Lifeby Ruman Baig4 hours ago Cannes Film Festival 2024: A celebration of cinema, advocacy, and star power.Cannes Film Festival 2024: When And Where?From May 14th to 25th, the French Riviera will be the epicenter of global cinema, showcasing the best in filmmaking talent. Here’s everything you need to know about the most anticipated event in the film industry calendar.Cannes Film Festival 2024: A Platform for AdvocacyThis year, the Festival de Cannes will shine a spotlight on pressing social issues through compelling storytelling. French actress, director, and producer Judith Godrèche’s new short film will spotlight the experiences of sexual violence survivors. By amplifying these voices, Cannes aims to raise awareness and provoke meaningful conversations.Star-Studded OpeningsThe 77th edition of the Festival de Cannes will kick off in style with legendary actress Meryl Streep as the guest of honor at the opening ceremony on May 14th. With an illustrious career, Streep’s presence sets the stage for an unforgettable festival launch. The closing ceremony on May 25th will feature awards presented by the esteemed President of the Jury, Greta Gerwig.Cannes Film Festival 2024: Diverse Jury LineupUnder the leadership of Jury President Greta Gerwig, the 77th Festival de Cannes boasts a diverse and accomplished jury panel. From Turkish screenwriter Ebru Ceylan to Lebanese director Nadine Labaki, the jury represents a global perspective on cinema. Together, they will have the honor of awarding the coveted Palme d’Or to one of the 22 films competing for the prestigious prize.Cannes ClassicsThe Cannes Classics selection celebrates the rich heritage of cinema with restored prints, documentaries, and special events. This year, esteemed artists including Faye Dunaway, Wim Wenders, and Costa-Gavras will grace the festival with their presence, offering audiences a chance to revisit cinematic masterpieces.As Cannes prepares to welcome filmmakers and cinephiles from across the globe, anticipation is at an all-time high. With its unique blend of artistic excellence and star power, the 2024 edition of the Cannes Film Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Feature Image: Getty Images  More

Life

43 seconds ago

Staying in the UAE for the long weekend this Eid Al Adha? Skip the crowded malls and predictable staycation spots – the real magic lies just beyond the city limits.
While everyone’s scrambling for brunch reservations, you could be kayaking through turquoise mountain waters, walking through whispering mangrove forests, or discovering surreal salt lakes that look straight out of a fantasy novel. Best part? All these experiences come with a price tag of zero dirhams.

This Eid, trade skyscrapers for starry skies and traffic noise for birdsong at these breathtaking natural escapes – all within easy reach of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. No flights needed, just your sense of adventure and maybe a picnic basket. Here’s where to find that “I can’t believe this is the UAE” feeling without leaving the country:
Al Wathba Salt Lake

Just a short drive from Abu Dhabi, this otherworldly landscape has taken social media by storm. The lake’s crystalline waters contrast dramatically with its mushroom-like salt formations, creating optical illusions that change with the sunlight. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for the most magical lighting, when the salt crystals sparkle like diamonds. Don’t forget your camera – the geometric salt patterns make for extraordinary photographs that will leave your followers in awe.
Hatta Dam

Nestled in the Hajar Mountains, this man-made reservoir offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the UAE. The vibrant turquoise waters against the rugged mountain backdrop create a scene reminiscent of European alpine lakes. Rent a kayak (available for reasonable prices) or simply enjoy the view from one of the many picnic spots. Adventurous visitors can hike up to the famous Hatta Hill sign for panoramic views that stretch all the way to Oman on clear days.
Jubail Mangrove Park

This protected ecosystem showcases the UAE’s delicate coastal beauty. The 2km boardwalk takes you through dense mangrove forests where you might spot flamingos wading in the shallows or turtles surfacing for air. Visit during high tide to see the mangroves in their full glory, when the water completely submerges their intricate root systems. The park offers free entry on weekdays, making it an ideal weekday escape during the Eid Al Adha break.
Snoopy Island

