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      The power of knowledge – HE Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr

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      September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
      Former founding Director-General of Smart Dubai, the first woman to lead the transformation of a smart city globally, and an inspiration to the youth, in this interview with Her Excellency Dr Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr, we discover her secrets to success and definition of power
      The Mother of the Nation revealed the landmark day celebrated on August 28 will have the theme ‘Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation’. What does this mean to you?
      I want to congratulate Her Highness The Mother of the Nation and Chairman of the General Women Union, Sheikha Fatma bint Mubarak on this occasion and “Preparing for the next 50 years: women are the support of the nation”, this theme holds a deeper meaning as it highlights two things. First, it celebrates 5o years of Emirati women’s success that made the UAE what it is today. This success wasn’t possible without our leader’s vision, the late Sheikh Zayed, and his vision for women as he entrusted Sheikha Fatma to lead this. Second, it’s because he trusted us to achieve the UAE’s goals. In this interview, I would like to say that we accept this challenge on behalf of my peers.
      You are known for supporting young Emirati women to achieve their goals and empowering them to be the best version of themselves, what drives this within you?

      It’s not something out the ordinary for a female leader to do; this is something you should do as a leader. Leadership is not about superiority but about building partnerships with your team and community. The majority of my team in my last mission, as Director-General of Smart Dubai, were women. I didn’t plan it to turn out this way, but this resulted from the brilliant and talented women we have in the region. Ladies run most of the strategic agendas in Smart Dubai.
      Where do you think women in the UAE get their motivation from?
      The support of the UAE’s leadership broke a glass ceiling here that women in other countries don’t have. We also have the help of the community around us, including our families. It’s not only their ambition but also the support of the UAE through its women empowering policies and regulations that allow ladies to work smoothly.
      Where do women stand in Dubai’s futuristic plans?

      Women have always been at the forefront of Dubai’s futuristic plans. I was entrusted with establishing the first-ever smart city of its kind, Smart Dubai, and managed to build a team that made Dubai a role model for cities globally. It was a passion to build Dubai’s name in the ICT sector. I’m proud to be the first lady globally to be entrusted with such a mission.

      What was the most important step you took during your journey with Smart Dubai?
      Selecting the proper team members for Smart Dubai, I’m so proud we grew a fantastic calibre of people, many who graduated from and moved to higher positions. Supporting people’s passion is not easy.
      The most important quality a person should have to work in Smart Dubai?
      To be passionate about life. As a leader, it’s to give your team members space to try new things and learn about their interests.
      Were these core work values always with you?
      They come from our Emirati, Arabic, and Islamic values: hospitality, tolerance, and openness. We shouldn’t segregate them from our work environment; we should take these values and integrate them into our corporate values. I’ve done this in my previous position because people give more when treated with more respect.
      What is the source of your power?
      I think it’s the will to make people happy. When people are happy, my soul lights up. It’s also the small details in life; to me, they are blessings. I enjoy every single moment in life because I appreciate life.
      Has the COVID-19 experience added to your view of the future and in what way?
      Indeed it did. COVID-19 taught me not to take everything for granted. It also taught me that no challenge is unbeatable with proper planning. It changed our priorities.
      What is your advice to young individuals aspiring to become successful in their respective fields?
      Being successful is easy and challenging at the same time. It’s simple because you have only to follow your dreams, but it’s hard because no single success in life is a coincidence, it has to be hard work and planning. Yes, follow your dreams but work hard for them. Struggles are stones you have to step on, but they make us more resilient.
      What is the most invaluable advice you’ve received?
      My late father taught me to be yourself and to be authentic. We need to sharpen our soul, to reflect and see our strengths; you cannot copy other people’s passions. You have to respect your needs and listen to your internal voice.
      What do you think of the progress of female empowerment in the Middle East?
      I’m happy for Saudi women and the huge leaps and successes happening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. However, I believe Arab countries, including the United Arab Emirates, still have room for improvement and I look forward to continuing to see this.
      September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      A happy ending finally comes for Abu Dhabi-based couple after wedding heartbreak

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      This year the world has been turned upside down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For months travel was put on hold, major global events have been postponed or cancelled and lockdowns in major cities across the world took place – and still are – in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
      One industry that has been massively affected is the wedding industry, and all of the brides and grooms preparing to walk down the aisle.

      With mass gatherings cancelled, weddings fall directly into that category. Couples have either had to postpone their highly-anticipated big days by at least a year or cancel them altogether.
      Now that some restrictions have lifted, some couples have decided to opt for smaller more intimate ceremonies in order to adhere to social distancing measures. This is exactly what Lebanese couple, Prescila Akl and Fady Younes, who are based in Abu Dhabi, decided to do.

