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      in health and weelbeing

      5 Effective Ways To Beat The Dreaded Afternoon Slump

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      It’s so easy to lose motivation as soon as midday strikes. From frequent strolls to the copier, scrolling TikTok and needing about four coffee breaks an hour, the Afternoon Slump looms large over the human population, threatening even the most productive of people.
      Blame your natural stress hormone, cortisol. It fluctuates frequently throughout the day as we deal with different situations. By the afternoon, our systems are fried from vigorous regulation. If you’ve got things to get done, ASAP, try out these invigorating pointers to energise your body and mind – and meet those deadlines.
      Disclaimer: The below don’t include sugar or a caffeine fix.
      1/ Stretch it out

      Stretching is a wonderful way to calm your mind. Regular stretching focuses on mindfulness and releases tension from the body.
      Do it: Stand up and reach down to touch your toes. Don’t be concerned about who is around you. Bring your hands above your head and hold the stretch for 15 seconds. Tilt as far as you can, from left to right. Repeat.
      READ MORE: 8 Things That Are Sucking The Happiness Right Out Of Your Life
      2/ Close your eyes
      Did you know that closing your eyes is a great way to boost your memory? This is known as “quiet wakefulness”. Resting the eyes allows your muscles and body parts to relax.
      Do it: Place your hands over your eyes for two minutes and relish the time you have to sit and be still. Focus on your breathing and channel your thoughts on something positive.
      READ MORE: What Really Happens To Your Body (And Brain) On A Detox Diet?
      3/ Declutter your desk

      Your space is a reflection of you. Having a cleaner workspace can lead to increased productivity, while clutter can cripple your creativity.
      Do it: Recycle unnecessary paper that you’re hoarding on your desk. A clean desk makes for an efficient and professional student or employee.
      4/ Breathe in, breathe out
      Deep breathing exercises are the best for stress management and improving energy levels. Increased blood flow allows for more oxygen to get into the blood.
      Do it: Get comfortable. Sit or lie down on the floor and inhale through your nose, allowing your belly to fill up. Breathe out through your mouth. Repeat.
      READ MORE: Face Mapping: 9 Things Your Pimples Can Tell You About Your Health
      5/ Take a light stroll

      If you only have a few minutes to spare, taking a walk can do wonders for your blood flow to the muscles and will offer your mind a fresh start.
      Do it: Step away from your phone and computer and go outside for a walk. Start with 5 minutes and gradually increase your steps. Your fitness watch will thank you. More

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      in fitness and body

      Find A New Way To Move With This GPS Smartwatch

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      With up to 11 days of battery life, you won’t have to take off your watch every night to charge it, which means a more complete 24/7 picture of your health.
      With this Fitness aligned smartwatch you get heart rate, sleep score, stress tracking, Body Battery™ energy levels and a lot more. The watch comes with 25 preloaded sports apps for indoor or outdoor activities, you can try something new, including running, cardio, strength, HIIT and more.  
      [embedded content]
      Many of us choose to exercise between our work day or other commitments so thankfully you need never miss a call or text as smart notifications are delivered to your wrist when paired to your Apple® or Android™ smartphone.
      Look and Feel
      The Venu Sq 2 smartwatch has a sleek design that’s suited for every outfit and every part of your day. Its bright AMOLED display and optional always-on mode mean you can see everything with a quick glance. From a durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3 lens to the lightweight aluminum bezel and comfortable silicone band, this smartwatch was made to keep up with your lifestyle.
      Stress, Menstrual Cycle and Breathing
      You can track your menstrual cycle or pregnancy. Log symptoms, get exercise and nutrition education. Even see and log details on your wrist with the Women’s Health Tracking app. Find out if you’re having a calm, balanced or stressful day with continuous tracking. Relax reminders will even prompt you to do a short breathing activity when the watch detects stress and will then assist you to relax or focus with breath work activity while tracking your stress and respiration to help you get a better understanding of how you’re breathing.
      If you are looking for some insight and guidance to integrate your watch into a schedule to get fit, fast, strong and healthy, you can dive into the free workouts, running schedules and training plans, all complimented by a Garmin virtual coach.
      Buy the Garmin Venu Sq 2 HERE
      *In Partnership with Garmin More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      How Sheikha Bodour created a niche in the UAE’s publishing space

