CONNECTOR.AE 3 Welcome Climate change and the actions we can take have been talked about for a long time, and with COP28 coming to the UAE in just a few months, even more attention is being given. A lot of us do whatever we can to reduce our own impact, and some are doing more than most. One of those is 17 year old Dubai student Himakshi Shashtri, who after seeing the effects of climate change, stepped up and is now a campaigner, public speaker and entrepreneur. Connecter spoke with the student on what led to her showing an interest in climate change, and where the journey has taken her. Read about her inspiring story on pages 48 to 52. Choosing the right school to send your child to is a decision every parent has to make at some point, and the quality of education is not the only thing to consider, as schools not only teach, they also help shape the character of a child. On pages 28 to 31 we run through a check list on what to look out for to help make an informed choice. This month is Mental Health Awareness month, and it is important that those suffering, whether in silence or not, are supported. On pages 38 and 39 we spoke with experts about the small steps individuals can take to help manage and even overcome those challenges. Otto Kuase invented the legendary burger 150 years ago in Hamburg, Germany, which has since become a firm favorite for many people. Luckily we don’t have to travel to Germany to get a taste of one, with a host of dedicated restaurants right here. Check out our ten to try burger restaurants across Dubai that are sure to satisfy every burger fan on pages 21 to 23. Enjoy the issue and have a great month. Chris Nicolaides chris@directreachmedia.com Concord Tower, PO Box 126732, Dubai Media City, Dubai, 04 454 9826, enquiries@directreachmedia.com Contents of this publication are copyright. No material may be reproduced without written permission. Notice and disclaimer. The material used in this publication is intended to be used for informational purposes only. A sincere effort has been made to report accurate information. However, one or more recognised authorities in health and nutrition may hold different views than those reported therein, and the reader is so advised. This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. Nicole Pereira nicole@directreachmedia.com Vishakha Ramchandani vishi@directreachmedia.com Welcome 3>HS3gr} >>g # - . /0124 56 01 7gH gH 3>HS3r} >>g 69
CONNECTOR.AE 5 Beat The Heat With Sweatproof Makeup! 42 Enjoy Amazing Fujairah! Ten To Try: Burger Restaurants 44 21 Importance Of Mental Health In Today’s World 38 Contents 7 Monthly Events Enjoy An Amazing Night With Disney Songs! Curry-licious Indian Restaurants To Try! Meet The Teacher: Louisa McGauley Mazzah Wa Mazzika - Delicious Arabic Food Himakshi Shastri: A 17 Year Old Creating A Sustainable World Tips To Choosing The Right School Dealing With Headaches A round up of all the major events this May 13 14 32 19 48 28 13 21 14 34 Welcome HAYDEN May 17-21
CONNECTOR.AE 7 Out And About As the month of May is here, there is nothing better than making it a memorable one, and exploring all the events for a fun-filled time. From amazing concerts that will have everyone dancing the night away, to eating their heart out at the food festival, here are some brilliant events and activities happening around the UAE to add to the calendar and make the month one to remember. Looking for a brilliant show that has an amazing singer perform alongside the captivating music of cellos? Imany, known for her pop hits including ‘Don’t Be So Shy’ and ‘You Will Never Know’, is set to sing classics from artists like Hozier, Radiohead, Bob Marley and more, with eight cellos playing to match her captivating voice at Dubai Opera. Prices start at Dhs 300. www.dubaiopera.com Having a roller coaster while looking for discounts? Now enjoy the ride to FREE discounts & offers available on Club Connector FREE app & website. Scan the QR code to download the Club Connector app, or visit www.club-connector.com www.club-connector.com OUT & ABOUT The UAE is known to many around the world as the one-stop destination for endless opportunities and experiences. Imany 3 May Dubai Food Festival Till 7 May The amazing Dubai Food Festival continues and is the best time for all foodies to seize the opportunity and try out a variety of limited-time dishes, special menus and exciting pop-ups. Adding to the excitement of the festival is Restaurant Week, an extension of the Dubai Food Festival, which celebrates local and international chefs by offering diners ample of amazing dishes to savour. www.dubaifoodfestival.com 1 2
CONNECTOR.AE 8 CONNECTOR.AE 9 Out And About Out And About Dennis Matsuev UK Pink Floyd Experience Candlelight: 100 Years of Warner Bros 4 May 6 May 6 May Taking place at Dubai Opera, get excited to watch an amazing performance by globally renowned pianist, Dennis Matsuev. Watch as he performs pieces from some of the greats, including Mozart, Beethoven, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky and more. Dennis has been making his name since 1998 and continues to set the benchmark with remarkable playing. Prices start at Dhs 250. www.dubaiopera.com Dubai Opera, for one day only, is bringing an unmissable experience for all Pink Floyd fans. To mark the 50th anniversary of the album, ‘The Dark Side of The Moon’, the tribute will see two hours of classics from the group, a stunning light show and top musicians performing all the hits. Sing along to the tunes of ‘The Wall’, ‘Animals’, ‘Wish You Were Here’ and more. Prices start at Dhs 195. www.dubaiopera.com Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience with Candlelight Concerts. Held at The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates, the event will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Warner Bros. Delight in a spectacular show with amazing music, as candles decorate the setup. Prices start at Dhs 150. www.artforall.ae Mai Dubai City Half Marathon 7 May Lace up the running shoes and get the workout gear on to make the most of the half marathon this month. Held at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, the Mai Dubai City Half Marathon is back for its 5th edition. Enjoy choosing between runs of three distances, 5km, 10km and 21km. Prices start at Dhs 150. www.promosevensports.com Emin and Ani Lorak Live 7 May Dubai Opera is bringing an amazing performance this month with worldrenowned performers, Emin and Ani Lorak. Delight in a pop and rock concert that will surely be one to remember for years to come. Prices start at Dhs 500. www.dubaiopera.com Jay Shetty World Tour: Love Rules 11 May The popular author, podcast host of ‘On Purpose’ and former monk, Jay Shetty is coming to Dubai as part of his ‘Love Rules’ tour. His first-ever tour will see him share thoughts on love, from finding it to letting go. Also, enjoy live meditation and demonstrations that will leave you feeling fulfilled. Prices start at Dhs 295. www.dubaiopera.com 3 4 5 6 7 8
