lifestyle and culture

Is it us, or is Netflix getting better with every month? Not only have we seen an increase and international content starring some of our favourite celebs, but there has also been an increase in TV shows and films from the region.
The latest addition to your viewing list sees the return of Egyptian star Amr Diab to our screens in a new Netflix original Arabic series.

It’s been 27 years since his last acting gig – he played ole of Adham in the movie Dehk Wele’b Wegad Wehob with the late Omar Sharif – and he shared this exciting news on Instagram, writing:
“I have always believed that art is a global language, and we have been able to build bridges of connections and love with diverse cultures through music. And, now with this new project with Netflix, I am excited that we will be reaching more than 193 million members in more than 190 countries around the world where they will be able to watch new content made in Egypt and enjoyed by the world.”

No pressure then.

The 58-year-old singer has built an impressive career for himself in the region and beyond. He has seven World Music Awards and six African Music Awards under his belt and has even had five of his albums topped Billboard’s global top ten hits.
Not only that, but he is also a proud owner of Guinness Book of World Records title as the first Arab singer to receive the largest number of international music awards for most album sales in the Middle East.
“For the past 30 years, Amr Diab has captured people’s hearts all over the world,” Ahmed Sharkawi, director of Arabic Original Series at Netflix, told Variety. “He is a trendsetting icon who resonates with different generations through his music and talent. We are confident that this new project will excite fans and members for the glorious return of Amr Diab to screen.”
We are yet to hear more deal of his project with Netflix, so stay tuned.
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When it comes to the Hadid sisters, we’re used to seeing Gigi Hadid rocking her signature blonde locks and Bella Hadid rocking her brunette hair.
Last year, Bella went through a brief stint as a blonde, twinning with her elder sister, and it seems now Gigi has done the same.

In a recent selfie, the supermodel posted to Instagram, the 25-year-old appears to have ditched her signature blonde highlights in favour of brunette locks, mirroring her younger sister. (However, let’s all take this with a grain of salt as Instagram filters can sometimes play tricks on us!)
Either way, we must say brunette looks good on mum-to-be Gigi.

The model, who is expecting her first child with boyfriend Zayn Malik, recently showed off her baby bump for the first time and also opened up about why she hasn’t shared much of her pregnancy in real-time.
The model revealed she has been documenting her whole journey and will share it “in the future” when she feels it is the right time.
“I have been taking a lot of pictures of my bump and sending it to friends and family and it’s been really cute and exciting,” she said. “I’m trying to document it well because I’ve heard a lot of people say obviously, ‘make sure you don’t miss it.’”
It’s been reported the couple are expecting a girl, but neither of them has officially confirmed the gender.
The pair are reportedly set to welcome their first child in a matter of weeks.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
Feature Image: Gigi Hadid Instagram More

The long weekend is almost here and we have another special event to add to your itinerary.
The stylish La Serre Bistro has announced plans to host a one-off afternoon party brunch on Saturday 22 August from 3pm – 7pm.

The chic ‘Brunch in Paris’ in an elegant setting with views of Downtown Dubai offers four dining options. You can either go for a three-course menu with unlimited soft beverages for Dhs279, a three-courses with house beverages for Dhs399, three-courses with premium beverages for Dhs499, or house beverages only for Dhs249 – though, why would ever skip out on the food when it sounds this good?

Served at your table are a variety of modern French dishes including burrata, truffle and fontina pizzetta, beef tartare, fried calamari, and watermelon salad with feta and basil (one of our favourites).
For the mains you can indulge in a Scottish salmon filet with fresh herbs and confit lemon, striploin steak, mixed mushroom risotto, and organic baby chicken – all served with a choice of sides, including homemade mashed potato, ratatouille, or French fries.
Bringing brunch to close on a sweet note with a refreshing passionfruit cheesecake, chocolate caramel bar, and apricot peach mousse.

If you need more ideas for the long weekend, check out our fabulous guide here and don’t forget to book a last-minute staycation at one of these gorgeous Dubai hotels.
For reservations or more information, call +971 4 528 3779, e-mail reservations@laserre.com, visitlaserre.com
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We are counting down the hours to the long weekend and we have just the right amount of party, eat and chill to help you unwind to the max. Don’t forget to check out our edit of the last-minute staycations that you can still book.
Brie and me

Who can resist a cheese and wine night? Every Saturday and Sunday, The City Grill will be serving up a selection of finest wines and coveted cheeses to satisfy every palette (we never met a cheese we didn’t like). Wines on offer focus on regions of South Africa, that will complement a slice of Brie De Meaux, Castagno, Valencay, Crottin, Age Cave, Coulommiers, Idiazabal, Morbier, Livarot and Shropshire. Enjoy a free flow of reds and whites for two hours along with cheese boards for Dhs160. If you’re driving, then skip the vino and stick to the cheese for Dhs95.
Make a splash

Known for its laid-back vibes, Insta-worthy interiors, and eccentric concepts such as LAH LAH and Social Company, Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens, has officially reopened its doors and they have a staycation deal to keep you cool and happy this long weekend. The Splash and Stay package includes an urban-styel room complete with complimentary access to Wild Wadi Waterpark™ for two. It’s priced at Dhs350 per night with breakfast.
Culinary trip to Japan

