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    How This Midwife Created a Judgement-Free Zone on the Internet for Women to Talk Freely About Their Bodies

    In the age of Instagram, one of the biggest issues people express is a lack of authenticity on the platform; too much curated content and not enough applicable, real-life stuff. And while that can be true, it’s anything but for Ailsa Emmel of Happy Go Curly.On Happy Go Curly, you get your daily dose of style inspiration, but in between that also get something less expected: health education, particularly on vaginal health. What started out as a fashion Instagram has evolved into including insight that Ailsa has experience with from her day job as a Certified Nurse-Midwife, and her weekly Women’s Health Wednesday posts touch everything from birth control to breastfeeding to real talks about lubricant. 
    Curious about how Happy Go Curly came to be and what Ailsa’s plans are for the future? Look no further.

    Name: Ailsa Emmel, Certified Nurse-MidwifeAge: 40s Current Location: Miami, FloridaEducation: Master’s degree, Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Bachelor’s of Science in Pyschology

    What was your first job and how did you land it?

    [My] first job out of college was easy. I had an NROTC scholarship, so I was commissioned in the United States Navy as an officer. I was a Navy nurse. 

    Tell us a little bit about your career journey. You’re a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)—what inspired you to start your Instagram on top of that?

    I went to college and got a Bachelor’s in Science in Nursing. I became an RN (after taking the credentialing test, of course). I spent four+ years as a commissioned officer and got out to join the reserves. This was during wartime, and it was too hard on my family since my hubby was also on active duty. We had young twins and were worried we would both be sent to war at the same time, so I decided to get out and attend Midwifery school at The University of Miami. 
    I started my Instagram years ago as a fashion account. I wanted to make good use of my closet, and back then styling prompts were a thing. I initially started my account as @emmeltwins. @_happygocurly_ didn’t evolve until late 2018 in my kitchen. I was brainstorming with my girlfriend and daughters. My account was moving away from a private, small account, and I wanted a name that defined me. I wanted people to know a little bit more about me just from seeing my handle. It was still about clothes and everyday life. The true integration of being a CNM coupled with fashion and lifestyle came later.

    What were the beginning stages of @_happygocurly_ like? Was there a moment where you felt like, wow, I’m really doing this?

    HGC truly came to be when we moved to Boston from 2018-2019 for the year (my hubby was doing a fellowship at MIT). I say this because I spent a lot of time exploring and spending time alone. I think it helped me to get to know myself. I fell in love with ME. It was there that a follower recommended I do a Women’s Health Wednesday every week. I was like, ‘No way, I don’t have enough topics to talk about every week,’ but I was wrong! The topics came flooding in, and people were tuning in and asking questions.
    The beginning of @_happygocurly_ was a troubleshoot. I didn’t identify my why; I didn’t know what my purpose was on Instagram. I was so busy looking at what everyone else was posting and not using my voice. It was when I started to use my voice that things started changing. 

    How has @_happygocurly_ evolved since you began it? What would you say your main priority is in choosing your posts?

    HGC has become a safe haven for many—at least that is the atmosphere I want to create and cultivate. Women can come to me and ask and share anything. It is a judgment-free zone as long as you are kind. I want them to embrace their bodies and all that she is capable of. I want them to move their body (exercise of some form), meditate, perform self-care (however that is for them), read (explore different topics and books), and follow different accounts (diversity is key from different body types to ethnicities).
    My main priority is reality. I want people to not seek perfection, but to seek understanding. I want them to know it is OK not to be like everyone else. I want them to explore their differences and embrace them. I know it sounds trite, but I want everyone to recognize their strengths and beauty. I say this because “pulling the curtain” in patient’s rooms, I see and hear their insecurities. I choose my posts based on how I am feeling and if I have something to say or share. I used to think I needed to post every day or twice a day and have found that is much more meaningful when I don’t. So, maybe one day I have a lot to say on my feed, and then other days not so much. I do, however, love stories. I am very active there and share it all. 

