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      12 incredible women on optimising time and using it wisely

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      12 incredible women talk to Emirates Woman on how they optimise time and what wisdom time has brought to their lives.
      Tania Santos Silva (Founder of Lala Diamonds)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      This is a very therapeutic question. There’s so much I would like to tell the young Tania. First thing would be: you’re loved – they’re doing the best they can with what they have and know. Be more selfish and less available – definitely learn to say “No.” Finish law school instead of swapping to journalism – don’t be lazy! Do a master’s in communications after. Don’t waste so much time seeking validation or perhaps, love more, live more, be more careless and regret nothing. After all, your path led you here, Tania,you’re being featured in Emirates Woman, you’re doing great.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      This is a tricky one. Lately, I’ve been super focused on my time, family and people. I don’t waste any more time with what doesn’t suit me, nor do I adapt my time to others. The last three months have been life-changing; honestly, right now, as I answer this, I’m all about healing and journaling and using my time wisely and prioritizing. If I’m not in the mood, I won’t stay longer or go. My time is priceless. I prioritise what I have to do each week in terms of meetings – in-person or online, personal appointments and errands, laptop work, or workshop work. Of course, I always find time to see my friends, go to the gym, do leisure and work travels and so on. I also include my goals for the week, which is always there because if I don’t reach them, they pass to the following week’s schedule. I always anticipate some roadblocks on the way. The trick here is to spend your time wisely with intent. We all have different definitions of time, so the best way to have a more common meaning is to spend quality time doing what you love and with the people you love. Don’t forget your tasks – goals and responsibilities.
      Sara Rahbari (Founder Of Chic Le Frique)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      Well, going back in time is certainly not an option. That might not necessarily be a bad thing because if we could, we might never be able to experience all the ups and downs and ride all those learning curves that life throws at us. So, my advice to my younger self would be not to worry and stress as much as I did. Keep living life and taking in all the experiences on this journey to evolve into a better human being.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I actually think time cannot be looked at as currency. Time is definitely way more precious. It is the one thing that you cannot make more of. Therefore, it is extremely important for me to organize my time during the day to find the right balance between my family, myself and my work. Although I have to admit it. That is easier said than done.
      Lama Jouni (Founder Of Fashion Label Lama Jouni)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I believe we tend to overthink and worry about the future too much but in the end, everything will happen to our own benefit.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I try to use time with balance. Meaning I like my days to be versatile and not only focused on work.
      Lindsay Doran (Founder Of Activewear Brand L’Couture)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I like to live my life with no regrets, but I would tell my younger self to trust the journey, to always believe in myself and know that things always work out the way they are supposed to. Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely? Being an entrepreneur and busy mum of three, life is always hectic. Training is a huge part of my life and a non-negotiable in my daily schedule, so my days are usually planned out meticulously to ensure I fit this in around time with my kids and time at the office. I have to really plan everything out so I can ensure I have time to fit everything in. There are never enough hours in the day but sticking to a plan really is the only way it all happens.
      Rawdha Thani (Founder Of Fashion Label Illi)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I would tell my younger self to be less critical of herself and not be as tough on herself. I feel like sometimes I was hard on myself when I was doing the best I could in many aspects, but I always felt like I needed to do more. One more thing, I wish I did not give myself deadlines for things before reaching a certain age, there is no timeline to doing things and there is no age limit to when to accomplish things.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I am guilty of planning my week ahead and logging everything into my calendar, so I hold myself accountable and because I’m very forgetful. I find this really helps me organize my time. I’m also very good at taking time off for myself when needed, especially lately which gets me very motivated and fuels me with energy.
      Caroline Receveur (Entrepreneur)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I would tell her to dare and go for what she believes in, without worrying about what other people think as long as it makes sense to her. I would tell her to always be grateful, even for the mistakes and bad encounters, because that’s the only way to learn. And most importantly, I would tell her to always trust her intuition and follow her heart.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I try to organize my time around the things and people who make me feel good, so I can nourish myself with good energies and give it back.
      Amanda Rushforth (Sustainable Content Creator)
