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    11 fabulous things to do during the long Eid al-Fitr weekend in the UAE

    Your ultimate guide to the long weekend in the UAE – April 5 to 7, 2024.
    Abu Dhabi
    Savour a Mediterranean meal

    For a comforting Mediterranean experience Terra, the hugely popular restaurant with branches in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is deeply rooted in the community and its calming rustic nestled spaces serving plates that celebrate locally grown ingredients and produce which provide the ideal setting for such a gathering. As well as its welcoming atmosphere and contemporary interior design, Terra is known for its mocktails. It’s located in located in Al Qana South, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi, and is open Mon to Fri 6pm – 2am.
    For more information visit terra-eatery.com
    It’s brunch time

    One of the capital’s must-visit ultra-fine dining destinations, offers an exquisite La Vie en Rosé brunch that isn’t just a tasty spread that you tuck in to. It’s a carefully-crafted journey from start to finish, as guests can experience the light intense Riviera-inspired food prepared à-la-minute from the finest ingredients, the poulet, the prawns in olive oil, mon dieu, the intriguing rosés, the cocktails and that buzz across the room. Overall the interiors feature bright art, the elegant shutters and that extravagant vase exploding with colour. From the flavourful mushroom risotto to the cool cauliflower salad, the options to savour are endless. The curtains open with their ‘A Mocktail Life’ package (Dhs390), ‘A Life with Cocktails and Wines’ (Dhs465), or the ‘A Champagne Life’ (Dhs640) for you to pick from, while your little ones dine for Dhs187. The La Vie en Rosé brunch at LPM Restaurant and Bar, takes place at The Galleria Al Maryah Island on Sundays from 12pm to 4:30pm.
    For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com
    Dubai
    Put wellness first

    Opened in the heart of City Walk, Contrast Wellness Studio is an ultra-cool sanctuary that has been thoughtfully designed to rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit. This wellness hub includes an Infrared Sauna, Ice Baths, a contrast Therapy Room and IV Drips for the ultimate rejuvenation. With a hot magnesium bath, ice bath and the traditional Finnish sauna, this space offers clean interiors to switch off and unwind after a long week.
    For more information visit contrast-wellness.com
    Visit this new sunset destination

    The Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah is thrilled to unveil Sunset 55°, an enchanting beach lounge inspired by the adventurous spirit of the 1950s and the carefree vibes of Bohemian culture. Nestled on the pristine beachfront of the luxurious resort, Sunset 55° beckons wanderers, dreamers, and lovers of life to embark on an evening of relaxation and carefree vibes while enjoying one of the best sunsets Dubai has to offer. Sunset 55° is more than just a beach lounge; it is a destination where the exquisite views, delectable bar bites, and the natural beauty of the Palm Jumeirah unite to create an unforgettable experience and ending to your day. From the moment you step foot on the sandy beach, you’ll be transported to a realm of driftwood decor and vibrant tapestries that celebrate the free-spirited essence of the 1950s’ surrounded by good vibrations, great live music, and fun. Guests can savour bites including the sumptuous Chicken Satay, with a classic peanut sauce, pickled salad and more.
    For more information visit hilton.com
    Embark on an adrenaline-fuelled activity

    Looking for an adventurous expedition to embark on this EID? Aventura Parks is the largest adventure park in Dubai, spanning 35,000 square meters of Ghaf tree forest, with a range of fun and thrill seeking activities including 24 ziplines, 80 obstacles and 5 circuits where friends, families, students, and teams can escape the hustle and bustle of city life for some exciting, safe, and unforgettable experiences. For the climbing daredevils, take the opportunity and enjoy beautiful views of the Ghaf tree forest at the top of Himalaya, Aventura Park’s 12m climbing wall. For the Leap of Faith, this experience includes 30-minutes of pure adrenaline and courage combined, adventurers can climb up a 5m pole on the Leap of Faith, balance on top, state their promise to the universe and jump to hit the ball. Prices at Dubai’s largest zipline park for the kickstarter start at Dhs149.
    For more information visit aventuraparks.com
    Shop ’til you drop

