Life

by Ruman Baig
2 seconds ago

The internet has been buzzing, and multiple sources are confirming what many suspected: Zendaya and Tom Holland are reportedly engaged! The news broke after Zendaya’s appearance at the 2025 Golden Globes, where a certain sparkling rock on that finger set the rumor mill churning.   
If you like it, put a ring on it, Tom Holland sure did

It all started with a diamond. This dazzling gem, spotted on Zendaya’s left ring finger, immediately ignited a frenzy of online sleuthing. Internet detectives quickly identified it as a 5.02-carat East-West Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring from Jessica McCormack, a piece reportedly worth anywhere between $100,000 and $500,000. Talk about a statement piece.

TMZ reported that Holland popped the question between Christmas and New Year’s at one of Zendaya’s family homes in the United States. The proposal was described as “very romantic and intimate,” a fittingly private moment for a couple who value their privacy. It was also revealed that Holland had sought and received the blessing of Zendaya’s father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, months prior. How sweet is that?   
Zendaya and Tom Holland’s endearing love story

From on-screen love interests in the Spider-Man films to real-life sweethearts, Zendaya and Holland’s relationship has blossomed beautifully. Their connection first sparked during the filming of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016, forging a strong friendship that eventually evolved into romance. While rumors swirled for years, they officially confirmed their relationship in 2021, much to the delight of fans. They’ve since become a beloved celebrity couple, admired for their genuine affection for one another and their commitment to keeping their personal life relatively private. They’ve shared sweet glimpses of their relationship on social media, celebrating birthdays and supporting each other’s career milestones, but have largely managed to maintain a sense of normalcy despite the intense public scrutiny.
All about the most-awaited celebrity wedding

This engagement marks a new chapter for the couple, and fans are already buzzing with excitement. While wedding planning is reportedly on hold due to their busy schedules, one can only imagine the stunning wedding that awaits. And let’s not forget the all-important question: what kind of breathtaking wedding dress will Law Roach, Zendaya’s stylist extraordinaire, create?

For now, we’re sending our warmest congratulations to the happy couple. May their future be filled with as much sparkle as that incredible engagement ring.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: @zendayacollective  More

Lorraine Kelly is one of our favourite ladies to watch on TV, as well as one of our daytime go-tos for fashion inspiration. The popular presenter’s style is never too far out of reach for the ordinary member of the public, which is just one reason why we love it so much. And her outfit […] More

This International Women’s Day (IWD), we celebrate women across the globe in all fields of work.
In the creative sphere, more and more female photographers are emerging, and with advancing technology and easy-use equipment, it’s making it easier than ever to cultivate your talent.

This is exactly why this IWD Apple is championing female photographers who are breaking the mould, thinking outside the box and staying one step ahead to be able to showcase some incredible art and stories.
Noura Al Neyadi – UAE-based photographer

Where do you find inspiration as a photographer?

Daily life around me, nature & people’s stories.
What’s the best piece of industry advice you’ve ever gotten?
If your work isn’t putting anything new & valuable on the table, don’t do it.

What motivated you to capture real elements and infuse them with the reel?
The ability to translate everything around me including feelings, new emerging topics & concepts to photographs
How do you make a strong connection with your muse?
Nature is my muse. Being around all forms of nature is like walking around an open gallery of endless possibilities of inspiration.
How has the iPhone 12 camera made capturing moments in life easier?
Having a device in my pocket with a lens that has great capabilities have never made creating any easier! In this series for example I used the Ultra-Wide camera on my iPhone 12 for this photo, which adds a majestic feel to the shot by incorporating all the details of the scene. The added scope allows the viewer to develop an intimate attachment with Noura, while still being able to associate a sense of belonging to the backdrop of the scene.
Today is International Women’s Day, how do you wish to empower women through the world of photography?
By enabling every woman through photography. Anything is possible when you believe in yourself and work hard.
Anna Aiko – Japan-based photographer