      After getting engaged at the beginning of this year, the couple had planned to marry in Lebanon at the end of July.

      “Since day one we planned every single detail, all through distance via WhatsApp – from flowers to the church to the parade to the restaurant to booking my wedding dress,” Prescila tells Emirates Woman. “I had a lot of ideas in my head and we were both planning and nervous as we wanted our wedding to be perfect with minimal issues.”
      As any bride has ahead of her big day, Prescila wasn’t sleeping well and overthinking a lot due to nerves and also sheer excitement over the prospect of planning a wedding she has “dream of since forever”.
      The date was set, wedding cards were sent out and their tickets to Lebanon were booked.
      However, things were about to take a turn for the worse.
      “I started to feel that something was going to go wrong,” Prescila admits. “Fady told me that we cannot travel outside the UAE due to restrictions concerning COVID-19.
      “I was in shock, my eyes were covered with tears. I was thinking, ‘What am I going to tell my family, my friends? What am I going to do with all those days and nights I spent thinking about every single detail?’ They are gone in seconds.”

      Given that she was the first one that was getting married in her family, her parents had been so happy, but once she told them their plans had to be cancelled it was a “big shock”.
      “For three days I wasn’t replying to anyone even Fady and my parents – I was crying and confused and so sad,” Prescila says. “I looked at my photos saw the wedding dress that I chose – the royal wedding dress that I dreamt of since I was a kid [and everything else]. All of it was now gone – you wouldn’t imagine my sadness.”
      However, in the coming weeks further devastation was set to hit Lebanon – the tragic explosion that took place in the capital city of Beirut which resulted in 200 deaths, 6,500 injuries and 300,000 people being left homeless.
      People began to tell Prescila it was a blessing in disguise her dream wedding had been cancelled. While it was difficult for her to see the light, she began to understand little by little.
      Prescila and Fady then decided to get married in Abu Dhabi, where they currently reside. While it wouldn’t be the dream wedding of 150 people she dreamt of, surrounded by her family and friends, she was ready to marry to Fady whom she has been with since 2015.
      They chose to marry in St Joeseph’s Cathedral in Abu Dhabi and were allowed a total of 10 people – a number which included Prescila and Fady. The date was set – August 10, 2020.

      Prescila opted for a simple wedding dress design which she ordered online, created a simple table decoration and notified some close friends who would be able to attend.
      While she was so excited to be able to finally marry, Prescilia couldn’t help feel sad as she walked down the aisle not seeing her parents.
      “I was sad and in tears when I walked down the aisle without seeing my mum and my dad,” she said. “But they saw us on Zoom only and were in tears.”
      Despite her heartbreak at her parents not being there, she was also elated because she was finally able to marry the one she loved.
      “After church, we had a small gathering at home with some desserts that we arranged and to celebrate the day with friends,” Prescila recalled. “I realized that throughout all of what we went through, our love grew bigger and bigger and we hold on tighter on each other – through thick and thin.”
      Reflecting back on the whole experience, Prescila admits she never thought her wedding would be so small and simple, but realises now that life can take unexpected turns and you just have to learn to deal with them.
      “What is important is that the purpose of all of this was to get married and we did,” she says.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Dubai hotel launches the perfect wellness programme to get us through 2020

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      This year has been a tough one, to put it mildly. With weeks to go until we can finally wave 2020 goodbye, it’s time to switch your mindset, embrace positivity and restore your personal wellbeing.

      To help you get back on track is luxury hotel Mandarin Oriental Jumeira that has joined forces with clinical wellness brand Subtle Energies to launch a new wellbeing programme in the Spa. Reenergise & Reset was developed to restore physical, mental and emotional balance.
      Treatments range from a full day retreat to a comprehensive three-day programme, all guided by The Spa’s expert team of wellness gurus.

      Reenergise focuses on detoxification, reduces fatigue, and supports a healthier immune response. With nutritional consultations, personal training sessions at the Fitness Centre, a de-stressing Deep Relief massage, and a cleansing plant-based lunch menu, this is ideal for those who want to rejuvenate their bodies and sharpen their minds.
      Struggling with anxiety and tension? Reset starts with specialised Pranayama breathwork before drifting into a restful Sleep Support treatment. This programme includes guided meditations, restorative yoga exercises, nutritional consultations and a nourishing plant-based lunch menu.
      Prices for Reenergise & Reset range from Dhs1,750 for one day to Dhs3,500 for three-days. Give your wellbeing the time it deserves by booking the hotel’s Staycation by M.O. room package, with rates starting from Dhs1,700 per room per night.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Chrissy Teigen accidentally reveals gender of her third child in video mishap

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      Chrissy Teigen announced the happy news last month that she and husband John Legend were expecting their third child together.
      Well, in true Teigen style the queen of the internet has accidentally revealed the gender of her unborn baby in the most hilarious way – and it was caught on video!

