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      7 outdoor activities to try in the UAE this winter

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      4 hours ago

      As temperatures drop in the UAE, outdoor activities are again on our radar.
      From zip-lining to glamping the options are endless as each outing is complemented with a hint of nature.
      To plan ahead, Emirates Woman has curated a unique guide for all the best outdoor activities you don’t want to miss in the UAE.
      Book an alfresco dining experience

      It’s the season to be outdoors again. As the weather cools down, alfresco Dubai dining is firmly back on our radars. From beach clubs to sky-high restaurants, each venue ensures scintillating views of Dubai’s skyline accompanied by a delectable menu crafted to perfection. From bohemian décor at Bar Du Port to being surrounded by nature at Bussola, there are plenty of restaurants on our guide for you to book ASAP with your loved ones.
      Try a glamping experience

      If you want to immerse yourself in nature, there’s no better way to do it than by escaping to the desert. While now being home to the region’s first trailer hotel, guests can camp alongside the banks of Hatta Dam with these innovative trailers to have a truly memorable experience. With luxurious facilities on board, it’s all set to feel like a thrilling adventure with all the necessary amenities provided as you’ll be nestled in the heart of the mountains starting at Dhs986 with prices varying.
      For more information regarding booking and details head to visithatta.com
      Visit this famed desert café

      With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert. Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu. Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
      For more information visit onedegree.ae
      Hone your equestrian skills

      From a spacious paddock to qualified instructors, the UAE is well-known for this exhilarating sport which is available all year round for you to enjoy. From state-of-the-art polo and equestrian communities to professional instructors to help fine-tune your skills, each stable is situated in a family-friendly oasis to train beginners and offer a tranquil desert escape. As here at Emirates Woman we are quite the fans of horse riding, here’s a curated list of stables with fully equipped facilities for you to embrace throughout the year.
      Swing your best shot

      For golfing enthusiasts, Top Golf is set to welcome guests this season. With 96- hitting bays, this expansive venue spans across 60,000 square feet with high-tech interactive games and a one-of-a-kind experience to experience with your friends and families. For a break between each game, the restaurants present the region’s top culinary talent with their signature burgers and sides. Located at Emirates Golf Club, this venue is a must-visit.
      For more information visit topgolf.ae
      Go ziplining

      Glide along the world’s longest ziplining spanning across 2.83 km. This gripping experience features breathtaking views of the UAE’s natural beauty and a bird’s eye view of the Hajar mountains. After the activity, guests can experience at one of the most popular havens, 1484 Puro and grab a bite with their loved ones.
      It’s time to trek

      Pack your water, snacks and a fully charged phone and get ready to embark on a journey depending on the level you wish to go for. Whether easy, moderate or extreme, each trek includes rocky outcrops and a wadi terrain with scenic views of the Hatta mountains. Located at Hatta Wadi Hub, guests can opt for the two-hour guided hiking tour.
      To make a booking head to visithatta.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram and Feature Image: Instagram @dashatravels More

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      The best desert cafés to visit in the UAE this winter

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      2 hours ago

      At long last, the best weather of the year has arrived in the UAE.
      Long gone are humid days and nights paired with the sweltering heat and the cooler temperatures and outdoor weather is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
      With that comes the return of the UAE’s beloved desert cafés and concepts.
      To keep you in the know here’s some of the best desert cafés to visit in the UAE this winter.
      NOT a SPACE

      This one-of-a-kind destination is curated with a series of activations in one venue. With the beautiful sunrise and sunset views, this winter experience is designed to bring friends and family together in the company of Sharjah’s Al Faya desert. With a creative set-up and mountainous backdrops, this open-air experience also conducts several activations to celebrate different occasions in an open space. From a ladies parlour to a men’s barber, there are a host of experiences to savour on your visit.
      For more information visit notaspace.ae
      One Degree Cafe

