Meet the culinary virtuoso at the helm of Zenon, elevating your dining experience to celestial heights: Chef Lorenzo.

In the vibrant heart of Dubai, where the allure of ancient mythology harmonizes with the marvels of cutting-edge technology, stands Chef Lorenzo, who is no stranger to the bustling kitchens of the epicurean world. With an unwavering passion for crafting mouthwatering dishes and an innate talent for transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, he has embarked on a gastronomic odyssey that has left diners across the globe yearning for more.

A natural leader, Chef Lorenzo not only commands the kitchen with precision but also immerses himself in every facet of the art of cooking. His culinary journey commenced in 2009 as a Commis in his homeland of Italy, where he honed his skills at a local Rimini restaurant. In 2012, he ventured to Orlando to join the esteemed Disney Cruise Line along the enchanting Caribbean shores. From there, he ascended the culinary ladder, leaving his indelible mark in kitchens worldwide.

From the vibrant culinary scene of London in 2012 to the exotic flavours of Istanbul in 2014, the tropical paradise of Bali in 2016, and the enchanting landscapes of Morocco in 2018, Chef Lorenzo has skillfully woven a tapestry of flavours, seamlessly melding cultures and reimagining culinary classics. Notably, at La Petite Maison in Istanbul, he began as a Sous Chef and rapidly ascended to the esteemed position of Head Chef, where his creative genius gave birth to menus that can only be described as culinary poetry.

In the heart of the bustling Marrakech Medina, Lorenzo assumed the role of Head Chef at La Mamounia Hotel, working under the guidance of the renowned multi-Michelin star chef, Jean George. It was in this esteemed restaurant that Chef Lorenzo’s gastronomic prowess reached its zenith, and his fervent passion for fusing the finest ingredients with innovative techniques truly came to fruition.

In the year 2020, Chef Lorenzo’s culinary journey led him to the bustling city of Dubai, where he embraced the role of Brand Executive Chef at LAMO Bistro del Mare. His tenure was marked by tireless kitchen management, the artful curation of menus, and an unwavering commitment to uncompromising quality and safety standards.

Today, he stands at the pinnacle of his illustrious career, holding the esteemed position of Executive Chef at Zenon, a restaurant that embodies opulence as much as it celebrates culinary innovation. Here, Chef Lorenzo crafts gastronomic wonders inspired by the Mediterranean, infused with exotic Asian flavours, and featuring the world’s most luxurious ingredients. The resulting menu is nothing short of ambrosial and reminiscent of the nectar of Olympus, promising an unforgettable sensory journey.

At Zenon, where ancient mythologies seamlessly meld with cutting-edge innovation, Chef Lorenzo’s ambition is to conjure epicurean magic. His mission is to continually push the boundaries of gastronomy, leaving diners with radiant smiles of satisfaction and awe-inspired wonder. As an unwaveringly passionate, tirelessly hardworking, and endlessly innovative gourmet maestro, he stands ready to embark on the next thrilling chapter of his culinary journey, one that promises to be as rich and tantalizing as the dishes he so masterfully creates.

Luxury fragrance house Boadicea the Victorious proudly announces the launch of its latest perfume, Defender, as part of the highly anticipated Defender Collection. Unveiled at the House of Karji in Abu Dhabi, the new fragrance captivated VIP guests, key officials, and influencers with its bold craftsmanship, powerful notes, and timeless inspiration.

Taking inspiration and identity from the legendary warrior queen Boadicea, Defender embodies strength, elegance, and rebellion. Crafted by renowned perfumer Kamila Lelakova, this extraordinary composition opens with invigorating top notes of ginger, grapefruit, and red fruits, followed by a rich heart of night-blooming jasmine and orange blossom.

The fragrance deepens with a base of musks, leather, and Peru balsam, creating a bold yet sophisticated olfactory experience. Patented CPL technology enhances the depth of these distinctive notes, ensuring a modern twist to this luxurious scent.

