Raphael Stevens

More stories

  • 125 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    A new fund has helped 73,000 Saudi women become homeowners

    As things continue to progress and change for women in Saudi Arabia, a new fund has been launched in order to help women in the Kingdom become homeowners.
    Per the Saudi Press Agency, the Real Estate Development Fund (REDF) in Saudi Arabia has enabled more than 73,000 women in the Kingdom to obtain mortgages to go on to buy their first home.

    Speaking on the incredible achievement for Saudi women, Mansour bin Madhi, general supervisor of the REDF, explained that since the inception of the initiative, it has always been in the plan to help females across the Kingdom.
    Since Saudi men make up half of the population in the country, it’s imperative to offer support to aid in the accelerating development, Madhi said.
    READ: 7 history-making moments that occurred for Saudi women in the last few monthsREAD: More driving schools for women in Saudi Arabia to open in 2021

    Under the Saudi Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, one of the main priorities is the homeownership of citizens in the Kingdom – with the aim of reaching 60 per cent by the end of 2020 and 70 per cent by the end of 2030.
    A key part of this, under the REDF, opening the door for Saudi women to gain access to a subsidised mortgage loan scheme, in turn helping them to get onto the property ladder.
    Changes for women in the Kingdom are also a major focus in the Vision 2030 scheme. Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince unveiled in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018.
    READ: Saudi Arabia makes its first recruitment of an all-female paramedic team
    Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.
    Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
    In 2020 alone, there have been many notable history-making moments and appointments in Saudi Arabia paving the way for women.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Supplied More

  • 163 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    This date is set to be the busiest travel day at Dubai Airport

    With the festive season already here and the weather finally cooling down and as travel restrictions ease globally, Dubai International Airport is getting ready for their busiest season this year.
    Due to the influx of passengers this season, Emirates Airline has advised that passengers arrive at the airport at least three house before their flight departure in order to avoid any delay due to the additional security measures.

    With more than 400,000 passengers estimated to fly with Emirates through Dubai over the next two weeks, travellers have been requested to follow all the necessary safety measures and face masks at Dubai International Airport are compulsory at all times along with all the Emirates flights.
    The airline’s latest booking figures show that more than 200,000 passengers will travel through Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport during the festive holiday period.

    This Friday, December 11, is predicted to be the busiest travel day.

    Regarding COVID-19 PCR tests travellers flying to certain destinations will need to show negative tests results taken either 48, 72 or 96 hours ahead of departure time at the airport before being allowed to check-in and it all depends on where one is flying to.
    In addition, passengers also have the facility of checking in online from 48 hours to 90 minutes before a flight. However Emirates added, that they must still visit a check-in counter at the airport to collect boarding passes and have their travel documents verified.
    For more information regarding the rules and regulations visit Emirates.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @sarashakeel  More

  • 88 Shares

    in beauty and fashion

    6 Outfit Formulas That Look Effortlessly Chic

    Sometimes, the very best outfits are the ones we didn’t plan; the ones we threw on before we left the house because we woke up late and didn’t have time to overthink it.More often than not, those looks are a combination of our most basic pieces, free from too much accessorizing or trying too hard to make it work. I rarely admit that less is more… but sometimes, it really is.
    When in doubt, minimal, chic combinations of the basics in your wardrobe can end up looking better than you’d imagine. Basics don’t have to feel underwhelming if they’re done with a little bit of strategy and knowing what shapes and silhouettes look best together.. These are some of our all-time favorite basic outfit combinations, all of which are effortless in a way that will turn heads—and are anything but boring.

    sweater / jeans / coat
    This Meghan Markle-esque combo is simple in the best possible way: a tan sweater combined with a black coat creates a contrast in basics that feels classic and intentional. Paired with light-wash, straight jeans, it’s the perfect casual look for any day.

    button-up / blazer / jeans
    A white-button up and oversized-blazer combo creates a cool-girl vibe that’s effortless in the best possible way. Top it off with simple, gold jewelry and wear it anywhere from the office to a (virtual) happy hour.

