分类: lifestyle

  • Ramadan 2026: Top tips for dressing elegantly for iftar and suhoors

    Ramadan 2026: Top tips for dressing elegantly for iftar and suhoors

    As the holy month of Ramadan approaches in 2026, fashion enthusiasts are redefining modest wear through innovative designs that harmonize tradition with contemporary aesthetics. The crescent moon not only signals spiritual reflection but also inspires a sophisticated sartorial transformation across Muslim communities worldwide.

    Design visionaries are revolutionizing traditional garments by incorporating modern cuts and premium fabrics. Flowy abayas adorned with intricate embroidery and kurta sets complemented by statement jackets exemplify this fusion. Dubai-based stylist Mohna Sharma emphasizes that ‘Ramadan fashion prioritizes comfort, modesty, and effortless elegance. Lighter pastel shades and breathable natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and silk-satin materials dominate collections, ensuring both comfort and polished appearance during fasting hours.’

    The retail landscape experiences significant transformation during Ramadan, with Shop Mulmul’s senior fashion stylist Riddhima Tewari reporting a 40% surge in demand for contemporary styles over classic pieces. Younger consumers favor longer choga-style sets with contrasting colors, while senior patrons experiment with shorter kurtas and farshi-style salwars, often completed with complementary dupattas for modest refinement.

    Comfort remains paramount in Ramadan fashion selections. Italian luxury brand Santoni’s president Giuseppe Santoni advocates for ‘natural materials and soft textures that ensure breathability.’ The brand’s capsule collection features metallic-finished footwear with crystal details that provide subtle festive character without compromising comfort.

    Celebrity style influences continue shaping Ramadan fashion trends, with flowy silhouettes like shararas and Anarkali suits gaining prominence for their sophisticated charm. Beyond personal attire, Tewari notes increased demand for intricately embroidered cotton sets suitable for gifting and formal occasions throughout the year.

    Styling techniques emphasize layered elegance during the holy month. Sharma recommends ‘pairing linen pants or straight-fit jeans with full-sleeve tops and lightweight kaftans or abayas as outer layers.’ For iftar gatherings, embroidered kaftans and statement maxi dresses in silk or satin provide subtle sheen, elevated by minimal accessories like delicate necklaces or statement bracelets.

    Men’s fashion similarly focuses on lightweight cotton or linen pants paired with soft shirts that maintain refinement while ensuring comfort. The overarching philosophy, as Santoni articulates, involves ‘curating a purposeful wardrobe focused on quality over quantity, with items that transition seamlessly across various moments while maintaining refined elegance.’

    Prevailing trends include flowy kaftans and maxis, lightweight Chikankari suits, modern ghararas with royal heritage elements, and regal Anarkali suits for evening events. The color palette favors sophisticated understated tones like ivory, beige, olive, charcoal, deep blue, and soft gold, while decorative elements feature golden and silver zari work alongside gota pattis and delicate hand-crafted threadwork. Daywear embraces dewy blues, seafoam greens, and soft lilacs, while evenings showcase vibrant fuchsia, oranges, purples, and bright reds.

  • Ramadan décor: Transform your home with family traditions and heirlooms

    Ramadan décor: Transform your home with family traditions and heirlooms

    As the sacred month of Ramadan approaches in 2026, interior design experts reveal sophisticated approaches to transforming living spaces into spiritually resonant environments that honor tradition while embracing contemporary aesthetics. Leading designers emphasize that meaningful Ramadan décor transcends mere visual appeal, serving instead as an expression of spiritual connection and generational continuity.

    According to Anita Lal, founder of Good Earth, the Iftar table represents a cornerstone of Ramadan hospitality. “A beautifully arranged table conveys generosity without requiring elaborate decoration,” she notes. Design professionals recommend beginning with intentional foundation elements—handcrafted table runners or cloths—then layering with carefully selected tableware. The strategic incorporation of neutral color palettes using ivory, beige, or soft white allows traditional foods like dates displayed in artisanal bowls to become natural focal points.

    Lighting design receives particular emphasis during the holy month. Sarita Handa, founder of her eponymous home décor brand, explains that “lanterns, candleholders, and strategically placed fairy lights create atmospheres that enhance both celebration and contemplative comfort.” Experts recommend mixing earthenware pieces with metallic finishes and paying meticulous attention to polishing lanterns and holders to maximize their luminous qualities.

    The integration of heirlooms and inherited objects emerges as a central theme in creating emotionally resonant spaces. Luxury interior designer Amita Trehan advocates for blending traditional elements—brass handis, copper water vessels, vintage serveware—within modern settings featuring clean-lined furniture and restrained styling. This harmonious dialogue between historical artifacts and contemporary design creates environments that feel both grounded and intentionally curated.

    Kadambari Uppal of KAD Designs emphasizes the importance of spatial editing during Ramadan: “I encourage reducing spaces to their essential elements. Clear visual clutter, allow negative space to breathe, and anchor rooms with singular strong elements—whether a beautifully crafted console or sculptural object.”

