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      6 unique experiences you need to do in the Maldives

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      IN PARTNERSHIP: As the travel industry slowly but surely begins to recover, some countries are ready to welcome back tourists with open arms.
      This includes one of our favourite holiday desintations, the Maldives.

      The country reopened its borders to tourists on July 15. Since then, the country has ensured it’s taking every precaution necessary to ensure the wellbeing and safety of its nation and tourists who are visiting.
      With regular flights from the UAE now running to the Maldives, it’s the perfect time to take a break in this luxurious oasis.

      If you’re on the fence about whether to travel right now, the Maldives really is the ideal place to go. With the unique and signature “one-island-one-resort” concept which the country is known for, it’s the perfect place to go to ensure social distancing measures are met in order to enjoy an isolation vacation.
      There are also many other aspects that are unique to the country. With that, here’s six bespoke experiences which you can do in the Maldives.
      Underwater dining

      While we know the Maldives is filled with sandy beaches and home to the some of the bluest waters you’ll find around the globe, have you ever thought about what it’s like underwater? With their seas filled with a rich variety of fish and other sea creatures, experience a one-of-a-kind dining extravaganza underwater. There are many resorts that offer the experience including SEA at Anantara Kihavah; Subsix Underwater Restaurant at Niyama Private Islands; and Undersea Restaurant at Hurawalhi just to name a few.
      In a bubble

      Perfect for those who are on a romantic break, enjoy a night sleeping under the stars right on the beach at the Finolhu Resort. Staying overnight in their bubble tents truly is a once in a lifetime experience and one that you’ll be sure to never forget.
      Movie night under the stars
      While you can enjoy a movie night under the stars all around the world, doing it amongst the serenity and relaxing atmosphere of the Maldives is like no other. Enjoy the picturesque backdrop of the beaches, along with some of your favourite flicks.
      Over the water villas

      This type of accommodation has become synonymous with the Maldives. Overwater villas are truly living at its finest. With resorts across the Maldives offering villas with their own pools, with uninhibited views of miles of sea, it’s the optimum opportunity to get away from it all.
      A private flight over the islands

      Whilst most of us have been on a plane at least once in a lifetime, taking a private flight over the Maldives will give you an experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. With expanding views of azure waters, sandy white beaches and the lush greenery of the islands, it’s something that is one-of-a-kind to the Maldives.
      The local culture

      It’s easy to basque in the glory of the views, crystal clear waters and sandy white beaches, but to truly get the most out of your holiday, immerse yourself in the local culture. The Maldives is a melting pot of culture, influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, Malaysia, Arabs and more, locals are warm and welcoming people, always wanting to ensure their visitors have the best experience. Whether it’s trying the local cuisine, experience local music and dance or simply spending time with Maldivians, it’s something to add to your list when visiting this glorious country.
      Now, it’s time to book. With a negative COVID-19 test required and the country’s ‘Safe Travels Stamp’ – which has been endorsed by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) – you can be rest assured health and safety are being followed to the highest standards.
      For more information go to visitmaldives.com/en.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      PrettyLittleThing recruits its very first hijabi model

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      In another step towards being more inclusive, high street e-tailer PrettyLittleThing has recruited its very first hijabi model.
      Say hello to Billy Marsal.

      The 21-year-old Black Muslim from London has become the face of PLT’s new line of modest clothing.
      With the UK-based brand recently having launched in the MENA region, it’s a refreshing step to see retailers taking.

      Sharing her excitement about working with PLT, Marsal took to Instagram last week to post about the news.

      “How unreal that’s me you guys,” she said in disbelief. “FIRST HIJABI ON PLT!!!!!! Literally crazy.”
      PrettyLittleThing themselves also shared their joy about being more inclusive, particularly on their latest modest line.
      “Following our successful launch into the Middle East we are delighted to be launching our ‘Modest clothing’ collection on [the] site,” the brand said.
      “Our ethos of ‘EveryBODYinPLT is extremely important to us, so it’s been amazing seeing such positive customer feedback and working with models who represent all of our customer base.”
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: PrettyLittleThing More

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      In some exciting news, Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes are back in the UAE

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      Yes, we know what you’re thinking – we previously told you that the oh-so sought after Starbucks pumpkin spiced lattes wouldn’t be returning to the UAE this year.

      However, we have some good news for you – they’re back. But only for a very limited time.
      In celebration of the autumnal season, the franchise has reinstated the PSL just until Friday, October 30 at selected Starbucks’ around the UAE.
      In Dubai, you can grab one at Business Bay, Dubai Marina Mall, JBR, La Mer, Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall and The Pointe. Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, you can find them in Al Wahda Mall, Eastern Mangroves, twofour54 and Yas Mall.
      You can also grab one in Sharjah at the Sharjah Corniche and American University Sharjah. And if you’re really craving it that much, Starbucks PSLs are also available on Deliveroo in the UAE.
      Enjoy!
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Starbucks Instagram More

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      There’s a huge sale happening at Dubai Mall happening this weekend

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      In celebration of the start of Sheikh Hamdan’s Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020, a huge sale will be taking place at Dubai Mall over the weekend – and it just so happens to perfectly coincide with the long weekend.
      The ‘Mega Sale’ will see discounts of up to 90 per cent off on sports, health and wellness brands. Meanwhile, there will be up to 75 per cent off on fashion, beauty and jewellery brands.

