Checking into the hospital is becoming more like checking into a hotel at some facilities in the Emirates. Some are piping in spa-like music through the corridors, or decorating patient rooms with cozy furniture and colours.
The Life: More in-depth analysis and invaluable advice for entrepreneurs in the UAE and Middle East.
Last Updated: May 31, 2011
What's hot in property Dubal explains how it weathered the financial turmoil of 2009, and tech manufacturers roll out new fitness gadgets in the Emirates. Read more
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The goal, says Mohammed Al Shorafa, chief executive of the healthcare investment company UEMedical, is to ensure the recovery experience feels "very homey, so you don't feel like you're in a hospital. It would seem more like a spa, rather than institutional," he says.
Healthcare is a booming business in the Emirates, and executives are determined to get every bit that they can. Last year, the UAE's healthcare market reached US$6.6 billion, which was up 12 per cent over 2009. In just two more years, the market is expected to expand to around $11 billion, according to market research provider RNCOS.
To find out more about how Mr Al Shorafa and his competitors are trying to shape the local healthcare market, check out The Life.
Plan to boost public schools
A major shake-up of government-run schools was rolled out across the country in 2017. Known as the Emirati School Model, it placed more emphasis on maths and science while also adding practical skills to the curriculum.
It was accompanied by the promise of a Dh5 billion investment, over six years, to pay for state-of-the-art infrastructure improvements.
Aspects of the school model will be extended to international private schools, the education minister has previously suggested.
Recent developments have also included the introduction of moral education - which public and private schools both must teach - along with reform of the exams system and tougher teacher licensing requirements.
If you go
The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Santiago, via Sao Paolo cost from Dh5,295 with Emirates.
The trip
A five-day trip (not including two days of flight travel) was split between Santiago and in Puerto Varas, with more time spent in the later where excursions were organised by TurisTour.
When to go
The summer months, from December to February are best though there is beauty in each season
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Juliot Vinolia’s checklist for adopting alternate-day fasting
- Don’t do it more than once in three days
- Don’t go under 700 calories on fasting days
- Ensure there is sufficient water intake, as the body can go in dehydration mode
- Ensure there is enough roughage (fibre) in the food on fasting days as well
- Do not binge on processed or fatty foods on non-fasting days
- Complement fasting with plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, seafood. Cut out processed meats and processed carbohydrates
- Manage your sleep
- People with existing gastric or mental health issues should avoid fasting
- Do not fast for prolonged periods without supervision by a qualified expert
