Batliwala & Co brings the flavours of Bombay to Dubai's Business Bay. Our Rave Dines review: the menu, the standout dishes and exactly what to order. Rave Dines: Batliwala & Co. Review Batliwala & Co brings the flavours of Bombay to Dubai's Business Bay. Our Rave Dines review: the menu, the standout dishes and exactly what to order. by Khadija Husain 24 Apr 2026 A special kind of magic occurs when a city within a city opens its doors: a restaurant becomes more than just a place to dine; it becomes a portal. Stepping inside, you leave behind Dubai and find yourself transported to another time and place—like a different decade of Bombay—while the bustling city outside, with its cranes, glass towers, and constant motion, temporarily comes to a halt during your meal. Some restaurants simply feed you, while others take you on a journey. Batliwala & Co. belongs to the latter group—leading you to a city you may have never visited but somehow already feel familiar with. The Address Batliwala & Co. is located within the DoubleTree by Hilton in Business Bay, Bay Square, nestled behind the modern architecture of Business Bay's canal-side towers. As you enter from the street, you're greeted by the sight of the Burj Khalifa, Dubai's most dominant visual landmark. This creates an undeniably surreal contrast. It's this very tension, between the magnificence of your surroundings and the simplicity of the dishes served, that makes Batliwala subtly remarkable. The Space Before entering the dining room, Batliwala & Co. immediately captures your attention. The entrance mimics a traditional Irani provision shop, with shelves stocked with jars, pantry essentials, and small curiosities, all available for you to pick up. This thoughtful detail reminds visitors that these cafés started not as restaurants but as neighborhood stores where people gathered, traded, and lingered. The sign at the door reflects this spirit: come as you are, stay as long as you like. The dining room itself is a world of its own. Vintage furnishings are harmoniously placed alongside framed black-and-white photographs, old radios, a gramophone, a rocking chair, faded tiffin boxes, retro sewing machines, film rolls, and calendar pages. Every corner offers something worth a second glance. This space wasn't styled; it was remembered. It exudes a warmth that takes effort to create yet appears completely effortless, which is perhaps the highest compliment one can give to any room. There's balcony-style seating with views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and, beyond that, the shimmering geometry of the city. It embodies the easy, lived-in beauty of a place that simply exists well. The Meal The menu reads like a tour through Bombay's most loved tables. You begin where every proper Irani café experience should begin: with chai and bun maska jam. The bun is soft and butter-slicked, the Irani chai is strong with saffron infused, and together they do exactly what comfort food is supposed to do. From there, the Juhu Beach Pani Puri arrives as a refreshing, tangy Bombay street-style opener that disappears almost before you've had a chance to appreciate it. The keema pao is the signature of the house — pillowy, freshly-baked bread alongside mince preparation that is boldly spiced without being violent about it. The dhansak deserves its own moment of attention. A slow-cooked harmony of meat and lentils, served with caramelised rice and kachumber salad, this is the dish that defines the Parsi table. The Britannia’s Berry Pulao is fragrant, jewelled with berries and nuts, and achieves that balance of sweet and savoury that Parsi cooking has always understood better than almost any other cuisine on earth. For dessert, the mawa cake is dense, dense sponge enriched with milk solids, and perfumed with cardamom — the kind of thing you didn't know you needed until it was in front of you. The lagan nu custard, a Parsi wedding sweet, is a silky baked custard with nutmeg, cardamom and caramelised sugar. It closes the meal the way any good story should close: with warmth and a desire to start again from the beginning. Definitely try the Pallonji' soda — the original Bombay raspberry drink, appearing here alongside a proudly nostalgic Thums Up. Some choices are statements. History on the Plate Batliwala & Co. is rooted in a history that stretches back over 1,200 years. The concept traces its origins to the Zoroastrian settlers — the Parsis — who fled Persia and made their way to Gujarat, eventually finding home in Bombay. Over generations, their cuisine absorbed the spices, textures, and warmth of the Indian subcontinent while holding onto the Persian refinement it had always carried. The result was something that belongs entirely to itself: gentle, layered, soulful, and completely unlike anything else. The Vibe There is an ease to Batliwala & Co. You arrive, you are welcomed, and you are seated when there is a table, a quality inherited directly from the Iranian café tradition. If you have never encountered Parsi or Irani