It’s that time of year again when gifts for friends and family are top of mind for the upcoming Eid Al Adha celebrations. Flick through our top picks, from the latest spa deals and designer steals to family meals.
Amber for Eid
An exotically spiced scent has been released across the UAE by Chopard in time for Eid Al Adha. Amber Malaki, which is characterised by agarwood, rose and its core ingredient amber – is a warm, heady perfume which is highly evocative of the Middle East. While the scent is bold enough to be enjoyed by men given its smoky papyrus wood accords, it is also light enough to appeal to women thanks to hints of orange blossom and soft vanilla. In all, it's a complex, well-rounded scent with sophisticated floral notes and long-lasting citrus elements. As for the packaging, the weighty glass bottle - faceted to resemble a gemstone and decorated with gold mashrabiya motifs – is befitting of an Eid celebration. Amber Malaki costs Dh475 for an 80ml bottle. www.chopard.com
Green with envy
Emirati ladies and gents are known for their love of the many, varied shades of green. When it comes to accessories this Eid, Lanvin has just the thing. The maison describes its winter 2016 pre-collection as capturing the spirit of "freedom, individuality and assertiveness", and key pieces for ladies include a pistachio leather handbag with extended black leather strap and an emerald floral necklace. For men looking to make a statement, there are hand-sprayed leather trainers in vibrant pea green with a chunky vulcanized sole. Prices upon application, to find your nearest boutique click here.
Spa and supper deal
For the month of September, ladies and gents can enjoy a full body aromatherapy massage and a Radiance Natura Bisse Facial for Dh899 at The Address spa in Dubai Mall. The deal is a cost saving of Dh231 from normal prices, each treatment lasts 60 minutes and customers will receive a complimentary Natura Bisse Travel Kit to take home. For those feeling peckish before their pampering session, the hotel's Middle Eastern restaurant Na3Na3 will be serving an Eid breakfast of local delicacies and international dishes from 6:30am until 11:30am for Dh145 per person, from September 11 to 13. A special Eid dinner of Arabic-inspired dishes is also available for the same three days at the same venue, from 7-11pm. Prices start from Dh190 per person, including soft drinks. For reservations call 044388888 or visit www.theaddress.com
Statement stones
Perfectly offsetting kaftans and jalabiyas this Eid is the new hand-crafted collection from Dubai-based jeweller Juvelista. Designers Aarthi Raveendran and Payal Bachani have drawn inspiration from traditional Indian jewellery techniques this season in a range comprising gold-plated brass pieces embellished with coral, agates and crystals. The collection also has pendants and cuffs incorporating freshwater pearls and organic materials like shell, lava and carved wood. Hues of blue dominate the Eid range in shades ranging from rich sapphire to vibrant turquoise. Prices for chandelier earrings start from Dh150 while a grey quartz and peach pearl collier with kundan stones starts from around Dh600. For more information call 971552274474 or visit Juvelista's Facebook page.
Flower power
Forever Rose has come up with a novel gift for family and friends this Eid Al Adha. The company - which specialises in large Ecuadorian roses that last for years without water or sunlight thanks to a special preserving technique – has brought out a new range this September. There's the Forever Rose Ruby Prism containing two flowers and a gift of an amount of money from the sender, starting from Dh800. Alternatively, 18 roses can be sent in a glass treasure chest along with a gift of money for the cost of Dh1,500 upwards, or there's an upright Bella Mini rose encased in glass which can be ordered from Dh750. Deliveries – which are free within the UAE - require 24 hours notice. To see the full range visit www.foreverrose.ae
Winter of content
Dubai-based Saudi designer Effa Al Dabbagh has rolled-out a sleek and stylish collection of abayas and prêt-a-porter eveningwear for Eid al Adha. The fall/winter 2016/17 range – inspired by a Russian winter palace – is awash with rich jewel tones of emerald, ruby and golden topaz, offsetting ivory and classic black. Fabrics used include luxurious shantung's and jacquards with intricately hand-beaded embellishments, pearl detailing and lace. Abayas are sleek in silhouette, while full skirts are retro-inspired and exhibit peek-a-boo pleating. Check out the full range online or visit Effa's boutique in Dubai's Palm Strip Mall. Prices upon application, call 043463998 for more information.
Watch this space
To celebrate Eid Al Adha, Roger Dubuis presents his and hers timepieces. There's the Velvet by Massaro for ladies and the Excalibur Automatic Skeleton for men. The ladies timepiece – of which only 88 pieces have been created – is a collaboration Roger Dubuis and the French shoe maison Massaro. It was inspired by Greta Garbo and has been finished in black and rose gold with dark plumage detailing. Meanwhile, the imposing and Excalibur Automatic Skeleton watch is a titanium blend of a sharp lines, features a hand-finished bezel frame. Prices upon application. To find your nearest boutique in Abu Dhabi or Dubai go to www.rogerdubuis.com
Cooking up a storm
You can rely on Kate Spade to inject some colour and quirkiness into any occasion. This Eid, the brand's new collection includes a range of gift items for the home from calendars and pencil pouches to a box of novelty recipe cards. Kitchenware takes the form of pastel pink water bottles and juice tumblers personalised with letters of the alphabet. While crockery and tea trays pop with crimson flowers and verdant leaves. Prices start from around Dh130. To see the full collection of homeware, apparel and accessories go to www.katespade.com
All eyes on you
Walk on the wild side this September with a pair Cartier's new Panthère sunglasses. The imposing pilot shaped lenses are bejewelled with the maison's emblematic animal, the panther, represented by a three-dimensional gold head with black lacquer eyes. Lenses are either mirror-effect – coated in a gold tone - or graduated grey with a silver finish. The reinvented classic shape and style is now available across the UAE at Cartier boutiques. Price upon application. To find your nearest stockist go to www.cartier.com
Sun, sea and family
Al Raha Beach Resort in Abu Dhabi is offering overnight packages from Dh813 this Eid. The deal, excluding taxes and fees, includes a fruit platter in the room and an international buffet breakfast for two adults and two children (under six years of age). Also on offer throughout the stay are face painting activities and games for children as well as henna painting for ladies. Guests will be granted additional access to the hotel's hydro massage pool, fitness centre, beach facilities during their vacation. A discount of up to 20 per cent discount is available at select dining venues within the premises over Eid, in conjunction with 20 per cent discounts on massage and beauty treatments when advance bookings are made. For full terms and conditions go to www.alrahabeach.danathotels.com and to book call 025080555.