Travel

Subterms

    More stories

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      The Tasteful: 3 tastemakers on their most-loved spots in Saudi Arabia

      by

      From world-renowned restaurants and favourite local haunts in Riyadh to lesser-known hidden gems in Jeddah, three tastemakers share their most-loved spots in Saudi Arabia.

      Arwa Al BanawiFounder & Creative Director of Arwa Al Banawi
      The ultimate place to be during weekends:
      The beach!
      Your favourite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you would recommend trying:
      Kuuru is my favourite place in Jeddah, it’s a blend of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. The nigiris and ceviche are my favourite thing on the menu, and the sliders too!
      If vegan, favourite vegan eatery in Saudi:
      Moon Shell is a lovely place to go for a coffee and enjoy one of their vegan bowls, my favourite is the açaí.
      Favourite place for coffee/tea/matcha:
      I love tea, and in Jeddah tea is done right. For me it’s my grandma Salma’s place – she makes the best tea. It’s prepared with lemon leaves that she grows in her garden or when it’s rose season in Taif which is about two hours away from Jeddah, you can add that with mint tea.
      Saudi Arabia’s best-kept secret:
      That would be Jeddah’s old town, Al Balad. Just walk around and visit the local cafeterias, the old town of Jeddah has so much heritage and stories, for example, my great-grandfather’s house is over 100 years old now. Thankfully the new vision of Saudi is to restore all the buildings in the old town and give it a contemporary take while keeping all of its old homes. It’s magical and you feel it the second you arrive, you can buy local produce, local perfumes, and some traditional kaftans, also the “mistaka bukhour” is found there, we burn it with charcoal, it is believed in our culture to purify the space from bad energy and you can buy it in the old town souk. It has a beautiful scent. A treasured hidden gem that only locals know and love: The beach islands, there are many and you go about 20 minutes by boat from the marina.
      A go-to wellness spot:
      I usually get my spa treatment at home; the best is Polish Salon.
      A once-in-a-lifetime experience to try:
      Our traditional way of cooking is usually fried local fish with rice made with special spices and herbs and a fresh salad with tomatoes and cucumbers. On other occasions, a special coffee we call “qahwat loz” is traditionally made at the beginning of the Islamic New Year, and it’s made with almonds, milk, and cardamom. It’s a tradition we have at my grandma Salma’s house.
      Other spots you’ll recommend to friends when visiting Saudi:
      Shangri-La Hotel is a beautiful place overlooking the sea, I recommend their tea time, snorkelling and diving in Jeddah is a must for those who love to do that.

      Hala AbdallahJewellery Designer & Founder of Ofa
      The ultimate place to be during weekends:
      There are a lot of amazing things to do in Boulevard Riyadh City and Bujairi Terrace.
      Your favourite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you would recommend trying:
      For the best food I’d say LPM for fine dining, and Amigos for the best casual Mexican restaurant.
      Favourite place for coffee/tea/matcha:
      There are so many places, but I think Starbucks always wins!
      Saudi Arabia’s best-kept secret:
      I highly recommend Flour & Firewood for a breakfast or brunch experience in Riyadh.
      A treasured hidden gem that only locals know – and love:
      Waking up early in the morning to go to Wadi Hanifah is so worth it!
      A go-to wellness spot:
      I will recommend Al Faisaliah Spa by ESPA.
      A once-in-a-lifetime experience to try:
      A once-in-a-lifetime experience is to hike the edge of the world during winter in Riyadh and visit AlUla on New Year’s Eve.
      Other spots you’ll recommend to friends when visiting Saudi:
      I can recommend people to visit a Saudi home and eat with them or learn how to make a local dish with them, you can do that through Hihome.sa platform. That is an experience like no other.