How would you describe your photography style?
For me the most important is to capture the power of the moment, happiness and the light of each soul encountered. Landscapes are of full history, it’s our heritage of Life. People can look at the originality of treasured heritage passed on by our ancestors. We are from different cultures, and we are also unique.
How did you become a travelling photographer?
I became a travelling iPhone photographer, raised in Tokyo with 2 cultures, Japan & France, the creativity from the west and traditions of the east. It’s a dynamic blend, giving flexibility to view the world with a vision. I lived and worked in Paris for 20 years as Art Director in the fashion/luxury industry, this work involving creative collaboration with internationally renowned photographers.
Since 2015, I have been following the ancient path of the Silk Road & capturing it with my iPhones. I was the winner of the iPhone Photography Awards and other Worldwide Awards. My dream became a true reality. As of 2019, I explored on camelback 2300 km of the ancient caravan tracks of the Frankincense in the Arabian Peninsula always with my iPhone and was runner-up in camel races in 2 consecutive years in Dubai.
What inspired you to capture natural Arabian elements?
I’ve been passionate about the beauty of the Arabian Peninsula for as long as I can remember. It is a very futuristic world, with on one side the involvement in latest technologies and the other side keeping and protecting their heritage.
It’s creating a very special resonance to me, and it was very important to address these aspects of tradition blending with scenes of the future which is a very deep hidden history of the Bedouins. These people of the desert are really inspiring. As a traveller myself, I’ve been listening to their ancestors’ stories.
How does it feel to be a part of a male-dominated industry?
I have never really looked at this particular aspect while engaged in my work. As in other lines of jobs I have had in the past, I have only been relying on my performance. nAs a female photographer travelling by myself, I’ve always been welcomed, very well accepted by women and even more respected by men. Even considering our diversity, from different nations and origins, progress is made in subtle ways by sharing our knowledge, we could say that we are unified in this world, like a Family. We are one.
How has the iPhone 12 camera made capturing moments in life easier?
In simple words, the iPhone has been my travel companion since 2015. It is the perfect size, always ready to catch the moment in any situation and to do people shot without creating annoyance. I’m really surprised by the iPhone 12’s ability to catch and archive the beauty and colours in such an artistic way. Also, with the fast motion, we can catch the moment with clarity, without missing details. I am able to do the same while riding on camelback. My iPhone is my eyes, capturing and archiving the beauty and colours of life, and by using the filters extensively, that brings me to another dimension.
Today is International Women’s Day, how do you wish to empower women through the world of photography?
My message is that you should believe in yourself and life will always guide you. Listen to your heart because everything is possible. I hope that you can be inspired by my experience and that will lead to involving yourselves in new ventures.It’s never too late to try and succeed, it’s always the right time, provided that you are ready to take action. Following that process and having the true will, as well as men, women can realize their power to achieve their own dream.
Vanessa Wong – Photographer based in Hong Kong

What inspired you to add nocturnal elements of solitude in your photography?
I believe darkness brings introspection, and everyone can interpret the images with their own palette – starting with black. This is how I began to express my work in such style.
How do you manage to keep your work minimal?
I love seeing things in their ‘closest’, more basic form, and it feels like digging into the deepest level of reality and capturing a moment that helps the story reveal its more nude and real form.
Where do you try and find light within the darkness in your images?
I love playing with light and shadows, which of course if the heart of black and white photography. It allows me to challenge and disrupt the norm of relying on colours, by telling a story with minimal light and reflections of light, and daring to allow some (or most) parts of the image to be swallowed by darkness.
What’s your process of story-telling through photography?
I hope people who see my work can use their creativity and imagination to compose their very own unique interpretations — to use black & white as a way to recreate their own story with their own ‘colour’.
How has the iPhone 12 camera made capturing moments in life easier?
Shooting on iPhone (12 mini) allows me to be maximally spontaneous. There is no need to think about aperture and shutter speed; no test shots and no worries about missing a moment. It is in fact the best and simplest way for me to capture moments that move me, and the results continue to surprise.
Today is International Women’s Day, how do you wish to empower women through the world of photography?
When I first started shooting in black and white, I had a lot of self-doubt and received negative feedback on my style. But I realized that my photos should speak my mind, and that is the message that I wanted to emanate in my work and other facets of my life. We have to speak our minds.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

Life

by Mehral Sadat
6 seconds ago

The United Arab Emirates is close to celebrating the 53rd year of its union (now titled as Eid Al Etihad).
This year, the organising committee has announced that this special day will be titled ‘Eid Al Etihad’. A name which commemorates the 1971 unification of the seven Emirates in establishing a nation based on shared commitments and vision.
The renaming of this day offers an opportunity to reflect on the country’s history. To think that a nation reaching its 53rd year as a country and come so far in the modern world at lightning speed deserves the time to be acknowledged and honoured.
In a world which goes through never ending change, and increasing developments in all fields, the UAE has managed to hit every goal. It has managed to excel in the creation of an environment which is safe, multi-cultural, educational and ambitious for both its residents and visitors.

Eid Al Etihad is a day to celebrate the UAE’s heritage of deep-rooted traditions. The remembrance of a shared union has allowed for rich cultural diversity, inclusivity, and a remarkable journey for all of its people. There will be all types of celebrations and activities in all the Emirates to participate in.
To reflect back on the centuries where people roamed the deserts and mountains. Tendering to their animals and date trees. Navigating the sea looking for pearls and fish, concurrently creating trade routes to open its doors to a world bigger than its ever known. It grew, like its horses and falcons, roaming around the land. Spreading its wings to fly into a world that led Sheikh Zayed and the Founding Fathers in building a unified state.