CONNECTOR.AE 10 CONNECTOR.AE 11 Out And About Out And About Sooshi Mango: Off The Boat In Dubai Peter Pan On Ice Dubai Comedy Festival 12 May 12 and 13 May 12 to 21 May For one day only at Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, enjoy a brilliant performance as part of the Sooshi Mango: Off The Boat In Dubai show. The Australian comedy trio of Joe Salanitri, Carlo Salanitri and Andrew Manfre will surely put on an amazing show that is sure to have everyone in stitches. Prices start at Dhs 199. www.coca-cola-arena.com The beloved tale of the boy who never grows up, Peter Pan, is coming to Abu Dhabi for two days. Held at the Cultural Foundation, the show will be performed on ice, and will follow the tale of Peter as he takes Wendy and her brothers on an adventure of a lifetime to Neverland and they go head to head with Captain Hook, pirates and hungry crocodiles. Prices start at Dhs 175. www.artforall.ae Held over 10 days, the Dubai Comedy Festival is back, sure to bring endless laughs to all that attend. The festival will be held at multiple locations around Dubai, including The Theatre at the Mall of the Emirates, Coca-Cola Arena and more. As part of the lineup, enjoy acts from hilarious comedians like Zakir Khan performing on 14 May, Dara O’Briain on 15 May, Jimmy Carr on 16 May and more. www.dubaicomedyfest.ae Monster Jam 13 and 14 May Huge motorsports fans, this is the perfect chance to enjoy a fun-filled weekend full of thrills, and adrenaline rushes. Held for two days at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, the show will return after almost a decade and will see five-ton trucks perform amazing stunts from backflips to freestyling. Prices start at Dhs 135. www.etihadarena.ae Music from the Alps: Swiss Classical Maestros 14 May Dubai Opera is bringing a one-of-a-kind event to Dubai with the Swiss Classical Maestros performance. The one-day show only will see Violinist Maria Solozobova and pianist Christophe Berruex pair up for a show to remember. Get lost in the amazing harmonies of the music as the performers play pieces from Beethoven to Grieg’s sonatas. Prices are set at Dhs 500. www.dubaiopera.com My Therapist Ghosted Me 17 May Vogue Williams and Joanne McNally, the iconic comedy duo, are coming to Dubai Opera for a performance that will have the audience laughing the night away. Co-hosts to the popular podcast ‘My Therapist Ghosted Me’, the duo are sure to bring all the laughs to the event and will cover a variety of topics, filled with hilarious quips and honest advice. Prices start at Dhs 200. www.dubaiopera.com 9 10 11 12 13 14
CONNECTOR.AE 12 CONNECTOR.AE 13 Out And About Out And About However, this time, instead of singing along to the movies playing on a television, enjoy watching a brilliant performance unfold at the Coca-Cola Arena for three days, from 5 to 7 May. On 5 May the concert will be held at 7pm, on 6 May at 2pm and 7pm, and on 7 May at 2pm to 6pm. The five shows will see West End and Broadway stars perform, including Hiba Elchikhe, having previously performed as Princess Jasmine from ‘Aladdin’, Steffanie Leigh, for Mary Poppins from ‘Mary Poppins’, Anneliese van der Pol, who is a Disney Channel star and played the role of Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and Syndee Winters, for Nala from ‘The Lion King’. The cast will perform over 30 songs from various Disney Princess movies and Frozen, including ‘Let It Go’, ‘Reflection’, ‘A Whole New World’, ‘How Far I’ll Go’ and more. The Prince will also perform, and the cast will be led by music director Benjamin Rauhala, and joined by the amazing all-woman ensemble, Firdaus Orchestra, led by Monica Woodman. During the concert, the cast will share their thoughts and experiences performing as the beloved characters in the various musical productions. The audience will also get an insight into some of the funny yet moving behindthe-scenes stories. To go along with the performances, animations from the movies and effects will add a spectacular touch. Ticket prices start at Dhs 150 and are available on the Coca-Cola Arena website www.coca-cola-arena.com Enjoy An Amazing Night With Disney Songs! Disney lovers, there is nothing more magical than rewatching cult favourites and vibing to all the iconic Disney songs. Bjorn Again The Hits of Motown IIFA 26 May 26 and 27 May 26 and 27 May Are any ABBA fans out there? Dubai Opera is bringing a show that is sure to be a favourite among ABBA music lovers. The show based on the group will feature a multitude of amazing songs from the globally renowned group of four. Having performed in over 72 different countries, the show is sure to be one for the books. Prices start at Dhs 150. www.dubaiopera.com Get ready for a blast from the past with an amazing event sure to take everyone back to the 60s. Running for two days at the Theatre by QE2 in Dubai, delight in listening to the amazing music by legends Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Marvin Gaye and more. Prices start at Dhs 99. www.dubai.platinumlist.net One of the biggest award shows in the Bollywood scene is coming to Abu Dhabi. Held at Etihad Arena, the 23rd edition of the International Indian Film Academy Awards will see amazing performances from beloved Bollywood stars. Get excited for one of the most-watched Indian award shows and delight in watching as stars walk down the green carpet. Prices start at Dhs 110. www.etihadarena.ae 15 16 17
CONNECTOR.AE 14 CONNECTOR.AE 15 Dining Around Dining Around Curry-licious Indian Restaurants To Try! India is home to so many traditions and cultures, and each state has its identifying factors, with differences in music, languages and more. The one main bonding factor that unites everyone is the amazing and scrumptious food and within it, each state has a multitude of flavours that define it, be it rogan josh from Kashmir, misal pav from Maharastra, biryani from Telengana, sarson da saag from Punjab, fish curry from Goa and more. Known for incorporating spices and being flavour bombs, Indian food is loved by many around the world. Around 30% of the population consists of Indians, who have found a home in the city, bringing with them the amazing flavours of India. If in a pinch and want to enjoy delicious Indian food that will make the mouth water, in an elevated way, then look no further. The ultimate fine dining experience, Carnival by Trèsind, located in DIFC, is a great place to enjoy a modern take on amazing Indian cuisine. Relish in dishes including aachari chicken salad, lamb chops, grilled prawns, tandoori chicken, lobster