How The SL Team Is Staying Balanced Right Now
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Zahar Al Sayed
Contributing Editor
“Lately, I’ve been focusing on the routines and people that help me stay grounded. During Ramadan, especially, spending time with my family has meant a lot, while work has kept me busy as we prepare for the opening of Oia Beach Downtown. At the same time, I’ve been trying to keep small rituals in my day like reading a chapter of the Qur’an, seeing friends after Taraweeh prayers and allowing myself little treats. In Jeddah, one of those simple pleasures is going out for ‘Basta’ street food, which is a very Jeddawi tradition where they mostly sell fries – my favourite place is Adani Bar. I don’t usually watch series during Ramadan and prefer to wait until after to hear everyone’s recommendations, but I’ve heard there are two Egyptian shows based on true stories that are meant to be really good, including El Set Monalisa.
Working out has also been a big part of my routine. Lagree has become a real obsession since I started last September, and when I’m not walking before Iftar I love going to the 5pm class at Tremble Studio with Bibi. Living in Jeddah also means the Corniche becomes a hub before Iftar, where everyone heads out to walk or cycle by the sea. For skincare, I’ve been preparing my skin for Eid since the start of Ramadan, using a few staples from The Ordinary, including the Glycolic Acid toner, Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid, alongside the Clé de Peau serum. On my day off each week, I like to go to Boho the Beach for a few hours. The weather is incredible at this time of year and it’s usually completely quiet – just me and the crabs.”
Giving Back
“I’ve been supporting Keswa Aisha, an initiative that collects clothing donations directly from your home. Their driver comes to pick up the items, and you can also volunteer to help sort the clothes, organise repairs with their tailors and prepare everything to be washed and ironed so it can be donated to the people in need in the best condition.”
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Tamara Jabi
Editor-In-Chief
“I’ve been leaning into movement and connection more than ever. I’m very lucky that some of my closest friends and my brother live in the same building, so we’ve been spending a lot of time together lately, which has been incredibly grounding. I’m also fortunate to have family here in Dubai, and spending more time with them, especially during Ramadan, has meant a lot. When it comes to comfort viewing, I always return to shows I’ve watched countless times and rotate them depending on my mood. Right now it’s Desperate Housewives – I’d forgotten how good it is. I also just started Love Story, which has been such an easy, enjoyable watch.
Movement has also been key. When I want something that really makes me sweat and instantly lifts my mood, I head to Camp. And when I need a proper emotional release, I head to Motion Cycling. There’s something about that dark room that makes it the perfect place to have a good cry and reset. With the weather being so beautiful lately, long walks with my husband have also been a game-changer.
I’ve also been making a conscious effort to stay consistent with my wellness routine. Magnesium Citrate, the IM8 Daily Ultimate Essentials Pro supplements and the Cymbiotika Super Green sachets have all been staples. With more time at home, I’ve also been investing in my skincare routine, using my MZ Skin LED Mask, Medicube Pore Pads and the ZIIP Halo to lift and tighten my face. During uncertain times, I think prioritising your mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever. With everything happening in the news, it’s easy to feel consumed by it, so whenever I need a moment of calm, I turn to nature. For me, nothing beats the beach in Dubai.”
Giving Back
“I’ve been supporting trusted organisations like Beit El Baraka and Offre Joie, which do incredible work helping families in need across Lebanon. I also recently learned about The Zaynab Project, a woman-led grassroots organisation delivering urgent aid, clean water and sustainable orphan care to families in Gaza.”
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Mona Hasbini
Contributing Editor
“Right now, being around family has been the most grounding thing for me, especially checking in on my relatives in Lebanon and making sure everyone is okay. I haven’t really been watching or reading much lately. Instead, I’ve mostly been scrolling on Instagram and TikTok and trying to stay away from the news when I can.
Movement has also helped a lot. Lagree at Gigi in Mirdif always clears my mind and instantly puts me in a better mood. On the beauty side, I’ve been reaching for the La Mer moisturiser more than usual as my skin has been feeling quite dry, and I’ve also been loving the Gisou Honey Infused Lip Mask. Simple things like going for a walk outdoors at night have also been helping me reset. When I need a moment of calm in the city, I love heading to Toby’s Estate in Jumeirah after Iftar for a coffee and sitting outside in the beautiful weather.”