      With a quirky bohemian charm, One Degree Café is the latest off-the-grid pop-up for guests to retreat amid the dreamy desert sunsets. Designed with a Bedouin-style camp and as a pop-up experience, guests can enjoy all the dune views in the middle of the desert. Made for the perfect escape, this outdoor venue offers a plethora of delicious dishes and beverages from Spanish lattes to desserts such as tiramisu. The mains include signature dishes such as the classic hot dog and the wagyu burger, with many more options on the menu. Located in Musherief, Ajman, this desert pop-up is situated 45 minutes away from Downtown Dubai. Visitors can approach the venues by following the map here.
      For more information visit onedegree.ae. 
      Link by Mara

      With international fusion street food and a scintillating majlis-style seating area with fairy lights, guests can lay back with the socially distanced seating arrangements for utmost safety. With a plethora of mouthwatering desserts and must-have beverages, this spot has a private bonfire option in an intimate setting to enjoy with all your loved ones.
      My Space

      Brand new to the desert concept scene, My Space Cafe delivers an exceptional experience in Nazwa, Sharjah. The concept plays host to a simple yet delectable menu comprising of burgers and pasta dishes, as well as coffee and soft drinks and sweet treats. Located in the Sharjhah desert, My Space Cafe is open daily from 3pm to 1am.
      BBQ Station

      Located in the Sharjah desert in the area of Al Rahmaniya, the newest desert concept to enter the scene is BBQ Station. Complete with tipi-style seating areas and a diverse menu, it’s the perfect winter spot to watch the sunset and nightfall over the desert.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      The story behind Dubai’s vintage car hub

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      51 mins ago

      Mazin Al Kahatib, Founder & CEO of Nostalgia Classic Cars, discusses how he turned a passion for collecting and restoring vintage cars into a thriving business.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
      I begin my day by reading the newspaper headlines to have an understanding of what’s happening around the world. Next, I read through the sales report and workshop reports of the previous day to make a list of what needs to be done for the same day. I then have a quick meeting with the admin, sales and workshop supervisor for 10 minutes.
      What inspired you to launch Nostalgia Classic Cars?
      It has been a dream of mine since I was a banker. I knew that after completing what I wanted to achieve in my banking career, I could convert my passion into a business.

      Every car should tell a story. Does this impact your decision when buying a car?
      When this was a hobby of mine, that was the case. Now, when I look at it from a business perspective, I buy according to the demand and market needs. Of course, when it comes to collecting classic cars, the story plays a big role in the purchase.
      The concept is located in one of Dubai’s key artistic hubs. Was this the plan from the start?
      I consider my collection as pieces of art and when I was thinking and deciding on a place, of course Alserkal Avenue came to mind, as it’s one of the first “art hubs” of Dubai. Hence, the decision was made to be located in Alserkal Avenue.
      What was the first car you restored?
      The first car I restored was the 1948 Packard.

      You’re the first of its kind in the UAE. How did you see a gap in the market?
      I learned my lesson the hard way as they say. When I was a hobbyist, I would struggle to find the best denter or the best mechanic or the best painter and my car would move from one place to another. This made me always think of having a one-stop shop that covers everything when it comes to restoration. Nostalgia Classic Cars Workshop does exactly that. Any project we do, the car never leaves the premises until the job is done. If we require additional support, we subcontract it to other shops. Everything from A to Z is done under one roof, this is what differentiates Nostalgia Classic Cars from all the other players in the market.
      What advice would you recommend to those who wish to invest in collecting vintage cars?
      When it comes to investing and collecting vintage cars, it’s important to choose the right brand and the right model. Try to have a detailed history of the car as much as possible. It’s imperative to prove the originality of the car and its parts, including the interiors, mechanical and the body.
      November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      How To Get the Look of an iMac Without Blowing Your Life’s Savings

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      Whenever I meet people who work from home, I am always curious about their WFH setup. Do they work from the couch most days? Is their setup in their living room? Do they post up at their kitchen counter? Or are they one of the lucky ones with dedicated office space? As a girl who has historically worked from the kitchen counter, I have saved more office photos to my “Home Office” Pinterest board than I can count so that when the day would come that I too would have my own home office, I would be able to make it as aesthetic (and functional, of course) as I have always dreamed of.
      I am happy to say that my home office design days are officially here, but I quickly ran into one problem: Every single inspiration picture I have saved has an iMac in it, and that one item basically takes up all of my design budget. After some dramatic pouting, I made the decision to not let that deter me from having what I have always wanted sans the price tag, so I am rolling up my internet scrolling sleeves to find the perfect iMac dupes.
      If you too have always wanted an iMac but you don’t feel like dropping over a grand, here is what you need to get the look:

