STAFF BOX
Publisher Gabriel John Rimando
Publications Manager
Ryan Namia
Editor-in- Chief Angelo Reyes Dumag
Contributing Writers Hasintha Edirisinghe
Samantha Joffe Elton Bolton Aaya AbuNahwa Sayed Hussain
Sales and Marketing Manager Orli Gayeta
Sales and Marketing Joel Lara Genove John Paul Cosico
Senior Graphic Designer Allan Caragao
Multimedia Manager Jonathan Dumas
Distribution Manager Raymart Patulot
Distribution Qassim Quereshi
Commentary by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on International Women’s Day – Page 5
Sikka Art and Design Festival inaugurated with new creativity - Page 41 image credit: supplied
TishTash Communications Implements Policy for Paid Fertility and Menopause LeavePage 7
Interview with Vernon Vidamour A life of adventure, business, and pursuing dreams - Page 22
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Vernon Vidamour, a 59-year-old British national, has lived in eight different countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
Dubai Vibes Magazine proudly launches Volume III, and we begin by honoring the women of today in commemoration of International Women’s Day. As we feature the best of expat and local stories, we hope to inspire readers to become the best versions of themselves.
Our team recognizes the value of every person’s unique story, and we strive to highlight stories that will be treasured and remembered forever. We are proud to feature exceptional women in our People section, who have accomplished great things in their respective fields. However, we also acknowledge that there are men whose stories need to be shared, and this month we are pleased to introduce Mr. Vernon Vidamour, the first male cover for this new volume, who inspires us all to find our purpose in life.
We are excited to present our various sections, including Dining, Talk of the Town, Travel, Lifestyle, and Concert, that cater to different interests of our readers. We also welcome contributions from anyone who wishes to share their stories and contribute to the inspiration of others through our platform.
As we embark on a new chapter of Dubai Vibes Magazine, we would like to express our gratitude to our readers and contributors who continue to support us. We hope you will enjoy this new volume as much as we enjoyed creating it.
Sincerely Yours,
Gabriel John Rimando
HH Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed: International Women’s Day celebrates the crucial role of women in society and their extraordinary contributions
Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts
Authority Dubai Culture and a member of the Dubai Council, confirmed that International Women’s Day celebrates the crucial role of women in society and their extraordinary contributions, making significant strides in advancing comprehensive development across all fields and leaving an indelible mark on their communities and countries.
From groundbreaking achievements to inspiring leadership, women around the world have accomplished remarkable success, serving as role models and sources of motivation for all.
Her Highness commended the innovative approach taken by the UAE in supporting and empowering women, highlighting the significance of International Women’s Day in the country.
She also emphasised that the wise leadership underpins the important role that women play and its profound impact on society from an early stage, saying: “Our leadership recognises that empowering women culturally, economically, socially, and politically is pivotal to realising their full potential.
The Emirati woman, who is confident and capable, has demonstrated her worth and distinguished presence,
serving as a role model for women worldwide. She has reached the highest positions and represented the country with distinction in prominent international forums, contributing to achievements that benefit humanity.
It is also essential to acknowledge women’s most important role in establishing and nurturing families and building society.
As an essential partner in the country’s civilizational renaissance, the Emirati woman today is a pillar of accomplishment driving forward the UAE’s progress, instilling us with pride on the global stage.”
TishTash Communications, the award-winning, independent integrated marketing communications agency headquartered in Dubai, with offices in Saudi Arabia and the UK, employs 48 women in its fully female workforce. As part of the agency’s
commitment to understanding and supporting the healthcare needs of women in the workplace, from 1st March 2023, all team members will be given paid leave for fertility and menopause treatments, and other women’s health related matters.
With the numbers rising for those requiring fertility treatment to 1 in 5 couples, TishTash recognizes what a challenging time this can beand that factors such as stress around work, taking time off and juggling the fertility journey medical requirements, can make all the difference.
The TishTash policy will provide paid leave for staff to attend medical appointments while undergoing fertility treatment, both inside and outside of the country, including those wishing to do egg freezing. The time off is flexible and unrestricted, as the company cannot assume to know what people will need and will take into account the physical and mental load that comes with undergoing such treatments.
Latest research shows that menopause symptoms are forcing women out of the workforce, with nearly 1 million women having left the workforce due to unmanageable symptoms. With
TishTash having more than 10 of its team aged 35 – 45 within a wholly female workforce, the agency wanted to create a culture where is it open and safe to talk about both the menopause and menstruation in general to prevent losing valuable experienced talent.
TishTash is offering all team members support as follows as part of their new policy:
• Up to six days of menopause (and menstrual) leave per year, which is not part of the employees’ personal or sick leave.
• The option to work from home where possible to prioritize comfort.
• No requirement for medical certificates from women taking time off to manage symptoms.
• 10 days leave off work if pregnancy ends before 24 weeks
In addition to paid leave for the team, the agency is including fertility and menopause education in their comprehensive training and development programme. IVF Support UAE recently held a session for the agency and all team members have
been offered egg freezing consultations if something they wish to learn more about. Information sessions with leading experts in menopause are also planned this year.
TishTash CEO Natasha Hatherall, said she has gone through the process of fertility treatment herself, and having been in the fortunate position to take the time she required as the business owner, she wanted to extend this to her team and create a genuinely supportive environment for her employees.
This is the latest policy change from the agency that specializes in health and wellbeing and that prides itself in its people first approach. The agency was one of the first to launch a 4.5 day working week in July 2021, as well as a truly flexible and hybrid working policy, including the option for all teams to apply to ‘work from their home country’ for up to 4 weeks each year and extended maternity leave options.
For more information Visit www.tishtash.com or follow @ TishTashTalks on Instagram for more information.
Demi Lovato, the American pop sensation, is all set to perform at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai on March 18. Known for her powerhouse vocals and electrifying stage presence, Demi Lovato’s concert promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Dubai residents.
Here are the top five reasons why you should grab your tickets now and attend Demi Lovato’s concert at CocaCola Arena:
Demi Lovato is known for her dynamic performances that leave audiences spellbound. Her songs range from upbeat dance numbers to soulful ballads that touch the heart. With a vast repertoire of hit songs, Demi Lovato’s concert promises to be an unforgettable musical experience that will leave you singing and dancing along.
Coca-Cola Arena is a world-class venue that has played host to some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. With its state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology, Coca-Cola Arena promises to provide the perfect backdrop for Demi Lovato’s electrifying performance.
Demi Lovato’s music appeals to a wide range of audiences. Whether you are a fan of pop, rock, or R&B, Demi Lovato’s concert promises to cater to all tastes and preferences. From her early hits like “Skyscraper” to her recent charttoppers like “Sorry Not Sorry,” Demi Lovato’s concert promises to be a musical journey that you won’t forget.
Demi Lovato has been vocal about her struggles with mental health and addiction. By attending her concert, you will not only be supporting one of the biggest music stars in the world, but you will also be contributing to various charities and non-profit organizations that Demi Lovato supports.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Demi Lovato perform live in Dubai. With tickets selling fast, this is your chance to be a part of an
unforgettable musical experience that you will cherish for years to come.
Demi Lovato’s concert promises to be an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. With her powerful vocals, diverse range of hit songs, and a world-class venue, attending her concert is a must for all music lovers in Dubai. Get your tickets now before they sell out, and get ready to experience the magic of Demi Lovato live in concert at Coca-Cola Arena on March 18.
Avail your tickets now at https:// www.coca-cola-arena.com/
Adele Allen is a 39-year-old British assistant editor who has made Dubai her home for over a decade. With a degree in Sociology and Law, Adele found her passion in sales, where she excelled at meeting new people and exceeding targets set. Her highlight was being headhunted by one of her previous clients when she moved to Dubai.
Dubai may be an expat city of people from over 250 countries, but Adele has found it to be a pretty cool place to live. However, as a mother of two, she admits that it can be hard sometimes not being close to family and missing out on things back home. Nevertheless, she loves the beach and swimming at sundown is one of her favourite things to do.
Adele’s life after work revolves around her family. She has two gorgeous children, Lily Blu and Edward, and
she loves nothing more than spending her free time with them. They try to do something different every weekend.
