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    in lifestyle and culture

    Ramadan 2023: UAE declares reduced working hours for the private sector

    Lifestyle

    by Ruman Baig
    2 hours ago

    According to the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), the official work timings for private sector employees during Ramadan have been reduced by two hours.
    After last week’s announcement about the pulic sector,  the authorities issued a circular on 13th March, where the ministry stated, “In accordance with the requirements and nature of their work, companies may apply flexible or remote work patterns within the limits of the daily working hours during the days of Ramadan.”

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has announced a reduction of 2 working hours per day for all employees in the private sector in the UAE during the holy month of Ramadan. pic.twitter.com/ukHWkyo19h
    — وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) March 13, 2023

    The announcement is in accordance with the Clause 2 of Article 15 of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, regarding the executive regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labor Relations and its amendments. As per the UAE labour law, Private sector workers are required to work 8 hours per day or 48 hours per week. During the holy month of Ramadan, working hours are reduced by two. This does not include the time of commute time from place of residence to the workplace, unless the workers fall under specified categories mentioned in the  Executive Regulations of the Labour Law.
    For ministries and federal entities, the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) has released an exclusive circular mentioning the official working hours. Monday through Thursday it’s 9am to 2:30pm. On Fridays, working hours will be restricted to 3 hours from 9am to 12 noon.
    Ramadan 2023 is expected to commence from Thursday, March 23, 2023, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, chairman of the board of directors of the Emirates Astronomical Society. While  the exact date depends on the sighting of the moon, this has been the tentative announcement so far.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Far from the city, here’s why the Al Maha Desert Resort is the perfect spot for a getaway

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    3 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Living in a metropolitan city can be all-consuming—if you’re looking for a quick staycation to unwind and recharge, look no further as we’ve found the most ideal place for you to relax.
    Away from the hustle bustle—Al Maha, a Luxury Collection Desert Resort & Spa is situated in the centre of the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve. Wrapped within the beauty of the golden sands, you may even spot the Arabian Oryx and gazelles, owing to the resort’s tireless sustainability initiatives and attempts at preseving the precious wildlife.

    Local area
    While enjoying the panoramic view of the Arabian Desert, you can take your relaxation experience to a whole new level by indulging in their wide selection of therapeutic, deep tissue and body massages. The soothing spa package, elevated with the secret aromatherapy traditions of the Middle East and South East Asia are priced at AED 4,750. Taking the holistic approach, allow your body, mind and soul to enter a state of tranquility. Further punctuate your stay at the Al Maha Desert Resort by indulging in a gastronomical experience for breakfast, lunch and dinner at their signature restaurant, Al Diwaan. If privacy is of utmost importance to you, the tranquil location also offers you secluded suites with private temperature-controlled pool, providing exclusivity of the highest order.

    Pool Deck Dining
    If you’re on a time crunch and cannot spend the night at this divine property, the Al Maha resort also offers you a day-deal inclusive all of the relaxing and adventurous experiences, depending on your preference. Not in the mood to drive? Priced at AED 1,150, the resorts also offers a 12-hour special transportation facility from/to Dubai in resorts’ 4X4.

    Wildlife drive
    All in a day’s time, you can participate in the luxury haven’s most popular desert activities featuring 45-minute wildlife, a lesson in the Bedouin inspired sport – archery and camel trekking during the golden hour with the breathtaking dunes in the backdrop. If you’re looking for a peaceful daycation, the resort also offers Spa Indulgence Day Package priced at AED 900 inclusive of selected spa treatments that will allow you to rejuvenate your sense with spa treatment and 3-course lunch at Al Diwaan, with both indoors or al fresco dining at the veranda options available.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Supplied  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Bella Hadid Swears by This Smoothie, so I Tried It for Myself

    As a lover of all things health and wellness, I’m no stranger to the many smoothie concoctions the internet swears will change your life. What I am a stranger to, however, is California-based organic grocery store Erewhon and their celebrity-inspired beverages. Some of their most recent smoothie collabs include the Tinx Smoothie, Marianna Hewitt’s Coconut Cloud Smoothie, Kourtney Kardashian’s Poosh Potion Detox Smoothie, and Hailey Bieber’s Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie. The newest viral drink to be featured on Erewhon’s menu? Bella Hadid’s Kinsicle Smoothie. 
    After hearing all the buzz about the Kinsicle smoothie (named after Bella’s functional beverage company Kin Euphorics), I wanted to give it a try. But since I’m not lucky enough to a) live near Erewhon or b) have the budget for a $20 smoothie, I decided to make my own at home. Read on for the list of ingredients you need to make the Bella Hadid Erewhon smoothie, the benefits of the drink, and my thoughts on it. 

