In a candid Instagram story that has since disappeared, renowned Filipino fashion designer Michael Cinco has sparked a conversation about the fashion choices of Filipino celebrities and influencers. Cinco expressed his bewilderment and criticism towards the preference for European designer labels over local Filipino talent.
“So Filipino celebrities and famous influencers are often seen wearing European designer clothes? It seems like they spend a fortune on these items just to keep up with the latest fashion trends,” Cinco remarked. He questioned the irony in celebrities’ readiness to don international brands while expecting Filipino designers to provide custom creations for free. “It’s a sad reality that many talented and hardworking Filipino designers have to face,” he added.
Cinco, who is based in Dubai and launched his fashion line in 2003, is known for his luxurious designs and has recently unveiled a collection titled “The Impalpable Dream of Japan,” inspired by Japanese culture. His work showcases the potential of Filipino designers to produce work that rivals that of any European brand.
“They pour their hearts and souls into their creations but are often undervalued and underpaid. As a society, we need to start recognizing and supporting our own local talents, including fashion designers,” Cinco urged. He highlighted the disparity in appreciation for local designers, calling for a shift in perspective to uplift the Filipino fashion industry.
Cinco’s remarks touch on a broader issue of cultural and economic support for local industries. “Every time some influencers and starlets ask me if I wanna do their wedding dress or red carpet dresses for collaboration or for free, I always tell them: What a wonderful life, beautiful things in this world are not free. In other words, magbayad ka,” he concluded, advocating for fair compensation and recognition for designers.
In 2023, authorities in the UAE revealed a staggering 33,000 instances of companies failing to pay salaries to their employees, as detected through the Wage Protection System (WPS). The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) took action by imposing administrative penalties on these non-compliant entities.
While the ministry did not specify the exact nature of the penalties or the fines imposed, it emphasized the significance of adherence to the WPS, an electronic salary transfer system conducted through approved financial institutions. Under UAE law, all employers registered with the MoHRE are obligated to subscribe to the WPS and disburse employees’ salaries through this platform. Violations can lead to penalties such as work permit issuance suspension and monetary fines.
Moreover, the MoHRE disclosed that it referred 509 companies to the Public Prosecution for providing services without proper licensing, with an additional 55 cases involving companies recruiting workers without the necessary licenses. Furthermore, the ministry shut down five social media accounts for engaging in unauthorized recruitment activities.
The MoHRE also addressed over 1,200 cases of falsified documents or data submitted to obtain services, along with 76 instances of worker accommodations failing to meet stipulated standards.
In total, the ministry documented 75,000 violations during the course of 430,000 inspection visits conducted throughout the year. Notably, 1,077 companies were reported for violating Emiratisation decisions and policies, including instances of fraudulent Emiratisation practices.
Additionally, the ministry flagged 185 cases of non-compliance with the Midday Break regulation, which prohibits outdoor work during extreme heat from June 15 to September 15. Furthermore, there were 30 cases where companies failed to report work-related injuries, diseases, or fatalities to the authorities. In a few instances, companies were found unlawfully transferring recruitment expenses to workers, among other infractions.
MoHRE received approximately 1,500 complaints through official channels, underscoring the community’s engagement with labor-related issues. The ministry also conducted extensive awareness campaigns, reaching out to over 2 million workers and more than 9,000 employers.
In a statement, the ministry commended the majority of private-sector companies for their commitment to complying with labor market legislation, emphasizing the positive impact on stabilizing work relations and enhancing productivity.
The parents of a one-year-old toddler, who faced the challenge of a congenital eye condition, are breathing a sigh of relief as doctors in Dubai successfully intervened early to safeguard their child’s vision.
Arthur (name changed), aged one, was diagnosed with Blepharophimosis syndrome, also known as Ptosis, a genetic disorder resulting in a narrow eye opening and droopy eyelids, potentially obstructing vision. Arthur’s parents, in their mid-30s and originally from France, sought specialized care in Dubai to address the significant separation between Arthur’s eye and an abnormal lower eyelid skin folding.
