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    One of our favourite Dubai restaurants is going global

    After seven years of incredible success, one of our favourite Dubai restaurants is going global.
    Downtown Dubai-born La Serre – which opened in 2013 – isn’t just opening in one new city, but three – Riyadh, London and New York City.

    The exciting plans were unveiled by the French brasserie’s operator, Lincoln Hospitality, who confirmed the first new La Serre establishment to open will be in the Saudi Arabian capital early next year in the King Abdullah Financial District.
    Later in 2021, La Serre will be heading to Europe with a third restaurant opening in London’s exclusive area of Knightsbridge. Shortly after, La Serre will hop over the Atlantic Ocean to New York City, meaning all three restaurants will have opened by the end of next year.

    Discussing the expansion of the Dubai-based French brasserie, Ralph Homer, CEO & co-founder of Lincoln Hospitality Inc., said it was an “extremely” exciting move for the La Serre Brand.
    “We are extremely excited to export the La Serre brand internationally,” he said. “After years of success here in Dubai, this is the next natural step for us.”
    This news comes after another DIFC hotspot announced it was also opening in London next year – Gaia is set to open its doors in Mayfair in the second quarter of next year.
    While it’s exciting to see restaurants fly the flag for Dubai globally, there’s still nothing quite like the originals, particularly when they have lunch offers that you just can’t turn down.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    7 simple things you can do this weekend to support Beirut

    In addition to several initiatives across the UAE, this weekend is a great opportunity for you to take part in other events and activations to show your love and support to the people of Beirut.
    Sweat for good

    If you were contemplating skipping a Barry’s Bootcamp workout this weekend then we urge you to summon some extra energy, lace up those Nike’s and do at least one workout as all of the proceeds from classes this weekend (14 and 15 August) in both Marina and DIFC studios, will be donated to the Emirates Red Crescent in support of the Lebanese Red Cross.
    Go the extra mile

    Emirates has introduced a new initiative where for the next three months travellers around the world can donate cash or Skywards Miles via the Emirates Airline Foundation to be converted to cargo capacity to transport of critical aid and supplies to Beirut. For every donation, cargo capacity will be provided for humanitarian organisations to transport critical medical equipment and supplies, food and other emergency relief goods directly to Beirut through Emirates SkyCargo. Additionally, Emirates SkyCargo will further contribute by providing a 20 per cent reduction on air freight transportation charges for approved shipments, underscoring its commitment to expedite emergency relief efforts to Beirut.
    Sweet gesture

    Our favourite mini cupcake provider Sugargram has created a new Prayers for Beirut box with 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to the Lebanese Red Cross. Available exclusively on ChatFood, the box is priced at AED 125 for an assortment of 25 bite-size cupcakes.
    Bags of hope

    Dubai-based brand Talar Nina has introduced Beirut-inspired ‘Liban Tote Bag’ and money from every purchase will be donated to Lebanese Food Bank and Impact Lebanon. Featuring old Lebanese stamps from the ’60s and ’70s, this retro carry-on is a stylish reminder of the beautiful country.
    Conscious health boost

    Need to stock up on some fruit and veg? Delivery company Kibsons will donate 5 per cent from all sales that are made between August 12 and 14 to the Lebanese Red Cross. Not like you need another excuse to eat your five-a-day
    Flow for change

    Make your yoga sessions extra meaningful by heading to Shimis studio in Alserkal Avenue this Saturday. In partnership with Emirates Red Crescent, all the proceeds from the classes will go towards relief efforts in Beirut.
    Time to give

    On Saturday, Alserkal Avenue will be collecting donations such as clothing, food, toys, first aid kits, and money to help those in need. To make your donation even more meaningful, Alserkal will match everything that’s been raised on the day. Use Warehouse 46 for items and A4 space for cash donations.
    After the weekend…
    Dine for good

    On Monday, August 17, La Cantine Du Faubourg is hosting a dinner in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent. The set menu featuring an array of dishes and drinks is priced at Dhs600 per person with 100 per cent of the proceeds going to support the efforts in Lebanon.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram, Supplied More

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    Sheikh Hamdan captures moment two eggs hatch on his SUV

    HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s SUV has been out of action for a while, but it looks like he might be getting it back sooner than we expected.
    Last week, the Crown Prince of Dubai shared a video of his Mercedes G-Wagon wafter discovering a bird had nested on the windshield of the car.

