For 170 years Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. have shared a special relationship. To celebrate this longstanding alliance the two iconic brands have come together to create an exclusive timepiece.

The special edition run of Ref. 5711/1A-018 Nautilus wristwatches in steel endowed with famous Tiffany Blue® dials is now available in a limited number of pieces.

Each watch is stamped with the name of both companies and combines Patek Philippe’s watch know-how with the famous Tiffany Blue coloured dial.

The baton hour markers as well as baton hour and minute hands come in blackened white gold with luminous coatings and features.

The design of the case, the bezel, and the integrated steel bracelet are emphasized by the refined sequence of satin-finished and polished links applied by hand in a process that requires 55 production steps to complete for each watch.

The case is water-resistant up to 210 metres and accommodates a self-winding calibre 26-330 S C, a movement that features various technical innovations and optimizations as well as a stop-seconds mechanism that allows the time to be set with one-second accuracy.

The sapphire-crystal case back bears the commemorative inscription “170th Anniversary 1851-2021 Tiffany & Co. – Patek Philippe“. It pays tribute to the 170-year shared vision and the historic ties that link Patek Philippe with the United States.

A total of 170 pieces will be available exclusively in the Tiffany boutiques in New York, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco that carry Patek Philippe.

The first ever art residency program in AlUla has kicked off this month.

Over a period of 11 weeks through to 14^th January 2022 an exciting lineup of six artists are working on the ground at the Saudi destination, around the theme “rebirth of the oasis” to produce a catalogue of art pieces.

Outside of Mabiti AlUla ©Mae Woolworth

The programme which was commissioned by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and the French Agency for AlUla Development (Afalula), is designed to foster dialogue and exchange not only between emerging and established artists and a community of experts working on the ground, but also with local practitioners, and members of the local community.

The 11-week programme invites six chosen artists to create artworks that are based around the theme “ The rebirth of the oasis”, with AlUla’s impressive landscape at the centre of the creations. Through their creative outlooks, artists will question the development of the oasis over time while (re)defining, in the specific context of a regeneration program.

First public program – 12 November with Laura Sellies ©Abdulmuhsin Bluwi

In addition to providing support to develop the artists’ research and production projects to be implemented in AlUla, a dynamic public program is organized in collaboration with the artists, the experts, and the local community on a weekly basis. It includes open studios, workshops, and meetings between the public and the artists about their work in progress at different stages of the residency.

The pilot edition is based in Mabiti AlUla, a palm-grove and a guest-house in the heart of AlUla’s oasis. It will subsequently be established in Madrasat AdDeera, an arts and design centre.

Dyeing workshop by the PTSA for AlUla art residency 17 November ©Anais Veignant

The shortlisted artists are:

• Rashed AlShashai (b. 1977, Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh) is a conceptual artist and arts educator. His work explores the purpose of human existence and the functions of society with everyday objects and imagery;

• Sara Favriau (b. 1983, France, based in Paris) is a multidisciplinary artist. Her sculptures, installations and performances investigate the very permanence of self, nature, and works of art;

• Talin Hazbar (b. 1988, Syria, based in Sharjah) is an architect and a visual artist. Her work and processes aim to showcase the overlapping boundaries in nature, history, and ecology;

• Laura Sellies (b. 1989, France, based in Paris) is a multimedia artist. In her work, she finds new ways to understand the relationship between sculptures, bodies, images, and sounds;

• Sofiane Si Merabet (b. 1981, France, based in Dubai) is a multimedia artist. His work interrogates memories, identities, and migration;

• Muhannad Shono (b. 1977, Saudi Arabia, based in Riyadh,) is a multidisciplinary artist whose work interrogates what lies beneath the surface of the human experience.

Opening of AlUla art residency ©the Nabataean studio

The programme is an experimental project and the very first step towards building a larger program that regularly welcomes artists in residence in AlUla. In the long run, a thriving ecosystem for artists from all around the world will be embedded in AlUla and will give artists access to curatorial and artistic support in addition to production facilities.

Luxury brands create exclusive capsule collections to celebrate the UAE’s National Day.

Balenciaga

Balenciaga has launched a series of special and exclusive products in its Abu Dhabi and Dubai stores to honour the 50th anniversary of the UAE. Classic items from the brand’s collections are now available in new colourways, offering a celebratory touch.

The Hourglass Top Handle XS Bag now comes in forest green, the Hourglass Wallet With Chain and the Square Knife BB 80mm Mule are available in dark red, and the Square Knife 80mm Mule now comes in black strass – all highlighting the colours of the UAE’s flag. Additionally, two exclusive items can be found at Balenciaga’s stores across the country: Top Handle Bag and an Hourglass Wallet With Chain, each covered in gold strass.

Christian Louboutin

Christian Louboutin presents The Golden Capsule, a global exclusive collection inspired by the United Arab Emirates ahead of the upcoming National Day celebrations. The capsule features rich Emirati textiles, ornaments and objects that are all hand-placed alongside materials from previous Louboutin collections.

The creative project brings together the two nations of France and the UAE with a selection of handmade pieces for men and women. Traditional UAE crafts such as Sadu, the traditional technique of hand-woven embroidery, are used throughout the collection whose overall gold thing is both elegant and celebratory. The collection is exclusively available in all UAE boutiques as well as the dedicated website ae.christianlouboutin.com.

Jimmy Choo

Jimmy Choo has partnered with Ounass.ae to create a capsule collection in time for the 50th National Day. The limited edition capsule offering comprises seven iconic styles inspired by the colours of the UAE flag and the Golden Jubilee.

The collection consists of the SAEDA sandals, K-SLIDE 50 mules, the MEMPHIS trainer, the CLOUD clutch, the MADELINE crossbody and more, all of which are guaranteed showstoppers. Made in Italy, the designs are available exclusively at Ounass.ae.

Manolo Blahnik

Manolo Blahnik’s 50th Anniversary Gold Capsule collection will perfectly complete any outfit this festive period. As the brand celebrates its own 50th anniversary this year it has created an exclusive capsule of new styles in gold tones are designed to commemorate any special day you might be planning over the coming months.

In line with the UAE’S anniversary, this capsule collection represents 50 years of success of an iconic brand by summarising five decades of work in one collection. Find the collection at Harvey Nichols Dubai.

Dr Malek Bin Easa discusses his passion for watches and creating a community spirit amongst collectors in the UAE.

Hermès has unveiled a new beauty product just in time for the holidays.

The Poudre D’Orfèvre, Face and Eyes Illuminating powder is a precious limited edition powder that will add a golden glow to your makeup look.

Housed in a refillable white lacquered circle the features its own mirror and a magnetic closure.

The multi-use powder is embossed with the Hermès ex-libris and is compressed to form its distinctive chiselled, engraved and polished appearance.

The jewel-like powder is inspired by goldsmithing know-how and the golden hue of the case. It carries the memory of ancestral gestures that shape metal using hammers, chisels and engraving irons to reveal softness and finesse.

The transparent core formula of Poudre d’orfèvre, with its high concentration of golden mother-of-pearl, offers perfection in reflected light.

The powder can be swept over the cheekbones, the bridge of the nose and the browbone to enhance and elevate the face. It can also be worn on the body.

This 2021 limited edition version is available at selected Hermès retail outlets around the world.

Butheina Kazim, Founder of Cinema Akil discusses her passion for film and her vision for the future of this unique concept.

When Butheina Kazim founded a travelling cinema concept in 2014, it was always going to be about much more than just screening movies. The Emirati entrepreneur wanted to find and bring together a community of people who have a common interest in delving deep into the meanings and messages behind films, and opening up a conversation around them. After screening films in various locations across the UAE for several years, in 2018 she opened Cinema Akil, the country’s first and only independent arthouse cinema. Located in. the cultural district of Al Serkal Avenue, Cinema Akil is a single screen theatre the showcases a vast range of movies from all around the world. But Butheina believes it’s about much more than just watching a movie. As the industry has been turned on its head over the past two years, she has been working on even more ways to bring together like-minded people through the film and is currently on the path of discovering how this can take her company to the next level. Here we find out what’s in the pipeline for Cinema Akil and discusses the cinema industry in the UAE and further afield as a whole.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE…

POWERED BY PANERAI 

Can tell us a little more about the concept and vision of Cinema Akil?

Cinema Akil started as a nomadic travelling cinema with a series of pop-up screenings that took place all over the UAE – anywhere that had a wall we could turn into a cinema and bring the kind of films that we thought needed to be shown to an audience here in Dubai. We wanted to reflect on the kinds of conversations that people were having in the kind of environment that encourages communities to come together and have important discussions. So that was the spirit on which the idea of Cinema Akil was built, and we implemented this through the language of cinema. I’ve always loved film and bringing people together around it and having lengthy discussions after having shared that experience.

Butheina wears Panerai PAM1248, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Ivory sun-brushed dial

Can you share more about your passion for film and cinema?

Cinema for me is everything, it’s life itself, it’s a reflection of who we are, it’s a memory that’s captured on camera and it reminds us of what we can be in the best and the ugliest of ways. It brings people together, it gives you a view of what life can be outside of yourself, what questions you haven’t thought to ask, and it helps put you in a different world and universe. It brings people together somehow in this magical moment in a shared time capsule of a cinema room. When watching these pieces of work come to life you almost witness the spirit of a person and all the people that worked on creating this snippet of reality and fiction and see their dreams come together in this magical experience. One of my favourite directors from Senegal says “cinema is magic in the service of dreams” and I’ve always believed in that idea. Those are the kinds of films that I try to bring to the cinema. Films that make you reach deeply within yourself and try to imagine a different kind of world that you could aspire to.

What does a working day look like to you?

There isn’t a single day, I think what I would like the most is the mundanity of the cinema environment of being scheduled and completely structured to seep into my life, but that hasn’t happened yet! My days are very chaotic and all over the place but they’re always full. I don’t like standing still and I don’t like stagnation so I’m always doing something; talking to someone, trying something new. I try to keep busy as much as I can but also try to be there for the people that need me and the people that I love. So that’s what my days look like: a combination of things that I need to do, things that I want to do and things that I love doing.

Butheina wears Panerai PAM1248, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Ivory sun-brushed dial

What does time mean to you?

It’s incredibly elastic, abstract and opaque at the same time. That’s how I think of time. It’s something that takes several forms. It can be scary, beautiful, infinite, mysterious and that’s my relationship with it. There is this elasticity that always governs the way that I think of what has passed in the moment and moving into the future. There is a certain romance about it too and a certain kind of terror.

This month the UAE is celebrating 50 years – what does this occasion mean to you?

This occasion is a testimony to where time stands still. To pay homage and tribute to a milestone and to a really important moment that I have been lucky enough to witness the majority of my life. I grew up here I’ve seen the country grow and mature. I’ve seen it through its most spectacular moments, its biggest mistakes, its shortfalls, its glory, its achievements, its power and its humility and I can’t wait to see what will come in the next 50 years and the 50 after that.

Butheina wears Panerai PAM1248, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Ivory sun-brushed dial

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

I think the biggest challenge is being in a place as dynamic, fast and ambitious as it is being here in the UAE; a place that’s so addicted to change. It’s like one big conveyor belt. It’s exhilarating, exciting and motivating and you’re always trying to get to the next thing, but I think the biggest challenge with that is infusing some sort of criticality to it and being understood for the depth of field and the work that arts and culture at large represent. And that’s something that I still struggle to articulate and to get across, but I also take a lot of joy in that because I think those changes come incrementally and I’m happy to be at the centre of that challenge.

How do you think the film industry has changed over the last few years and what would you like to see happen moving forward?

I think everything about cinema is changing by the introduction of streaming companies. Entire business models have been upended, film festivals are no longer film festivals in the same classical way, and there’s a lot of questions about what is considered acceptable from a moral, ethical, practical point of view in terms of the stories that we tell. Everything about the industry is completely changing and there’s a part of it that’s extremely exciting.

If you’re thinking about the moving image at large beyond cinema as we know it, we are now living in a world where everyone could potentially become a filmmaker and I think that ownership and challenge presents a very exciting, yet messy juncture. Where we as Cinema Akil fit into that ecosystem is by really thinking about what the future of cinema houses will be. We are not a cinema that’s based on volume and the number of seats, our selling point is that we can bring people together and I think we saw a lot of that during the pandemic as communities fought to keep arthouse cinemas alive all around the world.

The kinds of films that we are able to show are not necessarily bound by a very short time frame and in that sense, there is certain longevity that comes in what we do. But I think the most challenging part is to continue to deliver on the promise of creating that community aspect and keep bringing exciting content while still putting your audience and your community at the centre and really understanding who they are. This is a big challenge for us in the UAE because we live in such a diverse place. We don’t have a fixed audience as such; although there is a common denominator that everyone that walks through these doors is looking for something different. One of our challenges is going to be really figuring out who our audience is and really serving them.

Butheina wears Panerai PAM1248, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Ivory sun-brushed dial

What are your thoughts on the film industry in the UAE specifically – where it’s at and where it could be?

I think one thing that we do miss greatly and we would benefit greatly from as an industry is some sort of resurgence of the Film festivals in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. These events were incredibly important, not only as a place to see celebrities on the red carpet and have that exciting glamorous moment, which is part of what it’s all about, but also bringing decision-makers together that are able to green-light

projects and meet with filmmakers from the region and help with funds that can kick-start projects. It also allows the audience to watch an incredible number of films from all over the world, specifically from our region and give regional films the same prominence that all international productions are given. And I think that’s something very unique and has a lot of power and responsibility. So I think it’s a tragedy that we lost these events and I hope they will return.

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

I don’t think there is a single formula or a model for success. I don’t believe in this idea of idols and great women and great men and beacons of hope. There’s a lot of different ways that people can inspire each other but I am a firm believer in collective inspiration and support systems and community, and that’s the work that I do here. So I would say that the most important part is to build yourself a really solid system of supporters, allies and partners that will really lift you up because that’s what matters in the end, no matter what you’re doing.

