“I did my studies back in Mumbai, India. I started working in the jewellery industry as a workshop executive admin. My first job was non-salaried,” says Ankit Suresh Mehta, explaining that it was an industry practice for interns.

“I worked for almost eight months for free to learn about jewellery manufacturing and diamonds. I used to travel by train for two hours to reach to this manufacturing company and return home as per work schedule. Sometimes, I would stay the whole night in the factory due to the workload. 

“After work, I remember we would travel by local train in Mumbai and have lemon juice at railway stations as it was the cheapest refreshment you could get during those times. The famous Mumbai street food, vada-pav, was our meal before sitting on the train for the two-hour-long journey home,” Ankit recalls.

“Life was just passing by and I was hoping things would change and that I could get an opportunity to do something good in my life,” he added.

With help from his brothers, Ankit got an offer to travel to Abu Dhabi for a salesman job with a AED1,500 monthly; it was 2005.

“I accepted it immediately,” said Ankit.

“I saw a Mercedes Benz as taxi when I came out of the Abu Dhabi airport – it blew my mind. In my country, this car was rare to see on streets. I decided to make my future here in the UAE and make my family proud,” he said.

Ankit has never looked back since that day– he kept working hard, succeeded and achieved as time passed.

He worked the salesman job for three years, he said, then started his own company in Al Ain.

To date, Ankit is co-owner and managing director of Palazzo Jewellery, which so far has three branches in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi with focus on going online.

“We are going with the flow. The jewellery industry is very much personal, emotional and sentimental. But as the future is online, we need to be a part of it as well, and so we are working on a “Try home, try now’ approach, which is virtual jewellery that can be viewed on smartphone devices and give people a clear idea how it would look like if they purchase it,” said Ankit.

He said this can be scheduled with no charges and a free delivery on purchase options. “We are planning to make it as flexible as possible for the different styles of jewellery,” he said.

Looking back, Ankit has these words of advice: “Do your math. Do not go with others’ perception or ideas. Get your numbers right and work on plan before executing something. Do a thorough study of what you are getting into.”

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Licensed tour guides in Abu Dhabi are being encouraged to explore the emirate’s unique culture and experiences through a new incentive scheme launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).

The Tour Guide Incentive Scheme is part of the Emirati Touchpoint Strategy, which aims to give visitors more opportunities to delve deeper into Emirati culture, heritage and themes, and meet Abu Dhabi’s people throughout their visit to the UAE capital.  

Featuring a range of offers, discounts and other value deals, the initiative aims to spark creativity among licensed tour guides, encouraging them to find out more about the destination while developing dynamic and engaging experiences across the emirate for future visitors.

The offers will be redeemable at different types of attractions, including 25 participating hotels, which are offering tour guides discounts on facilities such as gyms, spas, access to pools and beaches, F&B, and room rates. 

Also included in the scheme are offers for venues such as museums and cultural institutions, as well as leisure attractions like the Yas Island theme parks, where guides will receive free entry when escorting groups, as well as discounted tickets for them and their families when visiting in a personal capacity.

“As Abu Dhabi starts to safely welcome international tourists again, we want to ensure that these visitors have amazing and unique experiences, and inspiring our tour guides is a vital part of this goal,” said HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing for DCT Abu Dhabi. 

“This incentive scheme acts as a brilliant support initiative for our tourist guides, to help them promote the diverse range of offerings available in our emirate. Visitors will thus have a special opportunity to experience Abu Dhabi authentically, covering the iconic destinations within the emirate, as well as its people and culture.

“We are excited about this initiative and hope that it inspires more Abu Dhabi residents to become official tour guides for our destination,” he added. 

Abu Dhabi currently has about 1,122 licensed tour guides, all of whom are eligible to be part of this scheme to support the promotion of the tourism industry. 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is intending to launch a new route for public buses in Dubai and improve the services of three other bus routes starting Sept. 9, according to Emirates News Agency (WAM). 

The move aims to expand the internal bus network and step up the integration of mass transit means in the emirate.

The new route, which is named (SM1), starts from the Gold Souk Bus Station, passes along Al Khaleej Street and heads towards Souk Al Marfa at Deira Islands. The service frequency will be every 60 minutes.

In the meantime, RTA is adjusting the path of Route (14), near Al Safa Stop to cover the seaside section of the Business Bay Bus Station. It will also adjust the path of Route (F51) near the Dubai Investment Park Metro Station as well as the path of Route (F55) at Emaar South to cover additional residential areas.

RTA’s Public Transport Agency will make improvements on 11 bus routes namely: 5, 14, 88, 310, X64, F51, F46, F27, F12, DPR1 and C28 to match the timings of these journeys.

