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    Sheikh Mohammed has made a visit to this exclusive new members club in Dubai

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is no stranger to visiting hotspots in Dubai.
    But the Dubai Ruler’s recent outing was to the most exclusive spot in Dubai to date. His Highness paid a visit to the newly opened The Arts Club Dubai in DIFC.

    With a long-standing history having been founded by Charles Dickens and being located in one of the most luxe localities in London, the decadent private members’ club, has officially opened its doors in Dubai.
    Sheikh Mohammed was spotted at the exclusive spot on Tuesday, January 12, dining at their Nikkei Cuisine concept, Rōhen.

    This newly opened exclusive private members’ clubs will provide its guests with a slew of elegant facilities such as private dining rooms, a cigar lounge, a reader’s haven and specific areas for art exhibitions along with an alfresco dining experience overlooking the stunning skyline of Dubai in the laidback rooftop atmosphere of its restaurant, Brasserie.
    In addition, there will be various membership categories offered such as full, spouse, young for this under 30s and international. More details regarding the one-off joining fee and the annual subscription will soon be disclosed.
    An exclusive selection will be offered to individuals who have an interest in arts, music, literature, design, science, technology, health and wellbeing, business, finance, law, fashion and entrepreneurship.
    For more information regarding The Arts Club Dubai, which will be located in ICD Brookfield DIFC visit theartsclub.ae.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Instagram @artsclubdubai More

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    Aerial art – EW’s January cover star Mayassa Al-Tajir

    January’s – ‘The Positivity Issue’ – Download Now
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Žiga MihelcicFashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
    Aerial artist, fitness enthusiast and wellness expert, Mayassa Al-Tajir shares with us her positive approach to life.
    How does your morning routine set you up for a positive day?

    I am more Lark than Nightingale, so the morning is my favourite part of the day. I usually wake up at 5:30am without an alarm, just so that I can steal an extra hour of me-time before the day actually starts, this helps me feel grounded. I always start with a large cup of English Breakfast tea while I draw as I love the history of art, so I spend my first hour in the morning sketching, shading and enjoying the quiet, while the rest of the house sleeps. I feel that positivity and productivity come hand in hand, we are never happier, when we feel accomplished, and so I always start my day this way.
    You follow a holistic approach to health and fitness- how did you discover this path?
    This is a tricky question because sometimes I feel like I haven’t quite made it down the path as yet. I have always been looking for the path, searching, as most of us do for fulfilment, belonging, a sense of purpose, all those heavy anchors that bind. In the end, it did turn out to be a holistic approach, I just didn’t realise it at the time. I think it started after I had my second child, I had a tough pregnancy, and difficult birth, which left me with no core, I had severe diastasis recti and back issues. Both ailments were just something I was not willing to accept, so after grieving the loss of my core, I decided it was time to heal. I took up yoga, after which I followed my love for the aerial arts, and now I have a very strong core. Now each step I take, I am motivated to stay strong and keep my core safe.

