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    How I got my job as… a top Dubai-based celebrity chef

    Welcome to EW‘s weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with prominent Dubai-based chef and Masterchef Bulgaria judge Silvena Rowe. Hailing from Bulgaria, Chef Rowe has a passion for Ottoman cuisine. Having begun her career in London when she was 19, Chef Rowe is now based in Dubai having opened Nassau – a Mediterranean restaurant located in Jumeirah Golf Estates – in 2019.

    EW sat down with Chef Rowe to find out more about her impressive career history and what made her want to enter the realm of cuisine.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    I can’t say that I loved school at all, I was very happy to be there because of my friends, results were always high, but I did because it the thing to do, so very difficult to say what I loved most but for sure was the social aspect, the interactions with my fellow students, what I loved the most my lunch at the school canteen, always delicious, I thought!
    What was your first job?

    I worked as a social worker in London with abused children in a home. The best part was cooking with and for them in the home’s kitchen.
    What inspired you to become a chef?
    Pure greed for food, I love eating and creating new dishes, I think about food all the time, I understood very early that one of the incredible effects that food has on all of us, not just from the point of you socialising, but for our physical and mental health. You are what you eat.

    What are the key elements of your role?
    I run all the action, by creating the restaurant concept, design collaboration, recipes, training, new menus, new food concepts and working as a team is essential.
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    I wake up early, after usually 9 to 10 hours of sleep as I like to sleep early. I have a biohacking and superfood routine daily, which consists of certain foods that target what I need to address in my biome. I either do fitness walking, rowing or yoga. Then it’s a trip to the restaurants, meetings, for few months of the year, I film Masterchef, so than I am a lot in the studios, filming days are long, but I still try and keep my morning routine. Sleep is always what I protect the most, along with eating the foods that I need to eat, plus the exercise.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Don’t think of how much money you can make, nevertheless apply your passion and all you have to bring enjoyment, pleasure and health to all that will eat your food.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    Have no expectations.
    And what is the worst?
    To oversell and overrate myself! Chefs are fantastic, but let’s be honest here, we are not doctors, nurses, teachers, fireman, we are not saving the world.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    Still is… being a woman in a man’s world, having to work with so many chefs from different nationalities, some will never accept taking orders from a woman chef. It’s a cultural thing. To try and minimise emotion in the kitchens, because it’s what is often used against us women. So rather than minimise, I reinvent and express emotion in a different way.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    14 Mantras for Your Best Self Ever, and When to Use Them

    What do you do when you’re in a stressful moment? When you’re anxious about giving a presentation, or your friends hang out without inviting you, or you look in the mirror and don’t like what you see? What about when bad things happen, or you make a mistake, or you doubt whether or not you’re good enough to have all that you want? Some people cope with stress and anxiety with a yoga flow, a Netflix show, or a sleeve of Oreos. While I still resort back to all those coping mechanisms here and there (healthy or not), the one thing I always have with me is a mantra.Technically, everyone has a mantra, whether they’re aware of it or not — it’s that one phrase you hear in your head over and over or tell yourself repeatedly. Some lucky people have great mantras: I’m awesome. What a beautiful day outside. I love my life. And then there are the mantras that many of us are plagued by: I’m not as pretty. I’m not good enough. What if something goes wrong?  Many of us hear these phrases in our heads so often that we believe them. So what if we could replace these thoughts with phrases that are not only better for us, but can help us be confident, feel less stressed, and live our best lives? The secret to achieving your best self might just be a mantra away…

    What is a “mantra?”
    The term “mantra” is an ancient Sanskrit term, used in Hindusim and Buddhism to mean a phrase that was repeated frequently in meditation. Nowadays, everyone from yogis to modern psychologists are relaying back to the ancient technique as a powerful therapy tool. Neurologically, mantra training can reduce distractions and calm the mind. It’s also been proven to reduce stress because repetition and focus regulate chemicals in the brain, releasing endorphins and blocking stress hormones like cortisol.
    Beyond just the physical benefits, a mantra puts you in a more positive mindset, and the repetitive nature trains your brain overtime. In other words, remember those negative thoughts? With mantra training, they will be a thing of the past, because you’ll naturally think more positively.
    Mantras can be repeated as a tool for focus during meditation, used as a tiny, consistent reminder throughout the day, or looked to when you’re in a moment of anxiety, stress, or lack of confidence. The goal is to find the mantra that clicks for you; the one that just makes sense. It’s the phrase you need to hear, and the repetition to allow you to actually hear it.
    Here are the mantras that have changed my mindset, my confidence, and my life. Memorize the one that clicks with you, write them down and tape them to your walls, or copy them in your phone notes to look to whenever you need it.  Get ready for your most powerful, confident, passionate, and best self, yet:

