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    What I Learned From Nearly a Year of Unemployment

    Most of us say we want more time in the day. Well, I spent about 11 months with just that, and I can honestly say it wasn’t for me. Like many people, I was unemployed for the better part of last year. The experience left me shaken. I lost my confidence and began questioning my talent, but I learned so much about how I lost myself in my previous job—or at least that’s what it seemed like.
    It’s something that can happen to anyone. Think about the last time you were at a party and met someone new (I know, I know it’s been quite a while). Likely, one of the first things they asked was, “What do you do?” The conversation probably continued with more questions about what your exact title is or how you spend your day and if you enjoy it. This is standard and polite chitchat in our society. There’s nothing really wrong with it, but it begs the question: Are we obsessed with our jobs?
    Imagine being asked that simple, innocent question about what you do for a living, except this time you don’t have an answer. You don’t have a job right now or, frankly, any prospects either. Just thinking about this situation sends a tidal wave of embarrassment, anger, and sadness rushing over me because I’ve been in this position before. 
    It’s not the other person’s fault, but this common question isn’t exactly crafted for someone standing in the unemployment line. It automatically assumes you’ll be able to confidently answer with your profession which, more often than not, is a large part of a first impression. I’ve also seen the look on someone’s face when you respond with “Oh, actually I’m looking for a job right now,” or “I work as a television news producer, but I’m currently in between jobs.” Their eyes momentarily get big, they try to stretch out a convincing smile, and all the while they’re internally telling themselves to “be cool, be cool,” despite being filled with instant regret.

    Source: Social Squares

    I’ve talked with a few other people who have either been fired before or walked away from a job on their own over the last couple of years. It’s interesting because we all have different stories about how we ended up with the label of “unemployed,” but we all mostly feel the same about the experience. It’s a mix of literally every single emotion you can imagine. I remember feeling embarrassed and powerless. I was angry it wasn’t my decision. I was happy I didn’t have to go back there, yet I was stressed about not having anywhere to go. Ultimately, I felt an overwhelming sadness that left me terrified. While I was overflowing with confusing and contradicting emotions, I somehow felt empty.

    I remember feeling embarrassed and powerless. I was angry it wasn’t my decision. I was happy I didn’t have to go back there, yet I was stressed about not having anywhere to go. Ultimately, I felt an overwhelming sadness that left me terrified. While I was overflowing with confusing and contradicting emotions, I somehow felt empty.

    Months later, I was babbling about my tangled mess of emotions to a close friend of mine. About a year before, she made the decision to step away from her decades-long career to protect her mental health. Leaving the (mostly) stable schedule and salary was her choice, but she struggled in the same ways I did. She shared with me something her therapist told her and honestly I think about these words every day. Her therapist described our emotional confusion as a form of grief. We were grieving the loss of who we were; our identities. 
    A study by the Pew Research Center in 2016 confirms this. The research shows 51 percent of Americans said their jobs are central to who they are and gives them a sense of identity. That number seems understandable and like not a big deal until 2020 rolls around. After all, we do spend a lot of time at work. But, according to USA Today, in November 2020, approximately 3.9 million Americans were experiencing longer-term unemployment, having been out of work for at least 27 weeks. 

    We were grieving the loss of who we were; our identities. 

    Source: Social Squares

    I’m not great at math, but Siri says that means almost 2 million people most likely feel like they lost themselves when they lost their jobs. That’s on top of the depression, anxiety, and other psychological effects that already can accompany being unemployed for longer than six months. Take it from me: sleeping in because you really don’t have anything to do isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. 
    The idea of grieving the loss of my identity along with my job was groundbreaking for me, and it helped during the days that felt like an eternity. The fact is, I didn’t know how to spend my time. When I was working, there were never enough hours in the day. Suddenly I had all the time in the world, but I struggled to fill it. I tried to make working out my new thing. I told myself I’d read more. I entertained starting to paint again. But none of it felt right or felt like me. Also, each thing would only fill about an hour or two of a day… and then what? I now think who we are is how we spend our time. That’s why we have talented bakers, aspiring artists, and avid readers. I couldn’t get myself to fit into any of those categories; my 9-to-5 had consumed me. The majority of my friends were people I met at work. When we hung out, that’s what we’d talk about. So when it was taken away, I felt my identity was too.

