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      The cost of a COVID-19 test in Dubai has been reduced by over Dhs100

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      The Dubai Health Authority has announced the price of COVID-19 tests has been reduced.
      The decision was made on Sunday to decrease the cost of the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, where a nasal swab is taken in order to detect any traces of coronavirus.

      A reduction of more than Dhs100 has been implemented, making the cost of COVID-19 PCR tests now Dhs250 throughout Dubai in all licensed public and private healthcare establishments.
      Similar steps were also recently taken in Abu Dhabi with the Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) also reducing PCR test costs.

      To encourage pre-emptive medical examinations as a precautionary and preventive measure, we reduced the cost of #COVID19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests to AED250 in #Dubai pic.twitter.com/b63dCthfPB
      — هيئة الصحة بدبي (@DHA_Dubai) September 13, 2020

      Prior to this, COVID-19 PCR tests were priced at Dhs370 in both emirates.
      Over the past month or so, the UAE’s COVID-19 numbers have begun to slowly increase with 930 new confirmed cases reported on Thursday, September 10. On Saturday, September 12, 1007 new cases were recorded.
      READ: Coronavirus in the UAE: What you need to know
      During the COVID-19 press briefing last Thursday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Health, outlined that anyone who comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test.
      “Anyone who comes in contact with a COVID-19 patient must self isolate,” she said. “A PCR test is not enough as the incubation period can reach up to 14 days. The PCR should be negative on the 14th day to step out.”
      Remember to social distance, wear a mask and wash your hands regularly – and above all, stay safe.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
      Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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      Emirates announces new deals for students and their families

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      We know this year hasn’t been the best for travel, especially for students studying abroad who hoped to see their families or were looking to tick a few countries off their bucket list.
      To help you reconnect with your loved ones and plan future backpacking adventures with your besties, Emirates is rolling out a special discount on Economy and Business class fares.

      Not only that but you will also receive additional baggage allowance and ability to change your travel date at no extra charge as long as you do it seven days in advance of your original flight date.
      In addition, family and companions of students can also enjoy this unique offer, as long as they are accompanied by the student on one of the trip sectors.

      With the Dubai based airline going above and beyond to keep it’s passengers safe, international students can finally take advantage of those study breaks.
      Tickets must be booked by October 31, 2020, using the promotional code STUDENT. All tickets have a maximum stay validity of 12 months.
      Emirates has implemented a comprehensive set of measures at every step of your journey to ensure the safety of everyone. This includes the distribution of complimentary hygiene kits containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes.
      For more information on the offer, visit www.emirates.com/studentoffer2020
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: instagram.com/horiznstudios More

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      4 fabulous new ladies’ nights to enjoy in Dubai this week

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      It’s time to get the girls together, as there’s four new ladies’ nights that have recently launched in Dubai.
      STK Downtown Dubai

      Combining a night at one of Dubai’s top steakhouses with one of our favourite affordable fashion brands makes for the perfect ladies’ night. PrettyLittleThing MENA and STK Downtown Dubai have come together to bring the blend of fashion, food and entertainment. Launching this Tuesday, September 15, ladies can enjoy unlimited drinks and two courses for Dhs200 or unlimited drinks and three courses for Dhs240 from 6pm to 1am.
      We suggest you arrive as early as you can as goodie bags and giveaways will be happening for the first 30 ladies to arrive.
      Casablanca at La Serre

      While La Serre has recently launched its highly successful ‘Madamoiselle’ ladies’ night running every Wednesday, the Downtown Dubai hotspot has added another one to their roster. Every Tuesday from 8pm until late, the new ‘Casablanca’ ladies night will offer a Moroccan twist at the French eatery. Enjoy a three-course menu with four glasses of house pour for Dhs199.
      Decadence at Bleu Blanc

      Looking for a truly decadent time? Then the new ladies’ night at Bleu Blanc, ‘Decadence’, will certainly do the trick. Every Tuesday from 7pm to 11pm, for ladies dining at the French restaurant in Business Bay, ladies will enjoy three complimentary beverages along with discounted dishes. In addition, make sure you dress to the nines as there’s a chance to win a complimentary bottle of bubbles for the best-dressed lady.
      Mamicita at Mami Umami

      If you’re keen to try out recently opened restaurant Mami Umami, located in Business Bay, then their new ladies’ night ‘Mamicita’ is the perfect excuse to do so. Every Wednesday from 7pm to 11pm, ladies can enjoy discounted prices on dishes which have a fusion of Japanese flair and Latin-American colour. Ladies will also receive three complimentary beverages.
      – 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 real reason Keeping Up With The Kardashians is ending

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      After nearly 14 years of being on our screens and changing what reality television is, it was announced last week that the Kardashian-Jenners would be hanging up their reality show hats.
      In a statement posted to her Instagram and Twitter pages, Kim Kardashian said, “It is with heavy hearts that we’ve made the difficult decision as a family to say goodbye to Keeping Up With The Kardashians.”

