In a city celebrated for pushing boundaries, the next frontier in Dubai’s wellness scene isn’t just skin deep; it’s cellular. Ankiti Bose, Founder and CEO of Terra Invest, is spearheading a groundbreaking journey with the launch of Shookra Aesthetics, a regenerative clinic that fuses biotechnology, AI, and beauty science to transform how we age.

Nestled in Dubai’s Business Bay, Shookra Aesthetics aims to redefine beauty as a reflection of vitality rather than mere vanity. The clinic’s innovative approach goes beyond traditional cosmetic treatments by focusing on cellular renewal and longevity. Using cutting-edge DNA sequencing, blood biomarker analysis, and advanced AI skin diagnostics, Shookra crafts personalised health and beauty protocols tailored to each client’s unique biology.

“Shookra is where beauty meets biohacking, a space where we harness AI to transform aesthetics into measurable biology, ” explained Bose.

By analysing over 200 data points in a single facial scan, Shookra’s proprietary system links visible skin health to vital biomarkers like inflammation and hormonal balance.

Clients benefit from bespoke treatment plans combining exosome facials, peptide therapy, and IV infusions that address cellular ageing head-on. This AI-driven model continuously tracks progress, adapting treatments to optimise long-term results.

Terra Invest is also building a “house of brands” around human optimisation, with future launches in digital diagnostics, AI-powered supplements, and performance labs, all interconnected through a shared data ecosystem named Superhuman. 

“Just like data transformed finance two decades ago, it is now revolutionising health,” Bose says. “Once you quantify ageing, you can manage it.”

Dubai’s prominence as a global medical tourism hub, combined with its national AI healthcare initiatives, makes it an ideal launchpad for this longevity revolution. Following its successful debut in Business Bay, Shookra plans expansion to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Singapore, and London.

In a city defined by reinvention, Bose sees human biology as the next great breakthrough. “It’s about restoring dignity to ageing and prolonging vitality,” she says. 

“Imagine living your last two decades as strong as your first five.”

Dubai’s flagship airline, Emirates, has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Dar es Salaam until November 4 due to ongoing civil unrest in Tanzania’s biggest city, which is also a top spot for tourists. The airline, headquartered in Dubai, cancelled 10 flights, five in each direction, starting October 31, with the suspension potentially stretching beyond the announced date if the situation on the ground doesn’t improve.

“Right now, we’re keeping a close watch on things,” Emirates shared in an advisory. “We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you.” Flights affected include EK725 from Dubai to Dar es Salaam and the return flight EK726, both popular with UAE travellers heading to Tanzania’s beaches, safaris, and the beautiful Zanzibar islands.

Emirates has also told passengers with connections to Dar es Salaam through Dubai not to start their journeys for now, as future travel depends on how the situation develops. In other words, if you’re planning to visit Tanzania via Emirates, keep an eye out for further updates; the suspension could last longer.

Have flights booked? The airline suggests reaching out to your travel agent for new arrangements or contacting Emirates’ customer service if you booked directly. They also ask everyone to check and update their contact info under Manage Your Booking so you’re always in the loop about changes.

Dar es Salaam isn’t just a tourism hotspot; it’s an important gateway for both business and leisure travel from the Gulf, with strong UAE-Tanzania trade ties. The city has recently seen protests, sparked by the exclusion of two major candidates from the presidential race and what many demonstrators say is increasing government repression, according to news reports.

Meanwhile, there’s good news for travellers eyeing Madagascar. Emirates has resumed flights to Antananarivo after a temporary pause. Starting October 23, flights EK707/708 are back in the schedule, signalling that the political climate there is stable enough for regular travel again. Passengers heading to Madagascar are now welcome to book as usual.

For travellers in the region, staying updated on flight schedules and local conditions is essential. Emirates continues to adapt its operations based on daily developments, prioritising passenger safety and flexibility.

The UAE Ministry of Finance has confirmed that new rules for taxing sugary drinks will come into effect on January 1, 2026. The move is part of a broader effort to modernise the tax system and align with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)’s new standards.

From Flat to Tiered: How the Tax Will Change

• Current system: A flat 50% excise tax on all sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs).
• New system (from Jan 1, 2026): A tiered tax based on the sugar or sweetener content of each drink.
  • Drinks with more sugar – higher tax
  • Drinks with less sugar – lower tax

The goal is to encourage producers to reduce sugar levels and give consumers more healthier options.

What This Means for Businesses

• Importers and producers who paid the old 50% tax on unsold stock may deduct the difference if the new tax rate is lower.
• Companies have ample time to adjust before the new system kicks in next year.

Why the Change?

1. Align with GCC and global best practices: The UAE’s tax system becomes fairer, more flexible, and easier to manage.
2. Support public health goals: By taxing sugar based on content, the government hopes to reduce sugar consumption, helping to tackle obesity, diabetes, and related health issues.
3. Modernize the financial system: Strengthens trust in the UAE’s tax framework and contributes to a stable, sustainable economy.

From January 1, 2026, the amount of excise tax on sugary drinks in the UAE will depend on how much sugar they contain. For consumers, this could mean cheaper low-sugar drinks and more options for healthier choices. For businesses, it’s a chance to innovate and reformulate products while staying compliant with GCC regulations.