      In this article

      Monitor
      Arguably the most attractive thing about an iMac is the sleek, silver design all the way around, so the most important thing to keep in mind when looking for an iMac dupe is the shape and the color—especially from the back. You want to make sure that even if your desk is in the middle of the room and not up against a wall, the back of the computer is just as pretty and seamless as the front. We love these options because they check all of those boxes:

      Pavilion All-in-One
      The HP Pavilion is the most like the iMac, but it is a few hundred dollars cheaper. With the same look and the ability to customize the color, processor, display, and more, this is one of the best dupes for an iMac on the market right now.

      FHD Monitor
      For a fraction of what the iMac costs, this monitor has a very similar streamlined look. Plus, if you have a Macbook, you can connect it to this monitor with an HDMI and enjoy all of Apple’s features on a bigger screen.

      Slim IPS Monitor
      The side and back of this monitor look just like an iMac with its sleek white and silver design. But the best part? It’s basically a 1/10th of the price. Since it also has HDMI ports, you can connect it to your existing laptop—whether it’s a Macbook or not.

      Keyboard
      One of the things I love the most about the look of an iMac is the sleek, wireless keyboard that pairs with it, but a keyboard that’s over $100?! I’ll pass. Here are a few options for wireless keyboards that look just as nice and work just as well as the infamous Apple Magic Keyboard:

      Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
      For under $60, this keyboard is one of the best dupes for the Apple Magic Keyboard. It has a slim design, the same quiet typing feature, and is compatible with all processing systems. We recommend the silver or white!

      Wireless Keyboard
      This keyboard from Amazon has the same aluminum style as the Apple Magic Keyboard and is under $50. However, keep in mind that this style is only compatible with Apple products, so you’ll need a Macbook to connect to your monitor in order to use it.

      Wireless Keyboard
      This under $20 option is a total steal. It’s slim and compact, so it won’t take up too much room on your desk, and it has a long battery life, making it the ultimate budget-friendly option.

      Mouse
      If you have a Macbook, you can splurge on the Apple Magic Mouse, but why would you when there are dozens of similar-looking options? Here are two of the best ones:

      Rechargeable Bluetooth Mouse
      This mouse is under $12 and has the same ergonomic design as the one from Apple. With an auto energy-saving mode, long battery life, and a one year warranty, you can’t beat it.

      Wireless Mouse
      This wireless mouse is identical to Apple’s and it’s under $16. We love that it offers noiseless clicking, is compact, and is compatible with any processor.

      Accessories
      Now we can’t put all this work into finding the best dupes without making the rest of your desk look just as good as your computer setup does. To achieve a Pinterest-worthy look, snag some of these desk essentials:

      The Single Purchase That Made Me Actually Want To Sit At My Desk All Day More

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      Fazza shares new photos of twins Rashid & Shaikha to mark his 40th birthday

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      38 mins ago

      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is marking a milestone birthday this year, turning 40 years old.
      While it’s a big birthday to celebrate, Sheikh Hamdan, affectionately known as Fazza, is ensuring he’s surrounded by family, including his twins Rashid and Shaikha.
      The one-and-a-half-year-old twins ensured they wished their doting dad a very big happy birthday with some balloons.
      The Crown Prince then shared a couple of photos on social media of Rashid and Shaikha, who are both now walking, holding the balloons.

