The absence of proper menopause care is a global issue, but in many ways the UAE is now one of the forerunners, local experts say.
Sophie Smith, founder and chief executive of Nabta Health, a women’s healthcare clinic in Dubai, said this is “in terms of creating viable ways to make menopause care accessible to women of diverse backgrounds”.
In recent years, the UAE has made several strides in this area, helping women to better navigate what can be a difficult time in their lives.
Open conversations about menopause are critical in order to prevent women struggling in silence
Sophie Smith,
founder and chief executive of Nabta Health
Abu Dhabi opened its first menopause clinic in Al Zafaranah Diagnostic Screening Centre in 2022 and, since then, several more providers across the Emirates have launched similar initiatives.
This includes the capital’s tech-focused healthcare company M42, which earlier this month announced the launch of Laha Wellness Hub, a holistic clinic dedicated to women aged 35 and above offering support for a wide range of women's issues, including perimenopause and menopause management.
“There is a growing movement in government and the private sector to destigmatise menopause, which translates in Arabic as ‘the age of despair’,” Ms Smith told The National.
“Women experiencing emotional and mental shifts during perimenopause and menopause can feel unheard by a system that doesn’t acknowledge these crucial aspects. Open conversations about menopause are critical in order to prevent women struggling in silence.”
'Education is still needed'
There are dozens of symptoms associated with menopause, which is described by Mayo Clinic as the time that marks the end of your menstrual cycles. It generally occurs between 45 and 55 years for women worldwide.
Some of the most common symptoms include hot flushes, mood changes, sleep issues, vaginal dryness and weight gain. These can affect quality of life, but also the ability to function day to day, even affecting performance at work.
Menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workplace, according to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine in the UK, with about 75 per cent experiencing symptoms and 25 per cent experiencing serious symptoms.
Support for these women tends to be found wanting – but this is not the trend in the UAE.
Dr Aagje Bais, a consultant gynecologist at Mediclinic Arabian Ranches, said she had seen a huge improvement in the treatment possibilities doctors have access to in the 15 year she has been working here.
Over the past few years alone, the options for hormone-replacement therapy (HRT), for example, have significantly improved.
Demographics have also shifted, as the UAE’s attractiveness as a destination to live and changing visa laws have meant Dr Bais sees more women of menopausal age than ever before.
About 85 per cent of Dr Bais's patients are menopausal and she often prescribes hormone replacement therapy to help manage symptoms. But education on this topic is still needed.
“Education not just for patients but also doctors, about the possibilities of HRT,” she said.
“A lot of patients still refuse, saying their other doctor says not to use it because ‘you’re going to die or you’re going to get breast cancer’.
“They scare people with knowledge that it is not up to date. And that is a shame, because then people will be afraid of seeking help for symptoms we can do something for.”
HRT, lifestyle changes and confidantes
The biggest achievement in menopause care in the UAE recently has been the availability of more bio-identical HRT.
Affordability is particularly important for Dr Bais's patients as many insurance plans do not cover tests and treatments relating to hormones, perimenopause and menopause, “let alone HRT”.
Another challenge is stock, as local pharmacies often run out of the medication, Dr Bais said.
HRT is not the only treatment, however. She usually begins with lifestyle changes, such as increasing exercise and reducing smoking and the consumption of alcohol.
If symptoms are related to mood and emotions, then a better treatment might be counselling, or an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication.
Simply talking about what you are going through can greatly help, which is why local support networks such as Hotflash Inc and the Middle East Menopause Organisation are also vital.
Cassie Destino, 48, founder of IVF Support UAE, is currently training to be a menopause doula, a role she describes as being like a professional confidante who women can seek for comfort and guidance.
“I'm like your friend without being your friend,” she said. “So, you can talk to me about all the ins and outs, and I know exactly what you're talking about and exactly what it feels like, but I'm not your mate.
“You can talk about it and vent about it, but also keep it private from the rest of your life.”
Ms Destino, who already provides the same service for women struggling with fertility issues, said she still comes across many misconceptions of menopause among women in her community, including which symptoms are relevant and what to do about them.
“Most people are actually fine going through menopause,” she said. “But there’s a long timeline. Some people go through it in a year while other people, it takes 12 years, and you might not even know it.
“I just wish they all knew it's a natural human condition.”
Dr Bais agreed, noting: “It’s a part of the process we have to go through.
“And once you realise you’re not crazy or funny or weird, then you can accept it. And once you accept it, you can deal with things in your own way.”
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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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)
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The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
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Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
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Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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BEACH SOCCER WORLD CUP
Group A
Paraguay
Japan
Switzerland
USA
Group B
Uruguay
Mexico
Italy
Tahiti
Group C
Belarus
UAE
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Russia
Group D
Brazil
Oman
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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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 specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
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- Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
- Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help.
- Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
- Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
- Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported.
Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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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)
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Zayed Sustainability Prize
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
