There’s plenty to keep you busy around the country this weekend…
The countdown to the weekend is officially on. There is much to do and celebrate in honour of The Holy Month - from cultural excursions to beautiful suhoors - as well as essential shows to see, books to read and online shops to surf. For a weekend of refinement and reflection, dive in...
Self-love has become 2019's mantra - and one of the best ways to clock off, unplug and unwind is with a beautiful book that takes your imagination to another plane. This month, let Barbie lead your escapism, with Maison Assouline's new coffee table tome, Barbie: 60 Years of Inspiration, and enter into her fictional-meets-3D world. Charting Barbie's impact on cultural trends and illustrating her message of female empowerment whilst mirroring the evolution of modern culture, it will take you on a visual adventure through history seen through the eyes of one of the world's most iconic faces.
Turn up the heat to cool you down - the perfect self-indulgent oxymoron. The Away Spa at the W Dubai - The Palm is one of our favourite places to retreat to when downtime beckons, and with its offer of 2-for-1 on all massages for UAE residents until August 31, no other reason is required. From traditional hammams to Steamy Daze - the perfect post-workout treatment with a 30-minute mud and steam treatment, massage and vitamin-packed facial - this is one way to see out the long, hot summer.
Pop-art culture vultures take note - Luca Valentini's latest exhibition, Turn on the Light, at Sconci Art Gallery in DIFC, is one to add to your must-see list. His fascination with art, colour and social issues translate into both vivid reinterpretations of newspaper covers, movie posters and advertisements, as well as a collection inspired by Luca's origins that place the theme of social acceptance at the centre of his work. The exhibition is eye-popping, humorous and thought-provoking - everything we like in art.
Where to bed down when the mercury is soaring but you've got a weekend to while away? The Abu Dhabi Edition is one of the UAE's hottest staycay destinations since its opening in November, a hotel that's made even more attractive by its waterfront oasis setting, innovative design by Ian Schrager, and three standout restaurants from British culinary guru, Tom Aikens. The Royal Penthouse has to be your chosen bolthole, while the Annex will serve up your perfect after-dark hotspot. Trust us, this will be a weekend away you won't forget.
For those who like to online shop from your sofa, we can add another bookmark to your browser. D3 restaurant and concept boutique, The Lighthouse, has just launched its e-comm platform, Thelighthouse.ae, which means all the cool, kitsch and unique pieces you find at the bricks and mortar store, can now wing their way to you without you having to lift much more than a finger. Featuring a curated edit of 28 brands, including lifestyle, art and gift items from tableware to books to beauty, this is one easy Eid-gifting win for its cult followers.