What’s in the pipeline for 2022?

As far as I’m concerned I think we’re already in 2022! We came out of a very challenging moment of the pandemic and it wasn’t great for a lot of people and industries. Cinema was certainly hard. So we are now riding the wave of the backlog and excitement and answering live of what is yet to come and how cinemas will live moving forward. There are all these conversations happening around the world about cinema and what’s exciting is defining those as we go along, taking on new projects, really doubling down on the reason that we started the cinema. It wasn’t necessarily just a space to exhibit the films that needed to be shown but also really rooted in the idea of bringing communities together and I think what’s coming up is certainly a move towards that objective, whether it’s here in Cinema Akil, in multiple places, different forms, experimenting with different modalities of cinema and certainly a whole host of important, incredible and ground-breaking storytelling.

If we were to go out and watch one film over this festive period what would you recommend?

We’re showing a film that’s an epilogue of the Jubilee celebrations. We are going into an incredible weekend of programming and festivities across the country which is incredibly rejuvenating and exciting and full of love and joy and celebration, but I think there is an opportunity to reflect on what happens after.

So we have tied up with Al Serkal Avenue for a programme that reflects one week later after the National Day weekend to programme a whole host of activities and conversations. We’re screening a film called “None of Your Business” by Kamran Heidari, an Iranian filmmaker. This film looks at a specific kind of music that became popular in the seventies and it’s a genre of music that’s very close to this part of the Gulf because of the style and instruments that are used. It’s very celebratory and it’s a great reminder of where we are and how much of a Nexus this place can be, even when it’s not trying to be.

Butheina wears kaftan by CHI-KA

Aquazurra’s new Resort 2022 campaign transports us to an otherworldly destination of white marble and seascape hues. Featuring the latest footwear collections the campaign features styles that are perfect for both the festive season and Spring 2022.

Shot in the futuristic location of Cantera Valdilecha Zalo in the north of Madrid the campaign see Spanish entrepreneur and digital influencer Alex Rivière, laying amongst the white marble blocks that the area is famous for.

Alex, shows off the latest creations designed by Edgardo Osorio including the Tequila sandals in metal leather with ton sur ton crystals, the Gaia lace-up sandal in suede; the Trés Mondaine pump, and the Galactic Flowers cocktail sandals covered entirely with crystals.

The collection is glamorous, colourful and perfect for the party season!

“My favourite shoes are always the ones that make you smile and ones you will have a good time in. For this collection, I foresee the return of party dressing and a mood to have fun. I played with transparency, crystals, and pastel colours to create new effects on the shoes.” Says Edgardo Osorio.

The collection is available online and at Aquazurra stores.

If you’re staying in the UAE over the coming festive period with got you covered with a vast range of destinations and experiences to discover.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel Curio Collection by Hilton

This magical destination offers an authentic UAE experience with all the luxuries your need. Located in Dubai’s Al Seef project the hotel combines the warmth of Arabian hospitality with a backdrop of local heritage and architecture. The hotel pages homage to old Dubai but for quality-conscious travellers who are looking for luxury, cleanliness and quality.

Al Seef Heritage Hotel is surrounded by a traditional-style souk with local merchants offering handmade gifts and authentic Arabic clothing furniture and accessories The hotel’s design is inspired by traditional Arabic buildings and the décor features classic furnishings that will make you feel truly at home.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel

This year’s official UAE National celebration is taking place in Hatta so what better destination to spend the long weekend. JA Hatta Fort is surrounded by the beautiful Hajar mountains of the area, nestled in a valley amongst the hills. The hotel features 55 contemporary deluxe mountain rooms and villas, five restaurants and bars to choose from, two outdoor pools and a spa.

There are dozens of activities to keep you busy in the area from pedalboat rides at Hatta Dam, a visit to Hatta Honey Bee Farm, horse riding and spa treatments, while adventurers can jump into activities like zip-lining, wall climbing, mountain biking and kayaking and more at the newly re-opened Wadi Hub.

Park Hyatt Dubai

While just a few minutes away from the centre of Dubai, Park Hyatt feels a million miles away. This green paradise is the perfect destination for a short escape from a busy lifestyle. Situated on Dubai Creek this resort features panoramic views of the city and one of the best poolside locations in the city.

Park Hyatt Dubai features a host of restaurants and lounges including the well-known NOÉPE and Traiteur which is one of Dubai’s most iconic dining destinations. The 223 rooms feature modern design and many rooms have a private terrace or balcony. If you are looking for a relaxing experience head to the spa or for those after a beach-club mood TWIGGY by La Cantine is the perfect spot for an Instagram photo.

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah

The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert, is a protected Nature Reserve spanning 500 hectares and is home to a range of diverse wildlife living naturally around the desert oasis. Located in the Al Wadi desert surrounding Ras Al Khaimah this picturesque Oasis offers pure tranquillity. The resort features 100 private villas with a private terrace and pool overlooking nothing but golden sands.

Whether you want to spend the weekend relaxing in your room or try some of the traditional desert-based activities, there’s always something to see or do. For the ultimate relaxation, The Rainforest, the resort’s spa combines European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals, creating a rejuvenating sanctuary in the Arabian Desert.

Raffles The Palm, Dubai

The newly opened Raffles The Palm hotel has everything you need for a truly luxurious escape. With an unrivalled beach, huge pool and a sunset to die for, this new hotel is set to become one of the most popular in the city. Inspired by a European Palace this opulent property is one-of-a-kind. The hotel offers some of the largest rooms in the city, decorated with opulent European décor fit for a princess.

Chandeliers, gold leaf furniture and hand-embroidered fabrics would make Queen Elizabeth feel at home! Outside is where you can truly embrace the beauty of this resort with its panoramic views of the city and one of the biggest private beaches in the UAE. There are several restaurants including the recently opened Piatti by the Beach, a super-cool beachside lounge.

St Regis The Palm, Dubai

The newly opened St Regis. The Palm, Dubai is a city hotel with a difference. Located in the centre of The Palm Jumeirah this brand new property has some of the most impressive views in the country. Featuring the brand’s sophisticated design with a touch of Dubai glamour the hotel features elegant interiors including a grand staircase and an impressive chandelier inspired by an Arabian palm tree. 264 guestrooms and 26 luxury suites offer unique views of The Palm Jumeirah with floor-to-ceiling windows.

For guests wanting full relaxation, a personalized 24-hour St. Regis Butler service is available, or venture to some of the hotel’s dining destinations which includes The St. Regis Bar. Outside there is an impressive infinity pool overlooking the Dubai skyline, so you can rest in the sun and sack up the beautiful surroundings of the city as you relax with your loved ones.

Balenciaga presented its Fall 22 collection this week in the form of a message from the past about what could have been and never was.

Titled “The Lost Tape” the presentation recalled a time when clothing was alive with raw ideas, before it was bound by trends. With key themes of “anti-fashion”, deconstruction, and monochromatic minimalism running throughout.

Inspired by the people and things that defined the late nineties era The Lost Tape is a film imagined by Creative Director Demna and directed by Harmony Korine that fills a gap from Balenciaga’s forgotten years.

The collection focuses on the raver and post-grunge era, where silhouettes are pushed to their limits. Proportions are played with, creating new shapes and evolving others. The Balenciaga signature Basque waist jacket returns as well as the classic tracksuit.

Front-to-back pieces are new interpretations of classic suiting worn in an unusual way. Tweed dresses are designed in a new way with re-engineered constructions that allows them to become tailored.

Balenciaga icons are reimagined for modern comfort: A bell-shaped parka is affixed with a detachable travel pillow at the neck. Conventional pieces are twisted to create a cross between a bathrobe and a trench coat. Vintage slip dresses are disassembled and pieced back together. Five-pocket jeans are cut up to create a three-piece silhouette that can be worn as a miniskirt, pants, or XL thigh-high boots.

Fluid tailoring gives a deconstructed suit an unlined raglan sleeve, in the collection’s Belgian Avant-goth tones. Relaxed, low-rise trousers and jeans show an underwear waistband above a double-B belt for an elongated look. A Couture-like bell-shaped puffer’s detachable bow can be used as a scarf. Wrap closures use DIY ways of fastening, like oversized safety pins. The show’s first look seals the body from the neck down with a gloved top and the first pair of five-pocket Pantaboots.

When it comes to footwear, new styles were introduced including “The Excavator” a cowboy boot-inspired thigh-high wader and “The Kensington”,  a unisex square-toed ballerina flat, worn like a slipper.“The Falkon Boot” has a wide, pliable upper, giving its silhouette additional volume.

In bags, “The Lindsay Bag” reinterprets a Balenciaga classic, inspired by a buckled 90s purse. The Waist Bag is belted and cinched around its middle. The Metro Bag, a front flap purse, is made with knitted cords of faux leather and a massive metal chain. The Emo Bag combines grommeted fetish straps, extra hardware, and super stone-washed leather.

A commitment to responsible production continues, represented this season with 89.6% certified sustainable plain and printed ready-to-wear fabrics as well as pieces of upcycled leather used in garments and accessories.

Prada has opened a new pop-up boutique at Mall of the Emirates featuring an exclusive Dubai capsule collection.

The PRADA Glow collection invites shoppers to explore a colourful fantastical universe featuring women’s styles that are perfect for the festive season.

The open boutique which is located in the main atrium of the mall is animated by light projections and chronomantic effects as well as the prominence of geometry which is synonymous with the brand and its triangular logo.

The garments themselves follow a soft pastel colour palette with sequins, crystals and stud embellishment. While lurex fabrics with a metallic look are offered in clean-cut silhouettes, perfectly combine partywear with high fashion and sports luxe.

The collection is now available exclusively in the UAE. Visit the Mall of the Emirates pop-up to discover the full collection.

Captain Sahar Al Rasti the UAE’s first female ship captain discusses her passion for the sea and her drive as a businesswoman.

Captain Sahar Al Rasti was the first Emirati woman to work in the Abu Dhabi Maritime Services Company (Sven), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports. After working as an assistant in the administration department before realising her true calling of becoming a ship captain. At the time there were no women working in the department and for an Emirati woman to train as a captain was unheard of. But Sahar was determined to break that taboo and with a lot of determination she soon passed the qualification programme to captain ships under 24 metres, and within six months managed to sail for more than 1,300 hours. She also went on to become the first Emirati woman who passed the International Law Course on Maritime Aid and Maneuvers Level I and II in the Middle East.

Today Sahar doesn’t spend so much time at sea but instead runs her own company SJR Group. With five subsidiaries covering many Maritime sectors as well as venturing into other areas of business, Sahar is a busy woman. A mother of three she still tries to find time to spend with her family and hoped they will one day take over the business. Here we find out more about the journey to where she is now and the goals she still sets herself.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE…

POWERED BY PANERAI

Tell us a little about yourself and how your choice of career has shaped you as a person?

In 2015 I joined Abu Dhabi Ports as an administration assistant, I then progressed to work as a coordinator and one day I passed through the navigation services department, and I noticed there were no females working in this field. So, I went to familiarise myself with what this department does, and I realised I was very interested in it. I met my future manager and told him I wanted to join the department. At first, he told me I could not as I was a woman. He said it’s tough and as a woman, I wouldn’t like it. But at that moment I took on the challenge and I was determined to make it. In 2016 I went to study in France at IALA, the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. I was the first Middle Eastern woman to receive this certificate. Then in 2017, Abu Dhabi Ports were preparing to introduce an academy for captains and I joined them. Then in 2018, I graduated as the first female captain in this field.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced along the way?

The biggest challenge was knowing how to deal with the men in the department. There was no motivation towards me from their side and they had the old mentality that a woman shouldn’t be there. On the ship there is no space, it’s hot, you are there for a long time and you start to feel dizzy. You must work so hard physically and mentally to get through it. And most importantly you need to be patient and clever on how to communicate with the men!

Sahar wears Panerai PAM1247, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Anthracite sun-brushed dial

Do you think the acceptance of women in this field has changed since you graduated in 2018?

Not that much to be completely honest. We still have this problem but in the UAE the perception has changed because of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak. She has been encouraging women to work to the point that now you can find women in every field.

How would you like to see the industry progress moving forward?

 Two years ago, an American Academy for ship captains opened in the UAE and I won’t say that I was a role model to them, but this is what they keep telling me! They now have more than 25 ladies at the academy, and I think the UAE is starting to change when it comes to women in this field. But these women are still facing the same problems that I faced.

Sahar wears Panerai PAM1247, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Anthracite sun-brushed dial

In an industry that is dominated by men, how do you ensure your voice is heard?

I’m a strong woman! I must be, and the men notice this. I have to be nice to them and let them know that I am learning from them and their experience. Sometimes it’s good to be nice!

What is a message you would send to other women considering a career in this industry?

They must be brave, confident, and strong.

Tell us about your company SJR Group and the vision you have for it?

SJR Group is the first company owned by an Emirati woman in the Maritime sector. We have five subsidiaries. The first is in trading and we are providing accessories for ships. The second is ship management where we are handling the operations and chartering boats. The third is IT and the fourth is in honey and saffron and the fifth is related to horse stables.

Sahar wears Panerai PAM1247, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Anthracite sun-brushed dial

How do you manage your time?

To be honest it’s not easy, especially as I’m a mother of three! But my kids are the ones who are supporting me and everything I do is for them. So, I try to manage everything. But it’s much easier now that they are older.

Do you think your children would be interested to follow you in your career path?

I’m teaching them how to run a business because in the end this will one day all be theirs, but I’m also guiding them to do whatever they want. One wants to be a diplomat; one wants to be a space scientist… so you never know what the future holds for them.