claw, brisket, jumbo jelebi and more. The restaurant also has a bar where diners can enjoy trying out drinks served in innovative ways, for an insta-worthy post. www.carnivalbytresind.com Basanti & Co at Bluewaters Island is the spot to visit when on the lookout for amazing traditional Indian cooking. Set to transport diners to India while still being in Dubai, the restaurant offers a captivating view that pairs perfectly with delicious food and good company. Savour in amazing dishes including balti chicken, rogan josh, gulab jamun, vada pav, khati rolls and more. www.basantidubai.com Bombay Brasserie at Taj Dubai is a great Indian restaurant to visit when looking for an innovative take on Indian cooking. The restaurant has an open kitchen concept where diners can see their food being cooked live. Tuck into amazing traditional and modern flavours, including bhatti prawns, tawa scallops, chicken tikka masala, basil tikka, Cochin lobster curry and more. 04-4383222 Situated in Taj JLT, Shamiana is a brilliant place to delight in some amazing Indian flavours. Known for serving authentic Indian food, relish in a variety of tasty dishes including cafreal roast chicken, grilled tiger prawns, chilli chicken, malai broccoli, lamb seekh kebab, palak and moong dal khichdi, paneer apki pasand and more. www.tajhotels.com Carnival by Trèsind DIFC Basanti & Co Bluewaters Island Bombay Brasserie Taj Dubai Shamiana Taj JLT With two branches in Dubai at Four Points Downtown Dubai, Bur Dubai and Four Point Sheikh Zayed Road, Purani Dilli is a brilliant place to try out for mouthwatering North Indian flavours. Enjoy going back in time to Old Delhi, with the restaurant offering a rustic ambience, perfect for a meal with family and friends. Savour in dishes including yakhni gosht shorba, murgh malai tikka, chappli kebab, dahi kebab, butter chicken khaas, palak paneer and more. www.puranidillidubai.com Purani Dilli Bur Dubai and Sheikh Zayed Road
CONNECTOR.AE 16 CONNECTOR.AE 17 Dining Around Dining Around Located at JW Marriott Marquis, Rang Mahal is a great spot to enjoy delicious Indian food, be it with friends or over a meal with family. Delight in a variety of dishes with flavours from all around India, including crispy soft shell crab, Mangalorean ghee roast prawns, minced lamb kebab, peppered lamb chops, lamb rogan josh, chicken tikka masala and more. www.marriott.com Situated at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, Indya by Vineet is a great place to check out to explore the amazing flavours from India. The restaurant, launched by Chef Vineet Bhatia, brings street food, one of the highlights of India, in an elevated way. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes, including crispy onion-beet bhajias, sabudana kebab, tawa prawns, chicken bonda, coriander fish tikka and more. www.indya-dubai.com The Crossing is a lovely restaurant that takes its inspiration from India but turns dishes into a culinary masterpieces while also adding new-age cooking techniques. Located at The H Dubai, tuck into a variety of dishes that celebrate the layers to the cooking in each state with dishes like broccolini malai, pepper mutton fry, Mangalorean chicken, paneer butter masala, mutton pulav, dal makhani and more. www.crossingtherestaurant.com Rang Mahal JW Marriott Marquis Indya by Vineet Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa The Crossing The H Dubai Trèsind at One & Only Royal Mirage is known for serving a modern take on the cuisine. The fine dining setting has created a name for the restaurant, and in 2022, was listed in theMichelin Guide in Dubai. While at the restaurant, enjoy dining in dishes including chicken tikka, seared scallops, tandoori tiger prawns, khichdi of India, pav bhaji, beef short ribs and more. www.tresind.com Trèsind One & Only Royal Mirage Looking for a grand dining experience with Indian cooking at its centre? Armani/Amal is the place that perfectly fits the description. The restaurant features modern decor along with magnificent views of Dubai’s highly stunning skyline, and while dining, enjoy dishes including gosht biryani, masala black cod, Nawabi chicken tikka, Punjabi samosa, dal makhani, lamb vindaloo, cardamom kulfi and more. www.armanihotels.com Located at Dubai Hills Mall, Pincode is a brilliant restaurant to check out that serves diners with tempting dishes that will keep everyone coming back for more. Launched by Chef Kunal Kapur, the restaurant offers traditional dishes in innovative ways, that are both delicious and interesting. Delight in dishes including potato spiral chaat, paneer tikka masala, lamb seekh, grilled fish, rasmalai tiramisu, mango lassi soft serve and more. 04-5661424 Pincode Dubai Hills Mall Looking for a spot that offers a blend of flavours with traditional and modern? Then Masti at The Dubai Edition Hotel is the one to check out. The Michelin Guide-listed restaurant is also home to a bar, where diners can catch up with friends over drinks before heading to a table for a mouthwatering meal. Savour in dishes including burrata butter chicken, octopus recheado, messy chicken tikka, Goan kafreal hamour tikka skewer, seabass carpaccio, paper masala dosa rolls and more. www.mastidubai.com Masti The Dubai Edition Hotel Armani/Amal Armani Hotel Listed in the Michelin Guide Dubai, Little Miss India at Fairmont The Palm is a lovely place that will take you back in time to India. Decorated in stunning decor that matches the eccentric vibe and colours in India, diners can relish in a multitude of mouthwatering dishes including murgh malai kebab, paneer tikka, chicken korma, kadhai chicken, tandoori raan, aloo jeera, Goan shrimp curry and more. 04-4573457 Little Miss India Fairmont The Palm
CONNECTOR.AE 18 CONNECTOR.AE 19 Dining Around Dining Around Adding to the already vibrant food scene, is the newly opened restaurant, Mazzah Wa Mazzika at Trump International Golf Club. The restaurant serves diners an exquisite array of Arabic dishes, great when looking for a place to unwind with friends and family over amazing food. While dining, visitors will be able to enjoy the scenic view of DAMAC Hills, as well as the luscious green grass of the golf course. Start the meal out with amazing hot and cold mezze, soups and salads with dishes including chicken mushroom soup, Roca salad, vine leaves, chicken liver, fried kibbeh and more. The soujouk, made with Mazzah Wa Mazzika - Delicious Arabic Food Dubai is known for a variety of cuisines, especially its Middle Eastern cuisine, which offers people endless options of dishes to enjoy. spiced lamb sausages in a pepper, tomato and lemon sauce, is definitely a must-try and is the perfect balance of flavours, with the tanginess from the lemon and the juicy and soft lamb sausages. Another excellent recommendation at the