Life

by Ruman Baig
1 min ago

A significant uptick in Schengen visa applications from UAE residents has been reported by The Visa Services, a leading Dubai-based visa processing expert. 
The company’s data reveals a 20% year-over-year increase in Schengen visa requests during the second quarter of 2024, underscoring Europe as a top travel destination for UAE nationals and expatriates.

Europe Reigns Supreme as Travel Destination

Europe captured a dominant 65% share of all travel requests processed by The Visa Services in Q2 2024, with the United States and Asia-Pacific regions following at 25% and 15% respectively. This surge in European travel coincides with a peak tourist season marked by favorable weather conditions and high-profile events such as EURO 2024, the Paris Olympics, and Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour.

Diverse Applicant Base and Changing Visa Trends

The Visa Services caters to a diverse clientele, with Russians constituting the largest group of applicants at 35%, followed by Indians at 23%. Filipinos, Egyptians, Jordanians, and South Africans also represent significant segments of the applicant pool. Notably, families account for a substantial 58% of visa inquiries.

While the processing time for most Schengen visas is within 15 days, certain countries may extend this period to 45 days.The company reported a 22.44% rejection rate for Schengen visa applications from UAE residents in 2023, with a corresponding 77.56% approval rate.

A notable shift in visa trends has emerged in 2024. While single-entry visas dominated in 2023, this year has witnessed a growing preference for longer validity periods. Currently, 45% of visas issued are valid for 3-6 months, while 30% extend beyond a year. Travel remains the primary purpose for visa acquisition, accounting for 70% of applications, followed by business, study, and medical reasons.

The Visa Services

The company’s impressive growth, marked by a tripling of completed applications in the past year, aligns with the broader expansion of outbound tourism from the GCC region. The Visa Services’ success is attributed to its reliability, expertise,and ability to meet the evolving needs of its diverse clientele.

As the GCC travel and tourism market is projected to reach $75.64 billion by the end of 2024 and $181.48 billion by 2036, The Visa Services is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for visa services in the region.
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I chased the idea of finding my dream job and life for a long time—and changed my mind a lot along the way. Once I finally settled on something, figuring out how to get there was just as overwhelming. All I could find were tips for being efficient at work, setting boundaries, and providing value to your employer. And while all of these are vital for moving forward in our careers, I was looking for tangible steps to help me move closer to my dream. 
I sat down with Paige Schmidt, a certified life coach for women with 10+ years of experience, to discuss her top tips for moving forward in your career and life in a way that feels aligned with the woman you want to be. She focuses on intuitive eating, mindset and financial coaching, and all-around aligned living. Believe me. You don’t want to miss this. So, how do you move closer to your dream career and life? Let’s dive in.

1. Explore what you want
When trying to figure out what your dream career is, you might focus on figuring out your “purpose” or “passion.” They’re the buzzwords we’ve heard our entire lives, but finding them is way easier said than done.
Schmidt takes a more simplified approach. She recommends we shift the script. The words “purpose” and “passion” can feel daunting. What if we changed those? What if, instead of beating our heads against a wall to find our “true life calling,” we instead focused on what is meaningful and fun? By replacing “purpose” with “meaningful,” and “passion” with “fun,” we open an entirely new world for ourselves to explore.
By doing this, we are removing the pressure we have put on ourselves to find the one thing we were meant to do. We are removing the pressure to get it “right.” Instead, we can explore what lights us up. Ask yourself: What would you do for free? What would you do until 2 a.m. just because you want to? Then, do that.
The proof is in the pudding. Paige Schmidt’s coaching business was born from her love of blogging which she stumbled upon while going to school for nursing. By following her joy for blogging and sharing, she started connecting with women and, over time, realized she wanted to do that more by coaching one-on-one.