      From October 29 to October 31 shoppers will be treated to some amazing deals across hundreds of retailers which are available in Dubai Mall.
      To get ahead of the game, if you have the Dubai Mall App, you can view the best deals ahead of heading to Dubai Mall.
      Shoppers also have the opportunity to spend and earn Emirates Skyward Miles through the app during the sale. All you need to is scan the receipts via the app with purchases over Dhs100.
      Well, now you know where to find us this weekend…
      For the details on the brands taking part visit their website.
       – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Paramount Pictures More

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      Gigi Hadid has just posted her first photo of herself since giving birth

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      Gigi Hadid has just posted the first photo of herself since giving birth to her first child last month – and it’s for a very important reason.
      The supermodel has been far from silent on social media since welcoming her daughter with boyfriend Zayn Malik, but this snap marks the first photo of herself in a number of weeks.

      Wearing a black T-shirt with the word ‘VOTE’ emblazoned on it, the mirror picture of the 25-year-old sent an important message – encouraging those in the USA to get out and vote in the upcoming election.
      The new mum explained that she “voted absentee last week with my daughter next to me”.

      Gigi welcomed her first child just over a month ago, revealing she had given birth on Instagram posting a sweet photo of new dad Zayn holding the tiny hand of baby Hadid-Malik.
      “Our girl joined us earth-side this weekend and she’s already changed our world,” she captioned the photo. “So in love.”

      According to E! News, the name of baby Hadid-Malik, which has been kept private by the couple, is “unique” but an alleged source wouldn’t give anything else away.
      Gigi’s pregnancy was first reported on back in April. The model first spoke of her pregnancy – news which was revealed in the press and not by Gigi or Zayn – during a video call appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, admitting they would have liked to reveal the news on their “own terms”, but also thanked everyone for their congratulations.
      “Obviously, we wish we could’ve announced it on our own terms, but we’re very excited and happy and grateful for everyone’s well wishes and support,” she said.
      Zayn and Gigi originally started dating in 2016, and have been on-and-off ever since, with their latest split taking place in mid-2019. However, the pair reunited earlier this year, but have been keeping their romance away from the public glare.
       – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

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      10 ways to celebrate Halloween in Dubai

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      Ready for things to get a little spooky this weekend? Here’s eight ways you can celebrate Halloween in Dubai.
      The dark side
      Join the dark side at the 90s-themed Forever Brunch at Farriers on October 29 from 7pm until 10pm. Expect the perfect mix of spooky and fun with this ultimate Halloween brunch, so, put on your best scream queen-inspired outfits. Brunch packages start at Dhs199 for soft drinks; Dhs249 for house beverages; or upgrade to the bubbly package for Dhs69.
      Tulum – Day of the Dead

      While the traditional Mexican holiday Day of the Dead normally falls on November 2, celebrate it a few days early on Halloween from 8pm until 12am at Tulum in Dubai Mall. Enjoy unlimited Mexican treats for just Dhs190. This includes cauliflower dynamite, guacamole, street style corn, cheese fondue and a selection of tacos.
      Sky-high Halloween celebration

      From October 29 to October 31, celebrate Halloween at CÉ LA VI Dubai for their one-off celebration Yelloween. Enjoy three hours of non-stop Halloween fun between 12pm to 12am for Dhs595 for four courses and unlimited beverages. Even better, if you turn up in a spooky costume, guests will get an extra hour completely free.
      Spook-tacular trick-or-treating

      If you’re at home with the family this year for Halloween, you might enjoy this “fuss-free” partnership between Deliveroo and Marks & Spencer. From October 25 until October 31 customers can order limited-edition trick or treat bags, filled with exclusive signature treats, from Marks & Spencer like Creepy Peppers, Oozing Skulls, Ghoulicious Graveyard Treats and Bubbly Boo! Amongst others. The Halloween treats arrive in a bold orange reusable bag, great for keeping for Halloween’s to come. The limited-edition bags full of sweets come in two different sizes. So, depending on how much of a sweet tooth you have opt for the smaller bag for Dhs60 or the larger bag for Dhs100.
      Dress up in DIFC

      The Bull of Wall Street brunch at Bull & Bear at the Waldorf Astoria in DIFC is encouraging you to dress up from your favourite character in the Scorsese classic The Wolf of Wall Street. The stylish DIFC hotspot will also be awarding a Jordan Belfort worthy prize to the best-dressed guest – a stay in the Waldorf Astoria’s exquisite Presidential Suite.
      Enjoy live music from house-band Cross Fire and a fine selection of signature dishes from 1pm to 5pm this Friday. Brunch packages start from Dhs290 for soft drinks and Dhs450 for bubbles, house hops and a selection of cocktails.
      Family Halloween fun