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      4 hours ago

      Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi is a leader in the publishing space.
      From being the founder and CEO of Kalimat Group to being the first Arab woman to become president of the International Publishers Association, Sheikha Bodour is leading the way for women both in the region and on a global scale.
      Talk us through your career.
      I first began working in publishing 15 years ago. In 2017 I set up Kalimat Publishing Group, initially to create high-quality Arabic children’s books. I then established the Emirates Publishers Association with some Emirati publishers, which started my journey into the regional publishing sector, leading eventually to international work across many committees in the International Publishers Association (IPA). Two years ago, I became the President of the IPA, and only the second woman-up until now. Throughout my career, my focus has been to support women professionally and socially. So, in 2019, I set up PublisHer, a platform dedicated to helping women succeed in the publishing sector and senior positions based on merit.
      What inspired you to enter the world of publishing?
      As your readers may know, my father is a big champion of reading and culture. He developed Sharjah around the idea that culture and reading are essential to healthy and vibrant societies, so books were a huge part of my life from an early age. In this context, I had an eye-opening conversation with my firstborn daughter, who complained that the Arabic children’s books I was reading to her were boring and old-fashioned. She was much more attracted to English books then, with modern stories with beautiful or fun illustrations. It was a wake-up call for me as a mother, and I decided to do something to change this situation. That’s how I entered the world of publishing.

