September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
Rola Abu Maneh, CEO of Standard Chartered, is a power player in finance. Taking challenges head-on and continuing to achieve is in her DNA. We sat down with Maneh to find out what it takes to lead in business and how the UAE as a nation has for championing women in business.
Can you talk us through your career? Did you always envisage yourself going into finance and banking?
Even from a young age, I was interested in finance and knew that I wanted a career in banking. More importantly, I also knew I wanted to be a leader.

Leadership has always come naturally to me. I used to be on several sports teams and captained a girls’ netball team for a few years, which gave me a taste of leadership. It was a new role for me at the time, but one I grew to love – especially the more games we won. Of course, leadership is hard work. To me, it’s is all about continuously working on yourself and growing from your experiences – of course, while investing in and supporting others. It’s also about constantly reinventing yourself and staying relevant – whether that means developing technical skills like understanding artificial intelligence, or improving leadership skills, such as sharpening your emotional intelligence. I was lucky enough to have great leaders and work with truly inspiring leaders, so I now aim to pay it forward by mentoring, supporting, and creating opportunities for aspiring young leaders.
You’ve worked hard, where do you get your motivation from?
The truth is that I love my work. However, as I mentioned earlier, that’s because I picked a career that I am passionate about and have been from a young age

Choosing a career which you enjoy is essential — it will be much easier to stay motivated through the tough times when you’re already in a job that’s meaningful to you. It’s important to sit down and really think about your skills and talents — what do you want to get out of a career? Then, pursue a job that lets you bring your unique gifts to bear in ways that regularly make you feel challenged and valued. If you do that, you are more likely to enjoy what you do, meaning you are more likely to be great at it.
I try to lead by example. I’m direct, demanding, and inclusive, but I’m also a huge fan of simplifying everything in today’s highly complex world. This is something I always challenge my team with. Whether it’s putting together a new client proposal, coming up with a new process or developing our people, I encourage colleagues to simplify things and focus on what’s essential.
What advice do you wish you had received on the beginning of your journey to success?
While it may sound cliché, the best advice I recieved is to always believe in yourself. I truly believe that, by being confident in your own abilities, as well as following your passion, you will succeed. This would be my advice to any future leader.
Of course, leadership is also a lot of hard work. Success is all about working on and growing yourself, while investing in and supporting others. It is also a lot about constantly reinventing yourself and staying relevant – whether it is your technical skills like understanding artificial intelligence or leadership skills around sharpening your emotional intelligence.
In terms of women working in business, finance and banking in the region – how are opportunities changing for them?
Looking at the UAE, specifically, we have made great strides in improving gender equality in the workplace. This applies to both government entities and private organisations who have made considerable effort in supporting women and fostering an environment for them to thrive. This has been especially evident in the financial sector where, according to the Central Bank of the UAE, Emirati women account for about 75.3 per cent of UAE citizens working in the sector – a significant figure.
Women are also a key pillar of social development across the Emirates and, recently, we have seen the adaption of a number of policies and initiatives aimed at supporting them. It was recently announced that the UAE progressed 23 places in the United Nations Development Programme, ranking first in the region and 26th globally. Also, according to a World Bank report, the UAE ranks among the top ten economies exhibiting the most progress towards gender equality since 2017.
At the Bank, we also take gender equality seriously and we believe that inclusion is an organisational strength. In line with this, we have committed to ensuring that women occupy 30 per cent of our top-four levels of management by the end of 2020. What’s more, two of our four regions, and a number of our large markets including China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, and the UAE are led by female CEOs. I am proud to be one of them.
In addition, in 2019 we launched the Art Gap exhibition where we conveyed the message of equal pay for equal work, from the UAE to the rest of the world. It was a local initiative that hopefully becomes a global movement to raise awareness and support for equal pay for men and women for the same role. Organising this event reaffirmed Standard Chartered’s commitment to the UAE’s national agenda, which aims to make the UAE one of the world’s top 25 countries for gender equality by 2021. We would like to inspire other organizations and entities in the UAE to join in the drive towards gender balance, as envisaged by the country’s leadership.

However, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. What would you identify as the challenges for women working in the GCC?
To understand more about how we can empower women and pioneer female leadership, we look to the UAE. HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak announced this year’s Emirati Women’s Day slogan as “Preparing for the next fifty years: Women are the support of the nation”. We are proud to be a continuing part of the UAE’s success story for over half a century and are excited to support the country to achieve its goals in the next 50 years.
The UAE is a progressive country from a labour market perspective, Emirati women are very well educated, and the government supports the advancement of women in all sectors. In theory therefore, Emirati women have a wide array of working options. Yet today, women make up only 28 per cent of the total Emirati workforce, and participation levels are well below countries with a comparably favourable labour market context. In the absence of favourable working conditions, Emirati women are quite entrepreneurial and lean towards running their own businesses.
Although we are proud of the progress that we have made and share the ethos of planning for the next 50 years where we believe we will achieve more change and success. Women in the GCC feel empowered to make their own life choices. They have increasing aspirations for success in many roles: as wives and mothers, as career women, and as contributors to their community and country. They value national and community service and want to leverage their education and entrepreneurial spirit for self-fulfilment. These roles may differ at different life stages – for example, women tend to prioritise family when their children are young. It’s no secret that the financial industry is a traditionally male-dominated field and, despite our undeniable progress, a 20 per cent representation of women on executive committees and 23 per cent on boards is not enough. There is still a long way to go to create an industry in which women have equal access to opportunity and positive outcomes.
Looking back over your career, can you tell us about three major hurdles you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back over the years, a major barrier to female leadership has been organisational structure. Simply put, it’s unconscious bias, lack of equal opportunities, and the absence of your tribe. I faced a lot of challenges while climbing the career ladder. There were times when I struggled just to be on the ladder! It was not easy, but throughout my career I have always focused on business outcomes, open communication and confidence.
Institutional mindsets are another significant barrier and are a major reason that we don’t see more women at the top levels of leadership. People make assumptions about women at work and as leaders based on their stereotypical roles in society. Often, women are limited in their advancement or, worse, never given an opportunity because of bias. Lastly, it’s not enough to be in a certain role or have a seat at the table. One must also speak confidently, regardless of the odds faced. At times, women leaders may fear being criticized or rejected; however, respect comes when one’s voice is heard. Make your presence known as a leader and collaborator for good.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are your top three milestones from your career, so far?
Leading a massive workforce of an international bank in the UAE in itself is a milestone and a huge responsibility. It’s not easy juggling strategic business decisions with family life, and our UAE franchise has been through tough times over recent years. But I want to put UAE business back on the map and showcase what the UAE can achieve by delivering client-centric, digitally-led and innovative solutions to our clients. We have great potential. The UAE is at the heart of Africa and the Middle East, and we’re well-positioned to connect our clients from Asia and Africa to the world.
And finally, this is ‘The Power Issue’ – what is power to you?
To me, power equals impact. It’s not necessarily the position you hold, but the impact you’re having on the people and the world around you. What impact are you making on people and on the value of the business? Power comes from your ability to do that. Power comes from the relationships you build. Are you truly creating value and having an impact?
September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

We all have that person in our lives: the friend, sister, or cousin that you absolutely dread buying a gift for year after year. Why? Well, she’s just a little bit too cool.Finding a gift for the ultra-fashionable, on-top-of-every-trend person can be impossible to know where to start. Do you opt for a fun accessory? An out-of-the-box piece of loungewear? The possibilities are endless, but not all of them are equal. 
We’ve scoured the depths of the internet for the coolest, most foolproof gifts to get your most fashionable friend—from a cheeky graphic tee to a matching set she’ll live in. We promise: for once, she won’t be using that gift receipt.

Shearling Slingback Sandal

Update your friend’s slipper game with the coolest ones of the year. Available in 8 colors, these slingback slippers from Ugg are worthy of wearing for years to come.
(8 colors available)

Unfortunate Portrait
Haute Yoga Tee

Finding a cool graphic tee isn’t easy, but this one stopped us in our tracks. A cheeky fashion pun? Sign us up.

Boy Smells
Hypernature Neopêche Scented Candle

Not only is this one of the most popular scents of the year, but the gorgeous packaging from this up-and-coming brand will be something the cool girl in your life will have front-and-center in her apartment.

