Keep, store or sell? Make room for the new with our essential guide to clearing out your closet

Your alarm rings, perhaps you hit snooze, then it’s onto shower, breakfast and finally the all too often challenge of what to wear – a wardrobe full of clothes but nothing that seems just right.

Despite a seemingly full array of clothes in front of you, we all have those dreaded days when it feels as though we have nothing to actually put on – and usually when we’re running late.

The remedy? A major closet clear out!

Here, we uncover the easiest ways to part with the old and show you exactly what to invest in to ensure no more closet overload ever again.

Keep

In our eyes, if you love it, hold onto it tight. Whatever your personal style, if you re-wear an item at least once a month, be sure to keep it at easy access within the front of your wardrobe. 

Your favourite denim, smart blazers, well-fitted smart/casual dresses plus an array of blouses and tops make for a well-curated collection to begin with – you can always update with different accessories.

Keep clothes colour-coordinated and divided into sections that best suit your lifestyle. For example office wear, party dresses, weekend comfies, etc…this will make daily outfit planning a whole lot more simple.   

Store

Just because the sun is shining, and you can’t bear the thought of leather and velvet, doesn’t mean you won’t want to wear it once the weather cools.

Bulk buy a selection of clear plastic boxes to store above your closet or under your bed. Neatly fold anything you haven’t worn in at least six months – be it biker boots, knits or sparkly festive frocks - you can pull it out again as the seasons switch.

Chances are you’ll reach for these items during Autumn/Winter, but for now, they’re better left in storage to free up rail space in your wardrobe.

Sell

If you haven’t worn it in over a year it’s time to chuck it in. Whether it’s a way-too-tight leopard print mini skirt or a slightly-too-cowgirl fringed jacket, there’s usually a reason why you haven’t worn it out the house.

Purge your closet on unwanted items and pass onto friends, or better yet donate to a charity of your choice.

The Love-forever Pieces

These classic sartorial staples will have a year-round place in your closet.

Shirt available at Mango, visit City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Muscat

We could wax lyrical about our love for the classic white shirt - a piece so versatile it can be worn for quite literally any occasion, from the boardroom to the bar. This new season style by Mango Dubai is given a summery twist with embroidered blooms along the shoulders.

Black heels available at Aldo, visit City Centre Sharjah, City Centre Ajman, City Centre Fujairah, City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Me'aisem, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria and City Centre Maadi 

In addition to being extremely comfortable, these chic black chunky heels will be the finishing touch to any outfit.

Dress available at Zara. Visit City Centre Deira, City Centre Mirdif, City Centre Bahrain, City Centre Muscat, City Centre Alexandria, and City Centre Maadi

Zara Dubai has delivered the ultimate wear-anywhere shift dress, complete with super flattering batwing sleeves and a knotted waist detailing in a bottle green shade perfect for all-year round.

The Insider Tips to Buying Better

First up, lend a few hours to thoroughly clearing out your closet and getting rid of anything you don’t wear or love anymore – and be brutal. Trust us, it will be a morning or afternoon well spent, and even save you outfit-planning time - as well as freeing up precious space for new purchases.

Are you heading to the mall? Before of the trip, go through your wardrobe and make a mental note of what items you wear the most. Be it a black A-line skirt or a floral maxi dress, look for pieces that you know you’ll get maximum wear out of.

Make a list and stick to it. Whether you need a classic camisole top to team with everything from off-duty denim to office blazers, or a floral summer frock to wear to the beach and beyond, go with the item in mind and you might just find what you’re looking for.

You don’t necessarily need to buy there and then on a whim. Many shops will hold the item in your name for up to several days. That way you go back, revisit the piece and purchase with clear conscious knowing it’s meant to be.

Dubai is a nation obsessed with shopping. This obsession peaks every year between December to February during the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), one of the biggest shopping and entertainment extravaganzas on the planet.

It's a time when the city goes all out to showcase its best - this desire is especially evident at the shopping malls in Dubai. Mix buzzing hordes with retail therapy, juicy promotions, crazy competitions, weird spectacles, excellent entertainment, dazzling performances, and non-stop fun, and you have a shopping carnival worthy of the Guinness Book of Records.