      You’re the CEO and founder of Kalimat Publishing Group. What made you want to become an entrepreneur?
      I think when a powerful idea drives you, something else almost takes over, so I didn’t think necessarily I wanted or planned to become an entrepreneur. I just knew I had to create attractive Arabic children’s books. When I began to follow my instinct, the process unfolded. I believe when you have a passion for something, it’s an exciting pro- cess to make that idea a reality. I always encourage people to listen to their callings and live outside their comfort zone from time to time, as amazing things could happen. My publishing career is a living example of this philosophy.
      How did your childhood/growing up shape your outlook on life and approach to business?
      My upbringing has had a profound influence on my life. My parents instilled in me and my siblings the love of books and the values of understanding and respect. Books and learn- ing allow people to live in other people’s shoes and take a deep dive into their contexts, which is a vital step toward acceptance and tolerance of differences. More importantly, it leads to an appreciation of the richness of the human experience, no matter what the language or colour of people. These values have in- influenced my approach to business. I am deeply rooted in my culture, but I am always open to listening to new ideas, I empathize with the challenges of others, and I accept differences. This has helped me to develop a balanced view of the world and allowed me to work successfully at a global level.
      You’re a trailblazer in the publishing world. What’s the key to success?
      Focus and determination. Throughout my 15 years in publishing, I thought of stopping and moving on to something else because the hurdles were not only complicated, but they didn’t need to be there in the first place. But my determination to continue and focus on the mission helped me deal with those moments and keep moving forward.
      In terms of books, what are the most special reads you have collected over the years?
      I have eclectic tastes, but to summarize, I would include some of the Kalimat Group titles, which I am proud we published. I also love reading new young Arab writers and sometimes discovering old texts that have only been recently uncovered and published. Elif Shafak is a good friend and someone I admire deeply, so I always read her books. There are also some excellent young writers coming out of Africa too. I love reading their perspectives and about their lives through books. There is a real drive now in the publishing industry to have a much wider variety of voices, so I am very much drawn to reading about different cultures, female writers, and other perspectives. I’m also very interested in spiritual matters and books that try to help us understand ourselves and the planet, so new thinking and ideas always appeal to me.
      You founded PublisHer in 2019. Talk us through this concept.
      The seeds of PublisHer first began when I started travelling internationally on behalf of the International Publishers Association. I was often quite shocked to be the only woman at senior-level meetings. That’s quite something for a woman coming from what is perceived to be a male-dominated culture. When I spoke to my female peers from different parts of the world, I realized we had similar stories. There was and still is a great deal of frustration because women made up most of the publishing workforce, but the picture at the senior management level told a completely different story. So, we began to meet, at the sidelines of book fairs, to see how we could help each other as women in the industry. It evolved into PublisHer, a movement and a platform that continues to go from strength to strength in empowering female publishers throughout their careers. We launched a few initiatives to address the main challenges facing female publishers. For example, we launched the diversity and inclusion practices tool kit, which helps publishing businesses assess their hiring and HR practices to implement a more inclusive approach. We also launched a mentoring and a reverse mentoring programme, through which leading female publishers and young talent learn from one another through a structured mentoring programme.
      A major milestone for you was being appointed to lead the International Publishers Association (IPA).
      It’s an incredible achievement for yourself and for the region. Would you agree? I was delighted to be elected as President of the IPA. For me, it is a testament to the strength of my upbringing and my roots in Sharjah and the UAE. I do feel a sense of achievement, even more so because I was only the second woman in this role and the first Arab Muslim in 125 years. I sincerely hope to inspire other women in publishing or elsewhere to strive to achieve their ambitions or make the best of their gifts and talents.
      “The Arab world has some incredible women achieving great things, so it’s time to get the message out there and continue creating a truly diverse and inclusive international community in all sectors.”
      Through this role, how do you hope to represent Arab women on an international scale?
      I think what is important to me is to send out the message that it’s okay to be yourself and to have a successful international career. If I can be a role model for others or just inspire one single woman to step forward and find her place on the international stage, then I would be so proud. We are a global family, and there are room enough for other points of view, opinions, and beliefs – the most important thing is that we respect and try to understand one another. The Arab world has some incredible women achieving great things, so it’s time to get the message out there and continue creating a truly diverse and inclusive international community in all sectors.
      As well as being a businesswoman, you’re also an avid philanthropist. What causes have you been involved in over the years?
      I focus most of my philanthropic work on literacy and book accessibility. Through the Kalimat Foundation, which we established in 2016, we bring Arabic language books into the hands of children who have been the victims of war or forced displacement. We also pay particular attention to visually impaired children by including books in accessible formats such as braille or audiobooks. I am happy to say that our work has brought a smile to the faces of thousands of children in the region and other parts of the world. Most importantly, we gave them the powerful tool of literacy, so they have a fair chance to turn around their lives in the future.
      Would you agree the UAE really is pioneering women in business and other organisations?
      Absolutely. Over the past ten years, we have seen a great deal of change with female ministers and ambassadors appointed and pioneering businesswomen in all sectors emerging on the scene. The UAE has successfully created an environment where women are accepted and welcomed in these roles while ensuring a healthy balance with our culture and values. This is why UAE has become an example now in the region and why others are looking at our story to inspire positive change and progress in their communities.
      November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      You need to see this video from Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum to mark UAE Flag Day

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      9 hours ago

      The UAE celebrated a very important occasion on November 3, 2022, which Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum paid homage to.
      To mark UAE Flag Day this year, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Al Maktoum shared a heartfelt video on Instagram highlighting the essence of the day.
      The caption “O God make this country safe and secure and bless its people with fruits, O God make this land safe, reassured, generous, prosperous and all Muslim countries.”