2. Visualize what you want
It’s time to take it a step further. Once you’ve relieved the pressure and allowed yourself to explore, it’s time to visualize. Whether you just figured out what lights you up or you’ve known all along, visualization is a key piece to the puzzle. According to Schmidt, one of the most important steps to your dream career is to visualize who you are as the woman you want to be. 
Before she became a coach and built her business, Schmidt visualized what that would look like. She saw the exact pens, the computer bag, and folders she would use for her clients. Then, she went out and bought those things so that she could, over time, become the person she wanted to be.
So, grab your beverage of choice, get cozy, and dive into the world of your dreams. With a pen and paper, get detailed on what it is you want. What is your future self wearing? What does her hair look like? How does she feel? Write it all down. As you’re doing this, let go of the judgment of others and of yourself. (Remember: People will always judge no matter what you do.) Explore without limits. 
After years of experience and bringing her own visualization to life, Schmidt believes that the reality of what we can achieve is immensely greater than what we can see for ourselves. So, dare to dream big. Remove your limits. If you need somewhere to start, check out this guided visualization which is one of Schmidt’s most highly rated tools!

3. Become the manager of your future self
Once you define what you want your future to look like, it’s time to take serious action. You must make a choice to become the woman you want to be. And you must decide that you are capable of becoming her. 
It’s not that you must have all the answers to get started, but you must commit to figuring it out along the way. Once you’ve committed to not giving up, you need to be the manager of your future self. Do this by organizing and planning your days to set yourself up for success. So, how do you go about that? Here are the steps Paige Schmidt took in her own journey and what she coaches clients on today:

Source: Monstera | Pexels

1. Write out a list of what you need to do. 
For Schmidt, this list included what exact pens and folders she needed and also the first steps she’d need to take to make her dream happen. This doesn’t have to be insanely detailed. In fact, one of the largest roadblocks she sees with clients is that they think they must know every single detail in order to begin. Write down the first three things you need to do. Then next week, add three more. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

2. Add the list to your calendar.
It’s important to physically add these items to whatever form of organization you use. We all know how easily to-dos can get lost when they’re not our main source of income or part of our normal routine. So schedule in time—even if it’s just 15 minutes each week!

3. Take these commitments seriously.
Just as she wouldn’t bail on a friend or not show up for a workday, Schmidt honored herself by prioritizing what she wanted. Don’t let yourself down by not prioritizing these tasks. Make the time and stick to it.

4. Over time, prioritize more of these commitments as you learn to free up your schedule.
Give your future self the time you deserve. Schmidt started by dedicating three hours one day a week to coaching. As she got more comfortable and was able to free up more of her time, it turned to two days, then three, and so on. It doesn’t have to be all at once. Take it one bite at a time.

5. Keep your income from your “normal” job—and find the good in it!
Sometimes, if there is pressure to make your dream career your only income, the creativity that comes from doing what lights you up can get lost. If possible, it’s important to keep income coming in from elsewhere as you build your dream or as you apply for your dream job. This will alleviate some of that pressure and allow you to see where your creativity takes you.
Equally important is finding gratitude in your day job while you build what you ultimately want. It’s easy for many of us to lose sight of the “good” in our jobs when we know we want something different. But being disengaged causes clutter in your life, and sooner than later, your job will feel like a burden. This can cause negative energy that’s not good for your creativity! In order to continue to engage in your job, Schmidt recommends finding even one thing you enjoy, or that’s helping you for your future. Then, lean into that as much as possible to find that gratitude.

4. As cheesy as it sounds, believe in yourself
Hands down, the biggest thing Schmidt sees holding women back is their confidence. You must believe you can become the woman you want to be and step into your dream career in small steps. In other words, you must show up as her as much as you can today. 
It is easy to see people on social media or elsewhere that have done your dream career or other careers telling you that there is one perfect way to do it. But the truth is, there is no right or wrong way. As long as you move forward into what you want, that is all that matters.
You must learn to trust your inner self and follow what you want. Coaching was not a “normal” career when Schmidt started. It was not easy to give up pursuing nursing in order to step into the unknown. But she did it, and you can do it too.

