Raphael Stevens

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    in lifestyle and culture

    How I got my job as… Yas Island Wellness Ambassador, Khadija Al Ameri

    As many more of us venture out to our favourite hangouts, the team at Yas Island is on hand to ease any anxieties you might have during these uncertain times. One of them is Khadija Al Ameri.
    As the Wellness Ambassador, she believes that your leisure time is an opportunity to reconnect with your loved ones while also improving your mental wellbeing. Below she talks us through her role why now more than ever it’s important to invest in personal wellness.
    What was your favourite subject at school?

    Growing up, my favourite subject at school was History.
    What was your first job?
    My first job was an Events Planner, where I have handled projects promoting Abu Dhabi as a destination, including World Skills Abu Dhabi.

    Talk us through your role as a Yas’ Wellness Ambassador.
    The Yas Wellness Program was launched to reassure guests it is safe to visit Yas Island responsibly and provide visitors with information about the health and safety measures in place. I am part of a great team of 34 health and safety leaders whose role is to make sure that guests feel safe and secure when they visit Yas Island and that they enjoy their time spent with their loved ones at our attractions.  This includes assisting guests with any questions or concerns they may have about the safety measures in place on Yas Island through email, phone, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.  With the many changes and uncertainties brought about by COVID-19, I love that my role as a Yas Wellness Ambassador is to reassure guests and help grant them peace-of-mind.
    What does wellness mean to you?
    Wellness to me means safety, well-being and peace-of-mind. I think that my job as a Yas Wellness Ambassador has greatly influenced my perception of what ‘wellness’ is because I know how important it is to our daily lives. The impact of COVID-19 and the subsequent socialising and travel restrictions has highlighted the importance of community, connectivity and shared experiences on our mental wellbeing. Leisure and family time plays a big part in this and I am so proud to be able to help people return to what they love after a difficult period and in a safe and responsible manner.
    How have you emotionally navigated through these uncertain times?
    Personally, doing my best to stay up-to-date with the health and safety guidelines set by the authorities has helped me eliminate a lot of stress that could stem from not knowing what to do or expect from the new life routine we are encountering. I think this pandemic has allowed us all to slow down a bit and reflect on the small things in life. It has also helped us to become closer to our loved ones, as we all go through this situation together. Spending time with my family, and connecting with those who I don’t see in person more often than usual, has helped me emotionally navigate through these uncertain times.
    Do you believe we all should be working on our personal wellness?
    I believe we all need to take the responsibility of caring about our own wellness, and the wellness of our loved ones. It’s very important to educate ourselves on how mental and physical wellness goes beyond affecting ourselves only, but also the people around us who we interact with on a daily bases.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    My advice would be to do what you love and do it well. My role as a Yas Wellness Ambassador came from working in the Yas Concierge team and my love of working with people. When dealing with the public it is noticeable when you are genuine with your help and it is appreciated much more when you go above and beyond.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    “Not everyone is going to agree with you, but you have to follow your heart and do what is best for you because you will be the one who has to live with the choices that you make.”
    Coming from a society that is strongly family-oriented, our culture has raised us to be selfless and giving. While these are beautiful traits, that build strong family and friendship bonds, it makes it easy for us to unconsciously choose to live our lives by always choosing the norm, and whatever we see is safe to face the society with, whether that’s is with regards to what we study, what job roles we take, or what hobbies we practice.
    I believe that it’s important for us to think about what we love or makes us passionate, and not be afraid to explore these options until we find what truly makes us happy, without worrying about failing because it’s an option that has never been done before by the people around us or feeling discouraged because we think about what people would say about our choices.
    And what is the worst?
    At some point of my life, I was in an environment that made me extremely unhappy, and whilst I was debating whether or not I should walk away from it, I received a piece of advice from someone who said:  “Convince yourself to just live with it, that’s just how life is, everyone is going through the same thing. Otherwise, you will end up never finding anything better”
    That advice is something that I do not agree with at all because I believe that it’s not worth wasting your life spending your time on things that drain your energy and do not bring you happiness in return.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    Accepting the difficulties and failures encountered through the process of achieving my big goals.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Watch Dubai couple’s baby gender reveal on the Burj Khalifa

    Gender reveal parties have become a norm for any pregnancy journey, in fact, we have seen more emphasis on these than on the baby showers.
    Whether it’s popping a giant balloon to reveal either pink or blue confetti, cutting into a blue or pink cake or making the use of a giant smoke cannon, we have a feeling that nothing you have seen will match the extravagance of the gender reveal that occurred in Dubai.

