lifestyle and culture

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      UAE fuel prices drop in August after reaching highest rates in 2022 in July

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      31 mins ago

      The UAE has announced a drop in fuel prices for August 2022.
      This comes after prices reached an all-time high in July, crossing the Dhs4 per litre mark since the fuel price deregulation in August 2015.
      However, Emarat announced the petrol rates for August which has seen a drop of up to 62 fils per litre, with 95 special and 91 E-Plus falling back below Dhs4 per litre.
      ALSO READ: This is exactly how much petrol prices have increased since January
      Throughout August 98 Super is now Dhs4.03 per litre; 95 Special is now Dhs3.92 per litre; Diesel is now Dhs4.14 per litre; and 91 E-Plus is Dhs3.84 per litre.

      ⛽ Monthly Fuel Price Announcement:August 2022 fuel prices released by the #UAE Fuel Price Follow-up Committee pic.twitter.com/HhACWarUyz
      — Emarat (امارات) (@EmaratOfficial) July 31, 2022

      The price drop will undoubtedly be welcomed by many across the country following prices increasing for two months consecutively in June and July 2022.
      It was found petrol costs had increased by a whopping 74 per cent up until July 2022, since the beginning of the year.
      The knock-on effect
      The rising petrol prices are also having a knock-on effect on big businesses too.
      In June, ride-hailing company, Uber Technologies Inc. announced price increases, announcing customers would now be charged as much as 11 per cent more for certain trips.
      With global petrol and diesel prices continuing to reach soaring highs, many parts of the UAE including Sharjah have seen a hike in taxi fares.
      To keep the low-income citizens in mind, the new allowance will provide a monthly subsidy of 85 per cent of the fuel price increase over Dhs2.1 per litre, as reported by WAM.
      Per the latest fuel subsidy scheme, the head of these families will receive a subsidy of 300 litres, while working wives will receive a subsidy of 200 litres. The announcement came as part of the UAE president’s directive to restructure its social welfare programme for low-income Emiratis, doubling its size to Dhs28 billion.
      Despite the increase in prices, the UAE continues to be the third-biggest OPEC producer followed by Kuwait.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Media: Twitter, Feature Image: Emirates Woman  More

    • 163 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      11 destinations that have visa on arrival and visa-free entry for UAE residents

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      1 hour ago

      If you’re looking for a quick escape without any additional visa hassle, we’re here to help.
      While travel is very much back on everyone’s radars, sometimes certain passports require specific visas, which can quite often be a tedious process. However, for UAE residents, there are many destinations which are visa-free or have a visa-on-arrival option.
      Below, the Emirates Woman editors have curated a guide for all the countries offering visas on arrival for UAE residents.
      Georgia

      All UAE residents who have a valid visa can travel to the country and receive a visa on arrival in Georgia. Holders of other GCC countries can travel visa-free for a period of 90 days and receive an entry stamp upon arrival. From Tblisi’s nightlight to stunning mountains, there’s a long list of endless activities to do on your visit.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Armenia

      With a rich history and picturesque ancient architecture, a visit to the country should definitely be added to your bucket list. All Indian, Lebanese, Jordanian and South African nationals with a valid UAE residency visa can receive a visit visa on arrival due to the positive relations between the UAE and Armenia leading to a special visa-waiver programme. The cost of the visa is around Dhs20 and details regarding additional requirements can be found online.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Azerbaijan

      Known for its contemporary design, Azerbaijan is home to iconic buildings including landmarks designed by the famous Zaha Hadid. All UAE residents with a valid residency visa can present the passport at the counter after paying and receive a visa on arrival or apply for an e-visa on evisa.com.az to avoid standing in long queues.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Maldives

      For a quick idyllic getaway, a tourist visa is granted to all nationalities visiting the country. A few requirements such as a pre-paid hotel or accommodation booking, sufficient funds to last during the stay, confirmed tickets to return to their home country or country of residence and a traveller declaration form which must be filled in and submitted by all passengers going to and from the Maldives within 96 hours of travel. A visa for a maximum time period of 30 days will be granted on arrival for tourists. With an archipelago of islands to visit, travellers can experience nature at its finest.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Seychelles

