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      More than 20,000 people are travelling through Dubai airport daily

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      As things for the travel and tourism industry in Dubai continue to improve following the opening of the borders at the beginning of July, an official has said he expects tourist numbers to go back up to return to “peak 2019” numbers by November of this year.
      In a recent interview with Gulf News, Brigadier Talal Ahmad Al Shanqiti, general director assistant of Ports Affairs in GDRFA-Dubai, outlined the positive shift the emirate has seen since the borders opened just over a month ago.

      “Every day we have more than 20,000 travellers through the airport,” he told the outlet, adding that most travellers are tourists in addition to some residents who are travelling out of the country.
      “We expect by November, the peak numbers will be similar to those of 2019,” he added.

      Ahmad Al Shanqiti also highlighted that the guidelines and measures implemented in Dubai under the leadership HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, have made tourists “trust the safety measures in the country”.
      Last week, the Director-General of Dubai Tourism, Helal Saeed Almarri, said that since the reopening of the borders they have “been greatly encouraged by the market’s response in the second phase of our recovery strategy”.
      “People are much more optimistic and well-informed now and are ready to go on holidays to destinations that are safe and have put in place strong health and safety protocols,” he added.
      With Emirates now flying to over 70 destinations and flydubai covering 66 desintations this summer, bookings for both local airlines are reportedly increasing.
      All in all, travel and tourism in the region is on the up.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: RIMOWA Instagram More

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      Queen Rania and King Abdullah step out to open hospital in Amman

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      King Abdullah II and Queen Rania of Jordan are ensuring they are leading by example during the COVID-19 pandemic.
      The royal couple stepped out on Sunday to open a new emergency hospital in Amman – which is associated with Al Bashir Public Hospital – and both of them were wearing protective masks fitted with N95 filters.

      Both of the Jordanian royals were well-dressed for the occasion, with King Abdullah donning a dark grey tailored suit paired with a light blue shirt.

      Queen Rania, 49, shared her visit to the new hospital in the Jordanian capital, posting a photo to her official Instagram page.
      “With His Majesty today at the inauguration of Al Bashir Hospital’s new emergency and oncology wards,” she captioned the photo.
      According to the Jordan News Agency, the new hospital has approximately 160 beds, operating rooms, an intensive care unit and also features a helipad to help with patients arriving for emergency cases.
      – 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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      Chrissy Teigen reveals her surprise third pregnancy

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      Over the weekend Chrissy Teigen and John Legend revealed the joyous news they are expecting their third child.
      However, it was quite a shock for Teigen who revealed the interesting story behind finding out she was pregnant.

      The 34-year-old – who is already mum to Luna, four, and two-year-old Miles – underwent surgery in June to remove her breast implants, which a fan pointed out after Teigen announced her pregnancy.
      “Oh, it’s quite a story,” Teigen responded, who went onto to explain that prior to surgery she took a pregnancy test which was negative.

      “A few weeks after surgery, I took a test,” she continued. “And for many years now, I’ve taken pregnancy tests almost every month, praying to see a positive one day. Just wishful thinking. I never had a positive before.”

      a few weeks after surgery, I took a test. And for many years now, I’ve taken pregnancy tests almost every month, praying to see a positive one day. Just wishful thinking. I never had a positive before.
      — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) August 15, 2020

      On the morning of husband John Legend’s latest album release, Teigen explained he had gotten up at 3am for an interview, which prompted her to get up and take her routine monthly pregnancy test.
      “I woke up with him and was like man, should take my monthly test to be disappointed… I was not disappointed,” she said.
      With her first two children Teigen fell pregnant after undergoing IVF – a treatment she has been very open about – so, she was never sure if it would be possible for her to fall pregnant without fertility treatment.
      Lo and behold, she did. “When you give up on trying, life has a way of surprising you,” she said.
      Congratulations to the Legend-Teigen family who will soon become a family of five!