      In the video, a lion, horse and tiger were all seen at the beach set against the azure waters. The UAE flag takes centre stage along with the Burj Al Arab as the backdrop, as the horses gallivant across the expansive sandy shores of the beach.
      What is UAE Flag Day?
      UAE Flag Day was first launched in 2013 and is celebrated every year on November 3. However, it is not recognised as a public holiday.
      Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was the one with the idea to launch the annual Flag Day as a commemoration to Sheikh Khalifa who was elected President of the UAE on November 3, 2004.
      The history of the UAE flag
      The UAE flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem of Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
      Last year, the now President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan explained the UAE flag is “an enduring display of national unity”.
      The flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem by Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @latifaalmaktoum & feature image: Pexel @sujisu More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      The Emirates Woman-approved guide to the best restaurants in Dubai

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      Dubai is never short of restaurants, as new spots continue to open on a daily basis.
      Home to a variety of cuisines and Michelin-starred havens, finding a restaurant that goes beyond the décor and its views, might sometimes be a tricky task.
      So, to give you some culinary inspiration the Emirates Woman team have shared their favourite spots around Dubai.
      Amy SessionsEditor / Associate Publisher – Emirates Woman/Man

      Bvlgari Yacht Club

      This is my go-to when I feel like I need a taste of Italy but can’t travel. The Veal Ragu is next level and if it’s seasonally available, Chef will make Cozze off the menu – it’ll take you straight to Capri!
      Pier Chic
      I’m oyster obsessed, and the Gillardeau oysters here are incredible. It’s a completely different level now Beatrice Segoni is Head Chef and the cosy atmosphere reminds me of the Belmond trains still on my travel list.
      Comptoir 102
      If you need something clean this is a great place to catch up over a coffee. Their almond milk is homemade and the All Green Salad will give you an immunity boost in one bowl.
      Olivia MorrisDigital Editor – Emirates Woman/Man

      Roka
      If you’re looking to find me anywhere in Dubai on the weekend it’s at Roka. You could say I’m now part of the wallpaper at this restaurant as I go so regularly – at least every other week, if not once a week! With great food and impeccable service to match, Roka is a great spot for a big group dinner with friends or for just a few bites and vinos at the bar (my favourite thing to do on a Friday!). I couldn’t recommend this spot more.
      Il Borro Tuscan Bistro

      Hands down the best restaurant for Italian cuisine in Dubai. Located in Jumeirah Al Naseem, the food is always mouthwateringly good and the welcoming staff are always on hand to sure you have an exceptional experience. I love to visit this restaurant with my girlfriends sitting at the bar just chatting the night away to everyone!
      INTI Dubai
      When it comes to Nikkei cuisine you don’t get much better than INTI. This restaurant only burst onto the Dubai dining scene earlier this year, but it’s quickly become one of my favourite spots. The design of the restaurant is particularly special, paried with a spectacular menu and an unrivalled Downtown Dubai view it’s a must-try.
      Shanghai Me
      If you love art-deco and retro style, then Shanghai Me is definitely one you need to visit. I love going here for both a sit-down meal or a few drinks at the bar – whatever the occasion, Shanghai Me always delivers. If there’s one thing you need to try it’s the duck salad. You can thank me later.
      Dan RobinsonFashion Editor – Emirates Woman/Man

      NAMMOS
      Nammos is a staple for lunch meetings or dinner in the evening when family and friends visit. The stunning sea views and Mediterranean ambience always feel like I’m out of Dubai and on a Mykonos beach. The truffle Gyoza and spicy tuna rolls always hit the spot.
      Pier Chic
      Pier Chic is the perfect spot if you’re looking for something a little more special. The sea views of the gulf are uncompromising. The restaurant has an upscale out-at-sea feel. I have celebrated a few occasions here, and the service has always been outstanding. The restaurant has a great-tasting menu with Italian flavours and dishes of Sea bass, yellowtail tartare, and calamari.
      The Maine
      Frequently visiting all the Maine venues in JBR, Business Bay, and Studio City, it’s safe to say my favourite location is the Business Bay branch with the dramatic chandeliers, large windows, and narrow New York brasserie feel layout. In the evening, the restaurant comes alive with an ambient crowd. Specializing in steak and seafood, the restaurant has something for everyone. My favourite dishes are the No-meat short ribs and classic poutine. The venue is known for its shuck-me Oysters. After dinner, a nightcap at the bar is always the way to finish the evening off.
      Sarah JosephJunior Style Editor, Emirates Woman