Ready to sample some of the freshest sushi in a stylish setting. KYO Restaurant at The Pointe is spaced across two floors and features a contemporary bar as well as a lounge-style seating area. The menu caters a selection of Teppanyaki and Hot Stone dishes, as well as a vast selection of sushi and maki rolls. You also have a choice of light bites, soups and starters like Tataki, Tartars, and Gyoza. The mains include a selection of fresh fish, meat and vegetarian options. For dessert, indulge in a play on classics with Japanese elements like Sakura Pie, Ginger Tiramisu, Nachi Pear and Chocolate Fondant.
Wear your Versace

Your hunt for a Friday evening brunch that brings a touch of fashionable elegance to your weekend is over thanks to The Pusiana Brunch at Enigma. Located in the stylish Palazzo Versace hotel, expect a fusion of classic Persian and South-American flavours from the hands of Michelin-starred chef, Mansour Memarian. The evening kicks off with a selection of cold Prusiana starters, as well as appetizers prepared at the table. The mains are served family-style and include premium meat kebabs, slow-cooked stews and several delicacies prepared by the chefs at the table. There is plenty of evening entertainment to enjoy with traditional Iranian and Peruvian deserts, such as faloodeh or suspiro limeno. On from 7-11pm, prices start at Dhs250 for food only, Dhs269 for soft drinks, and Dhs425 for selected house beverages and Dhs125 for children aged 5-12.
And if you want to head out of Dubai…
Hit the deck

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island has everything you need to keep you cool and happy with its Daydream at Wet Deck deal. For Dhs150 per person, which is completely redeemable on food and drinks, you get access to sunbeds at the WET Deck, a bottle of water on arrival, and ice lollies. Remember to bring your own towel and book in advance by calling +971 2 656 0000.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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If you’re at a loss at what to do this upcoming long weekend, it may be the perfect time to explore some new (or perhaps not so new…) restaurants in Dubai.
In the most perfect timing ever, Jumeriah Restaurant Week is back as part of Dubai’s Summer Surprises for 2020 which you can enjoy up until August 22.

Restaurant-goers can dine at some of Jumeriah Group’s most popular restaurants with three-course curated menus for a discounted price. And, of course, there are an array of different cuisines on offer.
With prices ranging from Dhs120 to Dhs250 per person at the selected restaurants, it’s the ideal time to try out a new spot that you haven’t before or even return to an old favourite.

Here’s some of our favourite Jumeirah restaurants which are taking part in Restaurant Week.
Rockfish

Dhow and Anchor

The Duck Hook

Trattoria Toscana

Lah Lah

To see the full list of participating restaurants visit the Jumeirah website.
– For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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Given that the upcoming long weekend was only confirmed last week, you may have not had time to plan out what you’re going to do.
If there’s one thing we know when it comes to long weekends, you can never go wrong with a staycation.

Here’s five deals to take advantage of for this upcoming long weekend.
One&Only The Palm

Take advantage of One&Only The Palm’s beach hideaway staycation deal so you can relax and unwind at one of Dubai’s most luxurious resorts. With rates starting from Dhs1,850 per night guests will receive a daily breakfast, Dhs500 credit per room per each night’s stay which is redeemable on food and beverage and will receive complimentary late checkout.
To book call 04 440 1010 or visit oneandonlyresorts.com/the-palm.
Mandarin Oriental

Ever since Sheikh Mohammed was recently spotted at this luxury resort, we haven’t been able to get it off our minds. At the moment, the Mandarin Oriental has a staycation deal for Dhs1,200 per night. This includes a daily breakfast for two at The Bay, early check-in at 11am, late check-out until 4pm, a welcome drink upon arrival and daily credit of Dhs185 when you book a room and Dhs365 when you book a suite.
To book call 04 777 2222 or visit mandarinoriental.com/dubai.
Anantara The Palm

Escape to the depths of Thailand whilst staying in Dubai this weekend by staying at Anantara The Palm. In a staycation offer that’s exclusive for UAE residents, guests will get 25 per cent off accommodation in any room or villa. As part of the offer guests will also receive an a la carte breakfast for two people at the resort’s Crescendo or Revo Cafe, 25 per cent off the resort’s award-winning restaurants and 25 per cent off at the Anantara Spa. Rates start from Dhs585 for Premier Lagoon View room on double occupancy.
To book call 04 567 8888 or visit anantara.com/en/palm-dubai/.
Sofitel Dubai The Palm

For the perfect getaway with your other half, take advantage of Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s ‘Couple Summer Escape’ package. Starting at Dhs1,999, you can enjoy two nights in a luxury sea view room with daily breakfast and lunch or dinner included, 30 minutes couples full-body massage, private Beach Cabana daily and an early check-in and late checkout.
To book call 04 455 6677 or visit sofitel-dubai-thepalm.com.
Dukes The Palm

For an amazing all-inclusive deal, book a stay at Dukes The Palm this weekend. Included in the offer – which is valid until 30 September – your choice of hotel room with Palm views; breakfast at all-day dining Great British Restaurant; lunch and dinner severed as a three-course set menu at West 14th Steakhouse; choice of dinner served as a three-course set menu at Khyber; and an unlimited selection of house beverages over meals, also served by the pool and beach. Rates start from Dhs799 per night for a deluxe room for two adults.
To book call 04 455 1111 or visit barcelo.com/en-gb/dukes-the-palm-royal-hideaway.
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