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    Bahraini life coach Abeer Al Matooq reveals how to harness gratitude in life

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now Bahraini entrepreneur and life coach Abeer Al Matooq helps people find true happiness which, in turn, supports finding gratitude in all aspects of life.Can you talk us through your career? I started working very early on in my life, first as summer jobs during which I continued throughout my high school and university careers. My career then “officially” began when I started my first job at a large multinational company. I was still doing this in tandem with my Bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology.  From there, I progressed in my career where I was appointed Director of Human Resources and Administration in one of the government entities in Bahrain. From there, I decided to establish my own coaching consultancy firm where I now work with organisations as well as individuals to help align their daily actions with their end goals and results, helping them work from a space of clarity, focus and power.How to you help people find purpose in their lives?Most people don’t live their best lives because they do not know how to find it. In coaching, we call it the geography of happiness. However, if you don’t know what you’re looking for, how will you find it? This is where I come in to help people find their purpose. Purpose is what keeps you connected to your own core, which is the source of your true happiness and joy. There is a huge difference between what many people assume as happiness and what true happiness actually is.What are the benefits of life coaching?Life coaching gives you clarity, so you get to know who you are, what exactly you want, what are the feelings you are longing for, what makes you happy, what resonates with you and what brings you fulfillment and more meaning to your days. It can also help you create Life coaching can help you create peace with potential tragedies you have gone through and work through trauma to create a more balanced and fulfilled reality for yourself. If you feel like you’re at a standstill in your life, it can get you out of that so-called “rut” and it helps you take your power back and be the leader in your life and the writer of your own story. Overall, life coaching can help you balance your energy so you can enjoy the true essence of who you are. It also helps you manage your relationships better with confidence and true self-love.You’ve achieved so much throughout your career – what are you most proud of?I am most proud of the person I am today, my ability to see through challenges and work through it all while remaining the loving and joyous person I know myself to be. I actually love my ability to remain this grounded and balanced while moving forward constantly.Who would you say your mentors are in life?There are so many, so I cannot name them all, but I am truly grateful to each and every one of them. I was always blessed to have genuine people around me who took the role of my wise and loving mentors.What does it feel like being a woman in this region that is paving the way for others?I am blessed to be born in this day and age, and I’m so very grateful for all the women who came before me and opened doors that were previously closed. Today I do feel both grateful and responsible to be someone who eagerly drives change for other women to be able to speak their truth and be the best they want to be.What are your hopes for women in the future?Honestly, my hope is for us not to even take gender into it because to make this world a better place to live we need men and women to support each other. My view is that we all came here with a message, a purpose and a role in the orchestra of life. So, by working together harmoniously we will reach a beautiful balance.Can you outline the ways you give back to the Bahraini and wider GCC community?I was and still am engaged in a number of projects that support women in leadership or who aspire to be in leadership to unlock their potentials and learn about their unique strengths in order to put them into use and create better futures and careers. I also create a lot of content in this regard and share it on my social media platforms, website and more. I also have a best-selling book Be True To The Song In Your Heart, which was also then translated into Arabic so it could reach a wider audience.How do you want to inspire others?By helping people know themselves more, love themselves more and better understand and appreciate the difference each and every one person can make.What have been the largest hurdles launching throughout your career? For me personally, it was always striking a balance between life and workWhat have been the key milestones?I would consider leaving my safe job as an executive and launching my own business a milestone because from there my career and entire life took a turn and a new version of me was revealed. This version of myself is stronger and more focused and more loving, too.This is ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – how do you practice gratitude in your life?I do a lot of journaling and I regard it as a very important practice of mine, it helps me keep things in perspective especially during tough and challenging times. It helps me stay focused on what’s good, what’s bad and what’s working. I have a strong belief that there is good in every bad – we just have to be intelligent enough to see I and focus on it to have more of it. Gratitude is magic – I know so.April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Photography by Ali Alriffai More

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    The most popular films in Saudi Arabia and the UAE on Netflix may surprise you