    How does movement impact mindset?
    My main form of movement is yoga, which in itself is a very mindful approach to the movement. You are very aware of your body and your muscle movements, and your breath. In the moment of practice, the mind becomes raw and bright, you forget about your giant to-do list, as the mind becomes unblocked. I believe aerial movement needs to be extremely coordinated, you are concentrating all the time, for the flow, at times I feel I am in a math class, trying to memorise different formulas. In short, movement wakes up the mind, when you expel energy you feel energised, and the breath nourishes, and so clarity of mind always comes at the end of the practice.
    What motivated you to start practising aerials and what challenges have you overcome on your journey?
    I started off with yoga, which I believe is the fundamental backbone of any kind of physical exercise. My favourite yoga practice would have to be vinyasa and arm balances, being an artist at heart. I can’t resist the beauty of the poses, shapes, the strength and the grace of the human form. Thereby aerials were naturally the next progression in the journey. I like variety and I like to feel challenged, and the real beauty of aerial arts is that it just doesn’t feel like exercise as I am not a gym person, in any shape or form. I don’t even know how to turn on those gym machines. But in aerials, you combine height, spinning, drops, shapes, climbs, and dance in the practice, it is a very beautiful, inspiring art, where you continually progress on your journey, there is no end, and therefore there is no limit.
    The main challenges have been to balance strength and flexibility, you require them both, and I believe that finding the correct balance between these two fundamental elements is everyone’s Achilles’ heel. You need complete core to be able to lift your own body weight, and sometimes hang on just one arm or one ankle even, and you need to be able to bend, and open your heart and breath inverted. I have never found inversions challenging, but sometimes I have said a prayer or two before doing drops.
    Which inspiring books are currently on your reading list?
    I am a book worm! Currently, I am reading Be Water my Friend the true teachings of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee, which is a remarkably beautiful book, filled with inspirational quotes and life teachings, while continually focusing on the fact that we are all becoming, and we should enjoy the journey of becoming, despite the obstacles. The cup should be empty, because that is the purpose of the cup, and then, of course, you get to fill it. I am also reading The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair, a real dream of a book for any artist, it reveals the history and story of different colour pigments, their symbolism and meaning, e.g. gold is the colour of desire. How beautiful is that?
    What are your health and wellness goals for 2021?
    I never have actual health goals per se, but they usually tie into my aspirations for new experiences. I have a habit of trying to learn or experience a new hobby or activity with each new year. 2021 shall be the year of the horse! I plan on horse riding every week and galloping across the sand dunes. Other than that, I already have an abundant schedule which includes snowboarding and diving every week. In general, I would say I lead quite an active lifestyle, which is a blessing.

    Do you have any pre-bedtime rituals?
    I try to get into bed as early as I can, the earlier, the better. This ritual usually requires me to cause a distraction in order to sneak off early, while everyone else stays up. But apart for an early night, I don’t have any beauty regime per se apart from brushing my teeth. I do always review my to-do lists at night and see what I can tick off for the next day. My to-do lists are biblical, they are categorized from year to month to week. The more organised you are, the more time you have to do the things.
    This issue is ‘The Positivity Issue’ – how do you stay positive?
    Well I always watch a lot of Disney, aside from that, I stay hydrated and active, I make sure that I start the morning with great expectations, I get excited when I finish my morning sketch, and I am happy to meet my friends in the aerial studio, it’s all about the little things, that end up adding up I guess. I am an extremely visual person, so I take a lot of comfort in my surroundings, I love beautiful spaces or places that hold memories. I like to live a life of appreciation, and I appreciate the knowledge that I can learn every day, and I appreciate my personal efforts in that I try to make every day count, nothing should be wasted. It is a difficult trick to make sure that the mind takes nothing for granted, and in this way, everything has a purpose. When I do feel down, I try to understand my mood, and then what strategy I can apply to fix it or clean it. Sadness only comes when we feel defeated, and so I always ask myself “what does it do to your heart?” and I genuinely let it go because I need all my time to do the things I love. I live a life abundant with hobbies and beautiful friends, and they keep me flowing.
    January’s – ‘The Positivity 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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    This Saudi student’s ingenious invention will change lives around the world

    After being previously acknowledged as one of the best female inventors in the world in 2020, Renad Hussain, a medical student at King Saud University (KSU) has come up with an ingenious invention which will change the lives of those who are deaf.
    Hussain has managed to design acoustic sensors to translate sounds outside vehicles which, in turn, sends them as images and colours inside the screen of vehicle, thereby creating a conducive environment for the deaf to drive.

