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    in lifestyle and culture

    Johnny Depp issues touching statement following Amber Heard victory

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    For the past seven weeks, Johnny Depp and Amber Heard have been embroiled in a civil lawsuit against one another.
    The case took place in Fairfax County, Virginia where Depp sued Heard, his ex-wife, for $50 million over an op-ed she wrote back in 2018 for The Washington Post claiming she was a domestic abuse victim. The article did not directly name Depp as the individual, but it was implied given the timing of the story following the couple’s divorce. Depp claimed this cost him a number of high-profile roles in moves, thus affecting his income.
    Meanwhile, Heard countersued her ex-husband, whom she was married to from 2015 to 2017, for $100 million for accusing her of making false allegations.
    Over the past few weeks, private matters between Depp and Heard have been laid bare for public consumption as the civil suit has caused a media storm around the globe.

    The Verdict
    On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, the jury found Heard guilty of all three counts of defamation following the publishing of her Washington Post article. The judge ordered Heard to pay her ex-husband a total of $15 million in damages – $10 million in compensatory damages and $5 million in punitive damages.
    Meanwhile, Depp was found guilty of one count of defamation and has been ordered to pay $2 million in compensatory damages to his ex-wife.
    Johnny Depp’s statement

    Following his civil lawsuit victory, Depp issued a heartfelt statement of what has ensued in his life over the past six years and said he was ready for a “new chapter”.
    Read his full statement below.
    “Six years ago, my life, the life of my children, the lives of those closest to me, and also, the lives of the people, who for many, many years have supported and believed in me were forever changed. All in the blink of an eye.
    “False, very serious and criminal allegations were levied at me via the media, which triggered an endless barrage of hateful content, although no charges were ever brought against me. It had already travelled around the world twice within a nanosecond and it had a seismic impact on my life and career.
    “And six years later, the jury gave me my life back. I am truly humbled. My decision to pursue this case, knowing very well the height of the legal hurdles that I would be facing and the inevitable, worldwide spectacle into my life, was only made after considerable thought.
    “From the very beginning, the goal of bringing this case was to reveal the truth, regardless of the outcome. Speaking the truth was something that I owed to my children and to all those who have remained steadfast in their support of me.I feel at peace knowing I have finally accomplished that. I am, and have been, overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and the colossal support and kindness from around the world.
    “I hope that my quest to have the truth be told will have helped others, men or women, who have found themselves in my situation, and that those supporting them never give up. I also hope that the position will now return to innocent until proven guilty, both within the courts and in the media.
    “I wish to acknowledge the noble work of the Judge, the jurors, the court staff & the Sheriffs who have sacrificed their own time to get to this point, & to my diligent & unwavering legal team who did an extraordinary job in helping me to share the truth.
    “The best is yet to come and a new chapter has finally begun. Veritas numquam perit. Truth never perishes.”
    Amber Heard’s statement

    However, following the verdict, Heard shared her “disappointment” over the ruling saying she was “heartbroken”.
    “The disappointment I feel today is beyond words,” she said in a statement. “I’m heartbroken that the mountain of evidence still was not enough to stand up to the disproportionate power, influence, and sway of my ex-husband.
    “I’m even more disappointed with what this verdict means for other women. It is a setback. It sets back the idea that violence against women is to be taken seriously.”
    According to the BBC, Heard plans to appeal the decision.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Getty More

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    in health and weelbeing

    6 Hacks Dua Lipa Does Every Day to Boost Her Mental Health

    Levitating from the stage in a custom black bodysuit adorned with 120,000 crystals (see Future Nostalgia tour), Dua Lipa certainly knows how to command a room. Sure, she has the help of stage lights, special effects, and her voice, of course, but let’s be real: She could be wearing jeans and a T-shirt and still turn heads.
    Thanks to Vogue’s The Real Dua Lipa story, I got an in-depth, BTS look into the two-time-Grammy-winning, 26-year-old pop star’s life. Behind all the glitz and glamour and fame, Dua (meaning “love” in Albanian) is a staunch advocate for refugee groups, LGBTQ rights, and racial justice. She’s also a yogi, good cook, hugger, fan of star signs, and overall boss (AKA my new girl crush).
    As if we needed more reasons to adore her, she’s been open about her own struggles with mental health. On an episode of The Gurls Talk Podcast with host Adwoa Aboah, Dua shared how she prioritized her well-being during the pandemic. Of course, I took notes. Drawing inspiration from another Vogue piece, I gathered Dua’s six tips on how to care for your mental health from her guest appearance on the podcast. Be warned, you’ll want to be her BFF.  
     

