lifestyle and culture

When it comes to exploring the UAE, Sharjah is the hidden gem that everyone needs to experience.With a wealth of different things to do, the emirate is one of the leaders in the UAE when it comes to culture and art, embracing historic traditions from the region.With that, we’ve got the ultimate guide of what to do in Sharjah for you to explore the best of what the emirate has to offer.Rain RoomAs the first permanent art installation in the Middle East, the 2012 interactive and immersive Rain Room allows visitors to navigate a darkened, underground space whilst walking through a downpour of continuous rain without getting wet.Tickets for the 15-minute experience are sold both online and on-site costing Dhs25 for adults and Dhs15 for students, free admission for children under age 5.For more information visit sharjahart.orgSharjah AquariumRun by the Sharjah Museums Authority, the Sharjah Aquarium is one of the largest educational centres in the UAE. Featuring 20 different aquariums over two floors, the aquarium is home to a variety of sea creatures, including local sea life that dwells in the historic coasts of the culturally rich emirate as well as exploring their habitats including coral reefs and mangroves.Entrance fees are Dhs25 for adults and dhs15 for children aged 2-12.For more information visit sharjahmuseums.aeSharjah Classic Cars MuseumEnvelop yourself in a century of car history with a collection of approximately 100 classic cars at Sharjah’s Classic Car Museum. Car enthusiasts can also view some legendary models including Beetle and Pontiac also well as the oldest car in the collection, a 1915 Doge 30-35.Tickets for the museum are Dhs10 for adults and Dhs5 for children, free admission for children under age 2.For more information visit sharjahmuseums.aeDesert camping at Al Badayer RetreatDelve into the Sharjah desert at this luxury camping experience. With luxury huts, this fascinating retreat embellished with modern comforts will leave you experiencing the desert like never before.For more information visit myskhotels.comSharjah Central SoukThe blue tile-trimmed façade of the souk is an iconic landmark on the Sharjah map. Featured on the five-dirham note, this building is the home of gold, precious stones, authentic carpets and handmade trinkets, making it the ideal location for a shopping trip.For more information visit visitsharjah.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Sharjah Art Foundation  More

Sure to whet the appetite of steak lovers in Dubai, Carna by Dario Cecchini is the newest steakhouse to grace the restaurant scene.Located on the 74th Floor at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences, the world-famous butcher has opened his first dining concept within the UAE.A proud advocate for sustainable, waste-free creations, Cecchini is protecting the art of butchery, due to his insightful certainty that all cuts of meat can and should be utilised when cooked properly.Cecchini has practised the craftsmanship of butchery for over 43 years, as the eighth generation of butchers in his family, his skills hail from the Village of Panzano in the Chianti region of Tuscany where he learned the artistic ritual from his father.“To be here in Dubai, in this beautiful space known as Carna, is not just an honour for me, but a dream come true,” Cecchini said. “I feel my dream has come true because I find myself in an energetic heart of a city, surrounded by people that give me courage and joy and warmth. Carna brings the story of my family, the cuisine of my family and my family as a butcher, and this for me is an honour.”Highlights on Carna’s menu comprises of prime cuts of the finest meat and steaks, including an Australian Wagyu 400-day grain-fed Ribeye steak which is sure to catch the eyes of steak fans. Dario’s personal take of a tartare, Chianti Sushi, is an unrivalled cut drenched in Cecchini’s own olive oil.There is something on the menu for everyone, the ratio of surf to turf gives diners the opportunity to indulge in shucked oysters. King crab and a ‘seafood tower,’ as well as an excellent wine list to choose from and compliment the food.Including an ageing chamber to exhibit the prime cuts of beef, and the option of a private dining experience if requested, Carna’s bold and earthy interiors take diners on an experience like no other.Jade green and ruby red lead the visitor’s eye to a theatrical bar, showcasing the largest whiskey collection within the UAE, including over 150 types of whiskey. Chandeliers suspended from above and rose gold accents within the space give diners a warm welcome and an unmatched experience of butchery craftsmanship.Carna by Dario Cecchini is open daily from 7pm-1am on the 74th Floor at SLS Dubai Hotel and Residences, sbe.com, +971 4 607 0761.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