    The recipe 
    According to Kin Euphorics, here’s what you’ll need for a DIY version of the Kinsicle smoothie: 

    2 oz. High Rhode
    1 oz. Califa almond milk
    1 oz. aloe vera juice
    6 oz. OJ Evolution
    ½ oz. of fresh pressed turmeric
    1 oz. coconut cream
    1 tsp. of vanilla
    1-2 tbsp. of Coconut Cult yogurt
    1 banana
    6 oz. mango
    ½ tsp. of lion’s mane mushroom
    1 medjool date

    First, coat the inside of your cup with the coconut cream (for aesthetic purposes, of course), then blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Transfer your mix to your already prepped glass and top it off with an extra large (preferably reusable #savetheturtles) smoothie straw.

     
    The benefits
    Just like Kourtney Kardashian’s smoothie that’s said to aid in digestion and Hailey Bieber’s drink that’s said to give you glowing skin, people are reaching for the Kinsicle smoothie for its health benefits and–let’s be honest–with the hope that it’s the secret to Bella’s supermodel glow. The truth? This recipe is packed with Vitamin C and antioxidants from the orange juice, mangos, banana, and aloe vera juice, making it a great immunity boosting beverage. The addition of lion’s mane helps improve mood and cognitive functioning, and the dash of turmeric can help fight inflammation. In short, this smoothie is packed with all sorts of good ingredients to keep you feeling your best. 

    The verdict 
    After a pricey Whole Foods trip (about $45, not counting the impulse items I also grabbed while I was there), I was ready to get started. Overall, it was a quick and easy recipe to throw together despite it calling for more ingredients than I typically include in my smoothies and requiring me to artfully paint coconut cream on the inside of my glass. It turned out looking and tasting pretty good, if I do say so myself. But would I pay $20 for it at Erewhon? Probably not. Here’s why:
    I didn’t love the texture of it. I typically use Greek yogurt in my smoothies for added protein but also to give them a thicker, milkshake-like consistency. Instead, the Kinsicle smoothie calls for coconut yogurt, so it ended up having a lighter, frothier texture, making it feel less filling. Which brings me to the second reason why I wouldn’t reach for it at the grocery store: I prefer to drink smoothies as a snack or a meal, but I still felt hungry after I finished this one. Sure, you could probably add more filling ingredients like protein powder or nut butter, but that also adds to the cost. 
    While I wouldn’t personally pay $20 for a single serving of the Kinsicle smoothie, I am excited to have the ingredients to make it again at home. I’m not usually a big fan of the Creamsicle flavor, but I liked it in this recipe, maybe because it’s made from more natural ingredients. I was also pleasantly surprised that I felt more mentally focused than usual after drinking it and didn’t find myself reaching for my usual 3 p.m. coffee. But maybe that’s just wishful thinking or the Kin Euphorics talking?

    How To Recreate the Viral Hailey Bieber Smoothie on a Budget More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Banesa Tseki On How Yoga Gave Her A New Lease On Life

    Banesa Tseki, a yoga teacher and co-owner of a Johannesburg-based inclusive wellness centre known as The Nest Space, owes much of her mental wellness to yoga. Diagnosed with Bipolar II Disorder at 15, Banesa was placed on anti-depressants and anxiety meds that made her completely numb.

    READ MORE: 7 Ways To Meditate For Anxiety Relief That Are *Actually* Easy To Do

    “In an attempt to ease my pain, the meds made me completely numb. Granted I could no longer feel the pain, but I could also no longer feel joy nor happiness and that was too big a sacrifice for me. There had to be another way,” she shares.

    NEW BEGINNINGS

    Then things took an interesting turn when she moved to Cape Town for university in 2008…

    “In Cape Town I came across breathwork, meditation and yoga through a five-day course offered by a society called Art of Living at the University of Cape Town. I did the course and was hooked for good,” recalls Banesa.

    Plus, signing up for the course made sense since she’d just finished reading Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth, but lacked practice in the book’s teachings. With regular practice, Banesa found yoga to be an incredible healing tool that later stood her in good stead when she went off the depression and anxiety meds.