      With Seychelles being a visa-free country, Indian citizens will not require a visa on arrival or an e-visa to enter the country for a short stay. This scenic escape ensures a seamless travel experience, however, a valid passport will be required to gain entry into the country. However, certain documents such as a valid return ticket, confirmed accommodation and sufficient funds for the duration of the stay amounting to $150 (Dhs550) per day are required in case asked for.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Nepal

      Most nationalities can receive a visa on arrival for a small price depending on the tenure of the visit. A 15-day visa costs Dhs110, a 30-day visa costs Dhs183 or a 90-day permit for Dhs460 and can be decided accordingly upon arrival. All Indian passport holders do not require any visa and can visit hassle-free.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Serbia

      For passports with a valid Schengen, UK or US visa, a visa-free entry is granted upon arrival. For those who do not have the mentioned visas, five documents will be required including travel booking details, a negative PCR test issued prior to travel, proof of vaccine, the original passport and proof of funds to substantiate enough money for the stay and to leave.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Indonesia

      With the perfect blend of culture, nature, culinary delights and design mastery, this haven should be on your list of destinations to travel to. Bali is now open for tourists after the pandemic, as this irresistible country offers a visit visa on arrival for a period of 30 days, which can be easily extended for another 30 days at any visa office in the country. Upon arrival in Indonesia, there is a checkpoint available for visa on arrival which is priced at $35 (Dhs128).
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Mauritius

      Known for its expansive beaches, lagoons and reefs, this country is most definitely a must-visit for all. For those who love nature, there’s a wide range of forests, waterfalls and hiking trails to experience the outdoors. The maximum duration of stay is three months and it is free for UAE citizens. Upon arrival, passengers need to visit the immigration counter and show the original passport to obtain an entry stamp.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Sri Lanka

      All UAE residents can receive an e-visa which can be obtained from the comfort of their homes. A visa can be applied for online prior to visiting with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) initially limited to 30 days validity from the date of arrival and extended for up to six months. All applicants require a mandatory passport to be valid for six months from the date of arrival. It is important to check the list of countries eligible for Sri Lanka ETA before applying.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      Thailand

      All UAE residents will need to apply for a Thailand Pass which takes up to one to two hours when the application is submitted. After submitting the required documents, passengers will receive a QR entry code and a Thailand Pass ID needed for entry. With the UAE included in the Visa Exemption Scheme of Thailand, UAE citizens can stay up to a period of 30 days.
      You can check the latest visa regulations here.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied & Feature Image: Instagram @sunny_rung More

    • 225 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      I Waited 3 Years to Make This Work from Home Investment—Here’s Why I Wish I Made It Sooner

      by

      As they like to say—hindsight is 20/20. In retrospect, it seems obvious that upon starting my work-from-home journey, I should have chosen a desktop computer over a laptop. I had just left startup life to launch my own freelance writing business, and for the past few years, all I’d worked off of was a laptop. Not to mention, I was very much living that pre-pandemic work-from-anywhere lifestyle that so many freelancers used to enjoy. A laptop was portable, less expensive, and looked much better on my desk—which annoyingly lives in my living room. It seemed the obvious choice.
      I am, however, capable of admitting when I’m wrong, and in fact, am perfectly happy to be wrong on this count. Last fall, I was working on a very data-intensive project and was struggling to weed through spreadsheet after spreadsheet on my tiny laptop. My husband gallantly offered up his desktop computer for the week to help me get my project done more efficiently (how’s that for 21st-century romance?) and immediately I became hooked. The next thing I knew, I was counting down the minutes until a new iMac 24-inch arrived on my doorstep. 
      Let’s dive into why this computer made my work life so much better and why I’ll never go back to my laptop ways unless I actually am working away from my home.

      My Desktop Computer

      24‑inch iMac
      The 24-inch iMac is certainly an investment, but for anyone who works from home, it’s an investment worth making for all Apple users.

      Why I’m Never Going Back to a Laptop

      I have less back and neck pain
      Keeping one’s chin up has a whole new meaning to me. We all know that craning our necks down at our laptops is bad, but many of us do nothing to correct this terrible posture from 9-5. Please tell me I’m not the only one who traded bad posture for a sleek design?
      Upgrading to a desktop computer immediately alleviates a lot of the back and neck pain I feel on workdays. I would say most days I don’t experience any pain at all anymore simply because I can keep my chin up for a change.