café culture before, this is the gentlest, most generous possible introduction. It suits long dinners between close friends, quiet date nights, solo evenings with a book and a chai, and any occasion where what you really want is not just food, but the particular feeling of being in a place that actually means something. It is for the curious, the nostalgic, and anyone who has ever loved a city and missed it from very far. The Verdict This place is for everyone, but it will mean the most to some. If you grew up in Bombay — or if someone you love did — Batliwala & Co. will feel like being handed a piece of something you thought was only available in memory. A restaurant that you don't just visit but return to, for the food but also for the particular emotional register it operates in. Something warm, something nostalgic, something that reminds you that the best meals have always been about more than the food. The Irani cafés of Bombay were, for generations, the great democratic spaces of the city — places where everyone came, where the millionaire and the clerk sat at adjacent tables and ordered the same chai. That spirit, that essential generosity, has been transported intact to Business Bay. Batliwala & Co. is Bombay soul wearing Dubai chic, and wearing it without any apparent effort. Go. Arrive without a reservation. Sit wherever they put you. Order the dhansak, the keema pao, and the bun maska. Have the chai even if you don't need it. Pick up a jar from the provision shop on your way out. And notice, when you step back onto the street, and the Burj Khalifa reasserts itself against the sky, that you are leaving something that felt, for the length of a few hours, entirely like home. Location DoubleTree by Hilton, Bay Square, Business Bay, Dubai Hours Monday to Thursday 11 am - 2 am. Friday to Sunday 10 am - 2 am Reservations A vailable via sevenrooms.com Contact +971 50 272 8727 Instagram @baltiwaladxb

mmerse yourself in a vibrant tapestry of culture, food, and lifestyle. Explore captivating stories, culinary adventures, and the latest trends that celebrate the richness of life. Join us in discovering the art of living well." CULTURE ART & DESIGN F&B LIFESTYLE NEWS TECH TRENDS 26 August 2026 What to Gift, Where to Go: RAVE’s Emirati Women’s Day Edit Read 6 August 2026 Just Landed: 8 New UAE Openings, Tech Drops & Trends to Know Read 31 July 2026 Why American Pecans Are Suddenly Everywhere in the UAE Read 7 July 2026 6 New Summer Drinks to Try in Dubai Read 4 July 2026 Rave’s July Edit: Best Dining & Wellness Experiences in Dubai Read 25 August 2026 The Chocolate Box Made of Strangers' Words Read 4 August 2026 The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Facing UAE Teenagers Read 16 July 2026 The Best Things to Do in the UAE This Summer 2026 Read 6 July 2026 Why Arab Teen Mental Health Is Changing — and the UAE App Behind the Shift Read 29 June 2026 Can AI Tell You How Fit You Really Are? I Tried The Technogym Checkup Read Previous Next

Emirati Women’s Day falls on 28 August. RAVE’s edit rounds up the gifts, jewellery, dining and stays that celebrate the women shaping the UAE. What to Gift, Where to Go: RAVE’s Emirati Women’s Day Edit Emirati Women’s Day falls on 28 August. RAVE’s edit rounds up the gifts, jewellery, dining and stays that celebrate the women shaping the UAE. by Layla Hassan 26 Aug 2026 Emirati Women’s Day falls on 28 August, but the celebration stretches well beyond a single day. This year’s theme, “We Emerge Stronger and Better,” feels like a fitting reminder of the women shaping the UAE — through what they create, what they build and how they bring people together. From jewellery and fashion to wellness, dining, art and experiences, here is RAVE’s edit of what to gift, where to go and who to know this Emirati Women’s Day. The Gifts 1. Piece of You — heritage you can wear every day There’s something particularly fitting about gifting jewellery made by an Emirati woman, for Emirati women. Amreen Iqbal’s four-piece edit turns heritage into something you can wear every day: a UAE Heritage Full Diamond Necklace, Falcon Enamel Necklace, Trio Waves Diamond Earcuff and Timeless Essentials Cross Ring. Choose it for the woman who wants her heritage close. Shop: pieceofyou.ae 2. Buccellati — hand-engraved, quietly gran For the woman who likes her jewellery to feel like it already has a story, Buccellati’s hand-engraved pieces have the heirloom quality to match. The Macri Classica bracelet, finished with the Maison’s signature rigato and ornato engraving, sits alongside the floral Opera pendant in yellow, white or rose gold. Choose it when the gift is meant to last well beyond the occasion. Shop: at Buccellati boutiques 3. Mouawad — the symbolism of forever Mouawad’s Flower of Eternity is built around three heart-shaped petals — past, present and future — which makes it a natural fit for a day about legacy. The EWD edit runs from a UAE-toned trio in malachite, mother-of-pearl and red agate to diamond and sapphire versions. Choose it for a