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      Pupils across the UAE return to school today with a ‘new normal’ in mind

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      The school holidays have come to a close and life amidst the pandemic is returning to a “new normal” in the UAE, and for many students that means back to school – not just online, but physically in classrooms.
      There’s been a long list of requirements for schools to follow to ensure the health and safety of all students and staff. In order to minimise gatherings, some schools have divided pupils into morning and afternoon shifts, while others will go into school on specific days. Others have a mixture of online and in-classroom learning.

      However, some have questioned if this new model – or if parents decided to do continued distanced learning – will result in lower school fees in Dubai.
      In the new interactive initiative with the Dubai government, the question was asked if school fees would be lowered.

      Answering the question, Dr Abdulla Al Karam, the Chairman of the Board of Directors and Director-General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), stated, “The choice of distance learning does not impact the fees.

      Q5: Can my child continue with distance learning in the new academic year? #AskDXBofficial @KHDA pic.twitter.com/QtjO4KLHk2
      — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 27, 2020

      “But we understand that many schools are putting together different packages to support parents who have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis.”
      Last week, ahead of the school year officially beginning, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai wished pupils a “safe start” to the academic year.
      “I heard from the Minister of Education about the latest preparations for the start of the next academic year,” His Highness wrote to his 10.3 million Twitter followers.
      “We look forward to a safe start and in accordance with the best safety standards for more than a million students within the education system in the Emirates.”

      اطلعت من وزراء التربية والتعليم على آخر الاستعدادات لانطلاق العام الدراسي القادم .. نتطلع لانطلاقة آمنة ووفق أفضل معايير السلامة لأكثر من مليون طالب وطالبة ضمن منظومة التعليم في الإمارات .. pic.twitter.com/ERlcn7LIzB
      — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 25, 2020

      As pupils prepare to head back to school, there are regulations to be mindful of which differ from emirate to emirate.
      It’s been clarified that pupils in Dubai do not need to get tested, but many teachers underwent COVID-19 tests last week.
      “As we look forward to many students returning to school next week, we would like to confirm that Covid-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said in a statement on Tuesday.
      Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, students who are over 12 will need to be tested. However, under a staggered return plan high school students are not set to return to classrooms until the end of September. Like Dubai, all teachers in the UAE capital must be tested for COVID-19.
      Across the UAE, it is mandatory for students to wear face masks throughout the school day.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Unsplash More

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      An epic stand up paddleboarding event took place at this Dubai landmark

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      If you haven’t tried at least one type of watersport in Dubai, you’re not taking full advantage of the seaside lifestyle.
      Whether you’re nervous around the waves or simply haven’t felt inspired to dive into the deep end, an epic event that took place this Friday was determined to convert from water-shy among us to a nymph.

      Iconic Water Lakes at the foot of the Burj Khalifa hosted a first of its kind stand up paddleboarding event that saw residents glide across the blue waters, surrounded by the Dancing Fountains.
      ‘We Paddle for Dubai’ is an initiative by Dubai International Marine Club and organized by DIMC with the support of the Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Emaar Properties, in cooperation with Kite N Surf.

      Around 80 water enthusiasts took to their boards for a two-hour experience like no other. Some of the high-profile attendees included our past cover star and Egyptian marathon runner Manal Rostom.
      If this hasn’t tempted you to test your balance on the water, then we don’t know what will. Plus, this is the best time to support local business so check out some of EW‘s favourite paddleboard spots here.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      How I got my job as…Founder of Dubai’s chic bakery Mélange

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      There are cakes, and then there are Mélange cakes.
      Dubai-based small-batch bakery specialising in gourmet desserts and bespoke cakes is your go-to for unique sweet treats for any occasion.

      Founder and CEO, Nadia Parekh, came into the world of bakery via the route of being a clinical psychologist. She went on to train at Le Cordon Bleu London before working in pastry kitchens in London and Dubai. After plenty of sweet experience, she decided to treat Dubai resident to beautifully decorated desserts that look too good to eat.

      What was your favourite subject at school?

