lifestyle and culture

September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
Rola Abu Maneh, CEO of Standard Chartered, is a power player in finance. Taking challenges head-on and continuing to achieve is in her DNA. We sat down with Maneh to find out what it takes to lead in business and how the UAE as a nation has for championing women in business.
Can you talk us through your career? Did you always envisage yourself going into finance and banking?
Even from a young age, I was interested in finance and knew that I wanted a career in banking. More importantly, I also knew I wanted to be a leader.

Leadership has always come naturally to me. I used to be on several sports teams and captained a girls’ netball team for a few years, which gave me a taste of leadership. It was a new role for me at the time, but one I grew to love – especially the more games we won. Of course, leadership is hard work. To me, it’s is all about continuously working on yourself and growing from your experiences – of course, while investing in and supporting others. It’s also about constantly reinventing yourself and staying relevant – whether that means developing technical skills like understanding artificial intelligence, or improving leadership skills, such as sharpening your emotional intelligence. I was lucky enough to have great leaders and work with truly inspiring leaders, so I now aim to pay it forward by mentoring, supporting, and creating opportunities for aspiring young leaders.
You’ve worked hard, where do you get your motivation from?
The truth is that I love my work. However, as I mentioned earlier, that’s because I picked a career that I am passionate about and have been from a young age

Choosing a career which you enjoy is essential — it will be much easier to stay motivated through the tough times when you’re already in a job that’s meaningful to you. It’s important to sit down and really think about your skills and talents — what do you want to get out of a career? Then, pursue a job that lets you bring your unique gifts to bear in ways that regularly make you feel challenged and valued. If you do that, you are more likely to enjoy what you do, meaning you are more likely to be great at it.
I try to lead by example. I’m direct, demanding, and inclusive, but I’m also a huge fan of simplifying everything in today’s highly complex world. This is something I always challenge my team with. Whether it’s putting together a new client proposal, coming up with a new process or developing our people, I encourage colleagues to simplify things and focus on what’s essential.
What advice do you wish you had received on the beginning of your journey to success?
While it may sound cliché, the best advice I recieved is to always believe in yourself. I truly believe that, by being confident in your own abilities, as well as following your passion, you will succeed. This would be my advice to any future leader.
Of course, leadership is also a lot of hard work. Success is all about working on and growing yourself, while investing in and supporting others. It is also a lot about constantly reinventing yourself and staying relevant – whether it is your technical skills like understanding artificial intelligence or leadership skills around sharpening your emotional intelligence.
In terms of women working in business, finance and banking in the region – how are opportunities changing for them?
Looking at the UAE, specifically, we have made great strides in improving gender equality in the workplace. This applies to both government entities and private organisations who have made considerable effort in supporting women and fostering an environment for them to thrive. This has been especially evident in the financial sector where, according to the Central Bank of the UAE, Emirati women account for about 75.3 per cent of UAE citizens working in the sector – a significant figure.
Women are also a key pillar of social development across the Emirates and, recently, we have seen the adaption of a number of policies and initiatives aimed at supporting them. It was recently announced that the UAE progressed 23 places in the United Nations Development Programme, ranking first in the region and 26th globally. Also, according to a World Bank report, the UAE ranks among the top ten economies exhibiting the most progress towards gender equality since 2017.
At the Bank, we also take gender equality seriously and we believe that inclusion is an organisational strength. In line with this, we have committed to ensuring that women occupy 30 per cent of our top-four levels of management by the end of 2020. What’s more, two of our four regions, and a number of our large markets including China, Hong Kong, India, Nigeria, and the UAE are led by female CEOs. I am proud to be one of them.
In addition, in 2019 we launched the Art Gap exhibition where we conveyed the message of equal pay for equal work, from the UAE to the rest of the world. It was a local initiative that hopefully becomes a global movement to raise awareness and support for equal pay for men and women for the same role. Organising this event reaffirmed Standard Chartered’s commitment to the UAE’s national agenda, which aims to make the UAE one of the world’s top 25 countries for gender equality by 2021. We would like to inspire other organizations and entities in the UAE to join in the drive towards gender balance, as envisaged by the country’s leadership.

