You won’t want to miss these celebratory events to mark the region’s biggest public holiday

The best places to celebrate National Day in the UAE

One of the region’s most important holidays on the calendar, December 2nd marks the UAE’s National Day.

Commemorating the historic moment in 1971 when all seven Arab kingdoms came together to form one country, the United Arab Emirates.

Along with celebrating the unification, both the UAE flag and the country’s first president, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who led the movement, are also honoured at this time - you will see plenty of cars on the roads brandishing the flag and the Sheikh’s portrait throughout the public holiday.

The United Arab Emirates flag

During the occasion, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a celebratory extravaganza across the Emirates.

In the lead-up to the big day, City Centre shopping malls across the UAE will be ringing in the festivities with a whole host of not-to-be-misses sales, entertainment parades and decorations.

At City Centre Deira, one of the best shopping spots in the city and the closet mall near to the airport, there will also be special National Day entertainment shows from December 1st to 3rd, including stilt walkers, live music, jugglers, mascots, and circus performers with UAE themed outfits.

One for the whole family, you can even play an exciting National Day-themed game on an interactive screen, whereby you will need to master seven puzzles, each one representing one of the Emirates - those who complete the puzzle in time will win a special prize. Once finished, the puzzle will showcase the UAE map in all its glory.

Both City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif installed  National Day décor (expect plenty of lights!) and distributing the UAE flag and scarves to visitors joining in on the celebration from December 1 to 3.

National Day at City Centre Deira

At City Centre Mirdif, from November 27th to December 3rd, there will be a special stage show focusing on the region’s traditions, culture and rich history, taking shoppers on a desert discovery chronicling the UAE’s epic growth - expect with pearl fishing, souks and lots more. On December 1st, the mall will also be hosting a concert at the Central Galleria for Shamma Hamdan, singer and reality star who was the first Emirati woman to make it to the finals of Arabs Got Talent.

From December 1st to 3rd, there will be two unique performances; a live string show (to create the UAE National Day logo) and Money Mosaic - a worthwhile experience where you can donate to the Emirates Red Crescent, and for every donation you will receive a mosaic to create the ‘Year of Giving’ logo.

While over at City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah and City Centre Ajman, the elaborate decorations alone will be well worth a trip down to the malls.

Save big at the mega sales throughout National Day celebrations

A Taste Of The Emirates

Enjoy the authentic flavours of the Middle East at two of the best Arabic restaurants

In the Emirates, Hatam in City Centre Deira. These foodie favourites both serve up some of the region’s most popular dishes, including meaty mixed grills, mouth-watering mezzes, and of course plenty of hummus.

Feast like a sheikh at the best Arabic restaurants in Dubai

Shop the most glamorous frocks to ring in the festive season

Stand out from the crowd in our favourite party frocks

In our opinion the ultimate winter party dress must fit the below criteria:

1.    From cocktail soirées to office Christmas parties, it needs to be suitable for an array of events
2.    Nothing too constricting as one must be able to dance in it (all night long)
3.    Be it sequins or shimmer-flecked fabric, we want some form of shine

If like us, you’ve been on the hunt for the perfect piece, look no further than the below - where we’ve rounded up our top three picks just for you.

Velvet dress, H&M, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi and City Centre Beirut

Bedazzled with glitter-dusted stars, this midnight blue velvet frock is begging to be worn out for a big night on the town. Style with one of this season’s sole of choice, over the knee-boots, topped with a leather biker jacket and oversized hoop earrings.

Metallic dress, Zara, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

Wear this silver metallic mini dress with a colourful faux fur stole and platform heels for instant Studio 54-inspired vibes. Despite the high neckline and long sleeves, if the daring short length puts you off, simply team with opaque black tights and ankle boots.

Floral dress, Topshop, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Beirut

Topshop Dubai never fails in the party wear department. This long-sleeved wrap dress is printed with gold metallic prints and ribbon detailing around the waist and sleeves. Compliment the red florals with a slick of matching lipstick and high heels.

High fashion buys on a budget to shop this December

Wish list pieces to shop now

You will not be able to resist these three sought-after new arrivals - all available in shops now.

After combing through the new season collections, we’ve hand-selected a few of our favourite fashion finds from the City Centres shopping malls.

From City Centre Deira (the first shopping mall in Dubai) to City Centre Beirut and many more locations across the Middle East, our shopping malls are filled with the latest must-have items.

And while it may be the season for giving (to others), we think you deserve to treat yourself to a little something special from the mall this month.

Happy shopping ladies!

Fringe jumpsuit, Zara, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

Cannot decide whether to wear a dress or trousers tonight? Combine the best of both style worlds with a jumpsuit. This sleek style by Zara comes complete with ruffled cap sleeves and fabulous fringed hems - perfect for showing off statement-making soles.

Green knit jumper, Mango, visit City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Muscat

Winter doesn’t have to mean sticking to dark, moody hues - case in point, this bold lime sweater by Mango. Pair this chucky cable knit staple slouched over ankle-grazing denim or tucked into a midi skirt for the office.

Embellished bag, Bershka, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Bahrain

This pearl-embellished bag by bargain-favourite Bershka Dubai could easily pass for a luxe designer label. With a metal chain-strap handle and silver hardware, we will be toting it everywhere from days in the office to Fridays at brunch and everything in-between.

Ramp up your festive accessory game with scene-stealing sparkles, dancefloor-ready shoes and the best evening bag of the season

The perfect pieces for party season

Whether you have just ten minutes to spare before after work social plans or perhaps you are looking to ramp up a simple little black dress, accessories are a sure-fire way to instantly transform an outfit.

From velvet evening clutches, to larger-than-life jewels and the ultimate soles for your very own Cinderella moment, these shopping picks from the shopping malls in Dubai and across the Middle East, will make a major impact.

Glitter shoes, H&M, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi and City Centre Beirut

Winter calls for a pair of dazzling sparkle-splashed soles to take you through the party-filled month ahead. We’re head over heels for these glittery silver booties by H&M.

Velvet clutch bag, Charming Charlie, visit City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Deira

Adorned in midnight blue velvet, this ornate box cutch is the perfect companion for parties. Topped with a crystal-encrusted ring fastening and a chain metal strap, we’ll be toting this for every after dark soirée on our agenda throughout December.

Crystal earrings, Zara, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

Our magpie eye could not resist these fabulous faux baubles. Decked with colourful crystals and pearls, these statement-making earrings deserve to be seen this season. Wear with hair worn up and a slick of bright red lippy to offset the rainbow-hued jewels.

Velvet heels, Mango, visit City Centre Mirdif and City Centre Muscat

Step out for a night on the town in these bush pink velvet sandals. We love the delicate bow detail on the toes and tie-up ankle straps.

 From toys to teddies and tiaras, little ones will love these presents  

The best Christmas gifts to shop for children  

December is a busy time of year for all, so we are taking the stress out of festive shopping with our guide to the top gifts to buy this year.

‘Tis the season to treat your loved ones, so head over to the shopping malls in Dubai and across the Middle East to find the perfect present for him, her and kids. (*Add links on words ‘him’ ‘her’ and ‘kids’ to separate articles once published).

Scroll down below where we reveal a few of our favourite gifts for children, ranging from newborn babies to older ages.

Tiara, Claire’s, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Fujairah

Little princesses will love playing dress-up with this sparkly silver tiara - so much so, they may never want to take it off!

Soft rabbit toy, Bonpoint at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

A timeless present to gift young kids and newborn babies, this soft white rabbit is perfect for tiny tots to cuddle up with at naptime.

Printed bow tie, H&M Kids, Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi and City Centre Beirut

This mini Mickey Mouse printed bow tie will look adorable on little lads for fancy festive occasions.

Still stuck on what to buy? Let your loved ones pick their own present with a gift card to the mall. For more information on the gift you know they won’t return, visit here.

These standout fashion, beauty and home pieces are sure to impress     

The best Christmas gifts to shop for her

December is a busy time of year for all, so we are taking the stress out of festive shopping with our guide to the top gifts to buy this year.

