lifestyle and culture

With every winter in Dubai being accompanied by an unpredictable surreal sky, this morning was no different with cold temperatures being complemented with foggy skies.
As with any significant change in the weather – including the rain – residents in Dubai cannot stop talking about it.

Taking to social media, many residents have shared their different photos of the sky coated with thick fog, some of which are quite incredible to look at.

The Beauty of Winter Morning #Fog in #Dubai pic.twitter.com/S05q6NlOwf
— Peter Brun (@peter_brun) January 17, 2021

Fog is covering #UAE sky scrappers and roads, stay safe and be careful while driving. #Dubai #foggy pic.twitter.com/PWWibXnX2L
— Ijaz Malik (@Ijazmalik101) January 17, 2021

Can never get enough of this. #fog #mydubai #dubaifog pic.twitter.com/odCY6kfX56
— Florian Kriechbaumer (@djflore) January 17, 2021

However, spectacular some of the images and footage is from the fog coating Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authoirty has urged drivers to be wearing while on the roads today.
“Low visibility in fog reduces your sense of vehicle speed,” the RTA said on Twitter. “We advise you to lower speed and use fog lights for your safety and that of others on the road.”

Low visibility in fog reduces your sense of vehicle speed. We advise you to lower speed and use fog lights for your safety and that of others on the road. For more guidelines, visit: https://t.co/kbt3iuJ3rH#RTA pic.twitter.com/0XyHvmm0sY
— RTA (@rta_dubai) January 17, 2021

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Dubai-based airline Emirates suspended flights to six cities in Australia and South Africa over the weekend, citing “operational reasons” for the postponement.

It’s been announced that flights to the South African cities of Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg will be postponed for the next two weeks from January 16 to January 28.
Meanwhile, flight routes between Dubai and Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have been suspended and no date has been given as to when they will resume.
The final routes for Dubai-Australia flights include Dubai to Melbourne on January 19; Melbourne to Dubai on January 20; Dubai to Sydney on January 18; Sydney to Dubai on January 19; and Brisbane to Dubai on January 17.
The Dubai airline apologised for all inconveniences caused on their website and also advised passengers affected to contact Emirates for rebooking options.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the travel industry has been severely affected due to countries closing borders and the overall demand for flights decreasing.
However, Emirates has been making strong headway in resuming flights to many of its global destinations, particularly after Dubai reopened its borders to tourists in July 2020.
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Model and activist Hamdia Ahmed has become the first person in her family to graduate from university.
The 21-year-old shared her joy on Twitter over her success, being the first one out of her father, mother and siblings to obtain her Bachelor’s degree, which she received from the University of Southern Maine.

It’s an incredible achievement for the model, as for the first seven years of her life she was a refugee in Kenya. Ahmed’s mother was nine months pregnant with her when she was forced to flee Somalia with her four elder siblings.
The family eventually moved to the USA in 2005.

Now having graduated from university, Ahmed reflected on her struggles and the struggles of her family, her mother in particular.

“Twenty-one years ago my mother gave birth to me while she was escaping from a civil war,” she said. I spent the first seven years of my life in a refugee camp. My parents sacrificed so much for their kids.
“Today, I became the first person to graduate from college in my family.”
The university graduate also shared two photos – one of herself holding her degree and one embracing her mother.
Back in 2017, Ahmed became the first hijabi contestant to enter the Miss Maine pageant with the aim to break down stereotypes of Muslims and to have more representation in such events.
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King Abdullah II of Jordan touched down in the UAE over the weekend and was greeted in Abu Dhabi by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and the Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
His Majesty King Abdullah is here on an official visit, which Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated that the UAE was committed to continuing the strong allyship between the UAE and Jordan.

“I was pleased to have met my brother King Abdullah II of Jordan in Abu Dhabi,” His Highness said.
“Our countries share a strong commitment to strengthening our cooperation and focusing on stability and development in our region.”

I was pleased to have met my brother King Abdullah II of Jordan in Abu Dhabi. Our countries share a strong commitment to strengthening our cooperation and focusing on stability and development in our region. pic.twitter.com/OhQ6N84hyj
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) January 16, 2021

Alongside this, His Highness posted a photo of himself greeting King Abdullah as he disembarked the plane.
Leading by example given the current pandemic, both the Jordanian royal and the UAE royal were socially distanced and were wearing masks.
A few days prior to his visit to the UAE, His Majesty received a COVID-19 vaccine alongside his son Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan.

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As 2020 had a significant shift in the housing market both for rentals and buying property, we’re coming into 2021 with some significant changes in what people are looking for in their home lives in Dubai.
Lynette Abad, the director of research and data at UAE-based Property Finder, explained that there has been a 400 per cent increase in searches for villas and townhouses. Evidently many are now looking for more outside space with large balconies and pools.

EW spoke with Abad about the most popular spots to live in Dubai in 2021.
Dubai Marina

While exploding in popularity both for tourists and residents, the area has experienced a boom in classy restaurants, bars, cafes and beaches. With endless dining options along with stunning views of Dubai’s skyline, there are plenty of buildings to choose from for both families and singles. With the metro station being within an accessible distance, there are all sorts of options starting from a studio to four-bedroom apartments. With prices starting at around Dhs50,000 for a one bedroom, there are affordable options for all with both gym and pool facilities depending on the chosen building.
JLT

Dubai’s high rise community is well-known for its amenities such as shops, cafes and restaurants which are all situated in clusters with easy access to public transport and pet-friendly park offering a wide range of dining experiences. Starting at around Dhs36,000 for one-bedroom, most of the buildings might have gyms and swimming pool facilities depending on the chosen venue.
Dubai Hills Estate

After becoming another key golfing destination in the region, located only 15 minutes away from Downtown Dubai, Dubai Hills Estate is a new aspirational city within a city with elegantly-planned neighbourhoods. It’s now one of the city’s most popular communities with a 2,700-acre multi-purpose development offering leisure choices and the upcoming Dubai Hills Mall. Starting at around Dhs125,000 for a two-bedroom villa, the community is well beyond affordable for families with both pool and park facilities.
Downtown Dubai

Being extremely unique and stylish to rent, each tower in Downtown has its own charm, depending on your preferences while being surrounded by popular landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain and Dubai Opera. Offering numerous options with studios, one and two bedrooms, featuring ultra-luxury options, the destination overall is a unique love affair with the best of what the city has to offer. Prices start at around Dhs60,000 in Downtown Dubai for a one-bedroom apartment,
Palm Jumeirah

The world’s largest man-made island comprises of a two-kilometre long truck with 17 fronds and 4000 exclusive villas and spacious apartments with beautiful sea views and amazing facilities including a pool, gym, sophisticated beach clubs and restaurants. Starting at Dhs60,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, you can witness the picturesque views of with different hotels to access during your stay.
Meadows

Spread around beautiful lakes with streets lined in lush greenery, the Meadows is nestled away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai in a serene environment offering a secure and peaceful residential area, while providing its residents’ safety and the benefits of living in a gated community. Located next to the Montgomerie golf course, residents can also avail membership opportunities here with the verdant green landscape Starting at around Dhs160,000 a year for a three-bedroom, each villa has a stunning layout with a family-friendly locality.
Jumeirah Village Circle

While being one of the most family-friendly master communities, developed by Nakheel, situated in the heart of new Dubai, it offers residents with amenities in a tranquil setting making it an ideal spot for both renters and buyers. It’s close in proximity to Dubai Marina and JLT, along with facilities such as swimming pools, launderettes and gyms making it a popular destination for those renting.
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