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    10 countries with no quarantine less than six hours away from the UAE

    With increasing COVID-19 vaccine rates around the world, many countries are beginning to open up with minimal requirements to enter.As the UAE authorities have advised that it’s best to travel with both shots of the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s always better to ensure the destination requirements before hopping on a flight to your chosen place of visit.For the upcoming Eid Al Fitr long weekend, as travelling restrictions might have eased worldwide, taking a break to a not so far away haven might just be the perfect way to unwind this year.Emirates Woman has curated a guide of places to keep close on your travel radar as they have less than six hours of travel time.ArmeniaWith lost-cost airline tickets from flydubai, you can visit Armenia with a short three-hour flight from Dubai to Yerevan. It’s the ideal time to visit as public attractions including shops and cafes have recently opened. Travellers will be required to show a negative COVID-19 PCR test issue no more than 72 hours prior to arrival, making it a budget-friendly destination with museums and memories that delve into the country’s history.CyprusPassengers from the UAE can now travel to Cyprus while being quarantine-free under the latest rules. As part of the green countries list, the mentioned ones are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test, while the orange countries must secure one 72 hours before travel, with UAE being on the red list to present once both 72 hours before departure and undergo an additional one upon arrival to the island on their expense. In addition, the Cyprus Flight Pass must be completed 24 hours prior to departure.GreeceFrom coastal side resorts to bespoke havens, this island of wonders offers an array of delightful experiences including culinary delights. However, a COVID-19 PCR test will be required at least 24 hours before departing the UAE, with plans to further ease restrictions from Friday, May 14 with visitors to follow all the necessary rulesCroatiaWhile being one of the few European countries permitting entry for travel, Croatia is now welcoming visitors to travel to the county as long as COVID-19 negative certificates have been presented not more than 48 hours old with proof of accommodation to be presented for travel.GeorgiaWith natural scenic beauty being the country’s forte, the ancient city and mountainous views are perfect to visit, as it has opened its doors for tourists flights starting as low as Dhs1,695. Being only three-and-a-half hours away from the UAE, a COVID-19 negative PCR required 72 hours prior to arrival in Georgia or a certificate displaying details of both doses being completed. Note that there’s a current nationwide curfew from 9pm to 5am.MaldivesBeing one of the major must-visit tourist hot spots over the last year, this destination has been opened for passengers since mid-last year. A negative COVID-19 PCR test is required within 96 hours along with a health declaration form within 24 hours of departure.Also read: Travelling abroad? Here’s how to stay up-to-date with global restrictionsSeychellesAs per the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, visitors are required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 prior to travel along with a compulsory health declaration form needed before arrival. As per the requirements, quarantine restrictions are not needed upon entry, however, all the necessary rules imposed in the country must be followed amid the pandemic. Besides South Africa, all international tourists are allowed within the country.Sri LankaWith the country reopening for tourism, visitors can travel to Sri Lanka for tourism provided they follow the necessary rules imposed amid the pandemic. Vaccinated visitors and non-vaccinated visitors staying less than five days should pre-purchase one COVID-19 test, while non-vaccinated visitors staying more than five days should pre-purchase two COVID-19 tests. COVID-19 tests are priced at $40 (Dhs147) with a mandatory COVID-19 insurance cover priced at Dhs44 for 30 days. A health declaration form must also be submitted at check-in with compulsory, COVID-19 tests upon arrival with testing not required for vaccinated passengers staying less than five days. However, those staying between five and 10 days should undergo their second test between 24 and 48 hours prior to leaving, and those staying longer than 10 days should undergo a second test somewhere between days 11 and 14.TanzaniaWith relaxed entry measures for tourists since last summer, passengers are required to complete a Traveller Surveillance Form, without requirements to produce a negative COVID-19 test unless required by the airline or country of origin. However, travellers from Tanzania to Dubai must present a negative PCR test taken within 96 hours upon return.TurkeyAs the country has remained opened for international passengers, visitors will be allowed to travel once a negative COVID-19 PCR test has been presented within 72 hours of travel accompanied with a Turkey Entrance Form which can be filled out on the website here. However, exceptions are still there for arrivals from South African and Brazil and all tourists are required to adhere to the country’s restriction measures.To stay up to date, for any of the rules, restrictions and updated quarantined measures for each country, it’s advised to visit the tourism websites for each destination before departure.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @visitgreecegr More

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    Harry and Meghan release new photo of Archie to mark his second birthday

