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      How Café Kitsuné is now making waves in the UAE

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      16 mins ago

      Cafe Kitsuné shares how the French-Japanese brand has created the magic recipe for success in the Middle East after opening their first cafê in Dubai.
      Talk us through the concept of Cafe Kitsuné.
      We opened our first Café Kitsuné locations in 2013 in Tokyo’s Aoyama district followed by another one in Paris’ iconic Palais Royal Gardens. Since then, Café Kitsuné has grown to a network of 28 cafés in 20 cities across Europe, Asia, North America and the Middle East, and it has achieved cult status amongst specialty coffee lovers around the world. Everywhere in the world, visitors will find chic and convivial venues, with a Paris-meets-Tokyo feel, a clean and minimalist aesthetic, combined with local-inspired elements.

      The ubiquitous fox logo is everywhere – talk us through the creative inspiration behind it on the merchandise.
      Kitsuné is the Japanese word for fox, a symbol of versatility. Legend has it, the fox possesses the power to change its appearance. It translates directly to our cafés as well: we don’t have one single café with the exact same interior design and atmosphere. Each of our cafés has its own identity while expressing the distinctive Café Kitsuné Art de Vivre.
      As a highly popular coffee shop in Paris and Tokyo – how did the brand decide to bring it to the UAE?
      We really love Dubai, its lifestyle, its modernity, its versatility and the overall vibrant atmosphere of the city. You can feel an undeniable energy. It is an inspiring and innovative city, especially for the Food & Beverage scene. Nowhere else in the world is quite like Dubai. We feel very honoured to be able to open our very first Café Kitsuné location at H residence, in the iconic Jumeirah. We can’t wait to further share our Café Kitsuné Art de Vivre and savoir-faire with the Emiratis.

      What are the key dishes at Café Kitsuné Dubai?
      The global culinary imprint of the brand is still apparent and can still be savored even in a menu that is exclusively curated for Dubai. At Café Kitsuné Dubai, visitors will be able to taste our Café Kitsuné unique savoury and full-bodied coffee blend and to pair it with our signature pastries as our Fox-shaped Shortbread, our signature matcha eclair… The café also carries local exclusives such as a rose blossom cake, a Tropézienne tart, that will evolve according to seasons. Café Kitsuné Dubai also offers a delightful savory menu, presenting the brand’s special recipes: the French toast, the shakshuka and our iconic sandos. The menu features unique dishes such as the smashed burger, the breakfast sandwich and the lobster roll with homemade potato crisps.
      The coffee is highly sought-after – tell us more about the source and brewing process.
      Whether it’s in Tokyo, Paris, Seoul or NYC, the coffee served at the Café Kitsuné is a tasty and a balanced combination of two single origin arabica beans, where aromas of chocolate and honey blend perfectly with fruity flavors. It can be enjoyed in situ or as a take-away and comes as an espresso, macchiato, americano, latte, cappuccino, cortado, flat white or mochaccino. From Brazil and Guatemala, the coffee beans are roasted with the utmost care.
      Talk us through the interiors.
      Kitsuné’s in-house architecture and design studio recognized the importance of presenting Café Kitsuné with a global brand identity together with Middle Eastern aesthetics. The cafe’s minimalistic architectural design seamlessly integrates with its surroundings. Featuring Café Kitsuné’s iconic herringbone pattern, the idea is to pay homage to traditional craftsmanship while adding a contemporary touch. Though not imposing, guests can also appreciate the intricate placement of brass and Arabesque elements across the restaurant.
      What lies ahead for Café Kitsuné?
      We opened our first Café Kitsuné location 11 years ago and we only started to expand internationally six years ago. We took time to learn more about coffee culture, the process of roasting, to find the good partners etc. For all our activities, the key has always been to go deeper and constantly improve the quality of our offer, our savoir-faire and propose an outstanding service to our customers. Our customers will soon be able to enjoy Café Kitsuné in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, by the end of 2024. In the UAE more specifically, our brand has strong ambitions, with the opening of several new Cafés, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
      Located in H Residence, this café is open from Monday to Sunday from 8am to 11pm and more information can be found on maisonkitsune.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      8 outdoor activities to try in the UAE before summer arrives