What does a working day look like to you?

I usually wake up at 5am to pray. Sometimes I go to the gym. I spend some time with the family before they head to school and then I head to the office or to meetings. The mornings are usually very busy with meetings. Then in the afternoon I spend time creating new ideas and thinking about what my company needs.

Sahar wears Panerai PAM1247, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Anthracite sun-brushed dial

What do you love most about being at sea?

I love the sea. I love sitting and watching it. The sea is mysterious, and I think I am a mysterious woman. I don’t share everything. People think that I’m happy all the time, but they don’t know what I’m really like and what I’m really facing. Being at sea taught me a lot of patience.

What does time mean to you and how do you like to spend it?

Time is one of the most precious things in life. You have to use your time in the correct way as you will never get it back.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned in your career that you would like to share with us?

A lesson that I’ve learned is to be motivated and to have a good routine and stick with it.

This year the UAE celebrates 50 years – what does this occasion mean to you?

It makes me proud. I’m so proud to be an Emirati woman.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

It would be a lot of thanks and to tell them that I’m going to try my best to make my country proud of me and proud of my family.

What would you still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet?

I would like to learn how to scuba dive and also go sky diving. I love to try new things. Also, I don’t know much about oil and gas, and this is something I would like to educate myself on and add to my business portfolio.

Sahar wears Panerai PAM1247, Luminor Due 38mm steel, Anthracite sun-brushed dial

Who or what inspires you the most?

I learnt a lot from my father as well as from Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. But the person that inspires me the most is myself.

What would you say to women who look at you as a role model?

I would tell them I want them to be better than me!

Sheikha Amna Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Founder of Lava Candles shares the story of her brand and her plans for world domination.

Founded by Sheikha Amna Abdulaziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi Lava Candles is a collection of hand-crafted candles and home products produced entirely in the UAE. Born around the idea that we all need a special piece of luxury in the home, Sheikha Amna was inspired by the landscape and surroundings of her home country and she wanted to share a piece of that with others through her passion for candles and fragrance. Inspired by the exquisite beauty of the deserts and seas surrounding the United Arab Emirates, as well as the natural elements of the Earth each candle has a careful composition of ingredients, designed to elevate your home. Since creating her brand in 2016, Sheikha Amna has diversified into fragrance and gifts for the home and plans to take the brand even further. Here we find out more. 

What can you tell us about the vision of Lava candles and why did you decide to launch this business?

My vision for Lava is to be the most updated brand in terms of scents, shapes, colours and definitely with the highest quality. The summer of 2015 was the time when I decided to open the brand and start this unique concept. 

We know you are inspired by the surroundings of the UAE – what do you love about the landscapes and nature here?

Yes, Lava’s collections are indeed inspired by UAE’s surroundings, especially the exquisite beauty of the deserts and seas surrounding the country. For example from the UAE, deserts have inspired the Blanc Noir collection that features the Moonlight and Stormy desert candles. These reflect the most two inspiring elements in the dark nights of the desert, the moon and the power of the sand storms.

The range has diversified a lot since you launched in – tell about the different lines within the range and do you plan to expand further?

Proudly the brand has expanded in many ways during the last 5 years. We were able to add different products other than candles, such as room sprays, diffusers, perfumes and hair mists. Even our candle collection has expanded to more than 90 different products.

What else is in the pipeline for the coming year at Lava?

At Lava we always look for new attractive products, scents or ideas that will inspire our customers and keep them excited to try the new products and help us to expand the brand globally, serving all kinds of tastes in shapes, colours and scents. For this month we are launching our new “Bukhoor Collection” which consists of the first candles worldwide that will allow you to enjoy a house full of the inspiring “Bakhour” scent just by lighting a candle. 

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

As a young Emirati lady, this country has given me all the opportunities and possibilities to dream big and achieve my dreams. Therefore celebrating 50 years of UAE makes me proud; it leaves me full of all positive feelings and definitely looking forward to a bright future

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

My message to my beloved country is that I am very proud and I highly appreciate the safe place they have created for all the people living in the UAE, and for always being a role model for the entire world in achieving success in all aspects.

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

As a young Emirati lady who has been born and raised here, I can’t limit my happy memories to just one. Luckily it has been a journey full of happy memories with my family, friends and now with Lava.

How will you be celebrating the 50th anniversary?

I hope to spend the 50th anniversary of my beloved country with my friends and family as we watch on the television our rulers coming together to celebrate this remarkable day.

What do you think the UAE has that no other country possesses?

In my opinion and from what I have seen since the day I was born, the UAE has always been a country that gives everyone the chance of living in a safe environment, a chance to build goals and achieve them and is always supportive of all kinds of successes. 

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

I am sure that I will see the UAE as one of the top countries in all majors and continue to be a role model and a safe place for everyone. 

As an entrepreneur what advice would you give to others who are looking to start their own business?

Starting your own business in a challenging environment full of successful local brands is very interesting! It gives you motivation and inspiration. And definitely for any goal to be achieved you need to work on it very carefully with determination and persistence. So my advice for everyone who is interested in starting their own business is to always continue the journey with strength and motivation and keep it unique, with an added value to your customers both locally and internationally. 

Who or what inspires you the most?

My family always comes first in supporting and inspiring me. Also seeing successful young ladies around the world achieving their goals and becoming worldwide icons always gives me motivation. 

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

In our industry, it’s important to always stay updated on the customer’s needs and tastes especially when it comes to scents and perfumes. So the biggest challenge is creating a mixture of scents that will satisfy a wide range of different tastes, as well as keeping the original Lava touch in the mixtures. 

What is your biggest achievement so far?

I am very proud of my brand and happy with where it has got to so far. We are currently very well-known locally and starting to sell and distribute around the world, and gladly we are competing with other well-known brands. Therefore I consider Lava one of my biggest achievements that will hopefully continue to grow and shine worldwide.

What is something you would still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet?

I still have a lot of plans and goals that I am working on and hopefully try to achieve soon. I believe you must always have new goals to keep up a successful life and mindset. 

What is the personal motto that you live by?

My favourite motto is “we are all a work in progress”. As we know, no one is perfect but you should always try to be the closest to perfect you can be. I also apply this at Lava as we always try to improve the candles we produce by getting feedback from clients and building on their needs. 

What is your personal favourite candle or scent from the collections?  

This is a very difficult question as I have many favourites from different collections, but if I had to pick one it would be Gold Treasures as I remember the special memories that came with choosing that scent. 

Can you tell us why everyone needs a Lava candle in their home?

A Lava candle is not just a candle with one or two fragrance components, each candle has a luxury mix of over 7-9 components from nature, gathered and mixed with care to give you a scent that you have never smelt before, a scent that you can’t find in any other place. Also, our candles have a very unique burning experience with very long burning hours. Adding the attractive luxury colours we choose for the candles and having over 90 different scents, I am sure Lava candles will astonish everyone.

Maitha Buhumaid Director of Dubai Press Club discusses the UAE’s media industry and how it has developed over the past 50 years

Since it was formed in 1999 The Dubai Press Club has had the vision of supporting promoting and developing regional media through raising awareness, organising gatherings and events and supporting those working in the industry. Heading up the Club is Director Maitha Buhumaid. Buhumaid has worked for almost two decades in major government entities focusing on media, strategic marketing, branding and corporate communication. She is an advocate for women’s empowerment and brings together her skills in media and marketing with her business background to help pave the way for the industry in the future. Here we discover more about Dubai Press Club and what Buhumaid still hopes to achieve with the organisation.

Tell us a little about the Dubai Press Club and what is the goal?

Established in 1999, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DPC has launched several initiatives to foster industry excellence and dialogue. Its major initiatives are the Arab Media Forum (AMF), the region’s largest media gathering; the Arab Journalism Award (AJA); the Emirati Media Forum (EMF); the Arab Social Media Influencers Summit (ASMIS); and the annual Arab Media Outlook, an extensive reference on the region’s media. DPC also hosts and organises workshops and seminars regularly on issues affecting regional and international socio-political scenarios, as well as strategic communication, business, economy, education and technology.

What does a working day look like to you?

My typical working day includes several meetings with the DPC team to follow up on the implementation of upcoming events, initiatives and media activities that are aimed at accelerating the development of the media sector in the region. Our day also involves meeting with prominent media figures, representatives from international media organisations and thought leaders to discuss potential partnerships that are aligned with the Club’s strategic objectives to promote knowledge exchange.

The Dubai Press Club constantly explores new innovative projects and initiatives as part of our efforts to realise the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for DPC to meet the future requirements of the sector and nurture talent in the industry. In my role, I steer many creative brainstorming exercises with the DPC team and other stakeholders to generate new ideas to deliver our objectives.

The past 18 months have been strange for all what is a lesson you have learnt from this time?

If there’s something we’ve learnt during the last 18 months is that obstacles and challenges are not permanent. We have learned to cope with change and find new ways to approach any situation whether on a personal or professional level.

How would you access the media industry in the UAE today? 

Over the last few years, the media industry in the UAE has placed the highest priority on development in order to keep pace with the changes happening in the industry globally. Media outlets in the UAE have understood the importance of embracing digital developments in the field and finding innovative approaches to reach wider segments of the community in order to remain competitive. As an important partner in the nation’s development, the UAE media continues to play a vital role in highlighting the country’s achievements and supporting the country in realising its future ambitions.

What are your thoughts on how social media and the digital world has impacted the way we experience news? 

Social media and the digital world have revolutionised communications and the way we consume news on a daily basis. People now have all the information they need at the touch of an app and can even experience live events before the news is prepared and packaged for distribution. However, with this kind of access to information comes the risk of fake news, which is why the media need to constantly be vigilant in monitoring the online world to debunk fake news and share credible content.

Tell us about the Emirati Media Forum and what importance that has in the media community?

The Emirati Media Forum is one of DPC’s major initiatives. It takes place annually with the participation of key media personalities, heads of UAE media institutions, managing editors, editors-in-chief of local newspapers and prominent writers, thinkers, intellectuals and academics. The Forum serves as a unique platform for dialogue on the local media landscape, the impact of recent global developments on the sector and the future of the industry.

The Forum has helped to objectively analyse the state of the local media and the opportunities and challenges it faces. Through the Forum, the local media sector has been able to address its gaps and generate new solutions that support its accelerated advancement.

What in your opinion are the benefits of having an organisation like the Dubai Press Club? 

As one of the most active press clubs in the region, the Dubai Press Club has contributed to the development of the region’s media in numerous ways. As part of constantly promoting dialogue and knowledge exchange for shaping a better industry, we seek to bring professionals together to discuss the current state and future of the sector. DPC’s events and training programmes have provided media professionals with networking opportunities, the chance to exchange knowledge and hone their skills, all of which have contributed to promoting media excellence in the region.

To you what is a source of media that you still believe in? 

I believe that any form of media can achieve impact regardless of the medium. What defines good content is the creativity of its presentation and the authenticity of the information.

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

The 50th anniversary of the UAE is a historic moment and a milestone for the country. It’s an occasion to reflect on half a century of notable achievements and the UAE’s remarkable progress across several areas, which has enabled the country to cement its leading position in various fields both regionally and internationally. As we proudly look back at our achievements, the occasion also gives us a chance to think of new ways to expand the horizons of development and shape a glorious future for our nation.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

In the last 50 years, the country has proven that nothing here is impossible and that challenges will not stop us from moving forward. For every Emirati, the country’s 50th anniversary is a moment of pride that allows us to look back and appreciate what the country has been able to achieve. We are extremely optimistic about the future as the country continues to strengthen its global stature in diverse spheres of life and sectors.

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

I have fond memories of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who will always be an icon of wisdom, goodness and giving. From a young age, I have memories of how his leadership and vision evoked great feelings of pride among us. I will also always remember how Sheikh Zayed created an environment for women to achieve progress in all fields. He personally directed initiatives to enhance women’s development based on his belief that women’s empowerment was crucial to the nation’s development.

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

I would like to see the UAE at the forefront of nations, leading innovation across all sectors including economy, space, media, and advanced technologies. The UAE leadership has already developed a clear vision for the next 50 years to foster a new phase of growth for the UAE and we are prepared to support the country on its journey to the future.

Who or what inspires you the most?

Among living personalities, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is a figure who continues to inspire me the most because he is a person with a vision who is always focused on progress. Leading by example, he believes in using challenges as an opportunity for transformation and new achievements. His Highness’s vision was instrumental in the growth and development of the Dubai Press Club into the flourishing institution it is today. DPC was established more than 20 years ago to create a platform for advancing the development of the media not only in the UAE but also across the region. His media initiatives have given the region’s media industry new hope to aspire for and achieve global excellence and capabilities.

What is a professional motto that you live by?

“The race for excellence has no finish line.” This was something that His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has said before and it continues to inspire me to work harder and achieve greater excellence in what I do.

What is in the pipeline for you for 2022?

As part of our efforts to help realise the UAE’s vision for the future, we will continue to work on developing programmes and initiatives to support the growth and development of the media in the region so that it can play a greater role in the Arab world’s progress. We have an exciting line-up of events scheduled for 2022, key among them are the Arab Media Forum and the Emirati Media Forum as well as various training sessions for the media professionals in collaboration with leading media organisations, which we will be announcing at a later stage.

As the UAE celebrates its Golden Jubilee, we look back at some of the key moments in The Emirates’ history, from then until now.

1971

The creation of the United Arab Emirates. His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum with rulers of Emirates came. Together to hoist the UAE flag which still stands today. The rulers of Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain proclaimed the creation of the new state.

1973

The UAE dirham is introduced as the currency of the United Arab Emirates.

1976

The UAE Armed Forces was formed, uniting each of the Emirates to create one army

1979

The UAE’s first tower Dubai Trade Centre is opened by Queen Elizabeth II.

