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      9 places in Dubai to treat yourself this Pancake Day

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      As you get ready to get battered for Pancake Day on Tuesday, February 16, 2021?
      These delicious eateries are sure to let you have a flipping great start to the day.
      Clinton St. Baking Company

      With its new flagship location taking you to the streets of New York at City Walk, this beautiful café offers the fluffiest pancakes on February 16 as you relish the best combination of eggs, milk and sugar made to perfection with the little ones being offered a complimentary children’s pancake with every order of a main pancake along with the famous cherry cobbler pancakes.

      For more information visit clintonstreetbaking.ae
      Brunch & Cake

      This prime hotspot which has become everyone’s favourite café has launched a show-stopping brownie pancake which includes its homemade Nutella pancakes coated in chocolate sauce, chocolate chip cookies and a grilled banana at just Dhs63. Located at both The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah and Al Wasl, Brunch & Cake open from Sunday to Wednesday 8am to 10pm and Thursday to Friday 8am to 10:30pm.
      LDC Kitchen + Coffee

      The artisanal bakery offers the freshest ingredients creating dishes to perfection with a free stack of fluffy buttermilk pancakes with a side of maple syrup with every F&B purchase made on February 16 from 7am to 12pm while being located at One JLT, Jumeirah Lake Towers.
      For more information visit londondairycafe.com
      Koko Bay

      This Bali-inspired beach waterfront restaurant is offering two special pancakes for a limited only for one week from Sunday, February 14 to Saturday, February 20 with lip-smacking Japanese pancake flavours including the tempting Koko Nut and Okonomiyaki flavoured pancake for those with a sweet tooth. Located on West Beach, Palm Jumeirah, it’s open from Saturday to Wednesday 12pm to 12am and Thursday and Friday 12pm to 1am.
      For more information visit kokobay.co
      Weslodge Saloon

      Known for its elevated innovative setting, you can devour a complimentary stack of Weslodge’s famous puffy, light stacked buttermilk pancakes drizzled with maple syrup and fresh caramelised fruits, when you book a table to dine in with family or friends. The offer is available on February 16, from 5:30pm to 12am at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, Dubai’s 68th floor.
      For more information visit weslodge.ae
      Marks & Spencer

      For those look for DIY options at home, the popular M&S café in Dubai Festival City Mall, has a range of high-quality pancake ingredients with gluten-free options for those who wish to indulge in a healthier manner, at 25 per cent off the brand’s offerings for February 16, 2021. Toppings such as dessert sauces Belgian chocolate, Sticky Toffee and Raspberry syrups for a decedent range.
      For more information marksandspencer.com
      The Dubliners

      This famous Irish Stalwart is sure to let you have a fabulous start to the day with the unmissable duo combo as you leave Pancake Day to the professionals. Located at Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, the offer includes a pint & a pancake at Dhs49, all day on February 16.
      For more information visit thedubliners-dubai.com
      Bread Street Kitchen

      Known for its uniquely crafted British dishes under the head of Gordon Ramsay, guests are invited to enjoy three unique pancake offerings priced at Dhs50, including zesty lemon and sugar pancakes, red velvet pancakes with seasonal berries and triple chocolate pancakes with chocolate ice cream and chocolate brownies on February 16, from 6pm to 10pm.
      For more information visit atlantisthepalm.com
      Eggspectation

      Known for its culinary delights with a wide-ranging set of delectable options, this Canadian restaurant-café is offering a special breakfast mini platter on February 16, which is perfect for sharing with your loved ones on a grazing board of mini pancakes with multiple choices of sides and toppings from whipped cream, maple syrup, Nutella and fruits at Dhs49. Located at JBR, it’s open from 7am to 9pm on weekdays and 7am to 10pm on weekends and 7 days a week at City Walk from 7am to 8pm.
      For more information visit eggspectation.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image Supplied Koko Bay More

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      Harry and Meghan to do their first sit-down interview since their engagement

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      In 2017, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle sat down together to give their first interview together as an engaged couple.
      Now, three-and-a-half years later, a lot has changed for the couple including being married, having a child with another on the way and having stepped away from public royal life. Thus, the pair are set to give their first sit-down interview since their engagement.

      And, of course, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have called in the big guns for this “wide-ranging” interview. The pair are set to sit down with CBS and Oprah Winfrey.
      The network revealed the couple will have an “intimate conversation” with the legendary talk show host, which will air as a 90-minute special on Sunday, March 7.