      Culinary and Psychology were definite favorites. Which then lead to me pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
      What was your first job?
      Ironically it was completely urelated to food. I worked in a research lab at Douglas Hospital in Montreal.
      What inspired you to launch Mélange?
      I wanted to exercise my creativity more. I started feeling bored at work like a machine in the kitchen doing the same production every day. It didn’t excite me anymore. I always wanted to start my own brand with my own products and vision. It was always a dream so I just took the plunge
      What are the key elements of your role?
      Being the boss means you have to find a way to motivate yourself! No one will help you do this.Youalsohave to motivate your team and oversee all aspects of the business, make quick decisions and hope to god they’re the right ones.
      I enjoy Innovation and product development. It’s always a challengeto come up with new recipes because you’re restricted by so many things – the product must be easy to transport, fit inside our retail boxes, have a decent shelflife, not be too tempreature sensistive, yet incredibly delicious and cheatworthy.
      In a startup organisation is crucialas there is no wiggle room or budget for errors. It’s pivotal to have eyes on all aspects of the business and as a growing company setting up systems and procedures from scratch and implementing them requires strong organizational and problem solving skills.

      Talk us through your daily routine.
      Italways starts with a good cup of coffee and emails – mostly to clients with bespoke cake orders finalizing their designs and keeping social media up to date. Then the phone calls start with my team as I oversee production and logistics for our online platform with our operations manager. The odd meeting here and there with suppliers or B2B clients. But once I get into that kitchen nothing else seems to exist. I plug in my music and just focus – I’m there for hours at a stretch. What I love about my job is every day is different. Different cakes, different places to go, and of course different challenges to overcome.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Hard work and passion will always pay off. You have to persevere through the rough days because they are present in abundance. It’s all about looking at them in a positive light and taking them as lessons learned.
      Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
      To be honest you’ll mostly find me in chef jackets and jeans. I’m definitely a casual jeans and black T-shirt kind of girl but I am obsessed with shoes – especially my royal blue Manolo Blahnik’s . And you’ll never find me without my favorite sling back Bottega Veneta bag.

      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      “You cannot do everything on your own.” You can’t be good at everything. Balance your weaknesses and ask for help because you’re only as strong as your team.
      And what is the worst?
      “Growth is the most important measure of success.” Sometimes staying consistent and focusing on foundational efforts and brand value, can be more important than growth. Strategy will always change depending on what stage your business is at.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      I’ve always had control issues when it comes to work. That was a big challenge to overcome and change my mindset. Being a one woman show for so long I had to teach myslef how to work with others. Trusting others with the company and learning how to delegate.  Maintaining quality controlhas been another struggle as well, coming up with a system to make sure every product that leaves the kitchen is consistently good every time.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      How I got my job as… Founder of Dubai’s chic bakery Mélange

      by

      There are cakes, and then there are Mélange cakes.
      Dubai-based small-batch bakery specialising in gourmet desserts and bespoke cakes is your go-to for unique sweet treats for any occasion.

      Founder and CEO, Nadia Parekh, came into the world of bakery via the route of being a clinical psychologist. She went on to train at Le Cordon Bleu London before working in pastry kitchens in London and Dubai. After plenty of sweet experience, she decided to treat Dubai resident to beautifully decorated desserts that look too good to eat.

      What was your favourite subject at school?

      Culinary and Psychology were definite favourites. Which then lead to me pursuing a career in clinical psychology.
      What was your first job?
      Ironically it was completely unrelated to food. I worked in a research lab at Douglas Hospital in Montreal.
      What inspired you to launch Mélange?
      I wanted to exercise my creativity more. I started feeling bored at work like a machine in the kitchen doing the same production every day. It didn’t excite me anymore. I always wanted to start my own brand with my own products and vision. It was always a dream so I just took the plunge
      What are the key elements of your role?
      Being the boss means you have to find a way to motivate yourself! No one will help you do this. You also have to motivate your team and oversee all aspects of the business, make quick decisions and hope to god they’re the right ones.
      I enjoy Innovation and product development. It’s always a challenge to come up with new recipes because you’re restricted by so many things – the product must be easy to transport, fit inside our retail boxes, have a decent shelflife, not be too temperature sensitive, yet incredibly delicious and cheat-worthy.
      In a startup, organisation is crucial as there is no wiggle room or budget for errors. It’s pivotal to have eyes on all aspects of the business and as a growing company setting up systems and procedures from scratch and implementing them requires strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