    Take it from me: sleeping in because you really don’t have anything to do isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.

    I know I can’t be alone. Many people love what they do for a living. Whether it’s the salary, the schedule, your coworkers, or the fulfillment you get from your work, there’s some reason you chose your profession or—at least—why you choose to stay. There’s a fine line between loving your job and allowing it to become an obsession. I definitely dove headfirst into the latter without even realizing it. Consequently, I learned firsthand how soul-crushing unemployment can be, especially during a pandemic, when so many businesses are struggling and so few companies are looking to hire someone new.
    I can now say I’m one of the lucky ones who managed to find a job toward the end of 2020. As I settle into working from home (and meeting my new coworkers over Zoom), I have to remind myself that I am more than my job title. Don’t get me wrong—I once again love what I do, I’m proud of my work, and I strive to be great at it. But at the end of the day, I’m the only one who cares about that. It took me almost 11 months of unemployment to realize my biggest issue wasn’t the fact that I didn’t have a job, it was that I thought I needed one to have value. For me, that theory was debunked when I looked at the people around me. I still had friends who cared about my thoughts and opinions, a fiancé who supported me on the good and bad days, and a family who encouraged me to keep my chin up through it all. These friendships and relationships aren’t contingent on my job status. Like I said, I’m one of the lucky ones.

    My 9-to-5 had consumed me. The majority of my friends were people I met at work. When we hung out, that’s what we’d talk about. So when it was taken away, I felt my identity was too.

    Source: Colorjoy Stock

    While last year was difficult for so many reasons, my time of unemployment has made me more aware than ever of how I spend my time off the clock. I do things that keep me grounded and happy, no matter how simple—like enjoying a cup of coffee on the couch every morning, doing an online pilates class or going on the occasional run, and ending my day with an episode or two of whatever show I’m watching at the time. It turns out I didn’t need to pick up a new hobby to have a healthier relationship with work.

    It took me almost 11 months of unemployment to realize my biggest issue wasn’t the fact that I didn’t have a job, it was that I thought I needed one to have value.

    If you’re unemployed right now, just know that no matter how difficult it gets, this time is temporary and you will rebound. I encourage you to use your free time to find and do things that take your mind off the stress. If that means getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new every day, great! If you’re more like I was and you only have the energy to lay on the couch some days, that’s OK too. The important thing is to never equate your value as a person to your employment. Whether you see it yet or not, you have so many other talents and qualities that make you who you are… with or without a professional email account. More

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    How to Admit You’re Overwhelmed at Work

    Feeling stressed at work is the worst, but it happens to the best of us. Though you may worry about looking incompetent in front of your boss or disappointing your colleagues, it’s better for your sanity — and your career — to fess up in order to get some help. Here are eight ways to actually let someone know you’re overwhelmed at work, instead of pretending to be “fine,” so you can bounce back like the productive, confident person you already are.

    1. Don’t play the “I’m so busy!” game.
    Admit it: there’s a weird sense of satisfaction in claiming to be “sooooo busy.” It makes you feel important and needed; however, it’s completely unsustainable. Falling into the busy trap will not only make you sick, tired, irritable, and less productive, but also doesn’t allow you to figure out a solution to feeling overwhelmed at work.
    Instead, think through your daily to-dos and fess up some honest answers to important questions: are your priorities straight?  What never seems to get checked off your list (and do you even need to accomplish it)? What should be delegated to a team member? Taking an assessment of how you’re truly spending your time is a helpful first step is deciphering what actions will affect change.

    2. Admit what you don’t know.
    In my first job out of college, I remember spending hours on a project, filled with dread. Why? I had said yes to the assignment, but wasn’t entirely sure how to do the work itself. I wanted to be the type of employee who could breezily problem-solve on my own, and I also hoped to appear more than proficient (aka, impress my team).
    Don’t do this. It’s okay to admit what you don’t know! I mean, there’s a huge difference between shrugging at your manager in a “not my problem, man” kind of way and saying, “I’ve never done this before, but I’m excited to try! Can you help me get started?” Asking for more knowledge is a good thing, and owning up to where you could benefit from reinforcements saves you time and energy in the long run.

