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    5 aesthetic afternoon tea experiences to book in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    19 seconds ago

    Fancy an afternoon tea with your loved ones? You’re in the right place as we’ve rounded up a selection of premium offerings around Dubai to not miss this season.
    Regarded as a traditional British meal typically served in the mid-afternoon. It originated in the early 19th century and was popularized by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford. She introduced the idea of having a light meal between lunch and dinner, usually consisting of tea, finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of pastries and cakes.
    Today, afternoon tea in Dubai enjoys celebratory status. Flutes of Champagne and pretty pastries are a given, while exotic nibbles and potent cocktails mean that what now constitutes this most genteel of refreshments
    Here’s a breakdown of what you might find at a traditional afternoon tea:
    Tea
    A variety of teas are usually offered, including black, green, and herbal teas. Popular choices include Earl Grey, Darjeeling, and Assam.
    Sandwiches
    These are typically small, crustless sandwiches with fillings such as cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, and ham with mustard.
    Scones
    Freshly baked scones are a staple, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
    Pastries and Cakes
    A selection of sweets, including mini cakes, tarts, and sometimes more elaborate pastries, are served to finish the meal.
    Extras
    Some afternoon teas may also include other items like small quiches, savory pastries, or fruit preserves.
    From glistening views of Dubai’s skyline to unmissable decadent delights that each venue has to offer, there are a host of venues to visit. We’ve sat down to countless cups of tea, finger sandwiches, scones and macarons to bring you our editors’ reviews of the best afternoon teas in the emirate – from the traditional spreads to the modern interpretations that roll on into evening drinks.

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

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    9 premium chocolate shops for gifting in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    19 seconds ago

    As we get ready to celebrate World Chocolate Day on July 7, 2024, we created a guide of the best gourmet chocolate shops in Dubai.
    World Chocolate Day is celebrated annually on July 7. This day is dedicated to the celebration of chocolate, one of the world’s favorite treats. The date is significant as it is believed to mark the introduction of chocolate to Europe in 1550.
    Gourmet chocolate brands focus on high-quality ingredients, artisanal craftsmanship, and often unique flavors. These premium chocolate brands are celebrated for their dedication to quality, innovation, and the art of chocolate-making, making them a favorite among chocolate connoisseurs.
    Overall, this day is a delightful occasion for chocolate lovers around the globe to come together and celebrate their love for this delicious treat. By sharing the joy of chocolate by gifting friends and family with chocolate assortments or gift boxes.
    From homegrown chocolate brands such as Ganache Chocolatier and Läderach to other delectable brands such as Läderach and Forrey & Galland, the options are endless. To top it off, the sophisticated packaging and personalised touch with a message adds an elegant touch to the present.
    You can even take the opportunity to enjoy their favorite chocolate bars, truffles, or other chocolate-based desserts.
    So next time you also need to gift someone special in your life, swipe through our gallery of bespoke chocolate havens in the heart of Dubai.

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

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    How I got my job as… Head of Marketing at this premium global chauffeur service company

