It’s the tail end of summer, and while we aren’t quite over the warm weather filled with patios and al fresco dining and days by the beach, we are ready for a change to our wardrobes. Summer clothes were exciting while they lasted, but fall is on the brain, and we’re ready to trade our […] More

Aara Floral Luxury founder Manisha Raney sits with us to discuss what it takes to build a brand with a soul, her inspirations, and what Aara really means to her.
What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
The first 30 minutes of my day are all about setting the mood – for the flowers, the space, and myself. I open up the boutique just as the city is starting to stir, and there’s something so special about that early quiet. I check the stock of fresh blooms and start arranging the display so it draws people in – it’s a small space, but I want it to feel warm and welcoming. I sip my coffee and go over the day’s orders – any special arrangements, events, or deliveries. Honestly, it’s my favorite part of the day – it’s calm and meaningful.
What inspired you to start Aara Floral Luxury, and what does the name “Aara” mean to you personally?
Flowers have always spoken to me in a way words sometimes can’t – they lift moods and soften moments. Starting my own flower boutique felt like the most natural extension of who I am. Whether it’s a quick bouquet on the way home or something custom for a big occasion, I get to be a small part of people’s stories. That’s what inspired me – the chance to create small moments of joy, one bloom at a time. The name Aara is actually a combination of my children’s names, so from the very beginning, the boutique has been rooted in love, family, and meaning. What truly sealed it for me, though, was discovering that Aara also means “light” and “adornment” in different cultures. It felt perfect – because that’s exactly what flowers do: they brighten spaces, lift spirits, and mark the moments that matter. Starting this boutique wasn’t just about florals – it was about creating something meaningful, inspired by the people I love most. Aara is a reflection of my family, my passion, and the joy I hope to share through every bouquet.

Can you take us back to the moment the idea for Aara first came to you, what sparked it?
It was a mix of passion and timing, really. I’ve always felt drawn to flowers – their beauty, their symbolism, the way they can completely shift someone’s day. But what truly sparked the idea was realising how much joy I felt in creating small, thoughtful arrangements for friends and family. It wasn’t just about the flowers – it was about the feeling behind them.
How did your background or personal experiences shape the creative vision behind the boutique?
My family has always been my strongest support system, and their encouragement was key to the vision behind Aara. Through their love and support, I was able to build something that feels deeply personal. The values they instilled in me – hard work, resilience, and the importance of family – have shaped how I approach this business. Aara isn’t just a business; it’s a reflection of the strength and love my family has always given me. It’s a reminder that with the right support system, anything is possible.
What makes Aara Floral Luxury different from other floral concepts in the region?
What makes my boutique different is the heart behind it. Aara takes a deeply personal approach to floral design. From the carefully curated blooms to the thoughtful finishing touches, everything is crafted with heart, elegance, and soul. I’m personally involved in selecting the flowers, choosing the right color palette, and designing each bouquet and arrangement. We focus on intentional florals – less about trends, more about connection. Whether it’s a spontaneous gift or a grand celebration, I want people to truly feel something when they receive our flowers. It’s personal, soulful, and curated with care – that’s what sets us apart.

Where do you usually draw inspiration from when curating your floral arrangements?
I draw inspiration from many places, but nature is always my starting point. The changing seasons, the textures of leaves, even the way light filters through petals – those small, natural details guide my colour choices and composition. Emotion plays a huge role too; I often think about what I want the arrangement to feel like – whether it’s calming, romantic, or bold – and build from there. Each piece becomes a kind of visual story, rooted in both intuition and inspiration.
What were some of the biggest challenges you encountered while launching Aara, and how did you overcome them?
One of the greatest challenges I faced while launching my brand was striking a balance between creative expression and the realities of running a business. I knew how to work with flowers and create meaningful arrangements, but building a brand meant stepping into roles I wasn’t initially comfortable with – marketing, pricing, sourcing, logistics. At times, it was overwhelming, but I embraced it as part of the creative journey. I spent time refining my voice, understanding my audience, and trusting my instincts. Another challenge was carving out a unique identity in a space filled with incredible talent. I overcame that by staying true to my aesthetic and focusing on storytelling – letting each arrangement carry emotion, texture, and intention.
What flowers would you suggest as a gift to uplift any home?
To uplift any home, I love suggesting flowers that feel fresh, vibrant, and full of life. You can never go wrong with sunflowers – they instantly brighten a room with their bold, happy energy. Peonies are another favourite; their soft, full blooms bring a sense of romance and elegance. For something timeless, white lilies or hydrangeas offer a fresh, calming beauty.

What have been some of your proudest milestones since launching Aara?
Since launching Aara, every small step has felt like a big, meaningful milestone. Seeing our very first customer walk away smiling with a bouquet was unforgettable. One of my biggest milestones has been building a community of loyal customers who connect with the heart behind Aara. Every positive message, every returning client, every recommendation – it all reminds me why I started.
What’s next for Aara Floral Luxury?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing Aara with the same heart and creativity it began with. I plan to introduce seasonal collections, host flower arranging workshops, and collaborate with other local businesses to create unique experiences for our community. I also hope to expand into a second location and enhance our online presence, so more people can experience the beauty and spirit of Aara – wherever they are.
This is The Self-Care Issue; what does self-care look like for you on a daily or weekly basis?
To me, self-care means giving yourself permission to slow down and reconnect – with your mind, your body, and your heart. It’s about listening to what you need in the moment – whether that’s rest, creativity, or movement. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a walk, spending time with my family, arranging flowers just for myself, or setting boundaries to protect my energy. Self-care is really about balance, kindness, and being present.

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

Life

by Sarah Joseph
23 mins ago

As January continues to be the most important time to invest in new activewear. I’m sure we all have a Pinterest with our vision board featuring our favourite fitness pieces, so it’s time to bring it to life.
With brands such as Lululemon, Adanola and New Balance, making waves, these sports label prove that fitness can also be fashionable too.
Idea for the purpose of exercise as well as leisure time, stellar workout wear should be versatile, comfortable, able to endure movement and, inevitably, sweat. From tennis to golf, trail-running and yoga, whatever the sport is, there’s enough and more to style your activewear for the sporty.

Overall, what are they essentials for a fitness enthusiast?
Leggings & Shorts – High-waisted, squat-proof options  with brands such as Lululemon Align, Gymshark Vital, Alo Yoga.
Sports Bras – Medium to high-impact support from brands such as Lululemon, Nike, Alo Yoga and more.
Tops & Tanks – Breathable, moisture-wicking materials such as Adidas, Lululemon and Vuori.
Shoes – For running labels such as Nike Pegasus, Adidas Ultraboost and for Weightlifting, Nike Metcon, Reebok Nano are ideal for intense workouts.
Hoodies & Jackets – Lightweight and stylish (e.g., Alo Yoga, Gymshark, Athleta
Gym Bag – A spacious, well-organized gym bag (e.g., Lululemon, Nike, Under Armour)
From water bottles to XXL duffle bags, the list is endless, however, it’s always best to do you research before adding to cart.
So, if you’re simply on the hunt for some gear for your first Pilates class, we’ve got you covered with our edit of the best activewear pieces for 2025.
Born Outside Italy

001 Sneakers in Leather & Suede. Shop from Ounass.ae
Kith

Mini Duffle Bag in Nylon Dhs975. Shop from Ounass.ae
Adanola

Ultimate Cross-Back Bra Dhs130. Shop from Harrods.com
Adanola

Ultimate Wrap Over Leggings Dhs175. Shop from Harrods.com
Alo Yoga

Stretch Shorts Dhs280. Shop from NET-A-PORTER.
Alo Yoga

Bend It Yoga Wheel Dhs325. Shop from aloyoga.ae
Alo Yoga

Airlift Suit Up stretch sports bra. Shop from NET-A-PORTER

Gymshark

Power Tote Vanilla Beige Dhs329. Shop from gymshark.ae
ON Running

The Roger Spin Trainers Dhs560. Shop from Harrods.com
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Instagram @sculpwear More