milestone — or simply for someone you want to give a piece of the future to. Shop: Flower of Eternity collection 4. MARLI New York — for the minimalist If heritage feels too weighty for her taste, MARLI keeps it clean and architectural. For the occasion, it pairs its icon, the flexible Cleo Collection, along with its timepieces, in a curated edit built around self-expression and confident everyday style. Choose it for the woman whose jewellery is a signature, not an event. Shop: MARLI New York boutiques 5. Abadia — modern femininity, homegrown For a gift beyond the jewellery box, Abadia’s EWD edit draws from its Pre-Fall 2026 collection — a silk Scarf Drape Shirt with matching satin trousers, a berry Layered Volume Shirt Dress, and a cream yoryu kaftan that reimagines a regional silhouette. Fluid and considered, these are pieces designed to be worn well beyond the month they launch in. Shop: EWD edit 6. Hamac x Hadia Ghaleb — confidence, sun’s-out Not every tribute needs to be solemn. Hamac’s collaboration with Hadia Ghaleb redefines modest beachwear with fashion-forward burkinis, coordinated swimwear and easy cover-ups in vibrant, flattering cuts. Choose it for the woman refreshing her holiday wardrobe — the gift that carries straight into her next escape. Shop: Hadia Ghaleb collection 8. Nespresso — the gift for every budget Reliable needn’t mean dull. Nespresso’s Emirati Women’s Month guide spans the playful Vertuo Pop Pink machine (AED 1,099) down to a floral French Lavender & Vanilla decaf (AED 58), a Yuzu Vanilla Over Ice blend (AED 55) and pretty accessories like the Lavender Tumbler (AED 128). Choose it when you want a considered gift at any price point — coffee she’ll actually use. Shop: Nespresso 9. Rashtions — homegrown, with a backstory For a gift that starts a conversation, Rashtions — founded by Emirati entrepreneur Rashid Gargash — folds dates, camel milk and ghee into clean, high-protein truffles (up to 20g protein per serving, no added sugar). Date, Cocoa, Brazilian Coffee and Date Original, giftable solo or as a set. Choose it for the health-conscious woman who likes to back a UAE name. Shop: From ADNOC, Union Coop, Noon & rashtions.ae Where to Celebrate 10. DARLING x Vera Wellness — self-care, made social The K-beauty label DARLING* and Vera Wellness turn gifting into a whole afternoon: a two-day event (29–30 August) pairing Mat Pilates or sound healing with two DARLING masks, a drink from Page N Café and a chance to win a curated DARLING gift box. Choose it for the friend who’d rather be given an experience than another candle. Details: 29–30 Aug; Pilates 2–5 pm / sound healing 5–8 pm 11. ME by Meliá Dubai — art, then pure switch-off Start with meaning and end with indulgence. Emirati artist Fatma Lootah takes over the hotel’s Zaha Hadid-designed gallery with three works on femininity and memory (20 Aug–30 Sept), while Wellness by ME adds 30 complimentary minutes to every treatment (from AED 350), and women booking a stay over the weekend get a room upgrade and matcha at breakfast. Choose it for the woman who wants her day to mean something and feel like a treat. 12. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi — a dessert with a grandmother’s name This is heritage on a plate. Award-winning Emirati chef Sahar Parham Al Awadhi reimagines the Italian Torta della Nonna as “Torta’t Mama”, laced with cardamom, saffron and rose, served at Café Ginori overlooking Saadiyat’s shoreline for one month from the day. Choose it for a leisurely, meaningful celebration — Italian craft meeting Emirati memory. Details: From 28 Aug at Café Ginori, one month For more info call +971 2 498 8443 \ restaurant.saadiyat@stregis.com 13. Villa Sélène, Yas Links — Abu Dhabi — candlelight on the water For a celebration that glows, Villa Sélène’s new Friday concept, Oumsia, sets Mediterranean sharing plates to live piano and candlelit waterfront views. Choose it for the girls’ dinner you want to feel like an occasion — the kind that runs long past dessert. Details: Friday, 28 August 2026, from 6pm to 9pm For more info call +971 54 990 4246 14. Gerbou, Dubai — a taste of home To celebrate over the real thing, Gerbou reimagines Emirati cuisine in a beautifully restored 1987 building in Nad Al Sheba — Balaleet, Lamb Harees, Chicken Machboos and Logaimat among Sadu-inspired woodwork and camel-leather sofas. Choose it for a day that is, at heart, about the UAE’s own table. Details: Open daily 7am–11pm For more info : gerbou.com 15. Talise Spa, Madinat Jumeirah — self-care, times two Book one, gift one: across the month, every select 90-minute facial at Talise comes with a complimentary second treatment, so she can bring a companion — plus 30% off selected retail. Choose it for the woman who’d never book the spa for herself, and the friend she’ll bring along. Details: 28 Aug–28 Sept (Emirates ID) For more info : +971 4 366 6818 / mjtalise@jumeirah.com 16. Wellbeings x Rayya Wellness — a whole month of Mondays For deep switch-off, Wellbeings and Rayya offer 50% off 90-minute treatments on 28 August and every Monday to 27 September, each visit finished with a face mask, a signature ritual and a peach iced-tea mocktail. Choose it for the woman running on empty — recharge framed as her due, at spas across the UAE. Details: 28 Aug to 27 Sept, 50% off For more info WhatsApp 056 615 0286 / wellbeings.ae 17. Novikov Café, Dubai Mall — build-your-own keepsake On 28 August only, Novikov hosts The Charmerie for a charm bar where she picks a bracelet and the charms that mean something to her (from AED 35), with a Plinko game guaranteeing up to 35% off — and every lady dining leaves with a velvet box of sweets and a rose. Choose it for a personal, low-key celebration with a keepsake to take home. Details: 28 Aug, 9am–1am For more info novikov-cafe.com 18. Coffeemania — life in pink Coffeemania turns the occasion rosy with two elegant new creations on the menu introducing two elegant creations inspired by the spirit of the day: a Strawberry Matcha, layered with ceremonial-grade matcha, lactose-free milk and strawberry purée, and a beautifully handcrafted Pink Éclair, filled with Bourbon vanilla custard and finished with a pink glaze and hand-piped sugar blossoms.Choose it for a pretty, easy way to mark the day over coffee and something sweet. Details: from 28 Aug for one month, at Coffeemania 21. MEI — Dumpling Divas — women, supporting women This Emirati Women’s Day, MEI hosts Dumpling Divas, an intimate evening celebrating women in business, art, beauty, and hospitality. Inspired by the theme “We Emerge Better and Stronger,” the event features a conversation with Noora Sharafi, Aysha Al Shamsi, Faeza Mohamed, Layla Hajjaj, and Diana Rysbaeva. They will discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, reinvention, confidence, and the importance of women supporting women. Choose it for the woman who’d rather celebrate in good company than a gift bag. Details: 28 Aug Price: AED 150 per person Bookings: Here

What happens when a chocolate brand asks a whole city how it feels? FIX collected the answers at Kite Beach — and made them something to hold, gift and taste. The Chocolate Box Made of Strangers' Words What happens when a chocolate brand asks a whole city how it feels? FIX collected the answers at Kite Beach — and made them something to hold, gift and taste. by Layla Hassan 25 Aug 2026 Back in May, FIX Dessert Chocolatier set up at Kite Beach and asked people a simple question: how do you feel about Dubai? Over two days, more than 6,500 people stopped to write something down. We covered it at the time ; now, those messages have found a second life. Those messages have now become part of FIX's new From Dubai, With Love Hero Box. One hundred of them have been printed across the box in six languages, turning something that began as a public conversation into something people can take home. It's the latest move from the brand behind The Original Dubai Chocolate — the Can't Get Knafeh Of It bar that started the whole viral Dubai chocolate craze. "FIX was born in Dubai, and this community has been part of our story from the very beginning," says co-founder Sarah Hamouda, who started the brand in 2021 with Yezen Alani. "When thousands of people shared their words with us at Kite Beach, we knew we wanted to do something special with them. This box is our love letter back to Dubai and the community. Wherever these words go next, we hope they take a little piece of Dubai with them." The messages themselves are the best part. Here are a few that made it onto the box: "Be grateful for the small things, big things, and everything in between." "May the kindness you give come back to you." "Vive la vida y no dejes que la vida te viva." — Live life, and don't let life live you. What stands out is what people chose to write. For a city so often described through its tallest buildings, biggest ambitions and fastest growth, the messages were surprisingly simple. It was about kindness. "Small acts, big impact." "Be humble, believe in yourself, and have the care of the world in your heart." One message, in Arabic, just said: through thick and thin, we're together. Another, in Spanish, told whoever read it to actually go and live. In a city made up of people from all over the world, that became the common thread: look after each other. Six languages, thousands of contributors and countless different stories later, the messages still seemed to arrive at the same place. The From Dubai, With Love Hero Box lets you choose six flavours from FIX's line-up, including Can't Get Knafeh Of It , Pick Up A Pretzel , Mind Your Own Biscuit and Jam Or Go Nuts . It's priced at AED 395.25 and is available exclusively through Careem in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It's a good gift, obviously. But it's an unusual one too. Most boxes of chocolate don't come covered in the handwriting of a hundred strangers who happen to love the same city you do. And if you were at Kite Beach in May, there's another reason to look twice: your message might be on there.

