Women’s day stories-Creativity, Innovation and Foresight

Ghida El Solh

Professional Status- Founder, Face Fit UAE

I don’t want to look younger than my age—I want to look great at my age. It’s not about turning back time but about keeping my features defined, my skin glowing, and my face muscles toned. I believe in aging gracefully, not erasing the years that made me who I am. That’s what Face Fit gives me: the best version of myself at every age.

In an era where invasive treatments are altering people’s natural features, I choose to train my face the way I train my body—with movement, consistency, and care. Fillers and Botox may provide instant results, but they often weaken facial muscles over time, leading to unnatural expressions and premature sagging. I’ve seen faces change drastically due to excessive procedures, losing their unique contours and expressions. Instead of freezing my face, I want to strengthen it.

That’s why Face Fit has been a game-changer for me. Just like going to the gym keeps the body toned, face fitness sculpts, lifts, and defines the 42 forgotten muscles in our face. The workouts increase circulation, boost collagen production, and enhance natural definition—no needles required. From jawline contouring to cheekbone sculpting, these techniques help maintain a firm, youthful look that still feels authentically me.

Some people choose to combine Botox and fillers with face workouts—and that’s okay too! Face training can still be effective, as it enhances muscle tone, improves circulation, and potentially prolongs the effects of these procedures. It’s really about finding what works best for you and making sure your face stays expressive, natural, and strong.

But beyond skincare and workouts, true beauty comes from within. Happiness, self-care, and surrounding myself with positive energy reflect on my face more than any procedure ever could. To me, beauty isn’t about looking younger—it’s about feeling confident, strong, and radiant at any age.

Lily Hoa Nguyen

Professional Status- Founder  & CEO, Vietnamese Foodies

When I first moved to Dubai with my family in 2016, I quickly realized that authentic Vietnamese cuisine was hard to find. Determined to bring the true flavors of Vietnam to the city, I started by hosting private cooking classes, introducing Dubai residents to the traditional and authentic Vietnamese recipes. Encouraged by the support of family and friends, I took the leap and opened the first Vietnamese Foodies restaurant in Jumeirah Lakes Towers in January 2018. 

From the very beginning, my vision for this brand has been clear—to serve healthy, authentic Vietnamese food that stays true to its roots while embracing Dubai’s dynamic culinary scene. Vietnamese cuisine is well-known for its balance of bold flavors and nutrition, and we are committed to live up to that reputation. By using traditional cooking methods, such as 14 hours slow-cooking bone broth for Pho, and sourcing fresh ingredients, we ensure that every dish reflects the essence of Vietnam cuisine.

Establishing Vietnamese Foodies in Dubai’s competitive F&B market was not without challenges. Dubai gastronomy scene is a melting pot of cultures, where people are gathered  from all around the world. They are open to trying new foods but have high expectations and diverse palates. With a city full of experienced travellers and residents who have tasted the real thing in its native country, staying to the root is the only way for us to stand out from the background. However, we also introduced fusion dishes like Slow-Cooked Beef with Dates, blending Vietnamese cooking techniques with local Arabic flavors, offering familiarity while maintaining authenticity to blend our Vietnamese touch into the Arabic cultures of Dubai and to close the gap between. 

From one small restaurant in JLT, we have now expanded to nine locations, including prestigious areas like DIFC and Downtown Dubai, with our latest opening in Arabian Ranches 3. This growth is a testament to our passion, dedication, and the love Dubai has shown for Vietnamese cuisine. In order to maintain the highest quality across our branches, we have established our central kitchen in Expo City, ensuring every dish served in Vietnamese Foodies restaurant will meet our high standards. 

Sophie Ryan

Professional Status- Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Brand at Dubai Racing Club

I feel incredibly fortunate to have a job that I truly love! Working as Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing, and Brand at Dubai Racing Club is more than just a professional milestone—it’s passion, a journey of growth and experience, and an opportunity to contribute to something special. 

I grew up in a horseracing family, yet this has been my first season with DRC. So whilst I have existing knowledge of the sport there of course have been both challenges and opportunities as I grew into the role. Whether it’s enhancing brand visibility, developing creative marketing strategies to drive ticket sales, or working closely with our International Department on the positioning and awareness of our horseracing calendar—it is very diverse and no two days are the same.

Many are familiar with the Dubai World Cup, known as the world’s most spectacular day of horseracing, but at Dubai Racing Club so much goes on beyond that. The fast-paced nature of the industry has pushed me to think strategically, adapt quickly, and find new ways to connect with different audiences. Whether it’s through digital engagement, storytelling, or media relations, every aspect of my work contributes to building a strong and recognizable brand for Dubai Racing Club.

But beyond the marketing and communications side, this job has become a big part of my life. I lead an incredible team, and the people I work with, the energy of race nights, and the passion within the racing community make this role very fulfilling. There’s something special about seeing months of planning come to life—when the stands fill with excitement, when a campaign resonates with fans, or when Dubai Racing Club makes headlines for all the right reasons.

At its core, my role is about bringing people closer to the sport, creating memorable experiences, and sharing the excitement of racing with the world. And that’s something I feel lucky to do every day.

Monika Saeyong

Professional status- Real Estate Agent

As a woman, you wouldn’t commonly see many working in the real estate industry as it’s often coined ‘male-dominated’, but in Dubai’s real estate market, there’s no such thing. Just like Dubai, the industry here has given women massive opportunities and openings to succeed.

Although real estate does come with unique challenges, it has also shaped me into a stronger, more resilient professional. One of my many initial hurdles was navigating client interactions. In a market where the majority of investors are men, there have been moments where I’ve had to distinguish between genuine business interest and social curiosity. Early in my career, I would invest significant time and effort into client requests, but only over time, did I learn to read between the lines, qualify clients more effectively, and focus my energy on serious buyers, making my work far more efficient.

Another challenge has been demonstrating my expertise in an industry where female agents are sometimes underestimated. To establish trust, I’ve consistently supported my insights with market data, ensuring that my advice is both credible and well-informed. While this requires extra effort, it has ultimately strengthened my credibility and positioned me as a trusted advisor within my field and across the office.

But the biggest balancing act has been managing a career in a field like ours while being a mother of two. Real estate doesn’t switch off at 6 PM; it’s a round-the-clock profession. Calls, messages, and client meetings usually start after office hours, making it difficult to fully disconnect. That said, working with an open-minded team at Espace, years of experience and clear communication with my clients have helped me set boundaries and manage my time better.

But I’m grateful for the journey Dubai and Espace have created for me. The challenges have shaped me, the experience has empowered me, and the success has made it all worth it. As I’ve grown in this industry, I’ve learned to focus on quality over quantity, working with the right clients, keeping honesty between myself and my clients, building strong relationships, and overall growth.