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    Experience a luxury escape at this exclusive camp site in the dunes of Dubai

    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
    Founder of NARA Desert Escape, Stephanie Danial tells us the secret to creating the ultimate bespoke experience.
    What do your first 30 mins of the day look like, your morning routine?
    The first thing I do in the morning is to wake up my kids with a big kiss, then I either go for a walk or do a yoga class with Nitai. I also play tennis twice a week with my coach, Michal.
    What inspired you to launch a bespoke desert experience?

    I have been living in Dubai for around 11 years and our visiting friends always wanted to experience the desert. However, I realized that nothing unique existed so I decided to create it.  I wanted to share my passion for the desert and create a bespoke uplifting experience for everyone to remember. My vision was to offer a unique dining experience in the desert where restaurant standard cuisine is set in the un-spoilt beauty of the Dubai Desert. Nara stands for the initials of my four sons, Neil, Adam, Ryan and Adrian and I founded Nara Escape almost 3 years ago, with one tent and a dining table in the middle of the dunes and now I’m lucky enough to have not only Nara but Sonara along with future projects in the pipeline.

    What has been the biggest hurdle since launching and how did you overcome it?

    The biggest challenge was finding the land to open the camp, there are very few spots available in Dubai. I was fortunate enough to be introduced to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve and presented my project and vision for Nara. They loved the innovative and eco-friendly elements and supported me in the idea.
    You launched NARA first. Tell us about why you decided to launch sister brand SONARA and how it differs?
    Nara Escape is for our private events this is where an individual guest or group of guests are able to select their own cuisine, entertainment and activities.
    Sonara functions like a restaurant, where anyone is able to book an experience or table and will be offered the beautiful Mediterranean sharing menu prepared by amazing French Chef, Franck Sanna. Alongside the incredible dining experience, guests are able to enjoy a host of other activities and entertainment alongside sunset drinks at our unique lounge bar set up high on the sand dunes.
    Since the initials of NARA stand for my four children, Sonara was imagined as a family destination with something special for all ages where guests can enjoy precious family time together.
    You’ve grown so swiftly as a brand. To what do you attribute this growth?
    To find the right balance between Nara and my children. When you start a company it takes 200% of your time and finding the right balance is essential. By also taking the time to realize what an asset social media is, has made a difference to our bookings with many bypassing the website and going straight onto social, making it imperative to keep all our news updated on our Instagram and we keep checking messages on a regular basis to ensure we haven’t missed any guest requests or questions.

    Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
    I follow event companies that create unique weddings or birthdays, along with inspirational women who are either entrepreneurs or work towards a better tomorrow.
    What advice would you give to your younger self, starting out?
    Believe in your dreams, build your life step by step, and tomorrow is another day.
    As a young brand, what is your approach to scaling the business?
    I take it one step at a time. I first opened Nara Desert Escape as a private and exclusive concept and then Sonara camp as a restaurant. We also offer Nara on-the-go creating our unique settings wherever you need. I organized an amazing event in December, Nara on the Beach in RAK with amazing DJs such as Jamie Jones and Bedouin.
    Are there any exciting plans in the pipeline for Nara Escape?
    The next step is to open Nara in other Emirates and then in other countries. After having created this brand, I want to expand it to the moon.
    You’ve included wellness and relaxation practices within the brand experience. Tell us about this?
    I have practised yoga regularly for 25 years and practising this in the desert gives it a completely unique dimension, more on the lines of – recharging outside of the busy city. As the desert is a fresh location and the perfect retreat from the city to practice yoga and meditation, at Nara we offer yoga and meditation as part of the activities and at Sonara we can arrange morning yoga to start the day followed by our sunrise breakfast experience. As I’ve been practising yoga for 15 years now, it helps me keep my balance when leading such a busy life.
    If you had not launched the brand, which other role would you choose career-wise?
    I used to be a Private Banker for East Africa for 18 years and having my own company was my dream. I could not imagine doing anything else now, especially since I’m so passionate about this concept.
    This issue is ‘The Love Issue’ – what is love to you?
    ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry’ – It is a quote in the 1970 movie, Love Story.
    Valentine’s offer
    Set in the Arabian desert with a stunning picturesque surrounding, guests can also enjoy a magical Romeo and Juliet experience within the Dubai Conservation Area, this Valentine’s day with your loved ones, as you sip on a delicious mocktail sharing a specially curated menu by the head chef while you enjoy the contemporary Romeo and Juliet story.
    Sunset at SONARA – Dhs600 per Adult
    The Sunset and Dinner Experience – Dhs1,100 per Adult
    The Overnight Adventure –Dhs1,850 for Adult and Dhs380 per child  (Nomad Tent), Dhs2,100 for Adult and Dhs380 per child (Lotus Tent)
    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 More

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    Abu Dhabi introduces new COVID-19 restrictions

    Amidst the rising cases in the UAE, Abu Dhabi has introduced some new COVID-19 restrictions.
    Per The National, malls, gyms, restaurants and cinemas in the UAE’s capital have all been affected by the new guidelines.

