lifestyle and culture

Saudi Arabia has lifted the travel ban imposed to halt the spread of coronavirus meaning travellers from 11 countries can now enter the Kingdom.According to Reuters who cited the Saudi state news agency, travellers from the United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the United States, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Switzerland and France can now enter the country.The lifting of the travel ban took place on May 30, however, quarantine procedures are still mandatory and all travellers will be tested for COVID-19.Earlier this month on May 17, after vaccinating 11.5 million people with at least one jab, Saudi Arabia eased the travel ban which has been in place for over a year, allowing vaccinated citizens to leave the kingdom.People who recently recuperated from the virus alongside minors under the age of 18 could also travel, providing they had active travel insurance.Formerly, Saudi citizens had been banned from travelling abroad for 14 months due to apprehensions that international travel would jeopardize the population of over 30 million people.Travel to Saudi Arabia remains restricted from a number of locations deemed high risk, including Turkey, Yemen, India, Iran and Lebanon.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: RIMOWA Instagram More

The Dubai Mall is iconic for its fashion, entertainment, attractions and more. But sometimes what is overlooked is the exquisite art it houses.One such structure which is the most striking of all is the Dubai Mall Waterfall. While it’s frequently used as a meeting point in the world’s biggest mall, the landmark also has some exquisite artistry and craft behind it.While frequent visitors to the Dubai Mall are familiar with such a spectacle, here are a few facts we found captivating about the indoor art installation.It’s 24 metres tallThe mammoth landmark is a whopping 24 metres tall – scaling the entire four floors of the mall. The man-made cascade also spans 30 metres wide, allowing for every step to have a different view and focal point.Photo by Dovi on UnsplashHuman figures sculpted using fibreglass plunge headfirst, arms splayed down the vertical face of the waterfall creating a continuous moment of undeniable artistry.It represents the deep-rooted history and identity of the UAEThe Dubai Mall Waterfall represents pearl diving, one of the main sources of livelihood for Emiratis prior to the oil boom, as well as the beauty and importance of water in the UAE.Dating back to antiquity, pearl diving is still one of the UAE’s most treasured traditions. Archaeologists have found evidence of pearl diving from over 7000 years ago allowing numerous Emirati families to trace their prosperities back to the historic pearl diving of their ancestors.Photo by Ayko Neil Kehl on UnsplashThe waterfall has two namesThe waterfall is best known as the Dubai Mall Waterfall, however, it is also referred to as ‘Pearl Divers’.This name comes from the deep-rooted history of pearl diving in Dubai. Numerous figures face downwards towards the shallow pool of water adjoining the 24-metre cascade, evocative of the deep dives prior to the oil boom.It was designed by a Singapore-based architectToh Sze Chong was the mastermind behind the Dubai Mall Waterfall. After winning the commission for the Dubai Mall in 2008 Chong installed the Pearl divers in 2009.When asked about his stylistic approach to design and architecture, Chong said, “As living patterns evolve, it is important to keep up to speed with prevailing trends and be innovative.”The falling water creates an illusionAn overhead reservoir consistently feeds recycled water to a pair of cylindrical structures, creating an endless, smooth downpour of water over the cascade’s façade.This rhythmic waterflow gives the illusion that the human figures are moving rather than the water, deceiving the eye by creating an animated visual spectrum.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeatured Image: Photo by Suzi Kim on Unsplash More

Since going public with their romance after a holiday to the Maldives, Sen Cal Kapimi stars Hande Erçel and Kerem Bürsim been seen exchanging comments with one another’s families.This has posed the question: could an engagement be on the cards?As per a recent article on Al Bawaba, Bürsim’s mother, Cigdem Bürsin, reportedly followed Erçel on Instagram after the pair’s trip to the Maldives, with the actress even exchanging comments with her partner’s family on social media, making it even more prominent.Meanwhile, Bürsim’s sister, Melis Bürsin, also reportedly regularly comments on Erçel’s Instagram posts, further highlighting the good relations between the couple’s families.It also appears that while the couple holidayed in the Maldives last month, Erçel’s sister, Gamze Erçel, joined the pair with her husband and daughter.Gamze, who is a social media influencer with 3.9 million followers, was staying at the same resort where Erçel and Bürsin were staying – Ayada Maldives.While the announcement of their relationship might have taken the internet by storm, Erçel’s fans were shocked with the breakup with her former long-term boyfriend Murat Dalkılıç last year.The pair split five months after their engagement. Following their breakup, pictures from their respective social media platforms had been deleted, as they decided to call it quits, after being together since 2017.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram @handeercel More

When it comes to Rolls-Royce, no corners are ever cut for the opulent brand which is why it’s not surprising they’ve just unveiled the world’s most luxurious car.The exclusive new Rolls-Royce Boat-Tail is the most expensive car in the world with unbeatable features making it the ultimate head-turner as it cruises down any road.With the bodywork 100 per cent made by hand, this luxury model took four years to develop after it was digitally mastered before the physical creation. With its luminous architecture, intricately designed, the car’s aesthetic emulates the same aura as the J-class yachts.Featuring an exclusive hidden deck, entitled the “hosting suite”, it centres around an elevated picnic concept with one entire portion dedicated to drinks, holding bottles of Armand de Brignac Champagne, a beverage for the extraordinary with bespoke coolers to maintain a temperature of 6°C.Designed through Coachbuild, an automatic equivalent of haute couture, the designers and engineers are united by perfectionism and defined by excellence as they impart boundless creativity through this luxe creation, as it transforms the concept from a vision to reality.
From initial sketch to finishing touches, a #RollsRoyce Coachbuild commission is realised in true partnership.#RollsRoyceCoachbuild #BoatTail pic.twitter.com/TdUKndVR75
— Rolls-Royce Motor Cars (@rollsroycecars) May 31, 2021Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO of Rolls-Royce told Entrepreneur, “Boat Tail is the culmination of collaboration, ambition, effort, and time. It was born out of a desire to celebrate success and create a legacy.”Realised by master artisans, this pinnacle of bespoke character is personalised to perfection making it a lesson in symmetry as it evokes a graceful nautical theme through a skilful design as it represents a subtle hue of an Oceanic blue infused with shimmering crystals as unknown concepts are explored by architect Santiago Calatrava.For more information on this masterpiece regarding its launch date and price point visit rolls-roycemotorcars.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @rollsroycecars More