    blouse / pants / coat
    A peasant top might not be a traditional “basic,” but we say that this ruffle-detailed, floral one should be. Paired with faux-leather trousers and a neutral coat, it’s the perfect way to style it without looking overdone. 

    turtleneck / jeans / booties
    Is there anything better than an all-black moment? When in a pinch, throw on sleek black pieces together, accessorize with gold jewelry, and top it off with any coat or jacket of your choosing—it’s a winner every time.

    leather jacket / T-shirt / jeans
    You’ve likely seen hundreds of paparazzi pictures of celebrities in this exact combo before, and for good reason: it’s foolproof, cool, and is impossible not to pull off.

    leather leggings / shirt jacket / sweater
    This season, shirt jackets have quickly made it to the top of our wardrobe staples. Paired with faux-leather leggings and a plain sweater, it’s the perfect cozy look that simultaneously looks put-together. More

  • 125 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    How Gigi Hadid prepared for the arrival of her daughter

    Throughout her pregnancy, Gigi Hadid chose to keep a lot of things private, including her bump for the first two trimesters, any updates about how she was feeling and more.
    However, after giving birth to her baby girl around three months ago, the supermodel has begun to open up a bit more.

    So much so, Hadid recently shared a glimpse inside baby Hadid-Malik’s nursery and also revealed what she was doing in the run-up to the birth.
    Whilst sharing a photo on her Instagram story stating that it was “about a week before she gave birth”, the model shared how she “prepared”.

    “Decorating and spending time in her nursery really helped me feel prepared when I would get too in my head,” she said, showing off her bump and the baby’s vibrant nursery.
    The 25-year-old also shared a photo of her baby bump just the night before she went into labour.

    Hadid has begun posting about her daughter a bit more on social media as of late, and just recently she gave the most candid insight to date into her life as a new mum with baby Hadid-Malik.
    Taking to Instagram, Hadid shared a rare photo with her baby girl and also showed off her Christmas decorations after getting in the festive spirit early.
    “A whole new kind of busy & tired,” Hadid admitted in the caption of the post. “But she’s da bestie so she got Christmas decorations early.”
    The model welcomed baby Hadid-Malik two-and-a-half months ago with her boyfriend Zayn Malik. Both the new parents announced the birth of their baby girl on social media.

    Following the birth of the newborn, it was reported by E! News that Hadid was feeling “very tired but is already an amazing mum”. A source also told the publication that the model wants to raise her daughter in private.
    “Gigi wants the most privacy for their baby and wants to be able to raise her privately,” the insider said.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

  • 163 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    COVID-19 in the UAE: Authorities urge public not to be lenient with guidelines

    While the UAE has returned to a resemblance of normality, health authorities have urged the public to be stringent when it comes to following guidelines to curb the further spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    During a media briefing, Dr. Omar Al Hammadi, an official spokesperson for the UAE government, highlighted that undervaluing the current restrictions and guidelines in place could be dangerous.
    “Underestimating preventive measures and being lenient is extremely dangerous, so let us support the efforts of our country with our awareness and commitment to preventive measures to curb this epidemic,” he said.
    However, Al Hammadi also noted that the death rate has fallen to 0.3 per cent, being the “lowest in the world”.
    While this is the case, it was reiterated that masks still need to be worn at all times when applicable, social distancing measures must be adhered to and the public needs to be aware and to continue to act responsibly.
    To date, the UAE has had 178,837 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – 17,946 of which are currently active and there have been 596 deaths.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Mo Ismail from Pexels More

  • 175 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    A new clinic is opening in Dubai which is said to ‘reverse human ageing’

    With everything exciting in the pipeline for 2021, the world’s first “reverse human ageing” clinic is all set to open in Dubai early next year.
    The new clinic, which is set to be located in JLT, is said to reverse biological human ageing using advance technology and science.

    With over a decade of research and trials, the Aviv Clinic will be the first of its kind with pioneering medical data to adapt this protocol.
    Using the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT), the process reverses the key markers of ageing including telomeres.

