Month: May 2026

Beyond the Bowl

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How Maki & Ramen Brought Soulful Japanese Dining to Dubai

Natasha Dury

There are restaurants that open with fanfare, and then there are brands that arrive with genuine soul. Maki & Ramen belongs firmly to the latter. When the celebrated UK-born Japanese dining concept opened its doors in Dubai, it immediately stood apart not because it tried too hard to impress, but because it understood something many modern restaurants forget: great food is ultimately about connection, comfort, and authenticity.

From the very first visit, there was an energy about the space that felt refreshingly unpretentious. Tucked within the Mövenpick Hotel in Jumeirah Village Triangle, the restaurant blends contemporary Japanese aesthetics with a warmth that feels welcoming rather than theatrical. Oak wood textures, soft lighting, and an understated design language create an atmosphere that invites diners to settle in rather than simply pass through.  

For me, it is the food that leaves the lasting impression and it is not only because my collegaues have crowned me the Ramen Queen of Dubai and I am biased towards this genre of food. I genuinely loved the food and also enjoyed the bowls that came ready to heat and eat at home after visiting the restaurant.

The ramen arrives rich, layered, and deeply comforting, carrying the kind of slow-cooked intensity that reveals itself spoonful after spoonful. The sushi feels vibrant and fresh without unnecessary complication, while dishes such as the Tan Tan Men and Salmon Teriyaki Roll showcase the balance between authenticity and broad appeal that has become central to the brand’s success.   The curry ramen, in particular, has become something of a signature, delivering bold flavour with remarkable depth.

What makes Maki & Ramen especially compelling is that its growth story never feels manufactured. Founded in Edinburgh as a modest 30-seat ramen bar, the brand has expanded into an 18-location restaurant group across the UK, with further growth already underway.   Yet despite its scale, the philosophy behind it remains rooted in accessibility and sincerity. The mission has always been clear: to make high-quality Japanese food approachable without compromising integrity.  

That philosophy becomes even more meaningful after meeting the man behind it in Dubai. Chef Teddy Lee is not simply a restaurateur chasing expansion. He is someone who built his understanding of hospitality from the ground up, beginning in his family’s Chinese restaurant before immersing himself in the discipline and precision of Japanese ramen culture.   His journey eventually took him to Tokyo, where he trained under Japanese masters and refined the craft that would later shape Maki & Ramen’s identity.  

What makes Teddy particularly inspiring is not only his work ethic, though stories of fourteen-hour days and relentless refinement speak volumes, but the clarity of his vision. He speaks about Japanese cuisine with reverence, yet without exclusivity. His belief that authentic food should never feel gatekept or intimidating resonates strongly in today’s dining landscape.  Meeting him in Dubai made it easy to understand why the brand has cultivated such loyalty.

Dubai’s dining scene is hardly short of spectacle, yet Maki & Ramen succeeds by focusing on something more enduring. It delivers flavour with honesty, hospitality with heart, and a dining experience that feels personal in an increasingly performative restaurant landscape. And sometimes, that is exactly what makes a restaurant unforgettable.

Azimut’s New Grande 30M Brings Italian Superyacht Elegance to Asian Waters

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Natasha Dury

There are yachts designed to impress at first glance, and then there are yachts designed to completely redefine life at sea. The new Azimut Grande 30M belongs firmly to the latter category. Making its Asian debut in Hong Kong, the flagship model arrives not simply as another addition to the superyacht landscape, but as a statement of how contemporary luxury yachting is evolving toward more fluid, social and experience-driven living.

The Grande 30M has established itself as one of the most architecturally ambitious yachts in its segment. Designed externally by Alberto Mancini with interiors by acclaimed Italian studio m2atelier, the yacht balances sculptural Italian styling with a deeply lifestyle-oriented approach to onboard living.

What distinguishes the Grande 30M most is the way it reimagines space. Central to the design is the innovative “All-Day” upper deck, a fully walkaround social environment anchored by a panoramic lounge enclosed by floor-to-ceiling windows that open on three sides. The result is an atmosphere that feels less confined than traditional yacht layouts and more akin to a luxury waterfront residence floating at sea.