    In a new notice issued, the maximum capacity malls can now take is 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, it appears 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.

    The Department of Government Support has approved reducing attendance at the workplace in Abu Dhabi government and semi-government entities to 30 per cent, to bolster precautionary measures implemented in the emirate and protect the health of employees and their families. pic.twitter.com/vMQIS1gLrq
    — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 6, 2021

    “The Department of Government Support has approved reducing attendance at the workplace in Abu Dhabi government and semi-government entities to 30 per cent, to bolster precautionary measures implemented in the emirate and protect the health of employees and their families,” a statement from the Abu Dhabi media office said.
    A weekly PCR test is also required every week from employees unless they have been vaccinated as part of the national vaccination programmes with a gold star or letter E on the Alhosn app.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: @ralphemerson_deperalta Instagram  More

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    Sheikh Hamdan’s hopeful message about the future of Dubai

    As Dubai continues to develop and embrace new technology, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has shared his hopes for the future of the emirate.
    Having met with Pavel Durov, founder of Telegram – a cross-platform, cloud-based instant messaging software app – to discuss its Dubai hub and the success story of the app.

    .@telegram has a $20+ billion market value, and 570+ million users within the supportive business environment that Dubai offers to its partners. @durov also shared the details of his inspiring success story, being born in the UAE. pic.twitter.com/eXbyLXr6AV
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 6, 2021

    His Highness also reflected on how Dubai has embraced technology, especially over the last two decades, with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, founding Dubai’s Internet City with the knowledge that technology would have a major impact on future lives.
    “This vision resulted in a global tech community coming together in Dubai,” he said. “Today it is home to more than 1,600 companies and 24,000 professionals.”

    More than 20 years ago, @HHShkMohd founded Dubai Internet City, knowing the powerful impact technology would have on our future lives. This vision resulted in a global tech community coming together in Dubai. Today it is home to more than 1,600 companies and 24,000 professionals. pic.twitter.com/ohBeudhiTf
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 6, 2021

    Sheikh Hamdan went on to share his hopes Dubai will continue to aid in “impactful transformation” locally and globally.

    We are proud that Dubai has evolved into a springboard for those aspiring to transform their dreams into global achievements. We continue to provide our full support to creative and innovative minds to move together towards a future filled with positive, impactful transformation.
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) February 6, 2021

    “We are proud that Dubai has evolved into a springboard for those aspiring to transform their dreams into global achievements,” he said. “We continue to provide our full support to creative and innovative minds to move together towards a future filled with positive, impactful transformation.”
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram/Twitter More

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    Chrissy Teigen’s heartbreaking remorse four months after losing unborn son

    Four months ago, Chrissy Teigen and John Legend tragically lost their unborn son after Teigen’s pregnancy miscarried.
    In a heartbreaking Instagram post, Teigen shared a series of photos from when she was in Mexico for a music video shoot for Legend’s song Wild.

    At the time, she was 10 weeks pregnant and completely happy and the couple even used the video to announce they were expecting their third child.

    “I could have never imagined what would happen over the next 10 weeks,” Teigen admitted. “Not sure I’ll ever be able to watch that video again without sobbing but I hope he feels my tears and knows we miss him so.”
    In the honest post, Teigen went on to share she suffers daily remorse from not looking at her son’s face.
    “I am so full of regret that I didn’t look at his face when he was born,” Teigen said. “I was so scared of seeing him in my nightmares that I forgot about seeing him in my dreams. I hurt every day from that remorse.”
    “This month is a rough reminder and to be honest,” she continued. “I thought the worst was over but I guess life and emotions aren’t on any sort of schedule. Love you guys to pieces and am grateful for all your support and love.
    “I firmly believe energy and healing travels through the night sky and I feel it, I promise I do and I love you jack. I miss you so so much.”
    At the end of September, the 34-year-old had been admitted to hospital due to excessive bleeding – she even had a “huge clot” at one point. After receiving a few blood transfusions over multiple days and treatment in hospital, Teigen and Legend announced they had lost their unborn baby, whom they had named Jack.

