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      10 cheeky rom-coms to survive Valentine’s Day solo!

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      Lifeby Ruman Baig2 hours ago Valentine’s Day — ah, the day of love, romance, and… well, sometimes just a reminder that you’re flying solo.But hey, who needs a significant other when you’ve got a cozy blanket, a tub of ice cream, and a lineup of classic rom-coms ready to roll?Whether you’re a millennial scrolling through dating apps or a Gen Z swiping left and right, these timeless flicks are sure to tickle your funny bone and maybe even inspire a few laughs, tears, and hopeful sighs.So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a solo movie marathon that’ll make you forget all about Cupid’s shenanigans!So, whether you’re happily single, newly solo, or just looking for a good laugh, these rom-coms are guaranteed to lift your spirits and remind you that love comes in many forms—even if it’s just on your TV screen.Happy Valentine’s Day, you fabulous singleton, you!– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Pinterest, Netflix and Instagram  More

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      How healing practitioner Gaetano Vivo uses intuitive healing to cleanse each chakra

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph4 hours ago How healing practitioner Gaetano Vivo uses his visionary approach to deep-heal stress, depression, injury and illness through the power of the heart.As an energy healer, Reiki Master, International Visionary, Author and speaker, Gaetano Vivo has trained more than 7,000 individuals over the years.Vivo has developed the practice through rigorous training to cleanse each chakra and balance them with a vibrant energy all along. By bringing his workshops to Dubai once again, various potential clients can attend by signing up here.To delve more into his journey, Emirates Woman spoke to him to understand how his intuitive healing can work wonders for each individual.What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?I get up early in the morning and I meditate for about 30 minutes every day, thanking the Universe for the beautiful mission I have been assigned t, to help people discover themselves and to heal their souls. Meditation and sitting in silence are the best part of the morning and evening for me. Being grateful in the morning is one of the most important aspects of my day.How did your journey with Reiki begin?My Reiki journey started over 35 years ago. I used to have a bookshop in London, called the Metaphysical Center where people would come to buy books and seek my advice. Many who would come would tell me that just sitting next to me would feel at peace and that I was a natural born healer. One day, a lady came in, saying that she was a Reiki master, and offered me a Reiki session. I was so in awe of this energy that she was channeling that I decided to take the first level course then the second then on to the Mastership with William Rand in America (a renowned Reiki Master Teacher). In the years My Reiki has developed more and more so much that up until now I’ve trained more than 7,000 people in the world in the beautiful ancient healing Japanese technique. In the years of my journey, I have developed different aspects of Reiki and in these days, I practice my own Reiki giving treatments to people and teaching them how to do it on themselves, and how to treat others. I teach all over the world different Reiki practices that I have developed in these thirty-five years on this magnificent journey.How can Reiki sessions enhance someone’s life and balance their Chakras?Reiki is all about energy flow. When one chakra is blocked, we clear and cleanse that chakra to let the energy flow through the body again. Let’s say that I see a person whose third chakra, the solar plexus chakra whose color is yellow, is completely blocked. Then with Reiki, you make them feel reassured and welcome. Solar plexus chakra is the house of anxiety, depression, insomnia and the biggest of all is the house of fear. We live in a world of fear, and we need to start clearing this chakra daily, in order to live our lives in a more spontaneous and freeway. That’s why I insist on having all the chakras completely cleansed. Reiki helps to do just that, channeling energy from the Source, we can clear and cleanse chakras. Another very important center is the Heart Chakra. If we have emotional problems through loss and the ending relationships, this chakra blocks and Reiki and Vibrational energy can really heal the cause of the problems from the root. Often this happens repeatedly, since we have not healed the cause. We are all wounded children in the end. It is so very important to do this because once we have cleared the chakras, the energy flows freely in the body pushing away all the unwanted energy, and with Reiki, we replenish that energy that has left the