay area of Dubai offers a delightful menu for guests during the holy month of Ramadan. This is the ideal spot to enjoy a memorable Ramadan meal with family and friends. The restaurant’s inviting ambiance, courteous staff, and exceptional food make it a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and is priced at Dhs315 per person. Located at The Opus, Business Bay, this venue is a must-visit.
      For more information visit themaine.ae
      Clap

      With the largest rooftop terrace in DIFC to enjoy the stunning sunset, visitors can unwind with the restaurant’s multiple ingredients including a fusion of Japanese and Arabic flavours with panoramic views of the city. Begin your fast with a traditional Iftar platter, including succulent dates and other delectable dishes such as miso soup, sea bass panko with creamy tonkatsu mayo, spinach miso risotto with yuzu truffle dressing and a lot more. The Goma Kunafa Dessert, a novel confectionery has been crafted for this distinguished occasion. Priced at Dhs275 per person with a booking for a minimum of two people, this unforgettable dining experience can be enjoyed in the heart of Dubai at Gate Village 11.
      For more information visit claprestaurant.com
      LPM Restaurant & Bar

      For a specially curated Iftar menu, with signature classics and new exclusive dishes, this Parisian haven offers a host of dishes to savour with your love. Priced at Dhs250, this includes their signature dishes such as Burrata Et Tomatoes, Grilled Sea Bream and more. To end a sweet note, guests can choose from different ones including Chocolate and Hazelnut Choux and other delectable choices. Located in the heart of DIFC at Gate Village 8, this Côte d’Azur truly offers an unforgettable iftar.
      For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com
      Chanca by COYA

      For Peruvian cuisine at its finest, this elegant venue is a must-visit with its special Iftar menu. Guests can indulge in a delightful array of exquisite flavors, featuring an eclectic mix of dishes that will transport your taste buds to new culinary heights. With dishes such as Artichoke Ceviche, Chilean Sea Bass and more, visitors can choose from a menu catered to different palates. To satisfy your sweet tooth, the menu offers Delicia de Luna, made up of dates cream, rose water, and pistachio to end the evening on a flavourful note. Priced at Dhs285, it takes place from sunset until 7:30pm and is located at the Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah.
      For more information visit coyarestaurant.com
      Josette

      Celebrate French cuisine in a sophisticated environment with a new sharing menu evoking sharing and abundance, for the Holy month of Ramadan. To perfect the ambiance of elegant and sophisticated décor and culinary playfulness of flavour, Arabic-inspired tunes will drift between guests as The Josette Quartour, Josette’s live quartet in collaboration with Dubai Opera elevate the night even further, the sweetest surrender. The new sharing Iftar menu is available throughout the month of Ramadan from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Priced at Dhs285 per person, a minimum booking of two people is required.
      For more information visit josette.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Supplied by Stella McCartney More

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      Want to plan ahead for the long weekend? UAE astronomer confirms Eid Al-Fitr dates

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      47 mins ago

      If you’re looking for a quick escape this month, you can now plan for a long weekend away based on astronomical calculations.
      As per the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Astronomy Society Ibrahim al-Jarwan, “Ramadan’s full moon will be on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 8.36am local time, while the crescent of the moon of Shawwal will be born on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 8.13am, and will set 22 minutes after sunset.”
      To further explain, Jarwan states that Friday, April 21 will astronomically mark the first day of Shawwal and the blessed Eid Al Fitr.
      If the government confirms and agrees to the dates mentioned above, it will be a four-day weekend with Friday, April 21 and Monday, April 24 off, knowing that both Saturday and Sunday are a weekend in the UAE.
      What is Eid Al Fitr?
      In the Islamic Calendar, Eid Al Fitr marks the official end of Ramadan and is the first day of Shawwal.During the Holy Month Muslims around the world fast from sunrise to sunset for around 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon.
      Eid Al Fitr marks the end of fasting, and literally translates in English to the “feast of breaking the fast”.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @visitabudhabi More

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      How I got my job as… UAE-based health and mindset coach

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week we chat with Danielle Françoise, UAE-based Health and Mindset coach who works on helping clients heal from the inside out. Through breathwork, meditation and gut cleansing, she’s able to guide her clients to live a more fulfilling life.
      After launching Coached by Françoise, her clients have access to her services at Dubai’s all-in-one wellness destination, Blended and can practice the art of meditation through different techniques.
      To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with this Mindset coach to find out more about her health and wellness journey.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      Art. I loved having the opportunity to be creative and express myself.
      What was your first job?
      After I graduated from Leeds University in the UK and I was a dance teacher for two years in a secondary school academy. I had grown up dancing at a stage school from the age of three years old so at the time this was my dream job.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      Change of lifestyle, the weather and new opportunities to grow personally and professionally.
      What inspired you to become a health and mindset coach?
      I have been on my own personal health journey since the age of 15 when I was diagnosed with chronic anxiety. With a range of health issues that then followed over the next 15 years including insomnia, skin issues, alopecia and depression, once I finally found a health protocol that helped me heal naturally from the inside out with a huge focus on gut health, I wanted to be able to share and help others – especially those who were going through the same or similar issues. It took me years and years to finally crack it, from poor advice to getting stuck in the pharmaceutical system which is even more motivation to share what I have been through to help others fast-track their healing compared to my long journey.