“Defender is designed for the individual who seeks a fragrance that resonates with inner strength and timeless elegance. It’s a sensory journey reflecting both historical reverence and modernity,” said Jeremy Taylor, Group Commercial Director of Boadicea the Victorious, during the event.

In line with Boadicea the Victorious’ brand heritage, the Defender collection continues the legacy of the brand’s namesake, Queen Boadicea, a symbol of rebellion and defiance. The fragrance captures the warrior queen’s fearless spirit, combining floral and leather accords with innovative leather fusion technology to evoke the essence of ancient armor and modern refinement.

Each bottle in the Defender collection is handcrafted by seventh-generation artisans in Birmingham, UK, adorned with intricate shields and made from ethically sourced materials. With this collection, Boadicea the Victorious also introduced fully recyclable packaging, aligning with its commitment to sustainability and artisanal craftsmanship.

At the launch event, attendees were treated to a unique sensory experience, with personalized product profiling sessions led by Jeremy Taylor and Zoe Higson, Group Head of Global Sales. Guests had the opportunity to sample Defender and participate in personalized engraving services, further deepening their connection to the fragrance.

The Defender perfume is now available in 100ml bottles and is set to become a staple for perfume enthusiasts seeking an expression of power and sophistication.

For more information on the Defender collection and its story, customers are invited to visit Boadicea the Victorious stockists for personalized consultations or visit https://boadiceaperfume.com.

The sixth edition of Future Food Forum 2024 was opened today by His Excellency Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, underlining the UAE’s pivotal role in the regional food sector and the Food Cluster Strategy in enhancing food security and sustainability through public-private collaboration.

The two-day event is organised by UAE Food & Beverage Business Group F&B Business Group (F&B Group) under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Economy, focusing on the theme “Future Consumer, Future Government, and Future Food” in strategic partnership with the Dubai Chamber and features FoodTech Valley as an organising partner. Hosted at the Le Meridien Airport Hotel in Dubai, the event is also supported by the Abu Dhabi Food Hub and DP World. Future Food Forum has evolved into a platform driving policy and sector leadership in the UAE’s economy through innovation, sustainability, and emerging technology.

In his inaugural address, H.E. Al Marri emphasised the significance of the UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, which was launched at last year’s Forum. He said, “We have worked closely with the F&B Group and industry leaders to advance the clustering process. With more than 15 working sessions and 300 participants, over 20 actionable initiatives are currently in design, which include Made in the UAE Food, Agri-Science Universities, Ecosystem Data Sharing platforms, Value Chain Finance Programs, and Food Fraud and Shield Programs.”

He reaffirmed that these initiatives aim to increase the food sector’s contribution to the UAE’s GDP by US$10 billion and create 20,000 jobs by 2030, and said, “The UAE’s commitment to food security is evident from the fact that UAE has placed food security as a national priority, since the 2007 global food crisis. We are proud of our progress in domestic food production, with the aim of reducing food imports from 90% to 50% by mid-century,”

He further outlined the key pillars of the UAE’s food security, which is anchored in fostering innovation through world-class R&D and nurturing future food disruptors who will grow into global champions, as well as embedding sustainable practices across the food production value chain to ensure the protection of our environment for future generations.

H.E. Al Marri highlighted the growth potential of the GCC food and beverage sector, which is expected to hit US$128 billion by 2029, and urged the industry to harness this momentum to drive the UAE’s cluster strategy further. “In line with the UAE Food & Agricultural Transformation Strategy, we are well on track to increase food sector contribution to the GDP by US$10 billion and create more than 20,000 jobs. This growth should not remain a statistic—it represents livelihoods, opportunities, and a sustainable future for our country. Together, we can innovate for a sustainable tomorrow and ensure that the UAE remains a global leader in food security,” he concluded.