      Enjoy Halloween fun with the family at the newly launched Il Passaggio on The Pointe, but with more treats than tricks. All guests dining at the restaurant with little ones, will receive cookies that kids can decorate to their heart’s delight. The homegrown Mediterranean inspired restaurant has an onsite bakery, offering freshly baked bread, pastries and cakes daily.
      Halloween at the Distillery

      Enjoy Halloween at the Distillery with their double extravaganza on October 30 and 31. On Friday there’s the Freaky Friday Brunch from 1pm to 4pm with a three-course menu. Packages start at Dhs149 for soft beverages; Dhs279 for house beverages or Dhs549 for sparkling. Some Halloween-inspired cocktails include the ‘Bloody Bloody Mary’, ‘Grave Digger’, ‘Devil’s Margarita’ and the ‘Soul Taker’.
      If you’re looking for a Saturday celebration on the day of Halloween, why not try the Spooooky Saturday Night Brunch which will take place from 7pm until 10pm, inviting all zombies to come along, get spooked and enjoy the same three-course menu with unlimited drinks for Dhs149 for women and Dhs249 for men.
      Note everyone’s encouraged to dress up, which is advised as there will be prizes available for the best dressed.
      The spook-tacular screening

      Host a fright night with your friends at the Studio One screening room this weekend from October 29 to October 31. Old scary classics include Annabelle, Chucky, Psycho, The Shining and more. Prices start at Dhs666 for up to 12 adults (above 12) with Halloween themed treats, soft drinks and surprises.
      Slots available are as follows: Thursday 29 to Saturday 31 – 6pm – 8pm , 9pm – 11pm and midnight.
      Neighbourhood hangout Halloween

      For another family-friendly option, head to Zabeel House by Jumeirah at The Greens. LAH LAH BAZAAR is hosting two al fresco Halloween brunches on Friday October 30 and Saturday October 31. For Dhs269 from 1pm to 4pm enjoy a haunted bouncy castle, spooky arts and crafts, scary face painting and incredible prizes for best costumes. Pooches are also welcome to join all the fun with its dog-friendly outdoor space. There will also be live music.
      A bewitching concoction

      The new spook-tacular movie The Witches is set to hit the silver screen soon, and in celebration Black Tap, the cult New York burger brand, is launching a wickedly wonderful, limited edition Witches CrazyShake at their Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall branches. Priced at Dhs62, the shake will be available at their branches until October 31.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied, Feature Image: Walt Disney Pictures More

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      Pawsome news: Puppy Pilates is coming back to Dubai

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      It’s time to say goodbye to your personal trainer and hello to your pooch as your workout motivation.
      For its third year in a row Puppy Pilates run by the Animal Agency and Phoenix Rising is returning to Dubai.

      On Wednesday, October 28, ensure your pup is ready for an early rise to take part in some pilates at 9am at Bounty Beets at Le Méridien Mina Seyahi.

      Also ensure your pooch is ready to motivate you to work your core to the max, as yoga instructor Kirsty MacPherson-Wright will be putting your body to the test.
      However, after a testing workout you can treat yourself to a tasty breakfast at Bounty Beets. For all those taking part in the class will get 25 per cent off the breakfast menu.
      Sounds like the perfect way to start a Wednesday.
       – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Stretchy Yoga Instagram More

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      COVID-19 testing rules for residents, tourists arriving into Dubai have changed

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      With the ever-evolving situation of the global pandemic, rules surrounding COVID-19 testing are adapting and changing.
      It was recently announced by Dubai-based airline Emirates that there have been changes to testing requirements for UAE residents and tourists arriving into the emirate.

      While pre-flight tests for many countries have been dropped, a double testing initiative has been implemented for other countries.
      It’s also been confirmed that all tourists from the UK and Germany can be tested upon arrival at Dubai airport.

      For the following countries the below rules apply: Algeria, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Kuwait, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives Islands, Mauritius, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Poland, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States (New York, Washington DC, Boston, Chicago, Seattle).
      For UAE residents, they are able to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test which is valid 96 hours before the date of departure or can simply be tested upon arrival into Dubai.
      Tourists need to present a negative COVID-19 test which is valid 96 hours before the date of departure. However, those coming from Germany and the UK can opt for a COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
      Those who are transiting passengers from the above countries are not required to present a COVID-19 PCR test certificate unless it is mandated by your final destination.
      For the remaining countries the below rules apply: Afghanistan, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Chile, Cote d’lvoire, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Georgia, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, Hungary, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Senegal, Slovakia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United States (California, Florida, Texas), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
      Two COVID-19 tests are required for UAE residents – one 96 hours before the departure date and a second upon arrival in Dubai.
      Two COVID-19 tests are required for tourists – one 96 hours before the departure date and a second upon arrival in Dubai.
      Transiting passengers from these countries must have a negative COVID‑19 PCR test certificate that is valid for 96 hours from the date of the test, as well as any requirements for their final destination.
      It should be noted that a PCR test is required and you need to have a printed verification in English or Arabic – SMS or digital versions will not be accepted.
      For more details visit the Emirates website.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Rimowa  More