Named for its distinctive shape resembling the beloved cartoon character, this marine sanctuary offers some of the best snorkeling in the country. The shallow waters near the shore are perfect for beginners, while more experienced swimmers can explore the deeper areas teeming with colorful coral formations. Keep an eye out for the resident sea turtles that frequently surface near the island’s eastern side.
Al Hayer Forest

This unexpected green oasis in the middle of the desert is one of the UAE’s best-kept secrets. The dense concentration of ghaf and samar trees provides welcome shade during hot days, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic. As evening falls, the forest comes alive with the sounds of desert wildlife – you might even spot an Arabian hare, desert fox or a camel if you’re quiet and patient.
Love Lakes & Moon Lake

The interlocking heart-shaped lakes of Al Qudra are even more enchanting in person than in photographs. Walk along the sandy paths that wind between the lakes, or rent a bike to explore the surrounding desert landscape. Nearby Moon Lake, shaped like its namesake, offers a more secluded experience. Time your visit for early morning to potentially spot the graceful Arabian oryx that have been reintroduced to the area.
Wadi Shees

This mountain valley offers a rare opportunity to experience flowing freshwater in the UAE. The well-maintained walking trail follows an ancient falaj (irrigation system) through date palm groves and past traditional stone houses. For the more adventurous, side trails lead to hidden pools and waterfalls that are particularly refreshing after rare rainy periods.
Pro Tips for Your Eid Nature Adventure
Early mornings (6-9am) offer the most comfortable temperatures and best wildlife viewing opportunities.Many locations have limited facilities, so bring plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection.Weekdays are significantly less crowded than weekends during holiday periods.Consider combining visits to nearby locations (like Love Lakes and Al Qudra Lakes) for a full day of exploration.

This Eid Al Adha, embrace the spirit of adventure and discovery by exploring these natural treasures. Whether you’re seeking peaceful reflection, family bonding time, or thrilling outdoor activities, the UAE’s diverse landscapes offer something for everyone. Pack your sense of wonder along with your picnic basket, and prepare to be amazed by the natural beauty that exists just beyond our urban centers.
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Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
2 hours ago

Designed for the avid traveller, minimalist and art enthusiast, coffee table books have become a décor staple in every home.
As a visually stunning aesthetic designed to be placed on coffee tables, bedside tables, dining tables and even TV consoles, coffee table books have gained immense popularity over the years with its thick glossy pages created to educate readers of all ages.
Whether you’re looking to spruce your home or gift a memoir to your loved one, these eye-catching books can seamlessly fit into any shelf.
With eye-pleasing artwork and carefully curated pages, Emirates Woman has curated a guide of all the best coffee table books to invest in.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @_emilyshome More

When it comes to maximizing our productivity, showing up as our best selves, and crushing our career goals, we’re willing to do just about anything. But what happens when exactly what we need to do isn’t necessarily more but, instead, less? It might seem counterproductive to spend less time at work, ditch perfectionist tendencies, take on fewer projects, or even give yourself space from the grind. But when it comes to achieving a healthy work-life balance and being your best self so that you can perform at your highest capacity, setting boundaries and reevaluating your workload to help you manage your time both at and away from work is absolutely essential.
While work-life balance may look a little bit different for everyone, finding a healthy separation between work and life is key to feeling rejuvenated, fresh, productive, and ready to solve complex problems. We’ve partnered with La Marca Prosecco, our bubbly of choice and a brand that stands to empower women to make every day sparkle and overcome the challenges that come with work and life. Together, we’ve made it our mission to help you find success in the workplace and in your life. If you’re looking to finally find it or you want to rediscover it, look no further—these 10 tips will help you reinvigorate your work-life balance.

1. (Actually) take your PTO
Whether it be workplace culture or your own perspective toward work, it can be common to feel guilty when actually taking your paid time off. Switching out of this mindset is key to invigorating your work-life balance. PTO is part of your paycheck, and if you don’t use it, you’re essentially overworking for free. Time off is crucial to rest, recharge, connect with friends and family, and invest in hobbies that bring you joy. Working more hours than you should doesn’t always equate to higher productivity or being better at your job. In fact, taking time away from work can give you the space to return with better energy, mood, and focus.

