The Uncommon Club, a Dubai-based running and wellness community known for its inclusive, community-first approach, has introduced a new weekly Saturday morning community run at Marasi Bay in collaboration with OMNIYAT, offering an elevated start to the weekend through movement, routine, and time outdoors along the waterfront.
A new large-scale fitness competition, “Apex Games”, is set to launch in Dubai, introducing a high-energy hybrid fitness race format designed to test complete athletic performance across running and functional fitness. Developed in the UAE by CaB Sports (the owners of the Arabian Warrior brand) in partnership with Dxb Live, “Apex Games” is designed to increase community participation in sport while contributing to the UAE’s sports economy and active lifestyle agenda.
Placenta Plus, a UK-born placenta encapsulation company that has supported more than 20,000 families, has officially launched in Dubai, bringing its laboratory-based approach to postnatal care to the UAE. Founded by Danielle Kinney, a mother of three from the UK, the company was created after her own postnatal experience highlighted the need for a more structured, hygienic, and professionally managed service. As the country’s only provider operating from purpose-built commercial laboratories rather than domestic or residential premises, Placenta Plus offers mothers a carefully controlled process designed to prioritise safety, quality and convenience during the weeks after birth. Already trusted by celebrity mothers including Rochelle Humes, Coleen Rooney, Amy Childs, Brooke Vincent and Charley Webb, the company now introduces its established service model to families across the UAE.
In a world that moves faster every day, our bodies are constantly adapting, and often compensating, in ways we barely notice. Dr. Olivier Carpentieri , Osteopath and Neurolink practitioner, is at the forefront of a transformative approach called neuro-functional rehabilitation. Rather than focusing solely on muscles, joints, or posture, Olivier’s work targets the communication between brain and body, unlocking the nervous system’s natural ability to self-regulate. From newborns to high-performan
The modern high-performer doesn’t fail suddenly; their biology adapts in silence, sending subtle signals of stress long before a breakdown occurs. While the world chases 'biohacking' trends, Craft Clinics is introducing a more disciplined philosophy: Structural Intelligence. By merging elite clinical strategy with advanced movement science, founders Carina and Arnaldo are moving the conversation away from mere 'lifespan' and toward a radical extension of 'healthspan.' In this exclusive interview, we explore the Craft methodology: a precision-engineered 'user manual' for the human body designed specifically for the intense cognitive and physiological demands of the professional elite. This isn't just healthcare; it is the future of human maintenance.
I had the chance and honor to meet Ava at FormFest this year and my God, was the encounter with her, a blessing sent from Heaven! In an industry often distracted by aesthetics, Ava Rodriguez is a detective of the human form. As the founder of the Mobility Fitness Academy (MFA), now spanning 28 countries, she has spent over a decade dismantling traditional fitness myths to bridge the gap between clinical anatomy and high-performance movement. Ava’s philosophy was forged under a second-generation Pilates elder and deepened by ten years of intensive study with an anatomy professor. Through MFA, she equips instructors to look beyond "choreography" and address the root causes of "movement jail”- chronic pain and limitations that surface-level exercise cannot solve. By teaching the "neurological language" of joints, Ava helps practitioners move away from merely managing symptoms and toward unlocking true physical potential.
By Rebeca Pop, Editor at The Wellness Collective Having lived in the Middle East for over 5 years, I have noticed an element of stigma around the topic of mental health. Granted, I myself am originally coming from a post soviet country where mental health is also not a topic that older generations engage easily with. That’s why I was happy to bump into a solution such as Nafsi - the UAE’s first fully licensed digital mental health clinic that is changing that narrative by blending clinical preci
Dr. Izzy, Lead Medical Doctor at Sigma Clinic, is redefining what it means to optimise health, performance, and appearance for high-achieving men. Combining cutting-edge aesthetic treatments with a functional medicine approach, he helps clients address root causes rather than quick fixes, improving energy, hormones, mental clarity and long-term wellbeing. From meticulous lifestyle assessments to personalised interventions, such as peptides, recovery protocols and longevity-focused strategies, Dr
Holistic Wellness Coach Maria Jurado “Suniti” ’s approach to wellness goes far beyond traditional health practices. Blending emotional, energetic, and physical wellbeing, she guides individuals to reconnect with their essence and unlock hidden potential. From her innovative Essential Dance meditation to cutting-edge tools like cellular biohacking, Maria combines ancient practices with modern technology to create personalised paths for transformation. In this exclusive interview, sh
Amplifai Health, a health technology company focused on using thermal imaging and artificial intelligence for chronic disease management and sports medicine, has been accepted into the World Economic Forum’s MINDS programme (Meaningful, Intelligent, Novel, Deployable Solutions).
