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    How I got my job as… Founder of the UAE’s first leading decluttering company

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    This week we chat with Shelina Jokhiya, founder of DeCluttr Me and author of “Can you Find it in Five Seconds?” As the first podcast show in the Middle East focusing on decluttering and organizing your life, Jokhiya brings practical advice on how to achieve a clutter-free space and set up systems tailored to each individual’s needs.
    Emirates Woman sat down with the brand’s founder to learn about her career path and how she’s converted her passion into a full-time business.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    My favourite subject was English literature and Chemistry.
    What was your first job?
    In my late teens, I worked at Mcdonald’s making the burgers and putting the dressings on them – I was an expert. When I realised that I wanted to study law, I also worked as an intern at the county court chambers, and various law firms to learn more about the profession.

    What brought you to Dubai?
    I had been working as a solicitor in London and then I got a job as a lawyer at Emirates in 2005. I had visited Dubai 3 years before with my family so I knew a little bit about it.
    What inspired you to enter the organizational space?
    I have always been organised since I was a child. I used to organise my Madonna collection, music, DVDs, anything and everything. I dreamt about being an organiser when working in London in the early 2000s but I didn’t think anyone would pay for this service. After so many years of being a lawyer, I was fed up with my life and started to research online about being an organizer. That’s when I realised that it was a thriving industry and no one else was doing it in the Middle East so I thought I would start.
    How did you come to launch your own company?
    I created the website and social media accounts for DeCluttr Me in March 2013 whilst still working and then blogged for a few months to build content. I saved money at the same time and finally quit in September 2013 from my job to start this full-time. DeCluttr Me became the region’s first licensed, professional organising service.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    Mostly decluttering and organizing clients’ homes, especially closets and kitchens. But I also help clients when they are moving into new homes with unpacking and organizing. I help a lot of clients who are dealing with mental health issues, grief, divorce or abuse which has manifested into physical clutter so it is not just about organizing and labelling items into nice boxes.
    Talk us through your daily routine
    I try not to look at my phone in the morning except to play Wordle, breakfast is cereal and a coffee and then if I’m working with a client it is getting my work bag ready and heading to their place. Usually I work an 8-hour session with clients so I am exhausted by the time I finish and get home. I try to cook in advance so that I can warm up the food, eat, catch up on admin and watch some tv and then sleep. If I have a day off I love hiding in the cinema watching movies. I love switching off my phone and my mind, and just concentrating on whatever I am watching. I am also currently trying to see as much of the UAE as possible so will book to go to a tourist attraction in one of the emirates on my day off.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    Think about how you can help your clients. It is not just about organising into nice boxes like you see on TV and social media, there are other elements to consider when being a professional organizer including the temperaments of the clients and the clutter they have. If you get overwhelmed seeing clutter then this is not the job for you.

    What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
    If you are a solopreneur like me, have a board of friends and advisers to talk to about your business and to give you non-biased advice. I have five people I can contact at any time to discuss my business issues and achievements and to get their sage advice.
    And what is the worst? –
    I get so much unsolicited advice from people that I tend to block them out now.
    What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
    Getting people to understand what decluttering is and how it can be beneficial for you mentally and physically. Now it has become a cool thing to do but it took many years to get to this point.

    What are the future plans for your brand?
    I recently published my first book “Can you find it in five seconds?” which is available in hard copy and e-book on Amazon. I have also expanded DeCluttr Me to offer a wardrobe shopping service. It involves a visit from our stylist, who will assess the current contents of your wardrobe, evaluate what works for you, determine what should be kept, and how items can be mixed, matched and accessorised to create new looks. The idea is to help you to achieve a more sustainable, compact, capsule wardrobe that suits your style, from items you already have, without spending on new clothes. Next, I plan on creating another book, publishing worldwide and also getting a tv show about how decluttering and organizing has benefited my clients in the region.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Pexels @marina-podrez More

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    This famed desert café is back for the winter season in the UAE

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    12 mins ago

    It’s finally time to take advantage of the cooler weather and this must-visit desert café is the best place to start.
    With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert.
    Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu.

    For coffee connoisseurs, this venue is nothing short of paradise. With fine blends and premium quality products, varying from both hot to cold brews to sip under the starry skies.
    If you’re in need of that picturesque Insta-worthy shot, this scenic space features angel wings, natural ghaf trees, lights and minimal branding for those memorable shots.

