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    in lifestyle and culture

    Here’s how Dubai celebrated Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday last night

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    The king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated his 57th birthday in Dubai and the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular.
    Known for garnering a strong relationship with the UAE over the years, it’s not surprising the emirate of Dubai went all out to ensure the actor had a special birthday.
    The occasion was marked with Shah Rukh Kahn’s image lit up on the Burj Khalifa with the message: “Happy Birthday Shah Rukh, Happy Birthday Pathaan. We love you.”

    The words flashed on the screen with his iconic track ‘Tujhe Dekha To’ from the 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge which played in the background.
    The actor has been featured on the world’s tallest tower multiple times for campaigns and his birthday in 2020.
    Earlier this year, Shah Rukh Khan also became the first Indian actor to receive the UAE Golden visa and the Happiness Card.
    The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs tweeted, “GDRFA Dubai welcomes Bollywood star Shah Rukh and grants him the Happiness Card with the aim of achieving happiness through various benefits, discounts and offers.”
    With a close affinity to the country, the actor’s Bollywood film Happy New Year was also shot in the UAE along with the star-studded cast.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @iamsrk More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    ‘Not to be missed’: Region’s largest Porsche showcase to take place in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    18 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: The Middle East’s largest Porsche showcase is set to take place in Dubai at the end of November.
    Icons of Porsche will return to the Dubai Design District for its second-ever instalment following its hugely successful launch last year.
    Just like its 2021 inaugural event, the two-day Porsche extravaganza will showcase the largest gathering of Porsches in the region, with a huge turnout expected, surpassing the 7,000 visitors from last year.
    This year in d3, Icons of Porsche will take visitors on a safari-themed journey to celebrate Porsche’s rallying heritage, as well as spotlighting the passionate Porsche community in this region.

    Amongst its expansive 17,000 square-metre venue, Porsche enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a host of experiences including a huge showcase of classic Porsche cars, entertainment acts from across the region, art installations from renowned artists and a host of F&B vendors.
    It’s a spectacle which, as described by Porsche Middle East’s CEO Dr Manfred Bräunl, that is “not to be missed”.
    “The safari theme for this year’s event will deliver a lot of exciting moments and engaging experiences,” he said. “Attendees can expect to see some famous Porsche vehicles from throughout our rich history, with pedigree and success off-road as well as on the race track.
    “We are planning to deliver a calendar event that is not to be missed. It will be the ultimate platform to experience classic car nostalgia in connection with art, culture and the community.”
    As part of this experience, the two-day festival will feature five zones, each with its own theme, immersing each visitor into what the Porsche heritage represents.

    The Adventure Camp will showcase the adventurous side of Porsche; Community Village will encourage attendees to embrace the lifestyle of the heritage car brand; Design Factory will be a hub for the artistry behind the classic cars; Electric Field will act as a zone for the thrill-seekers with a passion for speed; and finally Art Valley will showcase a number of unique artworks from renowned international and local artists who have been inspired by Porsche.
    It doesn’t end there, Icons of Porsche will also mark several key milestones of the German automobile manufacturer throughout its history including 20 years of its first SUV model, the Porsche Cayenne, as well as 50 years of Porsche design. Seventy years of Porsche clubs will also be celebrated, with the festival acting as a meeting place for Porsche Clubs in this region.
    The 2022 Icons of Porsche is certainly one not to be missed.

    Register for the two-day festival free of charge at iconsofporsche.com and follow the #IconsofPorsche hashtag on social media.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in health and weelbeing

    Wimpy Launches Multilingual African Folktale Collection Encouraging Diversity, Inclusion And Literacy

    As a proudly South African restaurant, Wimpy recognises Mzanzi’s richness and has partnered with Ethnikids, an online children’s bookstore started by five South African moms, for a second year to give children access to an African folktale collection in their home language.
     Passionate about kids and their education, Wimpy is committed to bringing its edu-tainment philosophy to life. “Children are close to our hearts and core to our offering. Our collaboration with Ethnikids enables us to bringing real South African stories to kids in a fun and engaging way,” says Jodi Law, Brand Manager, Wimpy.