In the workplace, it’s a fact that words have the power to help or hinder both performance and perception. From a presenter constantly saying “um” or “uh” to receiving or giving feedback in a way that could be more productive, what you do in the workplace matters—but what you say matters too. 
Especially for women (we all know the “how many exclamation points should I add to this email” debacle), it’s easy to get stuck using certain phrases at work that either could be eliminated completely or altered to be more effective in communication. Looking to upgrade your professional self this year? Here are seven phrases to stop saying ASAP—and what you should say instead.

1. “Let me know”
Saying “let me know!” at the end of an email chain, meeting, or conversation seems like a good idea. It sounds so polite and respectful. Well, yes, but it isn’t helpful. It doesn’t outline next steps or identify action items, it provides no clear direction, and worst of all, it puts the onus on someone else (i.e., not you) to do the work of decision-making in order to prevent stagnation on a solution or project.
In an age of full inboxes, packed schedules, and meeting overload, you’ll stand out by taking initiative. Start with the questions at hand: Does a meeting need to be scheduled? Should a call be made? Can a draft be created? What sort of deadline is required? Are there notes or resources to be located? Focus on figuring out what you can do to provide value in the short-term, and then articulate exactly that with as many deadlines and details as possible.
For example, instead of telling your boss, “Let me know if I can help with the budget proposal,” say, “I’ll call Mary today to follow up on the proposal draft so we can meet the budget deadline.”

2. “I feel like”
We’ve all been there: that moment when you say, “I feel like… ” and sound like a Valley Girl to the nth degree. This phrase is commonly used to frame an idea or viewpoint when we are feeling unsure; we throw it out there as self-protection in light of anticipated criticism. Removing these words from your career lexicon allows you to be taken more seriously, and honestly, it’s more effective.
Imagine telling your boss, “I feel like I should get a raise.” She or he would most likely ask for reasons why you deserve a raise, what you’ve accomplished thus far to validate a raise, what percentage of an increase seems reasonable, and so on. A better approach, then, is to say: “I’d like to be considered for a raise this year, because of X, Y, and Z.”
Cut to the chase and say what you really mean.

3. “No problem”
I used to reply with an automatic, upbeat “No problem!” when someone said, “Thank you.” I did this for everything from tiny tasks to major milestones, acting like it was no big deal even though I secretly appreciated the show of gratitude for my effort. “Why can’t I just say ‘you’re welcome’?” I finally wondered.
Insert lightbulb moment: For some reason, I thought acknowledging a compliment contrasted with being humble, and that’s simply not true. When you say, “You’re welcome,” you’re actually saying, “Yes, I did that for you!” It feels good to be noticed, recognized, and appreciated; furthermore, it often makes the person thanking you feel warm fuzzies inside, too.

Source: Danielle Moss for The Everygirl

4. “Just”
Look at your email and delete all the times you use the word, “just” as a qualifier for what you’re doing or saying. If you’re anything like me, you probably use it a lot without even thinking. “Just” is a qualifying phrase; it sounds respectful, as though you’re deferring to someone smarter or better than you. That may be the case, but it also positions you as a constant subordinate. I found that I used this word when I felt nervous about asking for what I needed or guilty about imposing on someone’s time. And when I paid attention to how often I said “just,” I realized that it served no real purpose.
Consider the difference: “I just wanted to get your opinion” vs. “I wanted your opinion.” Which is more clear and confident-sounding? Definitely the latter. Removing “just” from your words strengthens your message as well as makes you sound, and feel, more confident.