    I want people to not seek perfection, but to seek understanding.

    How do you balance  @_happygocurly_ with your CNM career? Do they overlap in any ways?

    Eek. It is definitely a hard balance. I work out of state every three weeks for a week or more. I have to plan (I say this lightly because that is not my forte), and I truly like the more spontaneous posts. When I am working, I like to give my undivided attention and energy to my patients. I find that I miss my Instagram friends so very much. I still pop in and out and always do my #happygocurlywhw
    They do overlap because I do talk about women’s topics on Wednesdays. I dedicate Wednesdays for that reason, but also at any time I may discuss vaginal health. I want women to talk about their bodies freely. I have found that these are the topics they have the most questions about: vaginal dryness, menopause, mothering/parenting, bonding, breastfeeding, labor, and the list goes on and on. 

    What has been the greatest challenge of your Instagram? Your favorite part?

    The greatest challenge has been getting good pics and Instagram-worthy scenery to capture the content. Trying to stay ahead with all the new changes has been defeating at times. While I like to think of myself as dynamic, sometimes the new additions can be daunting and time-consuming. I have been frustrated with my content going away after 24 hours and realized I needed a way to have it be accessible.
    My favorite part is the people for sure. I have made some of my closest friends on Instagram. I love the impact my WHW has made on so many, and when I get messages saying they listened and went to their provider and got a diagnosis or were able to advocate for themselves based on my talks. I think it is normal to question every once in a while if you are making a difference.

    I love the impact my Women’s Health Wednesday has made on so many, and when I get messages saying they listened and went to their provider and got a diagnosis or were able to advocate for themselves based on my talks.

    The past year hasn’t exactly been easy. How do you approach your Instagram when there are such major current events happening?

    I find that I speak my mind. I don’t want to bombard my followers, but I also want them to understand how current events affect me as a BIPOC/Black woman. I share my experiences in relation to BLM. I try to expose them to a different world. I invite them to ask questions. I try to call in my community, rather than call out. I want them to always ask the hard questions in an effort to gain knowledge. 

    I invite them to ask questions. I try to call in my community, rather than call out. I want them to always ask the hard questions in an effort to gain knowledge. 

    What career moment are you most proud of thus far?

    Becoming a CNM. I am so happy it worked out that I get to live my passion. Every time I deliver a baby, I pinch myself. I thank the parents for allowing me to share this moment with them. Living your life’s passion is the greatest high for me. 

    Where do you see yourself next year? Five years from now?

    In the next year: moving to North Carolina. I want to start a blog. I want to create a place where women can find the information they need in case they miss WHW. 
    Five years: Well, my hubby will probably be retiring from the USMC, and we will have to pick a location to live. I have no idea where that may be. Geez, I don’t have any grand plans except to be happy and to keep plugging along. I think I am living exactly what I want and don’t want for much more. That can change quickly—heck, it may change tomorrow. Ask me again next week.

    What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

    To thine ownself be true. This is my mantra. When I start to get lost in the hustle, I remember that if I am not making myself happy, I am no good to anyone else. 

    What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?

    Keep working hard, you’re going to be amazing. Be sure to love you first before you try to give yourself to others. 

    Ailsa Emmel is The Everygirl …

    Go-to coffee order? Grande latte, light foam (I know it defeats the whole point of a latte). Or a Venti black unsweetened iced tea with two Splendas
    Favorite act of self-care? Working out and sweating
    Top song of 2020? Ed Sheeran, Perfect
    Favorite piece in your wardrobe? Denim jacket
    If you could have lunch with any woman, who would you choose and why? Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison, and Oprah Winfrey—all inspiring and strong women. They were (and are) tenacious and headstrong yet so caring and helped me stay focused. More

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    5 Hyperpigmentation Myths About Darker Skin Tones