Designed with multi-generational living and entertaining in mind, the layout allows guests to move effortlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining moments of privacy and intimacy. Whether hosting extended family gatherings, sunset dining or quiet retreats during long coastal journeys, the Grande 30M adapts fluidly to different rhythms of onboard life without ever sacrificing openness or connection to the sea.

Equally transformative is the yacht’s extraordinary Deck2Deck™ Terrace at the stern. By elevating the transom structure, Azimut has created a remarkable 25-square-metre overwater terrace that seamlessly extends the cockpit into the surrounding horizon. The architectural effect is dramatic yet elegant, blurring the boundary between yacht and ocean while creating one of the most immersive alfresco spaces currently available in this category.

Beyond aesthetics, the Grande 30M also reflects Azimut’s broader philosophy of merging technological innovation with refined Italian craftsmanship. Every detail feels considered, from the natural flow of circulation onboard to the careful interplay of materials, textures and light throughout the interiors.

The Hong Kong showcase also highlighted the wider strength of the Azimut range, with models including the Fly 78, Fly 62 and Magellano 60 reinforcing the brand’s ability to cater to vastly different owner lifestyles. Yet it was the Grande 30M that unquestionably commanded attention, particularly as the world’s first delivered unit officially arrived in Asia.

As luxury yachting increasingly shifts toward immersive lifestyle experiences rather than pure status symbolism, the Grande 30M feels perfectly aligned with the new generation of owners seeking design sophistication, versatility and emotional connection to the sea. More than simply a superyacht, it represents a floating expression of contemporary Italian living which is elegant, social and unapologetically experiential.

Discovering the Soul of Old Spain

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Chinchilla – The Hilltop Village of Kindness and History

Natasha Dury

There are places that quietly stay with you long after you leave. Chinchilla de Monte-Aragón, a historic hilltop village in the province of Albacete is just that kind of place. We often explore small towns when we visit our home in Spain but this one touched our heart. Perched high above the plains of Castilla–La Mancha, this charming medieval town feels untouched by the hurried pace of modern tourism, offering instead something increasingly rare in travel today – authenticity.

Arriving in Chinchilla feels like stepping into another era. Narrow stone streets wind gently through the village, opening onto hidden squares, rustic homes, and panoramic viewpoints that stretch endlessly across the Spanish landscape. Above it all rises the magnificent Castle of Chinchilla, its imposing stone walls watching over the town like a guardian from centuries past.

The castle itself is breathtaking. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries on the remains of earlier Moorish fortifications, it carries the layered history of Spain within its walls. Standing near the fortress, with the wind moving across the hilltops and golden light washing over the old stone, there is a stillness that feels deeply cinematic.

Unlike many heavily commercialised landmarks across Europe, the atmosphere here remains wonderfully understated. The experience is less about crowds and queues and more about quietly absorbing history.Yet what truly defines Chinchilla is not only its architecture or scenery, but its people.

During our visit, after spending hours exploring the steep streets and climbing around the castle grounds, exhaustion eventually caught up with me. Our car was parked further uphill, taxis were nowhere to be found, and the climb back felt far more daunting under the afternoon sun. In many destinations, this would simply become one of those inconvenient travel moments quickly forgotten. In Chinchilla, it became something unforgettable.

The local Mercado shopkeeper, noticing our situation, did something extraordinary in its simplicity. Without hesitation, he closed his shop, offered to drive us back up the hill. There was no expectation, no transaction, no performance for tourists but simply genuine kindness. That small act captured the spirit of the village more powerfully than any guidebook ever could.

So much travel revolves around luxury resorts, curated experiences, and perfectly filtered itineraries, but Chinchilla offers a reminder that the most meaningful journeys are often shaped by human connection. The village does not try to impress loudly. Instead, it reveals itself slowly through warm conversations, old-world hospitality, and moments that feel deeply personal.

