Arabian Woman Festive Issue - December 2013

FESTIVE ISSUE #166

December 2013

Glam up

(ISSUE #166) DECEMBER 2013

SAUDI ARABIA SR10 • UAE DHS10 • OMAN RO1 • BAHRAIN BD1 • QATAR QR10 • KUWAIT KD1 • JORDAN JD2 • LEBANON LL4000 • EGYPT EP10

Know Dubai’s designers of bling

Women in science Brains & beauty

Red Carpet

Dubai International Film Festival rolls out its 10th edition

Hessa Al Obaidli When passion for fashion and heritage meet

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Features 34 Fash it up It’s easy to be stylish once you know how to tweak your wardrobe

44 Not your run of the mill Hessa Al Obaidli is giving the abaya a chic and contemporary update

64 Sunshine in the capital Abu Dhabi steps out of Dubai’s shadow and shows the world what it has to offer

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A breathtaking abode

The Waldorf Astoria RAK brings the term ‘luxury retreat’ to a higher level

Paul Smith FW13

Regulars 12 Editor’s pick 16 aw trends 55 Glam events 62 dine out 92 artsy 94 entertainment 96 A-list celebs 98 the coveted Paule Ka Black Carpet collection FW13

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editor’s letter

Festive Issue

HESSEH Abaya Couture

December; the last month of the year, and definitely the most festive one. With so many reasons to celebrate – especially following Dubai’s successful bid to Expo 2020 – we dedicate this issue to all things related to merrymaking.

Starting off our pages is the exclusive Net-aPorter’s holiday guide, followed by our edit on fashion’s commemoration of the 42nd UAE National Day. We also have wonderful additions focused on kids’, men’s and high street’s fashion for the season. Also not to miss is our how-to guide on turning frumpy into fabulous.

This Festive issue also lends a glimpse on some of the most amazing women in the Middle East. AW was recently given the privilege to sit down with the awardees of L’Oreal – UNESCO Pan Arab Regional Fellowships For Women in Science 2013, and we’ve got them talking. Meanwhile, our cover girl, celebrated Abaya designer Hessa Al Obaidli, shares with us her fashion insights as well as stunning images from the latest collection under her label, Hesseh.

A treat we’ve also treasured is our trip around Abu Dhabi that provided a glimpse of the glorious capital. The getaway to Ras Al Khaimah’s new luxurious hot spot, Waldorf Astoria, is also a delight. To top it all, we’ve made it to Thailand’s Loy Krathong, a festival of lights that brought us wishing, meditating, enjoying and experiencing the beautiful sights and wonders of this part of the Far East.

Hessa Fulad

Sephora glittering eye duo (Fuchsia)

So joyous are our pages that this issue brings us tremendous pride – the same kind of national pride we felt when Dubai was announced expo winner. And, before I forget, don’t put this issue down without browsing our preview of the annual Dubai International Film Festival if you’d like to know who among the A-list stars are coming down to walk through the city of gold’s glamorous red carpet.

Live and love,

Giuseppe Zanottie @ Bloomingdale’s

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Sherry

Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Bakur A. Azher Associate Publisher Ayah R. Lunsford senior editor Sherry Tenorio supervising-editor@azherinfo.ae

SUB-EDITOR/features WRITER Faizal Dahlawia SENIOR Designer Virgie L. Santillan Agencies and SYNDICATION Planet Syndication Rex Features Advertising Manager Hamdi M. Shiba - Jeddah Advertising executive Yamen Abu Karroum - Jeddah Administration & Finance Ahmed Ali Ibrahim - Jeddah Mohamed Fathy Raslan - Dubai Business Development Manager Ladan Rahbary

Counselor p. art Muneer H. Abul Huda For Advertising Information email: awsales@azherinfo.ae Arabian Woman is a registered trademark and published by Azher Information Technology Group Ltd, 6 Thermistoclis Dervis St, 4th floor, Office D4, PO Box 4185, 1702 Nicosia, Cyprus.

ARABIAN WOMAN IS PRINTED BY PREMIER PRINTING PRESS Tel: 04-8853633; Fax: 04-8852777 Dubai Investment Park, Jebel Ali, Dubai, UAE No part of Arabian Woman may be reproduced without the written permission of the publishers.

Opinions expressed in the magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher and editorial staff.

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editor’s pick

Spread the cheers It’s time to be festive, and what better way to join the merrymaking than donning a cheerful outfit? We say this colour blocking ensemble from Etoile ‘La Boutique’ FW13 collection is the best way to do it.

From the dangling earrings to the dazzling purse, the whole look sizzles.

But the real star of this outfit is the apple green maxi skirt that when teamed with stylish peach top proves to be amazing eye candy. Indeed, an inspiration for a fitting party look, this Etoile ‘La Boutique’ image is a must to covet.

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Fashion Beauty Luxury

editor’s pick

Stray from normality and indulge in some festive fashion

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AW SHOPS Ana Khouri’s fine jewellery is exquisite. I adore the textured 18 karat gold leaf necklace – every leaf is linked with sparkling diamonds and is skilfully handmade to mimic a real leaf. There is also a beautiful matching hand cuff and hair pin.

Fendi’s Bag Bugs collection is so fun. Iconic classics take on abstract yellow eyes and colourful faces, to produce creative and feminine accessories. We’re the exclusive stockist of the Bag Bug Petit 2Jour in yellow, which can be worn as the perfect box tote or as a cross body bag – I can’t wait to get my hands on one!

Holiday Gift Guide A special season such as this requires a special person to do the edit. AW asked Holli Rogers, Fashion Director at NET-A-PORTER.COM, to give us ideas on a perfect holiday outfit as well as gift-giving. To start off, she says, the site is a go-to destination for ‘a fail-safe solution if you’re unsure of what to buy’.

Lanvin gunmetal-tone glass crystal ring in smoky grey – Lanvin is the go-to designer for Parisian ladylike glamour, so this glass crystal ring is on my Christmas wish list. I love the antique element, plus the grey tone will work with any outfit.

Headbands are one of my favourite trends for FW13, so I’d love to receive a pretty crown headband or tiara, such as the Eugenia Kim gold version.

Holli Rogers - Fashion Director at net-a-porter.com

A Valentino gown would be such a dream to receive for the holiday season. I have a beautiful lace and silk version which is my most treasured item.

The must have accessory for the season. I particularly love the Repossi gold ear cuff – perfect for adding a little holiday sparkle to your festive outfit.

I’d love to give and receive Australian brand Lucas Papaw’s signature ointment – ideally I’d receive a year’s supply of the handy sized tubes – one for every handbag.

An entire shoe wardrobe from one of my favourite designers, Tabitha Simmons, would be a dream gift.

Natura’s Bissé’s Diamond Life Infusion serum is integral to my beauty regime. Its anti-ageing formula lifts, firms and heals my skin overnight – it’s like a facelift in a bottle.

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AW trends Wilbur Gussie Clutch at the outnet.com

Oscar De La Renta Dress at the outnet.com

Checkmate

Tartans, checks and plaid are winter wardrobe staples.

But this year, traditional patterns get to step up, as high fashion designers worked out forward-looking ensembles into tweeds, dresses, bags and even shoes.

Ralph Lauren Poncho at stylebop.com Michael Kors Dress

Paul Smith Coat at stylebop.com

Pretty in P ink

Elevating from cute to chic, this season’s favourite hue is pink. From candyfloss and pretty sorbet shades – even bright ones we must say – the Autumn/Winter 2013 embraces a think-pink fashion philosophy for a change.

Anton Heunis at Harvey Nichols Marni loafers

Abrams fashion book at net-aporter.com

Current Elliott Shirt at stylebop.com

Vivienne Westwood Mulitcoloured Dome Bag Miu Miu Gloves

Prada Sandals at markavip.com

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Kangol Plaid 504 Golf Flat Cap Brushed Plaid AW13

AW trends Dress, Roberto Cavalli

Sunglasses, Prada

Earrings, Oscar De La Renta at dia-style.com

Bra, L’agent By Agent Provocateur at net-a-porter.com Coat, Giambattista Valli at stylebop.com

Back to Black

Earrings, Jewels

By Sogol @ Bloomingdale’s

Black is chic no matter the season. So, don a head-to-toe all-black outfit and get away with it without making you look depressed, even if the weather can sometimes be.

Headband, Eugenia Kim at dia-style.com

Winter Bloom

Stronger and bolder than its summer counterpart, the winter’s floral bloom strikes with deep and fierce femininity. Opt for a pretty bunch, a full bouquet or subtle stems, either way, you’ll still end up looking stunning and edgy.

Book,The Little Black Jacket at net-a-porter.com The Row at Saks Fifth Avenue Sandals, Jimmy Choo at dia-style.com

Clutch, Benedetta Bruzziches, at Bloomingdale’s Billy Hobo Bag, Marc By Marc Jacobs Susi Pumps, Salvatore Ferragamo

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FASHION NEWS

For the love of the UAE

Fashion sees a splashing of products exclusively dedicated to commemorate the 42nd UAE National Day. AW notes who made what – all for the spirit of the union.

Sougha for Harvey Nichols-Dubai Exclusively for National Day, Harvey Nichols – Dubai is proud to introduce Sougha, a fully Emiratisupported brand. In partnership with Sougha, the multi-brand shop would offer a wide selection of Sougha products handmade by local artisans from all over the UAE. Sougha, a word that refers to the gift a traveller brings home to their family, was established by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development to develop the technical and entrepreneurial skills of local talents, foster market opportunities and improve livelihood of local artisans. The Sougha collection at Harvey Nichols – Dubai would include palm leaf beach bags, Bedouin woven table runners, trendy local incense, perfumed candles and other hand-woven accessories created by the local craft of Talli.

Flaunt your loyalty with the stylish CEECODE purse, available at Valleydez

Limited edition sunnies by Chopard In collaboration with Paris Gallery, Chopard launches limited edition sunglasses that come in three elegant colours: white gold, yellow gold and rose gold. The UAE National Flag that decorates the sides of the temples is hand-crafted with lacquer finish, adding a unique touch of elegance to the eyewear. One-of-its-kind UAE spirit of union themed logo mania lenses further reflects the vision of the legendary forefathers of the nation.

Vogue Café dishes National Day Cupcakes – sweet!

Cambridge Satchel ‘UAE National Day’ editions exclusively for Bloomingdale’s-Dubai Some sweet love for UAE shown in Magnolia National Day Cake

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FASHION NEWS Montegrappa pens the day Paying homage to the great nation of UAE, Montegrappa introduces a 1971 fountain and ball point pen in sterling silver; 1971 being the year of formation of the United Arab Emirates. And for the very first time, Montegrappa has replaced its trademark 1912 emblem with the number 1971. The 18k gold pens are exquisitely crafted using modern and traditional manufacturing methods, and sports UAE flag colours along their lengths. The limited edition pens are available at Paris Gallery.

Emirati artist and designer Hessa Fulad, more known as F9oo9 (pronounced ‘FUSOOS’ in English meaning crystals), spreads frolic to celebrate National Day

Saint Honore checks time Special watch for special occasion – the Saint Honore UAE National Day Worldcode watch is crafted in a unique ceramic matt black case with a matching strap also in ceramic. With a diameter of 43mm, the watch features a carbon dial emblazoned with the UAE colours on the central counter, exclusive red hands and a rotating bezel marked with 60.

Truly limited, the dial bears the inscription Limited Edition on the front. In true Saint Honore style, the watch back will be engraved with a map of the UAE and carry the limited edition serial number. It will be offered in a special black set box with an exclusive Worldcode pen finished in black matt steel. It is available exclusively at select Paris Gallery outlets across the UAE.

Countdown with Baume & Mercier Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier introduced its specially crafted limited edition timepiece: the Capeland. Flawlessly embodying the richness and refinement of this country, the Swiss maison d’Horlogerie’s ‘United Arab Emirates Edition’ Capeland timepiece is a fitting and popular tribute to the glorious occasion. The limited edition watch was especially designed to represent the colours of the UAE flag and is a true reflection of Baume & Mercier’s dedication to the nation, further reiterated by the fact that the brand’s only boutique in the world has its home in the world-renowned Dubai Mall.

Visconti writes the date

To celebrate the 42nd year of union of the emirates, Visconti presents the 42nd Anniversary Limited Edition Pen: the Fountain Pen with a dedicated Crystal inkwell 18 Kt. Gold plated and engraved with the Eagle, symbol of the Emirates. This unique piece is designed with some of the most prestigious and worldwide recognised patents from Visconti such as the Clip – representing a bridge symbol of friendship between people – the Double Reservoir Power filler protecting the fountain pen from ink overflow, as well as the 23Kt Solid Palladium Nib – the most precious nib ever produced worldwide. The Limited Edition pen is presented in a magnificent solid wood box that follows the traditional Oriental patterns. The box is hand lacquered in an elegant glossy black. The pen comes in a Roller Ball version, and is available at Tanagra in Mall of the Emirates, Al Ain Mall and Marina Mall.

Charming Pandora charms to remember ‘the’ day

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LUXE BUYS

Pamper Me

A lowdown on all things luxurious

DVF x HVN Feline lovers adore the latest collaboration between Diane von Furstenberg and Harley Viera-Newton. Playing muse to the project is the New York DJ’s cat, Marmite, the project sees a funky collection including leather ‘Mo’ clutch with pink nose, pink whiskers and bejewelled eyes, and a pair of kitty headphones with play button. This collection is available in DVF stores in the UAE.

A capsule collection by Charlotte Olympia fitting for festive season

New ‘it’ bag - Tory Burch Robinson Double Zip Tote in Tiger Lily

New wrist candy Liens, the new Chaumet watch, is a visual expression of technical mastery and virtuous simplicity. The collection is indeed a tribute to streamlined purity, a celebration of Parisian elegance. Available in six versions, the flowing lines of its round case are enhanced by the strength of steel or the poetry of pink gold and, sometimes, a sparkle of diamonds.

The “lien” motif seems to be in continuous movement as it draws its cross-over signature on the profile of the case and creates a link on each side of the dial with a leather or metal bracelet.

Frosty retro-chic sunglass by Givenchy shades you from the sun, and keeps you looking cool this season

Buzzword on shoe department - Tory Burch Carley Bootie in Bordeaux

Vivienne Westwood for Lush and Climate Revolution Renowned British designer Vivienne Westwood designed a limited edition 100% Organic cotton Climate Knot-Wrap this Christmas to be sold in all Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetic Stores Worldwide, with all profits going to support the Climate Revolution.Inspired by the Japanese art of ‘furoshiki’, a knot-wrap can be used as a stylish alternative to gift wrap, worn as a headscarf or fetching neckerchief or framed as a piece of art. The KnotWraps are available in camel or light pink and are printed with two Climate Revolution images designed by Vivienne Westwood. The black-eyed unsmiling face - the Face of War – is Westwood’s symbol for the fight against climate change and environmental degradation. They are printed on fine organic cotton and woven by a British-based artisan (one of the last in the UK).

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miu miu Metallic leather and suede pumps

LUXE BUYS The HAAS Brothers curates Versace Collaboration to collaboration – another one that gets us really excited is that of Versace and The HAAS Brothers.

In this collection, you will find a goldhoneycomb pattern is molded on the sinuous heel and platform of a bondage ankle boot, whichis held in place by leather straps with gold buckles.

There’s also a gold honeycomb patternclutch finished off with a Medusa clasp and pillowed leather.The same honeycomb pattern incorporates the Medusa on accessories such as a leather beltwith a gold-plated buckle, a leather cuff, compact mirrors, and iPhone 5 cases.Unisex T-shirts come printed in a vibrant collage of elements from the collection, with hand-drawnfur under a print of a Medusa medallion or fantastically colored animal print with imagesof gold spotted leopards.

The collection marks the second collaboration between Versace and The Haas Brothers whocreated a special collection for Versace Home that was unveiled at Salone del Mobile in Milanin April 2013.

An ode to ballet Returning to its heritage as maker of luxury leather goods, Nina Ricci’s launch of Ballet line illustrates the brand’s liking to softness, lightness and elegance.

Inspired by the functional, streamlined dance bag used by ballerinas, the Nina Ricci Ballet bag is distinctive for its graphic, sensual lines, which underscore the duality of its materials and colors. Slim handles, delicate hardware and finely wrought finishing give the bag a completely modern, feminine sensibility. It is an urban handbag of timeless elegance, poised to take its place onstage.

Sutra bag by Diane von Furstenberg is Resort’s it bag, bearing iconic hardware inspired by the label’s signature Chain Link print and Diane’s renowned Sutra bracelet

The boot the golden zipper, Le Silla at Bloomingdale’sDubai

This Saint Laurent Bow leather collar is a Winter must-have

Perfect holiday gift for her, Omega Ladymatic with a Luxury Flower Dial in 18K red gold has a bezel paved with 184 full-cut diamonds

A decade of fashion Collaboration to collaboration – another one that gets us really excited is tIn celebrating its 10th year anniversary, Boutique 1 offers a fabulous capsule collection. Resulting from love, passion and partnership with its various high-end stockists, the collection lends an array of amazing trending fashion. Grab a piece of yours now!

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LUXE BUYS

Stylish end to F1 To celebrate an emphatic win of the Formula One Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships at the F1 Airtel Indian Grand Prix, Infiniti Red Bull Racing celebrated in style at one of the most recognised locations on earth.Perched 210 metres above the sea, on a helipad 24 metres wide, Infiniti Red Bull Racing’s 750bhp F1 car usually reserved for on-track use became the first to ever run atop the Burj Al Arab helipad in a spectacular show of burning rubber and tyre smoke and a stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf overlooking scenic views of Dubai’s impressive skyline.

Vintage Buy - Manolo Blahnik Eufrasia Heels in Ivory Limited Edition at The Luxury Closet

Crazy for vintage. Check out the Hermes Limited Edition Brides De Gala Scarf (AED 51,175) that has been discovered hidden away in Dubai - it can be all yours to flaunt and treasure by visiting the online designer boutique, The Luxury Closet

Want to buy Lamborghini. Merchandises are now up for grabs in its dedicated only retail shop in the world located at Terminal 1 of Abu Dhabi International Airport

Parnasséa for Louis Vuitton Bag-a-holics would love this news! Louis Vuitton’s latest tote bag that comes in Taurillon leather is a sleek and elegant accessory that will surely garner jealous stares. From Parnassus, the mythical dwelling place of the muses, this member of the new Louis Vuitton Parnasséa leather goods collection has inherited the beauty of its forms, the perfection of its materials and the harmony of its colours.

The bag’s precious rings of the distinctive handle were inspired by the world of Louis Vuitton’s jewellery and the House’s famous initials, subtly lined with leather, enhance the texture of a highly original, invisible closing flap. The multiple facets of Louis Vuitton’s broad range of know-how are all concentrated in the sophistication of this handbag, the better to recount a tale of discreet, self-assured femininity.

PHILIP STEIN Double Diamond Chronograph, AED 21330

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LUXE BUYS Most coveted Just fresh from the big reveal, Hermes’ new line of Haute Bijouterie features equineinspired jewellery that is exquisitely precious. The collection focuses on precious metals that make use of unexpected forms such as the horse hoof and materials that range from gold and jade to aventurine and pink opal, the collection is one to take home.

Limited time Versace creates special Vanitas Christmas Edition: a jewellery watch with dazzlingly precious details.

Enhanced by an elegant red touch, the traditional color for this festive period, the Vanitas Christmas has a red enamel dial and bezel, a diamond-studded réhaut and a leather strap that matches the IP rose gold case. Everything turn around this vibrant monochromatic theme, in a modern interpretation of tradition, personalized with symbols expressing Versace’s creativity: the baroque pattern, the Medusa head, the Greek key and the studs, all aligned with the Vanitas collection.

Produced in a special limited edition of 50 pieces, Vanitas Christmas Edition adds a luxuriously exclusive detail to the magical festive atmosphere.

Express your love with Lanvin. A splashing of gift ideas especially for her

Fashion salutes women Cartier recently announced SimaNajjar, founder of “Ekeif.com” project, as the winner of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards 2013 MENA region. The awards were announced at a gala ceremony held at the Annual Global Meeting of the Women’s Forum in Deauville, France.

