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    Record-breaking painting in Dubai set to raise Dhs110 million

    A record-breaking painting is currently underway in Dubai.
    During the height of lockdown in the emirate, British artist Sacha Jafri was self-isolating in the Atlantis Hotel on The Palm, during which time he decided to undertake a record-breaking project.

    Throughout the project, Jafri – who went to school with Prince William and whose celebrity clientele includes Leonardo DiCaprio – has broken five world records.
    According to Euronews, the project entitled ‘We Stand Together – Humanity Inspired’, will become “the largest single painting ever created on canvas”.

    Not only will the painting break records in terms of size, but it’s also set to raise a huge amount of money for charity – an estimated $30 million (approximately Dhs110 million).

    The initiative is being headed by UNICEF, Unesco, the Global Gift Foundation and UAE-based organisation Dubai Cares.
    Set to be completed by September 10, the huge piece of artwork is estimated take up the entirety of the Atlantis hotel’s two ballrooms.
    Upon the unveiling of the project, Jafri said in a statement: “I am calling each and every youngster out there, to create a piece of art. A drawing, a sketch, a collage, a painting – which represents how you feel right now. Paint the World as you see it lived. LET’S PAINT THE WORLD A DIFFERENT COLOUR.”
    The final creation will reportedly be unveiled in November at the Atlantis The Palm and will also be featured on many of the UAE’s most notable landmarks.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    From apartment to villa, upgrade any space with these new interior pieces

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Whether you’re migrating from your slick apartment Downtown Dubai to a spacious villa in Arabian Ranches or simply want to hit refresh on your interiors, Crate & Barrel offers seamless solutions that will complement any space and taste.
    The design team at Crate & Barrel have carefully thought through every scenario to create three distinct yet harmonious themes that compliment every style of living.

    Just as you’d approach your wardrobe, the key thing is to not to be rigid with your design choices. Instead, play around with trends and finishes to come up with something unexpected. The warm and balanced colour palette and minimal design makes Crate & Barrel’s latest fall selection ideal for mix and matching.
    Below, we take you through the themes and the key pieces to elevate your home with this autumn.
    Modern Prairie

    Taking inspiration from architect Frank Lloyd Wright who broke away from closed-in architecture and embraced nature, the Modern Prairie is all about bringing the outdoors in. Expert furnishings constructed from warm woods and natural materials with the colour palette rooted in earthy tones, such as browns and warm amber with pops of ochre. Some of the hero pieces from this edit include Wells leather sofa or Anaise bed that will instantly bring a sense of balance to the room. Some of the larger pieces do benefit from high ceilings and plenty of natural light that you find in villas, but you can easily create a nature corner in a studio apartment with the use of preserved botanical flowers placed in a Poe glass vase, cushions with different texture, layers of rugs for added warmth and a walnut floor mirror which brings an illusion of space. To turn it into a secret corner with a retro flair, introduce an Anaise rattan room divider – even Coco Chanel was a fan of dividers. If you want the focus on the dining room then you should explore the unique selection of serving boards and utensils.

    Urban Retreat

    If you cherish living in an intimate space or want to play up your minimalist interior with some elegant touches, then you might find something extra fabulous in the Urban Retreat selection. Focusing on soft textures, colour-washed hues, sustainable materials, and welcoming silhouettes, there is something extremely soothing about subdued pieces that focus on texture and detail. For example, the curved Rouelle sofa with chenille-like fabric adds an instant statement to the room and yet still comfortable to unwind on after a long day at work, while Ezra Glassware set with its textured glass finish is perfect for hosting a refined and sophisticated dinner party. The selection of home accessories such as candle holders and vases provide plenty of options to help enhance side tables and shelves. Play around with a wide variety of curved shapes, mixed materials, and unusual textures to piece together a statement display.

    Trove
     
    Just moved into your brand new apartment? Inject it with some youthful spirit from the Trove collection that celebrates colour, striking silhouettes in the forever modern look of Danish design. Updated seasonally, this range is ideal for those who love a clean style of living, but with a hint of classical European décor that has been given a modern twist with punchy colours and eye-catching silhouettes. Think Copenhagen fashion week of interiors. This collection is easy to mix and match, but try to keep it in the same colour spectrum for a contemporary mood and embrace a more down-to-earth lifestyle by choosing low seating, narrow cushions and layered coffee tables. This approach will make the ceilings in an apartment feel higher.
    Ofelia Velvet Swivel Dining Chairs

    Amalie Small Space Apartment Sofa

    Oli Oval Dining Table

    The latest collection is available at Crate and Barrel’s Dubai stores at Mall of the Emirates, City Centre Mirdif, and the Dubai Mall. It can also be found online at crateandbarrel.me.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Meet Anna Schebsdat the education advocate

