Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    These Activewear Trends Are So Cute, They’ll Motivate You to Work Out At Home

    I’ve always lacked motivation when it comes to working out. For example, I faked my period every other week to get out of gym class (thankfully, my PE teacher was an awkward older man who didn’t want to question that frequency). As an adult, I finally established a consistent exercise routine by going to workout classes (and have only faked my period a few times). There are exactly two reasons classes gave me the motivation to work out: 1. the chance to get out of the house (I work at home full-time), and 2. steep cancellation fees. You can imagine my panic when all studios and gyms started closing mid-March. What other reason is there to work out than $20 to cancel and lemon-lavender cloths!? There’s nothing that motivates me to do anything or go anywhere more than a really cute outfit, so I took the same approach. Sure we all should exercise for our health and wellbeing, but sometimes it’s just hard when a new episode of Riverdale is calling. 
    Whether you’re live streaming yoga, getting after it on the treadmill, or taking your dog for a long walk, the biggest activewear trends of 2020 are so cute you’ll want to throw them on, get moving, and maybe take a selfie or two. Happy shopping (I mean working out)!

    1. Matching sets

    A matching set is the activewear equivalent of a crisp, ironed button-down: whenever you wear it, you just look like you have your sh*t together. A matching set of leggings and bra top in a cute print or a comfy fabric is as worthy of an #OOTD selfie as your favorite sundress or newest blouse. Plus, you’ll look damn good doing downward dog in all one color.

    2. One-shoulder top

    The latest trend in sports bras and workout tops mirrors one of the biggest trends in your closet: one-shoulder is officially all the rage. If you’re anywhere above an AA cup, no worries. The latest designs are built for the best support, so your beloved breasts won’t slosh around during even the toughest HIIT series (did that sentence really gross anyone else out?). 

    3. Pastel leggings

    The weather is warm, which means it’s time to get brighter and bolder with the colors we wear. The most stylish trainers and active fashion girls are ditching their black, gray, and neutral leggings for more blues, purples, and pinks. Leggings have never been so pretty.

    4. Tie-Dye

    Yes, the it-trend of the season (nay, year), has officially made its way into your activewear. Dye your own shorts or sweatshirts if you’re dying for a DIY, or get a matching set to knock out two trends at once. No matter what your preference, adding some tie-dye into your workout routine will power you through a long run or an online barre class. 

    Electric & Rose
    Tularose Bra

    2 colors available and 30% off!

    5. Ribbed fabrics

    If there is such a thing as a “texture of the season,” ripped fabric is officially the MVP. Staying at home for months on end and living in loungewear challenged us to investigate the comfiest, coziest fabric available, and there’s something about a slightly ribbed design that takes the cake. If you’re looking for activewear that doubles as loungewear, or even sleepwear, look no further. 

    6. Bright citrus colors

    Every season has an it-color, and summer 2020’s is bright, sunny, and citrusy. Think: tangerine orange, grapefruit pink, or lemon yellow. Go bold in a pair of leggings, or keep it subtle with shoes and small details. 

    Eleven By Venus Williams
    Hoodie

    2 colors available, and 39% off!

    7. Printed bike shorts

    You already know bike shorts are cool (Kim K has been wearing them for years), but plain black bike shorts are can be worn for brunch plans or a night out now. Make your workout looks a little more fun with a printed version that’s as comfortable as it is cute. They will be your go-to for every outdoor workout throughout the entire summer. 

      More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Sweet moment Sheikh Hamdan greets young fans during mall outing in Dubai

    As restrictions have been lifting many people have been getting out and about in Dubai more, and that includes the Dubai royals.
    Just recently HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, was seen out at one of our favourite Dubai restaurants Gaia.

    Also seen out and about is Sheikh Mohammed’s son HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, who was recently seen out at the Burj Al Arab and at Dubai International Airport where he “oversaw preparations” as the emirate begins to welcome back tourists.
    Now, Sheikh Hamdan has been seen out at Dubai Festival Mall where a sweet encounter was caught on camera with His Highness and three young fans.

