< Previous78 Chit Chat Jacket: H&M X Rokh Dress: Diesel Earrings, bangle and shoes: & Other Stories COS_118_076to083_ChitChat Cosmicat V2_13389308.indd 7827/09/2024 14:3779 Chit Chat Dress: Abadia Earrings and bangle: Mango COS_118_076to083_ChitChat Cosmicat V2_13389308.indd 7927/09/2024 14:3780 Chit Chat for this change. Everyone was praying for it. Saudis are some of the most well-travelled people in the world. Everywhere you go, you’ll nd a Saudi or two hanging out somewhere, and that’s been happening for years, ever since the Sixties and Seventies. We have seen the world, but for the world to come to Saudi Arabia... It just feels so powerful.” Power is a theme Nouf keeps coming back to, which feels appropriate given that she is part of a generation of young Saudis who have nally found their voice. “Yeah, I keep mentioning the word ‘powerful’ whenever I’m describing the change in Saudi because, even though I’ve seen a lot of things around the world and I experienced so many things – and I’m happy and I’m privileged to be in that position – the scale and the speed and the magnitude of things that have been done here, it’s different. It’s truly superior. Not to be biased, but honestly this is what I feel.” Does she feel any dilution of her culture in recent years as the Kingdom opens up to the world? In short, no. “My cultural identity is everything. It’s the clothes I wear. It’s the food I eat. It’s the music that I listen to. It’s everywhere that I go to. It’s my friends, my country, my home, everything,” she explains. “And there’s this misconception that being cultural and being modern are two different things that don’t go together, and that is absolutely wrong. If you go and visit any Arab country, you will see those two things living together in harmony. You don’t have to let go of your culture and who you are just to be considered ‘modern’ by some standards.” Similarly to the Balearic beats of the late 1980s and early 1990s in Ibiza, is a new sound emerging from Saudi? “It’s been interesting. Over the past, let’s say seven years, each major city in Saudi has formed its electronic sound. Riyadh is more techno and aggressive, progressive house – big sounds happening in the big city. And it makes sense because Riyadh is kind of like New York and the level of activity that they’ve got going on,” says Nouf. “Then you go to Jeddah, which is on the west coast of Saudi – here it’s more chill, more groovy, more disco. It goes with the beach vibes. It’s not a conscious thing, it’s just naturally happened.” With a global eye steadily focusing on the new Saudi Arabia, it is interesting to hear from a creative in the eld how these changes are taking place, and what that looks like. “The Music Commission, under the Ministry of Culture, has been putting a lot of effort into initiating studios and music hubs in the major cities, providing huge scholarships for Saudi individuals to go study music abroad, creating opportunities and programs to support creatives and show them how to make and present art as a professional,” Nouf says of the burgeoning scene. “Every problem we had in the past is being actively solved. From academic facilities for music to studios that you can rent or even stores to sell musical equipment.” And as a woman, a Saudi woman at that – yep, plenty more preconceptions there, too – you can’t not ask how Nouf sees that aspect of the landscape evolving. “It is changing. And I’m seeing more ladies every single day going out publicly to the world with their music, with their talents. And it makes me so happy, because back then we didn’t see that. I would love to see more women making music everywhere in the world, because the reality of the industry globally is that men are dominating. And I would love for us to exist in a more equal space.” With all the jet-set travel Nouf has undertaken for her career thus far, we wonder if it’s given her a yearning to live somewhere new, but it seems unlikely. “What’s magic about Saudi is that it’s very diverse geographically. You can nd everything here... Snow, desert, mountains, beaches, islands and everything in between!” she states of her beloved homeland. And for any doubters still on the fence, she says: “Come to Saudi, Habibi!” Cue: much laughing. As our chat comes to a close, it feels apt to ask Nouf what advice she would give to her 15-year-old self. “I would tell her to keep on being persistent and don’t get dragged down,” she says. “The best advice I have ever been given was actually at dental school. We were always encouraged to go and do our own research and nd our own answers, because no one will hand them to you. And this is what I did with music. No one came up and just gave me instructions on how to make music, I had to learn and nd every possible way to reach my goal on my own.” And just like that, she has. “No one came up and just gave me instructions on how to make music, I had to learn