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      As temperatures soon rise in the UAE, outdoor activities should still be on your list for the last few weeks of cool weather.
      From zip-lining to glamping the options are endless as each outing is complemented with a hint of nature.
      To plan ahead, Emirates Woman has curated a unique guide for all the best outdoor activities you don’t want to miss in the UAE.
      Go sky high

      The first to operate balloon flights in the northern Emirates, ActionFlight, has recently launched in Ras Al Khaimah. The flight will take visitors soaring over the rolling terracotta dunes for awe-inspiring sunrise views of the Emirate’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Operating seven days a week during the ballooning season, the picturesque experience sets afloat in the Al Wadi desert, where guests will board the 450,000 cubic feet balloon standing at a colossal 34.6m. Taking flight just before sunrise, the journey lasts approximately 60-minutes where visitors can marvel at the illuminated desert dunes, majestic Hajar mountains and glistening coastline and might even be able to spot special appearances from the indigenous wildlife. The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. Guests can relax and unwind as they indulge in a decadent selection of dishes and be treated to a fascinating bird of prey show with native Arabian falcons, owls and hawks. Post-trip, all passengers will take home a souvenir flight certificate signed by the Balloon Pilot as a memento from the extraordinary experience. The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. The family-friendly flight has the capacity to carry up to 20 passengers and for those looking for a more intimate experience, private compartment and flight bookings are available on request. ActionFlight will run flights seven days per week, flight availability may be subject to change due to weather conditions. Kids under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets start at Dhs1,315 per adult and Dhs1,155 per child inclusive of the flight and return transport.
      For more information visit actionflight.ae
      Book an alfresco dining experience

      It’s the season to be outdoors again. As the weather cools down, alfresco Dubai dining is firmly back on our radars. From beach clubs to sky-high restaurants, each venue ensures scintillating views of Dubai’s skyline accompanied by a delectable menu crafted to perfection. From bohemian décor at Bar Du Port to being surrounded by nature at Bussola, there are plenty of restaurants on our guide for you to book ASAP with your loved ones.
      Try a glamping experience

      If you want to immerse yourself in nature, there’s no better way to do it than by escaping to the desert. While now being home to the region’s first trailer hotel, guests can camp alongside the banks of Hatta Dam with these innovative trailers to have a truly memorable experience. With luxurious facilities on board, it’s all set to feel like a thrilling adventure with all the necessary amenities provided as you’ll be nestled in the heart of the mountains starting at Dhs986 with prices varying.
      For more information regarding booking and details head to visithatta.com
      Visit this famed desert café

      With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert. Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu. Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
      For more information visit onedegree.ae
      Hone your equestrian skills

      From a spacious paddock to qualified instructors, the UAE is well-known for this exhilarating sport which is available all year round for you to enjoy. From state-of-the-art polo and equestrian communities to professional instructors to help fine-tune your skills, each stable is situated in a family-friendly oasis to train beginners and offer a tranquil desert escape. As here at Emirates Woman we are quite the fans of horse riding, here’s a curated list of stables with fully equipped facilities for you to embrace throughout the year.
      Swing your best shot

      For golfing enthusiasts, Top Golf is set to welcome guests this season. With 96- hitting bays, this expansive venue spans across 60,000 square feet with high-tech interactive games and a one-of-a-kind experience to experience with your friends and families. For a break between each game, the restaurants present the region’s top culinary talent with their signature burgers and sides. Located at Emirates Golf Club, this venue is a must-visit.
      For more information visit topgolf.ae
      Go ziplining

      Glide along the world’s longest ziplining spanning across 2.83 km. This gripping experience features breathtaking views of the UAE’s natural beauty and a bird’s eye view of the Hajar mountains. After the activity, guests can experience at one of the most popular havens, 1484 Puro and grab a bite with their loved ones.
      It’s time to trek

