The lovely ladies of Sisters Beauty Lounge invited me to their Abu Dhabi location to enjoy a full day of their speciality treatments. Let’s just say: it was a day of indulgence.

Between sandstorms, temperatures in the high 90′s by April (!??!!), and the salty oceans, living here gets pretty tough on your skin. It’s no wonder hammams are such a huge tradition in this region, and Sister’s Abu Dhabi location has their very own Moroccan Style Hammam experience. I got scrubbed down in a steamy room and lounged with natural herbs and oils soaking into my fresh skin. I can’t believe I’d never experienced a hammam before! A body scrub and massage, that leaves you with the freshest skin? Totally going to be a regular part of my beauty regimen.

Next, I got an all-organic facial and a few 24k gold sheets placed on the parts of my face that have been damaged by the sun. The sun is seriously no joke here. I’ve never been sunburnt in my entire life until I moved here. My esthetician reminded me of the importance of including sun protection in your daily skin routines. And the gold is rumored to have been used every night by the beauty goddess, Cleopatra. After my gold treatment, she powdered my face with an all-natural mineral to protect my face from the sun by Eminence, which is also sold at the salon.

Due to the desalination chemicals in the waters here, our skin and hair is constantly prone to complete dryness. I got a repairing hair treatment and my stylist talked me through each Keratase product she used and what exactly it would do to benefit my hair. After, I was due for a blowout, manicure and pedicure which I have to admit, made me feel the most spoiled. Especially since all the procedures were done at once. I mean, really, how badass is this staff?! Sister’s signature manicures and pedicures use a completely new method I’ve never seen in any nail salon. It’s called the Brazilian Manicure/Pedicure, and it’s a water-less, cream-less treatment that uses specially lined gloves to moisturize your skin and strengthen your nails! It was super cool, super sanitary, and I’m typing this up while gleefully smirking at my pretty hands!

Thank you so much for the lovely day of indulgence, Sisters! I’ll be seeing you again very, very soon.

View the rest of the photos here: A Day of Indulgence

Last month I collaborated with National Geographic Abu Dhabi and Gulf Photo Plus to create a commercial promoting their latest photo competition, Photomentaries.

The commercial was directed by the super awesome Samer Arzouni, who helped me get through the nerve-racking process of talking on camera. Yes, in Arabic! And of course, mad props to lighting and cameraman, Nick Zajicek.

It was such an interesting experience, and totally took me out of my element. I think that’s really important, though. I love trying new things and opening myself up to different opportunities.

Anyway, if you catch the commercial-please try not to giggle too hard! It’ll be airing on National Geographic Abu Dhabi for the next month.

View the rest of the photos here: National Geographic Abu Dhabi

Hello! I’m still in Abu Dhabi. Time is flying. I’ve been here almost three months? Anyway, work is happening, fun is happening, and I’m doing what I came here to do: creation, destruction, etc.

Just some proof of life here. I know it looks like all water side leisure, but I promise, that’s part of the work. Or something.

View the rest of the photos here: Proof of Life

FIRST THINGS FIRST!
I’m selling signed mini-prints for only $10 each! They’d make perfect little postcards, flare for your refrigerator or even a cute little bookmark. Send an e-mail to yumnaaa@gmail.com for more info, and hurry! There’s only 24 for sale and they’re going to sell quick! Don’t mind the grainy photo, the prints are fantastic quality, promise.

Next, I worked on a 20-page travel guide to Yemen’s magical island of Socotra with Brian Okarski of Department International. It’s in the latest issue of Brownbook Magazine. Not to brag or anything, but between my words/photos, and Brian’s incredible design, this thing is pretty freakin’ amazing. Find where they’re sold in your country at brownbook.me!

And finally, on January 30th at Dubai Knowledge Village, I’ll have the honor of speaking about my work in Yemen for Gulf Photo Plus’ Slidefest! If you’re lucky enough to attend, I’ll be sharing some never-before-seen photographs from my last trip there. It’s going to be an incredible evening with great photographers. Best part of all?! IT’S FREE! To be honest, I’m actually quite nervous. Speaking in front of 400 people?! Insanity! Come join us at 7pm, say hello, ask me questions, and enjoy a night of visual inspiration.

View the rest of the photos here: Prints, News, Events

When I’m not blogging here, you can catch me posting photos on Instagram, @yumnaaa

Let’s be friends!

View the rest of the photos here: Catch Me

More soon…

View the rest of the photos here: IT’S OVER.

View the rest of the photos here: PRESS: ChinaShop & Time To Sign Off

View the rest of the photos here: Spring Gala

View the rest of the photos here: Love&Light

View the rest of the photos here: Melbourne pt III