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      Malala Yousafzai’s important and empowering speech at Dubai-based festival

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      Malala Yousafzai has given an important and empowering speech shedding light on crucial issues amidst the global pandemic.
      Speaking at the 2021 Emirates Airline Festival of Literature over the weekend, Yousafzai explained that the COVID-19 pandemic may make it difficult for many girls around the school to return to school, something that should be treated “as an emergency”, according to the recent Oxford University graduate.

      Referencing research done by the non-profit organisation she founded, the Malala Fund, it’s estimated that 20 million girls’ education was at risk due to the pandemic at the start of it in March 2020.
      “The reasons for this could be because many girls are pushed into forced marriages or because they have become financial supporters of their families and since they now have extra work, they won’t be able to return to school,” she said.

      .@Malala talking about girls education and making it a priority #EmiratesLitFest pic.twitter.com/Pf9hQpsb8S
      — EmiratesLitFest (@EmiratesLitFest) February 6, 2021

      Further highlighting the issues Yousafzai said, “We need to be aware of what the impact of such disasters could be on the progress we are making.”
      She also added that it was every girl’s right globally to receive a “safe, quality and free education”.
      “They should have the right to complete 12 years of education,” she said. “Every girl should have the right to dream and then to fulfil those dreams.”

      Just like that the big #EmiratesLitFest weekend is over!
      We want to thank everyone who made it down to watch a session, take part in a workshop, or just have a fun family day out. pic.twitter.com/9wm5KezVwi
      — EmiratesLitFest (@EmiratesLitFest) February 7, 2021

      Yousafzai 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 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.
      She now continues to advocate for the rights of girls globally to receive a full education.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Malala Fund Instagram More

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      Sheikh Mohammed proves he’s the ultimate doting grandfather

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      His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum may have the extremely important roles of being the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, but he’s also a true family man.
      In new photos shared by Her Highness Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Sheikh Mohammed playing his role as grandfather perfectly.

      The first photo featured Sheikha Latifa’s husband Sheikh Faisal Saud Khalid Al Qasimi and their three-year-old son Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi and their four-month daughter – who’s name has not yet been made public – being held by grandfather Sheikh Mohammed.

      In the following series of photos shared by Sheikha Latifa, the Ruler of Dubai is seen doting on his grandson Mohammed bin Faisal making hand gestures and playing in the garden.
      Sheikha Latifa sweetly captioned the post, “I love you dad.”
      Her Highness welcomed her second child with husband Sheikh Faisal back in October. Their first child, Mohammed bin Faisal, was born in July 2018, just over two years after the couple married in early 2016.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: @latifamrm1 Instagram More

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      King Abdullah and Queen Rania pay tribute to the late king of Jordan

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      King Abdullah II and Queen Rania have paid their respects to the late King Hussein of Jordan on the anniversary of his passing.
      Her Majesty Queen Rania shared a black and white photo of herself and King Abdullah paying tribute to the late Jordanian monarch where he was laid to rest.

      “With His Majesty King Abdullah II at the King Hussein Mausoleum, while paying our respects to the late King Hussein on the anniversary of his passing,” Queen Rania captioned the photo. “May his precious soul rest in peace.”
      A photo from the archives of His Majesty King Abdullah and the late Jordanian king was also shared on the Royal Hashemite Court’s Instagram of the father-son duo adorned in their military outfits.

      King Hussein passed away 22 years ago on February 7, 1999 aged 63.

      Further paying tribute to the late monarch, King Abdullah and Queen Rania visted the Al Hussein Social Foundation for Oprahns, which was founded in 1953 by King Hussien.
      “This place holds a special place in His Majesty King Abdullah’s heart, so too do Jordan’s orphans,” Queen Rania said.
      Upon his death in 1999, King Abdullah ascended to the throne, making his then 27-year-old wife the princess consort. March 22, 1999, King Abdullah proclaimed her queen making her Queen Rania of Jordan.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Queen Rania Instagram More

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      Head & Heart – EW’s February cover star Yasmine Sima

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      February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now

      Words & Creative Direction: Amy Sessions
      Photography: Greg Adamski
      Videographer: Steve Erana
      Fashion Assistant: Sarah Joseph
      Hair & Makeup: Melanie Meyer at MMG artists
      With special thanks to Al Faya Retreat, Al Batayeh, Sharjah.

