Aw #167 new year issue

NEW YEAR ISSUE #167

Joelle Mardinian (ISSUE #167) JANUARY 2014

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

Her meteoric rise to the top of the beauty world

Beauty experts Dubai’s bigwigs share their secrets

Geneva

Switzerland’s gem awaits your arrival

More than money

Change the way you think about philanthropy

January 2014

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Features 44 Towards a better future Emirates Foundation shares with us how philanthropy has changed and how it will affect the future

54 Look good, feel good Learn from our beauty experts; stay glamorous and on trend everytime

66 Turkish empire ZURNA restaurant has landed in Dubai, and it seems it has what it takes to be the top dog

84 Changing attitudes Despite being blessed, we sometimes forget to be grateful. Time to stop taking things for granted and show gratitude for what we have.

Nina Ricci SS14

Regulars 12 Editor’s pick 16 aw trends 60 Glam events 66 dine out 92 artsy 94 entertainment 96 A-list celebs 98 the coveted

Yves Saint Laurent SS14

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HOW www.usapears.org

to keep healthy with American pears Nourishment

One pear 166 g contains 100 calorie, 25 g of carbohydrates, 40 g of dietary organic ÄILYZ HUK VM WLJ[PU 100 ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌..calorie N ¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯¯ KPL[HY` ÄILYZ 25 g ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌..carbohydrates 108 g ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌pectin 7 Mg ‌‌‌‌‌‌‌‌.vitamins 210 Mg‌‌‌‌‌‌.. potassium

How If you are looking for delicious ways to be strong, pears can be part of a healthy lifestyle whether you want to have balanced weight or simply to reK\JL [OL WVZZPIPSP[` VM HɈLJ[PUN diseases or to get a sustainable nourishing source.

Most of pear types are nutritious and colorful; they are planted PU [OL UVY[O^LZ[ VM [OL 7HJPĂ„J Ocean. Pears can contribute to THRL OLHS[O` MVVK ^P[O Ă„ILYZ and vitamin C that are within, no cholesterol, sodium or any fats, and that is on one side.

Obesity is a common issue in the region, from which more than third of the population are Z\ɈLYPUN 0[ PZ H YLZ\S[ VM OLHS[O related diseases like heart diseases, hypertension, diabetes type b, and some types of cancer. It is time for challenging and defeating this pest. Vegetables and fruits are very important factors; they carry within low calories and high amount of ]P[HTPUZ ZHS[Z HUK Ă„ILYZ 7LHY PZ the ideal fruit.

Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease which is a very serious disease and considered

HZ [OL Ă„YZ[ JH\ZL VM KLH[O PU [OL United States.

Low fat and cholesterol food, fruits, veggies, and grain products [OH[ JVU[HPU Ă„ILYZ LZWLJPHSS` KPZsoluble ones which pears have) can reduce the hazard of heart diseases.

Towards your welfare

When it comes to immunity, pear JHU OLSW LɈLJ[P]LS` [V SLZZLU [OL WVZZPIPSP[` VM HɈLJ[PUN I` O`WLY WVZZPIPSP[` VM HɈLJ[PUN I` O`WLYtension, diabetes, coronary heart disease and cancer.

How can this fruit help towards your welfare, take a closer look.

Hypertension The intake of veggies and fruits between 8-10 times a day, can reduce blood pressure of those who have hypertension. The average of potassium amount in one meal of pears is 210 mg. Potassium plays an essential role in balancPUN Ă…\PKZ HUK ZHS[Z PU IVK` JLSSZ and is very important for keeping blood pressure stability. pears HYL HSZV H ZV\YJL VM Ă„ILYZ ^OPJO ILZPKLZ [OLPY U\TLYV\Z ILULĂ„[Z can decrease calories count in a particular food to sustain healthy weight.

Baked U.S. Anjou Pears With Orange Blossom Water Ingredients: 4 green U.S. Anjou pears, peeled 1 lemoncored, 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup orange blossom water 2 tbsps. unsalted butter, melted

Method of Preparation:

Preheat oven to 4500 F .

Remove lemon peel and cut into 2 1/2 strips . Squueze juice from lemon and set aside .

Core U.S. Anjou pears from bottom.

Brush cavity with lemon juice then sprinkle with sugar .In a glass baking dish, mix lemon peel strips with water and orange blossom water.

Place remaining sugar in a seperate dish.

Brush pears with butter and roll inot the sugar . Place in the baking dish and bake for 35-40 minutes until tender.

Let aside to cool then serve.

Serves 4

Caramel U.S. Anjou Pears in Strawberry Sauce Ingredients: 4 green U.S. Anjou pears, peeled 1 cup frozen strawberries, thawed 1/3 cup sugar 1/4 cup water 3 tbsps. heavy cream 2 tbsps. lemon juice 1 tbsp. sugar Basil leaves to garnish

Method of Preparation:

Core U.S Anjou pears from the bottom. Cut thin slices off the bottom of WKH HDFK SHDU WR ﾃ．WWHQ %UXVK ZLWK lemon juice.

In a baking dish, arrange Anjou pears and add water . Cover with aluminium foil and cook over high heat for 15 minutes until tender.

Blend strawberries with their syrup and 1 tbsp. sugar i a belnder until smooth press mixture through a

sieve. Set aside.

In a small saucepan combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tbsp. water. Cook over high heat for 4 minutes until sugar turns golden brown. Gradually add heavy cream, stir constantly and cook for 1 minute. Let stand for 2 minutes then stir until smooth.

Spoon strawberry sauce into individual dishes. Add U.S. Anjou pears and spoon caramel on top. Server plates garnished with basil leaves.

Serves 4

editor’s letter

Louis Vuitton’s 2014 Cruise (Resort) Collection

New Year

Issue

Change is ephemeral. We all know that.

And every year, we get the chance to make a fresh start, forget all the mishaps that transpired, and create ways on how to improve. That is what the New Year is about – creating a New Me, a New You. Here in AW, we take you through a series of many changes that will come by us at the start of 2014.

The fashion is changing where the Resort 2014 or the Cruise collection bridges the style requirements between Winter and Spring. We also give you a glimpse of European fashion through an exclusive photo diary taken straight from the runway of the Moda Lisboa Spring/ Summer 2014 edition.

Confidence and high self-esteem are very important in improving oneself, that’s why we put focus on beauty in this issue. We interviewed Dubai beauty experts, and put on the cover the inspiring make-up artist Joelle Mardinian, the epitome of grace and beauty. She also shares her talent and knowledge in transforming women into their stunning visions.

From beauty and fashion, we move through the lifestyle sections at AW where we have a number of new experiences for you. Among our firsts for this year include a Turkish dine-out, a mobile photography workshop, a visit in Geneva, a getaway to Muscat, and a spa session in the recently opened Sofitel The Palm.

Start your year right by being grateful.

It’s the new attitude that you must learn to live with day in, and day out.

Sony SmartWatch

We wish that these, as well as the rest of our pages, will bring you to places, inspire you to aspire better things, and move you to become a better ‘you’ this New Year.

Live and love,

Poupee

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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

Pre-Spring Pink Seems like nothing is stopping the love for all things pink – the trendy hue extends its presence in Pre-Spring (Resort or Cruise to some) 2014 collections. This ensemble from the House of Versace appears to be overkill yet there is something about its cuteness that makes it adorably chic, and we can’t help but want it. The white and pink stripes in the trendy crop top (we see tons of them this mid-season), and the bubblegum belted skirt speaks of the oh-so-girly palette, but the strength of feminine character transcends from the look, especially with the teaming of the Maison’s season’s purse and white sky-high heels. Don’t hate us, but we don’t mind seeing a splashing of pink for the rest of the year.

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Fashion Beauty Luxury

AW ShopS

Show the world you’re a true fashionista by rocking any look, any time.

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AW Shops

Wardrobe Essentials Start the year right by stocking the must-have pieces in your closet. From the latest collections to Resort 2014 finds, AW notes down the most important items that you should be seen wearing this 2014.

Angel Jackson Cowboy cut out satchel from Bullets & Butterflies is quite a keeper

Channel your dainty side with BCBGMAXAZRIA dress

Accessory musthave – Tory Burch at Bloomingdale’s-Dubai

Wrap yourself in the Agent Provocateur Kiki Kimono

Invest in Balmain jacket, available at modaoperandi.com

Steal your heart; we know this Valentino is a real charmer

Colour-block your year with this Roksanda Ilincic Resort 2014 double wool-crepe gown at net-a-porter.com

Stand tall in Rupert Sanderson for Antonio Berardi GILIA sky-high heels

Crop top on trend, grab this Zofara at VALLEYDEZ

Dazzle in this Philip Stein luxury timepiece Look forward and take inspiration from this Burberry Prorsum Womenswear SpringSummer 2014 runway ensemble

Make a statement with Nicholas Kirkwood shoe, available at modaoperandi.com

Work out the trendy separates in this attention-grabbing Rochas skirt

The bag to bag – Salvatorre Ferragamo Pre-Spring 2014

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AW trends

Spring 14 Look Fendi

Feeling Blue Fashion has to thank the Resort or Cruise collections for bridging the gap between seasons, and finding its essence as the pre-Spring collections. In the mid-season collections, we found a splashing of various shades of blue. Not that we felt sad and weary, but we actually love the palette especially when turned into chic and sophisticated pieces by our favourite designers.

Givenchy

Just Cavalli

Christian Dior

Citric and Bright You’re sure going to be the center of attention with these blinding hues of citrus shades. But don’t fret.

Enjoy being in the spotlight, and channel your Resort 2014 look inspired by the likes of Nina Ricci and Max Mara. We approve!

Nina Ricci

Herve Leger by Max Azria

See by Chloe

Max Mara

Jean Paul Gaultier

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Gucci

AW trends Balenciaga Louis Vuitton

Chloe

Rochas Alexander Wang

Chanel

Valentino

The Mariner

Trousers Rule

Admit it. It’s almost synonymous to Resort collection. But this 2014, Chanel and Valentino took a different spin on the ever-present mariner stripes. Loving the new buoyant take on this trend, we bet that sporting the look would grab attention no matter how classic it appears.

Effortless styling seems to be the philosophy of the mid-season Resort 2014, especially now that we witness a shower of different types of trousers. From baggy, skinny to cropped, women are definitely wearing pants this time. No way we’re complaining, we adore the trend and hope it extends.

Oscar de la Renta Marc Jacobs

Celine

Calvin Klein Collection

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fashion news

Art, Architecture and Fashion The newest luxury shopping haven in the capital, The Galleria at Sowwah Square, now plays host to an iconic decorative concept of the high fashion label, Saint Laurent.

Taking a modernist approach to the French decorative arts, the shop boasts of its unique architectural features including ‘Black Silk’ (narble for the dado rails), ‘Statuary White’ (marble for the floors and fitting rooms), and the nickel or gold-plated brass for Art Deco inspired vitrines. The Saint Laurent architectural concept is adaptable and specific to individual spaces and cities, and the new architecture and design of the stores are based on a minimalist transposition of the techniques and materials of the French modernist movement. To top it all, the architectural furnishings are therefore supplemented, as in Los Angeles and soon in New York, by vintage furnishings consisting of pieces by Adnet, René Herbst, Breuer and other ‘modernists’.

The Perfect Clutch

Party time may be over but there’s no excuse not to grab the best deals online, especially if this could mean bagging ‘the’ perfect party clutch. The Luxury Closet stocks a fashionista’s must-haves, and the authentic purses are actually sold at huge discounts. Here are our top three picks: Let’s begin with Gucci. Add a bling touch to your evening dress when you adorn this Gucci Red Minaudiere Clutch (AED12,352). Crafted from fabric with leather, this bright clutch is covered with sparkle and coral beads, accented with a gold tone Gucci snap closure.

Contemporary, classy and rich with colour, Tod’s Raspberry TwoTone Envelope Oversized Clutch (AED1,715) is the ultimate Luxury Closet bargain. Crafted from smooth elegant calf leather, it is accented with a bit-shaped turn lock and gold tone hardware, with delicious grape and raspberry colours to set even your little black dress alight!

And, for an attention-grabbing patent leather treasure, the Louis Vuitton Sobe Clutch Vernis Amaranth (AED2,855) will keep you looking chic. In stunning purple and finished with golden brass LV letters, its magnetic snap closure opens to reveal a spacious leather interior. Or for true princess magic, the Louis Vuitton Salmon Limelight GM Clutch (AED5,735) is sultry, formal, but smashing.

Hermès opens a first in the UK You’d think that century-old luxury house would perhaps not have too many chances for a first, but Hermès only recently launched its first stand-alone fine watch and jewellery boutique in the United Kingdom.

The store opened in the Fine Jewellery room situated on the ground floor of Harrods in London.

Hermès has an important history in watch and jewellery making, having started creating pieces at the beginning of the 20th century. This new boutique presents only its most precious pieces and showcases its unique skills in these métiers. The first Hermès wristwatch was created in 1912 for Jacqueline Hermès, at the request of her father Emile Hermès, the grandson of the founder Thierry Hermès. Many watches and timepieces were to follow, including such design classics as the Cape Cod and Arceau.

This new boutique will bring together these two métiers from Hermès for the first time in the United Kingdom in one retail space. It will be a showcase for the many exceptional artisanal watch and jewellery skills possessed by Hermès craftspeople since the early 20th century.

Reinterpreted Jaeger-LeCoultre pieces for auction and charity Two of the world’s foremost design pioneers, Sir Jonathan Ive, KBE, and Marc Newson, CBE, have collaborated with musician and philanthropist Bono to organise a (RED) Auction celebrating the very best of design and innovation. Ive and Newson have spent the past year and a half curating the collection, which comprises objects from disciplines as diverse as space travel and lighting design to contemporary art and rare automobiles, all unified and distinguished by their excellence and innovation. The USD790,000 proceeds from the sale at Sotheby’s New York benefits The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The auction will feature icons of design selected by Ive and Newson and works that were personally customised by the pair, including a custom Jaeger-LeCoultre Atmos 561 clock with unique red accents created for the (RED) Auction, and a Memovox Tribute to Deep Sea watch which has been customised with a unique red dial and the (RED) logo engraved on the back of the watch.

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fashion news

Rivoli Group launches elite lounge To start catering further to its high profile clientele, Rivoli Group recently inaugurated ‘The R Lounge’.

The premium VIP lounge has been created to provide an exclusive and unparalleled experience for clients and guests in a luxurious and private atmosphere. The R Lounge will be used to unveil bespoke collections and showcase special pieces to Rivoli’s selected clients in a personalised and intimate setting. It’s the only customer service initiative of its kind in the region and one of the many ways the Rivoli Group intend to provide their loyal clients with exceptional customer service while upholding their reputation as the Middle East’s leading lifestyle retailer.

Premium price for a unique timepiece

Christie’s ‘Important Watches’ auction in Geneva witnessed an exceptional timepiece from A. Lange & Söhne changed owners for the equivalent of nearly EUR380,000: the only DOUBLE SPLIT with a stainless steel case. An important chapter of watch history was written, when the DOUBLE SPLIT made its debut in 2004. The double rattrapante chronograph was the first mechanical watch to allow History comparative lap measurements of up to thirty minutes. has it that fashion and horse The impressive auction result was far more than riding goes hand in hand. This time, fashion the estimated EUR96,000 to 140,000. The watch giant Ralph Lauren began a history in the emirates, – sold in 2008 – went under the hammer for and organised the first ever UAE Ladies Polo Tournament more than four times the original retail price under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Maitha Bint of the series-production model made of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. platinum.

Led by HH Sheikha Maitha, who played captain in Team UAE, the tournament was the first ladies-only event held in Dubai.