    1. Stay connected with loved ones
    If there’s one takeaway from the past couple of years, it’s the importance of connection. We’re all guilty of putting off calling our moms or reconnecting with our high school besties. But Dua encouraged The Gurls Talk Podcast‘s listeners to make time to connect with their network to foster the feeling of togetherness. She credited group chats and FaceTime workouts with friends to keeping her sane when quarantined (if only I could’ve been a fly on the wall). Now that we’re back to some normalcy, IRL interactions have never felt better or been more valuable for maintaining our mental health (but you still can’t go wrong with picking up the phone, whether we’re in the middle of a pandemic or not). 

    2. Have a journaling routine (that works best for you)
    It’s no secret we’re journaling stans at The Everygirl, and Dua would give us major props for making the practice part of our routines (that practically makes us BFFs, right?).  While writing songs is Dua’s main form of journaling, she suggested writing about your feelings and not being afraid of your thoughts and putting them down on paper (whatever way feels best for you). Whether it’s a diary entry, poem, short essay, or just a few bullet points about how you’re feeling, Dua said journaling really helps bring your mental health A-game. To make it even simpler, she recommended grabbing a piece of paper and scribbling out whatever you’re thinking—it doesn’t have to make sense and you can rip it up after all is said and done. Leave it to Dua Lipa to make journaling even cooler. 
     

    3. Try positive escapism
    Wanting to take a break from challenging emotions (think: a breakup, work pressures, a health scare) is normal. Although temporary, it gives us the chance to disconnect and take our minds off our circumstances so that we can reset and be in a better headspace to handle obstacles. Dua’s form of escapism? You guessed it: music. Sometimes, all we need is a good cry or a solo dance party to our go-to songs to shake things off. But other times, it takes more effort.
    If you could use an actual physical escape to, say, a private island but it isn’t in the budget (if only), plan a weekend getaway or staycation to look forward to. And when future plans just won’t cut it, settle in to a good book, pick up a new hobby, or get lost in a movie or show. While imagining yourself as a Real Housewife (you pick the location) won’t solve your problems, it can provide the space you need to gain perspective and reframe your mindset.

    4. Take a social media hiatus
    We’ve all been down the IG rabbit hole of incessantly scrolling through the filtered and edited lives of friends and influencers—the next thing you know, you’re comparing yourself and your life to theirs. Dua Lipa told Adwoa that there was a point when online criticism kept her from feeling proud of her achievements. “I don’t think I could have done my second record if I hadn’t taken a step back from social media,” she said. “You should always remove yourself from things that have a negative impact on your mental health. Leave any good things that inspire you, excite you, and make it fun.” 
    Taking Dua’s advice, set boundaries around your social media usage. Limit the amount of time you spend on TikTok each day, schedule social media-free days, or take a month-long breather from certain apps. If you need more convincing, consider this: A 2021 study revealed that most participants reported a positive change in mood, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep during and immediately after a break from social media. 

    5. Regularly practice kindness
    Dua’s MO in a nutshell? “Work hard and be nice,” she shared with Adwoa (changing my status to #1 fan). The power of kindness goes beyond making the person on the receiving end feel good (even though that’s good enough!). According to the American Psychological Association, acts of kindness boost happiness and well-being and is even linked to physical health benefits. Even observing or looking back on kind acts have been shown to increase well-being. So smile at every stranger, treat a friend to coffee, or pay others a compliment because you just might start a domino effect. Also, you deserve to show yourself kindness. “Think about what you’re saying to yourself because you talk to yourself the most … Be kind to yourself,” Dua stated. I couldn’t have said it better. 