City Centre Deira has been DSF's partner since its debut and has featured unbeatable shopping deals and unmatched entertainment at every edition. Here's a quick rundown of our past events during the 2016 edition:  

The Golden Cirque
From January 7th to 17th, we hosted The Golden Cirque acrobats who thrilled the crowd with mind-twisting feats of athleticism, magic and daring stunts.

The Colourful Mood
From January 18th – January 24th, City Centre Deira presented the ‘Colourful Mood' stage show, a quirky and magical experience of colour and artistry.

The Wonder Talents
The following week, child performers took the stage for a vibrant acrobatic show. Young gymnasts from the Kids Wonder Talent Show flipped, leaped, and twirled their way into audiences’ hearts with their jaw-dropping routines and colourful costumes.

The Imaginary World
‘The Imaginary World’ stage show at the mall’s Central Galleria featured an ensemble of skilled young performers, who transported audiences on a journey of fantasy and make-believe.

The Gold Rush
As well as a lively line-up of stage and roaming entertainment, City Centre Deira also gave away four kilos of gold at one kilo per week. There were opportunities to win the gold planted throughout the Festival, with shoppers being encouraged to search for gold coins with a metal detector.

The 2017 edition is set to be the biggest in the Festival’s history, with a line-up of experiences including citywide events, international shows, mega attractions, numerous shopping opportunities and chances to win for residents and visitors. City Centre Deira is embracing this year’s theme ‘Dubai at its Best,’ with non-stop fun from January 3rd to February 3rd. Slated events include ‘Drop In and Triple Your Win’, a promotion that gives shoppers the chance to spend AED 300 and win thrice that amount – every hour, every day.

The mall is also showcasing a variety of international entertainment, including the famous Lebanese theatre group, the Louna Show, for two exciting performances and a meet-and-greet with fans.

The high-voltage schedule will kick off with ‘Louna in The World of Seasons’ from January 21 – 26, ‘Louna and The Busy Bee Show’ from January 27 – February 1, and a meet-and-greet accompanied by a roaming band on February 2 – 3. Kids in the community can also participate in ‘Art Attack’ art workshops daily from noon to 9 pm on January 17 – 20 and February 2 – 3, and noon to 5 pm on January 21 – February 1.

So, ditch that New Year Party and pack your bags. Come on over to the Dubai Shopping Festival, and discover all that is possible.

Traveling through Dubai can be dizzying because there’s just so much it has to offer. Whether you’re shopping, dining, relaxing or just watching a movie, the city goes that extra mile to make sure you get an experience that no other city can match.

To make things easier, we've narrowed things down to a guide of activities on offer at City Centre Deira. It's one of the best shopping malls in Dubai to get an all-round entertainment experience.

Shopping

Dubai is to shopping as Paris is to fashion, and it’s impossible to spend any length of time here minus a single shopping trip. With over 370 stores and dozens of regional and global brands, Deira City Centre is a major destination for shoppers to lose themselves. From haute couture and toys to electronics and sporting goods, the mall will leave you utterly spoiled for choice.

Dining

All that walking can make you hungry! From elegant restaurants to lively cafes plus the International Food Court, Deira City Centre provides a world of culinary delights - succulent dynamite shrimp from PF Changs Dubai, toasty warm sandwiches from Potbelly, fragrant biryani from Gazebo Dubai, creamy French pastries from Dalloyau, etc. Whatever your taste buds crave, you’re sure to find it.
If you’re entertaining company, there are world-class eateries in the premium hotels located at Deira City Centre - the Pullman Dubai, the Novotel Dubai, and the ibis Hotel Dubai.  We recommend the La Fabrique Bar in Pullman's for their good food, live band, and stylish ambience.