      Talk us through the inspiration behind your sessions? Tell us more about your gut health plans.
      I guide people through meditation and breathwork online and in person here in Dubai, privately and in groups. Breathwork is an incredible way to relax and reset the nervous system and is something that personally helped get my anxiety under control. My personalised gut health plans I offer online for those who want to cleanse, repair and heal their gut which is the root cause of a lot of peoples issues so it will reduce any physical symptoms but also improves mental health as the gut is connected to the brain through the vagus nerve. Heal your gut, heal your whole body.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      To support, guide and educate those who want to heal their body naturally, long term and look at getting to the root cause of issues and not just temporarily treating the symptoms. I also love to share and relate my coaching approach to my own health journey and experiences so that it can inspire and motivate others. I give people the tools and knowledge they need to live a healthier and happier life, with no fuss or fluff, straight to the point. I also like to make it as fun and enjoyable as possible. healing yourself really is a vibe!
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      I like to wake up, get out into the sunlight, warm lemon water, take my supplements and then do a 10k walk around Dubai Marina while plugged into a motivational podcast. Sometimes I grab a matcha latte on the way back home (obsessed!) and then my schedule day to day can look slightly different. But on average, I will have meetings, online client calls, write up client plans, or preparing for a meditation and breathwork session at Blended Wellness or Nao Dubai. In the evening I like to join a reformer pilates class, a bike ride to Kite Beach to watch the sunset or catch up with friends over food. I’m a big foodie!
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Research your course thoroughly and make sure it covers all the areas in detail that you want to learn and practice. For me, it was super to important to study gut health in-depth as that was the missing piece of my health journey and something I am super passionate about. I am a qualified Nutritional Therapist and a Transformational Life Coach and I love to combine the two disciplines within my work as I am a big believer in treating the whole person and offering a full body experience to heal and thrive long-term.

      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      ‘If we want something we have never had, we must do things we have never done.’ I repeat this to myself a lot when faced with new opportunities, challenges or things that take me way out of my comfort zone.
      And what is the worst?
      To just wait until you feel you are ready. In life, we will never feel ready, for anything. So go with your gut, push through the harder moments and there will be a stronger version of yourself waiting on the other side.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      Probably my own mindset at times during challenging experiences with depression and anxiety. But I know from hitting rock bottom and pulling myself out of those dark places, (most of the time on my own as I didn’t want to worry anyone) that I wouldn’t be where I am now, doing what I love, helping and guding others. I am now grateful for my journey and those hard times for helping me to grow and become more fearless and resilient.
      What are the future plans for you as health & mindset coach?
      To continue working on myself – healing is a journey, not a destination so that I can serve and help heal others as my happiest and highest self. To broaden my business online so I can reach more people globally and just to carry on being the person I needed when I was younger – I became a health and mindset coach to help others but also as a big giant hug for my younger self.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @coachedbyfrancoise More

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      How I got my job as… Founder of this sustainable homegrown candle brand

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      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week we chat with candle maker, Jacklyn McCulloh, Founder of Inner Alchemist. For a cruelty-free home, she believed in the powerful combination of candle and crystal, to curate a beautiful addition to any home. With the beauty of affirmations kept at the forefront, the brand transforms your inner self with its positive energy and ethical materials.
      Designed with 100 percent soy wax, these vegan-friendly candles come with a wooden, lead and nickel-free wick and a produced in Dubai with fine attention to detail by keeping the environment in mind.
      To delve further, Emirates Woman spoke to McCulloh to understand how she converted her passion into a full-time business.
      What was your first job?
      A waitress in a small Scottish restaurant when I was 17 years old or technically it was when I was 8 and set up a “business” in school selling homemade CDs which lasted a couple of days until I was caught and suspended and my entrepreneur dreams were crushed.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      When I was 21 my friend was going to the Emirates cabin crew open day in Glasgow, I went along with her and ended up getting the job and left for Dubai pretty much as soon as I could, because I was going to university at the time and really really hated it with a passion, so moving to Dubai was my way out of uni. Plus an amazing, magical adventure! I was crew for a few years then became Executive Assistant to the CEO of a Financial Planning company for years after that too. 10 years on and I’m still here.