1985

Emirates Airline is launched. The first flight took off from Dubai and landed in Karachi, Pakistan. 

1999

The Burj Al Arab hotel opens in Dubai, making it the world’s first 7 star hotel.

2004

His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan becomes President of the UAE.

2006

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum becomes Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

2005

Emirates Palace Hotel opens in Abu Dhabi.

2007

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque opens in Abu Dhabi

2010

The Burj Khalifa opens in Dubai and becomes the world’s tallest building.

2013

Dubai wins its bid to host the World expo in 2020.

2017

Louvre Abu Dhabi opens as the region’s first international art gallery and the first time the Louvre has opened outside of Paris.

2019 

Pope Francis visits the UAE for the first time in a historic meeting with the country’s leaders.

2019

The UAE makes history as astronaut Hazzaa Al Mansoori becomes the first Emirati astronaut to enter space.

Chanel presented its Métiers d’art collection in Paris on 7th December 2021 at a stunning new venue designed and imagined by the brand and its Artistic Director Virginie Viard to House the brand’s Métiers d’art, the highly skilled artisans who are the beating heart of the company.

The le19M space was designed by architect Rudy Ricciotti and is now the place where Chanel’s Métiers d’art will be based. Bringing together eleven Maisons who will work and hone their skills in one dedicated location. “It’s a vast, very open space, with a façade adorned with threads of white concrete, a garden, beautiful walkways, and a large gallery where exhibitions will also be held,” explains Virginie Viard.

This collection, as with all Métiers d’art collections before it is designed to celebrate the skills of Chanel’s expert craftsmen and women. An annual offering that pays tribute to the hands of fashion. Initiated by Gabrielle Chanel herself, the Métiers d’art concept brings together several hundred embroiderers, feather workers, paruriers, goldsmiths, pleaters, shoemakers, hatters, milliners, glove makers, tanners, leatherworkers, as well as silk and cashmere experts based in France, Italy, Spain and Scotland.

A celebration of Chanel’s partnerships with experts in their field, their skills and the savoir-faire that is constantly reinvented and developed to share the finest in quality and design with the world.

As early as 1985, Chanel began the process of acquiring these métiers, as a means to ensure their durability, to allow for creative research, to support their development and to train new artisans. Today, the Métiers d’art bring together some forty Maisons d’art and factories, representing more than six thousand, six hundred employees of all generations and backgrounds who work with Chanel and other great names in fashion in France and around the world.

The collection which was showcased within the new space combines modernity with tradition, old with new and the past with the future as traditional and old-age techniques are used to create fashion-forward designs for today’s stylish Chanel woman. It is “very metropolitan yet sophisticated” explained Virginie Viard. With tweed jackets with sweatshirt sleeves, graffiti-style embroidery in coloured beads, voluminous purple and royal-blue knit Bermuda short ensembles and casual coats which are worn open. Combining the traditional elements of fashion with new contemporary details and ways of styling allows the Creative Director to perfectly capture this moment in time.

“Many of the embroideries are inspired by the structure of the building itself, such as those by Montex, which are very graphic and in silver sequins,” Viard said, referring to the new le19M space.

Accessories came in the form of two-tone beige and black Mary-Janes heels and were adorned with large pearls. Long gloves in leather added a sophisticated touch and jewellery was layered and also finished with pearls and the Chanel “Double C”.

Le19M is also a living multidisciplinary space, open to the city and turned towards others, dedicated to weaving a link with its environment, notably through its gallery, la Galerie du 19M.

See more of the collection below:

As FRED opens its first jewellery store in the UAE, we discover some of the brand’s iconic collections which are now available at The Dubai Mall.

Pretty Woman ring in pink gold and diamonds Pretty Woman ring in pink gold and diamonds Chance Infinie ring pink gold and diamonds Chance Infinie ring in white gold and diamonds
All FRED

Pretty Woman necklace in pink gold and diamonds
All FRED

Chance Infinie necklace in white gold and diamonds
All FRED

Pretty Woman ring in white gold and diamonds
Pretty Woman ring in white gold and diamonds
All FRED

Force 10 bracelet in yellow gold, diamonds and yellow steel cable
Force 10 bracelet in white gold, diamonds and white steel cable
All FRED

Force 10 bracelet in white gold and black cable
Force 10 bracelet in yellow gold, diamonds, and white cable
All FRED

Shop now at The Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Fatima E. Al Shirawi, discusses the benefits of colour psychology for businesses and individuals.

After studying in London Fatima E. Al Shirawi returned to her home country of the UAE with a visioning of sharing her knowledge of colour psychology with the Middle East. Simply put, colour psychology uses colours to create solutions and allow individuals and businesses to benefit from an informed use of colour. The Gracious F which started in 2008, works with both businesses and individuals with a vision of helping them achieve their dreams and goals through the support of colour psychology. By successfully combining colour psychology in all spectrums of life Al Shirawi, has successfully changed the lives of hundreds of clients and re-strategized with many leading businesses in the region. Here we find out more about the concept and how it can make a difference in all of our lives.

Tell us a little about The Gracious F – the concept, the vision and what you aim to achieve?

The Gracious F was founded in 2008, as a leading colour solutions consultancy in the GCC dedicated to assisting people and organisations in benefitting from the power of colour science and psychology. Our vision is to help both individuals and organisations achieve their ambitions, dreams and goals through the support of colour psychology. For individuals, we aim to reduce stress and anxiety and help them to achieve their goals, while for organisations we aim to increase commercial awareness, enhance motivation, increase productivity, drive results and help to build their identity.

How did you discover the gap in the market for colour psychology in the UAE?

We always discover a niche through our own experiences. As a consumer, I was not satisfied with how products were sold and marketed in this region. Colour psychology is a recent science that started to gain presence and understanding in the early eighties. When I moved back to the UAE, I realised that the knowledge of this science was very limited. I realised there were ways I could use colour psychology to assist with marketing, consumer behaviour, individual balance and wellbeing.

What are some of the ways you can help businesses with your techniques?

Businesses can benefit through colour psychology tools in various ways, resulting in improved performance and revenues. Our most premium and beneficial product is our in-house colour programme called “Colour Matrix” which is trademarked by The Gracious F. This program is a 360 cheat-sheet for retailers using colour psychology to their advantage by training their teams in detailed customer profiling, which results in better buying, merchandising and overall strategy and management.

Can you share some of the requests that individuals come to you with?

There are many requests that individuals come up with. Most of them are going through a transition in their lives. Some are looking to use our services in their professional lives, others for their personal wellbeing, others due to some grief or trauma. Colour Therapy and Psychology can help individuals in ways we cannot even imagine.

What first inspired your passion for colour therapy?

I have always wanted to give back to society by offering the best solutions to balance people’s emotions and well-being. This has been my main inspiration and the reason why I specialised in colour psychology. I am an example of how the know-how of colour psychology can transform your life, it benefitted my personality and was key to my self-confidence. I built an “out of the box” company thanks to this knowledge and the tools I was able to use.

Are there any techniques or methods we can incorporate into our daily lives?

Yes, one basic technique is to use the four primary colours correctly on a daily basis. Colours have a wavelength and therefore it’s crucial to use them correctly for the desired goal. An example is the use of red when I exercise in the morning as it supports physical energy and blue when I head to work meetings and do presentations as its colour of communication and confidence.

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

The biggest challenge I have faced in recent years was the global pandemic. When I started my business there was a huge need to create awareness and let the knowledge of colour science spread, and that was not easy, the foundation took a while. Since then the company has only been growing and reaching new goals every day. When the pandemic hit our business was more related to in-person individual and corporate sessions so I had to come up with a virtual solution within a month. But since then we have had The Gracious F services online, which means we are now catering to a larger, global audience.

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

The UAE to me means innovation, inspiration, resilience, compassion and above all unity and freedom. Therefore the 50th anniversary is a mirror of all the above, Despite the global pandemic it did not stop the UAE in achieving its goals and Expo 2020 is a great example of that.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

The UAE is not focusing on making women strong; they already are strong! It’s about recognising this fact and changing the way the world sees that strength. We build character in this nation. We salute inspirational and motivating women and men. My message would be: “UAE you have a character that inspires and a persona that motivates like no other… You are innovative, inspirational, resilient, compassionate but above all untied and free. I salute you and continue to mirror your spirit! Happy 50th birthday UAE”

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

Our traditions and our sense of community, even our innocence as a nation.

How will you be celebrating the 50th anniversary?

We will be celebrating National day with our biggest achievement at Expo 2020 Dubai.

What do you think the UAE has that no other country possesses?

Tolerance, resilience and vision are all part of the UAE. The hard work and unity of our community and the support of our leaders is something no nation possess.

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

I see the UAE as the hub of opportunities in revolutionary science and technology, in humanitarian causes and a multi-cultural hub that welcomes people from all over the world to grow together within our country.

What is the professional motto you live by?

Hard work, commitment and giving back to society.

What is something you would still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet? 

I would like to have the colour effects theory as a global mandatory practice applied to all industries and individuals, to support better individual growth and synergy between employees and their employers. On a personal note, my dream has always been to create a clothing brand that helps people use colour psychology, enhances people’s individuality and support the community with jobs and growth.

Celine presented its Spring/Summer 2022 collection via a digital show earlier this week. In a stunning setting in the South of France, the collection evoked the nostalgia of a summer holiday.

Designed by Hedi Slimane the collection which is titled “Baie Des Anges” was filmed in one of France’s most iconic seafronts in Nice, known as Le Promenade Des Anglais.

See more of the collection below:

Celine Spring/Summer 2022

Celine Spring/Summer 2022

Celine Spring/Summer 2022

Celine Spring/Summer 2022

Celine Spring/Summer 2022

Celine Spring/Summer 2022

Big Screen Stars Arrive in Jeddah for the Red Sea Film Festival

Yesterday evening saw the grand opening of the 2021 Red Sea Film festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

As the first ever event of its kind in Saudi Arabia this was a significant moment in the history of the country.

Chaired by Saudi Film Director and friend of A&E Mohammed Al Turki the event saw international and regional actors, actresses, directors, industry insiders, press and more come together for the grand opening of the 10-day event.

Mohammed Al Turki and Michele Morrone

The event is designed to celebrate the film industry in the region and shed light on the talent in Saudi Arabia and beyond as well as raise global awareness of the industry in the Middle East.

Below are some of the red carpet highlights from the night:

Sara Sampaio

Alessandra Ambrosio

Shanina Shaik

Candice Swanepoel

Rym Saidi

Tara Emad

Razane Jammal

Nathalie Fanj

Irina Shayk

Tina Kunakey

The Red Sea Film Festival runs until 15th December 2021.

Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe discusses the brand’s longstanding relationship with the UAE and an exciting year ahead. 

As Hublot’s CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe knows the importance of the UAE for the brand. With the Dubai Mall store being the watchmaker’s most profitable boutique in the world it’s clear to see why this country is of key importance to the future of the brand. This year at Dubai Watch Week Hublot showcased its latest watches including a special edition watch for the UAE. As a brand that continues to push the boundaries of innovation and design, Hublot continues to surprise its clients with new designs, materials and concepts that are different from anything else on the market. Here we find out more about the challenges and the successes of the brand over the past year and we look forward to more exciting developments in 2022.

Tell us about what Hublot is doing at Dubai Watch Week and what it means for the brand to be present at this event?

Dubai Watch Week is an important event particularly at this moment because of course after the pandemic many of us haven’t travelled for two years. Dubai is a very important city for us as our most profitable boutique in the world is in The Dubai Mall. So we need to be present at Watch Week together with our local partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons and highlight that this is a really strong market and that Hublot is a strong brand here in the region.  

Why do you think Hublot is so successful here in the region?

I think that Dubai has become a hub for the world. Almost everyone going to Africa, Asia or Europe comes through Dubai so the diversity of the people here is so important and of course, the quantity of people is amazing. The more traffic you have, the more sales you will do! In one day we could have hundreds of people coming into the boutique so it goes without saying that we will have more sales compared with boutiques where only two or three people visit in a day. 

Tell us about the Hublot clients and collectors here in the UAE and how do you connect with them?

After the tourists, we have the local consumers here in the UAE who are also very important and we have a great relationship with the people from this country. We are launching an exclusive watch commemorating the 50th anniversary at Dubai Watch Week so it’s really important for us to be able to talk to the country and the people. We have an incredible customer base of matured customers who not only buy Hublot but other brands as well, but they love Hublot and what we do. 

What can you tell us about the UAE exclusive watch you are launching today?

Our partner Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons are very creative and innovative and they came to us and said we should do something for the 50th anniversary. We have done many special editions for Dubai in the past, but this watch is particularly important because of the 50th anniversary. So Seddiqi approached us with the idea of using materials from the UAE in the design of the watch. So we have used sand from the desert, camel leather fused on rubber and concrete for the case to represent the buildings of Dubai. This is not the first time we have used concrete, we used it in a watch we created for New York, but we took this idea to create a fusion between modernity and tradition. It will be limited to 100 pieces. 

Hublot is constantly bringing new materials to the table, can you share with us anything that is being worked on at the moment?

The research and development department is extremely important to us because it’s key for us to present innovative materials and designs and it is an area we invest in. We are specialists in ceramics and we were able to create a vivid red ceramic and a vivid yellow ceramic and there are many other possibilities there. We are working on vivid colours in sapphire as well. This year we presented orange sapphire and next year we will come with a new colour. Concrete is of course another material that is very innovative. So we are working with many different types of materials, there is always something going on. 

This is one of the first physical events in the watch industry since the beginning of the pandemic – what do you see as the future of events and shows within the industry moving forward?

