lifestyle and culture

Dreaming of a Dubai escape away from the usual suspects? Park Hyatt Dubai is finally ready to welcome back guests to it’s wide range of facilities.
Overlooking the Dubai Creek with a waterfront promenade, manmade beach, and an award-winning spa, this glitzy destination offers something a little different to other resorts in the city with it’s Moorish and Mediterranean influences.

To mark the reopening, the hotel is offering 30 per cent off booking between today and November 30 2020. Not only that but the deal also includes of breakfast at Brasserie du Park, unlimited access to Lagoon Beach, 20 per cent discount at AMARA spa, 20 per cent off food and drinks at selected restaurants as well as complimentary access to Dubai Creek Golf driving range and Mini Golf and exclusive rates on our Championship course and golf lesson packages.

If you can’t stay the night then Park Hyatt Dubai has you covered with a dreamy daycation package for two with access to its lagoon pool for Dhs850. The package includes lagoon beach room from 10am to 7pm, Dhs200 to spend on food and drinks as well as a complimentary Park Hyatt beach bag and some refreshing watermelon on arrival.
If you do feel tempted to make a night at of it at one of the 223 chic rooms then you can extend you daycation pass for an additional Dhs300.

Don’t leave without enjoying a treatment at Amara Spa that has eight treatment rooms, each with a private tranquillity garden, indoor and outdoor showers and a music menu.
Park Hyatt Dubai is following COVID-19 safety guidelines as per the UAE Government directive to protect the wellness of customers and employees.

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As the COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the globe for the better part of 2020, it has affected many nations across the world. However, there’s still a few countries which claim to have kept the virus out.
At present, there’s currently 10 countries which have recorded zero COVID-19 cases, all of which are small island nations located in the Pacific Ocean.

The 10 countries include: Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa, Soloman Island, Nauru, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Tuvalu and Kiribati.
While they’ve managed to keep out the virus, these small island nations are still affected by it – plain and simply because there are no tourists, which makes up a large percentage of the countries’ GDPs.

For example, for Pacific Island nation Palau, tourism accounted for 40 per cent of the country’s GDP in 2017, per IMF figures.
Palau closed its borders in March, which has meant its kept its cases at zero, but with what would normally be a booming tourist season for them during summer, the island has been vacant of tourists.

According to the BBC, the country’s oldest hotel – The Palau Hotel – which opened in 1982 is currently only housing returning residents in quarantine. The hotel’s owner says he’ll only be able to survive for another six months given the current circumstances.
“I can stay for another half-a-year,” the owner, Brian Lee, told the publication. “Then I may have to close.”
He’s tried to keep his 20 staff working at reduced hours with jobs such as renovation and maintenance, but there’s only so much to be done. However, he’s praised the country’s government for doing a “good job” amidst the pandemic.
But Palau is just one nation amongst many who have been affected by the lack of tourism, an industry which is set to face huge losses.
During an online briefing conducted by the UN’s World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), it was highlighted that the pandemic could cost 100 million jobs globally and mean losses of $1.2 trillion worldwide.
“Tourism accounts for seven per cent of worldwide trade,” Zoritsa Urosevic, the director of the UNWTO’s Institutional Relations and Partnerships Department, explained during the briefing, adding that “no nation will be unaffected”.
To combat the great losses, she encouraged domestic travel amongst nations – which has been a big push here in the UAE with various staycation and daycation offers becoming increasingly popular.
However, it’s safe to say the global tourism industry has a long way to go until it fully recovers.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
Feature Image: Vanuatu Islands Instagram More

