Life

September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
If there’s a mantra that we should all live by it’s Amy Roko’s: “My life, my rules.”
Amy Roko isn’t here to be judged by anyone. Having garnered a huge social media following since first emerging on Instagram in 2015, the Saudi Arabian native has become a beacon for many women as she continues to break down stereotypes surrounding females from the GCC region and the niqab. What exactly inspired her to resist stereotypes put upon her for being a niqabi is ironically the exact reason she did it. “Society’s initial resistance towards me inspired that,” she tells Emirates Woman. “I couldn’t imagine that just being myself and who I am would garner pushback. I don’t like being dictated to. I really do what I want, so I started showing people how I live my life to the fullest and based on my rules.”
It’s safe to say Roko – who chooses to keep her identity secret using this pseudonym instead – is a force to be reckoned with, sharing her comedic sketches which challenge the status quo with her 1.4 million followers on Instagram. Five years into her social media career, Roko has worked on some huge campaigns with notable brands like Benefit Cosmetics, Destination KSA, Levi’s and more. It’s evident the only way is up for this social media sensation. EW recently caught up with the 28-year-old to discuss everything from her sudden social media growth, what misconceptions there are surrounding the niqab and the burqa and what 2020 has been like for her in lockdown. Roko also revealed what it’s like living, as she describes it as a “double life”, and what exactly power means to her.
On her social media growth… 

I gained a very loyal following the moment I joined Instagram. It was unusual to be a niqabi on social media when I first started. All I remember is I gained around 100,000 followers within the first two days and then every time I posted followers jumped around 10,000.
On female empowerment…
It means women having spaces, energy and resources to do what they want. Letting women do what they want. It means equality. It applies in many different contexts, but simply put, I define it as gender equality.

On feeling the pressure…
Every now and then [I feel the pressure]. Now it’s not as scary. When you have the right team and support system around you, you’re encouraged to embrace yourself.
On misconception…
There’s a huge misconception surrounding the niqab. This comes with two main stereotypes: firstly being deeply religious, and secondly being wildly silly (i.e. clownery). I just want to show you can still wear a niqab and be comedic, love fashion and sports if that floats your boat. Niqabis are regular people that just choose to dress differently.
On her hopes for change…
I would love to see continued efforts towards equality. There’s a lot of growth within the GCC towards this vision. More women in leading positions means a more thorough outcome for members of society. That’s what we’re working towards.
On 2020…
It’s been an okay year for me. I’m still creating and posting content, and I guess that’s the beauty of social media – my work happens, for the most part, on my phone. Personal life is good – I have a little bit more time to talk to the people I’m closest to now.
On advice for success…
“Do you know that gut feeling that you have, that tells you to do things and not to do things? Trust it. Also, don’t hesitate to post, you’re funny. At least you crack your family up, and hey that’s what matters!”
On overcoming hurdles…
Keeping my identity a secret. I basically live a double life (cue Hannah Montana theme song). Getting used to the negative comments in the beginning. You can be Nelson Mandela and they’ll still find reasons to hate on you. Getting over the fear of people recognizing me in public and approaching me initially. I love when they do now – they’re always respectful and really sweet!
On career milestones…
My YouTube channel. Proud to have gotten it off the ground and running! Rapping professionally. I couldn’t have imagined I’d ever take that step, but I did it with Benefit – the ‘Girl Gang’ music video is my absolute favourite collaboration so far! Acting – super excited about doing a lot more in the coming year.
On the future…
There will be more music. I’ll be heading to acting. Fire brand collaborations And finally launching my own online store – I’ve got that niqab hook up!
On power…
The freedom to live life according to the rules that you set for yourself – not society’s rules, not the culture and tradition’s rules, not people’s rules and definitely not men’s rules. My life, my rules.
September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Photographer – Abdulaziz Salem More

Feel like a sun-worshipping VIP at Andreea’s Beach club, nestled on a sandy patch of the Habtoor Grand Resort.
The seaside destination has curated some tempting deals that you and your girlfriends can take advantage of during the week and the weekend.

Every Thursday they host a Ladies Day where you can sip on unlimited drinks and tuck into a delicious food platter for just Dhs128. This same unmissable offer for female guests is also available on Saturdays, making your weekend that little bit more special.
If you want to continue partying into the evening on Thursday, you’ll be treated to unlimited selected beverages for Dhs95 or premium selected drinks for Dhs135 – available from 8pm to 11 pm as part of their Ladies Night.
If you want to pop by any other day during the week or on a Friday you will pay Dhs250, but the full amount can be used on food and drinks so you’re getting a prime beach spot and plenty of snacks and beverages to keep you full and hydrated. Choose from the revamped menu that includes oysters, yellowfin tuna tartar, sushi, pizzas and grilled meats.