      Mimi Kakushi

      By bringing back a hint of the 1920s, this Japanese fine-dining haven serves a host of delectable dishes such as salmon sashimi, foil gras gyoza and paired with signature cocktails to compliment the evening. Located at Four Seasons Dubai, this restaurant is hands down, one of my favourite fine-dining spots in Dubai.
      Bull & Bear
      As an ode to the 80s, this signature restaurant offers a twist to New York’s Wall Street. This one-of-a-kind dinner is the perfect gastronomic affair with key dishes such as lobster linguine and alligator pear, which brings a new meaning to avocado. With glistening views of Dubai and a relaxing atmosphere, this restaurant is highly recommended.
      Roberto’s
      This contemporary Italian restaurant has won the hearts of many, including ours. With fresh ingredients flown in from Italy, each dish is crafted to perfection. From oysters to Rawberto’s platters, this restaurant is a seafood delight. A must-try from their dessert menu is the freshly made in-house pistachio ice cream served with extra virgin olive oil. What was once a mistake, has now become a signature for tourists to try from around the globe. The restaurant is located in DIFC, Gate Village 1.
      Avli by Tashas
      This Greek-inspired restaurant is inspired by modern Athens with ingredients sourced directly from Greece. With its minimal interiors and an array of delectable dishes to choose from, this fine-dining haven is an absolute winner. A must-try from the menu is the sea bass ceviche and feta saganaki, which creatively bring the heart of Greece onto a plate. Situated in the heart of DIFC, Gate Village Building 9, this restaurant is the perfect venue to dine with friends and family and is most definitely one of our favourite places to dine at.
      Joelle AlbeainoGroup Marketing Manager

      La Cantine du Faubourg
      Amazing food and ambience. La Cantine has the best Truffle pizza and crunchiest pommes frites. The way the place transforms from a calm dinner to a dance floor where you can show off your best moves. They have the friendliest staff and the best DJ in town. Love everything about this place.
      SĀN

      The boho chic ambience makes you feel like you’re on a tropical island. Delicious food and great entertainment. The place is so serene and aesthetically beautiful. You just never want to leave.
      SAL
      The ultimate place to treat yourself to a fancy pool day. Perfect to unwind with calm music, delicious cocktails and mouthwatering food. SAL is the best place to take photos in front of the Burj and the endless water views surrounding it.
      Chaitali KhimjiGroup Sales Manager

      CÉ LA VI Dubai
      I love the ambience of this restaurant. Diners can witness the pristine skyline of Dubai, making it the perfect backdrop for Instagram pictures.
      La Cantine
      With a Parisian menu designed to perfection, this restaurant has a great ambience with delightful food and drinks.
      Kinara at JA Resort

      I recently tried this restaurant out, as I love Indian food. The restaurant is very authentic and deep-rooted to my heritage as the dishes are curated by Michelin chef Vikas Khanna.
      Anna ChipalaSenior Sales Manager, Emirates Woman

      Zuma
      This fine-dining spot is the perfect combination of Asian food and ambience, with top hits played during the weekend.
      Caviar Kaspia

      This restaurant is close to home. I highly recommend the Caspia potato and Medovik cake, which I absolutely love.
      Flamingo Room
      When it comes to interiors and the concept, this restaurant has done a fabulous job. The food is always delicious and the staff are always friendly.
      Nicole LittleContent Solutions Executive