body with clear, cleansed, and blessed energy. Giving the person a vital and vibrant energy all along.Could you elaborate on the science behind energy work?The substance of everything in the world is energetic, including our thoughts are too. Quantum physics has scientifically demonstrated events that “science” would not consider possible. We are all energy and we all one.How do you begin the process of a healing session with a client?The person lies on a treatment table fully clothed, and the practitioner puts his hands on (with permission) or close to the body of the person in different positions to get the energy flowing. Reiki energy pushes away unwanted energy in the body for the good energy to come through. The person at the end feels energised and at the same time very relaxed and calm. To clear different blockages, you might need multiple sessions. You establish that with the person as it is a very individual practice. Over the years I have created my own technique on my Reiki sessions. To achieve maximum benefit from a session I have divided my treatments into different modalities, such as looking at the person’s aura and through that looking at their chakra for balancing and aligning. I also give guidance to them through the so called “Invisible world” and then I end the treatment by giving a proper Reiki session.You have touched the lives of many people with your work. Do you have a special moment with a client that remains with you?Recently, a lady came to me, and she had been suffering from migraines for over 25 years, and I could see her suffering very much. My Reiki treatments it is not only hands-on healing, but it is a host of modalities I have mastered in all these years. So, I decided to practice on her Vibrational Psychic surgery where with a series of questions you can take the person in to verbalize what her problem is and with my Reiki dissolve the problem altogether. So, this is just what happened to her. We decided that she needed four sessions in a row and after just the second session her headache was starting to disappear so much that at the end of the four sessions, she was a different person altogether. Reiki with Vibrational Psychic surgery can help you with many physical pains that you have had for so many years, the important part is to talk to your pain through a series of questions I ask, and you will see how energetically the pain goes from your etheric body and after from your physical body.“With Reiki, we replenish that energy that has left the body with clear, cleansed, and blessed energy.” What are some of the common reasons people come to see you?Reiki is a healing technique which helps put the body in balance through a therapeutic touch. I have helped people suffering from emotions related to the heart when they have lost beloved ones or have been rejected for instance or people who have gone through depression, anxiety, fears and insomnia. I have helped people suffering from headaches and migraines. All these elements are related to blocked emotions, and once we clear those emotions, once we heal them then the body heal itself. It is not a matter of healing, one particular part of the body of the physical body because Reiki does not work like that. My Reiki works to heal the soul in order for you to receive maximum benefits out of it. Reiki helps heal the emotional pains that an individual goes through his life. We are all wounded children, and we all need Reiki in our life.Tell us more about your workshops that take place in Dubai?I have been coming to the UAE for quite some time now. I work exclusively at a beautiful center called the Keyani Health Center. I see people every day for one hour of treatment and also, I teach my certified Reiki courses. I am the founder of the Reiki Vivo International School, and my diplomas are all certified by my school, where I teach Reiki and many other healing modalities to enhance the soul of people who come to seek guidance, teaching love self-love.What resources would you recommend to enhance this practice? Tell us more about the book you’ve written.I have published many books and my latest one called PantaReiki has come out first in my mother tongue which is Italian, then in Arabic and English. I feel very fortunate to have been able to have my books translated also in Arabic. A culture that I love. My book tells you all about my evolution as a very introverted boy from the man I have become today to the mission that I was given by God to help humanity through Reiki.what activities help you align your daily life?Meditation is key to start your day and Self Reiki Practice to help you to start the day in a more aware way and to enhance self-healing and others.January’s – The Alignment Issue with FitnGlam  – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @ More

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      Could this be the most OTT Valentine’s Day package of Dhs26 million?