      The first photo was of little Rashid holding a pink ‘Happy Birthday’ heart-shaped balloon for his father. The second photo showed Shaikha with the same balloon as well as a multicoloured circular balloon also with the words ‘Happy Birthday’.
      A doting dad
      Sheikh Hamdan became a dad for the first time in May 2021 after welcoming the twins.
      READ: 10 times Sheikh Hamdan was the ultimate doting dad to twins Rashid & Shaikha
      The doting father shared the first image of his children a couple of days after their birth was announced, where he was seen cradling the twins in both of his arms.
      “To God…Praise be to God and blessings,” he captioned the image.
      Since then, the father of two has taken the twins on a number of trips with him, including to the UK where he spent the majority of the summer.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images, Feature Image: Instagram @faz3 More

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      Game-Changing Office Essentials That Make Working 10x Better

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      As long as you have a computer, a surface to set that computer, and some sort of seat, you’ve got yourself a functional workspace. But for a workspace that is actually comfortable for 8+ hours a day and helps you be your most productive self, you’re going to need a bit more than the bare minimum. As someone who spent the first several months of my new WFH lifestyle working from a combination of my couch and dining table, I know this all too well. Take it from me, these office essentials are truly game-changers to make work more convenient, productive, and—dare I say—enjoyable:

      1. A desk that works as hard as you do
      A desk can be so much more than simply a place to set your laptop. If you’re considering an upgrade from your basic big-box store desk, I can assure you that investing in a high-quality, fully-equipped desk will be so worth it. We’re partial to the desks from Branch Furniture (we’ve even got them in The Everygirl’s Chicago office!) because of the stain-resistant work surface and sleek design. Opt for the built-in charging ports or spring for the standing desk to make your workspace even more comfortable and convenient.

      Branch Furniture
      Office Desk
      The MDF top makes this desk resistant to impact and stains, so you don’t have to worry about that coffee spill ruining the surface. The steel frame provides extra sturdiness, while the flared legs make it a stylish addition to your work setup. Customize it with in-desk power and a variety of finishes to make it your own.

      Branch Furniture
      Standing Desk
      This standing desk lets you find and save the perfect height so you can seamlessly switch between sitting and standing. The stable foundation prevents wobbling, and the low-decibel motors ensure it rises smoothly and quietly.

      2. A laptop stand to encourage better posture
      Unsurprisingly, sitting hunched over your laptop all day isn’t great for your neck and shoulders. If you work primarily on a laptop, save your spine with a stand that boosts your screen to the proper height. This simple tweak will encourage you to sit up straight and hopefully leave you less achy after the work day is done. 

      3. A seat cushion that can make any chair comfortable
      An ergonomic chair is truly the best way to make your workstation as comfortable and posture-friendly as possible, but if you’re still on the hunt for the right one or saving up for the inevitable splurge, a supportive seat cushion is the next best thing. Look for one made from memory foam that can conform to your body, and add in a lumbar cushion as well if you need some extra support.

      4. Headphones that will block out any distractions
      Whether you work full-time from home or regularly commute to an office, noise-canceling headphones are absolutely office essentials. Especially if you’re dealing with noisy roommates or an environment that’s full of distractions, being able to block out sound can help you stay focused and limit interruptions. If you frequently take work calls, choose headphones with a built-in microphone so you don’t have to take them off.

      5. A coffee mug warmer that keeps your cup at the perfect temp
      I’m the person who makes a cup of coffee, takes one sip approximately every 20 minutes, and inevitably has to reheat it at least three times before I finish it. If you have a similar tendency to forget about your coffee until it’s cold, a mug warmer is about to be your new favorite desk essential. Choose a self-heating cup that keeps contents at the ideal temperature or go for a warming plate that works with your favorite mug.

      The Single Purchase That Made Me Actually Want To Sit At My Desk All Day

      This post is sponsored by Branch but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More

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      11 things you might not know about Sheikh Hamdan

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum is constantly here there and everywhere.
      Given that he recently reached the milestone age of 40, Emirates Woman has taken a deep dive into some interesting things you might not know about the Crown Prince of Dubai.
      He’s a massive foodie

      For those always on the lookout for places to dine in, these well-known establishments in Dubai have had the seal of approval from UAE royalty.
      Sheikh Hamdan absolutely loves to dine at the best eateries in Dubai including Roka, Ammos, Alici, Carine, Avli by Tashas and many more.
      He’s a doting dad