    3. Vent to a trusted colleague.
    When you’re freaking out at work, sometimes it helps to just get it out of your system with someone you trust, and then move on. In fact, almost every time I pause from a panic session to grab a coworker and say, “I need five minutes to vent!” I end up feeling better, and more clear-minded afterwards.
    It’s also nice to ground yourself in reality. Talking through a problem, even if you’re not looking for a solution, can allow you to stop jumping from task to task. If anything, literally show your schedule to someone and say, “I’m stressed and need to spend less time in meetings to meet that deadline. Is there anything I could pass on this week?”

    4. Get feedback from someone you don’t normally work with.
    Whenever I get stuck on a project, I ask somebody outside of my team (or industry, or even company, if possible) for input. It is easy to spend SO much time on a creative endeavor, and then realize you can’t even see where you’re trying to go anymore.
    Besides, there’s no reason to try to be an isolated genius. All the best work usually involves multiple rounds of edits and full team insights before going to print or production. So cut yourself some slack, and stop assuming you have to be the hero at work and solve every single dilemma or master every single assignment.

    5. Stop saying yes to more.
    Once, a boss of mine told me, “It’s great that you can turnaround work so quickly when people ask. But make sure you’re doing the right work first.” Yikes. He wasn’t wrong, though. I used to think it was optimal to be the go-to person, always willing to help or step in. Of course, this isn’t always a bad thing, but can easily set you up for failure, because if you’re the person who can be relied on “to help” all the time… you’ll be the person relied on to help all the time.
    More isn’t better — it’s just more, and that can easily be the source of your stress at work. If you’re overwhelmed, you need to refine, not add on. So for every well-meaning coworker who is like, “Hey, do you have 5 minutes to…” give yourself permission to politely decline. Say, “I’d love to help, but I need to focus on XYZ. Did you ask so-and-so?” Ask yourself if somebody else can do that same work, or if you’re the right person to help at that given moment. Or just flat-out learn how to say no: “That’s not going to line up with my priorities this month, but let’s talk about how we can get the work done.”

    6. Figure out what’s temporary and what’s not.
    A friend of mine is a news anchor, and a few times a year, she knows her schedule will be absolutely bananas due to ratings months. Because she can anticipate the overload, she can mentally prep, and since it’s that way for her entire team, it feels much more doable to survive. She also knows it’s just the industry, and not her fault, which helps her keep a cool head.
    If you’re in that boat, take solace in the fact that you’re not alone; in fact, you may be relieved to know you’re not the only person feeling overwhelmed. But if you ask around, and that’s not the case, it might be time to have a conversation with your supervisor.

    7. Take real breaks — and explain why.
    I know you want to look cool as a cucumber no matter what, but this  attitude can be to your detriment. For example, if your coworkers know you as someone who responds to email in 0.1 seconds flat, tell them you’re now batch-checking email at set times. If you can’t seem to make progress on a singular project, devote a day to it and go one hundred percent (okay, 95%) off the grid: shut off your phone, put on a cheery out of office response, and get in the zone. If you’re always waking up early, or staying late, or working weekends, see if you can cut back just a little bit.
    When people see you practicing self-care, they’ll (hopefully!) recognize what a good work-life balance looks like. When you’re intentional and outspoken about your own boundaries and need for breaks, you will be less likely to burn out, and you’ll manage your own energy much better.

    8. Propose a solution to your boss.
    If you can’t find a way to ease up on your own, you’ll eventually need to talk to your boss — which can be terrifying, because you want him or her to see you as a valuable asset who can consistently deliver and add value. The good news is that you can be all of those things and still need clarity or guidance.
    Instead of showing up unannounced and saying, “Hi, I’m drowning in work, help,” take a moment to think through some potential solutions with an attitude of fixing the problem. Look at your job description and consider where you’re outperforming versus falling behind. Ask yourself what seems daunting, where you struggle, what feels completely unmanageable — and the type of help that would make a difference, like more education, less responsibility, or better support. If it is clear you’ve thought through what needs to happen, with tangible examples, it’s likely the conversation will go more smoothly.
    Finally, keep a calm, positive, professional tone. You’re not weak to ask for help, and your boss may not have even realized you needed it. Focus on the fact that you care about your career growth, and remain committed to finding a solution that works for both of you. More

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    Life – Emirates Woman

    Life – Emirates Woman


    Lifestyle, Culture, News & Fashion in Dubai
    Tue, 29 Jun 2021 11:47:55 +0000
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    Live concerts are set to make a return in Abu Dhabi next month
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    Tue, 29 Jun 2021 07:16:32 +0000

