Ranches Ladies Newsletter
Good morning Ranches Ladies!
A Busy February 2026
Across the world February is bringing a plethora of significant events for many people to engage in. With global communications part and parcel of life in Dubai, it will be possible to share in the spectacle of the Winter Olympics and Chinese New Year.
Meanwhile, Ramadan is front and centre over the next few weeks as much of the daily routine in Dubai will change. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is a holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection. It brings with it many opportunities to participate in Iftar which is the evening meal served at sunset which breaks the daily fast. This meal traditionally starts with dates and symbolizes gratitude, community, unity and togetherness.
Over in Italy, on the other hand, the 2026 Winter Olympics will be in full swing with Milan and Cortina being centre stage for a spread of eight different sports and sixteen disciplines. For the very first time a variety of twenty five venues throughout regions of Northern Italy are hosting athletes and sports from ice skating to alpine skiing. Also for the first time are two athletes from the UAE who will be participating in the games. These nineteen days of competition will more than likely have a thrilling opening and closing ceremony to set the mood of this international moment in time.
Chinese New Year, interestingly, is going to herald the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. This particular animal signifies energy, freedom and rapid change. Often associated with a dynamic and fast-paced year. So hang onto your hats as this fiery creature gallops into February 2026!
Wishing all our Ranches Ladies members a joyful, memorable and special time during this busy month.
Ramadan Kareem.
Written by Beverly Sanders.
Ranches Ladies Community Events
Trip to Emirates Bio Farm
The Emirates Bio Farm Al Ain is the largest organic farm in the UAE, one hour’s drive from Dubai. A hidden gem encouraging people of all ages to disconnect ans see what is possible in growing organic produce in the UAE.
On walking into the farm we were met by Kennedy who offered us a blue pea drink and led us on an
informative tour. The farm established in 2016 over 250,000 sqm provides a wide range of organic crops with a mission to build a secure and sustainable food system that promotes healthy food in the UAE.
Here we quickly felt the city behind us encouraging us to rediscover nature and see what is possible when it comes to growing sustainable produce. We walked through scenic fields the vegetables growing beetroot, egg plant, capsicum, lettuces, green beans, red and green chillis, pumpkin and more.
We took the opportunity to take a swing over the fields, meet the animals on the farm, simply gaze over
nature and relish it all.
Kamal and his team provided an incredible array of amazing vegan food, all created with the freshest ingredients, grown, picked and turned into something truly delicious. Thank you to Sonal who is part of the Gardening Circle.
Festive Christmas Lunch Celebration
The Mahjong, Canasta and Shanghai groups came together to enjoy a festive Christmas lunch at the Park Inn, celebrating the season with laughter, friendship and holiday cheer. The event was filled with excitement as the ladies arrived dressed in their Christmas best, and the venue was beautifully decorated, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.
The tables were attractively set with festive décor, and each lady received a goodie bag filled with Christmas gifts, adding a thoughtful and welcoming touch. From the outset, the mood was one of togetherness, with everyone enjoying the opportunity to relax, socialise and celebrate.
Lunch was a delicious spread of favourite dishes along with special festive treats, all prepared with care. There was more than enough for everyone to enjoy, followed by tempting desserts that were thoroughly appreciated.
Soft Christmas carols played in the background while the ladies took part in fun and lively games, keeping everyone entertained and smiling. A highlight of the day was the popular “Twelve Days of Christmas,” which brought plenty of laughter and festive cheer.
The celebration concluded on a high note with a raffle draw and a range of prizes were won by a few lucky ladies. Appreciation was extended to all who contributed to the success of the event and to the Park Inn staff for their excellent service. The day ended with happy memories and anticipation for the next gathering.
Upcoming Ranches Ladies Community Events
As always, we have some superb events coming up for our members to enjoy.
The Laughter Factory Extends an Invitation
Ranches Ladies are delighted to partner with The Laughter Factory, the UAE’s most celebrated live comedy experience, renowned for internationally acclaimed comedians in refined, intimate venues.
