We’ve come a long way, but we can accomplish so much more… Ladies, as you are well aware, it’s International Women’s Day on Sunday March 8. It’s a day dedicated to honoring the achievements of women throughout history who have fought for the rights and privileges we currently have.
The international theme for this year’s International Women’s Day 2020 is #EachforEqual, so as tempting as it may be to hit the bar and flaunt that free cocktail or two, consider doing something that’s good for your soul from our list below.
Here are five feel-good ways to celebrate International Women’s Day this year.
Attend an empowering all-women talk series: Wholesome restaurant Flow in Jumeirah Emirates Towers has dedicated its popular Flow Talks Series to International Women’s Day this month. Flow has named the free series ‘Meet the Equalizers’, with talks focusing on female triumphs, and highlighting how gender should never be a hindrance to success. The panel includes Sam Kaufman Saliba (above), a visual Creative Art Director and founder of Art Painting Lab; Elena Kinane, owner of Greenheart Organic Farms; Caroline Labouchere, who at 55 years of age is a model and ambassador for women of her generation; and Anna Roberts, a communications educator, award-winning radio show host, TV presenter and speaker.
Flow, Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Ground floor, Dubai, 12pm to 2pm on Sun March 8, free, Tel: (04) 319 8767 flowdubai.com
Attend a specially curated event at Hutong Famous Chinese restaurant Hutong that just opened up in Dubai’s DIFC and is marking International Women’s Day on its terrace from 12pm to 3pm on March 8. The event will bring together leading brands in fashion, wellbeing and sustainability, while supporting and uniting female entrepreneurs and local designers. Brands will include Mirela, JumeirahRoad(.com), Anastasia Vitkina Design, Blomma, Maison Dentaire and more. And yes, you will be served delicious canapes and beverages, too. Reservations are required, email eve.gedraityte@aqua-dubai.com to confirm your spot.
Hutong, Dubai International Financial Centre, Gate Building 6, Ground floor, Dubai, 12pm to 3pm Sun March 8. Tel: (04) 220 0868 hutong-dubai.com
Check out an all-women art exhibition An all-female art exhibition is taking place at Central Park Towers in DIFC titled “Women in Art” in the run up to International Women’s Day. Now in its second edition, the art exhibition will showcase 100 artists living in the UAE. The exhibition is backed by renowned Emirati artist Dr Najat Makki, a member of the Dubai Cultural Council and one of the pioneers of the Emirati contemporary art scene. The exhibition runs until Thursday April 16. You can find it at The Cube in DIFC.
Women in Art, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, 8am to 10pm, Wed March 4 to Thur April 16, free, Tel: (800) 27275 facebook.com
Attend a panel talk at Studio One Hotel ‘Reel women’ share their life script in an exclusive discussion on March 8 at Studio One Hotel. Nahla Al Fahad (director and executive producer), Filippa Guarna (TV and communications director), Khulud Abo Homos (founder and CEO of Art Format Lab), Jax Dyer-Donaldson (executive producer of Filmworks) and Ayah Ballout (cinematographer and filmmaker) are on the panel. The event takes place in The Screening Room at the hotel, where you can also enjoy a short movie screening too. If you want to stay on, there’s ladies’ night at Larte, where ladies can enjoy two free drinks and 20 per cent off food. The spaces are limited and its first come, first serve.
Reel Women, Studio One Hotel, Dubai Studio City, Dubai, 5.30pm onward, free, Tel: (04) 581 6800 studioonehotel.com
Attend a life-altering session with Soul Space This event doesn’t take place on International Ladies Day, but it’s definitely one for the diaries. Have you ever said ‘yes’ to doing something when you didn’t want to? It’s sadly something we have been conditioned to do in a bid to constantly please others and put our own needs last. Well, thanks to Soul Space, you will join other ladies on the beach with teachers Koman and Sarah who will guide you through meditation, reiki and positive psychology exercises designed to help you tune into the Power of ‘No’. The 90-minute session takes place on Monday March 16, and costs just Dhs100. There are limited spaces, so reserve your spot as soon as possible. Women’s Circle on the Beach – The Power Of No, Jumeira Beach, Dubai, Mon March 16 10am to 11.30am, Dhs100. Tel: (050) 924 5598 soulspace.ae
DRIFT Beach Dubai The beachfront destination at the One&Only Royal Mirage, marks International Women’s Day with an extended ladies’ day on Sunday March 8. Female guests are invited to enjoy poolside bliss for Dh100 including a welcome glass of bubbly, a sun lounger and a fruit bowl. First thirty ladies to arrive will also receive a 25 per cent discount voucher for treatments at the One&Only Royal Mirage Spa. Location: One&only Royal Mirage Cost: Dh100 per woman Timings: Sunday, March 8 from 9.30am onward
Azure Beach The beachside hangout at Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, will host an additional round of its popular ladies day offering on Sunday March 8. From 10am onward, the first 100 ladies will receive free entry. Ladies can also enjoy a complimentary welcome mocktail and the option to purchase a voucher for five beverages for Dh50. Location: Azure Beach, Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR Cost: Free for the first 100 ladies Timings: Sunday, March 8 from 10am onward
