When I first heard about Mother Tongue, I thought to myself: 'Oh, great, another podcast about motherhood and parenting (cue eye-roll). Surely the digital and social media sphere has enough mummy bloggers, influencers and podcasters; do we need another one?'
As I find it far more interesting when new mums think they have garnered enough experience to share any insight (believe me as a mother of four girls, they have no idea what's coming), I switch on Mother Tongue. The podcast was started in January by three British mums in Dubai: Maryanne Peacock, 31, Ellis Harwood, 30, and Jess Savage, 33, and is about their "honest journey" of motherhood.
The greatest challenge many women go through is learning to love their body during pregnancy – some glow while others struggle with the weight gain
I'm slightly taken aback as I listen to the first episode, Pregnancy. Nothing is sugar-coated as the trio delve straight into a discussion on conception, buying their first pregnancy test and finding creative ways to tell their husband the news.
As I listen, I find myself reflecting on my first pregnancy, wondering if I would have benefited, back in 2005, from this podcast. I will always recommend new mums, or anyone planning to have a child, listen to those willing to talk frankly.
Mother Tongue does just that.
The chemistry among the women, as they share their very different pregnancy and birthing journeys, is warm and inviting; I feel like I’m sitting around with old friends drinking a cup of tea.
No, she didn’t just say that, I giggle, as they begin talking about their doctor’s advice to help induce labour. Yes, I think to myself, I remember getting the same advice; that’s what got me into a mess.
The memories I had buried 16 years ago begin to unravel as I listen to their experiences with morning sickness, food smells and bizarre cravings.
However, the greatest challenge many women go through is learning to love their body during pregnancy – some glow while others, like myself, struggle with the weight gain and emotional roller coaster.
The trio reflect this. “I felt so beautiful in my pregnancy and I think it had a lot to do with my husband telling me how beautiful I looked,” recalls Savage, mother of 11-month-old Spencer. Peacock, a PR professional and mum of five-month old Rafa, was more practical: “I didn’t love my body, but I knew this is what I had to go through to have a baby.”
Meanwhile, Harwood, mum of 10-month-old Frida, says she just felt fat because her bump didn’t pop out until later. “Once the bump popped then I began to appreciate what my body was doing. I struggled with body image before my pregnancy, but now I appreciate it.”
I felt the same appreciation after piling on 20 kilograms in my first pregnancy. But unlike these mums living away from home – Peacock was pregnant during the pandemic, no less – I was living in Sydney and surrounded by my family.
In the second episode, Birth, Peacock reveals how she struggled during her "nightmare" labour, which eventually led to a fever and fears of contracting Covid-19.
'Mother Tongue' has six episodes in the first season, with some featuring experts in fitness and breastfeeding
As she recalls her painful story, and finally getting some relief with an epidural, I remember my doctor telling me that my first baby was distressed and that if I hadn't delivered 12 hours after going into labour, I would have to have an emergency C-section. I was also definitely not mentally prepared for labour and the severe pain that followed. Looking back, I wish more women openly discussed the difficulty of giving birth rather than euphemising it.
Mother Tongue has six episodes in the first season, with some featuring experts in fitness and breastfeeding. "We thought there wasn't enough support in the pod-sphere for expat parents living away from their families, so we decided to create a space where they could go for non-judgemental advice, support and a bit of love," says Peacock.
Clearly this podcast is not targeted at seasoned mothers like myself; however, if you're planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, I recommend you join these women on their parenting journey. It's refreshing to hear people talk so boldly about their experiences and tackle taboo topics that are usually glossed over.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group F
Manchester City v Hoffenheim, midnight (Wednesday, UAE)
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit
As he spoke, Mr Aboul Gheit repeatedly referred to the need to tackle issues affecting the welfare of people across the region both in terms of preventing conflict and in pushing development.
Lebanon is scheduled to host the fourth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in January that will see regional leaders gather to tackle the challenges facing the Middle East. The last such summit was held in 2013. Assistant Secretary-General Hossam Zaki told The National that the Beirut Summit “will be an opportunity for Arab leaders to discuss solely economic and social issues, the conference will not focus on political concerns such as Palestine, Syria or Libya". He added that its slogan will be “the individual is at the heart of development”, adding that it will focus on all elements of human capital.
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Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
QUARTER-FINAL
Wales 20-19 France
Wales: T: Wainwright, Moriarty. Cons: Biggar (2) Pens: Biggar 2
France: T: Vahaamahina, Ollivon, Vakatawa Cons: Ntamack (2)
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