    1. “I am enough.”
    This is the reminder we all could probably use every now and then. It’s human nature to think we could be better, or there’s always someone better than us — it’s what drives competition and keeps us pushing ourselves to be better. But sometimes, that pushing becomes a lack of appreciation for who we are now, causing insecurity and self-doubt. Use this mantra when you’re worried about being liked, struggling with insecurity, meeting new people, or entering a new job. Remind yourself that you are pretty great, just the way you are.

    2. “I am ready to be healed.”
    Use this mantra when you’ve been having a particularly hard time and you’re ready to move on, or need help moving on. It’s so easy to get into a funk because we’re going through a hard time — maybe we lost our job, went through a breakup, or have just been feeling sad with winter blues. While grieving and downtime is important, and emotions should never be ignored, this funk can turn into a vicious cycle of self-pity and wallowing. The first step of moving on and feeling better is to acknowledge that it’s time to be healed and it’s ok to be healed. You’ll start to subconsciously seek out your own healing.

    Source: @metricdisco

    3. “I am discovering my inner superstar.”
    There is an inner “superstar” in all of us, even when we don’t think there is. I call it “superstar” because the word makes me smile, but you might call it your best self, your true self, or your own hero. Use this mantra when you need some extra motivation and inspiration to achieve your goals, and to believe in yourself. The wording of this mantra is particularly nonjudgmental. Rather than expecting yourself to achieve greater things (and the possibility of feeling disappointed or unconfident if you don’t achieve them), you’re acknowledging that you’re in the process of discovering your best self, without expectation or judgment.

    4. “I return my body to optimal health by giving it what it needs on every level.”
    Use this mantra when you want to resist the box of donuts at the office, or you know your body needs to be (and deserves to be) healthier. Rather than forcing yourself to eat healthy or exercise for vanity reasons, this mantra is allowing you to reflect on what your body actually wants and needs, whether that means having that piece of chocolate or adding in some leafy greens, or sleeping in and taking a rest day versus getting up before work to go to the gym. Remind yourself to listen to your body and act for the sake of nourishing it.

    5. “I am open and receptive to all good.”
    When you seek the good, you won’t notice as much bad. The issues you run into in your everyday life, like your train being late or your internet running slow, won’t feel so bad. Use this mantra when you need an extra boost of optimism. Train yourself to be a glass-half-full kinda girl by repeating this mantra whenever you start to complain or notice a negative thought. There’s so much good, whether it’s in a situation, a setting, or in a person. We just have to allow ourselves to be open to it.

    Source: @carlycristman

    6. “Today is about pleasure. I am living this day for the sole purpose of enjoying it.”
    What if you lived as if the purpose was to enjoy — not just to check items off your to-do list or just get through the work day until 5pm? Use this mantra when you notice you’ve just been going through the motions instead of living. Notice and value indulgences that truly make you happy — a new candle, a long hot bath, a bouquet of flowers you picked up on the way home from work. Fit small pleasurable activities into your day, and when something stresses you out like a tough deadline or a boss in a bad mood, remember that this day is for you to enjoy, and don’t let little problems bother you like they normally would.

    7. “Stop making people wrong.”
    You know the times when you’re in a fight and you just feel so annoyed, or sad, or angry? Maybe your roommate is annoying you about doing the dishes, or your kids are making you mad by not picking up their toys? Use this mantra when you’re in one of those times. If your mom missed an important event, your best friend has been too busy for you, or your significant other said something you don’t agree with, remind yourself to think about the other’s perspective. Be compassionate to their point of view and voice your feelings with the understanding that your loved ones don’t mean to make you feel bad. Remember that how the incident affects your relationship is not based on their actions, but the way you take them. Seek the right in the people you love instead of making them wrong.

