This year’s UAE Flag Day celebration at the Filipino Private School was more than just a festive display of colors—it was a heartfelt expression of gratitude, unity, and the deep sense of belonging shared by the Filipino community in the UAE. For decades, Filipinos have called the UAE home, contributing to its development while nurturing their families and dreams in a land that has embraced them as its own.

For over forty years, the Filipino community has played an essential role in shaping the modern UAE. Starting from humble beginnings in the 1970s, Filipinos have grown to become one of the most significant expatriate groups in the country. Their contributions span across various sectors, including healthcare, education, business, and hospitality, and their vibrant culture and strong work ethic have enriched the UAE’s diverse society.

The UAE Flag Day event at Filipino Private School captured this unique bond, showcasing children waving the UAE flag while learning about the country’s values—tolerance, progress, and unity. The celebration was a testament to the harmonious relationship between Filipinos and their second home, underscoring the community’s respect and loyalty to the UAE.

For the Filipino community, the UAE has been more than just a workplace; it has been a place of growth and opportunity. From the impressive skyscrapers of Dubai to the tranquil deserts of Abu Dhabi, Filipinos have found hope, built futures, and pursued dreams.

Dubai has stood as a symbol of aspiration for many Filipinos. With its thriving economy, the city has provided a fertile ground for professional and personal growth. Filipinos in Dubai have not only advanced their careers but also supported their families back home, achieving milestones and building a better future. Beyond work, the city’s rich cultural fabric has allowed them to embrace a lifestyle that blends their heritage with the UAE’s multicultural environment.

The Filipino community’s active participation in local events, festivals, and schools like the Filipino Private School highlights their efforts to stay connected to their roots while integrating seamlessly into their adopted home. It is in places like these that cultural pride and loyalty to the UAE coexist, fostering a unique and harmonious blend of traditions.

As the UAE continues to celebrate its achievements and look ahead to an even brighter future, the Filipino community remains committed to contributing to the nation’s growth. The UAE Flag Day celebration serves as a powerful reminder of shared values such as dedication, hope, and mutual respect that unite the Filipino and Emirati people.

Filipinos in the UAE are grateful for the opportunities this nation has provided and look forward to continuing their journey of shared success. To the UAE, they offer a sincere “Thank you” for providing a place where they can thrive, work, and dream.

The UAE Flag Day celebration at the Filipino Private School encapsulated the spirit of unity and appreciation that defines the relationship between the Filipino community and their host nation. It served as a reminder for all to cherish the opportunities provided and to contribute positively to the growth of the country that has given so much.

For a glimpse of the moving Flag Day celebration at Filipino Private School, watch the event here:

Dubai Safari Park is kicking off its 6th season as the top destination for animal welfare and edutainment in Dubai. The park is committed to educating guests about conservation, endangered species protection, and environmental awareness. The new Junior Ranger Program, highlights this focus through live presentations, up-close animal experiences, engaging workshops, and guided Safari tours.

The newly launched Junior Ranger Program provides an exclusive opportunity for children to officially start their journey as Dubai Safari Park Junior Rangers. This unique and immersive experience brings children closer to wildlife while teaching them about conservation and animal welfare. Parents can purchase the Junior Park Ranger Season Pass at a price of 550 AED for their children to embark on six exciting missions outlined in their ranger journals. These missions are filled with fun and educational animal care activities. All the Junior Rangers who have completed the program will be entered into a grand raffle at the end of the season for a chance to win an unforgettable Kenyan safari adventure.

In addition to the Junior Ranger Program, Dubai Safari Park introduces several new ways for children to engage with wildlife. The Young Explorer Workshop, held every Saturday, allows kids to tackle hands-on conservation challenges guided by animal specialists. The park also offers exclusive school programs, such as “Learn in the Wild,” where students can learn about animal welfare, conservation, and environmental protection.

