Raphael Stevens

When it comes to knowing the best restaurants to dine at in Dubai, the emirate’s Crown Prince always knows best.
From sophisticated alfresco havens to all the authentic food choices, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is regularly seen dining out at some of the best F&B concepts Dubai has to offer.
No stranger to Dubai’s foodie scene, when it comes to dining at the city’s fine-dining spots, Fazza knows best. From alfresco havens to new speakeasies, Dubai’s Crown Prince has paid a visit to a myriad of restaurants, to ensure he’s always on top of the food game.
If you’re in need of some inspo on where to dine next, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the sophisticated restaurants that have received Sheikh Hamdan’s stamp of approval.
L’Amo Bistro del Mare

Sheikh Hamdan made a visit to L’Amo Bistro del Mare in May 2022, an Italian restaurant that opened its doors at Dubai Harbour this year. The waterfront restaurant welcomed His Highness for lunch on Saturday. The Dubai Crown Prince also posed for a photo with Chef Lorenzo Buccarini, Carlo Tinelli, General Manager of the restaurant and Piero Giglio, MD & Partner of MINE Lifestyle Managing. This upscale seafood restaurant is a partnership between Sunset Hospitality Group and Mine and Yours Group, making this yet another notable addition to the Dubai dining scene. From signature dishes such as red and violet prawns, delicate sea urchins, Margherita Pinsa and Italian oysters and scallops, the restaurant is sure to transport visitors to the rustic streets of Italy with every serving of each dish. With freshly caught seafood, the flavours are enhanced to capture the essence of the Mediterranean sea.Situated in the heart of the city at the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club, L’Amo Bistro Del Mare is open daily from 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to midnight.
Alaya

Spotted at Chef Izu’s latest venue, Alaya in DIFC this month, Sheikh Hamdan gave the restaurant his royal seal of approval.Masterminded by Chef Izu and one of Emirates Man’s former cover stars Evgeny Kuzin, the concept is nothing short of extraordinary, with a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences. Inspired by their travels, each dish is prepared with the freshest ingredients. After only opening last month, the restaurant has gained quite a bit of traction as the duo has brought a new concept to DIFC. By taking each visitor on a culinary journey, the warm inviting space, ensures guests feel at home from the moment they enter.
La Maison Ani

On one of his most recent foodie outings, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to a brand new concept by Chef Izu Ani and Evgeny Kuzin. Fazza stopped by La Maison Ani at the end of May 2022 just weeks after it officially opened.  The restaurant’s team described it as an “honour” to welcome the Crown Prince, sharing a photo from his visit. “It was a complete honour and privilege to host The Crown Prince @faz3 at La Maison Ani by Chef Izu,” they said. “The first of many visits we hope.”
SUSHISAMBA

This restaurant is already a household name in London and Las Vegas. Having arrived in Dubai late last year, SUSHISAMBA has already made its mark on the emirate. So much so, Sheikh Hamdan thought it fit to host one of his most famous friends at the restaurant on his recent visit to Dubai. The emirate’s Crown Prince was seen visiting the hotspot with famous footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. In late January, the pair enjoyed lunch together with some of their entourage. We’re definitely adding this new hotspot to our list of must-trys.
11 Woodfire

For one of the first outings in 2022, Sheikh Hamdan visited this new concept – the brainchild of chef Akmal Anuar and Ahmass Fakahany, CEO and Founder of Atelier House Hospitality – which opened later last year. Located in a villa on Jumeirah Beach Road, 11 Woodfire opened in November 2021. Sharing the news of the Crown Prince’s visit to 11 Woodfire with a photograph, the restaurant said it was an “honour” to host him.
Urla

This picturesque new restaurant brings a piece of Aegean paradise to the heart of Dubai. Situated at the Address Downtown Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan was spotted there in January 2022. This outdoor venue perfectly captures views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountains which were captured in Sheikh Hamdan’s story. From fresh seafood to a plethora of must-try dishes, these delectable mezes are sure to be savoured with your loved ones as Dubai’s Crown prince did.
Gohan