      Talk us through your daily routine.
      It always starts with a good cup of coffee and emails – mostly to clients with bespoke cake orders finalizing their designs and keeping social media up to date. Then the phone calls start with my team as I oversee production and logistics for our online platform with our operations manager. The odd meeting here and there with suppliers or B2B clients. But once I get into that kitchen nothing else seems to exist. I plug in my music and just focus – I’m there for hours at a stretch. What I love about my job is every day is different. Different cakes, different places to go, and of course different challenges to overcome.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Hard work and passion will always pay off. You have to persevere through the rough days because they are present in abundance. It’s all about looking at them in a positive light and taking them as lessons learned.
      Which fashion brands can we find in your work wardrobe?
      To be honest you’ll mostly find me in chef jackets and jeans. I’m definitely a casual jeans and black T-shirt kind of girl but I am obsessed with shoes – especially my royal blue Manolo Blahnik’s. And you’ll never find me without my favourite slingback Bottega Veneta bag.

      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      “You cannot do everything on your own.” You can’t be good at everything. Balance your weaknesses and ask for help because you’re only as strong as your team.
      And what is the worst?
      “Growth is the most important measure of success.” Sometimes staying consistent and focusing on foundational efforts and brand value, can be more important than growth. Strategy will always change depending on what stage your business is at.
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      I’ve always had control issues when it comes to work. That was a big challenge to overcome and change my mindset. Being a one-woman show for so long I had to teach myself how to work with others. Trusting others with the company and learning how to delegate.  Maintaining quality control has been another struggle as well, coming up with a system to make sure every product that leaves the kitchen is consistently good every time.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Kylie Jenner is currently holidaying with Palestinian model Fai Khadra

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      Kylie Jenner is currently holidaying in Paris, France and a familiar face has popped up in her Instagram photos – say hello to Fai Khadra.
      Last month, the 23-year-old shared quite a few photos from a trip she took to the Utah desert, a couple of them being with the Palestinian model.

      Now, exploring the sights of Paris, the makeup mogul shared another photo where she’s cosied up to Fai.

      However, we can all be rest assured this pair are just friends. According to TMZ, Kylie and Fai are not dating and “they’re just very good friends and have been part of each other’s small social circle during the pandemic”.
      So, who exactly is Fai? Well, he is of Arab roots. He was born in Saudi Arabia to Palestinian parents, and even grew up here in Dubai.He’s been in the Kardashian-Jenner inner-circle for quite a number of years and has always been close to Kylie and Kendall and is also a close friend of Kourtney Kardashian.

      Despite the city of Los Angeles’ – where Kylie resides with her two-year-old daughter Stormi – recent implementation of the safer-at-home policy given the state of California’s high number of COVID-19 cases, the billionaire has chosen to travel.
      Kylie and Fai, along with a few other friends, were seen out and about in Paris over the weekend taking a trip to the city’s landmark music the Louvre.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Kylie Jenner Instagram  More

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      Emirati Women’s Day: Sheikh Mohammed praises the women of the nation

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      Today, August 28, 2020, marks the fifth annual Emirati Women’s Day which was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the mother of the nation in 2015.
      Honouring women across the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai issued a message.

      Posting a video to his 10.3 million Twitter followers which paid tribute to Emirati women, he expressed his pride towards every female from the UAE.
      “To the Emirati women, you worked hard, you accomplished and prove to the world who you are,” he said. “[We are] proud of you, proud of your partnership in the development process, we raise our heads with your achievements. Every year you are better and more beautiful.”

      إلى المرأة الإماراتية في يومها.. اجتهدتِ.. فأنجزتِ.. وأثبتِ للعالم من أنتِ.. فخورون بك.. معتزون بشراكتك في مسيرة التنمية…. نرفع رؤوسنا بإنجازاتك.. كل عام وأنت أفضل وأجمل.. pic.twitter.com/mVxW9nzZfI
      — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 27, 2020

      His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also shared a message of “gratitude” towards women on Emirati Women’s Day.
      “On Emirati Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to all mothers, sisters and daughters for their contributions to our nation, and their instrumental role in the frontline response to COVID-19,” he said. “We congratulate and honour you, and we remain committed to the empowerment of all women.”

