Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Plans to visit Dubai for a vacation or see family members have shot up following a recent move by the United Kingdom to place UAE in its “amber list,” which means travel is now once again allowed.
Khaleej Times (KT), in a report, quoted Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates, as saying: “Since the UK’s announcement, we’ve seen a surge in queries from customers desperate to travel to see their families, planning their kids’ return for the new school term, as well as their postponed business or holiday travel.”
The report also cited metasearch engine and travel agency Skyscanner, which noted that searches for trips to Dubai have increased by a 287 per cent between August 2 and 9, compared to the previous week.
Kazim expressed hope that the UAE would further be moved to the UK’s green list soon, citing low numbers of coronavirus cases in the Gulf country augmented by “the extensive testing at Dubai International Airport, and the careful health and safety measures in place across the passenger journey”.
All passengers travelling to Dubai from the UK must hold a negative result certificate of a Covid-19 PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, the KT report stated.
Further: the UAE Embassy in the UK had announced, on Twitter, the following requirements for people planning to visit the UAE:
Present a negative result of a PCR test conducted 72 hours before their departure.
Register themselves in the Locator Form system.
Undergo quarantine for a period of 10 days.
PCR tests have to be done on the second and eighth day of the quarantine period.
Quarantine is not mandatory for travellers who have received both doses of Covid vaccine from the NHS in England, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the KT report said, adding that a PCR examination, however, has to be done on the second day for people in this category.
The UK recently moved the UAE, India, Bahrain and Qatar from the ‘red’ list of countries – from where travel is banned – to the ‘amber’ list, which means travellers from these countries will be allowed to travel to the UK effective, Sunday August 8. (Photo by Tawpee Comeso)
Writing is an art. And Dubai, with its galaxy of creative minds, has limitless shining stars, among them, Sushmita Bose.
Sushmita says the “ability to give expressions to thoughts, and flesh them out from a unique perspective while lending my own insights — all the while creating content that’s reader-friendly,” is what she loves about her work.
“Writing is a creative challenge, and you never really stop learning,” she tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.
Sushmita used to do a very popular Sunday column called “Single In The City” when she was in Delhi. The column was later compiled into a bestselling book.
“The brief (of the book) was: Navigating life alone as a woman in one of the ‘unsafest’ cities in the world,’” narrates Sushmita.
“The tone was light-hearted, but I learned so much every day simply by being more observant of situations and people I’d normally take for granted — because I had to use real-life touchpoints to generate content every week,” she said.
So how did it all began?
“I took up English Honours in college because I’d thought it would be the easiest subject to study. As it turned out, that wasn’t quite the case. But, I took comfort from the fact that Literature is always subjective, so there was no structured format to process it,” says Sushmita.
“I could interpret it in whatever way I wanted as long as I back my interpretations with valid observations and some sort of writing flair. I think that’s how I found my own ‘voice!’
“I enjoyed writing — and I think I was good at it if I go by what my teachers told me since I was a kid because it gave me a chance to faff. I once remember a teacher telling me that one of (my) Geography test papers had no substance (because, as usual, I hadn’t studied) but a lot of style,” she further said.
Sushmita took a test for trainee journalists at a news magazine after she got through college.
“I was absolutely sure I’d flunk big time. Weirdly enough, I got the job. After that I was too lazy to hone any other skills,” she said.
Having been in Dubai since 2008, Sushmita said it took some time for her to get used to the city, “mostly because I was missing Delhi hugely.”
“But then I grew to love it. Dubai is the easiest place in the world to feel at home, and it’s also a place that lets you be, as long as you are not breaking rules. I love it when you return to Dubai after a trip abroad, and an LED board at the airport carousel says ‘Welcome back home.’
“I’ve made some great friends here, and in many ways, I’ve unearthed unknown facets about myself because it’s a city that left me alone to contemplate whenever I wanted to,” Sushmita says.
And does she find Dubai expensive?
“It is an expensive city, but it’s not unaffordable. I think people make the mistake of assuming that nothing succeeds like excess here. Totally untrue. You can be most happy living a non-flamboyant life: explore the city, its depths, there’s something for everyone. Try taking a Dh1 ride on an abra instead of a yacht cruise, you’ll feel just as special,” Sushmita says.
Sushmita says friends, coffee, Netflix and a sense of humor keeps her going.
“I try and be with people who do not take themselves seriously,” she says.