    READ MORE: What Is Holotropic Breathwork—And What Can It Do For Your Mental Health?

    When she moved to Johannesburg in 2015, Banesa met Itta ‘Ravi’ Roussos, who became her kundalini yoga teacher.

    “I trained in community-based yoga at African Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training of Southern Africa (AKYTTSA), whose motto is ‘social justice is a spiritual practice’, and served on the founding board. Itta was big on teaching yoga to more people of colour so we could go back and spread the teachings in our communities,” shares Banesa, who’s since taught yoga to both adults and children in various community centres and townships.

    YOGA AND HEALING

    Banesa is also a full-time head yoga coach at Shapa Soweto powered by Nike, where she teaches roughly 10 sessions weekly. “I’m more suited for community-based, rather than studio, yoga,” she notes before continuing: “Our yoga is trauma-based. It’s for the disadvantaged, and people who’ve experienced trauma, to use this healing modality to connect to an inner power that will encourage them to take control of their lives.”

    READ MORE: Ease Tight Muscles And Lift Your Mood With This Quick First-Thing Yoga Flow

    On the relationship between yoga and healing, Banesa explains:

    “A lot of the time, emotions are experienced through our body or breath. When we’re sad or excited, the rhythm of our breath adjusts to the emotion we’re experiencing,” she says, warning that unprocessed emotions usually manifest as tension in our bodies.

    READ MORE: Here’s How To Actually Do A Digital Detox, According To Experts

    She explains that unless one works through these emotions, that feeling of discomfort just sits there. Her advice? Being aware of that tension and where it sits, then working through it to release the trapped emotion.  “As this tension is released, a lot of people in my classes start crying or going through something. That’s because there’s therapy through the body, and talking is just another form,” she says. Through the body, she adds, we release emotions without necessarily naming them. 

    THE BUSINESS OF YOGA

    Banesa and her business partner Dr Anesu Mbizvo opened The Nest Space in 2018, and pivoted online during lockdown. In November last year, they reopened their boutique wellness centre in Parktown North, Johannesburg, which now features a yoga studio, a vegan café and a zero-waste grocer in. With that said, cheers to healing – may we embrace it wholeheartedly! More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Sheikh Hamdan shares an adorable portrait of his son with his grandfather

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    After welcoming his third child this month, Dubai’s Crown Prince His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum shared a new set of portrait images with his father today.
    In the sweet post, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is seen holding the little one with a smile on his face.
    In the newly released portraits shared on Sheikh Hamdan’s Instagram, the caption said, “May Allah protect them.”

    While His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is one of the key figureheads of this nation, he’s also a family man at heart, particularly when it comes to spending time with his grandchildren.
    Known for sharing snippets of his daily life to his 15.4 million social media followers, Sheikh Hamdan – fondly known as Fazza, shared the delightful news via an Instagram Story this month.
    The story included a pair of hands holding tiny feet with the caption “It’s a boy” and underneath went along with a special prayer that translates to: “Dear God make him bloom well and make him the sight of our eyes and make him a blessing for us.”
    The third child
    After already being a father to a set of twins who were born in May 2021, Fazza announced that the newborn’s name Mohammed bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum was welcomed into the family this month.
    Congratulations to Sheikh Hamdan for his growing family!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @faz3 More

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    Inside Princess Iman of Jordan’s Royal wedding with Jameel Alexander Thermiotis

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    58 mins ago

    The first royal wedding of 2023 officially took place this weekend.
    Jordan’s Princess Iman bint Abdullah II wed Jameel Alexander Thermiotis at Beit Al-Urdon Palace in a lavish ceremony on March 12, 2023, where she was donned in a stunning Dior gown.
    All her family members including Crown Prince Hussein with his fiancée Rajwa Al Saif along with King Abdullah and Queen Rania were present at the wedding. Other dignitaries from the GCC were also part of the celebrations such as Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, who is chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, Entissar Amer, the current First Lady of Egypt and more.
    Princess Iman, 26, was ushered into the ceremony by her brother, Crown Prince Hussein with photos of them seen walking down the aisle.
    With over 150 guests seen attending the wedding, the live broadcast of the ceremony took place on Jordan TV, the country’s national television service.
    “Iman, I pray this next chapter in your life brings you as much joy, love, and laughter as you have brought us over the years. Congratulations to the bride and groom!” Queen Rania shared on Instagram.
    Swipe through the gallery to see the best photos from the wedding.