The beauty of Chinchilla also lies in its rhythm. Life moves differently here. Locals gather casually in cafés, conversations linger in quiet squares, and evenings arrive with golden sunsets spilling across ancient rooftops. It is the kind of place that encourages travellers to slow down, wander aimlessly, and appreciate the details in the weathered doors, church bells echoing through narrow streets, and the scent of Spanish coffee drifting from family-run cafés.

For travellers seeking a different side of Spain, one rooted in heritage, simplicity, and heartfelt hospitality, Chinchilla is a hidden treasure. It may not appear on every luxury travel itinerary, but perhaps that is precisely its charm.

Royal Bahrain Concours Returns for 2026

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A Celebration of Automotive Elegance, Luxury Lifestyle and Global Collecting Culture

Natasha Dury

Few automotive events in the region capture the spirit of elegance, exclusivity, and collector culture quite like the Royal Bahrain Concours. Following the success of its inaugural edition, the prestigious event will return to the spectacular Royal Golf Club in November 2026, once again transforming Bahrain into a gathering point for some of the world’s rarest and most exceptional automobiles.

Held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Royal Bahrain Concours has rapidly established itself as the GCC’s premier Concours d’Elegance. More than simply an automotive showcase, the event blends collector culture, luxury hospitality, design, and lifestyle within an atmosphere of refined sophistication.

Set against the manicured landscapes of the Royal Golf Club in Riffa, the 2026 edition will expand into a richer two-day experience following overwhelming demand from collectors, partners, enthusiasts, and international guests. The concours will once again bring together an extraordinary selection of collector cars alongside leading regional car clubs, global automotive personalities, luxury brands, and curated hospitality experiences.

Organised by Thorough Events W.L.L. in partnership with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), the event reflects Bahrain’s growing prominence as a destination for premium lifestyle experiences and world-class motoring events. Under the leadership of BTEA Chief Executive Officer Sara Ahmed Buhiji, the Kingdom continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for luxury tourism, culture, and international events.

James Brooks-Ward, Chairman of the Royal Bahrain Concours, described the response to the inaugural edition as exceptional, noting that enthusiasm from collectors and visitors across the GCC and beyond exceeded expectations. With tickets now officially live for the 2026 edition, anticipation is already building around what promises to be one of the region’s standout luxury lifestyle events of the year.

Beyond the concours lawn itself, the event celebrates the wider culture surrounding exceptional automobiles, craftsmanship, heritage, design, engineering, and the emotional connection that defines collector motoring. Combined with Bahrain’s renowned hospitality and elegant setting, the Royal Bahrain Concours offers an experience that feels both international and distinctly Gulf in character.

Sara Ahmed Buhiji, CEO of BTEA, noted that the event now forms an important part of Bahrain’s premium events calendar, contributing not only to tourism but also to the wider hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors while reinforcing Bahrain’s reputation as a preferred destination for high-value experiential travel. The Royal Bahrain Concours is fast becoming one of the Middle East’s most desirable gatherings for collectors, enthusiasts, and lovers of automotive artistry.

Parmigiani Fleurier Captures the Spirit of Alpine Elegance

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The TONDA PF Sport Chronograph Silver Verzasca Blends Precision with Refined Luxury

Shereen Shabnam

With the arrival of the warmer season, Parmigiani Fleurier introduces a striking new addition to its TONDA PF Sport collection: the TONDA PF Sport Chronograph Silver Verzasca, a timepiece inspired by the mineral beauty and crystal-clear waters of Switzerland’s Verzasca Valley.

Crafted in a 42mm stainless steel case, the chronograph combines sporting performance with the understated sophistication that defines the Maison. At its heart is the COSC-certified PF070 automatic manufacture calibre, a high-frequency movement operating at 5 Hz to ensure exceptional precision and smooth chronograph performance.

The silver-toned dial features Parmigiani Fleurier’s signature Clou triangulaire guilloché pattern, while subtle Verzasca green accents echo the tones of alpine rivers and mountain landscapes. Skeletonised hands, rhodium-plated gold indices, and carefully balanced detailing create a refined aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless.

