This Emirati Women’s Month, ME by Meliá Dubai turns the spotlight on women through art, self-care and a little extra indulgence. At the heart of the celebrations, acclaimed Emirati artist Fatma Lootah is taking over the hotel’s Level 3 Art Gallery with a powerful collection exploring femininity, memory and identity. Beyond the exhibition, Wellness by ME is giving guests more time to switch off with an additional 30 minutes complimentary on every treatment, while women checking in can enjoy a complimentary room upgrade and matcha over breakfast.

From moments of reflection to moments of pure indulgence, August is all about celebrating women and giving them a little more –  more time, more space and more reasons to enjoy the occasion.

Emirati Women’s Month Exhibition with Fatma Lootah:

Art takes centre stage as ME by Meliá Dubai welcomes a special exhibition by acclaimed Emirati artist Fatma Lootah, presented in collaboration with Art in the Middle. As one of the UAE’s distinctive contemporary artists, Lootah brings a deeply personal Emirati perspective to her practice, exploring identity, memory, femininity and heritage through works shaped by her connection to place and time. The exhibition brings together three selected works, The Two Women (2021), The Violet Dress (2015) and Grandma (2022), each revealing a different expression of womanhood, from connection and individuality to elegance, quiet strength and the enduring presence of generations past.

Together, the three works tell a story that feels especially poignant during Emirati Women’s Month, moving between generations and reflecting on the women, memories and traditions that shape identity. Displayed within ME by Meliá Dubai’s Level 3 Art Gallery, surrounded by the fluid interiors designed by Zaha Hadid, the exhibition invites guests to experience Lootah’s work up close and discover the stories behind each piece. Running from 20 August until 30 September, it offers a meaningful celebration of Emirati artistic expression and the many ways womanhood, heritage and identity continue to be carried forward.

More Time for ME – Wellness by ME

An hour of self-care just became an hour and a half. Wellness by ME is giving women an additional 30 minutes complimentary with any treatment booked, turning their chosen experience into an even longer opportunity to unwind, reset and enjoy some uninterrupted time to themselves.

Whether releasing tension with a restorative massage or choosing another treatment from the Wellness by ME menu, guests can settle in for longer at no additional cost. It’s the perfect treat with more time to switch off, recharge and leave feeling completely renewed.

Ladies Stay Upgrade

A stay at ME by Meliá Dubai comes with a little more for women this month. Ladies booking directly with the hotel will receive a complimentary upgrade to the next room category, adding an extra touch of indulgence from the moment they check in.

The experience continues the following morning with complimentary matcha during breakfast, setting the tone for an easy start to the day. Whether escaping for a solo reset, planning a staycation with friends or simply swapping the everyday for a night away, it’s an effortless excuse to check in, switch off and enjoy a little extra along the way.

From discovering the work of one of the UAE’s distinctive contemporary artists to carving out more time for self-care or escaping for an elevated stay, ME by Meliá Dubai is putting women at the heart of the moment. Through experiences designed to inspire, indulge and create space to simply enjoy, the hotel brings its own distinctive perspective to Emirati Women’s Month, celebrating women in ways that feel personal, memorable and entirely their own.

By Srijith K.N

As I stepped into Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront in Business Bay this August, the weather outside was anything but pleasant. We checked in at around 1:30pm, and my parents and I were warmly greeted by Tejal at reception. She had a great smile, which may sound like a small detail, but it is something hospitality simply cannot do without. It immediately made me feel that we were in for a pleasant stay.

We headed straight to our room, relaxed for a while, and since Mom and Dad weren’t exactly looking to rush outside in the August heat, we soon made our way down to The Larder for lunch. It turned out to be an easy introduction to the hotel’s dining experience.

At the restaurant, we were greeted by Caroline, who took particularly good care of my parents, talking them through what they wanted and making sure they were comfortable. The space itself felt bright and relaxed, with plenty of natural light, warm wooden interiors and enough distance between tables to make a leisurely family lunch comfortable.

Lunch was simple but satisfying. We had fresh salads, crisp accompaniments and comforting mains, followed by a strawberry-topped dessert that provided a light finish to the meal.

Back in the room, there was a large bed and a separate seating area by the window, but the balcony was where the room really came into its own. From there, we could take in the Business Bay skyline and Dubai Water Canal. I have driven through Business Bay countless times, but seeing it from this perspective was different. The only problem, of course, was August — the view made you want to stay outside considerably longer than the weather would allow.

