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    International Women’s Day: 11 inspiring women we admire on women they admire

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    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    Eleven women, eleven different stories this International Women’s Day.
    This year to mark International Women’s Day – Emirates Woman was delighted to invite some of the most respected women in the UAE to share their stories of womanhood, inspiration, and innovation.
    The campaign features 11 inspiring women in the region who’ve paved the way for entrepreneurs in the region. From being a fashion designer to creating a positive environment in the mental health space, each woman has played a pivotal role in Dubai and the region – and we are delighted to champion them today, and always.
    By delving into their journey of being a woman, we spoke to Dr. Saliha Afridi (@drsalihaafridi) – Clinical Psychologist and Founder & Chairman of The LightHouse Arabia; Sarah AlAgroobi (@sarahalagroobi) – Podcast Host, The Native Informant and Socio Anthropological Researcher; Nat Marcos (@natmorcos) – Founder of goshá and co-founder of SKOONI Arts Foundation; Rumana Nazim (@rnazim)– Lawyer and Founder of The Edit; Adrienne Everett (@hippiewhohustles) – Founder of HWH Studio Dubai (Yoga & Pilates); Zeynab El-Helw (@zeynabelhelw) – Fashion Designer of Reborn Society and Social Media Entrepreneur; Lama Jouni (@lamajouni) – Founder of Lama Jouni and Co-Founder of Outline, Elle Sawyer (@thisisposture) – Founder of Posture; Layla Kardan (@laylakardan) – Singer; Songwriter and Entrepreneur; Hala Abdallah (@thehala) – Founder & CEO of OFA Jewellery; and Panchali Mahendra (@panchalimahendra) – CEO of Atelier House Hospitality.When do we celebrate International Women’s Day?
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    International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated annually on March 8, to recognise the achievements of women in social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. It also raises awareness about gender equality and women’s rights.
    The Theme
    Per the UN, the theme for 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” This theme emphasises unlocking equal rights, power, and opportunities for all women and girls, envisioning a feminist future where no one is left behind.
    Overall, through this campaign, we wanted to empower women who empower.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Everything you need to know about the cast of Netflix’s Dubai Bling

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      A reality show dedicated to the emirate of Dubai has come back to Netflix this month.
      Dubai Bling Season 2 is set to bring a fair dose of drama to our screens whilst showcasing the high life of the emirate – from cars to exotic resorts to lavish properties to avant-garde fashion.
      After the excitement for the release and the official launch party at The Dubai Edition, Emirates Woman got to meet the cast face to face and interacted with the stars in reality in October 2022.
      As the show has made a comeback,  let’s take a look at who the main protagonists on the show are.
      Kris Fade

      The Australian-Lebanese host has become a household name in the country after establishing himself as a leading radio jockey. From hosting his own breakfast show, The Kris Fade Show, to being the MC at renowned events, he has gained traction worldwide and inspired his audience through various segments of his show and other kind gestures.
      Farhana Bodi

      After starting a page as a fashion content creator, Farhana Bodi has gone on to grow herself a worldwide following of over 1.4 million.
      Marwan Al-Awadhi

      As the first Emirati DJ to make waves in the region, Marwan Al-Awadhi is now widely known by his stage name, DJ Bliss. Along with his wife, the duo will be the first Emiratis to appear on this reality TV show.
      Brianna Fade

      As a strong support system to Kris Fade, she is also the brand manager at Fade Fit. After leading several brand activations and getting the brand recognised on a global level.
      Lojain Omran

      This Saudi Arabian TV presenter and social media personality has carved a niche for herself in the industry. After achieving success in various spheres, she also ensures she gives back to society as a noble humanitarian.
      Loujain Adada

      Lebanese model and former MTV presenter, Loujain Adadah, has made a mark for herself in the world of media.
      Safa Siddiqui

      This handbag enthusiast and keen fashion lover is all set to take the show by storm with her sartorial flair. From iconic silhouettes to key pieces, she meticulously styles her pieces with each look making an impression wherever she goes.
      Zeina Khoury

      As CEO of Highmark Real Estate, Zeina Khoury is one of the leading real-estate moguls in the UAE market. With her expert insight into properties and luxury new havens, her skills have taken her to the heights she is at today.
      Ebraheem Al Samadi

      Kuwaiti-American Ebraheem Al Samadi entrepreneur and CEO of Forever Rose has established himself in the world of flowers. With a keen passion for what he does, the businessman started working at the age of 13 and has proved that no vision is too hard to accomplish.
      Danya Mohammed

      Known as Diva Dee, Danya Mohammed is the first Emirati female reality TV star to air on the show. With a keen interest in fashion, her style and passion for content creation are clearly shown on her feed.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram  More

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      Founder of Impact School, Lauren Tickner on taking a risk thinking outside the box

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      Millionaire by 23, Founder of Impact School, Lauren Tickner talks to Emirates Woman about thinking outside the box and scaling using a smart mindset.
      What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
      This really depends where I am in the world. Because I travel a lot and my team members are primarily in the UK and USA, my mornings in the UAE look very different to my mornings in South America. When I’m in Dubai, I have 4-6 hours of uninterrupted time when no one else is online where I write, go to the gym, and do deep focused work. When I’m in US time zones, I have calls starting as early as 6am so I do 5-10 mins of stretching, then go out for a walk where I take my calls. Either way, morning meditation (I like Joe Dispenza) is a non-negotiable for me.
      How did you know it was the right time to launch your platform and what made you finally take the leap of faith?
      If I’d waited until the right time, I probably still wouldn’t have started now! Back when I got started (almost a decade ago now), my single aim was to connect with other people who were working towards the same goals. Through sharing what I was doing on social media, people began asking me for coaching. I was resistant to doing so for three years. But when I did start offering coaching (back then I was in the fitness space), it was only because there was so much demand.
      You were a millionaire by 23 years old —canyou expand on how this happened and whatsteps led you to such early success?
      No one is as surprised as me. My younger brother is disabled (epilepsy and autism) and althoughhe’s 2 years younger than me, his mental age is 2-3 years old. I saw him have his freedomstripped away from him so I believe the reasonI actually gained success in business isbecause I wanted nothing more than freedom.At the age of 18, I had a job in asset management at a FTSE 250 firm in London. All the people “ahead” of me were miserable, making a ton of money but somehow still broke, and unhealthy. I was literally looking at my future right in front of me. They didn’t have freedom and that was my pathway that lay ahead for me. People online were asking me for coaching (back then I was in the fitness space) and because the job was so drainingand, frankly, boring… I knew then that I needed to start my own business. At first, I partnered up with a friend who had already been doing online coaching successfully and I coached the girls and he coached the guys. From there, I had spent so many years offering free content that when I launched my own services, I was able to generate a huge volume of sales very quickly. It was really only myself and a video editor on the team, so my profit margins were really high.
      How did you impart knowledge to support your clients to do the same and are there any particular success stories that are special to you?
      Taking feedback from the market has been my best winning strategy. To this day, we survey every single one of our customers every quarter. Since helping people package and sell their knowledge and experience online, what we’ve always done: 1. Test strategies on one business; Get the strategy to work; Make the strategy better; And then even better again. 2. Test the strategy on multiple different businesses of ours (which are in multiple different industries); Get it working on those businesses; Make it better in those businesses; Then teach it to our customers. That way, we know it’s absolutely battletested and will win for them, too. What’s interesting, though, is that I never intended for this to be my business. After a short while of running my online fitness business, a lot of influencers and trainers were asking me how I did it. I honestly didn’t even know there was such a thing as the online consulting industry back then, so I shared what I was doing and the exact “copy and paste” posts with a few of my friends. And they each made more than $50,000 in their first month (they all had 100,000+ engaged followers online). I thought nothing of it for a while, but then one of themshared on their social media that I had helped them and I had a huge influx of people asking me if I could help, too. That’s when I put together a “sell online products” course for $2000 and used the same methods I was using for my fitness business to sell it. In my first week, I generated more than $20,000 and it was only up from there. That meant I had validated that my systems didn’t only work on my fitnessbusiness or my friends’ fitness businesses. But also to sell other types of courses, coaching or consulting online. Can you tell us more about what Impact School does? Impact School gives entretentially preneurs the systems, support and network to sell their knowledge and expertise online. We install the processes that build your audience and authority, convert your audience into sales, and that ensures your product is packaged in a way that delivers value to your customers while creating freedom for you. You can learn more at impactschool.com.

