Latest news with #Dubai-born
Campaign ME
3 days ago
- Business
- Campaign ME
Gambit 3.0 unveiled: 26 hires, four divisions, two new offices
Gambit Communications, the Dubai-born independent PR and influencer marketing agency, has revealed a multilayered expansion titled 'Gambit 3.0' that features the launch of four branded divisions, 26 team member hires and two new purpose-built office spaces. Rather than following the traditional agency model of subdividing by practices, Gambit Communications has prioritised synergy and authenticity by creating four themed divisions that unite brands and team members who share common approaches to storytelling. Gambit Pulse is focused on trends, disruption and passion, for brands that live in momentum and thrive on urgency, relevance and creative heat; is focused on trends, disruption and passion, for brands that live in momentum and thrive on urgency, relevance and creative heat; Gambit Sage is the corporate, consultancy and sustainability division that offers calm, gravitas and strategic thinking; is the corporate, consultancy and sustainability division that offers calm, gravitas and strategic thinking; Gambit Atelier is the fashion, culture and entertainment department that brings a studio mindset to a pop-culture world; and is the fashion, culture and entertainment department that brings a studio mindset to a pop-culture world; and Gambit fwd powers the industries and visionaries defining tomorrow in technology, property, mobility and innovation. The divisions have been supplemented by a 26-person hiring spree, which includes 21 new additions since the start of the year, and five more set to join before the end of the summer, to take the agency size to 50 full-time team members. To help the teams live their ethos, Gambit has invested in two new office spaces. The Gambit Pulse HQ is a purpose-built, fully-owned office space intended for the freshest young talent in the region to innovate, create and disrupt. Meanwhile the Gambit Boutique is a bespoke fashion atelier designed to host, create content, and display clients' brands. These line up alongside Gambit's existing headquarters, which has been refurbished to create a thriving 4,000 square foot total premises. Commenting on Gambit 3.0, Founder and Managing Director, Jamal Almawed said, 'In the six years since we launched, we've shaped and reshaped the agency model, always operating with clear guiding principles on how to build healthy dynamics with clients and with each other, and what the workplace should look like.' He added, 'We have pioneered new ways of looking at communications, creating a meritocracy built on shared values, drive and ambition. Gambit 3.0 is us making the first move once again, to become better storytellers, driven by curiosity, authenticity and cultural literacy.' Major client wins for Gambit Communications Since the start of the year, Gambit has grown its multinational client roster with major tender wins including Samsung, Property Finder, The Red Sea International Airport in Saudi Arabia, the global viral phenomenon FIX Dessert Chocolatier – the original Dubai Chocolate, as well as Majid Al Futtaim's Lifestyle portfolio featuring LEGO, lululemon, and Crate & Barrell. Gambit Communications also services a range of multinational brands including Samsung, Uber, Acer, BMW, Amazon Payment Services, Essilor Luxottica and more. The agency's momentum sees them concurrently holding five agency of the year titles, following a successful 2024 where they picked up a total of 36 major awards.
What's On
16-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- What's On
Did you know these brands were founded in the UAE?
