SimplyAbuDhabi XLV

A s Shelley Lewis says, “Despite the power and influence of technology, we’ve never been so far from our Inner Self.” This is the powerful motivation behind SacredSpace. ai, a tech-enabled journey to meditation and mindfulness, aimed at helping us overcome anxiety, burnout, and feeling low in body and spirit. This revolutionary approach to wellness is incredibly intriguing – not least because it harnesses the capabilities of technology – so often the cause of feeling overwhelmed or isolated – and brings them to bear on a transformational journey to tranquillity. That’s why we wanted to speak with Shelley Lewis, the Founder and leading light behind SacredSpace.ai, to learn more. She graciously shared more about her personal journey – and why the UAE was the perfect place to launch. Simply Abu Dhabi: Shelley, thank you so much for speaking with us. Could you start by telling us a little about your background and what led you to the UAE? Shelley Lewis: It’s my pleasure. I am English-born, New York- raised, and in 2022, I embarked on a journey to the UAE to begin a new chapter—one where my purpose and passion could align. As an entrepreneur with a background in the arts and wellness, I was drawn to the UAE’s forward-thinking spirit, its bold vision, and its unique ability to honour tradition while embracing progress. Abu Dhabi inspired me with its transformative initiatives like Saadiyat Island, a beacon for arts and culture, and the Abrahamic Family House, a profound symbol of unity and tolerance. Reflecting ideals that are deeply aligned with my own and my own vision for SacredSpace: to create environments that foster inner peace and harmony. Prior to this, in 2014, I founded SacredSpaceNY , one of the city’s first dedicated meditation studios. By 2020, I collaborated with Ross Lovegrove and Nagami Studios to develop The Shell , an immersive healing pod designed to revolutionize personal wellness. Now, in 2024, SacredSpace has evolved into SacredSpace.ai , a pioneering AI-powered platform designed to analyse user sentiment and craft personalized meditative journeys, co-founded with Deep Minds. Shelley Lewis Simply Abu Dhabi | 271