    Sharing photos on Instagram, Teigen announced her miscarriage in a heartbreaking describing it as “pain we’ve never felt before”.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Chrissy Teigen Instagram More

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    12 accounts to follow on social media this month

    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
    A curated list of who to #follow this month.
    Cartier@Cartier

    Cartier’s iconic pieces stand the test of time, making them the perfect investment.
    PANGAIA@thepangaia

    A materials science company on a mission to design a better future with one tree planted for every product sold.
    Old Sport Society@theoldsportsociety

    Creating a society of sustainable, classics-inspired pieces with a touch of ’90s nostalgia.
    Saint Laurent@ysl

    Elevating fashion since 1961, Yves Saint Laurent need no further introduction.
    AERON@aeronstudio

    Budapest-based brand AERON creates timeless, minimal pieces, for a community of refined minds.
    Jo Loves@jolovesofficial

    Signature scents make this brand one to welcome into your home.
    Il Borro Tuscan Bistro@tuscanbistrodubai

    You’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Tuscany with Il Burro’s outstanding menu.
    Gucci@gucci

    Gucci X The North Face is the latest partnership from the brand and an outstanding example of the power of collaboration.
    The Arts Club Dubai@theartsclubdubai

    The first international outpost of the private members’ club The Arts Club founded in London in 1863.
    The Hundred Wellness@thehundredwellness

    Taking a contemporary and holistic approach to wellbeing.
    Salama Mohammed@salamamohammed

    The UAE based content creator shares her journey towards finding self-love.
    Ru and Rocka@ruandrocka

    The perfect new addition for all lounge lovers.
    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 More

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    The fine-dining Italian haven in Dubai that’s a must-visit

    February’s – ‘The Love Issue’ – Download Now
    Il Borro’s Head Chef Fulvio Opalio spoke to us about his love for Italian cuisine and why working for the brand has changed his life.
    Can you talk us through your career history?
    ​I’ve been always curious about cooking and food so I decided to go to the culinary school. After a few experiences in Italy, I decided to leave and I went to the Bahamas at the age of 18 to work for one of the most luxurious hotels in the Caribbean. I moved back to Europe one year later and went to Spain and Greece before moving to Dubai in 2011 joining BiceMare. I then decided to try a new hotel experience in Palazzo Versace during the opening period right before moving to Roberto’s for an amazing two years. Finally, I reached Il Borro and I can definitely say that it changed my life. 

    Where does your love for food originate?
    ​To be honest, there is not a particular time or event happened, I’ve just always dreamt of becoming a chef since I was a child. I always thought it would give me the chance to travel the world. Then at school, I understood that it really was my calling.
    What eventually brought you to Dubai?

    ​At the time I was in Greece and I found an announcement of recruiting chefs to work in Dubai and I applied for it. After a few weeks of interviews and e-food tasting, I moved to Dubai. A few years after moving here I found an interesting post on my Facebook memories from 2008. The post said, “I don’t know when, but one day I will work in Dubai.” It’s funny because that’s what happened exactly three years later.
    What do you love about what you do?
    ​I love the chance to work with an amazing team, to be always under pressure to make things better every day. I love the challenges.
    How does the food and beverage industry in Dubai differ from other places around the world?
    ​The biggest difference about Dubai is the attention to the details and the variety of influences from around the world.
    What are the hero dishes, in your opinion, at Il Borro?
    ​We have to have a very varied menu as we try to accommodate everyone’s taste, but we also must not forget our “traditions”. If I had to pick particular dishes I would choose carpaccio di Barbabietola, our marinated beetroot carpaccio with figs and goat cheese; polpo alla Griglia, the crispy and tender octopus with potatoes salad; tortelli alla zucca e tartufo nero, our signature homemade tortelli filled with pumpkin and a generous shave of black truffle; pici all’aglione, the traditional Tuscan homemade thick spaghetti with organic cherry tomato sauce and garlic; bistecca alla fiorentina, the queen on our menu, 1.3kg of chianina beef grilled in the charcoaled oven; and last but not the least our famous cheesecake – to die for! Here’s a complete set menu for you!
    Who would you say your chef inspiration is?
    All the chefs I have worked with in previous years have been really important for me and all of them inspired me.
    What are the hurdles you’ve experienced during your career?
    I really consider myself a very lucky person, husband and dad. We all face challenges in our lives, it’s just a matter of how we react to them. For sure, I can say that 2020 was the toughest year ever, full of unexpected events.

