women's world

Monday, June 9, 2008

Beauty Tips In Vogue this Summer!

Summer is making its mark with hot sunrays and dry air in Dubai. Though indoors are air-conditioned in Dubai, nevertheless there are times one needs to and one does venture out. Here are a few tips that will help you look beautiful… even in this scorching heat!

• The most vital thing that has to be in your handbag is a tube of sunscreen. It is important that you choose your sunscreen with care as per your skin type. Factors such as age, gender and time of the day are also important. If you plan to stay outdoors, apply sunscreen lotion at least twice a day as perspiration and humidity do take their toll. Regular use of sunscreens helps one stay away from premature wrinkling and skin cancer. Generally, sunscreens with SPF 20 to 40 are recommended for darker complexions, whereas SPF 80 to 100 is to be used by those with fairer complexions. Children are usually recommended sunscreens with SPF between 20 and 50.

• Regular cleansing and toning of the skin is required, more so in summers. An alcohol-free toner doesn’t dry the skin too much.

• Hot sunrays strip the skin of moisture. A quality moisturizer is also handy in summers. Switching to an SPF moisturizer is a good idea.

• If you are going in for makeup in the hot summer heat, go for light translucent makeup. Using an SPF foundation will be a help.

• Summer is a tough time for your feet too. Sandals and flip flops expose the feet to harsh rays of the sun, making your feet dark and hard. It is important to use an exfoliating scrub in the bath. Applying foot cream before going to bed at night also helps rejuvenate your feet.

• For protecting your hair, always use oil or leave-in conditioner before entering the swimming pool.

Beauty tips aside, the most important factor that influences how you look is what you eat. Having lots of fresh fruits and vegetables will work wonders for your skin and body. Drink substantial amount of water everyday to keep that healthy glow of natural beauty radiating your face!

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Make-up in Vogue this Dubai Summer!

Dubai ramps have been painted red… literally! Hues of red, orange and pink have dominated the canvases of Gucci, Versace, Dior and Ralph Lauren this season. And blues, greens and yellows are not far behind either. Fashion circuit is not shirking away from stark contrasts and colour clashes.

When it comes to make-up, Dubai is rocking to the tunes of the seventies. Electric blues and greens for the eyes, lyrical pinks and deep reds for lips, along with dramatic mascara for the eyes are the talk of the town. And the eyebrows have to be well defined.

However, keeping in mind the scorching sun of the emirate, one is free to underplay as per mood and choice. So if you wear bold dramatic shades on your eyes, do the lips with softer shades of pink or simply with a gloss. On the other hand, if your lips are deep rose or cherry stained, use light make-up for your eyes. Cream based blushes that lend a sun-kissed look to your face are in too.

Though bright and electric colours are in this summer, the emphasis is still on light effortless look. The bottomline is – Be bright and light at the same time!

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Annual Exhibit of Exclusive Designer Fabrics

The latest collection of designer fabrics by Yellow Scarf boutique is on for an exhibition to be held on May 17, 2008. One can feast their eye on the exclusive range of fabrics for salwar suits at the Lotus Room between 9.30 in the morning to 11 at night.

Highlights:

• Hand-printed designs
• Hand-embroidered fabrics
• Natural, light fabrics
• Attractive range of embroidered, sequined and camouflage print lawn fabric
• Hand-embroidered top quality cotton silk, Swiss voile, pure silk and crepe
• Exclusive range of block printed fabrics
• French knot and cross-stitch chiffon
• A plethora of colours to choose from

The boutique also provides custom design and tailoring services to its customers.

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Spring-summer 2008 in Dubai

Dubai rocks on the fashion arena twelve months of the year. This summer has a few style statements in store for those who choose to be trendy. The article gives a bird’s eye view of spring-summer 2008 in the emirate.

A few style pointers for this season:

• Chunky items of rustic jewellery

• Brooches in all shapes and sizes

• Italian branded ear-rings and bracelets

• Flat pump shoes in casual everyday colours

Pink gold combined with silver is in this season with an array of symbols and charms that are contemporary and celebrate the 21st century woman. And as far as the foot story is concerned, flat shoes lend an aura of simplicity and subtle eroticism to the wardrobe.

The bottomline – Follow your own individuality and not just the “in” stuff when it comes to being really stylish.

Be YOURSELF!

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Mamma Mia!!

