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    Dubai Shopping Festival is kicking off earlier than usual this year

    The festive season is upon but we suggest waiting for December 17 to shop your list of gifts as the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) makes a dazzling return.
    We know it’s cutting it short for Christmas, but the 26th edition is actually kicking off earlier than usual so use this as an opportunity to bag yourself a great deal across a range of brands and products. Once the busy holiday period has ceased, you still have until January 30 to enjoy discounts and events throughout the city.

    The exciting line-up of events will kick off on December 17 and will include concerts by world-famous music stars, stunning light and fireworks shows, entertainment in malls and activations by big-name retail brands, plus extra special celebrations on New Year’s Eve.

    Make sure to keep an eye out for mega raffles as you could be going home in a luxury car or a cash prize among many more rewards.
    The annual family-friendly affair will feel a little different due to the global pandemic but you can feel secure in knowing that participating malls and event venues are keeping up the high health and safety standards in line with local regulations.
    We will keep you up to date when we hear more.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Main image: instagram.com/pernilleteisbaek More

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    Abu Dhabi-based blogger Dana Ahmed on parenting and life before motherhood

    Popular Abu Dhabi-based fashion blogger Dana Ahmed may seem like she has the perfect life from her fabulous Instagram feed – and she definitely does. However, that doesn’t mean she won’t go through the same guilt many other mothers can feel, particularly when it involves leaving your children to go to work. Luckily, Dana has found a wonderfully supportive community after starting her blog – which has seen her collaborate with some superlative brands including NET-A-PORTER, Dior and Max Mara. She talks to us about balancing work and parenting, what her life was like before becoming a mum to two-year-old Adnan and what her biggest take away she has learnt becoming a mother.
    Life and career before becoming a mother.
    I used to work at an insurance company full time and had my fashion blog as well.
    How life changed once she became a mother.

    First, I quit my job at the insurance company – I wanted to spend time with my firstborn kid more than anything. But at the same time, I kept my social media accounts and I tried to share my journey as a mum with my followers. I’ve noticed that I gained so many wonderful mum followers who loved reading and following my journey. To be honest, I couldn’t give more to my office job anymore. I wanted to do something I love, whilst having my baby next to me.

    How quickly she returned to work after having her son.

    As a fashion blogger, I took a very short break when I first delivered as I was so overwhelmed with everything happening. Then I went back to sharing my diaries with my followers, but this time as a new mum.
    The hardest thing about being a working mum.
    I think the hardest thing is when I have to leave my baby for a whole day shoot, or travel without him.
    How her style has changed since becoming a mum.
    I don’t think my style changed, now I just like to go more with casual or street style looks – and thankfully it’s so trendy at this moment. It’s more comfortable, especially I will be running around with my kid, carrying his bag, my bag and sometimes carrying him.
    How her beauty routine changed since becoming a mum.
    I’m focusing more now on skincare routines, because the better your skin is, the less makeup you need and as a mum, and now I have less time for makeup than before!
    Her top parenting tips.
    Be you, follow your instincts and don’t compare yourself to any other parent. Yes, take advice, but sometimes what works for others might not work for you.
    The biggest thing she’s learnt since becoming a mum.
    The biggest take away since becoming a mum is how my priorities have changed, material items mean less to me.
    Dana’s Beauty Hero Buys

    Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Dhs125 sephora.ae; Benefit Cosmetic Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain Dhs156 sephora.ae; Clarins Double Serum Dhs537 sephora.ae
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Lively staycation on Palm Jumeirah with discounts on food and spa

    If you’re looking for a lively staycation with plenty of food, drink and pampering, the W Dubai – The Palm is the place for you.
    The modern hotel on Palm Jumeirah has unveiled a Stellar Staycation package that offers more than a sleek hotel room with contemporary features and Insta-worthy views across Dubai.

    In the morning you will be treated to a diverse breakfast for two at LIV restaurant that focuses on the freshest ingredients – they do say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

    Your foodie experience doesn’t end there as you will also receive 25 per cent off across some of the best restaurants in the city including the innovative Japanese hotspot Akira Back and an Italian feast from one of the world’s best chefs at Torno Subito. With the weather feeling cooler, make sure to book a table outdoors to soak up the velvety evenings.
    Your VIP getaway continues at AWAY Spa where you can indulge in 50 per cent off 30, 60- and 90-minute massages. An expert team is on hand to help you unwind in style and we recommend you arrive early for your treatment to make the most of the facilities.

