All the inspirations you need for the most romantic day of the year, here in our Valentine's special. From what to wear and where to dine, to gift and décor ideas, we’ve got everything covered to help you plan the perfect Valentine's.

But for the singletons and cynics out there, we’ve got your back as well. If you’re not quite feeling the love, we’ve picked the best places for you to celebrate the occasion – with likeminded singles, of course. We’ve even talked to singles in the UAE who are truly content with their status, and asked them for advice and to share their experiences.

And also in this issue, be sure to check out the special quiz so you can find out if you are truly romantic at heart.

On this issue's cover, Omran Al Owais, who is among a new generation of young architects introducing fresh ideas into UAE architecture, while staying true to indigenous designs and old school wisdom. Omran tells of his architectural innovations, including a pop-up mosque and the restoration of the Jumeirah Archeological Square. Also, get to know other award-winning young architects and their contributions to the UAE’s architectural space.

In this issue, we speak to award-winning photographers, the amazing places and people they’ve documented and their stunning photographs.


In today’s cover story, Bollywood actress Soniya Mehra, daughter of the late Vinod Mehra, tells of leaving behind the glamor of Bollywood to embrace the Dubai life and become a full-time yoga teacher.

Billionaire Sridhar Vembu relocated his $1-billion software development company Zoho Corporation from Silicon Valley in the US to a remote Indian village 600kms away from Tamil Nadu’s capital Chennai.  He tells Friday why the move to India’s hinterland has been a mind-expanding experience.

In this issue, we speak with futurist and the guru of trend spotting Faith Popcorn, who predicts market and consumer trends with an amazing 95 per cent accuracy.

In this issue, one of the world’s top illusionists, Wayne Hoffman reveals his most unforgettable acts, including a potentially fatal “dynamite trick”.

And, yes, excitement is in the air as this season’s IPL opens this Saturday here in the UAE. We’re spicing up the affair with a special IPL quiz with the lucky winner taking home a special gift. And don't forget to drop by the recipe section for the perfect dish while you cheer for your favourite team.

On this edition’s cover, Ahlam Bolooki, the Emirati co-founder of Mangroves 4 Mankind, who of a mission to address an environmental issue that is “literally and metaphorically close to us”.

On this issue’s cover, British artist Sacha Jafri, who’s in Dubai working on a record-breaking artwork spread over 1,800 sq m, larger than two football pitches together.

He tells Friday what he intends to do once he completes the gigantic artwork.

On the sixth annual celebration of Emirati Women's Day, we’re proud to have the UAE’s youngest inventor, Fatima Al Kaabi, on the cover. 

Fatima, who was 10 when she built her first robot, one that could take pictures, tells what inspired her to become an inventor and how she taught herself all the skills she needed by watching YouTube vidoes.

In this issue, we talk to Emirati film-maker Amal Al Agroobi, who believes in the power of film as a socio-political tool to make the world a better place. And read our feature on why wearing a mask can be a blessing in disguise.

In this Father's Day special, we speak to Bollywood actor and producer Tusshar Kapoor about a role he's very keen to master: a loving father, but in a style that is "very different from the previous generation". And don't miss our special feature on homemade facial masks dads will love.

In this edition of Friday Lite, summer fashion ideas in cool shades of white.

Taapsee Pannu, Bollywood’s new ‘go-to girl’, graces our cover today and shares her thoughts about stardom, fans relating to her girl-next-door appeal and conquering the film world - on her own terms.

On this edition's cover, Jawaher Alkhayyal, Emirati product and interior designer,  who is keen to keep local craftsmanship alive with her contemporary creations that reflect the essence of the past.

In this edition of Friday Lite, we speak to a few families in the UAE whose children are observing their first fast and how they plan to celebrate the festival even while staying at home. 

Darshan Murali, who at just 16 is already an expert in organic farming, sharing his knowledge with other kids from different schools, tells us how, with support from the government, his group’s organic farming project could grow into a major nationwide initiative benefiting more students and households.

Also in this issue, we talk to employees in the UAE about the implementation of the work-from-home policy and how this has affected their productivity and daily routine. It seems both employees and employers, as one expert told us, are still unable to embrace ‘the essence of working from home’.

Ventriloquist Sati Achath, who’s travelled the world with his hilarious gang and his unique brand of entertainment that blends ventriloquism, hand shadows, magic and music, speaks to Friday about how he splits his time between work at the World Bank and his hobbies, and how his craft became a refuge in the most vulnerable moments of his life.

As the world celebrates International Day of Happiness, Anand Raj OK discovers new revelations (and tips) about the seemingly elusive concept of happiness – is there truly a secret to being happy?

Plus, don’t miss our brand-new section on microfiction, Not Too Tall Tales, where we feature some of the best contributions from readers.

And chances are a lot of us will be stuck at home this weekend or even longer, so check out our feature on a new effort by the video game industry that might just be a perfect fit for many of us – fitness video games!

Margery Kraus, founder of global consulting company Apco Worldwide, was in
Dubai recently to launch her book, Roots and Wings. She tells Esha Nag how motherhood made her a good business leader. Also, we bust 10 myths about the novel coronavirus.

