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    UAE leaders pay tribute to the nation’s martyrs on Commemoration Day

    Every year the UAE pays tribute to those who have sacrificed their lives for the country on Commemoration Day, previously known as Martyrs’ Day, on November 30. This special day is marked every year to recognise the dedication and bravery of those serving in the military and civilian roles at home and abroad.
    In a statement, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa said, “November 30 is a day of pride and glory, we will always remember as people and leadership, with appreciation and gratitude, our children who sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation.”
    READ: What exactly is UAE National Day and Commemoration Day?

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, said that UAE martyrs will remain alive and fresh in the memory of generations to come and in the conscience of the UAE people.

    Martyrs will remain immortal in conscience of #UAE people: #MohammedbinRashid#CommemorationDay #WamNews https://t.co/SYUeIW41RH pic.twitter.com/NWiQDOmcIA
    — WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) November 29, 2020

    While implementing a key strategy to support the families of martyrs and provide them with dignified lives, the government has launched housing programmes, provided educational services to the children of martyrs, offering comprehensive health care services that include initiatives for people of determination and recently during the novel coronavirus a comprehensive system aimed at improving life, scientific, cultural and sporting skills has also been launched.

    This #CommemorationDay we honour our martyrs who paved our path towards a better future with their courage and sacrifice. #DubaiMunicipality pic.twitter.com/0oTwHlnpl6
    — بلدية دبي | Dubai Municipality (@DMunicipality) November 30, 2020

    The passage of years increases the glory of UAE martyrs because they are timeless symbols of patriotism that adorn our history with glory and pride, said His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
    During Commemoration Day every year, schools and offices observe a minute’s silence to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the country. After a decree by Sheikh Khalifa in 2015, the event has been marked since then.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: @framewithaview @visit.dubai More

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    9 Sneaky Ways to Save Money During the Week

    Does anyone else think saving money is kind of addicting? Don’t get me wrong—I spend it too. Much as I wish it was otherwise, I find my hard-earned dough has the unnerving ability to disappear in the blink of an eye, usually when the travel bug hits. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a good adventure.On the flip side, or perhaps because of my penchant for getaways, I’ve become just a little obsessed with finding new ways to save money. Some moves are obvious: budgets, CDs with high-yield interest rates, and what not. Others, however, I like to think of as sneaky money moves (s/o to my girl Cardi B). Before you ask, no, I’m not hoarding money under any tables like I did during Monopoly games as a kid. Instead, I’m doing my research and figuring out under-the-radar techniques to pinch pennies wherever I can. While these steps might not amount to huge savings, they do lessen living costs and, little by little, build up bank accounts. Every cent counts in the long haul, right?

    1. Save pennies at the pump
    I’m not exaggerating when I say pennies here. Depending on the day, sometimes all I get are pennies back on my gas purchase. Other times, however, I can earn more than a dollar back at the pump. The secret? It’s all thanks to Checkout 51. If you’re not using the coupon app yet, I highly recommend downloading it. While the app is great for grocery shopping (I’ll get to that in a second), it’s also a sneaky tool for lowering your gas receipts.
    So what’s the catch? Checkout 51 cashback discounts aren’t available at every gas station. For instance, the pump closest to where I live doesn’t participate. The one on my way to work, however, does. Because of this, I’ve taken to planning my fill-ups to coincide with my drive to the office. Before I leave home, I upload the offer to my account (a required step), then fill’er up at the gas station. Later that day, I snap a picture of my receipt for the app, then wait for my cashback savings to apply to my account. Ba da bing! Money back for me.

    2. Become a coupon queen
    No, you don’t have to go all Extreme Couponing to save big at the grocery store. All it really takes are a few easy-to-use apps to score deals on the groceries you buy anyway. First things first, take a minute to see if the grocery store near you has its own app. For example, I usually go to Stop & Shop, so I always use the store’s app to load discounts to my card (related: get a supermarket card!) and show the cashier my account barcode right on my phone. Through the Stop & Shop app, I also receive personalized coupons based on my frequent purchases (I get a lot of yogurt deals) and keep track of how many gas points I have for the Stop & Shop gas program (again, get a supermarket card!).
    Beyond the basic supermarket app, other favorites include Checkout 51 and Fetch Rewards. While all are similar, they each have unique pros that make having them all worthwhile. With Checkout 51, the coupon selection isn’t huge, but it can pay off well. Chobani yogurt is a recurring deal on the app, so I make the most of it whenever I can. Depending on the day, I can get a dollar or two back just from buying yogurt. As for Fetch Rewards, it’s all about points. Instead of loading specific deals, all you need to do is scan your receipt and let the app do the rest.