and nd every possible way to reach my goal on my own.” COS_118_076to083_ChitChat Cosmicat V2_13389308.indd 8027/09/2024 14:3781 Chit Chat Dress: Elisabetta Franchi Earrings: Swarovski COS_118_076to083_ChitChat Cosmicat V2_13389308.indd 8127/09/2024 14:37Are your favourite health trends actually making you sick? W O R D S B Y M E G A N T O M O S TikTok’s Wellness Fever SLEEPY GIRL MOCKTAIL What’s the tea? This viral recipe, usually a mix of tart cherry juice, magnesium and prebiotic soda, is touted as a sleep aid on our fyps. What’s the verdict? It should be renamed the Interrupted Sleep Mocktail. After sipping on this mocktail you may wake up multiple times a night, due to its high sugar content, which can lead to over eating the following day. It’s better to ditch the sweet ingredients and just take the magnesium. MAGNESIUM SUPPLEMENTS What’s the tea? Magnesium helps regulate neurotransmitters that are directly related to sleep, as well as taming anxiety, depression symptoms, and calming the central nervous system. What’s the verdict? Most people who take magnesium supplements don’t experience side effects, but magnesium can cause gut-related issues, especially when taken in large doses. 75-HARD CHALLENGE What’s the tea? This fitness challenge is a strict regime for 75 days that allows for no cheat meals and two daily 45-minute workouts. What’s the verdict? It’s too strict and you’re unlikely to continue after the 75 days. It’s better to live a balanced lifestyle and implement manageable changes that you can stick to. It’s hard to imagine a time before hot girl walks, Stanley cups, and green juices. TikTok trends have a way of seeping into our collective consciousness. For our generation, being health-conscious or on a “ tness journey” has become aspirational – a far cry from the “woo-woo” perception wellness had before the pandemic. Now of course, these trends taking up a sizable portion of TikTok’s algorithm, and everyone seems to have an input. So, how trustworthy are the trends ooding our feeds? Just ask Lima Fazaa, a DHA-licensed clinical dietitian and health coach at AIG Clinics & Dubai London Hospital. Lima breaks down all our favourite trends to decipher healthy habits from eeting fads. 82 COS_118_Tiktok V3_13389313.indd 8227/09/2024 15:10LION’S MANE MUSHROOMS What’s the tea? These edible mushrooms are used in traditional Chinese medicine and in Native American healing practices. You can eat them raw, dried or cooked. They also come as a supplement in capsule, liquid and powder forms. Benefits include reducing stress and supporting your brain and gut health. What’s the verdict? They’re good for you, but consult a doctor before adding them into your wellness regime. LIQUID CHLOROPHYLL What’s the tea? Chlorophyll is what gives plants and veggies their dark green colour. Benefits include cancer prevention, healing wounds, skin care and acne treatment, controlling body odour, and relieving constipation and gas. What’s the verdict? It’s good, but you can get much better benefits if you have a cup of spinach or kale per day. GREENS POWDER What’s the tea? These powders blend freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, digestive enzymes, probiotics, fibre and extracts into a fine, mixable powder that can be taken with juice or water. What’s the verdict? It’s ok as an addition to your daily diet but check the labels for preservatives and remember that greens powder is not a replacement for the real thing. CHIA SEED WATER AKA ‘THE INTERNAL SHOWER’ What’s the tea? Chia seeds are filled with fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals, and they help stabilise your blood sugar which can lead to decreasing your cravings. It expands in your stomach as well as making you feeling less hungry. What’s the verdict? When taken too much of it, it will likely cause bloating and constipation. So, it’s important not to have more than 1-2 tbsp per day. PROTEIN COFFEE What’s the tea? Caffeine can enhance metabolism and reduce the levels of hunger hormones produced by the body. Protein makes you feel fuller and demands more energy from the body to digest than carbohydrates or fats making it a key component of a healthy diet. What’s the verdict? A morning dose of protein can help launch you into day, especially when combined with the caffeine in coffee. SEA MOSS What’s the tea? Sea moss is a type of red algae also known as Irish moss. Consuming it can boost your immunity, and it supports your gut health and aids workout recovery. You can eat it raw and in supplement form in pills, powders, gels and gummies. What’s the verdict? It shouldn’t be taken on a daily basis – twice a week is enough. Sea moss is a product of its environment, so its nutritional value depends largely on where it’s grown. Chit Chat 83 COS_118_Tiktok V3_13389313.indd 8327/09/2024 15:108484 TR A VEL From theme parks and hiking, to beach and city breaks, America pretty much