“Facing different hardships and challenges from a young age helped shape the man I am today,” Mohsen Abdulqaher Almousawi tells Dubai Vibes Magazine. 

“I was told by numerous people how I can never be successful,” he added.

Yet today Mohsen has bragging rights to multiple degrees in engineering –  four diplomas, a bachelor’s degree and two master’s. He is also currently working on his Ph.D. 

In addition, Mohsen has also joined the aviation industry by becoming a pilot back in 2016.  

“I am an engineer and pilot by profession; and currently working on my business,” he says. 

People ask, “How did I pull through?”

Mohsen said he let failure become his mentor.

“Failure can be tough but it can teach you more lessons than success. Do not fear failure because it will prepare you for what is worse. I have failed initially, but was directed, guided, protected, and corrected,” he said. 

Mohsen said it also helps to work on a goal, “but make sure to put quality over quantity.”

“In my opinion, I believe that thinking outside the box is crucial because things might be different from what it seems to be and God has a plan for everyone,” he said.

Six months ago, Mohsen came up with the idea of helping students by producing a new line of perfume that is affordable, unique, and luxurious. “Students can use these products to generate an income while studying to prevent any financial struggles as I have had,” he said.

Mohsen said he has embarked on this path despite his numerous credentials because, “I want to share the knowledge I have gained from past experiences in my life since I believe that helping people is the key to success.”

Mohsen said he believes that “there are no restrictions in helping other people strive financially, not even during the pandemic.”

Mohsen said he is moving ahead to help people with his new perfume line, “not for financial benefits, but as a part of giving back to society.”

“In addition, I would like to grow my perfume collection to suit people’s different aromatic tastes. I would like to also share my past experiences with others via lectures,” he said.

In the end, it’s all about always dreaming big, “but make sure to set appropriate and consistent goals because without them, reality hits hard.”  

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates:  The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) have announced that fully vaccinated holders of valid UAE residence visa coming from the countries previously on the suspended list will be allowed to return starting Sept. 12, 2021.

The decision covers passengers coming from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria and Afghanistan, the two authorities said in a joint statement on Sept. 10, 2021.

According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), arriving passengers must apply via the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), and complete the vaccination application in order to get the necessary approvals, in addition to presenting the approved vaccination certification upon departure for the UAE.

A negative PCR test result, done within 48 hours before departure at an approved lab that has a QR code, must also be presented before departure.

They must also undertake a Rapid PCR test before boarding and another PCR test on the fourth and eighth day of arrival while complying with all precautionary measures in place, are also required.

Children under 16 years old are exempt from these procedures.

Those who are fully vaccinated with any WHO-approved vaccines and who have been staying in one of the countries in the suspended list for more than six months since suspension decision was issued for each country, can come to the country under a new entry permit, and rectify their status after entry.

All other previously announced precautionary measures for unvaccinated people coming from those countries remain in place. (WAM/Hassan Bashir) 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates —  Dubai saw its highest daily public transport ridership since the start of the pandemic, with more than 1.3 million passengers recorded on Thursday, Sept. 9, across various means of transport, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said.

Dubai Metro served 458,060 passengers on Sept. 9, which included 311,090 passengers on its red line and 146,970 on its green line while 15,932 passengers used the tram. Public buses saw 254,420 passengers while 21,502 used marine modes of transport and 66,590 passengers used E-Hailing and Car Sharing services. Yesterday also saw a total of 516,409 taxi passengers.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, said the record number of public transport passengers reflects the community’s confidence in the precautionary measures and safety levels offered by all of the emirate’s public transport systems. 

“RTA has implemented globally-benchmarked preventive protocols to protect the health and safety of passengers, as well as drivers and other frontline transport staff.

Consistent with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the world’s best city to live and work in, RTA has been committed to offer the highest levels of excellence in providing safe and sustainable mass transit.”

In March 2021, RTA, in collaboration with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and other authorities administered the COVID-19 vaccination to more than 20,000 eligible drivers of its entire fleet of taxis and public transport vehicles. RTA continues to place the highest priority on the health and safety of public transport employees, especially those dealing directly with the public. (WAM) 

“I visited Dubai once as a kid, and I’ve seen the city develop from just plain sandy areas to having magnificent skyscrapers. That’s when working in Dubai was always a dream for me. 

“My father worked in the UAE for nearly 15 years. Seeing him travel back to Dubai after holidays always broke my heart. My mission in life was set right there:  I wanted to be financially independent and get dad retired, so I can have him back and happy with family in India,” says Karen Winola Barboza of Mumbai in India, moved to Dubai in 2018 to pursue her “mission.” She was just two years fresh out of college then.

“I graduated in 2016 with no idea whatsoever to do in life. While most of my friends travelled to other countries to study further with an aim to settle down, I knew my family couldn’t really afford the same.