Gohan, the new Japanese speakeasy by the team at La Cantine du Faubourg is one of the latest hotspots to visit. The space is quite intimate being able to seat no more than 30 diners at a time and Fazza gave his stamp of approval in late 2021. While the restaurant may have been a well-kept secret previously, now that Fazza has paid a visit the word about Gohan is well and truly out.
For more information visit lacantine.ae
The Arts Club

This sophisticated private members-only club is situated in the heart of DIFC. Having welcomed Sheikh Hamdan last year, this ultra-luxe venue was honoured to have him and even posted a picture on their feed. The Crown Prince enjoyed a hearty meal at Rōhen.
For more information visit theartsclub.ae.
Mimi Kakushi

Known for their cosy interiors and ultra-luxe décor, this restaurant is a must-visit with all the Japanese classics under one roof. On the UAE’s 50th National Day, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit and was so impressed by hospitality and service as he celebrated the country’s birthday.
For more information visit mimikakushi.ae
Roka

Sheikh Hamdan’s a fan, and so are we. This contemporary Japanese restaurant opened back in 2020 and Sheikh Hamdan was one of the first to visit post-lockdown. Known for its contemporary Japanese robatayaki cuisine and sushi, this restaurant has become a firm favourite on the Dubai dining scene.
Twiggy by La Cantine

The Crown Prince of Dubai stopped by this incredible venue late last year and no doubt enjoyed the impeccable views that Twiggy has to offer. At the time, Sheikh Hamdan shared a series of images on his Instagram story of some of the exquisite cuisine he was enjoying. Twiggy by La Cantine opened at the beginning of 2021 and it’s safe to say it has been the go-to hotspot for Mediterranean dining in Dubai.
Ammos

Bringing the charm of Greek cuisine to Dubai, this restaurant provides an unforgettable experience with authentic Mediterranean hospitality offering culinary textures and aromas to your plate. Located in Rixos Premium Dubai, JBR, Fazza has previously been spotted dining there.
Sal at the Burj Al Arab

In mid-December 2020, the Crown Prince of Dubai was pictured at Sal at the Burj Al Arab. This restaurant opened its doors back in September 2020 and has been a popular destination for restaurant-goers ever since. It offers guests endless ocean views with seamless service and a sophisticated menu. Described as “barefoot luxury meets Southern European culinary excellence”, the restaurant also comes fully equipped with a 100-metre infinity pool to relax at after a delightful meal.
Caviar Kaspia

Fresh from the hustle and bustle of Paris, Caviar Kaspia opened its first venue outside the French capital in Dubai late last year. One of the first people to visit was the Crown Prince of Dubai. A photo of Fazza’s visit was posted to the restaurant’s Instagram page, where His Highness was seen posing with a Matryoshka Doll, which is a signature to the restaurant and is known to hold caviar.
The MAINE Land Brasserie

Sheikh Hamdan and his entourage visited this luxe steakhouse located in the ME by Melia Hotel in Business Bay at the beginning of 2021. It’s the third restaurant in Dubai by restauranteur Joey Ghazal and has become a firm favourite on the Dubai dining scene.
Avli by Tashas

Having opened just over three years ago in January 2019, Sheikh Hamdan is a frequent visitor to Avli by tashas in DIFC. The restaurant captures the essence of Greek cuisine combined with a chic and sophisticated space reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
Gaia

Loved by Sheikh Hamdan, Gaia is the brainchild of Chef Izu. The restaurant encompasses the Greek Goddess of Earth, the mother of the sun, the mountains and the sea and is the inspiration for each exquisite Mediterranean dish. In January 2019, the Crown Prince of Dubai and his father, the Ruler of Dubai, were spotted dining at the Grecian-inspired restaurant. But even before that, Sheikh Hamdan gave Gaia his seal of approval back just five days after it opened in October 2018. After his visit, Chef Izu posted a cheeky picture with the Dubai royal, as he sported a wide grin.
For more information visit gaia-restaurants.com
Il Borro