Wool Blend Beret

“Emily in Paris” made it popular for the season, but berets are here to stay. This is a perfect, safe accessory to gift, and will be a perfect thing to swap out their go-to beanie for.

Brinker & Eliza
Booyah Mask Chain

Masks aren’t exactly the accessories we were hoping for this year, but until they’re gone for good, we might as well be making them as fun as possible. This chain can be attached to any mask to make it a little more fashion-forward.

The Gracey Bag in Croc Green

It’s not easy to find a cool bag that not everyone has yet, but this one from a small, Black-owned business is worthy of wearing everywhere. It comes in every color under the rainbow, but we vote for this emerald green.

DEZI EYEWEAR
On Read Sunglasses

Desi Perkins’ eyewear collection was one of the coolest accessory releases of the year, and this pair from her most recent release is at the top of our wishlist. You can’t go wrong with these.

Abercrombie & Fitch
Vegan Leather Mini Puffer

This cropped puffer comes in every material and color under the sun, and anyone who needs to wear a coat this winter would be thrilled to have one in a faux-leather or faux-fur option. Dressing for winter just got a lot more fun.

Stella and Haas
Circle Initial Necklace

You can’t go wrong with a gold piece of jewelry, and this initial necklace shows that you went above and beyond with a little customization, plus can be layered and worn with just about everything.

Jennifer Zeuner
Carmine Enamel Ring

Depending on the type of girl you’re buying for, this fun enamel ring can be bought in a neutral, or used as an opportunity to gift a little pop of color.

Etsy | Flawless Drips
Purple Satin Face Mask

You don’t know how much of a game-changer a satin mask is until you have one, and this is the gift that will keep on giving (hopefully not too far into 2021). We currently have our eyes on this fun, lilac color.

Oma The Label
The Simone Ring

Give the gift of adding to your friend’s ring collection with this one from one our favorite Black-owned brands. It strikes the balance of being a statement, but also being classic enough to wear for years.

Custom Clear Watch Band

Anyone who wears an Apple Watch knows that it isn’t easy to make them particularly fashion-forward, but this clear watch band is one of the coolest we’ve found.

Siren Teddy Faux Fur Coat

Everyone and their mother is on the teddy coat bandwagon this year, but we love shorter, sweatshirt option that can be worn day in and day out.

A Hot Pocket of Conversation Knit Lounge Set

The matching set unintentionally took over this year, and this one with a slouchy sweater and wide, knit pants doubles as both loungewear and something your fashionable friend will love to style when she leaves the house layered underneath a go-to jacket.
Our editor loves this plus-size lounge set too!

Sam Edelman
Laguna Waterproof Chelsea Boot

The shoe of the year? The chunky boot, and this chunky (but not too chunky) choice is impossible not to please with.

x Atlantic-Pacific Faux Leather Trousers

One of the best trends of 2020 was faux leather, but given the nature of the year, we didn’t wear them nearly as much as we wanted to. This timeless pair will be worn for years to come, and we love that they’re a camel color, rather than a go-to black.

Mauve Beanie

The number of beanies you can have? It doesn’t exist, especially in this muted, dusty rose color.

  More

Our ultimate roundup. Tomorrow marks the start of Eid Al Adha weekend. If you’re not travelling out of Dubai or have booked one of the many staycations fear not as there’s plenty of other things to do in the sandy city. Sneaker revamp Your favourite kicks looking a bit tired? Dubai Design District is hosting a Waxfeller Sneaker Custom […] More

Following the new restrictions that have been implemented in Dubai to curb the further spread of COVID-19, brunches in the emirate have been temporarily suspended.
Per The National, a circular has been issued to F&B outlets around the city from Dubai Tourism stating that “any activity that leads to large gatherings such as weekend brunches” should be suspended until the end of February, in line with other restrictions.