Her life philosophy?
“Live and let live. Never take more than you can give. Be kind. Don’t judge.”
Effective tomorrow Sunday, Aug. 15, vaccinated travellers arriving in Abu Dhabi from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine; they will also be required to take a PCR test on day 6.
This, according to the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee, which has updated travel procedures for UAE citizens and residents as well as visitors entering Abu Dhabi from abroad, a Khaleej Times report stated.
According to the report, when arriving from non-green list destinations, travellers must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for seven days and take a PCR test on day 6.
The protocol applies to fully vaccinated UAE citizens and residents as well as visitors as documented on Alhosn app, the report said.
Unvaccinated citizens, residents and visitors arriving into Abu Dhabi from green list destinations must take a PCR test on arrival without the need to quarantine, and take a PCR test on days 6 and 9, it also stated.
When arriving from other destinations, they must take a PCR test on arrival, quarantine for 10 days and take another PCR test on day 9, said the report, citing the committee’s update.
Green List destinations are countries, regions and territories that people can travel from if planning a trip to Abu Dhabi. In the list, as of July 31, 2021 are
Sid Rivera grew up in a province back home in the Philippines and was only able to experience the big city life during college, where he successfully pursued a degree in hotel and restaurant management as a working student, and obtained his diploma a Dean’s Lister.
Fresh out of college at 20, Sid tried his luck in Dubai. It was 2016.
“I have just been in the city for a week when I got a job as a telco sales guy. I didn’t have the vaguest idea how to deal with people of different nationalities. I just knew I had to make a sale, promote the company’s services and products… and I did,” Sid tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.
“I have grown used to dealing with people, but Dubai was a bit at a different level and so I quickly adjusted to the work culture,” he said.
Sid then moved to a travel agency where he took on a bigger responsibility of marketing the company’s services. Today, Sid works as team coordinator at a real estate company.
The sense of camaraderie holds firm in Sid’s motto.
“When I got my first salary, I bought groceries and sent these to typhoon victims in the Philippines. It’s my way of giving back and it runs in my family,” said Sid.
“One of the most important things for me is to enjoy a good work-life balance. By doing so, I retain the energy and passion I need to give my hundred percent at work.
“The ability to choose from among a diverse range of tasks was one of the best features I was able to develop in my previous job. My organization worked closely with a variety of societies and charities. As a result, the list of tasks I received included project management, public relations, strategy, and marketing. Each project provided a different challenge. As well as learning a wide range of skills to help the company, I was able to approach each new task with a fresh mindset. This, in turn, increased my level of creativity,” said Sid.
Looking back, Sid said his has been a journey full of learnings, “a dance of life,” he said, that sometimes caused him to stumble when he was not looking, and rise up again, in a manner graciously like it didn’t happen.
Born in London, Ramla Shahid, works at a public relations company “that looks into providing the best possible work-life balance,” she says.
“They have recently introduced the 4.5-day week that aims to give us more time to spend with family and to focus on wellbeing, which I love,” Ramla tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.
Having been in Dubai for just the past three years, Ramla grew up and went to school in Abu Dhabi.
“I was previously living and studying in London and worked at Harrods London – a luxury retail store – as a project consultant,” she shares.
“I grew up and went to school in Abu Dhabi and then moved to London for university and studied my bachelor’s in Marketing & Advertising with Media,” Ramla said.
“I then carried on doing my masters in Luxury Brand Management and also an MBA. I moved back to Abu Dhabi to where my family was settled and started working. After that I moved to Dubai and started to peruse my career in PR,” she added.
Growing up in Abu Dhabi, Ramla is awestruck with Dubai’s diversity of cultures – more like the whole world in one expat city!
“The city’s diversity is unmatched. I have friends and colleagues from various countries and I keep learning about new cultures and traditions,” Ramla says.
“It is analogous to when you visit a new country as a tourist and learn about its culture and people, which you learn in Dubai as you live by – and it is just fascinating!
“All this is a result of a visionary Leadership, which has enabled an exceptional environment of tolerance for all nationalities, cultures and religions,” she said.
Dubai, Ramla further said, is a unique city in the sense that it has a lifestyle for people from every walks of life.
“If you want luxury and extravagance, you can find it here, as well as you can find budget restaurants and shopping in abundance. The best way to put it is that Dubai can be as expensive or affordable as you want it to be, and that’s what makes it such an attractive destination globally,” she said.