Movies
Immerse yourself in the only 4D cinema in Dubai. Everything about VOX Cinemas is designed to deliver a cinematic escapade that doesn’t just bring you to the edge of your seat but pulls you into the movie. They also have ‘Kids’ Theatre’ – the first theatre in the region exclusively for children. It has brightly coloured interiors and seats where they can watch the best and latest kids’ movies in complete comfort.

Gaming & Rides
Exciting games and electrifying rides combine to create a playground for all ages at Magic Planet Dubai, a premier indoor entertainment venue with a wide array of rides, games, and attractions.
Racing simulators, amusement rides, arcade games, pool tables or bowling - Magic Planet has something for everyone whether they want high-speed thrills or a more relaxed pace. As a bonus, players can collect reward points to spend on prizes at Magic Planet’s Prize Shop.

There's so much more that this gorgeous city has to offer so you shouldn't restrict yourself to this list. Spend some time exploring Dubai, and uncover the magic.

City Centre Deira is one of the oldest and one of the best loved malls in Dubai. Established in year 1995 as one of the first combined shopping, dining and entertainment destinations, it redefined the concept of malls in the region.

Today, City Centre Deira has over 370 retail stores and services in an area of more than 115,000 square metres. It features an 11-screen cinema multiplex from VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet, the popular indoor family entertainment centre. The mall is also attached to a 5-star and an 11-storey office building.

City Centre Deira is located in Deira, historically known as the commercial centre of Dubai. Further emphasizing its exclusive address, the mall is located at a cross-road between Sharjah, Bur Dubai and Dubai International Airport.

Here are the easiest ways to get to City Centre Deira, based on your preferred mode of transport.

Metro
With a Guinness record for being largest fully automated metro network in the world, the Dubai Metro is one of the fastest and easiest ways to travel around the city. The ultimate in luxury public transport, all trains and stations in the Dubai Metro network are fully air conditioned. It is advisable to grab a rechargeable Nol Card if you're planning on long travels. These cards can be used at all metro stations and some bus stations.

If you're looking to travel to City Centre Deira, you can hop on the red line of the Dubai Metro and get down at City Centre Deira Metro Station. The station is conveniently located just a few steps away from the mall. Make sure you use Exit 1 on the east side station to go to the mall.

Bus
The Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai operates an extensive network of bus and taxi services to ease your travel around Dubai. There is a bus station very near the mall entrance and you can avail a number of busses from all around Dubai and Sharjah to easily reach City Centre Deira.

Taxi
City Centre Deira offers its own dedicated pick-up and drop-off taxi services. Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority of Dubai operates a range of taxi services to travel around Dubai. You can also hail a private taxi from anywhere in Dubai to get to City Centre Deira.

Personal Vehicles
If you have access to a private vehicle and have basic knowledge about directions around Dubai, it might be the most convenient option. You will have the ease and freedom to travel at your own leisure, without having to wait for taxis or risk missing busses and metro trains.

For more details and directions on how to get to City Centre Deira, click here.

If you're flying to Dubai, you’ll find plenty of hotels near the Dubai airport where you can stop for a few nights. But to make the most of your stopover, and soak up the delights of this city in comfort while staying close to the airport, check out the following list of hotels. Their proximity to the main stops including the airport and Dubai Metro makes them a perfect base from which to explore the city.

Of course, a few nights' stay may not be enough. This is Dubai, after all!

ibis Dubai

ibis City Centre Deira Dubai provides excellent value for money, with modern, comfortable and well-designed en-suite bedrooms with everything you need including flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The hotel features 365 rooms spread over nine floors, including 268 double rooms, 95 twin rooms and two rooms for guests with special needs. Amenities include an international restaurant, a terrace cafe, a lobby bar, and a fitness centre, as well as Internet kiosks in the lobby and free secure parking.:

Additionally, ibis is located across the street from City Centre Deira, one of the top shopping malls in Dubai. It’s also 5 km from the Dubai Gold Souk and Spice Souk markets, and just a 4-minute walk to the nearest Metro station.