With travelling on everyone’s radar again, a mandatory 10 to 14-day quarantine might be an unavoidable obstacle when visiting a number of destinations globally, to curb the spread of this novel coronavirus.As this compulsory quarantine is faced by many globally, Emirates Woman has curated a list of essentials to pack for you to be prepared at all times.Exercise equipmentIt’s always best to get some time for those stretches instead of simply sitting Infront of the screen all day, as engaging in some physical activity will help you exhaust yourself by ensuring you remain energetic all day. A yoga mat can be used for a myriad of exercises during your stay, as being active is key during the pandemic, especially in the mandatory hotel quarantine to protect your mental health. Additional items such as skipping ropes, resistance bands and work out gear can help you go a long way amid the quarantine.HDMI cableFor all those movie nights or to bring in that cinematic experience as you quarantine, an HDMI cable is the best way to stay on track with all those Netflix series as you binge-watch your favourite shows to pass time amidst all those days spent in isolation.Chromecast with Google TVWith its ability to turn any TV into a smart one, it provides a seamless service for all your streaming apps, as it can be used with the remote or your phone to watch your favourite TV shows or movies online, with entertainment that you love, anytime and anywhere, just with the click of a button.Beauty tools and skincare productsAs the stress can take a toll on your skincare routine, it’s always essential to ensure that it’s looked after accordingly, with either massage tools or spa day treats including facemasks, an eye mask or any supplements that might be worth considering as one might not be exposed to enough sunlight during their stay. Bath bombs can be an additional add-on, in case you feel like pampering yourself with a luxe bath as some hotels might have one.Essential oilsKeeping the room fresh is key, as food smells might overpower the room and with some hotels not having windows, this might be the best possible way of eliminating any unwanted odor to ensure it stays fresh at all times.Board gamesIf you’re quarantining with your family, there can be a host of activities that can be done together such as jigsaw puzzles, playing cards, monopoly or chess to keep the little ones or your loved ones entertained throughout the trip as it will help to engage everyone with family fuelled activities to keep the mind alertExtra snacksFrom simple treats such as nature valley bars to tea bags, it’s always best to be prepared with all the necessary snacks, so you don’t run out. Stocking on your favourite treats whether sweet, salty or savoury can give you a pantry-friendly option and keep you energized in a healthy manner, as the internet is flooded with a host of amazing recipes for people to hone their true cooking skills.Cooking suppliesDepending on where you quarantine, not all kitchens will have the equipment you need to experiment with your cooking on a daily basis. Whether cutlery or basic utensils, it’s best to be prepared with all the tools you need for a healthy meal prep whether you quarantine alone or with your family.First aid kitWith the quarantine period imposing quite a strain on all the family members, having a box of all the medical essentials will ensure you’re prepared at all times, whether band-aids or Panadol’s, an emergency kit is always handy for any potential ailment.So with all the necessary items to prepare within the place, you’re sure to be all set for the next quarantine in the pipeline.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Pexels @tatiana More

From being spotted in the limelight with several A-listers to being seen at several luxurious holidays, Fai Khadra’s popularity has increased over the years, especially after being seen more often with the Jenner sisters.While Kylie and Fai have previously garnered attention for being a potential couple, as the duo spent a big part of their summer together in 2020 where they travelled together. However, it’s clear Fai is just a very close friend of both Kylie and Kendall, and is also regularly seen hanging out with other A-listers including Bella Hadid, Hailey Baldwin and many more.With so many questions on who he is and where he’s come from, Emirates Woman has curated a list of all the facts you need to know about this noteworthy model.Fai has Palestinian rootsWhile being born in Saudi Arabia, the model reportedly went to school here in Dubai and has Palestinian heritage. Having spent much of his childhood in Dubai, Fai always ensures his fans are aware of his Palestinian descent and roots. His mother owns an upscale lifestyle boutique in Saudi Arabia, which is quite popular.Fai is a songwriterFrom composing his own music to releasing his own tunes, this Palestinian model has also made a mark in the world of music with his passion for the art as he continues to make strides in this particular arena. He has written songs for the British singer Blood Orange and American singer-songwriter Justine Skye, with two of his own tracks on SoundCloud that date back to 2016. His Instagram bio also says, “In music we trust”.His siblings are the twin DJsIn an image he took to Instagram, we see Fai happily posing with the famous DJ duo, SIMIHAZE, who is also known as Simi and Haze Khadra, his sisters. From being regulars at fashion shoes since the age of 14, they’ve garnered massive internet fame over the years, with a loyal fan base.He has worked with an array of luxury fashion brandsFrom working with luxury brands in the industry such as Moncler, Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang, Bulgari and many more, as Fai is known for his good looks and has gained traction as somewhat of a social media content creator.He adores animalsFrom his Instagram, we can see he owns a gorgeous dalmatian, as he took a picture to the social media platform of him hugging his pet, with the caption ‘bb girl’ with another one posted back in 2019, with the caption “Happy 1 year to this not so lil [sic] one, dad + friends love you way too much.”He was Kendall Jenner’s date to Justin Bieber’s weddingBy taking their fans by surprise, the supermodel shared a mirror selfie of Fai and herself on Instagram, where she clarified it with her followers in advance saying, “We don’t date he’s just my date.”His net-worthWith an estimation of around $1.3 million (Dhs5 million) as per a report from idolnetworth.com, Fai has a following of over 2.3 million followers with a massively high overall net worth.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @kyliejenner More