      A statement from @CBS reads: “Winfrey will speak with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview. . . Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the US and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family.”
      — Omid Scobie (@scobie) February 15, 2021

      “Winfrey will speak with Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in a wide-ranging interview, covering everything from stepping into life as a royal, marriage, motherhood, philanthropic work to how she is handling life under intense public pressure,” the network said in a statement officially announcing the interview.
      “Later, the two are joined by Prince Harry as they speak about their move to the United States and their future hopes and dreams for their expanding family.”
      This announcement comes one day after the couple announced the joyous news they are expecting their second child together.

      The news was announced via a spokesperson for the couple, alongside a sweet black and white photo of the pair sitting in the sun together whilst Meghan cradled her small bump.
      “We can confirm that Archie is going to be a big brother,” the spokesperson for the Sussexes said. “The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are overjoyed to be expecting their second child.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image: BBC More

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      Get your COVID-19 vaccine in 20 minutes at this Abu Dhabi drive-through centre

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      As the UAE continues to pave the way globally in COVID-19 vaccinations, a drive-through centre has opened in Abu Dhabi where residents can receive their jabs within 20 minutes.
      Per WAM, the UAE’s state news agency, the drive-through centre is located in MBZ City at Burjeel Medical City.

      The process at the drive-through for those wishing to be vaccinated is not to exceed 20 minutes, which includes vital sign check-ups, completing the approval form and receiving the vaccine. Through this process, the centre aims to vaccinate around 700 people per day.
      The Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Health, Abdulla bin Mohamed Al Hamed, visited the drive-through centre on Monday praised the efforts of Abu Dhabi and frontline workers for helping to spearhead the national vaccination programme.

      “The cooperation from different members of the community who chose to vaccinate to protect themselves and the community and contribute to putting an end to this pandemic has played a major role in safeguarding the health of our society,” he said. “The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has thrived in positioning itself on an advanced international level in the daily vaccination uptake.
      “This would have never been possible without the incredible team efforts of those working in the field, the massive spread of vaccination centres and the innovative ways of reaching out to the vast majority of the community.”
      Over the weekend, the UAE reached an incredible milestone in its vaccination process, having now administered over five million COVID-19 jabs nationwide.
      At present, there are four COVID-19 vaccinations being administered in the UAE.
      READ: The 4 COVID-19 vaccines that are currently available in the UAE
      The first vaccine to be approved in the UAE was the Sinophram vaccine, followed by the Pfizer vaccine being permitted in Dubai towards the end of last year.
      In January, Russia’s Sputnik V was approved for emergency use. And now, just recently, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine has been approved in Dubai.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: @nassertone Instagram More

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      8 Virtual Interview Tips to Help You Land the Job, According to the Experts

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      Job interviews have always been nerve-wracking, but virtual interviews feel like a different challenge altogether. You’re worried about technical glitches; it’s tougher to make small talk and develop good rapport; you struggle to pick up on nonverbal cues. It’s no wonder that a 2017 study found that eight in 10 job seekers said video interviews are just as stressful or even more stressful than in-person interviews.Virtual interviews certainly aren’t without their challenges and hiccups. Fortunately, we’re here to help. We connected with a few human resources professionals to get their best virtual interview tips that will help you ace that interview—and get one step closer to landing the job.

      1. Remember that all of the traditional interview advice still applies
      Virtual interviews are a different format, but the nuts and bolts are still largely the same. That’s why nearly all of the experts mentioned that all of the typical interview best practices should still be a high priority.
      From researching the company and thoroughly reading the job description to practicing your answers to common questions and sending a “thank you” note, remember to start with the basics.

      2. Read the instructions carefully
      It can feel like every single company uses something different for their virtual interviews. Some use Zoom. Others use Google Meet. You get the idea.
      That’s why Jade Hugh, Senior Talent Advisor at Bloom, recommended that you review the interview instructions carefully so you know exactly where you need to be, if there’s certain software you need to have installed, and if there’s a password or something else required.

      3. Check your technology
      Technology hurdles can sidetrack your interview (not to mention cause you a lot of added stress), so it’s wise to double-check all of your equipment before signing on for the interview.
      Is your camera working? What about your microphone? Can you access the interview platform? Is your Wi-Fi connection stable?
      “This gives you the chance to contact the interviewer early, just in case you notice an issue,” said Kimone Napier, HR Strategist.

