For many of us, January is a month of thinking about our health and wellness. With that in mind, we reveal three luxury wellness experiences to try in the region and beyond.

1. Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar

The Middle East’s first fully immersive wellness resort, Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, is welcoming the New Year by unveiling a New You Retreat to help guests restore balance and reaffirm goals for a happier, healthier year. Located in Khasooma, a private coastal location to the north of Qatar, Zulal Wellness Resort is designed to bring an international wellness experience to the region.

The new programme is available in three and five-night durations until 31st March 2023 and has been specially designed by the resort’s resident physician Dr Syed Shadab Ahmed to guide guests towards a path of sustainable change and support them on their personal wellness journey.

The New You retreat begins with a consultation to ascertain a guest’s health concerns and goals. Then, according to their Traditional Arabic & Islamic Medicine (TAIM) temperament, a highly personalised programme of movement, relaxation and nutrition will be drawn up that encourages the right balance of pushing limits and unwinding, invigorating and calming.

Fitness sessions range from personal and aqua training to yoga and tai chi. The physical release then follows with therapeutic massage and hijama cupping, while mental unwinding is encouraged with a daily spa treatment and meditation. Throughout the programme, and beyond, guests are inspired and encouraged to integrate sustainable change into their daily lives.

Zulal Wellness Resort is also celebrating the arrival of 2023 with a ‘Wellness Plus’ promotion, offering free extra nights and complimentary treatment credits across its regular range of retreats for stays until 31st March 2023. Guests can book three nights for the price of two; five nights for the price of three; or seven nights for the price of four; and also receive complimentary wellness treatment credits worth 20 per cent of the total cost of their chosen retreat.

For more information or reservations, please email Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som at reservations@zulal.com, call/WhatsApp +974 4477 6500 or visit www.zulal.com.

2. SEVA Experience, Dubai, UAE

Dubai-based  SEVA Experience has launched a series of corporate programmes for 2023. The yoga, meditation and holistic wellness center has created the programmes to support businesses to guide, educate and grow their teams The programmes are based on experiential learning and time-tested tools used to accelerate real-life scenarios, creating an atmosphere where fear of failure is limited, and a sense of equality and strong engagement is born.

Including experiences such as yoga, sound healing therapy, and meditation sessions, on-site programs at SEVA Experience create a Bali-like atmosphere, positive energy and special equipment, with activities like team building which are designed to strengthen your company’s core values by supporting the brand’s culture with the journey ending with a beautiful dining experience in SEVA’s lush garden.

Commenting on the launch, Shadi Enbashi, Co-founder of SEVA Experience and Table: “Having come from a corporate background myself, I am beyond grateful that we can offer the much-needed support to companies to significantly enhance the wellness of their teams. Our corporate programs are designed with heart and soul, and driven by a passion to create change and help ease the stress that work brings for so many.”

For more information about Seva Experience please visit www.sevaexperience.com or follow them on socials @sevaexperience.

3. The Ultima Gstaad Spa and Clinic

A little further away from home, Switzerland’s Ultima Gstaad Spa and Clinic in Gstaad is a tranquil escape in the heights of the Swiss Alps. This luxury resort is designed to restore and balance the body and mind, combining ultra-luxury amenities, rustic warmth and state-of-the-art technology, offering a secluded and refined escape.

The Clinic goes beyond traditional wellness offerings, providing a unique conscious-awakening approach that complements medical-grade treatments in the clinic. With programmes designed to enhance and reinvigorate including meditation, reiki, energetic care and massages from across the globe, the Ultima wellness journey aims to restore total wellbeing with therapists curating wellness programmes encompassing physical and cutting-edge cosmetic procedures to breathing, sleeping and eating.

This January, embark on a four-day Holistic Beauty Retreat designed to strengthen the immune system, enhance skin beauty, improve quality of sleep and regain precious balance. Guests are invited to start the day with a healthy breakfast and protein smoothie, followed by a yoga class and a guided meditation to clear the mind ahead of a chakra-balancing massage and a detox and revitalization treatment at the Clinic. Guests will leave refreshed with a bottle of water infused with properties of precious stones and sea collagen to take home to continue the journey to attain long-term balance.

For more information or reservations, please visit: https://www.ultimacollection.com/en/collections/ultima-gstaad

Euronews Travel has published a new report revealing the latest trends in travel and hospitality. Travel in 2023: Connecting People, Places & Planet on the future of tourism identifies eight trends that will shape the industry from 2023, including virtually enhanced destinations, eco-friendly travel, and nature-inspired holidays. We find out more.

1. Regenerative travel

In 2023, there will be a focus shift towards nature-positive and carbon positive/neutral travel as more holidaymakers ask what hotels, destinations and tour companies are doing for the environment. With the climate emergency remaining as headline news, it will no longer be enough for travel businesses to simply aim to minimise their environmental impact. Tour operators, destination bodies and hotels will be tasked with actively repairing, restoring and investing in nature to keep pace with consumer sentiment. Exodus is one travel company leading the way with its pledge to become nature net positive by 2024. The jewel in its crown is a huge rewilding project in the Apennines of Italy, partially funded by trip bookings, with the potential to remove approximately 1,500 tonnes of carbon annually.

Regenerative travel

2. Rail revival

Convenience, cost and carbon footprint are all factors to help reignite a passion for train travel in 2023. As travellers look to become more eco-friendly, a handful of private companies are reviving night trains across Europe. One of the most exciting initiatives is Nightjet, an international consortium led by Austria’s ÖBB, which bills its services as “a new generation of sleeper trains”. It’s already connected Vienna, Munich and Paris; and Amsterdam and Zurich via Cologne. December 2022 will see the launch of a Zurich to Rome train via Milan; next up will be a sleeper connecting Berlin, Paris and Brussels, and then finally a connection between Zurich and Barcelona in 2024.

Eduardo Santander, Executive Director and CEO of the European Travel Commission (ETC) said: “The undeniable truth is that European tourism currently runs on aviation. To spend the weekend in London, Rome or Paris, and instantly, so that you leave the office on a Friday and come back on a Monday morning or Sunday afternoon, that’s only possible by plane. So, let’s admit that we have to change the way we see that kind of tourism.”

3. #Hutlife

A growing number of travellers will ditch hotels in favour of rural huts and cabins as more look to connect with nature. These tiny retreats tap into the recent aesthetic appeal of ‘vanlife’ and tiny homes and will attract a much broader demographic than ever before. Once the preserve of hikers and low-budget travellers, hut and cabin accommodation is now being given a new lease of life. In the Swiss Alps canton of Valais, traditional hikers’ huts are being upgraded in response to a spike in bookings from non-traditional users, post-pandemic. Australia, meanwhile, is set to see the completion of a large network of off-grid holiday cabins in 2023.

As ETC’s Santander, said: “The trend is definitely that: we are getting out of the cave, and we are exploring nature. This is nothing new for human beings, but maybe there has been an awakening because of the pandemic and all the restrictions.”

4. Virtually enhanced destinations

The pandemic forced travel companies, attractions and destinations to get on board with technology in new and exciting ways. The untapped potential of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to enhance the travel experience came on in leaps and bounds during the pandemic. Almost overnight you could take a tour of a cobbled medieval town in Romania, join ice bathers in Helsinki or go shopping in the fragrant souks of Marrakesh – without leaving the comfort of home.

The same absorbing technology will be employed to enhance the visitor experience rather than replicate it. In Paris, for example, the Eternal Notre Dame VR allows groups to tour 850 years of cathedral history in a more engaging way than a physical exhibition could ever achieve. Immersion is key, taking tourists into a living, breathing version of Notre Dame’s ageing, fire-battered shell.

Virtual escapes

5. NFT travel

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) – digital assets that live on the blockchain – are about to break into the travel industry. Early adopters are using them as keys to unlock physical travel experiences and real-world private spaces/networks around the globe. And while NFTs are set to be big in the luxury travel market, providing an extra tier of exclusivity, they can also be used to support fundraising and sustainability projects.

In Bhutan, for example, the new Trans Bhutan Trail has launched a collection of NFTs to fund sustainability projects along the trail and offer hikers exclusive experiences and community connections.

6. Electrified escapes

As fuel prices soar and low-carbon activities become in demand, the electric travel market will thrive in 2023. Following the recent global e-bike boom, electrically powered scooter tours, sledging, boat trips and safaris are all starting to take off. Driving range, charge time, cost and availability of rental vehicles have vastly improved. This year Skyscanner introduced an e-car hire filter on its website, as electric-powered rental vehicles became easier to find while Hertz created a guide to 15 all-electric road trips across Europe. 2022 also saw the launch of r3charge – the first hotel booking platform specifically for electric vehicle travellers.

7. Journeys with momentum

The seismic shift towards working from home means millions of people are more sedentary in their day-to-day lives. This new global environment will leave remote and hybrid workers craving movement next year. As a result, active travel – typically focused on outdoorsy experiences such as hiking, cycling, swimming and running – will see a surge in 2023. In Europe, for example, cycling is becoming the energetic holiday experience of choice for a growing number of travellers. EuroVelo, a network of 17 long-distance cycle routes to discover the continent, is reporting an uptick in bookings, as the trend intensifies.

Journeys with momentum

8. Hyper Personalisation

Cookie-cutter travel is out. Personalised service has always been a marker of luxury travel, but now switched-on travel businesses are going the extra mile with unique, one-off experiences for guests regardless of budget. That might mean unique QR codes for contactless check-ins, vegan food options at breakfast or a bigger range of activities offered around personal interests. Industry giant Hyatt, with a choice of over 200 experiences across more than 85 destinations, is shaping its hyper-personalisation offer in the form of a platform dedicated to curated wellbeing offers. Commenting on the report, Santander, said: “It’s very difficult now to predict 2023 or 2024. We think there’s going to be a huge change of paradigm when it comes to decision-making at the consumer level. But also at the supplier level, where we see a lot of businesses are under scrutiny and the approach to sustainable goals.

Words by Euronews www.euronews.com

The new year is here which means for many of us, it’s time for a wardrobe upgrade. We reveal four simple ways to elevate your style for the new year.

