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      Lebanese singer Elissa receives praise for what could be her final album

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      Twitter was overwhelmed with emotional reactions to Elissa’s latest, and possibly last, album.
      The Lebanese singer dropped the 18-track compilation on August 1 titled Sahbit Raey– translates to ‘Opinion Giver’.

      Met with widespread love for the artist, many have shared their thoughts on social media, including TV personality Zaven who wrote:
      “So much story telling. So much emotions. So much love. So modern. So sweet and so bitter. It’s not a farewell as it might sound. It is a story of a woman who is starting over. #صاحبة_رأي #اليسا love it. Alf mabrouk. @elissakh”

      Beirut… it all goes back to you ❤️I am very happy with the feedback I am getting on the album, and it makes me so happy to show that Lebanese people have the power to overcome everything to live in peace and happiness. To my lovely country Lebanon 🇱🇧
      — Elissa (@elissakh) August 1, 2020

      Sahbit Raey is available through Rotana Music’s YouTube channel and streaming platform Deezer, and follows the release of its lead single ‘Sahbit Raey’ a week ago.
      Elissa was quick to respond to her fans on Twitter, writing: “I am very happy with the feedback I am getting on the album, and it makes me so happy to show that Lebanese people have the power to overcome everything to live in peace and happiness. To my lovely country Lebanon.”
      This album release is something that the fans have been waiting for, especially after she announced last year that this could be her last album, saying:
      “I am preparing this new album with a lot of love and passion. The reason is that it will be the last one in my career.”

      I am preparing this new album with a lot of love and passion. The reason is that it will be the last one in my career. I am announcing this with a heavy heart but with a lot of conviction because I can’t work in a field that is similar to mafias. I can’t be productive anymore
      — Elissa (@elissakh) August 19, 2019

      She then went on to explain that she can’t continue to work in an industry that in her eyes is like the ‘mafia’.
      Officially the most popular Arabic singer after reaching 10 million Twitter followers, she has sold over 30 million albums, and received the World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist on three occasions.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Twitter More

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      New Netflix TV shows and films to watch this month

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      With movie production still playing catch up, we’re lucky that one of our favourite streaming giant Netflix is continuing to release new series and gripping films.
      Out now
      Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt: Kimmy vs. the Reverend
      [embedded content]For laugh out loud comedy with a winning cast look no further than Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. This season they’re doing something different by releasing an interactive special where you decided what she should do next.
      World’s Most Wanted

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      [embedded content]An insightful look at the five most wanted criminals in the world and how despite the best efforts, they have managed to avoid capture. But has their luck finally ran out?
      August 6
      The Rain – Season 3
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      Back for its final season, the series follows survivors after a rain-borne virus wipes out most of the Scandinavia’s population. Now they seek safety and answers.
      August 7
      Work It
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      If you’re nostalgic for Step Up or Save the Last Dance then this new film is going to be right up your foot tapping street. The transformative story follows a group of misfit dancers who are dreaming of becoming dance champions. Think of it as Pitch Perfect but with dancing.
      August 14
      Dirty John: The Betty Broderick Story
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      If you love to binge on gripping real-life crime drama gets you then the second season of Dirty John should be on your watch list. It follows Betty Broderick, who stands trial for shooting and killing her husband Dan and his second wife Linda in California in 1989. It is based on Betty’s own recollections, along with court testimonies and interviews and stars Amanda Peet and Christian Slater.
      Project Power
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      Nearly every single person you know would’ve imagined what kind of superpower they’d have. Us? Probably flying or some method of transporting ourselves to the Maldivian beaches. But what if a pill could make that happen? Project Power follows an ex-soldier a teen and a cop as they hunt down the source behind this new pill that gives temporary superpowers.
      August 20
      Biohackers
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      Conspiracy thriller following a medical student who secures a spot at a prestigious club of students at a top German university. They think she’s there to help push the boundaries of science, but she wants to uncover a family tragedy that is linked to her biology professor.
      August 21
      Lucifer
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      Our favourite cheeky devil is back for season 5, or is he? Looks like there’s a wannabe Lucifer on the scene and something tells us the Lord of Hell won’t be too happy when he learns of the imposter.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Instagram, YouTube More

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      This Dubai hotel has ranked amongst the top 10 in the world

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      There’s no shortage of hotels in Dubai but one has ranked top, according to popular travel site TripAdvisor.
      As part of their 2020 Travellers’ Choice Awards, Raffles Dubai has been ranked amongst the world’s top 10 hotels and is the only hotel from the UAE to appear in the list.