     In a country with 11 official languages, mother tongue books are not readily available, and most children’s books lack cultural context. “It is critical that children are exposed to literature that includes diverse ethnicities, this positively impacts a child’s self-image and develops pride in who they are and where they come from” says Seago Maapola, Educational Psychologist. 
    Stories that speak about who we are play an important role in representation, guiding what we should be proud of. “When there is a lack of representation, children are exposed to a single narrative based on stereotypes, this leads to them experiencing negative psychological outcomes and often feeling like they’re not good enough,” adds Maapola.
    Wimpy commissioned Ethnikids to develop a multilingual, multicultural folktale collection giving children access to diverse characters and stories that they can relate to and identify with. The collection is based on five South African folktales, with some of SA’s most talented authors and illustrators collaborating to provide children tales that represent the rainbow nation’s melting pot of cultures.
    English versions of the books are available at Wimpy restaurants nationwide with every Kids’ Combo Meal. Online versions of the books are available in all SA’s official languages, as well as in Khoe/Nama the original Bantu language of the Khoisan people that is being advocated to become one of SA’s official languages on the Wimpy website.
    “This year’s campaign includes an interactive online and in-restaurant experience encouraging children to engage with the stories. Children can choose their own ending by scanning a QR code at the back of the books, using their own imagination to expand on the narratives” adds Law.

    A second phase of the campaign will enable to kids collect 3D cardboard puppets from each of the featured books. These fold-out scenes will include different characters and allow kids to make use of their imagination, acting out scenes and making up their own characters.
    Visit https://wimpy.co.za/kids/mzanzi-stories/ to find out more.

    *In Partnership With Wimpy More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    9 inspiring accounts to follow on Instagram this month

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    A curated guide of all the inspiring accounts to #follow
    Rae Joseph@theraejoseph

    Fashion entrepreneur and vintage collector.
    Delvaux@delvaux

    Exceptional, timeless designs since 1829.
    Rimowa@rimowa

    Suitcases engineered to perfection.
    Edge of Ember@edgeofember

    Luxury jewellery designed from recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds.
    Leila Heller Gallery@leilahellergallery

    One of the most influential art spaces in the region.
    Nostalgia Classic Cars@nostalgiaclassiccars

    Every classic car enthusiast’s dream.
    Hublot@hublot

    Unique timepieces combining tradition and innovation.
    Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi@bodouralqasimi

    An advocate for books and literacy as Chairperson of Shurooq.
    NOBU@noburestaurants

    Sleek Japanese Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of Dubai.
    November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @theraejoseph More

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    What is UAE Flag Day? Here’s everything you need to know

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    23 mins ago

    A very important day in the UAE’s calendar will be marked this week – Flag Day.
    While there is no official day off for UAE Flag Day, it’s a day of significance as it marks the day when the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ascended into the role of President of the UAE.
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, even shared a message of importance earlier this week to mark UAE Flag Day.
    “We call on our citizens, organisations, and ministries to hoist the flag simultaneously on November 3 at 11:00 am to express the unity of our home and our destiny,” he said on Twitter.
    But what exactly is UAE Flag Day? Emirates Woman is here to highlight everything you need to know.
    What is UAE Flag Day?

    ٣ نوفمبر القادم تحتفل دولتنا بيوم العلم، ندعو كافة وزاراتنا ومؤسساتنا لرفعه بشكل موحد الساعة 11 صباحاً في ذلك اليوم. سيبقى علمنا مرفوعاً .. سيبقى رمز عزتنا ووحدتنا خفاقاً .. ستبقى راية عزنا ومجدنا وسيادتنا عالية في سماء الإنجاز والولاء والوفاء .. pic.twitter.com/eLmH90j5Ae
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 28, 2022

    UAE Flag Day was first launched in 2013 and is celebrated every year on November 3. However, it is not recognised as a public holiday.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was the one with the idea to launch the annual Flag Day as a commemoration to Sheikh Khalifa who was elected President of the UAE on November 3, 2004.
    The history of the UAE flag
    The UAE flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem of Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
    Last year, the now President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan explained the UAE flag is “an enduring display of national unity”.

