'A Day in the Life' allows you to step into the shoes of a UAE resident to experience a typical 24 hours in their work and home life.
Professional matchmaker Christiana Maxion spends her days setting up wealthy clients with the women of their dreams.
Formerly in finance and a published children’s author, New Yorker Ms Maxion, 34, moved to Abu Dhabi in 2016 to teach before switching to Dubai in 2021 to become a certified dating coach and professional matchmaker.
Today, she works with more than 40,000 singles globally – 5,000 of whom are based in the GCC – recording a 96 per cent success rate with them, which according to Ms Maxion can mean anything from a successful first date or a relationship to marriage. Memberships cost anywhere between $30,000 and $150,000.
The entrepreneur is now working on the launch of her app, Maxion: Match & Meet, which will use an AI algorithm to connect like-minded singles in the UAE at a fee of Dh550 a month.
Here, she takes The National through a typical day juggling software and app development with makeovers and playing cupid.
7am: Seizing the day
Ms Maxion’s days are always busy and she rises early to process new client applications.
“I love giving dating advice and in Dubai we literally outsource everything, so why not your love life?” she says.
“In the UAE you can date the entire [world] map. We have every age, size, colour, religion, and that lets you really understand what you are attracted to in a partner rather than being confined to a more homogeneous town.”
Ms Maxion launched her business in October 2021, partnering with US-based Patti Stranger’s Millionaire’s Club and Cinqe Matchmaking six months later, extending her reach around the world.
“We’re the only agency to offer unlimited global matchmaking and often our billionaire and multimillionaire clientele are looking for partners in different parts of the world,” she says.
“We have an extensive database and recruitment system and we can definitely find you your partner. It might take more work but that's what we're here for.”
10am: The robot revolution
In October this year, Ms Maxion plans to launch her app, Maxion: Match & Meet, and mid-morning often involves meetings with software developers.
“I say it's the anti-dating app, it’s certainly not a swiping tool,” says Ms Maxion. “It’s more of an AI-powered social matchmaking concierge, not just for romantic connections but also for friendships.
“We will send users compatible profiles and then people can decide whether to meet up or not. Once it's a mutual match, we plan, book and confirm everything.”
The app is being developed to use an AI algorithm that learns all about the user and their preferences.
“We master compatibility on the user’s behalf so they can focus on forming a real connection,” says Ms Maxion.
“Building new relationships, whether platonic or romantic, can feel like a modern minefield. There is no doubt that people are craving companionship post-pandemic, yet [some are] still in need of a little help to make it happen.”
Noon: ‘The 360-elevation process’
Every day is different for Ms Maxion, although most afternoons are dedicated to client catch-ups.
“Some clients really liked the hands-on approach and when somebody needs improvement in their dating life, I enrol them in what I call the 360-elevation process,” she says.
“I have clients that I've sent to rapid transformational therapy, relationship therapists, dentists, nutritionists, stylists and personal trainers.
“A lot of my clients really enjoy the whole process because not only are they going on dates and meeting great women, but they’re also getting feedback on areas so that they can improve and attract their ideal partner.”
5pm: Finding the perfect gift
Often Ms Maxion’s clients like to lavish their dates with gifts, which she usually picks up from the mall.
“There’s no expense spared and a lot of men go down the jewellery route,” Ms Maxion says. “I enjoy choosing pieces that will make the women feel really special and it's helpful for the men to have a female eye.
“One of my favourite success stories is about an early client who feared he'd never find a partner but is now engaged to his perfect match,” she says.
“That's the reason I do what I do.”
8pm: Love is in the air
On the evening of a first date, Ms Maxion pulls out all the stops to make sure everything goes smoothly.
“We work with partner venues like Jun’s to create a really romantic set-up,” she says.
“I’m across every detail, from the vibe of the restaurant right down to the food and drinks.
“Some guys prefer a casual drink, others will only go to white tablecloth restaurants and lots of my younger clients choose places like Topgolf or Brass Monkey. It’s my job to make it perfect.”
As for Ms Maxion, who is single, finding love is further down the list of priorities.
“I have the matchmaking core business, my app launch and a new TV programme filming soon so there’s a lot of moving pieces at the moment,” she says.
“If I was to meet someone, he’d have to be at a similar point as I am, as a founder or a chief executive who understands the 24/7 grind.”
Results
5pm: Al Maha Stables – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Reem Baynounah, Fernando Jara (jockey), Mohamed Daggash (trainer)
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: AF Afham, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
6pm: Emirates Fillies Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ghallieah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
6.30pm: Emirates Colts Classic – Prestige (PA) Dh100,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Yas Xmnsor, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
7pm: The President’s Cup – Group 1 (PA) Dh2,500,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Somoud, Adrie de Vries, Jean de Roualle
7.30pm: The President’s Cup – Listed (TB) Dh380,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Haqeeqy, Dane O’Neill, John Hyde.
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The biog
Name: Younis Al Balooshi
Nationality: Emirati
Education: Doctorate degree in forensic medicine at the University of Bonn
Hobbies: Drawing and reading books about graphic design
HEADLINE HERE
- I would recommend writing out the text in the body
- And then copy into this box
- It can be as long as you link
- But I recommend you use the bullet point function (see red square)
- Or try to keep the word count down
- Be wary of other embeds lengthy fact boxes could crash into
- That's about it
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Film: Raid
Dir: Rajkumar Gupta
Starring: Ajay Devgn, Ileana D'cruz and Saurabh Shukla
Verdict: Three stars
Find the right policy for you
Don’t wait until the week you fly to sign up for insurance – get it when you book your trip. Insurance covers you for cancellation and anything else that can go wrong before you leave.
Some insurers, such as World Nomads, allow you to book once you are travelling – but, as Mr Mohammed found out, pre-existing medical conditions are not covered.
Check your credit card before booking insurance to see if you have any travel insurance as a benefit – most UAE banks, such as Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, have cards that throw in insurance as part of their package. But read the fine print – they may only cover emergencies while you’re travelling, not cancellation before a trip.
Pre-existing medical conditions such as a heart condition, diabetes, epilepsy and even asthma may not be included as standard. Again, check the terms, exclusions and limitations of any insurance carefully.
If you want trip cancellation or curtailment, baggage loss or delay covered, you may need a higher-grade plan, says Ambareen Musa of Souqalmal.com. Decide how much coverage you need for emergency medical expenses or personal liability. Premium insurance packages give up to $1 million (Dh3.7m) in each category, Ms Musa adds.
Don’t wait for days to call your insurer if you need to make a claim. You may be required to notify them within 72 hours. Gather together all receipts, emails and reports to prove that you paid for something, that you didn’t use it and that you did not get reimbursed.
Finally, consider optional extras you may need, says Sarah Pickford of Travel Counsellors, such as a winter sports holiday. Also ensure all individuals can travel independently on that cover, she adds. And remember: “Cheap isn’t necessarily best.”
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Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Company%20Profile
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