      4. Find a quiet, distraction-free space
      Doing your interview from your kitchen table while your toddler tosses things out of your cupboards or your roommate makes an omelet isn’t ideal. Instead, find a quiet space where you can focus on the conversation.
      If there’s no such thing as a quiet spot in your home (hey, we get it), Napier said an application like Krisp can help you cancel out unwanted background noise.
      When it comes to distractions, environmental ones aren’t the only ones you need to be aware of. You should eliminate your self-imposed ones too. “Close your other windows and browsers,” said Agnes Tseng, People and Culture Advisor at Bloom. “We can tell when you’re getting distracted by something else.”
      Hunt echoes that sentiment and also warns interviewees to turn off their phones. That will avoid any pings or buzzes that rip your attention away from the conversation.

      “Close your other windows and browsers. We can tell when you’re getting distracted by something else.”

      5. Up your production value
      You’re not producing a feature film, but that doesn’t mean you want your visual aesthetic to be completely haphazard.
      For starters, be mindful of what your interviewer will see in your background (yep, it’s time to move those piles of laundry). Tempted to use one of those video features to blur your background? A smarter strategy is to use that space to your advantage.
      “A huge part of any interview is getting to know you in and outside of work, so give them a sneak peek into who you are,” said Suzi Archer, Head of People and Talent at MyCleverGroup. “This is a great opportunity to create talking points by having your favorite books on display, any certificates or achievements you’d like to highlight, your favorite music, or family photos.”
      Decent lighting is another important thing you need to consider. “Illuminate your face as much as you possibly can so that your interviewer is able to see your facial expressions,” said Tseng.

      6. Dress for success
      Even if you’re meeting virtually, dressing in a way that’s polished and professional can help you out. Yep, this applies to your bottom half too—commit to the full outfit, rather than a blazer on top and pajama pants on the bottom.
      Why? Not only does it send the message that you’re taking the interview seriously, but it can also impact your mood and even performance.
      Don’t believe us? One study gave intellectual tests to two groups: one wearing casual clothing and one wearing formal clothing. The formal group actually performed better on the tests and tasks. So, take the time to polish yourself up before that chat—it could make a surprisingly big difference in the quality of your interview.

      7. Remember eye contact
      The lack of nonverbal cues is one of the biggest hangups about virtual interviews, but the good news is that eye contact is something that you can replicate on video calls.
      “It can be quite distracting seeing yourself on screen, but do your best to make eye contact with the person asking the questions and mind your body language,” said Archer. One helpful tip is to put googly eyes right by your webcam. It might look a little silly, but it’ll give you something to focus on (other than your own reflection).

      “It can be quite distracting seeing yourself on screen, but do your best to make eye contact.”

      8. Be authentic
      Nerves run high in an interview, and it’s tempting to feel like you need to be flawless in order to land the job, but that’s not the case. You’re far better off being honest and authentic.
      Archer said that starts with setting expectations upfront. “It’s now expected that people working and interviewing from home will likely be balancing a variety of home distractions,” she explained, mentioning the now-viral BBC interview featuring a rogue toddler. “I have a 5-month-old baby and I’m often on the other side of the interview screen. I’ll always start by saying, ‘I’m not expecting any disruptions, but I do have a baby at home, so please bear with me if she causes any interruptions.’”
      If something does happen during your interview? Instead of letting panic wash over you, just be honest about what’s happening. “Have a new puppy? Did the doorbell ring? Be open and have a good laugh about it. At the end of the day, we are all human and understand the nuances of working from home,” said Hugh.

      Not being able to do an interview in-person comes with some challenges, but it’s not all bad news. “Virtual interviews do have their benefits,” said Archer. “You’re on your turf, you don’t have to worry about how much travel time you need to allow, where to park, and how to navigate the office once you arrive.”
      “In my opinion, the pros of virtual interviews outweigh the cons,” added Napier, noting that other benefits include saving time and reducing bias.
      So, rather than wishing your interview were being handled differently, focus on making the most of the opportunity in front of you. If nothing else, it’s a chance to prove that you’re an adaptable candidate who can excel regardless of what the world throws your way. More

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      Are you eligible to obtain the new long-term visas offered in Abu Dhabi?

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      Two new long-term visas have launched in Abu Dhabi.

      A new programme known as Thrive has now been launched in UAE’s capital allowing all talented professionals, students and investors to settle down with their families.
      As per the initiative’s criteria, certain sectors including culture, healthcare, research and development (R&D), real estate and other special talent sectors will be considered eligible for the Golden Visa.