    Her note-worthy innovation is the first of its kind in the Arab World, as she’s also been awarded the World Intellectual Property Organization Cup after putting in over three years of research and development at KSU.
    As per the World Health Organisation reports that 60 per cent of childhood hearing loss is due to preventable causes, and that around 1.1 billion young people between the ages of 12 and 35 years “are at risk of hearing loss due to exposure to noise in recreational settings”.
    It’s been estimated by WHO that by 2050 over 900 million people will have disabling hearing loss.
    While giving over 446 million around the world a chance to drive cars, this breakthrough technology is certainly set to reduce the risks which hard-of-hearing people are exposed to.
    By giving them the confidence to go behind the wheel, Hussain was also awarded the gold medal at the Korea International Olympiad for the best invention in the world.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Twitter @First1Saudi More

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    The full guide to renting a home in Dubai in 2021

    With Dubai being an international hub, renting is an important aspect which must be given careful thought and consideration to avoid any unnecessary complications or expenses.
    From choosing a home to finalising the Ejari, there are a number of steps involved in the process which many may not be aware of, especially if you’re new to Dubai.

    While the vibrant city has a selection of popular hotspots with upcoming locations to possibly move to, being well-equipped with the processes involved will make the entire journey quite effortless and will save you time. The steps for finalizing a home for rent include:
    Shortlist a property
    Depending on preferences and budget constraints, there are various websites such as bayut.com or propertyfinder.com which provide tailor-made options as per your requirements on the above. Whether you’re looking for a villa or an apartment, there are plenty of options for you to choose from including details which are broken down such as furnished or unfurnished, balcony and number of bathrooms. After shortlisting a few, based on location, amenities and finishing, you can get in touch with the listed landlord or agent for the property.

    Note: agents usually charge between a two to five per cent commission if you go ahead with a property.
    Schedule a visit
    Once a date and time is scheduled to visit, carefully observe the neighbourhood and scan the property or arrange another visit incase any doubts still linger. Ask any questions relating to parking spots, the inclusion of facilities, plumbing and if the fixtures are in good working conditions. In case of any minor issues such as paint or slight damage ensure to have that sorted before signing the rental agreement, otherwise, later on, might be too late. As per the neighbourhood, it’s always better to ensure, it’s not noisy, is it family-friendly, is there any public transport close by and are there any construction sites nearby to be completely satisfied with everything. Ensure you also ask about bills, if there is a gas connection, if chiller (air conditioning) is included and how many cheques are expected. The number of cheques you pay in – two, four, six or 12 – can often be negotiated.

    Finalise the offer
    Ensure the contracts have mutual payment terms agreements is as also agreed upon by the landlord. Always make sure that the real estate is RERA-registered and ask for the broker number to be certain.
    Lynette Abad, the director or research and data at Property Finder explains, “First, always make sure to work with a RERA certified agent who can help you with the process. Before moving in, you should take pictures and a video of the unit and send it to the agent and the landlord.  Also, if there is anything that needs to be repaired, write a formal email to your agent and landlord of the items asking for them to be repaired before moving in.”
    Book the property
    In order to reserve the house, a refundable security deposit of around five per cent of the rest will be required. As per real estate agents, the amount will be held until the deal is finalised, do ensure a receipt or proof is received when submitting the deposit cheque or cash with the documents needed for the process which include a passport copy and residence visa copy. It’s also important to take pictures of the property along with a copy of the landlord’s passport copy to retain the security deposit later.
    Review the tenancy agreement and then sign
    Always proofread the contract carefully to ensure they are in line with Dubai’s tenancy laws, while understanding what tenants are entitled to before agreeing upon. If any clauses wish to be added or removed, they can be done if there is a mutual agreement with the landlord. If all the terms are ok to proceed with, sign the tenancy contract after which you make sure, a copy of the contract is kept with you. If there is an agent involved, they will usually get the tenancy contract signed by the landlord and handover the cheques given by you. After which, the keys and access cards are handed over to you with acknowledgement form signed that everything has been received along with the handover contract signed.