    Here’s to a lifetime of happiness for the newlyweds!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @Queen Rania More

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    12 global restaurants that have undoubtedly made their mark in Dubai

    From Rome to New York to Singapore, renowned fine-dining hotspots have made their way to Dubai over the years.
    As the emirate is well-known for offering an unparalleled fine-dining experience no matter what the cuisine, Emirates Woman takes a closer look at all the global culinary havens that have made their mark in the city.
    Il Pastaio

    Il Pastaio offers an authentic experience in the heart of Dubai at Al Habtoor City with an array of mouth-watering Italian dishes served on a plate. Promising a world-class family experience, Il Pastaio is considered to be a highly acclaimed restaurant in the heart of Beverly Hills with a culinary tradition passed down through generations as it celebrates 25 years of operation. Now in Dubai, guests can enjoy the highly praised dishes including the Spaghetti Al Caviale, with all its sought-after flavours. Open daily from 12pm to 12am, this haven must be visited for its highly praised pasta dishes and an innovative menu.
    For more information visit ilpastaiodubai.ae
    Amazonico

    Known as Madrid’s most well-loved and popular restaurant, Amazonic Dubai arrived in the heart of DIFC at the end of 2019. The restaurant brings cultural diversity and gastronomic heritage from the Amazon region, with a rainforest-inspired theme prevalent throughout the venue’s interiors. Amazonico Dubai is temporarily closed during the month of August for renovation and is set to reopen in September.
    For more information visit amazonicorestaurant.com
    Antika

    This Levantine bar and restaurant, which first opened in August 2019, is located in DIFC. As one of Lebanon’s most well-known hotspots, Antika Dubai offers a host of mouthwatering dishes and is an ideal place to enjoy a night out with friends no matter what the occasion. Open daily from 6pm to 2am and on Fridays from 2pm onwards, Antika is located in Al Fattan Currency House, DIFC, Tower 2.
    For more information visit Antikabar.ae
    Gonpachi

    The iconic restaurant Gonpachi, famed for its role in the hit movie Kill Bill, officially opened its doors in Dubai in February 2021. It’s the first branch for the famed restaurant to open outside of Japan – where seven Gonpachi restaurants dotted around the country – and will offer authentic cuisine which includes sushi, tempura, kushi-style grilled skewers and fresh soba noodles. Located in Business Bay at the Boulevard in Al Habtoor City, the restaurant transports you to the “Japan of a bygone era” with its “nostalgic atmosphere”. Gonpanchi Dubai is open from Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am and Thursday and Friday 12pm to 2am.
    For more information visit gonpachidubai.ae
    LPM Restaurant & Bar

    Having been on the restaurant scene in Dubai for over a decade, LPM Restaurant & Bar offers an exceptional experience every time. Located in gate village 8, DIFC, the restaurant is open on weekdays from 12pm to 3pm, 6pm to 11pm and on weekends from 12:30pm to 3:30pm and 6pm to 11pm.
    For more information visit lpmrestaurants.com
    Zuma

    Known for making its culinary imprint around the world in various cities such as New York, Rome, Las Vegas, Bodrum, Miami, London and many more. Zuma is one of Dubai’s must-visit fine dining havens offering contemporary Japanese cuisine with a sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking. Showcasing a variety of authentic dishes on its menu, Zuma is located in gate village 6 and is open daily from 12pm to 3:30pm and 7pm to 12am from Saturday to Wednesday and 7pm to 1am on Thursday and Friday.
    For more information visit zumarestaurant.com
    Akira Back

    Bringing adrenaline-fuelled Japanese cuisine prepared with Korean and international flavours, Akira Back uses artisanal sourced ingredients with an eclectic touch as you take in the stunning view of Dubai’s skyline. With venues in Singapore, Hanoi, Bangkok and now Dubai, Chef Akira Back is making a strong culinary footprint around the world with his expertise in the field. Located at W Dubai at The Palm, it’s open daily from 7pm to 11:30pm.
    For more information visit akirabackdubai.com
    Nusr-Et Steakhouse

    Having opened its doors in 2010 in Istanbul, Nusr-Et made its way to Dubai back in 2014. The restaurant quickly became a haven for meat lovers from around the world with a warm atmosphere and top-notch service. By bringing an extra flair to its steakhouse culture, this boutique concept is loved by all and is open in several destinations around the world including Istanbul, Doha, Miami, New York, Mykonos and Dubai.
    For more information visit nusr-et.com
    Indochine