    قبل خمسين عاماً، توحد شعبنا واجتمعت كلمته تحت راية واحدة، وفي “يوم العلم” نجدد العهد مع الوطن بقيادة الشيخ خليفة بأن تبقى رايته مصدر فخرنا واعتزازنا ورمزاً لقوة وحدتنا. pic.twitter.com/UyQPBASZgM
    — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 3, 2021

    The flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem by Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
    His father, the late Sheikh Zayed and father of the UAE, was also involved in the design process of the flag.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    UAE public holidays in 2023: When are they?

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    Now it’s the beginning of November, many have started looking to 2023 perhaps setting goals, making plans and sharing hopes for the next year ahead.
    Part of making those plans has to include when everyone will be able to avail some well-deserved time off work.
    So, it begs the question: when will the UAE public holidays fall in 2023? Well, we’re here to help…
    New Year’s Day
    As of 2022, New Year’s Day became an official public holiday in the UAE following the work-week change from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday. This means January 1, 2023, will also be observed as a public holiday.
    Eid Al Fitr
    The first day of Ramadan is predicted to fall around March 22, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar. Eid Al Fitr falls on the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to Shawwal 3. It’s been predicted that Eid al Fitr could fall around Friday, April 21, 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.
    Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
    A couple of months after Eid Al Fitr, the UAE will observe another public holiday, Arafat Day which falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. This corresponds to around June 27, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.
    Eid Al Adha
    Just after Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, which will correspond from June 28 to June 30, 2023.
    Islamic New Year
    A couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around July 19, 2023.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around September 29, 2023.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2023, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2 and December 3.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are always determined by UAE authorities.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Unsplash  More

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    All the major changes that took place in the UAE in 2022

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    46 mins ago

    The UAE is a country of endless possibilities and with leaders with a vision to consistently look to the future.
    With this in mind, in 2022 alone there have been a number of changes to continue to make the UAE an attractive place to live.
    From visa updates to an amendment in labour laws, a host of new rules and regulations were launched this year.
    For an overview of all the updates, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the changes made in 2022.
    New visa system
    With visas being a major topic of discussion this year, the country continues to welcome expats from around the globe, especially with all the new visas here. The new system of entry and residence was launched to retain global talents and skilled workers from October 3, 2022. The latest visas introduced include a visitor visa which has increased the duration from 30 to 60 days after the individual has proved sufficient funds. For those who wish to start their own company, a business visa can be granted without a sponsor. Visas can also be granted for internship programmes, study courses and training purposes, and for any-project based work or temporary assignments, candidates can receive a temporary work visa. Now, families also have the option of sponsoring male children until the age of 25, where it was previously granted for 18 years old. The other visas available include a multi-entry tourist visa, a Green visa and a Golden visa for individuals who fall under the categories of entrepreneurs, real estate owners, exceptional talents, scientists & researchers, outstanding students and skilled workers.
    Working week shift

    #UAE announces today that it will transition to a four and a half day working week, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.
    All Federal government departments will move to the new weekend from January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tQoa22pai9
    — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 7, 2021

    Starting from January 1, 2022, this year, the UAE Government Media Office transitioned to a new model with Saturday and Sunday forming the weekend days. Additionally, the UAE government made an announcement that the working week would be a four-and-a-half-day week for Federal employees from Monday to Thursday, 7:30am to 3:30pm with employees working for 4.5 hours on Friday and the flexibility to work from home.
    Labour law updates
    With only full-time employment possible before, employees now have the possibility to opt for temporary and flexible work, freelance jobs, condensed working hours and shared jobs. This new law allows employees to work part-time, job share, take on temporary work, or work for more than one employer for a specified number of days. Per the new contract, employees can work 40 hours a week and can perform all 40 hours in three if they would like to do so.
    Tech-driven Emirati passports

    The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
    — Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