    In the past year, it’s safe to say Netflix watching hours have skyrocketed. With that, it’s always interesting to see what’s trending on the streaming giant and what is most popular with avid users.Well, research company Comparitech has given us an insight into user habits on Netflix and revealed the most popular films country by country – including Saudi Arabia and the UAE.According to their data, Clueless was the most popular film out of the surveyed countries, ranking top in 10 nations, including Saudi Arabia. As Cher would say, “As if!”Mean Girls was also particularly popular, ranking top in six countries.However, interestingly for the UAE, the top ranking film on Netflix was a one-off. Baywatch starring Zach Efron and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson only ranked top in the UAE.As for the most popular series in the UAE, Lucifer came out on top. And for Saudi Arabia it was cartoon Spongebob Squarepants.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Unsplash, Images: Paramount Pictures More

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    5 celebrity-approved hotels in Dubai

    While being titled as one of the most luxurious capitals in the world, Dubai is a hub to millions of visitors every year, some of which include celebrities.Emirates Woman has curated a list of A-list-approved hotels where popular faces from around the world have chosen to have a getaway.Atlantis, The PalmThis stunning entertainment resort is home to a unique set of suites, with luxurious dining facilities and thrilling attractions such as the waterpark, swimming with the dolphins and an entertainment arena for kids. This ocean-themed hotel has had many countless celebrities either visit or stay during their visit to Dubai. A-listers include the Kardashians who were in Dubai back in 2012. Khloe Kardashian even posted a picture of her underwater suite back in 2015 with other celebrities such as Robert De Niro, Lily Allen, Naomi Campbell, Michael Jordan and Lindsay Lohan.For more information visit atlantis.comBurj Al ArabDubai’s most iconic hotel is the epitome of luxury with its exceptional hospitality offerings and opulent interiors. With this dramatic helipad situated on top of the hotel, pro golfer Tiger Woods has previously teed off from it, while star tennis player Roger Federer has played the game on a makeshift court. Grammy Award-winning singer Justin Bieber has also previously stayed in the 7-star hotel, sharing a video of his lavish suite. Claudia Schiffer and Andy Murray have also previously stayed in the hotel.For more information visit Jumeirah.comSheraton Grand HotelThis hotel has popular guests visit it the past as they’ve come to explore the Caribbean Oasis – Miss Lily’s. From Rihanna to Bella Hadid, they’ve all paid at least one visit to this first international outpost located inside Dubai’s Sheraton Grand Hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road.For more information or to make a reservation visit misslilys.comAlso read: 8 restaurants where you’re likely to bump into someone famousJumeirah Zabeel SarayWhile embodying the extravagance of the Ottoman Empire’s Tulip era, this five-star luxury hotel consists of 379 rooms with picturesque ocean views and stunning interiors that are fit for a royal. Singer Nichole Scherzinger has stayed at this property for her shoot of the UK TV show The X Factor and Greece star John Travolta – who flew himself to Dubai in a plane and was a guest at the launch of Breitling’s emergency watch – also stayed at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. In addition, Tom Cruise filmed important scenes at the Dubai resort for the fourth installment of Mission Impossible.For more information visit Jumeirah.comOne & Only Royal MirageFamous YouTubers Zoe Sugg and Alfie Deyes have previously paid a visit the this beautifully laid out resort which works as a quiet getaway in the middle of the city. This Arabesque architecture showcases immaculate gardens, soothing fountains and luxurious domes, providing an escape from the bustling city life.For more information visit oneandonlyresorts.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @burjalarab More

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    Harry and Meghan’s first Netflix documentary has been unveiled

    As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle continue to carve out their new roles post-royal life, their first project with Netflix has been unveiled.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who signed a multi-million dollar deal with the streaming giant last year, will be producing a docu-series entitled Heart of Invictus.Set to follow a group of young competitors, the docu-series will explore their journey to the Invictus Games, which Prince Harry founded in 2014.The new Netflix series will be produced in partnership with Harry and Meghan’s production company Archewell Productions and will explore the group of competitors who have all “suffered life-changing injuries or illnesses on their road to the Invictus Games The Hague 2020, now set to take place in 2022”.Upon the announcement, Prince Harry made a statement stating he “couldn’t be more excited”.“Since the very first Invictus Games back in 2014, we knew that each competitor would contribute in their own exceptional way to a mosaic of resilience, determination, and resolve,” he said. “This series will give communities around the world a window into the moving and uplifting stories of these competitors on their path to the Netherlands next year.“As Archewell Productions’ first series with Netflix, in partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, I couldn’t be more excited for the journey ahead or prouder of the Invictus community for continuously inspiring global healing, human potential and continued service.”Similarly, the co-CEO of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, said he “couldn’t be happier” about the streaming giant’s first project with the duke and duchess.“The Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Archewell Productions team are building an ambitious slate that reflects the values and causes they hold dear,” he said. “From the moment I met them, it’s been clear that the Invictus Games hold a very special place in their hearts, and I couldn’t be happier that their first series for Netflix will showcase that for the world in a way never seen before.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied  More

