During these uncertain times, the most important things to take care of are your own mindset and sanity, so do whatever it takes. Also, don’t judge yourself for whatever you do or don’t do during this time. There is a certain amount of pressure out there at the moment to use this time to take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. For many people this seem inconceivable as simply getting through the day...
It’s fair to say that Dubai is a very image-conscious city, where people are willing to spend a lot of money on looking good. In normal times, the city is awash with gyms, boutique fitness studios, spas and personal trainers. At The Park has expert coaches offering workouts in cross-training, running, kickboxing, yoga and circuit-training, too, but with one big difference: it’s all free. The organization was founded in 2014 by ex-footballer Fredy Martins, who...
If there was ever someone who embodies the old adage “if at first, you don’t succeed, try, try again,” that person is Omar Al Busaidy. At 34, the entrepreneur and author has four failed businesses and a short-lived marriage behind him. He has also been fired from two jobs, been demoted from another and survived a serious, life-limiting illness. He has bounced back from them all to forge a career as a motivational speaker and...
The food and beverage industry has faced huge challenges during the coronavirus outbreak. While people’s health and wellbeing are currently the number one priority, it is now more important than ever to ask questions about the world and the environment we have created. At Cassette, our focus has always gone beyond just food. We wanted to create a business with sustainability and environmental awareness at its core. Going green is not a new concept. However,...
Eid Al-Fitr is upon us, but this year will be unlike any Eid before it. In his fourth Majlis Mohamed bin Zayed, broadcast on Al Emarat Channel, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed gathered frontline workers and asked them about their experience working to combat Covid-19, praising them as role models for the rest of the nation. The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces also reminded those watching that “There...
Leila Kouri, who opened the first F45 franchise in Abu Dhabi 18 months ago, doesn’t think it will be easy getting members back to the gym when the UAE begins to open up post Covid-19. “Even with a 50 percent cap on numbers, will people be willing to risk it? I doubt it,” she says, adding that it will be challenging to do a HIIT session wearing a mask and gloves. The once-thriving fitness industry...
Ideas for keeping children engaged and entertained may be wearing thin – not to mention testing your patience – as we head into another weekend of ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. That’s why we turned to some industry experts for their best advice . Kirsten Fairfield, co-founder of BabySouk.com My first piece of advice is to start your day strong: get dressed, eat breakfast and indulge in a fun exercise routine to get everyone motivated and ready to...
As many parts of the world are beginning to ease the restrictions imposed as a result of the pandemic, there is a steady flow of evidence that although Covid-19 is keeping us apart, it is also bringing us together in myriad ways. Breaking fast with loved ones is a special time but for one group of volunteers in Fujairah, iftar is postponed until after they have assembled, packed and delivered 250 meals to low-income families...
Maitha Al Khayat is a best-selling author of children’s books. In fact, you could almost call her the J K Rowling of the Arab world, except that she is far more prolific – 172 books so far, including a set of school primers – and she does her own illustrations. She has also written TV scripts for the Arabic version of Sesame Street and Hamdoon, the Emirati cartoon series. Oh, and she writes equally well in...
Exercise and fasting can go together without causing any harm to the body. During the fasting period, exercise can help elevate energy levels, improve physical fitness, build muscle and joint strength and boost body composition. It also helps control weight and keeps the body healthy. As well as various physical and health benefits, exercise also has many neurological advantages, including improved neurogenesis (increased brain cell production) and enhanced mental strength and toughness. More people around...
Even if you’re enjoying iftar and late-night suhoor at home this Ramadan rather than going out, it’s still easy to let health and fitness routines lapse by eating more and training less. That’s why Dr Nasr Al Jafari, functional medicine practitioner at DNA Health and Wellness Center in Dubai, and Hala Dakhil, co-founder of the Jeddah-based Pulse Studio KSA, give their top tips for how to have a healthy Holy Month. Take catch-up naps With...