      Lina MalaikaFilm Maker & Cultural Consultant
      The ultimate place to be during weekends:
      I’m fortunate enough to live in Jeddah which is located on the coastline of the marvelous Red Sea. As an avid sea lover, I make it a point to spend every weekend at the beach, it’s my nature sanctuary. The sun, sea, salt, and sand, help me unwind and fuel for the rest of the week.
      Your favourite lunch/dinner place plus, dishes you would recommend to try:
      My favourite lunch spot in Jeddah is definitely Acqua E Sale, a new authentic Italian spot located in Al Rawdah. I love their vegetarian pesto lasagna and lobster Caesar salad. My favourite dinner spot has to be Kuuru, a local Japanese- Peruvian fusion concept. It’s my go-to whenever I have any guests visiting my city and it never disappoints! I highly recommend their lemon truffle salmon nigiri and Najel ceviche.
      If vegan, favourite vegan eatery in Saudi:
      My go-to is Moon Shell with an all-day breakfast menu. I love their “Sunrays” açai bowl, but I also add their homemade peanut butter. For the savoury option, I highly suggest their vegetable rice rolls. The Nabati vegan ice cream is guiltfree, delicious and definitely worth trying!
      A treasured hidden gem that only locals know — and love:
      Homegrown Market in Jeddah. It’s a meticulously curated concept store that offers local fashion brands, jewellery, artisans, books, collectibles, and gifts. You can never leave empty-handed!
      A go-to wellness spot:
      As for anything wellness related, I always opt for home services. For hair blowouts and nail treatments, I use The Spa KSA. For facials, the best in Jeddah is located at Spa Lounge and for massages, Spa Day – my favourite masseuse is Apple.
      A once-in-a-lifetime experience to try:
      A once-in-a-lifetime experience would definitely be midnight stargazing and the sunrise hot air balloon experience in AlUla during the winter. I highly recommend a weekend getaway to AlUla.
      Other spots you’ll recommend to friends when visiting Saudi:
      One of the most underrated spots in Saudi is the south region, Asir. The highest peak is located there, Al Soudah, as well as Rijal Almaa, an ancient village located in a valley and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Also, visiting the art museums dedicated to the Asiri art is an experience not to be missed. The artisans and craftsmanship are very inspiring. The entire region is rich with culture and heritage on many layers. Another recommendation would be to visit the Taif region during the springtime and flower festival season.
      September – The Trailblazers Issue with Amira Sajwani – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Images: Supplied; Instagram @moonshell_sa More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      A remote and extraordinary stay in this middle-of-nowhere oasis

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      3 hours ago

      What once started as a pop-up hotel in Tulum, the Habitas group is now emerging as one of the trailblazing players in hospitality with a focus on thoughtful explorations and immersive experiences.
      This year, the Habitas hotel group launches another spectacular addition in Morocco with Caravan Dakhla. A two-hour flight from Casablanca, this middle-of-nowhere oasis redefines the hospitality industry, delivering unique stays powered by a pioneering spirit for community and adventure.
      THE STAY
      Sustainability is one of Habitas’ brand pillars. In keeping with this commitment, it took over an existing hotel and revamped it with a design that echoes Dakhla’s desert environment. The interiors are accented with hand-picked decor crafted by local artisans offering a taste of Moroccan tradition. The riad-style rooms, villas and lodges deliver breathtaking views of endless dunes and lagoons and peaks of the High Atlas mountains and feature outdoor showers and spacious areas to lounge and rest in between adventures, nomad style.
      THE DINING
      Levante offers an indoor and outdoor culinary experience that bridges the rich histories of Latin American and Moroccan cuisines. In keeping with the Habitas ethos, Levante serves up savoury dishes made from locally sourced ingredients and fresh seafood from the surrounding region and villages. A must try? Lagoon Oysters served with artichoke bechamel sauce.
      THE HERO EXPERIENCE
      The surrounding raw beauty of nature takes centrestage at Caravan Dakhla. A region known as a kitesurfing spot for its unique lagoon, crystal blue waters and consistent winds, days are easily characterised by roaming deserted wadis or taking up a chance to try something new such as kiteboarding or windsurfing.
      Scroll through the gallery below to discover the property:

      September – The Trailblazers Issue with Amira Sajwani – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Bollywood actor Katrina Kaif is the new face of Ethihad Airways

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      3 hours ago

      Etihad Airways, the flagship carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced an exciting collaboration with Bollywood superstar, Katrina Kaif, as their newly appointed brand ambassador.
      This strategic partnership signifies a pivotal moment as Etihad intensifies its presence in the vibrant Indian market, while rekindling ties with one of India’s most adored celebrities.
      Katrina Kaif, renowned worldwide for her timeless charm and grace, perfectly embodies the shared pursuit of excellence as she joins forces with Etihad once again.
      “I am thrilled to be back with Etihad Airways, a brand synonymous with world-class travel experiences. The airline’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to bringing people together resonate with my own values. I am excited to be part of a team that aims to create thoughtful connections and memorable experiences. I look forward to representing Etihad and being a part of their journey,” expressed the actor on this partnership.
      [embedded content]
      This collaboration builds upon Katrina’s prior association with Etihad back in 2010, highlighting the exceptional travel experience that Etihad consistently offers. Returning as a partner in this new venture, Katrina and Etihad together symbolize the strengthening bonds between Etihad and the Indian communities, both within the country and across significant global hubs like the UAE, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.

