This time XPRESS presents five pretty young things who have the right mix of beauty, brains and stylish flair – the parameters required to make it to our list of Dubai's most interesting if not the most eligible bachelorettes. Awad Mustafa sizes up Laila, Renee, Susie, Shomaila and Linda.
* Which of the bachelorettes is the hottest? Vote in our poll.
LINDA BEAINI
This 23-year-old TV presenter sees herself as the modern day Joan of Arc. But this seemingly "tough" gal has a soft spot. She dreams of eventually settling in a villa next to a lake or one that has a big garden and a pool.
Her take on relationships: Caring, supportive, faithful, funny and ironic.
What does she expect from her partner? To respect me first of all, love me, to be faithful and funny.
Her fantasy man?Brad Pitt
Likes about Dubai: Friendly community and people here love to flirt a lot.
Dislikes: Materialism.
LAILA MORO
Having been highly recommended by Real Flava's DJ Bliss as the "Most Eligible Bachelorette" reflects the popularity of this 23-year-old British PR executive in Dubai's club scene. Laila counts singing as among her talents – that is "when I can steal the mic". She drives a 2008 Audi convertible and dreams of having her own pad in Palm Jumeirah.
Her take on relationships: Caring and passionate and occasionally high maintenance.
What does she expect from her partner? Someone who is as fiery as I am. Basically someone who is a bit challenging and keeps me entertained but at the same time supports me in life.
What iconic figure does she see herself as? Oh, it's got to be Marilyn Monroe. It's all in the pout, you see!
Likes about Dubai: I like the way Dubai has embraced so many different nationalities and cultures and everyone manages to get along well.
Dislikes: I don't really have any dislikes. I guess I wouldn't be here if I did have any.
RENEE MAURICIO
Having produced the only successful local English television programme for children shows that this 24-year-old Filipina has the brains to match her beauty.
Born and raised in Dubai, Renee's short film was recently adjudged best in cinematography by a prestigious award-giving body in the Philippines and her masterpiece is presently in competition in a film festival in Korea. She dreams of living in a house on a cliff with an unhampered view of the ocean.
Her take on relationships: I want to be with someone who is fun to be with, supportive of my endeavours, honest, generous and mature.
What does she expect from her partner? Smart but doesn't take advantage, kind but not shy, neat but not vain, sensitive but not bisexual.
Likes about Dubai: You basically can get everything easily, from the things you need to luxury. Plus there are lots of nice places to chill out.
Dislikes: I hate how expensive things are getting. I hate the racial discrimination and how Dubai makes people selfish.
SUSIE ILIYAN
Yo! This 28-year-old Canadian rocks. Susie, who traces her roots to Palestine, counts breakdancing as one of her talents. She wants to live in a house with "lots of windows so the sun can shine through" and she wants it to be powered by solar energy. Call her a green chic gal.
Her take on relationships: I got lots of love to give. I just need to find the right relationship where I can feel free to give all the love I got without getting hurt. I like to control certain things and with other issues, I have no problem going with the flow.
What does she expect from her partner? To not only feel love for me but to express it often. I generally try not to have expectations because then a person sets oneself up for disappointment.
I know that I will attract the right person that I need in my life depending on what lesson the universe wants to teach me.
Likes about Dubai: Dubai is so transient that a person can see new faces all the time. And there are so many options of different places to go to and eat at that you never have to repeat the same location twice unless you choose to.
Dislikes: People like to dress up and look fancy, but I'd love to see more funky and original styles out there.
SHOMAILA JAFRI
This 27-year-old Indian cabin crew says she fits in Dubai perfectly after living here for about a year now.
Her take on relationships: I am a total giver in a relationship. I am very supportive and encouraging. I make any man's dream come true.
What does she expect from her partner?: I expect him to be a genuine person and he should be mentally stimulating to me because I believe in growing even in personal relationships.
Likes about Dubai:
- Multicultural
- Multilingual
- I met some of the nicest people in Dubai
- Quality of life
- Cleanliness
- Architecture
Dislikes: Nothing. I fit here completely.
Your comments
The epitome of beauty and brain, way to go Renee!
Myish, Malaysia
Posted: June 26, 2008, 08:35
She looks great!
Evelyn, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 25, 2008, 14:03
I would go for Renee Mauricio. She's lovely.
Shee, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 23, 2008, 23:21
My vote goes to Renee. She has what it takes. Go girl, you deserve it. Be proud of ur roots..
Kathy, Philippines
Posted: June 23, 2008, 16:52
When you talk about beauty & brain - that is Renee. A dreamer, an achiever and a talented young lady from Asia who possesses beauty inside & out. We believe if she is given a chance, she will be able to share her gifts to all – especially the young ones, besides touching people’s lives. No doubt about it that she is the hottest of bachelorettes. To all our Kabayan out there, let’s all vote for Renee. MABUHAY to all of us and to XPRESS.
Alex, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: June 23, 2008, 12:33
Renee is simply the best!
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 23, 2008, 00:38
Are you guys serious?? There are hundreds of naturally stunning bachelorettes in Dubai. I would like to know who decided that these girls were among them..
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 22, 2008, 12:44
I vote for Reene. I've seen her taking good care of children and she teaches youths like me facts about reality.
