As the sun traces its arc across the boundless canvas of the desert, it paints the dunes in a fleeting ballet of light and shadow. Here, sculpted ridges rise in silent grandeur, their forms shifting with each passing moment, revealing a landscape of profound and ever-changing beauty. A stillness pervades, broken only by grains of sand dancing in the breeze, inviting contemplation amidst this majestic expanse. 

It is here, against the rippling dunes and the resilient flora, where two visionary women, Shereen Al-Mulla and Mahdiah El-Jed, found their inspiration to launch their own apothecary of pure botanicals. Rooted in their earlier explorations and studies, their connection to the art of herbalism and ritual deepened with their arrival in the Emirates. They discovered a renewed appreciation for the native plant life, which inspired them to retrace their heritage across the region. Witnessing the longstanding connection between the people of the United Arab Emirates and their natural surroundings, they founded hikma rituals, guided by the principle that self-care is an important act of self-remembrance.

Born from this rediscovery of the founders’ Middle Eastern and North African roots, each small-batch elixir is derived from wild or organically grown herbs and expertly crafted through a special blend of cultural lineage and traditional extraction methods. Their rituals provide a pathway to reconnect with oneself and the inherent wisdom of nature, mirroring the enduring spirit of their homelands. 

Whether through the preparation of a restorative herbal infusion, the application of a delicately infused oil, or the integration of floral waters into daily practice, each ritual fosters a heightened awareness of self and surroundings. This cultivated mindfulness extends beyond personal well-being, embracing a profound sense of place.   

According to Shereen and Mahdiah, mindful living transcends self-care. Across cultures, traditional herbalists didn’t just work with individuals; they were caretakers of their collective, providing healing and guidance to foster connection and the intergenerational transmission of sacred knowledge.  

“Echoing our ancestors, who served as guardians of their communities, we recognise our role in reviving ancient knowledge to reconnect individuals to a shared legacy of wisdom, interdependence, and a deep responsibility for both each other and the land that sustains us. Our purpose is to nurture a sense of belonging and cultivate a shared ethos of mindful care,” explains co-founder Shereen. “We are drawn into deeper communion with ourselves, the natural world, our loved ones, and the endurance of tradition. Our offerings are designed to create moments of serene pause, engaging the senses through the subtle artistry of scent, texture, and ritual.” 

Offerings and rituals also serve to reconnect individuals with the enduring rhythms of the land. “We seek to evoke a sense of grounding—a familiar yet deeply personal connection—allowing each individual to discover meaning through their own unique path, be it through quiet contemplation, meditative stillness, or the simple, mindful act of self-tending.” 

Seeking a sanctuary aligned with their nature-based, heritage-driven philosophy of deep nourishment, Shereen and Mahdiah felt most aligned with Talise Spa. Our commitment to holistic wellness has been elevated by their thoughtfully crafted, alcohol-free herbal glycerites, subtly harmonising and profoundly amplifying the benefits of each physical treatment. Our therapists carefully select botanicals that work in synergy to ground, uplift, aid, bolster, balance, or clarify, creating a more comprehensive and evocative journey to well-being. 

A highlight of these rituals is Calm, a botanical tincture of which 20 drops are added to a small glass of water to create a sense of inner peace in the quiet of morning or the evening. This blend harnesses the serene qualities of lemon balm and verbena, which work together to promote restorative sleep. Oatstraw, a tonic for the nervous system, works to ease the burdens of stress. Together, they invite a peaceful transition before or after sleep, allowing the mind to unwind and find solace. The experience is subtle yet powerful, designed to meet you where you are and gently guide you back into balance. For those who wish to continue this support at home, the full collection of hikma rituals glycerites will be available for purchase at Talise Spa. 

For Mahdiah, scent is also an integral part of her daily rituals. Both anointing with herbal infused oils and burning bukhoor hold deep significance. Anointing with herbal infused oils - whether at the start of the day, or before sleep - helps her set an intention, fostering presence and mindfulness. Burning bukhoor, on the other hand, shifts the energy of a space, creating a sense of stillness and marking transitions. Both practices are grounding and deeply rooted in tradition, connecting us to ancestral wisdom where scent has long been used to honour moments, intentions, and the unseen. 
 
For Shereen, the most important ritual is being in the garden, harvesting plants and creating medicine from them. There's nothing that deepens our understanding of the plant more than that hands-on connection. “When the plants are native to the land or tied to my homelands, the ritual becomes even more meaningful. It's a way of honouring the land, the plant’s lineage, and the knowledge passed down through generations,” she explains. 

“The UAE has a rich history of plant-based healing and sensory wellness rituals, from the use of oud and frankincense to the importance of cooling herbs in the desert climate. Our work with native botanicals such as Ghaf and Arta is inspired by the region’s longstanding relationship with plants - how they have been used for both their medicinal and spiritual properties. Henna, for example, has long been used for its cooling effect, particularly in the summer months when relief from the heat was essential.” 

Beyond their therapeutic benefits, preserving knowledge of native plants also plays a crucial role in ecosystem restoration and climate adaptation. Many of these species, such as Ghaf and Sidr, are incredibly resilient and support biodiversity in arid landscapes. By working with these plants and advocating for their conservation, Shereen and Mahdiah are not only honouring the past but also contributing to practices that help regenerate fragile ecosystems. “Our commitment to sustainable sourcing and traditional extraction methods ensures that these plants continue to thrive for future generations,” explains Shereen. 

Here at Talise Spa, amidst an atmosphere of considered intention, individuals are invited to fully immerse themselves in the experience of hikma rituals, allowing the essence of pure botanicals to resonate deeply and meaningfully. 

In these quiet moments, we find not only healing, but a homecoming. A return to the land, to our roots, and to the sacred practice of tending to what truly matters. 

Discover the immersive world of hikma rituals at Talise Spa and begin your journey to inner harmony within this empowering experience of self-discovery.