TRAVELLING WITH PETS
Tips, tricks and where to go with your furry friend
WE ARE CELEBRATING!
It’s our 250th Issue and to say thank you we have competitions galore INSIDE AESGC’s NEW GOURMET CHEF
We catch up with Nick Walsh to find out how he is changing the foodie landscape in Al Ain
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Mohammed Al Neyadi
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Wendy Peach
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr Saliha Afridi
Cynthia Bou Khalil
Dr Kat Cohen
Lakmee Senadheera
Dr Diwakar Raju
Neeraj Gupta
Wendy Peach
Maniue Vilsoni
Anisa Ismail
Matthew Benjamin
Zen Khan
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12. Now is the Time for Change
24. Is your child at Risk?
38. Taking Back control
64. Online safety in the UAE
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SPORT & COMMUNITY
32. Al Ain Amblers in top 4
50. Love to Read?
54. Al Ain Flower Show
62. Yas Bay Waterfront Weekends
81. Al Qattara Cinema
104.2022 World Paraplegic Shooting championship coming to Al Ain
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40. Business - Tips for home business success
48. Rising Star - Mishika Jayesh
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90. Recipe - pancake time!
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37. Al Ain Pharmacy Beauty Box
70. Al Rikab Lunch
74. Ayla Grand Dinner Buffet
80 AESGC Sushi Night
84. Ayla Hotel Breakfast
85. Zoflora
48 61
On the occasion of our 250th issue we would like to thank our readers, sponsors, advertisers and partners over the years for sticking with us through thick and thin.
We are both proud and excited to embark on the next stage of our journey as The Source Family and we would like to think that we will be the same, only better
The new magazine will have more content that you have told us you want, and some great new features in our readability that we will be sharing soon across social media.
We could not have come this far without you, and as always we would love to hear your ideas and comments on how we can improve in this new chapter of our evolution.
Cheers to another 250 editions!!
Your Source Family Team xx
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So much of our life has changed in the last few years. The world as we know it is no longer the same—what is important to us, who we spend time with, how we travel, how we plan, how and where we work, as well the days we work and spend time with our family have all changed suddenly. And as much as we struggled (and complained), we all adapted to all the changes. We did things in the last few years that we never thought were possible. And that’s the thing about
human beings, we do not like change, but when we are faced with it, we adapt and adjust within weeks.
So, since the winds of change are blowing, we might as well consider other things that need to change about how we have always lived, worked, and related.
HERE ARE A FEW THINGS FOR US TO RECONSIDER FOR 2022:
1.
Instead of moving on and rushing into 2022, make time to reflect on 2021.
We all want new beginnings, they feel like a clean slate to start from. However, the past will follow you into the future if you do not spend time honoring it, learning from it, and integrating the learnings. You can do this as a daily practice or a once a week practice of connecting with the past. As you go through the
questions, go back to them frequently and remember the associated memories and lessons. Write as often, or as little as you need. Also, try to go through the months, and maybe even go through your phone’s photo album to jog your memory. Here are a few questions and prompts for you to consider.
• My favorite memories of 2021 include (go through the months)_________.
• I celebrated (include all the events)_________.
• The most difficult experiences include_________.
• This year I learned_________.
• The biggest challenge I overcame was_________.
• The biggest wins were_________.
• The people that were most important in my journey through 2021 were_________.
• Some things I wish didn’t happen in 2021 include_________.
• I am still grieving the loss of_________.
• I am grateful for_________.
• I wish I made more time for_________.
2. Instead of setting resolutions, write about your future self.
We know that new year resolutions don’t work for the majority of people, so why not try something different this year? Write about your future self. This exercise requires you to think about your December 2022-self and the best possible outcome for yourself and your life this coming year. If everything went right, and just the way you wanted it to, what would you be doing, who would you be with, how would you feel, look, think, act in December 2022. Once you have visceral and visually engaged with these images, write about them in great detail. This exercise is shown to improve your mood, and outlook on life. You can do this exercise as often as you like.
3. Instead of waiting for a perfect relationship outside of you, cultivate the perfect relationship within you.
The only person who will travel through all the years of your life is yourself, so make an intention to start spending time with yourself. The only way to achieve selflove, self-care, self-confidence, self-respect, and self-compassion is through the self. It is said that ‘stillness is the altar of the spirit’ so make time to still yourself, by disconnecting from technology and connecting to your inner world. Go for walks by yourself, journal, engage in exploratory therapies, and dialogue with yourself. And as it is with all new relationships, when you first start doing this it will feel uncomfortable. Stay committed to yourself.
4
. Instead of waiting for someone to come and take care of you, ask yourself
“Where do I need to grow up?” Make this a year you grow up in the area of your life where you are feeling held back. This is not easy to do when you have abdicated your care or your approval in the hands of others your whole life. So ask yourself, where do you need to take ownership of your life? Where do you need to show up for yourself? Where do you need to take responsibility for your happiness? Where are you giving your power away and why? It is much easier to come to the end of our year and blame COVID-19 or our boss, or our family members that held us back; however, there will always be external circumstances that come on our path, some will use them as an opportunity to grow up while others will use them as justification to remain stuck. Now is the time to grow up and take your power back.
5. Instead of waiting for the “right time,” start today
Even if it is the tiniest move in the direction of the life you want, do something every day that is moving you closer to the type of person you want to be, and the type of life you want to live. If you want to feel more energetic- start walking 5 minutes every day, if you want to be calmer- commit to meditation 1 minute three times a day, if you want to have better relationships with loved ones, spend face to face time with them away from technology every week. It’s the small steps, the ones that don’t require a lot of energy that build the momentum and move you in the direction of your life. Get rid of the all or nothing type of thinking. Start small, start today.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE HITTING THE ROAD WITH YOUR FUR BABIES IN THE UAE
With the UAE weather still cool enough for outdoor activities, it’s the ideal time to take advantage of a weekend break with all the family members – even your furry friend.
The first thing to remember before venturing out with your pets is safety. Safety for you, and safety for them. If your dog is not used to travelling and does not have a separate area in the vehicle where it can be safely secured then it is best to invest in a special travelling har-
ness to make sure that your dog is secure and cannot get injured in the event of an emergency stop or accident. Unrestrained animals can also injure other passengers and cause accidents in the event they suddenly get scared or excited and start jumping around in the car.
If you are using a pet carrier – you should ensure that it has adequate room for the dog to stand up and lie down. And that there is enough ventilation – especially in the summer months. There must be adequate access to
air-conditioning or the animal will overheat which is potentially fatal. Remember NEVER leave your pet locked in a car - even for a few minutes.
For longer journeys be sure that you plan enough time for breaks where they can drink water, have a stretch and use the toilet. Be sure to take supplies with you to clean up after your dog.
When travelling with an animal, it can be helpful to have its own pet car bag that includes water supply, food,
bowls, lead, harness, blanket and some toys. If you will be camping it is also invaluable to take along some glow sticks that can be attached to their collar to make them easier to find at night if they move away from the camp. Also ensure that they are indeed wearing a collar with a clear name tag also containing your phone number.
Travelling with pets within the UAE is only just starting to get traction so be sure to do your research on the destination before you go. Call ahead if it’s a hotel and find out exactly what will be expected of you and your animal. If you have a big dog who is not well trained, the experience is probably going be rather stressful so best not to have any surprises along the way.
Be mindful of other people as well, who may not like or appreciate animals, and possibly even have very real fear around being approached by a dog, so be sure to keep your animal under control in situations where other people are involved. Always keep your dogs pet passport with you and a record of all their vaccinations that can be presented on arrival at your destination.
Once you have all of the above, you are all set to have a fantastic holiday with your pet. RAK – K9 campaign is turning Ras Al Khaima into the ultimate pet friendly destination. Read on in the next pages to find out more. Happy Travels!!
Modoker Dog Travel Bag
Dog Waste Bags with Leash Clip and dispenser
Pet car booster seat
Already a firm favourite amongst travellers and their four-legged friends, the team at Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) introduces Ras Al-K9, a pet-friendly program running across 25 hotels, restaurants, pet friendly-festivals, outdoor parks and beaches in the Emirate.
Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect getaway for exploring the great outdoors with dogs. From spectacular wadi walks and mountain hikes on Jebel Jais to chilled out beachside café lunches, desert adventures and overnight stays, there is plenty of experiences on offer across its stunning landscapes – the sea, desert and spectacular mountains – especially this season with milder temperatures.
Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, commented: “Ras Al Khaimah’s natural typography alongside its spirit of genuine hospitality appeals to both travelers and their four-legged friends. We understand how hard it can be to leave a beloved pet at home while on holiday so we made it as easy as possible for guests to bring their pawsome family members with them. Ras Al-K9 is a community initiative, tapping into the Emirate’s affinity for dogs and providing hassle free options to explore, engage and stay in Ras Al Khaimah. Teaming up with Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center, hotel partners and others committed to animal welfare, we aim to create an inclusive and supportive community for both visitors and their canine companions.”
Set tails wagging with beachside & inland frolics:
The Emirate is famed for its
pristine white sandy beaches, most of which are open to dogs and their hoomans and offer up the ideal spot to spend the day snoozing under a beach umbrella, catching a frisbee or splashing around in the water. Firm favourites include Al Jazeera and Flamingo beaches, where pooches can explore, frolic and play.
Inland, explore the largest openair dog park in the UAE, located at the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center. With over 7000 square meters of landscaped areas for your pet to run free offleash, the park also features a fully equipped Agility Park and dedicated doggy swimming pool, as well as a café area where dog owners can socialise while their dogs are playing. Other pet-friendly venues for those looking to grab a bite to eat, include delicious Japanese Cuisine at Ruzo, which offers pet friendly outdoor seating area at Flamingo Beach. The Club House located within Al Hamra, also welcomes guests to bring along their dogs, as do its neighbouring dining venues Marina Muse, Tucano Coffee and Bread & Barrel.
If staying overnight, there are an array of choices including the luxe offerings of Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Beach Resort with their recently launched dog-friendly rooms, featuring direct access to a 500m-long private back beach area and a special ‘Bone Appetit’ room service menu, featuring grilled boneless chicken with white rice, beef and veggie stew, beef burger with potato brioche bun, and chicken sausages with mashed potato. BM Beach Resort has reserved a block of 48 chalets for dogs and their owners as well as an outdoor and beach area. Dogs also get a large selection of in-room toys with com-
munal outdoor toys also available to play with in the courtyard. The newly opened Banan Beach Resort has also dedicated a selection of its tents and lofts to welcome furry friends to enjoy its carefree vibe and beachfront setting. For a self-catering accommodation, AMWAJ by Al Hamra has a dedicated kitchenette to allow guests to whip up their pooch’s favourite meal to fuel up for a day of exploring.
Mountain and wadi walkies: For the more active visitors, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp, the world’s first branded Bear Grylls accommodation, offers 16 recycled and redesigned cabins nestled within the mountain, providing the perfect basecamp for adventurers and their canine companions to explore. Camp 1770, the highest camp in the UAE, also provides a stunning pet-friendly base from which to explore the majestic Hajar mountains with your canine companion.
Wadi Shah and Wadi Shawka are ideal spots to hike with dogs offering up thrilling sights, sounds and smells for them to discover. Those looking for a more challenging experience can head to the trails on the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais, where owner and dog can hike the rocky terrain while taking in the stunning scenery. The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority Team have a series of expert led videos on its social media channels advising hikers and avid walkers how best to prepare for an excursion as well as offering interesting insights into the various routes and tips on safety from leading experts, such as Hussain Darwish, Founder of HK9 (www. hk9.ae), an outdoor activity provider that focuses on hiking experiences with a man’s four legged best friend.
A DESTINATION WIDE PROGRAM WELCOMING FOUR-LEGGED PAWSOME GUESTS AND THEIR HOOMANS
Desert adventures:
For an overnight adventure, RAK Glamping, covers ten acres of desert dunes with stunning views of the Hajjar Mountains, welcoming dogs of all sizes to join their humans and enjoy its traditional Arabic Bedouin Tents. The team will tailor the glampsite for dogs with a fenced perimeter, water bowls, tennis balls, special swimming pool, doggy ice cream as well as an on-site pet store in case you need to stock up on supplies. It also offers a pet-sitting services for guests who want to go off exploring without their four-legged friend in tow.
Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival dedicates one weekend for pets
In celebration of its 10th year anniversary, the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival is introducing an exciting new weekend program for pet-lovers with a ‘pet-friendly weekend’ bringing an exciting line-up of events to the festival which this year celebrates its 10th edition. The ‘pet-friendly weekend’ on February 18th-20th will feature a range of fun-packed activities including workshops, pet adoption and pet yoga, combined with the opportunity to enjoy the art and entertainment provided by the festival. (www.rakcalendar.ae)
Paws by the Beach, Ras Al Khaimah’s First Pet Festival
The Emirate will be kicking off its first pet-friendly festival, Paws by the Beach on Marjan Island on February 26th & 27th. Designed to be an educational platform to raise awareness about animal welfare and educate pet owners about their animal’s well-being, the festival will feature fun competitions and entertainment for dogs, cats, and pet owners throughout the two-day festival. In addition, local pet groups, vendors, training schools, pet relocation companies, rehabilitative organisations and veterinarians will give insightful presentations on caring for your beloved pet. (www.rakcalendar.ae)
Adopt your own four-legged friend
Established in 2010 by a group of volunteers, Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center has a number of cats and dogs available for adoption and find forever homes for over 500 animals per year. Anyone interested in adopting their own pet best friend is encouraged to visit the shelter where the team can introduce you to some of its guests and match you with the perfect companion.
Pet owners can also pay a visit to The Pet Shop when in the Emirate, where they regularly host events and adoption days in support of the Ras Al Khaimah Animal Welfare Center. Furthermore, from February 1st – August 31st, The Pet Shop will pick one lucky shopper each month to win AED 500 to spend in store, with the same amount will also be given to Ras Al Khaimah An-
imal Welfare Center to support their adoption efforts and help animals in need. Complimentary grooming and prizes will also be on offer for shoppers.
Anyone making a trip to Ras Al Khaimah with their bestie is encouraged to visit https://www. visitrasalkhaimah.com/ras-al-k9 for information on what to consider before they travel. In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to make your pet-friendly trip a success:
Hot sand, rocky terrain and pavement can be painful on your pet’s sensitive paws. Stay away from these hot spots or alternate between hot surfaces and cold surfaces.
Ensure your pet stays well hydrated! Bring extra water and a bowl for them to drink out of, making sure it is available to them at all times.
Be careful not to over-exercise your pet. If you notice excessive panting, foaming at the mouth, or bright pink gums, ensure they lay down to rest and drink water immediately.
Make sure shade is available. Whether it be a beach umbrella or underneath a shady tree, providing your pet with a place to cool off outside of the sunshine is very important.