    Lifeby Sarah Joseph5 hours 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 speak to Rakhee Raval Shepherd, the Head of Marketing & PR at Blacklane Middle East. Blacklane’s Chauffeur Service delivers an unparalleled ride experience so you can optimise your travel time. All the chauffeurs are meticulously trained to provide a seamless and safe experience for each passenger.With a strong background in marketing, Shepherd has garnered the right skillset over the years in her field as a professional. To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down and spoke to to see how her entrepreneurial journey began.What was your favourite subject at school?There were quite a few subjects I enjoyed, from physical education to geography and learning about different countries and cultures. But I would say that Oral English and Business Studies were my favorite, expressing yourself through words and learning about the origins and growth of businesses fascinated me.What was your first job?My very first job was with Ipsos, a global market research firm engaged by brands to understand their audiences better. It was quite challenging as it involved cold calling people, which is never fun, but back then people had more time to conduct these types of surveys. This led to me working as promotional staff in London whilst I was at university, working with beauty and perfume brands to promote their products at Heathrow Airport, which was perfect for me as I love speaking with people.What brought you to Dubai?After university I worked for a fashion accessory supplier, the company wanted to expand into Asia and the Middle East, so I moved to Hong Kong for two years to lead the growth of the business in these markets. One of my key clients was the owner of a leading fast fashion retailer based in the UAE, we built a strong connection, so I ended up moving to Dubai to support in the execution of the new retail concept the group was launching. It was the right move for me, a great opportunity presented itself combined with the year-round sunshine and tax -free earnings, I would have been crazy not to move to Dubai, I’ve now been here for 14 years.What inspired you to enter the mobility space and talk us through your role as Head of Marketing & PR at Blacklane Middle East.When I looked back at the roles I’ve previously had, it was working with start-ups that I enjoyed the most. So, when I was approached by a recruiter about Blacklane entering the market and the Dubai project being the testbed to launch the companies enhanced business model, which would later roll out into other cities, I felt that same level of excitement. When I joined Blacklane, my objective as Head of Marketing & PR was to launch Blacklane in Dubai, generate brand awareness through multiple marketing channels and work with media to target a B2C audience. We also spent a lot of time looking at our brand positioning and how we could differentiate ourselves from other existing players.Talk us through the concept of Blacklane?Blacklane is an award-winning global chauffeur service operating in more than 50 countries and 200 cities worldwide. Last year we launched in Dubai with an all-electric fleet of luxurious Mercedes-Benz EQS vehicles, driven by our team of Academy-trained male and female chauffeurs. Our chauffeurs work exclusively for Blacklane and receive a monthly salary and we provide upgraded accommodation with amenities so that they are well looked after. We invest heavily in their training so that they can perfect their driving abilities and learn about chauffeuring etiquette which results in providing an exceptional service ensuring that every guest feels safe and comfortable when riding with us. Our services are available through our mobile app making it stress free and convenient to book a professional chauffeur.What are the key elements of your role?I work across all elements of the marketing function, starting from developing both the marketing and PR strategies, supporting the overarching business objectives. Ideating and executing creative content like our OOH campaigns, brand shoots, developing both B2C and B2B marketing collateral, and creating compelling digital content. I manage my team and oversee all brand partnerships, collaborations, sponsorships, tradeshows and activations as well social media and influencer management. In addition, I manage the PR agency and engage in media relations, and of course I am responsible for the budgets, KPIs and reporting.Talk us through your daily routine.Honestly, every day is different which is something I appreciate but generally I start my day with a 15-minute meditation before my kids wake up to prepare myself for the day ahead, I get the kids ready for school and drop them off, and if I’m lucky I manage to squeeze in a quick run or work out before I catch up on emails, align with my team and lay out the priorities for the day.What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?My role is an all-encompassing role and involves multi-tasking at every moment. Attention to detail is key and having good people skills, most importantly having a motivated and engaged team is crucial. It is highly rewarding when you see the visual outputs or when projects are executed well, and you see the objectives set out being met.Tell us more about the servicesTypically, limousine services that offer professional chauffeurs and luxurious vehicles require pre-booking via the web or by phone, but Blacklane brings this level of service excellence to guests via a mobile app, which is very convenient. We offer a range of services includes one-way and return journeys, airport transfers, hourly bookings, as well as inter-emirate travel. Guests also have the option to book a ride now or to schedule one for later. It makes me proud to say that 50 percent of our chauffeurs are female and that we offer premium quality child car seats, both preferences can be requested via the app.What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?When making decisions, quiet your mind and follow your instincts.And what is the worst?Just do what they tell you to do.What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?Balancing work and home life as a new mum.What’s your future for the brand?Our vision for the future of the brand is rooted in promoting an ethical and eco-conscious way to travel. We aspire to lead the industry by example, setting new standards in safety and sustainable travel. Our goal is to redefine luxury travel by intertwining opulence with a commitment to the planet, offering our guest a travel experience that is not only luxurious but also socially and environmentally responsible.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Instagram @blacklanemiddleeast More