    Just before the weekend, YouTubers Anas and Asala Marwah, who have over 7 million subscribers, decided to use the tallest building in the world for the biggest ever gender reveal.

    The couple along with their daughter saw the Burj Khalifa light up in stars and fireworks as the tense 10-second countdown finally revealed that they are expecting a boy.
    In the video, Asala said: “My heart is beating, I feel it is going to pop out of my chest and I feel much more excited than my wedding day.”
    There has been some speculation over the cost of using 830-meter structure to project a message with some believing that it would’ve set the expecting parents back around Dhs514,000.
    [embedded content]
    It’s a heavy cost, but it’s an unforgettable experience.
    Anas and Asala Marwah welcomed their first child Mila in 2018, who excitedly watched the animation on the Burj Khalifa alongside other family members and friends.
    “We wanted to do something unique and memorable so that we can all look at it in the future and remember what we built as a family,” Asala added.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Instagram More

  • 125 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    I Stopped Giving Out My Number on Dating Apps—Here’s Why

    Swipe left, swipe right, roll eyes, and repeat. Girl, the wild world of dating apps is a strange place. On one hand, dating apps are a really cool way to browse a catalog of allegedly available people who may be good for the night or a lifetime depending on “how things go.” On another hand, dating apps feel like a trip down the rabbit hole into some weird Alice in Wonderland-esque universe where nothing makes sense. After what I’m realizing has been years of swiping, fishing, matching, hinging, meeting, dating, and failing, I’ve finally implemented some boundaries and standards to keep the weirdos at bay (thank God).  It may sound silly, but I stopped entertaining people for the sake of “what if.” You know what I mean: “what if he’s a nice guy?” or “what if these are just really bad angles in all of his pictures?” I gave up on wondering what if and dealt with what was. Most importantly, I stopped giving my number out on dating apps. 

    After years of swiping, fishing, matching, hinging, meeting, dating, and failing, I’ve finally implemented some boundaries and standards to keep the weirdos at bay.

    Frankly, I’m not comfortable with a bunch of strangers having my phone number. It’s important for me to maintain my boundaries and also protect my privacy. Giving my phone number feels like I’m handing out invitations to my private, more personal life. I don’t think men I don’t know should be able to know me in that way. Honestly, I’ve regretted giving my number out too quickly. Some people are only out to collect numbers and others have no serious intentions anyway. Giving my number out too quickly has sometimes made it difficult for me to discern the interest from the creepy. It’s hard to rid yourself of creeps once they have your number. I’ve experienced people I’ve blocked calling from different numbers. If I’d just left them on the app, ridding myself of them would have been a lot easier. Still not convinced? Before you fire off—hear me out.  

    1. I limit people’s access
    We live in a fast-paced, instantly gratified society where we all feel entitled to each other at the click of a button or the status of a delivered text, but no ma’am. Failing to give my phone number out allows me to limit not only who has access to me, but how much access they have. Setting this boundary means that only those I’m comfortable with will have immediate access to my time, energy, and attention. Everyone else will need to wait until I check my apps. I think it’s important to note that none of my app notifications are turned on either. I will see them when I see them. Limiting those distractions and setting this boundary helps me to remain focused on what’s most important to me. 
    Unfortunately, a stranger from the internet ranks pretty low on my list of priorities. Until someone earns relevancy in my life, they have none, just as I should not have any in their life. If a connection is there and interest grows, getting to know them will become more important and relevant to me. I think it’s a misstep to allow strangers from the internet to have that much space in your life. Yes, we are searching for our mates, but let’s not forget these people are literal strangers until proven otherwise. The desire for a companion should not completely throw you off your axis to the point you are allowing every person who swipes right an opportunity to be with you. And let’s be honest: many of the folks who end up in our inboxes are uninteresting, oddly sexual upon first swipe, or looking to line their cellphones with numbers they don’t intend on calling. We deserve better.

