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    This A-list celebrity-approved restaurant has just arrived in Dubai

    Just when you think Dubai has reached its restaurant capacity, another hotspot comes along.
    The latest restaurant to open its doors in Dubai is none another than an A-list celebrity-approved establishment which has been much-loved by all of Hollywood for the last 26 years.

    Il Pastaio originated in Beverly Hills, California by the Sicilian Drago brothers Giacomino, Celestino and Calogero and nearly three decades later is coming over to Dubai.
    The Beverly Hills flagship restaurant has been known to attract quite the A-list crowd including the Hadids – sisters Gigi and Bella Hadid and their father, Mohamed Hadid – the Kardashians, Hailey Baldwin, Justin Bieber, Sofia Vergara and more.

    The new Dubai-based restaurant is located in Business Bay in Al Habtoor City and offers world-class hearty Italian cuisine.
    Signature pasta dishes include the pumpkin ravioli, wide green fettuccini pasta in a venison ragu and porcini mushrooms green ravioli stuffed with mushrooms, cheese fondue and truffle sauce, risotto verde and more.
    Delicious and delectable desserts include pannacotta, tiramisu, crostata alla banana and more.
    So, if you were looking to try out a new restaurant in Dubai in 2021, where better to start than an A-list celebrity-approved one?
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    UAE resident that’s been away for 6 months or more? Here’s what you need to know

    As the last year the globe has been battling the COVID-19 pandemic, many have been uprooted and stranded in different countries due to restrictions on travel. This means many UAE residents may have been affected.
    If you are a UAE resident that has been away from the country for more than six months, it’s been confirmed by Flydubai on their website that they will be able to return from now until March 31, 2021.
    Approval travelling to Dubai

    If you’re a Dubai resident, approval is required from the the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
    The form can be accessed here, where you’ll need to provide your visa details, passport details and Emirates ID details. You can also check your visa validity on the GDRFA website.
    Approval travelling to other emirates

    For those travelling to other emirates you can access the required form from the Federal Authority here.
    COVID-19 testing requirments to enter Dubai
    Towards the end of last year, it was confirmed by Dubai-based airline that all tourists from the UK and Germany can be tested upon arrival at Dubai airport.
    For the following countries the below rules apply: Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States (New York, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Seattle).
    For UAE residents, they are able to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test which is valid 96 hours before the date of departure or can simply be tested upon arrival into Dubai.
    Tourists need to present a negative COVID-19 test which is valid 96 hours before the date of departure. However, those coming from Germany and the UK can opt for a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
    Those who are transiting passengers from the above countries are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by your final destination.
    For the remaining countries the below rules apply: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United States (California, Florida, Texas), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
    Two COVID-19 tests are required for UAE residents – one 96 hours before the departure date and a second upon arrival in Dubai.
    Two COVID-19 tests are required for tourists – one 96 hours before the departure date and a second upon arrival in Dubai.
    Transiting passengers from these countries must have a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test, as well as any requirements for their final destination.
    It should be noted that a PCR test is required and you need to have a printed verification in English or Arabic – SMS or digital versions will not be accepted.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Rimowa Instagram More

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    ‘We renew our optimism’: Sheikh Mohammed’s meeting with fellow GCC leaders

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has shared his optimism following a groundbreaking meeting with fellow GCC leaders.
    The Ruler of Dubai flew to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday and was greeted by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

    As well as Sheikh Mohammed, the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Crown Prince of Bahrain Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa and Oman’s Deputy Prime Minister Fahad Al Said were all in attendance.

    The leaders and heads of delegations of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) sign the Final Communique and Al-Ula Declaration.#GulfSummitInAlUla #SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/GvGtF91BCo
    — SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) January 5, 2021

    However, it was the attendance of the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that signified an optimistic future for the future of the GCC. It was the first time the Qatari ruler attended a summit since 2017.
    Prior to the 41st Gulf Cooperation Council summit, Saudi Arabia opened its airways to Qatar and signifies what could come for the UAE and other GCC nations.
    All of the leaders and heads of delegations of the GCC signed the Final Communique and Al-Ula Declaration, which is a “renewal of faith in the progress of countries of the GCC”, Sheikh Mohammed said.

    محمد بن راشد: نجدد شكرنا للملكة العربية السعودية رعايتها هذه القمة الناجحة … ونجدد ثقتنا في مسيرة دول مجلس التعاون .. ونجدد تفاؤلنا بأن السنوات القادمة تحمل استقراراً وأمناً وأماناً وعملاً وإنجازاً سيخدم شعوبنا .. ويسهم في استقرار محيطنا. pic.twitter.com/HYfxNHk4Bw
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

    Sheikh Mohammed added that there is a renewed “optimism that the coming years will bring stability and security and achievements that serve our people… and contributes to the stability of those around us”.
    Meanwhile, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also reiterated a similar sentiment on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
    “This affirms the importance of the solidarity and stability in the Gulf, Arab and Islamic countries and strengthens the bonds of friendship and brotherhood among our countries and peoples in order to serve their aspirations,” he said, as per the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
    “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s firm and continuous policy, future plans, and ambitious development vision (the Kingdom Vision 2030) prioritises a unified and solid Gulf Cooperation Council.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Dubai Media Office More

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    9 inspiring Saudi women who have made an impact on the world

    From scaling major world summits to reaching for the stars quite literally, Saudi Arabia continues to champion female entrepreneurs and contributors who have made their mark already while inspiring future generations.
    READ: 10 Saudi female content creators you need to be following
    As these women continue to make strides in the Kingdom while making headlines globally, Emirates Woman has curated a list of inspirational women who’ve been breaking stereotypes for decades.
    HRH Princess Lamia

    Her Royal Highness Princess Lamia Bint Majid Al Saud has made it her life’s mission to help others, particularly advocating for women. Through her incredible philanthropic work, Her Royal Highness is changing the world, one incredible story at a time.

    “If you are fortunate enough to have access to resources or a raised platform, it is your responsibility to support and empower those who are not as fortunate,” Princess Lamia told EW in an interview for ‘The Power Issue’.
    Harnessing this desire to help others, Her Royal Highness began working with Alwaleed Philanthropies – an organisation founded by His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 40 years ago. Passionate about advocating for women’s empowerment both in Saudi Arabia and globally, in her role with Alwaleed Philanthropies, Princess Lamia has been able to lead and work on a whole host of impactful and fulfilling projects to help women and youth.
    HRH Princess Reema

    Her Royal Highness Princess Reema Bint Bandar Al-Saud is an iconic female figure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, consistently advocating for women in the region and works tirelessly to expand opportunities for Saudi women.
    Princess Reema has been a member of the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee since 2017 and of the IOC Women in Sports Commission since 2018. She then became president of the Mass Participation Federation in October 2018.
    However, it was last year that she made history becoming the first female to be Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States. And just a few months ago, another history-making moment happened for Princess Reema – she became the first Saudi female ambassador to be officially elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
    Aseel Al-Hamad

    From being the founder of IDegree Design, an integrated interior design agency to becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Saudi Arabian Motor Federation, Aseel has become a voice of female motorists in Saudi Arabia. With not much exposure to driving due to the legal restriction for women driving, Al-Hamad took full advantage of the opportunities that came her way and proved to be a success.
    Noha Al-Yousef

    After beginning her professional career while being in her second year of university, Noha Al-Yousef was appointed as the youngest Saudi CEO of a group of companies in the Kingdom during her final year of studies. She went on to found the Ithraa Consulting group in 2009,located in Jeddah, which is primarily used to provide consultancy services and studies in the field of developing Saudi female employment and projects.
    Emon Shakoor

    This tech entrepreneur launched Blossom, which is the first accelerator that aims to empower women and enable startups in the Kingdom. Emon Shakoor was also previously a neuroscience researcher at the University of California and has also overseen hundreds of Pfizer clinical drug trials across North America, while being a savvy businesswoman and seizing every opportunity.
    Mishaal Ashemimry

    Having had a fascination for space since she was young, Mishaal Ashemimry became the first female aerospace engineer in the GCC. Ashemimry is also the first Saudi woman to join NASA. She aims to continue to inspire Arab youths to encourage to overcome all challenges while using her social media as a source of inspiration as she reaches for the stars.
    Raha Moharrak

    Raha Moharrak became the first Saudi woman to scale Everest back in 2013. Throughout her career, this adventure-seeker has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Vinson, Mount Elbrus, Aconcagua, Kala Pattar, Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl.
    Dina Al-Tayeb

    Being the first Saudi woman to complete ironman, Dina Al-Tayeb is a practising dentist who has completed over 100 triathlons. She made history qualifying for The Ironman World Championship as it is considered one of the most difficult races in the world.
    Mashael Alrajhi

    Riyadh-born designer Mashael Alrajhi has created a strong presence in the world of fashion. While focusing on handmade artisan craftsmanship by adding a touch of minimalism to her collection. Alrajhi is at the crux of deviating from the trends of her contemporaries while creating a fashion emporium that represents its cultural origin.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    What to Do if You’re Living Paycheck to Paycheck

    If it seems like your paycheck is disappearing right before your eyes and you’re always anxiously awaiting your next payday, you’re familiar with the feeling of stretching a dollar to its limits. The anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck is unnerving. Unfortunately, many of us have been there, and sometimes, at no fault of our own. Living from paycheck to paycheck might leave you to think that you are spending unwisely, but you may just need to fine-tune your expenses, set a budget, and take a closer look at what’s coming out and going into your bank account each payday. You deserve to see the fruits of your hard-earned money, not watch it go by while living on pins and needles financially until your next payday rolls in. 
    There are no shortcuts or secrets on how to maintain a healthy relationship with your money to avoid living from paycheck to paycheck, but you can be better equipped to make your money last longer and work smarter for you. Here are a few tips you can use if you are struggling to make ends meet in between paydays.
     
