Raphael Stevens

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    The Saudi entrepreneur who’s been one step ahead of the rest since she was 16

    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    Saudi entrepreneur Adwa Al Dakheel shares her success story in partnership with Porsche while being a prominent youth figure in the Kingdom.
    Can you talk us through your career?
    I was always driven to be financially independent. My career started off in the finance world as a stock trader. That was a world I was curious about, so little by little I managed to save up $4,000 by the time I was 16-years-old. I managed to open up an account in Forex trading, and the first day I doubled the $4,000 into $8,000. The second day, I lost everything. I was actually minus $126, and this made my financial obsession stronger. I continued as a trader from my teenage years up until I went to college – that was when I switched into options and derivative trading where I won first place in3 capital trading market competitions by TD Bank before graduating from college. After that, I took my flying license as a hobby and came back to Saudi Arabia to start my business. In 2018, I launched Falak Investment Hub which does venture capital investments and the first-ever investment-backed acceleration programs in KSA.
    You’re a woman of many firsts in your career. What is it like being a woman in this region to pave the way for others?

    There were many inspirational Saudi women before me who overcame gender barriers to achieve a string of firsts for women in the Kingdom. In terms of my own achievements, I try to look ahead because there is still so much more that I want to accomplish.
    What are your hopes for women in the future in your country?
    The recent developments in Saudi have paved the way for women and youth leadership. There’s the talent, innovation and the vision to achieve extraordinary things and the sky is the limit. For example, Falak is 80 per cent female, which wasn’t planned. Where I want to see further change outside Falak, though, is an increase in female participation on boards which will hopefully happen in the near future and years to come.

    Can you talk us through the campaign with Porsche to inspire young females across the GCC?
    When I think of Porsche, I associate the brand with performance and agility – something that is essential in the business that I’m in. Just recently, I’ve been involved in their most recent campaign around the launch of the new Panamera, where Porsche has shone a spotlight on unique and inspiring stories of Arab women from across the region who are making significant strides within their line of work. It was such an honour I to work with some of the region’s most talented females from the world of business. I hope the campaign will inspire young women in the Kingdom to enter into industries that they might not feel is achievable.
    To you, what does being a role model mean? How do you execute being a positive role model to others?
    I believe I’ve reached a stage where I am financially independent and sustainable, so now it’s my time to do something for society. It is by lifting others up you reach the true potential. That’s the most important thing to me.
    What do you believe it takes to break down barriers in male-dominated professions to make positive strides for women in this region?
    It starts with believing in yourself and your abilities. I’ve learned that nothing comes without backlash and nothing good comes without a price. My life motto is work smarter not harder. We face obstacles on a day to day basis – what matters is your perspective and how you overcome them.
    What advice would you give to young women in this region?
    You are the future leaders, and there are no boundaries for our achievement. If you have a strong work ethic and always challenge yourself, you can achieve anything you want. The comfort zone is one of the greatest enemies of human potential. Once you have a comfort zone you are limiting yourself to achieve your biggest goals and ambitions.
    What have been three hurdles you have experienced in your career?
    I don’t believe in hurdles, as I believe every challenge and failure I’ve faced has had a positive note and an important lesson towards anything else I do.
    What have been three major milestones in your career?
    Winning first place in 3 Capital Trading Market competitions by TD Bank across New England; getting my private pilot license; and launching Falak Investment Hub and Ns3a Recruitment Software.
    This is ‘The Positivity Issue’ – how do you plan to instil positivity in your life throughout 2021?
    One of my biggest inspirations is human potential. You can do anything you want if you dedicate yourself to it. Always see the glass half full, accept obstacles and take on challenges.
    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image Supplied  More

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    7 Tech Hacks to Help You Find Work-Life Balance

    When it comes to work, technology can make or break you. While it’s made our work more efficient, it also can mean that you’re plugged into your job at all hours of every day—which can be draining and unnecessary. Obviously, 2020 heightened this even more; with work-from-home being the case for the foreseeable future, it’s important to be able to make your technology work for you. Here are easy ways to make sure you’re maintaining work-life balance—even when you’re working remote.