Tylam Williams is a personal trainer and cofounder of Dead Man’s Clique . Three years ago, a motorcycle accident split Tylan’s life into a clear before and after. An athlete driven by competition and constant progress, he suddenly found himself facing a spinal cord injury that left him with almost no movement or sensation below the injury level. Everyday actions most people never think twice about, such as sitting upright, balancing or managing basic daily tasks, became milestones in their own r
In the modern landscape of the Middle East, a new generation is navigating the complex geography of identity. For Third Culture Arabs, the journey of self discovery often takes place in the "in-between" where traditional heritage meets globalized modernity. No one understands this delicate internal "tug of war" better than Maha Cooper, a leading psychologist at The Free Spirit Collective. Specializing in the unique attachment maps of those raised between distinct cultures, Maha brings a rare blend of clinical precision and cultural empathy to her practice. With a background that spans the NHS in the UK to the bustling hub of Dubai, she has witnessed firsthand how cultural micro stresses, the "small, repeated pressures" to fit in, can become physically stuck in the nervous system. As an expert in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Maha doesn't just talk through these challenges; she helps "unstick" the trauma of high expectations, allowing the brain to move from survival mode into a state of authentic resilience. In this exclusive interview, Maha Cooper takes us beyond the surface to explore the "Architecture of the Arab Mind" in 2026. From the evolving identity of the modern Arab woman to the biological impact of Ageless Living, we discuss how resolving deep seated cultural trauma is the key to unlocking long term health, self mastery, and a true sense of belonging.
The Longevity Club is redefining modern wellness by placing medical science, real-time biomarker data, and personalised diagnostics at the core of its approach. Founded by Dr. Arthur Clement, it moves beyond lifestyle wellness trends to offer a data-driven framework where members can understand their biology, optimise performance, and make informed, measurable decisions about long-term health and longevity.
Once considered a childhood condition, ADHD is now increasingly recognised among adults, many of whom have built entire careers while quietly battling exhaustion, self-doubt, and the pressure to “keep up.” As awareness grows, so does the need for grounded, clinically-informed guidance.
In an age of hyper-specialised treatments, biohacking gadgets, superfood supplements and wellness trends that seem to change every quarter, it’s easy to forget a simple truth: the human body was designed to heal itself. Not metaphorically. Not spiritually. Literally, biologically, and continuously ,whether we notice it or not.
Persivia Inc., a U.S.-based leader in AI-powered healthcare intelligence, has announced the launch of its National Health Intelligence Initiative (NHI) during the Global Health Exhibition (GHE) 2025 in Riyadh.
In the race for faster stress relief, a simple four-step breathing technique is emerging as a game-changer: equal counts inhale-hold-exhale-hold (commonly called box breathing). What’s really surprising? Clinical research shows regulated breathwork like this can lower cortisol—the body’s main stress hormone—more rapidly than meditation alone.
By Rebeca Pop, editor at The Wellness Collective Scroll through wellness feeds and you’ll find a steady stream of polished clips: glowing skin routines, breathwork challenges, gut-hacks, and “wellness philosophies” backed by science-sounding language. In fact, some physicians and dermatologists are quietly embracing one particular trend behind the scenes—less about flashy visuals, and more about smart, scalable routines that support the body’s resilience. It’s not a spotlight grab—it’s a systematic wellness hack built for longevity.
GITEX 2025 showcased a powerful convergence of AI, biotechnology, and digital health, revealing how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of wellness. From gene-editing breakthroughs to brain-computer interfaces and predictive health systems, the event highlighted a shift toward intelligent, preventive, and deeply human-centred healthcare.
In a world where medicine has long been defined by reaction rather than prevention, Dr. Mishkat Shehata is reimagining what health can mean. As a leading physician & visionary in longevity and the Chief Medical Officer of ConnectedLife, she stands at the intersection of science, technology, and human potential pioneering a model of care that treats health as an evolving ecosystem rather than a set of symptoms. From integrating genomics and wearable data into daily health strategies to designing the region’s first hospital-based longevity clinic, Dr. Shehata’s vision is clear: the next era of medicine is proactive, data-driven, and deeply personal. In this conversation with The Wellness Collective, she explores how lifestyle medicine, precision diagnostics, and ethical innovation are transforming the UAE into a global hub for longevity and why true wellness begins long before illness ever appears.
