Elevated living continues to rise across the UAE, with wellness-focused destinations and activations popping up on the regular. But The ARKAN Life takes a slightly different approach, offering a wellness experience that moves with you.
Founded by Dr Jamil Dibu, a critical care neurologist with a passion for prevention and healthspan, The ARKAN Life is an umbrella concept and the UAE’s first evidence-based mobile wellness movement.
It’s primarily built on four core pillars: movement, recovery, nutrition, and knowledge. Each formed the backbone of the retreat’s programme, offering a holistic yet practical approach to long-term health.
Within the purview of the same lies The ARKAN Method Retreat, exploring what it means to live well through a science-led, immersive experience designed to make evidence-based health accessible, engaging, and sustainable.
The ARKAN Method Retreat at Al Wathba
Science meets serenity at this one-of-a-kind retreat. Set against the golden dunes of Al Wathba, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa, The ARKAN Method Retreat offered a two-night, three-day deep dive into wellness for a group of high-performing individuals.
The idea was simple yet powerful: to provide people with the tools to reconnect with the foundations of a healthier life, guided by science and shaped by experience.
Throughout the weekend, exclusive areas of the resort were reserved for participants, transforming Al Wathba’s courtyards, terraces, and desert-view rooftops into a private sanctuary.
Here, guests could switch off from their routines, connect with like-minded individuals, and focus on what truly matters: personal well-being.
A new standard of evidence-based wellness
What sets The ARKAN Method Retreat apart is its aim to replace wellness “trends” with science-backed practices that actually work. Instead of quick fixes in a world with dwindling attention spans, the focus here is on longevity, balance, and learning to thrive.
Each of the four pillars was led by experts who brought years of experience to the table, combining insight with approachable, real-world guidance.
Knowledge
At the heart of the retreat’s Knowledge Pillar was Dr Nicole Sirotin, CEO of the Institute of Healthier Living Abu Dhabi and a physician specialising in lifestyle medicine. Her sessions focused on cutting through wellness misinformation and helping participants understand what truly drives long-term health and performance.
“What makes the ARKAN Method Retreat so important is that it brings evidence-based wellness into the heart of the community, where people connect, learn, and grow together toward healthier, longer lives,” said Dr Sirotin.
Movement
The Movement Pillar was led by Paul Sharry and Siham Zaki, co-founders of SP Fitness Consulting. Their workshops centred on functional strength, mobility, and performance, practical movement patterns designed to support resilience over time.
“SP Fitness Consulting provides holistic, evidence-based programmes that build real strength, performance, and long-term well-being,” said Paul and Siham.
Recovery
Carlos Mendez of Bodytree Wellness Studio guided participants through breathwork and recovery practices that focused on both body and mind.
“Recovery spans beyond sleep and meditation practices — it’s about learning how to listen to the body’s signals and choosing the best path to bounce back,” said Mendez.
Nutrition
For the Nutrition Pillar, Suzan Terzian, a clinical and integrative nutritionist, turned science into action through sessions that explored metabolic health, focus, and energy.
“You have the power to upgrade your health daily. The blueprint for more energy, sharper focus, and resilient immunity lies in your daily nutrition and lifestyle choices,” said Terzian.
The philosophy behind the ARKAN Method
At its core, The ARKAN Method empowers high-performing individuals to reconnect with themselves through sustainable, evidence-backed methods.
By the end of the weekend, participants left not just relaxed but re-energised, armed with practical tools and a renewed perspective on how to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
The ARKAN Life is built on one simple idea; prevention should be accessible, science-led, and part of everyday life. In that vein, watch this space for updates on more wellness activations that might just be the right fit for you!
If the response to the first ARKAN Method Retreat is any indication, the future of wellness in the UAE is here, and it looks a lot like this: intentional, informed, and quietly transformative.
For more information, follow @TheArkanLife or email info@thearkanlife.com
Follow Secret Abu Dhabi for more news, events and all the hottest updates in the capital and beyond
