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      Inside Malala Yousafzai’s inspirational chat with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

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      Malala Yousafzai was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Sunday to celebrate International Day of the Girl.
      Live-streaming on YouTube, human rights activist Malala discussed with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “the barriers preventing 130 million girls from going to school and why it’s essential that we champion every girl’s right to learn”.

      Clearly passionate about the subject, Meghan discussed the importance of an education for women, especially to be able to prepare them later in life.
      “When young girls have access to education everyone wins and everyone succeeds,” she said. “It just opens the door for societal success at the highest level.

      “It’s not just robbing a society of the cultural richness that comes with educating young girls – it’s also robbing these young girls of childhood.”

      The Duke of Sussex, along with his wife, also spoke in the discussion with Malala about the “critical” need for girls’ education.
      “The importance of girls’ education to help defer climate change is absolutely critical,” he said.
      The couple also discussed their 18-month-old son Archie Mountbatten Windsor and some of the milestones he has crossed.
      Malala has continually advocated for girls’ rights to education. She rose to global prominence in 2012 after being shot in the head by Taliban gunmen as she boarded her school bus in north-west Pakistan.
      The teen first became a target for the regime after defying a ban issued in 2009 forbidding girls to go to school and penning an anonymous blog for the BBC highlighting life under Taliban rule with a personal emphasis on women’s right to education.
      She went on to become the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, being just 17-years-old. The human rights activist went to go on to begin her studies at Oxford University in 2017, where she recently graduated from.
      During her chat with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Malala also found out how Meghan and Harry have been able to spend more time as a family throughout the past few months.
      “We were both there for his first steps,” Harry explained. “His first run, his first fall, his first everything.”
      Meanwhile, Meghan also admitted she felt “fortunate” to be able to spend so much time with Archie, who was born in May 2019, during some formative years.
      “In so many ways we are fortunate to be able to have this time to watch him grow, and in the absence of COVID-19, we would be travelling and working more,” she said. “We’d miss a lot of those moments.”
      Watch the full discussion below.
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      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Sussex Royal Instagram/Malala Instagram More

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      5 Money Moves to Make When Transitioning Careers

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      Changing careers can be a super exciting time, with new role, new colleagues, maybe even a new wardrobe! But with all this excitement, it can be easy to forget about the financial considerations you’ll want to make along the way. To keep your finances climbing alongside that career ladder, below are five money moves you’ll need when making the switch. 
      1. Negotiate your offer
      Just because you’ve been looking for a change, doesn’t mean you should accept your first offer. A 2019 Jobvite study found that 83 percent of those that asked for a raise or increased salary received it. Yet, only 33 percent negotiated for their current position. Don’t be afraid to play those odds!
      Want some tips to negotiate like a boss? To increase your chances of getting a “yes,” make sure to do your research and come prepared. Look to websites like Glassdoor.com to compare the salaries of similar positions, outline your achievements from previous roles, and practice your pitch before going to HR. If you’ve received multiple offers, use them as leverage. This may also be an indicator of which company is willing to invest in you more as an employee over time.
      While you’re in the negotiating mindset, you may also ask whether your employer is willing to help cover some or all of your moving expenses. Depending on how far you’re relocating, this can get pricey quick. Luckily, many employers are prepared to help (but only if you’re willing to ask).

      2. Consider the full package
      If you’re transitioning careers, chances are you’re looking for something new and exciting. Whether it’s the ideal role or starting a business of your own, you’re probably eager to make the switch! But before you accept what may seem like your dream job, make sure to consider the benefits, too. 
      As more companies work to recruit a younger workforce, there may be some new perks available to you that your old employer didn’t offer. Benefits can play a huge role in improving your mental and financial health over time, so make sure to consider their value before deciding your next move. Some of the most sought-after benefits for millennials right now include student loan repayment assistance, pet insurance, and flexible work schedules. You may also be willing to take a pay cut for more paid time off or an increased employer match, for example. 
      Jealous of those unlimited vacation plans? Make a list of the type of benefits that are most important to you, and keep them in mind during your search and negotiations.  

