CHECK OUT URBAN RETREAT AT YAS MALL IN ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi’s new food hub in Yas Mall offers more than standard food court fare. The goal is to support the UAE’s homegrown culinary talent by offering space under one roof to 12 rotating food vendors. The offerings include a second location for the city’s only gluten-free bakery, Tawa Bakery, and Fatteh O Salata, which offers fatteh in a range of options from vegetarian to chicken and other meats. Casa Latina is also gluten-free. Urbanretreat.me
EXPERIENCE JOMO – The New York Times has called this the summer of JOMO – also known as the Joy of Missing Out, the “benevolent younger cousin” of FOMO, aka Fear of Missing Out. Can’t get Wifi? Just get over it, and see your focus rise and fear fade away. According to the article, “Jomo is about disconnecting, opting out and being OK just where you are.”
HELP YOUR KIDS LEARN HOW TO COOK FROM THE BEST IN DUBAI – Sign them up for Atlantis the Palm’s Junior Masterchef classes taught by the resort’s top chefs. For children aged from eight to 12. Classes come with access to Aquaventure Waterpark and the pools. Camps run weekly from July 1 to August 30. Dh1,700. Atlantisthepalm.com
TAKE A TOUR THROUGH YOUR CHAKRAS AT THE STUDIO IN ABU DHABI – Join Laura-Helene Kopinski, founder of Inner Seed Abu Dhabi, a lifestyle wellness consultancy, for a monthly workshop in Chakra Yin Yoga. The 90-minute class costs Dh160 and will be held on Thursday, July 26 from 7.30pm. Spots are limited, so book ahead by calling 02 621 0000. Innerseed.com Thestudiouae.com
BOOST YOUR MOOD WITH GOURISHANKAR MEDITATION IN ABU DHABI – There are four, 15-minute stages to this 60-minute meditation, which involves a breathing method that builds carbon dioxide in the bloodstream (you read that right). Led by Lina Jarad, reiki healer and sound therapist. Thursday, July 26, 7-8. Dh80. BodytreeStudio.com
MAKE THE MOST OF THE LAST WEEK OF PLASTIC-FREE JULY – Vow to drastically cut down on your plastic use, and support a #plasticfreeUAE by making a few simple changes. Get a set of reusable carrier bags and keep them in your car. Or use just half the number of plastic bags you normally would for your fruit and vegetables; supermarket staff will happily pack all your goods into one bag with multiple stickers on the outside. And carry a small reusable bag with you for small items. The Dubai company Bags of the Future will even customize them for your brand.
TAKE A FREE YOGA CLASS IN AN ESCAPE CAVE IN DUBAI – JBR’s TEPfactor, a game-room experience, hosts free yoga classes on Friday mornings in their cool caves. Call 04 398 8438 or message them on Instagram to book. Tepfactor.ae