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    Women Experienced More Burnout Than Men in 2020—Here’s Why

    You would be hard-pressed to find someone who’s life hasn’t been massively affected by the coronavirus pandemic. No matter where you live or what your job is, chances are you’ve had to learn to adapt to this new reality that’s not feeling all that new anymore. Of course, our lives haven’t all changed to the same degree, but on a fairly broad level, it’s coming to light that women in particular are feeling more burnt out than men in 2020. 
    There are a lot of things going on right now that are out of our control, and accepting that is a wellness tool in and of itself. That being said, there are some steps women can take to help stave off burnout, and we have the expert insight to back us up. 

    What is going on at home?
    Research from LeanIn.Org found that in 2020, women have taken on way more housework and caregiving than men have during the pandemic. The outcome of this extra work? Women are showing signs of anxiety and burnout—signs we should take seriously. Women are twice as likely as men to experience physical symptoms of anxiety such as having a racing heartbeat or struggling to sleep right now. This is especially true for women who work full-time and who have a partner and children. They’re more than twice as likely as men in similar situations to feel that they have more on their plate than they can possibly handle.
    So exactly how much more work have women taken on in 2020 to keep everything afloat? That group of women that have full-time jobs, partners, and children reported on average spending significantly more time each week on the following responsibilities than men do. 

    7.4 more hours on childcare
    5.3 more hours caring for elderly or sick relatives
    At least 7 more hours on housework

    If you crunch those numbers, that means women are doing close to 20 hours more work per week than men, which is the equivalent of taking on a part-time job after already working 40 hours a week. 
    Casandra Townsel, a licensed social worker, explained that sometimes we have to cut ourselves a little slack to help avoid burnout. She suggested that we, “Recognize when we are overwhelmed and ‘burned out’ because we are carrying a load we are not meant to carry alone,” Townsel said. She expressed that it’s OK to leave the dishes in the sink. “Women can do many great things, but doing everything is not healthy or necessary.  Doing our best is good enough. It is important for women to give ourselves permission to not have to do everything,” she said.  
    Townsel believes in setting clear boundaries when you’re starting to feel burned out at home, “Developing and implementing boundaries is one of the greatest tools to alleviate stress and anxiety. Boundaries are a necessity for not just our mental and physical health, but also the health of our relationships. It is important to establish boundaries within all our relationships, that includes family, which can be very difficult for some to do,” she explained. 

    What is going on at work?
    Home isn’t the only place where women are doubling down on work and stress. Despite the fact that we’re living in extremely stressful and difficult times, only 41 percent of employees reported their employer changed policies to allow more flexibility during the pandemic. While these numbers aren’t exclusive to women, you can see how they can affect the previously mentioned working women who are feeling burnt out. Women balancing childcare or eldercare in particular may find a lack of flexibility to really impede their ability to balance their work and personal life. Just 31 percent of workers said their manager or someone from HR checked in on their well-being. Friendly reminder to any employers reading this: ask how your employees are doing and how you can help them get through this challenging time. 

    Source: Colorjoy Stock

    Say what you need
    When it comes to the workplace, Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, the co-hosts of the Almost 30 podcast, recommended taking charge of the situation by openly communicating with your boss or company about your needs. They suggest setting aside time to acknowledge what will help you cope right now and on an ongoing basis. Put on soothing music or anything that helps create a sacred space, then simply put pen to paper and write down what you need. Don’t judge what comes up. Is there anything on the list that you can clearly communicate with your boss or company? Perhaps you need different hours to accommodate childcare, want set hours where you do and don’t take meetings, or need a mental health day. They emphasized that you shouldn’t be afraid or ashamed to express when you need support. Townsel agreed with this advice, “Let go of the assumptions that you are expected to do everything. Give yourself permission to ask for help. Be assertive and request to collaborate with others. This helps to eliminate stress, while adhering to personal and professional outcomes,” she noted. 
    The same rules apply at home. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by family and household responsibilities, do the same exercise. Then sit down with your partner to discuss your needs and how they can step up to help. If you’re tackling eldercare, you may need to have this conversation with siblings or other family members who should be sharing those responsibilities with you. 