SimaNajjar based in Amman Jordan, was chosen in recognition of the “Ekeif.com” an Arabic video content provider for short, “how to”videos targeting women, among1,000 applicants and was one of the three women to make it to the 2013 finalists, which also included NouraSa’d, for “Tradreesna CO” project from Jordan and MirnaHamady for “Kashida” project from Lebanon. Najjar was awarded US$20,000 in funding towards her business and a year of personal coaching from the world’s best business management consultants from INSEAD business school and McKinsey & Co. for management consultancy.

The Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards was created in 2006, and it is a joint partnership between Cartier, the Women’s Forum, INSEAD business school and management consultancy McKinsey & Company.

The 2013 edition of the Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards are now open for application submission until 28th of February 2014.

Collector’s item In the 10th year of Alexander McQueen skull scarf, a collection of Damien Hirst’s artistry on the successful signature accessory is released on limited edition. Takin inspiration from Hirst’s entomology series that featured butterflies, bugs, spiders and other insects, the collection shows each scarf designed to form kaleidoscopic geometric shapes, and to create the signature McQueen skull motif. It’s been said that this scarf collection will never be reproduced, with only 30 pieces to be available at The Dubai Mall and The Galleria in Abu Dhabi.

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KIDS’ FASHION Mark the occasion with a star. Gift them a Papinee ‘Starfish’ exclusively at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai

Mom, dress me up!

This is the perfect time to bring out the inner fashionista in your little tots. Channel their baby glamour in these stunning ensembles – dress your girls with pretty dresses, and let your boys sport gorgeous looks.

Would you still want a pair of Cinderella’s glass slippers if you have this Dolce & Gabbana pair?

Floral dress by Monnalisa at Bloomingdale’sDubai

Think pink in Mon Cheri tiethe-ribbon dress

Start teaching your kids glam fashion, dress them in this Dolce & Gabbana dazzling frock

Juicy Couture hoodie for casual chic

Be inspired by the Parisian fashion, Baby Dior FW13

All-white outerwear, Lesy at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai Perfect for holiday soiress, Ralph Lauren Girls Fall 2013

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Bag and bouquet, Monnalisa at Bloomingdale’s - Dubai

KIDS’ FASHION The look of Lacoste FW13

John Galliano scarf to keep ‘em warm (and stylish)

Sport some colours with a Hackett shirt

Mix and match with Lacoste FW13 collection

Effortless style in Paul Smith Junior top

Oh boy!, Baby Dior FW13

Fendi shoes, must-have

Get your boys looking sleek in Fendi buttoned down shirt

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Street Style UAE-made, Poupee fab mini muscat purses Isabel Marant x H&M

Glam

Swatch playful wristwatch

There’s no denying that the influence of high fashion is strong on high street numbers. From autumn blooms on a Bebe frock and plaid patterns on a Gap shirt dress, to cropped H&M x Isabel Marant pants and psychedelic prints on a Mango maxi, the style you find in the streets this season is bang on trend. Check out our latest edit on high street fashion, and channel a glam winter wardrobe with these amazing finds.

Bebe Rose Lace Mermaid Dress

Iris & Ink Chelsea bag at the outnet.com

Winter floral, Mango

All-white, Iconic

Mango maxi dress

Billabong redwood bag

Festive heels, Vince Camuto

Kurt Geiger Carvela Georgina Black Sky-High Heels

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Street Style L.K. Benett Galya Black Patent Belt

Accessory love, Next

GAP red flannel shirtdress

Look your best even in sleepwear, Nayomi

Hint of fur, Massimo Dutti

Splash coat

Little red dress, Ted Baker

Street Chic NYC, Bebe Monochrome fashion, Aeropostale

Lacoste trending pink wallet

CK Calvin Klein watch

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Men’s fashion Tuxedo from Lanvin

Balenciaga @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Viktor & Rolf @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Pour homme

Viktor & Rolf, Exclusive @ Saks Fifth Avenue

What’s the point in looking good alone when you can make your man look dapper in these stylish get-ups.

Together, you can own any room!

Blazer from Sacoor Brothers

Armani Collezioni BD 402 @ Saks Fifth Avenue

V&R @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Burberry Travel Tailoring (Mid Grey) Burberry Travel Tailoring (Mid Grey) Tuxedo from Lanvin

J.M Weston Brogues

Bow ties from Lanvin Alexander McQueeen @ Saks Fifth Avenue

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Men’s fashion Dolce & Gabbana @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Empyre Navy Cardigan by Ted Baker

Denton Navy by Ted Baker

Striped Shirt from Sacoor Brothers

Italia Independent

Dior Homme @ Saks Fifth Avenue

Saint Laurent Court Classic Sneakers

Pants from Sacoor Brothers

Darby Desert Tan Combo by Clarks

Duo ties by Ermenegildo Zegna

Saint Laurent Court Classic Sneakers

Rick Owens Runway, Exclsuive @ Saks Fifth Avenue

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Beauty

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1. Le Vernis Givenchy Paying tribute to the magic of gold, the brand’s Ondulaitions Precieuses range explores its power to mystify and beautify. It includes Ondulations D’or, a black and gold powder, suitable for use on the eyes and cheeks, which fuses into a deep bronze that defines that character of the face. The collection also unveils two new nail shades: Rouge Précieux and Bronze Précieux.

2. Abeille Royale 1-month youth treatment Derived from sologne royal jelly and ouessant honey, the age-defying skin care range has been proven to reinforce skin repair and fight against loss of skin suppleness and radiance. The end result is firmer, more luminous skin, with fine lines and wrinkles smoothed by up to 33% in just one month.

3. Guerlain Noel Signature make-up collection From electric black cases to iridescent powders, from neon eyes to fluorescent nails, Crazy Paris goes far beyond the codes of the House. Meant especially for the Festive gifting, the limited editions are stirred up by a playful touch with incredible charm.

Unanimously illustrated by neon pink, they surprise, delight and fill one and all with the irrepressible desire to party all night long.

4 Marc Jacobs’ Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl The designer’s entry to the beauty department has been fervently welcomed this season. A favourite among its collection is this effervescent, plumping lip gloss that gives the ultimate shine. Whether colour-drenched or with light-hearted sheer, this champagne-grape infused formula satisfies the glossy craving. It’s available in 12 music-inspired shades, and each with patented paddle applicators.

5. Scentsation Charmed lotion Delicately scented, alluring and enriched with nutrients to retain a charming glow, CND’s ‘Veiled Plum’ and ‘Wicked Ivy’ are your handy essentials this holiday season. Bustling with fresh and clean scents, these hand and body lotions boost thirsty skin to leave behind luscious and supple skin. Hydrating, health enhancing and reminiscent of winter fragrances, CND’s limited edition is your solution this winter..

6. Osmoclean Pure Cleansing Gel An ultra-light cleansing gel used to clean the skin without leaving tightness.

7. Bobbi & Katie Collection Making it easy to look great was the inspiration for this lineup, which includes an earthy palette for the eyes, cheeks and lips. The Bobbi & Katie Collection (a collaboration between Bobbi Brown and Katie Holmes) embodies beauty on the go and comes in a downtown chic cosmetic case containing wearable shades that you can take from morning to evening.

8 Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Rebel Nudes This glossy Stain captures the shine of a gloss, color of a lipstick, and the long wear of a stain.

Rebel Nudes is the first to premiere Euphoric Pearl technology for an all-day 3D luminous effect.

With its new exclusive new formula, lips appear luminescent with hints of freshness, shine and hold.

An infusion of natural colour in a stroke, the Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres Rebel Nudes gives women a radiant smile without compromise. This nude revolution comes in a stunning variation in colours that come in eight shades including Nude Provocateur, Violine Out of Control, Corail Mutin and Fuchsia Tomboy.

9. Elemis ‘Sparkling Beauty’ This gift set includes Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, Pro-Radiance hand and Nail Cream, and ProRadiance Illuminating Flash Balm, perfect for its anti-ageing, radiance- boosting programme to help deeply cleanse, hydrate and brighten.

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10. OCÓO The Beauty Drink Fuelled by the nutricosmetics cosmetics concept, OCÓO is a fruity concoction created from a zesty combination of six berries and contains a wellbalanced dose of vitamins, minerals and trace elements that make for a delicious beauty care regimen. With just 48 calories per bottle, OCÓO delays ageing and supports natural collagen production, hair and skin health – the perfect daily beauty potion.

11. Yves Saint Laurent Forever Light Creator Cream Gel It reduces pigmentation blemishes while providing immediate hydration for 24 hours. Its non-greasy texture gives the skin flexibility, freshness and brightness. Day after day, the complexion looks more even skin texture refined and spots fade.s.

12. Shellac’s Forbidden Collection After making raves on fashion runways globally, six illustrious hues that deepen into passion make way for fashion this Fall 2013. It comes in various shades: Blue Rapture, Night Glimmer, Steel Gaze, Dark Dahlia, Burnt Romance and Tinted Love. Wear them on with Shellac that is an effortless alternative to basic nail polishes as it dries instantly to deliver endless mirror shine with absolutely no chipping, smudging or dullness.

13 Sephora Sweet and Cosmic collection For holiday parties, Sephora presents a sensational selection of precious palettes. With its season’s offering comes Make Up Academy Palette, one-of-akind palette with an exclusive design is packed with 130 shades, 7 blushes, 3 complexion correctors, 18 eyeliners, 72 eyeshadows, 1 eye primer, 1 lip primer, 28 lip glosses. This Sweet & Cosmic collection extends to more amazing products for lips, eyes, face, nails, and body.

14 Bliss ‘butter watch out’ This sampler of body butter favourites features spa-inspired moisturizing creams in three of our signature scents to help deliver supreme softness. It includes lemon + sage body butter, grapefruit + aloe body butter, and blood orange + white pepper body butter.

15 Bio-Oil ’ Formulated from natural plant extracts and vitamins, the clinically proven, multitasking product not only reduces the appearance of scars, but also rejuvenates your skin, keeping it velvety smooth and nourished throughout the cold season.

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16 The Body Shop Gift Sets’ At The Body Shop, when you give a gift, you’re actually giving twice: once to your loved one, and once to its Community Fair Trade partners. So, enjoy its scented bath gels, body lotions and creams, and get satisfied with the beauty of gifting. that whatever occasion and whatever hair type, all can enjoy attention-grabbing hair. With this service in mind, we have met with our hair stylist, and consults with her for few minutes. Detailing our hair concerns, she manages to provide quick practical tips, personal guides and a treatment fitting for our needs.

Red Carpet Glow

Since it’s the season of indulgence, it is just fitting to get the much-needed hair fix. AW gets to sample the newest salon sensation at the heart of Al Wasl Road, Pastels Salon, and we’re glad to say that it did not disappoint.

Welcoming us in this villa-turned-salon is a homey and cordial vibe, giving a feel of ease and comfort.

The friendly and efficient staff also serves with great delight, providing us a sense of belongingness. But, what really tops this beauty spot is its amazing range of services – from massages, facials, mani-pedi and hair care. This season, we’ve learned that they recently launched the concept of Blow-Dry bar which is actually famous in fashion forward cities like New York, Paris and London.

The Blow-Dry bar features bespoke treatments that combine a professional blow-dry with a quality hair product and treatment combination to ensure

Red Carpet Blow is one among the wide range of Blow-Dry bar services, and it’s what we tried.

Basically, it is a volume-oriented backwash treatment that is followed by a professional blow dry utilising the iconic Kerastese styling range, and results to a mane that is uber-chic and red carpet ready.

Kicking off the treatment with a shampoo using Bain Volumactive, we have experienced not only hair cleaning but few minutes of relaxing head massage, too. Then, with the magic of Vita-Ciment Kerastese concentrate with booster cernide teamed with Volumactive Mask, we turn under steam for about 10-15 minutes.

In the end, we see the result before our eyes – hair that looks stronger, with more volume, and definitely more beautiful. The treatment is indeed perfect for hair that needs anti-breakage as well as great volume. Impressed with the salon’s services (from the staff to the treatments), we say that we’re surely visiting Pastels Salon again.

More treatments under the Blow-Dry bar concept are available depending on one’s personal needs. To book or get more info, visit www.pastels-salon.com or call 04-3447883.

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Scents

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Proving to be one of the most famous holiday gifts ever, here’s a dash of amazing fragrances to give away this season.

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1. Lancome La Vie Est Belle Sparkle Edition La vie est belle introduces a new olfactive story, the first ever iris gourmand. The juice is made with the most precious natural ingredients, a modern interpretation of an oriental fragrance with a twist of gourmand.

It entwines the elegance of iris with the strength of Patchouli and the sweetness of a gourmand blend, for an incredible scent with depth and complexity.

3.

2. La Petite Robe Noire by Guerlain It is femininity incarnate. Instantly recognisable, its peerless black cherry notes are freshened with bergamot, accompanied by the blend of crisp Bulgarian rose and mellow Turkish rose absolute, followed by base notes of Guerlinade, inherited from its celebrated elders.

3. J’adore L’Or It is an ode to Noble Materials, a sensual fragrance with balance that stems from a harmonious blend of several floral Absolutes: May Rose Absolute and Grasse Jasmine Absolute. Highly concentrated and as subtle as it is opulent, J’adore L’Or is a genuine olfactory challenge: the encounter between Grasse and the Orient.

4.

5.

4. Gucci Guilty A luxurious holiday treat, the lavish gold flacon Gucci Guilty’s pour Femme is itself adorned with precious, 24-carat, semi-sheer gold – a dazzling industry first – creating a magnificent, contemporary objet d’art.

5. Shalimar Ode à la Vanille For this third interpretation of Thierry Wasser, the Guerlain Perfumer went to find the rarest of vanillas in its native land, Mexico. It holds fruity and gourmand olfactory treasures, hints of caramel and cocoa aromas. To evoke the far-off origins of this variant of Shalimar Ode à la Vanille, the legendary bottle with the sapphire cabochon has been placed in a sophisticated case decorated with vanilla pods and orchid flowers. A sublime box set for a vintage edition.

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ScentS

Festive Fragrant Sets Penhaligon’s Ladies Fragrances Collection

John Richmond Woman Festive Coffret

Guerlain Insolence Gift Set

Moschino I Love Love Festive Coffret Narciso Rodriguez for Her Gift Set

The AED15,000 Perfume

Are you ready to whisk your body with luxury?

British master perfumer Roja Parfums recently revealed Haute Lauxe, one of the most exquisite fragrances for Winter. The new perfume explores a deep, rich chypré by combining base notes of ginger, oakmoss and cinnamon, followed by a floral symphony of jasmine, rose de mai and ylang ylang, and capped with a resonant bergamot note. Containing flecks of 24K gold leaf, Roja’s amber-tinted concentrate represents rarity, refined perfection and unrivalled beauty. Worth AED15,000 per 100ml bottle, the Roja Parfums Haute Luxe is for your taking exclusively from Paris Gallery.

Tom Ford Private Blend Oud Collection It’s an olfactory journey that explores three mesmerising and sensual facets of oud. Two new oud fragrances join the best-selling fragrance, Private Blend Oud Wood, a groundbreaking composition of exotic woods and spices that is hailed as a definitive interpretation of oud. The new fragrances, Private Blend Oud Fleur and Private Blend Tobacco Oud, share the signature elements of the original Oud Wood – oud, sandalwood and patchouli – then follow two unique and contrasting directions.

Elie Saab Gift Set

Versace Yellow Diamond Festive Coffret

For Him Habit Rouge Coming under the Guerlain seal – passionate, noble and daring – it is the first oriental men’s fragrance.

It focuses its expression in a spicy woody heart, nuanced by neroli and jasmine notes. Leather and oud wood notes develop in the drydown, mellowed by sweet vanilla and patchouli.

Gucci Made to Measure It is a fragrance constructed like a bespoke suit: each ingredient lending texture and structure, creating a whole that is a harmony of fabrics and detail. It is a scent that is crafted with the Gucci philosophy of attention to detail – a fragrance that has taken many years and hundreds of iterations to perfect.

Bottled in sophistication, it is the essential accessory for the exquisitely dressed man.

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10 Ways to go

From Frumpy to Fabulous for the Holidays..

With the holidays here and the invitations piling up for soirees, dinners and festive parties, Saadiya Ahmad learns that a few tweaks to your wardrobe can instantly transform your festive look from frumpy to fabulous...

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feature Most of us lead hectic and very busy lives with hardly any ‘me’ time. But with the holidays upon us, there are effective yet simple ways to infuse fun and fabulousness into our clothes and overall style. To help, Buffi Jashanmal, Project Runway Season 10 Designer & Author, shares some quick and easy tips that will have heads turning and give some oomph for the holiday season below:

Tip 2:

Tip 1: Be it a black dress or a black top, most of us love the colour black for its slimming effect, plus the fact that it is a formal colour you can hardly go wrong wit h. Yet not a lot of us really know how to pull it off.

Jashanmal suggests that when wearing black, it is always a good idea to pair it up wit h something different to give a pop of colour; for example a slim neon belt to break up the monotony.

Haute Hippy at Harvey Nichols - Dubai Alexander McQueen at Harvey Nichols - Dubai Cedric Charlier at Harvey Nichols - Dubai

Another simple way to go from frumpy to fabulous, suggests Jashanmal, is to add a fun accessory. “A funky necklace or a colourful scarf around the neck can instantly make you go from drab to dazzling,” she says and even a cool brooch affixed to a sweater or dress for example can inject a hint of fun and add a bling dimension for the holidays. Another big trend is what Jashanmal refers to as collar necklaces. “These look like collars and cover the neckline and are an instant quick fix for any outfit ,” she says.

Tip 3: Jashanmal also advises not to forget your shoes. “Shoes can be a great way to add fun and quirkiness to any holiday outfit ,” she says, add a bejewelled heel to a plain black dress or a beaded nude pump to take your outfit to a higher level. Buy a good pair of comfortable shoes since it’s almost impossible to wear heels all the time. Invest in a pair of f lats that you really love. Splurge a little on ballerina f lats that look as good as they feel. If you wear them every day, you’ll totally get your money’s worth. Also, indulging in a pedicure can not only make your feet fabulous in those sandals but can even uplift your spirit. Nothing makes a woman feel more put-together than glancing down and seeing perfectly pedicured toes. Even a nightly application of luxurious foot cream by Bath & Body or Elemis can instantly make you feel like a million bucks.

Marc Jacobs

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Tip 4: What you wear under your outfit is extremely important. “Always invest in a very good bra especially while wearing the form fitting holiday season dresses,” says Jashanmal. Victoria Secret has some great bras for all shapes and sizes. And of course we all know that bulges and bumps under your holiday dress can be unflattering, but they don’t have to be, wit h the latest in shape wear; Yoga Compression Garments by Biseha Trading LLC, which essentially are must-haves to trim, tone and shape the figure irrespective of your size. Made of a blend of 90 percent polyamide and 10 percent spandex, the garment is very comfortable and not only makes you look fabulous in your dress but keep your posture straight and will ultimately help you lose inches.

Body By Victoria & Victoria

Pandora

Gap

Tip 5: Wit h the cooler weather now upon us, Jashanmal also advises to invest in a great jacket or blazer to team up wit h trousers or jeans. “This can turn any overly casual outfit into an instantly classier and more fabulous one,” she says, pointing out that leather is a great option.

Tip 6: For the ubiquit ous holiday LBD, Jashanmal strongly urges to add an accent anywhere.

“Add a pop of colour in the form of an accent or accessory in brighter colours such as red or green for the holidays but don’t go too crazy as the point is to embellish, not outweigh the outfit ,” she says. And don’t forget the little stuff. “Always remember that the smallest details can make a difference to your holiday outfit ; changing a colour of nail polish or adding a red lipstick for example can all bring up the glamour quotient,” she says.

Ippolita @ Bloomingdale’s

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Tip 7: Jeans, while normally very casual, can be bumped up the fabulous notch if you choose the printed skinnies variety. “These look fabulous wit h a great dressy shirt teamed wit h a good designer handbag,” says Jashanmal, and even coloured jeans are a big change.

Gap

Tip 9:

Swarovski

Tip 8:

She also reminds us to go simple wit h the jewellery even during the holiday season. “There is no need to pile on the bling and instead eit her invest and wear a good necklace or do the same wit h earrings,” she says, as both worn together will be over powering and ruin the entire look altogether.