      What inspired you to enter candle space and launch Inner Alchemist?
      My laptop has lots of unfinished business plan folders because I’ve come up with so many over the years, and my mind is always thinking of business ideas in everything and anything. At the end of my last job as an Executive Assistant, I was coming up with a new idea every month because I was starting to get restless and knew I had so much more to offer than what I was doing…even though I loved my job and my boss so much which I was so so grateful for, I’d started to outgrow it and wanted to create something I was more passionate about. Crystal-infused candles happened to be my business idea of the month when I was made redundant, and also one of my more long-standing business ideas, as I get really into one for a period then get bored of it, but crystal-infused candles stuck with me for a long time. My boss had moved to another country a year prior and I had been working for him remotely from Dubai, and despite his attempts to get me to travel to the country he moved to, I wanted to stay in Dubai. I was excited (with a hint of anxiousness) when I was made redundant because I felt like this was the universe pushing me in the direction I wanted to go in…and like I had a new blank slate to do or create anything I wanted to. So Inner Alchemist was born!
      Talk us through the inspiration of your candles?
      The name Inner Alchemist means “inner magic”, which I believe all of us have, we just have to activate it and work on it – through meditation, prayer, rituals, gratitude, mindfulness etc. And I want my products to help bring out and inspire the “inner magic” in everyone. I suffer from allergies quite badly and whenever I used to light a well-known candle in my house it would set me off into a coughing fit and feeling short of breath. I started looking into what exactly is put into candles and it led me to a little project of making my own non-toxic and vegan ones at home because I refused to let my allergies get in the way of letting me use candles. They just do so much in a room, something so simple but it creates so much ambiance, changes the whole aura of space and makes it so cosy and this was important as my surroundings are so important to me. I also used to suffer quite badly from anxiety and affirmations have helped me so much in the past to overcome that. I still write affirmations daily and feel like they’ve helped me so much, so I wanted to incorporate that into the candles too. I feel affirmations can magically change your energy and my candles are all about “Inner magic”, so I wanted to incorporate that into the candles too. I’ve always been obsessed with crystals since I was young I used to collect them. Both candles and crystals I feel are a perfect combination for meditation and rituals which is why I feel they’re so perfect together. Additionally, the crackling wooden wicks.for me this is the ULTIMATE noise for meditation as it’s perfect too. I’m also against animal cruelty and so without a doubt, I’d never create something that wasn’t vegan. So that was a no-brainer.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I’m involved with everything – design & production of the candles, web development, social media and marketing, sales, customer service & accounting. I’ve had a bit of difficulty with delegating and it’s something I’m working on this year as a top priority, because I can’t do everything I’m doing everything myself. It’s been really difficult for me to trust people to hand over my “baby” to, even though I also know that there are so many people out there who will be so much better at certain aspects of the business than I am. I’m extremely impatient so if I have an idea, I want to make it happen instantly. If it’s a design for example, I’ll convince myself that it will be faster for me to stay up all night training myself on Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator (via YouTube videos) to make it myself rather than hiring a graphics designer. Or I’ll convince myself that it’s faster to train myself in Facebook ads than to hire someone in Marketing. I have “do everything myself” syndrome, but I’m working on it!
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      I wake up at 6-7am (depending on what time I finish work the night before). I do my gratitude journal and affirmations followed by 15 minutes of meditation. I have to force myself to do this because usually, I wake up wanting to get straight into work knowing I have so much to do. But I think it’s so important to set your energy and intentions for the day. I take my little dog peanut on a walk and listen to an audiobook. This part of my day is the only “set” part of my day – the rest really varies day by day. Sometimes I am involved with candle production and decoration, sometimes I’m out at a venue creating content for social media, scheduling social media, tracking and amending Facebook ads, invoicing and chasing overdue invoice payments (constantly), designing new products, customer service, sales/speaking with potential customers/event planners/brands or wholesalers, amending proposals and catalogs, calculating and sending quotes, liasing with the warehouse on any orders that need special attention, inventory and raw materials management, accounting and looking for people that can help me in specific areas that I can’t do myself. So, I don’t have a specific routine, I’m drowning in work at the moment, but I love the fact that every day is different and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I also love being able to work from anywhere a lot of the time and on my Admin days I normally sit on my laptop at Blended/ULA – one of the venues that stock my candles and it’s such good vibes that I like to spend the whole day there on my laptop.

