In times of uncertainty, we instinctively seek stability, in our relationships, routines, and the communities around us. When the wider world feels unpredictable, human connection becomes more than a comfort; it becomes a lifeline. Yet in fast-moving cities and digital-first lifestyles, many of us maintain large networks while lacking the deeper bonds that truly sustain us.

Research shows that strong social ties build resilience, lower stress, and improve overall health. As conversations around wellbeing become more open, there is growing recognition that the quality of our relationships matters just as much as professional achievement, and that in moments of collective unease, those ties matter even more.

Recognising the importance of real-world connection, UAE-based platform MAXION suggests five ways that building community can help protect wellbeing.

1. Prioritise depth over volume

It is easy to confuse social activity with genuine connection. Many of us interact with dozens of contacts online every day yet still experience loneliness. What safeguards wellbeing is not the size of a network, but the substance of the relationships within it. Harvard’s long-running Study of Adult Development, which has tracked participants for more than 80 years, found that warm, supportive bonds are among the most significant predictors of long-term happiness. Honest dialogue, shared values, and reliable encouragement foster belonging that broad but shallow circles rarely provide.

2. Say yes to new experiences, they could become lasting bonds

Some of the most important relationships begin simply with a chat at an event, or an introduction through a friend. What matters is allowing those early interactions to develop over time. To encourage more of us to take that step, particularly during a period when isolation can quietly take hold, MAXION is offering complimentary premium memberships to both existing and new members of its curated community until 17 March. The initiative reflects a broader belief: that lasting bonds are not built through endless scrolling, but through shared experiences and real conversation.

3. Collective experiences ease stress and build grounding

Small, purposeful activities, meeting for coffee, attending a gathering, or simply spending unhurried time together, bring stability during unsettled periods. Face-to-face interaction engages cues that screens cannot replicate, helping us feel heard and understood. Research has shown that time spent with friends or partners can significantly reduce perceived anxiety. These moments help individuals process what they are feeling and gain perspective, which becomes especially valuable when the ground beneath feels less certain.

4. Regular contact prevents loneliness from escalating

Loneliness has become a growing global concern. According to the World Health Organization, around one in six worldwide experience it, and it is linked to higher risks of depression, anxiety, elevated stress, and poorer physical health. Proactive engagement acts as an early buffer. When we make room for honest exchange and dependable contact, feelings of isolation are far less likely to take root. Even a small circle of trusted individuals can offer the reassurance needed to weather difficult stretches. Those ties also contribute to longer lives. Research across blue zones highlights that close community bonds and frequent interaction are key longevity factors, with one study noting that strong personal connections can reduce the risk of early death by up to 50%.

5. Routine builds steadiness

Community is strengthened through consistency. Whether it is weekly gatherings, group activities, or regular check-ins, showing up reliably anchors us during turbulent periods. Psychologists often point to the value of predictable social structures in maintaining wellbeing. Knowing that certain people and communities remain constant provides quiet comfort during times of change, a reminder that not everything is shifting at once.

In fast-paced cities like Dubai, carving out room for real connection is not always easy. But it has rarely been more important. By nurturing the bonds around us with care and intention, we can build the kind of networks that carry us through uncertainty and well beyond it.

By Niki Tæstensen, Design Director ECCO

At ECCO, our philosophy has always been simple: design shoes that work with the body, not against it. From our earliest days, we have understood that the way a shoe interacts with the foot can make the difference between movement that feels effortless and movement that feels constrained. It’s a principle that has guided our innovations for decades and is at the heart of our BIOM® technology.

The story of BIOM® begins in 2009, when we undertook an unprecedented study of human movement. Scanning the feet of 2,500 athletes, we set out to understand the biomechanics of natural motion in meticulous detail. The result was revolutionary: a shoe designed to support the body’s natural stride, offering stability, flexibility and comfort in perfect balance. Inspired by barefoot running, BIOM® shoes were built to align with how the body moves and to complement, rather than fight, your foot’s own mechanics.

A cornerstone of this new collection is ECCO ENCORE TECHNOLOGY, a continuation of the legacy BIOM® began. ECCO ENCORE TECHNOLOGY amplifies the benefits of biomechanical design, providing cushioning, flexibility and energy return that make movement feel effortless. Outsole vents, a detail we first introduced in 2011, enhance breathability, improve shock absorption, and help return energy to your stride. The result is a shoe that doesn’t just carry you through the day, it actively supports your movement – keeping your feet energised and comfortable, no matter how long your day lasts.