“I took a call to move to the UAE in 2018. In these 3 years, my entire life changed and transformed in ways I could never have imagined. It’s been a thrilling, challenging, amazing time, and I am so proud to call this country my home. A big thank you to my parents and bosses for being so supportive and for instilling me with a strong passion for learning and for doing everything possible to put me on the path to success,” Karen says.

She is currently working as a marketing executive.

“The list goes on when one asks how I have fun in Dubai. I just try to explore new places, meet people of different nationalities, learn about their journeys in the UAE. That itself is quite a fun experience. I love soaking up at the beach, going on long walks and yes splurge a little extra on shopping,” Karen says.

“I love it that I have a great degree of control and freedom within my job. I work full-time on a flexible schedule, both in and out-of-office, and my boss trusts me to produce high-quality work and results. I work hard to maintain that level of trust, which keeps me engaged and excited — but at the same time, I love that my job enables me to love and enjoy my other passions in life,” she adds.

“One of my first jobs was as a bell attendant in a luxury hotel in London during the summer after school.  The experience of engaging with guests and dealing with a variety of requests and challenging situations really excited me. I then decided to pursue this passion further and I went onto study hospitality management at Surrey University. 

“I remember visiting Dubai for a vacation and seeing Burj Al Arab for the first time – I remember thinking that this would be a dream come true to come and work in Dubai and to work at this hotel,” said Ramsey El Saarany, hotel manager at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, who was born and brought up in London.

After completing his Hospitality Management degree, Ramsey did get what he had set his sights on.

“I was fortunate to join Burj Al Arab as a management trainee. I spent six months in the kitchens working alongside some very talented and passionate chefs; another six months across the front office and housekeeping operations – cleaning rooms and checking in guests.  

“I covered almost every department in this hotel and it was a fantastic experience that laid a very strong foundation and instilled an even stronger passion for the business that is still alive and kicking in me today. 

“After working at Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah in senior leadership roles, I then moved to Downtown Dubai where I was part of the pre-opening team of Sofitel Dubai Downtown. I later moved on to a new role at Sofitel Dubai The Palm where I oversee all aspects of the operations of this award-winning resort.  I have been truly blessed to be able to work across many iconic properties, with many incredible people, in this dynamic city,” says Ramsey.

Dubai, he says, has always fascinated him – and for reasons shared by most expats in the city.

“I enjoy living in Dubai due to the diversity of the culture, dynamism, safety and security here. It is one of the most futuristic cities in the world. With extensive investment in advanced infrastructure and the completion of incredible projects with unmatched speed and scale, the city has transformed itself from a local trading community into one of the most inspirational, exciting and successful cities to have a home in. And it has maintained its status as the best city to live in, thanks to the successful handling of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Ramsey says. 

Dubai, he stressed, has proved to be a regional safe haven in a year of an unprecedented healthcare crisis, referring to the pandemic. 

“Last year with the whole ongoing situation, it was one of the first cities to open its doors and has remained open until today. I think the aggressive vaccination drive by the government helped further improve the country’s position as a safe and secure destination to live and work in,” Ramsey said.

“I have been privileged to witness the city grow and emerge as one of the best cities in the world.  There’s beauty in being by the banks of the creek and an energy that I love when I visit the bustling Downtown Dubai. I also enjoy soaking up the sun around the amazing beach at JBR – there is such a diverse range of places for me to enjoy with my family and I make the most of all the city has to offer,” he said. 

Ramsey’s advice for those wanting a career in hospitality: “The hospitality business is a fast-growing business where responsibility can come at an early age, and where hard work and good attitude can lead to great career opportunities for everyone. 

“My advice would be to identify your passion and do what makes you happy – they say if you find something you enjoy, it becomes a vacation and never really a ‘job.’  They say the most adaptable survive – not the strongest, and therefore it is key to continue to nurture and develop your skills to attain your goals. I always believe that networking and fostering great relationships with the people around you are crucial and the key to happiness at work and in life.”

“I started as a telephone operator in a Safir hotel in Cairo then my career development took off,” Sameh El Amri, general manager of S Hotel Group tells Dubai Vibes Magazine.

He then moved in rooms division where his career development took off as Front Office Manager, Deputy Manager, Executive Assistant Manager, Hotel Manager, General Manager and Cluster General Manager.

Sameh, who hails from Egyot, has worked for reputable names like Safir, Starwood JW Marriott, ACCOR , IHG and recently with S Hotel Group.

“It is vibrant, evolving and full of teamwork,” Sameh says of the hotel business. 

“The hospitality is not like a normal working day in a bank – you come, you work and you go home. There is always something new happening and it is worth exploring that. If you are a dynamic person, you will love the job,” he says.

“I’m motivated by my ability to be of a positive influence that leads others to find success. Also, the feeling that the work I do for others is appreciated. It is a great feeling knowing that I’ve just made someone’s day. You can achieve high job satisfaction through making others’ experiences happy,” he added.

Sameh has been in the hospitality industry for 30 years. After graduating from college, he traveled to Saudi Arabia and worked in Oasis Motel in Jeddah. He then moved to Kuwait City and stayed there for almost 3 years working at the Le Meridian Hotel. 

