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    Here’s how Dubai celebrated Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday last night

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    The king of Bollywood, Shah Rukh Khan, celebrated his 57th birthday in Dubai and the celebrations were nothing short of spectacular.
    Known for garnering a strong relationship with the UAE over the years, it’s not surprising the emirate of Dubai went all out to ensure the actor had a special birthday.
    The occasion was marked with Shah Rukh Kahn’s image lit up on the Burj Khalifa with the message: “Happy Birthday Shah Rukh, Happy Birthday Pathaan. We love you.”

    The words flashed on the screen with his iconic track ‘Tujhe Dekha To’ from the 1995 film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge which played in the background.
    The actor has been featured on the world’s tallest tower multiple times for campaigns and his birthday in 2020.
    Earlier this year, Shah Rukh Khan also became the first Indian actor to receive the UAE Golden visa and the Happiness Card.
    The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs tweeted, “GDRFA Dubai welcomes Bollywood star Shah Rukh and grants him the Happiness Card with the aim of achieving happiness through various benefits, discounts and offers.”
    With a close affinity to the country, the actor’s Bollywood film Happy New Year was also shot in the UAE along with the star-studded cast.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @iamsrk More

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    ‘Not to be missed’: Region’s largest Porsche showcase to take place in Dubai

    Lifestyle

    by Team Emirates Woman
    18 mins ago

    IN PARTNERSHIP: The Middle East’s largest Porsche showcase is set to take place in Dubai at the end of November.
    Icons of Porsche will return to the Dubai Design District for its second-ever instalment following its hugely successful launch last year.
    Just like its 2021 inaugural event, the two-day Porsche extravaganza will showcase the largest gathering of Porsches in the region, with a huge turnout expected, surpassing the 7,000 visitors from last year.
    This year in d3, Icons of Porsche will take visitors on a safari-themed journey to celebrate Porsche’s rallying heritage, as well as spotlighting the passionate Porsche community in this region.

    Amongst its expansive 17,000 square-metre venue, Porsche enthusiasts will be able to enjoy a host of experiences including a huge showcase of classic Porsche cars, entertainment acts from across the region, art installations from renowned artists and a host of F&B vendors.
    It’s a spectacle which, as described by Porsche Middle East’s CEO Dr Manfred Bräunl, that is “not to be missed”.
    “The safari theme for this year’s event will deliver a lot of exciting moments and engaging experiences,” he said. “Attendees can expect to see some famous Porsche vehicles from throughout our rich history, with pedigree and success off-road as well as on the race track.
    “We are planning to deliver a calendar event that is not to be missed. It will be the ultimate platform to experience classic car nostalgia in connection with art, culture and the community.”
    As part of this experience, the two-day festival will feature five zones, each with its own theme, immersing each visitor into what the Porsche heritage represents.

    The Adventure Camp will showcase the adventurous side of Porsche; Community Village will encourage attendees to embrace the lifestyle of the heritage car brand; Design Factory will be a hub for the artistry behind the classic cars; Electric Field will act as a zone for the thrill-seekers with a passion for speed; and finally Art Valley will showcase a number of unique artworks from renowned international and local artists who have been inspired by Porsche.
    It doesn’t end there, Icons of Porsche will also mark several key milestones of the German automobile manufacturer throughout its history including 20 years of its first SUV model, the Porsche Cayenne, as well as 50 years of Porsche design. Seventy years of Porsche clubs will also be celebrated, with the festival acting as a meeting place for Porsche Clubs in this region.
    The 2022 Icons of Porsche is certainly one not to be missed.

    Register for the two-day festival free of charge at iconsofporsche.com and follow the #IconsofPorsche hashtag on social media.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    9 inspiring accounts to follow on Instagram this month

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    3 hours ago

    A curated guide of all the inspiring accounts to #follow
    Rae Joseph@theraejoseph

    Fashion entrepreneur and vintage collector.
    Delvaux@delvaux

    Exceptional, timeless designs since 1829.
    Rimowa@rimowa

    Suitcases engineered to perfection.
    Edge of Ember@edgeofember

    Luxury jewellery designed from recycled metals and lab-grown diamonds.
    Leila Heller Gallery@leilahellergallery

    One of the most influential art spaces in the region.
    Nostalgia Classic Cars@nostalgiaclassiccars

    Every classic car enthusiast’s dream.
    Hublot@hublot

    Unique timepieces combining tradition and innovation.
    Her Highness Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi@bodouralqasimi

    An advocate for books and literacy as Chairperson of Shurooq.
    NOBU@noburestaurants

