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      This Emirati pilot just made history in the UAE

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      27 seconds ago

      An Etihad Airways Emirati pilot has just made history in the UAE.
      Reaching new heights (quite literally), Captain Aisha Al Mansoori has become the UAE’s first female Emirati Captain in a commercial airline.
      The groundbreaking appointment for Captain Aisha has come after years of hard work and training.
      The pilot first joined the Etihad Cadet Pilot programme in 2007, being one of only two Emirati females in her batch. After three years of training, Captain Aisha graduated from the programme in 2010 and took her first flight on an Etihad Airbus A320 to Amman, Jordan.
      Captain Aisha has gone on to climb the ranks, completing the required flying hours to become Senior First Officer and she also become the first female UAE national to fly the superjumbo passenger aircraft the Airbus A380.

      Now, the 33-year-old has risen to the ranks of Captain, becoming the first Emirati female to do so for a commercial airline, having completed a rigorous training programme with Etihad and undergone the requisite flying hours to be considered for the title. As well as this, Captain Aisha passed the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority’s theoretical knowledge and flying exams successfully to officially become the first Emirati female Captain to hold an Air Transport Pilot License in the UAE.
      The appointment comes just ahead of Emirati Women’s Day on August 28, 2022, which is when Captain Aisha is set to commence flying duties as a Captain at Etihad.
      “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to join Etihad’s Cadet Pilot programme and grow my career over the years with Etihad,” Captain Aisha said of her history-making appointment. “I am thankful for the tremendous support I have received from my instructors at Etihad and for their guidance through my training, which has shaped my skills and prepared me for the rank of Captain.”
      It’s a milestone Captain Aisha hopes will also inspire others to follow their passions.
      “I am proud to be the first female Emirati to be a Captain in a commercial airline, and I hope I will be an inspiration to young women to follow this career path,” she added.
      Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, also shared Etihad’s pride in Captain Aisha’s groundbreaking appointment, adding the aviation group is committed to supporting Emirati women to grow in the industry.
      “Etihad is extremely proud of Captain Aisha’s achievement and the trailblazing role she is playing for women in aviation in the UAE. She will no doubt be the first of many, and Etihad looks forward to welcoming more female pilots to the rank of Captain in the future,” he said. “Etihad remains committed to Emiratisation and to elevating Emirati women to play their part in the growth of the aviation industry.
      “Aviation is gender blind, and to prove oneself, Etihad’s pilots undergo intensive exams and meet strict requirements on flying hours to ensure the highest standards of training in international aviation are upheld. Aisha earned her rank and will no doubt inspire her fellow Emiratis and young women around the world to follow their dreams in aviation.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Strengthen your core in the comfort of your home with this online platform

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      Lifestyle

      by Amy Sessions
      3 hours ago

      Bryony Deery, Founder of The Platform, takes us through her tips to get beach ready.
      What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like at home and how does this differ on vacation?
      During the week I wake up between 5:45-6am, drink a big glass of water and then head downstairs to make my collagen matcha using Enso matcha and Dose & Co Dairy Free collagen. I then take it back up to the bed, I love this me-time. I like to begin my day with a meditation and afterwards, I grab my journal and write my to-do list, my intentions for that day and any thoughts/feelings that come up during my meditation practice. There is something so powerful about early mornings and it’s crucial for me to have an hour to myself before I start my first client at 7am. My routine fits in around the type of vacation I’m on depending on the time difference and whether I have later evenings etc but generally the mornings start in the same way with my mind and body routine followed by a later breakfast. I want to feel my best on holiday and daily movement and mindfulness helps me achieve this. I am less strict on holiday but I like to alternate Pilates with morning walks.
      Can you take us through your top de-bloating tips to be beach ready?
      For me being beach ready is more of a mindset and feeling confident and comfortable in my own skin. Naturally, if I am doing Pilates and meditating my cortisol levels are reduced and therefore I have less inflammation in my body and tend to feel less bloated. On the days thatI am suffering from bloating I have a video on my app that are my go-tos for debloating, perfect for that time of the month andit really does work! Focusing on my gut health is a daily non-negotiable but drinking lots of water, cutting out excess salt, dry brushing and lymphatic drainage massage are all pre-holiday essentials for me.
      Do you exercise each day on vacation and if so when do you carve out time for this?
      I naturally like to always stay active whether I am on holiday or at home. I like to do Pilates first thing before breakfast and then tend to do a walk after breakfast and sometimes again at the end of the day. Walking along a beach with a podcast is pure heaven and such a magical way to start the day and boost your mood. We can all find reasons not to find the time but I am disciplined on this and always make sure I invest in myself and my mental and physical health and schedule the time in each day. I love how Pilates is so easy to do anywhere whether you’re in your hotel room, on the beach, or on a balcony.
      How long have you been using body gua sha and skin brushing and what effect have you seen from implementing these practices?
      I have been body brushing for years! I could talk about the benefits all day long. It helped me with water retention, bloating, detoxing, and skin elasticity and it makes me feel alive before a cold shower in the morning. I love to use my body gua sha to aid in lymphatic drainage and release any buildup there. I do this twice a day and it has become a staple in my bathroom routine.
      How often should we be doing this?
      Once a day minimum. Every day, no excuses!