The competition’s organisers said that it highlights the growing participation of females playing professional sports in the United Arab Emirates. As part of the partnership, polo players from the four competing teams were outfitted in Ralph Lauren specially-designed polo mesh shirts in four bright colours: orange, pink, lime green and white.

Ralph Lauren rolls out the 1st UAE Ladies Polo Tournament

Fendi Unveils Alluring Dual Colour Enamel Look in Chameleon

A timelessly beautiful watch, the Chameleon offers a modern and innovative take on time. The Italianstyled, Swiss-made Chameleon watches feature elongated rectangular cases, curved at the top and bottom for feminine appeal. The bottom of the seductive case features the iconic Fendi signature, allowing the strap color beneath to show through – adding depth and character.

The new Dual-Color pieces are bold statements of confidence and fashion.

Montblanc limited edition makes Middle East debut In celebration of the opening of its latest Middle East boutique in The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, Montblanc hosted an ‘Extraordinary Evening of Passion, Creativity & Heritage’ for 150 high profile guests and friends of the luxury brand.

Paying homage to one particular passion of the region, falconry, the world’s first Montblanc falcon glove was presented during the evening. Crafted in the finest calf and alligator skin by the maison’s artisans in its Pelletteria in Florence, Italy, the unique glove will be on display in The Galleria boutique.

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RUNWAY

Pict ures

Fashion in

Giving a glimpse at the key Spring/Summer 2014 trends is this gallery of stunning images captured at Moda Lisboa. Breathtaking styles were present at Portugal’s edition of Fashion Week, paving the way for excitement towards the warm season. Although most of the labels and designers focused on minimalist theme, the shows also witnessed bold accessories, statement heels, and highly embellished outfits. The palettes ranged from bright hues and nudes all the way to metallic blues and monochromes, while the silhouettes were extremes, too, with showers of feminine ensembles and fierce get-ups. In an exclusive Middle East print preview in AW, here are the outtakes from the amazing fashion that filled ‘the’ Moda Lisboa.

Arlindo Camacho

Photography by

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RUNWAY

Arlindo Camacho

Photography by

Teresa Queiros

Photography by

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Art ur Cabral

Photography by

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RUNWAY

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LUXE BUYS

Cruisin’ in French fashion Taking inspiration from the effortless style of the Parisian woman, Louis Vuitton’s 2014 Cruise (Resort) Collection follows her needs for carefree fashion.

If she wants to wear a man’s coat over a floaty summer dress, then that’s exactly what she’ll do – indeed, Louis Vuitton pushes the idea further, drawing inspiration from the lining of a classic overcoat to create a fluid wrap in double-face cashmere, which she ties nonchalantly over a crepe dress with an artfully faded floral print. A signature Louis Vuitton tweed is combined with leather and cut into a boyish trouser suit. She slips her bare feet into a pair of flat loafers and – voilà! – she’s good to go.

The essential simplicity of her style is captured in her penchant for the collection’s new take on the suit: an ample T-shirt paired with a miniskirt. There’s nothing simple about the execution, however, as one such ensemble is crafted from duchesse satin with a jacquard motif of tiny dots reminiscent of men’s ties. Likewise, the humble marinière is reinterpreted in mink, while an airy floral-print dress, which sensually slips from her shoulder, is re-embroidered with tiny jet beads. Though what she wears may be precious, the way she wears it is anything but – a rock ‘n’ roll attitude summed up the studded embellishment on an acid yellow dress in fluid crepe.

Her idiosyncratic approach extends to accessories. Her favoured shoes are mostly flat: slippers in leather or denim, barelythere two-strap sandals, ankle boots with a studded heel, and slip-on clogs. Her watchword is comfort, since she has the confidence to pull off even the most unlikely combinations.

For evening, she sometimes switches to a higher heel, choosing two-tone sandals with a pointed toe and sexy cutouts to reveal her bare skin.

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LUXE BUYS

Marni Flap Bag, AED3750

Marni Trunk Bag, AED5350

Marni in the Mirror Looking for the bag that makes a statement? Marni actually has two options for you. Coming out from its Resort 2014 collection, the Marni Trunk and Marni Flap bags are going to be your answer for something that will cause jealous stares.

Featuring the most iconic and distinctive styles of the luxury house, the stars of the collection are entirely made of laminated leather – dazzling like gold and silver mirror – and embody the collection, conveying design component with an opulent touch.

The bags come with adjustable shoulder straps, and are available at the Marni boutique at Mall of the Emirates.

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LUXE BUYS Pendant in yellow gold and diamonds Pendant in yellow gold, amethyst and diamonds

Ring in yellow gold and diamonds

Horse Power Taking inspiration from the Andulasian horse – the Purebred Spanish horse, emblematic, beautiful, proud, dependable, brave, and admired all over the world for centuries – Carrera y Carrera pays tribute to this majestic animal as the protagonist of its new collection, Ecuestre. Magnificent pieces in gold, diamonds and amethysts, exquisitely carved and detailed, true to the noble and impetuous curves of this beautiful animal, are the highlights of this collection. It’s a collection created for passionate, strong, and sophisticated women.

Here, the jewellery firm perfected taming the gold and precious stones to achieve a figurative work of art that brings the animal to life – minisculptures full of movement that perfectly portray the spirit, passion and elegance of the horse.

Earrings in yellow gold and diamonds

Carrera y Carrera is available in United Arab Emirates at the monobrand boutique in Atlantis The Palm and at Levant jewellery stores in Al Qasr, Burj Al Arab and Zabeel Saray in Dubai. It is also available in Qatar at Alfardan Centre in Grand Hamad Street.

Earrings in yellow gold, amethyst and diamonds Ring in yellow gold and diamonds

Ring in yellow gold, amethyst and diamonds

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LUXE BUYS

Watch Out Another expression of the genius creations of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana worth treasuring is the Dolce & Gabbana Watches collection featuring ultra-feminine models that feature use of precious gems for quadrants and delicate leather for straps. Of course, a marriage between Italian’s creative forces and Switzerland’s excellence in high-end watchmaking would naturally result to a birth of a timepiece collection that one must covet.

Our choice in the Dolce &Gabbana Watches collection is this DG7 Gems watch that embodies masculine lines with red alligator-skin bracelet, which also comes in green or blue, but with satin-finish gold watch face that is totally feminine and elegant. The four baguette-cut rubies are set into as quadrants, but the DG7 Gems is also designed with sapphires, diamonds and emeralds. It’s indeed a perfect daily wrist candy that shows mastery in watchmaking crafted with luxury of fine jewellery.

The Dolce&Gabbana Watches collection is exclusively in selected Dolce&Gabbana boutiques located in key cities around the world, and a limited selection will be for sale online at www.dolcegabbanawatches.com.

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HIGH Street

Dare to Pair Since the growth of social media, the need to always be connected has mixed in to fashion. And, this time, you can read messages, handle calls, easily access notifications, enhance camera functionality – all from your wrist.

Sony SmartWatch 2 is the world’s first Androidcompatible SmartWatch with one-touch NFC. It is the perfect accessory and second screen for your Android smartphone. Not only does it enhance existing phone functionality, it also offers unique new benefits.

SmartWatch 2 introduces new features as a natural successor to the Sony SmartWatch such as NFC connectivity for one-touch pairing, stunning premium design and a range of technologies including higher resolution for sharper viewing, better visibility even in sunlight, longer battery stamina, more intuitive interface, standalone watch functionality and a wide range of pre-installed and recommended apps.

With this, you’ve got a gadget and a wrist candy at the same time. The Sony SmartWatch 2 is available with leading regional retailers and is priced at AED799.

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Ecco Fashion A range of purses, messenger bags and clutches from Ecco allows you to blend fashion and function. Add them now to your sartorial collection.

AW Wants Silently wishing we could also pull off this Mango jeanson-jeans matching pair that has gone funky and fierce, so stylishly inspiring. We want!

HIGH Street

Kardashian x ICONIC Followers of the Kardashian sisters had a blast at the recently unveiled collection for the three in ICONIC. With Kourtney coming down to Dubai to welcome the collaboration, anticipation is also growing for some Kardashian fashion.

Designed for Lipsy by Kourtney, Kim and KhloĂŠ Kardashian, the collection will feature a wide mix of high-end, trend driven looks, including a sequined biker jacket, tribal caviar embellished crop tops, lace jumpsuit and feather coats. Needless to say fail safe, go-to party dresses will not disappoint either with a variety of colours and bodycon styles that will become instant wardrobe staples.

The Kardashian Kollection launch is the second successful celebrity association championed by RazaBeig, the first being the super successful launch of Being Human at Splash & ICONIC. The collection is available for purchase in ICONIC stores in the UAE and Kuwait.

Love colours? Have fun with Poupee The UAE-made label is showing off a colourful collection of box clutches, flat bags, shoulder bags and vertigo bags, fitting for every palette requirement of a chic fashionista. Complete your look by mixing and matching with these stunning arm candies.

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HIGH Street

Star Style Shopping at Bebe Want to be glamorous like your favourite celebs?

These stunning frocks will turn your fabulous self into the darling of the night. Glam up, dress up, and shine!

Steal Her Style Sport a casual regal look by channelling your inner Kate Middleton style with these fashionable items from Aeropostale. Stay, even on Resort 2014 trend, by adding a nautical hint to such effortless yet stylish outfit.

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HIGH Street The new H&M Sport H&M has announced the evolution and growth of its H&M Sport concept in January 2014. The new H&M Sport will offer greater choice and new designs for more sporting activities, reflecting the increasingly active lifestyles of women, men and children. The new H&M Sport collection has been designed with input from world-class professional athletes from the Swedish Olympic team, placing the emphasis on performance, with a natural instinct for fashion. As well as a new visual identity, H&M Sport will also get its own dedicated area in selected stores. The expansion confirms H&M’s longterm commitment to H&M Sport, and its rapidly growing engagement with the world of sports.

For women, H&M Sport offers pieces for multiple disciplines. That means running clothes for whatever the weather, with a windproof and water-repellent running jacket along with all other running needs; athletic quick-dry pieces for workouts; loose and comfortable garments for body and mind activities such as yoga, and protective fleece jackets and waterrepellent bottoms for those who love the outdoors. Functionality and comfort are key to the design and so is colour which comes in a wide palette.

You complete me A fashionista always knows that the last pieces of accessories taken to complete the outfit actually make or break the whole look. Make no mistake with your choices now with these these smashing choices from Ted Baker.

For men at H&M Sport, key running garments include running jackets, in either block colour or prints, and printed running T-shirts; and there’s athletic kit such as workout T-shirts, warm-up tops and trousers, and sleeveless hoodies. For outdoors there’s insulating jackets and base layers, as well as the key fully-waterproof shell jacket, and for tennis there’s the essential polo shirt and tennis shorts.

H&M Sport has pieces for boys and girls of all ages, whether it’s for play or practice. There’s sportswear such as soccer kit and tracksuits, athletic kit and tennis gear, as well as swimwear. There’s also special dance kit, and a full range of outdoor sport garments for all weathers and conditions.

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Beauty

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Looking for a new beauty fix? Here are your go-to choices this 2014!

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1. Bassam Fattouh BB Cream This is a multi-purpose beauty and blemish cream that works as an incredible moisturiser or as a phenomenal makeup base, and comes in two lush shades. Long lasting and lightweight, it brightens, reduces redness, erases imperfections, and minimises oil build-up. The result is a gorgeous complexion with a touch of natural glamour.

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2. Institut Esthederm’s E.V.E. (Essential Vital Elements) Combining long-term biological efficiency with an immediately visible cosmetic effect, E.V.E. operates on the depth and surface of the skin to restore its natural beauty. Comprised of biomimetic Essential Vital Elements that are naturally found in the cutaneous tissue, it is a genuine ‘natural substance for the skin’.

3. Elemis’ Radiance Collections Choose from four specially paired cleansers and toners to Rehydrate, Balance, Resurface and Illuminate the skin. Designed to tackle specific skin issues and reveal your natural radiance, each collection will also include a handbag-sized Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm to create gorgeous, glowing skin to complete your skincare routine.

4 Tom Ford Nail Lacquers Whether you want a day wear or a glam night polish to complete the look, these Tom Ford nail lacquers offer a choice of sensuous neutrals or decadent bolds.

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5. Bobbi Brown Old Hollywood Collection AW’s choices in this range are its Limited Edition Nail Polish (the perfect complement to a dramatic Hollywood red lip or a sultry smokey eye, available in two shades: Siren Red and Tuxedo Black), and Limited Edition Glitter Nail Polish (these glitter polishes add texture and a pretty touch of colour, and available in two shades: Chrome and Solid Gold).

6. hope in a jar night intense It’s a re-texturising moisturiser that helps redefine your beauty sleep. It features a patented qusome delivery system that allows for better, gentler and more effective penetration of active ingredients.

7. Kiehl’s Powerful Wrinkle & Pore Reducing Cream It was developed to effectively, and significantly strengthen skin’s elasticity to yield a healthier, younger-looking complexion. Utilising powerful micronutrients, the formula works to boost elasticity, reduce wrinkles, smooth texture and improve the appearance of pores.

8 bliss fabulips treatment kit The only one-stop lip care shop that cleans, exfoliates, plumps and softens for a ‘spa’-tacular smooch every day – it’s a facial for your pout!

Beauty Bioderma H2O It’s the newest range from Bioderma that includes the best cleansers and make-up removers. The Sensibio H20 is for sensitive skin that soothes and provides decongestant action.

The Sébium H2O is for Acne-prone skin, and it limits the thickening of sebum and purifies skin. The White Objective H2O is for pigmented skin, and ensures optimum lightening and preventive performance.

The star of the range is the ABCDerm H2O, a high-tolerance formula with a limited number of ingredients, adapted to babies’ fragile skin, compliant with the range’s dermatologic safety standards. It’s definitely mum’s newest BFF.

Our best choices among the shower of luxurious products promising the most rightful start to staying pretty Chanel Le Lift Crème Fine Chanel’s Le Lift is an anti-wrinkle cream that comes in three textures, from light to rich, to meet the need of every preference and lifestyle. Our choice is Crème Fine, an airy, oil-free formula – the lightest of the three – that instantly blends into skin.

This ultra-light, airy formula, part of the innovative Le Lift skincare range —precisely targeted, individualised skincare with the pure and ultrapowerful ingredient 3.5DA*, a highly effective molecule that promotes skin elasticity – recontours, tones and refines the complexion to reveal skin’s optimal firmness. Absorbs instantly and blends seamlessly into skin.

Guerlain Orchidée Impériale Eye And Lip Cream At the heart of Orchidée Impériale Eye and Lip Cream, Gold Orchid Technology promotes cell regeneration for visible action on tissue firmness and density, fine lines and wrinkles, and skin radiance and evenness. Born of the Guerlain formulators’ exceptional know-how, the Eye & Lip Cream achieves the feat of combining extreme performance with a featherlight touch that makes it extremely easy to apply and just as silky, light and imperceptible under make-up. With fewer lipids, yet rich in active ingredients, the fragrance-free Eye & Lip Cream has been designed in every way to optimise and protect these sensitive areas.

Bottega Veneta Luxury Bath Collection To mark the second anniversary of its signature scent, Bottega Veneta created the Luxury Bath Collection. The elements of the new Luxury Bath Collection include a Luxury Body Scrub, Luxury Body Oil, a Shimmery Body Powder with puff applicator, and a Luxury Hair Mist.

Exalting the power of fragrance through every sense, these items encourage self-indulgent luxury and can be used individually or combined as part of a bath ritual.

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Scents

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Nothing beats a fresh year than taking on equally fresh scents. For him and her, these latest must-stock fragrances await you at the leading beauty shelves at the start of 2014.

