Ranches Ladies Newsletter
Good morning Ranches Ladies!
Short + Sweet Dubai 2025
The smell of greasepaint and the roar of the crowd are very much part of any theatrical performance and for theatre lovers attending the Short + Sweet Dubai 2025 competition they will have watched performers delivering their 10 minute plays in a festival at The Junction, Al Serkal Avenue since April 12th and will continue to have the chance over the next few weeks to see more theatre until it is set to conclude on June 1st.
The 13th edition of this drama festival showcases over 70+ plays with performers taking to the stage and competing for a place in the Gala Finals.
This year the primary spotlight has been on the topic of ‘Big Stories, Small Packages’ which the festival hopes will celebrate the power of short, impactful storytelling.
So, from comedies to dramas, monologues to musicals all ages and backgrounds are able to perform in 8 weeks of theatrical magic.
On the weekend of May 3rd – 4th the theme ‘Hometown Tales’ will explore stories of roots, origins and identity.
Even if the storytelling is an ensemble cast or a mime or any other form of stagecraft any of the plays can be performed in any language.
All performances are judged by a panel of judges and the audience.
Eleven to twelve plays take place over a weekend; they are performed twice on two consecutive nights in front of two different judging panels and two different audiences.
One play will win and go forward to the Grand Final for a best of the best Red-Carpet Gala Finals and the one that wins second place goes forward to the semi-finals.
These two distinct end competitions will be the culmination of weeks of hard work and endeavor.
Would you believe that in Ranches Ladies there will be two of our members involved in this amazing extravaganza? Sumaya Kubeisy from Ranches Ladies has lived in Dubai a long time and been acting and directing in many productions. She loves the theatre, and her hobby is very much centered around the theatre community. Originally from the Lebanon she joined the Short + Sweet community years ago and involves herself as an independent. Sumaya will be acting in a play in this year’s competition and directing another one. If you were thinking of watching her in this year’s festival 10th-11th May would be the weekend to catch her on the stage.
She said that groups of actors meet up in each other’s homes to rehearse in advance of the competition and enjoy involving new talent that are drawn to the theatrical community.
Meanwhile Lynne Haboubi a long time Ranches Ladies member will be performing and directing in her own play alongside her daughter Sara.
Mum and daughter will perform ‘Mum’s The Word’ on the weekend 17th-18th May.
Lynne has acted and directed many years ago and after a meeting with Sumaya at Ranches Ladies was persuaded to ‘tread the boards again’.
So, we’re very lucky to have two talented actors in our community who will be competing in the world’s largest 10 minute play festival. If you want more information about Short + Sweet Dubai 2025 there’re plenty of details on socials and the internet. Tickets are available too.
We can wish them both ‘break a leg’ and hope they have every success in the competition.
The Ranches Ladies Lunch Circle
The Lunch Circle is meeting next Monday 5th May at The Lighthouse in Dubai Hills Mall.
For The Theatre Lovers in Ranches Ladies
International Lunch Circle
We Want To Hear From You
This is your newsletter, and we need your contributions!
What can you share? Maybe something from your RL Circles activities, your travels, favourite place to visit, or how you and your family celebrate cultural or religious festivals? Please send short articles (as a guide 200 to 400 words max), with photos, if possible, to ranches.ladies@gmail.com or the RL Web Updates Group.
Please send any articles or items for the newsletter to ranches.ladies@gmail.com (by Friday midday for inclusion in the next Monday’s newsletter.)
Public Speaking Event
Communication is a key skill in everyday life. Boost your confidence or improve your public speaking skills by attending our Ranches Ladies interactive tips session.
Date and time: Tuesday 29th April 2025 for 10.30am
Book your place on our Ranches Ladies Whatsapp Membership Poll or send an email to ranches.ladies@gmail.com
Tuesday Coffee Morning
Ranches Ladies Tuesday coffee mornings takes place at Larte, Studio One Hotel, from 10:30am to 12pm. Ladies of all ages, wherever you live, are welcome to join us.
Decoupage Circle
Decoupage circle is meeting up every Thursday @10am. This coming week we will be working on decoupage bathroom accessories.
Who’s At Our Coffee Morning?
In the words of the Cyndi Lauper song, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun”, and that’s exactly what Ranches Ladies member Gally Swangard is hoping for when she celebrated her birthday at the coffee morning recently.
She said that her children were her priority in life along with learning to play the piano for fun and that living in Dubai provided many opportunities to enjoy herself.