    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex marked their son Archie Mountbatten-Windsor’s second birthday by sharing a never-before-seen photo of the toddler.On their website for their foundation, Archewell, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle shared a black and white photo of their son holding a birthday balloon in what appears to be their garden.Alongside the photo, the couple sent a message encouraging “vaccine equity”.“We have been deeply touched over the past two years to feel the warmth and support for our family in honor of Archie’s birthday,” they said. “Many of you donate to charities on his behalf, and mark the occasion by giving back or doing an act of service—all through the goodness of your hearts.
    The Sussexes have also just shared a new photo on the post for Archie’s birthday over at https://t.co/w77h3sYI8I👇🏻 pic.twitter.com/Gt3e8WdOdC
    — Omid Scobie (@scobie) May 6, 2021“You raise funds for those who need it most and continue to do so organically and selflessly. We remain incredibly grateful.”The couple encouraged their community to donate $5 which would, in turn, cover the cost of someone in need’s vaccination.“We cannot think of a more resonant way to honor our son’s birthday,” they said. “If we all show up, with compassion for those we both know and don’t know, we can have a profound impact. Even a small contribution can have a ripple effect.”British royal family members also shared past photos of Archie to mark his birthday including the Queen and Prince Charles.The Queen shared a photo of Harry and Meghan with a newborn Archie upon the announcement of his birth in May 2019.Meanwhile, Prince Charles shared a photo of himself, Harry and baby Archie at his christening.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Supplied More

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    Are you fully vaccinated? You can now get free access to these gyms in Dubai

    Are you now fully vaccinated against COVID-19? Well, you can now get free access to a series of gyms in Dubai for a limited time.The Dubai Sports Council launched an initiative earlier this week, which allows those vaccinated with two doses against the COVID-19 virus to train for free in 55 gyms from May 3 to May 13, 2021.The top gyms included on the list are The Warehouse, Fitness 360, The Sevens, Zabeel Ladies Club, Just Play and many more, which is launched under the hashtag #EveryoneResponsibleForEveryone as made in an announcement by the Dubai Sports Council via their social media platforms including Instagram and Twitter.The Dubai Sports Council said, “The pioneering initiative has been launched to encourage members of the community to embrace a physically active lifestyle, through proper guidance from some of the fitness industry’s biggest names.”A COVID-19 vaccination certificate approved by the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the Dubai Health Authority is essential for those to be granted permission to work out for free at any of the partnered gyms and fitness centres.With health and wellness being of utmost priority on everyone’s list especially after the pandemic caused a stir worldwide, staying active has become essential while keeping all the safety guidelines in mind.Overall, the UAE is currently at 10.6 million doses of vaccinated citizens so far with around 54.4 per cent of the population vaccinated, according to the Reuters COVID-19 tracker.So, ensure all the necessary social distancing and sanitization measures are followed as usual to curb the spread of COVID-19.For more information on the initiative visit dubaisc.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Pexels by Andrea Piacquadio More

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    These sprawling salt lakes in Abu Dhabi have taken the internet by storm

    If you’re looking for your next photo opp for your Instagram feed, we may have just found the place for you.Abu Dhabi’s salt lake located at the Al Wathba reserve which previously had salt flats or ‘sabkha’, has now flourished into natural and man-made lakes, also allowing for wildlife species to thrive.While becoming a major tourist spot, this trending location has been blowing up on Instagram.  It’s also home to an array of interesting places with diverse natural elements such as flamingos and an array of aquatic life.Making it a natural hub to visit, it’s an ideal spot for families and children to be one with nature, with this dreamy spot making it on our list of places to visit in the UAE, while also making it a favourite for BBQs, camping or even just a fascinating selfie spot.With this venue giving us that ultimate wanderlust feel, don’t forget to grab your cameras as this unique sight is definitely one to capture on your trip to this natural alchemy created by nature. This relaxing haven has also been placed on the IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas making it the first site in the region to receive this recognition, with majestic mountains and natural reserves in its surroundings.In case you’re visiting, do ensure to keep the area clean by avoiding any litter in the vicinity along with removing any chunks of salt from the lake for memories. In addition, a four-wheeler is highly recommended on your visit to this natural wonder for a safe and smooth journey.Located in the Al Wathba region of Abu Dhabi, in the southern area of the city, you can find the exact location on Google Maps here. For more information on the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve you can head to visitabudhabi.ae– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Instagram @izzycalera More

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    One of the USA’s oldest universities elects its first Muslim student president

    One of the USA’s oldest and most prestigious universities has elected its first Muslim student body president.Yale University, which is a part of the country’s Ivy League university group, recently held its student body elections and Bayan Galal received the majority vote.Per the university’s student newspaper Yale Daily News, Galal won 56.4 percent of the vote, which amounted to 1,131 votes.Galal’s sister, Ayah Galal, who is a reporter for a local news station in Connecticut, USA, also shared the groundbreaking news on her Twitter page citing “glass ceiling shattered”.
    *GLASS CEILING SHATTERED* Incredibly proud of my little sister, Bayan Galal, who has been elected @Yale Student Body President!!! Bayan has made history as Yale’s first Muslim student body president. I can’t wait to see the incredible things she accomplishes. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/si1vlSxy69
    — Ayah Galal (@ayahgalal) May 2, 2021“Bayan has made history as Yale’s first Muslim student body president,” she said. “I can’t wait to see the incredible things she accomplishes.”Meanwhile, Galal herself spoke to local news station WFSB says she was inspired by many people before her who paved the way and she hopes to do the same.“As a Muslim woman, I have only been able to accomplish things so many of the things that I’ve been able to because of other people who have advocated for me and advocated for people like me,” she said.“My goal was to pay that debt forward to future generations by delivering results for the Yale student body.”Galal has big plans to help Yale students most importantly focusing on health in five pillars – physical health, mental health, community health, academic health and financial health.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram / Getty More