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph5 mins ago We agree, Valentine’s Day is all about splurging, however, this package almost takes it new heights.The Dubai-Based Luxury Hospitality Companies My Ocean and Your Sky are thrilled to announce the launch of the world’s most exclusive Valentine’s Day experience, setting a new benchmark for romantic escapades.With a jaw-dropping price tag of $7 million (Dhs 25.7 million), this package promises an unforgettable journey from the moment you step out of your door until the final sunset of the week-long adventure. The journey begins with a doorstep pickup from any location worldwide, courtesy of the state-of-the-art Airbus ACJ220, which will take them to the serene waters of The Maldives.Guests can sail the Maldives in an opulent yacht adventure complete with private helicopter island tours During this exquisite journey, the vacation goers can indulge in the finest with the yacht’s onboard facilities including a state-of-the-art spa, world-class cuisine and over 50 dedicated crew members who will cater to every guest’s whims and fancy.As the emirate is known for its opulence and what better time to display it on the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day. While many will be heading out for decadent dinners or luxurious hotel stays with their significant other, this lavish package will take it that one step further. From bespoke dining menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs to personalised excursions, every detail will be meticulously curated for a truly memorable experience.With exquisite bubbles and gourmet meals as you glide across the skies, this once-in-a-lifetime Valentine’s Day experience is available exclusively to a select few.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      8 Valentine’s Day spots to book for date night in Dubai

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph2 hours ago VIEW GALLERY/ 8 IMAGESIt’s always important to make the woman you love feel special.From heart-shaped desserts to a table-setting filled with roses, the options are endless and Dubai’s always home to a myriad of romantic hotspots that will make her fall in love with you all over again.From Valentine’s Day deals to special a-la carte offerings, each venue in our guide will ensure your experience is a memorable one.So, to get some inspiration on where to book, swipe through the Emirates Woman date-night approved guide for Valentine’s Day ASAP.For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied & Feature Image: @wendyswan More

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      7 reasons why FIVE Zurich ensures the ultimate Swiss escape

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph3 hours ago It’s so effortless to be at one with nature in Switzerland and experience. Just 35 minutes from the airport lies one of Zurich’s most sought after property’s – FIVE Zurich.Just 7 hours from Dubai, Switzerland makes the perfect getaway during winter and summer, all throughout the year for a luxurious getaway. Situated in the heart of Uetliberg, lies this state-of-the-art property with a myriad of onboard facilities, that won’t make you miss home at all.Surrounded by surreal mountain peaks and complementing these thrills are endless metropolitan pleasures within the hotel, that provide a much-needed escape without ensuring you don’t miss home too much. With the best of both worlds, guests can experience both the Swiss Alps and the city, with the hotel’s prime location.So if you’re looking for a hassle-free escape, here’s why FIVE Zurich is the perfect choice.High-Tech RoomsThis lavish property boasts 45 luxurious suites and 42 suite sized lifestyle rooms. Firstly the Amazing Rooms located in the East Wing annex building are ideal for today’s globetrotters whether for business or leisure, with all the plush FIVE amenities including a state-of-the-art rain shower. The Gorgeous room exudes a contemporary luxury featuring modern art elements, king size bed and all the amenities. For more room, the luxe suite with a balcony is an electric mix of contemporary art inspired design with king size bed, bathtub and rainfall shower, and two balconies boasting the best Zurich views from city to The Social Pool. For all the party lovers, the come play suite invites you to hit play and dive into the whirlwind of FIVE’s wild side. Bold in design, this 78 sqm suite is the ultimate playground. Designed to keep sleep in mind, Designed with more than sleep in mind, the epic suite is a glamorous playground with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, elegant dining room and fully fitted kitchen, generous living room to socialize and host, walk-in wardrobe and 8 balconies boasting mountain and city views. Prices for the rooms begin at CHF215 without breakfast (Dhs897).Stunning rooftop viewsZurich’s only rooftop restaurant, lounge and nightclub in one, The Penthouse Zurich is the city’s must-visit hot spot. This exquisite nightlife concept brings the very best of its Dubai line up to Zurich. With international DJ’s such Lost Frequencies, Hugel, Korolova and Themba are set to hit the decks from time to time – this one-of-a-kind escape is the perfect