Capacity on yachts is now also restricted to a maximum of 10 people.
It was announced on Monday evening stricter protocols would be put in place up until February 28 in Dubai.
Malls

Malls can only operate at a maximum of 70 per cent capacity.
Restaurants
Live entertainment in venues was suspended a couple of weeks ago and now restaurants and cafes are required to close by 1am.
Pubs and bars
All pubs and bars are to remain closed.
Hotels
Hotels are to operate at 70 per cent capacity, with new bookings to comply with the capacity limit. Meanwhile, swimming pools and private beaches in hotels to be limited to a 70 per cent capacity.
Seated indoor venues
Indoor seated venues including cinemas, entertainment venues and sports venues can now only operate at 50 per cent. a 50% reduction in the capacity of indoor seated venues including cinemas and entertainment and sports venues,
Tougher penalties
As per the new laws imposed, there will be tougher penalties for deliberately disregarding preventive measures, while the public is encouraged to report violations by individuals or establishments through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service through Dubai Police Smart App.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

With the much-needed five-day weekend just on the horizon, UAE residents now have a myriad of options on where to go for brunches and have the option to indulge in some delicious meals with friends and families over the break.
From scenic locations to Insta-worthy meals, here’s the best brunch places to visit as you look forward to relaxing over the long weekend.
READ: 10 of the best pool day deals to enjoy during the National Day long weekendREAD: 10 of the best staycations deals over the UAE National Day long weekend
Bull and Bear at Waldorf Astoria, DIFC

Inspired by the famous film The Wolf of Wall Street, this luxurious brunch caters to all the taste buds, with its range of innovative dishes. Located at Waldorf Astoria DIFC, this stylish restaurant can be found on the 18th floor, with views of the surrounding Downtown Dubai area. Every Friday from 1 to 5 pm, prices start at Dhs290 with an array of premium signature dishes.
For more information visit hilton.com
Cloud Restaurant & Lounge at Studio One Hotel, Studio City

If you wish to have an exciting catch-up with your friends and family while enjoying a Turkish culinary journey, this Mediterranean-inspired social venue located at Studio One Hotel in Dubai offers an ‘Above the Clouds’ Brunch every Friday from 2pm to 5pm with live entertainment whether you’re dining indoors or on the terrace and prices starting at Dhs180.
Fore more information visit studioonehotel.com
Hutong, DIFC

This upscale Chinese eatery is located in a foodie’s paradise offering free-flow dim sum, with 15 exquisite dishes to tuck into making it the next delicious hotspot to visit. Every Friday from 1pm to 4pm guests can visit this critically acclaimed restaurant for its brunch with prices starting at Dhs258.
For more information visit hutong-dubai.com
MOOD Rooftop Lounge at The Meydan Hotel

While enjoying the beautiful sunsets of Dubai, this newly launched Sunset Brunch offers inventive local and international cuisine with quality ingredients designed to give an urban rooftop paradise experience with luscious desserts and delicious mains. The beautiful venue is adorned with sophisticated furniture and will feature live music from the DJs. Enjoy this brunch every Friday from 4pm to 8pm.
For more information visit moodrooftop.com
Bab Al Shams

The Al Forsan Garden has the Ultimate Garden Brunch amidst the swaying palm trees and indulgent dishes for everyone to relish. With an array of culinary favourites, this family-friendly brunch also has a range of live entertainment activities for the little ones starting at Dhs385.
For more information visit babalshams.com
Pai Thai at Jumeirah Al Qasr

For those who wish to take a little trip to Thailand, surrounded by lush greenery this award-winning restaurant serves aromatic traditional dishes with irresistible Thai food from on Friday from 12:30 to 4pm with an extensive beverage selection and ambient atmosphere with live hits from a DJ. The brunch package starts from Dhs245.
For more information visit Jumeirah.com
Nobu at The Atlantis

For all the seafood lovers, this brunch is a must-try with a range of sushi’s, soups and salads catering to the vegetarians too. To top it all off, you also get to try the Chocolate Bento box which is the perfect treat for the long weekend. It takes place every Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 3pm at Dhs345 per person.
For more information visit atlantis.com/
Prime68 brunch at JW Marriot Marquis

With juicy steaks and vegetable sides, tailored to your preferences this steak lover’s haven is the perfect weekend afternoon delight every Friday and Saturday from 1pm to 4pm with prices starting at Dhs195 per person.
For more information visit marriott.com/
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature image: Nobu Atlantis The Palm More