    Pioneering medical science clinic using world’s first proven protocol to reverse human aging to open in #Dubai https://t.co/V8TAoorA3P pic.twitter.com/9Pbfl1AaKk
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 8, 2020

    The additional benefits of this treatment are that the process could help reduce your risk of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
    The project is led by world-renowned physician Prof. Shai Efrati and his team at the medical research institute Sagol School of Neuroscience at Shamir Medical Center in Israel.
    [embedded content]
    The highly personalised treatment combines HBOT therapy neuroscience with physiology research to ensure a younger-looking you.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Twitter @Dubaimediaoffice  More

  • 100 Shares

    in lifestyle and culture

    13 of the most exceptional restaurants in Dubai

    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
    The Gift Guide – Download Now 
    The edit of the superlative establishments across Dubai.
    Il Ristorante – Niko Romito, Bvlgari Hotel

    Combining the aesthetic of the original Bvlgari Hotel Milano with unbeatable views of the Arabian Gulf, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito at the Bvlgari Hotel Dubai is the perfect place for a seamless dining experience during party season.
    The Hero Dish
    Steamed langoustines with its mayonnaise, lettuce and chilli
    The MAINE Land Brasserie

    The third brainchild of the MAINE man Joey Ghazal, the MAINE Land Brasserie combines a period fidelity with a speakeasy feel to create a contemporary gem located in Business Bay.
    The Hero Dish
    Angry Lobster Pasta
    Avli by tashas

    Avli by tashas captures the essence of Greek cuisine combined with a chic and sophisticated space reminiscent of the Mediterranean.
    The Hero Dish
    Lamb YouvestiLamb shank cooked in cinnamon, orzo, tomato, kefalotyri and sage
    Indochine

    Enjoy a piece of New York City right here in Dubai at Indochine, which has been a hotspot in the city that never sleeps for over 36 years.
    The Hero Dish
    Beef Pho RollsSteamed rice noodle, beef, Thai basil, scallion confit, nuoc cham, crispy shallots and cashew
    LPM Restaurant & Bar

    Having been a staple on the Dubai restaurant scene for a decade, LPM Restaurant & Bar offers a superlative experience every time.
    The Hero Dish
    Coquelet with Confit LemonRoast baby chicken marinated in lemon
    Nammos

    Bringing the glamour and party atmosphere from the shores of Mykonos right to Dubai, Nammos offers superb taste and sumptuous views.
    The Hero Dish
    Lobster meat pasta
    L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon

    As one of the worlds most renowned restaurant chains, L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon recently opened its doors in Dubai just in time for party season.
    The Hero Dish
    Crispy poached egg with caviar
    99 Sushi

    This fine-dining spot just recently made its way to Dubai after being a huge success in Abu Dhabi. With unbeatable views of the Burj Khalifa, exquisite Japanese cuisine and a chic ambience, it makes for the ideal spot to celebrate this festive season.
    The Hero Dish
    Lobster maki with sake
    GAIA

    The brainchild of Chef Izu, GAIA encompasses the Greek Goddess of Earth, the mother of the sun, the mountains and the sea and is the inspiration for each exquisite Mediterranean dish.
    The Hero Dish
    Lamb cutlets, pita bread and tzatziki
    Shanghai ME

    Combing the art-deco elegance of 1930s Shanghai with a contemporary twist, this restaurant is a beloved favourite amongst the Dubai Royal Family with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, being regular visitors.
    The Hero Dish
    Yellowtail Carpaccio with Black Truffle
    Cipriani

    High gloss wood interior and polished stainless-steel take centre stage at buzzing DIFC hotspot Cipriani. Expect nothing but flawless Italian cuisine from this superlative gem.
    The Hero Dish
    Veal Piccatine al Limone
    CE LA VI

    There’s no doubt that sky-high restaurant CE LA VI gives the absolute best views of Dubai, and the contemporary Asian cuisine certainly matches the stunning skyline.
    The Hero Dish
    Black Truffle ‘Sushi Rice’ Risotto
    Scalini

    Scalini Dubai brings a taste of its diverse heritage from London and Italy to the UAE.
    The Hero Dish
    Tagliolini with Grana Padano sauce and Truffle
    December’s – ‘The Party Issue’ – Download Now
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

