Ranches Ladies Newsletter
Good morning Ranches Ladies!
The Development of Fereeji
The Year of Community in the UAE aims to strengthen family and community bonds and specifically has a focus on preserving cultural heritage, creating inclusive spaces and strengthening intergenerational ties.
So, it comes as no surprise to hear of a new initiative that plans to revive the spirit of Emirati neighbourhood in Dubai.
Fareej, refers to a traditional Emirati Arabic term for neighbourhood and this cultural heritage emphasizes social cohesion and community identity providing a sense of place, interconnectedness and communal spaces.
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has spearheaded this new initiative to help neighbours get to know each other better.
Through thoughtful urban design, combined with far from conventional outcomes the hope is these new public spaces will reflect the city’s cultural identity and future aspirations.
The Hewi Nad Al Sheba project is going to be developed as a public space co-designed with its residents and reflecting the ‘Fareej’ tradition.
As a new public park, it will have a flexible, indoor/outdoor space, a family area and paths with nature- based play areas and a shaded gathering area near the mosque.
Interestingly, the announcement was made last week and comes shortly after the new Nad Al Sheba Mall has opened its doors. So, for residents and visitors alike there is another new area of the city offering another experience of urban living.
By creating courtyard houses, shared paths, larger gathering places, shared roads and extensive landscaping it is hoped the whole concept of community will take on a new perspective. The enterprise is yet a further bridge between past and present and potentially is an opportunity for all of us to value the uniqueness of living in Dubai.
Certainly, something different to look forward to and a distinctive one that may be replicated in other areas in the future.
Written by Beverly Sanders
I’M WALKING
A small group of Ranches Ladies, along with friends and family, participated in the “I’m Walking” wellness walk organised by Dubai Irish Society on Saturday, 10th May 2025 at 5 am.
The beautiful, relaxed, and friendly event from night into daybreak had the group walk from Kite Beach to Burj al Arab; the event served as a reminder of light to come, even amongst our most difficult and darkest hours, and the community we have alongside us.
Many continued to walk reaching McGettigans at Souk Madinat to enjoy the organised breakfast – a much needed cap on the morning after many kilometres!
Health & Wellbeing Workshop
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.)
Short + Sweet Dubai 2025
Our speaker at last week’s Coffee Morning, Sumaya Kubeisy, is directing a play as part of the Short & Sweet competition at The Junction. Do go along and support her, you’re sure to be entertained!
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.
The Decoupage Circle
This week at our Ranches Decoupage Circle, we turned a simple box into a beautiful gift set! From decoupaging the lid to adding a mirror inside and filling it with goodies, it was the perfect handmade surprise.
Join us every Thursday from 10 AM to 1 PM to get creative with us!
The Mosaic Circle
Ayesha is willing to run a second class on alternate Mondays for ladies who can’t make it on Wednesdays if there is enough interest.
Contact circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com.
The Ladies Lunch Circle
The Ladies Lunch Circle enjoyed a lovely afternoon on Monday at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Dubai Hills.
Twenty-two ladies participated in the business lunch and the food was amazing although parking as predicted was a bit of a hiccup. The Restaurant manager Ryan was an enormous help, so all was well in the end and the ladies all seemed to have enjoyed the afternoon together.
The Art Circle
Ladies in the Art Circle are working on varied themes making some beautiful paintings. The Art Circle, led by Rajul, meet on Mondays (Beginners class) and Thursdays (Regular class) from 10am to 12 noon in Arabian Ranches 1. To find out more, please email circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com.
The Scrabble Circle
The Scrabble Circle had a fun first meeting and are looking forward to their next game on 20th May. More players are welcome! Contact circles.ranches.ladies@gmail.com.
Arabic for Beginners Circle
The Arabic Circle got off to a good start and hopefully everyone learnt a few words! Classes will continue on Thursdays 3-5pm at Noha’s home in Dubai Hills.
Intetested in joining? Contact circles.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
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Ranches Ladies 