Latest news with #DIFC
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Restaurant Review: How BOCA in DIFC champions sustainable fine dining
Picture, if you will, a vision born in 2012, when DIFC's gleaming towers were still finding their culinary soul, and sustainability was more a whisper than a movement. But who would dare to plant the seeds of conscious dining in Dubai's financial heartland before it became fashionable? The answer lies in understanding Omar Shihab's extraordinary genius for seeing tomorrow's necessity in today's opportunity beyond the expectant DIFC bling. What transforms a technology research director into the Middle East's most influential sustainability champion? Perhaps it's the kind of intellectual curiosity that bridges disciplines, from analysing market intelligence at IDC to reimagining restaurant operations through environmental science. Shihab's journey from Management Information Systems graduate to The World's 50 Best Restaurants Mena Icon Award 2025 winner reads like prescient understanding of where hospitality needed to evolve. Step into BOCA today, and witness something still quite remarkable. The transformation from pioneering experiment to beloved institution feels both inevitable and miraculous. How does one maintain revolutionary edge whilst becoming the comfortable slipper that everyone loves? The answer seems to lie in Shihab's unwavering commitment to principles rather than trends. Some might think extraordinary, but honestly supremely deserved, is the MICHELIN Green Star achievement that positions BOCA as sustainability's gold standard — with 100 per cent renewable energy from Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, as well as, local and regional sourcing mandated across the value chain. Cross-training programmes and climate emergency briefings for staff. Who else conducts the first carbon emission calculations for a restaurant in the Middle East whilst maintaining gastronomic excellence? Let me know. Chef Patricia Roig's Mediterranean cuisine achieves harmony with Shihab's sustainability vision; modern Spanish techniques meet locally-sourced UAE ingredients in combinations that shouldn't work but absolutely sing. The menu careers joyfully around the Mediterranean whilst remaining rooted in Emirati soil, somewhat a culinary paradox that somehow makes perfect sense. The 40+ team members from 18 nationalities, with 90 per cent women in top leadership roles, creates energy that transcends typical restaurant dynamics. It's rare beyond that we encounter establishments where diversity becomes strength and sustainability becomes signature rather than supplement. BOCA succeeds because it answers fundamental questions about restaurant evolution: can establishments lead industries rather than follow trends? Shihab has created something genuinely transformative, a space where environmental consciousness enhances rather than compromises culinary excellence. The comfortable slipper metaphor isn't diminishment, who throws them away ever, it's the highest praise for an institution that's become indispensable to DIFC's identity.
What's On
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
5 brilliant bars to visit in Dubai this weekend: June 20 to 22
Whether you're winding down the work week or starting your Saturday strong, Dubai's bar scene has something for every mood. From skyline views to slick new launches, these are five top spots to check out this weekend. Galaxy Bar, DIFC Still one of the slickest cocktail lounges in the city, Galaxy Bar pairs velvet opulence with an award-winning drinks list. The service is polished, the lighting low, and the cocktails balanced to perfection. Come for the buzz, stay for the signature Galaxy Martini. Location: Near Four Seasons DIFC Unit C-01, Ground Floor, Gate Village Building 9 Times: 9pm to 4am Contact: 050 513 5908 @galaxybardubai Attiko, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi A high-energy rooftop lounge with a Tokyo-meets-Mykonos vibe, Attiko nails the weekend formula: DJ sets, skyline views, and creative cocktails. Grab a table outside before sunset and soak it all in with a lychee martini in hand. Location: W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Floor 31 – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud W – King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St Times: Fridays, 6pm – 2am, Saturdays, 1 -4pm and Sundays, 6pm – 2am Contact: 04 350 9983, @attikodubai Alma Bar, DIFC One of DIFC's best kept hideaways, Alma is a moody, Latin-inspired speakeasy that's all about soulful vibes and sophisticated drinks. The interiors are chic, the playlist hits just right, and the mezcal-based cocktails are a must. Location: DIFC, Downtown Times: Fridays,4pm – 3am, Saturdays, 4–7 PM, 8 PM–3 AM Contact: 04 227 5569, @almabardubai Honeycomb Hi-Fi, Pullman Downtown If your weekend needs great sound as much as great drinks, this Japanese-style listening bar is the place. With vintage vinyl, curated playlists and proper sake pours, it's one of the city's coolest under-the-radar hangouts. Location: Pullman Dubai Downtown Times: 7pm to 3am Contact: 04 412 6666, @honeycombhifi Amelia Lounge, Downtown If glamour's on the agenda, book a table at Amelia. This lavish lounge-meets-restaurant delivers moody lighting, stylish crowd energy, and cocktails crafted with flair. It's the kind of place where one drink can easily turn into a full night out. Location: Downtown Dubai Times: 7pm – 3am Contact: 04 328 2805 | @amelialoungedubai > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Hi Dubai
8 hours ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Work Smarter, Live Better: Productivity Hacks for Dubai's Busy Professionals