5. “This is probably a bad idea, but…”
Imagine that you’re sitting in a brainstorming meeting, and the perfect idea comes to mind. You wait for an opening in conversation, open your mouth and then… note a bunch of flaws regarding your proposition before you even share what it is in the first place. You start rattling off introductory phrases, such as:
“This might be wrong, but…”“I’m no expert, but…”“This may not work, but…”
Don’t do this! Most of the time, it’s an attempt to demonstrate humility or lower the expectations of your listener. For me, I sometimes talk this way when I’m feeling a little shy or nervous about whatever I’m trying to articulate. However, if I don’t believe in what I’m saying, why should my audience? There’s no need to defensively outline the flaws of your viewpoint or position before others have even had a chance to hear it. Keep your credibility intact by simply stating your case and letting people react—for better or worse.

6. “Does that make sense?”
A mentor once gave me a fantastic piece of advice: she suggested that I practice pausing, and waiting, after making a recommendation or delivering a presentation. “Practice being quiet?!” I thought at the time. But she was right.
More often than not, after I’m done speaking in a work situation, I hear crickets and panic—Are people confused? What did I miss? Do they hate it? Then, I rush to fill the space with either more talk or questions like, “Does that make sense?” The latter is not helpful. Sure, it’s important to invite feedback and check for clarity, but if someone has an opinion or feels confused about the topic, he or she will probably pipe up. You don’t have to preemptively suggest that you’re not being coherent.

7. “How do I… ”?
Two words, my friend—Google it. I always, always, always Google my question before bringing it to a co-worker or boss. Not only does this save time, but it makes you look smarter because you took the time to gather as many answers as possible on your own.
This tip seems super obvious, and yet, I see it every day: People (myself included!) ask questions that could have been answered with a little digital detective work. Using the Internet to problem-solve (assuming you, ahem, don’t fall down the rabbit hole of cute cat videos) can decrease your list of questions dramatically, which allows you to focus on the areas you really do need team support or guidance.

Help! I Accidentally Emailed the Wrong Person
step one: don’t panic More

Malala Yousafzai has given an important and empowering speech shedding light on crucial issues amidst the global pandemic.
Speaking at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature over the weekend, Yousafzai explained that the COVID-19 pandemic may make it difficult for many girls around the school to return to school, something that should be treated “as an emergency”, according to the recent Oxford University graduate.

Referencing research done by the non-profit organisation she founded, the Malala Fund, it’s estimated that 20 million girls’ education was at risk due to the pandemic at the start of it in March 2020.
“The reasons for this could be because many girls are pushed into forced marriages or because they have become financial supporters of their families and since they now have extra work, they won’t be able to return to school,” she said.

.@Malala talking about girls education and making it a priority #EmiratesLitFest pic.twitter.com/Pf9hQpsb8S
— EmiratesLitFest (@EmiratesLitFest) February 6, 2021

Further highlighting the issues Yousafzai said, “We need to be aware of what the impact of such disasters could be on the progress we are making.”
She also added that it was every girl’s right globally to receive a “safe, quality and free education”.
“They should have the right to complete 12 years of education,” she said. “Every girl should have the right to dream and then to fulfil those dreams.”

Just like that the big #EmiratesLitFest weekend is over!
We want to thank everyone who made it down to watch a session, take part in a workshop, or just have a fun family day out. pic.twitter.com/9wm5KezVwi
— EmiratesLitFest (@EmiratesLitFest) February 7, 2021

Yousafzai rose to global prominence in 2012 after being shot in the head by Taliban gunmen as she boarded her school bus in north-west Pakistan.
The teen first became a target for the regime after defying a ban issued in 2009 forbidding girls to go to school and penning an anonymous blog for the BBC highlighting life under Taliban rule with a personal emphasis on women’s right to education.
She went on to become the youngest person ever to Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, being just 17-years-old. The human rights activist went to go on to begin her studies at Oxford University in 2017.
She now continues to advocate for the rights of girls globally to receive a full education.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Images: Malala Fund Instagram More