24 Hours with Dana Al Fardan: How She Spends Her Day
The genre-spanning Doha-born composer, writer and symphonic artist has made her mark internationally for her ability to fuse neoclassical sounds with electronic elements and an Arabic influence
10:00AM: I’m a light sleeper, but usually wake up around 10AM to enjoy some quiet time before starting the day. First, a quick check of my emails and messages to prepare myself, ensuring everything is organised, including my serene sanctuary; my room. My house always remains clutter-free.
My morning self-care routine is the best – but longest – part of my day. From 10-11AM I start with a mind-cleansing meditation using the Mind Spa app, followed by an exercise routine called the Five Tibetans. My beauty regime includes cleansing with Espa and Skinceutical products, making sure to exfoliate on a daily basis, and applying Biotherma Apricot Hydrating Lotion that is perfect for sensitive skin. Sunscreen is a must, as I’m outdoors all day. If I had to pick favourite beauty products, I would definitely say Sunday Riley’s CEO Vitamin C Brightening Serum and Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil for their noticeable impact on my skin.
Other than my activewear collection, my wardrobe consists of bohemian pieces with a relaxed vibe. Some of the stores that never disappoint me are Zara, Free People, AllSaints, and Camilla. I believe jewellery expresses who you are, with Chopard being my preferred choice to elevate any look. Living in Qatar means I have a fondness for kaftans and integrating the region’s culture into my outfits. Frequent travel allows me to discover and support local designers. My outfit for the day depends on whether I have a work-out planned, but comfortable, chic sportswear from Lululemon is a C.E.O. staple. I work out six to seven days a week.
11:00AM: My breakfast at around 11AM is usually just a glass of saffron water with probiotics; intermittent fasting is what helps keep my body at its optimal health. Occasionally, when I decide to have a larger breakfast, I have a chef that helps me out, but cooking still remains one of my great passions.
Luckily for me, my work mostly takes place in my home studio. When I do need to record at Katara Studios, it’s an easy 10-minute commute, and if it’s autumn and my Rolls-Royce’s top is down, the drive is beautiful. If I choose to drive my Aston Martin or Range Rover, I decide my music accordingly – from orchestra instrumentals to classic rock anthems, there is no music genre I don’t indulge in.
My arrival time at work depends on my daily agenda and projects, and so does the time I return home. Decorated with personal trinkets, with calming music, my workplace is a soothing environment. Once I start my work day, I address any urgent messages, then schedule creative time for myself, when I can brainstorm new ideas or develop existing ones, which is the most exciting part of my job. My relationship with my co-workers at DAF Music keeps me motivated; it feels like a group of friends on a shared journey. Recent travels have introduced me to the beauty and rich cultures of places such as Turkey, Italy, UK, and other places across Europe (where my album reached number one in the charts).
12:00PM: I fit in a quick yoga session at 12PM, or a walk for fresh air.
2:30PM: I look forward to lunch, when I spend quality time with my daughter. My preference is usually something prepared at home, since I am primarily vegetarian, but when I treat myself, Babel for Lebanese (my favourite cuisine) and Roberto’s for Italian are favourites. My top lunch dishes are salads, cooked vegetables, and bone broth. For snacks, I have an iced Matcha, homemade date energy balls and chia seed pudding for its protein content.
5.00PM: Planning manicures and pedicures can be challenging, but Glow by Ihab at the St. Regis Marsa Arabia is my go-to place and I schedule myself in once a week. Their Brazilian keratin hair treatments are absolute unreal; a lifesaver with Qatari humidity.
6.30PM: At 6:30PM I enjoy dinner with my family.
8:30PM: I may be out performing some evenings, but when I am home, I cherish reading bedtime stories for my daughter.
Comedy shows are my absolute favourite night out – next to meeting up with friends. To unwind, I repeat my meditation, and play the piano. I love to curl up with a good book but I also enjoy historical documentaries or dramas that help me learn about different eras or regions as inspiration for my music. For night-time skincare, I use a retinol and Vitamin C serum alternately, and sometimes the Elemis overnight Papaya Enzyme Peel. Inspiration strikes me without warning, so I never have a set time to go to bed, but I always switch off my phone before anything else, and light candles. Just like my bed time, the number of hours I sleep for aren’t set either, I take what I can get!
Images Supplied
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia October 2024 issue