    3. Drop the gym membership
    Towards the end of college, one of the first things I vowed to myself was that I’d never pay for a gym membership. Now, I’m not in any way saying gyms are bad or a waste of time, because they’re not. What they are, however, is expensive. Based on my lifestyle, I knew that I never actually needed to pay for a membership when I could easily take advantage of free resources instead. And I did.
    When I worked abroad for a year after graduation, I relied exclusively upon running and Youtube fitness videos to stay in shape. I still do, although I’ve also added Shape’s fitness challenges to the mix. Is running not in the cards for you? Nowadays, Youtube has every type of workout under the sun, including my favorites by Fitness Blender and POPSUGAR. Not only do both channels offer routines with and without equipment, but they’re approachable for individuals of all fitness levels. And yes, I can say first-hand that they definitely do make you sweat.

    4. Cook one new recipe per week
    You might be reading this one and saying to yourself, “Um, I already cook at home.” Nice! Sweet! You go, Everygirl! But when’s the last time you cooked something new? On the flip side, when’s the last time you ate out or ordered takeout? If the answer to the latter is anything along the lines of “way too often,” then it’s time to get cooking. 
    I know you probably know that cooking at home is less expensive than eating out all the time. The sneaky part of this tip is that it’s not just about saving a few bucks by skipping Seamless, but also about creating a gradual lifestyle change. See, when you get in the habit of picking out a new recipe every week or two, you win twice. On the one hand, you get to try a new-to-you dish and improve your skills in the kitchen. On the other, you commit to regularly forgoing dinner out in order to save money and work your creative muscles. And who knows? You just may love it.

    5. Make coffee at home
    This one’s for you, Starbucks lovers (also, I’m sorry, but you’ll thank me later). Depending on where you live, a standard cup of drip coffee can run anywhere from an affordable $1.50 to a cringeworthy $5 and above. I don’t know about you, but $3 a day—and $15 per workweek—is a gut punch to my wallet. To avoid the temptation of stopping into any of the two Starbucks or four Dunkins on my way to work (yes, I counted), I’ve made a commitment to only brew coffee at home. I can’t operate without java in the morning, so this is actually instant gratification for me, since it means I don’t have to suffer through getting ready sans-caffeine. Three scoops and eight minutes after hitting the start button, I’m happily sipping on my preferred medium roast, hazelnut blend. 
    Want to make coffee at home even easier? With auto-timers, you can set your coffee to brew at a certain hour every day. In the warmer months, you could also brew a huge pot on Sunday and turn it into iced coffee to sip during the week. 

    6. Get a library card—and actually use it
    Unlike platinum highlights and Tamagotchis, library cards are one childhood memento you want to keep with you into adulthood. In case it’s been a minute since you last stepped foot into your local library, consider the fact that library cards grant access to so much more than books. Depending on the library closest to you, signing up for a member card might mean just getting access to hundreds, if not thousands, of new-to-you reads (which sounds pretty wonderful, tbh). On the other hand, it might also mean gaining admittance to everything from career prep programs and language courses to movies and music. And did I mention it’s all free?
    P.S. Your local library isn’t the only place to sign up for a card. For college alums, many universities offer library access to books and databases for graduates and students alike. Check with your school’s alumni services to confirm.

    7. Carpool with friends or take public transportation at least one day a week
    Depending on where you live or what your work setup is like, commuting solo might be the path of least resistance. If you want to get serious about saving, though, carpooling and public transportation are the way to go. Make either option more doable by introducing one or the other to your routine on a set day per week. Perhaps you know your cubicle buddy lives in the next town over from you and drives by your place on the way to work. Why not ask him or her to alternate driving duty with you every Friday? Not only will carpooling save you gas money in the short-term, but it can also extend the life of your ride and decrease pollution.
    If carpooling is not feasible or realistic (in other words, if you live in a big city), public transportation is a saving grace. Instead of relying upon your own car or an Uber to get you to the office, consider taking the local bus or subway to work instead. For the price of a single ride, you may have to sacrifice a few minutes of your morning routine, but you’ll score big on gas or Lyft fee savings. Plus, public transportation is an easy way to make your daily commute just a teensy bit greener.

