Lifestyle

Things to do and buy on National Day

People, places and things to do for the national celebrations on December 2.

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Kick off the party in style

What better way to complete your UAE colour-coded outfit than a pair of Christian Louboutin's shiny, red-lacquered soles? Saks Fith Avenue is the latest home of the world-renowned designer with a 55 square metre area sporting the latest collections in shoes and accessories. A name synonymous with elegance and style, Louboutin shoes can literally morph a mundane outfit into a show-stopper. From razor-sharp heels to leopard print boots and studded wedges, the famed creator of skyscraper stilettos knows that the way to a woman's heart is definitely through her feet. Be nothing short of fabulous on National Day. 
Louboutin, Saks Fifth Avenue, BurJuman Centre 04 351 5551

Flag bags

Show your true UAE colours with these quilted bags from Sandra J. The Lebanon-based handbag designer is known for re-creating timeless pieces and adding her own interesting spin, such as the studs (as seen on the black bag). Match with your friends or siblings on National Day and wear afterwards with a long across-the-body strap, or in the evening as an oversize clutch.
Dh2,675 (black), Dh2,585 (green and red), Sandra J at S*uce

Chocolates to commemorate

Bring together your love of chocolate and the celebration of National Day in a mouth-watering union of local treats by Forrey & Galland. Choose from local favourites such as chocolate-covered Omani Halwa dates, nougat and macaroons, all encased in beautiful boxes decorated in the UAE colours. Prices range from Dh49 for a small box of assorted delicacies to Dh1,700 for a VIP box handmade in velvet and accompanied by fresh red roses. A chocolate fan's ultimate celebration.
Forrey & Galland, Dubai Mall, 04 339 8850

Mono must-have

Nothing screams Middle Eastern chic more than this latest design in kaftans. Elegant and exotic, yet timeless and stylish, they are the perfect beach-to-evening ensemble. This beautiful black-and-white Domitia kaftan is straight from the new Cruise 2011 collection by the quintessentially British designer Alice Temperley's coveted line, Temperley London. An essential item for the glamorous UAE dweller or stylish world traveller.
Dh6,550, Temperley,  Dubai Mall, 04 339 8169

Cushion for a cause

This brightly coloured cushion cover would look good in any home or at any National Day gathering. But it is so much more than just a great home accessory. Each one is hand-made by Palestinian women in the Qalandia Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Jerusalem and takes two months to embroider. This is one purchase to be proud of.
Dh995, The One, Zayed The First Street, Abu Dhabi, 02 681 6500; Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai, 04 345 66867

Points for preening

The national carrier Etihad Airways, has teamed up with Kaya Skin Clinics and for every US dollar spent (Dh3.67) you earn an Etihad Guest mile. What better way to earn a free upgrade than sitting back and being pampered? Plus, if you buy Botox or Fillers at Kaya clinics before the end of the year, you will get 20 per cent off any other Age Control Package.
Kaya Skin Clinic, various locations throughout the UAE, www.kayaclinic.com

Be charmed

Twisted leather and fabric strings, coloured beads, murano glass, 14 carat gold and silver charms all make up these fabulous UAE themed bracelets. Established in 1982, the international brand Pandora has become known for its intricate and unique charm bracelets and now you too can let your imagination run wild and be your very own designer. Create your own wish list and customise your jewellery to suit your taste and mood. Whether you want something special for a glam night out or simply to dress up jeans and flats, choose a blank bracelet and then adorn it with your favourite charms. Prices range from Dh120 per charm to Dh3,000. Pandora, Mirdif City Centre, 04 238 9611; Mercato Mall, 04 349 1967

WIN A UAE PANDORA CHARM BRACELET

In celebration of National Day you can dazzle in Pandora jewellery. The brand has kindly donated a charm bracelet, worth Dh555, (similar to the one pictured) to one lucky reader of
M magazine. To win this fabulous prize, e-mail your name and mobile number with the words PANDORA PRIZE in the subject line to magazine@thenational.ae

On Women's Day
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:

- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools

- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say

- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance

- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs

- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills

- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month

- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues

Tips to keep your car cool
  • Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
  • Park in shaded or covered areas
  • Add tint to windows
  • Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
  • Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
  • Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
On Women's Day
Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

While you're here...
On Women's Day
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While you're here
The biog

Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Favourite holiday destination: Spain

Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody

Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa

Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Arts & CultureADM