However, there are still challenges that need to be overcome. What would you identify as the challenges for women working in the GCC?
To understand more about how we can empower women and pioneer female leadership, we look to the UAE. HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak announced this year’s Emirati Women’s Day slogan as “Preparing for the next fifty years: Women are the support of the nation”. We are proud to be a continuing part of the UAE’s success story for over half a century and are excited to support the country to achieve its goals in the next 50 years.
The UAE is a progressive country from a labour market perspective, Emirati women are very well educated, and the government supports the advancement of women in all sectors. In theory therefore, Emirati women have a wide array of working options. Yet today, women make up only 28 per cent of the total Emirati workforce, and participation levels are well below countries with a comparably favourable labour market context. In the absence of favourable working conditions, Emirati women are quite entrepreneurial and lean towards running their own businesses.
Although we are proud of the progress that we have made and share the ethos of planning for the next 50 years where we believe we will achieve more change and success. Women in the GCC feel empowered to make their own life choices. They have increasing aspirations for success in many roles: as wives and mothers, as career women, and as contributors to their community and country. They value national and community service and want to leverage their education and entrepreneurial spirit for self-fulfilment. These roles may differ at different life stages – for example, women tend to prioritise family when their children are young. It’s no secret that the financial industry is a traditionally male-dominated field and, despite our undeniable progress, a 20 per cent representation of women on executive committees and 23 per cent on boards is not enough. There is still a long way to go to create an industry in which women have equal access to opportunity and positive outcomes.
Looking back over your career, can you tell us about three major hurdles you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back over the years, a major barrier to female leadership has been organisational structure. Simply put, it’s unconscious bias, lack of equal opportunities, and the absence of your tribe. I faced a lot of challenges while climbing the career ladder. There were times when I struggled just to be on the ladder! It was not easy, but throughout my career I have always focused on business outcomes, open communication and confidence.
Institutional mindsets are another significant barrier and are a major reason that we don’t see more women at the top levels of leadership. People make assumptions about women at work and as leaders based on their stereotypical roles in society. Often, women are limited in their advancement or, worse, never given an opportunity because of bias. Lastly, it’s not enough to be in a certain role or have a seat at the table. One must also speak confidently, regardless of the odds faced. At times, women leaders may fear being criticized or rejected; however, respect comes when one’s voice is heard. Make your presence known as a leader and collaborator for good.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are your top three milestones from your career, so far?
Leading a massive workforce of an international bank in the UAE in itself is a milestone and a huge responsibility. It’s not easy juggling strategic business decisions with family life, and our UAE franchise has been through tough times over recent years. But I want to put UAE business back on the map and showcase what the UAE can achieve by delivering client-centric, digitally-led and innovative solutions to our clients. We have great potential. The UAE is at the heart of Africa and the Middle East, and we’re well-positioned to connect our clients from Asia and Africa to the world.
And finally, this is ‘The Power Issue’ – what is power to you?
To me, power equals impact. It’s not necessarily the position you hold, but the impact you’re having on the people and the world around you. What impact are you making on people and on the value of the business? Power comes from your ability to do that. Power comes from the relationships you build. Are you truly creating value and having an impact?
September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
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The comfort of mother’s cooking is unmatchable, so Dubai-based model and humanitarian, Jessica Kahawaty has decided to put her mother at the core of the brand new food delivery concept.  
With the focus on healthy and nutritious home-cooked meals, Mama Ritaaims to bring a little bit of that warm family feeling to your table. A true foodie at heart, Rita Kahawaty gets her passion for cooking from her mother Nahil. She taught Rita how to get the most out of the fresh vegetables grown in the Lebanese mountains by her father Simon. Rita spent years treating her family to an array of Middle Eastern dishes, and now we have a chance to sample it all ourselves.

“Mama Rita is a true expression of my love of home cooking that has been passed down through the generations of my family,” says Rita. “My mother taught me everything I know. Mama Ritais the same food we serve to our friends and family around our own dinner table. The meals delievered to your home is a true taste of my own kitchen.”

Quality ingredients and budget friendly prices make Mama Rita’s diverse menu accessible and esxciting. Blending the best Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and International flavours, expect all-time favourites like beetroot hummus and Mama’s fattoush, alongside family pleasers like The Original Lasagan and Peanut Butter Chicken. Sounds like a culinary hug to us.
“I am so happy to be launching Mama Rita with my mother,” says Jessica. “For as long as I can remember, her cookbook was a treasured item she always wrote in – discovered recipes, inspiration and new flavours. Every meal was cooked from the heart. Our family has always been about sharing and finally, the world gets to taste the food that we grew up with.”
Rita’s homemade shawarma with tender beef marinated overnight will prove a taste of home, while the oven-baked chicken and potato dish is the perfect comfort food that packs a flavoursome culinary punch. End the meal on a sweet note with Knéfe – warm on the inside and crunchy on the outside or Mama’s special carrot cake- a soft and fluffy creation with hints of pineapple and coconut.