Novotel Dubai

Located opposite City Centre Deira Mall, Novotel City Centre Deira has 188 rooms spread over nine floors. It's close to the Dubai International Airport and the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, and 2 km from the golf course at Dubai Creek & Yacht Club. The hotel’s location also gives it an easy route into the neighbouring emirates of Sharjah and Abu Dhabi.

Novotel is equipped to provide top-notch hospitality – their amenities include bright, minimalist rooms with city views that feature flat-screen TVs, mini fridges, and tea and coffee-brewing facilities. Some rooms also permit smoking. Guests can select from a choice of eateries including a French bistro, an all-day restaurant offering a selection of international and regional buffet spreads, pastry corners, a lobby cafe, and the Novotel Lounge Bar. There’s also a sports pub, a rooftop pool, a gym and a kids’ (12+) club. Parking is free.

Pullman Dubai

Pullman City Centre Deira is an upscale hotel 3 km from the Dubai Airport, 9 km from the Dubai Creek and 14 km from the Burj Khalifa skyscraper. It boasts of 317 rooms, 225 Superior rooms, 15 Deluxe rooms, 62 Executive rooms, as well as 15 suites - 6 Executive, 8 Junior & one Presidential. Their rooms are sleek and combine luxury with technology including plush beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, free Wi-Fi, fully stocked minibars, and tea and coffeemakers. Pullman’s suites also add separate living areas along with free breakfast and lounge access.

Choose from multiple dining options including a rooftop bar by a heated pool and a restaurant with live cooking stations. There's a gym, a tennis court, and a spa, plus free parking and an airport shuttle. The City Centre Deira Shopping Mall nearby offers plenty of venues for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Taking a trip to Dubai? Welcome, and enjoy your stay!

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  We believe your bedroom should be a personal sanctuary. A place to switch off from the rest of the world and drift off into a comfortable snooze.

  While we’re all for colourful ornaments, bright art and a mishmash of printed pillows, when it comes to your bedroom, it’s usually best to keep the decor simple and clean. The fewer items in the room to distract you while you try to sleep, the better.

  The same applies to wall and colour palettes – opt for muted shades of grey, beige and white, which have been proven to help improve sleep patterns.

  The shopping malls in the Middle East are bursting with décor finds to fill your bedroom, from luxurious interior stores such as The One, Villeroy & Boch and Harvey Nichols Dubai, to more affordable buys found in Zara Home, Crate & Barrel Dubai and Home Centre.

  Scroll down to discover a few of our favourite small luxuries to turn your bedroom into the ultimate slumber zone now…

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  Jacquard rug, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

  Décor tip: Throw in cosy touches such as a vase of fresh flowers, your favourite framed photos and soft rugs for either side of your bed.

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  Duvet cover set, Crate & Barrel, visit Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif

  Décor tip: Create your own mini hotel room at home by investing in good quality bedding. While there is no need to spend thousands of dirhams, do look for the highest thread count possible – these are usually the softest sheets and will last for many years to come.

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  Antique-style lamp, Zara Home, visit Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira, City Centre Bahrain and City Centre Muscat

  Décor tip:
  Lighting is key to creating a relaxing ambiance. Look for warm, yellow-toned lamps and scented candles to set the vibe.

For more information on store locations within our malls visit the below:

UAE
https://www.malloftheemirates.com
www.citycentresharjah.com
www.citycentreajman.com
www.citycentrefujairah.com
www.citycentredeira.com
www.citycentremirdif.com
www.citycentremeaisem.com
www.citycentreshindagha.com          

BAHRAIN
www.citycentrebahrain.com           

OMAN
www.citycentremuscat.com       
www.citycentrequrum.com              

EGYPT
www.citycentrealexandria.com          
www.citycentremaadi.com                 

LEBANON
www.citycentremallbeirut.com

Home to a variety of restaurants, tourist attractions and the world’s tallest building, Dubai is all about  unique experiences. Be it a business trip or a relaxing holiday, Dubai has something for all its visitors.  Let us help you plan your itinerary and guide you through this beautiful city.