      However, behind-the-scenes it’s been reported by The Sun momager Kris Jenner was the one who pulled the plug to end the series as both Kim and the youngest Kardashian-Jenner Kylie decided they were going to quit the show regardless.
      “The family have been locked in an ongoing debate over the future of the show for months now,” a source told the outlet. “Kim has all the drama with Kanye West going on.

      “He’s refusing to put anything personal on the show, and it’s increasingly difficult for Kim to find time to film the show.”

      Meanwhile, 23-year-old Kylie was ready to leave the show as she’s making plenty of money through endorsements and her beauty brands Kylie Cosmetics and Kylie Skin. In fact, she and older sister Kendall have reportedly “always struggled with fame and being in the spotlight”.
      According to the report, it’s only Khloe Kardashian and Scott Disick who have been struggling with the announcement that the show would be ending.
      In Kim’s statement announcing the end of the show, she confirmed that the last season of KUWTK would air early next year.
      “Without Keeping Up with The Kardashians, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she added. “I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who has watched and supported me and my family these past 14 incredible years.
      “This show made us who we are and I will be forever in debt to everyone who played a role in shaping our careers and changing our lives forever.”
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: E! Entertainment More

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      Our favourite desert resort in Dubai is launching a new picnic brunch

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      Is it us, or does it finally feel like outdoor dining weather? Perhaps even picnic weather. Well, it’s a good thing that one of the top desert resorts is launching a whimsical brunch.
      Located not far from central Dubai, just down from Al Qudra lakes is an oasis called Bab Al Shams. Popular among tourists who seek a Bedouin experience, or for those who fancy sunbathing among the golden dunes, the resort has several dining outlets and is one of our top picks for breakfast – especially if you cycle the Al Qudro track.

      Al Hadheerah’s vibrant theme night that celebrates regional food and entertainment has long served as one of the key reasons to check out the hotel, but now you have another excuse to venture beyond the cities usual haunts.

      Taking place from 1-4pm every Friday and Saturday, the Picnic Brunch offers plenty of appetisers, BBQ treats, gourmet pasta and more from multiple live cooking stations. Set in the lush Al Forsan Garden, you can also look forward to live entertainment while the little ones can enjoy pony rides.
      The menu is priced at Dhs255 per person inclusive of soft beverages, while kids aged six to 12 years get 50 per cent off and children under five years dine for free.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Instagram More

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      Saudi Arabia announces when travel restrictions will be lifted for its citizens

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      Saudi Arabia has announced that travel restrictions will be lifted for citizens at the beginning of 2021.

      Starting January 1, all international travel restrictions which have been implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced on Sunday.
      Travel via the borders to and from the Kingdom includes via air, land and sea.
      Meanwhile, as of this week on September 15, the Kingdom will partially ease restrictions on international flights in order to permit citizens and residents to travel who are in “exceptional circumstances”.
      Back in March, Saudi’s borders were closed due to the pandemic and have remained closed since.
      To date, the Kingdom has had 325,651 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 302,870 of which have fully recovered. There has been a total of 4,268 deaths.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Feature Image: Experience Al Ula Instagram More

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      Coronavirus in the UAE: What you need to know

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      It’s hard to believe we have all lived through over six months of a pandemic. Many countries, including the UAE, have gone through many different stages of lockdown, implemented social distancing measures and closed borders.
      However, as of late, things have begun to return to a “new normal” with establishments such at retail outlets and restaurants reopening, but with strict measures in place to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

      Following the implementation of a curfew and 24-hour lockdown, along with the national sterilisation programme, life in the UAE has slowly returned to normal with malls, restaurants, hotels and more having reopened. Dubai also reopened its borders to tourists back in July.
      However, over the past month or so, numbers have begun to increase with 930 new confirmed cases reported on September 10 – the highest number in a single day since May.