2. Learn to strategically and respectfully say “no”
We’ve all been there: In an effort to do it all, be a team player, or avoid being perceived as “lazy,” we’ve said “yes,” and we’ve paid the price. In this case, that price is less time spent on other, higher-priority tasks, not being able to complete the task well, staying late at work, working when you’re not being compensated to work—the list goes on. Having healthy boundaries at work and declining tasks that would make any attainable workload unmanageable is not only acceptable, but it’s also crucial to your output and your mental health. If you don’t have the capacity to make an ask happen, say so.

3. Respect your coworkers’ work boundaries
If you want others to respect your work boundaries, start at home and give your coworkers the same courtesy. Not everyone works in the same capacity, and learning how your coworkers best work can help turn (or reinvent) the wheel and have a positive effect on your workplace culture. If your coworker doesn’t text you after hours, don’t text them. If they prefer not to be met with spontaneous, no-context meetings, be mindful and offer them other methods of connecting when priority communication needs to happen. If you’re on a friend level with your coworker (shoutout to all of the work wives out there!), practice professionalism and keep “work first and friendship afterward” in mind.

4. Schedule in self-care and personal time as you would a meeting
We wouldn’t skip a meeting if a coworker or your boss scheduled one with us ahead of time, so why is it so easy for us to cancel “meetings” with ourselves? When we’re busy, it can be commonplace that seemingly non-urgent, non-work blocks of time are the first to take a backseat in an effort to maximize our time, which is a quick path to burnout. Commit to yourself by carving out time for yourself to journal, meditate, exercise, connect with a friend, or pour a glass of La Marca to celebrate a work win.
In the short term, nixing your “me” time can seem like a quick solution to a busy day. But in the long term, neglecting personal care can be a one-way ticket to anxiety, distractibility, and fatigue. When you invest time into yourself or into hobbies that ignite your passions away from work, you’re investing time into being your best self so that you can show up refreshed and ready to better take on whatever challenges come your way.

5. Take care of your health
Don’t let an overpacked schedule or stress stand in the way of your health or happiness. Skipping a doctor’s appointment, opting for non-nutrient dense meals out of convenience, foregoing physical activity, or staying up past your bedtime in the effort to do it all at work can be detrimental to your well-being and can lead to decreased productivity, poor emotional health, and even physical illness in both the short term and the long term. Inversely, investing time in your mental and physical health by living a healthy lifestyle is crucial to maintaining stress, preventing burnout, and gaining and maintaining a work-life balance.

6. Batch tasks to increase productivity
Begin to tackle a task, get a notification for another task, start the new task, return to the first task, jump to a second task, repeat. If this endless distractibility cycle sounds familiar, you’re not alone. In a world of constant communication in the form of emails, Slack messages, texts, and phone calls, taking on a project without getting diverted to another can seem like an impossible feat that ends up draining our time and energy in the long run.
For focusing and making our work time as efficient as possible, we turn to task batching: breaking projects into certain steps and sorting them by similarity. By focusing on similar tasks and creating blocks of time to do them, you’ll waste less time switching gears, which will help improve your concentration and attention to detail. Some examples include batch responding to emails, attending or leading meetings, brainstorming, or more mindless tasks. Then, schedule them based on times that you find yourself more or less productive.

7. Let go of a perfectionist mindset
As much as we’d love to produce perfect outcomes all of the time, the reality is that we’re human. Performing perfectly and at the highest level at all times isn’t only unrealistic—it can bog you down and be a deterrent in your workday that can make moving on from tasks and letting go of work after hours difficult. Quiet your inner perfectionist, shift your mindset to the bigger picture, reevaluate if spending more time on certain tasks will actually create a better product, readjust your standards, and remember that you can be a high achiever without performing flawlessly at all times.