1. Invest in Denim

Chloe

Alexander McQueen

Bottega Veneta

2. If In Doubt, Go Neutral

Valentino

Hermès

Ralph Lauren

3. Go Long or Go Home

Michael Kors

Valentino

Alberta Ferretti

4. Add Some Sparkle

Valentino

Brandon Maxwell

Tom Ford

Saint Laurent has revealed its Spring 23 campaign featuring the latest collection by Anthony Vaccarello.

In a series of images, models can be seen wearing figure-hugging neutral designs from the Spring 2023 collection which debuted in Paris last year.

Shot by  Vanessa Beecroft and directed by Anthony Vaccarello the campaign stars models and friends of the brand including Alaato Jazyper, Camille Chifflot, Luna Passos, Sihana Shalaj, Alix Bouthors, Yanan Wan, He Cong, Mary Ukech, Yaniris Silverio, Anna Hererra, Ajah Angau, Caren Jepkemei and  Chaima Ameziane.

See more of the campaign below.

Psychodermatological skincare brand ESPÉRER was established by Dina El Adlani, a psychologist and former makeup artist and despite being a recent launch is already gaining a lot of attention in the beauty and skincare space.

As the world’s First Psychodermatological skincare® brand, ESPÉRER is the only brand built entirely on the premise of psychodermatology, which aims to offer products to benefit the mind, as well as the skin. As a woman of Arab heritage, Dina uses natural ingredients ethically sourced from countries including Morocco for the formulations. Here We find out more about what you can expect.

Tell us a little bit about your background.

I came from a traditional Arab household, with traditional values, although many of my family members were from Spain and France, being of Moroccan descent I was very much more in touch with the Arab side and fascinated by the history and culture. I grew up in London which although was the biggest influence on my personality and way of life, it still did not overshadow my origins and my need to revert to my roots and seek out information about my background. I suppose I found myself balancing what my Arabic family expected of me with what the society that I was brought up in expected of me, and from that I decided to combine the two cultures and work on being a more unique individual who can be both Arab and western at the same time, focusing on what I expect of myself. This then highly influenced my brand ESPÉRER in that it is a combination of two differing cultures. My heritage has most definitely had the biggest influence on who I am today, and I feel it has definitely shaped me into someone who I feel is multifaceted.

How did you get involved in the beauty industry? 

My interest in the beauty industry began at a young age but increased when I worked as a makeup artist whilst I was doing a Psychology BSc at university. After speaking to my clients about their skin concerns and self-esteem issues, I felt that it was necessary to introduce to the market a brand that would address these issues simultaneously. So, I began my research for the following years and after I was accepted into the University of London for my MSc I used my obtained research skills to study beauty and the skin from a Psychological perspective. I used any free time I had to speak to dermatologists and herbalists and understand the field a little deeper. I then finalised my decision to create a brand with a unique ethos using my academia, my creative background and my acquired skincare knowledge.

The Middle East is famed for its love of all things beauty. How did the Arab approach to beauty influence your skincare range? 

When creating ESPÉRER I wanted to go back to my Arab heritage and use techniques that have been used since ancient times. I wanted a skincare brand that celebrated my Arab side and everything it had to offer. Therefore, I opted for natural, pure and rich ingredients in my formulations, I felt this was a definite representation of the Arab culture. What we use comes from the natural resources we have. I visited quite a few Arab countries including my own and just observed how the women in particular would take care of their skin and their beauty and this really inspired me to ensure that my skincare range included some of these traditional Arab beauty rituals that have been used by many Arab women and have been proven to work for centuries. I adopted their techniques for exfoliation and their clay mask routines, I also focused on the use of pure plant oils that were harvested and used for their many benefits.

I felt that the Arab approach was predominately a natural approach to skincare, the love for exotic, potent and rich ingredients was certainly appreciated more so than synthetic and chemical-based products.

Tell us a little about your skincare range- its USPs, how it helps the skin etc.

ESPÉRER is the first Psychodermatological skincare® brand to date, this essentially means that it is the only brand that is built entirely on the premise of psychodermatology and provides daily use products that target more than just stressed skin, but rather aims to benefit the skin as well as the mind. This is not only done through the ingredients that are used and their proven efficacy in repairing skin cells but also the proven benefits these ingredients have on mental health, not solely stress but also anxiety and depression.

The brand itself portrays and promotes a healthy self-image and only uses natural ingredients ethically sourced from France and Morocco. This helps the communities in these countries as well as ensures a high-quality product can then be made in the United Kingdom.

The skincare products each contain active ingredients, vitamins, and natural compounds such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Squalane, hyaluronic acid and so on that are all from natural sources and highly benefit the skin. The use of rich ingredients such as blue tansy, pure rose, argan, plum, and prickly pear all contribute to the health of the skin and the overall wellness of our customers. Each of our products has been created to target a skin concern, such as ageing, acne, hyperpigmentation and polluted skin. Our research shows a visible difference in skin conditions can be seen in just two weeks, this was seen in a study that we conducted in 2019, where 4 out of 5 participants felt their skin was brighter and they felt happier after just 2 weeks of use.

Tell us about the hero products.

Our most popular product is the CELL RENEWAL NIGHT REPAIR OIL, this face oil has a very distinct and beautiful smell and contains incredible benefits for the skin. It has cell regeneration properties that allow the high cell to turnover, revealing healthy and glowing skin. It contains natural Vitamin C and can be used alone or added to a moisturiser.

It is made with notorious French and Moroccan plant oils and extracts, perfectly blended plum, sandalwood, and rosehip creating an elixir rich in pro-vitamin A and E. This product was also a finalist at the freeform skincare awards 2021.

Our next hero product and certainly my favourite is the GHASSOUL CLAY MASK, this mask comes in powder form and is directly sourced from the Atlas Mountains. It draws impurities from the pores, making the pores appear smaller and the skin tighter. This product has relaxing and calming properties due to its earthy and natural scent. The multi nutrients in this clay contribute to a healthy complexion.

What is your personal skincare routine?

In the morning I wash my face with Savon Noir, a famous Moroccan black soap made from olives. I then use our day face serum which contains hyaluronic acid, natural peptides and antioxidants. I massage this oil all over my face using a few techniques that awaken the skin in the morning and tighten the face. I then apply a small amount of our undereye serum and let that sink in. As I prefer serums to moisturisers, I don’t add any moisturisers to my face as I feel the serums work for me and keep my skin hydrated and not oily. I then apply my makeup and set it with our rose hydrating spray just for extra hydration and to keep my makeup in place as I work long hours, it also calms me during my hectic days.

At night I use our oil-to-milk cleanser which is all-natural and melts the makeup away while being very gentle on my eyelashes and eyebrows. Our oil-to-milk cleanser contains Vitamins A and E, so it is super brightening and nourishing. I wash away the cleanser and use a warm towel to wipe away any excess.

If I feel I have had a particularly stressful day then I use our soothing face mist, which can also be used as a toner, but I tend to spray it on and let it dry on my face. My final step and my most loved step is using facial oils 30-60 mins before bed; I select one of the night oils from the Beauté de la Nuit collection and I apply a few drops around my face and commence a relaxing facial massage. I feel this really helps me unwind and sleep as I don’t get many hours of sleep, this really helps me at least get some deep sleep as well as helps repair my skin while I sleep.

Who do you view as your beauty idols?

I guess for me growing up I was completely in awe of the Arabic singer Elissa, I was so inspired by her elegance. As I got older, I started to recognise her strength as a woman in the Arab world, who did not subject herself to being seen as an object but rather respected for her talent and her incredible voice.

Another Arab idol of mine would have to be the world-famous Huda Kattan, beauty mogul and creator of Hudabeauty. I am completely obsessed with how humble she is and the message she spreads to young females. I have been following her journey for many years now and the content she puts out into the world more times than none would contain a beautiful message of self-love and self-care, I felt like that’s exactly what I and my brand aspire to portray. She has really given females a voice and motivated them to be more creative and to be more visible not just in the Arab world but the rest of the nations.

What’s next for your range?

Our next range actually includes some of the products I have been using in my personal skincare routine, and I am loving them at the moment, and I am very excited to share them with the world in the next few months.

The range will now be including the black Moroccan soap, oil to milk cleanser, face serum, and eye serum and I am currently working on a new moisturiser.

Words by Maria Stapleton.

Audemars Piguet has unveiled Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet Starwheel, an impressive timepiece that combines black ceramic with 18-carat white gold.

Invented in the 17^th century, wandering hours are a type of horological complication that display the hours using a system of satellites that gravitate along a minute scale arranged in the form of an arc. This aesthetic presentation of the hours and minutes brings a certain mystique to the reading of time.

This system was rediscovered and reintroduced by Audemars Piguet in 1991 and renamed the “Starwheel”. This unusual mechanism equipped many models up until the early 2000s and is now making a comeback in the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection.

This ultra-contemporary design highlights this fascinating display while also paying tribute to a relatively unknown classic in Haute Horlogerie complications.

The architecture of the case is reinforced by the overlapping of geometric shapes, including a round bezel, caseback and Starwheel discs as well as a rounded octagonal case middle.

The watch features a blue aventurine dial, serving as a shimmering backdrop for the three discs that rotate on their own axes, like planets in the tiny universe of the dial. The three slightly domed discs are made of aluminium and are tinted black thanks to a PVD treatment, before being adorned with an opaline sandblasted finishing touch.

The white wandering hours numerals are then transferred onto the dial. Following the contemporary design, the 120-degree minute sector, which extends in an arc from 10 to 2 o’clock, and the inner bezel, are both black with white minute indications.

This new 41mm reference plays with materials by combining aventurine with 18-carat white gold and black ceramic. This diversity of materials as well as the refined hand finishing – a signature of the Manufacture, which creates an infinite play of light – underscores the complex design of the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection. In addition to this, the 18-carat white gold bezel, lugs and caseback contrast with the black case middle and the new black ceramic crown. The ceramic case middle is meticulously finished with the iconic interplay of polished bevels and satin-finished surfaces.

On the back of the watch, the sapphire crystal reveals the beating heart of the movement, as well as the 22-carat pink gold oscillating weight dedicated to the collection. This new reference is fitted with a textured black rubber-coated strap and a new pin buckle engraved with the Audemars Piguet logo, instead of the usual AP monogram.