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1. Prada ‘Luna Rossa Extreme’ This new masculine fragrance embodies the spirit of the Luna Rossa sailing team who are faced with intense physical, mental and technical challenges. The six distinctive notes within, including Zestful Bergamot and Leathery balsamic Labdanum, are all skillfully interwoven, evoking team spirit and equilibrium.

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2. Calvin Klein ‘DARK OBSESSION’ For men, this is a bold, modern oriental fragrance with a powerful masculinity and intense sensuality. It comes with hints of Brazilian green mandarin, French clary sage, and Madagascar vanilla bean.

5. Bulgari ‘Omnia Crystalline L’eau de Parfum’ It is a velvety and textured fragrance that glows like a gem with the clarity of a crystal revealing a modern sensuality. It is the new latest addition bringing depth, warmth and richness to the central themes: crystal and the lotus flower.

6. Zen Gold Elixir by Shiseido It is a limited edition Oriental fragrance that features floral scents and warm ambery notes. Inspired by the calm stream of zen energy, the scent is created based on the interplay of two textures of rich golden fabric.

3. DAVIDOFF ‘The Game Intense’ It is a powerful variation of DAVIDOFF ‘The Game eau de toilette’. Building on its forerunner, it adds a very distinctive touch of seduction and audacity. It belongs to the fresh aromatic woody family.

7. Tom Ford Noir Eau De Toilette Smooth and animalistic oriental notes take a secondary role as pure citrus oils and herbal notes come to the forefront, brightened and heightened in their impact.

The original fragrance’s tension of creamy and fresh notes becomes experienced from a new perspective, as captures the sophisticated and compelling masculine duality at the heart of TOM FORD NOIR, yet reframes it with splashy, and luxuriously substantive, elegance.

4. Rochas ‘SECRET DE ROCHAS’ An audacious celebration of joie de vivre, this elegant new classic is the house’s first signature luxury perfume since Marcel Rochas unveiled Femme in 1945. While the floral-fruity-chypre, Secret de Rochas reflects the heritage of Femme, it has all the makings of a modern classic in its own right.

8. Repetto by Repetto A debut on the fragrance world, the new Repetto scent takes inspiration from the subtle grace of a ballerina. The House of Repetto chose the most refined, luxurious and authentic raw materials, merged into an elegant integral redolent of powder and musk, resulting to sensations of pure pleasure.

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The limited edition ‘La Tentation de Nina’ hails from the coupling of two most unique team-ups: Nina Ricci and Ladurée. Merging the creativity of the fragrance with the irresistible macaron flavours resulted in a fruity floral essence that combines Italian bergamot and grapefruit with Bourbon vanilla, white musk and sandalwood. The light-feeling scent is complemented by notes of raspberry, almond, lemon and Bulgarian rose, which are also found in the matching Ladurée macaron.

Take your ‘Chance’ If this is the one chance presented to us, we’d definitely grab it without thinking. The new range of sparkly fresh body scents from Chanel gives us this year 2014 three types of Chance(s). From shimmering body cream, touch, and powdered perfume, we have quite a few must-haves from the luxury fashion house.

Serving us with refined and feminine charm, we choose among the three the Chanel Chance Eau Tendre in Shimmering Powdered Perfume. It’s a delicate and subtle illumination with a fruity-floral scent that revives the Chanel Chance Eau Tendre fragrance for ever-greater softness. A puff of it deposits a cloud of tenderness on the skin and a fine dusting of shimmer on the body.

Meanwhile, the Chanel Chance Eau Tendre scent takes us to a surprising fruity-floral fragrance in a whirlwind of tenderness intermingled with a grapefruit-quince accord, jasmine absolute and a white musk note. Indeed, these are ‘Chances’ well taken.

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beauty shoot

Get the look Delve into a step-by-step process on how to create captivating looks that highlight the eyes, using the beautiful make-up collection by Clinique.

Eyes: All About Shadow Primer for Eyes in Very Fair – begin by applying the primer across the lid using the doe foot wand and blending with finger.

All About Shadow in At Dusk single – apply shadow using the Shadow Brush all over the lid, blending softly into the brow bone, then swipe the shade along the lower lash line using the Contour Brush. Using the All About Shadow in Black Honey single, blend the shade into the crease using the Shadow Brush.

Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Intense Sable – line upper and lower lash line to create a defined look.

High Impact Volume Mascara – apply multiple coats on top lashes and complete look with a few swipes on the lower lashes using Bottom Lash Mascara in Black Cheeks: Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posey – give cheeks a rosy glow by focusing blush on the apples of the cheeks.

Lips: Chubby Stick Intense Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Curviest Caramel – add a subtle colour on the lips to finish off the look with polish.

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Eyes: All About Shadow in Jammin’ duo – apply the pink shade from lash line to brow bone, then swipe the purple into the crease using the Shadow Brush and blend out towards the edge of the eye and smudge softly on the lower lash line. Then using All About Shadow Angel Eyes single– apply on the inner corner of the eye.

Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Aubergine – layer the liners on the upper and lower lash lines.

High Impact Volume Mascara and Bottom Lash Mascara in Black – a few swipes will give eyes an effortless, natural look.

Face: For a flawless complexion, apply Even Better Makeup SPF15 to treat and cover uneven skin tone.

Cheeks: Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Precious Posey – keep the look soft with just a hint of blush in a natural hue.

Lips: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Curviest Candy – finish the look with a natural hue.

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beauty shoot

Eyes: All About Shadow in Smoke and Mirrors quad – sweep the Shadow Brush into the darker shades and apply shadow starting at the inner corner and blending out towards the edge of the eye. Then using All About Shadow in Pacific Coast Single– blend the teal shadow along the lash line with the Eye Contour Brush. Blend up into the darker Nightcap shadow using the Shadow Brush.

Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Peacock – layer the liners on the upper and lower lash lines and smudge with the Eye Contour Brush.

High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara in Black - Work the mascara into the root of the lash to give more volume, and apply multiple layers evenly.

Cheeks: Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Aglow – keep cheeks natural with a swipe of bronze on the cheek bone.

Lips: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Heaping Hazelnut– keep the lip neutral and subtle so the focus stays on eyes.

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Eyes: All About Shadow in Blushed single – apply the shade from lash line to brow bone using the Shadow Brush then blend the All About Shadow Angel Eyes single shadow along the lash line with the Eye Contour Brush.

Line upper lash line using Quickliner for Eyes Intense in Ebony .

High Impact Waterproof Mascara in Black – a few swipes will give eyes a natural look.

Superfine Liner for Brows in Soft brown – to balance the look, use a brow pencil to lightly fill in brows.

Cheeks: Blushing Blush Powder Blush in Pink Love – stick with the pink tones for cheeks, applying on the apples of cheeks for a healthy, flushed look.

Lips: Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in Whoppin’ Watermelon – keep lips muted with a soft touch of pink.

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People and Events

It’s not always about you; take a step back and see what you can do to help better the world.

EXCLUSIVE

Changing face of philanthropy Millions of people around the world need help, and willing hearts respond.

However, are we helping them in the right way? Clare Woodcraft, CEO of Emirates Foundation, shares with us why sustainability is the way forward.

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EXCLUSIVE

Explain philanthropy in this modern age?

A globally connected world where social media creates more ‘voice’ for consumers is driving greater transparency and accountability in the corporate world which is increasingly being reflected in the philanthropic one. Investors are becoming more demanding about how their ‘gifted’ capital is deployed and the focus on impact and how foundations measure it is coming to the fore. Equally, as philanthropists become younger and more widespread – both as investors and as practitioners – more emphasis is being placed on understanding what works and what doesn’t. How do we create positive long-term social change rather than simply a cosmetic approach to creating social value?

This new found scrutiny, coupled with the persistence of entrenched global challenges and dissatisfaction with the impact of traditional grant-making is driving change. Philanthropists are now looking for more innovative approaches to solving socio-economic issues and in many cases are turning to the business sector for opportunities to collaborate and to learn about creating impact at scale.

How has it evolved and what are the key factors that caused that change?

Foundations are now asking difficult questions about how to deploy philanthropic capital most effectively.

How to create and measure a ‘net social asset value’? How to create impact at scale more efficiently than governments can? How to achieve economies of scale that can bring about real cost efficiencies?

How to emulate the principles of business that create value? Foundations are looking more closely at developing clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), measuring aggregate output and having

conversations with the Board that assess delivery challenges as well as successes.

Emirates Foundation is no exception and recently adopted Venture Philanthropy as its core business model. Venture Philanthropy is about taking an enterprise-based approach to solving old social problems, providing ‘handson’ technical support and moving from time-bound short-term projects to longterm systemic approaches. It’s about delivering permanent solutions – in other words poverty eradication rather than alleviation. And it’s about looking at market mechanics and building capacity rather than simply funding. ‘Catalytic philanthropy’ and ‘strategic philanthropy’ imply a similar approach seeking to put an end to ‘cheque-writing’ and instead drive meaningful social outputs.

What is the role of Emirates Foundation in terms of philanthropy?

How is Emirates Foundation making a difference to society?

Emirates Foundation has adopted this new approach both to maximise its impact on youth development and also to help drive a debate within the sector about how philanthropy can do more with less. This is embodied in the model of Venture philanthropy which recognises there are no quick-fixes to creating tangible, developmental results Instead of giving money away it looks at investing in organisations or initiatives with the expectation of social returns.

This increases the measurable impact and opens the way for foundations like ours to play an even greater role in a nation’s social-economic progress.

This new business-based approach allows some of the Foundation’s partners to get more involved – rather than simply providing funding, they can provide technical support and get involved in the delivery of programs. We’re developing a new kind of collaborative relationship where our donors are highly engaged, we want them to be part of the process to help provide resources, knowledge and technical input to ensure the initiatives we deliver are sustainable and have maximum impact.

As well as providing a channel through which they can give back to the community the Foundation offers businesses advice on how to ensure that their own social investment portfolios are strategic, aligned to their business and deliver sustainable outcomes. As a result of this model we have been able to touch

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EXCLUSIVE financial support is just the beginning of the partnership. What is more important in philanthropy is collaboration – working with all relevant sectors – and leveraging technical input and expertise.

For example, our mentoring program relies on leaders in the private sector being willing to support youth by sharing their own professional and personal development and helping guide others.

Similarly, our internship portal will be populated by opportunities shared by our private sector partners. When it comes to youth you are essentially talking about talent so it’s always critical to engage the market and in our case our business partners – the corporate sector. Their nonfinancial contribution is just as valuable as their financial one.

the lives of over 60,000 young people in the UAE providing them support and guidance on how to manage their personal and professional growth.

The Emirates Foundation has chosen to focus on the youths. Why? In a rapidly changing and increasingly connected world, young people face greater complexity with the choices they make about their life decisions and their career paths. Emirates Foundation has recognised not only this new global challenge but also the need for philanthropy itself to ensure maximum efficiency and maximum impact.

Following a comprehensive review of its existing mandate in 2011 and a review of the third sector in the UAE, the Foundation concluded that change was required – not only to ensure delivering sustainable social value but also to ensure that the organ0szation was effectively focused in its work. The Foundation discovered that while there were many other organizations looking into similar areas, there were few with a nationwide remit focused on youth. As a result, a decision was taken to refocus the efforts of the organisation on youth development in the UAE How do you measure the success of the foundation’s mission?

With our focused portfolio – youth development with six core operational programs – we have been able to get much more rigorous in measuring our impact. We have developed KPIs for each one of our programs based on the objectives of the program and by working through a logical framework.

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Since we are now focused on one key area, we are also now able to measure our outcomes at an organisation-wide level by aggregating individual program KPIs. What this allows for is further refinement of the programs, of the objectives and for greater accountability towards our board and youth. Any measurement tool will always be a means by which program development is guided such that our core products and services are constantly upgraded and honed in line with the real needs of young people.

Which is more valuable: Money or expertise?

We firmly believe that philanthropy is about ‘more than money’. While our programs are funded by our private sector partners, we are very conscious that their

We often hear “It’s ok to fail, it’s how you get back up...” How do foundations and philanthropic efforts rebound from failures?

Failure is always about learning. Failure often gets a bad name but without failure it is impossible to assess what works and what doesn’t and avoid making mistakes in the future. The work that we have done this year as founding members of the OECD’s global foundation network, NetFWD, was all about sharing mistakes made, learning from them and adapting our philanthropic model accordingly. We were part of a piece of research tracking the transition of four foundations from traditional philanthropy to a more catalytic approach. We worked with Shell Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation and the Lundin Foundation to share case studies of our transition and lessons learned. But a critical objective of this piece of work went beyond documenting our respective journeys. We were also

EXCLUSIVE Emirates Foundation Philanthropy Summit 2013

looking to encourage others in the sector to promote a culture of sharing, of talking about success and failure and of striving to build strong accountability within the sector. To date, very few foundations share lessons learnt but this is something that at Emirates Foundation we are committed to and plan to support through institutionalise learning, monitoring and evaluation.

How do you see social media to effect change and help these philanthropic causes? And how effective is this tool?

Anybody working with youth will know only too well that youth engagement, youth development and youth interaction is a huge part of the social media space.

Young people no longer use tools such as email for direct interaction and communication but are focused on social media platforms. For Emirates Foundation, where our mission is all

about guiding and inspiring young people, we believe that social media is a critical platform. Not only is it the most relevant space in which to engage with youth, it is also the most effective way of achieving impact at scale.

We are aiming to create a positive and a permanent impact on the lives of young people in the UAE but we don’t aim to just touch hundreds of lives – we want to reach hundreds of thousands. Since youth are our target audience, we need to speak their ‘language’. And it’s proven to be an extremely effective way of promoting out work and encouraging young people to join us. Whether it’s about encouraging young people to sign up as volunteers in Tanzania or live tweeting a Think Science event or sharing our SANID emergency response, volunteering activities via You Tube, social media is an indispensable component of our work.

The Emirates Foundation for Youth Development organised its first ever Philanthropy Summit 2013, with the aim to connect innovative institutions, global and regional business experts, government representatives and philanthropists to engage in a discussion on Philanthropy in Transition’.

Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister and Chairman of Emirates Foundation, the summit connected experts from around the world in an in-depth debate on how the impact of philanthropic investment can be maximised to empower youth and further benefit societies in a sustainable way.

Clare Woodcraft, CEO of Emirates Foundation, said, “Emirates Foundation is delighted to welcome corporate and government dignitaries, innovative philanthropists and business experts from the region and around the world to engage in enlightening discussions and panels on how the socio-economic impact of venture philanthropy can be maximised.” During the summit, Emirates Foundation created an interactive platform where the best minds in the field shared the lessons they’ve learnt, provided peer coaching and created strategic alliances and partnerships to help create greater social impact. The foundation ran four parallel work streams, where each included ‘Challenge Sessions’ facilitated by various experts in each respective field.

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cover story

JoelleMardinian: The Beauty Maven

With over 470,000 Facebook fans, more than 222,000 Twitter and 161,000 Instagram followers, Joelle Mardinian is a force to reckon with, a celebrity on her own. A self-made personality, she successfully garnered the nods of international brands such as Max Factor and Pantene with her expertise, knowledge and innate beauty. The Beirut-born Mardinian exemplifies the modern, influential Arab woman – a persona that inspires, and is worth aspiring.

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nown for being the make-up artist to the stars, Joelle Mardinian has walked her way through dozens of challenges, and achieved greater heights since she began her career in her self-titled television show, ‘Joelle’. Mardinian is now the Regional Creative Director of the globally renowned cosmetics brand Max Factor, the brand ambassador of the international hair care line Pantene, and the entrepreneur who owns her own chain of salons.

A pioneering beauty trendsetter, Mardinian’s make-up artistry emphasises the power of natural features as well as the individuality of every woman. Her extraordinary talents has garnered her a slew of accolades in recent years.