    Express gratitude
    According to Williams and Simcik, when they feel anxious or out of control, they always come back to gratitude. 
    They recommend trying this gratitude practice: close your eyes and put your hands on the part of your body where you feel the most tension. Start to notice your breath and lengthen it to ground you. Say something you are grateful for in the present moment out loud. It can be as simple as, “I am grateful for the breath in my lungs.” They encourage you to follow your gratitude with a “why.” With everything going on around us, what we can control are our thoughts in the present moment. When you choose to focus those thoughts on gratitude, it will shift your perspective and help you feel lighter and more peaceful. 

    Avoid the internet
    Williams and Simcik have one major piece of advice for sending burnout packing. Scale back the time you spend online. They feel there is a lot of negative energy online, on social media, and in the news, and as a result you need to protect your energy as much as you can. You get to decide what you take in. They like to do a digital detox for a day or a weekend to unplug from social media and TV. They recommend taking walks in nature, reading, journaling, meditating, and spending time reconnecting with yourself. 
    Also, please note that we are living in an unprecedented time right now and you’re not alone. You’re doing your best and that’s more than enough.  More

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    COVID-19 in the UAE: Capacity in Dubai hotels permitted to increase

    It was outlined by the UAE earlier this year that the government aimed to have 50 per cent of the population vaccinated by March, a goal which has now been surpassed.
    Last month, it was confirmed by Dr. Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad bin Nasser Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention, that as of Saturday 56.59 per cent of the eligible population had been vaccinated against COVID-19, while 72.89 per cent of elderly citizens and residents and those with chronic diseases had been inoculated against the disease.
    At present, there are four COVID-19 vaccines available in the UAE.
    The first vaccine to be approved in the UAE was the Sinophram vaccine, followed by the Pfizer vaccine being permitted in Dubai towards the end of last year.
    In January, Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was approved for use in Dubai last month.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: @zed.photography.zone Instagram More

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    7 of the best spiritual retreats around the world

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now An exceptional edit of the best spiritual retreats around the world.COMO Uma Paro, BhutanLocated in the Kingdom of Bhutan amongst the country’s mountains, COMO Uma Paro is a luxurious retreat where you’ll be able to reconnect with yourself incorporating a wide range of Ayurvedic treatments and yoga sessions throughout your stay. With just 29 rooms available at this exclusive retreat, their wellness experts are there to be hands-on with guests to help them rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.The HighlightCOMO Uma Paro’s ‘Himalayan Wellness Discovery’ programme offers a six-night itinerary for guests to be immersed in the full COMO Shambhala Experience. Yoga and meditation is led by the resort’s resident expert and a daily massage therapy is also included in the stay.Ananda in the Himalayas, IndiaRestore peace and balance in both mind and body at this five-star refuge located in the heart of the Himalayas in Northern India. The luxury escape uses the power of ancient Indian sciences of Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation & Vedanta to help guests reconnect their mind and body to its optimum health and capacity.The HighlightAnanda’s ‘Dhyana Meditation’ programme helps guests to harmonize their minds and tap into their potential of higher consciousness. It guides guests through Pratyahara which is the withdrawal of the sense from the mind, to focus on their mental awareness which will enable them to continue meditative awareness long after the programme ends.Silver Island Yoga, GreeceAs the only private island yoga retreat in the world, Silver Island Yoga is a truly unique experience. The exclusive retreat accommodates a maximum of 10 guests giving the chance for true reflection. Furthermore, the resort is entirely off-grid using only solar power energy to run the resort.The HighlightThe week-long retreats on offer ensure you totally get away to transform your mind. It’s meant to create an experience that inspires peace, abundance, serenity and mindful living. Being off the grid also allows guests the opportunity to have an authentic digital detox.The OSHO Meditation Resort, IndiaEncompassing the underlying spirit of Zorba the Buddha – a place for someone whose feet are firmly on the ground, like Zorba the Greek, and yet whose hands can touch the stars, like Gautam the Buddha – the OSHO Meditation Resort in India is a place where the mind, body and soul can play and heal harmoniously together.The HighlightSet in the idyllic setting of Pune, India, around 120km southeast of Mumbai, this resort is one of the largest centres in the world focussing on personal growth and mediation, making it the ideal place to rejuvenate your sense of self.Bali Silent Retreat, IndonesiaThis retreat aims to nourish the body and soul of its guests to reconnect with their true selves and find their inner voices in their own way through the power of meditation and yoga.The HighlightIt’s all about reconnecting with yourself in silence through daily yoga and meditation, as well as exploring the eco-sustainability gardens, soak in the hot springs and participate in Balinese cultural activities.Amanoi, VietnamA restorative wilderness by the sea, this Aman resort offers a tranquil seclusion for its guests. With its duo of Wellness Villas, you are invited to experience their immersive holistic retreats amid the natural wonders of Vietnam.The HighlightIn their ‘Mindfulness & Stress’ programme, this programme uses specialist movement classes including yoga, Qi Gong and Tai Chi to help participants physically relax. Alongside, expert-led meditation and spa treatments that soothe the central nervous system work to release tension and cultivate lasting harmony between body and mind.Kamalaya Holistic Spa Resort, ThailandLocated in the luxury setting of Koh Samui, Thailand, this getaway combines authentic ancient healing traditions with contemporary therapies to ensure all guests nurture their wellbeing in all aspects of life.The HighlightThe ‘Embracing Change’ programme helps guests to enrich their emotional wellbeing and life fulfilment, addressing emotional habits and life situations to restore emotional balance within life.April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    The tumultuous history of the role of the Crown Prince of Jordan

