From lip fillers and liposuction to Botox and rhinoplasty, interest in cosmetic surgery is rising.
A recent report published by PMC, a digital archive of medical texts held by the National Library of Medicine in the US, revealed a spike in searches for reconstructive surgical procedures since June and in early July. These reached and then surpassed the number of searches recorded at the start of the year, before the coronavirus pandemic took hold.
Google Trends analysed 10 search terms, using a scale of zero to 100, from January 1 to July 10. The numbers are telling – searches for lip fillers and rhinoplasty in January were about 55 out of 100. These dipped to 30 and 41 respectively in April, during the height of the lockdown, and then increased to 65 for lip fillers and 78 for nose jobs, by July 10. Liposuction experienced the largest increase, with searches standing at just under 60 in January, fewer than 50 in April and then rising to almost 90 by July.
When we are hyper-focused on our faces, we see minute details that we would not have been aware of
The stats suggest that more time spent at home led to more time scrutinising body image. Anecdotally in the UAE, the trend is similar, say experts, who list five reasons why the pandemic may have contributed to a rise in plastic surgery.
Video calls
While physical interaction may have decreased, more time is being spent on Zoom calls, which typically close in on the face, making people more aware of their features. Dr Saliha Afridi, clinical psychologist and managing director of The LightHouse Arabia Centre for Wellbeing, says working online has thrown up many insecurities.
"I have heard people say: 'I didn't realise my face looked so tense when I listened, so I went and did Botox', or that 'my nose seems so prominent on my face, I would like surgery'… Obviously when we are hyper-focused only on our faces and the faces of others, we end up seeing the minute details that we would not have been aware of if we hadn't spent the day looking at ourselves," she says.
Dr Matt Stefanelli, a plastic reconstructive aesthetic surgeon from Highness Clinic in Dubai, says the pandemic has led to more people coming in for various non-surgical procedures, such as threads for tightening chins and jaw lines, lifting eyebrows and raising cheekbones. It's a result of what he calls "Zoom deformation". Much like selfies, the videoconferencing tool can distort the face, he explains. "The real face is a photo taken from two metres away, not like this, so close up."
Social media
Social media use has shot up owing to more time spent indoors. In March and April, the UAE's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority reported an average of 20 per cent increased use across platforms. Rose Al Hamra, hospital director at CosmeSurge, says this makes some people more conscious about their looks because "the focus remains on self-image".
People have cosmetic surgery for many reasons, but most often this has to do with a lack of confidence and low self-esteem
Afridi agrees, saying: “Social media is known to exacerbate anxiety, depression, self-criticism and negative thoughts as you compare your life and your looks to someone’s curated version of life and a filtered version of their looks,” she says.
Dr Vassiliki Simoglou, a counselling psychologist at Thrive Wellbeing Centre in Dubai, goes as far as to say that surgery has been “vulgarised” worldwide. “The cult of beauty and youth now takes the form of surgeons, beauticians and influencers around the globe showcasing procedures on social media with sensational before-and-after face, lips, nose and weight loss transformation photos.
“More diversified, targeted, affordable and accessible than ever, cosmetic procedures seem available at the touch of a button,” she says, the ultimate in instant gratification.
Dr Jamil Al Jamali, a plastic surgeon consultant at Medcare Hospital, shares a startling statistic correlating social media use to the average age of patients. "The number of women between 19 and 34, who are getting these procedures, has risen by 41 per cent in a decade." Further, he says, young women between the ages of 18 and 25 have become more interested in cosmetic surgeries. "Only a few years ago, it was uncommon to get such queries from this age group." The average age of Stefanelli's patients, meanwhile, is 30 years.
Privacy to heal
Working from home gives patients the space needed to recover. Dr Hassan Galadari of Galadari Derma in Dubai, says this could a factor in people's decisions to go ahead with a procedure, especially more discreet ones, because they can recover without taking what might otherwise mean up to a week off work as swelling or bruising settles. "Patients used to time these before a weekend or while taking some time off," Galadari says. "Working from home has allowed them to circumvent that."
Major procedures that involve debilitating surgery, such as buttock implants, have also become more popular, says Stefanelli. Not to be taken lightly, the procedure can take more than a month to recover from, during which time the patient struggles to sit or lay down, and cannot exercise. In February, Stefanelli had five such surgeries; this number increased to nine in July.
Travel restrictions
Travel bans and complications surrounding international travel mean that those who would usually go abroad for plastic surgery procedures can no longer do so. Al Jamali says this is one reason why UAE clinics are experiencing an influx of plastic surgery patients opting to have procedures performed in the Emirates. CosmeSurge clinic, for instance, reported an increase of more than 100 per cent in its number of surgical procedures since the start of the year, with the clinic being fully booked since June.
Some people are also using the money they once spent on holidays on treatments, instead.
Weight gain
With gyms having been closed for a while, many found it difficult to muster up the motivation to work out at home. Al Hamra says some looked to plastic surgery to rid themselves of the extra kilos gained during the period of restrictions on movement and beyond. “The restrictions impacted lifestyles and so people gained weight, which has led to requests for procedures such as liposuction and body contouring.”
“People decide to have cosmetic surgery for many different reasons, but most often this has to do with a lack of confidence and low self-esteem,” Al Jamali says. The pandemic, it would seem, has exacerbated these emotions even while providing more opportunities to sign up for surgery.
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Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi
Favourite holiday destination: Spain
Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody
Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa
Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19
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UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Founders: Ines Mena, Claudia Ribas, Simona Agolini, Nourhan Hassan and Therese Hundt
Date started: January 2017, app launched November 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Private/Retail/Leisure
Number of Employees: 18 employees, including full-time and flexible workers
Funding stage and size: Seed round completed Q4 2019 - $1m raised
Funders: Oman Technology Fund, 500 Startups, Vision Ventures, Seedstars, Mindshift Capital, Delta Partners Ventures, with support from the OQAL Angel Investor Network and UAE Business Angels
The specs: McLaren 600LT
Price, base: Dh914,000
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 600hp @ 7,500rpm
Torque: 620Nm @ 5,500rpm
Fuel economy 12.2.L / 100km
The%20specs%3A%202024%20Mercedes%20E200
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RESULTS
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Palestine and Israel - live updates
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Profile of Udrive
Date started: March 2016
Founder: Hasib Khan
Based: Dubai
Employees: 40
Amount raised (to date): $3.25m – $750,000 seed funding in 2017 and a Seed round of $2.5m last year. Raised $1.3m from Eureeca investors in January 2021 as part of a Series A round with a $5m target.
Closing the loophole on sugary drinks
As The National reported last year, non-fizzy sugared drinks were not covered when the original tax was introduced in 2017. Sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, 20 grams of sugar per 500ml bottle.
The non-fizzy drink AriZona Iced Tea contains 65 grams of sugar – about 16 teaspoons – per 680ml can. The average can costs about Dh6, which would rise to Dh9.
Drinks such as Starbucks Bottled Mocha Frappuccino contain 31g of sugar in 270ml, while Nescafe Mocha in a can contains 15.6g of sugar in a 240ml can.
Flavoured water, long-life fruit juice concentrates, pre-packaged sweetened coffee drinks fall under the ‘sweetened drink’ category
Not taxed:
Freshly squeezed fruit juices, ground coffee beans, tea leaves and pre-prepared flavoured milkshakes do not come under the ‘sweetened drink’ band.
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The 12
England
Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur
Italy
AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus
Spain
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Real Madrid
Results
5pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m; Winner: Faiza, Sandro Paiva (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer).
5.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh90,000 1,400m; Winner: Greeley, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Marzaga, Jim Crowley, Ana Mendez.
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 1,600m; Winner: Jawaal, Jim Crowley, Majed Al Jahouri.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m; Winner: AF Ashras, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel.
7.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Richard Mullen, Ahmed Al Mehairbi.
MATCH INFO
Day 1 at Mount Maunganui
England 241-4
Denly 74, Stokes 67 not out, De Grandhomme 2-28
New Zealand
Yet to bat
More coverage from the Future Forum
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Everton
Where: Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
The%20specs
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Tewellah by Nawal Zoghbi is out now.
Uefa Champions League last 16 draw
Juventus v Tottenham Hotspur
Basel v Manchester City
Sevilla v Manchester United
Porto v Liverpool
Real Madrid v Paris Saint-Germain
Shakhtar Donetsk v Roma
Chelsea v Barcelona
Bayern Munich v Besiktas
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
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
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
