Mona Al Hebsi is the director of human resources at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel in Dubai, and also works as a life coach and writer. Originally from Ras Al Khaimah, the Emirati, 34, is the eldest of four sisters and three brothers in her family. She moved to Dubai in 2005 to start her professional life, working at the Burj Al Arab, Zayed University and Grand Hyatt Dubai before taking up her current role.
4am
I’m an early riser as this is my special self-pampering time. First I do my oil hair treatment then I do a 30-minute workout. Once I’m done, I enjoy my first meal of the day, a healthy low-calorie flavoured milkshake followed by a refreshing shower. I really value this time early in the morning as it affirms to my subconscious that I come first.
6am
By now, I have completed my first spiritual doze for the day after praying fajr. I get ready for work and take a cup of green tea to sip along with my second meal at 7.15am on the way to the office.
9am
I attend the daily morning briefing with the rest of the hotel’s executive committee team members; we update each other on the latest guests, colleagues or property matters, and areas that require management attention. On my way back to the HR office, I check the noticeboards or greet colleagues who come my way and wish them a good day. I review my calendar for the day and start with work that is top priority.
10am
This is the peak of my working day, when I schedule important meetings or tackle the most integral project. Since I’m a morning person, I get more done in the first hours of my day. I have my third meal, another low-calorie flavoured milkshake and a healthy snack before focusing on a key task or meeting. Unless it’s a closed-door meeting, I can’t avoid the various distractions in the office – emails, side conversations with colleagues, queries or phone calls – that might divert my attention.
1pm
This is my prayer and lunch hour. I block it in my calendar and try to stick to it wherever possible. Offering ablution helps me refresh myself and the zuhur prayer provides an opportunity to disconnect from worldly affairs and refocus on what matters. After renewing my spiritual energy, it’s time to recharge with lunch. Depending on my mood, I’ll either lunch peacefully in my office while checking emails, or connect with colleagues in the staff canteen or one of the hotel’s food and beverage outlets.
2pm
I spend about two hours meeting colleagues and handling their issues, or meeting my manager to discuss key matters.
4pm
It’s time again to rejuvenate by offering ablution and praying asr. I then have my next light meal – a piece of fruit – and a nutritious drink. I consolidate any remaining tasks for the work day to ensure key matters are closed and the next day is planned.
6pm
It’s time to head home unless I’m the manager on duty or need to stay back to complete an important assignment. I’m generally organised and leave on time. I strongly believe in not allowing work to eat into other aspects of life such as love, family, entertainment, spirituality, health and self-improvement. I check on my team to ensure they leave on time as well, wish them a good evening then swipe my card out of the hotel.
7pm
At home I pray maghrib then think about what to eat. I either cook a light dinner or order from outside. If my day went extremely well I may dine out with a friend. Sometimes I use the evenings to meet a client as I also work as a life coach. I tend to see them in the evenings or on the weekend. I also write in the evenings on topics close to my heart, such as women’s empowerment, human resources, leadership and management and so on. I publish them on my LinkedIn profile and aspire to being a published author.
9pm
I pray isha and recite a few pages of the Quran. I then watch my favourite weekly drama serial (if it's Wednesday), or spend time checking my social media accounts, reading an interesting book or article, or watching a TED Talk or video. Mostly, I chat with my family through our WhatsApp family group if there is something interesting to discuss or share.
10pm
I’m generally asleep by 10.30pm because I wake up so early. Some nights, I play some relaxing music and visualise my life in the future having achieved my life goals and affirming positive and happy thoughts until I fall asleep.
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