5. Bring it all together
If you’re ready to take the next step and finally go for what you want or explore what exactly that is, take it one step at a time.

Explore what lights you up.
Visualize who you want to be.
Become the manager of your future self.
Trust yourself and stay grateful.

Unsure where to start? Grab a cup of coffee (or wine) and check out Paige Schmidt’s free visualization to see where your imagination takes you. And remember, go toward what makes you feel on fire. Keep going until you get there. Be resourceful and figure it out along the way! 

How I Made the Leap From Full-Time to Freelancer Without Going Broke More

Transport yourself to the heart of Italy with Dubai’s most loved Amalfi-inspired havens.
From freshly-baked pizzas to authentic handmade pastas topped with fresh parmesan, Italian restaurants are sure to impress on any special occasion with its universally loved dishes and romantic environment.
Be it a simple cacio e pepe and margherita pizza eaten with friends or an extravagant lobster rigatoni laced with caviar and truffle, each restaurant inspired by the Amalfi coast is sure to tantalise your taste buds with the finest ingredients.
To see where to book next, we’ve selected the ones that consistently come on top and have been tried-and-tested by the Emirates Woman team.
Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

Il Borro Dubai opened back in 2017, and has made a mark in the UAE with its sumptuous delicacy and luxe ambience. Il Borro has managed to become the hotspot in town for a casual fine dining experience within the Italian circle of restaurants offering seasonal menu offerings for both lunch and dinner. The hero dishes include the Bresaola di Chianina, parmesan cheese and wild rocket horseradish mousse. Located in Jumeirah Al Naseem, this one-of-a-kind Italian hotspot is a must visit.
For more information visit ilborrotuscanbistro.ae
The Artisan

The renowned Italian restaurant, The Artisan has a host of new À La Carte dishes where each item on the menu is carefully crafted with the finest ingredients, presenting traditional flavours in an elegant way. From homemade potato gnocchi to homemade cappellacci, there are a host of hearty dishes that transport guests to Lombardy in northern Italy. The Artisan’s new menu is a celebration of traditional Italian food, crafted with elegance and sophistication. With dishes that highlight the flavours of every region, diners can embark on a gastronomic journey without ever leaving the comfort of their seats. Located in Waldorf Astoria in DIFC, it’s open from Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 12am.
For more information visit theartisan.ae
Scalini

Captivating and contemporary artwork adorns the walls and diners are seated at elegant tables with crisp white linens, delicately accented with subtle hints of sage green soft furnishings and chic and elegantly refined tableware. Guests are invited to indulge in Scalini’s exquisite menu, with thoughtfully curated dishes that capture the essence of quintessential Italian cuisine, designed to be shared between friends, family and loved ones. Located at Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort Jumeirah.
For more information visit scalini-dubai.com
Roberto’s

This contemporary Italian restaurant has won the hearts of many, including ours. With fresh ingredients flown in from Italy, each dish is crafted to perfection. From oysters to Rawberto’s platters, this restaurant is a seafood delight. A must-try from their dessert menu is the freshly made in-house pistachio ice cream served with extra virgin olive oil which has now become a signature for tourists to try from around the globe. The restaurant is located in DIFC, Gate Village 1.
For more information visit robertosrestaurants.com
Luna Rossa

To savour authentic Italian dishes, this all day dining spot is located in the heart of Dubai in Business Bay. From traditional pizzas to signature creations like the indulgent Pappardelle alla Genovese di Manzo, the freshness of our Tartare di Gambero Rosso di Mazara del Vallo, and the decadent Pizza Tartufella, our menu offers a diverse culinary journey. Each dish embodies our commitment to authentic Italian dining, ensuring a memorable experience for every palate. It’s open daily from 8am to midnight.
For more information visit lunarossa.com
Limonata