      Emirates Woman cover star Yasmine Sima discusses self-love and following your heart.
      Last year was a challenge in many ways and travel was less possible. How did this affect you both positively and negatively?
      Last year definitely stopped everyone in their tracks. For me personally, staying healthy became a priority. Of course, the sudden change of pace and the uncertainty made me very uncomfortable at first, but I slowly began to take advantage of this time alone, and used it to better myself. One of the biggest decisions for me was deciding to go to law school and this time and break in schedule definitely helped me prepare myself for it in the best way.
      How does living in LA affect your aesthetic and what do you love about living there?
      What I love most about LA is that it is easy-going and accepting of everything. I have definitely kept my London aesthetic in terms of style though. The one thing about LA that feels different than any other city, for me at least, is the peace of mind and clarity it gives you.

      Tell us about pursuing Human Rights Law?
      I have been wanting to pursue human rights law since I was little. During my years in London, I did a lot of work with different organizations such as Refugee Crisis Foundation’s Yemen Container Appeal, in sending aid to refugees. I also spent most weekends at The Soup Kitchen for almost three years. I think these definitely made me realize that this is what I wanted to be doing.
      After I left London and started living in LA, everything came together and I started preparing for it. I am very excited to start law school in the fall.
      When working on current projects – what do you look for in a collaboration?
      I have always tried to focus on working with brands that I align with aesthetically. I was fortunate to be able to work with brands and designers I love such as Saint Laurent and Valentino.
      I also tend to look for projects where I am able to use the platform to speak about organizations and causes that I believe in. Sometimes I hit the jackpot and get to work on projects that offer both.

      Do you have any mentors in life or business who help you navigate the right path?
      Definitely. I very randomly met a performance/mental coach, named Rob Brinded, around 3 years ago in London who absolutely changed my life. It was fate! He helped me realize my full potential and taught me how to maximize my abilities and use them towards achieving my goals. I wouldn’t be where I am without him today, and he is absolutely a huge influence in my life. I have sessions with him whenever I need clarity on a situation and I absolutely feel surer of myself after each call.  
      Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
      I love @aoi and @digitalf33ls
      What advice would you give to your younger self, starting out?
      Everyone finds their path and achieves what they were meant to achieve in their own time. I used to stress so much about wanting accomplish so much at a very young age, but everything has its own timing. In learning that, everything you’re meant to achieve will present itself to you. I realized that trying to rush to achieve just for the sake of doing it usually means you’re not doing it for the right reasons!
      A correct mindset is everything.
      This issue is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
      This is a great question. This year has definitely been the year of self-love for me. It has been a difficult year because of the pandemic, but being able to focus on myself like never before has been amazing and I’ve never felt better.
      February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied
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      Meet the newest additions to Sheikh Hamdan’s family

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      His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has added to his family.
      Taking to Instagram over the weekend, Sheikh Hamdan shared a litter of puppies lazing around looking totally adorable.

      With his love for animals always being there from back in the day, every video posted is bound to go viral as Fazza expresses his ardent love for them.

      The puppies in his stories are seen lounging around the area, they cuddled together, adding their own hint of mischievous elements while playing with the Crown Prince of Dubai.

      His Highness is a big animal fan, being the proud owner of a number of falcons, a baby pony and a number of other furry friends who he absolutely adores.
      The Crown Prince of Dubai has also been known to swim with sharks as seen in his video posted in the Norwegian Sea. While also doing the unusual, Sheikh Hamdan has also swam with an elephant underwater, as it dived using its trunk as a snorkel while enjoying the deep waters of the ocean.

      We can’t wait to see which of his furry friend is to be his next family member.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More

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      COVID-19 update: Abu Dhabi bans private gatherings and parties

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      To curb the spread of coronavirus, Abu Dhabi has banned private gatherings and parties.
      It was announced by the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disasters Committee that as of today, February 7, parties and gatherings are prohibited. Meanwhile, the number of people at marriage ceremonies has been limited to 10 and a maximum of 20 people can attend funerals and mourning services.

      A cap has also been put on public beaches and parks to 60 per cent, private beaches and pools to 50 per cent, taxis to 45 per cent and buses to 75 per cent.