Anonymous, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: June 21, 2008, 17:57
Renee' is a hottie! She's beautiful and has a great voice. You guys should hear her sing...you'll definitely fall for her. No joke! Hehe. She's also a good actress. A versatile actress.
Anonymous, Philippines
Posted: June 20, 2008, 21:29
Renee, it doesn't really matter whether you win or loose the battle...what matters is that you were able to represent the Philippine culture and our people gloriously by your charm and wit...and that means WINNING THE WAR! Cheers!!
Jovy, United Kingdom
Posted: June 19, 2008, 22:46
I vote for Renee Mauricio. Her interest in the education of children is something to be valued. Also, her dream of "living in a house on a cliff with an unhampered view of the ocean" reminds me of Michael Josephson's insightful poem "What Will Matter."
Anonymous, Canada
Posted: June 19, 2008, 20:06
Try diversity – honestly! It helps to bring up better results. These are just plain looking girls. You can see such faces anywhere in the UAE. Avoid this type of plain looking girls please!
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 19, 2008, 17:48
Renee knows what she wants and how to handle things. Proud to be a Filipina, she really deserves it.
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 19, 2008, 15:48
I voted for my friend Renee. Not being biased but I think she deserves our votes. She's beautiful inside and out!
Catt, Philippines
Posted: June 19, 2008, 08:13
I just want to be honest. All of them are unique but no one stands out. I saw Renee in person but she isn't pretty and her way of mixing and matching the colours of what she was wearing wasn't stylish at all. (Everybody is entitled to his/her opinion)
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 18, 2008, 23:53
We have known Renee since she was three-months old! Since she was in grade school, her ambition was to be a TV presenter at the CNN. She is a genius, a wide reader and a friendly person. She is not only pretty but also a whole-hearted young lady.
Vilma, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 18, 2008, 19:33
Renee's simplicity stand out from the rest of the girls. Hope she'll make it! All the best!
Chen, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 18, 2008, 19:04
I like Linda. Please vote for the Lebanese girl. She's the best !
Anonymous, USA
Posted: June 18, 2008, 17:46
I vote for my kabayan Renee Mauricio.
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 18, 2008, 15:43
Weee!
Sitti Zoraya, Philippines
Posted: June 18, 2008, 15:06
This is regarding voting for Bachelorettes. I don't know how it happened. This afternoon, when I checked the polls, Renee had 44.64 per cent of votes and now I am shocked to find it has become 35.16 per cent How did it happen? What kind of voting is this? Decreasing, instead of increasing?!
Editor's note:
That's elementary Ms Anonymous! That is how percentages work. The percentages you mention here are Renee's share, out of the total votes polled. When more people vote in the poll, but Renee doesn't get any/many of these new votes, her percentage is likely to come down.
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 17, 2008, 21:06
I like Renee, because she is beautiful.
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 17, 2008, 10:52
No comments!
Anonymous, Philippines
Posted: June 17, 2008, 08:31
It is my pleasure to vote for my kabayan. All the best to XPRESS!
Anonymous, Philippines
Posted: June 17, 2008, 03:58
Please send this message to Renee Mauricio: With your beauty and brain, you deserve it. Good luck and God bless you. We love you.
Cecil, USA
Posted: June 16, 2008, 23:46
Philippines needs somebody to represent her unique Asian culture and to make the world notice how strong family values of the Filipinos are. I vote for Renee Mauricio because she has the capability to do so through her TV programme.
Elvira, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 16, 2008, 19:03
Shomaila Jafri is looking stunning. Her views about the city are also genuine. By her views on expectation from partner she looks very mature. She looks the most perfect of the bachelorettes.
Manish, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 16, 2008, 17:50
Can you add more photos of Renee, please! To all Asian out there… Pls. vote for Renee Mauricio as the hottest bachelorette in town...
Nestle, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: June 16, 2008, 14:20
None of these girls are hot. They are all just normal girls.
Danial, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 16, 2008, 11:57
I vote for Renee Mauricio. As a person born and raised in Dubai, she grew and flourished in a multicultural city filled with modern day wonders and old world charms. She was able to take her talents, share them with others and excel in her field. She managed make a name in an industry, which is still in its infancy and bring it to international recognition. She is not just pretty, she has substance too.
Anonymous, USA
Posted: June 16, 2008, 09:02
OK
Anonymous, Qatar
Posted: June 15, 2008, 21:57
I would like Reene Mauricio to win. She is the best among them all.
Anonymous, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 15, 2008, 21:56
I vote for Renee Mauricio. I believe she would be a lot of help for children needing help.
Robert, UAE - Dubai
Posted: June 15, 2008, 21:28
I have known Renee since she was 3 month old! Since she was in grade school, her ambition was to be a TV presenter at the CNN. She is a genius, a wide reader and a friendly person.
Jean, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: June 15, 2008, 11:01
She is pretty and kind, have lots of patience and dignity. She can easily acquire things what she wants with her efforts and her charisma.
Noemi, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: June 15, 2008, 08:41
Everybody looks same to me but culture, talent, beauty etc. could be suitable parameters to judge them. Anyway, they should maintain their traditional activities more.
Anonymous, UAE - Sharjah
Posted: June 12, 2008, 13:34