Raphael Stevens

After joining hands in 2020, Jenn Getz & Alfie became Dubai’s only female DJ duo to spread their unmatched energy through music.
The British artists are resident DJs at Soho Garden Al Meydan and Soho Garden the Palm and have been the opening acts for renowned DJs such as Fisher, Claptone and more.
Known for their tech house and house tracks, the pair have undoubtedly created a loyal fanbase in the region and beyond.
As they continue to break stereotypes in the industry, Emirates Woman sat down with Jenn Getz & Alfie to delve into their career.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Jenn: My favorite subject was dance. I’m a person with a lot of energy and I find it hard to sit still so dancing was a way to channel that. I trained in ballet for 15 years, although you would never guess now because all I do is two-step. Dance was pivotal for me, it taught me discipline, and about my body and music.
Alfie: Dance and sport were my favorites. I was always extremely shy at school, however, found I could really express myself through dance. It was actually the first career I chose to pursue. I thrived in anything to do with rhythm and music.
What was your first job?
Jenn: I have had some hilarious jobs in my time. I have been a milk woman in Australia, worked in a gold mining town in the middle of Austraila, and fire danced in Cambodia.
Alfie: I got my first job at 14, helping out my family cleaning business. I was genuinely terrible at it, but I have always worked and jumped through so many jobs whilst carving my way to making my passion of being a DJ into my career. While I started out DJing wherever I could in some less than desirable venues, working in these places helped me to make essential connections that helped me to get where I am today.
What eventually brought you to Dubai?
Jenn: Whilst I was living in Bali I learned to DJ at a boat party on a little island, Gili Trawangan. I was so inspired, so I kept practicing and got to the point where I knew it was what I wanted to do. I knew Dubai would be a place of opportunity for me as a DJ, so I left the barefoot Bali life, bought a pair of shoes and moved to Dubai.
Alfie: I had been DJing solidly in the United Kingdom for a few years when a friend from Dubai reached out to me to ask if I would like to make the move and play a residency here. While it was daunting at first to move so far away, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
What inspired you to enter the music space?
Jenn: Since I have danced for as long as I can remember, I always knew how to count music from a young age, that was the connection. Music is second nature for me. Another inspiration was my friend from Indonesia, DJ – RD, he taught me initially how to DJ, and I learned so much from him. Through watching him I realized the ability to control a crowd of people and knew I wanted to try my own hand at it.
Alfie: Being a dancer I was always attracted to music. I could feel the beats if that makes sense. Making the transition to DJing felt natural to me and it just really clicked that it’s my calling in life. Music production has naturally been the next step. Finding a duo partner was an added bonus, our two minds together are greater than one and that inspires us both to continue growing in the music industry.
Talk us through what it’s like being ‘the first female DJ duo’ in the region.
Jenn: There are so many female DJs in Dubai and music can be a ruthless industry, there’s a hugely competitive nature to the community. It was a breath of fresh air to meet Alfie, we immediately clicked, and started to practice together when DJing wasn’t allowed in public venues due to COVID restrictions. We discovered that we play the same style, and we had a laugh chatting and mixing. We decided to team up, knowing that collaboration would make us stronger, and empower each other and other women together.
Alfie: It’s extremely exciting and humbling that we can make a statement as a female duo. We’re so empowered to represent women in a very male-dominated industry. We want to inspire as many girls as possible to have the confidence to take the leap and be recognised for their talents.
What are the key elements of your role?
Jenn: The job of a DJ is to take the crowd on a journey. Being the person in control of that journey and watching the crowd move, its magic.
Alfie: As a DJ you are essentially creating someone’s night and their memories. You can take someone on a journey through your sets and even through your own tracks. It’s a very powerful skill to have and especially to do it as a duo, reading each other and using our chemistry to move others.
Talk us through your daily routine.
Jenn: My routine really depends on what time we were working until the night before as our career demands lots of late nights. My general routine consists of a lot of self-care, meditation, gym, dog walking, beach walks (when it’s not 50 degrees), trips to the mall as we need a never-ending amount of clothes, a lot of music preparation and education, continuous learning and searching for new music.
Alfie: As Jenn said, it varies from day to day depending on what we have scheduled —however, there is always a good cup of tea in my daily routine. I start the day at the gym. Later on, whether it be a studio session together, content creation of set recordings, mixes, radio or prepping for sets, our days revolve around honing our craft. We have to make sure our music is up to date and find new tracks to show the crowd.
What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
Jenn: Hustle and keep hustling some more, nothing is impossible.
Alfie: Go for it. Nothing is impossible – my friend sent me a quote once that has always stuck with me: ‘What if I fall?’ ‘Oh, but my darling what if you fly?’ It’s a perfect summary to always go for it.
What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
Jenn: That energy flows where attention flows, and if you don’t ask the answer is always no.
Alfie: Everything happens for a reason. Be that good or bad but always take it in your stride.
And what is the worst?
Jenn: I’ve probably been given lots of terrible advice, but I haven’t given it a second thought so I can’t remember.
Alfie: I was once told I would never be a good or successful DJ and that I should try something else. To be honest this kick-started the fire in my belly to work even harder and become the artist I am today.