    The party mood is non-stop at W Dubai – The Palm as you get to soak up the sunshine at the beachfront venue WET Deck where you can also grab a drink or two from their happy hour selection available from midday until 2pm. Don’t worry if you miss this slot as it recommences again from 4pm until 6pm.
    Enhance your pre-dinner experience by catching the sunset at rooftop bar SoBe which is also running its own happy hour from 4pm until 7pm with drink starting at Dhs35.
    Stella Staycation is available now with rooms starting at Dhs650. Kids under the age of 12, eat (from the kids’ menu) and stay for free, plus can access the Escapes fun games room.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    A 1.6km pet-friendly beach is opening on The Palm in Dubai this week

    A brand new 1.6km beach is set to open on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah this week. Even better, it’s pet-friendly.

    The entire area will be the perfect place to spend time with family and friends as there’s not just a beach on offer, but plenty of pf restaurants and bars, as well as water-sports activities.
    Some fabulous establishments are opening on the promenade include Jones The Grose, Lucky Fish, Señor Pico and more. Meanwhile, a new favourite Instagrammable spot for our EW editors has also already opened – say hello to Koko Bay, a new Bali-themed restaurant.
    Not only that the beach, Palm West Beach, will host eight different hotels upon 100 per cent completion. Some of which include Fairmont The Palm, Hilton Palm Jumeirah, One Palm and more.
    Not only that, but an array of water sports will also be on offer including the very popular paddleboarding on The Palm, as well as kayaking, sea bikes and more.
    – 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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    Mohamed Hadid has launched the ‘world’s most desirable caviar’ in the UAE

    Mohamed Hadid is a man who wears many different business hats. The latest one for the father of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid is the founder of the “world’s most desirable caviar” – an interesting title to the say the least.
    Having always been a passionate entrepreneur, the property tycoon’s next step looks to be an exciting one.

    To execute the project, 72-year-old teamed up with Edward Gant who is now CEO for Hadid Caviar. With 30 years of experience in the seafood industry, it seems like it was an ideal partnership for Mohamed.
    The four caviars, which are supposedly the “world’s most desirable”, which launched with the new brand are as follows: Black (Imperial), Gold (Royal Oscietra), Black Diamond (Beluga) and Sultan’s (Almas).

    Hadid Caviar is now available for order in the UAE, USA, Europe and Canada.

    In a recent interview with The Times UK, the property tycoon was discussing what it was like to have such famous children.
    “They look at me as the father of Gigi and Bella and Anwar and Alana and Marielle,” the father-of-five said. “It’s dangerous for me to be their father.”
    Clarifying his statement, he went on to explain that he has to be very cautious of everything he does, as he doesn’t want his actions to reflect on them. “[People] use my kids as an instrument to harass me,” he added.
    “Just being their father is a tremendous burden on me,” he continued. “They were my kids. Now I’m their father. It is what it is.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Feature Image: Getty More

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    The major clues Sheikh Hamdan has an exciting new foodie venture launching

    Here at EW, we’re well aware HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, is a huge foodie.
    Some of his favourite Dubai restaurants are also our favourites – including Gaia, Avli by Tashas, BB Social Dining and more.

    Being a huge foodie, it only seems natural that the Crown Prince of Dubai would eventually start his own venture – and it seems that’s exactly what he’s doing.
    Last week, His Highness shared a series of photos of burgers – all of which were stamped with an F3 logo. This ‘F3’ logo is regularly used by Sheikh Hamdan – whose nickname is Fazza and Instagram username is @faz3.

    Upon further investigation, EW discovered there is a new Instagram under the username @bugerf3 and interestingly the only account its following is Sheikh Hamdan’s.

    The images featured on the feed so far are the same ones which Sheikh Hamdan shared to his Instagram story over the weekend. The first featured image is the mouthwatering burgers embossed with ‘F3’ logo.
    The second image showcases burgers wrapped in their packaging, along with some delicious fries.