restaurant, which is also great for vegetarians, is the potato harra, which are fried potato cubes in paprika, lemon and coriander, and have the right amount of crunch while also being soft in the middle. No meal is complete without mains and in Middle Eastern cuisine, the mixed grill is a brilliant choice, which offers a variety of lamb and chicken kebabs, along with kuboos and fries for a filling meal. The mixed grill is served with lamb cubes, shish taouk, lamb kebabs and more and is made up of tender meat that just melts in the mouth. The meat is seasoned perfectly and while eating, bursts with flavour. People with a sweet tooth know that dessert is the perfect way to end any meal and the restaurant serves a variety of delicious desserts including kunafa, baklawa, basbousa and more. Delight in the sweet of choice and wash it down with a piping hot cup of Arabic tea. The average price per person for an appetiser, main and dessert is Dhs 198. Call 04-2453988 REVIEW All Bollywood movie lovers assemble as Hitchki at The Grand Millennium Hotel is the spot to unleash all your knowledge. Home to a variety of themed nights from retro nights, ladies nights and Bollywood nights, the restaurant is a great place to enjoy a lovely meal with friends while reminiscing on favourite Bollywood movies. Tuck into dishes including butter chicken fries, Chinese bhel, chilli cheese toastie, chicken tikka and more. www.hitchki.com Diners that are looking for an elevated and fine dining experience with scrumptious Indian cuisine, need to head down to Mint Leaf of London. Located in DIFC, the restaurant has a bar where diners can enjoy drinks and catch up with loved ones and then delight in a variety of dishes, including roomali paneer, stuffed courgette, grilled lobster, smoked butter chicken, prawns dum biryani, rasmalai cake and more, while also taking in the view. www.mintleaf.ae If stunning decor that takes diners to India and amazing food is what is on the card for an amazing Indian meal, then Bombay Bungalow is the place to dine at. The aim of the restaurant is to serve diners with age-old Indian recipes while putting a unique spin on them and offers amazing flavours including lasooni paneer tikka, hara bhara tikka, malai prawns, chicken tikka masala, beef stew, chicken dum biryani and more. www.bombaybungalowdxb.com Hitchki The Grand Millennium Hotel Mint Leaf of London DIFC Bombay Bungalow JBR Located at Burj Khalifa Boulevard, Roobaru is an amazing restaurant that serves some of the finest Indian cooking. With stunning pink and blue interiors, the restaurant checks all the boxes for instaworthy pictures and has a delectable menu with dishes that will leave diners wanting more, including crackling spinach kokum chaat, burnt garlic paneer tikka, tandoori baby chicken, lamb chops, short ribs vindaloo, paneer biryani, lamb shank biryani and more. 04-8788736 Roobaru Burj Khalifa Boulevard
CONNECTOR.AE 21 Dining Around Ten To Try: Burger Restaurants Who does not love a juicy and delicious burger? Also known as hamburger, the dish is widely popular around the world, and although its origin cannot be traced, the name comes from Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany. Burgers are sandwiches made with a meat patty and topped with a variety of fillings. As Dubai is home to many restaurants, getting a burger is a breeze, be it from a burger joint to the local cafeteria. However, despite the many places to tuck into a tender burger, there are some gems around Dubai that have been putting their own unique spin on the cult classic and wowing all those that try it. If on the hunt for some amazing spots that will soon turn from visiting for the first time, to becoming a regular, look no further. You Hold The Key To Unlocking Your Brand’s Full Potential. We Help UAE Businesses: • Reach More Customers. • Boost Their Online Presence. • Improve Their Marketing ROI. • Maximise Limited Budgets. • Get to Market Faster. To know more about how we can help you grow, email us at enquiries@directreachmedia.com or call us on 04 4549826
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CONNECTOR.AE 24 CONNECTOR.AE 25 Dining Around Dining Around Recipe: To make the pasta: 1. Combine the semolina and flour together. 2. Make a hole in the middle of the mixture and add the egg yolk, salt, white vinegar and olive oil. 3. Use a fork and mix it thoroughly until the dough is smooth and soft. 4. Cover the bowl with cling film and keep it in the fridge for three hours. To make the filling: 1. Separate the lobster tail and claws from the lobster and set the lobster carcass aside at room temperature. 2. Blend the lobster tail with 50g of mascarpone cheese, zest of lemon and salt. Transfer the mixture into a piping bag and keep it in the chiller for an hour. 3. Roast the lobster carcass in the oven for 15 minutes at 180ºC. 4. Chop the fennel and the onion and add into a saucepan. 5. Add the olive oil, the roasted lobster from the oven and the tomato paste and cook on high fire for 40 minutes. 6. Strain the broth and, in a separate pan, reduce it to 70% of the original volume. 7. Keep the lobster claws and tail aside and mince the meat from the lobster. 8. Once the lobster sauce has reduced, add in the basil leaves and set the sauce aside. To make the ravioli: 1. Use a pasta machine, roll out the pasta into the shape of ravioli. 2. Add around 20g of the lobster filling to the ravioli and close it tightly, so it does not open while cooking. 3. Boil the filled ravioli in salt water for five minutes. 4. Once cooked, transfer the ravioli to the sauce and cook for two more minutes for the flavours to infuse. 5. Slice the baby zucchini into thin slices and season with olive oil, salt and a few drops of lemon juice. 6. To plate, add the ravioli to the centre of the plate and top it off with the sauce and the zucchini. Garnish with lobster meat. Decadent Dish With Blue Lobster Agnolotti Del Plin Although we all speak different languages, food is the unifying bond that can change any setting, be it at a restaurant or a home-cooked meal, into a special one. As many enjoy days where the only agenda is staying at home and relaxing, one aspect that makes the day a blissful one is food, and a dish like lobster ravioli that, although may seem like a tedious one to make, is simple and surely to be a staple addition to the weekly cooking plans. Perfect for any occasion, ravioli is a popular Italian dish that means ‘to wrap’. With the addition of stuffing to the pasta and wrapping it up tightly, each bite of ravioli is a burst of flavour from the pasta and the filling. The lobster ravioli dish, made by Chef Giovanni Papi, Head Chef at Michelin-starred restaurant, Armani/Ristorante, is a great comfort and decadent dish that, when made, is surely going to leave everyone wanting more. Ingredients: For The Pasta Dough: 300g Semolina Extra Large Grain 200g Flour 500g Pasteurised Egg Yolk 500ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil 100g Mascarpone Cheese 1 Lemon 1 Fennel 1 Basil Leaf 50g Tomato Paste 1 White Onion 100ml White Vinegar Pinch Of Salt For The Filling: 800g Lobster 50g Mascarpone Cheese Zest Of A Lemon Pinch Of Salt Fresh Basil 1 Baby Zucchini 1 Fennel 1 Onion 200ml Olive Oil 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste
CONNECTOR.AE 26 CONNECTOR.AE 27 Dining Around Dining Around between the land, the product, and the cuisine intrigued me from the first moment. Later, I started helping my mother in the kitchen while she would prepare lunch, and I must admit that at thebeginning, I was terrible. We could say that I was a better eater than I was a cook. However, everything changed after we visited a well-known gastronomic restaurant in my region to celebrate a special occasion. That day I realised something that would change it all, great food brings people together and makes them happy. So, at the age of fourteen, I decided to become a chef, and the rest is history. What is your earliest cooking memory? When I was a child, my absolute favourite dish was ‘Bouchée à la Reine’, a traditional French speciality. Every time my grandmother was preparing it, I would be next to her to try and steal as many meatballs as I could before she noticed. Later, when I took my first steps into the culinary world and my skills improved, I asked her to teach me her recipe and it has become a tradition to prepare it together for the rest of the family. What is your favourite dish fromyour country? I am a big foodie and it is very complicated for me to choose between so many delicious dishes, but if I really have to pick something, that would be the Foie Gras. When I see a Foie Gras dish on a restaurant menu, I can not help but order it. I love it as a consumer and as a chef because it is a very versatile product, that can enhance the flavour of any dish you choose to complement. What is the one go-to and easy snack you love making for midnight cravings? When I have midnight cravings, I try to keep it light but delicious, a toast of wholemeal bread, avocado guacamole, a runny poached egg and optionally some raspberries on top. Added to that is a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of fleur de sel and some crushed nuts. What is the one raw ingredient you cannot cook without from your country? The product I cannot cook without is not necessarily a product that comes from my country, but it is one of the simplest and at the same time, vital elements in my cuisine, lemon. I truly think that with the right amount of acidity, you can balance any dish, while, at the same time, bringing freshness to it. If you have never tried it, add a few drops of lemon juice and grated zest to your preparations and believe me, you will see the difference. What is the best dish to try at your restaurant? I am proud to say that we have developed a menu in order to match all tastes and expectations so I believe that every guest will have a different opinion. However, if I have to highlight one of my personal favourites, that would be the green risotto with asparagus, lemon, spinach coulis and fontina foam. The combination of flavours and the balance of the elements makes it special and absolutely delicious. Chef ’s Corner: Celia Stoecklin Food has the ability to bring people together, be it over lunchwith family or dinner while catching upwith friends. All credit for the cooking goes to the chef, the secret weapon to any successful restaurant. Chef Celia Stoecklin is the Executive Chef at the all-female staffed restaurant Fi’lia Dubai, located at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences, Business Bay, and is a great example of turning her passion for cooking into her profession, serving exquisite food at the restaurant that received a Bib Gourmand, as part of the Michelin 2022 Guide. From the age of 14, Chef Celia dedicated her life to honing her skills and abilities in the kitchen and got her humble start with a twoyear apprenticeship at Le 7eme Continent, a Michelin-starred French restaurant in Rixheim, France. From there, she went on to work for several years at the two-starred Italian restaurant, ‘Il Cortile’ in New York, USA, before making her way to Dubai and working at Fi’lia Dubai. All her hard work has paid off, as Chef Celia is currently working her dream job and shares with Connector how she began her journey in the culinary industry to her favourite thing to eat at Fi’lia. How did you get started in the food industry? My love for the noble art of cooking started when I was very young. I grew up in my grandparents house with my sisters and my mom, and I remember helping my grandfather take care of his big garden. He was cultivating carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, and many other vegetables that my grandmother would use to prepare delicious dishes. That simple and honest relation
CONNECTOR.AE 28 CONNECTOR.AE 29 Kids And Education Kids And Education Tips To Choosing The Right School Education is a vital part in the growth and overall development of a child. At school, they are able to tap into their skills with the help of their teachers, find their career paths, learn valuable lessons, socialise with peers and develop accordingly. Learning can help empower children, and the right guidance received in school can help them climb up the social ladder in life as well as in school. However, making a choice on which school to attend is an overwhelming one that can make the decision-making process difficult for parents, as each child has different needs and ways of learning. With multiple options and curricula to choose from in the UAE, the options are vast and narrowing a list can be a tedious process. To help ease the trouble, Connector, in conversation with schools in Dubai, has come up with a checklist to ensure the best school is found for the child. One of the best ways to find the right school for a child is by visiting various schools, as each school has multiple key strengths and skills they focus on. Jeff Smith, Principal at Dunecrest American School said, “Visit the school properly and have a walk around the school. The best information comes from your sense and feel about the school, as you walk around, what you see the interactions are like between the staff and the students, what is on the walls, what sort of information that tells you about the work that the children are doing, all the types of activities the children are engaged with. You might see things that give an indication whether they are involved in projects.” While compiling a list of schools to visit, an essential element is doing research. Rather