Mother’s Day falls on different dates in different countries around the world – 14th March in the UK, for instance, and 21st March in the UAE. Whatever the date, everyone agrees that Mum is one woman who should never be forgotten. Here’s what these Abu Dhabi mothers had to say about their special day ...
Rowena De La RosaPhilippines, mother of Asset (7)
and Aifa (3)
For me, Mother’s Day is a time for my husband to show his appreciation to me. My children are too small to understand what Mother’s Day is, but my husband will use this day to show his gratitude to me for being a mother. I’m a simple person, so I don’t really care about material things. I would rather receive flowers. Every year my husband brings me white roses—when I wake up in the morning, he’s right there with flowers in front of my face!
Rima Chahrour
Syria, mother of Kenan (10)
and Yasmin (3)
The mother is a very special person; my own mother died three years ago, but I started celebrating when I was ten years old. I tried to make her cards, buy presents for my mom, and bring her cake—every Mother’s Day I made plans for her, so now it’s a day when I remember her and I can enjoy it with my own kids. I don’t know what I’ll get this year. Usually it’s a surprise, but my husband always helps my children plan something for me.
Tracy Innes
Canada, mother of Phillip (6), Mark (3) and Danny (2)
Mother’s Day is a day I spend morning to night with my kids—no laundry, no dishes, just my kids. We’ll stay in our pyjamas all day; we’ll brush our teeth and wash our faces, but that’s about it. There’s wrestling and puzzles—we do all those things I wish I could do all the time but I don’t have time for. This year, I’m hoping to get an electric starter for my car so when the weather gets warm, I can start the car and get the air conditioner going before we get in.
Denise Weaver
USA, mother of Andrew (4)
and Lewis (2)
I don’t usually do anything very special for myself on Mother’s Day other than call my own mother and send her flowers. Instead, I like to think of how happy I am to be the mother of my two fantastic boys for a few minutes every day. In the mornings, they always crawl into my bed for hugs and cuddles, and every day, I am reminded of how much I love them and how glad I am that I get to be their mom.
Anne Fernando
Sri Lanka, mother of Shilka (21)
In Sri Lanka we don’t really celebrate Mother’s Day, but when my mother was living here, I started celebrating for her. I would always get flowers for her to say ‘thank you for being such a kind mother for me; you are very strong and I love you very much’. Even now, I call her in Sri Lanka on Mother’s Day and we talk for half an hour. My daughter now also takes the time to make a card for me rather than just buying one in a shop and she sends it to me, which is very nice.
Coralie Scott-Mackie
New Zealand, mother of Kaelab (4)
Mother’s Day is a time to get spoiled and it makes you feel special about what you’re doing, all the hard work you put into your family and children. It’s one of those days in the year when you get acknowledged for everything—being a mother is a lot more work than it looks! It’s the least paid job there is, but you get lots of love for it, and it’s a long term job that lasts for the rest of your life. I’d love to get a weekend away at Atlantis this year, spending quality time with my family somewhere special.
Basma Ibrahim
UAE, mother of Khalid (3)
For me, Mother’s Day is more about what I do for my own mother and mother-in-law, since my son is still small. We bring cake and gifts, and we spend the day celebrating at the house. It’s a time to be together. My son is too small to give me gifts—he only knows his own birthday—but it would be nice to get a flower. I’m planning to give my mother maybe something gold; maybe someday my child will do the same for me!
Renae KingAustralia, mother of Lily (7)
and Alexa (4)
I’d really say every day is Mother’s Day for me, but on the proper day, Mother’s Day is a just a time for my husband and kids to make a special effort for Mommy to get her own way. I get breakfast in bed and lots of kisses and cuddles, then we all spend the day together. It’s not about the material things, but I usually get chocolates and yellow roses, and the girls make special, heartfelt gifts for me. More importantly, it’s a day when I can enjoy the real gifts I’ve been given—that is, my children.
Tamsin Venter
England, mother of Ava (4) and Louis (2)
On Mother’s Day, I get to lie in bed and have breakfast and get cards and get spoiled for the day. It’s a day for the children to be nice to their mum and for me to do what I want to do. This year, if I get a card and some flowers, I’ll be happy. I’m just looking forward to the focus being on me for a change. It’s not that important to me, but it is nice.