getaway. As plenty of Instagrammable moments await you at Zurich’s most glamourous rooftop, guests can also opt fort he set menu with 3 drinks for CHF85 (Dhs354) per person every Wednesday. Overall, the Penthouse offers contemporary Japanese cuisine paired with creative artisan cocktails. Whether indoors surrounded by opulent interiors, in an exclusive private dining area, or on the outdoor terrace with unparalleled views, every moment becomes a memorable evening without having to leave the hotel.International CuisineFIVE’s award-winning restaurant brand Soul Street has also opened its first international location at the new FIVE Zurich. Here, guests can experience a variety and vibrancy of global street food. Soul Street head chef Orlando Acevedo has created a lavish international street food menu, which is complemented by bespoke street art adorning the interiors and lively tunes. This irresistible sharing-style tapas experience will create an explosion of flavours as you immerse yourself in Soul St’s unique blend of street food, art and lively tunes. Every Monday and Tuesday, from 5pm onwards guests can indulge in a special tasty tapas menu priced at CHF65 (Dhs271) per person for 3 starters, 2 main course and 2 desserts.Indulge in fine Italian dishesFort he finest Italian meal, Zurich’s newest culinary jewel is masterfully curated by Chef Antonio Satta. Drawing from his esteemed tenure at iconic venues like Cinque Dubai and the Michelin-starred Armani Ristorante, Chef Satta offers a genuine taste of Italy to Zurich’s discerning diners. The menu celebrates the essence of Italian cuisine, emphasizing the freshness of Mediterranean seafood including Balfegó tuna, Skye scallops, and Sicilian Prawns from Mazara dell Vallo. Explore a diverse selection of dishes that echo the lush Swiss landscape, featuring Fassona beef carpaccio, Castelmagno cheese-filled bottoni pasta, and wild mushroom risotto. For a sweet finish, indulge in delights like with our irresistible Toblerone soufflé, complemented by smooth pistachio ice cream and more.A luxurious outdoor & Indoor poolFramed by picturesque forest views, this hub to meet and mingle invites you to pool days and tantalising cocktails at The Social Pool. During summer, this expansive pool hosts an afternoon BBQ party by its star-studded 25 m length. This outdoor entertainment deck features a jacuzzi, comfy sunbeds and comfortable sun lounges, music, and a pool bar, but now has a culinary add-on — a BBQ station. Altogether, the ideal, fun spot to spend your Sunday in Zurich with friends, solo, or as a couple. The green views of the Uetliberg mountain and city skyline as your backdrop simply make the experience even more relaxing. For a spa-like feel, the indoor pool is the perfect option.360-degree relaxationDetox before you retox at the lavish wellness spa with indoor pool and hot tub. Guests can explore a selection of handpicked facials, massages and special treatments. Split across the sophisticated five treatment rooms, a Spa Suite with jacuzzi and steam bath, a sauna area, a relaxation room, as well as interior and exterior swimming pool each with integrated jacuzzi at ReFIVE Spa. As the perfect urban wellness retreat, you can completely unwind while looking at the unmissable snow alps while being in a heated environment. For some post-treatment workouts the bespoke gym comes fully equipped with TechnoGym equipment including treadmills, bikes, weights and jump ropes.The perfect locationThis state-of-the-art hotel overlooks the city center from Zurich’s stunning Uetliberg plateau and is within a 10-minute drive to the city center and main attractions; and a 20-minute drive to Zurich’s main airport. Direct access to public transport is within a 2-minute walk.Book your table and room and let FIVE Zurich elevate both your dining experience and stay to new heights. For any bookings visit zurich.fivehotelsandresorts.com/– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      Candlelight Concerts by Fever’s violinist Milica Djurovic shares her musical journey

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph2 hours ago Candlelight was initially conceived as a classical music series with concerts featuring works by renowned composers, such as Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin.Now, the ever-growing list of programs includes a wide variety of themes and genres, including tributes to contemporary artists like Queen, ABBA and more. This innovative format provides a unique live musical experience, offering a variety of programs to meet all tastes.To delve further, Emirates Woman spoke to Milica Djurovic a Violin and Piano specialist at Candlelight Concerts by Fever to learn how her journey began.Talk us through your background and career.I’m a violinist from Serbia. My musical journey of 18 years led me to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in violin performance. Since 2021, I’ve been teaching violin and piano instruments in the Abu Dhabi UAE, nurturing a love for music in students of all levels. Started early to be part of numerous orchestras and ensembles, travelling and performing in various European countries and, more recently, in the Middle East. Met different cultures, and