      I’m more focused
      When my neck, back, or shoulders would start to ache, my solution was to always run to my bed where I would prop up a ridiculous amount of pillows and heating devices until I felt some relief. I thought this arrangement worked fine, but I now realize I focus much better when I’m at my desk. I’m way less likely to surf the web or social media when I’m at my desk compared to when I’m a little too comfortable in bed.
       
      It provides eye relief
      At first, I thought a 24-inch computer screen was too big (remember my sad living room office combination?), but I discovered very quickly how much easier it is to work with a big screen. Not only is it easier to read the copy I’m working on, but the screen is so large that I can essentially treat it like a double monitor by splitting the screen in half. This makes it super easy for me to keep reference documents visible or research I’m digging through close by during the writing process.

      Source: Social Squares

      I’m more productive
      I like to start my work day anytime between 6-7 a.m., so in the winter it can be a bit hard to get moving. The compromise used to be working from bed for the first hour while I drank my tea. I continued this tradition even after my desktop computer arrived, but only for a week or so. I eventually found myself drifting over to my desk right away in the mornings because I wanted to use my new computer. As a result, the more productive part of my workday begins straight away and that strong workflow continues throughout the day.

      I’m more organized
      While I wouldn’t call myself an Apple devotee, I do like their products. Adding an Apple desktop computer to my rotation alongside my Apple laptop, iPad, and iPhone helps me stay super organized. I use all of those devices on a regular basis for work and have my favorite to-do list app (which I talk all about in this recent story), important notes, and other apps I use to run my business, all synced up. No matter where I am or what device is at hand, I can access the information or application I need.
      I’ve shared with The Everygirl readers before how I make more money the more productive I am. The increased focus and speed I gained from making this work-from-home investment have helped grow my income substantially. While I can’t entirely attribute the computer to my business growth, I am on track to expand my income by almost 60 percent just since switching to a desktop computer. Not to mention, my accountant was quite pleased with the tax write-off it provided. 
      This new upgrade is such a success that my husband is encouraging me to upgrade to the 27-inch version of my computer, but truth be told, I think he’s hoping I’ll pass my current computer along to him.

      Other Desktop Computers to Shop Now

      21.5-inch Desktop Screen
      At $399.99, this HP desktop that comes loaded with Windows 11 is a much easier to swallow investment than the iMac.

      24-inch FHD Display Computer
      This Lenovo computer packs a serious punch for about half the cost of the iMac ($749.99). It comes loaded with security features that protect your privacy and is an all-in-one system to minimize clutter.

      23.8-inch Touch Screen
      At $849.99, this desktop from Dell offers a touch screen and wireless technology, so your WFH space is sleek and clutter-free—helping maximize your productivity.

      40 Amazon Finds That Will Elevate Your Work-From-Home Setup More

    • 163 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Retreat from the heat this summer at this ultra-private and luxurious UAE resort

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: Are you looking to retreat from the heat this summer, but don’t want to have to travel too far afield? We’ve got just the place for you.
      For a short getaway, The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah Al Wadi Desert is the perfect resort to escape to, both offering optimum privacy and a wealth of activities for guests to enjoy during the summer months.
      Situated in the heart of Ras Al Khaimah, this sophisticated and luxurious hotel is just a short drive from Dubai, but offers a whole new world of escapism.
      Optimum privacy

      With 100 Bedouin-inspired villas taking guests back to the country’s archives, each stay at this property is beyond the norm. The all-villa resort provides guests with complete privacy as each has its own private entrance and private pool, with the option for in-villa dining also.
      Delectable dining

      This summer, the resort has created a special seasonal menu at its award-winning Farmhouse restaurant. Embodying the ‘Farm to Table’ concept, the delectable dishes on the seasonal menu are all made from the freshest ingredients from the hotel’s 450sqft organic chef’s garden, as well as from wild meats and homegrown vegetables.
      Adventure awaits
      As you recharge amongst the Arabian desert surroundings, opt for an adventurous activity early doors. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures in the early morning and explore the surrounding wildlife via horseback. You may into close contact with the powerful Arabian Oryx, shy Arabian Gazelles or even the Blackbuck antelope. End your horse-riding session on a high note with breakfast at The Paddock Café where the menu is inspired by the 16 horses at the stables.
      Relax & revitalise