This high-class Tuscan Bistro welcomed the Crown Prince of Dubai along with his team, with authentic cuisine and dishes that are made with ingredients that are freshly imported for a bespoke Italian experience. In 2021, it was one of the first outings Sheikh Hamdan made following the announcement he has become a father to twins, Rashid and Sheikha.
Carine

While continuing to extend his support to several homegrown restaurants in the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan has been a long-time fan of Chef Izu, the brainchild behind two notable restaurants in the UAE. Seen posing in this snap with Chef Izu, Sheikh Hamdan paid a visit to Carine, located in Emirates Golf Club. At the time of his visit, the Dubai-based restauranteur said, “Always an honour and great pleasure to have HH Sheikh Hamdan with us at Carine.”
For more information visit dubaigolf.com
L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Adding another high-end eatery to his list of restaurants with his stamp of approval is L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon. His Highness paid a visit to the eatery to the authentic French restaurant in June 2021, with a photo being shared by the DIFC-based restaurant on their official Instagram page. This establishment is famed for its celebrity clientele alongside its Michelin star cuisine which offers guests dishes including a crispy poached egg with caviar, truffle pizza and Dover sole à la plancha, all prepared in front of the guests.
Gudee Pizza Café

Known for their Afghani specialities, this eatery pushes beyond the borders of authentic cuisine in the heart of Dubai, with some of the most creative pizza combinations offered under one roof in the highly comforting atmosphere with a modern interpretation of the aforementioned cuisine with innovative desserts. Located at Gate Avenue mall level in DIFC, the Crown Prince’s uncle, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, also known as Uncle Saeed on Instagram, is a regular at Gudees.
BB Social Dining

The homegrown concept serving Eastern cuisine has a compact space offering various cuisine options. Located in Gate village 8 DIFC, the atmosphere is both sophisticated and elegant.
Alici

After having spotted Sheikh Hamdan at this stunning seafood restaurant, he posed for a picture with the head of operations and also seemed to enjoy the restaurant’s freshly baked bread with one of the lighthouse salads on his visit.
Somewhere

This Mediterranean-inspired travel-themed café is extremely Instagrammable and is known for its topographic design. Located in Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue extension, the theme of the restaurant has certainly caught everyone’s attention.
She Burger

Are there any burger fans here? Then you would be happy to know that Fazza is a fan of this edgy urban burger chain. Open in Dar Wasl Mall, the burger place caters to chicken and beef lovers alike, and if you are vegetarian, then you should try She Burger’s ‘Krazy Kale’ or ‘Avo Salad’ salads.
Taverna

Located in the popular tourist spot of Souk Madinat Jumeirah, the Crown Prince of Dubai has previously made a visit to this quaint Greek restaurant. Taverna is located on the waterfront of Souk Madinat Jumeirah and embodies the true rustic charm of Greece with exposed wood, white walls and neutral tones used throughout the venue.
Nammos

A Mykonos favourite, Nammos Dubai offers incredible views of the Arabian Seam, as well as incredible cuisine.  the iconic Dubai Skyline – if you’re looking for a fun afternoon, this is the location. Sheikh Hamdan made a visit at this delicious eatery back in December 2019.
Masti

This popular spot first opened back in 2018 and one of the first to visit was Sheikh Hamdan. Located in the secluded area of La Mer, the Masti menu offers a reinterpretation of Indian cuisine, designed to share.
CZN Burak

This Turkish-Middle Eastern restaurant is the first Dubai-based establishment for Chef CZN Burak, who is hugely popular on social media with over 17 million followers and already has three popular restaurants in his home country of Turkey. In late 2020, he decided to crack the Dubai F&B space and within the first month of opening welcomed Sheikh Hamdan to his Downtown Dubai venue.
Opso