RTA is always keen to broaden the public bus network and enhance the integration of buses with other mass transit means such as the metro, tram, and marine transport means. The improvement of public transport means will undoubtedly contribute to making public transport the best mobility choice in the Emirate.

“What I love the most about my work is that I am doing it for my beloved country, showing travelers in Middle East the beauty of Thailand. I’m sure that most Arabs have been travelling to Thailand, especially Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok and Chiang Mai – and there’s a lot more places waiting to experience,” says 41-year-old Chawarot Chankiatthitikul, marketing executive at Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Chawarot, who hails from Nong Khai city in northern Thailand, has had years of experience working in Thailand’s hospitality sector.

“After graduation, I started working at hotels in Bangkok before moving to Dubai. Working in the hotels has taught me so many thing and it would be great to contribute my experiences to work for my country,” said Chawarot, who holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English and Hotel Management from Ramkhamhaeng University in Bangkok.

Chawarot arrived in Dubai 15 years ago in 2005. “I really had no idea how Dubai was at that time,” he recalls, adding that the city has been kind.  “There’s a lot of things to explore. I had a chance to get to know lots of friends who come from different countries. It’s good to immerse in a diversity of cultures and traditions as well as food,” Chawarot said. 

“I personally love travelling. It makes me feel like great seeing different places, culture and traditions. I do believe that travel is the thing you buy that makes you richer,” he said. 

As TAT marketing executive, Chawarot is responsible for the promotion of Thailand’s tourism industry and its related sectors.  

“‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ 

“‘Kind,’ said the boy.’ 

“Kind beats smart, always. Working with students as I do, I would also say, ‘Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but do always learn from them.’”

This, in a nutshell is what life has all been about for David McKeown, Head of Boarding at Swiss International School Dubai, who was born in Cheshire in the UK and athletics having been his biggest passion alongside rugby as he was growing up. 

“I went on to compete at county and national level as a sprinter. I didn’t quite make the Olympics but had training partners who went on to represent Great Britain and won Olympic medals! 

“However, what it did certainly teach me is that to get to the top in anything, whether it’s sport or academics, you have to work incredibly hard, be passionate about what you do and really commit time, energy and effort into the things that you want to achieve,” said David.

As Head of Boarding, David wears different hats.  “I also aim to be heavily involved in the weekend and afterschool activities that the boarders participate in. I particularly enjoy joining them for trips, movie nights, take-away evenings and PlayStation tournaments. My karaoke is not the best, but others in the boarding staff team are great singers!  I am essentially a surrogate parent and ultimately that’s the most important part of the job,” he said.

David met Anna, now his wife, at university and completed teacher training. “From there, my first teaching role was in a boys’ preparatory school and I remained within the independent school sector at various schools in positions including Director of Sport, Head of Boarding, Housemaster and Deputy Headmaster. Our passion for travel drove us to seek an overseas adventure, and here we are!” he said. 

While in the UAE, David completed his Masters in Education and continues to seek opportunities for growth and development “and so I would say my approach to life is to always keep learning and make the best of the challenges that life will inevitably throw my way. 

“Having a sense of humor is also incredibly important in life and certainly vital when dealing with so many teenage boarding students,” David said, who arrived in Dubai with his wife and two sons in 2010.

His advice to fellow Dubai expats? “Try and take advantage of everything that Dubai has to offer. I am always looking for new, exciting places and trips to take the boarders, and I have realized that aside from the obvious attractions, there is also so much hidden culture in Dubai to explore. Dig deep and find some of the Dubai gems – off the tourist trail!”

By Jojo Dass

“I get paid to eat and enjoy!” says Panchali Mahendra, managing director at Atelier House Hospitality (AHH) and the first women in the Food & Beverage (F&B) category to receive the Golden Visa from Dubai. 

“On a serious note,” she adds, “F&B is like doing multiple jobs at once, there is never a dull moment – finance, branding, creativity, interior designing, construction, cooking, guest relations and the fact that I get to meet and interact with hundreds of people every day. What is there not to love?”

Hailing from Indian, Panchali, who has been in Dubai for a decade, has had an amazing life. She was on her country’s national basketball team; she wanted to go modelling “but my father said a big ‘No,’” she said.

“I have always wanted something glamourous and fun and realized that hospitality was the way to go. But very soon I realized it wasn’t so glamourous as it required a lot of hard work and lot of strategic academics. However, I slowly started enjoying the process and received a gold medal for coming first in my class in the university,” Panchali said.

She was handpicked for a scholarship by the Oberoi Group to pursue a post-graduation course in Hospitality and that is how her wonderful journey started.