    In the video posted to the ‘almaktoum4fans’ Instagram page, Sheikh Hamdan along with his entourage were seen walking past three young girls who were waving to the royal.
    Spotting the fans, Sheikh Hamdan gave a wave to the three girls and came over to greet them.
    Keeping a safe distance and wearing a mask, the Crown Prince of Dubai knelt down to share a few words with the three girls in a very sweet exchange.
    A few moments later, Sheikh Hamdan waved goodbye to the children who also sweetly waved back. We bet the exchange made those young fans’ day.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: @almaktoum4fans Instagram  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The best deals and events to look out for during Dubai Summer Surprises

    Hotter months in Dubai can feel unbearably long, but it is actually one the best times to be in the city thanks to the annual Dubai Summer Surprises.
    The seven-week event kicks off today (July 9) and is going to be one of the best yet, filled with events, deals, competitions and even impressive firework displays.

    With so many activations dotted throughout the city, we have picked out some of our favourites to help you navigate one of the biggest events on the calendar.

    Support local
    Each Friday and Saturday throughout the seven weeks, Ripe Retail Pop Up can be found in Nakheel Mall with a selection of locally made products. Open, from 10am to 7pm every weekend, explore 15-20 home-grown brands selling everything from fashion, art, jewellery, homeware, food and more.
    Namaste
    Love yoga and not afraid of heights? Yoga At The Top will be hosting classes in the Burj Khalifa’s At The Top viewing deck. Taking place three times a week during DSS, up to 24 yoga enthusiasts can soak up the early morning views with classes scheduled from 7am.
    Cool off
    Ski Dubai is offering three great promotions until 31 August. Budding skiers or snowboarders can learn how to perfect their skills in just 48 hours with Ski Dubai’s team of expert instructors providing an intense two-day training session, as well as an indulgent hot chocolate at the end of the course. In addition, you can purchase the annual Ski Dubai summer pass that offers unlimited access to the Snow Park, up to two hours on the slopes, 40 minutes in the Penguin Encounter attraction, or a 60-minute Discovery Lesson. Ski Dubai is also offering three tickets for the price of four, making it the perfect destination for friends and families.
    Family night at the movies
    Grab your family and friends and enjoy a movie night at a private screening room with VOX Cinemas in Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Deira and City Centre Mirdif. The Friends and Family-only showing is priced at Dhs450 for a Standard Experiences and Dhs 800 for Gold.

    Become a Masterchef
    Home cooks can put their culinary skills to the test and learn from Dubai’s best chefs at the DSS Chef Masterclass Series. A chance for amateur cooks and foodies to rub shoulders with their kitchen heroes, the July DSS Chef Masterclass Series will feature a total of 10 classes in total.
    Stay and shop
    Make your shopping spree even more special with a discounted hotel stay. Those checking into the Fairmont The Palm, Movenpick JBR,  Amwaj Rotana JBR, and the Address Downtown Hotel will receive up to 50 per cent off the room rate. And that’s not all – The Zabeel Saray Palm hotel is offering up to 40 per cent off to all UAE citizens and residents through DSS, the Sheraton Jumeirah Beach is offering 100 per cent off the cost of a room back in food and drinks during their stay, the Two Seasons Hotel has reduced the price of rooms by 30 per cent, while anyone staying at the Dusit Thani Dubai will receive Dhs300 in dining vouchers for each Dhs450 room booked.
    Light up the sky
    The Pointe Palm Jumeirah will host to three nights of fireworks and amazing deals at some of its most popular restaurants. The skies will be lighting up each night at 8.30pm from 16 July to 18 July, and you can also enjoy DSS special menu daily from 12 July to 18 July with savings of 30 per cent to 50 per cent and “Buy 1, Get 1 Free” offers on selected dishes in participating dining spots.

    Other promotions to keep an eye out for
    Today, shoppers can scoop up savings of 25 per cent to 90 per cent on a wide range of products at Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) malls across Dubai. If you spend Dhs300, you will be entered into a 12 Hour Share Millionaire raffle with a grand lucky draw for 1 million Share Points to spend in MAF malls
    You have until August 29 to visit Al Bustan Centre, Al Barsha Mall, Al Ghurair Centre, Arabian Centre, Bin Sougat Centre, BurJuman, City Centre Al Shindagha, City Centre Me’aisam, Dubai Outlet Mall, Etihad Mall and Reef Mall to be in with a chance to win weekly cash prizes of Dhs4,000 and Dhs50,000 and even luxury cars by simply spending Dhs200.
    If you’re heading to Nakheel Mall, keep an eye out for agiant gumball machine. To be in with a chance to win, you have to spend Dhs250. Prizes include shopping vouchers hidden in the machine’s super-sized gumballs. There will also be a weekly DSS Golden Gumball grand prize of Dhs25,000 in mall vouchers to be won each Tuesday. Make sure to also enter their SUMMER WINS raffle by spending Dhs250 at any outlet.You could win cash and daily instant prizes of up to Dhs350,000.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Your favourite Dubai beach club is opening a second UAE location

    Whether you’re new to Dubai or have been living it up for years, there is one beach club that is on everyone’s to-do list.
    Cove Beach has become a Dubai institution and has only expanded after moving from the intimate Jumeirah Beach Hotel location to a larger sand spot next to Caesars Palace Bluewaters.