Food Cluster Strategy in Action: Building the Future of Food in the UAE

A high-level ministerial discussion on the Food Cluster strategy saw vital ministries, including the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, Ministry of Economy, and Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, convening to explore policy reforms, collaboration, and investment in the sector. The strategy emphasises the inclusion of a diverse range of stakeholders, including government authorities, industry leaders, universities, and research institutions. One of the central goals is to foster knowledge transfer, maximise the contributions of all players, and address industry challenges through innovative ideas and research and development (R&D).

The meeting focused on ongoing initiatives aimed at driving collaboration and innovation in the food sector. A key outcome was the proposed governing board for the food cluster to enable the effective execution of the food cluster strategy. This board will monitor the implementation of strategic initiatives, align the goals of the industry with national economic priorities, and play a critical role in integrating scientific research and innovation into the industry, ensuring that stakeholders are continuously engaged in developing new approaches. It emphasised the importance of creating a self-driven initiative led by the industry, with government facilitation, to ensure its long-term success and scalability.

Opening the meeting, H.E. Abdullah Ahmad Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy, said, “The idea behind creating the clusters is to enable dialogues between all the stakeholders, including universities, scientists, research institutions and ministries, to ensure food security in the future. As an import-heavy country, we know that there are a number of things that we, as a key sector, can do to enhance food security and supply chain, increase export, protect our market and practical policies. These topics should be openly discussed between the stakeholders.”

The meeting also reviewed key trends and highlighted the F&B sector’s strong performance and future potential. In the previous year, the UAE saw a total volume of food imports amounting to US$23 billion, while food exports reached US$6.6 billion. During the first half of the year, the sector experienced a 20% growth in total trade. Food imports increased by 23%, and exports saw a 19% rise, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to bolstering its food security and expanding its role in the global food trade industry.

UAE Foodverse Launches: A Virtual Ecosystem for Data and Partnerships

One of the key announcements as F&B Group Chairman Saleh Abdullah Lootah opened the event was the launch of the UAE Foodverse by the F&B Group. This innovative virtual platform aims to transform the nation’s food ecosystem by offering real-time data, fostering collaborations, and creating partnerships within the industry. The Foodverse will bridge the gap between industry stakeholders, enabling seamless information sharing and more strategic decision-making in the food sector.

“UAE Foodverse is a revolutionary metaverse platform designed to connect the global F&B industry virtually. As part of the UAE’s Food Cluster Strategy, the Foodverse will foster collaboration, innovation, and trade within a virtual environment,” said Saleh Lootah. Some of the key features of the platform include educational modules to understand food security regulations and supply chain management, VR-based interactive workshops for training and product demonstrations, gamified experiences targeting the Gen-Z and future consumers, as well as a virtual marketplace for showcasing products, linking directly to e-commerce platforms, and streamlining operations from farm to fork.

Agenda Highlight:

The Future Food Forum 2024 features a dynamic agenda addressing critical topics in the food and beverage industry, tackling the GCC’s response to the global food crisis, with insights from industry leaders.

Further highlights include discussions on food security and climate change, with panels delving into innovative technologies and partnerships shaping the future of food production. The agenda also features sessions on empowering SMEs in the UAE’s F&B manufacturing industry, sustainability in value chains through packaging and circular economy practices, and the role of e-commerce innovations in transforming supply chains. These sessions bring together experts and leaders from across the GCC, offering insights and strategies to drive resilience, innovation, and collaboration in the evolving F&B landscape.

The event is supported by some of the biggest brands, including Agthia, Al Ghurair Foods, Al Ain Farms, IFFCO, Almarai, BRF, and Tetra Pak, as well as industry organisations such as IFPA.

Besides being a platform for sharing market insights and evolving themes, Future Food Forum once again features the ‘Free From Food Dubai’ exhibition, which returns this year, showcasing innovation in the free from, organic, vegan, functional and healthy ingredient food industries, and will be co-located under Forum.