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    6 of the best premium Ice-creams to try in Dubai for some midweek indulgence

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    5 hours ago

    If you’re looking to beat the summer heat, Ice-creams are possibly the best option.
    We’re all softies for ice-cream and might always need a cheat treat occasionally.
    With a range of exciting flavours such as fresh Pistachio ice-creams and other vanilla flavours topped with 24kt gold carat for that premium experience, Dubai is home to a variety of exotic flavours to tantalize your tastebuds and make any meal even more exciting.
    So, if you’re looking for a delicious dessert after a meal or simply want to cool down after a long day, we’ve curated a guide of all the must-visit spots that have a plethora of delectable choices that your palate can’t simply get enough of.
    Saddle

    This exciting pop-up food experience promises innovatively delicious food. This UAE’s beloved homegrown brand is an extraordinary summer adventure during Dubai’s hot summer months. With the finest ingredients, this café is all about quality experience. Guests can indulge in the refreshing Pineapple Ice Cream and Coconut Ice Cream flavours, savour the creamy goodness of the Coconut.From Matcha ice creams to the extremely popular flavours such as Pistachio ice cream, this one-of-a-kind hotspot is definitely a must visit. Located at Al Wasl and Al Khawaneej, this venue is a must-visit.
    For more information visit saddle.com
    Massimo’s Gelato

    This famous restaurant is the first Italian artisanal gelato known for its creamy, light and explosive flavours. Like the authentic homemade Gelato, these flavours are produced fresh every day in the laboratory in small quantities with natural ingredients that melts in the mouth slowly releasing the flavour of each ingredient. With vegan options for its Dark Chocolate and pistachio, each flavour caters to a wide audience. It’s the first outlet in Dubai, which has its own motorcycle fleet and can bring Gelato to your home in just a few minutes with its traditional flavours. Located in Dubai Marina, City Walk and Mall of the Emirates, this venue has best Italian ingredients.
    For more information visit
    Godiva

    For a gourmet experience, Godiva brings its 100 years after being founded in Brussels with fine craftsmanship. Each spoonful of ice cream pairs the finest ingredients with the iconic chocolate experience. With flavours such as Midnight Swirl and with Dark Chocolate to innovative flavours such as Mint Medallion, customers are spoiled for choice. Located at City Walk, Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates and The Outlet Village, the restaurant is situated around various spots in Dubai.
    For more information visit Godiva.com
    Mirzam

    Known as Dubai’s premium chocolate makers, guests can experience every aspect of the process at the factory and see it from roasting the cocoa beans to each bar being wrapped. From vegan options such as a floral hibiscus & creamy mango to the OG dark chocolate softie with an espresso shot, the options are endless. Located in Al Quoz 3, Mirzam is open daily from 8am to 11pm
    For more information visit mirzam.com
    Majama

    For all the vegan lovers, this much-loved ice-cream spot makes healthy treats that our 100 percent vegan, gluten-free and refined-sugar free. Handcrafted from scratch, the brand has a myriad of delectable flavours such as Count Macchiato, Judge Fudge, Loco Chococo, Choco(Lit) Dynamite and Mango Django. Created with a coconut base, this light ice-creams are the perfect option for a treat without feeling guilty. As a homegrown label in Dubai, it’s located in Cluster N, Jumeirah Lake Towers and is open daily from 10am to 10pm and is available for ordering on Deliveroo and Chat Food.
    For more information visit eatmajama.com
    Krema’s

    This newly launched venue has entered the ice cream space with its limited-edition bite-sized ice cream Melts to maximise the summer glory. The ice cream is crafted to perfection in collaboration with Two at Symphony, Krema’s sister concept,ice cream is crafted to perfection in collaboration with Two at Symphony, Krema’s sister concept, with a gorgeous venue at Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, where guests can enjoy incredibly delightful desserts. Orders can be placed via Chatfood, Talabat, and Deliveroo and the incredible ice cream flavours will be delivered across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain and are priced at AED 59 per tub containing 18-20 pieces. Krema’s Melts are also available for pick-up at Two at symphony at Dubai Mall.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @wendyswan More

