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    The Productivity Method Successful Women Swear By

    At the end of 2021, I knew it was time for me to make a change. As an entrepreneur, I was thrilled to see my business really grow throughout the year, but by the end of the year, the burnout was creeping in big time. Over the holidays I sat down and made a plan to better tackle my work days. That way, I could keep up my current output while also regaining some much-needed work-life balance. After giving a lot of different productivity methods some serious thought, I turned to time blocking and it made a world of difference in how I plan my days, how quickly I can complete tasks, and how much free time I have outside of work.
    Basically—I am a time-blocking convert, so I’m here to walk you through why so many successful women swear by this productivity method and how to bring it into your own work days.

    What is Time Blocking
    So, what exactly is time blocking? The beauty of this productivity method is how simple it is. When you plan your workday or work week, all you have to do is divide your day into blocks of time where each block is dedicated to accomplishing either a specific task or a group of tasks. You can start by creating a normal to-do list, but then you need to take things up a notch and assign each to-do a certain block of time where you intend to complete that task.
    Let’s look at an example of how I would time block my day as a writer, starting with a pretty standard to-do list.

    Write two blog posts
    Arrange three upcoming subject matter expert interviews
    Meet with two clients
    Research and outline two blog posts to write tomorrow
    Reach inbox zero

    With that to-do list in mind, I would then block out my tasks around the tasks that are already set in stone (aka meetings) at certain times.

    8-11 a.m.: Write two blog posts
    11 a.m.-1 p.m: Meet with client #1 at 11 a.m., have lunch and take a quick walk, and meet with client #2 at 12:30 p.m.
    1-3 p.m.: Research and outline two blog posts
    3-4 p.m.: Arrange three subject matter expert interviews and reach inbox zero

    So, how did I determine how to arrange my time blocks? To start, I am the most focused in the morning and that’s when I write best, so I chose to start my day with my biggest tasks. I had to schedule to get both of those blog posts done before meeting with my clients starting at 11 a.m. Because there was a gap between my two meetings (which makes it very easy to waste time), I scheduled my lunch break into that same block. Later in the afternoon when I have a bit less energy and focus, I decided to work on researching and outlining blog posts, which require less focus than writing. This prep work will also make it easier to jump straight into writing them the next day. I chose to then group easy and small admin tasks for the last block of the day when I find it really hard to focus on bigger projects.
    How I time block might not work for you and that’s okay, but you can see from my thought process how you can use time blocking to be really strategic about how you get your work done.

    Why It Works
    The reason that time blocking can be so effective is that it makes it easier to commit to deep work and to make the most of your preferred working habits and schedule. Not to mention, it helps you avoid having to hem and haw over what to do once you finish a task.
    When you decide on a time block and commit to it, you are dedicating yourself to one single task or a similar group of tasks which helps you devote your mental focus better. You can avoid task switching (which can really slow you down) when you group together tasks. That’s why I find it easier to send out interview requests via email in the same time block as cleaning out my inbox. The same goes for research versus writing. Research can be quite tricky and involves overcoming a lot of roadblocks and problem solving, which can be really frustrating. Grouping all of my research together makes it possible to just focus on the writing which requires deep work that isn’t slowed down by trying to overcome research problems.
    Time blocking is also really motivating and makes it easier to avoid distractions. When you set a time deadline for a task the pressure is on a bit. If you start to surf the web, you can miss your chance to finish your task in your desired time block which can derail the whole rest of your day.

    Mistakes to Avoid
    Time blocking is a very simple method, but there are some mistakes you’ll want to avoid whenever possible.