      Nothing says escapism like an indulgent spa experience. Immerse yourself in the Al Wadi Spa’s signature Rainforest experience which combines European hydrothermal culture with Middle Eastern bathing rituals. Featuring 16 stations, featuring a series of steam showers, hammam, Ice Igloo and more, the entire experience will help to cleanse and detox the whole body.
      A whole new ‘light’
      Explore the desert landscapes at sunset on a guided night walk, enabling you to see the Arabian desert in a whole new light. You’ll be able to encounter the many nocturnal animals that remain unknown to the daylight including desert hedgehogs, wily desert foxes and frog-eyed geckos.
      The details
      Avail a one-night stay in an Al Rimal Villa with prices starting at Dhs2,200++. This includes a night’s stay in a villa with a private pool, breakfast and a complimentary bird and owl show. For those who wish to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, Al Wadi Desert for longer, opt for a minimum of three nights to enjoy additional benefits and to save 20 per cent.
      For more information visit ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/uae/al-wadi-desert/offers.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 125 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Ibiza’s first premium all-inclusive adults-only hotel officially opens its doors

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      IN PARTNERSHIP: An exclusive new resort has arrived on the shores of Ibiza and it’s a first for the island – the first and only premium all-inclusive adults-only hotel.
      The TRS Ibiza Hotel, part of the Palladium Hotel Group portfolio, opened its doors last month and is set to offer a new dimension in Ibiza’s luxury tourism sector.
      The launch of the new hotel marks a new chapter in an elevated level of service for the hotel group with its new Signature Level programme. As a part of the uber-luxe offering, guests can avail of a selection of additional benefits, which go beyond the hotel’s own space and facilities, offering, among others, access to restaurants and well-known venues on the island.

      It doesn’t end there. The group has also introduced an exclusive personal butler service for guests, taking the grandeur of the resort to a whole new level. Butler will be on-hand to cater to the individual wish list of each individual, which can easily be curated prior to arrival, creating a truly personalised stay. We’re talking specific pillow types, a selection of your favourite drink, favourite coffee capsules and more.
      The culinary offering
      While a stay at the TRS Ibiza Hotel is set to be nothing short of spectacular, it’s the resort’s culinary offering which really steals the show. With three à la carte restaurants and five bars, guests are spoilt for choice.
      Gaucho has Ibiza-inspired interior and exterior spaces where the signature concept is based on that of a traditional steak house. Charcoal entrecote, turbot with a light jus, boletus and calçot, or sea bass ceviche with tiger milk and butter are some of its hero dishes.

      For a Mediterranean experience, Helios brings indulgent luxury to a more informal level, through fresh and contemporary dishes. Its subtle Asian influences are found across its offerings which include fried cod with chipotle and apple mayonnaise, or steak tartare.
      An authentic gourmet experience can be availed at Capricho, where guests will find a selection of smoked and marinated dishes, as well as homemade pickles, accompanied by a selection of pintxos, meat and fish.
      As for the five bars, there’s Gaia Pool Bar, Aurum Lobby Bar or ÍO, where guests can enjoy the finest selection of cocktails and premium drinks poolside.
      A highlight is the Gravity sky lounge which faces the bay of San Antonio. This space offers a signature cocktail menu, infinity pool and stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea and there will be live music and jazz events throughout the season.
      The wellness

      While simply staying at the TRS Hotel Ibiza will undoubtedly relax and recharge you, take it to the next step and indulge in the property’s wellness facilities. Its main wellness hub is Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness which includes facilities such as waterfalls, a dry sauna, steam baths and sensation-showers.
      The hotel also has a modern gym with state-of-the-art facilities, as well as an extensive menu of massages and beauty treatments too.
      For more information visit palladiumhotelgroup.com. 
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

    • 150 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      Video: Sheikha Hissa Al Maktoum celebrates major victory at UK racing event

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      The Dubai royal family is known for their affinity and passion for horses, some of which has largely been shaped by the late His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the former Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
      The late sheikh was also the founder of Shadwell Racing, a global racing and breeding enterprise involving both Thoroughbred and Arabian horses, which has seen success worldwide.
      His Highness’ legacy lived on at the recent Sussex Stakes in the UK, where stallion Baaeed was victorious and is regarded as perhaps one of the best racehorses in the world.