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik welcomed their first child, Khai, together last year in September 2020.While the pair have kept their daughter largely out of the spotlight, only sharing tidbits of the little one’s life, as well as keeping her face away from public view.However, giving a rare insight into parenthood, Hadid recently opened up in an interview to i-D magazine discussing how she intends to help her daughter embrace her multiethnic heritage, something she’s previously felt difficulty standing up for at times when it comes to her Arab roots.Both she and Malik are from multicultural backgrounds, with Hadid having Palestinian and Dutch heritage, while Malik is British Pakistani, and she admitted it’s something they talk about a lot as partners as it’s “something that we first experienced ourselves”.Noting how both she and Malik are both the “first generation of those mixed races, and then that comes with that first generational experience”, she admitted she has previously felt like she was “too white” to embrace her Arab heritage.“In certain situations, I feel – or I’m made to feel – that I’m too white to stand up for part of my Arab heritage,” Hadid said. “You go through life trying to figure out where you fit in racially.”When it comes to her daughter, Hadid hopes she’ll feel empowered to be a “bridge” for her multicultural background.She added, “I think that Khai will grow up feeling out the way that she can or wants to be a bridge for her different ethnicities.”The Palestinian-Dutch model also noted she’s keen to have conversations with her daughter to see “where she comes from” in her thoughts and ideas about embracing her heritage.The meaning of baby Khai’s nameEnsuring she has a piece of heritage with her all the time, Hadid’s daughter’s name pays tribute to her Arab heritage.Not only is Khai a beautiful name, but there’s also a truly special meaning behind the moniker.Khai means “crowned”, “the chosen one” or “strong” in some Arabic terms. The name was also chosen as it pays tribute to her late grandmother, Khairia, on her father Mohamed Hadid’s side of the family, according to TMZ.Hadid’s father has previously claimed his late mother descended from royalty. “Her great grandfather was the Prince of Nazareth – King of Galilee in the 18th century Daher Al-Omer The Ruler,” he previously said.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

Princess Salma bint Abdullah of Jordan is the third child of His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania.At just 20-years-old, she’s already achieved an incredible amount and even has some history-making achievements under her belt.Following in the footsteps of her father’s military background, Princess Salma recently stepped out, deputising for the King of Jordan at the inauguration of the Military Women’s Training Centre in Zarqa.As she continues to step out into a more public role, here is everything you need to know about Jordan’s history-making Princess Salma.She’s made history for women in JordanThe beginning of 2020 saw Princess Salma bint Abdullah of Jordan becoming the first young Jordanian woman to complete preliminary pilot training on a fixed-winged aircraft. His Royal Highness King Abdullah II, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces pinned the badge to his daughters military uniform, giving his daughter her wings.She has a shared connection with Prince William and Prince HarryPrincess Salma graduated from the UK’s prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in 2018 when she was just 18 years old. Prince William and Prince Harry also both attended Sandhurst, with Harry completing his commissioning in 2005 and William a year later in 2006. Princess Salma also following in her father and elder brother, Crown Prince Hussein’s footsteps, as well as her older sister Princess Iman’s. Princess Salma was the third child of Queen Rania and King Abdullah II to complete the course at the military academy.Her birthday is almost identical to her older sister’sPrincess Iman is four years older than Princess Salma, however, their birthdays fall just one day apart. Born on 26 September 2000, Princess Salma celebrates her birthday one day before her elder sister, who was born on 27 September 1996.  Due to the close proximity of their birthdays, last year Queen Rania dedicated an Instagram post jointly to the sisters to mark their birthdays, which are just one day apart.The caption read, “When my girls are near, love and laughter are never far behind. Happy birthday Iman and Salma.”Princess Salma has a close relationship with her brother, Crown Prince HusseinTaking to Instagram, Crown Prince Hussein, the oldest of the four siblings, frequently posts about his sister’s achievements. Most notably, when Princess Salma passed-out from Sandhurst the eldest brother posted a photo of himself and Princess Salma, captioning it, “We are always proud of you. With the family at Salma’s Commissioning Parade at Sandhurst today.”Her grandfather was the founder of modern JordanThe late King Hussein bin Talal, who reigned from 1952 until his death in 1999, was the grandfather of Princess Salma. Known to his people as Al-Malik Al-Insan, or ‘The Humane King’, King Hussein bin Talal was recognized for his work to improve the life of Jordanians. Crown Prince Hussein is also named after his grandfather.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram @rhcjo, @alhusseinjo and @queenrania More

It’s no secret His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is a massive foodie, regularly visiting some of the best restaurants around Dubai.Adding another high-end eatery to his list of restaurants with his stamp of approval is L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, which opened in Dubai last year.His Highness paid a visit to the eatery to the authentic French restaurant last week, with a photo being shared by the DIFC-based restaurant on their official Instagram page.This establishment is famed for its celebrity clientele alongside its Michelin star cuisine which offers guests dishes including a crispy poached egg with caviar, truffle pizza and Dover sole à la plancha, which are all prepared in front of guests.Celebrities flooded social media when the restaurant opened in October last year. One star, Mohamed Hadid, father of Bella and Gigi Hadid took to Instagram to give his friend and the Executive Chef of L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon Dubai, Axel Manes, a shoutout.“So proud of my dearest friend Axel the world #1 Renowned Chef,” he wrote before adding. “Call him by name Axel. Tell him you know me. He will welcome you with open arms.”The distinctive Joël Robuchon style is focused on the brand’s signature red and black atmosphere, elevated with modern hints of brass and metallic highlights to catch the eye of the diner.L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon is located in Gate Village 11, Podium Level.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram @atelier_robuchondubai, @mohamedhadid  More