Raphael Stevens

Life

by Ruman Baig
16 seconds ago

For her first post after the divorce announcement, HH Sheikha Mahra chose to share a picture with her baby girl.
Holding her close, the mother-daughter looked happy in each other’s embrace.

Giving us a peek into motherhood, Her Highness Sheikha Mahra shared an adorable photo of little Princess Mahra.
The mother-daughter duo were seen to be snuggling up to each other, with it sweetly captioned as “just the two of us”.

After sharing the first glimpse of baby Mahra from the hospital, the Royal Princess of Dubai revealed another tender moment with her precious daughter.
First, she posted a black and white image of baby Mahra holding her fingers gently. A precious moment shared between the mother-daughter.

Followed by a gratitude post with the doctor who helped bring her daughter into this world. Dr. Fahad Mirza is seen holding baby Mahra in the picture, seated next to Sheikha Mahra herself.

Dr. Fahad Mirza with baby Mahra and Sheikha Mahra
Recently, the Dubai Royal shared intimate photos from her child birth experience, giving the world a glimpse of her newborn daughter.
When was Sheikha Mahra’s daughter born?
Her Highness Sheikha Mahra Al Maktoum and Sheikh Mana Al Maktoum have welcomed the arrival of their baby girl on Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
Dubai’s royal family is celebrating yet another joyous occasion as the couple welcome their first child together. Sheikh Mana announced the news via an Instagram story today, Thursday afternoon, revealing the safe arrival of their daughter.
It was revealed by Sheikh Mana’s Instagram that the couple has named their precious daughter Mahra.
In a heartfelt post shared by Dubai’s favourite Princess, she said, “Thank you Dr. Fadi Mirza and Latifa Hospital team for all your support and most memorable experience for bringing baby Mahra to this world. 01.05.2024.”
Acknowledging the hospital staff and the medical team that helped her deliver the baby, Sheikha Mahra shared her gratitude for a safe and sound experience.
Supporting his wife through-and-through, Sheikh Mana was spotted by her bedside, holding her dearly through the entire process.
The pictures included mother-daughter moments along with images of Sheikha Mahra’s mum holding her grandchild and Sheikh Mana gracing his baby daughter.
Take a look at the intimate-yet-precious photos shared by the Princess:

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram @hhshmahra @man3almaktoum More

Life

by Ruman Baig
50 seconds ago

Thinking of buying a property in Dubai? This guide offers valuable insights from Mollie Credland, a Mortgage Advisor at Espace.
Mollie dives into the essential steps to prepare yourself for a mortgage in Dubai’s dynamic property market. She covers everything from understanding down payment requirements to navigating the associated costs of buying a home.
How to Get Mortgage Ready in Dubai?

Know What You Can Afford & the Down Payment Required
If, like most people, you require a mortgage to purchase your home, an experienced mortgage advisor can be invaluable at this stage. Homeownership in Dubai requires a minimum down payment of 20% for properties under AED 5,000,000 and 30% for properties valued above AED 5,000,000 (for expats). Note that the Central Bank allows first-time buyers to borrow up to seven times their salary.
Establish How Much You Can Borrow
Borrowing limits and mortgage affordability are typically calculated the same way across all banks in the UAE. Your monthly liabilities—car loans, personal loans, new monthly installments, and a percentage of your credit card limits—must not exceed 50% of your total monthly income. This is known as your Debt to Borrowing Ratio.
Understand the Associated Costs of Buying Your New Home
Many people make the mistake of simply applying for a mortgage which only covers the price of the house they want to buy. There are several extra costs involved in buying a property and when you are calculating the amount you’ll need to borrow, it’s important you take the following into consideration.
– Dubai Land Department Fee: 4% of the purchase price + AED 580– Mortgage Registration Fee: 0.25% of the loan amount + AED 290 –– Real Estate Fee: 2% of the purchase price– Property Valuation Fee: Can range between AED 2,500 – AED 3,5004.
How to Choose a Mortgage Provider?
One common mistake people make is going directly to their bank instead of exploring the market. It’s always best to consult an independent mortgage broker who can advise you on the best products available. When selecting a mortgage provider, consider interest rates, loan terms, fees, and customer reviews of the bank. There are 18 banks in the UAE currently offering mortgage lending. Many banks offer preferential interest rates if you move your salary to them (salary transfer), so consider this option if it suits your circumstances.
Apply for a Mortgage Pre-Approval Letter
A mistake we see time and time again is people missing out on their dream home due to not having obtained their mortgage pre-approval. The property market moves quickly in Dubai, and many buyers become disappointed when they lose out to a pre-approved buyer who can fully commit to purchasing the property. Pre-approval lasts 30 to 60 days (depending on the bank), is free of cost, has no obligation, and can even be extended. I advise securing your pre-approval as soon as you start your property search to avoid disappointment and stress later on.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram @visit.dubai  More

