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    9 female-only venues to visit in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    Created for women to feel comfortable in a safe environment, female-only venues have gained immense popularity over the years.
    Ensuring these incredible communities of women continues to grow, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the female-only facilities to access.
    Motion Ladies Fitness

    This ladies-only boutique fitness centre allows women to excel in the world of fitness. From Pilates to Kickboxing, the classes are offered for all fitness levels, be it beginner, intermediate, or expert. As women are on their journey to find their motion, this studio has a passion for every aspect of physical and mental fitness. This beautiful community helps each other stay motivated without judgment to build and bond with close-knit friendships. Tucked away within Umm Suqeim, Villa 122, It’s open from Sunday to Thursday 7am to 9pm and on Saturday from 7am to 4pm and it’s closed on Friday.
    For more information visit motionfitnesscenter.com/
    FitnGlam

    By raising the bar for women in fitness, FitnGlam is the first of its kind in the region as a female-only superclub. From top-range cardio equipment to boutique studios, women are sure to meet their fitness goals with handpicked personal trainers and nutrition coaches. Whether boxing, yoga, HIIT or any other athletic session, FitnGlam offers it all. To enjoy handcrafted healthy treats, women have access to Active by Nolu’s for a range of organic dishes. Located in Al Quoz, this luxe studio is not one to miss.
    For more information visit fitnglam.ae
    Dubai Ladies Club

    This unique sanctuary of tranquility offers a combination of modern, world-class facilities and more. With private beach access, visitors can enjoy this haven all year round with access to events and services all year round. With restaurants and cafés on board, there are plenty of dining facilities open to all who visit. Every woman needs some time alone and this safe sanctuary can help her unwind after a long week. Created with the vision to be the home of happy, healthy women, this leading club offers the highest quality services and facilities. Located right next to Jumeirah beach, it’s open daily from 7am to 10pm.
    For more information visit dubailadiesclub.com
    GOAL Academy

    This women’s only football academy is fully equipped with 100 per cent female staff who are devoted to giving women an opportunity to grow in this arena. As the future of football continues to be diverse, this dynamic sport is always fully inclusive for those who wish the strive in this field. Without any gender constraints, a positive mindset is key at GOAL Academy. Located in Al Jaddaf, it’s open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 1:30pm to 4pm.
    For more information visit goalacademyuae.com
    Curvalicious Ladies Boutique Studio

    Started to promote a healthy community for women, this studio provides three signature classes designed to focus on different parts of your body. The three main classes include lower body exercises, upper body for toned arms, back and abs and a full-body workout to engage every muscle. This fully integrated fitness studio also offers yoga, Pilates, boxing classes and much more to promote a healthy lifestyle and suit every exercise style. Located in Hussain’s Warehouse no. 07 in Nadd Al Hamar, it’s open from Sunday to Wednesday 11am to 8pm, Thursday 11am to 6:30pm, Saturday 11:30am to 5pm and Friday’s are closed.
    For more information visit curvalicious.fit
    Zabeel Ladies Club

    With a one-stop destination for fitness, health, wellness and beauty experiences for women in the UAE, what more can one ask for. Women can select any of the membership packages that are curated to provide memorable and quality experiences. From physiotherapy to nutrition services, visitors can choose from a range of services that are offered to rejuvenate and unwind throughout the week. With fully integrated quality services, women are sure to be comfortable in this luxe environment. Located in Za’abeel 1, it’s open from Wednesday to Monday 8am to 10pm and on Tuesday from 2pm to 10pm.
    For more information visit zlc.ae
    Mybebar

    Women are always in the need of a quick touch-up no matter what the occasion. Offering a range of blow-dries all under one roof, women can look and feel their very best without the hassle. This bright and airy space is perfect for women to relax in as they’re getting pampered with a range of luxe services offered in the heart of Dubai. With female staff, women are sure to let their hair down comfortably. Located in villa 595 on Jumeirah Beach Road, it’s open from Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 9pm and Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 9am to 8pm.
    For more information visit mybebar.com
    Fitness 360