    8. Shop for makeup at the drugstore
    As much as it pains me to say it, sometimes skipping that Sephora order is a good idea. If you think about it, many “must-have” makeup items aren’t really essential at all. Case in point: mascara. I can’t tell you how often I’ve been suckered into purchasing a prestige mascara just because I was a fan of the brand (looking at you, Lancome Hypônse Drama) or I fell for the packaging. Yet when it came down to testing each tube, I found I loved them about as much as I loved the versions from the drugstore. 
    All in all, for frequent repurchases like mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick, it’s much more affordable to pick them up at the drugstore instead. With cheaper prices and membership discounts, drugstores offer all the go-to products for a fraction of the prices found at department store counters. And if we’re being honest, we all know the CoverGirl LashBlast Volume Mascara is never not a good thing to have in your makeup stash.

    9. Look at leftovers like gold (because they are)
    If you’re trying to save dough and you’re not all aboard the leftover bandwagon, it’s time to hop on and never look back. You see, leftovers are, if not a full meal in and of themselves, the start of something delicious. To make leftovers work for me, I love purposefully making extra of whatever I’m cooking for dinner so that I can pack it up in my container of choice for lunch the next day. While this is a major boon when it comes to lunch prep in the morning (simply grab the container and go), it’s also a sneaky way for me to curb my takeout expenses. If I know I already have a perfectly scrumptious portion of food waiting for me in the office fridge, I’m far less likely to place a pickup order than I would be if I threw together a sad desk lunch that morning. (Let me tell you, a can of microwaveable soup gets old real fast.)

    What everyday savings techniques do you practice? More

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    There’s currently a ban on camping in these three emirates

    As the five-day weekend approaches, many desert lovers in the UAE may have been looking forward to some camping.
    However, if you previously had plans in place you may need to rethink them, as there’s currently a ban on camping in three emirates.

    It’s been announced by authorities in the emirates of Sharjah, Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah that overnight camping is currently not permitted and fines will be given for those found violating the current guidelines.
    Sharjah’s police force confirmed on Friday that the emirate’s Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management team had imposed “a ban on staying at beaches overnight remains until further notice”.

    Meanwhile, last week it was confirmed by the commander-in-chief of the Fujairah Police, Major-General Mohamed Ahmad bin Ghanem Al Kaabi, that camping of “any kind including tents and caravans in all regions of the emirate” is currently banned.
    “Fines and stringent penalties will be slapped against violators. Any tent, camp or caravan will be demolished or removed with immediate effect,” he said, per the UAE Barq news agency.
    The emirate of Ras Al-Khaimah also has similar restrictions in place, which was imposed back in September, and is set to continue until stated otherwise.
    If you’re in need of some inspiration on what to do this long weekend EW has got you covered.
    READ: 10 of the best pool day deals to enjoy during the National Day long weekendREAD: UAE National Day: 8 delicious brunches to enjoy over the long weekendREAD: 10 of the best staycations deals over the UAE National Day long weekend
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Rachel Claire from Pexels More

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    Dorra Zarrouk shows off her stunning Zuhair Murad gown in wedding throwback

    Dorra Zarrouk has shared a stunning wedding throwback photo.
    The Tunisian actress tied the knot to Egyptian architect and interior designer Hany Saad at the beginning of November wearing two different Zuhair Murad gowns.

    Now she has given a closer look at the first of the two stunning dresses.
    The former Emirates Woman cover star shared three different photos which showed off the different angles of the gown.

    In the first snap, the Haramlek star showed off her long-sleeved gown from the back. The intricate detailing on her veil is also on display.

    In the second photo, the 40-year-old posed in her gown towards the camera, where the intricate detailing of the fabulous Zuhair Murad gown was further on display.
    The final shot showcased a full view of the incredible dress could be seen, including a full view of the detachable voluminous train.
    Zarrouk revealed she and her new husband had tied the knot sharing a sweet message on Instagram at the beginning of the month.
    “When God brings two people to people together with love, no one can separate them,” she said. “Thank you and all the love for friends and loved ones who share our joy of.”
    Egyptian actress, Yusra, Egyptian actor Ahmed El Sakka, and Egyptian actress, Ghada Adel are some names from a long list of celebrities that attended the wedding.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Instagram More

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    Chrissy Teigen comes to the defence of Meghan after revealing her miscarriage

    Meghan Markle recently made the brave decision to share in a heartfelt essay written for the New York Times that she had suffered a miscarriage earlier this year.
    “I knew, as I clutched my firstborn child, that I was losing my second,” she wrote in the piece which was titled ‘Losses We Share’.