I think digital has been something very important during this pandemic because through digital techniques we were able to keep in contact with our clients, with the press, with our suppliers and retailers. But I don’t think digital will completely replace physical, on the contrary, they are complementary of each other. Even for the customers, we see that we can keep in touch with them digitally and transform the sale physically, so you need to have both. They don’t compete with each other as they both bring something different and that was accelerated because of the pandemic. 

What is the biggest challenge you have faced since joining the brand and how did you overcome it? 

There are many challenges but one of the current challenges is the verticalization of our production. We want to increase the number of our own movements and materials and we are planning to open a third building in Switzerland. The challenge is also to find the right people because the watch industry is back to the numbers of 2019 and everyone needs talented people. I would say the quantity of people is not at the level of the need and that’s why we need to entice people to work for the brand and also offer good working conditions. So a big challenge is to find these people on the manufacturing side of the business. 

As a brand you have aligned yourself with some very interesting ambassadors – what do you look for in a brand ambassador? 

As you know we are very strong in sport and football in particular. We always look for an ambassador that can represent the values of our brand and have a story to tell around our brand to make people dream about us through his or her personality and words. So we look for people who first of all like our brand, often people who already own a Hublot watch. If someone is fantastic but he doesn’t like watches, we would not partner with him. I prefer to work with someone who may be less famous, but who likes our watches. Before signing contracts we always talk to the ambassador because we want to have the right alchemy otherwise it doesn’t work. 

What is something you would still like to do at Hublot?

It’s difficult to say but there is a lot that I want to do related to sustainability and the protection of our planet. So something new that we are thinking about is going deeper into this with actions that can protect the planet, either the ocean, the earth or the sky and space. We are working on doing that in the Hublot way. 

What is in the pipeline for Hublot in 2022? 

Next year will be the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. I was just in Qatar for the one year to go event and it’s going to be a very important moment for us. We will invite more than 1,000 people to come and have an experience of football and watches. It’s something unique that we did previously in Brazil and Russia and it was a great success. We are planning to do something that is more Arabic style and reflects the heritage of the country so the consumer can experience the football but also the local culture. 

Another big event for 2022 is Watches & Wonders which we will be part of next year. We had a revolution through the pandemic as Baselworld is no longer, so along with the other watch brands from LVMH Group, we are participating physically in Watches & Wonders at the end of March. 

How do you expect it to be when you reunite with colleagues and competitors in these physical events after the global pandemic?

The watch industry is an industry where everyone knows everyone and while we are competitors we are also a family and we complement each other as well as being competitors. So I think it’s good for the industry to see what each other is doing. 

What is a message you would send to your customers and fans in the region?

For the 50th anniversary, our motto is “Hublot loves UAE” and I’m sure UAE loves Hublot as well. 

Film Writer, Director and Producer Nayla Al Khaja remembers the UAE as it was in her childhood and looks forward to what could be achieved in the future.

As the UAE’s first Film Writer, Director and Producer Nayla Al Khaja has a lot to thank her country for. An achievement that would be almost impossible in any other country, Nayla was able to not only reach her career dreams but also become a role model for others and set an example for future generations of women. With a successful career so far, Nayla is about to live out a lifelong dream as she starts work on her first feature film. Along with creating the official UAE National Day celebration film trailer and several other exciting projects in the pipeline, it’s fair to say she has a lot going on. Amid an incredibly busy period, Nayla is going to take the time this December to celebrate the country she grew up in and all it has offered her. Ahead of the UAE’s 50th anniversary, we talked to Nayla about her fond memories from her childhood and why the UAE will always be to her a place of sun, sand and safety. 

Tell us a little about what you’re working on at the moment?

I’m working on a project for First Abu Dhabi Bank. It’s something that I’m very proud of especially as the person leading this bank is the first female CEO of a bank in the UAE. I’ve been dealing directly with her to work on the film and what’s amazing is that we are reviving a superstar from the nineties who is a Gulf-famous lyricist who has written the songs of many Arab superstars. We got in touch with this person who hasn’t been active for a long time and has been rejecting many jobs for others, so I was honoured that he agreed to work with us. He has written the most incredible song and I’m over the moon about it.

The second project I’ve been working on is a matter of honour more than anything because it is part of the official celebration of the 50th anniversary which is taking place in Hatta. There’s going to be a one-of-a-kind, mind-blowing event and they have hired companies from all around the world to create this insane display that all our Rulers will be present for. I was selected to do the teaser film, so I am over the moon about that, and it is out now.

The third and final project is my lifelong aspiration and dream – all the hard work, sweat, blood and tears all coming together for my feature film.

Can you tell us anything about your feature film?

Absolutely. It’s called “Three” and it’s a story about how far a mother will go to save her son against all adversities, with the help of a foreign doctor. I already have a very well-known casting director from Los Angeles working on it and a very accomplished producer attached to this movie. We have forty per cent of the funding in place and we’re shooting in May next year. And on top of that, the lead character will be a very well-known actor.

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

The biggest challenge is that I have twins and I have to balance being a mother with work! My son has so much energy and he needs someone to be with him 24/7, it’s a lot!

How do you manage your time?

This season is obviously not the norm as everything is so crazy now. Every year from September to mid-December it’s what we call our peak season and October, and November are the busiest months of all! But while it’s crazy, the hard work is worth it.

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

Oh wow, there are no words to express my deep gratitude, loyalty, and love for my country. I feel like the accomplishments have been above and beyond. I mean we literally took a rocket and landed it on Mars! From the very humble beginnings to where we are today and where we’re heading, it’s quite an accomplishment, not just for the UAE itself, but on a world scale. There was a time when I would go to New York and London and be impressed while in the UAE there was just desert. Now when I go to New York, I miss things in Dubai that they don’t even have! You can see how it’s become a world player in just 50 years. It’s phenomenal.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

I would like to tell the UAE that I’m eternally grateful to my country for giving me endless opportunities for growth and a very safe place for my family to grow up in as well as exciting opportunities for the career that I am in. I was able to be the first female director in my own country and that would have been impossible anywhere else. So, they gave me an opportunity to pioneer, which is incredible. I want to thank the UAE for being tolerant of cultures and religions. When we were growing up, we used to call it the “three S’s” Sun, Sand and Safety. And I believe we still have all those elements.

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

I remember the Fish roundabout next to Claridge Hotel in Deira because that’s where we were raised. I feel like that is a symbol of the country being linked to fishermen. There were these two fish structures that were intertwined with water coming out of their mouths and it was very contemporary for the time. Whoever designed it was a smart individual. It’s also my star sign; I’m a Pisces. I need to go and check out if that roundabout is still there, I hope they kept it. The other fond memory I have is of a place called Al Nasr Leisure land and I used to go and skate there all the time. I would go every Tuesday without fail!

How do you think the industry has changed since you became the first female director in the UAE and are you seeing a lot more women now?

Yes, I’m seeing more women in the industry, not as many as I would hope but there’s a shift. Before I was swimming by myself, now I believe there are at least 20 female directors in the UAE which is amazing, and I hope I can inspire at least some of them.

What is a message that you would send to young women who aspire to work in the film industry?

I would tell them not to give up and to be patient because it takes a long time to be successful in this industry. Also, please volunteer because that’s how I got to where I am today. If there is a film being shot, or even a commercial, volunteer to be on set because it will help you to understand the intricacies of the craft and you will be able to plug yourselves into a department that you enjoy.

What would you still like to achieve that you haven’t had the chance to do yet?

I would like to be a world-class feature film producer! I would like to produce films for other directors and start a company that focuses on series and feature films for world distribution.

As an Emirati woman, Sarah Al Jarman is outnumbered by men in her industry, but she doesn’t let that stop her.

As Dubai General Channels Director at Dubai TV Al Jarman has one of the most important roles within the company, ensuring the smooth running of some of the region’s most important media outlets. Al Jarman graduated from the American University of Sharjah before joining CMI, the state-run media organisation of the Dubai Government. The group comprises of various media outlets including print, radio and TV channels. Heading up the TV sector Al Jarman is constantly looking for new ways to modernise and revolutionise the way we consume media in the region. Here we find out more about her role and the challenges she faces as a woman in a male-dominated industry.

Tell us a little about your role and how you got to where you are today?

As Director of General Channels at DMI, my role is to oversee and develop the Dubai TV channels. I manage the content, overall operations and programming strategy of the network. It starts with market research, development process of creative ideas, overlooking scripts and production process up until pilot and execution. My role is integrated into the entire ecosystem of content creation and broadcast.

What does a typical working day look like to you?

As television is an ongoing 24-hour platform that requires daily fresh content, my workday is divided into sections. The first consists of sector meetings with the main functions that run the channels including the research and acquisition team and the production team who are producing fresh episodes daily, and the programming team for planning and broadcast. On the other hand, it entails managing stakeholders whether it be production houses, international studios, media talent or our commercial advertising agency arm. It’s a 360 operation that is very demanding, yet very rewarding when you see the outcome live on TV.

How would you assess the growing media industry in the UAE and what is something that you think still needs to be worked on?

The industry is rapidly growing in the UAE and especially in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I did my Master’s thesis on the industry here and Dubai has become the regional media hub in MENA. The complete infrastructure is set up from multinationals, production facilities, growing talent base, telecom networks, media city/studio city and the growing number of TV networks and VOD platforms based in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The creative economy initiative has also encouraged more talent from the region to move to Dubai, allowing them to grow and be supported by the government.

How do you think the industry as a whole in the UAE is adapting to new technologies and multimedia channels?

The adaption and shift in the UAE is fast. We have the strongest and fastest technical infrastructure in the region and the government’s target and objective is for smarter, leaner and technologically advanced entities. We are blessed that the government here is as advanced if not more than the private sector, which gives this industry a strong foundation to start with. Add the private sector to the mix along with the advertisers and a rich ground of subscribers gives you plenty of room for multimedia channels and an entire media ecosystem.

How valuable do you still believe print media is today?

I believe each medium brings its own value and purpose to the consumer. I’m not a believer that one medium replaces the other, yes you upgrade the mechanism of delivery but in its essence print media content is still being consumed daily whether be it on paper or online. For me I look at the mediums as tools that shift, are enhanced and become smarter but the core business is still very strong. At the end of the day, a strong credible brand remains influential with its loyal consumers regardless of how it is delivered.

What is the biggest challenge that you face in what you do today?

Working in a multiplatform corporation that owns a VOD platform ‘Awan’ it’s important to differentiate between a good show for TV or a series that works better for binge-watching online. We have been working on elevating the production standards of our content and differentiating between both platforms strategies. This takes time however and we are getting to understand the market better and to know which business model works, better be it advertiser or subscription.

You are one of the few women in such a senior position in your industry – how do you ensure that your voice is heard?

I focus on what I am creating and let my work speak for itself. As a female heading up one of the biggest TV networks in the MENA region, I am working with a new strategy that is more progressive and younger-skewed. We are launching original content which already shows a shift in thinking and content strategy, so for me, I speak through my work, hoping it reaches the hearts of our viewers. Once you have achieved that, by merit, you are naturally heard.

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

It is a special occasion that is very dear to my heart. Even though I am younger than the union, I have witnessed the beautiful development and bloom of the UAE since I was a child. I am very proud of what the UAE has achieved on a local and global level in just 50 years. The civilisation and globalisation of the UAE we are witnessing is due to its wise leadership, progressiveness, openness and tolerance. This is a nation led by hope, love, empowerment and humanity. Nations growing with these core foundations can thrive much faster.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

A message of gratitude and love. The UAE has given its nationals and residents the most beautiful, safe and comfortable life allowing us to achieve our dreams and lead better lives. We are blessed and lucky to be living it, contributing to the development and growth and giving back a portion of what it has provided us.

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

National days were always a sentimental patriotic occasion for me and I still remember the warmth and sense of joy and pride as a child, celebrating it in school and later with family and friends with cultural parades, traditional dances, delicious local food wearing colourful embellished Jalabiyas and gold jewellery. These will always be cherished and passed down to my daughters as they celebrate every year.

How will you be celebrating the 50th anniversary?

We have a full day media coverage of the festivities around the UAE with live studios around the emirates, Expo and this year Hatta who will be hosting the main festive event. So for the most part overseeing the media coverage and after that, I will be with my family.

What do you think the UAE has that no other country possesses?

The UAE is a beautiful combination of authenticity, indigenous culture, preserving its identity, traditional roots and origins yet it is extremely civilised, global, open and diverse. It’s home to many nationalities living peacefully, safely and respectfully together. In the region, it is the pioneering country focused on development, diplomacy, sustainability, technology, space and the future.

What is the professional motto that you live by?

Be your authentic self. I work within my femininity and character and I do not carry or put on a more masculine or aggressive role to be heard or taken more seriously. In fact, the more genuine I am to my nature, the more I have been able to connect and achieve more in the smoothest flowing energy. It carries a lot of subtle power along with acknowledging and listening to others goes a long way. In every aspect of my life, whether professional or private I have noticed the shift and improvement it translates into my life.

What is a message that you would send to young women hoping to enter the industry?

It is important to enter it for the right reasons and have a passion for it. This industry requires a lot of creativity, passion, patience and drive. You can accomplish so much more and reach places if the right motive is there. Media is demanding however very glamorous as well, so it is important to stay grounded, focused and not be intimidated by anyone as there is a need in this industry for young talented and bright women. Find the right platform that works for you, be open to learning from different fields, do not stick to one profession and find yourself a good mentor.

What is something that you would still like to achieve?

There’s room for a strong Arabic language Video on Demand (VOD) platform in the region. As content quality standards are improving with better scripts, talent and production, the launch of an Arabic streaming platform would add value.

Who or what inspires you the most?