The spring/summer 2026 BIOM® 720 collection comprises two distinct styles, each designed to meet specific real-world needs:

ECCO BIOM® 720 BREATHRU – an everyday summer trainer. Lightweight, breathable, and engineered with moisture-wicking BREATHRU mesh, this shoe allows air to circulate freely while maintaining the same support and stability as its waterproof counterpart. Ideal for warmer weather, it offers the perfect combination of ventilation and all-day comfort for everyday activities.

Both styles embody a simple but crucial truth: a shoe must support the body in real life, not just in theory. By designing for movement, cushioning impact, and promoting natural biomechanics, the BIOM® 720 collection addresses the needs of the modern wearer. Whether you’re travelling for work, enjoying a weekend hike, or simply walking across town, these shoes are engineered to respond to the natural rhythm of your body.

At ECCO, we have always managed every aspect of the value chain, from leather and shoe production to retail, ensuring our products meet the highest standards of quality. Our commitment to comfort is inseparable from our commitment to care. By creating durable, long-lasting shoes that people want to wear every day, we promote responsible consumption.

In essence, the BIOM® 720 is more than a shoe. It is the next evolution of our ongoing exploration of human movement, rooted in biomechanics, informed by technology and inspired by real-world lifestyles. It honours our legacy of designing shoes that respect the natural mechanics of the body while adapting to the demands of modern life.

As we continue to innovate, our focus remains clear: to create footwear that enhances human movement and supports the wellbeing of every wearer. With the ECCO BIOM® 720 collection, we are proud to offer shoes that do exactly that, delivering next-level comfort, performance and style, wherever life takes you.

Business continuity in the UAE’s real estate landscape keeps up, as projects launch, sales offices stay operational and transactions continue. AUM Development, a renowned two-decade old Dubai-based real estate firm, has announced the launch of Ryze Residences, in Warsan, one of Dubai’s fastest-evolving districts, positioned at the intersection of academic, employment, and infrastructure growth. A 93-residential development comprising studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments, prices start from AED 599K, with a 40/60 payment plan aimed at both end-users and investors. The project offers a thoughtfully designed mix of residences, including studios averaging 382 sq. ft, one-bedroom apartments averaging 891 sq. ft, and spacious two-bedroom units at 1,936 sq ft.

Ryze forms part of AUM Development’s expanding residential and commercial pipeline, backed by over 20 years of experience and more than AED 1.8 billion in real estate investments. A 100% real estate-focused, equity-funded developer, AUM has built a reputation for delivering projects that prioritize disciplined execution, market relevance, and long-term value.

Located in Warsan, Ryze is located near Dubai Academic City, which hosts over 30 international universities, and its growing connectivity to the wider city. With improving road infrastructure, access to International City, and the upcoming metro expansion, the area is seeing rising demand from students, faculty, young professionals, and long-term tenants seeking affordability without sacrificing access.

“Even amidst the broader regional developments, Dubai’s underlying demand drivers and institutional stability continue to support long-term real estate investment in well-located residential assets. From an investment standpoint, the project is positioned to benefit from Warsan’s rental fundamentals, particularly its proximity to Dubai Academic City, International City, and key arterial roads connecting to Dubai International Airport and central Dubai,” said Deepak Batra, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AUM Development. 

“Warsan is no longer a peripheral location, it is becoming a functional residential hub that is witnessing sustained rental demand driven by education, healthcare, location and support services in and around the area. Ryze has been conceived as a practical, investment conscious response to this demand, with well-planned homes, efficient layouts, and amenities that genuinely add value to everyday living helping residents’ recharge and refocus”, he added.

Ryze Residences has been designed with a strong emphasis on livability and efficiency, featuring smart floor plans, vastu-compliant layouts and architecture that maximises natural light through glass facades and layered balconies.

Distinguishing itself as ‘rooftop lifestyle’, the development is designed to house amenities on the rooftop to encourage community interaction and connection, including an infinity pool and children’s pool, a fully equipped gym with panoramic views, a ‘Sky Cinema’ for outdoor movie nights, EV charging stations and WiFi-enabled common areas.