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      Warning issued to UAE public to act responsibly after COVID-19 cases spike

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      While life in the UAE has gone back to some resemblance of normal over the past month amidst the pandemic, we are not totally out of the woods.

      In a recent media briefing, the UAE government urged the public to act responsibly following a spike in COVID-19 cases.
      Per state news agency WAM, official government spokesperson Dr Omar Al Hammadi highlighted how photos had emerged on social media of gatherings taking place in hotels where members of the public did not comply with social distancing measures.
      He noted that cases have increased by 10 per cent since the beginning of the month, but the death rates have stayed low at 0.5 per cent of the total cases.
      While Dr Al Hammadi noted the UAE was “on the right track” in tackling the pandemic, he highlighted the need for all citizens and residents to vigilantly follow health and safety guidelines in order to keep the pandemic at bay.
      To date, there have been 68,020 confirmed cases in the UAE – 59,070 have recovered and there have been 378 deaths.

      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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      5 reasons to stay at The Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

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      The Balmoral Hotel is an Edinburgh landmark, just check your guide book, and although the building itself is over a century old, you can expect modern comforts and exceptional service inside.
      The historic hotel is located bang in the middle of Old Town and New Town allowing you to explore the vibrant city by foot. It also boasts some of the finest rooms in the city – there’s even a J.K Rowling suite where the famed finished writing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – as well as Michelin-starred restaurant and an impressive spa. with sweeping staircases and domed ceilings, it’s the definition of a grand hotel.

      Sleep like a royal
      We enjoyed two nights in the newly refurbished Glamis Suite, named after a Scottish castle and the childhood home of The Queen Mother. Split into three rooms – the salon with an original fireplace, dining room featuring an antique chandelier and a spacious bedroom – the regal yet tasteful décor feels welcoming and Instagrammable. The marble bathroom is by far the most contemporary element of the suite with a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. Large windows provide plenty of natural light as well as views of the buzzing Princes Street below.
      Take a bite
      Treat yourself to one of the best meals at the Michelin-star restaurant The One. Ideal for sampling some of the finest Scottish ingredients, the menu will encourage you to push your taste buds with dishes like BBQ Orkney scallop and Highland Wagyu beef. Located on the basement level, the restaurant is intimate and sophisticated with contemporary art decorating the lacquered red walls.

      Wands at the ready
      When walking through the cobbled streets of Old Edinburgh we won’t blame you for thinking that you’ve just stepped inside a Harry Potter book, after all, J.K Rowling did take her inspiration for Diagon Alley from Victoria Street – a curved path with historic stone buildings and brightly-painted shops on the ground floor. Walk to the bottom and turn right where you’ll get a great view of Edinburgh Castle. Then cross the road to the popular ice cream haunt, Mary’s Milk Bar.
      Moment of calm
      Unfortunately, the spa was closed during our stay, but from our previous visit, we can firmly say that it is a sanctuary of calm and rejuvenation. As well as a lap pool, sauna, steam room and a gym, you can book in for either Rocco Forte Rituals or Espa treatments. Next time we will try the Ishga – Anti-Ageing Rejuvenator facial that repairs and hydrates the skin.

      Be a free spirit
      Until October 31 you can take advantage of one of The Balmoral Free Spirit Escapes. There are four packages to choose from: Culinary Experience; Whisky Experience; Retail Experience; and Cultural Experience. All include a three or a five-night stay, two category room upgrade, breakfast in the comfort of your room as well as a late checkout and an opportunity to add more experiences during your stay.
      Book now via roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Prince Harry has made his debut on Netflix

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      Prince Harry has made his debut on streaming-giant Netflix, giving a glimpse to what the royal could be doing after officially stepping down from public life in the British Royal Family with his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex.
      The new documentary entitled Rising Phoenix aims to shed a light on the Paralympic Games and examine how they impact a global understanding of disability, diversity and excellence

      The Duke of Sussex, who founded the Invictus Games – an international adaptive multi-sport event – in 2014, speaks on the London Paralympics praising the success of the games, but adds that there were some that thought they would be a “failure”.
      “A lot of people, based on what they’d been told, thought it was going to be a failure and that they weren’t going to be able to sell tickets,” he said. “The stadiums were packed. The sport was incredible. And what they saw was undoubtedly better than the Olympics themselves.”

      The 35-year-old royal – who did not receive a fee to appear in this documentary – praised the efforts of the athletes and their stories, giving sources of “inspiration” to many.
      [embedded content]
      “No amount of books that you read or teaching or class that you can have is going to give you the same inspiration as being able to watch something that you have been told is impossible,” he said.
      He added that they are changing lives on the track, but also to those in the stands.
      “There’s thousands of seats there that could change those people’s lives because don’t forget, yes lives are being changed on the track but lives are also being changed in the stands as well,” the Duke of Sussex explained.
      Rising Phoneix is available to stream on Netflix now.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
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      Queen Rania wears a Saudi designer in brand new portraits to mark her birthday

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      As she is set to turn 50 at the end of this month, Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan is looking as radiant and glowing as ever.
      In new portraits released to mark her milestone birthday, Queen Rania is seen wearing a Saudi Arabian designer.

      The intricately designed cream gown is by Beirut-based Ashi Studio and features an embroidered detail, with buttons running down the centre of the garment.
      Speaking on Her Majesty wearing one of his pieces, Saudi Arabian designer Mohammed Ashi said he was “honoured” she chose the dress.