The people and their kindness as well as a sense of belonging keep Ramla going, she said, as she moves forward to explore more and continuing to learn, which is what her life philosophy is all about, she said.
Lisbon-born Vasco Joao Magalhaes Valenca de Sousa would rather “break on through to the other side,” as the late Jim Morrison would say, than stay banal.
“Facing the challenge of touching the unknown; the ‘never seen before’; the pleasure of creating ‘flavored emotions’ before they exist,” says Vasco, is what keeps him going.
And in a world veering toward veganism, ice cream man Vasco has just made things a bit more exciting, coming up with…(drum roll please)… vegan ice cream!
“I had a few friends who couldn’t taste my ice cream creations simply because they were intolerant to milk, or because they were vegans,” shares Vasco.
“One day, I came to a point of getting upset with myself for not being able to satisfy some of those friends, and the whole thing became a priority for me, almost like an obsession driven by my passion for ice cream! The Brooklyn Creamery offered me the chance to share those creations with the world,” he said.
And so, Vasco started his journey into vegan ice cream territory, taking off from the award-winning motivational speaker, Art Berg’s comments on life.
“As I normally say, ‘The impossible just takes a little longer.’ I kept creating and optimizing my recipes every day in a continuous improvement mode. That’s probably the reason why I am absolutely not afraid of being copied, because when that moment comes, I know I am already running an improved series of my own creations,” says Vasco.
“I kept making ‘flavor puzzles’ in my brain every day. Recipes build up in my head and I can taste them and preview my emotions before turning them into a practical thing in the lab,” he added.
Indeed, Vasco says he has become so obsessed, in a good way, with his own creations, and with the sustainability value of the vegan solutions, to the point that it suddenly was all about ice cream!
“Life is just like ice cream … to be enjoyed before melting,” he said when asked about his existential reason for being.
“I understand life as an experimental journey of happiness. We should build and develop our skills not because we have to, but because we love to; because it makes us happier. We should make a difference as a natural result of our obsession, of enjoying doing every little thing we do for a living,” says Vasco.
Vasco and Dubai
Vasco, who has been calling Dubai home for the last seven years, has travelled to Portugal, The Netherlands and Denmark. “In the past, I have also travelled often to most of the European countries, the Middle East, South America and China,” he says.
And how does he find Dubai, an expat city of people from over 250 countries?
“It’s an amazing place. I call it my innovation harbor (If you can dream Dubai … you can build Dubai) An experimental and inspirational city (always re-inventing itself). And, of course, it’s a great place to live – and in my case, to explore my ice cream passions!”
Vasco, who has been writing a book during his free time, says that if any, life is encapsulated in renowned American visionary and inventor, Richard Buckminster Fuller’s ageless quote: “There is no such thing as a failed experiment, only experiments with unexpected outcomes.”
“My best creations often come from small mistakes and from following unconventional routes. Many times, in that randomly erratic territory (pain), you find the answers (gain) to unsolved puzzles,” Vasco says.
His future plans? “To continue trying to make a difference.”
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Miral, Abu Dhabi’s leading curator of magnetic experiences, in partnership with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, has announced significant progress on the construction of SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, the next generation of marine life theme parks and Yas Island’s latest mega-development.
The marine-life park, which is set to feature the world’s largest and most expansive marine aquarium and the new Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center, is currently 64% complete, according to a report from Emirates News Agency (WAM), the government’s official media outlet.
On track for completion in 2022, recent major construction milestones include the completion of the primary steel erection and near finalisation of the envelope enclosure of the marine-life park. Additionally, the structure’s façade is currently in progress, as well as over 70% of the acrylic panels installed across the park.
SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, once complete, is set to be home to the world’s largest and most expansive marine-life aquarium, containing 25 million litres of water and housing more than 68,000 marine animals, including sharks, schools of fish, manta rays and sea turtles. A main focal view of the aquarium will present visitors with the “Endless Vista”, an impressive 20m tall vertical window across multiple levels revealing stunning aquatic scenes.