8. Reinforce the end of your workday and set expectations for other team members
In a world of remote work, the line between work life and home life may be more blurred than ever. If you’re still working from home (which undoubtedly can feel like “living at work” at times), it can be difficult to disconnect at the end of your workday. Having a set, after-work routine and establishing healthy boundaries is key to making a distinction between work and non-work and achieving the work-life balance that you deserve.
As you near the end of your workday, be realistic about what you’ll be able to accomplish before you sign off. Communicate this to the appropriate parties and pick up where you left off tomorrow. Set expectations with your bosses and coworkers ahead of time to protect your after-work time. One example includes saying something along the lines of, “feel free to leave me a message while I’m away, but please note that I will respond when I return to work tomorrow.” Just because we live in a world where we can be accessed at all times doesn’t mean that we should be. And if you find yourself having difficulty peeling yourself away from work tasks, it might be helpful to schedule after-work plans or activities to help you physically sign off from your day.

9. Communicate workload issues with your manager
If, time and time again, you find your workload spilling into your after-work hours or are having difficulty meeting certain deadlines, consider setting up a meeting with your manager to discuss workload so that you can spend your evenings, early mornings, and weekends resting, recharging, and refueling. Give your manager an overview of what your workload looks like at the moment, insight on how long certain tasks take, and solutions such as delegating tasks to other employees, rescheduling lower priority tasks, or changing a particular process (such as turning a solo project into a group effort). Speaking up when you’re feeling overwhelmed gives your manager the opportunity to support you so that you can be your best self.

10. Take breaks to leave your work area for small periods of time throughout the day
When you’re working on a complex issue or find yourself with a full plate of work, it can be easy to convince yourself that you don’t have time for a break. In reality, research shows that taking a break (even a small one), can restore motivation, increase creativity, boost productivity, and have a positive effect on your well-being. Taking a quick break or your full lunch break is a very necessary way to help loosen the grip of work stress and gain balance in your life.

La Marca Prosecco is an elegant sparkling wine grown in the heart of Italy’s Prosecco region. La Marca Prosecco believes in celebrating the joy in everyday moments, including the tireless work that so many women go through to make their dreams come true. A focus on career empowerment has always been part of The Everygirl’s mission, and our partnership with La Marca Prosecco has helped us take that mission into the real world with live and virtual events, small business grants, and more. Let’s raise a glass to that!

This post is sponsored by La Marca Prosecco, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl Media Group editorial board. More

We all send and receive so many emails every day that it’s easy to forget that email is a tool—a tool most of us were never taught how to use. Knowing how to create and send effective emails, while also making the most of an organized inbox, can save you a lot of time, improve your email communications, and boost your productivity.
Successful women understand the power of leveraging email to their advantage, so let’s break down seven email tips, tricks, and hacks that successful women utilize daily to be at the top of their email a-game.

7 Game-Changing Email Secrets Successful Women Know

1. They know the power of a strong subject line
Successful women know that first impressions matter and that a well-crafted subject line can make or break an email’s impact. They opt for concise, specific subject lines that summarize the main purpose or request of the message. By captivating the recipient’s attention with a compelling subject line, you increase the likelihood of the recipient opening and responding to your email promptly.
For example, instead of writing “Meeting Request” they might opt for “Meeting on Project X Due Friday”. This subject line clearly communicates the intention and urgency of the email, capturing the recipient’s attention from the start. Or instead of using a subject like “Project Update”, they would write “X Project Update: Milestone Achievement and Next Steps Discussion”.

2. They use confident and authoritative phrasing
Phrasing plays a crucial role in conveying messages effectively. Successful women choose their words carefully, ensuring their emails are clear, concise, and free from unnecessary jargon. They aim to get their point across without overwhelming the recipient with lengthy explanations. By mastering the art of phrasing, they make their messages more digestible and easier to respond to.
Successful women also avoid excessive apologies or self-deprecating language, as it can undermine their confidence and authority. They choose words that convey professionalism, respect, and assertiveness, while still maintaining a friendly tone.
Here are a few phrases that you can benefit from learning to avoid including in your upcoming emails:

