Fashion And Lifestyle

Niveen Sibai, The Art of Thoughtful Living By Ami Pandey A well-designed space does more than catch the eye. It shapes how people move through their day, influences how they feel, and quietly becomes part of their lives. For Niveen, founder of N.terior.s, interior design has always been about this deeper connection between a space and the people who inhabit it. Having grown up in Dubai, Niveen witnessed the city’s remarkable architectural transformation, an evolution that helped shape her appreciation for the built environment and its possibilities. Over the past decade, her experience in the industry has strengthened her belief that good design extends far beyond visual appeal. It begins with understanding people: their routines, preferences, aspirations and the subtle details that make a place feel uniquely theirs. This philosophy informs the work of N.terior.s, where each project begins with a conversation rather than a predetermined aesthetic. For Niveen, no two clients are alike, and their spaces should reflect that individuality. A home must respond to the rhythms of everyday life, offering comfort and functionality without losing its character. Commercial interiors, meanwhile, must communicate a brand’s identity while creating an environment that serves both its purpose and the people who experience it. Finding the right balance between these considerations is central to her approach. Colour, lighting, materials, textures and spatial arrangements are not isolated design decisions; they work together to establish an atmosphere. Natural light can soften a room, carefully chosen textures can introduce warmth, and a considered layout can make even a compact space feel more intuitive. The objective is not simply to make an interior look impressive, but to ensure that its visual language and practical purpose complement one another. For Niveen, building N.terior.s was a natural extension of this belief. Establishing her own business gave her the opportunity to translate her design sensibilities into a more personal, cohesive experience for clients. It also allowed her to approach projects with a broader perspective, considering the journey from the first concept to the finished space. Through design, fit-out and renovation services, the business brings different stages of a project together, helping clients navigate the process with greater continuity. That comprehensive approach is particularly important in an industry where the finished result depends on much more than an attractive concept. Design must work in practice, accommodate real-world requirements and remain faithful to the original vision as a project progresses. The relationship between creativity and execution is therefore essential. A beautiful idea has value, but its success lies in how thoughtfully it is translated into a space that people can actually use and enjoy. Niveen also recognises the tension between emerging trends and enduring design. New materials, finishes and aesthetics continually influence the industry, offering fresh ways to reinterpret familiar spaces. Yet trends alone cannot determine whether a design will remain relevant. Her preference is to create interiors with longevity, allowing contemporary elements to enhance a space without overwhelming its purpose or personality. When the foundation is thoughtful, a room can evolve over time without losing its identity. Sustainability forms another part of this consideration. Rather than treating it as a separate design statement, Niveen sees opportunities to make more conscious choices through durable materials, efficient use of resources, natural lighting and the thoughtful reuse of existing elements where appropriate. In Dubai’s climate, these decisions can also influence comfort and energy efficiency, demonstrating how responsible design can serve both environmental and practical needs. As the UAE continues to develop its residential and commercial landscapes, the expectations placed on interior design are evolving too. Clients increasingly seek spaces that feel considered and individual, rather than simply reflecting a passing aesthetic. For designers, this creates an opportunity to look beyond surface-level transformation and consider how interiors can support changing lifestyles, strengthen brand experiences and contribute to a greater sense of wellbeing. For Niveen, the future of N.terior.s lies in continuing to grow the business while remaining grounded in the principles that shaped it. Ambition, in this sense, is not only about taking on new projects or expanding a portfolio. It is also about refining the experience offered to clients and maintaining the care and attention that make each space meaningful. Ultimately, the most successful interiors are not always the ones that demand attention the moment someone enters. They are the ones that continue to make sense long after the first impression, adapting to daily routines, reflecting individual identities and creating a lasting sense of belonging. Through N.terior.s, Niveen is working towards that quieter form of distinction: spaces that are thoughtfully designed, purposeful in their execution and personal to the lives unfolding within them.