than visiting the school without any prior knowledge, checking the school’s website and seeing whether the programmes are in line with what the child requires is important. Alison Roberts, Head of Marketing and Admissions at Swiss International School The staff at a school are the backbone for providing quality education to students. While at the school, talk to teachers to determine if they are passionate about helping children grow, find out what their qualifications are and how happy the teachers seem with the school operates. This gives a stronger sense of the working of the school. Mark Ford of The English College said, “Knowing who owns the school can VISIT THE SCHOOL: CARRY OUT BACKGROUND RESEARCH: LOOK INTO THE TEACHING STAFF: On visiting, it will be easier to make a decision in terms of whether the child will thrive in that environment after meeting the staff and having a look at all the available facilities. Dawn Rennie, Head of Admissions at International School Partnerships, which manages Nibras International School, Star International School and The Aquila School said, “We understand that choosing the right school for your child has to do with the right feeling, so our advice for parents is to plan a visit to the school. Your visit will give you and your child an opportunity to tour the facilities, meet with the Senior Leadership Team and teachers, and get a feel for the school’s environment.” Dubai said, “Aim to do as much research in advance of a school visit, so you can ask specific and relevant questions that will help you form a decision, what curriculum does the school offer, what are the unique elements of the school, what areas of the curriculum is the school particularly strong in and what kind of environment and culture would suit my child?” provide insight into its mission and values. Research the background and qualifications of the teaching staff, including where they are from and their experience level. Additionally, look into the staff turnover rate to see if there is consistency in the quality of teaching. It is also essential to consider the class sizes and student-to-teacher ratio to ensure your child receives the attention and support they need to succeed.”
CONNECTOR.AE 30 CONNECTOR.AE 31 Kids And Education Kids And Education As parents understand their child the best, looking past the information presented is also key, as the right school will have the child at ease while enjoyingtheir time inschool. AlisonRoberts of Swiss International School Dubai said, “Schools are so much more than just As the child will be at school throughout the day and interacting with the staff on a regular basis, it is important to see if the staff communicates with the children as much as they do with parents and if the children’s input is also considered. Jeff Smith of Dunecrest American School said, “Another good indicator as you are being shown around, is if you got your children around with you, if the members of the staff are talking to your children, as An important factor to consider is the amount of input and level of involvement parents are given. Parents understand the needs and requirements of their child, and schools should cater to parents and allow them to be involved. Dawn Rennie of International School Partnerships said, “Once you enrol in a new school, While academics is a vital part of a student’s life, having a balance in extracurricular activities, sports and clubs helps students in learning leadership skills, working as a team with peers and contributing to their overall growth. Dawn Rennie of International School Based on the needs of every child, a great way to get insight into how the school runs and functions is by talking to other parents that already have their child enrolled, as it provides a deeper understanding of if the school is the right fit. Alison Roberts of Swiss International School Dubai said, “Seek recommendations and word of mouth referrals from current parents. These are the best indicators of what a school is Essentially, while picking a school, it is important to consider what each child needs, be it a more academic or creative backing, and considering the tips above will ensure that the child is able to learn to the best of their ability in an environment that suits them. All parents want the best quality of education for their children, and while looking for the right school, it is a good idea to look into the KHDA rating of the school, as it gives good insight into the way the school runs, based on inspections. Mark Ford of The English GO WITH YOUR INSTINCT: COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STAFF AND CHILDREN: THE COMMUNITY AT SCHOOL: WHAT ELSE THE SCHOOL HAVE TO OFFER: SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT: ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE SCHOOL: inspection reports and data. look beyond the numbers to see the true essence of a school. Evaluate what is important to you in your child’s education, and the best school is not necessarily the best school for your child, And always follow your instinct.” much as they are talking to you. Parents make the final decision of where their child goes to school but a child should not go to a school that they do not like, where they do not get a sense of wanting to belong to the school. It is an agreement between the parent and the child about which school to attend, and is the child that is going there, morning to afternoon, to study at the school. If a child is not happy, it is a bad starting point.” we suggest that you get involved in the school community as much as you can. Attend school events, join parent groups, and volunteer in the classroom or at school events. This will help you stay connected and engaged with your child’s education and build relationships with other families and staff members at the school.” Partnerships said, “We suggest that you research the school’s academic and extracurricular offerings. Look beyond just test scores and rankings, and consider the school’s culture and values, as well as the types of programs and activities that will be available to your child.” really like, and are the best ambassadors of the school.” While talking to parents, evaluating if their child is happy will help solidify the decision made. Mark Ford of The English College said, “The school community can significantly impact your child’s education and wellbeing. Talk to other parents and understand your child will be able to find a sense of belonging and acceptance.” College said, “It is essential to look at the school’s academic performance and the destination of its students after graduation. This information can provide insight into the quality of education, and the level of preparation students receive for higher education or the workforce.”