    As a Woman of Color, I’ve often struggled not only with finding foundation and color cosmetics that match my skin and its undertones, but also with finding the right skincare for the one condition that affects Black and Brown people the most: hyperpigmentation. Folks of any complexion can experience hyperpigmentation, as anatomically all skin is the same. We all have the same types of dermal layers, pores, blood vessels, and glands. However, there is one small and very obvious way that our skin differs, and that is in pigment. Skin color is determined by the presence of melanin, a pigment made by cells called melanocytes. Contrary to popular belief, we all have the same number of these cells, but depending on where we are from geographically and genetically, these cells make more melanin for some of us versus others. Darker skin is still prone to hyperpigmentation and needs all of the protection that fairer skin tones warrant.
    Hyperpigmentation happens when cells produce too much melanin at one time, causing what we commonly call a dark spot or a blemish. So, why does this happen, and why does it happen more frequently in darker skin-toned people? Surprisingly, it all leads back to one of two things: hormones or inflammation. Hyperpigmentation can happen when our hormones are out of whack due to pregnancy, changes in birth control, or even menopause. Changes in skin pigment due to these causes frequently show up on our skin in larger brown patches, or in a “mask-like” formation and should be addressed by your medical doctor.
    However, most of the dark spots that we seek to correct with skincare products are caused by inflammation and cause Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, or PIH. Have you ever bought a bag of fruit and one random apple slips out of the bag and bounces onto the floor? Though said apple is now slightly dented, you place it in the bowl with others. A day later, you may notice that the apple has a bruise or a brown spot around the dent? This inflammation is its response to trauma. Our skin responds much in the same way. 
    Any “trigger” to darker skin, even the seemingly innocent ones–which can include exfoliation, acne, waxing, or shaving—can cause melanocytes to overproduce skin pigment (melanin), causing a dark spot. So, what can we do about this? First, we can debunk a few myths about hyperpigmentation and Brown skin.

    source: @gethyperskin

     
    1. Dark skin is less sensitive than fair skin
    You may have already guessed after reading the above that this is false. Though fair skin can easily reveal any irritation or changes due to its lighter pigment, dark skin can mask irritation and have more visible and prolonged reactions to irritants and trauma.
    Therefore, it is important that skincare regimens for Black and Brown skin contain calming and soothing ingredients to prevent irritation, thus the overproduction of melanin. Even during exfoliation, it’s important to be sure that manual or scrub exfoliants are not harsh and exfoliating agents, such as acids, are not irritating.
     
    2. Dark skin tones can’t use peels
    This myth is a tricky one! Black and Brown skin tones have long been warned against laser treatments, and rightfully so. Early lasers and those used for hair removal were designed to find and zap pigment in the skin, preventing them from being an option for deeper skin tones. However, there have been a number of new developments in this space including, the invention of Pico Lasers, which can work on various skin tones!
    Peels have long been a go-to for lightening and brightening dark marks left by acne or sun damage; however, if you recall, inflammation can be caused by irritation, which means that things like strong acids can actually cause more harm than good. It is important to make sure that the peel you choose does not contain an acid that you may be allergic to. Peels tend to have varying strengths, from lighter strengths that you can perform at home to deeper peels that only a dermatologist should perform. If opting for a medium to deep peel, it is recommended that you have it performed by a professional who understands darker skin tones and your unique needs.

    Source: @blackgirlsunscreen

    3. Thinking acne is not the culprit
    I rarely break out, but when I do, whether I squeeze my pesky pimple or not, it almost always leaves a dark mark. This is because acne is, by definition, the occurrence of inflamed or infected oil glands in the skin. So, the best way to counteract dark spots from acne is to prevent them.  
    Use a clarifying cleanser to keep your face free of bacteria and your pores decongested, especially if you’re oily. This is an important step in preventing breakouts from happening in the first place. Unfortunately, once the irritation has happened and the pimple has erupted, it can be days to weeks before that dark mark makes its exit.
     