Eid Al Etihad is for remembrance. It is for honor. For tradition. Lastly, for the vision which has not changed since its founding: union.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
2 hours ago

Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
This week, we speak to Chef Carmen Rueda, who’s regarded as one of the most innovative pastry chefs in the UAE. As a renowned chocolatier and two-time runner-up at the prestigious World Chocolate Masters. She has studied culinary science and worked with some of the best dessert chefs in the world.
Chef Rueda first moved in 2019 to Dubai as an Executive Pastry chef for Five Hotels, where she continued creating new items, combining innovation and with traditional baking styles. With a stint at Nobu Hotels in June 2020 teaching and creating new desserts concepts, she’s now settled in at BRIX dessert bar in Jumeirah Fishing Harbour.
To delve into her journey, Emirates Woman spoke to this renowned chef to see how her journey in the F&B industry began.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Math and history were always my two favorite subjects, I love learning about the past and how we move forward. We often don’t realize math is part of our everyday lives, in everything we do – however, as kids the complicated equations feel unnecessary.
What was your first job?
My first job ever was a nice small restaurant near in the beach in Spain where I had the chance to cook in their kitchen and start my culinary journey and drive my passion for food.
What brought you to Dubai?
My journey In Dubai started with Brix Café, after being presented with the opportunity it seemed like such a great journey I wanted to embark on and experience a new territory in the F&B scene.

What inspired you to enter the F&B space and work at BRIX dessert bar?
I always loved creating with my hands, I used to play with chocolate as a kid and with any other ingredients around me. It’s another form of art where you can express yourself and your emotions through food and desserts.
Talk us through the concept of Brix Desserts?
BRIX Desserts provides a diverse dessert experience for anyone seeking something extra special. At BRIX Cafe, guests can savor fresh pastries and an all-day breakfast menu. For a truly memorable experience, they can embark on a BRIX Journey, where they’ll be transported back in time, to another place, enabling them to taste flavours never tasted before with a unique menu that tells a captivating story by myself and my BRIX team.
What are the key elements of your role?
My main role at Brix Journey is to create new experiences including at the BRIX journey. One of my key roles as well to lead my team and help them improve their skills every day. One of the main stand out points at Brix Journey is the unique experience, so I am always looking for new ideas and resources – how to improve the overall experience.
Talk us through your daily routine
First thing I head to the bakery, plan out the day for me and the team. I am often testing new items and experimenting in the kitchen. After that i go through the stack and finances, then when i finish around midnight (hospitality hours) i go to the gym – I try to have some sort of balance and get my body moving after a long day at the bakery.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
My advice is simple yet highly effective – learn, travel and eat as much as you can, take in all the experience, the income will come but you need to learn first. Traveling allows you to explore diverse ingredients, flavors, and techniques, inspiring you to create innovative and unique desserts/ pastries/ etc.
Tell us more about the pastries offered?
BRIX is a place where you can enjoy a large variety of fine desserts, from the exclusive story-driven set menu experience at BRIX journey – which is one of 10 only in the world – to the simple yet memorable pastries at BRIX Cafe, where you can enjoy a slow morning or day, soak in the natural light that hugs the space, the greenery the wholesome set up by the water. We’re always innovating our pastry offering, we just launched the flat croissant which has been going viral however, we made sure we add our own Brix touch to it.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
We often find ourselves in rush to get to places, whether in your career or personal life and we can’t help but compare ourselves to people around us. My best advice is one step at a time, we don’t have the same journey as the others’ and everything happen for a reason… enjoy the journey that comes with each step
And what is the worst?
This might sound odd by constant getting compliments such as ‘you are great’ or ‘you are the best’ could limit your mind set. We always need that push to be better, a motive to out-do ourselves and get better. Once we believe we’re the absolute best, we get comfortable which is the worst enemy.
What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
Once you decide to go global, you need to act local in order to appeal to the demographics of that country you’re working & living in. So, I would say finding new flavors and implementing it in my creations as I traveled throughout my career.

What’s your future for the brand?
Growing and spreading the concept of BRIX around, both BRIX Cafe and BRIX Journey, ensuring everyone can enjoy our experiences and leave with a memorable and elevate dessert experience. The concept of a dessert-only set course menu still seems unorthodox as diners immediately associate it with an overload of sweetness when it fact it’s quite the opposite and it’s part of our journey is to educate people on our concept and slowly integrate it to become a as popular as a regular dining experience.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied More