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    5 ways the Dubai restaurant industry is raising awareness for breast cancer

    The whole of October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, encouraging women to check their breasts regularly and to get a screening if there are any signs of abnormalities.
    Around the UAE, there are plenty of events and initiatives taking place throughout the month to promote awareness of the disease.

    There’s also an array of food events taking place to raise awareness and raise money to support breast cancer awareness.
    Here’s five ways the Dubai restaurant industry is helping to raise awareness for breast cancer.
    Brunch for breast cancer awareness
    La Cantine du Faubourg

    This Saturday, October 10, La Cantine du Faubourg will be hosting ‘The Pink Brunch’ in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent. The special edition of the restaurant’s Brunch 105 will see a percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the worthwhile cause to support breast cancer awareness month.
    From 12pm to 6pm enjoy a three-hour brunch package for a good cause. Packages start from Dhs345.
    Sloane’s

    This Friday, 9th October, head down to Sloane’s at Grosvenor House Dubai to support breast cancer awareness at their Pink Brunch from 1pm to 4pm. With packages starting from Dhs350, Dhs50 per paying adult will be donated to Al Jalila ‘Brest Friends’ program.
    Brasserie 2.0

    On Friday, 16th October, Brasserie 2.0 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort is holding a Pink Brunch from 1.30pm to 4.30pm to support of Al Jalila Foundation’s ‘Brest Friends’ program. With prices starting from Dhs375, Dhs50 per paying adult will be donated to Al Jalila ‘Brest Friends’ program.
    Special beverages for breast cancer awareness

    To raise awareness of breast cancer, La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie has created three special beverages that will be available to guests during the month of October. For each of these beverages purchased this month, Dhs10 will be donated to the UAE-based breast cancer initiative – Pink Caravan.
    A limited-edition dessert

    Couqley French Bistro & Bar has partnered with Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends to create a limited-edition dome-shaped Framboise-speculoos to raise awareness for breast cancer.
    The special dessert priced at Dhs52 has been specially crafted to raise funds for the cause by donating all proceeds from the dessert throughout the month of October.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    The UAE becomes the first country to reach this milestone in COVID-19 testing

    Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the United Arab Emirates has been a leader in COVID-19 testing.

    Now, the nation has reached a major milestone – it has become the first country in the world where the amount of tests conducted has exceeded the population. It should be noted this applies to countries with populations of over one million.
    As of this week, the UAE has carried over 10.32 million tests since COVID-19 was officially confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March. It’s currently estimated the UAE populations is at around 9.6 million.
    In a press briefing earlier this week, official spokesperson for the UAE government, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, explained that in the seven day period from September 30 to October 6 there had been 720,802 tests conducted.
    According to Dr Al Hammadi, this is an 8 per cent increase week on week.
    As the country continues its mass testing strategy, cases have been rising in recent weeks and the government has reaffirmed the need for social distancing.
    To date, the UAE has had 101,840 confirmed cases of COVID-19. At present, 9,694 of those are active cases and there have been 436 deaths.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    A step-by-step guide for checking your breasts properly for signs of cancer

    IN PARTNERSHIP: As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging you to face your fears head-on and not to let fear neglect your health. Emirates Woman spoke to Dr Rita Daaboul, a Consultant General Surgeon at Medcare Women and Children Hospital (MWCH), about how important it is to get your breasts checked and how early detection is key for curing breast cancer.
    While breast cancer generally occurs in older-aged women, in about half the number of breast cancer cases occur in those under 50 years of age, and as such, tends to be more aggressive. This is why it is even more important to spread the message of breast awareness and early detection, as well as remind all women to check their breasts.

    It may seem daunting to get your breasts checked, but with new technology, mammograms are now less uncomfortable. It’s a seamless process and with the all-female staff at MWCH’s breast care clinic, which includes the radiologists, they ensure everyone who is there feels comfortable during their check-ups. It vital really to check your breasts regularly, 15 minutes of your time could be responsible for adding another 15 years to your life.

