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    Nancy Ajram’s new song stirs up raw emotions amongst those from Beirut

    Nancy Ajram is stirring up some raw emotions with her new song which is a direct message to the people of Beirut.
    Titled Illa Beirut Al Ontha which means ‘To The Female, Beirut’ in English, the track is about the heartbreak the people of the Lebanese capital go through when family members and loved ones leave the city.

    The song is actually based on a poem titled To Beirut the Female, With An Apology, which was written by Nizar Qabbani in 1981. It details a woman’s journey in Beirut, and poses the question as to why someone would ever leave.
    While Ajram released the song around two weeks ago, she just dropped the music video which has given the song an even more emotional meaning behind it.

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    In the video, a young Lebanese man is seen having a last supper with his family before leaving Beirut, and shows how heartbroken his mother is by his departure.
    The message in the song is particularly poignant right now given everything going on Beirut in the wake of the devastating blast and amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
    However, the song by the Lebanese singer did end on a hopeful and positive note.
    “For everyone and everything that is forcing us to leave… we will return,” she says.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Nancy Ajram Instagram More

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    Sheikh Hamdan: ‘Whenever you can, make a change’

    Mere days before the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020 is set to start, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, issued a direct message to the public.
    “My challenge to you.. 30 minutes of activity for 30 days wherever you are.. whenever you can.. make a change…,” His Highness said, also encouraging everyone to take part in the challenge which will run from October to November 28.

    Along with the Crown Prince of Dubai’s statement, he shared a motivational video encouraging people to take part in physical activity every day.

    My challenge to you.. 30 minutes of activity for 30 days wherever you are.. whenever you can.. make a change… take the challenge from 30 Oct – 28 Nov 2020 pic.twitter.com/6yOupzibHK
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) October 25, 2020

    Last week, Sheikh Hamdan issued a statement of a similar sentiment, announcing he wants to make the UAE “the most active country in the world”.
    “The return of Dubai Fitness Challenge is a testament to the emirate’s resilience and its commitment to rebuild a stronger and happier society by embracing the benefits of fitness and wellness habits,” he said. “When we create the right habits and make them a part of our lives, we have the opportunity to truly transform ourselves.”
    “Dubai is a city that recognises the importance of physical, mental and social well-being, and constantly strives to provide everyone opportunities for an active lifestyle,” Sheikh Hamdan continued. “All it takes for you to succeed is an unyielding pledge to enjoy 30 minutes of activity for 30 days.
    “I challenge each and every one of you to embrace your fitness journey and make a difference in your life. Together, let’s make the UAE the most active country in the world.”
    This year marks the fourth edition of the DFC and aims to encourage those who live in Dubai, and beyond, to pursue an active lifestyle.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    An official public holiday has been announced for UAE private sector employees

    It’s official: this week will be a four-day week and a three-day weekend.
    It has been announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation that this Thursday will be an official public holiday for all private sector employees to mark Prophet Mohammed’s birthday.

    Last week, the Federal Authority for Government and Human Resources announced Thursday, October 29 was an official public holiday for public sector employees.

    تعلن #وزارة_الموارد_البشرية_والتوطين عن أن يوم 29 أكتوبر القادم سيكون عطلة رسمية مدفوعة الأجر لجميع العاملين في منشآت وشركات القطاع الخاص في الدولة بمناسبة المولد النبوي الشريف. كل عام وأنتم بخير #الامارات #حكومة_الإمارات pic.twitter.com/kvlckx7sPL
    — MOHRE_UAE وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) October 25, 2020

    This means a day off on Thursday, with employees returning to work on Sunday, November 1.
    Remaining public holidays for 2021
    Commemoration Day
    Commemoration Day honours the Emiratis who have sacrificed their lives to protect their country. On December 1, 2020, which falls on a Tuesday, there will be a day off, which is followed by UAE National Day (see below).
    UAE National Day
    Celebrating the unification of the seven emirates, there will two days off for UAE National Day on Wednesday, December 2 and Thursday, December 3. Combining these days off with Commemoration Day, this will mean a five-day weekend at the beginning of the final month of the year.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    Dubai Police issue a reminder to beachgoers ahead of peak season

    As we head into the peak weather season for Dubai, a safety reminder has been issued by Dubai Police.
    The optimum weather to enjoy Dubai’s beaches has arrived which usually entails crowds flocking to the sea, but the public has been warned to follow the implemented COVID-19 guidelines.