    8. “Be the person who feels like sunshine.”
    Use this mantra when you’re in a social setting you don’t feel confident in. It might be tempting to be the girl that acts too-cool-for-school, or make jokes to get laughs (even if it’s at the expense of others). When we’re not feeling confident, these are easy defense mechanisms to protect ourselves from being disliked. But this mantra reminds me that what people actually like to be around is someone who exudes kindness, and is warm and happy — someone who feels like sunshine. Besides, what if your main purpose was to lift others up? Give them compliments, make them laugh, help out when you see they need it — how much happier would you be?

    9. “I give myself permission to be ok where I am. I know that I am doing my best.”
    We’re always thinking towards the next goal, always feeling behind or focused on the future so much that we don’t feel good about the present. It’s not often that we actually let ourselves be ok with where we are in our lives, knowing that it is exactly where we are meant to be and all good things will come. Use this mantra when you’re feeling anxious about the future.

    Source: @teresalaucar

    10. “I am seeking contentment, not perfection.”
    Use this mantra if you can be too much of a perfectionist. From the outside perspective, no one would expect me to call myself a “perfectionist” — I can be messy, my right brain is way more dominant than my left, and I’m a Libra (a social, charming, romance-obsessed sign — not a perfectionist). And yet, I find myself rewriting articles because they never feel good enough, obsessing over my hair when it’s not curling the way I’d hoped, or feeling anxious and stressed when something didn’t go the way I pictured. Sound familiar? Remind yourself that the goal in life is not for everything to be, look, and seem perfect. The goal, instead, is to be happy. It makes all the little things I worry about seem insignificant.

    11. “I trust that I, and only I, know what’s best for me.”
    We can so often be completely plagued by self-doubt, especially when we’re making huge choices like college decisions, getting into a relationship, moving cities, or which job to take. Oftentimes, we want validation because we don’t listen to the gut instinct, or maybe can’t hear it at all. Use this mantra when you’re making big life decisions. Listen for your gut reaction, and trust that you don’t need to listen to or seek out anyone else’s opinion because the answers to even your biggest life questions is something only you can know.

    12. “Don’t go in your mind where your body is not”
    Are you a worrier, or, like me, a constant worrier? Do you overthink whether or not your friends took your joke the wrong way, if your boss won’t like the work you did, or how a (perfectly normal) doctors appointment will go? Me too. Many of us torture ourselves by thinking about what might happen, we often forget to focus on what is actually happening. This mantra helps me remember I’m making up the worry in my mind, and I need to work on being present to what’s happening in the here and now. Use this mantra when you’re worrying about something.

    Source: @gypsykait

    13. “All is well.”
    Though simple, this powerful mantra serves as a constant reminder that everything is okay and will be okay. Use this mantra when you’re feeling anxious. Anxiety happens because you’re constantly telling yourself that something negative is happening, and your mind starts to believe it. Counteract that anxious voice by giving yourself peace of mind.

    14. “I surround myself with those who make me better.”
    Have you ever heard that study that says we are the average of the 5 people we spend the most time with? It’s an important study and makes a lot of sense — when you spend a lot of time with someone, you can adopt their mannerisms, their habits, and even their morals. Do you want to be like the 5 people you spend the most time with? Or is it time for a change? Use this mantra when you’re dealing with a toxic friendship or jealous coworker, and to remind yourself you have control over who you let affect you. 

    Which mantra do you use? Which one of these do you relate with the most? Let me know in the comments!