  • 113 Shares

    in health and weelbeing

    How My Husband and I Reconciled Our Spending Differences

    One of the first things my husband and I bonded over when we met was that as children we both had a peculiar habit. While playing video games, we both refused to spend any of the “money” we earned while playing. Even if the video game currency was there to help win the game or unlock special features, we held onto our virtual cash. We were fun children.We met very young, and for many years, our spending habits were in sync. As cash-strapped college students, we worked hard and we saved our money for a rainy day. We never knew when we would need money to help pay for school, cars, or living expenses, so we didn’t spend any of it. Our idea of a wild Friday night was a Blockbuster movie on the couch. (That gives you an idea of how long ago we met.) Why the movie love? We could afford to go out to dinner, but we were more comfortable not spending the money. We had a financial routine and it worked well. But when you least expect it, life throws you a curveball.

    When the friction started
    For over five years, we were in perfect financial harmony. But a funny thing happened: we grew up. And we grew in different, albeit both good, directions. He started graduate school and I jumped right into the working world. His grad school stipend paid his bills and left a little money to add to savings every month. I wasn’t bringing in the big bucks, but my entry-level salary felt hefty compared to what I was making babysitting in college. Within a few months, I began freelance writing on the side and had even more cashflow coming in.
    I was working 60 hour weeks and I was ready to treat myself. The occasional happy hour here, a new blouse there. As my income rose, so did my spending habits. I was never spending more than I could afford to and I was saving money every month. But I can see how from my husband’s perspective it felt like my spending habits were changing drastically.
    To this day, I consider myself to be thrifty. I only buy clothing on sale (and rarely at that). I don’t spend money on entertainment like Netflix or concerts, and I skip pricey beauty treatments like manicures or highlights. But I’m not as thrifty as my husband, which caused some frustrations as we adjusted to our new financial reality. 

    How we make it work

    We still had the same financial goals and saw eye-to-eye on many areas of our financial life. But we knew there were some kinks to iron out if we wanted to live harmoniously.

    Finding common ground
    One of our biggest recurring money fights revolved around the fact that after college I wanted to travel. I didn’t travel at all during school and worked every spring break, summer, and winter holiday. Because I was making extra money freelancing, it felt like it was my moment to hit the road. Unfortunately, my husband didn’t feel the same way. He was doing his best to get through grad school in one piece, and on a modest stipend. There came a point where we decided that it would be best if I traveled without him (this was before we married). Well long story short, that plan lasted one trip before an opportunity for us to travel together arose. An opportunity that was too good to pass up. And guess who learned he loved to travel, and that it was worth every penny? Yep, you guessed right.
    Now that we both know for certain we are passionate about traveling, we never disagree about spending money on a dream trip. We learned from this conflict, that before rejecting any experiences because of the cost, we should be open to trying them first.

    Respecting our differences
    My frugal husband sure comes in handy sometimes. (Hello, hefty savings account and emergency fund.) But I get frustrated when he is too slow to make a necessary purchase because he’s debating the cost. Even if he knows he is going to buy that new pack of phone chargers, he’ll wait a week or two to wrap his head around the purchase. I don’t hesitate before buying a true necessity. It’s not like I want to spend my hard-earned money on a water filtration pitcher, but what can you do? Now, even if I am itching to cross a purchase off my to-do list, I patiently wait until he is comfortable spending the money. That doesn’t mean I’m not annoyed by this habit at times. But the fact of the matter is, it doesn’t harm anyone and it makes him feel more comfortable.

    Planning
    Something that makes both of us more comfortable with each other’s financial decisions is planning together. We discuss everything in detail, with no topic off limits. We debate how career choices may affect our finances down the road, think carefully about retirement planning, and we have financial plans for what we will do in an emergency. Keeping each other informed of the financial moves we’re making, whether we approve of the decision or not, means neither of us feel like we’re left in the dark or purposely misled. No secrets and no guilt for us, thank you very much!

    Have you ever reconciled financial differences in a romantic relationship? More