    1. Delete, delete, delete
    One easy way to not let work get in the way of your personal time is to delete the email app off your phone right after you finish working on Fridays (this can also apply to any communication apps your company uses). Then, you can re-download it every Monday morning once you officially start your work day. Not only will this allow you to enjoy your weekend fully and without distractions, but you’ll start your work week off on a much more peaceful foot. You really don’t need to start worrying about work emails the second you wake up on Monday morning. 
    This may sound like a pain, but it only takes 60 seconds to re-download the app each week, and you’ll gain so much by removing email completely from your view for the entire weekend.
    Social media managers: the same goes for you. Delete and re-download any social media apps you aren’t supposed to check during the weekend. If you’re not asked to be on call, it’s OK to step away and take a breather. 

    2. Don’t be afraid of do not disturb
    It can feel like a big deal to cut yourself off from the world, but trust us, once you learn to trust the “do not disturb” settings on your phone, you’ll never want to go back. If you have a work-only phone, even better—you can set your whole device to “do not disturb” for non-work hours. 
    If you use your personal phone as your work phone, you can still do this, but might want to allow certain friends and family members to call you during that time. If your boss really needs to reach you, don’t worry: if they call twice within three minutes, the phone will ring (you can learn more about how all these features work here). But no, you don’t need to respond to your boss’ brainstorming texts when you’re trying to enjoy dinner with your family. 

    Source: Colorjoy Stock

    3. Remove notifications
    Even if you don’t open that Slack message or email that comes in a little too early in the morning, it doesn’t mean it’s not disturbing your personal time. That’s time you’re spending reaching for your phone, looking at your screen, and making a mental note to respond later. You now may find yourself thinking about that message during your commute or while cleaning up after dinner instead of catching up on your favorite podcast. Turn off any non-necessary notifications—on your phone and computer—and cut out the distractions. This applies to personal apps too. Not only will your personal time feel more freeing, but you won’t get distracted during work. Get more done and get your butt home. 

    4. Block your worst distractions
    We all have a few websites that we gravitate towards a little too much during the day (this writer is guilty of refreshing New York Magazine’s site constantly since 2008). Try setting some website blockers on your computer to help you keep your focus during the work day. These distractions can slow you down and cause you to work later than you should, especially if you’re working from home where it’s easy to fall into a productivity guilt trap and to work late to compensate. Many of these tools allow you to block devices during set hours (think 9-5), and others remove your access to the site completely until you say you want them back. This list of website blockers is a great place to start!

    5. Use tech to set boundaries
    Remember back in the day when we would customize our AIM chat room away statuses whenever we stepped away from that precious screen? It’s not entirely clear why anyone needed to know we were in the shower, but that’s how it went. Today, you can do the same thing with your more modern forms of communication. Whenever you leave the office or simply want some heads down time, feel free to change your status on Slack, mark off time on your public calendar, or set OOO notices that inform your coworkers when you’ll be back online. This may feel harsh at times, but if expectations are set, no one will feel like they’re waiting around for your response since they know you aren’t available at the moment. 

    Source: Colorjoy Stock

    6. Track your movements
    We’re talking literally. Track every physical move you make with a smart watch, your phone, or some sort of exercise tracking device. Set movement goals for yourself and use your tech pal to track your steps and keep you accountable. Check in on your progress throughout the day—an app may just be the reminder you need to give yourself a break and get your blood flowing! 

    7. Set break reminders
    Similar to how you can use your tech devices to give you a nudge when you need to get moving, use your phone or computer to set break reminders. It’s so easy to get caught up in our work and forget to take breaks, but you need to take them. Block off time for a solid lunch break on your calendar, or set a timer to alert you when you’ve worked for an hour straight. Move. Breath. Stop typing. Do whatever you need to do to relieve tension, take a break, and come up for air. You deserve it.  More

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    10 Trends So Good That I’m Buying Them Now to Wear Later

    So it’s the 10th month spent at home, the holidays are over, and the weather is pretty bleak. January is always a bummer of a month, even without a global pandemic (am I right, or am I right?). While staying-at-home persists, you might be feeling the Sunday Scaries every night of the week. If that’s not a plea for some retail therapy, I don’t know what is.Personally, I have not been online shopping as much this year as I typically do (at least my bank account is pleased), but the items I have purchased meant more. For one reason, expecting a package in the mail gives me the will to live, but cute trends and pretty pieces also make me feel hopeful for a little bit of normalcy. Maybe I’m overly sentimental, or maybe the trends RN are just so good, but as a little pick-me-up and post-holiday present for myself, these are the trends I’m so excited to wear later (whether it’s in warmer weather or when it’s safe to go out again), that I’m buying them now.