      On Emirati Women’s Day, we extend our gratitude to all mothers, sisters & daughters for their contributions to our nation, & their instrumental role in the frontline response to COVID-19. We congratulate & honour you, & we remain committed to the empowerment of all women. pic.twitter.com/WXdSKWXdrp
      — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) August 27, 2020

      This year the theme of the day celebrating UAE women is “Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation”, as announced by the Mother of the Nation, Sheikha Fatima, back in May.
      This mantra is in line with the nationwide goals of the UAE, after it was announced at the end of 2019 that 2020 would be a year that marks a year of preparation. This is to ready the nation for the UAE’s Golden Jubilee next year.
      To mark this incredible day, Emirates Woman spoke to 11 influential women about their pride to be Emirati, how they believe things have changed for women through the years and how they have been supported by other women.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More

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      The incredible Emirati beauty entrepreneur you need to know about

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      Taking the leap to become an entrepreneur can be an incredibly rewarding one, but also a risk. It takes grit and determination to succeed in creating a successful business, something that Marwa Al Mansoori knows all too well.
      Having studied at Edinburgh University in the UK, receiving her bachelor’s degree in tourism management and human resources management, Mansoori went on to work in various strategic and tourism roles across the UAE.

      After securing two impressive networks in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in both the government and private sector, Mansoori realised in 2018 she wanted to start creating her “own blocks”. For her, she realised this block was in the aesthetic and medical industry which is worth billions.
      “The aesthetic and medical industry has been potentially projected to reach $26.53 billion (Dhs97.4 billion) by 2024,” Mansoori tells Emirates Woman. “Why not create a solution that can triple that amount utilizing the latest technologies? So, this is what started the journey of Malena.”

      The Malena app founded by Mansoori acts as a virtual influencer, guru and guide to Dubai’s cosmetic, aesthetic and beauty scene, providing links between aesthetic service providers and people wanting their services.
      The app compares prices for hundreds of cosmetic procedures including teeth whitening, facials and even plastic surgery from clinics across the UAE.
      The user-friendly layout makes booking appointments easy and also compares prices of new procedures – both non-invasive and invasive – on offer, as well as notifying users when new cosmetic surgeons are in the country.
      The programme allows users to compare prices of hundreds of procedures, from teeth whitening and skin exfoliation to nose jobs, at hundreds of UAE clinics.
      Appointments can be booked with a click of a button and customers are also notified when leading plastic surgeons fly into the country or if new discounted procedures are offered.

      The launch of Mansoori’s venture was supported by the Khalifa Fund – an organisation founded in 2007 to help local enterprises in Abu Dhabi and across the UAE.
      “The Khalifa fund supported us in making us feel we have a hand to guide us through our challenging times – I am sure all entrepreneurs do understand what stage I am talking about,” she says. “The stage where you are still questioning yourself ‘Is my idea good?’. The Khalifa Fund team really will work with you as they are a part of your company and make sure to guide you through the hard times until you know your product has a unique value proposition and you have the right target audience.”
      This Emirati Women’s Day, Mansoori discusses what it took for her to create her own business, what it means to her to be an Emirati woman and what she believes has changed for women in the UAE over the years.
      Launching her own business…
      To be frank its days of 3 hours sleep, heavy load on your back, responsibilities and aches. But in the end, it’s worth it all. Looking back and knowing what you have accomplished. An idea does not have to be great to succeed. You just have to take that idea and make it unique with ongoing commitment in making the idea flourish step by step. Your business should also be flexible in adapting to changing situations. If you’re one of those brave individuals willing to take the chance, there are substantial rewards to be gained from diving into this endeavour.
      What being an Emirati woman means to her…
      An Emirati woman to me is a symbol of aspiration, it is an indication of the progressive leadership, being an Emirati woman does not just play a role within the UAE. However, even if we are miles away in other countries, we are recognized as strong independent women from the UAE. The UAE has left a positive footprint all over the world, now it’s time for us to maintain these footsteps and be a part of spreading it around people all over the world.
      we have in the United Arab Emirates and the country’s continuous support of providing women with ample opportunities, accepting their various contributions to society, and acknowledging their achievements.
      The United Arab Emirates and its leadership has flourished us, Emirati woman, to be committed in carrying our traditions, culture, peace and love wherever we go.
      How the UAE has changed over the years…
      “From desert to skyscrapers”, the rapid pace of the UAE development is something I am really not shocked about, our leadership has always taught us that nothing is impossible and if you put your head and effort to it you will not just achieve the impossible you will also be the first to achieve it.
      The most important thing to her as an Emirati woman…
      The most important thing for me is to carry my beloved UAE name across the globe, whether it’s in business, technology, mentoring, or even as simple as to draw a smile on individuals all over the world. Me as Marwa, I would want to build the same devotion I have towards my leadership and country to the upcoming generations in the UAE and internationally.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      The Emirati woman paving the way in a male-dominated field