What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
Jenn: Being females in this male-dominated industry is challenging, it should be about the music but sadly it isn’t always…
Alfie: Having the recognition of talent and hard work. As females overcoming the image of us just being women and not talented is difficult. But also something we are happy to tackle.
What are the future plans for your brand?
Jenn: We have so many goals, we keep smashing them and setting bigger and better ones, we have come so far in this last year and we are so grateful and we can’t wait for the future! Releasing our first track, “Only 4 Things” on the renowned record label, Solotoko, in July was a massive goal of ours and the feedback has been amazing. We want to keep creating great music.
Alfie: So much! We are releasing more music and ticking off future goals as we go. Taking the brand internationally with more gigs and tours is a dream.
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We hear the phrase “setting boundaries” often. There are podcasts on setting boundaries, books on steps to take, and even coaches on how to implement this in work, relationships, and life. There’s a reason this is so prevalent and people literally pay money to be taught how to do this—it’s hard. Not only is it hard, but with the integration of work and life, remote work, the influx of digital tools, and the ever-growing competitiveness that is the modern workplace—setting boundaries is a common problem.
Think of setting boundaries as a fun exercise in removing excess from your work life, to make time and room for what you are good at, what needs to be done, and what you truly love to do. Just as you may spend time cleaning out your closet or your pantry—it’s time to do the same with your work habits and what you are letting into every minute (and sometimes every second, can you say instant message?!) of your daily life. 
Let’s dive into seven simple steps to make this happen.

1. Define Your Boundaries
Before executing on setting boundaries, it is important to sit back and think about what those even are. We’ve heard the normal ways to set boundaries such as setting a consistent schedule, not checking emails after a certain time, or time blocking (though we’ll get to that again later on). While those are all great and important ways to set yourself up for success and hone your focus, it’s key to really take the time to think about how you truly want your day to look.
Take 20 minutes one weekend morning. Grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and open up a blank page in a notebook or a new document on your screen. Write down how you’d want your day to look in a perfect world. Even though you may not be able to do everything on that list (we’re out here grinding, after all), there are always ways to build your life to more closely reflect your hopes and dreams. For example, want to go to a workout class in the morning or take a morning walk? Figure out what time you need to wake up to do so. Or, if a break at 10 a.m. would be a more realistic time to get your workout or walk in, see if there’s a way you can fit that in.
Think about your life and your work. Do you think the best in the early morning? Do you work out best in the afternoon once you have had some fuel all day? What do you need to be completed prior to the work week to feel prepared? What do you need prior to a client call? Think about what you’d like to have in place so you can use your work day to your advantage.
Figure out which of these wishes you can realistically integrate into your current routines and responsibilities. If you need to start one at a time, then great! That’s always better than nothing at all.