    This post was originally published on January 5, 2019. More

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    17 amazing business lunch deals to take advantage of in Dubai

    To get a change of scenery from meetings in the office, or if you’re looking to try out a brand new restaurant in Dubai, take advantage of these fabulous business lunch deals.Having recently opened its first Dubai brand after being a huge success in Abu Dhabi, if you’ve been thinking about trying 99 Sushi then their business lunch could be the perfect time to do so. Their ‘Omakase’ business lunch – which means “leave it with me” – includes nine courses of incredible Japanese cuisine for Dhs149.For a sky-high business lunch, Ce La Vi has to be your go-to. With a fabulous contemporary Asian menu, you’ll get three courses for Dhs140. The package also includes water, tea and coffee as beverages. Alongside an incredible meal, you’ll also be treated to unparalleled views of the Burj Khalifa and the whole of Dubai.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-3pm.
    BB Social Dining

    Enjoy the best of BB Social Dining at their 4B business lunch. Literally incorporating the 4B’s: bites, baos, bowls and BBQs, this wallet-friendly business lunch at the DIFC hotspot is the perfect place to get away from the office for the afternoon. Running from 12 to 4pm, prices start from Dhs30 per person.
    Couqley

    Fancy a French feast for lunch and based near JLT? Couqley is the place to go. On weekdays, it’s the perfect spot for a lunch meeting with its two-course deal for Dhs99 – this can consist of two starters, a starter and a main or a main and a dessert. Signature dishes including the grilled portobello to start, salmon for main and chocolate fondant are a must-try.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-3pm.
    Indochine

    Infusing French cuisine with Vietnamese, Indochine’s business lunch is the perfect time to try the famous DIFC hotspot for the first time. For Dhs120 you can get one salad, one roll and one main. Popular dishes on the set menu include vegetable summer rolls, amok cambodgien and jungle curry.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12.30-3.30pm.
    La Serre

    Traditional French restaurant La Serre recently launched a new business lunch deal. The Rendez-vous lunch menu is priced at Dhs110 for two-courses and Dhs130 for three courses. The varied menu includes a choice of red bream ceviche marinated in tiger milk with tomato confit and chilli, grilled prawns with spinach cream, or a cherry tomato salad with goat’s cheese and hazelnut to start. For mains, select from either fish of the day served with crushed potato, asparagus and lobster sauce, chicken breast supreme with mashed potato, green beans and Périgueux sauce, or homemade gnocchi with endive and blue cheese sauce.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-5pm.
    LPM Restaurant & Bar

    Perfect for lunch meetings, especially if you’re craving some quintessential French cuisine, LPM Restaurant & Bar has an express lunch menu. The two-course menu priced at Dhs135 per person is designed for guests to be served within 60 minutes, making it the ideal location for an out-of-office meeting with clients.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-3pm.
    The Maine Land Brasserie

    For a chic and grand setting for a lunch meeting during the week, look no further than the Maine Land Brasserie in Business Bay. With Wagyu beef tataki and tuna tartare on the many for starters and shrimp linguini and roasted eggplant for mains, as well as a sticky toffee pudding for dessert, it’s a deal you can’t pass up. For Dhs130 you get one starter, one main, one dessert, water and coffee.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-4pm.
    Roberto’s
    For an Italian feast with a new on the menu each week Roberto’s is the place to go. It’s Dhs125 for a starter, main and dessert.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-3pm.
    ROKA

    Given that this new Business Bay eatery only launched just before the pandemic, you may have not had a chance to try out the new Japanese Robatayaki restaurant ROKA. Their business lunch deal is the perfect time to visit the new Downtown Dubai hotspot to try some of their signature dishes including the sake teriyaki and gyuhireniku wagyu. For Dhs115 you’ll get four starters and a main course.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-3pm.
    Zuma
    For a luxurious and chic lunch setting, Zuma is the place to go. It’s Dhs137 for soup, two starters and one main.
    The business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday 12-2pm.
    Cipriani

    Enjoy a leisurely lunch out of the office at Cipriani in DIFC. For Dhs150 per person enjoy three courses which includes some of their fresh salads like the fennel and avocado with shaved Parmesan cheese; signature mains including their handmade Italian pastas or homemade potato gnocchi; and for dessert choose from some of their signatures including pistachio ice cream topped with rich chocolate sauce, candied nuts and cherries.
    This business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-5pm.
    L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

    If you’ve been looking to try this new fine-dining French restaurant, which only opened at the end of 2020, then their business lunch deal for Dhs129 per person is the perfect time to do so.
    This business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday from 11.30am-3.30pm.
    Shanghai ME

    This DIFC hotspot, which is one of Sheikh Mohammed’s favourites, has one of the best business lunches on offer where you get three courses for Dhs120.
    This business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-2.30pm.
    Kayto