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    While live entertainment has largely been put on hold for the last year, concerts are set to make a return […]
    The post Live concerts are set to make a return in Abu Dhabi next month appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    Win a stay at this luxury Maldives resort courtesy of Emirates Woman
    /win-a-stay-at-this-luxury-maldives-resort-courtesy-of-emirates-woman/
    Tue, 29 Jun 2021 06:05:09 +0000

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    As many are preparing to travel over the summer break, Emirates Woman has an exciting opportunity for our readers – […]
    The post Win a stay at this luxury Maldives resort courtesy of Emirates Woman appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    6 ways to spark creativity in your little one’s everyday life
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    Tue, 29 Jun 2021 02:45:01 +0000

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    IN PARTNERSHIP: Engaging your child’s creative side is an incredibly important part of the nurturing and growing process, however, it […]
    The post 6 ways to spark creativity in your little one’s everyday life appeared first on Emirates Woman.
    ]] >

    Sheikh Hamdan shares a heartwarming photo of Sheikh Mohammed with his baby twins
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    Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:16:04 +0000

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    Just over a month ago, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, announced […]
    The post Sheikh Hamdan shares a heartwarming photo of Sheikh Mohammed with his baby twins appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    Inside the only on-site hotel at Dubai Expo 2020
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    Mon, 28 Jun 2021 10:31:05 +0000

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    As the much-awaited Dubai Expo 2020 is now less than 100 days away, the highly-anticipated event is set to host […]
    The post Inside the only on-site hotel at Dubai Expo 2020 appeared first on Emirates Woman.
    ]] >

    Everything you need to know about Emirati Women’s Day 2021
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    Mon, 28 Jun 2021 08:56:39 +0000

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    Launched in 2015 by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Al Ketbi, 2021 marks the sixth anniversary of Emirati Women’s […]
    The post Everything you need to know about Emirati Women’s Day 2021 appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    All the hotels with private pools in the UAE
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    Mon, 28 Jun 2021 07:19:44 +0000

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    As the sweltering heat is here to stay for the next couple of months, there’s nothing like cooling off in […]
    The post All the hotels with private pools in the UAE appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    Happy birthday Prince Hussein! 10 things to know about Jordan’s Crown Prince
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    Mon, 28 Jun 2021 06:09:53 +0000

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    As the Crown Prince of Jordan turns 27 today, we celebrate his incredible achievements. Here is everything you need to […]
    The post Happy birthday Prince Hussein! 10 things to know about Jordan’s Crown Prince appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    Neptune Retrograde has arrived – here’s everything you need to know
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    Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:26:05 +0000

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    While the second period of Mercury Retrograde this year is officially over, there’s still more to come. Welcome Neptune Retrograde, […]
    The post Neptune Retrograde has arrived – here’s everything you need to know appeared first on Emirates Woman.
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    The Dubai-based wellness centre offering rapid transformational therapy
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    Sun, 27 Jun 2021 09:12:33 +0000

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    The Hundred Wellness Centre’s Helen Pleic tells exactly how Rapid Transformational Therapy can help everyone find self-love. What do you love about […]
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    Live concerts are set to make a return in Abu Dhabi next month

    While live entertainment has largely been put on hold for the last year, concerts are set to make a return in the UAE’s capital from next month onwards.As per an announcement by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT), concerts with notable regional talent is all set to return for this year’s Eid Al Adha celebrations along with fireworks for three days over the break.His Excellency Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at the Department of Culture and Tourism said, “We are thrilled to be bringing live concerts back again for the first time since March 2020, featuring the best and brightest regional superstars for our Eid Al Adha celebrations in Abu Dhabi.”As part of the safety procedures, all attendees must be aged 16 years and above, while presenting a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours and show proof of having taken the second vaccine dose more than 28 days ago prior to the date of the event. This is done via the AlHosn app where you’ll need to have a gold E mark or * within the app. Meanwhile, attendees between 12 to 16, are required to receive a negative PCR test valid for 48 hours and are not required to be vaccinated.While all ticket holders must present their Emirates ID or any personal identification for those who are not residents in the country and download the ALHOSN app to show their status upon entry.With concerts from Assala Nasri, Hussein Al Jasmi, Tamer Hosny and Myriam Fares all on the horizon to be held at the Etihad Arena, between July 22 to July 23, 2021, the tickets are now available on sale for groups of two, three or four people, starting at Dhs195 on tickets.etihadarena.aeOther enticing events also seem to be on the Capital’s agenda at Yas Island’s Etihad Arena, including Michael Mclntyre’s stand-up comedy show on July 16, ‘An Evening with Russell Peters’ for September 17, 2021, the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between December 9 and 12.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @etihadarena More