For the very first time, the emblematic Starwheel display is integrated into the Code 11.59 by Audemars Piguet collection with the self-winding Calibre 4310. This next-generation hour, minute and seconds movement is directly derived from the Calibre 4309, to which a new module has been added. Combining watchmaking technology, traditional know-how and refined decorations, this movement has a minimum power reserve of 70 hours and is water-resistant to 30 metres.

Louis Vuitton has teamed up with Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama to create a bold and colourful capsule collection.

Yayoi Kusama is known for her hypnotic and colourful art which is applied to a colourful selection of ready-to-wear and accessories for Louis Vuitton featuring a colourful polka dot print.

Ten years since the artist created her first collection for the House she returned to open In 2012 Yayoi Kusama took one of the most timeless and magical of the Maison’s emblematic objects and made it her own – she hand-painted a Louis Vuitton trunk with her characteristic polka dots, dots that, for Kusama, represent infinity.

This year the polka dots return across ready-to-wear and accessories with a colourful offering of pieces for men and women.

An exact replica of the dots from 2012 has been created down to each brush stroke. Each piece is handcrafted with the same theory of infinity in mind. Combining the worlds of fashion and art these bold pieces are made to last for generations.

Encompassing both the universes of women and men through ready-to-wear, bags, shoes, accessories, luggage and trunks and fragrances, these wide-ranging and intricate collections appear in two parts, with distinct thematic directions reflecting Yayoi Kusama’s motifs and motivations.

The first pieces will launch on 1st January 2023 in China and Japan, followed by the rest of the world on 6th January. Th second drop will be available in Louis Vuitton stores starting 31st March 2023.

Ahead of New Year’s Eve, Emaar has shared the best way to enjoy Dubai’s mega-show at the Burj Khalifa. We reveal all you need to know if you plan to join in the celebrations.

Booking and reservations

If you want to enjoy the New Year’s Eve show from a restaurant or café, you will have to book in advance. Do this directly with your choice of hotel, restaurant, or café – they will then inform you of procedures on the night and the requirement of wristbands for access.

There are no reservations, registrations, or tickets for those enjoying the incredible light, sounds, and firework show from the streets of Downtown Dubai.  Attendance will be on a first-come-first-served basis, so everyone is advised to arrive early to avoid disappointment.

Transport and parking

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will be closed from approximately 6pm onwards, so guests with a reservation at a hotel or a restaurant, which includes parking, must arrive ahead of this time.

Parking will be available at Dubai Mall until capacity is reached. Since this could be at any time, arriving early is encouraged. Once the road closures surrounding the parking access are in place, no further admittance will be available.

Taxis will be in operation as normal before road closures take place, but will not be able to access Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard once the road closures have been implemented.

Road closure times are expected to be lifted between 1am-2am and will be decided by Dubai Police and the RTA. Cars parked at hotels, residences, and F&B outlets within Downtown Dubai and Dubai Mall parking will be able to leave once these restrictions are lifted

Dubai Mall Metro Station could close anytime between 2-10pm, depending on the capacity at Dubai Mall. Once capacity is reached, the station will close.

Accessing Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

There will be five access points across Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard for visitors to access the area:

• Gate 1: Behind Downtown Command Centre
• Gate 2: Behind Burj Vista
• Gate 3: Near Emaar Square, adjacent to Boulevard Plaza Building
• Gate 4: Opposite Address Boulevard
• Gate 5: Opposite Address Downtown

The incredible night will include Burj Khalifa by Emaar and the Dubai night sky being illuminated by numerous dazzling beams, establishing a new record for the largest laser display with the 828-metre Burj Khalifa by Emaar forming a captivating centrepiece.

In addition to the spectacular lights and firework display, there will also be a mesmerising, synchronised performance by The Dubai Fountain.

For further information, please visit: www.mydubainewyear.emaar.com or download the U by Emaar app and enrol in the loyalty programme for the full Emaar NYE 2023 guide.

Givenchy is honouring the 100^th anniversary of the Walt Disney Company with an exclusive capsule collection.

Starring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit the collection is also designed in celebration of the upcoming Lunar New Year, the year of the rabbit.

This iconic Disney character was first created by Walt Disney and his studio artists and known as the clever and fun-loving precursor to Mickey Mouse, Oswald is a first in the history of character animation. Earlier this month, Walt Disney Animation Studios debuted an all-new Oswald short for the first time in nearly 95 years.

Working on this collection Givenchy Creative Director Matthew M. Williams took inspiration from locations around the globe including New York, Paris, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Tokyo and beyond. As a result, the collection fuses Oswald’s mischievous, high-energy spirit with his own directional aesthetic for Givenchy.

The collection features essential pieces from women including a blue varsity jacket with white sleeves with Givenchy and Paris lettering that accentuate placements showing Oswald the Lucky Rabbit offering a flower to his sweetheart, Ortensia.

On a bright red oversized shirt and sporty short ensemble, Oswald appears jauntily astride a horse, singing all the way, in white framed by bandana-style prints. On must-have denims, the two characters return, this time in graffiti-style treatments, as multi-coloured motifs on a jean jacket with Givenchy lettering and an emblematic 4G logo, and on jeans also decorated with musical quarter and eighth notes.

T-shirts in pink, white, black, or red and black tie-dye convey messages of love and the magic of visiting Paris, while hoodies, tanks and track pants incorporate the 4G emblem stylized into a heart and the Magic Kingdom in dropout white.

For men, a red varsity jacket sees Oswald riding a bronco to Los Angeles, while a blue button-down shirt frames the character amid bandana-style motifs. Statement denims show Oswald in his feistiest, scrappiest mode, accentuated by a lucky horseshoe in red.

T-shirts with Givenchy lettering feature keywords and places, like “Lucky” — with Oswald tearing along on a motorcycle— and “New York City.” Sweatshirts and track ensembles, too, show him spoiling for a fight with muscles flexed or paws on hips when he’s not fronting a “Walt Disney Studios” (Shanghai) logo ready to take on the world.

A wide range of good-humoured, collectable accessories ranges from Disney x Givenchy tennis shoes, totes, and small cross-body bags to card carriers, phone cases, earbud cases, and caps.

The campaign and Oswald’s world tour will come to life in a mixed reality short produced in collaboration with both Walt Disney Animation Studios and art director and photographer Julian Klincewicz.

Fans can join the celebration through a digital journey on Snapchat with the Oswald World Painter AR lens, which allows users to colour the sky with paint, stencils, and passport stamps highlighting the 5 cities of Oswald’s Givenchy tour, beginning December 15th, 2022.

The lens will drive users to the Givenchy site to discover more about this capsule collection, shoppable online worldwide beginning December 30th.

The Disney x Givenchy capsule collection will be available starting December 16th in China, Singapore and Tokyo Ikebukuro pop-up as well as the Miami Aventura pop-up on December 19th and will be available globally on December 30th in stores and on givenchy.com.

Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten has unveiled a beauty collection of makeup and fragrances.

Inspired by the house’s striking design codes the beauty collection’s packaging follows the same themes with stylish, bold and colourful designs.

The products and the ethical packaging were made using unlikely combinations of materials including many beauty industry firsts that celebrate craftsmanship and industrial innovations. The ingredients used in the compositions provoke sensorial surprise with many unexpected combinations.

Much like the brand’s fashion creations the Dries Van Noten perfume offering features unexpected combinations and scents.

Dries Van Noten invited some of the leading international perfumers to co-create fragrances, each interpreting and sharing their own creative vision of the brand’s unexpected olfactive universe. The result is contradictory, rule-breaking, game-changing genderless fragrances which still pay homage to traditional perfumery gestures with bottles inspired by apothecary vials. This traditionally modern collection includes classic Eau de colognes, soap bars and scented creams in impossible combinations that coexist beautifully.

The fragrance collection is housed in ethical packaging as well as refillable bottles. An innovative, sustainable design development process uses materials that include responsibly sourced, recyclable materials such as glass and aluminium, and PEFC® certified wood from sustainably managed forests. The fragrances feature from 85% upwards natural origin ingredients; makeup is animal-friendly and enriched with rosehip oil.

The makeup collection is inspired by the designer’s many fashion shows and experiences over the year. “Make-up is magic: it’s the way you want to show yourself, to express yourself and how you feel at a certain moment.” Said Dries Van Noten.

The perfect balance of elegance and surprise is Dries’ make-up signature, realised with the help of a creative talent pool generating dynamic conversations that lie at the heart of the Dries Van Noten beauty vision. As an introduction to Dries’ vision on make-up, the lipstick comes first, to be followed by a complete collection for the face, eyes and nails, that represent the world of impossible combinations unique to Dries.

Dries Van Noten Beauty is available in the Middle East exclusively at Harvey Nichols Kuwait.

A new interactive experience has arrived in Doha showcasing the best of Qatar

Global experience design company Imagination has partnered with Qatar Tourism and Visit Qatar to create an interactive experience for tourists in Doha Port’s new visitor centre.

This immersive experience showcases some of the adventures and experiences to be had across Qatar and supports the wider development of the new Port area.

The experience is available to tourists and residents visiting the Port area which has been significantly developed in line with the Qatar world cup. Visitors can scan QR codes around the site to explore more about each adventure and book the ones of most interest.

Jason Robard, Executive Creative Director, Imagination Middle East, said: “This project is a significant milestone for us in our World Cup journey as an agency working with multiple partners and brands on a global scale. It has been brilliant to bring our content and destination offering to life and showcase our capability to deliver world-class experiences even on a tight timeline. We look forward to continuing working together with brands in the region and bringing their stories to life.”

Michael Lister/Fatma Al-Jaidah commented: “It has been an incredible experience learning what can be achieved in such a short amount of time. It has been a pleasure working with Imagination and seeing them take a concept through to launch. We understand the importance of capturing and engaging audiences through experiences for our region and look forward to following the public and fans’ reactions to this space.”

For more information, please visit imagination.com.