    Due to its popularity, the beach club has decided to expand it’s reach further by opening a second location in the UAE. The exact location is still under wraps but what we do know is that the new venue will boast 100 seat al fresco restaurant and lounge, as well as capacity for 1,000 guests by the beach and pool on sun loungers, day beds and cabanas.
    Following the theme of the Dubai location, expect familiar events such as ‘Rosé All Day’ ladies’ and live performances with its weekly edition of ‘Unplugged’, as well as new themed parties introduced throughout the year.

    “The Cove Beach brand is expanding across the world but as a UAE home-grown brand, we’re especially proud to be enhancing our local presence,” said Adel Ghazzawi, Co-founder of Cove Beach and operating company LIVIT Hospitality Management.
    “In Dubai, we welcome thousands of guests each week and we look forward to delivering the fun yet sophisticated style which Cove Beach is renowned for to our second venue later this year.”
    Watch this space.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    A brand new Saturday brunch to add to your weekend plans

    While everyone recovers from partying on Friday, you feel fresh as a cucumber as you slip into your Prada heels and head out for a stylish brunch at Roberto’s.
    The elegant Italian dining spot in DIFC has introduced The Bacchus Brunch (nod to Bacchus- the ancient Roman God of wine) that takes place every Saturday from 1 to 5pm with packages starting at Dhs295 for soft drinks and Dhs395 for house beverages.

    The elegant setting transports you to a luxurious Roman restaurant, where you can indulge in a array of beautifully put together Italian dishes. The service kicks off with the sharing antipasti, that consists of ricotta served with sundried tomato; olives and basil served on a crispy flat bread, fig and bresaola; and pizza with scamorza cheese & zucchini.

    Next you’ll be treated to a first course of homemade gnocchi with pecorino and black peppercorn – simple yet delicious. The second course offers four meat and fish options, including grilled seabass and stuffed artichoke and grilled ribeye with roasted cauliflower.
    Don’t leave without a spoon or two of their gelato, but if you’re being good you can also choose some fresh fruit.

    To book call +971 4 386 0066 or email reservations@robertos.ae

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Bella Hadid calls out Instagram for deleting post about her Palestinian father

    Bella Hadid has called out Instagram for a deleting a post she made to her story of her father, Mohamed Hadid’s passport stating his birthplace as Palestine.
    The supermodel claims the social media platform took down her Instagram story, sharing a screenshot stating the post had violated their community guidelines.

    Along with the screengrab the 23-year-old said, “Instagram removed my story that only said ‘My baba and his birthplace of Palestine’ with a photograph of his American passport.”

    Directly tagging the social media platform, the model questioned what it was about her “being proud of [her] father’s birthplace” that should be deemed “bullying, harassment, graphic or sexual nudity”.
    “Are we not allowed to be Palestinian on Instagram?” she continued. “This, to me, is bullying. You can’t erase history by silencing people. It doesn’t work like that.”
    Hadid went on to repost her father’s passport photo which was deleted saying, “Do you want him to change his birthplace for you?”
    The model encouraged everyone to post where their heritage from both their mothers and fathers come from, to remind them they are “proud” of where they come from.
    “I am proud to be Palestinian,” she firmly stated.

    bella hadid just ended Instagram and we love to see! pic.twitter.com/tzOrWR8PnG
    — morsal (@bizzzleschanges) July 7, 2020

    Hadid’s 71-year-old father was born in Palestine in 1948 and holds Jordanian and US citizenship. Meanwhile, the model’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, is Dutch.
    Hadid has previously opened up about her father’s heritage in an interview with Porter magazine in 2017.
    “My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me,” she said. “He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Bella Hadid Instagram, Feature Image: Getty More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Burj Khalifa lights up to welcome back tourists to Dubai

    There’s no welcome to Dubai like getting one from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
    After borders in Dubai officially reopened to tourists earlier this week, the famous landmark lit up to send a message to tourists and international visitors.