    Then, the third and final image which currently lives on the account’s feed just says: “Are you ready?” hinting that something exciting is happening.

    The Instagram account’s bio also links to a website – f3burger.com – which is currently not live.
    So, there’s all the major clues that Sheikh Hamdan is set to launch a new burger venture – whether it’s a new establishment or just takeaway remains to be seen.
    However, you can bet we’ll be trying it ASAP.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    Amal and George Clooney’s ‘lifeline’ donation during the pandemic

    This year the COVID-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down and many industries have suffered because of it. One that has been particularly hard hit is the arts industry.
    Shows have been cancelled, live entertainment has been a thing of the past for the last six months and it’s had a detrimental effect on artists and creatives.

    This rings true for UK theatre The Mill at Sonning, located in Reading. Having been on the verge of having to close down, it was a “lifeline” donation from Amal and George Clooney that have helped the theatre survive through the pandemic. The couple, who live close to the venue, are in fact regular attendees of the theatre.
    “After nine months in lockdown, The Mill at Sonning, the UK’s only dinner theatre, is to re-open its theatre on 30 October with a winter season of comedy, magic, cabarets and plays,” a statement on the theatre’s Facebook page outlined.

    “Since July, when the theatre celebrated its 38th birthday, The Mill has only been able to operate its adjoining restaurant with reduced seating, but this together with fundraising and donations from Mill Angel supporters and Hollywood star George Clooney and his wife Amal, who are near neighbours and regular attenders, have been a lifeline to ensure the venue’s survival.”
    The A-list couple are no strangers to making charitable donations – particularly throughout this year of hardship.
    Back in April, the Lebanese-British barrister and her actor husband have donated $300,000 (Dhs1.1 million) to the Lebanese Food Bank. The organisation helps the most vulnerable in the country, such as single mothers and the elderly, who are unable to work amidst the global pandemic.
    Following the devastating blast in Beirut, George and Amal donated $100,000 (approximately Dhs367,000) to three separate charities – Lebanese Red Cross, Impact Lebanon and Baytna Baytak.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Getty More

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    Inside Malala Yousafzai’s inspirational chat with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle

    Malala Yousafzai was joined by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex on Sunday to celebrate International Day of the Girl.
    Live-streaming on YouTube, human rights activist Malala discussed with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle “the barriers preventing 130 million girls from going to school and why it’s essential that we champion every girl’s right to learn”.

    Clearly passionate about the subject, Meghan discussed the importance of an education for women, especially to be able to prepare them later in life.
    “When young girls have access to education everyone wins and everyone succeeds,” she said. “It just opens the door for societal success at the highest level.

    “It’s not just robbing a society of the cultural richness that comes with educating young girls – it’s also robbing these young girls of childhood.”

    The Duke of Sussex, along with his wife, also spoke in the discussion with Malala about the “critical” need for girls’ education.
    “The importance of girls’ education to help defer climate change is absolutely critical,” he said.
    The couple also discussed their 18-month-old son Archie Mountbatten Windsor and some of the milestones he has crossed.
    Malala has continually advocated for girls’ rights to education. She rose to global prominence in 2012 after being shot in the head by Taliban gunmen as she boarded her school bus in north-west Pakistan.
    The teen first became a target for the regime after defying a ban issued in 2009 forbidding girls to go to school and penning an anonymous blog for the BBC highlighting life under Taliban rule with a personal emphasis on women’s right to education.
    She went on to become the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, being just 17-years-old. The human rights activist went to go on to begin her studies at Oxford University in 2017, where she recently graduated from.
    During her chat with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Malala also found out how Meghan and Harry have been able to spend more time as a family throughout the past few months.
    “We were both there for his first steps,” Harry explained. “His first run, his first fall, his first everything.”
    Meanwhile, Meghan also admitted she felt “fortunate” to be able to spend so much time with Archie, who was born in May 2019, during some formative years.
    “In so many ways we are fortunate to be able to have this time to watch him grow, and in the absence of COVID-19, we would be travelling and working more,” she said. “We’d miss a lot of those moments.”
    Watch the full discussion below.
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    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sussex Royal Instagram/Malala Instagram More