      The mum-of-two was updating her followers about her pregnancy on Instagram, while she was explaining about some complications that have happened with her placenta.
      “It’s so weird because the baby’s really really healthy – he’s big,” she said. However, then she noticed her mistake.

      “He’s probably – oops!” she continued, covering her mouth. “That was stupid.”
      So, it’s a boy then!

      Teigen, who already mum to Luna, four, and two-year-old Miles, is currently on best rest due to complications with her placenta, which has always been a “bad part” of her pregnancies, she said.
      “My placenta sucks. It’s always been kind of the bad part of my pregnancies with Luna,” she explained. “With Miles, it just stopped feeding him, it stopped taking care of him.
      “I was stealing all his food because I was getting huge but he wasn’t getting big at all. He had to come out early and Luna had to come out early.”
      With her previous two pregnancies, Teigen went through rounds of IVF in order to conceive, however, her third pregnancy was a total surprise.
      Congratulations to the Legend-Teigen family on welcoming another little boy into their lives!
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism More

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      Abu Dhabi residents and tourists no longer require an alcohol license

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      According to an official circular, which is dated September 15,  from the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), residents and tourists will no longer require an alcohol license.
      The circular titled ‘Implementation of new fees and cancellation of alcohol licenses for individuals’ has been published on the official website for Abu Dhabi’s Department Culture and Tourism.

      This step has been taken with an objective to “develop and improve quality standards of the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi”.

      Residents and tourists will now be permitted to buy and possess alcohol from licensed retail shops and are allowed to drink within tourism and hotel establishments, clubs, and independent outlets as long as they follow the stated requirements.
      You have to be 21 or older and you’re purchasing for personal use only. The drinks should be consumed in private homes or licenced venues.
      The news only applies to Abu Dhabi so we can assume that Dubai rules remain unchanged. If you wish to purchase alcohol, you can apply for a license online by visiting the website of Mercantile and Marketing International (MMI) or African + Eastern (A+E) retail stores along with a valid Emirates ID.
      New applicants must be non-Muslim and over the age of 21 and no longer require a no-objection certificate (NoC) from the employer. The cost of a new licence is Dh270.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism More

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      Dubai’s favourite outdoor market returns next month with new additions

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      A clear indicator that Dubai’s cooler months are finally here is when Ripe Market returns to its outdoor location at Academy Park on Umm Suqeim Road.
      This year the team behind Ripe Market are also introducing new features to support even more local businesses during this period of uncertainty.

      From October 16 until May 1, you can spend your Friday or Saturday exploring brands across accessories, clothing, homeware and more from the local community. Don’t miss the Exotic Plant Souq and their affordable selection of greenery that will help bring a little piece of nature into your home.
      There is also plenty for foodies to tuck into from known venues such as Boston Lane, The Burger Stop, The Roost, Broth Lab, Semisweet, Butcha and Projecto Acai.

      This year family-based activities include pony rides, a marching band, supercar show, community talks, safety demonstrations, arts and crafts and animal encounters at the Animal Care Centre’s Mini Animal Kingdom.
      Visitors will also be able to stock up on fresh groceries at the Local Farmers Market. Expect up to eight of the top farmers each week who will showcase exactly why locally grown produce is the way forward. The selection will be a mix of organic, non-organic, hydroponic, and more.
      Food Retail will be expanding further with locally made artisan produce – from meat, bread, milk, olives, olive oil and fresh labneh.

      The athletes can take advantage of two more football pitches, paddle tennis courts, basketball courts that are all operating seven days a week and hosting an arrange of sports and fitness classes. Over the weekend there will also be free yoga classes.
      Ripe Market will take place at its home in the Academy Parkin Umm Sequim, every Friday, 9am – 7pm and every Saturday, 10am – 7pm. 
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Kanye West’s ‘downward spiral’ is taking a toll on Kim Kardashian

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      It hasn’t exactly been a smooth-sailing year for Kim Kardashian West. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the beauty mogul has also had a lot to deal with in her marriage to Kanye West, particularly as he is currently struggling with his mental health.
      According to Us Weekly, the 39-year-old feels like it is a “vicious cycle” when it comes to Kanye’s battle with mental health issues and bipolar disorder.