    Dr Daaboul’s key advice for breast cancer awareness
    Talk us through how to exactly check your breasts properly

    Step 1
    Undress from the waist up and stand in front of the mirror. Look in the mirror with your arms by your side. Notice the shape. Look for dimpling (a ‘dent’ in the smooth contour of the breasts) and nipple changes (such as a rash or ‘pulled in’ appearance). Look for differences between the two breasts.
    Step 2
    Look at your breasts in the mirror with your hands on your hips and your chest muscles tightened. Again, look for changes in the breast shape, the nipple appearance or differences between the breasts.
    Step 3
    Look at your breasts with your arms raised high above your head. The breasts should move up slightly and equally when the arms are raised. Areas of dimpling may be more obvious in this position.
    Step 4
    Next, feel your breasts for lumps. This can be done while standing or lying, but is better when lying down. Use your flattened fingers to feel each part of the breast. This can be done in circles, in strips up and down the breast, or by examining each quadrant (quarter) of the breast in turn. The most important thing is to make sure that you feel the whole breast, as well as underneath the nipple.
    The common breast cancer symptoms?
    The symptoms of breast cancer depend on where the tumour is in the breast, the size of the tumour and how quickly it is growing.
    Breast changes that may indicate breast cancer include:
    a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
    a change in the size or shape of the breast
    a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
    a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
    a change in the skin of the breast such as redness or dimpling.
    Are there different types of breast cancer?
    Yes, there are different types of breast cancer, with some types being far more aggressive than others. The most important part of breast cancer, however, is the stage at which it presents. The earlier it is detected, the more likely it can easily be treated and cured. Breast cancer awareness, and breast cancer screening, can save lives. It is vital to detect it before it has had a chance to enlarge locally, or spread beyond the breast.

    What are the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer?
    The most common misconception is that somehow, performing a needle biopsy on a breast cancer to diagnose it, can actually spread the cancer more readily, or even make it more aggressive. Although this may be true for other specific types of cancer in some other organs, we can safely perform a needle biopsy on breast cancer, without this having any effect whatsoever on its behaviour.
    What are the most common ages that are affected by the disease?
    Breast cancer, in general, occurs more often in older-aged women. As women get older, each decade over 40 increases the risk of breast cancer significantly. However, breast cancers may occur in those under 50 years of age, and as such, tends to be more aggressive. This is why it is even more important to spread the message of breast awareness and early detection, as well as remind all women to check their breasts.
    What is the treatment for breast cancer? 
    The treatment of breast cancer involves more than one speciality in medicine, and is termed “multidisciplinary”. It is most commonly a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal/biological therapies. Of course, this does depend on the stage of the cancer.
    What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment?
    The side effects can range from none, to a whole list of rare and unusual side effects. The surgery will usually leave some scars, but with the earlier stages, this can be extremely minor. Radiotherapy can leave sunburn type changes to the breast skin, at the end of the treatment, but this will settle within a few short weeks. Chemotherapy can have various side effects, but the one most women get concerned about, is the temporary hair loss. However, it is only temporary, and the hair will start to grow back 2-3 weeks after the last chemotherapy session is given. Other common side effects are nausea, although this is controlled by other medications, and of course, noticeable fatigue towards the end of the treatment (only in the last courses).
    Any other essential information to add…
    Face your fears head-on. Don’t let your fear make you neglect your check-ups. Early detection saves lives.
    A consultation and ultrasound or mammogram at MWCH is priced at Dhs399. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the clinic is open from 9am to 9pm. For more information visit medcare.ae.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram/Supplied More

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    Kendall and Kylie Jenner’s argument caught on camera

    Family is forever – which means sometimes arguments will happen, but everything is always forgiven.
    This particularly rings true for the Kardashian-Jenner household, especially when major blow-ups can be caught on camera.

    In a promo for the upcoming episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Kendall learns that her younger sister Kylie is wearing an outfit which was apparently meant to be for her.
    The family had been taking a trip together up at momager Kris Jenner’s mansion in Palm Springs – an area one hour north of Los Angeles – and Kendall hadn’t brought anything to wear to go out in.

