AISHA's TALK: EMIRATE WELLNESS
In celebration of the UAE’s National Day, Aisha, an Emirati blogger passionate about health, beauty, and wellness, interviews two local experts: Sadia, a skincare specialist who champions traditional Emirati remedies, and Nazia, a wellness coach bridging heritage and modern practices. Together, they explore how the UAE celebrates its rich traditions while embracing cutting-edge beauty and wellness trends, reflecting the spirit of innovation and pride that defines the nation.
Aisha: Ladies, thank you so much for being here! National Day is such a wonderful time to reflect on our roots and future. Sadia, Nazia, let’s start with what beauty and wellness mean to you as Emirati women.
Sadia: Thank you, Aisha! For me, beauty and wellness are intertwined with our culture. Growing up, my grandmother used Sidr leaves for cleansing and frankincense for soothing. These practices were about self-care, family connection, and staying rooted in our heritage.
Nazia: Exactly! Wellness for us isn’t just physical—it’s about balance. My grandmother made hibiscus teas for stress relief and swore by herbal remedies. Today, we combine those traditions with yoga, mindfulness, and more modern approaches. It’s amazing how everything blends seamlessly.
Aisha: It’s incredible to see that cultural pride shine through. Speaking of heritage, Sadia, what are some traditional Emirati beauty secrets that others might not know about?
Emirati Beauty Secrets
Sadia: There’s so much to share! Camel milk is one of my favorites—it’s rich in lactic acid, super hydrating, and great for softening skin. Sidr leaves, when ground into a paste, make a natural cleanser for shiny, healthy hair. And, of course, there’s henna, which cools the skin and nourishes the scalp while offering beautiful designs.
Aisha: I’ve always loved how henna connects beauty with celebration, especially during National Day! It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s a tradition.
Nazia: Exactly! And don’t forget oud. It’s more than a scent—it soothes the mind and brings a sense of grounding. It’s everywhere now, from perfumes to wellness treatments like aromatherapy.
Aisha: And bakhoor! Burning bakhoor at home makes everything feel so peaceful and rooted. I love how these traditions are also becoming global trends.
Modern Trends Inspired by Heritage
Aisha: It’s so exciting to see our traditions influencing global beauty. But how are we blending heritage with modern wellness trends here in the UAE? Nazia, what do you see?
Nazia: There’s so much happening, Aisha. Take cryotherapy, for example. It’s a high-tech wellness treatment where you step into freezing temperatures to rejuvenate your body. It’s cutting-edge, but it’s similar to our traditional rose water compresses that cool and refresh the skin.
Sadia: Exactly! Even in spas, you’ll find frankincense massages paired with LED facials or modern hydrating treatments that use date-based serums. We’re taking what’s authentic to us and giving it a contemporary twist.
Aisha: That’s such a UAE thing—taking the best of both worlds. Even in food, I see collagen powders paired with saffron or date smoothies, which feels so rooted but modern at the same time.
Popular Emirati Ingredients in Global Products
Aisha: Speaking of dates, it’s amazing to see Emirati ingredients like these appearing in international beauty and wellness products. Sadia, have you noticed this?
Sadia: Oh, absolutely! Dates are packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and now you see them in everything from scrubs to facial serums. Another one is bakhoor. It’s traditionally used to perfume homes, but now it inspires high-end candles and body sprays.
Nazia: And saffron! It’s always been a luxury ingredient for us, but now it’s a global skincare darling for its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties. It makes me so proud to see our heritage being embraced worldwide.
Aisha: It’s like sharing a little piece of the UAE with the world. It’s so fulfilling to see our traditions gaining this kind of recognition.
Women Shaping Wellness
Aisha: Let’s talk about us—Emirati women. We’re not just consumers of these trends; we’re creating them. Nazia, what’s your take on our role in this space?
Nazia: Emirati women are at the forefront of wellness innovation. Look at brands like Shiffa Dubai—it’s rooted in natural remedies but has a luxurious, modern approach. We’re also starting wellness studios, creating clean beauty brands, and leading in sustainability. It’s so inspiring.
Sadia: And the best part is that we’re doing it our way. We’re not trying to conform to global standards of beauty. Instead, we’re celebrating our identity while innovating in ways that feel true to us.
Aisha: It’s a perfect blend of tradition and progress, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to be Emirati. National Day really reminds us of how far we’ve come, doesn’t it?
Celebrating National Day
Aisha: As we celebrate National Day, how do you see wellness and beauty playing a part in this occasion?
Sadia: National Day is about honoring who we are. That means embracing traditions like henna, burning bakhoor, and using camel milk masks. It’s also about showing pride in our roots through how we care for ourselves and each other.
Nazia: It’s a time to reflect and recharge, Aisha. Whether it’s a special spa day, a family gathering with traditional recipes, or just taking a moment to appreciate our heritage, it all ties back to wellness. And wellness isn’t just physical—it’s cultural too.
Aisha: That’s so beautifully said. I feel like wellness and beauty are the perfect ways to celebrate National Day because they’re about connecting with who we are. This has been such an inspiring conversation—thank you both for sharing your insights and being such amazing representatives of Emirati wellness.
Sadia and Nazia (together): Thank you, Aisha! Happy National Day!
Conclusion
The UAE’s approach to wellness and beauty is a masterful blend of tradition and innovation. From henna and camel milk to cryotherapy and global beauty trends, Emirati culture continues to shape and inspire the world. On this National Day, let’s celebrate the beauty of our heritage and the exciting future it paves for us all.