Latest news with #Hoof
Perth Now
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Claudia Winkleman uses chunky shoes and oversized bags to 'feel powerful'
Claudia Winkleman uses chunky shoes and oversized bags to help her "feel powerful". 'The Traitors' presenter has revealed she uses large accessories help her feel "a bit more in charge" in her daily life - admitting they give her little "boosts of power" that make her feel more confident. In a column for The Times newspaper, she wrote: "Sometimes (not often) I like to feel just a little bit powerful. I'm not a total turd, so please don't roll your eyes ... "What I'm talking about is tiny, incremental, life-affirming boosts of power. When we need to feel strong, a touch 'warrior' and a bit more in charge ... " Claudia went on to reveal that although she does like a stiletto heel, she's happier in a chunky shoe, adding: "If it's a stable and forceful look we're after, then we're going to need some heft in our heel." She listed Saint Laurent's Bianca platform shoes - which retail for £815 - as a favourite along with the Hoof boots by Alexander McQueen, which cost just under £2,000. Claudia also likes to keep her bags oversized, adding: "It goes without saying that your bag has to be big and confident. "It's saying: 'I've got stuff in here that might save the world/I've been to an extraordinary conference/Does your kid need stickers, an organic olive or pastel hair chalk?' "We need to feel pretty Mary Poppins if we are going to have swagger. What's in here? Oh, just a few Booker prizewinning novels, a live otter and a lampshade." Claudia's favourites are The Row's Margaux - which sells for around £5,000 - and Chloe's Camera Bag. She added of her jewellery choices: "Jewellery-wise, your look has to be equally forthright. It must be heavy (if it weighs less than a meerkat, it's a no from me). "And it always, always has to be gold. Think the A-Team's BA Baracus rather than dainty, and preferably without diamonds (diamonds are suddenly naff — sorry about that)." Claudia confessed her favourite Burberry necklace "weighs more than my kitchen" but insisted a chunky gold piece looks great with a white shirt or a black top with a round neck.
What's On
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
14 indoor classes you can take in Dubai to stay busy this summer
'Tis the season to get creative with these workshops in Dubai… Summer is on the way (even though we'd like for it stay away) and we're all looking forward to a bit of down time. While you kick back and relax during the slow season, this is the time to pick up a new hobby, discover a new passion and open up new gates of creativity. Take your pick from these fun (and entirely indoor) workshops in Dubai to keep yourself busy this summer. The Makers Society Looking to learn some woodworking? This spot offers not just beginners classes in aspects like wood-turning and entry-level woodworking but also courses for you to get the low down on woodworking. You'll be provided all the materials – all you have to do and go and have a great time. The Makers Society, Ras Al Khor, 3pm, Sat in Oct, Tel: (0) 4 329 5478, @dubaimakerssociety Hoof Specialty coffee shop Hoof is hosting exciting Saturday workshops in Dubai this May that are, most importantly, free to attend. Participate in a cupping session – a globally recognised method for tasting and evaluating coffee. You will be guided to explore the nuances of different coffee origins, processing methods, and roast levels. Hoof, The Dubai Mall and Misk, 2pm to 4pm, May 17 and May 3, @ Hello Park This is perfect for the little ones – Hello Park is hosting a dinosaur workshop, a hands-on experience that will allow kids to explore pre-historic times. Children dig for fossils, identify bones, and even create their own take home fossil. A great mix of fun and education to keep the kids busy this summer. Hello Park, Dubai Festival City Mall, Tel: (0) 4 218 9222, @helloparkdubai Tabchilli Tabchilli offers an array of gorgeous fermented products as well as weekly workshops. In the two-hour workshop, guests will be guided through the fermentation process before getting down to business, making their own kimchi and chilli paste to take home. Priced at Dhs400 per person. Tabchilli, Dar Wasl Mall, Al Wasl, Dubai, Mon to Sat 6pm to 10pm, Sun 9.30am to 12pm and 6pm to 10pm. Tel: (0)58 584 3463, Vertical Design The Vertical Designs Neon Discovery workshop is the perfect spot to learn all about the magical and scientific world of neon. The course is an hour and a half long and takes you through how neon works, what it takes to make a neon sign and then you have your go at glass blowing, which is the main focus of neon because it creates the sign/art piece. Vertical Design, inside