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    Author Noor Sweid’s latest book on entrepreneurship in the MENA region

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    11 mins ago

    How Noor Sweid is changing the landscape of entrepreneurship in the MENA region.
    What inspired you write Coming Of Age?
    While the coming-of-age stories of emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil have been well-documented, I noticed a lack of similar narratives for MENA, despite its impressive economic growth and entrepreneurial evolution. Having invested in the region for over 15 years, I’ve witnessed incredible innovations by regional founders who are leveraging technology to drive both regional and global impact. I believe that there are so many incredible stories of founders across the region, and many of them have yet to be told. In particular, the personal journeys and trials and tribulations are still not shared. Every time I listen to these founders, I am incredibly inspired and moved. So, I felt it would make sense to share these stories with the world as much as possible.So inasmuch as this is a book about the region for founders in the region, it’s also a book about the region for the rest of the world – to share positive messages about what is really going on entrepreneurially here, rather than outdated perceptions.
    The book highlights MENA’s transformation over the past 25 years. What do you see as the most significant turning point in this journey?
    The Originals – the pioneering founders who built MENA’s foundational infrastructure – laid the groundwork for today’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. They navigated resource-scarce environments, operated under complex conditions, and built businesses in the region at a time where access to capital, talent, and resources was anything but guaranteed. That legacy remains today. MENA’s entrepreneurs today are inherently resilient, building companies that withstand uncertainty and can scale despite challenges. Their predecessors proved that success isn’t just about innovation – it’s about deep market understanding, stakeholder trust, and an unwavering commitment to creating value. The region’s next generation of founders isn’t just inspired by the Originals – they’re carrying their DNA forward, building the future of MENA’s economy on the foundations of resilience and adaptability. The success of these Originals was not just the turning point, it was an inspiration for the next wave of founders who are standing on their shoulders, looking further into the horizon, dreaming bigger and aiming higher than ever before. They carry with them lessons uncovered by their predecessors – and now knowing how to build sustainable businesses despite any resource scarcity.