    Enjoy some delectable cuisine with Burj Al Arab views at Kayto in Jumeriah Al Naseem with their business lunch deal. Enjoy three courses for Dhs130 per person.
    This business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday from 12.30pm to 3.30pm.
    Samakje

    Head to Samakje at The Pointe Palm Jumeriah for the ultimate business lunch deal for just Dhs95 which features fresh seafood, mezze including lobster kibbeh and fish tajin and delectable desserts including cheesecake and chocolate mousse pastilla.
    This business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-3pm.
    Tulum

    If you happen to find yourself at Dubail Mall during the week, then pop in to Tulum to take advantage of their three-course business lunch deal. For Dhs199 per person enjoy an array of traditional Mexican dishes from starters, to mains to dessert.
    This business lunch runs from Sunday-Thursday from 12pm-3pm.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The estimated dates for Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr have been announced

    The predicted dates for the holy month of Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr have been announced.
    As per UAE Barq, Ibrahim Al-Jarwan, who is a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, has estimated when the crescent will appear to mark the beginning of Ramadan.

    Al-Jarwan expects the Ramadan crescent to be born on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 06:31pm UAE time. The holy month of Ramadan would then begin the next day on Tuesday, April 13.
    ALSO READ: All the UAE public holidays coming up in 2021
    However, these dates are only predictions at present and the firm dates will be announced by the UAE government.

    Eid Al Fitr then falls on the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to Shawwal 3. It’s been predicted that Eid al Fitr could fall on May 13, a Thursday, which would mean a potential three-day weekend.
    Public holidays for 2021
    At the end of last year, public holidays for 2021 and 2022 were announced by the UAE cabinet following a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.
    His Highness approved the holidays for the following two years for both public and private sector employees.
    This decision, according to Sheikh Mohammed, is to streamline the work in both sectors, as well as being able to give UAE citizens and residents a longer lead time to plan holidays.

    مجلس الوزراء برئاسة صاحب السمو الشيخ محمد بن راشد آل مكتوم يعتمد أجندة العطلات الرسمية للعاملين في القطاع الحكومي والخاص لعامي 2021 و 2022، وذلك في إطار تنظيم سير العمل في القطاعين وضمان استمراريته مع مختلف القطاعات. #حكومة_الإمارات pic.twitter.com/UaU7tOdL9v
    — UAEGov (@uaegov) December 19, 2020

    The holiday dates for 2021 and 2022 are as follows.
    2021
    January 1: New Year
    29 Ramadan to 3 Shawwal: Eid Al Fitr
    9 Zul Hijjah: Arafah Day
    10 to 12 Zul Hijjah: Eid Al Adha
    August 12: Islamic New Year
    October 21: Prophet Mohammed’s (PBUH) birthday
    December 1: Commemoration Day
    December 2 and 3: National Day
    2022
    January 1: New Year
    Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3: Eid Al Fitr
    Zul Hijjah 9: Arafah Day
    Zul Hijjah 10 to 12: Eid Al Adha
    July 30: Islamic New Year
    October 8: Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
    December 1: Commemoration Day
    December 2 and 3: UAE National Day
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Abu Dhabi Tourism More

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    Here’s who is eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai

    Just before Christmas, it was announced that Dubai had approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be administered in the emirate.
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. With that, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.

    At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.

    People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
    However, there are certain categories which aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine as per the DHA including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, people with immunodeficiency diseases and more.

    At present, individuals receiving the vaccine require to have two doses spaced three weeks apart.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    The ultimate round-up of the best rooftops in Dubai

    As the UAE’s cooler climate continues, now is the time to savour these next few months being able to sit outside with these gorgeous al-fresco hotspots with stunning views overlooking Dubai’s skyline.
    ALSO READ: 7 chic outdoor restaurants to watch the sunset from in Dubai
    Whether it’s a sunset dinner you’re looking for or a daytime brunch in the fresh air with fantastic views, these lofty perches with city views are just the ticket.
    Cé La Vi

