Why not use this Ramadan as an opportunity to explore some of the many picturesque and pedestrian-friendly walking routes of the UAE capital?
Also Now in Arabic! متوفرة الآن بالعربيةView the Arabic Site
Harriet Shephard
Harriet Shephard is an Abu Dhabi-based copywriter and freelance journalist with a particular focus on fitness, travel and lifestyle, which, along with good food, also happen to be her main passions when she's not typing away at her laptop.
The UAE is rich in culture and heritage. But, while luxury suites, opulent lobbies and stunning infinity pools are found in abundance, I feel that few hotels reflect the nation’s fascinating history and unique landscape. That’s where Erth Abu Dhabi stands out. Here, everything from the décor to the ingredients and recipes in the restaurants to the flora and fauna growing in the gardens is distinctively Emirati and authentic to the UAE. Even the word...
Author and coach Denis Liam Murphy explains why we need to recognise and tackle our life-long addiction to blame.
To me, the Abrahamic Family House symbolizes what I love most about the UAE. Now open to both worshippers and visitors, the magnificent interfaith complex is located a 10-minute walk from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, right in the heart of Saadiyat Island’s Cultural District. Entrance is free, but you must book a time slot online. Tours are complimentary during the first few weeks of March, and after that they will incur a small charge. ...
Childhood nutrition in the UAE needs to be urgently addressed. A 2014-2015 UAE study found that 40 per cent of children aged between three to 18 were overweight, and the recent 2023 report Nutrition Situation Analysis in the UAE shows that the nation continues to have significant issues with children being underweight, obese, micronutrient deficient, and suffering from nutrition-related chronic diseases. These problems are mainly due to poor diets that include too many ultra-processed...
The statistics surrounding women’s health are worrying to say the least. A recent study from the University of Copenhagen found that women are on average diagnosed 2.5 years later than men for cancer, 4.5 years later for diabetes, and later in a total of 700 different diseases. That’s why Christina Ioannidis, a transformation consultant, health coach and founder of the GCC-based women empowerment platform Top Of Her Game, has taken matters into her own hands...
Given the city’s love for fitness, I don’t think it’s possible for Abu Dhabi to have too many yoga studios. However, in order to sway my loyalty away from my usual favorite gyms, or indeed my much-loved YouTube yoga instructors, they have to offer something special. Sacral Grounds, the new yogi hotspot at Mina Souq by Zayed Port, is certainly unique. With a capacity of just eight people per class, it’s definitely the smallest yoga...
Home to over 200 different nationalities, the UAE prides itself on being an inclusive country where everyone feels welcome. In recent years, particularly since the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, there has also been a noticeable increase in support for people of determination, including more sports clubs, educational programs, and more opportunities to join gyms and fitness classes too. Transforming lives For instance, the non-profit organization Heroes of Hope runs over...
While many associate SeaWorld with theme park rides and dolphin shows, the group’s marine conservation efforts get a lot less attention. However, as one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, SeaWorld has so far saved 40,000 sick, stranded or injured animals, and helped rehabilitate and return thousands back to the wild. Now, after over 60 years in operation, the group has launched its first location outside of the US, right here in Abu Dhabi....
In today's social media obsessed, politically unstable world, looking after our mental health has never been more important. Dr Saliha Afridi, founder of The LightHouse Arabia, joined the Livehealthy podcast to talk about the best ways to cope with every challenge life throws at us.
With pet resorts, pet spas, animal-friendly cafes and hotels, and even dog gyms, the UAE’s luckiest furry residents are able to enjoy a blissfully pampered lifestyle that is just as comfortable and desirable as our own. Here are all the useful, fun and quirky dog-centric services that every UAE pet owner needs to know about. The essentials Bookmypet Bookmypet is a homegrown app and marketplace that compiles all the UAE’s top pet care services...