realized that we’re all connected through the universal language of music. Working with other musicians, as well as with students, helped nurture my skills and career growth.What has been the biggest challenge to date and how did you overcome this?The most significant challenge I face is balancing my time between teaching students and nurturing my passion for performance. Juggling the dedication required for individualised, one-on-one classes to help each student reach their goals while also investing time in rehearsals for our performances demands careful planning. Overcoming this challenge involves a lot of scheduling and devotion, allowing me to give my full attention to both teaching and performance preparation. Our concerts are a culmination of shared enjoyment in the music we create.Are there any milestones you are most proud of?There are several milestones that I’m proud of. Moving to the UAE has been a significant journey, allowing me to meet diverse people and share my love for music. Teaching students how to play the violin and introducing them to the world of music has been particularly fulfilling. I also take great pride in being the violin instructor of the Abu Dhabi Youth Orchestra. Additionally, performing as part of the ensemble “The Strings” at the Candlelight Concerts has added another layer of accomplishment to my musical journey. Each of these milestones represents a chapter in my musical story.How important is music in creating the perfect ambiance – how does this add to the experience?Music is essential in creating the perfect ambience and shaping emotions in listeners’ ears and hearts. We navigate through a variety of musical landscapes, from classical music to movie soundtracks and pop and rock genres. In preparation for each performance, we practice how to transition between emotions of each song quickly; from sad, intense or heavy tones to cheerful melodies during the concerts. Whether playing music from Hans Zimmer’s cinematic brilliance, capturing Taylor Swift’s melodies, or delivering the soulful tunes of Whitney Houston, each performance is an opportunity to connect with the audience on various emotional levels.What is the most important to you when you are on the stage performing?For me, the most meaningful moment when on the stage is the sense of connection—with colleagues, the music, and the audience. Every moment holds a unique value, and the feeling of creating something extraordinary with musicians is truly special. I dedicated my whole life to mastering the violin because I find enormous joy in sharing my emotions with the audience, making each performance a memorable and meaningful experience.For more information and to purchase tickets visit feverup.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      Candlelight Concerts by Fever’s Cello specialist Enkhmaa Tuvshin shares how it began

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      Lifeby Sarah Joseph2 hours ago Candlelight was initially conceived as a classical music series with concerts featuring works by renowned composers, such as Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin.Now, the ever-growing list of programs includes a wide variety of themes and genres, including tributes to contemporary artists like Queen, ABBA and more. This innovative format provides a unique live musical experience, offering a variety of programs to meet all tastes.Emirates Woman spoke to Enkhmaa Tuvshin a Cello and Piano Specialist at Candlelight Concerts by Fever to learn how her journey began.Talk us through your background and career.My name is Enkhmaa and I am from Mongolia. I have been playing the cello for 21 years. I obtained my bachelor’s degree from the Korea National University of Arts in Korea. After completing my studies, I returned to Mongolia and worked with the Mongolian Symphony Orchestra, gaining experience at the State Opera and Ballet Academic Theatre. Currently, I am employed at Juli Music Institute in Abu Dhabi as a teacher.You have a passion for teaching cello – tell us how it began.My passion for teaching cello originated from the guidance of my exceptional mentors. One teacher, in particular, conveyed the beauty of sharing knowledge, emphasizing, ‘It is truly rewarding to pass on what you have learned.’ Inspired by this sentiment, I found my calling to start teaching.During your studies in Korea, you performed in many Korean Orchestras and concerts, what prestigious ones did you participate in?I would like to highlight my participation in university orchestra concerts during my bachelor’s degree. I had the opportunity to join the orchestra led by the conductor of the Korea Philharmonic. The experience was invaluable, and I learned a great deal, making it a truly amazing chapter in my musical journey.How important is music in creating the perfect ambiance – how does this add to the experience?Music sets the vibe and amps up the awesomeness. It stirs emotions, creates a mood, and adds something special to any place or event. I’m truly grateful for this candlelight concert – it’s an incredible experience for me. I’d like to sincerely thank the fantastic audience for attending and giving warm applause. I also want to extend my gratitude to those who organized this concert. Your support means a lot.What is most important to you when you are on the stage performing?The importance varies depending on the genre. In classical performances, my focus is on expressing and sharing emotions with the audience. Conversely, when playing pop music, I relish simply enjoying the moment with the audience, fostering a lighter and enjoyable atmosphere.For more information and to purchase tickets visit feverup.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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      Vision and Voice: Meta unlocks social media evolution and innovation potential