      3. Don’t cash out your old 401(k)
      There are several options you can take when deciding what to do with your old 401(k), but whatever you do, don’t cash it out. Retirement accounts like a 401(k) or 403(b) give you more bang for your buck than a standard investment account by reducing the amount you pay in taxes. If it’s a traditional 401(k) or 403(b), you contribute with pre-tax income, leaving more money in that account to grow. If your employer offers a Roth 401(k), you’ll contribute with post-tax money now, but won’t pay taxes on those contributions or earnings (!) when withdrawing after age 59.5.
      So while cashing out your 401(k) might be tempting, try not to do it. Either keep your 401(k) where it is or roll it over to another tax-advantaged account, such as your new employer’s plan or an individual retirement account (IRA). 

      4. Update your budget and financial plan
      Switching careers often means a change in income, and hopefully a good one! This makes it the perfect time to revisit your budget. Consider how your take-home pay, retirement contributions, and commuting costs may change. Will your cost of living go up or down? If you’re taking a pay cut, you may want to test out your budget in advance of the new job or move to make sure you’ll be comfortable when things get real. 
      Longer-term, you’ll want to think about how your new income will impact your financial goals. Can you reach a savings goal more quickly? Will it help you save for a down payment on your first home? Are there stock options or maybe a pension to consider? 
      Lastly, if your income is flying high, try to resist lifestyle inflation, where you end up spending more just because you can. Consider what you can save or invest in to make your money work harder for you. “More money, more problems,” isn’t really a thing. Having more income is all about options, so choose yours based on your goals and lifestyle. 

      5. Starting your own business? Whip the planner out (and the Excel sheets) 
      If starting your own business or going freelance, you’ll want to create a separate budget and financial plan to account for any investments in the business, income, and expenses. Often, this will be tied to a separate bank account. You should estimate your tax payments and build up a business emergency fund to help prepare for the unexpected. If you’re self-funding your business, you’ll also want to account for this as a line item in your personal budget as well. How much do you plan to invest in your business each month, or over the year? Thinking ahead will help ensure your finances and cash flows stay in CEO-level shape. 
      Being your own boss has a lot of perks, including making your own schedule and vision for your company. The downside is that the safety nets you’ll want to build your empire require some thought (and a good chunk of change). Will you go with a Roth or SEP IRA to save for retirement? What insurances do you need, including health, disability, and liability insurance to protect yourself and your assets? What may seem like an extra or unnecessary expense now is something that could save you thousands in the long run as your own CEO. 
      By taking the time to think ahead when it comes to your finances, you’ll be that much more prepared to knock your new role out of the park. While it may take a little planning, reducing financial stress in your life will keep you focused on the task at hand, so you and your finances can level all the way up.  More

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      A two-week curfew has been implemented in Oman

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      Just 12 days ago Oman reopened its borders. However, due to rising COVID-19 cases the country has now decided to implement a curfew for two weeks.

      The 8pm to 5am curfew came into effect yesterday, October 11, and will continue until October 24.
      In a statement issued by the country’s supreme committee on Friday, it was stated that the new curfew was due to slowly rising cases.
      “In the light of the current situation regarding the rise of infections in the country, it has been decided to impose the curfew to protect members of the public and limit the spread of the virus,” the statement said. “We ask people to adhere to the new rule and business owners violating it will be named and shamed in the media.”
      All beaches across the country will also be closed for the next two weeks.
      To date, there have been 104,129 confirmed cases in Oman – 91,731 have recovered and 1,009 have died.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Kristian Egelund on Unsplash More

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      A top Dubai plastic surgeon on the dramatic shift in cosmetic surgery in the UAE

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      The increase in social media usage has correlated in a jump of cosmetic procedures ranging from fillers to anti-wrinkle injections to more high-risk procedures, such as going under the knife. Here we ask – what are people trying to achieve and are they doing it for the right (if any) reasons?
      Across the globe, the number of cosmetic procedures, whether it be non-invasive anti-wrinkle injections and fillers or going under the knife, has risen dramatically in recent years. It’s a booming business for cosmetic dermatologists and plastic surgeons, with some reports suggesting the market size could reach $21.97 billion by the year 2023, with a predicted annual growth rate of 7.8 per cent. Right alongside the rise in cosmetic surgery is social media and its 2.4 billion users worldwide. With the use of filters, photoshopping apps and more, people are able to manipulate themselves into their ideal version – or what they think they should be according to social media standards – and it’s having a direct effect on the cosmetics industry. Enter the rise of the filtered face.
      This is something Dr. Sanjay Parashar, a top plastic surgeon in Dubai and the CEO of Cocoona Centre of Aesthetic Transformation, knows all too well. Having been in practice for 25 years, Dr. Parashar tells Emirates Woman he’s seen a dramatic shift in the cosmetic surgery industry in the last five years all because of Instagram – a shift which he believes is “appalling”. “The expectations are too high and too unrealistic,” he explains. “There is a hugely competitive spirit among people seeking cosmetic surgery.”