      What is key in social media sales and client acquisition?
      Authority. Most people don’t get results because they aren’t seen as an authority figure by those who find their content. Instead of “talking at people,” you need to get them to listen to you first. Adding social proof, testimonials, and sharing your story (with evidence) is fundamental. People will stop scrolling when they see your posts once they know you’re a true authority. From there, you can make offers for them to opt-into things you’re selling or your lead magnets, and they will actually take action.
      What’s the fastest way to grow your social media following to build an engaged audience?
      No one remembered the TikTokker who blew up overnight. I’m honestly not the best person to ask about growing a social media following fast. My belief is in playing the long game:1. Share value (when building an audience, I see “value” as giving without expecting anything in return). 2. Segment your audience into three groups: a) Those who don’t know you yet; b) Those who know who you are but don’t know what you sell; c) Those who know what you sell and love you. Each week, make a minimum of three posts, and in each post, speak only to one of the three groups at a time. 3. Copy and paste the posts onto every platform. I don’t understand why people don’t do this. It takes about two minutes more and can help you reach 100,000s more people. A lot of people will take this advice and then continue to write super salesy/corporate captions and content. Organic is meant to be that: organic. People are on social media to be social and to see what their friends are up to. If you look at my socials and model what I’m doing for your brand, it will really help. Do you feel more drawn to the creative or the business side of your brand and how have you grown the team to support this? Every month, I do a two week “revenue review”. This is where I list everything I’m doing in 30 minute increments and then next to each activity, I write: 1. $ if it’s a revenue generating task; 2. + if it gives me energy; 3. – if it takes my energy Anything which takes my energy and isn’t revenue generating, I delegate immediately. This often means offloading it to someone on my team or creating a new role and hiring someone for that role. Anything which takesmy energy and is revenue generating, I create a 1-3 month plan to offload it because doingsomething just because it makes money is not healthy in the long run. Personally, my zone of genius and passion is in marketing and content creation. That’s how I started all of this without ever imagining it would become a business! Finding a “right hand” who is literally the Yin to my Yang has been so important for me. Every visionary needs someone who can provide the structure and organization to make the dreams happen!
      You have clients the globe over – what are the most common mistakes you have seen in business?
      Businesses who don’t know their numbers. It’s shocking. You may see $50k in sales but then there’s actually $40k in marketing, delivery, and operational costs. So you spend an extra $30k and now you’re actually $20k negative. As soon as businesses really know their numbers and make decisions based on cash flow versus accounts receivable, everythingchanges for them.
      What is your trailblazing approach to business and how do you support others to transform their mindsets?
      Something I learned early on is that you cannot convince the un-convincible. After getting really frustrated when people (who were clearly in need of a health upgrade) would not listen to my advice, I decided to focus only on those who are ready to hear what I have to say. That said, my belief is truly that you never lose, you learn. Every hardship in life is simply personal development packaged up in a real world example.
      What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them?
      The more you have, the more you have to lose. There are people who were once in my life who have tried to sue and blackmail me to get money from me… People I’ve known for years. The thought still hurts but I got over it fromspeaking to a group of entrepreneurs I’m in and hearing they’ve had the same happen to them. It’s rough but I think sometimes when you know other people have been through the same thing it makes it easier to get through. What tips would you give to anyone wanting to launch their own business, is it all about scalability? In the launch phase, doing “scalable” things is where most go wrong. You don’t need to focus on “scalability,” you need to focus on getting cash in the door and making your customers happy. In the beginning, you have the ability to do the unscalable which ultimately sets you up to scale way bigger in the long run. Examples include: sending personal messages to anyone in your phone book who could poentretentially be a good customer; reaching out to all of your customers and getting on 15 minute calls with them to collect feedback; sending a message to anyone who’s commenting on your social media posts – these are the activities which allow you to know your ideal customer better than anyone else which allow you to scale in the long term. But it requires a large amount of effort so most people won’t do it. And that’s how you can win.

      How do you scale without compromising on quality?
      First, it’s all about hiring the right people. In our hiring process, we make sure every potential team member shares the company values. No matter their skill, if they don’t share our values, it will not work out. What we look for is that our team members would make the decision I’d make when I’m not in the room. Second, we survey all of our clients every quarter to find out what they want that we’re not delivering on. That way, we can be proactive and ensure we’re delivering the best experience possible. Third, systems. We have systems set up for anything and everything. That way, the system makes the decision rather than a person needing to make the decision.
      What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
      Advice I would give to my younger self starting out: 1. Relax more, it won’t hold you back; 2. Be very careful with trusting people: you never know their ulterior motives; 3. Always be testing: trying new things in business allows you to innovate and come up with more efficient ways to do things; 4. If there’s someone who’s done it, you can too. Don’t let your imposter syndrome hold you back; 5. Confidence comes with success: get some wins under your belt early on and it’ll set you up for your future success; 6. Hire the most experienced lawyer who understands your industry.
      This is The Trailblazers Issue— what does it mean to you to be a trailblazer?
      Being a Trailblazer is about showing what’s possible for other people. It’s about taking your failures and extracting the lessons, and empowering others to follow the path you’ve laid out for them. To be a trailblazer requires a level of leadership most are afraid to take on. But when you do, believe me, there’s a new level of fulfillment and happiness that will unlock for you. Get out there and show the world what’s possible.
      September – The Trailblazers Issue with Amira Sajwani – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      How I got my job as co-founders… of this interior design talent haven in Dubai

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      Welcome to the Emirates Woman 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 that 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.
      NACRE Living Interiors was founded by well-known industry names, Margarita Salionova and Surat Dzhelilova. The founders make for an exciting and influential example of interior design talent, with the launch of their first Dubai location now open on promenade level in Aurora Tower, Dubai Marina.
      In the beginning they started to work on fit outs for commercial spaces and luxury hotels and residential developments, an area of the business they will grow over the coming years.
      Some of the ultra-premium brands to be found in the stunning NACRE showroom space include Longhi, Raynaud, Ercuis, CTO Lighting, Vaughan Designs, Bella Figura, Giobagnara, Pinetti, Dedar, Sahrai and Alivar,To understand more, Emirates Woman sat down with these entrepreneurs to find out more about her journey and what led her to launch her own beauty brand.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      SD: Mine was geography because I got excellent marks – the teacher loved me for my beautiful eyes.MS: Probably like everyone else at school, and unrelated to my choice of career, my favourite subject was physical education.
      What was your first job?
      MS: I worked as an accountant at my father’s place of work. Again, pretty unrelated to my current line of entrepreneurial work – there’s a pattern here. That said, practice in accounting gave me a good foundation for understanding the importance of budgeting which is crucial for any successful entrepreneur.SD: I went to medical school, so my first job once I left university was an assistant plastic surgeon. It was a really high pressure and a role that was full of responsibility, but ultimately medicine turned out not to be my true passion point.
      What brought you to Dubai?
      SD: I wanted to move to Dubai for a long time before I made the change, as I just didn’t know where to begin. The sanctions in relation to my field probably worked as a catalyst for relocation, but I wouldn’t dream of changing it. Dubai is an incredible city.
      MD: The gap in the market for what we offer, as I don’t think there are many offerings that are comparable to NACRE, and I believe we are meeting a unique demand in the market. But also, on a more personal level, residents and professionals in Dubai are known to create and inspire beauty, and I am excited to now be able to call Dubai home and become a part of it all within the interior design space.
      What inspired you to enter the interiors space?
      MS: From a really young age, probably around fourteen, I had a burning desire to do what I do today. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, so this combined with a love for the home and interiors, really was a driving force from the outset. Throughout study at university I found myself, probably at the irritation of others, having a say in both my own living accommodation space and those of friends!
      SD: For me, food tastes better on a pretty plate, and I sleep more soundly in a beautiful bed. Even if throughout the day, things don’t quite go to plan, having a comforting and inspiring home to return to that is your own space makes all the difference. I went into interiors to change people’s lives and to bring residents happiness.

      Talk us through the concept of NACRE?
      MS: The NACRE project is a one-of-a-kind platform in the UAE that allows clientele to create a fully fledged harmonious interior and exterior of the home. At NACRE you can find vintage, designer and exclusive tableware, furniture, textiles, home accessories, modern art, and much more.
      SD: NACRE is a place where we want to create history – not only do we sell art, furniture and interior items, we sell emotions and nostalgia. I want every moment and memory associated with us to be remembered with a smile. It’s important for Margo and I to maintain good relations with our clients; I can’t believe we’ve only been open one month, and we are already so lucky to have a family that is made up of our amazing team, incredible clients, partners and friends who strongly support us. I have been in the sector for four years now, and all of my close friends today started as my clients. One of them helped me to choose a clinic for the birth of my daughter, another gave me my baby’s first stroller – there have been many moments like this that I still cherish.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      MS: I take the lead in more of the design element than Surat, the organisational role has fallen onto her shoulders! But in general, our roles intersect, no day is the same and we try to mutually distribute responsibilities.SD: I’m more of the organiser, and I’m a strict director at that. Margarita is lead in design. We learn from each other every day.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      SD: I wake up early in the morning and I commit to intense sports of some kind. Next, I open my diary and look at my endless to-do list, and I follow it rigidly to ensure I meet every deadline. I spend time with my daughter, we play and we go together to nursery. Every day brings something new to our world, and we are never bored.
      MS: Every day is challenging, but interesting. I have a young son which I brought into the world at the age of 24, so I have to combine the role of a woman who works (hard) and the role of mother and wife. Each member of my family has their own daily routine. In the morning everyone goes off to work, and in the evening we meet for dinner, we share conversations, or go an evening walk along Dubai’s beautiful marina. I spend pretty much every weekend with family and friends.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      SD : Always look ahead. Listen and hear yourself, sometimes it’s your inner voice trying to speak to you. Allow yourself to take risks If you really want it, you will achieve it.
      MS: Live for the smaller moments to be found in the everyday, be present and feel and experience all human emotions – embrace the positive with the not so positive. It’s all part of life’s rich tapestry. We all seek perfection, but I believe that if we embrace change we can determine our individual destiny. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, but we can change the future by living in the moment and by chasing our dreams. Dubai is the perfect city to give yourself a try.

      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      MS: The best advice I received is to support my family and to keep the faith in my own abilities. No one has lived in your shoes or has had the exact same life experiences, and therefore only you can advise what is best for you and your unit.
      SD: When you reach a new peak, dont be afraid to be at the bottom of the next path.
      And what is the worst?
      MS: It’s not so much advice but more the line of thinking that keeps you playing it safe. Living in fear and taking no risks in life will guarantee you fail by default, because you put your happiness at risk, so you may as well go for it, someone has to!
      SD: Don’t take that risk!
      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      MS: Launching in Dubai; it was thoroughly challenging due to tight deadlines ahead of opening. I’d imagine the entire editorial space of Emirates Woman wouldn’t be enough to give a summary of the series of events that were endured. That said, we made it, we kept plugging away and we are super proud of where we are today. We hope to see more great success to come, now we are through the toughest phase.SD: Finishing the renovation in our Dubai Marina showroom, which lasted 7 months rather than 2 months.
      What’s your future plans for the brand?
      MS: Our plans are grandiose. We have a strong desire to work with some of Dubai’s largest hotel groups, the best interior designers, and of course private residential spaces as well as real estate developers. Watch this space.
      SD: We have big plans. God laughs at us when we talk about our plans, so I always try to do everything in silence.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      7 incredible women tell us what it takes to trust the timing and use it wisely

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      Fatma AlmheiriFounder of fashion brand Venus The Label