She also thought it was important to make connections to people particularly as her dad had passed away in recent times and had highlighted for her the need to connect and share life together with others.
So, her April 25th birthday marks the start of a new year focused on enjoyment and being with those family and friends who want to have fun!
Here’s hoping she’ll get her birthday wish.
The Bowling Circle
We got the ball rolling. The first bowling session was fun and exciting today. The Bowling Circle will meet Mondays 11 am at Scorpion Bowling Centre. Please note that Scorpion opens at 10:30 am in case you need to arrive early.
The Art Circle
The ladies in the Art Circle are working on different techniques and making some beautiful paintings.
The Quilting Circle
The Quilters had a lovely morning yesterday showing their finished previous BOM quilts and other lovely projects.
The Aqua Fit Circle
The AquaFit Circle, this morning. Friday, Feeling great, getting Fit, having Fun with Friends! Workout done. Happy weekend !
The Gardening Circle
The Gardening Circle will meet for breakfast on Thursday 1st May at 9.30am in Ayesha’s shady garden in the Green Community DIP. We will then take a short walk to Shazia’s nearby villa to see her lovely terrariums and pick up some tips on planting and maintenance.
Contact circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com if you would like to come along.
The Yoga Circle
We meet twice a week in the morning. It’s a beautiful way to start the day with gentle stretches and mindful movement. We listen to the birdsong, connect with nature and ourselves, and embrace the good vibes.
Over time, we’ve become friends. After yoga, we enjoy a cup of tea together, share our thoughts and chat.
The Walking Circle
Walking is a fantastic way to stay fit, meet new friends, and enjoy the beautiful weather during the cooler months. Start the New Year with our Walking Circles!
- Mondays at 7 AM – Arabian Ranches 1
- Wednesdays at 9 AM – Marina Mall
Each walk lasts about an hour and wraps up with tea or coffee nearby. We’d love to see you out in the fresh air! For more details, contact Josephine or Nicki at circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com.
The Arabic for Beginners Circle
Noha El Saad has kindly offered to start a weekly Beginners Arabic Class from 3 to 5 pm in her home in Dubai Hills, day to be decided. Noha has been teaching at Berlitz Language Centre for 21 years and is sure get you chatting in no time!
If you are interested, pls contact circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com.
The Scrabble Circle
Rania Nehme has kindly offered to start a Scrabble Circle on Thursdays 11.30am – 2pm if there is sufficient interest. Anyone interested should contact circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com
Pilates Circle
RL pilates class with Gillian is a great way to strengthen your core, improve balance and protect your bones.
Every Thursday 2-3pm at Optimal Fitness.
Very friendly class, come along and give it a try!!
Contact Email: circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com if you would like to join any circle. If you are a member but not yet on the members only Ranches Ladies Whatsapp group please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com
RL Circles Calendar
For more activities, see our website for the Circles Calendar: https://arabianranchesladies.com/circles-calendar/
Email circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com if you would like to join any circle. If you are a member but not yet on the members only Ranches Ladies Whatsapp group please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com
Our website is http://www.arabianranchesladies.com and you can find us on FB and Instagram as Ranches Ladies
Your Suggestions Matter
Do you have any ideas for Ranches Ladies activities and are you willing to get involved?
Would you like you start a new circle? Or would you just like to give some feedback?
We would love to hear from you! Contact us on ranches.ladies@gmail.com or circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com
Discounts
For a 15% discount on tickets check this link https://kanvas-dubai.zbni.co/u/aEpXN
Your RL membership card is your passport to great discounts from our dozens of discount partners. Check the discounts section on the website for a full list (use the drop down category list), including recently added new discounts.
Present your membership card to avail the discount. For any discount related enquiries or suggestions please email discounts.rl@gmail.com
For any enquiries or suggestions please email ranches.ladies@gmail.com
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Radisson Hotel Dubai Damac Hills Celebrates 4 Years
We are pleased to share the 4th anniversary of our valued partner, Radisson Hotel Dubai Damac Hills, and to extend our heartfelt thanks to their wonderful team for their continued support of the Ranches Ladies.
The Radisson Dubai Damac Hills has consistently delivered outstanding service, warm hospitality, and a welcoming atmosphere that our members truly appreciate. Their dedication to quality and community engagement sets them apart.
As a reminder, Ranches Ladies Members enjoy an ongoing 15% discount at all hotel restaurants and 20% off room rates.
Amanda Seguin
Ranches Ladies 