This uber-chic Mediterranean and Greek experience is inspired by modern and contemporary testes in a lively atmosphere. By bringing warm Emirati hospitality in a luxurious setting, the restaurant is definitely a hit amongst all its visitors. Fazza visited the restaurant in June 2019 and the team shared an image with the caption: “We are always blessed and honored to have HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum dine with us.”
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Images: Supplied More

Job hunting is actually my favorite thing to do…said no one ever! But hey, everyone finds themselves looking for a new job at some point, whether it’s for an opportunity to grow or due to an untimely round of layoffs. When you’re looking for a new role, it can feel like you’re doing a lot of things but not seeing the progress you want, which can get discouraging really fast. After you’ve done the basic steps of updating your resume, notifying your network, and practicing interview questions, it’s easy to feel like it’s now up to the universe to come through on one of the hundred job applications you filled out. 
While I’m a big fan of manifesting your dream role and having trust in everything working out, the work has to come along with it. The good news is that there are some lesser-known job search hacks you could be doing to help you find your next role even sooner. Get ready to channel your inner Rachel from Friends, because you’re gonna go get one of those job things! 

1. Reach out to non-obvious company connections 
Everyone knows that finding a connection at the company you’re applying to is a great way to get your resume to the top of the pile, but it’s often easier said than done. Hiring managers and senior leaders are inundated with LinkedIn requests that get ignored more often than not. There’s no harm in attempting to establish a connection with these people, but don’t stop there. Try reaching out to other people at the company, even if they’re in a lower position. Someone in an adjacent team or an entry-level role might be less overwhelmed with LinkedIn requests and have the time to chat about the content marketing opening you’re interested in applying to, and can give you an idea of the culture as a bonus. Be open minded and remember that any foot in the door is a great place to start! 

2. Utilize your alma mater 
If you’ve graduated from a post-secondary institution over the past five years, this tip is for you! Many people don’t know that college and university career service offices often allow recent grads to use their services for free, and this might even apply to online postgraduate certificates or courses. These offices usually have resume-writing workshops, 1:1 coaching, networking sessions, career fairs, and direct lines to hiring managers at companies you might be interested in. Using a career coach or getting access to similar types of networks often cost hundreds of dollars in the “real world”, so definitely check out this option if it’s available to you.

3. Use AI to your advantage 
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing a lot about the pros and cons of AI, or artificial intelligence. While this is still an emerging field, there are lots of ways AI can help accelerate your job hunt. Need to find alternative ways to phrase something in your resume? Ask ChatGPT for a few options. Worried about your ability to write a cover letter that flows and communicates what you need it to? Throw that baby into Grammarly and let it flag any areas of concern. 
It’s important to note that some companies are exploring software that detects if an application has been written entirely by AI, so don’t rely on it to create everything for you. But using it here and there to perfect your application and make yourself look as polished as possible is something we can totally get behind. 

4. Try non-digital forms of communication 
If you’re anything like me, you’d probably take 20 emails over a phone call any day (when did they become so scary?!). Although we all love digital forms of communication, sometimes stepping away from the keyboard is what you need to set yourself apart. If you’ve narrowed in on a company or a role you’re interested in, try calling the head office to see if someone would be willing to chat with you about the opportunity or the culture at the company. It sounds very 1980s, but it can yield some serious results. I used this strategy once as a student in college for an internship I really wanted—a few minutes of small talk later (remember to be super polite and friendly!), the receptionist patched me over to the HR team, and I was set up for an interview less than a week later. 

5. Use word-of-mouth
On a similar note, don’t forget to tell people outside of your typical network that you’re in the market for a new role. A lot of older people (read: decision makers at companies) aren’t very active on social platforms and might not see your post about being open to work. Whenever the opportunity naturally comes up, be sure to slip it into the convo that you’re open to new roles, along with any criteria you’re hoping for. The goal isn’t to become that annoying person who can’t talk about anything other than their job search, but it IS to let your aunt know so she can keep her ear to the ground amongst her friend group, and so on. Hey, you just never know who might have the perfect connection willing to have a coffee chat!