    In the clip, you could see a nest with a bird protecting the eggs she has laid right in the middle of the windshield.
    In order to ensure the protection of the nest, Sheikh Hamdan kindly red taped around the car, which has been out of action for the past 10 days.

    However, in an exciting development with the bird’s nest, Sheikh Hamdan revealed that the eggs had hatched sharing a video showing the whole scene to his Instagram page.
    “Sometimes the little things in life are more than enough,” His Highness – who is a known nature-lover – captioned the video.
    The short one-minute video the Crown Prince shared is somewhat of a cinematic production showcasing the entire hatching of the eggs, with the hatchlings’ parents flying in and out of the shot to care for them.
    Watch the full video below:

    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Sheikh Hamdan Instagram More

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    The breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s population might surprise you

    An official breakdown of Saudi Arabia’s population has been released by the General Authority for Statistics (Gastat), a Saudi state statistics agency, and the results may surprise you.

    With a total population of 34.8 million, of that number 10.5 million are foreigners.
    However, it’s the staggering figure that the youth takes up the population of the Kingdom that may interest you.
    Those who are aged between 15 to 34 make up 36.7 per cent of the population in the country and a total of 66 per cent of them are unmarried.
    In terms of gender in this age category, 43.1 per cent of Saudi women are unmarried. Meanwhile, 75.6 per cent of males aren’t married.
    The statistics, which were released in conjunction with International Youth Day, also showed Saudi women exercise with the intention of health and wellbeing.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Amy Roko Instagram More

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    The next holiday for UAE public sector has been confirmed

    The next public holiday for the UAE has been confirmed and it’s not far off at all – in fact, it’s next week.
    The news was announced by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR), which confirmed that Sunday, August 23 would be a public holiday, marking the first day of Muḥarram for Islamic year 1442.

    This announcement currently pertains for government employees only, who will return to work on Monday, August 24.

    FAHR: It has been decided that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1442 in the Federal Government of the United Arab Emirates will be on Sunday, 23rd of August 2020, and regular working hours will resume on Monday, 24th of August 2020. pic.twitter.com/6ISWMyEj26
    — FAHR (@FAHR_UAE) August 13, 2020

    However, an announcement for the private sector is expected to be made soon.
    The rest of the public holidays for 2020 are as follows…
    The Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday
    The Prophet Mohammed’s birthday will fall on Thursday, October 29.
    Commemoration Day and UAE National Day
    To close out 2020, those in the UAE will have another three-day break to look forward to with Commemoration Day on Tuesday, December 1, and UAE National Day, Wednesday, December 2, with a day off also on Thursday, December 3.
    – 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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    Europe’s largest hotel group is opening a luxury resort in Saudi Arabia

    With AlUla in Saudi Arabia already a bucket list destination for many, we’ve got some news that may just push it to the top of your list.
    The region which boasts incredible heritage, culture, landscapes and more in the Kingdom is set to welcome a new resort which will be opened by Europe’s largest hotel group, Accor.

    The group will be working with the Royal Commission to expand upon a resort that already exists in the Al Ula region – Ashar Resort – which is 15km from Hegra, which is the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

    The current resort which is located in the Ashar Valley will fall become a Banyan Tree resort. With 35 villas already in place in the original resort, 47 more will be added bringing the total to 82, all of which will be developed into high-end villas ranging from one to three bedrooms.
    The AlUla region is well-known for its ancient history with Hegra being built more than 2,000 years ago. The Kingdom is ensuring the ancient city is being celebrated for its past, but also looking to the future with sites like the all-mirrored Maraya Hall.