Dr. Ania Buigues Llull, consultant ophthalmologist at Barraquer Eye Hospital, spearheaded Arthur’s case, emphasizing the critical importance of early intervention in such conditions. Dr. Llull explained the potential implications of untreated droopy eyelids on a child’s visual development, underscoring the necessity of corrective measures in the early years of life.
The chosen surgical approach, the frontal flap technique, was selected for its reduced complication rates and favorable outcomes. Weeks after the procedure, Arthur’s parents expressed profound gratitude, stating their child is now healthy with no complications, and they are astounded by the remarkable improvement in their child’s vision.
In an exciting turn of events at the Dubai International Airport on Wednesday, two first-time ticket buyers found themselves catapulted into the millionaire’s club. The latest Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draw unveiled Rupa Harish Dhawan, a 49-year-old Indian homemaker, and Nana Kakihara, a 30-year-old Japanese chemical company employee, as the newest millionaires.
Rupa, who was returning to Mumbai from Dubai after celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary, won $1 million with ticket number 2869, bought on January 28. “It was a big thing for me, I never had luck or won such kind. I can’t believe that with my first ever ticket to Dubai Duty Free my life will change. I will forever thank Dubai Duty Free for this,” she expressed.
Nana Kakihara, who purchased her winning ticket on her way to a honeymoon in the Maldives, echoed the sentiment of disbelief and gratitude. Winning with ticket number 4429, she plans to buy a new car and travel the world with her family.
The draw also announced winners of three luxury cars and two motorbikes. Among the winners were Hameed Abdulla Yousuf, a 78-year-old Bahraini who won a BMW X6 M60i xDrive, and Michael Konrad Steinhoefel, a Swiss bank risk manager, who took home a Mercedes Benz S500. Other winners included Rashmi R., Seamus Louis, and Neena Joseph, who won luxury vehicles and motorbikes.
Aster Hospital, Mankhool recently made a rare detection when a 51-year-old man presented himself with complaints of chest pain. Upon thorough medical investigation the man was diagnosed with an unusual heart condition known as cor triatriatum sinister, a rare anomaly resulting in a heart with three atria (upper chambers of the heart, most people have two atria). This rare finding was managed successfully without the need for surgery, highlighting the hospital’s expertise in comprehensive cardiac care.
Cor triatriatum sinister is an extremely rare congenital anomaly where the left atrium is divided into two chambers by a membrane, resulting in a total of three atria within the heart. In this particular patient, alongside the two ventricles (right ventricle and left ventricle), an additional chamber has formed within the left atrium due to the presence of the membrane characteristic of cor triatriatum sinister. Therefore, while there were technically four chambers within the heart, the abnormality pertained to the left atrium, resulting in an overall count of five chambers in the heart of this patient.
It’s important to note that patients with Cor triatriatum may have other associated congenital heart defects, requiring careful evaluation and imaging. In fact, in 70% of cases, an associated Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is present.[3] The Male to Female ratio of Cor triatriatum is 1.5:1, indicating a slightly higher prevalence in males. The size of the communication between the chambers of the left atrium determines the type of Cor triatriatum. If the blood flow is restricted due to a narrow opening, the patient may experience symptoms early in life. Conversely, if the opening is non-restrictive, patients may remain asymptomatic until later in life. However, the communicating orifice may undergo changes over time due to fibrosis and calcification, potentially leading to symptoms. Therefore, continuous observation and regular follow-up are necessary for these patients.
Despite its rarity, the medical team at Aster Hospital, Mankhool, led by Dr. Sachin Upadhyaya, Cardiology Specialist promptly identified and treated the condition in the patient, enabling him to resume his normal life in the shortest period of time.
Dr. Upadhyaya emphasized the importance of thorough investigation when dealing with atypical cardiac symptoms. He stated, “This case underscores the significance of comprehensive heart checks in adults after the age of 35 years, especially when symptoms appear unusual. It’s crucial for both medical professionals and the public to recognize that uncommon symptoms may signify underlying conditions that require careful examination and timely intervention to avoid possible complications.”
