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    10 books to read this weekend if you plan on staying indoors

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    56 seconds ago

    Summer in Dubai is officially here and it is about time we resort to indoor activities. This season gives you the perfect excuse to stay indoors and curl up with  captivating books.

    via GIPHY
    But with so many options, where do you begin? Fear not, fellow bibliophiles! This list offers 10 tantalizing books across various genres, guaranteed to transport you to thrilling worlds, ignite your imagination, and make this summer unforgettable.
    Beach Read Bliss: “One Italian Summer” by Rebecca Serle

    Escape to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast with Katy, a heartbroken woman gifted a magical do-over summer with her deceased ex-fiancé. This heartwarming novel by the bestselling author of “In Five Years” explores love, loss, and the power of second chances.
    Find the book at: amazon.ae
    Historical Fiction Adventure: “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir

    Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship with amnesia. Thrust into a thrilling quest for survival, he must piece together his mission and uncover the secrets of a global catastrophe. Weir, the mastermind behind “The Martian,” delivers another science fiction masterpiece that will leave you breathless.
    Find the book at: amazon.ae
    Cozy Mystery Caper: “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by T.J. Klune

    Linus Baker, a caseworker for a magical youth care agency, embarks on an unusual assignment – evaluating a young orphan with questionable magical abilities. This heartwarming and humorous fantasy with a touch of mystery will melt your heart.
    Find the book at: amazon.ae
    Non-Fiction Must-Read: “Braiding Sweetgrass” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

    Experience the beauty and wisdom of the natural world through the eyes of a Potawatomi botanist. Kimmerer’s lyrical prose explores indigenous knowledge, ecological balance, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
    Find the book at: amazon.ae
    Young Adult Fantasy: “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood

    Olive, a brilliant PhD student, devises a fake-dating scheme to avoid her matchmaking friends. But the lines between reality and fiction blur when she chooses an infuriatingly attractive (and accomplished) professor as her pretend partner.This witty and charming romance is perfect for fans of slow-burn love stories.
    Find the book at: amazon.ae
    Chilling Horror: “Mexican Gothic” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    Travel to the mist-shrouded Mexican countryside with Noemi Taboada, a socialite sent to check on her ailing cousin. This gothic horror masterpiece will keep you guessing until the very last page.
    Find the book at: amazon.ae
    Poetic Adventure: “Piranesi” by Susanna Clarke

    Find it at: amazon.com
    Get swept away by this captivating blend of mystery and fantasy. Piranesi, a man who has lived his entire life in a vast House filled with statues, embarks on a journey to unravel the truth about his world and himself.
    So, grab your favorite iced beverage, settle into a comfy spot, and let these ten captivating reads transport you to unforgettable summer destinations. Happy reading!
    You can buy the above mentioned books by clicking on the image, it will redirect you to the website. 
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied Amazon & Feature Image: Instagram @thewhiteocean More

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    How I got my job as… Founder of this eclectic swimwear label

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    4 mins ago

    This week, Emirates Woman sat down with Hannah Attalah, Founder of Oceanus , a UK-based resortwear label.
    Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible wellness, fashion and beauty entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
    The brand is on a mission to redefine swimwear and empower women. Designed with the intention of turning heads, each piece in the collection evokes a sense of self-expression to help women stand out and feel powerful. It exudes confidence through its unique textures without compromising on sustainability.
    Overall, it reflects the confident attitude of 80s glamour evening wear which is a constant reference point for the brand.
    To delve into how it all began, we understood, how she developed a unique design – a hybrid of glamorous evening-wear and functional swimwear.
    What was your favourite subject at school?
    Art was my favorite subject at school because it allowed me to unleash my creativity in various forms such as painting, drawing, and sculpting. It provided me with a way to express myself freely and explore different perspectives and emotions. Through art, I learned to appreciate beauty in different forms and developed skills in visual communication and interpretation. Overall, art offered me a rich and fulfilling learning experience that was both personally rewarding and intellectually stimulating.
    What was your first job?
    My first job was at Alfie’s antique market which now moved to San Diego and is owned by Sparkle Moore.