      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I would honestly say to myself that there’s a much bigger picture to look at and that we have a lifetime to achieve our goals, enjoy being in the moment. I would also tell myself to put down my phone, worry less, travel more and ask more questions. I loved school and sports and often wish I could go back to reliving that team spirit.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I have a very clear list of priorities and my family is at the top, so I make sure that my time is always time well spent. I also make sure I carve out time for myself as our health is our greatest asset.
      Tutus Kurniati (Founder of Tutus Kurniati boutique)
      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes. It’s natural to feel apprehensive about trying new things, but taking calculated risks is often necessary for personal and professional growth. When you make mistakes and you will make mistakes, don’t be too hard on yourself. This is the time to make mistakes. Instead, try to learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      Prioritise and invest in learning. Make a list of tasks that need to be done and prioritise them based on importance and urgency. Focus on completing the most important tasks first. Use your time to learn new skills or knowledge that will benefit you in the long run that helps to achieve your goals.
      Sonia Leretz (Co-Founder And Managing Partner, Revalue Consulting)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I lookback and think that when we are young, there is no escape but to live with what life throws at us because we have very little control at the time. Life back then resembles a flipper game, where we are the flipper ball. It’s part of the process to play the game, and my advice would be to take distance from reality, and grasp time to better anticipate, play the game, with the cards aligned with my aspirations.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I perceive time as a resource, as a process to be nurtured. I will not perceive time as a constraint, or something that will make me accelerate. In the contrary, I will give time to time: to better invest myself in what I do and with whom I share my time with, with the objective to always absorb the present.
      Nadine Kanso (Founder of Jewellery Brand bil Arabi)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      My advice to my younger self would be to be bolder and less shy. One should not try to change things. As I am a true believer in what is meant to be, will be. When we are young, we frequently have a fearless attitude and a willingness to take risks, which can help us achieve our goals and objectives. That is particularly why my advice to my younger self would be to be more courageous. However, as we age, we can become more hesitant and risk-averse, which can cause us to miss out on chances. I believe it is critical to nurture afearless and open mindset. That includes being willing to take calculated risks, try new things, and pursue our passions even if they appear intimidating at first. Of course, being bold does not imply being irresponsible or ignoring the dangers and drawbacks of a decision. However, it does include being willing to move outside of our comfort zones and take actions toward our goals, even if we are unsure of the outcome. Taking a chance and being brave when it counts, in my experience, leads to some of the most gratifying opportunities and experiences in life. So, my advice to everyone, young or old, is to keep an open mind, to be interested and to never be scared to take a bet on yourself and your ambitions.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      Time is life. Our whole lives are measured against time, which makes it that much more precious. Time is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable commodities we have in life. We can’t earn more time or get it back after it’s gone, unlike money. That is why it is critical to be careful of how we use our time and to ensure that we are utilizing it in ways that are consistent with our beliefs and aspirations. Time, in my opinion, is not a currency, rather it is a currency of sorts, and it’s up to each of us to decide how we want to spend it. That means being intentional about setting priorities, making time for the people and activities that matter most to us, and avoiding distractions or timewasters that don’t add value to our lives. Ultimately, I believe that time is a precious gift, that we should enjoy and make the most of. That might mean being more mindful of how we use our time, setting clearer priorities, or making changes to our daily routines and habits to better align with our goals and values. But whatever we do, it’s important to remember that time is a finite resource, and we should use it wisely.
      Sumayyah Al Suwaidi (Talented Artist)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      Believe in yourself and your capabilities, be true to yourself and throw the word fear out of the window.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I divide my time between my loved ones and work. I do my best to balance to the point that I don’t feel like I am working anymore. It is just so integrated into my life that even when I am working it feels like a normal casual day.
      Nayla Albaloushi (First Emirati Woman To Scale Mount Everest)
      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I don’t have any advice for my younger self. I have lived every stage in my life and enjoyed every single part of it. I wouldn’t change or do anything differently.
      Time is your greatest currency – How do you use your time wisely?
      I start my morning early to do Fajer prayer then choose an activity depending on the weather, and after that I go to work. During the evening time, I enjoy unwinding at home and that’s how my day ends.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      11 incredible women on optimising time and using it wisely