    First opening in New York City in 1984, Indochine has welcomed many A-list celebrities over the years including Andy Warhol, Grace Jones, Diane von Furstenberg, Julianne Moore, Naomi Campbell, Anna Wintour, Mick Jagger and more. Indochine made its way to Dubai in 2019 and has been a hit on the restaurant scene ever since its opening. Located in Gate precinct building 3 DIFC, it’s open from Sunday to Wednesday 12pm to 1am, Saturday 7pm to 1am and Thursday and Friday 7pm to 3am.
    For more information visit indochinedxb.com
    Marea

    Originally born in New York, with an amalgamation of Italy’s coastal flavours and the city’s swagger, Marea brings a world-class dining haven with exquisite food and unmatched service unlike no other. This Michelin-star Italian restaurant in Dubai brings a plethora of decadent dishes to the table with beautiful culinary expertise. Located at Gate Village 7, it’s open daily from 12pm to 5pm for Lunch and 7pm to 11:45 pm for dinner.
    For more information visit marearestaurant.com
    Cipriani

    With restaurants the globe over, Cipriani made its mark on Dubai in 2016. Serving exceptional Italian cuisine, the Cipriani brand has been a universally recognized icon of hospitality for four generations since Guiseppe Cipriani Senior first opened Harry’s Bar in Venice, back in May 1931. Open all around the world in New York, Venice, Moscow, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Cipriani has made its impact in several countries as it continues to serve the finest. Located in Gate village number 10, DIFC and open daily from 12pm to 2am
    For more information visit Cipriani.com
    Hutong

    Bringing the northern Chinese vibe from London, New York, Miami and their original home in Hong Kong, Hutong Dubai is located in DIFC. Offering delicious dim sums and creative cocktails, guests have the opportunity to dine in a stylish setting with a beautiful outdoor terrace offering the finest in contemporary Asian cuisine. Hutong Dubai is open from Monday to Sunday from 12pm to 2:30pm and 6pm to 1am.
    For more information visit hutong-dubai.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Ralph Lauren transforms Twiggy by La Cantine for a unique Californian experience

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    2 hours ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Iconic American brand Ralph Lauren joins forces with Twiggy by La Cantine, one of Dubai’s most coveted beach clubs, to present its Spring 2023 global California Dreaming campaign.
    Influenced by the many worlds of Ralph Lauren, this campaign explores the endless pursuit of a life well lived. The label brings the elegant campaign to the glamorous grounds of Dubai through an immersive beach experience at Twiggy by La Cantine, giving exclusive access to its sophisticated world.
    Situated in the heart of the Park Hyatt Hotel Lagoon, Ralph Lauren turns Twiggy by La Cantine into a unique destination celebrating timeless design and the California state of mind. Unveiled on  March 4, 2023, this experience will be extended until April 23, 2023. Kicking it off with a celebratory party, there will be an exclusive series of VIP moments hosted in the Ralph Lauren private cabanas to present the new collection. In addition to that, a selected range of the label’s premium hospitality offerings has also been availed for a completely immersive experience.

    Twiggy by La Cantine x Ralph Lauren
    Offering a welcome departure from the fast-paced city life, Ralph Lauren’s beach club is a luxe getaway from the hustle. With customised sunbeds, parasols, cushions, seating areas and private cabanas in the trademark tones of white and blue,  highlights the American sensibility that is quintessential to the brand. Every bespoke experience reflects the fine art of living that it is well-known for. You can also enjoy a generous offering of gelato along with signature refreshments with a selection of American classics and its favorites at the location’s beach bar and restaurant.

    Twiggy by La Cantine x Ralph Lauren
    Turning this idyllic beach club into its personal turf, Ralph Lauren brings a limited-time pop-up store featuring a myriad of pieces from its Collection, Purple Label and Polo Ralph Lauren ready-to-wear, swimwear, fragrance, and eyewear. Each collection within the Spring 2023 season emotes the brand’s sense of freedom in its own distinctive way, reflecting the spirit of California.
    The exclusive lifestyle experience joins Ralph Lauren’s existing Dubai stores at The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, Mirdif City Center and the newly opened Dubai Hills.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Supplied  More