‘Tis the season to treat your loved ones, so head over to Mall of the Emirates and City Centres across the Middle East to find the perfect present for him, her and kids.

Sock-style boots, Zara, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

These are the boots of dreams for any fashion-loving fan. The sock/boot hybrid is bang on trend for the new season and will go down a storm with style-conscious friends and family members.

Emporio Armani perfume, Paris Gallery, visit City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Fujairah

Because It's You is the latest scent from Emporio Armani. This beautiful perfume includes notes of neroli, raspberry and vanilla mixed with musk.  

Charm necklace, Loquet at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

Loquet is a London-based brand specialising in bespoke dainty fine jewels. You can customise your own locket necklace by filling with unique little charms such as diamond-encrusted initials, colourful birthstones and other decorative symbols. A true keepsake piece any jewellery lover would adore.

Candle snuffer, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect hostess present or a little something for your mother-in-law, you cannot go wrong with a luxe scented candle (our favourites are Jo Malone and Diptyque available at Harvey Nichols Dubai). For extra brownie points in the gift department, your can also include a sleek gold candle snuffer or wick trimmer by Zara Home.

Celebrate Diwali’s festival of lights with dazzling looks from City Centres, the best malls in Dubai.

Make sure the ‘festival of light’ fireworks are not the only things sparkling this Diwali with metallic fashion finds, all available from the City Centres. The celebrations, which feature fireworks, sparklers and light-candles known as divas (that’s our kind of candle!) take place over five days, giving you plenty of chance to shine.

Happy shopping!

All that glitters

Glitzy glamour lit up the Gucci show this autumn and where Gucci leads; we mere mortals can only follow. Taking designer inspiration, you can give your Diwali celebrations the wow factor. Full body sequins in peacock shades of blue and green are the best way to make sure that even the fireworks will have competition for the most sparkle.

Those wanting to take inspiration from the peacock shades and sequins on the catwalk should snap up the Zara sequin skirt available at City Centre Mirdif, priced at 199 AED


Final dimension

They say the eyes have it – and other revellers won’t be able to take their eyes off you, once you have loaded your lids with this season’s space-aged silver shade. Those looking for extra effect will find Mac’s Extra Dimension eyeshadow in Silver Sun makes a real impact.  


Load your lids with MAC’s super sparkly Extra Dimension eyeshadow 125 AED in Silver Sun


Flat out

If you have been on your feet all day, a night in heels is the last thing you need. But coming down to earth in flats doesn’t mean you have to compromise on fashion. BCBGMAXAZRIA has a range of metallic flats that mean you can stand up and sparkle all evening without sacrificing any style.



BCBGMAXAZRIA’s Vitalia Flat Metal lace-up flat sandals at City Centre Mirdif reduced to 360 AED are the way to make a sparkling impression from your head to your toes.


Bags of style

Offset your sequins – or anything in your wardrobe – with a metallic bag. Sizewise, it’s best to go big enough to fit anything you might need but small enough to be slung neatly across your front. Zara has a range of silver bags – and starting at 199 AED; their cross body bags are the metallic must-have to finish off any outfit.


Check out Zara for some catwalk-inspired accessories to make any outfit sparkle

Wardrobe refreshers to shop this month – get them before they go!

                                                  The wish list style items you won’t be able to resist

These three coveted new arrivals will instantly update your look for the months ahead.

After combing through the new season collections, we’ve hand-selected a few of our favourite fashion finds from the City Centres.

From City Centre Deira (the first shopping mall in Dubai) to City Centre Alexandria, our shopping malls are brimming with the latest must-have collections.

Be it the end-of-the-month payday or a weekend shopping spree, we think you deserve to treat yourself to a little something special from the mall this month.

Happy shopping ladies!

Velvet ankle boots, New Look at City Centre Fujairah, and City Centre Bahrain

The change in seasons calls for a new pair of Fall-worthy boots. Embellished with metallic sequins and a chunky block heel, this pair of velvet ankle boots by New Look is our top pick – and you cannot beat the pocket-friendly price.