      by

      11 incredible women talk to Emirates Woman on how they optimise time and what wisdom time has brought to their lives.
      Tania Santos Silva (Founder of Lala Diamonds)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      This is a very therapeutic question. There’s so much I would like to tell the young Tania. First thing would be: you’re loved – they’re doing the best they can with what they have and know. Be more selfish and less available – definitely learn to say “No.” Finish law school instead of swapping to journalism – don’t be lazy! Do a master’s in communications after. Don’t waste so much time seeking validation or perhaps, love more, live more, be more careless and regret nothing. After all, your path led you here, Tania,you’re being featured in Emirates Woman, you’re doing great.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      This is a tricky one. Lately, I’ve been super focused on my time, family and people. I don’t waste any more time with what doesn’t suit me, nor do I adapt my time to others. The last three months have been life-changing; honestly, right now, as I answer this, I’m all about healing and journaling and using my time wisely and prioritizing. If I’m not in the mood, I won’t stay longer or go. My time is priceless. I prioritise what I have to do each week in terms of meetings – in-person or online, personal appointments and errands, laptop work, or workshop work. Of course, I always find time to see my friends, go to the gym, do leisure and work travels and so on. I also include my goals for the week, which is always there because if I don’t reach them, they pass to the following week’s schedule. I always anticipate some roadblocks on the way. The trick here is to spend your time wisely with intent. We all have different definitions of time, so the best way to have a more common meaning is to spend quality time doing what you love and with the people you love. Don’t forget your tasks – goals and responsibilities.
      Sara Rahbari (Founder Of Chic Le Frique
      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      Well, going back in time is certainly not an option. That might not necessarily be a bad thing because if we could, we might never be able to experience all the ups and downs and ride all those learning curves that life throws at us. So, my advice to my younger self would be not to worry and stress as much as I did. Keep living life and taking in all the experiences on this journey to evolve into a better human being.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I actually think time cannot be looked at as currency. Time is definitely way more precious. It is the one thing that you cannot make more of. Therefore, it is extremely important for me to organize my time during the day to find the right balance between my family, myself and my work. Although I have to admit it. That is easier said than done.
      Lama Jouni (Founder Of Fashion Label Lama Jouni)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I believe we tend to overthink and worry about the future too much but in the end, everything will happen to our own benefit.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I try to use time with balance. Meaning I like my days to be versatile and not only focused on work.
      Lindsay Doran (Founder Of Activewear Brand L’Couture)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I like to live my life with no regrets, but I would tell my younger self to trust the journey, to always believe in myself and know that things always work out the way they are supposed to. Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely? Being an entrepreneur and busy mum of three, life is always hectic. Training is a huge part of my life and a non-negotiable in my daily schedule, so my days are usually planned out meticulously to ensure I fit this in around time with my kids and time at the office. I have to really plan everything out so I can ensure I have time to fit everything in. There are never enough hours in the day but sticking to a plan really is the only way it all happens.
      Rawdha Thani (Founder Of Fashion Label Illi)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I would tell my younger self to be less critical of herself and not be as tough on herself. I feel like sometimes I was hard on myself when I was doing the best I could in many aspects, but I always felt like I needed to do more. One more thing, I wish I did not give myself deadlines for things before reaching a certain age, there is no timeline to doing things and there is no age limit to when to accomplish things.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I am guilty of planning my week ahead and logging everything into my calendar, so I hold myself accountable and because I’m very forgetful. I find this really helps me organize my time. I’m also very good at taking time off for myself when needed, especially lately which gets me very motivated and fuels me with energy.
