As many pupils prepare to return to school, a “new normal” awaits them amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
While online learning was the norm from mid-March onwards due to the pandemic, many students in the UAE will return to in-class learning with a hybrid of e-learning.

Ahead of the school year officially beginning, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai wished pupils a “safe start” to the academic year.
“I heard from the Minister of Education about the latest preparations for the start of the next academic year,” His Highness wrote to his 10.3 million Twitter followers.

اطلعت من وزراء التربية والتعليم على آخر الاستعدادات لانطلاق العام الدراسي القادم .. نتطلع لانطلاقة آمنة ووفق أفضل معايير السلامة لأكثر من مليون طالب وطالبة ضمن منظومة التعليم في الإمارات .. pic.twitter.com/ERlcn7LIzB
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 25, 2020

“We look forward to a safe start and in accordance with the best safety standards for more than a million students within the education system in the Emirates.”
As pupils prepare to head back to school, there are regulations to be mindful of which differ from emirate to emirate.
It’s been clarified that pupils in Dubai do not need to get tested, but teachers are due to undergo COVID-19 tests this week.
“As we look forward to many students returning to school next week, we would like to confirm that Covid-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students,” the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) said in a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, students who are over 12 will need to be tested. However, under a staggered return plan high school students are not set to return to classrooms until the end of September. Like Dubai, all teachers in the UAE capital must be tested for COVID-19.
Across the UAE, it is mandatory for students to wear face masks throughout the school day.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More

New photos have been released to mark Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mansoor bin Zayed Al Nayhan’s 15th birthday.The photographs were shared by Sheikha Fatima’s mother, Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the eldest child of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.In the two photos posted to Instagram, Sheikha Manal wished her “precious and most beautiful Fatima” a happy birthday.Sheikha Fatima is the first child of His Highness Mansour bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan – the Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs – and Sheikha Manal.The 15-year-old, who is granddaughter to both Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and the late Sheikh Zayed, founder of the UAE, is an avid horse rider.She even recently took part in the Ladies Endurance Cup which took place in Abu Dhabi back in February.Happy birthday to Her Highness!– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: @mmbinrashid Instagram More

As of next week, the COVID-19 testing requirements for entering Abu Dhabi will have changed.
It was announced by the Abu Dhabi Crisis, Emergency and Disasters Committee on Wednesday evening that new guidelines will be implemented from Sunday, November 8.

In a statement issued via the Abu Dhabi Media Office, it was stipulated: “Residents and visitors who enter Abu Dhabi from 8 Nov and stay for 4 or more consecutive days must take a PCR test on the 4th day of entry.

Residents and visitors who enter #AbuDhabi from 8 Nov and stay for 4 or more consecutive days must take a PCR test on the 4th day of entry. If they stay for 8 or more consecutive days, they must take another PCR test on the 8th day. Day 1 is counted from the day of entry.
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) November 4, 2020

“If they stay for 8 or more consecutive days, they must take another PCR test on the 8th day. Day 1 is counted from the day of entry.”
At present, those travelling into Abu Dhabi only need to undergo a second COVID-19 PCR test on the sixth day, but this has now been replaced with the four-day and eight-day rule.
However, those who are currently in the COVID-19 vaccine trials taking place in the UAE are exempt from the above rules.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Visit Abu Dhabi Instagram More

If you haven’t tried at least one type of watersport in Dubai, you’re not taking full advantage of the seaside lifestyle.
Whether you’re nervous around the waves or simply haven’t felt inspired to dive into the deep end, an epic event that took place this Friday was determined to convert from water-shy among us to a nymph.

Iconic Water Lakes at the foot of the Burj Khalifa hosted a first of its kind stand up paddleboarding event that saw residents glide across the blue waters, surrounded by the Dancing Fountains.
‘We Paddle for Dubai’ is an initiative by Dubai International Marine Club and organized by DIMC with the support of the Dubai Sports Council and in partnership with Emaar Properties, in cooperation with Kite N Surf.

Around 80 water enthusiasts took to their boards for a two-hour experience like no other. Some of the high-profile attendees included our past cover star and Egyptian marathon runner Manal Rostom.
If this hasn’t tempted you to test your balance on the water, then we don’t know what will. Plus, this is the best time to support local business so check out some of EW‘s favourite paddleboard spots here.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram More

Life

by Camille Macawili
57 mins ago

Aman, the pinnacle of modern mindfulness in hospitality, extends its Aman Essentials category and launches its inaugural Yoga Collection – just in time for World Yoga Day.
The collection range is crafted from 100 percent natural materials which span accessories and props can help you maintain your practice in barefoot luxury on the go, at home, or in one of Aman’s awe-inspiring locations.
Whether you’ve just started to reap the benefits of yoga or have attained a higher experience level, choosing the material, texture, and durability plays an important role in your practice. The Aman Cork Yoga Mat, the core of your yoga workout, is crafted from sustainable cork and features an anti-skid surface of a thick natural black rubber foam, providing stable traction to your flow. It comes with a removable canvas strap and a pouch to store essentials should you want to squeeze in a session on a busy day.
The additional accessories such as the Aman Yoga Block Trio comprise of the Aman Cork Block, Aman Cork Ball, and Aman Cork Cyliner support progression and safety while you carry out poses with impact. Priced from Dhs863, it’s all wise investments for your overall well-being if you ask us!
Swipe through the gallery below to view the full collection:

The collection is available to shop at Aman Boutiques and online on shop.aman.com.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied by Aman More