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      Trusting the timing of my life is crucial for my personal growth and development. I have learned that in many situations, I must be patient and wait for things to fall into place. Whether it’s waiting for the right job opportunity, the perfect partner, or the ideal moment to pursue my passions, trust in the process is key. I firmly believe that everything will eventually work out, even if the path is not always apparent or straightforward. This belief requires me to let go of my need to control every aspect of my life and be open to the challenges and opportunities that come my way.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      By setting goals and priorities, it’s so important for me to know what I want to achieve. Making a list of my goals and assigning a level of importance to each one. This helps me focus my time and energy on the most important tasks. Planning and scheduling, once the goals are set, I create a plan to accomplish them. This is something I still struggle with, however taking one step at a time helps me stay focused in what I need to achieve. Avoid- ing distraction, the biggest time eater! I usually limit my usage of social media and turn off notifications to create a quiet workspace for myself with minimal distractions. Taking breaks to help increase my productivity, helps me recharge and refocus. My favourite one of them all, re- warding myself once I have hit a certain goal or achievement. It helps boost my self-confidence when I acknowledge the effort and progress I made, it increases my motivation and encourages me to go even further, of course not replacing the actual goal and in moderation.

      Julie LemkeHolistic Esthetician

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      When things did not turn out as I had planned in my mind. At one point I was facing so many obstacles and rejections that it forced me to pause and rethink my actions, my purpose and why I was fighting so desperately for something I maybe didn’t even want. I finally made the link between the roadblocks and me not living my authentic truth and I surrendered. It was in that exact moment that everything started falling into place and my life took a completely different direction to what I could ever have imagined. It was the most perfect timing; I would just never have planned it myself, as it was a ripping apart of everything before it could fall into place. New opportunities arose, everything gathered synergistically and one thing led to the other – paving the way to where I am today. Looking back, I am so unbelievably grateful for all the doors that closed, as new ones opened, allowing me to fully embrace my passion. I firmly believe that obstacles are a detour in the right direction – if you are willing to listen and be open to the guidance of a “higher power”. Sometimes we overlook things and opportunities in the need of controlling everything. But if we are willing to loosen to our pre-settings, we can eventually create space for magic and new beginnings.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      I allow myself sensory, social, mental, emotional and creative rest in order to be more efficient in what I do – when I do it. We live in a world where we are constantly ON. However, I personally found that I do not function very well in that way, so I had to implement some strategies to support me to be able to function at my best. I also realised that taking a lot of mini breaks makes me far more productive than taking one long break. Just a quick speedy recharge and I am ready again. I am huge on meal planning, making sure everything is set for the week. And finally, the real Game Changer, my work-related Capsule Wardrobe. Having a small selection of clothes as part of my business attire has literally changed my life and given me so much more time.

      Sarah AlagroobiArtist

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      There are many pivotal moments in life where time operates as a synchronistic phenomenon that creates meaning. Everything happens for a reason, so I do not approach life with an expectation that I can control my path or what is intended for me. I would rather honour the causes and effects that have been presented to me and know that although I may not understand their significance at that moment, it may come to me several years down the line. I truly believe that synchronicity draws the eye’s attention to moments in our lives when we need to stop and take a minute to breathe. Carl Jung defines time as the manifestation of the collective unconscious, archetypes, symbols, and experiences we derive from. So, I trust that the past was intended to guide the present to make way for the future.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      I see that time is a non-renewable resource; you can never get it back, so I don’t necessarily see it as ‘timekeeping’ but rather ‘time-taking’. I am very conscious about how I spend my time and who I give it to. I also feel that time is something you cannot control, so it is up to you to go with time rather than against it. We always feel we are racing against the clock, by recognising moments of stillness and being present with your time, you will manage it very well because you will be hyper-aware of its value. It is a currency that we can never trade, so you have to protect it.

      Maryam FayadhFounder of Bahraini Jewellery brand JGala

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      Shortly after receiving my architecture degree in 2016, I knew I wanted to do something different, but I was held back by the pressure to pursue a profession in the field I had just spent five years studying and along with not knowing what I truly wanted to do. After five years of working in multiple disciplines ranging from engineering offices to creative design agencies, and feeling out of place, I decided to focus on architecture again. On March 30, 2021, I was offered a job at the engineering firm I was interning at and refused it instantly. I had no plan or reason other than my gut telling me that this profession does not allow me to soar. By April 1st, 2021, I had decided to start my journey as a jewellery designer and met with a master jeweller to help me plan my educational journey and a new career. When the time was right, without hesitation, I made a life-changing decision that then led me to where I am today: a jewellery designer whose methodology and designs are shaped by architecture and its rich history.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      Over the years, I have come to believe that I am most productive when I have a detailed weekly and monthly schedule. This al- lows me to be productive while also having some flexibility to shift tasks around to accommodate for my time with my loved ones.
      Bea BongiascaItalian Jewellery Designer

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      I feel the question should be, when have I not trusted it? I have always been a believer in the saying “everything happens for a reason”, but I always add at the right time! Creating my brand has taught me to be patient even when I wanted things to happen instantly for myself. For instance, if everything I had going on right now, all the success the brand has witnessed, if all this occurred at the same time, I believe we wouldn’t have been able to manage as well as we have. For me, slow and steady always wins, and for a reason!
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      I am a very organized person, so managing time is no issue. I actually enjoy planning ahead which really helps me with managing my time effectively, particularly when it comes to everything involving the Bea Bongiasca brand.
      Arwa Al BanawiSaudi Fashion Designer

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      Starting my own brand, it took time and many dreamy conversations but it was meant to happen when certain things were accomplished in my life and career. I felt in a blink of a moment in 2015 that now is the time.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      I prioritise my tasks by the importance of deadlines. I try not to force inspiration as I learned with experience it has to come naturally and the more you do not think about it, you will get inspired more often. I plan “personal time“ and take that time seriously whether it’s a solo trip by the sea or by the mountains or a spa day – “me time makes all the difference in time management“. Most importantly, I delegate things that I don’t need to add pressure on myself to do personally and it took me time to learn that but I did through experience of almost 10 years in my field.
      Leen MattarFounder of fashion label, Lilo