    Ejari Registration
    Registering the tenancy contract with the Ejari is the responsibility of the landlord. Typically, the landlord will assign this to the real estate agent. However, in practice, the tenant will complete the process and pay the required fees.
    You must be sure that all deposits, contract duration and rent amounts are clearly stated in your Ejari. You can register on Ejari here or via the Ejari app as well.
    Registering your tenancy contract with Ejari will cost you Dhs220 at the typing centre. You can head to the typing centres in Al Manara Centre, Al Barsha Mall, Oud Metha, Port Saeed or Zabeel to register your Ejari. The Ejari desk is open from 8am to 8pm from Sunday to Thursday and 9am to 2pm on Saturday. During Ramadan, the Ejari desks are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays only.
    You will need to fill out a registration form when you arrive, so make sure you have your new address and tenancy contract number with you along with copies of the following documents.
    The documents required to register with Ejari include:
    Original signed tenancy contract
    Security deposit receipt
    Tenant’s Passport (for non-GCC countries nationals)
    Tenant’s UAE Visa (for non-GCC countries nationals)
    Tenant’s Emirates ID
    Copies of the landlord’s passport (if an individual)
    Copy of a valid power of attorney document (if the contract has been signed by a PoA). Power of attorney documents must be renewed every year to remain valid.
    Copy of title deed of the rented property
    9-digit DEWA Premises Number (or copies of recent DEWA bills/Green bill accepted)
    DEWA bill and previous Ejari if you are renewing
    Trade license (in the case of commercial properties)
    Once the registration is complete, you will receive the official Ejari contract, which includes a unique Ejari ID number. You will use this number to register for your DEWA account, which you can now conveniently do online.
    Register Ejari via the mobile app
    Alternatively, you can register your tenancy contract and upload your documentation using the Ejari official app on Dubai Rest application from Dubai Land Department.
    Download the Dubai Rest and register with your Emirates ID, passport and visa copy. Upload documents, including tenancy contract, Emirates ID, landlord and tenant’s passport and visa copy, and title deed copy, on the app. Your landlord needs to be registered on Dubai Rest as well. Once she/he approves the documents on the app, an Ejari certificate will be issued in two working days. It costs AED 172 to register your Ejari via the app.
    To use this method, your landlord must be registered on the Ejari also. Once your landlord approves the documents on the app, an Ejari certificate will be issued in two working days.
    The official Ejari contract will include a unique Ejari ID number. This number is used to register for your DEWA account, which you can now conveniently complete online.
    The Ejari registration can be done here.

    Apply for a DEWA connection
    For a new connection, the DEWA premise number, Ejari number, landlord’s passport copy, your passport copy and Emirates ID, completed DEWA form and security deposit payment are needed to finalise the connection. Once the required deposit is paid, the online payment and getaway service will be activated within 24 hours of registration and payment.
    The DEWA registration can be done here.
    Move-in form
    Various popular communities in Dubai, primarily the projects developed by Emaar, will require a move-in permit, with the following documents such as passport copy, Emirates ID, payment completion certificate, tenancy contract copy and recent service charge receipt.
    Moving in
    Once the move-in permit is arranged, everything is ready for a fresh new start. From packers and movers to furniture delivery services, there are plenty of options to ease your moving process.
    With regard to construction noises while moving in, Abad has also said, “This is Dubai and we are surrounded by construction. You can contact RTA or the Municipality at 800 900 to file a complaint. Construction hours are 7am to 8pm with a  decibel noise of no more than 55. Developers can apply for special permits to work in the night however the decimal noise can be no more than 45 decibels. To put this in perspective, a hairdryer is about 60 decibels.”
    Top tips
    Always check a couple of options before making a final offer, as annual contracts might make it tricky to leave later on.
    For single-cheque arrangements, ensure your completely satisfied otherwise losses could be incurred.
    Ensure all service charges have been settled by the landlord before you move in. Your agent should be able to check this and get it in writing.
    A rental dispute in Dubai can always be filed in case of any inconvenience caused by the landlord.
    As per any hidden costs, Property Finder’s Abad also says, “What tenants need to keep in mind is to always go through the contract and addendum well. The hidden costs are really in the addendum. For example, if repairs are needed in the home and it’s not clearly defined who pays for it, most likely it will fall on the tenant. These types of items need to be spelt out very well in the addendum.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Property Finder, Images: Unsplash, Pexels More

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    Carrie Bradshaw is officially returning to TV, but something will be missing

    And just like that… Carrie Bradshaw is returning to our television screens.
    Sixteen years after the iconic Sex and the City series ended in 2004, the show is returning to its TV roots with HBO Max for a limited 10 show series.