    2. There are so many other means of communication
    We’ve got Instagram, Facebook, Whatsapp, dating apps, letters, smoke signals, and pigeons for goodness sake! Thankfully, we’re living with brand-spanking-new technology that allows us to remain connected through something other than a phone number. Many apps offer video and voice chat right through the app. If a man asks for my number (and I’m interested in getting to know him), I offer to chat through social media, email, or the app we’re on. He either will get with it or get lost. If he gets lost, that saves me from days, weeks, or months of emotional chaos and mental exhaustion trying to interpret “mixed signals.”
    I can almost hear one of you asking, “Well, how are you going to go on a date if you don’t give him your number?” or “How are you supposed to get to know each other if you never talk on the phone?” I’ve got answers for you. I stopped giving out my number because I realized moving the conversation from the dating app didn’t make us any closer or progress the budding relationship any faster. In fact, it just led to a thread of text messages and missed phone calls until we fell off faster than we swiped. 

    3. Setting a boundary helps me see people clearly 
    Failing to give out my number has shown people’s character very quickly. Those without boundaries don’t want you to have any either. When I fail to give a man my number just because he asks for it, it allows me to see how he handles rejection and boundaries. There have been and will continue to be men who curse me out, ghost me, or try to slyly (or forcefully) manipulate me out of my boundary all because I politely declined. I didn’t need them anyway. Then, there have been men (and will continue to be men) who understand my boundary, respect it, and operate within it. Just that fast, I’ve eliminated some people who didn’t deserve me from my dating pool. Yes, there are plenty of fish in the proverbial dating sea, but I don’t need more fish—I need better ones. 

    They say doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is insanity. After years of operating without boundaries, I’m implementing them now. I don’t want a random text from a guy from Tinder in six months just because he’s bored; I want something meaningful. Everyone has their own dating strategy, and this is mine. Even if you don’t agree with my boundaries, it’s important for you to examine what your boundaries are. What has worked for you? What hasn’t? Your dating strategy should support your emotional wellbeing, as well as protect you from people whose intentions you aren’t sure of. My dating strategy helps me to feel in control, empowered, and safe. So, I’m sticking to it.  More

  • 113 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    Every Leopard Print Piece We Are Loving Right Now

    While plaid screams fall and florals are a staple in spring (groundbreaking), leopard print works for every season, every type of weather, and every outfit. It’s just a fashion fact that leopard print is a neutral. Snakeskin and cow print may be the trendiest animal kingdom-inspired prints of the season, but leopard is not trendy; it’s timeless.Marilyn Monroe rocked leopard print on a matching hand muff and collar in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes back in 1953, and our favorite style stars like Ashley Graham count it as a modern-day go-to in 2020. The pattern can be classic and feminine, evoke ’90s grunge, or help us feel confident and sassy with a bold statement piece. Leopard print can work for every style and every woman. And that, dear readers, is what we call fashion magic. Shop the best leopard print items the internet has to offer below knowing you’re investing in timeless pieces.  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Can’t Orgasm? Here’s Why

    The climax. The big “O.” Coming. Cleave the pin. Let go. Crack your marbles. You’ve heard all the euphemisms, but you haven’t quite been able to get there yourself. So, whenever you have sex, you’re so focused on getting to the finish line yourself that you just can’t seem to quite get there.We’re here to help! Your sexual pleasure is important, and not being able to orgasm is stressful, uncomfortable, and frustrating. Ready to climax but not sure how? Come (ha) along with me!

    You’re expecting a giant explosion of emotion
    The movies (and friends sometimes, too!) can make an orgasm sound like a firework is exploding in your body. Not every orgasm feels like that. As I once said, orgasms are like snowflakes — they’re all unique!
    Don’t orgasm-compare either! As much as I love talking to friends about sex, make sure you understand that their experiences are going to be different from yours.

    You’re too tense
    Relax girl! When you get too overworked making sure you climax, your body can’t “let go.”
    Yoga, stretching, really any kind of exercise, and meditation can help you relax and get over all the stress you’re putting your body through. It might also be a good idea to let your partner know that you’re struggling. He or she might be able to help calm your nerves and get your body to relax.  

    You and your partner aren’t connecting
    As much as I hate to write this one, it could be something in your relationship that’s making orgasming difficult. Whether you’re not connected physically, you’re both stressed about something, you’re miscommunicating, or something else is going on between the two of you, it might make your body tense up or your mind might be in a different place.
    Practice some mindfulness. It might sound weird (and difficult!), but stay in the present while you’re having sex. Really be there with your partner and stay focused on what’s happening in the present moment. You’ll feel more gratitude toward your partner, and have better sex (!!!).

