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      Designer Yasmin Al Mulla on the determination it takes to follow your passion

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      February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
      It takes grit, determination and hard work to follow your true passion in life. Yasmin Al Mulla, the Creative Director of YNM Dubai, reveals what exactly it takes to do just that.
      Can you talk us through your career?
      I studied both fashion and politics. Although these subjects may not seem to go hand-in-hand at the first sight, but I strongly believe they complement each other in a way.

      I always make sure my designs reflect my culture in a modern way. I aspire to elevate our traditional pieces, yet retain a timelessness – to design garments to be worn 20 years from now.
      What brought about your love for fashion?
      Clothes have always been a way of expressing myself and this remains so today.
      What inspired you to set up your own fashion label?

      I am very driven to positively represent the UAE within the global fashion market. From a creative perspective — I to create strong products, to modernize our classic kaftans and to create homegrown ready-to-wear pieces that speak to today’s generation and to focus on high-standard craftsmanship and lasting quality.
      From a business aspect — my goal was to follow an avant-garde method in making our debut six years ago which was through an e-commerce platform, focusing on strong products and high-quality tech simultaneously. This approach worked phenomenally, and our debut collection sold out in less than a week, and that was the start of our journey.

      What do you love about what you do?
      Expressing myself through designing gives me nothing but incredible joy.
      What are your hopes for women in the future in this region?
      This region brings nothing but magnificent opportunities on daily basis. So, I would love for every woman to follow her passion, believe in herself and take every opportunity to fulfill her dream.
      As a woman paving the way in this region, you’ll be a role model to many. What do you love about being a role model?
      Thank you! Being able to encourage and support women is my favourite part about the whole concept. We rise by lifting others!
      What advice would you give to young women in this region?
      You are living in a world where women are being supported in all aspects. Take every opportunity, study the market and incorporate your passion through your education and career. Always remember that there is a room for everyone.

      What have been some hurdles you have experienced in your career?
      I am a very positive person and never look at any hurdle negatively. Every obstacle is a free lesson, I always make sure to experience and live each stage, to observe, take my time and believe in myself in each situation.
      What have been some major milestones in your career?
      Every achievement is beautiful in itself. It’s the fruit of long nights, dedication and hardwork. I appreciate each accomplishment differently, and all of them are nothing but genuinely dear to my heart.
      I treasure my collaborations, all of them — from Tiffany & Co., Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin.
      This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what does love mean to you and how do you plan to instil love into your life throughout 2021?
      Love is life. Staying connected to my family, close friends, and what makes me happy is the ultimate form of love from my perspective.
      February’s – ‘The Love 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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      Sheikh Mohammed to pay Dhs8 million hospital bill to save a toddler’s life

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      Following a mother’s plea for help for her sick child, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, has pledged to cover the entirety of the little one’s hospital bill.
      Massar Mundhar detailed in a video that her 18-month-old daughter, Laveen, is suffering from a degenerative disease giving her mere months to live if she didn’t receive urgent treatment.

      The little girl was diagnosed with type 2 spinal muscle atrophy which leads to the motor neuron nerve cells in the brain which enable the body to speak, walk, breathe, talk and more.
      Mundar and her daughter are from Iraq and they were told to come to Dubai’s Al Jalila hospital for the costly treatment, which is essential for the toddler to receive to improve her life expectancy and quality of life.

      “To the honourable, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, my child and I urgently seek your generosity,” Mundar says in the video, which was reshared on the UAE BARQ Instagram page.

      “My daughter has a very rare disease that has incapacitated her. Since our country does not have the required expertise and treatment, we were told to take her to Dubai’s Al Jalila Hospital.”
      However, due to the rare nature of Laveen’s disease and the new treatment, the cost was too much for them to be able to afford.
      “However, we cannot afford the cost of her treatment and time is running out as this disease can be best treated if the child is under two years of age.”
      The mother pled to His Highness to “show the compassion and mercy the UAE is known for”.
      The video went viral on social media and it was eventually seen by the Dubai Ruler. Per the Khaleej Times, Mundar and her husband were told by doctors at Al Jalila Hosptial that His Highness had agreed to cover Laveen’s medical costs.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Instagram/WAM More

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      Sheikh Mohammed explains why 2021 is such an important year for the UAE

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      His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minsiter of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is no stranger to sharing inspirational messages.
      The one he recently shared is perhaps the most pivotal message His Highness has shared of late.

      Posting a picturesque video to his 10 million Twitter followers, Sheikh Mohammed has showcased the growth the UAE has experienced in the last 50 years, especially as the country celebrates its Golden Jubilee this year.