“Through my make-up artistry, I aim to emphasise the power of natural features as well as the individuality of every woman. For me, it is all about creating unique make-up styles that enhance a woman’s look – rather than overwhelm it,” she quipped.

Growing up, Mardinian absorbed a love for cosmetics from her mother, also a beauty professional. At the age of 14, her desire to pursue a career in the field was ignited, prompting her to obtain a certificate of qualification from the prestigious Grease Paint Make-up School in London. After that, she said, “I never looked back, continuously forging my path to career success by working at glamorous photo shoots, video clips and concerts for London’s Sony Records, alongside many famous stars.”

The Middle East came a-calling and Mardinian relocated to Dubai to work for MBC as a professional stylist and make-up artist on her self-titled show.

Her impressive talent and ability to take any face and make it over with a unique make-up look became her trademark. It is this skill that has today earned her peer and audience recognition, especially among fashion and make-up aficionados, helping to propel Mardinian onto the region’s most sought-after make-up artist list.

In 2008, she also became an entrepreneur when she founded Maison de Joelle – a chain of salons offering an all-encompassing beauty experience. Mardinian’s second branch

was inaugurated in January 2011 and since then, she has expanded to Dubai’s Kempinski Hotel as well as the cities of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, with plans underway to eventually open in Qatar and Jeddah.

At what point in your life did you realise you wanted to pursue a career in the beauty industry?

I first became a make-up artist at the age of 22. My love for make-up dates back to the day I was born! I feel the same way about all my passions – be it fashion, beauty or make-up. They simply are – and always have been part and parcel of my personality. In terms of my aspiration to become a businesswoman in the field of beauty, that was sparked when I started learning about make-up artistry.

Who are the biggest influences in your career?

I have always adored the work of the late American make-up artist, photographer and author Kevyn Aucoin. He was the world’s most incredible make-up artist, in my opinion. A true legend! From the very beginning of my career, I was obsessed with him.

I, of course,love and follow closely the work of Pat McGrath, Max Factor’s Global Creative Director. She is remarkably talented! I also follow other make-up artists’ work – some are household names, while others aren’t.

If you weren’t doing make-up now, what do you think you would be doing otherwise?

I would probably be working with children or own a nursery. I actually wish that I had the guts to work as a midwife. I just love newborn babies!

I love being around them, but I know that it requires some courage so I am not sure that I could take it on as a full-time job!

We know that you’ve been an ambassador of beauty in the Middle East.

How does this make you feel?

I am very proud and honoured to hold this position. I still can’t believe that over the past decade, I managed to build such an incredible career trajectory here in the region. My aim is to always work hard so I can continue on this path to success. It is about being a work in progress and not stagnating. I want my future to remain bright!

I believe that making sure that a woman is happy with the way she looks is not the only key to confidence. She needs to be fully happy with herself – that means recognising her personal or professional accomplishments and successes.

How do you handle the responsibility of being a role model to young people, especially now that you’re a face of huge brands such as Max Factor and Pantene?

I became aware of that responsibility the day I first appeared on television!

I know that a lot of people watch TV and that I am, in a way, entering people’s homes without their permission when I suddenly appear on their TV screens. I take that responsibility very seriously. However, the truth is, I have always navigated the ‘good’ path in life. I have never really gone ‘off-track’ so it doesn’t feel like a burden or a task to be a role model. I enjoy bringing out the best in people and enhancing their selfesteem through my work.

What is your quality that attracted Max Factor take you on as their ambassador?

I think that it is my deep passion for make-up because it truly does stem from the heart. It is also the fact that I have been able to re-create people’s faces on television and make them look better. I think that the Max Factor brand identifies with my vision, which is all about enhancing someone’s looks and their perception of themselves.

In addition, I have a very strong following in the region – my show boasts more than 50 million viewers -

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cover story which I am sure played a part in Max Factor’s decision to take me on as a Regional Creative Director Why did Pantene choose you as their face behind its new Hair Diaries program?

Instead of going through the traditional route of advertising, Pantene wanted someone who was honest and could really connect with audiences. I have been on television for 10 years now and have a very strong connection with my viewers.

They don’t just believe in me, they also fully trust me! So, if I am serving as the custodian of a brand, they know that I actually believe in the product.

My experience with Pantene began three years ago when I first visited Japan’s Pantene Hair Research Institute (PHRI). It was an amazing trip and I got to learn the exact science behind Pantene products. It was a real eye-opener because it provided me with in-depth insight into the entire production process, from inception to completion. That was probably also why the Pantene team wanted me as an ambassador: they knew that I was knowledgeable about their products and completely obsessed!

Can you share with us some practical tips on how to keep great looking hair?

The best hair care regimen is simple: use the right shampoo for your hair type. And, of course, go for Pantene’s Oil Replacement Therapy. It is just wonderful as it protects your hair from everyday damage. Using the right treatment – one that nourishes your hair – makes styling or colouring it so much easier!

What are your beauty must-haves? What can we see in your beauty bag?

In my shower, you will see Pantene products but in my beauty bag you will find Max Factor’s Mastertouch Concealer, the Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation and Max Factor’s Colour Elixir Lipstick in Ruby Tuesday, Pomegranate or Burned Caramel.

Can you share with us some easy-to-do make-up routine?

Start by applying a really thin layer of foundation on your face and neck.

Next, apply a little bit of concealer under your eyes and some mascara on your lashes. Then, use some blusher on the apples of yourcheeks and spread some on your eyelids. Finally, apply gloss or a vibrant colour on your lips.

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What other projects are in your pipeline?

I just launched Clinica Joelle – a clinic that focuses on cosmetic surgeries, cosmetic dentistry, dermatology, slimming machines and anti-ageing treatments. That is pretty much all that I am concentrating my efforts on at the moment. The truth is, I have been working on this initiative for a couple of years now and I am really hoping to grow the business at a rapid pace, just like I did for Maison De Joelle.

recognising her personal or professional accomplishments and successes. It is all about feeling great!

How do you manage your time doing everything, and still stay beautiful?

I work every single day – sometimes on the weekends – and so, I don’t have much time for anything else!

Still, I make sure to cleanse my face daily, both in the morning and at night. I also protect my skin from the sun and, of course, look after my hair.

I want to look fresh and beautiful naturally!

What do you think is your biggest achievement, so far? What else do you aim for?

I am proud of everything that I have done and consider every career step that I have taken so far, be it big or small, an accomplishment. However, my ‘stand-out’ achievement was four years ago when I became the Regional Creative Director for Max Factor.

Garnering my first Arab Woman of the Year Award in 2010 was also great. I was equally thrilled when I received an award for being amongst the 100 Most Powerful Arab Women in 2013.

Then, when I was granted the Arabian Business Woman of the Year Award that same year, it was the cherry on top!

What do you think is the best asset of women that they should always flaunt?

Every woman has a different ‘key’ asset. For me, the only universal assets that every woman should flaunt are clear skin, perfect teeth and gorgeous hair. These features can be striking on any woman! The rest – like whether she is curvy or skinny – doesn’t really matter!

What is the best way to keep women confident?

I believe that making sure that a woman is happy with the way she looks is not the only key to confidence. She needs to be fully happy with herself - that means

What makes you love what you do?

It is simply innate. I am just passionate about what I do and everything related to the world of beauty. That extends beyond make-up and hair – I also love design, architecture, art, nature and fashion. I just adore any creative form of expression!

Last question: What makes you proud as an Arab woman?

Receiving recognition from the people I meet and love makes me proud. It is great to know that you have impacted or enhanced someone’s life. My fans make me proud; I owe all of my success to them. Their unconditional love and support is what drives me to work harder!

My Quick Makeup Routine: Start by applying a really thin layer of foundation on your face and neck. Next, apply a little bit of concealer under your eyes and some mascara on your lashes. Then, use some blusher on the apples of your cheeks and spread some on your eyelids. Finally, apply gloss or a vibrant colour on your lips.

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profile

Meet Dubai’s Beauty Experts Along with its glittering skyline, malls and numerous achievements, Dubai has also come a long way in the beauty sector. Saadiya Ahmad had the chance to speak to some of these esteemed experts and find out the latest trends of 2014…

Mona Mirza is a Medical Aesthetician, Laser Specialist and CEO of Biolite Aesthetic clinic since 1999 in the UK and UAE and is currently managing Biolite’s f lagship med-spa in Dubai, providing the best of Hollywood’s treatments in Dubai.

“I went to beauty school at the age of 16 and continued in the profession to date.

I was introduced to lasers in 1999 and embarked on a very rewarding career from there on. The initial reason why I went into beauty was due to my personal skin issues. No one had managed to help me with it, so decided to do something about it myself. Some of the latest trends we will be seeing in 2014 include stem cells and Frotox, and even anti-ageing through hypnotherapy – a very simple yet powerful tool to begin thinking youthful to empower the body believe in what the mind wishes it to believe. My personal style icon is Angelina Jolie. She is without a doubt a natural beauty who is not only blessed with incredible features, but also exudes an inner strength and confidence that is incredibly inspiring as a mother, actress and above all a humanitarian peace worker. She always manages to look incredible on the red carpet and even radiates without make up.

In my view she is the embodiment of true confidence, natural beauty and style.”

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profile Natasha Bennett is the Operations Manager and Aesthetic Practitioner at Dermalase Clinic in Dubai where she oversees and performs aesthetic treatments, with her specialty being skin rejuvenation and treatment of scars.

“Medicine and beauty were the only two things which appealed to me when it came to going to university. I come from a family of beauticians and medics so I suppose I combined the two! In a lot of respects, the UAE is more advanced than many other places in the world which surprises a lot of people. We host many of the large Expos and also receive a lot of celebrity surgeons and doctors which shows how far the area has come. The most important things every woman can do herself to maintain her looks include getting plenty of rest, drinking water, using a great skincare regime day and night, having regular collagen boosting treatments such as AFT or Growth factor facials and very importantly, realiing the importance of sun cream! It is the single most important product you should have.

Some of the trends we will see more of in 2014 include treatment involving stem cells. We are really starting to realise their potential in terms of healing and rejuvenating now. Radio frequency and cryo therapy will continue to be the latest buzz words in skin tightening and body contouring. Also, nonablative Lasers such as the ‘Clearlift’ will continue to gain popularity as there is almost no downtime but long-lasting results.”

Katrina Valente is a holistic aesthetician who specializes in deep tissue facial massage and two unique body massages that work on the emotional as well as the physical. She works in a bespoke way to get the best end results for the client using clinical and organic professional products.

“From when I was a child, I was fascinated by the world of beauty and grooming. I was aware very early on that what many people saw as frivolous can in fact be deeply healing to the mind and to the well-being of not only women but also men. My advice is that you can change the way you look and feel in only 30 days. Think of it like this, you can choose to eat rubbish for 30 days and that will become the building blocks of your skin and bones or you can choose to eat wonderful foods that will not only make you look good but will also make you feel wonderful. Also feed your mind with good stuff; if you feed yourself negative thoughts it will affect your vital organs negatively and this will show on your skin and will impact the way you feel. And remember to hydrate. You don’t need to drown bottles of water but without sufficient water, the body cannot cleanse and hydrate properly. Learn to eat good fats. Omega 3 and 6 easily found in eggs, salmon and avocados are essential.

And remember to exercise; walk, even if only for 10 minutes as exercise which produces perspiration is a wonderful to help detox the body and flush out toxins. And be sure to cleanse not once but three times. Looking younger is a holistic package: your energy, the way you dress, the way you approach life and the care and discipline you put into maintaining yourself.”

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profile Dalya Sager is a skin and laser specialist at Obagi Medi Spa whose area of specialty includes all laser treatments for body and facial hair reduction, all forms of skin rejuvenation, pigmentation and skin tightening via skin care and laser/RF devises.

“I have always been fascinated by beauty and all its forms; one single feature if enhanced can change the entire look of a person, so my interest in art and beauty and my medical background pulled me towards the aesthetic field. My dad is my inspiration in many things and introduced me to the medical industry. With regards to the UAE, I feel that in the last few years, this region has moved to the forefront in many industries and the beauty anti-ageing industry is definitely at the top. Some beauty no-no’s I see women doing all the time are exposing themselves to prolonged and repetitive sun exposure without sun block as the rays emitted from the sun are incredibly harmful to the skin, they are cancer-causing as well as ageing, and they damage the outer and inner layers of the skin structure causing thinning and pigment changes. Also overmoisturising skin; healthy skin should be able to produce its own moisture naturally. Some trends to look out for in this field include non-invasive body contouring, nutritional therapies and skin rejuvenation and tightening using non-invasive techniques.”

Anna Gedman is the founder and managing director of Beauty Solutions Trading and C onsulting and C o-Founder and Managing Partner of Beautiful Brands.

“It was when I joined the retail outlets of a buzzing Heathrow Terminal 4 that I had a real eye opener to luxury, fast environments and many different cultures, nationalities and shopping habits. Within six months, I joined the buying team and this is where I fell in love and developed my passion for beauty. Beauty is much faster than fashion; we have the seasonal launches, Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, mainly in terms of colour cosmetic launches and also fragrances trends.

We also have all of the science and developments in formulas application, micro trends. I believe that you should tackle all of the signs on a daily or weekly basis to maintain your looks and give the appearance of youthful, great skin. Exfoliation is key, if you don’t exfoliate the skin becomes dull and lacks luster. And the face is the only place in the body where the skin drapes directly over the muscles as soon as these muscles start to waste and atrophy. I believe this and the loss of that plump facial volume is a key factor in adding to a more aged appearance. To combat this is to exercise the muscles and keep them toned in shape and this can be achieved through facial exercise and an easy way to do this is by using Slendertone Face.”

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PREVIEW

DSF says, ‘Shop at your Best’ Nothing beats the Dubai Shopping Festival being the ultimate shopping event of the region, especially with its massive discounts, amazing promotions, outof-ordinary entertainment and unforgettable extravaganza. Now in its 19th year, the annual shopping festival rolls out its best.

“With all eyes on Dubai post-Expo 2020 win, we are fully aware that we have to rise up to the expectations as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) 2014 is the first festival after the announcement. We have made extra efforts to make sure that DSF truly lives up to its reputation as a festival for all by identifying a number of additional and special areas of Dubai to host the numerous activities to enable maximum exposure and opportunities for visitors to experience the vibrancy of this extravaganza and also reap its benefits,” said Her Excellency, Laila Mohammed Suhail, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment.

Indeed, we wait for DSF, year after year.

We wait for this shopping festival for all the wonderful reasons – the huge discounts, the amazing promotions, mall entertainment, parades, firework displays, concerts, dining offers, and a whole lot more activities that surprise and delight all the members of the family.

No doubt, Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the biggest shopping event in the Middle East, attracting millions of guests to the city every single year.

This 2014, DSF features attractions in diverse fields from shopping to entertainment, fashion to lifestyle, and arts and culture including international shows, concerts, shopping promotions, and mega raffles offering prizes worth

millions of dirhams. That is a true manifestation of the festival theme ‘Shop at your Best’ that is bound to make DSF 2014 the most memorable edition yet since the shopping and entertainment extravaganza was launched in 1996.

“Guided by the wise leadership of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and based on the excellent cooperation between the government and private sector, the DSF brand has evolved from strength to strength and has contributed significantly towards Dubai’s economy. In fact DSF accounts for 30 per cent of annual retail sales in the emirate and has also helped reinforced the city’s reputation as a global tourism landmark. Indeed, DSF compliments Dubai’s position as the tourism destination of choice in the region by narrowing the gap between the tourism and retail sectors under a common platform where businesses in both sectors work together to give visitors an enriching and memorable holiday experience.”

Responsible for DSF, the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE)), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has unveiled the Calendar of Events for the 19th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival, which will be held from January 2 to February 2, 2014, setting the stage to

highlighting Dubai as an international family tourism destination that offers unique shopping experiences.