      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      To stop caring what people think, because it keeps you trapped in an unhappy box. If someone speaks badly about you it is essentially just a reflection of them – not of you. If there’s something you want to do then just leap and do it. It’s your life and if you’re passionate enough about it you’ll find a way to make it work. You’ll regret looking back and wondering what might have been. “You can either waltz boldly onto the stage of life and live the way you know your spirit is nudging you to, or you can sit quietly by the wall, receding into the shadows of fear and self-doubt” – Oprah Winfrey
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      Feeding the trolls is a waste of your time. Ignore them and allow mastery to be your response – Robin Sharma
      And what is the worst?
      To be honest (I think due to the fact I’ve been an anxious person in the past), I’m selective of who I allow in my space and I’m so lucky that everyone I have around me is so uplifting and inspiring and doesn’t tend to give out particularly “bad advice”. When I was in high school all of my friends were aiming to become Doctors (and they did) and I was aiming to become a Dentist because that was what I was taught success and happiness was from school. All of my cousins are also Doctors and Dentists. I didn’t even think of or know there might be another option, other than maybe becoming a lawyer as a “back up”? I was one “A” short of making it into Medicine/Dentistry and I was devastated at the time. I went to uni to do Biomedical Science as the long way into Dentistry (9 years of being a student to become a Dentist). I hated it so much I quit and started Business Law, thinking it was something that is also “accepted and respected” by society. Then I moved to Dubai and left the university. When I came back to Glasgow for the first time I bumped into some old school friends and I’ll never forget one of them asking me what degree I ended up getting and if I was a Dentist or Lawyer yet. When I replied “no, I dropped out of university and moved to Dubai”, he replied by patting me on the head and telling me “don’t worry, at least you’re pretty”. It’s probably a moment that has driven me for a long time, I was furious at the time but I’m still grateful that it gave me the drive to prove that I am worth something more than face value. I guess it’s not bad advice as such, but more bad guidance…I’ve learned that you do not need to be a Doctor, Dentist, Lawyer or anything perceived in other people’s eyes as “success or happiness” to be successful. It’s what makes you happy and passionate that counts. I was living to make other people happy or impressed, and I wasn’t happy. Now I do what makes me inspired and passionate, and I am so happy I’ve been brave enough to take the risk.

      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      Trying to juggle everything and time management. At the beginning, I was almost proud to say I did everything myself with no help from anyone, which yes I did, but it’s not productive. Everything ends up being done mediocre because your time and is stretched so finely, instead of each area getting the attention it needs and deserves. I also have ADHD and I find it difficult to jump about different tasks – for example, if I’m in the middle of something and get distracted by something else briefly, I completely forget whatever I was doing in the first place. This is why I’m prioritising finding the perfect team this year. It’s also been difficult (and still is) to find a balance. Sometimes I’m working so much that I turn down every invite to get work done. But going out and relaxing a bit from work has led me to meet the best connections, contacts, and sales and ended up being even more productive than staying home and doing work would have been. It’s also just healthy to give your brain a break from work sometimes because you come back even better and recharge. So finding this balance has been really difficult.
      What are the future plans for your brand?
      So many plans! One big plan I have is that I’d like to expand more on my bespoke candles and collaborations. I recently worked with Christian Louboutin and made bespoke candles for their Ramadan collection launch in Dubai Mall. I’ve been in contact with more luxury brands about future collaborations and I’d like to work with event and wedding planners to create their bespoke crystal-infused candles for their occasions or brand. This will eventually come under a sister company – www.bespokecrystalcandles.com – but I enjoy working with people and creating something together, and of course, it’s a dream to work with Christian Louboutin! I’m also in the process of making some design adjustments which I can’t wait to launch! New fragrances and crystals coming soon. I’ve been working on a few new wellness products, one recent one has been the Love Potion Botanical Soul Soak bath salts. International shipping is on the to-do list.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      8 fabulous activities to do in Dubai this weekend

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      The ultimate weekend guide in Dubai, March 31 to April 2, 2023.
      Visit Dubai’s newest beach club

      For the ultimate Balearic feel, the restaurant, bar and beach club Tagomago has officially opened its doors in Dubai. With bohemian aesthetics, this must-visit hotspot serves both lunch and dinner with freshly sourced ingredients. Opened under RIKAS Hospitality, this holiday spot offers a signature menu curated by chef Gilles Bouquet, with dishes for everyone. The space features 120 sunbeds on the beach and outdoor 200 covers across the terrace dining area, in the pergola area and at the chiringuito. Located at Palm West Beach, Azure Residence, the venue’s restaurant is open from 12pm to 1am and the beach is open from 10am to sunset.
      For more information visit tagomago.ae
      Enjoy the city’s paranoiac views