    What inspired you to enter the fashion industry and launch Oceanus?
    Since a young age, I was always inspired and into vintage pieces. I was also looking for rare designer vintage pieces to add to my archive as my auntie used to collect vintage too – we did it together and shared the same passion. Then I started studying fashion and from that point I knew that my ultimate goal was to have my own brand where I would be able to create my designs.
    Talk us through the concept?
    Oceanus is all about vintage evening wear and swimwear that evoke a sense of timeless elegance and nostalgia. Our designs reflect the craftsmanship and attention to detail of earlier periods, showcasing a blend of sophistication and glamor.
    What are the key elements of your role?
    Design and create Oceanus collection and expand to different categories.
    Talk us through your daily routine.
    I do not have a daily routine and actually wouldn’t like to have one – I like to think that each days is different and a new experience.
    What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
    I would say to commit to your dream and everything around making that dream happen. Of course, never let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough or that it won’t work.

    Tell us more about the pieces?
    Oceanus pieces are hand-beaded using sustainable techniques by artisans from various parts of the world, including Italy, India, and Bali. Each item showcases unique craftsmanship and reflects a diverse range of artistic traditions and techniques. The hand-beading process emphasizes handmade craftsmanship and ethical production practices, highlighting the skill and artistry of the artisans involved.
    What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
    To follow my dream and not let anyone come in the middle
    What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
    Navigating the demands of running a business without maternity leave while caring for a newborn was incredibly challenging. Juggling the needs of my business alongside the round-the-clock care of a newborn tested my organizational skills and resilience. It involved finding creative solutions like adjusting schedules and seeking support from loved ones. Ultimately, this experience taught me valuable lessons in time management, prioritisation, and the importance of self-care during intense periods of personal and professional growth.

    What’s your future for the brand?
    Retail expansion – opening new stores on a worldwide scale.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram @oceanusthelabel More

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    6 newly opened Dubai coffee shops that you’ll love a latte

    Life

    by Sarah Joseph
    21 mins ago

    If you’re a true coffee aficionado, you’re in the right place. With coffee shops all over Dubai, there’s a new one to visit every week.
    With an ever-growing coffee culture in the UAE, more and more coffee shops continue to open in the emirate to attract a pool of residents and tourists from around the globe.
    Having already made its mark on the global map, some cafés have recently opened in the UAE, these cafes and coffee shops serve up the best brews in Dubai.
    As coffee culture continues to grow in the Dubai, these spots are perfect for a solo midday adventure or an evening stroll with your friends. Some of these coffee hubs, even offer vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary options
    Whether it’s a latte you’re after or a cosy spot to unwind and try new flavours, these cafes in Dubai will satisfy your cravings. These coffee shops represent just a fraction of Dubai’s vibrant coffee culture, each offering unique atmospheres and menus to explore.
    Many coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi, making them popular spots for remote workers, students, and freelancers.
    So, if you’re eager to see what’s brewing, swipe through our editor-approved guide of the latest coffee shops to visit.

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

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    Ambani wedding: From Kim Kardashian to Bill Gates, who is attending?

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    52 seconds ago

    Lavish Ambani wedding: Everything you need to know about Anant & Radhika’s grand celebration.
    The highly anticipated wedding of Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest businessman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant is finally here. The couple is set to tie the knot in a grand ceremony following months of extravagant pre-wedding festivities that grabbed headlines worldwide.
    Who are the soon-to-be-weds?

    Anant Ambani, the younger son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, is a successful businessman himself. He holds directorships at Reliance Industries (RIL) and Reliance Foundation. Radhika Merchant, daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Encore Healthcare, is a trained classical dancer and serves on the company’s board alongside her sister.