Whether you want a comforting meal after a long day, or cater to six or even 20 people,Mama Ritais going to be your go-to for that home away from home dinner, served with love.
Mama Rita is available to order now at mamarita.com
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
Entrusted with the role of Chief Pavilions and Exhibitions Officer at the futuristic Expo 2020 Dubai, Marjan Faraidooni has the responsibility of making sure strategies for development and execution are implemented.
What is the source of your success in your career?
I feel privileged to have the responsibility of overseeing the exhibition spaces across Expo 2020’s pavilions that will excite and inspire visitors about topics that matter to humanity.

I have been blessed by the opportunities that have come my way over the years and can attribute much of my career growth to being consistent and diligent in delivering what was tasked to me, no matter how small. I have also proactively sought opportunities to improve my skills and knowledge through self-learning and learning from individuals who are specialists in their fields. With the added years of experience, I also understand the importance of building strong and resilient teams that recognise the value of cooperation and operate with respect and integrity at their very core.
Finally, I wouldn’t be where I am without the support and belief of the individuals who have entrusted me with the job, as well as my colleagues and my family.
What do you think of the progress of female empowerment in the UAE?

I am proud to live in the UAE, a country that is leading the region in gender equality, and where women hold senior decision-making positions that have a direct impact on the education, political, and economic sectors. The UAE has been ranked number one in the world when it comes to female representation in parliament, for example, with women making up 50 per cent of the UAE’s 40-member Federal National Council. Expo 2020 itself is led by a truly inspiring woman, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, who is the Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. In total there are are more than 200 Emirati female employees and more than 600 female employees working at Expo 2020.
Expo 2020 Dubai has also dedicated a space to address the advancement of women both from a local and global lens. We have teamed up with Cartier to create the Women’s Pavilion in celebration of women change-makers all over the world.

Tell us about your view on Expo 2020’s impact on the future.
World Expos have long prided themselves on being catalysts for change, showcasing groundbreaking innovations that still impact the world today. When we consider what the world has been through in the past months and the challenges that lie ahead, Expo 2020 Dubai could not come at a more opportune moment, and our theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ could not be more fitting. Expo 2020 will bring together 192 nations to showcase and identify solutions to the most pressing and common issues facing humanity. Celebrating and galvanising global collaboration, we will host one of the biggest mega-events since the COVID pandemic, bringing the world together to address its impact, while also looking ahead. Taking place in the year of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, the first World Expo in the Middle East will be a chance to celebrate our country’s achievements and look ahead to what can and must be done in the next 50 years.
We hope that each one of our visitors will make new friends from all over the world, and be inspired by the realisation that they each have a role to play in making the world a better place. But our impact will not stop there. Expo has been designed with an eye on the future and will evolve into District 2020, maximising Expo’s technological and physical infrastructure to ensure this new city-within-a-city continues to be a significant contributor to the UAE economy long after the six months of Expo 2020.   
As a successful woman, and the Chief Pavilions & Exhibitions Officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, in your opinion what does it take to achieve a position like yours?
There are many factors. I have always been committed to ensuring my work is driven by respect and integrity, and I have learnt that it is essential to be flexible and resilient in the face of change, and welcome the challenges brought by it. I’ve mentioned the importance of teamwork and clear, open communication, and I strongly believe in bringing the human touch to the workplace and ensuring a healthy work-life balance for myself and my team. I’m always looking for ways in which I can support. For example, pre-COVID, I would surprise my team with lunches – either to celebrate milestones or share our concerns and issues. No matter how much pressure we’re facing, I make sure we find time to laugh and enjoy ourselves in the process.