As an energy practitioner, I have studied and been certified from different energy healing models including theta healing, Reiki, true balance etc. For years I have been enamoured and inspired by how empowering this tool is in all aspects of life. Some of the most influential teachers for me were David Hawkins, Joe Dispanza, Sonia Choquette and Eckhart Tolle. Each with its unique model, but they all come down to the essential messages of acceptance and fearlessness. The analogy I love is, ‘to live peacefully you become like a river stream with no resistance to circumstances accepting and flowing easily to where life takes you.’ With clear intentions, gratitude and faith you achieve a better quality of life altogether.

In a new series in partnership with Panerai we meet some of the UAE’s most inspiring women. Dr Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi the UAE’s first aircraft engineer discusses women’s empowerment and why she is proud to be Emirati. 

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE…

POWERED BY PANERAI 

Dr Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi was the first female aircraft engineer in the United Arab Emirates. Specialising in landing gear Al Shamsi defied all the odds to achieve a dream that has been with her since she was a child. Her fascination with planes began long before her career path did, and she spent many years fixing cars before travelling to The United Kingdom to study.

She qualified as an aircraft engineer in London before returning to Dubai to pursue the role in her home country. Today, Al Shamsi is working in a research and advisory role at the new Midfield Terminal at Abu Dhabi Airport role as well as a consultant and advisor to other women and young students on how to achieve a career in the aviation industry. She teaches Aeronautical Engineering at a University in the UAE and she also writes novels in her spare time.

She is a key member of the Women In Aviation group; a non-profit organisation that encourages women to enter the field of aviation and is known for her empowering words to other aspiring engineers. Here, we discover more about her passion for aeroplanes, her love for watches and her dreams of encouraging other women to follow in her footsteps.

Suaad wears: Panerai PAM1280, Luminor Due Goldtech™️ Madreperla, 38mm, White mother of pearl dial

How has your choice of career has shaped you as a person?

I always say that aviation is my first marriage! It’s not only a relationship of love but it’s also a true passion that I have for the industry. Working in aviation has made me more responsible, more aware, and more passionate about women’s empowerment, especially because it’s a field with very few women. It makes me want to spread this awareness around the world. I like to share the advantages of entering this field with other women because a lot of people don’t understand the benefits of all the roles that come under the umbrella of aviation.

What does a working day look like to you?

I have a different routine each day and I’m always in action and I am working with both internal and external departments. My day always begins with a cup of coffee (I’m addicted to coffee), then I start to look at which projects I need to work on and which departments I have meetings with that day. My week is divided – sometimes I can in be office time and sometimes I must be on-site inspecting the area and see how things are playing out. So, there is no routine, each day is different but what I will say is that I have a lot more action than someone in a normal office job. My days are long, they can be up to twelve hours. Sometimes I’ll be wearing my uniform and sometimes I’ll be wearing an abaya. Every day is a crazy day!

Suaad wears: Panerai PAM1280, Luminor Due Goldtech™️ Madreperla, 38mm, White mother of pearl dial

Which part of your role do you enjoy the most?

I love to be with the aircraft and on the site, being in action as it makes me feel more energetic. I hate sitting in an office and I love to wear safety shoes and my uniform!

What about when you have days off, how do you spend your time? 

My days off are spent reading and detoxing my soul, heart and brain. During the week my mind is always working so when I take a holiday or have a day off it allows me to detox and change the way I’m thinking as well as spend time with my kids, my partner my mother. This is the time I can be the real Suaad, without any pressure. During the week I am under pressure all day and constantly in action so when I have time off, I relax and recharge myself for the next week.

The UAE is celebrating 50 years this month, what does this occasion mean to you?

Words can’t even describe what it means. It means a lot: love, joy, happiness, pride. We are not only united as Emiratis but as citizens, expats, visitors etc. I think it is about connecting and uniting our brains and hearts to be loyal to this country and to show that while 50 years is a small number compared to many countries, we have achieved so much and that makes me proud to say I’m Emirati. I’m proud to be in this country, to work in this country and to have a vision and plan for the next 50 or 100 years.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

I would say that I am proud of my country and our rulers and leaders. I am proud of how we have almost two hundred nationalities living here and I’m proud of everyone. Especially His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum and all the leaders from all the seven Emirates. We are not united just as a country or as Emirates, but we are united in the way we are thinking and feeling for our country. We will continue to have this loyalty and make the UAE proud of us for another 50 years. 

How will you be spending the upcoming UAE National Day?

I am doing something different this year. I will be celebrating as part of an event in The United Kingdom, which is where I studied. They are connecting students from the UAE who have travelled to study in the UK over the last 50 years. I was there 21 years ago and to have this reconnection and to see all the proud Emiratis who have graduated will be a unique celebration. I will be happy to see people who I have known for 20 years. Then the following day I will be celebrating here in the UAE with my family from every generation.

Looking back, what is a memory that stays with you from throughout your career? 

When I first decided to pursue a career in aviation a lot of people laughed at me. Around that time, we were just starting to hear a lot about gender equality and women’s empowerment, but now we can see the changes and it makes me proud to see that what I was fighting for is happening now. There are now a lot of female leaders in many fields, and I always think of the memory from before this started to happen and how we wanted it to change. Now we are living it. I feel that this moment today will be a good memory to look back on in the future.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced throughout your career and how did you overcome them?

The main challenge I have faced is connected to the low percentage of women working in aeronautical engineering and in the aviation industry in general. The challenge for me was to show everyone that I am in the right place with my passion and dream. I have shown the world that a woman can be working anywhere if she has a dream and I always believe if you dream it, you can do it. I want to show the world that women have opportunities, and we are not in competition with men, we are supporting our colleagues in the industry, regardless of gender. So, this was the biggest challenge I have faced and still do every time I get asked why I entered this field. I always tell say; “why not?”. There are no rules to say that the aviation industry is only for men, and I want to show the world that a woman can be wearing a uniform as much as she can be wearing high heels and nice clothes. She can be at work, but she can also be a mother, a wife and a daughter and I think this is what we need to share with the world.

What would you still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet? 

In the next two years, my goal is to have a special institute dedicated to educating women in aeronautical engineering and to have the first batch of females graduate in the field of aviation.

What does time mean to you?

I always say that with the busy lives we are living right now, time is very important. I always think about how I spend my time and how I can take advantage of every single minute to get the most out of it. Today time is about responsibility and the enjoyment of life. I use this equation of time = life, so how you spend your time will determine how much you enjoy your life.

We know you have a passion for watches, what do you look for in a watch? 

I am crazy about watches! But not every watch. I always look for quality and I love to understand the history of the brand and the history of the watch specifically. A lot of people are so addicted to watches because celebrities wear them or influential people wear them, which is fine, but they don’t know the history of the watch or how it was designed, and for me, when I have a watch, I like to know the history, the materials used, the mechanism and the brand. And how after this many years it still has its value and its image is still relevant and for me, this is the most important part. So yes, every watch I have has a memory connected to it.

What’s a lesson that you have learnt throughout your career that you can share with us?

Be passionate, be patient and enjoy what you do. A lot of people want to progress further in their careers very fast, they are not patient and want everything to happen at once. I started my career as a mechanic, then I was a technician, then an engineer, – if you take your career step by step and learn and be passionate about it you will reach your goals.

What’s a message you would send to women who are thinking of getting into the aviation industry?

If you can dream it, you can do it and you can achieve it. The aviation industry is an opportunity for a lot of women because there is only a small percentage of females working in this industry and the door has opened for us now. It’s the time to think out of the box, be unique and choose differently and I think the aviation industry is at the right point for a lot of women to choose this career path.

How do you manage your time and create a work/life balance?

Well, I have a big calendar! I write down everything related to work, my family, my free time etc. so I don’t lose track I think it’s important to have the right amount of time for each part of your life: family, hobbies, my career and for myself, and I keep it all in my calendar so I don’t forget, I think this is the only way when you have a busy life. I try to enjoy every moment however I’m spending it.

We heard you have just released a new book, what can you tell us about it?

Usually, I write novels, and this is the first book I have written as a series of articles. It is focused on happiness, enjoyment and how you reconnect with yourself. It’s about keeping positive when we have such busy lives, and it will soon be translated into English as well.

What else is in the pipeline for you for the rest of this year and into next year? 

We have Dubai Air Show coming up and as Women in Aviation, we are a big part of this. We will have a big conference next year for Women in Aviation connected to sustainability, empowerment etc. and this is the first time we will be talking about the challenges for women in the industry and how we can help the new generation to pass what they are facing. This is what I’m working on right now and we will also have our first conference in Saudi Arabia to help a lot of women to understand the industry.

How would you describe yourself in one word? 

Passionate.

Carlos-Antonio Rosillo, Co-Founder and CEO of Bell & Ross discusses the brand’s future in the Middle East and an exclusive launch in honour of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.

Since Founding Bell & Ross in 1993 with his partner and friend Bruno Belamich, Carlos-Antonio Rosillo had a vision of changing the way consumers look at watches. As high school classmates from very different backgrounds, this duo found common ground in their passion for horology. As an avid watch collector, Rosillo struggled to find watches that truly gave him the emotion he was looking for and he decided the only way to find this was to create a brand that would combine luxurious materials with the most sophisticated technology and innovation. In just a few years, Bell & Ross grew into an international company thanks to its instantly recognisable designs and its modern approach to watchmaking. In 2019 Bell & Ross introduced the BR 05, its most ground-breaking watch yet. It was an immediate success and set a new standard for the brand. Earlier this year Bell & Ross introduced the BR 05-GMT that opened this icon to a new sector of urban living.

Now, to continue this momentum Bell & Ross further develops the BR 05 line with the BR 05 Chrono White Hawk. This new timepiece which debuted at Dubai Watch Week features a bird that embodies power and strength. This precious measuring instrument combines Bell & Ross’s masculine aesthetic codes with the technical refinement of its high-end watchmaking. Available with a 42mm diameter case, this watch combines round and square shapes and a satin-polished steel bracelet for an elegant look, or a black rubber strap for a sporty-chic touch. Its white dial with red hands is instantly recognisable and is for the watch lover who wants to stand out.

Also at Dubai Watch Week Bell & Ross debuted an exclusive design that honours the 50th anniversary of the UAE. The BR 03-92 UAE 50th Anniversary edition was created in partnership with Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons and features the colours of the UAE flag.

Here we find out more about the latest designs and the future of the brand in the Middle East.

BR05 White Hawk

What is Bell & Ross is showcasing this year at Dubai Watch Week?

We wanted to show who we are as a brand so we are showcasing our iconic BR 03 collection. It is a collection that’s inspired by the dashboard of a plane. We also presented the BR 05 models including the latest BR 05 GMT. This is an evolution of the iconic watch but made for city living. We have softened the case and added an integrated bracelet so it looks more elegant. Now we have a watch for the countryside and we have a watch for the city. And we are also showcasing some high-end products. 

What can you tell us about the UAE exclusive watch you are launching today and why did you feel the need to create this watch and what does it say about the brand’s connection to the region?

We have introduced BR 05 GMT with a new dimension of 41mm and we are also launching a Limited Edition BR 03 that was imagined by Mr Abdul Hamied Ahmed Seddiqi, himself and executed by us. It has a very bright dial and is a limited edition piece for the 50th Anniversary of the UAE. We appreciate the region very much and that is why we decided to create this watch. 

BR05 White Hawk

Earlier this year, Bell & Ross presented a new addition to its BR 05 collection. Can you tell us how the watch is performing in the region? 

The BR 05 has been a huge success since its introduction and so we decided to introduce different models in the collection. The latest being the GMT. The BR 05 GMT is a new icon for us and it’s highly appreciated as people see it as an evolution of who we are. It’s more adapted to city life and I think this is the reason why it is has been so successful, especially in the Middle East. 

As a former watch collector, what do you look for in a watch? 

I always look for something that’s different, unique, something spectacular. I look for a product that doesn’t just tell the time but gives you the time with an emotion because of its technicity. I look for a watch whose design makes you look at time differently. 

What are your thoughts on the watch industry in the UAE today? 

I think the market is getting more sophisticated. There are a lot more collectors who are more knowledgeable, which is very good for the market and for the interaction with the watchmakers. I think watchmakers are producing watches that are more sophisticated and you see that with Dubai Watch Week. What’s very interesting is that DWW has become one of the international meeting points, people are coming from all over the world and it has really gained international momentum. 

You were one of the first watch brands to have an online presence. How has e-commerce helped the brand and how are you dealing with the accelerating e-commerce demand post-pandemic? 

Yes, we were the very first in 2009 to have an e-boutique. And I think during the COVID pandemic it was fantastic because at one stage, when all the stores were closed, the e-boutique was the only way for people to buy watches. Today, as consumers, we receive all the information we need through our smartphones, or other digital modes so I think online presence now is the key. When we started we were the first ones but today I think every watch brand needs to have a digital presence. 

What are some of the major changes you have noticed since the beginning of the pandemic that you believe will stay moving forward?

The pandemic allowed us to understand that as a business you need flexibility and adaptation. You need to have a team that’s united because we have been working from home and so if the team is not working together and adaptable to changes then it becomes a problem. You need to have a common spirit to join together the forces of all the individuals. 

Bell & Ross has always managed to stay unique. How do you always keep yourself ahead of the curve?  

We need to be consistent and different at the same time. We need to be to keep surprising our consumers with what we create, but at the same time, stay true to who we are. 

What is something you would still like to do at Bell & Ross?

I would like Bell & Ross to be a real international brand. I think we are in a good state to achieve this but there are some markets where we are really advanced, like France for example, and there are some markets, like The Middle East, where the potential for us to grow is huge, but for now, we are still at an early stage. I would like to see the brand develop within all the countries.  

What is the biggest challenge you are facing now as a brand and how do you plan to overcome it? 