But Dubai Safari Park edutainment program isn’t just for kids. Guests of all ages can enjoy live animal presentations and over 14 animal encounters with lemurs, macaws, rhinos, elephants, and many more. Guests can participate in daily Wildlife Talks led by experts, explore conservation efforts through guided safari tours in the Explorer Village and Arabian Desert Safari, and see three live presentations, including the newly launched “Echoes of the Wild,” featuring playful animals like coatis, raccoons, and otters.

Under the theme “Conservation for the Planet,” the extensive edutainment program aims to educate visitors of all ages about critical wildlife issues, such as habitat destruction, climate change, and poaching. The new offerings and experiences introduced this season, are designed to achieve a balanced experience of fun and learning, for visitors to develop a deep appreciation for wildlife and the importance of conservation.

For more information, including bookings, visiting hours, and tickets, visit Dubaisafari.ae.

Meet the culinary virtuoso at the helm of Zenon, elevating your dining experience to celestial heights: Chef Lorenzo.

In the vibrant heart of Dubai, where the allure of ancient mythology harmonizes with the marvels of cutting-edge technology, stands Chef Lorenzo, who is no stranger to the bustling kitchens of the epicurean world. With an unwavering passion for crafting mouthwatering dishes and an innate talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, he has embarked on a gastronomic odyssey that has left diners across the globe yearning for more.

A natural leader, Chef Lorenzo not only commands the kitchen with precision but also immerses himself in every facet of the art of cooking. His culinary journey commenced in 2009 as a Commis in his homeland of Italy, where he honed his skills at a local Rimini restaurant. In 2012, he ventured to Orlando to join the esteemed Disney Cruise Line along the enchanting Caribbean shores. From there, he ascended the culinary ladder, leaving his indelible mark in kitchens worldwide.

From the vibrant culinary scene of London in 2012 to the exotic flavours of Istanbul in 2014, the tropical paradise of Bali in 2016, and the enchanting landscapes of Morocco in 2018, Chef Lorenzo has skillfully woven a tapestry of flavours, seamlessly melding cultures and reimagining culinary classics. Notably, at La Petite Maison in Istanbul, he began as a Sous Chef and rapidly ascended to the esteemed position of Head Chef, where his creative genius gave birth to menus that can only be described as culinary poetry.

In the heart of the bustling Marrakech Medina, Lorenzo assumed the role of Head Chef at La Mamounia Hotel, working under the guidance of the renowned multi-Michelin star chef, Jean George. It was in this esteemed restaurant that Chef Lorenzo’s gastronomic prowess reached its zenith, and his fervent passion for fusing the finest ingredients with innovative techniques truly came to fruition.

In the year 2020, Chef Lorenzo’s culinary journey led him to the bustling city of Dubai, where he embraced the role of Brand Executive Chef at LAMO Bistro del Mare. His tenure was marked by tireless kitchen management, the artful curation of menus, and an unwavering commitment to uncompromising quality and safety standards.

Today, he stands at the pinnacle of his illustrious career, holding the esteemed position of Executive Chef at Zenon, a restaurant that embodies opulence as much as it celebrates culinary innovation. Here, Chef Lorenzo crafts gastronomic wonders inspired by the Mediterranean, infused with exotic Asian flavours, and featuring the world’s most luxurious ingredients. The resulting menu is nothing short of ambrosial and reminiscent of the nectar of Olympus, promising an unforgettable sensory journey.

At Zenon, where ancient mythologies seamlessly meld with cutting-edge innovation, Chef Lorenzo’s ambition is to conjure epicurean magic. His mission is to continually push the boundaries of gastronomy, leaving diners with radiant smiles of satisfaction and awe-inspired wonder. As an unwaveringly passionate, tirelessly hardworking, and endlessly innovative gourmet maestro, he stands ready to embark on the next thrilling chapter of his culinary journey, one that promises to be as rich and tantalizing as the dishes he so masterfully creates.

Luxury fragrance house Boadicea the Victorious proudly announces the launch of its latest perfume, Defender, as part of the highly anticipated Defender Collection. Unveiled at the House of Karji in Abu Dhabi, the new fragrance captivated VIP guests, key officials, and influencers with its bold craftsmanship, powerful notes, and timeless inspiration.