Make sure you carry a fixed lead, dog harness, snacks, extra water and food, and clean up behind your pet, leaving nothing behind when hitting the trails.
Remember to bring your dog’s vaccination book.
To find out more about pet-friendly travel in Ras Al Khaimah, please visit https://www.visitrasalkhaimah.com/ ras-al-k9 or check out the Emirate’s social platforms Instagram, YouTube and Facebook.
Building structures unearthed off the coast of UAE capital by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi push back date of such remains in the UAE and region by 500 years
New evidence from Ghagha Island indicates that the islands of Abu Dhabi were a focal point for human innovation and settlement during the Neolithic period
Archaeologists from the Department of Culture and TourismAbu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) have unearthed evidence of the earliest known buildings in the UAE and the broader region dating back more than 8,500 years — at least 500 years earlier than previously thought.
The discovery on the island of Ghagha, west of Abu Dhabi city, revealed stone structures offering further compelling history of the UAE.
The DCT Abu Dhabi archaeologists have been conducting scientific analysis of the artefacts since the structures and accom-
panying objects were unearthed. The most extraordinary discovery was revealed by carbon-14 analysis of charcoal fragments, which indicates the structures are at least 8,500 years old – breaking the previous record for the earliest known structures built in the UAE, which were discovered on Marawah Island.
It was previously thought that long-distance maritime trade routes, which developed during the Neolithic period, were the catalyst for settlements in the area, but the latest discoveries prove that Neolithic settlements existed prior to the onset of trade, which means it was local
economic and environmental conditions that led to the first settled life in what is now the United Arab Emirates. Rather than being arid and inhospitable, the islands were in a sense a ‘Fertile Coast’. This evidence recasts Abu Dhabi’s islands within the cultural history of the broader region.
HE Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “These archaeological finds have shown that people were settling and building homes here 8,500 years ago. The discoveries on Ghagha island highlight that the characteristics of innovation, sustainability and resilience have
been part of the DNA of the inhabitants of this region for thousands of years. The finds reinforce an appreciation of history, as well as the deep cultural connections between the people of the UAE and the sea. We are also reminded that there is still much to discover across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and that it is vitally important we continue working to discover, preserve and protect our invaluable heritage for current and future generations to learn more about our ancestral past.”
Until the excavations of Ghagha, the earliest known structures in the United Arab Emirates were found on the island of Marawah, also off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Taken with the evidence from Marawah, the new evidence from Ghagha indicates that the islands of Abu Dhabi were a focal point for human innovation and settlement during the Neolithic period – a time of fundamental change throughout much of the world.
The structures that have been uncovered are simple round rooms, the walls of which are
made from stone and preserved to nearly one metre in height. The rooms were likely houses for a small community who may have lived on the island year-round. Hundreds of artefacts were found in the rooms, including finely worked stone arrowheads that would have been used for hunting. It is likely that the community would also have used the rich resources of the sea. How long the settlement existed is unknown, but after it was abandoned, it apparently remained an important part of the cultural landscape, as nearly 5,000 years ago a person was buried in the ruins of the structures. It is one of the few burials from this period known on the Abu Dhabi islands.
The discoveries on Ghagha Island come as part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s emirate-wide archaeological programme, in line with the organisation’s mandate to preserve, protect and promote the ancient history and cultural heritage of Abu Dhabi. The emirate contains some of the most prized and unique cultural and historical attractions and finds in the region and internationally. In addition
to the discoveries on Ghagha and Marawah islands, these include the remains of an ancient monastery on Sir Bani Yas island, as well as the UNESCO-inscribed Cultural Site of Al Ain, comprising a series of oases, historic monuments, archaeological sites and natural areas, which has featured on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List since 2011.
Abu Dhabi’s archaeological treasures also include Miocene Trackways (footprints of a herd of an extinct form of ancient elephant) which date to 6-8 million years ago; a 3,000 year old falaj in Al Ain (which indicates the earliest known widespread use of this irrigation technology in the world); stone tools dating to over 300,000 years ago, which were found in surveys around Jebel Hafit (indicating that the UAE was an important pathway for the dispersal of humans across the globe); and a well preserved Iron Age fortress dating to 3,000 years ago, which was discovered during excavations at Al Ain’s Hili 14 archaeological site. A series of late pre-Islamic tombs have also been found in various locations in Al Ain.
Does it make a difference whether a child breathes through their nose or through their mouth?
Well, let me share with you what I have learnt and practiced over the years as a Specialist Orthodontist. It is extremely important that a child (and even adults ) breathe through their nose all the time. Small bouts of mouth
Dr Diwakar Raju, Specialist Orthodontist - Al Ainbreathing (when a child breathes with separated lips) due to common cold etc is acceptable, but if a child is a habitual mouth breather, either when they are awake or while asleep is a matter of concern and needs immediate attention.
In order to have a balanced face, a well developed upper and lower jaw, which are well positioned in the facial structure, will create a balanced facial profile. In order for this to happen, both upper and lower jaws need to be of the right size and in the right position.
The upper jaw acts like a template for the position of the lower jaw (lets forget about the genetic abnormalities for a moment). If the upper jaw is not fully developed, in most cases the lower jaw will also be contained within the ‘smaller’ upper jaw.
For this reason, the size and position of the upper jaw is of paramount importance. Well developed jaws will have enough space to accommodate all the teeth in the proper fashion.(You can save the money that you might have to spend on his/her dental braces later!!).
Now let’s move on to understand what actually contributes to the full genetic expression and development of the upper jaw. The two main factors are:
1. Breathing through the nose
2. Tongue resting on the palate
These two factors are interrelated. When a child breathes through their mouth, the lower jaw is moved downward to keep the mouth open, the lower jaw takes the tongue along with it and hence the tongue does not rest on the palate. Try it yourself – check out the position of the tip of your tongue when your mouth is closed, now open the mouth and see where the tip of your tongue is!
In the fight between teeth, bone and the muscle, it’s the muscle that always wins. Hence it is absolutely essential we focus on the balance between the muscle forces of the tongue acting on the upper jaw from the inside and the cheek muscles acting from the outside.
What do you do if your child is a mouth breather?
I would strongly suggest a consultation with an ENT specialist to rule out any obstruction of the nasal pathway. If there is any obstruction your ENT will be able to best advise how to correct the problem.
The earlier you correct any problems, the better it will be for your child. If there is no obstruction (I can hear a big sigh of relief!!) and the child is still a habitual mouth breather, it can easily be corrected with the help of ‘Sleep Angel’ kind of an appliance. askdiwakar@yahoo.com
A great way to get out and explore one of the most important parts of our beautiful city
Mubazzarah Train Tour is the first panoramic tour of its kind in UAE at one of the most important tourist landmarks in Al Ain City.
It is a new cultural and entertainment experience on board. During the tour guests can choose to listen to a brief record about the history of Al Ain City and the nature of Green Mubazzarah, or they can relax and enjoy listening to classical music.
Tour Details:
Tours departure timing: every (30 minutes) from Mubazzarah Lake.
Ticket Prices:
Adults: AED 20
Children (3-12 years): AED10
Children (below 3 years): Free
Tickets are available at the sale point on the ticket office at Mubazzarah Lake.
• Each tour includes recorded commentary in Arabic & English.
• Tour Duration: 20 -25 minutes.
• Train capacity: 24 Persons.
Resort Executive Chef at Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club
Wendy Peach
The Al Ain Equestrian Shooting and Golf Club’s 3 culinary outlets have a new face. Nick Walsh, the man behind the menu is shaking things up in the kitchen and has patrons literally eating out of his hand. No stranger to Al Ain, Nick headed up the Etihad kitchen for 5 years preparing upwards of 40 000 meals a day. This massive undertaking saw Nick leading a veritable army of chefs and food preparation staff numbering over a hundred. Most recently Nick was the vision behind the Foxglove, an English Pub style Bistro at the Soho Garden located within the Meydan complex in Dubai.
AESGC resort manager Tom Buchanan describes Nick as the perfect man for the job. “We have had our eye on Chef Nick for sometime now, and I am delighted we were finally able to woo him away from the big city. His varied experience and hypercritical attention to detail is what will take the clubs’ outlets to the next level. We foresee our F&B offerings becoming a destination in their own right and being stand out’s within the Al Ain restaurant landscape”
Q: How are you settling in so far?
“Coming back to Al Ain for me has been like coming home. People assume Al Ain is a sleepy little village but that is not the case at all. There is so much more to the city once you scratch the surface so I am really pleased to be back.”
Having creative control over 3 distinct F&B concepts is a huge undertaking, but an incredibly exciting challenge. I have a
team of 17 chefs and 15 stewards to bring the changes into reality, and most importantly, the unwavering support of the resort management. Being able to marry my creativity with their vision is a match made in heaven”. In addition to the retail outlets, I also oversee the staff canteen which prepares 3 meals a day for over 300 employees so there is never a dull moment, and certainly no time to rest – at least for the foreseeable future.”
Q: Have you always had a passion for food?
“Absolutely. There has never been anything else. I have loved food for as long as I can remember. I peeled carrots and potatoes for 2 years just to get a shot at working in a professional kitchen. My culinary career started over 30 years ago working in a prestigious hotel in the North west of England where I was placed on a management training course for 2 years which gave me a good understanding of the hotel and hospitality industry. I then moved to London to improve my cooking knowl-
edge and learn my trade, once there I gained my city and guilds 706/1 and 706/2 which has stood me in good stead for my future in the industry. My grandfather was a talented chef himself, so he was definitely a huge influence on my career path.
Q: What are some of your career highlights to date?
I opened my own Bistro pub back in the UK in 1990 but wanted to pursue my desire to travel the world so joined Royal Caribbean cruises as executive sous chef. I then moved to Abu Dhabi where I was offered the position of executive chef for Etihad Airways to oversee the running of the main production kitchen. All menus for each class were reviewed and improved pushing the airline to a 5 star rating. I have appeared in a national geographical documentary for mega food aboard the largest ship in the world and also had the honour of working on tthe
world’s largest private yacht MY Leander. Cooking for the super rich added a whole new dimension to my understanding of how people relate to food in different contexts.
Q: What is your culinary vision for the Resort?
“1. Be the best, 2. Be sustainable, 3. Develop my team”
“Ultimately we want to be the best restaurant in Al Ain. That’s the goal. I think that is the ultimate dream for any chef, … to be the best. We want people talking about us. The Resort is already known for its outstanding internationally recognized golfing, shooting, equestrian and rugby facilities. Its time that the culinary options on offer match up. I will be transforming one outlet at a time, crafting individual menu’s that marry the venue concept with the visitor demographic.”
“My biggest passion is quality ingredients. You can’t have great flavor without great ingredients”. A prime example of this is the new pizza menu. “Simple, fresh ingredients prepared well. You can’t go wrong with that.” What used to be a rather drab and tasteless offering has been transformed into a gourmet treat that would look right at home on the best 5 star menu. The new pizza lineup is made with classic fresh ingredients sourced directly from Italy. Hand made with special Caputo flour, the new pizza’s are deliciously crisp and bursting with taste. Each pizza is prepared from scratch before being baked to perfection on the new specially imported Italian pizza oven. Priced between AED 35-00 and AED 45-00 each, they
are a must try item on the new menu. Currently available at The Palm Greens, they will soon be a regular fixture on the Rugby Club menu as well. Among some of the other changes are Beef burgers made from certified US Beef and quality sausages and bacon that will soon take up their rightful place on the breakfast menu.
2. The second part of Nick’s philosophy is sustainability. “We all have a responsibility to take more care now. Both as business’ and as human beings. My first move in line with the UAE sustainability vision, is phasing out single use plastics where possible. I have just placed an order for our new paper carry out bags and we will phase out the thick plastic bags currently in stock. Sourcing local ingredients in a bid to ultimately create a “farm to fork” style eco system within the city is also part of my goal, but that will be a long term project.
3. “The third thing I feel extremely passionate about are the people I work with. I take the development of my team extremely seriously as they are what will ultimately dictate the success or failure of any kitchen. Training my team is a priority and I have a great staff here who are ready and willing to take on board whatever direction I choose to take them in.”
Q: What can patrons expect moving forward?
This is a marathon, not a sprint and change will take time, but the results are already speaking for themselves” We had incredible feedback from diners at the special set Valentine’s menu which saw a change from “club food” to more elegant offerings including Lobster Thermidor and Beef Bordelaise. Key too, will obviously be to still offer
value for money. Changing the menu will not suddenly see us doubling the price. Great ingredients, great taste, great value. That’s the goal.
For now I am spending my time making incremental changes, and getting to know the visitor demographic of each outlet so I can craft a menu that will meet their needs, wants and out perform on their expectations. We are aiming to launch at least the new core menu for each outlet after April once racing season finishes.
The Palm Greens Restaurant is located at the AESGC resort on the Tawam Rd Al Ain.
The Al Ain Amblers are in the top 4 of the 2021/2022 UAE Division Rugby 1 table. The Amblers are perched at 2nd place on the league table after the Dubai Hurricanes. Earlier on 22nd January at the Sevens Complex, the Amblers beat the Hurricanes, 41-26. The Amblers might just meet this old foe again in the finals.
Last Saturday, 12th February at the Sharjah Wanderers Rugby Football Club, the Amblers mustered a makeshift side to comfortably account for their opponents, 53-14. In the absence of key back-liners Gerhard Botha and FC Holdt, the rejigged back division performed above expec-
tations. Clint Sacks stepped in for Gerhard and Ovidu Dambrava marshalled the speedy backline from flyhalf.
Thomas Hanks at fullback was the ‘Man of the Match’; his scintillating performance galvanized his backline to counterattack and defend their line very well. Lucian Jansen at inside center glided past defenders and dotted down his regulation brace of tries. Liam Chalkley was versatile on the wing – great chaser of the ball and defended his flank with aplomb. Clint was in every attacking move and his sniping around the edges of the rucks and tackle ball area made life ex-
tremely hard for the tired Wanderers. Malo Vuata, after some problems with his boots, did his share to create space for his outside runners. Newbie, Brandon Cullinan, fitted in very well on the right wing and his untiring chase and tackle efforts put pressure on the Wanderers.
The Wanderers played right to the very end and it was a very physical contest. The Amblers had a very strong scrum led by front rowers: Michael Jordan, Llewellyn James and Johan Schulze. They steamrolled the Sharjah pack and even scored a push-over try. Alaa Samaan and
CJ Van Zyl added an extra oomph to the tight-five at locks. On the flanks, Chris Brooke, Daniel Hill and Wihan Grobler had a field day playing off this go-forward scrum and pods. The lineouts were crisp and hooker Llewellyn found his jumpers with pin-point accuracy.
On the bench, Greg Sloan and Morne Julius carried on the forward momentum when they ran on. Evergreen, Robert Botes, also had a share of the action and was acknowledged at the aftermatch for being a persevering fifty-year-old-plus still putting in a very decent shift on the field. Stephen Huemer, was his usu-
al robust self when he came on and when it comes to fetching that ball off the tackler on the ground, he is always in that top bracket of flankers. Ahmed Yaser also held his ground when called to the wing.