    The Duchess of Sussex recalled how she knew “something was not right” as she was changing her first-born son Archie Mountbatten Windsor’s nappy and she felt “a sharp cramp”.
    Meghan’s powerful words have been met with praise and her revelation will have surely helped many who have gone through similar ordeals.

    However, some took issue with the former Suits actress’ decision to share her heartbreak.
    “Is anyone really questioning the pain and sheer awfulness of suffering a miscarriage, or are they perhaps criticising Meghan’s decision to write a 1,000 word op-Ed about herself?” one critic wrote on Twitter. “What does it add to the resources already available for those who go through a tragedy like this?”
    The criticism caused many to jump to the defence of Meghan, including Chrissy Teigen.
    According to E! News, Teigen quote retweeted the harsh response saying, “Award for today’s absolute piece of —- goes to Marco Giannangeli [who wrote the criticising comment]. Congratulations, piece of —-.”
    However, Teigen swiftly deleted the tweet and then followed up saying, “Sorry forgot I’m trying to be nicer lol.”

    Sorry forgot I’m trying to be nicer lol
    — chrissy teigen (@chrissyteigen) November 25, 2020

    Teigen herself recently announced she suffered a miscarriage. In a heartbreaking post on Instagram, the 34-year-old described it as “pain we’ve never felt before”.
    “We are shocked and in the kind of deep pain you only hear about, the kind of pain we’ve never felt before,” she said. “We were never able to stop the bleeding and give our baby the fluids he needed, despite bags and bags of blood transfusions. It just wasn’t enough.”
    Teigen went on to say that she and husband John Legend never usually decide on their babies’ name until they are born, but had been calling their unborn baby boy ‘Jack’. She also added he would always be a part of their “little family”.

    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Getty/Instagram More

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    The history-making Emirati footballer on what it takes to break boundaries

    IN PARTNERSHIP: Emirati female footballer Areej Al Hammadi is all about breaking boundaries.
    She made history this year becoming a Guinness World Record Holder for the most football ‘hotstepping’ in one minute.

    With options when she was growing up to play women’s football almost being non-existent, Al Hammadi definitely knows the key traits one should have on their journey to success.
    Pursuing football as a career needed courage, and it wasn’t an easy step for Al Hammadi. However, it was an easy choice because it’s where her passion lies.

    “I enjoy the freedom you have to express yourself by showing your skill with the ball at your feet, beating an opponent, controlling the ball, shooting for goal,” she tells Emirates Woman.
    The 34-year-old’s success is the result of grit, determination, commitment and daily training.
    “If you don’t train, you won’t succeed, it’s that simple,” she says. “Football requires a mix of talent, training, and commitment to be successful on the pitch.”
    [embedded content]
    Al Hammadi likens this mixture to driving the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé – it’s like a loyal best friend every woman wants to have by her side to keep her strong.
    “Nowadays, women are breaking records and setting the bar high in sports all around the world more than ever,” she says. “However, I think there are a lot of cultural barriers and predetermined gender roles in Arab society that we have to overcome.”
    She believes the new Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé resembles what women in sport try to combine – preserving traditional values yet “continually demonstrating a drive to succeed, to step into the spotlight and become positive, successful role models on the sports field and in everyday life”.
    The new Mercedes boasts a sporty and elegant design with a touch of luxury offering Nappa leather-wrapped steering wheel and vertical fins in high-gloss chrome and, of course, the glamorous AMG logo.

    With a stylish and striking coupé silhouette, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 4MATIC+ Coupé strikes an ideal balance between design, sportiness, performance, and technology.
    To learn more visit Mercedes-benz-mena.com
     – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    What exactly is UAE National Day and Commemoration Day?