    While not all branches are exclusively for women, Fitness 360 offers an exclusive ladies only club at J3 mall. With state-of-the-art exercise machines and group exercise classes, everyone can stay motivated under one roof. This space lets everyone achieve their fitness goals in a motivating environment with options that are reachable to absolutely everyone. By promoting healthy living, Fitness 360 offers a 360 degrees holistic approach for every member. Located on Al Wasl Road, it’s open daily from 10am to 10pm.
    9
    Bia Warrior

    This facility was designed to build an all-inclusive community of strong women. Being the only obstacle training programme in Dubai, this venue offers interactive training to improve strength, grip, balance, agility and power at home. Together women are stronger and Bia Warrior truly believes in that. This supportive arena, ensures women are one step closer to their goals with live workouts, regular check-ins and personalised feedback from the coaches.
    For more information visit biawarriordxb.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @alo More

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    How this female DJ duo is making waves in the UAE

    After joining hands in 2020, Jenn Getz & Alfie became Dubai’s only female DJ duo to spread their unmatched energy through music.
    The British artists are resident DJs at Soho Garden Al Meydan and Soho Garden the Palm and have been the opening acts for renowned DJs such as Fisher, Claptone and more.
    Known for their tech house and house tracks, the pair have undoubtedly created a loyal fanbase in the region and beyond.
    As they continue to break stereotypes in the industry, Emirates Woman sat down with Jenn Getz & Alfie to delve into their career.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    Jenn: My favorite subject was dance. I’m a person with a lot of energy and I find it hard to sit still so dancing was a way to channel that. I trained in ballet for 15 years, although you would never guess now because all I do is two-step. Dance was pivotal for me, it taught me discipline, and about my body and music.
    Alfie: Dance and sport were my favorites. I was always extremely shy at school, however, found I could really express myself through dance. It was actually the first career I chose to pursue. I thrived in anything to do with rhythm and music.
    What was your first job?
    Jenn: I have had some hilarious jobs in my time. I have been a milk woman in Australia, worked in a gold mining town in the middle of Austraila, and fire danced in Cambodia.
    Alfie: I got my first job at 14, helping out my family cleaning business. I was genuinely terrible at it, but I have always worked and jumped through so many jobs whilst carving my way to making my passion of being a DJ into my career. While I started out DJing wherever I could in some less than desirable venues, working in these places helped me to make essential connections that helped me to get where I am today.
    What eventually brought you to Dubai?
    Jenn: Whilst I was living in Bali I learned to DJ at a boat party on a little island, Gili Trawangan. I was so inspired, so I kept practicing and got to the point where I knew it was what I wanted to do. I knew Dubai would be a place of opportunity for me as a DJ, so I left the barefoot Bali life, bought a pair of shoes and moved to Dubai.
    Alfie: I had been DJing solidly in the United Kingdom for a few years when a friend from Dubai reached out to me to ask if I would like to make the move and play a residency here. While it was daunting at first to move so far away, I knew it was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.
    What inspired you to enter the music space?
    Jenn: Since I have danced for as long as I can remember, I always knew how to count music from a young age, that was the connection. Music is second nature for me. Another inspiration was my friend from Indonesia, DJ – RD, he taught me initially how to DJ, and I learned so much from him. Through watching him I realized the ability to control a crowd of people and knew I wanted to try my own hand at it.
    Alfie: Being a dancer I was always attracted to music. I could feel the beats if that makes sense. Making the transition to DJing felt natural to me and it just really clicked that it’s my calling in life. Music production has naturally been the next step. Finding a duo partner was an added bonus, our two minds together are greater than one and that inspires us both to continue growing in the music industry.
    Talk us through what it’s like being ‘the first female DJ duo’ in the region.
    Jenn: There are so many female DJs in Dubai and music can be a ruthless industry, there’s a hugely competitive nature to the community. It was a breath of fresh air to meet Alfie, we immediately clicked, and started to practice together when DJing wasn’t allowed in public venues due to COVID restrictions. We discovered that we play the same style, and we had a laugh chatting and mixing. We decided to team up, knowing that collaboration would make us stronger, and empower each other and other women together.
    Alfie: It’s extremely exciting and humbling that we can make a statement as a female duo. We’re so empowered to represent women in a very male-dominated industry. We want to inspire as many girls as possible to have the confidence to take the leap and be recognised for their talents.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    Jenn: The job of a DJ is to take the crowd on a journey. Being the person in control of that journey and watching the crowd move, its magic.
    Alfie: As a DJ you are essentially creating someone’s night and their memories. You can take someone on a journey through your sets and even through your own tracks. It’s a very powerful skill to have and especially to do it as a duo, reading each other and using our chemistry to move others.
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    Jenn: My routine really depends on what time we were working until the night before as our career demands lots of late nights. My general routine consists of a lot of self-care, meditation, gym, dog walking, beach walks (when it’s not 50 degrees), trips to the mall as we need a never-ending amount of clothes, a lot of music preparation and education, continuous learning and searching for new music.
    Alfie: As Jenn said, it varies from day to day depending on what we have scheduled —however, there is always a good cup of tea in my daily routine. I start the day at the gym. Later on, whether it be a studio session together, content creation of set recordings, mixes, radio or prepping for sets, our days revolve around honing our craft. We have to make sure our music is up to date and find new tracks to show the crowd.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Jenn: Hustle and keep hustling some more, nothing is impossible.
    Alfie: Go for it. Nothing is impossible – my friend sent me a quote once that has always stuck with me: ‘What if I fall?’ ‘Oh, but my darling what if you fly?’ It’s a perfect summary to always go for it.
    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    Jenn: That energy flows where attention flows, and if you don’t ask the answer is always no.
    Alfie: Everything happens for a reason. Be that good or bad but always take it in your stride.
    And what is the worst?
    Jenn: I’ve probably been given lots of terrible advice, but I haven’t given it a second thought so I can’t remember.
    Alfie: I was once told I would never be a good or successful DJ and that I should try something else. To be honest this kick-started the fire in my belly to work even harder and become the artist I am today.