      When have you had to trust the timing of your life in the past?
      When I hit rock bottom in my personal life and education, I realised that despite the obstacles and doubts from others, I needed to pursue my long-envisioned career in fashion. From a young age I gravitated towards it, and the process of creating. Going against what I felt I was meant to do led to me being unable to excel in any areas of my life. After five semesters jumping from major to major, I trusted my intuition and booked a flight back to Jordan where I asked my Father to take a chance and invest my tuition fees into creating my brand, Lilo. Another moment I remember is sketching a dress and seeing the same design in a department store from a big Italian brand. It was another sign to start, it was the time to bring my vision to life, my designs are meant to be now. Time is one of the most precious things in life, and it’s easy to delay turning your dreams into reality for fear of failing. These experiences taught me to trust the timing of my life, to believe in myself, the process, and most importantly God.
      This is The Horology Issue – how do you manage your time wisely?
      As a young entrepreneur and fashion de- signer, time management is one of the key components to staying on the path to success. I believe it is the most precious commodity, and aim to balance it between work and my personal life. I invest a large amount of my time in the creative process, designing, and perfecting each capsule we launch. If I’m not creating, I love learning from other creatives in the industry to broaden my horizons. I also dedicate time to be with myself, I enjoy my own company and feel as though my personal identity creates the character that Lilo is as a brand, its life through my eyes.
      May’s – The Horology Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      8 incredible women tell us how they innovate within their company culture

      by

      In an environment where creativity and knowledge reign supreme, employees are able to explore and exchange ideas freely.
      Various UAE-based entrepreneurs are constantly uplifting this positive culture and Emirates Woman speaks to several inspiring women upholding the same values.
      Zoya SakrFounder of The Flower Society

      What does innovation mean to you?
      It’s something out of the ordinary, it doesn’t always need to be a radical change, but its impact lies within the value it creates to end users. In my business, it’s linked to creativity in line with the brand positioning we created for our brand. A disruption is an extreme form of innovation, and we believe this is possible in all kinds of businesses when being close to customers and their needs.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      Innovation at The Flower Society comes from every team member. Our company has a bottom-to-top policy, no hierarchy or stiff layers so creativity can flow. Innovation also comes from our loyal clients becoming part of the brand as they inspire us.
      Claire MillerFounder and CEO of The Skincare Edit

      What does innovation mean to you?
      In my idealistic view, products, ideas, or methods make the world a better place. As an entrepreneur and facialist within the beauty field, I am excited by the advancements we have seen in skincare formulation. Yet, I feel passionate and responsible that, as a wider industry, we need to examine some real challenges too and not shy away from the complicated issues such as climate change and sustainability that require more innovation.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      The Skincare Edit was created from a desire to do things better. Sustainability is at the heart of every decision we make as a team, from the brands we partner with to product selection, shipping, packaging, and delivery to how we describe the suitability of our products to customers. We want customers to make informed decisions for their skin without commercial hype – with only truth and transparency, which leads to better re- results and less waste. Our promises are honesty, results-driven products, sustainability, and transparency. For better sustainability, we need to look beyond just the products and the journey they take to get to us, ensuring the carbon footprint is as little as possible. As a beauty retailer and distributor, this is how we try to play our part in innovation.
      Amna Al HabtoorFounder of Arcadia

      What does innovation mean to you?
      To me, innovation is synonymous with originality. Thinking outside the box, trial and error, fresh perspectives, and advanced methods are all how I perceive innovation.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      It’s imperative that I adopt a non-hierarchal management approach – I feel that allows a corporate mindset that is always open to change, growth, and hence, innovation. I enforce this in different ways, such as having an open workspace with all my team members and encouraging collaboration between everyone in the company.
      Emma SawkoFounder of Wild & The Mood

      What does innovation mean to you?
      Innovation is what shakes the world and changes paradigms. And when you want to introduce a new way of eating, in a region where each community is attached to their food culture as a part of their identity, when you want people to be more environmentally conscious in an environment that does not help, when you want them to take care of their health and vitality even though they did not seem to care that much… It takes a whole lot of innovation and shaking! My luck is that the UAE is a young country with a fresh look at everything and tonnes of enthusiasm for innovation. Since we opened, I have witnessed a shift in mentalities, and I believe the green revolution has started here. I’m also delighted to see more and more young women among the new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. I had the honour of being nominated for the prestigious Bold Women Awards in Paris, where I was surprised to meet hundreds of strong women, all entrepreneurs, many of them true innovators in their fields. I felt touched and grateful for this new generation of bold, empowered women, most of them with a gentler, greener, and altruist take on success. We all need to encourage our daughters to be bold and innovative.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      To become the first vegan, organic, and locally sourced restaurant in the UAE, we necessarily had to innovate. So much, in fact, that it gave my team and myself many headaches. Of course, we created our recipes from scratch with plant-based ingredients and no compromise on the taste. We also wanted minimal environmental impact and worked with architects who built the space using mainly recycled materials. We also had to innovate with nearly every aspect of the project, including finding 100% biodegradable bottles or containers, ways to minimize waste (we aim to be a 0% waste restaurant), or carbon footprint. We can say that innovation is in Wild & the Moon’s DNA.
      Lyndsay DoranChief Executive Office, L’Couture

      What does innovation mean to you?
      It means never resting on your laurels. However, innovation doesn’t always have to mean radical and incremental changes – especially within the fashion industry. As a brand, we have always been consistently focused on elevating and therefore innovating in every sense. Founded in Dubai, L’Couture is a homegrown brand with a global mindset.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      As a business, we are always looking to innovate in four key areas. In terms of the product itself, from consciously sourcing Oeko-Tex factories that produce new and improved fabrics to extensive fit testing with diverse models to perfect that all-important LC fit. We recently dropped our best-selling Serenity Seamless collection in a new and planet-friendly Amni Soul Eco fabric with an enhanced fit. We constantly look for new technologies to improve even our best sellers. At the core of our business is people, not only our strong community but our team across the board. We aim to diversify, grow, and promote within the company. The in-store experience is a core component of the business and something we are passionate about as a team. In line with trends in experiential retail, we want to ensure the shopping experience is as seamless and innovative as possible for our customers. Finally, L’Couture was launched online, therefore we continue to optimise the website to provide an end-to-end shopping experience. The world of e-commerce and digital is forever changing, so in order for us to be competitive, we have to be ahead of the curve and innovative and offer our customers a 360 experience.
      Zeina El-DanaFounder and CEO of Z7 Communication

      What does innovation mean to you?
      Innovation is the key to success… especially in the world of communications, events and digital. We are continuously finding ways to disrupt
      the industry with our creative and experimental approaches to ensure that our clients always stand out above the rest. To me, innovation is about constant growth and agility, being able to stay ahead of the curve and offer something outside the box to create noise!
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      Company culture is very close to my heart, and I have spent the past few years dedicating a lot of time and resources to building a culture that enables my team to feel inspired and help them grow. I believe the physical work environment is very important, we have a beautifully designed office space in Dubai Design District, which is the heart of design, fashion, and culture in the region, but also offers flexibility to the team to work be- tween the office and outside locations where they can gain further inspiration. We organise weekly team brainstorms and monthly skill shares to upskill the team – knowledge gives the team the power and confidence to innovate. We also schedule bi-monthly team activities to enable the team to relax, bond, and foster a fun environment. At Z7, we empower the team at every level, from interns to directors, no idea is too big or too small, and I always encourage the team to believe in the impossible, push boundaries, and encourage continuous innovation! We offer a safe environment where open communication is cherished to allow the team’s creativity to be seen and heard. Recognising and rewarding success is something we continually do, and formally, once a month, we also announce an employee of the month who has achieved something special, thus encouraging further innovative behaviours within the team.
      Fatma AlmheiriSenior Manager of Communications at the Museum of The Future