    Taking rooftop dining to the highest level, while indulging in delicious Asian food, guests can enjoy a magnificent ambience with captivating views of Dubai. Ce La Vi offers an outdoor oasis with sweeping city views, right in front of the Burj Khalifa, located at Address Sky View Hotel in Downtown, they’re the masters of serving contemporary Asian cuisine straight to your plate.
    Pure Sky Lounge

    Situated on the 34th floor of Hilton Dubai The Walk, with stunning views of Dubai’s coastline and the iconic Palm Jumeriah, the lounge provides a choice for lounging with an impressing live entertainment setting while adding a few playful twists on classics and serving inventive concoctions.
    Amazonico

    Located in the heart of DIFC with jaw-dropping views of the city’s skyline, Amazónico is a luxury hotspot that’s a must-try. Open from 6pm until late, the rooftop is the perfect place for post-work sundowners, pre-dinner cocktails or leisurely al-fresco catch-ups.
    Luna Sky Bar

    With special blends and spectacular skyline views, this luminous rooftop lounge was designed by Adam Tihany, with elevated cocktails and international bites served on this expansive terrace. Located at the Four Seasons in DIFC, the structure is designed to evoke the symbolism of the falcon.
    Treehouse

    This urban rooftop overlooks the Burj Khalifa with an outdoor patio setting. From chilled tunes to Mediterranean-Asian fusion bites which are utterly irresistible, located at Taj Dubai, this lounge is definitely a must-visit.
    Mercury Lounge

    With Mediterranean vibes in the heart of the Middle East, this dynamic Dubai rooftop has one-of-a-kind views overlooking the Dubai skyline and the Burj Khalifa, with a glamourous rooftop and a relaxed atmosphere as you. Tune in to the vibes of the Cote D’Azur. Located at the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, this new concept is a must-try.
    La Mezcaleria

    This vibrant hotspot is located at the rooftop of the Oberoi Hotel in Business Bay. It’s the perfect place for weekend sundowners with friends and sweeping views of Downtown Dubai.
    Atelier M

    Encompassing various floors, this fabulous restaurant is an art-deco inspired lounge with evening entertainment and a rooftop terrace offering one of a kind views of Dubai Marina while offering a luxury dining experience and impeccable service. Located at Pier 7, the restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine with a twist.
    Folly by Nick & Scott

    Along with the views of serene waters, the sensational menu delivered by chef duo Nick and Scott, tickles your tastebuds with its exquisite range of seasonal treats with enchanting views of the Burj Al Arab at Souq Madinat Jumeirah.
    SoBe

    This alfresco dining terrace has gorgeous sunset views with South Beach-style cuisine at W Dubai. From views of Dubai’s skyline to catch glimpses of roaming entertainment through live performances, the deco includes street style with a touch of modernity.
    Asia Asia

    The exotic, award-winning Pan-Asian fusion cuisine in a beautiful setting is inspired by the culinary delights of the Far East offering its unique atmosphere and style at an exotic destination. Located at Pier 7, the venue offers chic views overlooking the yachts.
    Roka

    Situated in The Opus Business Bay, a building designed by Zaha Hadid, Roka has brought its unique style of contemporary Japanese Robatayaki cuisine to Dubai and it’s an absolute must-try. Roka’s terrace has unbeatable views of the Burj Khalifa and the Downtown Dubai skyline.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied/Instagram More

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    Khalid Al Ameri and Salama Mohamed TikTok’d their way to Burj Khalifa

    Khalid Al Ameri and Salama Mohamed have already reached new heights and we’re less than a week into 2021.
    The social media star couple have cultivated a huge online following by sharing their innovative content and entertaining and inspiring stories. This has now led them to being featured on the tallest building n the world.

    In their recent collaboration with TikTok, where the couple creates daily videos for their followers, Khalid and Salama have had their latest piece of content projected on the world’s tallest tower.
    Khalid announced the exciting news that he and Salama had “TikTok’d [their] way to the Burj Khalifa” to his 1.2 million followers

    “Can’t believe it,” he added. “Thank you [TikTok Arab creators] for the incredible opportunity and all of the support you have given our work, we are so excited for the year ahead and all the stories we are going to tell together”.