      What are your go-to products for sun protection as in face, body and hair?

      I never put my face in the sun, I wear a huge hat, sunglasses and sit with my face and chest in the shade. I want to avoid sun damage as much as I can. I use Eurcerin oil control SPF 50 on my face and I like Institut esthederm or ultrasun for my body. Pre-holiday I swear by Amanda Harrington fake tan for the body and tan luxe for the face. Buy both now and thank me later.
      Are you a light packer or a heavy packer and are there any go-to pieces you always pack for vacation?
      I like to pack by outfits so I know I have the right looks for each occasion but then will also add a few extra pieces that I know will go with everything. I always pack a blazer for colder evenings, a comfy but cool pair of trainers that can double up for travel and workouts, oversized shirts that I can wear on the beach over bikinis, Hermes Oran sandals for day-to-night looks and I’m a real fan of maxi skirts as I find them so elegant and flattering with a crop top or bodysuit. My real secret must-have for packing is Muji packing cubes, they are incredibly functional and make unpacking the dream. I am militant when it comes to packing and travel.
      Travelling can disrupt our routines. How do you ensure you maintain your habits?
      By reminding myself that routine is what makes me feel good and asking myself how I want to feel today. I know that my daily rituals are what makes me feel grounded, at peace and healthy. The book Atomic Habits is one of my favourites and a book I recommend to all of my friends. I really believe that staying consistent with small daily habits amount to a big shift in your day and week!
      You recently launched Pilates By Bryony The App – do you find there is a huge demand to work out remotely and what made you take the leap?
      Without a doubt. Since COVID-19 there was a big shift in our attitude towards home workouts. People saw that they could achieve results at home, save time and money on gym membership fees, and fit the sessions in around their home life. There has absolutely been an increase in online fitness, I started with 15 people joining my zoom classes and I am now able to connect with people all over the world via the app. I feel so happy and fulfilled knowing that I can reach so many people and help in some way with their mental and physical well-being.

      “Drinking lots of water, cutting out excess salt, dry brushing and lymphatic drainage massages are pre-holiday essentials for me.” 

      What have been the biggest challenges to date and how did you overcome them?
      Having a scalable platform for lots of users in- evitably has its challenges but I am a firm believer that there is always a way to figure it out and lessons to learn along the way. I am lucky to have a team of incredibly talented people that have been invaluable to me, especially in the last few months. My meditation practice has changed me as a person and in these stressful times I manage to stay relatively calm and positive and tell myself that there is always a solution. Without meditation, I wouldn’t be able to deal with the stressful situations that building a business can bring so I am very grateful for that.
      How have you found social media in terms of supporting brand growth?
      It’s almost impossible to build a brand in today’s climate without having a social media presence and it is a key driver for growth in the online fitness industry. It is also a brilliant business tool and allows you to access insights into your audience and speak directly to the consumer. It still blows my mind how quickly a business can grow based on one key share of a story.
      How do you approach scaling without compromising on quality?
      Scaling a subscription business should never impact quality. I strive to improve the quality as I scale and really listen to my audience. It was harder to deliver quality before launching The Platform because the growth was quicker than I had expected, so I had to figure it out and find a way to grow and develop with demand. I am always read- ing books on startups and businesses as I love to learn.
      This is The Summer Escape Issue – where would you like to escape to this summer?
      With the nature of the business, it can be difficult to completely switch off and escape but I am hoping to really cut down in August and go to Mykonos. I’d like to spend more time in the sur- rounding Greek islands as they look so beautiful and undiscovered. Last summer I worked non stop so the aim of this summer is to work smarter and have more balance when I am away.
      July/August’s – The Summer Escape 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 I got my job as… Founder of the UAE’s largest on-demand wellness platform