Transforming Gastronomy into Immersive Celebrations Across the Emirates By Paul Smith How culinary masters throughout the United Arab Emirates elevate seasonal festivities into unforgettable sensory spectacles and theatrical dining experiences The United Arab Emirates has long established itself as a global epicenter for extraordinary lifestyle experiences, push-the-boundary hospitality, and unparalleled culinary innovation. Across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the neighboring emirates, dining out has evolved far beyond the simple act of sharing a meal; it has transformed into a high art form that demands wonder, engagement, and storytelling. Central to this vibrant evolution is the way the nation’s premier dining venues embrace seasonal holidays and cultural festivities. Rather than merely adjusting a menu or adding subtle decorations, restaurants throughout the Emirates completely reframe the dining journey, turning occasions like Halloween, winter holidays, spring festivals, and regional celebrations into fully immersive theatrical productions that intrigue the senses and captivate guests of all ages. When autumn arrives, the nation’s culinary landscape undergoes a dramatic metamorphosis, spearheaded by the wildly creative spirit of Halloween. Across luxury resorts, chic beach clubs, and soaring sky lounges, venues cast off their everyday aesthetics to welcome guests into fantastical worlds. High-end establishments transform their sleek dining rooms into gothic masquerade ballrooms, enchanted mystical forests, and dark, enigmatic circus arenas. In these spaces, dining becomes an interactive narrative where every detail is meticulously orchestrated. Staff donning elaborate thematic costumes guide patrons through ambient, mist-filled dining rooms, accompanied by live theatrical performers, aerialists, and bespoke soundscapes that build an atmosphere of mysterious sophistication. This thematic artistry reaches its absolute peak on the plate and in the glass, where top-tier chefs and mixologists unleash their most creative concepts. Culinary teams view seasonal themes as an open canvas to challenge tradition and surprise their guests. During festive takeovers, traditional menus give way to multi-course tasting journeys featuring inventive, limited-edition creations. Dessert stations and signature dishes become visual masterpieces vibrant dark-hued delicacies, smoke-infused culinary spheres, handcrafted chocolate skulls, and artisan pastries decorated with delicate seasonal motifs. Mixologists complement these creations by crafting theatrical concoctions complete with dry-ice vapors, unexpected flavor pairings, and color-changing botanical infusions. The result is a dining experience that is as visually mesmerizing as it is delicious, perfectly tailored for a world that loves to capture and share memorable moments. What truly sets the dining culture of the United Arab Emirates apart is its seamless ability to cater to an extraordinarily diverse and cosmopolitan audience. Festive dining concepts are thoughtfully tailored to suit every preference, ranging from high-octane evening soirees and glamorous after-dark parties to warm, family-oriented weekend gatherings. Families visiting resort restaurants and neighborhood bistros find a welcoming haven filled with creative culinary workshops, pumpkin-decorating sessions, trick-or-treat treasure hunts, and lively costume competitions for younger guests. Meanwhile, epicurean venues in financial districts and cultural hubs cater to discerning adults seeking refined multi-sensory dinners accompanied by international live DJs and curated artistic performances. This incredible versatility ensures that every resident and international visitor finds a celebration that speaks directly to their lifestyle. Beyond the October festivities, this passion for immersive, theme-driven dining reverberates throughout the entire annual calendar across the Emirates. The momentum built during autumn flows effortlessly into the end-of-year holiday season, where venues transform into sparkling winter wonderlands featuring festive markets, elaborate roast banquets, and grand New Year celebrations overlooking iconic fireworks. As spring arrives, restaurants embrace vibrant floral motifs, traditional Easter brunches, and colorful cultural pageants like Día de los Muertos, showcasing the country’s rich multicultural fabric. Furthermore, during regional moments of reflection and gathering such as Ramadan and Eid, dining establishments create breathtaking, heritage-inspired pop-up spaces and majestic lanterns-lit lounges that celebrate local traditions with elevated contemporary flair. Ultimately, the phenomenon of themed dining across the United Arab Emirates reflects a wider culture of relentless innovation and hospitality excellence. By continually reimagining how food is presented, experienced, and remembered, the nation’s culinary leaders have redefined what it means to celebrate special occasions. A night out at a festive dining venue is no longer just about enjoying fine food; it is an invitation to step into a new world, spark curiosity, and share an enchanting experience with friends and family. As restaurants continue to push the boundaries of culinary theater and thematic design, the Emirates solidifies its position as the ultimate global destination for extraordinary dining adventures.