      Mythos
      Located in Jumeirah Lake Towers, Mythos transports you from the skyscrapers of Dubai to a modern but cosy Greek taverna. Their menu boasts traditional Greek cuisine that is not to be missed, I order the spanakopita religiously. Every time I bring friends to this restaurant, they comment on how it feels like a ‘hidden gem’, ‘hole in the wall’ no gimmicks atmosphere. It’s the food, service, and Mediterranean vibes that keep me coming back time and time again.
      SEVA Table
      Since 2014, SEVA has been a trailblazer in the region as the first 100 per cent plant-based, gluten-free, cane-sugar-free, and GMO-free venue. While you may come for the delicious, healthy and environmentally conscious food and beverage options, you’ll stay for the secluded and laid-back vibes. This place embodies a Sunday morning kind of vibe. It’s casual, healthy, and holistic, making it a great place to decompress with a meal away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.
      LPM Restaurant & Bar
      Offering some of the finest dining and atmosphere in the Emirate, LPM is an experience that we at Emirates Woman can’t get enough of. The attention to detail in the dining, service and energy of the restaurant will be sure to satiate your expectations. LPM’s gastronomy is an absolute treat, and I’d go as far as to say they serve the best burrata in Dubai.
      The Beach Bar & Grill by Mauro Colagreco

      The Beach Bar & Grill by Chef Mauro Colagreco has a stunning menu. Located on the beachfront at The One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel, the setting and South American flavours will transport you to that ‘on vacation’ feeling upon your arrival. This is a perfect spot for a catch-up with friends or a laid-back date night.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @beachbarandgrill More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Here’s how Dubai celebrated Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday last night

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      The king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated his 57th birthday in Dubai and the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular.
      Known for garnering a strong relationship with the UAE over the years, it’s not surprising the emirate of Dubai went all out to ensure the actor had a special birthday.
      The occasion was marked with Shah Rukh Kahn’s image lit up on the Burj Khalifa with the message: “Happy Birthday Shah Rukh, Happy Birthday Pathaan. We love you.”

      The words flashed on the screen with his iconic track ‘Tujhe Dekha To’ from the 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge which played in the background.
      The actor has been featured on the world’s tallest tower multiple times for campaigns and his birthday in 2020.
      Earlier this year, Shah Rukh Khan also became the first Indian actor to receive the UAE Golden visa and the Happiness Card.
      The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs tweeted, “GDRFA Dubai welcomes Bollywood star Shah Rukh and grants him the Happiness Card with the aim of achieving happiness through various benefits, discounts and offers.”
      With a close affinity to the country, the actor’s Bollywood film Happy New Year was also shot in the UAE along with the star-studded cast.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @iamsrk More

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      in health and weelbeing

      Wimpy Launches Multilingual African Folktale Collection Encouraging Diversity, Inclusion And Literacy

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      As a proudly South African restaurant, Wimpy recognises Mzanzi’s richness and has partnered with Ethnikids, an online children’s bookstore started by five South African moms, for a second year to give children access to an African folktale collection in their home language.
       Passionate about kids and their education, Wimpy is committed to bringing its edu-tainment philosophy to life. “Children are close to our hearts and core to our offering. Our collaboration with Ethnikids enables us to bringing real South African stories to kids in a fun and engaging way,” says Jodi Law, Brand Manager, Wimpy.

       In a country with 11 official languages, mother tongue books are not readily available, and most children’s books lack cultural context. “It is critical that children are exposed to literature that includes diverse ethnicities, this positively impacts a child’s self-image and develops pride in who they are and where they come from” says Seago Maapola, Educational Psychologist. 
      Stories that speak about who we are play an important role in representation, guiding what we should be proud of. “When there is a lack of representation, children are exposed to a single narrative based on stereotypes, this leads to them experiencing negative psychological outcomes and often feeling like they’re not good enough,” adds Maapola.
      Wimpy commissioned Ethnikids to develop a multilingual, multicultural folktale collection giving children access to diverse characters and stories that they can relate to and identify with. The collection is based on five South African folktales, with some of SA’s most talented authors and illustrators collaborating to provide children tales that represent the rainbow nation’s melting pot of cultures.
      English versions of the books are available at Wimpy restaurants nationwide with every Kids’ Combo Meal. Online versions of the books are available in all SA’s official languages, as well as in Khoe/Nama the original Bantu language of the Khoisan people that is being advocated to become one of SA’s official languages on the Wimpy website.
      “This year’s campaign includes an interactive online and in-restaurant experience encouraging children to engage with the stories. Children can choose their own ending by scanning a QR code at the back of the books, using their own imagination to expand on the narratives” adds Law.

