lifestyle and culture

Camping – or “glamping” – in the UAE is about to get a whole lot more luxurious.
A new luxury getaway is set to open in Sharjah and it’s to be known as the ‘Moon Retreat’, located in the midst of Mleiha.

Developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the eco-friendly destination will be the ideal place for a unique overnight stay for those who love the desert or who want to experience what “glamping” has to offer.
This luxury oasis is the latest addition to Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection, which already includes Mysk Al Faya Retreat (where Emirates Woman’s recent cover shoot took place) and Mysk Al Badayer Retreat.

Set to open in the first quarter of 2021, the completed Moon Retreat will house 10 single bed domes, two single-bed tents and four tents for families. It’s glamping at its finest with all of the tents and domes having everything you need for a relaxing getaway, including private pools which are available with the majority of the lodgings.
As for activities, guests can enjoy stargazing at night and during the day hikes through the incredible landscapes of Mleiha or visit the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.

In terms of food, there will be ready-to-grill meals available to pre-order which can be cooked up in the private lodgings with a barbeque or there’s also the option to use the communal barbeque area.
To enjoy this one-of-a-kind getaway in the UAE you’ll have to wait just a little longer as the retreat is only about 75 per cent complete right now. However, it’s set to open in Q1 of this year, so there’s not long to wait!
– For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Images: Shurooq Instagram/WAM  More

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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
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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
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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

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Images: Supplied More