After an incredibly challenging year for all, we speak to some of the most incredible women we know about how they will be unwinding at the end of this year and what they have learned throughout 2020.
Her Excellency Dr. Sara Al Madani
Founder of Halahi, Social Fish and Proposal Cupids
@sara_almadani_
What have you learned throughout 2020?
2020 has been a tough yet amazing year. A lot of good things happened to me. I’ve changed the way I work and my priorities, so COVID was a blessing in disguise. This year has also taught me that it’s okay to take some time off, it’s okay not to be as constantly busy as we are used to. I’ve learned it’s okay to let go sometimes and not work and it’s okay to focus on your mental health because that’s all that matters.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
Due to the current situation, we can’t be very festive, but usually, I spend it with my family remembering the heritage of the UAE and all the things that come with it.
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
I’m thinking of taking a trip to the Maldives, to unwind on the beach – my mind needs it and my body needs it!
Fatma Al Otaiba
Founder of Odeem
@odeem_official
What have you learned throughout 2020?
This year has been quite an interesting year for everyone I believe. The circumstances showed me what is of true value to us – our family and loved ones, not to take simple pleasures for granted.
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
I usually travel around this time. At the end of this year though, I’m looking forward to taking some time off and spending quality time locally. The weather’s great in Dubai during this season and it would be a perfect time for a staycation with my family.
Ghizlan Guenez
Entrepreneur and businessperson
@ghizlan_guenez_
What have you learned throughout 2020?
2020 thought me to slow down and focus on all areas of my life that need attention to enable me to be a good, healthy and happy person. I had spent four years consumed with setting up and launching a business and before that 14 years in a very fast-paced industry and realised that whilst I was thriving professionally, I wasn’t truly nurturing other important aspects of my life such as my personal relationships, my physical wellbeing and my recreational time be it going on vacations or taking the time to just “switch off”. This year forced many of us to take a pause which was probably necessary for many of us, certainly for myself. I had the time to reflect back and reconsider what I would like my life to look like for me to feel happy and as balanced as can be whilst still fulfilling my ambitions and goals.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
With family and friends. We’re close as a family and enjoy celebrating holidays together. We’re all foodies and my brothers good really well so we enjoy nothing more than a great meal and lots of conversation and laughter around the dinner table. In today’s pace, we don’t get to sit together for a proper meal often so the holidays are a great occasion to reconnect with loved ones and spend quality time
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
It would have been lovely to travel somewhere but on the positive side staying in town has allowed us to re-explore parts of the UAE that we hadn’t before. I have been to some beautiful places such as Hatta which I hadn’t visited since I was 13! So, I’m planning on a staycation in one of the local resorts either in the desert or by the sea.
Dounia Sheikh El Ard
Dubai-based content creator
@mydounia
What have you learned throughout 2020?
2020 has taught me patience and gratitude in so many ways. It’s not easy to put our lives and plans on hold.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
I will be celebrating at home with my loved ones. It feels funny yet comforting to have a different style of celebrations this year, usually by this time I’d have my whole week of Christmas and New Year’s Eve planned with gatherings and even my outfits!
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
To unwind, I found that developing my creative side has helped me a lot. I’m currently taking sewing and pottery classes just to focus on something else and it’s been quite inspiring!
Zeynab Elhelw
Blogger and influencer
@fashion_pirate
What have you learned throughout 2020?
I’ve learnt that life is extremely precious, unpredictable and family along with health is everything. My priorities changed a lot this year therefore doing and saying what I feel without hesitation is paramount.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
We will be celebrating with the delivery of my nephew which we are so excited about. Moreover, I’ll hopefully be having the company of my parents fly in from London and join us in Dubai to celebrate the festive season on the beach by relaxing and enjoying special moments together.
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
I’ll be spending exceptional quality time with the family and taking each say as it comes with no long-term plans. This for me is valuable to live in the now and unwinding to start the New Year afresh.
Lana Albeik
Model
@lana_.jpg
What have you learned throughout 2020?
To celebrate and enjoy any small achievement.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
I will take time off work and spend it with my family but I will probably work on some side projects.
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
Try my best to be in nature and be in the winter sun – nothing relaxes me like the sun.
Nina Ubhi
Makeup artist
@ninaubhi
What have you learned throughout 2020?
Take nothing for granted! It’s easy to become complacent with everyday luxuries and even people. So, this year has taught me how unimportant material things are and how important spending time with loved ones is. Being an entrepreneur means I’m constantly working and with so much being focused on social media you sometimes forget to put your phone down and soak in those special moments. This year I’ve learnt to live in the moment and not worry so much if I have a heavy workload – it will still be there tomorrow!
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
I will be celebrating this festive season with my husband and we’re likely to have a quiet one at home. After all, it’s all about who you spend it with rather than where you go. I love cooking and baking so I’m pretty excited to take some time off and focus on feeding people!
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
I still haven’t thought that far ahead but I usually decide with my husband a week before! I’m taking each day as it comes and I think this year I feel more inclined to do something relaxing. Anything that will still leave me feeling refreshed in the new year.
Haneen Odeh
Owner of Snob salon
@haneenodeh
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A post shared by Haneen Odeh – حنين عودة (@haneenodeh)
What have you learned throughout 2020?
How much we took everything for granted. I learnt to take time to enjoy the little moments in life and not stress over things that don’t matter! I also learnt to enjoy my time at home and not be running around all the time.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
Quietly, with my family! I think this festive season will be a bit more low key than any other time and gives us a chance to slow down and spend time with loved ones. A lot of cooking and barbecuing as well in this amazing weather!
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
A lot of self-care. This year has been tough for a lot of people and for once I’m not going to have a new year’s resolution list because I don’t want to put myself under pressure of achieving for next year. Nothing went according to plan in 2020 and I think 2021 will also be a bit unpredictable. Just take a breath and live day by day!
Aya Faisal
Fashion influencer
@theayoot
What have you learned throughout 2020?
My happiness depends on myself and my moods.
How will you be celebrating this festive season?
I will be celebrating with my dearest family.
What will you be doing to unwind at the end of the year?
A small gathering with my family and my closest friends to remind everyone that we’ve been through this year and we are grateful to be here all together.