    6. Give back
    If you’ve ever volunteered for an organization, donated money to a cause you believe in, or used your voice to help others, you’re also doing your mental health good. Beyond contributing to charities (she works closely with UNICEF and UNHCR), Dua swears that supporting your friends and family is not only an important thing to do but is also a wellness hack. Whether it’s as small as sending a positive text message to your gal pal or making dinner for your parents, showing altruism does more than just produce feel-good moments. Research shows that giving back is the closest thing to a magic pill, filling our brains with dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin. In other words, bring on the happiness!

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    in lifestyle and culture

    College is Over, Now What? Corporate Natalie’s Best Tips for Entering the Workforce

    Do you know what is incredibly underrated? Access to an academic adviser. They had all the answers we ever needed! Not sure what major to choose? Meet with your adviser. Have no idea what classes you’re supposed to be taking next semester? Email your adviser. Panicking because you’re not sure if you will graduate on time? Give your adviser a call. Mine single-handedly got me through college, so when I graduated and realized I no longer had access to someone who could tell me my plan for the next few years and how to job hunt, I stared at myself in the mirror and thought, “Well, it’s up to you now, pal.” Yikes.
    With college graduation comes a lot of excitement and anticipation for the endless number of opportunities ahead, but it can also be really nerve-racking to navigate the workforce for the very first time—especially when you have no idea what you’re doing. So where do you start? Well, I had the opportunity to ask Corporate Content Creator and Adviser Natalie some questions about where to start as a new college grad who wants to leverage their degree, skills, and personality as they enter the workforce, and her answers are so thorough and helpful that I’m truly considering them to be the Lord’s work.
    Note: Natalie’s tips for entering the workforce confidently are geared toward new college graduates, but they are also helpful for anyone who might be looking for a new job, switching industries, or brushing up on their interview skills.

    Meet the expert

    Corporate Content Creator / Adviser
    Natalie is a content creator who offers advice on how to succeed in the workplace, all while poking fun at what real life in the corporate world is like through short videos on her Instagram and TikTok.

    New college graduates typically have little to no experience in the workforce and are looking for an entry-level position. What is the best way for them to communicate their education, skills, and personal qualities on their resume and/or cover letter to make up for a lack of real-world experience?
    With the newfound nature of work implementing hybrid models that allow employees to work from home, it’s more important than ever to ensure your personality comes through your resume and cover letter. Video content allows employers to see your personality in a way that written skills on a resume might not. I also encourage new grads to flex their top five skills on their LinkedIn profile—which can be from previous experiences such as college volunteering or internships. LinkedIn also offers profile pronouns, a name pronunciation feature, and profile videos—all additional LinkedIn features that recent college graduates can leverage to showcase who they are and to sell themselves to potential recruiters.

    Source: Mikhail Nilov | Pexels

    Considering more jobs have become fully remote, virtual interviews are more common. What is your advice for graduates who want to stick out among candidates in a virtual interview? How is this different from an in-person interview?
    While I know it sounds intuitive, you should absolutely dress for the interview. Go all out. Dust off your mom’s old blazer or whip out your lucky earrings (even if you’re sporting sweatpants under the video screen). Show them that this interview means everything to you, and you’ve brought out your best to prove it. Outside of the attire, with interviews in general, it’s important to make a connection with your interviewer. Perhaps they have a framed baseball or a guitar hanging behind them. Maybe their dog peeks into the frame at one point. Work from home offers a glimpse into people’s realities that we never had before, so comment on these things! Take the time up front to show that you care and that their interests mean something to you. This also applies to your own background. Do you have a pile of dirty laundry sitting on your bed or do you have a clean, organized background? If it’s not feasible to create a clean space at home, throw on a virtual background that’ll make you stand out. 

    Where and how should new college graduates start building their professional network?
    Utilize LinkedIn to connect with people and topics that interest you. For the most part, everyone is searching for connections and community—especially with remote work removing opportunities for in-person networking. Use LinkedIn to both tell your story and learn from people in the industries that interest you. I actually got my first job by connecting with people at the company on LinkedIn and meeting for coffee! For me specifically, as a content creator, once I was successful in building a following on other platforms, I realized that LinkedIn was a great place for me to focus on building deeper professional relationships and to engage with my network in a professional context about my career growth and management. 