Don’t forget your face! The classic ‘nude lips wit h smoky eyes look’ is making a comeback. “This is a great look that can suit anyone and can be made a bit more fabulous by adding some metallic eye pencils or eye shadow as well as a super shiny lip gloss instead of the usual flat matte lips,” she says. Bobbi Brown, MAC and Lancome all follow the trend and has their own smoky eye palettes and different shades of neutral lipsticks to create the perfect glamour look.

Lancome Hypnose Mascara ‘Doll Eyes’ @ Bloomingdale’s Bobbi Brown Bronze Shimmer Brick and Brush @ Bloomingdale’s

Iconic

Tip 10: And finally, Jashanmal says that when choosing your work clothes during the holiday season, try and aim to wear clothes that can easily go from day to evening. “An outfit where you just need to change your shoes for example or add a scarf are perfect for the holiday season parties and save loads of time as well,” she says.

Iconic

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People and Events

Accept the diversity of people in all its glory, and watch the world colour itself

Isabel Marant x H&M collection launch party

SPOTLIGHT

Women in

Science

The fourth annual ceremony announcing 10 ten winners of ‘For Women in Science’, the L’Oréal-UNESCO Pan Arab Regional Fellowship Award in partnership with the National Research Foundation, was recently held under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, the Esteemed Minister of State and President of Zayed University. AW chats with the fellows, and recounts the prestigious event…

The programme Founded on the premise that ‘the world needs science and science needs women’, L’Oréal and UNESCO joined forces in 1998, and established the L’Oréal-UNESCO ‘For Women in Science’ program. The L’OréalUNESCO partnership is committed to promoting women in science on a global scale, and the L’Oréal-UNESCO fellowships are the first international awards devoted to women in science.

‘For Women in Science’ encourages the next generation of promising young women scientists, at doctorate or postdoctorate level, to pursue scientific careers by providing L’Oréal UNESCO Fellowships to fund research, encourage international scientific cooperation and help these young

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scientists build cross-cultural networks and acquire research experience they can share on their return home.

Since the program began, 57 Award Laureates from 27 countries and 135 International Fellows from 71 countries have been recognized, in addition to the L’Oréal National Fellowship initiatives. Meanwhile, seven Laureates of the L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards have been selected from Arab states since its inception. They are: Fayzah Al Kharafi from Kuwait in 2011, Rashika El Ridi from Egypt in 2010, Lihadh Al-Gazali from UAE in 2008, Habiba Bouhamed Chaabouni from Tunisia in 2006, Zohra Ben Lakhdar from Tunisia in 2005, Karimat El-Sayed from Egypt in 2003 and Nagwa Meguid from Egypt in 2002.

The fellowship The L’Oréal-UNESCO Pan Arab Fellowships program was launched in 2010 by the Regional Bureau for UNESCO in Cairo, the Arab Science and Technology Foundation (ASTF) and L’Oréal Middle East. The fellowships are funded by the L’Oréal Corporate Foundation in Paris, France and their aim is to empower Arab women scientists, celebrate their contributions to the world of science, and acknowledge the key role they can play in the development of the region.

The pilot program awarded five fellowships to women from the following countries: Egypt, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Following an impressive first year, the program was extended to include candidates from 17 Arab countries: Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, the Sultanate of Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, UAE and Yemen.

The program empowers Arab women scientists, highlighting their contributions to the world of science and acknowledging their key role in the development of the region. Plus, the substantial financial awards provide practical help for these talented researchers and inspire future young scientists.

The ceremony In its fourth year this 2013, another set of 10 outstanding Arab women scientists were awarded with a L’Oréal-UNESCO Pan Arab Regional Fellowship Award worth EUR15,000 in recognition of their contributions to the advancement of science. In a ceremony held to honour the new fellows at the Zayed University, under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Maitha Salem Al Shamsi, the Esteemed Minister of State and President of Zayed University, guests witnessed a cocktail reception, followed by speeches and the presentation of the fellowship awards.

The fellows

Naeema Ibrahim Karam Al-Darmaki (UAE) Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering at the UAE University

Naeema specialises in the use of novel solvents and in the extraction/separation methods used in many applications within the pharmaceutical industry. These solvents can be used in the petroleum industry especially in the area

SPOTLIGHT

of oil recovery, but are also used in the extraction of valuable components from floras, and in solubility enhancement and particle formation.

Naeema’s goal in life is to help fulfill the dream of her forefather, Sheikh Zayed, to get this great nation on the fast-track of scientific excellence. She hopes to serve as a role model for young women in the UAE. Her mother’s use of home remedies inspired Naeema to wonder how much better it would be to bring this kind of cultural knowledge to a more established level of recognition. Her national pride in the UAE ignited a spark in her soul to be the best she could be, especially in her role as the first national female as Assistant Professor in Chemical Engineering.

In an exclusive chat with AW, she shares, “I am at the early stage of my career and also the only female in the Department. My colleagues’ belief in me was very inspiring. That’s why when I got the call confirming my participation in this fellowship, I was greatly thrilled.

In a way, the award also poses as a challenge for me to achieve more, and to become more responsible in sustaining my career.”

She furthers, “Being in this fellowship – meeting these beautiful ladies in science – actually motivates me to become like them, to grow my network, to help other researchers to carry on, and to facilitate interaction among us. I am proud to be one of them, and I am proud to be an Emirati woman. We have a saying here, ‘Educate a woman and you will educate a whole generation’. And, I hope that

I will be able to inspire other Emirati women to gain confidence and bring out the best in them.”

Naeema’s research focused on finding alternatives to potentially hazardous solvents for the extraction of valuable components from plants. Her conclusion was that valuable components can be significantly enriched by a means of supercritical fluid extraction and fractionation.

This process had shown extreme sensitivity to pressure and temperature and density tunable. Supercritical fluid extraction is a viable alternative for the current techniques used because it can produce solvent free products.

Amira Senbel (Egypt)

Associate Professor, Ph.D. in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, andDeputy-Director of the Quality Assurance Center, Alexandria University

Amira has 15 years’ experience in cardiovascular pharmacology and the pharmacology of the lower urinary tract.

Her research focuses on the toxicological aspect of drugs and environmental pollutants on the functioning of the lower urinary tract and associated cardiovascular hemodynamics. She has also been involved in investigating and developing new combination therapies to optimise efficacy and lower side effects.

Amira’s goal is to promote the role of science in ensuring human welfare and improving quality of life. In Amira’s role as researcher, mentor, teacher and manager, she aims to enlighten the minds of young scientists with challenging ideas and to promote ethics in research and science.

She told AW,“This award gives immense encouragement for me to make it better

in my field. It also allows me to be an inspiration to young people especially to my students who now look up to me.

My being part of this fellowship gives my students hope that one day, they will also be able to achieve a prestigious award from prestigious organisations like L’oreal and UNESCO. I always tell them to persevere, be competitive, but never ever compromise quality of work – quality is always everything.”

Her inspirations include Nobel Prize winning laureates Professors Louis Ignarro, Robert Furchgott and Ferid Murad for their investigations into the role of nitric oxide as an important neurotransmitter in human body, and Professor Karl-Erik Andersson for his work on lower urinary tract pharmacology.

Amira also considers her family members, faculty professors and previous mentors and each innovative successful researcher who added to her experience and attitude in life as role models.

Amira’s current research provides important information about the effect of various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on lower urinary tract capacities, including an in-depth pharmacological and biochemical study of the interaction between various prostanoids (which are inhibited by NSAIDs) and neurotransmitters in controlling lower urinary tract functions and associated hemodynamics.

Sanaa Saharfeddine (Lebanon)

Associate Professor of Computer Science at LAU

Sanaa specialises in mobile networking and computing, focusing on multimedia

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SPOTLIGHT applications. Her research builds on people’s connectivity, the proliferation of smartphones and the widespread coverage of wireless networks.

and family-centered support. Also, Nihad cites her family as role models and also thanks her mentor Doctor Robert Palisano for his encouragement and guidance.

Hebron University. Her enthusiasm was further enhanced by working with Professor Knut Bᴓrve and witnessing his love for theoretical/computational chemistry.

Her goal is to utilise information and communications technology to develop mobile solutions that improve people’s quality of life, with specific focus on regional challenges, such as health and education.

“It’s a tremendous pleasure to meet my fellows, and be recognised for our efforts in doing research. This is a great achievement for me, and I feel like all my hard work had paid off. Although receiving this award is an emotional time for me since I also had to deal with the death of my father a few day before I got the jury’s call. I am dedicating this award to him, and I am more challenged now to place greater commitment in the work that I do. I also would try to stand as a good role model to women who want to further their career, and hopefully motivate them to create researches that will help transform the society,” Nihad tells AW.

“When I first learnt that I was chosen, I read the email again and again, with tremendous excitement. With this award, I do not only bring recognition and funding for my work; I also give hope for the new researchers.

And, I know that this award will help me in being recognised internationally, too. The fellowship provides positive effects – from financial support and encouragement for women in science to communicate their ideas, to the opportunity of meeting other scientists and build a network.”

According to her,“I applied for the program both for recognition and funding of my research. After that phone call I received confirming my winning, I felt happy and proud of myself. Yet at the same time, I also felt responsible for taking the award since I need to take care of it very carefully.

People, my female students specifically, take inspiration from me, and I know that this will also encourage them to compete and excel on their own.”

“It makes me proud being an Arab woman, and taking this award. I think it will give a better image of Arab women most especially when we are representing ourselves in the international arena,” she furthers.

Sanaa’s project developed, implemented, and tested frameworks for a personal cloud composed of multiple IP-based devices within a given geographical area. The cloud included self-organising network formation strategies and intelligent service-centric resource sharing strategies for a variety of devices. The result was that traffic could be shared among the personal devices to optimise factors such as display quality, throughput, energy consumption, service quality and cost.

Nihad Al-Masri (Jordan)

Assistant Professor at the University of Jordan, Faculty of Rehabilitation Sciences. Ph.D. in Rehabilitation Sciences, concentrating in Pediatric Physical Therapy

Nihad’s specialisation is pediatric physiotherapy.

Her goal is to leave a footprint in the field of pediatric physiotherapy in the Arab world by contributing to service delivery and evidence-based practices, and by providing consultations for professionals who work with disabled children and their families.

Her inspiration comes from the children she works with and their families. Nihad explains that these children amaze her with their optimism and perseverance in the face of their disabilities. She believes we owe these children and their careers information

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Her research is aimed to understand barriers to rehabilitation for Cerebral Palsy sufferers in Jordan. By complementing the existing CAPE/PAC (Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment) measure with learning about the unique patterns of participation of children and youth with Cerebral Palsyin Jordan, her study can provide a better understanding for service providers, enabling them to tailor treatment of children with Cerebral Palsy based on their specific contextual factors.

Nihad’s research will enhance the provision of participation-based services, improve the organisation and coordination of these services, and ensure they are individualised and responsive to families’ needs, thereby improving the quality of life for these children at different stages of their lives.

Sherin Al-Falah (Palestine)

Ph.D. in natural science and theoretical chemistry

Sherin’s work involves generating computerised models of chemical and physical systems to interpret experimental data and predict results in situations where research would otherwise be too difficult, dangerous or expensive.

Her goal in life is to continue her computational chemistry research as part of a wide network, in a way that benefits humanity. Sherin is particularly interested in providing a better life for cancer patients.

Sherin’s first spark of inspiration came from a course in modern physics, tutored

by Professor Fakhri Hasan at Palestine’s

The research modelled reaction pathways for enantioselective organocatalysts – new chiral catalysts that reduce waste and project costs, increase reaction rates and facilitate complex syntheses. The study used computational methods for designing less toxic, more effective enantio selective synthetic enzymes.

Fatima Mraiche (Lebanon, residing in Qatar) Assistant professor

Fatima specialises in cardio-vascular pharmacology. Using her understanding of the physiology of the heart, she can identify and test different potential therapeutic targets to prevent the progression of heart failure.

Her goal in life is to continue seeking knowledge in her field to help alleviate the threat of a new health epidemic. Fatima is motivated by our need to better understand the heart in the face of the increasing risk of heart failure. The World Health Organization estimates that, by 2030, more than 23 million people will die annually from cardiovascular disease. She is grateful to her family for their support and to the renowned professors and scientists for their mentorship.

She tells AW, “This recognition is indeed a milestone in my career. The grant makes all the sleepless nights worth it, and in the end, it gives a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Yet this award also poses accountability, and I feel that I need to take care of my actions and my research more.

My passion in life is research, and I believe that in life if I want change, I have to be that change. Now, I can see in the eyes of my students that they are capable of change

SPOTLIGHT because that’s what they see in me, with this award most especially. Being in this fellowship inspires me to grow further in my academic career, training young scientists and maintaining other grants that I have been awarded.”

Fatima’s research concludes that NHE1, a protein in the plasma membrane, has an important role to play in our understanding of how to regress cardiac hypertrophy, thereby protecting the heart from failure.

Therefore, it seems that inhibition of NHE1, either directly or by inhibiting other factors known to activate NHE1, would be beneficial.

Fatma Al- Jasmi (UAE) Canadian College of Medical Genetics in Biochemical Genetics, Canadian Board of Pediatrics

Fatma specialises in inherited disorders and genetic problems with metabolism, and her goal is to establish a Genetic Metabolic Center with advanced biochemical research in the UAE. She is inspired by her patients and their parents, whose persistence and desperate search for solutions to the medical problems they are facing is a constant motivator.

As a child, Fatma was supported by her uncle who encouraged her to read. Since then she has been mentored by various professors: Professor Al Gazali, Clinical Geneticist at UAEU; Professor Joe Clarke, University of Toronto; and Professor Abdul-Kader Souid, the chairman of pediatric department at UAEU. Fatma’s primary research aim was to establish an interactive genetic registry to serve as a basis for metabolic screening and counseling. She concluded that cellular O2 consumption is a non-invasive screening tool for mitochondrial disorders, with DNA and fibroblast banks serving as valuable resources for clinical and research purposes in the community.

According to Fatma,“I have been inspired to join after the wonderful show of support and encouragement I received from my colleagues. I think they are far more excited

when we learnt about the news that I was chosen. Now, this award makes me feel acknowledged with what I do. The biggest challenge however, is the challenge to balance my time among the many responsibilities I carry. But nevertheless, this fellowship keeps me going on, allows me to step ahead and move forward in my research, and provides me more reason to be committed.”

Ines Yacoubi HadjAmor (Tunisia)

Assistant Professor at the laboratory of Plant Protection and improvement, Centre of Biotechnologies of SfaxTunisia; Ph.D. in Bioengineering and a Professor

Ines specialises in gene wheat molecular biology, and is concerned that cereal production in Tunisia is affected by environmental factors like drought and salinity. She is interested in the development of a molecular marker that could be used in wheat marker assisted selection.

Ines cites her family and her country as key inspirations and her goal is to contribute to the development of science in Tunisia.

Ines wishes to encourage collaboration between wheat producers and wheat molecular biologists in order to improve Tunisian wheat production by developing high yield and more adapted wheat varieties to the Tunisian environment.

Ines’ work will be incorporated into the characterisation (molecular and phenotypic) of Tunisian Drum wheat collection, and will improve the national durum wheatbreeding program, to help developing wheat varieties that are more adapted to the Tunisian environment.

and apply engineering principles to societal challenges. She would also hope to make this a centre for the effective communication of research to academic and non-academic outlets and to lead future environmental projects.

Sherien focused on this area because she felt there were serious problems and challenges here that required the academic community’s focus, and yet the environmental engineering departments of Egypt’s universities were not giving it sufficient attention. As a result, she pursued a Ph.D. in bio-reactor landfills in Ryerson University- Canada.

Her role models are those academics who apply their research to the benefit of humankind. Sheiren’s research concluded that biodrying Mechanical-BiologicalTreatment (MBT) plants can produce a high quality solid recovered fuel (SRF), high in biomass content. Turning waste into SRF in this way not only produces valuable fuel, but also dramatically reduces the waste sent to landfill. She also discovered that using renewable energy sources such as solar heaters can reduce the cost of SRF production.

Saja Al Zoubi (Syria)

Ph.D. in Agronomy “Evaluation Development Projects”; Researcher in Syrian General Commission for Scientific Agricultural Research (GCSAR); Head of Socio-Economic Studies Research department; and Socio-economic Expert at ACF & ACSAD:

Saja’s work is to evaluate the socioeconomic impact of development projects in Syria , and define the role of technology in scientific research.

Sherien El-Agroudy (Egypt)

Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering

Sherien specialises in environmental engineering, particularly in solid waste management, including waste to energy conversion technologies and bio-reactor landfills.

She hopes to create a space for innovation and excellence in environmental engineering, including a state of the art solid waste management laboratory. Her goal is to make this not just a laboratory, but also an environment where scientists can develop key skills relevant to Egypt’s needs,

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cover story

Designing Abaya

A passion rooted from her talented mother’s influence, Sharjah-based Emirati designer, Hessa Al Obaidli, began weaving her dreams of making abayas at the early age of 10. With memories of fairy tales and her mother’s own creations, Hessa saw herself sketching and stitching clothes for her dolls. The pursuit to creating beautiful fashion persisted as she developed taste for rich fabrics, and appreciation to detail and craftsmanship. Teaming this passion with her love for her Emirati and Islamic heritage, the young Hessa began designing contemporary abaya, launched her label HESSEH Abaya Haute Couture, and never looked back.

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cover story

I have chosen the name HESSEH as a brand for its significance. Indeed, in Arabic Hessa means luck & destiny and that is what I believe in.

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cover story Entry to fashion Due to the repeated requests from my family and friends, I expanded my business and build my brand HESSEH Abaya Haute Couture. Since I am a graduate with a degree in Master in Business Management, I gathered that gave me one my strengths in managing my Maison de Couture on a daily basis. By entering the field of fashion, I had the chance to live my passion every day and that is priceless.

Now, I am an Emirati designer who is looking to expand the abaya beyond the Middle East.

Biggest inspirations It might sound strange, but reading inspires me. I love reading fairy tales, and if you have a closer look at all my collections, it is always based on a concept of story-telling related to an imaginary location with special characters. Also, I get inspirations from all those strong women from past centuries till today. I am always keen in knowing about great ladies like Cleopatra, Kahina, The Queen of Saba, Marie-Antoinette or Chanel.

Definitely Coco Chanel, she is talented, self-driven and has defined fashion for her time and the following generations. Each of them has proven in their own ways that a strong but a feminine woman is not an impossible combination. They have inspired book writers, cinematographers and definitely the fashion industry.

Challenges met We live in a world where investors play a major role. But I think that we have the chance to use different ways and free channels to commercialise and develop our brands. Like for my label, I started developing my business through my mobile phone which attracted the mobile company Blackberry who named me one of their Brand Ambassadors here in the Middle East. On the creative front, designing an abaya is really challenging since you need to make sure you are not overdoing it yet still unique and trendy. For Hesseh Couture, I believe I have taken the best out of my culture: simplicity and discretion of the elements.

The HESSEH woman The HESSEH woman is an elegant, audacious, and classy lady who admires fashion. The woman I think about when designing is elegant, feminine but strong and self-driven, someone who believes in her skills

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and destiny. I have chosen the name HESSEH as a brand for its significance. In Arabic, Hessa or Hesseh means luck and destiny, and that is what I believe in.

Ultimate goal To be a worldwide established Fashion Brand. We are looking for tie-ups and collaborations with international Designers and well-known Brands.

HESSEH Abaya Haute Couture is already the official Brand Ambassador for BlackBerry. We are looking to see worldwide celebrities wearing the abaya as a fashion garment.

Emancipation: Fall/Winter 2013 collection The latest collection of HESSEH, ‘Emancipation’, tells the journey of a Princess who is in search of true freedom with noble values.

In an exclusive shoot to embody the collection, it features how a young lady is trying to escape from established society with its rules and regulations. She is the modern heroine

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who wants to discover the world and learn by her experiences and not basing her thoughts on clichĂŠs.

The Princess is in a way going through a night of meditation that makes her feel that she is lonely in the city. She rejects the self-interests of society and hopes to live in a society where noble values will be stronger. She believes in respect, courtesy, discipline and hard work. She discovers that her freedom resides in the possibility of dreaming and achieving her goals and ideals.

Her path during the whole night will transform her from a protected and unsecured princess to a noble liberated lady who is sitting in the streets of

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Rome, dominating her own world.