Sorry: While apologies have their place, overusing the word “sorry” can undermine confidence and unnecessarily take responsibility. Instead, focus on addressing any mistakes or issues directly and offer solutions or alternatives when necessary.
Just or only: These words can downplay your confidence and diminish the importance of your message. For example, saying “I just wanted to check” or “I only have a quick question” may make you appear unsure or less credible. Be direct and assertive in your communication.
Actually: This word can accidentally come across as condescending or corrective. Instead, strive to provide information or clarify points without using language that may appear dismissive.
I think or I feel: While it’s important to express your opinions, using phrases like “I think” or “I feel” can weaken your message. Instead, state your viewpoint confidently as a fact without hedging or apologizing for your perspective.
Abbreviations or text-speak: In a professional setting, it’s best to avoid abbreviations or text-speak like “OMG” or “LOL.” Opt for complete and proper sentences to maintain a polished and respectful tone.

3. They tailor salutations and signoffs
The salutation and signoff set and enforce the tone for an email. Successful women tailor their salutations based on the level of familiarity with the recipient. They use “dear” for formal or unfamiliar contacts and “hi” or “hello” for more informal relationships. Similarly, they select signoffs like “best regards” or “sincerely” for formal correspondence and “thanks” or “warm regards” for more casual or friendly interactions. Paying attention to these details showcases professionalism and respect and can help you maintain healthy business relationships.

4. They have templates for everything
To save time and maintain consistency, successful women create email templates for commonly used messages. Templates act as a starting point, allowing them to customize the content as needed. Whether it’s a follow-up email, a request for information, or a meeting invitation, templates streamline the email composition process, ensuring efficiency without compromising personalization.
Templates are especially helpful for any email communications you send out repeatedly with detailed instructions. For example, if you onboard a lot of contract workers as a part of your role, you’ll want to have an email template ready to go with clear onboarding instructions. That way, you can skip repeatedly writing tedious emails while also making sure no important details slip through the cracks.

5. They organize their inbox with filters and folders
An organized inbox greatly benefits successful women. To help stay on top of things, successful women implement strategies such as creating folders or labels to categorize emails, prioritizing messages based on urgency or importance, and utilizing filters to automatically sort incoming emails. By keeping their inboxes clutter-free, they can locate important messages quickly and efficiently and respond to critical matters that could easily get lost in the inbox abyss.
For instance, they might set up filters for things like “Clients”, “Projects”, “Personal”, or “Newsletters” to easily sort and locate emails based on their respective categories. In addition to using folders, successful women prioritize their messages based on urgency or importance. They may create folders like “Urgent”, “To-Do”, or “Follow-Up” to highlight emails that require immediate attention or actions. By adopting this approach, they can swiftly identify critical matters and ensure that nothing important falls through the cracks.

6. They know how to manage their email time
Successful women have a lot to get done in a day. This is why they understand better than anyone the need to set boundaries and manage their email time effectively. They allocate specific time slots for checking and responding to emails, avoiding constant interruptions throughout the day. By establishing designated email windows, they maintain focus on their core tasks and prevent email overload from derailing their productivity.
So—when do successful women tackle their inboxes? A good rule of thumb is to check your inbox when you first start your work day to see if any urgent matters came up and right before signing off for the day to make sure no one’s waiting on an important response. In between those times, successful women use small pockets of time between meetings when deep work isn’t possible or when they’re experiencing an afternoon slump to catch up on emails.

7. They use AI to make their lives easier
AI tools like Chat GPT and Grammarly are invaluable for successful women seeking to improve their professional email writing. Stumped for words? ChatGPT can help you figure out how to phrase your email effectively. Just tell the AI chat tool all of the details you want to cover and it will give you a clear response. You can then experiment with different suggestions to refine your email drafts. Once you craft an email, you can turn to Grammarly or Hemingway for a quick grammar and spell check. Typos aren’t professional, so going the extra mile to avoid them counts.

The Takeaway
Mastering the art of email communication is essential for professional success and successful women have honed their skills in this area, enhancing their productivity, making lasting impressions, and navigating their inboxes with ease. Eventually, with enough practice, these tips will run naturally in the background of your mind, and you’ll be able to make the most of your email every day.

7 Career Habits Successful Women Practice More