With the weather finally starting to cool down, we expect you’ll be spending a lot more time outside. But on an odd evening when you just want to chill at home we have put together an edit of new Netflix TV series and films to add to your viewing list.
September 3
Love, Guaranteed
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A lawyer takes on a unique case of a very handsome client who wants to sue a dating website after almost 1000 failed dates. As you expect, sparks fly as both of them discover what love really means.
September 4
Away
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Science fiction drama stars Hilary Swankas astronaut Emma Green who chooses to leave her family behind to embark on a treacherous three-year mission to Mars in command of an international crew. The journey will test them all emotionally as they deal with being millions of miles away from their loved ones.
I’m Thinking of Ending Things
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If you are a fan of mind boggling and slightly terrifying drama, then this new release from writer-director Charlie Kaufman, then I’m Thinking of Ending Things will be right up your street. Based on the novel of the same name by Iain Reid, there is plenty of surreal humour to squirmat as a clinical psychologist heads to rural Oklahoma to meet her new boyfriend’s parents. Once there, she travels through time and explores the state of human regret and fragility.
September 9
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Expert home organisers Clea and Joanna help celebrities and everyday clients edit, categorize and contain their clutter to create stunning spaces. This show will not only help you get organised but it is a great excuse to nose around the homes of Reese Witherspoon and Khloé Kardashian.
September 10
The Gift: Season 2
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The Turkish fantasy series is based on the novel Dünyanın Uyanışı by Şengül Boybaş is back for season 2. It continues to follow the painter from Istanbul Atiye as she tries to uncover her true gift that could help save pregnant women from dying.
September 16
The Devil All The Time
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A stellar cast consisting of Tom Holland and Robert Pattinson star in thriller film based on the novel of the same name by Donald Ray Pollock. It follows a young man devoted to protecting those he loves in a postwar backwoods town teeming with corruption and brutality.
September 18
Ratched
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From the creator of American Horror Story, witness the origin of one of the world’s most iconic characters, Nurse Ratched played masterfully by Sarah Paulson. Taking place in pa sychiatric hospital, Ratched presents herself as an exemplary professional – while the sinister and cruel elements of her personality boil away within. 
September 23
Enola Holmes
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A tale of Sherlock Holmes like you’ve never seen it. Helena Bonham Carter and Henry Cavill will star alongside Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown in a new film focused on Sherlock Holmes’ much younger and fiercer sister, Enola, as she embarks on an adventurous journey to find her mother (played by Bonham Carter).
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For the most part, Gigi Hadid has laid low when it has come to sharing details of her pregnancy.
However, as of late the supermodel, who is expecting her first child with Zayn Malik, has been opening up more about her pregnancy – and she just gave fans a huge clue as to when her due date is.

Posting more photos and a video from her maternity shoot she did with photography duo Luigi and Iango back in July, the 25-year-old revealed she was 33 weeks at the time.
As the photos were taken on July 26, it means she’s around 38 weeks pregnant right now. So, excitingly, her due date is right around the corner!

View this post on Instagram

33 weeks ♡
A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Aug 31, 2020 at 7:52am PDT

Just recently,  the mum-to-be opened up to a fan on Twitter after she was asked what it was like “shooting with [her] baby bump for the first time”.
The mother-to-be admitted that she had fun, but she was left feeling incredibly tired.
“I loved it, I knew what I wanted from the pics and Gab and L&I really made it happen for me,” she replied to the fan, acknowledging the team behind the shoot. “But [it] was definitely more tiring than working normally.
“Got through the second look and was like ‘guys I think I can only do two more’ hahaaaa [sic].”
Hadid is currently in New York with Zayn Malik after spending some downtime on her farm in Pennsylvania during the heigh of the pandemic. It’s fair to assume the pair will be staying in her new $5.8 million (Dhs21.3 million) Manhattan apartment, which she gave fans a glimpse of last month.

According to a source close to Hadid and Malik, the pregnancy has been good for their relationship after the couple reunited at the end of last year.
“Zayn and Gigi are really excited and have been loving this experience together,” the source told E!. “They both are reading parenting books, have had fun planning the nursery and picking out items together. Things are going really smoothly, and they are closer as a couple more than ever.”
It’s been reported the couple are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram, Photographers Luigi and Iango More

Whether you’ve been struggling to keep up with your current rent or worried you’ll be priced out of your favourite area, we might have some good news for you.