      This comes after the maximum capacity malls was changed to 40 per cent and gyms are now limited to 50 per cent capacity.
      As for restaurants and cafes, the maximum capacity they can run at is 60 per cent, with all of the required social distancing guidelines in place.
      Meanwhile, cinemas have also been ordered to close completely, which Vox Cinemas announced on Friday.
      “In compliance with the government-mandated closure of cinemas in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, VOX Cinemas will be temporarily closed from Friday, 5 February until further notice,” Vox said in a statement on their official Instagram page. We will be back soon so please stay tuned for updates on reopening.”
      Then, on Saturday, February 6, it was announced that all Abu Dhabi government offices would be operating at a maximum of 30 per cent capacity.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: @ahmaadmk Instagram  More

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      This is why you’re seeing key UAE landmarks light up with a red tint

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      You may have noticed there’s been quite a lot of red around the UAE the past few days, particularly at key landmarks around the nation.
      If you’re wondering why, it’s to mark a very special occasion in the UAE’s history – the arrival of the Hope Probe to the red planet Mars.

      In a video released by the Dubai Media Office, it showcased the key landmarks around the country which have been given a red tint to celebrate the impending arrival of the Hope Probe on February 9, 2021.
      Landmarks include the Dubai Frame, the Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s Museum of the future, Sharjah’s Scroll monument, ADNOC building in Abu Dhabi, the ancient forts in Ras Al Khaimah and more.

      Last week, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, confirmed the Hope Probe is set to reach Mars on February 9, 2021.
      “It is a historic event that our country will celebrate, as it marks 50 years since the establishment of the UAE and its golden jubilee,” he explained.
      “We are 9 days away from the arrival of UAE’s Hope probe to Mars in the first Arab interplanetary mission.

      We are 9 days away from the arrival of UAE’s Hope probe to Mars in the first Arab interplanetary mission. The UAE will be the 5th nation to reach the Red Planet. The probe has a 50% success rate in entering Mars’ orbit, but we achieved 90% of our goals in building new knowledge.
      — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) February 1, 2021

      “The UAE will be the 5th nation to reach the Red Planet. The probe has a 50% success rate in entering Mars’ orbit, but we achieved 90% of our goals in building new knowledge.”
      What is the Hope Probe?
      At the beginning of 2020 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed signed the remaining outer piece for the probe which will launch into space.
      The probe is being spearheaded by the UAE in order to gain a full picture on what the atmosphere of Mars is like. It is expected the Hope Probe will take an estimated 200 days to arrive on Mars. Once the probe reaches the planet in 2021, data will be collected over a two-year period, but this could be extended by another two years meaning the Hope Probe has the potential to be in space until 2025.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: @dubaiieye Instagram  More

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      Gigi Hadid opens up about the birth of her daughter Khai

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      As of late, Gigi Hadid has begun to open up more about her newborn daughter.
      She recently revealed the baby girl’s name to be Khai and now the supermodel has opened up about her birth.

      Appearing on the cover of Vogue US, the 25-year-old explained she wanted her birthing experience to feel natural.
      Hadid opted to welcome her first child with boyfriend Zayn Malik at home due to the COVID-19 restrictions that would have been in place if she had decided to give birth in a hospital.

      This way she could also have her mother, Yolanda Hadid and sister Bella Hadid by her side during her labour, which was 14 hours.
      “I know my mom and Zayn and Bella were proud of me, but at certain points I saw each of them in terror,” Hadid said in her interview. “Afterward, Z and I looked at each other and were like, we can have some time before we do that again.”

      The special meaning and links behind baby Khai’s name
      It seems the baby Khai’s name a few special meanings and links behind it, including a link to her supermodel auntie, Bella Hadid.
      The 24-year-old’s full name is ‘Isabella Khair Hadid’, meaning her middle name is very similar to her niece’s.
      Both Khai and Khair appear to link back to their Palestinian heritage as Mohamed Hadid’s mother was called Khairiah.
      The property tycoon has previously claimed his late mother descended from royalty. “Her great grandfather was the Prince of Nazareth – King of Galilee in the 18th century Daher Al-Omer The Ruler,” he previously said.
      Regardless, it’s a lovely link for auntie and niece to share.
      The name Khai also has a special meaning behind it in Arabic – in some terms it means “crowned”, “the chosen one” or “strong”.
      Welcoming their new baby girl
      Hadid and Malik announced the birth of their first-born via social media back in September.
      The new mum took to Instagram to announce the news shortly sharing a sweet photo of her daughter’s hand.

      “Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she’s already changed our world,” she captioned the photo. “So in love.”
      While the new mum has now revealed her baby girl’s name to the world, she’s still keeping her face hidden from the public view to protect her privacy, something which she has done throughout her pregnancy.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Gigi Hadid Instagram More