Every morning, Sunaira Sohail, 21, starts her day with a leisurely cup of chai, no screens in sight. For the PR assistant, it's a small daily ritual that helps her feel grounded before work begins.
Similarly, product manager Sunidhi Kashyap, 25, starts her day with tea, incense and journaling. It's her five minutes of quiet time.
“For me, slow living means being present and more in tune with my emotions,” says Kashyap. Like many of her Gen Z peers living and working in the UAE, she's consciously shifting her mindset and habits towards slowing down.
While fast-paced cities such as Dubai might seem at odds with "slow living", that's precisely why many people who have recently entered the workforce are making an effort to reject so-called hustle culture.
Spending time in nature, daily pauses and grounding rituals have become the priority, rather than "proving themselves" with late nights in the office, or overworking in hopes to quickly climb the corporate ladder.
“In a fast-paced world, slowing down is a form of self-care,” says Harley Sabater, a healthcare professional living in Abu Dhabi. Alongside his healthcare role, Sabater also has a decade of experience in conducting gardening workshops, where he has witnessed this shift first hand, noting how Gen Z embrace mindful living and balance.
A shift to slower living
Hustle culture glorifies non-stop productivity that includes long work hours, side gigs and packed weekends often at the cost of rest. Social media helps to fuel this, equating success with output.
But now fomo (fear of missing out) is giving way to jomo (joy of missing out), as people are seeking quieter, more meaningful lives.
Shaikha Alhemeiri, clinical psychologist and senior student counsellor at Zayed University, Dubai, says there’s been a clear shift in how young people prioritise mental health in the UAE. “I’ve noticed more interest in therapy, mindfulness and tackling anxiety and burnout,” she adds.
National campaigns, schools and social media have helped normalise these conversations. This generation is more open despite the stigma. Workplaces too are evolving, with wellness breaks and quiet spaces becoming more common.
What’s driving the shift?
Working late and skipping lunch breaks, not so long ago, was equated with professionalism and dedication. But as wellness has entered the mainstream, younger generations are no longer willing to put up with the mental, physical and emotional toll such habits take.
Highly stressful situations have often resulted in a "breaking point". Sohail’s turning point came during her final university semester, juggling deadlines, internships and the pressure of online presence. “I didn’t realise how much I was pretending I wasn’t exhausted,” she reflects. “I only allowed myself to rest when it started to affect my health.”
That recognition marked a new beginning, and for the first time, she gave herself permission to pause.
Kashyap had a similar realisation after a year in the corporate world. “It’s easy to get caught up in constant busyness and lose sight of yourself,” she says. After a week of long hours, skipped meals and restless nights, she felt drained. “My body was exhausted, my mind overstimulated. That’s when I knew something had to change.”
These pressures are prompting many towards thoughtful living – valuing emotional honesty and stability. The Reward Gateway 2024 Workplace Wellbeing report shows that 18 to 24-year-olds face the highest financial stress (59 per cent), feel most disconnected at work (71 per cent) and are likeliest to consider a job change (37 per cent). While pay matters, many prefer flexible, supportive environments – 44 per cent would choose well-being over a 10 per cent raise.
And the global landscape will continue to change as Gen Z's influence within it grows. Many choose entrepreneurship, flexibility and skilled jobs over traditional paths. When entering the workforce, they prioritise autonomy, purpose and growth – and expect workplaces to reflect that.
“There’s a noticeable shift in this generation’s mindset,” observes Alhemeiri. They are turning inward, building awareness and finding ways to manage stress.
“Going forward, I’d choose better work-life balance over a higher title or salary,” says Kaushik, after three intense start-up years.
Gen Z also faces mounting pressures from constant connectivity, says Alhemeiri. “In the past, global issues appeared on the news occasionally. Now, young people are exposed to distressing headlines all the time.” Add that exposure to constant social media comparisons and unrealistic standards, and their digital worlds feel draining.
Like every generation before them, Gen Z also inherits the pressure to appear as though they "have it all together".
“But the truth is, it’s totally okay to not be okay.” Real resilience, Alhemeiri explains, is about recognising when things are hard and allowing space to feel. “That’s actually what helps people grow and heal in the long run.”
Mindful rituals
Micro-practises are key to integrated slow living into the necessities of daily life, from mindful tea-making and crochet to deep breathing sessions.
Kashyap prioritises breakfast, takes daily walks, does yoga and follows an evening routine. “Even small changes like sitting down to eat or stepping outside help me stay grounded.”
Sohail, meanwhile, makes time to wind down each evening now. First, by taking time to be offline – reading a book, with music in the background and dim lighting – which makes for a calming setting. "Even baking or tidying helps me feel present," she adds.
Others tend to plants or herbs. “Gardening brings a sense of calm and mindfulness. A single Monstera can spark joy, connection and confidence more than decor, it’s a lifestyle shift,” says Sabater.
Finding time for connection also helps. “My best friend and I often talk about rest, presence and just being gentler with ourselves,” shares Sohail. “Having someone who values the same kind of pace really helps, especially when the rest of the world still feels like it’s racing ahead."
For those looking to take a leaf out of Gen Z's herb garden, Alhemeiri advices: “You don’t have to change everything overnight, start small, start slow. Five quiet minutes can be enough, give yourself time, be gentle. You’re human, not a machine.”
Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.
Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.
“Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.
“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.
Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.
From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.
Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.
BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.
Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.
Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.
“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.
Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.
“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.
“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”
The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, Pope.
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Maitland-Niles, Mings, Saka, Trippier, Walker.
Midfielders Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Winks.
Forwards Abraham, Barnes, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish, Ings, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
About Takalam
Date started: early 2020
Founders: Khawla Hammad and Inas Abu Shashieh
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: HealthTech and wellness
Number of staff: 4
Funding to date: Bootstrapped
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
Types of bank fraud
1) Phishing
Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.
2) Smishing
The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.
3) Vishing
The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.
4) SIM swap
Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.
5) Identity theft
Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.
6) Prize scams
Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
The Vile
Starring: Bdoor Mohammad, Jasem Alkharraz, Iman Tarik, Sarah Taibah
Director: Majid Al Ansari
Rating: 4/5
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
Tuesday results:
- Singapore bt Malaysia by 29 runs
- UAE bt Oman by 13 runs
- Hong Kong bt Nepal by 3 wickets
Final:
Thursday, UAE v Hong Kong
CREW
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More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
The Vines - In Miracle Land
Two stars
Results
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How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Match info
What: Fifa Club World Cup play-off
Who: Al Ain v Team Wellington
Where: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
When: Wednesday, kick off 7.30pm
Afghanistan squad
Gulbadin Naib (captain), Mohammad Shahzad (wicketkeeper), Noor Ali Zadran, Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Asghar Afghan, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Najibullah Zadran, Samiullah Shinwari, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Dawlat Zadran, Aftab Alam, Hamid Hassan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Silent Hill f
Publisher: Konami
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC
Rating: 4.5/5
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