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      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible 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.
      This week we chat with Jennifer Tromba-Qadir, founder of REVA, the UAE’s largest on-demand wellness platform. The concept was launched five years ago by Tromba-Qadir and her husband after she noticed there was a gap in the market for home services for massages and other spa treatments. Being a busy mum on the go and also working full-time, she found it difficult to ever get time to be able to visit a wellness hub or spa, thus the idea for REVA was born. 
      Emirates Woman sat down with Tromba-Qadir to find out more about the concept of REVA and its plans for further expansion in the GCC.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      My favourite subjects were art and chemistry. I love letting my creativity flow without any boundaries or rules. Art gives me the freedom to express my thoughts, feelings, and sentiments in so many different ways. With chemistry, I was always intrigued with how two unrelated things can be combined to create something a lot more useful – it kind of defines my motto in life!
      What was your first job?
      I worked two jobs when I was 14 years old. I grew up on Sanibel Island which is a resort island off the coast of Florida. It’s known for its shell beaches and wildlife preserves. While living there I worked at an island gift shop and as a hostess at a fine dining restaurant. So the hustle started early for me!
      What brought you to Dubai?
      I went on a girls’ trip to Dubai, met a man and fell in love. Totally not how the girls’ trip was supposed to end up! I am a pretty intuitive person and something about this guy made me feel alive in a way I never felt before. I told my girlfriend on the first day of our trip that I was going to end up marrying him. We did long-distance for a year and then eventually we got married and I made the move to Dubai. We have been together for 10 years now with two beautiful kids. I guess my intuition was right!
      Fortunately, Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi was being built at the same time. As I am a Registered ICU & Trauma Nurse with over 15 years of experience, I was able to get hired to help open up the hospital and train the incoming nurses.

      What inspired you to enter the wellness space?
      Wellness has always played a vital role in my life. I went through a couple of traumatic events early in life and had to learn how to cope with anxiety. In America, you can get a pill for anything and I knew there had to be a better way to heal from the inside out. I started looking into wellness and was amazed at how positively my body was responding to yoga, massage and meditation. Once I saw the results, I knew I wanted to help others through wellness.
      Talk us through the concept of Reva.
      REVA is the largest on-demand wellness platform in the UAE. Our professional therapists come to any location of your choice to deliver a number of services which includes massages, yoga, and corporate wellness solutions such as chair massages.
      Our goal at REVA is to provide high-quality, spa-like services at affordable prices. The world is moving at such a fast pace and people want to improve their wellness. However, they cannot find the time or the right platform to suit their needs. This is where REVA excels – you can browse, book, and pay online through www.revauae.com and we will come to any location in as little as a few hours!
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I like to call myself the CEO – Chief Excellence Officer. This is because my primary goal is to ensure excellence in every aspect of our business. From the way we answer your phone call to the training we provide for our therapists. Ultimately, each aspect of our business helps ensure that we are providing excellent wellness services for our clients. Today we have thousands of online reviews with a 4.9 rating (out of 5.0). So I think I am doing my job as CEO pretty well!
      However, the reality is that I am involved in every aspect of the company since my husband and I have created REVA from the ground up. I personally oversee the recruitment, hiring, training of therapists, branding, business development, corporate wellness, networking, and building our client relations. I also work closely with our marketing team on new ideas for content and the creation of new massages.
      Talk us through your daily routine.