      If you’re looking to experience Dubai 360-degree idyllic views, Tonino Lamborghini Mare Nostrum provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. With an exceptional Mediterranean menu, the sky-pool restaurants uses authentic ingredients complemented by hand crafted drinks with a modern twist. With unparalleled views of Dubai’s skyline, visitors can witness the most stunning landmarks including The Palm, Dubai Marina, Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. Located at Radisson Resort Hotel at West Palm Beach, the venue is open from 9am to 1am.
      For more information visit tlamborghini-marenostrum.ae
      Experience this new vegan haven

      For a new vegan spot in Dubai, Planet Terra has opened its doors with a myriad of dishes to tantalise your taste buds.The restaurant was born out of desire to create a space where diners can eat intentionally and nourish both their body and mind. With dishes such as Kimchi Pad Thai and organic coffee, guests are spoiled for choice. At the newly-opened family-run café, guests will discover an entirely vegan menu created with animal-free ingredients that are sourced fresh from ethical and sustainable suppliers, locally and internationally. Located within the residential community of Greens in Panorama Building and is open from 7:30am to 10:30pm.
      For more information visit planetterra.life
      Shop for your loved ones this Ramadan

      With small gestures going a long way, gifting during Ramadan and Eid is the best way to show your appreciation for all your loved ones. From sophisticated fragrances to ornate jewellery pieces, this gifting edit features an expansive selection of products that will be perfect during Iftar time as people gather at one of the family members’ houses and break their fasts together. Add this edit to your bookmarks as we’ll add more hero buys for gift inspiration to treat your loved ones or yourself this Ramadan and Eid. Swipe through our edit of gifts hand-picked to make your shopping process a whole lot easier. From Oud parfumes to festive jewellery, the list is endless.
      Try an experiential Afternoon tea

      Guests can indulge in a beautifully crafted delicacies of sweet and savory bouchées featuring Bella Fleur’s stunning floral arrangements at Fairmont The Palm. Whether guests indulge in a beautifully crafted delicacies of sweet & savory bouchées featuring Bella Fleur’s stunning floral arrangements guests indulge in a beautifully crafted delicacies of sweet & savory bouchées featuring Bella Fleur’s stunning floral arrangements. This unique Afternoon Tea overlooks the Arabian Sea and starts at Dhs275 for the afternoon tea, coffee or glass of bubbly and a flower arrangement to take home and Dhs349 for the bull bubbly afternoon tea package. The bookings are available from Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 2pm and 3pm and 5pm.
      For more information visit fairmontthepalm.com
      Embrace self-care

      Dubai’s leading aesthetic clinic, Biolite is taking guests on a personal wellness journey with guided meditation facials, encapsulating the philosophy of a healthy mind. Enhancing and enriching any choice of facial, the guided meditations include Healthy Eating Habits, Self-Love & Body Gratitude, The Beauty of Manifestation and Stress & Anxiety Relief. By minimising the body’s inflammatory response to stress or certain triggers, incorporating meditation to a facial treatment can profoundly improve the quality of the skin’s barrier, repair the body’s tissues and cells, thereby slowing the aging process and boost overall cellular health.Throughout the Holy Month, Biolite are also offering guests an incredible 30 percent discount on all their innovative therapies and treatments.Located in Villa 57, Al Thanya road, it’s open from 9:30am to 9pm, from Saturday to Thursday and is closed on Friday.
      Book a unique cityscape

      Before the temperatures start to peak again, it’s time to make the most of it. For a quick break, the Hatta Dome Park has become of the UAE’s most popular eco-friendly destinations. The glamping experience entails 15 dome-shaped, permanent luxury tents designed with panoramic windows offering majestic views of the Hatta mountain range. The tents come with a full range of amenities including a mini-fridge, television, private BBQ and fire pit within a large terrace space and more. Activities to keep you busy include trampoline jumping, ziplining, wall climbing, paragliding and more. Located off the Dubai-Hatta road
      For more information head to visithatta.com
      Experience this traditional iftar

      This Ramadan, the Bulgari’s Majlis makes its way back to Dubai. Infusing Middle Eastern flavours with an Italian flair, this luxe soiree is taking place at the Bulgari Resort Dubai. Offering the guests both iftar and suhoor under the glimmering lights of the stars, the Bvlgari Majlis also comes with an additional insentive of a breathtaking view of the Yacht Club. The Bulgari Majlis will be ongoing throughout the month of Ramadan. Iftar will be served from sundown until 21:00, AED 450 per person. Suhoor will begin from 22:00 until 01:00, costing AED 295 per person.
      For more information, email at dubai@bulgarihotels.com.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram  More