      أترأس غداً وأخي الشيخ محمد بن زايد خلوة وزارية .. نناقش خلالها أولويات الدولة للخمسين عاماً القادمة .. شكل حكومتنا .. وكيفية تسريع مسيرتنا التنموية.. وتحسين بيئة الأعمال والاقتصاد في بلادنا لتحقيق قفزات تنافسية جديدة .. المستقبل ملك لمن يتخيله ويصممه وينفذه .. pic.twitter.com/ojWPp10BDy
      — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 22, 2021

      For the UAE’s next phase of growth in the upcoming 50 years, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces will discuss ideas for growth, as part of the next development phase in the country along with other members of the UAE Cabinet at a retreat.
      Not only does 2021 mark half a century since the founding of the nation, it also marks the paving of the way for the next 50 years of the country, which will be discussed at the retreat.
      Sheikh Mohammed said, “We want to accelerate our journey of development and improve the business environment. The future belongs to people that can imagine, design and implements it.”

      He added, “The retreat aims to draft a series of plans and initiatives for harnessing our energies and preparing our institutions for what the UAE will be like in the next fifty years. The future requires proactive plans, innovative initiatives and new skills, to maintain our leadership and success and provide better lives for generations to come in the country.”
      Together, the committee will prepare for the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2021, while overseeing the next course of action for the next phase in the UAE’s success.
      The government retreat plans to harness the upcoming development over the next 50 years with the growing quality of life as it designs new action models and plans to ensure the UAE always stays on top with its noteworthy initiatives.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image: Instagram @sheikhmohammed More

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      A wave of reforms lead to new heights for women’s empowerment in Saudi Arabia

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      In recent years, Saudi Arabia has taken major steps in the progress for women in the Kingdom.
      This was noted in the latest virtual annual meeting of the UN Women executive board.

      There have been massive reforms on empowering women’s role in society adding Saudi Arabi to of the list of 190 countries economics in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2020 report.
      Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has had major effects globally, Saudi has continued to strive with excellence in order to empower women and move forward with its transformations.

      With legal rights issued to protect women in country, discrimination in the work sectors, accessing financial services and sacking of women during pregnancy and maternity leave have been overcome through the years.

      During the #Kingdom’s statement at the First Regular Session of the#UNWomen Executive Board, Mrs.Mona Alghamdi shared that the Kingdom historic reforms qualified it as the top reformer among 190 economics in the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law 2020 report pic.twitter.com/mh2bwOODJ9
      — KSA Mission UN 🇸🇦🇺🇳 (@ksamissionun) February 17, 2021

      Mona Alghamdi
      Mona Alghamdi, a member of Saudi Arabia’s Permanent mission to the UN, discussed the progress Saudi Arabia has made saying, “The Kingdom has taken strict decisions towards criminalising sexual harassment at workplace in the public and private sectors.”
      “Equality in the retirement age is one of the most important reforms, which contributed to extending the period of their effective contribution to the advancement of the national economy,” she added.
      With a new era of legislative reforms towards the empowerment of Saudi Women in the region, women have been granted rights in the specific areas of entrepreneurship, workplace, pensions and mobility in the countries growing economy.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied/Twitter More

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      You can now travel through Dubai Airport without having to show your passport

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      You no longer need a passport to travel through Dubai Airport… sort of.
      As the emirate continues to champion development in technology, a new smart travel system has launched.

      The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) announced the launch of a new system which uses face-track technology to identify travellers without the need to look at their passports.
      The new system is set to be a “fast-track passport control service that uses face and iris-recognition technologies enabling registered passengers to complete passport control procedures in around five seconds”.

      #الإمارات_تبتكر #UAE_Innovates pic.twitter.com/vOZCno0OKQ
      — Dubai Airports (@DubaiAirports) February 22, 2021

      This means your next airport experience could be completely contactless.
      Upon your arrival at the airport, when you’re issued with your boarding pass you’ll have “smart tunnel” printed on it, which gives you access to the smart tunnels around the airport.
      In order to be eligible for completely contactless travel in Dubai Airport, you’ll need to pre-register your passport and the use of contactless travel will be valid until your passport expires.
      As of now, 122 smart gates are now in use at arrival and departure terminals in Dubai airports.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      This pristine and private luxury Maldives resort needs to be on your bucket list

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      February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
      Made up of twin islands on the Dhaalu Atoll in the Maldives, Niyama Maldives is a unique luxury resort that feels as private as it does pristine.
      Privacy is the operative word here, whether you opt to spend time on the aptly named “Play” and “Chill” islands. On Play, you’ll find a host of activities including water sports as well as land-based. On Chill, it’s all about relaxation. Unwinding in the incredible spa should be a go-to during your stay complete with steam, sauna and a garden shower that feels back to nature in all the best ways.