As to how she smashed the glass ceiling, Panchali explained: “The consulting aspect of Hospitality and F&B was new to many some 12 years back be it for men or women. 

“I was one of the few who chose this path. It was more of a chef- and operations-dominated industry before. Today yes, many consulting companies are opening up but back then it was easier to be noticed. I think my being one of the most experienced consultants and the number of projects I did from a very young age gave me that platform to shine and be visible compared to others to be given this outstanding chance.”

Mahendra has featured in Power 50 – the only Indian woman to ever make the list – and Power women list twice: 2020 and 2021.

She has likewise been nominated for various awards across different channels. She has conceptualized, operated, and opened over 55 restaurants regionally and internationally in her career. Some include Mohalla in D3 with 10 confirmed new openings of the homegrown brand in Saud Arabia, among others.

Furthermore, in only four years, as AHH managing  director, Panchali has bought internationally acclaimed Michelin star restaurant Marea to Dubai.

Looking at what is next in Dubai, Mahendra with Atelier House Hospitality is also partnering on a new and exciting unique concept called 11 Woodfire,  in collaboration with a celebrity chef, in late fall of 2021. 

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre has released a stunning photograph of the Expo 2020 Dubai site taken by Khalifa Sat from space, Gulf Today (GT) reported.

“One month to go for the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai. This photo, taken by Khalifa Sat from space, shows the site of the global cultural event that will bring together 191 countries in the UAE,” the GT report cited the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre as saying on Twitter.

The Dubai Media Office also shared the image on Twitter with the caption, “With Expo 2020 Dubai set to begin in 30 days, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre releases a new photo of the site as seen from space,” GT said.

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said on Twitter, “The teams are ready… the infrastructure is complete… the wings of the countries are ready to fly in the largest global event… the UAE and Dubai will be the focus of attention of 191 countries… the UAE is not a global country but the world in a state.”

The Expo 2020 Dubai will take place from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, and is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: A Pakistani expat struck it rich after winning the AED 1,000,000 second prize in the 40th weekly live Mahzooz draw, becoming Mahzooz’s 14th millionaire in 2021. The lucky winner solely matched five out of the six winning numbers (12, 26, 33, 38, 47 and 49).

Raja, a Dubai resident, has been participating in Mahzooz since the beginning. Luck knocked on his door just in time for a very special day to him, his birthday.

“I participate in Mahzooz every week and never miss the live draw on Saturdays. This week, I got goosebumps when I saw the winning numbers on the screen. I crosschecked them with my numbers, but I couldn’t believe my eyes. I won AED 1,000,000 just a few hours before my birthday! That’s just unbelievable,” said Raja.

On his 31st birthday, Raja woke up as a brand-new millionaire with a gift that transformed his life. 

“Becoming a millionaire on the eve of my birthday feels wonderful and surprising. This is undoubtedly the best birthday gift I’ve ever received in my entire life”.

Raja, who had worked as an accounts manager for a logistics company, resigned from his job two months ago and had been in search of new opportunities.

“Till yesterday, I was anxious about my future as I was desperately searching for a job. Look at me now.” The job hunter turned into a fortunate man in just a matter of minutes. “The way Mahzooz has changed my life overnight is simply unimaginable nor describable,” added Raja.

When it comes to Raja’s future plans, the ambitious man is wanting to start his own business. 

“Now that I’ve become a millionaire, my investment plans are limitless. I’ve always dreamed of starting my own business, so I’m planning to start a restaurant. I’m also thinking of opening a supermarket in my hometown. Why limit your plans when you are lucky enough to give wings to them,” he explained.

The Dubai resident who has lived away from home for seven years is also planning to surprise his parents.

“I haven’t shared the news of this win with my parents yet. I’d like to keep it a surprise as I am planning something big for them. After all, they’re not only my parents, but they’re also my heroes and role models in life”.

The regular Mahzooz participant has a piece of advice for other participants: “Mahzooz is a great platform to realise your dreams. Keep participating because you never know when fortune is going to smile on you,” said Raja.

Entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via www.Mahzooz.ae and purchasing a bottle of water. Each bottle of water purchased (for AED 35) provides eligibility for one line in the draw and the donation is channelled through Mahzooz’s community partners to hydrate those in need. 

EWINGS, Managing Operator of Mahzooz will hold the next weekly live draw on Saturday 4 September 2021 at 9:00pm UAE time. Mahzooz is inclusive to all who are eligible.

EWINGS LLC, the Managing Operator of Mahzooz, is a technology and operations management company headquartered in the UAE. EWINGS delivers tailor-made services, spanning strategy, technology infrastructure, operations, and management with a special focus on the entertainment industry.