    With innovation at the forefront, the government launched the next generation of Emirati passports on September 1, 2022, with technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel. Designed to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness to promote security and safety for international travel. The key features include a detail-oriented identification page with a holographic logo and enhanced elements to reduce attempts of forgery. Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
    E-cheques are now the future
    Through a partnership between Dubai Land Department and Emirates NBD, cheque payments for rental have been automated using the Central Bank of the UAE’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS) allowing tenants to make payments through their bank accounts instead of issuing physical cheques. Tenants will also have the option of flexible payment plans and facilitate easy transfer without any added hassle.
    Emirates IDs are the new visas
    Since May 16, 2022, Emirates ID cards have officially replaced residence visa stickers across all emirates except Dubai. All relevant information is documented and stored within Emirates ID cards to merge residence and identity card applications, instead of processing them separately leading to a number of benefits. This rule now cuts paperwork and the time taken to process applications, with a more detailed outline showcasing a 3D picture, date of birth on the cardholder, and enhanced protection of non-visible data including employment information.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & feature image: Instagram @alphaspotting More

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    in health and weelbeing

    8 Things That Are Sucking The Happiness Right Out Of Your Life

    You may not recognise it, but there are several biological imbalances and environmental factors that could create bad mood triggers, affecting your mood as an offshoot of something else that’s not quite right. Read on and check if any of these ring alarm bells.
    Bad mood trigger 1: Food Intolerance
    Food intolerances are responsible for a wide range of physical conditions including nausea and abdominal pain, but they can also affect your mood, causing irritability, mood swings, lack of focus, aggression, nervousness or hyperactivity. If you suffer from regular mood swings, try keeping a food diary – noting what you eat as well as any changes in mood – to see if you can identify a link.
    Bad mood trigger 2: Your Home Decor
    If you want to give your mood a boost, try changing your home decor as your surroundings can heavily influence your mood. While red can make some people feel irritable or hostile, yellow communicates happiness and blue aids relaxation, so try accessorising your home with colours that enhance your mood. Research has also suggested that hanging up soothing pictures – such as beautiful landscape paintings – can positively affect a person’s mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
    READ MORE: Mindful Drinking: How More And More People Are Becoming ‘Sober Curious’
    Bad mood trigger 3: Getting Promoted
    While many of us dream of getting a promotion in work, the reality may not be as rosy as you think. A study by researchers at the University of Warwick has found that rather than improving quality of life for workers, following job promotion employees suffered from increased mental strain and there was on average a 10 percent decrease in people’s mental health.
    Trigger 4: Your Bedside Lamp
    If you regularly fall asleep reading or watching TV, this can have repercussions on your mood the next day. Research has shown that night time light can suppress the production of melatonin; a mood-regulating hormone which is only produced during darkness. So, try investing in some heavy curtains and make sure you turn off all lights at night to give yourself a happiness boost.
    Trigger 5: Nutrient Deficiencies
    While depression can be caused by a number of things, symptoms can be worsened or improved by your diet. Deficiencies in vitamin D, the B vitamins (particularly B6, B12 and folate) and omega-3 fatty acids can all lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Try introducing more foods rich in these nutrients into your diet to see if symptoms improve.
    READ MORE: How To Support A Loved One If You Think They Are Suicidal
    Trigger 6: Your Friends
    You might think that spending time with your friends is a great mood booster; however, that could all depend on their mood. Research has found that emotions – both positive and negative – are contagious and easily passed from person to person, often without you being aware of it. Furthermore, you don’t even need to see your friends to catch their mood, as a study suggests that the emotions of Facebook users directly affect the emotions of their friends for up to three days.
    Trigger 7: Late Nights
    Many of us are aware that lack of sleep can contribute to a low mood; however, research suggests that when you go to sleep could be almost as important as how much sleep you get. According to a study published in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, night owls are almost three times as likely as early birds to experience severe symptoms of depression, so try getting some early nights to boost your mood.
    READ MORE: 10 Ways To Motivate Yourself To Hit the Gym After Work
    Trigger 8: The Pill
    A study by researchers from Monash University has found that women who take birth control pills are twice as likely to be depressed as those who don’t. For some, certain birth control pills can also lead to mood swings, increased anger and loss of libido. If you think that your mood has changed for the worse since you began taking the pill, visit your GP to discuss the alternatives. More