In skincare, we often succumb to the ‘more is better, more is effective’ theory, especially when it starts to show results. Applying high concentrations of retinol, making chemical peels work a double-shift week, and layering acids like there’s no tomorrow, all in the hopes of achieving that instantly gratifying glow. The truth is that it’s easy to get swayed and overdose on more than what is required, resulting in counterintuitive results. So, can the clichéd ‘less is more’ approach be more effective? The concept of microdosing thinks so.

Rein in your imagination. Hold your horses. This version of microdosing won’t have you playing Walter White with your skincare formulations. Drawing inspiration from its in-clinic counterpart, such as baby botox and mesotherapy, microdosing in skincare involves introducing very small, measured amounts of active ingredients into your routine. “It applies especially to those ingredients that are known to irritate when used in higher concentrations,” says Dr Parul Thakur, specialist dermatologist and co-founder, Athena Dermatology Clinic, Dubai.

According to Dr Manasi Shirolikar, consultant dermatologist and founder, drmanasiskin.com, when done consistently, microdosing allows the skin to gradually acclimate to potent actives, minimising irritation, all while delivering cumulative results. “Think of it as a slow and steady approach to potent skincare ideal for sensitive skin or those just starting with actives,” she says. “The purpose is to provide the advantages of full doses with fewer side effects.”

The benefits of microdosing

As you’re introducing small amounts of a potent ingredient to your skin, microdosing is known to reduce the risk of irritation, dryness, or redness often associated with those actives. “It reduces barrier disruption, especially with sensitising ingredients like retinoids or exfoliating acids,” says Shirolikar.

Experts also highlight the benefits of microdosing, noting that it…

A familiar warmth, an echoing voice and eyes heavy with bliss. Dressed in a black and gold Jean-Louis Sabaji gown, this is how Nancy Ajram received her audience at London’s Royal Albert Hall this weekend, returning to the historic venue more than two decades since her debut performance there. Offering a shared nostalgia, she enchanted the audience with classic melodies from her repertoire — from Ah W Noss and Lawn Ouyounak to a transcendent rendition of Inta Eyh – leaving audiences swaying and singing long after her final note. For many, the evening served as a reminder of a bygone era – both celebratory and deeply personal. The Lebanese artist also delighted her audience with a selection of her latest songs, showcasing her evolving musical journey. As a testament to the artist’s enduring resonance, the hall assembled a multinational crowd, uniting generations of the Arab diaspora alongside international attendees, many who had travelled from afar.

Throughout the night, Ajram’s connection with her audience was palpable. Following a supporting act by artist Mishaal Tamer – whose contemporary sound reveals the evolving landscape of Arab music – her nuanced vocals and magnetic stage presence ignited fans without pause. Some of them even joined her on stage. With very few people remaining seated throughout the evening, the experience became a memorable display of cultural revelry.

Since its opening in 1871, the Royal Albert Hall has played host to the world’s most revered performers, from Maria Callas to Abdel Halim Hafez. Its resonant acoustics and architectural grandeur have made it a rite of passage for many artists. In 2004, Ajram’s performance at the venue became a marker of the genre’s evolution, blending traditional Arabic melodies with contemporary pop elements. Her youthful energy and contemporary sound introduced a vibrant narrative to the historic venue, showcasing the dynamism of Arab music in the 21st century.

Specialising in family medicine, aesthetics and anti-ageing, Dr Cheaito holds over six years of experience in her field. Her focus is the treatment of medical skin conditions, coupled with individualizedtreatment plans and innovative technologies for impeccable results. The Canadian board certified professional is currently practicing at Dubai’s Seline Clinic.

Is there a perfect age for Botox?

There’s no magic age for starting Botox —  it really depends on the individual and their skin. Some people choose to begin in their mid-to-late 20s or early 30s as a way to prevent lines forming in the first place, especially if they’re very expressive or have fine lines starting to stick around. Others wait until lines are more visible before exploring treatment. It’s more about the condition of your skin than your actual age. A good practitioner will always look at movement, not just your date of birth.

What are the key benefits you have personally witnessed of Botox use?

One of the biggest benefits is how fresh and rested it can make someone look without changing their features. Botox smooths out expression lines, particularly around the eyes and forehead, which can soften a tired or stressed appearance. It’s also amazing for boosting confidence — people often feel like they look more like themselves again. Done well, it can be incredibly subtle and just gives that fresh, polished look.

Botox is also being used more for the lower face and neck. A Botox neck lift (sometimes called the “Nefertiti lift”) can help relax tight neck bands, subtly lift the jawline, and create a more defined, youthful silhouette without surgery. But it’s not just about aesthetics. Botox can also help with medical concerns like bruxism (teeth grinding), chronic migraines, and even excessive sweating. For some patients, it’s been life-changing – helping ease jaw pain, reduce headache frequency, or give them confidence to wear certain clothes again without worrying about sweat…

Pilates has been having a major moment in the fitness and wellness industry, so much so, that it could arguably be the workout of 2025. What was once a workout that was used mainly for rehabilitative purposes — its founder, Joseph Pilates, came up with the exercises as a way to rehabilitate injured war prisoners during World War I — has now acquired a mass following, with celebrities like Meghan Markle, Lori Harvey, Adele and Hailey Bieber swearing by it.