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    Meghan Markle has written her first book inspired by Harry and Archie

    Meghan Markle can now officially call herself an author as she has written her first book.Entitled The Bench, the Duchess of Sussex’s first published works is a children’s book and is about the relationship between a father and son. The book was actually inspired by the former Suits actress seeing her husband, Prince Harry, and son, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor together.In an official statement from Meghan herself, the Duchess of Sussex explained that the book stemmed from a poem she wrote Harry on Father’s Day just after Archie was born in May 2019.
    Duchess Meghan has written her first children’s book, The Bench, about the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes. It’s out June 8 and is inspired by Prince Harry and Archie’s close relationship. The book is illustrated by Christian Robinson. pic.twitter.com/E2633kGCAA
    — Omid Scobie (@scobie) May 4, 2021“That poem became this story,” she said. “Christian [the illustrator] layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolor illustrations that capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life; this representation was particularly important to me, and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens.“My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.”The book is set to be released next month on June 8 and the audiobook version will also be narrated by Meghan.The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are set to welcome their second child this summer.The news was announced back in February via a spokesperson for the couple, alongside a sweet black and white photo of the pair sitting in the sun together whilst Meghan cradled her small bump.“We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” the spokesperson for the Sussexes said. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”In their recent tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, the couple revealed they are expecting a baby girl.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramImages: Instagram / Getty More

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    Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for UAE private sector have been announced

    The Eid Al Fitr holiday dates for UAE private sector employees have been announced by authorities.Per the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, Eid Al Fitr holiday days for the private sector will be from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3.
    The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced a paid holiday for the private sector starting from Ramadan 29 until Shawwal 3, 1442 Hijri, on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr. #EidMubarak pic.twitter.com/PYHXuNGtXW
    — MOHRE_UAE وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) May 4, 2021The corresponding dates to the Gregorian calendar are currently dependent on the moon-sighting.If Ramadan lasts for 29 days, UAE residents could see a five-day weekend from Tuesday, May 11 to Saturday, May 15, returning to work on Sunday, May 16.The UAE announced earlier on Tuesday the Eid Al Fitr dates for public sector employees. The Federal Authority for Government Human Resources announced via their official Twitter page that following the end of Ramadan, the Eid Al Fitr holiday would be from Ramadan 29 to Shawwal 3, which is the same for private sector employees.Public holidays for 2021Arafat Day and Eid Al AdhaA couple of months after Eid Al Fitr, there could be another long weekend on the cards for UAE residents. Arafat Day and Eid Al Adha will fall on 9-12 of Dhu Al-Hijjah, which is expected to be between Tuesday, July 20 and Thursday, July 22. While this hasn’t been confirmed as of yet, if these dates are confirmed a six-day break could be on the cards.Islamic New YearA couple of weeks later it’s the Hijri New Year. Falling on Muharram 1, it’s projected to fall around August 9 or August 10.The Prophet’s BirthdayThe Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on the 12 of the Hijri month of Rabi Al Awwal, which is projected to be around October 18.Commemoration Day and National DayTo close out 2021, those in the UAE will have another three-day break to look forward to with Commemoration Day, December 1, and National Day, December 2, with a day off also on, December 3.– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature Image: Unsplash More

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    This famous Dubai restaurant is expanding to London

    As things begin to open back up in the UK, a new culinary addition to the nation’s capital is set to make its mark in London, following major success of its restaurant in Dubai.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. Il Borro has managed to become the hotspot in town for a casual fine dining experience within the Italian circle of restaurants offering seasonal menu offerings for both lunch and dinner.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.Led by head chef, Fulvio Opalio, the concept delivers an authentic farm-to-table concept, while keeping in line with the Ferragamos’ family values and vision. As the atmosphere continues to stay true to its roots, the award-winning architectural firm Studio 63, has incorporated rich elements in the restaurant’s design.The restaurant in London is set to have a seating capacity of around 220 covers with a modern and stylish bar to complement the aesthetic while adding that aura of refined elegance with a cosy fireplace. A private dining area on the first floor will also add to the concept of intimate dining while offering guests relaxing views of Berkeley Street.This phenomenal restaurant will be taking over Nobu on 15 Berkeley Street in Mayfair, in the third quarter of 2021, to add to the fine dining restaurant scene in the vicinity with its long-standing reputation of opulent hotels, fashion boutiques and eclectic eateries.For more information regarding the launch visit oh.co.uk– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and InstagramFeature image: Supplied More