      Caroline Receveur (Entrepreneur)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I would tell her to dare and go for what she believes in, without worrying about what other people think as long as it makes sense to her. I would tell her to always be grateful, even for the mistakes and bad encounters, because that’s the only way to learn. And most importantly, I would tell her to always trust her intuition and follow her heart.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I try to organize my time around the things and people who make me feel good, so I can nourish myself with good energies and give it back.
      Amanda Rushforth (Sustainable Content Creator)
      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I would honestly say to myself that there’s a much bigger picture to look at and that we have a lifetime to achieve our goals, enjoy being in the moment. I would also tell myself to put down my phone, worry less, travel more and ask more questions. I loved school and sports and often wish I could go back to reliving that team spirit.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I have a very clear list of priorities and my family is at the top, so I make sure that my time is always time well spent. I also make sure I carve out time for myself as our health is our greatest asset.
      Sonia Leretz (Co-Founder And Managing Partner, Revalue Consulting)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I lookback and think that when we are young, there is no escape but to live with what life throws at us because we have very little control at the time. Life back then resembles a flipper game, where we are the flipper ball. It’s part of the process to play the game, and my advice would be to take distance from reality, and grasp time to better anticipate, play the game, with the cards aligned with my aspirations.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I perceive time as a resource, as a process to be nurtured. I will not perceive time as a constraint, or something that will make me accelerate. In the contrary, I will give time to time: to better invest myself in what I do and with whom I share my time with, with the objective to always absorb the present.
      Nadine Kanso (Founder of Jewellery Brand bil Arabi)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      My advice to my younger self would be to be bolder and less shy. One should not try to change things. As I am a true believer in what is meant to be, will be. When we are young, we frequently have a fearless attitude and a willingness to take risks, which can help us achieve our goals and objectives. That is particularly why my advice to my younger self would be to be more courageous. However, as we age, we can become more hesitant and risk-averse, which can cause us to miss out on chances. I believe it is critical to nurture afearless and open mindset. That includes being willing to take calculated risks, try new things, and pursue our passions even if they appear intimidating at first. Of course, being bold does not imply being irresponsible or ignoring the dangers and drawbacks of a decision. However, it does include being willing to move outside of our comfort zones and take actions toward our goals, even if we are unsure of the outcome. Taking a chance and being brave when it counts, in my experience, leads to some of the most gratifying opportunities and experiences in life. So, my advice to everyone, young or old, is to keep an open mind, to be interested and to never be scared to take a bet on yourself and your ambitions.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      Time is life. Our whole lives are measured against time, which makes it that much more precious. Time is, in my opinion, one of the most valuable commodities we have in life. We can’t earn more time or get it back after it’s gone, unlike money. That is why it is critical to be careful of how we use our time and to ensure that we are utilizing it in ways that are consistent with our beliefs and aspirations. Time, in my opinion, is not a currency, rather it is a currency of sorts, and it’s up to each of us to decide how we want to spend it. That means being intentional about setting priorities, making time for the people and activities that matter most to us, and avoiding distractions or timewasters that don’t add value to our lives. Ultimately, I believe that time is a precious gift, that we should enjoy and make the most of. That might mean being more mindful of how we use our time, setting clearer priorities, or making changes to our daily routines and habits to better align with our goals and values. But whatever we do, it’s important to remember that time is a finite resource, and we should use it wisely.
      Sumayyah Al Suwaidi (Talented Artist)