      In 2018, a report was released from the Boston University of Medicine and the Boston Medical Centre discussing how there had been a spike in patients who wanted to go under the knife thanks to filters used in Snapchat, or what they were able to manipulate themselves to look like with apps like FaceTune. “A new phenomenon, dubbed ‘Snapchat dysmorphia,’ has patients seeking out cosmetic surgery to look like filtered versions of themselves instead, with fuller lips, bigger eyes, or a thinner nose,” the report states. “This is an alarming trend because those filtered selfies often present an unattainable look and are blurring the line of reality and fantasy for these patients.”

      It was concluded such apps and filters are “providing a new reality of beauty for today’s society”. This is all too familiar with the astronomical rise of TikTok – a video sharing platform where users dance and lip-sync to popular songs and sounds – and the app’s use of filters. People are going viral for challenges using the app’s in-house beauty filter, comparing their ‘best self’ to their ‘worst self’, being shocked by the difference. And while it may seem like a lighthearted challenge to take part in, the crux of it hits home – many people are losing touch of reality as “they expect to look perfectly primped and filtered in real life as well”, as determined in the report.
      While some may argue the correlation between cosmetic surgery and social media isn’t linked, all you need to do is look at those who are at the forefront of it. In just 15 years, the demand for plastic surgeons has increased by more than 10 times what it used to be. “When I came to Dubai in January 2004, there were less than 25 plastic surgeons in Dubai, now there are more than 250 plastic surgeons in the UAE,” Dr. Parashar explains.
      With the likes of Kylie Jenner, Bella Hadid, Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner all at the top of the social media hierarchy, many look to them, as well as filters, for facial inspiration when it comes to cosmetic surgery.  It’s a highly sought-after look: high cheekbones; lifted eyes; thick, highly arched eyebrows; and a plump pout for good measure.
      In fact, there’s an entire package dedicated to Kylie Jenner at a London-based clinic on offer for clients. But for Dr. Parashar this is totally “unethical marketing”. “It is impossible to make all the lips the same as Kylie Jenner,” he explains. “She has her own shape and structure. There may be some who may have similar structures, it’s quite coincidental I think, but most people have varying structures and the outcome of doing the same quantity and quality of filler is different in every individual.”
      At least 30 to 40 per cent of the patients Dr. Parashar sees bring along a photo of a popular celebrity’s face or body, insisting this is what they want to look like. However, it’s something he takes very seriously in terms of someone’s mental wellbeing.  “I do thorough counselling to understand what they are looking for and what concerns them,” he says. “Then I assess the area of their concern and if I feel that it is a significant issue that surgery would improve, then I recommend them surgery. But I insist that I cannot make them look like anybody else, as each body is different, anatomical structure varies and healing is different.” Often, he ends up turning many people away, with some disgruntled clients claiming “other doctors will do it”.  With cosmetic and procedures largely being used for aesthetic reasons nowadays, it’s difficult to see past the vanity that overshadows the whole industry. However, as Dr. Parashar explains, the industry emerged for a “needs basis”. “In its truest sense, plastic surgery is reconstructive surgery that is done to restore anatomy and function of the body,” he says. Whether that be helping children with birth defects like cleft lip and palate; oral cancer sufferers; those who suffer traumatic injuries to facial bones; nerve damage; severe burns; and more. “Cosmetic and aesthetic surgery is a sub-speciality of plastic surgery that works on-demand basis more than need basis.”
      It’s easy to see there is a correlation between cosmetic procedures and filters, but there are steps being taken by platforms like Instagram. In October 2019, the social media site announced it was removing all augmented reality filters depicting or promoting cosmetic surgery, or virtually enhancing users’ features. “We’re re-evaluating our policies – we want our filters to be a positive experience for people,” a spokesman said of the move. “While we’re re-evaluating our policies, we will remove all effects from the [effects] gallery associated with plastic surgery, stop further approval of new effects like this and remove current effects if they’re reported to us.”
      As for what people can do themselves when they’re debating whether to go down the cosmetic enhancement route, Dr. Parashar advises people to ask themselves if it will truly make them happy. “I strongly believe cosmetic surgery cannot make people happy forever as there are so many reasons for unhappiness,” he says. “The problem is when people blame their appearance for their unhappiness, then they seek plastic surgery and hope their problems will go away forever. There is definitely a fine line between satisfaction and happiness, between the realistic and unrealistic.”  While in this busy world of beauty, makeup and cosmetic enhancements, it’s vital you remember who you are at your core and realise, true beauty is from within.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, Feature Image: Getty More