By early evening, the temperature had become a little kinder, so I took my parents for a walk along the Dubai Water Canal, just a short distance from the hotel. They particularly enjoyed watching the boats pass by. That’s perhaps one of the advantages of this particular location in Business Bay: you’re surrounded by high-rises and close to the heart of the city, yet the immediate surroundings don’t feel overwhelmingly busy.

Dinner at FireLake

Dinner brought us to FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, where Christian looked after our table. He deserves a mention because he did considerably more than simply take our order. He gave us a sense of what FireLake was about, patiently walked us through the menu and explained the dishes rather than simply naming them.

I particularly liked the wood-fired bread, and we kicked things off with the charred zucchini. The zucchini carried that smoky edge from the grill without losing its freshness. We also tried the white sausage ragu, which was richer and comforting, while the lamb chops were beautifully grilled — my dad practically claimed the whole plate for himself.

And then there were the drinks. I had Dad try the Espresso Martini, which quickly became part of the evening’s entertainment.

What made dinner work, though, was the combination of food and service. Christian kept checking on us without ever making it feel intrusive. He was also the one who told me about the following day’s Deep South Social Brunch, something I hadn’t really planned for before arriving.

The brunch has several beverage package options alongside its special Deep South menu, and after Christian’s explanation, changing our plans for the following afternoon wasn’t a particularly difficult decision.

The Deep South Social Brunch

After a good night’s sleep, we skipped breakfast the next morning and went directly to FireLake for brunch. The restaurant felt completely different in daylight. The music brought more energy into the space, the atmosphere was livelier, and the menu was built around sharing and trying different things rather than simply ordering one individual dish.

This time, Asim looked after our table. He struck me as someone probably still early in his hospitality career, but he brought plenty of enthusiasm to the table. I also had the opportunity to meet Chef Ronak and speak to him about some of the dishes.

The brunch menu is extensive. Small plates range from summer mezze and steak tartare to charred zucchini and smoked lamb ribs, alongside seafood, pizzas, pasta and dishes from the wood oven and grill.

Chef Ronak was particularly keen for us to try the lamb. What arrived looked deceptively simple, but he explained the lengthy preparation behind it and how the process extends beyond 24 hours to achieve the final flavour and texture. Hearing what actually went into getting that plate onto our table made me appreciate it considerably more.

Before bringing lunch to a close, I tried the FireLake Signature Piña Colada, made with white rum, Malibu, coconut cream, pineapple, lemon juice, simple syrup and bitters. Creamy, tropical and refreshing, it was pretty much made for an afternoon like this.

And then, unfortunately, it was time to leave.

There had probably been too much food over those two days, but very few reasons to actually want to leave. The office was calling the following morning, so our little Business Bay escape had to end.

What stayed with me, however, wasn’t simply the room, the canal view or even the lamb. It was the people.

Christian, Caroline, Pratheesh, Chef Ronak, Jeffrey, Khin, Aliza and Tejal all contributed in different ways, whether through a conversation, a recommendation, helping my parents or simply greeting us with a smile.

A hotel review isn’t complete without acknowledging the people who stood out. Hotels can invest in rooms, restaurants, views and facilities, but hospitality ultimately becomes personal when somebody makes the people you care about feel comfortable.

For me, travelling with my parents, that warmth mattered.

And that is probably the strongest compliment I can give Radisson Blu: we checked in for a hotel stay, but what I remember most is how well the people with me were looked after.

By Twinkle Aswani

The Maldives can take on very different personlities depending on where the journey leads. Iru Fushi and Sun Siyam World offer two distinct interpretations of island living, one shaped by slower beach days, dining and wellness, and the other by discovery, activity and an almost endless choice of experiences. Together, the two properties create a combination that demonstrates how differently luxury, relaxation and adventure can exist within the same destination.

At Iru Fushi, the experience begins with the setting itself. The water villas offer an incredibly scenic perspective of the island, with private infinity pools seemingly flowing directly into the ocean. It is the kind of setting that makes the familiar picture of the Maldives feel remarkably real — stepping outside in the morning to an uninterrupted view of the water.

The property’s dining experiences add another dimension. An extensive breakfast spread and a wide variety of dinner options provide plenty of choice, while the Maldivian chicken curry deserves particular mention. It is the kind of local dish that can easily become one of the most memorable parts of a stay.