It’s time to make that special woman in your life feel more special. The Arab world is celebrating Mother’s Day tomorrow, the 21st day of March! So get your grey cells running to come up with ideas and more ideas to make it a time to remember and cherish.

A Sprinkle of Traditions

Mothers are venerated figures in Arab culture. There are a few versions that date back the origins of marking Mother’s Day. An overview:

• Back in 1956, a woman contacted the journalists of Akhbar Al Youm Publishing House in Cairo. She told them about her only son who used to neglect her in spite of the sacrifices she had made for him. The journalists were touched at the account and declared that March 21 would be celebrated as Mother’s Day from then on. • In ancient Egypt, Mother’s Day was celebrated as the worship of goddess Iris. The Egyptians believed that mothers are sent by God as a gift to Earth.

Motherhood

Motherhood is a blessed state for any woman. Virtues such as unconditional love and care, patience and sacrifice, which are the hallmark of motherhood, are celebrated on Mother’s day which is marked on different days and ways all over the world.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Arab Children Health Congress (ACHC) 2008

Arab Children Health Congress 2008 is scheduled to be held in Dubai from March 24, 2008 to March 27, 2008. The congress has been a point of convergence for ACHC and WHO (World Health Organization) for partnering towards children’s health in the Arab world.

The Congress aims to:

• Promote child nutrition

• Promote physical exercise

The afore-mentioned factors are mainly responsible for the spread of non-communicable diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases, obesity related diseases and disorders, and cancer - not only in the Arab world, but elsewhere on the globe as well. Consequently, it is crucial to instill healthy eating and lifestyle habits in children from a tender age.

Experts from health, education and social sectors will take part in the congress and will discuss relevant issues with an emphasis on the importance of public awareness in the area.

Monday, February 4, 2008

Dubai Supermarkets to Charge for Plastic Bags

As part of activities lined up for the national Environment Day in the UAE, supermarkets across Dubai have started charging for plastic bags.

Ordinary plastic bags will be charged at 25 Fils each with the option to reuse the bags again. For each returned bag, a credit note of the respective value will be issued. Alternatively, a jute bag (reusable) is available for 5 Dirhams.

Dubai is leading the emirates in the My Bag My Earth campaign against the use of plastic bags.
February 4 marks the Environment Day in the emirates.

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Dubai Shopping Festival 2008 – Jumeirah Beach Hotel highlights

‘Stay Different – Shop Different’ – that is the name of the fascinating package on offer at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel. This Dubai Shopping Festival special package includes special rooms priced from 680 USD to 2,394 USD with a ‘Stay Different – Shop Different’ card. The card will enable guests to avail of attractive shopping offers at the hotel’s shopping boulevard. From chunky jewellery to designer wear, shoppers can have blast of a time browsing the many retailers open in the hotel.

Some brand names that will accept the ‘Stay Different – Shop Different’ card:

• Damas

• Montblanc

• Heritage for Henna

• Persian Carpet

• Crystal Gallery

• Rodeo Drive

• The Collection

The offer is on till February 29, 2008.

Monday, January 7, 2008

First Women-Only Driving Institute in Dubai

A driving institute exclusively meant for women has been opened in Dubai recently. The institute - an offshoot of the Emirates Driving Institute - is the first of its kind endeavour in the GCC countries and the Middle East at large.

Services provided at the institute:

• Driving license section

• Registration section

• Trained female driving instructors

• Training available in different languages

• Technologically updated centre

• Educational software for trainees

• Lessons available on CDs

• Playground for children who come with their mothers

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

General Overview of Dubai’s Social Circuit

Bridget Jones social dairies would become lively and interesting in the desert kingdom. Probably this could be a major reason why some A-list celebrities chose American hotspots instead of Dubai. Despite that, Ahlan Dubai is alive and kicking on weekend nights for family entertainment. A trendy date for teenagers is not thinkable in the region for locals. A rendezvous with parents and cousins - howzzat for dating?! Expatriates have the freedom to enjoy a little more. The gloss and glamour is restricted to social parties and festivities in five-star hotels and private homes. Ladies nights are as enjoyable as teenage girlie weekends in other parts of the world. Women let their hair down, gobble the vast spread of multinational cuisine and play games and win prizes.