Before her current job, Adele was in sales, selling hotel amenities such as Molton Brown, Aigner and Clarins. However, she chose to change fields and became an assistant editor at Tish Tash, a company that does everything to support their staff. Adele loves every aspect of her role, as every article is different and she gets an insight into other people’s lives and views.
Despite her love for her job, Adele admits that time is her everyday struggle. There is not enough time to write about all the amazing things that are happening in Dubai. She has also endured struggles in her career, having to resign when she found out she was pregnant with her daughter. When she was ready to return to work seven years later, she found it hard to get back in the industry. However, with
the support of her family and friends, Adele is now working and is grateful to Tish Tash for giving mums like her a second chance.
Adele’s ultimate dream for her family and herself is to move back to England and have seasons again. As a woman who embraces life with a fearless attitude, she believes that failure is not something to be feared, but rather, not trying is the real failure. Adele encourages people to embrace change and never give up on their dreams.
“Don’t ever fear failure, fear not trying.”
Alexandra Vorobyeva, a 27-year-old Russian photographer, has followed her passion for photography and created a career that she loves.
With a degree in World Economy and International Affairs from the Higher School of Economics in Moscow, she initially pursued a career in international event projects.
However, her internal voice always reminded her that photography was her true calling. After years of trying to balance office work and photography, she finally decided to take the plunge and pursue her passion for photography full-time.
In August 2022, Alexandra moved to Dubai, a city that she had fallen in love with during a previous visit. Dubai’s cultural mix and open-minded people, as well as the city’s energy and opportunities, made it the perfect place for her to develop her career. She has
already established a love for DIFC and Downtown, which she believes are the heart of the city.
Alexandra’s photography work covers a range of genres, from fashion and beauty to portraits and landscapes. She is grateful for the opportunities that Dubai has presented her with, such as working with people and brands from different countries. Despite being busy with work, Alexandra still finds time to travel and explore new places with her husband and friends.
Alexandra’s philosophy is to listen to yourself and follow your talent. She believes that we should not be afraid to follow our dreams and that a clear plan of action, discipline, and determination are all that is needed. She also believes that success is not complete if a person is not completely happy.
Moving to a new country and starting from scratch is not easy, but Alexandra’s true principle is to keep doing what she
loves and to keep working hard. She aims to settle down in Dubai and be happy.
“Listen to ourselves and follow our talents.”image credit: supplied image credit: supplied
Cheryl King is a woman who knows what she wants and goes after it with gusto. From her career as an office manager to her passion for beauty and fashion, Cheryl has carved out a life in Dubai that is both fulfilling and exciting.
Originally from the UK, Cheryl moved to Dubai 18 years ago and has since made it her home. She loves the city’s energy and constant buzz, and feels that Dubai offers her family incredible opportunities to thrive.
Cheryl started her career in the media industry, working as an editor’s PA at a local newspaper while studying parttime to become a crime scene officer and photographer. After moving to Dubai, she worked with Etoile Group and Dubai Desert Extreme before joining TishTash Marketing and PR, where she has spent the past eight years.
Working for TishTash has been a highlight for Cheryl, and she credits the company’s success to the close-knit team of women who support each other both personally and professionally. Cheryl is an office manager and her role involves working on HR, finance, and hosting events with the team.
Cheryl’s love for beauty and fashion is evident in her free time, where
she spends a lot of time on self-care. She loves doing her own nails and is currently studying to learn more and start a little freelance business. Her daughters share her passion, and they enjoy going to the gym and doing fashion and beauty activities together as a family.
Despite the challenges of being a full time working mum, Cheryl is grateful for the support system around her. Her husband, two daughters, and the TishTash team provide her with the encouragement and motivation to keep going.
In Dubai, where everything is possible, Cheryl’s ultimate dream is to ensure her family’s safety, happiness, and
education. She wants them to follow their dreams and live life to the fullest. Cheryl’s life philosophy is to appreciate the privilege of being alive and to cherish every moment. For her, everything else is just a bonus.
“Appreciate the privilege of being alive, and to cherish every moment.”
Cleo’s journey to where she is now is a story of dedication and hard work. At the age of 17, she was offered a contract to work as a professional ballet dancer in a ballet company in South Africa. She danced some of the most famous ballet roles, including the Sugarplum Fairy from the Nutcracker, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty, and Kitri from Don Quixote. However, at the age of 24, she made the difficult decision to resign from the company to have more freedom in her life and explore other things she enjoyed. She then moved to London where she worked as a makeup artist for a brand called Charlotte Tilbury before joining TishTash Communications a year and a half ago.
When asked about her current job, Cleo says, “PR really fell into my lap, and I have been running with it ever since. I don’t regret it at all as I have been able to incorporate my knowledge from my previous work experiences together with my passion for beauty and fashion into my job, whilst working with a wonderful team who has invested a lot of time and energy into me.”
Working in PR, Cleo says, can make a difference to her clients’ lives by helping them achieve their goals in their businesses. “We hold a vital role in the success of their business which at times can be stressful, but it pushes me, and I have always enjoyed a challenge,” she adds.
While Cleo enjoys her work, there are still everyday struggles she faces. “Dealing with clients who all have different needs and ways of working can be challenging at times and is
probably the daily challenge I face,” she says. Clients can often take advantage or push her to her limits, so she has had to learn where to put up boundaries and when not to.
Outside of work, Cleo values her family time. “Most evenings include me cooking dinner and chatting to my husband, catching up on our days, and winding down, after which we enjoy some chill time on the couch watching a series or movie together while cuddling our puppy, Charlie,” she shares.
Looking back on her journey, Cleo admits that it was a struggle to figure out what she wanted to do with her life after leaving her ballet career. “My husband has really been someone
I have leaned on throughout this process, and is always encouraging me to try new things and to push myself outside of my comfort zone,” she says.
As for her ultimate dream, Cleo says, “I want to continue to grow in my career, and I would love for my husband and I to start a family and to travel the world together. I believe in giving back to the community, so I hope to find a way to do that in the future as well.”
“I believe in giving back to community, so I hope to find a way to do that in the future as well.”image credit: supplied
Elli Kasabi, the founder of Elli Junior, a business that specializes in designer baby products. Elli Kasabi is a Persian-born Swedish national who moved to Dubai nine years ago. She obtained a Master’s Degree in Finance and worked as a Corporate Account Manager for a major Swedish bank for over a decade before transitioning into the media industry.
Elli had a difficult time finding a job that would allow her to juggle work and motherhood after the birth of her youngest daughter. She noticed a gap in the market for premium designer baby products and decided to start her own business. Elli Junior was born, and she took the exclusivity rights for the middle east market for many Swedish brands that were not previously available.
In an interview, Elli shares her experiences and insights about Dubai, her business, and life in general.
When asked about her educational background, Elli states, “After completing my Master’s Degree in Finance, I worked as a Corporate Account Manager for a major Swedish bank for over 10 years.” Elli has also been working since she was 14-15 years old, earning around AED 100 a day.
Elli talks about her experience living in Dubai, “It was hard to adjust at first, growing up in Sweden in a very open-minded country and freedom of speech, and everyone is equal to a more closed-minded nation. It took time to adjust, but today, I am grateful for the country, its opportunities and mix of so many nationalities. It’s amazing, and you learn something new every day.”
Elli lives in JBR and loves the beach and the crowd. When asked about her favorite part of Dubai, she says, “I like to live in busy places. You have life, and you feel alive. After a stressful day, you can take a walk at the beach or go down for a drink, and you feel good.”
Elli mentions that her children’s activities are her out-of-work activities. However, she hopes to find her passion soon.
Before starting her business, Elli worked in the finance and banking industry. However, she says that she is “exactly where [she] belongs, to build a brand, to grow it, and to make it successful.” Elli saw potential in the
baby products industry and believed in her own abilities to make it work. Elli Junior started with only five brands in 2019 and has now grown to over 300 brands.
Elli enjoys retail and e-commerce and says, “It’s fun, and there’s always something new to learn every single day. E-commerce is growing more than ever, especially in this region.”
When asked about the everyday struggles she faces in her industry, Elli says that the logistics of e-commerce are a challenge. She adds, “E-commerce, tech, import/export is a male-dominated area, and for a woman to prove her mettle, it takes a lot of hard work. Initially, people did not believe
in my idea and how the business would scale and be successful.”