According to realtors in the city, rent for apartments has dropped by 13 per cent, while the market for villas has seen a 10 per cent drop. Not all believe that the drop has much to do with the ongoing global pandemic, but more so with the fact that the market is saturated with new homes.
Experts are also awaiting an additional 16,400 ready residential units to be introduced into the rental space, which could drive down the prices even further.
To put it simply, the supply outweighs the demand so if you’re on a lookout for a good deal, this could be your chance to find an amazing space at a fraction of it’s original price. It’s also a great opportunity for those who have been dreaming of a villa lifestyle and can now get a beautiful home at a good price.
Sana Faisal, a realty agent with Indus Real Estate, said Dubailand and Dubai Sports City areas, told Gulf News: “In Town Square Dubai, for example, a two-bedroom apartment typically rented for Dh55,000 to Dh58,000 per annum. This has dropped to Dh40,000 to Dh47,000. Three-bedroom apartments were renting from Dh68,000 to Dh72,000. Now they are going for Dh62,000 to Dh64,000 per annum.”
He also told the publication that the most budget-friendly areas to rent right now are International City, Dubai Production City (IMPZ), a few projects in Dubai South and Dubailand (Queue Point and Town Square) and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).
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We’re certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury hotels here in the UAE. Whether it’s a luxe cityscape you’re looking for in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or a tranquil escape to the desert at Al Maha Resort & Spa, there’s something for everyone’s five-star needs.
However, what we’re short of in the UAE is a luxury resort reminiscent of the alluring sight of the Maldives.

While during the summer UAE residents will often escape to the paradise haven of the Maldives – or perhaps its neighbouring island counterparts the Seychelles or Mauritius – this year many people’s travel plans have been put on hold due to the pandemic.
Well, we’ve got good news for you, as of next year you’ll be able to get your paradise fix right here in the UAE as a new Maldives-esq resort is opening in 2021.

Part of the Anantara group, the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is set to open on the Mina Al Arab development in the emirate around this time next year.
The new luxury sanctuary on the Arabian Gulf will boast 174 rooms for guests and will house it’s very own private beach, along with an eco-reserve.
In true Maldivian resort style, the new resort will also have overwater villas with their own private plunge pools and over water loungers.
Of course, the eco-resort will also house top of the range amenities including a luxury spa, health club, beach and pool bar, seafood grill restaurant, a speciality Asian overwater restaurants and more.
As things go back to normal, you might not even need to book your yearly holiday to the Maldives, instead opting for Ras Al Khaimah next year instead.

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With COVID-19 keeping tourists out of Bali, a new beachfront restaurant is on a mission to bring some of that island bohemia to Palm Jumeirah.
Opening tomorrow, September 1, and located on the newly finished West Beach development, Koko Bay is an Instagrammer’s paradise. With picturesque interiors and killer views towards the Marina, it offers both indoor and al fresco dining with a modern Asian and European-influenced menu alongside bespoke beverages.

The light and airy interiors have notable Balinese influences and feature natural handwoven materials, a neutral colour palette and rustic finishes complemented by fresh greenery. The indoor décor spills out onto the spacious terrace and private beach so you can kick back on a sun lounger, lie on a hammock or take a dip in the ocean. Dedicated lockers and shower facilities are available so you can go from beach to dinner without having to rush home.
Another great thing about this new Palm hangout is that you have a variety of dining options. From crunchy bar nibbles, healthy salads, and fresh raw bar dishes to hearty mains and a flaming wood-fired Robata grill, there is something to please every appetite.

If we were you, we suggest getting there hungry and ready to tuck into lava prawns, assorted grilled skewers, Hokkaido scallop ceviche with a citrus granita and a selection of maki rolls. Then move on to slow-cooked beef cheeks, Koko Bay fish and chips, crispy sea bream with Thai coconut and young peppercorn sauce, and juicy burgers.
Make sure to save some room for dessert as you won’t want to skip out on flambéed white chocolate dome, refreshing Mochi and zesty lemon tart.
On weekends you can expect DJs and live entertainment and you can even bring your four-legged friends along who can also dig into some of the dishes on offer.
We’ll see you there at sunset.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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