From exam stress and cyberbullying to social media pressure, experts say UAE teenagers are struggling more than ever—and many parents miss the warning signs. The Hidden Mental Health Crisis Facing UAE Teenagers From exam stress and cyberbullying to social media pressure, experts say UAE teenagers are struggling more than ever—and many parents miss the warning signs. by Sienna Vale 4 Aug 2026 Teenagers today are navigating far more than homework and exams. Behind classroom doors and smartphone screens, many are battling anxiety, bullying, friendship struggles and overwhelming academic pressure. According to Uniquely You Mental Health Center the UAE's first publicly neurodivergent-owned and operated mental health clinic, these issues have become some of the most common mental health concerns affecting teenagers between the ages of 13 and 17. Drawing on both international research and the centre's clinical experience, psychologists say adolescent mental health is being shaped by a complex mix of school expectations, social pressures, family dynamics and digital life—making early support more important than ever. The Numbers Are Hard to Ignore The statistics paint a worrying picture. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in seven young people aged 10 to 19 worldwide lives with a mental health disorder, with anxiety, depression and behavioural disorders among the leading causes of illness and disability in this age group. Closer to home, a joint UNICEF-WHO report suggests around one in six adolescents across the MENA region experiences a mental health condition. The report also highlights ongoing gaps in early diagnosis and support within schools and healthcare systems. In the UAE, a national study involving 3,745 school students found that 23.3% showed symptoms of anxiety, with older teenagers significantly more likely to experience both anxiety and depression. It's Rarely Just Anxiety Experts say mental health challenges rarely exist in isolation. A teenager struggling with anxiety may also be coping with academic pressure, friendship conflicts, low self-esteem or difficulty regulating emotions. Family circumstances, trauma and behavioural challenges can further intensify these experiences. For neurodivergent teenagers—including autistic young people and those with ADHD—the challenges can be even greater. Difficulties with attention, sensory processing, communication or social expectations are sometimes misunderstood as poor behaviour or a lack of motivation, delaying the support they actually need. Social Media Is Changing the Teenage Experience Perhaps no generation has grown up under as much digital scrutiny as today's teens. With smartphones providing constant access to social media, many adolescents now face endless opportunities for comparison, validation and fear of missing out. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reports that teenagers spend almost nine hours online every day, excluding time spent on schoolwork. Research also shows that excessive screen time—particularly late at night—can interfere with sleep, affect self-esteem and increase exposure to cyberbullying. The WHO has additionally linked problematic social media use with poorer wellbeing, reduced academic performance and disrupted sleep patterns. Recognising these risks, the UAE recently introduced a minimum age of 15 for social media use , preventing younger children from operating personal accounts. The move reflects increasing concern about protecting young people online while encouraging healthier digital habits through parental guidance and open conversations. Why Parents and Schools Need to Work Together Elaine Maichin, MSc, NCC, LPC, Psychologist (CDA) and Owner of Uniquely You Mental Health Centre, says parents and educators should look beyond individual symptoms. "Teen mental health cannot be understood through one symptom or one setting. Anxiety may be shaped by academic pressure, friendship conflict, low self-esteem, family dynamics, trauma or an underlying neurodevelopmental difference. Research consistently points to the value of early recognition and coordinated support. Parents, schools and mental health professionals need to share observations, listen carefully and respond before distress begins to disrupt learning, relationships, sleep or daily life for a young person." The clinic is currently expanding partnerships with schools across the UAE, supporting students experiencing anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, academic stress, behavioural concerns, depression, autism and ADHD. It also works closely with teachers, counsellors and parents to encourage earlier intervention and more consistent support between school and home. For more information on recognising early warning signs and available support, visit uniquelyyoumentalhealthcenter.com .

The newest openings, stores, tech and trends across the Emirates Just Landed: 8 New UAE Openings, Tech Drops & Trends to Know The newest openings, stores, tech and trends across the Emirates by Layla Hassan 6 Aug 2026 There's always something new happening in the UAE—and this month is no exception. From exciting restaurant openings and stylish cafés to next-generation tech and a beauty trend putting a fresh spin on tradition, these are the launches everyone will be talking about. ARKHE, Dubai Marina Dubai's wellness scene has a new heavyweight. ARKHE is a members' club that brings fitness, recovery and longevity together under one roof, making it easy to train smarter rather than simply harder. As an official HYROX Training Club and the first home of PILAT3S Dynamic Reformer Pilates in Dubai, members can combine workouts with unlimited recovery sessions, including cold plunges, saunas, red-light therapy and hyperbaric oxygen. Those looking for a more personalised approach can also access ARKHE LONGEVITY-UK, offering diagnostics