      What does innovation mean to you?
      Innovation to me is more about being open to new ideas and perspectives. It’s a pathway to self-improvement and finding novel ways to have a bigger and better impact on those around me.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      In order to have an innovative culture embedded in any field, I feel it’s extremely important to welcome creativity and new ideas with open arms. It’s also crucial that your team is empowered enough to share these ideas confidently.
      Zoe HaldaneBrand Director of The Arts Club

      What does innovation mean to you?
      To me, innovation is about pioneering change in order to thrive. In our business, we strive to innovate on all levels, from what we offer in our restaurants and how we build and train our teams to how we programme our cultural events and communicate them to our members. Our industry is highly competitive here and in London, and innovation is key to our success.
      How do you innovate in your company culture?
      Since The Arts Club Dubai is not only our first international outpost, but also the second-ever clubhouse to be opened since our establishment in 1863, we naturally had a blank canvas opportunity to innovate across all aspects of our business, including company culture. Key to my approach is an open-door policy that gives all colleagues, no matter which department, the space to come and discuss their thoughts and ideas freely. Some of these can be specific to their respective teams or divisions, but there is an intrinsic value in allowing people to share their ideas in a way that is not confined or limited. I’m also a big believer in breakaway brainstorming sessions, some of which take place outside of the office environment. These sessions consistently provide the suitable space and environment for blue-sky thinking, ambitious strategy planning, and long-term vision. Perhaps most importantly, I always aim to take a positive approach in my role and channel a mindset open to change. I guide colleagues through influence rather than instructions and empower them to think independently and operate with confidence. This non-hierarchical way of management has always been important to me and is an intrinsic contributor to business success.
      February’s – The Innovation Issue – Download Now 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Everything to know about the cast of Netflix’s Dubai Bling

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      A reality show dedicated to the emirate of Dubai is coming to Netflix this week.
      Dubai Bling is set to bring a fair dose of drama to our screens whilst showcasing the high life of the emirate – from cars to exotic resorts to lavish properties to avant-garde fashion.
      Set to premiere on Thursday, October 27, 2022, the excitement for the release has most definitely been built up after its official launch party at The Dubai Edition where Emirates Woman got to meet the cast face to face.
      Ahead of its launch, let’s take a look at who the main protagonists on the show are.
      Kris Fade

      The Australian-Lebanese host has become a household name in the country after establishing himself as a leading radio jockey. From hosting his own breakfast show, The Kris Fade Show, to being the MC at renowned events, he has gained traction worldwide and inspired his audience through various segments of his show and other kind gestures.
      Farhana Bodi

      After starting a page as a fashion content creator, Farhana Bodi has gone on to grow herself a worldwide following of over 1.4 million.
      Marwan Al-Awadhi

      As the first Emirati DJ to make waves in the region, Marwan Al-Awadhi is now widely known by his stage name, DJ Bliss. Along with his wife, the duo will be the first Emiratis to appear on this reality TV show.
      Brianna Fade

      As a strong support system to Kris Fade, she is also the brand manager at Fade Fit. After leading several brand activations and getting the brand recognised on a global level.
      Lojain Omran

      This Saudi Arabian TV presenter and social media personality has carved a niche for herself in the industry. After achieving success in various spheres, she also ensures she gives back to society as a noble humanitarian.
      Loujain Adada

      Lebanese model and former MTV presenter, Loujain Adadah, has made a mark for herself in the world of media.
      Safa Siddiqui

      This handbag enthusiast and keen fashion lover is all set to take the show by storm with her sartorial flair. From iconic silhouettes to key pieces, she meticulously styles her pieces with each look making an impression wherever she goes.
      Zeina Khoury

      As CEO of Highmark Real Estate, Zeina Khoury is one of the leading real-estate moguls in the UAE market. With her expert insight into properties and luxury new havens, her skills have taken her to the heights she is at today.
      Ebraheem Al Samadi

      Kuwaiti-American Ebraheem Al Samadi entrepreneur and CEO of Forever Rose has established himself in the world of flowers. With a keen passion for what he does, the businessman started working at the age of 13 and has proved that no vision is too hard to accomplish.
      Danya Mohammed

      Known as Diva Dee, Danya Mohammed is the first Emirati female reality TV star to air on the show. With a keen interest in fashion, her style and passion for content creation are clearly shown on her feed.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Saudi National Day 2022: 9 inspiring women share how The Kingdom empowers them

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      Saudi Arabia marks its 92nd Saudi National Day today, September 23, 2022.
      With patriotism comes an evolving sense of how women’s roles have changed in the Kingdom. The unification of the country throughout the years inspired women with immense pride and strength about paving the way for the next generations.
      From successful entrepreneurs to pioneers in their industry, inspiring Saudi women are taking the lead in evolving the future of the country.
      Since the unification of the country by King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud in 1932, the occasion has been marked annually since 2005 and has brought its members together to overcome all obstacles.
      As Saudi women continue to increase their participation in society and the workforce, the recent rising opportunities represent their growth in various industries.
      To understand more about how the nation is helping them grow, Emirates Woman spoke to several notable women about various reforms over the years.
      Nora Al ShaikhFashion Designer of her namesake luxury ready-to-wear line

      Talk us through your career.
      I launched this Jeddah-based contemporary luxury label in 2012. With clothing, fragrances and accessories, the brand has grown over the past decade into a lifestyle brand. As I was always passionate about design and textiles, I received a degree in Business Administration from King Saud University before enrolling at Riyadh’s Art & Skills Institute, which was the first fashion programme of its kind in the Kingdom. Shortly after graduating, my first collection was presented at Saks Fifth Avenue, Riyadh in 2009. Since my early days, the brand focused on bridging cultures. Filtered through a contemporary lens for a global audience, these influences are reflected in the unique proportions, cuts and embellishments of the brand’s garments. I’ve always taken inspiration from the landscapes, art, architecture and individuals she encounters during her travels to cities such as London, New York and L.A.Five years later, I was one of three Saudi fashion designers selected by the Ministry of Culture to participate in shaping the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, by envisioning the role fashion can play in shaping perceptions of the country and its rich heritage.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      It was about fives year ago that I was one of three Saudi fashion designers selected by the Ministry of Culture to participate in shaping the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, by envisioning the role fashion can play in shaping perceptions of the Kingdom and its rich heritage. To be asked to participate in that process is an example of positive change. In a few days, I will be heading to Milan to show my collection during fashion week, with a group of Saudi designers. When I began my label there was very little support or credibility fashion industry in the Kingdom. Now we are able to engage with a global audience in ways we never thought possible. We are still building the foundation for the fashion industry and that takes time but we are on the right track.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      Don’t be afraid to make mistakes along your journey because that is ultimately how we learn and grow.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      My hope for my country is the same hope I have for the rest of the world. That we can live in peace, experience a sense of opportunity to better our lives, and maintain a sense of pride in who we are as a people and culture.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      Home for me means many things. I was born and raised in Riyadh and now live in Jeddah, and looking out on the Red Sea, reminds me that we are a diverse country shaped by centuries of global trade, cultural fusions and migration. I immediately feel at home when thinking about our rich history.
      Sofana DahlanFirst female lawyer to have been granted the permit to practice law in Saudi Arabia