    The eldest Kardashian-Jenner, Kourtney, had said Kendall could borrow something of hers – the brown jumpsuit Kylie ended up wearing.
    Enraged by the fact her desired outfit had been given to Kylie, the supermodel said when her little sister enters the picture: “everyone bows down to Kylie”.
    While Kourtney tried to reason with Kendall, the 24-year-old still wasn’t happy. And Kylie, 23, didn’t seem to be bothered at all.
    Hey-ho, we all have our sibling squabbles sometimes – right?!
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: KUWTK More

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    Designer interior collection that brings a cool factor to your home

    Bring an edge to your space with the help of Virgil Abloh who has launched his latest homeware line from Off White, HOME 2.0.
    Available on FARFETCH, the codes of the streetwear brand are evidence across several interior statement pieces from ceramics and textiles to objets d’art and minimalist furnishings.

    Majority of the collection features signature Arrows and Swimming Man motifs that particularly stand out on blankets, cushions, towels, and stationary.

    With more than 80 products to choose from, the latest interior collection from one of the most relevant designers in the industry today captures the idea of “taking the familiar and making it new”. Take the same approach to this collection as you do to a fashion line and dress your home from room to room.
    The colour palette consists of neutrals in black, grey and beige tones with fluorescent pink and orange accents making it ideal for a variety of spaces, from minimalist apartments to traditional villas.
    Whether you go for a printed pouffe chair or select a range of smaller accessories, there are multiple ways to bring that Off-White edge to your home.

    Shop the collection now on farfetch.com now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    Watch: Khalid and Salama donate Dhs10,000 to UAE resident battling breast cancer

    The month of October marks International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to raise awareness about the disease.
    It also highlights the absolute need for women to check their breasts regularly and the importance of early detection in order to beat the disease.

    One high-profile couple from the UAE, Salama Mohamed and Khalid Al Ameri, recently shared a video of their emotional meeting with a UAE resident who has been fighting breast cancer for the second time.
    In the footage posted to Khalid’s Instagram page, the couple is seen meeting with Filipina mother-of-four Maria Vizcaya, who sells ‘Knock Out Cancer’ T-shirts in order to pay for her treatment and raise awareness about the disease.

    The 42-year-old moved to the UAE 13 years ago in order to provide for her family, but due to the pandemic she was laid off from her job and now she’s battling her second bout of breast cancer.
    She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2018, and after two rounds of chemotherapy, she had beaten the disease. However, in May of this year she was diagnosed for a second time.
    Maria shared her story for the inspiration behind her T-shirts, insisting that “no one fights alone” and shared her confidence that she will beat breast cancer for the second time.
    After hearing Maria’s story, Khalid and Salama gave Mary the ultimate surprise and gift – Dhs10,000 to invest in her T-shirts – a gesture which brought her to tears.
    “Maria’s courage and willingness to keep fighting forever is an inspiration to us all, this is her story and message to the world,” Khalid said.

    Salama also shared some footage of the meeting to her Instagram page.
    “I have no words to describe how humbled and honoured I felt meeting this wonderful SUPERHERO @maryvizcaya77,” Salama wrote. “You are a true inspiration to so many people around you including myself.”
    Salama, who has nearly 700,000 followers on the social media platform, thanked Mary for opening her home to herself and Khalid and encouraged the mother-of-four to “keep shining” through her breast cancer battle.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Salama Mohamed Instagram and Khalid Al Ameri Instagram More

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    The Creative – Khulood Thani, cover star of October’s ‘The Bravery Issue’

    October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
    Words & Creative Direction: Amy SessionsPhotography: Greg AdamskiHair & Makeup: Melanie MeyerProduction: Kelli MaddockFashion Assistant: Camille Macawili
    Combining her entrepreneurial spirit and extensive experience in culture and design, Khulood Thani is focused on bringing innovative global fashion to an international platform.
    What do your first 30 minutes of the day look like, your morning routine?

    Meditations are my kind of special morning rituals, it’s something I am loyal to practicing and I cannot remove this from my morning schedule. For me, meditation sets a wonderful mood for the day because it helps to clear the mind and maximize your focus on priorities.