From fashion to pet accessories to beauty and wellness, the UAE is bursting with homegrown brands that are redefining what it means to shop local. These creative concepts are born right here in the Emirates – each with a unique story, a strong sense of community, and products you'll want to shout about. The Giving Movement One of Dubai's biggest homegrown fashion success stories, The Giving Movement is making waves both for its stylish streetwear and its socially conscious mission. Launched in April 2020, this Dubai-born label blends fashion and philanthropy, donating Dhs15 to charity for every single item sold. But that's not the only thing setting them apart. Their collections designed for men, women, and kids are crafted entirely from 100% sustainable fabrics, with every piece sourced and produced right here in the UAE. Expect vibrant colourways and comfy cuts across their range of hoodies, joggers, t-shirts, jackets, and more, all at accessible price points from Dhs199. You can shop the latest drops online or visit them in person at their sleek Dubai stores. Locations: The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif Shop online: @thegivingmovement Shimis Stretch your stress away at Shimis, a one-of-a-kind yoga studio tucked inside Alserkal Avenue. Founded by Simona Stanton, Shimis was born out of a desire to fuse fitness with mindfulness. And the result is nothing short of serene. This beautiful studio offers two distinct spaces for practice: The Box Studio: A dimly lit, heated room set at a perfect 34°C, designed to help you go deeper into your practice. The Green Room: Bathed in natural light and brimming with leafy plants, it brings the grounding energy of nature indoors. Whether you're flowing through vinyasa or finding stillness in yin, every class is thoughtfully designed to leave you feeling balanced in body and mind. Location: Warehouse 42, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz Times: Mon to Fri 7am to 9pm, Sat 8am to 4pm, Sun 8am to 8pm Contact: 04 284 2077 @ *A complete guide to building the perfect preloved wardrobe in Dubai* Huda Beauty What began as a beauty blog has grown into one of the UAE's biggest global success stories. Founded in 2013 by Iraqi-American entrepreneur Huda Kattan, Huda Beauty is a Dubai-born brand that has redefined the beauty industry, one bold product at a time. From iconic eyeshadow palettes to cult-favourite liquid matte lipsticks, Huda Beauty products have become staples in makeup bags around the world. But it doesn't stop at cosmetics. Huda has expanded the empire with Wishful, a glow-boosting skincare line, and Kayali, a luxury fragrance collection co-created with her sister Mona Kattan. With millions of fans and a mission to empower through beauty, Huda Beauty is more than just a brand, it's a movement. Locations: Sephora stores across the UAE Shop online: @hudabeauty Charlieholic One for the furry fashionistas, Charliholic is a homegrown pet accessory brand bringing serious style to your four-legged friends. Whether it's a special occasion or just time to refresh your pup's look, this Dubai-born label specialises in custom-made bandanas and bow ties that are as adorable as they are Insta-worthy. But Charliholic isn't just about cute designs; it's a brand with heart. A percentage of every sale goes directly to local animal shelters, so you can spoil your fur baby and support a good cause at the same time. Made with love and crafted for comfort, each accessory is just a DM away. @_charlieholic Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Time Out Dubai
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
12 best ice creams in Dubai
It's getting hot (ish) out there – and we all know what that means. Time to swap your afternoon latte or post-dinner dessert for something way cooler. Ice cream. The ultimate summer mood-lifter, whether you're into rich chocolate swirls, fruity gelatos, matcha soft serves or cones topped with olive oil (yes, really). From old-school favourites to viral-worthy scoops, Dubai has no shortage of frozen treats to help you beat the heat in the most delicious way possible. Round up your crew and check out these ice cream spots worth melting for. Arabica Coffee Hear us out. We know this is the place you'd go for a piping hot cuppa Joe made from some of the world's best coffee beans, but here's what you probably didn't know – they do a great coffee soft serve ice cream. You can enjoy your favourite hot beverage in ice cream form. Perfect for the summer. Various locations including The Walk JBR, City Walk and Mall of the Emirates, @ Brix Café Credit: Brix This Dubai-born café bar is known for its delicious dishes, but the soft serve deserves a moment of its own. Served in crispy cones and made with seasonal ingredients (like the signature Turkish coffee or mango cheesecake), this one's for the dessert snobs – in the best way. Jumeirah Fishing Harbour 1, @brixdesserts FLOE Desserts FLOE Desserts is your place for grabbing desserts on the go. They don't just serve ice cream, but also cakes, crepes, hot and cold beverages, and other sweet treats. Their ice creams are scoops on their own, as an ice cream bar, or with add-ons such as extra chocolate sauce