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      11 important questions about breast cancer answered by an expert

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      IN PARTNERSHIP: Every year October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, encouraging women to check their breasts regularly because being able to detect cancer signs in its earliest stages means it is easier to treat.
      Self-examination is key for this, and then if something abnormal is discovered it is always best to get it checked out by a medical professional.

      In order to encourage women getting checked as early as possible, Mediclinic Dubai Mall is offering a free initial consultation with a family medicine doctor or another specialist for women age 40 and above – the age range where women are most affected by breast cancer – for those who have not a mammogram in the last 12 months.
      To give you the best advice possible, Emirates Woman spoke with Dr. Anjum Ishaque, who is based in Mediclinic Dubai Mall, about some of the key questions surrounding breast cancer.

      With more than 15 years experience in family medicine and having worked in both Dubai and London, Dr. Ishaque shares her expertise including when exactly is the time to get checked for breast cancer; debunking myths about breast cancer; the most common breast cancer questions patients ask; and more. 

      The main steps you should check for breast cancer yourself
      Examining your breast regularly increases detection of cancer at an early stage. This can be done in a few simple steps either by standing in front of a mirror or in the shower. The first three steps involve looking at your breasts and noting changes while in the last three steps you are feeling for changes.
      First look at the breasts with your arms at the side.
      Next put your hands on the hips and lean forward and tighten the chest muscles.
      Next raise your arms and put them behind your head and look at your breasts again.
      Place your Left hand on your waist and roll your shoulder forward on the same side. With the Right hand feel for any swellings in the armpit. Repeat this on the other side.
      Next raise Left arm and feel the breast with the Right hand. Using the pads of three or four fingers go in a circular motion or up and down. Try to be systematic so that the whole breast is covered and you do not miss any area.
      Lastly, lie down and feel your breasts and armpits again as described in the previous step.
      What is the sign you should look for to get checked out by a doctor?
      On examination, you should note changes in the skin of the breast like redness, dimpling or puckering or any visible swellings. Next look at the nipples and note the shape to see that one is not pulling in and there is no discharge. Then feel for any lumps or swellings in the armpits and breast tissue. All of the above can be signs of breast cancer and should prompt a visit to the doctor for further review. An early visit to the doctor may help allay fears if no cause for concern is found and improve your chances of survival if breast cancer is detected.
      What age should you start going for regular breast check-ups?
      Regular breast examinations by a doctor and mammograms are advised from the age of 40. If there is a strong family history of breast cancer from the maternal side, then regular visits to the doctor should start at an earlier age. A breast ultrasound is more accurate in this age group and will be advised if required.
      Are there any myths about breast cancer people believe that you can debunk?
      Patients are deterred from attending for mammograms as they worry that the radiation dose during the test will increase their risk of breast cancer. This is completely incorrect as most modern mammograms give an extremely small radiation dose and have not been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Missing early breast cancer by not having regular screening is likely to cause more harm as it would need more extensive treatment including radiotherapy as well as lead to more deaths.
      What is the main aim of Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
      The main aim is to increase awareness of the signs of symptoms of breast cancer so that patients seek help early and have better outcomes after treatment. Cure rates from stage I and II breast cancer are over 90 per cent. These rates tend to fall for more advanced disease. By encouraging the patient to self-examine, recognise symptoms of breast cancer and to have regular screening we hope to pick up Breast cancer at an early stage resulting in less aggressive treatment as well as improved survival rates.
      What are the treatments Mediclinic offers?
      Mediclinic offers a comprehensive service from diagnosis to treatment. All modalities of screening including ultrasound, mammograms and biopsies are available for detection of breast cancer. Surgery for removal of the tumour, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and reconstructive breast surgery are then offered as needed. A multidisciplinary team of specialists are involved in the management of each case to offer therapy tailored to the individual.