      A second phase of the campaign will enable to kids collect 3D cardboard puppets from each of the featured books. These fold-out scenes will include different characters and allow kids to make use of their imagination, acting out scenes and making up their own characters.
      Visit https://wimpy.co.za/kids/mzanzi-stories/ to find out more.

      *In Partnership With Wimpy More

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      All the major changes that took place in the UAE in 2022

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      46 mins ago

      The UAE is a country of endless possibilities and with leaders with a vision to consistently look to the future.
      With this in mind, in 2022 alone there have been a number of changes to continue to make the UAE an attractive place to live.
      From visa updates to an amendment in labour laws, a host of new rules and regulations were launched this year.
      For an overview of all the updates, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the changes made in 2022.
      New visa system
      With visas being a major topic of discussion this year, the country continues to welcome expats from around the globe, especially with all the new visas here. The new system of entry and residence was launched to retain global talents and skilled workers from October 3, 2022. The latest visas introduced include a visitor visa which has increased the duration from 30 to 60 days after the individual has proved sufficient funds. For those who wish to start their own company, a business visa can be granted without a sponsor. Visas can also be granted for internship programmes, study courses and training purposes, and for any-project based work or temporary assignments, candidates can receive a temporary work visa. Now, families also have the option of sponsoring male children until the age of 25, where it was previously granted for 18 years old. The other visas available include a multi-entry tourist visa, a Green visa and a Golden visa for individuals who fall under the categories of entrepreneurs, real estate owners, exceptional talents, scientists & researchers, outstanding students and skilled workers.
      Working week shift

      #UAE announces today that it will transition to a four and a half day working week, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.
      All Federal government departments will move to the new weekend from January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tQoa22pai9
      — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 7, 2021

      Starting from January 1, 2022, this year, the UAE Government Media Office transitioned to a new model with Saturday and Sunday forming the weekend days. Additionally, the UAE government made an announcement that the working week would be a four-and-a-half-day week for Federal employees from Monday to Thursday, 7:30am to 3:30pm with employees working for 4.5 hours on Friday and the flexibility to work from home.
      Labour law updates
      With only full-time employment possible before, employees now have the possibility to opt for temporary and flexible work, freelance jobs, condensed working hours and shared jobs. This new law allows employees to work part-time, job share, take on temporary work, or work for more than one employer for a specified number of days. Per the new contract, employees can work 40 hours a week and can perform all 40 hours in three if they would like to do so.
      Tech-driven Emirati passports

      The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
      — Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

      With innovation at the forefront, the government launched the next generation of Emirati passports on September 1, 2022, with technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel. Designed to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness to promote security and safety for international travel. The key features include a detail-oriented identification page with a holographic logo and enhanced elements to reduce attempts of forgery. Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
      E-cheques are now the future
      Through a partnership between Dubai Land Department and Emirates NBD, cheque payments for rental have been automated using the Central Bank of the UAE’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS) allowing tenants to make payments through their bank accounts instead of issuing physical cheques. Tenants will also have the option of flexible payment plans and facilitate easy transfer without any added hassle.
      Emirates IDs are the new visas
      Since May 16, 2022, Emirates ID cards have officially replaced residence visa stickers across all emirates except Dubai. All relevant information is documented and stored within Emirates ID cards to merge residence and identity card applications, instead of processing them separately leading to a number of benefits. This rule now cuts paperwork and the time taken to process applications, with a more detailed outline showcasing a 3D picture, date of birth on the cardholder, and enhanced protection of non-visible data including employment information.
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      Images: Supplied & feature image: Instagram @alphaspotting More