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

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      Latest news for overstayed UAE residency visa holders

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      Previously overstaying your residency visa would’ve been met with heavy fines and a ban from entering the UAE in the future, but the latest move from The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) is about to change that for some visa holders.
      The grace period for those who violated their end of residency has been extended by three months, and includes those whose visas expired before March 1.

      Major General Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, Director General of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at ICA, said that the new extension will be implemented from August 18 until November 17. He added that all fines will be waived and no ban from entering the UAE will be implemented if those who overstayed their visa leave the country.

      The Director General revealed that the ICA has taken many exceptional measures to streamline the process of leaving the UAE.The violator will have to complete his procedures in only 3 steps, including obtaining the passport,buying the ticket, &arriving before the date of the trip
      — Identity and Citizenship- UAE (@ICAUAE) August 17, 2020

      Note that if you’re travelling out of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, you have to arrive at the airport six hours before departure. Those flying out of Dubai will need to stop by the deportation centre at the Civil Aviation Security Centre near Terminal 2 48 hours before the flight.
      If you need any further information, you can call a toll free number 800453 every day of the week from 8am until 10pm, except on holidays.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Spend the long weekend at this new infinity pool in Fujairah

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      We believe long weekends are meant to be spent lounging by the pool and enjoying views of the surrounding landscape, so for the upcoming three-day holiday we are booking into Sandy Beach Hotel, Fujairah.
      Why head all the way there when we have plenty of resorts to choose from in Dubai? Well, it’s always good to have a change of scene and the hotel also boasts two new features, a stunning infinity pool and a mini waterpark.

      Perfect for families, the new watering hole is positioned in front of the original swimming and offers Instagrammable views over Snoopy Island which is a divers paradise thanks to its impressive marine life. Note, that the hotel offers PADI courses from experience programs and entry-level courses to PADI Professional courses and TecRec diving.

      The mini waterpark called Splash Pad is ideal for keeping kids aged 5-12 cool in the heat while providing them with hours of entertainment while you work on your tan. There are also six restaurants and bars for the whole family to enjoy.
      As well as making the resort extra family-friendly, the Sandy Beach Hotel is planning on renovating it’s 98 rooms as well as it’s 10 chalets.
      Day passes are priced at Dhs130 for adults, and Dhs80 for children and the room rates start at Dhs450 on weekdays and Dhs600 on weekends.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Instagram More

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      Saudi Arabia has appointed 10 women in senior positions at Two Holy Mosques

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      Saudi Arabia’s General Presidency for the Affairs has appointed 10 women into senior roles at the Two Holy Mosques.
      Per a statement issued to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the latest appointments are “empowering women to assume leadership positions is an important subject that will reflect on the development and the economy”.

      The statement also added that the new appointments are set to “support the process of creativity and achieving the principles of quality and the highest standards of excellence in order to achieve the generous aspirations of the wise leadership”.
      According to Al Arabiya English, the appointments made in the Two Holy Mosques in Mecca and Medina have been made across several different departments and include developmental, administrative, linguistic, technical, engineering, directive and advisory roles.
      READ: ‘Historical’ court ruling in Saudi Arabia will benefit equality for womenREAD: Another history-making moment for women has happened in Saudi Arabia

      This latest appointment is just one 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.
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      3 luxurious getaways to book for the long weekend

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      With the long weekend officially confirmed, why not spend extended days off work somewhere a little bit special.
      From the nearby Maldives to the sunny shores of Europe, we have uncovered three resorts that all have something in common – complete privacy. Whether you want to hire out a whole island with 50 rooms or stay in one of the chicest suites on the French Riviera, the three gems listed below guarantee an unforgettable stay.
      Island living

      First and only multi-island resort that consists of three hotels – SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hard Rock Hotel Maldives – has introduced a Buy-Out Package package where for a cool $35,000 net per night (Dhs128,560) you get to enjoy private access to all of the 50 rooms. You’ll be treated like a true celebrity on your very own island surrounded by the Indian ocean and the stay also includes breakfast, lunch and dinner in resort restaurants throughout the stay, non-alcoholic drinks during meals, exclusive return speedboat transfers from Velana International Airport and variety of signature group bonding activities with a private coach. Now that’s a castaway scenario we can get on board with.
      Wellbeing escape