Visit the new stunning beach restaurant Limonata, inspired by the vibrant nostalgia of 1960s Italian coastal char. With each dish being an outcome of a passionate odyssey through the heart of authentic flavors, guests can expect a myriad of delicious dishes including alluring antipasti, refreshing salads, moreish, which include a symphony of culinary creations that are an ode to Italian coastal culture. Located at Club Vista Mare, Palm Jumeirah, it’s open daily from 12pm to 2am.
Chic Nonna

The Italian restaurant Chic Nonna is the perfect date-night spot or restaurant to visit with your friends. With state-of-the-art interiors and a high-quality menu, the restaurant is complete with an open-plan kitchen, the largest wine cellar in the region and a sophisticated chef’s table. To create an inviting ambience, the space has warm cosy interiors reminiscent of a traditional Italian home. To make any visit even more memorable the venue offers engaging live entertainment with a striking DJ booth and raised stage for live performances. For the seafood enthusiasts, the terrace has an exclusive Crudo Bar that serves a selection of raw fish Located in the heart of DIFC, this sophisticated haven is a must-visit this weekend.
For more information visit chicnonna.com
Cipriani

With restaurants the globe over, Cipriani made its mark on Dubai in 2016. Serving exceptional Italian cuisine, the Cipriani brand has been a universally recognized icon of hospitality for four generations since Guiseppe Cipriani Senior first opened Harry’s Bar in Venice, back in May 1931. Open all around the world in New York, Venice, Moscow, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Cipriani has made its impact in several countries as it continues to serve the finest. Located in Gate village number 10, DIFC and open daily from 12pm to 2am.
For more information visit Cipriani.com
L’Amo Bistro Del Mare

Experience the outdoors at L’Amo Bistro Del Mare and enjoy a delicious meal and special beverages in the comfort of the open-air seating area. Equipped with comfortable seating, parasols for shade, and an outdoor bar, with a delicious selection of Italian dishes and drinks on the beautiful terrace, with stunning harbor views. With an array of options to choose from the menu, diners can indulge in a fresh Plateau Royale, L’Amo Bistro del Mare’s famous Seafood platter that includes Italian red prawns, Italian violet prawns, langoustine and more. Located at Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, it’s open from Monday to Friday 12pm to 3pm and 6pm to 11:30pm while on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 11:30pm.
For more information visit lamorestaurant.com
Il Ristorante – Niko Romito

The restaurant showcases framed iconic Bulgari archive photographs and brand heritage images that recall over 130 years of Roman jewellery history. Known for using fresh Italian ingredients flown in from Italy, each dish is carefully created and takes guests on a gastronomic tour. The menu varies from dishes such as homemade pasta, Spaghetti e pomodoro and more. To end the dinner,visitors can opt for the tiramisu or one of the seasonal creations like the buffalo stracciatella cheese ice cream, balsamic vinegar and wild blackberries. Located at the Bulgari Hotel, this one-of-a-kind restaurant, can instantly elevate any evening.
For more information visit bulgarihotels.com
Pierchic

Perhaps one of Dubai’s most iconic locations, Pierchic boasts unparalleled sea views, overlooking the Burj Al Arab. If you want a wow destination that makes an impact this is it. The food is also exceptional, as overseen by Head Chef Beatrice Segoni. Take a short stroll post-dinner across the water and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. Located at Jumeirah Al Qasr, this restaurant is a must-visit.
For more information visit jumeirah.com
Alici

Located on Bluewaters Island, Alici Dubai brings the heart of the Amalfi Coast to the Middle East. Specialising in seafood, but doing it the Italian way, the restaurant ensures the best quality in its produce and delivers nothing but the best in quality dining, both in experience and food with dishes ranging from the seared seabass fillet to the topinanbur cream.
For more information visit alici.com
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With an update to thermal checks being made on December 30, 2020, checking your temperature through manual mechanical scanners or thermal detection technology will no longer be a requirement for entering into various locations in the emirates according to the Dubai Economy.