With a small squad to select from, the Amblers did admirably well to chalk up another victory after beating the Dubai Sharks, 38-11, on 15th January and the Dubai Dragons, 36-33 on 5th February.
On its current form and position in the league, the Amblers will definitely make the playoffs and this Saturday’s home game (26th
February) versus the Dubai Tigers will be a keen contest. It is a very good season so far for the Amblers.
“Thomas Hanks at fullback was the ‘Man of the Match’; his scintillating performance galvanized his backline to counterattack and defend their line very well.”
To stand a chance at winning, tell us what you think makes a person truly beautiful. Send your name, number and answer to competition@thesourceuae.com before 21 March 2022
Must be resident in Al Ain to qualify for this prize. Must be over 18. T’s & C’s apply.
Laroche – Posay: Purifying hand sanitizer gel.
Furterer: Hair shampoo, provides energy to the hair.
Lierac: Sebologie, Deep cleansing scrub mask.
Vidaderm: sunscreen, to protect the skin from both chrono & photo-aging.
Revuele: charcoal with bamboo facial scrub.
Sunshine: Vitamin D tablets.
Elgydium: Toothpaste Anti Plaque.
Win one of 3 delicious Mother’s Day cakes from Labrioche
To enter, tell us why your Mother is the best. Good Luck !
Send your answers to competition@thesourceuae.com by the 15th March 2022
AL AIN RESIDENTS ONLY - T’s & C’s apply.
Everywhere we go these days, it’s not hard to notice how much technology impacts our lives. Phones, tablets, laptops are everywhere. COVID-19 amplified the way we use our devices and not only did it make it easier for people to stay connected to each other, it also made way for reliance on devices to reach an all time high. It has been reported that children are spending up to 7 hours a day on devices and adults are spending up to 12 hours a day on their devices. This is the new normal.
The Source Family sat down
with Digital Detox Expert, Anisa Ismail, who is the founder of ‘The Unplugged Initiative’ - a social impact startup focused on promoting digital awareness in the community, to discuss ways we as a society can regulate this onset of digital addiction.
What made you start ‘The Unplugged Initiative?’
“It was my background in teaching that first opened my eyes up to the issue at hand. During my last teaching year in 2017, I was finding it hard
to get the attention of the children in my class. The children I was teaching were only 4 years old, however most of them were often unfocused, groggy, tired and moody. This wasn’t usual behaviour for young children and when I’d ask their parents, they’d mostly say it was due to their child being up late watching videos or playing games on a device, and would be followed by their request for advice/help as it was a recurring issue in their household. Thus, KidzUnplugged was born which then naturally transitioned into The Unplugged Initiative.”
In your opinion has COVID made the situation worse?
“Oh absolutely! It has become overwhelmingly apparent that we have a socially acceptable addiction occurring amongst us, affecting the youngest of the generation more rapidly than we think. You and I, for example, were able to enjoy a childhood filled with play, and adventure. That is not the case for today’s children, and this in itself is alarming. Family dynamics have completely changed. Historically, culture and the enrichment of moral values was learned through daily interaction within the family. With families spending less and less time together our traditional value systems are decreasing at an alarming rate.
How does one navigate through this issue, which is most definitely a global one now?
“ This is just the beginning. Our devices are so integrated into our everyday lives that eliminating them is just not possible. I never recommend that my clients completely remove their devices because that would not be practical. The key is to learn to live with technology, using the best practices available. It’s like being on a diet or starting a healthier eating plan. We can’t rid the world of fats, and carbs (as much as some of us would love that), instead, we learn to portion them and consume them in a way that is beneficial. Technology is the same”
What tips, or advice would you give to parents who are reading
this, and can’t seem to balance the way their children use their devices?
“Children model behaviour. So, when they are using a phone or tablet, they will take their cue from the way the adults around them are using those same devices. It’s not what you say, but rather what you do. As a parent, how much time are you spending on your phone or laptop? What activities (apart from sleeping and eating) are you partaking in when you are away from your device? All of these factors are influencing your child’s behaviour. Watching you will determine how they act. The other thing to remember is that it is important to determine a routine for device usage.
How much time do you need to spend on a device, as opposed to how much time you’re wasting away scrolling through social media pages. Setting reasonable limits, allows you to set rules the whole family can adhere to. Remember, this isn’t a kids vs parents situation, it’s for the greater good of the entire family unit. Lastly, I would say, do more things as a family that will allow you to spend time away from technology. This could be in the form of cooking together, playing a game or even just lounging on the sofa and reading a story together. Not every moment needs to be filmed, pictured or documented. Moments need to be lived, and felt.”
If there is one key takeaway from this pandemic and the way we use our devices, what would that be?
“It is evident now more than ever, that we have the power to change our habits and the way we do things. The world came to a stop this year, and that wasn’t by accident. That was a sign. The way we were moving was too overwhelmingly fast. Our devices have enabled us to tap into the whole world with the push of a button, and as amazing as that is, it is also in the way of what’s right in front of us and of what we are experiencing. So the key takeaway would be to indulge in the moments with the people around you. Cherish what you have and experience as much of each other in a way devices can’t reach. Remember, balance is key. Too much of anything will tip the scale, so use the time you have with your devices wisely and the time you spend away from them, even more usefully”
for thoughtHow much time are you spending on your devices?
And how much of that time is of benefit to you and your families?
For more information:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/unpluggedinitiative/?hl=en
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/unpluggedinitiative/posts/ Website
http://unpluggedinitiative.com
FOCUS, PASSION AND TIME MANAGEMENT ARE CRUCIAL SKILLS TO HAVE
Starting a business from your home can offer a number of advantages. It can offer flexibility to focus on getting the business started and can help reduce costs by being able to get started with a laptop, internet connection, and a website. Yet, when choosing a home business idea, priority should be given to what you are passionate about and not one based solely for potential profits.
Selina Bieber, senior regional director for the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, said: “Starting and running a home business can be challenging at times. That is why having passion, discipline and determination can help to serve you well to help reach your goals for your business. By doing what you are passionate about, work can transform from hard labor, stress and anxiety to a joyful daily activity that you look forward to every day.”
“At GoDaddy, we want to help facilitate the entry and growth of new ideas into the marketplace by supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs with innovative easy to use and affordable online products and services, as well as knowledge and expert advice. We want to see small businesses and entrepreneurs grow and inspire others, who dream of making their ideas a reality,” Bieber added.
To help launch and grow your new business from your home, keep the following five tips in mind:
Dedicate a space at home to be your office. It is where you will spend several hours of your day
working, so try as much as possible, to ensure that the space you have chosen is relatively quiet and comfortable so you can focus and avoid any distractions.
Make your working hours, as well as your free hours, known to your family. Be strict about your working hours and use planning tools to boost productivity. It is of great importance that you maintain your focus and productivity, while keeping a work/family balance through proper time management.
Working from home does not mean that you are not a serious business. You have to do what it takes to make your business a success. By investing in it through creating a professional website and a sound business structure, can help to make your business recognized and credible. You can use GoDaddy Arabic Website Builder, along with its support tools and dedicated technical support team to launch a highly appealing and professional website easily and in a short amount of time. GoDaddy Arabic E-Store gives you the ability to sell your products and services directly online to customers, with an appealing online store to sell around the Region and around the world.
One of the key factors of success for a home business is having a proper network of professionals who can support you deliver to your customers. Running a home
business does not mean that you have to do everything by yourself. Sometimes, hiring professional content creators and social media platforms managers can enhance quality, boost image and generate further growth for your business. An expanded network of professional support is not necessarily expensive if you consider hiring freelancers. Stay connected with other like-minded entrepreneurs online and offline, to help you feel less isolated and more connected. A strong network can help inspire you and invigorate your entrepreneurial spirit.
Working from home can get you drawn into the tasks in hand that you could completely lose track of time and not pay attention to your most essential needs such as: eating; drinking; standing-up or taking a much-needed break. Using time management tools such as electronic calendars and alarm clocks, you can plug in time slots in your schedule for your physical needs. It is important to stay hydrated, move, stretch and take frequent short breaks to refresh and regain focus. It is also very important to celebrate successes by doing something fun to take a break in your busy schedule.
Finally, take advantage of technology tools to help you grow your business. GoDaddy’s integrated suite of online products and services that range from domain names, hosting, website building, online store, digital marketing, professional email, security protections and productivity tools, as well as technical customer support, available in English and Arabic languages.
To learn more about GoDaddy, visit https://ae.godaddy.com
Virgin Mobile UAE, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), today announced that it is the first telecom brand in the UAE to introduce new biodegradable SIM cards. The move is in line with the UAE’s vision to create a vibrant new green economy that will offer the world a unique model for sustainable development.
The new Virgin Mobile biodegradable sim cards are the most sustainable option available in the UAE for customers whose devices cannot yet accept eSIMs, which require no plastic at all. Virgin Mobile UAE will progressively phase out single-use plastic SIM cards as part of the company’s commitment to being sustainable and towards its mission of being carbon negative.
The new biodegradable SIM is made from an oxo-biodegradable plastic that breaks down into tiny pieces and slowly degrades in the presence of oxygen and UV light.
When placed in a landfill, the degradation process can take a little as just 4-6 months.
This offers a significant improvement when compared to the estimated hundreds of years normal plastics can take to decompose.
Rob Beswick, Managing Director for Virgin Mobile UAE commented, “Our move to introducing the
new sustainable biodegradable SIM cards is aligned with supporting the vision of UAE’s Green Agenda 2030 and UAE’s NetZero 2050 initiative.
We can “do more and better with less”, breaking the traditional linkages between economic growth and environmental degradation. This is outlined in the UN’s 12th Sustainable Development Goal (SDG12) which calls for us “to ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).
We all need to work together to ensure a collective effort towards building a better future. Virgin Mobile UAE has achieved net-zero carbon emissions for its operations last year, and we are on a mission to become carbon negative.”
It is estimated that at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the ocean every year, impacting fragile ecosystems. Despite its tiny size, each SIM card needs to be punched out of a credit-card sized plastic sheet, which is then disposed of
contributing to plastic waste in the telecommunications industry. With consumers demand for SIM cards, this waste is increasing.
“While we are moving towards the use of biodegradable SIM cards that decompose without a trace and it is a key step in the right direction, the move to eSIMs, whereby there is no physical sim card, remains the most sustainable option,” added Beswick.
Tor Malmros, CEO for Workz added “We’re delighted to have achieved yet another market-first with Virgin Mobile UAE. We are currently seeing a sharp rise in interest from network operators worldwide for more sustainable alternatives such as biodegradable SIMs and eSIM – this can only be a good thing. What this project with Virgin Mobile demonstrates is, that with a dynamic, forward-thinking approach, just how quick and significant the impact can be.”
Currently, Virgin Mobile UAE allows its customers to change their physical SIM to an eSIM using their App right from the comfort of their home or office. eSIMs are also available via Virgin Mobile’s unique home delivery service whereby new customers who have an eSIM compatible device, can opt to have their Virgin Mobile eSIM activated by downloading the Virgin Mobile app via the Play store or App store, choosing their favourite number or transferring their current one from any network.
To find out more about Virgin Mobile’s biodegradable SIM and eSIM, visit virginmobile.ae
His Highness Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan announces the launch of e& as a new brand identity for Etisalat Group as e&
Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Minister of Presidential Affairs, today launched e&, marking the transformation ambitions of Etisalat Group into a global technology and investment conglomerate.
Commenting on the launch, HH Sheikh Mansour emphasised the importance of capitalising on opportunities that the fast-evolving business landscape continues to present in the age of technological disruption. He commended the efforts of e& in devising a more progressive business model that sustains its hypserscaling ambitions, promotes new ventures and partnerships, and maximises value across its operations.
His Highness said, “The transformation of e& from a telecom company founded more than four decades ago in the UAE into a global influence in digitalisation highlights its role in upholding the UAE’s sustainable economic development and diversification plans. We commend e& for being the national champion that steers its global digitalisation leadership through pioneering advanced technologies, advancing ICT infrastructures, and fuelling geographic expansions while unlocking value.”
The launch of the new brand identity for Etisalat Group was attended by His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, H.E. Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Minister of State for Financial Affairs and H.E. Jassem Mohamed Bu Ataba Alzaabi, Chairman of e&.
The ambitious strategy
As part of its strategy, e& will enhance customers experiences across all segments by ideating,
designing, and delivering a range of innovative and breakthrough technologies, driven by its track record of success. This strategy is aimed at accelerating growth through the creation of a resilient business model that is representing the Group’s main business pillars.
Telecom will retain the previous branding identity while upholding the Group’s rich telecoms heritage, bolstering the Group’s strong telecoms infrastructure and maximising value for its customer segments, in the UAE and internationally. In addition, it will expand into new geographic markets while continuing to drive operational performance in the 16 markets where it operates.
e& life is focused on enhancing customer delight by becoming an integral part of the lives of its customers.
e& enterprise will be the driving force behind the digital transformation of governments, corporates and enterprises.
The evolution e& comes at the heels of the Group’s strong financial performance as well as several milestones that contributed to the transformation. More recently, e& ranked first in the Forbes MENA Top 10 most valuable listed companies in the UAE. The Group was also named the strongest telecoms brand in the world.
Accumulating success year on year has taken place in light of the considerable investments the Group has made in maintaining its 5G network prowess, investing in breakthrough technologies, aggressive market penetrations, deploying megaprojects, driving smarter connectivity, and pursuing strong partnerships.
FATMA AL SHAMSI, AL AIN BASED EMIRATI TRANSFORMATIONAL COACH AND SPORTS
ENTHUSIAST SHARES HER SPORTIING JOURNEY AND HOW IT CHANGED HER LIFE
Meeting in a popular coffee shop, Fatma stands as I approach and greets me warmly. Her enthusiasm is infectious as she shares that she has just been notified that she has won a Golden Heart award from Expo for her volunteering efforts.
“I love making a difference and really touching people’s lives. No matter who it is I meet during my day, I want to leave them feeling better after I leave. This is my passion. This is my goal, to spread happiness and help people realise their own value no matter what thier job or income. I loved being at expo and interacting with people from all around the world. It was such a privaliege to be part of something of that magnitude and have a platform to share our Emirati culture and to show the world that we can make a difference by working together.”
Sport is clearly a very big part of your life and philosophy for living.
“Sport for me is key as a catylist for change. As a transformational coach I work with people that are stuck in a particular area of their life. I find using sport in these situations help break through that barrier. Of course I am not suggesting that everyone starts competing at a professional level, but it is the physical movement that is key in moving forward in your lifeliterally.”
I am an avid follower of your instagram account @f.a.alshamsi and I see you compete a lot with a team of girls.