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    Win a stay at this luxury Maldives resort courtesy of Emirates Woman

    As many are preparing to travel over the summer break, Emirates Woman has an exciting opportunity for our readers – the possibility to win a luxury stay in the Maldives.Escape to the shores of North Male Atoll in the Maldives at the luxury Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi resort. Surrounded by 83 acres of lush tropical beaches on Lhohifushi Island.Relax and unwind amongst the azure waters of the Indian Ocean in the pristine surroundings of the luxury resort, with a range of lavish Maldives villas with either direct beach access or directly overlooking the waves.When you’re not soaking up the sun poolside, indulge in one of the many spa treatments the resort’s Chavana Spa has to offer which include traditional aromatherapy massages to result-driven Elemis face and body treatments.Meanwhile, during your stay, you can enjoy a variety of cuisine at the resort for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In particular, the Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi’s Sunset Restaurant is the ideal spot to enjoy an exquisite dining experience overlooking the Indian ocean.The PrizeA three-night stay at the Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi resort on a Premium All Inclusive basis. The guest and their plus one are entitled to all three meals and beverage selections as available on the Premium All Inclusive offering. The guest will be entitled to a non-motorized water sports experience such as windsurfing, catamaran, canoe and stand-up paddleboard.Entries close on July 30, 2021. Rules: This competition is open to residents of all GCC countries. Entries received after this date will not be accepted. The prize will be awarded to one entry received, at random. The prize is non-transferable, and no cash alternative or extension on the voucher is available. The voucher holder is entitled to three nights for two persons, on a sharing basis, at Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi on a Premium All Inclusive basis. Reservation for the utilization of the voucher should be made a minimum of two weeks prior to the date of travel with a copy of the voucher. A reservation contact will be given on the voucher issued. The reservation confirmation will be made via email and will be based on availability. The voucher does not cover speedboat transfer fees from Velena International Airport and back. Black-out dates apply. Any other additional costs incurred during the stay other than what is extended complimentary should be borne by the voucher holder. Employees of Motivate Publishing and the company contributing to the prize are not eligible. The decision of Motivate Media Group is final, and no correspondence can be entered into. The winner will be announced on our website and notified by email.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    6 ways to spark creativity in your little one’s everyday life

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Engaging your child’s creative side is an incredibly important part of the nurturing and growing process, however, it doesn’t have to take an entire day of your time.Sparking the imagination of little ones’, LEGO® DUPLO® Bricks are the ideal play pieces to stimulate your child’s mind creatively, whilst also having fun.Whilst playtime can be chaotic and also messy, encouraging your child to play without any setbacks and blocks is key to unlocking their potential as it helps to develop their core socio-emotional, physical, creative and cognitive skills. By age three, there are over 1000 trillion connections between the brain and neurons, putting into perspective how important assisting your child to thrive is.Helping to pave the way for their future, the large bricks in the LEGO DUPLO sets put your mind at ease that they are safe in their building endeavours, no matter what adventure they choose to envisage.Prompt creative conversations with your little one By making creative conversations part of everyday life, a child naturally develops an imaginative way of thinking. Creative conversations can be as easy as playing word association games in the car or making up a simple story before bed. Prompts like “Where would you go if you were a bird?” can allow your child’s imagination to run wild.[embedded content]Let them lead Every so often it is important to let your child make the decisions. This could start with going to the park for half an hour, letting them lead the way on a walk at their pace. Or tell them they will make the plan and encourage them to talk about all the amazing things they could do when they get there.Encourage positive conversation with questionsEvery night before bed, establish a routine where you both talk about the positive points of the day. This allows your child to reflect on their day as well as helping you to understand what they enjoy doing from a young age. If you don’t always have a lot of time, this is a quick way to engage your child’s creative mind.Give them freedom with playtimeFreedom to play in an unstructured way is vital for development. You could give your child a box of bricks and watch them build, rather than instructing them what to create. Afterwards, try to be specific and ask them what it is and what it can do.It’s okay to make creative mistakes [embedded content]Experimentation is creativity for children, some of their creations may look slightly strange, however, they could have just learnt something new, like how a brush moved on the page. The most important part of playtime is ensuring they have fun, whilst also providing education.Don’t worry about the mess Yes, messiness can be good sometimes, plastic sheets and lots of space can allow your child to be free and get messy to their heart’s content. Feeling safe to try anything will allow your child to build confidence in their creative abilities. And If you’re lucky, you might be able to convince them that tidying up is a fun game too.Perfect for small hands and curious minds, LEGO DUPLO bricks are double the size of the regular LEGO brick; twice the length, height and width making them easier to handle for younger builders aged 1.5-5 years old.As your child grows, they can move onto traditional LEGO bricks, but don’t worry the LEGO DUPLO bricks are completely compatible, meaning your child can continue to use them in their more advanced building endeavours.The Hero Buys