    Underestimating your time. This can be tricky at first, so be patient. It’s easy to underestimate how much time something will take you which can make it hard to stick to the time blocks you chose. At first, overestimate until you get a better idea of how much time certain tasks will take. Even when you can better estimate timelines, it helps to leave a little buffer room to deal with unexpected Slack messages or tasks that are harder than anticipated.
    Leave room for breaks and admin work. The schedule I blocked above is a bit simpler than the ones I usually create. Just like I added room for a lunch break, it’s important to add room for smaller breaks throughout the day and to do admin work. I don’t have a boss, so I can ignore my emails for as long as I like, but you may need to schedule time between major blocks to address your inbox. You can also take advantage of finishing time blocks early to take breaks (another reason why it’s helpful to overestimate).
    Being too rigid. We can’t fully predict what’s going to happen on a work day. There’s no harm in reworking your schedule when an unexpected need or meeting pops up. That’s why I like to block time on paper with an erasable pen. It’s super easy for me to make adjustments as needed so I can regain a bit of control when things don’t go according to plan. By the way, these are the other tools I use to stay productive that are a bit more exciting than pen and paper. 

    How to Start Time Blocking
    Time blocking gets easier with trial and error, so there’s no reason you can’t start trying this productivity method today. Write a to-do list before the start of your next work day or as soon as you sit down to work, and next to each task, write down how long you think it will take. Then you can pull out a paper calendar, digital calendar, or a simple sheet of paper. Write down any meetings or appointments first since those have to happen at certain times, then make other time blocks around those fixed to-dos. If you see you have 90 minutes between meetings and you have a task you think will take 60 minutes, schedule it in there so you have some time for that task to run long or to take a break. If you only have 30 minutes between your last meeting and the end of your work day, group together answering emails and planning the following day into that one block.
    Eventually, time blocking will start to feel a lot more intuitive as you learn what your most productive day looks like!

    The Surprising Trait That May Be Affecting Your Productivity More

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    When is the next public holiday in the UAE in 2022?

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Many of us will be returning to work today after enjoying a long weekend to mark the Eid Al Adha holiday.
    However, if you’re like us, we’re sure you’ll be wondering when exactly the next public holiday will be in the UAE.
    So you can make plans in advance, here’s when you can expect the rest of the public holidays in the UAE to fall.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are determined by UAE authorities.
    Islamic New Year
    In just a couple of weeks, we’re set to mark the Hijri (Islamic) New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around July 30, 2022 in the Gregorian calendar.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around October 8, 2022.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2022, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    9 Unspoken Resume Rules You Should Be Following

    There are few things more frustrating and disheartening than a seemingly endless job search, so what if there were some simple tips that could help your resume move to the top of a hiring manager’s pile? Whether your relevant training and experience are extensive or very minimal, your resume is your sales pitch—it tells those looking to hire what you can do, what you enjoy, and where you want to move in your career. It’s essential that your resume highlights your best attributes while avoiding any red flags or mistakes that could hold you back in your job search. If you’re looking to take your resume to the next level, keep reading for nine unspoken resume rules that you need to follow before submitting your next application.

    1. Keep It to No More Than Two Pages
    When you really want to show off your training and experience to a company, it can be tempting to list every job you’ve ever had or course you’ve ever taken, but that’s rarely a good idea. According to Indeed.com, most resumes should be no more than a single page, especially if you have less than 10 years of professional experience. Most hiring managers have mere seconds to skim over a resume and decide if you’re a good fit for the available role, so you need to make sure that all information they see is relevant. Avoid unnecessary filler words, remove outdated information, and keep your resume as concise as possible.

    2. Tailor Your Resume to the Job
    Although it may be easier if you’re applying for a wide range of job opportunities, using the same resume for every application may work against you. Hiring managers are looking to see that you have the skills and experience for the specific role they are filling, and that will look different for each and every position. The training and work experience that would be important for an accounting role is very different from those needed for a hospitality position, so identifying relevant skills and elaborating on those for each specific job is crucial to ensuring you stand out. This also means removing any work experience that isn’t relevant to the job you are applying for, especially if it is from more than five years ago. Keep it recent, and keep it relevant!

    3. Don’t Let Spelling and Grammar Hold You Back
    It may seem obvious, but ensuring you use correct spelling and grammar on your resume can make a big difference when it comes to whether a hiring manager takes your application seriously. Use Grammarly to check for mistakes, or ask a friend to edit your work. Avoidable errors on your resume imply that you rushed in writing your application, are not detail-oriented, or simply didn’t care enough to edit your work before sending it—none of which are the impressions you want to give to a potential employer!