    How do you think technology and entrepreneurship are uniquely shaping MENA compared to other regions?
    Technology and entrepreneurship are shaping MENA in a way that is fundamentally different from other regions—through leapfrogging. Unlike more established markets, MENA lacks deep legacy infrastructure in many industries, and large segments of the population remain underserved. This has created significant white spaces where digital solutions can scale rapidly. At the same time, technologies such as AI and cloud computing are enabling founders to build and scale faster, at lower costs, and with greater efficiency than ever before. What sets MENA apart is that founders here don’t have to follow a traditional, linear path of development. Instead, they can skip steps—leveraging global learnings to move directly into digital-first models—or even pioneer entirely new ways of solving challenges. This is already happening in financial services, healthcare, education, and now manufacturing and agriculture, where businesses are not just catching up but creating new market standards. By combining market-specific insights with cutting-edge technology, MENA’s entrepreneurs are building companies that are not just regionally relevant, but globally competitive. This is the future of innovation in the region—fast, adaptive, and built for scale.
    How do you see the role of women evolving in MENA’s entrepreneurial landscape?
    I see the contribution and role of women mirroring the exciting growth in MENA’s overall entrepreneurial journey. Every year will see more women become business leaders as they are inspired by role models – those Originals – who have gone before them. Women will increasingly come into their own, and – in business terms – literally come of age, as the book’s title suggests. I expect both trends to continue, with the tailwind of a more equitable and inclusive funding environment, and the growth in entrepreneurialism generally. It is an exciting future ahead.
    What are the biggest challenges entrepreneurs in the MENA region face today?
    Entrepreneurs in MENA face unique challenges, but they are building with resilience and adaptability. Access to capital remains a challenge, especially in a market where liquidity is limited, making alternative financing strategies like M&A increasingly relevant. Talent acquisition, albeit much better now especially in countries like the UAE and Saudi, is another possible constraint, as founders are often required to be intentional about attracting and retaining the right teams.
    Yet, the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is still evolving, with investors playing a more hands – on role in guiding companies through these complexities. While the venture capital landscape is still maturing, founders in the MENA region are proving that innovation can thrive in constraint – turning challenges into opportunities and building businesses that are not just surviving, but also capable of scaling globally.
    What advice do you have for young entrepreneurs in the region who want to make an impact?
    Do what you love: Entrepreneurship is demanding, so it’s essential to enjoy what you do. Just start: The entrepreneurial journey is rarely linear or predictable. Momentum follows action. Solve clear problems: This not only defines your market but provides clarity on your business and product. Avoid being distracted by the solution and focus on the problem you’re solving. Build the right team: Surround yourself with talented, positive people. They will help you reach your goals faster and more effectively.
    What’s next for you after Coming of Age? Are there any other projects or books in the pipeline?
    There is no rest planned! One of the privileges of having had a front row seat to MENA’s entrepreneurial explosion, is you get to wear a lot of hats. Global Ventures keeps me extremely busy. We are currently investing from our third fund and are focused on extraordinary founders with some significant market opportunities. Global Ventures has always been about investing in emerging-market founders on a mission to change the world, and this will not change. As for another book – we’ll see. Writing ‘Coming of Age’ was a true labour of love, and while I’m happy to take a break from the keyboard for now – never say never. The region has so much exciting growth ahead – I’m sure there will be more stories to tell.
    This is ‘The Resilience Issue’ – how do you stay resilient?
    The stories of the 35 founders in the book are all about resilience. Entrepreneurship in the region has always had to operate in environments where access to capital, talent, and infrastructure is constrained – so, resistance is a necessity. This has shaped a generation of founders who build businesses that are resilient by design, navigating uncertainty with agility and creativity. Staying resilient requires three key things: First, adaptability – founders who succeed are those who can pivot when needed, whether due to market shifts, regulatory changes, or global economic pressures. Second, resourcefulness – learning to do more with less, leveraging partnerships, and tapping into alternative funding avenues like M&A when traditional capital is scarce. Third, a long-term vision – understanding that resilience isn’t about short-term survival, but about continuously evolving, scaling, and creating lasting value. In a region that moves fast and demands constant innovation, resilience isn’t just about overcoming challenges—it’s about thriving in the face of them. MENA’s founders are proving that with the right mindset and strategy, they’re not just building companies, they’re building industries that will shape the future of the region.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    March’s – The Resilience Issue – Download Now  More

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    4 venues with sound healing classes to unwind in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    58 mins ago

    With the hustle and bustle of city life here, it’s important to take a few moments and cleanse the mind.
    Based on the principles of vibration, resonance and integration of the mind and body, a sound healing session is the best way to balance the mind, body and soul.
    To heal yourself from a cellular level, sound meditation uses different frequency levels to soak in the good vibrations and let go of the bad.
    If you’re looking to embark on your wellness journey, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of sound healing classes to rejuvenate you for the week ahead.
    Paus

    This wellness café and studio offers a host of calming classes, including sound healing. By making wellness easy for everyone, Paus takes visitors on a holistic healing journey through movement and spirituality. From Candlelight sound healing to sound healing for women only, these classes take everyone on a meditation journey as they bathe in the soothing vibrations of Tibetan bowls.Located at Villa 1202, Al Reef Villas, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 2, this wellness hub is open daily from 7am to 10pm and classes start at Dhs120 for 60 minutes.
    For more information visit pausdxb.com
    SEVA

    For a private one-on-one session, SEVA ensures everyone can embark on a solo sound healing journey by healing the energy flow through a 60-minute class effective for all. With a strong reset, everyone can find the inner piece. The vibration of the strings causes all thirty trillion cells of the body to resonate, to dance—forming patterns that release blockages that have prevented the cosmic pulsation to flow freely through our being. The private session is priced at Dhs700 for 60 minutes, for a complete cleanse. Everyone can choose from a host of sessions which include, Gong Sound Bath, Crystal Bowls Guided Sound Healing, Private Sound Healing Session and Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Healing. Post-class, there’s access to high-quality vegan food and fresh juices for everyone to savour. Located in Jumeirah, SEVA is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit sevaexperience.com
    Yoga House

