More stories

  • in

    Soft Power – An exclusive interview with Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiProduction: Olivia MorrisFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephMakeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsHer Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, founder of Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery, talks to Emirates Woman exclusively about gratitude, determination and the inspiration behind her debut collection.Born and raised in the UAE to a mother with a love for the arts and a caring and supportive father, Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum has a lot to be grateful for, especially her family, which is at the heart of her eponymous jewellery brand, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery.The down-to-earth Sheikha recently debuted the brand with the ‘My Treasure’ collection, using butterflies, a tribute and a symbol of her gratitude to her late grandmother, after whom she was named. Each piece honours the memory of the elder Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, one of Dubai’s most remarkable women, as it encourages women to embark on a journey to find their inner strength and purpose.“Butterflies are symbols of transformation and beauty and my grandmother grew up at a time when options were limited for women, but she didn’t let that stop her,” Sheikha Sana says. “She found a way to shine and to help others shine which is why I consider her a treasure.”Taking inspiration from her grandmother has taken the young Sana on her path to entrepreneurship and womanhood. Her Highness’ warm and gentle nature belies her fierce determination to stand on her own two feet and her keen awareness of the world around her. Understanding that her position in life awards her privilege, she aims to utilise her position to partner with education-related charities, with a focus on women and children.“I was blessed to be born in the UAE, a safe haven to people from various backgrounds, where women are respected and treated equally, but I know that there are many who are not as blessed,” she explains. “I hope to help change this by partnering with charities supporting the education of young children and women’s empowerment.”Being from the UAE is a blessing Sheikha Sana never forgets, particularly in challenging circumstances. “2020 was a difficult time for the world as a whole, but through it all, thanks to the leadership’s focus on putting people’s safety first, and the many frontline workers who worked diligently to ensure that we were cared for every step of the way, we have been edging closer to the light at the end of the tunnel,” Her Highness says, sharing her gratitude. “We all came together as a society and didn’t give up on our hopes and dreams as a nation – we even made it to Mars!”The UAE is a place with endless possibilities. Having grown up in Dubai, Sheikha Sana has always been inspired by the energy of the city and the infinite opportunities the emirate has. It’s something she attributes to the leadership of Dubai “The persistence to always move forward and improve in Dubai trickles down from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and flows through the veins of every resident of the city,” she says. “That mindset is infectious and helps me strive to do better every day.”It’s this mindset and determination that has led the young entrepreneur to create an already hugely successful fine jewellery brand, alongside an incredible team that she’s hugely thankful for, who have been working with her to build her brand and to deliver an end product that is not only beautiful but also reflects the ideals that have been carefully crafted into every piece. As a true believer in women’s empowerment, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery focuses on working with those who value kindness, gratitude, spirituality and honesty.For more on Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery visit sanaalmaktoum.com and follow @sanaalmaktoumofficial on InstagramApril’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    Fillers, peels & lasers: Cosmetic surgeon reveals best ways to remove acne scars

    Dubai-based cosmetic surgeon Dr. Dany Kayle, who established his eponymous private practice in the UAE in 2000, shares how you can get rid of acne scarring once and for all, whether that be non-invasively or invasively.For many, the worst aspect of having acne-riddled skin is the legacy it leaves behind, especially when it comes to scarring.Acne scarring can depend on a few factors, such as an infection or as a result of popping a spot, but most commonly they develop as a complication of severe acne.Generally, there are normally 3 types of acne scars to look out for:
    Ice pick scars – small, deep holes on your skin.
    Rolling scars – raised, wide scars, which can make your skin look uneven, caused by scar tissue which is formed under the skin.
    Boxcar scars – the most common acne scar and are round, deep scars that are wider than ice pick scars.
    The treatment for these different types of scars can depend on your skin type. While these scars may fade over time and start to lose their colour, the indentation they leave behind can be trickier to eradicate. Thankfully, there are several in-clinic procedures that can help eliminate the scar completely and leave you with beautiful, flawless radiant skin, ensuring the acne is almost a forgotten memory!Chemical PeelsA popular aesthetic treatment, chemical peels smooth texture and lighten pigmentation so scarring may become less visible. As an added bonus, by removing the top layer of skin from your face, they can also unclog your pores.The chemical peel you should choose depends on the type of skin you have. For instance, salicylic acid is best for greasy and acne-prone skin, glycolic acid is best for normal/oily skin types, while mandelic acid is perfect for those who have darker skin tones.As a general rule, however, chemical peels aren’t usually the best if you have very raised scars (such as rolling scars), but there is another way to help reduce that type of scarring.FillersEnter dermal fillers. Dermal fillers are particularly effective for rolling scars and some less defined boxcar scars. They are safe and well-tolerated, with great results to fill the depression associated with scars and they counteract volume loss that you get as a side effect of the acne scars.MicroneedlingFor those who do not wish to have an injectable, microneedling can be beneficial.This treatment works by inducing the body to produce new collagen to replace the old, unsightly scarring to leave the skin looking better and vibrant. Scarring on the face is less visible, and the skin appears healthier.In the case of depressed acne scars, the new collagen fills up the depressions leaving the skin looking even. Also, in some instances, the acne scarring may lead to an uneven skin tone. The newly laid collagen will also help even out the skin tone leaving the skin looking smooth.LasersFinally, for those who was to avoid an invasive treatment completely, lasers can be a winner and offer two benefits.First, heat from the laser works to remove the top layer of your skin where a scar has formed. As this top layer of your scar peels off, your skin appears smoother, and the appearance of the scar is less noticeable.The number one rule of avoiding acne scars – is by not touching, picking or squeezing the spots. While it’s very tempting when a spot looks like it’s about to pop and needs a bit of encouragement, but that’s how infections can develop and spots become irritated, leading ultimately to scarring.For more information on Dr Kayle’s Dubai-based clinic visit drkayleclinic.com.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ with Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum

    April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiProduction: Olivia MorrisFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephMakeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska at MMG ArtistsWelcome to The Gratitude Issue.As a personal note of gratitude, I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai for creating a city full of opportunity and drive, a city I’m extremely proud to call home and to champion the incredible women who reside within it. Never before has it been more evident of how efficient, supportive and resilient UAE is than in the last 12 months.I would also like to thank Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum for the honour of allowing us to present her as our cover star for this prestigious edition. Shooting the cover at sunrise with a backdrop of the outstanding Burj Khalifa was a moment that allowed us to capture a beautiful shoot Soft Power, but that also allowed us to share time with one of the most hard-working, inspiring and brave young women we’ve worked with to date.With special thanks to K, who supported to make this happen – your energy and intuition are incredible.This cover shoot was conducted prior to the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance. The thoughts and respect of all involved are extended to his family.We partnered with Rolls -Royce in an exceptional shoot, Post Opulence where the small details are what creates perfection in the form of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost.We also have exclusive interviews with prominent Emirati businesswoman Muna Al Gurg in The Philanthropist, Alserkel Avenue’s Executive Director Vilma Jurkute in A Conscious Vision, Founder of Odeem, Fatma Al Otaiba in The Measure of Quality and Maryam & Muna Saeed, Co-Founders of Al Mraikn in Sister Act.Some of the most incredible women we know share how they practice gratitude in Stay Grateful and we interview Skin Laundry on their new tech approach to beauty in Grateful for Good Skin. Finally, The Wanderlust features an exceptional edit best spiritual retreats around the world.I’m reminded looking at this issue of one of my favourite quotes: “Small things make perfection, but perfection is not a small thing.” – Henry Royce, Founder of Rolls-Royce.I am grateful for a team that upholds this belief and strives to make the small things perfect on a daily basis.We as a team would also like to take this opportunity to wish all those practising – Ramadan Kareem for the month ahead.April’s – ‘The Gratitude Issue’ – Download Now – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    How I got my job as… Co-Founder of a top Dubai skin and fitness clinic

    Welcome to EW‘s weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.This week we chat with the co-founder and managing director of Dubai-based clinic Orskin Aesthetics and Fitness Lounge, Orsolya Matheisz.EW sat down with Matheisz to find out more about Orskin Clinic and what made her want to enter the realm of fitness.What was your favourite subject at school?Biology.What was your first job?Working for parents’ business in clothing/fashion.What inspired you to go into the wellness and beauty space?When I was around eight-years-old, I used to play with my mother’s make-up and skincare products. This encouraged and led me to my passion for the beauty industry.What eventually brought you to Dubai?Having worked in a small village in Hungary for 13 years as a beauty therapist, I was looking for bigger challenges and chose Dubai as the place to broaden my experiences and explore opportunities.Can you talk us through what inspired you to launch the Orskin Aesthetic Centre?I was working alone as a freelance beauty therapist for one year but due to high demand, my husband and I decided to open Orskin Aesthetics in 2020 as a way to increase capacity and also to plan our future for the Orskin brand.Who are your main clients?Our clinic has built up a largely local clientele mainly being Emiratis.What are the key elements of your role?Performing skincare treatments, managing a team of therapists and day to day running of the centre.Talk us through your daily routine.In no specific order: self skincare and massage regime, client consultations and treatments, talking to staff on their duties, dealing with clients, posting on social media, check emails from clients and suppliers etc.What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?Set up goals, work hard, focus, be honest, and put your heart and time into work. Passion is a must.What is the best piece of advice you ever received?Nothing is impossible and be positive.And what is the worst?Waiting for the best time to start a business.What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?As it was a difficult time for everyone, but the lockdown in 2020 due to the pandemic was particularly difficult for our business, especially as we had just opened.What are your goals for 2021?More staff, additional space to meet current demands and develop our own skincare line.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied  More

