... from my iPhone. The weekly screen time notification, which always seems to make its sobering appearance mid Sunday doom-scroll, is my regular reminder that I spend far too much time on my phone.
I don't actually need this reminder. My long-suffering fiancé, my pattient team, and my understanding friends could all confirm that I spend anywhere between six and eight hours per day with this all-consuming device glued to my right hand. My justifications include both the personal and professional: social media is a huge part of my job, much of my work is done on WhatsApp, and it's the way I keep in touch with family back home. While all of this is true, none justify the hours of screen time I amass each day.
So, I'm making a conscious decision to use my free time more wisely. Goodbye TikTok purchases that never get used, hello adventure. Because despite being a UAE expat for the best part of eight years, I feel like I've still only scratched the surface. Which is why this issue, we're heading off the beaten track, shunning the UAE's big blockbuster attractions for lesser trodden paths. Whether it's smelling the roses at a flower farm, seeing sunrise from a hot air balloon in the Ras Al Khaimah desert, or making a road trip pit stop at Sharjah's prettiest seaside café, I hope this issue leads you to pastures new from p19.
It would be impossible for me to not mark International Women's Day (March 8) in this issue. At What's On, we're passionate about championing homegrown businesses, which is why we're using the March issue to showcase a handpicked selection fo the UAE's finest, all conceptualised by brilliant women. Get inspired and join us in celebrating them from p28.
Enjoy the issue,
Alice Holtham Group Editor | 