Okay, it’s not so bad in Dubai, the growing Arab metropolis in the Middle East. There are posh bars, night cafes and sizzling cabaret performances in select venues. Like on Friday nights (official weekend), Fairmount Hotel is the place to be. Dubai’s most happening Emirati crowd and celebrities from abroad can be seen enjoying the cocktails. If you are in Fairmount, you are a part of the elite social circuit. Of course you need an entry pass, or be a VIP guest to enter. Guess what, they don’t even have bouncers to bother.

The social circuit in Dubai comes alive when the horse racing season is on. Everyone from the racing world descends on Dubai’s racetracks to socialize, crack a few business deals and shake hands with the rich Maktoum rulers. They are obviously the best entertainers in the region. Every Emirati (even expatriates) covets the royal invitation to an opening ceremony or even to the laying of a foundation stone.

Walk into the glittering shopping malls and see the cafes and multiplexes come alive. Children can be spotted having a blast and adults – well busy looking after the kids! Dubai is still Islamic in its traditions. As a Muslim country, it cannot earn the ire of other pro-Islamic states by allowing too much freedom into the culture. But within the close parameters, the rulers have allowed the spirits to flow… even gambling in some areas and cocktails to flourish. The locals still move about the city in droves during weekends. Those who wish to enjoy their Dubai holidays and can afford fly off to east or west of the country where there is more freedom. Expatriates too move in clusters. There are also ethnic clubs in the city!

If you are a new comer, you tend to get lost unless you know someone on the social circuit. Club-members are invited to have fun on weekends. Unlike other parts of the world where the party circuit is full all through the year, UAE social buzz comes to a grinding halt during the holy month of Ramadan. Expatriates can still enjoy behind closed doors to avoid embarrassing the locals who are engrossed in fasting and prayers.

Dubai’s social circuit is indeed alive and kicking!

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Chef at Home service in Dubai

A unique service called Chef at Home has been launched recently in Dubai. If you wish to entertain guests at home with a beautifully done gourmet meal, then Chef at Home is the answer. This is the brainchild of Racha Royer, a Lebanese entrepreneur settled in Dubai.

Under Chef at Home service, the meal is cooked by a trained French chef right inside your own kitchen. It has an edge over taking your guests to a restaurant on a number of parameters:

• Personalized menu

• Comfortable home environment

• Cheaper than eating out

• Freshest ingredients used for the preparation

• Chef will bring all ingredients

• Chef will bring any needed equipment you don’t have

• Freshly cooked and beautifully presented meals

• Chef will clean the kitchen after the meal is over

Important Details of Chef at Home service

• Options

i Sit-down meals

ii Buffets

iii Cocktail parties
• Number of guests can be anything from 6 to 40.

• A three-course meal starts from 250 AED per head.

• One-on-one coaching at home for those who want to cook on their own.

• Cooking courses available for groups and children as well.

• Lessons in table decoration and etiquette also given.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Walkathon in Dubai for Breast Cancer Awareness

Dubai residents will participate in AVON Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon that will raise funds for disseminating breast cancer awareness in the emirate. The walk will begin at 5 pm (local time) from gate number 3 of Zabeel Park.

Registration fee for taking part in the Walkathon is 50 AED per head. The entire amount collected as registration charges will go to charitable organizations working to eliminate breast cancer.

AVON Breast Cancer Awareness Walkathon is being held in 50 countries across the globe.

Also see: Artwork supporting breast cancer awareness

Artwork Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is organizing an art exhibition to support the cause of breast cancer awareness among Dubai residents. World-renowned artist in the realm of realism, Pino will fly down to Dubai for the event. Pino’s artworks will be showcased between November 26 and November 29 at the exhibition titled PINO. The venue for the occasion will be DIFC Atrium, The Gate.

Pino has been portraying women in his art with a sensitive sensibility. On the other hand, Dubai International Financial Centre has always attempted at supporting social causes. Consequently, it is quite appropriate that the two have come together to work for the cause of a disease that has become quite prevalent among women in today’s world.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Traditional Gifts Always in Vogue in Dubai!

In Dubai and confused about what to take back home as gifts for loved ones?? Well here is the answer….