    The new reboot will be entitled And Just Like That and will, of course, feature Sarah Jessica Parker – and her beloved Manolo Blahniks – and also Cynthia Nixon who plays Miranda and Kristin Davis who plays Charlotte.
    However, there will something missing from the show – Kim Catrall, who has previously played Samantha Jones. Catrall has previously made it clear she has no intentions of returning to the role she’s played on and off for the better part of two decades.

    As for what to expect from And Just Like That, this reboot will explore the three women in their 50s.
    “I grew up with these characters, and I can’t wait to see how their story has evolved in this new chapter, with the honesty, poignancy, humour and the beloved city that has always defined them,” Sarah Aubrey, head of original content at HBO Max, said in a statement discussing the reboot.
    A teaser trailer was released to announce the return of the iconic SATC characters. The short clip which was posted to SJP’s Instagram showcased some shots of New York City, as well as Carrie Bradshaw’s laptop where the words “And just like that…” and “The story continues…” can be seen.
    As for when the story will officially continue hasn’t been announced yet.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: HBO, Sarah Jessica Parker Instagram More

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    Ready to Land Your Dream Job in 2021? Read This First

    If you’re ready to stop spending 40+ hours a week hating what you do, we’re here to help.  We’re firm believers that it is possible to love your job and that there are specific strategies you can put in place to help you get there. 

    It all starts with identifying your passions, your strengths, and the uniqueness that makes you special—then highlighting all that goodness on paper, online, and in your interview to wow recruiters and future employers with what you already know you’re capable of. Our Landing Your Dream Job online course is a 100-page workbook packed with worksheets, prompts, templates, and advice to help you organize your online presence, buff up your resume, and enter the job market with the confidence to succeed. Because it’s just a matter of getting in front of the right person and showing them exactly what you can do. Ready to get started? 

    What does the course cover? 
    The 100-page workbook is broken down into seven sections, based on skills you’ll need as you prepare to enter the job market (either for the first time, to change careers, to spruce up your networking game, and more). Each section includes notes and insight from successful women (like our cofounders!), guided worksheets, prompts, resource lists, and further reading to help you organize your thoughts and ideas and feel prepared to wow recruiters and future employers. The course also includes five exclusive resume, cover letter, and email signature templates to help you present your professional best. 

    What do I need to take this course? 
    All you need to get started is a pen and paper. We also recommend gathering any current materials you have—like your resumes and former cover letters—so you can review everything in one place and start making updates. 
    The course is completely self-paced, so you can start working through each section at the time that works for you—whether that is Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee, Tuesday nights with a glass of wine, or anywhere in between. After purchasing, you’ll have a full year of access to the course, and unlimited lifetime access to all the course downloads. 
    The course also includes five exclusive resume, cover letter, and email signature templates which are available as both Photoshop and Word files, so you can edit them with your information and customize them to work for you.  
    You can access our course platform from any browser, so no apps or extra software needed. Once you purchase the course, you’ll be prompted to create an account with a username and password, which is how you’ll login to access your courses. Questions about how the course system works? Reach out to [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help. 

    Frequently asked questions

    When does the course start? 

    Since the course is entirely self-paced, you can start it whenever works best for you! Upon purchasing, you’ll have immediate access to the full course, including the guided worksheets and templates. You can only enroll in the course until TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th, so be sure to grab your spot now. 

    How much does the course cost? 

    The full course—including the 100-page workbook, resource lists, templates, and Facebook group access— is $95 and we’re also offering a payment plan of two monthly payments of $47.50. 