Andreea’s Beach club has been a hotspot for beachgoers since it reopened last summer following a series of improvements including a larger swimming pool that is lined with chic shaded cabanas and features a swim-up bar in the middle. How can we resist?
Andreea’s Beach Club, Habtoor Grand, Dubai Marina, open daily from 9am to late. Call (058) 693 5778 for bookings.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram, More

Take your culinary experience to new heights as the tallest restaurant is set to open in the UAE next month.
Overlooking Jais Adventure Park and located in the Jebel Jais Welcome Center in Ras al Khaimah, the new dining extravaganza is positioned 1,484 metres above sea level and is aptly named 1484 by Puro.

Due to open on October 1, it will sit up to 76 people who will enjoy impressive views of the dramatic Hajar mountains through floor to ceiling windows which can also be opened. The interior is clean and modern and there is also a terrace to take advantage of during the cooler months.

“With the opening of 1484 by Puro at the Jebel Jais Welcome Center, visitors can now enjoy an all-encompassing experience at the standalone destination that is the Jais Adventure Peak, home to thrilling adventure attractions such as the Jebel Jais Flight, Jais Sky Maze, and the Jais Sky Tour,” Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding, told Gulf News. 
If you’re familiar with Puro’s other restaurants, Al Marjan Island and Puro Express at the Jebel Jais Viewing Deck Park, then you know that the dining concept will focus on locally sourced ingredients to deliver fresh Mediterranean dishes. You can also look forward to a varied drink menu of non and alcoholic beverages.
Whether you’re hiking, cycling, daring the zip line, or opting for a relaxing yoga class dining at 1484 by Puro sounds like a good treat.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram, main image instagram.com/nailah_aljasmi More

Kim Kardashian West is no stranger to criticism given how famous she is. While she’s normally one to stay tight-lipped on unwarranted criticism, the savvy businesswoman has made a statement defending herself against critics of her latest launch.
Earlier this week, the 39-year-old announced she was launching a maternity collection for her highly successful shapewear label Skims.

“To anyone who has an issue with maternity solutionwear, and if you haven’t been pregnant before you may not know the struggle of what it’s like carrying all of this weight the way I did along with millions of strong women, [the] Skims maternity line is not to slim but to support,” she said.

While the pieces amongst Kardashian’s Skims line are generally designer to compress the body, the reality star explained that the design was made to provide comfort and support. In fact, the mid-section of the garment is “sheer and a thinner layered material compared to the rest of the garment”.
“We launched this category in response to the tens of thousands of pregnant women who wrote us requesting it and because it was something I personally needed when I was pregnant myself,” Kardashian added.

To anyone who has an issue with maternity solutionwear, and if you haven’t been pregnant before you may not know the struggle of what it’s like carrying all of this weight the way I did along with millions of strong women, @skims maternity line is not to slim but to support.
— Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) September 13, 2020

“Based on the majority of positive feedback we have received so far from pregnant women around the world, I am incredibly proud to provide a solution that will provide comfort and support during the times that we all need it most, during pregnancy and after.”
Actress Jameela Jamil, who has previously been critical of some of the endorsements the Kardashian-Jenners have done in the past, criticised the launch saying pregnant women should be allowed to get bigger and not be “self-conscious” about it.
She also added that women should “not have to worry about feeling embarrassed/shamed that their body is changing for an amazing reason” implying the Skims launch could trigger those feelings for pregnant women.
Since launching Skims last year, the venture has been highly successful for Kardashian.
Just a few months ago, Kardashian launched seamless face masks under the Skims brand which sold out in less than 24 hours.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram More

The plant-based movement is not showing any sign of slowing down and Dubai is now filled with vegan-friendly restaurants.
Life‘n One was Dubai’s first plant-based café that opened in 2014 and earlier this year went through a facelift and has relaunched as Seva.

This Instagrammable hideaway on Jumeirah Beach Road is where you go to dig into a healthy menu, and thanks to the change in lockdown restrictions and the weather cooling down, you can finally enjoy the best of what this vegan eatery has to offer.

Housed under  ]the Seva Table concept, indulge your taste buds with dishes such as the loaded Acai bowl, the bright and colourful Middle-Eastern bowl and the nutritious Mediterranean salad. Keep an eye on their Instagram account as they will soon be launching a cookbook filled with all your favourite dishes.
Just like Life‘n One, Seva – derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “selfless service for the betterment of the community” – continues to be a sanctuary for those looking to reconnect with their own personal wellbeing. This includes the Seva Studio where you can book in for yoga and meditation. If you want to continue working on your wellbeing at home, then make use of their online platform Seva Virtual that offers support and assistance of their global network of teachers, therapists and tuned experts in their domains.

If you think this would be a great space to catch up on some work, then think again. The Wi-Fi-free zone encouraging you to disconnect from the screens that we stare at most of the day, so we suggest catching up on a book or marvelling at the tranquil surroundings.
Also, you can explore Seva Shop that stocks ethically sourced products that also focus on self-care as well as great gifting ideas.
It looks like the brand is also is working on Seva Label, a line of sustainable, ethical and conscious products which will be launching soon.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram More