Send tots back to class with the kit they’ll need and a smile on their face



As the long summer break ends, the week leading up to the first day of the term can be a whirlwind of preparation. No matter how many lists are penned, there always appears to be a seemingly never-ending array of errands, from buying new school supplies to stocking the fridge with lunchbox snacks and updating uniforms for your ever-growing tot.

Before battling out your to-dos, take a look at our insider guide to getting everything your youngster will need for school from the Dubai shopping malls.

The Perfect Pencil Case

We’re yet to come across a kid who doesn’t love picking out a brand new pencil case along with lots of colourful new pens and stationary goodies for the new school year. The shopping malls in Dubai are filled with plenty of shops filled with fun learning tools to ensure they’re thoroughly prepped for class. Typo is one of our top picks and stashed with a fun hoard of quirky stationary treats.

Rainbow pencil case available at Typo, visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, and City Center Me'aisem


Sole Mates

Nothing signals the start of a new academic year like a brand new pair of smart shoes. Clarks is our go-to for quality leather school shoes for both boys and girls and offers a free measuring service to ensure the perfect fit.



Boys leather school shoes available at Clarks, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Deira and City Centre Muscat

Back At It

The best school bags are usually backpacks or drawstring rucksacks to offer neck and shoulder support as well as enough room for all your child’s school books and class necessities. Marks & Spencer’s offers a variety of different styles, and most recently, the best-selling Star Wars design – little fans of the films will go nuts for it!



Star Wars bag available at Marks & Spencer, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Beirut, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif

A Lesson in Lunch Boxes

For us parents, the secret to filling a daily lunchbox successfully is to pack in healthy and nutrition-packed bites (which they’ll actually enjoy eating) to keep kids fuller for longer.

Carrefour Dubai in Mall of the Emirates, one of the best Supermarkets in Dubai, houses a special organic section, offering a wide selection of low-carb, sugar-free and gluten-free snacks along with every day groceries to all fill your little one’s needs.  




Healthy lunch box treats available at Carrefour Dubai in Mall of the Emirates

Two Instagram-worthy trips to take this summer

Island Escape

 
Are you tired of the city life? Escape to the tropical surroundings of the Maldives for a real taste of paradise. Clear azure waters, luxurious resorts, and exotic marine life make these exclusive atolls one of the most popular travel spots in the world.

The chain of islands is located in the warm Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India, ensuring visitors can spend their sunshine-filled days relaxing on the postcard-perfect beaches or scuba diving in the clear turquoise sea.

Where to stay: JA Manafaru is an award-winning resort located just over an hour’s seaplane transfer from the country’s main airport in Malé. This family-friendly resort has plenty to keep you occupied on your holiday, from pristine beaches and a variety of swimming pools to a host of restaurants and specialised children centres.

What to pack: Bright swimsuits to ensure you stand out poolside.

Printed swimsuit, Ted Baker, City Centre Bahrain

Also available at:

https://www.citycentredeira.com/
https://www.citycentremirdif.com

Sightseeing Adventure

One of the ancient world’s most important historical lands, Egypt has more than enough to offer for eager culture vultures.

In Cairo, the capital and Africa’s largest city, visitors can capture sight of the iconic Egyptian pyramids at Giza – including the biggest of the structures, the incredible Great Pyramid have been built for the Pharaoh Khufu and it was finished around 2560 B.C.E.

Situated just on the outskirts of Cairo, the impressive pyramids are the oldest of the seven wonders of the ancient world and are not to be missed on your trip.

You will discover lots more to explore in Cairo, from historical mosques to century-old palaces and enough museums to fill a guidebook - we recommend the Egyptian Museum, home to the world's largest collection of pharaonic antiquities and artefacts.

To refuel after a day of extensive sightseeing, head to the newly opened Mall of Egypt. The sprawling retail haven contains countless shops, restaurants and entertainment activities, including Ski Egypt, Magic Planet Egypt and Vox Cinema Egypt.

For the second leg of your sightseeing trip, jump on a 45-minute plane journey (you can also drive or take the train) to Alexandria. Take to the vibrant streets filled with souks, market stalls and cafes.

If the heat gets too intense (temperatures can reach up to around 30 degrees Celsius in the summer months), seek solace in the air-conditioned comfort of City Centre Alexandria. With well over a hundred shops, plus a wide variety of food and beverage options, this bustling retail complex will keep the whole family entertained.

Where to stay: The Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano is a luxurious stay complete with a spa, swimming pools, fitness facilities and a number of gourmet restaurants.

What to pack: Comfortable sandals to save tired soles after long days out and about seeing the sights.