    Evaluate your expenses 
    Your expenses are usually the biggest culprit as to why you might be living paycheck to paycheck. Expenses often include fixed bills like your rent or mortgage, car payments, utilities, and other living expenses that don’t fluctuate much month-by-month, and variable expenses like transportation costs, dining and eating out, your personal care expenses, and other costs that can easily increase or decrease, depending on your personal spending. 
    Take a closer look at all of your expenses, down to the dollar, to evaluate where your money is truly going—even after you’ve paid all of your bills. This will help you map out how little or how much money is being spent after every paycheck. What is being spent each paycheck on food, drinks, living expenses, and other personal items? Write down how much you’re spending on a daily basis after each paycheck has hit your bank account. 
    As you assess your expenses on a paycheck-by-paycheck basis, evaluate what’s being spent and how much is going out, especially if you’ve set up auto-pay on any of your bills. Are you finding that your cable bill or your online subscriptions are going up each month? If you have these services on auto-pay, don’t continue to set and forget them. Make sure to skim through the breakdown of your bills each month to make sure you aren’t paying more than you should. 
    Another part of your expenses is how much is being taken out of your paycheck each pay for taxes, health, dental insurance, and retirement. It’s important to keep track of your contributions and elections for each to see if you can save any extra dollars by modifying your deductions. It’s best to consult with your Human Resources team or personal finance advisor about ways you can save money being taken out of your paycheck. 
    Evaluating your expenses can be cringeworthy, making you take a hard, honest look at your finances and addressing how you’re spending your money, but it’ll help you gain more control over where your hard-earned money is going to help you better manage it. 

    Now Available: The Everygirl 2021 Planners!

    Use a budgeting app 
    There’s no shortage of budgeting tools and apps on the market that can help you track and control your spending so that you can stop living from paycheck to paycheck. There are a wide variety of budgeting apps to choose from that can fit your financial situation and personal preferences, from apps that track your daily spending straight from your linked bank account to ones that let you manually track your expenses yourself. Many of these apps also offer tips and ways you can help curb your spending by grouping your transactions into categories so that you can easily visualize how much you’re spending in each area of your life, from shopping to bills and utilities. 
    From the EveryDollar app to You Need A Budget (YNAB), these device-friendly apps are designed to keep you on top of your spending and expenses in an easily accessible way. Stop living from paycheck to paycheck by using a budgeting tool to monitor your expenses and track where your money ends up after getting paid. Look at it as your accountability partner, reminding you to give every dollar a job, spend more wisely, and prepare for those unexpected expenses before they siphon your paycheck. 

    Consider a side hustle 
    Sometimes, no matter how much you try to make your check stretch after payday, one job may not be enough to cover all of your expenses, especially if you’re facing a financial hardship. If your schedule permits, pick up a side gig, as increasing your income might help alleviate some of the stress of living paycheck to paycheck. 
    Assess your personal and work schedules to see if picking up another source of income can work for you. If you have a specific skill or are trained in a specific field or trade, find a side job that will accommodate what you already have knowledge or experience in and what might fit your schedule. From freelancing to customer service to project-based jobs, there are many ways to make money on the side to offset any loss of income. Make sure your side hustle fits your lifestyle and is budgeted into your already-existing expenses, and that it doesn’t tempt you into adding more expenses to your budget. 

    Source: Abigail Yonker

    Downsize your lifestyle 
    After evaluating your bills and expenses, it may be time to cut some of your spending and downsize where you can to give yourself more room in between paychecks. 
    A great place to start is your personal spending. Are you able to cut out a few trips to Starbucks or on online shopping? Are you able to save a few extra dollars by doing your own hair and nails or working out at home instead of paying for the gym? See where you can cut back on your personal spending in a few areas like food, drinks, personal care, and entertainment—a few spending categories most people end up overspending each month.  
    Next, try evaluating ways you can save a few extra dollars by downsizing your living if possible, cutting back on what you spend on wants vs. needs each paycheck. This could include your cable and internet services, subscriptions you barely use, and other various services you could possibly live without. Find ways to share these services with friends and family and split the cost of them to help free up some money for you. 