“Yes, we are all Emirati girls that come from Al Ain. Friends first, that’s why we make such amazing team mates”
How did you get together as a sporting group?
“We started as cousins and our other friends joined us”
Tell us about your experiences at the Gov Games. What was the highlight?
Gov games was one of our dream challenges. We never thought it would happen though as it was only for government employees. Under the vision of Sheikh Hamdan there was a community category added that we were elligable to compete in.
I can honestly say that we were not ready to compete at that level but we made it through the qulaifiers and ended up finishing 14th overall at the actual games so it was an incredible achievement for us. Now that we know what to expect we will train hard and we will be ready for next year.
Tell us about your experience at the recent Al Salam 109km Cycle Race through Dubai Desert.
Cycling was a challenge for me becasue I was new to the sport. To be ready in only a few months for a race that far was really tough. We prepared and trained very hard for it. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. The wind was so strong in places we could not even see the track
there was so much sand but we made it and I finished in the top 20 as an individual and came 4th in the race as a team which was a very proud achievement for all of us.
Do you feel that you are role models for other girls to join sports?
I can say yes we are, as we inspiring many girls to join different kinds of sports. Specially when we post our achievements on social media. It is away to make people know more about how you can add sports into your life.
What would you say to people that have never done sports before or don’t feel that they are sporty people and believe they cant do it?
You are missing out. It may be hard in the beginning, but the effort is worth it. Not having sport in your life means missing out on a lot of happiness, a feeling of freedom. Sport be-
comes a kind of meditation to recharge your energy for the rest of the day.
The support you get from your team, always there for you, shouting, wanting you to be your best. It is a special feeling, a special community. I hope that as many people as possible will join us.
For other Emirati girls that want to start doing more sports - what would be your advice?
Just start and do it - you will love it.
It is a challenge at beginning to continue, but you will be proud of yourself in the end. And you will find it is a kind of addiction that you can’t stop doing it for rest of you life.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced so far in sports?
Injuries. I injured my leg through over-training and had to stop doing what I loved for 6 months. That was my hardest challenge, to stop doing what i love to do everyday.
But it made me seek out other kinds of sports so in hindsight it was a positive thing.
So my suggestion is always to listen to your body and give the right rest and recovery. I was crazy to ignore the pain - I thought I would be fine but it only got worse. Love your body as much as you love the sports.
Do you think the Al Ain community is ready to have more Emirati women sporting heroes?
Sure we are all from Al Ain so if we can do it then any one can do it.
How often do you train together?
Everyday sometimes twice a day
What are you biggest achievements so far as a team?
Honestly there are too many to count now, but certainly two of the biggest are the Gov Games and the Al Salam Desert Cycling race.
What do you hope to achieve for 2022 as a team and beyond?
First to break our own records, we aim to get the podium in NAS challenge, and to do better in Gov Games.
For me personally I would like to challenge my self and do the full ADNOC marathon in Dec as I just recently completed my first half marathon.
You have spoken a lot of sporting life as a team, I would like to know more about you presonally.
What made you start out in sport ?
I have always been a sporty person but started getting more serious about it through team encouragment.
What are your biggest achievements so far as an individual?
My 109km cycling at Al Salam champion And my 21km RAK marathon
Have you always liked sports and been active?
Yes when I was a kid I loved gymnastics and volleyball.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of sports?
My speaking career takes up the remainder of my time. Inspiring others to achieve their goals.
Which strengths do you believe you have that make you a great athlete?
To achieve anything in life you need determination and perseverance. It is no different in sport and I have both of those qualities. Once my mind is made up there is nothing I cannot achieve.
What does your daily routine look like?
I get up at 6.00 am and run between 5 and 10km before work. Afternoon training is either cycling or a gym workout. What time is left I devote to family and friends.
Which sport is your favorite to play?
Running, cycling and volleyball will always be high on my list.
I also love cross fit as it has many movements and challenges that never end and does not have a fixed routine.
The Source Family Editor caught up with Al Ain Rising Star Mishika Jayesh to learn more about what makes this little super star so special.
Neatly dressed in matching black pants and shirt, I am instantly struck by how confident and full of life Mishika is. Affectionately known as Mishi by her parents, 8 year old Mishika was born and raised in Al Ain and is in grade 2 at Al Ain Juniors. Recently, she was awarded first place in the Lulu Al Ain Talent Show for keyboard. She loves music, keyboard and singing. Always putting on impromptu shows for the other residents in her building along with her friends. There is no mistaking that music flows freely throughout her spirit.
“Playing keyboard makes me happy”
Q: How did you get involved with music?
Mom: “Mishika attended a winter camp when she was about 5 and a half years old and really took a shine to the keyboard. She kept asking for one, and eventually we gave in, buying her a very basic instrument as we thought it was just a phase. When we started to notice that she was able to teach herself from Youtube we realized that this was not just a passing fad and we invested in a better instrument. As she progressed we eventually found a teacher to give her lessons online (since we were under Covid restrictions). She has been studying with Mr Kingsley for 1 and a half years now and she has really made huge progress in such a short time.”
Mr Kingsley added: “I am very glad to be Mishika’s music tutor. She is a very quick learner and I am certain that her love for music will take her far in life. I wish her all the best for her future success”.
Q: Why the keyboard?
Mishika: “I don’t know. Music just makes me
happy. I am happy when I play. I play for fun. I love to sing as well.”
Q: What kind of music do you play most?
Mishika: “I like playing English songs. “
Q: What are some of your favorite songs to play?
Mishika: “Pirates of the Caribbean, Rasputin and Star of County Down”
Q: What was your first performance?
Mishika: “My first ever performance was at a school assembly. The teachers suggested I try the school song and I practiced really hard. I was so nervous but I did it and everyone loved my performance.”
Q: Have you won other trophies apart from the one at the Lulu talent show?
Mishika: “Yes, I have won other trophies for singing and also keyboard.”
Q: Apart from music what else do you like to do?
Mishika: “I love crafting. I am always making something and especially love playing with my friends.”
Q: What are your favorite subjects?
Mishika: “Art, PE and English”
Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Mishika: “I think either a teacher or an event planner. I am not sure. I have so much time still to decide”.
Q: What would your advice be to someone wanting to learn to play keyboard?
Mishika: “Just do it, it’s hard at first but if you keep trying it gets so much easier and once you can play then it is really fun.”
Q: Tell us about Mishika
Mom: “The one thing I am most happy and proud of is that she is such a loving, happy child. She gets along with everyone. There are never any tears or fights with other kids. Her teachers, classmates and friends really love her as she is always getting involved with everything. She is so active in her class and genuinely loves other people.”
“Her school teachers at Al Ain Juniors are encouraging and motivating her to do so much more. They give her every possible opportunity to perform, and we are so grateful for their wonderful
WE SHOW YOU HOW TO GET A FREE MAKTABA DIGITAL LIBRARY MEMBERSHIP
Lakmee Senadheera
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is responsible for the administration of five public libraries, collectively known as MAKTABA, that are dotted around Abu Dhabi Emirate. Any person who lives in the UAE with a valid Emirates ID, regardless of their age is eligible for a free, MAKTABA digital library membership. This membership allows you access to the following online resources for
How to Sign-up for a free MAKTABA account:
Visit www.library.dctabudhabi.ae and select “Get Library Membership”.
To complete the new registration form, you will need your Emirates ID and a valid email address.
Zayed Central Library Al Ain Zayed Central Library, Al Ain’s very own public library branch of MAKTABA, is located next to Al Sulaimi Park.
This library is home to over 136,000 books in Arabic and English. Current services at the Zayed Central Library include book lending for adults and children, free access to the internet, study spaces, study rooms and an outdoor play area for children. In coordination with MAKTABA, the Zayed Central Library also provides a diverse range of educational events, programs and activities for the local community.
Library Membership options:
If you would like to borrow books from the Zayed Central Library, please contact the library to register for a library membership.
Code of conduct when using the library is available at bit.ly/3eUlUCv
If you have any questions about joining the Zayed Central Library or using the MAKTABA services, please contact the library
staff:
Telephone: 03 711 8266
MAKTABA website: library.dctabudhabi.ae (for registration and digital content access)
Library Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
COVID 19 precautionary Requirements: Al Hosn App: Green Status is mandatory for all visitors.
MAKTABA
MAKTABA
Looking for a chilled staycation with friends? The Hampton by Hilton has just what you need. The hotel takes up pride of place on a pristine 750-metre beach.
Champions of the environment, it is notable that the usual plastic waste that is an inevitable feature on so many of the other beaches is non existent here due to a strict commitment to limit single use plastics like bottles and straws.
Situated towards the end of the Marjan island cresent, the property stands out as a clean and crisp addition to the bay boasting stunning views out
over the endless sea.
The suites located on the top floors are the ideal break away to sit and chill after a long day on the beach. The expansive balconies offer uninterrupted views of lazy sunsets before getting ready for a night out at one of the resorts most popular F&B offerings – Claw BBQ.
Claw is an award winning American style bar and eatery featuring a mouth watering menu of ribs, tacos and incredible cocktails. The giant sharing margarita is not to be missed if you are visiting with friends – definitely an instagram worthy moment. Dessert favorites like the giant skil-
let cookie will not disappoint, and a ride on the mechanical bull is sure to leave memories that will linger long after you are back to your desk. Claw runs a host of theme nights on various days of the week so be sure to check out what they have on offer.
Standout “friend friendly” vacay features :
• 515 rooms to choose from with over half being interconnected making it ideal for groups.
• 750m beach that is jam packed with loungers and umbrellas meaning everyone will have a spot even if the hotel is full.
• Water sports facilities on site with jet ski, parasailing, banana ride etc.
• Multiple F&B concepts including Flavors the all day dining restaurant that is spacious enough to accommodate everyone even at full capacity and the View, the lobby restaurant where you can chill for a quiet meal or relax with a cocktail or cup of coffee.
• 24 hr onsite amenities available for purchase in the lobby to accommodate travellers coming and going at odd times (as per the standard Hampton policy international travellers have come to expect).
• Infinity pool overlooking the bay – the ideal selfie spot.
• Clean, bright, spacious, interconnecting rooms.
• A beach inspired decorating theme adds to the holiday vibe and definitely sets the tone for a break away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Visit www.hilton.com for more
The Al Ain Flower show is currently on display opposite the Al Ain Oasis. Free to enter, the event is open to the public for all to enjoy. Evenings see a series of market stalls and activations and there are also food trucks in the area. The Flower show will be on till roughly mid March (To be confirmed).
Babyshop, the Middle East’s premier store for fashionable families, welcomes Spring 2022 with its range of typically stylish, practical and affordable outfits to freshen up your kids’ playtime and party-time wardrobes and put a spring in their step.
With the arrival of the warmer Spring days, Babyshop’s Spring collection is always a hotly anticipated event! For this reason, Babyshop’s buyers and designers travel the world (virtually) to keep up to date on the hot-
test trends and the coolest new styles and bring them to life across their stores and online, and through their contemporary in-house brands Juniors, Giggles and Eligo.
So, for the gorgeous girls in your life, expect to find a floral and fruitful treasure trove of pieces, accented by statement sleeves, ruffles, bold all over prints, delicate broidery and splashes of floral prints and citrus collages that are so akin to the season. Pretty dungarees with frills and embroi-
dery or maxi dresses with pastel stripes provide some fun alternatives to the wide range of pretty party dresses with puffed arms in dobby or soft cotton fabrics, which are as comfortable as they are chic.
Not to forget the little gentlemen, who may be more concerned with comfort over style – a box which is most definitely ticked at Babyshop – however the grown-ups will appreciate how handsome they look in the range of trendy top and shorts combos and separates. Whether sporting crisp shirts with
all over prints over denim shorts, or soft linen checked shirts or graphic tees paired comfy Bermuda’s, playtime will be as enjoyable as ever – even for the parents, since Babyshop selects the best materials, making all their clothing easy to clean and keep looking brand new!
For both boys and girls who enjoy a sporty aesthetic, Babyshop has updated its popular inhouse XYZ range, and Italian sportswear brand KAPPA rocks the Spring trends perfectly, with its sporty tees, leggings and sports bra sets with orange accents.
As always, the collection also features many of the most popular characters including Hello Kitty, Sonic Hedgehog, Mickey & Minnie and Spiderman in starring roles. Home to many of the icons across the Marvel, Disney and Warner Brothers universes among others, Babyshop continually updates its cast of heroes and heroines from the silver screen and the exciting world of gaming, to appeal to this generation of young fans.
Last but not least, Babyshop brings the very best for newborns and babies, presenting a range of light and silky bodysuits, soft rompers and sleepsuits, elasticated waist trousers, blankets and other must-have accessories.
The range promote 100% cotton which benefits from being durable, absorbent and hypoallergenic, so important to protect your babies’ perfect new skin. Supima cotton, in particular, is a premium cotton fibre which is knitted into ultra-soft, fine and luxurious fabrics with improved durability.
As always at Babyshop, value for money is unmatched anywhere in the region, so a wardrobe ‘Spring clean’ for your fashionable family is as attractive to your wallet as it is to your eyes.
Browse the new collection at your nearest Babyshop store, or alternatively shop online at https://www.babyshopstores.com/ae/en/
As part of its varied projects to preserve the world’s endangered species, Al Ain Zoo has adopted a variety of animal welfare programmes with the aim of protecting and caring for the hippopotamuses that live within its specialised enclosures, all designed according to the highest standards of animal care and best global practices. Home to a group of 9 hippopotamus, 3 residing within the hippopotamus exhibit, and 6 living within breeding groups enclosures, Al Ain Zoo offers these wonderful animals comprehensive care to the highest international standards, providing them with a healthy and varied diet and ample space resembling their natural habitat, in addition to health care provided by a team of expert veterinarian staff.
The Zoo welcomes visitors to the Hippo Exhibit, a one-ofa-kind 740 cubic meters underwater exhibit with a unique state-of-the-art auto-filtration system, the first of its kind in the Middle East. The exhibit provides an enjoyable experience for visitors and a chance to find out more about the life of these huge mammals from their caregivers who are keen to tell the guests interesting stories about hippos’ behaviour and nature, including awareness-raising facts that shed light on the importance of protecting such beautiful endangered creatures.
Al Ain Zoo plays an important role in conserving many endangered species, including the hippopotamus, and is committed to protecting them by highlighting the importance of conservation and th prevention of habitat loss. Al Ain Zoo also sponsors several important international programmes for safeguarding species, conducting research on conserving, breeding, and distribution, as well as re-introducing endangered species into their natural habitats.
Matthew Benjamin Founder and CEO of Kapes
A conscious consumer is defined as an active member of the economy who considers the environmental, social and ecological impact of their purchasing choices. One must simply have the intent to preserve the environment to be considered consuming consciously.
In a world of constant change where technology and information reign, it is now possible for children to consume information at a much faster rate than that of their parents.