The polished and satin-finished steel case is paired with an advanced rubber strap inspired by fine saddlery craftsmanship, delivering both durability and comfort while maintaining the collection’s elegant sporting character.

More than simply a sports watch, the TONDA PF Sport Chronograph Silver Verzasca reflects Parmigiani Fleurier’s philosophy of quiet luxury, where performance, craftsmanship, and design exist in complete harmony. Equally suited to a mountain escape or an elegant dinner setting, the watch captures a lifestyle defined not by excess, but by precision, balance, and effortless refinement.

What makes the Silver Verzasca particularly compelling is its ability to merge technical intensity with visual restraint. The chronograph’s integrated architecture, knurled bezel, and beautifully finished movement visible through the sapphire caseback reveal the level of craftsmanship associated with traditional haute horlogerie, yet the overall design remains remarkably clean and wearable.

The inspiration drawn from the Verzasca Valley is also central to the watch’s identity. Rather than directly replicating the landscape, the piece translates its atmosphere, the clarity of alpine light, the movement of water over polished stone, and the calm elegance of the Swiss outdoors into colour, texture, and proportion.

For collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate subtle sophistication over overt statement-making, the TONDA PF Sport Chronograph Silver Verzasca offers a modern interpretation of luxury sports watchmaking: refined, highly engineered, and quietly confident.

The One Atelier Unveils The One Capital as Tokenisation Reshapes Luxury Real Estate

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Natasha Dury

Real estate continues to evolve beyond architecture and location into the realms of branding, technology and experiential value, and The One Atelier is positioning itself at the forefront of the sector’s next transformation. The company has officially launched The One Capital, a blockchain-driven platform focused on tokenisation within branded residential development, marking a significant step in the convergence of luxury property and digital asset infrastructure.

The initiative builds upon The One Atelier’s growing portfolio of internationally recognised branded residential projects associated with some of the world’s most influential luxury names, including Karl Lagerfeld, Fendi Casa, ETRO, Armani Casa, ELLE and Dolce & Gabbana. Many of these developments have demonstrated notable value appreciation between early launch phases and market maturity, reinforcing the increasing demand for branded living experiences among global luxury buyers.

Branded residences have become one of the fastest-expanding sectors within international real estate, driven by buyers seeking not only exclusivity and design pedigree, but also lifestyle identity and long-term value. According to Savills’ Branded Residences Report, such properties can command premiums of up to 33 percent compared to non-branded counterparts, with the sector expected to surpass 1,000 schemes globally by the end of 2026.

Against this backdrop, The One Capital introduces a new approach to early-stage development financing through tokenised real-world asset structures. Rather than focusing solely on completed assets, the platform targets value creation at the earliest stages of branded residential projects, supporting development during pre-launch and early construction phases through blockchain-enabled infrastructure.

The concept reflects the growing maturity of tokenisation within the broader financial and property landscape. By digitally representing selected assets through secure blockchain frameworks, The One Capital aims to create more transparent and structured approaches to capital deployment while maintaining the governance and quality standards expected within ultra-luxury development.

For developers, the platform presents an alternative financing route capable of strengthening early cash flow structures and supporting project alignment from inception. The emphasis remains firmly on structure, transparency and long-term value creation rather than speculative technology narratives that have often overshadowed blockchain discussions in the past.

The launch also signals a wider transformation underway within branded real estate itself. Once viewed primarily as hospitality-adjacent luxury developments, branded residences are increasingly becoming sophisticated investment ecosystems where design, technology, lifestyle and finance intersect. In this context, The One Capital shows how luxury property development is adapting to a more digitally connected and globally fluid financial landscape.