With summer just around the corner, Venice might be on the bucket list for quite a few passengers, and we’ve got good news as Emirates shall be offering flights to the destination three times a week, starting this July.You can now plan your summer trip with confidence, as tourism and trade are all set to increase this season, as the airline will also increase services to Milan from 8 to 10 weekly flights in July.Overall this will increase Emirates Airline’s total weekly flights to Italy to 21 in four cities, including Venice, Milan, Rome and Bologna, with the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates Chairman and Chief Executive said, “We welcome the COVID tested flight arrangements and would like to thank the Italian and UAE authorities for their ongoing efforts to ease and facilitate international travel.“As a global commercial hub, and home to people from more than 200 nations, Dubai and the UAE have spared no effort to keep communities safe from the pandemic – from our world-leading vaccination programme to our bio-safety protocols across all sectors including recreation and entertainment facilities, to schools, businesses and airports.”With the airline’s expansion services, while following ‘COVID-tested flight’ arrangements, tourists will be allowed to visit without the need to quarantine on arrival.Keeping in line with all the necessary safety measures, you can feel protected and safe at every step of your journey, as you take a breath of fresh air with the advanced HEPA filters which remove 99.7 per cent of all the viruses, germs and allergens along with all the social distancing rules followed.For more information regarding the schedule or to book your flights visit emirates.com– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: canmandawe on Unsplash More

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, recently made his first outing to a Dubai restaurant since the announcement he became a father to twins Sheikh Rashid and Sheikha Sheikha and he opted for one of our favourite hotspots – Il Borro Tuscan Bistro.While being known for his love of food, the Crown Prince of Dubai has been known to make many a visit to the various eateries across the emirate, with most of them receiving the royal seal of approval.This high-class Tuscan Bistro welcomed the Crown Prince of Dubai along with his team with authentic cuisine and dishes that are made with ingredients that are freshly imported for a bespoke Italian experience.As per sources at the restaurant, Sheikh Hamdan relished in the tagliatelle al tartufo, pizza al tartufo and Bistecca all Fiorentina, while taking in the splendid views of Jumeirah Al Naseem in an elegant ambiance.Known to visit other such luxe havens in the UAE, Sheikh Hamdan has previously been spotted at Avli by Tashas, Shanghai Me, Gaia, the sister restaurant of Il Borro – Alici – Ammos, Roka and other such top eateries around the Dubai, where he also takes his friends or family along.Il Borro Dubai opened four years ago, back in 2017, and has made a mark in the UAE with its sumptuous delicacy and luxe ambience. The popular Tuscan restaurant is now set to expand to London and is set to be based in the heart of Mayfair.Discussing the launch of Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London, founder of Orange Hospitality Omar Saideh, explained the project has been a “long time coming”.“Il Borro Tuscan Bistro London will kickstart Orange Hospitality’s international expansion and we are thrilled to share a piece of Il Borro Tuscan Bistro’s award-winning Tuscan cuisine and hospitality with the London market,” he said.Open every day from 12 pm to 4:30 pm and 7 pm to 11:30 pm, Il Borro Tuscan Bistro Dubai is located at Jumeirah Al Naseem and for more information or to make a reservation visit Ilborrotuscanbistro.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram, Il Borro Instagram More

It’s hard to believe it’s been 17 years since the last episode of Friends aired as it’s still a beloved show amongst many generations around the globe.The cast recently reunited for the first time since the show’s end in 2004 for Friends: The Reunion and, of course, it’s meant all eyes have been on the famous six-some – Courteney Cox, Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer – once again.Coinciding with the reunion, a tabloid magazine’s prediction from 2004 on what the Friends cast would look like in 20 years time has re-emerged and it’s safe to say it was totally and utterly wrong.While we may not have quite reached 2024 just yet, it’s safe to say Star magazine’s predictions and use of photoshop was 100 per cent off.Have a look for yourself below.Let’s break down the magazine’s predictions.Firstly we have Schwimmer who plays Ross Geller on the hit show. According to Star, he “may go grey by age 57, but he won’t lose any of his boyish charm”. We agree with the latter, but at age 54 he’s still sporting black locks and the CGI photo is way off.Then we have Aniston who, according to Star, would be “puffier” in her 50s. We’re not entirely sure what that means, but it’s a hard no and, again, the photo is totally wrong.For LeBlanc, the actor would “remain every bit a ladies’ man” in his 50s which is an accurate claim to make, but the photo is not.Similarly, the predictions for Cox, Perry and Kudrow are totally off.In the words of Chandler Bing, “Could they be any more wrong?!”– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram / HBO More