Renna, Effortless Elegance in the Heart of China By Michelle Clark Beauty can be a form of transformation, but at its most compelling, it is also an expression of identity, artistry, and culture. For Renna, known online as Rayene Khodja, makeup is more than the finishing touch to an appearance. Through her work as a makeup artist, beauty content creator, and educator, she has developed a presence built around expressive beauty looks, bridal transformations, and a visual language that brings together contemporary glamour and Algerian influences. Her journey reflects the evolving role of the modern beauty artist, one who creates not only for the camera, but also for the people whose confidence and individuality are at the centre of every look. Across her digital platforms, Renna showcases the versatility of makeup, moving between understated beauty, elaborate bridal looks, and more dramatic artistic transformations. Each approach offers a different interpretation of glamour. A softer look may emphasise natural features and delicate details, while a more expressive creation can transform the face into a canvas for colour, shape, and technique. This range is part of what makes beauty artistry so compelling: there is no single way to define an ideal look, and every face presents a new opportunity to explore what makeup can achieve. Bridal beauty occupies a particularly distinctive place within this world. Wedding makeup requires a careful balance between artistry and practicality, creating a look that feels special while remaining harmonious with the bride’s features, outfit, and personal style. It must also translate beautifully across different settings, from intimate moments of preparation to professional photography and the celebrations that follow. Renna’s bridal content brings audiences into this process, offering glimpses of the transformations and techniques involved in preparing a finished look. The result is an appreciation not only of the final appearance, but also of the precision, patience, and expertise that underpin it. The appeal of beauty content lies partly in its ability to make a creative process accessible. Through tutorials, demonstrations, and transformation videos, audiences can observe how individual techniques contribute to a complete look. Makeup becomes something to explore and learn from rather than simply admire. For aspiring artists, this visibility offers a window into professional practice; for beauty enthusiasts, it creates opportunities to discover new styles and approaches. Renna’s work as a makeup educator extends this relationship beyond inspiration, connecting the visual appeal of beauty with the development of practical skills. Her professional identity also extends into entrepreneurship through Renna Glam, the beauty brand associated with her online presence. Building a recognisable beauty business requires more than a strong aesthetic. It involves creating a consistent identity, understanding an audience, and maintaining a relationship with customers who return for both products and expertise. In the digital beauty landscape, the artist and the entrepreneur increasingly work side by side. A makeup look can demonstrate creative ability, introduce a technique, showcase a product, and strengthen a brand’s identity within a single piece of content. This connection between artistry and business reflects the changing possibilities available to beauty professionals who build their platforms online. Social media has helped make these creative processes more visible, allowing beauty artists to share their work with audiences far beyond the communities in which they began. For Renna, whose content reaches an international audience, the platform creates space for makeup artistry to travel across borders and cultural contexts. A look created for one occasion can inspire someone elsewhere, while a tutorial can introduce techniques to viewers who may never otherwise encounter the artist behind them. The relationship between creator and audience becomes an ongoing exchange, shaped by visual inspiration, shared interests, and the desire to discover something new. Yet beauty is never entirely separate from culture. The colours, fabrics, jewellery, and beauty traditions associated with a particular heritage can carry meaning that extends beyond appearance. Renna’s content includes Algerian fashion and traditional bridal influences, placing cultural expression alongside contemporary beauty trends. Traditional garments such as the karakou and other forms of Algerian ceremonial dress represent more than striking styling choices. They are connected to histories of craftsmanship, regional identity, celebration, and family tradition. When paired with modern makeup artistry, these elements create a visual dialogue between heritage and contemporary expression. This relationship is especially significant within bridal beauty, where personal style often intersects with family expectations, cultural customs, and the desire to honour meaningful traditions.  Makeup and styling become part of a larger visual story, complementing the garments and details that give an occasion its distinctive character. By bringing traditional influences into a contemporary digital environment, beauty creators can help make cultural aesthetics visible to new audiences while celebrating the artistry involved in preserving and reinterpreting them. The modern beauty industry also asks artists to balance individuality with the constant movement of trends. New techniques, products, and visual styles circulate rapidly online, creating an environment in which inspiration is plentiful but the pressure to keep up can be considerable. Distinction comes from more than recreating a popular look. It develops through technical skill, a recognisable creative sensibility, and the ability to adapt ideas to different faces, occasions, and personal preferences. The most effective beauty work allows trends to serve the artistry rather than replace it, creating results that feel considered rather than interchangeable. Education adds another dimension to this creative practice. Sharing knowledge allows professional experience to reach beyond individual appointments and campaigns, giving aspiring artists an opportunity to develop their own skills.  