A survey conducted by NAMA Women Advancement in partnership with the UN Women had revealed that 25,000 Emirati women entrepreneurs own 50,000 trade licences valued at AED 60 billion in (2021).

The survey also concluded that 77.6% of women-owned businesses (WOB) in the UAE are led by those under the age of 40. Of the 1,000 female business owners who took part in the survey,  48.8% are CEOs and 61.4% are sole proprietors, a clear indicator that Emirati entrepreneurs, particularly young women, are making significant contributions to the GDP in emerging economic sectors.

The survey was part of the report ‘Women-Owned Businesses in the United Arab Emirates: A Golden Opportunity’, published by NAMA Women Advancement in partnership with The Economic Empowerment Section of the UN Women, which addressed the realities and prospects of Emirati women’s contributions to the UAE’s comprehensive development, enhancing the sustainability of economic sectors and diversifying sources of national income.

Highlighting the successes of women in the UAE the report also highlighted the UAE’s sustainable and resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem,  pointing out the massive strides the UAE has undertaken to ensure gender parity through a series of legal, policy and institutional measures over the past decade, including the simplification of access to finance. The UAE was ranked top in the world in the 2021/2022 Global Entrepreneurship Mentorship (GEM) report in terms of countries that allow for better ease of doing business.

It revealed that the number of female entrepreneurs is rising significantly, with 25,000 Emirati women entrepreneurs owning 50,000 trade licences valued at AED 60 billion in 2021 compared to 23,000 Emirati women running businesses worth AED 50 billion in 2019 and 11,000 Emirati businesswomen running businesses worth AED 12 billion in 2010.

HE Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA

Commenting on the report and study, HE Reem BinKaram, Director of NAMA, said: “This report represents an unquestionable proof of women’s role as a major component of development in the UAE. We are working to form a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures women’s great results that contribute to the national economy, which is a pillar on which institutions under NAMA were established under the directive of Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the SCFA. We seek to create an environment that cares for women, and provides them with opportunities to engage in comprehensive development, whether she is an at-home mother or grandmother taking care of her children, or an entrepreneur or  a business owner that provides opportunities for advancing the local economy, and strengthen women’s status as a key player in bolstering the UAE’s standing.”

Dr. Moza Al Khayal, Director of the UN Women-UAE Liaison Office for the GCC,

Dr. Moza Al Khayal, Director of the UN Women-UAE Liaison Office for the GCC, added: “Despite the challenges facing women entrepreneurs, the continuous governmental support has provided opportunities to gain extensive expertise through training initiatives organised around the country that helped establish a comprehensive ecosystem that guides women towards a bright future and accomplishments that the report has highlighted.”

Information provided by NAMA Women Advancement. 

As one of the winners of the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program 2022 Dr. Raefa Abou Khouzam is using the programme to further her research into new treatment strategies to counter pancreatic cancer growth and evolution.

Pancreatic cancer is the deadliest type of solid tumour and is often undiagnosed until it’s too late. The hard complex ball-like object is not only made up of tumour cells, but of other cells and structures called stroma. Together, the stroma and tumour cells make up the tumour microenvironment (TME), which contains very little oxygen. This oxygen deprivation, referred to as hypoxia, plays a key role in making the tumour more aggressive, and resistant to therapy. Additionally, in most pancreatic cancer patients, cells multiply uncontrollably through a mutation in a gene known as KRAS, which causes the tumour to grow and become more resistant to cell death.

Dr. Raefa’s research focuses on a treatment that combines an agent that alleviates hypoxia with inhibitors marked to kill pancreatic tumour cells. The never-before-tested approach has the potential to counter two key processes that give pancreatic tumours life, thus leading to their elimination.

Here we find out more about her research and what it means to her to be selected for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program 2022.

Can you give us a brief overview of your research and project?

My research is focused on better understanding and treating pancreatic cancer. This is a deadly disease that is understudied in the MENA region. In my research, I found that hypoxia, or low oxygen which occurs within the tumour microenvironment, is associated with worse survival in pancreatic cancer patients. My current aim is to test a drug that can reverse this hypoxic condition, which should lead to less aggressive tumours that can respond better to targeted therapy, and in particular, inhibitors targeting mutant KRAS. Indeed, another major culprit in the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer is the oncoprotein, KRAS, which is mutated in more than 90% of cases. Combination treatment using an agent that can alleviate hypoxia, with inhibitors marked to kill pancreatic tumour cells, is a never-before-tested approach that has the potential to counter two key processes that give pancreatic tumours life, thus leading to their elimination.

Why is this an area or topic you were particularly passionate about?

My research is rooted in a dream of mine to do science that can impact the lives of cancer patients. Even though I have been fortunate enough to not have experienced the immense physical and emotional struggle of dealing with cancer, I have always believed that becoming a scientist would give me the opportunity to potentially make a real difference in the lives of the people who do. My motivation became even stronger after getting to know how far behind science is on offering effective treatments for pancreatic cancer patients compared to other tumour types. This further pushed my focus towards researching this disease.

What more would you like to see being done in the region surrounding this?

I would like to see more collaborative efforts among scientists and medical doctors in the region to pursue pancreatic cancer research. I would like to see more awareness campaigns for this disease. And I would also love to see more funding opportunities and support for early-career researchers who are motivated to do meaningful and impactful cancer research in the region.

What does it mean to you for your work to be recognised by a global institution such as L’Oreal?

This great honour has really given me confirmation that I am on the right track in my career. Becoming an alumnus in this initiative will forever empower me and give me the confidence and motivation to carry on with my research. I am very appreciative of the effort that is being undertaken by L’Oréal to recognize women in science in the region, and I can only hope that more organizations can be inspired by such efforts and follow suit.

What will this platform allow you to do in terms of furthering your work moving forward?

The importance of this award is that it gives women in science a platform to share their research, to inspire others, to support and be supported by the research community. It does not end with the award, the significance of such recognition will have a great ripple effect; as we know that once you start getting recognized for your achievements, more will surely follow. And so, I am hopeful that I will be able to get more funding in the future for my work, thanks to this award.

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

As an assistant professor and research scientist, the biggest challenge I face is managing to give equal time and attention to my students and my research. Sometimes this leaves you with no time for yourself, but in the end, I think it is worth it.

In an industry that is often dominated by men, how do you ensure your voice is heard?

I think that just as in every other industry, the way to be heard is by showing your worth. By working your hardest and never giving up on what you believe you are entitled to. I am someone who has always believed that if you are putting in the effort needed, you will eventually be recognized.

What does it mean to you to represent your country in the world of science?

With everything going on in my home country, Lebanon, right now, all the hardship and heartache, I hope that by standing here today with this award, I can inspire someone to see that it is possible. My education started at the Lebanese University, a public university. And through passion and hard work, I was able to move to the UAE and pursue my dreams of becoming a research scientist, and assistant professor and pushing boundaries within my field. I am proud to be representing the UAE and Lebanon through this award.

What is something you would still like to do that you haven’t done yet?

Well, my bucket list is very long, but I know that is not what you are asking. Sticking to my career, my short-term goal is to give a talk at a big international scientific conference, such as the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). My long-term goal is to run my own research lab.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

To publish scientific research, experiments need to be carried out, or hypotheses need to be tested, so it is important not to dismiss ideas before actually trying them out. In that respect, my adapted professional motto is “nothing ventured, nothing gained”.

We reveal the 15 global arrivals that Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) rates as this year’s best.

Here is the BEST OF 2022 (in reverse order): 

15. Nobu, Santorini

Nobu Santorini

​There is certainly a trend developing within the Nobu hotels, and a continued global expansion. Their city properties continue to mostly underwhelm us, but the beach locations tend to deliver the upscale and chic lifestyle experience the brand is known for. This particular property proved a real hit in Santorini this summer and for good reason. It ticks all the boxes.
https://santorini.nobuhotels.com/

14. Vista Palazzo, Verona

Vista Palazzo, Verona

This welcoming boutique hotel sits in a 19th-century mansion and has opulent suites and bedrooms, creative cuisine and Italian charm in spades. The 13 suites and three bedrooms are designed with ultimate luxury in mind.
https://verona.vistapalazzo.com/en/

13. Buahan, Bali 

Bauhan Bali

The first property from Banyan Tree Escapes, a brand extension from this much-loved operator, focuses on creating immersive experiences that combine deep nature and sustainable design. Just 15 totally secluded ‘no walls, no doors’ villas surrounded by rice paddies and jungle, deliver a very different experience.
https://escape.banyantree.com/

12. The Outpost, Qatar

The Outpost, Qatar

Located in the unique Inland Sea nature reserve, you’ll find The Outpost, a luxury resort providing a one-of-a-kind luxury experience celebrating Qatar’s rich natural environment and heritage. Surrounded by soaring sand dunes and desert wilderness, each of the very private 21-tented villas delivers an authentic nature experience, blended with the expected flourishes of luxury hospitality.
https://theoutpostalbarari.com/

11. Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia

Banyan Tree AlUla, Saudi Arabia

The second Banyan Tree property to make this year’s list is this all-villa resort offering 79 luxurious tented villas in one of the world’s most mysterious and exciting new destinations. Infused with elements from the nomadic nature of Nabataean design and heritage, the resort offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom villas with private pools and outdoor living space, showcasing stunning views of the rock formations in the Ashar Valley.
https://www.banyantree.com/saudi-arabia/alula

10. Cali, Mykonos

Cali, Mykonos

A discreet collection of 40 stunning villa suites between two mountains overlooking the Aegean – and the hotel’s own private beach. The saltwater infinity pool also significantly adds to the wow factor.
https://calimykonos.com/

9. Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives 

Alila Kothaifaru, Maldives

It would be strange for a new Maldives property not to make our annual list, such is the rate of continued investment in creating exclusive and ultra-luxury resorts in this very special part of the world. This year Alila Kothaifaru, with 80 villas (all with pools) certainly gets our vote.
https://www.alilahotels.com/kothaifaru-maldives/

8. Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s, New York

Hotel Barriere Fouquet’s, New York

This 97-room property brings a new level of sophistication to the bustling streets of New York, mixing Parisian opulence with Tribeca panache – unlike the recently unveiled New York Aman, which despite the huge investment and pre opening anticipation, leaves us cold.
https://www.hotelsbarriere.com/en/collection-fouquets/new-york.html
7. Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh

Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh

The iconic Gleneagles sporting and country estate has arrived in the very heart of Edinburgh. Outstanding architectural features are found throughout the charming urban retreat, with each room uniquely designed to imbue a sense of understated luxury with an appreciative nod to the heritage of the building. The vibrant all-day restaurant is perfect for breakfast, long lazy lunches and spirited dinners. A wellness centre, two striking bars and a rooftop terrace with extraordinary city views complete this new Edinburgh gem.
https://gleneagles.com/townhouse/

6. The Club House at Fontanelle Estate, Tuscany

The Club House at Fontanelle Estate, Tuscany

We are so pleased to have discovered this new and off-the-radar gem during our recent Tuscany research trip. It has just 15 understated and elegant rooms and suites, an impressive wellness sanctuary, three restaurants, golf facilities and a beautiful pool, all surrounded by the tranquillity of the stunning Tuscan vineyards and rolling countryside. Exceptional.
https://www.fontanellestate.com/en/the-clubhouse-en

5. Naviva Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita

Naviva Four Seasons Resort, Punta Mita

This just-opened luxury tented resort is as unique as nature itself, welcoming guests to a world where the deep, green jungle is the backdrop for a profoundly personalised retreat. With just 15 luxury tents surrounded by 48 forested acres on the edge of a private peninsula, Naviva is an adult-only sanctuary that harnesses nature to create an environment that fosters community, personal growth and appreciation for local heritage. ​
https://www.fourseasons.com/naviva/

4. Rosewood, Vienna

Rosewood, Vienna

Housed in a ​grandly proportioned neoclassical building, Rosewood Vienna is ideally situated on Petersplatz, one of the most famous squares in Vienna’s Old Town. Combining the best of European architecture and design with a refined yet modern style, there are 99  guestrooms and suites, all of which feature separate spaces for entertainment and relaxation. We love the rooftop cocktail bar with exceptional views of the city.
https://www.rosewoodhotels.com/en/vienna
3. Susurros del Corazon, Punta Mita

Susurros del Corazon, Punta Mita

Auberge Resorts, rated No3 in this year’s LTI World’s Best Luxury Hotel Brands, rarely puts a foot wrong – and once again they have delivered a luxury beachfront playground for the free-spirited. Each of the 59 rooms and suites and 30 villas and homes offer indoor-outdoor spaces with private terraces and large, nature-framing windows. Abundant sunlight, natural wood furniture and artisanal textiles capture the raw simplicity of the location and spotlight Mexico’s rich craft culture.
https://aubergeresorts.com/susurros/​
2. Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley

Stanly Ranch, Napa Valley

Yet another impressive opening from Auberge Resorts, with two new properties appearing in this year’s World’s Best list. Set on over 700 acres of rolling vineyards and farmland in the southern section of Napa Valley’s wine-growing region, the resort has 135 airy, cottage guestrooms, all with outdoor terraces with fire pits and views of the Mayacamas Mountains.
https://aubergeresorts.com/stanlyranch/

… and the WORLD’S BEST NEW LUXURY HOTEL 2022 is:

1. Passalacqua, Lake Como

Passalacqua, Lake Como

Passalacqua is the latest passion project for one of Italy’s most well-known hotelier families – Paolo, Antonella and Valentina De Santis. As the sister property to the lake’s Grand Hotel Tremezzo – one of the world’s most iconic hotels – it offers total privacy and magnificence, with 24 suites, including the largest suite on Lake Como where Bellini played his piano. The bathrooms are extraordinary, with sheets of marble that are like works of art. This is a place of wonder created from the heart, by a family who have the ambition to give life to a new Lake Como icon. It honours the past but it’s relevant for the centuries ahead.
https://www.passalacqua.it/en/

Words supplied by LTI – Luxury Travel Intelligence. For more visit www.lti-members.com/invite-login. Membership to LTI is by invitation only. Please use the Invitation Code INVITE400, which has a US$400 credit attached.
 

Narciso Rodriguez has collaborated with Emirati designer Yasmin Al Mulla to mark the launch of its opulent musc collection.

This mysteriously addictive new fragrance for women and men combines Narciso Rodriguez’s signature musc with one of the most iconic flowers of perfumery; the pure white buds of precious jasmine sambac.

Yasmin Al Mulla has created a bespoke painting formed by the signature notes, ingredients, and shades of Jasmine Musk fragrance.

The artwork is featured on a limited-edition silk scarf to celebrate this special partnership in an exquisite alchemy of East and West.

The scarves translate the ingredients in an elegant way, using vibrant encounters between light, art, and shadow designs in the Middle East.

The new fragrance is available across the Middle East in a special gift box with the scarf designed by Al Mulla.

Dior has taken over Doha with a series of pop-up boutiques featuring the Cruise 2023 collection.

Dreamed up by Maria Grazia Chiuri, Dior’s Creative Director, three boutiques have been placed in the heart of Doha and offer the full Dior experience.

The first has been designed to welcome visitors upon their arrival within the north terminal of Hamad International Airport in Qatar. As well as the Cruise collection of ready-to-wear and accessories the boutique also houses pieces of haute joaillerie and the men’s lines envisioned by Kim Jones in exclusivity.

The second is located on Al Maha Island and is a unique Dior pop-up at Nammos beach club. Visitors can discover the collection around a majestic pool, the floor of which is adorned with the “Dior” signature as well as Dior-designed materials and soft furnishings.

The emblematic Parisian department store le Printemps, opening its doors for the first time ever in this part of the world, is home to the new exceptional space. Within this luxury department store, the largest in the Middle East, a Dior emplacement presents a selection of accessories from leather goods and shoes to jewellery and watches.

Shop now at all three stores across Doha.

Tod’s celebrates the holidays with an exclusive collection of shoes and accessories. The “Holidays 23” collection features the brand’s must-haves, in luxurious shearling and sequins.

The collection includes Tod’s T Timeless Bags, Tod’s Di Bag and the iconic Gommino, which encapsulate the brand’s DNA, together with Tod’s W.G. in versions which feature in soft fur and sequins, exclusively designed for this winter collection.

Their playful design, together with the craftsmanship details, will add a glamorous touch to your holiday season, highlighting Italian excellence.

Available in select Tod’s Boutiques worldwide and on Tods.com. See more of the collection below:

The most wonderful day of the year is almost here. We round up some of the most luxurious Christmas experiences to try in the UAE.

1. Jumeirah Emirates Towers

For a truly unique Christmas experience, Jumeirah Emirates Towers This festive season welcomes guests for an opulent and stylish festive celebration.

Guests are invited to marvel at the hotel’s first artistically designed Hanging Christmas Tree spreading across four floors of the hotel. Displayed in the heart of the hotel’s lobby, this one-of-a-kind festive spectacle has been exquisitely designed to capture the spirit of the season, representing a unique combination of splendour, luxury, and Christmas delight.

Throughout the holidays, visitors may also savour festive fare at the Santa Village in the hotel lobby, which serves traditional delights, including Christmas Stollen, Panettone, and Chocolate Truffle Log Cake. In addition, the Marshmallow Santa House and the Snowflake Hamper, among other beautifully created Christmas goodies, are available for guests to purchase as gifts for their loved ones.

To make holiday celebrations at home a little easier, Jumeirah Emirates Towers offers a special Turkey Takeaway menu so that friends and family can enjoy a delicious meal together. The sumptuous turkeys are served stuffed with apples and chestnuts. Guests can enjoy additional festive trimmings, including roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes with thyme, brussels sprouts topped with cured beef and onions, apple-red cabbage, and Yorkshire pudding. Each turkey is roasted to perfection and available in various sizes for parties of 4 to 12.

2. Caviar Kaspia Dubai

This Parisian hotspot in Dubai is known for its opulence, and in true Kaspia fashion this festive season will be a month of iconic celebrations. For those who prefer to stay at home for Christmas, Caviar Kaspia delivers its entire experience to your doorstep. You may choose from a variety of options. Including table setup and signature Kaspia dishes served at your table for a warm and intimate Christmas. Caviar can also be delivered to your door, with a delectable selection of caviars on offer.

The end of the year will be the most iconic evening not to be missed. Start the year with a bang by being ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS. Expect a decadent fabulous evening at Kaspia with DJs, dancers, drummers, an eclectic mirror selfie station, and a few surprises along the way. A la carte and set menus are available. For reservations, call 04 2435633.

3. Gilt, Burj Al Arab

Located on the 27^th floor of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Gilt has been transformed into a magical grotto this festive season. The luxury bar has transformed for the season into an enchanting winter wonderland complete with twinkling lights, classic tunes and delectable delights.

Welcoming guests from 8th December – 8th January, visitors can indulge in festive small plates and kitsch seasonal cocktails curated by Head Bartender, Thibault Méquignon. The decked-out venue serves up a delectable bites menu including a smoked Salmon Platter, Foie Gras with Strawberry & Chamomile, Panettone served with Vanilla & Citrus Zest Ice Cream and an assortment of Christmas Mignardises.

Expertly crafted cocktails take traditional Christmas drinks to the next level while you enjoy festive tunes from the resident DJ playing every Wednesday to Saturday. This immersive and glamorous experience is the perfect way to celebrate this winter season!

Open until 7th January | 6PM – 3AM | AED 200 minimum spend. For more information and reservations, please visit jumeirah.com or call 800 323232.

4. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah is transforming into a magical winter wonderland this Christmas. The resort’s first ever festive market welcomes guests and visitors to explore an immersive festive playground for the whole family. As the sun sets, the star performance of the day begins with an exciting parade starting from the larger-than-life mystic Christmas tree, where the elves wake up, open their windows and get ready to work. As they leave the tree to head to their factory, the big man in red makes his first appearance as he flips the ‘dreamland switch’ to bring the tree, and the whole village, to life with a dazzling light show, classic seasonal tunes and surprise performances throughout the market.

