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    Experience Marbella in the heart of Dubai without getting on a flight

    The essence of Marbella is set to arrive in Dubai, meaning you’ll soon be able to experience the luxurious Andalusian city without getting on a flight.
    A new project is being developed on The World Islands. The Heart of Europe’s Marbella Hotel takes inspiration from Costa del Sol town with the project all set to complete by 2023.

    The entire experience is fully immersive with Euros being the form of currency, Spanish being the language spoken and the clocks will even be set to Spain’s local time.
    With unique activities onboard, guests can also learn Flamenco, embrace their linguistic skills by learning Spanish or even master the art of cooking while being on the path of becoming a wine connoisseur with its inbuilt tasting facilities in a sustainably-controlled European climate delivering authenticity at every inch, located at just 4km from the Dubai mainland.

    With the construction being spearheaded by the Kleindienst Group, Josef Kleindienst, chairman of the group said, “The development of Marbella Hotel adheres to our unparalleled vision to bring the best of European experiences to visitors, right here in Dubai.” Adding “Each day that passes witnesses further progress on a journey towards to a dynamic destination the world will be talking about – and everyone will want to see for themselves.”
    With a spa destination inspired by an Arabic touch, the region’s first Moorish spa is powered by rich architectural details recreating the healing and serene ambience of Al Ándalus, with a calming combination of hammams, scented showers, relaxation rooms, aromatherapy, steam baths and seaweed therapy to promote sleep, blood flow, enhanced relaxation and maximise the mental benefits of relaxing.

    This mega-project consists of 191 apartments, suites, and caves in the completed layout with around 4,000 hospitality units and clocks set to the time in Spain, with the front house staff also accepting payment in Euros while being completely fluent in Spanish. The destination will also host a calendar of exuberant Spanish-themed cultural events during the year with a dedicated swimming pool, Puerto Banús beach and pool club, a private pool for suite guests, and La Cala beach with the latest water sports on board.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Supplied More

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    Schools in 4 emirates have now returned to 100 per cent online learning

    Amidst the rising daily cases of COVID-19 in the UAE, three emirates recently announced they would be returning to 100 per cent online learning.
    Last week Ajman announced schools would be returning to e-learning fully on February 9. Sharjah then followed this precedent two days later making the same announcement on February 11.

    Then just yesterday, on Sunday February 14, Umm Al Quwain announced it would be making the switch to full online learning in schools “until further notice”.
    Similarly, the Ras Al Khaimah Ministry of Education and the Emergencies, Crisis and Disaster team announced that all schools and nurseries would be switching to online learning until further notice.

    At present in Dubai, malls can only operate at a maximum of 70 per cent capacity with live entertainment in venues suspended a couple of weeks ago. Music is allowed in hotels and restaurants but only to a limited level, restricting it to 70 decibels of instrumental-only.
    All Dubai brunches have been cancelled as stated in a circular issued by Dubai Tourism, until the end of February with restaurants being mandated to close by 1am.
    Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, it was announced by the Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee on February 7, parties and gatherings are prohibited. Meanwhile, the number of people at marriage ceremonies has been limited to 10 and a maximum of 20 people can attend funerals and mourning services.
    The maximum capacity of malls in the UAE’s capital is capped at 40 per cent and gyms are now limited to 50 per cent capacity.
    For a complete guide on the current COVID-19 restrictions emirate by emirate click here.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature image: Instagram @dubai  More

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    Watch: The emotional proposal that took place at Dubai’s Expo 2020 site

    While the excitement for Dubai’s Expo 2020 has been put on hold until later this year, a magical moment took place on Valentine’s Day at the site.
    In a video which was shared to the official Expo 2020 Dubai Twitter page, the emotional moment is captured when a man pops the question to his girlfriend.

    Better yet, all of their family and friends were there to surprise them.
    The couple, Chirag Lakhiani and Kritika Ramchandani, were dressed to the nines as they reached the Expo 2020 site.

    In the video, the pair are seen walking together when Ramchandani is taken aback when she sees her family and friends waiting for her.
    Lakhiani then gets down on one knee leaving his now-fiancee lost for words. However, of course, she said yes which is captured on camera, as well as all of their loved ones’ reactions.
    “Something very exciting happened at Expo 2020,” it’s stated in the video. “We helped make a visitor’s birthday extra special. He proposed and she said yes!”
    Watch the full video below.

    The surprise of her life awaited her at Expo 2020. Watch to the end! ❤️💍#Expo2020 #Dubai #UAE pic.twitter.com/RN8Cjr7e2I
    — Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) February 13, 2021

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature image: Instagram Expo 2020 More

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    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are expecting their second child

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced the joyous news they are expecting their second child together.
    The news was announced 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.”

    Baby news! “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” says a spokesperson for Harry and Meghan. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.” pic.twitter.com/GrqSiBxaXa
    — Omid Scobie (@scobie) February 14, 2021

    The joyous news comes after Meghan revealed that she had a miscarriage back in July 2020. In November, the duchess penned an open letter for the New York Times where she opened up about the “pain and grief” she has suffered.
    The piece was written by Meghan to encourage more people to speak about their loss and heartbreak, as well as the importance of checking in on people to ask whether they are okay.
    The Duke and Duchess of Sussex welcomed their first child together, Archie Mountbatten-Windsor, in May 2019 after announcing their pregnancy while they were on a royal tour of Australia.
    It’s not known how far along Meghan is in her current pregnancy, but it can be assumed we can expect another baby Sussex coming in the summer of this year.
    Congratulations to Harry, Meghan and soon-to-be big brother Archie!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Twitter/Misan Harriman More

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    Sheikh Mohammed unveils first photo of Mars captured by the UAE’s Hope Probe

    Last week, the UAE Hope Probe made history by becoming the first Arab-led mission to reach Mars’ orbit.
    Now, five days after reaching its destination, the first images of the Red Planet taken by the Hope Probe have been unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai.