The beautiful images represent clearly her path towards emancipation. Her self-determination and high values conducts her to liberation and power of acting.

This collection is a call for a recommitment to strong, positive and righteous values, while still accomplishing freedom and emancipation. The emancipation will only be achieved if we are able to truly free ourselves of the negative values.

Inspired by this creative and deep significance, the latest collection has a beautiful yet strong appeal, making

every piece breathtaking and unique.

Through the fresh designs of the season, HESSEH’s collection aims at making every woman believe that she is free in terms of thinking and following her dreams and achieving eternal freedom.

Crown, pearls and embellishments also gave the designs superior and royal connotations. The main colour palette for this collection was pastels and different shades of blue with elements of grey added for the cape.

The majority of designs involved tight, fitted top halves with contrasting, oversized bottoms in a variety of materials including lace and chiffon.

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preview Weeklong glam

Roll out the red carpet It’s the time of the year when stars descend and walk through the velvety red carpet to add even more glitz to the city of gold. Glitter and glamour will soon be witnessed at the 10th edition of Dubai International Film Festival. Read our preview to know more…

Ten years had passed but the Dubai International Film Festival is sure to be counting more years, more A-list stars, filmmakers, critically acclaimed movies, dignitaries and VIPs. Since its inception, the Festival, or more commonly known as DIFF, has celebrated the thriving film culture within the region and increased interest in Arab cinema from audiences around the world. This December 6-14, DIFF – held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai – will reveal a rich and diverse selection of world and international premieres with a total of 174 features, shorts and documentaries including 70 World Premieres and 11 International Premieres from 57 countries in 43 languages from both established and upcoming talent over a 9-day celebration of cinema.

‘Omar’, by Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning Palestinian director Hany Abu Assad will raise the curtain on the decennial edition on December 6. The acclaimed feature, supported by DIFF’s post-production and production funding support programme Enjaaz, marks the return to the Festival for Assad whose ‘Paradise Now’ opened the 2nd edition of DIFF. Set to become an Arab classic, the masterfully paced film boasts compelling performances from Adam Bakri, Samer Bisharat, Eyad Hourani and Waleed Zuaiter.

David O Russell’s ‘American Hustle’ has been selected for the prestigious Closing Night Gala; DIFF will be the first festival to screen the highly anticipated film starring Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Jeremy Renner, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, Louis CK and Robert De Niro.

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Glamour awaits the Festival, and glamour is what it’ll give the goers. To celebrate the 10th edition, there will be two daily red carpet galas at the prestigious Madinat Jumeirah Arena. On the 7th, the first of the Family Gala’s presents ‘Frozen’ from Walt Disney Animation Studios directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee. The evening gala follows with ‘August: Osage County’ by John Wells featuring Academy Award winners Meryl Streep and Julia Roberts. On the 8th, Jason Reitman’s ‘Labor Day’, starring Academy Award winners Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, screens ahead of DIFF’s Arabian Gala ‘Factory Girl’ by Mohamed Khan featuring Yasmine Raees, Hani Adel and Salwa Khatab. The 9th will showcase the highly anticipated ‘12 Years A Slave’

by Steve McQueen featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender and Brad Pitt.

The evening gala is Ryan Coogler’s ‘Fruitvale Station’ with Michael B. Jordan and Octavia Spencer. Ben Stiller directs and stars in ‘The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty’ screening on the 10th ahead of Justin Chadwick’s ‘Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom’, starring Idris Elba and Naomie Harris. On the 11th, Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson share the screen in John Lee Hancock’s ‘Saving Mr. Banks’, while the Indian Gala director Ritesh Batra presents ‘The Lunchbox’ with Irrfan Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Denzil Smith. ‘Out of the Furnace’ featuring Christian Bale and Casey Affleck preludes Laila Marrakchi’s ‘Rock the Casbah’ featuring Hiam Abbass, Nadine Labaki, Lubna Azabal, Morjana Alaoui and Omar Sharif on the 12th. Fred Schepisi’s ‘Words & Pictures’ with Clive Owen and Juliette Binoche follows the prestigious Muhr Awards Ceremony on the 13th. Rounding off the week of double-bill Gala’s on the 14th is our second Family Gala, a 3D family adventure ‘Walking With Dinosaurs: The 3D Movie’ directed by Barry Cook and Neil Nightingale.

preview Watch out for the stars

And as the red carpet rolls, the brightest stars come down to walk through.

International celebrities flying into Dubai this December include: Martin Sheen, Cate Blanchett, Irfann Khan, Nimrat Kaur, Nawazuddin Siddiqi, Rooney Mara, Mark Ruffalo, Goldie, Berenice Mahloe, Maryam D’Abo, Priyanka Chopra, and others.

A-list Arab celebrities set to grace the red-carpet include: Hassan Youssef, Yosra, Ezzat El-Alaily, Nelly, Nadia El-Gendy, Samira Ahmed, Youssef Shaaban, Abdelrahman Abouzahra, Ahmed Bider, Khaled Saleh, Samy El-Adl, Mahmoud Kabil , Hassan Mostafa, Mimi Gamal, Mohamed Saad, Sherine Adel and Monther Ryahnah .

And stars flocking to DIFF from the GCC include: Abdel Aziz Jassem Asmahan, Shojoun, Mashari Al Ballam, Soaad Abdullah, Shahed, Sahar Hussei, Ahlam Hasan, Lamiaa Tarek, Intisar Al Sharrah, Lamiaa Tarek, Intisar Al Sharrah, Abdul Nasser Darweesh, Najwa Al Qubeisi, Sanaa Younis, Latifa Al Mojren and Ibrahim Al Zadjali.

Jury line-up

Academy Award winner and IWC Friend of the Brand Cate Blanchett returns to Dubai to head the IWC Filmmaker Award jury for the second year running. The award, which offers a USD100,000 cash prize to one winning filmmaker, will be presented at an event hosted by ‘Supporting Sponsor’ and Official ‘Festival-Time’ Partner IWC Schaffhausen on December 7.

DIFF’s outstanding competition juries this year consists of world-famous filmmakers and industry decision makers who will come together to help judge the Muhr Arab, Emirati and AsiaAfrica Awards. Academy Award nominated filmmaker Jim Sheridan heads up the Muhr Arab Feature category and veteran Egyptian director Yousry Nasrallah leads the Muhr Documentary category. Muhr AsiaAfrica Documentary deliberations will be led by film critic Tony Rayns. The three categories of short films – Arab, AsiaAfrica and Emirati will be judged by a jury led by acclaimed Tunisian director and screenwriter Nouri Bouzid.

The FIPRESCI feature and short fiction and documentary jury will be led by Bulgarian professor, critic and journalist Bojidar Manov.

Charity for Festival On December 11, DIFF will partner for the third year running with Dubai Cares and Oxfam to host a glittering annual ‘One Night to Change Lives’ charity event under the patronage of UN Messenger of Peace HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Proceeds from the exclusive star-studded gala evening will go to the UAE-based philanthropic organisation Dubai Cares and global development and aid agency, Oxfam to support their work responding to the current crisis in Syria.

Dubai Film Market The Dubai Film Market, the leading industry platform for Arab cinema and the business centre of the Festival will showcase a slate of 20 films supported by Enjaaz and a further three films supported by the Dubai Film Connection to audiences during DIFF. Throughout the week, Festivalgoers can attend the over 40 sessions that combines Networking sessions, ‘How to’ sessions, Master classes, ‘In Conversations’ with, Industry panels, Broadcasters Day and Dubai Docs.

Awarding the bests DIFF will present its Lifetime Achievement Awards to multi Emmy and Golden Globe Award winner Martin Sheen, one of the greatest actors of his generation with a career that has seen him appear in more than 65 films. The Arab Lifetime Achievement Award goes to veteran Egyptian film critic Samir Farid. Farid is a giant in his field, and has been tireless in promoting cinema, both within the Arab world and beyond, for 50 years.

Sheen will take to the stage for an ‘In conversation’ event in the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Theatre on December 8, giving rare insight into the wonderfully versatile actor’s career.

The prestigious Muhr Awards have gone from strength to strength and this year will showcase a record number of films – an impressive 90 films will compete for over USD575, 000 in prize money across three categories – Muhr Emirati, Muhr Arab and Muhr AsiaAfrica. The line-up this year was selected from 3,500 submissions from 143 countries, an overwhelming response that constitutes an over 60 per cent increase from 2012 and reaffirms that filmmakers from around the world are keen to participate in DIFF. Arabic features will also be eligible for a variety of prestigious global awards including the FIPRESCI International Prize of the Critics Award.

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profile

Bring on the Bling...

From a funky colourful beaded choker to a huge glittering gem encrusted statement ring, the bling you wear tells a lot about your personal style, taste and speaks volumes about who you are. Saadiya Ahmad met with five of Dubai’s hottest bling designers who revealed hot trends for this holiday season.

Clair Seffeen

is the esteemed designer behind the candy coloured accessories brand ‘fortheloveof’. She elaborates,“The fortheloveof girl is a daydreamer; she chases rainbows by day and wishes upon the brightest star by night. To create my jewellery, I travel extensively and it’s on these trips that I source my materials. It could be a limited metal bead that I find at a New York street market to a small Parisian bead store where I discover cute ‘matroushka’ dolls!

I love finding unique materials so I can create pieces that are different. In fact, my most inspiring moment is when I’m sourcing my main materials on my trips. I can spend hours putting together different beads, charms and trinklets creating the direction of the collection in the store, always keeping in mind that woman who enjoys dressing up and standing out.

Some key trends in bling for the holiday season are pearls; lots and lots of pearls mixed with metallic beads and a touch of sparkle is essential. Tassels are also a must-have, either on a long necklace or bracelet. If you had to purchase just one piece of fabulous piece of jewellery for the holiday season, I would definitely recommend the Sparkle Rock from fortheloveof which has just the right amount of bling to dress up any holiday outfit.”

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profile

Ghada Essentials

is a young fun and everyday jewellery line launched in Dubai four years ago, created

by Ghada El Sokkari Sultan.

She details,“I also have a more luxurious line called Ghada Exclusives. For both lines I only use precious and semi precious stones along with 18k gold.

Whilst designing, most of my inspirations come from vintage or antique jewellery which I absolutely love. I started by designing things for myself and as gifts for friends. Also, I travel a lot and like to see what trendy young women all over the world are wearing. I have never been impressed by big expensive stones or jewellery, but rather more by design and so I started my own label in order to bring my own ideas to life. I like to work with mostly brown and black diamonds as well as blackened gold. I think it gives it a modern but vintage look; which is more understated. I feel that nowadays fashion needs to be more wearable and affordable and that is why I concentrate on the Ghada Essentials line more. For this season, I think every girl needs to have a pinkie ring and an ear cuff...”

Sadia Butt is the owner

of Dubai-based jewellery and accessories brand Rocks and Ice which makes fashionable, trendy jewellery, both handmade and manufactured.

She narrates,“We make arm candy, necklaces and head pieces. Rocks and Ice is a twoyear-old company and has become very popular in the Gulf as well as other Middle Eastern countries. Our designs are based on collections for the season and always new and unique. The latest collection is the ‘Spread the Love’Valentines Candy Collection. Another is a neon bangle collection called ‘Urban Safari’. Our clients are women who like fashion, unique designs, and like to follow the trend, so we make our designs available at unique fashion houses like Candella Boutique. In creating the pieces, we use gold, diamonds, silver, crystals, beads, and steel plated metals. We have the real jewellery line and then the fashion line. Inspiration for my designs is what I call ‘the vibrancy for life’.

I have a girl or woman in my mind saying,“Here I am! I’m fun, I’m alive and want to be happy!”The holiday look for this year is wearing beautiful, bejewelled headpieces. In fact, I suggest that the best item to purchase for the season is a really bling head piece to wear throughout the holidays; to daytime parties, evening outings and even just to work. It’s glamourising, it’s uplifting, and it’s on trend.”

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profile Ileana Makri,

Marwa Kharsa,

the designer of Mar Mar, says that her jewellery is an extension of who she is; whimsical with a great amount of detail. She elaborates,“I design my pieces for every single girl out there.

There are some very simplistic pieces with an edge to them and some other pieces that have a bit more flair and drama. I also try to design a few pieces with the ‘gifting’ process in mind. Some of the materials I work with, to name a few, are 18K yellow, rose and white gold, sterling silver, black diamonds, tsavorite, and rubies. This season I am really experimenting with opals. I think it’s an underappreciated stone and the colours and mystery behind the stone are very inspirational.

My favourite thing about inspiration is that I find it everywhere and it hits me when I least expect it. As cliché as it sounds, I find inspiration in friends, music, food, travel and reading, and this is what triggers new ideas. Actually while I am designing the latest collection, the only thing I have in mind is how happy it will make clients when they wear it. Some key trends in bling for the holiday season are statement necklaces; chandelier and hoop earrings are also huge this season. In fact, the Stella Hoop Earrings by Mar Mar are a must-have. They are a pair of large gold hoop earrings with turquoise and stars that you can wear to the beach and dinner.”

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jewellery designer for her brand Makri Jewelry, sold exclusively at Comptoir102, says her company motto is ‘I design jewellery for no special occasion’.

She explains,“My client is a confident, elegant woman who wants her own special pieces that can be a part of her everyday life and that she can wear from morning to evening.

I work mainly with all colours of gold and a wide palette of diamonds. And I also work with other precious stones, such as rubies, sapphires and tsavorites.

Diamonds are my favourite though because of their brightness, rarity and indestructible qualities. While my biggest inspiration while designing jewellery is travelling and getting to know other cultures, I also usually have myself or my daughters in mind because we are perfectionists and I strive to perfect all of the details of each piece. As far as trends go, what I am seeing and feeling at the moment are geometric shapes and androgynous pieces. I believe that the Middle Eastern woman is extremely elegant, groomed and feminine. She does have more occasions to wear my bigger pieces.

However I really feel that the differences are much less prominent now due to the internet and extensive travel. If a person had to choose just one fabulous piece of jewellery, I would say that is our Star Ring in White or Yellow Gold with White Diamonds; it’s a bright, luxurious, timeless piece and the Star is a very fitting symbol for the holidays.”

glam

glam

Biggest for Chopard Chopard recently opened its largest boutique in the world. With the luxury house treating its boutiques like its own embassies, it makes a mark on why they chose the biggest embassy to be in the Middle East, and in Kuwait specifically.

Prestige Mall witnessed a true feel of glamour and luxury for the celebration of its opening. Caroline Scheufele, co-President of Chopard and Amer Al Ansari, Managing Partner of Trafalgar had the pleasure to host a number of celebrities from the region and selected guests within an exceptional setting that offered a unique atmosphere.

In its new Kuwait Boutique, the dimensions are impressive: clients are welcomed into a 460sqm lobby, with a ceiling over 12m high, from which a large bespoke chandelier made of crystals is suspended. They will be able to discover collections in several dedicated areas, on the 2nd f loor, three lounges have been created, including a V IP area where clients can discover our High Jewellery collections. In another area, gentlemen will be able to enjoy a fine cigar while getting familiar with L.U.C collection, the in house manufactured watches.

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glam

Guess who’s now in the hood?

A massive block party saw the launch of the new concept store: s*uce in the Hood at Cit ywalk Mall.

As always, the party featured delicious culinary creative delights by Fait Maison Cuisine, and for listening pleasure, the party received the old school hip hop and scratching sounds of DJ 50Fils. The party also featured a huge graffiti wall by Dubai-based graffiti artist Sya that read 's*uce in the Hood' in Arabic (a commissioned artwork) and a surprise guest appearance by Guinness Book of World Records holding dancer Christopher Lawrence and his girls and Bboys!

So what’s s*uce in the Hood exactly?? s*uce in the Hood is a brand new concept by s*uce. It’s an extension of the playful, quirky multibrand retail concept, but the idea is that it is easily accessible – wit hin your own 'hood' or neighbourhood. It features the coolest crop of cutting-edge international and regional designers that are, as always, girly, but wit h a lot of edge.

It displays: witty trucker hats, slogan tees and sweatshirts, deconstructed patchwork denim, Vintage embellished t-shirts, cross stitch and blinged tongue-in-cheek customised clutches, celebrit y-favoured sweatpants wit h rose gold zippers, high tops, platform jelly shoes and more. Many brands and collections at s*uce in the Hood will be exclusive and not available at any other s*uce location.

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glam

Party in the streets of Paris A-list stars including Audrey Tautou, January Jones, Freida P into,Astrid Berges-Frisbey, Olga Kurylenko, Alice Dellal, MelanieDoutey and Lou Lesage f locked to Paris to celebrate the launch of the Isabel Marant pour H&M collection. In a lively urban atmosphere catching Marant’s bohemian energy, the collection was presented in cinematic settings that mixed images, films and models. Live performances by Grandmaster Melle Mel and Rappers Delight, originally of Sugarhill Gang charged the atmosphere.

The event transported guests into a street slice of Paris, in the early ‘90s, the time when Isabel debuted her eponymous line: brasseries, neon signs, pizza shops, souvenir shops, epiceries, street vendors and people casually enjoying a stroll in the outdoors. The collection, that includes her most iconic pieces from her career, was presented in a filmic way. Images, films and street casted models revealed the world of Isabel Marant. The city being integral to her style, Paris came as a natural choice to celebrate the collection being launched last month in around 250 stores worldwide and online.

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glam

Sofitel The Palm throws party of the season Sofitel Luxury Hotels celebrated the inauguration of Sofitel The Palm Dubai as its f lagship Dubai property in a lavish opening ceremony. More than 1,500 guests attended the exclusive soiree at Sofitel The Palm Dubai, which is located on the east crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the eighth wonder of the world.

Radiating an evening of sophistication and elegance, guests were invited to experience a French-Polynesian themed affair, keeping true to the resort’s overall design aesthetic and taking guests on a journey to the tropical and lesser known islands. An array of local and international dignitaries and celebrities were in attendance along with Gregory Maliassas, Senior Vice President Sofitel Middle East, Africa and Indian Ocean and world renowned French botanist, Patrick Blanc, the inspirational creator behind the unique vertical gardens prevalent throughout the property.

The hotel offers 361 guest rooms and suites, as well as 182 serviced residences, ideal for longer stays and boasts a multitude of food and beverage outlets, namely Studio du Chef, offering a modern take on traditional French cuisine; Porterhouse, the property’s signature steak restaurant; Manava, the all-day dining restaurant; Hong Loong, offering authentic Chinese cuisine; Moana, where delectable seafood is prepared with fresh local ingredients, while Maui Beach Bar and Restaurant allows guests to relax while enjoying the aromas and treats from the BBQ. Spread over three levels, 2LIV Nightclub provides party goers unparalleled views of the Arabian Gulf and the ultimate in nighttime fun. Encompassing 2,500sqm and 28 treatment rooms, So Spa offers guests the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation.

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Abeer Al Suwaidi

glam

Hania

‘Crystal loves Abaya’

Rouge Couture

The recent collaborative project between Swarovski and six talented designers from the region proved to be a glamorous success.

Showcased in a campaign photo shoot, video, as well as exhibition held at The Empty Quarter in Dubai International Financial Centre, the beauty of the traditional clothing and the glitter of the crystal were celebrated. The campaign also shows how the abaya’s elegant f luidity lends itself perfectly to embroidery and applique using crystals from Swarovski.

Endemage

Medici by Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi

The six designers – also proprietors of their brands – include two from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Riyadh-based Hania Al braikan for Hania, and Jeddah-based Rawan Azhar of Ta Marbota. From Qatar comes Sheikha Hend Al Qassemi for Medici, and from Oman, Lubna Al Zakwani for Endemage. The two UAE-based designers are Abeer Al Suwaidi for her eponymous brand, and Sara Al Madani for Rouge C outure. Each was commissioned to apply their creative vision to creating abaya designs that bring to life their individual brand identity and design language.

Ta Marbouta

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Travel and Lifestyle

Make a change, and indulge in something fresh and new

Loi Krathong, Thailand

dine out Dubbed one of the newest places in town to see and be seen, Turkish Village Restaurant & Café ‘offers a unique and opulent carnival of the senses that delights the heart, enchants the eye and captivates the soul’.

Fit for

ROYALTY

Turkish food is not hard to find in Dubai. What’s difficult though, is finding authentic Turkish cuisine coupled with a dining experience so wonderful, you’ll ask yourself: “Am I in Turkey?” For this, head down to Turkish Village Restaurant & Café.