      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      Believe in yourself and your capabilities, be true to yourself and throw the word fear out of the window.
      Time is your greatest currency – how do you use your time wisely?
      I divide my time between my loved ones and work. I do my best to balance to the point that I don’t feel like I am working anymore. It is just so integrated into my life that even when I am working it feels like a normal casual day.
      Nayla Albaloushi (First Emirati Woman To Scale Mount Everest)
      If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self?
      I don’t have any advice for my younger self. I have lived every stage in my life and enjoyed every single part of it. I wouldn’t change or do anything differently.
      Time is your greatest currency – How do you use your time wisely?
      I start my morning early to do Fajer prayer then choose an activity depending on the weather, and after that I go to work. During the evening time, I enjoy unwinding at home and that’s how my day ends.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 100 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      In Pics: Inside Rajwa Al Saif’s henna cermony

      by

      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      2 hours ago

      With the Jordanian Royal Wedding just a week away, celebrations have officially commenced. Last night, Queen Rania hosted a henna party for the bride-to-be Rajwa Al Saif.
      The henna ceremony looked like an intimate affair with the women of the family adoring the bride and showering her with their blessing.
      For last night’s celebrations, Rajwa wore a traditional white and gold dress by the Saudi-based designer Honayda Serafi. A long white silhouette with intricate gold embroidery detail around the waist and the bodice. Punctuating the ensemble perfectly was the diaphanous veil with similar embellishments that covered her hair.
      At first glance, the surface ornamentation may just seem simple and elegant, but the embellishments bear details that hold an emotional connection between the bride and the country she is marrying into. Elements like the Jordanian star, palm tree and the phrase, ‘I see you’ have been etched on the attire.
      “Inspired by the traditional Najdi dress known as Sahabi thoub, originating from the Najd region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the design bridges past and present staying true to Ms. Rajwa’s Khalid AlSaif’s roots and contemporary persona. The design features a fully handcrafted veil and dress, flourishing through 3-D ornaments with a mix of silk, metallic threads and traditional reed strings. 7 stars are exclusively present on the veil, symbolizing the 7-pointed Jordanian star,” shared designer Honayda Serafi.
      “The veil was accomplished in a record time of approximately 760 hours with a gathered team of experts, craftsmen and women, bringing to life 10 meters of fully handcrafted tulle for the occasion, a process that would generally take about 2,000 hours of work. While the dress was completed over 340 hours of dedicated work, from start to actual realization,” she further added.
      Queen Rania chose a powder blue gown with tone-on-tone embroidery for the occasion. Sharing her happiness with her ardent followers, the Queen of Jordan posted a number of images from the night, giving everyone a glimpse of the event.
      “No celebration would be complete without our Jordanian family. Celebrating our beautiful Rajwa today! #CelebratingAlHussein.” The carousel begins with a hug between the Queen and the to-be bride, leading to an emotional moment shared between Rajwa and her mother. In other imagery, you can also spot Queen Rania giving a toast, making the bride teary-eyed.
      Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan will be marrying Rajwa Al Saif of Saudi Arabia on June 1, 2023. The Royal Hashemite Court released a statement with details regarding the impending nuptials.

      “The wedding ceremony of HRH Crown Prince Al Hussein and Ms. Rajwa Khalid Al Saif will be at Zahran Palace then the wedding procession will move to Al Husseiniya Palace.” Further adding, “At Husseiniya Palace, a Dinner banquet will be held and there will be a closed reception and banquet for the media.”
      The couple got engaged last year in August at the to-be-bride’s paternal home in Saudi. Ever since the engagement, the couple have made multiple joint appearances in public, most recent being Princess Iman of Jordan’s wedding in March.
      Sneak-peek at Rajwa Al Saif’s henna cermony, along with intricate details of her henna ensemble.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by Honayda Serafi & Instagram: Feature Image: @queenrania and @alhusseinjo More

    • 88 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Revealed: Dubai’s second Michelin Guide for 2023

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      With a tried and tested seal of approval on Dubai’s culinary scene, the highly anticipated Michelin Guide has officially presented its selection of restaurants for the emirate this year.
      Michelin-starred restaurants as well as its official Michelin Guide for the emirate have been awarded accordingly.
      In partnership with Dubai Tourism, an official announcement was made at a VIP event this morning with the former Emirates Man cover star and Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Tourism, Issam Kazim, and Gwendal Poullennec, International Director, Michelin Guides at the newly opened Atlantis The Royal.

      The stars are awarded only to eateries that are judged by Michelin Inspectors to be of a particularly high standard, and it’s unanimously respected by both chefs and gourmands around the world.
      “We never had any doubt about Dubai’s culinary potential, and this year this fascinating destination confirms its gastronomic appeal,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the Michelin Guides.
      At the VIP event which took place at Atlantis The Royal, the 90 Michelin Guide restaurants were unveiled, as well as three Michelin Green Star Restaurants for sustainability and 17 Bib Gourmands. See the full list below.
      Two Michelin Star
      New: Tresind Studio• STAY by Yannick Alleno• Il Ristorante by Niko Romito
      One Michelin Star
      • New: Avatara• New: Dinner by Heston Blumenthal• New: Moonrise• Tasca by Jose Avillez• Ossiano• 11 Woodfire• Hōseki• Al Muntaha• Armani Ristorante• Torno Subito
      Michelin Green star for sustainable gastronomy
      • New: Boca• New: Teible• Lowe
      The Michelin Guide restaurants
      • New: 99 Sushi• New: Ariana’s Persian Kitchen• New: At.mosphere• New: Boca• New; Chic Nonna• New: City Social• New: Fouquet• New: French Riviera• New: Jaleo• New: Josette• New: Jun’s• New: L’Ovilo at Al Mahra• New La Mar• New: Mayabay• New: Milos• New: Mina Brasserie• New: Mott 32• New: Pierchic• News: RSVP• New: Rüya• New: Takahisa• Akira Back• Al Mandaloun• Al-Fanar• Amazonico• Avli by tashas• Bombay Bungalow• Carnival by Trèsind• CE LA VÌ• Celebrities by Mauro Colagreco• Cipriani• Clap• Coya• Demon Duck by Alvin Leung• GAIA• Hashi• Hell’s Kitchen• Hutong• Il Borro• Indego by Vineet• L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon• Little Miss India• LOWE• LPM Restaurant & Bar• Marea• Masti• Mimi Kakushi• Netsu by Ross Shonhan• Nobu• Pierre’s iT• Rhodes W1• Rockfish• Sea Fu• Shang Palace• Siraj• Sucre• Tan Cha• The Artisan• Trèsind• Zuma