and blood analysis to help optimise long-term health. Gym-floor access is already open, while the full club—including classes, recovery facilities and the café—launches on 1 September. The first 300 members will also receive exclusive launch pricing. Bait Maryam, City Centre Mirdif One of Dubai's most-loved Levantine restaurants has opened a new outpost in City Centre Mirdif, bringing chef Salam Daqqaq's celebrated Palestinian home cooking to eastern Dubai. Awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for three consecutive years, Bait Maryam has built a loyal following for comforting, family-style dishes. Expect favourites including creamy hummus served with fresh bread, the signature Fatet Maryam Musakhan, slow-cooked lamb mansaf and a generous serving of knafeh to finish. If sharing generous Middle Eastern feasts is your idea of the perfect meal, this is one to bookmark. Mimo Café, Mövenpick Hotel JLT Portuguese café culture has arrived in Jumeirah Lakes Towers with the opening of Mimo Café inside Mövenpick Hotel JLT. The concept is refreshingly simple: warm pastel de nata baked throughout the day, expertly brewed Delta Coffee prepared on La Marzocco machines and interiors inspired by traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles. Whether you're grabbing coffee on the go or settling in for a slower afternoon, it's another welcome addition to Dubai's ever-growing café scene. 2 STOREEZ, City Centre Mirdif Contemporary womenswear label 12 STOREEZ has opened its fourth Dubai boutique at City Centre Mirdif, making its minimalist wardrobe staples even more accessible for shoppers across the city. Known for timeless essentials and elevated everyday dressing, the new store pairs warm neutral interiors with personalised service, creating a shopping experience that's every bit as considered as the collections themselves. New Tech HUAWEI Pura 90s Series Huawei's latest Pura 90s Series has arrived in the UAE, with pre-orders starting from AED 3,199. Built with content creators and photography enthusiasts in mind, the flagship Pura 90s Pro Max features a 200MP telephoto camera, improved colour accuracy through True-to-Colour 2.0 and a suite of AI-powered photography tools, including AI Composition, AI De-glare and AI Move. A 6,000mAh battery with 100W SuperCharge and the latest Celia assistant round out a package designed for users who rely on their phones for both creativity and productivity. HUAWEI FreeClip 2 Special Edition Huawei has also unveiled the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 Special Edition, giving its open-ear earbuds a stylish update with new Deepsea Blue and Space Silver finishes. Priced at AED 749, the lightweight earbuds combine adaptive AI audio with automatic sound adjustments that respond to changing environments, helping keep calls and music clear whether you're commuting, working or relaxing. A redesigned charging case is now 20% roomier than the standard version and can even double as storage for small accessories like earrings. soundcore Liberty 5 Pro Series Anker's audio brand, soundcore, has introduced its latest Liberty 5 Pro and Liberty 5 Pro Max earbuds across the Gulf. Powered by the brand's new THUS AI chip, the earbuds focus on making everyday communication easier. Features include enhanced AI-powered call clarity, real-time language translation and, on the Pro Max model, an AI Note-Taker that can transcribe meetings directly from the charging case without needing a connected phone. The Liberty 5 Pro is priced at AED 699, while the Pro Max retails for AED 899, and both are available through Sharaf DG, Virgin Megastore, Amazon, Noon and Anker's online store . Trend to Watch Mehndi Meets Fresh Florals Henna is getting a seasonal makeover. A growing beauty trend across the UAE is pairing traditional mehndi with fresh flowers, creating delicate, one-of-a-kind designs that celebrate both craftsmanship and nature. Gifting marketplace Udora recently collaborated with floral artist Katerina Shukshina to weave intricate mehndi patterns through peak-season peonies, allowing the blooms to shape each design organically. The beauty lies in its fleeting nature—both the flowers and the henna fade over time—making every creation completely unique.

Rave magazine offers curated content on the latest trends in luxury fashion, beauty, trends, lifestyle & culture across UAE and Middle East The Hydration Heroes: Your Essential Guide to Transitional Skincare Read TOP STORIES The Shoe That Goes Unseen But Works Every Day Why modern tables look better when nothing quite matches Rave Roams: 48 Hours in Doha TRENDING Dubai's Cultural Calendar Just Got Interesting—Here's What to Book Best Solo Travel Destinations for First-Timers: Beginner-Friendly guide Six Immersive Experiences in the UAE to Book This Season What Does the UAE Smell Like? One Perfumer Has a Beautiful Answer How to Get Glass Skin: A Beginner’s 6-Step Korean Beauty Routine EDITOR'S PICK Clive Christian’s New Perfume Is an Ode to Oscar Wilde (With a Panda)