Art Dubai at 20 as it Helps Shape a Cultural Capital

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Natasha Dury

Dubai has spent the last two decades redefining itself as a global crossroads for commerce, design, innovation and luxury, and Art Dubai has quietly become one of its most influential cultural success stories. What began as an ambitious regional art fair has evolved into an institution that mirrors Dubai itself: international in outlook, rooted in diversity, and constantly evolving. This year, as Art Dubai prepares for a specially modified 20th anniversary edition at Madinat Jumeirah, the fair is not simply celebrating longevity. It is reaffirming Dubai’s growing confidence as one of the world’s most dynamic cultural capitals.

The special edition arrives during a moment of global uncertainty for the art market, yet its tone is notably optimistic. Presented in partnership with A.R.M. Holding, with Dubai Culture & Arts Authority serving as strategic partner, the fair places collaboration, accessibility and resilience at the centre of its vision. Free public entry, expanded institutional partnerships and a renewed focus on dialogue and shared experiences suggest an event designed less around exclusivity and more around cultural participation.

For many in the region, Art Dubai has always been more than a conventional art fair. Executive Director Benedetta Ghione describes it as “an international platform for this region’s cultural scene as it matures,” a statement that feels especially relevant in 2026. Rather than presenting art as an isolated luxury commodity, Art Dubai continues to position itself as part of a wider creative ecosystem, bringing together artists, galleries, collectors, institutions and audiences in ways few fairs globally have managed to sustain.

This year’s special edition reflects that ambition through a carefully curated programme spanning contemporary, modern and digital art practices. Around 75 presentations from galleries, institutions and partners will fill the halls of Madinat Jumeirah, with nearly 60 percent drawn from the region itself. The fair remains deeply connected to the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia while simultaneously expanding its global reach, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a meeting point between East and West.

The gallery programme is particularly significant. Alongside long-standing international exhibitors that have supported the region for decades, the fair also shines a spotlight on Dubai-based galleries that have grown in parallel with Art Dubai’s rise. New exhibitors join established names, creating a blend of emerging voices and internationally recognised institutions that reflects the city’s increasingly sophisticated cultural identity. In a notable response to current market pressures, the fair has also introduced an innovative risk-sharing model where gallery booth costs are linked to sales success, a move that underscores Art Dubai’s reputation for experimentation and adaptability.

Yet the real heartbeat of Art Dubai lies beyond the booths themselves. Increasingly, the fair’s importance is measured not only by what hangs on walls, but by the conversations and collaborations it enables. This year’s programming expands significantly through partnerships with some of the UAE’s leading cultural institutions, including Alserkal Avenue, Art Jameel, Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah Art Foundation and the Dubai Collection.

Among the highlights is “Made Forward,” a major presentation from Dubai Collection, the city’s first institutional collection of modern and contemporary art. Elsewhere, the 20th edition of the Global Art Forum, commissioned by Shumon Basar under the title “Before and After Everything,” promises the kind of cross-disciplinary discussions that have become synonymous with Art Dubai’s identity. Performance-led programming curated with Sharjah Art Foundation, moving-image collaborations with Alserkal Avenue, and large-scale installations integrated throughout the fair further blur the boundaries between exhibition, public engagement and cultural dialogue.

Digital art also continues to play a defining role in the fair’s evolution. Over recent years, Art Dubai has emerged as one of the few international fairs willing to seriously champion digital and immersive practices beyond trend-driven novelty. Its continued emphasis on digital culture reflects Dubai’s own future-facing mindset, positioning the city at the forefront of conversations surrounding technology, creativity and cultural production.

What makes this year especially compelling, however, is the sense of reflection underpinning the anniversary edition. There is a recognition that Art Dubai’s journey has become inseparable from Dubai’s broader cultural narrative. Over two decades, the fair has helped nurture collectors, supported regional artists, encouraged institutional growth and contributed to the city’s increasingly visible creative confidence on the global stage.

In many ways, the fair’s evolution mirrors Dubai’s own transformation. Both began as ambitious propositions often underestimated by outsiders. Both have grown through boldness, adaptability and a willingness to challenge conventional models. And both now occupy a position where global attention is no longer about potential, but influence.

The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul.” 