      In her capacity as the brand ambassador for Etihad, Katrina will take centre stage in a captivating series of creative campaigns, each designed to underscore the airline’s unwavering commitment to peerless comfort, flawless service, and seamless global connectivity. Katrina’s involvement in this partnership is set to fortify Etihad’s foothold in the Indian market, where it currently serves travellers in eight major Indian cities. This move seamlessly aligns with Etihad’s overarching strategy for sustained growth in India, affirming the airline as the preferred choice for discerning travellers.
      In essence, the collaboration between Etihad Airways and Katrina Kaif heralds a new era of elegance and excellence in the world of aviation.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by Etihad  More

    • 150 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Sheikh Hamdan takes his twins on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the UK

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      34 mins ago

      With adventure in his spirit, Dubai’s Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a warm heartfelt video of taking the twins on a cycling expedition around Yorkshire.
      The video was shared to his fanbase of 16 million fans on Instagram, where he often updates his following with pictures and videos of how they’re growing so quickly.
      By taking them outdoors and letting them experience nature at a young age, Fazza’s travels around the world exude his passion for exploration and adventure which he is beginning to instill in his little ones since a young age.

      The caption of the video read, “The start of a great adventure. #family” and we couldn’t help but adore this doting moment of him as a father.
      His Highness became a father for the first time in May 2021, welcoming twins Rashid and Shaikha into the world. Since then, the Crown Prince of Dubai has truly become the ultimate doting dad. Fazza has shared tidbits of the growing twins on social media, sharing some adorable doting father moments with his 14 million followers on Instagram. He welcomed his third child in February 2023. Revealed to be named Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, he is the third addition to the Crown Prince of Dubai’s growing family.
      From taking them to Courchevel to making them visit the Zoo and experience wildlife, Sheikh Hamdan is always capturing spectacular shots of his wanderlust experiences, including this specific adventure shot on a drone.
      Since welcoming the now 2-year-old twins Rashid and Shaikha in May 2021, Sheikh Hamdan has truly become the ultimate doting dad and we can’t wait to see all the new adventures they will be in.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @faz3 More

    • 88 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Fashion Designer Mara Hoffman’s Mexico Travel Diary

      by

      Life

      by Camille Macawili
      3 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 6 IMAGES
      In her summer photo diary for Emirates Woman, Mara Hoffman takes us to Mexico – a remarkable destination that resonates with her design codes centered on beauty, spiritualism, environmentalism and humanity.
      Her carefree and energetic approach to exploration permeates through her collections with a sense of utility, fun and ease. Through this, it has led to an exciting partnership with One&Only Resorts, where she has spent an intimate summer holiday with family and friends at the stunning One&Only Mandarina.
      Here, the sustainable fashion designer and wanderlust shares unforgettable behind-the-scenes moments during her summer getaway as well as her favourite local finds and hidden gems.
      Scroll through the diary above to soak up the sights and energetic vibe of One&Only Mandarina in Mexico.
      Beachside Bliss
      “My personal recommendation is always the laid-back and friendly atmosphere of San Francisco or as it is lovingly called by the locals “San Pancho.” It has this wonderful mix of boho-chic surfer town and a place you could see yourself retire.”

      Keep It Local
      “San Pancho has a beautiful beach, plenty of local eateries to please every palate, and some boutiques selling very tasteful and authentic Mexican handicrafts. I absolutely love the shop Huapango.”

      “Sayulita is also great, my favourite shop there is Manyana and a close second would be Anncla, a beautiful boutique. Restaurants to check out in Sayulita would be Sur38 and Zingaro – absolutely exquisite cuisine.”

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

    • 100 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Emirates Airlines to scale up London Heathrow flights

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      4 hours ago

      Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, will be expanding its London Heathrow flights between October 31, 2023, and March 30, 2024.
      The additional five-a-week service aims to meet the rising demand during the winter season and provide travelers with more options. Currently operating six daily A380 flights to London Heathrow, Emirates will add extra flights on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, utilizing Boeing 777-300ER aircraft in a three-class configuration.
      The departure from Dubai is scheduled for 13:20hrs, reaching London Heathrow at 17:20hrs, while the return flight departs Heathrow at 20:15hrs and lands in Dubai at 07:15hrs the following day.

      These tickets can be purchased through various channels, including Emirates’ website, sales offices, travel agents, and online travel agents. With over 125 weekly flights to the UK, Emirates also offers a diverse range of entertainment options with its inflight entertainment system, ice.
      Furthermore, Emirates’ base in Dubai remains a popular destination, and UK visitors can leverage the Dubai Experience platform for customized travel itineraries.
      For more information, visit www.emirates.com.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: @emirates & feature image: Instagram @sarashakeel More

    • 175 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Watch now: Sheikh Mohammed enjoys the azure waters during his trip to the UK

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 3 IMAGES
      The most recent member of the UAE Royal family to a travel to London is His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
      His brother Khalifa Saeed shared a heartwarming video of him and Sheikh Mohammed taking a scenic boat ride in the UK’s countryside while taking a little hike to experience nature.
      With various portraits resurfacing of him on the internet meeting various important individuals, these photos show a different side, where the UAE’s Vice-President is seen enjoy the simple moments with his crew of Royals and other friends all on the boat.