Ever feel like your day ends before it even begins? In Dubai, that's not unusual. Between back-to-back meetings, traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road and endless WhatsApp pings, the city moves fast and expects you to move faster. Skyscrapers rise, deals close and the hustle never really stops. Whether you're climbing the corporate ladder, managing a global team or building your own business, the pressure to perform is always on. But here's the truth: productivity isn't about squeezing more into your already-packed schedule. It's about working smarter. So you have time for the things that actually matter. That post-work gym session, dinner with family or just a quiet moment by the beach shouldn't feel like luxuries. Here's a break down of smart, actionable productivity hacks designed for Dubai's high-speed lifestyle. From time-saving tech to wellness routines that actually fit your day, this is your blueprint to working smarter and living better, right here in the city of ambition. Dubai's Unique Work Culture Dubai's work culture is a blend of global ambition and local nuances. Professionals often face longer hours than in many Western cities, with 8-10 hour days common in sectors like finance, real estate and tech. Commuting adds another layer, whether you're driving from Dubai Marina to DIFC or taking the Metro, travel time can eat into your day. Traffic peaks during rush hours, so planning around them is crucial. The city's multicultural workplaces are another defining feature. Teams often include colleagues from the UAE, India, Europe and beyond, each bringing unique communication styles. Building trust requires sensitivity to cultural norms, like respecting indirect feedback or prioritizing face-to-face meetings. Language barriers can slow things down, so clarity in emails and presentations is vital. Expectations around availability also stand out. Many professionals field WhatsApp messages or calls on weekends or after hours, especially in client-facing roles. Saying no can feel tricky in a culture that values responsiveness. Meanwhile, remote and hybrid work has gained traction post-COVID, with companies like Emirates and PwC offering flexible arrangements. Yet this flexibility can blur boundaries, making it harder to switch off. Understanding these dynamics is the first step to thriving. Tailoring your productivity strategies to Dubai's unique rhythm, long hours, diverse teams and constant connectivity, sets you up for success. Mastering Time Management in a 24/7 City Image Source: Visier Time management is your superpower in Dubai's always-on environment. The Pomodoro Technique, where you work in focused 25-minute bursts followed by 5-minute breaks, works wonders here. Add a local twist: use break times for quick stretches or a walk to grab karak tea from the office cafeteria. This keeps you energized during long days. Time-blocking is another game-changer, especially with the UAE's Monday-to-Friday workweek. Map out your day in chunks: deep work in the morning, meetings in the afternoon and personal tasks like gym or family time in the evening. Sync your blocks with the city's flow: schedule calls with Europe early and Asia later to avoid late-night work. Align tasks with your peak energy hours. If you're sharpest in the morning, tackle high-priority projects then. Save routine tasks like emails for post-lunch slumps. Apps can streamline this. Notion is popular in Dubai for organizing projects and notes, while TickTick's clean interface suits task prioritization. Motion, an AI-driven scheduler, adjusts your calendar dynamically, perfect for unpredictable days. Experiment with these tools to find your fit. A solid time management system lets you stay productive without feeling overwhelmed by Dubai's relentless pace. Dubai's professionals thrive on tech to stay ahead. Here are local-favorite tools to boost your workflow: Scheduling: Calendly simplifies booking meetings across time zones, a must for Dubai's global teams. Link it with Zoom for seamless virtual calls. simplifies booking meetings across time zones, a must for Dubai's global teams. Link it with Zoom for seamless virtual calls. Automation: Zapier connects apps like Gmail and Slack, automating repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails or updating CRM systems. connects apps like Gmail and Slack, automating repetitive tasks like sending follow-up emails or updating CRM systems. Note-taking: Evernote shines for capturing ideas on the go, with voice notes handy for multilingual professionals. shines for capturing ideas on the go, with voice notes handy for multilingual professionals. AI Assistants: transcribes meetings in real-time, supporting English and Arabic, ideal for diverse teams. Voice-to-text apps like Dragon Anywhere speed up drafting emails during commutes. transcribes meetings in real-time, supporting English and Arabic, ideal for diverse teams. Voice-to-text apps like Dragon Anywhere speed up drafting emails during commutes. Entrepreneur Tools: Zoho offers CRM and invoicing tailored for small businesses. Trello's visual boards keep freelance projects on track. Freshbooks simplifies invoicing for UAE's VAT requirements. offers CRM and invoicing tailored for small businesses. Trello's visual boards keep freelance projects on track. Freshbooks simplifies invoicing for UAE's VAT requirements. Digital Banking: Emirates NBD and Mashreq Neo provide instant transfers and invoicing tools, cutting admin time for entrepreneurs. These tools align with Dubai's fast-paced, tech-savvy culture. Pick one or two to start, and watch your efficiency soar. Streamlining Meetings & Communication Meetings can be a time sink in Dubai's corporate world. To avoid overload, question every invite. Does it need your input? Can it be an email? Politely decline non-essential ones, citing focus on priorities. For Zoom or Teams calls, especially with global teams, set clear start and end times. Share agendas beforehand to keep discussions on track. Test tech in advance; Dubai's internet is reliable, but glitches happen. For multicultural teams, use simple language and confirm understanding with quick recaps. Respect cultural norms in communication. In-person meetings often carry more weight than emails in Emirati culture, so prioritize face time for key stakeholders. Avoid overly direct criticism; frame feedback constructively. WhatsApp is king for quick updates, but set boundaries to avoid 24/7 pings. Always send concise follow-ups summarizing action items. Tools like Asana or help track tasks post-meeting. Streamlined communication saves hours and builds trust in diverse teams. Building Daily Micro-Habits for Success Small habits compound into big wins. Here's how to weave them into your Dubai routine: Morning Routine : Start with a 20-minute beach run along JBR or quiet prayer at a local mosque. Both ground you for the day. : Start with a 20-minute beach run along JBR or quiet prayer at a local mosque. Both ground you for the day. Desk Stretches : Do 5-minute shoulder rolls or wrist stretches hourly, especially during long desk sessions. Apps like Stretchly remind you. : Do 5-minute shoulder rolls or wrist stretches hourly, especially during long desk sessions. Apps like Stretchly remind you. Hydration : Keep a water bottle handy. Dubai's heat makes dehydration sneaky. Aim for 2-3 liters daily. : Keep a water bottle handy. Dubai's heat makes dehydration sneaky. Aim for 2-3 liters daily. Strategic Breaks : Use prayer times for mindfulness or take a 10-minute walk to a nearby café. Walking meetings in DIFC's open spaces spark creativity. : Use prayer times for mindfulness or take a 10-minute walk to a nearby café. Walking meetings in DIFC's open spaces spark creativity. Digital Boundaries: Mute non-urgent WhatsApp groups after 7 PM. Set 'Do Not Disturb' on Slack during deep work. These habits take minutes but boost focus and energy, helping you sustain Dubai's demanding pace. Outsourcing & Delegating Smartly Time is your most valuable asset in Dubai. Outsourcing frees you to focus on high-impact work. Personal assistant services like Time etc or Fancy Hands handle admin tasks like scheduling or research, tailored for UAE professionals. For daily errands, lean on local apps. Talabat delivers meals in under 30 minutes, saving cooking time. Careem offers rides and grocery runs, while Instashop stocks your fridge in an hour. These services are lifesavers during crunch periods. Business owners can tap virtual assistants via platforms like Upwork or Fiverr, hiring talent for bookkeeping or social media. Concierge services like Quintessentially manage travel or event planning, popular among Dubai's executives. Delegating smartly lets you reclaim hours for strategy or rest. Health, Wellness & Work-Life Balance Burnout is real in Dubai's high-stakes environment. Prioritize health to stay sharp. Fitness hubs like Fitness First or FitRepublik offer flexible classes for busy schedules. Yoga studios in JLT or Marina cater to stress relief. Mental health support is growing. Apps like Talkspace connect you with therapists, while clinics like The LightHouse Arabia offer in-person sessions. Support groups on Meetup provide community. For work detox, escape the city. Drive to Hatta for hiking or Fujairah for beach retreats. Desert camping at Al Qudra resets your mind. During peak seasons like Ramadan or Expo, schedule downtime to manage stress. Balance isn't a luxury—it's essential for sustained success. Productivity in Dubai isn't about doing more; it's about doing what matters. The city's fast pace can push you to the edge, but with the right habits, you can thrive without burning out. Start small: try time-blocking your next workday or muting WhatsApp after hours. These hacks aren't just about work; they're about creating space for life, whether it's a family iftar, a gym session, or a quiet moment watching the Burj Khalifa light up. Dubai rewards those who move fast, but you don't have to race to the finish line. Pick one or two strategies from this guide, test them today, and build a career that fuels your life, not drains it. Also Read: Prioritizing Mental Wellbeing in the Hustle Culture The toxic elements of hustle culture can have detrimental effects on mental health. Retirement Without Regret: How to Find Meaning Beyond a Job Title This is your guide to navigating retirement with purpose, clarity and zero regrets. It's about rediscovering yourself in a city that never slows down, finding meaning beyond the paycheck and crafting a second chapter that's as vibrant as Dubai itself. Read more. Mental Health in the Fast Lane: Keeping It Together in Dubai's Hustle The constant buzz of notifications, the race to meet deadlines and the pressure to look like you've got it all together can weigh heavily. But what happens when the pressure builds and the cracks start to show? Read more on how to stay mentally fit. How Someone Can Love Their Job and Still Want to Quit Every Day You can love your job and still feel like quitting. This article explores why and what to do when passion meets burnout in today's work culture. Do We Miss Out on Life Because Everything's Too Convenient Now? Are we gaining comfort at the cost of connection? This article explores how too much convenience may quietly strip the meaning from our everyday lives.