6. Create content to help get noticed 
If you’re a new grad or someone who has recently experienced a layoff, you might have some time on your hands while you’re looking for your perfect role. In addition to picking up some hobbies or working on your health goals, consider if there’s a way you can add value to the industry while you’re waiting to work in it. This could look like creating content to share on LinkedIn, offering to write an article for an industry newsletter, or even building out a social media page or podcast all about your field. These are tactics that can help you stand out from other applicants and make you seem even more credible in your field. When it’s down to a few candidates, having an example of your passion for the industry or role can be the deciding factor. 

7. Set weekly or monthly goals
The world of job hunting can often feel like groundhog day—you’re doing a lot of the same stuff over and over again, and it can get disheartening fast. If you’re finding it hard to stay motivated and keep up your efforts, set weekly or monthly goals to hold yourself accountable. Aiming to have three coffee chats a month or research and apply to two different roles every week helps you to have something to work towards, and shows you that you’re making progress. Tangible examples of moving forward are key to staying positive (more on that below) when it feels like it’s taking a long time for the right role to come along. 

8. Attend non-networking events to meet people
If you ask me, any event can be a networking event if you approach it the right way. Instead of packing your calendar with designated recruiting events that are going to be full of other people on the job search road (although a few of those a month can be good!), consider attending other events in your field and using those as networking opportunities instead. Lectures or professional association meet-ups are good examples of this because they usually contain a lot of people already employed in the field, and are often open to anyone willing to sign up (check to see if there’s a student or new grad rate before joining any associations!). Your curiosity in the subject and willingness to seek out something new will help you to stand out, and then all you need to do is find someone friendly-looking to strike up a conversation with! 

9. Keep a positive mindset 
I know, I know—it seems like everyone is telling you to stay positive and good things will come. Staying upbeat when you’ve spent weeks or months hunting for a job can be no easy feat, but it is worth trying to prioritize. If you’re feeling down, try changing the narrative in your head from one of “this is so hard, when is this going to happen for me?” to “I’m confident the right job is coming along for me soon”. This isn’t about toxic positivity, but reframing your thinking can be the difference between a slog of a day and one where you feel confident that the actions you’re taking will eventually lead to the right result, not to mention ensuring you bring good energy into any coffee chats or interviews. Remember, there’s no shortage of inspiring content to read or listen to (like this list of motivational podcasts) if you need a boost!  

9 Unspoken Resume Rules You Should Be Following More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
3 hours ago

Mothers truly deserve the world every single day.
If you’re looking to make her feel a little extra special on the upcoming Mother’s Day on March 21, 2023, we’re here to guide you.
From a memorable afternoon tea to a sophisticated fine-dining experience, there’s a myriad of experiences to make this year an unforgettable one.
So, to ensure your plans are sorted, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of experiences to cherish with her.
Indulge in some sweet treats

One of Dubai’s most popular dining spots, Carine celebrates a sweet collaboration with the beautiful bakery Mémère Coco. Available until March 21, 2023, guests are invited to indulge in a selection of delicate and fanciful cakes, freshly baked daily by Carine Ani’s homegrown brand Mémère Coco. Inheriting her love and skill for baking from her beloved grandmother, Carine Ani launched Mémère Coco as an ode to her. Blessed with wonderous memories of her grandparents and her childhood, and the nostalgia of baking and enjoying precious moments, Carine was inspired to continue that legacy with Mémère Coco. Recreating treasured and humble recipes and new signature bakes, every sweet treat is baked by Carine Ani herself. From 12pm daily, guests can enjoy Carine’s elegant French Mediterranean-inspired cuisine for lunch & dinner, while breakfast is served every weekend from 9-1pm. Located at Emirates Golf Club, Emirates Hills 2, this restaurant is a must-visit.
For more information visit dubaigolf.com
Experience Neapolitan cuisine