      “I am very honoured for Her Majesty Queen Rania chose to wear this regal dress, which was designed to radiate power,” the designer said on Instagram. “I wish Her Majesty a happy birthday.”
      It’s been an exciting year for the Saudi designer as he recently created an extravagant black-feathered clothing piece for musical powerhouse Beyoncé, which she wore in her new visual album release entitled Black is King.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Ashi Studio Instagram More

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      Rejoice as the sweltering UAE heat is beginning to subside

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      As children begin to head back to school and the university year is set to start for many students, it’s a sign that summer is starting to come to an end.
      For anyone that lives in the UAE, this is a welcome sign as the sweltering heat begins to subside, and this rings true in the predicted weather forecast for the upcoming weekend.

      Some may have noticed the humidity has declined with temperatures feeling slightly cooler and it appears this is set to continue.
      According to the National Centre of Meteorology (NCMS), temperatures are expected to drop from the low 40-degrees celsius to the high 30s.

      On Thursday, temperatures are set to be around 41 degrees Celsius, with light winds followed by the humidity peaking overnight into Friday morning.
      To start the weekend on Friday, temperatures will be cooler around 39 degrees celsius. Similar temperatures can be expected on Saturday along with some winds.
      Then, to begin the new work week on Sunday, the cooler temperatures will continue.
      All we can say is, bring on Dubai winter… (However, for the time being, we’ll be enjoying the many pool day deals that are on offer to be able to cool off in style.)
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Hunza G More

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      Saudi Arabia appoints first female director-general in the Foreign Ministry

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      Over the past few weeks, Saudi Arabia has made many history-making appointments with women taking on roles they never have before in the Kingdom.
      Another historical appointment has been made with the announcement from the Saudi Foreign Ministry that Ahlam Bint Abdulrahman Yanksar would take on the role of director-general of the ministry’s department of cultural affairs.

      This makes her the first female figure to hold such a senior post in the Kingdom, per Gulf News.
      Having obtained a master’s degree in international business administration from the University of London, Ahlam has had a successful career working in both the Ministry’s undersecretary for political and economic affairs. She has also worked in the Saudi embassy in London, where she studied, in the economic and cultural section.

      Earlier this month, Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs appointed 10 women into senior roles at the Two Holy Mosques.
      These latest appointments are just a few of the many things have changed for women in the last few years in the Kingdom since Mohammed bin Salman was appointed Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia in 2017.
      Under his Vision 2030 initiative, an ambitious post-oil economic plan, there has been a major focus on women’s rights in the Kingdom.
      Just three months after he stepped into the role in 2017, the Crown Prince revealed in a royal decree, women would be able to secure driving licenses from June 2018.
      Then, in March 2018, it was announced by the Ministry of Justice that women who are divorced in the country would be able to instantly retain custody of their children.
      Under his plans, women are now also able to attend sports events in stadiums in three cities, female students in the Kingdom are now allowed to carry their phones while on campus and as of August 2019, women aged over 21 are now allowed to travel independently.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Saudi Foreign Ministry More

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      You can now get your questions directly answered by the Dubai government

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      While it’s been a standstill year for many in terms of staying in one place and working from home, there couldn’t have been more changes that have gone on in our everyday lives.
      This particularly rings true when it comes to the rules and regulations surrounding COVID-19.

      However, the Dubai government is making it easy for UAE citizens and residents to keep up-to-date on changes taking place with a new service that’s been launched by The Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO).
      Members of the public are now able to ask questions they have directly to government officials via social media under the new initiative entitled #AskDXBOfficial.

      As part of the new #AskDXBOfficial initiative launched by @DXBMediaOffice, you can use the hashtag #AskDXBOfficial to address your questions to Dr. Abdulla Al Karam, chairman of the Board of Directors and Director General of the Knowledge & Human Development Authority (@KHDA). pic.twitter.com/BPFH2zmCt7
      — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 24, 2020

      “The initiative is part of GDMO’s objective of creating platforms that allow the community to clarify issues and concerns with government officials,” a statement from Dubai Media Office says.
      In the first instalment of the initiative, questions surrounding immigration, travel procedures and COVID-19 protocols were answered by Major General Mohammed Al Marri, the Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
      He took the opportunity to further clarify the current rules in place for UAE residents returning to Dubai. He said that “all residents holding a valid resident visa are allowed to return to Dubai. Once they receive a return permit from GDRFA-Dubai and obtain a negative PCR test result, they can return to Dubai through any UAE airport.”
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      We found the most relaxing way to mark Emirati Women’s Day

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      Celebrating inspiring Emirati women is something of a trademark for Emirates Woman and we know exactly how hard these trailblazers work to achieve their goals. But even the most hardworking among us need a break, so we have searched high and low to find a perfect way to embrace the medium of self-care.

      An afternoon of relaxation awaits at Qua Spa tucked away inside the lavish Caesars Bluewaters Dubai. The space of tranquillity will be offering an exclusive deal on the unique Iyashi Dome treatment to celebrate and spoil the women who play a pivotal role in the nation.

      The first of its kind in the UAE, it uses state-of-the-art infrared rays to deeply cleanse the body, restore its balance and gain efficient and long-lasting slimming effects.
      Inspired by traditional Japanese practice, ‘Suna Ryoho’ – where the nestle themselves in the sand near hot springs on the beach to eliminate toxin – this spa treatment also burns up to 600 calories a session, so you can enjoy some sweet treats afterwards.
      For just two days, this ultimate indulgence will be available at 50 per cent off so all you’ll be paying is Dhs150 for 45 minutes instead of Dhs300. The appointments can be made any time between 8am and 9pm by calling +971 4 556 6401 or emailing quaspa@caesarsdubai.ae.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, Instagram More