    1. Belted Blazers

    Since March, I’ve been dreaming of what I would wear on my first day back at the office. After 10+ months of reflecting, I can confidently say this will be it. There’s something about a tie belt that makes a standard blazer instantly chicer, and a silhouette immediately more flattering.

    2. Distressed Flared Denim

    If 2020 has done one thing for my closet, it’s that I’m ready to break up with my skinny jeans (and my sweatpants have doubled in numbers). The trendy pair of jeans I’ll be rocking in 2021 is a distressed pair with a flared leg. They’re chic, relaxed, and of-the-moment stylish, and they’re so comfortable, I can start wearing them now while lounging at home.

    3. Mid-Length Knit

    Keeps us warm, feels comfortable, and looks insanely stylish–what can’t knit do? The style I’m currently pining after is a mid-length dress, tight enough to comfortably cling to the body, without being so tight you can’t eat too many slices of pizza (you know what I’m talking about). Dress it up with heeled boots, or dress it down with white sneakers and rock it from now until summer.

    4. Silky Printed Button-Downs

    You may think button-downs are just for the office, but they’ve become my fashionable loungewear of choice. Think Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, only silkier, comfier, and more statement-making. The bloggers on my Instagram feed have been rocking printed button-downs for months over knit joggers and biker shorts, but they’ll look just as good tucked into distressed denim. The bolder print, the better. 

    5. Spring Pastels

    So the weather (and groundhog) still says winter, but I think we can all agree that we’re ready for spring. After a crazy few months, we need sunny days, warmer weather, and bright colors. I’m longing for colors like baby blue, pretty pink, and light yellow to brighten up OOTDs. Wear it now with knit sweaters in pastel colors, or save it for later with blouses, sundresses, and accessories.

    6. Luxe Bra Tops

    Am I the only one who hasn’t bought a new bra since senior year of high school? Lately, I’ve been shopping for comfy bra tops and luxurious bralettes because I’m an adult, and I deserve something pretty, damn it! Maybe I’ll be so bold to wear an outfit with a chic bra top and high-waisted jeans, maybe I’ll lounge at home in a jersey knit bra instead of my old wired ones, or maybe I’ll just feel an extra boost of confidence knowing there’s something pretty under my sweatshirt. Either way, sign me up.

    7. Lug Chelsea Boots

    I’m not usually so edgy to opt for a chunky boot, but apparently, 2020 has brought out my inner edge. Chelsea boots are always in style, but the 2021 version comes with a lug sole, AKA a thicker bottom with ridges (don’t worry, I had to Google it too). Lug Chelsea Boots add a casual, edgy detail to a classic, feminine style, AKA the perfect shoe for any outfit.

    8. Fringe

    Whether it’s Western-inspired fringe jackets you’d find in old John Wayne movies or glam fringe reminiscent of 1920s flappers, the trend is blowing up. Right now, I’m buying it in jackets and sweaters I can wear at home, as well as pretty accessories and dresses I can wear later. 

    9. Sweater Vests

    Who would’ve thought that Chandler Bing would’ve been a fashion icon in 2021? The ’90s fashion trend is back (and chicer than ever), which is no surprise since it’s the perfect combination of comfortable and stylish. Wear it over collared shirts or turtlenecks while the weather’s still cold, and transition it under blazers or on its own with denim shorts when the temperature gets warmer. 

     

    10. Knee-High Boots with a Kitten Heel

    Didn’t you hear? OTK boots are out, and knee-high boots are in. While I still love my chunky-heeled knee-high boots I bought last year, 2021 is all about the skinny and short heel. It’s a little more elegant, comfortable, and trendy, so consider me obsessed. I’ll be looking forward to wearing them out and about, but until then, I’ll be drooling over them in my closet.