In conclusion, Elli Kasabi is a successful entrepreneur who believes in her own abilities and has found her passion in retail and e-commerce. Despite facing challenges in a male-dominated industry, Elli has been able to grow her business and take it to new heights. Elli Junior is now a reputable and successful business, providing designer baby products to parents in the Middle East.
“There is always something new to learn every single day.”
Ghida Abou Zaki, the Head of Arabic at TishTash Communications, and the founder of BelArabi, a translation and creative content writing agency. With her infectious energy and determination, Ghida has made a name for herself in Dubai’s PR industry. In this feature article, Ghida shares her journey, her struggles, and her dreams.
Ghida graduated in 2014 from her home country, Lebanon, with a dream to pursue a career in PR. She heard from many professionals about Dubai’s market and asked her parents for a trip to the city of lights as a graduation gift. Instead of enjoying her vacation, she applied for a 1-month internship in a PR agency, and she was then accepted to join their team. The journey started then, and after 9 years now,
she has her dream job at TishTash Communications and started her own business BelArabi.
When asked about Dubai, Ghida said that the city made her tougher, built her strong personality, and allowed her to believe that nothing is impossible. She arrived in Dubai at the age of 21, and the journey was not easy, but she learned how to grasp every opportunity. Dubai is full of opportunities, yet the choices are for you!
Ghida loves The Palm, The Beach, and The Heritage Village in Dubai. After work, Ghida is raising two boys of her own. In terms of her previous jobs, she started at CommuniGate Middle East, a boutique PR agency focusing on corporate PR, where she stayed for 4 years and 9 months. She also tried
freelancing as a Communications Consultant for 2 years before joining TishTash Communications.
Ghida is passionate about her work, and she loves socializing and meeting new people. PR was meant to be her thing, and she is passionate about events and seeing her clients’ success, which pushes her to do more despite the challenges and stress that might accompany this process.
In terms of struggles, Ghida faces everyday struggles in managing everyone’s expectations by achieving the desired results. Before settling, Ghida had to deal with people with different views. She provided logic clarifications and backed that with facts and examples from her experience. She surrounded herself with people she benefited from, observed how they did things, learned to develop herself, and believed that every day holds a new experience.
Ghida’s ultimate dream is to follow Natasha’s steps and empower women. Her dream was to be on 30 under 30 by Forbes, but this didn’t happen, so she decided to do good to her people in Lebanon through her own company BelArabi. Family-wise, she just wants to buy a house in Dubai and raise her children there.
In conclusion, Ghida is determined, passionate, and full of energy. She has made a name for herself in Dubai’s PR industry, and she continues to inspire others. As for settling down in Dubai, Ghida wants to spend her life there!
“Don’t hold yourself back and always know that you are capable of anything you set your mind to.”
Greta Otteson, a 31-year-old British national currently working as a Content Production Manager at TishTash. She was born and raised in Bahrain, and after completing her studies in LA, her first job was with NastyGal, working alongside the original Girl Boss Founder, Sophia Amoruso. Greta moved to Dubai five years ago and has been enjoying the city ever since.
When asked about Dubai, Greta expressed her love for the city and its diverse population, saying, “I love Dubai, there’s so much to do over here, you can never get bored.” She particularly enjoys spending time in West Palm, enjoying the beachy places to eat and drink.
Outside of work, Greta loves to explore new food places with her friends and is currently undertaking her yoga teaching training with House Of Om. When asked about her previous jobs, she shared that she has been a Textile Designer, Fashion Designer, and Social Media Manager for one of the top entrepreneurs in Dubai, Mona Kattan.
Greta’s passion for her current work is evident in her answer, “I love the clients we have, there’s always something new and exciting happening. I also love that TishTash is a female-only office; it definitely feels like you’re always supported for anything inside and outside of work.” However, she does admit that keeping up with all the trends in social media is a struggle, as there is something new every day.
When Greta first moved to Dubai, she found it challenging to make friends, but she overcame this by joining fitness classes and events. During tough times, she would turn to her family and friends abroad for advice and support.
Greta’s ultimate dream is to explore and experience the world, and she is open to settling down in Dubai, a place that has been good to her since childhood.
“Don’t live your life through what-ifs, live it with I knows,” – Marco Zuniga
Indira Kasaeva is a thirdculture kid who has lived across four different countries throughout her life. She is an adrenaline junkie, eager to experience new cultures and countries, and form friendships with a diverse group of people. Currently, she is a PR Account Director at TishTash, a Dubai-based PR agency.
When asked about her life philosophy, her view is “Do the best you can and let go, everything else is in the hands of God.”
Having been living in the UAE for 18 years, half of which she spent in Dubai, Indira feels that Dubai is home and loves the diversity and safety it has to offer. The warm and welcoming community and the opportunity to connect with people from different cultures is its best feature according to her.
Outside of work, Indira enjoys spending time with friends, and family, and on
her hobbies like her fitness routine and horse riding.
Having graduated with a degree in journalism, her first job was in a small publishing house in Dubai. She then worked as a blog editor and project coordinator for a lawyer-turnedfashion entrepreneur and influencer. From there, she went into PR and never looked back.
Indira genuinely enjoys working on the creative side of campaigns and coming up with ideas, it is incredibly rewarding to see them come to life for her. Passionate about her work, and it’s also about the people she meets, some of whom are truly amazing and passionate profiles, which she learns from and gets inspired by.
Indira admits that PR is one of the 10 most stressful industries worldwide, and with Dubai’s fastpaced environment, it can become non-stop. The struggle for her is to learn to set boundaries and disconnect. She believes that if you’re emotionally burnt out, you won’t be able to do great work down the line. She is navigating towards a healthy balance of life and work, which is hard for a perfectionist.
Indira moved to the UAE with her parents, and after they moved back, she had a hard time navigating this new chapter in her life as a fresh graduate on her own. However, her two best friends were (and are) her rock. They have been through car accidents, rent, and family illnesses, and have become family. She is forever grateful for their support. When the pandemic struck, she had left her job right before the lockdown hit and was meant to start a new one, which never happened. It was six months without a job, and again her friends and future husband were the support system that helped her get through it.
Her ultimate dream is to live in the same country as her mother and siblings. And have the ability to travel more and experience new cultures and give back to society in any way she can.
“Do the best you can and let go, everything else is in the hands of God.”image credit: supplied image credit: supplied
Jaime Morton-Hawley, a California native, has found herself living in Dubai for the past seven years. She is a talented creative with extensive experience in photo shoot creative direction and management, photography, and social media. Additionally, she has contributed to writing for lifestyle and beauty websites and blogs.
Over the course of her career, Jaime’s work in photography and creative direction has been featured in over 40 international magazines, including the cover of L’Officiel Arabia and Playboy Philippines, as well as pictorials in Maxim Italia, FHM India, and Esquire Bulgaria. Her writing contributions have also been featured in Cosmopolitan and WKND Magazines.
Working with notable brands such as Nars Cosmetics, Fujifilm, Nokia, Empire Movies, Dell Computers, and multiple UAE Tourism Boards, Jaime has become a noteworthy creative in the Dubai region. Despite her success, she believes in living with intention, saying, “My ultimate dream for myself and my family is: be healthy, do what you love, and love yourself.”
What Jaime finds unique about Dubai is its potential to provide limitless opportunities to those with an entrepreneurial mind. She also enjoys the city’s ever-changing landscape while simultaneously maintaining roots in the culture of its birth.
Jaime is always looking to expand her horizons and develop new skills. She spends her free time developing her Korean language skills, reading, watching movies, traveling to new destinations, and spending precious moments with her family. Learning a language that was not of her childhood awareness has expanded her capability to see the world from a perspective she could have never known otherwise, while providing an environment to develop a more multifaceted yet humble mindset.
Jaime has always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and for most of her career, she has worked for herself in one aspect or another. She enjoys meeting unique, talented, and creative people who both inspire and influence her. However, the ever-changing industry requires the
ability to adjust with the market while staying true to oneself.
When times get tough, Jaime looks to those who pioneered before her to either learn from or guide her. She believes that staying true to oneself and being adaptable are essential to success in any field.