H.E. Laila Suhail lauded the excellent role played by the private sector, and expressed her deep appreciation for the high level of support extended by the Strategic Partners of DFRE and the Key Sponsors of DSF 2014 to ensure that the festival yet again becomes a resounding success.

Studies have revealed that Dubai is well on course to achieving its Tourism Vision for 2020 of attracting 20 million tourists and AED300 billion in tourism revenues annually, of which a major share would come from retail sales. Retail purchases by visitors is set to reach almost AED33 billion by 2017, accounting for more than a quarter of total sales, which is expected to increase at 5.7 per cent annually over the period 2013-2017.

Special shopping experiences during DSF from 2 January to 2 February will give Dubai the edge as a unique family tourism destination - H. E. Laila Suhail

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PREVIEW

DSF 2014 Calendar of Events The DSF 2014 Calendar of Events is a lineup of over 150 events and activities that will be spread far and wide across the city at key DSF destinations. With the aim of ensuring that the whole of Dubai feels the Festival spirit, the organisers identified several key locations across Dubai and turned them into main DSF destinations. Areas such as Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Al Seef Street, Al Rigga Street, and The Walk- Jumeirah Beach Residence will host events and activities aimed at ensuring that residents and visitors in all nooks and corner of the city are able to participate and experience the festivities.

Opening Day The 19th edition of Dubai Shopping Festival will be launched on January 2 with a number of events and activities aimed at ensuring that the festive spirit permeates throughout the city and that many residents and visitors are able to get a taste of what’s in store during the 32-day extravaganza. The opening day will feature roaming, stage and street performers, spectacular fireworks, a DSF trademark, and various other events and activities, making it an unforgettable day for families and children.

Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil Dec 30 – Jan 14, Dubai World Trade Centre Michael Jackson The Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil captures the essence, soul and inspiration of the King of Pop through a riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy. No stranger to the Middle East, Cirque du Soleil is a leading Québec-based organisation providing high-quality artistic entertainment that has brought wonder and delight to more than 100 million spectators in more than 300 cities in over 40 countries on six continents.

DSF Carnival Weekends – Key DSF Destinations Celebrations and carnivals go hand in hand.

The DSF Carnival will be the biggest carnival in the history of DSF. Performers in funny, freak and fashionable attire, musicians, dancers, acrobats performing antics, gymnasts, clowns, stilt walkers, inflatable and animal characters will be performing in key DSF Destinations like the Al Seef Street, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, Jumeirah Street, Al Riqqa Street and Global Village. The performers will showcase a variety of arts and skills from different continents and regions such as the Pele Pele dance group from Swaziland, the Mexico Tierra Mestiza troupe, Tabla players from India, and even character parades such as the Mobile App Stores.

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Vertical Fashion show Jan 20, Burj Khalifa The attention grabbing Vertical Fashion Show will be done at lofty heights with the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Mall offering the perfect backdrops.

The first of its kind event will feature trained dancers who will perform choreographed vertical acrobatics.

DSF Music Nights Jan 2, 9, 16, Burj Park Enjoy some of the lilting melodies of Arabia, and get a close glimpse of top Arabian entertainers.

Make sure you do not miss the DSF Music Nights concerts that will feature some of the popular artistes and entertainers in the Arab world. Held at the Burj Park in collaboration with Rotana, the shows feature Saudi star Rabeh Saqer and UAE heartthrob Balqees on January 2, renowned Saudi singer Mohammed Abdo on January 9 while Hatem al Iraqi and Majid Al Mohandes will perform on Jan 16.

Jan 24, Zabeel Park Renowned Egyptian singer Mohamed Mounir, whose musical career spans three decades, and Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram, will take the stage at Zabeel Park to produce one of the most magical music nights for their fans in Dubai.

Bedouin Lifestyle Jan 2 – Feb 2 DSF visitors will be able to savour the classic atmosphere of a bygone era at the Bedouin Lifestyle event. It is a unique festival where the lifestyle of Bedouins will be brought alive by nomads from different countries as they showcase their traditional way of living.

Visitors will get a live demonstration of the Bedouin customs and traditions including their ceremonies, food habits, houses livestock etc. as DSF seeks to bring to modern Dubai a bit of the glorious past of the region’s hardy and ingenious desert dwellers.

Carpet & Art Oasis Jan 2 – Feb 2, Dubai Festival City Carpets have long been appreciated for their beauty. That beauty is achieved through the choice of colours and designs, as well as by the manipulation of designs and colours to form pleasing patterns. The Carpet & Art Oasis is an exhibition and sale of some of the rarest, largest, and most unique carpets and rugs from around the world. Apart from carpets and rugs from the well-known carpet producing countries, works of art and handicrafts are also on display.

Fashion Events Market Outside the Box

Jan 23 – Feb 2, Burj Park, Downtown Dubai Dubai’s newest pop-up fashion and lifestyle festival brings an alternative shopping experience in a city always buzzing with excitement. Creating a new market concept incorporating recycled elements, it will have a mix of local funky labels and global brands existing side by side, cafés, food kiosks and continuous entertainment in an outdoor setting.

It will be the first market that caters to nonmass-produced sustainable fashion and lifestyle brands where visitors can come together in celebration of DSF. The Market Outside the Box will also encourage healthier and alternative lifestyles and experiences that are conducive to the city’s overall festive spirit and growth as a cultural and retail hub.

Fashion Squad

Jan 2 – Feb 2, Various locations in Dubai Comprising experienced and renowned fashion experts from diverse fields, this DSF fashion squad will pay homage to Dubai’s street style.

The squad will roam the streets and malls, and give tickets in the form of coupons to the best dressed that will entitle them to enter an exciting competition. It is an interactive and exciting way to bridge tourism, social media, and shopping and help make Dubai a retail experience destination.

I TCloset

2 Jan – 2 Feb, Various Malls in Dubai A unique virtual and high-tech shopping experience where people can transform their look without the hassle of a trial room. This virtual shopping experience will have different points of retail activation where people can transform their look – the ideal platform to engage the visitors in a new and interactive activity.

The C ocoon

Jan 13-14, The Dubai Mall In the same vein as a caterpillar’s journey to becoming a butterfly, this innovative makeover destination welcomes visitors to undergo an enriching beauty transformation. The space has a fun and artistic design, and is a place where you can have your hair, make-up and nails done in one spot. The Cocoon is a free makeover event that is open to the public.

The Abaya Select

Jan 22, Emirates Towers Abaya fashion is a growing sector that is attracting more and more clients regionally into the fashion hub of Dubai. The Abaya Select show is an exclusive by invitation only event where selected designers can showcase their collections to potential buyers and clients.

PREVIEW show is the only one of its kind in the world and is an attempt to defy gravity combined with singing, dancing, and comedy. This truly enchanting show is backed by a beautiful light design and a uniquely composed soundtrack to support the choreography.

Furby Live Show

Jan 16-25, The Walk – JBR Children have a wide range of entertainment to choose from this DSF and The Walk - JBR will go into party mode for kids with the internationally renowned Furby Live Show. in a 25-minute show featuring a great story, fun music and groovy dancing, lots of humour, a bit of drama, and even yummy food, Blue Furby, Pink Furby and two of their friends will put on a fantastic show three times a day.

Special shows for families and children Fireworks

The 19th edition of DSF takes the concept of fireworks as a festival attraction to a new high.

In addition to the spectacular fireworks show on the opening day, there will be daily fireworks at 9pm at Al Seef Street that is brought to DSF by the Al Zarooni Group. During the weekends, there will be special fireworks shows at various locations long the Dubai Creek at 8pm in addition to the daily fireworks at 9pm at Al Seef Street. A big hit with visitors, firework displays have become synonymous with the Festival since its inception. The drama of each display allows everyone to escape their daily lives for a few minutes and become transfixed by the dazzling array of patterns and colours which fill the sky above Dubai every night, in a reflection of the city’s vibrancy and joy throughout the 32 days.

The 7 Sopranos Show

Jan 2 – 11, The Walk- JBR The 7 Sopranos are Australia’s most exciting young operatic and cross over voices who enthrall fans with their favourite opera and music classics from around the world. With stunning voices, looks and high glamour, and above all a strong sense of entertainment, the 7 Sopranos have become a hit with music lovers of all genres around the world. The 7 Sopranos is the brainchild of acclaimed soprano Tarita Botsman. They will perform three times a day with each show lasting 30 minutes.

Bubble Gum Show

Jan 12- 21, Mall of the Emirates A fun-packed show that will hold families spellbound at The Mall of the Emirates. The hour-long show features Nu Sxool dancers, a Katy Perry impersonator, cheerleaders, a soap bubble magician plus special guests in the form of the amazing ONE DIRECTION tribute.

Ice Rink Show ‘The Swans’

Jan 24 – Feb 2, Dubai Ice Rink, The Dubai Mall A marvelous combination of aerial acrobatic acts and charming and classic ice-skating performances will create a breathtaking piece of art that will dazzle visitors to Dubai Ice Rink at The Dubai Mall.

Flying Superkids Show

Jan 9-18, Al Mamzar Park Based on gymnastic skills, the Flying Superkids

The Mexican Circus

Jan 6 – Feb 2, Al Rigga Street The Mexican Circus gives eager audiences the opportunity to witness this world famous circus with its special acts and breath-taking shows. Some of the riveting acts that are being presented in the ring are the Globe of Death, Wheel of Death, the Cyclone, as well as performing bears, clowns and jugglers. The action-packed performances are full of thrilling stunts, animal shows and risky maneuvers, done by talented performers with years of dedicated training.

Global Village

Dubai is a true representative of global oneness and cultural understanding. True to the DSF theme, ‘One World, One Family, One Festival’, the Global Village is the melting pot of cultures, flavours, colours, rhythms and the joy that humanity celebrates in its existence. It brings together people from several countries as they showcase their uniqueness, intermingling with one another as citizens of the world. The Global Village is a true discovery of nations with pavilions from countries around the world featuring native cuisines, dance forms, costumes, handicrafts, and much more.

World of Sports

Sports enthusiasts visiting Dubai during DSF will be spoilt for choice by a wide array of top sporting events that will take place during this period including the Dubai World Cup Carnival 2014, the Al Marmoum Camel Racing Season, the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon 2014, the Omega Dubai Desert Classics, the UAE International Basketball Championship, the Dubai Show Jumping Championships 2014, Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series 2014, the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2013 Cricket Series, the GAC (Table Tennis) World Tour Grand Finals, Dunlop 24Hrs and the American Wrestling Show.

Key DSF Destinations Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard A favourite destination of visitors to Dubai, the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will feature a number of street artists, painters and solo musicians who will entertain visitors on the go.

Al Seef Street This year, Al Seef Street will host the DSF Stage which will celebrate culture with folk dances and activities and entertainers dressed in colourful national costumes.

Al Riqqa Street Al Riqqa Street will be a hive of family-oriented activities throughout the 32 days of DSF with its key entertainment being a DSF Stage for musical performances, a Redemption Games Fun Fair Area, Fun Fair rides, and a Sports Zone. There will also be several kiosks offering a variety of merchandise and a broad choice of food.

The Walk – Jumeirah Beach Residence A popular area for entertainment, recreation and relaxation, The Walk – JBR will host a variety of shows and roaming performers as well as a Farmers and Flowers Market showcasing and selling home-grown products.

Al Shindagha Heritage Area The rich Emirati heritage will take pride of place during DSF 2014. A wide spread of heritage and cultural activities will be held in Heritage and Diving Village, traditional folklore groups, traditional weddings diving shows, traditional games and bands, a traditional souk, traditional food, marine-related handicrafts, a falconry show and a camel caravan.

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RED CARPET

Fabulous DIFF

We look back at some of the glitz and glamour that was the 10th edition of Dubai International Film Festival American Hustle Red Carpet

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August-Osage County

RED CARPET Factory Girl Red Carpet

One Night To Change Lives

In Conversation with Martin Sheen

IWC

Rock The Casbah Red Carpet

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glam

The capital welcomes Berluti Luxury shoemaker Berluti hosted a cocktail party as part of Art Abu Dhabi at the St. Regis Hotel in Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi to celebrate the opening of their brand new boutique in The Galleria.

The exclusive brand created a Gentlemen’s club atmosphere at the venue through a series of experiences for their distinguished guests to illustrate the essence of the brand and its supreme customised craftsmanship. The guests witnessed the live demonstrations of Berluti’s renowned bespoke mastery in shoemaking through hand-assembled carved wooden lasts and a varied choice of exotic leather and patinas sourced from France.

In the lead up to the live installations of models presenting the Spring/Summer Ready to Wear Menswear collection, guests enjoyed hand rolled cigars made-on-request by Cuban cigar rollers for the taste of true connoisseurs.

The event, which shows a shower of the country’s who’s who, was a journey through Berluti’s philosophical elegance ref lecting its Parisian values and was an evening to remember.

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glam

Le style et l’histoire An unprecedented retrospective organised by the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais, the Cartier. Le style et l’histoire exhibition is a celebration of Cartier style and an expression of cultural recognition that affirms Cartier’s place in the world of decorative arts.

Since 1983, the Cartier C ollection has been presented in 25 exhibitions at numerous cultural institutions worldwide, including the Metropolitan Museum in New York, the British Museum in London, the Calouste Gul benkian Foundation in Lisbon and the Palace Museum in Beijing’s Forbidden City.

Till February 16, this creative heritage will be on display at the Grand Palais in Paris, offering a testament to the Maison’s style and craftsmanship.More than 600 creations have been selected: high jewellery pieces, mystery clocks, watches and precious objects will be exhibited alongside private loans on show for the very first time. Archive material and abundant documentation accompany the exhibition’s content. Designed to place the creations within the wider perspective of evolutionsin taste, the decorative arts and art in general, this exhibition also offers a reading of Cartier style in the context of social developments that have occurred over more than a century of creation.

Also, guests were received in the Salon d’honneur of the Grand Palais, where they were able to enjoy an exclusive preview of the Cartier. Le style et l’histoire exhibition. They then moved on to the Galerie C ourbe for a dinner prepared by Chef Jean-P ierre Vigato.

A gala evening devoted to culture at which Stanislas de Quercize, President and CEO of Cartier International and Jean-Paul Cluzel, Président des Etablissementsat the Réunion des Musées Nationaux-Grand Palais welcomed more than 200 guestsfrom the worlds of business and art including Son Altesse Sérénissime le Prince de Monaco, Son Altesse Sheikh Hamad Bin Abdullaha Al Thani, Le maharadja Tikka de Kapurtala, Monica Belluci, among many others.

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glam

When music and fashion collides Fred Perry hosted Sub-Sonic Live in Dubai to an astonished crowd, who could not get enough of the music and atmosphere created. Sub-Sonic Live is a unique concept in live music and club culture, pushing the region’s musical talent to the front. Sub-Sonic Live promises acts that, until now, would never have appeared on the same line-up, bringing together the best new music and music heritage from the past 50 years, alongside amazing DJs. This is in line with fredperrysubculture.com, Fred Perry’s online music initiative which introduces the brightest young talent on the international music scene alongside the cream of British music artists who have a long standing relationship with the brand.

UK’s Norman Jay was headlining the festival supported by Lebanese band The Wanton Bishops who were performing for the first time in Dubai. Audio Tonic member Megadon Betamax carried the night through with his nu-disco tracks with the help of BIG Rossi, MC and DJ for the night.

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glam

Hilton worldwide crowns winners of F&B masters 2013 Following an intense day-long competition between seven finalists from Hilton Middle East and Africa hotels, winners in two categories were honoured for their creativity and originality, as the region’s finest food and beverage talent.