      During the week, I wake up at 6:30am with the kids to help get them dressed, have their lunches made, and get sent off to school. Of course, this is with the invaluable help of nannies – we live in Dubai after all!
      I’ll then go on the treadmill for 30 mins while watching the news to catch up with what’s going on in the world. For breakfast, I make the world’s best green smoothie and add in supplements. It’s an easy way to get in a lot of vitamins and nutrients right away – and it doesn’t taste gross!
      Then I will dive right into work – responding to emails, planning therapist training, social media strategy for the week, lunch or coffee meet-ups with one of our clients or influencers that we work with, working with our team on the expansion of REVA, accounting, inventory, creation of new massages and testing them. It’s endless!
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      First of all – don’t follow in my footsteps or anyone else’s. Create your own path because that is the one meant for you. The moment you try to copy someone else, you are compromising on your potential and originality.
      That being said, find something you are really passionate about and just never give up. Being an entrepreneur is extremely rewarding but there have been so many challenges along the way that can come out of nowhere.
      Most importantly, if your purpose is to create income then make sure your idea is financially viable. Dreams don’t pay bills – money pays the bills!
      What is the best piece of advice you ever received?
      I heard a quote recently that really resonated with me. It was “Don’t spend all your time trying to find yourself. Spend your time creating yourself into a person you will be proud of”. For me, I want to make sure I can be the best version of myself and an amazing role model to my kids. So I try to envision that person and work hard on bettering myself every day, in all aspects of my life.
      Also, don’t be afraid to fail. You have to fail in order to grow and lose in order to gain. Life’s greatest lessons are learned best through our failures!
      And what is the worst?
      Just be patient and good things will come. Maybe in love, this can be true, but not in business. You need to go after what you want and work hard towards your goals. Nothing comes easy in business or in life, and you have to work for it everyday!
      What has been the biggest challenge you had to overcome?
      Finding the right balance between work and family life. I can easily get consumed with work and work from 8 am to midnight. So trying to add more structure and devote time to my day for me, my kids, husband and family has definitely helped.
      What are the future plans of your company?
      We have a lot of exciting things coming up! We are one of the first UAE-based wellness brands to go international. We will be launching in Qatar next month and we are already starting the process for Saudi!
      Even more exciting is the brand new REVA APP that we are about to launch. We are constantly looking for ways to improve our customer experience and make the process as seamless as possible. You will be able to browse, book, pay, and get our services in a few clicks!
      Lastly, we have a number of very exciting services that will be launched soon. New slimming treatments, facial rejuvenation, spray tan, and more!
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Inside the chicest new addition to the DIFC dining scene

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      36 seconds ago

      A luxe new DIFC restaurant has opened its doors just in time for peak season in Dubai.
      After months of planning in the pipeline, Italian restaurant Chic Nonna is finally open to the public.
      With state-of-the-art interiors and a high-quality menu, the restaurant is complete with an open-plan kitchen, the largest wine cellar in the region and a sophisticated chef’s table.
      Paying homage to rich Italian traditions, this two-storey gourmet osteria’s menu is carefully curated by the culinary team including head chef, Illaria Zamperlin.
      Blending tradition with innovation, there’s a dish to suit each and every guest’s tastebuds. Whether topped with fresh black truffle shavings or created with a homemade sauce, each spoonful transports visitors to a gorgeous Italian Riviera.
      Designed to take relaxation to the next level, the intimate Cigar Lounge is the perfect spot for post-meal relaxation with unending views of Dubai’s scintillating skyline. With the largest wine cellar in the city with over 4,000 bottles and 900 labels, this modern venue offers the perfect setting to unwind.
      To create an inviting ambience, the space has warm cosy interiors reminiscent of a traditional Italian home. To make any visit even more memorable the venue offers engaging live entertainment with a striking DJ booth and raised stage for live performances.
      For the seafood enthusiasts, the terrace has an exclusive Crudo Bar that serves a selection of raw fish, Calvisius caviar and more to ensure guests immerse in the complete experience from start to finish.
      Spearheaded by the leading hospitality company, Mine & Yours Group, this all-new Italian concept effortlessly blends into Dubai’s diverse culinary offerings.
      Take a look inside the newest addition to the DIFC dining scene.

      For more information visit chicnonna.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      In pics: Grandfather Sheikh Mohammed dotes on Fazza’s twins Rashid & Shaikha

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      1 hour ago

      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has shared some adorable new photographs of his father doting on his grandchildren, twins Rashid bin Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and Shaikha bint Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum.
      In the photos, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is seen spending quality time with the little ones whilst they holiday in the UK as a family.
      The first photograph shows the Dubai Ruler with little Shaikha, helping her to walk. The second photo shared by Sheikh Hamdan shows Sheikh Mohammed with young Rashid, playing in the garden.