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      There’s not many women that can say they’re paving the way in a male-dominated field, but this rings true for Dr Nadia Bastaki – the first Emirati woman to be registered as a specialist in Aviation Aerospace medicine.
      As the Vice President of Medical Services at Etihad, she is not only leading the way in the field for women, but has also been on the frontlines to ensure the health and safety of travellers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

      Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, Dr Bastaki’s role has been “magnified and multiplied enormously”, as she describes to Emirates Woman.
      |I was leading the entire Etihad Aviation Group to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our staff across our entire operation,” she explains. “A heavy part of our focus was to also ensure safe and secure passenger travel.”

      This has also included the launch of a new programme ‘Etihad Wellness’, which is a part of the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s new health and hygiene programme, to ensure we applied all the necessary precautionary measures for our guests.
      The last six months has made Dr Bastaki make some serious sacrifices for the greater good of the nation and the safety of others.

      “It has been a very long six months where I’ve had to prioritise the current situation by working late hour working hours – including weekends – and multiple sacrifices including being separated from family,” she admits.
      However, she notes how the nation has “come a long way” and things with the pandemic have “drastically improved”. Despite this, she highlights that “we don’t drop the ball”.
      “We need to continue understanding, learning and analysing the best way forward,” she says.
      This Emirati Women’s Day, Dr Bastaki discusses with EW how she paving the way in her field of expertise, what makes her proud to be an Emirati woman and what she believes the future of travel holds for everyone.
      Paving the way in a male-dominated field…
      It feels great – it’s a big achievement. While it was important to be the first, it was more important to excel in what you do and be recognised as a leader and expert in my field. Also, I was the first woman to be promoted to the executive level within Etihad which was a big milestone in my career. Most importantly, it’s what difference you can make and how you as a woman can contribute to the success of the UAE.
      What makes her proud to be an Emirati woman…
      The sense of pride comes when you realise you have leaders that believe in women empowerment. We are blessed as a nation to have their support in making our dreams come true.
      What this year’s theme of Emirati Women’s Day ‘Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation’ means to her…
      We are an important pillar of this nation and our success is the nation’s success. We are an important player and we need to ensure we play our role right in achieving our country’s vision, whether we are entrepreneurs, working women or stay-at-home mums, we all have an equal role to play in delivering, achieving, inspiring and motivating each other and the younger generation. Our focus should be making our nation number one.
      The opportunities she is grateful for…
      The Emirates has grown dramatically in the last couple of years but their values have always remained the same. It was late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum’s vision to empower and educate women to ensure they have a role in society. We are grateful for their vision which has given us the freedom to dream big and to achieve the unachievable.
      How women can best support one another…
      Listen, comfort, understand, encourage and promote each other. This is the way support should be. My support network has always been my mum, my sisters and women I cross paths with who inspire me on a daily bases. Their achievements have given me the motivation to do more.
      How the pandemic impacted the world of travel…
      The travel and tourism industry has been highly impacted due to border closures and travel restrictions. The aviation industry is facing major challenges but the overall economic impact of COVID-19 will be far greater.
      What the future of aviation holds…
      Well, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. In the aviation industry, we constantly face multiple challenges and we have been able to successfully navigate around them. This time, it’s different. The impact is bigger, but we will need to start thinking differently and remodel our thinking process to deliver a product and service that will differentiate us in the market.
      The advice she would give to others…
      Be patient and never give up on your dreams. If you can dream it, you can do it.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More