Scalini welcomes you and your loved ones to revel in an evening steeped in Neapolitan heritage and tradition with a tantalising live mozzarella preparation and a special performance from renowned neo melodical singer Tony Cossentino. Throughout the month of March, the restaurant celebrates the arrival of spring with an exquisite menu of specially curated dishes that exude the essence of primavera and an exhilarating evening of entertainment to honour Mother’s Day. From 7pm guests can indulge in Scalini’s signature dishes alongside the special menu that pays tribute to the gastronomical regions of Italy on March 21, 2023. Dishes start from Dhs35 and it’s located at Restaurant Village, Four Seasons Resort.
For more information visit scalini-dubai.com
Unwind at a Parisian afternoon tea

TWG Tea, the luxury tea brand, has created a special Mother’s Day offering that will delight any mum. Priced at Dhs218, the Parisian Afternoon Tea for two is a delicately infused gastronomic experience that pairs TWG Tea’s finest blends with an assortment of tea-infused finger sandwiches, truffle croques, freshly-baked muffins, scones, and pastries. Additionally, TWG Tea has also curated a selection of floral tea blends perfect for sharing quality time and memories with your mother. The Breakfast Queen Tea is a vivacious blend of precious green teas brilliantly balanced with notes of sweet lemon and a fragrant hint of rose, giving an enveloping floral aroma fit for her royal highness. This exclusive afternoon is available now at the TWG Tea Salon at Dubai Mall.
For more information visit 
Stock up her vanity shelf

Show your love and appreciation for your mum with our exquisite collection of Mother’s Day gift sets, available exclusively at Eluxura. Explore the selection of rare and luxurious skincare and perfume sets for her to stock up on her vanity shelf. For a special discount, the code ‘SET10’ for a 10 percent discount on the selected gift sets will be applied with free delivery on orders above Dhs250. So happy browsing, for your mum.
For more information visit eluxura.com
Take her through a self-care journey

Honour the wonderful women in your life on 21 March 2023 with special Mother’s Day events at Anantara Downtown Dubai Hotel and treat her to a special spa treatment. Your mom deserves to take the weight off her feet. Surprise her with a visit to Anantara Spa where you can enjoy a day of indulgence. Take advantage of our facilities before and after a facial treatment of your choice. A complimentary 30-minute foot massage is included for every facial booked. This offer is available throughout March for Dhs600 per person.
For more information visit Anantara.com
Savour a special dessert

LPM Restaurant & Bar, the home of the French Mediterranean, will offer guests the chance to indulge in a Tarte Tatin with Citrus-infused Greek Yogurt. This delectable dessert is sure to transport you back to simpler times and make the perfect addition to any Mother’s Day celebration. The dessert will be available until March 21, 2023 for only Dhs52. Located in the heart of DIFC, this restaurant is a must-visit.
For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com
Soak up the sun

This Mother’s Day, let Palazzo Versace Dubai take care of the planning for you, and choose from a range of special offers in honour of the most special lady in your life. Located in the idyllic Dubai Creek, the extravagant hotel has curated a range of culinary, spa and pool offers, so you can celebrate Mother’s Day in style. Mums can enjoy a variety of delectable dishes while dining in one of Palazzo Versace’s award-winning restaurants or spend the day at the hotel’s pool while soaking up the sun. You can take your mum out for a memorable pool day at La Piscina, where from 1-4pm ladies can enjoy three complementary drinks upon ordering a dish and spend the afternoon lounging in the picturesque setting of the pool. Whichever way you choose to honour mum on her special day, Palazzo Versace Dubai has you covered.
For more information visit palazzoversace.ae
Impress her with a bespoke cake

The Cake Boutique by Waldorf Astoria DIFC takes inspiration from the colourful blooms and impresses with their latest Mother’s Day celebration desserts. To honour mothers on this day, they’ve introduced a coral-themed floral collection featuring stunning cakesicles and a Mommy & Me duo cake of coral hues and intricate floral designs. The Cake Boutique’s Mother’s Day Collection is a delicious delight, and their very own award-winning cake artist Beth Lauren has yet again outdone herself. The cakesicle set is priced at Dhs295 and the Mommy & Me Cake set is priced at Dhs395.
For more information visit thecakeboutiquedifc.com
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @yolandahadid More

Lifestyle

by Ruman Baig
2 hours ago

Celebrating this major milestone with her insta-family through a heartfelt post, Selena stated, “Wishing I could hug all 400 million of you.”

