Betcy Thomas, Marketing Manager at Just Vegan, the first vegan fine-dining restaurant to open in Dubai, shares insights about this new trend.

Dubai Vibes Magazine: First vegan fine-dining restaurant in dubai… How excited are you about it?   

Betcy Thomas: Veganism has witnessed a “plant-based revolution” in 2019 and is an ongoing top trend prediction for 2020. Just Vegan Restaurant in Dubai has announced to open its doors at Jumeirah and launching 10 physical locations by 2021, launching 5 Branches within April-May 2021.

Meat-free food is becoming more and more established and the demand from consumers is growing. This is also noticeable in restaurants, which have constantly developed their range of products in this respect in recent years. We want to make Vegan food widely accessible to people reach at an affordable price with wide range of Plant-Based dishes.  

Chef Suresh, Cluster Head Chef at Just Vegan has a simple food philosophy: to create contemporary seasonal dishes using fresh and sustainable produce, locally grown where possible. He takes inspiration from food and cultural trends. With the rise of veganism in recent years, we are delighted to be able to launch a menu completely free of animal products. 

DVM: How/Why did you come about with the idea?

BT: The idea and concept of Just Vegan started back in 2017, over a simple discussion between friends about the future of food. The conversation started about the future of food, has now become the reality, Just Vegan.

The founders have successfully ventured around the globe, spanning from the Middle East, USA, UK, South East Asia and is headquatered in New York, USA. 

Whether you’ve gone vegan for January – or forever – or have simply vowed to consume less meat, eating out needn’t mean missing out. Indeed, it can be a valuable source of inspiration, especially for those who have only recently embraced a non-meat-based diet. And if you’re more flexitarian in your approach, Just Vegan restaurants serve flavorful plant-based meal at affordable price.  

DVM:  Could you describe veganism as being the trend these days?

BT: Veganism, a lifestyle espoused to cease the use of animal products, particularly in diet, namely dairy, meat and poultry. Veganism is not just a habit but has also become a trend towards healthy living, as more and more people are learning about the damage it is causing to the environment and animal species. The rationale of veganism is to stop stressing, exploiting and taking animal’s life to an end of their species. It is a philosophy based on Ahimsa. Though the concept of Ahimsa originated in India, the term ‘vegan’ was coined by Donald Watson in 1940 by taking the first three letters and the last two letters of the word vegetarian. Awareness regarding food being the major cause of health or disease is on the rise. People are also becoming aware of their carbon and water footprint. Health is the Way ahead.

According to a fictional story, the elephant was appointed as the prime minister of the jungle due to his patience and calm nature. He was also available to help his colleagues of the jungle with his heavy energetic huge body and caring nature. An elephant is an animal who sustains on plants, grass, trees for food which makes him so healthy, energetic, respected and someone who’s looked upon. 

This may give us great virtuous precedent of growing into a vegan future.

Although meat, dairy and poultry provide us protein and calories, their consumption has now become a bit dangerous, as eggs are being injected for protein to develop faster, milk is made by using lab-based chemicals and hormones, cows, buffalo’s and other animals are kept as a breeding machine to bring forth their species. They are tied up in large factories and with the help of machines, their milk is extracted in large quantities. Therefore, in reality, the dairy industry is known to be not so white as presented.

Alongside cows and buffalos, many other animals are being shot down to make clothes, handbags, wallets, shoes, jewels, etc. Animals are treated to an extreme level of brutal advantage due to which the population of some animals is existing in the jungle, whereas the domestic ones are treated barbarically to make some or the other products.

The two hottest topics of 2020: the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. The one surefire way to help prevent another pandemic and help address the ongoing climate apocalypse is to go vegan. This year has seen a huge spike in interest in vegan foods, and 2021 will undoubtedly see an even bigger upward trend.

It’s been a year we have been quarantined due to this horrific pandemic corona-virus (covid19) which is stated to be a bat prone virus. Whether it’s grown in the market or made in the laboratory for medicinal purposes, this sets a cruel example of animal exploitation.