and fudgy brownies. FLOE Desserts, Al Warqa (04 286 8286) and Al Quoz (056 687 3042), @ Grom All the way from Italy, Grom brings gelato made with high-quality natural ingredients (read: no weird additives). Think classic pistachio, stracciatella and gianduja flavours that taste like a Roman holiday. Boxpark and Dubai Festival City Mall, @gromgelato Ice Cream Lab You'll get freshly made ice cream using liquid nitrogen at this ice cream shop with a branch at The Dubai Mall. With the lab-like setting of the Ice Cream lab, as the name might suggest, you'll feel like a scientist while picking the base and toppings for the machines to instantly freeze them into a delicious dessert. Ice Cream Lab, The Dubai Mall, Ice Kream This is a spot where your ice-cream dreams will come true. Or rather, should we say ice cream? This is make your own kinda spot, whether you like your scoop in a cone or in a chimney kake cone with chocolate, vanilla bean or maybe even a flavour swirl. You won't be able to limit yourself to just one scoop. Ice Kream, Umm Suqeim, @ (050 844 6686). M'OISHÎ Luxury meets mochi. M'OISHÎ's colourful Japanese mochi ice creams are filled with silky gelato and wrapped in soft rice dough. They're small, but don't be fooled – they pack a flavour punch. Bonus: they're super Instagrammable. Various locations including The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, @moishiofficial Pickl Okay, okay, we know. Pickl is generally well known for its juicy and tasty burgers, but hear us out on this one. Their ice cream sandos are next level. Who says that just because you've had a Pickl burger, you can't have dessert? Pickl, various locations including JLT, City Walk and Motor City, Pop City The popsicle brand makes handcrafted pops and is all about flavour. We're talking a mix of fruity, funky and even cool regional flavours. If you're in the mood for fruity pops, you can go for the likes of lychee, lemon, or strawberry. But they also have funky flavours like strawberry Nutella, and regional flavours such as sahlab and ghazal lebnen. It's the summer treat we all need. Pop City, various locations including Bluewaters Island and Dubai Studio City, @ SALT There's something extremely comforting about a soft serve ice cream. We're not sure if it's the nostalgia from childhood, the fact that it's fun to eat, or simply the flavours. And our favourite burger joint in the city serves the softest serve, so don't miss out while you're there for delicious burgers anyway. SALT, various locations, @findsalt Scoopi at Time Out Market This expert ice creamery at TimeOut Market Dubai knows how to serve a proper cone of ice cream. Scoopi makes all of its ice cream using liquid nitrogen to deliver a smooth, buttery scoop like no other. Keep an eye out for special flavours with a distinctly local flair. Scoopi, Time Out Market, Souk Al Bahar, Temple Creamery It may look like a soft serve joint at first, but we urge you to look closer. Temple Creamery is no ordinary ice cream shop serving soft serve, no, sir. They're a cereal ice cream bar and café. They blend your choice of blondies, brownies, whole cookies, cereal, and even potato crisps with a vanilla base to create delicious sugar fixes. Temple Creamery, Umm Suqeim, @templecreamery, (056 983 7838). Other ways to stay cool 14 places to go in Dubai if getting a matcha is your whole personality From some of our favourite cafés in the city 7 amazing places to eat unlimited sushi in Dubai Let the good times roll with these all-you-can-eat sushi offers How to eat out in Dubai for just Dhs10 this summer Bargain alert
CairoScene
05-07-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
This Dubai-Born Candy Brand Swapped Sugar Syrups for Dates
This Dubai-Born Candy Brand Swapped Sugar Syrups for Dates In a market saturated with artificial ingredients and louder-than-thou packaging, Good Candy Co is made from dates, coloured with fruit, and approved by the toughest critics of all—children. There comes a time in every woman's life when she realises she's been lied to. Not in a Greek-tragedy, thunder-clap kind of way. No, it's quieter than that. Slipperier. It comes in soft suggestions and hand-me-down wisdoms dressed as facts. It starts with someone saying 'you'll just know when it's love' (you won't), or 'it gets better after 25' (it doesn't), or 'just drink some lemon water, your skin will clear' (justice for lemon water; it tried its best). The lies are small enough to swallow, but frequent enough to choke on. Eventually, you stop flinching. You just let them pass through, like background noise at a dinner table. And while most of these lies are manageable, laughable even, some are more sinister. Like the ones we've collectively swallowed about food. About what's 'normal.' About what counts as a treat. I mean, an entire generation of us grew up thinking candy had to taste like chemicals and childhood trauma. Now, I say all this not as a mother (I am 23, my most dependent relationship is with my espresso machine), but as someone who has watched enough mums in her life do mental gymnastics in front of a snack shelf, trying to figure out what's "healthy" enough to by. Thankfully, one of those mums finally decided to do something about it. A lifelong health enthusiast, Rabail Ali had just moved to Dubai, and found herself struggling to do what most parents do—feed her children. She spent too much time squinting at ingredient lists, trying to decode what exactly was inside the treats she was handing her little ones. Finally, when she couldn't find any alternatives on supermarket shelves, she rolled up her sleeves and started Good Candy Co: a Dubai-born, date-sweetened, clean-label confectionery brand designed with kids in mind. 