      Happily, you’ll be able to traverse between the two islands whether you take a buggy or opt to ride barefoot on the bicycle that becomes your personal transport for the duration of your stay complete with a hand-carved nametag.
      The Highlight
      Dinner in the treetops at Nest is something not to be missed. The menu extends from the freshest sashimi to grilled lobster and an incredible Pad Thai you’ll be hard-pressed to believe hasn’t come straight from Bangkok.

      A snorkel with the turtles or scuba dive are both also something to tick off the bucket list. Here you’ll find unspoiled nature in all its glory.
      The Travel
      Niyama Private Islands Maldives sits an exhilarating 40-minute seaplane journey south of Malé.

      The Timing
      The best time to visit the Maldives is between November and April. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway, February is ideal with the least amount of rainfall yearly. If it does rain, you’ll be well placed for a round of backgammon in your bathrobe.
      What to Pack

      February’s – ‘The Love 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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      Travel update: Residents no longer need GDRFA approval to return to Dubai

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      Since Dubai officially reopened its borders in July last year, residents of the emirate have been required to apply for approval to re-enter the country via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

      However, Emirates Airline has confirmed to its passengers this is no longer needed via a text message update. The Dubai-based airline also updated its guidelines for residents travelling to Dubai, removing the GDRFA requirement from its key information.
      Previously, passengers needed to fill out a form online on the GDRFA website where visa, passport and Emirates ID details needed to be provided. This is something that was implemented following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
      Current travel requirements for Dubai
      At the end of January, it was announced that all UAE citizens must do a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai no matter which country they have travelled from.
      Meanwhile, all UAE residents, GCC citizens and visitors will now be required to undergo a pre-travel COVID-19 PCR test regardless of where they are travelling from and the validity time of tests is now 72 hours, reduced from 96 hours.
      It should be noted that a PCR test is required and you need to have a printed verification in English or Arabic – SMS or digital versions will not be accepted.
      For other requirements visit the Emirates website to stay up-to-date.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Away Luggage Instagram More

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      5 spa deals under Dhs500 in Dubai to take advantage of this month

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      With such a fast-paced life, there’s rarely a moment for any me-time. As Dubai adapts to the new norm, it’s necessary for all of us to pamper ourselves from time to time for the ultimate refreshment this season.
      Emirates Woman has curated a list of relaxing spa deals to completely refresh you with pampering deals to completely indulge in.
      Sofitel Dubai The Palm

      With state-of-the-art interiors, the Spa at Sofitel highlights French-Polynesian traditions with highly trained therapists in a tranquil setting to ensure you have a therapeutic experience.
      For Dhs380 you can get a choice of two 30-minute treatments from options which are back, neck and shoulder massage, full body scrub, express facial and foot massage, or a choice of one 60-minute treatment from a full body scrub and body wrap, full body massage and a facial treatment.
      After the rejuvenating spa experience, guests will have complimentary access to all the indoor wellness facilities which include a sauna, steam room, the spa’s ice fountain and a soothing pool inside with refreshments to keep you relaxed throughout your spa journey.
      Heavenly Spa by Westin

      Experience a full body massage with this fresh shea butter packed with vitamin 3 jojoba and soybean oils that are sure to nourish your skin while keeping it hydrated. The melt avail spa package includes a 60-minute full-body Swedish massage, accompanied with pool and beach access for the day along with 25 per cent off food and beverages at the Horizon and pool sidebar, up until February 28, 2021 – all for Dhs290.
      For more information or to make a booking visit heavenlyspadubai.com
      Also read: We’ve found the most relaxing spa package for a steal at this luxe Dubai hotel
      The Spa at Palace Downtown

      With access to the monsoon showers, jacuzzis, steam rooms and relaxation lounge accompanied with a royal orange vitality scrub for 30 minutes. This antioxidant treatment is ideal for skin suffering from a loss of elasticity, by polishing the surface of your skin using highly effective botanical agents in an innovative manner to bring out that glow for Dhs355.
      For more information visit addresshotels.com
      B Attitude Spa at Grosvenor House

      Treat yourself to the ultimate aromatherapy experience for 60 minutes with a blend of luxurious oils to unwind as you empower your senses in this relaxing haven for Dhs449 available until the end of February. Combining oriental opulence with a plethora of signature treatments, this restful sanctuary is definitely one to visit.
      For more information visit battitudespa-dubai.com
      Tao Spa

      Built to provide an authentic spa experience, Tao Spa creates a fusion that ensures complete relaxation and rejuvenation. The Hilot massage is a full body massage from the Philippines promoting muscle relaxation through deep strokes including a specialized massage technique on the feet using a tool called dagdagay which is used to stimulate the nerves and trigger key acupressure points at Dhs360 for 60 minutes located at The Mall on Jumeirah Road.
      For more information visit taospa.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image: Supplied  More