    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    Jenn: Being females in this male-dominated industry is challenging, it should be about the music but sadly it isn’t always…
    Alfie: Having the recognition of talent and hard work. As females overcoming the image of us just being women and not talented is difficult. But also something we are happy to tackle.
    What are the future plans for your brand?
    Jenn: We have so many goals, we keep smashing them and setting bigger and better ones, we have come so far in this last year and we are so grateful and we can’t wait for the future! Releasing our first track, “Only 4 Things” on the renowned record label, Solotoko, in July was a massive goal of ours and the feedback has been amazing. We want to keep creating great music.
    Alfie: So much! We are releasing more music and ticking off future goals as we go. Taking the brand internationally with more gigs and tours is a dream.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied  More

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    Saudi Arabia makes history as first all-female flight crew takes to the skies

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    Saudi Arabia has achieved yet another milestone for women’s empowerment in the country.
    Flyadeal, an airline run by the Kingdom’s national carrier Saudia, made history as a flight took off with an all-female cabin crew for the first time ever from Riyadh to Jeddah on Thursday, May 19, 2022.
    Per the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GCAA), the announcement was confirmed with praise for the expansion of women’s roles in the aviation sector over the last few years.
    On the latest A320 aircraft majority of the seven-member crew were Saudi women including the first officer. However, the captain was a foreign woman, per Flyadeal spokesperson Emad Iskandarani.

    For the first time in Saudi aviation history!🇸🇦
    #flyadeal operated the first flight with all-female crew, majority of which are Saudis by the newest A320 aircraft. Flight 117, flew from #Riyadh to #Jeddah ✈️💜 pic.twitter.com/fWo08hYMd7
    — طيران أديل (@flyadeal) May 20, 2022

    This comes three years after the airline introduced its first flight with a female Saudi co-pilot.
    With goals to triple the annual traffic to 330 million passengers by the end of the decade, the country plans on drawing $100 billion in investments in the sector by 2030.
    This is in line with the Kingdom’s aims to expand its airport offering with plans to build a major international airport in Riyadh and eight more regional airports to increase connections to 250 destinations around the globe.
    In recent times, under the vision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, several other commendable reforms have been made in relation to women’s rights.
    This includes lifting the ban for women on driving and easing the guardianship rules, Other such key events including the first-ever dedicated women-only motorsport event known as Rally Jameel, took place in March 2022 and the first female undersecretary in the Ministry was appointed for the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in February 2022.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature image: Twitter @flyadeal More