2. Communicate Those Boundaries
Once you’ve defined what you would like to implement into your work life, it’s time to execute. The first step? Communicate your needs (ugh, not always fun, I know!).
Check-in with your colleagues, those you manage, and your bosses on what you’d like to adjust. Need to take a 20-minute break in the mornings? Add it to your calendar, let your boss or those you manage know that you may step out for less than a half hour each morning, and communicate when you’ll be back online after. 
If you’d like to set a boundary a bit larger, like using your lunch break to workout without distraction, ensure this works for your boss and organization prior. Always consider others’ schedules and what they may need from you as well when thinking about what will work best for you and for them (especially now that many of us are in different time zones!).

3. Set Up Guardrails
Now that you’ve communicated and confirmed all are onboard with the boundaries you have set, it’s time to set up additional guardrails so that you yourself follow them. Sometimes, following and sticking to your own boundaries can be the hardest part. 
Set up your calendar with your new schedule, whether that’s a solid start time of 8:30 a.m. (no, I won’t answer your Slack at 6:45 a.m.!) or adding an hour to your day at 1 p.m. for you to get your sweat on. Additionally, add time blocks for getting big projects done or going through your emails (batching email is still something I’m working on but is a great tool as well, guilty as charged). 
Take it a step further and look into different features in any communication tools your organization may use. For example, Slack has a feature to connect your Google Calendar, making it seamless to show your colleagues when you’re in a meeting or unavailable. You can also set custom statuses to show you’re working on a specific report or project.

Source: Color Joy Stock

4. Discuss Your Work Styles and Schedule
Another way I like to ensure myself and my teams are working in a way that is the most efficient and beneficial for us is to communicate to each other what works best.
I make it a habit to ask colleagues to check my calendar prior to messaging me a question, in the case that I’m in a meeting. I try to lead by example here as well, checking their calendars prior to bombarding them (though I’m not perfect at this).
Other small ways to set boundaries and improve your work day are to talk to your colleagues about the way you prefer to receive items, communicate internally, and perform tasks. For example, if someone messages you documents and you’d rather have them via email so they don’t get lost, just ask! 
It’s true what they say—ask and you shall receive. If someone doesn’t know you prefer things a certain way, how will they know to change it?

5. Review Deadlines, Tasks, and Projects in Advance
Something that often helps teams to stay focused during the week and mitigates back and forth questions during the work day, therefore improving everyone’s boundaries, is to have weekly check-ins at the start or end of the week. 
Use these quick check-ins to review what is on the radar for the week and who is doing what. Talk through specific deadlines. If you need a deadline, ask your manager or director when they will need something. This will decrease messages in your inbox and allow you the space to breathe knowing you’re on track during your work week. 
Don’t forget, teamwork makes the dream work.

6. Take Your Time Off (The Right Way)
While it’s easy to get in the mindset of needing to always be “on” in order to be successful—it is not a sustainable way to continue through your career. We are in it for the long haul after all. So take your time off, that’s what it is there for. 
The problem with time off is that we all know it can sometimes be stressful. I’ve learned that there is a way to take this time in order to enjoy the days you have and come back more ready to go than ever. 
It’s simple: prepare. Review calls you have, tasks you normally do, and any other items needed. Talk to colleagues about coverage and prepare them in advance. When setting your weekly or monthly plan, consider when you’ll be out so that you don’t have as much on your plate during those times.
Work a bit extra as needed prior to getting out of town or out of the office—it’s worth the relaxation on the other side!

7. Understand When Boundaries Need to Be Broken
All of these different ways to set boundaries are great in theory, right?
There are times however when these need to be taken down or ignored completely. For example, if there is an urgent matter at work (that is actually urgent), I can take my morning walk perhaps in the afternoon. If I receive an email that needs to be addressed right away, I can take a break from the project I’m working on. 
The key to a successful career is knowing when things are urgent, when they’re a priority, when they don’t matter at all, and how to juggle all the in-betweens in order to move the needle while being as efficient as possible.
And I know, not all of these habits, tricks, or wishes for our boundaries are always possible depending on your workplace, so the most important thing is to pick one or two that may work well for you and go from there. A small step is still a step. And a small step will slowly allow you a work day that not only works for you, but works for your employer, your clients, your colleagues, and your life.

