Afternoons with Helen Farmer

From chef Yannick Alleno’s new chocolaterie to the French pastry chef now serving Dubai’s fashion set, Helen gets the lowdown on the city’s sweetest eats.

Plus, we learn the truth about drinking water, explore the sights of Al Zorah City, and learn about a new choir singing for a sense of community.

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This Saturday marks World Menopause Day with the aim of raising awareness of the issues that every woman will experience during this phase of life. With nearly half the workforce going through menopause at some point in their careers, continuing silence around this issue is costing businesses talent, productivity, and leadership potential. Jennifer is joined by Katy Homes, CEO of the British Chamber of Commerce Dubai and Maureen Bannerman, Co-Founder of the GCC Menopause Hub to discuss.

A recent research by the UK government found early one-third of internet users has reported experiencing online harassment or trolling at some point, while similar research in the US put that figure over 40 per cent. Dr Sarah Rasmi from Thrive Wellbeing Centre shares what drives someone to harass, provoke, or humiliate others under cover of a username.

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New research shows the average family is wasting $120 a year on unused subscriptions. Carol Glynn is on hand to talk easy saving hacks on spending you won’t miss.

Elsewhere, from burnout to the ‘quiet quitting’ wave, what if the missing piece isn’t perks or pay – but belonging? Helen meets two experts who say connection is the new KPI.

We’ve all heard about efforts to make the UAE an option for retirees. But would you start a new life in Dubai in your 90s? We meet the woman who did just that…

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UAE expat lawyer Byron James says it’s time the system better recognised the role of dads – and the pain of reduced child access after divorce – when considering custody. 

Meanwhile, it’s October, which means hopefully thousands of women are making sure they check their breasts. Dr Amrita Kumar talks us through a hi-tech new screening system – and the intro of AI – that it’s hoped could change the game.

And as a major new international study reveals that being agreeable is working against men looking for love, Dr Thoriya explores the situations where nice guys finish last.

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From stem cells to gene editing to tissue engineering, some of the treatments favoured by the A-list sound truly space age to us ordinary joes. But are they are out of reach as they might seem? Dr Adeel Khan, doctor to the stars, says no… 

Meanwhile, the puberty conversation is one many parents find awkward. Now, a new programme called The Talk aims to make it easier for all. Its founder, teacher Nadine Walters, explains how. 
Plus, we talk safeguarding for kids, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest insights into the off-plan property market.

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As we mark World Mental Health Day, Helen is joined by Sandra Mikhail, author of The Gut Chronicles, to ask what dietary tweaks could improve your wellbeing.

We’re also joined by Richard Douglas, Dubai’s hottest new butcher, Julianne Kailihiwa, founder of Sumo Sushi & Bento which is celebrating its 25th birthday this month, and Chef Shaw Lash, who is branching out with her third Mexican eatery.

Plus, with school holidays approaching, Adam Long, Founder of Dubai Sound Academy, in on hand to discuss how to use the break to turn your child into a superstar DJ…

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New international study Her Fandom, Her Buying Power, found that 90% of female sports fans say organisations don’t truly understand them, and 40% feel brands fail to recognise them as consumers. Dawn Barnable of The Mettleset & Pooja Sukumar of The Collective explore why.

Plus, from hallucinations to false attributions, problems with AI are being widely reported. But how do we teach our kids and young people to use new tech safely if we can’t tell fact from fiction?

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Gaming isn’t just for kids. Adults are spending hours, even entire weekends, lost in virtual worlds—and for some, it’s becoming a serious issue. We dive into the rise of gaming addiction with Dr. Asad Sadiq, Consultant Psychiatrist, and explore its impact on work, relationships, and mental health. 

Plus, we discuss the latest advances in pet oncology with Dr. Nour Abou Fakher and Dr. Beatriz Wuhrmann Otero, and learn about the upcoming MENA School Excellence Awards with Louise Dawson. Finally, we shift to breast cancer survival strategies with survivor Jen Blandos and oncologist Dr. Heidi Kussmann.

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It’s TikTok’s topic du jour – but everyone’s ex can’t be a narcissist. So, what really are the signs of narcissism, and how do avoid falling victim? Helen gets into it with psychologist Lighthouse Arabia.
Meanwhile, as research suggests a belief that kids are becoming ruder, we ask the experts how we can we instil manners in our kids at any age. And Thenji Moyo is here with your employment law clinic too.

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It's the leading cause of road deaths in the UAE - now Dubai is cracking down on drink driving with some of the toughest laws in the country. What does it mean for our roads?

Plus, we go behind the doors of a global award-winning Dubai school, and Haus & Haus are on hand with the latest on the city's property scene

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