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FIVE REASONS WHY SOCIAL CONNECTIONS ARE MUCH NEEDED DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

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1 month ago

March 12, 2026

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.

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ELEVATE AWARDS AED 50 MILLION CONTRACT FOR MONDRIAN AL MARJAN ISLAND BEACH RESIDENCES

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1 day ago

April 15, 2026

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ELEVATE has officially awarded an AED 50 million contract to Pinnacle Piling for the piling and foundation works package at Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences, marking another major construction milestone for the landmark beachfront development in Ras Al Khaimah.

The appointment reflects continued momentum on site, with shoring works already completed and the project progressing ahead of its construction programme. The award signals ELEVATE’s continued confidence in both the long-term fundamentals of the UAE real estate market and the exceptional growth trajectory of Al Marjan Island as one of the region’s most important emerging leisure and luxury destinations.

Zeeshaan Shah, Founder & Chairman of ELEVATE, said, “We were the fastest-selling project on the island and now we are setting the pace in construction too. That is exactly how we want to be judged – the strength of both our vision and our execution.”

“We remain as confident as ever in the UAE, in Ras Al Khaimah, and in the long-term future of Al Marjan Island. We are deeply grateful to the UAE’s leadership for continuing to create an environment that inspires confidence, enables ambition and allows long-term visions to be realised.”

“Our focus is simple: keep leading, keep building and continue delivering on the trust the market has placed in us.”

Pinnacle Piling brings more than 35 years of specialist geotechnical and foundation expertise to the project, having delivered some of the region’s most technically demanding developments.

Sai Kumar, Chairman and Owner of Pinnacle Piling, said, “We are proud to continue our partnership with ELEVATE on Mondrian Al Marjan Island Beach Residences and to play a key role in delivering this landmark development. The project has progressed strongly on site, with the shoring phase now successfully completed and our teams fully mobilised.”

“ELEVATE has moved with impressive speed and clarity, and we are committed to maintaining that momentum while delivering to the highest standards of safety, quality and execution.”

The project continues to attract strong market demand following the successful sell-out of Phase 1 and robust interest in Phase 2. Set on the shores of Al Marjan Island, the AED 1.8 billion Mondrian-branded beachfront development forms part of ELEVATE’s broader vision to deliver design-led, hospitality-driven living experiences in some of the region’s most compelling growth destinations.

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NATUZZI ITALIA HONORS THE MEDITERRANEAN SOUL THROUGH SUSTAINABLE ITALIAN DESIGN THIS EARTH DAY

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2026

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Harmonizing Italian Luxury and Sustainability for Earth Day 2026

Dubai, UAE — April 2026 – This Earth Day, Natuzzi Italia, the world’s most renowned Italian lifestyle brand, reaffirms its deep-rooted connection to the Mediterranean landscape by showcasing a collection defined by Eco-innovation, Bio-materials, and Circular Design.

For Natuzzi Italia sustainability is a pursuit of harmony—meeting the needs of the present without compromising the beauty of the future. This year’s Earth Day highlights feature collaborations with visionary designers to bring earth-conscious living to the forefront of luxury interiors.

Sustainable Innovation & Collaborative Design

The Wash Less Project by Fabio Novembre: A pioneering collaboration with Whirlpool, this project reinterprets the traditional valet stand into a harmonious, circular design. Built with a sturdy painted steel structure and upholstered in Ecoplen fabric produced entirely from recycled materials—this piece encourages sustainability by keeping clothes fresh and reducing unnecessary water consumption through its innovative “wash less” philosophy.

Ombra Dining Table by Claudio Bellini: A sculptural masterpiece that merges industrial strength with organic ethics. The asymmetrical legs are hand-troweled using Bio-mortar (Bio Malta), an eco-sustainable and bio-compatible finish crafted from natural elements including quartz, terracotta dust, marble, and mother of pearl. This concrete-effect innovation proves that monumental design can be achieved through earth-friendly chemistry.

Colle Sofa by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG): Inspired by the soft, hospitable silhouettes of early Natuzzi models, Colle captures the effortless relaxation of Mediterranean life. Beyond its visual comfort, it features Eco-friendly padding made from microcellular polyurethane foam derived from renewable plant-based raw materials, ensuring your comfort is grounded in nature.

Artisanal Craftsmanship & Natural Fibers

Papel Rug by Ar-o Studio: A collection of loom-woven rugs crafted from FSC and PEFC-certified paper yarns. This natural, sustainable material is treated with an industrial dirt-repellent film that prevents absorption, ensuring longevity and ease of care without the use of harsh chemicals. Each rug is a testament to the beauty of handmade, biodegradable fibers.

Silo Vases by Marcel Wanders: These hand-made terracotta urns are crafted by master ceramists in the Salento area, honoring ancient Italian traditions. Featuring glazed interiors and rustic rope handles, the Silo collection celebrates the raw, earthen beauty of clay—a material that is as timeless as it is sustainable.