      Bib Gourmand
      • New: 21 Grams• New: 3Fils• New: Amara• Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant• Bait Maryam• Brasserie• Boulud• Fi’Lia• Folly• Goldfish• Indya by Vineet• Kinoya• Ninive• Orfali Bros• REIF Japanese Kushiyaki• Shabestan• Teible
      For more details on the 2023 tables -to-book visit guide.michelin.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @dubai More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      12 minimal décor pieces to spruce up your interiors

      by

      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      For a refined space, less is always more.
      Defined by clean lines, limited ornamentation, and a neutral colour scheme, a minimalist home ensures a timeless aesthetic all-year round.
      From consoles to coffee table books, each element plays a key role in ensuring that even small areas look larger with simple storage solutions to tackle your petite dwelling.
      So, if you’re looking to revamp your space, these 10 décor pieces can seamlessly incorporate a bit of simplicity into any home.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram Cb2 More

    • 88 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      10 Phrases Successful Women Use at Work

      by

      There’s no way around it: we have to master workplace communication if we want to succeed in our careers. What makes the task all the more complicated is trying to find the perfect thing to say and way to say it in order to communicate clearly and be taken seriously. Unfortunately, even simple phrases can be perceived in a negative way. If I say, “Sorry about that!” my colleagues may believe I’m weak. If I say, “Friendly reminder…” my coworkers may assume I’m being passive-aggressive. So, we’re left frequently trying to strike the perfect balance in every interaction.
      It’s easy to get caught up in overanalyzing every tiny detail. Does this sound okay? Am I being too nice? Did I use too many exclamation points? The list truly does go on. While we’re still trying to figure out the exact perfect amount of exclamation points, there are a few phrases successful women have in their back pockets to ensure they’re communicating effectively. Here they are:

      1. “I don’t see it this way, and here’s why.”
      Stating your opinion—especially when it’s different from other viewpoints in the room—can feel intimidating and nerve-wracking. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t held back from sharing at times. 
      But here’s the truth: your opinion is as important and relevant as everyone else’s, and you deserve to share it! It’s not rude to disagree with what others are saying, and you don’t have to apologize for having a different opinion, either. When sharing your opinion, it’s essential to consider the timing and your justification to back up your argument. 
      For example, if you’re in a meeting and your colleague asks if anyone has a different point of view, share yours while it’s relevant, don’t wait until after the fact. And to back up your reasoning for seeing things differently, make sure you have some concrete examples or references to share. You could say, “I don’t see us needing to return to the office five days per week, and here’s why. My team’s productivity has not declined. I want to continue supporting our team members with the flexibility to meet their at-home responsibilities because they provide better output with this freedom.”  

      2. “I have more thoughts to share.”
      We’ve all been there: when you finally worked up the courage to share your perspective, and before you can finish your thoughts, a coworker interrupts and steals your thunder. 
      It happens all the time, and even though it can feel discouraging, it’s okay to jump back into the conversation and continue sharing your thoughts. If you’re sitting in a meeting and a coworker interrupts or speaks over you, try to find a natural pause in the conversation to say, “I have more thoughts to share. Thank you for your input, but I’d like to finish where I left off before we move on further.” Asserting yourself helps ensure your ideas are heard and gives you a well-deserved seat at the table. 
      This phrase also works well when a meeting gets cut short, and you don’t have the opportunity to finish providing your perspective. You can follow up via email and let your team members know you have more thoughts to share and outline them in the email or schedule a follow-up meeting to continue the discussion.