    Poison Drop has officially launched a new store at Dubai Hills Mall. Everyday jewellery pieces are the foundation of any collection, offering the enduring versatility that suits every occasion and complements your unique style. Indulge in the timeless allure of crystals – these bright and shimmering gems are your ticket to an elevated and sophisticated style. Whether it’s for evening gowns, daring minis that exude confidence, or impeccably tailored suits that command attention, crystals have the innate ability to enhance any outfit. Let your jewelry do the talking and let your unique style shine.
    For more information visit dubaihillsmall.ae
    Experience a beachside escape

    For an exquisite beachside experience, Surf Club, the bohemian beachfront destination located on Palm West Beach, is one of Dubai’s most beloved lifestyle destinations. The coastal concept encompasses a captivating Al fresco restaurant, a stylish bar, beachfront access and a resort-wear boutique – a sanctuary where you can embrace your true self. Renowned for its Vagabond events, premium service, and high-spirited atmosphere, Surf Club is an unprecedented award-winning destination.
    For more information visit surfclubdubai.com
    Book a last-minute escape

    With the long 9-day weekend coming up, we all need to ensure we have plans to take a break from our hectic schedule. Due to a surge in prices to travel abroad, planning a getaway in the UAE might be the best options. For those looking to switch-off, there are a myriad of last-minute staycations to book without any hassle of travelling. So, for a quick escape with your loved ones swipe through our guide of hotels and resorts to visit in the UAE. From Oberoi Al Zorah in Ajman to The Lana, Dorchester Collection, each venue is a must-visit.
    Try this poolside experience

    Nestled within the verdant oasis of Banyan Tree Dubai, Alizée, has unveiled a captivating new menu. Drawing inspiration from the breathtaking landscapes and culinary traditions of the South of France and the Mediterranean coast, this menu promises to enthral those in search of an elevated dining experience. Overlooking the serene pool and azure waters of the Arabian Gulf, you are invited to embark on a culinary journey. You can start by exploring invigorating salads like the Salade de Chou Frisee ed d’Avocat, a delightful blend of kale, avocado, cucumber, zesty orange, and sweet pomegranate. Alternatively, you can opt for the timeless classic, Niçoise, each salad meticulously crafted with the freshest ingredients to evoke the sun-kissed flavours of the region. During this experience guests can savour delectable dishes ranging from Les Pates tempts with rich and satisfying pasta dishes, such as Pappardelle with slow-cooked short ribs and Rigatoni pasta with crisp green asparagus and fragrant basil pesto—each dish crafted to perfection. To conclude the dining experience ends on a sweet and satisfying note, Alizée offers an indulgent selection of desserts that are certain to enchant even the most discerning palates.
    For more information visit banyantree.com
    Rejuvenate with an IV drip

    With life moving at a faster pace than ever, we can all be run down over time. An IV (intravenous) drip is an accelerated way to get the energy boost you need and to give you a glow from the inside out. From alleviating hangovers to supporting weight loss and reducing the signs of aging, the purported benefits of intravenous (IV) therapy are as numerous as the vitamin and mineral cocktails available. With flu season at its peak, the popular IV drips are known to boost your immune system and ensure an instant wave of energy, especially over the long weekend. Visit our guide of all the clinics offering an IV drip in Dubai.
    Tame the tresses