The patient presented with chest pain lasting two weeks, accompanied by occasional chest heaviness exacerbated by activity. Despite the atypical nature of the symptoms, a thorough evaluation including ECG and echocardiography revealed the presence of cor triatriatum sinister. Further confirmation was obtained through cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR), which showed a non-restrictive type of cor triatriatum with no associated anomalies.
“The successful management of this case without surgery highlights the effectiveness of comprehensive evaluation and non-surgical approaches in treating rare cardiac conditions,” Dr. Upadhyaya added. “With detailed evaluation and medical management, the patient became symptom-free within a few days and continues to do well.”
Cor triatriatum sinister is an exceedingly rare condition, occurring in only 0.004% of the general population and accounting for 0.1 to 0.4% of all congenital heart anomalies. Its detection, especially in adults, can be incidental and requires careful evaluation to determine its subtype and associated symptoms, as well as to plan further treatment.
Aster Hospital Mankhool reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional cardiac care, leveraging its expertise and advanced diagnostic capabilities to address rare and complex heart conditions effectively.
Dubai Islamic Bank, the largest Shariah-compliant lender in the UAE, has ceased its popular ‘salary in advance’ service for customers. The decision, announced through a statement to Khaleej Times, comes after a comprehensive evaluation of the bank’s financial products, with the institution actively seeking alternative solutions.
In its statement, the Dubai-based bank highlighted the meticulous consideration behind the move, emphasizing the importance of aligning its product portfolio with strategic objectives and regulatory standards. Despite recognizing the significance of the service to some customers, the bank assured its commitment to exploring alternative avenues to support their financial well-being.
The ‘Salary in Advance’ facility was a favored option among residents seeking to alleviate financial burdens, commonly utilized during periods of economic strain or for urgent personal needs. Customers could access advance salary applications through online banking or ATMs, albeit with a nominal fee.
While acknowledging the understanding of its customers during this transition, the bank reiterated its dedication to providing innovative financial solutions tailored to evolving needs. This decision follows a remarkable financial performance in 2023, marked by Dubai Islamic Bank Group’s record-breaking net profit of Dh7 billion, a 26 percent increase from the previous year.
The inaugural Open Fire Food Festival by Steve Harvey descends on Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, this coming weekend, featuring a stellar line-up of celebrity chefs and an action-packed schedule of pitmaster demonstrations, competitions, live music and entertainment across the whole weekend.
Presented by MELT Middle East, a joint venture between OWS Capital and Steve Harvey Global, the Open Fire Food Festival takes place on Yas Island at Abu Dhabi Hill, Yas Marina Circuit on February 24th-25th, with tickets available to purchase starting from just AED 75.
Here’s what to expect from an event which will bring the smokin’ hot flavors of the American South to the heart of the UAE this weekend!
CELEBRITY CHEFS
The event features a star-studded line-up of celebrity chefs, set to thrill guests in attendance as they showcase their open-flame cooking skills. Seven-time World Barbecue Champion Melissa Cookston, who hails from Mississippi, USA, has won thousands of accolades and was the first female inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame in 2017. She currently serves as the judge on Netflix’s Barbecue Showdown.
Moe Cason, a self-taught barbecue expert and former member of the US Navy, has featured as a contestant and judge on high-profile US cooking shows such as World of Flavour With Big Moe Cason, Pitmaster’s, BBQ Pit Wars and SMOKED.
Steven Raichlen, meanwhile, has created and hosted several popular television shows in the US, Canada and Italy, including Planet Barbecue®, Project Fire, and Project Smoke, while also serving as a culinary expert on the likes of Oprah along with writing more than 30 books.
The trio will be joined behind the grill by 18-year-old Aysha Al Obeidli, the youngest Emirati chef, and Fred ‘Smokin’ Beards’ Casagrande, UAE Barbecue Champion, both ambassadors for the event.