      3. “My workload is full right now. What if we ask X?”
      There’s a big difference between being a team player and getting taken advantage of, but successful women aren’t afraid to draw boundaries between the two. Women get asked to take on responsibilities outside their job descriptions all the time—be it planning an event or taking notes during a meeting. 
      Extra tasks add up quickly and can lead to burnout and frustration. So, the next time you get asked to take on extra work outside of your role (without additional compensation or recognition), don’t be afraid to clarify what does and does not fit into your workload, especially if the tasks aren’t part of your job description. But instead of leaving your team member hanging, try offering an alternative solution to avoid being a bottleneck. 
      If you aren’t sure where to start with this phrase, try using it the next time you get asked to take on a project you really don’t have time for that’s also outside of your normal workflow. You can say something like, “My workload is full right now, but I know X is really passionate about this subject and might be able to take this on.”

      4. “I deserve a raise.”
      The gender pay gap continues to exist. Confident and strong women know their worth and aren’t afraid to ask for what they deserve, even when it’s anxiety-inducing. 
      Even though we all wish we could simply state that we deserve a raise and receive one, there’s some additional work involved that will help strengthen your argument. Do your research to understand a fair rate for your role and create a compelling list of reasons that support why you deserve a raise, including your most recent achievements and contributions. Consider preparing your argument for your mid-year or end-of-year performance review, or find another time to talk with your manager (when you feel ready). 
      Being direct and confident about deserving a raise conveys to your manager that you know your worth and will fight for it (as you should). Add this phrase to your vocabulary to get what you want and deserve. 

      5. “I’m proud of my effort on this project.”
      We don’t give ourselves enough credit. In a world where we’re taught to downplay our accomplishments and avoid taking up too much space, pausing to recognize our efforts can feel unnecessarily boastful. 
      Hear me loud and clear: you have every right to celebrate your success and achievements, and being proud of yourself is an incredible feeling. And you don’t have to celebrate in silence, either. 
      1:1s with your manager, performance reviews, and team meetings are great opportunities to draw attention to your wins and effort. Don’t be afraid to give yourself a pat on the back, especially in team meetings where your teammates might not realize how much effort truly went into a project. 

      6. “I won’t be able to make the meeting. Can you provide me with a recap afterward?”
      Successful women know they must ruthlessly prioritize their schedule, and sometimes that includes turning down meeting invitations and removing themselves from projects where they know their team can cover the work without them.
      Speaking from experience, I often feel guilty when I turn down a meeting (who gave me the authority to do such a thing?), but the reality is that sometimes it’s necessary. Other priorities (including responsibilities outside of work) may be at the top of the list, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Letting your teammates know you can’t make a meeting but would like a recap afterward conveys that you still care about the topics being discussed without needing to be directly involved.

      7. “I appreciate you taking the time to chat today.”
      It’s tempting to apologize for asking coworkers for their time, especially when calendars are jam-packed. You might feel guilty for claiming an open time slot between meetings, but if it’s for a good reason, there’s no need to feel bad about it. 
      Using the phrase, “I appreciate you taking the time to chat today,” lets others know that you value their time without being overly apologetic. Thanking others for their time is a polite way to claim time for an important and necessary conversation that’s relevant to your workload.

      8. “Thanks for your patience!” 
      Unless it’s explicitly written in your company policies or you have an agreement with your team, there technically aren’t any requirements around when you must respond to an email or chat. So what you might consider a late reply might not be late. And perhaps the other items on your to-do list took precedence.
      No matter the circumstances, using the phrase, “Thanks for your patience!” is a great way to remove the self-penalization of late responses. This is an easy and quick swap for the oh-so-popular “Sorry for the delay!” note we’ve all sent.