    The Fairytale Wedding Extravaganza

    The wedding festivities, a true reflection of the Ambani family’s affluence, began four months ago in their hometown of Jamnagar, Gujarat. The star-studded event boasted an impressive guest list with global icons like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump in attendance. Renowned artists like Rihanna and Diljit Dosanjh kept the guests entertained,while the Ambani family themselves joined leading Bollywood actors on stage for a spectacular performance.

    Luxury Cruise & A-List Guests
    The celebrations didn’t stop there. In June, the Ambanis treated their guests to a luxurious cruise across Europe, with stopovers in Rome, Portofino, Genoa, and Cannes. The cruise boasted its own set of enthralling performances by artists like The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and Andrea Bocelli.

    The wedding itself, adhering to Hindu customs, will be a multi-day affair. The ‘Shubh Vivah’ (wedding ceremony) is set for July 12th, followed by ‘Shubh Aashirwad’ (blessing ceremony) on July 13th. The grand finale, a wedding reception named ‘Mangal Utsav,’ will be held on July 14th. To ensure smooth traffic flow during these festivities, the Mumbai Police has issued a special traffic advisory for the area around the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the designated venue for the wedding.
    Speaking of the venue, the Jio World Centre is a behemoth, spanning over 18.5 acres – an area 12 times larger than a FIFA football field! The extravagant venue boasts five modular halls, 25 meeting rooms, and a massive ballroom, offering ample space for the opulent celebrations.

    The guest list for the wedding is a true testament to its global scale. Bollywood A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and many more will be gracing the occasion. The guest list also extends beyond Indian borders, with international celebrities like the Kardashian sisters, John Cena, Luis Fonsi, and Rema expected to attend. Political dignitaries like former US Secretary of State John Kerry, former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and presidents and prime ministers from various countries are also on the invite list.
    A Wedding Steeped in Luxury

    The Ambani family has reportedly chartered private jets to fly in guests for the wedding, with estimates suggesting over 100 private planes will be used for the event. Adding to the grandeur, pre-wedding performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber reportedly cost millions of dollars. Factoring in the cruise, private jets, security, and other logistical costs,estimates suggest the total wedding expenditure could exceed a staggering $320 million.
    This extravagant wedding promises to be a spectacle unlike any other, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about events of the year.
    Take a look at the best-dressed celebrities from the festivities in Mumbai so far:

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Stories by Joseph Radhik More

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    At the center of the French Capital, a new hotel epitomises Parisian chic

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    2 hours ago

    At the center of French Capital, a new hotel epitomizes Parisian chic.
    Ahh Paris – always a good idea isn’t it? It’s one of those cities where you find yourself returning to and not get tired of. This summer, the French Capital buzzes with sporting excitement as it gears up for Paris 2024 Olympics. With an uptick in travel and continuous influx of tourists for summer, enjoying the city’s culture, shopping, and food might pose as a big challenge.
    Luckily, Hotel Balzac just opened in June. This new Relais & Chateux five-star haven sits on the corners of Rue Balzac and Rue Lord Byron – a stone’s throw away from the legendary avenue Champs-Élysées, where you’ll feel the magnetic energy of Paris yet are able to retreat with ease.

    Like with any Relais & Chateux property, Hotel Balzac is full of charm and character, providing a unique sense of place. The Parisian epitome of quiet luxury, it offers all the modern comforts of a discerning traveller and a reliable hospitality service.
    Upon walking past its majestic door for check-in, you’ll feel the intimate and warm atmosphere of the lobby, thanks to the renowned Festen Architecture duo, Charlotte de Tonnac and Hugo Sauzay. The Festen duo have leaned heavily into the 1930s and 1940s for inspiration, revisited with creative modernity and minimalism deeply anchored in Balzac’s Parisian identity to create ultra-chic spaces within the hotel, which is eminently Instagrammable.