Sunitha Pakerla
India, mother of Shaniey (14)
and Rosie (4)
I don’t usually get to be with my family on Mother’s Day, but if I’m in India, they always want to spend the whole day with me. I like to give gifts to my children, and they always do something special for me. The last time I was there for Mother’s Day, I let my mother sleep late; then I brought her breakfast in bed, flowers, and three night gowns. She was very surprised and happy. When I came out of her room, my children were waiting for me with sweets, flowers, and tickets for a movie about a very special mother. It was a wonderful day—I was very happy.
Crystal Windsor
South Africa, mother of Belle (5)
Mother’s Day for me is special because it gives me a chance to appreciate how lucky I am to be a mother and also because now that Belle is old enough, she makes me the best home-made cards! It is also nice to have a special day set aside that recognizes all that we do as mothers. This year I would like a spa voucher as nothing says ‘thanks for being my mom’ like a massage and loads of hugs and kisses from my daughter!
Mother’s Days
2nd February Greece
14th February Norway
3rd March Georgia
8th March many countries including Afghanistan, Bulgaria, and Laos
(it’s International Women’s Day too)
14th March Ireland, Nigeria, UK
21st March UAE and most other Arab countries
25th March Slovenia
7th April Armenia
2nd May Hungary, Lithuania, Mozambique, Portugal, Spain
10th May many countries including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Pakistan, Philippines and USA
15th May Paraguay
26th May Poland
27th May Bolivia
30th May many countries including France, Mauritius, Morocco, Sweden
14th June Luxembourg
27th June Kenya
12th August Thailand
15th August Costa Rica
19th August India
11th October Malawi
14th October Belarus
17th October Argentina
28th November Russia
8th December Panama
22nd December Indonesia
You’re a real mum when ...1. You count the number of sprinkles on each cupcake to make sure each child gets
the same
2. You hire a babysitter because you
haven't been out with your husband in ages, then you spend half the night talking about and checking on the kids
3. You only have time to shave one leg at a time
4. You find yourself cutting your husband's sandwiches into unusual shapes
5. You can't bear to give away
baby clothes
Three Mother’s Day treats
Flowers by Exotica: Of course flowers are completely irrational—they’re not cheap, they die within a few days, you can’t even eat them, but nothing says ‘I think you’re fabulous’ like this beautiful indulgence. Want to really make her day? Have them delivered to her office so that all her friends can see just how special you think she is. Call 02-644-4416 or check out their website at www.exoticaemirates.com
Women’s Week at Crowne Plaza: In celebration of the 101st Women’s Day, the Crowne Plaza on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island is running daily promotions in honour of all ladies from 8th-14th March including discounts on beverages, eats, and a disco party. Call 02-656-3053 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to find out what’s on offer
Dream Days: Really want to knock her socks off? Book her in for one of Dream Days’ gift experiences and show her what pampering is all about. With everything from spa days to hot air balloon rides, Dream Days can help you say more than just ‘thanks’. Find out how at
www.dreamdays.ae
Say it with a scent ...
Show mum you care with these well-packaged gifts – the perfect way to make her feel special on Mother’s Day
Paco RabanneThe Shine by Night Mothers Day collection will win you instant brownie points this March, with Ultra violet and Black XS fragrances including a free metal mesh bag – the perfect accessory for on-trend mum’s.
Fruity, floral and woody notes in Black XS make this fiery fragrance a real winner while top notes of fresh pimento warm an underlying mix of vanilla and amber in Ultra Violet for a sensual and enticing fragrance.
Carolina Herrera
Whether you pick CH, Carolina Herrera Classic or 212 – one thing’s sure – mum will love any one – or all three of these fragrances.
212 is modern and fun – perfect for busy mum’s on the go. Floral notes keep it feminine and fresh. The mother’s day package comprises a handy, practical tote with every purchase of 212 products from the Carolina Herrera line.
Classic offers an evocative, green and fruity floral scent, lined with jasmine and tuberose. Base notes of sandalwood and amber complete a truly feminine fragrance.
CH is fresh, floral and oriental – with sharp citrus notes including grapefruit and Sicilian lemon. Wrap up the perfect Mother’s Day present with a perfectly pretty jewellery case – free with every CH and Classic Carolina Herrera purchase.
Both fragrances are available at outlets across the UAE.
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