  • in

    What you need to know about gut health and how it affects your body

    When it comes to wellness, the gut is the cornerstone of the overall health and wellbeing of people. However, according to Dr. Saya Pareeth and Dr. Hafeel Ambalath, the founders of The Healers’ Clinic in Dubai, it’s a topic that is particularly important, yet is ignored.With both having extensive experience in holistic care and Ayurvedic treatments, the clinic’s clear mantra is about healing from the core. “In our 20 years together, we have devised innovative protocols in traditional and integrative medicine and have advised people in this arena,” the co-founders explain.In-keeping with the clinic’s holistic health methods, ensuring the root cause of health issues are dealt with rather than just the symptoms, gut health directly reflects this. “Gut health has always been the starting point for age-old health traditions and our practice too, has always been deeply rooted in this concept,” they explain.Dr. Pareeth and Dr. Ambalath sat down with Emirates Woman to discuss their five-year journey with The Healers’ Clinic, what they focus on and the importance of shining a light on gut health.What inspired you to launch The Healers Clinic?One of the challenges was to first understand why we are born on this planet and then are given this huge opportunity to be able to serve people. As a medical professional, often we are overawed with the burden and responsibility placed on us. One of the primary reasons to start The Healers’ Clinic was to look beyond an okay life and spread the knowledge of traditional medicine, to lead a holistic life. On another level, the rather small number of facilities offering holistic and integrative care was one of the driving forces behind The Healers’ Clinic.Our primary aim was to fill the gap between individuals or families and an integrative or holistic family-physician. We wanted to make integrative and holistic care, easily accessible to all who needed it. We also aimed to build awareness in individuals as well as families, on preventive care, rejuvenation, and maintenance of good health, by way of our unique methodologies and practices. And of course, we wanted to see Dubai as a hub of health tourism, where the world got to experience what traditional and alternative medicine can do.What is a holistic approach to health and wellness?“Holistic” refers to “a complete form of healthcare that does not reject conventional medicine. Instead, it considers a comprehensive and individualized picture of health while using safe, effective and appropriate options for prevention or healing”. It involves looking at an individual as a whole, to determine the underlying balances that may affect his or her health.Speaking of ourselves – while we function on the ancient philosophy of preventive health care systems, and practice traditional healing – we adapt them and implement them through modern and scientific platforms. We do not restrict ourselves to any one form or method of medical treatment. Incorporating approaches from across the world, we choose a course of treatment best suited to an individual’s needs and tailored to individual lifestyles. This briefly describes the holistic approach we have successfully taken, to health and wellness. This also is the beauty of The Healers’ Clinic as we focus on the overall wellbeing of individuals and on strengthening their core health pillars than indulge in superficial quick fixes.Gut health is a big topic of conversation in the health and wellness space at the moment. Why do you think this has become a focus?The body’s gastrointestinal tract and its functions are the cornerstones of our well-being. Numerous studies have shown the connection between our gut health and our immune system, mental health, skin health, endocrine and early points in pathogenesis. Gut health has always been the starting point for age-old health traditions and our practice too has always been deeply rooted in this concept.It is a large part of discussions doing rounds in health and wellness space because, in simple language, you are talking about a stronger immune system, clearer skin, weight control, hormones, improved state of mind, less bloating, better quality of sleep and improved digestion.How does your gut health affect your overall wellbeing?Our gastrointestinal tract is “a universe and an ecosystem within us”. It is a contained world of complex chemistry and microbes controlled by indefinable energy of intricate movements and messenger systems. The digestive membrane, which makes the walls of this passage and storage space, with little ‘processing’ units of its own, determines the nature of chemical relations with the outside world of tissues and cells.In other words, the digestive system decides just what and how much becomes a part of our energy and tissues! A healthy gut reflects not just on your skin but also on your immune system, mood, sleep, digestion, hormonal balance and weight – it is the foundation of overall wellbeing.If someone has a suspected gut issue, what are the steps you’d recommend to take?We would suggest facilitating the body to do what it actually wants to do. We would also suggest reducing pressure on the gut by simplifying the way one treats oneself – by eating well and in a healthy manner, getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly and more. Always listen to the body. Watch what you eat. Watch your day, watch your bowels and your energy levels. Most of the learning happens here. As an integrative and holistic care facility, The Healers’ Clinic uses age-old, traditional and time-tested eastern ways of understanding the gut with tools and investigations made available by modern western science, such us non-linear health screening. A treatment plan is then designed for an individual.What are the best foods to feed our gut?Vegetables and seasonal fruits are the best. Go slow on grain though. Fish and occasionally, chicken or meat could be a part of your meal plan, but you do not have to consume meat every day. Eating a range of diverse foods that can give rise to new types of bacteria can be beneficial to gut health. Include whole fruits and vegetables that are fibrous and fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi and sauerkraut.What treatments do you offer to aid in overall gut health?No single form of treatment or medication can replace proper and healthy eating or lifestyle habits. The Healers Clinic, which is a centre of excellence in integrative and holistic care, encourages people to start on a journey of detox and rejuvenation, wherein we introduce or reinstate healthy gut habits. We take our learning from world cultures and the ancient Ayurveda to introduce cleansing and strengthening gut-health practices. The experience we have gained through our work in the local community, embracing different health cultures – it gives us the confidence to say that prevention of disorders and sustenance of good health can be made possible by respecting traditional wisdom along with the modern and scientific understanding. This is what we have made our Vision and our vision is what made us start The Healers’ Clinic.This is ‘The Wellness Issue’ – what is your philosophy when it comes to wellness?We believe that wellness refers to more than just the absence of an ailment. To be precise, it refers to a state of health which is a result of an actively pursued, daily goal. It involves change and therefore growth and is a state of mental, physical and social fitness and stability. We aspire to help people achieve this state! Watch what you eat, when you eat, and how you eat. Avoid overeating and having meals at improper timings. Watch your bowels. The body tells you a lot you need to know. Listen to it.March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