The functional, low-impact workout is a type of strength training in which you perform a series of repetitive movements — with or without equipment — that improve posture, balance and core strength, stabilise joints, increase muscle endurance and encourage mindfulness. And right now, it is dominating social media.

A search for ‘Pilates’ on TikTok yields over 400 million results. No doubt you will have seen the viral videos of male bodybuilders wincing as they try a reformer Pilates class for the first time, or the morning routines of self-named ‘Pilates princesses,’ a trend of Gen-Z and millennial women who have made Pilates not only a lifestyle, but an aesthetic too.

Picture Stanley Cup-wielding, tote-carrying women dressed in matching Lulu Lemon sets, going to their semi-weekly Pilates class where they perform mermaids, clams and The Hundred like synchronized swimmers, before grabbing an iced matcha on their way out of the studio.

“Pilates princess describes a lifestyle of self-care focusing on Pilates — in other words, a combination of fitness, wellness and luxurious way of living,” explains Maryliz Phillips, studio manager of Sol Pilates in Dubai. “The concept of a ‘soft life’ seems to also be attached to the term of ‘Pilates princess’ where it refers to a lifestyle that prioritizes ease, relaxation and minimal stress.”

Pilates has been around for over a century, so why the recent obsession?

“Pilates gives people what they’re actually missing: presence,” say Elvina…

Day after day, our hair endures an invisible battle — exposed to a constant stream of stressors, from the blazing sun and rising humidity to pollution, dyes, and harsh chemical treatments. And perhaps the most intense of all: the daily heat styling rituals. Straighteners and blow dryers have become beauty essentials, often climbing to very high temperatures, leaving strands weakened, dull, and desperately in need of care.

In the Arab world, we often say, “Your hair is your crown.” And rightly so. It’s no wonder that the quest for radiant, healthy hair is a journey so many of us take to heart. Whether you’ve tried every trending TikTok hack, sworn by ancestral remedies passed down through generations or made endless salon visits in pursuit of the perfect shine, there comes a point when clarity is key. Now, we turn to the true authorities in hair care: Maria Dowling, the founder of the multi-award-winning mariadowling salon in Dubai, and Negin Mirsalehi, entrepreneur and beauty industry thought leader, whose brand Gisou blends her family’s beekeeping heritage with modern innovation. These expert tips promise to cut through the noise and guide you toward the mane you deserve.

Protect against frizz, heat & UV damage

Summer humidity and sun exposure can leave hair frizzy, dry and prone to damage. Look for products that offer humidity and frizz control, heat protection (up to 230°C/450°F), and antioxidant ingredients like Vitamin E to help shield hair from UV rays. These help prevent dryness, brittleness, and color fading caused by environmental stressors.

Use a nourishing hair mask weekly

Using a hydrating hair mask once or twice a week helps restore moisture and strengthen strands. For an added boost, try mixing in a few drops of hair oil before applying — this enhances absorption and delivers extra nourishment. On busier days, a quick 5-minute mask in the shower works well, but when you have time, leave it on for 20+ minutes or even wear it in a bun…

In June, Saudi entrepreneur Moe Khashoggi and Jordanian influencer Keenaz Hakeem celebrated their fairytale wedding in Istanbul at the historic Çırağan Palace Kempinski, an Ottoman imperial palace and hotel on the Bosphorus. The event planner, Turkey-based Mojo Event Design, opted for a crisp and elegant white-on-white theme, beautifully contrasted by the palace’s lush greenery. Surrounded by 200 guests from around the world, the newlyweds used the occasion to spotlight Arab designers, with the bride wearing two flowing masterpieces by Saiid Kobeisy to complement the refined décor.

Princess Aisha bint Faisal of Jordan and Karim Al Mufti

Princess Aisha bint Faisal of Jordan’s royal wedding was an elegant and intimate affair, held at the historic Zahran Palace in Amman — a royal residence and long-standing venue for the Kingdom’s most significant royal weddings. Built in 1957, the palace has hosted landmark celebrations, including those of King Abdullah II and Queen Rania, as well as Crown Prince Hussein and Rajwa Al Saif. The daughter of Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein and Princess Alia, and niece of His Majesty King Abdullah II, Princess Aisha married Karim Al Mufti in a charming May ceremony. Channeling old Hollywood glamour, she wore a white lace gown by Phillipa Lepley, handcrafted in the designer’s London atelier. The sculpted column silhouette, cut from rich Italian duchess satin, was paired with a vintage-inspired diamond tiara adorned with hawthorn blossoms — a family heirloom first worn by her sister, Princess Ayah, at her 2014 wedding.