Learning makeup involves understanding products and techniques, but it also requires observation, experimentation, and the ability to respond to different features and needs.  Through educational content and training, the beauty artist becomes both practitioner and guide, helping others discover the confidence that can come from developing their own creative abilities. As beauty continues to evolve through digital culture, the relationship between glamour and authenticity remains central. A striking transformation may capture attention, but the craft behind it gives the image substance. Precision, preparation, product knowledge, and an understanding of how different elements work

Sujith Varghese, The Pursuit of the Possible By Nida Kanwal Resilience is not defined by the ability to return to who one was, but by the courage to discover who one can become. From the corporate world to fitness, public speaking and music, Sujith’s life reflects a conviction that human potential is rarely exhausted by the limits others place upon it. There are moments when the future, once imagined with certainty, becomes impossible to recognise. At twenty, Sujith Varghese experienced such a rupture. An accident left him paralysed from the chest down, fundamentally altering the physical reality of his life and the possibilities he had once taken for granted. Eighteen surgeries and months of rehabilitation followed, bringing a period of profound adjustment that demanded far more than physical recovery. The question confronting him was no longer simply what he would do with his life, but who he would choose to become. For Varghese, the most consequential shift took place in his understanding of possibility. Rather than measuring his future against the life he had lost, he began to consider what remained within his reach and what might still be built. Progress did not arrive as a singular revelation. It emerged through small attempts, each creating the confidence to undertake another. Hope, initially modest, became a foundation on which he could begin to construct a different understanding of himself. That distinction continues to shape his outlook. Resilience, in his experience, is less about recovering a former identity than recognising that identity itself can evolve. The circumstances may change, sometimes irreversibly, but the question of what comes next remains open. Today, Varghese’s professional life reflects that willingness to explore possibilities beyond conventional boundaries. Alongside his career in banking, he has become a TEDx speaker, a fully accredited personal trainer, a fitness ambassador and an emerging rapper. These pursuits might appear disparate when viewed through the lens of professional specialisation. For him, however, they are expressions of a broader curiosity about the different dimensions of human capability. He does not see himself as someone attempting to manage several unrelated careers. Instead, each discipline has offered a new way to understand himself and engage with the world. Banking provided an entry into professional life and introduced the importance of accountability. Fitness helped him rebuild strength and confidence. Public speaking created an opportunity to translate personal experience into something useful to others, while music opened a more instinctive space for creative expression. The distinction is significant. A profession can provide structure, but it need not define the full extent of a person’s identity. Varghese is interested in what becomes possible when individuals stop treating their existing labels as permanent boundaries. Some ambitions are planned; others emerge only when someone is willing to try something unfamiliar. His own experience suggests that discovery often precedes certainty. Such an approach requires more than enthusiasm. Across corporate work, physical training and creative practice, Varghese has encountered a common principle: ambition acquires meaning through discipline. An intention, however compelling, cannot substitute for the repeated effort required to realise it. In fitness, progress depends on consistency. In professional life, it requires reliability and accountability. In creative work, the initial idea must be followed by the less visible process of developing a craft. The discipline required to sustain these different pursuits is not always apparent from the outside. Maintaining a corporate career while pursuing physical training, public speaking and music can be demanding, leaving little room for the assumption that achievement comes naturally to those who appear accomplished. Varghese acknowledges the stress and the moments when competing responsibilities become difficult to manage. His response has been to approach resilience as he approaches other challenges: incrementally, without requiring the entire path to be clear before taking the next step. This has also changed his definition of success. Recognition and achievement once carried greater significance, partly because they offered a way to prove himself. Today, he places greater emphasis on contribution, personal development and the impact he can make on the people around him. Accomplishment remains meaningful, but its value increasingly depends on what it enables beyond the individual. One of the clearest expressions of this philosophy came when Varghese pulled a Mini Cooper weighing approximately 1,200 kilograms in front of an audience of students. The feat demanded physical preparation, training, setbacks and adaptation. Yet the significance of the moment extended beyond the spectacle of moving a heavy vehicle. For Varghese, the challenge was also about confronting assumptions regarding what a person using a wheelchair could