Beside the village sits Santa’s dreamy dome house where kids have the opportunity to meet the man himself, get their picture taken and make their special Christmas requests. Wishes are then sent off as sparkling shooting stars projected on the dome. Meanwhile, at the neighbouring Elves Factory, preparations are in full force as Santa’s helpers get ready for the big day, helping kids decorate Gingerbread cookies as well as offering up their expert gift-wrapping skills. Additionally, Mrs Claus and her elves take visitors on a wonderful adventure through the story of The Night Before Christmas on the main stage.

Visitors will also be treated to a captivating play performed by the jovial elves as they try and solve the mystery of who on Santa’s naughty list has stolen some of the Christmas gifts! Kids will get the chance to take part in an interactive scavenger hunt as they explore the village for the stolen gifts, with whoever finds the most gifts rewarded with a special prize for being Santa’s greatest helper.

Revellers can also wander through the market and fuel up on seasonal treats from F&B vendors with highlights including open-fired Roasted Chestnuts, a cup of warming North Pole Hot Chocolate, freshly baked goods from the Christmas bakery and 100% natural plant-based pops from House of Pops.  Elves, magicians, jugglers and nutcrackers on stilts roam the village throughout the night, ensuring every moment spent is memorable and cherished for years to come.

Thursday 22^nd December – Sunday 8^th January (Closed on Saturday 31^st December), 5PM – 9PM, AED25 registration fee fully redeemable towards F&B at the Christmas market (Kids below 6 years old enter for free)

5. AURA Skypool Lounge

AURA Skypool Lounge is inviting guests for an exclusive festive experience on Christmas Eve. In collaboration with VOX Cinemas the Lounge will be screening the iconic Christmas movie “Home Alone” on an al fresco screen 200 metres above ground.

During the immersive big-screen experience, guests can wrap up with a cashmere pashmina, unwind on AURA’s comfortable sofas and create some heart-warming memories, whilst enjoying festive food and beverages from the à la carte menu delivered straight to the pool-side sofa, at an added cost.

Packages include admission to the movie, a welcome reception with free-flowing bubbles, a selection of delightfully sweet and savoury canapes, popcorn, a host of exciting surprises throughout the evening and branded merchandise to take home. Tickets are limited in capacity so book now. For more information or to make a booking visit the link here.

Zenith has unveiled the second act of its icons collection, this time featuring Chronographs from the 1970s.

The watches were revealed during the RE-Luxury event in Geneva, the world’s first tradeshow dedicated to pre-owned and vintage luxury goods and collectables.

The ZENITH ICONS: ACT II capsule collection features distinctly space-age designs from the 1970s and additional functions integrated in the El Primero, it introduces collectors to an often overlooked but highly dynamic and daring era for the Manufacture.

The ZENITH ICONS pieces are sourced, restored and certified by the Manufacture’s Heritage department, which can trace the complete history of any ZENITH watch ever made and ensure that all the components are 100% original. The aim is to offer collectors peace of mind and transparency in the often opaque and inaccessible world of vintage watches.

The latest collection included the A782 which fully embraces the space-age designs of the 1970s and marked a new era as man landed on the moon for the first time. Made in only 1000 examples in this configuration, the A782 is sought after for its blue gradient dial with striated hour markers and mirror-polished flange ring, its standing barrel-shaped steel case with a fourteen-sided bezel and screw-down crown, and its integrated steel “lobster” bracelet that follows the contours of the case, first made by the famed Gay Frères company.

A782

The collection also features the A788 which had a distinctive new case shape within the ZENITH El Primero’s second generation of chronograph watches, it takes on a space-age aesthetic that defined the 1970s, with an inflated look as if liberating its steel case from gravity. Confidently futuristic, the A788 stands out with its entirely brushed hexagonal cushion-shaped case with smooth lines and no visible lugs, its galvanic blue dial with contrasting silver chronograph counters and chronograph seconds track, and its pulsometer scale in lieu of the conventional tachymeter scale.

A788

The A7817 “ESPADA” was a disruptive addition to the second generation of ZENITH El Primero automatic chronographs and the first model to integrate a complete calendar with moonphase into the seminal calibre. Combining both the El Primero’s high-frequency performance and the rugged features of the DEFY line – known as the “time safe” of ZENITH precision – the A7817 is notable for its standing barrel-shaped steel case with a fourteen-sided bezel and screw-down crown, its silver dial with signature galvanic blue counters, tachymeter scale, and striated applied hour markers to which the moonphase and full calendar were added, as well as its second-generation integrated steel “lobster” bracelet.

A7817

The 01.0140.415 was among the rarest of the second-generation of ZENITH El Primero watches, produced in a single lot of 500 pieces. Embracing the futuristic designs of the era, it takes on a space-age look with more substantial volumes and seemingly gravity-defying forms – here combined with a blue galvanic fix bezel with tachymeter scale, a feature which radically distinguished it at the time. Among its distinctive features is the standing barrel-shaped steel case combined here with a blue galvanic fix bezel bearing the tachymeter scale, the deep and brushed galvanic blue dial with a new style of luminescent baton hour markers, and the second-generation integrated steel “lobster” bracelet.

01.0140.415

And finally, the ref. 01.0200.415 features a one-of-a-kind and immediately recognizable design that fully embraces the space-age and distinctly 1970s aesthetic of the era, with a case, dial and patented pusher inspired by the television sets of the time.

01.0200.415

An outstanding reference among vintage El Primero steel chronographs, the ref. 01.0200.415 features a rectangular TV-shaped case in steel with patented “toggle” pushers, a metallic deep blue dial with rectangular TV-shaped counters and a sloped flange ring, fitted on an integrated three-link steel bracelet signed with the new ZENITH logo used from 1972 onwards.

“A mechanical watch is one of the rare few objects that can continue to be worn and enjoyed forever, if it is properly serviced and maintained. More than just inter-generational or heirloom accessories, ZENITH ICONS are pieces of the Manufacture’s history that we’re offering to discerning and passionate collectors around the world. RE-Luxury brings to the table a totally new concept in the world of vintage and pre-owned luxury products, and it’s the perfect setting to launch our latest ICONS capsule collection with sought-after pieces from a daring and experimental period of watch design: the 1970s.” Said Zenith CEO Julien Tornare.

The collection also builds on Zenith’s HORIZ-ON sustainability initiative, contributing towards a circular economy for luxury goods and allowing its most emblematic references to take on new lives.

The pieces will be offered exclusively at Zenith physical and online boutiques.

Looking for an overwater experience but don’t want the hassle of catching a flight? Anantara The Palm is the only place to discover this unique style of accommodation in the UAE, a perfect escape for all the family to enjoy.

Located at the tip of Palm Jumeirah Anantara The Palm is an idyllic beachfront property combining a peaceful setting with skyline views of the city. The only way to stay is in the overwater one-bedroom villas, with direct access to the sea and close proximity to the beach, you can relax in true peace from sunrise to sunset.

The eighteen Over Water Villas stand out against the Dubai skyline. Reminiscent of those you would find in Thailand or the Maldives these unique accommodations will take you far away from your busy life. All of the villas feature an outside deck, perfect for sunbathing or watching the sun set over the ocean. Inside you’ll find a large Thai-style bedroom complete with living area. Each room comes with an oversized bathtub, state-of-the-art technology and glass floor panels so that you can view the local aquatic life beneath your feet.

If you want to discover more of the resort, take the short walk along the deck to the resort’s 400-metre beach which is both safe and peaceful, the perfect place to take the little ones. If you’re looking for more of an adventure take a scenic trip around Palm Jumeirah onboard the city’s first Thai long-tail boat. Admire the lush fronds and sea life off the Dubai coast and capture the magnificent cityscape from a unique perspective. View this marvellous feat of engineering as you glide across the calm waters. Trips operate from 10.15 am until 5.15 pm.

In the evening visit the Mekong to experience the vibrant tastes of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine. Sample traditional flavours and Eastern charm rickshaw-style seating or oriental tables, while the discreet private dining room is perfect for intimate celebrations.

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com.

Dr. Maha Zakariya Yahya Al-Riyami was one of five women chosen for the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Middle East Regional Young Talents Program this year.

Born in Omani pursued research into investigating underlying causes of type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases that can lead to their prevention. We find out more about her work and her progress so far.

Can you give us a brief overview of your research and project?

I study different aspects of diabetes in my research, but my main interest is Type 1 diabetes. This form of diabetes is an autoimmune disease caused by the immune system attacking the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in their destruction. In one project, I aim to continue my Ph.D. project that was under the supervision of Prof. Constantin Polychronakos at McGill University, where we investigated the potential contribution of somatic (spontaneous, non-inherited) mutations in causing Type 1 diabetes. Now, I aim to look at the effect of such mutations on the function of immune cells (T-cell). This may add to the known causes of Type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases as a common pathogenetic mechanism.

Why is this an area or topic you were particularly passionate about?

Type 1 diabetes is a serious disease. It can develop at any age, but it mainly affects children. For these kids, an exogenous insulin supply is necessary for their survival and is usually in the form of multiple daily injections or an insulin pump. Type 1 diabetes also causes life-long health complications. Although intensively studied, type 1 diabetes’s underlying mechanisms are still not fully understood, and the known genetic and environmental factors do not explain it all. All of this makes research aiming to understand the causes of this disease highly important.

What more would you like to see being done in the region surrounding this?

Many great studies have been conducted in the region focusing on diabetes in general or Type 1 diabetes as a whole, but what I personally would like do, is to collaborate with other scientists and institutions in the region working on type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune diseases to combine the efforts to understand these diseases in the Middle East.

What does it mean to you for your work to be recognised by a global institution such as L’Oreal and what will this platform allow you to do in terms of furthering your work moving forward?

I am very grateful and thankful for this recognition. It’s a great honour that such a great global institution has recognized my work and it’s also great motivation for me to keep working and moving forward to attain my research goals. This recognition will definitely play a key role in realizing my scientific goals and establishing my research independence. As well as advancing my research career. Also, this recognition is giving me an international platform to showcase my work and research, enabling me to establish global and regional collaborations in my research work in diabetes. I’d like to thank L’Oréal for such great recognition and to give thanks and gratitude to Sultan Qaboos University, which established me scientifically and gave me the opportunity and the scholarships to continue my higher education at McGill University, one of the leading universities in the world. And also, to all my supervisors and colleagues who mentored, supported, and believed in me over the years.