As part of this special collaboration, Ranches Ladies members are invited to enjoy a well-deserved moment of laughter and connection. Please see the discounts section for further information.
Coffee Mornings
We’ve enjoyed some lovely coffee mornings throughout January and early February, with more new members joining our wonderful community.
Thank you to the Ranches Ladies board members who attended our recent coffee morning. As a token of appreciation, all members received a commemorative bag on that day (as will any new members in the future and those members who still need to collect theirs) in recognition of their contribution to Ranches Ladies as an inclusive and welcoming social club. This spirit of community has been proudly recognised in the UAE, with Ranches Ladies being awarded Ethraa Gold 2024 and Ethraa Silver 2025. Larte is the place to meet old friends, make new friends and enjoy great conversation in a relaxed environment.
Circles Activities
The Circles have been busy, busy, busy! We have been fortunate to experience a raft of activities throughout our various Ranches Ladies Circles. Take a look at some of the events enjoyed by our members in January and one we had in December!
The Literary Lunch Circle
The Literary Lunch Circle met at The Cheesecake Factory in the Mall of the Emirates to discuss Broken Country by Claire Leslie Hall where a lively discussion and refreshments were enjoyed. We will meet again on 16th February to discuss The Names by Florence Knapp.
The Canasta Circle – Festive Tournament
What a wonderful Canasta Tournament was held on Thursday, 11th December 2025.
Twenty four ladies were hosted by Sassy at her beautiful home in Victory Heights. Everyone went to so much effort with their outfits as there were prizes at stake.
From the moment we entered her garden, the festive atmosphere was there in full force. Oscar the outdoor ostrich was donning his Christmas apparel and the entrance was warm and welcoming. Inside was no different and Sassy’s home was lavishly adorned with Christmas decorations in every nook and cranny.
We made our way to the tables where personalised goodie bags, festive playing cards and pens, and festive score sheets awaited us. There were even special chair backs to show which pairs were to move or remain seated.
Play began. Of course, there were prizes… and more prizes to keep us motivated.
After lunch there was more Canasta, scratch cards and dessert. The highlight of the day was a choir singing Christmas carols and raising funds for families in the Philippines.
After many hours of laughs, celebration and entertainment the day was over. Thanks, Sassy, for your months of meticulous planning and the beautiful poinsettia which was gifted to each of us.
The Wellbeing Circle
“Blooming in My Truth“
On Thursday, our Ranches Ladies Circle came together for a deeply grounding and heartfelt session: “Blooming in My Truth”.
In an intimate and safe space, we explored what it really means to be seen, not through performance or confidence on display, but through alignment, self-trust, and honesty with ourselves.
We reflected on why living our truth can feel risky, how hiding once protected us, and how confidence grows naturally when self-trust is present. We gently explored the ego as a protective part, not something to fight, but something to reassure.
Through reflection and sharing, each woman was invited to notice where she shrinks and where she blooms.
A beautiful reminder from the Circle: Blooming in your Truth doesn’t disconnect you from others, it connects you honestly.
Grateful for the courage, presence, and authenticity in the room. You are allowed to bloom at your own pace.
The Hiking Circle
Four of the Hiking Circle ladies spent a fabulous morning taking on the Sidr Trail.
The Book Circle
The Book Circle had a very pleasant morning discussing Zuleika by Russian author Guzel Yakhina. The chatter from the group attracted a new member to sit beside Nancy and observe proceedings. Louise named her Rosie Parker! Our next meeting will be on Friday 20th February where we will have a change and discuss a non-fiction book: A Bookshop of One’s Own by Jane Cholmeley.
The Quilting Circle
The Quilting Circle held an OTC session for their January meet up. Monika, one of our Circle members, held a class on how to make beautiful handbags. These are some of the members who attended and a sample of some of the handbags made.
The Mosaic Circle
The Mosaic Circle meets every Wednesday from 10am to 1pm in Ayesha’s home in the Green Community. Beginners are welcome and can try small projects that can be completed in just one or two sessions. Ayesha provides not only her patient guidance but also tea, coffee, cake and a light lunch.