Laila Zahar and Hisham Gamal

I don’t feel guilty for missing my morning workout anymore, because I’m currently embroiled in a different sort of fitness endeavour: pulling my Skims up my thighs. Once the high-waisted skin-tight shorts are on, threatening to stop the flow of my blood circulation, I wonder if, perhaps, I should have sized up. But then I look in the mirror. My waistline is snatched; the chunks of leg I was fighting with moments earlier, secured firmly under the spandex. Over this, I pull on my dress; a long-sleeved, figure-hugging design that, sans-Skims, would not be very flattering, stretched unalluringly across my stomach and outlining my hip dips.

To say that shapewear is trending would be an understatement. For many women, it has become a wardrobe staple; a crutch on which they lean on to feel better about their appearances – even if the satisfaction is only temporary. The industry is rapidly expanding: earlier this year, Calvin Klein released its first shapewear range, and Nike announced its partnership with Skims, which will culminate in a new sculpted activewear brand set to release this spring. Globally, the shapewear industry brought in $1.9 million in 2020 and is expected to surpass $3.5 million by 2028. And while North America accounted for 40% of the global market, demand for figure-refining undergarments is on the rise in the Arab World too. “The shapewear market saw a short slow down during the Covid era, however after 15 years of being the exclusive distributor of Spanx for the region, we are experiencing our strongest year in 2025,” says Christian Karam, managing partner at K.Lynn GCC. “Customers here typically shop for strong, ultra-sculpting shapewear, seeking to smooth out any lump or bump that might show under tight fitting clothes.” He adds that the largest demographic of K.Lynn shoppers are GCC nationals, and range in age from their early 20s all the way up to late 70s.

This is despite the fact that shapewear is not, well, very comfortable. Far…

Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort, Ras Al Khaimah

Nestled along the coast of Ras Al Khaimah is a serene sanctuary with one of the largest lagoon pools you’ll ever see. Besides being an optimal destination for a poolside escape, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort is home to a handful of fine dining destinations, plus entertainment options for children, including a mini waterpark area with colourful slides as well as an indoor kids’ club. The fact that there are four different swimming pools make this a getaway perfect for warmer months, but the star of the property is certainly the lagoon pool, which extends towards the beach and features in-water lounge chairs, perfect for sunbathers and bookworms seeking to sip on fresh coconut water while surrendering to their surroundings.

Dining options are ample at this resort, which opened under Accor last year and houses eateries including the main building’s restaurant, East, as well as its latest opening: Polynesian concept, Waka. From spicy seafood salads to slow-roasted meats, flavour and authentic cooking combine in a rich experience, coupled with lively decor and live Latin singing. For a toned-down yet equally indulgent meal, Reunion serves up sumptuous bistro-style French cuisine within luxe yet laid-back interiors.

Rooms start at AED 860 per night. Click here to book

Delano Dubai

Having opened last winter, quiet luxury runs through the exquisite interiors of Delano Dubai. Understated elegance and discerning taste are the substrata of the Miami-born beachfront resort’s architectural identity, from its 251 neutral-toned, stone-decorated rooms and suites to its refined restaurants, spas, pools and beaches. Not to mention the Bluewaters Dubai property’s elevated wellness programme, created by Adrienne Everett, an original resident at Delano Miami.

Summer beckons with enticing offers across the hotel’s various restaurants, beach clubs and…

The Heathrow Express is running, the air is thick with SPF and sultry ambition, and your WhatsApp group chat has gone suspiciously quiet. Which can only mean one thing: summer is here — and everyone is in London.

Between pop-ups in Primrose Hill and Dior cafés in Mayfair, one trend quietly taking over this season isn’t buzzy, it’s deeply rooted: Arab cuisine, in all its regional, spicy, comforting, utterly unbothered glory. But this isn’t your cousin’s hummus plate. Across the capital, chefs are updating family recipes with floral garnishes, fermented butter, live-fire theatrics — and the occasional rooftop view.

So whether you’re looking for Palestinian comfort food in a Notting Hill townhouse, a bottle-popping Beiruti supper club in Knightsbridge, or simply the best za’atar chicken this side of the Levant, here’s where to book a table (or three).

T by Tamara – Marylebone

Tamara Al Saadi came to London with za’atar, pistachio cream, and a very particular vision. After helming a cult bakery in Amman, the Palestinian-Jordanian chef and founder brought her Levantine lexicon to Marylebone, where T by Tamara now functions as both a salon and a sanctuary. The palette is blush; the perfume is cardamom. But what Al Saadi is really offering is escape — a place where rosewater flows and the only thing more carefully curated than the mezze and fatteh bar is the clientele.

The Cedar – Maida Vale

A Lebanese classic with zero flash and plenty of heart. Locals swear by the kibbeh, the fattoush still crunches, and the mixed grill smells like something out of a mountain village wedding feast. Family-run, fuss-free, and completely delicious.

Palestine House – Acton

Part cultural centre, part restaurant, entirely powerful. Palestine House serves up musakhan, warak enab, and slow-cooked maqluba alongside spoken word events and community programming. Food with a mission — and a memory.

Abd El Wahab – Belgravia

With locations across the Arab world, this…