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It may look like a typical three-storey building from the outside but your Turkish journey begins the moment you walk through those doors. Stunning décor with beautiful gold and blue accents, reminiscent of the magnificence and grandeur of the country’s striking architecture and stunning Ottoman palaces, adorn the whole space, giving you an insight into the enchanting beauty of the Turkish culture, past, and present. Look a little closer and you will find intricate detailing throughout the place like lanterns, artworks and water installations which add an extra bit of class and culture to the whole place, striking a delicate balance between rich history and contemporary chic. Perfect evening lighting enhances the mood for dining and chatter without taking the spotlight away from the star: the glorious food.

The wide and varied selections in the menu include classic Turkish staples from all regions of Turkey. So, if you’ve ever been to Turkey and tasted something delicious, and long for that lip-smacking dish again, chances are, Turkish Village serves it. And that too using only the freshest of ingredients, some of which are flown in directly from the motherland Turkey itself, just to ensure that the exact taste is replicated. Some of the key ingredients that Turkish cuisine will always have are olive oil, rice, onion, tomato paste, eggplant, red lentil, flour, white cheese,g round meat, lamb meat, bulghur and yoghurt.

For starters, try the smooth and creamy lentil soup that will get your taste buds ready for the food invasion that is to follow.

Now, regardless if you’re a first-timer to Turkish cuisine or otherwise, some of their must try signature dishes include the Meter Kebab – a meter-long serving of kebab which is an evolution and celebration of the many different types of kebab, meant to satisfy even the most ferocious of appetites, the Sultan Platter – a selection of meat and chicken, marinated in our signature sauce and spices, all grilled to mouth-watering perfection and the Kuzu Tandir – lamb shanks cooked slowly and leisurely, roasted for hours resulting in soft, tender meat falling away from the bone; a perfect entrée for the unhurried connoisseur of delectable and rich meat dishes. Other popular dishes include Etli Ekmek, Konya, Iskender

dine out Iskender Kebab

(Lamb Kebab with Yogurt and Spicy Tomato Sauce) - - - - -

- - -

1 yellow onion 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1/4 cup olive oil + 1 tablespoon 2 cloves garlic Blend of spices: paprika, cumin, ground coriander, a touch of cinnamon and turmeric (optional) 3/4-1 lb lamb slices 1 cup Greek-style natural yogurt 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Puree the onion, ½ cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of oil and spice mixture in a food processor. In a bowl, pour over lamb and toss to coat. Cover with plastic wrap.

Place in the fridge for 2 hours to marinate.

Ottoman cake and Bici Bici If there is one dish that demands more of the chef’s time, it is the Tuzda Tavuk.“You have to prepare in three steps: First step is marinating with fresh herbs for 1 hour, second step is covering it with sea salt and bake for 2 hours and the last step after cooking is breaking the salt carefully in front of customer, but it’s all worth it,” explains Executive Chef Mustafa Demirhan, a man whose experience with food and restaurants started when he was only 11 years-old. So if you prefer something that you know has gotten a lot of care and time, then this dish is it.

Combine the yogurt and half the garlic, another tablespoon of lemon juice, and a touch of S&P in a small bowl. Cover and place in the fridge. Heat the remaining oil in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the remaining garlic and cook, stirring, for 1 minute or until soft. Add the paprika and chilli and cook for 30 seconds or until aromatic. Add the tomato sauce and water and simmer, stirring occasconally, for 20 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Season with salt & pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place

- - - - -

-

-

Salt & freshly ground pepper 2 tsp sweet paprika 1/4 tsp chili powder 1 can of tomato sauce 2 tablespoons water or chicken stock 1 baguette sliced into 1 inch cubes 2 long fresh green chillies

pieces of bread in a bowl and pour a little olive oil over, then season with salt & pepper. Toss to coat. Place on a pan and bake until crispy on outside, but soft in the middle, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the meat from the marinade and season with salt and pepper. Thread the lamb onto four skewers.

Preheat a barbecue or large grill pan on high. Cook the lamb, turning occasionally, for 10 minutes or until cooked through. Transfer to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm. Divide the bread and chillies evenly among serving plates. Remove lamb from skewers and place on top of bread.

Dress with even amounts of yogurt and spicy tomato sauce.

The fact is, whichever dish you choose, servings are huge and the tastes are sublime. To round off your meal, you can opt for traditional Turkish fare like Baklava or Knafah or if you’re already full, stop by the sweets and food corner by the reception to get your fill as takeaway.

And if you still can’t get enough of the food, you can simply visit the Turkish Village again, or, if you’re up for it, try your hand at one of the recipes the chef has so gracefully shared: the Iskender Kebab.

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locally

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locally

Destination:

ABU DHABI Culture, entertainment and luxury await one’s visit to the capital of United Arab Emirates. AW discovers the secrets of the city of Abu Dhabi, and is drawn to it even more.

R

apidly developing into a luxurious haven in the Middle East, the capital city of Abu Dhabi is where you can immerse yourself in abundance of heritage and natural beauty.

It is the largest of the seven emirates that make up the country, and brings sophistication and elegance with traditional values. It is where new contemporary ideas do not clash with tradition, but rather work together in brilliant harmony.

Art in architecture One of the most important and arguably the best architectural feature in Abu Dhabi is the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The main prayer hall is floored with the world’s largest hand-knotted carpet made from wool and designed by Iranian artist Ali Khaliqi. The Grand Mosque also holds seven imported chandeliers that graciously hang from the ceiling.

Water pools surround the entire mosque

and reflect the beautiful architecture. The Grand mosque was built with 82 domes, the largest located in the main prayer hall.

Within each dome is traditional Moroccan artwork and includes excerpts from the Holy Quran. Using modern techniques of artistic glass work, mosaic, carved and sand blasted glass displays traditional Islamic designs of symmetry and repetition.

The art and craftsmanship that surrounds you will simply leave you in awe. The aura that surrounds the mosque is that of enlightenment.

Lush Escape If you want an escape from the rush of the city then retreat to the lush desert resort Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara that translates to ‘Mirage Palace’. It is located just 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, and set in the midst of the vast red sand desert.

Inspired by the lifestyle of authentic Arabia, it surrounds guests by seemingly infinite dunes and breathtaking views of the open

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locally desert. Guests are only given the best in local and international cuisine. One of the key features of the resort is the Anantara Spa. It has 5 lavish treatment rooms with views of the desert, each designed with the local Arabic traditions in mind and the colour palette is stimulated by the natural surroundings of towering red dunes. The spa boasts luxurious facilities such as a Vichy Treatment room, while steam and sauna within the Hammam facility melt away the stresses of modern life. If you are feeling more adventurous, there are other options to consider for your leisure. Camel trekking, desert driving, archery, desert walk, bike riding, Liwa tour, land sailing, Saluki dogs, falcon show, horseback rising, and yoga on the dunes. Not to mention that all rooms, suites and villas are furnished in Arabian dĂŠcor, with rich fabrics and warm wooden hues. For the person looking for the ultimate in lavish experiences, guests are invited to retreat to its finest five star services. Adorned with hints of Bedouin tradition and exquisite reminders of timeless culture, guests are assured of feeling a million miles away from the fast pace of city life.

Traditional Bedouin coffee

Camels in the desert

JAY Z du Arena

Beats on Beach Crowd

Fun and excitement It seems that during the Formula 1 season, people from all around the world flock to Abu Dhabi to watch their favorite racers drive in the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This includes celebrities, entrepreneurs, athletes and musicians.

During the course of our stay, there were three concerts at the Du Arena (located on Yas Island). The Du arena is a purposelybuilt open-air, live performance venue that can accommodate 25,000-40,000 people.

The three headlining musicians and bands were Jay Z, Muse, and Depeche Mode.

Although each performance was completely different from each other, the one thing that united all three was the sheer number of people there to see their act perform.

As a venue, the Du Arena has incredible acoustics. It is the perfect venue to go wild or even simply to admire your favourite artist. The experience of watching their performances live was unparalleled to any concert or show I have seen in the region.

Each performance was highly theatrical, energetic, and extravagant. Each night the performers left the audience wanting more, chanting for their favourite songs. If you are looking for a grand experience, make sure to check out a concert at the Du Arena.

Deluxe treats In preparation for the F1 race, we spent the night before the qualifying rounds on a luxury yacht in Yas Marina Circuit. At this point, I had never heard a Formula 1 engine live in person. On the way to the marina, we could hear the thundering of these allpowerful engines as they sped by. It was a surreal experience being able to hear

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the Formula 1 racers practice from a yacht parked on the marina. It rendered me with nothing but a smile on my face. We even got to meet some familiar faces such as Italian supercar-maker and founder of Pagani Automobili, Horacio Pagani. Also making a guest appearance was Argentine football manager, coach and former player Diego Maradona. Finally, there was American actor, singer, producer and businessman David Hasselhoff, a personal hero of mine.

All of whom came to spend the evening next to the track.

The morning of the race, we left the hotel early to make sure we secured seats right up front. The day was spent in a Paddock Suite that served 5 star cuisine right above the Ferrari pit lane. We were fortunate enough to be seated right above the Ferrari pit lane for the qualifying rounds as well as the race. My time was spent waiting for my favourite drivers to drive through the corner and onto the final straight before the finish line. To hear some of the worlds fastest cars going flat out is something that I can only describe as euphoric. We watched most of the race on a screen on account we did not have a full view of the track. Nevertheless the excitement of the race was matched by nothing I have ever experienced before.

If you are a thrill-seeker wanting a little fast action yourself, there is no better place than Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. It is a Ferrarithemed indoor amusement park that has a variety of fun activities for you and your family. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi officially opened on the November 4, 2010 and

locally has brought the excitement of the Ferrari brand to hundreds of thousands of people.

It is the home of the worlds largest Ferrari logo ever created that measures 65m. It is the largest indoor amusement park in the world. It features the Formula Rossa, the fastest rollercoaster in the world reaching a top speed of 240km/h. If being propelled forward at a G-force of 4.8Gs isn’t your thing, perhaps a visit to the Galleria Ferrari, the world’s largest Ferrari gallery outside of Maranello, Italy, might do it for you. For the kids, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi offers the Junior Grand Prix which is a racing school for budding Scuderia drivers who can drive child-sized Ferrari F1 racers. There is also the Junior GT, a driving school for children where kids receive training before jumping into their own child-sized F430 GT Spider to navigate a network of streets. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi welcomes its guests to become a part of the Ferrari heritage and to share experiences that you will not find anywhere else.

Better than well It is just so hard to compare Abu Dhabi to any other city in the world, especially during Formula 1 season.

There is electricity in the air. There is a certain vibrancy and glow above the. Yas Marina Circuit. Everybody is filled with excitement and an eagerness to hear the roar of the cars. I think that a major mistake people make when considering Abu Dhabi as a travel destination is that they compare it to Dubai. This to me is an unfair comparison because they are completely different; although I must admit that they complement each other very well. Abu Dhabi is more traditional and conscious of its heritage, but having said that, it is welcoming and friendly to everyone. It is the perfect destination to get lost and make new friends. When I arrived at Abu Dhabi International airport I knew no one, but I left one week later, knowing I’d be leaving all my new friends.

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F1

Now in its fifth year, the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the most international to date with over 40 per cent of non-UAE residents in attendance.

Party on the tracks!

The 2013 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX served up another round of excitement and interesting happenings, both on and off the track. We take a look at some of the highlights of the highly popular event.

Fans took a first look at the expanded off-track entertainment programme in the Oasis Areas of the Circuit which, this year included themed areas such as the South Beach Oasis and the F1 Village.

Enthusiasts gathered to meet their motorsport idols, and take a piece of the race weekend with them, as F1 drivers signed team merchandise and personal belongings.

The Pit Lane Walk drew over 6000 fans who turned up to get a behind-the-scenes look at F1 teams’ preparations for the race weekend.

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F1 The race Surprise surprise! Red Bull’s Sebastien Vettel won the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and with that, equalling the longest winning streak in modern F1 with seven successive victories.

Though he started in second place behind teammate Mark Webber, Vettel instantly took control of the track and never looked back. “I felt very, very good on the soft tyres and was able to pull out a good gap in the first couple of laps,” said Vettel. At the end, he crossed the line at an astonishing 30 seconds ahead of second place Webber.

“Seb was on another planet today and was very, very strong in the first stint,” said Webber.”

Such was the professionalism and sheer talent of a man who need not put in his best shift after sealing the championship a week earlier in India, effectively becoming the youngest

quadruple champion at the age of 26.

To celebrate his victory, Vettel did ‘donuts’ with his car at the end, incidentally the same act which got him into trouble when he clinched the title in India. Act of defiance or just a cheeky jab?

Speaking of trouble, the other noteworthy incident during the race involved Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso who was investigated for driving off the track during an overtaking maneuver as he came out of the pit stop. He was however later dismissed of any wrongdoings.

In other mishaps, Kimi Raikkonen clashed into another car and suffered irreparable damage. “There was some contact in front of me through the first corner so I stuck to the inside, but unfortunately one of the Caterhams touched my front wheel and it broke the track rod.”

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travel

Festival of Light One of Thailand’s most beautiful and romantic festival commemorated every year is Loi Krathong. Sherry Tenorio heads down to the Far East, and celebrates the Festival of Light.

Floating lanterns light up Chiang-Mai

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t’s not a land foreign to me, but it’s a festival that I’ve heard about pretty recently. I have already been enchanted by the city vibe of Bangkok for a few times, yet still I could sense immense excitement in this particular trip. The idea of visiting it in festive mood gives a different thrill, and I must say that the whole experience did not disappoint.

The seven-hour flight was well worth it,

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especially when our arrival was welcomed by a visit straight to a renowned city spa.

From then on, I knew that this would be going to be a long but truly memorable journey.

Grand welcome Almost an hour away from the Suvarnabhumi Airport is the city proper of Bangkok. As we were ushered into the vibrant Sukhumvit 31 road, the relaxing promise of Oasis Spa filled us. Considered

as an Urban Bohemian themed day spa, it is one of the newest and grooviest havens of indulgence in the city of angels. It’s a place of serenity, indeed, and to someone who has just come out from a long haul flight it’s heaven.

Taken into the treatment room, I began to explore its outdoor bath, and rang the bell to signal I was ready for the King of Oasis Massage. It’s a powerful yet pleasing treatment combining Thai massage

travel Grand welcome at Oasis Spa

Loi Krathong Festival

techniques with Aromatherapy massage.

Called by some “stress-management”Thai style, it begins with a Thai Herbal Hot Compress along the strong muscle lines followed by a Hot Oil Massage that works and stretches the muscles while reopening the body’s energy pathway. At the end of this two-hour session, I’ve already felt both relaxed and rejuvenated, and ready to carry on with some serious Loi Krathong activities.

Loi Krathong On the full moon night of the twelfth lunar month, the tide in the rivers is highest and the moon at its brightest, creating a romantic setting ideal for lovers. The Thai people choose this day to hold the ‘Loi Krathong’ festival, or the ‘festival of light.’ Loi Krathong is one of the two most recognized festivals in the country.

Loi Krathong is probably the most picturesque and beautiful of all Thai celebrations. ‘Loy’ literally means ‘to float,’ while ‘krathong’ refers to the lotus-shaped

receptacle which can float on the water.

Originally, the krathong was made of banana leaves or the layers of the trunk of a banana tree or a spider lily plant. A krathong contains food, betel nuts, flowers, joss sticks, candle and coins. The making of a krathong is much more creative these days as many more materials are available.

The Loi Krathong ritual is a simple one.

One needs only to light the candles and the joss sticks, make one’s wishes and let it float away with the current of a river or a canal.

On that day, thousands of people will gather beside the canals and rivers. With kratong in hands, they light the candle, put some coins in the kratong and silently make a wish, and carefully place their kratongs in the water and release them to the current.

They watch intently as the float drifts silently downstream, hoping that the candle will not go out. Its flame is said to signify longevity, fulfillment of wishes and release from sins. Altogether it is considered a romantic night for couples or lovers.

Couples who make a wish together on Loi Krathong are thought to stay together in the future.

Origins Different legends surround the origins of Loi Krathong. The most popular version is it was an expression of gratitude to the goddess of water ‘Phra Mae Kongka’ for having extensively used, and sometimes polluted, the water from the rivers and canals. It is also in part a thanksgiving for her bounty in providing water for the livelihood of the people.

Some believe the festival originates from Buddhism. They say the offering of flowers, candles and joss-sticks is a tribute of respect to the footprint of the Lord Buddha on the sandy beach of the Narmaha River in India,

as well as to the great Serpent and dwellers of the underwater world, after the Lord Buddha’s visit to their watery realm. It is possible that this is derived from a Hindu festival that pays tribute to the god Vishnu, who meditates at the center of the ocean.

Others believe that the floral krathong is offered to the pagoda containing the Lord Buddha’s topknot, which was cut off at his self-ordination and is now in heaven.

Another explanation is that it is a way to pay respect to one’s ancestors.

Whatever the true origin, the practice of Loi Krathong first began in the ancient kingdom of Sukhothai in the 13th century.

A young queen named Nang Noppamas was believed to be the one who made a small boat laden with candles and incense and floated it down the river. The name Nang Noppamas has been associated with Loy Kratong ever since.

Today, Loy Krathong offers a unique occasion to celebrate. It’s a good time for people to make wishes and look to the future as they float their floral offerings along the waterways. Thai people usually prepare natural materials to make Krathong, a beautiful piece of banana trunk and lotus decorated with flowers, candles and incense stick.

The festival is usually celebrated in a night ceremony when people go to local canals, rivers or sea to float their decorated Krathongs which they believe will bring them good things in asking for forgiveness from the Goddess of Waters for the abuse she suffered over the past year. People usually make a wish at the same time and some people believe that if the candle remains to light until the Krathong is out

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travel Sukhothai Loi Krathong and Candle Festival

of sight then their wishes will come true. There are also contests of making Krathong, entertainment shows and fireworks happening to celebrate the festival.

Where to celebrate This 2013, tons of events happened concurrently in various areas of Thailand.

In Bangkok, there was illuminated boat procession as well as activities were held at illuminated buildings and historical sites on both sides of the Chao Phraya River. Meanwhile, in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Bang Sai Royal Folk Arts and Crafts Center relive the glorious past of the old capital in a traditional procession of beauty queens from all four regions, and experience the relaxing surrounding of floating market demonstration.

Samut Songkhram Province’s Loi Krathong celebration focused on creating about 100,000 pieces of Krathongs while the Thai folk shows were featured together with beauty pageants and Krathong contests and offering food to Buddhist monks along the river.

In Sukhothai Province, the city of the Dawn of Happiness, the festival was celebrated with chandelier lamp parades and firework displays as well as traditional performances, recreational games and markets.

On the other hand, Suphanburi Province also provided its share in the celebrations with procession of hanging lanterns, Krathong design contest, fireworks display, and arts and cultural performances by local artists.

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As for us, the destination for Loi Krathong are two amazing provinces: Tak and Chiang Mai. Ceremony at Tak To get to the Tak Province, we flew via Bangkok Airways for about an hour to the Sukhothai Airport, which proved to be the cutest airport I’ve ever seen in my life. It seems like a resort-looking small airport in the middle of the fields, and we could not help but pose for photo opportunities.

Province, where we paid respect to the Wat Prahat Temple and enjoyed cups of green tea ice cream, filled our trip to Chiang Mai.

From there, we traveled via land to Tak Province, and marveled at the provincial beauty of the country. Upon checking into the Vieang Tak Riverside, we hurried to finish dinner to get in time on the municipality’s grand ceremony at the Tak Vieang Riverside. Here, we witnessed a main city square filled with tons of people all joyful and ready to celebrate.

It was almost sunset when we reached the Centara Kum Phaya Resort & Spa (Centara Boutique Collection) located in the heart of Chiang Mai, but the breathtaking beauty of the resort revived our tired bodies.

After lingering for a while at our totally adorable room (with access to the pool), we freshened up and headed to an unexpected night of floating lantern festivities.

Upon reaching the riverside, we attended the ceremony that began with the officials’ speeches followed by an elaborate stage performance detailing the history of the province. Drawn with their costumes, music and traditional dances, we were not prepared to what happened next – a series of stunning and huge krathongs apparently gifted by the Royal Family to the province came out, and was led to float on the river.

When the lit of Krathongs floated onto the right current, one after another, it became a mesmerizing sight as they meander along and make an endearing and twinkling curving line.

Thousands and thousands of people were apparently going to the same place we were heading so traffic and crowds abound. A far walk from the drop off point, the ceremonial square was already filled with thousands of people – locals and tourists alike – but the serenity of the place persisted despite the noise and the crowds.

Charming Chiang Mai The celebration continued after an evening of delight and lights at Tak. Early morning road trip, and a quick stop at Lampang

Centara Kum Phaya Resort & Spa (Centara Boutique Collection)

I was not sure what it was, it could be the angelic voice over (who’s translating the spiels in various languages) or the call for stillness and prayer, or simply the silent wishes of thousands of people who wanted to celebrate as well as to pray and wish that their prayers would come true, but it was a moment of extraordinary peace and serenity. And, the moment where thousands of lighted lanterns started to fly away, and float up in the sky, that great feeling filled

travel me again – indeed, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s one that will always be remembered.

Following that night of floating lanterns were joyous and exciting activities in Chiang Mai. We went to Mae Sa Elephant Camp, and submitted ourselves to watching elephant’s paint, dance, play football, and eat tons of bananas. We also went for the bamboo rafting that turned out to be a quiet moment filled with calmness of the river and the forest. Meanwhile, the elephant and fox ride gave us thrills and shrills (while we felt bad at the tired and poor animals) as we went up and down the forest and the river.

and prayed for our wishes. Then, we went to close the night with a visit to the Chiang Mai’s Night Market, and boy, we found great and affordable finds.

Before bidding farewell to the festive province of Chiang Mai, we went for another personal challenge: cooking. Chef Pan of Viteethai Cooking School taught us how to perfect Pad Thai and Green Curry.

The whole session went pretty well, except for the taste of our own dishes. Thankfully, Chef Pan shared his own cooking, and we got satiated with his delicious recipes.

Our last night ended with a relaxing stay at the Centara Kum Phaya Resort & Spa where we marveled at its oriental beauty, its quietness and its massive pool. The dinner in its signature restaurant was also a delight where we savoured traditional Thai dishes.

And, did I mention that the breakfast buffet in this resort is a must-have? It was one that you should always wake up early for.

Back in Bangkok After spending days in Chiang Mai, and exploring its charms, we went back to Bangkok for a couple more days. Welcomed with a festive feast at the Sheraton Grande in Sukhumvit, we found our lunch to be more than filling. With its international buffet open for our taking, we feasted over the sumptuous food displayed around its massive and cozy restaurant.

Elegance abound at The St. Regis Bangkok

Aside from bargain shopping, trying the Sky Train and BTS, and walking around BKK in our minds, we also paid a visit at the Damnernsaduak Floating Market. The place was filled with tourists, and traditional merchants selling fruits and souvenir items. Our lunch at the Rose Garden Suan Sampran also proved to be a wonderful stop.

Yet our aim to shop around persisted so we went to Central World and Platinum before checking in at our last gracious host, the W Hotel. The funky and vibrant hotel embraced us with its youth vibe and cool decors. Its well-lighted elevator area, filled with colourful Tuk-Tuk lights, was a musttake-picture site. Meanwhile, it’s roomy rooms, provides a jovial environment, allowing a mood of nothing but only happiness and great times. The use of gold Thai boxing gloves turned into decorated pillows was also something to note about.

The hotel’s food, clearly demonstrated in its buffet breakfast, was something to come back to, but its most happening Woobar is the place to be in Bangkok.

Indeed, it was the best way to cap our staying Thailand. Our last night was filled with great companions, tasteful cocktails and tons of amazing memories of the country – its people, its cities, food, temples, streets, markets, and, of course, its festivals.

Without question, the trip provided a different taste of Thailand, and made me crave for more.

Elephant riding

Back at Centara Kum Phaya Resort & Spa, the expert and efficient staff taught us how to make our own Krathongs. Proud to have had new knowledge in arts and crafts, we decided to float these personally made Krathongs that night after dinner at the Samsen Villa. After devouring delectable food and enjoying the sights and sounds of festive Mae Ping River in Chiang Mai, we sailed our Krathongs, released our lanterns, Cooking session with Chef Pan of Viteethai Cooking School

hosted with a formal dinner at its signature Italian restaurant, Jojo. From the appetizing Chicken Galentine to the mouthwatering Seafood Aquerello Risotto and sinful Italian Tiramisu, the restaurant’s good-looking Chef Carlo Valenziano did not miss on this one. This was one of the best dinners we’ve had, in Thailand (and any where else, for me).

The funky facade of W Hotel in Bangkok

After which, we went to check in at the grand and elegant St. Regis Bangkok. The check-in was a breeze as each one of us was assigned with personal butlers – it’s apparently in keeping with the traditions of the hotel. To say that we didn’t want to leave the room was not exaggeration since the room was heaven in itself. Complete with amenities (TV, wifi, great view) and bathroom that promises enjoyable ‘me’ time, the St. Regis Bangkok is a destination on its own. To complete our stay, we were

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getaway

A like resort no other Fancy a local getaway that promises a few ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’?

Step into the grandeur of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah.

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getaway

V

ery few hotels that we’ve visited have taken our breaths away at the very first sight. It’s not just the sheer size but also the artistic embellishments that will widen your eyes as you drive up the main entrance to the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the brand’s first hotel in the UAE. Impressive seems an understatement. You can immediately see why the ruler of Ras Al Khaimah himself is a frequent visitor to this magnificent abode.

As you step into the lobby, the colour theme immediately strikes you. All through the hotel, the décor and colours are all taken from the local environments; the gold for the sand, red for the Haja mountains and bluish green for the sea. All very easy on the eyes. The centerpiece of the lobby is the grand clock tower, a signature of the Waldorf Astoria brand. This masterpiece, which took 30 people eight months to build, has been exclusively designed to honour regional Arab culture and includes the five daily prayer times.

Also on the lobby is another signature feature: Peacock Alley, a public area dedicated to the renowned dining area.

From the carpets to the grilles of the grand steps, of which you’d have to walk up at least once, most design elements in the Peacock Alley in Waldorf Astoria RAK capture the feathers of the peacock. The original Peacock Alley in NY became a place for fashionistas and a place for people to see and be seen. They used to see 25,000 people a day, be it celebrities or members of parliament. For those who want to keep out of the public eye, there are the private alcoves for a more private affair.

The mezzanine level of the Peacock Alley will showcase art pieces like the old B&W photographs from the past like Marilyn Monroe, JFK, and other icons that used to go through the Alley. It will also be filled with magazines and books where guests can use it as a library of sorts to just relax and wind down.

Rooms of grandeur Offering sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf, the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah has 346 rooms, including single-floor suites as well as double-storeyed ones. The hotel has been a project for eight years and was initially planned to be built as apartments for the America’s Cup, which explains the big spacious rooms.

The suite is basically divided into two

areas, the sleeping area and a lounging area, complete with a work desk and its own large screen television. The bathroom is huge and the dark tiles add that extra touch of elegance. There is a walk-in closet equipped with a dressing table so the ladies can have their own private dressing area. An iPod or iPhone-compatible radio clock sits by the bedside table. The tiles, the ceramics, the glass; they’re all made by RAK Ceramics, ensuring local collaboration.

There is a personal concierge assigned to each guest who will take care of all your needs, including an orientation of the hotel if you need one, shopping and transport arrangements, etc. If your name is affixed to the letters V-I P, then you’d have private elevators bringing you straight to your rooms or to some of the restaurants and lounges. These special VIP guests will be ushered to their rooms where the staff will greet them at their room, all without the conventional hassle of check-ins If any guests feel like personalising their rooms and stay, Waldorf Astoria RAK offers what they call the Master Collection.

Sleep Masters, Bath Masters and Fragrance Masters; these are the people who add that little bit of magic to make your stay even more memorable and pleasurable. For example, the Fragrance Master would come in usually around dusk, and infuse your room with scents according to the mood that you’re in, or the mood that you want to set. The Bath Master will accent your bath time with culinary delights. If you’re into milk baths, the Bath Master can set a Camel Milk bath, or if you’re into pure luxury, you can choose to bathe in water sprinkled with gold flakes.

Indulgences Fancy a pampering session? Head down to the spa which features an impressive 1650sqm of tranquil surroundings with 12 luxurious bespoke treatment rooms. One of the products used is Voya, produced by an Irish company, and the only company that harvests seaweed and dries them quickly in a couple of hours so that it still retains all the minerals and goodness; good for anti-ageing and detoxification. It is 100 per cent organic and is the only beauty product that has received the Organics Food stamp which is quite impressive being the world’s first. Then there is Rodial, which is the complete opposite. It harvests venoms from bees and uses them for the skin. When the venom reacts with skin, it plumps it, making it like a natural Botox.

Treatments-wise, the spa offers everything you could ask for, from simple head

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getaway beef, both delectable choices and a meat platter for those who want to sample all the carnivorous offerings. Desserts are available though to be honest, they seem a little overcomplicated, with the focus more on presentation rather than taste.

That’s not to say they don’t taste good, but it wasn’t the climax one would hope for, especially after the astounding main courses.

and shoulder massages to full-on body pampering treatments. If you so desire, there is also the couple’s treatment option.

The VIP or couple’s treatment room includes its own steam room to help you relax your muscles and open your pores for the treatment ahead. If you opt for a mask or scrub, you’re encouraged to apply those to each other, making it a very interactive and fun experience as well, not to mention romantic. After a quick shower, you will proceed with your treatments, not necessarily the same ones, but side by side.

After all is done, there is a jacuzzi for you to relax afterwards.

If you’re a fitness buff, the hotel gym is where your action is. Though pretty small considering a hotel of this size, the gym still offers the latest in health equipment, with a garden and pool view if you’re on one of the cardio machines. There is a fitness trainer on hand to help you perfect your form and guide you to achieve better results through better performance. At the corner through a door is a studio space that can be used for group fitness sessions like yoga and pilates.

A personal trainer comes in in the mornings to provide free lessons to guests.

A dip in the pool? Waldorf Astoria RAK has a couple of options for you if you don’t feel like getting sand on you. First, there is the sprawling ornamental pool with cabanas lining alongside it. The cabanas can be used for romantic dinners. Walk nearer to the beach side and you find an infinity pool with art deco theme, perfect for relaxing while you laze on the huge oversized daybeds.

Gastronomical adventure If you’re ever a fan of food, then this hotel is for you. There is a total of 10 restaurants

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in the hotel. That’s right, 10! If you desire a certain food fare, chances are, they have it.

Japanese restaurant Umi. Beautiful grey walls whose prints are actually carved onto the wooden floors to give a seamless transition and a sense of continuity. There is a teppanyaki area and a live sushi bar while outside in the balconies, there are little Japanese gardens. The restaurant includes a private dining room as well, suitable for private parties.

Emirati-inspired cuisine at Marjan restaurant. Relax to arabic music playing softly in the background as you enjoy your Arabian food fare. The menu was created by celebrated Lebanese chef Joe Barza. He’s a little eccentric and it’s reflected in the menu, like hummus mixed with saffron. You get a mix of traditional with the contemporary at the same time. Apart from the open eating area, there are little pods which can seat up to four people. Outside, patrons can enjoy shisha while they take in the sweeping seaside view. The private dining room features great chandeliers and other ornaments while specially commissioned artworks can also be found within the restaurant.

Lexington Grill. This US steakhouse is the place to be for meat lovers. The décor, with its marbles, reflects the marbling of the juicy steaks they offer. Also planned on the menu is dried beef which have been dried for 21-28 days so that the outside blackens. When ready to serve, they will shave off the blackened bits and what you’re presented with is a dish that will simply leave your taste in gastronomic ecstasy. Other things on the menu include the wagyu and angus

To stay or not to stay?

All in all, the Waldorf Astoria RAK is one of the finest hotels in the UAE that we have had the pleasure of visiting. It’s hard to fault anything but if we were to be really nit-picky, it would be the fact that the lobby does seem a little too empty, and does not really give that warm greeting feeling when you step in. But of course. that all changes the moment a friendly staff greets you with a smile. From the décor to the services, everything is wonderful. There is the attention without being overbearing and all the opulence without the tackiness. Best of all, it’s just over an hour’s drive from Dubai, easy for a quick seaside getaway!

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Four state of the art meeting rooms, separate boardroom and a fully equipped business centre, the hotel is also complemented by a range of exclusive and versatile outdoor event venues ideally placed for cocktail parties, soirees and intimate gatherings. The hotel has spacious areas which can be used for dining areas, events and such, especially during the cooler months, with the sun setting in the horizon providing a stunning backdrop.

The main markets for leisure tend to be Europe, Russia and the GCC. It is busy at the weekends with people from Dubai and Abu Dhabi who want to escape the city life. It’s a nice mixture of people coming to the hotel.

The library features a story-teller that comes in every morning and shares some of the most iconic stories like 1001 nights, and also miscellaneous stuff like the history of RAK. Tired from walking around and exploring the hotel? Relax at the tea lounge near the reception area where they serve 150 different types of teas, including oddball ones like the crème caramel tea, which simply tastes divine.

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Time to Festive Offers

The world is buzzing with the most glamorous festive affairs, and you would not want to be left out. Here, AW gives a glimpse on the best bash to be at…

For Ladies Only Celebrating its 110th birthday, The Carlton Hotel in St Moritz now offers an exclusive Ladies only package. Experience St. Moritz at its best by enjoying an exclusive shopping spree along the Via Serlas, a quick lunch at the trendy restaurant around the corner, then a few ho urs relaxing at the exclusive SPA. At the 1200 m2 Leading SPA, you will be spoilt with a wide range of treatments of your choice. To top it all off, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea on the wonderful sun terrace or the Bel Etage with stunning views of the lake of St. Moritz.

Greet the holidays at Edinburgh’s Nira Caledonia

Treat yourself this festive season at one of Edinburgh’s most exclusive addresses; Nira Caledonia, in Gloucester Place, New Town. Whether you’re looking for a weekend retreat, a shop-‘til-you-drop excursion or a traditional Scottish Christmas party, this boutique hotel is offering a host of exciting packages this festive season.

Delightful treats at The Paris and Mandarin Address Dubai Marina Located in the heart of Dubai’s ultra-cosmopolitan Marina district, five-star luxury meets seasonal glamour and glitz for 31 days of festive excitement at The Address Dubai Marina. With unrivalled city and waterside views, make this festive season your most memorable yet with a celebratory month of innovative treats, unique events, familyfriendly activities and chic social occasions. From mouthwatering display of seasonal delights (cookies, gingerbread, and the likes) and Turkey Takeaway hamper, to a festive eve dinner buffet and stylish New Year’s shindig, the hotel has much in offer.

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Want to get the best in everything? Well, we have three words for you: holidays, Paris and Mandarin. Enjoy the season with Mandarin Oriental, Paris’ festive offer that includes daily dining or spa service, traditional festive cuisine, culinary workshops for kids and many more. With a shower of stars decorating the entrance to the courtyard, the hotel will celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve with a luxurious seasonal room package and a range of culinary delights.

Festive Offers

Want pure festive indulgence?

Burj Al Arab has the answer

Bringing a sophisticated sparkle to Dubai, Burj Al Arab promises to offer its guests an enchanting season of traditional festive celebrations with a mesmerising display of inspirational decorations set against a legendary backdrop.

The award-winning team of chefs designed a range of mouthwatering festive dishes made from the finest seasonal ingredients. The exquisite culinary delicacies include seasonal white Alba truffle, festive turkey

Witness Winter Wonderland at Madinat Jumeirah A favourite Dubai spot, Madinat Jumeirah returns to bringing its popular and successful Souk Festive Market. With festive entertainment combined with its signature hospitality, guests would surely find amazing treats from December 17-27. Awaiting visitors are the seasonal food and beverage snacks such as roasted chestnuts and gingerbread treats. An 8m Christmas tree will be embellished with beautiful decorations and activities for children will include a giant snow globe, an ice rink, Santa surfing, a reindeer rodeo, Santa’s grotto, and even the North Pole Train.

Framed against the idyllic backdrop of Mina A’Salam, the market is open from 3pm to midnight on weekdays and 1pm to midnight on weekends. Set to be a firm favourite in the calendar, guests can expect additional yuletide cheer – this year the magical venue is spread over 2,200sqm and extends from the amphitheatre across the waterways of the lagoon.

accompanied with all the traditional trimmings, freshly shucked Kelly Galway Oysters and foie gras terrine. In addition, the menu will feature a selection of homemade festive treats including traditional fruit cake topped with chocolate and candied fruit, mince pies and a gingerbread house.

Burj Al Arab’s festive season runs from December 10-26, with exclusive suite packages and dining offers available throughout the period.

Rock it to NYE at Meydan Hotel Yes, unlock the door to 2014 at The Sky Bubble, Meydan Hotel, with the most magical mystery party in town. For those of you who enjoy a blend of craziness with a touch of madness all whisked together for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, laced with DJs, delicious food that will entice you to ‘EAT ME’ and an exciting selection of beverages urging you to ‘DRINK ME’, then you cannot miss the Meydan New Year’s Eve bash! Tickets are available now for AED895. This includes all food, drink, live music and DJ entertainment, and of course, New Year’s Eve would not be complete without fireworks. Dress to impress with ultimate glamour, and make the Queen of Hearts green with envy as you charm your fellow partygoers with your Cheshire Cat smile. The party will kick off at 8pm, unlocking the door into 2014 as you party into the New Year and beyond.

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Festive Offers

Fan of fireworks?

Atlantis says they’ve got the biggest show ever

Party at W

Glitz, glamour and fabulous times await guests at W Doha with its selection of three dazzling getaway packages running from December 17 to January 4. The hotel will also play host to the most sought after New Year’s Eve party; W Doha’s Great Gatsby Party. It has a couple of options for staying guests and diners, but what adds extra touch in its festive offers is the newly created ‘Get Local This Festive Season’ package designed especially for residents of Qatar.

This ultra cool offer includes a complimentary night for those who spend a minimum of two nights in the hotel, redeemable over any weekend.

You’ll never want to be anywhere else in the world at the turn of year 2013 to 2014. Atlantis, The Palm promises the greatest show on earth this New Year following Dubai’s win of the World Expo 2020 bid. Set to be bigger and brighter than ever, Atlantis, The Palm invites guests to be a part of history this New Year’s Eve with front row seats to the biggest fireworks display in the world, as it celebrates the World Expo 2020 win!

The spectacular New Year’s Eve Royal Gala Dinner returns this year with the promise of unprecedented midnight fireworks under the stars, guaranteed to mesmerise guests from across the globe. And with another incredible line up expected at the ever popular Sandance music festival, including Swedish House Mafia’s DJ Axwell, a driving force behind chart hits Don’t You Worry Child, In My Mind and Save the World, Emeli Sande and Paul Oakenfold, visitors will end the year with memories that last a lifetime.

Luxurious frosty holidays at Corinthia City, Snow and Style Hotel Immerse yourself in the romance of St Petersburg in winter time and experience the beauty of traditional Russian Festive Season. Situated on St Petersburg’s famous Nevsky Prospect, the five-star Corinthia Hotel offers a ‘white’ getaway defined by graceful hospitality, superior levels of convenience and inspired luxury. With the hotel’s central location, discover the most fashionable outlets of the city with a shopping trip that takes in the best boutiques on the Nevsky Prospect, Bolshoi Prospect and Vasilyevsky Island.

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The vibe in Munich has always attracted millions of tourists from around the world. With this beauty covered in snow and style, there’s more reason to come over.

Boasting a host of luxurious spots, a standout is the festive offer at Rocco Forte’s The Charles Hotel.

Families planning to spend this year’s Christmas in the Bavarian capital can take advantage of a special winter suite offer at The Charles Hotel: when booking a suite for the parents, the adjoining children’s bedroom is free.

Festive Offers

A first at St. Regis Abu Dhabi The newest member to the St. Regis family, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi welcomes its first festive season. The hotel will host a Tree Lighting Ceremony, and traditional seasonal menus for sumptuous brunches and jazz dinners on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. Throughout December, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi is hosting a daily fourcourse Festive Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lounge and Crystal Lounge, in the ritual of Lady Astor’s Afternoon Teas with her acquaintances at The St. Regis New York in the late 19th century.

Ring in the holidays at One&Only The Palm Join an elegant December at one of Dubai’s most sophisticated resorts, One&Only The Palm. Offering five-course Christmas dinner at its signature restaurant Stay By Yannick Alleno and spectacular New Year celebrations at this epicenter of fireworks and merriment, as well as a host of other packages available in its dining outlets, One&Only The Palm sizzles all throughout.

Festive pampering at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche The season calls for some personal pampering, and there’s no better place to do that but at Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche. From a 2.3m gingerbread house in Le Cafe to an eight-course dinner menu in La Mer and an amazing view of the fireworks over the Corniche, there is festive fun in store for the whole family. Also, let yourself drawn the annual Sofitel ritual of lighting the Christmas Tree with live Christmas carolers.

Toasting at the Park Hyatt Spend an unforgettable New Year’s Eve with family and friends in the elegant setting of Park Hyatt Dubai, the ideal place to welcome the arrival of 2013. Whether at The Terrace Piazza for the ultimate party atmosphere; at the signature restaurant, Traiteur, for an exclusive five-course dinner; at Café Arabesque for an authentic Middle Eastern experience; or at the intimate Shisha Lounge Terrace overlooking the magnificent Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa fireworks, Park Hyatt Dubai presents a truly international culinary showcase of the Middle East, Europe, Thailand and beyond.

Enchanting season at Raffles Praslin, Seychelles Stunning surroundings, with the warm Seychellois atmosphere and laid-back luxury await guests at Raffles Praslin, Seychelles. The festive celebrations kick off on December 21, with a traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the resort’s panoramic rooftop lounge. Guests will experience a dazzling reception as the sunsets, while the Christmas tree illuminates and carols resonate. New Year festivities will showcase international celebrations from around the world, and each hour guests can experience the excitement of the countdown from various countries on giant screen. Ringing in the New Year as well is a lavish gala dinner and stunning fireworks display.

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wellbeing

A New You? It’s that time of the year again where we tell ourselves that we need to change. But for many, this is déjà vu, a cycle that is hard to break. We ask Marwa Karoura, life coach and founder of KTalk, how to make resolutions the right way.

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wellbeing

Why do you think there is an obsession with resolutions, especially for the New Year?

A new year brings thoughts of a fresh beginning and the opportunity to start over. People face many challenges in their daily lives and a resolution acts as a gateway to hope. It allows the idea of successful change, with this faith for the future receiving a strengthening of resolve with the knowledge that the starting point is a universal one for all. Setting measurable goals, making them public and receiving the support of friends and family plays a big role in grounding this hope and allowing belief in the ability of execution. The mindset of novelty that the New Year brings helps people to discard their failures and start a clean chapter in their book of life.

What are the most common resolutions that people have for the New Year?

- Giving up smoking - Getting rid of bad habits - Improving mental well-being; thinking positive, enjoying life more - Improving finances: getting out of debt, saving money, making small investments - Improving career: performing better at current workplace, getting a better job, establishing own business - Improving education: getting better grades, embarking on further studies, learning a new skill, learning a foreign language, studying more often, reading more books - Self-improvement: becoming fitter, getting more organised, managing time more efficiently, becoming more independent - Improving social skills, enhancing social intelligence - Praying more, getting closer to God, being more spiritual.

Why do so many people fail to follow through with their resolutions?

Resolutions are promises made to oneself that need to be genuine,

authentic and in harmony with who you are. They have to resonate fully with a desire to change. Commitment comes from the heart. If you have no solid conviction around your resolution, it will just be an unattainable fantasy that quickly falls by the wayside.

Can resolutions be made at any other time of the year? What occasion in your opinion would make a better time to have these kinds of resolutions?

You can make a promise to yourself at any time, but New Year provides an extra impetus because it is a significant date and this strengthens resolve.

Any significant occasion can have the same impact, so resolutions can also be particularly successful if made on a special day, such as a birthday, anniversary, marriage, the first day of new job or a holy festival.

What are some of the requirements needed to ensure that a resolution is realised?

- It needs to come from the heart and be accompanied by a deep-seated sense of commitment - It needs to be in alignment with

Is a New Year’s resolution a viable option for change, or should there be more of a trigger to effect that change?

New Year’s resolutions work for some people and not for others. A resolution is a conscious, mindful decision taken to change something that is not going right, something that is not in alignment with who we would like to be. A resolution is a viable option for change if the need to change is internal and genuine. Imposed resolutions are doomed to failure. Promises made because of societal pressures are lacking internal drive. They are onerous and are characterised by an enforced sense of responsibility. This becomes a burden that is usually resisted by the subconscious mind.

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wellbeing personal values. Unless it is part of who you are and what you strive to be, you will not be able to find the internal resources within you to make it happen - It should be genuine, authentic and real. If you are merely making a resolution to please others, it will become a burden too heavy for you to carry for the whole journey - It needs to be accompanied by positive emotions. These are the resources that will help you to succeed - It should have meaning for you personally. If you don’t own it, you won’t be able to do it What advice do you have for people who are starting to think about making a resolution?

It is not enough to simply hope, you must do. Have faith in you, your abilities, your capabilities and your qualities. You are naturally creative, resourceful and whole. Don’t allow anyone in this universe – especially yourself - to undermine you. Believe and you will find the resources within you to make it happen.

Are group resolutions effective, or is it wiser to have individual ones?

Group resolutions for general goals can be very useful and effective, but often they don’t fully chime with a true personal need. They can be successful because group dynamics mean that a person is afraid to let the others down.

Personal resolutions require a different set of tools. They can be more difficult to achieve as it is easier to live with yourself if you feel you have only let yourself and no one else down.

In a society where resolutions are made and forgotten fairly quickly, do you think that there will come a time when New Year’s resolutions will be totally absent?

I believe that the hope of positive change that resolutions bring is an innate need. This hope will always be there. Resolutions are the dreams of a bright future and we can’t live without these dreams.

What do you say to someone who is struggling, or thinking of giving up in their journey to fulfilling their resolutions?

Check with your heart. Is it really telling you that you are destined to have what you hope for? Is it telling you that all that you need is faith? Is it telling you to believe and it will happen? If so, you won’t give up.

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People often only resolve to change when something negative occurs. This is a mindset we have to change. Please comment.

It is the desire for change and the recognition that our current path is detrimental to our mental, spiritual or physical health that makes us make resolutions. The desire stems from fear, ultimately. This is a negative emotion but one that can force a positive outcome by influencing a new direction.

Resolutions are not made from a place of pure contentment with our lives. The perceived need to make a resolution comes stems from an acknowledgment that things are not perfect. However, it allows us to take control of the area where we think we are failing and inject positivity into the situation.

What if a couple has differing resolutions that might affect their relationship? Should people compromise on their resolutions when there is a conflict of interest?

Choices are variations of acceptances that we manifest throughout our lives. If we feel that we are free to compromise through our own

volition, then we have a stance that is empowering. If we feel that the compromise is enforced, then we believe that we are the victims in the arrangement, which can result in a great deal of hurt, blame and accusations. These negative emotions cause more damage than the compromise serves. The answer is to own the choices that we make. This free will leads to an open willingness to accommodate conflicting resolutions through the acceptance of a set of mutual priorities.

Is there such a thing as a bad New Year’s resolution?

Obviously, any resolution that involves causing hurt, pain or injury to another person would be a bad resolution, irrespective of what you perceive they may or may not have done to you to deserve this. In addition to harming another fellow human being, these resolutions will ultimately damage you as well, as they will cause you to be eaten up with anger and hate. As the saying goes: “If you resolve to seek revenge, you should dig a grave for two.”

feature

Avoid Holiday Weight Gain For most of us, holidays are synonymous with family, friends and good food which quite often mean holiday weight gain. Yet as Saadiya Ahmad discovers, you don’t have to fall off the bandwagon this holiday season with our guide to healthy eating.

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feature

Holidays means Food Irrespective of your cultural background, holidays are synonymous with special meals and rich desserts.

According to Rita Martins, Senior Dietitian at Belhoul Specialty Hospital, essentially holidays have a lot of cultural traditions, especially Christmas as this is a season when all family members get together and celebrate around food. “Food is an important key in Christmas holidays, that’s why for a lot of us we consider Christmas season as the ‘cheat day’ when all diets are forgotten and we have free access to consume anything we want and desire,” says Martins.

“In fact in this season we tend to eat more Christmas cakes, chocolates, desserts… just because it’s Christmas.”

And it’s mostly due to this that our weight can skyrocket during this festive season. “Also aim to cook your snacks and have meals at home as it enables easier control of the quantities of sugar, fat as well as the rest of the ingredients used,” she says, and this can make your food healthier and you know exactly what you are eating.

Before the Party With celebrations and parties galore this season, Martins advises to

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remember not to attend a dinner party feeling very hungry.“Otherwise you will want to eat everything you see so instead have a small snack before you go to the party and some options of healthy snacks include yogurt, five unsalted almonds, cashew nuts or hazel nuts,” she says.

“These will make you feel full and they

are rich in omega 3 fatty acids as this fat is very healthy and provides many benefits for your body.”Another option, she adds, is one piece of fruit plus a cereal bar as these two types of foods are a good source of fibre that is known to be beneficial to the body and also makes you feel full.

feature Super Substitutes In fact, Martins elaborates that for many of the unhealthy foods we tend to eat during this festive season, there are delicious but healthier options available. “For example, instead of mashed potatoes, you can use mashed cauliflower as cauliflower has a very similar texture to mashed potatoes with a sweet and buttery taste also,” she says. “Regarding puddings, cakes, custards and all the typical Christmas desserts, these can be replaced with healthier desserts such as pineapple, berries, dried apricots, melon balls and dates.” Also aim to drink natural fruit juices or water instead of colas and other sugary drinks.

Cooking Methods About cooking methods, Martins advises to instead use your oven more and roast the food, including the vegetables, with not too much added fat. “And don’t put it all on the same plate, for example, fried chicken and French fries and instead do instead half of the plate with steamed or roasted vegetables and the other half for the fried foods,” she says. “Another great party snack food is to create some homemade healthy dips such as pureed beans with olive oil and garlic for a fibre and protein-rich dip.” For example, walnuts and spinach pureed with olive oil and herbs, is another healthy option.

Desserts Dilemma According to Martins, there is in fact a rule to follow when it comes to desserts. “The trick is to get a small plate, go around the ‘goodies’ and fill the plate just one time,” she says.

“Eat very slowly, enjoy and taste the goodies, don’t eat too fast otherwise you will feel unsatisfied and may even go looking for seconds.”

Advice Martins also suggests eating small, frequent meals, even on holidays. “If you are already eating healthy food every three hours, you won´t have the time or hunger to want to eat junk food,” she says as people tend to ‘crave’ when they go for long periods of time without eating; for more than four hours. “Then they are often confronted with tasty treats that are irresistible during the holiday season,” she says. “The key to eating small frequent meals is having planned snacks between main meals during the day.” Next, in order to control the portion size, she suggests using small

plates. “A little bit of pumpkin pie or chocolate cake is not the end of the world however the problem is making the most of your plate is another story, especially if it is a big plate,” she explains. So instead, ask for a smaller plate and focus on filling half or more with healthier options of vegetables and salads and then for the rest of your plate, you can fill with food that you know is a bit more caloric.

Another very important suggestion is to drink a tall glass of water before meals or after. “Before you start a meal or if you finish the smaller plate and you still feel hungry, drink a tall glass of water as studies show that people who drink water before meals have tendency to eat less because they already feel full with the water,” she says. “Also keep a food diary just for yourself and in it, write down everything you eat, and try to be, most as you can, specific about the quantity and quality of food.” A food diary is a great tool to help to prevent and lose weight, because it will give you a panoramic view of your food intake.

You will have a better idea what you should improve or reduce.

Also be sure to stay active; “Thirty minutes of jogging can burn about 300 calories and 30 minutes of structured training can burn much more,” she says. “While many consider nutrition to be about 60 to 70 percent of the equation when it comes to weight loss (or weight gain prevention), 30-40 per cent is the contribution of physical activity and simply cannot be ignored.

Examples of Healthy Holiday Meal Items: Martins dispels the myth that holiday meals can’t be cooked healthily and points out that there are a lot of healthy holiday meals, all you have to do is to use your imagination. Consider the following healthy snack ideas for your holiday parties: • Fruit kebabs using green and red fruits (kiwi fruit, green apples, grapes, strawberries, watermelon) • Vegetable kebabs using green and red vegetables (cherry tomatoes, capsicum, snow peas, cucumber) • Chicken sandwiches (baked chicken in the oven and make sandwiches with brown bread and add vegetables like one slice of tomato and one lettuce leaf.)

• Mini pizza muffins (or English muffins) with green and red vegetables and a sprinkle of cheese • Vegetable scones • Salads with whole pasta, potato and greens (lettuce, cucumber, mix of oriental vegetables, broccoli) • Dips, biscuits and sliced vegetables • Popcorn – (add green or red food coloring to make more a Christmas theme) • Fruit muffins • Yoghurt cups topped with berries, or another fruit (strawberries, kiwi) • Low-fat ice cream or frozen yogurt topped with berries or granola

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health

Post–partum worries?

Get back in shape Dr. Luiz Toledo, lecturer, author and key plastic surgeon in the region, lends AW his expertise on what to advice women suffering from after-pregnancy issues. According to him, “As plastic surgeons, we notice how mothers become worried about their bodies after childbirth. As body changes are inevitable and some more permanent than others, new mothers should be aware of postnatal surgery options to contend with areas frequently affected during pregnancy and lactation.”

Read on as he pens down the options available to mothers after giving birth.

Breasts After breast-feeding, the breast can often undergo changes in shape and size. Three things can happen to the breasts with pregnancy. A) The breasts can get bigger and after breast-feeding they get back to their normal size and shape. B) The breasts get bigger and stay bigger. C) The breasts get bigger and after breast-feeding they become smaller and lose their volume.

If the breast suffers a loss of volume, we can replace it with the appropriate size breast implant – a quick 40 minute procedure. If the breasts remain too big, we can help rectify this with a two-hour breast reduction surgery that will reduce the size and reposition the breast with the removal of excess gland and skin. A breast reduction can be performed by three different techniques, depending on the problem.

The remaining scars will either be around the areola, or an ‘inverted T’ shape. If there is sagging or a loss of shape, but the size is normal, patients can opt for amastopexy, or breast lift. Excess skin is removed and the breast is repositioned placing the areola in the preferred position, without having to remove any gland tissue. The incisions and operating time of the procedure are similar to the breast reduction technique.

Neither of these procedures interferes with future pregnancies.

Tummy (the abdomen) Many patients ask if they can correct the tummy at the same time of their delivery, however, patients are asked to wait at least six months until after the baby is born, to

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allow post-pregnancy swelling to reduce.

There are usually three treatment options: A) When there is no skin excess, only a fat deposit, liposuction will solve the problem.

If the skin is flaccid, laser liposuction can be used to improve skin retraction. B) If there is excess fat and skin, liposuction can be combined with the removal of a skin layer. C) If, apart from that, the abdominal muscles have become stretched out of shape with the growing tummy during pregnancy and the patient has a separation between the muscles, a full abdominoplasty is needed, where we can also internally tighten the abdominal muscle wall, more commonly know as the tummy tuck. The excess of fat and skin is removed and the muscles are tightened. This procedure will remove excess skin and fat in the abdominal region, plus the stretch marks of the lower part, below the tummy button.

This procedure also allows for future pregnancies.

Body Lipoplasty is the treatment of choice to improve the contour of the body. It is

the process of removing stubborn excess pockets of fat that accumulate usually around the waist hips and occasionally around the abdomen, arms and neck during pregnancy. We have three types of lipoplasty: A) Liposuction: plastic surgeons use an aspirator connected to a hollow tube, and insert it into fat pockets to aspirate the excess. B) Liposculpture:a method that uses disposable syringes connected to blunt needles to aspirate and, if necessary, re-inject the fat in other parts of the body, for example the buttocks.

C) Laser liposuction, or smartlipo: a combination of liposuction and the use of a laser under the skin to help remove excess fat and improve retraction of the skin.

do: Abou t Dr. Luiz Tole Dr. Toledo holds the title of consultant plastic surgeon in Dubai and a long standing member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP) which awarded him, along with the Medical Association of Brazil (AMB), the title of ‘specialist’ plastic surgeon. He is also a member of The American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). He was newly elected as the Scientific Director of the Emirates Plastic Surgery Society.

He has published and edited several books in the field of cosmetic surgery and has published over 60 scientific papers in international publications. He is the local organiser of the Dubai ISAPS Teaching Course that will have famous international plastic surgeons in Dubai in January 24-25, 2014.

health

Bad hair day no more Are your hair strands getting thinner each day? Are you concerned about tremendous hair loss? AW notes down solutions from Dr. David H. Kingsley, PhD, WTS, LTTS, President of the World Trichology Society and of British Science Corporation (USA) and author of award-winning book ‘The Hair-Loss Cure: A Self-Help Guide’, in an exclusive Q&A. of the body. As such, any illness or deficiency may force the body into a protective mode where non-essential parts are the first to go e.g. in autoimmune diseases or diabetes. Thus, if one experiences hair loss, they should always seek to do some blood tests and have a review with their GP or Dermatologist. This is either to identify what the cause may be or rule out some underlying undiagnosed disease. One can even go as far as to say that the hair is the barometer for your health. It is important to not only look after it as highlighted earlier but important to look into why it is occurring.

What prompted you to specialise on hair care?

I recognised very early that hair loss and hair growth were topics not well understood and deemed non essential in various healthcare disciplines such as dermatology. This is because it is not lifethreatening. However I deeply understood the emotional and psychological stress experienced by women in particular which can then progress into deeper problems such as depression.

As such I have devoted my professional career into helping people with hair loss problems to combat the issue successfully through research into the best diagnosis and treatment of hair loss.

Why is it important to take care of hair, particularly scalp? Over the aesthetic needs, how does it affect the overall health of the body?

It is important as any disruption to the hair growth cycle causing hair shedding and loss, and can lead to deep emotional stress and anxiety. Non-successful treatment can lead to deeper psychological problems later on.

The hair is a non-essential organ or part

What are the common problems do patients from this region encounter?

From my early monitoring and study of this part of the region I would highlight the following as my main causes: • • • •

Higher than normal blood sugars (prediabetes and diabetes) Low possible Vitamin D levels Stress and Genetic hair loss The environment may play a role in some scalp issues eg. Water

What are the most alarming cases you’ve experienced from your patients, so far?

How did you manage to treat them?

I have experienced almost all types of hair loss cases in my practice from total hair loss, genetic hair loss, cancer treatment patients etc. All at some point can be alarming. I have managed to treat them as follows: • •

•

First, normalising the hair growth cycle with an effective product specific to this such as Nourkrin; Identifying the cause as to why the patient is suffering hair loss by looking at their history and some key blood tests to search for certain indicators; Treating the cause and using a multi therapy hair growth approach where necessary to optimise the hair recovery.

What are the usual causes of hair loss or scalp problems?

The usual cases are Genetic hair loss, and Telogen Effluvium (hair follicles entering the resting phase of the hair growth cycle due to stress, diet, drugs and diseases e.g diabetes and thyroid problems). Genetic hair loss can be managed well and Telogen Effluvium is reversible via my approach described above and usually successfully Once treated, what are the ways you recommend so as the previous hair problems won’t be repeated?

I would recommend that a maintenance dose of a product that ensures that a Normal Growth Cycle is kept optimally working such as Nourkrin. This can be a lower dose than the recovery dose and used on alternate days during this maintenance period to avoid a relapse. Also, I would have regular check ups/blood tests are good to ensure my general health is fine.

Last question: Can you please give us practical tips on how to maintain healthy scalp/hair?

I would choose a high quality shampoo and conditioner that is specific to my hair type i.e. dry, oily, thick etc. I would do deep conditioning when washing your hair. Also, I would reduce use of heating tools such as hair dryers and straightening irons. (I appreciate this is difficult to stop altogether and as such to be practical, I would simply use cooler settings and try to give the hair some time to recover by reducing the Nourkrin is formulated to reduce frequency) thinning hair and restore hair growth for both women and men.