achieve. He is careful, however, not to suggest that every limitation can simply be overcome through determination. Physical realities exist, and acknowledging them is essential. The more important distinction, in his view, is between a genuine limitation and an assumption accepted before its boundaries have been tested. The achievement became part of a wider progression that eventually included a Guinness World Record. Together, these milestones illustrate an approach grounded not in the denial of difficulty, but in preparation, experimentation and the willingness to discover what remains possible. His work in fitness gives this philosophy a practical dimension. As the first Person of Determination in a wheelchair in the UAE to become a fully accredited personal trainer, Varghese has challenged an assumption that often remains embedded in professional environments: that people with disabilities are primarily participants in systems designed by others, rather than professionals capable of leading within them. His qualification represents more than personal achievement. It speaks to the opportunities available when accessibility is understood as a foundation for participation, leadership and professional development. For Varghese, genuine inclusion means creating environments in which People of Determination can contribute, progress and build careers on equal terms. The UAE, particularly Dubai, has made meaningful advances in accessibility and opportunity, but he regards inclusion as an ongoing responsibility rather than a completed achievement. The objective should be a future in which seeing a wheelchair user as a trainer, athlete, coach or leader no longer attracts attention simply because it challenges

Unrivalled Wonders Above the Iconic Palm Jumeirah A captivating journey to the sky offering an unforgettable perspective on Dubai’s visionary skyline and engineering marvels By Janhavi Gusani Dubai has long been celebrated across the globe as a playground of grand ambitions, architectural wonders, and immersive leisure destinations. Among its vast repertoire of world-class attractions, Palm Jumeirah stands out as a true testament to human ingenuity and bold design. Stretching gracefully into the glistening waters of the Arabian Gulf, this iconic man-made archipelago has captured the imagination of travelers everywhere. Yet, to fully comprehend the scale, symmetry, and sheer magnificence of this palm-shaped miracle, one must step above the ground and witness it from an elevated vantage point. Standing tall at 240 meters above the landmark Palm Tower, The View at The Palm delivers precisely that, an incomparable 360-degree panorama that transforms a simple sightseeing excursion into a transcendent Dubai experience. The experience begins long before reaching the observation deck itself, as visitors are guided through an engaging journey through history and innovation. Interactive exhibits and immersive theater displays trace the incredible transformation of Dubai from a tranquil coastal trading hub into a bustling global metropolis. Guests learn the fascinated story behind the land reclamation and intricate planning required to construct Palm Jumeirah. This context enriches the journey, ensuring that when the high-speed elevator glides upward to the 52nd floor, every traveler steps out onto the deck with a profound appreciation for the engineering masterclass lying beneath their feet. Stepping out onto the open-air observation platform instantly takes one’s breath away. The floor-to-ceiling glass paneling and thrilling cantilevered glass extensions allow visitors to feel suspended over the coastline, creating a sensation of floating high above the turquoise sea. Below, the famous fronds extend outwards in perfect harmony, lined with luxurious villas, pristine beaches, and world-renowned luxury resorts. Beyond the palm fronds, the expansive vista unveils the shimmering Dubai skyline, featuring the soaring silhouette of the Burj Al Arab, the sparkling Dubai Marina, and the distant, majestic Burj Khalifa standing proud against the horizon. Whether visiting during the clear golden sunlight of midday or during the magical twilight hours when the city illuminates into a sea of glittering lights, the vantage point presents a mesmerizing tapestry of natural beauty and urban grandeur. Beyond the astounding visual spectacle, the attraction seamlessly integrates modern leisure and refined comfort to elevate every moment of the visit. Guests can enjoy sophisticated lounge spaces and fine dining options situated high in the clouds, allowing them to relax with refreshing beverages and delectable dishes while savoring the sweeping panoramic background. Photographers and photography enthusiasts find endless inspiration here, capturing dramatic compositions of light, sea, and futuristic architecture. For those seeking even higher thrilling heights, the elevated Next Level platform offers an unobstructed, glass-free viewing experience that brings visitors closer than ever to the sky. Every detail of this destination has been carefully curated to reflect the luxury and hospitality that define Dubai as a premier travel destination. Accessible directly through Nakheel Mall, the attraction fits effortlessly into a full day of shopping, entertainment, and culinary exploration. It caters with equal grace to families making lifelong holiday memories, romantic couples seeking an unforgettable sunset spot, and solo travelers marveling at modern engineering. In a city defined by constant reinvention and boundless creativity, visiting this breathtaking observation deck remains an essential rite of passage. It provides not merely a photo opportunity, but a moment of quiet wonder and deep appreciation for what human determination can achieve. Viewing Palm Jumeirah from this majestic height offers a fresh, awe-inspiring perspective on Dubai’s past, present, and limitless future, cementing its status as one of the most unforgettable attractions in the Middle East.