Urban Nest, Al Quoz, Dhs950 per person, sessions available morning, afternoon and evening, three people per class, Oo La Lab Surround yourself with enticing fragrances at the 'Chemistry of Bukhoor' perfumery workshop hosted by Oo La Lab. This sensorial experience invites guests to create a custom bukhoor scent that speaks to their personality. The two-hour class features traditional Arabian scents, oils and oud that you can take home. Classes are priced at Dhs400. Oo La Lab, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Tel: (0)52 361 2813, prices at Studio Republik If you prefer two to tango, a salsa class is the perfect activity to dive into with a partner. Studio Republik is offering beginners classes, so if you have two left feet but and don't want to anymore, these are for you. Slide, step and shimmy into a great time! Studio Republik, Eiffel Building 1, (800) 235 664, prices at Sagra Italian Pastifico This space is first and foremost designed for pasta making workshops. The workshop is two hours long and will helo you learn how to make delicious fresh pasta all on your own. The class is split into three, learn about the history and traditions of pasta, then get hands on and make your own pasta dough and styles. Lastly the most important part – tasting the homemade pasta. Sagra Italian Pastifico, Road 3, Jumeirah, Dhs250 per person Deep Dive Dubai Deep Dive Dubai is the world's deepest diving pool, reaching up to a 60-metre depth and containing 14,000,000 litres of fresh water. You're provided everything you need from start to finish, from the wetsuit to an expert diving instructor who'll guide you no matter what level you are on. It's great for both beginners and professionals, and you and your date can explore the different levels of the sunken underwater city. Deep Dive Dubai, @deepdivedubai afterwork studios Take it nice and slow with this fun, artsy activity at afterwork studios – the space holds workshops in Dubai for tote bag and pouch painting, another keepsake you can. take away with you at the end of the date. They offer all the materials you need, from the bags and the canvas to the paint and even mirrors to paint on. afterwork studios, workshops at various locations, @ CRN Art Design Nothing like a calming pottery session, especially if you like fun activities or learning new skills. CRN Art Design offers two pottery techniques for two age groups, including the basics of ceramics using different hand-building techniques as well as the wheel. CRN Art Design Ceramic Studio, Al Quoz, daily, 10am to 9pm, Tel: (0) 50 235 0737, Rise Bakehouse This cute artisanal bakehouse space in Al Quoz is the perfect place for a wholesome, sweet (quite literally) date, where you can learn how to decorate cakes together and spend some quiet, one-on-one time. There's a bunch of workshops happening at regular intervals. Rise Bakehouse, Al Quoz, Mon to Sat, 9am to 6pm, Tel: (0) 58 574 7324, @ The Workshop In this interactive session, you can explore the psychological impact of colors, how to combine them effectively, and how to bring harmony and style to any room. Get stuck into making color palettes and applying them in practical design scenarios. The Workshop, Sun, May 18, 3pm to 5pm, Dhs315, 18+, Polline Get hands on with pasta making at this quaint little Italian, where they'll take you from the A to Z of pasta making. The homegrown concept is focused on sustainability and community and these communal classes are the perfect activity to do with your friends. Polline, Beach Walk Boutique Hotel, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 328 8930. @pollinedxb Images: Socials
Khaleej Times
18-02-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
From traditional Qahwa to artisanal brews: Emiratis and their ever-growing love for specialty coffee
The UAE's coffee culture is as rich and layered as the brews that fill the cups of its people. Traditionally, Emiratis have long valued Qahwa, the spiced Arabic coffee poured in small cups and served with dates, as a symbol of hospitality and connection. Today, this deep-rooted love for coffee has evolved, embracing the world of specialty coffee while still honouring its heritage. Perhaps that is why we're seeing a rise in homegrown specialty coffee houses and brands across Dubai—you're likely to find one in most neighbourhoods where Emiratis reside. We spoke to Emirati entrepreneurs and coffee lovers to gauge the locals' love for specialty coffee. Abdalla Ibrahim Almulla, an Emirati entrepreneur and co-founder of Hoof, a specialty coffee brand that has seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, highlights how coffee has always been an essential part of the Emirati culture. "I wanted to create a space like Hoof where we could celebrate that heritage while also pushing boundaries in specialty coffee,' Abdalla shares. His equestrian background played a significant role in shaping the brand, with horses symbolising grace, power, and tradition—values that define Hoof's coffee philosophy. 