Another first for Dubai with the launch of the first Hello Kitty Spa in Dubai. Pitched for both big girls and little girls, this place is a perfect treat for both mothers and daughters, girly girls - and those that need a pampering. As we all know Sanrio are very particular about their brand, so this is a big step for Hello Kitty. Hello Kitty already exists in Dubai in Dubai Mall, but this is the place for those in the know who want to get pampered Hello Kitty stylee.

It is an ingenious idea and wondering why it hasn't been done before. And, let's be honest, this is perfect for Dubai. For expats, for local Emirati - and no doubt for the tourists - this will be a great place for the girls to come while the dad's play a round of golf. Based in Jumeirah, it is near Mercato Mall in Town Centre Jumeirah.Contact them on +97143449598

Congratulations to Fatima Sharaf on orchestrating such a place and getting a great concept to market.

And here is the official spiel:

The world's first ever, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa set to open at Town Centre Jumeirah; it is the first character-branded Spa in the Middle East. Destined to appeal to a high end and leisure clientele alike, Hello Kitty Beauty Spa is poised to transform the face of beauty and pampering. The Beauty Spa is themed and designed on the famous Japanese character 'Hello Kitty' and specially designed for 'Queens' and their little 'Princesses' who demand nothing less than posh pampering.

This lofty and luxurious Beauty Spa headed by Fatima Sharaf, Director of the Sharaf Retail, is a fantasy world for any girl regardless of her age. Her concept states that the Hello Kitty Beauty Spa is an innovative extension to the brand which allows a younger audience to experience the luxury and pleasures of a day at the Beauty Spa, within an environment that represents the brand.



Hello Kitty Beauty Spa set up has been designed keeping in mind the 'vintage girly look'. Upon entering the minimalist reception with a display of all the best Hello Kitty goodies, area features classy white chairs with background of Hello Kitty face outline; the large red silk bow in the background just takes your breath away. With privacy as an important factor, beautiful white drapes divide the reception area from the service floor. Kitty Café is the cutest thing you see as soon as you enter the spa; a little corner has been dedicated to the café which serves Hello Kitty cup cakes, cookies, fresh juices and flavored teas. Organic cupcakes are also available at the Kitty Café for organic food lovers.

The furniture of the Beauty Spa has been designed according to the spa theme, which is vintage chic. The chairs and couches are all classic white and pink, with Hello Kitty branding wherever possible. The touch of velvet hot pink and frilly fabric lamp shades just add the right amount of glamour in the set up. The party area of the beauty spa is combined with the make-up and styling area, it has a complete fairy tale like look, with a round pink couch and a display of Hello Kitty goodies around the area. 

Hello Kitty Beauty Spa services include nails, facials, hair and make-up. The Beauty Spa offers a separate service menu for 'Queen' and 'Princesses', offering all organic nail and beauty products for young girls. Hello Kitty Beauty Spa menu also includes beauty packages for an all-day posh pampering experience. Complementing this habitat of creativity are the stylists and therapists. Each having extensive background and proven track record in their field, they continue to research and practice new styles and technicalities in hair, nails and styling. 


Hello Kitty Beauty Spa Dubai
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Breast cancer is a serious thing - we jest you not. And so, mammography is an important thing that the ladies must go through on a timely basis. But the most recent problem in a culturally sensitive place like Abu Dhabi is that males are doing the mammography:

“I had asked for an appointment with a female technologist at a private hospital, but was told there would be a delay of a few months. Since I was worried and wanted to check that there was no risk from a cyst that had been diagnosed, I agreed to a male technician doing the screening. It was very, very difficult,” H.H. said.

When asked why she didn’t seek an appointment at another hospital, H.H. said she had tried to get a consultation elsewhere but couldn’t get any immediate appointments at the time.

Dr Jalaa Taher, head of cancer control and prevention at the HAAD, told Gulf News that cultural sensitivities in the UAE made the whole process extremely distressing for women, especially since mammograms require intensive assessments for over ten minutes.

Should men be allowed to perform mammograms? Yes. Should women have to be scanned by men? No. Is there a shortage of male mammographers in Abu Dhabi? Yes.

For the men, who continue to scan, please listen to this public service announcement:

Jezebel

Gulf News

Equality czars at the ready - the latest spin off from the reality game show talentathon is a game show called Buraydah's Got Talent. Unfortunately these ladies won't be entering:

A Saudi Arabian city's talent show contest is unlikely to produce the Middle East's answer to Susan Boyle - seeing as women and children have been banned from entering. Contestants in Buraydah's Got Talent, based in the oasis conservative hub for the austere Wahhabism branch of Islam, are also prohibited from singing or dancing. Millions across the region already follow Arabs Got Talent, the official spin-off of Simon Cowell's popular format, which airs on Dubai-based satellite channel MBC4. It will take place in the open air before a jury comprising a poet, a television producer and presenters, Al-Hayat newspaper reported, quoting forum supervisor Jalawi al-Shukair.

As you all know, poetry is big time in Arabia, so expect there to be some super lyrics. But remember, no singing is allowed. Or else.


spotted from Saudi Arabia News

Saudi Got Talent has no women or music
Daily Mail

Simeon Kerr on Dubai's Recovery - but can Dubai grow fast enough to fill the empty towers? The problems of Dubai - Debt and Real estate - remain a burden of sorts. While Debt can be written down over time, real estate requires new regulation. Watch the full report.

Is it just us or is there a big theme around crystals these days? For example, Rihanna bought the Swarovski Crystals Marilyn Monroe at the turn of the year. And now that theme has come to the UAE. But in true UAE fashion, this is a true collaboration between an Italian artist called Ima Caforio and an Indian artist called Jasim Ahmed giving an entity called IMAjAZ. And it's pretty damn good.

Celebrating the artists’ journey of discovery from culturally diverse Italy to the fascinating land of the Emirates, the exhibition depicts the captivating beauty of the Gulf’s rich culture and heritage, including some of the UAE’s most iconic sites, and the most significant events experienced along their journey. Each one of the 15 works are hand embellished with thousands of Swarovski Elements crystals, some as small as 2.5mm; a delicate process which adds a unique dimension and brings the exhibition to life when touched by light. “As the cultural gateway to Abu Dhabi, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr  is delighted to host this exhibition,” said Henning Fries, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Abu Dhabi. “This modern approach to art by IMAjAZ is a natural fit for our flagship property, which is itself an example of aesthetically forward architecture. The hotel’s translucent glass façade and unfettered views of the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, provide the perfect backdTherop for these treasured works of art.”

The exhibition is sponsored by Ruinart (for the champagne drinkers amongst you – this is the oldest and best champagne!) and we can’t help thinking that this is the kind of exhibition that we should have more of in the UAE tastefully bling art that depicts the heritage of the UAE. It’s a shame that it can only go on for a few more weeks.

There are some great pieces – from a tribute to the late founding father and President of the United Arab Emirates, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to Embellished burqa, an artistic interpretation of an important piece of khaleeji folklore dress traditionally used to cover the face and emphasize the beauty of the eyes to an artistic vision of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. This really is art meets luxury.

“The Journey: From Italy’s Treasures to Jewels of Arabia” art exhibition takes place from 7 May to 3 July 2012 at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Oh, and it’s in a good cause - As firm supporters of the Abu Dhabi based charity, The Future Center for Special Needs, IMAjAZ have pledged to donate 20% of all proceeds from the sales of exhibited pieces to the organization.

IMAjAZ

Exhibition