Jaime’s story is a testament to the limitless opportunities that Dubai can provide to those with an entrepreneurial spirit. She has found success in her chosen field while remaining true to herself and her values. As she continues to expand her horizons, we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
“Live with intention”
Premier Inn MENA’s Director of Human Resources, Kathy Sorenson, is a driven and accomplished professional who has successfully built a career in human resources, both locally and internationally. Originally from a small town in New Zealand, Sorenson’s passion for learning and her strong work ethic have helped her achieve her goals, both personally and professionally.
Sorenson started her career at 17 years old, working in the produce section of a supermarket. She realized early on that a good work ethic and driving her own learning were essential to success. Her drive led her to travel and work abroad, which helped her develop a global perspective on work and culture.
“I love travelling, experiencing different cultures, and living in the Middle East, where I feel I have the best of all worlds,” said Sorenson.
As a mother first and foremost, Sorenson loves all aspects of family life and seeing her children grow into great people. However, she is also dedicated to her work as an HR professional, where she believes people and culture are the make-or-break of any organization.
“I’m proud to work with Premier Inn as the Director of Human Resources, supporting the entire Middle East. It’s a busy yet rewarding role, with a fantastic team of colleagues,” said
Sorenson’s background is one of humble beginnings. Her father worked at an abattoir in New Zealand, and her family didn’t have a lot. However, her upbringing taught her the importance of appreciating what she did have, that hard work was part of life, and that the way you treat people is what really matters.
“Values of telling the truth, being kind, showing resilience and never giving up were engrained in me as a child - and I still live by them today,” said Sorenson.
Sorenson arrived in Dubai in September 2008 after being offered a role while still in New Zealand. She originally planned to stay for a year or so, but 15 years later, she hasn’t looked back.
“Dubai is an amazing place to live. It’s a wonderfully safe environment, with many things to do regardless of how much you have. Dubai is a melting pot of cultures, where people are kind and respectful of everyone’s beliefs and backgrounds, which makes it a fantastic place to bring up children,” said Sorenson.
When it comes to Sorenson’s favorite part of Dubai, she can’t pick just one.
“Dubai is just a beautiful city all around. The malls are amazing, there’s always a beach nearby, and there are endless,
year-round family-focused activities. It’s simply a great place to live,” said Sorenson.
While Sorenson’s job as the Director of Human Resources at Premier Inn MENA keeps her busy, she still finds time to support schooling activities and juggle the demands of a busy family life. Sorenson’s previous career includes several leadership roles in New Zealand, Canada, and the Middle East, working for well-known HR and recruitment agencies, including Kershaw Leonard, The People Bank, and Chandler MacLeod Group. For six years, she also ran her own Middle East consultancy.
“I joined Premier Inn in 2018 as a senior leader in the company to redesign the HR function. Challenges of the pandemic aside, it’s been a wonderful journey so far. As a company, the focus and commitment to developing and driving team engagement, enhancing company culture, ensuring sound human rights practices, and driving diversity and inclusion is incredibly satisfying, and leading these initiatives and continued evolution is great.”
“You can do anything you set your mind to providing you are wellplanned.image credit: supplied
care of her daughter. During this time, she picked up baking as a hobby and started to blog about food.
As a stay-at-home mom, Keerthi continued to pursue her passion for media by socializing with women from different communities in Dubai. “I always kept myself engaged by talking to people and connecting with new people,” she says.
Keerthi is also passionate about fitness and health. She practiced yoga for two years and now focuses on strength training. “I work with a personal trainer at the gym nearby, and my goal is to lose a few pounds before my birthday,” she says.
Keerthi Nigin is a 33-yearold Indian national who has been living in Dubai for the past ten years. As a TV host and Marketing Head at World Vision HDN Channel, she is a woman who wears many hats. She is also a wife, mother, food blogger, yoga practitioner, and strength trainer.
After completing her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Application, Keerthi moved to Dubai in 2013 after getting married. “The first thing I did after moving to Dubai was to find a job and get my driving license,” she says. “I got my license on my first try in 2014, which felt like a huge accomplishment at the time.”
Keerthi’s first job in Dubai was as a Sales and Marketing Coordinator in a private company. After working there for three years, she quit her job to take
Keerthi’s hard work paid off when she got an opportunity to interview a South Indian film director as a freelance anchor. Her current employer was present at the interview venue and invited her to join the Malayalam channel World Vision HDN as a Marketing Head. She was also offered a weekly celebrity chat show involving the promotions of South Indian movies releasing in UAE every week. “Over time, I developed my own style of interviewing, making the guest feel at ease, and often getting compliments about how they loved the interview,” she says.
Keerthi’s life philosophy is “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it,” which she applies to her work and personal life. “I love my work because I get to meet and interact with celebrities and film artists, which isn’t that easy for most people,” she says. “To run a show successfully with many episodes and to watch the show on the channel is satisfying work.”
After work, Keerthi dedicates her time to her family. “I talk to my daughter about her day, put her to sleep, and then it’s my husband and me time when we have dinner, discuss our day, and watch our favorite series or movies online,” she says.
Living in Dubai is a dream come true for Keerthi, who grew up in Saudi Arabia. “As a child, I would often watch a very famous TV show which was telecasted at the Global Village every year,” she says. “The anchor would then show around the activities in GV which was the highlight in those years, and once she even attempted bungee jumping on the show. From then, I always wanted to visit Dubai, visit GV, and do bungee jumping. Now that I live in my dream city, I did Bungee and skydiving even, dream come true.”
“When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”image credit: supplied image credit: supplied
Vernon Vidamour, a 59-year-old British national, has lived in eight different countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Currently employed as a technical consultant at Taqeem, a governmental agency within KSA, he is also an investor in EduTech training services in Dubai. In an exclusive interview, Vernon shared his career highlights, struggles, hobbies, and dreams.
Vernon started his career as part of a government scheme in the UK, working in a wallpaper manufacturing company in the early 1980s.
“This type of employment initiative was to remove young people from the unemployment list and allow them to gain actual work experience, which potentially would aid your transition into full-time employment,” he said.
Since then, he has been a business owner in the UK and in Dubai with varying degrees of success.
Some of Vernon’s career highlights include winning several awards, appearing on both radio and television, and training and mentoring individuals who would go on to compete in the skills Olympics and win medals. He is also an amateur musician who occasionally writes his own songs, and her hobbies
include photography, filmography, and travel.
Although Vernon is employed in Saudi, he has been in Dubai for eight years and still has an apartment there. He said that Dubai is like no other place on earth, and he loves exploring the everchanging face of the city. His favorite part of Dubai is the oldest areas in and around the creek.
After work, Vernon can be found out and about at restaurants with his partner, driving a Kart at the Kartdrome, playing darts with friends, taking thousands of photos, playing music, or just exploring the city. He has had a diverse range of jobs in his life, including working in a wallpaper factory, delivering office furniture, gaining a trade within the automotive world, building power stations in South Africa as a rigger and boiler maker, and lecturing in colleges of further education in the UK.
The things he enjoys the most about what he currently does are seeing the smile on the faces of people who pass through their training programs and the renewed motivation they have gained to go forward and succeed no matter what their subject area. However, the biggest struggle he faces is convincing companies to enroll in their training courses. He said, “Price
is obviously an issue for any business, but if you cut corners on price, you’re cutting corners on quality and making your perceived outcomes harder to achieve.”
Vernon’s early life struggles included
being part of a family without a father and a mother struggling on with his three children. He was placed in a number of different children’s homes during this part of his early life, which molded him into what he is today. He learned that no challenge, no matter how large, is impossible to overcome.
One of Vernon’s dreams is to settle down in the Philippines. He has visited the country many times and fallen in love with the country and its people. “I have thought many times of the potential of settling here for a longer period of time and possibly investing in property that I have not done so yet. Let’s see if my business interests will grow enough to allow this,” he said.
“No matter where you are on the ladder of life, never stop dreaming, you never know what’s around the corner.”image credit: Jonathan Dumas image credit: Jonathan Dumas
Kellie Whitehead is a successful UK Director of TishTash Communications, a public relations and marketing agency in Dubai, UAE. With almost 25 years of experience in the marketing and PR sphere, she has become an expert in copywriting, marketing, and public relations. Her journey towards success was not easy, but her resilience, hard work, and determination made her one of the most respected professionals in the industry.