      Ranking at number 10 on the list, the Dubai-based hotel uniquely shaped in a pyramid and its interiors offer a treasure trove of Middle Eastern history, exceptional artworks and design excellence. The interior focuses on three distinguished heritages: traditional Middle Eastern culture, ancient Egyptian history and refined Asian characteristics.

      The establishment, which is located 10 minutes from Dubai International Airport, plays host to seven restaurants, a gym, a top of the range spa and a luxurious pool.
      As for the other hotels in the top 10, they are as follows.
      1) Viroth’s Hotel – Siem Reap, Cambodia2) Hanoi La Siesta Hotel & Spa – Hanoi, Vietnam3) Tulemar Bungalows & Villas – Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica4) Quinta Jardins do Lago – Funchal, Portugal5) THE OMNIA – Zermatt, Switzerland6) The Upper House – Hong Kong, China7) Valle D’incanto Midscale Hotel – Gramado, Brazil8) Grand Velas Los Cabos – San Jose del Cabo, Mexico9) Constance Prince Maurice – Pointe de Flacq, Mauritius10) Raffles Dubai – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
      As for exactly how the rankings are calculated, it’s based on the several millions of reviews travellers have given on TripAdvisor from 2019.
      Speaking on the publishing of the awards amidst the global pandemic and the effect it has had on the travel industry, TripAdvisor’s chief experience and brand officer, Lindsay Nelson, noted the “global desire to go and explore, whether the destination is an hour away or across the world, remains strong”.
      “We’re passionate about guiding travellers to the good out there, especially the good found within these recognised hotels, restaurants and airlines that rise to the occasion in offering the best of the best,” she said.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Raffles Dubai Instagram More

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      W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island reopens with an amazing staycation deal

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      Due to a short work week and another long weekend just a few days away, you’d forgive us for adding another staycation option to your list.
      W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island has reopened with Suite Summer Family Escape package that you can take full advantage of while your kids are on a school break.

      Designed to give everyone plenty of space to relax in style, the deal includes an interconnected Twin Room for the kids on complimentary basis when you book a Fantastic Suite. In addition, you receive a daily meal for four and if you’re craving more, you’ll be treated to a 35 per cent discount on food and drinks throughout the stay.
      There six restaurants and bars to choose from, including a multi-kitchen dining hub housing five distinct cuisines called Garage – ideal for picky eaters. For an authentic Italian experience that will transport your taste buds to Sicily, look no further than Amici, while W Lounge is a perfect spot for a drink with a view.

      During the day, make sure to swing by the WET Deck and enjoy cooling off at one of the two pools. You also have full access to the FIT studio that has everything you need to stay on top of your workout goals.
      Feel like venturing out beyond the hotel? W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island is enviably located within easy reach of Ferrari World, Yas Water World, Warner Bros. theme park, Yas Mall, a golf course, the beach as well as the Marina.
      Prices start at Dhs400 + tax and early check-in and late check-out are also included, so you can maximise on those hours off work.
      For reservations and more information about the hotel, head to www.wabudhabiyasisland.com
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Images: Supplied More

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      Here’s when you can expect the next public holiday in the UAE

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      The majority of people across the UAE will have enjoyed a long weekend for Eid Al Adha, but that hasn’t stopped us thinking about the next long weekend we can look forward to.