has it all. Buckle up bbs, because we’re inviting you along for the ride. WO R D S B Y MIL L I MID W O O D HOW TO DO THE ULTIMATE AMERICA ROAD TRIP COS_118_084to089_TRAVEL_Roadtrip_V3_13387968.indd 8427/09/2024 14:34The Universal parks – duh! Think meticulously rendered movie sets and immersive 3D rides at Universal Studios Florida. And for the thrill-seekers, you’re not going to want to miss Universal Islands of Adventure (we promise Jurassic World VelociCoaster will be one of the best things you do in your life). Little Havana. As the name suggests, this street is fringed with amazing Cuban restaurants with authentic South American dishes, cocktails, live music and cigar shops for all the vibes. The walls are super Instagrammable, too, with artsy murals on every street. Anywhere in the Brickell area – it’s giving DIFC but make it Florida. Personally we can’t recommend Four Seasons enough. From the incredible city views from your room, so the most gorgeous pool day at Coconut Grove, this hotel ticks so many boxes you may not even want to venture out. WHERE TO STAY WHERE TO EAT WHAT TO DO MIAMI Head to South Beach for a day in the sun. After a dip in the sea, stroll down Collin’s Avenue and check out all the cute shops and eateries. WHAT TO DO If you want early park access (a whole hour before the rest of the public, we hasten to add) then choose any of the Universal Resorts. Sapphire Falls was a personal Cozzie favourite. If you’re planning a trip for 2025 then make sure you pencil in a visit to Epic Universe and stay right on-site at Universal Helios Grand Hotel. WHERE TO STAY It’s not a time to be watching your waistline, ok? Both Universal Orlando parks are full of restaurants that are an homage to your fave movies. Head to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter for a Butter Beer in the Leaky Cauldron, then take the Hogwarts Express to Islands of Adventure’s Seuss Landing for it’s sweet shops that will live rent-free in your mind forever. ORLANDO Diptyque Miami candle, Dhs459 Brb, still dreaming of lounging at Coconut Grove in Four Seasons Hotel Miami South Beach or Maldives? PSA: If you stay at Sapphire Falls you can access the parks by water taxi WHERE TO EAT 85 Travel COS_118_084to089_TRAVEL_Roadtrip_V3_13387968.indd 8527/09/2024 14:34Hike up to the Hollywood sign (this will take you about three hours, so bring lots of water), visit the Grif th Observatory, take an open bus tour around Hollywood’s famous homes, and for all the VPRs fans, book a table at Sur, TomTom or Villa Rose (iykyk). Nike Air Force 1 “Los Angeles Patched Up” sneakers, Dhs685 WHAT TO DO The Hideaway for all the delicious Mexican; Craig’s for an authentic Hollywood hotspot where paparazzi literally wait outside; and Wally’s Wine Bar for sundowners and nibbles. WHERE TO EAT LOS ANGELES The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills for a hotel with unrivalled views and a level of service that will make you feel like one of LA’s very own celebrities. Make sure you pencil in time to visit The Rooftop or sit by the pool; the views from up there are literally so good your camera roll will be bursting of photos and videos from every angle. Or, if you want to live your best Pretty Woman life, the Beverly Wilshire is just about as iconic LA as it comes. WHERE TO STAY Cute coffees at WeHo hotspot The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker The Hideaway The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills’ rooftop bar is so good we went back twice Travel COS_118_084to089_TRAVEL_Roadtrip_V3_13387968.indd 8627/09/2024 14:34Lawry’s Prime Rib for warm hospitality, Art Décor interiors, and that all-important award-winning tableside prime rib cart service and famed spinning salads; it’s a dining experience steeped in culinary history. And if you’re a fan of Dubai hotspot STK, you have to check out the OG establishment in Vegas. Did we mention it’s located in the Cosmo hotel? Apt. WHERE TO EAT Prep yourself for next year’s opening in Ras Al Khaimah and brush up on your Black Jack and Roulette in the Casinos, obvs. We also recommend checking out the fully immersive 360 show at the newly- opened Sphere. And if you’re looking for a quintessential Vegas experience – a pool party – book yourself a cabana at Liv Beach. WHAT TO DO LAS VEGAS ESTILÉ Petit Bardot Flamingos mini bag, Dhs801 The brand-new Fontainebleau is everything you could want in a hotel: a state- of-the-art Casino, ultra- modern rooms with a view of the entire Vegas strip, and an arsenal of ne dining restaurants to choose from (make sure to check out Chyna Club for all your favourite Asian dishes, and do not miss Don’s Prime for a steakhouse that will absolutely blow your mind and your taste buds). WHERE TO STAY This meal at Don’s Prime is my Roman Empire Fontainebleau know how to do pool parties 87 Travel COS_118_084to089_TRAVEL_Roadtrip_V3_13387968.indd 8727/09/2024 14:35Next >