    Source: Ketut Subiyanto | Pexels

    How can Gen Z leverage social media and LinkedIn to stick out to business owners and recruiters as potential candidates?
    When I started my first job out of college, I took hours upon hours of social media training warning me about the acceptable use of social media as an employee of the company. Of course, I agree with being smart about what you post publicly—I’ve always followed the “would I want my grandma to see this?” model, and I’d be more than happy if my grandma saw any and all of my videos. Outside of Corporate Natalie, the truth is that social media is one of the most powerful tools for sticking out as a business and an individual. LinkedIn is actually one of the most valuable platforms to showcase who you are as a professional in a truly unique, human way. It’s so much more than just a place to find job openings—it also helps people expand their network, connect with mentors, create content, learn new skills, build their professional brand, jumpstart side hustles, and so much more.

    A few of Natalie’s top tips to make the most out of LinkedIn include:

    Turn on the #OpenToWork feature, signaling to recruiters that you’re looking for a new opportunity. 
    Set up Job Alerts so you can be one of the first to apply for jobs you’re excited about. Applying within the first 10 minutes of receiving a job notification for a new posting increases your chance of hearing back by 4x.
    Tap into your network and make sure to connect with people you know and trust, like friends, family, or former classmates.
    Posting regularly is a great way to foster relationships and get noticed by hirers on LinkedIn. Share a relevant article with your takeaways or ask your network for tips on a particular topic to kick-start a conversation.

    How To Manifest Career Success This Year More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    When is Eid Al Adha in 2022?

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    As we head into the hotter months, you may be starting to plan your next getaway to escape the scorching UAE heat.
    Luckily, there’s a long weekend on the horizon to mark Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha.
    Each year in the Islamic calendar, Eid Al Adha falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah and lasts for four days, with the first day of the holiday being Arafat Day. This period honour the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, Ismail, to obey Allah’s command, but a lamb was sacrificed instead.
    With the upcoming Islamic holiday set to fall in July, per the Gregorian Calendar, we’ve also rounded up when you can expect the rest of the public holidays in the UAE to fall in 2022.
    Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
    Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha will fall on 9-12 of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which is expected to be between Friday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 12.
    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 30, 2022.
    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 October 8, 2022.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2022, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The UAE’s capital is officially plastic bag free from today

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    1 minute ago

    Abu Dhabi is officially plastic bag free as of today, June 1, 2022.
    The announcement was made back in April by the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD) that the UAE’s capital would take the lead in reducing the consumption of single-use plastic bags.
    Additionally, further limits are set to be implemented to reduce the use of other plastic products in Abu Dhabi.
    Back in 2019, in data shared by the World Government Summit, in the UAE alone there are 11 billion plastic bags used every year.
    When will other emirates follow suit?
    Thus far, Abu Dhabi is the only emirate to implement a complete ban on plastic bags.
    Dubai is set to introduce a charge of 25 fils per single-use plastic bag from next month on July 1, 2022, but a total ban hasn’t been announced.
    In a bid to be more environmentally conscious, why not invest in some reusable shopping bags? Shop our edit below.
    The Hero Buys

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

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Watch: Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum breaks a huge record for women everywhere

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Her Highness Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum is no stranger to breaking records in the UAE, having become the first Emirati woman to join the Dubai Police as a helicopter pilot back in 2019.
    Now, the Dubai royal has broken another record in the world of aviation, becoming the first female to pilot the AW609 tiltrotor, an air vehicle which combines the operational versatility of a helicopter and the performance of an aeroplane.
    Her Highness piloted the groundbreaking aircraft at the US helicopter headquarters of Leonardo, a global high-tech player in Aerospace, Defence and Security, located in Philadelphia.