    September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
    Anna Schebsdat is multifaceted, challenge-oriented and currently working for one of the world’s top business schools as part of City, University of London. With global experience across different continents, Schebsdat has a unique and inspiring path in the world of business. She is also President of Columbia Business School’s UAE Alumni Chapter, Board Member on Columbia Alumni Association UAE and an Advisor for the Al Suwaidi Foundation and the Abu Dhabi Arts Society. She discusses her career, triumphs and challenges with Emirates Woman
    Why did you choose a career in the executive education sector and who inspired you?
    Education lit up the path to many beautiful things that happened to me in life. My passion and expertise are in global education management, to which I dedicated the past ten years. It has given me a sense of purpose throughout my career as I help shape candidates’ development by matching their needs with the appropriate solution. The education sector plays a crucial role in economic growth through reskilling and upskilling. I thoroughly enjoy advising and bringing empowerment to executives when it comes to the refining of their skillsets.
    What does it take to pursue a global career?

    You need to get out of the comfort zone and for that you need self-confidence. Confidence, in my view, comes from self-awareness and appreciating oneself. Success is the result of hard, passionate work and being courageous to move countries.
    What exciting ventures have you been involved with in the past months?
    Alongside my full-time work for a business school where I had many challenges as the Education industry underwent rapid changes towards e-learning, I have joined Columbia UAE Alumni Association as a Board Member, led Columbia’s Business School UAE Chapter, received a Harvard online certificate, continued taking Arabic lessons and moved forward with a non-profit project, which combines art and education under an intercultural exchange umbrella. I have also started to work on a PhD research proposal and writing a chapter for a book, which I never thought I would pursue.

    What has been your proudest moment to date?
    I always had to prove myself adjusting to new cultures – from embarking on an international career by moving to different countries to being part of challenging projects from scratch and building success stories. One of them was opening and building the Middle East office for my previous employer. It was the brand’s first international expansion and, at the age of 28, I was working within the executive education industry for the world’s top schools such as MIT, Wharton and Harvard. I also took on an additional challenge of the Executive Programme in Management at Columbia Business School in New York to upskill myself despite juggling the challenges of a first-time mother. Later I was appointed to lead the Columbia Alumni UAE Chapter, where we built on the success story alongside our eighty-three alumni clubs worldwide.
    How has COVID-19 changed learning and how do you see it continuing to change?
    The education sector is surely even more competitive and there is a drive for institutions to deliver an attractive value proposition without diminishing the experience for students. Investment in an effective IT infrastructure is no longer a choice or added value, it became a must overnight. Blended learning, accommodating international students, growing the youth in particular in the Middle East – COVID-19 has exacerbated the need for innovation in education. With these changes, additional challenges arise. Such as, privacy and security of studying online and decreased socialising impacting learning soft skills with limited human interaction.
    Did you have a mentor and if so what knowledge did they impart?
    I am blessed to be surrounded by my family and friends who inspire me. My family always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, work hard and get the best education possible. I had some very inspiring mentors who advised me on how I can approach my career, for example, never to come with a problem, but approach with solutions. It is great advice I was given at the start of my career.
    This is ‘The Power Issue’ – what does power mean to you? 
    Being compassionate, graceful, well-rounded and a socially intelligent person. Making an impact and to be able to inspire others to do better. For women, it also means being both, strong and soft. As well, the outer beauty should not outweigh the inner beauty. A woman’s power is also in her being filled with goals, self-innovation, values and drive. Being modest yet charismatic, refined and put together is what a woman should cultivate. I do believe that our power as a woman is our natural ability to bring love, beauty and nurturing that matters the most and is my daily calling as a woman. However, it should not stop me from achieving my other aspirations. This all is the power in my opinion.
    September’s – ‘The Power Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Harry and Meghan sign multi-year deal with Netflix for undisclosed amount

    It’s official – we now know what the next move for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is after they stepped down from public royal duties earlier this year.
    The couple have signed a multi-year deal with Netflix for an undisclosed amount, they confirmed in a statement to the New York Times.

    According to the US-based publication, the pair have founded a production company which is yet to be named which will work with Netflix to produce documentaries, feature films, scripted shows and docu-series.
    “Our focus will be on creating content that informs but also gives hope,” Prince Harry and Meghan said in a statement to the outlet. “As new parents, making inspirational family programming is also important to us.”

    They also added that working with Netflix – which has 193 million subscribers around the globe – will help them “share impactful stories that unlocks action”.