Thinking of Quitting? Consider These 7 Things Before Making a Decision You Might Regret More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
1 hour ago

The UAE will introduce a new generation of Emirati passports from next month.
With innovation at the forefront, the new version of passports, which will launch on September 1, 2022, will feature technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel.
Launched as part of the national ID card project that began in June 2021, this change is all set to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness on a global scale and reduce the attempts of forgery with its detail-oriented identification page.
Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
The latest features include a fine security thread, decorative carvings with highly complicated spectrums, photographs printed with advanced security features, a holographic logo for authenticity, a refined three-dimensional intaglio showcasing the date of birth and a watermark with the UAE emblem.
To reduce any external damages, polycarbonate is used instead of paper due to its thickness and increased quality for specialised printing.

The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
— Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

“The project aims to enhance the flexibility of doing business related to individuals in various institutions of the UAE, in order to improve the quality of life and provide a travel experience that strengthens the leading position of the UAE,” the chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, Ali Muhammad Al Shamsi, said.
With the UAE’s strong ranking on the global map, per the Henley Passport Index for 2022, making it the highest in the Arab world, such changes are a step further to strengthen its position on the list.
All Emirati passport holders will also need to verify the validity of their documents for a period of no less than six months before they travel with the possibility of issuing passports while being abroad through the UAE.
Passports for holders of the previous generations are still considered valid until their next expiry date approaches for renewal. The new generation passport can be applied for once there is a six months validity left on the current passport.
The Emirati passport can be renewed through the website or the UAEICP smart application.
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Images: Supplied More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
2 hours ago

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued an inspiring message to the future generations of the UAE.
To mark International Youth Day on August 12, 2022, the Dubai Ruler shared a video across his official social media platforms, celebrating the achievements of the young people of the emirates.
“I was young once like you and my dreams did come true,” His Highness said. “After the hardships, good days followed. Our country has become a heaven. May it always thrive.
“It’s now your time to flourish with ease.”

Sheikh Mohammed went on to outline the “biggest success” in the UAE’s history of achievements, the “youth”.
“They are the future,” he added.
He also referred to the country’s youth as the “hope and treasure” of the nation, and urged them to take the future into their hands and carve their own path.
By championing young people of the UAE following different career paths, the video highlights a chef, triathlete, a camel owner, a horse rider, an engineer and a pilot.
From robotics engineer, Maryam Buhumaid to chief cultural guide Fatma Khalid, inspiring leaders diligently pursuing their careers from the next generation were presented in the clip.
Furthermore, he advised the young generation to take the future into their hands and strive for academic excellence, which will contribute to the UAE’s growth.
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Images: Supplied & Instgram @faz3 More

Lifestyle

by Olivia Morris
37 seconds ago

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has met the delivery driver he praised on social media for his selfless good deed.
The Crown Prince of Dubai previously put out a call for his followers to help him find the individual in question, who was eventually identified as Abdul Ghafoor.
His Highness has now met the Dubai delivery driver, sharing a photo of the pair together.
“An honour to meet you Abdul Ghafoor, a true example to be followed,” His Highness said on Twitter.

An honor to meet you Abdul Ghafoor, a true example to be followed. pic.twitter.com/eRQ0nuYAZF
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) August 11, 2022

Last week, His Highness shared a video, which was caught on camera by another onlooker, of Mr Ghafoor, a Talabat delivery driver, removing an obstruction of two concrete blocks from a busy intersection.
Sheikh Hamdan referred to the individual’s good deed as “an act of goodness in Dubai to be praised” and called on his followers to help him find the man.