      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      Currently, the sky’s the limit for the citizens of Saudi Arabia. In the past five years, the Kingdom has witnessed a unique transformative and social reform, from youth to women empowerment to the advancement of economic growth and preservation of cultural values.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      To uphold the values of perseverance, taking responsibility and being part of the social-economic development in the country.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      Embrace technology whilst safeguarding our values and culture.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      Belonging comes from the common values that the Kingdom embraces as an Islamic and Arab country. We hold our traditions, unique value system and identity very dear to our hearts, both as individuals and collectively as a nation. Saudi Arabia allows its citizens to participate in its social-economic development and transformation thereby bringing together everyone to work towards shared values – prosperity and growth of our country, safeguarding our culture and promoting our national identity.
      Lulwah Al HomoudContemporary Artist

      Talk us through your career.
      I always believed that art is not for fun but a truly serious channel that changes perspective in so many ways. My current career is a result of a huge shift in my life. I started as a sociologist and in a short time I realised that the creative field is what I want to spend my life doing. Between curating and producing art, I believe I can make a positive change.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      Saudi Arabia opened so many closed doors to its citizens, by putting them in touch with their ancient heritage and creating a force to push them towards a bright future. The energy I see in young people is impeccable.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      I would advise young people to absorb as much knowledge as possible about whatever they want to explore. Accumulation of knowledge is the source of creativity.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      My hopes are endless. I hope that the kingdom becomes a destination for education, art and culture and I think we will see that in the near future.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      By being proud when I look back at our history and being part of the development towards a better future.
      Raha MoharrakFirst Saudi woman to summit Mount Everest

      Talk us through your career.
      I’ve always dreamed of challenging adventures and seeing the world from a different angle. After graduating from the American University of Sharjah, I started my career by working at a leading advertisement agency. One day my life changed when I decided to summit Mt. Kilimanjaro and this later opened the doors to eight more summits, leading to my insatiable love for altitude. I then set my eyes on Mount Everest and eventually made history by being the first Saudi woman to summit Everest.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      There are so many amazing leaps in the overall empowerment of its citizens but I would have to say that the efforts that have been made in the empowerment of women speak volumes about the country’s evolution.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      The doors have been opened and ceilings have been shattered, this is your time to thrive.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      I’m very hopeful about the future, we have an incredibly rich history and I’m optimistic we will have an amazing future as well.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      My love for my ancestor’s land is written on my face and my loyalty to my family is thicker than blood and my eyes sparkle at the pride that I feel for out legacy.
      DanehDubai-based Saudi fashion designer

      Talk us through your career.
      Something many may not know about me is that I have a career in Information Technology and deep into my career, I wanted to add another element to my life which involved working in fashion. The form of how I would be in fashion was not clear. I initially worked in styling and eventually thought about opening a concept store and then in 2011, it was clear after courses practice experimenting and more and finally, DANEH was born.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      Saudi Arabia is nurturing talent in various sectors and in several fields including the creative space. Now opportunities are everywhere, and the country is providing support if there is an idea, citizens can ask for support to bring their vision to life. Saudi Arabia has a strong belief and faith in its citizens and that in itself is empowerment.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      Learn the business, seek professional advice, seek mentorship, be patient, be resilient and control the ego, as your designs should have meaning and purpose. It’s important to create good products and prioritize this.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      My hopes are endless and things are happening every day in front of my eyes. hope for constant stability and prosperity and for us as citizens to further advance with this country and be part of achieving the plan and vision of 2030 and beyond.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      Through our people, I belong to this country and it is my home. The family and friends I have in the country make it home. I feel Saudi Arabia is always giving us a big hug saying, “you are home”.
      Razan AlazzouniSaudi Fashion Designer

      Talk us through your career.
      My sisters and I established Razan Alazzouni in 2008. Since then, we have launched many different lines expanding the brand. We now have bridal, ready-to-wear, children’s wear, accessories, shoes and kaftans. The brand began started focusing mainly on the Middle East market in 2008 and manage to extend its sales globally by having retail partners and an online presence. The brand is also not part of the Saudi 100 brands programme.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      The government is taking amazing strides to create new industries empowering Saudis to follow their dreams and work in fields that were not available to them in the Kingdom. The government also launched many different initiatives to promote education in those fields providing the much-needed training to be successful.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      Be true to yourself. Find your style your trade mark and don’t worry about trends. Being you is more important than becoming a trend as they always fade.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      To keep moving forward. Honestly, the government is so supportive and continues to create opportunities for the new generations. We have new thriving fashion community that is legitimising the Saudi fashion industry worldwide. I hope that we continue to shine as a collective community and show the world the many talents hidden in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      One of the most evident traits in Saudis is their hospitality. The country and its people are all so welcoming to different cultures and beliefs. It is the best home to have the most welcoming.
      Sawsan AlbahitiSaudi Arabia’s first professional Saudi opera singer