CONNECTOR.AE 32 CONNECTOR.AE 33 Kids And Education Kids And Education Meet The Teacher: Louisa McGauley Teachers are an integral part of the education system and are responsible for shaping the lives of many students throughout their tenure. With the right guidance and nurturing, students are able to find their talents as well as hone in on their skills, which can then help them thrive in their future careers as well as their personal lives. LouisaMcGauley, Head Librarian at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS), Arabian Ranches, is an amazing example of always putting the well-being of her students first and creating a safe space at school for their overall development. With 26 years of teaching experience, Louisa started her teaching journey in the UK at a library in a university, and with a passion for reading cultivated over the years, knew that she had found her calling. After moving to the UAE, Louisa has spent 21 years catering to the needs of students and helping them find their love for reading, while also letting them get lost in to the magical world of stories. Louisa also heads a club at the school that helps in Period Empowerment and along with students, stitches reusable sanitary pads for young girls in Zambia. Louisa shares a glimpse with Connector from her favourite teacher in school to how she makes daily classes interesting. What inspired you to start teaching? After university, I realised quite quickly that an office job was not for me and wondered how I could combine my love of reading with my obsessive organisational skills? As soon as I worked in my first library, I knew I had found my passion. I started in a UK university library but have worked in secondary schools since and have always found it incredibly rewarding. How did you decide to teach your current subject? Teaching library lessons is so much fun. Students can take a breather from their regular lessons and relax a little. There are no assessments, marking or reports, so students are able to unleash their creativity without judgement. Why do you love teaching? The JESS Secondary Library is a safe space for a lot of students, particularly at lunchtime. It is so important to make everyone feel included and cared for and I never underestimate the pastoral impact of the library, especially with vulnerable students. I love that I have a role where I get to know every student in the school and have the time to listen to them. There are also the times when a student has fallen out of love with reading, and I find the right book for them, and I see them suddenly remember how enjoyable it is to lose yourself in a book. Do you remember your favourite teacher from school? It was a very long time ago! I adored my English teacher, Miss Poulton. She was quirky, kind and engaging and brought every book to life. She also wore fabulous earrings. How do you make everyday classes more interesting? I love to encourage students to have lively debates and voice their opinions. I am incredibly lucky that library lessons support the curriculum but I have total autonomy in the topics that I teach. I always relate information literacy lessons to current affairs, anything from fake news to ChatGPT, nothing is off limits and teenagers always enjoy challenging each other’s viewpoints. What is a unique part of the school? Well I may be a bit biased, but I think a lot of people would agree that the JESS library is the heart of the school. It is full of laughter, music and students collaborating and socialising. There are also spaces for quiet studying, lounging with a book on a pile of cushions or grabbing a cup of tea in ‘StarBooks’, our self-service coffee corner. I hope that everybody always feels welcome. Our JESS Secondary Library also features a sewing production area for our Period Empowerment ECA Club that I run. Period Empowerment sees volunteers sewing reusable sanitary towel packs, which we then distribute to underprivileged girls in Zambia. Did you know that owing to a lack of sanitary products, a lot of these ladies miss 25% of their school tuition because they have no choice but to stay at home during menstruation? Our Period Empowerment Chapter aims to address this issue by empowering these school-going-ladies not only with sanitary products but also by supplying them with materials, sewing machines and know-how to make their own. I feel that this is something really unique in a library setting, and we often see JESS students coming to sew not only during the ECA time but also in their breaks. What would you do if you were not a teacher? I would be running my own craft business and selling my creations at craft fairs.