Building off SeaWorld’s extensive research and rescue expertise, the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center will act as an advanced knowledge hub focusing on indigenous Gulf and marine life ecosystems. The facility will be located adjacent to the aquarium and theme park, and will be the first dedicated marine research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the UAE. It will integrate with SeaWorld’s ongoing efforts related to research, rescue, conservation, and education. Accessible to visitors by reservation, the Research and Rescue Center will also demonstrate the work from resident scientists and researchers, enriching guests’ knowledge of aquatic animals, and offering tailored educational learning programs for both local and international schools and touring groups.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral said: “We are delighted to be partnering with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment in developing this next generation marine life park, that is set to feature the world’s largest marine aquarium and the UAE’s first dedicated research center to study and care for animals. This is another major addition to Yas Island’s existing immersive experiences and attractions, and a testament to achieving our vision of positioning the island as a top global tourism destination for residents and visitors alike.”
Visitors to SeaWorld Abu Dhabi will have the opportunity to interact with one of the most diverse populations of animals featured in any marine-life park, globally. The “Endless Ocean” themed aquarium encapsulates the expanse and scale of the marine display for guests and is one element featured within a unified “One Ocean” experience, interlinking six distinct realms throughout the marine-life park. The “One Ocean” narrative will augment the park’s ability to simulate the natural habitats of different species, living harmoniously as they would in the wild. Guests will be encouraged to explore these natural underwater environments via immersive storytelling techniques and the latest cutting-edge technologies, further deepening an appreciation and understanding of ocean life.
Marc Swanson, CEO of SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, said: “We are honored to partner with Miral to bring SeaWorld’s unforgettable guest experiences and our important mission to Yas Island and the region. SeaWorld Abu Dhabi joins our North American parks in our mission and commitment to conservation efforts worldwide. We have hundreds of professionals focused on animal care, rescue and rehabilitation, conservation education, habitat protection, and species research and we are excited to see the Yas SeaWorld Research and Rescue Center further expand SeaWorld’s positive global impact with the vitally important marine life conservation efforts in the region.”
Spanning the floor area of 183,000 square meters (m2), across five indoor levels, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi’s design leverages SeaWorld’s more than 55 years of experience in marine research, conservation, and animal welfare. (WAM photos)
Indeed! At 24, Brazilian entrepreneur Sara Soares is way ahead of her time and there’s just no stopping her.
A seasoned market analyst, who also is brand advisor to international companies, while at same time having investments in Dubai’s real property and sitting on the board of an ethical mining company, Sara, it seems, never gets her hands full.
She recently came up with a latest venture that’s close to her heart, something that strays a bit away from the daily grind and adding flavor instead to Dubai’s eclectic dining scene: Holly Organico, a vegan paradise.
“I became plant-based about two years ago. It was a real life-changing experience that helped not only my body, but mind and soul as well,” Sara tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.
A globetrotter, Sara one day decided to use her keen interest in food and bring Brazilian flavor to Dubai, offering not only vegan delicacies but as well, specialties from her home country.
“I have been traveling extensively across the globe to study and know more about different food cultures and choices, thinking of how to bring these new ideas to my business,” says Sara.
“All my travel inspires me to create a truly interesting menu for the restaurant, bringing in concepts from other countries so that I could offer vegan choices to all nationalities,” she added.
The culinary fusion, which expat city Dubai has never had a shortage of, was just perfect. The dining concept, waiting to be explored. All it took was a thought cloud up Sara’s mind saying, “It’s finally here!”
Vegan thoughts
Veganism, Sara says, came at a time when people were waking up to a new eco-friendly, health lifestyle.
“With our new reality unfolding around the world, many people are changing their food consumption patterns. Health, sustainability, respect for animals and the environment have become a priority in everything we do and how we live our lives,” Sara said.
Market trends support veganism, with about 70 percent of the population looking for ways to improve their diets through reduced meat consumption.
“It’s clear that when more people join the cause, industries and businesses follow. What was previously a minority has now become millions of people around the world turning towards healthy eating and veganism. The vegan revolution is already a reality and it is advancing every day to improve the lives of consumers around the world,” said Sara.
Popular hang-out
Dubai, a gastronomic trend setter where, as Sara puts it, “all the world comes and goes through 24 hours a day,” now has a growing number of vegan restaurants. “But,” she stressed, “Holly Organico offers great variety, constantly experimenting to deliver unique sweet and savory food.”
Holly Organico opened in February this year. Sara said the feedback on the diversified menu has been “very encouraging and positive.”
“Our restaurant has in-house dinning, catering and frozen options. It is geared to serve many types of customers and events.