    4. Using lightening products will help
    Unless you’ve lived under a rock, you may have heard that many of the lightening products used by our moms and grandmothers have actually not only caused skin damage, but may have caused some serious side effects due to toxic ingredients that went under the radar for many years. In addition, society has begun to address the use of these products as they have historically promoted colorism in certain cultures.
    I personally am glad to see this conversation at the forefront of the beauty industry favoring safety and inclusivity in skincare. That said, lightening products can indeed still be the solution if you take the time to vet ingredients to ensure their safety. Ingredients such as licorice root, kojic acid, and skin superhero vitamin C are all great options for safely lightening and brightening dark spots.
     

    source: @blackgirlsunscreen

    5. Thinking you don’t need sunscreen
    Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the biggest myth of them all! Yes, we the Brown people have more melanin, but our melanin isn’t stronger than the sun. 
    The biggest culprit of hyperpigmentation is UV exposure from the sun. Though Black people have lower rates for skin cancer, we have higher rates of dying from it, as we typically will go undiagnosed for a longer period of time. Therefore, it is important for all skin tones to wear sunscreen each and every day, even in the winter or when it’s cloudy out. In addition, if you are using products to lighten PIH, your skin may actually be more sensitive to the sun, and you may be undoing all the correcting effects of your regimen by exposing your skin to UV harm.
    Lastly, I have experienced the common complaint of “ashy” or “gray” skin after an SPF application. Luckily for us, given the current heightened visibility of the beauty industry in addressing melanated skin, we are now seeing new brands that have launched expressly to address these concerns. One such company, Black Girl Sunscreen, manufactures SPF products with no white cast or residue. More

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    Saudi’s Crown Prince is set to launch an archipelago haven of luxury resorts

    The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman has launched a new project which is both environmentally friendly and set to host a haven of luxury resorts.
    The project, entitled ‘Coral Bloom’, is being led by the Red Sea Development project. In terms of design, the focus point of the project is primarily around biodiversity which preserves its natural environment, mangroves and wildlife in the region, designed by renowned British architects Foster + Partners.

    Discussing the launch, John Pagano, chief executive of Red Sea Development, believes visitors will be in awe of what they will arrive to.

    “We expect guests to be awed by what they see when they first arrive at The Red Sea Project, enjoying a truly immersive barefoot luxury experience,” he said. “The Coral Bloom designs take inspiration from the incredible flora and fauna found uniquely in Saudi Arabia.”

    Overall, the islands will consist of 50 resorts, 8,000 hotel rooms and 1,300 residential properties laid out across an of 22 islands.
    The entire project is all set to be completed by 2030 while supporting the usage of sustainable infrastructure using renewable energy, water conservation methods, and efficient use of resources. It also includes 11 hotels, lagoons and beaches along the dolphin-shaped island, all built-in consideration as the world is shifting to natural trends even more, due to the existing global health crisis.

    By the end of 2022, guests are expected to be welcomed with its first official opening as the first four hotels officially open, while offering a host of luxury experiences, marinas, golf courses, and entertainment activities through efficient use of resources.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Twitter @saudiproject More

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    The first female camel riding team is launching in the UAE

    After being at the centre of life in the UAE for many decades, camels have are a symbol of Emirati heritage.
    So much so, the country is now set to create its very own and first female camel riding team.

    As displayed on the Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center’s Instagram story, there will be regular training throughout their journey for women of all skill sets, as they can enhance their knowledge in the sport.
    Team members will potentially be able to take part in competitions while working closely with the camels to understand their personality traits.

    A training schedule has also been put up on their Instagram story page with the following:
    Sunday to Wednesday: 5pm to 7pm, Practice on the trackTuesday: 6:30pm to 8:30pm, Practice in the desertSaturday: 4pm to 7pm, Long ride in the desert
    For more information on how to be a part of the first female camel riding team in the UAE, you can reach out to Arabian Desert Camel Riding Center (@adcrc1) via the direct message feature to find out more and sign up for this new opportunity.
    If you’re also looking for another outdoor sport this season, there are plenty of unforgettable horse riding experiences in the UAE with qualified instructors and fully equipped facilities for you to also visit this season, as the weather still remains on point.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature image Instagram @adcrc1 More

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    Priyanka Chopra shares ‘profound regret’ over promoting skin-lightening creams

    Priyanka Chopra Jonas has shared her regret over promoting skin-lightening creams in the past.
    The Hollywood and Bollywood actress previously appeared in adverts for Garnier and Pond’s which promoted skin lighteners.