COVID-19 is known to lower the power of our immune system so that the person is not left capable of fighting respiratory disease. Vegan food habits and practices have been found beneficial in this difficult and crucial time of a pandemic. Vegan diet includes fresh fruits, seeds and vegetables which contain nutrients and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals, which makes our immune system strong and healthy. Correct and balanced vegan diet is also statistically considered to make us leaner and much less prone to obesity than the general population.

DVM: How ready, do you think, is Dubai for vegan meals?

BT: In Dubai, you do not have to explain now a days what vegan means. Everybody understands what being vegetarian entails and lately also what veganism is. In Dubai, one can now find a lot of vegan food in mainstream super markets,  plant-based milks, vegan burgers and schnitzels, vegan ice cream, in regular frozen sections. After all, by adding so many physical locations of Just Vegan, UAE will be one best places in the world where you can enjoy the great vegan food at the affordable price.

Dubai, UAE: Four night stay in the Seychelles with attractive fares starting from $343 (AED 1,259) in Economy and $1040 (AED 3,819) in Business Class.

Flights operating from Dubai International Airport Terminal 3 on Tuesday, 11 May returning from Seychelles on Saturday, 15 May, 2021. 

Air Seychelles has today announced that the airline will operate an additional flight between Dubai and Seychelles over the upcoming Eid holidays, to provide travellers planning a last-minute escape to a nearby destination the opportunity to visit the Seychelles.

Offering the best deals on Economy and Business class tickets with fares starting as low as $343 (AED1,259), the flight already on sale, is available for booking via www.airseychelles.com.

With Seychelles being a visa-free destination for all nationalities, travellers are allowed to enter regardless of vaccination status.  All travellers must carry a negative PCR test certificate taken 72 hours prior to departure and complete the mandatory Health Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com for entry approval into the country.

With the no quarantine requirements upon arrival and ease of movement, visitors can roam free within the Seychelles exploring the exciting spots and wide choice of activities the island has to offer.

The flight schedule from Dubai to Seychelles are as follows:

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, was established in 1978 and began long-haul service in 1983. As the main driver of tourism in Seychelles, it is a core pillar of the national economy. The airline offers international flights to Johannesburg, Mauritius, Mumbai and Tel Aviv as well as charter services on demand. 

On its domestic network, Air Seychelles operates daily domestic flights between Mahe and Praslin as well as charter services throughout the archipelago. In 2020, Air Seychelles won the most coveted title of ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline’ at the World Travel Awards. The full service carrier was also recognized as ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Cabin Crew ’at World Travel Awards Indian Ocean Winners Day.

Dubai, UAE: Fine-dining restaurant Wakame, is delighted to announce the appointment of Ricardo R. Bojador as new Executive Chef. 

Born in the Philippines, Chef Bojador started his culinary career as a sushi chef in Manila. Since then, he has spent 15 years in the UAE, climbing his way through the ranks of some of Dubai’s most prominent restaurants. 

These include KIKU Restaurant in Le Meridien, Honyaki Sushi Restaurant in the Madinat Jumeirah, and China Grill Restaurant in the Westin Hotel. Most recently, Bojador was Executive Chef at the Katsuya by Stark Japanese Restaurant, which won the ‘2018 BBC Good Food Award for Best Japanese Restaurant.’

“I’m very happy to join Wakame,” says Chef Ricardo Bojador. “One of the main reasons I decided to become a chef, was watching my Mother and Grandmother in the kitchen at home. Family has always been my main inspiration, and I’m thrilled to be joining a family-run, family-owned restaurant that has earned its reputation as one of the best Asian restaurants in the UAE. What’s more, my philosophy on keeping things simple and focusing on flavour, aligns perfectly with Wakame’s innovative take on traditional Asian cuisine.”  

Chef Bojador’s impressive culinary experience over the years as a Chef de Partie, Sushi Chef, Sous Chef, and Executive Chef, means he fully understands what it takes to keep a restaurant running smoothly and to provide exceptional customer service. As Executive Chef at Wakame, his responsibilities will be overseeing the kitchen’s daily activities, training and mentoring the kitchen team, and creating and refining unique dishes for the restaurant menu. 

Bojador will also be taking on the role as Executive Chef for Wakame’s sister brand Kawai, which specializes in innovative Asian-inspired street food. He will be overseeing the newly-opened restaurant in Dibba Fujairah and the food truck in Sharjah. 