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

My academic and research goals and aims are big and the challenge for me is to attain all these goals in the time period I aiming for.

In an industry that is often dominated by men, how do you ensure your voice is heard?

In the Sultanate of Oman, women have always been encouraged and supported to learn, work and contribute equally in every field, not only in science. And there are no limitations to women’s contribution. And there is a great number of Omani women working in science and research who have outstanding achievements and contributions in the field and who have also received several international and regional awards, such as the Loreal-UNESCO for women in science before me. Moreover, my university (Sultan Qaboos University) and my colleagues have always supported and encouraged me.

What does it mean to you to represent your country in the world of science?

It’s a great honour and a responsibility as well to represent my country the Sultanate of Oman and the Omani women. And I hope to represent my country at the highest level.

What is something you would still like to do that you haven’t done yet?

I am still at the beginning of my research career and have many goals I would like to accomplish. One of them is to continue sharpening my research skills and my knowledge in the field. And to establish a big research lab focusing on diabetes research and have my research team. Moreover, I aim to collaborate internationally with scientists and laboratories from different institutions and countries.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

“There are 86,400 seconds in a day. It’s up to you to decide what to do with them.”- Jim Valvano

Mercedes-Maybach has unveiled the limited edition series Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture collection. Inspired by the world of Haute Couture, these ultimate luxury designs are collectable pieces created for select occasions for a select number of customers looking for an elevated automotive experience.

Built using the finest materials with the highest level of craftsmanship the S-Class Haute Voiture is an evolution of the concept model of the same name presented in May and is limited to just 150 units.

The car series will be accompanied by an exclusive bag collection which will be available at Maybach Icons of Luxury physical and online stores. Available in different styles and sizes in a limited run, items will be comprised of select materials featured in the vehicle interior, combining Haute Couture extravagance with detailed craftsmanship.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Haute Voiture was unveiled during an exclusive event in Dubai on 12^th December 2022, followed by a curated fashion show by local couture Atelier Zuhra, by Omani designer, Rayan Al Sulaimani.

Created by Mercedes Benz most specialised customization and craftsmanship team in the Manufaktur in Sindelfingen, each vehicle creates a new level of exclusivity that is evocative of a drivable art piece. Each car will feature a badge in the centre console outlining its number within the unique run of 150.

In line with the Concept Haute Voiture, the series car exterior is characterised by an exclusive two-tone paint finish: a combination of metallic nautical blue on top, with a light shimmering, rose tone in the lower section and nautical blue metallic rims.

An additional highlight now includes surround lighting with animated projection: When the doors are opened, animated Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-Maybach patterns using LCD technology light up and elegantly illuminate both the front and rear entry areas.

The exterior is effortlessly translated into the inside of the vehicle through the extended use of deep-sea blue and rose gold tones, with additional crystal and glossy opal white features. The interior showcases the most exquisite attention to detail, perfectly underlining its Haute Couture inspiration.

A high-quality fashion-inspired bouclé fabric remains a constant throughout the model, in blue, beige, rose gold and gold shades, with additional intricate details featured within the seat covers and cushions. Highlights of crystal white leather embrace the passengers throughout the consoles, doors and scatter cushions. The floormats are made of linen and mohair.

Rose gold-coloured champagne flutes seamlessly integrate the display in the spacious rear alongside an Haute Voiture badge in the door panel. Also original to the series car is the blue-tone leather piping within the consoles.

The car’s MBUX infotainment system picks up on the splendid exclusivity of the interior. Sparkling glitter clouds and a variety of accents in shimmering rose gold emphasize the catwalk atmosphere. In the profile selection menu, the driver is greeted with magnolia blossom and sparkling particles. Twelve different avatars are adorned with fine accessories and elegantly dressed, for example in a dinner jacket, tailcoat or evening gown.

To complete the Maybach experience, the S-Class Haute Voiture will be accompanied by a hand-made gift box featuring its badge number, alongside a scaled model and key ring. In addition, a special car cover featuring the Maybach and Haute Voiture logo will be gifted to customers.

Further information about Mercedes-Maybach is available at www.mercedes-benz.com.

FENDI has collaborated with the French Academy in Rome to refurbish six historic Salons at The Villa Medici, an iconic 16^th-century French landmark in the heart of Rome.

Surrounded by seventeen -acres of green land and parks on Mount Pincio, this public institution is designed to welcome high-level artists, creators and art historians in residence to set up a cultural and artistic programme that includes all fields of the arts and creation and is aimed at a broad audience; to conserve, restore, study, and make its architectural and landscape heritage, as well as its art collections, known to the public.

In association with The French Academy in Rome with the support of the Mobilier National, FENDI has refurbished six reception Salons at Villa Medici, including the majestic Grand Salon, offering a new décor that will encourage creativity and contemporary design.

Under the design vision of Kim Jones FENDI’s Artistic Director of Couture and Womenswear, and Silvia Venturini Fendi, Artistic Director of Accessories and Menswear, with the support of the FENDI Architecture department, this creative development brings together traditional heritage and contemporary style to create an impressive result.

The new interpretation of the Salons combines a range of skills relating to their design, interior fittings and conservation-restoration. Colour was central element for the project and the original tones of the wall painting have been a starting point in choosing the palette for each room, reflected in particular in three custom-designed hand-knotted carpets with graduated shading and entirely crafted from recycled French wool.

The project was also inspired by the desire to create a dialogue between the existing heritage and contemporary designs created with the signature of FENDI artistic directors, FENDI Casa, and with special collaborations with designers.

A selection of pieces by Italian designer Chiara Andreatti and by the French designers Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance, Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and Toan Nguyen gives to the salons a new image. Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance drew his inspiration from Rome’s distinctive shapes and materials: the outline of the umbrella pines appears in his Borghese table, which he adapted for the Salon des Pensionnaires, while the paving of the Via Appia Antica inspired the tables he created especially for the Salon de Lecture and the Salon Bleu. The Virgola chairs by Chiara Andreatti are present in the Salon Bleu and Salon de Lecture, while her Welcome sofa and armchairs for FENDI Casa decorate the Salon des Pensionnaires.

Following the shade of the wall painting, the Sandia sofa designed by Toan Nguyen and produced by FENDI Casa is coloured in a warm orange-rusty tone and is the protagonist of the Petit Salon. The Belleville Armchairs, designed by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec and produced by Vitra, are given pride of place in the Grand Salon at Villa Medici. This ensemble of new furniture will dialogue with pieces of heritage furniture.

The bond between heritage and contemporary art continues on the walls: thanks to an exceptional partnership with the Mobilier National, several modern and contemporary tapestries, mostly by women artists, are being introduced to Villa Medici.

This introduction of contemporary design to the historic Salons of Villa Medi was coupled with major restoration work. The decorations in the Grand Salon at Villa Medici were restored under the supervision of Pierre-Antoine Gatier, chief architect of historic monuments, and the tapestries of the Quattro stagioni cycle were restored by the Bobin Tradition workshop over a two-year period.

For more information visit: www.villamedici.it

Van Cleef & Arpels’ iconic Alhambra collection now includes five new jewellery creations in guilloché white gold.

A rose gold wristwatch with beaded bracelet compliments these pieces, celebrating luck with a timeless aesthetic design. The new collection comprises a long necklace, bracelet, pendant, ring and earrings adorned with a sunburst finish.

The guilloché technique has been used by the Maison since the 1910s and has a timeless appeal. The sunbeam-like streaks bestow a subtle relief on the surface of the gold, intensifying the flow of light.

True to the original style of the Alhambra collection, each motif features a beaded contour and a central bead in white gold.

The collection is available at Van Cleef & Arpels stores worldwide.

Celine has revealed a pop-up fragrance store in Dubai.

Located at Mall of the Emirates, the pop-up will showcase Celine’s Haute Parfumerie collection including Perfumes, Candles, and Travel Sprays.

It will also feature a selection of Middle East exclusive and exotic Bags, Small Leather Goods and other accessories.

Celine Middle East Exclusive

The store features a mirrored interior and elegant design reflecting the aesthetic of the brand’s flagship stores worldwide.

The Haute Parfumerie Pop-Up is located at Mall Of The Emirates, from December 13th to the 3rd of January.

Piaget has revealed four exceptional Altiplano Moonphase pieces combining the best in savoir-faire with the beauty of jewellery craftsmanship.

These four one-of-a-kind watches make up the exclusive métiers d’art collection which takes the Maison’s creativity to new heights.

For over a century, Piaget’s savoir-faire has revolved around the Maison’s ability to put technicality at the service of beauty, using the first to provide the second with as much creative space as possible. These new designs once again highlight this impeccable craftsmanship.

This is the first time the moonphase complication has entered the Altiplano collection and these four exclusive pieces further the Maison’s decades-long relationship with masterful artists.

The four watches feature a unique design which took two years to perfect. Combining beauty and precision, a luxury of intricate details and technicality is made to fit on a 36mm-wide watch.

The dials were brought to life by master enameller Anita Porchet. A translucent blue enamel sky features Chinese constellations are represented by small white dots and precious stones. A beautiful touch means each Guardian, representing a cardinal point and associated with one of the four seasons and elements, gently appears at nightfall.

The Azure Dragon stands for the East and is associated with Spring and wood; the red bird, representing the South, is close to Summer and fire. The white tiger, looking West, is naturally a friend of Autumn and metal, while the black turtle (for the North) is at ease in Winter and water.

Underneath this star-lit night sky, moon rays of graduated diamonds, sapphires and garnets are set on the lower half of the gold palace-decor dial. This required hours of work to create multiple unique details including deep, blue-lacquered moon-shaped oscillating weight, a moon window framed with a gold ring set and graduated diamonds in a crescent moon shape. Enamel and gold thread embroidery required the highest level of expertise to fit the delicate mechanism of the Altiplano.

In each of these creations, Piaget’s mastery is at the service of the profound significance of the constellations’ powers and the Moon’s infinite radiance.

The festive season is upon us and if you haven’t already finished your Christmas shopping for that special lady in your life we offer some stylish shopping inspiration.