      Pack your water, snacks and a fully charged phone and get ready to embark on a journey depending on the level you wish to go for. Whether easy, moderate or extreme, each trek includes rocky outcrops and a wadi terrain with scenic views of the Hatta mountains. Located at Hatta Wadi Hub, guests can opt for the two-hour guided hiking tour.
      To make a booking head to visithatta.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram and Feature Image: Instagram @dashatravels More

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      5 fascinating myths busted about the UAE

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Ever travelled to another country and say you live in Dubai, to only be showered with multiple questions of what the city entails.
      Home to 9.97 million residents, the UAE has a large expat community that have now made this country their base for numerous years. With so much evolved in the country over the years, it’s time to learn what’s true in the country.
      So if you want to double-check the rules before booking your flight to Dubai and fact-check certain myths then you might have thought are true, you’re in the right place.
      So, if you’re on a mission to learn more about the UAE and expand your knowledge, see what you can learn about this one-of-a-kind haven as a whole and what statements to debunk.
      There is no culture or history
      After unifying in 1971, the UAE has come a long way and there are several spots that mark its rich heritage. In Dubai itself, there are many sites that display the nation’s history and pay homage to where it all began. As an ode to the UAE’s long-standing cultural heritage, Emirates Woman has curated a guide with seven renowned sites to visit in Dubai including the Coffee Museum, Etihad Museum, Dubai Museum and more.
      The UAE is always hot

      While this might be partially true, the rest of the year from November to March remains cool with temperatures evening dropping to -1 degree celcius in Jebel Jais, with both hail and snow.
      There’s barely any nature

      The UAE is famous for nature-fuelled trek, expansive mangroves and deep sea diving for adrenaline junkies. From camping sites to newly opened glamping spots both tourists and residents can absorb it all. From Abu Dhabi’s Liwa Oasis to Al Barari, the UAE has various dense spots with natural greenery.
      The National animal of the UAE is a camel
      While most people might think the national animal of the country is a camel, the UAE’s national animal is an Arabian Oryx which can also be seen printed on the 50 Dirham currency note.
      You need to be fully covered
      While there are some religious sites and public areas where you need to be mindful of the clothing. So While the city is quite liberal compared to other parts of the Middle East, it’s important to dress modestly in public spaces and religious sites. For men and women alike, clothing that covers shoulders and knees is generally acceptable. Overall, you’ll see a wide range of clothing, from bikinis to sundresses, in tourist areas, beaches, and many hotels.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @visitdubai @oktagon More

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      8 bucket-list activities to experience in the GCC

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      52 mins ago

      Have you been caught daydreaming about the experiences you want to have in your lifetime?
      With the GCC being home to a myriad of must-see places and challenging experiences to try, you better start adding these activities to your list. From skydiving to ziplining the options are endless to add some excitement to your mundane schedule.
      If you find yourself staring at a blank piece of paper with no idea what to even consider, you’re in the right place for some inspiration.
      For your next adventure-fuelled activity, Emirates Woman has put together a list of experiences to try ASAP.

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

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      6 adrenaline-fuelled activities that Sheikh Hamdan has done

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is no amateur when it comes to extreme sports.
      By challenging the conventional norm, Fazza always takes a leap of faith and manages to outdo his previous activity.
      After digging through the archives, Emirates Woman takes a look at all the adrenaline-fuelled activities Dubai’s Crown Prince has taken part in through the years.
      Flying a motorised paraplane

      Known for his fine motor skills, Sheikh Hamdan shared a jaw-gripping video of himself flying a motorised paraplane which he smoothly maneuvers mid-air with the help of a parachute. In just about a few minutes of posting the video, it went viral and was shared on several social media platforms. After controlling it with ease, the aircraft is seen going several metres above the ground and he’s surely won the hearts of all his fans through his piloting skills, which is undoubtedly seen in this post.
      Riding on top of Ain Dubai

      The world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, opened in the emirate last month. Ahead of the official launch, Sheikh Hamdan perched himself on top of the wheel casually sipping a beverage. Showcasing the daredevil stunt, His Highness posted an impressive video on social media which, to date, has garnered over 10 million views.
      Taking a plunge in the world’s deepest pool

