lifestyle and culture

For the most part, Gigi Hadid has laid low when it has come to sharing details of her pregnancy.
However, as of late the supermodel, who is expecting her first child with Zayn Malik, has been opening up more about her pregnancy – and she just gave fans a huge clue as to when her due date is.

Posting more photos and a video from her maternity shoot she did with photography duo Luigi and Iango back in July, the 25-year-old revealed she was 33 weeks at the time.
As the photos were taken on July 26, it means she’s around 38 weeks pregnant right now. So, excitingly, her due date is right around the corner!

View this post on Instagram

33 weeks ♡
A post shared by Gigi Hadid (@gigihadid) on Aug 31, 2020 at 7:52am PDT

Just recently,  the mum-to-be opened up to a fan on Twitter after she was asked what it was like “shooting with [her] baby bump for the first time”.
The mother-to-be admitted that she had fun, but she was left feeling incredibly tired.
“I loved it, I knew what I wanted from the pics and Gab and L&I really made it happen for me,” she replied to the fan, acknowledging the team behind the shoot. “But [it] was definitely more tiring than working normally.
“Got through the second look and was like ‘guys I think I can only do two more’ hahaaaa [sic].”
Hadid is currently in New York with Zayn Malik after spending some downtime on her farm in Pennsylvania during the heigh of the pandemic. It’s fair to assume the pair will be staying in her new $5.8 million (Dhs21.3 million) Manhattan apartment, which she gave fans a glimpse of last month.

According to a source close to Hadid and Malik, the pregnancy has been good for their relationship after the couple reunited at the end of last year.
“Zayn and Gigi are really excited and have been loving this experience together,” the source told E!. “They both are reading parenting books, have had fun planning the nursery and picking out items together. Things are going really smoothly, and they are closer as a couple more than ever.”
It’s been reported the couple are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
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Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram, Photographers Luigi and Iango More

Whether you’ve been struggling to keep up with your current rent or worried you’ll be priced out of your favourite area, we might have some good news for you.

According to realtors in the city, rent for apartments has dropped by 13 per cent, while the market for villas has seen a 10 per cent drop. Not all believe that the drop has much to do with the ongoing global pandemic, but more so with the fact that the market is saturated with new homes.
Experts are also awaiting an additional 16,400 ready residential units to be introduced into the rental space, which could drive down the prices even further.
To put it simply, the supply outweighs the demand so if you’re on a lookout for a good deal, this could be your chance to find an amazing space at a fraction of it’s original price. It’s also a great opportunity for those who have been dreaming of a villa lifestyle and can now get a beautiful home at a good price.
Sana Faisal, a realty agent with Indus Real Estate, said Dubailand and Dubai Sports City areas, told Gulf News: “In Town Square Dubai, for example, a two-bedroom apartment typically rented for Dh55,000 to Dh58,000 per annum. This has dropped to Dh40,000 to Dh47,000. Three-bedroom apartments were renting from Dh68,000 to Dh72,000. Now they are going for Dh62,000 to Dh64,000 per annum.”
He also told the publication that the most budget-friendly areas to rent right now are International City, Dubai Production City (IMPZ), a few projects in Dubai South and Dubailand (Queue Point and Town Square) and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).
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We’re certainly spoilt for choice when it comes to luxury hotels here in the UAE. Whether it’s a luxe cityscape you’re looking for in Dubai or Abu Dhabi or a tranquil escape to the desert at Al Maha Resort & Spa, there’s something for everyone’s five-star needs.
However, what we’re short of in the UAE is a luxury resort reminiscent of the alluring sight of the Maldives.

While during the summer UAE residents will often escape to the paradise haven of the Maldives – or perhaps its neighbouring island counterparts the Seychelles or Mauritius – this year many people’s travel plans have been put on hold due to the pandemic.
Well, we’ve got good news for you, as of next year you’ll be able to get your paradise fix right here in the UAE as a new Maldives-esq resort is opening in 2021.

Part of the Anantara group, the Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort is set to open on the Mina Al Arab development in the emirate around this time next year.
The new luxury sanctuary on the Arabian Gulf will boast 174 rooms for guests and will house it’s very own private beach, along with an eco-reserve.
In true Maldivian resort style, the new resort will also have overwater villas with their own private plunge pools and over water loungers.
Of course, the eco-resort will also house top of the range amenities including a luxury spa, health club, beach and pool bar, seafood grill restaurant, a speciality Asian overwater restaurants and more.
As things go back to normal, you might not even need to book your yearly holiday to the Maldives, instead opting for Ras Al Khaimah next year instead.