      The late sheikh’s daughter, Her Highness Sheikha Hissa bint Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was at the race reverently watching on as Baaeed triumphantly crossed the finish line in Group 1.
      “For me and my family he means the world,” Sheikha Hissa told Racing TV following Baaeed’s victory, adding that it was a special moment to see the racehorse’s triumph, particularly as he’s from the lineage her later father bred.
      “It’s good to see one of our best horses coming from that lineage that my father worked hard on,” she said.

      Celebrating the victory of four-year-old Baaeed with Sheikh Hissa was jockey Jim Crowley and trainer William Haggas.
      Also close to Sheikha Hissa was her father, whom she paid tribute to with a badge of his photo on her pale pink abaya.
      We’re sure her father would be incredibly proud of his daughter as she continues to champion his legacy.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images/Media: Instagram More

    • 113 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      UAE artist turns Abu Dhabi into a winter wonderland

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      1 minute ago

      In the hot climes of the UAE, it’s difficult to ever envision the emirates covered in a thick blanket of snow.
      However, one Dubai-based artist has brought the vision to life in incredible digital art renders of Abu Dhabi, turning the UAE’s capital into a winter wonderland.
      Artist Jyo John Mulloor previously reimagined the desert of Dubai as a lush green sanctuary and now he’s brought the snow to Abu Dhabi.
      In a series of renders the artist shared on his Instagram page, Mulloor transformed the emirate’s most well-known landmarks including the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Louvre, Emirates Palace and Ferrari World, into winter wonderlands.
      While all of us are battling the blazing temperatures of the UAE temperatures, hopefully, a glance at these stunning images can bring some cooler climes into your thoughts.
      Take a look at the incredible digital art pieces by Mulloor below.

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Jyo John Mulloor Instagram More

    • 138 Shares

      in lifestyle and culture

      UAE weather: Floods across northern emirates, workers encouraged to stay home

      by

      Lifestyle

      by Team Emirates Woman
      1 minute ago

      We may be in the midst of the peak summer months, but over the last couple of days, the UAE has been engulfed in rainfall.
      While rainfall has varied across different areas of the country, some parts have been heavily affected by major floods occurring in northern emirates including Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah.
      The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast more heavy rain and storms across the emirates and the Ministry of Interior has issued a safety warning for UAE citizens and residents.

      #أمطار_الخير على #الفجيرة حالياً #أصدقاء_المركز_الوطني_للأرصاد #حالة_الطقس #حالة_جوية #جمعة_القايدي #عواصف_الشمال pic.twitter.com/yazD5HBzVr
      — المركز الوطني للأرصاد (@NCMS_media) July 27, 2022

      The Ministry has called on all drivers to be extra vigilant when driving on the roads and non-essential private and public sector employees in flood-affected areas have been encouraged to stay home.

      جهود الدفاع المدني في إنقاذ عائلة آسيوية في منطقة شيص في خورفكان بالمنطقة الشرقية#الامارات_أمن_وأمان #uae_safe pic.twitter.com/W1KjOonod5
      — وزارة الداخلية (@moiuae) July 27, 2022

      His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, also issued a directive for the Ministry of Community Development to accommodate those who have been displaced by the floods, providing them with temporary shelter.

      تعلن قيادة العمليات المشتركة عن تنفيذها عملية “الأيدي الوفية” في دعمها للسلطات المدنية في إمارة الفجيرة التي تعرضت ليلة البارحة الأربعاء لمنخفض جوي، وتركزت العملية علي إنقاذ العالقين في المناطق المغمورة بالمياه وإنقاذ المحاصرين داخل بيوتهم حيث تم اخلاءهم لمناطق الايواء دون خسائر pic.twitter.com/U7Q36s1SDQ
      — وزارة الدفاع |MOD UAE (@modgovae) July 28, 2022

      Emergency services and Civil Defense have been working tirelessly in order to help those in need and to help clear the overflow of water with flood pumps across the affected emirates.
      Stay safe everyone!
      In pics: Rain in the UAE

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images/Media: Instagram, Ministry of Interior, Feature Image: @cariocalele Instagram More