    What trends are you buying RN? More

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    7 of the best sky-high restaurants in Dubai offering spectacular views

    Want an amazing fine-dining experience with some of the most spectacular views of Dubai? These sky-high restaurants will do just the trick.
    Also read: The ultimate round-up of the best rooftops in Dubai
    Atmosphere

    Located in the world’s tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa, Atmosphere takes the prize for being the highest restaurant in the world. Dine from the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa in the company of the most spectacular views of Dubai.  From afternoon tea to drinks to a fine-dining experience, the options for dining are endless at this chic haven.
    For more information visit atmoshphereburjkhalifa.com
    Skyview Bar and Restaurant

    This chic cocktail spot on the 27th floor of Jumeirah’s Burj Al Arab with views of the city and the sea as it’s 200m above sea level in this world-renowned hotel. Offering sweeping views of the city, it pays homage to their critically acclaimed cocktails.
    For more information visit Jumeirah.com
    Neos

    This luxurious setting has views across Downtown Dubai and straight to the Burj Khalifa. With both a bar than a restaurant vibe, it’s the perfect setting to take in the breathtaking skyline views.
    For more information visit addresshotels.com
    Al Dawaar Revolving Restaurant

    While being the only revolving restaurant in Dubai, it combines culinary excellence with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline including Burj Khalifa, creek and the sea with dinner in a chic, tropical and colonial setting. Located at Hyatt Regency Dubai, dinner starts from 6:30pm up until 11:30pm.
    For more information visit hyatt.com
    Observatory Bar & Grill

    Being a popular venue for romantic dinner and crafted classic beverages, this venue highlights the combination of exceptional service, great food and beverages along with panoramic views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah as you enjoy the sunset at Mariott Harbour Hotel & Suites.
    For more information visit mariottharbourdubaidining.com
    Atelier M

    With impeccable views of Dubai’s skyline and a gorgeous rooftop terrace, Atelier M is located in the heart of Dubai Marina in the oh-so-chic Pier 7. With every dish having a story to it, this luxurious three-level concept has timeless enchantment in the world of dining. It’s open daily from 6pm to 2am.
    For more information visit atelierm.ae
    Prime 68

    For a feast above the clouds, this new generation of steakhouse offers supreme quality ingredients plated to perfections with Dubai’s breathtaking skyline views. It’s an experience to remember along with carefully selected artisan produce from the finest heritage. Located on the 68th floor in JW Marriot Marquis Business Bay, the views are definitely something not to miss.
    For more information visit jwmariottmarquisdubailife.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature image: Instagram @neos More

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    Emirates rolls out COVID-19 vaccine programme for employees

    With the administering of a COVID-19 vaccine well underway in the UAE, Emirates Airline has begun a vaccination programme for its employees.
    Working with the Dubai Health Authority and the Ministry of Health and Prevention, the airline is amongst some of the first in the world to begin to offer employees a COVID-19 vaccination option.

    With the Sinophram and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines both being available in Dubai, the Dubai-based airline is giving its employees access to both.
    Ensuring accessibility of the vaccines for its employees is as easy as possible, inoculation appointments will be available seven days a week, 12 hours a day, with the aim those who are frontline aviation workers can be vaccinated as soon as possible.

    Similarly, just as the general public are able to, Emirates employees can also receive the jab at designated vaccine hubs around the UAE.
    Sinophram vaccine
    Out of the two vaccines that are currently available in the UAE, the first to be administered was the Sinopharm vaccine.
    The vaccine underwent clinical trials in Abu Dhabi during summer last year and it was confirmed by health authorities saying that the “analysis [from the trial of 31,000 people] shows no serious safety concerns”.
    High-up government officials including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaab, the Minister of Culture and Youth and more have received the Sinopharm vaccine.
    Pfizer vaccine
    Then, at the end of December, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    The vaccine has already started to be rolled out, with some government ministers already receiving their first doses. As of today, this now includes Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Emirates Instagram More

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    Dubai ranks amongst the top 10 most Instagrammable cities in the world for 2021

    With world-breaking skyscrapers, some of the most luxurious and out-of-this-world hotels, sweeping desert plains, the best restaurants you could ask for and too many landmarks to count, Dubai is a hub for all things travel and leisure and with this comes the inevitable sharing on Instagram.
    In-keeping with the Instagrammable nature of the city, Dubai has ranked in the top 10 of Big 7 Travel’s ’50 Most Instagrammable Places In The World 2021′ list.

    Stating that “Dubai was basically made for Instagram”, the emirate ranked number six out of 50 which is highly impressive and it is one of two Middle Eastern cities to appear on the list – Marrakech, Morroco came in at number 40.
    Analysing the number of hashtags per travel destination, Big 7 Travel calculated the results from a survey they conducted with their social media audience of which they have over 400,000 Instagram followers.