      What causes breast cancer?
      The causes of breast cancer are multifactorial. A strong family history (with specific gene mutations especially the BRCA1 Gene) is the biggest risk factor. In addition smoking, unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and being overweight have all been cited as factors. Having your first child late in life, not breastfeeding or taking Hormone replacement therapy for more than five years are all thought to be contributory factors as well.
      What type of doctor should I see if I think I have breast cancer?
      Family Medicine Doctors, General Practitioners, Breast and General Surgeons and Gynecologists are all able to examine patients and refer for mammograms and breast ultrasound if required. If breast cancer is diagnosed then patients will be referred to specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
      The most common questions you get from patients after a breast cancer diagnosis
      Patient’s first questions are usually about survival rates as well as the side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Survival rates are very good even with more advanced disease and are constantly improving. Nausea and hair loss associated with chemotherapy though distressing is usually temporary. Reconstructive breast surgery after mastectomy can also lessen the psychological impact of treatment.
      A lot of people are currently afraid to enter hospitals due to COVID-19. Why is it still so important to ensure you get checked?
      It is extremely important to Detect Breast Cancer at an early stage as this leads to better survival rates and may result in needing less aggressive treatment.
      The stringent screening and hygiene measures practised in all Mediclinic hospitals and clinics ensure safety for our patients and staff. These safety measures are in place during all stages of the patient journey and it would be a real pity to miss an early diagnosis of breast cancer due to perception of infection risk by patients.
      Other essential information… 
      Breast cancer is a common cancer in women but the chances of survival are excellent and constantly improving due to early detection and advances in treatment. This should encourage women to come in for regular screenings as well as an examination if they are worried about any breast issues. A timely check-up will rule out cancer and allay anxiety if the symptoms are due to a benign cause. If Cancer is found then again you will get the treatment and support that is required to overcome this disease and for the best chance of cure. This month is a reminder to make your health a priority and don’t let fear stop you from getting screened for breast cancer.
      There’s currently a 50 per cent discount on screening mammograms if advised by a Mediclinic doctor. Complimentary breast reconstruction consultations are also on offer. There are limited bookings for the month of October. Mediclinic Dubai Mall from Sunday to Wednesdays, 8am to 5pm. Appointments only.
      For more information visit the Mediclinic website.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, Feature Image: Pexels More

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      For the first time homesick Brits can shop Sainsbury’s products in Dubai

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      For the first time, homesick Brits will be able to shop Sainbury’s branded products across the UAE.

      From October 15, one of UK’s top supermarkets is making over 500 of its affordable items available via UAE’s delivery platform Kibsons and can now be part of your weekly shop.
      From this week you’ll be able to fill up the fridge and cupboards with all your home favourites including seafood, pizza, bread, pastry and fruits, to sweet and savoury snacks. Whether you’re missing your mum’s cooking or have to spend the upcoming festive season in the UAE, the range of fruit and cooking sauces, canned items, soups, spreads, oils and vinegars and well as healthy cereals will aim to bring a comforting mood to your kitchen.

      “We are pleased to be introducing our great quality products to customers in the UAE via our partnership with Kibsons, said Richard Hodges, Head of Sales and Wholesale Buying at Sainsbury’s Supermarkets LTD. “Kibsons’ fresh food credentials and excellent customer service are famous throughout the UAE and we look forward to working closely with them.”
      With a wide variety of affordable, great-quality, healthy and wholesome groceries sourced sustainably, this is a foodie partnership we never knew we needed.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, main image instagram.com/eviends More

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      Meghan Markle: ‘I was the most trolled person in the entire world in 2019’

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      Meghan Markle has opened up about online trolling and online bullying that can occur on social media.
      Alongside her husband Prince Harry, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex joined the hosts of a podcast Teenager Therapy – a podcast hosted by five high school friends based in California from different backgrounds with an aim to help others.