    A Chic Stay
    It features 58 rooms and spacious suites (some with stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and sky-high rooftop terraces). The bathroom comes with a bathtub or shower (or both!) and is adorned with goregous wood panelling that contrasts with the mosaic marble as well as bath amenities from Diptyque, which is always a plus.

    Looking for something more exceptional? Located on the 6th and top floor, the Paris Sky Suite features a large living room that extends to a terrace overlooking Rue Lord Byron and the Champs-Elysées, facing the Eiffel Tower. On the other side of the long corridor, two peaceful bedrooms with their bathrooms overlook the courtyard and the rooftops of Paris.
    Sleek & Exceptional Dining
    Beyond the glass-roofed lounge, the Hotel Balzac bar is a sleek space for a break during a day of shopping, a lunch with girl friends, or a night cap, and serves bar-style bites including Petrossian caviar specialties or a lobster roll with Espelette pepper and ginger alongside delicious beverages crafted by Head Bartender Julien Quettier.

    Although the culinary offering is limited, there are plenty of options from the neighborhood and without going too far, there’s the exquisite Pierre Gagnaire restaurant, a 3-star Michelin restaurant which is situated… at Hotel Balzac.

    A Unique Wellness Space
    After a hectic day around Paris, the Ikoi Spa offers a unique escape with a holistic approach inspired by Japanese methods. It provides a range of treatments and massages on tables or tatami mats. The pool, sauna, and state-of-the-art fitness room complete the facilities of this unparalleled spa, which will officially open for guests in July 2024.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Supplied / Matthieu Salvaing  More

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    The Ambani wedding is here: 100 Private jets, International guests and more

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    8 seconds ago

    Lavish Ambani wedding: Everything you need to know about Anant & Radhika’s grand celebration.
    The highly anticipated wedding of Anant Ambani, son of India’s richest businessman Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant is finally here. The couple is set to tie the knot in a grand ceremony following months of extravagant pre-wedding festivities that grabbed headlines worldwide.
    Who are the soon-to-be-weds?

    Anant Ambani, the younger son of Mukesh and Nita Ambani, is a successful businessman himself. He holds directorships at Reliance Industries (RIL) and Reliance Foundation. Radhika Merchant, daughter of Viren Merchant, CEO of pharmaceutical giant Encore Healthcare, is a trained classical dancer and serves on the company’s board alongside her sister.

    The Fairytale Wedding Extravaganza

    The wedding festivities, a true reflection of the Ambani family’s affluence, began four months ago in their hometown of Jamnagar, Gujarat. The star-studded event boasted an impressive guest list with global icons like Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, and Ivanka Trump in attendance. Renowned artists like Rihanna and Diljit Dosanjh kept the guests entertained,while the Ambani family themselves joined leading Bollywood actors on stage for a spectacular performance.

    Luxury Cruise & A-List Guests
    The celebrations didn’t stop there. In June, the Ambanis treated their guests to a luxurious cruise across Europe, with stopovers in Rome, Portofino, Genoa, and Cannes. The cruise boasted its own set of enthralling performances by artists like The Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, and Andrea Bocelli.

    The wedding itself, adhering to Hindu customs, will be a multi-day affair. The ‘Shubh Vivah’ (wedding ceremony) is set for July 12th, followed by ‘Shubh Aashirwad’ (blessing ceremony) on July 13th. The grand finale, a wedding reception named ‘Mangal Utsav,’ will be held on July 14th. To ensure smooth traffic flow during these festivities, the Mumbai Police has issued a special traffic advisory for the area around the Jio World Convention Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), the designated venue for the wedding.
    Speaking of the venue, the Jio World Centre is a behemoth, spanning over 18.5 acres – an area 12 times larger than a FIFA football field! The extravagant venue boasts five modular halls, 25 meeting rooms, and a massive ballroom, offering ample space for the opulent celebrations.
    The guest list for the wedding is a true testament to its global scale. Bollywood A-listers like Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and many more will be gracing the occasion. The guest list also extends beyond Indian borders, with international celebrities like the Kardashian sisters, John Cena, Luis Fonsi, and Rema expected to attend. Political dignitaries like former US Secretary of State John Kerry, former UK Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Boris Johnson, and presidents and prime ministers from various countries are also on the invite list.
    A Wedding Steeped in Luxury