    To add to the experience, this one-of-a-kind dining journey is complemented by sand dune views and live entertainment shows from Egyptian forklore and a live band for everyone of all ages to experience.
    Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
    For more information visit onedegree.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @onedegree.ae & Feature Image: Instagram @miko_0924 More

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

    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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    What is UAE Flag Day? Here’s everything you need to know

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    23 mins ago

    A very important day in the UAE’s calendar will be marked this week – Flag Day.
    While there is no official day off for UAE Flag Day, it’s a day of significance as it marks the day when the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ascended into the role of President of the UAE.
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, even shared a message of importance earlier this week to mark UAE Flag Day.
    “We call on our citizens, organisations, and ministries to hoist the flag simultaneously on November 3 at 11:00 am to express the unity of our home and our destiny,” he said on Twitter.
    But what exactly is UAE Flag Day? Emirates Woman is here to highlight everything you need to know.
    What is UAE Flag Day?

    ٣ نوفمبر القادم تحتفل دولتنا بيوم العلم، ندعو كافة وزاراتنا ومؤسساتنا لرفعه بشكل موحد الساعة 11 صباحاً في ذلك اليوم. سيبقى علمنا مرفوعاً .. سيبقى رمز عزتنا ووحدتنا خفاقاً .. ستبقى راية عزنا ومجدنا وسيادتنا عالية في سماء الإنجاز والولاء والوفاء .. pic.twitter.com/eLmH90j5Ae
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 28, 2022

    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”.

    قبل خمسين عاماً، توحد شعبنا واجتمعت كلمته تحت راية واحدة، وفي “يوم العلم” نجدد العهد مع الوطن بقيادة الشيخ خليفة بأن تبقى رايته مصدر فخرنا واعتزازنا ورمزاً لقوة وحدتنا. pic.twitter.com/UyQPBASZgM
    — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 3, 2021

    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.
    His father, the late Sheikh Zayed and father of the UAE, was also involved in the design process of the flag.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    UAE public holidays in 2023: When are they?

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    Now it’s the beginning of November, many have started looking to 2023 perhaps setting goals, making plans and sharing hopes for the next year ahead.
    Part of making those plans has to include when everyone will be able to avail some well-deserved time off work.
    So, it begs the question: when will the UAE public holidays fall in 2023? Well, we’re here to help…
    New Year’s Day
    As of 2022, New Year’s Day became an official public holiday in the UAE following the work-week change from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday. This means January 1, 2023, will also be observed as a public holiday.
    Eid Al Fitr
    The first day of Ramadan is predicted to fall around March 22, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar. Eid Al Fitr falls on the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to Shawwal 3. It’s been predicted that Eid al Fitr could fall around Friday, April 21, 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.
    Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
    A couple of months after Eid Al Fitr, the UAE will observe another public holiday, Arafat Day which falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. This corresponds to around June 27, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.
    Eid Al Adha
    Just after Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, which will correspond from June 28 to June 30, 2023.
    Islamic New Year
    A couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around July 19, 2023.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around September 29, 2023.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2023, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2 and December 3.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are always determined by UAE authorities.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Unsplash  More

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

    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.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & feature image: Instagram @alphaspotting More

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    11 Emirati women taking the lead in the UAE to inspire future generations

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    The UAE’s leading women in power breaking down barriers and forging new paths in their respective careers.
    Her Excellency Reem bin KaramDirector of the Nama Foundation for the Advancement of Women

    Her Excellency Reem Bin Karam continually gives back to the UAE community, particularly when it comes to raising breast cancer awareness. In her role as the chairperson of Pink Caravan UAE, Her Excellency explains how breast cancer can occur in both men and women, the main aims of Pink Caravan, the importance of early detection of breast cancer and more.
    Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb AlmheiriMinister of Climate Change and Environment

    Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri holds a key position for monitoring national food stocks, invest- ing in food technology and following up on international relations. She oversees key measures, policies and initiatives to enhance goods and water security. She is currently representing the UAE in the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as well as the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).
    Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al QubaisiFirst Arab woman to be President of the Federal National Council

    As the region’s first female leader of a national assembly, Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi has made a difference since she took on this position in 2015. As one of the region’s game-changing visionaries, she has become a leading figure in placing the UAE on the global map.
    Her Excellency Jameela Al MuhairiFirst Emirati woman to become the Minister of State for Public Education Affairs