Ferragamo

Fabergé

Elemis

Moynat

Chloé

Dior Fine Jewellery

Double J

Alexis

Dolce&Gabbana

Mach & Mach

Vanina Rêveries at FARFETCH

ZIMMERMANN at FARFETCH

Faure La Page

JW Anderson

Serapian

An international ballet will pay tribute to the life of Gabrielle Chanel in Dubai this January.

Starring internationally renowned ballerina Svetlana Zakharova a two-part performance will open with a ballet Come Un Respiro (Like a Breath) by Italian choreographer Mauro Bigonzetti, and will conclude with a special performance celebrating Mademoiselle Coco Chanel and featuring more than 80 costumes designed by Virginie Viard.

Svetlana Zakharova is known for thrilling audiences and critics all over the world with her formidable technique and her sparkling dramatic interpretation of classical and contemporary roles.

Zakharova will be joined onstage by a star-studded cast of dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet including Mikhail Lobukhin, Vaycheslav Lopatin, Denis Savin, Artemy Belyakov, Anastasia Stashkevich and Ana Turazashvili.

Ballet Gabrielle Chanel is the collaboration between choreographer Yury Possokhov, composer Ilya Demutsky and Alexei Frandetti; who created the libretto and acted as director.

The performance narrates Chanel’s journey from an obscure provincial singer to head of one of the most influential Fashion Houses; a journey that forever overturned the world of the 20th century fashion.

Chanel was inspired by the movement dance, as a metaphor for freedom, as a language and as an expression of beauty. She had fruitful collaborations with the greatest artists and choreographers of her time. She supported Ballets Russes founder Sergei Diaghilev – who revolutionised the art of dance – to re-stage The Rite of Spring in 1920. She also designed costumes for both Le Train Bleu in 1924 and Apollon Musagete in 1929 in Paris.

Tickets starting from AED349 are on sale now at www.dubaiopera.com, +971 508702674.

Ameer Said, Founder of ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort discusses the UAE’s first fully-integrated health resort. 

ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort is the UAE’s first fully-integrated health resort, offering a unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation. Located in the picturesque Al Zorah, Ajman, the luxury resort invites guests to escape on a positive journey, prioritising their health needs with a prevention-over-cure approach. of ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort was founded by Mr. Ameer Said who after losing family members to cancer and living through the global pandemic, realised there was an urgent need for a health-focused resort in the UAE. He set out to create this full-integrated destination, living up to global standards and offering the ultimate luxury to guests. We find out more. 

What is your mission with ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort?

ZOYA was born out of a determination to address the ailments of the modern world. As the region’s first fully integrated wellness experience, our main mission is to promote a mentality of prevention over cure through providing integrative and holistic methods to create customised wellbeing retreat journeys. ZOYA’s professional medical and wellbeing experts carry out a full assessment of each guest to create a personalised journey designed to best suit their needs and lifestyle, all within a special space that protects, nourishes, and invigorates the mind, body, and soul.

Why did you feel that the region, in particular the UAE, needed a wellness resort?

Overall patterns and behaviours drastically changed worldwide as a result of the two-year-long pandemic, resulting in a shift in people’s priorities. Regardless of age or health conditions, health and wellness transformed from a luxury to a necessity, focusing on maintaining physical and mental well-being.

The UAE in specific is very fast-paced and often drives people to adopt quite unhealthy lifestyles, resulting in high levels of stress, obesity, diabetes, fatigue, burnout, and general anxiety in all ages. We feel the need to address these issues head-on with a unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation, offering only the best retreat programs curated by experts and professionals in the field with a proven track record. We have already seen a huge demand from the GCC and the wider Middle East to experience our offering since opening in June. We do see an increase in commitment to regularly invest in improving their physical and mental health and wellbeing.

How does ZOYA differ from other wellness resorts in the region?

We are the region’s first fully integrated wellness experience, offering a unique and holistic approach to mind and body rejuvenation. Our methods are integrative and holistic, and we have worked with the best in the industry to curate a range of customised wellbeing retreat journeys. At ZOYA Health & Wellbeing Resort, we combine unique cutting-edge medical science, physiotherapy, first-rate nutrition, and the latest advances in aesthetics to nourish the body and invigorate the mind. Detoxing and therapeutic fasting are central to what we offer, along with physiotherapy, aesthetic medicine, and the right nutrition to boost vitality and vigour, aiding guests to commence their lifelong journey towards rest, relaxation, and better health.

How have your personal experiences influenced your decision to conceptualize the resort and see the project to fruition?

After losing my wife and sister to cancer and witnessing my mother’s suffering and inability to perform daily tasks in her final years, it has become my mission to communicate the importance of prevention over cure, without the need for medication and assistance, and to create a special space that protects, nourishes and invigorates mind, body and soul.

What can guests expect from their stay?

ZOYA is nestled within this prime location at Al Zorah, occupying some 5.4 million square meters of lush coastal land, the lagoons and mangrove forests of Al Zorah are home to an astonishing variety of native marine and plant life, and also shelter flocks of resident and migratory birds.

This allows an essential part of our recreational activities to take place just at our doorstep such as cycling and jogging paths, nature trails, mangroves kayaking, as well as our private beach access to one of the best beaches in the UAE. The elements come together beautifully and harmoniously to bring our vision for ZOYA to life, solidifying our positioning as the ultimate wellness retreat destination.

Tell us about some of the retreats and programs that you offer. 

ZOYA presents integrative and holistic methods, with a range of treatments coming together to create customized wellbeing retreat journeys. While enjoying a luxury stay, guests can choose any one of the health optimisation programs to reap the proven benefits such as improved digestion, healthier skin, boosted metabolism, strong immunity, high morale, and more. Each guest’s retreat programme is customised based on a consultation with in-house experts. With nine different retreat programs available, including Wellcation, Detox, Weight Management, Rejuvenation, Get Fit, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Liver Support, Immune Support and Anti-Ageing, there is a retreat program suitable for everyone.

As a first step on the healing journey, doctors and a holistic medical team will assess the vital signs followed by a wellness ambassador who will design a plan that is tailored to the individual. The medical fitness centre at ZOYA features the latest German high-end equipment, and expert staff with experience in the examination and treatment of a wide range of physical dysfunctions and disabilities will help guests meet their fitness goals and improve their mobility and recovery process. 

ZOYA offers a healing journey that focuses on healthy weight loss in a serene atmosphere, using the latest scientific advances. Featuring therapeutic fasting for weight loss and the building of powerful new habits supported by mindfulness lectures & workshops, this revolutionary program is built on three key pillars: toxin removal, natural and IV therapies, and a tranquil healing environment supported by mental guidance.

Our 1,500 square-meter holistic wellness spa offers holistic and therapeutic services and spa treatments, including hydrotherapy, Turkish Hammam and scrub room, infrared sauna, Finnish sauna, Ozone sauna, Kneipp, invigorating baths, steam bath, cold warm indoor pools and experience showers.

At ZOYA, only the freshest, seasonal ingredients are used at the plant-based restaurant and juice bar, where a strict “conscious food policy” turns superb ingredients into therapeutic culinary experiences. The resort’s master nutritionists and chef combine the healthiest ingredients into fine-dining menus tailored to guests’ needs and wellness journeys. Specialities include enzyme-rich cold-pressed juices, nutritious organic salads, and low-calorie desserts all free of carbs and sugar.

For guests who are not able to stay for extended periods of time, what programs does the resort offer to accommodate their needs?

To get a glimpse of the vast offering at ZOYA, we recommend guests to try out our Wellcation and Day Discovery retreat programs. The ZOYA Discovery Package is ideal for guests that are on a tight schedule. The package includes a one-night stay in a premium room, offering integrative medicine consultation, measurement of vital signs, oxygen therapy, a 60-minute massage treatment, as well as access to the spa facilities and yoga and spiritual healing sessions.

For a slightly extended stay, the Wellcation retreat is a two-night program designed to give the body a healthy break by combining relaxation and unwinding with mindful breathing and living the moment. As a result, the skin will become radiant, digestion will be improved, and stress levels will drop, leaving the body alkalized and cleansed.

From your perspective, why do you deem it crucial to prioritise health and wellbeing as a whole?

Maintaining a healthy mind, body, and soul is fundamental to our overall wellbeing. Research has shown that a greater sense of wellbeing directly relates to increased physical and mental benefits, such as lower incidences of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and sleeping ailments, as well as increased productivity and creativity in both our professional and personal lives. The journey toward peace, balance, and rejuvenation comes with a holistic focus on all elements of our being. Unfortunately, we tend to be more aware of our physical health and wellbeing, as the effects are external, and many of us tend to forget that without a healthy mind and soul, we are not able to transcend into an elevated state of wellness.

At ZOYA, we combine unique cutting-edge medical science, physiotherapy, conscious nutrition, and the latest advances in aesthetics to nourish the body and invigorate the mind. Our methods are non-toxic, non-invasive, drug-free, integrative, and holistic, offering various treatments to create bespoke wellbeing retreat journeys.

Dior has revealed the seventh edition of its Dior Lady Art project, collaborating with international artists that capture the essence of the Dior icon in their own way. For this edition, the Parisian house has collaborated with artists from as far afield as China and The United States.

In the Middle East, the brand has partnered with Qatari multi-disciplinary artist Bouthayna Al Muftah. Al Muftah who uses various types of media including painting, printmaking, conceptual installation and performative works, celebrates her culture and heritage through her creations.

Her practice stages the cultural heritage of her country through the archiving of elements from past traditions in order to preserve their memory. By reinterpreting her land’s people into abstract concepts Al Muftah resurrected moments from the past into a contemporary context.

For her reinvention of Lady Dior, Bouthayna Al Muftah called upon the art of typography and the creation of conceptual artist books to represent a poetic landscape related to her home country and Arab authors onto delicate shapes of silk chiffon.

These hand-embroidered pieces of fabric evoke the pages of history and memory etched onto a manuscript. Though not linguistically based, Bouthayna Al Muftah’s design brings together narratives symbolizing nostalgia and identity linked together by suspended threads underlining the intimate and universal character of art and fashion.