A routine eye examination prevented a 57-year-old Filipina resident of Sharjah from going blind for the rest of her life. The expat had been suffering from vision loss and heaviness around her right eye for almost a month when she consulted an ophthalmologist. She was then referred to an Oculoplasty and Orbit Surgery specialist, who discovered a large tumor in the orbit of her eye and recommended further examination. A massive tumor, measuring 35×30 mm—larger than the patient’s 24 mm eyeball—was successfully removed following a strenuous, hour-long, complex surgical procedure.

The astute ophthalmologist noticed that the patient’s right eye protruded more than her left during the eye checkup. The patient explained that it was a slowly progressive condition that had been evident since her childhood. Following the ophthalmologist’s timely diagnosis, an MRI and CT scan were conducted, revealing a well-defined oval intraconal lesion in the right orbit, indicating the likelihood of a cavernous hemangioma (a vascular tumor). The patient underwent a highly sophisticated, micro-invasive surgery—believed to be the first of its kind at the hospital—to remove the tumor from behind her eye.

Cavernous hemangioma is a benign vascular tumor commonly discovered in middle age. It is one of the most frequent benign tumors found in the orbit of the eye. While slow-growing, when situated near critical areas like the optic nerve, it can cause vision loss or blindness over time. In this case, the tumor was compressing the optic nerve, threatening the patient’s vision.

Dr. Fairooz P.M., the Oculoplastic Surgeon who led the surgical team, stated, “This was a very risky case, as the tumor was compressing the optic nerve and causing vision loss. The surgical procedure involved protecting the optic nerve to regain vision. This meticulous surgery, which required a high level of precision, was crucial in preventing further vision deterioration.”

Before the surgery, the tumor caused the patient’s eye to protrude forward, threatening her vision by compressing the optic nerve. A micro-incision internal orbital surgical approach was adopted. According to Dr. Fairooz, the benign tumor, which measured 35×30 mm, was larger than the patient’s 24 mm eyeball. Though the tumor had not spread to other areas of the eye, it continued to grow, compressing the optic nerve and causing compressive optic neuropathy.

Highlighting the critical nature of the case, Dr. Fairooz said, “Cavernous hemangioma is one of the most common orbital tumors, accounting for 20 percent of all orbital masses. While these tumors are usually painless and slow-growing, they can pose serious challenges when located near crucial structures like the optic nerve, potentially threatening vision.”

The diagnosis and management of orbital tumors, particularly those affecting visual function, pose significant challenges for surgeons. In such cases, timely and precise intervention is essential to prevent serious complications, such as vision loss.

Following the complex procedure, the patient’s vision was completely restored. Reflecting on the outcome, Dr. Fairooz expressed gratitude to the entire team for their combined efforts, which made the treatment successful. She added, “We are very pleased that the patient responded well to the surgery and has fully recovered. The bulging of the eye was actually the symptom that indicated the tumor’s presence, making it a crucial component of the diagnosis. The pressure on the optic nerve was more harmful and threatened the patient’s vision.”

Dr. Fairooz continued, “We believe this is the first time such a procedure has been carried out by the Oculoplasty and Orbit Surgery department at the hospital, and we are delighted with the patient’s recovery.”

The multidisciplinary approach taken by the hospital was key to the success of this complex procedure. The collaborative efforts of the oculoplastic surgeon and radiologists resulted in an accurate diagnosis. A well-executed treatment plan, which utilized advanced imaging techniques, cutting-edge surgical methods, and skilled operation theatre staff, was instrumental in achieving a positive outcome for the patient, showcasing the hospital’s expertise in managing such challenging cases.

Ma Hawa, an Emirati brand owned by Baynunah Watergeneration Technologies SP LLC, producing sustainable Water-from-Air hydration solutions, is making waves at the ongoing Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) 2024, renowned for showcasing cutting-edge products and solutions in the hunting, fishing, and outdoor industries. With its commitment to providing clean and safe drinking water from the air, Ma Hawa’s devices offer a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional water sources.