The biggest challenge is to take full advantage of the digital world and not to be scared by it. Digital is full of options but in terms of philosophy it might be very different from who we are and we need to need to manage it in the right way. I was at Expo 2020 Dubai yesterday, it was a very beautiful exhibition. Of course, I couldn’t visit all the pavilions as there were too many, but what I learnt is how to beautifully combine tradition and modernity and bring it together to live in a world full of potential and enjoy this combination of old and new. It’s about creating a good balance. For example, at Bell & Ross, we use the digital world but we don’t create digital watches so it is about finding the right balance that keeps true to the roots but moves with the times. 

What is in the pipeline for Bell & Ross in 2022? 

The manufacturing side of the business will be developed. We are working with more sophisticated techniques which reinforces the technicity of the brand. Every year we have exciting new launches but you will have to be patient to see them! 

What is a message you would send to your customers and fans in the region?

That we appreciate their knowledge and we enjoy their interest in Bell & Ross and we want to nurture them and keep surprising them with our creations. And to offer them beautiful emotions. 

Emirati footballer Areej Al Hammadi discusses breaking the taboo around female athletes in the UAE and her ambitious goals for the future.

Growing up in the UAE being a female footballer could only ever be seen as a hobby, but aspiring athlete Areej Al Hammadi wanted to make it into a career after developing a passion for the sport as a child. While she knew it was unusual for an Emirati woman to pursue a career as an international footballer, she didn’t let that stand in her way. Putting in hours of practice whenever she could and surrounding herself with like-minded women allowed Al Hammadi to turn that passion into the career she had dreamt of. In 2015 she won her first cap for the United Arab Emirates international team, before going on to play in the Aphrodite Cup in Cyprus that same year and the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualification in Tajikistan. Then in 2019, she played in the WAFF Women’s Championship in Bahrain.

Today, the professional footballer is hoping to use her experience and the challenges she faced to inspire other women to follow in her footsteps. She wants to change the perception of female footballers in the Middle East and hopes to one day see the UAE’s national team competing with the best on a global scale. Here, we find out more about her achievements so far and her goals and aspirations for the future.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a football player and what first inspired you to choose this career?

I fell in love with football when I was a young girl watching the FIFA World Cup games with my family in 1994 and 1998. I didn’t think about how I was going to make it being a football player and playing for the National team, I just looked for any opportunity to play. Looking back, I believe every opportunity I took was a step towards a goal or an achievement that led me to where I am today. I just never gave up on my passion to play football.

What were some of the challenges you faced being a female footballer growing up in the UAE?

Growing up as a kid in the early nineties, there was no such thing as women’s football in the UAE. To some extent, it was considered somewhat of a taboo for adult Emirati women to participate in it. Nevertheless, I grew up playing with my brothers and cousins until I was too old to play with boys. I practised daily to refine my skills alone because there weren’t any academies or football clubs for girls. For a long time, I struggled trying to find a team of girls or a league to play in. I tried to form a team at school but there was never enough interest amongst the girls there at the time. It was only when I attended university that I was able to find a team to train with. I could also participate in a lot more competitive 7-a-side community football matches as this had it started to gain popularity around that time.

Who was your biggest supporter growing up?

My parents weren’t generally against me playing sports after school like some of the parents were. My mum once signed me up for a one-day girls football competition in Dubai that she’d seen in the newspaper, and I will never forget that day. They even came to watch me play which was a happy memory for me. Our team took 2^nd place in the competition, we narrowly missed winning but lost on penalties. At that time, to my parents, football was just a hobby or a phase and they were happy I was doing sports to keep myself healthy and build character. I think inside they still felt I was playing a boys game but they cared for me so never restricted me from playing and I’m lucky for that. When I was older and got married my husband was my main supporter, I owe a lot to him.

What would you say is your biggest achievement so far?

Looking back on where it all started and where I am today, I would say my biggest achievement was my first international Asian tournament to qualify for the World Cup and Asian Cup. The games were broadcast globally and we were playing against strong competition. Also, I would say making it into the Guinness World Records 2022 book and becoming an Adidas athlete is a big achievement for me.

How do you hope to inspire other women to go into this field?

I hope to show women and young girls that becoming a professional female athlete, specifically a professional football player, is no longer an unachievable fantasy. That with courage, patience, persistence, determination, and a goal, you can defeat a lot of the challenges on your own. I hope that women can go out there and try to find ways to overcome their struggles because with every achievement there is always a challenge.

We know you’re a world record breaker – what does it mean to you to be recognised for your incredible skills?

It’s awesome to be recognised for your skills and achievements. But what’s also important is what you do with that recognition. I think it gave me a louder voice and the opportunity to play a key part in normalising women’s sport for Emirati women and paving the way for younger generations to be able to choose a career in sports if they want to. I want to help break the barriers and challenges that we had to go through growing up.

This month we are celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

It represents a historic and proud moment for my beloved country to look back at our journey and acknowledge how far we have come and how much we have achieved. It will be a memorable celebration for everyone in the country. It also sets the bar for us to achieve higher for the next 50 years! It gives me hope and excitement to look forward to the coming years. I also look back on how far I’ve come as an Emirati woman and an athlete, the role I’ve played in the past years and the contributions I can give in the coming years, god willing.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

A warm congratulations to everyone who was part of this nation’s story. Everyone that played a role – small or big – that made it possible to achieve all the historic and momentous milestones over the past 50 years, I salute you. “Long live my country, live United, our Emirates.”

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

One of my fondest memories from my childhood was in the winter time when we used to gather the family together and spend the day at Wadi Shawkah in RAK to admire the natural beauty of the desert during the winter.

How will you be celebrating the 50^th anniversary?

I will probably be at Expo 2020 Dubai – celebrating the Golden Jubilee at a historical mega event in the country and the region – that’s truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.

What do you think the UAE has that no other country possesses?
I think the UAE has unique peace and safety for all residents to live their lives. Resilience to overcome every challenge we face. In addition, we believe in tolerance and unity among all. I personally love the convenience life here offers, where anything you need is just a short reach away.

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

To be the best in sports – to win competitions, Olympic medals, host global competitions and many more. We strive to be the best at everything, and I would like to see us be the best in sports. I believe we are working towards that goal with all the sports initiatives and grassroots activities we have seen over the past decade or so.

What is the personal motto that you live by?
I don’t have a specific motto that I live by but I do have a number of rules that I follow. Some of which are to remind myself that the journey to any success starts with small steps, and challenges are part of that journey. I also try to remind myself to always be mindful, kind to others and count my blessings.

What do you love most about what you do?
Every day I wake up doing something I enjoy doing and that makes me happy. I feel grateful because I know not many people can say that. It also keeps me fit and healthy and teaches me new ways to push my body to its limits. I get to travel the world and meet likeminded people which is amazing.

What would you still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet?

I would love to someday write a book about my experiences growing up. I hope it would reach out and help Emirati girls who might be struggling to achieve their dreams and achieve what they desire to do in life.

What does your morning routine look like?
I start off my morning with a basic face wash routine – cleanser, serum and moisturiser. Then do something productive to set off the vibe for the rest of the day before making the bed and getting dressed for the day ahead. But before I can start off the day I also like to have a light snack with my coffee.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring female footballers what would it be?

Becoming an athlete is not easy so if you want to make it happen you have to be courageous and resilient. You’ll have to sacrifice a lot of your leisure time with friends and family for it. It’s no secret, you need to train a lot.

Who is your idol or your biggest inspiration?

I’ve found many inspirations from the people around me over the past few years, from competitive athletes and managers I worked with. To name a few; Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan have been a great source of inspiration and role models for female footballers around the world. And on a professional level, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and the Managing Director for Expo 2020 has been a true leader and role model for Emirati women. Her dedication, kindness, resilience, strength and contribution has been a source of empowerment and inspiration for everyone that has worked for her.

What is your ultimate career goal?

I’m really passionate about developing the sporting landscape in the country. Hence, I want to play a key role in driving women’s football in the UAE to the professional level it deserves globally. I would love to see the UAE recognised for its sporting achievements on the world stage and I want to be part of that initiative.

What are your thoughts on the football industry in the Middle East and how it is growing?

I have big aspirations for women’s football in the Middle East and especially here in the UAE. I think we still have a lot of work to do to reach the standards set in Europe, Asia and the Americas, however, I believe women’s football has grown tremendously over the past few years with the growth of grassroots academies and opportunities to compete in community leagues. There is a lot more potential for us to grow the football industry in the country by having FIFA accredited football leagues and tournaments every year for all age categories, all over the country. This would give our home-grown players a chance to develop at a competitive international standard and provide them with the opportunity to play anywhere in the world.

Furthermore, culturally we have also come a long way in terms of accepting Emirati women as athletes. We can also do more to normalise Emirati women in sport by promoting women’s football through campaigns and activations. More collaborations between different sporting entities in the country that already have an established following.

Amna Al Habtoor founded her fragrance company in 2015 with the wish of creating unique perfumes that capture memorable moments in people’s lives.

More than just a scent her fragrances are designed to create memories and associations that will last for generations. Created here in the UAE her scents are fully homegrown and often inspired by the nature and surroundings of the Emirates. Amna recently expanded her offering to home fragrance as part of her Out of the Darkness series to bookmark the internal struggles faced during the 2020 pandemic. Comprising a series of three candles each inspired by real-life experiences, the fragrances represent a light at the end of the tunnel as we come out of these turbulent times. As Amna prepares to launch something special in 2022 we find out more about her ambitions for the future and her pride in her country.

Tell us about the past 18 months at Arcadia by Amna, have you changed anything about the business since the beginning of the pandemic?

The pandemic has been a struggle for most of us, but now I think we have almost recovered from the troubles of 2020. At Arcadia, we utilised the past 18 months to look back and reflect on what our plans should be and what exactly should we launch next.

We know you recently launched a home fragrance range, tell us about this and why did you decide to diversify into this category?

My ultimate goal is to build and establish Arcadia as a lifestyle brand, so it’s only fitting to start by expanding into a home fragrance line with locally produced candles as part of the Out of the Darkness series. This range bookmarks the internal struggles faced during the 2020 pandemic and the subsequent light at the end of the tunnel as we emerge from these turbulent times. Each candle is centred around a narrative of real experiences and all of the narratives are relatable during these testing times. The poetic description for the range of candles is built from the context of feeling enclosed, recurring incidents and not being heard – something I am sure everyone can relate to on some level.

Tell us about the partnership with the Noor Dubai Treatment Programme, why did you decide to partner with this particular cause?

We recently partnered with Noor Dubai on a fragrance named Unity. I’ve always said that we take our senses for granted and I wanted this collaboration to underscore the sense of havoc and confusion created when losing one of our senses, yet being anchored by the others.

The labels and box sleeves are written in braille, while the perfume itself is inspired by Noor Dubai’s branding and coloured in a shade of blue. 20 per cent of all sale proceeds will be donated to the Foundation. Ultimately, when we all understand the struggles of a visually impaired person, our humanity unites our vision for better days. I’m so proud to be supporting a UAE charity with the mission of fighting blindness worldwide.

What else is in the pipeline for the coming year at Arcadia?

We have a very exciting launch at the start of 2022, I’m so proud and honoured to be able to have an opportunity that’s going to take Arcadia to the next level! Unfortunately, I can’t tell you more until due course!

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

The UAE’s 50th anniversary marks the country’s Golden Jubilee. I’m especially proud of this milestone which is why we have created a limited-edition collection – the Year 50 collection which includes a fragrance called Auric, Bakhoor, named Spirit and Midkhan (Bakhoor incense burner), named Soul. We have also collaborated with local artist Khalid Mezaina who will be featuring exclusive dedicative art on a set number of Midkhans.

“Auric’s” top notes are floral with middle notes of musk and pear. The bottom note is amber with a touch of spicy and fruity notes. “Spirit” is made with a blend of Indian oud, musk, rose water, amber and saffron. “Soul” is a midkhan which really stands out as a design piece. It’s made from recycled cement and steel.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

Thank you for all the heights you’ve reached. In such a short time, the UAE has gained a well-deserved spot on the global stage for all the right reasons. Our nation is built on strong foundations such as tolerance, collaboration, comfort, luxury, beauty and responsiveness.

What is your fondest memory of the UAE from your childhood?

My fond memories of the UAE are many and the simpler moments are extremely dear to me. Memories like walking to our nearest “Baqala” to buy our favourite candies or playing with the neighbourhood friends are so special to me and I hope my children get the chance to have these simply beautiful experiences.

How will you be celebrating the 50th anniversary?

I will be watching the live stream of the December 2nd celebration at home with my family. My children are very curious so I will definitely be answering a lot of questions about the UAE!

What do you think the UAE has that no other country possesses?

I’ve travelled across the world and stayed in many different countries for weeks on end, but the hospitality we have here is something unmatched. I’m not talking just about the hospitality in hotels, I also mean the hospitality we share with guests in our own homes. I truly believe this is one of our core values that makes the UAE so unique from the rest of the world.

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

Simply put, I’d love to see the UAE continue on its current journey and become the best country to live in by all standards.

As a busy woman, how do you balance your time?

It is very difficult but I plan my weeks. Everyone who knows me, knows I’m all for scheduling and planning way in advance. It’s the only thing I can do to ensure I balance all aspects of my life from family to work.

What is the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

My constant challenge is creating fragrances that are not only nostalgic for me, but also for whoever smells them. It’s also particularly challenging to create scents that speak to emotions and memories, more than anything.

What is something you would still like to achieve that you haven’t done yet?

On a professional level, it would be my best achievement to open up stores internationally, especially in New York and Tokyo as these are two cities that are very dear to me.

What is the personal motto that you live by?

“Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear” Surah Baqarah, 2:286 from the Quran as it always gives me strength to persevere in the toughest of times.

One of the very few Emirati Female Air Traffic Control Officers in the world, Jouhayna AlMheiri on how using her voice has allowed her to follow her passions and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.