Early, Evidence-Based Cardiovascular Care Gains Support in High-Risk Regions Cardiovascular disease rates in MENA have doubled in 30 years, a trend partly driven by lifestyle factors such as high adult obesity rates, with over 70% in Gulf countries 1,2. Up to 80% of CVDs are preventable through lifestyle changes like healthy diet, physical activity, and avoiding tobacco3. Cinfa supports cardiovascular care in MENA with evidence-based therapies that improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
From severe childhood asthma and eye-threatening injury to becoming a public figure and mentor, Coach Meddy’s story is one of resilience forged through adversity. For him, mindset isn’t a motivational slogan — it’s a survival skill and a performance tool. In this candid interview, he reveals how mental strength carried him further than physical ability, why belief is his daily practice, and how he’s using his platform to help the next generation of athletes build the inner discipline needed to thrive in sport and in life.
By Rebeca Pop, Editor at The Wellness Collective At a time when conversations around ageing are shifting from simply adding years to life to adding life to years , Dr. Imane Farhat stands at the crossroads of two powerful traditions: regenerative medicine and naturopathy. With a philosophy rooted in treating the whole person and a toolkit that spans from cellular therapies to nutrition and lifestyle optimization, she offers a vision of longevity that is both cutting-edge and deeply human. In thi
Forget sitting cross-legged in silence—sometimes, all you need is to breathe differently. What Is the “Weird Trick”? What transforms the ordinary into extraordinary? It’s simple: deep, controlled breathwork techniques—like the 4‑7‑8 method, SKY breath, or box breathing—that can sometimes outperform traditional meditation.
How you start your morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. Instead of diving straight into emails, news alerts, or social media, experts suggest building mindful habits that calm the body, regulate stress hormones, and create a sense of control. Here are some of the most recommended morning rituals for lowering stress and boosting resilience. 1 - Begin with Breathwork Expert Insight: Psychologists and mindfulness coaches agree that even a few minutes of controlled breathing can reset the
It’s easy to brush off aches, tingling, or weakness as “just muscle pain.” Many people (including myself), assume they’ve overexerted themselves at the gym, slept in the wrong position, or strained a tendon. But sometimes, what feels like a simple muscle issue may actually be a sign of something deeper — involving the nervous system. We try to brush it off with a massage or some do a few trips to the physio doctor, just to find ourselves back into the pain again in a matter of days.
In the fast-evolving world of high-performance sports, mental resilience is as vital as physical conditioning. In her interview with Wellness Collective, Olga Mikutina—an accomplished figure skater balancing the demands of competition and wellbeing—opens up about the psychological strategies that helped shape her journey to the Olympic stage. From stress management techniques to mental endurance training, she reveals how cutting-edge mental performance tools can empower not just elite athletes, but anyone looking to harness the power of the mind for peak performance.
Mental health support in the UAE is becoming more accessible thanks to Counsel Clinic, a Dubai-based online therapy platform breaking down barriers of cost, stigma, and accessibility. Since its launch in 2024, the clinic has quickly become a trusted destination for both Emiratis and expatriates seeking confidential, culturally sensitive therapy.
At the intersection of science and soul, Dr. Heba Yasin is helping people rediscover the power of the mind to heal, grow, and transform. With roots in education and a PhD in Social Psychology, she has evolved her career into psychotherapy, life coaching, and hypnotherapy — always with one mission in mind: to create safe, judgment-free spaces where people can reconnect with themselves. Known for her holistic approach that blends subconscious reprogramming with practical coaching tools, Dr. Yasin is part of a growing movement reshaping the conversation around mental health in the Middle East. In this interview, she opens up about her journey, the rising acceptance of therapy and hypnosis, and why the path to wellbeing often begins by turning inward.
We often search for the next big breakthrough in a lab or a bottle, but what if the most powerful tool for human optimization has been with us all along? In this exclusive conversation, Dr. Elie Abirached, founder of Limitless Human, challenges the traditional boundaries of biohacking. He reveals why the ultimate secret to longevity and performance isn't just about data and devices, but about mastering the one thing that controls them all: your mindset.
Healing doesn't end when treatment stops; in many ways, that is where the true journey to wellness begins. Dr. Rahat Ghazanfar, a physician at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, is at the forefront of 'Lifestyle Medicine'—a discipline that treats sleep, nutrition, and movement as vital prescriptions for recovery. In this deep dive, Dr. Ghazanfar explores how cancer survivors can reclaim their vitality and why the future of oncology isn't just about fighting disease, but about building a resilient, high-quality life through intentional daily habits.