Printed sandals, Aldo, City Centre Bahrain

Also available at:

https://www.citycentredeira.com/
https://www.citycentresharjah.com/
https://www.citycentreajman.com/
https://www.citycentrefujairah.com/
https://www.citycentremeaisem.com/
https://www.citycentreshindagha.com/
https://www.citycentremuscat.com/
https://www.citycentrealexandria.com/
https://www.citycentremaadi.com/
https://www.citycentremirdif.com

The insider’s guide to travelling in style and know how to save space in your suitcase.

Model Izabel Goulart arrives at Nice Côte d'Azur International Airport during the 70th annual Cannes Film Festival.

Preparing for a trip starts with the suitcase and more to the point what exactly to put in it.

If you’ve ever seen those well-dressed girls, the ones gliding effortlessly through the terminal with little more than a compact carry-on, and thought ‘how on earth do they manage to squeeze all their worldly goods in such a small case’? The answer is easier than you think, simply plan each and every outfit in advance. While this might seem like more work than it’s worth, you’ll reap the rewards and end up with a carefully curated holiday wardrobe, and no excess baggage!

Expert packing requires pre-planning and a thorough edit – after all, will you wear ten pairs of heels on a week-long holiday?

Scroll down below to discover our essential packing tips…

• Look for lightweight luggage (always on wheels for ease) and invest in good quality cases by brands such as Samsonite or Tumi.


• Pen a list of everything you want to take or lay everything out on your bed into piles, e.g. swimwear, sun dresses, sports gear, etc…before removing at least two items from each heap.


• Think about your holiday itinerary, the activities you’ll be doing and the places you’ll be visiting. Embrace your inner stylist and piece outfits together, including undergarments, accessories, and shoes – heels are heavy so only take styles than can be worn with numerous outfits.


• Pack versatile items (think little black dresses or tailored shorts) which can be worn for a multitude of occasions day or night - you can always jazz up plain pieces with statement jewellery.


• Try rolling clothes as opposed to folding. This saves precious suitcase space and reduces creases.

The capsule closet 

To look the part on the plane (and perhaps bag yourself an upgrade), opt for foolproof airport chic such as skinny jeans (with stretch for comfort and in a dark wash to hide stains) paired with a bright printed blouse (because plane dressing doesn’t have to be boring) and always layer with a cosy cashmere or soft wool throw to ward off the fierce airplane air conditioning.

There is little need for towering heels, especially as feet can swell due to air pressure, instead go for embellished ballet flats or beaded sandals, and swap for in-flight socks once you board.

Look for a smart leather tote with enough space to fit your in-flight skincare essentials, reading materials and most importantly, a stash of snacks.

Skinny jeans, H&M, City Centre Bahrain

Also available at:

https://www.citycentremirdif.com/
https://www.citycentremuscat.com/
https://www.citycentrequrum.com/
https://www.citycentresharjah.com/
https://www.citycentreajman.com/
https://www.citycentrefujairah.com/
https://www.citycentredeira.com/
https://www.citycentremeaisem.com/
https://www.citycentrealexandria.com/
https://www.citycentremaadi.com/
https://www.citycentremallbeirut.com/

Flat shoes, Steve Madden, City Centre Bahrain

Also available at:

https://www.citycentremirdif.com/
https://www.citycentremuscat.com/
https://www.citycentredeira.com/

Leather Tote Bag, Michael Kors, City Centre Bahrain

Also available at:

https://www.citycentremirdif.com/

The must-have buys that will see you through summer in style.

Whether you’re prepping to jet off on a summer holiday, have a special occasion on the horizon or are quite simply in need of a few new season style buys, now is the time to buy as all the shops welcome their latest wears.

After combing through the new season collections, we’ve hand-selected a few of our favourite fashion finds from the City Centre malls.

These three coveted new arrivals (all available to shop now) will instantly spruce up your look for the months ahead.

Be it the end-of-the-month payday or a weekend shopping spree in Dubai, we think you deserve to treat yourself to a little something special from the mall this month.

Happy shopping ladies!

Floral printed dress, Mango at visit City Centre Bahrain

Flowing, floral and splashed in rainbow brights – this printed maxi dress ticks all the right boxes. We especially love the waist tassel detailing.

Also available at:

https://www.citycentremirdif.com/
https://www.citycentremuscat.com/
https://www.citycentrequrum.com/

Mirrored sunglasses, H&M at City Centre Bahrain

These metallic mirrored shades are well worth having passers-by check their reflection in your lens. Wear with summery tousled locks to the beach and beyond all summer long.

Also available at:

https://www.citycentremirdif.com/
https://www.citycentremuscat.com/
https://www.citycentrequrum.com/
https://www.citycentresharjah.com/
https://www.citycentreajman.com/
https://www.citycentrefujairah.com/
https://www.citycentredeira.com/
https://www.citycentremeaisem.com/
https://www.citycentrealexandria.com/
https://www.citycentremaadi.com/
https://www.citycentremallbeirut.com

Tailored jumpsuit, Karen Millen at City Centre Bahrain

This white lace jumpsuit is the perfect tailored piece to add to your capsule wardrobe for the current season. Team with a sharp blazer for the office or sky-high heels and big hoop earrings for the evening.