      Those in need of a physical and mental resent shouldn’t look any further than SHA Wellness Clinic in Spain. The luxe getaway has made it extra safe for its guests to enjoy the best treatments in the world without leaving their residence. Divided into three types – Garden, Premier and Penthouse – the residences range from 300m² to 500 m² and including facilities such as fitness rooms, treatment rooms, hammams or sauna. All the residences also boast spacious gardens and terraces with glass infinity pools. The Penthouse residences feature a private Hammam, a cinema room and a spacious wellness room. Inside the residences, you can enjoy everything from a massage, to therapeutic treatment, a Vinyasa yoga lesson on the private terrace, and even a healthy cooking lesson. Residences at SHA Wellness Clinic can be booked from €2,000 (Dhs8,700) per night.
      Live like a royal

      Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo held a special place in the life of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, so much so that there are two stunning suites named after them. The Suite Prince Rainier III includes two bedrooms, a large main lounge with a bar area, a smaller lounge and a library, a dining room and an office space as well as a glass-walled sauna that opens onto the Mediterranean sky. But the piece de resistance is the split-level terrace overlooking Place du Casino. The first level is home to a heated infinity-edge swimming pool measuring while the lower level terrace offers unrivalled views over Place du Casino. To make you feel like a true royal, you will have a dedicated team of private Clefs d’Or and access to bespoke treatments in a private beachfront tent on Monte-Carlo Beach. Suite Prince Rainier III is available on request, at a rate of €35,000 / €45,000 per night depending on the season.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Supplied More

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      The luxury Dubai brunch that took two years to launch

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      New brunches in Dubai are constantly coming and going, but we often don’t think about how much goes into the planning and execution of a new launch.
      When we’re enjoying ourselves with our best friends it’s easy to forget about the weeks, months and years of work that goes into launching a good brunch.

      In the case of Secret Parties’ latest launch at the Palazzo Versace in Dubai, it was two years in the making.
      The Palazzo Versace was on director Chris Wright’s venue bucket list for years prior to its launch just a few weeks ago.

      “We’ve always wanted to work with the Palazzo Versace, it’s one of the best hotels in the region, so for Secret Parties to be associated with it is amazing,” he tells Emirates Woman.
      After numerous meetings over the last 12 months to make the new brunch “perfect”, Secret Palazzo Versace Brunch received the green light.
      “We have our own brand guidelines we have to stick to, so the mix of the Versace brand and Secret had to blend properly, which is why it took almost a year to put together,” he explains. “The wait was absolutely worth it and this is one of the best parties in the region.”

      The vibe
      The new brunch is certainly an absolute spectacle, combining classical music with some of the chart’s top hits, brunch-goers are treated to live entertainment with Dubai opera singer Joseph Terterian alongside an electric violinist.
      As for the food – it’s just as good as the entertainment. Taking place in the Palazzo Versace restaurant Vanita’s, guests enjoy a hearty four-course menu with dishes including arancini, sea bass, roasted beef tenderloin, a cheese board, succulent desserts and more.
      It’s safe to say this luxury brunch has EW‘s stamp of approval – you really do get the whole package with live entertainment and great food, all you need to do is provide yourself with fantastic company.
      The details
      The Secret Palazzo Versace Brunch runs every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, with packages starting at Dhs345 for soft drinks; Dhs445 for house drinks; Dhs545 for sparkling; and Dhs699 for the champagne package.
      If you’re wanting to go the full nine yards, there’s also a staycation package on offer for Dhs1,700 which is for two people. This includes a one-night stay at the hotel, two brunch passes, a premium breakfast the following morning and access to all hotel facilities during your stay.
      EW‘s final verdict: This new brunch is a must-try.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Supplied More