As the summer heat begins to soften, the season's launches lean warm, woody and unapologetically bold — Five new arrivals worth clearing a shelf for. 5 New Perfumes to Know in 2026 As the summer heat begins to soften, the season's launches lean warm, woody and unapologetically bold — Five new arrivals worth clearing a shelf for. by Aria Beaumont 20 Aug 2026 There is a particular kind of fragrance that belongs to the tail end of a Gulf summer: richer than the citrus and cologne that carry us through peak heat, but not yet as dense as the ambers and spices of winter. This season’s launches sit somewhere in between, with warm woods, oud, fruit and florals taking centre stage. And increasingly, the region’s own perfume houses are holding their ground alongside the French maisons. Here are five new fragrances worth knowing now Dior — Jasmin des Anges Esprit de Parfum For La Collection Privée, Francis Kurkdjian reinterprets Jasmin des Anges at a higher concentration, drawing on the heady atmosphere of Indian summers in Grasse, where heat brings out the flower’s most generous and syrupy facets. Jasmine Grandiflorum sits at the heart, surrounded by apricot, sweet strawberry and juicy peach, giving the composition an almost compote-like richness. It is the marquee luxury entry here, but also one of the most seasonally appropriate: a fragrance that captures that hazy moment when the heat begins to give way to evening. The combination of luminous jasmine and ripe fruit gives it a sensual quality without making it feel overwhelmingly heavy. Maison Origine Paris — Oud of London Maison Origine Paris’s Oud of London is an Extrait de Parfum inspired by the atmosphere and memories of London. The composition opens with oud, saffron, incense and raspberry before moving into a heart of amyris, benzoin resinoid, cypriol and leather. Sandalwood, amber, patchouli and musk form the base, giving the fragrance a darker, warmer finish. The combination of oud and saffron gives it a rich, woody character, while raspberry adds a brighter edge to the opening. As it settles, the leather, sandalwood and amber deepen the composition, giving it a more pronounced, evening-ready character. Rasasi — Hawas Gold Digger The UAE-born fragrance house brings a warmer, richer expression to its Hawas collection with Hawas Gold Digger, an amber-woody aromatic built around notes of pear, lavender, bergamot, and mint. The opening is fresh and aromatic before cinnamon and sage add a warmer, spicier character at the heart. Vanilla, amber, patchouli and cedarwood round out the base, giving the fragrance greater depth and a smooth, woody finish. The result is a confident scent that moves from fresh and aromatic to warm and enveloping as it settles on the skin. For those who prefer fragrance with presence without going too dark or heavy, Hawas Gold Digger offers a polished take on amber woods. Henry Jacques — Oudh Supreme At the rarefied end of the fragrance spectrum, Henry Jacques presents Oudh Supreme, part of Les Classiques, the collection at the heart of the maison. Drawing on more than fifty years of savoir-faire and the house’s long relationship with oud, the fragrance uses carefully selected oud sourced from Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, slowly distilled and aged through the maison’s distinctive maceration process. It opens with saffron, iris and geranium before revealing Cuvée Dehen el Oudh, enriched with balsam and mimosa. Leather, amber and vanilla add warmth and depth, while cedarwood anchors the composition. The result is a rich, resinous oud with subtle leather, cacao-like warmth and hints of candied fruit. Complex and deliberately slow-moving, it rewards time on the skin. ARMAF — Club de Nuit Intense Overdose ARMAF’s Club de Nuit Intense Overdose takes the DNA of the Club de Nuit Intense collection in a richer, more layered direction. It opens with pineapple, blackcurrant, crisp apple and citrus, creating a bright, fruity first impression before birch and patchouli bring a darker, smokier edge to the heart. Musk, ambergris and oakmoss form the base, leaving a deeper and more textured trail. The contrast between the fresh fruit opening and smoky, woody dry-down gives it an easy versatility — bright enough for daytime, with enough depth to carry into the evening. It is a good choice for anyone who likes a fragrance that evolves noticeably on the skin. You Might Also Like Top 5 Coveted Fragrances for the Holy Month of Ramadan Clive Christian’s New Perfume Is an Ode to Oscar Wilde (With a Panda) What Does the UAE Smell Like? One Perfumer Has a Beautiful Answer

Discover expert tips, product reviews, and the latest trends in skincare, makeup, and wellness. Elevate your beauty routine and embrace your most confident self. BEAUTY COSMETICS MAN MIND & BODY NEWS PERFUMES TREATMENTS 20 August 2026 5 New Perfumes to Know in 2026 Read 5 August 2026 Your K-Beauty Routine for a Lit-From-Within Glow Read 30 July 2026 The Glossy Lip Is Back — And Summer 2026 Belongs to Lip Oil Read 24 July 2026 Five Evening Habits For Better Skin While You Sleep Read 30 June 2026 Beauty Experts Reveal the Treatments They’d Never Do—And the Habits They Avoid Completely Read 13 August 2026 Bronzing Drops Are the Shortcut to a Sun-Kissed Glow Read 3 August 2026 What Is PDRN? The Injectable-Inspired Ingredient Taking Over Skincare Read 29 July 2026 Do At-Home Beauty Devices Actually Work? A Cosmetic Nurse's Verdict Read 9 July 2026 Your 2026 Summer Skincare Edit: What to Buy and Which Treatments to Book Before You Fly Read 22 June 2026 Why Healing Matters More Than Brightening in Hot Climates Read Previous Next

Bronzing drops are the liquid glow-giver everyone's reaching for. Here's what they are, how to use them, and the bronzers worth trying for a sun-kissed look. Bronzing Drops Are the Shortcut to a Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzing drops are the liquid glow-giver everyone's reaching for. Here's what they are, how to use them, and the bronzers worth trying for a sun-kissed look. by Sara Al Farsi 13 Aug 2026 The sun-kissed look everyone wants rarely comes from actual sun — and that is rather the point. Bronzing drops, the liquid formulas you blend into your skincare or wear on their own, have quietly become the fastest way to fake a lit-from-within tan without the UV damage. If your feed is suddenly full of skin that looks warmer, glossier and effortlessly bronzed, this is why. Here is what bronzing drops actually are, why they have taken off, how to use them, and the bronzers — drops and beyond — worth knowing. What are bronzing drops? Bronzing drops are concentrated liquid bronzers designed to be mixed rather than swept on. A few drops stirred into your