Born and raised in England, Kellie’s first job was working on a market stall when she was only 14 years old. As a student, she worked in hospitality, and after studying, she became a marketing and PR assistant in a producing theatre. She then worked in two other large regional producing theatres while editing the “family page” for a regional newspaper. Her passion for writing and PR led her to move abroad and start her freelance career as a copywriter and marketing/PR consultant working across Europe.
In 2008, Kellie moved to Dubai, where she set up her businesses, mamavents and cinemama, working with families and children. Despite leaving the UAE with her family in 2010, Kellie continued to work almost exclusively on UAE-based business activities and clients. In 2015, she founded and ran Female Fusion, a network for female entrepreneurs. In January 2022, Kellie joined TishTash Communications to
support clients in the UK and globally, alongside the UAE team.
Dubai has become a melting pot of different cultures, and Kellie loves the diversity and safety it offers. “There is nowhere quite like it,” she says. When asked about her favorite part of Dubai, Kellie mentions the creek area, where she can experience the authentic Emirate that is constantly modernizing.
Aside from her passion for work, Kellie is also a football mom who spends most of her weekends seeing matches with her family. She is also a staunch advocate of community and charity and empowers women and young people.
Kellie shares that she encountered the typical life stages and challenges that affect us all, from losing loved ones, moving countries, and managing a busy household. But with resilience and exercise of the “resilience muscle,” Kellie has managed to overcome these
challenges.
For Kellie, the ultimate dream for herself is to ensure that all she does leaves a positive impact on the people around her and society as a whole. She wishes to raise three kind, happy, and contributing young adults who can make their own self-sufficient impact on the world..
As Kellie continues to excel in her field, she inspires others to keep pushing forward, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact in society.
“ Nothing works unless you do.”
Expats from all over the world have flocked to Dubai. Lauren Byrne, 28, is an Irish national. After moving to Dubai a year ago, she took up a new role at public relations agency Tish Tash as a social media executive. She has since embraced Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle and discovered new opportunities that have allowed her to grow both professionally and personally.
Lauren is known in the office for her creativity and enthusiasm, which she brings to her job as a social media executive. She describes her job as “terrifying, thrilling, and educational,” with different challenges and opportunities every day. Lauren enjoys seeing her ideas come to life and watching the accounts grow as if they were her own creations.
Lauren has always been interested in content creation, and her YouTube channel is one of her favorite hobbies. She loves interacting with people from around the world and learning about different cultures. Coming to Dubai has given her the opportunity to take this hobby to the next level. She has hosted events, participated in concerts, and interviewed artists, all within the span of a year. Her job in social media has also benefited her hobbies by allowing her to apply lessons she has learned working on other brands to her own branding.
Lauren’s previous jobs include working
in retail, in clothing shops, and as a bookmaker in a betting shop. She says that these jobs were her “rite of passage,” and they taught her the value of hard work and determination.
Lauren’s life philosophy is “Ah It’ll Be Grand,” which means that no matter what happens, everything will be okay in the end. This philosophy has helped her overcome the struggles she has faced in her career, including client management and working in a field that she had no previous experience in. She has learned to be quick on her toes, decisive with her decisions, strong on her stances, but kind with her words all at the same time.
When asked about her ultimate dream for her family and herself, Lauren says, “Without sounding too cliche, just for them to be happy.” She wants to travel more, eat more, love more, and excel in her career ambitions.
Dubai has been treating Lauren well. She loves the quality of life and the vibrance of the city. Lauren says that she has learned so much about the world just by being in one city and interacting with people from over 250 countries.
Lauren’s advice to other expats in Dubai is to embrace the city’s diversity and culture. She says that Dubai has something for everyone and that there is always something new to discover.
Lauren’s future plans include staying in
Dubai for now, but she is open to new opportunities that may arise. She says that Dubai has become a piece of her home, and she would consider settling down here in the future.
Lauren’s story is a testament to the opportunities and experiences that Dubai has to offer. It is a city where anyone can thrive, regardless of their background or nationality.
“Ah It’ll be Grand”
Layan AlJammal, a 24-yearold Jordanian, is a Senior Account Executive at TishTash Communications, a PR, social media, and digital marketing agency based in Dubai. In an exclusive interview with Dubai Vibes Magazine, Layan shared insights about her personal and professional life, her love for Dubai, and her passion for communications.
Layan knew from the beginning that she wanted to pursue a career in communications. “Getting to know people, and their stories, and making a difference in the world is what always mattered to me, and that’s what I have been and am always aiming to do with my personal and professional life,” she said. Layan has a degree in Public Relations and has been in Dubai all her life, making her an expert on the city’s dynamic and progressive culture.
“Dubai, the dynamic and progressive city that seems to never stop, gives me the feeling that I will always be safe. Always ahead of the curve, Dubai is the safest city I’ve ever had the pleasure of living in, and the diversity it contains truly inspires my life philosophy of never stopping learning. Meeting all the different people, from different nationalities, backgrounds, and cultures, helped build who I am today,” she shared.
When asked about her favorite place in Dubai, Layan shared that she loves AlQouz. “A bit of a strange answer, but the area hides away magnificent artwork, hidden food gems, and infinite art. Whether it’s the charm of old Dubai or the beautiful art installations tucked away in warehouses, walking, and driving around AlQouz never ceases to amaze me,” she said.
Apart from her work, Layan is also a very social person. She tries to do something beneficial like visit a Pilates studio or go for a walk, but she often finds herself catching up with friends over coffee instead. “Having groups of friends from university and from my high school before that, meeting up with my different circles around the clock and making sure my circle aims to be the best are important to me. Whether it’s talking about dreams 5-year plans or even small snippets of happiness, I know this makes a positive difference in that person’s life,” she said.
Layan’s passion for communications is evident in her work at TishTash Communications. “With a variety of events to work on, and a diverse portfolio of clients that inspire me, I love being able to learn at every turn the ins and outs of working B2B and B2C. Learning how humans around us communicate and being able to
connect my work to it, that’s what I love most, and reinforces my passion to make positive change,” she shared.
However, Layan also acknowledges that the communications industry comes with its own set of challenges. “The most prominent challenge is trying to be ahead of the curve every step of the way. With the dynamic nature of the job, being able to find the patterns and forecast the changes before they happen is integral to doing a good job and excelling,” she said.
Layan’s journey to where she is now wasn’t without struggles, too. She had to endure losing friends due to her busy work schedule. “When I finally settled, I realized that work is just that, work. It’s not meant to be clouds and rainbows, but it’s meant to be a means to an end, which is,” she said.
Layan AlJammal’s story is a testament to the importance of pursuing one’s passion, building meaningful relationships, and striving for continuous learning.
“Learn, learn and never stop learning.”image credit: supplied
Michelle David, also known as “Miss M,” is a 39-year-old Filipino woman who currently holds the position of Director of Sales and Marketing at the Aveue Hotel Dubai. She believes that putting passion into everything you do and believing in yourself are key to success, and everything else will follow.
When asked about her motivation for pursuing her career, Michelle explained that she loves coming up with creative ideas to improve or create something new, and connecting with people as part of a team. However, her journey was not without challenges, as she started her career as a telephone operator and had to work her way up.
Michelle’s proudest achievement in her career is being able to have her daughter, Tammy, beside her while working abroad. She credits time management as the key strategy for balancing her personal and professional life, and she sets goals and works hard to achieve them while also engaging in music, sports, and community service.
For women looking to break into the hotel industry, Michelle advises that it takes passion, patience, perseverance, hard work, and faith that you can do it. She also emphasizes the importance of having a strong vision, strategic and critical thinking, interpersonal communication skills, flexibility, openmindedness, creativity, and taking responsibility.
Michelle believes that the most significant obstacles women face in the workplace are underrepresentation, sexual harassment, unequal access to opportunities and resources, and unsupportive spouses. To address these obstacles, she advocates for women’s empowerment, equal access to opportunities and resources, and the ability to influence social change.
Michelle stays current and informed in her field by keeping herself up to date through colleagues, news, and trusted clients. She believes that mentorship is essential for women in leadership roles, as it provides increased confidence through improved skills and developed leadership competencies.
Looking to the future, Michelle hopes to see gender equality in the workforce, equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, a focus on diversity in the recruitment process, fair compensation
and promotion procedures, diversity and inclusion training programs, and an inclusive company culture. She also hopes to see women viewed as equally competitive and capable in leadership roles.