Life

by Ruman Baig
3 hours ago

Netflix is gearing up for another exciting month, with a diverse lineup of shows, movies, and games to keep subscribers entertained.
With Dubai’s scorching summer heat turning outdoor activities into a sweaty ordeal, there’s no better time to curl up indoors with a bowl of popcorn and dive into Netflix’s world of endless entertainment.
 This August, Netflix is serving up a smorgasbord of thrilling shows, captivating movies, and documentaries to keep you hooked for hours on end.
TV Shows
Unstable: Season 2 (August 1st)

This series follows the tumultuous relationship between a brilliant but eccentric biotech entrepreneur,Ellis, and his reluctant son, who is thrust into the spotlight at Dragon Industries. As the company’s success grows,so do the internal tensions and rivalries.
The Umbrella Academy: Season 4 (August 8th)

After the chaotic events of the Hotel Oblivion, the Hargreeves siblings find themselves in a new timeline without their powers. As they struggle to adapt to their normal lives, a mysterious organization known as The Keepers emerges, claiming the world they live in is a lie. The Umbrella Academy must reunite to confront this new threat and potentially reset the timeline once again.
Emily in Paris: Season 4 Part 1 (August 15th)

Emily continues her adventures in Paris, navigating both her professional and personal life. This season promises more drama, fashion, and romance as Emily makes bold choices to achieve her dreams in the City of Lights.
Movies
Rebel Moon — Part One: Director’s Cut (August 2nd)

This is an expanded, R-rated version of Zack Snyder’s sci-fi epic. It follows a group of warriors who are recruited to defend a peaceful moon from a tyrannical ruler.
The Union (August 16th)

A typical New Jersey construction worker’s life takes an unexpected turn when he is recruited by his long-lost high school sweetheart for a high-stakes espionage mission.
Inside the Mind of a Dog (August 9th)

This documentary offers a fascinating look into the world of dogs, exploring their behavior, emotions,and intelligence through scientific research and heartwarming personal stories.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied  More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
38 mins ago

Summer has finally arrived and with that comes the warmth of hosting gatherings at home rather than being outdoors. With a few décor pieces to add, transforming your abode has never been easier.
By infusing the calming elements of summer, anyone can add a few décor pieces to completely revamp their space.
So, as temperatures rise, it’s time to embrace the season’s ecelectic energy and infuse your living spaces with a breath of fresh air. Embracing what suits your home the best can be a hassle – from figuring out what colour suits your rooms the best to what furniture looks best in your living space, the options are seemingly endless.
Sometimes, it can be as simple as adding a cute seashell-shaped throw pillow or switching out your plates for ones with a colorful pattern to transform your home into the summer oasis of your dreams.
Each of these pieces, can make a splash throughout the joy-filled month, trust us when we say there are plenty of choices that are *add-to-cart worthy*.
For the host or the bachelor, try a fresh color scheme or incorporate new materials as the season changes. Start small and focus on one area of a room, or if you’re feeling bold, transform the whole room into a summery haven. This extra special and extra hot time of year is also the perfect time to embrace decor inspired by coastal design, like beachy color palettes and nautical nods, and tropical motifs, like summer fruit and palm leaves galore. Hence, Spruce up your dining area with our best summer decór ideas—from table setting and furnishing inspiration to mesmerising lighting touches for an escape without taking a long-haul flight. Without spending too much, it’s always easy to add a few touches to make your home a relaxing haven.
If you’re looking to revamp your space, you’re in the right place as we can allow you to elevate your home’s style and create a refreshing retreat for yourself.

– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @baliplume More

Life

by Sarah Joseph
23 seconds ago

Japan has so much to offer, from bustling cities to serene temples and beautiful natural landscapes. Hence, it’s definitely worth a trip.
So, if you’re based in the UAE and thinking of planning a trip to Japan, you’re in the right place as VFS Global has now launched e-visa services and in-person applicants.
Overall, the country is rich and diverse destination for tourists, offering a blend of traditional and modern attractions. Also, swipe through our editor-approved guide of touristic attractions to visit.
Here’s everything you need to know when you apply.
How to apply
VFS Global’s Japan Visa Application Centres will accept document submission for short-term and long-term visas to Japan, by prior appointment. Appointments will be available online at https://visa.vfsglobal.com/are/en/jpn/ at no charge. All the Japan Visa Application Centres are operational in Abu Dhabi and Dubai from August 1, 2024

What are the services offered?
VFS Global will also offer applicants its range of optional services, including Premium Lounge for end-to-end personalised assistance, Prime Time for services outside business hours, Courier Return, Form-filling Assistance, and SMS Alerts, among others. Applicants looking for further comfort and convenience can opt for the Visa At Your Doorstep (VAYD) service to complete the visa application process from the comfort of their home or office.
When is it effective from?
Effective 1 September 2024, travellers eligible for e-visas to Japan will be able to visit VFS Global Japan Visa Application Centres to apply for tourist e-visas to the destination.
Location and timings
The Japan visa application services in the UAE are available at WAFI Mall, Level 2, Falcon Phase 2, Umm Hurair 2 in Dubai and Level B2 (Lower Ground), The Mall, World Trade Centre, Khalifa Bin Zayed The 1st Street in Abu Dhabi UAE. It’s open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
For more information visit visa.vfsglobal.com
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Instagram @visitjapan More

Life

by Ruman Baig
17 seconds ago

The UAE summer sun is no joke. With temperatures soaring past 40°C, staying safe becomes a top priority.
Here’s a guide on what not to do during the hottest months, along with some UAE-specific suggestions to keep you cool:

Don’t underestimate the sun’s power
While a tan might look nice, sunburn is a recipe for discomfort and dehydration. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Look for fabrics with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added sun protection.
Don’t forget the SPF
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher liberally and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget areas like your ears, lips, and the tops of your feet.
Don’t skip hydration

Dehydration is a major risk in extreme heat. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip on cool water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive caffeine, which can dehydrate you further. Electrolyte-rich beverages can be helpful, especially after sweating a lot.
Don’t push yourself outdoors during peak heat
The UAE offers a vibrant nightlife and a plethora of air-conditioned indoor attractions. Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings when temperatures are milder. Malls, museums,and even indoor ski slopes at Ski Dubai offer cool escapes from the scorching sun.
Don’t leave children or pets in parked cars
This one seems obvious, but even a few minutes in a sweltering car can be deadly.
Don’t ignore heatstroke symptoms
Headache, dizziness, nausea, and excessive sweating are all signs of heatstroke. If you experience them, move to a cool, shaded area, loosen clothing, sip cool water, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Don’t rely solely on air conditioning
While AC is a lifesaver, constantly going from extreme heat to icy-cold interiors can strain your body. Opt for natural ventilation whenever possible and take breaks from the AC to adjust your body temperature gradually.
Don’t forget about your head
A wide-brimmed hat shields your face, neck, and head from the harsh sun. Opt for breathable, lightweight materials like straw or cotton.
Don’t disregard cultural norms
Dress modestly when outdoors, especially in more conservative areas. This will not only keep you cool but also show respect for local customs.
Don’t be afraid to embrace the indoors
The UAE boasts some of the world’s most impressive malls and indoor entertainment complexes. Embrace the air conditioning and explore a myriad of shops, restaurants, theme parks, and cultural attractions that are specifically designed to keep you cool and entertained during the summer months.
By following these simple tips, you can stay safe, prevent heat-related illnesses, and enjoy a pleasant summer in the UAE.
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Instagram @visit.dubai More