The competition, which is in its third year, was judged by a panel of industry experts, and the winners were announced in front of an audience of 400 industry leaders, media and senior Hilton Worldwide representatives. With Hilton Worldwide attracting the very best in culinary and mixology talent, the contest has become increasingly popular amongst industry commentators and ‘foodies’ as a regional benchmark for award winning F&B experiences.

The 2013 F&B Masters finalists battled it out against 63properties across 19 countries in the Middle East and Africa region to compete in the grand finale. The winners in their respective categories were: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Residences, winner, F&B Team of the Year Hilton Durban, 1st runner up, F&B Team of the Year Hilton Capital Grand Abu Dhabi, 2nd runner up, F&B Team of the Year Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa, winner, Mixologist of the Year Hilton Seychelles Northholme Resort & Spa, 1st runner up, Mixologist of the Year C onrad Cairo, 2nd runner up, Mixologist of the Year Hilton Addis Ababa, 2nd runner up, Mixologist of the Year

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Travel and Lifestyle You don’t need a passport to experience new things; explore your own backyard and discover the hidden gems

The lobby of the most luxurious hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab

DINE OUT

No gimmicks, just wonderful food Famed in its homeland, the ZURNA brand has hit Dubai, bringing with it its own take of the most delicious of Turkish delicacies. With such a huge following and ever growing portfolio, we just had to know if it is worth all the hype.

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In Istanbul, ZURNA is a name synonymous with beautiful charcoal grilled beef, lamb and chicken kebabs. What was a small business in 1998 has now grown into a full-blown multi-national frachise with branches not only within Turkey, but also hip happening cities like London, Athens and even Kiev. In the Middle East, Jeddah and Dubai are only the tips of the iceberg of what could be further regional expansion.

In Dubai. ZURNA opened its doors in the brand new Al Wasl Square development in Jumeirah opposite Safa Park. Location-wise, the restaurant is in the ‘middle’ of Dubai, such that residents from Deira or Marina will find it an easy and relatively short commute to the place.

Set up with a real community vibe to the

restaurant, ZURNA is decorated simply yet effectively. Though on the smaller side, the clever use of space and décor ensures that you have enough room to move around and won’t be bumping into other diners.

Wooden beams, decorated shelves, warm orange lighting, all lend a hand to a good dining atmosphere. The black and white chairs enhance that contemporary look to the whole inside of the restaurant and an open kitchen gives diners a chance to see the chefs at work. In fact, if you simply walk in through the doors, a Turkish restaurant would not be the first thing that pops into your hed.

Outside, several colourfully designed tables provides patrons al fresco dining. However, do take note that because of the close proximity to the busy road, engines will be

DINE OUT a-roaring and conversations can sometimes be drowned out by the street noise. Other than that, whether you choose to sit inside or out, you will have a comfortable dining experience.

While looking through the menu, you will be served some bread. And feel free to ask for piping hot ones if you feel that the bread you’ve been served has turned somewhat cold. For starters, we were served some traditional Turkish favourites like the Gunun Boregi and the Icli Kofte. The Boregi are savoury pastry filled with cheese, almost like a cheesy Chinese spring roll. Delicious as it is, don’t take in too many or the cheesiness will damper your appetite for the other delicacies. The Kofte, a bulghur-crusted hot mezze with juicy lamb stuffed into it together with spices and chunky walnut bits, was delicious; the right amount of spice and beautiful texture, with an accompanying yoghurt-like dip to ensure a juxtaposition of tastes as well as heat and coolness. There is also a mini buffet counter inside if you’re one of those picky ones and don’t like to be surprised, food-wise at least.

For our meat cravings, we were recommended to try the Cop Sis, which is marinated diced lamb cubes. Here, the flavours fall a bit short and we found that we kept having to really dip the lamb into one of the provided sauces earlier to give it more flavour. The meat was also a little too chewy for our liking but that is indeed a matter of preference. The cubes though were in perfect-bite-sized pieces to ease you of some of the cutting effort.

Any Turkish restaurant worth its salt would be able to deliver great doner dishes. While it may look like a simply task, good doners are surprising hard to come by. More often than not, the verdict would be just a “meh, it was alright”. So ordering the Tavuk Doner was an acid test for ZURNA of sorts. Served with rice, grilled green chillies and tomatoes, the chicken doner was spot on. The meat wasn’t dry yet with enough of the ‘crusty burnt bits’ that we all love. Still want more?

Choose the Cizbiz Kofte – barbecued meat patties with herbs and spices. Juicy and flavourful, the meat looks thick but sink your teeth into them and you’ll be surprised at how soft it is and how easy it is to chew. Definitely one to try!

As always (call us boring if you must), we ordered the Kunefe for dessert. Perhaps we keep ordering the same dish each chance we get because unconsciously,we are trying to see which eatery can hold its own against the Kunefe from a certain sweet shop in Al Barsha, one which we believe to be the very best in town. Anyway, the contender from ZURNA does put up a really good fight, despite it not being as cheesy, which could be a good thing to some. Also, if you have a lower tolerance for sugars, the syrup is not shockingly sweet, allowing you to savour the dish without just one single flavour dominating your taste buds.

In short, ZURNA is a restaurant that does not rely on anything fancy or gimmicks; here, it is all about the food.

What they lack in style, space, or panache in terms of the shell of the restaurant, is more than made up for by the food that they serve. Authentic, delicious, and affordable, ZURNA does not break new grounds but it keeps the old traditions alive, delivering exactly what makes Turkish food so popular in the first place.

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SNAPS

Breaking Perceptions

A mobile photography workshop gives light to knowing what’s best in smartphone cameras.

AW plays witness to how the Nokia Lumia 1020 is perfect in taking instant snaps.

I admit, it has been almost a decade since I last used a Nokia phone. Since then, I have changed mobile phones – shifting from one brand to another – trying to figure out what works best for my need to call, text, answer emails and take pictures.

Indeed, mobile photography has been a part of life. People (like me, I guess) are now totally drawn into sharing moments of their lives through posting instant images. According to reports, over 350 million photos are uploaded each day on Facebook through mobile phones, which clearly indicates the significance mobile imaging has on consumers. Also, with the popularity of smartphone imaging apps such as Instagram, users upload an average of 55 million pictures per day. All these stats reiterate the fact that mobile imaging capabilities have become a crucial element when it comes to making a decision while choosing a smartphone.

But, to be honest, photography – or mobile photography to be exact – is

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something that I don’t do well at. It would be either out of focus, blurry or too dark.

That’s why when an invite to learn about mobile photography came my way, the answer was a definite yes.

The Nokia Experience Learning the art of taking pictures using a smartphone is as exciting an experience as it is interesting. To shed light on mobile imaging and test the imaging prowess of the Nokia Lumia 1020, Nokia hosted a smartphone photography workshop at the Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton property in Muscat. In this workshop, the Nokia team and renowned Oman-based photographer (and avid Nokia user), Ziyad AlRehmani, helped us rediscover the art of mobile imaging.

It has been a decade since Nokia changed the mobile phone landscape by introducing camera phones. Now, almost every mid to upper range model of a mobile phone has camera functionality.

Ten years later, Nokia is still leading

this field with its innovative PureView imaging technology that redefines the art of smartphone photography.

The Nokia Lumia 1020 boasts the world’s first 41MP PureView sensor technology, floating lens OIS technology and the ability to let users see things they never thought possible with Nokia Camera, allowing for better pictures in all conditions and delivering some of the sharpest pictures possible from any camera.

Ziyad showcased how the Nokia Lumia 1020 was the ideal companion to capture the best low-light pic of the coast-line during sunset, followed by photography techniques such as the ‘Bokeh’ effect, ‘Refocus’, etc. which is generally only possible on DSLRs. The Nokia Camera Before the group went out to capture the scenic sights of Muscat through the lens of their Nokia Lumia smartphone, we

SNAPS

went over the wonderful features of the mobile camera.

It’s a creative machine. For a start, it takes a burst of photos in a single shot, and provides an application that gives a variety of options in editing and getting the best picture. The ‘Nokia Refocus’ app captures different images over the entire focus range. What this means is that you don’t have to worry about getting your shot in focus before you take a photo. You can just capture your image first and then play with focus afterwards. Nokia Refocus calculates and creates a depth map on the scene in front of you. When you press the camera shutter key it takes a number of

photos, each at a different focus stage and produces a photo with a focus that can be adjusted whenever you feel like it.

Either before a picture is taken or after it has been shot, the zoom capability enables people to discover and then rediscover the personal stories each image can tell. With a beautiful interface that visually demonstrates how settings will affect the final photo or video, Nokia Camera makes it easier than ever to capture, edit and share photos and videos with unrivalled clarity.

a sequence of movements in a single high-quality image. The Remove Moving Object feature in Nokia Smart Camera lets you erase unwanted details to get your picture looking just the way you want.

And, if you take a group shot which

Moreover, the Action Shot feature in Nokia Camera lets you snap once to get

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SNAPS coastline against a dramatic mountain backdrop amidst an emerald green oasis provided the ideal canvas for us to ignite their passion in photography. Muscat’s landscape and architecture including the Alam Palace, Corniche, Mattrah, the Forts etc., were a visual treat for every photographer on board. The following day, we again put the camera to the test at the famous Muttrah Souq. This city discovery experience by Mohammed Al Wahaibi, the cultural host of Al Bustan Palace, helped participants unravel the visual beauty of the Souq providing with ideal shots for street photography.

Giving verdict I’m not the expert to be asked, but I have the eye to figure out what’s a beautiful image and what is not. In the

end, the Nokia Lumia certainly boasts a perfect handy camera. It’s a mobile phone that doubles as a camera in your pockets.

I was mesmerised with the stunning photography quality of the images taken using the Nokia Lumia 925, and I am certain that the images would be much better using the 41MP camera of Nokia Lumia 1020. Overall, the Nokia Lumia smartphone is the device of choice for someone who is not afraid of innovation, to push boundaries and want to enhance their photography skills and change the way they shoot, edit and share pictures forever.

Nokia’s Top Tips for M o b i l e P h ot o g r a p h y in most cases show various facial expressions, Nokia Camera has the Change Faces feature that allows you to cut and paste facial images in order to get a single perfect group photo.

It also features the award-winning PureView technology, Carl Zeiss optics and six physical lenses. It’s the camera that produces low-light pictures in best quality. And, like a professional photographer, it also makes capturing stunning images easier than ever – you can adjust focus, shutter speed, white balance and more with intuitive controls.

Taking shots Following the workshop, an actual hands-on experiential activity on a dhow trip set the stage to put the Nokia Lumia 925 through its paces. The property set on a stunning stretch of

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• Figure out the best settings – Most people fiddle with the settings as they are about to take the pictures, not a cool idea when the unexpected happens. Although you will most likely change the settings to suit certain conditions, it will be good to have the basics set right from the start – things such as resolution and image quality; or even standard effects. You would be better off turning the shutter sound off – the cool thing about camera phones is that you can sneak it in anywhere and take photos of unguarded moments • Let there be light – Make sure the subject is properly lit, as lighting affects the quality of the image. Make judicious use of the flash; use as much natural lighting as possible. Most camera phones have a night mode, use it for taking pictures at night or in dark areas – it helps improve image quality and clarity.

• Up close and personal – Get close to your subject and try avoiding the zoom feature. A rule of thumb is to get within two feet of your subject so you can really take great images. On the other hand, don’t get too close for comfort – you could end up with distorted or out of focus image

• Steady, Steady, Steady – Keep the camera still as you press on the shutter.

Keep a good balance with both feet on the ground; and here’s the trick – try to keep your elbows close to your body; it will help keep your hands steadier than usual • Play with apps – There’s a lot of photography apps in the market that you can use to make simple adjustments or add effects, if you’re a big fan of them.

See and explore how you can enhance your cameraphone’s capabilities and your images. Don’t miss out to experiment with Nokia Creative Studio • Always shoot before 9am or after 4pm, as that is when the light is softest and gives the best images. By having shadows in the image, you’re removing the flatness of your photos (hence the timings rule) • Take many shots from different angles.

Experiment • Get inspiration by looking at other photographers’ work • Clean the lens – Make it a habit. No matter how high resolution the image is, if the lens is not.

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travel

Geneva Bound Exploring the arts, culture, food and craftsmanship in this Swiss city leads AW to unravel the cosmopolitan vibe of Geneva. Journey with us in this beautiful modern city filled with diverse people, each bringing with them heritage and tradition.

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he sun had not even risen upon our arrival in Geneva at 7:15 in the morning. Stepping out of the airport, the first thing that hot you is the fresh mountain air; it was as if the cold brisk winds carried from the Swiss mountaintops were there to greet me. The sheer cold of the winter morning weather left my cheeks rosy and my face in a permanent smile.

Discovering Geneva Geneva is considered the most international city in Europe with over 40 per cent of its population coming from outside of Switzerland. When walking the streets, one may find that you hear a lot more than just one single language being spoken: German, French, Italian, English, and even Arabic. It is also considered common for most citizens to have multiple nationalities. This melting pot breeds a new multi-cultural phenomenon that embraces diversity.

Geneva is nestled between France and Italy but if you travel north, you are bound towards Germany. Travel southwest instead through France you will find yourself in

Spain. Not only is Geneva the gateway to the Alps but its location in central Europe, makes it a convenient ‘must see’ destination if one is travelling across Europe. And with more than 100 direct daily flights landing at Cointrin International airport, Geneva is one of the best air-connected destinations. The general population of about 194,000 people is not considered that large at first glance, but when you at a city that is 6.15 square miles it is very fitting. It can be considered as the world’s most compact metropolis.

The city is a worldwide centre for diplomacy, dating back to 1864 at a critical period in European and military history. It is also the place where the Geneva Conventions were signed, which chiefly concerns the treatment of wartime non-combatants and prisoners of war. Thanks to the Geneva Convention, major humanitarian and political disputes have been resolved.

Today, Geneva holds the headquarters of many important worldwide agencies including the United Nations and the Red Cross. Along with being a diplomatic stronghold for the world, Geneva is also a

banking hub for the world’s rich and elite.

Where to stay When looking for a place to stay, the ideal place to indulge in ultimate luxury is the Mandarin Oriental. It was recently refurbished in July 2008 and has been given a fresh and contemporary look by critically acclaimed interior designer Adam D. Tihany.

The extensive refurbishment of the hotel means that the hotel features 197 elegant and pristine rooms and suits. The suites are all located on the seventh floor, with your very own private terrace to enjoy a view of the River Rhône, Old Town and snowcapped mountains.

Sitting on the River Rhône, located within the heart of the city’s shopping, historic and business districts, the hotel’s superb location allows you to walk 10 minutes in any direction to find yourself amongst elite designer brands, huge multinational banks, art galleries, preforming art theaters, the old city, or even at of the six majestic parks that are spread throughout the city.

I can most definitely see myself returning

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travel to the Mandarin Oriental in Geneva for the simple reason that it was a home away from

home. The whole experience was very welcoming and I felt that I was really taken care of; I would leave my room for a day of exploring the city and return to my room with an elegantly placed dessert waiting for me. It is hard to resist when such care is taken in making sure your guests are above satisfied.

What to do

Switzerland is home to some of the most premiere watchmakers of the world. Cue Hublot with their brilliance and attention to detail. With a healthy new look at their market, they are developing watches that deliver carbon ceramic gold in your timepiece. A quick tour of their headquarters and it is evident that each and every person that works in their facility is deeply passionate in providing the best timepiece possible. The immense attention to detail these watch makers have as they put together some of the most intricate parts of the watch and assemble them seems almost impossible. It takes a week to two weeks to complete a single watch.

While amidst the old town of Geneva, there is a gallery like no other I have ever seen. Created by MB&F, it is an artistic and micro-engineering concept laboratory in which changing collectives of independent horological professionals are gathered each year to design and craft radical Horological Machines. Simply put, they are designing watches that break our conception of what watches should be. MB&F created the M.A.D.Gallery in order to align their Horological and Legacy Machines in an appropriate context and along the way they have discovered kindred spirits in the world of kinetic art.