    In particular in an advert for Pond’s, the plotline centred around Chopra playing a darker-skinned woman who lost her partner to a lighter-skinned woman. The storyline saw Chopra use the Pond’s skin-lightening product to eventually win the man back.
    The controversy surrounding the advert re-emerged in 2020 when Chopra shared her public support for the Black Lives Matter movement last year, with people pointing out she had previously been paid to promote skin-lighteners.

    List of Indian actors who are speaking on BLM and their fairness cream ads, a thread : pic.twitter.com/yUeRNLch6U
    — anti pigeon (@aluminiummaiden) May 31, 2020

    The actress, who is married to singer Nick Jonas, has now opened up about the controversy in her new memoir Unfinished, apologising for her actions.
    The 38-year-old reflected upon her childhood, admitting her darker skin had made her feel “unattractive”, leaving her self-worth diminished.
    “I thought about how pained I’d felt when I was called kaali [a derogatory term meaning dark-skinned] as a child,” she said in her memoir. “I was now promoting the destructive messages that had so eaten away at my sense of self-worth when I was growing up, and I knew the only person I could blame was myself.”
    She went on to say that appearing in those campaigns are one of her “most profound regrets”.
    “I can’t go back and change what I did, but I can apologise, and I do so sincerely,” she explained. “To all the people who saw the harmful messaging that I contributed to, to all the people who still have to see commercials like these in every medium – I am deeply sorry.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Priyanka Chopra Instagram More

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    We’ve found the perfect UAE staycation package for you to get away from it all

    IN PARTNERSHIP: While setting off for a romantic holiday to a faraway destination might seem somewhat off the radar this year, the elegant InterContinental Fujairah Resort includes the ‘Romance in Fujairah’ experience to celebrate love this month.

    Throughout the month of February, the package includes a one-night stay in a classic garden view room with a luxurious balcony along with a special assisted breakfast buffet. In addition, there’s a romantic dinner for two at NAMA Global Dining in a setting adorned with tastefully setup décor and arrangements with a complimentary spa treatment for two from a select menu including babysitting services for your little ones at the Planet trekkers kids club for the perfect alone time. For an additional charge of Dhs100, there is an option for guests to choose to upgrade their dining experience to a three-course set menu at DRiFT Seafood Kitchen & Bar, the Resort’s beachfront dining destination.
    Starting at Dhs999+ for the Romance in Fujairah package, during the entire month of February, making it a spectacular getaway without breaking the bank while including culinary and spa indulgences with this latest guest experience. Located on this serene resort on the east coast of the UAE cradled between the magnificent Hajar mountains with breathtaking panoramas of the Indian Ocean, this getaway is just what the month of love called for.

    All the necessary safety precautions have been implemented at the property to ensure guests have a seamless experience, with all the necessary social distancing measures that need to be implemented during the stay.
    For more information regarding the Romance in Fujairah package or to book use the promo code ICFLOVE and email reservation.fjrae@ihg.com
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Supplied More

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    8 Outfit Formulas to Look Like an Off-Duty Model

    You know when you’re walking down the street, and you catch a glimpse of some girl who just looks… effortlessly cool? Like she just woke up, threw on the things that were at the front of her closet without much thought, and those things just happened to work together perfectly? I hate to break it to you, but that probably isn’t what happened.
    Of all the different styles to master, in my humble opinion, one of the hardest is that effortless, cool, je ne sais quoi of that girl on the street and off-duty models being photographed by paparazzi. It turns out, it actually isn’t that easy to look like you put no thought into your outfits and just came out of the womb fabulous and in an impeccable combination of perfectly-fitted basics. But the good news? With a little bit of effort, it can become second nature—and yes, all those people we’re emulating are trying just as hard as us behind the scenes.
    Ready to step out into 2021 looking like you’re a celebrity dodging paparazzi? Look no further than these eight outfit combinations.