  • in

    The best premium Ice-creams to try in Dubai for some midweek indulgence

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 hours ago

    If you’re looking to beat the summer heat, Ice-creams are possible the best option.
    We’re all softies for ice-cream and might always need a cheat treat occasionally.
    With a range of exciting flavours such as fresh Pistachio ice-creams and other vanilla flavours topped with 24kt gold carat for that premium experience.
    So, if you’re looking for a delicious dessert after a meal or simply want to cool down after a long day, we’ve curated a guide of all the must-visit spots that have a plethora of delectable choices that your palate can’t simply get enough of.
    Saddle

    This exciting pop-up food experience promises innovatively delicious food. This UAE’s beloved homegrown brand is an extraordinary summer adventure during Dubai’s hot summer months. With the finest ingredients, this café is all about quality experience. Guests can indulge in the refreshing Pineapple Ice Cream and Coconut Ice Cream flavours, savour the creamy goodness of the Coconut.From Matcha ice creams to the extremely popular flavours such as Pistachio ice cream, this one-of-a-kind hotspot is definitely a must visit. Located at Al Wasl and Al Khawaneej, this venue is a must-visit.
    For more information visit saddle.com
    Massimo’s Gelato

    This famous restaurant is the first Italian artisanal gelato known for its creamy, light and explosive flavours. Like the authentic homemade Gelato, these flavours are produced fresh every day in the laboratory in small quantities with natural ingredients that melts in the mouth slowly releasing the flavour of each ingredient. With vegan options for its Dark Chocolate and pistachio, each flavour caters to a wide audience. It’s the first outlet in Dubai, which has its own motorcycle fleet and can bring Gelato to your home in just a few minutes with its traditional flavours. Located in Dubai Marina, City Walk and Mall of the Emirates, this venue has best Italian ingredients.
    For more information visit
    Godiva

    For a gourmet experience, Godiva brings its 100 years after being founded in Brussels with fine craftsmanship. Each spoonful of ice cream pairs the finest ingredients with the iconic chocolate experience. With flavours such as Midnight Swirl and with Dark Chocolate to innovative flavours such as Mint Medallion, customers are spoiled for choice. Located at City Walk, Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates and The Outlet Village, the restaurant is situated around various spots in Dubai.
    For more information visit Godiva.com
    Mirzam

    Known as Dubai’s premium chocolate makers, guests can experience every aspect of the process at the factory and see it from roasting the cocoa beans to each bar being wrapped. From vegan options such as a floral hibiscus & creamy mango to the OG dark chocolate softie with an espresso shot, the options are endless. Located in Al Quoz 3, Mirzam is open daily from 8am to 11pm
    For more information visit mirzam.com
    Majama

    For all the vegan lovers, this much-loved ice-cream spot makes healthy treats that our 100 percent vegan, gluten-free and refined-sugar free. Handcrafted from scratch, the brand has a myriad of delectable flavours such as Count Macchiato, Judge Fudge, Loco Chococo, Choco(Lit) Dynamite and Mango Django. Created with a coconut base, this light ice-creams are the perfect option for a treat without feeling guilty. As a homegrown label in Dubai, it’s located in Cluster N, Jumeirah Lake Towers and is open daily from 10am to 10pm and is available for ordering on Deliveroo and Chat Food.
    For more information visit eatmajama.com
    Krema’s

    This newly launched venue has entered the ice cream space with its limited-edition bite-sized ice cream Melts to maximise the summer glory. The ice cream is crafted to perfection in collaboration with Two at Symphony, Krema’s sister concept,ice cream is crafted to perfection in collaboration with Two at Symphony, Krema’s sister concept, with a gorgeous venue at Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, where guests can enjoy incredibly delightful desserts. Orders can be placed via Chatfood, Talabat, and Deliveroo and the incredible ice cream flavours will be delivered across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain and are priced at AED 59 per tub containing 18-20 pieces. Krema’s Melts are also available for pick-up at Two at symphony at Dubai Mall.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Twitter @dualipa More