Dubai is a great place to hunt for gifts and shop for anything from garments to gold. But there are certain traditional gifts that are always ‘in’ in Dubai. Check out the list and choose something unique and really traditional as a gift for your near and dear ones:

• Jewellery boxes and letter racks beautifully inlaid with semi-precious stones
• Antique jewellery in silver
• Arabic coffee pots
• Silver/ brass swords and daggers (called ‘khanjars’ in Arabic!)
• Silver and wooden dhows
• Persian carpets
• Cotton rugs
• Soapstone figures
• Marble goblets
• Traditional prayer beads

Happy hunting!

Friday, November 2, 2007

Love beyond the confines of age

For Dubai, the year 2007 has been phenomenal in showing that love transcends age. The trend has been of older women marrying men much younger to them. More and more women in Dubai, whether they are nationals or expatriates, have married younger men according to Dubai Courts statistics.

Women as old as 55 have tied the knot with men half their age! Up till now, 16 women over 55 years of age have married much younger men since the beginning of 2007. An interesting case has been of a 22 year old opting not to stand as a guardian to the marriage of his 55 year old mother to his 24-year-old friend!

Material interest might be a reason behind increasing number of such marriages among nationals and expatriates living in Dubai. But who knows?!

The only certainty is that love knows no boundaries… in more ways than one!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Interior Decoration Ideas for your Dubai Home – Part 2

Technology Matters

Homes in Dubai are intelligent and getting smarter by the day. Technology is integrated in the environs of a home in such a way that it becomes an inseparable element of the design itself. Interior design in Dubai has come of age indeed.

Modern living entails the use of technology in every aspect of life. Smart home elements such as security systems, sensor lighting techniques, full home automation, home cinema/ theatre systems, etc. are slowly being incorporated into the field of interior design and decoration.

More and more people in Dubai want things that they can control from any nook and corner of their home at the push of a remote control button. Because such technologies epitomize modern luxury lifestyle, many want these in order to make their homes look chic. Big screens, plasma TVs, stereo and theatre systems are blended into the décor beautifully. There are interior designers in Dubai who specialize in this niche. People are buying homes to enjoy cheap holidays once a year in Dubai and this is only adding to the already growing market.

No doubt the trend has resulted in a shift in gender stereotypes. It has always been held that technology is the forte of men. But with smart homes in the offing, women have also started taking interest in stuff that will make their homes look elegant and stylish.

To know about colour and texture ideas for your home, read:

Interior Decoration Ideas for your Dubai Home – Part 1

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Interior Decoration Ideas for your Dubai Home – Part 1

So you have bought your dream house in Dubai. What next? Naturally one wants to have one’s home as the most beautiful place on earth, something like your holiday destination of dreams… your own comfortable corner in the world where you can unwind after having a whole day whizzes past the rat race of the city. For most of us, our home is an extension of our own self. And subconsciously it does happen indeed.

But there are interior decoration trends in Dubai that can help you decide and be in line with the latest at the same time. The bottom line, however, remains your own comfort. Interior designs can be classified into two broad categories:

1) Modern/ Contemporary

2) Oriental/ Traditional

Everything in your home – upholstery, wallpapers, paint, curtains, furniture, curios and bric-a-brac - falls into either of the two categories. But the boundaries of this segregation are quite fluid. There can be degrees of overlap between the two and even a fusion!

Some home decoration ideas that are in vogue in Dubai are given below:

Colour: The colours in vogue for homes in Dubai are warm earthy colours - anything from cream to beige to brick red - that evoke a sense of cosiness.

Texture: Blending of textures is in. Cottons, silks, satins with trims, tassels and ribbing lend a chic twist to regular upholstery. Mixing elements like fabric and glass is also making a comeback. The trends in colour and texture apply to wallpapers as well. Modern geometric designs and traditional motifs equally vie for home owners’ attention in Dubai.

Some Handy Tips

o Collect samples of colours and fabrics before investing in the real stuff. This will give you a fair idea of elements that will work together.

o If your pocket doesn’t allow for big changes, change accessories and upholstery. This alone can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your home.

o Those with limited space should opt for multi-functional furniture such as sofa-cum-bed, chest-cum-coffee-table, etc.

o Add more cushions, pillows, throws and rugs to enhance the snugness of your room(s).

Also read: Interior Decoration Ideas for your Dubai Home – Part 2

Monday, October 22, 2007

New Arab Woman Forum begins in Dubai

New Arab Woman Forum began at Emirates Towers in Dubai yesterday. Addressing the forum, Princess Haya bint Al Hussain emphasized the need to elevate the status of women in the UAE. Part of the forum were eminent women from around 30 Arab and foreign countries. On the first day of the 2-day event, an award ceremony was also held.