    Not only do the pair create lighthearted and funny videos to share with their audience, they also continually share stories of inspiration and triumph.
    Khalid has previously discussed how his son’s autism has changed him for the better in a heartfelt video, raising awarness for World Autism Day in 2020, and has also made a brave video about his wife’s skin condition, vitiligo, which she has had since she was young.
    Last year, Salama told Emirates Woman her husband’s video about her vitiligo – which was made two years ago – still brings tears to her eyes.
    However, the video is a reminder for Salama on how far she has come on her journey to self-love. Today, Salama embraces her condition with “every inch” of her being, and she’s actually more than happy to answer people’s questions if they ask about it.
    “[It means] I can explain and educate, so I can support other women and men going through what I went through, to let them know they are not alone, and that we are beautiful in our own unique way,” she told EW.
    From debunking myths to making videos on to being social media stars, Khalid Al Ameri and Salama Mohamed adding their own twist with satirical flair to simple couple problems, they’ve managed to become social media stars, loved by all.
    From debunking myths to making videos on to being social media stars, Khalid and Salama adding their own twist with satirical flair to simple couple problems, they’ve managed to become social media stars, loved by all.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Khalid Al Ameri Instagram More

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    Want to Launch Your Business This Year? Read This First

    I love the fresh start that a new year presents. The metaphorical clean slate; the revitalized energy to work and plan toward your goals. What better time than this to start thinking about launching your business? Something that has always helped me in my freelance work is recognizing that it’s all about progress over perfection. Following a few key checks and then just unleashing your idea or services or products onto the world and using that trial and error to strengthen and fortify your work and your business. With that in mind, we’ve pulled together eight important things to put in place before you launch your biz this year—everything from figuring out your current ideal clients to strategically launching your website with our go-to platform, Squarespace. Read on to start planning for your own launch, and don’t miss our free checklists! 

    1. Narrow in on your niche 
    I used to think that if the market was saturated it meant that I shouldn’t even consider entering it. If other graphic designers are out there creating brands for clients, why should I do it too? Oh, how wrong I was.
    Now I realize that we can all coexist within the market by narrowing in on niches. What do you bring to the table that is different from everyone else? Even if your products are similar—for example, brand and logo design—who are your specific ideal clients or customers? How does your business work in a way no one else’s does? When you get really detailed with these questions, you’ll hit on your niche and the place where your business will operate the best. Before you do anything else for your business this year,  take a moment to answer these questions. And remember, your niche can grow and change as your business and you do. This is just a blueprint for your next year. Who do you want to attract? Who are your dream clients? 

     
    2. Map out your services, products, or rates 
    After you’ve narrowed in on who exactly your ideal customers and clients are, it’s time to do an inventory of everything you’re offering. If you’re a service-based business, determine your pricing model. Will you bill by an hourly rate? Or a per-project rate? Do your research to determine what others in your industry are doing. Transparency within pricing has come such a long way over the years and the detailed cost information available now is so helpful when you’re starting out. Try a tool like How Much Should I Charge? or seek out peers or thought leaders in your field on places like Instagram, where they might be sharing about their process. As a designer with a branding and lettering studio, I love how open Molly Jacques has been about her pricing model. She creates lots of helpful pricing examples for designers, like this one. 
    If you’re a product-based business, seek out similar shops and do your research on the going rate-per-product. Map out your business costs like keeping inventory, shipping, and packaging and be sure you’re charging enough to avoid a deficit. Remember, these numbers aren’t carved in stone either. You’re allowed to raise your prices as your business grows and evolves. 
    READ: Here’s How to Charge What You’re Actually Worth

    Source: @kellyetz

    3. Start tracking your time 
    Even if you’re not planning to charge by hourly rate, tracking your time can be essential. Figuring out how long tasks actually take you—everything from packaging products to emailing clients—will help you determine your rates and understand how much time you’re putting into your business overall. You’ll be able to map out how much work you can realistically take on, whether you’re a full-time business owner or a freelancer or anywhere in between. To get started, try a time-tracking app like Harvest or Toggl. 

