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    Yaya Middle East: Finding the right caregiver for your child

    Life

    by Mehral Sadat
    29 seconds ago

    Parents Rui Pinto and Marilena Hadgianni founded Yaya Middle East to ensure a seamless and thorough process in finding your child the perfect caregiver.
    What are the core values or mission of Yaya Middle East?
    RP: Finding a nanny in the UAE can feel like a complex task; that’s why we created Yaya – to simplify the process. We are a mobile app that serves as a one-stop shop, connecting families with trusted, qualified caregivers seamlessly, making it simple, affordable, and transparent.
    How does Yaya differentiate itself from other caregiver platforms?
    RP: Yaya sets itself apart as the only dedicated mobile app for finding independent childcare in the UAE, offering a seamless and feature-rich experience for both nannies and families. We offer multiple ways for families to communicate within the app itself – so they have full control over when and how they share their contact information.Yaya also empowers caregivers by allowing them to create profiles and apply for jobs directly, giving nannies the ability to make informed choices that best suit their needs. Since nannies are actively engaged on our platform, we minimise the chances of families encountering outdated profiles. Our algorithm automatically deactivates inactive users, ensuring that families have access to up-to-date and reliable caregiver options. What truly sets us apart is our people-first approach – we’re dedicated to making the process of finding care simple and effective.
    What is Yaya’s long-term vision for growth and expansion?
    MH: We’re incredibly excited about what’s coming next. Launching a mobile app to facilitate finding nannies in the UAE was just the first step in our journey. While we are focusing on transforming Yaya into a complete 360-degree childcare super app within the UAE, our long-term vision includes expand- ing beyond the UAE market. We aim to introduce Yaya to other countries in the Middle East in the very near future, so stay tuned!
    How does Yaya leverage technology to ensure the safety, reliability, and quality of caregivers?
    RP: Technology allows us to adapt quickly and continuously improve our plat- form. Since our launch, we’ve introduced features to enhance family safety, such as identity document verification through Emirates ID or passport checks. By leveraging technology to cross-reference multiple data points and conducting thorough interviews, we ensure a comprehensive evaluation of candidates on our platform. Our team drafts each bio after reviewing all the details, so families receive personalised profiles they can trust. Quality is at the heart of our business. Even with nearly 100 applications a day, only about 20-30 per cent pass our rigorous screening process. Families using Yaya benefit from this commitment to high standards – they can easily access our “Top Yaya Picks,” a curated selection of exceptional candidates, or find caregivers with verified references. Our advanced filtering system, one of our standout features, enables families to refine their search and connect with the ideal caregiver effortlessly. By combining cutting- edge technology with thorough human review, we deliver a reliable, and seamless experience for families at every stage of the process.

    What personal experiences or observations led you to start Yaya?
    MH: When our son was born, we faced the challenge of finding a trustworthy nanny who could become part of our family. We tried the usual options – asking friends, checking with nannies in our community, and browsing through multiple forums and platforms – but often found that profiles lacked verification or weren’t the right fit. We saw an opportunity to enhance the experience with a dedicated mobile app, in-app messaging, and real-time updates – all while being free of charge. This inspired us to create Yaya – a platform designed to provide families like ours with a seamless, reliable, and accessible solution at no cost.
    What were the biggest challenges you faced during the early stages of building Yaya?
    RP: One of our biggest early challenges was finding the right talent to bring our vision to life. Partnering with an external developer didn’t give us the agility we needed. Realising this, we decided to build our own in-house development team. This was a pivotal move that transformed our ability to operate efficiently. With a dedicated team, we’ve become much more agile – reducing our idea-to-implementation cycle from over a month to less than a week. This agility allows us to constantly evolve and improve Yaya to better meet our users’ needs.
    What have been the most valuable lessons you’ve learned throughout your entrepreneurial journey?
    RP: Having worked in the corporate world for nearly 15 years with large consultancies, I used to joke with my entrepreneur friends about the freedom of ‘being your own boss.’ But starting my own business taught me that entrepreneurship demands an all-in commitment. There are no real days off, and even during downtime, I’m constantly thinking about how to improve Yaya. The lesson here is that to succeed, you must fully believe in your idea and be 100% dedicated; otherwise, it’s easy to lose momentum.We’ve also learned the importance of resilience. In the corporate world, failures are often cushioned by teams and processes, but as entrepreneurs, setbacks feel personal and happen more frequently. Developing a thick skin, learning from each experience, and continuously moving forward is essential. Turning challenges into opportunities defines true success in entrepreneurship.