Having all the tools required to learn best practices early on in their life, parents have a primary role of introducing to children the importance of sustainability and how they can, in turn, work towards preserving the environment.
Look for answers together
Children are curious creatures. While they’re not directly asking all the questions, they are observing (and absorbing) everything happening around them. With guidance and sharing knowledge, parents can help their kids see
that they have the ability to make a positive difference in the world.
In fact, children don’t really understand where their beloved products come from. Educating them about the things they eat, wear, and play with, can help develop their critical thinking, shaping their purchasing habits and ability to question the sustainability claims of brands in the future. Companies like Kapes, a homegrown sustainable school uniform brand,
support this with a mission is to empower children to become change-makers by encouraging them to be more connected to the things they wear, the people that make them and the places they are made.
Create relevant experiences
Advocating a universal change isn’t done by solely one person; it has to involve everyone and it can start with parents at home, passing on sustainable practices to their children. It is important to lead by example, and let them know that their voice is heard.
For children to become conscious consumers, they need role models that foster a genuine concern for the environment and cultivate sustainable habits in the home and school early on.
From recycling items, finding energy-saving appliances to buying sustainable clothes, these are just a few patterns that would go a long way in motivating the children to feel responsible for safeguarding the environment.
Taking school uniforms as an example, it’s not until recently that we are seeing an increased awareness of their impact on the environment, despite it being the clothing worn the most in kids aged between five and 18. Much like retail and fast fashion in general, a school uniform not only contributes to damaging our ecosystem but more importantly it contains dangerous chemicals risking the wellbeing of children and those that make uniforms.
This being said, brands have a moral obligation to keep sustainability at the forefront of their goals and share reliable information about their products. As with Kapes, who offers sustainable school uniforms and takes the children and parents throughout their ‘making of’ journey to educate them on the importance of sustainable practices.
During the early years of a child’s life, it’s imperative to focus on building interest in ecological topics and green living. With time, they are bound to become more mindful of their consumption habits.
Encourage children to grow closer to nature.
Take them on long walks, hikes, climbing; all those activities will help them associate the environment with happy moments. When you successfully build an emotional connection between children and nature, they will intuitively become more susceptible to environmental issues and even so adopt more sustainable practices. Consequently, they may take up healthier habits when they get older such as riding a bike instead of driving a car.
It is through teaching and leadership that parents can help kids harness their consumer power and become the eco-warriors we need them to be. These teachings will become their normal; the eco-friendly habits they learn and the environmentally conscious choices they see will shape them into the future of environmental sustainability.
For more information, please visit kapes.co.
TO KICK-OFF WITH AN EXCITING LINE-UP OF OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT STARTING FEBRUARY 18
Yas Bay Waterfront, Abu Dhabi’s vibrant dining and nightlife destination, is kicking off its waterfront weekends; a weekly instalment of exhilarating entertainment, musical performances and exciting events starting from February 18, 2022. Set to run every weekend from Friday till Sunday, Yas Bay Waterfront Weekends will be serving good vibes at every corner of the boardwalk starting 5:30 PM until late!
In addition to the wide array of international concepts and dynamic mix of licensed restaurants and lounges available at Yas Bay Waterfront, visitors are set to sing, dance and vibe to an exciting line-up of entertainment and themed performances to satisfy all tastes.
visitors can jive to the beat with hand pan, steel pan and tapping guitar performances. As for the classic souls, the sweet sounds of the violin, cello and harp will serenade visitors on a trip down memory lane. What’s more, fusion performers will mix in some of the world’s best tunes and hits to create unique symphonies while western performers in other corners will have your favourite hits covered all evening.
Visitors are invited to enjoy an unmissable line-up of entertainment every weekend from 5:30 pm until late at the capital’s must-visit dining and nightlife destination. Visitors are encouraged to use #YBWaterfrontWeekends when documenting unforgettable memories to be part of the Yas Bay Waterfront stories and highlights feature on Instagram.
Yas Bay Waterfront brings a wide array of over 12 international concepts and licensed restaurants and lounges as well as cafés. The vibrant destination features Pier71, a three-kilometre boardwalk and Etihad Arena, the Middle East’s largest live entertainment venue and five-star Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
Online safety is typically referred to as the act of staying safe online. Commonly known however, as internet safety, e-safety, and cyber safety. Online safety applies to all tech-
nological devices which have access to the internet, from Personal Computers and laptops to smartphones and tablets.
Staying safe online means every individual (Including children) are protecting themselves and others from online risks and harm. There are many potential dangers within the online space and educating both children and adults on the risks will help keep each member of our communities safe.
We Protect Global Alliance recently published a report “Global Threat assessment 2021” the report highlights that the scale and complexity of child sexual exploitation and abuse online are increasing!
The internet can be a wonderful resource and access to information for children and young adults, but online
access comes with risks, obvious risks are online bullying, bullying, grooming or device addiction, mental health linked too, psychological studies have linked cyberbullying to depression, anxiety, and risk for suicidal thinking. Teenagers are particularly vulnerable to cyberbullying, a recent report by Sharjah police advised parents should warn children not to share any personal information, photos or videos on social media and avoid interacting with strangers online, however parents are often unaware of the dangers lurking online.
The UAE has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world and the UAE government is a leader in Child Protection and Safeguarding
The UAE was one of the first countries in the Middle East to sign the United Nations Convention on Child Protection.
It was followed by the Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 concerning child rights (the “Child Rights Law”), which was issued in light of a death of an eight-year-old girl that shocked the nation and entered into effect on 15 June 2016.
The Child Rights Law has created a substantial basis for further legal developments in terms of safeguarding the rights of children in the UAE.
According to Gulf News the Child Safety Department (CSD), an affiliate of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) in Sharjah, carried out a study to iden-
tify parents’ awareness of cyber safety, especially for kids, a survey of 12,344 households in the Emirate of Sharjah, 73.4 percent of families with kids at home believe that the websites accessed by their youngsters are appropriate for their age.
Schools and teachers also play a very important part in educating children on the dangers lurking online and students, parents and schools’ staff must have a strong awareness about the legal and appropriate use of the internet and have policies that are clearly communicated to parents, staff and students.
Under the new Dubai Schools Law (Executive Council Resolution No. 2 of 2017) schools have an obligation to have in place a ‘student safety and protection policy’ approved by Dubai’s Knowledge and Human Development Authority and must take all necessary measures to care for and protect their students’ rights.
Students must be aware that should they engage in cyberbullying activities, there could be consequences under a school’s disciplinary and code of conduct procedures.
If a school is aware of these types of activities but does not act, there could be reputational, regulatory, and potentially even legal implications for that school.
The new UAE cybercrimes law provides the most practical course of action for victims of crimes involving technology. Article 20, for example, deals with
slander in the broadest of terms:
Without prejudice to the provisions of slander crime prescribed in Islamic Sharia, any person who insults a third party or has attributed to him an incident that may make him subject to punishment or contempt by a third party by using an Information Network or an Information Technology Tool shall be punished by imprisonment and a fine not less than (AED 250,000) and not exceeding (AED 500,000) or by any of these punishments. Note that the prescribed fine is a minimum of AED 250,000. Imprisonment is also possible, although a minimum sentence is not prescribed. For some offences the Juvenile Law (Federal Law No. 9 of 1976) specifically dictates that children under the age of eighteen may be sentenced to no more than half of the prescribed retention period, (source Al Tamimi, 2021).
Cyberbullying is a growing problem amongst teenagers, Cyberbullying is bullying and harassment using technology. Including trolling, mobbing, stalking, grooming or any form of abuse online. Cyberbullying is most certainly on the increase, and we will be sharing tips on how adults can recognise the signs and provide support to children who are a victim of cyberbullying during our free webinar on the 19th of March 2022
With technology playing an ever-increasing part in children’s lives, the importance of teaching online safety to students has never been more important.
Below are some key stats from Ofcom (UK), 2020, to highlight why it is so important to effectively educate children on e-safety from a young age.
For reference, the minimum age for social media profiles is 13+ other than WhatsApp which is 16+.
• 24% have their own tablet
• 17% play games online
• 4% have their own social media profile
• 35% play games online
• 21% have their own social media profile
• 74% watch YouTube for 10+ hours a week (27% are watching vloggers)
• 83% own their own smartphone
• 74% of the children who own a smartphone take their phone to bed with them
• 71% have at least ONE social media profile and 40% feel pressure to be ‘popular’ on social media sites.
• 26% have experienced bullying via social media, messaging apps or texts
• 50% have seen hate content, but of these, 58% ignored it and did not take
action e.g. reporting or blocking the person who had posted.
So, what do children need to know and what do schools need to tell them?
Some of the most positive stats from the Ofcom research are:
• 96% of children who go online recall being told guidance around how to use the Internet safely
• 84% say that this guidance came from either their parents or their teachers
• 2/3 of children have said that they have used social media to offer personal, positive support to their friends who are having a hard time
• 61% do not trust news posted on social media
However, there is still much more that can be done to help educate children on how to stay safe online.
Here are some tips for online safety for school staff:
• Create clear online-safety policies and procedures that will help you mitigate risk and respond to concerns
• Ensure teachers are trained and aware of local laws and responsibilities towards protecting children both online and offline
• Ensure parents and carers are educated about online risks by sharing helpful advice and resources
• Provide regular student workshops on using social media and live streaming
• Review and update your online safety provision on an ongoing basis.
• Having clear boundaries in place ensure children know what they can and cannot access
• Put yourself in control by enabling parental control features on devices and Internet connections (If available)
• Ensure that screen time is limited
• If your child comes to you with an issue stay calm without judging them
• Ensure that you regularly educate yourself on the latest social media trends and platforms
The UAE is committed to protecting children both online and offline, we will be sharing more details during The Child Safeguarding Conference Middle East
Our vision for this conference is to raise awareness and knowledge within the Middle East and beyond on how we can protect our children together.
Our aim is for our community to gain knowledge, build confidence and improve the lives of the children that are placed in your care by driving the UAE Child Protection Agenda. To learn more about our event or to sponsor The Child Safeguarding Conference Middle East contact sponsorship@csc-me.com
In an interview with CNN’s Becky Anderson, Coldplay’s Chris Martin discussed the band’s commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment after a performance at Expo 2020 in Dubai.
Martin was joined by UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Expo 2020 Director General Reem Al Hashimy who spoke about how Expo’s sustainability goals align with the band’s, “Coldplay does so many good things
for the environment and for the planet and that's what we've tried to do at Expo, is really design all of our programs around people and planet. And that's why 192 countries have come here.”
Martin emphasised the links between Expo and the band, saying that both were working towards sustainable targets, “I think there's a link with what Reem and Expo are trying to do and us, is that
we're trying to prove that being more eco-friendly can be profitable. So that those businesses or people that always say, well, we can't afford to go clean or go green, that we can prove that well actually you can.”
The Coldplay frontman also discussed the band’s upcoming tour and their plans to stop releasing studio albums in 2025.
Credit CNN’s Connect The World With Becky Anderson
The principle of weight gain is simple: energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. However, overweight and obesity are clearly the results of a complex set of interactions among genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors. While hundreds, if not thousands, of weight loss strategies, diets, potions, and devices have been offered to the overweight UAE community, the multi-factorial aetiology of overweight challenges practitioners, researchers, and the overweight themselves to identi-
Cynthia Bou Khalil Nutritional Consultant and Clinical Manager Excellence at Allurionfy permanent, effective strategies for weight loss and maintenance. To put this into perspective, the percentage of individuals who lose weight and successfully maintain the loss has been estimated to be as small as one to three percent.
Evidence shows that genetics plays a role in the cause of overweight and obesity. However, genetics cannot account for the increased weight gain observed in the UAE population over the past two decades. Rather, the behavioral and environmental factors that conspire to induce individuals to engage in too little physical activity and eat too much relative to their energy expenditure must take most of the blame. It is
these factors that are the target of weight-management strategies. With this in mind, I want to weigh in and discuss the efficacy and safety of strategies for weight loss, as well as the combinations of strategies that appear to be associated with successful loss. In addition to the elements of successful weight maintenance I will also discuss the difficulty in maintaining weight loss may contribute to the overweight problem.
The use of behavior and lifestyle modification in weight management is based on a body of evidence that people become or
remain overweight as the result of modifiable habits or behaviors, and that by changing those behaviors, weight can be lost and the loss can be maintained. The primary goals of behavioral strategies for weight control are to increase physical activity and to reduce caloric intake by altering eating habits. In the past, behavioral approaches were applied as standalone treatments to simply modify eating habits and reduce caloric intake. However, more recently, these treatments have been used in combination with low-calorie diets, medical devices, medical nutrition therapy and education, exercise programs, monitoring, pharmacological agents, and social support to promote weight loss, and as a component of maintenance programs, which I will go on to discuss further below.
Some additional techniques for weight loss include eating only regularly scheduled meals; doing nothing else while eating; consuming meals only in one place (usually the dining room) and leaving the table after eating; shopping only from a list; and shopping on a full stomach (Brownell and Kramer, 1994).
Further reinforcement techniques for portion control are also an integral part of the behavioral treatment of overweight and obesity. For example, I work with The Allurion Program, which is a 360-degree weight loss experience. I am passionate about its support on the weight loss journey, especially as two in three people are overweight or obese in the Middle East and sometimes dieting is not enough. To explain further, the Allurion Balloon is the world’s first and only weight loss device that requires no surgery, endoscopy, or anaesthesia. Available across clinics in the United Arab Emirates, Allurion supports long-term weight loss through a revolutionary gastric balloon that creates a feeling of fullness by taking up space in the stomach, providing patients with the chance to take a break from dieting and that all too familiar feeling of hunger.
Increased physical activity is an essential component of a comprehensive weight-reduction strategy for overweight adults who are otherwise healthy. One of the best predictors of success in the long-term management of overweight and obesity is the ability to develop and sustain an exercise program. For a given individual, the intensity, duration, frequency, and type of physical activity will depend on existing medical conditions, degree of previous activity, physical limitations, and individual preferences. The benefits of physical activity are significant and occur even in the absence of weight loss. It has been shown that one of the benefits, an increase in high-density lipoproteins, can be achieved with a threshold level of aerobic exercise of 10 to 11 hours per month.
Almost any kind of assistance provided to participants in a weight-management program can be characterized as support services. These can include emotional support, dietary support, and support services for physical activity. The support services used most often are structured in a standard way. Other services are developed to meet the specific needs of a site, program, or the individual involved. With few exceptions, almost any weight-management program is likely to be more successful if it is accompanied by support services.
Through Allurion I use remote monitoring through the Allurion Virtual Care Suite which includes the Allurion Connected Scale, Health Tracker, and App, and Allurion Insights, a portal that enables message, telehealth, and end-to-end patient management.