    1. Distressed denim + ribbed turtleneck + a layered tank

    This season, bra tops and sheer tanks are going to be one of the top trends; and both of them sound intimidating, until you think of styling them like this. Layered on top of a tight, thin turtleneck, they give all of the visual appeal with none of the unwanted reveal. The result? An effortless combo that you’ll turn to again and again.

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    2. A matching set + teddy coat + chunky boots

    You know when you want to run to the grocery store, but don’t feel like wearing the same thing you have every day for the past two weeks? This is your answer. Leave on one of your usual matching sets, but top it with a teddy coat and chunky combat boots. You didn’t try at all, but it sure looks like you did.

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    3. Leggings + a long, wool coat + a beanie

    I’ll be a sucker for a pom beanie until the day I die, but something about this pom-free one with a sweatshirt, wool coat, and black booties makes me want to run out and buy one in every color. It’s easy and thought-free with all of the put-together payoff.

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    4. All black + a structured blazer

    When you want to look like a celeb hoping the paparazzi don’t spot you, you can hardly go wrong with an all-black ensemble. A base of black skinny jeans and a black turtleneck are made completely un-boring here with the addition of a structured blazer and knee-high boots. 

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    5. Distressed denim + hoodie + combat boots

    Sometimes, outfits with less pieces do more talking, and this is an example of that. A plain hoodie, distressed jeans, and combat boots are the cool girl’s off-duty uniform.

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    6. Baseball hat + a camel coat + pointed-toe boots

    Our love for a baseball hat knows no bounds, and this is a visual example of why. If you aren’t feeling the leather pants and booties shown here, just pair your favorite crewneck with a pair of jeans, sneakers, your camel coat, and a baseball hat, and you can have the same effect with more comfort. 

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    7. A tee with shoulder pads + mom jeans + white shoes

    Interested in the shoulder pads trend but don’t know how to style them without feeling like you’re out of an ’80s music video? This is for you. This shoulder-padded tee is the perfect, easy swap for any old T-shirt, but the effect pays off in spades. Since the upper half of your body will do so much talking, the bottom can be effortless with your favorite jeans and sandals or sneakers.

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    8. Straight denim + black turtleneck + leather jacket + sneakers

    Even if you feel more like a maximalist than a minimalist, this is an argument for minimalism if I’ve ever seen one. This look is simple and clean, but put-together and appropriate for just about anything—it’s impossible to look over or under-dressed in this.

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    Emirates chief on travel recovery: ‘It’s going to take longer than I hoped’

    While travel and flight schedules for Dubai-based Emirates Airline has certainly picked up in the last six months, it appears recovery for the travel industry as a whole is going to take longer than expected.

    Following an increase in COVID-19 cases and reported new variants spreading in countries like South Africa and the UK, this is set to have a major knock-on effect on international travel, Emirates president Tim Clark has said.
    During a recent virtual summit with CAPA, Clark explained that he thought recovery in the travel industry is going to take longer than originally thought.
    “It is going to take longer than I would have hoped and I think probably we are going to see some difficulties,” he said.
    “We are not going to see capacity return that I hoped in July and August, I think, maybe (it will return) in the last quarter this year.”
    However, despite the challenges the pandemic Clark said the launch of Emirates’ new premium economy has been a huge hit. According to Clark, passengers “have been clamouring to get into them”.
    With the ever-evolving situation of the pandemic, the travel industry continues to be affected, but with the UAE spearheading the national vaccine programme, hopefully we get one step closer back to regular travel.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature image: Emirates Instagram More