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EXCLUSIVE

Choco heaven You cannot welcome the festive season without adding chocolate to your list. And as if on cue, France’s luxury chocolate maker, La Maison du Chocolate, has entered our Middle Eastern shores, opening their first store in Dubai Mall. We speak to Geoffroy d’Anglejan-Chatillon, Managing Director of the House, about everything chocolate.

Tell us about La Maison du Chocolat’s first venture in the Middle East.

At the moment, La Maison du Chocolat is in five big cities: Paris, New York, Tokyo and Osaka, Hong Kong and London. Our goal is not to be everywhere but to be at the right place. We want to be stronger where we are.

This is why we take it one step at a time.

We have a lot of Middle East customers that patronise our shops in Paris.

It took some time for us to come to the Middle East because first of all, we needed to find the right partner. Once we have built a good relationship with our partner and know that we share the same philosophy, we decided to open our first store in Dubai, specifically Dubai Mall. Also, we had a specific location in mind within the mall because we are a member of a luxury organisation in France which includes highend brands. We feel that it is important for

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us to be close to that environment, thus the location between Dior and Hermes.

How do you know which are the right cities for the brand to be present in?

A lot of it has to do with customer feedback.

For example, similar to the Middle East store, we had a lot of Japanese customers that frequent our shops in Paris. Thus the decision to open in Tokyo. However, for Hong Kong, it’s more like a stepping stone because we are looking into branching into China. We know that to be successful in China, we must first be successful in Hong Kong. Likewise, to be successful in the Middle East, we must first be successful here in Dubai.

What do you see is the main difference between Middle Eastern customers and those from other places?

We realise that 80 per cent of our customers

EXCLUSIVE here already know the brand. What we know from many of our Middle East customers in France is that they like to give chocolates as gifts. As for preferences, I’m still unsure if they prefer dark or milk chocolate.

Do you have a specific strategy for the Middle East market?

The strategy of the brand is to have one recipe throughout, so it doesn’t matter which store you visit, you will experience the same taste. We do not look into personalising the products for each market because we have our own signature taste.

When we speak about chocolate we talk about the taste of chocolate at the beginning, then the flavours, then finish off again with the taste of chocolate. The flavour does not overpower the chocolate. We do however have special festive collections for example Thanksgiving, Chinese New Year or Eid in this region. But generally the range is consistent worldwide.

How do you adapt and adjust your product offerings to cater the Middle East market?

The founder of the company, when he worked on the recipes, generally added alcohol into the chocolates. But we had to adapt the recipes. For example, the alcohol added to the raspberries ganache enhanced the flavour of the raspberries. So our chef worked for 18 months to refine the same taste and balance without any use of alcohol. So the taste is the same but with adjustments made to the recipes. It was a long process that we undertook on several of the recipes including citrus, caramel and

some others. As for other recipes which are mostly based around alcohol, naturally we do not serve them here.

Do you accept personal orders, in the sense of adapting recipes to the customer’s liking?

No. We can adapt orders in terms of quantity and packaging but recipe-wise, we do not do that. This is because to create a worthy recipe, we need around 14-15 months and after perfecting that recipe, you need to control the balance so that you do not lose your signature taste. So looking at all the time to that needs to be put in, it would not be a good idea to simply make changes to the recipes.

Is there a right type of chocolate for every occasion?

The type of chocolate depends on the individual but one of our best-selling products is the assortment so you get a good mix of everything and nobody will end up disappointed. … you do not deal with white chocolate.

Why is that?

Because white chocolate is not chocolate!

Where are the best places to source cocoa beans from?

Mainly from South America because they are the best regions for cultivating cocoa beans. They have a specific special species which we use, one which we consider the best type.

Is chocolate healthy?

It is very good for health. It contains magnesium which gives you stamina and rich in antioxidants. It also contains serotonin which is an anti-depressant.

There are many studies that confirm the health benefits of chocolate, particularly the dark varieties. If you eat quality dark chocolates, you will notice that you will be in a happier mood. Talking about our

chocolates, we do not add sugar and such, it is lower in calories. Which means that you can eat reasonable portions of chocolate everyday, guilt-free. Compare this to highcalorie varieties which uses sugar as its base ingredient.

Are you looking into making organic chocolates?

We do ensure that all our ingredients are natural but organic is not something that we focus on as mainly it is not our market.

What is the next trend in chocolates?

We work mainly around dark chocolates and so for us, there might be new areas of creation for the milk chocolates. Also, at the moment, we are working on creating salty chocolates, and perhaps even savoury.

Chocolate is a spice and was originally mainly used as a sweetener. The Indians used to drink chocolate as a salty and spicy beverage which was not sweetened at all. So this could be way of exploring new kinds of chocolates.

When is the best time to eat chocolate?

There is no set rule again but for us, when we do our taste tests, we always do it in the morning at 10am. This is because we’ve already had breakfast and by that time, your food would have been fully digested, and you would have started to gain some sort of an appetite. Your palate would be very fresh and your taste buds would be more sensitive.

French chocolate VS Belgian chocolate.

Which is better?

Generally, Belgian chocolates are the milk variety and use a lot of sugar and cream.

Also, they would be big and have a thick outer chocolate shell. For French chocolates, or at least in our case, the pieces are smaller to allow more appreciation of the product.

And of course, the chocolate outer shell is thinner so that you get into the ganache quickly.

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artsy And what would life be like without a little bit of art and culture…

Art of the month El Moulid

‘Treasures of the UAE’

Art Competition

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) has announced the successful completion of their 2013 ‘Treasures of the UAE’ Art Competition.

In total, 283 pieces of artwork were submitted by students from 61 schools across the UAE capturing the essence of the UAE’s famous historical sites and landmarks. Twenty-four winners have been selected by prominent regional artists Nasir Nasrallah, Khalil Abdul Wahid and Basem Al Sayer, in collaboration with the Emirates Fine Arts Society.

All winning artworks will be displayed in a bespoke exhibition at the SMCCU Heritage House in the Al Fahidi Historic District of Dubai open to members of the public from December 3 to January 5, 2014.

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Gallery Ward presents a group exhibition exploring a unique cultural phenomenon, ‘El Moulid’, which runs till January 8, 2014.

‘El Moulid’ is named after a traditional event that essentially celebrates the birth of a Sufi saint and takes place throughout the year all over Egypt and has a very vibrant carnival feel with unique rituals and characteristics.

The exhibition will show a selection of work by a group of contemporary Egyptian artists that have been commissioned by Gallery Ward to articulate their personal interpretation of El Moulid through their work.

‘El-Moulid’ is a distinctive, everchanging, dynamic event that has

been etched into Egyptian history and popular culture alike for hundreds of years. The diversity of the theme is naturally reflected in the choice of artists and the media they have used in their works.

The aim of the exhibition is not only to display the artists’ works, but to reflect and bring to the fore, a very unique part of Egyptian popular culture. Thus evoking the feel and character of an authentic Moulid and offering audiences a complete multisensory experience, spanning music, performance, video, photography, sculpture and painting.

artsy

‘Off The Rails’

Public Exhibition of Contemporary Emirati Artists Amir H. Fallah Amir H. Fallah was born in Tehran, Iran in 1979. He received his BFA from Maryland Institute College of Art in 2001 and his MFA from University of California Los Angeles in 2005.

His artistic practice encompasses painting, drawing and sculpture – all reflecting Fallah’s characteristic style of merging collage with complex patterning, which is decidedly ornate but also addresses primary painterly concerns.

Often working with photographs of sets or scenes created by him, he uses the initial composition as a starting point, working in layers of manual and digital manipulation towards a final image. His works address a nexus of unique topics, culling influences from personal narrative, art history, pop culture and imagined experiences alike.

Fallah has exhibited extensively in solo shows both in the US and in the Middle East. He was featured in several international group exhibitions in venues including University Art Museum at California State University, 9th Sharjah Biennial, Lancaster Museum of Art and History, and Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, NC, USA. His works are housed in prominent collections such as The Salsali Private Museum Collection.

From December 11, 2013 – January 23, 2014, The Third Line welcomes Fallah back with his third solo show in Dubai, The Collected, which investigates the complex relationship between patronage and art making, collector and artist, and the dynamics of the creative process in today’s art world. In his new body of work, Fallah explores classical and renaissance portraiture traditions employing a critical approach by subverting the mechanisms of control.

The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, in collaboration with Brownbook, is hosting an exclusive showcase of the artistic talents of four contemporary female Emirati artists until December 7.

The public exhibition will display carefully

curated pieces by four emerging female Emirati artists currently based in the UAE. The artists, Leila Al Marashi, Alia Al Shamsi, Maitha Al Mehairbi and Noor Al Suweidi, have been inspired by their Emirati roots and their work is grounded in the traditions and culture of the UAE’s rich history. The diverse exhibition will transcend all forms of art featuring art sketches from Leila Al Marashi to student photography from the students of Alia Al Shamsi.

‘Off the Rails’ will consist of a rotating display of each artist’s work, complemented by interactive activities each Saturday in The Galleria including workshops, tours and Q&A sessions with the artists.

7th Al Dhafra Festival Tilal Liwa Hotel is preparing for Al Dhafra Festival, a 15-day celebration to revive the Bedouin culture, heritage and history of the Emirate happening from December 14-28 in Madinat Zayed, Al Gharbia.

The Festival is the biggest gathering of camel owners in the region and highlights the role of camels in the culture and heritage of the UAE. This year’s festival is expected to see nearly 25,000 camels entering different competitions and categories. There will be 12 events, namely, the Camel Beauty Contest, the Mahaleb Competition, the Heritage Camel Race, the Camel Auction, the falcon competitions, the Arab Heritage Saluki Race, the photography contest, and the handicrafts competition, in addition to the Dates’ Mazayna, the traditional Market and the Children’s Village.

Ayman Ashor, General Manager, Tilal Liwa

Hotel, said,“The Al Dhafra Festival is a much-anticipated event because this is a special festival where Emiratis can return to their roots and strengthen their origins and values. Al Dhafra serves as a link between generations. It serves as a good venue for visitors who want to experience and learn the culture and history of the Emirate. We would like to invite residents and guests to stay at Tilal Liwa Hotel and join the festivities and excitement surrounding the festival.”Tilal Liwa Hotel has prepared a special package for the participants and guests attending the Festival.

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TV/GEAR/THEATRE

TUBE TALK

Shake, Groove, Dance

Endgame

Endgame is an original drama series centering on brilliant chess master, Arkady Balagan. Traumatised by the murder of his fiancée, Balagan has become a prisoner in his luxury Vancouver hotel, terrified to step outside. To pay his bills, Balagan starts solving mysteries.

Arrogant, brilliant and charismatic, the Balagan uses the skills that made him chess champion of the world to solve the crimes that mystify others. He imagines events, interviews the living and the dead, and runs conflicting scenarios - all in his head. Every Friday on FX.

The annual Sharmila Dance Gala is back for its third year running, showcasing a wonderland of artistic performances ranging from Jazz, Salsa, Tango, Hip-Hop, Break Dance, Contemporary, Classical Ballet, Indian Fusion, Aerial Silk and Contortion.

Sony Action Cam From sandy bike treks to dune-bashing and snorkelling, Sony’s dynamic video camera translates once-in-a-lifetime experiences into fantastic Full HD movie clips and detail-packed still photos. The new waterproof housing has a slim design that cuts through wind and water when sky diving or streaking through that downhill run. With a huge 170° field of view, the wide lens takes in panoramic landscapes, dramatic ski slopes and more.

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World famous Principal dancer Alicia Amatriain and partner David Moore from the esteemed Stuttgart Ballet company are being specially flown in for the event to perform a piece from Tchaikovsky’s classic ‘Swan Lake’, as well as a playful contemporary piece, ‘Come Neve’.

Most recognised for her performance in London’s Phantom of the Opera and for being a core member in the prominent English National Ballet Company, Amy Hollins will be mesmerising audiences with a solo piece entitled ‘Palladio’. Hollins will also be performing alongside Hakim Saber, a break dancer from Hollywood films Street Dance 3D, Street Dance 2 and World Hip Hop Champion, a duet called ‘Nuttin’ but Stringz’ where Ballet

meets Hip Hop. Former Principal dancer from the prestigious Bucharest Opera Ballet Company, Loredana Solaoru will be presenting a piece from the celebrated Spanish ballet ‘Don Quixote’ alongside Columbian performance artist, John Freddy.

World Salsa Champions, El Firulete BNF Dance Company will set the stage on fire with sizzling Salsa and Tango numbers. Gurukul, an Indian Dubaibased performing arts academy will fuse together the best of Bollywood, Indian Folk and Kathak styles of dance with Pali Chandra in the star role.

Furthermore, mystifying circus-like performances from Aerial Silk artists Valeria Baigacheva and Mario Mira, as well as Contortionist, Olga Gregorieva from the Big Moscow Circus, will astound audiences.

The gala is set to take center stage on Friday, December 13 at 2:30pm and 7:30pm at Centrepoint Theatre, DUCTAC, Mall of The Emirates.

music/books rts a h C p o Music T

Celine Dion – Loved Me Back To Life Loved Me Back to Life is Celine Dion’s first English-language album in seven years. The interesting thing about Loved Me Back to Life is how the diva has seized this opportunity to try a little bit of everything, from duets with neoR&B stalwart Ne-Yo to covers of Janis Ian’s ‘At Seventeen’. This soulful streak surfaces on the duets and also in the stuttering rhythms of ‘Somebody Loves Somebody’, the slow-burning ‘Didn’t Know Love’, and the lively, new jack swing of ‘Save Your Soul’.

Lady Gaga – Artpop If Born This Way was made for the Little Monsters, its 2013 sequel ARTPOP was made for the world. Lady Gaga aims to pull a ‘reverse Warhol’, which presumably means she wants to channel high art into pop instead of pop into high art. Gaga glides through songs about style like ‘Fashion!’ and the ludicrous ‘Donatella’, a tribute to Versace.

Kelly Clarkson – Wrapped in Red Fourteen songs here emphasise Clarkson’s skills as a full-throated diva – the arrangements are bold and brassy, as is her delivery – but when the tempo slows and the arrangements scale back, she’s perhaps even more alluring, turning ‘Blue Christmas’ into a sweet fireside crawl and effortlessly overshadowing the overmatched Ronnie Dunn on ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’.

oks o B d e end m m o c Re Hero by Rhonda Byrne Brand new book from the author of ‘The Secret’. In this book, Byrne brings together the wisdom and insight of the 12 most successful people living in the world today. By following their seemingly impossible journeys to success, Hero reveals that each of us was born with everything we need to live our greatest dream – and that by doing so we fulfill our mission and literally change the world.

Jewelled Kitchen by Bethany Kehdy UK-based food blogger Bethany Kehdy has finally brought together her fans’ favourite recipes in The Jewelled Kitchen and she takes you on an unforgettable adventure of Middle Eastern and North African cuisines.

The photography is stunning throughout, bringing each recipe to life while the author’s background introduction is a fascinating tale of longing for a homeland which has known so much conflict, and using food to express that longing.

The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton This year’s surprise Booker Prize winner is an extraordinary piece of fiction.

It is full of narrative, linguistic and psychological pleasures, and has a fiendishly clever and original structuring device. Written in pitchperfect historical register, richly evoking a mid-19th century world of shipping and banking and gold rush boom and bust, it is also a ghost story, and a gripping mystery.

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A-list Celebs

Who, what, where Scarlett Johansson dazzled at the Rome Film Festival in a Dolce&Gabbana cocktail dress from the Spring/Summer 2014 collection.

Amber Valletta wore an H&M kimono dress made of Tencel and organic silk blend at the HFPA and In Style’s Celebration of the 2014 Golden Globe Awards season.

Model Karolina Kurkova wore Salvatore Ferragamo to the unveiling of the 50th anniversary of the Pirelli calendar’s held in Milan.

R&B star and TW Steel global brand ambassador Kelly Rowland posed at an event held at the Hour Choice store in the Mall of The Emirates, Dubai.

Kate Bosworth carried a Burberry AW13 Runway bag in Los Angeles 96

A-list Celebs

LADY GAGA – THE FACE OF VERSACE’S SS 2014 CAMPAIGN Versace has confirmed that Lady Gaga is the face of its Spring/Summer 2014 campaign, the first time that Lady Gaga has starred in any fashion advertising.

Lady Gaga appears in a series of images shot in London by Mert Alas & Marcus Piggott, wearing pieces from the spring/summer 2014 readyto-wear and accessories collections.

In the images, Lady Gaga appears as her divine and glamorous self, reclining on luxurious furniture, her long hair Versace platinum blonde. The campaign shows how Lady Gaga completely captures the Versace essence: creative, experimental, fearless.

As well as featuring the iconic Signature bag, refreshed in new colours and enhanced by a silver chain on its shoulder strap, Lady Gaga is also captured with the new Palazzo bag, introduced at the Spring/Summer 2014 show.

PRIYANKA CHOPRA FOR GUESS HOLIDAY 2013 CAMPAIGN This holiday season, GUESS Jeans will introduce its new advertising campaign featuring the multiple award-winning, Bollywood icon, Priyanka Chopra. Chopra, a former Miss World, actor, and recording artist, is one of the most recognised and celebrated talents in India and International cinema.

In the campaign, Chopra portrays a movie star at home in an elegant Mediterranean villa wearing some of the season’s most stand-out dresses.“Priyanka’s confidence, strength and sensuality reflect the qualities I always look for in a model,” said Paul Marciano, Creative Director for GUESS, Inc..“Priyanka reminds me of the young Sophia Loren and the top actresses of the 1950s.”

Chopra says “I am honoured to be the face of the GUESS brand and this iconic holiday campaign. GUESS is aspirational, inspirational and so relatable to women from across the world and I think this is a remarkable opportunity which in its own way, erases boundaries and makes the world a smaller place. When you look good, you feel great...and to me, that’s what Paul Marciano captured in these pictures and what GUESS is all about.”

One&Only Resorts’ New Campaign with Christy Turlington One&Only Resorts has unveiled an iconic new brand campaign featuring supermodel Christy Turlington. The campaign speaks the language of ultra-luxury travel through strong visuals which convey the sense of being in the moment with carefree confidence, requiring few words to get the message across.

Richard Christensen, Founder and Creative Director of creative agency Chandelier said of the choice of Christy Turlington,“She is one of the most iconic and recognisable faces from the world of fashion and beauty, and has always maintained a look (and lived a life) of chic elegance both on and off the runway. Christy appeals to the brand’s target audience because she is confident and speaks an understated language by signalling luxury without screaming it.”

Shot at One&Only Palmilla in Mexico, the new campaign showcases the variety of elements that make One&Only resorts so spectacular and utilises the dramatic landscape throughout the property through playful use of angles and shadows.

Renata Litvinova and Rado Rado presents the new advertising campaign starring award-winning Russian actress, screenwriter, director and style icon Renata Litvinova. A Rado ambassador since 2005, Litvinova is the perfect model for the stunning new HyperChrome watches set with 181 diamonds for unrivalled glamour.

The photos for the new Rado campaign were shot on location in Milan and show Litvinova in the director’s chair watching the action unfold, watching the latest cut of her new film on the silver screen and in the back of a limousine on her way to a red carpet event.

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The Coveted

The Con tine nal

Ony x

Damson Linen The Continental in

Bentley does fashion Seems like motoring and fashion has now something in common. Entering the exciting world of fashion is the luxury carmaker Bentley with the capsule Bentley Handbag Collection featuring two models: The Barnato and The Continental. It’s said to be that the functional luxury of the (dream) cars they make is now transferred to what women can wear.

Inside, the handbags’ unique level of features and finishes are offered to evoke the same exact impression as when stepping inside a Bentley; they are exclusively lined all in fine leather with quilting features and functional compartments, including a waterproof pouch, elegantly blending core Bentley aesthetic values with everyday functionality and practicality, like a Bentley car.

The B arna to St .

Jame s Red

The Bentley Handbag Collection is available in limited pieces with only160 bags globally, 80 of each style, in four colour ways. This palette of options will be expanded in 2014 to include new models. The bags are available in the Middle East through Bentley Emirates Boutique in the Marina (opposite Habtoor Grand).

o in arnat The Bune Blue Nept

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Prices of The Continental range on the average from approximately AED22,000 while The Barnato is from approximate average of AED 27,000.

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