    Prior to joining the Cabinet, Her Excellency Jameela Al Muhairi helped develop a Quality Assurance System for schools in Dubai, while working as the chief of the Dubai School Inspection Bureau. She also served as the executive director of Dubai Knowledge Village from 2004 to 2008 and has more than 20 years of experience in the education sector.
    Her Excellency Reem Al HashimyDirector-General for the Dubai Expo 2020

    Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi was hugely instrumental in winning Dubai’s bid to host Expo 2020. As well as being Director-General for the Dubai Expo 2020, she is also the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. She became a cabinet minister in 2008. She is also chair of Dubai Cares, a children’s education charity established by Sheikh Mohammed in 2007.
    Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al RoumiMinister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing

    Since taking up her role as Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing in 2016, Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi has launched a plethora of initiatives including the 100-day happiness plan and five-month positivity training programme for local CEOs. She has previously held prestigious positions such as the first Arab member of the Global Entrepreneurship Council (GEC) and Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office.
    Captain Aisha Al MansooriThe UAE’s first female Emirati captain in a commercial airline

    Aisha Al Mansoori became the first Emirati female captain for a commercial airline in August 2022. The groundbreaking appointment by Etihad Airways came after years of hard work and training. She first joined the Etihad Cadet Pilot programme in 2007, being of the two Emirati females in her batch. Captain Aisha took her first flight on an Etihad Airbus A320 to Amman, Jordan to later become the first female UAE national to fly the superjumbo passenger aircraft the Airbus A380 after undergoing a rigorous training programme and completing the requisite flying hours.
    Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al QasimiPresident and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation

    Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a curator who continues to establish herself as a catalyst of change in Sharjah and globally. By creating a platform for contemporary artists, curators, and cultural producers to be recognised, her leadership continues to extend beyond the four walls of art.
    Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al KaabiMinister of Youth and Culture

    Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi was appointed the Minister of Youth and Culture in July 2020, after previously holding the title of Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs from February 2016 to October 2017. Moreover, Al Kaabi was previously appointed as a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) from Abu Dhabi.
    Amna Al QubaisiFirst female Emirati racing driver

    This Emirati racer is no stranger to breaking new ground in motorsport. After making her name during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Amna Al Qubaisi’s success at Yas Marina circuit was one of the major milestones in her motor racing career. Since beginning her career at the age of 14, Al Qubaisi has always lived her life in the fast lane since then. Aim- ing to work her way to reach Formula 1, she has already claimed many achievements such as being the first female and Arab to win an FIA F4 race in 2019.
    Dr. Nadia Al BastakiThe first Emirati woman to be registered as a specialist in Aviation Aerospace medicine

    Paving the way in a male-dominated field, Dr Nadia Al Bastaki became the first UAE national to specialize in aviation medicine. She joined Etihad Airways in 2007 and has been a key figure in developing the airline’s medical centre into a region-leading aeromedical centre.

    October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
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    Images: Supplied More

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    The internet’s best reactions to the premiere of Netflix’s Dubai Bling

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    2 hours ago

    The latest reality show to premiere on Netflix is all about Dubai.
    Showcasing the opulent and affluent side of the emirate, Dubai Bling has already taken the world by storm after launching on October 27.
    As one of the most highly anticipated shows, the emirate’s exuberant displays of wealth were accompanied by drama, drama and more drama as each episode progressed.
    With rivalries, romance and a lavish lifestyle being the focal point, the world had a lot to say about the diamond city’s high-flying social circle and whether it’s a façade or not.

    Each protagonist is known for their strong character leading its own dose of friction amongst them and more entertainment for the audience.
    The world binge-watched the show and so did we. By taking the streaming platform by storm, here’s what the internet had to say.

    Zeina will say how she feels to your face and I love that. #DubaiBling pic.twitter.com/iAqAmQlVun
    — maya own business (@saltybuthappy) October 27, 2022

    “My love language is receiving gifts 🎁”
    Say what? How is that YOUR love language, or am I missing something? 🤔 #DubaiBling
    — Nicola Ellegaard (@banafsaji) October 28, 2022

    Dubai Bling is not for financially weak people like myself.🤣🤣
    — Sania (@notyoursania) October 28, 2022

    I’m glad there are more and more reality shows where the men are gossiping and causing drama #DubaiBling #blingempire #sellingoc
    — Basically Like Heather (@maaagicadespell) October 28, 2022

    Ebraheem on Dubai Bling Netflix is just like Kane on Bling Empire. There has to be that one guy that gossips and I’m here for it. pic.twitter.com/RMfcFMQOm3
    — Hachi (@_PetiteAda) October 27, 2022

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More