    Source: Color Joy Stock

    4. Numbers, Numbers, Numbers!
    One of the best ways to ensure that your experience stands out is by quantifying exactly what you did in each role. That means including numbers! Instead of listing a duty as simply “Customer Service,” say “Served up to 200 customers per shift.” Rather than writing “Posted on the company Twitter,” say “Managed the company’s presence across four social media platforms, building the online following to over 20,000 people.”

    5. Name Hard Skills, Not Soft Skills
    The skills section on your resume should be short and relevant, which means only listing hard skills! Hard skills are measurable abilities that are directly relevant to the job being applied for, while soft skills are personal attributes that describe employees as individuals. While soft skills like being hard-working, honest, and patient may have sounded good in high school, they are not measurable or objective, and shouldn’t be included on a professional resume. Instead, list hard skills that will jump out at a hiring manager, like your experience using Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Skype, or Zoom.

    6. Use Action Verbs to List Your Duties
    When it comes to listing your duties and responsibilities in previous roles, action verbs can make all the difference. This switches the language of your resume from passive voice to active voice and is a great way to highlight what you offer to a company. Lead bullet points with action verbs like “negotiated,” “managed,” “coordinated,” and “developed” to draw attention to your accomplishments and experience.

    Source: Social Squares

    7. Research Current Employees
    If you want an insight into what a company is looking for, the current employees are an incredibly useful place to start! LinkedIn is an amazing resource to find the people already working at the company you’re applying to, and it allows you to see what experience and skills they list both at their current job and at their previous positions. This can be a great way to find out which training and information the business and hiring managers see as important, assisting you in highlighting your own skills.

    8. Cut Out the References
    Including references on your resume, or even the well-used phrase “References available upon request,” is a thing of the past! Not only are they not needed at the application stage unless specifically requested but a list of references takes up precious space on your resume.

    9. Use a Cover Letter to Explain Gaps
    A lot of people are scared to address gaps in their resumes, but they shouldn’t be! A 2020 LinkedIn survey found that Americans feel embarrassed (24%), uneasy (23%), and ashamed (15%) about disclosing they are currently unemployed, but especially since COVID-19, it is very common for candidates to have at least short gaps in their employment history. If you have gaps in your resume, regardless of the reason, the best thing you can do is be honest about it. Rather than shying away, use a cover letter to highlight that you took time for yourself to grow and focus. From taking a course online to building a professional network, use the gaps in your resume to your advantage, and don’t be afraid to explain your time off to a hiring manager—it might just work in your favor!

    Yes, Manifesting Works—It Helped Me Land My Dream Job More

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    5 Things Successful Women Do on Fridays So Monday Isn’t a Nightmare

    It’s no secret that Mondays can be stressful. The term “Sunday scaries” even describes the uncomfortable feeling prior to the start of a new week. I, for one, have struggled for a long time with this. I’ve spent many Sundays overthinking the tasks and responsibilities I have waiting for me on Monday, often putting a damper on wonderful weekends spent with friends and family.
    Luckily, there are ways to prevent the Sunday scaries before they even hit, and there are even ways to prevent Monday morning from feeling like a frantic scramble to the finish line. The trick? It’s all in how you spend Friday afternoon. So get ready to sit back and fully enjoy a well-deserved glass of rose on Friday evening—because we’re diving into the five things successful women (and now you!) do on Fridays so that Monday isn’t a nightmare.

    1. Prep Your Monday, Before Monday
    Successful women know that remaining a step ahead in work and going the extra mile is what will set them apart, but as the week comes to a close, it’s normal to have tasks that spill over and become a “next week” item.
    Before you log off on Friday, take the time to organize your Monday (and the rest of the week for that matter). Review your email, messages, calendar, any big meetings from the week, and your overall to-do list every Friday before you leave the office. From there, map out the following week and bake in time for meeting preparation, follow-ups you need to handle, reminders you have in your calendar, things you have to do, and things you want to do. When doing this, make sure to add in things like walks to coffee mid-week when you know your mind will need a mental break.
    When I do this, I like to take it a step further and connect with my internal teammates about items for the following week so that we are already aligned on what needs to be done—saving us time and energy on Monday so that we can jump right in. This way, I leave for the weekend already confident that I have the following week managed and under control.