moisturiser, serum or foundation add a buildable wash of warmth across the whole face; a drop or two tapped straight onto the high points gives a more targeted, sculpted glow. Unlike traditional powder bronzers, which can give a more defined, makeup-like finish, liquid drops melt into the skin for a sheer, dewy wash of warmth that looks more like natural colour than makeup. Most of the newer launches are also skincare-infused, carrying hydrators or antioxidants so the glow comes with a small skin benefit. Why bronzing drops took off A few things have pushed bronzing drops from niche beauty product to everyday makeup staple. A few things have pushed bronzing drops from niche beauty product to everyday makeup staple. First, there is the ongoing blur between skincare and makeup: shoppers want products that do double duty, and a bronzer that also hydrates fits neatly into a pared-back routine. Then there is the shift away from intentional sun exposure — a bottled glow is simply the smarter way to look bronzed. And finally, the aesthetic itself: the soft, dewy, lit-from-within glow that K-beauty helped make mainstream is exactly what a good bronzing drop delivers How to use bronzing drops Mix into your moisturiser or SPF The easiest entry point: add one to three drops to your usual moisturiser, blend in your palm and apply as normal for an all-over glow. If you're wearing SPF, apply it separately as the final step of your skincare routine rather than mixing it with your bronzing drops. Start with fewer drops than you think — you can always layer more. Add to your foundation If your base looks a touch too pale or flat, mix a drop into your foundation before applying to add warmth without changing the finish too dramatically. This keeps the finish natural and stops the classic mismatch between face and neck. Wear them neat for a targeted glow For a more targeted glow, tap a small amount onto the tops of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose and brow bones — essentially anywhere the sun would naturally hit. Blend quickly with your fingers or a damp sponge before the formula sets. Whichever method you choose, two rules apply: build slowly, and blend fast, because liquid formulas grab once they dry. Choose a shade that adds warmth without looking dramatically darker than your natural skin tone, and blend any excess down towards the neck for a seamless finish. The formulas worth knowing Drops lead the trend, but the wider bronzer category has quietly upgraded too — every format below is skin-first, buildable and long-wearing. A few worth having on your radar: Dr. Barbara Sturm Everything Bronzing Drops — Liquid drops — A skincare-led take on bronzing. Non-comedogenic and buildable, the drops can be worn alone or mixed with moisturiser or foundation for a custom wash of warmth. They are formulated with Sturm's Skin Vitality Complex and designed to hydrate, blur the appearance of pores, and even out skin tone. A strong choice if you want your bronzer to feel more like part of your skincare routine. Shop Saie SuperSuede Radiant Baked Bronzer — Baked powder — For anyone who still prefers powder, this talc-free formula is slow-baked in Italy and comes in six shades, from Palermo to Como. It gives skin a soft-focus warmth rather than a flat, matte finish, with squalane and hyaluronic acid to keep it comfortable throughout the day. Shop SimiHaze Beauty Skin Suede Melting Bronze Balm — Cream balm — A cream-to-skin balm for anyone who wants a dewier, more sculpted bronze. It can be used across the face and also on the eyes and lips for an easy monochrome look, while its Hydra-Sphere Complex helps keep the formula comfortable rather than greasy. Shop Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint — Bronzing tint — The heritage option in the edit. Joli Teint gives skin a lightweight wash of colour and a naturally bronzed finish, making it a good choice for anyone who wants the ease of a tint rather than a traditional powder. The limited-edition Golden Dunes design adds a collectible element. Shop Asteri Beauty Spectrum Palette — All-in-one — A GCC-made option for anyone who wants everything in one compact. The palette pairs a SOLIS powder bronzer with an UMBRA cream bronzer, alongside blush and highlighter, making it an easy travel option for creating a complete sun-warmed look. Shop Making the glow last Liquid glow can slide as the day goes on. Set drops with the lightest dusting of translucent powder only where you tend to get shiny, and lean on long-wear base products underneath — the same longevity logic in our guide to longer-lasting base makeup . Done right, the finish holds without sliding into a greasy sheen. Who bronzing drops suit Bronzing drops are particularly useful if you prefer sheer, buildable colour or find traditional bronzers too heavy. Fairer skin tones can start with softer golden or peachy shades, while medium to deep complexions can look for richer bronze and amber tones. Because the colour is easy to build, you have more control over the final intensity — which makes drops a relatively forgiving way to introduce warmth into your routine. The verdict Bronzing drops earn the hype, but the appeal isn't really about looking tanned. It's about making skin look warmer, fresher and more alive without adding another heavy layer of makeup. The formulas are sheer, buildable and easy to work into an existing routine, while newer launches are bringing skincare benefits into the mix. For the days when you want more definition or staying power, layer a powder or balm over the top. The result is the kind of glow that comes from a bottle — not a sunbed. You Might Also Like The Glossy Lip Is Back — And Summer 2026 Belongs to Lip Oil What Is PDRN? The Injectable-Inspired Ingredient Taking Over Skincare Your 2026 Summer Skincare Edit: What to Buy and Which Treatments to Book Before You Fly