Despite the availability of pharmacologic therapies for Type 2 diabetes, the incidence of the metabolic disease continues to rise around the world. According to the International Diabetes Federation, 537 million adults are now living with diabetes worldwide, an increase of 16% (74 million people) since 2019. And, by 2045, about 783 million people, or one in eight adults, will be living with diabetes worldwide, indicating that current treatment options are not sufficient. Additionally, diabetes is not only increasing globally but at a much faster rate in regions such as the UAE, where the population with diabetes is projected to increase to about 2.2 million by 2040.
Allurion Technologies, is committed to ending obesity and in 2021 announced new clinical data on the Allurion Program as an emerging novel treatment for Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, presented at ObesityWeek® 2021. The program, which is available across clinics in the United Arab Emirates, has been clinically proven to treat patients living with these conditions, bringing them into disease remission.
To put that into perspective the data showed that for people with diabetes, after four months, the mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) decreased from 7.0% to 5.5% with a mean weight loss of 19.3kg in patients with diabetes. Remission of diabetes is typically defined as lowering HbA1c to below 6.5%, indicating that the average patient in the diabetes group achieved remission after just four months.
What we must remember about the journey of weight loss is that no program is a magic bullet and an effective program is based on good healthcare and good science. With this in mind, this is why I actively get behind Allurion for my patients. It is a proven solution that takes a holistic approach to losing weight.
Buy tickets from 22nd - 28th Feb and visit from 1st - 25th Mar 2022
Fun-loving friends, families and adventure-seekers of all ages can enjoy the perfect day out while basking in the beautiful winter weather while it lasts, by availing of up to 40 per cent off on selected tickets at Atlantis Aquaventure – including marine educational experiences.
Offers include:
• Aquaventure Waterpark Stand-Alone Admission for adults (residents) – AED 159 (usual price AED 300)
• Aquaventure Waterpark Stand-Alone Admission for children (residents) –AED 139 (usual price AED 300)
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium Admission for adults – AED 55 (usual price AED 85)
• The Lost Chambers Aquarium Admission for children – AED 55 (usual price AED 85)
• Dolphin Dip and Play – AED 495 (usual price AED 795)
• Sea Lion Dip and Play – AED 395 (usual price AED 795)
UAE residents can now avail 40% all Aquaventure bookings made from 22nd February – 28th February 2022 with the offer redeemable from 1st March – 25th March 2022. Visitors can also take advantage of discounted prices for once-in-a-lifetime fun and educational marine animal experiences and admissions to The Lost Chambers Aquarium within AZA-accredited Atlantis Aquaventure.
For bookings and more information please visit:
http://www.atlantisthepalm.com/special-offers/Splash-Sale
LUSH Lashes
Lengthening Mascara
AED 100.00
In a world where half of our faces are obscured, stand out with tantalizing eye makeup. The wellloved ethical and cruelty-free cosmetics brand, LUSH makes that easy with its specially formulated mascara and eyeliners. Let LUSH give you a vibrant glow up without compromising on the good stuff!
The Lush Lashes is a lengthening, low preservative, jet black mascara that harnesses the benefits of natural, lash conditioning, vegetarian ingredients to deliver volume and luscious lengths! It contains beeswax and gum acacia to hold your lashes in place, whilst nourishing wheatgrass and extra virgin coconut oil en-
courage growth and protect your lash hairs. The Lush Lashes is carefully crafted with rich and smooth formula that makes application effortless.
Whether you love bold, winged eyeliner or prefer to add a little subtle definition, be sure to use the handmade vegan Lush Eyeliners. Level up your eye look with this range that come in six statement shades. These lightweight yet super pigmented and glittery eye colours will sit comfortably all day. These eyeliners are gentle on the delicate eye area as they contain a soothing combination of fair-trade organic aloe vera gel and jojoba oil.
Securing
STEP BY STEP GUIDELINES ON WHEN AND HOW TO START THE PROCESS
Dr. Kat Cohen, IvyWise Founder and CEOOver 2,000 UAE students study in the US each year according to the 2020 Open Doors Report, often competing for limited spots at the most selective universities, like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. The admissions process at these top universities is always extremely selective, but especially so for international students. For example, MIT’s Class of 2024 acceptance rate was 3.42% for international students, compared to 8.26% for US students. It can also be difficult for foreign families to understand the holistic application process used by American admissions offices and how important it is for students to spend just as much time on the “soft” factors like activities and essays as they do on the “hard” factors like grades and test scores
First and foremost, it is important for UAE applicants to familiarize themselves with the unique American college admissions review process and application requirements. Unlike universities in other countries, like the UK and India, that rely strictly on test scores and grades, US universities review applications holistically, taking more into account than just numbers (or the “hard factors.”) They don’t just want outstanding students with impressive resumes. Ivy Leagues could fill their classes three times over
with applicants with perfect grades and test scores. When reviewing applications, admissions officers consider the applicant as a whole person by reviewing qualitative elements, or what I call the “soft factors,” like extracurricular activities, essays, and letters of recommendations. Admissions officers particularly use the personal essay and school supplements to get a feel for each applicants’ personality, so students should use these opportunities to reveal aspects of themselves that may not be demonstrated elsewhere in their application.
Developing these hard and soft factors takes time, so it’s important for UAE families to understand that it’s never too early to begin preparing for college and the future. While colleges only evaluate high school transcripts and activities during the application process, preparing in advance allows students to start their high school career on the right foot. During middle school, students should start exploring extracurricular activities to identify which ones they want to continue in high school and begin planning their high school curriculum based on their academic passions. Younger students can benefit from thinking about their interests and learning styles from an early age and developing a strong base of executive functioning skills to set themselves up for future success in high school, college, and beyond.
During the application review process, American universities aim to build well-rounded classes made up of specialists – students who have identified an area of interest and explored that passion throughout their secondary education. Taking the time to explore their interests in middle school will help students really hone in on their passions in secondary school. However, some students don’t get a chance to explore their passions until high school – and that’s ok.
During 9th and 10th grades, students should explore a wide range of interests to identify the subjects and topics that most excite them. Once they identify their passion, students should continue to become an expert in that field of interest by reading, participating in related activities, and taking courses that align with that subject. That way when it comes time to apply to university, their applications are consistent and tell an authentic story about what really matters to them.
Wherever a student and their family may be in their application process, whether just starting to consider attending university in the United States or awaiting decisions
on their submitted applications, they need to understand the importance of personal fit. Most families, particularly international ones, are only familiar with the elite “name brand” universities in the US, such as those in the Ivy League. However, there are over 3,000 four-year colleges and universities from which to choose from in the US, each with their own specialties and atmosphere. When evaluating universities, students should consider a wide range of factors, including academics, majors, location, size, extracurricular activities, social life, and financial aid and tuition in order to determine if it is a good
fit for their personality, interests, and goals. Now that campus tours and information sessions have pivoted to virtual formats, it is much more cost- and time-effective for international students to ‘visit’ a variety of universities when building their college list. If a student does decide to apply to an American university, it
is crucial that they conduct thorough research to ensure they ultimately enroll at a university where they will be happy and thrive for four years.
As many readers probably already know, the US college admissions process has been greatly impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From SAT/ACT interruptions to travel restrictions, changes have affected international applicants the most. More than two-thirds of universities implemented test-optional or test-blind policies for the 2020-2021 application cycle.
As a result, college admissions officers are evaluating applications through even more of a holistic lens this year. International students should conduct thorough research of requirements for each university on their list, as some colleges may still require international students to submit test scores, whether that be the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, or IELTS, and this can greatly impact students’ admissions timeline. On a positive note though, because many international students were un-
able to attend US universities during the 2020-2021 academic year, we expect that administrations will really ramp up international recruitment and enrollment in the coming years to make up for those losses. In fact, according to Inside Higher Ed, 31% of admissions directors planned on increasing their marketing efforts to international students in 2020-2021, which could be a benefit for UAE students!
UAE students should strongly consider applying to American universities, as attending one is a very valuable opportunity. Not only will a degree from an elite institution carry significant weight when applying to jobs in America and abroad, but the experience in itself is so unique and creates lifelong memories.
Clean healthy air is essential for both your health and the environment. It is important to understand what is found in indoor air and why clean air is so important. On average, we spend around 90% of our time indoors, yet indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outside. Indoor air is made up of a concoction of particles including dust, mould, smoke, bacteria, viruses, VOCs and pet dander. Other indoor activities, such as cooking and cleaning with chemicals, contribute to poor indoor air quality along with outdoor pollution from transport that makes its ways inside. This causes a build-up of pollutants indoors, taking much longer to disperse than outdoor air pollution due to poor ventilation.
Breathing in fine dust or PM2.5 (also known as fine particulate matter) can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause respiratory difficulties, heart and lung problems and a host of other diseases. Indoor air can also affect other parts of the body in addition to the respiratory system. Atmospheric factors such as air pollution have been implicated
in premature skin aging – this includes air pollutants such as smog, ozone and particulate matter. Studies also show a correlation between higher levels of PM2.5 and air pollution with the increased number of people suffering from skin problems such as pigment spots and wrinkles, hives and eczema.
As indoor air is more polluted than outdoors, opening a window is a great way to ventilate your home and create air movement.
Opening a window is not always possible, especially for hay fever sufferers, people who live in polluted areas and those who live near busy roads. An air purifier is a great way to remove harmful particles from the air including pollen, pet dander, bacteria, viruses, VOCs and PM2.5. Blueair air purifiers re-
move at least 99.97% of airborne particles like these from the air we breathe. Air purifiers are also great for removing household odours!
Vacuum regularly
While using an air purifier is the most efficient way to remove airborne particles, vacuuming regularly can effectively remove particles that have become trapped in the carpet. For best results, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter.
Avoid unnecessary chemicals
Avoid using cleaning products with chemicals that could be harmful to your health. There are many natural, alternative cleaning products now available to buy.
Candles
Toxins from paraffin candles are the same as those in diesel fumes. Children are particularly vulnerable to harmful particles from burning candles as their lungs and brains are still developing. Avoid using paraffin candles and opt for natural wax instead.
the LEGO Group reveals a stunning homage to one of the most beloved soccer teams in the world — the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, a faithful replica of the home of Real Madrid.
The LEGO® Real Madrid – Santiago Bernabéu Stadium set coincides with the club’s 120th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the iconic grounds. The impressive set features over 5,800 pieces and has been designed to be the ultimate display piece for Real Madrid C.F. and LEGO fans — and to symbolise the spectacular pride felt by fans watching a match take place at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.
This interactive and immersive set features many specialised details which make it an accurate replica of the stadium from both up-close and afar. A lift-off roof and the ability to open up the model by “splitting” it in half, encourages users to engage with the many details of the set — from the pitch with the famous grass pattern, the venue’s iconic four towers, the goals, tunnel, dugout, scoreboard, banners, stickers, stairwells, iconic Real Madrid C.F. branding, and more.
Milan Madge, Designer at the LEGO Group commented: “Real Madrid is one of the most remarkable soccer clubs in history
— which is why recreating the Santiago Bernabéu stadium in LEGO brick form was such an incredibly rewarding experience. Authenticity and sense of scale are key factors in this recreation, so that builders can truly feel the atmosphere of this dazzling and vast stadium.
This set allows builders to bring the much-loved homebase of Real Madrid into their own home for years to come.”
The LEGO® Real Madrid Santiago Bernabéu Stadium set goes on sale in the LEGO® Certified Stores on 1st March 2022 for the retail price of AED 1,799
Credit cards are central to the financial lives of nearly one-third or 63% of the UAE residents. In a survey conducted by Visa, Dubai Police, and Dubai Economy, almost four in 10 UAE consumers have experienced online fraud attempts in the past year, trust and usage of digital payments both in-store and online.
People hold credit cards and use them to shop online, pay utility bills, and even transfer their house rent without giving a sec-
ond thought. This inclination towards the usage of credit cards has rather gained more momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, as credit cards play a vital role as both a source of credit in emergencies and as a mode for cashless payment method. Consumers still adore credit cards to facilitate smooth consumption and earn offers and rewards like discounts on movie tickets, shopping benefits like cashback offers or points redemption, and on air miles, etc.
While credit cards have become an important payment tool these days, credit card fraud too has become a concern. UAE Residents need to be aware of how to spot and prevent credit card scams, as knowing this will help them stay safe and save their money.
Credit card data breach- Unfortunately credit card data breach is a very common problem worldwide. Hackers are able to steal data from merchant sites, including credit card numbers, expiry dates, and CVV.
Phishing – Credit card users may receive emails and messages that look highly authentic from banks. These messages will ask you to click on a link. You may be asked for your card details here. Strictly avoid such messages or emails to save yourself getting into this trap.
Voice phishing- When live or automated callers direct you to call your bank or credit card issuer under the pretext of clearing up a problem and
asking for your personal or account information, strictly avoid such calls.
Keystroke Logging – With this, fraudsters install malicious software either on your computer or mobile phone. When you use your device to pay for something online, a process called keystroke logging happens. With the help of that malicious software, fraudsters identify the keys pressed on the device and track your card number and PIN.
The preventive measures that can be practiced are:
• Treat card as cash and never leave it unattended, especially when travelling - carry only the cards that are needed.
• Do not share card details with strangers.
• Record card numbers, expiration dates and customer care numbers. Keeping this record in a safe place and separate from the cards. Use it if you need to report your lost or stolen cards
• Set up a transaction alert on the phone so that you are immediately notified of every
transaction allowing you to continually monitor and track the payment transactions.
• Never put personal identification number PIN on the card in your wallet or store them on your mobile
• Do not forget to collect your card immediately after use at an ATM or merchant
• Do not provide any financial/personal/ card related information to an unknown internet site or respond to any email seeking such information from you.
• Do not ignore any SMS alerts or calls from the Bank regarding your transactions or balance in your account. Immediately call the bank in case you notice any discrepancies.
• Regularly changing your security passwords and adding additional security features such as a ‘security question’ should be considered.
• Cultivate the habit of checking your monthly bank statement on a regular basis, so that it is possible for you
to notify the bank if you see any unfamiliar transactions.
• When shopping on online shopping sites or through your mobile device, check to be sure the - Never respond to/make remittances/participate in schemes or offers from unknown entities.
Don’t click or forward links in an email, instant message, or chat from unknown senders or if you suspect the authenticity of the message.
• Immediately Report it! This step is also very crucial from a legal standpoint.
• If you happen to be a victim of credit card fraud, immediately notify your bank. The same needs to be initiated if you have lost your credit card.
Once the bank is noti fied, they would im mediately block your card thus, prevent any further transactions on the same.
Prestige Limited Edition AED 59
Vintense Prestige is the latest innovation in premium non-alcoholic sparkling grape of superior quality. A 100% Chardonnay grape variety is used to make this gently sparkling and refreshing drink, offering a dry and intense taste. At about 14 calories per glass, drinking a few glasses of Vintense is a delightfully guilt-free way to cheers to your special someone.