Giving Back
“I recently collaborated with UNICEF and have been supporting its ‘Waad’ campaign, which promises children around the world a better future.”
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Hebah Baker
Fashion Editor
“I’ve been trying to limit how much time I spend on my phone, as it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the news. Instead, I’m focusing on small grounding habits that keep me present, from meditation and journaling to spending more time with close friends. Movement has also been key. I meditate most mornings, practise yoga at home and go for walks along the canal. I recently started horseback riding lessons, something I’ve always wanted to try, and it’s been surprisingly therapeutic. For a bit of light distraction, I’ve been watching The Traitors and listening to binaural beats and theta brainwaves to help calm my nervous system. With more time spent makeup-free at home, I’ve been reaching for the Aiza Brow & Lash Growth Serum to strengthen my brows and lashes. Whenever I need to disconnect, I head to the beach, usually Feels by the Beach, where I’ll sit by the water or go for a walk along the shoreline.”
Giving Back
“I’ve been supporting humanitarian organisations working across the region, including Médecins Sans Frontières and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which provide vital medical care and emergency aid to civilians affected by conflict.”
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Talar Bilemjian
Features Editor & Broadcaster
“Music has been one of the easiest ways for me to stay grounded. I often put on a calm, nostalgic R&B or jazz playlist from Soulection while cooking or taking a walk around my building. For something light and comforting, I’ve also been rewatching The Office (US version), which never fails to make me laugh. I recently ordered Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage, which I’ve seen some great reviews about and can’t wait to start.
Exercise has also been important this week. I’ve been doing yoga at home using Yoga With Adriene on YouTube, and when I want to get out of the house, I love heading to Samadhi Wellness for their stretch class, which is such a gentle way to unwind. I’ve also been using up some of the face masks I had at home, especially the Biodance Bio-Collagen Face Mask, which always leaves my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated. When I need a moment of calm in the city, I’ll walk around Safa Park or drive to Sunset Beach, grab a hot tea from Feels and walk along the shore.”
Giving Back
“A few charities I’m donating to right now are Beit El Baraka, a non-profit providing meals and basic necessities to families on the ground in Lebanon, and the Lebanese Food Bank.”
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Hanya Al-Khamis
Contributing Editor
“Movement has really become my anchor lately. I’ve committed to at least two Barry’s Bootcamp sessions a week alongside two strength training workouts, and I make sure to carve out at least an hour for an outdoor walk before Iftar. That walk in particular has become non-negotiable for me. It quiets the anxiety, clears my head and reminds me to count my blessings. I’ve become completely addicted to Barry’s in the best possible way. The energy in that room is infectious, but honestly, it’s the music that does it for me. A great playlist can genuinely shift your entire mood, and Barry’s gets that right every single time.
This Ramadan, I’ve also been leaning into comfort viewing in the best way. Al Ghameeda, the Kuwaiti series everyone’s been talking about, has been the perfect escape. It’s genuinely funny and such a welcome distraction. I’ve also been hooked on the Saudi series Share’ Al A’sha. As a hopeless romantic, a good love story is exactly the kind of warmth I need right now.
On the self-care front, I’ve been on a real hair health journey, stepping back from heat styling and focusing on restoring my natural curls. K18 has been a staple, alongside treatments at The Parlor salon, to help bring my hair back to life. For skin, I recently discovered Sunekos through my beauty doctor Manar Al Saqubi at Lucca Clinic, a rejuvenating injectable treatment that targets fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles while still looking completely natural and hydrated. This Ramadan, I’ve also been loving how the city has transformed. So many cafés have set up pop-ups in parks, and with the weather being so beautiful, it’s become my favourite post-Iftar ritual. Coffee in hand, a slow walk through the park and good company.”
Giving Back
“I’ve been supporting Namaa Charity’s initiative to provide Iftar meals for people in Mecca, and I always try to focus on local causes close to home. I also give regularly to the Red Cross and Bait Al Zakat, causes that remind me how much we have to be grateful for.”
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