      There were several announcements made and other rules have been reiterated to ensure the public adheres to the precautionary measures in place to stop the further spread of the virus.
      Self-quarantine even if you test negative
      During the COVID-19 press briefing last Thursday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the official spokesperson for the UAE Ministry of Health, outlined that anyone who comes into contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case must self-isolate at home for 14 days, even if you receive a negative test.
      “Anyone who comes in contact with a COVID-19 patient must self isolate,” she said. “A PCR test is not enough as the incubation period can reach up to 14 days. The PCR should be negative on the 14th day to step out.”
      No public or private gatherings
      This has been a rule in place since the beginning of the pandemic, and the UAE government has reiterated that people avoid gatherings. However, if they do take place they must be limited to a maximum of five people and social distancing measures must be adhered to.
      Those who organise public or private gatherings which do not adhere to rules will be fined Dhs10,000. All participants in gatherings will be fined Dhs5,000 each.
      Maximum three people in a car
      This rule was implemented months ago and still applies – three people maximum are allowed in a car. If you do not adhere to the limit, it’s a Dhs3,000 fine.
      Social distance and wear a mask
      The best thing everyone can do right now is to continue to adhere to social distancing rules of two metres, where their masks when required, wash your hands regularly and follow the safety measures in place.

      – 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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      The flawless dining experience in Dubai everyone needs to try

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      If you were planning a trip to the city that never sleeps this year, but it was put on pause due to the pandemic. There’s a piece of New York City right here in Dubai which you can enjoy.
      Enter Indochine. A beloved Manhattan hotspot for 36 years, the French-Vietnamese restaurant is a famed hang out amongst the A-list crowd. Over the years, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Bella Hadid, Andy Warhol, Kendall Jenner, Diane von Furstenberg, Naomi Campbell and more have become regulars at the NYC restaurant, located in NoHo.

      At the end of 2019, over three decades after the flagship restaurant opened in NYC in 1984, Indochine arrived in Dubai. It didn’t take long for the new DIFC haunt to attract its own celebrity crowd and less than a year on Indochine Dubai has played host to tennis ace Roger Federer, Dubai-based influencer entrepreneur Karen Wazen, Italian fashionista Chiara Ferragni and actress Lindsay Lohan.

      While the new hotspot may have been on your Dubai culinary wishlist, a mere four months after its opening the entire country (and world) went into lockdown. Now things are returning to normal, we highly recommend adding this to your must-book restaurant list. We recently took a visit to the famed Indochine franchise in DIFC, and to give a preview it’s most definitely EW approved.
      The Vibe
      Arriving at 8pm on a Thursday evening, restaurant-goers are greeted to what feels like an exclusive club with the dimmed lighting and bespoke decor – which transcends the flagship New York City eatery.
      It’s the ideal decor for the perfect Instagram photo – say hello to palm leaf wallpaper, rattan furniture, a light-up Indochine sign and the perfect mood lighting for an intimate dinner.

      With an array of seating arrangements including tables of four, long tables and booths, the establishment is able to cater for both groups and pairs. (Note: there’s full social distancing measures in place, the restaurant also has perspex screens between booths to ensure maximum protection in place for guests.)
      For a more casual setting, there’s the chic Indochine lounge which is the perfect meeting place for a pre-dinner drink, or just to keep your Thursday or Friday night outing less formal.
      The Food
      With so much on the menu to choose from, we left the choice up to the expertise of our waiter Manny, who hails from the USA.
      He was a meticulous expert in every aspect of the menu, asking us what we prefer and tailoring it to what we like.
      Standout dishes include the fried vegetable spring roles, sea bream carpaccio, crispy eggplant and beef pho rolls.

      However, the absolute pièce de résistance of the meal was the wok-tossed rice noodles cooked with asparagus, king oyster mushrooms, chilli, scallion and mushroom sauce – a completely vegan dish. It’s clear, whatever diet requirements customers have, they can be catered to.
      While starters and mains well and truly filled us up, Manny was adamant we try dessert. His recommendation the banana beignets and passionfruit tartelette which, again, were both a true delight. We decided to enjoy our dessert in the chic ambience of the lounge to experience both aspects of Indochine.

      All in all, the whole evening was faultless. So, if Indochine is on your restaurant wishlist, we suggest booking ASAP.
      As we’ve said, this flawless dining experience is something everyone in Dubai needs to try. Whether it be a date night or a night out with friends, Indochine suits every crowd.
      – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More