An act of goodness in Dubai to be praised. Can someone point me to this man? pic.twitter.com/clEIWQQe3A
— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) July 31, 2022

It wasn’t long before Mr Ghafoor in question was found, prompting Sheikh Hamdan to personally thank him on his social media channels, calling him “one of a kind”.
It just goes to show a simple good deed always goes a long way.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Sheikh Hamdan Twitter More

Lifestyle

by Sarah Joseph
4 hours ago

As the UAE continues to bring in new changes post the COVID-19 pandemic, visas are a major topic of discussion.
Back in April, the UAE Cabinet approved a number of new visas, as the country continues to welcome expats from around the globe.
“The new system of entry and residence is aimed at attracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers,” the cabinet said via a statement from the media office.
With a host of new visas being granted from next month onwards, below is everything you need to know.
Business visa
 For those who wish to start their own company or invest in other companies, a business visa can be granted without a sponsor.
Temporary work visa
For any project-based work or temporary work assignments, candidates can receive a temporary work visa after submitting a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer and a valid health certificate, per the government website.
Visa for studying/training
This visa is required for internship programmes, study courses and training purposes. The requirements for such a visa include the details of the study or the internship and its overall duration. It can be sponsored by public and private sector educational and research institutes.
Family visa
Families now have the option of sponsoring male children until the age of 25, where it was previously 18 years old only. Sponsorship can also be granted to disabled children and unmarried daughters for an indefinite time.

The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform to apply at pic.twitter.com/0PsCJYaoyR
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

Job visa
After graduating from the best 500 universities, job-seekers can avail of this latest visa that will be given to bachelor’s degree holders or its equivalent to exploring more job opportunities in the UAE. This visa can be granted to those who fall under the first, second or third skill levels category as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Already available in the UAE
Multi-entry tourist visa
If tourists wish to visit the UAE and stay for a longer time frame, that’s now possible for up to 90 days and it can be extended for another 90 days without a sponsor with this five-year multi-entry tourist visa. The requirements include a minimum bank balance of $4000 (Dhs14,700) or its equivalent in the last six months before applying.
Green visa
If residents wish to bring their families without a sponsor or employer, this five-year visa is granted to skilled workers, self-employers and freelancers who have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and a minimum salary of Dhs15,000.
Golden visa
Launched as part of a programme in 2019, however, effective in full force since 2021. The Golden visa is now offered to a host of professionals that have changed over the course of time. Golden visa holders can now sponsor their families including their wife and kids without any age limit along with domestic workers.
For entrepreneurs
With the UAE considered a startup hub and with an influx of innovative business, entrepreneurs are now eligible to apply under this category. The requirements are for any small and medium enterprise (SME) to generate not less than Dhs1m in revenue or the individual should be a founder of a previous project that was sold for not less than Dhs7m and it needs to be approved by the Ministry of Economy or competent local authorities.
For real estate owners
The visa categories included those who have a property with a minimum investment of Dhs2 million in real estate, with investors who purchase properties on a mortgage plan where the total investment is Dhs2 million or more.
For ‘exceptional talents’
The categories for receiving the visa have been expanded. Under this category, individuals in fields such as culture & art, sports, investors & innovators, and digital technology can now be beneficiaries of this esteemed visa scheme.
For scientists & researchers
Any notable scientists and those conducting intense research in their field will have an opportunity to apply, based on the recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council. The requirements for this category include a Ph.D. or master’s degree in either of the heads that include engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from well-reputed universities along with proof of research and any achievements.
For outstanding students
Students in UAE secondary schools and exceptional graduates from UAE universities and 100 of the best situated worldwide have an opportunity to apply for this visa. The requirements include sharing their academic performance, year of graduation and university classification.
For skilled workers
Workers who have a Bachelor’s degree, and a valid contract of employment, are classified under the occupational level one or two as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and have a minimum monthly income of Dhs30,000 will be granted this visa in the UAE.
For more information visit the UAE government website. 
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