Lastly, Michelle’s message to all women is to be themselves, love what they do, and stay positive and strong. She believes that women can conquer the world and that starting with a desire to succeed and loving what you do will guide you in the right direction.
“Put passion in everything you do, believe that you can make it, and everything will follow.”
Owen SP Sanchez is always admired for her selfless desire to help and change people’s lives through her remarkable HR experiences, she is an accomplished HR expert who has made significant contributions to the field of HR Management for over 25 years.
The HR wizard is well-acknowledged by almost every entity for her significant contributions in her expertise. She arrived in the host country in 1994 and since then had broad and considerable management experiences from countless industries and held senior HR leadership positions in her previous stints. She is currently the Vice President for HR Administration Operations & Sales in DSO, and has worked in various management and senior HR leadership roles for renowned companies such as Abbott, International SOS, and SDV-Bollore Logistics (an Emirates Group).
Apart from handling a senior managerial position, she is also the Senior HR Consultant and Global Resourcing Partner within the Dubai Free Zone Authority, and as the same as HR Consultant Start up Director and HR Business Partner to Worldwide Groups across the region. She’s as well holding the VP for Broadcast Media & Communication, a senior level position in media broadcasting of the first luxury lifestyle English Channel
Network in the UAE.
A True Global Filipino Sanchez continuous to raise the flag of the Philippines in HR field. She is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Outstanding HR Professional 2012.
In 2017, she was an awardee of the Exemplary HR Professionals in the UAE and GCC at the Society of Human Resource Professionals and Associates (SHRPA).
In 2018 alone, she bagged 11 awards from the World Council Excellence Awards and ACSR Humanitarian Services, including the 2018 APEC International Excellence Citation –Gold Medalist. She was among a select few achievers who made the cut to the Top 25 out of the 300 nominees from the South East Asia Pacific Region.
Prior to that, in the same year, she was accorded as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in the World 2018 by the USA based Filipina Women’s Network, awarded in London, United Kingdom.
And recently received the “Global HR Glory Excellence Awards 2022”. She was the only Asian, woman recipient of this award from the UAE & Middle East. Her impressive leadership
skills, solid training, and managerial experiences have made her an epitome of an effective and true leader.
Despite her success in her career, Sanchez has faced several challenges in her personal and career life. However, Sanchez did not let these challenges define her. She used her strength and resilience to pivot her career from Tourism to Human Resources, and her remarkable contributions in the field have earned her the recognition she deserves. Her ability to make quick decisions, stand with it, and her determination to continue upscaling herself and her craft have made her a true inspiration to many.
In an interview, Sanchez shared some insights on how she was able to overcome the challenges she faced and continue to excel in her career.
“If I could run the World the prime law that I would enact to benefit women is the Right to Gender Equality. Men and Women should be given equal preferences in any work or job. Though in some countries it had improved but yet in others it’s still an issue.
For me, “Gender Equality” means that the different behavior, aspirations and needs of women and men are considered, valued and favored equally. It does not mean that women and men have to become the same, but that their rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.
My advice for women leaders everywhere is to vigor for what they want in their careers and not to give up. Hone the skills necessary to unravel those opportunities, such improving communication skills, leadership development, and emotional intelligence. Be able to raise your hand in meetings. Speak up, and be heard.”
“No matter what challenges come to our way, we must always remember that we have the strength and resilience to overcome it.”
Pamala Serena Rull is a newly crowned Mrs UAE World 2022 who was born in the UK and has Indian roots. She is a woman with a heart filled with culture and emotion derived from the UAE, and together they represent a culture of perfection, exactly what the land represents. Winning two mainstream titles in one year, Pamala is now focusing on empowering women worldwide.
In an interview with Dubai Vibes Magazine, Pamala shared that her journey to the crown was not an easy one, but she believes that inner strength and good support can bring one back if they are determined. Her daily routine includes drinking fresh turmericginger boiled water in the morning, having a diet consisting of a lot of fruits and vegetables, and drinking a lot of water throughout the day. She also has a personal trainer three times a week and attends a stretching or yoga class once a week.
Pamala feels proud and honored to represent the UAE on a global stage, and she has won several awards in the past, including the Global Icon Award for First Ladies Forum Economic Development Summit 2022, the Global WOMANS Award for the Successful Public Figure Award 2022, and the Strong Woman’s Award 2022. She is also an ambassador for peace for the UN and has joined with Mrs. Universe WOMANS empowerment forum under the high patronage of Emirates business woman council.
According to Pamala, beauty comes from the confidence that we are all individually alluring and blessed with talents. She wants women across the globe to realize that no matter their current situation, there is always hope and faith at the end of the tunnel. She believes that each one of us has the power within us to achieve anything we set our minds to.
When asked about her stand on beauty pageants, Pamala said that they are not only a tradition, but they also infuse immense confidence in women and serve as a fine example of women empowering women. Young minds are charged when they see their idols achieving the impossible and representing their kind so passionately and effectively.
For Pamala, being a modern woman means living in the now, questioning,
challenging, standing up for one’s rights and for others, and knowing when to say no as well as what to say yes to. She wants to raise awareness about mental health and equality in society and run charity campaigns that resonate with her.
Pamala Serena is a role model for women worldwide, and her achievements prove that with determination, hard work, and support, one can reach their goals and make a real change in the world.
“An empowered woman is living in the now; questioning, challenging and standing-up for one’s right.”image credit: supplied image credit: supplied
Qulsoum Zehra Zaidi, a 29-year-old British Pakistani currently working as a PR Account Executive for TishTash Communications. Qulsoum was born and raised in London but moved to Dubai with her family and finished school there. She decided to study Philosophy and Sociology in Paris for university, which was a challenging and life-changing experience considering her entire degree was in French.
Qulsoum’s career has been a journey of self-discovery as she tried different fields until she found her passion in PR. She handles various accounts, including beauty, F&B, and fashion, among others. She shared, “I love my team, and we handle a wide range of accounts that have allowed me to grow and tap into my potential.”
Her career highlight was joining TishTash Communications. She found the work environment welcoming, and the opportunities she was given helped her grow professionally. “I have never felt so at home in a work environment,” Qulsoum expressed.
Living in Dubai for 17 years, Qulsoum enjoyed the exposure to different cultures, food, and perspectives. She loves old Dubai because it captures the city’s essence from the past with its vibrant markets, beautiful architecture, and infectious energy.
When she’s not working, Qulsoum is curious and adventurous, exploring
new restaurants, art spots, and other activities. She previously worked in real estate, which taught her how to interact with people from different walks of life.
Qulsoum shared that no day is the same in PR, which she loves. Handling everything from brand awareness to media and influencer relationships, event management, and client satisfaction, she finds it fulfilling to see the impact of their work on a client’s success. However, there are times when it can get challenging to manage expectations and meet tight deadlines.
Mental health is essential to Qulsoum, who has struggled with it for as long as she can remember. Therapy, healing, personal growth seminars and selfkindness have helped her manage it, along with the support of her family, close friends, and TishTash Communications CEO Natasha Hatherall, who is an advocate for
mental health.
Qulsoum’s ultimate dream is to leave behind a legacy that benefits people, especially in Pakistan, her country of origin. She wants to help provide better education and opportunities for growth.
Dubai is home to Qulsoum, and she would consider settling down and raising a family there, enjoying the safety and sharing the positive childhood memories she has of the city with her children.
“Life happened for you and not to you.”image credit: supplied
Rachel Ann Braganza is a 25-year-old Senior Social Media Manager who is fueled with a passion for all things social media and digital marketing. Born and bred in Dubai, Rachel has spent all her life in the UAE and has developed a love for the city that she calls home. She shared in an interview with Dubai Vibes Magazine that the city has so much to offer, and it never gets old!
Rachel completed her studies in the UAE, and since then, she has worked in agencies and organizations that allowed her to personally interact and network within the marketing world. She was able to develop direct client relationships with diverse brands and other agencies. Rachel has a vast knowledge of event management, which allows her to work with brands that wish to bring their content to life with content functions and events. Her client portfolio includes managing a range of prominent UAE and UK brands such as Yamanote Atelier, Al Futtaim, The Grooming Company, Neal’s Yard Remedies, ASICS, River Aesthetics, SISTERS, and more.