Being the only woman to cross this massive number, the Disney alumni is known for keeping it raw, real and relatable on social media. This also makes her the third-most-followed person on the platform after football players Cristiano Ronaldo (with 562 million followers) and Lionel Messi (with 482 million followers).

Recently, the Rare Beauty founder has been in the news because of cooked-up social media drama with reality-star Kylie Jenner and model Hailey Bieber. While the trio maintained their silence about all multiple theories emerging on both TikTok and Instagram—Selena took a sabatical from the platform, right after she dethroned fellow beauty-moghul Kylie Jenner as the most followed woman, who held the top slot for a while. Setting an example even through this, Selena’s move declared that even when you’re on the top of your game, you are allowed to take a step back.

Returning to the platform to share her gratitude, Selena shared snippets of moments with fans that she cherishes. Over the years, the singer-actor-producer has been vocal about all her struggles on social media and has used the platform to constantly voice her opinion on issues that matter. Whether it was publically thanking her bestfriend and Kindey donor Francia Raisa for saving her life or candidly talking about her constant battle with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder.

Taking unfiltered to a whole new level, her authenticity on Instagram is what sets her apart. A platform where images are constantly retouched and only the best parts of a celebrity’s life are careully revealed, Selena unabashedly showcases herself sans any filter or alteration. Embracing everythng from weight fluctuations to bad hair days, Selena is continually inspiring millions of women to love themselves regardless. Her Apple TV documentary, My Mind & Me, shows an extension of her jounery from a child star to a pop sensation, and how life under the limelight is more than what meets the eyes.

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

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week we chat with Yasmin Farahmandy, founder of Ydesign Interior, an architectural and interior design firm based in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Known for its reputation in providing innovative quality pieces for clients according to their needs.
Focused on one-of-a-kind designs, refined details and impressive quality, the company transforms different scale projects from preliminary concepts to beautiful, bold, luxurious and surreal reality.
Emirates Woman sat down with this interior designer to find out more about her creative process and what inspired her to launch her own sophisticated brand.
What was your favourite subject at school?
My favorite subjects from elementary school all the way to my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees were always related to art and design. In Art class, I was always intrigued by materials, colors and textures and I found things came naturally to my eyes at a young age. I have been blessed with opportunities to explore different mediums in both art and design over the years – from graphic design to fashion. I created a series of fashion shows aged 16, and in my work today I continue to admire and be inspired by the fashion and art scene, from how I dress to how I design the next beautiful space. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Furniture Design in Canada and ended my educational journey at Domus Academy in Milan, where I obtained my Master’s degree in Interior and Living Design.