HOST HARVEY
Host Steve Harvey, a globally recognised presenter, actor, comedian and producer, needs no introduction. He will be on-stage to introduce celebrity chefs and make several appearances across the weekend.
AED 25K TOTAL PRIZE POT FOR COOKING & EATING COMPETITIONS!
Attendees will have a chance to showcase their BBQ skills or fill their stomachs with organisers announcing there will be a total of AED 25k to giveaway across four cooking competitions and two eating competitions – hot dog and chicken wing – across the weekend. Ticket holders will receive a registration link upon purchase to enter with limited spots available.
COOKING MASTERCLASSES
Alongside demos on the main stage from celebrity chefs, attendees can participate in cooking masterclasses! On Saturday, Cookston is set to be joined by Al Obeidli as they hold a Youth Masterclass, while Cason will stage both a Lamb Workshop and Brisket Masterclass later the same day. Other highlights include a T-Bone Workshop, hosted by Raichlen, ICCA Masterclass and Hot Dog Eating Competition. The following day features a Chicken Workshop hosted by Cookston and Casagrande, a Lamb Masterclass with Raichlen, and additional ICCA Masterclasses, with ICCA students assisting professional chefs with showcases across the two days. Similarly, ticket-holders will receive a registration link upon purchase to enter.
MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT
Musical performances over the weekend will be provided by the likes of award-winning DJ Natalie Brogan, Girl from the North Country, Yvonne Park, Nuvo Soul, Hot Rodney, Claudia Partrice and DJ Dean Curtis.
TIMINGS AND TICKETS
The action kicks-off at 12:30pm Saturday and 12 noon Sunday, with doors opening from 10am both days for all to enjoy the all-day entertainment running through until 10pm!
Tickets are on sale now with prices starting from just AED 75 for standard entry, while guests can purchase a full weekend pass, saving AED 30. Tickets can also be purchased on the door with VIP tickets already sold out. Entry is free across the two days for children under the age of 12.
Tickets can be purchased via openfirefoodfestival.com
The highly anticipated Big Bad Wolf Book Sale, in collaboration with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA), is slated to kick off from March 1 to March 10, 2024. Offering free admission and massive discounts of up to 75%, the sale is poised to be a haven for book enthusiasts, featuring a staggering collection of over two million titles spanning various genres. The venue for this literary extravaganza will be Sound Stages, Dubai Studio City, open from 10 am to 12 midnight.
In a bid to cater to Dubai’s thriving business landscape, Big Bad Wolf Books has announced a special focus on business books, tailored to meet the needs of professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.
The launch of the Big Bad Wolf Book Sale was celebrated at a vibrant press conference held at Al Safa Design and Art Library. The event featured a captivating performance by children from ‘The Hive’, setting the stage for the unveiling of the sale’s official commencement. Key partners, including Eiman Al Hammadi, Acting Manager of the Libraries Affairs Section at Dubai Culture, and Khaled Hatrash, Senior Operations Manager at Dubai Studio City, were acknowledged for their instrumental roles in bringing the event to fruition.
Expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support, Andrew Yap, Co-Founder of Big Bad Wolf Books, highlighted the event’s significance in promoting literacy and learning, aligning with Dubai’s vision to foster a culture of reading. Mohamed Noor Hersi, Board Member of BBW Sharjah, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the collaborative effort to empower the community through reading initiatives.
Eiman Al Hammadi reiterated Dubai Culture’s commitment to nurturing a reading culture, citing the event as a vital platform for intellectual exchange and knowledge dissemination. She emphasized the annual recurrence of the Big Bad Wolf exhibition as a cornerstone of Dubai’s cultural calendar, enriching the literary landscape and fostering intellectual discourse.
The press conference concluded with a delightful surprise for attendees, with members of the media offered the opportunity to select two books of their choice, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Prepare for an extraordinary Ramadan experience at Dubai World Trade Centre’s (DWTC) majestic venue, The Majlis, which opens on Friday 15 March and runs through until Eid.