    On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are the milestones?
    ​I’m only 30 years old and no milestones yet achieved, but I have laid the foundations of my career and Il Borro gave me this beautiful chance. I have many more years ahead and many dreams and aspirations to make them a reality. Only when I retire will I look back and say, “Yes, I did it!”
    What do you see next for Il Borro Dubai?
    ​​The brightest future ­– we have just begun this journey and year by year we are becoming stronger and stronger.
    This is ‘The Love Issue’ – what does love mean to you and how do you plan to instil love into your life throughout 2021?
    Love is many things. Love is loyalty. Love is unselfishness. Love is family. Love is everything we want love to be. My plan is only to give more time to my family throughout 2021.
    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 More

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    This dramatic transformation of the Kardashians-Jenners over the years

    Since Keeping Up With the Kardashians first aired on TV in 2007, plenty has changed throughout the series, along with the way they’ve all transformed over the years.
    With every detail being documented on the reality TV series, it’s interesting to look back on how they’ve evolved, especially since the final episodes of KUWTK will air in the coming months.

    Kris Jenner

    Often referred to as the ‘momager’ for all her kids’ professional affairs, the matriarch of the Kar-Jenner clan Kris Jenner still manages to look young while being a grandmother to many little ones. She’s a key element of the show and continues to hold her fort despite the changes we’ve all seen on the show.
    Kendall Jenner

    She first appeared on the hit reality show just at 11-years-old. Now Kendall is a fully-fledged supermodel in the fashion industry as she’s walked the runway for some of the biggest names in the industry and continues to be part of many successful fashion campaigns.
    Kylie Jenner

    Having built one of the fastest-growing beauty brands, this makeup mogul is both an entrepreneur and mother, who has shown promising results in the efforts she has put into building her brand. She premiered on the show when she was only nine-years-old and has definitely come a long way.
    Also read: Kylie and Kendall Jenner’s 14-year transformation on KUWTK
    Khloé Kardashian

    With her recent transformation pictures creating quite a stir on social media, Khloe has managed to maintain an impressive fitness routine throughout the years while also becoming mentally stronger overcoming the challenges she has been through. Khloe has also gone on to build a successful all-inclusive fashion brand, Good American.
    Kim Kardashian

    Kim Kardashian has amassed a massive fan base over the years as she has launched her own shapewear and beauty brand, while also being remembered on the series for some of her funniest moments. The entrepreneur has become an internet sensation due to her hilarious memes, bold looks at various events while also being a mother of four children. Her transformation is definitely note-worthy as she has definitely evolved with the times.
    Kourtney Kardashian

    Known for sarcastic remarks and hilarious comebacks, Kourtney Kardashian is involved in the retail and fashion industries with her sisters Kim and Khloé. Most recently, she’s launched her own lifestyle platform, Poosh, discussing everything from lifestyle, to wellness, relationships and more.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: supplied/Instagram More

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    Dubai’s Global Village has temporarily suspended live shows and fireworks

    Following the new COVID-19 restrictions which have been implemented in Dubai to curb the spread of the virus, Global Village has announced some temporary suspensions.

    The Dubai Supreme Committee for Crisis and Emergency Management revealed as of Wednesday, February 3, 2021, the popular attraction would be suspending all its live performances as part of precautionary COVID-19 measures.
    Similarly, fireworks shows at Global Village have been postponed for the next two weeks.
    Despite the new precautionary guidelines in place, Global Village remains open to visitors with the health and safety of everyone being a priority.
    It was announced on Monday evening stricter protocols would be put in place up until February 28 in Dubai. This includes malls operating at a maximum of 70 per cent capacity, restaurants and cafes being required to close by 1am and pubs and bars are to remain closed.
    In addition, hotels are to operate at 70 per cent capacity, with new bookings to comply with the capacity limit. Meanwhile, swimming pools and private beaches in hotels to be limited to a 70 per cent capacity.
    As per the new laws imposed, there will be tougher penalties for deliberately disregarding preventive measures, while the public is encouraged to report violations by individuals or establishments through Dubai Police’s Call Centre 901 or its ‘Police Eye’ service through Dubai Police Smart App.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Global Village Instagram More