    What are your aspirations for the future of Yaya?
    RP: Professionally, we’re excited about the new developments we’ll be launching soon. Our goal is for Yaya to become the ‘go-to’ childcare app for every parent in the UAE, catering to all childcare needs – not limited to nanny services. We aim to create a comprehensive platform where families can find everything from newborn care to specialised services, all in one place.
    This is The Precious Issue – a precious piece of advice you’d like to pass down?
    RP: My advice is to surround yourself with the smartest and most capable people you can find. Especially as a small company, the right team will challenge you, support your vision, and contribute ideas that help your business evolve. Embrace technology and stay curious about new advancements. AI can be a game-changer – it’s like having an extra team member who can automate tasks and streamline processes without needing a paycheck. Continuously seek ways to improve and automate your operations to stay ahead.MH: Keep your users at the heart of everything you do. Listen to their feedback and adapt accordingly. Stay humble and remember that there’s always more to learn. Challenges are inevitable, but each one is an opportunity to grow and improve.
    November’s – The Precious Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    WaterWipes: The gentle choice for every age

    Life

    by Team Emirates Woman
    52 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: WaterWipesTM, the world’s purest baby wipes

    Imagine a world where skincare products are as gentle as a mother’s touch. A world where you can cleanse your newborn’s delicate skin with the same confidence that you use on your own. That’s the vision that WaterWipesTM has brought to life.
    Crafted with a simple yet powerful formula of 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract, WaterWipesTM are a testament to the brand’s commitment to purity and gentleness. These wipes are not just for babies; they are suitable for everyone, from newborns to adults with sensitive skin.

    The dermatologically tested formula ensures that WaterWipesTM are suitable for all ages. Whether you’re a busy parent wiping up a messy meal or an adult with dry, irritated skin, WaterWipesTM offer a gentle and effective solution.
    WaterWipesTM has expanded its range beyond the Original wipes, offering options like Textured Clean for a deeper clean and On-the-Go packs for added convenience. No matter your skin type or lifestyle, WaterWipesTM has products to suit your everyday needs.
    With WaterWipesTM, you can experience the confidence of knowing that you’re using the purest and gentlest products on your skin. It’s a revolution in skin care that has touched the lives of countless families around the world.

    To commemorate the launch of the most awaited campaign, “When Life Plays Dirty” WaterWipesTM hosted an interactive event in Dubai. Filled with activities for mommies and their little ones, the event featured a cooking competition — where mothers got to experience a hands-on approach with their kids, who played to roles of sous-chef while cooking kids all-time favorite, pancakes..
    An interactive session with a skincare expert was organised to answer all the pressing queries that often creates a number of worries for the parents. Plus, a leisure lunch, that perfectly punctuated the day. Talk about a fulfilled day for mothers and their babies.
    Key benefits of WaterWipesTM:
    Exceptional Purity: Made with minimal ingredients, 99.9% purified water and a drop of fruit extract, for gentle cleansing.
    Dermatologically Tested: Suitable for sensitive skin.
    Versatile Applications: Suitable for diaper changes, face and hand cleaning, and on-the-go refreshes.
    Commitment to Safety: WaterWipesTM prioritizes the well-being of both babies and adults.
    WaterWipes Original
    Ideal for newborns: Provides a gentle and effective clean for sensitive baby skin.
    Microbiome-friendly: Helps maintain skin health.
    Essential for changing bags: A must-have item for parents of newborns.
    WaterWipesTM Textured Clean
    Designed for tougher messes: The textured material effectively cleans hands, faces, and other areas while being gentle on skin.
    Perfect for summer activities: Ideal for cleaning up after beach days, soccer games, or messy snacks.