Ammos The popular Greek spot at Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR celebrates International Women’s Day by offering ladies a 20 per cent discount off their bill (applicable to food only). Location: Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR Offer: 20 per cent off your food bill Timings: Sunday, March 8 from 7 pm onward
Eggspectation On International Women’s Day, Eggspectation is celebrating with a unique twist on signature pancakes. For one day only all strong women and men alike will be able to order a limited edition version of the High Rise Pancakes in recognition of gender equality this International Women’s Day 2020. The High Rise consists of sausage, bacon, and Lyonnaise potato’s layered between fresh fluffy pancakes and topped with a sunny-side-up poached egg, drizzled with real maple syrup. This hearty and filling dish will be available at a special price of Dh20. Locations: The Beach JBR, City Walk, and Matajer Mall Sharjah Cost: Dh20 per dish Timings: Sunday, March 8, available all day on
Four Seasons Hotels Head to Luna Sky Bar or Mina Brasserie at the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC in Gate Village to enjoy a complimentary glass of sparkling grape. Or you could check Sea Fu or Mercury lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Jumeirah, where ladies are offered a complimentary mimosa beverage. Alternatively women will enjoy a complimentary gold or diamond neck and decollete Knesko mask for bookings over 60 minutes. Location: Four Seasons Hotel DIFC in Gate Village and Four Seasons Hotel Jumeirah Beach Offers: A free beverage or a free spa treatment with any bookings over 60 minutes. Timings: Sunday, March 8 (beverage offers from 7pm onward, spa offer is available all day)
[U]BK Urban Bar and Kitchen, popularly known as UBK is inviting ladies to Celebrate International Women’s Day and enjoy 50 per cent off their total food bill from 12 to 6 pm on the March 8. From 7-10 pm ladies can sip on two selected house beverages for free. Location: UBK Dubai, JLT Offer: 50 per cent off on total food bill for women (12pm – 6pm), 2 complimentary beverages for women (7pm-10pm) Timings: Sunday, March 8 from 12pm to 6pm
Leonardo On Sunday the March 8, Leonardo is celebrating International Women’s Day by offering ladies a reduction of 25 per cent on their total bill. Location: Hotel Stella Di Mare, Al Mattla’ee Street, Dubai Marina Offer: 25 per cent off Timings: Sunday, March 8 from 6pm to 11.30pm
Luigia Luigia is celebrating International Women’s Day in true Italian style. The annual day commemorates women across the globe and so for one day only, ladies coming to Luigia will be welcomed with traditional yellow mimosa blossom from Italy and can enjoy five glasses of complimentary bubbly and live entertainment for the night. Location: Rixos Premium JBR Offer: Five glasses of complimentary bubbly and live entertainment When: Sunday, March 8 from 7pm onward
Nikki Beach Club It’s girl time. For Dh130 ladies can enjoy a special offer inclusive of 6 selected beverages while lounging on a complimentary day bed. Reservations for the Ladies Day offer cannot be made in advance. Day beds work on a first-come first-serve basis, so be sure to arrive early. Location: Nikki Beach, Beach Club Offer: Dh130 for a day bed and a6 selected beverages When: Sunday, March 8 from 11am to 6pm
Kaffe Bloom To Celebrate International Women’s Day, Asian specialty cafe, Kaffe Bloom will be offering all women; buy one Kakigori (authentic Japanese shaved ice with fresh fruit, cream and toppings) and get one free. With flavors and toppings including; • Mango Yuzu • Green Tea • Korean Milk & Strawberry • Coffee Bring down your BFF, colleague, boss or any women you want to celebrate and enjoy a delicious Japanese dessert. Prices starting from Dh29 Where: Onyx Tower, The Greens, inside 1004 Gourmet When: Sunday, 8 March from 7am to 9pm
The Bungalow The Bungalow is going all out with unlimited house beverages and pizza for the ladies, with two great-value packages at Dh49 from 7pm to 9pm and Dh99 from 7pm to 11pm. Where: La Mer When: Sunday, 8 March
Sugargram This International Women’s Day Sugargram will be adding a new flavor for the special day, including Coffee Bradshaw, a strong coffee cupcake iced with salted caramel and a sprinkle of homemade toffee. Inspired by Carrie Bradshaw’s great taste and style, this cupcake’s strong but sweet. March’s flavor of the month comes with special lady boss packaging, labeled with a “You’re not bossy, you’re a boss!” quote. Order online through Deliveroo, Chatfood and UberEats. Cost: Dh125 for 25 bite-size cupcakes and Dh30 for 5 bite-size cupcakes
NRG Fitness On Tuesday March 10 at 7.15pm the two female spin instructors Rose & Helle will be playing an exclusive ‘girls rule’ playlist for the special spin class. Expect Spice Girls, Beyoncé and Whitney as you sweat out and boogie on the bike with the best of the best in cycling coaching. The fitness studio are also putting up a special ‘Wonder women of NRG’ wall, where we’ll be taking a picture of each female and getting a quote on what their superpower is. Location: Dubai Marina Walk When: Tuesday March 10 from 7:15pm NRG ride studio
Miss Tess On Sunday both ladies and gents can take advantage of a free dessert with every main meal. Because this year the theme of International Women’s Day is, #Eachforequal, they’re giving away the goods to both genders. Location: Taj Hotel, Business Bay Offer: Free dessert with every main meal When: Available from 6pm – 2am