“We welcome Chef Bojador with his vast experience in contemporary Asian food,” says Alawi Al Braik, owner of Wakame Restaurant. “He brings with him an incredible mixture of experience and creativity with flavours – everything the Wakame brand prides itself on. Our customers are going to love what he crafts.”

Located in the Sofitel Hotel in Downtown Dubai, Wakame offers diners a fine-dining experience that specializes in innovative Asian cuisine. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and also provides private catering, culinary master classes and delivery options. It is a family-run restaurant and is owned by Emirati entrepreneur and owner of Al Braik Investments, Alawi Al Braik. 

To learn more about Wakame, visit www.wakame.ae or follow us on Instagram @Wakamedubai

Dubai, UAE: As Swiss International School Dubai continues welcoming new global pupils and cementing its reputation as one of the city’s top IB schools, it is further bolstering its staff with the appointment of Rania Hussein as new Deputy Head. 

Rania joins the leading International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum school from GEMS World Academy, itself a leading IB school, where she most recently served as Head of Senior School. 

Educated in Saudi Arabia, Canada and the UK, bilingual educator Rania is herself an IB graduate and an expert in the specialized curriculum. She serves as an Examiner for English Language and Literature with the International Baccalaureate organization. 

Rania has worked within the IB Programme for the entirety of her teaching career, shaped by her own international upbringing and experiences. After attending several international schools in the Middle East, where she studied as an IB student herself, Rania graduated with Honors in Mass Communication and Media Studies from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.

Upon completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at the UK’s University of Sunderland, she begun a highly focused and successful teaching career as Head of Year and Head of House at the British International School of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, simultaneously teaching the IB Diploma Programme and IGCSE.

Today, Rania is viewed as an industry expert. During her tenure at GEMS World Academy, under her leadership, the IB Diploma Programme outcomes grew from 29 to 37 points – and the pass rate from 67% to 100%. 

Rania was also the IB Diploma Programme network leader for GEMS and oversaw the successful progress, growth and development of other IB schools within the network.

The new Deputy says: “I am extremely excited and proud to have been selected as the next Deputy Head of SISD. The school is one that I have admired from afar, especially with its focus on internationalism and nurturing global citizens. As an IB graduate and bilingual speaker myself, I know first-hand the tremendous benefits that bilingualism within the context of the IB can bring to a student’s education. 

“My passion and focus is on the delivery of high-quality teaching, and offering every student a pathway that allows for them to grow personally and academically. I have spent the entirety of my career in IB schools, so it is a great privilege to join a school that embodies the IB ethos and learner profile so completely. 

“I cannot wait to join what is already a thriving community at the SISD and will work hard to be an integral part of the school’s journey to excellence.”

Ruth Burke, recently appointed new School Principal and CEO from August, adds: “After an extensive talent search, Rania will join SISD as Deputy, and together we are looking forward to maximizing the benefits of bilingualism in our unique IB school, discovering and nurturing the talents of all of our students and further developing the vibrant and happy school that is SISD.”

Ruth and Rania’s commitment to teaching, deep understanding of the global IB community and professionalism underline the Swiss International School Dubai’s unwavering commitment to providing a unique learning environment for successful future global citizens, delivered by world-class educators. 

Rania is a mother of two. Her husband David was also an international student, and is currently a Head of School in Dubai.

Outgoing Deputy Head, Luke Osborne, is leaving to take on a role as School Principal at the International School of Ulm/Neu-Ulm, Germany.

Global in outlook, bilingual in approach, Swiss in culture, and yet firmly rooted in the local community of Dubai – that’s Swiss International School in Dubai, or SISD.

The Swiss International Scientific School in Dubai (SISD), Dubai’s first bilingual International Baccalaureate School, opened in 2015.

The school is a leading international day and boarding school where future generations are inspired to become confident and enthusiastic lifelong learners, properly prepared to embrace all the opportunities and challenges life presents.