      Along with the photos, Sheikh Hamdan, who is affectionately known as Fazza, shared a poem Sheikh Mohammed penned about twins Rashid and Shaikha in Arabic.
      The Dubai Ruler himself shared the poem on his official Instagram page alongside a photograph previously shared by Sheikh Hamdan of the four enjoying quality time in the UK together.

      Summer in London
      Fazza has been enjoying a long holiday in London over the summer months.
      Just a couple of weeks ago, he was spending time in the UK’s capital and was seemingly able to go about his day being unrecognised.
      His Highness shared a selfie on Instagram with his friend Badr Ateej riding the crowded London Underground.
      “We’ve got a long way to go and Badr is already bored,” he said in the caption of the post.

      A few weeks prior, the Crown Prince of Dubai was recognised around central London as he was driving. In a video captured by Sheikh Hamdan’s friend Ahmad Jaber Al Harbi, the royal is seen interacting with two fans.
      Sheikh Hamdan was in his car driving in the city when he was stopped for some photos by the two individuals, who also happened to be Dubai residents.
      Not ever one to say no to a photo, Dubai’s Crown Prince enthusiastically posed with the fans, even helping them to get the right shot.
      At one point in the video, the male fan says “Sorry to bother you” but Fazza responded saying, “No, it’s okay”, also shaking his hand.

      His Highness is a regular visitor to the United Kingdom, as are many other members of the Dubai royal family.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      3 Morning Rituals a Real Housewife Swears Set Up Her Day for Success

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      Welcome to The Everygirl Podcast. Whether you’re looking for insider secrets from successful women that have your dream job, are interested in expert advice to transform your health and feel your best, or just want to be entertained and laugh along with us on your commute, we’ve got you covered.

      When Real Housewives of Dubai premiered at the beginning of June, Bravo fans discovered a new it-girl and fan-favorite in Lesa Milan Hall. On this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast, Josie sits down with Lesa to talk all things Real Housewives, but also to get insight on her inspiring career totally separate from reality TV. Spoiler alert: She has a lot of great tips, advice, and insight one everything from motherhood to fashion to starting a major brand. She is the founder of luxury maternity brand, Mina Roe, which counts stars like Beyoncé and Ciara as fans.
      Living in Dubai with her husband and three sons, running a fashion line, and being on reality TV all mean that Lesa has an extremely busy schedule, so you know we had to grill her on the rituals that set her day up for success. Read on for major morning routine inspo, and check out this week’s episode of The Everygirl Podcast for insight and advice from Lesa Milan Hall.

      1. Start the day with gratitude
      We’ve all heard about the importance of practicing gratitude, so it’s no surprise Lesa’s #1 morning ritual is to feel gratitude immediately after waking. “The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is I thank God for waking me up,” Lesa told us. Gratitude is not only important for putting yourself into a positive headspace and promotes an abundance mindset, but it can reframe your thinking to reflect on all that you do have instead of focusing energy on what you don’t. “When having a bad day, I remember where I’m coming from and where I am today,” Lesa said. “Whenever I’m like, ‘Oh, I don’t have something,’ I always ask myself, ‘Girl, do you remember when you had nothing?’”

      2. Take a shot of apple cider vinegar
      This Real Housewife swears by taking a shot of apple cider vinegar diluted in water every single morning to start her day. The benefits of apple cider vinegar are widely discussed in the wellness space (everything from improving gut health to managing blood sugar), but for Lesa, it’s all about the skin. Apple cider vinegar may have many beauty benefits, including helping to reduce inflammation in the skin (like breakouts or eczema), thanks to its antibacterial properties. Since she grew up with acne-prone skin, Lesa tells us she is committed to keeping her face clear, and prioritizes a daily shot of apple cider vinegar every morning. As she says, “What goes in shows up on the skin.” Whether a shot of ACV at 8 a.m. is your thing or not, prioritize food and drinks that are hydrating and balancing for the skin first thing in the morning. 