    Taking to their official Twitter page, Dubai Police released a ‘Safety on the shores of Dubai’ video outlining the rules in place.

    لأن سلامتكم تهمنا، نرجوا منكم اتباع الإجراءات الاحترازية عند ارتياد شواطئ إمارة #دبي الواردة في الفيديو أعلاه.تعاونوا معنا لنضمن سلامتكم.#نلتزم_لننتصر#الجميع_مسؤول pic.twitter.com/hHfAexekLT
    — Dubai Policeشرطة دبي (@DubaiPoliceHQ) October 24, 2020

    The rules are as follows: make sure you wear a mask unless you’re in the water; keep your distance from others; and ensure you’re in a group of no more than five people.
    There was also a warning that fines would be implemented if anyone was found to have violated the above guidelines.
    Public beaches in Dubai reopened at the end of May after being closed for a couple of months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    Saudi Arabia has appointed its second female ambassador

    Just under two years after Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud was appointed the first-ever female envoy for Saudi Arabia as ambassador to the United States, another female has now been appointed to a similar position.
    Amal Yahya Al-Moallimi was appointed as the Kingdom’s ambassador to Norway, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported last week.

    With over 20 years of experience in education, Al-Moallimi has worked as a teacher, mentor and also in the Educational Training Department at the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia. Most recently she has worked for the Saudi Human Rights Commission (SHRC) since 2019, where she was the director-general of organisations and international cooperation.
    Following her appointment, Al-Moallimi’s brother, Abdallah AlMouallimi, who is a Permanent Representative of Saudi Arabia to the UN, shared his excitement on Twitter.

    “I am proud of my sister Amal, who took the oath today in front of King Salman as the Kingdom’s ambassador to Norway, and thank you to everyone who shared feelings of pride with us,” he said. “May our father Yahya and my mother rest in peace, who raised us to love our country and be loyal to our ruler.”

    Proud of my sister Amal who took the oath of office today in front of King Salman as the new ambassador of KSA to Norway!
    — Abdallah AlMouallimi (@amouallimi) October 21, 2020

    فخور بشقيقتي امال التي ادت القسم اليوم امام خادم الحرمين الشريفين سفيرة للمملكة لدى مملكة النرويج، وشكرا لكل من شاركنا مشاعر الفخر والاعتزاز ورحم الله والدي يحيى ووالدتي معدية الذين ربيانا على حب الوطن والولاء لولاة الامر وطلب العلم والجد في العمل والحمد لله من قبل ومن بعد!
    — Abdallah AlMouallimi (@amouallimi) October 21, 2020

    Last Tuesday, October 21, Al-Moallimi took part in an online ceremony to take oath in the presence of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
    A couple of days after the appointment, Al-Moallimi herself took to Twitter to share her gratitude over her new role.
    “I express my highest thanks and gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his trustworthy Crown Prince His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the dear trust in my appointment as the ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in the Kingdom of Norway,” she said. “I ask God Almighty to reconcile and redeem for the good and the elevation of our country.

    أرفع أسمى آيات الشكر وعظيم الامتنان لمقام سيدي خادم الحرمين الشريفين الملك سلمان بن عبدالعزيز وولي عهده الأمين صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير محمد بن سلمان على الثقة الغالية بتعييني سفيرة خادم الحرمين الشريفين في مملكة النرويج.أسأل الله عز وجل التوفيق والسداد لما فيه خير ورفعة بلادنا
    — ِآمال يحيى المعلمي | Amal Y Almoallimi (@amalalmoallimi) October 22, 2020

    “I would also like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to all who were kind enough to congratulate me, the good calls, and the good wishes.
    “I ask the Lord to make us meet your expectations and to guide our steps for what is good for our dear homeland.”
    It’s yet another exciting history-making move for women in the Kingdom.
    The changes are part of the many initiatives under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 scheme, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, which has a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.
    Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince unveiled in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018 and he has gone on to do much more.
    Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.
    Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
    In the last few months alone, there have been many notable history-making moments and appointments in Saudi Arabia paving the way for women.
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Amal Y Almoallimi Twitter More

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    10 years after its Dubai Mall launch, Bloomingdale’s is taking another big step

    IN PARTNERSHIP: For the last decade, Bloomingdale’s has firmly made its mark in the Middle East.
    Having first launched in Dubai Mall 10 years ago, which then led to its launch in Kuwait’s 360 Mall, this new decade marks a big next step for the luxury department store.