      Known as Deep Dive, this Dubai marvel holds an incredible 14 million litres of water and has a depth of 60 metres, making it the deepest pool in the world. head of the opening of the pool earlier this year, Sheikh Hamdan took his 12 million followers on Instagram on a tour of the latest attraction posting a video to the platform. “An entire world awaits you at Deep Dive Dubai the world’s deepest pool, with a depth of 60 meters (196 feet),” he said.
      Skydiving over Dubai

      As one of the most popular adrenaline junkie activities, it’s no surprise the Crown Prince is a keen fan of skydiving. In the video above, he’s seen jumping off a chopper with another member of the crew and is seen catapulting through the air down to the ground. Having complete grip over the parachute, he manages to make a smooth landing on the beach.
      Scaling the Burj Khalifa

      Ever wondered what the view is like from the world’s tallest building? Well, Sheikh Hamdan knows exactly what it looks like from up there and has previously shared it with his followers last year. Decked in his climbing gear, the Crown Prince took a snap of him standing on the tip of the spire while waving the UAE flag without the slightest hint of fear. Fazza had previously scaled the skyscraper back in 2013, in celebration of Dubai winning the bid to host Expo 2020.
      Showing off his flyboarding skills

      Back in 2019, pictures went viral of the Dubai Crown Prince as he showed the world his serious core strength through this extreme watersport activity – flyboarding. While it might look easy, this sport is quite dangerous and requires a varied skill set. Propelled by jet sprays, one can twirl, flip and soar through the air, which Sheikh Hamdan exactly did.
      As the extremely popular Instagram account continues to accumulate a loyal fan base, it’s always exciting to see which extreme sport is next in the pipeline.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Who is Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum? 6 details to know about this UAE royal

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is the daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
      As a keen advocate for women and known to empower the community of local designers in the UAE, Sheikha Mahra is always inspiring her 172k followers on social media.
      With news about this Royal recently getting married to Sheikh Mana Al Makhtoum, her fans are eager to know more about this Princess.
      To find out more, Emirates Woman shares everything that you might not know about Sheikha Mahra.
      She gives back to the community

      Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is no stranger to giving back to the local community. Known for her philanthropic efforts in the region, she is always spreading joy and was also seen spending many afternoons with children of determination. Known to never shy away from affect, Sheikha Mahra also shared an emotional moment where she stopped and reached down to hug a young child, with all smiles in a heartwarming portrait. With her philanthropic efforts playing a key role to raise awareness about different issues in society, her kindness and generosity are truly irreplaceable.
      She loves horses

      It’s well-known horse racing is a major passion of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and it’s clearly a love he has passed on to his children. Sharing his love for horses is his daughter, Sheikha Mahra, is often seen attending the races and posing with her favourite animals.
      She supports local designers

      Her Highness Sheikha Mahra bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one such person that is continuing to champion regional designers and their flawless creations. Known to attend the Icons Exhibition, Sheikha Mahra is a regular visitor of its different locations around the UAE, as it shines a light on different designers in the region. The Icons Exhibition is an event held multiple times a year showcasing local designers and talent and is run by Emirati designer and creative Roudha Al Shamsi. She always shares series of photos and a video of her visit to any exhibition where she is seen learning about various local businesses visiting different booths at the event, from jewellery to food to makeup to clothes.
      She’s known for her sartorial choices

      More and more nowadays we’re seeing abayas come in an array of different colourways and patterns – far from the traditional all-black ensemble – and one individual known for her sartorial choices is Her Highness Sheikha Mahra al Maktoum. Her Highness is known for effortlessly playing with different patterns and colourways and always knows how to carry it off. Whether attending exhibitions or posing with her favourite horses, she continuously stuns with every different look.
      She completed her Bachelor’s in the UK

      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.
      She recently got married

      According to an official statement on the Sheikha’s official Instagram account, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra and her fiancé Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum have signed the marriage contract. On April 5, 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.
      Swipe through the gallery to look back at Sheikha Mahra’s key moments:

