The First Emirati Royal Female Pilot Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum. Photographed by Alexander Wolfe for Vogue Arabia, March 2018.
August 28 marks Emirati Women’s Day in the UAE. It was founded by Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, Chairwoman of the General Women’s Union, President of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairwoman of the Family Development Foundation, in 2015. According to WAM, this year’s theme is “Women, Icons of Tolerance,” as it reported: “Her Highness said that the Emirati community is tolerant by nature, adding that women exemplify the values of tolerance via their patience, care, and ability to raise future generations, as well as their success in various fields of work.”
This date also marks the anniversary of the UAE’s General Women’s Union’s establishment in 1975. Reiterating the message that late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan emphasized, HH Sheikha Fatima adds, “our religion has led us on the correct path by making tolerance the basis of our coexistence and acceptance of others.”
Here are all the ways in which you can celebrate this empowering day with exclusive offers around the UAE.
Unwind and Relax
Courtesy of Al Bait Sharjah
Al Bait Sharjah
Located in the heart of Sharjah, Al Bait promises to make this Emirati Women’s day memorable with bespoke packages, female dedicated areas, and women-only facilities.
Upon request, Al Bait provides an all-female team that will exclusively cater to lady guests. From the welcome desk to the housekeeping to the waiting-staff across the four dining destinations, women can unwind with utmost comfort and privacy.
The Spa at Al Bait has a luxurious area specially designed for women. The sanctuary boasts three treatment rooms, a relaxation lounge, a hammam, steam, and a sauna (with hot and cold plunge pools) as well as an individual reception area and spa boutique. The spa products are organic, and halal certified. They consist of essential oils – one drop is made from 40 rose petals that are hand pressed and squeezed – as well as scrubs mixed with Al Bait’s secret recipes.
On Emirati Ladies Day, women can pick from a variety of holistic therapies available on the Spa menu; 60-minute ancient Balinese massage, cleansing hammam rituals or refining organic facials. To complete the day of pampering, ladies can book the Tray for 2 that offers afternoon tea, a range of desserts, and gastronomical delights.
Al Bait Spa Membership is priced at AED2,040 and Tray for 2 is priced from AED175 per person. For more information click here.
Courtesy of Rixos Bab Al Bahr
Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah
On this special day, Rixos Bab Al Bahr is offering an exclusive deal for Emirati women. Travel to the man-made island, and walk into the hotel’s Turkish-inspired Anjana Spa for a 50 percent discount on all spa treatments.
The Spa’s tempting menu features thermotherapy, oriental massages, detoxifying body wraps, instant glow skincare, as well as a cocoon massage for expecting mothers. The highlight is their traditional Hammam ritual, which takes place in a peaceful sanctuary decorated with Turkish art.
For more information click here.
Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah
Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Dubai
This Emirati Woman’s Day, make sure to capture the essence of Arabia at Mandarin Oriental’s luxurious spa. The signature treatments – Nomadic Sensory Journey and Royal Saffron – are inspired by the rich culture of the UAE. If guests select the Nomadic Sensory, they can sway to the beats of the Doumbek that is symbolic of the Emirati Bedouin life, while the Royal Saffron includes a blend of exotic 24K gold, saffron, and mogra; the queen of Jasmines sourced directly from artisan growers.
The Nomadic Sensory is priced at AED1,500 and the Royal Saffron at AED2,250. For more information click here.
Courtesy of Nikki Beach & Resort
Nikki Beach Resort & Spa
The contemporary style beachfront resort celebrates Emirati Women’s Day by upgrading any Luux Hammam treatment to an Ultimate Hammam experience.
The one-hour detoxifying and purifying body ritual will leave the skin smooth, shiny, and regenerated. Nikki Spa features seven suites for both men and women, one couple suite, a Hammam chamber, sauna, steam room, an ice fountain, mixed vitality pool, and indoor as well as outdoor relaxation lounges.
For more information click here.
Women-empowerment talks
Amna Al Haddad. Courtesy of Flow Talks
Flow Talk Series
Channel your inner girl boss at an inspiring session dedicated to Emirati Women’s day during the Flow Talk Series. The motivational talk is hosted by significant local female leaders who have shattered the glass-ceiling and successfully created a path for the next generation of women in the UAE.
This year’s special panel features CEO of Dubai Retail Nabil Ramadhan, UAE’s champion weightlifter, and motivational speaker Amna Al Haddad, Planning Director at Dubai Carmel School and first Ph.D. scholar to research Emotional Intelligence and it’s effect on leadership Maya Al Hawary, Head of Communications at Strata Manufacturing Maitha Hamad Zayed Al Eisaei, CEO of the application CADO gifting Leila Al Marashi, and lastly the Partnerships and Research manager at the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Center Eman al Mahmoud.
The open-to-all Flow Talk Series Emirati Women’s Day panel will take place on August 28. For more information click here.
Supporting Local Artists
Courtesy of Deliveroo
In recognition of Emirati Women’s day, food delivery company Deliveroo has partnered up with Emirati author Roudha Al Marri renowned for her book UAE 101; an A-Z guide of life in the Emirates. On August 28, every order from the Deliveroo Edition restaurants – Jumeirah Lake Towers, Hessa Street, and Business Bay – will include laptop stickers or fridge magnets with inspirational quotes by the author. Her interpretation of local customs has turned the author into a role model for aspiring women writers. So, in the words of Roudha, “let’s thrive, delight, amaze and exceed expectations,” together.
For more information click here.
Complimentary Dining
Courtesy of Marriott Hotel Al Forsan
Marriott Al Forsan, Abu Dhabi
In recognition of Emirati Women’s Day, Marriott Hotel is providing special discounts across the resort’s restaurants and spa.
All women can enjoy 40 percent off of facials as well as a 30 percent discount on cosmetic products at the Saray Spa. Additionally, women can have a cup of tea, delicious cakes, or cookies at the hotel’s Emirati-themed high-tea lounge.
Not only are they offering discounts at Saray Spa and the Lobby Lounge, but ladies are also offered 10 percent off the Ladies Diamond Membership Package at the resorts Leisure Club.
High-tea is priced at AED195 for two persons. For more information click here.
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