    LEGO DUPLO Alphabet Truck

    LEGO DUPLO T. rex and Triceratops Dinos

    LEGO DUPLO Spider-Man Headquarters

    LEGO DUPLO My First Car Creations

    LEGO DUPLO Mickey & Minnie Birthday Train

    LEGO DUPLO Minnie’s House and Café

    LEGO DUPLO Number Train – Learn To Count

    LEGO DUPLO Space Shuttle Mission

    LEGO DUPLO is available at all good toy retailers including Toys R Us, ELC & plus online stores such as First Cry, Noon, Amazon, Mumzworld. And of course, our very own LEGO® certified stores.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages/Media: Supplied More

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    Sheikh Hamdan shares a heartwarming photo of Sheikh Mohammed with his baby twins

    Just over a month ago, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, announced he had become a father of twins.It was announced Sheikh Hamdan was now a father to a baby boy, Rashid, and baby girl, Sheikha.Following the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan took to Instagram to share with his 11.6 million followers a photo of himself, a proud father, holding his newborn twins.Now, the Crown Prince of Dubai has shared an adorable photo of his father, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, holding his newborn grandchildren.Being the doting grandfather he is, Sheikh Mohammed is seen holding baby Rashid on the left and baby Sheikha on the right.Announcing the arrival of twinsTo announce the arrival of the twins, Sheikh Hamdan shared a photo on Instagram with his 11.6 million followers of a blue foot and a pink foot.Congratulations on the arrival of the two new babies was shared on social media by many of Sheikh Hamdan’s siblings including Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and Her Highness Sheikha Maryam.Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Interior and Deputy Prime Minister, also shared his congratulations on Twitter.“I congratulate my brother His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, for the arrival of his two children (Rashid and Sheikha),” he said. “Oh God, save them with your protection … and make them the apple of the eye of their parents.”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More

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    Inside the only on-site hotel at Dubai Expo 2020

    As the much-awaited Dubai Expo 2020 is now less than 100 days away, the highly-anticipated event is set to host an array of inspiring exhibitions from the globe over.Taking place from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, the Rove Expo 2020, located at Al Wasl Plaza is the only on-site hotel for the event.Visitors are ensured a comfortable stay at the property with access to live shows, a host of dining venues with over 50 cuisines alongside a vibrant kaleidoscope of unmissable events for everyone who visits.With Rove Hotels being known for its casual yet contemporary atmosphere, this latest property has managed to exude the same charm through its design, adding a nod to the neighbourhood’s character with quirky elements infused through each element.For food within the vicinity, there are several eateries onboard including a ‘grab-and-go’ Rove Café and The Bar, which has a rooftop swimming pool along with a sundeck showcasing the glistening skyline of Dubai, with other amenities such as an ATM and grocery store all within the area.As a smooth experience is promised from start to finish, guests can travel using the Expo Rider Shuffle, including the coach or a taxi as there’s 24/7 access to the venue. For travel arrangements via a metro, the Dubai Metro Arrival Plaza ensures you’ll be directed to the hotel with staff to guide you, in case your arrival takes place outside standard operating hours.For more details regarding the Expo’s theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, visit expo2020dubai.comWith advanced booking now available from October 1, 2021 online, you can visit rovehotels.com to make a reservation.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied by Rove Hotels  More