During the COVID pandemic, my team’s wellbeing was – and continues to be – of critical importance, sometimes even more than their deliverables. Everyone has been getting by in very challenging situations, but each person’s circumstances are unique. We maintain regular contact via Webex meetings, and I make sure to bring the team together for updates on what is happening, talking through issues to do with their wellbeing, and making sure they have the opportunity to voice concerns.
What is your advice to young individuals aspiring to become successful in their respective fields?
Work hard with the highest level of integrity, stay ambitious, and be committed to every task, no matter how small. Be adaptable and flexible, because change is inevitable – as the saying goes, it’s the one constant in life! Keep your sense of wonder – learn every day, ask questions, seek advice, and opportunities to develop yourself professionally and personally.
What is the best way to empower women?
Part of empowering women comes from top-down recognition of women’s capabilities, talents, and the value we bring to the workplace and women must be provided with equal opportunities for jobs in different sectors.
However, ultimately it is we women who must support each other, lift each other, and always have each other’s back. Those of us who have achieved positions in leadership must take on that responsibility, be role models, and identify opportunities to mentor colleagues and students.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
Take it one day and one challenge at a time – and prioritise! Put yourself in someone else’s shoes and demonstrate empathy. This will broaden your perspective, strengthen your relationships, and improve collaboration. Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself! As long as you do your work with the best intentions, it’s ok if, at times, things don’t go the way they were supposed to. View these experiences as lessons you can learn from.
September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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We know this year hasn’t been the best for travel, especially for students studying abroad who hoped to see their families or were looking to tick a few countries off their bucket list.
To help you reconnect with your loved ones and plan future backpacking adventures with your besties, Emirates is rolling out a special discount on Economy and Business class fares.

Not only that but you will also receive additional baggage allowance and ability to change your travel date at no extra charge as long as you do it seven days in advance of your original flight date.
In addition, family and companions of students can also enjoy this unique offer, as long as they are accompanied by the student on one of the trip sectors.

With the Dubai based airline going above and beyond to keep it’s passengers safe, international students can finally take advantage of those study breaks.
Tickets must be booked by October 31, 2020, using the promotional code STUDENT. All tickets have a maximum stay validity of 12 months.
Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of your journey to ensure the safety of everyone. This includes the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes.
For more information on the offer, visit www.emirates.com/studentoffer2020
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It’s time to get the girls together, as there’s four new ladies’ nights that have recently launched in Dubai.
STK Downtown Dubai

Combining a night at one of Dubai’s top steakhouses with one of our favourite affordable fashion brands makes for the perfect ladies’ night. PrettyLittleThing MENA and STK Downtown Dubai have come together to bring the blend of fashion, food and entertainment. Launching this Tuesday, September 15, ladies can enjoy unlimited drinks and two courses for Dhs200 or unlimited drinks and three courses for Dhs240 from 6pm to 1am.
We suggest you arrive as early as you can as goodie bags and giveaways will be happening for the first 30 ladies to arrive.
Casablanca at La Serre

While La Serre has recently launched its highly successful ‘Madamoiselle’ ladies’ night running every Wednesday, the Downtown Dubai hotspot has added another one to their roster. Every Tuesday from 8pm until late, the new ‘Casablanca’ ladies night will offer a Moroccan twist at the French eatery. Enjoy a three-course menu with four glasses of house pour for Dhs199.
Decadence at Bleu Blanc

Looking for a truly decadent time? Then the new ladies’ night at Bleu Blanc, ‘Decadence’, will certainly do the trick. Every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm, for ladies dining at the French restaurant in Business Bay, ladies will enjoy three complimentary beverages along with discounted dishes. In addition, make sure you dress to the nines as there’s a chance to win a complimentary bottle of bubbles for the best-dressed lady.
Mamicita at Mami Umami

If you’re keen to try out recently opened restaurant Mami Umami, located in Business Bay, then their new ladies’ night ‘Mamicita’ is the perfect excuse to do so. Every Wednesday from 7pm to 11pm, ladies can enjoy discounted prices on dishes which have a fusion of Japanese flair and Latin-American colour. Ladies will also receive three complimentary beverages.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Is it us, or does it finally feel like outdoor dining weather? Perhaps even picnic weather. Well, it’s a good thing that one of the top desert resorts is launching a whimsical brunch.
Located not far from central Dubai, just down from Al Qudra lakes is an oasis called Bab Al Shams. Popular among tourists who seek a Bedouin experience, or for those who fancy sunbathing among the golden dunes, the resort has several dining outlets and is one of our top picks for breakfast – especially if you cycle the Al Qudro track.

Al Hadheerah’s vibrant theme night that celebrates regional food and entertainment has long served as one of the key reasons to check out the hotel, but now you have another excuse to venture beyond the cities usual haunts.

Taking place from 1-4pm every Friday and Saturday, the Picnic Brunch offers plenty of appetisers, BBQ treats, gourmet pasta and more from multiple live cooking stations. Set in the lush Al Forsan Garden, you can also look forward to live entertainment while the little ones can enjoy pony rides.
The menu is priced at Dhs255 per person inclusive of soft beverages, while kids aged six to 12 years get 50 per cent off and children under five years dine for free.
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