As per regulations before, scanning was a must before entering into any enclosed spaces such as shopping malls, events, restaurants and workplaces before. From January 1, 2021, temperature checks were no longer required along with changed protocols such as covering the wheel with plastic when offering valet services too.

إليكم التحديث على القواعد الإرشادية والبروتوكولات المعنية بإعادة الافتتاح في إمارة دبي، اعتبارا من تاريخ 1 يناير 2021.
Here are the updates on the protocols and regulations to be followed with the re-opening of the emirate of Dubai, effective 1st of January 2021. pic.twitter.com/vJjc288j6C
— اقتصادية دبي (@Dubai_DED) December 30, 2020

All social distancing rules must continue to be followed such as wearing masks at all times, maintaining the required distance and complying with the safety measures.
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There are cakes, and then there are Mélange cakes.
Dubai-based small-batch bakery specialising in gourmet desserts and bespoke cakes is your go-to for unique sweet treats for any occasion.

Founder and CEO, Nadia Parekh, came into the world of bakery via the route of being a clinical psychologist. She went on to train at Le Cordon Bleu London before working in pastry kitchens in London and Dubai. After plenty of sweet experience, she decided to treat Dubai resident to beautifully decorated desserts that look too good to eat.

What was your favourite subject at school?

Culinary and Psychology were definite favourites. Which then lead to me pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
What was your first job?
Ironically it was completely unrelated to food. I worked in a research lab at Douglas Hospital in Montreal.
What inspired you to launch Mélange?
I wanted to exercise my creativity more. I started feeling bored at work like a machine in the kitchen doing the same production every day. It didn’t excite me anymore. I always wanted to start my own brand with my own products and vision. It was always a dream so I just took the plunge
What are the key elements of your role?
Being the boss means you have to find a way to motivate yourself! No one will help you do this. You also have to motivate your team and oversee all aspects of the business, make quick decisions and hope to god they’re the right ones.
I enjoy Innovation and product development. It’s always a challenge to come up with new recipes because you’re restricted by so many things – the product must be easy to transport, fit inside our retail boxes, have a decent shelflife, not be too temperature sensitive, yet incredibly delicious and cheat-worthy.
In a startup, organisation is crucial as there is no wiggle room or budget for errors. It’s pivotal to have eyes on all aspects of the business and as a growing company setting up systems and procedures from scratch and implementing them requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Talk us through your daily routine.
It always starts with a good cup of coffee and emails – mostly to clients with bespoke cake orders finalizing their designs and keeping social media up to date. Then the phone calls start with my team as I oversee production and logistics for our online platform with our operations manager. The odd meeting here and there with suppliers or B2B clients. But once I get into that kitchen nothing else seems to exist. I plug in my music and just focus – I’m there for hours at a stretch. What I love about my job is every day is different. Different cakes, different places to go, and of course different challenges to overcome.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Hard work and passion will always pay off. You have to persevere through the rough days because they are present in abundance. It’s all about looking at them in a positive light and taking them as lessons learned.
Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
To be honest you’ll mostly find me in chef jackets and jeans. I’m definitely a casual jeans and black T-shirt kind of girl but I am obsessed with shoes – especially my royal blue Manolo Blahnik’s. And you’ll never find me without my favourite slingback Bottega Veneta bag.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
“You cannot do everything on your own.” You can’t be good at everything. Balance your weaknesses and ask for help because you’re only as strong as your team.
And what is the worst?
“Growth is the most important measure of success.” Sometimes staying consistent and focusing on foundational efforts and brand value, can be more important than growth. Strategy will always change depending on what stage your business is at.
What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
I’ve always had control issues when it comes to work. That was a big challenge to overcome and change my mindset. Being a one-woman show for so long I had to teach myself how to work with others. Trusting others with the company and learning how to delegate.  Maintaining quality control has been another struggle as well, coming up with a system to make sure every product that leaves the kitchen is consistently good every time.
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