Dairy foods brand Puck has announced the launch of ‘Recipe for Change’ - a Ramadan initiative to empower Lebanese women while celebrating the country's rich culinary heritage. In collaboration with Dubai Cares and renowned food critic Anthony Rahayel, the initiative introduces six traditional home-cooked dishes, crafted by Lebanese women, to leading Lebanese restaurants across the UAE and KSA.
As part of this initiative, 50 per cent of the proceeds from each dish sold in the UAE will be donated to support affected Lebanese families, reinforcing Puck’s commitment to being a true ally to mothers in the region by supporting women’s well-being and driving meaningful change in society.
In the wake of the conflict in Lebanon at the end of 2024, many families, particularly women and children, faced immense hardship, with displacement and loss of homes disrupting their lives. Through 'Recipe for Change', Puck is offering women a platform to share their culinary creations while also supporting affected Lebanese families. For the second year in a row, Puck partnered with Rahayel to find and select six women to participate in this life-changing initiative.
From March 1 until March 31, Lebanese diaspora and lovers of Lebanese cuisine now have an opportunity to make a tangible difference - simply by dining in or ordering online for iftar, suhoor or any meal of the day at Abdul Wahab, Al Safadi, Kaak Al Manara, Manarit Beirut, Habib Beirut, Mosaic and Karam Beirut branches across the UAE.
Mahitab Hamed, marketing vice president at Arla Foods, said: “As a brand with purpose at its core, Puck is committed to uplifting communities and championing women. Recipe for Change is a testament to this mission, honouring the culinary traditions of remarkable Lebanese mothers supporting affected Lebanese families.”
The six authentic dishes featured in the campaign include zenkol, mouhalibiya, macaroni bi creme, spinach and cheese fatayer, kebbet batata with cheese, and cheese maamoul. These recipes have been lovingly shared by the talented women behind them: Ibtihaj, Fidaa, Viviane, Nada, Amani, and Feryal. Through this initiative, their voices and culinary legacies are given the opportunity to be celebrated and shared with the world. The collaboration with Anthony Rahayel, whose passion for Lebanese food and culture, helped connect these women to renowned restaurants across the UAE, will also see Awani Restaurant in KSA adding these special dishes to their menu, ensuring the stories reach a wider audience beyond the UAE.
As Ramadan approaches, Puck invites everyone to join in the 'Recipe for Change' initiative. Every dish ordered is more than just a meal - it’s a chance to sustain a family and make a lasting impact on the rebuilding of Lebanon.
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
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Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Ajax v Juventus, Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
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W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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Three stars
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
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Brief scores:
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Lexus LX700h specs
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
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If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
The bio
Job: Coder, website designer and chief executive, Trinet solutions
School: Year 8 pupil at Elite English School in Abu Hail, Deira
Role Models: Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk
Dream City: San Francisco
Hometown: Dubai
City of birth: Thiruvilla, Kerala
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- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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THE BIO:
Sabri Razouk, 74
Athlete and fitness trainer
Married, father of six
Favourite exercise: Bench press
Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn
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if you go
The flights
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
Sarfira
Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad
Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal
Rating: 2/5
How to get there
Emirates (www.emirates.com) flies directly to Hanoi, Vietnam, with fares starting from around Dh2,725 return, while Etihad (www.etihad.com) fares cost about Dh2,213 return with a stop. Chuong is 25 kilometres south of Hanoi.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
