A situation that no one could have predicted, the COVID19 pandemic hit us all and it hit us hard. With many people around the world going into a full 24-hour lockdown, we quickly had to adapt to a new way of living, which for many meant going without work or pay of any kind.
During uncertain times it is easy to feel your life spiraling out of control, however many lockdown restrictions in the UAE have now been lifted meaning we have hopefully seen the worst of the situation. During the coronavirus lockdown businesses have had to adapt their practices in order to survive during the tough times – mainly turning to home delivery services and thinking up new ways to keep customers engaged whilst at home.
Things we once took for granted, such as going out for a walk, popping to the salon for a mani/pedi or meeting up with family and friends, quickly became things we longed for – getting up and heading to the office never sounded so appealing. However, a slower paced way of life soon became our reality, and it was one where home workouts, reading to pass the time and working from home were the new norm.
we have learnt that our previous way of living may not have been the best way
Though not everything has been all doom and gloom, we have seen some rather interesting trends emerge whilst being ‘bored in the house’ including tie-dying every piece of loungewear we own, baking untold amounts of banana bread with only ourselves around to scoff the lot, whipping up Dalgona coffee until our arms felt like they were about to fall off and endless Zoom gatherings that ended up feeling like more of a chore than a treat – we also applaud you if you didn’t make a TikTok and dance around your living room alone.
Through having to adjust our lifestyles and make these changes, we have learnt that our previous way of living may not have been the best way. We have been presented with a unique situation and an opportunity to make some real changes, big or small, to benefit ourselves and the planet. It’s been a challenge and it’s not over yet, but we still have the chance to make post-lockdown life a positive thing.
Here’s 5 things you will want to do now that the lockdown has finally been lifted…
1. HIT THE BEACH
Dubai’s public beaches are now open so you can go and (safely) top up your tan. Whilst you may just want to head to a public beach like La Mer or JBR and social distance with a book and a bottle of tanning oil, there are also some great beach club offers for you to spend your day sunning…
COVE BEACH
Cove Beach is offering guests the chance to sit back and relax on their pristine beach taking in the fresh air and serene vibe – you will need to follow the necessary social distancing rules and bring your own towel. Cove Beach entry is priced at AED200 which is fully redeemable on food and beverages.
MORE ABOUT COVE BEACH BARASTI
Beach-goers favourite Barasti recently reopened its doors with free entry from 9am – 10.30pm. The popular beach bar and restaurant is following the all of the current guidelines meaning you will need to wear a mask at all times unless on a sunbed or swimming in the sea and you can only purchase drinks when buying food.
MORE ABOUT BARASTI WAVEBREAKER BEACH
Wavebreaker Beach Club and Grill at Hilton Dubai Jumeirah currently has an inviting offer of AED99 for beach access – the fully licensed beach also serves a range of delectable dishes including burgers, salads and vegan assortments.
MORE ABOUT WAVEBREAKER2. COFFEE CATCHUPS
Missed catching up on the latest gossip with your girlfriends over a coffee and piece of cake? Well, whether you’re popping in after a dog walk or meeting up with friends for a full debrief of the past few months, these ideal lunch spots have you covered
BOUNTY BEETS
Bounty Beets café with its pretty pink décor and positive vibes is now open for business. With a focus on gluten free and vegan options, this sweet lunch time spot also welcomes pet pooches on its outdoor terrace and serves up a selection of mouth-watering dishes including plant-based burgers, vegan tacos and sweet potato pancakes.
MORE ABOUT BOUNTY BEETS SHIMMERS
Shimmers on the Beach, located at Jumeirah Mina A’Salam is a chic beach-side spot with front row views of the stunning Burj Al Arab and authentic Greek cuisine. With its relaxed beach restaurant vibes, Shimmers is the perfect spot for a daytime catch up with the girls or sipping into the sunset with your better half.
MORE ABOUT SHIMMERS BRUNCH & CAKE
Brunch & Cake recently opened in Dubai with a range of cute, vibrant dishes and a playful vibe. As well as the obvious tea and cake, Brunch & Cake is also the perfect place for breakfast or a light lunch, with customer favourites including avocado on toast and Açai bowls.
MORE ABOUT BRUNCH & CAKE3. DRINK & DINE
Dubai restaurants recently got the go-ahead to serve alcohol again with a few rules in place including drinks having to be served at the table (not at the bar) accompanied by food and smaller groups per table. However, this is still good news and you should text your girls right away and head to one of these Ladies’ Night hotspots
MAMA ZONIA
Mama Zonia announces the return of its Glamazon Ladies’ Night this week, where every Tuesday evening ladies are treated to four free drinks and 40 per cent off main courses from the Latin American menu.
MORE ABOUT MAMA ZONIA STK
The Just Fine Cuts ladies’ night is back on Tuesdays at STK JBR. Gather your girls and head to this chic steakhouse where you can enjoy three free drinks with a two-course menu for Dhs200 or three courses for Dhs240. There’s a maximum group size of 12 per table and a time limit of three hours.
MORE ABOUT STK TBC
Brunch & Cake recently opened in Dubai with a range of cute, vibrant dishes and a playful vibe. As well as the obvious tea and cake, Brunch & Cake is also the perfect place for breakfast or a light lunch, with customer favourites including avocado on toast and Açai bowls.
MORE ABOUT BRUNCH & CAKE4. LADIES’ LIFESTYLE
Ladies rejoice as Dubai Ladies’ days are now back on – grab your bikini and your bestie and head down to one of these Dubai beach clubs to top up your tan and have some (socially distanced) fun in the sun
WHITE BEACH
White Beach at Atlantis The Palm is a must-visit, with Ladies days every Tuesday. Enjoy free-flowing cocktails and wine all day for AED150. Guys can also join in on the fun for AED150 which is redeemable on food and beverages.
MORE ABOUT WHITE BEACH ZERO GRAVITY
Sun-lovers hot spot Zero Gravity is free for ladies on a Tuesday and you’ll get to choose from a special ladies’ menu and even receive a special gift. Due to the new social distancing restrictions, spaces are limited so make sure you get there early to bag yourself a sun bed.
MORE ABOUT ZERO GRAVITY TBC
Brunch & Cake recently opened in Dubai with a range of cute, vibrant dishes and a playful vibe. As well as the obvious tea and cake, Brunch & Cake is also the perfect place for breakfast or a light lunch, with customer favourites including avocado on toast and Açai bowls.
MORE ABOUT BRUNCH & CAKE5. PAMPER YOURSELF
Grown out roots, bushy brows and stress-bitten nails can now be a thing of the past as salons in Dubai have reopened just in time to save us from our quarantine beauty nightmares. Sit back and let someone else pamper you finally at these sought-after beauty spots
THE SALON
The Salon At Yin Yang JBR, known for its super cute interiors and glamourous makeovers currently have a range of offers to keep you looking cute after quarantine. With Brow Lamination for only AED249 and a special offer to add Lash Lifting for only AED175 (quote Lifting offer when booking).
MORE ABOUT THE SALON LALOGE
LaLoge located in the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah is a super sleek salon that epitomises luxury and glamour. Frequented by insta-stars and celebrities alike, this lavish beauty spot is definitely one to visit for a post-lockdown pamper session.
MORE ABOUT LALOGE THT
THT (That Hair Tho) located in JLT has opened its doors once again – the vegan friendly, cruelty free and sustainable salon known for supporting global causes is currently offering a full set of acrylic nails for only AED100 and even better, they will be supporting anyone who has suffered a job loss or unpaid leave during COVID-19 with 50% off the total bill.
MORE ABOUT THT