Ras Al-Khaimah has undergone a major shift in recent years, transforming into one of MENA’s leading outdoor destinations. It was a conscious decision, borne out of the emirate’s first ever independent consumer research study in 2015 that found more and more people were showing a preference for adventure tourism — both domestically and internationally. Framed by the dramatic Hajar Mountains — including the UAE’s highest peak, Jebel Jais — and the waters of the Arabian...
For almost a decade, boutique gyms have reigned supreme as the fitness industry moved away from multinational, traditional facilities towards a more bespoke approach. Customers have since been spoiled for choice in terms of exercise options, with classes becoming increasingly creative. Trampoline HIIT on Monday? Sure. Puppy Pilates on Wednesday? Why not. Flexibility and diversity have become central principles of the industry and apps like ClassPass have flourished, offering people a multitude of experiences and...
It’s been labelled a “revolution” and a “controversial threat” to golf, while some of its players have even received death threats for their involvement. The Saudi Arabian-backed LIV Golf tour has certainly shaken up one of the world’s oldest and most traditional sports. So what is all the fuss is about? The background Professional golf is split into two flagship competitions. The first and oldest is the PGA Tour, which was founded in 1929 and...
The idea of sinking down to the depths of the ocean with no access to oxygen tanks and a single rope for company probably sounds like the stuff of nightmares to many people. But for freedivers, this type of descent represents an intoxicating blend of physical endurance and mental tranquillity. Also known by its scientific name ‘apnea’, freediving has been a pastime of humans for as long as there has been an interest in what...
‘Sustainable’ has shifted from a buzzword to a way of life for many people in the UAE, with many choices about where to travel, what to wear and where to shop made through an environmental lens — and increasingly that extends to restaurants, too. While residents may have long sought to make sustainable food choices through grocery purchases, the options to dine out sustainably have noticeably widened in recent years. Check out these restaurants and...
In May, the Spanish government approved a law granting paid medical menstrual leave for women who suffer from severe period pain. The decision, which makes Spain the first European country to offer this kind of leave at a state level, made headlines globally and boosted lobbying efforts in other nations around the world. Spanish Equality Minister Irene Montero proudly pronounced that “periods will no longer be taboo”, adding that there would be “no more going...
Lowe – owned by Emirati entrepreneur Mohammed Zaal and run by Australian Kate Christou – has become the first and only eatery in the UAE to be awarded the prestigious Michelin Green Star. The restaurant, located in the quiet suburb of Al Barari in Koa Canvas Dubai, is making a potentially industry-defining impact on sustainability, meeting the legendary gastronomic guide’s criteria of illustrating “the transformation of gastronomic cuisine towards a model that combines ecological responsibility and...
Whether to increase flexibility or prevent injury or for the positive impact on mental health, men are becoming ever more convinced of the benefits of yoga practice. While high-profile yogis like the impossibly bendy Russell Brand might scare some off, elite athletes such as Tom Brady, LeBron James and Ryan Giggs have helped move the practice toward the male mainstream. Frenchman Allaoua Gaham has lived in Dubai for 12 years and in 2016 quit his...
A Dubai nurse was among an elite group recognized for going above and beyond in her work, earning a chance to represent the UAE and a shot at a major global nursing award. Jasmine Mohammed Sharaf was one of 10 finalists chosen from 24,000 applications across 184 countries, representing the UAE at the first Aster Guardians Global Nursing Award, which carries an impressive $250,000 prize. The award, handed out at ceremony in Dubai to commemorate...
Brett Girven is no ordinary headteacher. Possessing degrees in Zoology and Environmental Studies, and a passion for sustainability, the New Zealander presides over one of Dubai’s most progressive and disruptive education institutions: The Arbor School. His aim is to place awareness of the environment at the heart of his students’ experience of education. The British Curriculum school, which opened in 2019, has been an instant hit among staff, students and parents who have been won...
The last time I saw my Uncle John, he had been suffering with dementia for some time. My sister and I visited him in his care home and he was quiet and a little confused; it was difficult to get through to him. My sister had the idea of playing some music, as we had shared so many musical memories with him. The YouTube clip of Starship’s 1980s power ballad Nothing’s Going To Stop Us...