      Seen behind is the scenic view of the mountains and lush green nature that’s surrounding him as they all pose in a group photo together.
      With his fans…
      The ruler was spotted at various key spots in the UK, where fans had joyfully expressed their excitement as they took pictures with him. Seen at both Hyde Park and at the Harrods store, the UAE ruler was seen in comfortable attire on all occasions, even when his brother shared a picture of them looking over fondly at each other on his Instagram.
      During his trip, Sheikh Mohammed was seen with Damac’s CEO and Founder Hussain Sajwani, Tajikistan-singer, Abdu Rozik and other UAE residents who were visiting the country at the same tine.
      With all his social media fans showering their love, swipe through the gallery above with all the portraits shared on Instagram from his latest visit to the United Kingdom.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @bo.dhahii @khalifasaeeed More

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      12 interesting things you might not know about Sheikh Hamdan

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is constantly here there and everywhere.
      With an unending list of passions and hobbies, Emirates Woman has taken a deep dive into some interesting things you might not know about the Crown Prince of Dubai.
      He’s a massive foodie

      For those always on the lookout for places to dine in, these well-known establishments in Dubai have had the seal of approval from UAE royalty.
      Sheikh Hamdan absolutely loves to dine at the best eateries in Dubai including Roka, Ammos, Alici, Carine, Avli by Tashas and many more.
      He’s a doting dad

      His Highness became a father for the first time in May 2021, welcoming twins Rashid and Shaikha into the world. Since then, the Crown Prince of Dubai has truly become the ultimate doting dad. Fazza has shared tidbits of the growing twins on social media, sharing some adorable doting father moments with his 14 million followers on Instagram. He welcomed his third child in February 2023. Revealed to be named Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, he is the third addition to the Crown Prince of Dubai’s growing family.
      He cycled alongside an ostrich

      In a heart-stopping video taken to social media, Sheikh Hamdan is seen racing an ostrich in Dubai which is the world’s fastest bird on land. As he cycles with his entourage on the track, his love for the wildlife is beautifully depicted in this video.
      He’s passionate about underwater sports

      While inspiring many to take the plunge, Sheikh Hamdan makes the idea of deep water underground diving look very easy, as he continuously shares footage of himself under the sea, while also heading numerous metres below the surface to explore hidden underwater caves.
      He can fly a helicopter

      Starting off from Bluewaters island and making his way to Dubai Marina Mall as he goes around Dubai, Dubai’s Crown Prince’s video on social media has circulated around the UAE as he clearly loves to fly his chopper.
      The Crown Prince is also a poet

      With the caption for the above image being translated as follows, picking up poetry from his father has been one of the hidden talents he possesses, as he has also published under the pen name ‘Fazza’ which is an ode to a legendary Arab knight.
      Nature of the Soul
      My poems have meaning written with intuition I write my poems aware and observant My poems are not empty and a waste of my time They become more valuable with the passing of time
      What his nickname ‘Fazza’ means
      As mentioned, Sheikh Hamdan is affectionately known as ‘Fazza’. It means “the one who helps” in Arabic.
      He has climbed to the top of Burj Khalifa

      While scaling to new heights before the end of 2020, Sheikh Hamdan is seen scaling the sky-high building with his video amassing over 900,000 views and over 10,000 comments. He also showcases how high he is as he points the camera directly below him showing the busy Dubai highway and other buildings below. Well, this is not the first time he managed to do this, he also scaled to the top around seven years ago.
      He’s besties with Cristiano Ronaldo

      Over the years, Sheikh Hamdan and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo have become firm friends. Whenever Ronaldo visits the emirate, the Crown Prince is always on hand to ensure he has the best time in Dubai.
      He launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge

      The annual fitness challenge which takes place every year inspires residents of the emirate to work out for 30 minutes every day for 30 days. Fazza himself launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge back in 2017, encouraging people to be more active in the emirate.
      He’s an avid traveller

      With travelling back on the radar again, there’s no better source of inspiration than His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai. From mountainous regions to adrenaline-fueled spots, Fazza’s travels around the world exude his passion for exploration and adventure.After digging through the archives, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the potential places to add to your bucket list from Sheikh Hamdan’s feed. From Scotland to Japan, this Royal has travelled the globe and continues to make trips around the world.
      He’s a keen photographer

      While he’s an adventurer at heart, Sheikh Hamdan is also a keen photographer always capturing spectacular shots of the travels he’s on and photographs around Dubai.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Faz3 More