    2. Get Meeting Preparation Handled
    If I know I’m walking into a Monday with calls of any kind, I like to take extra time on Friday to prepare these in advance. I ensure agendas are ready, notes have been made, and I know exactly what needs to be done Monday morning in order to fully prepare.Knowing what I’m walking into on Monday helps meetings go smoother and helps me rest easy Sunday night knowing that Monday morning isn’t going to be a fire drill. Win-win!

    3. Clean Your Physical Space
    Before you jet out to catch up with friends on Fridays, ensure your desk or workspace is tidy. Walking into a neat and calm space on Monday morning will help ease your mind. Pro tip: Set out a nice candle, cute notebook, and your favorite coffee mug for Monday morning.

    Source: @alainakaz

    4. Clean your Digital Space
    Maybe more important than your physical workspace is your digital one.Before I log off on Fridays, I do my best to organize my email inbox, desktop, downloads, and other folders that may have started adding up during the week. I file items appropriately and get rid of what I don’t need.
    For email, I use folders and labels to ensure my inbox is as organized as possible for when I walk in on Monday, so that when I’m trying to rack my brain about where things left off, it’s already right there, organized in front of me.

    5. Reflect On Your Week
    At the end of the day, all of this preparation will only truly pay off if you take what happened during your current week and apply it to what is next. Take a walk for 5-10 minutes on Friday afternoon and think about what worked, what didn’t work, where you want to shift focus the following week, and what additional skills you want to learn. Add key goals you set for yourself or areas you’d like to improve into your weekly plan and add things to remember to sticky notes in your workspace so that when you come in Monday, there is no question about what you’re going to do.

    15 Sunday Rituals to Set You Up for an Amazing Week More

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    This iconic Dubai restaurant has opened its doors in Mykonos

    Lifestyle

    by Hermione Edwards
    1 minute ago

    If you’re set to jet off to Mykonos this summer, you’re in for a treat.
    Iconic Duabi restaurant La Cantine Du Faubourg has officially opened its doors on the popular Greek island getaway and it’s undoubtedly set to be a hit.
    Only just opened, this lavish restaurant is set to be the hottest destination in Mykonos yet. Here is a curated guide on everything you need to know.
    The location
    This is the third edition of La Cantine globally, with many more set to come. The Mykonos arm of La Cantine is nestled away in the hills of Ornos Beach, with views of the infamous flour mills and the marina makes this the perfect destination for a private and intimate dinner.
    With a strong intent to stay true to its well-known aesthetic, its Mediterranean design is intended to camouflage into its surroundings by using key principles, sound, music, image and food.
    The food
    Led by the French Corporate Chef and Michelin Star holder, Gilles Bosquet, an exquisite menu has been curated especially for La Cantine Mykonos.
    With a range of over 50 dishes the restaurant has to offer, there is something for everyone on the menu.
    From caviar & lemon tagliolini and lobster salad to Chef Bosquet’s personal delicacies such as honey short ribs with pomelo and pomegranate to yellowfin tuna ceviche, bringing a sense of home right to your table.
    The vibe
    Set to be a multi-sensory experience, the vast space of the restaurant seats 250 over 1,300 square metres. The contemporary venue will be the perfect spot for dinner in Mykonos or a late-night hideout – as always is the case, La Cantine is whatever its guests want it to be, and so much more.
    Take a look inside La Cantine du Faubourg in Mykonos below.