Wellness brings a slower rhythm to the experience. The traditional Maldivian Bondithaan Kurun massage offers a restorative pause after a day of exploring, while Flavours creates one of those distinctive Maldives dining moments, with reef sharks swimming below as guests enjoy their meal. There is something particularly memorable about watching marine life move through the waters below while dining above it. Reflection Pool Bar adds another visual dimension, with a setting and atmosphere that feel particularly suited to the island surroundings.

Hospitality remains central to the experience. At Iru Fushi, ambassador Jinaan brings an attentive and genuinely welcoming presence, with the kind of care that makes guests feel looked after rather than simply accommodated.

If Iru Fushi embraces a more relaxed interpretation of island life, Siyam World introduces an entirely different rhythm. There is a sense of movement and discovery across the resort, where another beach, activity, restaurant, pool or quiet corner can become the next part of the day.

For visitors with a list of experiences they have always wanted to try, the resort offers plenty of opportunity to work through it. Horse riding along the beach, go-karting, time spent between pools and beaches, exploring different restaurants or simply finding a quiet spot to do absolutely nothing all become part of the experience. It is a combination that can create a different kind of attachment to the island — the sort that can make saying goodbye feel slightly premature.

The dining and social spaces continue that sense of variety. Mint Beach Bar combines atmosphere with a beautiful setting, while Jungali Pool brings a lush, vibrant energy. Together Beach Bar offers a more relaxed place to enjoy a drink and the island atmosphere, while Wahoo Grill, Andalucia and Arigato each provide a distinctly different dining experience.

Among the experiences, Cinema by Moonlight stands out as one of the resort’s most memorable concepts. Watching a film beside the ocean with mulled wine, surrounded by the shores and night sky, turns a familiar activity into something considerably more memorable. It is the kind of detail that makes an experience feel carefully considered rather than simply added to an itinerary.

Yet beyond the activities and amenities, it is the people and culture that add another layer to Siyam World. The Maldivian welcome is reflected in the warmth of the team, with Ausy, Sara, Affan, Sony and others creating an atmosphere where guests can feel less like visitors and more like they have arrived somewhere familiar — almost like being welcomed home by friends.

Ausy, in particular, goes beyond simply arranging an itinerary. His attention to detail allows guests to experience different sides of the resort, from activities and dining to a spa session, with every part of the itinerary thoughtfully balanced to make room for both discovery and relaxation. Benish, the resort ambassador, similarly plays an important role in helping guests make the most of their time, planning the itinerary and ensuring they are looked after throughout the stay.

A behind-the-scenes tour with Ausy reveals yet another side of Sun Siyam World — one that exists beyond the guest experience. Seeing these elements up close offers a different perspective on what goes into creating the resort experience, from its care for staff to its sustainability initiatives.

The Herbitory is particularly revealing. Under the guidance of Dr. Dee Dee, the resort organically grows herbs and fruits including lemongrass, watermelon, different varieties of mustard seeds, chilli, aloe vera, basil and dragon fruit. A closer look at the Herbitory reveals just how much exists beyond the visible resort experience, with working projects and systems that quietly contribute to what guests eventually experience on the surface. Even the local scroopan fruit ice cream offers a small taste of the island’s produce and the property’s connection to its surroundings.

The experience extends into Maldivian culture through food as well. The Maldivian cooking class is more than a lesson in preparing dishes; it offers a window into local food, traditions and culture. Chef Prashanth and his team, Hammal and Rajesh, bring warmth, passion and patience to the experience, turning the class into something that feels as much about connection as it is about cooking.

After days filled with activities and exploration, Thalgo Spa provides another form of balance. Its massage and hydrotherapy offer a restorative pause, the kind of reset that feels particularly welcome after a day spent discovering the island.

At the heart of both properties is a different understanding of what a Maldivian escape can be. Iru Fushi offers the slower rhythm of beach life, dining and wellness, while Siyam World brings together activity, discovery, culture and an expansive variety of experiences.

The two properties are distinctly different in their vibe, sense of luxury and overall concept, and that difference is precisely what makes them work so well together. Rather than offering the same interpretation of the Maldives, Iru Fushi and Siyam World allow guests to experience two sides of the destination, from the quiet beauty of an island escape to the feeling that there is always something more to discover, and perhaps a little more time worth staying for.