Mahzooz is the GCC’s only weekly live draw that offers players a life-changing opportunity with tens of AED millions to be won every week. Mahzooz is dedicated to making people’s dreams come true and giving back to the community.

For more information on Mahzooz, prizes, winners, rules, terms and conditions, eligibility and to enter the coming Mahzooz draw, please visit www.mahzooz.ae, download our app from the iOS App Store or Google Play Store, or follow @MyMahzooz on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates:  Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station for the public, well ahead of the launch of Expo 2020 events. 

The station will enter the service with a new billing as the biggest underground station in the entire Dubai Metro network on both the Red and Green Lines, according to a report from Emirates News Agency (WAM).

The station spans an area of 28,700 square metres and extends 232 metres in height. It can serve 11,555 riders per hour during peak times, and about 250,000 riders a day. 

It has two train-boarding platforms, four bus stops, 20 taxi stands to pick up and drop off commuters, 20 parking slots for the use of people of determination, in addition to 400 public parking slots free of charge in the surrounds of the station. The facility has 14 outlets for investors over an area of 466 square metres in addition to four point-of-sale display areas for retailers.

The exterior design of Route 2020 stations has a unique and stylish architectural pattern bringing in further improvements to the designs of the existing stations along the Red and Green lines. 

The design has different patterns that include the Iconic Station inside the venue of Expo 2020. It has a winged design that reflects Dubai’s take-off to the future of innovation. There is also the transfer station (Jebel Ali Station) linking Route 2020 and Dubai Metro Red Line. Elevated stations replicate an improved design similar to the shapes of the existing metro stations to maintain the visual identity of the Dubai Metro.

By Jojo Dass

“One sunny day in August 2012, I got an offer to join a PR agency in Dubai, which was a great opportunity no young professional could resist,” recalls Anastasiya Golovatenko, account director, Sherpa Communications. 

“Needless to say, I jumped at it, especially as I was determined to test my skills and professionalism in Dubai, one of the world’s most promising markets. So, in the span of 5 days, I resigned, packed my luggage and came to Dubai,” added Anastasiya, who graduated with honors from Kiev Institute of International Relations, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Public Relations & Analytics.

“Everyone who knows me will tell you I’m deeply and irrevocably in love with PR. I’m an incurable workaholic.  Some may stress from tons of new information, the constantly changing nature of tasks, and pending deadlines breathing down their necks, but this is what we love,” she added.

She also considers herself as belonging to a special class of women: “crazy mums.”

“I found out that I was pregnant when the UAE first announced its COVID-19 lockdown. It was a stressful period by itself for many, so I didn’t tell neither clients nor anyone outside the family till I was 9 months pregnant. Some people only found out after I gave birth. Throughout my pregnancy, I worked to support our agency’s various operations, made sure I was there for my team at every step, even if it meant waking up for business calls at 6am. Alhamdulillah, I am blessed to be surrounded by the love and support of my family and friends.

“Oh! I left the best for last. I had a business pitch on the day of I gave birth to my son,” Anastasiya said.

She said Spain stole her heart, but apparently, Dubai got a good hold of her. “Many of us come here saying ‘I’m just here for this project.’ But then we find our niche and stay,” Anastasiya said.

In Dubai, she also met the man whom she eventually got married to.  

“When I met him, I asked him: ‘Why did it take you so long to find me?’ (laughing). Funny enough, our home cities are close to each other, but we met 5,000km away from them. I think I won the ‘jackpot’ as my husband is a workaholic and a ‘crazy’ soul like me. We support each other, come up with crazy ideas, dream big and laugh together loudly.

“He’s crazy…in a good impressive incredible way. His life journey is the epitomé  of a roller-coaster ride. Born and raised in a small town near Moscow, he became the youngest senior manager in his company, got a promotion which entailed a move to Dubai. Fast forward: after building a great corporate career and climbing the ladder to the top, he decided to resign and start from scratch as an entrepreneur. I told you he’s crazy, right?”  Anastasiya said.

Anastasiya is involved in various community groups in the UAE, where she helps individuals and businesses master PR tools for their diverse projects. She is also involved in a number of mentorship programs launched by UAE start-up incubators. 

She is also a keen and active business mentor and communications advisor at TiE Dubai, an entrepreneurship organization with a global footprint; and an advisor at JBM, a mentorship platform focused on helping aspiring entrepreneurs in the UAE and across the Middle East region turn their disruptive ideas into reality, 

Anastasiya is a co-lead for TiE Women MENA, a global program aimed at supporting women entrepreneurs, especially those who are just starting their journey.