1 Memorable collections

2015 has been a gift for me with lots of memorable collections and collaborations of a lifetime. The cherry on top of the cake has been recognition of my achievements as an Emirati. I have always enjoyed dressing celebrities. It gives me the pleasure of taking our national dress to an international platform and displaying it as proudly as the evening gown. My attempt is to make each abaya suit the personality of the wearer and glorify it more and more each time. This year I have dressed some very well known international celebrities like E! sensation Giuliana Rancic fashionista Nicole Richie Disney superstar Laura Marano American singer-dancer Zendaya and top American socialites Jada Pinkett Smith and her gorgeous singer daughter Willow Smith.

2 Being featured in National Geographic

This year I was featured in National Geographic for representing Dubai's local fashion scene. This once again reiterates my passion for representing my own culture and showcasing it to the world.

3 Being part of Dubai Design District

Earlier in 2015 I joined hands with Dubai Design District (D3) the home to Dubai's designers artists and creative thinkers. Nothing like being in like-minded company and working towards positioning Dubai as a design hub of the region.

4 Being honoured with an award

An award for your achievement humbles me and makes me proud at the same time. This year I was honoured with the Emirati Woman Achiever Award as well as being featured in a book with prominent Emirati entrepreneurs from various fields. This recognition is for my beloved country that gives me the opportunity to serve it with my best interest.

5 Treasured memories:

My collections always make my years more beautiful. This year I especially cherish my Caravansary Collection released during Ramadan and the latest Andalusian collection inspired from my Spanish sojourn which left me mermerised by its rich tradition and Arab influence.

Looking foward: Plans for 2016

I am looking forward to newer collections unique designs and lots more of international collaborations. Queen of Spades will also be making the big move to the Dubai Design District. My atelier and studio will find space amidst the design hub.

Lamya Abedin is founder and creative director of haute couture brand Queen of Spades. Her creations have been worn by a long and varied list of reputed fashionistas from royals and VIPs to international celebs. - As told to Nida Sohail

THE YEAR OF LIVING gloriously: Today is the final installment of the series on people who define the ethos of the UAE: creative adventurous enterprising - everything that tags this place as being a great melting pot of talent and spirit

dubai - The volunteering programme of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) helped provide Dh55 million to patients who could not afford treatment in 2015.

Announcing the launch of the 2016 programme on Monday the DHA said the initiative is part of its Mosaadah (assistance) programme. Through this programme the authority reaches out to both locals and non-locals who require medical treatment but cannot afford it.

This is done through the support of various individuals and charitable organisations. The DHA awarded certificates to 10 volunteering organisations that have supported the DHA's Mosaadah initiative. The volunteering programme is open to all DHA staff members and residents of the UAE.

Salem bin Lahej head of the Mosaadah programme said: "In line with the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai we are pleased to launch this programme which presents a unique opportunity to give back to our community and to help patients who are facing financial difficulties or those who require our moral support and time.

This programme underlines the vision of our leaders to help the underprivileged and to spend time with the elderly population and those suffering from disabilities."

He said patients of various medical conditions like burns cardiac problems cancer patients etc have been provided treatment through the Mosaadah programme.