    When you visit, of course, there will be so much to do in terms of sight-seeing and taking in the culture and heritage of the area, but the resort is also set to boast a luxury spa, full gym, swimming pools and restaurants.
    The AlUla region – which includes four main sites Hegra, Dadan, Jabal Ikmah and Old Town – is set to open up permanently for visitors in October.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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    A new initiative by Sheikh Mohammed will train 1 million medics across the globe

    A new initiative has been launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai which is set to train one million medics around the world.
    His Highness announced the news to his 10.3 million followers on Twitter, stating that the UAE would be working with 67 training and academic institutions and 140 experts across the globe.

    The new initiative will be overseen by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior and will provide specialised training in the medical and ambulance fields to one million people from a distance.
    According to Sheikh Mohammed, the initiative “part of the UAE’s international responsibility to support the global medical sector”.

    بمتابعة أخي الشيخ سيف بن زايد أطلقت دولة الامارات اليوم مبادرة صحية لتوفير تدريب تخصصي في المجال الطبي والإسعاف لمليون شخص حول العالم عن بعد.. بالشراكة مع ١٤٠ خبيرا و٦٧ جهة تدريبية وأكاديمية حول العالم .. جزء من مسئولية الامارات الدولية لدعم القطاع الطبي العالمي
    — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) August 12, 2020

    This just one of the many schemes the Ruler of Dubai has launched in order to put more training and support behind the health sector.
    Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohammed opened a new medical research centre in Dubai which will not only study COVID-19, but also other communicable diseases.
    His Highness toured the new Dhs300 million centre on Tuesday, which will aim to study an array of diseases including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, obesity and more.
    In a statement issued by Dubai Media Office, Sheikh Mohammed stressed how medical research is of the utmost importance, particularly now.
    “Medical research is an important part of our society’s health security system and a guarantee for the sustainable development of our country,” he said. “It also brings the revival and resumption of Arab scientific excellence seen throughout our Arab history.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Dubai Media Office Twitter More

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    Bella Hadid is showing her fans the best ways they can help Beirut

    Bella Hadid isn’t just thinking about the people of Beirut in the short-term, she’s here to help for the long haul and is also sharing this message with her fans.
    In an informative post she shared to Instagram, the model not only encouraged her followers to think of the long-term needs of Lebanon, but also urged them to do research when exploring donation options.

    “Immediate support is great, especially during this time,” she said. “I also have kept in mind that the future of rebuilding doesn’t stop here; we should and will continue to rebuild Lebanon.”
    Highlighting that 34 schools and 12 health care centres have already been destroyed; outlining the number of deaths and people directly affected by the tragic Beirut explosion; and sharing the poverty and struggle the country was experiencing before the blast, Hadid encouraged her fans to think of the long-term.

    In addition, she outlined the importance of supporting organisations that prioritise helping those that are the most vulnerable.

    “It’s important to support organisations that prioritise helping those that need it the most and are clear about where donated funds are going, especially in the near term,” she said.
    Further educating her audience, the 23-year-old shared the five organisations she has been supporting for years and will continue to do so in the wake of the tragedy – Save the Children, UNICEF, International Medical Corp, Preemptive Love and Lebanon Food Bank.
    Last week, the model sent a heartfelt message to her “brothers and sisters” in the capital city.
    “My eyes and heart are crying for you Lebanon…,” she began. “I am sorry you have to endure this kind of disaster my brothers and sisters… I will be sending donations to the Lebanese Red Cross, as well as ALL of the smaller organisations in Beirut.”
    “We need to continue to speak on this crisis, #PRAYFORLEBANON but most importantly, we need to collectively support immediate humanitarian relief,” Hadid continued. “Stand UP and stand TOGETHER. I love you all out there. Beirut – I am wrapping you in a golden blanket of light and strength. I see you and support you. I am sorry.”
    For further information on how you can help the people of Beirut click here.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Bella Hadid Instagram More