      And we’ve got some good news for you, there’s not long to wait.
      In just a few weeks time there will be another day off, meaning there will be a three-day weekend.
      Here’s a list of all the public holidays we can look forward to for the rest of 2020…
      Islamic New Year
      In a few weeks time, it’s Islamic New Year. It’s expected to fall on Sunday, August 23 meaning it’ll be a three-day weekend.
      The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday
      The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on Thursday, October 29.
      Commemoration Day and UAE National Day
      To close out 2020, those in the UAE will have another three-day break to look forward to with Commemoration Day on Tuesday, December 1, and UAE National Day, Wednesday, December 2, with a day off also on Thursday, December 3.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Unsplash More

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      Gigi and Bella Hadid’s father wears a face mask made by Palestinian designer

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      As coronavirus continues to affect everyone across the world, Gigi and Bella Hadid’s father, Mohamed Hadid, is sending an important message to everyone: wear a mask.
      Ensuring he’s also looking stylish, the Palestinian-American property tycoon wore a mask designed by Palestinian designer Noor Subeh.

      “Stay safe for others to keep yourself safe from others,” the 71-year-old captioned the photo, wearing one of Subeh’s mask designs.
      The fashion designer, who is based in Los Angeles, runs her own brand called Noor Alla Moda, which is still relatively unknown. So much so, Suleh describes herself as a “fashion designer in the making”.

      However, receiving a shout out from the father of two of the world’s top models will certainly help her on her journey.

      As Hadid was born in Palestine, his children have continually vocalised how proud they are to be part-Palestinian.
      Just recently, his youngest daughter Bella called out Instagram for a deleting a post she made to her story of Hadid’s, passport stating his birthplace as Palestine.
      The supermodel revealed the social media platform took down her Instagram story, sharing a screenshot stating the post had violated their community guidelines.
      Along with the screengrab the 23-year-old said, “Instagram removed my story that only said ‘My baba and his birthplace of Palestine’ with a photograph of his American passport.”
      “Are we not allowed to be Palestinian on Instagram?” she continued. “This, to me, is bullying. You can’t erase history by silencing people. It doesn’t work like that.”
      Hadid has previously opened up about her father’s heritage in an interview with Porter magazine in 2017.
      “My dad was a refugee when he first came to America, so it’s actually very close to home for my sister and brother and me,” she said. “He was always religious, and he always prayed with us. I am proud to be a Muslim.”
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Getty More

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      Former Lebanon beauty queen weds in lavish ceremony despite restrictions

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      Former Miss Lebanon Valerie Abou Chacra married her fiance, Lebanese businessman Ziad Ammar over the weekend despite the current restrictions in place in Lebanon due to COVID-19.
      The couple wed in Bkerke outdoors in an open space, which was officiated by Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai.

      The 28-year-old wore an incredible Dior wedding gown for the ceremony, which was intricately designed with gold embroidery throughout, and also had statement puffed shoulders and a long flowing train.
      To complete her bridal look, Chacra opted for a classic up-do which was styled by hairstylist Georges El Mendelek, who is based in Abu Dhabi.

      As for her makeup, celebrity makeup artist Bassam Fattouh kept it elegant and simple with glowing skin, nude lip and a bronzed eye look, making Chacra look every bit the blushing bride.
      Congratulations to the happy couple!
      – 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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      UAE becomes the first country to use dogs in airports to detect COVID-19

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      Those who are travelling to the UAE may be among the first in the world to experience the implementation of using K9 sniffer dogs to detect COVID-19.
      In a world-first, dogs have been placed across airports in the UAE in order to detect coronavirus.

      A video showcasing the stationing of dogs at Dubai International Airport was posted to the UAE’s state new agency WAM’s YouTube page, which also outlined exactly how the detection works.
      “An area was dedicated to detect Covid-19 using K9 police dogs at Dubai International Airport,” Major Salah Al Mazrooei from Dubai Police explains in the video.

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      “Samples are taken in collaboration with partners from Dubai Health Authority; results are out in less than one minute.”
      As for how it works, samples are taken from travellers which are then taken into an isolated room where the dogs are able to sniff the samples in order to detect potential signs of coronavirus.
      While it’s still in the testing stages, it’s been thought that the K9 sniffer dogs are able to detect the COVID-19 virus through their scent.
      “The test was very fast, absolutely easy to do and I was surprised that it was available upon arrival,” a passenger who underwent the process says in the video.
      To date, the UAE has had 60,999 confirmed cases of COVID-19 – 54,615 of which have recovered and there’s been 351 deaths.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Sara Shakeel Instagram  More