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      What drives the future of social media?Emirates Woman taps Meta’s Group Director FMCG, Luxury, Retail & E-Commerce (MENA), Anna Germanos, to unlock social media’s evolution and innovation potential.What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?My day begins with a glance at my phone, catching up on messages from friends and family sent overnight, and reading the latest headlines. The morn- ing hustle then begins – waking the kids up and preparing them for school, a daily marathon of its own. I drop them at the bus and hit the gym at 7am at least three times a week. The 7-8am hour is my only time for fitness.Tell us how you got your start in the industry.My journey in Consumer & Retail began with an internship at Booz & Company during my MBA year. I found myself captivated by industries closely connected to consumers, leading me to focus the rest of my consulting career on consumer and retail projects across the MEA region. In 2017, an opportunity presented itself in Google’s consumer team. Leveraging both my industry expertise and engineering background, I made the transition into the tech sector. Since then, I’ve been advising global and regional clients in Consumer, Retail, E- commerce, and Luxury on their digital marketing transformation journeys.Anna Germanos, Group Director FMCG, Luxury, Retail & E-Commerce (MENA) at MetaHow does your role impact innovation and tech at Meta?In my role at Meta, I directly engage with consumers and advertisers, translating their needs into actionable insights which helps bridge the gap between user requirements and our product teams. These insights also play a pivotal role in shaping Meta’s innovation roadmap, ensuring our products resonate with a diverse regional audience. I also oversee the adaptation of innovations to specific markets, leveraging local nuances for maximum impact. Naturally, any innovation undergoes rigorous testing before its global launch, and in our region, advertisers frequently participate in testing alphas and betas, which help shape the end-product development.“Innovation is also about making our technologies accessible to users of all backgrounds and abilities.”What are the key goals to lead the change in terms of innovation in the tech industry?Ultimately, innovation has to be centered around people. Everything we do at Meta is about breaking down barriers and connecting people, empowering them to create. The concept of the metaverse, for example, underscores the ability to facilitate profound connections through social presence and natural interactions using voice, facial expressions and gestures. Innovation is also about making our technologies accessible to users of all backgrounds and abilities. Whether through advancements in virtual and augmented reality or improved accessibility features, our goal is to ensure that everyone can participate in the digital revolution.How has the Middle East region changed in terms of interacting on Meta platforms – has there been a shift in the way content is consumed?There has been a noticeable shift in content consumption globally and our region is not an exception. It would come as no surprise that there has been a steady rise in the consumption of short-form video content, such as Reels, across all platforms. For instance, people spend more than half their time on Facebook and Instagram watching videos. As we have moved almost entirely to mobile first, when it comes to social media, brevity and shareability has become key. We are also seeing creators explore new frontiers through the use of AR and VR, experiment with new formats and tools, and find new ways to monetise their work. Another big shift is the growth of e-commerce on social media. While people have been using our apps to buy and sell things for years, the integration of e-commerce tools such as shoppable posts and branded content tools on Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, live shopping, product stickers and integrated chatbots for customer support has made the experience more natural and seamless. E-commerce in MENA is projected to reach $50 billion by 2025, 1.7x from 2021 with KSA and UAE leading.How do you aim to positively drive the platforms forward in the region?The Middle East is a hub of immense potential, both creatively and in the business realm, and we are enthusiastic about deepening our collaborations with regional partners to expedite the development of the local ecosystem. We are deeply invested in amplifying the influence of the vibrant local