    Sleek Japanese Michelin-star restaurant in the heart of Dubai.
    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 & Feature Image: Instagram @theraejoseph More

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    What is UAE Flag Day? Here’s everything you need to know

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    23 mins ago

    A very important day in the UAE’s calendar will be marked this week – Flag Day.
    While there is no official day off for UAE Flag Day, it’s a day of significance as it marks the day when the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan ascended into the role of President of the UAE.
    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, even shared a message of importance earlier this week to mark UAE Flag Day.
    “We call on our citizens, organisations, and ministries to hoist the flag simultaneously on November 3 at 11:00 am to express the unity of our home and our destiny,” he said on Twitter.
    But what exactly is UAE Flag Day? Emirates Woman is here to highlight everything you need to know.
    What is UAE Flag Day?

    ٣ نوفمبر القادم تحتفل دولتنا بيوم العلم، ندعو كافة وزاراتنا ومؤسساتنا لرفعه بشكل موحد الساعة 11 صباحاً في ذلك اليوم. سيبقى علمنا مرفوعاً .. سيبقى رمز عزتنا ووحدتنا خفاقاً .. ستبقى راية عزنا ومجدنا وسيادتنا عالية في سماء الإنجاز والولاء والوفاء .. pic.twitter.com/eLmH90j5Ae
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) October 28, 2022

    UAE Flag Day was first launched in 2013 and is celebrated every year on November 3. However, it is not recognised as a public holiday.
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was the one with the idea to launch the annual Flag Day as a commemoration to Sheikh Khalifa who was elected President of the UAE on November 3, 2004.
    The history of the UAE flag
    The UAE flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem of Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
    Last year, the now President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan explained the UAE flag is “an enduring display of national unity”.

    قبل خمسين عاماً، توحد شعبنا واجتمعت كلمته تحت راية واحدة، وفي “يوم العلم” نجدد العهد مع الوطن بقيادة الشيخ خليفة بأن تبقى رايته مصدر فخرنا واعتزازنا ورمزاً لقوة وحدتنا. pic.twitter.com/UyQPBASZgM
    — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) November 3, 2021

    The flag was designed in 1971 by 19-year-old Abdullah Mohammed Al Maainah, who was inspired by a poem by Safiul Din Al Holi in his design. The poem touches on the themes of benevolence, goodness and kindness, which are represented in the colours of the flag.
    His father, the late Sheikh Zayed and father of the UAE, was also involved in the design process of the flag.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Unsplash More

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    UAE public holidays in 2023: When are they?

    Lifestyle

    by Olivia Morris
    1 hour ago

    Now it’s the beginning of November, many have started looking to 2023 perhaps setting goals, making plans and sharing hopes for the next year ahead.
    Part of making those plans has to include when everyone will be able to avail some well-deserved time off work.
    So, it begs the question: when will the UAE public holidays fall in 2023? Well, we’re here to help…
    New Year’s Day
    As of 2022, New Year’s Day became an official public holiday in the UAE following the work-week change from Sunday to Thursday to Monday to Friday. This means January 1, 2023, will also be observed as a public holiday.
    Eid Al Fitr
    The first day of Ramadan is predicted to fall around March 22, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar. Eid Al Fitr falls on the last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to Shawwal 3. It’s been predicted that Eid al Fitr could fall around Friday, April 21, 2023, depending on the sighting of the moon.
    Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha
    A couple of months after Eid Al Fitr, the UAE will observe another public holiday, Arafat Day which falls on the 9th day of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar. This corresponds to around June 27, 2023, in the Gregorian calendar.
    Eid Al Adha
    Just after Arafat Day, Eid Al Adha will be celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah until the 13th of Dhul-Hijjah, which will correspond from June 28 to June 30, 2023.
    Islamic New Year
    A couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around July 19, 2023.
    The Prophet’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is predicted to be around September 29, 2023.
    Commemoration Day and National Day
    To close out 2023, those in the UAE will have another break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2 and December 3.
    As always, the final and official dates and public holiday eligibility for public sector employees and private sector employees are always determined by UAE authorities.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Unsplash  More

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    All the major changes that took place in the UAE in 2022