    4. Figure out your finances 
    Now that you have all your info gathered for what you want to charge and how long tasks and projects are actually taking you, it’s time to do a deep dive into your finances. This is definitely something I’ve struggled with in my freelance business, and trust me: figuring out a system for tracking your money right from the get-go is essential. It will save you so much time and headache later on. Start tracking every dollar that is coming in and out of your business so you can get an accurate picture of what you’re making. This will also save you during tax season, when you’ll have to account for how much you owe. 
    This is also where you’ll want to account for all the services you use to run your business. A huge reason I love Squarespace (and use it for my freelance biz) is that so many services are bundled in one place, so I don’t need to be juggling tons of different sites and logins. With Squarespace, I run my website and my online shop, integrate my email marketing, pull stock photography, link my shipping fulfillment automations, and more. That synchronicity saves me tons of time and effort. 
    READ: 7 Things to Do for Your Business RN to Save Time and Money Later

    Source: Social Squares

    5. Do a brand identity check 
    When you’re just starting out, you may not need all the bells and whistles of a full brand identity, but having things like a simple and chic logo, a predetermined color palette, and brand fonts will help your business look instantly elevated and pulled-together.
    Remember that a huge part of a successful business is about first impressions. What your audience sees when they first land on your website or your social media channels can determine whether or not they become a client or shop with your business. So you’ll want to put your best foot forward with your design. The good news is, you don’t necessarily need to hire a designer or invest in a lot of fancy design programs when you’re getting started. If you’re looking to DIY initial branding until you’re ready to invest, focus on keeping things simple and minimal. I always say to go with a text-based logo to start. Pick a font that you like, type in your business name, and go. If you have a Squarespace site, they make this process so easy by allowing you to create your text-based logo when you’re creating your site, with hundreds of high-quality fonts to choose from. Or, try out Squarespace’s free logo maker tool for a quick logo that still looks professional and modern.

    Keep in mind that minimal and simple don’t equal boring, especially in the design world. And by minimalism I don’t mean that you have to only use one font or just use black and white as your color scheme. It’s more about letting the simplicity of something speak for itself. If you get stuck, create a moodboard of designs that you like and refer back to that when needed. What colors do they have in common? What elements are repeated over and over? Squarespace also comes with pre-made font and color palette options, which is a great way to get started with something you know will look good. You can select different options from the backend of your site, and see the changes in real time, helping you create a site that looks cohesive without the headache of trying to figure it all out yourself from scratch. 
    READ: A Branding Expert Shares the Most Common Mistakes (And How to Fix Them)

    6. Launch your website 
    As you’re figuring out the look and feel of your brand, it’s a great time to start putting together your website and preparing it for your launch. As I mentioned earlier, Squarespace is my go-to website platform, not just for myself but also for my freelance clients looking to build a site or online store. 
    I’m a big believer that at first, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to website design. I’ve backed myself into a corner many times by being too much of a perfectionist about my site, and then not having anything to launch at all. Remember, progress over perfection, in all areas of your business. I love that Squarespace allows you to start with demo content so that you can plug-and-play your own text and photos to get going. Not having to start totally from scratch makes such a difference in the time and effort it will take to build out your site.
    READ: Ready to Publish Your Website? Read This SEO Checklist First

    Source: @ayyonks

    7. Create a marketing schedule 
    Time to start planning how you’ll get all your beautiful work out into the world. If you want your business to thrive, you’ll want to be reaching new customers and clients on the platforms that make the most sense to you. Remember those questions you answered earlier? They’ll already start coming in handy as you analyze where your ideal clients are—whether that is Instagram, LinkedIn, email inboxes, a combination of all of the above, etc. 
    A little trial and error is completely normal here, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see hundreds of clients rolling in in the first week. This is where creating a marketing schedule will help, because you can refer back to what you’ve already tried and those results and tailor your future strategies accordingly. Utilize the data as it rolls in as well—keep track of where your traffic is coming from to your website to help you understand which platforms are working the best for you. Squarespace makes this easy with integrated analytics right within your site dashboard. 

    READ: Your Business Marketing Strategy, According to Your Enneagram

    8. Celebrate 
    You did it! Taking the time to be proud of where you’re at and how far you’ve come is so important and will help you continue to drive and care for your biz throughout the year. Celebrate your wins with your community as well, it will help people get to know you and start rooting for your success right alongside you. 

    This post is sponsored by Squarespace, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More