As a young woman, Jouhayna AlMheiri was still undecided about her career path, but after applying for several different roles she was accepted onto a program to train as an Air Traffic Control Officer. After two and a half years of training in one of the most complex airspaces in the world, Jouhayna made history by becoming the second Emirati woman to successfully complete her training in the Sheikh Zayed Air Navigation Center. Almost a decade later and Jouhayna still has a true passion for her role and also has become an On-The-Job Training Instructor.

She is very passionate about training the next generation of Air Traffic Control Officers. In her spare time, Jouhayna uses her voice to share her story with others and inspire people and remind them that hard work truly does pay off. She has started to dip her toe in the realm of public speaking and most recently hosted the Global Air Traffic Management Conference at the world-famous Dubai Airshow and the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter General Assembly earlier this year. As she continues to share her story with others we find out more about what it takes to be in this high-pressured job and her aspirations for the future.

What first inspired you to have a career in air traffic control and tell us a little about your journey to where you are today?

I was never really sure what I wanted to do as a career as it is a big decision to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life! All I knew was that I wanted to be independent. So I applied to every scholarship program I could find. I applied to be a pilot at one point and didn’t make it through, so when I heard about Air Traffic Control, I thought to myself, I didn’t get the opportunity to control one aeroplane but now I have the opportunity to control them all! So I applied for the Air Traffic Control Training Program and there were a series of exams that I successfully completed as part of the selection process. This included English, Mental Maths, Physics and a Psychometric exam. I have been working now for around eight years and I genuinely can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I am now working as an On-The-Job Training Instructor as well and I absolutely love teaching the next generation of air traffic controllers to protect the skies of my country.

Has the amount of women increased since you started?

Yes, we have one more Emirati woman that successfully made it through the training process this year and I had the privilege of training her on her final days before her validation. There are also many other women in batches to follow that are working on their Air Traffic Control Training as we speak which I am very excited about. It is a very tough training program and some people don’t even make it past day one. Around the world, only one per cent of the people that apply get in and once you get in the fail rate is over seventy per cent.

In simple terms, air traffic control is essentially separating planes from one another by giving the pilots instructions on how to do so. In the UAE it’s done by voice so we speak to the pilots over the radio and monitor them on a radar screen. To explain it to people I usually tell them to imagine that I’m the voice of Google Maps but in the sky and I provide them with instructions in real-time to let them know where to fly and we as Air Traffic Control Officers not only have to visualise 2D but also 3D because we have aircraft stacked above each other as well as side by side. To understand the gravity of the job, imagine you’re playing a video game with no “game over” option.

What’s the biggest challenge you face in what you do?

I think my challenges would be the same as they are for everybody. Regardless of age or gender air traffic control in itself is difficult. The training is extremely vigorous because there are going to be thousands of lives that are eventually going to be on your hands every shift you work. Imagine this, a surgeon impacts one life at a time. Air Traffic Control Officers impact hundreds and thousands at a time. So if you can’t handle an intense exam you can’t be expected to handle all the souls on board. So the challenges are as they would be for anyone; adapting to shift work, dealing with my training abroad, working in a male-dominated field. A lot was happening at the same time when I started my training. There was a lot happening in my personal life too and on top of that, I was undergoing an extremely tough training program. I was fortunate to receive good advice from my mentors at work who told me to imagine that when I come into the building, everything outside stays outside and once I start to work the only concern are following procedures and the blips on my radar screen. Over time I learned how to compartmentalize my thoughts.

You are working in a male-dominated industry – how do you make sure your voice is heard?

People always tell me that they hear me before they see me when I walk into a room! So I feel like my personality in its self is dominant and that I make people listen when there’s something I have to say. I’m not shy and I don’t mind stepping on a few toes if I have to. I have observed that women in most industries, even if it’s a female-dominated industry, may struggle to get their point across and stand their ground. I believe the mix of obstacles I have overcome in my life so far and my personality type have me wired to be able to stand up for myself and get my point across and make sure I sprinkle it with a whole lot of sass when appropriate.

Who has been your biggest supporter or a mentor that you look to?

I can’t name just one as it has changed throughout the different phases of my life. Growing up, I had some great women in my life: my mother, both my grandmothers, my aunty. All of them were pioneers and women who were ahead of their time. My mother was the first female vet in the UAE, my aunty was the third female gynaecologist in Tanzania. My grandmother was orphaned at a very young age in Tanzania and lived on the streets before being taken in by an orphanage. She went to medical school and after she met the love of her life she decided to stay home with the kids and start her own business from the house. Imagine this was three generations ago but she was so headstrong and knew what she wanted and just went for it. She became a fashion designer and started stitching her own clothes at the same time as looking after the kids, which in those days was unheard of. I think all these strong women around me helped shape who I am today.

And then at work, there are many people who I have turned to for advice over the years and I am extremely fortunate to have had such amazing mentors and do to this day still turn to them for advice.

Earlier this year I had the President of Women in Aviation – Middle East Chapter ask me to host a conference for her and I honestly told her that I didn’t think I had the skillset to have such a big responsibility. She said to me, “You control all the planes in the sky. The stage will be a piece of cake for you!” She saw the potential in me to do public speaking and pushed me well out of my comfort zone with this request. I went on the hunt for a public speaking coach and found Christina Ioannidis who took me from a person who had stage fright and a fear of public speaking to a person that hosts conferences and does motivational speeches.

What would you like to achieve with your skill for public speaking?

I realised that the more I tell my story and put myself out there, the more I inspire people, not even just in aviation. I recently did a motivational panel discussion at GEMS New Millennium School and had to talk to a hall full of teenagers about how to battle procrastination and the feedback was incredible. I absolutely loved being there for them, giving them advice and being their “big sister”.

This month we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the UAE, what does this occasion mean to you?

Many people think about the future but for me, I like to revel in the present as well as the past and think about how far we’ve come. I think it’s important to be mindful and appreciative of how far we have come and move forward accordingly.

What is a message that you would send to your country on this occasion?

I think I’m going to have to quote a rock star here! I’m currently listening to Dave Grohl from The Foo Fighter’s audiobook and there is one line that he says that really resonated with me: “If you can perceive it, you can achieve it.” The UAE is quite literally the embodiment of this line. We have achieved in half a century what other countries needed centuries to achieve.

Where would you like to see the UAE in another 50 years?

I can’t even imagine! There will be more air traffic for sure – I’m sure I’ll be directing flying cars by then! The sky is not even the limit and I think anything can be achieved and I am excited to be a part of what is to come.

What is a message you would send to other women looking to get into the industry?

I won’t sugar coat it, it’s not easy, however, if you do choose to work within air traffic control I would definitely encourage you to join. The pay is good so you will have your independence – I am supporting my entire family right now. When you’re finished at work and you take your headset off you don’t have to take your work home with you which is amazing = work-life balance.

When you’re not working how do you spend your time?

Prior to the pandemic, I travelled at almost every opportunity I got. Sometimes I would get off a night shift and drive myself to the airport and hop on a plane and explore and experience another country and culture for a couple of days. During the pandemic I enjoy gardening, taking my dogs to the beach and am currently working on my motorcycle license so I can explore the UAE from a different perspective.

We know you love to travel – where do you like to visit the most?

It depends. If it’s to see family I like to go to the US as most of my mother’s side of the family lives there and nothing beats my grandmother’s cooking! If it’s for me to socialise, I would visit friends I have scattered around the world or meet them in destinations for us to explore. So far, Greece has my heart and I can’t wait to go back for a visit.

What would you still like to do that you haven’t done yet?

The Air Traffic Control Officer in me is working on being a part of the movement in automation of Air Traffic Control in a radar environment. The artist in me dreams to have my art in a gallery one day.

Abbas Sajwani, Founder of AHS Group discusses his latest business ventures and his ambitious plans for the future.

Emirati entrepreneur Abbas Sajwani has been surrounded by the real estate industry his whole life. Son of Hussain Sajwani, the Founder of DAMAC Group, he was inspired by his father to open his own company in 2017 at the age of just 18. AHS Group’s portfolio includes Ventures, Properties and Investments and it has an ambitious objective to be one of the leading business groups in the Middle East by 2025. With entrepreneurship in his blood, Abbas has big plans to expand the business further and follow in his father’s footsteps by entering the property development market.

Earlier this year, Abbas set up the property sector of the business after seeing a gap in the market for super high-end properties in the UAE. Sajwani noticed many high-income expats were beginning to move to Dubai during the global pandemic and he wanted to find a way to facilitate their needs, providing no-expense-spared homes. AHS Properties focuses on renovating and selling premium properties within some of Dubai’s most luxury neighbourhoods. The company currently has four luxury villas on the portfolio with its flagship property in Emirates Hills being valued at AED150 million.

Can you tell us why you decided to launch this new real estate sector as part of AHS Group?

I opened the company last March as I started to see that Dubai was changing in terms of the luxury, high-end property market. The people it was attracting was different. Many were coming from Europe, Russia, American and India. Because of the COVID restrictions everywhere else, all these nationalities decided to come to Dubai and that directly boosted the high-end market. When you are dealing with the super-wealthy, they don’t mind spending on houses. They don’t negotiate or try to lower the price. They know what they want, they like the location and the product and so they buy it. So, I saw the demand for high-end properties increasing and there was limited supply. The top communities in Dubai remain as Palm Jumeirah, Emirates Hills, and Bulgari Island. There are houses available but many of them are starting to age now and the person who wants something uber-luxurious, isn’t happy with that. The people who are coming to Dubai don’t have the time to come and completely re-do something, they want things to be ready. When I started this sector of the business, the market had already started to pick up, for example, in one Frond on The Palm Jumeirah, a house sold for one hundred and ten million dirhams – the highest price for a single house – so I think the high-end market is very stable. The buyers are all end-users, so we don’t have house flipping, people are buying these houses to actually live in. That gave me the comfort of the market sustaining.

So far, you have four villas in the portfolio, what are the plans for the company moving forward?

Yes we have started off with the four villas. Our main property is in Emirates Hills – it’s a 45,000 square-foot house and it has all the amenities you can think of. From seven bedrooms to an indoor club, indoor pool, outdoor pool, cinema room, cigar lounge, sauna, steam room, spa – this house has become our flagship. On Palm Jumeirah, we are not able to have a house of that size as the land is much smaller, but we have taken three villas there which we are working on. So, the idea is to stay within villas and super-high-end properties.

How do you go about finding buyers for these properties?

It’s not as hard as you think! I used to think it would be difficult, but today, there are more buyers than you would think. And we are dealing with the top brokers in town, so they bring the clients. The idea that a client comes only occasionally is no longer the case. High-value transactions are happening every week.

What do you think is drawing people to Dubai?

Obviously, in the summer Dubai is not very attractive because of the weather, but in the winter, it is the nicest place you can be. I’m not saying this out of bias – the security here is unbelievable, it is so safe you can leave your door open, and you cannot do that anywhere else. The weather is another aspect because we have a great climate here. And then there’s the lifestyle – we have the best restaurants, the best shopping malls, the best of everything and the quality of life is I think, the best. Also of course we have no tax which is a big drawing point for people. The location is excellent and with channels like Zoom, many people can live here and work for their companies elsewhere.

What made you decide to launch your own company?

We first ventured out a couple of years ago, but this is the first time we are entering the property sector. We are already active in facility management; we have a media company and an investment division which has investments around the world. So, AHS Group is already established, but we decided to get into property because we saw this gap in the market and the demand was there.

You have seen your family in the real estate business growing up, how do you think that has inspired you? 

I learnt everything from my dad – every detail –he is the one that motivates me and pushes me. Most of my inspiration and where I get my ideas from comes from him.

Tell us about your relationship with your brothers and sister?

We are four siblings which is a good size family! As a family, we are very close. We have regular outings – my dad likes us to spend time together, so we have a lot of family dinners, lunches, and trips. We have a very close bond.

This year we are celebrating fifty years of the UAE – what does that occasion mean to you and what is a message you would send to your country on the occasion? 

What the UAE’s leaders were able to do in just fifty years is incredible. No country in the world was able to achieve what the UAE has achieved in such a short time. From creating a global city to all the investments abroad. What they were able to achieve overall is something amazing and I think it’s unseen before.

What is something you would still like to do that you haven’t done yet?

In terms of business, I like to see where the market takes me and there are always new opportunities, especially in today’s times with things like Bitcoin. I think these kinds of things are amazing. Going back to the property market, one of the big reasons for prices being high is also connected to Bitcoin, you have many Bitcoin buyers who have moved to Dubai. There was recently a transaction on the Palm for a villa for 20 million dollars and the person paid in Bitcoin. Right now, I want to focus on the property market, and I think there is a lot of room for expansion. We are also looking at international cities that have super high-end properties.

What do you think is the biggest challenge that you have?

In the high-end sector, I don’t see too many challenges. We don’t have the challenge of too much supply as there is in the mid-market because you can’t create another Palm or Emirates Hills overnight. In this business, your margins could become less as your land cost goes up for example in certain areas. This would be the main challenge that could occur.

What advice would you give to people to start investing in this country and what are the selling points to coming to do business in Dubai?

The ease of doing business and how it’s super easy to open a company here. The returns are still great compared to other markets, the initiatives that are put in place every day by the government drive the market. For example, the new initiative of giving longer visas etc., all these kinds of things bring investors to the UAE and help the market to grow. Giving passports to people who have lived all their lives here makes them feel more secure. It allows people to feel that they are at home. So, these initiatives from the government and the leadership of the country are what is driving the market.

Who is a leader from the UAE that inspires you and why?

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. How he built the city in just fifty years and how it competes with the world’s best cities inspires me. Dubai has reached the levels of New York and London which took hundreds of years to build, and we have done it in such a short time. If you look around at the buildings, the infrastructure, it’s incredible. It’s all coming from the top and the leadership is excellent in all aspects.