    Dyson is set to launch a new immersive pop-up installation at Mall of the Emirates in celebration of Ramadan and Eid for a limited time only. Customers will have the chance to explore the brand’s latest cutting-edge hair care technologies, including the newly launched Dyson Airstrait™ straightener, and receive a complimentary style by Dyson experts! Open from April 5 to April 14, the installation will be located on the ground floor Galleria of the mall. In addition to a hands-on experience with the hair care products, the pop-up will provide centre stage for personalized interactions with Dyson stylists, who will offer free hair-styling sessions using the brand’s hair care innovations. Ladies who wear a hijab can enjoy a complimentary styling session in the private area of the Dyson Demo Store on the first floor, just a stone’s throw away from the pop-up. All of Dyson’s products are available for purchase online at http://www.dyson.ae and at Dyson Demo Stores across the UAE. Buy directly from the people who made it for exclusive colorways, free next-day delivery and auto-warranty registration.
    For more information visit dyson.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @tialineker More

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    8 inspiring things I learned as a third culture kid in Dubai

    “Our homes are not defined by geography or one particular location, but by memories, events, people and places that span the globe”, says author Marilyn Gardner.
    As an exciting land of opportunities for a plethora of adults, Dubai quickly became home to my parents who arrived 30 years ago with no plan of settling down or raising a family here.
    So immediately when people ask “Where are you from?” and immediately my brain starts to do the math. Wait, do I say where I’m born and raised? Or where my parents were born? But hold on, I grew up in Dubai my whole life, so this for me is home.

    Hard Rock Café, Image courtesy of Linda Hollier
    All the early residents have seen the city grow since the early ‘00s, where the emirate as known by many ended at the old Hard Rock café in an area what is today known as Media City today. The comfort, safety and warmth to different cultures has left it as a cushion for many like my parents to settle down and make this inviting haven their home.
    While I often grew up with a sense of being unique in a negative sense, I’ve now realised how being different actually makes you stand out, thereby coming to the conclusion about how the pros outweigh the cons.
    What is the definition of a Third-culture kid?
    As per google, it’s a person who grows up in a culture different from the one in which his or her parents grew up in. The terms refers to the mixed identity that a child assumed, influenced both by their parents’ culture and the one they’re raised in.
    The term was first coined by American sociologist Ruth Useem, who focused on studding the lives of expatriates living in India.
    While a lot of us tend to focus on the negative aspects that come from moving abroad, we usually avoid shedding light on the myriad of positive elements and memories that we can cherish for a lifetime from this experience.
    Now as you go on to read and might be on the same journey as me and what I’ve learned and observed might come with a hint of nostalgia, you might relate to the below as your embark on your own path in this city.
    My friends became my family
    Having been raised in the same school for 12 years, my peers became my family and 16 years later, we to this date still speak on the phone almost every single day. Be it the first piece of advice I need, the first good news I wish to share or the first person to vent to after an unending series of unfortunate events, my friends are now family, and we don’t think twice before showing up and being there for each other on a daily basis.
    I’ve bonded with peers over my differences
    No one person in the emirate fits a mould. We’re all different and unique and come with our own set of experiences to the table. While it was challenging start to absorb facts from different backgrounds, before developing my own identity, I eventually realised that these differences are what gave me my own individual identity. With a sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness instilled in the other children I surrounded myself with while growing up, we quickly started learning from each other and found a comfort in the discomfort.
    I’ve also bonded over nostalgic memories…

    You can spot a Third Culture Kid in Dubai from a mile away. With a somewhat similar upbringing in the emirate, we instantly bond of similar elements of our childhood being, Oman chips, TGIF, street-side shawarmas or even long-standing locations such as the Clock Tower, we all instantly bond with each other, perhaps without even knowing each other’s name.
    I try to comprehend situations with an open-mind
    If there’s one element that stands out in the UAE, it’s respectful tolerance. To see how different cultures bond seamlessly, continues to amaze me on a daily basis. Be it our work environment or a pilates class, the exposure is not limited. With British, Australian, European and various other cultures, being under one roof, we aren’t tied to one culture and tend to appreciate different elements of different cultures from around the world. We don’t immediately rebuff an abstract concept, as we’ve been exposed to various upbringings over the years. Overall, being a third-culture kid is not always easy. You need to understand your cultures and lifestyles to be able to embrace how being different is a good thing. This however, makes you more approachable because you can understand others better.
    I always value my roots