Currently, Rachel is in a 360 role leading B2C/social media accounts, cultivating lasting direct client relationships, leading/mentoring a team of executives, managing
freelance experts within the industry, managing quality control/signing off creative outputs, responsible for cross-department management of the creative and accounts teams to deliver high-quality content while overseeing and managing deliverables with external teams.
Rachel mentioned that she has always attained the drive that comes from the love she has for the social media, digital marketing, and the communications realm. She shared that her willingness ensures that she will go above and beyond to meet deliverables that guarantee success while engaging and communicating with key target audiences. The most satisfying part of her job is definitely bringing tangible ingenious ideas to life for all types of brands.
Despite her demanding work, Rachel manages to balance her life outside work. She engages in activities that benefit other people, such as dog walking, rock climbing with the younger generation, or lecturing about her working experience at her university for insight purposes. Rachel keeps herself busy by trying to do something different every evening.
In the interview, Rachel shared that the ultimate goal is to always be happy no matter where she is or what she is doing. She aims to stay close to her family, and career-wise, she thinks she will always remain at the heart of marketing as that is where she truly thrives.
Rachel is a testament to the adage that everything happens for a reason. She had a couple of trial and errors when she was interning to determine the path she wanted to take, but she overcame each obstacle, expanding her skill set and reaching new heights. Rachel is grateful for the people who supported her during those trying times, and she looks up to them as a source of inspiration.
Rachel’s unwavering passion for her work and her commitment to excellence make her an inspiration to young people who aspire to make a difference in the field of digital marketing.
“Everything happens for a reason.”
Rebecca Rees, a Communications Consultant at Rebecomms, shared her life story and experiences with Dubai Vibes Magazine. Rebecca talked about her childhood, education, and her journey from her first job at a farm to her current position as a Communications Consultant.
Rebecca has been working since she was a teenager, starting with her first job at a farm near where she grew up. She then worked at a newsagent and grocery store during school holidays and weekends. She studied business and marketing in college and went on to work for the Automobile Association, where she worked her way up through the ranks and eventually took charge of media relations for the London and South-east region of the UK.
Rebecca left her job at the AA when it was privatized and spent four months mixing time off with voluntary work. She worked in the local Oxfam store in her home town and, after the 2004 tsunami, traveled to Sri Lanka to work with displaced families and help rebuild the community.
Rebecca then moved to the Caribbean, where she looked after international PR for Sandals Hotels and Resorts in St Lucia and Antigua. From there, she came to Dubai in 2006 and has been living there ever since.
Talking about her childhood and upbringing, Rebecca said, “As a child, I was always taught to be honest and
to try to do the right thing, no matter what the circumstances. I still follow this ‘rule’ today.”
When asked about her experience in Dubai, Rebecca said, “I love living here! It’s safe, diverse, forward-thinking, and brilliantly located for traveling to other areas.” She also mentioned that she loves the opportunities, the mix of cultures, and the weather in Dubai.
Rebecca is a keen tennis player, spending around 10 hours a week on court, including playing for a ladies’ league team. She also has three saluki dogs that need lots of exercise, so she and her partner can often be found in the desert or at the dog park at night and on weekends.
Before becoming a Communications Consultant just over a year ago, Rebecca had a number of senior PR and
comms positions in Dubai, including 10 years with Nakheel. She loved working for Nakheel and used to be proud to tell people she worked for the company that created Palm Jumeirah, which is now one of the world’s most famous landmarks.
Rebecca shared her passion for her current work as a Communications Consultant, saying, “I love the flexibility and diversity that working for myself has brought.” She works with a variety of clients, from big-brand, household names to local startups.
“If it is meant to be, it will be.”
Rifa Jahan, a 26-year-old Indian expat currently working as a Social Media Executive at TishTash Marketing and Communications. She shares her insights and experiences in Dubai in an exclusive interview with Dubai Vibes Magazine.
Rifa comes from a fashion background, having graduated with a degree in Fashion Marketing & Retail Management from Heriot Watt University. Her first job was as a Fashion Stylist at Sivvi.com, and she started working at the age of 22.
When asked how she finds Dubai, Rifa says that it is home and has always treated her well. Her favorite part of the city is Downtown, and after work,
she loves doing charity work, including participating in charity collections and shopping at thrift stores that provide proceeds to welfare places in the UAE.
Prior to her current job, Rifa worked as a Junior Social Media Manager at Garderobe Pre-loved Luxury Fashion. She says she loves learning about different genres of clients in the marketing field, and being at TishTash, which specializes in beauty and wellness, is a great opportunity to add to her knowledge.
However, Rifa admits that the everchanging Instagram and Facebook features are always a struggle to keep up with.
When asked about her ultimate dream
for her family and herself, Rifa shares that she would like to own a fashion design boutique in the UAE. Although Dubai is her home, she would love to move out someday and live in the countryside.
Rifa’s life philosophy is to treat others the way you want to be treated. And with her positive outlook on life, Rifa believes that there will always be someone better than you, but how you carry yourself says a lot about you and makes you stand out from the rest.
“Treat others the way you want to be treated”
Sinead Clifford is a 24-yearold social media manager at TishTash Communications, a PR and marketing agency in Dubai. Born and raised in a small village in Ireland, Sinead’s interest in social media and beauty and fashion content creation started at a young age. She saved up enough money from her first job as a waitress in a restaurant to buy a Canon camera when she was only 15 years old, which she still uses today.
Sinead has been in Dubai for just over a year and has been loving every moment of it. She appreciates the diversity of the city, as it’s an expat city of people from over 250 countries. She says, “There is so much to do, and there is always somewhere new and exciting to go to. It is also a great travel hub as lots of countries in Africa and Asia are only a short flight away.”
When asked about her favorite part of Dubai, Sinead replies, “I love Black Palace beach, it has such a nice vibe. It gives you a break from the busy city life.” After work, Sinead enjoys
practicing hot yoga at YOFIT, a yoga studio in the Greens. She says, “It’s a mixture of meditation and a workout, and I always feel amazing after.”
Before moving to Dubai, Sinead worked for a small seafood company. While she never wants to see another fish again, she learned so much from the familyrun business that supports her in her role today. She says that she loves how diverse her current job is. TishTash Communications has a wide range of clients from beauty brands to pet food brands, and there is always something exciting coming up.
However, the biggest struggle in her industry is unpredictability. Often, shoots or events are cancelled last minute, which can be super frustrating when everything is prepped and ready to go. But Sinead has persevered through struggles before. The biggest challenge she faced when she first arrived in Dubai was securing an employer that was trustworthy and caring. She says, “The job market in Dubai can be super harsh, and I am
super grateful to be part of TishTash now.”
Looking into the future, Sinead’s ultimate dream is to be surrounded daily by the people she loves and to be working in the beauty industry. While she loves Dubai, she does not see herself settling down in the city. She would love to stay for a few more years and travel as much as she can, but ultimately, Ireland will be where she settles.
“The harder you work, the luckier you get!” She is a testament to this philosophy, having worked hard to pursue her passion in social media and content creation. Her story is an inspiration to many young professionals who are starting out in their careers and chasing their dreams.
“The harder you work, the luckier you get.”image credit: supplied
Viola Putri Burgers, a 32-year-old German expat in Dubai who is currently working as an event manager for TishTash PR & Marketing. Viola is a third-culture child who grew up abroad, allowing her to adapt easily to new surroundings. She speaks three languages fluently, thanks to her multicultural background.
Viola graduated from the University with a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies and worked in sales for one year before moving to Dubai 4 1/2 years ago. She’s been working at TishTash for just two months, but the experience has already opened many new doors for her.
Viola loves how diverse Dubai is, with people from over 250 countries living in the city. As a foodie, she enjoys the amazing cuisine that Dubai offers from all over the world. She also loves how there’s always something exciting to do in Dubai, and if she needs to relax, there are endless options available.
When asked about her favorite part of Dubai, Viola mentioned a beautiful beach with a stunning view of the Burj Khalifa. She enjoys spending time with her husband and friends after work, barbequing, playing board games, and going camping. Viola also has a small side business creating wooden decor, which allows her to be creative and
make something with her own hands.