      The couple appeared on the podcast to discuss mental health issues, to mark World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10.
      While Meghan, 38, admitted social media was a “great way to connect” she also pointed out it can cause ” a lot of disconnection”.

      “I can speak personally too, I’m told that in 2019 I was the most trolled person in the entire world, male or female,” she explained.
      The Duchess of Sussex also discussed how difficult it was having just given birth to her first child Archie Mountbatten-Windsor and experiencing such a huge level of online hate.

      “Now, eight months of that I wasn’t even visible — I was on maternity leave or with a baby,” she said. “But what was able to be manufactured and churned out, it’s almost unsurvivable.”
      The former Suits actress also emphasised no matter what age you are, experiencing such a level of hate and things being said about an individual that aren’t true can series consequences on mental health.
      “I don’t care if you’re 15 or you’re 25, if people are saying things about you that aren’t true, what that does to your mental and emotional health is so damaging,” she said.
      In October last year, Meghan opened up about the hate she received from the media and on social media in an ITV documentary Harry & Meghan: An African Journey.
      “I never thought that this would be easy, but I thought it would be fair and that’s the part that’s really hard to reconcile,” she admitted.
      The Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped down from public royal life earlier this year, leaving the UK and relocating to Canada initially and then to California.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Getty More

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      The luxury getaway that makes for the perfect isolation vacation

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      IN PARTNERSHIP: Earlier this year, the travel industry was turned on its head due to the outbreak of COVID-19. Countries’ borders shut, planes were grounded and people were staying put.
      However, now the world is slowly beginning to return to a resemblance of normality, travel has begun to pick up. With that, we have the perfect holiday destination in mind for those looking to escape the UAE, even just for a little while.

      Say hello to the luxury oasis that is the Maldives.
      Having opened its borders on July 15, the country is taking every precaution necessary to ensure the wellbeing and safety of its nation and tourists visiting.

      Self-isolation and negative testing
      One of the main stipulations to be able to travel to the Maldives is that all tourists must undergo a COVID-19 PCR test receiving a negative result a maximum 72 hours before their departure order to be able to travel to the Maldives. This means there is no mandatory quarantine period upon arrival.
      Discussing the implementation of the mandated negative test, the country’s tourism minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom explained that it will “guarantee safety and protection for tourists visiting the Maldives”.
      “In essence, Maldives is the best country to vacation safely from among global destinations,” he also said.
      This rings true, given the nation’s unique geography and one-island-one-resort concept – making the Maldives the perfect isolation vacation destination.
      Safe stamp of approval
      In further reassurance, the Maldives has received the ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ – which has been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). It’s there to reassure travellers and affirm their confidence that their safety and hygiene is a top priority – something Maldives Tourism is putting at the forefront.
      A one-of-a-kind programme
      In order to further boost tourism in the country, the Maldives has launched a new initiative which is the first of its kind in the world. Enter the ‘Maldives Border Miles’ program.
      Spearheaded by the country’s minister of tourism, the program has been developed in conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).

      The three-tiered initiative will encourage tourists visiting the nation to enrol and they will earn points in conjunction with the number of visits they make to the Maldives, alongside how long they spend in the country. If visitors are deciding to visit the nation for a special occasion, they will receive bonus points.
      The three tiers for the program are as follows: Aida (bronze tier), Anantara (silver tier) and Abaarana (gold tier). These are all categorised by a variety of rewards, services or benefits, which increase in value as members progress.
      The program’s launch is set for December 1, 2020. Dr. Mausoom is hopeful the one-of-a-kind initiative will “further enhance the popularity gained in the key markets of Maldives tourism”.
      Time to book
      With sandy white beaches, crystal clear waters and welcoming people, the Maldives really is the perfect place for a vacation – and it’s just a five-hour plane journey from the UAE.
      Emirates flights to the Maldives have now resumed, and flyDubai also recently relaunched flights to the Maldives after a two-year hiatus. And with a whole host of luxury resorts to choose from, there’s really no more excuses left not to book!
      For more information go to visitmaldives.com/en.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More