Where to stay

When on a holiday, more often than not, convenience and affordability becomes a priority. The Pullman Dubai Creek City Centre is just a 10-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. You’ll find City Centre Deira, one of the best malls in Dubai right next to the hotel offering you access to all a wide range of brands and attractive deals on electronics, jewellery, toys and household items. The hotel’s favourable location next to Deira City Centre Metro station allows for easy access to public transport.

Sightseeing tours

Your next step is to plan a tour around the city. If you grab a Big Bus Tours package, you can spend an afternoon sightseeing all the famous landmarks. You can even opt for a night tour, if you find the city lights to your interest. A special pick up service is available to the guests of  ibis City Centre Deira Hotel. Big Bus Tours’ affordable packages include hop-on, hop-off day tours, panoramic night tours, dhow cruises, entry to the Atlantis aquarium, desert sunset tours and lots more.

Dining in Style

A tour of the city can leave you famished. Drop in at Bistro Domino, the stylish French restaurant located at Novotel Dubai City Centre Deira. The contemporary all-day French restaurant with an alfresco dining terrace, offers a host of poplular dishes from around the world at its exquisite buffet, pastry corners and at the Novotel Lounge Bar.

Pamper Yourself

When you crave for some rest and relaxation, check into Soma Spa at the Pullman Dubai City Centre Deira Hotel. Here, you can spend an afternoon pampering yourself with the many services they have to offer. Choose from a range of traditional eastern therapies including oriental treatments, a relaxing hammam or an aroma therapy session. Apart from the spa, guests can also make use of a fully-equipped gym, complete with a range of cardio and weight-training equipments. Other amenities at the hotel include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna facilities and tennis courts. 

With something for everyone in the family, Dubai lives upto its visitors’ expectations. Combining the rich culture of the Middle East with the most modern attractions, Dubai is a great choice for a perfect holiday destination.    

Wonder why your skin lacks that healthy glow? Does your skin look dull or breakout easily? May be it’s time you adopt a skin care routine that works for you.

Here are some simple steps to take care of your skin the smart way. Follow this routine and soon you will have youthful, glowing skin.

Beauty from inside out

Beauty starts from within; so make sure you are drinking enough water every day. Include a variety of fresh fruits and veggies to your daily diet and you are bound to notice an improved skin tone.

What’s your skin type?

It is important to identify your skin type. There are 5 basic types - oily, dry, combination, normal and sensitive. Once you understand your skin type, you will be able to pick the products that suit your skin best.

Step 1: Cleansing

A great skin care routine always begins with cleansing. Clean your skin at least twice a day to keep it fresh and free of dirt. You can find cleansers for all skin types at Sephora Dubai, City Centre Deira. Apart from having an in-house range of specially formulated products, Sephora also houses other skin care brands. Their choice of products is specially put together, keeping in mind the needs of each skin type. Apart from skincare, Sephora Dubai also has makeup products and fragrances from various brands, both classic and emerging.

Step 2: Toning

Toning is needed to restore your skin’s natural pH levels. This step also makes your skin resistant against infections. Simply dab the toner all over your face using a cotton pad. Leave it on and continue following this regime regularly for good results.

Clarins Toning Lotion with Iris is a gentle and refreshing toner and works really well on acne-prone skin. You can pick it up from Boots Dubai on the ground floor of City Centre Deira. Go for M.A.C. Charged Water/ Revitalizing Energy if you have dry skin. This toner leaves your skin feeling fresh and is available at M.A.C Dubai at City Centre Deira.

Step 3: Moisturizing

Moisturizing comes next. It works best if you apply the moisturizer up and across your forehead, from your nose across your cheeks and along your jaw and chin. A moisturizer also works as a good base before you apply your makeup.

Bath and Body Works has a great range of products for skin hydration and vitality. For those of you who are concerned about visibly ageing skin, their Intensive Night Reversal & Repair Cream could work wonders. Bath and Body Works is located on Level 1 of City Centre Deira.

You can find products that suit your skin at Flormar, Glam Gals and Lush as well.

It is very important for you to regularly follow your skin care routine. Once your skin adjusts to the new products, you are sure to get that healthy glow you have always wanted.