Familia Torres Natureo White AED 35
Familia Torres pioneered the Zero Alcohol Revolution in 2008 with Natureo, breaking taboos and perceptions with a 0.0% grape beverage made from the family’s vineyards in Catalunya, Spain. It is pale yellow in colour, with the grape offering delicate floral and fruit aromas, soft and lightly effervescent on the palate with an exquisite citrusy finish. This alcohol-free grape is the perfect aperitif and will be a delicious addition with any meal.
AED 35
Natureo Garnacha Syrah Grape beverage from the Familia Torres is a dark cherry red, intense with exquisite fruit aromas from blackberries and a touch of clove spice.
Bax Botanics:
Sea Buckthorn & Verbana AED 105 each
Bax Botanics are makers of craft distilled alcohol-free spirits. The award-winning brand has two flavours to choose from. Sea Buckthorn is rich, decadent and offers bold botanical flavours that are beautifully balanced, while Verbana is bright, botanical and bold with a refreshingly herbaceous profile that invigorates the senses. Delicious, paired with tonic and an orange twist.
Biere des Amis
AED 179 (case of 12)
Biere des Amis is a premium Belgian Blonde beer crafted according to a traditional recipe of a beer with character. With only 23 calories, this beer ensures a great structure, harmony and balance and is the perfect drink for the gents to enjoy.
Bursting with seaside botanicals, this Sea & T is both flavoursome and beautiful on the inside and out! Both the cans and bottle version can be found on drinkdrystore.com. Perfect served over ice and slice of lemon, this low calorie and vegan friendly choice of beverage is the perfect drink to pack in your luggage for a weekend getaway to enjoy some quality time with your loved ones.
You can view this selection and much more by visiting the Drink Dry online store www.drinkdrystore.com. In addition, stay updated via their social media channel @drinkdrystore. Drink Dry delivers UAE wide with free home delivery on purchases over AED 330.
Marks & Spencer, operated by Al-Futtaim Group is taking pancakes to the next level with their sensational Organic Canadian Maple Syrup. Customers will be racing to get their hands on this year’s must have pancake topper which adds generous drizzles of irresistible maple magic to any pancake.
If, like James Bond, you prefer to shake not stir, look no further than our ingenious Pancake Shaker Mix. Just add water to the mix and shake – or if you’re opting for our Plant Kitchen Pancake Shaker Mix we recommend adding your favourite plant milk to the mix for the perfect fluffy consistency.
Top your easy-peasy pancakes with your favourite toppings, from the Chocolate Medley Sprinkles to
the Colin Sprinkles, or for something more sophisticated try adding shavings of smooth and creamy White Chocolate Chunks or keep it classic with our zingy Sicilian Lemon Juice.
For all those sticking to their healthy New Year resolutions, there’s no need to sacrifice your participation on Pancake Day! Give these delicious healthy toppings a go:
Spoon over a dollop or two of Greek Style Yoghurt naturally sweetened with Honey and top with a handful of juicy British Blackberries, defrosted, then add a few sprinklings of mint.
Roughly chop a few handfuls of Dark Chocolate Chunks flavoured with vanilla extract and made with
responsibly sourced cocoa, top with sliced banana or a handful of tangy British Raspberries, defrosted.
For added protein, head for the 100% Peanut Butter from our nutritionist-approved Eat Well range, spread it over your pancakes and top with our frozen Summer Fruit Selection – a healthier take on peanut butter jelly!
The secret’s out…it’s officially Marks & Spencer’s sauciest pancake day ever! Get fruity with our Really Raspberry Sauce, a little bit zesty with the Lemon Sherbet Drizzle, indulge in our irresistible rich and smooth Belgian Chocolate Sauce.
PREP TIME: 5 MINS
COOK TIME: 5 MINS
SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS
For the pancakes:
325ml milk
200g plain flour
2 eggs
2 level tbsp baking powder
1 tbsp sugar
Knob of butter
For the toppings:
British Caster Sugar
Sicilian lemon juice
METHOD
Whisk together the eggs and milk in a bowl until combined. Sieve the flour and baking powder into a separate bowl, add the sugar, then pour in the eggs and milk and whisk until you have a smooth batter.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and the butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. When the butter is foaming, pour around 4 tbsp batter per pancake into the pan. Cook for a couple of minutes until golden, flip the pancakes, then repeat on the other side
To serve, sprinkle each pancake with lemon juice and caster sugar to your taste.
100% Peanut Butter
Chocolate Medley Sprinkles
Colin Sprinkles
Dark Chocolate Chunks
Greek Style Yoghurt with Honey
Organic Canadian Maple Syrup
Plant Kitchen Vegan Pancake Shaker
Sicilian Lemon Juice
Summer Fruit Selection
Maple butter banana pancakes
PREP TIME: 35 MINS
COOK TIME: 5 MINS
SERVES 2
INGREDIENTS
For the pancakes: M&S American Pancake Mix
For the maple butter: 4 tbsp butter, softened at room temperature
4 tbsp Organic Canadian maple syrup ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon salt
For the toppings: 2 bananas, sliced 4 tbsp Acacia Honey
METHOD
Place the maple syrup in a pan over a medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer Once simmering turn the heat to low and simmer until reduced by ¼, around 10 minutes – be careful not to let the syrup boil!
Once thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, remove the syrup from the heat and leave to cool for at least 20 minutes. Make the pancake batter according to pack instructions
Place the butter in a mixing bowl and whisk in the cooled maple syrup until fully combined, then add the salt and cinnamon.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and the maple butter in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. When the butter is foaming, pour around 4 tbsp batter per pancake into the pan.
Cook for a couple of minutes until golden, flip the pancakes, then repeat on the other side.
Serve the pancakes either stacked or side by side, then layer the maple butter and sliced banana. Finish by drizzling over the honey.
Ensure this powerhouse ingredient is part of your baby’s skincare
Corine de Farme, the award-winning skincare brand from France, offers families products that are formulated with the needs of babies top of mind. Products in the range are enriched with extracts that are 100% natural and they also contain the powerfully soothing calendula. The calendula flower, popularly known as marigold, has been treasured for its ability to heal irritated skin in babies for centuries. Found in almost 200 skincare and cosmetic products available on the market today, the healing powers of calendula flowers include antiseptic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Calendula-based products go on smooth, leaving no residue behind due to their emulsifying properties. Since babies have delicate skin and are prone to inflammatory and aggravated skin conditions such as nappy rash, atopic dermatitis, cradle cap and minor cuts and grazes, ultra-gentle calendula is regarded as the star herb of choice.
Simple and natural is always best when it comes to caring for your baby’s delicate skin. For a mother, to make an informed decision on a product when faced with a complex list of ingredients on a label is no easy task. The good news is that opting for natural and hypoallergenic ingredients in their skincare routine is one of the best ways to care for and prevent certain skin conditions, as well as protect and nourish a baby’s soft, sensitive skin. For this very reason, Corine de Farme products have long been
a mother’s best choice. They are tear-free, hypoallergenic, paraben free, dermatologically tested, lightly scented and of great value, which are all the characteristics of trusted products for babies, children and even adults. Here are a few essential picks for babies & toddlers from Corine de Farme’s sulfate-free range, with soothing calendula:
1.Moisturising Baby Lotion for Sensitive Skin (250ml -AED 15, 500ml -AED 23)
Specially formulated for babies from birth, the Moisturising Baby Lotion is ideal to gently cleanse and protect a baby’s sensitive skin. Its soft formula is enriched with calendula extract known for its soothing and softening properties and with moisturizing vegetable Glycerin. This lotion leaves a baby’s skin supple, moisturized and lightly scented.
2.Body Oil for Sensitive Skin (250ml- AED 16, 500ml-AED 26)
The Body Oil is ideal to share moments of tenderness and relaxation with your baby from birth onwards, while also taking care of their skin. Enriched with Sweet Almond Oil known for its nourishing and softening properties, it moisturizes, preserves skin softness and leaves it lightly scented. Its soft texture makes the massage easier with a dry, non-sticky finish.
3.Gentle Shampoo for Sensitive Skin (500ml- AED 22)
Corine de Farme reinvents their shampoo formula for an even safer and more sensorial expe-
rience and their sulfate-free formula is perfect for a baby’s sensitive skin. This gentle Shampoo is ideal for the daily cleansing of the delicate hair of newborns. The formula, enriched with calendula Flower extract known for its soothing and softening properties, doesn’t irritate and respects the sensitive baby’s scalp.
Corine de Farme products are available in 100% biodegradable packaging. The brand relies on green and plant-based packaging to ensure they are doing their part in protecting the planet and being conscious of the impact they have on it as humans.
Corine De Farme products are available online @ www.glambeaute.com and at leading hypermarkets, supermarkets and pharmacies in the UAE. To discover more and keep up with the latest news, visit Corine De Farme’s Instagram page@CorineDeFarme_UAE.
Laura is the founder of BRW Society, a locally based tea brand on a mission to get the UAE drinking better quality tea! She passionately believes every single cuppa counts so why settle?!
She moved to Dubai in 2018 and straight away felt that great quality tea was hard to come by, there was little choice in the premium quality, whole leaf tea category.
After spending months asking her Mum to send tea to Dubai, she had a lightbulb moment - why not make great tea with lots of delicious varieties accessible in the region?
Laura set on a mission to make tea a lot more colourful and fun in the UAE! She wants to ensure people in the UAE are drinking delicious, great quality tea (whole leaves & whole ingredients), which are sourced and packaged in a way that is kind to the planet!
It is fair to say she is fanatical about quality tea and when she is not drinking tea she is thinking about tea!
Her products include:
Premium quality tea which is
100% natural. Her unique and colourful tea blend creations are delicious and exclusive to BRW Society.
Eco-friendly packaging which is planet-friendly! Laura is determined to make BRW Society plastic free by the end of 2023, currently her teabag boxes use FSC certified material, and she has replaced the plastic pouch with NatureFlex (wood pulp). The teabags themselves are biodegradable and the company opted for vegetable-based ink to make the packaging look snazzy!
Sustainable sourcing. Laura makes sure BRW Society ethically source their products, only working with natural farming, securing raw material with minimal social and environmental impact.
Laura currently sells over 50 different BRW Society tea products available in both loose leaf and plastic-free teabag varieties, sold across supermarkets, cafes, hotels and online
across the region.
She wants to ensure people in the UAE are discovering different flavours and benefits of tea via her platform at https://www.brwsociety.com/ - drinking delicious, great quality tea (whole leaves & whole ingredients), which are sourced and packaged in a way that is kind to the planet.
Before devoting her world fulltime to BRW Society, Laura worked as a senior Commercial Manager in London, UK. She graduated from Swansea University with a BSc Degree in Business Studies and as part of her degree, she studied in Canada.
Throughout her career, Laura has demonstrated she is passionate about customer service and making sure the customer continuously has above and beyond brand experiences and this philosophy she carries over to BRW Society, going above and beyond to give her customers the best experience with tea.
However, Laura is more than just a founder of a tea brand, she is building a super-strong community of people at https://www.brwsociety.com who are passionate about great quality tea, who care about their health and are willing to switch to a plastic free way of drinking tea.
Laura is also a wife and mother to three children. She is proudly Welsh, growing up in South Wales before moving to London in 2011 and later Dubai in 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys running, spending time with her family, and watching the occasional Nicholas Cage movie, with a large cuppa in hand.
Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is the ultimate theme park for an immersive experience where the whole family can enjoy and get transported to the lands of their favorite characters, including Warner Bros. Plaza, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch, Cartoon Junction, Gotham City and Metropolis.
From the rocking land of Bedrock where guests can relive the ultimate Stone Age adventures to Dynamite Gulch where the desert landscape packs exciting escapades and mad mishaps, here’s a closer look at the various attractions and exciting rides at the only two lands where the sun never sets:
Where else can you take a trip down memory lane to meet your favorite childhood Animation characters? At Bedrock, guests are taken back to the Stone Age for endless fun and entertainment. Surrounded with rocks, stones and intricate details from the legendary family favorite show, a visit to Bedrock promises the adventure of a lifetime alongside lovable cave-families The Flintstones and The Rubbles - Fred, Wilma, Pebbles, Barney, Betty and Bamm Bamm – as well as Dino and Baby Puss.
First up, a scenic boat tour of Bedrock with everyone’s favorite modern Stone Age family is the perfect start. Fred, Wilma and the rest of the family will be looking for Dino at The Flintstones Bedrock River Adventure as they try to get him out of the big Stonetennial Celebration parade. This exciting ride immerses guests in the world of Bedrock using prehistoric sights and
sounds and dinosaur-sized props to turn this Stone Age cruise an unforgettable one.
A visit to Bronto Burgers and Ribs is a must for guests to grab a quick bite and relax after their tour. This is Bedrock’s very own quick-service diner and offers palatable slabs of ribs and signature giant-sized Bronto Burgers. Guests and families can also opt for a selection of quick culinary delights at Mammoth Munchies, everyone’s go to snack station. Before exploring the rest of the Park, guests can pick up a prehistoric memento from the Stone Age Bedrock Boutique and shop from a selection of offerings with all things Flintstone!
Step into Dynamite Gulch for an old-fashioned Rootin’ Tootin’ good time!
Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner and Yosemite Sam are inviting guests to be part of their frantic, chaotic and colorful land where the adventures are never-ending.
Beep beep! At Fast and Furry-ous, guests can get into a race around the Southwest desert, rocketing high above the ground in a roller-coaster with the hopes of catching the faster than light Roadrunner. Right across, a
whimsical robotic attraction on the fringes of the Painted Desert will take guests out of this world as they jump on board their very own spacecraft at The Jetsons Cosmic Orbiter.
If that’s not enough, guests can put their best space suit on, bump and smash into each other’s drivable space pods and help get Marvin’s rocket ship back into orbit with Marvin the Martian Carter Crashers!
For the complete experience, guests can shower their loved ones with gifts and goodies that include their favorite characters at Dynamite Gulch’s very own gift shop, Yosemite Sam Rootin’ Tootin’ Gas. Book your tickets at www.wbworldabudhabi.com.
Managed and operated by Farah Experiences, Yas Theme Parks and attractions offer guests a wide range of family-friendly rides, experiences and entertainment shows. Located within minutes of one another, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi continue to abide by precautionary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Guests are required to present a valid Green Pass via the ALHOSN UAE app upon entry.
With temperatures soon set to rise in the Arabian Gulf, spring travel plans are underway and what better location to escape to than the Indian Ocean paradise of JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa. A favorite stop for families, friends and couples alike, the resort’s Duplex Beach Pool Villas offer privacy and luxury with a feeling of home away from home where fun is always on hand.
These stylish tropical retreats have a private pool and two bedrooms with elegant and modern interiors. Bright and airy design in natural hues are accented with lighting inspired by the beguiling coral that surrounds the atoll. Guests can hide away in this beachside haven where the rich foliage provides a natural secluded retreat just steps away from the white sands of the Indian Ocean’s gentle surf and the crystal lagoon.