      3. Have a go-to skincare routine, but limit makeup
      Aside from her apple cider vinegar ritual, Lesa’s biggest skincare secret is that she never wears makeup during the week. “I used to struggle with really, really bad acne,” Lesa said. “It took me years to find products that work for me.” Now, she limits makeup as much as possible as a way to preserve her skin health, but also as a sense of pride for overcoming skin-related insecurities from her childhood.
      Currently, Lesa’s skincare routine is built around her cleanser, which she considers to be the most important part of taking care of her face. Her favorite is from Shiseido, and she makes a point of washing her face with exclusively cold water in order to keep her pores closed. Since she used to struggle with acne, Lesa rotates between using oil-free moisturizer or the Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Serum after cleansing each morning. She finishes her routine with SPF, and heads out into Dubai makeup-free and full of gratitude. More

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      In pictures: Futuristic new project transforms the Downtown Dubai skyline

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      When it comes to record-worthy structures Dubai has undoubtedly made its mark on the global map.
      Now a new futuristic project designed by a Dubai-based architecture firm has been unveiled with a radical plan to transform the emirate’s skyline.
      Znera Space, Najmus Chowdry and Nils Remess, released a series of photos on Instagram outlining the project which features a circular megastructure surrounding the Burj Khalifa, suspended half a kilometre above the ground level of Downtown Dubai.

      The architects have proposed a giant 550-metre tall ring that will have a three-kilometre circumference supported by five massive pillars. The span of the circle will consist of two rings that will be held together by a continuous green belt named the Skypark.
      The project was coined by the architects during the COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to combat the density of Dubai living, championing the notion of “vertical urbanism”.

      “As a response to the dilemma of how to build densely while retaining liveability, the downtown circle project establishes a sustainable and a self-sufficient vertical urbanism,” the founders said on Instagram.
      With sustainability as its main requisite, the mega-complex “aims to create a hyper-efficient urban centre that gives back to the environment”.
      Skypark will act as a support to this impressive structure by bringing nature to life. Featuring swamps, waterfalls, tropical vegetation, and more, the concept will focus on sustainability through rainwater harvesting, solar power and filtering pollutants for clean air.

      With 360-degree views of the city, a tram on the outer perimeter ring is also part of the concept with twenty spacious pods travelling up to 100 kilometres per hour, conceptualised in collaboration with Pictown.
      If the project does ever get the green light, would this be a place where you’d consider living?
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram @znera.space, @pictown.co More

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      ‘It made me sad’: Bella Hadid’s regret at not growing up in a Muslim culture

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      3 hours ago

      Bella Hadid proudly embraces her Arab heritage any chance she gets, however, the supermodel has shared her regrets about not growing up in Muslim culture.
      In a recent interview with GQ discussing her debut acting role on the HBO series Ramy, the 25-year-old about her formative years and the difficulties she faced being “the only Arab girl in her class”.
      Born in Washington D.C. to her Palestinian father Mohamed Hadid and Dutch mother Yolanda Hadid, Hadid relocated to California when she was just four years old with her siblings, Gigi and Anwar, and their mother after her parents divorced.

      The model admits that a lot of her Palestinian side of the family lived in Washington DC, where she was born, but she was “extracted” from that when she moved to the west coast of the USA.
      “I would have loved to grow up and be with my dad every day and studying and really being able to practice, just in general being able to live in a Muslim culture,” she admitted in the interview. “But I wasn’t given that.”
      In fact, growing up just outside of Los Angeles in Santa Barbara, she felt like a part of her “was missing”.
      “I was never able to see myself in anything else, so I tried to just sit back,” she said. “For so long I was missing that part of me, and it made me really, really sad and lonely.”

      Despite not growing up surrounded by the influence of her father’s side of the family, Hadid proudly champions her Arab heritage and consistently advocates for the rights of Palestine.
      “I speak about [this stuff] for the elderly that are still living there that have never been able to see Palestine free, and for the children that can still grow up and have a beautiful life,” she told GQ.
      Hadid’s father himself is a refugee from Palestine. He’s previously shared how he doesn’t have “a single picture of me [as] when I was a baby I was just about 9 days old when I and my family were refugees to the refugee camps in Syria from Palestine”. After receiving Jordanian citizenship, the property tycoon relocated to the US where he has resided for a number of years.
      Back in 2020, the model paid tribute to her heritage by getting two tattoos in Arabic script which acknowledge her Palestinian background from her father’s side of the family.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More