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    46 mins ago

    The UAE is a country of endless possibilities and with leaders with a vision to consistently look to the future.
    With this in mind, in 2022 alone there have been a number of changes to continue to make the UAE an attractive place to live.
    From visa updates to an amendment in labour laws, a host of new rules and regulations were launched this year.
    For an overview of all the updates, Emirates Woman has curated a guide to all the changes made in 2022.
    New visa system
    With visas being a major topic of discussion this year, the country continues to welcome expats from around the globe, especially with all the new visas here. The new system of entry and residence was launched to retain global talents and skilled workers from October 3, 2022. The latest visas introduced include a visitor visa which has increased the duration from 30 to 60 days after the individual has proved sufficient funds. For those who wish to start their own company, a business visa can be granted without a sponsor. Visas can also be granted for internship programmes, study courses and training purposes, and for any-project based work or temporary assignments, candidates can receive a temporary work visa. Now, families also have the option of sponsoring male children until the age of 25, where it was previously granted for 18 years old. The other visas available include a multi-entry tourist visa, a Green visa and a Golden visa for individuals who fall under the categories of entrepreneurs, real estate owners, exceptional talents, scientists & researchers, outstanding students and skilled workers.
    Working week shift

    #UAE announces today that it will transition to a four and a half day working week, with Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday forming the new weekend.
    All Federal government departments will move to the new weekend from January 1, 2022. pic.twitter.com/tQoa22pai9
    — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) December 7, 2021

    Starting from January 1, 2022, this year, the UAE Government Media Office transitioned to a new model with Saturday and Sunday forming the weekend days. Additionally, the UAE government made an announcement that the working week would be a four-and-a-half-day week for Federal employees from Monday to Thursday, 7:30am to 3:30pm with employees working for 4.5 hours on Friday and the flexibility to work from home.
    Labour law updates
    With only full-time employment possible before, employees now have the possibility to opt for temporary and flexible work, freelance jobs, condensed working hours and shared jobs. This new law allows employees to work part-time, job share, take on temporary work, or work for more than one employer for a specified number of days. Per the new contract, employees can work 40 hours a week and can perform all 40 hours in three if they would like to do so.
    Tech-driven Emirati passports

    The new generation of the UAE Passport.@MoFAICUAE____#IdentityCitizenshipCustomsAndPortSecurity #UAEPassport pic.twitter.com/TSg6X4gnUw
    — Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE (@UAEICP) August 11, 2022

    With innovation at the forefront, the government launched the next generation of Emirati passports on September 1, 2022, with technical specifications to promote security and safety for international travel. Designed to enhance the UAE’s international competitiveness to promote security and safety for international travel. The key features include a detail-oriented identification page with a holographic logo and enhanced elements to reduce attempts of forgery. Per the state news agency WAM, these changes are in line with the directions of the wise leadership to consolidate the movement toward a smart government in the UAE.
    E-cheques are now the future
    Through a partnership between Dubai Land Department and Emirates NBD, cheque payments for rental have been automated using the Central Bank of the UAE’s Direct Debit System (UAEDDS) allowing tenants to make payments through their bank accounts instead of issuing physical cheques. Tenants will also have the option of flexible payment plans and facilitate easy transfer without any added hassle.
    Emirates IDs are the new visas
    Since May 16, 2022, Emirates ID cards have officially replaced residence visa stickers across all emirates except Dubai. All relevant information is documented and stored within Emirates ID cards to merge residence and identity card applications, instead of processing them separately leading to a number of benefits. This rule now cuts paperwork and the time taken to process applications, with a more detailed outline showcasing a 3D picture, date of birth on the cardholder, and enhanced protection of non-visible data including employment information.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied & feature image: Instagram @alphaspotting More

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    November’s – The Collectors Issue with Taleedah Tamer & Louis Vuitton

    Fashion

    by Amy Sessions
    36 mins ago

    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotographer: Greg AdamskiCover Star: Taleedah TamerVideographer: Mark MathewFashion Assistant: Sarah JosephMakeup & Hair: Ania Poniatowska by MMGAll fashion Louis Vuitton
    Welcome to The Collectors Issue.
    For our cover, we are proud to have partnered with Louis Vuitton, an incredibly fitting brand for the theme of this issue as their luggage is a multi-generational icon. We shot their CR23 collection with rising star and Saudi model Taleedah Tamer in Precious Pieces.
    In this issue, we share an incredible collection of stories, women and voices. For us, depth is a priority as without this there is no value. We champion collected wisdom, learnings and understanding as paramount in importance, as well as the aesthetic symbols which bring peace or sentiment.