Jyot Naikare, Weaving Stories of Culture and Everyday Life into a Growing World of Love, Connection and Digital Influence By Jane Stevens For Jyoti Naikare, the true value of digital influence lies not simply in the number of people who follow her, but in the connections she builds, the experiences she shares and the sense of familiarity she brings to a diverse audience. Based in Dubai, where she has lived for the past decade, the Marathi digital creator has transformed a personal passion for content creation into a flourishing professional journey, connecting with more than 1.5 million followers across her social media platforms. Through her perspective on everyday life in the UAE, she celebrates culture, family, personal well-being and the small choices that shape a more balanced lifestyle. Although nutrition and wellness provide an important theme in her outlook, Jyoti’s professional journey has primarily been rooted in digital content creation. Her approach reflects an understanding that well-being extends beyond dietary rules or carefully structured routines. It is also about how people live, the decisions they make each day and the attention they give to themselves while caring for those around them. Having spent ten years in Dubai, she has experienced the richness of a multicultural environment where different traditions, lifestyles and attitudes towards food and family coexist. This experience has shaped her appreciation of the many ways people approach well-being, reinforcing her belief that a healthy life should be built around thoughtful choices rather than unrealistic expectations. When Jyoti began creating content, she never imagined that a hobby would eventually develop into a community of more than 1.5 million followers. What started as an enjoyable personal pursuit gradually became a defining part of her professional life. Her growth reflects the possibilities of digital platforms to bring people together across geographical boundaries, particularly when creators offer audiences a perspective that feels authentic and culturally familiar. As a Marathi creator living in Dubai, she has developed a distinctive connection with people who appreciate seeing the UAE through the lens of their language, traditions and everyday experiences. For Jyoti, this relationship with her audience is about considerably more than accumulating followers. She regards the people who engage with her content as a community whose continued support inspires her to explore new ideas and refine her work. The trust that develops between a creator and an audience cannot be established through visibility alone. It requires consistency, a willingness to remain genuine and an appreciation of what makes people return. Jyoti believes that audiences respond most strongly to content that feels natural and relatable, offering glimpses of life that resonate with their own experiences while introducing them to something new. Her position between Marathi cultural life and the international environment of Dubai gives her content a particular relevance. Through her experiences, she can maintain a connection with her cultural roots while presenting aspects of the UAE to viewers who may be discovering the country through her perspective. Food, family, daily routines and cultural traditions become more than subjects for social media posts. They become ways of preserving familiarity while embracing the possibilities of life in another country. In this sense, her work contributes to a broader digital conversation about identity, belonging and the evolving relationship between culture and modern living. Wellness, meanwhile, has become an increasingly important subject in a digital landscape crowded with competing opinions about health. Social media offers unprecedented access to information, but the abundance of advice can make it difficult for audiences to distinguish credible guidance from exaggerated promises. Weight-loss trends, restrictive diets and claims of rapid transformation frequently attract attention, yet their popularity does not necessarily make them appropriate for everyone. Jyoti encourages people to approach such content with care, recognising that nutritional needs and personal circumstances differ. Her perspective places responsibility at the centre of conversations about health. As a content creator, she believes that the messages shared online should be considered carefully, particularly when they may influence people’s decisions about their bodies and daily habits. Rather than encouraging unrealistic expectations or presenting quick fixes as universal solutions, she favours informed choices and guidance from qualified nutrition or healthcare professionals when necessary. She also recognises the distinction between sharing personal lifestyle experiences and offering professional medical advice, an important consideration in an environment where the boundaries between entertainment, information and expertise can easily become blurred. This measured outlook complements her broader understanding of wellness as something that should be accessible and sustainable. Healthy living does not need to begin with dramatic changes or an entirely new way of life. Often, it develops through small decisions repeated over time. Planning meals, choosing balanced foods, remaining physically active, drinking sufficient water and prioritising sleep can all contribute to healthier routines. The challenge, as Jyoti sees it, is not to pursue perfection but to establish habits that work within the realities of everyday life. Such an approach also challenges the misconception that healthy eating requires constant restriction. The pressure to follow extreme diets or eliminate favourite foods can turn wellness into a source of anxiety rather than a positive part of daily living. Jyoti believes that balance is more valuable than unnecessary deprivation. Individuals should avoid comparing their progress with that of others, as personal circumstances and nutritional requirements are never identical. Where specific dietary or health concerns arise, professional guidance remains essential. The objective is to build a relationship with food that supports well-being without sacrificing enjoyment or cultural familiarity. For Indian communities living in the UAE, food carries a significance that extends well beyond nourishment. Traditional meals are closely connected with family gatherings, childhood memories, regional identity and the continuity of cultural practices across generations. Jyoti believes that maintaining these connections can coexist with a commitment to healthier living. Familiar foods such as dal, vegetables and whole grains can form part of a balanced diet, while mindful choices allow people to enjoy traditional meals without feeling compelled to abandon their culinary heritage. This perspective is particularly meaningful in Dubai,