    Try masturbating
    If you haven’t tried getting off on your own, YOU MUST. Ok, it’s not that dramatic, but I would definitely recommend you start here! Masturbation helps you get an idea of what you enjoy, and once you’re able to make yourself orgasm, it’s easier to tell your partner what he or she can do to get you there.
    If you’re struggling to get off from masturbation as well, try adding in toys and trying different positions.

    Sex is painful
    If sex hurts, obviously you’re not going to enjoy it enough to orgasm. Make an appointment with your doctor ASAP.

    If you’re taking some medications
    Certain medications can decrease your libido and lower your ability to climax. If this is really bothering you, bring this up with your doctor as well.

    You’re afraid of losing control
    Self-proclaimed control freak here, and I can say first-hand that being afraid to lose control and let your body go is actually a very common reason for not being able to orgasm. If you’re with a new partner, dealing with body image issues, or dealing with other areas of stress in your life, it’s easy to feel like you don’t want to lose control of your sex life.
    Communicate with your partner that you’re struggling with this aspect of your sex life. Getting it off your chest is the first step in relinquishing control, and your partner might be able to ease your mind of some of the (probably false!) narratives you’re telling yourself. More

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    in beauty and fashion

    Set Your Alarm: Studio McGee’s New Target Collection Launches This Weekend

    Second to my bed after a long day of working from home, Target’s home decor section is my idea of heaven on Earth. I could spend (and have spent) hours perusing all of the affordable, “I-need-it-or-I-will-perish” pieces that the department store has to offer. Don’t even get me started on the Studio McGee x Target pieces released in March that have absolutely transformed my apartment during the quarantine season (Shea McGee, we love your work!).So, naturally, when I heard that Studio McGee teamed up with Target yet again to release a fall collection, I did two things. First, I performed an impromptu, sad, yet enthusiastic rendition of the Hammertime dance in my kitchen (no one got hurt with the exception of my ego when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror). Next, I set a reminder on my phone for September 13 so that, when that glorious time comes, I can hop online to be one of the first to add pieces from the collection to make my home a cozy fall oasis. 
    We are absolutely loving these items from Studio McGee’s fall collection, and you will, too. Select your favorites now so that you can quickly add to your cart when they launch!

    available 9/13/20

    Although Target doesn’t state specifically what time products launch online, past releases have started around 3 a.m. ET. More

  • 125 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    All the Fall Zara Items in My Cart Right Now

    If I could only shop at one clothing store for the rest of my life, it would be Zara. No other store matches how well they manage to do trends every season, and absolutely no one does it so affordably. If you enter Zara, you’re going to find pieces that are unique, fun, and on-trend, guaranteed.Zara goes all-out for fall every year, and 2020 is no exception. Many of this year’s trends can be worn just as easily at home (like polo and button-up sweaters), and all the others are so beautiful you just can’t pass them up. From affordable leather bags to knitted pants (you heard that right,) these are the things that are in my cart for fall 2020 from Zara.

     
    Source: Allyson Trammell for The Everygirl More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    930 new COVID-19 cases in UAE, the highest amount in a single day in 4 months

    In the latest briefing from the UAE government surrounding the pandemic, authorities have urged citizens and residents to be diligent when it comes to precautionary measures to stop the virus from spreading.
    On Thursday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Health, announced there were 930 new cases – the highest number reported in four months. The total number of recorded cases is now 76,911.

    She also announced there had been five new deaths. Meanwhile, there have been 536 new recoveries, bringing the total recoveries to 67,945.
    In the briefing, it’s now been confirmed that anyone who comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test.

    You must self-quarantine for the entire 14 days, and should then take a second test after two weeks to ensure you are clear of any potential COVID-19 infection.
    According to Dr Al Hosani, 88 per cent of the new cases have resulted from weddings, work, funerals or other forms of social gatherings.
    It was highlighted that the public must ensure they are wearing their masks and implementing social distancing measures of two metres.
    While the numbers have increased, the highest number of COVID-19 recoveries in a single day were recorded earlier this week.
    On Sunday, it was announced by the Ministry of Health and Prevention that 2,443 COVID-19 cases have fully recovered.
    So, this is a reminder to stay diligent, wear your mask and ensure you are social distancing.
     – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.

    Feature Image: Unsplash More