'It's not like you can stop kids from having candy—it's part of childhood," Rabail Ali shares with SceneNowUAE. "But you also don't just want to hand them a packet of glucose syrup dyed with something no one can pronounce.' And that's exactly what ushered Ali down this candy-making path. Armed with motherly instinct and years of experience in the Canadian chocolate and snacking industries, Ali began her journey by experimenting with healthy alternatives. First in her kitchen. Then in her newly acquired production facility. Her test audience was as brutal as they were loyal—her children. 'Kids are honest. If it doesn't taste right, they'll tell you.' Her experiments weren't just about flavour. Texture mattered. Chew mattered. The feel in the mouth, the rip of the pouch, the look on a playdate friend's face when they tried something unfamiliar—it all counted. 'We knew we wanted to be a 100% clean label. Our date sugar comes from a very specific type of date. Even the colours we use are extracted from fruits and vegetables." Once she had nailed the formula, she knew she needed a name. As she sat at a coffee shop in Dubai, scribbling down potential contenders, she knew she didn't want to try to be clever. She didn't want to coin a term, claim a mood, or brand a lifestyle. She just wanted to make candy that was good. Not good in the moralistic sense. Not as a self-righteous stand-in for childhood treats. And so she wrote it down: Good Candy Co. That was it. 'I didn't want to complicate it,' Ali tells SceneNowUAE, a year into the journey. 'Everything these days is so overthought. I just wanted people to know what it is—candy that's good.' Months later, Good Candy Co launched with two mixed-flavour packs: fruity bears and sour stars. By then, her kids had become full-blown taste testers, marketing evangelists, and quality control. Incredibly proud of their mum, they'd drag her to the candy aisle every time they set foot in a supermarket trying to find the Good Candy packs. That in-store placement wasn't incidental. Good Candy Co was selected for Spinneys' New Business Incubator, an initiative that gives emerging brands retail support, supply chain mentorship, and priority shelf space. 'The support has been amazing. But I also knew what I wanted from day one. I didn't just want to be another candy brand. I wanted a sense of mission, a sense of community.' Community, in this case, includes both the city and the consumer. Dubai really is fertile ground for experimentation. People are open. They want new things. 'It's not just about taste—it's the whole experience. The feel of the packaging, the reseal, the smell, the flavour.' In less than a year, Good Candy Co has gone from kitchen experiment to stocked on shelves across the UAE. Now, they're coming out with three new single-flavour packs, with many more down the pipeline. It seems that what really makes this particular bar stand out from the candy crowd is one simple fact: Ali is still thinking like a parent with a mission. One batch at a time, one new flavour at a time, one curious customer at a time. And, she has never lost sight of what really matters, the very reason she started this whole thing in the first place—her kids. 'My kids think I'm Willy Wonka,' she smiles. "I think that means I've made it."
What's On
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
What's new and trending in Ibiza this season
An Ibiza icon is reawakened with a touch of Dubai magic as two iconic hospitality brands come together for the reimagined Destino FIVE Ibiza The story After creating its own league of high-octane hedonism, gourmet dining, and lifestyle-driven hotel stays in Dubai, FIVE Hotels & Resorts acquired Ibiza's Pacha Group in October 2023. This strategic expansion saw the Dubai-born hospitality brand snap up some of Ibiza's most renowned icons, including Pacha nightclub, El Hotel Pacha, and Destino. While much of the Pacha-branded parts have remained the same, over winter 2024/25 Destino – the adults-only hilltop escape in Cap Martinet on the island's east coast – has been transformed into Destino FIVE Ibiza, lacing Destino's legacy and FIVE's signature enigmatic touch into a new era for the hotel. Just days after opening, we checked in to check it out. The stay We're greeted at check-in into a beautifully bold and modern lobby, flooded with natural light thanks to French doors lining either side, their blinds billowing in the welcome island breeze. To our left, the iconic Pacha shop and hostess desk for Playa Pacha – suitably adorned with a melted disco ball. To the other, check-in desks manned by friendly staff, many of whom are born and raised on the island, and all eager to welcome