    WaterWipesTM On the Go
    Compact and portable: Perfect for travel and on-the-go use.
    Refreshing: Refreshes the skin.
    Suitable for all ages: Can be used by adults, children, and babies.
    WaterWipesTM is more than just a baby wipes brand. It’s a trusted companion for families seeking gentle and effective skin care solutions. With its commitment to purity, safety, and versatility, the brand offers a range of products that cater to the needs of individuals at every stage of life. By choosing WaterWipesTM, you’re not only caring for your skin but also making a conscious decision to prioritize the well-being of yourself and your loved ones.

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

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    In pics: Sheikh Hamdan’s little one is all grown up

    Life by Sarah Joseph 12 mins ago Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai has proved to be a doting father time and time again especially as his kids have grown over the last few years. From regular outings to the stables to a myriad of travel plans across the world including London, his little ones have seen the world through his lens. From a skiing trip in Courchevel situated in South-East France to the Godolphin Stables in London, they’ve explored the world and have already grown up in no time. In February 2023, Fazza also welcomed his third child. The child’s name was revealed to be Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum. With his son, Rashid all grown up, the Royal father-son duo planned an equestrian outing at the stables where they were seen posing and petting the horses. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Instagram @faz3 More

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    Wimpy Launches Multilingual African Folktale Collection Encouraging Diversity, Inclusion And Literacy

    As a proudly South African restaurant, Wimpy recognises Mzanzi’s richness and has partnered with Ethnikids, an online children’s bookstore started by five South African moms, for a second year to give children access to an African folktale collection in their home language.
     Passionate about kids and their education, Wimpy is committed to bringing its edu-tainment philosophy to life. “Children are close to our hearts and core to our offering. Our collaboration with Ethnikids enables us to bringing real South African stories to kids in a fun and engaging way,” says Jodi Law, Brand Manager, Wimpy.

     In a country with 11 official languages, mother tongue books are not readily available, and most children’s books lack cultural context. “It is critical that children are exposed to literature that includes diverse ethnicities, this positively impacts a child’s self-image and develops pride in who they are and where they come from” says Seago Maapola, Educational Psychologist. 
    Stories that speak about who we are play an important role in representation, guiding what we should be proud of. “When there is a lack of representation, children are exposed to a single narrative based on stereotypes, this leads to them experiencing negative psychological outcomes and often feeling like they’re not good enough,” adds Maapola.
    Wimpy commissioned Ethnikids to develop a multilingual, multicultural folktale collection giving children access to diverse characters and stories that they can relate to and identify with. The collection is based on five South African folktales, with some of SA’s most talented authors and illustrators collaborating to provide children tales that represent the rainbow nation’s melting pot of cultures.
    English versions of the books are available at Wimpy restaurants nationwide with every Kids’ Combo Meal. Online versions of the books are available in all SA’s official languages, as well as in Khoe/Nama the original Bantu language of the Khoisan people that is being advocated to become one of SA’s official languages on the Wimpy website.
    “This year’s campaign includes an interactive online and in-restaurant experience encouraging children to engage with the stories. Children can choose their own ending by scanning a QR code at the back of the books, using their own imagination to expand on the narratives” adds Law.

    A second phase of the campaign will enable to kids collect 3D cardboard puppets from each of the featured books. These fold-out scenes will include different characters and allow kids to make use of their imagination, acting out scenes and making up their own characters.
    Visit https://wimpy.co.za/kids/mzanzi-stories/ to find out more.

    *In Partnership With Wimpy More