Areej Nashashibi, Evolution & Creation “AUTHENTICITY IS NOT ABOUT REMAINING UNCHANGED. IT IS ABOUT ALLOWING YOURSELF TO CHANGE WITHOUT LOSING THE QUALITIES THAT MAKE YOUR VOICE RECOGNISABLE.” By Editorial Desk Areej Nashashibi’s career has unfolded across a media landscape that has changed dramatically since she first stepped in front of a television camera. What began in traditional media has evolved through digital content, fashion, beauty and entrepreneurship, giving her a perspective shaped by both sides of the industry. Television gave her the discipline of professional broadcasting; social media gave her the freedom to communicate more personally. Between the two, she found a way of working that is less about choosing one identity and more about allowing it to evolve. One of the lessons Areej carried from television was the importance of making communication feel personal. Speaking to a camera, she learned to imagine that she was addressing one person rather than an entire audience. It was a small shift in perspective, but one that continues to influence the way she creates today. Information may be what brings an audience to a piece of content, but the feeling created through its delivery is often what determines whether they stay connected to it. That foundation in traditional media also gave her a sense of discipline and professionalism that remained relevant as the industry moved online. Social media changed the relationship between creator and audience, making communication more immediate and informal, but Areej did not see that shift as a reason to discard what came before. Instead, she found that the confidence and structure developed through television could coexist with the authenticity and closeness of digital platforms. The transition was not without its uncertainties. At one point, Areej had a very defined picture of what success would look like. She imagined progressing further within traditional media and eventually having her own television show. As the industry changed, however, that particular path became less certain. Rather than treating the shift as a failure, she learned to reconsider what she had originally imagined for herself. That experience became one of the more important lessons in her career: changing direction does not necessarily mean losing your way. Sometimes the idea of success we hold onto is simply a version of the future we understood at a particular point in our lives. When circumstances change, holding onto that version too tightly can prevent us from recognising another possibility. For Areej, some of the opportunities that followed emerged precisely because she allowed herself to move beyond the career she had originally pictured. That openness has become particularly relevant as her work has expanded across creativity and business. Working in media, fashion, beauty and entrepreneurship has shown her that the two are not separate worlds. Creativity can attract attention, but understanding the business behind that attention determines whether it can become something sustainable. Knowing an audience, understanding positioning, recognising personal value and having a clear sense of direction all become part of the creative process when a personal platform is also a business. For Areej, the challenge lies in knowing when to approach something as a creator and when to approach it as a businesswoman. Neither side can be allowed to completely overtake the other. Too much commercial thinking can dilute the qualities that made an audience connect with someone in the first place, while creativity without an understanding of business can make it difficult to build something lasting. The balance is not always straightforward, but learning to navigate it has become part of her evolution. That distinction is also central to the way she views visibility. In an industry where numbers can become an immediate measure of influence, being seen can easily be mistaken for having succeeded. Areej does not see the two as interchangeable. An audience may be large, but meaningful influence requires something beyond reach. It can take the form of trust, a community, a business, new opportunities or simply the ability to create a life and career that reflects a person’s own priorities. Her perspective is particularly relevant for women building public careers, where visibility can sometimes become an expectation in itself. Areej’s advice is to think beyond the attention being generated in the present and ask what that attention is building towards. A platform has greater value when it can lead somewhere, whether that means creating a business, establishing credibility, developing opportunities or building a community that remains connected beyond individual pieces of content. The idea of building something that exists beyond visibility has also changed the way Areej understands relevance. Earlier in her career, she associated staying relevant with remaining constantly present. Today, she sees it differently. Relevance requires curiosity about how the industry is changing and the flexibility to adapt, but it also requires enough self-awareness to know what should remain consistent. Platforms change. Trends move quickly. Audience behaviour evolves. For anyone working publicly, adapting is unavoidable. But Areej believes there is a difference between evolving and constantly reinventing yourself to follow whatever happens to be popular. If every change in the industry produces a different version of you, the audience eventually loses a sense of who you are. Authenticity, in that sense, is not about remaining unchanged. It is about allowing yourself to change without losing the qualities that make your voice recognisable. That may be the most significant shift in Areej’s own understanding of her career. The ambition that was present when she first entered television has remained. What has changed is what she wants that ambition to lead towards. She still believes strongly in her ability to create something for herself, but she no longer defines that possibility through a single title, platform or milestone. Her definition of success has become more expansive and, perhaps, more personal. It includes the freedom to evolve, the ability to build businesses she believes in, meaningful connections with people and a life that retains value outside of work. The question is no longer simply whether she has reached the destination she once