    What’s included with the course?  

    Your purchase of the course gets you immediate access to our online platform, where you can download your workbook and templates and start learning immediately. Each section of the course includes section notes, advice, insight from experts, guided worksheets, prompts, and resource lists. The course also includes five exclusive resume, cover letter, and email signature templates. And finally, the course includes an invitation to our private Facebook group, where you can ask questions and connect with other course attendees. 

    How do I claim my spot? 
    After you purchase, you’ll have immediate access to the course and the ability to start learning right away. Remember, the course is completely self-paced, so you can move through it at a rate that works for you. Enrollment is only open until TUESDAY, JANUARY 19th so be sure to grab your spot now before it’s too late! 

    Questions? 
    If you have any questions about our Landing Your Dream Job course or any of our other online courses, leave a comment here or reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help! More

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    The UAE has been dropped from the UK’s travel corridor list

    After a travel corridor was established between the UAE and the UK two months ago, the UAE has now been dropped from the UK’s no-quarantine list.

    As of today, anyone travelling to the UK from the UAE must undergo a mandatory quarantine period of 10 days due to the spike in COVID-19 cases.
    While yesterday Scotland added Dubai to its quarantine list, this new rule now applies to all nations across the UK and to the whole of the UAE, as confirmed by Britain’s Department for Transport.
    COVID-19 testing requirements
    Just a few days ago, it was announced by the UK government that all incoming travellers from any country – whether they be visitors or British citizens – must ensure they have a negative COVID-19 PCR test which has been done within 72 hours.
    These changes have come following an increasing number of cases in the UK due to a new reported strain of the virus which can spread more quickly.
    For those travelling, if you are found without a negative COVID-19 test result will be given an immediate £500 fine.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Emirates More

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    ‘All signs point to divorce’ for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

    Last week reports surfaced that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West had separated after eight years together, six of which they have been married.
    E! News reported that Kardashian hadn’t officially filed for divorce as she wanted to be sure she’s “making the right decision for the kids”.
    READ: Kim Kardashian deletes photo which hints at the status of her marriage

    However, now according to Entertainment Tonight, that divorce is inevitable for the couple as the beauty entrepreneur is wanting to focus on “a lot of amazing things that are coming her way”.

    “Kim has tried everything she can to make things work with Kanye but it’s not working,” a source told the publication. “Kim has held on to the relationship in hopes of a change and for the sake of the kids, but all signs are pointing to divorce.”
    The couple reportedly spent the festive period separately, with West residing in Wyoming on their ranch, while Kardashian was with her family and their children in Los Angeles and Lake Tahoe.
    Difficulties in 2020
    Last year was a particularly difficult year for West’s mental health. In the latter half of 2020, West began posting a series of erratic Twitter posts regarding personal matters, his family and more.
    Following this, there were various reports that the couple’s marriage was strained but Kardashian was determined to make it work.

    At the beginning of August, the reality star even took to Instagram to address the erratic behaviour her husband has been showing and also addressed his bipolar disorder.
    “As many of you know, Kanye has bipolar disorder,” she began. “Anyone who has this or has a loved one in their life who does, knows how incredibly complicated and painful it is to understand.”
    She continued to say, “I understand Kanye is subject to criticism because he is a public figure and his actions at times can cause strong opinions and emotions.”
    The 39-year-old went onto highlight how the loss of his mother has affected him, as well as struggling with mental health issues has put “pressure” on him.
    “Living with bipolar disorder does not diminish or invalidate his dreams and his creative ideas, no matter how big or unobtainable they may feel to some,” she said. “That is part of his genius and as we have all witnessed, many of his big dreams have come true.”
    She asked that everyone give “grace” to the individuals, including her husband, who are struggling with mental issues, and also asked for “compassion and empathy” during this trying time.
    Kardashian and West are still yet to make a public statement about their reported split.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Kim Kardashian West Instagram More