– Dieter F. Uchdorf-

New Space for Movement, Reset and Reconnection

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A female founder-led wellness destination, Villa BOOST invites a return to movement as a source of grounding in uncertain moments.

Natasha Dury

For those seeking moments of grounding, connection, and calm, Villa BOOST opens its doors in Al Safa, Jumeirah as a community-driven wellness destination designed to help people slow down, reconnect with their bodies, and return to mindful movement.

Founded by entrepreneur and wellness advocate Rania Zorkot alongside partner and brand ambassador Christelle Fourzali, Villa BOOST blends reformer and Lagree-inspired training with recovery-focused experiences and lifestyle-led wellness within an intimate villa setting designed to feel more like a home than a traditional studio.

More than simply a movement and recovery space, Villa BOOST positions itself as a modern “third space”, somewhere guests can train, recover, connect, and spend time throughout the day.

The concept builds on Rania’s long-standing philosophy around movement as both physical and mental grounding. More than a decade ago, she introduced Reformer Pilates to Abidjan through her first concept, FORM, cultivating a loyal community through results-driven training and a deeply personal approach to wellness.

That journey later evolved into the BOOST method, a balanced fusion of Pilates, Lagree, strength, and recovery designed around intelligent movement and sustainable wellbeing. Following the success of BOOST City Walk, which opened in Dubai in 2022, Villa BOOST expands the concept through a more immersive lifestyle experience shaped equally by community and mindful living.

The villa offers a curated mix of Reformer Pilates, Megaformer and Microformer sessions, infrared heated workouts, Cadillac Pilates, sculpt and conditioning classes, mobility training, assisted stretching, red light therapy, and Brazilian lymphatic massage in partnership with Lymph & Flow.

Beyond movement, guests can also experience TEASE, the villa’s wellness café serving functional smoothies and nutrient-rich drinks, alongside The Sweatshop, a retail concept featuring carefully selected international activewear and athleisure brands.

House of Samra Opens Its Doors to Emirati Jewellery Talent

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A New Retail Initiative Bringing Local Design into Dubai’s Luxury Shopping Landscape

Natasha Dury

We live in an ecosystem that is celebrated for its luxury retail experiences and global fashion presence and House of Samra is turning the spotlight toward homegrown creativity with the launch of House of Samra: Emirati Talent Showcase, a new initiative created in collaboration with Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development.

Designed to support emerging Emirati jewellery designers, the programme reflects a growing movement within the UAE’s retail landscape, one that increasingly values local craftsmanship, cultural identity, and entrepreneurial innovation alongside international luxury.

At the heart of the initiative is a simple yet powerful concept: giving Emirati designers direct access to premium retail environments and luxury consumers. Through the programme, selected jewellery designers will showcase their collections inside House of Samra boutiques located across some of Dubai’s most prestigious shopping destinations, including Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills Mall, and Dubai Festival City Mall.

The initiative arrives at a time when luxury retail is evolving beyond transactional shopping into something more experiential and community-driven. Consumers are increasingly seeking authenticity, storytelling, and individuality, qualities often found within independent and locally rooted brands. By integrating Emirati jewellery designers into its flagship retail spaces, House of Samra creates an environment where regional creativity can exist alongside established luxury retail experiences.

The collaboration also highlights the wider ambitions of Dubai’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Supported by Dubai SME, part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative aligns with the emirate’s broader vision of nurturing Emirati businesses and positioning Dubai as a global hub for innovation, creativity, and luxury commerce under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

For House of Samra, the programme reinforces its identity not only as a fine jewellery maison, but as a platform invested in the future of regional design. Established in the UAE, the brand has built its reputation around refined craftsmanship and timeless elegance, and this latest initiative extends that philosophy into mentorship, visibility, and retail opportunity for the next generation of Emirati creatives.

Within Dubai’s highly competitive luxury retail market, the move feels both commercially intelligent and culturally significant. It recognises that the future of luxury retail lies not only in international names, but also in elevating local voices capable of bringing fresh perspectives and meaningful storytelling into the shopping experience.