Also available at:

www.citycentremallbeirut.com
https://www.citycentredeira.com/

Born and raised in Dubai, Zahra Lyla is one of the region’s most loved fashion bloggers.

The graphic designer turned fashion content creator behind website justlyla.com has garnered a loyal following on social media platforms since launching her blog seven years ago.

The IT girl can often be found combing the shops at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. “It’s my one-stop destination for everything I might need (or want!), from high-street fashion at Zara, to high-end labels such as Gucci and Burberry,” Zara told us. “I love the location as it has everything under one roof and isn't too big a mall that you can't navigate and walk around it easily.”

Zahra also visits Mall of the Emirates for a spot of pampering. “As well as fabulous fashion stores, MoE also has my favourite beauty brands – I shop at Sephora Dubai and go to get pampered at the new TNS location,” she revealed.

Here, Zahra shares her top new season picks from the Middle East’s leading shopping malls.

Jumper, H&M, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi and City Centre Beirut

“What is better than a cosy grey knitted sweater? One with ruffles of course. Two of my favorite things in one piece! I would pair this H&M sweater with my trusty boyfriend jeans for a casual day look.”

Dress, Zara, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

“Floral prints are all the rage this season so I just have to have this Zara dress in my wardrobe. I will keep it casual with a pair of sneakers during the day or dress it up with my highest pair of heels.”

Shoes, Alameda Turquesa at Harvey Nichols Dubai, visit Mall of the Emirates

“How can a girl say no to pompoms on her feet? These Alameda Turquesa flats are going to be my wardrobe staple this season.”

Sequin top, KOCHÉ at Boutique 1, visit Mall of the Emirates

“I am a total magpie, so this sequin top by Koché is calling out my name. Paired with some skinny jeans and strappy heels and I am ready for a night out with my girls.”

Visit Zahra’s blog https://www.justlyla.com/ and follow her Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zahralyla/

For more information on store locations within our malls visit the below:

UAE
https://www.malloftheemirates.com
www.citycentresharjah.com
www.citycentreajman.com
www.citycentrefujairah.com
www.citycentredeira.com
www.citycentremirdif.com
www.citycentremeaisem.com
www.citycentreshindagha.com          

BAHRAIN
www.citycentrebahrain.com           

OMAN
www.citycentremuscat.com       
www.citycentrequrum.com              

EGYPT
www.citycentrealexandria.com          
www.citycentremaadi.com                 

LEBANON
www.citycentremallbeirut.com

• 
  

  #TGIF! The weekend has arrived and it’s time to ditch your corporate threads and open up your off-duty closet.

  Whatever your weekend plans, these are the new season buys you need in your life. And don’t panic if you’re trying to save for the summer holidays, as these fashion favourites all ring in at a budget-friendly price.

  Shop our top picks form the best shops across the Middle East now…

• 
  

  Dress, Mango, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat and City Centre Qurum,

  Nothing sets our hearts aflutter quite like a sparkly new frock. This glitzy racer-back minidress features hundreds of light-catching silver sequins.

  Style tip: Our go-to for party season, sequins can also be worn during the day, simply pair with a denim jacket and gladiator sandals for easy summer style.

• 
  

  Kaftan, Zara, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi

  Covered, cool and oh so comfortable – our love of kaftans never wavers. This electric blue number features a deep V neckline and flattering side splits. If this is the silhouette for you, buy it in ruby red too.

  Style tip: If a billowing kaftan is swamping your figure, nip in with a wide waist-belt, or for a more Grecian take, tie with metallic rope.

• 
  

  Printed neck scarf, H&M, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Qurum, City Centre Alexandria, City Centre Maadi and City Centre Beirut

  In case you have missed it, chokers are having a major moment in the world of fashion. We’ve spotted every IT girl, from Kendall to Gigi and everyone in-between, sporting this sought-after accessory.

  Style tip: If the goth-esque black velvet chockers of the nineties’ don’t fit your aesthetic, steer towards pretty printed neck scarves instead, which can also be used as a head band for the beach.

For more information on store locations within our malls visit the below:

UAE
https://www.malloftheemirates.com
www.citycentresharjah.com
www.citycentreajman.com
www.citycentrefujairah.com
www.citycentredeira.com
www.citycentremirdif.com
www.citycentremeaisem.com
www.citycentreshindagha.com          

BAHRAIN
www.citycentrebahrain.com           

OMAN
www.citycentremuscat.com       
www.citycentrequrum.com              

EGYPT
www.citycentrealexandria.com          
www.citycentremaadi.com                 

LEBANON
www.citycentremallbeirut.com