CONNECTOR.AE 34 CONNECTOR.AE 35 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness scalp, certain nerves in the face, mouth, and throat, muscles of the head, neck, and shoulders and blood vessels found along the surface and at the base of the brain.” As the duration and intensity of the headaches can be sporadic and depend on the type of headache, with some lasting an entire day to some coming and going, if it is a recurring issue, visit a doctor to assess the reason behind them. Dr Hoda Makkawi, AntiAging Medicine Specialist and Consultant for Family Medicine and Integrative Holistic Medicine at Euromed Clinic Dubai said, “While they can be discombobulating, headaches are rarely a sign of a serious or sinister underlying condition. That said, if you have a prolonged headache, one that is particularly severe or that stops your regular activities or negatively impacts your emotional or physical well-being then you should seek medical advice.” Headaches are classified into two types, primary and secondary, with primary headaches being the common type caused by several triggers, including food and dehydration. Dr Ruhil Badiani at Cornerstone Clinic said, “A primary headache means the headache itself is the main medical problem, although other factors, such as muscle tension or exposure to certain foods, may be identified. Other contributing factors include medicines, dehydration, or hormone changes.” Secondary headaches are caused by injury or a medical condition, with Dr Hoda Makkawi of Euromed Clinic Dubai adding, “Secondary headaches include chronic tension headache, caused by muscle tension in the back of the neck and affect women more commonly than men. In other instances, headaches can be caused by sinusitis. The sinuses are ‘holes’ in the skull which are present to stop the head from being too heavy for the neck to support. They are lined with mucous membranes, but if these become thickened and infected, they can lead to headaches.” Some of the common types of primary headaches are tension headaches, which can be felt in the forehead as well as migraines, which show up in the form of throbbing pain. Dr Hoda Makkawi of Euromed Clinic Dubai said, “Tension headaches manifest as a band of pain across the forehead. They tend to worsen as the day progresses and may cause sensitivity to bright light or noise. A migraine causes a throbbing pain that makes you feel physically sick.” Migraines usually occur along with nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity and visual disturbances and can make it difficult for people experiencing them to continue with regular tasks. Each person experiencing a migraine feels it in a different way, as it manifests in various phases, Dr Ruhil Badiani at CornerstoneClinic explained four of the phases, “Premonition or prodromal phase, a change in mood or behaviour may occur hours or days before Dealing With Headaches Headaches are a common issue faced by many, and the intensity can range from being mild to having a lasting impact. As we live in the digital age and are constantly surrounded by technology, the prevalence of headaches in daily life has increased. With over 150 different types of headaches, the reasons for its cause can vary from person to person, depending on lifestyle choices, triggers like extended hours of screen time, diets, medical issues and more. Medical professionals from hospitals in Dubai share some insight with Connector into dealing with headaches. Headaches are commonly felt in the head or in the face and can affect a person in various ways. As it is caused by a cluster of nerves, starting from the face to the shoulders,the ache can begin in the head and further travelling to other places. According to Dr Ruhil Badiani, Family Physician at Cornerstone Clinic, “A headache is a pain or discomfort in the head or face. They can occur in a variety of different areas or even all over and the head and can be throbbing, sharp or dull and can be constant or come and go. The brain tissue does not have pain-sensitive nerve fibres and does not feel pain. But, other parts of the head can be responsible for a headache, including a network of nerves that extends over the
CONNECTOR.AE 36 CONNECTOR.AE 37 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness Screen time: Prolonged hours while staring at a screen, be it a mobile phone or a laptop, can lead to headaches. As many people are constantly looking at screens, it is vital to take the time to look away every half an hour for five minutes to avoid straining eyes. Dr Hoda Makkawi of Euromed Clinic Dubai also added, “Avoid screen time like TV, computers and more before bed.” While staring at a screen right before bed, can lead to restless and disturbed sleep, which in the long run can cause constant headaches as well as fatigue. Staying hydrated: Dehydration is a common cause of headaches and occurs when there is less fluid in the body than required. A crucial way to avoid dehydration is regularly drinking water and using it as a substitute for juice and soft drinks, as they contain copious amounts of sugar, leaving the individual even more dehydrated. Dr Ruhil Badiani at Cornerstone Clinic said, “Headaches caused by dehydration are common and drinking plenty of water every day can help to reduce the headache occurrence, duration and severity.” the headache. Aura phase, during which a group of visual, sensory, or motor symptoms can precede the headache. Examples include vision changes, hallucinations, numbness, changes in speech, and muscle weakness. Headache phase, which is the period during the actual headache with throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Sensitivity to light and motion are common, as are depression, fatigue, and anxiety. Resolution phase, where the pain lessens during this phase but may be replaced with fatigue, irritability, and trouble concentrating. Some people feel refreshed after an attack, others do not.” As headaches can cause hindrances to daily life, there are multiple ways to deal with them and alleviate the pain, including, Getting sleep: Sleep plays a vital role in the overall well-being of a person, and it is crucial to get at least 7 to 9 hours of sleep every day. If suffering from constant headaches, sleep can be a significant contributor to getting respite from it and preventing further headaches. Dr Ruhil Badiani at Cornerstone Clinic said, “Migraines and many of the other types of headaches can be triggered by lack of sleep. Aim to get 7 - 9 hours of good quality sleep per night.” Reduce stress levels: With the daily hustle of life, from work to running errands, and with things constantly running through the mind, it can get difficult to make the time during the day to calm and get into a state of relaxation. A great way to manage stress is by doing activities that boost energy levels, whether running at a park or dancing to favourite tunes. Dr Hoda Makkawi of Euromed Clinic Dubai said, “Practice mindfulness, breathing exercises, meditation and yoga.” Additionally, calming activities like these, once implemented into daily routine, can help in increasing confidence and coping better under stressful situations, leading to a reduction in the headaches experienced. Cold compress: An easy way to relieve headaches and minimise the pain is through cold compress. To create a cold compress, take a dry cloth and place either ice cubes or a frozen bag of vegetables and keep it on the head to alleviate the headache. Dr Ruhil Badiani at Cornerstone Clinic mentioned that, “Applying cold or frozen compresses to your neck or head area decreases inflammation, slows nerve conduction, and constricts blood vessels, all of which could help reduce headache pain.” Headaches are a relatively common problem that causes hindrances to daily life, be it while out with friends and family or working. Though there are various ways to cope with and manage regular headaches without the need to worry, if they are persistent, it is advised to seek medical help.
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