      His Highness became a father for the first time in May 2021, welcoming twins Rashid and Shaikha into the world. Since then, the Crown Prince of Dubai has truly become the ultimate doting dad. Fazza has shared tidbits of the growing twins on social media, sharing some adorable doting father moments with his 14 million followers on Instagram.
      He cycled alongside an ostrich

      In a heart-stopping video taken to social media, Sheikh Hamdan is seen racing an ostrich in Dubai which is the world’s fastest bird on land. As he cycles with his entourage on the track, his love for the wildlife is beautifully depicted in this video.
      He’s passionate about underwater sports

      While inspiring many to take the plunge, Sheikh Hamdan makes the idea of deep water underground diving look very easy, as he continuously shares footage of himself under the sea, while also heading numerous metres below the surface to explore hidden underwater caves.
      He can fly a helicopter

      Starting off from Bluewaters island and making his way to Dubai Marina Mall as he goes around Dubai, Dubai’s Crown Prince’s video on social media has circulated around the UAE as he clearly loves to fly his chopper.
      The Crown Prince is also a poet

      With the caption for the above image being translated as follows, picking up poetry from his father has been one of the hidden talents he possesses, as he has also published under the pen name ‘Fazza’ which is an ode to a legendary Arab knight.
      Nature of the Soul
      My poems have meaning written with intuition I write my poems aware and observant My poems are not empty and a waste of my time They become more valuable with the passing of time
      What his nickname ‘Fazza’ means
      As mentioned, Sheikh Hamdan is affectionately known as ‘Fazza’. It means “the one who helps” in Arabic.
      He has climbed to the top of Burj Khalifa

      While scaling to new heights before the end of 2020, Sheikh Hamdan is seen scaling the sky-high building with his video amassing over 900,000 views and over 10,000 comments. He also showcases how high he is as he points the camera directly below him showing the busy Dubai highway and other buildings below. Well, this is not the first time he managed to do this, he also scaled to the top around seven years ago.
      He’s besties with Cristiano Ronaldo

      Over the years, Sheikh Hamdan and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo have become firm friends. Whenever Ronaldo visits the emirate, the Crown Prince is always on hand to ensure he has the best time in Dubai.
      He launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge

      The annual fitness challenge which takes place every year inspires residents of the emirate to work out for 30 minutes every day for 30 days. Fazza himself launched the Dubai Fitness Challenge back in 2017, encouraging people to be more active in the emirate.
      He’s a keen photographer

      While he’s an adventurer at heart, Sheikh Hamdan is also a keen photographer always capturing spectacular shots of the travels he’s on and photographs around Dubai.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Dubai Media Office More

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      Video: Sheikh Mohammed reduced to tears by girl’s reading about his late mother

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      4 hours ago

      His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai watched a host of students take to the stage on Thursday at the Arab Reading Challenge’s closing ceremony which took place at Dubai Opera.
      One reading, in particular, appeared to touch the Dubai Ruler’s heart which was about his late mother, Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Hamdan Al Nahyan.
      The Arab Reading champion from 2018, Maryam Amjoun, took to the stage to read an excerpt of His Highness’ book My Story which was about his mother.
      “My father lost his life partner for over four decades. He lost his support, his darling, friend, companion and lover… The strong, firm, steadfast victor who was never weakened or shattered, suffered greatly from the loss of his Latifa,” the except read.
      In footage which was shared by the Dubai Ruler’s sister, Her Highness Sheikh Fatima bint Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, on social media, Sheikh Mohammed is seen to be visibly moved by the reading, wiping tears away from his face with a handkerchief.

      Later on, the Dubai Ruler crowned the Arab Reading Challenge winner, Sham Al Bakour from Syria.
      It was the sixth edition of the Arab Reading Challenge which saw over 22 million students enter, the highest number of participants ever registered in a single edition of the challenge since its inception.
      “Our precious Arabic language is in the safe hands of the millions of Arab students and the thousands of volunteers that spare no effort to make this Arab literacy initiative a success,” His Highness said of the challenge.
      “The Arab Reading Challenge succeeded in creating the largest knowledge movement in our Arab world. The Arabic book has been taken off the shelf, and put in the hands of our youth, to inspire hearts and minds and light up the path.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied/Instagram  More