He moved to the UAE in 1998 and is currently living with my his family in UAE. Sameh had worked as Cluster General Manager of Holiday Inn Express Hotels in Internet City, Safa Park, Airport, and Jumeirah. 

He has also been the Hotel Manager for Holiday Inn Express Airport; Hotel Director for Ibis Al Barsha Dubai; Executive Assistant Manager for Mercure City Centre Hotel Abu Dhabi, and Deputy Manager for Ibis World Trade Centre Dubai.

With a master’s degree in Hospitality Management from Cornell University, USA, and a training program for International Hospitality Management in Paris, France, Sameh possesses an expansive knowledge of the hospitality industry, including corporate strategy, HR management, sales and marketing, revenue management, communication, finance, and distribution systems.

“I am a positive person and I hope for good things to happen in future. Even in times of distress or confusions, I just hope that everything will be all right. And yes, this hope, it keeps me going,” said Sameh.

To those planning to work in the hospitality, Sameh has this advice: “A job in the hotel industry allows a great deal of freedom and mobility, as well as the rare opportunity to meet, provide service, and interact with people from all walks and corners of life. 

“The key advice is that if you would like to work in the hotel industry, you should enjoy working with people. It’s all about people. You have to laugh, to travel. You have to be ready to deal with stress and long hours at the hotel.”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: An official source in the Saudi Ministry of Interior has stated that it has decided to remove the United Arab Emirates, South Africa and Argentina from the entry banned country list as of 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, Sept. 8, through the country’s land, sea and air ports, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM), citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Citizens will be allowed to travel to the three referred countries, the source said, stressing the importance of adhering to all the precautionary and preventive measures adopted.

The SPA quoted the source as saying that all procedures and measures are subject to continuous evaluation by the competent health authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, according to the developments in the epidemiological situation in the world.

The KSA had suspended travelling to and from a number of countries in the world, based on continuous monitoring of the epidemiological situation locally and globally, and any epidemic threats in any of the countries.

The UAE had previously been on the KSA entry ban list, which was lifted around May this year, then again imposed on July 3. 

“What keeps me going? My passion for entrepreneurship. I’ve always been a driven person. So, turning concepts into budding businesses gives me my kick. I also have a four-year-old who I strive to be a good role model for every day,” says Rosa Bullock, who was born and raised in Birmingham, UK.

“I had a pretty idyllic childhood. I watched my parents set up and run their businesses. With friends in Dubai, a trip here was always a given. I fell in love with Dubai on my first visit. A few months later, I packed my bags and moved here. 

Several years later, I’m raising a family here. My daughter, Ayda Grace, is truly a citizen of the world. She was born and is growing up here, and I’m excited about her journey, too,” says Rosa who has a BA in Fashion Management and Marketing from London College of Fashion – University of the Arts London.

She said she embarked on a journey to Dubai because of “the sun, sand and opportunities – the usual expat answer.”

“Not a single day goes by without me appreciating all of this. I pursue all the opportunities Dubai sends my way on weekdays. And I soak up its abundant sunshine every weekend with my family. When the weather’s cooler, we love our family camping trips in the desert. We’ve made some great memories,” says Rosa who has been in Dubai for the past eight years.

“Dubai is a city that demands moderation. You can go to a AED1,000 brunch. You can also get an ice cream for one dirham. It’s all relative. I’m a huge fan of discount apps. If you manage your money well, you can have a nice life in Dubai on a budget,” she says.

A public relations (PR) guru, Rosa has launched and led Sociate; an integrated communications agency; SOCIATE UK, the agency’s creative branch in London; and Socialite, an influencer relationship agency.

“Treat every single person you meet with respect. Also, if you say you’re going to do something, follow through. You may meet someone amazing but forget to actually email them and move things ahead. You’ll be surprised how many fantastic opportunities we miss out on because we fail to take that important first step. Send that email, make that call – they may only take five minutes,” Rosa says.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Flavours of India, the specialty restaurant at Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR will celebrate its first anniversary with month-long treats and surprises.

Throughout October, guests will receive a complimentary dessert of the day for every dine-in, takeaway, and delivery order. They will also be part of a raffle draw for a chance to win a one-night staycation for two, inclusive of breakfast.  

To add fun and flair to the dining experience, Flavours of India will also showcase traditional live music performances every Thursday and Friday.  

Specializing in Mughlai cuisine, Flavours of India’s must-try dishes include Raan e Riyasat, Makhmali Murgh Musallam, Shahjhani Kofta, Akbari Shahi Tukda, Paneer Tikka Masala, and Flavours Special Bhuna Gosht.

Celebrate with us and enjoy these exclusive perks from Flavours of India JBR! To book a table or place an order, call +971 4 309 8177, send a WhatsApp message to +971 52 398 1654, or email dining@ramadajbr.com. Terms and conditions apply.