      Talk us through your career.
      Although I began my training as an opera singer in 2008, I started my career as an opera singer 10 years later in 2018. I never imagined I could have a professional career in music, let alone in opera, as a Saudi woman. My training started at the American University of Sharjah during my bachelor’s degree studies, where I trained and performed for three consecutive years with the resident opera singer and vocal coach, and the resident choir conductor. After I graduated in 2011, my training slowed down as I came back to Saudi Arabia and there were no venues for music training. I started my career in marketing and advertising and went on to executive management after that leading my family company in catering. In 2018, I reached a point where I couldn’t run away from the feeling of frustration and lack of purpose. I realized at that point, with the launch of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, that it is the right time to pursue my life passion and dream of becoming a musician. I appeared in several media interviews announcing myself and shortly after that I was invited by the Minister of Culture, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud, to perform the Saudi national anthem at the opening of La Scala’s concert in Riyadh and the rest is history.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      The Kingdom is putting a real effort to improve the quality of life for citizens from all aspects and with that comes great enablers for Saudis in different sectors. When it comes to culture, for example as my own area of interest, the Ministry of Culture was formed in 2018 and with it 11 commissions were formed under its umbrella: music, film, theater, literature, libraries, architecture, visual arts, culinary, museums, heritage, and fashion. I am currently working with the music commission in leading different projects in the music performance sector. I am working along with colleagues who are also musicians with a background in management and that is giving us a real advantage in our work as you rarely find good musicians with good business and management skills on a global scale. This has allowed us to pursue our dreams in our home country and truly work in something we love and literally be part of history as we make the change in the country. This applies to all other commissions and all other entities formed under Vision 2030.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      Set your goals clearly, get the training and knowledge you need to achieve those dreams and don’t do anything with less than 100 percent effort and finally I tell them, dream BIG, this is the time for it.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      I hope for Saudi to prosper even more and be a role model of a country on a global level.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      I have never felt prouder to be Saudi. The amount of support we are given as Saudis in various fields is unprecedented compared to other countries around the world. I find myself, as well as my friends and family, returning from vacations abroad and thinking how blessed we are to be living in the Kingdom and how well of a quality of life we are living here. May we be blessed with a life filled with joy, health and security in our beloved Kingdom.
      Honayda SerafiFashion Designer

      Talk us through your career.
      Well, HONAYDA isn’t just a clothing brand; when I first launched it, I had a vision for it, to not only be an international player on the fashion scene; being myself a Saudi female fashion designer, but to also create a movement and a community regionally and internationally to the strong, powerful, and independent women. HONAYDA was born from a single belief, Empowering women. The brand was raised and nurtured in a way to have a cause, to become a brand with a voice. We believe in always raising the bar, and I never gave up on my long-dreamed goal of going global, but rather endeavored to overcome the obstacles one by one, leading HONAYDA to where it is positioned today, among international brands.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      We are witnessing incredible progress on many levels currently for a land that is rich in talents, from introducing new national development initiatives to empowering women and encouraging the new generation of multidisciplinary talents. Precisely in fashion, with the Fashion Commission’s great efforts into developing the sector in line with the Kingdom’s vision 2030, by implementing several programs considering promoting fashion locally and internationally such as the 100Saudi Brands which introduced the participating brands in an outstanding launch in the most vibrant capital of New York, with the amazing support of our ambassador who we pride ourselves with, HRH Princess Reema Bint Bandar Alsaud.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      Life is full of endless opportunities for everyone to create and grow using their own ingenuity. We are blessed with a land packed with culture and invaluable artistic heritage. Absorb all the inspiration that is around you, and learn from those who preceded you. However, the road to success is never an easy one, and consistency in your efforts is what will take you places.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      I am proud and grateful for what the Kingdom is achieving from progress, and always looking forward to what is coming next, especially as we all witness the vision 2030 concretizing, one project after another. My hopes are that Saudi Arabia remains the land of opportunities, and a role model for a united nation.
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      My family taught me the values of my culture and the richness of my ancestors’ heritage, where belonging is mirrored in my creations. The warmth of its people, the beauty of its regions, and the power of its ambitions are what strengthen this sense of belonging in me. It is a very special feeling of pride that I cannot really express in words when I am introduced as a female Saudi designer at international events and in my daily life.
      Dina AltayebFirst Arab woman to qualify for Ironman

      Talk us through your career.
      I started my triathlon Journey 20 years ago. My first race was in 2002 and since then have competed in over 100 races. 18 of these include the full ironman which is 4km swimming, 180km cycle and 42km run) over 45 ironman races and sever marathons including Boston Marathon in 2010. I am proud to be the first Saudi female to complete an Ironman distance race in 2005, the first Saudi national and the first Arab woman to qualify and compete at the world championship ironman race in Hawaii in 2018 and 2019. I am proud to also be the first Saudi national to compete in the half ironman championship in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Besides this, I am also a mother of three children and a dentist practicing in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
      What steps is Saudi Arabia taking to empower its citizens?
      Saudi Arabia is doing an exceptional job to empower its citizens in different fields. My experience is in the sports field. We now have great support by the government in all athletic fields for both men and women. I am a board member of the first Saudi Triathlon federation and with the help and support of the government, we are working hard to develop a young generation of female and male athletes that can compete at national and international levels. We have the best coaches and mentors to help these young athletes. For example, our national team just finished a two-week training camp in Tabuk, hosted by international and national coaches. We are also excited to have government support and guidance to encourage the general population to adopt a healthy lifestyle and introduce the sport of triathlon. Our federation is hosting over 15 races next year in different cities of Saudi Arabia that are open to the general public.
      What advice do you have for the younger generation who wish to follow in your footsteps?
      When I started my journey, the sport of triathlon was new in the Gulf region, It was hard to get support, find coaches and be part of a community. Today, it’s a different story, we have the facilities, the support, the coaches, the community and events. I am proud to be part of the ASICS frontrunner community, a great group of runners and triathletes that share the same passion. I believe that having people that share the same goals and dreams is a great motivator. I encourage the young generation to have a dream, to find a sport they like. To take the first step.
      What are your hopes for the country going forward?
      I am so proud of my country and I can see great potential for our young athletes to compete and achieve international recognition at the highest level. Saudi Arabia is giving unbelievable support to all of us. There has never been a better time to be a Saudi Athlete
      The slogan for this year’s annual National Day is “This is Our Home”, how does the Kingdom give you a sense of belonging?
      Saudi Arabia is my home. I carry my country in my heart wherever I go and I try to set a good example. I do my best, I try as hard as I can,I hold my flag proudly. I am proud to be a Saudi national.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      in lifestyle and culture

      9 Instagram accounts founded by inspiring entrepreneurs to follow

      by

      Fashion

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      A curated guide of all the inspiring accounts to #follow.
      Rhode skin@rhode

      Hailey Bieber’s new vegan skincare brand.
      THREADS@threadsstyling

      The first platform to take shopping to Instagram.
      Morpho@morpholabel

      Content Creator Rania Fawaz’s newly launched brand, referencing 90’s style.
      Nadine Jewellery@nadine_jewellery

      Innovating fine jewellery, all handmade in Italy and Switzerland.
      Fajer Fahad@fajer

      The founder behind the new beauty platform @beaulinebeauty.
      Marli@marli

      Taking a new approach to principles of timelessness jewellery pieces
      Hala Al Gergawi@halgergawi

      Emirati entrepreneur and founder of ‘Tea Before Noon’.
      Saanté Selfcare@saanteselfcare

      Family-founded slow beauty skincare brand.
      Tutus Kurniati@tutuskurniatiofficial

      Entrepreneur and founder of her own namesake brand both on and offline.
      September’s – The Entrepreneur Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @rhode More