    The Ambani family has reportedly chartered private jets to fly in guests for the wedding, with estimates suggesting over 100 private planes will be used for the event. Adding to the grandeur, pre-wedding performances by Rihanna and Justin Bieber reportedly cost millions of dollars. Factoring in the cruise, private jets, security, and other logistical costs,estimates suggest the total wedding expenditure could exceed a staggering $320 million.
    This extravagant wedding promises to be a spectacle unlike any other, solidifying its place as one of the most talked-about events of the year.
    Take a look at the best-dressed celebrities from the festivities in Mumbai so far:

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Stories by Joseph Radhik More

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    Luxury brand pop-ups and beach club takeovers to visit for a chic summer

    Life

    by Camille Macawili
    13 seconds ago

    From seasonal pop-up boutiques to branded beach club takeovers – this summer is at its most chic. Here, Emirates Woman rounds up all the summer activations, taking this season to another level.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Image: Supplied / Instagram @bevhillshotel More

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    Princess Rajwa’s baby bump: Radiant pregnancy looks of the mama-to-be

    Life

    by Ruman Baig
    21 seconds ago

    On the occasion of Crown Prince Al Hussein’s birthday, Queen Rania shared a new photo of her son with his wife Princess Rajwa.
    The Royal couple of Jordan is expecting their first child this summer and the grandmother-to-be wished for her son to be a father in her birthday wish.
    Princess Rajwa looked radiant in a nude body con dress, standing tall next to her is the Crown Prince, dressed in a formal black shirt.

    Previous Pregnancy Portraits
    The Royal Court has unveiled new photos of Her Royal Highness Princess Rajwa Al Hussein, on the joyous occasion of her first wedding anniversary and her pregnancy in June 2024.
    Princess Rajwa’s Official Pregnancy Portraits

    Radiating elegance and grace, Princess Rajwa dazzled in a vibrant red dress by Alice & Olivia, complemented by exquisite gold jewelry that added a touch of regal splendour to her look. The photos beautifully captured the joyous moment in her life as she lovingly cradled her baby bump, symbolsing both a personal milestone and a bright future for the royal family. This special celebration highlights a year of love and anticipation for the Princess and the entire kingdom.
    The anticipation of royal parenthood grows as the Crown Prince of Hussein and Princess Rajwa Al Hussein of Jordan eagerly await the arrival of their first child this summer.
    First Outing Post Announcement
    For her first public appearance after the announcement captured on video, Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein was spotted wearing a jumpsuit from Seraphine and carrying a Bottega Veneta mini tote, showcasing her radiant baby bump as she left THE ABDEEN store in Amman.

    The Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan shared the delightful news in April, spreading joy throughout the kingdom.
    Recently, on the occasion of her 30th birthday, The Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan released a few precious portraits of the new Princess. While the photos looked ethereal, it didn’t give a glimpse of her baby bump.
    For the birthday celebration, the 30-year-old Jordanian Royal chose to wore a midnight blue, velvet set by Rabanne. In a different portrait, the Princess of Jordan was seen wearing a form-fitting black dress paired with a diamond necklace and a matching tiara.

    Last June, the Crown Prince and Princess exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony held in Amman, Jordan. Their union followed closely after the wedding of Princess Iman to Jameel Thermiotis, a 28-year-old businessman from a distinguished Greek family, which took place three months prior.
    In Pics: Memorable moments from Crown Princes Hussein and Princess Rajwa’s royal wedding:

    As the royal couple prepares to embark on the journey of parenthood, their nation eagerly awaits the newest addition to the Jordanian royal family, a symbol of hope and continuity for generations to come.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram: @rhcjo, @arabianroyalagency More