MB&F Founder and Creator Maximilian Büsser explains the concept behind the gallery and the common thread running through the fascinating pieces in the collection.“We saw the M.A.D.Gallery as the perfect platform to showcase our own Machines as well as other pieces of kinetic art by other creators whom we greatly admire. Thanks to the M.A.D.Gallery we are meeting like-minded artists operating in parallel worlds; people who think like us and share our passion for creating kinetic art.”

Where to eat

If you are visiting Switzerland, you have to try some authentic Swiss chocolates. One of the best places in Geneva to find chocolates would be Philippe Pascoët in Carouge.

Philippe Pascoët combines the best in art

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travel and chocolate. They mix a variety of chocolate, fruits, and herbs to produce authentic creative chocolates. An example of some of their creations is passion fruit, black currant, saffron, and basil-flavoured chocolates. Combining art with chocolate Philippe PascoĂŤt is arguably the finest chocolatier in Geneva.

Learning Geneva

Indeed, Geneva is a stunning place comprised of a diverse people, each bringing with them their heritage, culture, customs, food, skills and so much more. From the sheer precision of watchmaking witnessed at Hublot to the complete freedom of designing your own chocolate treat at Philippe PascoÍt, this melting pot’ theme is concurrent everywhere you go in Geneva. It truly is an international city and if you embrace it head on, is an incredible experience that you will find nowhere else in the world. Just make sure to pack a warm scarf in winter.

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locally

Ripe Pickings

The newest kid of the franchise has just opened, and boy does it bring with it some glorious people and offerings.

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hrough the web of roads, past the seemingly never-ending roadworks, sits the Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

If not for the big bold red ‘Movenpick’ splashed around the middle of the building, the building could pass off as your run-of-the-mill apartment building in JLT. But just like its counterpart in Deira, the treasures within this Movenpick hotel belies its façade.

Opened recently on October 27, the 42-storey building is a mixture of 168 hotel rooms and 307 residential apartments.

The hotel, which occupies the first eight floors, follows a modern contemporary concept and includes three dining and entertainment outlets. More on that later.

The lobby is small but one thing you can expect from any Movenpick hotel is service, and that too with a smile. It may be the enthusiasm due to a new beginning but regardless, the staff at the hotel was exceptionally friendly and approachable.

From the valet service to the reception counter, they make you feel welcome, as though you’re a friend that has returned to visit them. Of course you might say that this is the standard of service in high-end hotels. True, but what’s different about the staff here is that you get the feeling that they genuinely want to get to know you, assist you and make you feel comfortable, as opposed to the more uppity and simply polite service of those glamour hotels.

Back to the small lobby. Though small, the high ceiling and the abundance of light streaming in help create a sense of space.

Crema, the first of three dining outlets, is

tucked in a corner of the lobby. A 24-hour lounge, Crema serves as the meeting point of the hotel and dishes out light snacks, coffees and teas.

As you move around the hotel, you realise that every inch of space is cleverly utilised. Every corner serves a purpose but despite that, the layout allows free movement by the guests without ever feeling too claustrophobic. The corridors are painted with warm colours, and guests can feel relaxed and just take in the quiet atmosphere of the hotel. Wifi is available throughout the hotel but high-speed connections are available at a price.

refreshed to take on the workout ahead.

The gym though is exclusively for the hotel guests but residences can be a member of the gym and avail all its services and equipment. Through a side door is the lovely and inviting black-tiled swimming pool.

The temperature-controlled infinity pool is a great way to unwind. Other amenities of the fitness club is a sauna, salons for both men and women (including manicure and pedicure), as well as treatment rooms for the spa sessions. For running enthusiasts, the hotel also provides a scenic jogging route in the area. Guests can also enjoy access to the RIVA beach club on the Palm Jumeirah at an addtional charge.

The first floor houses the meeting rooms and the fitness club. Soul is a state-ofthe-art gym that features floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing an abundance of natural light so that you feel energised and

Travellers can have their pick of the different types of rooms, ranging from elegant Superior and Deluxe Rooms, to Premium Rooms and Suites offering an extra measure of personalised convenience

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locally for corporate and leisure guests. The 28 deluxe rooms are all spacious enough to even accommodate extra beds. There is a walk-in closet and a balcony. The huge balconies of the rooms are either overlooking the lakes or the Sheikh Zayed Road. Funnily though, the suite does not come with a balcony and since it’s on the lower floor, you do need to keep your blinds drawn to avoid any quick peeks by the people moving just below. The bathtub is beautiful and the rain shower glorious, though the shower controls are a little too hard but that could be due to the newness of it. Speaking of all things new, there was an instance at the eatery where a staff member actually told us of the new equipment and how it may not ‘co-operate’ as expected. One bone to pick with the rooms is the choice of television set. While, large, they’re certainly dated and the lack of an HDMI port can be a

big letdown to certain guests.

The hotel provides eight contemporary meeting rooms that host small or medium-sized meetings, accommodating a maximum of 70 people. All rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows some with great views the JLT and marina areas as well as the imposing Almas Tower.

Some of the rooms are interconnected which can be used to increase space where needed. Each provides the latest AV, complimentary WI-FI and video conferencing facilities, as well as personalised refreshments and catering.

Meetings & Events specialists have been trained in the art of providing efficient, flexible and personalised service whatever the meeting, conference, seminar or event. There are additional private function rooms inside the restaurant Nosh.

Nosh is the hotel’s main dine-in restaurant. It serves international cuisine.

It caters to the in-house guest for breakfast but there is no lunch. There are however, different themed-buffets for dinner every night. Nosh can seat 170 guests. The restaurant features an open kitchen and is divided into different sections like the rotisserie, teppanyaki ice-cream counter, the sushi bar, the Tandoori section and so on. Nosh is separated into two seating areas. On each side is a private dining area which can be used for private functions, executive brainstorming or offsite meetings. There are communal tables for those who choose to dine in a more informal setting.

For those who want to enjoy some fresh air, there are outdoor seating as well.

The other dining option in the hotel is ubk, which stands for Urban Bar & Kitchen, serving comfort food. Ubk is connected to nosh, albeit by a flight of stairs, ensuring a nice open and smooth transition. In fact, that is the concept of the Friday Double Brunch, where you start your eating experience at nosh and then proceed to ubk for some refreshments and finger food. ubk is set-up to be more of a casual and approachable eatery and features the same system used in food courts; buzzers and pagers for the customers to signal when their food is ready for pick-up at the kitchen counter. There is a huge outdoor area fro those who want to escape from the buzz of the many television sets littered throughout the joint.

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Spa Review

Soothing Senses Living in a fastpaced city like Dubai, nothing beats a weekend spent with a good amount of ‘me’ time.

Just recently, ours was an hour spent in complete bliss at the newly opened Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa. 82

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buzzword these days is the name of that new hotel that managed to throw the party of the season by the East Crescent of Palm Jumeirah.

While wondering what Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa could offer, we opted to give its So Spa a try. And, without batting an eyelash, we’d say it was worth the drive.

It was not an easy drive, for nonhotel-guest like us. Palm Jumeirah is a location you intend to visit, and definitely not meant for pop-ins. Plus, the number of bus tours and tourists trying to capture the remarkable coastline is something you’d want to expect so you wouldn’t get impatient for being held up.

But as we drove past the traffic, we managed to marvel at the stunning growth of the area, especially with

the promising range of hotels and villas born each month in the area.

Along this beautiful and posh range of developments, a standout beauty rises, and totally caught us in awe. The majestic façade and the grand entry to the lobby of Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa was breathtaking. It’s an image that can’t be captured in words or in pictures; it’s an image that only stays with memory forever.

Yet, we didn’t have the luxury to revel further as we’re a bit close to our spa session schedule. We’d taken a mental note though, that next time, we would allot an extra 30 minutes in order to avoid the rush, and to have a more relaxed time experiencing the amenities of the hotel and spa.

So Spa The stunning interior of the hotel – a mix of Polynesian theme – is strongly felt as we walked through to the spa.

Greeted with an icy chili chocolate drink, the pleasant aroma of lavender, and the welcoming smiles of the friendly staff, we knew we’re into the start of a blissful time.

During the tour around the spa (so we’d get acquainted with its 2,500sqm of space that encompasses a sauna, steam room, three pools, and 28 treatment rooms), we fell further in love with the hotel. The lavish display of serenity was the fitting answer to the need for sheer relaxation.

Spa Review

The treatment Upon the welcome, we were given a form for consultation, which we found very important before starting the treatment. Our session was an hour of its signature ‘So Exhilarating Body Massage’, a combination of various techniques that will soothe the senses all throughout. It’s neither Thai, Balinese or Swedish massage, but a mix of all.

Our sweet and efficient therapist began the session with a foot massage ritual that just puts us in the massage mood.

It was short but sweet, followed by her request for us to lie down. A unique start to the session since most massages begin with back treatment, but we liked the difference especially when she started wrapping us with the towel, and then slowly rocked our body as if we were on a cradle. The tender kneading began with the arms then legs, and we dozed off.

Indeed we were in a fully relaxed state when she asked us to turn around.

The technique used became a bit more concentrated and harder since we noted during the consultation that we wanted them to focus on our backs and

shoulders. Our muscles surely had its tender loving care after the skillful kneading, stretching and pressing.

The verdict We wished that the session would not end. But, of course, it did. Yet in the end, we were utterly satisfied from the professionalism of the staff, the clean, quiet and completeness of the facilities required for a luxurious ‘me’ time, the uniqueness of the treatments (the spa menu was witty and hilarious), the

skilled and knowledgeable therapist, and the after-session tea time by the indoor pool (or outdoor pool depending on your preference) that’s given to the spa guests.

Indeed, Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is on top of our charts of must-try, must-visit places in the city.

And, now, we don’t wonder why it has become such a buzzword in such a short time. It deserves its praises pretty well.

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wellbeing

Gratitude is the new attitude….

These days, gratitude is the new attitude and has even become a way of life with people embracing and adapting this universal thankfulness to imbibe greater meaning and purpose in their lives…Saadiya Ahmad takes a closer look how at to add gratitude to your New Year’s resolutions.

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atima from Dubai underwent a mastectomy two years back and says she has learnt to be grateful for each and every single day she has with her family. “I was just 43 when I underwent surgery for breast cancer. It was a harrowing experience and one that I will never forget.

Yet it was really the overwhelming gratitude I felt that kept my spirits up.

I had so many reasons to be grateful for and being thankful has not only

kept my family more strong and forbearing during this time but has in fact increased our blessings 10-fold… we all have learnt to see good and positive whenever and wherever we can” Defined Gratitude has become a buzzword with books, programs and even CDs, all teaching people to be more grateful for whatever they have in their lives. According to Rawan Albina, a

Professional Certified Coach in Dubai, gratitude is essentially when we stop wanting more and you are thankful for what you already have. “Having an attitude of gratitude has been talked about a lot in spiritual circles in the past but it has now been recognised as a self-help tool and is being talked about a lot as a solution to how greedy the world has become,” she says. “Everyone always seems to want more… it’s always greener on the other side.” And before you know it, you wake up one day with a feeling of emptiness inside. She points out that even if you have everything, it seems like you have nothing if you are not grateful.

Blessings It is said that when you embrace gratitude as an attitude, you see blessings shower into your own life. What does this mean? Albina explains, “When you have an attitude of gratitude, you are CONTENT with what you have and you’re not allowing your ego to run the show.

You stop comparing yourself to others and you truly believe from your heart that you are blessed and you are exactly where you are meant to be.

Blessings always shower into your life, the difference is that when you are grateful you actually see these blessings and feel the way they impact your life.” However there are some individuals who just find the concept hard to grasp especially those who have been through extremely tough times or a serious crisis. For these

When you have an attitude of gratitude, you are CONTENT with what you have and you’re not allowing your ego to run the show. You stop comparing yourself to others and you truly believe from your heart that you are blessed and you are exactly where you are meant to be.

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kinds of circumstances, Albina points out that it is true that if you’ve gone through tough times it is very difficult to be in a state of gratitude. “It is not human to just jump into a perspective of gratitude,” she says, and in fact, feeling blessed and grateful all the time takes a lot of spiritual awareness and discipline to free the mind from the possessiveness of the ego. In fact, she stresses that when someone has gone through severe problems they should allow themselves to be upset, mourn, get angry and sad… but then once these emotions are out of the way, they can create the space for gratitude by accepting whatever happened as part of their journey in life and asking what lessons need to be learnt here and how do they serve their life purpose. “Overall, gratitude is a state of mind but can only become a permanent way of thinking only if the person embraces a positive attitude in their life and strive to have positive thoughts in their mind,” says Albina, and gratitude can never become a state of mind if the mind is crowded with negative thoughts and patterns.

The New Year With the year 2014 upon us, Albina

explains that a new year is always a good time to have a fresh start and open a new page. “It takes commitment and a serious change in behaviour and attitude to create a new habit,” she says. Gratitude can become a new way of thinking and living if people promise themselves that they will actively be grateful for what they have and make it a habit to always count their blessings even in the face of difficulty. “Having an attitude of gratitude is the best way to embrace your life and accept yourself with all your faults,” she says. In fact, it is gratitude that makes you have faith in a better tomorrow because you’re learning new lessons every single day.

According to Albina, when you feel blessed and grateful, new doors open up for you and you will want to do more in your life to achieve what you want to achieve instead of just giving up and surrendering to the negative thought patterns. “A great way to feel grateful and blessed is to look at yourself in the mirror every day and just smile,” she says. “Don’t hesitate to tell yourself how beautiful you look and remember that it is in your hands to create better tomorrows.”

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Start out by taking a serious look at your life today. What do you have today that can be considered a blessing? Even the smallest things matter. Electricity all day, or fresh water to drink, or a healthy body to take you places… What are the blessings in your life today?

Buy a journal and on the first page write a pledge. Something like “I promise myself that this year will be about creating positive outcomes by changing my thoughts to positive ones, counting my blessings and being grateful every step of the way.”

Start by writing down your blessings in your journal.

Then add the things you can truly be grateful for what happened the past year.

Then use the same journal to write gratitude thoughts every single day.

For example today I am grateful for the fresh breeze I felt on my face while taking my son to school, or I am grateful for my friend whom I had a long chat with this afternoon.

Keep it up. Even if on some days you really struggle to find something you’re grateful for, sit down with your journal and squeeze something out. Remember that even the smallest things matter!

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(Credit: Rawan Albina) Follow Rawan Albina on www.rawanalbina.com)

How to Embrace Gratitude Into Your Life:

health

What You should be Eating in

2014

From quinoa and low carb to gluten-free, food fads come and go but Saadiya Ahmad learns that there are some amazing power-packed foods that all of us can aim to eat this year to keep us optimally healthier and energetic.

Suzanne George says that last year she started including more greens in her diet as well as her that of her family.

Now she is about to include quinoa but says she is getting weary of food fads and what is in and what is out. “I feel that if a food is considered good and healthy it should stay that way.

How can food lists keep changing? It makes it hard on us and even harder on our families…”

We have a list of healthy foods that is here to stay. Lovely Ranganath, DHA Licensed Senior Nutritionist with Healthtrendz, has revealed her top eight foods she feels all of us need to be incorporating this year into our daily diets. They are:

Food one: Avocados These are extremely rich in vitamin E and alphacarotene, both of which Ranganath says are very powerful antioxidants that support to prevent furring of the arteries and thereby support heart health. “They also contain monounsaturated fats which help lower blood cholesterol and heart disease risk,” she says. Avocados contain the essential omega-6 fats which help promote healthy skin. She suggests that these can be added into your salads or even eaten on your morning toast. “Two to four servings a week are ideal,” she says.