Taking inspiration and identity from the legendary warrior queen Boadicea, Defender embodies strength, elegance, and rebellion. Crafted by renowned perfumer Kamila Lelakova, this extraordinary composition opens with invigorating top notes of ginger, grapefruit, and red fruits, followed by a rich heart of night-blooming jasmine and orange blossom.

The fragrance deepens with a base of musks, leather, and Peru balsam, creating a bold yet sophisticated olfactory experience. Patented CPL technology enhances the depth of these distinctive notes, ensuring a modern twist to this luxurious scent.

“Defender is designed for the individual who seeks a fragrance that resonates with inner strength and timeless elegance. It’s a sensory journey reflecting both historical reverence and modernity,” said Jeremy Taylor, Group Commercial Director of Boadicea the Victorious, during the event.

In line with Boadicea the Victorious’ brand heritage, the Defender collection continues the legacy of the brand’s namesake, Queen Boadicea, a symbol of rebellion and defiance. The fragrance captures the warrior queen’s fearless spirit, combining floral and leather accords with innovative leather fusion technology to evoke the essence of ancient armor and modern refinement.

Each bottle in the Defender collection is handcrafted by seventh-generation artisans in Birmingham, UK, adorned with intricate shields and made from ethically sourced materials. With this collection, Boadicea the Victorious also introduced fully recyclable packaging, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship.

At the launch event, attendees were treated to a unique sensory experience, with personalized product profiling sessions led by Jeremy Taylor and Zoe Higson, Group Head of Global Sales. Guests had the opportunity to sample Defender and participate in personalized engraving services, further deepening their connection to the fragrance.

The Defender perfume is now available in 100ml bottles and is set to become a staple for perfume enthusiasts seeking an expression of power and sophistication.

For more information on the Defender collection and its story, customers are invited to visit Boadicea the Victorious stockists for personalized consultations or visit https://boadiceaperfume.com.

The sixth edition of Future Food Forum 2024 was opened today by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, underlining the UAE’s pivotal role in the regional food sector and the Food Cluster Strategy in enhancing food security and sustainability through public-private collaboration.

The two-day event is organised by UAE Food & Beverage Business Group F&B Business Group (F&B Group) under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, focusing on the theme “Future Consumer, Future Government, and Future Food” in strategic partnership with the Dubai Chamber and features FoodTech Valley as an organising partner. Hosted at the Le Meridien Airport Hotel in Dubai, the event is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Food Hub and DP World. Future Food Forum has evolved into a platform driving policy and sector leadership in the UAE’s economy through innovation, sustainability, and emerging technology.

In his inaugural address, H.E. Al Marri emphasised the significance of the UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, which was launched at last year’s Forum. He said, “We have worked closely with the F&B Group and industry leaders to advance the clustering process. With more than 15 working sessions and 300 participants, over 20 actionable initiatives are currently in design, which include Made in the UAE Food, Agri-Science Universities, Ecosystem Data Sharing platforms, Value Chain Finance Programs, and Food Fraud and Shield Programs.”

He reaffirmed that these initiatives aim to increase the food sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP by US$10 billion and create 20,000 jobs by 2030, and said, “The UAE’s commitment to food security is evident from the fact that UAE has placed food security as a national priority, since the 2007 global food crisis. We are proud of our progress in domestic food production, with the aim of reducing food imports from 90% to 50% by mid-century,”

He further outlined the key pillars of the UAE’s food security, which is anchored in fostering innovation through world-class R&D and nurturing future food disruptors who will grow into global champions, as well as embedding sustainable practices across the food production value chain to ensure the protection of our environment for future generations.

H.E. Al Marri highlighted the growth potential of the GCC food and beverage sector, which is expected to hit US$128 billion by 2029, and urged the industry to harness this momentum to drive the UAE’s cluster strategy further. “In line with the UAE Food & Agricultural Transformation Strategy, we are well on track to increase food sector contribution to the GDP by US$10 billion and create more than 20,000 jobs. This growth should not remain a statistic—it represents livelihoods, opportunities, and a sustainable future for our country. Together, we can innovate for a sustainable tomorrow and ensure that the UAE remains a global leader in food security,” he concluded.