The International Food Circle
The International Food Circle had the pleasure of attending a Pakistani lunch hosted by Louisa at her beautiful home. Although the weather was blustery and we moved the gathering indoors, the atmosphere was anything but cold, it was warm, colourful and full of life.
We were treated to the most incredible traditional Pakistani feast, cooked by a team of wonderful ladies. There was lamb curry, chicken curry, fragrant rice, daal, fresh salads, to name a few and the most delicious desserts, including kheer and sevei. Every dish was generous, comforting and clearly made with care.
Around thirty ladies gathered, all dressed beautifully, with such effort put into colour and detail, it felt like a celebration in itself. Everywhere was decorated so thoughtfully, with vibrant truck art pieces throughout, adding bursts of colour and personality to every corner.
It was interesting listening to the poems and stories shared by Carole including hearing about her family backstory and her extensive book collection. Louisa also gave an insightful talk on Pakistani truck art, offering context and meaning behind the designs, so we all left not only well fed but a little wiser too.
It was a joy to meet new people and hear such a variety of stories and backgrounds. The energy in the room was open, generous and genuinely warm.
All in all, it was a fabulous get-together. A huge thank you to Louisa, Shazia, Ayesha and Clarissa, your hospitality and food were absolutely delicious and the afternoon truly memorable.
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 Poetry Circle
The Walking Circle – Monday
Monday’s Walking Circle has been walking on Mondays for many, many years in Arabian Ranches during the winter months. During the past few years, we became a 12-month walking circle by moving indoors in Dubai Hills Mall during the five months of hotter weather always with some very dedicated regular walkers of which Mandy was one.
After 20 years living in the UAE in various Emirates. Mandy Peden who has been a wonderful, committed Monday walker, helping, supporting and encouraging others within the circle for many years left Dubai at the end of January 2026. She will be missed as a walking companion by us all.
The Walking Circle – Wednesday
The Wednesday Walking Circle met to stretch their legs with a walk from the Marina to JBR. After the Marina walk, we were a little peckish so stopped for a bite to eat. Thank you, ladies, it was a great walk and talk.
The Story Telling Circle
The Yoga Circle
A quiet morning Yoga Circle under a blue Dubai sky. Fresh winter air, gentle movement, and ending the morning with tea and an easy, meaningful chat.
The Canasta Circle
Super fun morning of Canasta with thirty ladies playing! We welcomed six new ladies who were absolute card sharks! Well-done to the winning combination of Brenda and Kim with the highest score over eight games!
Do you have anything you would like to share?
This is your newsletter, and we need your contributions! What can you share? Something from your Ranches Ladies Circles Activities which are connected to the interests of the other ladies in the Circle. Please send short articles (as a guide 200 max), with photos, if possible, to ranches.ladies@gmail.com or the RL Web Updates Group.
Our newsletter is now a monthly publication, on the second Monday of each month. Please can all articles be submitted within 5 days of your event. In the instance that your event occurs at the end of the month, please can your article be submitted 7 days before our publication date to ensure it is included. Articles not received in time may be held over to the following month. Thank you for your understanding!
RL Circles Calendar
For more information on February’s Circles activities, please refer to the individual Circle WhatsApp groups.
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. Enquiries will be responded to within one working day.
Check out our website at 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. Circles enquiries will be responded to within one working day.
Discounts
Exclusive Ranches Ladies Privilege. Enjoy 20% off all shows with the promo code LAUGHTER
Early booking is required. Discover upcoming performances and reserve your seats at: thelaughterfactory.com
We are pleased to welcome Sisi’s Eatery to Arabian Ranches 1. A charming new café inspired by Viennese elegance, offering comforting dishes, specialty coffees, and beautiful cakes in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Sisi’s Eatery team is happy to collaborate with the Ranches Ladies and is offering Ranches Ladies Members an exclusive 20% discount, the perfect reason to discover this lovely new neighbourhood spot.
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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