    For more information visit lacantinemykonos.com.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    11 fabulous things to do in Dubai over the Eid long weekend

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Your ultimate guide to the Eid Al Adha long weekend in Dubai – July 7 to July 11, 2022.
    Taste test

    Indulge in an exclusive culinary experience at Netsu at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai this Eid Al Adha. The new ‘This is Netsu’ tasting menu will give diners a glimpse into the world of Warayaki and its theatrical cuisine this summer. The all-new four-course menu designed by Chef Ross Shonhan includes an exclusive selection of 8 signature dishes, such as Salmon and Avocado Shiso Tacos and Spicy Wagyu Hot Stone Rice alongside mouthwatering additions such as Korean Fried Chicken and Mango Kakigori Mochi, that will leave guests wanting to return to try the full menu.
    Ultimate collab

    Homegrown brand The Giving Movement has teamed up with YOOX to launch an exclusive capsule collection just in time for the long weekend. The capsule collection on sale exclusively on YOOX consists of 14 pieces between sportswear and streetwear, and complements the brand’s entire collection which aims at total inclusion in terms of gender, size and age. In addition to a line of activewear for women, men and children, there is also a modest line that focuses on long, opaque garments such as maxi tunics, oversized shirts, trousers and veils that The Giving Movement is producing for the first time exclusively for YOOX. The leitmotif of this capsule collection is freedom in all its forms: whether it is understood as freedom of movement or freedom to express oneself.
    Shop the capsule at yoox.com.
    Recharge

    Recharge your mind, body and soul this long weekend at the JIVA spa located at the Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, The Palm, Dubai. Inspired by traditional healing methods, the ethos of the carefully curated Jiva treatments is drawn from the rich and ancient Indian wellness heritage. Guests can find bliss and feel rejuvenated in the treatments that blend age-old Indian healing techniques with the finest ingredients, meaningful rituals, and ceremonies designed to create a sense of complete serenity. What’s more, all JIVA therapists undergo a training process at JIVA Spa Academy where they are intensely trained in various kinds of body therapies, body scrubs and wraps, beauty treatments, Indian rituals to enhance the spa healing benefits, aura healing for themselves, guests, and the surrounding spaces through energy healing techniques and practices.
    For more information visit tajhotels.com.
    Sun worshipper

    For a rejuvenating day by the pool, UAE residents and tourists can lay back at Dip Pool Bar in The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm with a selection of pool-side bites. With remarkable views of the Dubai skyline and the Arabian Gulf, this day package is certainly not one to miss out on. The weekend packages are priced at Dhs350 per person with Dhs150 redeemable on F&B and the weekday packages are for Dhs250 with Dhs100 redeemable on F&B. It’s available daily from 8am until 7pm.
    For more information visit mariott.com
    Hit the shops

    Still looking for the perfect Eid Al Adha gift? Time is now of the essence. Hit the shops this weekend with our editor-approved gift guide in tow to find the perfect presents for your loved ones.
    Hearty breakfast

    Enjoy a leisurely and hearty breakfast over the long weekend at Carine. From a selection of exquisite eggs to Carine’s signature shakshouka to a wholesome omelette, there’s something for everyone. Served from 9 to 1pm, guests can enjoy the special Petit Dejeuner on the serene and perfectly temperature-controlled terrace or the chic monochrome restaurant, with encapsulating views overlooking the lush fairway greens of Emirates Golf Course and the resplendent Marina skyline.
    Indulge

    Located at the Mirdif Hills Avenue Mall, the newly launched artisan bakery and restaurant Room1618 presents the most indulgent Eid offerings. For those looking to elevate any gathering and make it that much sweeter, Room 1618 has prepared two premium cakes that will do just that. The cakes will be available at the venue for pick-up and delivery from July 8 onwards. Guests who can appreciate a fruity yet silky and airy option can go for the Passionfruit Cheesecake. With a coconut and biscuit base, vanilla cheesecake filling, and a passionfruit glaze patrons can preorder this cake for Dhs390 only. For those looking to revel in a rich and decadent option, the Chocolate Dream Cake is the choice. For Dhs450 only, guests can order this dreamy delight, complete with a moist Valrhona chocolate sponge, chocolate cream cheese fillings, Valrhona chocolate ganache, and finally embellished with cocoa nibs.
    Me-time
    Take some time for yourself this long weekend and indulge in a little self-care. Offering a world-class treatment experience with a personal touch is BodySmart Dubai where you can trust the experts to rejuvenate you. There’s a wide variety of non-invasive treatments including celebrity favourites such as Celebrity Forma Glow, vegan spray tans and more.
    For more information visit bodysmart.ae. 
    Dine sky-high

