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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

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      5 inspiring celebrities embracing their vitiligo

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Proving that vitiligo is no barrier to success, several celebrities have broken the shackles against it.
      The condition is caused due to lack of melanin resulting in skin pigment. While some treatments have been developed, there’s no long-term solution.
      Affecting approximately 70 million people worldwide, many celebrities are known to have the condition.
      However, instead of trying to hide the condition, they proudly embrace it, becoming inspirations for many around the globe.
      Salama Mohammed

      One of the most vocal high-profile personalities to embrace her vitiligo is Emirati content creator Salama Mohamed. In a previous interview with Emirates Woman, she admitted it was difficult growing up with the condition. “It was a struggle growing up, when you feel you are different and don’t fit in it is easier to think there is something wrong with you,” she admitted. But today, she embraces her vitiligo “every inch” of her being, and even has the words “Blessed with vitiligo” in her Instagram bio. Through her journey, she was motivated to launch her own skincare brand, Peacefull.
      Winnie Harlow

      Winnie Harlow rose to stardom after appearing on America’s Next Top Model in 2014. As a strong advocate for breaking down conventional beauty standards, Harlow has used her platform to raise awareness for skin positivity. Having appeared in campaigns for big labels such as Nike, Victoria’s Secret, Marc Jacobs and more, she has broken the boundaries surrounding vitiligo. The supermodel was diagnosed with this chronic skin condition at the age of four and ever since a young age has been vocal about how this shouldn’t define her.
      Karen Wazen

      Content creator and Dubai-based entrepreneur Karen Wazen shared her journey with vitiligo back in June 2021. Opening up about her experience and her diagnosis, the mum-of-three encouraged everyone to accept themselves for who they are. “Accepting ourselves and bodies and differences is the biggest strength we can have, once we are in this state of mind nothing will affect the way we see ourselves,” she said.
      Shahad Salman

      Saudi fashion model Shahad Salman is breaking barriers in the modelling industry. The 25-year-old model embraces her vitiligo and continues to be motivated by her ambition to succeed in the industry. Born to challenge stereotypes, the model projects self-confidence in every project she takes on, including her latest role as an ambassador for Pantene.
      Holly Marie Combs

      Best known for her role in Pretty Little Liars, Holly Marie Combs has vitiligo, a condition that she has been open about over the years.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature image: Instagram @winnieharlow More

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      This is when the scorching UAE heat is likely to end

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      3 hours ago

      Had enough of the scorching UAE heat? Well, we’ve got some good news for you.
      It appears the sweltering summer days are now numbered, according to a UAE astronomer.
      Ibrahim Al Jarwan, a prominent member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, took to Twitter to announce the Suhail star is on the horizon, which signifies an end to the sweltering UAE heat.
      He announced the UAE can expect to see the star appear around August 24, 2022.

      طلوع سهيل.. أهل الحساب والتقويم يأخذون بالطلوع الاصطلاحي أو الافتراضي..مع تلمس تغير الجو او تغيير الملامح الطبيعية. لكنه كنجم ، لا يشاهد أو يطلع وسط الجزيرة العربية قبل 24 أغسطس.#سهيل#موسم_سهيل#السنة_السهيلية#نجم_سهيل#النجم_سهيل#حساب_الدرور pic.twitter.com/9uQZY85nQt
      — إبراهيم الجروان (@ibrahimaljarwan) August 17, 2022

      The Suhail star is one of the brightest stars in the sky and is estimated to be 313 light-years away from Earth.
      During ancient times, Arabs would learn through to the stars when hot periods would come, when the rain would come and so on, which would help farmers, seasons for grazing and travel, fishing season and more.
      Given that temperatures recently peaked at 50 degrees celsius in some parts of the UAE, news that cooler weather is on the horizon will be welcomed with open arms.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Image: Supplied More

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      9 inspiring UAE sheikhas breaking the mould

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      VIEW GALLERY/ 9 IMAGES
      There are many women in the UAE inspiring the next generation of changemakers including from the royal family themselves.
      Ahead of Emirati Women’s Day, we highlight how these ambitious women have taken on leadership roles to bring about change in the country.
      From equestrian talents to philanthropic efforts, there are many young sheikhas paving the way for the future, while carrying the legacy of their ancestors.
      With each of their stories being a reflection of their achievements, Emirates Woman looks at the many different royals who are becoming role models for many across the globe.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      Who is Rajwa Al Saif? Everything we know about Crown Prince Hussein’s fiancée

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      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      3 mins ago

      The Jordanian royals are celebrating the second engagement in the family this year.
      Crown Prince Hussein announced the joyous news of his engagement to Rajwa Al Saif on Wednesday, just five weeks after his sister, Princess Iman became engaged to New York financier Jameel Alexander Thermiotis.
      While congratulations are undoubtedly flowing in for the newly engaged couple, little is actually known about Crown Prince Hussein’s bride-to-be.
      With that, Emirates Woman explores what we know, so far, about the future wife of the Jordanian Crown Prince.