  • in

    5 protein powders that will give you pure power

    March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now 
    Vegan protein delivering pure plant power
    Vegan Protein & Greens Powder

    Dhs258 My Vegan
    Superblend Protein Chocolate Salted

    Dhs105 for 520g Form Nutrition
    Organic Pea Protein Powder

    KIKI Health
    Nourishing Protein Chocolate Refill

    Dhs140 for 300g WELLECO
    Anabolic Protein Replacement

    Dhs382 Fortagen

    March’s – ‘The Wellness Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • in

    The ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide

    With an occasion marked to celebrate the superwoman in your life – your mum – it’s important to shell out for something noteworthily while being on-trend on this special day.

    From jewellery with timeless elements to a chic accessory that she’ll treasure for life, the options are endless.
    As finding a gift that she might wholeheartedly appreciate can often be a daunting task, hence, it’s best to leave it to the experts who can help you narrow it down to some of the best choices that’s available out there.
    For the woman that gave you your start in this world, Emirates Woman has curated a list of luxurious gifts that she’s bound to love this Mother’s Day, which falls on March 21, 2021.

    Lil Fleur Wood Limited Edition Eau de Parfum 964 Byredo

    Gold-finish metal and white crystals petit brooch Dhs1,900 Dior

    Bia skin superfood Dhs205 Codex Beauty at Whatsons.ae

    Neopêche candle Dhs205 Boy Smells

    Point small leather tote Dhs8,450 Bottega Veneta

    ‘Leading the way’ candleholder POR Uttermost available at Interiors

    Fanfare Symphony diamond ring with Aquamarine Dhs27,000 Garrard

    PlusMinus vases Dhs350 at Fine Blooms Boutique

    Ravenna Watch Dhs2,400 Aigner

    Oversized D-frame acetate sunglasses Dhs1,524 Celine

    Large pomegranate footed centerpiece tray Dhs4,100 Michael Aram

    Nano Day Tote in grained leather Dhs8,400 Saint Laurent

    Gemstone facial massage roller Dhs202 Holistic Silk

    Velvet Oriental Musk Eau de Parfum 150ml Dhs1,515 Dolce & Gabbana Beauty

    Gustibus copper clad braiser & lid Dhs2,303 Ruffoni available on Amara.com

    Go Logo 40 leather slingback pumps Dhs3,611 Valentino available on NET-A-PORTER

    Corrale Hair Straightener Dhs1,999 Dyson

    Honoré Delights Eau de Parfum 100ml Dhs1,337 Ex Nihilo

    Super radiance resurfacing facial Dhs285 Charlotte Tilbury

    Shards of Cedar & Red Thyme Parfum 50ml Dhs366 Jo Loves

    Light of my life necklace Dhs7,810 Salama Khalfan

    Anti-aging face cream Dhs410 Ixora

    Le Cube Diamant hoop earrings with white gold Dhs19,651 Dinh Van Paris

    The Chain Cassette Intrecciato-leather bag Dhs15,575 Bottega Veneta

    Bear facial toning device mini pearl pink Dhs892 Foreo

    Iconic link rose gold Dhs829 Daniel Wellington

    Renaissance Diamond Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold Dhs3,800 David Yurman available on Ounass.ae

    Divas’ dream necklace Dhs7,700 Bvlgari

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Supplied More