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Popular Abu Dhabi-based fashion blogger Dana Ahmed may seem like she has the perfect life from her fabulous Instagram feed – and she definitely does. However, that doesn’t mean she won’t go through the same guilt many other mothers can feel, particularly when it involves leaving your children to go to work. Luckily, Dana has found a wonderfully supportive community after starting her blog – which has seen her collaborate with some superlative brands including NET-A-PORTER, Dior and Max Mara. She talks to us about balancing work and parenting, what her life was like before becoming a mum to two-year-old Adnan and what her biggest take away she has learnt becoming a mother.
Life and career before becoming a mother.
I used to work at an insurance company full time and had my fashion blog as well.
How life changed once she became a mother.

First, I quit my job at the insurance company – I wanted to spend time with my firstborn kid more than anything. But at the same time, I kept my social media accounts and I tried to share my journey as a mum with my followers. I’ve noticed that I gained so many wonderful mum followers who loved reading and following my journey. To be honest, I couldn’t give more to my office job anymore. I wanted to do something I love, whilst having my baby next to me.

How quickly she returned to work after having her son.

As a fashion blogger, I took a very short break when I first delivered as I was so overwhelmed with everything happening. Then I went back to sharing my diaries with my followers, but this time as a new mum.
The hardest thing about being a working mum.
I think the hardest thing is when I have to leave my baby for a whole day shoot, or travel without him.
How her style has changed since becoming a mum.
I don’t think my style changed, now I just like to go more with casual or street style looks – and thankfully it’s so trendy at this moment. It’s more comfortable, especially I will be running around with my kid, carrying his bag, my bag and sometimes carrying him.
How her beauty routine changed since becoming a mum.
I’m focusing more now on skincare routines, because the better your skin is, the less makeup you need and as a mum, and now I have less time for makeup than before!
Her top parenting tips.
Be you, follow your instincts and don’t compare yourself to any other parent. Yes, take advice, but sometimes what works for others might not work for you.
The biggest thing she’s learnt since becoming a mum.
The biggest take away since becoming a mum is how my priorities have changed, material items mean less to me.
Dana’s Beauty Hero Buys

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Dhs125 sephora.ae; Benefit Cosmetic Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain Dhs156 sephora.ae; Clarins Double Serum Dhs537 sephora.ae
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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EW Mini – Autumn/Winter 2020 Issue – Download Now
The best resorts across the UAE ensuring fun for all the family.
Atlantis The Palm
Where: Dubai

As the crown of Dubai’s famous The Palm, this hotel is also the crowning jewel for families to enjoy quality time together. With the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark, Dubai’s largest aquarium and the chance to swim with some friendly marine mammals, there’s no shortage of activities for the kids. Food-wise there’s plenty of family-friendly choices including Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Ronda Locatelli or the Seafire Steakhouse & Bar. For parents to have a night away from the children enjoy a meal at Nobu, Hakkasan or Ossiano. To make the most of your stay, opt for one of the Atlantis’ luxurious Club Suites – there are both one and two-bed options – to ensure you have space for the whole family.
The details

Situated at the top of the Palm Jumeirah, the resort is just a 30-minute drive from Dubai International Airport. Suite rates begin at Dhs980 per night. For reservations call +971 4 426 2000.
Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Where: Dubai

With one of the most fabulous stretches of beaches in all of the emirate, The Ritz Carlton Dubai houses a total of eight restaurants and six pools – two of which are for families and two more are just for children. To get some alone time away from children, drop the kids off at the Ritz Kids club which offers a programme with four concepts – water, land, environmental responsibility and culture – for guests aged four to 12. Meanwhile, parents can spend some relaxation time in the spa or enjoy a leisurely lunch together.
The details
Located near Dubai Marina, the resort is a 30-minute drive from the airport. Room rates start from Dhs920 for a bed and breakfast rate. For reservations call +971 4 399 4000.
Anantara The Palm
Where: Dubai

Immerse yourself in a five-star resort experience at the Thai-themed Anantara resort in Dubai. There’s something for everyone of all ages with a whole host of in-resort activities including kayaking, waterskiing, paddleboarding, tennis and beach volleyball. In addition, there is also a teen and kids club. You can also embrace new adventures with your family with a world-class fishing trip or take an adventure underwater diving. Family-friendly in-resort dining options include Revo Café, The Beach House and Bushman’s Restaurant & Bar.
The details
Thirty minutes from Dubai airport, the luxurious resort is located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah. Standard room rates including bed and breakfast start from Dhs757. For reservations call +971 4 567 8888.
Four Seasons Dubai on Jumeirah Beach
Where: Dubai