Pumo Lukky by Lorenza Bozzoli: A reinvention of the traditional Apulian good luck charm. Bozzoli dresses the wooden-framed Pumo in vibrant viscose cords and brass details, blending fashion-forward textures with a structural commitment to natural materials.

Explore the Earth Day collections at Natuzzi Italia showrooms on Sheikh Zayed Road and beyond, where every piece tells a story of respect for the environment.

Natuzzi Italia showrooms or online.

• Natuzzi, Sheikh Zayed Road between 2nd and 3rd interchange, Dubai

• Natuzzi, near Al Maktoum Bridge, Umm Hurair Road, Dubai

• Natuzzi, The Galleria, Abu Dhabi

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AMAAL APPOINTS CITIC MIDDLE EAST CONTRACTING AS MAIN CONTRACTOR FOR AED 1.8 BILLION MANSORY RESIDENCES IN DUBAI

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1 day ago

April 15, 2026

Integrator Web-Admin

Amaal, the visionary Emirati-founded real estate developer, has appointed CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC as the main contractor for MANSORY Residences, the world’s first MANSORY-branded residential tower. Backed by CITIC Construction Co. Ltd, its China-based parent company and one of ENR’s Top 250 International Contractors, the firm will deliver the AED 1.8 billion project, which is scheduled for completion in Q4 2028 and set to define a new standard in design-led ultra-luxury living.

As the main contractor, CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC will oversee the full turnkey construction of MANSORY Residences, including structural works and all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems. Its scope also includes the integration of advanced smart home technologies, VIP automotive facilities, and the carbon-fibre-inspired design elements that define the MANSORY brand. Drawing on its experience in delivering landmark urban projects and large residential communities, the company will lead quality assurance, safety compliance, and coordination with VX Studio and Opaal’s design team to ensure the faithful execution of the project’s bespoke finishes.

Selected for its strong international track record in delivering large-scale and complex developments, CITIC Construction brings deep engineering, procurement, and construction expertise to the partnership. Operating across key markets in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and China, the company has delivered projects spanning infrastructure, high-end residential and mixed-use developments, industrial facilities, and urbanisation initiatives. Its integrated delivery model, supported by in-house engineering and project management capabilities, offers strong control over quality, timelines, and execution.

Abdulla Lahej, Chairman of Amaal, said: “Our goal has always been to collaborate with partners who share our ambition to push boundaries and redefine industry standards. CITIC Middle East Contracting’s proven global expertise, financial and engineering strength, and dedication to precision, safety, and innovation make them the right partner to bring MANSORY Residences to life. Their track record in delivering complex, high-end projects in major international markets aligns with our goal of creating spaces that merge design and lasting value. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver a world-class development that captures the sophistication Amaal and MANSORY are known for.”

Li Sheng, General Manager of CITIC Middle East Contracting commented: “We are delighted to be appointed as the main contractor for MANSORY Residences by Amaal, a truly pioneering project that reimagines ultra-luxury living in Dubai. Drawing on expertise and experience in delivering large-scale urban developments around the world, we are committed to setting benchmarks in construction quality, safety, and sustainable execution. This partnership reflects our vision of creating long-term value through engineering excellence, and we look forward to delivering a landmark that reflects the combined vision of MANSORY and Amaal, bringing an extraordinary standard of elegance and performance to the city.”

Hamid Kerayechian, CEO & Founding Partner of Ayana Holding, said: “Partnering with CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC as the main contractor for MANSORY Residences ensures that our vision for a design-led, ultra-luxury tower is realised with exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. Their experience in delivering complex, high-end developments globally, gives us confidence that this project will meet the exacting standards our investors and residents expect.”

With strong investor activity in Dubai’s property market in Q1 2026, demand for design-led, high-value developments remains robust, such as MANSORY Residences. Property sales reached Dh176.7 billion during the quarter, with transaction values rising 23.4% year on year, while off-plan demand and prices held firm. The momentum also aligns with stronger UAE-China economic relations, as both countries signed agreements to expand trade and investment cooperation, with non-oil trade surpassing $100 billion and the UAE remaining China’s leading trading partner across the MEA.

Part of the prestigious Meydan Horizon masterplan, MANSORY Residences is a 60-storey development that brings together high-performance design, refined residential comfort, and uncompromising quality. The tower will feature one- to four-bedroom residences and full-floor penthouses with world-class amenities. MANSORY’s distinctive design language will reflect throughout, from sculptural façades and bespoke architecture to automotive-inspired interiors.

The delivery of this highly detailed vision will be overseen by CITIC Middle East Contracting LLC, ensuring seamless execution, consistency, and uncompromising quality across every level of the project.

Muhammad Dawood, Chief Executive Officer, Operations & Strategic Partnerships, provided pivotal support that was instrumental in forging this landmark partnership between Amaal and CITIC Middle East Contracting, ensuring alignment on vision, execution, and delivery excellence for MANSORY Residences and future projects.