    For the last 22 years, His Majesty King Abdullah II has reigned Jordan as a member of the Hashemite dynasty, the royal family of the country since 1921.However, it’s the role of the Crown Prince of Jordan, which determines who will step into the role of monarch next, and the history of the role of Crown Prince has been a turbulent one for the country.Throughout the 100-year Hashemite reign in Jordan, there has been a total of eight Crown Princes.From 1946 to 1951 under the reign of King Abdullah I, Prince Talal was the Crown Prince and eventually succeeded his father’s role after his death.Following King Talal’s succession, he appointed his son Hussein as Crown Prince in September 1951. However, after just 13 months on the throne, the country’s Parliament forced King Talal to abdicate due to worries over his mental health.King Hussein then ascended into the role of the monarch for the country and was under his 47-year reign where the successor of the Crown Prince role changed four times.Firstly, Hussein’s younger brother Prince Muhammad was made Crown Prince of Jordan in 1952 and he held the post for 10 years until 1962. However, Hussein then removed Prince Muhammad from the role, appointing his infant son, Abdullah – who is now the King of Jordan – to the position.However, some three years later, Prince Hassan, the younger brother of King Hussein, was appointed as the Crown Prince of Jordan in April 1995, a position which he held for four years. But, on 24 January 1999, Hussein replaced the role of Crown Prince for the fourth time, naming his son Abdullah, who was now an adult, as the heir apparent. Two weeks later, on February 7, 1999, King Hussein died.Upon King Abdullah II’s ascension to the throne, complying with his late father’s wishes, he appointed his younger half-brother, Prince Hamzah, as Crown Prince of Jordan.Prince Hamzah bin Hussein of Jordan and Princess Noor on their wedding dayHowever, less than six years later after becoming king, His Majesty removed the title of Crown Prince from his brother on November 4, 2004.Per the Washington Institute, Abdullah II wrote a letter to his “dear brother” Prince Hamzah stating that he was a “sincere Jordanian soldier, keen to selflessly perform the call of duty”. However, the monarch stated that he wanted to free his brother from the constricting role of Crown Prince as it had “restrained” him.“Holding this symbolic position has restrained your freedom and hindered our trusting you with certain responsibilities that you are fully qualified to undertake,” he said in the letter. “I have decided to free you from the constraints of the position of Crown Prince in order to give you the freedom to work and undertake any mission or responsibility I entrust you with, along side with all our brothers, the sons of Al Hussein, and other members of the Hashemite Family.”While King Abdullah did not officially appoint a new Crown Prince straight away, it’s stated in the constitution that the throne is passed to the eldest son of the monarch unless stipulated otherwise.Five years after Prince Hamzah was stripped of the Crown Prince title, King Abdullah’s eldest son Prince Hussein was named Crown Prince of Jordan on July 2, 2009. He was 15-years-old.While the role of Crown Prince of Jordan certainly has been tumultuous, under the reign of King Abdullah II with the help of Crown Prince Hussein, they have both brought stability and prosperity not just to Jordan, but to the entire region.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram/Getty More