The New Arab Woman Forum is the first of its kind in the region. The organizers, however, promise it will be an annual affair in Dubai.

Achievements of Arab Women:

• Emirati and Gulf women occupy 22.5 percent of Federal National Seats.

• UAE women occupy 10 percent of diplomatic sector positions and more than 30 percent of leading positions.

• In the public sector, women have 66 percent representation.

• Working women make for 35 percent of the national work force in the Gulf.

• The savings of Emirati women add up to 100 million dollars.

Factors responsible for the uplift in the status of Arab women:

• Education

• Work

• Market Participation
• Tourism and cheap holidays industry

Saturday, October 20, 2007

Working Women in Dubai

Traditionally, men are the bread winners and women homemakers in the Middle Eastern part of the world. But times are gradually changing as more women are stepping out of the threshold of the hearth to explore the endless possibilities of the world outside.

Opportunities

The ever-increasing influx of Westerners in Dubai has resulted in a reshuffling of traditional patriarchal attitudes. Women in Dubai have been in the nursing and teaching fields for quite some time now. Banking, finance and service sectors are also emerging as arenas wherein women are carving a niche for themselves today.

Moreover, the government of Dubai has undertaken a drive to educate and empower women. This coupled with the booming economy of the emirate has opened up an ever-expanding horizon of opportunities for women.

From the employers’ perspective

In comparison to an average local male worker in Dubai, employers find -

• Women are more hard-working than men

• Women are more reliable workers

At Workplace

In the Middle East, it is considered inappropriate for a woman to talk to men she is not related to. But gradually this attitude is loosening its tight strings.

Situation closer home

The traditional role of a woman in Arab counties is that of a full time homemaker and child bearer. For a woman to rise in her professional life, the support of her family, particularly male members therein is paramount. This becomes more so relevant in Dubai where the society is still rooted in traditional ethos even after having undergone rapid modernization in recent years.

Expatriate Scenario

It is essentially men who form the workforce from among the expatriate population. Very often their spouses have a restriction in their passports that prevents them from doing any kind of work. They have to get hold of a work visa and sponsorship if they wish to have a job.

Moreover, most companies do not grant work visas to expatriate women that easily. Consequently, expatriate women tend to land up working illegally, with the fear of losing their job any moment hanging on their head.

Safety Part

With severe punishment for sexual harassment in the emirates, women are generally secure in their workplaces. However, those working illegally at lower rungs of society are more at risk.

The Female Boss

In an essentially patriarchal society, it is unacceptable to have women in positions of power and authority. But with women proving their calibre at the work front, the outlook of their male counterparts is evolving for the better gradually.

Another Milestone for Dubai Society

At the helm of a cultural change, women in Dubai are not scared to overturn patriarchal norms in order to realize their own aspirations today. And increasingly men are also exploring areas hitherto considered stronghold of women.

The future is indeed promising for women living in Dubai.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Eid Time: Henna Time in Dubai!

Henna has been a traditional way for Middle Eastern and Asian women to beautify themselves. This gets in vogue especially during festival season. With Eid ul-Fitr right here, Henna tents and salons have started mushrooming across Dubai. These are replete with traditional Arabian as well as modern motifs and designs for Eid.

Henna art is not confined to women alone. Increasingly, men are also going for henna tattoos. To cater to this, henna artists in Dubai have a plethora of designs meant for men.

Henna has an edge over permanent tattoos as it is not painful and the designs can be replaced with new ones within a few weeks’ time. Moreover, henna is equally popular among children, young women and the elderly. As a beautiful alternative to permanent tattoos, henna has started catching up with the westerners in Dubai. Surely, Dubai is the place where the East meets the West, in more ways than one!! Tourists on cheap holidays to Dubai should definitely try the middle eastern version of a temporary tattoo called Henna.

Depending upon the intricacy of the design, henna tattooing can cost anything from 60 AED to 300 AED. To avoid Eid rush, it is a good idea to book an appointment with a henna salon. Henna stalls have also been put up in various shopping malls all over the city. These are gearing up for a rush over the weekend, with Eid holidays in the offing.

So if you already hadn’t thought about it, grab your wallet now and dash to the nearest henna salon!