By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective In a city where innovation meets tradition, it seems only fitting that our health journeys are becoming just as personalised as our shopping experiences in Dubai Mall. From the rise of bespoke skincare to the surge in plant-based dining, wellness in the UAE is evolving rapidly. Now, one of the most exciting frontiers shaping this landscape is genetic testing. No longer the stuff of futuristic films or elite science labs, genetic testing is fa
As the global conversation shifts from simply surviving to truly thriving, Dr. Maria Alonso is leading the charge in redefining the future of human longevity. By seamlessly blending the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine with the precision of modern Western diagnostics, Dr. Alonso offers a holistic blueprint for extending not just our lifespan, but our 'healthspan.' In this interview, she dives into the vital role of prevention, the power of gut health, and why the most transformative biohacks are often the simplest ones we overlook every day.
In the heart of Dubai Science Park, a new name is redefining how the city thinks about fitness and rehabilitation. MyCore Studio isn’t just another boutique fitness space—it’s a sanctuary where movement science, mindful training, and personalized care come together to transform bodies and lives.
By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective Dubai’s fitness landscape has exploded in recent years—and for good reason. From high-octane HIIT studios to luxe wellness sanctuaries, the city offers world-class gyms to suit every goal, style, and energy level. Whether you're chasing strength, endurance, mental balance, or community vibes, here are eight standout gyms redefining wellness in Dubai—plus tips to help you find your fit. GymNation – Dubai’s Inclusive Powerhouse Dubai’s largest
By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective In the bustling wellness arena, where ancient practices meet biohacking innovation, one molecule is quietly capturing the spotlight: Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, better known as NAD⁺. Found in every living cell, this coenzyme is essential to life—and increasingly heralded as a transformative support for energy, longevity, mental clarity, and metabolic balance. What Exactly Is NAD⁺? NAD⁺ is a cellular coenzyme that exists in two forms—ox
In an era where work and wanderlust often go hand in hand, professionals are spending more time in transit than ever before. But frequent travel—while exciting—can quietly chip away at your wellbeing: disrupted sleep cycles, poor posture, dehydration, jet lag, and mounting stress. Fortunately, a new wave of health tech innovations is helping business travelers take back control—one lounge, one flight, and one wearable at a time. From AI-powered airport lounges to smart rings that monitor recovery, here’s how tech is transforming travel into something more human—and more health-conscious.
For the discerning traveler who values wellness, fitness facilities at top-tier hotels have become more than just a nice-to-have—they’re defining features. From bleeding-edge equipment to performance-ready design and holistic recovery zones, here’s a curated look at how select luxury properties are pioneering the ultimate gym experience.
By Veronica Carpio, Editor at The Wellness Collective For years, first class has been the ultimate flex—champagne on boarding, gourmet meals at 35,000 feet, and the kind of legroom that makes economy feel like a cruel joke. But in 2025, luxury in the sky has evolved far beyond foie gras and flatbeds. Today’s discerning traveler doesn’t just want comfort—they want wellness, personalization, privacy, and peace. And airlines? They’re listening. From biometric boarding to in-flight spas and AI-power
We decided to take it slow this week and go back to basics, one key topic that not a lot of people talk about is water… Such a small yet essential part of our lives that we sometimes involuntarily take for granted. Why? Because we live in a fast paced society and the quality of the basic things in our life is important for us to thrive and make the most out of our body and overall health. Here are a few key things to bear in mind when interacting with such a small yet core things of our daily water intake.
By Veronica Carpio, Features Editor, The Wellness Collective When we think of mental health, we often imagine therapy sessions, self-care rituals, or stress management techniques reserved for adults. But the truth is, mental wellness begins much earlier—at birth, in fact. And the way we nurture our babies and toddlers has a profound impact on the emotional intelligence and resilience they carry into the world. As someone who speaks to other mums often, I’ve come to realise that raising emotional
By Veronica Carpio, Features Editor, The Wellness Collective No one really warns you that you might cry if your tea is too hot. Or that one day you might feel like you could conquer the world and the next like you were slowly vanishing inside it. The emotional rollercoaster of motherhood isn’t just about sleepless nights and toddler tantrums. It’s also about hormones — those invisible architects of our mood, energy, and identity — quietly shaping our mental health from pregnancy to postpartum an
By Rebeca Pop, Features Editor, The Wellness Collective Postpartum wellbeing is often viewed through the lens of sleep schedules, baby blues, and hormonal changes—but an essential part of the conversation is still being overlooked: nutrition. Increasingly, research highlights the powerful role diet plays in shaping a mother’s mental health after childbirth. From mood swings to energy crashes, many of the challenges women face in the weeks and months following delivery can be influenced—if not al
Digital learning is reshaping early childhood education, especially in the UAE, where interactive apps and AI tools support literacy, numeracy, and creativity. While screen-based education offers personalization and engagement, experts stress balance with hands-on play and human interaction. The future classroom blends technology, mindfulness, and guidance from parents and teachers.