'Our goal was to create a space where coffee is not just consumed but truly appreciated.' Another Emirati, Maha S., who resides in Al Ain, says coffee is an essential part of her daily life. "For me, and for my friends and family, it's often the first thing I smell when I come home," she says. "We always start our hangouts with a coffee, regardless of the main plan. In the UAE, coffee has taken on a deeper cultural significance, becoming a shared ritual that brings us together." Specialty brews The evolution of coffee culture in the UAE has seen Emiratis move beyond their love for traditional Arabic coffee and embrace specialty brews with equal enthusiasm. 'While Qahwa remains a staple, there's a growing interest in single-origin beans, high-quality espresso-based drinks, hand-brewed filter coffee, and experimental brews,' Abdalla explains. Lighter roasts, which allow the natural flavours of the beans to shine, have become increasingly popular. Maha's favourite brewing method is the Iced Americano, she says, "though I was previously obsessed with Cortado. I find that coffee tastes better when shared with others." Emiratis also appreciate smooth, balanced, and naturally sweet flavour profiles, often with nutty or chocolatey undertones. In addition, alternative milk options and innovative processing methods have piqued the curiosity of coffee connoisseurs across the country. In the UAE, cafés are more than just places to grab a cup of coffee—they are social and creative hubs that foster meaningful connections. 'Cafés in the UAE are gathering places, creative spaces, and meeting hubs,' says Abdalla. 'Emiratis love socialising over coffee, but they also seek environments that support work and productivity.' Maha is of the same opinion; she says, "I enjoy coffee in various settings, but I prefer it as an outdoor activity, often with friends or family." Our neighbours, the Saudi Arabian nationals, are also united on the love for coffee. "That's another thing which is common between Emiratis and Saudi Arabians," said a lady visiting Dubai from Saudi Arabia. Another Saudi local, Waad al Ali, who was visiting specialty coffee houses during her visit to Dubai, said, "Any coffee, without milk, is my go-to." For Waad, coffee is the first thing she drinks after waking up. "Just black coffee to start the day is the best thing," says Waad, who is a regular at several coffee houses with friends and family back in her hometown in Riyadh. Her favourite? "The V60 coffee and Americanos," she says. Maha, on the other hand, said one of her favourites is La Pre in Al Ain. "It has become a go-to spot for many because of its excellent quality coffee and inviting atmosphere." Rapid growth in the UAE The specialty coffee industry in the UAE has witnessed rapid growth in recent years. 'A few years ago, specialty coffee was a niche market, but today, it's a major part of the café culture,' Abdalla says. Consumers are more informed, keen on understanding the origins of their coffee, and increasingly invested in sustainability and ethical sourcing. This shift has brought both challenges and opportunities. 'Emiratis know their coffee and have high expectations for quality,' Abdalla explains. However, this deep appreciation also creates room for innovation. The key, he says, is finding a balance between honouring tradition and introducing new experiences. Beyond just serving great coffee, Abdalla is committed to fostering meaningful conversations and collaborations that uplift local talent. 'Collaboration is at the heart of Hoof,' Abdalla says. Over the years, the café has worked with Emirati artisans, industry pioneers, and creatives to enrich the coffee experience. For Emirati Women's Day, Hoof hosted an open discussion with Dr Suaad Al Shamsi, the first female Emirati aircraft engineer, creating a platform to celebrate and inspire. The café has also collaborated with Nooran, a pioneering Emirati barista, to highlight the role of women in shaping the coffee industry. Another noteworthy partnership was with Chef Aysha, the UAE's youngest Emirati chef, who merged culinary artistry with specialty coffee in an innovative way. In a country as diverse as the UAE, coffee serves as a universal language. Whether it's an Emirati sharing Qahwa with a visitor or an international customer discovering Arabic coffee for the first time, Abdalla says, "coffee has a unique way of bringing people together.' Maha concurs, "It's a wonderful way to connect with people through a shared love for quality coffee."