Food Cluster Strategy in Action: Building the Future of Food in the UAE

A high-level ministerial discussion on the Food Cluster strategy saw vital ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, convening to explore policy reforms, collaboration, and investment in the sector. The strategy emphasises the inclusion of a diverse range of stakeholders, including government authorities, industry leaders, universities, and research institutions. One of the central goals is to foster knowledge transfer, maximise the contributions of all players, and address industry challenges through innovative ideas and research and development (R&D).

The meeting focused on ongoing initiatives aimed at driving collaboration and innovation in the food sector. A key outcome was the proposed governing board for the food cluster to enable the effective execution of the food cluster strategy. This board will monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives, align the goals of the industry with national economic priorities, and play a critical role in integrating scientific research and innovation into the industry, ensuring that stakeholders are continuously engaged in developing new approaches. It emphasised the importance of creating a self-driven initiative led by the industry, with government facilitation, to ensure its long-term success and scalability.

Opening the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said, “The idea behind creating the clusters is to enable dialogues between all the stakeholders, including universities, scientists, research institutions and ministries, to ensure food security in the future. As an import-heavy country, we know that there are a number of things that we, as a key sector, can do to enhance food security and supply chain, increase export, protect our market and practical policies. These topics should be openly discussed between the stakeholders.”

The meeting also reviewed key trends and highlighted the F&B sector’s strong performance and future potential. In the previous year, the UAE saw a total volume of food imports amounting to US$23 billion, while food exports reached US$6.6 billion. During the first half of the year, the sector experienced a 20% growth in total trade. Food imports increased by 23%, and exports saw a 19% rise, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its food security and expanding its role in the global food trade industry.

UAE Foodverse Launches: A Virtual Ecosystem for Data and Partnerships

One of the key announcements as F&B Group Chairman Saleh Abdullah Lootah opened the event was the launch of the UAE Foodverse by the F&B Group. This innovative virtual platform aims to transform the nation’s food ecosystem by offering real-time data, fostering collaborations, and creating partnerships within the industry. The Foodverse will bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, enabling seamless information sharing and more strategic decision-making in the food sector.

“UAE Foodverse is a revolutionary metaverse platform designed to connect the global F&B industry virtually. As part of the UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, the Foodverse will foster collaboration, innovation, and trade within a virtual environment,” said Saleh Lootah. Some of the key features of the platform include educational modules to understand food security regulations and supply chain management, VR-based interactive workshops for training and product demonstrations, gamified experiences targeting the Gen-Z and future consumers, as well as a virtual marketplace for showcasing products, linking directly to e-commerce platforms, and streamlining operations from farm to fork.

Agenda Highlight:

The Future Food Forum 2024 features a dynamic agenda addressing critical topics in the food and beverage industry, tackling the GCC’s response to the global food crisis, with insights from industry leaders.

Further highlights include discussions on food security and climate change, with panels delving into innovative technologies and partnerships shaping the future of food production. The agenda also features sessions on empowering SMEs in the UAE’s F&B manufacturing industry, sustainability in value chains through packaging and circular economy practices, and the role of e-commerce innovations in transforming supply chains. These sessions bring together experts and leaders from across the GCC, offering insights and strategies to drive resilience, innovation, and collaboration in the evolving F&B landscape.

The event is supported by some of the biggest brands, including Agthia, Al Ghurair Foods, Al Ain Farms, IFFCO, Almarai, BRF, and Tetra Pak, as well as industry organisations such as IFPA.

Besides being a platform for sharing market insights and evolving themes, Future Food Forum once again features the ‘Free From Food Dubai’ exhibition, which returns this year, showcasing innovation in the free from, organic, vegan, functional and healthy ingredient food industries, and will be co-located under Forum.