    Mozah bint Marwan becomes first woman to pilot AW609 tiltrotor.#WamNews pic.twitter.com/6sBIrnYyGq
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) May 30, 2022

    Discussing her record-breaking experience, the former Emirates Woman cover star shared her pride at being able to reach a milestone further shattering “another glass ceiling for women”.
    “I’m thrilled to be the first female pilot to test this revolutionary aircraft,” she said in a statement per the Dubai Media Office. “It was not only a personal milestone but an opportunity to shatter another glass ceiling for women.
    ALSO READ: 6 of Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum’s best ‘on duty’ moments
    “I always push myself beyond my limits to prove that if I can do it, it is also within the reach of anyone else who is determined enough to try.”
    She described the experience of piloting the AW609 tiltrotor as a “natural evolution of my piloting experience”, combining her experience as an Emirates commercial pilot and helicopter pilot for Dubai Police.

    “Aircrafts like the AW609 tiltrotor makes me feel really excited about the future of aviation, a future now open to more women who chose this industry,” she added.
    The innovative aircraft is a trailblazer in the aircraft space combining the take-off and landing vertically of the helicopter with the pressurised cabin, speed, altitude and endurance abilities of an aeroplane.
    Her Highness became the first Emirati royal to qualify as a commercial pilot for Emirates Airlines in 2016 and became the first Emirati woman to join the Dubai Police as a helicopter pilot in 2019.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images/Media: Sheikha Mozah Instagram/WAM More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Sheikh Hamdan pays a visit to Chef Izu’s newly opened Dubai restaurant

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 minute ago

    Chef Izu Ani unveiled his latest venture, La Maison Ani, just over a month ago and it’s already been a huge success. So much so, the restaurant now has the royal stamp of approval.
    On Monday, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, paid a visit to the newly opened restaurant in The Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue.
    The restaurant’s team described it as an “honour” to welcome the Crown Prince, sharing a photo from his visit.
    “It was a complete honour and privilege to host The Crown Prince @faz3 at La Maison Ani by Chef Izu,” they said. “The first of many visits we hope.”

    It’s not the first Chef Izu concept Sheikh Hamdan has paid a visit to. His Highness regularly dines at Gaia in DIFC, which first opened its doors in 2018, and Carine, located in Emirates Golf Club.
    La Maison Ani is the latest concept by Chef Izu former Emirates Man cover star Evgeny Kuzin, chairman and co-founder of Bulldozer Group.
    Designed as a result of Chef Izu’s wanderlust inspiration, the interiors and food are a stark resemblance to his many years of travel which can easily be reflected in the dishes and décor.

    Located in the heart of Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, the venue not only has charming interiors but incredible views of the iconic Dubai Fountains. For a tropical touch, the botanical conservatory is open for visitors to enjoy a Mediterranean meal in a nature-fuelled atmosphere.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Hermès opens a sophisticated new store in Doha

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 minute ago

    Hermès has unveiled its brand new store in Qatar’s capital city, Doha.
    The expansive space spreads across 600 square metres and is set in the heart of a luxe new shopping destination, Place Vendôme. Conceptualized by the architecture agency RDAI, this tastefully designed space is created with immaculate attention to detail.
    Embodying a Parisian flair, the interiors exude unmistakable elegance with shades of amber and earthy tones, with double-height windows for that exquisite finesse. As a contemporary expression of architectural vocabulary, the space evokes a certain calmness through its subtle features such as travertine walls and warm touches.

    The lavish store also delves into the region’s history as the space is inspired by the rock carvings of Al Jassasiya.
    With separate areas around the store dedicated purely to the silk collections, perfume and beauty, watches and jewellery and leather goods, there’s a story in every section giving each section its individual identity.
    To infuse certain elements of nature, the store leads to a private oasis of flora for that much-needed escape. From earthenware vases by artist Julian Stair to a winged horse by sculptor Christian Renonciat, each design aspect is carefully considered to exude the house’s codes.
    For a bespoke experience, guests can feel at home at the luxe VIP salons to choose and try their pieces at ease.
    To celebrate the launch, the American artist duo CHIAOZZA, Adam Frezza and Terri Chiao have painted a surrealistic jungle sculpture, ensuring an enticing welcome for all guests.

    By adding to the physical shopping experience, customers can now discover the new store and visit from Monday to Wednesday 9am to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday 9am to 12am and Sunday 9am to 10pm. Located on the ground floor of the mall’s south side, the new Hermès Doha store celebrates its rich history and artistic vision.
    For more information visit hermès.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More