Spread across 285sqm, the villa boasts one master bedroom and a twin bedroom on the lower story, and a spacious lounge on the upper level, perfect for some family bonding over board games or for a laid-back movie night in with friends. The Duplex Beach Pool Villa accommodates all the playing or relaxing guests could wish for to comfortably sleep a larger family, group of friends or couples looking to enjoy the extra space.
Located in the azure waters of the Shaviyani Atoll, JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa is a sanctuary of scenic luxury where guests can relish a gastronomic journey around the world. Offering cuisines from Japan to Italy, the resort’s diverse dining destinations are led by a team of talented chefs that dazzle the taste buds from morning until night.
Whiling away the days on this magical island is easy whether it is winding down to the serene sounds of the ocean or enjoying the wide variety of activities on offer including snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing and sailing. The fitness center and Spa by JW also offer the perfect setting for some re-energizing or pampering to compliment the stay.
Little travelers can enjoy their own adventures in the Maldives at the FAMiLY by JW Little Griffins Kids Club where parents can rest in the knowledge the children are in safe hands while they wind down and relax or revel in the pristine surroundings.
For reservations, contact jwmaldivesreservations@ marriott.com
Visit for more information
jwmarriottmaldives.com
THE EVENT IS ORGANIZED BY ZAYED HIGHER ORGANIZATION FOR PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION AND WILL TAKE PLACE FROM THE 3RD TO THE 17TH OF NOVEMBER THIS YEAR
For the first time in the Middle East and North Africa, the United Arab Emirates, represented by the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will host the 2022 Paralympic Shooting World Cup, from November 1 to 15 this year. The international event will be hosted at the shooting range at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club in Al Ain, organized by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination.
Today, at the historic Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, the organization signed a contract to host and organize the championship competitions with the International Paralympic Committee represented by the Shooting Committee, in the presence of His Excellency Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination. The contract was signed by His Excellency Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at the organization, and by Jeslin Perez, head of the Technical Committee for the Paralympic Shooting World Championships, on behalf of the International Shooting Committee. A group of the organization’s leaders and the International Shooting Committee attended the signing ceremony.
Over a thousand participants are expected at the event, including more than 500 athletes, accompanied by their coaches and delegations, representing more than 50 countries from several continents. The International Shooting Committee has decided that 31 athletes will be eligible to participate in Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, based on their performance at the tournament, increasing the motivation for athletes to compete, and the
overall importance of this tournament.
Participating athletes will compete in 27 different competitions including male and female categories and both individual and team competitions. These competitions will range from air pressure pistol and fire and rifle air pressure and fire (siktoon) across various distances. For the first time in its history, the tournament will also include official certified shooting competitions for blind athletes.
The tournament competitions are an opportunity for participating athletes to qualify to participate in the 2024 Paralympic Games Paris, and in other international competitions.
Abdullah Abdulalee Al Humaidan, Secretary-General of Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, praised the support of our leadership, represented by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, and his brother, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the State and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him , and their brothers, the rulers of the Emirates. The success and prosperity of the nation is in the hands of each Emirati, and is a testament
to the care and social supports afforded to all Emiratis, especially people of determination, by our nation’s leadership.
He pointed out that the successes achieved by people of determination in regional and international sports are the result of the support of the nation’s leader, particularly His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and the main supporter of the sports for people of determination. Our athletes of determination have continually exceeded our expectations, reaffirming their incredible capabilities and their unyielding drive toward success.
The Secretary-General stressed that the tournament comes as a result of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the organization’s Board of Directors. These directives are to provide comprehensive support to host an exceptional tournament, especially in light of Abu Dhabi’s previous successes in hosting many international sports events, further bolstering the confidence of the Emirate and the United Arab Emirates.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Humaidan said: “We welcome the hosting of the championship competitions, and we promise the delivery of an exceptional event. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, represented by Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, possesses distinguished national employees with extensive experience gained from organizing and hosting regional and international sports tournaments, particularly in Paralympic shooting, through the organiza-
tion of five World Cup tournaments. In previous years, the organization received a certificate of appreciation and praise from both the participants and the International Paralympic Committee, which resulted in a direct request from the committee’s for the organization to organize the first world championship in the region”.
For her part, Jeslin Breeze, Chairperson of the Technical Committee of the World Paralympic Shooting Championships, expressed her thanks and appreciation to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and to Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination for agreeing to organize and host the tournament’s competitions. This important competition marks the conclusion of the sports season, and in light of the success of Abu Dhabi and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination in hosting a series of world cup tournaments in previous years, in the welcoming culture of the United Arab Emirate, it is set to be the highlight of the sporting year for the International Shooting Committee.
She added that this year’s tournament, 2022, will differ from previous tournaments as it is the most important tournament in the FIFA calendar, where it is expected that a record number of athletes, delegations and countries will participate for the chance to secure qualification for the Paris Paralympic Games 2024. This expectation will require a tremendous effort from the event organizing committee to ensure the event’s success.
Perez confirmed that the
Paralympic Shooting Committee trusts the city of Al Ain and the exemplary facilities of Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Clubs, to deliver excellence in the organization and hosting of this event, as the world’s most talented athletes of determination look forward to having the opportunity to showcase their skills and test their abilities. She offered her best wishes to all athletes of determination on their journey to achieve sporting excellence.
His Excellency Abdullah Ismail Al Kamali, Executive Director of the People of Determination Sector at Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination, said that the organization and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are looking forward to hosting this championship in Al Ain.
The hosting of this event marks an opportunity to build upon the unparalleled success of the five previous world cup tournaments hosted here, a success that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is deeply proud of, as it distinguished the Emirate as an exemplary host of sporting events for people of determination.
This tournament also serves as an opportunity for our athletes to once again raise the UAE flag at an international sporting event.
He stressed that Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination has been implementing a comprehensive plan since the day that Abu Dhabi was confirmed as the championship host and organizer, to ensure optimal organization and preparation for the event.
The plans also take into account any global developments, especially in relation to health advisories, to secure the confidence of the International Paralympic Committee and the Shooting Committee, to host a tournament that will be a beacon of excellence, as has come to be expected of the Emirate.
His Excellency Abdullah Al Kamali added that this major global sporting event for people of determination sports will include competitions between the world-leading marksmen and women in an effort to qualify for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
We wish our UAE athletes the very best in this upcoming championship, in the hope that they will be successful in securing their qualification for the Paris Games, in light of the outstanding results achieved by the organization’s shooting team in previous tournaments, as representatives of the UAE, the organization and the sport.
Warner Bros. World™️ Abu Dhabi
Saturday 5th March
Race Pack includes:
Race Bib, Batman T-shirt, Batman Cape
Put your cape on, lace up and join the BATMAN RUN on 5th March from 8am – 12pm. Choose a 2km or 5km course to run or walk on Yas Island with your entire family and make this race your own!
This run will start and finish outside the main entrance of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi
taking in a loop of a mainly flat course.
See you at the finish line!
Registrations will be limited, so ensure to register early to avoid disappointment.
All participants aged 16 and above must be vaccinated and will be required to present a negative PCR test result on their ALHOSN app taken within 96 hours of the race day.
REGISTER NOW AED 75
• 7:00am – 7:45am: Participants arrive and Checkin
• 8:00am: 5km Race starts
• followed by the 2km run
• 9:30am – 10:00am: Batman’s Sprint for the little super heroes
• 10:00am – 12:00pm: Medal Ceremony at Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and leisure time for participants to enjoy Beverly Hills Boulangerie restaurant and retail stores at Warner Bros. Plaza
Take a classcooking with newly appointed Yas Plaza Hotels
Date: 27th February onwards
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm
Price: Free
Location:
Rangoli Yas Island Rotana
For those looking to channel and master their inner-home cook, Chef Sadab Qureshi will be conducting the first free monthly Community Cooking Class at Ran-
goli. This class invites anyone and everyone who is passionate about cooking and seeks to get an insight of flavour balance in Indian cuisine, as well as go through tutorials on simple cooking execution to improve the overall presentation and flavour profile on meals and courses of various sizes.
The cooking classes will be conducted at different outlets within the Yas Island Rotana Hotel every month, featuring different chefs.
On top of that, special giveaways of Aprons, Chef Caps and Indian Spice Jars are up for grabs, as well as Chef’s Special Recipe Booklet for all participants and professional photographers around to capture the moment.
For reservations
call +971 2 656 2000 and get social with Rangoli on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/yasislandrotana/
26th February
5th - 6th March
Circuit X, Abu Dhabi’s best adventure hub has officially kicked off its Circuit X Games. A series of competitions held over a two-week period from February 26th to March 6th, the Circuit X Games includes activities for families and adventurers of all abilities to participate in, so whether you’re a beginner, a pro-level excitement junkie, or an adventurous family, you’re in for a treat this month. With sponsors such as VANS Middle East, Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women and Children, a Mubadala Health Partner, and HealthPoint Hospital, get set to test your skills and endurance at the biggest competitive event of the year held at the popular Circuit X Parks.
Located in Hudayriyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Circuit X is bringing back some classics as well as exciting new interactive competitions.
The Circuit X Skateboarding Competition – February 26th, 2022, from 1.30PM to 5PM
The Circuit X Games kick-off with an exhilarating skateboard competition at the Circuit X Skate Park. Watch the UAE’s best skaters of all ages
show off their skills and compete to claim the title of Skate Champion to win amazing prizes from Vans Middle East. Buzzing with adrenaline, the skateboard competition area will be divided into age groups and categories for all abilities.
The Circuit X Family Decathlon –March 5th, 2022
Introducing a first of its kind competition that aims to build your family bond while showing off your competitive spirit: the Family Decathlon. This includes a unique set of 10 challenges and obstacles to be tackled together in the shortest span of time. Aimed at promoting teamwork and collaboration in families, the activities are intended to boost confidence and mental agility amongst all members while creating fun memories together. Just ensure you have a team of 4 people minimum to participate.
The Circuit X Climbing Wall Competition – March 5th, 2022
For the outdoor enthusiasts, the Circuit X Wall Climbing competition is set over a 50ft wall and braced with 3 difficulty levels, across 3 age categories. Each contestant will be recorded over 2 trials for the best time.
The Circuit X Ropes Course Racing – March 5th, 2022
The Circuit X Games will also introduce the first ever time trials on the ropes course! With three age categories in line with three levels of circuits: Kids, Scouts and Extreme. Be ready to put your speed to the test in this race!
The Circuit X BMX Time Trials –March 6th, 2022
The highly coveted BMX Time Trials are back as part of the Circuit X Games. For all BMX fanatics, this will be a fierce competition between racers competing to finish with the best time record. Hosted across three age categories, Junior Racer, Senior Racer, and Adult Racer, the winner will be named BMX Champion of 2022.
Ticket prices start at AED50. For more information and to register, please visit the Circuit X Games, Skate Competition 2.0, or BMX Track Rush 3.0.
For further information on Circuit X, call +971-2-691-0302 or visit
www.circuitxuae.com
Get 30% discount on Safari Tours at Al Ain Zoo till end of February Book online with “safari2022”
Al Ain Safari includes various options and packages to suit everyone, including the SUV tour that can accommodate up to 6 guests or the special Safari Truck that can accommodate up to 22 guests, guided by some of the most experienced and skilled Emirati tour guides who take vis-
itors on a unique Emirati style Safari trip.
Al Ain Safari was a significant part of the Late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s vision, where he has dedicated the task of protecting and conserving wildlife to the establishment. Al Ain Zoo, by its turn, honored its commitment by providing a safe, controlled environment for rare and endangered species and raised community awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation for the good of future
generations. Al Ain Zoo is one of the biggest ecological diversities in the world, with more than 4000 animals living in about 900 hectares area. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a journey full of unique experiences that are not to be found anywhere around the world while maintaining the highest standards of endangered species safety and care, thus becoming a worldwide reference in wildlife conservation.
Book Now
Use promo code
safari2022
Sunday 27 February 2PM-10PM
Souk Al Marfa at Deira Islands
The free of charge event features a plethora of engaging activities for pets and visitors such as dog training demonstrations, a Police K9 dog squad show, dog grooming demos, fancy dress competitions, cat shows, petting farms, play areas for kids, pet products exhibitors and access to animal welfare and dog adoption agencies.
Located at Souk Al Marfa’s stunning waterfront space, the Dubai Pet Festival combines educational and entertaining activities that raise awareness on animal welfare and educate visitors on all aspects related to pets. Families and friends can also indulge in a variety of food stalls across the destination, with an array of dining options available throughout the day.
Visitors must register their pets at the entrance with a mandatory veterinary check and temperament assessment, and all pets
must have a valid pet passport with valid vaccinations as per the UAE law.
Strict health and safety measures will be observed during the festivities where visitors must practice social distancing and wear a mask at all times.
More than 950 shops currently operate at Souk Al Marfa with another 200 set to open soon Visitors can also enjoy the mega sale, with discounts and offers across the destination, until 27 February.
Saturday 26 February or Saturday 26 March 2022 | 2 – 5 pm
Louvre Abu Dhabi
Are you ready to enhance your art skills? Join us in Dr. Najat Makki’s masterclass, which takes inspiration from our international exhibition Versailles and the World. Learn how to transform various objects with colours, decorative patterns and textures.
After a 60-minute exhibition tour, you will be invited to discuss and analyse the colours and decorative elements of the artworks with other art lovers.
Influenced by your observations and Dr. Najat Makki’s signature art style, you will express your skills in a two-hour workshop. Using various materials and mixed media such as painting, collage and decoupage, Dr Najat Makki will guide you on developing a personalised and imaginative approach to artmaking.
Prices
Masterclass full price:
AED 240 (admission is included in the masterclass ticket)
Member price (20% discount)
AED 192
All materials provided
Book Now
Wednesday, March 2, at 8 pm
Lovre Abu Dhabi
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi presents the classical music superstar Lang Lang.
For the first time in the Gulf Region, one of the most important works of the Classical Repertoire — Bach’s Goldberg Variations — will be performed in its entirety, here in Abu Dhabi.
It will be the first public performance of this work by Chinese superstar pianist Lang Lang since the pandemic of 2020.
Considered by the New York Times as: “The hottest artist on the classical music planet,” Lang Lang has studied the Goldberg Variations for many decades. In 2020, he decided to release his recording of Bach’s masterpiece and to offer his interpretation of what is considered one of the most complex classical music compositions and which repre-
sents the highest expression of the art of variations in the Baroque period.
Widely praised by critics, Lang Lang’s performance of the Variations has completely modernised our understanding of these keyboard pieces, written in 1741.
His interpretation is a true declaration of love for the German composer’s work and a milestone in his career.
Book your tickets at ticketmaster.ae
CHEERS TO ANOTHER 250 THANK YOU FOR STAYING WITH US