      9. “Reach out if you have any questions or concerns.”
      You don’t have to explain or ask if your ideas make sense. We all have great ideas to share. Rather than worrying about whether the way you verbalized your thoughts made sense, encouraging questions opens up a two-way discussion between you and your colleagues. 
      Share your points (either verbally or in written format) and end with the phrase, “Reach out if you have any questions or concerns,” to wrap up the conversation and signal that you’re done sharing. 
      Successful women in the workplace stand confidently behind their ideas while offering an opportunity to provide additional context if needed—no more overthinking, overexplaining, or self-doubting. 

      10. “I appreciate your feedback, and I’ll consider it.”
      Feedback helps us grow and evolve, and the most successful businesswomen seek feedback, consider it, and implement change where necessary. That said, not all pieces of feedback are worthy of action, and sometimes it requires time to digest and absorb that information.
      Maybe your teammate reaches out to let you know that you’ve come across as passive-aggressive in a couple of emails lately. In a situation like this, it can be easy to get defensive. Instead, take the feedback in and respond with the phrase, “I appreciate your feedback, and I’ll consider how I might phrase things differently.”
      Listen actively even when feedback is hard to hear, and show appreciation for the person who gave the feedback. Commit to reflecting on it even if you decide no further action is needed.

      7 Productivity Habits Successful Women Practice More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Revealed: Sheikha Mahra shares a sweet photo of her wedding ring

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Wedding bells are ringing for the UAE royals and a wedding ring is one of the key elements that deserves attention.
      The daughter of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikha Mahra and Sheikh Mana Bin Mohammed Bin Manna Al Maktoum revealed the official wedding ring on her Instagram story.
      Seen holding her husband’s hand, Sheikha Mahra’s adorable story was shared to her 190,000 fans on social media.

      With Royal wedding rings receiving attention over the years, this precious jewel looks ever so stunning with its glistening shine as Her Highness held his hand and tagged his account with a red heart on the image.
      Per an official statement released on Sheikha Mahra’s official Instagram account, the marriage contract called a Katb el-Kitab in Arabic, was signed back in April. The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony together along with the families as the contract was signed together.

      When are the wedding celebrations?
      The Instagram account, Arabian Royal Agency reveal the date for the celebrations which is all set to take place this coming weekend. On Saturday, May 27, 2023, guests will gather to shower the newly wed couple with their blessings. Reportedly, the men’s reception will be held at Dubai World Trade Centre- Za’abeel Hall and further details are yet to be shared regarding where the bride’s reception will take place.
      So as congratulations are in order for the Royal couple, we’re yet to see other details regarding décor, outfits and the final location.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @hhshmahra More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Looking for a luxe escape? A luxury stay at Nikki Beach Resort & Spa awaits you

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      Take one step closer to nature, at Dubai’s most sought-after unspoiled paradise.
      As the region’s first original lifestyle resort, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa promises an unforgettable experience with its secluded villa sanctuaries that are suited for families who want to create memorable experiences.
      With 15 one and two-bedroom beach villas with a private pool in total, guests can experience this oasis away. Each of which is accompanied by private swimming pools, a terrace, entertainment systems and individual parking spaces.

      Designed with pristine white, urban concrete with flashes of turquoise and walk-in rain showers, guests can celebrate for a special occasion or simply book a much-needed getaway for the family.
      As the perfect option for hosting, the living space has a long bar that runs along one wall along with a one-of-a-kind pool table, 24-hour private dining, Floor-to-ceiling windows, a large private pool, personalized Malin & Goetz bathroom amenities, an exclusive celebration system with Nikki Beach music and mood lighting along with and LCD TV, a surround sound with the latest bespoke entertainment system.

      Situated in the heart of Pearl Jumeira, this private haven promises a spectacular view over the Arabian Gulf with a private entrance that is strategically located between the beach club and the hotel.
      The resort’s beachfront location provides direct access to the sandy shores of the Arabian Gulf, allowing guests to relax on the beach and enjoy the beautiful views. The resort also offers multiple swimming pools, including a rooftop pool with panoramic views, as well as cabanas and loungers for ultimate relaxation.
      So, to go back in time with its retro-chic rooms, this luxurious villa needs to be booked ASAP.
      For more information visit dubai.nikkibeach.com/
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More