Food, music, entertainment, guests, venue, theme – the list of requirements if you want to host a talked-about and endlessly hashtagged party might be long but, according to experts, the real skill lies in finding the right mix among the various parameters.
Social media might have upped the ante when it comes to parties, especially if your goal is to have the pictures plastered across your platforms, but apps such as Pinterest offer up millions of inspirational ideas to suit all budgets and party sizes.
We ask four party planning and hosting experts to share their tips for throwing a fabulous bash.
Set it all up
“Planning, personalisation and a curated guest list,” says event planner Victoria Harrison, owner of Flowerwall Dubai of her party must-haves. “Plus, the right catering and drinks, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. And, if possible, space for a dance floor for guests of all ages.”
During festive season, many hosts like to organise gatherings at home, taking advantage of the cooler months by throwing open their doors for garden parties. Parties at home also allow for greater personalisation and tailored experiences.
“A successful party is all about creating an unforgettable experience that feels personal and effortless, yet luxurious,” says Ayman Fakoussa, managing partner at communications and events agency The Qode. “Key components include a well-thought-out theme or concept, exceptional hospitality, a carefully curated guest list, and, of course, the environment.
“The setting should reflect the mood of the event – be it intimate and elegant or lively and extravagant,” adds Fakoussa.
From canapes to buffets
Whether offering up simple nibbles, a buffet or a sit-down meal, party planning experts agree that providing food is a must.
“If you want to be a great host, I’d say it’s absolutely vital and an important part of creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere,” says Ziying Zhou, founder of Berkeley Etiquette. “The type of food you serve depends on the vibe, the space and the size of the group.”
She suggests canapes and nibbles for casual mingling, buffets for larger groups and a sit-down dinner for smaller, more intimate gatherings “where deeper conversations or a formal vibe are key”.
Attentive hosts should check each guest’s dietary requirements beforehand and have options to suit cultural and personal preferences. “Guests will come hungry as they are expecting to be fed yummy food,” says Lorate Hamzeh, founder and managing director of The Big Moo Events. “Live stations tend to be guest favourites, as the smell of freshly made popcorn or candy floss wafting through the air can trigger happiness. It’s important to make sure that plenty of food is available at your event as people eat, drink and enjoy themselves.”
Zhou adds: “At the end of the day, food isn’t just about filling stomachs, it’s about bringing people together and making them feel looked after.”
Helping guests mix and mingle
Throwing a party often involves inviting different friend groups from different areas of your personal and professional life, and it’s the host’s job to make sure friends from work, the school run, sport and hobby groups mix, mingle and meet new people.
“I enjoy mixing and matching groups that wouldn’t typically mingle as it often leads to interesting dynamics and conversations,” says Fakoussa. “It’s about creating a setting where people are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. One way I do this is by intentionally pairing guests with different backgrounds or interests during dinner or activities. This often sparks unexpected connections and fresh conversations.”
Have a loose plan for how the party will flow, but don’t stress if things need to shift a bit
Ziying Zhou,
founder, Berkeley Etiquette
For Harrison “the right playlist” is the best way to bring everyone together, while Hamzeh says “games are the ultimate icebreaker”.
“Fun trivia or active competitions are always the thing to do to get people to mingle,” she says. “We have giant games that we scatter around our events that help with making the environment more welcoming for those with a little social anxiety.”
Fakoussa adds: “The key is to trust the process and let the natural energy of diverse groups unfold; it’s usually the most engaging part of the evening.”
Happy host, happy guests
It’s up to the host to set the tone for the party and while you can bring every aspect together perfectly, if you’re not enjoying yourself, your guests will pick up on the vibe.
The layout should encourage guests to mingle without feeling too spread out or too cramped
Ayman Fakoussa,
managing partner, The Qode
“The key is preparation that will give you the peace of mind. Also, don’t be afraid to get some help if you need it,” says Zhou. “Try to get as much done as possible ahead of time – set up the decor, prep the food and sort out the space the day before. Have a loose plan for how the party will flow, but don’t stress if things need to shift a bit. Most importantly, remind yourself it doesn’t have to be perfect. The whole point is to have fun with your guests and creating lasting memories.”
Smaller or casual gatherings might entail less stress than large or formal parties, but having a vague outline or idea of how the event should progress is an easy way to stay on top of things and allay anxiety. “Creating a detailed timeline for the day and ensuring that everything from catering to entertainment is locked in ahead of time also helps,” says Fakoussa. “The key to avoiding stress on the day of the event is meticulous planning and delegating effectively.”
Top tips
“The number one thing to get absolutely right is the flow of the space,” says Foussaka. “Whether at home or a venue, the layout should encourage guests to mingle without feeling too spread out or too cramped. You want a space that’s just the right size – not too big, where people feel distant, or too small, where it feels crowded.”
Guest experience should be the ultimate goal for hosts, which also means not sweating the small stuff and taking it in your stride when things might not go as planned. Zhou says: “It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can relax, connect and genuinely enjoy themselves. When your guests feel looked after, it won’t matter if a minor detail goes wrong. They might forget what was on the menu, but they’ll never forget how your party made them feel or how much fun they had.”