    Celebrate Eid in the skies at multi-award-winning venue, CÉ LA VI Dubai. This Eid-al-Adha, the five-star Pan-Asian restaurant, bar and lounge are serving a delicious three-course lunch menu, featuring a premium selection of their dishes. For Dhs140 per person, guests enjoy their choice of starters such as fried calamari, crispy potato hash “okonomiyaki style”, roasted mushroom soup, or burrata salad. For mains, they pick one from a menu including pan-seared salmon, preserved yuzu marinated grilled chicken, or black truffle “sushi rice” risotto. Desserts include the guest’s choice of either miso caramel vanilla mousse, vegan gluten-free apricot cake, trio of sorbets, or chocolate salted caramel tart.
    The ultimate escape

    While many will be escaping Dubai this summer, let’s not forget there are a plethora of places right here in the emirate where you can cool down and soak up the sun. One such hotspot is Caesars Palace Dubai located in the heart of Bluewaters Island. It’s the ideal place to spend the summer months, perfect for family getaways, couples retreats or a relaxing daycation. Click here to see why it’s the ultimate escape.
    Pick up the latest copy of Emirates Woman 

    Relax and unwind this long weekend with the latest copy of Emirates Woman. The Summer Escape Issue encourages you to explore and unwind as summer unfolds. For our Mykonos-inspired cover shoot, we partnered with eco-positive brand Reborn Society – founded by Zeynab El-Helw. Breathe, take stock, rest, restore and refocus this summer. The best is yet to come…
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied, Feature Image: W Dubai Mina Seyahi Instagram  More

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    This is exactly how much petrol prices have increased since January

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    The UAE has witnessed an astronomical rise in petrol prices since the start of 2022, as has the rest of the world.
    For the first time in seven years, petrol prices crossed the Dhs4 per litre mark since the fuel price deregulation in August 2015.
    Per Emarat petrol rates, petrol prices have risen by over 74 per cent since January.
    The new petrol rates for July were published by Emarat last week. The prices for 98 Super is now 11.5 per cent more at Dhs4.63 per litre rising from Dhs2.65 per litre; 95 Special has increased by 12 per cent and is now at Dhs4.52 per litre; Diesel is now Dhs4.76 per litre and 91 E-Plus now costs Dhs4.44 per litre.

    أسعار الوقود الشهرية: أسعار الوقود لشهر يوليو 2022 وفقاً للجنة متابعة أسعار الجازولين والديزل في #الإمارات
    ⛽ Monthly Fuel Price Announcement:July 2022 fuel prices released by the #UAE Fuel Price Follow-up Committee pic.twitter.com/2vE4WBTfTu
    — Emarat (امارات) (@EmaratOfficial) June 30, 2022

    Due to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, global oil markets have experienced an overall price hike, leading to UAE residents feeling the ripple effect.
    The knock-on effect
    The rising petrol prices are also having a knock-on effect on big businesses too.
    Last week, ride-hailing company, Uber Technologies Inc. announced price increases, announcing customers would now be charged as much as 11 per cent more for certain trips.
    With global petrol and diesel prices continuing to reach soaring highs, many parts of the UAE including Sharjah have seen a hike in taxi fares.
    To keep the low-income citizens in mind, the new allowance will provide a monthly subsidy of 85 percent of the fuel price increase over Dhs2.1 per litre, as reported by WAM.
    Per the latest fuel subsidy scheme, the head of these families will receive a subsidy of 300 litres, while working wives will receive a subsidy of 200 litres. The announcement came as part of the UAE president’s directive to restructure its social welfare programme for low-income Emiratis, doubling its size to Dhs28 billion.
    Despite the increase in prices, the UAE continues to be the third-biggest OPEC producer followed by Kuwait.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Instagram @clairerose  More

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    What’s in the stars for Eid? Here’s everything you need to know