creator community in the region – a community rich in talent and diversity. Initiatives like Creators of Tomorrow, Creator Lab, and locally flavoured campaigns are a launchpad that celebrate these talents and we aim to continue this momentum. We’re also constantly expanding on ways creators can monetise their content on our platforms. As our creator community thrives, so do the opportunities for brands and advertisers on our platforms. The regional success stories are compelling; brands leveraging our platforms have witnessed a substantial boost in ad effectiveness and sales. For instance, with AI-driven ad solutions, Home Center, a prominent home furnishings retailer in the GCC, experienced a 40% lift in return on ad spend using our tools. Similarly, Level Shoes, a luxury multi-brand footwear retailer in the UAE and KSA, reported a remarkable 92% higher return on ad spend in KSA. In addition to growth, we are dedicated to making our platforms a safer space, especially for minors. We’ve recently announced a new bundle of protections to give teens more age-appropriate experience, and overall, we’ve developed over 30 different tools and resources to support teens and their parents.UX/UI is at the core of Meta. How does the company approach digital innovation to ensure the content is fresh and engaging?We want to make the most of people’s time, and we believe personalisation is the way to go about it. We prioritise content that generates authentic interactions and that people seek out and return to on a regular basis. We use a wide variety of AI algorithms to ensure users get a good mix of staying connected to their close friends, while being engaged with new content relevant to their interests. We do that by analysing different factors including history of interaction, location and the user’s activity to try and predict what they will enjoy the most. Another aspect is giving creators better tools and helpful guides to empower them to engage with their communities and produce trendy, entertaining content. Features like Reel templates, Remix, Collabs and many more are all there to ensure we keep the bar high for quality content on our platforms. We also provide global guides via @creators on Instagram and creators.instagram.com to help creators get inspiration, learn how to best monetise their content, and stay ahead of the curve. Meta is also experimenting with incorporating generative AI post creation elements.Do you believe AI will be the defining technology of our generation or is this a passing trend?While it’s still early days for generative AI, the visible impact it is making leaves us anticipating positive changes across various domains, from business and healthcare to the delivery of public services. Far from being a passing trend, I firmly believe that AI is a transformative force here to stay. For over a decade, Meta has been a trailblazer in AI innovation, utilizing it to curate personalised content and ads for our users while ensuring safer experiences on our platforms. We’ve actively collaborated on over 1,000 open-source AI projects, contributing to the broader AI community. The transformative potential of AI is evident in its application by researchers, accelerating anti-biotic discovery and enabling the creation of detailed MRIs with significantly less raw data. Now, Meta is extending its AI endeavors with the development of new generative AI experiences. These innovations aim to make our platforms more social, more useful, and more immersive, further solidifying AI as a driving force in shaping the technological landscape of our generation.With social media use at an all-time high, what type of content stands out to you?The content that truly resonates with me is usually unique and genuine. I gravitate towards creators and influencers who can either in- spire or entertain me with their authentic passion. I prefer to engage with content that is specialised in a specific genre, rather than spans multiple areas. More broadly, content such as sports, fashion and beauty typically dominate in terms of popularity, followed by music and comedy. However, in our region, cultural events often bring other genres to the forefront, such as food and entertainment shows during Ramadan. I am also very intrigued by the emerging new technology and AI generated content that truly boosts engagement, similar to what Tom Jauncey (@tomjauncey) and Murad Osmann (@muradosmann) are creating on Instagram. Ultimately, content that is crafted with sincerity and passion is the most impactful.This is The Tech Issue – what technology has been a game changer in your life and how so?To me, WhatsApp is a revolutionary tool. Its user-friendly interface allows even the least tech-savvy individuals to connect effortlessly; case in point: my 93-year-old grandma is on WhatsApp! It really simplified my personal life management as a working mother. Professionally too, WhatsApp’s prevalence has expedited tasks, making communication more efficient than other channels. The benefits I’ve reaped in terms of connectivity, time-efficiency, and effectiveness through WhatsApp are immense.February’s – The Tech Issue with Christiana Maxion  – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More