    “The first picture of Mars captured by the first-ever Arab probe in history, 25,000 km above the Red Planet’s surface,” His Highness said.

    من ارتفاع ٢٥ ألف كم عن سطح الكوكب الأحمر .. أول صورة للمريخ بأول مسبار عربي في التاريخ
    The first picture of Mars captured by the first-ever Arab probe in history, 25,000 km above the Red Planet’s surface pic.twitter.com/Qgh2Cn3JPF
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 14, 2021

    The photo was also posted by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
    The Hope Probe’s journey to Mars
    After launching from Tanegashima Island in Japan in July 2020, the Hope Probe travelled 493.5 kilometres to the Red Planet arriving in its orbit on February 9, 2021.
    As noted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, there was “a 50 per cent success rate; though the failure rate is 50 per cent” of the probe entering Mars’ orbit. The UAE became the first Arab country – and fifth in the entire world – to reach Mars.
    Upon the success, the President of the UAE His Highness Sheikh Khalifa said, “This historic achievement would not have been possible without the persistence and determination to implement the idea that emerged at the end of 2013 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who followed it up closely until its success.”
    Sheikh Mohammed also posted a pivotal, but simple phrase on Twitter upon the probe’s success: “Mission accomplished.”

    تمت المهمة بنجاح
    Mission Accomplished #العرب_إلى_المريخ pic.twitter.com/BxPQiJM0Sq
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 9, 2021

    It is indeed mission accomplished.
    Celebrating the achievement
    In celebration of the incredible achievement, the Burj Khalifa lit up with a proud message for the country the world’s tallest building calls home.
    “Congratulations to all Arabs,” the message said. “Congratulations to the UAE. A great beginning to the next 50. Mission accomplished.”
    What’s next?
    The probe is being spearheaded by the UAE in order to gain a full picture of what the atmosphere of Mars is like.
    Since the probe has now reached the Red Planet, data will be collected over a two-year period, but this could be extended by another two years meaning the Hope Probe has the potential to be in space until 2025.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Twitter More

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    5 facts you probably didn’t know about Valentine’s Day

    With the history and significance of this special occasion being lost in transition over the years, there’s some facts about Valentine’s Day you might not even know about.
    The first valentine sent dates back to 1415
    The oldest-known Valentine sent was a poem by Charles Duke of Orleans. He penned a poem for his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. The note read, “I am already sick of love, My very gentle Valentine.” Swoon!”.
    Millions of greeting cards are purchased every year

    Distributing cards to the ones you love is a tradition dating back 600 years. One of the world’s biggest card distributors, Hallmark, reports that over 144 million greeting cards are sent solely in the US alone.
    The most gifted item for Valentine’s Day is jewellery

    While bouquets, beauty products, clothes and more are popular items to gift on Valentine’s Day, per the National Retail Federation, in 2020, $5.8 billion was spent on jewellery.
    READ: The luxe edit of the best jewellery to gift this Valentine’s Day
    Around six million couples get engaged on Valentine’s Day yearly
    Being one of the most popular days dedicated to love throughout the year, Valentine’s Day has as many as six million couples getting engaged on February 14.
    Giving flowers for Valentine’s first started in the 17th century

    The act of expressing your love through flowers became a popular trend during the Victorian Era, as the colour red symbolises love. It was made a popular custom by King Charles of Sweden, who had an in-depth learning of flowers on a trip to Persia.
    READ: The 7 best UAE-based florists to get the perfect bouquet this Valentine’s Day
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

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    The most popular songs in the UAE for Valentine’s Day

    Whether you’re enjoying Valentine’s Day with your significant other or with your friends, these soulful ballads are have been the most played in the UAE, according to Spotify.
    From dance tracks to heartfelt songs by some of the best singers of our time, these soundtracks definitely hit the nail-on-the-head for this romantic occasion no matter what you’re doing today.

    Within the last 90 days, these five songs have been the most listened to in the UAE.
    1. This I Promise You by American boy band NSYNC
    2. You’re Still the One by Canadian singer and songwriter Shania Twain

    3. Shape of My Heart by American group Backstreet Boys

    4. How Do I Live by American singer LeAnn Rimes
    5. Because You Loved Me by five-time Grammy award-winning singer Celine Dion

    Also read: The most romantic restaurants in Dubai for the perfect Valentine’s Day
    While big bouquets and gourmet goodies, might be wonderful to embrace on the day, there’s nothing like these heart-tugging tunes to create the perfect atmosphere with your loved ones, as music indeed speaks for itself.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Photo by cottonbro from Pexels More

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    5 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered in the UAE

    The UAE has reached an incredible milestone in its quest to vaccinate the population of the country against COVID-19.

    It was announced on Saturday by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) that 103,469 had been vaccinated in the last 24 hours, taking the total amount of doses administered to five million.
    This milestone in the vaccination process bodes well for the nation’s aim to vaccinate half of the population by the end of March and also showcases the UAE as one of the leaders in the world in vaccination rates.
    At present, there are four COVID-19 vaccinations being administered in the UAE.
    READ: The 4 COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the UAE
    The first vaccine to be approved in the UAE was the Sinophram vaccine, followed by the Pfizer vaccine being permitted in Dubai towards the end of last year.
    In January, Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use. And now, just recently, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved in Dubai.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Pexels More