With a diverse student body of 1200 pupils comprising more than 70 different nationalities, the school believes the next generation of international citizens will need to be dynamic, flexible and linguistically ambitious

By Joshua Trias 

Dubai, UAE: Everybody’s upbeat about this international city’s dining scene these days as activities gather steam and more restaurants slowly return to normal operations in accordance with strict government guidelines to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

One such person is Engr. Bharat Naidu, who just recently ventured from the real estate/construction sector to food and beverage, having acquired the popular bar, Miss Wang on Level P1 of the Majestic City Retreat Hotel along Al Mankhool Rd.

“I acquired the business in the first quarter of 2021. Needless to say, 2020 has been devastating for the hospitality industry, globally. But 2021 will definitely be the game-changer,” said a really optimistic Naidu.

Naidu said he has always been a food and beverage enthusiast. 

“In all my travels across the globe, I have always been impressed with the diverse food on offer, although I do have a special place for Pan- Asian cuisine. So, when I came across the opportunity to engage with Miss Wang, it was love at first sight! This is my first food and beverage venture and most definitely won’t be the last,” said Naidu. 

Naidu said running Miss Wang is a “challenging task.”

“But, I’m absolutely loving it,” he said.

“The pandemic,” Naidu added, “has created new norms, which limit your reach unlike in the past for a metropolitan city like Dubai. The consumers have become price-sensitive due to the Covid-influenced austerity measures, which in turn compromises the turnovers. But this is expected to elevate. 

“The slack period helps me analyze the business better and prepare for the busy period. I may still be learning the ropes but I have a dynamic team supporting me to achieve the goals,” he said. 

Doing business in Dubai is awesome, Naidu said, who has been in the city for the past 12 years. 

“It’s a land of opportunities. The infrastructure of the country is absolutely terrific, thus will always be the destination of choice for people to travel post the pandemic era. 

“The spectrum of learning from various nationalities and cultures are very broad and local laws are always encouraging for people trying to establish themselves as entrepreneurs. I think the visionary leaders of the country have been truly passionate in making Dubai the best place to live and I for one am here to realize that dream,” he said. 

Naidu, who holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Karnataka University in India, is heir to a family business that his late father started from scratch. He had been into human resource consultancy and on to real estate and construction.   

Dubai, UAE: Dubai resident, Bassem hit it big in Saturday’s Mahzooz weekly draw and walked away with AED 1,000,000. The 67-year-old Lebanese expat was the only participant to match five out of six numbers to win the second prize and became Mahzooz’s fifth millionaire of 2021. 

Bassem has also become the second Lebanese millionaire this year after his fellow citizen Abu Ali grabbed the AED 1,000,000 second prize in the 10th live weekly Mahzooz draw on 31 January.

Bassem has been a long-time Mahzooz participant, originally learning about the draw from a friend.

“I’ve been participating from the very beginning,” said Bassem. “I even have a set routine for how I check my numbers. I wake up, get to my office, have a coffee, and then go to the Mahzooz site to see the numbers.”

The draw proved anything but routine.

“I checked my numbers and was in shock. I was thrilled when I saw that I had won a million dirhams. It’s my first time ever winning.”

Bassem is a businessman and a long-time resident of the UAE where he lives with his wife and three children.

“I came to the UAE in 1976 when I was 21,” said Bassem. “The last year though has been difficult for my company because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, with this money, I’ll be able to turn things around.”

With his family and business as clear priorities, Bassem knows exactly what to do with his lucky winnings.

“I have some debts I need to take care of, I will give some money to my children and I will help my brother and sister out with their finances,” said Bassem.

Despite his big win, Bassem has no plans of slowing down.

“I will continue participating and aim to win the 50 million next,” he added. “My wife used to tell me that I’m not lucky, but I have always believed that as long as your name is there, you have a chance to win. If your name is not there, you will never get lucky.”

To date, Mahzooz has made five millionaires and continues to make people’s dreams come true while giving back to the community.

For those who missed out on the recent live draw, entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via www.mahzooz.ae and purchasing Al Emarat bottles of water. Each bottle of water purchased. (for AED 35) provides eligibility for one line in the draw and the donation is channelled through Mahzooz’s community partners to hydrate those in need.

For more information on Mahzooz, prizes, winners, rules, terms and conditions, eligibility and to enter the coming Mahzooz draw, please visit www.mahzooz.ae or follow @MyMahzooz on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.