When Kirsten Miller decided to have a cosmetic procedure, she had no idea what she was in for. The story, reported in The National last year, tells how Ms Miller believed she was commissioning a simple procedure, a semi-permanent eyeliner tattoo, which would save her time and make-up expenses.
Instead she was left with unsightly blotches and uneven lines on her face - and traumatised by the botched surgery.
Many similar cases are reported to health authorities in the UAE every year. In a medical field that is growing rapidly, as The National reports today, there are alarming numbers of botched surgeries, unregistered practitioners and flawed practices.
Cosmetic surgery can have life-changing beneficial effects - the story today of Ali Al Zubaidi, who has had several weight-loss related procedures, demonstrates the point.
But in other cases, the psychological effect of these surgeries can be very negative. Even when cosmetic surgery is successful, psychiatrists suggest that appearance-related anxiety is not always resolved. In many cases, a surgery can make the situation worse, especially for people who suffer from body dysmorphic disorder, in which they are obsessed with imagined or very slight physical flaws.
Some statistics indicate that cosmetic surgery may have doubled in Dubai in a single year. Regardless of the exact numbers, there is no doubt that the trend, especially among men, is on the rise. Nearly a quarter of clients at the American Academy for Cosmetic Surgery Hospital are male, compared to just 10 per cent in 2008.
Many plastic surgeries centres, especially private clinics, do not require a psychological assessment before a cosmetic procedure. And if assessments are offered, many clients forego them - plastic surgeons themselves are raising this as a concern. Studies shows that being mentally prepared is as important as being physically fit. It's essential to evaluate a patient's psychological condition before proceeding to the operation room.
And most importantly, people should keep in mind that their health is far more important than anything else. In a beauty-obsessed society, the words of the Lebanese-American poet Khalil Gibran ring even more true: "Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart."
Ticket prices
- Golden circle - Dh995
- Floor Standing - Dh495
- Lower Bowl Platinum - Dh95
- Lower Bowl premium - Dh795
- Lower Bowl Plus - Dh695
- Lower Bowl Standard- Dh595
- Upper Bowl Premium - Dh395
- Upper Bowl standard - Dh295
How the UAE gratuity payment is calculated now
Employees leaving an organisation are entitled to an end-of-service gratuity after completing at least one year of service.
The tenure is calculated on the number of days worked and does not include lengthy leave periods, such as a sabbatical. If you have worked for a company between one and five years, you are paid 21 days of pay based on your final basic salary. After five years, however, you are entitled to 30 days of pay. The total lump sum you receive is based on the duration of your employment.
1. For those who have worked between one and five years, on a basic salary of Dh10,000 (calculation based on 30 days):
a. Dh10,000 ÷ 30 = Dh333.33. Your daily wage is Dh333.33
b. Dh333.33 x 21 = Dh7,000. So 21 days salary equates to Dh7,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service. Multiply this figure for every year of service up to five years.
2. For those who have worked more than five years
c. 333.33 x 30 = Dh10,000. So 30 days’ salary is Dh10,000 in gratuity entitlement for each year of service.
Note: The maximum figure cannot exceed two years total salary figure.
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
Business Insights
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Sukuk explained
Sukuk are Sharia-compliant financial certificates issued by governments, corporates and other entities. While as an asset class they resemble conventional bonds, there are some significant differences. As interest is prohibited under Sharia, sukuk must contain an underlying transaction, for example a leaseback agreement, and the income that is paid to investors is generated by the underlying asset. Investors must also be prepared to share in both the profits and losses of an enterprise. Nevertheless, sukuk are similar to conventional bonds in that they provide regular payments, and are considered less risky than equities. Most investors would not buy sukuk directly due to high minimum subscriptions, but invest via funds.
The specs
Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now
Dhadak
Director: Shashank Khaitan
Starring: Janhvi Kapoor, Ishaan Khattar, Ashutosh Rana
Stars: 3
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5