Experience one of Dubai’s best-loved Ramadan destinations Embracing the spirit of the season, The Majlis at DWTC, is one of Dubai’s best-loved and longest-running Ramadan destinations. Guests are taken on a culinary journey that embraces the traditions of the Holy Month and offers new takes on festive favourites, all set in an ambience that’s perfect for creating memorable moments with friends and family.
Where traditional cuisine meets award-winning international flavours The Majlis’s award-winning chefs offer a feast of flavours – from alluring Iftar spreads to laid-back Suhoor soirées with 70 a la carte options. Guests can expect a symphony of Middle Eastern delights and international delicacies meticulously crafted to tempt the taste buds. Must-try items include Middle Eastern classics and signature Emirati dishes, such as the show-stopping ouzi centrepiece, thareed (lamb stew) and for those with a sweet tooth, the local delicacy luqaimat (date syrup-drizzled doughnuts) and The Majlis’ signature and crowd favourite, date pudding.
Create Memorable Moments
In addition to the delectable spread, the atmosphere at The Majlis is designed to bring friends, families and colleagues together. Step into The Majlis and be transported to a world of warmth and welcomes, where every corner is adorned with seasonal décor, inviting guests to unwind and connect. During Iftar and Suhoor, soft oriental music adds to the enchanting atmosphere. Guests can enjoy shisha after 9pm, and live music between 10pm to 1am during Suhoor, serenading guests with soulful melodies.
Reservations, Timings and Prices
Iftar is served from sunset to 8:30pm, and is priced at AED 215 for adults, and AED 95 for children. Suhoor sittings take place from 9pm to 3am on Sunday to Thursday, and until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. Groups of eight or more can pre-book comfortable sofa set-ups, and larger groups of up to 12 can reserve a private Majlis, while VIP Majlises accommodate up to 24 guests. To ensure availability, sofa reservations can be made online at majlis.ae, and come with a minimum spend of AED 140 per person. Guests can also enjoy complimentary parking at the Exhibition Street Multi-Story parking.
Bookings are highly recommended to ensure availability for both Iftar and Suhoor and can be made online at majlis.ae.
Supporting Local Charitable Initiatives
This Ramadan, The Majlis proudly collaborates with charitable organisations Tarahum Charity Foundation and UAE Food Bank to provide more than 6,000 meals to the less fortunate, fostering positive change and supporting the UAE Government’s mission of eliminating food waste.
Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah is excited to announce the appointment of Marie Bernadette Ortiguerra as its new Marketing & Communications Manager. With a rich history of success in the hospitality sector, Marie is set to bring her extensive experience to one of the UAE’s leading resort destinations.
Starting her career as a Sales Secretary, Marie has climbed the ladder, previously holding roles such as Marketing & Communications Executive and Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications. Her contributions have significantly elevated the marketing strategies and communication efforts of the brands she has worked with.
Marie has played key roles in two major hotel rebranding initiatives for the AccorHotels and Marriott International brands and was instrumental in the launch of a StayWell brand in the region. She also managed marketing and communications for Park Regis Hotels as a Regional Marketing & Communications Manager.
Among her notable accomplishments are the successful opening of the first Swissotel in the UAE in 2017 and the largest Rotana Hotels & Resorts property in the region in 2012. Marie has been recognized with the Employee of the Year award and was nominated for CSR Person of the Year by Hotelier Middle East.
Outside of her professional achievements, Marie is an influential digital personality, engaging as an Influencer, Content Creator, and Blogger, collaborating with major brands and events. She has been featured on various prestigious media platforms and has contributed as a speaker at significant investment summits in Dubai.
Mohamed Shalaby, Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah, expressed enthusiasm about Marie’s appointment, highlighting her impressive background and dynamic marketing approach as key to enhancing the resort’s success and visibility in the hospitality market.