    The top destination was Tokyo, Japan followed by The Philippines. Iconic cities Paris and New York City took the number three and four spots followed by Istanbul, Turkey at number five.
    Rounding off the top 10 was Dubai at number six; Havana, Cuba at number seven; Sydney, Australia at number eight; London, UK at number nine; and Chicago, USA at number 10.
    While travel across the globe may still be largely on hold, that can’t stop you from dreaming of wanderlust.
    Check out the full list of the 50 most Instagrammable places in the world below.
    Tokyo, Japan
    The Philippines
    Paris, France
    New York City, USA
    Istanbul, Turkey
    Dubai, UAE
    Havana, Cuba
    Sydney, Australia
    London, UK
    Chicago, USA
    Singapore
    Madrid, Spain
    Berlin, Germany
    Toronto, Canada
    Hong Kong
    Santorini, Greece
    Taiwan
    Milan, Italy
    Moscow, Russia
    Amsterdam, The Netherlands
    Prague, Czech Republic
    Bogota, Colombia
    San Francisco, California
    Las Vegas, Nevada
    Vancouver, Canada
    Stockholm, Sweden
    Jakarta, Indonesia
    Buenos Aires, Argentina
    São Paulo, Brazil
    Vienna, Austria
    Seattle, Washington
    Budapest, Hungary
    Seoul, South Korea
    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    Dublin, Ireland
    Lisbon, Portugal
    Minsk, Belarus
    Warsaw, Poland
    Armenia
    Marrakech, Morocco
    Hoi An, Vietnam
    Bruges, Belgium
    Nice, France
    Tallinn, Estonia
    Cape Town, South Africa
    Sofia, Bulgaria
    Helsinki, Finland
    Phuket, Thailand
    Baku, Azerbaijan
    Athens, Greece
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Instagram @abdulazizbusaud More

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    The new out-of-this-world Dubai beach club that’s opening this weekend

    It’s only the third week of 2021 and there’s already been so many exciting openings in Dubai and this weekend is no different.

    A new out-of-this-world beach club is opening in JBR and it’s set to be nothing short of spectacular.
    Bla Bla Dubai will be opening its doors on Thursday, January 21 and will be a hub of 20 bars, three restaurants and a huge pool all set across an enormous 100,000 square-foot venue.
    All of the different bars in the venue are themed and include a Bali-themed bar on the ground floor; a Record bar featuring an array of old vinyls; a New York-themed bar – Tag Bar; a Hollywood bar and more.
    Bla Bla’s three licensed restaurants will also open in the first phase and include traditional Italian and Japanese eateries, as well as a Texas-style BBQ Smokehouse serving classics including Smoked Brisket, Honey Glazed Barbecue Chicken and Angus BBQ Ribs.
    And let’s not forget about the beach club, with all the vibes of Ibiza right here in the UAE. Stay tuned as live entertainment and a ladies’ day are set to launch next week.
    Take a look inside this fabulous new Dubai venue below.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Watch: Sheikh Hamdan’s unbelievable view of Dubai amidst the thick fog

    As thick fog has encased Dubai for the last two days, copious amounts of videos and photos have been shared on social media.
    And, of course, the social media savvy Crown Prince of Dubai joined in on the fun, putting everyone else’s posts to shame.

    His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a spectacular video to Instagram of the thick fog on Sunday, which showcases the best views of three of Dubai’s iconic skyscrapers – the Burj Khalifa, the Burj Al Arab and Emirates Towers.
    ALSO READ: The internet can’t stop talking about the fog in Dubai
    “Early morning fog in #Dubai,” he captioned the post.

    In just 24 hours, the impressive footage has amassed over 550,000 views and over 180,000 likes.

    Expect more videos and photos to be circulated on social media of the fog for the next few days, as the National Centre of Meteorology has forecasted the mist to stay for the rest of the week.

    #NCM #UAE #officialuaeweather #weatherforecast #seastate #windspeed #winddirection #rain #fog pic.twitter.com/VQbjp1i7Uv
    — المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMS_media) January 16, 2021

    However, by Friday the fog is expected to have cleared.
    As for temperatures in Dubai, expect it to get quite chilly during the evenings with lows of 14 degrees celsius. But, make sure you take advantage of the cooler weather,
    But while the cooler weather is still here, now is time to savour the next few months of still being able to sit outside before the scorching heat hits the UAE. For some inspiration of some gorgeous al-fresco hotspots with stunning views overlooking Dubai’s skyline, look at our round-up here.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More