    This neighbourhood yoga studio promises a breathing community in the heart of Dubai. Designed as a place to connect with each other, the sound healing sessions are taken in combination with other journeys such as the cacao ceremony and more for a more impactful session. The sound of the Crystal Bowls creates a feeling of peace in a loving and compassionate way, bringing everyone back into perfect balance and harmony. The sessions start at Dhs250 and take place in both Greens and Dubai Marina.
    For more information visit yogahouse.ae
    DNA Health & Wellness

    This premium wellness centre DNA offers a range of holistic well-being classes, including evening sound healing with crystal bowls led by the expert practitioner and meditation facilitator Prem Amit. When the body’s systems become stressed or compromised certain frequencies become out of tune and everything can become affected. With sound healing, utilising various instruments and tones, the body is gently brought back to its natural state of harmony. The first session is priced at Dhs80 and each single session is later priced at Dhs125. Located at Al Manara on Al Wasl Road, Dubai Marina and Al Serkal Avenue, this clinic is open daily from 8:30am to 8pm.
    For more information visit dnahealthcorp.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @magicbowls More

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    4 calming venues with sound healing classes in Dubai

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    15 mins ago

    With the hustle and bustle of city life here, it’s important to take a few moments and cleanse the mind.
    Based on the principles of vibration, resonance and integration of the mind and body, a sound healing session is the best way to balance the mind, body and soul.
    To heal yourself from a cellular level, sound meditation uses different frequency levels to soak in the good vibrations and let go of the bad.
    If you’re looking to embark on your wellness journey, Emirates Woman has curated the ultimate guide of sound healing classes to rejuvenate you for the week ahead.
    Paus

    This wellness café and studio offers a host of calming classes, including sound healing. By making wellness easy for everyone, Paus takes visitors on a holistic healing journey through movement and spirituality. From Candlelight sound healing to sound healing for women only, these classes take everyone on a meditation journey as they bathe in the soothing vibrations of Tibetan bowls.Located at Villa 1202, Al Reef Villas, Al Wasl Road, Umm Suqeim 2, this wellness hub is open daily from 7am to 10pm and classes start at Dhs120 for 60 minutes.
    For more information visit pausdxb.com
    SEVA

    For a private one-on-one session, SEVA ensures everyone can embark on a solo sound healing journey by healing the energy flow through a 60-minute class effective for all. With a strong reset, everyone can find the inner piece. The vibration of the strings causes all thirty trillion cells of the body to resonate, to dance—forming patterns that release blockages that have prevented the cosmic pulsation to flow freely through our being. The private session is priced at Dhs700 for 60 minutes, for a complete cleanse. Everyone can choose from a host of sessions which include, Gong Sound Bath, Crystal Bowls Guided Sound Healing, Private Sound Healing Session and Tibetan Singing Bowls Sound Healing. Post-class, there’s access to high-quality vegan food and fresh juices for everyone to savour. Located in Jumeirah, SEVA is open daily from 8am to 10pm.
    For more information visit sevaexperience.com
    Yoga House

    This neighbourhood yoga studio promises a breathing community in the heart of Dubai. Designed as a place to connect with each other, the sound healing sessions are taken in combination with other journeys such as the cacao ceremony and more for a more impactful session. The sound of the Crystal Bowls creates a feeling of peace in a loving and compassionate way, bringing everyone back into perfect balance and harmony. The sessions start at Dhs250 and take place in both Greens and Dubai Marina.
    For more information visit yogahouse.ae
    DNA Health & Wellness

    This premium wellness centre DNA offers a range of holistic well-being classes, including evening sound healing with crystal bowls led by the expert practitioner and meditation facilitator Prem Amit. When the body’s systems become stressed or compromised certain frequencies become out of tune and everything can become affected. With sound healing, utilising various instruments and tones, the body is gently brought back to its natural state of harmony. The first session is priced at Dhs80 and each single session is later priced at Dhs125. Located at Al Manara on Al Wasl Road, Dubai Marina and Al Serkal Avenue, this clinic is open daily from 8:30am to 8pm.
    For more information visit dnahealthcorp.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @magicbowls More

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    7 incredible women tell us what it takes to trust the timing and use it wisely

    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
    Images: Supplied More