    Practical implementation strategies include creating dedicated heritage corners displaying family photographs and mementos, establishing cozy reading nooks with plush cushions and soft lighting, and incorporating scent elements through incense sticks or essential oils with traditional fragrances like oud, rose, or jasmine. These multidimensional approaches transform homes into sanctuaries that honor Ramadan’s spiritual significance while providing practical functionality for daily rituals and hospitality.

  • Luxury dining on a budget? Here are 11 restaurant deals perfect for Valentine’s Day

    Luxury dining on a budget? Here are 11 restaurant deals perfect for Valentine’s Day

    Romantic fine dining experiences across the UAE no longer require extravagant spending, as numerous acclaimed restaurants now offer premium culinary journeys at accessible price points. From Michelin-recognized establishments to waterfront venues, these 11 carefully curated deals demonstrate how couples can enjoy exceptional gastronomy while maintaining budgetary consciousness.

    Abu Dhabi’s culinary scene shines with Hakkasan’s Cantonese Treasure lunch, featuring signature dim sum baskets with black truffle mushroom and wagyu beef truffle options starting at AED 128. The Michelin-noted establishment maintains its prestigious reputation while offering Saturday lunch service from 12pm to 3:30pm at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental.

    Japanese cuisine enthusiasts can experience 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant’s express 10-course Omakase business lunch for AED 199. This Michelin-starred venue presents signature A8 Wagyu Gyozas, Hamachi Maki, and Black Cod selections from Monday to Friday, earning recognition for blending classical and modern techniques with premium ingredients.

    Dubai’s Indikaya presents a remarkable three-course business lunch starting at AED 99, crafted under Chef Hemant Oberoi’s culinary mastery. The Michelin and Gault&Millau-recognized restaurant offers modern interpretations of Indian flavors including Butter Chicken, Mutton Tariwala, and Paneer Makhani at Shangri-La Dubai.

    Fi’lia redefines Italian dining with three-tiered business lunch options beginning at AED 105. The female-led team on the 70th floor of SLS Dubai offers panoramic city views alongside homemade pasta and risotto dishes, featured among Michelin’s best Italian restaurants in Dubai.

    Additional standout offerings include Mijana’s seafood night at Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi (AED 325), Taparelle’s alfresco Italian lunch at Manarat Al Saadiyat (AED 85), and Cove Rotana’s brunch-cation package with beach access (from AED 210). The Intercontinental Ras Al Khaimah presents steak frites nights for two at AED 250, while MOLI By SHI offers redesigned contemporary Chinese night brunches from AED 275.

    Korean culinary excellence emerges at HANU’s Hansang Lunch (AED 195) featuring shared dishes and premium grill selections, and IKKA’s ladies night provides Japanese-Peruvian fusion experiences with live portrait artistry from AED 99.

    These diverse offerings demonstrate the UAE’s evolving culinary landscape, where luxury dining experiences become increasingly accessible without compromising quality or atmosphere.

  • From Valentine’s style to festive dining: The season’s must-know launches and experiences

    From Valentine’s style to festive dining: The season’s must-know launches and experiences

    The 2026 Valentine’s season introduces transformative experiences across fashion, dining, and digital commerce, signaling a shift toward personalized and intentional celebrations. Leading these innovations is Miruna’s fashion collection, which rejects traditional romantic clichés in favor of confident, expressive designs featuring striking red corset dresses and sharp tailoring that empower wearers through deliberate design and strong attitude.

    Culinary celebrations take a patriotic turn at Rohini, Mövenpick JLT, with a special Indian Republic Day menu featuring tricolour-inspired desserts including Tiranga Kalakand, Pistachio Malai ke Motichur, and Jalebi with Kesar Rabdi. These creations complement a curated selection of classic Indian dishes, offering a festive culinary experience during the holiday weekend.

    Jewelry brand Piece of You reimagines Valentine’s gifting with emotionally-driven pieces that prioritize personal significance over conventional romance. Their collection features the Memorabilia Roman Numeral Ring for commemorating special dates and the Amour Diamond Alphabets Necklace that combines initials with heart motifs, alongside diamond-studded Luxury Dazzle Hearts designs for statement-making moments.

    For beachside celebrations, Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah offers a relaxed Mediterranean-inspired Valentine’s experience priced at AED 399 per couple. The package includes full-day access to private beach and pool facilities, a specially curated sharing menu, complimentary still water, and sparkling rosé upon arrival, creating a sun-soaked celebration from morning until sunset.

    In digital retail innovation, KANAA launches its AI-enabled multi-brand platform in Saudi Arabia, representing Al Nahla Group’s inaugural venture into consumer-facing e-commerce. The app-first ecosystem features curated licensed merchandise across toys, books, stationery, gaming, and sports categories, organized by customer intent rather than traditional categorization. The platform distinguishes itself through controlled seller governance, innovative features including rental options and trade-in programs, alongside same-day delivery in select cities, free shipping, and streamlined returns—setting new standards for digital retail experiences in the region.