      Thrive #InAbuDhabi launches, with long-term visas and paths to citizenship to empower talent working, creating and studying to make the emirate their home, contributing to growth in #AbuDhabi’s priority sectors. pic.twitter.com/GVzFBS5SlT
      — مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) February 11, 2021

      A breakdown, per the TAMM Golden Visa website, of the criteria includes the following.
      10-year Investor Visa
      A minimum Dhs2 million capital deposit in an investment fund/bank account inside Abu Dhabi.
      Established a company of Dh2 million or more in Abu Dhabi or a partner in an existing or a new company with a financial contribution of at least Dh2 million.
      Own a company that regularly pays federal government taxes of Dhs250,000 per year or more.
      Be a partner in a company that pays federal taxes, with a financial contribution of at least Dhs250,000 in taxes per year or more.
      Investments must be retained for at least two years after the visa has been issued.
      5-year Real Estate Visa
      Invest in a property of a gross value of not less than Dh2 million.
      If the property or portfolio of properties are mortgaged, the minimum cash down payment of Dhs2 million of the value is required to be eligible for the visa.
      The investment must be retained for at least two years after the visa is issued.
      Entrepreneurs can get a 5-year visa if:
      An existing project with a capital of a minimum of Dhs500,000
      An approved accredited business incubator in Abu Dhabi
      High School students can get a 5-year visa if:
      They’ve achieved high grades from a high school in Abu Dhabi.
      Have a recommendation from the Ministry of Education
      University graduates can get a 10-year visa if:
      It’s from an accredited university in Abu Dhabi
      The student has a cumulative GPA of at least 3.8
      More information regarding the initiative can be found on tamm.abudhabi
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature image: Instagram @visitabudhabi More

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      In pictures: Dubai’s skyline engulfed in thick fog at night

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      For the last couple of weeks, the UAE has been engulfed in a layer of thick fog.

      While it’s made driving conditions difficult and visibility strained, it’s also made for some incredible photos on Instagram, some of which have been captured by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
      As the fog continues on, some spectacular photographs have been taken of the thick fog engulfing the Dubai skyline at night.
      The shots were taken by photographer ‘Abdullah Dubai UAE’, who regularly shares snaps from across the country, and were also reposted by Dubai Media Office on Instagram.
      Landmarks in the photos include the Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai peeking through the fog; the Dubai Frame just rising above the clouds; and buildings which line up with Sheikh Zayed Road.
      Take a look at the shots below.

      Dubai skyline

      Dubai skyline

      Dubai skyline

      Dubai skyline

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Abdullah Dubai Instagram More

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      Gigi Hadid shares unseen photos of herself and Zayn for Valentine’s Day

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      In the five years they have been together, Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik have undoubtedly created and captured many memories together.
      This Valentine’s Day, Hadid shared a series of unseen photos of herself and Malik to celebrate the day of love.

      From selfies to stills taking the little one for a walk, the celebrity couple has been through ups and downs over the past five years to them now being full-time parents.
      The 25-year-old, who recently welcomed her first child with Malik, shared a black-and-white snap of herself and Malkik laughing on Instagram with the caption, ‘’I love you, Valentine && love the Valentine we get to share forever.”

      In a string of Instagram stories, her fans also had the chance to see some heartwarming unseen images, one of which included their daughter Khai Malik, who they both welcomed in September last year.
      Hadid also shared a lovely image of a bouquet received from her father, Mohamed Hadid, which she captioned, ‘Thank you sweet daddio.”
      Some of the images Hadid shared on Valentine’s Day:

      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Gigi Hadid Instagram  More

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      This Dubai-based painter has just set a new world record

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      Dubai-based painter Sacha Jafri, who is from the UK, has officially earned himself a Guinness world record.
      Jafri has been working on a painting – ‘The Journey of Humanity’ – since March at the five-star Atlantis resort on Palm Jumeriah. The painting scales over 17,000 square feet and has taken over seven months to produce, working 20 hours per day to complete.

      The painting comprises of 70 individually framed pieces and will be sold to auction in order to raise money for Humanity Inspired, which funds charitable initiatives in the educational, digital, connectivity, healthcare and sanitization sectors, which is especially needed during the global pandemic.

      The initiative is being headed by UNICEF, Unesco, the Global Gift Foundation and UAE-based organisation Dubai Cares. Not does 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).
      Discussing the record-breaking milestone for Jafri, Shaddy Gaad, the senior marketing manager for MENA at Guinness World Records, congratulated the Dubai-based artist on his achievement.
      “We are confident that the humanitarian cause behind the achievement is one that will inspire people,” he said. “We congratulate him and those involved in this extraordinary achievement.”
      Each framed piece will be reassembled together to recreate the original painting on February 25, 2021, to create the original masterpiece in the 2,100 squared-metre Atlantis ballroom with a royal unveiling for a selected few along with all the social distancing measures in place.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Sacha Jafri Instagram More