us. We're greeted with a welcome drink of hierbas, a local island spirit, and quickly shown to our room. Guest rooms are dotted throughout beautifully whitewashed casitas nestled within the hotel grounds. Some offer prime views of Playa Pacha's inviting swimming pool – ideal if you want to be in the heart of the action. Our own room is nestled within the grounds, set a little further back to evoke a sense of boho-chic serenity. Inside the room, crisp linen sheets and spongy mattresses ensure that, no matter how many (or few) hours of sleep you get, they're deep and restorative. A circular mirror above the bed and a not-so-mini minibar stocked with premium liquor are standout features that lean into the brand's hedonistic reputation. FIVE Hotels' eco effort is a welcome addition throughout, with plastic bottles replaced with recyclable Pacha water cans, and all the bathroom amenities are plastic-free. FIVE's fluffy dressing gowns are the perfect accessory for getting ready for a night out, and a smart TV with Chromecast allows us to choose the soundtrack to each evening with ease. The dining While FIVE may have created its brand around high-octane events, it must also be credited for its impressive culinary offering. At Destino FIVE Ibiza, that translates into Cielo all-day dining restaurant and Playa Pacha, a luxe poolside spot where vibrant beats and Mediterranean flavours backdrop sun-drenched days under the Balearic sun. We spend lazy mornings at Cielo, where soulful acoustic sets and an in-house magician are welcome surprise additions to breakfasts of fresh fruits, baked pastries and cherry sweets (an ode to the iconic Pacha symbol) from the continental buffet, and a la carte omelettes and acai bowls. Balmy Balearic afternoons are best enjoyed under the dappled shade of a cabana gazing out to the Mediterranean, or in the heart of the action with a lounger by the DJ booth at Playa Pacha. We sip glasses of Cava sangria, graze on fresh sushi rolls, Padron peppers and tempura shrimp, and listen to resident DJs that play high-octane sets right until the sun starts to set. The verdict Bringing together the best bits from two renowned brands creates a stay that curates the perfect balance of thrill and chill. Room rates start from Dhs1,840. @destinofiveibiza_ The new spots Clap House A new lifestyle experience that's newly touched down on the white isle for summer 2025 is Clap House. A first-of-its-kind beach club iteration of the acclaimed Japanese restaurant, it brings with it alfresco dining, beach club imbibing and holistic wellness to a serene setting in Talamanca. Dubai-born SEVEN are behind the fitness and wellness spaces, while at the inviting pool and signature CLAP restaurant guests can look forward to luxurious and gourmet experiences under the beating Balearic sun. @claphouseibiza UNVRS Ravers in the 80s and 90s will know it as Ku Klub, while those who hit it up between the early noughties and pre-Covid will know it as Privilege. Either way, the world's biggest nightclub is back – this time as UNVRS. Given a series glow-up by Ibiza heavyweights The Night League (of Hi Ibiza and Ushuaia), it features dazzling sculptures, a series of alfresco terraces, and out-of-this-world production befitting of residencies for icons like David Guetta and Fisher. @unvrsibiza OKU X Missoni New for this summer, Italian fashion house Missoni takes over the striking 50-metre swimming pool at OKU Ibiza for a high-fashion collaboration that oozes endless summer. Enhancing the boho-chic island resort, Missoni's bold and beloved palette of ocean turquoise and emerald green brings ibiza's breathtaking seascapes land side, with a collection of branded sunbed, towels and sofas. @okuibiza The trending tables Pacha Pacha isn't just a nightclub – it's an Ibiza institution. The sound system booms, the productions are mesmerising, and the sets are electric. A legacy on Ibiza's hedonistic party scene, This year's summer events calendar includes weekly residences from Marco Carola, Defected, Blond:ish and Camelphat. Plus, pioneering a new – more affordable – beverage menu, you can buy drinks online before the night for up to 70% off. @pachaofficial Jondal On idyllic Cala Jondal, this restaurant of the same name is one of the hottest tickets in town – and lunch reservations book up months in advance. Partly because the Mediterranean dishes – like crispy padron peppers, tender beef carpaccio and sizzling red prawns are delicious. But mostly for it's stylish makeover by French fashion house Jondal in the butter lemon colour of the season, complete with boutique and pétanque court. @casajondal Zuma The acclaimed restaurant is now found in pretty much all the quintessential destinations the style set vacation in – and Ibiza is no exception. On the White Isle, it's an open-air rooftop destination with stretching views of the Marina and Old Town, where guests can enjoy split-level dining, a vivacious bar scene, and the kind of pulsing DJ sets that encourage you to stay at the bar until the early hours. Exclusives like the black cod croquettas are a must-try, as is the Japanese paloma, a tequila-based cocktail that pairs perfectly with sorbet sunsets. @zumaibiza Images: Supplied