The company leverages patented technology to harness the moisture in the air to provide an entirely renewable water source, suitable for various applications. Ma Hawa’s water bottles, ONBOARD and MOBILE BOX machines are also ideal hydration choice for off-the-grid activities like hunting and camping. Ma Hawa’s participation at ADIHEX 2024 reflects its dedication to contributing to the UAE’s sustainability goals. By showcasing its innovative water-from-air technology, Ma Hawa aims to inspire action and promote a more sustainable lifestyle.

The company’s eco-friendly solutions offer a practical and efficient way to generate clean drinking water, reducing reliance on single-use plastic bottles and promoting environmental consciousness within the hunting and equestrian communities and empowering individuals to enjoy their outdoor adventures while minimizing their environmental impact.

Visitors to Ma Hawa’s booth at ADIHEX can witness firsthand how this revolutionary technology transforms atmospheric humidity into refreshing water. Amro Asmael, Head of Marketing, Ma Hawa, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “We are excited to showcase our groundbreaking water technology and commitment to sustainability which aligns perfectly with the UAE’s vision for a greener future. As an Emirati company, we are proud to contribute to technological innovation in water sustainability in the region. To this end, the recent retail launch of our water bottles has been a key milestone in providing sustainable, and high-quality water directly to consumers.”

One of the leading sustainable drinking water brands in the UAE, Ma Hawa is also hugely invested in building awareness among people on water security and R&D efforts to further develop AWG technology in the region, with the ultimate goal of reaching every household in the UAE.

Zia Medical Center announces the opening of Zia Beauty, a state-of-the-art multi-specialty aesthetics center on Jumeirah Beach Road. Designed to provide a complete holistic and harmonious experience, Zia Beauty is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of bespoke treatments under one roof, making it the go-to destination for those seeking to become the best version of themselves.

As part of Zia Medical Center, Zia Beauty offers a unique blend of medical and cosmetic services, focusing on dermatology, aesthetics, and holistic wellness. Zia Beauty is more than just an aesthetics center; it’s a sanctuary where advanced medical expertise meets cutting-edge technology to deliver personalized treatments tailored to individual needs. At the helm of Zia Beauty is Dr. Maria Thomas, Head of Laser and Aesthetics, whose extensive experience in dermatology and aesthetics ensures that every client receives world-class care and innovative solutions.

Zia Beauty combines the disciplines of dermatology and aesthetics to offer a wide range of services that cater to both medical concerns and aesthetic goals. From diagnosing and treating skin conditions to enhancing natural beauty through non-invasive procedures, Zia Beauty’s expert team provides a comprehensive approach to skincare.

“We’re excited to bring a new standard of care to Dubai’s aesthetics landscape,” says Dr. Maria Thomas, Head of Laser and Aesthetics at Zia Beauty. “At Zia Beauty, we believe that everyone deserves to feel confident in their skin. Our goal is to offer each patient a precise diagnosis and customized treatment plan, using the latest advancements in technology to ensure that our clients receive the highest quality care in a comfortable and compassionate environment.”

At Zia Beauty, clients can experience the transformative power of various advanced treatments. The center offers a full spectrum of services, including Botox, dermal fillers, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser hair removal. The aesthetic offerings also include cutting-edge treatments such as Profhilo, Skin Boosters, PDO Threads, and fat-dissolving treatments, each designed to rejuvenate and enhance the skin’s natural beauty.

Zia Beauty offers unique treatments like Baby Botox®, Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty, and even body contouring solutions such as Buttocks and hip fillers for those seeking specialized care. These treatments are all administered by Zia Beauty’s highly skilled practitioners who are committed to delivering natural-looking results that enhance the overall well-being of their clients.

Located in the vibrant Um Suqiem 1 area on Jumeirah Beach Road, Zia Beauty is now open and welcomes guests to explore its wide range of services. The center’s commitment to combining the art of beauty with the science of medicine makes it a standout destination for those seeking to embrace their true beauty.