    “Welcome to Dubai,” the message said on the landmark building, and was also showcased in Arabic.

    أهلاً بكم في #دبيأهلاً بكم في #دبي_مول#برج_خليفة
    Welcome to DubaiWelcome to The Dubai Mall#BurjKhalifa #TheDubaiMall#Dubai pic.twitter.com/IdA3BFDLeO
    — Burj Khalifa (@BurjKhalifa) July 7, 2020

    This isn’t the only measure being taken to welcome back tourists. Upon arrival in Dubai visitors will be receiving a sticker on their passports was unveiled reading, “A warm welcome to your second home.”

    .@GDRFADUBAI prepares to receive visitors and tourists coming to the country through @DubaiAirports from July 7, with high safety standards in place, and launches a special passport sticker bearing the phrase ‘A warm welcome to your second home.’ pic.twitter.com/smA1kOcysG
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 6, 2020

    Speaking on borders reopening to visitors, Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, said tourists were “always welcome”.
    “We welcome all tourists and visitors to the country through Dubai Airports,” he said. “They are always welcome in their second country and we are ready to facilitate their procedures based on the highest levels of safety.”
    Dubai Tourism has also shared a heartfelt video, showcasing landmarks around the city and all of the extraordinary activities you can do telling visitors Dubai is “ready when you are”.
    “We made you a promise that we would see you soon,” their Twitter post said. “That time has come. Dubai is ready for you to visit once again. Ready when you are…”

    We made you a promise that we would see you soon. That time has come. Dubai is ready for you to visit once again. Ready when you are… #VisitDubai pic.twitter.com/zn0pymdJzs
    — Visit Dubai (@visitdubai) July 7, 2020

    In order to ensure the health and safety of all travellers, UAE citizens and UAE residents when entering Dubai, there are many precautionary measures in place.
    Similarly, before boarding your flight to Dubai ensure you have all the necessary documents needed for entering the country including a health declaration form and a negative COVID-19 test result prior to leaving your home country.
    You can also opt for a PCR test once landing in Dubai, but be prepared to quarantine until you receive a negative test for COVID-19.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: @tgfromdubai Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Princess Raiyah of Jordan marries grandson of popular British author Roald Dahl

    Jordan’s Princess Raiyah bint Al-Hussein has married her British fiancé, Ned Donovan, who is a journalist and also the grandson of children’s author Roald Dahl.
    The princess shared a series of photos on Twitter thanking everyone for their “kind messages”. She also revealed the couple were due to marry in Jordan in April, but the COVID-19 pandemic put their plans on hold, with the pair eventually opting for a smaller ceremony in the UK with family and friends.

    “Thank you all for your kind messages on our wedding!” she said. “While it was originally planned for April in Jordan, the pandemic derailed those plans and it was safer for my husband’s family to hold it in the UK.”

    Thank you all for your kind messages on our wedding!While it was originally planned for April in Jordan, the pandemic derailed those plans and it was safer for my husband’s family to hold it in the UK. God willing we look forward to celebrating in Jordan once the situation allows pic.twitter.com/moCMSOxZxp
    — Raiyah bint Al-Hussein (@RaiyahHKJ) July 7, 2020

    The bride – who is the daughter of the late King Hussein of Jordan and Queen Noor of Jordan and is also the half-sister of the current King Abdullah II – also shared her hopes for a celebration in her home country once the “situation allows”.
    Prior to the ceremony Princess Raiyah’s now-husband, 26, converted to Islam ahead of the wedding and also changed his name to Faris. However, the groom revealed on his website that his “Arabic is not very good” but is currently trying to learn the language.
    The couple announced their engagement last year in October in a royal statement.

    Jordan Princess Raiyah weds Faris Ned Donovan in United Kingdom.
    Congratulations @RaiyahHKJ @Ned_Donovan pic.twitter.com/c0uWYLYnV2
    — Arabian Royal Agency (@ARoyalAgency) July 7, 2020

    “The Royal Hashemite Court extends its sincere congratulations to Her Royal Highness Princess Raiyah and to Mr Donovan on this occasion,” the statement read.
    Having studied at the likes of Edinburgh University in the UK for her undergraduate degree and at Columbia University in New York City for her master’s degree in Japanese Literature, Princess Raiyah describes herself as an “academic, writer, public servant”.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More