    Meanwhile, Netflix is “incredibly proud” of their new partnership with the royal couple, as stated by the streaming giant’s chief content officer and co-chief exec, Ted Sarandos.
    “We’re incredibly proud they have chosen Netflix as their creative home and are excited about telling stories with them that can help build resilience and increase understanding for audiences everywhere,” he said in a statement.
    Earlier this year, Harry and Meghan stepped back from public royal life and announced their intention to relocate to North America.
    For the first part of 2020, the couple were residing in Vancouver, Canada with their one-year-old son Archie.
    The pair then relocated to Los Angeles where they were staying up until recently, but have now reportedly moved again further south of LA to Santa Barbara.
    Two years ago at their lavish royal wedding, the couple made sure to honour Diana on their special day – Meghan included forget-me-nots in her bouquet.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Sussex Royal Instagram More

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    Skip out of work early to take advantage of this pool and beach offer

    Just to be clear, we’re not encouraging you to pretend to have a meeting at 3pm in order to finish work early.
    However, if you have saved up some of your annual leave, why not start the weekend a little early with this latest pool and beach offer?

    Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort & Spa can be found on one of the most enviable stretches of sand in the city and also boasts a number of fabulous facilities that can be all yours for the day with this weekday deal.

    For Dhs200 you can lazy about in the sunshine and then cool off expansive pool before redeeming your entry fee at one of the many dining options – there are 10 in total to choose from including Mexican restaurant Maya, a seafood haven called Geales and Arabic eatery Al Khaima.
    If you want to make a family day of it, passes for kids between six to 12 are priced at Dhs75.
    We expect to see you on one of the many socially distanced sunbeds later today.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram More

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    A new five-year visa for retirees is now available in Dubai

    A new five-year visa has launched in Dubai for retirees, it was announced on Wednesday by Dubai Media Office.
    Launched under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the visa is available for anyone over the age of 55.

    Provided the requirements are met for the visa, and they are over the specified age, anyone can apply.

    بإمكان أي مقيم أو متقاعد خارج الدولة يزيد عمره على 55 عاماً التقدُّم للحصول على تأشيرة التقاعد عبر الموقع الإلكتروني https://t.co/fhYjf3csGG، وفق مجموعة من المعايير والمتطلبات الخاصة للحصول على تأشيرة تقاعد قابلة للتجديد كل خمس سنوات. pic.twitter.com/LzbV9oEFQo
    — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 2, 2020

    Per the Khaleej Times, specific income requirements must be met. Those intending to apply for the visa must have a monthly income of no less than Dhs20,000 from investments or their pension. If not, they must have a balance of Dhs1 million or own a property in Dubai valued at Dhs2 million.
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    In a video released promoting the new visa, the emirate sent a message to those retiring: “Your next chapter awaits you.”
    For more information on the new visa visit retireindubai.com.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    The ‘jewel of Lebanon’ makes rare public appearance in Elie Saab

    Lebanese singing icon Fairuz has made a rare public appearance to host the president of France, Emmanuel Macron, at her home for dinner.
    Often referred to as the “jewel of Lebanon”, the famed singer, who stepped away from the public eye many years ago, shared a series of photos from her meeting with Macron on August 31.

    In the photos, the 85-year-old – whose real name is Nouhad Haddad – is seen wearing a piece from Lebanese designer, Elie Saab, along with a black headband which held a visor in place over her face.

    Macron, who was visiting Lebanon following the devastating explosion in the city’s capital, visited Fairuz’s Rabieh home to award her with France’s Legion of Honour – it was established in 1802 by Napoleon Bonaparte and is the highest order of merit in the nation.
    Recalling his exchange with the Lebanese icon, the French president told Al Jadeed, a local television station, “I told her what she means to me.”
    “She represents stories of love and a Lebanon dreamed of and loved,” he added.

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Fairuz Instagram More

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    This stylish Dubai cafe is offering 50 per cent off breakfast on Mondays

    Forget ladies who lunch, it’s all about ladies who breakfast at the stylish L’Occitane Café in City Walk.

    Every Monday, this chic spot will be offering 50 per cent off the breakfast menu for all its female diners. Sounds like a perfect excuse for a catch up with your bestie or an important meeting.
    With handcrafted pastries, energy-boosting dishes such as our Super Food Açai and avocado toasts, the French breakfast menu will make you feel like you just escaped to the South of France.

    Mondays in Provence is available every week until 1pm and includes the below dishes:
    Eggs your way
    Eggs Benedict
    L’Occitane Shakshouka
    L’Occitane Waffle
    Vegan Tofu Wrap
    Rainbow Fruit Salad
    Pancake Trio
    Avocado on Rustic Toast
    Super Food Açaí
    Fresh Berries Granola
    Pain Perdu
    We’ll see you there.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More