Pearl embellished jeans, Zara at City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, and City Centre Maadi

A classic denim staple gets an A/W ‘17 makeover with pearl-decked cuffs. Another hit from Zara, these throw-on-and-go jeans are the perfect addition to your off-duty wardrobe.

Red beret, Bershka at City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Muscat, and City Centre Bahrain

While it might not be hat weather just yet, who doesn’t love a Parisian-esque red beret – which, let's face it, is more about style than keeping one warm. Wear with a matching red lip for double the impact.

No time for a blow-dry? Beat a bad hair day with these quick fixes loved by the pros.

Summer in the Middle East can certainly take its toll on tresses; we blame it on the humidity overly drying but necessary air conditioning.

Therefore, if like us your locks are in need of some major TLC, you will want to read our insider tricks to getting a healthier hair.

The Oil

Mega make-up mogul and beauty blogger (hudabeauty.com) Huda Kattan credits the Ouai Hair Oil with tending to her tresses: “Straight, wavy, curly, coiled, whatever your hair is, this oil will werk it! For your hair, the oil fights frizz, nourishes, and gives a silky, high-gloss finish.”

We wholeheartedly agree – this multitasking wonder oil by Jen Atkin, the go-to hairstylist for the Kardashian clan, combats a number of hair woes and can be used on your body to treat dry skin.

                                          Ouai Hair Oil at Sephora Dubai, visit City Centre Mirdif

The Mask

A deeply nourishing mask will be your saviour when it comes to treating tired tresses. Look for a paraben-free formula enriched with ultra-moisturising oils, such as this rich intensive mask by Botanics.

For an extra pampering, leave on overnight and rinse out in the morning - your locks will be softer than silk and much easier to manage.

Botanics Vibrant Colour 3 Minute Intensive Treatment, Boots Pharmacy at City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, and City Centre Muscat

The Cream

This BB Hair Cream does the same for your locks as a similar product would for your complexion.

This do-it-all cream/balm hybrid by H&M beauty contains avocado oil, keratin and silk amino acids to reduce frizziness, repair and add a major shot of moisture. Work through wet hair before blow-drying of leaving to air-dry and you are good to go.

BB Hair Cream, H&M at City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi, and City Centre Beirut

Send tots back to class with the kit they’ll need and a smile on their face



As the long summer break ends, the week leading up to the first day of the term can be a whirlwind of preparation. No matter how many lists are penned, there always appears to be a seemingly never-ending array of errands, from buying new school supplies to stocking the fridge with lunchbox snacks and updating uniforms for your ever-growing tot.

Before battling out your to-dos, take a look at our insider guide to getting everything your youngster will need for school from the Dubai shopping malls.

The Perfect Pencil Case

We’re yet to come across a kid who doesn’t love picking out a brand new pencil case along with lots of colourful new pens and stationary goodies for the new school year. The shopping malls in Dubai are filled with plenty of shops filled with fun learning tools to ensure they’re thoroughly prepped for class. Typo is one of our top picks and stashed with a fun hoard of quirky stationary treats.

Rainbow pencil case available at Typo, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, and City Center Me'aisem


Sole Mates

Nothing signals the start of a new academic year like a brand new pair of smart shoes. Clarks is our go-to for quality leather school shoes for both boys and girls and offers a free measuring service to ensure the perfect fit.



Boys leather school shoes available at Clarks, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and City Centre Muscat

Back At It

The best school bags are usually backpacks or drawstring rucksacks to offer neck and shoulder support as well as enough room for all your child’s school books and class necessities. Marks & Spencer’s offers a variety of different styles, and most recently, the best-selling Star Wars design – little fans of the films will go nuts for it!



Star Wars bag available at Marks & Spencer, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif

A Lesson in Lunch Boxes

For us parents, the secret to filling a daily lunchbox successfully is to pack in healthy and nutrition-packed bites (which they’ll actually enjoy eating) to keep kids fuller for longer.

Carrefour Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, one of the best Supermarkets in Dubai, houses a special organic section, offering a wide selection of low-carb, sugar-free and gluten-free snacks along with every day groceries to all fill your little one’s needs.  




Healthy lunch box treats available at Carrefour Dubai in Mall of the Emirates