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With COVID-19 keeping tourists out of Bali, a new beachfront restaurant is on a mission to bring some of that island bohemia to Palm Jumeirah.
Opening tomorrow, September 1, and located on the newly finished West Beach development, Koko Bay is an Instagrammer’s paradise. With picturesque interiors and killer views towards the Marina, it offers both indoor and al fresco dining with a modern Asian and European-influenced menu alongside bespoke beverages.

The light and airy interiors have notable Balinese influences and feature natural handwoven materials, a neutral colour palette and rustic finishes complemented by fresh greenery. The indoor décor spills out onto the spacious terrace and private beach so you can kick back on a sun lounger, lie on a hammock or take a dip in the ocean. Dedicated lockers and shower facilities are available so you can go from beach to dinner without having to rush home.
Another great thing about this new Palm hangout is that you have a variety of dining options. From crunchy bar nibbles, healthy salads, and fresh raw bar dishes to hearty mains and a flaming wood-fired Robata grill, there is something to please every appetite.

If we were you, we suggest getting there hungry and ready to tuck into lava prawns, assorted grilled skewers, Hokkaido scallop ceviche with a citrus granita and a selection of maki rolls. Then move on to slow-cooked beef cheeks, Koko Bay fish and chips, crispy sea bream with Thai coconut and young peppercorn sauce, and juicy burgers.
Make sure to save some room for dessert as you won’t want to skip out on flambéed white chocolate dome, refreshing Mochi and zesty lemon tart.
On weekends you can expect DJs and live entertainment and you can even bring your four-legged friends along who can also dig into some of the dishes on offer.
We’ll see you there at sunset.
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Flying to your favourite getaway has been made easier thanks to Emirates and flydubai working together once again, so you can enjoy seamless travel to over 100 destinations through Dubai.
The partnership between two Dubai-based airlines will allow for more connectivity and flexibility, which now so more important than ever. If you’re flying with Emirates, can now travel on codeshare flights to over 30 destinations on flydubai, including Kyiv and Zanzibar. The flydubai passengers in return have access to over 70 destinations they can travel to on Emirates.

“We are delighted to announce that our customers can once again take advantage of the complementary strengths of Emirates and flydubai to access an enhanced network of cities on a single ticket and integrated loyalty programme, enjoy a safe, smooth and stress-free transfer experience through Dubai and have their baggage checked through to their final destination,” said Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer.

The two airlines have each implemented extensive safety measures to combat COVID-19 at every step of your journey including enhanced sanitisation of all touchpoints and advanced HEPA filters fitted in aircraft cabins to eliminate dust, allergens and germs from the cabin air.
Customers transiting through Dubai go through thermal screening at the airport. Transfer desks at Dubai airport have been fitted with protective anti-microbial screens and airport staff dressed in personal protective equipment (PPE) are available to provide additional assistance. Several of flydubai’s flights to destinations in Africa, Central Asia and Europe operate from Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport, facilitating seamless connections to those travelling on Emirates’ flights to and from Dubai.
COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit customers to Dubai further assuring a safe transfer experience through the airport for Emirates and flydubai ticket holders.
If you are boarding an Emirates flight, you will also be provided with a complimentary hygiene kit containing masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and anti-bacterial wipes.
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In perfect timing for the arrival of the cooler weather, a Dubai rooftop bar has launched two fabulous nights.
The rooftop hotspot, Paros, is located in JLT on the 46th floor of the Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

With incredible views of the city, it’s the perfect place to start your weekend, particularly with one of the new nights on offer.
Launching this Thursday, September 3, the new night, ‘Nisi on 46′, at the Mediterranean-style terrace will run from 6pm to 3am complete with a DJ and live entertainment.

Even better, you can keep the night in a sensible budget as three signature cocktails or three house beverages will be on offer for Dhs99. Patrons will also be able to enjoy three light bites priced for Dhs150.
If you’re feeling more of a Friday vibe, take advantage of Paros’ new night ‘ABOVE’ which is set to launch next week on September 11 from 6pm.
Described as a “multi-sensory sunset ritual in the sky”, live entertainment on the night includes of a violinist and a DJ.
As for offers, patrons will be able to enjoy five drinks for Dhs150.
It’ll be nice to finally be able to sit outside again without the worry of the unbearable heat and humidity.
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Feature Image: Supplied More