In celebration of Women's Day, this issue brings you beautiful stories of women overcoming odds and those who give colour, and laughter, to our lives.

Saeed Al Gergawi, whose mission is to ensure Dubai’s futuristic initiatives are in tune with the skills and proficiency of its people, tells what it truly takes to future-proof Dubai and how data will determining this path.

Also in this edition, life lessons from Dubai’s quilt makers, and on the subject 'identity makeover', do men really need one?

We explore how sustainability has become a big part of the UAE’s food narrative – and how this impacts the kind of food that makes its way to your dinner table or on your favourite restaurant’s menu.

We also visited one of the many fascinating places hidden in the dessert: an organic fruit and vegetable farm! The Emirates Bio Farm sits on 250,000 sqm of farmland, producing 60 varieties of crops and no less than 8,000 eggs daily. And would you believe nearly all of the farm’s produce make their way to the local markets within 24 hours of harvesting?

Discover how this green oasis thrives amid harsh conditions and learn in what ways sustainability is going mainstream in the UAE’s food scene.

Award-winning authors Annabel Kantaria and Clare Mackintosh talk about leading writing workshops and acting as mentors to inmates who have been part of a first-of-its-kind writing programme in Dubai.

The collaboration produced a truly satisfying result: a compilation of stories and essays in a book titled Tomorrow, I Will Fly, which was launched at the recent Emirates Airline Festival of Literature. Friday Magazine was given unprecedented access to Dubai’s central jail facility to talk to the inmate writers and go behind the scenes in the making of the historic book.

In this issue, a simple reminder that love is in the air. From our guide to the most romantic getaways and top picks for Valentine’s Day dining experiences, to love stories that will melt your heart, we’re loading up on inspirations for the most romantic day of the year. Plus, don’t miss our feature on ‘self-love’ – how self-compassion helps us suffer less from the painful experiences of life.

In this issue, we get a glimpse into what had long been an intrepid traveller’s secret. Recent Bond and Bourne films were shot here, and it’s home to the world’s most expensive resort. But you really don’t have to be a billionaire to enjoy this paradise in the Philippines. We also meet a school teacher in Dubai who has rescued and rehabilitated more than 4,000 animals in a shelter she runs – 140km away in Fujairah!

In this issue, check out our guide to the best restaurants serving up special menus to ring in the Year of the Rat. And for those looking for a more homey affair for the occasion, head over to the food section where we’ve prepared a selection of recipes to cook up a feast.

Also in this edition, meet the 88-year-old Doctura of Fujairah, whose steely resolve and bagful of 'magic pills' have helped endear her to an initially distrusting community. Plus, discover fascinating insights into ancient settlements in the UAE as we pay a visit to the Sharjah Archaeology Museum.

On the cover, Edgora McEwan, who shares her other-wordly adventures as one of a few woman hot-air balloon pilots. ‘It’s an unbelievable feeling,’ Edgora says of the flying basket. ‘Everyone should experience it once in a lifetime.’
She elaborates on becoming a licensed pilot and what it’s like gliding over Dubai’s spectacular deserts and dunes in a chat with us.

On the cover, Haysam Eid, a hairstylist with a knack for extreme sports, which he recently demonstrated by running a 250km ultramarathon across the Jordanian desert, over five days, and finishing seventh in a field of 73. ‘It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever done in my life,’ says Haysam of his first-ever ultramarathon.
Read all about Haysam’s grueling training regimen and why ultramarathons are ultimately a mental challenge. 
Also in this issue, the inconvenient truth about the selfie culture. Plus, a microbiologist's revelations about the dangers of an ultra-clean lifestyle.

On the cover of our first edition for 2020, Zaid Aladham and Yasser Alireza, who share their experience working on the groundbreaking graphic novel Wayl, the Middle East’s first psycho-thriller comic book series. Also in this issue, a look at the first-ever Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium in the Middle East, located in Dubai’s Global Village. And don’t miss our special on dealing with passive-aggressive people – it’s such a subtle, under-the-radar way of aggression that business leaders have called it ‘the perfect crime’.

In this issue, Ani Choying Drolma, Nepal’s singing nun whose fans include Tina Turner and Tracy Chapman, sat down for an exclusive with Friday where she talks of her collaboration with AR Rahman, her social work and overcoming deep hatred towards her father. Also in this issue, astrologer Shelley von Strunckel’s annual forecast for Friday Magazine, plus your must-have guide for all the best events happening in the final week of the year.

February 5, 2021

January 29, 2021

January 22, 2021

January 15, 2021

January 8, 2021

January 1, 2021

September 18, 2020

September 11, 2020

September 04, 2020

August 28, 2020

June 26, 2020

June 19, 2020

June 12, 2020

June 5, 2020

May 29, 2020

May 22, 2020

Friday is a weekly magazine that offers a broad range of features, primarily based on lifestyle and social issues, relevant to UAE expatriates and nationals.

February 5, 2021 - Valentine's Special

January 22, 2021 @ Home Special

March 23, 2018 - Bride Special

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Friday Magazine - February 8, 2019

Friday Magazine - February 8, 2019

In this issue

Friday Magazine Description: