1. MrUsta.com

I actually just very recently got to know about MrUsta, and I honestly wish I knew of them before. They are one of the most convenient (and necessary) services here in the UAE. If you’re looking for any kind of contractor or person to do an odd job (e.g. painting your house, move furniture, clean villa windows, etc.) this is the website that you go to. You post whatever you are looking for and you almost instantly get responses with offers. The contractors have ratings and reviews so you have a good idea of what kind of company/person you will be hiring. We had our couch cleaned via this service and I, for sure, would not have found that specific company if it wasn’t for MrUsta.com!

Find them on Instagram: MrUstaCom Instagram

2. Scintillia Salon

They have 2 branches and one is a super exclusive one that only takes one client at a time (mainly catered to VIPs, royals and sheikhas). There, I had an Eve Lom facial and Oxygen Infusion treatment, which is something that they highly recommend for brides, and I can see why! The results were incredible! Their second branch in Reem Island has loads of services and I tried a few of them including a mani/pedi with a shoulder massage, waxing, roots highlights and a blow dry. They were reallllly good at everything– honestly no complaints whatsoever, but I have to say, their hair dresser is especially magical! She works fast and she works realllllly well. Also, the staff are all super friendly and welcoming and it just feels so homely. By the way, they have so many special details and touches to their salon/spa right down to the water– they serve special water that has special gems and crystals infused into it. On top of all of that, they have promotions on Mondays and even DKNY bag giveaways! Seriously how could you not want to get pampered there?!

Find them on Instagram: Scintillia Skincare Instagram

3. Eclair

The best eclairs in Dubai, a beautiful view and mesmerizing coffee… These are the things that Eclair in City Walk has. The eclairs are displayed like fine jewelry, because they are that good! With flavors like rosemary, rose pistachio, passion fruit, dark chocolate, and salted caramel, I had the hardest time choosing which one I wanted. You absolutely must try out if you have a sweet tooth!

Find them on Instagram: Eclair Instagram

4. Kempinski Aspen Chalets

We’ve been to Kempinski at Mall of the Emirates before, but this time we stayed in their Aspen Chalets and that was an entirely different experience! They have some of the most unique chalets in the world. In our 3-bedroom Aspen Chalet, we had a view of the snow on one side, and on the other side was the sunny pool! The chalet spans across 3 floors and, it was absolutely impeccable. If there is one hotel suite to put on your bucket list, its this one!

Find them on Instagram: Kempinski Dubai on Instagram

5. Fumo Lounge at Amwaj Rotana

JBR has a new shisha spot and its literally one of the best in Dubai. The shisha and vibe are nice but the food is the real showstopper here! Fumo by Rosso’s are serious experts at fusion food. They have all sorts of cuisines on the menu (Japanese, Italian, Arabic, American, etc.) but they also have some really creative things like pistachio hummus, pumpkin tahina, freekeh quinoa, and reallly good sushi!

Find them on Instagram: Amwaj Rotana on Instagram

6. Shakespeare and Co. Catering

Shakespeare and Co. has always been one of my favorite restaurants (ever since I moved to Dubai nearly 7 years ago) and they are definitely my favorite caterers! They always go way above and beyond in service, quality of food, quaaantity of food and taste! This is our second time having a home party catered by Shakespeare and Co. This time, it was their Festive Menu which lasted throughout December. However, they are perfect for any kind of catering that you may want, at any time of the year!

Find them on Instagram: Shakespeare and Co. Instagram

7. Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Villas

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi is one of my favorite beach properties here in the UAE. Their beach is truly something special, and it has a very Hamptons-type of feel. The property also has loads of pools (seriously way too many to even count)! We’ve stayed at this resort before, but this was the first time that we were booked to stay in their Beach Villas and it was really the perfect family vacation set up. The villa has loads of space, privacy (including a private pool and yard), and while its all family-friendly, it also stays true to its luxurious nature.

Find them on Instagram: Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Instagram

8. Careem ‘DAYTRIPPER’

Ah, Careem, how I love thee. Its practically the only transportation I use on a daily basis. Not only are they so trustworthy and reliable, they also have clean luxury cars that are a pleasure to be driven in. They now have a special promo going on, called DAYTRIPPER. All you have to do is enter ‘DAYTRIPPER’ while booking your ride via the Careem app, and you automatically save 15% on your rides! Here’s a little T&C for you if you need more info: Its valid only on NOW bookings between 10am-4pm until January 7th. You can use it for up to 14 rides per account.

Find them on Instagram: Careem UAE Instagram

9. Powder.ae

There’s a new online beauty store in town and they have some products that you absolutely cannot find anywhere else in the UAE. They have loads of organic beauty products and Asian beauty products. Its very simple and easy to shop on there and I received my order just 2 days after ordering!

Find them on Instagram: Powder.ae Instagram

10. Amri Fashions

Amri Fashions has been around for a while, but they are a new finding for me. They have gorgeous dresses, and can deliver them straight to your door. Their dresses are beautiful but also incredibly affordable. They have really great prices; I have not seen prices anywhere else that can compare! The quality is also really good and I loved my dress that I got from their new winter collection!

Find them on Instagram: Amri Fashion Instagram