    Tell us about your role as a curator?

    As a curator – and as an Emirati – I feel so much responsibility for building content that represents the United Arab Emirates in the best possible way. We all know the UAE has a very rich history and there is still a huge opportunity to develop further in this sector, especially on the front of dress history or contemporary fashion. I definitely enjoy working with other cultural institutions in commissioning designers from different disciplines to create new display objects that represent local stories across cultural platforms, some of these examples are “Defashstruction” and “Fashcultivate”– co-curated with Fatma Al Mahmoud in 1971 Design Space.
    I have also worked with museums, archive libraries and I consult some collectors in building and growing their own personal collection portfolios. As a designer, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council commissioned me to create embroidered pieces that incorporate the Talli, an Emirati handicraft. The beauty of this project is that it includes the work of the artisans and documents folkloric stories from the UAE.
    When you’ve moved in your career or taken on new challenges, did you go with your gut?
    I always trust my gut feeling, I have a special connection with the universe around me, and I like to follow the messages it reveals to me.

    Which Instagram accounts do you follow for inspiration?
    Three of my favourites are @dazedfashion @irisartadvisory @peachwithlove
    What effect has social media played on the fashion industry’s growth?
    Social media has contributed a lot in changing the way we live. We now often meet people via Instagram before even meeting them in person, so it’s become another way of networking.
    What advice would you give to your younger self starting out?
    Always look at your inner strength and build on that, because that is what makes a person unique in all forms of work or life.
    This is ‘The Bravery Issue’ –  what to you is bravery?
    Taking brave steps in life always rewards you with more knowledge, learning and experience. Getting rewarding opportunities is always challenging and inspiring at the same time.

    When have you been brave in business and in life?
    Moments where we can act bravely always appear in our lives. Bravery is being thoughtful and considerate of yourself, the community or the environment around you. One of the brave moments in the design industry for myself along with other designers such as Nadine Kanso and Khalid Shafar was coming up with a collective design initiative, Design Ras Al Khor, to support local and regional designers in more than 11 design disciplines through providing them with a platform and sharing their work.
    What’s next for you?
    This year, I’m focused on researching “A Manifesto for Collecting”, an agenda, which looks at a historical garment in the UAE and seeing how much of this has survived over time. I believe that objects tell us stories that oral history may have missed during documenting. Objects are so personal and they tell a story about a person or people through the function of how it was used.
    October’s – ‘The Bravery Issue’ – Download Now
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    10 fabulous things to do in Dubai this weekend

    We promise you a busy weekend of brunches, live jazz and an opportunity to support Arab designers as well as open up on World Mental Health Day.
    Jazz night

    Love live music and jazz? Well Q’s Bar & Lounge at Palazzo Versace Dubai has just the treat for you. The stylish venue has announced that much-loved Dubai-based singer Layla Kardan will be performing every Thursday for the next three months. The fabulous evening will see you tapping your foot to the beat of smoky jazz and soul melodies and there is even some burlesque dancing to further enhance your evening. Minimum spend is Dhs350.
    Support local

    In these uncertain times, it has never been more important to support the local talent and this is exactly what Emirati entrepreneur and founder of Symphony, Salama Alabbar, is encouraging this weekend. The chic retail destination in The Dubai Mall will be holding a three-day presentation that highlights a range of luxury kaftans, modern abayas and modest designs exclusively created by established and emerging Middle Eastern designers, along with handpicked jewellery and accessories. At The Showcase you can explore pieces from the likes of Al Mraikn, Diva Closet, Frou Frou, La Bella Jewellery, Niili, Sada Abaya, Tales of Gems, amongst many others.
    Cheat day

    Black Tap, the cult New York burger and shakes brand, has opened a new flagship outlet on the first floor of Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. All-American casual dining experience features a dedicated CrazyShake® counter offering a choice of dine-in or ‘To Go’ service including Black Tap’s top three bestselling CrazyShake® milkshakes – the Brooklyn Blackout, Cookies ‘n Cream and the Cookie Shake. As for the food, you can indulge inGreg Norman Burger, the classic All-American Burger, superfood salads, spicy Korean BBQ chicken wings, and a wide selection of vegan dishes.
    Taste of Lebanon

    An all-day dining destination Al Beiruti has opened on Sheikh Zayed Roadand offers an authentic culinary journey through Beirut. Some of the key signature dishes include Zaatar Hummus, Mustard Ras Aasfour, Al Beiruti Kibbeh, Al Beiruti Fries, and many others. Start your day with a freshly-made Mankoushés straight out of the oven, the perfect cup of Lebanese coffee on Al Beiruti’s terrace. At sunset, long lunches with the family, afternoons with friends complimented by the sounds of Tawlé games, and loungy evenings well spent over a Shisha crafted to perfection by Al Beiruti’s very own Shisha Master.
    Al fresco brunching

    London is one of the biggest foodie capitals of the world, but why travel to the British capital when you can get the whole experience at London Social with a buzzing Friday Brunch that has now been moved to the great outdoors. Prepare to go on a dining spree from the spices of Brixton and Soho, to the stalls of Chinatown, Little Italy, and Borough Market. Held from 1pm to 4pm, you have a choice of a Jubilee packaged for Dhs395 per person that includes non-alcoholic shandies, mocktails, juices and soft drinks or you can spend Dhs495 on the Victoria option that includes signature summer cups, distinct selection of mixed house beverages, craft hops, wine, spirits and bubbly. Otherwise, splash out on Piccadilly at Dhs650 per person that includes all of the above and premium sparkling. Children below five years dine for free, while kids between 6 to 12 years get 50 per cent off.
    Sweet treats

    There’s nothing like a box of chocolates to brighten up your weekend or make for a perfect gift for some, especially if it’s from Pierre Marcolini. The celebrated chocolatier has introduced Les Pastel Collection featuring six distinctive fruity recipes. Expect zesty flavours like passion fruit, lemon, mango, yuzu, and lime all coated in Maison dark chocolate made using cocoa from Cuba and Cameroon. The Les Pastel Collection is now available at Maison Pierre Marcolini in The Dubai Mall and is priced at Dhs130 for a small box of 18 chocolates and Dhs245 for a large box of 36 chocolates.
    Work the mind

    This World Mental Health Day head to the INSTABODY Lifestyle Gym located at FIVE Jumeirah Village Hotel which is inviting Dubai residents to attend its first-ever community open day to raise awareness and spark conversation around physical fitness and mental health. From 9am to 3pm on Saturday 10 October, the lifestyle gym will host mini training sessions including HIIT, Yoga, Meditation and Boxing suitable for anyone to get involved in, as well as offer up world-class trainers to provide free consultation to those looking to embark on their fitness journey.
    By the seaside

    Stars N Bars at La Mer is back in business with a selection of offers to enhance your weekend. If you want to enjoy an afternoon outside then grab yourself a Beach Picnic Hamper that includes a selection of food, drinks, treats, and fruit from Dhs129. Those in a mood for a Saturday brunch can enjoy a seaside feast thanks to their California Dreamin’ Brunch that offers three courses as well as free flow beverages. Those dining from 1pm to 3pm pay Dhs199 but if you want to stay till 4pm then it will be Dhs249.
    Hit the roof

    DIFC hotspot Amazónico has re-opened its Copacabana terrace and the tropical inspired space is perfect for post-work sundowners, pre-dinner cocktails or leisurely al-fresco catch ups. Dive into a selection of exciting and unique cocktails, Latin-American snacks with a side of Amazónico’s famous electro-pical tunes. Don’t forget to snap the impressive views from the Instagrammable space.
    It’s White Truffles season

    If you want to treat your taste buds or impress a date, then there’s nowhere better then the glamorously Italian restaurant Scalini. The venue is making the most of the cooler months by introducing a new menu featuring White Truffles from Alba alongside a sparkling selection of Spritz. Available from daily from midday to 11.30pm, enjoy sampling Aquarello parmesan risotto, clarified butter tagliolini and Burrata di Andria.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More