Kholoud Al Ali, When Glamour Makes Time Forget to Move By Michelle Clark There is a particular kind of glamour that does not ask to be noticed, yet somehow becomes impossible to overlook. It lives in the precision of a silhouette, the glimmer of exceptional jewellery, the confidence of restraint and the understanding that true style rarely needs to explain itself. Kholoud Al Ali has built her fashion identity around precisely this kind of elegance. Known through her digital presence as @koodiz, she has become one of the recognisable voices of contemporary Gulf fashion, creating a visual world where modesty, luxury and individuality exist naturally alongside one another. Her journey reflects more than the rise of a fashion personality. It represents the emergence of a new regional aesthetic in which women are defining glamour on their own terms and presenting the Gulf as a sophisticated force within the global fashion conversation. Al Ali’s relationship with fashion has always been rooted in a strong sense of visual identity. Rather than depending upon excess, her aesthetic finds its strength in carefully chosen details, refined proportions and a sophisticated understanding of how individual pieces interact. Clothing, jewellery, accessories, interiors and surroundings become part of a larger composition, allowing each image to communicate a mood rather than simply displaying an outfit. There is an instinctive understanding that luxury is not always about showing everything. Sometimes its greatest impact comes from knowing precisely what to leave out. That philosophy has given her digital presence a distinctive character. In an era when social media has become increasingly crowded with personalities competing for attention, Al Ali’s visual language feels remarkably considered. Her style does not depend upon constant reinvention for the sake of visibility. Instead, it has developed through consistency, allowing her audience to recognise a particular sensibility whenever they encounter her work. The elegance is in the details, from the relationship between a beautifully cut garment and a statement accessory to the way an entire image is composed around colour, texture, light and atmosphere. Her approach is particularly compelling because it challenges the idea that modest fashion must exist separately from luxury fashion. Al Ali demonstrates that modest dressing can be glamorous, contemporary and highly expressive without compromising sophistication. Covered silhouettes become canvases for proportion and texture, while jewellery and accessories introduce moments of drama. The result is a form of dressing that feels deeply connected to the culture of the Gulf while remaining entirely comfortable within the international fashion landscape. This balance between regional identity and global style has become increasingly important as the Gulf’s influence on fashion continues to expand. For years, international fashion conversations often treated the region primarily as a market for luxury consumption. Today, that relationship has changed. Women from the Gulf are increasingly shaping the visual language of fashion itself, becoming designers, entrepreneurs, editors, collectors, stylists and influential cultural figures. Al Ali belongs to this wider transformation, using her platform to show that regional style does not need to imitate another fashion capital in order to be relevant. It can create its own vocabulary. There is something especially powerful about the way she approaches luxury because it feels personal rather than performative. A beautiful watch is not simply an object of status. A piece of jewellery becomes part of an overall expression. A carefully selected garment becomes a reflection of mood and personality. Fashion is treated less as a uniform and more as a language, one capable of communicating confidence, femininity and individuality without requiring a single word. This has also allowed her to occupy a space between fashion and lifestyle. Her digital world extends beyond clothing, creating an atmosphere in which travel, interiors, beauty, luxury and personal taste naturally intersect. That wider perspective reflects the way contemporary consumers experience fashion themselves. A luxury brand is no longer encountered only inside a boutique. It exists within a world of hotels, restaurants, destinations, architecture, art and personal experiences. The modern fashion personality therefore becomes a curator of a lifestyle as much as a wearer of clothes. Al Ali’s presence within that world is defined by an understanding of curation. Every successful fashion image creates a sense that the pieces belong together, and her work often carries that quality. There is an editorial sensibility behind the glamour, an awareness that fashion is ultimately about storytelling. The clothing creates the first impression, but the atmosphere gives it meaning. This is one of the reasons her style translates so naturally to digital platforms, where a single image can become a complete visual statement. Her journey also reflects the changing nature of influence itself. The first generation of social media personalities often built their audiences through constant accessibility and an almost continuous stream of personal content. Contemporary influence can operate differently. Increasingly, audiences are drawn towards creators who have a recognisable point of view, a defined aesthetic and the ability to make even a simple image feel intentional. Al Ali’s strength lies in that visual consistency. Her identity does not disappear beneath trends. Instead, trends are filtered through her own understanding of elegance. That sense of individuality becomes particularly evident in her relationship with jewellery and accessories. Rather than allowing luxury pieces to overwhelm the overall look, she frequently treats them as punctuation. A watch, bracelet, ring, bag or pair of sunglasses can become the detail that completes the composition. It is a sophisticated approach to styling because it recognises that glamour is often strongest when it is balanced. The eye should have somewhere to travel, and the most memorable fashion images are often those in which every element appears deliberate without appearing forced. There is also a quiet confidence in the way Al Ali represents femininity. Her fashion does not depend upon a single definition of what it means to be glamorous. It can be elegant without being formal, luxurious without being excessive and modest without becoming conventional. That flexibility is perhaps one of the most important characteristics of contemporary Gulf fashion. Women