Fintech News ME
12 hours ago
- Business
- Fintech News ME
BridgeWise Launches SignalWise to Deliver AI-Powered Investment Alerts
BridgeWise, an AI-driven investment intelligence platform, has introduced SignalWise, a new personalised alerts and insights system aimed at digital trading platforms and financial advisors. The tool is designed to support more informed decision-making by providing timely, relevant market intelligence tailored to individual investor behaviors and portfolios. Unlike traditional alert systems, SignalWise combines real-time event detection with AI-powered predictive analysis. It offers a layer of contextual insight, drawing on historical data and statistical analyses to help users interpret market activity across asset classes such as equities, ETFs, mutual funds, forex, crypto indices, and commodities. The system delivers insights in multiple languages and aligns notifications with user interests and activity levels. Ayush Khatri, Regional Head for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) at BridgeWise, commented, 'In today's climate of geopolitical uncertainty, guesswork has no place in investing. Confident investment decisions require clear data-driven intelligence that builds trust. SignalWise delivers an AI-empowered investment experience that transforms real-time market data into intelligent, contextual alerts, equipping investors to navigate volatility with precision and act decisively across multiple asset classes.' With its regional headquarters in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), BridgeWise has strengthened its presence in the MENA region, supported by a strategic investment from Emirates NBD. The company is now introducing technologies such as SignalWise and its AI-based investment chat and analytics platform to the UAE's growing financial services sector. SignalWise allows trading platforms and advisors to engage more effectively with investors by delivering customized notifications via email, SMS, push messages, or in-platform tools. This approach has reportedly led to increased user engagement, including an average click-through rate of around 15% on alerts, a revenue increase of approximately US$3 per notification, and higher client deposit activity attributed to the alert system. BridgeWise intends to expand SignalWise's functionality in the coming months, including integrating the tool with Bridget, its AI-powered investment chat assistant, which offers regulatory-compliant investment recommendations.
What's On
a day ago
- Entertainment
- What's On
Iconic London institution Mr Chow has officially opened in Dubai
The wait is finally over. Mr Chow, the legendary London born Chinese restaurant, officially opens its doors in DIFC's Gate District today marking one of the most exciting additions to Dubai's fine dining scene this year. Known for its refined Chinese cuisine, striking interiors, and a jet set crowd that includes the likes of Bella Hadid, Jay-Z, Martha Stewart, and Snoop Dogg, Mr Chow has built a cult following since first launching in Knightsbridge, London in 1968. The brainchild of restaurateur Michael Chow, it blends traditional Beijing recipes with modern flair and theatrical presentation. The Dubai outpost is the brand's eighth location worldwide and its second in the Middle East, following a successful opening in Riyadh's buzzing King Abdullah Financial District last year. Housed in the former Indochine space, the new venue brings the same blend of culinary excellence and glamorous energy to the heart of Dubai's financial district. Anticipation & excitement First teased in November 2023, Mr Chow's Dubai debut has been met with buzz and high expectations from foodies, creatives, and luxury lovers across the city. With its doors now open, it's set to become the city's go to spot whenever that Chinese food craving hits. What to expect The art of dining, reimagined: at Mr Chow, dinner is a performance. Think daily hand-pulled noodle shows, a Champagne trolley that makes its rounds, and service that feels equal parts elegant and playful. Signature showstoppers: Dishes are made for sharing, with crowd pleasers like the world renowned Beijing duck, velvety Chicken Satay, Mr Chow noodles, and Ma Mignon all paying homage to classic Beijing cuisine with a luxe, modern twist. Dubai, your next dinner reservation just found itself. Details Location: Precinct Building 3, Gate District, DIFC, Dubai Operating hours: daily, 12pm to 12am Contact: (0)4 834 2013, enquiries@ Don't miss a thing , follow What's On on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for the latest news, events and everything in between… > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
