Elsa Majimbo has been to Dubai many times, but this is her first time as an established Instagram star with more than 2.3 million followers from around the world, and celebrity fans including Beyonce and Rihanna.
Majimbo, 19, who found fame during global coronavirus lockdowns last year, is currently in the city for a project she's working on with Dubai Tourism. She tells The National her trip so far has been "breathtaking".
"I've been here for 15 days and I'll be here for a week more," Majimbo says, also mentioning that Dubai "has a lot of food".
"The food is expensive but [with] top notch facilities. So it makes sense," she says.
Majimbo attracted fans from around the world last year with her hilarious Instagram monologues, delivered wearing sunglasses with a contagious laugh, followed by a snack of crisps.
Her videos offered much-needed light relief for a world wrecked by anxiety and uncertainty. They went viral and her fame led to partnerships with cosmetics brand MAC, dating app Bumble and Rihanna's Fenty sunglasses among others.
Last month, she announced a collaboration with Italian fashion house Valentino: a book called The Alphabet for Kids & Adults – her "entry into high fashion".
"It's not a clothing collaboration, like everyone expects," she explains in a tongue-in-cheek promotional video, "it's a book for children and their parents."
She also hosts a podcast, Bedtime with Elsa, which has featured everyone from record-breaking Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, to British singer Jorja Smith and Canadian comedian Lilly Singh.
The Nairobi-born social media star is also a 15-time chess champion, and collaborated with Netflix in January to release a video titled Is Elsa Majimbo the Real Queen's Gambit?, a reference to the streaming giant's popular chess-themed show.
While details of the Dubai Tourism campaign are still under wraps, Majimbo says she's been eating, attending meetings, working and having fun for the past 15 days in the city.
“Anything I could have done in Dubai ... I’ve done it.”
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The biog
Occupation: Key marker and auto electrician
Hometown: Ghazala, Syria
Date of arrival in Abu Dhabi: May 15, 1978
Family: 11 siblings, a wife, three sons and one daughter
Favourite place in UAE: Abu Dhabi
Favourite hobby: I like to do a mix of things, like listening to poetry for example.
Favourite Syrian artist: Sabah Fakhri, a tenor from Aleppo
Favourite food: fresh fish
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What is a credit score?
In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.
Why is it important?
Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.
How is it calculated?
The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.
How can I improve my score?
By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.
How do I know if my score is low or high?
By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.
How much does it cost?
A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.
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The biog
Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns
Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
Food of choice: Sushi
Favourite colour: Orange
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