This Dubai resort likes to make their youngest guests feel just as special as the adults. The resort’s free-form outdoor pool makes it the perfect gathering for kids to make friends and it’s only meters away from the beach for children to enjoy fun in the sand. The five-star hotel’s concierge is also on-hand to help arrange any activities little ones may be interested in. The Four Seasons Jumeirah also has a complimentary kids’ programme which is for children aged four to 12 and is designed to both educate and entertain. For parents wanting a late-night out without children, the centre is open until 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays.
The details
Just 20 minutes from Dubai International Airport, this resort ensures you’ll experience the best of Jumeirah Beach. For a deluxe city-view room rates start at Dhs1,300. For reservations call +971 4 270 7788.
Ritz-Carlton Al Hamra Beach
Where: Ras Al Khaimah

Enjoy the secluded oasis of the Arabian Gulf at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Hamra Beach. The resort’s kids programme perfectly immerses young travellers in the natural wonders and the cultural traditions of Ras Al Khaimah. One notable activity that the whole family can enjoy is the resort’s nature walk where guests can connect with Mother Nature.
The details
Just under an hour’s drive from Dubai airport, it’s the perfect place to go to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. For a one-bedroom beachfront villa rates start from Dhs3,720 per night. For reservations call +971 7 204 8888.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Where: Abu Dhabi

For families making a trip to Abu Dhabi, the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas suits everyone. Young guests aged four to 16 can enjoy the fun at Aladdin’s Cave, the resort’s kids club. Activities include fun on the lazy river, splash pool, cinema zone, teen zone and a water slide. Meanwhile, parents can let their cares drift away at the resort’s in-house spa aptly named Zen.
The details
Located 30 minutes from Abu Dhabi Airport, enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Saadiyat Island. Rates for a classic king room start from Dhs850 per night. For reservations call +971 2 697 0000.
EW Mini – Autumn/Winter 2020 Issue – Download Now
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Gender reveal parties have become a norm for any pregnancy journey, in fact, we have seen more emphasis on these than on the baby showers.
Whether it’s popping a giant balloon to reveal either pink or blue confetti, cutting into a blue or pink cake or making the use of a giant smoke cannon, we have a feeling that nothing you have seen will match the extravagance of the gender reveal that occurred in Dubai.

Just before the weekend, YouTubers Anas and Asala Marwah, who have over 7 million subscribers, decided to use the tallest building in the world for the biggest ever gender reveal.

The couple along with their daughter saw the Burj Khalifa light up in stars and fireworks as the tense 10-second countdown finally revealed that they are expecting a boy.
In the video, Asala said: “My heart is beating, I feel it is going to pop out of my chest and I feel much more excited than my wedding day.”
There has been some speculation over the cost of using 830-meter structure to project a message with some believing that it would’ve set the expecting parents back around Dhs514,000.
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It’s a heavy cost, but it’s an unforgettable experience.
Anas and Asala Marwah welcomed their first child Mila in 2018, who excitedly watched the animation on the Burj Khalifa alongside other family members and friends.
“We wanted to do something unique and memorable so that we can all look at it in the future and remember what we built as a family,” Asala added.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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Congratulations are in order for all parents who managed to get through months of distance learning and followed by hot Dubai summer with limited activities.
However, mums deserve a special thanks to The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai, has put together a dream daycation deal that gives you an opportunity to relax, recharge and refresh with all your other mummy friends.

For the month of September, you can enjoy complimentary pool and beach access on weekdays. Slip into your new bikini from Arnie Swim and catch the sun rays and pristine stretch of white private beach before cooling off at one of the swimming pools, including an adults-only pool at La Baie.

In addition, you will also receive 30 per cent off food and drinks at any of the fabulous eateries. You can book in for a regal Afternoon Tea session at the Lobby Lounge or sample some of the best Italian cuisine in the city at Splendido. Otherwise embark on an epicurean journey through Southeast Asia with a culinary extravaganza that combines flavours from Thailand, Singapore, Japan and China at Blue Jade.
But that’s not all, the resort is also throwing in a 30 per cent discount on spa treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa. Pick any of the signature therapies that are inspired by the raw elements and essence of the region and feel your mind drift away, even if it’s just for an hour. 

Reservations are required and pool and beach access is available to 10 mum’s per day on a first-come, first-serve basis.  For bookings and more information call +971 4 318 6311 or retail.dubai@ritzcarlton.com.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Opens up about life, work and motherhood. To us, Lebanese beauty guru Joelle Mardinian is superwoman. She’s the CEO and founder of Joelle Group, a host, a leading figure in the Arab beauty industry and a mum-of-two. How on earth does she do it all? However, the process hasn’t always been the easiest. The beauty […] More