Emirati Women’s Day was established in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, The Mother of the Nation, and is celebrated on 28 August to honour the strength, ambition and achievements of the women that drive the United Arab Emirates. The MOJEH Weekend marks Emirati Women’s Day with an itinerary that spans craft, coffee and cultural stays.
What To Do
Coffee is an integral part of the culture in the Middle East. Representing so much more than just a caffeine kick, coffee brings people together, offers a moment of calm and reflects the nation’s hospitality. Relam Roastery and One&Only The Palm, Dubai have collaborated for The Danah Experience, a journey rooted in Emirati heritage and storytelling. Inspired by Dubai and its identity as Danat Al Dunya – “The pearl of the world” – the collaboration presents a collection of exclusive beverages including Pearleino, a spin on Emirati coffee flavours that combines date molasses, cardamom and saffron. The menu also features the Relam Signature, a cardamom and saffron cortado, and seasonal creations. Guests can partake in curated coffee experiences led by Waqar Al Hammadi, Realm’s founder and AeroPress Champion, to celebrate the craftsmanship behind coffee and the journey from bean to cup. 12PM to 9PM, until 31 August. Learn more
Where To Unwind
Treat yourself this Emirati Women’s Day at Talise Spa at Madinat Jumeirah. The award-winning wellness destination is offering a complimentary facial for every 90-minute facial booked, meaning you can make a day of the celebration and share your serenity with a loved one. Whether your concern is dullness, dryness, depleted collagen or all of the above, the experts at Talisa Spa tailor its treatments to your specific skincare needs. The best part? The offer is available throughout Emirati Women’s Month, allowing you the opportunity to revisit time and time again. Book now
What To Shop
Noora Shawqi is a storyteller. Her medium? Jewels. The Emirati designer’s lifelong passion for jewellery led her to the Gemological Institute of America, where she earned a Diamond Graduate certification. She then achieved a Diamond Grading & Digital Jewelry Design certification from the International Gemological Institute before launching her eponymous brand in 2018. Noora Shawqi’s collections are inspired by destinations around the world – including Egypt, Japan and the Maldives – and brings each of their stories, cultures and colours to life through a harmony of precious stones. Shop now
Where To Eat
An award-winning restaurant that champions Emirati culinary heritage, Gerbou celebrates culture through time-honoured recipes and interiors that pay homage to the homeland. The restaurant is curated by Tashkeel, a Dubai-based contemporary art organisation, and is set within a renovated building from the 1980s. Inside, the space features camel-leather sofas, sadu-inspired woodwork and the trunk of a fallen ghaf tree doubling as a front desk.
Gerbou’s menu spotlights Emirati dishes while honouring the diversity of the UAE. Lamb harees, balaleet, chicken machboos and logaimat are all-day highlights, while the Gerbou sharing breakfast is a must when gathering with a group. Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. Book now
Where To Get Creative
Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi is hosting a series of creative workshops to mark Emirati Women’s Day. Whether you would like to try your hand at floral watercolour painting, candle making, pottery or embroidery, there is plenty to keep you busy over the two-day activation. In addition to the programme there will be special drop-in activities and experiences for all ages. 28 and 29 August. Art Studio, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Abu Dhabi. Book now
Where To Stay
The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah brings together seven heritage houses to form a 65-key boutique hotel, reflecting Arabian hospitality and the importance of cultural preservation. Located in The Heart of Sharjah, once the centre of the emirate’s old city, history is deeply – and authentically – integrated into the property, from an on-site museum that details the history its former inhabitants to interiors made from traditional materials. Roam the grounds and indulge in desserts beside the UAE’s only remaining circular wind tower, or swing by Al Bareed for a caffeine fix in a building once home to Sharjah’s first post office.
A Heritage Stay, just one of the Emirati Women’s Day offers at the property, includes a complimentary room upgrade, spa credit, tickets to Noor Island and a wellness yoga session. Book now