    As the UAE’s 49th National Day is just around the corner, it’s important to know about its history along with Commemoration Day which is earlier known as Martyrs’ Day.
    What is Commemoration Day?
    Martyrs’ Day was initially declared by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in 2015, in the memory of the nation’s martyrs and in recognition of their immortal sacrifices. Now more commonly known as Commemoration Day, this year the day will fall December 1, 2020. It will be followed by UAE National Day celebrations on December 2, 2020. However, it should be noted that Commemoration Day is a day of reflection to remember and honour those who have sacrificed their lives for the UAE.
    READ: Caution urged about gatherings ahead of UAE National Day and Christmas 

    What is UAE National Day?
    UAE National Day falls on December 2 marks the country’s formal nationalisation and the start of the federal unification of the emirates in 1971. This year will mark the 49th annual UAE National Day.
    While the official theme of UAE National Day celebrations is the ‘Spirit of the Union’, it is derived from the vision and leadership of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founder of the UAE. The theme is complemented with a logo that has a silhouette of the iconic image of the first congregation of the Founding Fathers of the UAE, on 2 December 1971.
    As per a circular issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, public holidays for Commemoration Day and UAE National Day for federal government employees will be from Tuesday, December 1 until Thursday, December 3 with employees being able to resume work on Sunday, December 6, 2020.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Unsplash More

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    Christmas in Dubai: 8 places where you can get your tree from

    With the most wonderful time of the year soon approaching, it’s all about the festive decor and quintessential elements that make the occasion even more special.
    With many staying in Dubai this year for the festive season, it’s all the more reason to put some thought into where to get your Christmas tree from.

    From full-size artificial Christmas trees to real ones, there are an array of options from where you can avail your trees from with quick delivery, here’s EW‘s edit of the best ones available in the UAE.
    ACE Hardware

    This premier decor majestic pine tree which is 3m tall is made of high-quality PVC material with a thick bushy design resulting in a plump effect, ready to spruce up your dining area adding elements of joy during the festive season. Priced at Dhs559, this tree is easy to assemble and disassemble.
    To purchase visit aceuae.com
    Bloomingdales

    The Spitsbergen pre lit Christmas tree features LED lights, consisting of a tonal stand with folding mechanism arms and a sturdy storage case making it easy to assemble at home priced at Dhs240.
    To purchase visit bloomingdales.ae
    Home Centre

    Made with love to pep up your mood this season, adding a stunning touch to the house’s atmosphere, this Christmas tree is decorated with berries and cones to ensure a classic finish to be reused every year. Priced at Dhs379, this tree is183 cm in height.
    Available for purchase on homecentre.com
    Mumzworld

    For those who wish to have a sustainable Christmas, this Oncor Christmas 6ft Arctic blue spruce is made of 100% recycled PVC plastic material thereby reducing the use of fossil duels in the production process making the entire celebration an eco-friendly one. Priced at Dhs787, this 6ft Christmas tree is made of exceptional quality with 30 years of use.
    To purchase visit mumzworld.com
    Dubai Garden Centre

    This beautiful Christmas tree is a beautiful representation of an evergreen winter wonderland scenario. Being 300cm high, it will make the perfect statement in any home, creating an overall luxe impression by adding life to the Christmas decor. Priced at Dhs950, the Christmas pine cone berries tree is idea for the festive vibes at home.
    To purchase visit dubaigardencentre.ae
    Real Trees:
    Ferns N Petals

    If you’re looking to decorate a real Christmas tree before Santa’s arrival, to plan ahead this layered 5-6 feet foliage can withhold a range of opulent decorations making the season even more magical. Priced at Dhs889, the tree must be taken out from the box immediately after its arrival and it should be kept away from direct sunlight.
    To purchase visit fnp.ae
    Bloombox

    Grown in Oregon, USA, the noble fir is known for its beauty, stiff branches and long its long lasting capability. Being around 6-7 ft tall, this tree is perfect to adorn with heavy ornaments due to its strong nature. Priced at Dhs790, this tree has been growing in popularity.
    To purchase visit bloombox.ae
    Kibsons

    The Nordmann Fir Christmas Trees are sourced from sustainable farms in Denmark and is known for its exceptional longevity. While being pet-friendly this 1.5m high tree has a classic shape with dark green glossy needles making it much more resilient to heat while giving off a fresh, clean, citrus smell too.
    Available for purchase on kibsons.com
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature image: Unsplash @aurelioarantes More