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    Words by Kirstyn Lewis – Founder of the Karmic Soul
    My goodness! How does the universe know it’s Eid? Because he knows everything. The planets have been waiting to have some fun with you. The following two weeks see a lot of ‘love’ flying about here, there and everywhere. Whatever you want to say or do, make sure you do it, again, with those you love. One particular person appears to shine in your eyes. With Jupiter, the Planet of Luck, putting a spotlight on relationships and you this year, you are after the most desirable results, but aren’t we all?
    A fast-moving and talkative Mercury knows it’s holiday time because he is moving at the speed of a Bugatti. Mercury also knows he needs to give your brain a rest after leaving Gemini and all those animated, witty, exciting, and those charming tête-à-têtes behind. Then why are you experiencing some anxiety? There’s a lot going on.
    Mercury has now stopped into family-loving Cancer for the next two weeks from July 6. We all know there is nothing like a good home-cooked meal and a catch-up with mum and people you love to be around. Make sure you take the time to enjoy time around the kitchen preparing your favourite meals and laugh about happier times together. You’d also best to get those that count on your side for what’s to come next on your journey.
    Be quick, Mercury has places to be and people to see. On July 20 he will be roaring off to meet party-loving Leo.

    Mercury made a telephone call to Mars on July 6 when he moved house also. They hatched a plan to be on the guest list at the hottest parties in Ibiza. Are you warming up and making plans also? You should be! Leo season always equals fun in the sun.
    Not everything will seem smooth sailing just yet because Jupiter is still trying to create some drama by putting a relationship in the limelight. Someone is not happy with being ignored, but you are not happy being told what to do. Jupiter can be like a kid with too much raspberry cordial, he’s irritated for sure, so surround yourself with love and ignore any perceived manipulation or emotional imbalances for now. In a month, you will have forgotten any drama and you will all be happy campers again. Someone is learning what it’s like to either grow up a little or have more patience.
    Mars is changing energies on July 6 and moving out of a frenetic and demanding Aries into a more comfort-loving, luxurious Taurus. Your senses are so stimulated you will want to revel in the sensuous feelings he conjures up in you right through until 20 August; why not?
    Mars will also give you quality time with the people who matter most in your life. Is it someone dear to your heart? Keep a low profile with others, they don’t need to know your business. Your intentions look to be kind and pure but heaven forbid! It looks like some very lusty thoughts are flying about, but the stars say you’ve got nothing to lose by using your womanly wiles and having some fun.
    Even the internet is your friend, so dial-up and surprise them with a little something unexpected. See it for what it is, and don’t push for a commitment, particularly if you’re single. You don’t want to scare them off. The object of your fancy will enjoy the banter or fantasy of any instinctual urges you have leading up to July 12. After that, things will take on a serious, more emotionally reserved note on the eve of the Full Moon in Capricorn when you will need to cool things right down.

    Luckily Mars in Taurus until August 20 will help give you more introspection, so go with the flow. He will heighten your reasoning powers.
    Remember back to the beginning of 2022, what were you hoping to achieve this year? Where you are standing today, it looks like one foot is heading in the right direction, and the other is slightly off track. It’s a test, so be careful what you wish for. Luckily you are being given extra stamina which will get through the sticky bits. Someone may well be invested in your future at the moment, are they helping you emotionally or financially? They are an angel with the biggest halo and fluffiest of wings. Bless them.
    Lastly, we should mention that Mercury is very career conscious right now and is actively trying to help you climb the ladder of success. It would help if you played the game. Something is uncomfortable, it’s awkward, and not easy. Don’t overthink things. Take it one step at a time, know your parameters, and realise that if you stay where you are right now, it will only offer you some short-term comfort. Who wants to come back and repeat the process all over again, perhaps with less favourable results, when the opportunity to go for it is right there. This year your foot should be on the gas.
    Things are still playing out beyond your control and they may not necessarily be on your terms. Don’t be surprised if others think you appear rattled. In fact, even those who are generally in control may seem a little unsettled. What’s going on? Are you secretly fact-finding at the moment trying to sway a situation? Be careful; you may likely miss whatever information you are hunting for, whilst doing what you do in haste and obsession.
    Destress, let the Universe take care of you. Why age prematurely and unnecessarily? After all, love and laughter is the best beauty treatment we know right? You should be looking very fine and dandy by early August.
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    Images: Yana Potter Art Instagram More