      Who is Rajwa Al Saif?
      According to Jordanian news outlet Roya News, Rajwa Al Saif was born in Riyadh on April 28, 1994 and is currently 28 years old.
      The bride-to-be is the youngest of four children, including Faisal, Naif, Dana and Rajwa, born to parents Khalif bin Musaed Al Saif and Azza Al Sudairi.
      The Al Saif family’s heritage dates back to the Subai tribe in the town of  Al-Attar in Sudair, Najd, Saudi Arabia, where ancestors are known to have been the sheikhs of the town.
      Rajwa’s father, who resides in Riyadh, has established himself as a well-reputed businessman over the years.
      Life & career
      Rajwa was born and raised in Saudi Arabia where she completed her secondary education.
      She then moved to New York to attend university at the College of Architecture at Syracuse University. However, little is known about her career after graduating from the university.
      The engagement
      The announcement was made via a Twitter post by the Royal Hashemite Court on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. The post congratulated the couple and showcased a series of images of the family together to mark the special occasion.

      The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion pic.twitter.com/LRIq61PtRB
      — RHC (@RHCJO) August 17, 2022

      The statement said, “The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms. Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah.”
      Queen Rania also shared a personal congratulations to her son and his bride-to-be following the announcement.
      “I didn’t this it was possible to hold so much joy in my heart! Congratulations to my eldest Prince Hussein and his beautiful bride-to-be, Rajwa,” she said on Instagram, also sharing photos from the engagement.
      The family posed with wide smiles in several portrait shots as the royal couple stood with their future daughter-in-law after the ceremony.
      With not just one but two engagements in the family this year, Her Royal Highness Princess Iman bin Abdullah II announced her engagement to Jameel Alexander Thermiotis in early July.
      More details about both the impending nuptials are yet to be announced.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan announces engagement to Rajwa Al Saif

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      30 mins ago

      Mabrook! Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan is engaged to Rajwa Al Saif of Saudi Arabia.
      The Royal Hashemite Court announced the engagement in a statement on social media.
      “The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, on Wednesday, 17 August 2022, in the presence of Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania Al Abdullah,” the statement read.
      The engagement took place at the bride-to-be’s father’s home in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
      As well as Their Majesties, Prince El Hassan bin Talal, Prince Hashem bin Abdullah II, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, Prince Hashim bin Al Hussein, Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Prince Rashid bin El Hassan and members of Ms Rajwa’s family were also present at the engagement.

      The Royal Hashemite Court is pleased to announce the engagement of His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II to Ms Rajwa Khaled bin Musaed bin Saif bin Abdulaziz Al Saif, and extends its sincere congratulations on this occasion pic.twitter.com/LRIq61PtRB
      — RHC (@RHCJO) August 17, 2022

      Queen Rania also shared a series of photos on Instagram congratulating the newly engaged couple with a heartfelt message.
      “I didn’t think it was possible to hold so much joy in my heart! Congratulations to my eldest Prince Hussein and his beautiful bride-to-be, Rajwa,” she said.

      In the photos Her Majesty shared, the newly engaged couple are seen arm in arm together. Another picture shows King Abdullah II embracing his soon-to-be daughter-in-law.
      Crown Prince Hussien and his bride-to-be are also seen in a photograph with Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania.
      Another royal engagement
      It’s a joyous time for the Jordanian royal family as the engagement announcement comes just weeks after Crown Prince Hussein’s younger sister, Princess Iman, announced her engagement.
      Queen Rania shared a photo of her eldest daughter with her fiance Jameel Alexander Thermiotis confirming their engagement.
      She congratulated her “dearest Iman” and her husband-to-be.

      “Congratulations my dearest Iman; your smile has always been a gift of love that I’ve cherished since the day you were born,” she said. “I wish you and Jameel a life filled with love and laughter!”
      Now one question remains: when will the royal weddings take place?
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More