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Food two: Beans and Lentils As a soup, in a salad or as a stew, Ranganath says that beans and lentils have often been referred to as the poor man’s meat and contain a good balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, and provide sustained energy. “They are rich in sterols (plant compounds) and soluble fibre, both of which help lower blood cholesterol, as well as being a great source of B-vitamins, magnesium, zinc and iron,” she explains, suggesting that two to five servings a week is recommended.

Food three: Garlic Garlic, says Ranganath, not only contains powerful antiviral and antibacterial actions, but also contains allicin, which is an antioxidant that may help protect the body from heart disease as well as high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. “It may also offer protection from colon cancer,” she says and in fact, making it a part of your daily diet yields a multitude of benefits.

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Food four: Pumpkin seeds

Believe it or not, Ranganath says that these tiny powerhouses contain a healthy balance of the essential omega-3 and omega-6 oils, which may help to protect against heart disease and stroke.

“Omega 3 rich foods have shown a potential to reduce joint pain and stiffness, improve immunity and promote healthy skin,” she says. “One tablespoon of the seeds or its oil a day is good for you.”

Food five: Strawberries A favorite fruit of many, strawberries being very rich in vitamin C not only helps boost immunity but Ranganath says it may also help to fight free radicals and prevent heart disease and cancer. “Just five to six strawberries will provide an adults’ daily requirement for vitamin C,” she suggests.

Food six: Quinoa Nutty and extremely versatile, quinoa, tells Ranganath, contains significantly more protein than any grain. “It is rich in vitamins and minerals, providing almost four times more calcium than wheat, plus extra iron, B vitamins and vitamin E,” she says and can be used as an alternative to rice.

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Food Seven: Yogurt Many cultures include yogurt and yogurt derivatives in daily meal plans and yogurt, says Ranganath, has in fact, long been credited with a range of therapeutic benefits, many of which involve the health of the large intestine and the relief of gastrointestinal upsets. “One to two servings (four ounces) a day is what needs to eaten,” she says, with the best yogurt choice being live bio-yogurt (or probiotic) as it promotes a healthy gut. She reminds us that not all yogurts are healthy.

“Most varieties are laden with added sugar and artificial additives so choose plain or ‘natural’ varieties and then check the label for the words ‘bio’, ‘live’ and ideally bifidus bacteria,” she says.For variety, add fresh or dried fruit, and stir in chopped nuts or seeds for added nutrient boost.

Food Eight: Olive oil

• • •

Foods You Can Ditch:

According to Lovely Rangaanth, you should stay clear of the following unhealthy foods: Too many fatty foods are a definite no-no! Your blood cholesterol levels, your risk of obesity and heart disease will all increase when you eat too much fat. Foods like biscuits, cakes, savoury snacks, pastry pies do contain a lot of hidden fat which one can’t see and these are these are the ones you need to watch out for.

Sugary foods and sugary drinks too often are no good either. These are fine as occasional treats but too many too often will put you in an energy excess which means you will put on weight. Also if these foods are replacing fresh fruits, vegetables and other high fibre foods, then its also likely that you are missing out on essential vitamins and minerals. Not to mention tooth decay.

Choose and prepare foods with less salt as nowadays most people get more sodium than they need mainly from salt in our diet. As a result, high blood pressure is very common and this can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Remember that approximately 70 per cent of sodium comes from manufactured or processed foods. Canned foods, fast foods, sauces, pickles are all loaded with salt.

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In this part of the world as well as the Mediterranean cultures, olive oil is prized for its taste and versatility.

“And for good reason too as several large studies suggest that monounsaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart,” remarks Rangananth as olive oil lowers bad cholesterol levels(LDL) and increases the good levels (HDL). She recommends consuming two to three teaspoons a day but warns to watch the calories – a little goes a long way.

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

Art of the month Chaos into Clarity

Montblanc Pays Homage to the Art of Falconry

Chaos into Clarity: Re-Possessing a Funktioning Utopia, Sharjah Art Foundation, till January 26, 2014 Chaos into Clarity: Re-Possessing a Funktioning Utopia is an investigation of the Aesthetic of Funk. Curated by Shannon Ayers Holden, the exhibition is an exploration of the radical power of transformation, the theme of

Montblanc has paid special tribute to the passion and heritage for the art of falconry with the creation of the world’s first Montblanc falcon glove.

Crafted in the finest calf and alligator skin by the maison’s artisans, the glove carries the distinctive Montblanc logo and has been created as a set together with a complementary handcrafted calf skin falcon hood.

Jerome Lambert, CEO, Montblanc International, outlined the ethos behind the glove’s creation, “Montblanc is a global luxury maison that embraces the art, heritage and passion of cultures around the world.

This unique Montblanc falcon glove celebrates an element of Arabian culture that is woven through history, and passed down from generation to generation.”

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transcendence and the presentation of a new world material culture as seen through the works of three artists from the African Diaspora: American textile artist Xenobia Bailey, Moroccan-born photographer and designer Hassan Hajjaj and British Trinidadian filmmaker and sculptor Zak Ove.

Youssef Nabil

Youssef Nabil is featured on the cover of L’Officiel Art’s latest issue which includes 12 pages of conversation and recent works by the artist. This new body of work by Nabil continues in line with the artist’s fascination with cinema and women of power and substance. The Egyptian-born artist is known for his hand coloured silver gelatin photographs. In 2010 he showed his first film ‘You Never Left’ featuring actors Fanny Ardant and Tahar Rahim and his recent self-titled monograph was released this year by Flammarion.

artsy

THE LOUVRE ABU DHABI

The first segment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s iconic dome has been assembled and placed into position on-site. A total of 85 segments, which make up the dome, will be assembled on-site and lifted one by one representing another major milestone in the museum’s construction. The museum, which will be surrounded with water, will give visitors the illusion that it is gently floating in the sea.

Designed by Pritzker-prize winning architect Jean Nouvel, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will encompass 9,200sqm of art galleries. The 6,681sqm Permanent Gallery will house the museum’s permanent collection, taking the visitor through a universal journey from the most ancient to contemporary through art works from different civilisations. The Temporary Gallery will be a dedicated space of 2,364sqm presenting temporary exhibitions of international standards.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is scheduled for completion in 2015

ADMAF Showcases ‘Three Generations’

ADMAF presents ‘Three Generations,’ the first-ever group exhibition of UAE contemporary art in a healthcare setting, which will be exhibited till March 31, 2014 in Cleveland Clinic’s Art Exhibition Area.

The exhibition supports an ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy.

To enrich society and enhance cultural immersion across borders, the exhibition features the works of 14 emerging and established Emirati artists.The joint efforts of ADMAF and Cleveland Clinic Arts & Medicine Institute (AMI) have been guided by a shared vision to integrate art into the community. ‘Three Generations’ is an extension of continued efforts to explore the healing effects of music and art in medicine.

The featured works span the creative practices of three generations of Emirati artists. The range of artistic media throughout the exhibition reveals an expression of contemporary cultural identity – rooted in tradition while focusing on the present and future.

Design Days Dubai – Back for a third time The region’s first and leading dedicated design fair, Design Days Dubai, returns for its third edition to deliver a diverse, exhibition-quality collection of compelling, highly-collectible modern and contemporary design pieces and installations, alongside a public programme with leading design personalities and industry experts, from March 17-21 2014.

Reflecting the growth of Dubai’s design landscape, Design Days Dubai has grown the number of exhibiting galleries by 20 per cent, with 34 galleries bringing artistic and imaginative design creations to the fair – including several regional and world premieres of works. The most internationally-diverse Design Days Dubai to date, galleries from new territories such as Japan, Jordan, China, Austria, Portugal, and Pakistan, will exhibit alongside returning participants from Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia, strengthening the fair’s global credentials and appeal to a broad base of collectors.

New for 2014, Design Days Dubai will

introduce an annual ‘Discover’ section; the first edition will be presented in cooperation with Institut Français in the UAE, and will be dedicated to giving four young and fresh design galleries from France an international platform to exhibit works, (Ymer&Malta; Galerie Gosserez; NextLevel Galerie and Galerie S. Bensimon).

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TV/GEAR/concert

Sony VAIO Fit PC The new VAIO Fit PC is structured in a stylish, functional design. The PC’s thin chassis is constructed with an aluminium hairline finish. The VAIO Inspiration Suite aims to replace the necessity of pen and paper with a collection of core apps that allow users to seamlessly capture, edit and organise content on their VAIO notebooks. It is available in 15-inch, 14-inch and 13-inch screen sizes.

Tube Talk

Blue Butterflies on FOX

Blue Butterflies is a Turkish series dubbed in Arabic that puts a human face on the Balkan War and centers on the real pains of the Bosnian people amidst a complex love triangle. Every story carries traces of time. But some have been distilled by joy, love, fraternity, sorrow and experience, as ‘Blue Butterflies’ are. To live or to die!

It would not make any difference when those who you think your friends shoot guns at you... Having to make a decision splits your heart into two. One is with love and the other is with the innocent Bosnia... His name is Murat! He is a Muslim from Bosnia. Murat is in his final year of studies in medicine in Istanbul. To face the unforgiving war, he had to leave Turkey and go to Bosnia. He will find himself not only in the middle of the line of fire, but also in love as well.

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World Classical Music Series The World Classical Music Series in Dubai is a unique succession of 10 exclusive concerts performed and celebrated by internationally reclaimed virtuosos in a very elegant setting at the breathtaking The One & Only Royal Mirage hotel.

Maxim Fedotov and Galina Petrova will start off The World Classical Music Series on January 16. Fedotov, named the ‘Russian Paganini’ by Frankfurter Rundschau, is a brilliant musician and a perfect master, laureate, and winner of major worldwide violin competitions in Tokyo and The International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow as well as the ‘Paganini Competition’ in Genoa. He was also honoured as the People’s Artist of Russia in 2002.

He is accompanied on the piano by his wife Galina Petrova who perfectly complements his outstanding skills in a high class performance not to be missed.

music/books rts a h C p o Music T

MIDNIGHT MEMORIES

BY ONE DIRECTION Their third album in three years rolled off the production line right on time for the holidays. The songs, like ‘Through the Dark’ and ‘Something Great’ are heavily influenced by the inescapably popular upbeat, acoustic guitardriven folk-pop of the Lumineers and Mumford & Sons.

The direction that’s a bit of a shock comes to the fore on songs like the title track and ‘Little Black Dress’, what with their distorted power chords, tightly wound rhythms, and punchy vocals.

PURE HEROINE BY LORDE Pure Heroine is the debut album from New Zealander Ella YelichO’Connor, better known as Lorde. She was spotted at the young age of 12, singing at a talent show in her hometown near Auckland, and subsequently signed to Universal. She shot to prominence in early 2013 with a hugely popular EP, The Love Club, which produced the single ‘Royals’. The record was written with producer Joel Little and showcases her indie-tinged electro-pop sound.

BRITNEY JEAN BY BRITNEY SPEARS Britney Jean is the eighth studio album by Britney Spears. Enlisting the help of established artists such as will.i.am – who serves as executive producer – Spears crafts her most personal album to date. Packed with EDM-influenced pop tracks and potential chart hits, this is Britney at her best.

ooks B d e d en Recomm THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt The Goldfinch is a haunted odyssey through presentday America and a drama of enthralling power.

Combining unforgettably vivid characters and thrilling suspense, it is a beautiful, addictive triumph – a sweeping story of loss and obsession, of survival and self-invention, of the deepest mysteries of love, identity and fate.

FOOD LOVE & LIFE FROM DALIA’S KITCHEN

by Dalia Dogmoch Dalia is a Syrian-German food author. A culinary nomad born in London, raised in Paris and having lived many years in NYC, Dalia moved to Beirut when she founded Kitsch Bakery & Cafe, which today spans locations across the Middle East. Dalia currently resides in Dubai and is a prominent culinary personality, contributing to BBC Good Food Middle East, acting as Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s food editor and appearing on major TV channels. This is her debut cookbook, featuring recipes, tips and tales from both her worlds, the East and the West

SLEEKIFY by Michael Olajide Former championship boxer Michael Olajide has a patented fat-melting fitness program that has helped reshape the bodies of stars and fashion models.

This is your chance to experience the same sculpting, firming, sleekifying results that have been turning heads on the red carpet for years. Sleekify’s techniques are rooted in the ‘sweet science’ of boxing, but you don’t need a class, a ring, or a punching bag. All you need is a jump rope – and the will to be your best.

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A-list Celebs

Who, what, where Colin and Livia Firth attended the Centrepoint Winter Whites Gala at Kensington Palace, London

Rita Ora dazzled in a strapless, glittering metallic gown by Brit icon Vivienne Westwood at the British Fashion Awards at The London Coliseum.

Diane Kruger wore a curly wool cape from the Nina Ricci Fall Winter 2013 Pre Collection in Los Angeles, California.

Katy Perry walked the red carpet in a strapless, black tulle and white sequin polka dot Oscar de la Renta gown at the 2013 American Music Awards.

Hayden Panettiere wore a long jersey PAULE KA dress from the FW 2013/14 ‘Black Carpet’ collection at the Ein Herz Fuer Kinder (Hearts for Children) Gala in Berlin.

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A-list Celebs Zoe Saldana wore LANV IN to attend the Niche Media Party in Miami Beach, Florida.

DIFF stars visit Global Village A delegation of Arab film stars from the Dubai International Film Festival paid a visit to Global Village as part of a tour that shows off the most fascinating places in Dubai.

The delegation included Abdul Rahman Abu Zahra, Haifa Hussein, Habib Ghuloom, Shahd, Mishari Al Ballam, Razifah Tarish, Malak, Abdul Aziz Al-Jassem, Ibrahim Al Harbi, and Rami Sabri.

On their tour of Global Village, the delegation was able to see the unique facades of each pavilion before entering the highly regarded Egyptian, Kuwaiti, and Iranian pavilions, amongst many more. The stars were also highly entertained by the wide range of street and stage shows on offer at Global Village.

Rimmel ambassador Kate Moss stole the spotlight in her stunning Alexander McQueen dress at the British Fashion Awards.

The group also passed by the ‘I heart UAE’ structure to show their love for the UAE, and partook in buying padlocks so that they could join other visitors in locking their love for the UAE. Upon the end of the tour, the delegation was taken to Global Village’s premier Turkish restaurant ‘Bosporus’, where the stars enjoyed authentic Turkish cuisine ; from meat platters to desserts, all actors and actresses left full and happy.

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The Coveted

Haute Joaillerie

Chopard’s genius minds have yet come again with such a stunning set of creations. Decked out in diamonds and blue sapphires, this unusual white gold set composed of a modular necklace, earrings and a ring takes its place in an exceptional lineage of sophisticated, refined and yet innovative Haute Joaillerie creations that have become a Chopard signature.

Chopard’s designers and jewellers, along with gemsetters, gem-cutters and polishers, have once again made a point of honour of lavishing their considerable skills and expertise on this spectacular jewellery set that took shape during over 250 hours of patient and meticulous craftsmanship within the hushed, diligent atmosphere of the jeweller’s Geneva workshops.

The magnificent 18-carat white gold plastron is set with more than 300 nizam bead diamonds (66cts), over 2,600 brilliant-cut diamonds (13cts) and 27 deep blue sapphires (56cts). This refined jewellery set also appeals by its modular nature, since the seven tassels of its necklace can be easily removed to form a choker. Its matching earrings, set with two sapphires and with diamonds, may each be enriched with a tassel. A dainty 18-carat white gold ring set with a sapphire and with diamonds once again proves that the whole art of Chopard lies in its ability to create unexpected pieces that are as wonderful to look at as they are exciting to wear.

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