    We look at the iconic luggage pieces you should be investing in for the long haul in Haute Heritage, we discuss how Van Cleef & Arpels is passing its legacy on to emerging designers in A Fine Legacy, Valérie Messika, Founder of Messika tells us what it takes to build a brand that breaks the rules while keeping it refined in The Cool Collective and we curate an edit of protective charms to pass down for generations in Talismans.
    Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi speaks to the power of knowledge in A Leader in Literacy, Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy tells us how to win at the reward collecting game in The Points Game and Leila Heller, founder of Leila Heller Gallery discusses investing in art in A Collector’s Eye.
    The Wanderlust highlights the best retreats for mountain air and serious slopes, so we can collect our thoughts.
    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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    11 Emirati women taking the lead in the UAE to inspire future generations

    Lifestyle

    by Sarah Joseph
    1 hour ago

    The UAE’s leading women in power breaking down barriers and forging new paths in their respective careers.
    Her Excellency Reem bin KaramDirector of the Nama Foundation for the Advancement of Women

    Her Excellency Reem Bin Karam continually gives back to the UAE community, particularly when it comes to raising breast cancer awareness. In her role as the chairperson of Pink Caravan UAE, Her Excellency explains how breast cancer can occur in both men and women, the main aims of Pink Caravan, the importance of early detection of breast cancer and more.
    Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb AlmheiriMinister of Climate Change and Environment

    Her Excellency Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri holds a key position for monitoring national food stocks, invest- ing in food technology and following up on international relations. She oversees key measures, policies and initiatives to enhance goods and water security. She is currently representing the UAE in the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) as well as the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA).
    Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al QubaisiFirst Arab woman to be President of the Federal National Council

    As the region’s first female leader of a national assembly, Her Excellency Dr. Amal Al Qubaisi has made a difference since she took on this position in 2015. As one of the region’s game-changing visionaries, she has become a leading figure in placing the UAE on the global map.
    Her Excellency Jameela Al MuhairiFirst Emirati woman to become the Minister of State for Public Education Affairs

    Prior to joining the Cabinet, Her Excellency Jameela Al Muhairi helped develop a Quality Assurance System for schools in Dubai, while working as the chief of the Dubai School Inspection Bureau. She also served as the executive director of Dubai Knowledge Village from 2004 to 2008 and has more than 20 years of experience in the education sector.
    Her Excellency Reem Al HashimyDirector-General for the Dubai Expo 2020

    Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimi was hugely instrumental in winning Dubai’s bid to host Expo 2020. As well as being Director-General for the Dubai Expo 2020, she is also the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation. She became a cabinet minister in 2008. She is also chair of Dubai Cares, a children’s education charity established by Sheikh Mohammed in 2007.
    Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al RoumiMinister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing

    Since taking up her role as Minister of State for Happiness and Wellbeing in 2016, Her Excellency Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi has launched a plethora of initiatives including the 100-day happiness plan and five-month positivity training programme for local CEOs. She has previously held prestigious positions such as the first Arab member of the Global Entrepreneurship Council (GEC) and Director-General of the Prime Minister’s Office.
    Captain Aisha Al MansooriThe UAE’s first female Emirati captain in a commercial airline

    Aisha Al Mansoori became the first Emirati female captain for a commercial airline in August 2022. The groundbreaking appointment by Etihad Airways came after years of hard work and training. She first joined the Etihad Cadet Pilot programme in 2007, being of the two Emirati females in her batch. Captain Aisha took her first flight on an Etihad Airbus A320 to Amman, Jordan to later become the first female UAE national to fly the superjumbo passenger aircraft the Airbus A380 after undergoing a rigorous training programme and completing the requisite flying hours.
    Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al QasimiPresident and Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation

    Her Excellency Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a curator who continues to establish herself as a catalyst of change in Sharjah and globally. By creating a platform for contemporary artists, curators, and cultural producers to be recognised, her leadership continues to extend beyond the four walls of art.
    Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al KaabiMinister of Youth and Culture

    Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi was appointed the Minister of Youth and Culture in July 2020, after previously holding the title of Minister of State for Federal National Council Affairs from February 2016 to October 2017. Moreover, Al Kaabi was previously appointed as a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) from Abu Dhabi.
    Amna Al QubaisiFirst female Emirati racing driver

    This Emirati racer is no stranger to breaking new ground in motorsport. After making her name during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Amna Al Qubaisi’s success at Yas Marina circuit was one of the major milestones in her motor racing career. Since beginning her career at the age of 14, Al Qubaisi has always lived her life in the fast lane since then. Aim- ing to work her way to reach Formula 1, she has already claimed many achievements such as being the first female and Arab to win an FIA F4 race in 2019.
    Dr. Nadia Al BastakiThe first Emirati woman to be registered as a specialist in Aviation Aerospace medicine

    Paving the way in a male-dominated field, Dr Nadia Al Bastaki became the first UAE national to specialize in aviation medicine. She joined Etihad Airways in 2007 and has been a key figure in developing the airline’s medical centre into a region-leading aeromedical centre.

    October’s – The Pioneer Issue – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More