      “She is deeply disappointed and sad because Kanye is struggling,” an apparent source told the magazine. “It’s a vicious cycle that Kim has had success at interrupting successfully for months at a time.”
      The alleged insider also revealed that the rapper hasn’t exactly been “abiding to the terms of his care plan” and believes the pandemic contributed to his “downward spiral”.

      At the beginning of August,  the reality star took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
      “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
      She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
      The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
      “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some,” she said. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
      She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.

      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Kim Kardashian Instagram More

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      The 4 Work-From-Home Rules I’m Breaking for Better Results

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      Many of us are hitting a stretch of work-from-home fatigue. We’re nearly six months into this and many of us have slim prospects of returning full time to an office this year, so I’m finding I need to amend the ideal work-from-home standards. If you are fortunate enough to have a job that can be done from home, productivity has probably gone in many directions over 2020.First, a reminder that productivity isn’t just doing more work, faster. Getting “better results” during this time period is about producing whatever outcome is meaningful to your life. More time to get creative in the kitchen? Productive! Learning to let go of things we can’t control? Productive! These may not be the gold standard of work from home that make sense in normal times, but they’re more reflective of my personal work-from-home style. These are the rules I’m breaking to make it through this time of “Pandemic, but make it work from home.”

      1. Dress for your work day
      Along the way in 2020, dress for your day morphed into curating the perfect work-from-home loungewear capsule. While I definitely added in a few new pairs of joggers, I’m far gone from stressing over the perfect look for a video call. The last thing I need right now is decision fatigue over what to wear, staring in to a closet that was built for a business formal office life.
      Instead, I’ve extracted five “Zoom toppers.” It’s my favorite mix of blouses, a sweater, and a knit blazer that fit the bill for any time I’m on camera. Outside of that, I’ve let go of the pressure to figure out a perfect work-from-home look. The non-negotiable tasks for me include a little bit of hair care and daily minimal makeup. Slim down your daily essential get ready routine, revel in this moment of not being coiffed to the nines, and spend that time elsewhere.

      2. Set up a dedicated workspace
      I am delighted for you ladies that have the room for a chic dedicated workspace. (Hello, home office goals!) A fabulous home office set up is a huge part of making work from home livable. But some of us are in smaller spaces, sharing home office space with kids and partners, or have decamped to stay with families.
      A dedicated workspace that I can count on daily is a bit of a pipe dream. Instead, focus on the space you need for specific tasks. When I know I need to be on camera, I’m at the kitchen counter with better light and fewer background distractions. Emails happen on the couch and hard number crunching gets a few hours at the bedroom desk. This idea of tying tasks to spaces has helped me be much more deliberate with my time. It’s also giving me enough variety to feel not completely claustrophobic in my space.

      3. Keep set work hours
      I pop out of bed at 5:30am ready to go. Before I know it, it’s 9:30, and a traditional half work day is under my belt while others are just getting started. On the flip side, my productivity hits a major slump in the afternoons. Shifting my schedule around gives me the opportunity to destress with workouts or personal tasks, depending on my daily workload.
      If at all possible, negotiate with your manager on your daily schedule and when you must be online or available. If you are leading a team, manage your employees’ outputs and outcomes, not how they get there. This is always a good leadership best practice, and it’s even more important as kids head back to school, care for family members changes, or to combat the fatigue of more months ahead of this type of balancing act.

      4. Stay visible to your team
      It is important to stay visible to your team and manager in any condition. It’s especially important now as companies are tightening expenses. In the beginning of this work-from-home period, you might have had a lot of check-ins or more team meetings. Some of us may have even been instigating those check points to win over work from home non-believers.
      Now that we’re in a bit of a rhythm, my “visibility” efforts look different. Instead of getting burnt out from unnecessary task check-ins or an endless stream of zoom happy hours, I’m being more deliberate with how I stay top of mind. At the beginning of the week, I might drop a note to my manager of everything on my plate. I forward that note on a Thursday afternoon to let them know my progress, which gives me all of Friday to redirect or pick up any loose ends.
      Visible also doesn’t have to mean “on video.” Now, I’m also much more deliberate about when I join on screen and I reply to meeting requests letting the host know my plan in advance. This gives them an opportunity to weigh-in if one option is preferable. I also now try to issue meeting appointments with that consideration. Sometimes I’ll include a note asking a list of the key decision makers to join on screen if possible, and encourage others to just listen in as needed. 

      Are there any work from home rules you’re breaking with better results?  More