    Don’t skimp on saving
    Even though living from paycheck to paycheck can be daunting, no matter how tight your wallet gets, don’t forget to budget in money for savings. It might be tempting to forget or push off saving due to the stress of taking care of bills and other expenses, but saving is a very important tool to help you get out of the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle. 
    Set aside a few dollars each paycheck to go straight into your savings automatically before any spending. Saving first before spending helps you set aside your hard-earned money for emergencies or future expenses so that you’re not using your last dollar solely on paying bills with nothing to fall back on. Even if it’s only small amounts here and there, each payday, designate a portion of your check to yourself in a savings account. Paying yourself first is one of the most important steps in managing your money wisely. 

    How do you avoid living from paycheck-to-paycheck? More

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    The UAE plans to have 50 per cent of the population vaccinated by March

    With two COVID-19 vaccines now being administered in the UAE, plans have been announced to have 50 per cent of the nation’s population vaccinated in the first quarter of 2021, which could be as early as March.
    In a recent press briefing on COVID-19 in the UAE, Dr. Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE health sector outlined the plans for the COVID-19 vaccines in the UAE.

    Dr. Al Hosani explained that around eight per cent of the population, to date, has been vaccinated.
    “To date, 826,301 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered, equivalent to 47,000 doses per day, and eight per cent of the country’s total population,” she said.

    “We aim to reach more than 50 per cent of the country’s population during the first quarter of this year. This will help us reduce cases in general, reduce critical cases in particular, and control the disease better in the next phase.”
    Sinophram vaccine
    At present, there are two vaccines available in the UAE. The first one that was approved to be administered was the Sinopharm vaccine.
    The vaccine underwent clinical trials in Abu Dhabi during summer last year and it was confirmed by health authorities saying that the “analysis [from the trial of 31,000 people] shows no serious safety concerns”.
    High-up government officials including His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, Her Excellency Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaab, the Minister of Culture and Youth and more have received the Sinopharm vaccine.
    Pfizer vaccine
    Then, less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    The vaccine has already started to be rolled out, with some government ministers already receiving their first doses. As of today, this now includes Director-General of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) Her Excellency Mona Al Marri.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram More

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    Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are ‘to separate after 8 years together’

    Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are reportedly separating after more than eight years together – six of which they have been married.
    According to E! News, the pair – who first met back in 2002, but started dating in 2012 – are separating, but Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet.

    The beauty mogul and the rapper are effectively living separate lives and “haven’t spent time together as a married couple in months” and have only spent time together with their four children – North, seven, Saint, five, Chicago, two, and 20-month-old Psalm.

    “Kim knows the marriage is over,” a source told E!. “She’s known for a while.”
    As to exactly why Kardashian hasn’t officially filed for divorce as of yet, she just wants to be sure she’s “making the right decision for the kids”, according to the publication.
    And while the source added that she’ll “always care for Kanye… it’s over between them”.
    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 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

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    Dubai has announced the introduction of a reduced quarantine time

    The Dubai Health Authority has announced a new quarantine timeline for some COVID-19 patients and those who have been in close contact.
    In a series of posts made via the Dubai Media Office, it was announced that the isolation period has been reduced to 10 days for certain cases, four days less than the original 14-day quarantine guidelines.

    The #Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has announced that the isolation period for certain COVID-19 patients and close contact cases has been reduced to 10 days from the initial 14-day period. https://t.co/oldZ4Ae7ea pic.twitter.com/bjueoEbrw9
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

    In a statement issued by the DHA, it was stated that the “shortened isolation period is applicable to COVID-19 patients who did not develop any symptoms since testing positive”.
    Similarly, these rules also apply to those COVID-19 patients who have fully recovered from their symptoms.
    In more severe cases for those who were hospitalised, they will only be able to be discharged once they have tested negative in a PCR test two consecutive times that are 24 hours (or more) apart.

    Individuals who have come in close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case but did not develop any symptoms should also abide by the new quarantine period of 10 days, starting from the day they were exposed to the confirmed case.
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 5, 2021

    COVID-19 vaccine in Dubai
    Less than two weeks ago, the COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was approved to be administered in Dubai.
    After undergoing numerous clinical trials, the vaccine has been found to have 95 per cent efficacy. Recently, the DHA outlined exactly who is currently eligible to receive the vaccine.
    Who is eligible to have the vaccine?
    At present, senior citizens of all nationalities with a valid residence visa over 60 years are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Similarly, people with chronic diseases which include, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, liver and kidney diseases, hypertension, obesity and people with a BMI of 35 or more.
    People with disabilities, often known as ‘people of determination’ in the emirates; frontline workers in the public and private sector, including medical staff, non-medical hospital workers, emergency services and employees in sensitive and vital positions, such as government employees working to tackle the pandemic are also eligible.
    Whos is not eligible to have the Pfizer vaccine?
    There are certain categories which aren’t yet eligible to get the vaccine as per the DHA including pregnant women, nursing mothers, children under the age of 18, people with immunodeficiency diseases and more.

    At present, individuals receiving the vaccine require to have two doses spaced three weeks apart.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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