The specs: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
Squad
Ali Kasheif, Salim Rashid, Khalifa Al Hammadi, Khalfan Mubarak, Ali Mabkhout, Omar Abdulrahman, Mohammed Al Attas, Abdullah Ramadan, Zayed Al Ameri (Al Jazira), Mohammed Al Shamsi, Hamdan Al Kamali, Mohammed Barghash, Khalil Al Hammadi (Al Wahda), Khalid Essa, Mohammed Shaker, Ahmed Barman, Bandar Al Ahbabi (Al Ain), Al Hassan Saleh, Majid Suroor (Sharjah) Walid Abbas, Ahmed Khalil (Shabab Al Ahli), Tariq Ahmed, Jasim Yaqoub (Al Nasr), Ali Saleh, Ali Salmeen (Al Wasl), Hassan Al Muharami (Baniyas)
Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now
Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Other IPL batting records
Most sixes: 292 – Chris Gayle
Most fours: 491 – Gautam Gambhir
Highest individual score: 175 not out – Chris Gayle (for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in 2013)
Highest strike-rate: 177.29 – Andre Russell
Highest strike-rate in an innings: 422.22 – Chris Morris (for Delhi Daredevils against Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017)
Highest average: 52.16 – Vijay Shankar
Most centuries: 6 – Chris Gayle
Most fifties: 36 – Gautam Gambhir
Fastest hundred (balls faced): 30 – Chris Gayle (for Royal Challengers Bangalore against Pune Warriors in 2013)
Fastest fifty (balls faced): 14 – Lokesh Rahul (for Kings XI Punjab against Delhi Daredevils in 2018)
The specs: 2019 Lincoln MKC
Price, base / as tested: Dh169,995 / Dh192,045
Engine: Turbocharged, 2.0-litre, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Six-speed automatic
Power: 253hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 389Nm @ 2,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.7L / 100km
Seven tips from Emirates NBD
1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details
2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet
3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details
4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure
5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs (one-time passwords) with third parties
6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies
7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately
The biog
Favourite car: Ferrari
Likes the colour: Black
Best movie: Avatar
Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy
THE RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Alnawar, Connor Beasley (jockey), Helal Al Alawi (trainer)
5.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Raniah, Noel Garbutt, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 2,200m
Winner: Saarookh, Richard Mullen, Ana Mendez
6.30pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Rated Conditions Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: RB Torch, Tadhg O’Shea, Eric Lemartinel
7pm: Al Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: MH Wari, Antonio Fresu, Elise Jeane
7.30pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,600m
Winner: Mailshot, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Genesis G80 2020 5.0-litre Royal Specs
Engine: 5-litre V8
Gearbox: eight-speed automatic
Power: 420hp
Torque: 505Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.4L/100km
Price: Dh260,500
Gender equality in the workplace still 200 years away
It will take centuries to achieve gender parity in workplaces around the globe, according to a December report from the World Economic Forum.
The WEF study said there had been some improvements in wage equality in 2018 compared to 2017, when the global gender gap widened for the first time in a decade.
But it warned that these were offset by declining representation of women in politics, coupled with greater inequality in their access to health and education.
At current rates, the global gender gap across a range of areas will not close for another 108 years, while it is expected to take 202 years to close the workplace gap, WEF found.
The Geneva-based organisation's annual report tracked disparities between the sexes in 149 countries across four areas: education, health, economic opportunity and political empowerment.
After years of advances in education, health and political representation, women registered setbacks in all three areas this year, WEF said.
Only in the area of economic opportunity did the gender gap narrow somewhat, although there is not much to celebrate, with the global wage gap narrowing to nearly 51 per cent.
And the number of women in leadership roles has risen to 34 per cent globally, WEF said.
At the same time, the report showed there are now proportionately fewer women than men participating in the workforce, suggesting that automation is having a disproportionate impact on jobs traditionally performed by women.
And women are significantly under-represented in growing areas of employment that require science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills, WEF said.
* Agence France Presse
How the bonus system works
The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.
The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.
There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).
All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.
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Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Stan%20Lee
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Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
Zakat definitions
Zakat: an Arabic word meaning ‘to cleanse’ or ‘purification’.
Nisab: the minimum amount that a Muslim must have before being obliged to pay zakat. Traditionally, the nisab threshold was 87.48 grams of gold, or 612.36 grams of silver. The monetary value of the nisab therefore varies by current prices and currencies.
Zakat Al Mal: the ‘cleansing’ of wealth, as one of the five pillars of Islam; a spiritual duty for all Muslims meeting the ‘nisab’ wealth criteria in a lunar year, to pay 2.5 per cent of their wealth in alms to the deserving and needy.
Zakat Al Fitr: a donation to charity given during Ramadan, before Eid Al Fitr, in the form of food. Every adult Muslim who possesses food in excess of the needs of themselves and their family must pay two qadahs (an old measure just over 2 kilograms) of flour, wheat, barley or rice from each person in a household, as a minimum.
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
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