What was your first job?
Since I was young I have been driven to work and learn, not just to earn money but because I have always been curious and wanted some independence. When I was 15, I was working as a barista and then restaurant manager and I then went on to run a retail store until I was 20 when I started working in a global design firm. All those early employment experiences have added great value to being a designer today, helping me understand spaces and the need of a venue or brand much better.
What brought you to Dubai?
I moved to Dubai when I was five years old then moved to Canada when I was 13. Later on, I moved to Milan, the design capital of the world, to complete my Master’s degree. I returned to Dubai because to me it is a city of opportunities and the design and art scene has grown at an exciting pace here, especially over the last 10 years. Now, it really is one of the main hubs for design and for me, working in the hospitality sector, where better in the world to be than Dubai.
What inspired you to enter the interior design space and launch Y Design?
Being a designer was a vision I had since a young age. I always knew I wanted to be part of the creative world and felt it was where I belonged. The older I got, the more obsessed with interior design I became. I love how all design disciplines can be incorporated into interiors. I learned so much working with some of the world’s best global design firms such as HBA and Gensler. That experience, coupled with my lifelong obsession with beauty and luxury, opened the doors for the most exciting chapter of my life – launching Ydesign Interior during the pandemic.
Talk us through the inspiration of your pieces.
I am inspired by different cultures and spaces therefore traveling is one of the biggest parts of my inspiration journey. While we like to stay up to date with recent trends, we also try to incorporate historic styles. Like fashion, design trends repeat themselves, whether that be through style, material, or design.
What are the key elements of your role?
As a designer and as an entrepreneur, it is very challenging to maintain both identities every day. The designer side of me is a creative soul with a vivid imagination, and day-to-day I manage projects, clients and construction sites. But as an entrepreneur and business owner, I have to wear many different hats and play different roles. I am a representative of my own brand, and I manage the company’s finance, accounts, and team members, all while building new relationships and business leads.
Talk us through your daily routine.
Exercise is very important to me. I believe it elevates your mind and your mental health as well as your body, which as an entrepreneur and designer is very important. I need to be able to create and be inspired, and my brain and imagination is my main tool as a designer. It is like a muscle you need to train therefore exercising is part of my daily lifestyle everyday. I wake up very early and either go for a run, do weight training, or hot yoga. I do this every single day before I begin any work. My day is a mix of catching up with emails, meeting my clients and suppliers, and visiting construction sites. After work, I visit newly opened restaurants, hotels and bars to firstly admire the interior spaces, but also to understand and observe how people relate and interact with the spaces, which is a huge part of the concept journey for any hospitality or commercial project.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Be passionate, persistent, and patient. Passionate: “Do what you love, and love what you do”, always in whatever you do in life. I always advise younger designers – when you do what you love, it is no longer an 8-5 job, it’s your baby, that you are growing, and will always be part of you. Be persistent as starting a firm is not easy, but you should always remain persistent and maintain the same drive everyday – have a vision and go after it. Also, be patient: Your dreams or goals don’t happen overnight. When you start your company, you need to be financially stable while you are growing, because you won’t have a steady salary. Make sure your finance is in check. Be patient. There might be some days you have a couple of projects at the same time, but some days when you are waiting for one project. Be prepared for good and bad days in all areas – whether that is finance or team capability. We have grown today to a team of five designers at Y Design in the past three years, but only because we’ve been ‘passionate, persistent and patient’.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
As long as you are really passionate about what you do every day, you will find some joy in both the good and bad days.
We are living and working in a very competitive market, but if you can maintain energy, passion and a positive energy, you will attract clients who admire this and want to be a part of your journey.
And what is the worst?
“You are too young to start your own company”. There is no right or wrong time – it is different for each one of us. It’s going to be scary, challenging, and push you out of your comfort zone whatever age you are – only you know if and when you are ready to take the challenge.

What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
The biggest challenge was the launch of my company, as it was right in the middle of Covid. I had been contemplating for a year when the right time would be to start my own boutique firm. We were in the midst of the chaos and in lockdown, and I had lost my job. It was the scariest and most challenging decision I have made not knowing how the market would respond or if I could succeed. But here we are three years later, and I can say that all that chaos resulted in the most beautiful outcome with the launch of Ydesign Interior.
What are the future plans for your brand?
I would like to expand Ydesign Interior globally and work on international projects, while still maintaining our identity and feel of a boutique firm. We are very selective with the projects we take on and operate with an ethos of quality over quantity, which is key to our brand identity, as a luxury boutique firm. I feel it is important to build and develop a great friendships with our clients – that is what makes the journey enjoyable, even amid the inevitable challenges we face with every project.
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Images: Supplied  & Feature Image: Instagram @ydesigninteriors More