    Image courtesy of Pexels @fuzail-ahmad
    Every trip taken to the motherland, comes with a deep appreciation. To see my roots, brings a sense of newness with each visit. For me Dubai is home and I could never replace it with any other city, including my hometown. Although, it’s only when you’re taken away from what you have that you tend to appreciate what’s back home. Every trip that I take back to my roots, to spend quality time with my grandparents or cousins, I realise their value and appreciate what it feels like to be back to where my parents are from.
    Convenience is not taken for granted

    Image courtesy of Pexels @denys-gromov
    In which part of the world can you press a button and have your groceries delivered in 15 minutes at any given part of the day? From my favourite gourmet burgers to a green juice, the seamless system ensures, convenience through every aspect of living here. Be it a short-haul trip or a long vacation to different parts of the world, I quickly realise the privileges and quality of life of living in this emirate. With a myriad of services offered right to our doorstep, a sense of appreciation seeps in after every trip taken abroad.
    Every day is an adventure

    Image courtesy of Unsplash @malik-shibly
    No one day is same here. As a community of learning and growing together, people come to this part of the world with a blank canvas to paint their own story. With new activities and discussions offered, there’s a lot left to the imagination as we’re constantly discovering what the city and its people have to offer. Being born and raised here only taught me more than I could imagine and I’m only excited to see what’s next in line as I continue to live here. As a melting pot of cultures this place has so much to offer and its city full of opportunity to both the working class and entrepreneurs.
    I have a soft spot for beaches
    The undeniable love for sand, picnics, azure waters and the beach is a big part of me. No matter where I am, there’s nothing like a calming walk by the beach or a few hours in the sun on a weekend. Because we are blessed with tropical views and eternal summer here, and I’m never going to let anyone take that away. While my love increases double fold during the Winters, I still enjoy a peaceful stroll during the warm season.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Unsplash @ismail-merad More

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    Celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II: 9 precious times she visited the GCC

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 9 IMAGES
    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, died aged 96 on September 8, 2022.
    Her Majesty died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, according to Buckingham Palace.
    Her son, now known as King Charles III,  ascended the throne last weekend in a coronation ceremony watched by millions around the globe. His son Prince William is now the new heir to the UK throne.
    Last year, Queen Elizabeth became the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
    Throughout her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty maintained a close relationship with the GCC countries, having visited the region on many occasions.
    To mark her incredible life, we look back on the decades of friendship with other GCC royals.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @theroyalfamily More

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    Celebrating the life of Queen Elizabeth II: 9 times she visited the GCC

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 9 IMAGES
    Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning monarch in the United Kingdom’s history, died aged 96 on September 8, 2022.
    Her Majesty died “peacefully” at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, according to Buckingham Palace.
    Her son, now to be known as King Charles III, will now ascend to the throne, making Prince William the new heir to the UK throne.
    This year, Queen Elizabeth became the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
    Throughout her seven decades on the throne, Her Majesty maintained a close relationship with the GCC countries, having visited the region on many occasions.
    To mark her incredible life, we look back on the decades of friendship with other GCC royals.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @theroyalfamily More

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    Celebrating 70 years of Queen Elizabeth II: 8 times she has visited the GCC

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    VIEW GALLERY/ 8 IMAGES
    Queen Elizabeth II is the first-ever British monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee, marking 70 years on the throne.
    The year of her Platinum Jubilee began on February 6, 2022, after the then Princess Elizabeth ascended to the throne following the death of her father, King George VI.
    As the UK prepares for a long weekend of celebration to mark the Platinum Jubilee, including the famous Trooping the Colour, we look back at the Queen’s long-standing relationship with the Middle East.
    After 70 years of dedicated service, Her Majesty has paid a visit to the GCC on several occasions.
    From widening the bond between the nations to appreciating decades of friendship with other GCC royals, it comes to show, that this monarch is certainly well-travelled.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @theroyalfamily More