“The indoor ambience is very serene as we have incorporated precious stone collections to bring good energy and vibe. Holly Organico has become quite a popular hang-out spot for customers on Al Wasl Road,” she said
Brazilian magic
Flavorsome spices and mouthwatering aromas comprise the magic of Brazilian culinary wonders that spread happiness to mealtimes!
“We always use fresh ingredients and lovingly create many different combinations of these to bring you dishes that are both healthy and delicious. We have a ‘Dish of the Day’ that is a specially selected ‘showstopper’ of our popular menu, made fresh and prepared to perfection!” Sara says.
“Don’t even get me started on our finger food! The empanadas and savory are always being restocked in the kitchen and these hardly stay on the shelf. All our butters, cheeses and spreads are homemade, the Nutella is a restaurant favorite. We also make vegan cakes from the best vegan ingredients, often using dates to sweeten our gluten free options for the cakes or savories.
“They say that the best way to know the history of a place is through the types of food it offers! Take the opportunity to explore typical Brazilian delicacies in our restaurant,” Sara said.
Hobby
Despite all these activities, Sara still finds time for model shoots – but more as a hobby.
“I enjoy being able to reinvent myself as a model and change the way I look to create different personas and characters. The creative process and variety are what I enjoy the most.
“On the outside, it seems like a luxury lifestyle choice. But in reality, a lot of hard work goes into each shoot and this requires dedication and good time management,” she shared.
At 24, Sara’s journey presses on. “I have had solid professional help to achieve my objectives and establish my business successfully,” she said.
“It’s not an easy road to embark on, but hard work, passion and devotion can take you to any place you aspire to be in,” Sara added.
Dubai, UAE: Revealing an exclusive UAE Residents Offer, The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC invites guests to spend the long-weekend in style to celebrate Islamic New Year.
In time for the anticipated holiday, the hotel offers a getaway closer to home, providing exceptional savings of 30% at any of its spacious room that overlook the ever-buzzing neighborhood – Downtown Dubai.
Additionally, the offer also includes daily breakfast, as well as an option of either lunch or dinner for two adults and two children. Feast at the award winning Café Belge that encapsulates the spirit of a 1920s European café. Indulge in fresh seafood and beloved Belgian dishes, all crafted with the finest ingredients along with a selection of Belgium’s finest beers.
Take a break from the stresses of everyday living and enjoy a dip in the lavish indoor or outdoor pool or amp up your fitness regime at the hotel’s state-of-the-art gymnasium. With close proximity to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the world’s largest mall, Dubai Mall – there truly is something to keep the entire family entertained.
The UAE Resident’s Offer gives guests the opportunity to escape their usual routine and embark on the ultimate getaway at one of Dubai’s most luxurious hotels.
Dubai, UAE: The United Arab Emirates has flown 100,000 Covid-19 vaccines to the Manila yesterday, Thursday as the Philippines scrambles to contain a spike in coronavirus cases to a four-month high at over the 12,000-mark for two consecutive days due to the Delta variant.
The Philippines, in an apparent effort to address concerns posed by the Delta variant, has announced it will extend a ban on travelers from India and nine other countries, including the UAE, to the end of August.
The travel ban was first imposed on April 27 and has been extended several times. It has been expanded to also include Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Oman, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.
President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation of the coronavirus task force to extend the travel restrictions from August 16 to August 31, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
Home to approximately 13 million people, the Philippine national capital region, which covers 16 cities, including the capital city of Manila, has remained under a strict lockdown to contain the spread of Delta, as the government speeds up its vaccination drive. Some 29,500 people have died in the Philippines due to the coronavirus.
Meantime, as part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to support countries in containing the coronavirus pandemic, an aircraft has been dispatched, which arrived in the Philippines’ capital of Manila yesterday, carrying medical supplies, including 100,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses.
Khaled Al Hajri, Chargé d’Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Manila, said that this step aligns with the UAE leadership’s keenness to support efforts made by authorities in the Philippines to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He noted that the Philippines was among the first countries to receive medical aid from the UAE, wherein the UAE sent an aircraft carrying 7.3 metric tons of medical supplies in April 2020.
Al Hajri highlighted the deep ties between the UAE and the Philippines, which span several decades. There are approximately one million Filipinos in the UAE, with about 500,000 working or living in Dubai.
Since the pandemic’s onset, the UAE has provided more than 2,250 metric tons of aid to more than 136 countries.