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @hhshmahra & @marwa.alzarounii More

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      Record-Breaking: UAE receives its highest rainfall in 75 years

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      With thunder, lightning and heavy downpour in full-swing, health and safety hazards have been issued to stay safe.
      Since 1949, the UAE has seen the largest amount of rainfall in the past 75 years making it an exceptional event in the UAE’s climate history since the start of recording climate data.
      Per Emirates News Agency,The National Centre of Meteorology confirmed that the record rainfall that fell on the country during the past 24 hours until 9 pm on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, is an exceptional event in the UAE’s climate history since the start of recording climate data, and it is expected that the coming hours will witness the recording of larger amounts of rainfall.
      The weather department recorded the highest rainfall in the Khatm Al Shakla area in Al Ain, reaching 254 mm in less than 24 hrs. The National Centre of Meteorology said that the Shuwaib station had recorded 287.6 mm on March 9, 2016.
      Scroll through the gallery of highlights from the rain on April 16, 2024.

      Remote working extension
      Overall, Dubai has extended the remote working period for government employees as well as private school students amid escalating unstable weather conditions in the country.
      Due to the current floods, Private sector institutions have also been encouraged to implement the remote work system tomorrow and take necessary measures to ensure safety for all.
      As safety of its citizens and citizens of utmost priority by the government, everyone has been urged to stay at home to avoid any further hazards.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram & Feature Image: Instagram @vertigodubai & @amazingdubai_ More

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      7 calling apps to download in the UAE for a hassle-free conversation

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      With an expat-oriented community, connecting back home during the week becomes part of everyone’s routine in the UAE.
      As some apps continue to be limited in the UAE, there are a host of other paid and free apps to make high-quality audio and video calls.
      For legal purposes, only a limited set of apps are available for usage on both iOS and Android, with a plethora of additional features on each.
      Below, we’ve curated a list of what to download for that next virtual happy hour or family catch-up.
      GoChat
      As part of Etisalat’s latest initiative, Etisalat launched GoChat Messenger with a new free voice and calling to the UAE. The requirements include a mobile number for registration on both iOS and Android app stores. The international 50 minutes package starts at Dhs50, with more options to choose from. The app includes additional features such as bill payment, games and even food delivery services.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
      BOTIM
      While available to download for free, users will need an internet calling plan for usage. For Etisalat, du and Virgin mobile, the monthly subscription fee is priced at Dhs50 and the daily fee is Dhs5 with 1GB of mobile data. For WiFi on Etisalat eLife and du Home Services, the price is Dhs100.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.

      Image courtesy of Pexels @antonishkraba
      Microsoft Teams
      Used mainly for professional purposes, this service enables colleagues to interact with each other on a one-to-one basis and have access to audio, video, chat and screen-sharing features. The app can be downloaded on your computer, tablet and mobile device. Additionally, the app provides 10GB of file storage for the entire team including 2GB of personal storage for each individual.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
      Skype for Business
      While users were previously allowed to use Skype from their personal accounts, the app is only limited to users from a business account now. Other features include a meeting with up to 10 persons without a subscription, URL invites, PowerPoint uploads for further discussions, screen sharing services and instant messaging services to send across during meetings.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
      Zoom
      Amid COVID-19, Zoom became a popular app to conduct virtual classroom discussions for educators to teach remotely. Used for both video and audio calling, this app was made available during lockdown after previously being banned. Without the membership, users are allowed up to 40 mins of uninterrupted calling until they have to send a new link. From intimate weddings to special family occasions, everything can be shared with this multiple-user platform.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
      Google Meet
      To register, users in the UAE need to link their Gmail accounts and can host a call with up to 100 people. For a smooth invitation process, users can simply be invited via a shared link.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
      Voico
      For customers to stay in touch with their loved ones, Etisalat also introduced Voico app that gives both audio and video call services to UAE residents. The app allows users to share photos, videos, and other files to stay connected.
      You can download the iOS and Google Play versions.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @haileybieber More