    In the next chapter for Bloomingdale’s Middle East, its new e-commerce platform has now launched, which also marks its expansion into Saudi Arabia. Furthering their online offering, the popular department store has also introduced an iOS app for the region, meaning you can shop right on your phone – it doesn’t get much easier than that.

    Not only will shoppers have access to the most sought-after brands at their fingertips, but the delivery time for pieces will be minimal. For those based in the UAE, same-day delivery will be available and for Kuwait and Saudi, express shipping is available.
    If waiting for your delivery is even too long, customers in the UAE and Kuwait can skip it altogether by opting for Bloomingdale’s Middle East’s two-hour click and collect service.
    Shoppers will be spoilt for choice whether they’re looking for the latest pieces from luxury brands including Saint Laurent, Chloé, Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Balenciaga and Valentino, as well as contemporary labels like Needle & Thread and Nanushka.
    You’ll also be able to treat yourself to the best skincare has to offer from the most sought after beauty brands including Dr. Barbara Strum, Dr. Lancer and EW favourite 111 Skin. Bloomingdale’s is also making it incredibly easy for shoppers to refresh their makeup bags with buys from top brands like Givenchy Beauty.

    And as this year has been the year of all things interiors, the Bloomingdale’s e-commerce platform gives you access to top homeware lines like Cutipol, Wedgwood, Bloomr, L’Objet and Eichholtz.
    In addition, to ensure your little ones don’t miss out, you can treat them to coveted brands like Stella McCartney, Boss, Dolce and Gabbana, Fendi, Givenchy, Moncler and more.
    The Bloomingdale’s online platform is now live and offers delivery across the UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. For more information, visit the bilingual e-commerce platforms – UAE: www.bloomingdales.ae, The Dubai Mall, +971 80056; Kuwait: www.bloomingdales.com.kw, 360 Mall,  +965 2208 4932; Saudi Arabia: www.bloomingdales.sa, online only. 
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    A luxurious new pool lounge is set to open in Dubai Marina next weekend

    If you’re a person who can’t get enough of pool days, then you’re going to love this new launch.
    With dazzling views of the Dubai Marina, Wane by SoMiya pool lounge at the Address Dubai Marina – this was previously known as Shades – is set to launch next weekend.

    To mark the official opening of this fabulous new pool lounge, there is, of course, set to be a fabulous event.
    On Friday, November 6, the fourth floor of the Address Dubai Marina won’t just be the place to be during the day, but it’ll be transformed into the ultimate nighttime venue.

    Then, on Saturday, November 7, there’s set to be a performance from French singer GIMS.
    All in all, there will be some fabulous live entertainment on both nights, which will be both out of the pool and in the pool.
    We suggest you add this one to your calendars soon, as it’ll most likely get booked up quickly.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    A world record was broken in Dubai over the weekend

    Dubai is no stranger to breaking world records, one of the most notable being home to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.
    Now, in another architectural win for the emirate, Dubai has broken another world record for the world’s largest fountain.

    The new fountain located at The Pointe on the Palm – which spans over an area of 14,366 square feet – officially opened over the weekend, putting on a spectacular show.
    It was officially confirmed by a representative from Guinness World Records that the fountain is now the largest around the globe.

    The Pointe’s fountain at Palm Jumeirah in #Dubai officially confirmed as largest in the world.@GWR @ThePointePalm pic.twitter.com/L8afPkpNmg
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 23, 2020

    “GWR is delighted to officially see The Palm Fountain breaking the title of the Largest fountain,” Shaddy Gaad, Senior Marketing Manager for the organisation said.
    “This fountain is an example of another milestone in Dubai’s architectural achievements.”
    Many gathered for a socially distanced opening of the fountain, which has over 3,000 LED lights, 7,500 nozzles and can shoot water up to an impressive 105 metres.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Unsplash More