Viola has had many jobs in her life, starting with distributing newspapers at the age of 13 and working as a cleaning lady, a cashier, a waitress, a babysitter, and a working student. Her first full-time job was in sales, and after one year, she moved to Dubai, where she started in aftersales as a service partner. She was promoted to a team lead in order management after a year and is currently working as an event manager at TishTash, a job that she finds incredibly satisfying.
The most satisfying thing about her job, according to Viola, is working hard preevent and then seeing everything come together on the event day. She enjoys meeting suppliers, clients, and viewing venues, building great relationships along the way. As a proactive, social, reliable, and stress-resistant person, Viola believes that event management
is the perfect field for her.
Viola hasn’t faced many struggles in her current industry, but one of the challenges is being in between clients and suppliers. Clients have certain ideas and expectations, while suppliers have limitations, but she believes that there is always a solution.
Viola’s ultimate dream for her family and herself is to live a life that values her hard-working nature and allows her to not miss any special occasions, yoga classes, or future plans she has for herself. She believes that life is short and that it’s essential to make the most of every day.
“You and only you are responsible for your happiness.”image credit: supplied
Myla Ignacio Cudilla, the 44-year-old owner of VMC Bags and Accessories, has been through a lot of ups and downs in her life. From selling food in her neighborhood to working multiple jobs and then becoming an entrepreneur, Myla’s life is an inspiration to many.
In a recent interview, Myla shared her story of motivation, overcoming challenges, and achieving success.
As a young girl, Myla had to sell Laing and Lumpiang Togue in her neighborhood to earn money for school allowance. Her father was jobless, and her family relied on their small carinderia to make ends meet. She worked hard to secure a scholarship grant for high school and university. She worked as a service crew at Jollibee, a Secretary at a construction company, a Sales Manager for a cleaning company, an Office Manager in a recruitment company, and a Personal Assistant to
the owner of the company.
When the pandemic hit, Myla lost her job as a personal assistant, which motivated her to start her own business. She started selling her designer bag collections and other stuff that she didn’t need online, and that’s how VMC Bags and Accessories was born. Under Filpreneurs LLC’s business license, Myla could operate and transact smoothly. She now earns more than her previous salary and has total freedom of time.
Myla shared some of her strategies for balancing personal and professional life. She prioritizes her health, exercises regularly, and sets goals and priorities to manage her time. She believes that having a supportive and loving husband has been a significant help to her. Myla advises other women to have a proper mindset, time management, and set priorities and goals. She also believes that challenges will always be present, but with hard work and smart
work, one can achieve success.
Myla has learned that no matter how good your intentions are, there will always be someone who will take it negatively. She advises not to take it seriously but instead see it as a challenge to prove them wrong.
When it comes to leadership, Myla believes that it requires qualities such as being a good listener, empathy, and setting an example. She treats her employees as part of her family and communicates with them effectively.
Myla’s life story is a testament to the fact that hard work, determination, and perseverance can lead to success, even when the odds seem stacked against you.
Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.”image credit: supplied image credit: supplied
Rizwan Fashion, the luxury Emirati heritage brand, adds glamour with a stunning collection of Swarovski® Crystals-embellished modest wear.
Bespoke abayas, kaftans and jalabiyas sparkling with Swarovski® Crystals have always been the hallmark of Rizwan Fashion’s unparalleled vision of what modern modest wear can embody. Each customised piece combines modesty with elegance to elevate the atmosphere at every affair. Timeless yet trendsetting, to choose a one-of-a-kind Rizwan creation is to captivate the senses whilst honouring tradition.
This Ramadan, Rizwan Fashion invites modest wear connoisseurs to discover a new definition of discreet glamour. The homegrown brand partners exclusively with Swarovski® to create wearable art accentuated with flashes of brilliance, such as hand-embroidered collars featuring gold and silver threadwork infused with dazzling crystals.
Embodying pure artisanal craftsmanship and effortless glamour, Rizwan Fashion’s bespoke creations can easily be worn for any occasion during the Holy Month, integrating perfectly with luxury Iftar events and intimate family gatherings. Crafted to be as unique as the wearer, each outfit sets the tone for every event, beckoning guests to envision Ramadan as a time for understated sophistication and reserved beauty.
On a more practical note, Rizwan’s ready-to-wear collection features iconic silhouettes with traditional and modern flourishes, including Emirati trims like talli as well as metalwork from the Indian subcontinent and intricate embroidery from the West. From the Turath Kaftan, a modern take on an heirloom classic featuring floral embroidery and sparkling Swarovski® Crystals, to the pure linen Kimono Abaya with hanging Swarovski® Crystals embellishments and a full sleeve silk slip, each readymade piece promises instant chic style and charm.
Rizwan Fashion also offers other services, including premium luxury tailoring services and private bookings for unique one-off designs, which are fully customisable by the client. To book a session, contact +97150 326 6955 or email: info@rizwanfashion. com. The ready-to-wear collection can be purchased online at www. rizwanfashion.com.
Held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa
bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and Member of the Dubai Council, Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, inaugurated the 11th edition of Sikka Art and Design Festival under the theme ‘New creativity. Same Path’, featuring a wide variety of artworks, installations, murals and creative exhibitions that adorn Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood throughout the festival period, which will continue until 5 March.
Badri was briefed on the festival’s highlights and toured the houses of the neighbourhood, each presenting a vibrant range of artwork. She began her tour seeing the installation ‘Threads of Time: weaving history on a blank canvas’ that was produced by the artists Hamda Ahmad Al Falahi and Reema Al Mheiri, in appreciation of the region’s rich heritage of weaving. She also visited the mural ‘Ya Labes el Tally’ by Fatima Al Ali and the collection of artworks presented in House 38 by artists Fatima Jawad, Maryam Al Huraiz, Maitha Al Omaira, and others.
Hala Badri visited House 31 and was briefed on the output of 14 artists, including the ‘Tasbih series’ by Moza Al Falasi, in which she depicts feelings and their projections on things, and the installation work ‘Shahin’ created by Melika Shahin, in which she explores the intersection between heritage, belonging and escaping from reality, and ‘Rugs’ by the creative Areen, aims to inspire the audience to communicate the message of love to others. She also
saw the origami-influenced installation ‘Mirrorigami’ by Ali Bahmani, and a group work created by students of the Higher Colleges of Technology - Saif Saud Alreyami, Hamad Al Jasmi, and Mohammad Ahmad AlDhanhani.
Badri praised the the artists who participating in the Talli House: Sarah AlKhayyal, Hajer Al Tenaji, Feryal Al Bastaki, Munira Al Mulla and Noora Taher, whose work was embedded in the craft of Al Talli, to celebrate the UAE’s success in registering it on the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage. She also toured the Digital Arts House that displays the works of 14 artists, including: Mohamed Al Mansoori, Saeed Al Madani, Ahmed Al Attar, Ahmed Al Ali, Reem Al Mazrouei, Dalia Omran, Patrick Lichty, and others.
Badri also toured Bait Al Khazaf, which houses the works of 35 artists distributed among various sculptures and artistic installations, like ‘Thigmomorphogenesis’ by Abdullah Al Kindi, ‘Al-Darisha’ from Rawdha Al Ketbi, and ‘Migrant Minds’ by Moey Studio. Badri visited the Photography House, which includes photographs taken by artists Noora Al Neyadi, Shoug Abdulla, Walid Al Madani, Zayed Ibrahim Al Haddar, and Mohamed Almaazmi.
Badri also toured House 5 that
witnesses the participation of the Ministry of Health and Prevention for the first time in the festival, with the aim of conveying the humanitarian message of the National Programme for Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation (Hayat) using its innovative ‘Art for Health’ initiative to harness community efforts towards addressing health issues in an engaging and interactive manner. She also toured Sikka House, which displays the works of many incredible artists, including Omar AlNajjar, Sarah Al Saman, Salma Al Mansouri, Hamda Ahmed Al Falahi, Mayed Abdulla, Ayesha Hadhir, and others.
Hala Badri affirmed that Dubai has succeeded in achieving a prominent position in the arts and culture sector thanks to the visions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, stressing that Sikka Art and Design Festival was able to express the emirate’s directives aspirations to be a home for artists and creative talent, saying: “A decade after the launch of Sikka, the festival has succeeded in cementing Dubai’s position and global leadership, in addition to enriching its artistic scene with works that celebrate the creations of promising talent and young artists in the UAE and the region.”
